bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Directional Polarized Light Emission from Thin‐Film Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Fu Xiangyu , Mehta Yash , Chen Yi‐An , Lei Lei , Zhu Liping , Barange Nilesh , Dong Qi , Yin Shichen , Mendes Juliana , He Siliang , Gogusetti Renuka , Chang Chih‐Hao , So Franky
Published: January 2021

Light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) with directional and polarized light emission have many photonic applications, and beam shaping of these devices is fundamentally challenging because they are Lambertian light sources. In this work, using organic and perovskite LEDs (PeLEDs) for demonstrations, by selectively diffracting the transverse electric (TE) waveguide mode while suppressing other optical modes in a nanostructured LED, the authors first demonstrate highly directional light emission from a full‐area organic LED with a small divergence angle less than 3° and a TE to transverse magnetic (TM) polarization extinction ratio of 13. The highly selective diffraction of only the TE waveguide mode is possible due to the planarization of the device stack by thermal evaporation and solution processing. Using this strategy, directional and polarized emission from a perovskite LED having a current efficiency 2.6 times compared to the reference planar device is further demonstrated. This large enhancement in efficiency in the PeLED is attributed to a larger contribution from the TE waveguide mode resulting from the high refractive index in perovskite materials.
Seamlessly Integrable Optoelectronics for Clinical Grade Wearables
Authors: Polat Emre Ozan
Published: January 2021

Health and fitness wearables present viable solutions for public wellbeing by providing remote personal control and clinical intervention through telemedicine networks. Due to their noninvasive and continuous vital sign monitoring, optoelectronic wearables are incorporated in number of studies to identify the onset and progression of the Coronavirus pandemic, and institutions deployed patient surveillance networks based on them. Today's optoelectronic wearables rely on rigid light emitting and sensing technologies that are vulnerable to motion artifacts due to discontinuous skin contact. However, wearable‐based digital health systems require the extraction of clinical grade data for the actionable outcomes. Therefore, optoelectronic technologies that provide clinical grade data through seamless skin integration are in high demand. The seamlessly integrable optoelectronic technologies for wearable based digital health solutions are discussed here. The review of highlighted wearable optoelectronic materials and technologies provides a benchmark, therefore helps to define pathways through the realization of clinical grade wearables rising as strong contenders for the public health strategies.
Avidity‐Based Selection of Tissue‐Specific CAR‐T Cells from a Combinatorial Cellular Library of CARs
Authors: Ma Peixiang , Ren Ping , Zhang Chuyue , Tang Jiaxing , Yu Zheng , Zhu Xuekai , Fan Kun , Li Guanglei , Zhu Wei , Sang Wei , Min Chenyu , Chen Wenzhang , Huang Xingxu , Yang Guang , Lerner Richard A.
Published: January 2021

Using T‐cell chimeric antigen receptors (CAR‐T) to activate and redirect T cells to tumors expressing the cognate antigen represents a powerful approach in cancer therapy. However, normal tissues with low expression of tumor‐associated antigens (TAAs) can be mistargeted, resulting in severe side effects. An approach using a collection of T cells expressing a diverse, 106‐member combinatorial cellular library of CARs, in which members can be specifically enriched based on avidity for cell membrane antigens, is reported. Using CD38 as the target antigen, an efficient and effective selection of CARs specifically recognizing CD38+ tumor cells is demonstrated. These selected CAR‐T's produce cytokines known to be associated with T cell activation in a CD38 expression‐dependent manner. This avidity‐based selection endows the engineered T cells with minimal off‐tumor effects, while retaining robust antitumor efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. The described method may facilitate the application of CAR‐T therapy to TAAs previously considered undruggable.
Extreme Energy Dissipation via Material Evolution in Carbon Nanotube Mats
Authors: Hyon Jinho , Lawal Olawale , Thevamaran Ramathasan , Song Ye Eun , Thomas Edwin L.
Published: January 2021

Thin layered mats comprised of an interconnected meandering network of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are subjected to a hypersonic micro‐projectile impact test. The mat morphology is highly compliant and while this leads to rather modest quasi‐static mechanical properties, at the extreme strain rates and large strains resulting from ballistic impact, the MWCNT structure has the ability to reconfigure resulting in extraordinary kinetic energy (KE) absorption. The KE of the projectile is dissipated via frictional interactions, adiabatic heating, tube stretching, and ultimately fracture of taut tubes and the newly formed fibrils. The energy absorbed per unit mass of the film can range from 7–12 MJ kg−1, much greater than any other material.
Hierarchical Micro‐Nanoclusters of Bimetallic Layered Hydroxide Polyhedrons as Advanced Sulfur Reservoir for High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Qiu Weilong , Li Gaoran , Luo Dan , Zhang Yongguang , Zhao Yan , Zhou Guofu , Shui Lingling , Wang Xin , Chen Zhongwei
Published: January 2021

