bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cr‐Doped Pd Metallene Endows a Practical Formaldehyde Sensor New Limit and High Selectivity
Authors: Zhang Jingxian , Lv Fan , Li Zehui , Jiang Guangya , Tan Meijuan , Yuan Menglei , Zhang Qinghua , Cao Youpeng , Zheng Haoyun , Zhang Lingling , Tang Cheng , Fu Wangyang , Liu Can , Liu Kaihui , Gu Lin , Jiang Jingkun , Zhang Guangjin , Guo Shaojun
Published: November 2021

Electrochemical sensors for detecting micromolecule organics are desirable for improving the perception of environmental quality and human health. However, currently, the electrochemical sensors for formaldehyde are substantially limited on the market due to the long‐term unsolved problems of the low electrooxidation efficiency and CO poisoning issue of commercial Pd catalysts. Here, a 2D Cr‐doped Pd metallene (Cr‐Pdene) with few atomic layers is shown as an advanced catalyst for ultrasensitive and selective sensing of formaldehyde via a highly efficient formaldehyde electrooxidation. It is found that the doping of Cr into Pd metallene can efficiently optimize the electronic structure of Pd and weaken the interaction between Pd and CO, providing an anti‐poisoning means to favor CO2 production and suppress CO adsorption. The Cr‐Pdene‐based electrochemical sensor exhibits one order of magnitude higher detection range and, especially, much higher anti‐interference for formaldehyde than that of the conventional sensors. Most importantly, it is demonstrated that the Cr‐Pdene can be integrated into commercializable wireless sensor networks or handheld instruments for promising applications relating to the environment, health, and food.
Multifunctional Separator Allows Stable Cycling of Potassium Metal Anodes and of Potassium Metal Batteries
Authors: Liu Pengcheng , Hao Hongchang , Celio Hugo , Cui Jinlei , Ren Muqing , Wang Yixian , Dong Hui , Chowdhury Aminur Rashid , Hutter Tanya , Perras Frédéric A. , Nanda Jagjit , Watt John , Mitlin David
Published: November 2021

This is the first report of a multifunctional separator for potassium‐metal batteries (KMBs). Double‐coated tape‐cast microscale AlF3 on polypropylene (AlF3@PP) yields state‐of‐the‐art electrochemical performance: symmetric cells are stable after 1000 cycles (2000 h) at 0.5 mA cm−2 and 0.5 mAh cm−2, with 0.042 V overpotential. Stability is maintained at 5.0 mA cm−2 for 600 cycles (240 h), with 0.138 V overpotential. Postcycled plated surface is dendrite‐free, while stripped surface contains smooth solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Conventional PP cells fail rapidly, with dendrites at plating, and “dead metal” and SEI clumps at stripping. Potassium hexacyanoferrate(III) cathode KMBs with AlF3@PP display enhanced capacity retention (91% at 100 cycles vs 58%). AlF3 partially reacts with K to form an artificial SEI containing KF, AlF3, and Al2O3 phases. The AlF3@PP promotes complete electrolyte wetting and enhances uptake, improves ion conductivity, and increases ion transference number. The higher of K+ transference number is ascribed to the strong interaction between AlF3 and FSI− anions, as revealed through 19F NMR. The enhancement in wetting and performance is general, being demonstrated with ester‐ and ether‐based solvents, with K‐, Na‐, or Li‐ salts, and with different commercial separators. In full batteries, AlF3 prevents Fe crossover and cycling‐induced cathode pulverization.
Graphitic Aza‐Fused π‐Conjugated Networks: Construction, Engineering, and Task‐Specific Applications
Authors: Chen Hao , Suo Xian , Yang Zhenzhen , Dai Sheng
Published: November 2021

2D π‐conjugated networks linked by aza‐fused units represent a pivotal category of graphitic materials with stacked nanosheet architectures. Extensive efforts have been directed at their fabrication and application since the discovery of covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs). Besides the triazine cores, tricycloquinazoline and hexaazatriphenylene linkages are further introduced to tailor the structures and properties. Diverse related materials have been developed rapidly, and a thorough outlook is necessitated to unveil the structure–property–application relationships across multiple subcategories, which is pivotal to guide the design and fabrication toward enhanced task‐specific performance. Herein, the structure types and development of related materials including CTFs, covalent quinazoline networks, and hexaazatriphenylene networks, are introduced. Advanced synthetic strategies coupled with characterization techniques provide powerful tools to engineer the properties and tune the associated behaviors in corresponding applications. Case studies in the areas of gas adsorption, membrane‐based separation, thermo‐/electro‐/photocatalysis, and energy storage are then addressed, focusing on the correlation between structure/property engineering and optimization of the corresponding performance, particularly the preferred features and strategies in each specific field. In the last section, the underlying challenges and opportunities in construction and application of this emerging and promising material category are discussed.
Spatial Control of Condensation: The Past, the Present, and the Future
Authors: Mandsberg Nikolaj Kofoed
Published: November 2021

