bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamically Conformal Mask Printing of Liquid Alloy Circuits on Morphing Objects
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Jiang Jiajun , Jiang Qin , Fei Wenjie , Guo Chuan Fei , Wu Zhigang
Published: April 2021

Due to their excellent conformability and inherent compatibility, soft three‐dimensional (3D) circuits can promisingly contribute to soft intelligent systems, i.e., soft robots equipped with dynamic and sophisticated morphologies. However, current processing technologies have almost focused on fabricating planar or 3D circuits on static objects, which restrict the feasibility when targeting on dynamic/morphing surfaces in case of mismatched stress or strain. Here, a conformal mask printing method, based on selective laser patterninga conformal, attachable and dynamic (CAD) film made of carbon black‐doped polydimethylsiloxane (cPDMS) is reported. Combining with the unique fluidity of liquid alloy, the new CAD‐mask allows to conformably print dynamic compliant liquid alloy circuits on various complex and morphing surfaces. To illustrate the capability of the approach, 3D conformal circuits are fabricated on a steering wheel for detecting driving modes, on a face model to achieve anthropomorphic layer, and demonstrate the fabrication process on adynamic shape‐changing elastomeric heart and a human hand. The approach offers a new opportunity for real‐timely configuring dynamic compliant circuits on morphing substrates of soft electronics/robotics.
Soft Robotic Manipulation System Capable of Stiffness Variation and Dexterous Operation for Safe Human–Machine Interactions
Authors: Chen Shoue , Pang Yaokun , Cao Yunteng , Tan Xiaobo , Cao Changyong
Published: April 2021

Soft robots have attracted great attention in the past decades owing to their unique flexibility and adaptability for accomplishing tasks via simple control strategies, as well as their inherent safety for interactions with humans and environments. Here, a soft robotic manipulation system capable of stiffness variation and dexterous operations through a remotely controlled manner is reported. The smart manipulation system consists of a soft omnidirectional arm, a dexterous multimaterial gripper, and a self‐powered human–machine interface (HMI) for teleoperation. The cable‐driven soft arm is made of soft elastomers and embedded with low melting point alloy as a stiffness‐tuning mechanism. The self‐powered HMI patches are designed based on the triboelectric nanogenerator that utilizes a sliding mode of tribo‐layers made of copper and polytetrafluoroethylene. The novel soft manipulation system has great potential for soft and remote manipulation and human machine interactions in a variety of applications from elderly care to surgical operation to agriculture harvesting.
Hyperspectral Imaging and Optical Trapping: Complementary Tools for Assessing Direction‐Dependent Polarized Emission from Single Upconverting LiYF4:Yb3+/Er3+ Microparticles
Authors: Panov Nikita , Lu Dasheng , Ortiz‐Rivero Elisa , Martinazzo Rodrigues Emille , Haro‐González Patricia , Jaque Daniel , Hemmer Eva
Published: April 2021

Single‐particle fluorescent probes with the capacity to infer specific intracellular conditions, for instance, have great application potential in the realm of biomedicine. Imaging techniques that improve our understanding of the fluorescence processes at a single‐particle level are thus instrumental in actualizing this potential. This study demonstrates the importance of implementing synergistic single‐particle spectroscopic techniques to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the optical anisotropy exhibited by upconverting erbium and ytterbium co‐doped lithium yttrium tetrafluoride (LiYF4:Yb3+/Er3+) microparticles. More specifically, optical trapping and single‐particle polarized emission spectroscopy is herein leveraged to provide a plausible explanation for the spatial emission intensity distribution variation exhibited by LiYF4:Yb3+/Er3+ microparticles during hyperspectral imaging. By probing the polarized emission stemming from a single, optically trapped LiYF4:Yb3+/Er3+ microparticle, it is possible to find evidence that the emission intensity anisotropy exhibited by the respective microparticles during hyperspectral imaging arises as a consequence of the selection rules governing the emission probability in rare‐earth (RE3+) ions doped into a uniaxially birefringent host matrix such as LiYF4.
Artificial Receptor‐Based Optical Sensors (AROS): Ultra‐Sensitive Detection of Urea
Authors: Gorai Pintu , Jha Rajan
Published: April 2021

The combined approach of optical fiber interferometry with molecular imprinting technology has shown a tremendous potential for developing a specific and sophisticated bio‐detection system with high degree of resolution and sensitivity. However, the specificity limitation of the fiber optic sensors renders them unsuitable for several key applications. Molecular imprinted polymer (MIP), an indispensable artificial molecular receptor with a complementary structure and functionality for the target analyte, possesses the ability to overcome the limitations of specificity. Therefore, a new class of artificial receptor‐based optical sensors (AROS) constructed from an optical fiber interferometer integrated with artificial MIP for selective and ultrasensitive sensing of urea is demonstrated. The sensor device shows an unprecedented sensitivity of 0.584 × 1011 nm m
−1 and a lower detection limit of 17.1 fM with a wide dynamic range of 10−11–10−4 m. This demonstration of an ultrasensitive, selective, and accurate AROS system is bound to find potential applications that requires remote sensing in harsh environmental conditions with large fluctuations in the temperature, pressure, and humidity.
Strategies for High Energy Density Dual‐Ion Batteries Using Carbon‐Based Cathodes
Authors: Guo Zhenyu , Xu Zhen , Xie Fei , Feng Jingyu , Titirici Magdalena
Published: April 2021

