bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interfacial Engineering of PVDF‐TrFE toward Higher Piezoelectric, Ferroelectric, and Dielectric Performance for Sensing and Energy Harvesting Applications
Authors: Abdolmaleki Hamed , Haugen Astri Bjørnetun , Buhl Kristian Birk , Daasbjerg Kim , Agarwala Shweta
Published: January 2023

The electrical properties of pristine fluoropolymers are inferior due to their low polar crystalline phase content and rigid dipoles that tend to retain their fixed moment and orientation. Several strategies, such as electrospinning, electrohydrodynamic pulling, and template‐assisted growing, have been proven to enhance the electrical properties of fluoropolymers; however, these techniques are mostly very hard to scale‐up and expensive. Here, a facile interfacial engineering approach based on amine‐functionalized graphene oxide (AGO) is proposed to manipulate the intermolecular interactions in poly(vinylidenefluoride‐trifluoroethylene) (PVDF‐TrFE) to induce β‐phase formation, enlarge the lamellae dimensions, and align the micro‐dipoles. The coexistence of primary amine and hydroxyl groups on AGO nanosheets offers strong hydrogen bonding with fluorine atoms, which facilitates domain alignment, resulting in an exceptional remnant polarization of 11.3 µC cm−2. PVDF‐TrFE films with 0.1 wt.% AGO demonstrate voltage coefficient, energy density, and energy‐harvesting figure of merit values of 0.30 Vm N−1, 4.75 J cm−3, and 14 pm3 J−1, respectively, making it outstanding compared with state‐of‐the‐art ceramic‐free ferroelectric films. It is believed that this work can open‐up new insights toward structural and morphological tailoring of fluoropolymers to enhance their electrical and electromechanical performance and pave the way for their industrial deployment in next‐generation wearables and human‐machine interfaces.
Customizing 2.5D Out‐of‐Plane Architectures for Robust Plasmonic Bound‐States‐in‐the‐Continuum Metasurfaces
Authors: Wang Zichen , Sun Jiacheng , Li Jiye , Wang Lang , Li Zishun , Zheng Xiaorui , Wen Liaoyong
Published: January 2023

Bound states in the continuum (BICs) have a superior ability to confine electromagnetic waves and enhance light–matter interactions. However, the quality‐factor of quasi‐BIC is extremely sensitive to structural perturbations, thus the BIC metasurfaces usually require a very‐high precision nanofabrication technique that greatly restricts their practical applications. Here, distinctive 2.5D out‐of‐plane architectures based plasmonic symmetry protected (SP)‐BIC metasurfaces are proposed, which could deliver robust quality factors even with large structural perturbations. The high‐throughput fabrication of such SP‐BIC metasurfaces is realized by using the binary‐pore anodic aluminum oxide template technique. Moreover, the deep neural network (DNN) is adapted to conduct multiparameter fittings, where the 2.5D hetero‐out‐of‐plane architectures with robust high quality‐factors and figures of merit are rapidly predicted and fabricated. Finally, owning to its large second‐order surface sensitivity, the desired 2.5D hetero‐out‐of‐plane architecture demonstrates a detection limit of endotoxin as low as 0.01 EU mL‐1, showing a good perspective of biosensors and others.
“I'm a security professional, a counselor, a leader, and sometimes a father figure”: Transformative social emotional learning through the eyes of school security professionals
Authors: Forber‐Pratt Anjali J. , Espelage Dorothy L. , Robinson Luz E. , Woolweaver Ashley B. , Torgal Cagil , El Sheikh America J.
Published: January 2023

Schools are increasingly hiring full‐time, unarmed school security professionals (SSPs), who are different from School Resource Officers (SROs), to help facilitate safe and supportive school climates. However, there is a paucity of literature about how they describe and engage with social emotional learning (SEL), particularly equity‐focused or transformative SEL. The current study is a secondary data analysis using qualitative responses to content embedded in two online professional development (PD) modules created for school security: SEL and cultural competence (CC). Forty‐eight SSPs completed the SEL module and 18 of these SSPs also completed the CC module. Informed by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning's transformative SEL literature, researchers sought to understand how SSPs describe SEL and how they apply transformative SEL in their work. A qualitative transcript analysis was performed, and transformative SEL's five subthemes were identified through this iterative process: working collaboratively, equity and inclusion, cultural humility, ties to identity, and advocacy. Findings demonstrated that SSPs who completed the modules apply transformative SEL principles in various, overlapping ways, illustrating their capacity to support student SEL. However, some SSPs struggled to make ties to their own identity, highlighting the need for widespread training and additional emphasis on self‐awareness in transformative SEL PD.
Hematopoietic stem cell donor vaccination with cytomegalovirus triplex augments frequencies of functional and durable cytomegalovirus‐specific T cells in the recipient: A novel strategy to limit antiviral prophylaxis
Authors: La Rosa Corinna , Aldoss Ibrahim , Park Yoonsuh , Yang Dongyun , Zhou Qiao , Gendzekhadze Ketevan , Kaltcheva Teodora , Rida Wasima , Dempsey Shannon , Arslan Shukaib , Artz Andrew , Ball Brian , Nikolaenko Liana , Pullarkat Vinod A. , Nakamura Ryotaro , Diamond Don J.
Published: January 2023

