bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy Analysis of Passive Solar Distillation Unit
Authors: Kumar Raj , Jain Sudhir Kumar , Samar Kapil Kumar
Published: February 2022

The energy analysis of a passive solar distillation unit was the focus of this study. A 40-liter solar distillation plant was constructed and adjusted for the intended output of 5 liters of distilled water. The developed unit's performance was monitored from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Even so, the solar produced 4.5 liters of fresh water per m2 each day. According to the solar still's updraft assessment, the maximum daily energy efficiency was found to be 38.27 percent.
Evidence of Causality between Economic Growth and Electricity Consumption Expenditure in Uganda
Authors: Alinda Kassim , Tumwine Sulait , Kaawaase Twaha , Navrud Ståle , Nalukenge Irene , Sserwanga Arthur
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study is to investigate the evidence of causality between economic growth and electricity consumption expenditure in Uganda for the period 1986 to 2017, aimed at contributing to literature on this topic and inform energy policy design in the country. Unlike previous studies on the causal link between energy consumption and economic growth, this paper introduces in capital stock as an intermittent variable in the causality framework. In this paper, we employed Johansen (1988, 1995) multivariate Cointegration and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) based on Granger causality tests. Findings revealed a bi-directional causality between electricity consumption and economic growth in the long-term and distinct causal flow from economic growth to electricity consumption in the short-term and long-term Granger causality from capital stock to economic growth, with short-run feedback in the opposite direction. Therefore, the Government of Uganda should implement conservation policies only through reducing energy intensity and promoting efficient energy use to avoid decline in output but also strengthen its efforts towards capital accumulation in order to realize sustainable economic growth and meet the desired goal of sustainable energy for all.
Shift detection discrepancy between ExacTrac Dynamic system and cone‐beam computed tomography
Authors: Chow Vivian U. Y. , Cheung Michael L. M. , Kan Monica W. K. , Chan Anthony T. C.
Published: February 2022

Accurate detection of patient shift is essential during radiation therapy such that optimal dose is delivered to the tumor while minimizing radiation to surrounding normal tissues. The shift detectability of a newly developed optical surface and thermal tracking system, which was known as ExacTrac Dynamic (EXTD), was evaluated by comparing its performance with the image guidance under cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT). Anthropomorphic cranial and pelvis phantoms with internal bone‐like structures and external heat pad were utilized to study the shift detection discrepancy between EXTD system and CBCT. Random displacements within the range of ± 2 cm for translations and ± 2 degrees for rotations were intentionally applied to the phantom. Positional shifts detected by optical surface and thermal tracking (EXTD_Thml), stereoscopic X‐ray (EXTD_Xray), and CBCT were compared in 6 degrees of freedom. The translational difference between EXTD_Thml and CBCT was 0.57 ± 0.41 mm and 0.66 ± 0.40 mm for cranial and pelvis phantom, respectively, while it was 0.60 ± 0.43 mm and 0.76 ± 0.49 mm between EXTD_Xray and CBCT, respectively. For rotational movement, the difference between EXTD_Thml and CBCT was 0.19 ± 0.16° and 0.19 ± 0.22° for cranial and pelvis phantom, respectively, while it was 0.13 ± 0.18° and 0.65 ± 0.46° between EXTD_Xray and CBCT, respectively. This study demonstrated that the EXTD system with thermal mapping ability could offer comparable accuracy for shift detection with CBCT on both cranial and pelvis phantoms.
Evolution of disability in spinocerebellar ataxias type 1, 2, 3, and 6
Authors: Jacobi Heike , Schaprian Tamara , Beyersmann Jan , Tezenas du Montcel Sophie , Schmid Matthias , Klockgether Thomas ,   the EUROSCA and RISCA Study Groups
Published: February 2022

Objective

The aim was to study the evolution of disability in spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) type 1, 2, 3, and 6 (SCA1, 2, 3, 6).

Methods

We analyzed data of two longitudinal cohorts (RISCA, EUROSCA) which recruited ataxic and non‐ataxic SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, and SCA6 mutation carriers. To study disability, we used a five‐stage system for ataxia defined by walking ability (stages 0–3) and death (stage 4). Transitions were analyzed using a multi‐state model with proportional transition hazards. Based on the hazard estimates, transition probabilities and the expected lengths of stay in each stage were calculated. We further studied the effect of sex and CAG repeat length on progression.

Results

Data of 3138 visits in 677 participants were analyzed. Median SARA scores for SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, and SCA6 ranged from 1.5 (interquartile range [IQR] = 0.0–3.5) to 3.5 (IQR = 1.4–6.1) in stage 0, 11.5 (IQR = 9.6–14.0) to 13.8 (IQR = 11.0–16.0) in stage 1, 19.0 (IQR = 17.0–21.0) to 23.8 (IQR = 19.5–27.0) in stage 2, and 28.5 (IQR = 26.0–32.5) to 34.0 (IQR = 32.6–37.1) in stage 3. Modeling allowed to calculate the subtype‐specific probability to be in a certain stage at a given age and duration of each stage. CAG repeat length was associated with faster progression in SCA1 (HR, 95% CI: 1.1, 1.1–1.2), SCA2 (1.2, 1.1–1.3), and SCA3 (1.1, 1.0–1.2). In SCA6, female sex was associated with faster progression (1.7, 1.1–2.6).

