bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Encapsulation of Mixed‐Halide Perovskite on Synthesis Step Using a Thermally Expandable Lamellar Capsule to Fabricate the Multi‐Conversion Layer
Authors: Yoo Jung Hyeon , Kwon Seok Bin , Yoo Ho Chan , Choi Seung Hee , Song Young Hyun , Kang Bong Kyun , Seo Young Soo , Li Tianyong , Wang Yuhua , Yoon Dae Ho
Published: February 2023

Despite the excellent performance of halide perovskite, low stability, and ion exchange between halides have remained obstacles to practical application. Herein, the polymer capsule encapsulated perovskite through the conventional hot‐injection method is reported to overcome the above issues. The residual heat generated during perovskite synthesis is utilized to expand the layer, and the perovskite particles are grown inside the polyethylene capsule. The products are gathered in a powder state, and the whole emission range can be synthesized. The water stability after 6 h soaked in water shows ≈90% and ≈75% for green and red, respectively. Also, due to the suppressed ion exchange, the single multi‐conversion layer for white light generation can be fabricated.
Classic Fluorophores With a Horizontal Alignment for Enhancing Light Outcoupling Efficiency (≈30%) and External Quantum Efficiency (≈7%) of Near Ultraviolet (λmax < 400 nm) Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Lee Jian Haur , Huang Jing‐Xiang , Chen Chia‐Hsun , Lee Yi‐Ting , Chan Chin‐Yiu , Dzeng Yi‐Chung , Tang Po‐Wen , Chen Chi , Adachi Chihaya , Chiu Tien‐Lung , Lee Jiun‐Haw , Chen Chin‐Ti
Published: February 2023

Based on the classic 1,1′:4′,1″‐terphenyl fluorophore, a novel near‐ultraviolet (NUV) fluorescent BB4Ph (4,4″′‐bis(2,3,4,5‐tetraphenylphen‐1‐yl)(1,1′:4′,1″‐terphenyl) is designed, synthesized, and characterized. BB4Ph exhibits a NUV fluorescence with a λmax of 373 and 380 nm in solution and as a thin film, respectively. The grazing incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (GIWAXS) reveals BB4Ph having a high value of order parameter (SGIWAXS) of 0.59 for a molecular layer array normal to the substrate; the angle‐dependent photoluminescence (ADPL) measurement shows Θ (horizontal–dipole ratios) as high as 95% with the neat film. The non‐doped BB4Ph organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) show external quantum efficiency (EQE) up to 5.24% with 1931 Commission Internationale de l’ Eclairage coordinates (CIEx,y) of (0.16, 0.04), a NUV electroluminescence. With 4P‐Cz (9,9′‐(1,1′:4′,1″:4″,1′″‐quaterphenyl‐4,4′″‐diyl)dicarbazole) as a dopant emitter, doped BB4Ph OLEDs show the highest EQE of 6.99% and a NUV 1931 CIEx,y (0.16, 0.04). The photoluminescence quantum yield is measured for the thin film of BB4Ph and 4P‐Cz:BB4Ph as 68% and 96%, respectively. Hence, the low limits of light outcoupling efficiency (ηout) of the two individual OLEDs are estimated as 31% and 29%, respectively.
Tuning Catalytic Performance of C2N/GaN Heterostructure for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction by Doping
Authors: Han Shuang , Yang Jian , Wei Xiumei , Huang Yuhong , Zhang Jianmin , Wang Zhenduo
Published: February 2023

In this work, a systematic theoretical study of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalytic activity of C2N/GaN heterostructure is carried out based on first principles. An indirect bandgap of 1.99 eV and type‐II band alignment are formed in the C2N/GaN heterostructure, which can facilitate the spatially efficient separation of photogenerated carrier pairs, and the band edge position matches the reduction potential of water. The catalytic performance of the HER reaction at the C and N sites is compared and that the N site is better in performance is found, but still requires a potential barrier of 0.60 eV. In order to improve the catalytic performance of the C2N/GaN heterostructure, an N atom is replaced by a P atom to obtain P‐C2N/GaN. The band alignment of the P‐C2N/GaN heterostructure is still type‐II, and the band edges satisfy the reduction potential of water. Fortunately, the P or N sites play a crucial role in the HER process with a relatively low overpotential of 0.38 eV, which suggests that P‐C2N/GaN can improve the catalytic performance of the heterojunction. Overall, the P‐C2N/GaN heterostructure has suitable band gap values and band edges, and efficient charge separation in the heterostructure makes it a promising HER catalyst.
A Technoeconomic Model Coupled with HYSYS to Analyze the Electroreduction of Carbon Dioxide to Ethanol
Authors: Pickett Isabelle , Vo Trang (Tracy) , Wu Ho Yan , Expósito Antonio José
Published: February 2023

This research develops a technoeconomic analysis to study the profitability of ethanol production from CO2 electroreduction. A HYSYS simulation is used to calculate the separation costs, a challenge in previous models available in literature. The profitability of a 10 000 kg per day CO2 electroreduction plant to produce ethanol is studied. An optimization of the pressure swing adsorber and distillation tower, which greatly influence the total cost of the plant (≈20% of total cost), is carried out, obtaining a total cost of separation of £1.94106. The study demonstrates that reducing the voltage applied to values around 0.5 V, i.e., by increasing the pH up to 12 makes the process economically feasible with a current density over 15 mA cm−2. It also shows that the process is economically feasible using a current density of 5 mA cm−2 if the electricity cost from renewable sources drops to 2.010−2 £ kWh−1. Finally, it is proved that if catalyst stability is not considered, some catalysts currently available in the literature can be used with a positive economic income. The results of this research show that the industrial electroreduction of ethanol can be feasible and can attract interest in the industrial adoption of the technology.
Hybrid Perovskite‐Based Flexible and Stable Memristor by Complete Solution Process for Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Patel Mansi , Kumbhar Dhananjay D. , Gosai Jeny , Sekhar Muddam Raja , Mallajosyula Arun Tej , Solanki Ankur
Published: February 2023

