bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porous Pd/NiFeOx Nanosheets Enhance the pH‐Universal Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Zhang Wen , Jiang Xue , Dong Zemeng , Wang Jing , Zhang Ning , Liu Jie , Xu Guang‐Rui , Wang Lei
Published: September 2021

Modulating the morphology and chemical composition is an efficient strategy to enhance the catalytic activity for water splitting, since it is still a great challenge to develop a bifunctional catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) over a wide pH range. Herein, Pd/NiFeOx nanosheets are synthesized with tightly arranged petal nanosheets and uniform mesoporous structure on nickel foam (NF). The porous 2D structure yields a larger surface area and exposes more active sites, facilitating water splitting at all pH values. The overpotential of Pd/NiFeOx nanosheets for OER is only 180, 169, and 310 mV in 1 m KOH, 0.5 m H2SO4, and 1 m phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) conditions at 10 mA cm−2 current density, as well as excellent HER activity with ultralow overpotential in a wide pH range. When using porous Pd/NiFeOx nanosheets as bifunctional catalysts for water splitting, it just required a cell voltage of 1.57 V to reach a current density of 20 mA cm−2 with nearly 100% faradic efficiency in alkaline conditions, which is much lower than that of benchmark Pt/CǁRuO2 (1.76 V) couples, along with the improving stability benefiting from the good corrosion resistance of the inner NiFeOx nanosheets.
Optimized Cathode for High‐Energy Sodium‐Ion Based Dual‐Ion Full Battery with Fast Kinetics
Authors: Sun Zhiqin , Zhu Kunjie , Liu Pei , Li Haixia , Jiao Lifang
Published: September 2021

The most used systems based on the graphite‐based cathode show unsatisfactory performance in dual‐ion batteries. Developing new type cathode materials with high capacity for new type anions storage is an effective way to improve the total performance of dual‐ion batteries. Herein, a protonated polyaniline (P‐PANI) cathode is prepared to realize efficient and stable storage of ClO4–, and a high reversible capacity of 143 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 200 cycles can be obtained, which is competitive compared with common graphite cathodes. In addition, the highly reversible coordination storage mechanism between ClO4− and P‐PANI cathode is indicated, rather than the labored intercalation reactions between PF6− and graphite. Subsequently, a full cell (P‐PANI//N‐PDHC) fabricated with a P‐PANI cathode and hard carbon anode (N‐PDHC) can deliver a high energy density of 284 Wh kg–1 for 2000 cycles at 2 A g–1, and the relevant pouch‐type full cell can easily power a smartphone. In general, this work may promote the exploitation of sodium‐based dual‐ion batteries in practical application.
Superior Flexibility in Oxide Ceramic Crystal Nanofibers
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Liu Shujie , Yan Jianhua , Zhang Xiaohua , Xia Shuhui , Zhao Yun , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin
Published: September 2021

Oxide crystal ceramics are commonly hard and brittle, when they are bent they typically fracture. Such mechanical response limits the use of these materials in emerging fields like wearable electronics. Here, a polymer‐induced assembly strategy is reported to construct orderly assembled TiO2 crystals into continuous nanofibers that are stretchable, bendable, and even knottable. Ball‐milling the spinning sol and curved‐drafting the electrospun nanofibers significantly improve the molecular structural order and reduce pore defects in the precursor nanofibers. Using this method, continuous TiO2 nanofibers, in which orderly assembled TiO2 nanocrystals (brick) are connected by twin grain boundaries or an amorphous region (mortar), are formed after sintering. Mechanical measurements and finite element analysis simulation indicate that the dislocation slip of “bricks” and the elastic deformation of “mortar” render the nanofibers with a small bending rigidity of ≈22 mN and a small elastic modulus of ≈20.8 Gpa, thus displaying properties associated with both soft and hard matter. More importantly, the reported approach can be easily extended to synthesize a wide range of soft, yet tough ceramic membranes, such as ZrO2 and SiO2.
A Cascade Battery: Coupling Two Sequential Electrochemical Reactions in a Single Battery
Authors: Dai Chunlong , Hu Linyu , Jin Xuting , Chen Hao , Zhang Xinqun , Zhang Shaohua , Song Li , Ma Hongyun , Xu Maowen , Zhao Yang , Zhang Zhipan , Cheng Huhu , Qu Liangti
Published: September 2021

Currently, rechargeable electrochemical batteries generally operate on one reversible electrochemical reaction during discharging and charging cycles. Here, a cascade battery that couples two sequential electrochemical reactions in a single battery is proposed. Such a concept is demonstrated in an aqueous Zn–S hybrid battery, where solid sulfur serves as the cathode in the first discharge step and the generated Cu2S catalyzes Cu2+ reduce to Cu/Cu2O to provide the second discharge step. The cascade battery shows many merits compared to traditional batteries. First, it integrates two batteries internally, eliminating the use of additional inactive connecting materials required for external integration. Second, it can more fully utilize the inactive reaction chamber of the battery than traditional batteries. Third, cascade battery can bypass the challenges of thick solid electrode to access high areal capacity. An ultrahigh areal capacity of 48 mAh cm−2 is achieved even at a low solid cathode loading (9.6 mg cm−2). The cascade battery design breaks the stereotype of conventional battery configuration, providing a paradigm for constructing two‐in‐one batteries.
Electropolymerized 1D Growth Coordination Polymer for Hybrid Electrochromic Aqueous Zinc Battery
Authors: Poh Wei Church , Gong Xuefei , Yu Fei , Lee Pooi See
Published: September 2021

