bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Class of Chiral Nematic Phase with Helical Polar Order
Authors: Nishikawa Hiroya , Araoka Fumito
Published: July 2021

A novel chiral nematic phase with a polar helical order is realized via the introduction of helical twisting power into a polar nematogen. The properties of the induced polar nematic (polar cholesteric: Np*) phase differ from those of the conventional cholesteric (N*) phases existing thus far. Np*, which is a new class of N* structures, is characterized not only by its helically twisted nematic director, but also by a continuously twisted polarization. Transmission spectroscopy and helical pitch measurements in a wedge cell revealed that the half‐helical pitch in the Np* phase vanished because of the polar response in the Np* helix. The inner polar director in the Np* phase is confirmed in dielectric and second‐harmonic‐generation studies. Furthermore, this unique Np*LC, which corresponds to a half‐/full‐pitch helix, enables ultrafast electro‐optic switching (τ < 20 µs), and proposes new potential applications for electrically interchangeable photonic bandgaps.
Iron Single Atom Catalyzed Quinoline Synthesis
Authors: Chen Zhongxin , Song Jingting , Peng Xinwen , Xi Shibo , Liu Jia , Zhou Wenhui , Li Runlai , Ge Rile , Liu Cuibo , Xu Haisen , Zhao Xiaoxu , Li Haohan , Zhou Xin , Wang Lu , Li Xing , Zhong Linxin , Rykov Alexandre I. , Wang Junhu , Koh Ming Joo , Loh Kian Ping
Published: July 2021

The production of high‐value chemicals by single‐atom catalysis is an attractive proposition for industry owing to its remarkable selectivity. Successful demonstrations to date are mostly based on gas‐phase reactions, and reports on liquid‐phase catalysis are relatively sparse owing to the insufficient activation of reactants by single‐atom catalysts (SACs), as well as, their instability in solution. Here, mechanically strong, hierarchically porous carbon plates are developed for the immobilization of SACs to enhance catalytic activity and stability. The carbon‐based SACs exhibit excellent activity and selectivity (≈68%) for the synthesis of substituted quinolines by a three‐component oxidative cyclization, affording a wide assortment of quinolines (23 examples) from anilines and acetophenones feedstock in an efficient, atom‐economical manner. Particularly, a Cavosonstat derivative can be synthesized through a one‐step, Fe1‐catalyzed cyclization instead of traditional Suzuki coupling. The strategy is also applicable to the deuteration of quinolines at the fourth position, which is challenging by conventional methods. The synthetic utility of the carbon‐based SAC, together with its reusability and scalability, renders it promising for industrial scale catalysis.
A Nearly Packaging‐Free Design Paradigm for Light, Powerful, and Energy‐Dense Primary Microbatteries
Authors: Yue Xiujun , Johnson Alissa C. , Kim Sungbong , Kohlmeyer Ryan R. , Patra Arghya , Grzyb Jessica , Padmanabha Akaash , Wang Min , Jiang Zhimin , Sun Pengcheng , Kiggins Chadd T. , Ates Mehmet N. , Singh Sonika V. , Beale Evan M. , Daroux Mark , Blake Aaron J. , Cook John B. , Braun Paul V. , Pikul James H.
Published: July 2021

Billions of internet connected devices used for medicine, wearables, and robotics require microbattery power sources, but the conflicting scaling laws between electronics and energy storage have led to inadequate power sources that severely limit the performance of these physically small devices. Reported here is a new design paradigm for primary microbatteries that drastically improves energy and power density by eliminating the vast majority of the packaging and through the use of high‐energy‐density anode and cathode materials. These light (50–80 mg) and small (20–40 µL) microbatteries are enabled though the electroplating of 130 µm‐thick 94% dense additive‐free and crystallographically oriented LiCoO2 onto thin metal foils, which also act as the encapsulation layer. These devices have 430 Wh kg−1 and 1050 Wh L−1 energy densities, 4 times the energy density of previous similarly sized microbatteries, opening up the potential to power otherwise unpowerable microdevices.
Spontaneous Formation of Upper Gradient 2D Structure for Efficient and Stable Quasi‐2D Perovskites
Authors: Li Dengxue , Xing Zhi , Huang Lu , Meng Xiangchuan , Hu Xiaotian , Hu Ting , Chen Yiwang
Published: July 2021

Highly efficient and stable quasi‐2D hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) using hydrophobic 4‐(trifluoromethyl) benzylamine (4TFBZA) as the spacer cation are successfully demonstrated. It is found that the incorporation of hydrophobic 4TFBZA into MAPbI3 can effectively induce a spontaneous upper gradient 2D (SUG‐2D) structure, passivate the trap states, and restrain the ion motion. Meanwhile, the strong hydrogen bonding of F···HN between 4TFBZA ions and methylamine ions can effectively suppress the decomposition of perovskite, which gives the device a better thermal stability. Besides, due to the SUG‐2D structure with hydrophobic 4TFBZA, the device also exhibits a better moisture stability. The SUG‐2D‐structure‐based device exhibits a power conversion efficiency of 17.07% with a high open‐circuit voltage of 1.10 V and a notable fill factor of 71%. This work provides a new strategy for constructing efficient and stable quasi‐2D PSCs, and it is an inspiration for the packaging strategy of perovskites.
Near‐Infrared‐Light Remote‐Controlled Activation of Cancer Immunotherapy Using Photothermal Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles
Authors: Fu Xuancheng , Huang Yiming , Zhao Hao , Zhang Endong , Shen Qi , Di Yufei , Lv Fengting , Liu Libing , Wang Shu
Published: July 2021