To enhance protective cytomegalovirus (CMV)‐specific T cells in immunosuppressed recipients of an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT), we evaluated post‐HCT impact of vaccinating healthy HCT donors with Triplex. Triplex is a viral vectored recombinant vaccine expressing three immunodominant CMV antigens. The vector is modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA), an attenuated, non‐replicating poxvirus derived from the vaccinia virus strain Ankara. It demonstrated tolerability and immunogenicity in healthy adults and HCT recipients, in whom it also reduced CMV reactivation. Here, we report feasibility, safety, and immunological outcomes of a pilot phase 1 trial (NCT03560752 at ClinicalTrials.gov) including 17 CMV‐seropositive recipients who received an HCT from a matched related donor (MRD) vaccinated with 5.1 × 108 pfu/ml of Triplex before cell harvest (median 15, range 11–28 days). Donor and recipient pairs who committed to participation in the trial resulted in exceptional adherence to the protocol. Triplex was well‐tolerated with limited adverse events in donors and recipients, who all engrafted with full donor chimerism. On day 28 post‐HCT, levels of functional vaccinia‐ and CMV‐specific CD137+ CD8+ T cells were significantly higher (p < .0001 and p = .0174, respectively) in recipients of Triplex vaccinated MRD than unvaccinated MRD (control cohort). Predominantly, central and effector memory CMV‐specific T‐cell responses continued to steadily expand through 1‐year follow‐up. CMV viremia requiring antivirals developed in three recipients (18%). In summary, this novel approach represents a promising strategy applicable to different HCT settings for limiting the use of antiviral prophylaxis, which can impair and delay CMV‐specific immunity, leading to CMV reactivation requiring treatment.
Investigation of a pervasive immune, cardiac, and behavioral phenotype in Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome: A case report
Authors: McElroy Timothy D. , Duffy Kelly A. , Hathaway Evan R. , Byrne Mallory E. , Kalish Jennifer M.
Published: January 2023

Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is an imprinting disorder caused by genetic and epigenetic changes in the chromosome 11p15 region. The syndrome is characterized by a wide range of features including macrosomia, lateralized overgrowth, abdominal wall defects, and hypoglycemia. BWS presentation is variable across the entire patient population, but certain areas including immunology, cardiology, and behavioral differences are not well characterized. We present a case of a male patient with BWS due to the most common cause of BWS, loss of methylation at imprinting center 2 with a variable phenotype, including classical features (macrosomia, macroglossia, omphalocele, placentomegaly and mild lateralized overgrowth) in addition to uncommon features (immune deficiency, developmental delays, and pulmonary stenosis) not typically seen in BWS. This study defines a patient's clinical presentation and course and highlights the need to consider atypical organ systems in BWS as either an expansion of the phenotype or co‐existing conditions to develop personalized care models.
Effective N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes with Indole Moiety Applied in the Pd‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Sterically Hindered Biaryls
Authors: Lai Yu‐Ting , Lin Huan‐Pin , Hsu Yu‐Ming , Wang Ying‐Yueh , Lee Dong‐Sheng , Lu Ta‐Jung
Published: January 2023

Indolyl‐based benzimidazolium salts have been designed and prepared using three easy steps, namely indole alkylation, iodine‐catalyzed C−N bond coupling, and substitution. These salts have high catalytic performance in Pd‐catalyzed sterically hindered biaryl synthesis. The variability of the salt scaffold can be modified by the substitution of indole and alkyl halides. The Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling (SMC) of aryl chlorides was performed with satisfactory functional group tolerance and biaryls were obtained in 42–87% yield at 90 °C by using 0.5 mol% of Pd(OAc)2/1 i as the catalyst. Our results highlight the importance of maintaining a balance between the length of the carbon chain of substituents on the indole moiety and the steric congestion of substituents on the indole moiety for catalytic activity; this can be beneficial in difficult coupling processes. In addition, an asymmetric SMC reaction of aryl chloride under optimal reaction conditions was achieved with an 8% ee preliminarily.
Nitrogen Plasma Enhanced Low Temperature Atomic Layer Deposition of Magnesium Phosphorus Oxynitride (MgPON) Solid‐State Electrolytes
Authors: Su Jin , Tsuruoka Tohru , Tsujita Takuji , Inatomi Yuu , Terabe Kazuya
Published: January 2023

Solid‐state batteries (SSBs) that use solid electrolytes instead of flammable liquid electrolytes have the potential to generate higher specific capacity and offer better safety. Magnesium (Mg) based SSBs with Mg metal anodes are considered to be one of the most promising energy storage candidates, because it gives high theoretical volumetric capacities of 3830 mAh cm−3. Here, we demonstrate an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process with a double nitrogen plasma process that successfully produces nitrogen‐incorporated magnesium phosphorus oxynitride (MgPON) solid‐state electrolyte (SSE) thin films at a low deposition temperature of 125 °C. The ALD MgPON SSEs exhibit an ionic conductivity of 0.36 and 1.2 μS cm−1 at 450 and 500 °C, respectively. The proposed ALD strategy shows the ability of conformal deposition nitrogen‐doped SSEs on pattered substrates and is attractive for using nitride ion‐conducing films as protective or wetting interlayers in solid‐state Mg and Li batteries.
Aminopeptidase N‐Responsive Conjugates with Tunable Charge‐Reversal Properties for Highly Efficient Tumor Accumulation and Penetration
Authors: Sun Rui , Zhang Yifan , Lin Xiaowei , Piao Ying , Xie Tao , He Yi , Xiang Jiajia , Shao Shiqun , Zhou Quan , Zhou Zhuxian , Tang Jianbin , Shen Youqing
Published: January 2023