Spatial control of condensation/nucleation is important for applications such as capillary force‐driven parallelized device alignment, suppression of chain‐reaction ice‐formation, and energy generation in steam cycles or dew collection to mitigate water scarcity. However, the nucleation is inherently random, limiting the possibilities to achieve defect‐free and durable spatial control. The two well‐known strategies for spatial control are chemical and topographical patterning, which can both promote nucleation in predetermined regions by spatially shifting the probability distribution for nucleation. Historical developments of the field and studies that focus on or utilize spatial control of condensation are presented herein. The studies are divided according to the strategy and length scale of surface patterning, from nanometer to millimeter. In addition to the two well‐known strategies, supersaturation is identified as a third strategy. Their advantages are discussed together with future directions of spatial control with a focus on stimuli‐responsive spatial control and the importance of transitioning to control of liquids other than water.
Deployment Opportunities for Space Photovoltaics and the Prospects for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ho‐Baillie Anita W. Y. , Sullivan Hamish G. J. , Bannerman Thomas A. , Talathi Harsh. P. , Bing Jueming , Tang Shi , Xu Alan , Bhattacharyya Dhriti , Cairns Iver H. , McKenzie David. R.
Published: November 2021

The rapid progress in space exploration, mining, and tourism has been fuelled by both public and private sector investments. The latter has led to the need to reduce manufacturing and launch cost of space hardware to create a competitive and sustainable space economy. A major step in making space accessible is to develop affordable power systems for “commercial space” use. Photovoltaics has in the past and will in the future be a key component. Metal halide perovskite solar cells show the greatest potential of all emerging technologies for low‐cost space photovoltaics. They have demonstrated the highest rate of power conversion efficiency improvement. Compared to the triple junction III–V compound semiconductor cells commonly used for space applications, perovskite cells have a higher power to weight ratio and are significantly cheaper to be manufactured. They have high radiation tolerance and can be fabricated onto flexible substrates for expand‐on‐demand solar panels. This paper outlines the major space markets for photovoltaics, and research and development opportunities for perovskite space solar cells in the context of their recent progress.
Air‐Pressure‐Assisted Pen‐Nib Printing for 3D Printed Electronics
Authors: Ahn Jinhyuck , Sim Ho Hyung , Kim Je Hyeong , Wajahat Muhammad , Kim Jung Hyun , Bae Jongcheon , Kim Seonghyeon , Pyo Jaeyeon , Jeon Chang Jun , Kim Bum Seok , Baek Sung Hyun , Seol Seung Kwon
Published: November 2021

3D printed electronics employing direct‐ink‐writing methods are promising alternative manufacturing technologies for realizing structural electronics. The emerging demand for accessible, cost‐effective, and rapid writing calls for novel approaches to print functional components onto nonflat and 3D architectures. This study presents a novel air‐pressure‐assisted pen‐nib printing approach producing electrical and functional components with various material inks on flat and 3D surfaces. Based on the inks’ rheological properties, the ejected ink's quantity through the nib is manipulated via air pressure; thus, the printed line width is controlled. This strategy also achieves the viscosity range extension of printable inks by enabling printing inks that cannot be used in general pen‐based printing. Three functional inks with different rheological properties—Ag catalyst ink for Cu electroless deposition, Ag‐PEDOT:PSS ink, and thermochromic pigment inks are designed. Several electrical and functional components, such as highly conductive Cu interconnects, Cu spiral coils for wireless power transfer receivers, flexible heaters, and matrix data codes based on temperature‐responsive color transitions are demonstrated. Furthermore, parallel printing with a multi‐nib print‐head is demonstrated for improving the printing speed and manufacturing scalability. The authors believe that this novel approach is promising as a manufacturing technique for realizing 3D printed electronics.
Constructing Mechanochemical Durable Superhydrophobic Composite Coating towards Superior Anticorrosion
Authors: Song Shijie , Yan Han , Cai Meng , Huang Yu , Fan Xiaoqiang , Zhu Minhao
Published: November 2021

Corrosion is an inevitable and thorny issue in various fields, resulting in materials degradation, environmental pollution, economic loss, and even emergency safety accidents. Owing to the special surface functions, superhydrophobic coatings are regarded as a promising strategy towards corrosion inhibition. However, the large‐scale and real‐world applications of superhydrophobic coatings are restricted by the mechanical and chemical weaknesses. Herein, a fluorine‐free dual‐layer microarc oxidation/superhydrophobic coating with mechanochemical stabilization is fabricated for corrosion protection. The dual‐layer coating maintains superhydrophobicity under ultraviolet irradiation (15 d), different pH values (1–14), different temperatures (0–100 °C) and abrasion test (180 cycles). Its impedance modulus at the lowest frequency is increased by more than six orders of magnitude than that of the pristine substrate, and the corrosion inhibition efficiency value is calculated as 99.999%. The enhancement of surface multifunctions is attributed to the synergistic effects of microarc oxidation layer and superhydrophobic layer. The as‐prepared robust dual‐layer coating with excellent properties is expected to have potential applications in material protection fields.
Trade‐off Lattice Site Occupancy Engineering Strategy for Near‐Infrared Phosphors with Ultrabroad and Tunable Emission
Authors: Lang Tianchun , Cai Mingsheng , Fang Shuangqiang , Han Tao , He Shuangshuang , Wang Qunyi , Ge Guanghui , Wang Jun , Guo Chaozhong , Peng Lingling , Cao Shixiu , Liu Bitao , Korepanov Vladimir I. , Yakovlev Alexey N. , Qiu Jianbei
Published: November 2021