Remote control of the therapeutic process is an ideal strategy for maximizing efficacy and avoiding side effects, especially for cancer immunotherapy. Herein, a conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs)‐mediated optogenetic system for in situ activation of immunotherapy under near‐infrared laser irradiation is reported. This system is composed of photothermal CPNs and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) plasmid driven by heat shock promoter HSP70. The photothermally responsive CPNs serve as a photo–heat nanotransducer to trigger the gene transcription of IFN‐γ cytokine. The secreted IFN‐γ from cancer cells can sufficiently elicit surrounding tumor‐associated macrophages activation through IFN‐γ‐JAK‐STAT1 transcription‐factor signaling pathway and finally induce cancer cell killing by immunotherapy. Therefore, this synergetic optogenetic system provides a promising approach to remotely control the process of cancer immunotherapy.
Heliotracking Device using Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Actuators
Authors: Guo Hongye , Saed Mohand O. , Terentjev Eugene M.
Published: July 2021

Many living organisms in nature respond to light stimulus and track the light source. Inspired by this, and to maximize the light‐harvesting ability of solar cells, here, a spontaneous helio‐tracking device based on the differential light‐induced actuation of liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) is demonstrated. The synthesis of the actuator material involves a robust thiol “click” polymerization, while the addition of indocyanine green (ICG) dye imparts the sensitivity to broad‐spectrum and near‐infrared light. Highly reproducible thermal and photo‐induced linear actuation is demonstrated. The device is based on a freely pivoting payload platform held in place by several linear LCE actuators around the 360° circumference. The side of the device, which is exposed to light, has the actuators contracting and tilting the platform toward the light source. As the light source (e.g., the Sun) is moving around the device, the platform tilt followed, always exposing the payload face to the light; in the dark, the device recovers its neutral position.
Chemokine‐Capturing Wound Contact Layer Rescues Dermal Healing
Authors: Schirmer Lucas , Atallah Passant , Freudenberg Uwe , Werner Carsten
Published: July 2021

Excessive inflammation often impedes the healing of chronic wounds. Scavenging of chemokines by multiarmed poly(ethylene glycol)‐glycosaminoglycan (starPEG‐GAG) hydrogels has recently been shown to support regeneration in a diabetic mouse chronic skin wound model. Herein, a textile‐starPEG‐GAG composite wound contact layer (WCL) capable of selectively sequestering pro‐inflammatory chemokines is reported. Systematic variation of the local and integral charge densities of the starPEG‐GAG hydrogel component allows for tailoring its affinity profile for biomolecular signals of the wound milieu. The composite WCL is subsequently tested in a large animal (porcine) model of human wound healing disorders. Dampening excessive inflammatory signals without affecting the levels of pro‐regenerative growth factors, the starPEG‐GAG hydrogel‐based WCL treatment induced healing with increased granulation tissue formation, angiogenesis, and deposition of connective tissue (collagen fibers). Thus, this biomaterials technology expands the scope of a new anti‐inflammatory therapy toward clinical use.
A Surface Coordination Interphase Stabilizes a Solid‐State Battery
Authors: Yang Ya‐Nan , Jiang Fang‐Ling , Li Yi‐Qiu , Wang Zhao‐Xi , Zhang Tao
Published: July 2021

Solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) show potential in addressing the safety issues of liquid batteries, but the poor interface contact between them and the electrodes hinders practical applications. Here, coordination chemistry of nitrile groups based on succinonitrile (SCN) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is studied on the surface of Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO) SSE to build the chemical bonded electrolyte/electrode interfaces. The coordination of the nitrile group and LLZTO is clarified. A deformable PAN‐modifying SCN electrolyte (PSE) interphase with stable ionic conductivity (10−4 S cm−1) and high lithium‐ion transference number (0.66) is fabricated on the surface of LLZTO electrolyte based on the coordination competition of nitrile groups. Once applied to SSBs, it endows low interface resistance and strong bonding for the electrolyte/electrode interfaces so that the initial Coulomb efficiency reaches 95.6 % and the capacity remains 99 % after 250 cycles at 25 °C.
Ethane‐Based Catalytic Process for Vinyl Chloride Manufacture
Authors: Zichittella Guido , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier
Published: July 2021

The use of ethane as a platform molecule for the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a longstanding challenge, which would allow to reduce the raw material costs and CO2emissions to produce this plastic. Herein, we discover that rare earth oxychlorides catalyze in a selective (up to 90 %) and stable (>50 h on stream) manner the reaction of ethane and molecular chlorine into 1,2‐dichloroethane, which, upon established cracking, will translate into an order of magnitude higher vinyl chloride productivity compared to ethane oxychlorination technologies. In addition, representative europium oxychloride was supported on suitable carriers and was demonstrated to be selective (up to 90 %) and stable (>40 h on stream) in extrudate form. These findings bring the ethane‐based production of PVC one step closer to implementation.
Standardization and Control of Grignard Reactions in a Universal Chemical Synthesis Machine using online NMR
Authors: Bornemann‐Pfeiffer Martin , Wolf Jakob , Meyer Klas , Kern Simon , Angelone Davide , Leonov Artem , Cronin Leroy , Emmerling Franziska
Published: July 2021