Rational construction of sulfur electrodes is essential in pursuit of practically viable lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Herein, bimetallic NiCo‐layered double hydroxide (NiCo‐LDH) with a unique hierarchical micro‐nano architecture is developed as an advanced sulfur reservoir for Li–S batteries. Compared with the monometallic Co‐layered double hydroxide (Co‐LDH) counterpart, the bimetallic configuration realizes much enriched, miniaturized, and vertically aligned LDH nanosheets assembled in hollow polyhedral nanoarchitecture, which geometrically benefits the interface exposure for host–guest interactions. Beyond that, the introduction of secondary metal intensifies the chemical interactions between layered double hydroxide (LDH) and sulfur species, which implements strong sulfur immobilization and catalyzation for rapid and durable sulfur electrochemistry. Furthermore, the favorable NiCo‐LDH is architecturally upgraded into closely packed micro‐nano clusters with facilitated long‐range electron/ion conduction and robust structural integrity. Due to these attributes, the corresponding Li–S cells realize excellent cyclability over 800 cycles with a minimum capacity fading of 0.04% per cycle and good rate capability up to 2 C. Moreover, highly reversible areal capacity of 4.3 mAh cm−2 can be achieved under a raised sulfur loading of 5.5 mg cm−2. This work provides not only an effective architectural design but also a deepened understanding on bimetallic LDH sulfur reservoir for high‐performance Li–S batteries.
Overcoming Phase‐Purity Challenges in Complex Metal Oxide Photoelectrodes: A Case Study of CuBi2O4
Authors: Gottesman Ronen , Levine Igal , Schleuning Markus , Irani Rowshanak , Abou‐Ras Daniel , Dittrich Thomas , Friedrich Dennis , van de Krol Roel
Published: January 2021

The widespread application of solar‐water‐splitting for energy conversion depends on the progress of photoelectrodes that uphold stringent criteria from photoabsorber materials. After investigating almost all possible elemental and binary semiconductors, the search must be expanded to complex materials. Yet, high structural control of these materials will become more challenging with an increasing number of elements. Complex metal‐oxides offer unique advantages as photoabsorbers. However, practical fabrication conditions when using glass‐based transparent conductive‐substrates with low thermal‐stability impedes the use of common synthesis routes of high‐quality metal‐oxide thin‐film photoelectrodes. Nevertheless, rapid thermal processing (RTP) enables heating at higher temperatures than the thermal stabilities of the substrates, circumventing this bottleneck. Reported here is an approach to overcome phase‐purity challenges in complex metal‐oxides, showing the importance of attaining a single‐phase multinary compound by exploring large growth parameter spaces, achieved by employing a combinatorial approach to study CuBi2O4, a prime candidate photoabsorber. Pure CuBi2O4 photoelectrodes are synthesized after studying the relationship between the crystal‐structures, synthesis conditions, RTP, and properties over a range of thicknesses. Single‐phase photoelectrodes exhibit higher fill‐factors, photoconversion efficiencies, longer carrier lifetimes, and increased stability than nonpure photoelectrodes. These findings show the impact of combinatorial approaches alongside radiative heating techniques toward discovering highly efficient multinary photoabsorbers.
The Other Half: An Examination of Monthly Food Pantry Cycles in the Context of SNAP Benefits
Authors: Byrne Anne T. , Just David R.
Published: January 2021

This study contributes to the growing literature on household resource allocation across time by examining monthly cycles of food pantry visitation. This study uses 13 years of data from over 40,000 households who visited the Food Bank for Larimer County in Northern Colorado. Analysis reveals that pantry visitation fluctuates dramatically by day of the month and is highest at the end of the month among the general pantry client population. Further analysis examines these monthly cycles with consideration for the Colorado SNAP distribution schedule, with results that suggest pantry visitation increases when SNAP benefits run out.

JEL CLASSIFICATION

D15 (Intertemporal Household Choice); Q18 (Food Policy)
Efficient structure synthesis of reactive distillation processes using the IDEAS approach
Authors: Takase Hiroshi , Okayama Naoki , Hasebe Shinji
Published: January 2021

A new synthesis method for reactive distillation processes is proposed. At each stage of a column, vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) is assumed and kinetically controlled reaction in liquid phase is considered. First, the liquid composition space is divided into small subspaces. Then, for each subspace a representative liquid composition is decided and assigned to a module corresponding to a stage of a distillation column. Then, after the calculation of the VLE and the reaction rate, the distribution network (superstructure) connecting all modules by vapor and liquid flow paths is constructed. The feature of the proposed model is that all constraints are linear to the optimization variables: the liquid and vapor flow rate and the liquid hold‐up. The developed method was applied to the metathesis reaction of 2‐pentene, and a completely new process structure was obtained. The effectiveness of the implied structure was confirmed through a comparison with conventional structures.
Population genomics of a reindeer lichen species from North American lichen woodlands
Authors: Alonso‐García Marta , Grewe Felix , Payette Serge , Villarreal A. Juan Carlos
Published: January 2021

PREMISE

Lichens are one of the main structural components of plant communities in the North American boreal biome. They play a pivotal role in lichen woodlands, a large ecosystem situated north of the closed‐crown forest zone, and south of the forest–tundra zone. In Eastern Canada (Quebec), there is a remnant LW found 500 km south of its usual distribution range, in theParc National des Grands‐Jardins, originated mainly because of wildfires. We inferred the origin of the lichenCladonia stellarisfrom this LW and assessed its genetic diversity in a postfire succession.

METHODS

We genotyped 122 individuals collected across a latitudinal gradient in Quebec. Using the software Stacks,we compared four different approaches of locus selection and single‐nucleotide polymorphism calling. We identified the best fitting approach to investigate population structure and estimate genetic diversity ofC. stellaris.

RESULTS

Populations in southern Quebec are not genetically different from those of northern LWs. The species consists of at least four phylogenetic lineages with elevated levels of genetic diversity and low co‐ancestry. InParc National des Grands‐Jardins, we reported high values of genetic diversity not related with time since fire disturbance and low genetic differentiation among populations with different fire histories.