The rapid‐growing demands for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have raised concerns over lithium's scarcity as well as the scarcity of other materials and components used in LIBs. Tremendous efforts have been dedicated to investigating alternative technologies. Dual‐ion batteries (DIBs) represent an emerging battery technology with an attractive future such as high working voltage and a high‐power density enabled by a “nonrocking chair” operation. Research in DIBs is still at an early stage. The energy density of DIBs remains a challenge to solve, especially in comparison with LIBs. This review highlights current challenges in the research on DIBs from different aspects, including undesirable graphite exfoliation during ions intercalation, limited choices of cathode materials, unstable electrolytes, battery safety, and discusses potential strategies for addressing these challenges. Perspectives for exploring the next‐generation DIBs with high energy density are also provided.
3D Bioprinting Human‐Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Drug‐Releasing Microspheres to Produce Responsive Neural Tissues
Authors: De la Vega Laura , Abelseth Laila , Sharma Ruchi , Triviño-Paredes Juan , Restan Milena , Willerth Stephanie M.
Published: April 2021

3D bioprinting can produce complex human tissue mimics using stem cells (SCs). Herein, cylindrical constructs containing human‐induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)‐derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) encapsulated in a fibrin‐based bioink containing polycaprolactone (PCL)–retinoic acid (RA) and purmorphamine (puro)‐releasing microspheres are bioprinted in a layer‐by‐layer fashion using the microfluidic‐based RX1 bioprinter to engineer responsive neural tissues. The differentiated constructs contain neurons expressing ChAT, GABA, and MAP2, astrocytes expressing GFAP, and oligodendrocytes expressing O4 as indicated by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry analysis on days 30 and 45. The bioprinted tissues also respond to treatment with acetylcholine (Ach) and gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) on days 30 and 45. The use of microsphere‐laden bioinks efficiently promotes neural tissue differentiation and maturation in situ using a lower amount of morphogens in comparison with using soluble drugs. This bioprinting strategy serves as a cost‐effective solution for engineering humanized neural tissues.
Single‐Photon Near‐Infrared‐Responsiveness from the Molecular to the Supramolecular Level via Platination of Pentacenes
Authors: Han Yifei , Yin Yueru , Wang Fan , Wang Feng
Published: April 2021

Near‐infrared (NIR) responsiveness is important for various applications. Currently, single‐photon NIR‐responsive systems are rare compared to systems that display two‐photon absorption and triplet–triplet annihilation processes. Supramolecular stacking of photo‐responsive chromophores results in decreased efficiency due to space‐confinement effects. Herein we show that σ‐platination of pentacenes is a feasible protocol to build single‐photon NIR‐responsive systems, with advantages including a low HOMO–LUMO energy gap, high photochemical efficiency, and pathway specificity. The pentacene‐to‐endoperoxidation transformation is accompanied by color and absorbance changes. The high photo‐oxygenation efficiency of σ‐platinated pentacenes facilitates NIR responsiveness in one‐dimensional supramolecular polymers, resulting in the disappearance of supramolecular chirality signals and disruption of self‐assembled nanofibers. Overall, the σ‐platination strategy opens up new avenues toward NIR photo‐responsive materials at the molecular and supramolecular levels.
Cluster From Cluster: A Quantitative Approach to Magic Gold Nanoclusters [Au25(SR)18]−
Authors: Lei Zhen , Li Jiao‐Jiao , Nan Zi‐Ang , Jiang Zhan‐Guo , Wang Quan‐Ming
Published: April 2021

High‐yield and large‐scale synthesis are highly demanded for the studies of gold nanoclusters. We developed a “cluster from cluster” approach to assemble gold nanoclusters with preformed atomically precise Au13 precursors. This facile approach has proved to be very effective in the synthesis of the well‐known magic cluster [Au25(SR)18]−, which could prepare the target cluster in high yield (overall yield up to ≈100 %) at large scale (gram‐scale based on gold). This method can be applied in the synthesis of 10 Au25 clusters with different R groups. This work presents an important approach that may be extended to high‐yield and large‐scale synthesis of other metal nanoclusters.
Orientational Jahn–Teller Isomerism in the Dark‐Stable State of Nature's Water Oxidase
Authors: Drosou Maria , Zahariou Georgia , Pantazis Dimitrios A.
Published: April 2021