Organic materials are always viewed as promising electrochromic (EC) materials due to their synthetic versatility, color tunability, ready processability, and derivability from sustainable feedstocks. Most organic materials, however, are prone to undesirable redox side reactions in the presence of oxygen and water. As such, redox–active organic layers are often used in tandem with organic electrolytes to preserve their electrochemical stability. With the growing interest in electronics that are environmentally sustainable and biologically safe, developing aqueous‐compatible organic materials is gaining growing interest. Herein, a rationally designed iron terpyridyl coordination polymer (CP) is prepared by controlled electropolymerization for realization of aqueous compatible EC and energy storage applications. Detailed analysis is established, showing that the CP grows in a 1D fashion and exhibits a predominant capacitive behavior which is reflected from its rapid charge–transfer kinetics. Taking this as an advantage, an integrated hybrid electrochromic zinc battery device is demonstrated with high color contrast, fast response time, and good endurance.
Butyrylcholinesterase Responsive Supramolecular Prodrug with Targeted Near‐infrared Cellular Imaging Property
Authors: Sun Yonghui , Chen Yong , Dai Xianyin , Liu Yu
Published: September 2021

An enzyme responsive supramolecular prodrug with near‐infrared targeted cell imaging property is constructed from organic dye (4‐(3‐(benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl)‐2‐hydroxy‐5‐methylstyryl)‐1‐methylpyridin‐1‐ium) (G), anti‐cancer drug chlorambucil (Cbl−G), water‐soluble cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and biocompatible hyaluronic acid (HA). It is very interesting that CB[7] can not only associate Cbl−G to form supramolecular nanofibers, but also further assemble with targeter HA to form supramolecular nanoparticles with a diameter of about 200 nm. The loading efficiency of Cbl−G in the assembly is calculated to be as high as 98.2%. Cell experiments using HeLa and A549 cancer cells indicated that the prodrug nanoparticles are easily internalized into cancer cells via receptor‐mediated endocytosis, and disassembled under the action of butyrylcholinesterase by cutting the ester bond of prodrug, exhibiting a controlled drug release behavior as well as a simultaneous near‐infrared (NIR) fluorscence imaging in cancer cells. The present research might provide a feasible strategy for in situ monitoring drug delivery and NIR cellular imaging.
Metal‐free Nucleophilic α‐Azidation of α‐Halohydroxamates with Azidotrimethylsilane
Authors: Lee Chang Yoon , Kim Sung‐Gon
Published: September 2021

A mild and metal‐free synthetic method for α‐azido carbonyl derivatives via the nucleophilic α‐azidation of α‐halohydroxamates have been established. The reactions of trimethylsilyl azide with various α‐mono‐ and disubstituted azaoxyallyl cations, generated in situ from α‐halohydroxamates, afforded a wide range of hindered mono‐ and dialkyl α‐azido carbonyl derivatives in good yields in the presence of tetrabutylammonium fluoride as a catalyst.
A Systematic Study of the Effects of Complex Structure on Aryl Iodide Oxidative Addition at Bipyridyl‐Ligated Gold(I) Centers
Authors: Cadge Jamie A. , Bower John F. , Russell Christopher A.
Published: September 2021

A combined theoretical and experimental approach has been used to study the unusual mechanism of oxidative addition of aryl iodides to [bipyAu(C2H4)]+ complexes. The modular nature of this system allowed a systematic assessment of the effects of complex structure. Computational comparisons between cationic gold and the isolobal (neutral) Pd0 and Pt0 complexes revealed similar mechanistic features, but with oxidative addition being significantly favored for the group 10 metals. Further differences between Au and Pd were seen in experimental studies: studying reaction rates as a function of electronic and steric properties showed that ligands bearing more electron‐poor functionality increase the rate of oxidative addition; in a complementary way, electron‐rich aryl iodides give faster rates. This divergence in mechanism compared to Pd suggests that Ar−X oxidative addition with Au can underpin a broad range of new or complementary transformations.
Triggered Reversible Disassembly of an Engineered Protein Nanocage**
Authors: Jones Jesse A. , Cristie‐David Ajitha S. , Andreas Michael P. , Giessen Tobias W.
Published: September 2021

Protein nanocages play crucial roles in sub‐cellular compartmentalization and spatial control in all domains of life and have been used as biomolecular tools for applications in biocatalysis, drug delivery, and bionanotechnology. The ability to control their assembly state under physiological conditions would further expand their practical utility. To gain such control, we introduced a peptide capable of triggering conformational change at a key structural position in the largest known encapsulin nanocompartment. We report the structure of the resulting engineered nanocage and demonstrate its ability to disassemble and reassemble on demand under physiological conditions. We demonstrate its capacity for in vivo encapsulation of proteins of choice while also demonstrating in vitro cargo loading capabilities. Our results represent a functionally robust addition to the nanocage toolbox and a novel approach for controlling protein nanocage disassembly and reassembly under mild conditions.
Highly Selective Tandem Electroreduction of CO2 to Ethylene over Atomically Isolated Nickel–Nitrogen Site/Copper Nanoparticle Catalysts
Authors: Meng Dong‐Li , Zhang Meng‐Di , Si Duan‐Hui , Mao Min‐Jie , Hou Ying , Huang Yuan‐Biao , Cao Rong
Published: September 2021