Tumor enzyme‐responsive charge‐reversal carriers can induce efficient transcytosis and lead to efficient tumor infiltration and potent anticancer efficacy. However, the correlations of molecular structure with charge‐reversal property, tumor penetration, and drug delivery efficiency are unknown. Herein, aminopeptidase N (APN)‐responsive conjugates were synthesized to investigate these correlations. We found that the monomeric unit structure and the polymer chain structure determined the enzymatic hydrolysis and charge‐reversal rates, and accordingly, the transcytosis and tumor accumulation and penetration of the APN‐responsive conjugates. The conjugate with moderate APN responsiveness balanced the in vitro transcytosis and in vivo overall drug delivery process and achieved the best tumor delivery efficiency, giving potent antitumor efficacy. This work provides new insight into the design of tumor enzyme‐responsive charge‐reversal nanomedicines for efficient cancer drug delivery.
2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides for Photocatalysis
Authors: Yang Ruijie , Fan Yingying , Zhang Yuefeng , Mei Liang , Zhu Rongshu , Qin Jiaqian , Hu Jinguang , Chen Zhangxing , Hau Ng Yun , Voiry Damien , Li Shuang , Lu Qingye , Wang Qian , Yu Jimmy C. , Zeng Zhiyuan
Published: January 2023

Two‐dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), a rising star in the post‐graphene era, are fundamentally and technologically intriguing for photocatalysis. Their extraordinary electronic, optical, and chemical properties endow them as promising materials for effectively harvesting light and catalyzing the redox reaction in photocatalysis. Here, we present a tutorial‐style review of the field of 2D TMDs for photocatalysis to educate researchers (especially the new‐comers), which begins with a brief introduction of the fundamentals of 2D TMDs and photocatalysis along with the synthesis of this type of material, then look deeply into the merits of 2D TMDs as co‐catalysts and active photocatalysts, followed by an overview of the challenges and corresponding strategies of 2D TMDs for photocatalysis, and finally look ahead this topic.
Composition characterization and biological activity study of Achillea vermicularis extract and extract‐loaded nanoparticles
Authors: Doğan Murat , Koçyiğit Ümit M. , Çetin Feyza Nur , Yılmaz Beyza Nur , Taşkın Turgut
Published: January 2023

Antiproliferative activity of Achillea vermicularis extracts was calculated on glial (C6) and keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell lines using XTT assay. It was observed that all extracts of A. vermicularis at the determined concentration were not cytotoxic in HaCaT cell lines. The nanoparticles (NPs) of the extract with the best cytotoxic activity was prepared, and necessary characterization studies were performed. Results showed that NP containing the extract has a lower IC50 value and more cytotoxic activity in C6 cells compared to the only extract. Furthermore, the antiepileptic potentials of these substances were explored in this study. The effect of A. vermicularis extracts on the enzyme activities of carbonic anhydrase I and II isoenzymes (hCA I and hCA II) was measured using spectrophotometry to achieve this goal. A. vermicularis extracts demonstrated high inhibitory activities compared to standard inhibitor (acetazolamide, AAZ), with IC50 values in the range of 5.04–10.8 μg/ml for hCA I, and 5.40–9.22 μg/ml for hCA II. High‐performance liquid chromatography diode array detector (HPLC‐DAD) was used in this investigation to assess the main chemicals found in the extract and NPs. The results showed that the ethanol extract (157.636 μg/mg extract) and NPs (4.631 μg/mg extract) had a significant amount of the 8‐hydroxy salvigenin component.
Digitalization and prevention of corruption: Opportunities and risks—Some evidence from the Italian university system
Authors: Cappelli Lucio , Pisano Antonella , Iannucci Enrica , Papetti Patrizia , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio , Ruggieri Roberto
Published: January 2023

Digitalization is a largely ongoing process, affecting the sustainability of the social, economic and administrative systems of all countries. Our work focuses on the public sector and specifically on the university system. We explore the challenge of digital change and its contribution to transparency and anti‐corruption policies, with a look to the opportunities and risks associated with the adoption of digital approaches. Using the content analysis tool, we investigate the efforts of Italian universities in digital transformation and their ability to integrate digitalization with anti‐corruption strategies. Findings reveal that most of these institutions are actively addressing the challenge of digitalization, but few of them consider it as a strategy to strengthen anti‐corruption and transparency, and even fewer assess the risk deriving from adoption of digital technologies. On the basis of our results, an appropriate benchmarking/benchlearning process would bring advantages in the dissemination of best practices in Italian public university system.
Refuse derived fuels as an immediate strategy for the energy transition, circular economy, and sustainability
Authors: Mateus Maria Margarida , Cecílio Duarte , Fernandes M. Cristina , Neiva Correia M. Joana
Published: January 2023

The production of Refused Derived Fuel (RDF) from Municipal Solid Waste is one of the routes to attain a circular economy as it promotes the circular loop of materials and energy. Furthermore, in addition to the waste‐to‐energy approach, RDF production reduces the amount of waste disposed in landfills, thus reducing greenhouse gasses emissions and water streams' contamination. Nevertheless, there are still numerous technological constraints to RDF use, namely, its moisture content and granulometry that are highly dependent on the production process. In this context, this work discusses the contribution of RDF to the promotion of the circular economy, presenting the main RDF properties and production processes. An analysis of the RDF market in Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa was performed by analyzing imports and exports. The analysis highlights the expansion of RDF as an energy source in current times with Europe as a driving force for its integration following circular economy guidelines. However, incentives would significantly speed up RDF adoption and decrease the carbon footprint as a short‐term mitigation strategy.
Biological Screening of Polyphenol Derivatives for Anti‐Proliferative, Anti‐Apoptotic and Anti‐Migrative Activities in Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines MCF‐7
Authors: Erden Tayhan Seçil , Bilgin Sema , Yıldırım Aslı , Koç Esra
Published: January 2023