CONCLUSIONS

This first population genomic study ofC. stellarisis an important step forward to understand the origin and biogeographic patterns of lichen woodlands in North America. Our findings also contribute to the understanding of the effect of postfire succession on the genetic structure of the species.
Metal‐Organic Cages with Missing Linker Defects
Authors: Tang Xianhui , Chu Dandan , Gong Wei , Cui Yong , Liu Yan
Published: January 2021

We present here the controlled synthesis of defective coordination cages by employing steric hindrance of organic linkers to manipulate coordination modes of the assembled metal ions. Three chiral 1,1′‐bi‐2‐naphthol (BINOL) derived bis‐tridentate ligands L1–L3 with pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxamides (pcam) chelating moieties are therefore designed and synthesized, among which L3 has a smaller steric hindrance on the coordinating sites relative to the other two linkers. Complexes of L1 and L2 with lanthanides afford the irregular Ln8(L1)10 hexahedra with two missing edges and Ln4(L2)5 tetrahedra with one missing edge, respectively, both of which contain a 1:1 mixture of Ln(pcam)2 and Ln(pcam)3. In contrast, complex of L3 produces the regular twisted Ln6(L3)9 trigonal prisms without missing edges that contain only Ln(pcam)3 vertices. The defective cage has more freedom to adjust its structural conformation, affording adaptable cavity to accommodate a range of guest molecules with sizes comparable or much larger than the cavity portals.
Photo‐responsive Helical Motion by Light‐Driven Molecular Motors in a Liquid‐Crystal Network
Authors: Hou Jiaxin , Mondal Anirban , Long Guiying , de Haan Laurens , Zhao Wei , Zhou Guofu , Liu Danqing , Broer Dirk J. , Chen Jiawen , Feringa Ben L.
Published: January 2021

Controlling sophisticated motion by molecular motors is a major goal on the road to future actuators and soft robotics. Taking inspiration from biological motility and mechanical functions common to artificial machines, responsive small molecules have been used to achieve macroscopic effects, however, translating molecular movement along length scales to precisely defined linear, twisting and rotary motions remain particularly challenging. Here, we present the design, synthesis and functioning of liquid‐crystal network (LCN) materials with intrinsic rotary motors that allow the conversion of light energy into reversible helical motion. In this responsive system the photochemical‐driven molecular motor has a dual function operating both as chiral dopant and unidirectional rotor amplifying molecular motion into a controlled and reversible left‐ or right‐handed macroscopic twisting movement. By exploiting the dynamic chirality, directionality of motion and shape change of a single motor embedded in an LC‐network, complex mechanical motions including bending, walking and helical motion, in soft polymer materials are achieved which offers fascinating opportunities toward inherently photo‐responsive materials.
Traceless Removal of Two Kernel Atoms in a Gold Nanocluster and Its Impact on Photoluminescence
Authors: Zhou Yue , Liao Lingwen , Zhuang Shengli , Zhao Yan , Gan Zibao , Gu Wanmiao , Li Jin , Deng Haiteng , Xia Nan , Wu Zhikun
Published: January 2021

Removing or adding kernel atoms of metal nanoclusters (NCs) without leaving a trace is a substantial challenge because the kernel atoms are inside and covered by the outer staples. However, such kernel tuning is very important for improving the properties and acquiring an in‐depth understanding of the kernel‐property correlation. Photoluminescence (PL) is one of the most intriguing characteristics of metal NCs but has not been well understood until now. Inspired by these challenges/questions, we conducted this study and, for the first time, achieved the traceless removal of two kernel atoms in a gold nanocluster by applying a simple thermal treatment and revealed its impact on PL. Further, we demonstrated that the kernel Au‐Au bond length can be an indicator for a comparison of the PL or kernel charge state between nanoclusters with similar kernel structures and sizes.
Monascus pigment‐mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: Catalytic, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity
Authors: Zhang Rui , Yu Jiyuan , Guo Xiaoyu , Li Weidong , Xing Yunhan , Wang Yurong
Published: January 2021

In order to explore green and efficient methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were rapidly synthesized assisted by the Monascus pigments under simulated sunlight. Prepared AgNPs were characterized using various analytical tools such as ultraviolet‐visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Zeta, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM)–energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). There is an absorption peak at 410 nm in the UV–Vis absorption spectrum, which confirms the formation of AgNPs. XRD results affirmed that the synthesized AgNPs were crystalline in nature and preferentially oriented in (111) plane. The morphology of the nanoparticles was found to be spherical by SEM and particle size analysis study revealed the average particle size to be 18.10 ± 0.30 nm. Zeta potential measurement showed excellent stability of AgNPs with negative values of −9.2 ± 0.66 mV. The FT‐IR study represented involvement of functional groups in AgNPs synthesis. The biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity with zones of inhibition of 9.1, 14.5, and 18.0 mm against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Through the determination of hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity, ABTS radical scavenging capacity, total reducing power, and total antioxidant capacity, it is proved that the AgNPs have certain antioxidant capacity. In addition, AgNPs could catalyze the degradation of methylene blue, methyl orange, and congo red with a pseudo first‐order rate constants of 0.07998, 0.24666, and 0.11805 min−1, respectively. Overall studies indicated that the Monascus pigments could be used to prepare AgNPs with potential antibacterial, antioxidant, and extraordinary catalytic activity. It can be used in biomedical applications, commercial food packaging, pathogen mitigation, and industrial waste water management.
Insight on Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of biguanide derivatives developed as effective antimicrobial and antitumour agents
Authors: Badea Mihaela , Grecu Maria Nicoleta , Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen , Bleotu Coralia , Popa Marcela , Iorgulescu Emilia Elena , Avram Speranța , Uivarosi Valentina , Munteanu Alexandra‐Cristina , Ghica Daniela , Olar Rodica
Published: January 2021