Broadband near‐infrared (NIR) luminescent materials have received notable attention due to their distinct photophysical properties for designing NIR light‐emitting diodes (NIR LEDs). Here, a series of Ca3−xLuxGa2+xGe3−xO12:Cr3+ (CLGGG:Cr3+) (x = 0–1) NIR‐emitting garnet phosphors with an emission range of 660–1200 nm are successfully developed and their lattice parameters are structurally analyzed. Upon 460 nm blue light excitation, the NIR phosphors exhibit both a substantial spectral broadening (FWHM: 129→267 nm) and a redshift of 37 nm (766→803 nm) with cosubstitution of [Lu3+–Ga3+] pairs for [Ca2+–Ge4+] sites. Furthermore, their luminescence thermal stability is substantially improved, maintaining ≈90% of the original photoluminescence intensity at 150 °C, owing to shrinkage of the second coordination sphere and rigid lattice, which are strongly associated with Cr3+ trade‐off occupancy and local structure evolutions. The relation between the trade‐off site occupation of Cr3+ in GaO6/CaO8 polyhedrons and the NIR emission is also clarified by evaluating the decay and electron paramagnetic resonance behavior of Cr3+ at different sites. The broadband NIR phosphors investigated here can serve as auspicious luminescent converters for phosphor‐converted NIR LEDs and can provide an inspiring platform for future studies.
Transketolase Catalyzed Synthesis of N‐Aryl Hydroxamic Acids
Authors: Fúster Fernández Inés , Hecquet Laurence , Fessner Wolf‐Dieter
Published: November 2021

Hydroxamic acids are metal‐chelating compounds that show important biological activity including anti‐tumor effects. We have recently engineered the transketolase from Geobacillus stearothermopilus (TKgst) to convert benzaldehyde as a non‐natural acceptor substrate. Realizing the structural and electronic similarity to nitrosobenzene, we studied the TK‐catalyzed conversion of nitrosoarenes to yield N‐arylated hydroxamic acids. Here we demonstrate that wild‐type and variants of this versatile TKgst enzyme indeed induce the rapid biocatalytic conversion of variously p‐, m‐ and o‐substituted nitrosoarenes to produce a variety of corresponding N‐aryl hydroxamic acids via creation of a carbon‐nitrogen instead of a carbon‐carbon bond. Further structural modifications can be introduced by varying the donor component, such as hydroxypyruvate or pyruvate.

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Parameter Estimation of Fuel Cell Using Chaotic Mayflies Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Gupta Jyoti , Nijhawan Parag , Ganguli Souvik
Published: November 2021

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have been known to be a feasible method for sustainable power generation to meet the ever‐increasing electricity demand with no greenhouse gases emission. Thus, under varying operating circumstances, the PEMFCs have gained considerable importance as an alternative energy source. The optimal operation of PEMFC needs to be ensured to exploit its advantages to the maximum limit. In this direction, there is an extensive need for parameter extraction of PEMFC. Many researchers have applied evolutionary optimization approaches to estimate the PEMFCs parameters as the precise modeling of these cells are not possible. To optimize unknown parameters of PEMFCs, a metaheuristic algorithm is proposed, that is, chaotic mayfly algorithm (CMA) is being proposed in this manuscript. The model's statistical effects are more aligned with the actual experimental findings, according to an experimental finding. The results so obtained suggest that CMA variants are a valuable and efficient method of estimating the parameters of PEMFCs models. Even the nonparametric tests like the Friedman ranking test, Wilcoxon's rank‐sum test, and Mood's median test suggest that the proposed algorithm shows better accuracy of the extracted parameters as compared to the other algorithms namely considered in this work.
Engineered Small Extracellular Vesicles as a FGL1/PD‐L1 Dual‐Targeting Delivery System for Alleviating Immune Rejection
Authors: Tsai Hsiang‐i , Wu Yingyi , Liu Xiaoyan , Xu Zhanxue , Liu Longshan , Wang Changxi , Zhang Huanxi , Huang Yisheng , Wang Linglu , Zhang Weixian , Su Dandan , Khan Fahim Ullah , Zhu Xiaofeng , Yang Rongya , Pang Yuxin , Eriksson John E. , Zhu Haitao , Wang Dongqing , Jia Bo , Cheng Fang , Chen Hongbo
Published: November 2021

There is an urgent need for developing new immunosuppressive agents due to the toxicity of long‐term use of broad immunosuppressive agents after organ transplantation. Comprehensive sample analysis revealed dysregulation of FGL1/LAG‐3 and PD‐L1/PD‐1 immune checkpoints in allogeneic heart transplantation mice and clinical kidney transplant patients. In order to enhance these two immunosuppressive signal axes, a bioengineering strategy is developed to simultaneously display FGL1/PD‐L1 (FP) on the surface of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). Among various cell sources, FP sEVs derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) not only enriches FGL1/PD‐L1 expression but also maintain the immunomodulatory properties of unmodified MSC sEVs. Next, it is confirmed that FGL1 and PD‐L1 on sEVs are specifically bound to their receptors, LAG‐3 and PD‐1 on target cells. Importantly, FP sEVs significantly inhibite T cell activation and proliferation in vitro and a heart allograft model. Furthermore, FP sEVs encapsulated with low‐dose FK506 (FP sEVs@FK506) exert stronger effects on inhibiting T cell proliferation, reducing CD8+ T cell density and cytokine production in the spleens and heart grafts, inducing regulatory T cells in lymph nodes, and extending graft survival. Taken together, dual‐targeting sEVs have the potential to boost the immune inhibitory signalings in synergy and slow down transplant rejection.
A novel method for measuring and evaluating spatial distribution of straw incorporated by rotary tillage
Authors: Xu Gaoming , Xie Yixuan , Alele Joseph, Odero , Chen Xinxin , Matin Md. A. , Abbas Adnan , He Ruiyin , Ding Qishuo
Published: November 2021