The tetramanganese–calcium cluster of the oxygen‐evolving complex of photosystem II adopts electronically and magnetically distinct but interconvertible valence isomeric forms in its first light‐driven oxidized catalytic state, S2. This bistability is implicated in gating the final catalytic states preceding O−O bond formation, but it is unknown how the biological system enables its emergence and controls its effect. Here we show that the Mn4CaO5 cluster in the resting (dark‐stable) S1 state adopts orientational Jahn–Teller isomeric forms arising from a directional change in electronic configuration of the “dangler” MnIII ion. The isomers are consistent with available structural data and explain previously unresolved electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic observations on the S1 state. This unique isomerism in the resting state is shown to be the electronic origin of valence isomerism in the S2 state, establishing a functional role of orientational Jahn–Teller isomerism unprecedented in biological or artificial catalysis.
Evaluation and application of tools for the identification of known microRNAs in plants
Authors: Li Qinglian , Liu Guanqing , Bao Yu , Wu Yuechao , You Qi
Published: April 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), endogenous non‐coding RNA regulators, post‐transcriptionally inhibit the expression of their target genes. Several tools have been developed for predicting annotated known miRNAs, but there is no consensus about how to select the most suitable method for any given species. In this study, eight miRNA prediction tools (mirnovo, miRPlant, miRDeep‐P2, miRExpress, miRkwood, miRDeep2, miR‐PREFeR, and sRNAbench) were selected for evaluation. High‐throughput small RNA sequencing data from four plant species (including C3 and C4 species, and both monocots and dicots, i.e., Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, Triticum aestivum, and Zea mays) were used for the analysis. The sensitivity, accuracy, area under the curve, consistency, duration, and RAM usage of the known miRNA predictions were evaluated for each tool. The miRNA annotations were obtained using miRBase and sRNAanno. Algorithms, such as random forest, BLAST, and receiver operating characteristic curves, were used to evaluate accuracy. Of the tools evaluated, sRNAbench was found to be the most accurate, miRDeep‐P2 was the most sensitive, miRDeep‐P2 was the fastest, and miRkwood had the highest memory usage. Due to its large genome size, only three tools were able to successfully predict known miRNAs in wheat (Triticum aestivum). Our results enable us to recommend the tool best suited to a variety of researcher needs, which we hope will reduce confusion and enhance future work.
Selecting areas with rare and restricted fish species in mountain streams of Southern Brazil
Authors: Frota Augusto , Pacifico Ricardo , da Graça Weferson J.
Published: April 2021

The delimitation of conservation units may be supported by information on compositional (taxonomic), functional, and phylogenetic diversity of a given locality or region. In this context, systematic conservation planning and key biodiversity areas are promising approaches for biodiversity protection.

Factors such as species representativeness and exclusivity may be used to identify geographical distribution patterns and select relevant areas for conservation at a local scale.

This study aims to identify areas with rare and restricted fish species in mountain streams in Southern Brazil, using a method that unites ecological and biogeographical approaches.

Seven river basins and 152 mountain streams in Southern Brazil were sampled to obtain data on the occurrence and abundance of 115 fish species. The rarity status of each species was determined and endemicity analysis was used to find areas of restricted species (ARS) with three cell sizes.

Using larger cells, continuous areas were identified and supported by a higher proportion of rare fish species. Using smaller cells, discontinuous areas were identified within each of the river basins, where rare and endemic fish species occur. Most of the smaller areas relevant for protecting fish fauna were located outside of conservation units.

Fundamental areas were selected for the protection of fish species in mountain streams in Southern Brazil. Both the method proposed and the areas with rare and restricted fish species identified may be used to support systematic conservation planning and to delimit new priority areas for conservation.
Ex vivo interaction study of NaYF4:Yb,Er nanophosphors with isolated mitochondria
Authors: Singh Varun Pratap , Chawda Nitya , Barkhade Tejal , Mahapatra Santosh Kumar , Banerjee Indrani
Published: April 2021

Ex vivo interaction of NaYF4:Yb,Er nanophosphors with isolated mitochondria has been investigated. The nanophosphors were synthesized using the hydrothermal method. The synthesized NaYF4:Yb,Er nanophosphors were characterized for physicochemical properties. The NaYF4:Yb,Er nanophosphors showed successful upconversion with excitation wavelength lying in the near‐infrared region. The effect of synthesized NaYF4:Yb,Er nanophosphors on mitochondria isolated from the chicken heart tissue was examined through ROS generation capacity, membrane fluidity, and complex II activity. The exposer of NaYF4:Yb,Er nanophosphors to isolated mitochondria inhibits ROS generation activity as compared to control. The mitochondria membrane fluidity of the lipid bilayer and complex‐II activity of mitochondria was observed to be unaltered after the interaction with NaYF4:Yb,Er nanoparticles. The results confirm that synthesized NaYF4:Yb,Er nanoparticles can be used as a safe contrast agent.
Techno‐economic and market analysis of two emerging forest biorefining technologies
Authors: Blair M. Jean , Mabee Warren E.
Published: April 2021

A new forest biorefining model is emerging in which high‐value materials would be produced alongside a cellulosic sugar by‐product in facilities scaled to match fiber availability in northern forests. As these emerging biorefining technologies are being developed by private entities, the economics associated with them are little known. The goal of this study is to use publicly available information to carry out an initial techno‐economic assessment for two emerging biorefining technologies: one that produces sugar and hydrolysis lignin (H‐lignin) from thermomechanical pulping (TMP) and another that produces sugar, lignosulfonate, and nanocellulose. The break‐even price for H‐lignin and nanocellulose is estimated for the respective technology and a credit is applied for cellulosic sugar and other co‐product sales based on current market value. It was found that the minimum product selling price (MPSP) for H‐lignin was within the range of high purity lignin but not enough is known about the properties of H‐lignin to determine if this is a reasonable value for prospective end uses. The estimated MPSP of nanocellulose was found to be considerably lower than for more conventional nanocellulose‐producing methods that use Kraft or dissolving pulp as a starting point. The nanocellulose produced through the second process modeled has different properties than conventional nanocellulose, which need to be further explored. Having a sense of the cost to produce these novel materials will help to direct research on viable end uses. The methodology presented, using only publicly available information, can also be replicated for other emerging technologies. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Right‐wing populism and education: Introduction to the special section
Authors: Hussain Saba , Yunus Reva
Published: April 2021