Six compounds of the types [M(dmbg)2]·nH2O ((1) M: Ni, n = 0; (4) M: Cu, n = 1; Hdmbg: N,N′‐dimethylbiguanide) and, respectively, [ML]·nH2O (where (2) M: Ni, L: L1, n = 0; (3) M: Ni, L: L2, n = 0; (5) M: Cu, L: L1, n = 0 and (6) M: Cu, L: L2, n = 3, H2L1: ligand resulted from the condensation of (1) with ammonia and formaldehyde and H2L2: ligand resulted from the condensation of (4) with hydrazine and formaldehyde) were characterized as mononuclear species through information provided by NMR, electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and UV–Vis spectroscopy as well as cyclic voltammetry. All data are consistent with macrocyclic formation by condensation. The complexes adopt a distorted square planar geometry resulting from the chelating behaviour of the corresponding ligands. The EPR spectra recorded after the addition of Cu(II) complexes into the corresponding Ni(II) complexes show a well resolved hyperfine structure with the superhyperfine pattern corresponding to four nitrogen atom donors. The cathodically shift of Epc2 for both series can be correlated with the increased stability of the M(I) species through macrocyclic ligands. Geometry optimization studies for complexes (2), (3), (5) and (6) have further confirmed the experimental data. The pharmacokinetic computational results indicate that the complexes exhibit medium to low intestinal absorption and slow blood–brain barrier permeability but low toxicity. Their predictive pharmacodynamic profiles show that the compounds present the ability to inhibit protease activity. By corroborating the results of the in silico analysis with the experimental ones, the most promising complexes for antimicrobial applications are (1) and (2) and, respectively, (4) and (6) for the development of novel antitumour strategies.
Stretchable, mechanically resilient, and high electromagnetic shielding polymer/MXene nanocomposites
Authors: Aakyiir Mathias , Kingu Mary‐Ann Stephen , Araby Sherif , Meng Qingshi , Shao Junyan , Amer Yousef , Ma Jun
Published: January 2021

The increasingly disturbing electromagnetic wave pollution has intensified research for high‐performance shielding materials to protect humans and the environment. It remains a great challenge to combine high electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance with mechanical robustness and stretchability. These crucial features have been simultaneously achieved in this work by using a facile method to prepare elastomer/MXene nanocomposites. An EMI shielding effectiveness of 49 dB was obtained from a 1‐mm thick nanocomposite film at 19.6 vol% of MXene; the film has a density of 1.25 g/cm3. The outstanding electrical conductivity of MXene – 4350 ± 125 S·cm−1 – provided free charge carriers in the matrix to absorb electromagnetic signals, leading to the dominance of absorption mechanism over reflection mechanism. Owing to a nanofiller modification step, the nanocomposite films demonstrated not only outstanding EMI shielding but sufficient strength and stretchability. A nanocomposite at 14.0 vol% exhibited Young's modulus of 15.85 ± 0.75 MPa and tensile strength 25.94 ± 0.81 MPa with elongation at break of 170 ± 5.6%, which relates to high stretchability. These impressive properties make our nanocomposites suitable for use in harsh environments as well as applications in stretchable devices, protective clothing, aerospace, aircraft, and automotive industries.
Characterization and Function of Tumor Necrosis Factor and Interleukin‐6–Induced Osteoclasts in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Yokota Kazuhiro , Sato Kojiro , Miyazaki Takashi , Aizaki Yoshimi , Tanaka Shinya , Sekikawa Miyoko , Kozu Noritsune , Kadono Yuho , Oda Hiromi , Mimura Toshihide
Published: January 2021

Objective

We have previously reported that stimulation of mouse bone marrow–derived macrophages with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) induces differentiation of osteoclast‐like cells. We undertook this study to clarify the characterization and function of human TNF and IL‐6–induced osteoclasts using peripheral blood collected from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy donors.

Methods

Peripheral blood monocytes were cultured with a combination of TNF and IL‐6, TNF alone, IL‐6 alone, or with RANKL, and their bone resorption ability was evaluated. Expression levels of NFATc1, proinflammatory cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinase 3 were analyzed. The effects of NFAT inhibitor and JAK inhibitor were examined. Furthermore, the relationship between the number of TNF and IL‐6–induced osteoclasts or RANKL‐induced osteoclasts differentiated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with RA and the modified total Sharp score (mTSS) or whole‐body bone mineral density (BMD) was examined.