A big problem with the chemistry literature is that it is not standardized with respect to precise operational parameters, and real time corrections are hard to make without expert knowledge. This lack of context means difficult reproducibility because many steps are ambiguous, and hence depend on tacit knowledge. Here we present the integration of online NMR into an automated chemical synthesis machine (CSM aka. “Chemputer” which is capable of small‐molecule synthesis using a universal programming language) to allow automated analysis and adjustment of reactions on the fly. The system was validated and benchmarked by using Grignard reactions which were chosen due to their importance in synthesis. The system was monitored in real time using online‐NMR, and spectra were measured continuously during the reactions. This shows that the synthesis being done in the Chemputer can be dynamically controlled in response to feedback optimizing the reaction conditions according to the user requirements.
Green synthesis and evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of new dihydropyrroloazepines: Using bio‐Ag/CdO/ZnO@MWCNTs nanocomposites as a reusable organometallic catalyst
Authors: Noushin Annataj , Varasteh‐Moradi Ali , Sayyed‐Alangi S. Zahra , Hossaini Zinatossadat
Published: July 2021

In this study a new, economical and green method was reported for the synthesis of Ag/CdO/ZnO@MWCNTs nanocomposites (Ag/CdO/ZnO@MWCNTs NCs) as a new heterogeneous catalyst. For confirming the structure of synthesized nanocatalyst, XRD, FESEM, EDX, and TEM analyses were utilized. The Ag/CdO/ZnO@MWCNTs NCs as a high performance catalyst were employed for the preparation of a new family of substituted dihydropyrroloazepines using the one‐pot condensation reactions of isatin, ammonium acetate, α‐haloketones, and activated acetylenic compounds in water at room temperature. Another work in this research is investigation of antioxidant property of some synthesized compounds by diphenyl‐picrylhydrazine (DPPH) radical trapping experiment. Presently, bacteria that are not destroyed with drug have generated many problems in the performance of many transferable disease. For this reason, discovering appropriate and new procedures for the dealing with these pathogens is important, and recent study has focused on the investigation of the antibacterial effects on the prepared compounds.
Superparamagnetic core‐shell metal–organic framework Fe3O4@Ni‐MOF as efficient catalyst for oxidation of 1,4‐dihydropyridines using hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Janani Marzieh , Senejani Masumeh Abdoli , Isfahani Tahereh Momeni
Published: July 2021

A facile and efficient method was described for oxidation of some 3,5‐diacyl or 3,5‐diester 1,4‐dihydropyridines using H2O2 in the presence of superparamagnetic core‐shell metal–organic framework Fe3O4@Ni‐MOF. The Fe3O4@Ni‐MOF has been obtained by Step‐by‐Step method in which magnetic Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were coated with Ni‐MOF using a mercaptoacetic acid linker. The synthesized catalyst was characterized using thermogravimetric analysis, FT‐IR spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis. The novel superparamagnetic core‐shell metal–organic framework Fe3O4@Ni‐MOF revealed high efficiency for oxidation of various 1,4‐dihydropyridines using hydrogen peroxide. The Box–Behnken design matrix and the response surface method were applied to investigate the optimization of the reaction conditions. The conditions for optimal reaction yield and time were: amount of catalyst ≈17 mmol, temperature ≈78°C and amount of hydrogen peroxide ≈ 1 ml. A variety of 3,5‐diacyl or 3,5‐diester 1,4‐dihydropyridines with different substituted functional groups have been converted to corresponding pyridines with good to excellent isolated yields using H2O2 and Fe3O4@Ni‐MOF. The catalyst was reused up to five times for the oxidation of 1,4‐dihydropyridines without a significant loss in catalytic activity. The short reaction times, simplicity of method, good to excellent yields and reusability of catalyst were some advantages of the proposed procedure.
Chitosan nanoparticles functionalized poly‐2‐hydroxyaniline supported CuO nanoparticles: An efficient heterogeneous and recyclable nanocatalyst for N‐arylation of amines with phenylboronic acid at ambient temperature
Authors: Seyedi Neda , Zahedifar Mahboobeh
Published: July 2021

The present study aims to prepare an effective and eco‐friendly nanocatalyst for the Chan–Lam coupling reaction of phenylboronic acid and amine in aerobic conditions. For this purpose, chitosan was extracted from shrimp shells waste by demineralization, deproteinization, and deacetylation processes and then converted to chitosan nanoparticles (CSN) by the ionic gelation with tripolyphosphate anions. Afterward, poly‐2‐hydroxyaniline (P2‐HA) was grafted to chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) to employ as the support for CuO NPs. Characterization of the nanocatalyst was done using Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mapping, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The CuO NPs were identified in the spherical shape with an average size of 17 nm. The prepared nanocatalyst exhibited excellent catalytic performance with a high turnover number (TON) and turnover frequency (TOF) for the Chan–Lam coupling reaction of phenyl boronic acid and amines with different electronic properties. The prepared catalyst could be readily recovered and reused for at least five runs without any noticeable change in structure and catalytic performance.