This introduction offers an overview of the concept of populism, the debates around its definitions and its relationship with democracy and the significance of attending to populist politics in the context of education. It also lays out the political contexts in which authors have engaged with education and populist politics in the UK, Brazil and Israel, and the ways in which they understand populist shifts in education. Detailing the two main conceptions of populism used by authors in the special section, namely, populism as ideology and populism as political logic, we discuss how authors understand the construction of ‘the people’ and ‘the elite’, and the implications of the ‘antagonism’ between them in each case. Dividing the nine articles in the special section into three groups, we look at the ways in which right‐wing populism has sought to (re)shape divisions based on race, religion and nationalities, among other things; how political and pedagogic practices are being (re)imagined to counter these divisions and populist moves; and the stakes of bringing the question of populism into education. We show how this special section has brought together different conversations and disciplinary perspectives on right‐wing shifts in education, challenges to these and a potential way forward. Most importantly, we invite readers to think through the shifting role of education in democracy, as well as the divisions and hierarchies that are entailed in institutionalised education.
Evolutionary context can clarify gene names: Teleosts as a case study
Authors: Gasanov Eugene V. , Jędrychowska Justyna , Kuźnicki Jacek , Korzh Vladimir
Published: April 2021

We developed an ex silico evolutionary‐based systematic synteny approach to define and name the duplicated genes in vertebrates. The first convention for the naming of genes relied on historical precedent, the order in the human genome, and mutant phenotypes in model systems. However, total‐genome duplication that resulted in teleost genomes required the naming of duplicated orthologous genes (ohnologs) in a specific manner. Unfortunately, as we review here, such naming has no defined criteria, and some ohnologs and their orthologs have suffered from incorrect nomenclature, thus creating confusion in comparative genetics and disease modeling. We sought to overcome this barrier by establishing an ex silico evolutionary‐based systematic approach to naming ohnologs in teleosts. We developed software and compared gene synteny in zebrafish using the spotted gar genome as a reference, representing the unduplicated ancestral state. Using new criteria, we identified several hundred potentially misnamed ohnologs and validated the principle manually. Also see the video abstract here: https://youtu.be/UKNLa_TvSgY
Global climate change, diet, and the complex relationship between human host and microbiome: Towards an integrated picture
Authors: Catania Francesco , Baedke Jan , Fábregas‐Tejeda Alejandro , Nieves Delgado Abigail , Vitali Valerio , Long Le Anh Nguyen
Published: April 2021

Dietary changes can alter the human microbiome with potential detrimental consequences for health. Given that environment, health, and evolution are interconnected, we ask: Could diet‐driven microbiome perturbations have consequences that extend beyond their immediate impact on human health? We address this question in the context of the urgent health challenges posed by global climate change. Drawing on recent studies, we propose that not only can diet‐driven microbiome changes lead to dysbiosis, they can also shape life‐history traits and fuel human evolution. We posit that dietary shifts prompt mismatched microbiome‐host genetics configurations that modulate human longevity and reproductive success. These mismatches can also induce a heritable intra‐holobiont stress response, which encourages the holobiont to re‐establish equilibrium within the changed nutritional environment. Thus, while mismatches between climate change‐related genetic and epigenetic configurations within the holobiont increase the risk and severity of diseases, they may also affect life‐history traits and facilitate adaptive responses. These propositions form a framework that can help systematize and address climate‐related dietary challenges for policy and health interventions.
Boosting energy harvesting performances of fine‐grained piezoceramics by samarium doping strategy
Authors: Yan Jing , Hou Yudong , Yu Xiaole , Zheng Mupeng , Zhu Mankang
Published: April 2021

The construction of fine‐grained piezoceramics with large transduction coefficient (d33 × g33) and mechanical properties is the key to the development of high‐quality piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs). In this work, samarium doping strategy is used to optimize the properties of Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)0.20(Zr1/2Ti1/2)0.80O3 (0.2PZN‐0.8PZT) piezoceramics. The results show that Sm2O3 additive can effectively refine the grain size accompanied with the enhanced mechanical properties. Meanwhile, the Sm2O3 addition induced the formation of local structural heterogeneity accompanied by the reduced domain size, which boosts the transduction coefficient. A cantilever beam type PEH was further assembled from the preferred samarium modified material, and the power density was up to 489 μW/cm3 at 1 g acceleration. Excitingly, its relative charging ability to commercial electrolytic capacitor has a relative enhancement of ~91% compared to the undoped counterpart. This work not only provides a piezoceramic with excellent energy harvesting characteristics, but also demonstrates a new important paradigm for the development of fast‐charging microelectronic storage devices in wireless sensor networks.
Husbands, wives, and financial knowledge in wealthy households
Authors: Hanna Sherman D. , Kim Kyoung T. , Lindamood Suzanne , Lee Sunwoo T.
Published: April 2021

Which spouse is more knowledgeable about the household's finances in mixed‐sex married couple households? The answer to this question can be inferred from the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), which assigns the title of “respondent” to the person the household indicates is more knowledgeable about its finances. In the 2016 SCF, the husband was the respondent in 56% of husband‐wife households, but among households in the top 1% of net worth, the husband was the respondent in 90% of the households. Despite the progress women have made in education and other aspects of society, husbands were the respondent in a higher percent of households in 2016 than in 1992, and the husband was much more likely to be the respondent in wealthy households. Logistic regression on whether the husband or wife was the respondent showed a strong effect of the spouse with more education being the respondent.
Coexistence of Two Different Distorted Octahedral [MnF6]3− Sites in K3[MnF6]: Manifestation in Spectroscopy and Magnetism
Authors: Stoll Christiane , Atanasov Mihail , Bandemehr Jascha , Neese Frank , Pietzonka Clemens , Kraus Florian , Karttunen Antti J. , Seibald Markus , Heymann Gunter , Huppertz Hubert
Published: April 2021