Breast cancer is known as the most common type of invasive cancer in women. It is well‐known that phenolic compounds play an important role in the treatment of this disease. This study hypothesized that isoeugenol based two polyphenolic compounds 1 and 2 exerts its anti‐proliferative effects through the induction of apoptosis and cell migration arrest on human breast cancer cell. Based on this hypothesis, the study aimed to investigate the anti‐proliferative, anti‐migrative effects of these compounds and their possible basic molecular mechanisms of action in MCF‐7 cell lines. As a result, isoeugenol‐based compounds 1 and 2 showed anti‐proliferative, anti‐apoptotic and anti‐migrative effects in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. This result was supported by molecular analyzes and it was determined that there were changes in the expression of some gene regions involved in apoptosis and migration. Additionally, it was a remarkable result that cell viability inhibition did not occur in healthy breast tissue cells and no cytotoxic effect was observed. The existence of such a differentiation between cancer cells and healthy cells significantly increases the potential of these compounds to be used as chemotherapeutic drug active ingredients without side effects.
Rational Design of a Highly Specific Prolyl Endopeptidase To Activate the Antihypertensive Effect of Peptides
Authors: Ma Mingzhe , Cong Yalong , Zhang John Z. H. , Zhang Lujia
Published: January 2023

Enzymatic hydrolysis of food‐derived proteins to produce bioactive peptides could activate food functions such as antihypertension. However, the diversity of enzymatic hydrolysis products can reduce bioactive peptides’ efficacy. Highly specific proteases can homogenize the hydrolysis products to reduce the production of impotent peptides. In this study, we successfully obtained M. xanthus prolyl endopeptidase mutant Y451M by constraint/free molecular dynamics simulations and binding energy calculations. The specificity of Y451M for proline was increased by 286 % compared to WT, while its activity was almost unchanged. Milk‐derived substrates processed with Y451M showed an antihypertensive effect that was 567 % higher than without enzymes. The ability to activate food antihypertension increased 152 % and the use of enzyme by 192 % compared with WT. Specific proteases are thus valuable tools in the processing of complex substrates to obtain bioactive peptides.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Highly Reactive and Robust Chlorine‐Bound Ni Single‐Atom‐Catalyst for the Continuous Flow Ring‐Opening Reaction of Epoxides
Authors: Abbas Syed Asad , Cao Lei , Seo Dongho , Farah Abdikani Omar , Cheong Paul Ha‐Yeon , Park Jin Kyoon , Nam Ki Min
Published: January 2023

Nickel single‐atom‐catalysts (Ni−SACs), which are known for their unique catalytic activity, are mainly used in electrocatalytic reactions that focus on high metal loading in carbon support to improve their performance. However, we attempted to modify the Ni species to find new catalytic properties by hypothesizing that functionalized Ni−SACs can exhibit strong Lewis acidic properties in organic reactions. Herein, a low‐temperature salt‐assisted synthesis of highly Lewis acidic chlorine‐bound nickel SAC (Cl−Ni−SAC) is established and the synthesized catalyst is applied to the ring‐opening reaction of epoxides with alcohol. The obtained Cl−Ni−SAC facilitates a fast and efficient ring‐opening reaction of epoxides with high recyclability. In addition, the highly active Cl−Ni−SAC was applied to the continuous flow set‐up for sustainable transformation for 24 h, yielding 9.7 g of the desired product. Stereochemical experiments and density functional theory calculations demonstrated the importance of MeOH⋅⋅⋅Cl hydrogen bonding, N−H⋅⋅⋅Ni agostic interaction, and π‐stacking in the transition state.
Exploring the Electroluminescent Applications of Imidazole Derivatives
Authors: Lin Yan‐Ding , Tsai Wei‐Wen , Lu Chin‐Wei
Published: January 2023

Recently, the fields of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) and light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) have improved tremendously with regard to tunable emission, efficiency, brightness, and thermal stability. Imidazole derivatives are excellent deep blue‐green light‐emitting layers in the OLED or LEC devices. This Review summarizes the major breakthroughs of various electroluminescence (EL) layers with imidazole‐containing organic or organometallic derivatives, the molecular design principles, and their light‐emitting performances as effective EL materials. The highly tunable chemical structures and flexible molecular design strategies of imidazole‐based compounds are advantages that provide great opportunities for researchers. They can provide a good basis for the design and development of new EL materials with narrower emission and higher efficiency. Moreover, imidazole compounds have demonstrated breakthrough performances in thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) properties where triplet excitons are utilized to inhibit anti‐intersystem quenching, showing great promise in breaking the theoretical external quantum efficiencies (EQE) limits in traditional fluorescent devices.
Denitrative Hydroxylation of Unactivated Nitroarenes**
Authors: Duff Lee , Meakin Harry , Richardson Adam , Greener Andrew J. , Smith George W. A. , Ocaña Ivan , Chechik Victor , James Michael J.
Published: January 2023

A one‐step method for the conversion of nitroarenes into phenols under operationally simple, transition‐metal‐free conditions is described. This denitrative functionalization protocol provides a concise and economical alternative to conventional three‐step synthetic sequences. Experimental and computational studies suggest that nitroarenes may be substituted by an electron‐catalysed radical‐nucleophilic substitution (SRN1) chain mechanism.
Mit Luminol‐Leuchtpulver zum Sternenhimmel
Authors: Korn‐Müller Andreas , Steinhofer Harald
Published: January 2023