Results

Peripheral blood monocytes stimulated with a TNF and IL‐6–induced osteoclasts were shown to demonstrate the ability to absorb bone matrix. Cell differentiation was not inhibited by the addition of osteoprotegerin. Stimulation with a combination of TNF and IL‐6 promoted NFATc1 expression, whereas the NFAT and JAK inhibitors prevented TNF and IL‐6–induced osteoclast formation. Expression levels of IL1β, TNF, IL12p40, and MMP3 were significantly increased in TNF and IL‐6–induced osteoclasts, but not in RANKL‐induced osteoclasts. The number of TNF and IL‐6–induced osteoclasts differentiated from PBMCs in patients with RA positively correlated with the mTSS, whereas RANKL‐induced osteoclast numbers negatively correlated with the whole‐body BMD of the same patients.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that TNF and IL‐6–induced osteoclasts may contribute to the pathology of inflammatory arthritis associated with joint destruction, such as RA.
The energy budget of the transition of a neutron star into the third family branch
Authors: Alvarez‐Castillo David E.
Published: January 2021

Transition of a compact star into the third family for an equation of state (EoS) featuring mass twins is considered. The energy released at a baryon number conserving the transition of static compact stars configurations is computed for two sets of models for comparison. The EoS of choice is the density‐dependent functional DD2 EoS with excluded model corrections for hadronic matter, which suffers a phase transition into deconfined quark matter described by a constant speed of sound approach. The two sets of EoS models feature different compact star mass onsets that maximize the energy and radius difference at the transition while simultaneously fulfilling state‐of‐the‐art constraints from multimessenger astronomy and empirical nuclear data. The maximal energy budget at the transitions was found to fall in the range of 1049 − 1052 ergs.
Luteolin, inflammation and cancer: Special emphasis on gut microbiota
Authors: Franza Laura , Carusi Valentina , Nucera Eleonora , Pandolfi Franco
Published: January 2021

Luteolin belongs to the family of flavonoids, which have anti‐inflammatory functions, potentially useful in a clinical context, particularly for patients suffering from cancer, neuropsychiatric disorders, inflammatory bowel conditions. This peculiarity has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, for many different diseases. Its anti‐inflammatory effects might be particularly relevant in cancer, with some studies reporting anti‐angiogenesis, anti‐metastatic, and apoptotic effects on cancer cells by luteolin and other flavonoids. In this article, we analyze the anti‐inflammatory role of luteolin, discussing the pathways it may act on. We will then discuss the possible role of microbiota in inflammatory modulation by luteolin. Finally, the possible therapeutic applications of luteolin's anti‐inflammatory properties will be analyzed, with a particular focus on cancer.
Extending the shikimate pathway for microbial production of maleate from glycerol in engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Sheng Huakang , Jing Yijie , An Ning , Shen Xiaolin , Sun Xinxiao , Yan Yajun , Wang Jia , Yuan Qipeng
Published: January 2021

Maleate is one of the most important unsaturated four‐carbon dicarboxylic acids. It serves as an attractive building block in cosmetic, polymer, and pharmaceutical industries. Currently, industrial production of maleate relies mainly on chemical synthesis using benzene or butane as the starting materials under high temperature, which suffers from strict reaction conditions and low product yield. Here, we propose a novel biosynthetic pathway for maleate production in engineered Escherichia coli. We screened a superior salicylate 5‐hydroxylase that can catalyze hydroxylation of salicylate into gentisate with high conversion rate. Then, introduction of salicylate biosynthetic pathway and gentisate ring cleavage pathway allowed the synthesis of maleate from glycerol. Further optimizations including enhancement of precursors supply, disruption of competing pathways, and construction of a pyruvate recycling system, boosted maleate titer to 2.4 ± 0.1 g/L in shake flask experiments. Subsequent scale‐up biosynthesis of maleate in a 3‐L bioreactor under fed‐batch culture conditions enabled the production of 14.5 g/L of maleate, indicating a 268‐fold improvement compared with the titer generated by the wildtype E. coli strain carrying the entire maleate biosynthetic pathway. This study provided a promising microbial platform for industrial level synthesis of maleate, and demonstrated the highest titer of maleate production in microorganisms so far.
MicroRNA‐145 transcriptionally regulates Semaphorin 3A expression in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Barlak Neslisah , Capik Ozel , Kilic Ahsen , Sanli Fatma , Aytatli Abdulmelik , Yazici Aysenur , Karatas Elanur Aydin , Ortucu Serkan , Karatas Omer Faruk
Published: January 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most prevalent cancer types among males. Differential expression of microRNAs is associated with various cancers including PCa. Although mature microRNAs are preferentially located in the cytoplasm, several studies identified mature human microRNAs in purified nuclei and miR‐145 has been found to be predominantly expressed in the nuclei of benign tissues compared to tumor lesions. However, the nuclear functions of miR‐145 are yet limited. Here, we aimed at investigating the inductive role of miR‐145 on the expression of Semaphorin 3A (SEMA3A) in PCa cell lines. To study the regulatory potential of miR‐145 in the transcriptional level in PCa, we overexpressed miR‐145 in PC3 and DU145 cells, and confirmed its upregulation by quantitative‐real‐time‐PCR. Then we investigated the tumor suppressor potential of miR‐145 upon inducing SEMA3A expression using cell viability assay, western blot analysis, Chromatin Immunoprecipitation assay and luciferase reporter assay. Our results revealed that p53, miR‐145, and SEMA3A expressions are significantly downregulated in PC3 and DU145 cells compared to nontumorigenic prostate epithelial PNT1a cells. miR‐145 overexpression in PCa cells induced the expression of SEMA3A at both messenger RNA and protein levels. Furthermore, increased miR‐145 expression enriched RNA Pol‐II antibody on the promoter of SEMA3A and induced luciferase activity controlled by SEMA3A promoter. In this study, we showed that the functions of miR‐145 are not limited to gene silencing, and found that it may lead to changes in gene expression in the transcriptional level.
Severe oropharyngeal dysphagia following COVID‐19: a case report
Authors: De Vincentis Giulia , Ferrari Chiara , Guerini Rocco Dario
Published: January 2021