Chitosan (CS) was prepared via demineralization, deproteinization, and deacetylation of shrimp shell and chitosan nanoparticles (CSN) were prepared via ionic gelation process. Polymerization of 2‐HA on the CSN surface was done to increase functional groups and create active sites for CuO NPs attachments. CuO NPs‐P2‐HA‐CSN nanocomposite has been shown high efficiently for the Chan–Lam coupling reaction.
Preparation of polysilsesquioxane reverse osmosis membranes for water desalination from tris[(ethoxysilyl)alkyl]amines by sol–gel process and interfacial polymerization
Authors: Zhang Dian , Kanezashi Masakoto , Tsuru Toshinori , Yamamoto Kazuki , Yakuwa Raku , Gunji Takahiro , Adachi Yohei , Ohshita Joji
Published: July 2021

Organically bridged polysilsesquioxane (PSQ)‐based reverse osmosis (RO) membranes have been studied for water desalination. In this work, RO membranes were prepared from tris[3‐(triethoxysilyl)propyl]amine (TTESPA), tris[3‐(diethoxymethylsilyl)propyl]amine (TDEMSPA), tris[(triethoxysilyl)methyl]amine (TTESMA) tris[(triethoxysilyl)propenyl]amine (TTESP2A), and tris[3‐(triethoxysilyl)prop‐2‐ynyl]amine (TTESP3A) by the sol–gel process and interfacial polymerization. It was found that the TTESPA‐derived membranes gave the best RO performance among those prepared. The membrane prepared by the interfacial polymerization of TTESPA showed water permeance and salt rejection of 7.3 × 10−13 m3/m2sPa and 95.6% for 2000 ppm NaCl aqueous solution, respectively, which were higher than those previously reported for a membrane similarly prepared from bis[(triethoxysilyl)propyl]amine (1.4 × 10−13 m3/m2sPa and 93.6%).
Imidazole modified acrylate‐containing photocured hydrogels for the efficient removal of malachite green dye from aqueous solutions
Authors: Aracier Esra Duygu , Aydın Urucu Oya , Çakmakçi Emrah
Published: July 2021

In this work, we aimed to prepare a simple and an efficient adsorbent for the removal of toxic, cationic dye; malachite green (MG). We reviewed many previous studies and designed our adsorbent based on the rationale that (1) acidic groups containing monomers which are capable of making hydrogen bonds (or electrostatic interactions) with MG are very effective in adsorption and (2) π‐π stacking enhances the adsorption capacity. We first synthesized an imidazole‐acrylate adduct and used it for the preparation of photocured hydrogels. The imidazole‐acrylate adduct was characterized by H NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. The effect of experimental conditions on the MG adsorption properties of the hydrogels such as the effect of pH, time and MG concentration were also investigated. Under the optimum conditions (pH = 6 and 220 min contact time) at room temperature, the maximum adsorption capacity was found as high as 714.28 mg/g. The results showed that the adsorption process of the optimum hydrogel, which can be used 4 times without a significant loss in its adsorption capacity, fits the Langmuir isotherm model. The hydrogel adsorbent displayed good selectivity and reusability.
Variants on the UBE2L3/YDJC Autoimmune Disease Risk Haplotype Increase UBE2L3 Expression by Modulating CCCTC‐Binding Factor and YY1 Binding
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Jaanam , Tessneer Kandice L. , Fu Yao , Pasula Satish , Pelikan Richard C. , Kelly Jennifer A. , Wiley Graham B. , Gaffney Patrick M.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Genetic variants spanning UBE2L3 are associated with increased expression of the UBE2L3‐encoded E2 ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme H7 (UbcH7), which facilitates activation of proinflammatory NF‐κB signaling and susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. We undertook this study to delineate how genetic variants carried on the UBE2L3/YDJC autoimmune risk haplotype function to drive hypermorphic UBE2L3 expression.

Methods

We used bioinformatic analyses, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and luciferase reporter assays to identify and functionally characterize allele‐specific effects of risk variants positioned in chromatin accessible regions of immune cells. Chromatin conformation capture with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (3C‐qPCR), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)–qPCR, and small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown assays were performed on patient‐derived Epstein‐Barr virus–transformed B cells homozygous for the UBE2L3/YDJC nonrisk or risk haplotype to determine if the risk haplotype increases UBE2L3 expression by altering the regulatory chromatin architecture in the region.

Results

Of the 7 prioritized variants, 5 demonstrated allele‐specific increases in nuclear protein binding affinity and regulatory activity. High‐throughput sequencing of chromosome conformation capture coupled with ChIP (HiChIP) and 3C‐qPCR uncovered a long‐range interaction between the UBE2L3 promoter (rs140490, rs140491, rs11089620) and the downstream YDJC promoter (rs3747093) that was strengthened in the presence of the UBE2L3/YDJC risk haplotype, and correlated with the loss of CCCTC‐binding factor (CTCF) and gain of YY1 binding at the risk alleles. Depleting YY1 by siRNA disrupted the long‐range interaction between the 2 promoters and reduced UBE2L3 expression.

Conclusion

The UBE2L3/YDJC autoimmune risk haplotype increases UBE2L3 expression through strengthening a YY1‐mediated interaction between the UBE2L3 and YDJC promoters.
Molybdenum/Tungsten‐Based Heteropoly Salts in Oxidations
Authors: Chen Wenchao , Tan Choon‐Hong , Wang Hong , Ye Xinyi
Published: July 2021

Oxidation represents one of the most important and practical chemical transformations for both organic synthesis, material science and pharmaceutical area. Among the existing strategies, molybdenum/tungsten‐based heteropoly salts involved oxidations with low‐cost and environmentally benign terminal oxidant and thus have attracted considerable attention in recent years. In this review, we have summarized the recent development of heteropoly salts utilized in oxidations, mainly the peroxomolybdates and peroxotungstates. We wish to highlight the progress made in the past 20 years of this field. Three categories are classified according to the aggregation state of metal oxides. Special attention is paid to the catalytically active peroxometalate species generated during the oxidation process. It is helpful to shed light on the common features that enable highly efficient and selective oxidations. We aim to inspire fellow chemists to explore more functional metalates for catalytic oxidations, especially asymmetric versions. Meanwhile, we attempt to understand the design principles for the discovery of more efficient, selective and economical catalytic systems.
Aptasensing luteinizing hormone to determine gynecological endocrine complications on graphene oxide layered sensor
Authors: Sun Huanhuan , Bao Xiucui , Yao Xiaoling , Gopinath Subash C. B. , Min Yifei
Published: July 2021