Mit Hilfe einer einfachen Rezeptur aus Waschpulver, rotem Blutlaugensalz und Luminol kann ein haltbares und ungefährliches Leuchtpulver hergestellt werden, das sich für die Durchführung spektakulärer Chemolumineszenz‐Effekte eignet. Auf diese Weise wird die Umwandlung von chemischer Energie in Lichtenergie in beeindruckender Weise sichtbar gemacht. Über viele Anknüpfungsmöglichkeiten und Alltagsphänomene lässt sich das Leuchtpulver sowohl in der Unterstufe als auch in der Mittelstufe als emotionaler Einstieg in den Lehrplan einbinden. Darüber hinaus können verschiedene Waschpulver auf ihre Leuchtstärke untersucht werden. Gerade in Corona‐Zeiten erwies sich ein „Experiment für zu Hause“ als besonders motivierend.
Branched Fluorine/Adamantane Interfacial Compatibilizer for PBO Fibers/Cyanate Ester Wave‐Transparent Laminated Composites
Authors: Liu Zheng , Fan Xiaoli , Han Muyi , Li Hao , Zhang Junliang , Chen Lixin , Zhu Qiju , Gu Junwei
Published: January 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Branched fluorine/adamantane PBO precursor (preFABPBO), synthesized via random co‐condensation between 2,2‐bis(3‐amino‐ 4‐hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoro propane, 1,3‐adamantanedicarbonyl dichloride, and trimesoyl chloride, is performed as interfacial compatibilizer, bisphenol A dicyanate ester (BADCy) resin as polymer matrix, and poly(p‐phenylene‐2,6‐benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibers as reinforcements to prepare PBO fibers/FABPBO‐BADCy wave‐transparent laminated composites by high temperature molding. The mechanical properties, wave‐transparent performances, and heat resistances of PBO fibers/BADCy composites are simultaneously improved by the addition of preFABPBO. The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and flexural strength of PBO fibers/FABPBO‐BADCy composites are 48.9 and 665.3 MPa, respectively, increased by 33.2% and 13.3% compared to those of PBO fibers/BADCy composites (36.7 and 587.4 MPa). The dielectric constant and dielectric loss values at 106 Hz are 2.53 and 0.003, respectively, lower than those of PBO fibers/BADCy composites (3.06 and 0.006), and the corresponding wave transmission efficiency is 94.8%, which also presents excellent stability over the wide temperature (25—200 °C) and frequency range (103—107 Hz and 8.2—12.4 GHz). Meanwhile, the heat resistance index and glass transition temperature are 229.9 °C and 247.5 °C, also better than those of PBO fibers/BADCy composites (229.6 °C and 247.1 °C).
Cu‐Doped MoSi2N4 Monolayer as a Potential NH3 Sensor
Authors: Linghu Yaoyao , Tong Tianyue , Wu Chao
Published: January 2023

Cu doped MoSi2N4 monolayer (Cu‐MoSi2N4) was firstly proposed to analyze adsorption performances of common gas molecules including O2, N2, CO, NO, NO2, CO2, SO2, H2O, NH3 and CH4 via density functional theory (DFT) combining with non‐equilibrium Green's function (NEGF). The electronic transport calculations indicate that Cu‐MoSi2N4 monolayer has high sensitivity for CO, NO, NO2 and NH3 molecules. However, only NH3 molecule adsorbs on the Cu‐MoSi2N4 monolayer with moderate strength (−0.55 eV) and desorbs at room temperature (2.36×10−3 s). Thus, Cu‐MoSi2N4 monolayer is demonstrated as a potential NH3 sensor.
Effect of Tsallis–Gurevich distributed ions on nonlinear dust‐acoustic oscillations in collisionless nonextensive plasma
Authors: Benaiche Salim , Bacha Mustapha , Merriche Abderrzak , Amour Rabia
Published: January 2023

Both linear and weakly nonlinear dust‐acoustic (DA) solitons propagation are revisited in the presence of adiabatically trapped‐nonextensive ions. A physically relevant distribution (called Tsallis‐Gurevich ions distribution) is outlined here for the first time. The effect of particle trapping has been taken into account, resulting in a new expression for the ion density. The role a background ion nonextensivity may play on the main proprieties (viz., dispersion relation and soliton's profile) of DA mode, inherent to space dusty plasma, is then analysed. In the q > 1 case, we have shown that as the nonextensive character of trapped ions increases in the plasma, the potential pulse amplitude increases while its width is narrowed. The modifications prompted by the presence of adiabatically trapped‐nonextensive ions on both DA energy and solitary wave's electric field are also analysed. Interestingly, we have found that DA soliton energy increases as the ions evolve far away from their Maxwellian extensive trapping. Also, it is found that, for q > 1, the stronger the inter‐ions correlation, the stronger the electric field. Our investigation, motivated by space and laboratory plasma observations of plasmas containing non‐Maxwellian particles alongside trapped particles, may complement and provide new insight into previously published works dealing with solitary waves in plasma.
Gem‐diol Generation in Copper and Zinc N‐methyl‐2‐imidazolecarboxaldehyde Complexes: Solid‐state NMR, EPR and Single‐Crystal X‐ray Studies
Authors: Crespi Ayelén F. , Vega Daniel , Pérez Ana L. , Rodríguez‐Castellón Enrique , Lázaro‐Martínez Juan M.
Published: January 2023

Novel coordination compounds, mono‐ (1) and binuclear copper complexes (2) and a zinc complex (3) were synthesized and studied through single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography, solid‐state NMR and EPR techniques to determine the chemical functionalization of the carbonyl group in N‐methyl‐2‐imidazolecarboxaldehyde ligand. Particularly, molecules containing carbonyl groups are versatile ligands that give rise to a wide range of new materials due to the high reactivity of the carbonyl group. However, the chemical identification of the functional group present in these coordination compounds is a challenge because the copper ion affects the NMR signals. In this sense, X‐ray crystallography becomes an indispensable tool for the analysis. The imidazole ligands in copper complexes 1 and 2 were found to be the aldehyde and the gem‐diol forms, respectively. Furthermore, the gem‐diol and carboxylate moieties were detected in the crystal lattice for the zinc complex 3 and studied by solution‐ and solid‐state NMR.
Morphological and productivity responses of Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) and Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) ecotypes to simulated grazing in a semi‐arid environment
Authors: Kisambo Bosco Kidake , Wasonga Oliver V. , Koech Oscar K. , Karuku George N.
Published: January 2023

Background

Livestock production is an economically significant activity in grassland‐based production systems with herbivory, a critical process in modifying plant structure and regulating biomass dynamics in these areas.