The limits of transistor scaling and digital architectures are encouraging research into new electronic materials, devices, and systems to meet growing computing demands. In the realm of artificial intelligence, mimicking brain activity for neuromorphic computing is a promising approach. Herein, Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) perovskite‐based flexible and environmentally stable memristors are presented that achieve on‐demand resistive switching between several nonvolatile states by controlling the number of layers and compliance current (CC). The optimal flexible perovskite device based on n = 5 composition, fabricated by complete solution process and measured under ambient conditions without any encapsulation, shows excellent ON/OFF ratio ≈7 × 103, endurance performance (2500 cycles), and robustness to mechanical flexure up to 5 mm bending radii. The role of the physical/chemical reaction at the perovskite–electrode interface is investigated to reveal the origin of the resistive switching in these devices. The primary probing on synaptic characteristics shows stable learning (potentiation and depression) behavior measured up to 19 000 pulses. The invariant paired pulse facilitation index on flat and 5 mm bending radii demonstrates their feasibility for neuromorphic computing applications. The in‐depth analysis also validates the potential of RP‐based memristor devices for applications that require real‐time synaptic processing under extreme mechanical states such as electronic skins.
A Two‐Terminal Optoelectronic Synapses Array Based on the ZnO/Al2O3/CdS Heterojunction with Strain‐Modulated Synaptic Weight
Authors: Han Xun , Zhang Yufei , Huo Zhihao , Wang Xiandi , Hu Guofeng , Xu Zhangsheng , Lu Hui , Lu Qiuchun , Sun Xidi , Qiu Li , Yan Peiguang , Pan Caofeng
Published: February 2023

Artificial optoelectronic synapses with flexibly regulated synaptic weight are crucial to the rapidly evolved artificial visual system. Although three‐terminal devices with transistor geometry have exhibited controllable synaptic response through applying electrical pulses on the gate terminal, the complicated device structure limits its integration with array configurations. In this work, a simple two‐terminal optoelectronic synapses array based on the ZnO/Al2O3/CdS heterojunction with tunable synaptic weight is presented. It can respond to UV and green light stimulation in a neuromorphic manner, allowing the implementation of the basic synaptic function. By introducing the piezo‐phototronic effect, the synaptic weight can be regulated in multilevels, extending the forgetting time by 30.08% and reducing training epochs for image recognition by 36.13%. In addition, the device can extract the target image from massive noisy optical inputs avoiding redundant data memorization. This work provides a novel method to regulate the synaptic weight of the simple two‐terminal device configuration through the piezo‐phototronic effect, showing potential applications for the mimicry of the human visual‐perception system.
Origin, Nature, and Location of Defects in PM6:Y6 Organic Solar Cells
Authors: van der Pol Tom P. A. , van Gorkom Bas T. , van Geel Wietse F. M. , Littmann Jibbe , Wienk Martijn M. , Janssen René A. J.
Published: February 2023

Targeted strategies to overcome defects in organic semiconductors require insight into their identity and origin. Here the formation, nature, and location of defects is studied in PM6:Y6 organic solar cells by sensitive EQE measurements. Exposure of the active layer to ambient atmosphere and H2O‐saturated compressed air indicates that a trace constituent in ambient air causes the formation of defects. By exposing the active layer to O3‐enriched air, O3 is identified as the species creating defects in PM6:Y6 blends. Aging of complete inverted (n–i–p) configuration solar cells in H2O‐saturated compressed air also increases the defect response. This is attributed to a reduced band bending at the PM6:Y6 | MoO3 hole‐collecting contact, caused by a change in work function of MoO3 interacting with the H2O, which allows more defect states to be filled and available for photoexcitation. By measuring energy resolved‐electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and by fabricating semitransparent cells, regular architecture cells, and semitransparent cells with an optical spacer−mirror stack it is found that defects originate predominantly from PM6 and are located near the top electrode, independent of device polarity. Because O3 is omnipresent in ambient atmosphere, albeit in small amounts, it likely causes defects in many organic semiconductors exposed to ambient air.
Effect of terminal bud clipping on growth and yield of soybean cultivars in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Torres Polet , Oronia Selina , Sheriff Obadiah , Kesoju Sandya R.
Published: February 2023

