bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser‐Scribed Graphene–Polyaniline Microsupercapacitor for Internet‐of‐Things Applications
Authors: Khodabandehlo Ali , Noori Abolhassan , Rahmanifar Mohammad S. , El‐Kady Maher F. , Kaner Richard B. , Mousavi Mir F.
Published: July 2022

The push toward smart technologies and the Internet‐of‐Things (IoT) demands the development of miniaturized energy storage devices. Herein, a facile and scalable strategy is presented, based on laser reduction of graphene oxide into graphene followed by electrodeposition of polyaniline (PANi), to fabricate a substrate‐free supercapacitor. The fabricated supercapacitor is part of a flexible multifunctional integrated system comprising a thin‐film humidity sensor, a resistor, and a near field communication (NFC) antenna for IoT‐linked wireless communication with a smartphone. The integrated sensory system shares laser‐scribed graphene (LSG) as the same electrode material for all the components (supercapacitor, sensor, resistor, and NFC antenna). The symmetric LSG‐PANi||LSG‐PANi supercapacitor with wireless charging capability exhibits a near record‐high energy density of 0.407 mW h cm−3, and excellent power density of 196 mW cm−3, along with an outstanding rate capability (enduring high rates of over 1 V s−1). As a humidity sensor, the device demonstrates high resistance changes from 2000 kΩ at 0% relative humidity (RH) to 497 kΩ at 100% RH (15 kΩ per RH%) with a sub‐second scale (0.87 s) response time. This research paves the way for limitless applications of IoT across a wide spectrum of fields from healthcare to chip‐based electronics to environmental monitoring.
Future Research Directions in Perovskite Solar Cells: Exquisite Photon Management and Thermodynamic Phase Stability
Authors: Kim Hui‐Seon , Park Nam‐Gyu
Published: July 2022

As power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has rapidly increased up to 25.7% in 2022, a curiosity about the achievable limit of the PCE has prevailed and demands understanding about the underlying fundamentals to step forward. Meanwhile, outstanding long‐term stability of PSCs over 1000 h has been reported at operating conditions or under damp heat test with 85 °C/85% relative humidity. Herein comes the question as to whether the phase stability issue of perovskite crystal is completely resolved in the most recent state‐of‐the‐art perovskite film or if it deceives everyone into believing so by significantly slowing the kinetics. On the one hand, the fundamental origins of a discrepancy between reported values and the theoretical limit are thoroughly examined, where the importance of light management is greatly emphasized with the introduction of external luminescence as a key parameter to narrow the gap. On the other hand, the phase stability of a perovskite film is understood from thermodynamic point of view to address viable approaches to lower the Gibbs free energy, distinguishing the kinetically trapped condition from the thermodynamically stable phase.
Click‐and‐Bond: Room‐Temperature and Solvent‐Free Bonding of Polymer‐Based Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Di Iorio Daniele , Rameshbabu Sharath , Bruijns Brigitte , Movilli Jacopo , Skolimowski Maciej , Huskens Jurriaan
Published: July 2022

The production of a new class of microfluidic devices built from thermoplastic materials has recently aroused interest in a high‐volume and cost‐effective fabrication of sensing devices. During device formation, the bonding of two slides, one containing the microchannels and another used as a non‐modified capping layer, is generally performed at high temperature, high pressure, and/or employing organic solvents. Such bonding procedures, however, are not compatible with the use of slides pre‐functionalized with biomolecules. Here a low‐temperature, UV‐light‐free, and solvent‐free bonding method for polymeric devices, based on poly‐l‐lysine (PLL) polymers modified with click‐chemistry moieties is presented. The advantages obtained from the use of PLL and the appended complementary click‐chemistry groups enable a fast adsorption of polymers onto the substrates at room temperature, followed by a fast and stable bonding between two complementarily functionalized slides under mild conditions. Bonded fluidic devices show a resistance to high fluid pressures well above those needed for practical application. The optimal density (2–5%) of reactive groups appended to PLL is assessed using lap shear tests. The here developed method achieves bonding at low temperature, which promises fabrication of microfluidic devices functionalized with biomolecules prior to the sealing process, applicable to a wide range of polymeric materials.
Metallic Interface Induced Ionic Redistribution within Amorphous MoO3 Films
Authors: Paparoni Francesco , Mijit Emin , Kazim Shafaq , Minicucci Marco , Pinto Nicola , D'Elia Alessandro , Macis Salvatore , Kim Changyoung , Huh Soonsang , Gunnella Roberto , Marcelli Augusto , DiCicco Andrea , Rezvani Seyed Javad
Published: July 2022