Straw incorporation after tillage plays an essential role in soil organic matter and fertility. Despite the importance of understanding the effect of tillage on straw distribution in the soil, an accurate method to measure and evaluate the spatial distribution of straw has not been developed. In this work, we proposed a method for quantifying straw distribution in soil following tillage. The approach uses a straw spatial coordinate digitizer, Pro/Engineer drawing software, and MATLAB visualization software. Straw of four different lengths was mixed into soil by a rotary tillage. Results indicated that the uniformity of straw spatial distribution decreased with the increase of straw length. T50 (50‐mm straw length) had the greatest uniformity. As a result, it is recommended that straw be cut to 50 mm or shorter. This work offers a new insight into the quantitative analysis of straw spatial distribution in soil.
Synthesis of Benzazepinoindole Derivatives via a One‐Pot Process of TiCl4‐Catalyzed Indole Alkylation/Pictet‐Spengler Cyclization
Authors: Bang Eun Ji , Ra Jongmin , Choi Hoe Young , Ko Haye Min
Published: November 2021

An efficient synthetic approach involving indole alkylation/Pictet‐Spengler cyclization was developed to form benzazepinoindole derivatives. The reactions proceeded smoothly with indoles, 2‐aminobenzyl alcohols, and aldehydes in the presence of TiCl4 as a Lewis acid catalyst. The developed one‐pot protocol is operationally simple and tolerates various functional groups. Furthermore, this mild and practical tandem reaction provides a direct route to access benzazepinoindole‐containing natural products and bioactive compounds.
High‐Power Multimode Random Fiber Laser for Speckle‐Free Imaging
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Zhang Weili , Yang Ning , Ma Rui , Zhang Yanli , Wang Zhao , Zhang Jinchuan , Rao Yunjiang
Published: November 2021

New light sources with low spatial coherence and high brightness are crucial for high‐quality imaging. In this paper, such a light source is reported, which is formed by combining random lasing used as seed light with a multimode fiber (MMF) mediated master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) for power scaling and spatial decoherence. Experimental results show that the proposed multimode random fiber laser (MM‐RFL), with low noise, high spectral density, and high power efficiency, can achieve a maximum output power of 100.6 W and speckle contrast of as low as 0.037. Furthermore, MM‐RFL‐based speckle‐free imaging is demonstrated. The imaging quality can be improved by increasing the output power of the MM‐RFL as its spatial coherence decreases with an increasing number of effective modes excited in the MMF. Such a MM‐RFL provides a powerful light source for speckle‐free imaging applications where high power and low spatial coherence are essential for high‐quality imaging.
Engineering a Non‐Natural Photoenzyme for Improved Photon Efficiency**
Authors: Nicholls Bryce T. , Oblinsky Daniel G. , Kurtoic Sarah I. , Grosheva Daria , Ye Yuxuan , Scholes Gregory D. , Hyster Todd K.
Published: November 2021

Photoenzymes are biological catalysts that use light to convert starting materials into products. These catalysts require photon absorption for each turnover, making quantum efficiency an important optimization parameter. Flavin‐dependent “ene”‐reductases (EREDs) display latent photoenzymatic activity for synthetically valuable hydroalkylations; however, protein engineering has not been used to optimize this non‐natural function. We describe a protein engineering platform for the high throughput optimization of photoenzymes. A single round of engineering results in improved catalytic function toward the synthesis of γ, δ, ϵ‐lactams, and acyclic amides. Mechanistic studies show that key mutations can alter the enzyme's excited state dynamics, enhance its photon efficiency, and ultimately increase catalyst performance. Transient absorption spectroscopy reveals that engineered variants display dramatically decreased radical lifetimes, indicating an evolution toward a concerted mechanism.
Type I ‘Lighted Metal‐free’ Photosensitizing Assemblies of Phenazine for Aerobic Oxidative Transformations
Authors: Kaur Lovjot , Kaur Harpreet , Kumar Manoj , Bhalla Vandana
Published: November 2021

Highly photostable supramolecular photosensitizing ‘lighted metal‐free’ assemblies of DPZ‐Th have been developed which show strong absorption in the visible region and excellent electron transportation potential from donor to acceptor units. The as‐prepared assemblies of DPZ‐Th activate aerial oxygen to generate Type I reactive oxygen species (ROS) under visible‐light irradiation in mixed aqueous media. Owing to these properties, the as‐prepared DPZ‐Th assemblies exhibit high photocatalytic activity in catalyzing the aerobic oxidative coupling of benzylamines and synthesis of quinazolines. Various spectroscopic studies support the participation of Type I reactive species in the reaction mechanism. The ‘pure’ oxygen environment was not needed for carrying out these transformations and all the reactions proceed very well under aerial conditions to furnish the desired products in high yields.
Raman based chemometric model development for glycation and glycosylation real time monitoring in a manufacturing scale CHO cell bioreactor process
Authors: A. Gibbons Luke , Rafferty Carl , Robinson Kerry , Abad Marta , Maslanka Francis , Le Nikky , Mo Jingjie , Clark Kevin , Madden Fiona , Hayes Ronan , McCarthy Barry , Rode Christopher , O'Mahony Jim , Rea Rosemary , O'Mahony Hartnett Caitlin
Published: November 2021