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is one of the four major staple crops and the world's most important vegetable protein source. Very little information is available on the performance, yield, and cultivars of soybean when choosing a cultivar to grow in Pacific Northwest (PNW). Of the oilseed crops, soybean appears to have the best potential to be grown at a profit (high yields) in PNW when considering the high input costs for irrigated crops. The present study was conducted to determine if terminal bud clipping would increase yields of soybean cultivars under irrigated conditions in 2‐year field experiments. Five soybean cultivars were planted in four‐row plots with rows 0.13 m apart. Plots were replicated four times with two treatments (early clipping and late clipping) and control in a randomized complete block design. Data regarding yield and growth traits were recorded using standard procedure. Soybean yield was significantly influenced by the year of production and terminal bud clipping, whereas cultivars showed no effect. Early and late clipping resulted in a 15% and 18% increase in yields in 2018, whereas late clipping resulted in a 16% yield increase in 2019 compared to control. Terminal bud clipping resulted in shorter plants and reduced lowest pod height, lodging, and maturity compared with the control. Lodging and maturity decreased with late‐maturing cultivars. Finally, results suggest that terminal bud clipping increases soybean yields. Early maturing cultivars (maturity group 0.4) are unsuitable for PNW due to the lowest pod height.
Plastid phylogenomics and molecular evolution of Thismiaceae (Dioscoreales)
Authors: Garrett Natalie , Viruel Juan , Klimpert Nathaniel , Soto Gomez Marybel , Lam Vivienne K. Y. , Merckx Vincent S. F. T. , Graham Sean W.
Published: February 2023

Premise

Species in Thismiaceae can no longer photosynthesize and instead obtain carbon from soil fungi. Here we infer Thismiaceae phylogeny using plastid genome data and characterize the molecular evolution of this genome.

Methods

We assembled five Thismiaceae plastid genomes from genome skimming data, adding to previously published data for phylogenomic inference. We investigated plastid‐genome structural changes, considering locally colinear blocks (LCBs). We also characterized possible shifts in selection pressure in retained genes by considering changes in the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous changes (ω).

Results

Thismiaceae experienced two major pulses of gene loss around the early diversification of the family, with subsequent scattered gene losses across descendent lineages. In addition to massive size reduction, Thismiaceae plastid genomes experienced occasional inversions, and there were likely two independent losses of the plastid inverted repeat (IR) region. Retained plastid genes remain under generally strong purifying selection (ω << 1), with significant and sporadic weakening or strengthening in several instances. The bifunctional trnE‐UUC gene of Thismia huangii may retain a secondary role in heme biosynthesis, despite a probable loss of functionality in protein translation. Several cis‐spliced group IIA introns have been retained, despite the loss of the plastid intron maturase, matK.

Conclusions

We infer that most gene losses in Thismiaceae occurred early and rapidly, following the initial loss of photosynthesis in its stem lineage. As a species‐rich, fully mycoheterotrophic lineage, Thismiaceae provide a model system for uncovering the unique and divergent ways in which plastid genomes evolve in heterotrophic plants.
Maternal–infant interaction quality is associated with child NR3C1 CpG site methylation at 7 years of age
Authors: Holdsworth Elizabeth A. , Schell Lawrence M. , Appleton Allison A.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Infancy is both a critical window for hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis development, and a sensitive period for social–emotional influences. We hypothesized that the social–emotional quality of maternal–infant interactions are associated with methylation of HPA‐axis gene NR3C1 later in childhood.

Methods

Using a subsample of 114 mother‐infant pairs from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), linear regression models were created to predict variance in methylation of seven selected CpG sites from NR3C1 in whole blood at age 7 years, including the main predictor variable of the first principal component score of observed maternal–infant interaction quality (derived from the Thorpe Interaction Measure at 12 months of age) and covariates of cell‐type proportion, maternal financial difficulties and marital status at 8 months postnatal, child birthweight, and sex.

Results

CpG site cg27122725 methylation was negatively associated with warmer, more positive maternal interaction with her infant (β = 0.19, p = .02, q = 0.13). In sensitivity analyses, the second highest quartile of maternal behavior (neutral, hesitant behavior) was positively associated with cg12466613 methylation. The other five CpG sites were not significantly associated with maternal–infant interaction quality.

Conclusions

Narrow individual variation of maternal interaction with her infant is associated with childhood methylation of two CpG sites on NR3C1 that may be particularly sensitive to environmental influences. Infancy may be a sensitive period for even small influences from the social–emotional environment on the epigenetic determinants of HPA‐axis function.
Identification of potentially zoonotic parasites in captive orangutans and semi‐captive mandrills: Phylogeny and morphological comparison
Authors: Nosková Eva , Modrý David , Baláž Vojtech , Červená Barbora , Jirků‐Pomajbíková Kateřina , Zechmeisterová Kristína , Leowski Clotilde , Petrželková Klára J. , Pšenková Ilona , Vodička Roman , Kessler Sharon E. , Ngoubangoye Barthélémy , Setchell Joanna M. , Pafčo Barbora
Published: February 2023

Cysts and trophozoites of vestibuliferid ciliates and larvae of Strongyloides were found in fecal samples from captive orangutans Pongo pygmaeus and P. abelii from Czech and Slovak zoological gardens. As comparative material, ciliates from semi‐captive mandrills Mandrillus sphinx from Gabon were included in the study. Phylogenetic analysis of the detected vestibuliferid ciliates using ITS1‐5.8s‐rRNA‐ITS2 and partial 18S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) revealed that the ciliates from orangutans are conspecific with Balantioides coli lineage A, while the ciliates from mandrills clustered with Buxtonella‐like ciliates from other primates. Morphological examination of the cysts and trophozoites using light microscopy did not reveal differences robust enough to identify the genera of the ciliates. Phylogenetic analysis of detected L1 larvae of Strongyloides using partial cox1 revealed Strongyloides stercoralis clustering within the cox1 lineage A infecting dogs, humans, and other primates. The sequences of 18S rDNA support these results. As both B. coli and S. stercoralis are zoonotic parasites and the conditions in captive and semi‐captive settings may facilitate transmission to humans, prophylactic measures should reflect the findings.
Zoo studies in primate physiology, health, and welfare
Authors: Edes Ashley N.
Published: February 2023