The phase evolution and ionic redistribution in amorphous MoO3 films, deposited on metallic aluminium (Al) and copper (Cu) substrates and subjected to distinct thermal treatments, are systematically investigated in this work. It is shown that the metallic interface significantly modifies the formation and dynamics of oxygen vacancies within the resulted structure, reducing the oxygen content of the MoO3 up to x < 2.94. The concentration of the oxygen vacancies can also be extended to the bulk via thermal treatment up to 400 °C. It is demonstrated that the MoO3 structure on metallic substrates is affected either by the diffusion of the metallic atoms inserted from the interface, which results in a formation of the meta‐stable alloy phases in case of Cu, or by the introduction of the oxygen vacancies into the crystalline matrix in case of Al. The oxygen vacancy density in the MoO3 films with a metallic interface can be tuned via optimal choice of the metal and treatment parameters such as temperature and oxygen partial pressure. Furthermore, the intrinsic defects present in the amorphous structure enhance the ionic mobility and diffusion of the metallic ions inside the crystalline structure.
Structural Oxygen Vacancies and Crystalline Defects in Iron Vanadate with Multiple Redox Centers Boosting Surface Migration for High‐Performance Zinc‐Ion Battery
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Chang Lin , Gong Yun
Published: July 2022

Fe0.22V2O5(H2O)0.5 (FeVO) and Mn0.22V2O5(H2O)0.5 (MnVO) nanobelts with rich crystalline defects are synthesized by a facile one‐step hydrothermal approach. Their largest interlayer spacings are 10.6 Å and Rietveld refinement demonstrates the lamellar hydrated Fe3+ pillars in FeVO link different V–O–V layers via covalent bonds. Furthermore, all their V centers are five‐coordinated by O atoms, which is lower than the maximum coordination number of V (6), demonstrating that there are abundant oxygen vacancies (denoted as structural deficiency) in FeVO due to the lack of oxygen ligands, which can promote the migration of Zn2+ along the (001) surface of FeVO with a low energy barrier of 0.88 eV, as evidenced by density functional theory (DFT) simulations. FeVO exhibits an excellent capacity of 598 mAh g–1 at 0.1 A g–1 and long‐term cycling performance with a capacity retention of more than 80% over 1800 cycles at 5 A g–1, which is associated with the dual defects (structural oxygen vacancies and crystalline defects) and the extra capacity provided by the interconversion of Fe3+ ↔ Fe2+. Furthermore, a series of ex situ characterizations of the FeVO electrode reveal the co‐(de)intercalation of Zn2+/H+ and surface migration mechanism.
Double‐Layer Quantum Dots as Interfacial Layer to Enhance the Performance of CsPbI3 Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Yi , Li Zhizai , Chen HuanYu , Xu Youkui , Lei Yutian , Peng Guoqiang , Zhou Xufeng , Wang Qian , Jin Zhiwen
Published: July 2022

CsPbI3 has drawn constant interest in the field of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), due to its remarkable photovoltaic performance and thermal stability. Nonetheless, further development of CsPbI3 PSCs requires solving larger energy loss problem, which is primarily caused by charge recombination and energy band mismatch at the interface. Here, a double‐layer interface engineering concept is introduced that uses CsPbBr3 and CsPbCl3 colloidal quantum dots (QDs) to reduce energy loss. Characterization results suggest that the QDs interfacial layer not only improves the quality of CsPbI3 film through passivating the defects on the film surface and grain boundaries (GBs), but also optimizes energy level structure and establishes additional charge transport paths to facilitate hole transportation. As a result, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the device with double‐layer QDs covering is boosted to 18.89% from 17.26%. Its moisture stability is enhanced as well. This work of designing double‐layer QDs provides a new idea for interface engineering, and further manifests the great potential of QDs as interfacial layer.
Lithographic Patterning of Nanoscale Arrays of the Oxidase Enzyme CotA: Effects on Activity and Stability
Authors: Fruncillo Silvia , Toh Yeow Teck , Blanford Christopher F. , Su Xiaodi , Liu Hong , Wong Lu Shin
Published: July 2022