Herein, an effective tandem catalysis strategy is developed to improve the selectivity of the CO2RR towards C2H4 by multiple distinct catalytic sites in local vicinity. An earth‐abundant elements‐based tandem electrocatalyst PTF(Ni)/Cu is constructed by uniformly dispersing Cu nanoparticles (NPs) on the porphyrinic triazine framework anchored with atomically isolated nickel–nitrogen sites (PTF(Ni)) for the enhanced CO2RR to produce C2H4. The Faradaic efficiency of C2H4 reaches 57.3 % at −1.1 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), which is about 6 times higher than the non‐tandem catalyst PTF/Cu, which produces CH4 as the major carbon product. The operando infrared spectroscopy and theoretic density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the local high concentration of CO generated by PTF(Ni) sites can facilitate the C−C coupling to form C2H4 on the nearby Cu NP sites. The work offers an effective avenue to design electrocatalysts for the highly selective CO2RR to produce multicarbon products via a tandem route.
Effect of metal centers of complexes bearing bipyridine ligand for electrochemical‐ and photochemical‐driven hydrogen evolution
Authors: Wang Chun‐Li , Yang Hao , Du Juan , Zhan Shu‐Zhong
Published: September 2021

In this work, two complexes with bipyridine ligand, [Co (bpy)2(SCN)2] 1 and [Ni (bpy)2(SCN)2] 2 have been prepared and well determined by single crystal X‐crystallography, power X‐ray diffraction (XRD), IR spectra, and so forth. Both exhibit good catalytic activity for electrochemical‐ and photochemical driven‐hydrogen evolution. Complexes 1 and 2 can electro‐catalyze H2 evolution from a neutral buffer (pH 7.0) with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 699.6 and 1469 mol H2/mol catalyst/h at an overpotential (OP) of 837.6 mV, respectively. Under blue light (λ = 469 nm), together with CdS nanorods (CdS NRs) as a photosensitizer, and ascorbic acid as a sacrificial electron donor, complexes 1 and 2 also can photo‐catalyze H2 evolution from water. Under an optimal condition, the turnover numbers (TONs) reach 10,600 (complex 1) and 15,180 (complex 2) mol of H2 per mol of catalyst during 48‐h irradiation, respectively. The average apparent quantum yields (AQYs) of complex 1 and complex 2 are 15.07% and 22.7%, respectively. Electrochemical and photochemical investigations show that the nickel complex has a higher activity for hydrogen evolution than that of the cobalt complex. These results can provide a new insight into design and manufacture of new H2‐production catalyst.
Formulation of silica‐based corn oil transformed polyester acryl amide‐phenol formaldehyde corrosion resistant coating material
Authors: Alam Manawwer , Zafar Fahmina , Ghosal Anujit , Ahmed Mukhtar
Published: September 2021

It is important to check the economic losses due to spontaneous metallic corrosion of major infrastructures, precious equipment's, and ensure the sustainable growth. Fabrication of environmentally benign functional polymeric material by transforming agricultural waste and products into value added polymeric products is of great importance in recent times. Here, we report the formulation of functional hybrid polymeric material using corn oil (CO) as our starting material. The functionality of CO was improved by green route, to produce corn diol fatty amide (HECA). Functionalization of CO was achieved in systematic manner by following green chemistry approach. First, diol fatty amide (HECA) was prepared followed by conversion of terminal OH groups of HECA into acrylic ester using condensation reaction with acrylic acid (AA). The base polymeric moiety was further modified to include phenyl acetylene functionality and SiO2 nanoparticle entities. The formulation of hydrophobic stable polymeric structure is important to sustain highly corrosive environment and long‐lasting performance of the material. The inclusion of different functionality and hydrophobic groups were confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. The baked coating was finalized by addition of phenol formaldehyde polymeric resin in different phr (part per hundred part of resin). The transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and elemental mapping of the coating material confirms the formation of a hybrid material with uniform distribution of inorganic and organic components. The potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic analysis verified the better resistive performance of inorganic hybrid over the counter organic coatings. The enhanced thermal stability, hydrophobic character, and corrosion resistance performance of CO based coating material indicates the potential of the synthesized green route materials.
Risk of thyroid as a first or second primary cancer. A population‐based study in Italy, 1998–2012
Authors: Crocetti Emanuele , Mattioli Veronica , Buzzoni Carlotta , Franceschi Silvia , Serraino Diego , Vaccarella Salvatore , Ferretti Stefano , Busco Susanna , Fedeli Ugo , Varvarà Massimo , Falcini Fabio , Zorzi Manuel , Carrozzi Giuliano , Mazzucco Walter , Gasparotti Cinzia , Iacovacci Silvia , Toffolutti Federica , Cavallo Rossella , Stracci Fabrizio , Russo Antonio G. , Caldarella Adele , Rosso Stefano , Musolino Antonino , Mangone Lucia , Casella Claudia , Fusco Mario , Tagliabue Giovanna , Piras Daniela , Tumino Rosario , Guarda Linda , Dinaro Ylenia M. , Piffer Silvano , Pinna Pasquala , Mazzoleni Guido , Fanetti Anna C. , Dal Maso Luigino ,   for AIRTUM working group
Published: September 2021

Background

The number of patients living after a cancer diagnosis is increasing, especially after thyroid cancer (TC). This study aims at evaluating both the risk of a second primary cancer (SPC) in TC patients and the risk of TC as a SPC.