Interpretation

Our data are important for counselling of patients, assessment of the relevance of outcome markers, and design of clinical trials.
Proteomic profiling of sporadic late‐onset nemaline myopathy
Authors: Naddaf Elie , Dasari Surendra , Selcen Duygu , Charlesworth M. Cristine , Johnson Kenneth L. , Mauermann Michelle L. , Kourelis Taxiarchis
Published: February 2022

Objective

To define the proteomic profile of sporadic late‐onset nemaline myopathy (SLONM) and explore its pathogenesis.

Methods

We performed mass spectrometry on laser‐dissected frozen muscle samples from five patients with SLONM, three of whom with an associated monoclonal protein (MP), and four controls, to determine the proteomic profile of SLONM. Furthermore, we assessed the role of the MP by evaluating the expression of the immunoglobulin light chain variable regions (IGVL).

Results

There were 294 differentially expressed proteins: 272 upregulated and 22 downregulated. Among the top 100 upregulated proteins, the most common categories were: nuclear or nucleic acid metabolism (24%), extracellular matrix and basal lamina (17%), immune response (13%), and actin dynamics (8%). Downregulated proteins consisted mostly of contractile proteins. Among upregulated proteins, there were 65 with a role related to the immune system, including eight proteins involved in major histocompatibility complex 1 (MHC1) and antigen processing, 15 in MHCII complex and phagocytosis, and 23 in B and/or T‐cell function. Among nine upregulated immunoglobulin proteins, there were two IGVL genes. However, these were also detected in SLONM cases without an MP, with no evidence of clonally dominant immunoglobulin deposition. In muscle sections from SLONM patients, nemaline rods tended to accumulate in atrophic fibers with marked rarefaction of the myofibrils. Increased MHC1 reactivity was present in fibers containing nemaline rods as well as adjacent nonatrophic fibers.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that aberrant immune activation is present in SLONM, but do not support a direct causal relationship between the MP and SLONM.
Consensus‐based robust least‐squares filter for multi‐sensor systems
Authors: Amiri Roshan Soheila , Rahmani Mehdi
Published: February 2022

In this article, a consensus‐based robust regularized least‐squares filter is designed for multi‐sensor systems with norm‐bounded uncertainties. In this approach, a min‐max optimization problem is presented based on a consensus protocol on estimates. The advantage of a consensus filter is that each node estimates its local states, in addition to reaching an agreement on estimates made by all sensors on the network. By introducing appropriate conversions the proposed optimization problem is converted to a robust regularized least‐squares problem. Solving this problem results in the structure of the proposed filter. Then, the recursive formulation of the filter is obtained in measurement form and information form. Finally, in order to investigate the efficacy, good proficiency, and robustness of the proposed consensus‐based robust least‐squares filter, it has been applied to an uncertain multi‐sensor system with 100 nodes and its results have been compared with existing consensus filters.
Promoting Electrochemical CO2 Reduction via Boosting Activation of Adsorbed Intermediates on Iron Single‐Atom Catalyst
Authors: Chen Jiayi , Wang Tingting , Wang Xinyue , Yang Bin , Sang Xiahan , Zheng Sixing , Yao Siyu , Li Zhongjian , Zhang Qinghua , Lei Lecheng , Xu Jiang , Dai Liming , Hou Yang
Published: February 2022

Single‐atom catalysts show great promise as non‐precious electrocatalysts for CO2 electroreduction reaction (CO2ER). However, it is still challenging to gain a fundamental understanding of the complicated dynamic behavior of CO2 activation to achieve high product selectivity. Herein, the authors report an unusual iron single‐atom catalyst, containing atomically dispersed Fe–N4 species and Fe3C nanoparticles (NPs) (Fe3C|Fe1N4). Having a fragmental‐rock‐shaped nanocarbon architecture, isolated Fe–N4 sites uniformly disperse with adjacent Fe3C NPs (<30 nm) in a carbon matrix. Benefiting from the strong coupling effect between Fe3C and Fe1N4 and unique spatial nanostructure, Fe3C|Fe1N4 displays exceptional CO2ER activity with a low onset potential of −0.3 V and high Faradaic efficiency of 94.6% at −0.5 V for CO production, acting as one of the most active Fe–N–C catalysts and even exceeding most other carbon supported non‐precious metal NPs. Experimental observations discover that the excellent CO2ER activity of Fe3C|Fe1N4 catalyst is attributable to the presence of Fe3C NPs that optimizes JCO of the coexisted Fe–N4 active sites. In situ attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared analysis and theoretical calculations reveal that the Fe3C NPs strengthen the adsorption of CO2 on the isolated Fe–N4 sites to accelerate the formation of *COOH intermediate, and hence enhance the whole CO2ER performance.
Hollow COF Selective Layer Based Flexible Composite Membranes Constructed by an Integrated “Casting‐Precipitation‐Evaporation” Strategy
Authors: Di Mengting , Sun Xiaojun , Hu Lei , Gao Li , Liu Jie , Yan Xiaoming , Wu Xuemei , Jiang Xiaobin , He Gaohong
Published: February 2022