This study compares the enzymatic activity of nanoscale arrays bearing the oxidase CotA that are produced by two lithographic methods: polymer pen lithography (PPL), a scanning probe lithography for small‐area fabrication (≈1 cm2); and stepper photolithography, a large‐scale method (>300 cm2) used in the microelectronics sector. In both cases, arrays of 600 nm gold features are produced and functionalized with CotA through a bioconjugation method that gives uniform protein orientation. The enzyme activity of these arrays is then quantified over 100 days. The enzyme arrays produced by photolithography give higher oxidation activities immediately after fabrication but degrade more rapidly when compared to those produced by PPL. This result is due to the poorer passivation on the bulk surface of photolithographically produced arrays, resulting in a greater amount of non‐specifically adsorbed enzymes. However, once the results are adjusted to account for the differences in passivation and surface area, it is found that the enzymes immobilized on the gold features give essentially the same activity regardless of the lithographic method used. Thus, these results suggest PPL is a suitable method for prototyping biodevices prior to scale‐up, provided that due consideration is given to the design of the fabricated features.
A Comparative Study of Silver Microflakes in Digitally Printable Liquid Metal Embedded Elastomer Inks for Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Zu Wuzhou , Ohm Yunsik , Carneiro Manuel Reis , Vinciguerra Michael , Tavakoli Mahmoud , Majidi Carmel
Published: July 2022

Printed soft conductive materials for stretchable electronics should have low electrical resistivity, high strain limit, and stable electrical properties when stretched. Previously, it has been shown that a bi‐phasic ink composed of silver (Ag) microflakes, eutectic gallium−indium (EGaIn) alloy, and styrene isoprene (SIS) block copolymer is a promising formulation for printed soft electronics and has the potential to satisfy the necessary criteria. In this study, further improvements to the ink formulation are explored, with a focus on how the choice of Ag microflakes affects the electrical and electromechanical properties of the composite. By using specific Ag microflakes, AgInGa‐SIS inks that have conductivity as high as 6.38 × 105 S m−1 and a strain limit of over 1000%, with low electromechanical coupling can be synthesized. More broadly, when comparing the composite with different silver flakes, there is a 176% relative difference in conductivity, >600% difference in strain limit, and 277% relative difference in electromechanical coupling. To demonstrate the applicability of these inks for various use cases such as wearable bioelectronics, interconnects are printed for connecting electronic breakout boards with microcontrollers that provide a stable electrical connection when stretched, and the interconnects and electrodes of a wearable electrocardiography system that monitors the heart pulses in real‐time.
Chiral Perovskite Nanoplatelets Exhibiting Circularly Polarized Luminescence through Ligand Optimization
Authors: Hubley Austin , Bensalah‐Ledoux Amina , Baguenard Bruno , Guy Stephan , Abécassis Benjamin , Mahler Benoit
Published: July 2022

Chiral halide perovskite nanocrystals have many applications in next‐generation optoelectronic devices due to their interaction with polarized light. Through careful selection of chiral organic surface ligands, control over the circular dichroism (CD) and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) of these materials can be achieved. However, while recent developments of CD‐active perovskites have seen significant advances, effective CPL remains a challenge. Here, colloidal perovskite nanoplatelets are synthesized exhibiting room temperature CPL with dissymmetry factors up to glum = 4.3 × 10−3 and gabs = 8.4 × 10−3. Methylammonium lead bromide nanoplatelets are synthesized with a mixture of chiral dimethylbenzylammonium ligands and achiral octylammonium ligands, the precise ratio of which is shown to be critical to achieving high g‐factors. The competitive binding of these surface ligands is investigated using 1H NMR, and an equilibrium model is used to demonstrate the ligand affinity. The magnitude of CPL and CD is quantitatively shown to exhibit a linear correlation, such that glum = 0.40 × gabs. Last, by screening several amines with close structures, it is shown that subtle differences in ligand structure have significant impact on the resulting nanoplatelets CD signal. These findings provide new insights for the effective design of perovskites exhibiting CPL and facilitate the development of high‐performance devices based on circularly polarized luminescence.
Supersensitive Ratiometric Thermometry and Manometry Based on Dual‐Emitting Centers in Eu2+/Sm2+‐Doped Strontium Tetraborate Phosphors
Authors: Zheng Teng , Sójka Małgorzata , Woźny Przemysław , Martín Inocencio R. , Lavín Víctor , Zych Eugeniusz , Lis Stefan , Du Peng , Luo Laihui , Runowski Marcin
Published: July 2022