Methods

We analyzed two population‐based cohorts of individuals with TC or other neoplasms diagnosed between 1998 and 2012, in 28 Italian areas covered by population‐based cancer registries. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of SPC were stratified by sex, age, and time since first cancer.

Results

A total of 38,535 TC patients and 1,329,624 patients with other primary cancers were included. The overall SIR was 1.16 (95% CI: 1.12–1.21) for SPC in TC patients, though no increase was shown for people with follicular (1.06) and medullary (0.95) TC. SPC with significantly increased SIRs was bone/soft tissue (2.0), breast (1.2), prostate (1.4), kidney (2.2), and hemolymphopoietic (1.4) cancers. The overall SIR for TC as a SPC was 1.49 (95% CI: 1.42–1.55), similar for all TC subtypes, and it was significantly increased for people diagnosed with head and neck (2.1), colon–rectum (1.4), lung (1.8), melanoma (2.0), bone/soft tissue (2.8), breast (1.3), corpus uteri (1.4), prostate (1.5), kidney (3.2), central nervous system (2.3), and hemolymphopoietic (1.8) cancers.

Conclusions

The increased risk of TC after many other neoplasms and of few SPC after TC questions the best way to follow‐up cancer patients, avoiding overdiagnosis and overtreatment for TC and, possibly, for other malignancies.
Tai Chi for cancer survivors: A systematic review toward consensus‐based guidelines
Authors: Yang Lin , Winters‐Stone Kerri , Rana Benny , Cao Chao , Carlson Linda E. , Courneya Kerry S. , Friedenreich Christine M. , Schmitz Kathryn H.
Published: September 2021

To manage acute, long‐term, and late effects of cancer, current guidelines recommend moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity aerobic and resistance exercise. Unfortunately, not all cancer survivors are able or willing to perform higher intensity exercise during difficult cancer treatments or because of other existing health conditions. Tai Chi is an equipment‐free, multicomponent mind–body exercise performed at light‐to‐moderate intensity that may provide a more feasible alternative to traditional exercise programs for some cancer survivors. This systematic review evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of Tai Chi across the cancer care continuum. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, and CINAHL databases for interventional studies from inception to 18 September 2020. Controlled trials of the effects of Tai Chi training on patient‐reported and objectively measured outcomes in cancer survivors were included. Study quality was determined by the RoB 2 tool, and effect estimates were evaluated using the Best Evidence Synthesis approach. Twenty‐six reports from 14 trials (one non‐randomized controlled trial) conducted during (n = 5) and after treatment (after surgery: n = 2; after other treatments: n = 7) were included. Low‐level evidence emerged to support the benefits of 40–60 min of thrice‐weekly supervised Tai Chi for 8–12 weeks to improve fatigue and sleep quality in cancer survivors. These findings need to be confirmed in larger trials and tested for scaling‐up potential. Insufficient evidence was available to evaluate the effects of Tai Chi on other cancer‐related outcomes. Future research should examine whether Tai Chi training can improve a broader range of cancer outcomes including during the pre‐treatment and end of life phases.
The Influence of Environmental Conditions on Secondary Metabolites in Medicinal Plants: A Literature Review
Authors: Pant Poonam , Pandey Sudip , Dall'Acqua Stefano
Published: September 2021

Medicinal plants, a source of different phytochemical compounds, are now subjected to a variety of environmental stresses during their growth and development. Different ecologically limiting factors including temperature, carbon dioxide, lighting, ozone, soil water, soil salinity and soil fertility has significant impact on medicinal plants′ physiological and biochemical responses, as well as the secondary metabolic process. Secondary metabolites (SMs) are useful for assessing the quality of therapeutic ingredients and nowadays, these are used as important natural derived drugs such as immune suppressant, antibiotics, anti‐diabetic, and anti‐cancer. Plants have the ability to synthesize a variety of secondary metabolites to cope with the negative effects of stress. Here, we focus on how individual environmental variables influence the accumulation of plant secondary metabolites. A total of 48 articles were found to be relevant to the review topic during our systematic review. The review showed the influence of different environmental variables on SMs production and accumulation is complex suggesting the relationship are not only species‐specific but also related to increases and decline in SMs by up to 50 %. Therefore, this review improves our understanding of plant SMs ability to adapt to key environmental factors. This can aid in the efficient and long‐term optimization of cultivation techniques under ambient environmental conditions in order to maximize the quality and quantity of SMs in plants.
Supporting undocumented community college students
Authors: Ngo Federick , Hinojosa Juanita K.
Published: September 2021

Community colleges are a critical access point to higher education for undocumented students, yet undocumented community college students often report feelings of constrained inclusion due to the limitations created by their citizenship status (Negrón‐Gonzales, 2017). In this article, we review existing research on undocumented students in 2‐year colleges, discussing the policies and practices that can be implemented to support undocumented community college students. Supportive policies include tuition and aid policy, college promise programs, and dual enrollment. Supportive campus environments can be facilitated through flexible scheduling, clear and accessible information, mental health resources, staff training and professional development, funding dedicated staff positions, and creating undocumented student resource centers.
Statewide apprenticeships: Building pathways in community and technical colleges
Authors: Anderson Lexi , Keily Tom
Published: September 2021