The Quality by Design (QbD) approach to the production of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) emphasizes an understanding of the production process ensuring product quality is maintained throughout. Current methods for measuring critical quality attributes (CQAs) such as glycation and glycosylation are time and resource intensive, often, only tested offline once per batch process. Process analytical technology (PAT) tools such as Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometric modeling can provide real time measurements process variables and are aligned with the QbD approach. This study utilizes these tools to build partial least squares (PLS) regression models to provide real time monitoring of glycation and glycosylation profiles. In total, seven cell line specific chemometric PLS models; % mono‐glycated, % non‐glycated, % G0F‐GlcNac, % G0, % G0F, % G1F, and % G2F were considered. PLS models were initially developed using small scale data to verify the capability of Raman to measure these CQAs effectively. Accurate PLS model predictions were observed at small scale (5 L). At manufacturing scale (2000 L) some glycosylation models showed higher error, indicating that scale may be a key consideration in glycosylation profile PLS model development. Model robustness was then considered by supplementing models with a single batch of manufacturing scale data. This data addition had a significant impact on the predictive capability of each model, with an improvement of 77.5% in the case of the G2F. The finalized models show the capability of Raman as a PAT tool to deliver real time monitoring of glycation and glycosylation profiles at manufacturing scale.
Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity of New Thiosemicarboxamide Derivatives
Authors: Wu Jun , Guo Yafei , Chen Jun , Hu Sangsang , Sun Ke , Hu Hongyu , Fang Meijuan , Xue Yuhua
Published: November 2021

To discover new anticancer agents, two series of thiosemicarboxamide derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against human cancer cells in vitro. Most target compounds (especially 3f, 3g, and 3h) exhibit potent antiproliferative activity against HeLa cells. Importantly, compound 3h, bearing a 4‐methylphenyl substituent at N position of thiourea moiety, has significant and broad‐spectrum inhibitory activities against cancer cells (HepG2, HeLa, MDA‐MB231, A875, and H460 cells) with low IC50 values (<5.0 μM) and shows low toxicity to normal LO2 and MRC‐5 cells. Further studies show that compound 3h exerts high inhibitory activity in cancer cells by inducing the G2/M‐phase arrest of cancer cells. Collectively, this study presents compound 3h as a new entity for the development of cell cycle arrest inducers for the treatment of cancer.
Gold N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysts for the Hydrofluorination of Alkynes Using Hydrofluoric Acid: Reaction Scope, Mechanistic Studies and the Tracking of Elusive Intermediates
Authors: Gauthier Raphaël , Tzouras Nikolaos V. , Zhang Ziyun , Bédard Sandrine , Saab Marina , Falivene Laura , Van Hecke Kristof , Cavallo Luigi , Nolan Steven P. , Paquin Jean‐François
Published: November 2021

An efficient and chemoselective methodology deploying gold‐N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes as catalysts in the hydrofluorination of terminal alkynes using aqueous HF has been developed. Mechanistic studies shed light on an in situ generated catalyst, formed by the reaction of Brønsted basic gold pre‐catalysts with HF in water, which exhibits the highest reactivity and chemoselectivity. The catalytic system has a wide alkyl substituted‐substrate scope, and stoichiometric as well as catalytic reactions with tailor‐designed gold pre‐catalysts enable the identification of various gold species involved along the catalytic cycle. Computational studies aid in understanding the chemoselectivity observed through examination of key mechanistic steps for phosphine‐ and NHC‐coordinated gold species bearing the triflate counterion and the elusive key complex bearing a bifluoride counterion.
CD69 mediates the protective role of adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells against Pseudomonas aeruginosa pulmonary infection
Authors: Jiang Yanshan , Li Fan , Li Yanan , Duan Jielin , Di Caixia , Zhu Yinggang , Zhao Jingya , Jia Xinming , Qu Jieming
Published: November 2021

Background

Our previous study shows that Adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) are a promising strategy for cell‐based therapy against pulmonary infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods

cDNA microarray assay was performed to explore the transcriptome of ASCs primed by P. aeruginosa. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was constructed to select the receptor candidates for P. aeruginosa recognition and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) production in ASCs. The soluble protein chimeras containing the extracellular domain of human CD69 fused to the Fc region of human immunoglobulin IgG1 were used as a probe to validate the recognition of P. aeruginosa. The association between CD69 and extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) was explored via co‐immunoprecipitation, siRNA, and inhibitor. The murine models of P. aeruginosa pneumonia treated with WT‐ASCs, GM‐CSF−/−‐ASCs Cd69−/−‐ASCs or Erk1−/−‐ASCs were used to determine the role of GM‐CSF, CD69, and ERK1 in ASCs against P. aeruginosa infection.

Results

We showed that C‐type lectin receptor CD69 mediated the protective effects of ASCs partly through GM‐CSF. CD69 could specifically recognize P. aeruginosa and regulate GM‐CSF secretion of ASCs. CD69 regulated the production of GM‐CSF via ERK1 in ASCs after P. aeruginosa infection. Moreover, the Administration of ASCs with deficiency of CD69 or ERK1 completely blocked its protective effects in a murine model of P. aeruginosa pneumonia.

Conclusions

CD69 recognizes P. aeruginosa and further facilitates ERK1 activation, which plays a crucial role in ASCs‐based therapy against P. aeruginosa pneumonia. CD69 may be a novel target molecule to improve ASCs‐based therapy against P. aeruginosa infection.
Fast generalized threshold‐based signal detection for multiuser downlink NOMA systems with arbitrary power allocation
Authors: Xu Hongjun , Pillay Narushan
Published: November 2021