The concept of optical temperature sensing using band intensity ratio is considered as one of the most effective, self‐reference, non‐invasive, and rapid detection techniques for the local temperature in natural or engineered systems. In this work, for the first time a divalent lanthanide‐co‐doped dual‐center system, i.e., SrB4O7:Eu2+/Sm2+ phosphors, working as a bifunctional ratiometric sensor of temperature and pressure is employed. With temperature alterations, the Eu2+/Sm2+ luminescence intensity ratio and the emission lifetime of Sm2+ are significantly changed, showing unprecedentedly high relative sensitivity of 45.6 and 3.17% K‐1, respectively. Moreover, in the pressure range from ≈10 to 40 GPa, the intensity ratio of the Eu2+/Sm2+ emissions shows strong pressure dependence and can be utilized for pressure monitoring, with high pressure relative sensitivity of ≈13.8% GPa‐1. The superior performance indicates that the developed dual‐center Eu2+/Sm2+‐co‐doped SrB4O7 phosphors are promising candidates for supersensitive optical sensing applications. The findings open a new approach of designing optical temperature and pressure sensors.
Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence Enhanced by Narrowing Down ΔEST through Tuning Excited States Energy Levels
Authors: Liang Dong , Jia Ji‐Hui , Yang Mingxue , Cai Xian‐Bao , Yu Rongmin , Lu Can‐Zhong
Published: July 2022

In this work, two spiro‐type compounds are investigated with similar molecular structure and stacking structure. By simply altering the acceptor's heteroatoms, a strategy to enhance room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) performance is presented. The intersystem crossing process  can effectively be accelerated by reducing the energy gap between the singlet and triplet states (ΔEST) through adjusting the molecular energy level. Besides, thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) is emerging in dilute solution due to such small ΔEST. This is helpful for deeply understanding the mechanism of competition in different radiative decay pathways (RTP and TADF).
An Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell‐Derived Neuromuscular Junction Platform for Study of the NGLY1‐Congenital Disorder of Deglycosylation
Authors: Sasserath Trevor , Robertson Ashley L. , Mendez Roxana , Hays Tristan T. , Smith Ethan , Cooper Helena , Akanda Nesar , Rumsey John W. , Guo Xiufang , Farkhondeh Atena , Pradhan Manisha , Baumgaertel Karsten , Might Matthew , Rodems Steven , Zheng Wei , Hickman James J.
Published: July 2022

There are many neurological rare diseases where animal models have proven inadequate or do not currently exist. NGLY1 deficiency, a congenital disorder of deglycosylation, is a rare disease that predominantly affects motor control, especially control of neuromuscular action. In this study, NGLY1‐deficient, patient‐derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are differentiated into motoneurons (MNs) to identify disease phenotypes analogous to clinical disease pathology with significant deficits apparent in the NGLY1‐deficient lines compared to the control. A neuromuscular junction (NMJ) model is developed using patient and wild type MNs to study functional differences between healthy and diseased NMJs. Reduced axon length, increased and shortened axon branches, MN action potential (AP) bursting, and decreased AP firing rate and amplitude are observed in the NGLY1‐deficient MNs in monoculture. When transitioned to the NMJ‐coculture system, deficits in NMJ number, stability, failure rate, and synchronicity with indirect skeletal muscle stimulation are observed. This project establishes a phenotypic NGLY1 model for investigation of possible therapeutics and investigations into mechanistic deficits in the system.
A Stable Three‐Dimensional Porous Carbon as a High‐Performance Anode Material for Lithium, Sodium, and Potassium Ion Batteries
Authors: Younis Umer , Qayyum Fizzah , Muhammad Imran , Yaseen Muhammad , Sun Qiang
Published: July 2022