Luteinizing hormone (LH)/lutropin is an interstitial cell‐stimulating hormone playing a predominant role in the reproductive system, and highly correlated with the infertility treatment in both men and women. This research was concentrated to quantify LH level by using interdigitated electrode sensor. To improve the electric current flow, sensing electrode was modified with graphene oxide (GO) and the aptamer probe was attached on GO through biotin‐streptavidin linker. Current responses were measured with aptamer–LH interaction at the target concentrations between 7.5 nM and 1 μM and the detection limit of LH was calculated as 60 nM with the determination coefficient (R2) value, 0.9229 [y = 1.296x − 2.8435] on a linear range from 30 nM to 1 μM. Further, biofouling effect on sensing electrode surface was analyzed with complementary aptamer sequence, control proteins (albumin and globulin). The above GO‐aptamer‐modified interdigitated electrode sensor helps to quantify LH level and diagnose gynecological endocrinology‐related complications.
A tailored LNA clamping design principle: Efficient, economized, specific and ultrasensitive for the detection of point mutations
Authors: Yang Hao , Yan Mengqiu , Xu Gaolian , Qian Xiaohua , Zhao Ruiying , Han Yuchen , Zhang Lin , Gu Hongchen , Xu Hong
Published: July 2021

In the development of personalized medicine, the ultrasensitive detection of point mutations that correlate with diseases is important to improve the efficacy of treatment and guide clinical medication. In this study, locked nucleic acid (LNA) was introduced as an amplification suppressor of a massive number of wild‐type alleles in an amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) to achieve the detection of low‐abundance mutations with high specificity and sensitivity of at least 0.1%. By integrating the length of clamp, base type, number and position of LNA modifications, we have established a “shortest length with the fewest LNA bases” principle from which each LNA base would play a key role in the affinity and the ability of single base discrimination could be improve. Finally, based on this LNA design guideline, a series of the most important single point mutation sites of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was verified to achieve the optimal amplification state which as low as 0.1% mutation gene amplification was not affected under the wild gene amplification was completely inhibited, demonstrating that the proposed design principle has good applicability and versatility and is of great significance for the detection of circulating tumor DNA.
Tracking metabolic responses based on macronutrient consumption: A comprehensive study to continuously monitor and quantify dual markers (cortisol and glucose) in human sweat using WATCH sensor
Authors: Pali Madhavi , Jagannath Badrinath , Lin Kai‐Chun , Sankhala Devangsingh , Upasham Sayali , Muthukumar Sriram , Prasad Shalini
Published: July 2021

Wearable Awareness Through Continuous Hidrosis (WATCH) sensor is a sweat based monitoring platform that tracks cortisol and glucose for the purpose of understanding metabolic responses related to macronutrient consumption. In this research article, we have demonstrated the ability of tracking these two biomarkers in passive human sweat over a workday period (8 h) for 10 human subjects in conjunction with their macronutrient consumption. The validation of the WATCH sensor performance was carried out via standard reference methods such as Luminex and ELISA This is a first demonstration of a passive sweat sensing technology that can detect interrelated dual metabolites, cortisol, and glucose, on a single sensing platform. The significance of detecting the two biomarkers simultaneously is that capturing the body's metabolic and endocrinal responses to dietary triggers can lead to improved lifestyle management. For sweat cortisol, we achieved a detection limit of 1 ng/ml (range ∼1–12.5 ng/ml) with Pearson's “r” of 0.897 in reference studies and 0.868 in WATCH studies. Similarly, for sweat glucose, we achieved a detection limit of 1 mg/dl (range ∼ 1–11 mg/dl) with Pearson's “r” of 0.968 in reference studies and 0.947 in WATCH studies, respectively. The statistical robustness of the WATCH sensor was established through the Bland–Altman analysis, whereby the sweat cortisol and sweat glucose levels are comparable to the standard reference method. The probability distribution (t‐test), power analysis (power 0.82–0.87), α = 0.05. Mean absolute relative difference (MARD) outcome of ˷5.10–5.15% further confirmed the statistical robustness of the sweat sensing WATCH device output.
Comparisons of β‐Hairpin Propensity Among Peptides with Homochiral or Heterochiral Strands
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Gellman Samuel H.
Published: July 2021

Assemblies of racemic β‐sheet‐forming peptides have attracted attention for biomedical applications because racemic forms of peptides can self‐associate more avidly than do single enantiomers. In 1953, Pauling and Corey proposed “rippled β‐sheet” modes of H‐bond‐mediated interstrand assembly for alternating L‐ and D‐peptide strands; this structural hypothesis was complementary to their proposal of “pleated β‐sheet” assembly for L‐peptides. Although no high‐resolution structure has been reported for a rippled β‐sheet, there is strong evidence for the occurrence of rippled β‐sheets in some racemic peptide assemblies. Here we compare propensities of peptide diastereomers in aqueous solution to form a minimum increment of β‐sheet in which two antiparallel strands associate. β‐Hairpin folding is observed for homochiral peptides with aligned nonpolar side chains, but no β‐hairpin population can be detected for diastereomers in which one strand contains L residues and the other contains D residues. These observations suggest that rippled β‐sheet assemblies are stabilized by interactions between β‐sheet layers rather than interactions within these layers.
Osteolytic lesions in myelofibrosis
Authors: Johnson Isla , Alkhateeb Hassan
Published: July 2021