Non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is a technique to improve spectral efficiency. Based on the constellation relationship (CR) between the superposition‐coded signal and individual user's signals, in the literature, a simple detection scheme threshold‐based signal detection has been proposed for the two‐user downlink NOMA (DL‐NOMA) system with specific power allocations, not arbitrary power allocation. Furthermore, the average symbol error probability (ASEP) with squared M‐ary quadrature amplitude modulation for two‐user DL‐NOMA systems has also been derived based on this CR. Based on the threshold‐based signal detection for the two‐user DL‐NOMA systems with specific power allocation, in this paper, a generalized threshold‐based signal detection is proposed for all users in the multiuser DL‐NOMA systems with arbitrary power allocation, and then a fast generalized threshold‐based signal detection is further proposed. The generalized ASEP for each individual user in the multiuser DL‐NOMA system is further derived in Rayleigh fading channels. Both theoretical ASEP and simulated symbol error rate results validate the fast generalized threshold‐based signal detection scheme and the generalized ASEP for multiuser DL‐NOMA systems with arbitrary power allocations.
Pentagon inscribed circular superwideband fractal MIMO antenna
Authors: Lodhi Deepshikha , Singhal Sarthak
Published: November 2021

A compact circular fractal antenna element loaded with a central pentagonal slot is presented in this paper. This structure consists of a fourth iterative radiator fed by a partially tapered feed line and CPW defected ground plane. A superwide impedance bandwidth of 3.45–52.17 GHz (~175% fractional bandwidth) is achieved. Two multiple input multiple output (MIMO) configurations are also designed and analyzed by using this antenna element. For spatial and pattern diversity configurations, the impedance bandwidth of 3.45–52.2 and 3.1–52.2 GHz are achieved, respectively. The optimized footprints of antenna element, spatial diversity configuration, and pattern diversity configurations are 28 × 24, 28 × 53, and 45 × 48 mm2, respectively. The isolation for both MIMO configurations is more than 20 dB in maximum portion of the operating bandwidth. Desirable radiation and diversity performance characteristics are achieved for antenna element and MIMO configurations. The wide bandwidth, compact dimensions along with good radiation, and diversity performance characteristics make the proposed antenna configurations suitable for integration in superwideband wireless communication systems. A good agreement between the experimental and simulation results is observed.
Zebrafish models of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Authors: Fernandes Yohaan , Lovely C. Ben
Published: November 2021

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) describes a wide range of structural deficits and cognitive impairments. FASD impacts up to 5% of children born in the United States each year, making ethanol one of the most common teratogens. Due to limitations and ethical concerns, studies in humans are limited in their ability to study FASD. Animal models have proven critical in identifying and characterizing the mechanisms underlying FASD. In this review, we will focus on the attributes of zebrafish that make it a strong model in which to study ethanol‐induced developmental defects. Zebrafish have several attributes that make it an ideal model in which to study FASD. Zebrafish produced large numbers of externally fertilized, translucent embryos. With a high degree of genetic amenability, zebrafish are at the forefront of identifying and characterizing the gene‐ethanol interactions that underlie FASD. Work from multiple labs has shown that embryonic ethanol exposures result in defects in craniofacial, cardiac, ocular, and neural development. In addition to structural defects, ethanol‐induced cognitive and behavioral impairments have been studied in zebrafish. Building upon these studies, work has identified ethanol‐sensitive loci that underlie the developmental defects. However, analyses show there is still much to be learned of these gene‐ethanol interactions. The zebrafish is ideally suited to expand our understanding of gene‐ethanol interactions and their impact on FASD. Because of the conservation of gene function between zebrafish and humans, these studies will directly translate to studies of candidate genes in human populations and allow for better diagnosis and treatment of FASD.
Less loop diuretic use in patients on sacubitril/valsartan undergoing remote pulmonary artery pressure monitoring
Authors: Böhm Michael , Assmus Birgit , Anker Stefan D. , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Brachmann Johannes , Brett Marie‐Elena , Brugts Jasper J. , Ertl Georg , Wang AiJia , Hilker Lutz , Koehler Friedrich , Rosenkranz Stephan , Leistner David M. , Abdin Amr , Wintrich Jan , Zhou Qian , Adamson Philip B. , Angermann Christiane E.
Published: November 2021

Aims

Control of pulmonary pressures monitored remotely reduced heart failure hospitalizations mainly by lowering filling pressures through the use of loop diuretics. Sacubitril/valsartan improves heart failure outcomes and increases the kidney sensitivity for diuretics. We explored whether sacubitril/valsartan is associated with less utilization of loop diuretics in patients guided with haemodynamic monitoring in the CardioMEMS European Monitoring Study for Heart Failure (MEMS‐HF).

Methods and results

The MEMS‐HF population (n = 239) was separated by the use of sacubitril/valsartan (n = 68) or no use of it (n = 164). Utilization of diuretics and their doses was prespecified in the protocol and was monitored in both groups. Multivariable regression, ANCOVA, and a generalized linear model were used to fit baseline covariates with furosemide equivalents and changes for 12 months. MEMS‐HF participants (n = 239) were grouped in sacubitril/valsartan users [n = 68, 64 ± 11 years, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 25 ± 9%, cardiac index (CI) 1.89 ± 0.4 L/min/m2] vs. non‐users (n = 164, 70 ± 10 years, LVEF 36 ± 16%, CI 2.11 ± 0.58 L/min/m2, P = 0.0002, P < 0.0001, and P = 0.0015, respectively). In contrast, mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) values were comparable between groups (29 ± 11 vs. 31 ± 11 mmHg, P = 0.127). Utilization of loop diuretics was lower in patients taking sacubitril/valsartan compared with those without (P = 0.01). Significant predictor of loop diuretic use was a history of renal failure (P = 0.005) but not age (P = 0.091). After subjects were stratified by sacubitril/valsartan or other diuretic use, PAP was nominally, but not significantly lower in sacubitril/valsartan‐treated patients (baseline: P = 0.52; 6 months: P = 0.07; 12 months: P = 0.53), while there was no difference in outcome or PAP changes. This difference was observed despite lower CI (P = 0.0015). Comparable changes were not observed for other non‐loop diuretics (P = 0.21).