Extensive efforts are devoted to the design of new carbon materials with improved specific capacity for metal ion batteries (MIBs). One of the effective strategies for such material design is to change the structural unit. Recently, tetracene‐based nanoribbons have been synthesized (Chem. Eur. J. 2019, 25, 12074), which can be used as a basic building block to design a 3D porous TC60 as demonstrated in this work. Based on first‐principles calculations, it is found that the 3D‐TC60 shows high dynamical and thermal stability. Furthermore, the 3D‐TC60 with its unique porosity and various adsorption sites can work as a high‐performance anode material for Li, Na, and K‐ion batteries with high specific capacity of 706, 706, 466 mAhg−1; low diffusion barrier of 0.25, 0.11, 0.08 eV; small volume change of 0.88, 1.96, 2.94%; and average voltage of 0.19, 0.24, 0.50 V, respectively. These intriguing findings suggest the promising prospect of tetracene based materials for battery technology.
Highly Sensitive and Selective Gas Sensors Based on NiO/MnO2@NiO Nanosheets to Detect Allyl Mercaptan Gas Released by Humans under Psychological Stress
Authors: Li Chunyan , Choi Pil Gyu , Masuda Yoshitake
Published: July 2022

NiO nanosheets are synthesized in situ on gas sensor chips using a facile solvothermal method. These NiO nanosheets are then used as gas sensors to analyze allyl mercaptan (AM) gas, an exhaled biomarker of psychological stress. Additionally, MnO2 nanosheets are synthesized onto the surfaces of the NiO nanosheets to enhance the gas‐sensing performance. The gas‐sensing response of the NiO nanosheet sensor is higher than that of the MnO2@NiO nanosheet sensor. The response value can reach 56.69, when the NiO nanosheet sensor detects 40 ppm AM gas. Interestingly, a faster response time (115 s) is obtained when the MnO2@NiO nanosheet sensor is exposed to 40 ppm of AM gas. Moreover, the selectivity toward AM gas is about 17–37 times greater than those toward confounders. The mechanism of gas sensing and the factors contributing to the enhance gas response of the NiO and MnO2@NiO nanosheets are discussed. The products of AM gas oxidized by the gas sensor are identified by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC/MS). AM gas detection is an unprecedented application for semiconductor metal oxides. From a broader perspective, the developed sensors represent a new platform for the identification and monitoring of gases released by humans under psychological stress, which is increasing in modern life.
Large Exchange Bias, High Dielectric Constant, and Outstanding Ionic Conductivity in a Single‐Phase Spin Glass
Authors: Ghazanfari Mohammad R. , Santhosh Archa , Siemensmeyer Konrad , Fuß Friederike , Staab Lennart , Vrijmoed Johannes C. , Peters Bertram , Liesegang Moritz , Dehnen Stefanie , Oeckler Oliver , Jerabek Paul , Thiele Günther
Published: July 2022

The multigram synthesis of K2[Fe3S4] starting from K2S and FeS is presented, and its electronic and magnetic properties are investigated. The title compound obtains a defect variant of the K[Fe2Se2] structure type. Dielectric and impedance measurements indicate a dielectric constant of 1120 at 1 kHz and an outstanding ionic conductivity of 24.37 mS cm–1 at 295 K, which is in the range of the highest reported value for potential solid‐state electrolytes for potassium‐ion batteries. The Seebeck coefficient of the n‐type conductor amounts to −60 µV K−1 at 973 K. The mismatch of the measured electrical resistivity and the predicted metal‐like band structure by periodic quantum chemical calculations indicates Mott insulating behavior. Magnetometry demonstrates temperature‐dependent, large exchange bias fields of 35 mT, as a consequence of the coexistence of spin glass and antiferromagnetic orderings due to the iron vacancies in the lattice. In addition, the decreasing training effects of 34% in the exchange bias are identified at temperatures lower than 20 K. These results demonstrate the critical role of iron vacancies in tuning the electronic and magnetic properties and a multifunctional material from abundant and accessible elements.
Are Polymer‐Based Electrolytes Ready for High‐Voltage Lithium Battery Applications? An Overview of Degradation Mechanisms and Battery Performance
Authors: Cabañero Martínez Maria Angeles , Boaretto Nicola , Naylor Andrew J. , Alcaide Francisco , Salian Girish D. , Palombarini Flavia , Ayerbe Elixabete , Borras Mateu , Casas‐Cabanas Montserrat
Published: July 2022