Researchers have been studying primates in zoos for more than half a century. There are numerous benefits to conducting research with zoo collections, such as access to a variety of species, ease of sample collection, and the potential to manipulate some research variables. While much of the primate research conducted in zoos is behavioral, there also is a tradition of research focused on reproduction and endocrinology, especially in North America. The contributions to this special issue exemplify how this tradition continues today through a collection of articles on basic and applied research on reproduction and using physiological measures of health and welfare that could be beneficial across primate taxa. As is the case for primatological research in zoos more broadly, the articles in this special issue reflect a taxonomic bias for great apes despite the high species diversity found across zoo collections. Given this bias as well as the threat of extinction faced by many species, there remains a pressing need to increase primatology in zoos through research dedicated to both conservation in the wild and wellbeing in human care.
Studying Regioisomer Formation in the Pd‐Catalyzed Fluorination of Cyclic Vinyl Triflates: Evidence for in situ Ligand Modification**
Authors: Ye Yuxuan , Kim Seoung‐Tae , King Ryan P. , Baik Mu‐Hyun , Buchwald Stephen L.
Published: February 2023

Pd‐catalyzed nucleophilic fluorination reactions are important methods for the synthesis of fluoroarenes and fluoroalkenes. However, these reactions can generate a mixture of regioisomeric products that are often difficult to separate. While investigating the Pd‐catalyzed fluorination of cyclic vinyl triflates, we observed that the addition of a substoichiometric quantity of TESCF3 significantly improved the regioselectivity of the reaction. Herein, we report a combined experimental and computational study on the mechanism of this transformation focusing on the role of TESCF3. The poor regioselectivity of the reaction in the absence of additives results from the formation of LPd‐cyclohexyne complexes (L=biaryl monophosphine ligand). When TESCF3 is added to the reaction mixture, the generation of the Pd‐cyclohexyne complexes is diminished by an unexpected pathway involving the dearomatization of the ligand by nucleophilic attack from a trifluoromethyl anion (CF3−).
Solvent‐free Synthesis of Multi‐Module Pore‐Space‐Partitioned Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Gas Separation
Authors: Xiao Yuchen , Chen Yichong , Hong Anh N. , Bu Xianhui , Feng Pingyun
Published: February 2023

Multi‐module design of framework materials with multiple distinct building blocks has attracted much attention because such materials are more amenable to compositional and geometrical tuning and thus offer more opportunities for property optimization. Few examples are known that use environmentally friendly and cost‐effective solvent‐free method to synthesize such materials. Here, we report the use of solvent‐free method (also modulator‐free) to synthesize a series of multi‐module MOFs with high stability and separation property for C2H2/CO2. The synthesis only requires simple mixing of reactants and short reaction time (2 h). Highly porous and stable materials can be made without any post‐synthetic activation. The success of solvent‐free synthesis of multi‐module MOFs reflects the synergy between different modules, resulting in stable pore‐partitioned materials, despite the fact that other competitive crystallization pathways with simpler framework compositions also exist.
Annealing in Argon Universally Upgrades the Na‐Storage Performance of Mn‐Based Layered Oxide Cathodes by Creating Bulk Oxygen Vacancies
Authors: Jin Junteng , Liu Yongchang , Zhao Xudong , Liu Hui , Deng Shiqing , Shen Qiuyu , Hou Ying , Qi He , Xing Xianran , Jiao Lifang , Chen Jun
Published: February 2023

Manganese‐rich layered oxide cathodes of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are extremely promising for large‐scale energy storage owing to their high capacities and cost effectiveness, while the Jahn–Teller (J–T) distortion and low operating potential of Mn redox largely hinder their practical applications. Herein, we reveal that annealing in argon rather than conventional air is a universal strategy to comprehensively upgrade the Na‐storage performance of Mn‐based oxide cathodes. Bulk oxygen vacancies are introduced via this method, leading to reduced Mn valence, lowered Mn 3d‐orbital energy level, and formation of the new‐concept Mn domains. As a result, the energy density of the model P2‐Na0.75Mg0.25Mn0.75O2cathode increases by ≈50 % benefiting from the improved specific capacity and operating potential of Mn redox. The Mn domains can disrupt the cooperative J–T distortion, greatly promoting the cycling stability. This exciting finding opens a new avenue towards high‐performance Mn‐based oxide cathodes for SIBs.
Surfactant Directed Synthesis of Intrinsically Chiral Plasmonic Nanostructures and Precise Tuning of their Optical Activity through Controlled Self‐Assembly
Authors: Maniappan Sonia , Dutta Camelia , Solís Diego M. , Taboada José M. , Kumar Jatish
Published: February 2023