Conclusions

In patients whose treatment was guided by remote PAP monitoring, concomitant use of sacubitril/valsartan was associated with reduced utilization of loop diuretics, which could potentially be relevant for outcomes.
A state‐of‐the‐art review on the impact of fast EV charging on the utility sector
Authors: Shariff Samir M. , Alam Mohammad Saad , Hameed Salman , Khalid Mohd Rizwan , Ahmad Aqueel , Al‐Ammar Essam A. , Alsaidan Ibrahim , Alrajhi Hasan
Published: November 2021

Deployment of fast‐charging stations for electrified transportation is currently one of the limiting factors in the commercial deployment and paradigm shift of the mobility sector. The rapidly increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) brings the demand for accessible and affordable charging infrastructure. The commercial EV fast‐charging load profile depends on the customer's EV charging demand, which poses challenges in determining the overall peak profile. This could lead to unprecedented challenges of harmonic disruption, system losses, supply‐demand balance, and grid reliability. The emergence of bidirectional charging infrastructure and the realization of controlled charging strategies in coordination with the cumulative contribution of renewable energy resources could potentially reduce the challenge of utility grid stability and reliability shortly. Furthermore, the parallel development of smart grid technologies has promising features. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive state‐of‐the‐art review of the major challenges of the utility grid in the swift adoption of fast charging infrastructures available in the open literature, as well as the sustainable implications and potential safety measures. Furthermore, the potential solutions and best practices for the synchronization of electrified transportation with the emerging ecosystem of renewable power systems and various controlled charging strategies are reviewed in detail.
Comparing pH differential and methanol‐based methods for anthocyanin assessments of strawberries
Authors: Taghavi Toktam , Patel Hiral , Rafie Reza
Published: November 2021

Anthocyanins are a group of water‐soluble polyphenolic pigments found primarily in flowers, vegetables, and fruits. These pigments play critical roles in plant and human health. Spectrophotometric methods are a simple and inexpensive way to quantify anthocyanins in plant tissues. Two main spectrophotometric methods have been developed, organic solvent‐based, and pH differential methods. Both of these methods are subject to interference from light‐absorbing impurities and need to be optimized for different matrixes of different plant materials. Eight methods have been tested in this experiment to quantify anthocyanins in strawberry fruits. Six organic solvent‐based methods tested methanol, chloroform‐methanol, and MgO in different ratios. The other two methods were pH differential method and a combination of organic solvent‐based and pH differential method. Two methods used organic solvents (methanol and chloroform‐methanol) were the best in extracting anthocyanin from strawberry fruits. Adding MgO increased the pH of the extract and was less efficient in anthocyanin extraction. All other methods had lower anthocyanin yield compared with methanol and chloroform‐methanol methods and are not recommended for strawberry fruit anthocyanin extraction.
Facing successfully high mental workload and stressors: An fMRI study
Authors: Causse Mickaël , Lepron Evelyne , Mandrick Kevin , Peysakhovich Vsevolod , Berry Isabelle , Callan Daniel , Rémy Florence
Published: November 2021

The present fMRI study aimed at highlighting patterns of brain activations and autonomic activity when confronted with high mental workload and the threat of auditory stressors. Twenty participants performed a complex cognitive task in either safe or aversive conditions. Our results showed that increased mental workload induced recruitment of the lateral frontoparietal executive control network (ECN), along with disengagement of medial prefrontal and posterior cingulate regions of the default mode network (DMN). Mental workload also elicited an increase in heart rate and pupil diameter. Task performance did not decrease under the threat of stressors, most likely due to efficient inhibition of auditory regions, as reflected by a large decrement of activity in the superior temporal gyri. The threat of stressors was also accompanied with deactivations of limbic regions of the salience network (SN), possibly reflecting emotional regulation mechanisms through control from dorsal medial prefrontal and parietal regions, as indicated by functional connectivity analyses. Meanwhile, the threat of stressors induced enhanced ECN activity, likely for improved attentional and cognitive processes toward the task, as suggested by increased lateral prefrontal and parietal activations. These fMRI results suggest that measuring the balance between ECN, SN, and DMN recruitment could be used for objective mental state assessment. In this sense, an extra recruitment of task‐related regions and a high ratio of lateral versus medial prefrontal activity may represent a relevant marker of increased but efficient mental effort, while the opposite may indicate a disengagement from the task due to mental overload and/or stressors.
Hall current, chemical reaction, and radiation results on transient magnetohydrodynamic flow past an inclined plate: FEM
Authors: Sheri Siva Reddy , Peesu Megaraju , Mamidi Narsimha Rajashekar
Published: November 2021

This paper investigates the influence of Hall current, chemical reaction, and radiation on transient magnetohydrodynamics flow past an inclined plate. The basic nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) are converted to dimensionless nonlinear PDEs with similar transformations. The transformed flow equations are solved by the finite element method with appropriate initial conditions. The influence of physical parameters on velocities, temperature, as well as concentration dispensations is addressed computationally and demonstrated by graphs. The influence of flow parameters on skin‐friction coefficients and are discussed and presented in the form of a table. Finally, a qualitative similarity was made between the present paper and the earlier published results and it was initiated that there is tremendous conformity between the results.
Circulating Sclerostin Levels Are Positively Related to Coronary Artery Disease Severity and Related Risk Factors
Authors: Frysz Monika , Gergei Ingrid , Scharnagl Hubert , Smith George Davey , Zheng Jie , Lawlor Deborah A , Herrmann Markus , Maerz Winfried , Tobias Jon H
Published: November 2021