High‐voltage lithium polymer cells are considered an attractive technology that could out‐perform commercial lithium‐ion batteries in terms of safety, processability, and energy density. Although significant progress has been achieved in the development of polymer electrolytes for high‐voltage applications (> 4 V), the cell performance containing these materials still encounters certain challenges. One of the major limitations is posed by poor cyclability, which is affected by the low oxidative stability of standard polyether‐based polymer electrolytes. In addition, the high reactivity and structural instability of certain common high‐voltage cathode chemistries further aggravate the challenges. In this review, the oxidative stability of polymer electrolytes is comprehensively discussed, along with the key sources of cell degradation, and provides an overview of the fundamental strategies adopted for enhancing their cyclability. In this regard, a statistical analysis of the cell performance is provided by analyzing 186 publications reported in the last 17 years, to demonstrate the gap between the state‐of‐the‐art and the requirements for high‐energy density cells. Furthermore, the essential characterization techniques employed in prior research investigating the degradation of these systems are discussed to highlight their prospects and limitations. Based on the derived conclusions, new targets and guidelines are proposed for further research.
A phase II study of neoadjuvant capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan (XELOXIRI) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Matsuda Chu , Kudo Toshihiro , Morimoto Yoshihiro , Kagawa Yoshinori , Tei Mitsuyoshi , Ide Yoshihito , Miyoshi Norikatsu , Takahashi Hidekazu , Uemura Mamoru , Takemasa Ichiro , Satoh Taroh , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Murata Kohei , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi ,   Multicenter Clinical Study Group of Osaka, Colorectal Cancer Treatment Group (MSCSGO)
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Addition of perioperative multi‐agent chemotherapy to the treatment strategy for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) may be a promising option. We conducted a phase II study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of capecitabine combined with oxaliplatin and irinotecan (XELOXIRI) as triplet neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with LARC.

Methods

Patients received neoadjuvant irinotecan and oxaliplatin and capecitabine and then underwent total mesorectal excision. The primary study endpoint was the pathological complete response (pCR) rate.

Results

Between June 2013 and December 2016, 55 patients were enrolled in the study. Forty‐two (77.8%) of 54 completed the study protocol. The pCR rate was 7.7% (95% CI 3.0% to 18.2%). The 3‐year local recurrence rate was 3.9%, the 3‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) rate was 77.3, and the 3‐year overall survival rate was 96.0%.

Conclusion

XELOXIRI neoadjuvant chemotherapy appears to be feasible and efficacious for patients with LARC. Although neoadjuvant XELOXIRI alone did not yield our expected pCR rate, the local recurrence rate, 3‐year DFS, and measures of safety met current standards.
Congenital myopathy as a new phenotype caused by two undescribed variants in ASCC1 gene
Authors: Sharova Margarita , Guseva Darya , Kurenkov Alexey , Novoselova Olga , Murtazina Aysylu , Skoblov Mikhail
Published: July 2022

We present a patient with congenital myopathy and an inborn epiphysiolysis of the ulna. Whole‐exome sequencing analysis revealed two novel mutations in Activation Signal Cointegrator Complex 1 (ASCC1) gene in a compound heterozygous state—a splicing variant c.395‐2A>G and a deletion of the first two coding exons. Homozygous and compound heterozygous LoF variants in ASCC1 gene lead to a severe phenotype of spinal muscular atrophy with congenital bone fractures 2 (SMABF2). All patients described to date presented with a severe muscular hypotony, inborn fractures, and passed away shortly after birth while our proband had moderate hypotony, no fractures, but epiphysiolysis and he was 3.5 years old at the time of examination. To explain the phenotype of our patient, we performed an RNA analysis of all family members. We discovered that the c.395‐2A>G variant results in two aberrant mRNA isoforms. We also validated the deletion of two exons in ASCC1 gene that lead to the increased expression of this truncated transcript by 1.8 times. To investigate the possible impact of this deletion on the phenotype we predicted a new Kozak sequence in exon 4 that could lead to the formation of a truncated protein with shortened KH domain and a full RNA ligase‐like domain. We suggest that this unexpectedly different phenotype of the proband with ASCC1‐related disorder could be explained by the presence of the truncated protein with an increased expression.
Mechanistic Studies of Carbon Monoxide Release from Norborn‐2‐en‐7‐one CORMs
Authors: Bell Nathan T. , Payne China M. , Sammut Ivan A , Larsen David S.
Published: July 2022