As employers look for skilled individuals to fill high‐demand jobs, registered apprenticeships provide opportunities for people to engage in dedicated on‐the‐job training in conjunction with related classroom instruction that directly links to a career path. The benefit of related instruction in tandem to on‐the‐job training is clear; however, the connection between postsecondary education and apprenticeships is less clear. Historically, states have looked to community and technical colleges to provide the related instruction required for registered apprenticeships. This article takes a deeper dive into how three states coordinate training for registered apprenticeships across a range of industries through community and technical colleges. The authors conducted surveys with key stakeholders coordinating registered apprenticeships in the state. Based on the surveys, the article provides historical perspectives of apprenticeships, overviews of statewide apprenticeship programs, and state policy considerations for future innovation.
Exploring the relationship between community colleges’ participation in SARA and enrollment in distance education
Authors: Weeden Dustin D. , Lee Jason C. , Tandberg David A. , Bruecker Ellie M.
Published: September 2021

With the growth in distance education programs and other interstate activities, community colleges increasingly need to be authorized by multiple states. State authorization provides the legal approval for postsecondary education providers to offer credentials and conduct related activities. Participation in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) allows an institution to provide distance education to students in other SARA‐member states by honoring its original state authorization through interstate reciprocity. For community colleges, SARA reduces the administrative burden to participate in distance education. This article examines trends in SARA participation and the relationship between this participation and distance education enrollment. Using NC‐SARA and IPEDS data, we find that participation in SARA has grown rapidly, particularly among colleges with higher online enrollments. Distance education enrollments have likewise grown at community colleges, suggesting that SARA has successfully helped institutions maintain and grow multistate distance education programs.
Molecular Catalysis of Electrochemical Reactions: Competition between Reduction of the Substrate and Deactivation of the Catalyst by a Cosubstrate Application to N2O Reduction
Authors: Deeba Rana , Chardon‐Noblat Sylvie , Costentin Cyrille
Published: September 2021

In the context of molecular catalysis of electrochemical reactions, the competition between reduction of the substrate and deactivation of the catalyst by a cosubstrate is investigated. It is a frequent situation because proton donors are ubiquitous cosubstrates in reductive electrochemical reactions and molecular catalysts, either transition metal complexes or organic aromatic molecules, and are often prone to electrohydrogenation. We provide a formal kinetic analysis in the framework of cyclic voltammetry, and we show that the response is governed by two parameters and that the competition does not depend on the scan rate. From this analysis a methodology is proposed to analyze such systems and then illustrated via the study of N2O to N2 electroreduction catalyzed by 4‐cyanopyridine in acetonitrile electrolyte with water as proton donor. Incidentally, new insights into the mechanism of 4‐cyanopyridine radical anion protonation are revealed.
A cross‐flow rotating packed bed toward desulphurization of marine exhaust gas
Authors: Cai Yong , Li Yan‐Bin , Fei Jia , Luo Yong , Wen Zhang‐Nan , Chu Guang‐Wen
Published: September 2021

The marine exhaust gas containing SO2leads to serious impacts on human health and marine environments. Due to the strict emission standard of marine exhaust gas and the limited space of ships, desulphurization process intensification is urgent. Herein, a cross‐flow rotating packed bed (CF‐RPB) with a compact size was developed toward desulphurization of marine exhaust gas. According to the emission standards of different sea areas, the characteristics of simulated open seawater desulphurization (OSD) and closed alkali desulphurization (CAD) were systematically evaluated. The respective correlations forKyaof OSD and CAD were proposed to predict the height of CF‐RPB. The desulphurization efficiencies of 86% in the OSD and 97% in the CAD were achieved in a three‐stage CF‐RPB, satisfying the emission standard. Compared with the traditional spray tower, the CF‐RPB has a higher mass transfer coefficient with a smaller volume, which has great potential for desulphurization of marine exhaust gas.
Time series barley germination is predictable and associated with known seed dormancy loci
Authors: Rooney Travis E. , Sweeney Daniel W. , Sorrells Mark E.
Published: September 2021

Preharvest sprouting (PHS) resistance is essential in malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) production to prevent damage caused by late season moisture but may be negatively correlated with malting quality traits. The germination percentage and germination rate (GI) in malting barley are measures of both PHS resistance and suitability for malting. Functional principal component analysis (FPCA) and logistic regression on time series spring malting barley GE and GI were performed to identify genetic regions associated with germination trait changes from 0 to 22 wk after maturity. Both analysis methods identified the SD1 and SD2 regions known to affect germination traits, as well as one novel locus on chromosome 6H at 473 Mbp. Several other associations were detected with a single analysis method. Genomic prediction (GP) was used in conjunction with the time series models to test GE and GI predictability over time. Germination traits of unobserved lines at unobserved times were predicted with high accuracy using ridge regression GP coupled with FPCA or logistic regression. The results demonstrate applicability of time series data analysis in determining genetics of germination trait changes in malting barley and that time series germination is predictable. Threshold traits calculated with these time series models, such as the after‐ripening time needed until a line achieves a GE of 95%, can be used as an estimate for dormancy duration, which will be useful in breeding for combined PHS resistance and malting quality.
A meta‐analysis of combining ability effects in wheat for agronomic traits and drought adaptation: Implications for optimizing biomass allocation
Authors: Shamuyarira Kwame W. , Shimelis Hussein , Mathew Isack , Zengeni Rebecca , Chaplot Vincent
Published: September 2021