Romosozumab is a newly available treatment for osteoporosis acting by sclerostin inhibition. Its cardiovascular safety has been questioned after finding excess cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related events in a pivotal phase 3 trial. Previous studies of relationships between circulating sclerostin levels and CVD and associated risk factors have yielded conflicting findings, likely reflecting small numbers and selected patient groups. We aimed to characterize relationships between sclerostin and CVD and related risk factors in more detail by examining these in two large cohorts, Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health study (LURIC; 34% female, mean age 63.0 years) and Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children study (ALSPAC) mothers (mean age 48.1 years). Together these provided 5069 participants with complete data. Relationships between sclerostin and CVD risk factors were meta-analyzed, adjusted for age, sex (LURIC), body mass index, smoking, social deprivation, and ethnicity (ALSPAC). Higher sclerostin levels were associated with higher risk of diabetes mellitus (DM) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12, 1.37), risk of elevated fasting glucose (OR 1.15; CI 1.04, 1.26), and triglyceride levels (β 0.03; CI 0.00, 0.06). Conversely, higher sclerostin was associated with lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (β −0.20; CI −0.38, −0.02), HDL cholesterol (β −0.05; CI −0.10, −0.01), and apolipoprotein A-I (β −0.05; CI −0.08, −0.02) (difference in mean SD per SD increase in sclerostin, with 95% CI). In LURIC, higher sclerostin was associated with an increased risk of death from cardiac disease during follow-up (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.13; 1.03, 1.23) and with severity of coronary artery disease on angiogram as reflected by Friesinger score (0.05; 0.01, 0.09). Associations with cardiac mortality and coronary artery severity were partially attenuated after adjustment for risk factors potentially related to sclerostin, namely LDL and HDL cholesterol, log triglycerides, DM, hypertension, eGFR, and apolipoprotein A-I. Contrary to trial evidence suggesting sclerostin inhibition leads to an increased risk of CVD, sclerostin levels appear to be positively associated with coronary artery disease severity and mortality, partly explained by a relationship between higher sclerostin levels and major CVD risk factors. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Synthesis and structures of tantalum chloride and tantalum aryloxide compounds bearing bidentate and tridentate pyrrole‐amine ligands
Authors: Hsieh Hsiang‐Hua , Tu Meng‐Hsiu , Su Yu‐Chia , Ko Bao‐Tsan , Das Kuheli , Huang Jui‐Hsien
Published: November 2021

A series of mononuclear tantalum derivatives containing substituted pyrrole‐amine ligands are synthesized. Reacting TaCl5 with one equivalent of Li[C4H2N‐2,5‐(CH2NMe2)2] in toluene affords TaCl4[C4H2N‐2,5‐(CH2NMe2)2] (1), whereas TaCl4[C4H3N‐2‐(CH2NEt2)] (2) is generated between the combination of TaCl5 and Li[C4H3N‐2‐(CH2NEt2)] in moderate yield. Similarly, while subjecting Li[C4H2N‐2‐(CH2NMe2)‐5‐(CH2NHtBu)] with TaCl5 in diethyl ether, it affords TaCl3[C4H2N‐2‐(CH2NMe2)‐5‐(CH2NtBu)] (3) at moderate yield. Interestingly, the mixing of TaCl4[C4H2N‐2,5‐(CH2NMe2)2] (1) with excess Li[O‐Ph‐2,6‐iPr2] in tetrahydrofuran generates the tantalum aryloxide compound, Ta(O‐Ph‐2,6‐iPr2)Cl3[C4H2N‐2,5‐(CH2NMe2)2] (4). Single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that compound 4 is hepta‐coordinated possessing a distorted pentagonal bipyramidal geometry. All the compounds are characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance and carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and we highlight the structural variation of tantalum derivatives with bi‐ or tridentate (symmetric and asymmetric) pyrrole precursors.
Development of CO2/H2O activated biochar derived from pine pyrolysis: application in methylene blue adsorption
Authors: Liu Shasha , Shen Chen , Wang Yuhui , Huang Yong , Hu Xun , Li Bin , Karnowo  , Zhou Jianbin , Zhang Shu , Zhang Hong
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

The interaction mechanism between adsorbent and adsorbate is of great significance in the adsorption process. Activated biochar, prepared from pine sawdust using CO2 and H2O as activator, was employed to adsorb methylene blue in printing and dyeing pollutants. The pore structure, carbon structure of the aromatic ring system and functional groups were investigated though characterization analysis, and the adsorption kinetics and possible adsorption mechanism were also studied.

RESULTS

The activated biochar prepared using CO2 activation had greater specific surface area, pore structure and surface oxygen‐containing functional groups than that prepared using H2O, which was more conductive to improving its adsorption capacity. The electrostatic interaction between the surface oxygen‐containing functional groups and the π–π interaction formed in the aromatic rings enhanced the adsorption capacity of activated biochar for methylene blue.

CONCLUSIONS

The adsorption process of methylene blue by activated biochar was spontaneous, and it conformed to pseudo‐second‐order kinetic characteristics and the Langmuir adsorption isotherm equation. It was a monolayer adsorption and the maximum adsorption capacity was about 160 mg g−1. Activated biochar as an adsorbent for wastewater treatment has promise for application and development prospects. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).