Dysphagia may occur after a prolonged intubation due to COVID‐19 but it is usually mild. Case reports on severe dysphagia following COVID‐19 are infrequent. Diagnosis can be difficult because international indications recommend avoiding instrumental assessments as far as possible because of the infection risk. An early rehabilitation treatment is recommended.
Fatal temozolomide induced aplastic anemia in a female with Glioblastoma multiforme : A case report and literature review
Authors: Ata Fateen , Akkam Veettil Safna Farsana , Gaber Mohammed , Omar Nabil E. , Madani Ammar , Mah. Afifi Hebatalla , Aldardouri Meeloud M. , Amer Aliaa , Kohla Samah , Zar Gul Abdul Rehman
Published: January 2021

When seeing patients on Temozolomide with pancytopenia, aplastic anemia secondary to the drug should be considered early in the differentials to avoid permanent hematological suppression.
Diethylene Glycol/NaBr Catalyzed CO2 Insertion into Terminal Epoxides: From Batch to Continuous Flow
Authors: Rigo Davide , Calmanti Roberto , Perosa Alvise , Selva Maurizio , Fiorani Giulia
Published: January 2021

CO2 insertion reactions on terminal epoxides (styrene oxide, 1,2‐epoxyhexane and butyl glycidyl ether) were performed in a binary homogeneous mixture comprising NaBr as the nucleophilic catalyst and diethylene glycol (DEG) as both solvent and catalyst activator (cation coordinating agent). The reaction protocol was initially studied under batch conditions either in autoclaves and glass reactors: quantitative formation of the cyclic organic carbonate products (COCs) were achieved at T=100 °C and p0(CO2)=1–40 bar. The process was then transferred to continuous‐flow (CF) mode. The effects of the reaction parameters (T, p(CO2), catalyst loading, and flow rates) were studied using microfluidic reactors of capacities variable from 7.85 ⋅ 10−2 to 0.157 cm3. Albeit the CF reaction took place at T=220 °C and 120 bar, CF improved the productivity and allowed catalyst recycle through a semi‐continuous extraction procedure. For the model case of 1,2‐epoxyhexane, the (non‐optimized) rate of formation of the corresponding carbonate, 4‐butyl‐1,3‐dioxolan‐2‐one, was increased up to 27.6 mmol h−1 equiv.−1, a value 2.5 higher than in the batch mode. Moreover, the NaBr/DEG mixture was reusable without loss of performance for at least 4 subsequent CF‐tests.
Biomass‐Derived Activated Carbon for High‐Performance Supercapacitor Electrode Applications
Authors: Merin Pulikkottil , Jimmy Joy P. , Muralidharan M. N. , Veena Gopalan E. , Seema Ansari
Published: January 2021

Activated carbon is the most widely used electrode material in electrochemical double‐layer capacitors. Cashew nutshell‐derived activated carbon (CNSAC) exhibits a highly porous structure with reasonable surface area and high pore volume, which indicates that it is a good electrode material. Electrochemical characterizations confirmed the formation of the electric double layer in the system with high specific capacitance and excellent retention in capacitance even after thousand cylces of charge/discharge. It is found that CNSAC has great potential as a low‐cost and environmentally friendly electrode material for highly efficient supercapacitors.
Gaseous Hydrogen Sulfide Removal Using Macroalgae Biochars Modified Synergistically by H2SO4/H2O2
Authors: Chen Hui , Han Xuan , Liu Yangxian
Published: January 2021

A novel H2SO4/H2O2 combining modification was used to modify two kinds of macroalgae (Sargassum and Enteromorpha) biochars to remove gaseous H2S. Desulfurization performance, mechanism, and kinetics of the biochars were studied. The proposed H2SO4/H2O2 combining modification greatly improves the desulfurization performance of biochars. Compared with common adsorbents, the biochars achieve better desulfurization effects. Desulfurization processes follow the pseudo‐first‐order model and external mass transfer is the control step. H2S adsorption over biochars means physical adsorption, while chemical adsorption is auxiliary. H2SO4/H2O2 combining modification improves the desulfurization performance by enhancing the pore structure and increasing O‐containing functional groups.
A bubble structure dependent drag model for CFD simulation of bi‐disperse gas‐solid flow in bubbling fluidizations
Authors: Du Shaohua , Liu Lijun
Published: January 2021

In this work, the bi‐disperse gas‐solid flow system inside a grid cell is decomposed into subsystems, and a bubble structure dependent drag model is proposed. The bi‐disperse drag correlation derived from direct numerical simulation is coupled to calculate the drag coefficient in subsystems. The effects of slip velocity, particle composition concentration, and solid concentration gradient are considered in the novel drag model. Three simulation cases are carried out to validate the effectiveness of the novel drag model. It is found that smaller particles strongly influence the heterogeneity of larger particles. Solids concentration gradient is obvious at the bubble surface, gas inlet, and the bed upper surface, indicating the dramatic change of interphase drag force in these regions. Simulation results predicted by the novel drag model are more accurate than the traditional drag model. The comparison between 2D and 3D simulations for a pseudo‐2D fluidized bed are also presented.
Synthesis and in Vitro Evaluation of Novel 5‐Nitroindole Derivatives as c‐Myc G‐Quadruplex Binders with Anticancer Activity
Authors: Nimbarte Vijaykumar D. , Wirmer‐Bartoschek Julia , Gande Santosh L. , Alshamleh Islam , Seibert Marcel , Nasiri Hamid Reza , Schnütgen Frank , Serve Hubert , Schwalbe Harald
Published: January 2021