Fabrication and transmission of plasmonic chirality is a rapidly developing area of research. While nanoscale chirality is reasonably well explored, research on intrinsically chiral nanostructures, that has ramifications to origin of homochirality, is still in its infancy. Herein, we report the synthesis of dog‐bone shaped chiral gold nanostructures using a chiral cationic surfactant with excess ascorbic acid. Chiral growth is attributed to the specific binding and structure breaking ability of chiral surfactant and ascorbic acid. The controlled assembly of particles facilitated tuning and enhancement of chiral signals. Experimental observations were validated with theoretical simulations modelled in frequency domain with a surface integral‐equation parameterization. Work highlighting the generation and tuning of plasmonic chirality provides new insights into the understanding of intrinsic chirality and paves way for their application in enantioselective catalysis and biosensing.
Construction of renewable biomass cardanol functionalized spherical nanoparticles achieving favorable interfacial interaction and thermostability in styrene butadiene rubber matrix
Authors: Tang Bing , Chen Lijuan , Jia Zhixin , Kang Fan , Wang Jiayu , Guo Xiaohui , Jia Demin
Published: February 2023

To expand the application of natural resources in the green rubber industry and reduce the dependence of rubber additives on the non‐renewable petrochemical resources, a novel cardanol‐based natural rubber additive (silica‐s‐LPCGE) is prepared. Compared with the directly adding of silica and LPCGE, silica‐s‐LPCGE is assisted to form an effective interfacial interaction between the rubber matrix and the filler during rubber vulcanization by the immobilized LPCGE on silica surface, to improve the mechanical property and processability of styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR)/silica‐s‐LPCGE composites. Meanwhile, with the introduce of silica‐s‐LPCGE, the aging resistance and migration resistance of the SBR composites are also improved obviously. The preparation of this novel multifunctional supported natural biomass processing additive provides a new possibility for the preparation of green rubber additives.
Constructing Defective Heterojunctions of BiOBr Nanosheets and Hollow NH2‐functionalized MOFs for Visible‐light‐driven CO2 Reduction with Nearly 100% CO Selectivity by Pure H2O
Authors: Yang Menghan , Han Yali , Ding Junfang , Guo Yan , Han Chenhui , Gu Xiaojun
Published: February 2023

To rationally design photocatalysts with high generation rate and selectivity of target product remains an ongoing challenge for CO2 conversion in pure H2O. Herein, from the viewpoint of enhancing the separation efficiency of photoinduced electron‐hole pairs and the adsorption ability of CO2 molecule, we have constructed a series of Z‐scheme defective heterojunctions of BiOBr nanosheets and hollow NH2‐functionalized metal‐organic framework (MOF) MIL‐125 with Ti ions as metal centers (noted as NH2‐MIL‐125(Ti)). Systematic characterization demonstrates that the BiOBr nanosheets are anchored on the surface of hollow NH2‐MIL‐125(Ti), which facilitates the efficient visible‐light‐driven catalytic reduction of CO2 to CO with nearly 100% selectivity by pure H2O. Especially, the CO generation rate of optimized catalyst with oxygen vacancies reaches 459.7 μmol g−1 h−1, which is higher than those of all the previously reported photocatalysts without sacrificial reagents. This approach provides a new insight for using inorganic semiconductors to fabricate semiconducting MOFs for high‐efficiency photocatalytic reduction CO2 into value‐added chemicals by pure H2O.
Online column preconcentration for speciation and selective determination of Cr(III) in natural water samples using flow injection with chemiluminescence detection
Authors: Jasim Aktham N. , Kamel Azhar , Al‐Awadi Nagham S. , Abd‐Alrazack Hussein Fares
Published: February 2023

A simple, rapid, sensitive and inexpensive approach is described in this work based on a combination of solid‐phase extraction of 8‐hydroxyquinoline (8HQ), for speciation and preconcentration of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in river water, and the direct determination of these species using a flow injection system with chemiluminescence detection (FI–CL) and a 4‐diethylamino phenyl hydrazine (DEAPH)–hydrogen peroxide system. At different pH, the two forms of chromium [Cr(III) and Cr(VI)] have different exchange capacities for 8HQ, therefore two columns were constructed; the pH of column 1 was adjusted to pH 3 for retaining Cr(III) and column 2 was adjusted to pH 1 for retaining of Cr(VI). The sorbed Cr(III) and Cr(VI) species were eluted from columns using 3.0 ml of 0.1 N of HCl and 3.0 ml of 0.1 N of NaOH, respectively. The flow injection–chemiluminescence (FI–CL) method is based on light emitted due to the oxidation of DEAPH by the H2O2 in the presence of Cr(III), which catalyzes the reaction. The flow cell is a transparent coiled tube made from glass (2.0 × 4.0, inner and outer diameter) and located close to the photodetector. The flow parameters: flow rate, sample volume, flow cell length, and distance to the CL detector were studied and optimized. Under optimum flow conditions, the Cr(III) concentration can be determined over the range 5–350 μg L−1 with a limit of detection of 1.2 μg L−1, as the Cr(III) concentration is proportional to the intensity of the CL signal. The relative standard deviations (%) for 10 and 50 μg L−1 Cr(III) were 1.2% and 3.2%, respectively. The effects of Al(III), Cd(II), Zn(II), Hg(II), Pb(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Mn(II), Ca(II), and Fe(III) were investigated. The proposed method is highly selective and sensitive, enabling a rapid determination of the Cr(III) amount in the presence of other interfering metals. Finally, the FI–CL method was examined in five river water samples with excellent recoveries.
Double‐reporter‐guided targeted activation of the oxytetracycline silent gene cluster in Streptomyces rimosus M527
Authors: Shi Yue , Zhang Jinyao , Ma Zheng , Zhang Yongyong , Bechthold Andreas , Yu Xiaoping
Published: February 2023