Methods

A grazing simulation experiment was undertaken in a semi‐arid environment in Kenya to determine the effects of clipping frequency and intensity on the morphology and productivity of Cenchrus ciliaris and Panicum maximum grass ecotypes. The ecotypes were clipped at different frequencies (every 2, 4, and 12 weeks) and different intensities (5, 10, and 15 cm clipping heights). The morphological responses of the grass ecotypes and biomass yields were determined.

Results

The grass ecotypes showed significantly (p < 0.05) varied responses to cutting frequency and intensity. Morphological parameters, tillering, and biomass production were all affected by clipping frequency and intensity. The highest dry matter (DM) yields were recorded under low frequency (LF) clipping, followed by moderate frequency (MF) clipping and high frequency (HF) clipping. LF clipping in C. ciliaris ecotype Kilifi was 20% and 31% more compared to MF and HF clipping. No significant difference in yields was found by cutting the C. ciliaris ecotype Magadi at 4‐ and 12‐week intervals, even though clipping at 2‐week intervals cumulatively yielded less biomass. There was a biomass yield reduction in P. maximum ecotype Taveta of 23% and 25% for MF and HF clipping, respectively, while for ecotype Isinya, the reduction was 13% and 15% for MF and HF, respectively. Clipping intensity had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on cumulative yields in C. ciliaris ecotypes, but not P. maximum. Ecotypic differences were apparent in both C. ciliaris and P. maximum ecotype DM yields.

Conclusions

The results in this study suggest that clipping range grass ecotypes less frequently (4‐ and 12‐week intervals) and at 10 and 15 cm stubble heights results in higher biomass yields. Generally, LF and MF grazing and cutting strategies are advantageous for semi‐arid lands. Combinations of frequent and high‐intensity utilization grazing strategies should be discouraged as they are likely to lead to reduced biomass yields and negative effects both on grasses and on the environment.
Longitudinal associations of adherence to lifestyle recommendations and health‐related quality of life in patients with non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Vidra Nikoletta , Beeren Ivy , van Zutphen Moniek , Aben Katja K. , Kampman Ellen , Witjes J. Alfred , van der Heijden Antoine G. , Kiemeney Lambertus A. , Vrieling Alina
Published: January 2023

Although the role of lifestyle in health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes has been increasingly recognized for various types of cancer, evidence in patients with non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is very limited. We aimed to evaluate the longitudinal association between adherence to the 2018 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) lifestyle recommendations and HRQoL in patients with NMIBC. This study included 1029 patients with NMIBC recruited between May 2014 and April 2017 from the Dutch multi‐centre prospective cohort study UroLife. Lifestyle and HRQoL data were collected at 6 weeks (baseline), 3 months and 15 months after diagnosis. Information on body mass index (BMI), physical activity, diet and alcohol was used to compute the standardized WCRF/AICR adherence score (0‐7). HRQoL outcomes were evaluated by the EORTC QLQ‐C30. Linear mixed models were used to assess longitudinal confounder‐adjusted associations between the WCRF/AICR adherence score and HRQoL outcomes. Adherence to each additional WCRF/AICR recommendation was associated with better global quality of life, physical, role and social functioning, and less fatigue. We found stronger inter‐individual than intra‐individual associations, suggesting that associations were mainly driven by between‐subject differences. Higher adherence to the BMI, physical activity and dietary recommendations was associated with better scores for most HRQoL outcomes, while adherence to the alcohol recommendation (ie, non‐consumption) was associated with worse HRQoL. Following the WCRF/AICR lifestyle recommendations may improve HRQoL in patients with NMIBC. Intervention studies are needed to establish whether the association between lifestyle and HRQoL is causal.
Fast and direct identification of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants via 2D InSe field‐effect transistors
Authors: Xu Duo , Li Junji , Xiong Yunhai , Li Han , Yang Jialin , Liu Wenqiang , Jiang Lianfu , Qu Kairui , Zhao Tong , Shi Xinyu , Zhang Shengli , Shan Dan , Chen Xiang , Zeng Haibo
Published: January 2023

As the COVID‐19 pandemic evolves and new variants emerge, the development of more efficient identification approaches of variants is urgent to prevent continuous outbreaks of SARS‐CoV‐2. Field‐effect transistors (FETs) with two‐dimensional (2D) materials are viable platforms for the detection of virus nucleic acids (NAs) but cannot yet provide accurate information on NA variations. Herein, 2D Indium selenide (InSe) FETs were used to identify SARS‐CoV‐2 variants. The device's mobility and stability were ensured by atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Al2O3. The resulting FETs exhibited sub‐fM detection limits ranging from 10–14  M to 10–8 M. The recognition of single‐nucleotide variations was achieved within 15 min to enable the fast and direct identification of two core mutations (L452R, R203M) in Delta genomes (p < 0.01). Such capability originated from the trap states in oxidized InSe (InSe1−xOx) after ALD, resulting in traps‐involved carrier transport responsive to the negative charges of NAs. In sum, the proposed approach might highly provide epidemiological information for timely surveillance of the COVID pandemic.