As a consequence of the static Jahn‐Teller effect of the 5E ground state of MnIII in cubic structures with octahedral parent geometries, their octahedral coordination spheres become distorted. In the case of six fluorido ligands, [MnF6]3− anions with two longer and four shorter Mn−F bonds making elongated octahedra are usually observed. Herein, we report the synthesis of the compound K3[MnF6] through a high‐temperature approach and its crystallization by a high‐pressure/high‐temperature route. The main structural motifs are two quasi‐isolated, octahedron‐like [MnF6]3− anions of quite different nature compared to that met in ideal octahedral MnIII Jahn‐Teller systems. Owing to the internal electric field of Ci symmetry dominated by the next‐neighbour K+ ions acting on the MnIII sites, both sites, the pseudo‐rhombic (site 1) and the pseudo‐tetragonally elongated (site 2) [MnF6]3− anions are present in K3[MnF6]. The compound was characterized by single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction, and magnetometry as well as by FTIR, Raman, and ligand field spectroscopy. A theoretical interpretation of the electronic structure and molecular geometry of the two Mn sites in the lattice is given by using a vibronic coupling model with parameters adjusted from multireference ab‐initio cluster calculations.
Dual Electroactivity in a Covalent Organic Network with Mechanically Interlocked Pillar[5]arenes
Authors: Colasson Benoit , Devic Thomas , Gaubicher Joël , Martineau‐Corcos Charlotte , Poizot Philippe , Sarou‐Kanian Vincent
Published: April 2021

The synthesis and characterization of a polyrotaxanated covalent organic network (CON) based on the association between the viologen and pillar[5]arene (P[5]OH) units are reported. The mechanical bond allows for the irreversible insertion of n‐type redox centers (P[5]OH macrocycles) within a pristine structure based on p‐type viologen redox centers. Both redox units are active on a narrow potential range and, in water, the presence of P[5]OH greatly increases the electroactivity of the material.
Asymmetric Catalytic Approach to Multilayer 3D Chirality
Authors: Wu Guanzhao , Liu Yangxue , Rouh Hossein , Ma Liulei , Tang Yao , Zhang Sai , Zhou Peng , Wang Jia‐Ying , Jin Shengzhou , Unruh Daniel , Surowiec Kazimierz , Ma Yanzhang , Li Guigen
Published: April 2021

The first asymmetric catalytic approach to multilayer 3D chirality has been achieved by using Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐couplings. New chiral catalysts were designed and screened under various catalytic systems that proved chiral amide‐phosphines to be more efficient ligands than other candidates. The multilayer 3D framework was unambiguously determined by X‐ray structural analysis showing a parallel pattern of three layers consisting of top, middle and bottom aromatic rings. The X‐ray structure of a catalyst complex, dichloride complex of Pd‐phosphine amide, was obtained revealing an interesting asymmetric environment nearby the Pd metal center. Three rings of multilayer 3D products can be readily changed by varying aromatic ring‐anchored starting materials. The resulting multilayer products displayed strong luminescence under UV irradiation and strong aggregation‐induced emission (AIE). In the future, this work would benefit not only the field of asymmetric synthesis but also materials science, in particular polarized organic electronics, optoelectronics and photovoltaics.
RbMT3(BO3)2O3 (M=Ba, Sr; T=Al, Ga): New Double‐Layered Oxyborates Constructed from [BO3] Triangles and [TO4] Tetrahedra
Authors: Sun Jun , Mutailipu Miriding , Pan Shilie
Published: April 2021

Four new alumino‐/galloborates RbMT3(BO3)2O3 (M=Ba, Sr; T=Al, Ga) have been synthesized for the first time by using a high‐temperature solution method. All the title compounds have Sr2Be2B2O7‐like structures, in which the [BO3] triangles and [TO4] tetrahedra form the final double‐layered configurations with the M‐ and Rb‐site atoms located between and in the double layer, respectively. The structure evolution from Sr2Be2B2O7 to RbMT3(BO3)2O3 series is discussed. The broader energy bandgaps in Al‐based borates when compared with Ga‐based ones can be entirely attributed to the location of Al/Ga s orbitals near the Fermi surface. Both experimental and computational approaches were used to study their structure‐property relationships.
Xanthenylacetic Acid Derivatives Effectively Target Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor 6 to Inhibit Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Growth
Authors: Gnocchi Davide , Cavalluzzi Maria M. , Mangiatordi Giuseppe F. , Rizzi Rosanna , Tortorella Cosimo , Spennacchio Mauro , Lentini Giovanni , Altomare Angela , Sabbà Carlo , Mazzocca Antonio
Published: April 2021