In Streptomyces rimosus M527, the oxytetracycline (OTC) biosynthetic gene cluster is not expressed under laboratory conditions. In this study a reported‐guided mutant selection (RGMS) procedure was used to activate the cluster. The double‐reporter plasmid pAGT was constructed in which gusA encoding a β‐glucuronidase and tsr encoding a thiostrepton resistance methyltransferase were placed under the control of the native promoter of oxyA gene (PoxyA). Plasmid pAGT was introduced and integrated into the chromosome of S. rimosus M527 by conjugation, yielding initial strain M527‐pAGT. Subsequently, mutants of M527‐pAGT were generated by using ribosome engineering technology. The mutants harboring activated OTC gene cluster were selected based on visual observation of GUS activity and thiostrepton resistance. Finally, mutant M527‐pAGT‐R7 was selected producing OTC in a concentration of 235.2 mg/L. In this mutant transcriptional levels of oxysr genes especial oxyAsr gene were increased compared to wild‐type strain S. rimosus M527. The mutant M527‐pAGT‐R7 showed antagonistic activities against Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive strains. All data indicate that the OTC gene cluster was successfully activated using the RGMS method.
Utilization of open‐source software in teaching the physics of P‐N diodes
Authors: Alnassar Mohammad Saleh N
Published: February 2023

This paper describes utilizing open‐source numerical simulation software, typically used in solar photovoltaics research, as an attractive supplementary educational tool for teaching the underlying physics and operation of P‐N junction diodes. Details of educational P‐N device models and simulation‐based learning scenarios developed for this purpose are provided here. The presented approach allows students to learn the essential concepts related to P‐N diodes experientially. These include some frequently observed nonidealities, closely mimicking experimental I‐V measurements. Unlike most educational tools in this field, all simulations demonstrated here are performed locally on the student's computer using free and portable software, which eliminates the need for a live internet connection or time‐consuming installations, making it easier to implement in a classroom and much more accessible to students. The paper also discusses the implementation of this supplementary tool and reports the results of a survey conducted to measure student satisfaction with it and its implementation approach. The presented method can be adapted to suit the needs of undergraduate and graduate students studying engineering courses that require an introduction to semiconductor devices. The details of P‐N diode device models are introduced and discussed so that users can modify them in accordance with their practical or educational purposes.
Characteristics and outcomes of gallbladder cancer patients at the Tata Medical Center, Kolkata 2017–2019
Authors: Dutta Anindita , Mungle Tushar , Chowdhury Nandita , Banerjee Pritha , Gehani Anisha , Sen Saugata , Mallath Mohandas , Roy Paromita , Krishnan Shekhar , Ganguly Sandip , Banerjee Sudeep , Roy Manas , Saha Vaskar
Published: February 2023

Background

The north and north‐eastern regions of India have among the highest incidence of gallbladder cancer (GBC) in the world. We report the clinicopathological charateristics and outcome of GBC patients in India.

Methods

Electronic medical records of patients diagnosed with GBC at Tata Medical Center, Kolkata between 2017 and 2019 were analyzed.

Results

There were 698 cases of confirmed GBC with a median age of 58 (IQR: 50–65) years and female:male ratio of 1.96. At presentation, 91% (496/544) had stage III/IV disease and 30% (189/640) had incidental GBC. The 2‐year overall survival (OS) was 100% (95% CI: 100–100); 61% (95% CI: 45–83); 30% (95% CI: 21–43); and 9% (95% CI: 6–13) for stages I–IV, respectively (p = <0.0001).   For all patients, the 2‐year OS in patients who had a radical cholecystectomy followed by adjuvant therapy (N = 36) was 50% (95% CI: 39–64), compared to 29% (95% CI: 22–38) for those who had a simple cholecystectomy and/or chemotherapy (N = 265) and 9% (95% CI: 6–14) in patients who were palliated (N = 107) (p = <0.0001).

Conclusion

The combined surgical/chemotherapy approach for patients with stage II GBC showed the best outcomes. Early detection of GBC remains problematic with the majority of patients presenting with stage III–IV and who have a median survival of 9.1 months. Our data suggests that the tumor is chemoresponsive and multi‐center collaborative clinical trials to identify alternative therapies are urgently required.
Cellular and molecular features related to exceptional therapy response and extreme long‐term survival in glioblastoma
Authors: Decraene B. , Vanmechelen M. , Clement P. , Daisne J. F. , Vanden Bempt I. , Sciot R. , Garg A. D. , Agostinis P. , De Smet F. , De Vleeschouwer S.
Published: February 2023

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) remains the most common malignant primary brain tumor with a dismal prognosis that rarely exceeds beyond 2 years despite extensive therapy, which consists of maximal safe surgical resection, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy. Recently, it has become clear that GBM is not one homogeneous entity and that both intra‐and intertumoral heterogeneity contributes significantly to differences in tumoral behavior which may consequently be responsible for differences in survival. Strikingly and in spite of its dismal prognosis, small fractions of GBM patients seem to display extremely long survival, defined as surviving over 10 years after diagnosis, compared to the large majority of patients. Although the underlying mechanisms for this peculiarity remain largely unknown, emerging data suggest that still poorly characterized both cellular and molecular factors of the tumor microenvironment and their interplay probably play an important role. We hereby give an extensive overview of what is yet known about these cellular and molecular features shaping extreme long survival in GBM.
Development of lactate‐related gene signature and prediction of overall survival and chemosensitivity in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Tong Zhi , Wang Xinyu , Shi Sanbao , Hou Tiewei , Gao Guangrong , Li Da , Shan Yongqi , Zhang Cheng
Published: February 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant tumor of the digestive system that contains high levels of immune cells. Lactic acid, a major metabolite, plays a crucial role in tumor development, maintenance, and therapeutic response. However, the prognostic potential and therapeutic biomarker potential of lactate‐related genes (LRGs) in CRC patients remain to be elucidated.