Bony pain in patients with a history of myelofibrosis warrants further investigation. Although skeletal involvement in myelofibrosis is more commonly osteosclerosis or periostitis, it can also cause osteolytic lesions.
Dental implant displacement complicated by epulis fissuratum and extraoral fistula in a patient with senile dementia of Alzheimer's type
Authors: Chybicki Damian , Słowik Mateusz , Torbicka Gaja , Białkowska‐Głowacka Jolanta , Janas‐Naze Anna
Published: July 2021

Dental treatment of patients suffering from mental illnesses should not be neglected as good condition of oral cavity is one of the factors that determine satisfactory quality of life, not only by aesthetic but also by functional considerations.
Leiomyoma originating from left round ligament presents as symptomatic inguinal hernia
Authors: Kypriotis Konstantinos , Kathopoulis Nikolaos , Tsiriva Maria , Zacharakis Dimitrios , Chatzipapas Ioannis , Protopapas Athanasios
Published: July 2021

Leiomyomas may develop at extra‐uterine locations and pose diagnostic dile mmas. This is a case of a fibroma originating from the left round ligament presenting as a symptomatic inguinal hernia.
Finding Adapted Quinones for Harvesting Electrons from Photosynthetic Algae Suspensions
Authors: Sayegh Adnan , Perego Luca A. , Arderiu Romero Marc , Escudero Louis , Delacotte Jérôme , Guille‐Collignon Manon , Grimaud Laurence , Bailleul Benjamin , Lemaître Frédéric
Published: July 2021

Among all the chemical and biotechnological strategies implemented to extract energy from oxygenic photosynthesis, several concern the use of intact photosynthetic organisms (algae, cyanobacteria…). This means rerouting (fully or partially) the electron flow from the photosynthetic chain to an outer collecting electrode thus generating a photocurrent. While diverting photosynthetic electrons from living biological systems is an encouraging approach, this strategy is limited by the need to use an electron shuttle. Redox mediators that are able to interact with an embedded photosynthetic chain are rather scarce. In this respect, exogenous quinones are the most frequently used. Unfortunately, some of them also act as poisoning agents within relatively long timeframes. It thus raises the question of the best quinone. In this work, we use a previously reported electrochemical device to analyze the performance of different quinones. Photocurrents (maximum photocurrent, stability) were measured from suspensions of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii algae/quinones by chronoamperometry and compared to parameters like quinone redox potentials or cytotoxic concentration. From these results, several quinones were synthesized and analyzed in order to find the best compromise between bioelectricity production and toxicity.
Effect of Ectoine on the Conformation and Hybridization of dsDNA in Monolayer Films: A Spectroelectrochemical Study
Authors: Wittmar Julia , Ohle Corina , Kunte Jörg , Brand Izabella
Published: July 2021

Lack of long‐time stability of dsDNA‐based supramolecular assemblies is an important issue that hinders their applications. In this work, 20 base pairs long dsDNA fragments [(dCdG)20‐65 %] composed of 65 % dCdG and 35 % dAdT nucleotides were tethered via a thiol to the surface of a gold electrode. The self‐assembled (dCdG)20‐65 % monolayer was immersed in solutions containing ectoine, a compatible solute. Electrochemical results showed that these monolayers were stable for one month. In situ IR spectroscopy indicated that ectoine interacts weakly with the phosphate‐ribose backbone, dehydrating the phosphate groups and stabilizing the A‐DNA conformation. This structural reorganization led to a reorientation of nucleic acid base pairs and a local disruption of the double‐helix structure. However, the conformation and orientation of the dsDNA fragment was stable in the −0.4<E<0.3 potential range. As a direct interaction between ectoine and dsDNA, the enzymatic reaction of exonuclease VII hydrolyzing the ester phosphate bond in ssDNA, was blocked. We show that the addition of a compatible solute to the electrolyte solution stabilized the dsDNA structure despite structural rearrangements.
Photoelectrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide with a Copper Graphitic Carbon Nitride Photocathode
Authors: Yu Huijun , Cohen Hagai , Neumann Ronny
Published: July 2021

Research on the photoreduction of CO2 often has been dominated by the use of sacrificial reducing agents. A pathway that avoids this problem would be the development of photocathodes for CO2 reduction that could then be coupled to a photoanodic oxygen evolution reaction. Here, we present the use of copper‐substituted graphitic carbon nitride (Cu−CN) on a fluorinated tin oxide (FTO) electrode for the photoelectrochemical two‐electron reduction of CO2 to CO as a major product (>95 %) and formic acid (<5 %). The results show that at a potential of −2.5 V versus Fc\Fc+ the CO2 reduction activity of Cu−CN on FTO electrode improves by 25 % upon illumination by visible light with a faradaic efficiency of nearly 100 %. Independently, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy conclusively shows a pronounced increase in the electrical conductivity of the Cu−CN upon white light illumination under vacuum and a contactless measuring configuration. This photo‐assisted charge mobility is shown to play a key role in the increased reactivity and faradaic efficiency for the reduction of CO2.
Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Formal [4+2] Cycloaddition of O‐Aryl Ynol Ethers and Enol Ethers: Synthesis of Chromene Derivatives
Authors: Suárez‐Rodríguez Tatiana , Suárez‐Sobrino Ángel L. , Ballesteros Alfredo
Published: July 2021