Despite the increasing incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide, current pharmacological treatments are still unsatisfactory. We have previously shown that lysophosphatidic acid receptor 6 (LPAR6) supports HCC growth and that 9‐xanthenylacetic acid (XAA) acts as an LPAR6 antagonist inhibiting HCC growth without toxicity. Here, we synthesized four novel XAA derivatives, (±)‐2‐(9H‐xanthen‐9‐yl)propanoic acid (compound 4 – MC9), (±)‐2‐(9H‐xanthen‐9‐yl)butanoic acid (compound 5 – MC6), (±)‐2‐(9H‐xanthen‐9‐yl)hexanoic acid (compound 7 – MC11), and (±)‐2‐(9H‐xanthen‐9‐yl)octanoic acid (compound 8 – MC12, sodium salt) by introducing alkyl groups of increasing length at the acetic α‐carbon atom. Two of these compounds were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction and quantum mechanical calculations, while molecular docking simulations suggested their enantioselectivity for LPAR6. Biological data showed anti‐HCC activity for all XAA derivatives, with the maximum effect observed for MC11. Our findings support the view that increasing the length of the alkyl group improves the inhibitory action of XAA and that enantioselectivity can be exploited for designing novel and more effective XAA‐based LPAR6 antagonists.
Assessment of risk of malignancy by application of the proposed Sydney system for classification and reporting lymph node cytopathology
Authors: Gupta Parikshaa , Gupta Nalini , Kumar Pankaj , Bhardwaj Sunny , Srinivasan Radhika , Dey Pranab , Rohilla Manish , Bal Amanjit , Das Ashim , Rajwanshi Arvind
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is one of the most commonly used techniques for evaluating lymphadenopathy. Recently, the Sydney system was proposed for assessing the performance, classification, and reporting of lymph node (LN) cytopathology. The present study was conducted to assess the risk of malignancy associated with each of the diagnostic categories of the proposed Sydney system.

METHODS

This was a 2‐year retrospective study of LN‐FNAs; cytologic diagnoses were categorized by the proposed Sydney system. Cytological diagnoses were correlated with the corresponding histopathological diagnoses to assess diagnostic accuracy and risk of malignancy for each diagnostic category.

RESULTS

Of 23,335 FNAs during the study period, 6983 (30%) were performed on LNs. Of these, 289 (4.1%) cases were reported as nondiagnostic/inadequate (L1); 3397 (48.6%) were reported as benign (L2); 33(0.5%) as atypical cells of undetermined significance (L3), 96 (1.4%) as suspicious for malignancy (L4) and 3168 (45.4%) as malignant (L5). Subsequent histopathology was available for 618 (8.8%) cases. On cytohistopathologic correlation, 552 (89.3%) were concordant and 66 (10.7%) discordant. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy of LN‐FNA were 79.9%, 98.7%, 98.4%, 83.1%, and 89.3%, respectively. The risk of malignancy was 27.5% for the nondiagnostic category, 11.5% for the benign, 66.7% for the atypical, 88% for the suspicious, and 99.6% for the malignant categories.

CONCLUSIONS

FNAC has high diagnostic accuracy for the diagnosis of various LN pathologies. Application of the proposed Sydney system can help in achieving uniformity and reproducibility in cytologic diagnoses and also help in risk‐stratification on cytology.
Peptidotriazolamers Inhibit Aβ(1–42) Oligomerization and Cross a Blood‐Brain‐Barrier Model
Authors: Tonali Nicolo , Hericks Loreen , Schröder David C. , Kracker Oliver , Krzemieniecki Radosław , Kaffy Julia , Le Joncour Vadim , Laakkonen Pirjo , Marion Antoine , Ongeri Sandrine , Dodero Veronica I. , Sewald Norbert
Published: April 2021

In peptidotriazolamers every second peptide bond is replaced by a 1H‐1,2,3‐triazole. Such foldamers are expected to bridge the gap in molecular weight between small‐molecule drugs and protein‐based drugs. Amyloid β (Aβ) aggregates play an important role in Alzheimer's disease. We studied the impact of amide bond replacements by 1,4‐disubstituted 1H‐1,2,3‐triazoles on the inhibitory activity of the aggregation “hot spots” K16LVFF20 and G39VVIA42 in Aβ(1–42). We found that peptidotriazolamers act as modulators of the Aβ(1–42) oligomerization. Some peptidotriazolamers are able to interfere with the formation of toxic early Aβ oligomers, depending on the position of the triazoles, which is also supported by computational studies. Preliminary in vitro results demonstrate that a highly active peptidotriazolamer is also able to cross the blood‐brain‐barrier.
Tissue strength of sugar beet root genotypic variation and environmental impact
Authors: Kleuker Gunnar , Hoffmann Christa M.
Published: April 2021

Tissue strength of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) roots could be an interesting breeding target, as it is a possible indicator for storability and influences the manufacturing process. The objective of this study was to analyze the importance of genotype and environment and their interaction on three texture parameters (puncture resistance, tissue firmness, and compressive strength) and to investigate the range of tissue strengths of commercial sugar beet genotypes. For that purpose, two trial series were conducted with six sugar beet genotypes in seven environments across Germany in 2018 and 2019. A screening was performed with 12 commercial genotypes at one site in 2020. Tissue firmness and compressive strength were closely correlated with the puncture resistance of sugar beet roots. The genotype effect was distinctly higher for the texture parameters than for yield and quality parameters, whereas the genotype × environment interaction was negligible, allowing a selection based on few sites. For both genotype and environment, compression strength was closely related to the relative sugar content of the beets. Commercial genotypes also covered a wide range of tissue strengths. These differences might affect harvest damage, storage losses, and subsequent processing steps in the factory.
Application of 2D Materials to Potassium‐Ion Hybrid Capacitors
Authors: Zhang Dan , Li Le , Deng Jianping , Gou Yuchun , Fang Junfei , Cui Hong , Zhao Yongqiang , Shang Kun
Published: April 2021