Lead‐optimization strategies for compounds targeting c‐Myc G‐quadruplex (G4) DNA are being pursued to develop anticancer drugs. Here, we investigate the structure‐activity‐ relationship (SAR) of a newly synthesized series of molecules based on the pyrrolidine‐substituted 5‐nitro indole scaffold to target G4 DNA. Our synthesized series allows modulation of flexible elements with a structurally preserved scaffold. Biological and biophysical analyses illustrate that substituted 5‐nitroindole scaffolds bind to the c‐Myc promoter G‐quadruplex. These compounds downregulate c‐Myc expression and induce cell‐cycle arrest in the sub‐G1/G1 phase in cancer cells. They further increase the concentration of intracellular reactive oxygen species. NMR spectra show that three of the newly synthesized compounds interact with the terminal G‐quartets (5′‐ and 3′‐ends) in a 2 : 1 stoichiometry.
Impact of ferrous sulfate concentration on Clarireedia isolate growth and dollar spot development
Authors: Shelton C. D. , Askew S. D. , Ervin E. H. , McCall D. S.
Published: January 2021

Dollar spot is a common disease of both warm‐ and cool‐season amenity turfgrasses caused by Clarireedia species. Previous field studies have shown dollar spot suppression with 48.8 kg ha−1 ferrous sulfate heptahydrate. In vitro research suggests that 100–1,000 mg L−1 ferrous sulfate concentrations suspended in agar will directly inhibit Clarireedia mycelial growth. The impact of ferrous sulfate concentration on dollar spot development in situ is not clearly defined. Our research explored five field rates and five concentrations of ferrous sulfate against dollar spot development in situ and Clarireedia growth in‐vitro, respectively. Field‐applied rates included 0, 4.88, 24.4, 48.8, and 97.6 kg ha−1 ferrous sulfate. Our data indicate a nonlinear relationship between ferrous sulfate rate and dollar spot development, with 26.4 kg ha−1 required for 50% dollar spot suppression and only a 10% increase in suppression with previously reported rates of 48.8 kg ha−1. Ferrous sulfate suppressed dollar spot on both golf course fairways and putting greens. Radial mycelial growth of four isolates were modeled using ferrous sulfate‐amended agar at concentrations of 0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg kg−1. Effective concentration required to suppress Clarireedia growth by 50% ranged from 511 to 687 mg L−1 and varied by isolate, though the relationships for all had a negative linear relationship of mycelial growth to concentration. Radial growth of the two isolates collected from warm‐season grasses grew faster than two isolates collected from cool‐season grasses.
Push‐Pull Electronic Effects in Surface‐Active Sites Enhance Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution on Transition Metal Oxides
Authors: Garcés‐Pineda Felipe Andrés , Chuong Nguyën Huu , Blasco‐Ahicart Marta , García‐Tecedor Miguel , de Fez Febré Mabel , Tang Peng‐Yi , Arbiol Jordi , Giménez Sixto , Galán‐Mascarós José Ramón , López Núria
Published: January 2021

Sustainable electrocatalysis of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) constitutes a major challenge for the realization of green fuels. Oxides based on Ni and Fe in alkaline media have been proposed to avoid using critical raw materials. However, their ill‐defined structures under OER conditions make the identification of key descriptors difficult. Here, we have studied Fe−Ni−Zn spinel oxides, with a well‐defined crystal structure, as a platform to obtain general understanding on the key contributions. The OER reaches maximum performance when: (i) Zn is present in the Spinel structure, (ii) very dense, equimolar 1 : 1 : 1 stoichiometry sites appear on the surface as they allow the formation of oxygen vacancies where Zn favors pushing the electronic density that is pulled by the octahedral Fe and tetrahedral Ni redox pair lowering the overpotential. Our work proves cooperative electronic effects on surface active sites as key to design optimum OER electrocatalysts.
The Misconception of Mg2+ Insertion into Prussian Blue Analogue Structures from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Komayko Alena I. , Ryazantsev Sergey V. , Trussov Ivan A. , Arkharova Natalya A. , Presnov Denis E. , Levin Eduard E. , Nikitina Victoria A.
Published: January 2021

Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) are commonly believed to reversibly insert divalent ions, such as calcium and magnesium, rendering them as perspective cathode materials for aqueous magnesium‐ion batteries. In this study, the occurrence of Mg2+ insertion into nanosized PBA materials is shown to be a misconception and conclusive evidence is provided for the unfeasibility of this process for both cation‐rich and cation‐poor nickel, iron, and copper hexacyanoferrates. Based on structural, electrochemical, IR spectroscopy, and quartz crystal microbalance data, the charge compensation of PBA redox can be attributed to protons rather than to divalent ions in aqueous Mg2+ solution. The reversible insertion of protons involves complex lattice water rearrangements, whereas the presence of Mg2+ ion and Mg salt anion stabilizes the proton (de)insertion reaction through local pH effects and anion adsorption at the PBA surface. The obtained results draw attention to the design of proton‐based batteries operating in environmentally benign aqueous solutions with low acidity.
Adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure does not alter responsiveness to ifenprodil or expression of vesicular GABA and glutamate transporters
Authors: Dannenhoffer Carol A. , Werner David F. , Varlinskaya Elena I. , Spear Linda P.
Published: January 2021

Adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure in the rat results in a retention of adolescent‐like responsiveness to ethanol into adulthood characterized by enhanced sensitivity to socially facilitating and decreased sensitivity to socially suppressing and aversive effects. Similar pattern of responsiveness to social and aversive effects of the selective glutamate NMDA NR2B receptor antagonist ifenprodil is evident in adolescent rats, suggesting that AIE would also retain this pattern of ifenprodil sensitivity into adulthood. Social (Experiment 1) and aversive (measured via conditioned taste aversion; Experiment 2) effects of ifenprodil were assessed in adult male and female rats following AIE exposure. Sensitivity to the social and aversive effects of ifenprodil was not affected by AIE exposure. Experiment 3 assessed protein expression of vesicular transporters of GABA (vGAT) and glutamate (vGlut2) within the prelimbic cortex and nucleus accumbens in adolescents versus adults and in AIE adults versus controls. vGlut2 expression was higher in adolescents relative to adults within the PrL, but lower in the NAc. AIE adults did not retain these adolescent‐typical ratios. These findings suggest that AIE is not associated with the retention of adolescent‐typical sensitivity to NR2B receptor antagonism, along with no AIE‐induced shift in vGlut2 to vGAT ratios.
Inter‐ and intrasex habitat partitioning in the highly dimorphic southern elephant seal
Authors: Hindell Mark A. , McMahon Clive R. , Jonsen Ian , Harcourt Robert , Arce Fernando , Guinet Christophe
Published: January 2021

Partitioning resources is a key mechanism for avoiding intraspecific competition and maximizing individual energy gain. However, in sexually dimorphic species it is difficult to discern if partitioning is due to competition or the different resource needs of morphologically distinct individuals. In the highly dimorphic southern elephant seal, there are intersexual differences in habitat use; at Iles Kerguelen, males predominantly use shelf waters, while females use deeper oceanic waters. There are equally marked intrasexual differences, with some males using the nearby Kerguelen Plateau, and others using the much more distant Antarctic continental shelf (~2,000 km away). We used this combination of inter and intrasexual behavior to test two hypotheses regarding habitat partitioning in highly dimorphic species. (a) that intersexual differences in habitat use will not appear until the seals diverge in body size and (b) that some habitats have higher rates of energy return than others. In particular, that the Antarctic shelf would provide higher energy returns than the Kerguelen Shelf, to offset the greater cost of travel. We quantified the habitat use of 187 southern elephant seals (102 adult females and 85 subadult males). The seals in the two groups were the same size (~2.4 m) removing the confounding effect of body size. We found that the intersexual differences in habitat use existed before the divergence in body size. Also, we found that the amount of energy gained was the same in all of the major habitats. This suggests that the use of shelf habitats by males is innate, and a trade‐off between the need to access the large benthic prey available on shelf waters, against the higher risk of predation there. Intrasexual differences in habitat use are another trade‐off; although there are fewer predators on the Antarctic shelf, it is subject to considerable interannual fluctuations in sea‐ice extent. In contrast, the Kerguelen Plateau presents more consistent foraging opportunities, but contains higher levels of predation. Habitat partitioning in this highly dimorphic species is therefore the result of complex interplay of life history strategies, environmental conditions and predation pressure.
Ruthenium(II)‐Catalyzed C−H Activation/Annulation of Aromatic Hydroxamic Acid Esters with Enamides Leading to Aminal Motifs
Authors: Dana Suman , Sureshbabu Popuri , Giri Chandan Kumar , Baidya Mahiuddin
Published: January 2021

Hydroxamic acid ester directed C(sp2)−H activation/annulation strategy has been reported employing electron‐rich enamides under Ru(II)‐catalysis to access aminal frameworks. Both N‐vinyl acetamide and N‐vinyl formamide delivered aminals bearing dihydroisoquinolinone motif in good yields. Under modified reaction conditions, vinyl acetate bestowed the selective formation of 3,4‐unsubstituted isoquinolones. The protocol operates under mild conditions, where the C−H ruthenation step is reversible and apparently not the rate‐determining step.
Experimental investigation to enhance the low‐temperature nitrogen oxide emission reduction in biodiesel exhaust using selective catalytic reduction with direct ammonia injection and manganese cerium zirconia catalyst
Authors: Joseph Jayanth , Pachamuthu Senthilkumar , Solomon Jenoris Muthiya , Sathyamurthy Ravishankar
Published: January 2021

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) employs AdBlue, a reducing agent over a catalytic surface to reduce the oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emission in diesel engines. SCR's inherent problem is its poor cold start performance at exhaust temperatures below 150°C. In the current work, the researcher has discussed the investigation of two techniques to enhance low‐temperature NOx conversion and combined them to achieve the best results. First, AdBlue injection was replaced by gaseous ammonia injection. The gaseous ammonia was generated by heating solid ammonia precursor materials such as solid urea and ammonium carbonate. Second, to improve the catalytic performance, MnCeZrOx catalysts were introduced instead of conventional CuZ catalysts. MnCeZrOx were prepared in the laboratory using its component materials. The prepared catalyst was tested through SEM and EDAX analysis. The newly developed SCR system was tested and compared with a conventional Adblue‐CuZ SCR. The results revealed with diesel fuel at exhaust temperatures below 150°C the ammonia‐MnCeZrOx SCR system gave a 90% increase in NOx reduction compared to the conventional system. With biodiesel blend jatropha B20 the conversion was greater than 80% from 100 to 150°C. A maximum NOx conversion of 95% was obtained for diesel and 93% for jatropha Biodiesel blend B20.