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have permanent, nanometer‐scale pores endowed with high porosity and thermal and chemical stability, which is widely used as composite membranes and applied in the field of separation. Conventional methods for preparing composite membranes, such as spray coating, spin coating, and pressure‐assisted or vacuum‐assisted filtration, have problems such as the selective layer can easily fall off. Here, an integrated casting–precipitation–evaporation method is proposed to prepare flexible COF composite membranes (DPBI/HTpBD). The DPBI/HTpBD composite membranes constructed with hollow spherical shell COF selective layer (HTpBD) and porous supporting layer are designed and applied in a vanadium flow battery. The excellent coulombic efficiency (CE, 99.5%) and voltage efficiency (VE, 81.1%) of batteries (180 mA cm−2) are achieved by the nanometre‐scale pores of the hollow spherical shell COF selective layer. In addition, the rigid pore structure inside COF bonded by covalent bonds endows the DPBI/HTpBD composite membranes with outstandingly high temperature stability. Compared to that of the Nafion 212 and DPBI pristine membranes (CE reduces by 5.2%, 3.3%), the CE of DPBI/HTpBD‐9 composite membrane‐based cell only reduces by 0.9% as the temperature increases from 25 to 55 °C. This work provides a new preparation method for high ion‐selective and high temperature stable battery membranes.
Supraparticles for Bare‐Eye H2 Indication and Monitoring: Design, Working Principle, and Molecular Mobility
Authors: Reichstein Jakob , Schötz Simon , Macht Moritz , Maisel Sven , Stockinger Nina , Collados Carlos Cuadrado , Schubert Katrin , Blaumeiser Dominik , Wintzheimer Susanne , Görling Andreas , Thommes Matthias , Zahn Dirk , Libuda Jörg , Bauer Tanja , Mandel Karl
Published: February 2022

Indicators for H2 are crucial to ensure safety standards in a green hydrogen economy. Herein, the authors report micron‐scaled indicator supraparticles for real‐time monitoring and irreversible recording of H2 gas via a rapid eye‐readable two‐step color change. They are produced via spray‐drying SiO2 nanoparticles, AuPd nanoparticles, and indicator‐dye resazurin. The resulting gas‐accessible mesoporous supraparticle framework absorbs water from humid atmospheres to create a three‐phase‐system. In the presence of H2, the color of the supraparticle switches first irreversibly from purple to pink and further reversibly to a colorless state. In situ infrared spectroscopy measurements indicate that this color change originates from the (ir)reversible H2‐induced reduction of resazurin to resorufin and hydroresorufin. Further infrared spectroscopic measurements and molecular dynamics simulations elucidate that key to achieve this functionality is an established three‐phase‐system within the supraparticles, granting molecular mobility of resazurin. Water acts as transport medium to carry resazurin molecules towards the catalytically active AuPd nanoparticles. The advantages of the supraparticles are their small dimensions, affordable and scalable production, fast response times, straightforward bare‐eye detection, and the possibility of simultaneously monitoring H2 exposure in real‐time and ex post. Therefore, H2 indicator supraparticles are an attractive safety additive for leakage detection and localization in a H2 economy.
Construction of Stable Donor–Acceptor Type Covalent Organic Frameworks as Functional Platform for Effective Perovskite Solar Cell Enhancement
Authors: Li Zhongping , Zhang Zhenwei , Nie Riming , Li Chunzhi , Sun Qikun , Shi Wei , Chu Weicun , Long Yuyang , Li He , Liu Xiaoming
Published: February 2022

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as a new class of crystalline, porous materials have attracted extensive attention in the fields of photocatalytic and photovoltaic applications. Generally, donor–acceptor (DA) structures play an important role in the charge separation efficiency of solar cells. In this study, two DA‐COFs with high crystallinity, good porosity, and excellent stability are incorporated into the FAPbI3 layer of perovskite solar cells. This addition of DA‐COFs reduces the defect concentration and shallows the defect state. The donor–acceptor system in COFs also possesses strong charge‐transfer pathway, which strongly prevents charge recombination to afford more efficient charge separation efficiency. The highest power‐conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells constructed with DA‐COFs is 23.19% with excellent humidity stability of the solar cells. Therefore, this work provides a pathway for using DA‐COFs to fabricate perovskite solar cells with higher efficiency and stability.
Full‐Stokes Polarimetry for Visible Light Enabled by an All‐Dielectric Metasurface
Authors: Ren Yongze , Guo Shihao , Zhu Wenqi , Huo Pengcheng , Liu Sijia , Zhang Song , Chen Peng , Chen Lu , Lezec Henri J. , Agrawal Amit , Lu Yanqing , Xu Ting
Published: February 2022

Decoding arbitrary polarization information from an optical field has triggered unprecedented endeavors in polarization imaging, remote sensing, and information processing. Therefore, developing a polarization detection device with full on‐chip integration and miniaturization holds tremendous potential for many areas of optical sciences. Herein, a full‐Stokes polarimetry device for visible light based on an all‐dielectric metasurface is proposed. By combining both geometric phase and propagation phase modulation, the metasurface to provide two uncorrelated phase profiles for the two orthogonal states of input polarization is designed, which is then used to spatially separate the various polarization states of incident light. Through the use of a millimeter‐scale multiplexed metasurface array, successful characterization of the full polarization distribution of space‐variant polarization fields is further achieved. This proof‐of‐concept ultracompact and ultrathin metasurface is expected to open new pathways in full‐Stokes polarization detection, machine vision, and navigation.
Single‐Molecule Fluorescence Enhancement by Plasmonic Core–Shell Nanostructures Incorporating Nonlocal Effects
Authors: Kupresak Mario , Zheng Xuezhi , Mittra Raj , Sipus Zvonimir , Vandenbosch Guy A. E. , Moshchalkov Victor V.
Published: February 2022

Molecular fluorescence may strongly be affected by plasmonic environments, especially the ones with deep‐nanometer features, associated with the emergence of nonclassical effects. Such effects are largely investigated by a nonlocal hydrodynamic model with additional boundary conditions, describing the collective motion of the free electron gas in metals. The study of a fluorophore in the presence of the nano core–shell topology is performed, by employing the following models: the hard‐wall hydrodynamic model and the generalized nonlocal optical response. The analysis is conducted by investigating the fluorescence rates of the system, while considering the fluorophore located inside and outside the nanoparticle. It is demonstrated that the rates generated by the above models may considerably differ from the ones obtained via the classical approach. The optimal fluorescence enhancements for different size and material parameters are found both inside and outside the studied topology.
FDTD Modeling of Au/Ag Nanoparticles Incorporated Au/Ag Photonic Crystal for Seeking the Maximal Localized Electric Field
Authors: Mu Zhongde , Gu Hongcheng , Chen Qiang , Li Jianqing , He Xia
Published: February 2022