Combining ability effects for yield related traits can serve as selection criteria to pursue breeding for optimal biomass allocation in wheat (Triticum aestivum). The objective of this paper is to provide information based on a retrospective quantitative genetic analysis on combining ability studies of wheat for yield and yield‐related traits to predict potential genetic gains achievable in improving biomass allocation for drought tolerance and soil carbon storage. The study compares data on the general combining ability and specific combining ability effects of wheat for yield and related traits under optimum and drought stressed conditions from 40 studies around the world. Days to heading (DTH), plant height (PH), number of tillers per plant (TN), kernels per spike (KPS), 1,000‐kernel weight (TKW), shoot biomass (SB), and grain yield (GY) exhibited wide variation for general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability effects. Progeny performance increased by 14.30 and 4.04% for SB and GY, respectively, compared with parental values under optimum water conditions. Number of tillers and SB exhibited positive associations with GY (.45 ≤r≤ .85,p < .05) under both water conditions. Meta effect sizes for drought stress were negative. The highest meta‐effect sizes were calculated for DTH (−4.5) followed by SB (−2.0), whereas KPS (−1.25) had the lowest. The genetic gains for PH, SB, and other yield components showed that divergent crosses involving complementary parents could enhance biomass allocation patterns in wheat. This could be used as a basis for improving biomass allocation to roots.
Choosing priors in Bayesian ecological models by simulating from the prior predictive distribution
Authors: Wesner Jeff S. , Pomeranz Justin P. F.
Published: September 2021

Bayesian data analysis is increasingly used in ecology, but prior specification remains focused on choosing non‐informative priors (e.g., flat or vague priors). One barrier to choosing more informative priors is that priors must be specified on model parameters (e.g., intercepts, slopes, and sigmas), but prior knowledge often exists on the level of the response variable. This is particularly true for common models in ecology, like generalized linear mixed models that have a link function and potentially dozens of parameters, each of which needs a prior distribution. We suggest that this difficulty can be overcome by simulating from the prior predictive distribution and visualizing the results on the scale of the response variable. In doing so, some common choices for non‐informative priors on parameters can easily be seen to produce biologically impossible values of response variables. Such implications of prior choices are difficult to foresee without visualization. We demonstrate a workflow for prior selection using simulation and visualization with two ecological examples (predator–prey body sizes and spider responses to food competition). This approach is not new, but its adoption by ecologists will help to better incorporate prior information in ecological models, thereby maximizing one of the benefits of Bayesian data analysis.
Emerging Carbonyl Polymers as Sustainable Electrode Materials for Lithium‐Free Metal‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Qing , Dou Yu , He Qiming , Deng Shuyi , Huang Qihua , Huang Shaozhuan , Yang Yingkui
Published: September 2021

Lithium‐ion batteries using inorganic electrode materials have been long demonstrated as the most promising power supplies for portable electronics, electric vehicles, and smart grids. However, the increasing cost and descending availability of lithium resources in combination with the limited electrochemical performance and eco‐sustainability have created serious concerns with the competitiveness of lithium‐ion batteries. There is a pressing need for the discovery of new redox chemistries between the alternative host materials and charge carriers. Organic nonlithium batteries using organic electrodes have recently attracted considerable interests as the future substitutes for energy storage systems, because of their combined merits (e.g., natural abundance, rich chemistry of organics, rapid kinetics, and multielectron redox) of Li‐free batteries and organic electrodes. Herein, an overview on the state‐of‐the‐art developments of emerging carbonyl polymers for nonlithium metal‐ion batteries is comprehensively presented with a primary focus on polyquinones and polyimides from the perspective of chain engineering. Six distinct categories, including monovalent (Na+, K+) and multivalent (Mg2+, Zn2+, Ca2+, Al3+) metal‐ions batteries are individually outlined. Advantages of polymer electrode materials and characteristics of charge storage mechanisms are highlighted. Some key performance parameters such as specific capacity, rate capability, and cycle stability are carefully discussed. Moreover, aqueous nonlithium batteries based on carbonyl polymers are specially scrutinized due to the less reactivity of Li‐free metals when exposed in aqueous electrolytes and ambient atmosphere. Current challenges and future prospects of developing polymer‐based batteries are proposed finally. This review provides a fundamental guidance for the future advancement of next‐generation sustainable batteries beyond lithium‐ion batteries.
Stability Issues of Perovskite Solar Cells: A Critical Review
Authors: Dipta Shahriyar Safat , Uddin Ashraf
Published: September 2021

The efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has risen rapidly over the past decade, and it has already crossed the 25% mark. However, stability has long been the bottleneck toward the commercialization of these devices. Perovskite is inherently vulnerable to moisture, high temperature, UV light, and other environmental factors, which naturally come in contact during operation. Moreover, degradation of the device is also associated with the hole transport layer (HTL), electron transport layer (ETL), and buffer layers. The mechanisms for PSCs’ physical, chemical, structural, and environmental instabilities are discussed critically herein, along with recent efforts made by various groups to overcome these stability issues. Comparison is made among different engineering techniques to stabilize the devices. Moreover, the lack of unified criteria for stability tests of PSCs is discussed. Different degradation mechanisms are collated and compared and recent approaches of different groups on stability analysis from a neutral point of view are critically evaluated. Finally, this review urges future research to focus on novel materials for different layers which are reasonably lattice matched and stable with perovskite layer and use suitable encapsulation techniques for proper sealing of the device against degrading substances.
Adaptive dynamic duty cycle mechanism for energy efficient medium access control in wireless multimedia sensor networks
Authors: Ahmed Adel A. , Abazeed Mohammed
Published: September 2021

Multimedia applications require significantly higher bandwidth than conventional textual applications. Furthermore, multimedia stream requires time sensitive and involves high‐energy consumption, which become more challenging on resource constrained networks such as wireless multimedia sensor network (WMSN). As a result, developing an energy efficient algorithm to prolong the network lifetime is the main reoccurring issue in WMSN. Although the duty cycling mechanism has been proven to be an efficient solution for energy saving in various WSN applications, the tradeoff between energy efficiency and quality of service (QoS) on WMSN remains striking. In this article, an adaptive dynamic duty cycle mechanism for energy‐efficient medium access control (ADE‐MAC) is proposed for WMSNs. ADE‐MAC uses a unique asynchronous duty cycle approach to schedule the sleep pattern of each sensor node which can be adapted according to the incoming traffic rate and queuing delay at each node. In the proposed system, the overhead of synchronization is avoided because every node has its own scheduling sleep, and the only sender node must wake up the receiver nodes by using preambles packets. The findings that result from comprehensive simulation show that ADE‐MAC outperforms the baseline approaches in term of delivery ratio by 12%, less packet overhead by 28%, less end‐to‐end delay by 19%, and less power consumption by 41% compared to the baseline mechanisms.
Resource efficiency and pilot decontamination in XL‐MIMO double‐scattering correlated channels
Authors: Taniguchi Lígia May , de Souza João Henrique Inacio , Guerra David William Marques , Abrão Taufik
Published: September 2021

In extra‐large scale massive MIMO (XL‐MIMO) systems, due to the large antenna array physical dimensions, the received signal at the base‐station (BS) results in spatial non‐stationarities and visibility regions (VRs), limited regions of the array which are visible to the users equipments (UEs). In crowded XL‐MIMO scenarios, the reuse of pilot sequences is a path to provide massive connectivity, principally when the radio resources are scarce. However, such reuse increases the intra‐cell interference, since UEs sharing the same pilot sequences may have overlapped VRs. Thus, despite the minimum mean‐squared error (MMSE) combiner having a high computational complexity, its capability in mitigating the pilot contamination, and even in eliminating such effect in asymptotic antenna regime, justify its use to provide massive connectivity with high spectral efficiency (SE). In this work, we evaluate the performance of the MMSE combiner in XL‐MIMO systems in terms of the SE, energy efficiency (EE), resource efficiency (RE), and capability of eliminating the intra‐cell pilot contamination. The MMSE channel estimator is deployed to estimate the channel vectors. Indeed, the performance of the zero‐forcing combiner and the randomized Kaczmarz regularized zero‐forcing combiner is evaluated and compared with the MMSE scheme. For modeling the XL‐MIMO propagation channel, we use the double‐scattering channel model, which considers clusters of scatterers on both the BS‐side and the UE‐side to model the spatial channel correlation. In parallel, we develop the analysis considering the single‐scattering channel model, a useful simplification of the double‐scattering channel model. The numerical results reveal that, at the cost of a high computational complexity, the MMSE combiner achieves remarkable SE and EE results. However, such superior performance is limited by the number of antennas, being recommended for cases where the size of the VR (number of active antennas) is reduced.
Development and characterization of a unique anti‐IgE mouse monoclonal antibody cross‐reactive between human and canine IgE
Authors: Kumagai Akiko , Nara Takuya , Uematsu Mizuho , Kakinuma Yoko , Saito Takashi , Masuda Kenichi
Published: September 2021

Background

The efficacy assessment of human anti‐IgE monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in animal models before clinical trials is hampered due to the lack of cross‐reactivity of anti‐IgE mAbs between species.

Objective

We developed CRE‐DR (an anti‐dog IgE monoclonal antibody), an anti‐IgE mouse mAb that recognizes canine and human IgE, and then examined its IgE specificity and cross‐reactivity between three animal and human species.

Methods

After mouse immunization with a synthetic peptide derived from canine IgE (282NTNDWIEGETYYC294), we generated a hybridoma producing CRE‐DR. The CRE‐DR purified from the ascites of hybridoma‐inoculated mice was used for ELISA and Western blot analysis to examine reactivity to dog, human, and rodent IgEs as well as recombinant bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐conjugated to canine, human, and rodent IgE amino acid peptides corresponding to the immunizing sequence. We then performed enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for dog IgE using sera from dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD) after inhibition with canine IgE and IgG. The amino acid sequence recognized by CRE‐DR was identified by ELISA using synthetic peptides.