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Evaluation of chronic cigarette smoke exposure in human bronchial epithelial cultures
Authors: Tyrrell Jean , Ghosh Arunava , Manzo Nicholas D. , Randell Scott H. , Tarran Robert
Published: January 2023

Cigarette smoke (CS) exposure induces both cytotoxicity and inflammation, and often causes COPD, a growing cause of morbidity and mortality. CS also inhibits the CFTR Cl‐ channel, leading to airway surface liquid dehydration, which is predicated to impair clearance of inhaled pathogens and toxicants. Numerous in vitro studies have been performed that utilize acute (≤24 h) CS exposures. However, CS exposure is typically chronic. We evaluated the feasibility of using British‐American Tobacco (BAT)‐designed CS exposure chambers for chronically exposing human bronchial epithelial cultures (HBECs) to CS. HBECs are polarized and contain mucosal and serosal sides. In vivo, inhaled CS interacts with mucosal membranes, and BAT chambers are designed to direct CS to HBEC mucosal surfaces while keeping CS away from serosal surfaces via a perfusion system. We found that serosal perfusion was absolutely required to maintain HBEC viability over time following chronic CS exposure. Indeed, with this system, we found that CS increased inflammation and mucin levels, while decreasing CFTR function. Without this serosal perfusion, CS was extremely toxic within 24 h. We therefore propose that 5‐ and 10‐day CS exposures with serosal perfusion are suitable for measuring chronic CS exposure and can be used for monitoring new and emerging tobacco products.
Realization of the structural fluctuation of biomolecules in solution: Generalized Langevin mode analysis
Authors: Sugita Masatake , Hirata Fumio
Published: January 2023

A new theoretical method, referred to as Generalized Langevin Mode Analysis (GLMA), is proposed to analyze the mode of structural fluctuations of a biomolecule in solution. The method combines the two theories in the statistical mechanics, or the Generalized Langevin theory and the RISM/3D‐RISM theory, to calculate the second derivative, or the Hessian matrix, of the free energy surface of a biomolecule in aqueous solution, which consists of the intramolecular interaction among atoms in the biomolecule and the solvation free energy.

The method is applied to calculate the wave‐number spectrum of an alanine dipeptide in water for which the optical heterodyne‐detected Raman‐induced spectroscopy (RIKES) spectrum is available to compare with. The theoretical analysis reproduced the main features of the experimental spectrum with respect to the peak positions of the four bands around ~90 cm−1, ~240 cm−1, ~370 cm−1, and 400 cm−1, observed in the experimental spectrum, in spite that the physics involved in the two spectrum was not exactly the same: the experimental spectrum includes the contributions from the dipeptide and the water molecules interacting with the solute, while the theoretical one is just concerned with the solute molecule, influenced by solvation.

Two major discrepancies between the theoretical and experimental spectra, one in the band intensity around ~100 cm−1, and the other in the peak positions around ~370 cm−1, are discussed in terms of the fluctuation mode of water molecules interacting with the dipeptide, which is not taken explicitly into account in the theoretical analysis.
EIF3D promotes resistance to 5‐fluorouracil in colorectal cancer through upregulating RUVBL1
Authors: Li Chaobin , Lu Kemei , Yang Chenggang , Du Wenfeng , Liang Zhengkai
Published: January 2023

Background

As EIF3D is oncogenic in colorectal cancer (CRC) and is associated with multidrug resistance, this study aims to investigate whether and how EIF3D regulates resistance to 5‐fluorouracil (5‐Fu) in CRC.

Methods

EIF3D‐associated genes in CRC were predicted using bioinformatics tools. CRC cells and nude mice received 5‐Fu treatment. Then, the impacts of EIF3D and the interaction between EIF3D and RUVBL1 on cell viability, colony formation, apoptosis, and DNA damage were detected through MTT, colony formation, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence assays, and those on in vivo tumorigenesis through murine xenograft assay. IC50 value of 5‐Fu for CRC cells was determined by probit regression analysis. Expressions of EIF3D, eIF4E, EIF3D‐associated genes, γH2AX, Bcl‐2, Bax, and Cleaved Caspase‐3/Caspase‐3 in CRC tissues, cells, and/or xenograft tumors were analyzed by qRT‐PCR and/or Western blot.

Results

EIF3D and RUVBL1 were highly expressed and positively correlated with CRC tissues/cells. In CRC cells, except for eIF4E, both EIF3D and RUVBL1 levels were upregulated by 5‐Fu treatment; in addition to that, RUVBL1 level was downregulated by EIF3D silencing rather than eIF4E. Meanwhile, EIF3D silencing diminished IC50 value of 5‐Fu and potentiated 5‐Fu‐induced viability decrease, colony formation inhibition, apoptosis promotion, Bcl‐2 downregulation, and γH2AX, Bax, and Cleaved Caspase‐3/Caspase‐3 upregulation but reversed 5‐Fu‐triggered RUVBL1 upregulation. RUVBL1 overexpression offsets EIF3D silencing‐induced viability decrease and apoptosis promotion of 5‐Fu‐treated CRC cells, and tumorigenesis suppression and apoptosis promotion in 5‐Fu‐treated mice.