Photonic crystals (PhC) can be elaborately tailored to enhance the electromagnetic properties of materials and are drawing increasing attention in recent years. However, there is no sufficient theoretical framework to optimize photonic crystal designs for electric enhancement. A comprehensive theoretical model is presented to illustrate Au/Ag photonic crystal enhancement on electric fields and obtain a group of optimal photonic crystal parameters after large number of statistics and parameter scans. The second and deeper layers of PhC only contribute to both 5% extinction and absorption in the far‐field, and there is almost no difference in |E|max among different layers with the coefficient variation at ≈1%. Furthermore, increment of both lattice constants and NP diameters can trigger dramatic changes in |E|max, and the maximal |E|max derived from 190 nm AuNP (nanoparticle)‐Au PhC with the lattice constant of 560 nm. This structure is 47.7, 7.39, 4.63, and 2.69 times that of AuNP incorporated silica wafer, silicon wafer, Ag wafer, and Au wafer, respectively. The strong electric field enhancement attributes to not only the plasmonic effect but also the photonic crystal enhancement effect. The simulation procedures open the possibility of precise photonic crystal structure design and pave the way for various electric field enhancement applications.
Giant Room‐Temperature Power Factor inp‐Type Thermoelectric SnSe under High Pressure
Authors: Morozova Natalia V. , Korobeynikov Igor V. , Miyajima Nobuyoshi , Ovsyannikov Sergey V.
Published: February 2022

Materials that can efficiently convert heat into electricity are widely utilized in energy conversion technologies. The existing thermoelectrics demonstrate rather limited performance characteristics at room temperature, and hence, alternative materials and approaches are very much in demand. Here, it is experimentally shown that manipulating an applied stress can greatly improve a thermoelectric power factor of layeredp‐type SnSe single crystals up to ≈180 µW K−2cm−1at room temperature. This giant enhancement is explained by a synergetic effect of three factors, such as: band‐gap narrowing, Lifshitz transition, and strong sample deformation. Under applied pressure above 1 GPa, the SnSe crystals become more ductile, which can be related to changes in the prevailing chemical bonding type inside the layers, from covalent toward metavalent. Thus, the SnSe single crystals transform into a highly unconventional crystalline state in which their layered crystal stacking is largely preserved, while the layers themselves are strongly deformed. This results in a dramatic narrowing in a band gap, fromEg= 0.83 to 0.50 eV (at ambient conditions). Thus, the work demonstrates a novel strategy of improving the performance parameters of chalcogenide thermoelectrics via tuning their chemical bonding type, stimulating a sample deformation and a band‐structure reconstruction.
Efficient Frequency Conversion with Geometric Phase Control in Optical Metasurfaces
Authors: Reineke Matsudo Bernhard , Sain Basudeb , Carletti Luca , Zhang Xue , Gao Wenlong , de Angelis Costantino , Huang Lingling , Zentgraf Thomas
Published: February 2022

Metasurfaces have appeared as a versatile platform for miniaturized functional nonlinear optics due to their design freedom in tailoring wavefronts. The key factor that limits its application in functional devices is the low conversion efficiency. Recently, dielectric metasurfaces governed by either high‐quality factor modes (quasi‐bound states in the continuum) or Mie modes, enabling strong light–matter interaction, have become a prolific route to achieve high nonlinear efficiency. Here, an effective way of spatial nonlinear phase control by using the Pancharatnam–Berry phase principle with a high third harmonic conversion efficiency of 10−4 W−2 is demonstrated both numerically and experimentally. It is found that the magnetic Mie resonance appears to be the main contributor to the third harmonic response, while the contribution from the quasi‐bound states in the continuum is negligible. This is confirmed by a phenomenological model based on coupled anharmonic oscillators. Besides, the metasurface provides experimentally a high diffraction efficiency (80%–90%) in both polarization channels. A functional application of this approach is shown by experimentally reconstructing an encoded polarization‐multiplexed vortex beam array with different topological charges at the third harmonic frequency with high fidelity. The approach has the potential viability for future on‐chip nonlinear signal processing and wavefront control.
Arrowhead Composite Microneedle Patches with Anisotropic Surface Adhesion for Preventing Intrauterine Adhesions
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxuan , Chen Guopu , Wang Yuetong , Fan Lu , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: February 2022

Biomedical patches are considered as a promising strategy to help tissue repair and regeneration, prevent tissue adhesion, and reduce neighboring friction. Here, novel arrowhead composite microneedle patches (MNPs) are presented with anisotropic surface adhesion and growth factor encapsulation using a heterogeneous template replication approach for endometrium repair and intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) prevention. The arrowhead structures bring about interlocking between the microneedle (MN) tips and tissues, allowing these MNPs to steadily adhere to the tissues. Besides, benefitting from the cytoadhesive needle‐tip material and the antiadhesive base material, these MNPs possess anisotropic surface adhesion and can facilitate cell adhesion on one surface to repair damaged tissues while restrain tissue contact on the other to prevent adverse adhesion. In the meanwhile, the encapsulated growth factor can be delivered through the MNs to the deep tissue, further accelerating tissue repair. Additionally, as the bases are soft and their patterns are highly tunable, the MNPs can change their shapes flexibly to adjust to the irregular morphology of uteri. It is demonstrated that these MNPs show good performances in treating injured endometrium and preventing IUAs of a rat model, indicating their great potential in versatile postoperative adhesion prevention and other clinical applications.
Nonswelling and Hydrolytically Stable Hydrogels Uncover Cellular Mechanosensing in 3D
Authors: Long Hongyan , Vos Bart E. , Betz Timo , Baker Brendon M. , Trappmann Britta
Published: February 2022