Gold(I)‐catalyzed formal [4+2] cycloaddition of O‐aryl ynol ethers 1 and enol ethers 2 is described. This intermolecular reaction between two electron‐rich unsaturated systems takes place, under mild conditions, in the presence of 5 mol% [IPrAu(CH3CN)]SbF6 as catalyst giving chromene derivatives with good yields. The cycloaddition is completely regio‐ and stereoselective, as well as versatile for both reactives. Silyl enol ethers can also react in the same way and under the same reaction conditions with quantitative yields. A plausible mechanism through a selective addition of the enol ether to the alkyne gold activated complex followed by an intramolecular aromatic electrophilic substitution is proposed. Several experimental results support the presence of a cationic oxonium intermediate prior to the aromatic substitution. The reaction represents a new entry to the chromene core.
Nano‐Optical Tweezers: Methods and Applications for Trapping Single Molecules and Nanoparticles
Authors: Kolbow Joshua D. , Lindquist Nathan C. , Ertsgaard Christopher T. , Yoo Daehan , Oh Sang‐Hyun
Published: July 2021

The front cover artwork is provided by Prof. Sang‐Hyun Oh's group at the University of Minnesota. The image shows the optical trapping of chiral nanoparticles using coaxial nano‐optical tweezers, devices capable of harnessing light to manipulate objects a few nanometers in size. Read the full text of the Review at 10.1002/cphc.202100004.
Carminic Acid Based Red Dye from Scale Insects Detected in Red Ruby‐Crowned Kinglet Feathers by Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Wu Xuanyi , Sanchez‐Cortes Santiago , Kakoulli Ioanna
Published: July 2021

In most birds, red feather color is linked to diet and attributed to carotenoids contained in plants and fruits. In the red crown feathers of the Ruby‐crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula), a new biopigment was identified based on carminic acid, the main coloring compound of cochineal (Dactylopius coccus) and other scale insects. This has revealed a potential new class of carminic acid‐based biopigments, not previously identified in feathers. In this research, red crown feathers of a Ruby‐crowned Kinglet were analyzed by surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) employing synthesized silver star‐shaped colloids as the nanoplasmonic platform. Results indicated peaks at 450, 670, 1290–1312, 1355, 1410, 1570, 1620 cm−1 in the feather SERS spectra characteristic of carminic acid. SERS has proven to be an extremely sensitive, non‐destructive technique for the identification of different feather biopigments, even at trace quantities and in the presence of other predominant coloring substances.
An epigenomic landscape of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer using single‐base resolution methylome and hydroxymethylome
Authors: Han Yingxin , Ji Liyan , Guan Yanfang , Ma Mengya , Li Pansong , Xue Yinge , Zhang Yinxin , Huang Wanqiu , Gong Yuhua , Jiang Li , Wang Xipeng , Xie Hong , Zhou Boping , Wang Jiayin , Wang Junwen , Han Jinghua , Deng Yuliang , Yi Xin , Gao Fei , Huang Jian
Published: July 2021

Background

Cervical cancer (CC) is the second leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Epigenetic regulation of gene expression through DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation plays a pivotal role during tumorigenesis. In this study, to analyze the epigenomic landscape and identify potential biomarkers for CCs, we selected a series of samples from normal to cervical intra‐epithelial neoplasia (CINs) to CCs and performed an integrative analysis of whole‐genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS‐seq), oxidative WGBS, RNA‐seq, and external histone modifications profiling data.

Results

In the development and progression of CC, there were genome‐wide hypo‐methylation and hypo‐hydroxymethylation, accompanied by local hyper‐methylation and hyper‐hydroxymethylation. Hydroxymethylation prefers to distribute in the CpG islands and CpG shores, as displayed a trend of gradual decline from health to CIN2, while a trend of increase from CIN3 to CC. The differentially methylated and hydroxymethylated region‐associated genes both enriched in Hippo and other cancer‐related signaling pathways that drive cervical carcinogenesis. Furthermore, we identified eight novel differentially methylated/hydroxymethylated‐associated genes (DES, MAL, MTIF2, PIP5K1A, RPS6KA6, ANGEL2, MPP, and PAPSS2) significantly correlated with the overall survival of CC. In addition, no any correlation was observed between methylation or hydroxymethylation levels and somatic copy number variations in CINs and CCs.

Conclusion

Our current study systematically delineates the map of methylome and hydroxymethylome from CINs to CC, and some differentially methylated/hydroxymethylated‐associated genes can be used as the potential epigenetic biomarkers in CC prognosis.
Understand legal aspects of managing campus mental health issues
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: July 2021

Amid the ongoing changes and stressors related to COVID‐19, the mental health of faculty and staff members has become one of the top personnel concerns at colleges and universities throughout the country. To help you address these issues from both a legal and practical standpoint, a panel of experts shared strategies during a webinar hosted by the Employment Law Alliance, moderated by José A. Olivieri, Esq., Co‐Managing Partner at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP in Wisconsin.
Consider increased grad student housing to improve retention rates
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: July 2021

The state of California is facing a housing crisis, one that has only worsened with the COVID‐19 pandemic. The University of California, Santa Cruz, is doing its part to combat that crisis by converting open fields to a new student housing complex, which will be called Student Housing West.
High accuracy tracking reveals how small conservation areas can protect marine megafauna
Authors: Hays Graeme C. , Mortimer Jeanne A. , Rattray Alex , Shimada Takahiro , Esteban Nicole
Published: July 2021