Results

CRE‐DR is a monoclonal mouse IgG1κ specific for dog IgE, and the ELISA values in atopic dog sera were inhibited by dog IgE, but not dog IgG. The binding of CRE‐DR to human IgE was relatively maintained, but not to rodent IgEs, which results were confirmed with the BSA‐conjugated IgE peptides of the various species. The CRE‐DR reactivity was supported by the comparison of amino acid sequence of CRE‐DR epitope, DWIEGETYYC, in dog IgE; one, two, and three amino acids were substituted in the human, rat, and mouse IgE epitopes, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

CRE‐DR is a mAb cross‐reactive to dog and human IgEs, which can allow the use of a dog model of allergy to test the efficacy of a CRE‐DR‐derived anti‐IgE therapeutic mAb before human clinical trials.
Extracellular vesicles synchronize cellular phenotypes of differentiating cells
Authors: Minakawa Tomohiro , Matoba Tetsuya , Ishidate Fumiyoshi , Fujiwara Takahiro K. , Takehana Sho , Tabata Yasuhiko , Yamashita Jun K.
Published: September 2021

During embryonic development, cells differentiate in a coordinated manner, aligning their fate decisions and differentiation stages with those of surrounding cells. However, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate this synchrony. Here we show that cells in close proximity synchronize their differentiation stages and cellular phenotypes with each other via extracellular vesicle (EV)‐mediated cellular communication. We previously established a mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) line harbouring an inducible constitutively active protein kinase A (CA‐PKA) gene and found that the ESCs rapidly differentiated into mesoderm after PKA activation. In the present study, we performed a co‐culture of Control‐ESCs and PKA‐ESCs, finding that both ESC types rapidly differentiated in synchrony even when PKA was activated only in PKA‐ESCs, a phenomenon we named ‘Phenotypic Synchrony of Cells (PSyC)’. We further demonstrated PSyC was mediated by EVs containing miR‐132. PKA‐ESC‐derived EVs and miR‐132‐containing artificial nano‐vesicles similarly enhanced mesoderm and cardiomyocyte differentiation in ESCs and ex vivo embryos, respectively. PSyC is a new form of cell‐cell communication mediated by the EV regulation of neighbouring cells and could be broadly involved in tissue development and homeostasis.
Hybrid of the 1,2,3‐triazole nucleus and sesquiterpene skeleton as a potential antitumor agent: Hemisynthesis, molecular structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis, density functional theory, and in vitro cytotoxic and apoptotic effects
Authors: Bimoussa Abdoullah , Oubella Ali , Laamari Yassine , Fawzi Mourad , Hachim Mouhi Eddine , Ait Itto My Youssef , Morjani Hamid , Ketatni El Mostafa , Mentre Olivier , Auhmani Aziz
Published: September 2021

A new 1,2,3‐triazole sesquiterpenic named (4aR,5aS,7aR,10aR,10bR)‐10‐benzyl‐5,5‐dichloro‐1,1,4a,7a‐tetramethyl‐1,2,3,4,4a,5,7a,10,10a,10b decahydrocyclopropa[2′,3′]cyclohepta [1′,2′:3,4]benzo[1,2‐d][1,2,3]triazol‐7(6H)‐one was synthesized by a dipolar cycloaddition 1,3 between benzyl azide and α,β‐unsaturated sesquiterpene ketone catalyzed by titanium tetrachloride TiCl4. It was obtained with a good yield and characterized using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction technique, infra red (IR) spectroscopy, High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS), UV‐Visible, and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopies. The optimization by the density functional theory (DFT) method was carried out to study the formation mechanism of the derivative. The selected compounds 1–4 exhibited anticancer activities in vitro against namely fibrosarcoma (HT‐1080), lung carcinoma (A‐549), and breast (MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cell lines with IC50 in the range of 10.02–44.71 μM). In addition to using flow cytometry and the apoptosis assay, cell cycle arrest at the S phase (10 μM) and G2/M arrest in (5 and 10 μM) was performed for compound 4 in fibrosarcoma (HT‐1080) cancer cells. Results suggested that compound 4 test with good activity against HT‐1080 cells with IC50 value from 10.02 μM and induced the apoptotic effect. Theoretical studies were realized to estimate the molecular proprieties that lead to a high potential of cytotoxic effect, which is in agreement with the experimental results.
Role of bioelectrochemical systems for the remediation of emerging contaminants from wastewater: A review
Authors: Ahmad Azhan , Priyadarshani Monali , Das Sovik , Ghangrekar Makarand Madhao
Published: September 2021

Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) are a unique group of wastewater remediating technology that possesses the added advantage of valuable recovery with concomitant wastewater treatment. Moreover, due to the application of robust microbial biocatalysts in BESs, effective removal of emerging contaminants (ECs) can be accomplished in these BESs. Thus, this review emphasizes the recent demonstrations pertaining to the removal of complex organic pollutants of emerging concern present in wastewater through BES. Owing to the recalcitrant nature of these pollutants, they are not effectively removed through conventional wastewater treatment systems and thereby are discharged into the environment without proper treatment. Application of BES in terms of ECs removal and degradation mechanism along with valuables that can be recovered are discussed. Moreover, the factors affecting the performance of BES, like biocatalyst, substrate, salinity, and applied potential are also summarized. In addition, the present review also elucidates the occurrence and toxic nature of ECs as well as future recommendations pertaining to the commercialization of this BES technology for the removal of ECs from wastewater. Therefore, the present review intends to aid the researchers in developing more efficient BESs for the removal of ECs from wastewater.