While matrix stiffness regulates cell behavior on 2D substrates, recent studies using synthetic hydrogels have suggested that in 3D environments, cell behavior is primarily impacted by matrix degradability, independent of stiffness. However, these studies did not consider the potential impact of other confounding matrix parameters that typically covary with changes in stiffness, particularly, hydrogel swelling and hydrolytic stability, which may explain the previously observed distinctions in cell response in 2D versus 3D settings. To investigate how cells sense matrix stiffness in 3D environments, a nonswelling, hydrolytically stable, linearly elastic synthetic hydrogel model is developed in which matrix stiffness and degradability can be tuned independently. It is found that matrix degradability regulates cell spreading kinetics, while matrix stiffness dictates the final spread area once cells achieve equilibrium spreading. Importantly, the differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells toward adipocytes or osteoblasts is regulated by the spread state of progenitor cells upon initiating differentiation. These studies uncover matrix stiffness as a major regulator of cell function not just in 2D, but also in 3D environments, and identify matrix degradability as a critical microenvironmental feature in 3D that in conjunction with matrix stiffness dictates cell spreading, cytoskeletal state, and stem cell differentiation outcomes.
Single‐Atom Molybdenum Engineered Platinum Nanocatalyst for Boosted Alkaline Hydrogen Oxidation
Authors: Ma Min , Li Guang , Yan Wei , Wu Zhuangzhuang , Zheng Zhiping , Zhang Xibo , Wang Qiuxiang , Du Guifen , Liu Deyu , Xie Zhaoxiong , Kuang Qin , Zheng Lansun
Published: February 2022

Engineering the surface electrochemistry at the atomic level can precisely and effectively manipulate the reactivity and durability of catalysts. Herein, a novel single‐atom fine‐tailoring strategy based on a highly hydrophilic Mo‐bifunctional promoter is proposed to greatly boost the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) on Pt catalysts. The single‐atom Mo‐modified nanometer Pt anchored on porous N‐doped carbon (Mo‐Pt/NC) is developed via a pyrolysis–adsorption–reduction process. The designed Mo‐Pt/NC exhibits a remarkable mass‐specific kinetic current reaching 1584 mA mg−1Pt in 0.1 m KOH, which is nearly 11‐fold and fourfold higher than the activities of commercial Pt/C and Pt/NC counterparts respectively, and such extraordinary HOR behavior even exceeds those of documented Pt‐related catalysts. Electrochemical and spectroscopic studies indicate that hydrophilic Mo single‐atom sites can not only regulate the electronic microenvironment of Pt sites for attenuated H* adsorption, but they also serve as energetic H2O*‐adsorption promoters to jointly facilitate the HOR kinetics. Moreover, the anti‐CO poisoning capability of Mo‐Pt/NC is markedly enhanced by this Mo‐modified electronic effect. This work gives a significant guideline for the design of high‐performance HOR catalysts and other advanced catalysts.
Mitigating the Large‐Volume Phase Transition of P2‐Type Cathodes by Synergetic Effect of Multiple Ions for Improved Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Cheng Zhiwei , Zhao Bin , Guo Yu‐Jie , Yu Lianzheng , Yuan Boheng , Hua Weibo , Yin Ya‐Xia , Xu Sailong , Xiao Bing , Han Xiaogang , Wang Peng‐Fei , Guo Yu‐Guo
Published: February 2022

Layered transition metal oxide P2‐Na2/3Ni1/3Mn2/3O2 usually suffers from large‐volume phase transitions and different Na‐vacancy ordering during sodium (de)intercalation, incurring rapid capacity decline and poor rate capability. Herein, an effective strategy based on synergetic effect of selected multiple metal ions is designed for P2‐type cathodes with improved performance. The role of tetravalent titanium provides high redox potential, inactive divalent magnesium stabilizes the structure, and the monovalent lithium smooths the electrochemical curves. The combined analysis of in operando X‐ray diffraction, in operando X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations demonstrates the contribution of multi‐metal ions converts the unfavorable and large‐volume P2 to O2 transition into a moderate “Z”‐intergrowth structure by increasing the energy barrier of transition metal slab gliding. As a consequence, the resultant P2‐Na0.7Li0.03Mg0.03Ni0.27Mn0.6Ti0.07O2 electrode delivers a reversible capacity of 134 mAh g−1, a working voltage of 3.57 V, excellent cycling stability (82% of capacity retention after 200 cycles), and superior rate performance (110 mAh g−1 at 4 C). Full cells fabricated with a hard carbon anode achieve an energy density of 296 Wh kg−1. This study presents a route to rationally design cathode materials with this functionalization to improve the cell performance for sodium‐ion batteries.
Cytoplasmic localization of connexin 26 suppresses transition of β‐catenin into the nucleus in intestinal‐ and mix‐type gastric cancer
Authors: Nakazawa Nobuhiro , Sohda Makoto , Yokobori Takehiko , Gombodorj Navchaa , Sano Akihiko , Sakai Makoto , Oyama Tetsunari , Kuwano Hiroyuki , Shirabe Ken , Saeki Hiroshi
Published: February 2022

Background

Connexin is a basic molecule that forms gap junctions and undergoes localization changes to the cytoplasm in association with carcinogenesis. We aimed to investigate and clarify the significance of cytoplasmic Cx26 expression in gastric cancer.