Methods

We collected the mRNA expression profile and clinical data of CRC patients from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the GSE59382 cohort. Univariate Cox regression, Lasso regression and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to construct the prognosis model. Combined with the risk score and important clinicopathological features, the nomogram was established. In addition, the relationship between risk score and immune infiltration, immune checkpoint gene expression, and drug sensitivity was investigated.

Results

We constructed lactate‐related gene signatures (LRGS) based on four LRGs, which independently predicted the prognosis of CRC. Patients with different risk scores are found to have distinct immune status, tumor mutation load, immune response, and drug sensitivity. In addition, nomogram results determined by risk scores and clinical factors have higher predictive performance.

Conclusion

We found that LRGS is a reliable biomarker for predicting clinical outcomes, evaluating immune infiltration and efficacy, and predicting the sensitivity to drugs in patients with CRC.
Investigating the effects of Ceylon cinnamon water extract on HepG2 cells for Type 2 diabetes therapy
Authors: Azimian Leila , Weerasuriya Nimalka M. , Munasinghe Ranjani , Song Suzie , Lin Chun‐Yu , You Lidan
Published: February 2023

Cinnamon and its extracts have been used as herbal remedies for many ailments, including for reducing insulin resistance and diabetes complications. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a rapidly growing health concern around the world. Although many drugs are available for T2DM treatment, side effects and costs can be considerable, and there is increasing interest in natural products for managing chronic health conditions. Cinnamon may decrease the expression of genes associated with T2DM risk. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of cinnamon water extract (CWE) compared with metformin on T2DM‐related gene expression. HepG2 human hepatoma cells, widely used in drug metabolism and hepatotoxicity studies, were treated with different concentrations of metformin or CWE for 24 or 48 h. Cell viability was assessed by MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium) assay and glucose uptake was compared in untreated and CWE‐ or metformin‐treated cells under high‐glucose conditions. Finally, total RNA was extracted and analyzed by RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq), and bioinformatics analyses were performed to compare the transcriptional effects of CWE and metformin. We found cell viability was better in cells treated with CWE than in metformin‐treated cells, demonstrating that CWE was not toxic at tested doses. CWE significantly increased glucose uptake in HepG2 cells, to the same degree as metformin (1.4‐fold). RNA‐seq data revealed CWE and metformin both induced significantly increased (1.3‐ to 1.4‐fold) glucose uptake gene expression compared with untreated controls. Transcriptional differences between CWE and metformin were not significant. The effects of 0.125 mg mL−1 CWE on gene expression were comparable to 1.5 mg mL−1 (9.5 mM) metformin. In addition, gene expression at 0.125 mg mL−1 CWE was comparable to 1.5 mg mL−1 (9.5 mM) metformin. Our results reveal that CWE's effects on cell viability, glucose uptake, and gene expression in HepG2 cells are comparable to those of metformin, suggesting CWE may be an effective dietary supplement for mitigating T2DM‐related metabolic dysfunction.
Surgically‐treated hemoptysis and alveolar hemorrhaging resulting from severe mitral regurgitation: A case report
Authors: Yamaguchi Daisuke , Tokui Toshiya , Narukawa Takahiro , Murakami Masahiko , Sekoguchi Tomotake , Inoue Ryosai , Hirano Koji , Maze Yasumi , Ito Hisato
Published: February 2023

Cardiac etiologies of hemoptysis are less common. One such etiology includes mitral regurgitation. In patients with hemoptysis and unilateral consolidation, careful chest auscultation and cardiac assessment may assist in making an early diagnosis.
Dual Chemiexcitation by a Unique Dioxetane Scaffold Gated by an OR Logic Set of Triggers
Authors: David Maya , Jaber Qais , Fridman Micha , Shabat Doron
Published: February 2023