Space use estimates can inform conservation management but relaying high‐accuracy locations is often not straightforward. We used Fastloc‐GPS Argos satellite tags with the innovation of additional data relay via a ground station (termed a “Mote”) to record high volumes (typically >20 locations per individual per day) of high accuracy tracking data. Tags were attached in the Chagos Archipelago (Indian Ocean) in 2018–2019 to 23 immature turtles of two species for which there have been long‐standing conservation concerns: 21 hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) and two green turtles (Chelonia mydas). Over long tracking durations (mean 227.6 d per individual), most turtles moved very little. For example, 17 of 21 hawksbill turtles remained continuously in the lagoon where they were equipped, with 95% and 50% utilization distributions (UDs) averaging only 1.03 and 0.18 km2, respectively. Many individuals, and both species, could use the same small spaces, i.e., individuals did not maintain unique home ranges. However, three hawksbill turtles travelled hundreds of kilometers from the tagging site. Our results show that, for some large marine vertebrates, even small protected areas of only a few square kilometers can encompass the movements of a large proportion of individuals over long periods. High accuracy tracking may likewise reveal the details of space use for many other animals that move little and/or use important focal areas and where previous low‐accuracy tracking techniques have tended to overestimate space use.
Detection and survival of Candida albicans in soils
Authors: Sautour Marc , Lemaître Jean‐Paul , Ranjard Lionel , Truntzer Caroline , Basmaciyan Louise , Depret Géraldine , Hartmann Alain , Dalle Frédéric
Published: July 2021

Candida albicans is the most common human fungal pathogen. This yeast is described as a commensal of human and animal mucosa, and very few studies have focused on its isolation in natural environments. We investigated the presence of C. albicans in a large panel of French soils. Because a culture‐based method didn't allow isolation of the yeast in a panel of 70 soils, we adapted a nested‐PCR for detecting C. albicans DNA in a panel of 460 soils. Only 7 of the 460 soil samples (1.5%) were PCR‐positive for Candida albicans. To understand which parameters influence the survival of the yeast, we studied the decline of a population of C. albicans over a period of one month in a collection of 20 soils collected throughout France. C. albicans was able to survive up to 30 days in 80% of the soils tested. Using a Spearman correlation test, we showed that the short‐term survival of C. albicans in soils was correlated with some soils chemical factors such as pH and presence of some minerals (Al, Mn, and Na). Concerning survival after 30 days, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) and clay content were identified as beneficial determinants of the long‐term survival of C. albicans in soils.
Impact of agitation in long‐term care residents with dementia in the United States
Authors: Fillit Howard , Aigbogun Myrlene S. , Gagnon‐Sanschagrin Patrick , Cloutier Martin , Davidson Mikhaïl , Serra Elizabeth , Guérin Annie , Baker Ross A. , Houle Christy R. , Grossberg George
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To describe characteristics and compare clinical outcomes including falls, fractures, infections, and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) among long‐term care residents with dementia with and without agitation.

Methods

A cross‐sectional secondary analysis of administrative healthcare data was conducted whereby residents with dementia residing in a long‐term care facility for ≥12 months were identified from the AnalytiCare LLC database (10/2010–06/2014) and were classified into mutually exclusive cohorts (Agitation Cohort or No‐Agitation Cohort) based on available agitation‐related symptoms. Entropy balancing was used to balance demographic and clinical characteristics between the two cohorts. The impact of agitation on clinical outcomes was compared between balanced cohorts using weighted logistic regression models.

Results

The study included 6,265 long‐term care residents with dementia among whom, 3,313 were included in the Agitation Cohort and 2,952 in the No‐Agitation Cohort. Prior to balancing, residents in the Agitation Cohort had greater dementia‐related cognitive impairment and clinical manifestations compared to the No‐Agitation Cohort. After balancing, residents with and without agitation, respectively, received a median of five and four distinct types of medications (including antipsychotics). Further, compared to residents without agitation, those with agitation were significantly more likely to have a recorded fall (OR = 1.58), fracture (OR = 1.29), infection (OR = 1.18), and other NPS (OR = 2.11).

Conclusions

Agitation in long‐term care residents with dementia was associated with numerically higher medication use and an increased likelihood of experiencing falls, fractures, infections, and additional NPS compared to residents without agitation, highlighting the unmet need for effective management of agitation symptoms in this population.
Inhibitory effect of carboxylated nanodiamond on oral pathogenic bacteria Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Quan Chuntian , Lin Haiyan , Xiao Hui , Zhao Jianjiang
Published: July 2021

Background

Nanodiamonds (NDs) have been demonstrated to have bactericidal activity on several microorganisms and can be used in various kinds of dental materials. NDs are potential candidates for antibacterial dental materials. However, the possible inhibitory effect of NDs on oral pathogenic bacteria is largely unknown. This study was performed to investigate the inhibitory effects of carboxylated nanodiamond (cND) on Streptococcus mutans.

Methods

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to confirm carboxyl groups on the surface of commercial cND. The inhibitory effect of serially diluted cND on S. mutans was evaluated by spectrophotometry and plating methods. Escherichia coli was treated as a positive control in spectrophotometry. Chlorhexidine was used as a positive control in plating methods. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to confirm the antibacterial activity of cND.

Results

The results showed that cND exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on S. mutans. For S. mutans, the minimum inhibitory concentration was 4 μg/ml and the minimum bactericidal concentration was 16 μg/ml. SEM and TEM results indicated that cND functioned as an antibacterial agent, likely due to its ability to disrupt the cell membrane of S. mutans.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these findings demonstrated an inhibitory effect of cND on S. mutans and suggest its use as a potential antibacterial dental material.