Methods

We included 87 patients with intestinal‐ and mix‐type gastric cancer and 111 patients with diffuse type gastric cancer who underwent surgery for gastric cancer between 1999 and 2006. Immunohistochemical staining for Cx26, β‐catenin, and Wnt3a was performed and analyses of the relationship to clinicopathological factors were conducted based on the Lauren classification. In an in vitro study, the gastric cancer cell lines MKN7, MKN74, and MKN45 were used to evaluate the proliferative capacity using the water‐soluble tetrazolium salt assay through forced expression of Cx26, and the relationship between Cx26 and β‐catenin was investigated using proximity ligation assay (PLA) and co‐immunoprecipitation. Additionally, functional analysis was performed by Cage analysis.

Results

In this study, high cytoplasmic Cx26 expression was associated with favorable prognosis in intestinal‐ and mix‐type gastric cancer and could be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. In terms of the mechanism, in in vitro experiments changes in Cx26 localization to the cytoplasm were shown to suppress the change of localization of β‐catenin to the nucleus by binding to it in the cytoplasm.

Conclusions

Cytoplasmic Cx26 was found to be a prognostic factor in intestinal‐ and mix‐type gastric cancer. Regarding the mechanism, in vitro studies revealed that cytoplasmic Cx26 inhibits the translocation of β‐catenin to the nucleus.
Evaluation of the degree of rate control via automatic differentiation
Authors: Yang Yilin , Achar Siddarth K. , Kitchin John R.
Published: February 2022

The degree of rate control (DRC) quantitatively identifies the kinetically relevant (sometimes known as rate‐limiting) steps of a complex reaction network. This concept relies on derivatives which are commonly implemented numerically, for example, with finite differences (FDs). Numerical derivatives are tedious to implement, and can be problematic, and unstable or unreliable. In this study, we demonstrate the use of automatic differentiation (AD) in the evaluation of the DRC. AD libraries are increasingly available through modern machine learning frameworks. Compared with the FDs, AD provides solutions with higher accuracy with lower computational cost. We demonstrate applications in steady‐state and transient kinetics. Furthermore, we illustrate a hybrid local‐global sensitivity analysis method, the distributed evaluation of local sensitivity analysis, to assess the importance of kinetic parameters over an uncertain space. This method also benefits from AD to obtain high‐quality results efficiently.
LMOD2‐related dilated cardiomyopathy presenting in late infancy
Authors: Lay Erica , Azamian Mahshid S. , Denfield Susan W. , Dreyer William , Spinner Joseph A. , Kearney Debra , Zhang Lilei , Worley Kim C. , Bi Weimin , Lalani Seema R.
Published: February 2022

Leiomodin‐2 (LMOD2) is an important regulator of the thin filament length, known to promote elongation of actin through polymerization at pointed ends. Mice with Lmod2 deficiency die around 3 weeks of age due to severe dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), resulting from decreased heart contractility due to shorter thin filaments. To date, there have been three infants from two families reported with biallelic variants in LMOD2, presenting with perinatal onset DCM. Here, we describe a third family with a child harboring a previously described homozygous frameshift variant, c.1243_1244delCT (p.L415Vfs*108) with DCM, presenting later in infancy at 9 months of age. Family history was relevant for a sibling who died suddenly at 1 year of age after being diagnosed with cardiomegaly. LMOD2‐related cardiomyopathy is a rare form of inherited cardiomyopathy resulting from thin filament length dysregulation and should be considered in genetic evaluation of newborns and infants with suspected autosomal recessive inheritance or sporadic early onset cardiomyopathy.
Synthesis of Pentasubstituted meta‐Fluoropyridines via [4+2] Cycloaddition and Aromatization between Trifluoromethyl Ketimines and Maleimides
Authors: Zhao Jianbo , Chen Mengzi , Wu Min , Shi Lei , Li Hao
Published: February 2022

We have developed an efficient and convenient strategy for the synthesis of pentasubstituted meta‐fluoropyridines. The annulation‐aromatization cascade reaction between trifluoromethyl ketimines and maleimides was promoted by N‐methyl‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine (PMP) in moderate to high yields. In this approach, two C−F bond cleavages happened in both [4+2] cycloaddition and aromatization separately. The pentasubstituted meta‐fluoropyridines could be reduced to tertiary amines by BH3 in moderate yield.
Identification of Distinct Inflammatory Programs and Biomarkers in Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Related Lung Disease by Serum Proteome Analysis
Authors: Chen Guangbo , Deutsch Gail H. , Schulert Grant S. , Zheng Hong , Jang SoRi , Trapnell Bruce , Lee Pui Y. , Macaubas Claudia , Ho Katherine , Schneider Corinne , Saper Vivian E. , de Jesus Adriana Almeida , Krasnow Mark A. , Grom Alexei , Goldbach‐Mansky Raphaela , Khatri Purvesh , Mellins Elizabeth D. , Canna Scott W.
Published: February 2022

Objective

Recent observations in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) suggest an increasing incidence of high‐mortality interstitial lung disease often characterized by a variant of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP). Co‐occurrence of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) and PAP in systemic JIA suggests a shared pathology, but patients with lung disease associated with systemic JIA (designated SJIA‐LD) also commonly experience features of drug reaction such as atypical rashes and eosinophilia. This study was undertaken to investigate immunopathology and identify biomarkers in systemic JIA, MAS, and SJIA‐LD.