Chemiexcitation of phenoxy‐1,2‐dioxetane chemiluminescent luminophores is initiated by electron transfer from a meta‐positioned phenolate ion to the peroxide‐dioxetane bond. Here we report the development of a unique 1,2‐dioxetane chemiluminescent scaffold with chemiexcitation gated by an OR logic dual‐set of triggering events. This scaffold is composed of meta‐dihydroxyphenyl‐1,2‐dioxetane‐adamantyl molecules, equipped with acrylic acid and chlorine substituents, that chemiexcitation under physiological conditions. A dual‐mode chemiluminescent probe, armed with two different triggering substrates designed for activation by the enzymes β‐galactosidase and alkaline phosphatase, was synthesized. The probe emitted intense light signals in the response to each enzyme, demonstrating its ability to serve as a single‐component chemiluminescent sensor for dual‐analyte detection. We also demonstrated the ability of the probe to detect β‐galactosidase and phosphatase activities in bacteria. This is the first 1,2‐dioxetane scaffold capable of responding to two different chemiexcitation events from two different positions on the same dioxetane molecule. We anticipate that the OR‐gated mode of chemiexcitation, described herein, will find utility in the preparation of chemiluminescent probes with a dual‐analyte detection/imaging mode.
Organic Host‐Guest Materials with Bright Red Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence for Persistent Bioimaging†
Authors: Si Yueyue , Zhao Yeyun , Dai Wenbo , Cui Shisheng , Sun Peng , Shi Jianbing , Tong Bin , Cai Zhengxu , Dong Yuping
Published: February 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Organic room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials have attracted immense attention in bioimaging due to their long emission lifetime and large Stokes shift. RTP materials with long emission wavelength can improve the penetration depth for bioimaging. However, the design of red persistent RTP materials is still challenging. In this study, a fused‐ring structure has been proposed to effectively decrease the triplet energy level, thus extending the emission wavelength of phosphorescence. In addition, the fused‐ring structure exhibits a high molar extinction coefficient (ɛ) and high luminescence efficiency due to the rigid structure. A new class of crystalline hosts (iminodibenzyl, IDB) are developed to stabilize the triplet excitons that are generated from the fused‐ring molecules. The maximum RTP wavelength of doping materials can reach 635 nm with a lifetime of 9.35 ms. Water‐disperse nanoparticles are successfully prepared for in vivo time‐resolved bioimaging, which eliminates the background fluorescence interference from biological tissues. These reveal a delicate design strategy for the construction of long‐wavelength emissive RTP materials for high‐resolution bioimaging.
Periodic Mesoporous Ionosilica Nanoparticles for BODIPY Delivery and Photochemical Internalization of siRNA
Authors: Mezghrani Braham , Ali Lamiaa M. A. , Jakimoska Sara , Cunin Frédérique , Hesemann Peter , Durand Jean‐Olivier , Bettache Nadir
Published: February 2023

Periodic Mesoporous Ionosilica Nanoparticles (PMINPs) made via co‐condensation reactions starting from an ionosilica precursor and a porphyrin derivative were used for simultaneous BODIPY/siRNA delivery in cancer cells. We observed high BODIPY loading capacities and efficiencies of the PMINPs that are triggered by anion exchange. siRNA adsorption took place on the surface of the nanoparticles, whereas BODIPY was encapsulated within the core of the nanoparticles. BODIPY release was found to be pH‐dependent. Our results indicate 94 % BODIPY release after 16 h at pH 4, whereas only 2 % were released at pH 7.4. Furthermore, complexation with siRNA against luciferase gene was observed at the surface of PMINPs and gene silencing through its delivery via photochemical internalization (PCI) mechanism was efficient in MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells expressing stable luciferase.
Analysis of Genetic Ancestry from NGS Data Using EthSEQ
Authors: Dalfovo Davide , Romanel Alessandro
Published: February 2023

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) is widely utilized both in translational cancer genomics studies and in the setting of precision medicine. Identification and stratification of an individual's ancestry is fundamental for the correct interpretation of genetic and genomic profiling. EthSEQ provides an easy and effective computational workflow to determine the ancestry of individuals, exploiting single nucleotide polymorphism genotypes computed from NGS data of whole‐exome and targeted sequencing experiments. Genotypes are determined by EthSEQ from sequencing alignment files (BAM files) or can be provided as input in Variant Call Format (VCF) or CoreArray Genomic Data Structure (GDS) format. Ancestry is determined and assigned to individuals by EthSEQ exploiting a reference model and a standard or multi‐step refinement approach based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA). A complete and detailed set of textual and graphical output files are generated by EthSEQ as result. EthSEQ is easy to use and can be integrated into any NGS‐based processing pipeline also exploiting multi‐core capabilities. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Perform ancestry analysis using a pre‐computed reference model

Alternate Protocol: Perform ancestry analysis using a user‐specified GDS file as reference model

Basic Protocol 2: Perform ancestry analysis using multi‐step refinement

Support Protocol 1: Create a reference model from multiple VCF genotype data files

Support Protocol 2: Create VCF genotype data files from a BAM file
Identifying key channel variability functions controlling ecohydraulic conditions using synthetic channel archetypes
Authors: Lee Anzy , Lane Belize , Pasternack Gregory B.
Published: February 2023

Geometric modelling of river channel topography is a method of design synthesis wherein specific 2D geometric elements of river topography, such as the bed profile, cross‐sectional shape and channel planform contours, are expressed mathematically in isolation and then combined to produce a 3D heightmap. We utilized the geometric modelling framework to synthesize channel terrains that reveal flow–form–function linkages to investigate what roles variability in bed roughness, thalweg elevation and channel width play in defining hydraulic and ecohydraulic conditions of a channel reach from baseflow to bankfull discharge. To achieve a robust inquiry for a range of settings, this study developed four distinct synthetic channel terrain models for each of three stream reaches of different channel types in the South Fork Eel River in northern coastal California, USA. To test the process‐based effects of these diverse terrain synthesis options, we compared the resulting hydraulic patterns and preferred habitat availability for fry/juvenile steelhead trout and coho salmon over a range of discharges. Among thalweg bed undulation, width variation and bed roughness, we found thalweg bed undulation was the key factor affecting the channel ecohydraulic response at baseflow condition. At bankfull condition, thalweg bed elevation had the largest effect in high‐order mainstem streams identified by gravel‐cobble dominated high width‐to‐depth, riffle‐pool sequences, width variation had the largest effect in mid‐order confined channels with gravel‐cobble, high width‐to‐depth ratio with expansions/contractions and bed roughness in low‐order streams with low width‐to‐depth ratio, high‐gradient, cobble‐boulder and step‐pool/cascade channels.