Metal‐ion hybrid supercapacitors (MICs) are a new type of electrochemical energy storage (EES) device, consisting of a battery‐type electrode and a supercapacitor (SC)‐type electrode. Exhibiting the advantages of both batteries and SCs (e. g., good energy density, excellent power density and long cycle life), these advanced energy storage devices have considerable commercial application prospects. Among MICs, potassium‐ion hybrid supercapacitors (PICs) have several further advantages, including abundancy of resources, low standard electrode potential, and low cost. PICs are regarded as potential substitutes for lithium‐ or sodium‐ion hybrid supercapacitors. However, the practical applications of PICs remain limited, owing to the imbalance of kinetics and capacity between the electrodes, the slow ion/electron diffusion rate, and the poor electrode structural stability. Recently, 2D materials with distinct structures and fascinating features have elicited widespread attention for application in PICs, thus achieving significant enhancements, ranging from charge storage capacity to reaction kinetics. This Review discusses research progress in 2D materials for PICs. Firstly, the energy storage principle and development requirements of MICs are introduced. The pivotal advantages and significant roles of 2D materials in the fabrication of PICs are then discussed in detail. Lastly, the challenges and prospects of the application of 2D materials to high‐performance PICs are presented.
Strategic Structure Tuning of Yolk‐Shell Microcages for Efficient Nitrogen Fixation
Authors: Guo Huinan , Li Weiqin , Chen Kai , Yue Mengyuan , Huang Yike , Liu Yafei , Shao Huaxu , Chen Chengcheng , Wang Caiyun , Wang Yijing
Published: April 2021

The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (ENRR) under ambient conditions is considered as a promising process to produce ammonia. Towards highly efficient catalysts, here an optimized one‐step pyrolysis strategy was tailored to design yolk–shell microcages (YS Co@C/BLCNTs), consisting of Co nanocrystals encapsulated in N‐doped carbon framework and bridged by bamboo‐like carbon nanotubes (BLCNTs). The cavity created between yolk and shell not only served as a “micro‐bag” to store the reactant N2 and enhance its dissolution, but also induced a “cage effect” to confine the diffusion of reaction intermediate, hence making the reaction proceed in the direction of producing NH3. This catalyst displayed excellent catalytic activities for ENRR: a high NH3 yield of 12.87 μg mgcat−1 h−1 at a high faradaic efficiency of 20.7 % at −0.45 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE). After 5 cycles of consecutive ENRR process, the NH3 yield rate was 11.29 μg mgcat−1 h−1, indicating the excellent electrocatalytic stability. These results provide a structural engineering for ENRR catalyst with doped N, cooperating with non‐precious metal to activate the inert triple bond of N2 and achieve NH3 fixation.
Chitin/Metal‐Organic Framework Composites as Wide‐Range Adsorbent
Authors: Tovar Gabriel Ibrahin , Valverde Ainara , Mendes‐Felipe Cristian , Wuttke Stefan , Fidalgo‐Marijuan Arkaitz , Larrea Edurne S. , Lezama Luis , Zheng Fangyuan , Reguera Javier , Lanceros‐Méndez Senentxu , Arriortua María I. , Copello Guillermo , de Luis Roberto Fernández
Published: April 2021

Composites based on chitin (CH) biopolymer and metal‐organic framework (MOF) microporous nanoparticles have been developed as broad‐scope pollutant absorbent. Detailed characterization of the CH/MOF composites revealed that the MOF nanoparticles interacted through electrostatic forces with the CH matrix, inducing compartmentalization of the CH macropores that led to an overall surface area increase in the composites. This created a micro‐, meso‐, and macroporous structure that efficiently retained pollutants with a broad spectrum of different chemical natures, charges, and sizes. The unique prospect of this approach is the combination of the chemical diversity of MOFs with the simple processability and biocompatibility of CH that opens application fields beyond water remediation.
Molecular characterization of marine and coastal fishes of Bangladesh through DNA barcodes
Authors: Ahmed Md. Sagir , Datta Sujan Kumar , Saha Tonmoy , Hossain Zarif
Published: April 2021

This study describes the molecular characterization of marine and coastal fishes of Bangladesh based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene as a marker. A total of 376 mitochondrial COI barcode sequences were obtained from 185 species belonging to 146 genera, 74 families, 21 orders, and two classes of fishes. The mean length of the sequences was 652 base pairs. In Elasmobranchii (Sharks and rays), the average Kimura two parameter (K2P) distances within species, genera, families, and orders were 1.20%, 6.07%, 11.08%, and 14.68%, respectively, and for Actinopterygii, the average K2P distances within species, genera, families, and orders were 0.40%, 6.36%, 14.10%, and 24.07%, respectively. The mean interspecies distance was 16‐fold higher than the mean intraspecies distance. The K2P neighbor‐joining (NJ) trees based on the sequences generally clustered species in accordance with their taxonomic position. A total of 21 species were newly recorded in Bangladesh. High efficiency and fidelity in species identification and discrimination were demonstrated in the present study by DNA barcoding, and we conclude that COI sequencing can be used as an authentic identification marker for Bangladesh marine fish species.
Determinants and long‐term costs of early reproduction in males of a long‐lived polygynous mammal
Authors: Ritchot Yanny , Festa‐Bianchet Marco , Coltman David , Pelletier Fanie
Published: April 2021