Methods

We used SOMAscan to measure ~1,300 analytes in sera from healthy controls and patients with systemic JIA, MAS, SJIA‐LD, or other related diseases. We verified selected findings by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and lung immunostaining. Because the proteome of a sample may reflect multiple states (systemic JIA, MAS, or SJIA‐LD), we used regression modeling to identify subsets of altered proteins associated with each state. We tested key findings in a validation cohort.

Results

Proteome alterations in active systemic JIA and MAS overlapped substantially, including known systemic JIA biomarkers such as serum amyloid A and S100A9, and novel elevations in the levels of heat‐shock proteins and glycolytic enzymes. Interleukin‐18 levels were elevated in all systemic JIA groups, particularly MAS and SJIA‐LD. We also identified an MAS‐independent SJIA‐LD signature notable for elevated levels of intercellular adhesion molecule 5 (ICAM‐5), matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP‐7), and allergic/eosinophilic chemokines, which have been previously associated with lung damage. Immunohistochemistry localized ICAM‐5 and MMP‐7 in the lungs of patients with SJIA‐LD. The ability of ICAM‐5 to distinguish SJIA‐LD from systemic JIA/MAS was independently validated.

Conclusion

Serum proteins support a systemic JIA–to‐MAS continuum; help distinguish systemic JIA, systemic JIA/MAS, and SJIA‐LD; and suggest etiologic hypotheses. Select biomarkers, such as ICAM‐5, could aid in early detection and management of SJIA‐LD.
Thermoluminescence dose–response of synthesized and doped hydroxyapatite: effect of formed crystal phases
Authors: Taghipour Parisa , Zolfagharpour Farhad , Daneshvar Hamideh , Ziaie Farhood
Published: February 2022

In this research work, pure and doped hydroxyapatite samples were synthesized using hydrolysis and hydrothermal methods to produce powder material. The crystal structure was carried out by producing data using the X‐ray diffraction system and the Rietveld method using material analysis using diffraction software. Then the sample was irradiated with different radiation absorbed doses, and their thermoluminescence response was investigated from the dosimetry point of view. The results showed that the synthesis method, doping, and annealing temperature could significantly affect the crystal structure and thermoluminescence dosimetry response of hydroxyapatite samples, consequently. The results showed that the high‐temperature annealing process and dopant could lead to the formation of the β‐TCP crystal phase during or after the synthesis of hydroxyapatite, and the percentage of this formed phase increased when raising the temperature, and finally led to increase in the thermoluminescence response.
Will financial development and clean energy utilization rejuvenate the environment in BRICS economies?
Authors: Zoaka Joshua Dzankar , Ekwueme Daberechi Chikezie , Güngör Hasan , Alola Andrew Adewale
Published: February 2022

Global warming and environmental degradation caused essentially by changes in climate have attracted enormous surveillance considering the menace of its reverberation on the health of humans during the past two decades. Utilization of energy and financial development (FD) are among the key drivers of climatic change. Thus, using second‐generation panel cointegration (the Westerlund, 2007 error‐correction model), pooled mean group autoregressive distributive lag model (PMG‐ARDL), and the panel dynamic ordinary least square (PDOLS) estimation techniques, the paper scrutinized the nexus between financial development, clean energy usage, economic growth, and environmental quality (proxied by CO2 emissions) of BRICS countries starting from 1980 to 2018. The findings from the study reveal that economic growth and labor force participation, in the long run, deteriorate the environmental quality by increasing the effusion of carbon. Contrarily, financial development, industrialization, trade openness, and renewable energy usage enhance the environmental quality of BRICS countries in the long run. In the short run, financial development was found to have a significant positive impact on the environmental quality of Brazil, China, and Russia, while it is negative for South Africa and India. The outcome of the PVECM Granger causality test reveals a two‐way Granger causality that runs from renewable energy to carbon emissions in the short run. The policy implication of this study is that the government of BRICS countries needs to concentrate on improving their clean energy sources and also work on their industries. The BRICS nations' governments should formulate financial and trade policies that promote a sustainable environment and economic development.
Impact ofCOVID‐19 pandemic on household financial decisions: A consumer vulnerability perspective
Authors: Yazdanparast Atefeh , Alhenawi Yasser
Published: February 2022

This study joins a rapidly growing body of research that investigates the multi‐faceted impacts of the Covid‐19 pandemic on consumers' behavior. Specifically, we examine how the pandemic‐induced state of vulnerability impacts consumers' saving, investing, and spending decisions. Using survey data from four different countries (i.e., USA, UK, South Africa, and Mexico), we examine the role of personality on consumer vulnerability, create an index of consumer vulnerability, and establish the role of vulnerability in impacting important financial decisions. We report evidence that perceptions of vulnerability and the pandemic‐induced changes in financial and consumption behaviors vary across residents of developed and developing countries. The results indicate that vulnerability is experienced and reflected through a multitude of fears and concerns and is influenced by personality traits (agreeableness, neuroticism, conscientiousness, need for material resources, and need for body resources) and can result in increased spending on products/services that are not normally perceived as necessities. Our findings carry important theoretical and managerial implications.
Laryngitis after inhalation of liposomal amikacin
Authors: Morita Atsuho , Namkoong Ho , Hosoya Makoto , Hasegawa Naoki
Published: February 2022