Conclusion

EIF3D promotes resistance to 5‐Fu in CRC through upregulating RUVBL1 level.
Detailed radiosynthesis of [18F]mG4P027 as a positron emission tomography radiotracer for mGluR4
Authors: Wang Junfeng , Moon Sung‐Hyun , Cleary Michael B. , Shoup Timothy M. , El Fakhri Georges , Zhang Zhaoda , Brownell Anna‐Liisa
Published: January 2023

We report here the detailed radiosynthesis of [18F]mG4P027, a metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGluR4) PET radiotracer, which showed superior properties to the currently reported mGluR4 radiotracers. The radiosynthesis in the automated system has been challenging, therefore we disclose here the major limiting factors for the synthesis via step‐by‐step examination. And we hope this thorough study will help its automation for human use in the future.
Two directional THz wave duplexer and filter based on graphene disks and rings
Authors: Mohammad Khani Amir Ali , Fouladian Majid , Mazloum Jalil
Published: January 2023

Coating both sides of a dielectric spacer with graphene patterns, leads to a tunable meta surface which acts as a THz duplexer. Two separate channels, reflection and transmission are considered as outputs ports while the aim is to minimize absorption ration. The presented structure consists of periodic arrays of graphene patterns on both sides of silicon dioxide as substrate. Moreover, the patterns include disks and rings are biased differently compared to conventional patterns which makes it possible to achieve tunable behaviors versus external bias. utilizing equivalent circuit models (ECM) for graphene patterns and dielectric, the whole structure is modeled by passive RLC branches. According to the simulation outputs, the presented structure can transmit and reflect incident THz waves at desired frequencies in 0.1 THz to 30 THz which makes it an ideal candidate for manipulating THz waves in terms of transmission and reflection. The THz duplexer can transmit and reflect incident waves at 1–3.3 THz as wide‐band and 1.05 THz as narrow‐band operation. Such a tunable device is in great demand for indoor communications, security, less harmful medical imaging and space related researches.
A randomized study on the value of self‐directed versus traditional mentor‐led microsurgical training
Authors: Powell Michael S. , Gardner James Reed , Davis Kyle P. , Dunlap Quinn , King Deanne , Vural Emre , Moreno Mauricio Alejandro , Sunde Jumin
Published: January 2023

Objective

Analyze efficacy of self‐directed resident microvascular training versus a mentor‐led course.

Study Design

Randomized, single‐blinded cohort study.

Setting

Academic tertiary care center.

Methods

Sixteen resident and fellow participants were randomized into two groups stratified by training year. Group A completed a self‐directed microvascular course with instructional videos and self‐directed lab sessions. Group B completed a traditional mentor‐led microvascular course. Both groups spent equal time in the lab. Video recorded pre and post‐course microsurgical skill assessments were performed to assess the efficacy of the training. Two microsurgeons, blinded to participant identity, evaluated the recordings and inspected each microvascular anastomosis (MVA). Videos were scored using an objective‐structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS), a global rating scale (GRS), and quality of anastomosis scoring (QoA).

Results

The pre‐course assessment identified that the groups were well matched with only “Economy of Motion” on the GRS favoring the mentor led group (p = .02). This difference remained significant on the post assessment (p = .02) Both groups significantly improved in OSATS and GRS scoring (p < .05). There was no significant difference in OSATS improvement between the two groups (p = .36) or improvement in MVA quality between groups (p > .99). Time to completion of MVA significantly improved overall by a mean of 8 min and 9 s (p = .005) with no significant difference between post training times to complete (p = .63).

Conclusion

Different microsurgical training models have previously been validated as effective methods for improved MVA performance. Our findings indicate that a self‐directed microsurgical training model is an effective alternative to a traditional mentor driven models.

Level of Evidence

Level 2.
Assessing pH‐dependent activities of virulence factors secreted by Candida albicans
Authors: Ramos‐Pardo Asier , Castro‐Álvarez Rocío , Quindós Guillermo , Eraso Elena , Sevillano Elena , Kaberdin Vladimir R.
Published: January 2023

Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen that can thrive under adverse conditions including suboptimal pH, nutrient scarcity, and low levels of oxygen. Its pathogenicity is associated with the production of virulence factors such as extracellular hydrolytic enzymes and toxins. This study was aimed at determining the effect of external pH, substrate nature, and strain origin on protease, lipase, and hemolysin production. To achieve this objective, agar plate assays were performed at pH 5.0, 6.5, and 7.5 with substrates suitable for the detection of each family of enzymes. Moreover, the study was conducted with 20 clinical C. albicans isolates from blood, oral cavity, skin, urine, and vagina. The hydrolytic zones formed around the colonies were further measured to calculate the Ez (enzymatic zone) indexes. We found that detection of proteases in skim milk agar plates was possible for most isolates only at pH 5 (80%) and pH 6.5 (75%), whereas BSA plates could confer protease detection exclusively at pH 5 (80%). Similarly, the percentage of isolates possessing lipolytic activities was higher at pH 5 (90%) than at pH 6.5 (70%) and pH 7.5 (35%). In contrast, hemolytic activities were detected in all isolates at pH 6.5 and 7.5 but not at pH 5. Further analysis revealed that some differences in the detected activities could potentially be attributed to the anatomical origin of these isolates. Collectively, these findings suggest that the pH of the site of infection might be critical for mimicking the microenvironment employed to experimentally discover the key virulence factors.
A direct approach to the model of few‐optical‐cycle solitons beyond the slowly varying envelope approximation
Authors: Aye Cho Aye , Wang Jing , Zhang Da‐jun
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we present a direct approach to various solutions of the modified Korteweg‐de Vries‐sine Gordon equation, which is a versatile model emerging in many physics and mathematics contexts. The direct approach is based on Cauchy matrix and Sylvester equation. The obtained solutions can be classified with respect to eigenvalues of certain matrix. We present eigenvalue structures that give rise to kinks, breathers, soliton molecules, multiple‐pole solutions, and so forth. Some obtained solutions are illustrated.