In long‐lived polygynous species, male reproductive success is often monopolized by a few mature dominant individuals. Young males are generally too small to be dominant and may employ alternative tactics; however, little is known about the determinants of reproductive success for young males. Understanding the causes and consequences of variability in early reproductive success may be crucial to assess the strength of sexual selection and possible long‐term trade‐offs among life‐history traits. Selective pressures driven by fluctuating environmental conditions may depend on age class. We evaluated the determinants of reproduction in male bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) aged 2–4 years using 30 years of individual‐level data. These young males cannot defend estrous ewes and use alternative mating tactics. We also investigated how the age of first detected reproduction was correlated to lifetime reproductive success and longevity. We found that reproductive success of males aged 3 years was positively correlated to body mass, to the proportion of males aged 2–4 years in the competitor pool, and to the number of females available per adult male. These results suggest that reproductive success depends on both competitive ability and population age–sex structure. None of these variables, however, had significant effects on the reproductive success of males aged 2 or 4 years. Known reproduction before the age of five increased lifetime reproductive success but decreased longevity, suggesting a long‐term survival cost of early reproduction. Our analyses reveal that both individual‐level phenotypic and population‐level demographic variables influence reproductive success by young males and provide a rare assessment of fitness trade‐offs in wild polygynous males.
The potential role of plasma miR‐155 and miR‐206 as circulatory biomarkers in inflammatory cardiomyopathy
Authors: Obradovic Danilo , Rommel Karl‐Philipp , Blazek Stephan , Klingel Karin , Gutberlet Matthias , Lücke Christian , Büttner Petra , Thiele Holger , Adams Volker , Lurz Philipp , Emrich Fabian , Besler Christian
Published: April 2021

Aims

Establishing a diagnosis of inflammatory cardiomyopathy (iCMP) by non‐invasive means remains challenging despite advances in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Previous studies suggested the involvement of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of iCMP. We examined the association of a predefined set of circulatory microRNAs with clinical characteristics of iCMP and evaluated their diagnostic performance in suspected iCMP.

Methods and results

Eighty‐nine patients with clinical suspicion of iCMP were included in the analysis. All patients underwent cardiac catheterization with left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy, echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging applying the Lake Louise criteria (LLC). Plasma levels of miR‐21, miR‐126, miR‐133a, miR‐146b, miR‐155, and miR‐206 were determined using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Based on immunohistological findings on endomyocardial biopsy, iCMP was diagnosed in 67% of study participants (n = 60). Plasma levels of miR‐155 and miR‐206 were significantly increased in patients with iCMP as compared with patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (P = 0.008 and P = 0.009, respectively). In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, miR‐155 and miR‐206 demonstrated superior diagnostic performance for iCMP (0.68 and 0.67, respectively) compared with LLC [area under the curve (AUC) 0.60], Troponin T (AUC 0.51), and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (AUC 0.51). While baseline miR‐155 and miR‐206 plasma levels were predictive for biopsy‐proven iCMP (odds ratio = 2.61, 95% confidence interval = 1.28–5.31, P = 0.008 and odds ratio = 2.65, 95% confidence interval = 1.27–5.52, P = 0.009) on univariate logistic regression analysis, the presence of positive LLC, high baseline C‐reactive protein, or presence of clinical symptoms and signs of viral infection failed to predict iCMP (P > 0.05, respectively).

Conclusions

The present data suggest that plasma levels of miR‐206 and miR‐155 are potential novel biomarkers for confirming the diagnosis of iCMP.
Synthesis and Thermal Behavior of Heteroleptic γ‐Substituted Acetylacetonate‐Alkoxides of Titanium
Authors: Bijou Diane , Cornier Thibaut , Mishra Shashank , Merzoud Lynda , Chermette Henry , Jeanneau Erwann , Maudez William , Benvenuti Giacomo , Daniele Stéphane
Published: April 2021

A series of heteroleptic titanium derivatives of general formula [Ti(OiPr)2(R‐acac)2] with acetylacetonate ligands modified in the internal (γ‐ or 3‐) position by different substituents (R=OAc, NO2, Me, Et, Cl, Br) has been synthesized and completely characterized by liquid multinuclear NMR and FTIR. The influence of the nature of the group on the thermal stability of the different complexes was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and gave the following decreasing stability ranking: H<NO2<Cl<Me<Br<Et<OAc. DFT calculations showed that this ranking followed the same order as the stability of the keto‐enolate form compared to the β‐diketonate form. Other DFT calculations also confirmed that for these molecules the ligands degraded sequentially and that the singular high reactivity of the Et‐acac based complex could be due to the rupture of the C−C bond to lead to a CH2°‐acac radical, which triggers the decomposition.
Chemical and Enzymatic Approaches to Esters ofsn‐Glycero‐3‐Phosphoric Acid
Authors: Semproli Riccardo , Robescu Marina S. , Cambò Mattia , Mema Klodiana , Bavaro Teodora , Rabuffetti Marco , Ubiali Daniela , Speranza Giovanna
Published: April 2021

Esters ofsn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoric acid (GPAE) are derivatives of glycerophospholipids in which both the fatty acid chains insn‐1 andsn‐2 positions are removed. Phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), and phosphatidylserine (PS) are the most abundant glycerophospholipids in Nature. Their deacylated derivatives find application in many industrial sectors; for example,sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (GPC) is useful as a cognitive enhancer and as a food ingredient, whereassn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoinositol (GPI) acts as a natural anti‐inflammatory agent. This minireview covers the state‐of‐the‐art of chemical and biocatalytic methods for the obtainment of these lipid‐derived components.