A 56‐year‐old woman with pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex disease was started on inhalation liposomal amikacin. One month later, she developed hoarseness and was diagnosed with laryngitis. The laryngitis healed immediately after treatment discontinuation, and no recurrence occurred even after resuming intermittent inhalation.
The Cycle Stability and Rate Performance of LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 Enhanced by Mg Doping and LiFePO4 Coating
Authors: Zhang Jianru , Lan Ziwei , Xi Ruheng , Li Yuanyuan , Zhang Caihong
Published: February 2022

Nickel‐rich layered oxide LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 became one of the preferred cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries because of its advantages in capacity, cost and environmental protection. However, increased nickel content inevitably leads to more serious structural deterioration, such as irreversible phase transition, unexpected side effects as well as Li+/Ni2+ mixing, etc. This results in poor cycle stability and rate performance. Herein, we proposed a co‐modification strategy for Mg doping and LiFePO4 coating to enhance the aforementioned electrochemical performance of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2. The results indicated that Mg0.02‐NCM@20LFP exhibited lower surface film resistance and charge transfer resistance than pristine material after 200 cycles at 1C. A cycle retention rate of 90.8 % can still be maintained after 100 cycles at 0.2C. When returning to 0.1C after 5C high magnification, 98 % of the capacity can be recovered, showing that the material has good structural integrity.
Factors Governing the Catalytic Insertion of CO2 into Arenes – A DFT Case Study for Pd and Pt Phosphane Sulfonamido Complexes
Authors: Hölscher Markus , Kemper Gregor , Jenthra Sangeth , Bolm Carsten , Leitner Walter
Published: February 2022

The potential of Pd/Pt complexes for catalytic carboxylation of arenes with CO2 is investigated by means of computational chemistry. Recently we reported that the bis[(2‐methoxyphenyl)phosphino]‐benzenesulfonamido palladium complex 1 inserts CO2 reversibly in its Pd−C(aryl) bond generating carboxylato complex 2. In the present work we study how geometric and electronic factors of various ligands and substrates influence the overall activation barrier (energy span, ES) of a potential catalytic cycle for arene carboxylation comprising this elementary step. The tendency of the key intermediates to dimerize and thus deactivating the potential catalysts is examined as well as the role of the base, which inevitably is needed to stabilize the reaction product. We show that Pd and Pt complexes I(Pd)‐L16‐S1 and I(Pt)‐L16‐S1 do not dimerize, enable the computation of complete catalytic cycles, and show interestingly low ES values of 26.8 and 24.5 kcal/mol, respectively.
Synthesis and in vitro Study of Artemisinin/Synthetic Peroxide‐Based Hybrid Compounds against SARS‐CoV‐2 and Cancer
Authors: Herrmann Lars , Yaremenko Ivan A. , Çapcı Aysun , Struwe Julia , Tailor Dhanir , Dheeraj Arpit , Hodek Jan , Belyakova Yulia Yu. , Radulov Peter S. , Weber Jan , Malhotra Sanjay V. , Terent'ev Alexander O. , Ackermann Lutz , Tsogoeva Svetlana B.
Published: February 2022

The newly emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) cause life‐threatening diseases in millions of people worldwide, in particular, in patients with cancer, and there is an urgent need for antiviral agents against this infection. While in vitro activities of artemisinins against SARS‐CoV‐2 and cancer have recently been demonstrated, no study of artemisinin and/or synthetic peroxide‐based hybrid compounds active against both cancer and SARS‐CoV‐2 has been reported yet. However, the hybrid drug's properties (e. g., activity and/or selectivity) can be improved compared to its parent compounds and effective new agents can be obtained by modification/hybridization of existing drugs or bioactive natural products. In this study, a series of new artesunic acid and synthetic peroxide based new hybrids were synthesized and analyzed in vitro for the first time for their inhibitory activity against SARS‐CoV‐2 and leukemia cell lines. Several artesunic acid‐derived hybrids exerted a similar or stronger potency against K562 leukemia cells (81–83 % inhibition values) than the reference drug doxorubicin (78 % inhibition value) and they were also more efficient than their parent compounds artesunic acid (49.2 % inhibition value) and quinoline derivative (5.5 % inhibition value). Interestingly, the same artesunic acid‐quinoline hybrids also show inhibitory activity against SARS‐CoV‐2 in vitro (EC50 13–19 μm) and no cytotoxic effects on Vero E6 cells (CC50 up to 110 μM). These results provide a valuable basis for design of further artemisinin‐derived hybrids to treat both cancer and SARS‐CoV‐2 infections.
In‐Situ Lattice Tunnel Intercalation of Vanadium Pentoxide for Improving Long‐Term Performance of Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries
Authors: Yang Jun , Miao Xiaowei , Zhang Chenrui , Zheng Jihui , Sun Chencheng , Zhang Yu , Geng Hongbo
Published: February 2022

Layered V2O5 is a promising and versatile cathode for rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs), but its narrow interlayer spacing makes rapid Mg2+ diffusion difficult, resulting in poor electrochemical performance. Herein, a facile and scalable technique is established for tailoring the (001) spacing of V2O5 by in‐situ polyaniline polymerization. The intercalated polyaniline molecules operate as pillars in the V2O5 interlayer, providing plentiful storage sites as well as improved cation diffusivities of Mg ion. As expected, by using V2O5/polyaniline as the cathode (anode: Mg metal), a high specific capacity of 361 mAh g−1 with charging/discharging current density of 20 mA g−1 can be achieved for RMBs. Besides, V2O5/polyaniline electrode shows favorable rate capability with 103 mAh g−1 at 500 mA g−1 (500 cycles) and ultra long‐term cycling performance after 5000 cycles. Ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to study the magnesium storage mechanism of the V2O5/polyaniline electrode.