A study has been performed to determine the factors that control carbon monoxide (CO) release from 3a‐bromo‐norborn‐2‐en‐7‐one‐based organic CO‐releasing molecules (oCOms). Such molecules have recently become of interest for the therapeutic potential of targeted delivery of the gasotransmitter CO, however the mechanism controlling the release of CO has not been comprehensively studied. Elucidation of this mechanism would enable tuning of the rate of CO release to specific therapeutic needs, such as acute vs chronic administration. By the synthesis and evaluation of substituted oCOms, CO release has been shown to be controlled by a rate‐determining E1cB(irr)‐type elimination of HBr followed by rapid chelotropic decomposition to give CO and a substituted phthalimide byproduct. Based on this result we report the successful rational design and synthesis of water‐soluble oCOms with targeted half‐lives intermediate to those reported previously.
Development of chopped glass fiber composites with difunctional benzoxazine and bio‐based phthalonitrile copolymer: A study of mechanical and thermomechanical properties
Authors: Alshahrani Hassan , Dayo Abdul Qadeer , Liu Wen‐Bin
Published: July 2022

The randomly‐oriented glass fibers (GF) reinforced composites with Bisphenol A–amine based benzoxazine (BA‐a) and bio‐based eugenol‐based phthalonitrile (EPN) copolymer were developed by an isothermal compression molding technique. The silane coupling agent‐treated GF (TGF) reinforced composites showed much better impact strength as compared to as‐received GF reinforced composites. A rise of 95.2 MPa, 5.5GPa, 69.1 MPa, and 2.5GPa in flexural strength, flexural modulus, tensile strength, and Young's modulus were observed, respectively. The DMA results confirmed that the storage modulus (E') and glass transition temperature (Tg) were gradually increased and the damping factor decreased as the TGF reinforcement was raised from 0 to 40 wt%. E' and Tg values were 3.09 GPa and 27°C, respectively, higher than the recorded values for the neat copolymer. The 40 wt% TGF reinforced poly(BA‐a/EPN) composite showed the maximum thermal stability values of 475.4, 507.3°C, and 75.43% for T5, T10, and Yc, respectively. The LOI values confirm that the TGF/copolymer composites have self‐extinguishing properties.
Anthropause shows differential influence of tourism and a no‐take reserve on the abundance and size of two fished species
Authors: Kough Andrew S. , Gutzler Benjamin C. , Tuttle Justin G. , Palma Nicole , Knowles Lindy C. , Waterhouse Lynn
Published: July 2022

Marine reserves are essential spatial conservation tools that have been shown to work alongside fishery management strategies to provide benefits to ecosystems and communities. Reserves often incentivize local tourism, which can provide the impetus for reserve creation but may have negative impacts on the ecosystem.

The COVID‐19 pandemic paused global travel and provided an unprecedented opportunity to compare short‐term changes in exploited populations, during the reprieve from visitation provided by this ‘anthropause’, with the results of long‐term conservation management.

Repeated surveys of Caribbean spiny lobster and Nassau grouper were conducted at popular dive and snorkel locations within a Bahamian no‐take reserve and surrounding areas during peak visitation prior to travel restrictions and immediately after restrictions were lifted. Repeated survey results were referenced against surveys over a broader area, including another Bahamian Bank, to examine the consistency of effects and how the ease of access for fishers impacted abundance.

In the reserve, lobsters were encountered in significantly greater abundances, and significantly greater sizes of both lobster and grouper were observed in repeated surveys. Significantly more grouper were encountered during the repeated survey within the reserve after travel restrictions, but lobster abundances did not change significantly.

Over a broader scale, lobster abundance was significantly greater further from population centres. Observed lobster abundance was affected by habitat and inferred fishing pressure, whereas observed grouper abundance was affected by survey depth, effort, and habitat.

Marine reserves had clear benefits for both species and likely facilitated an increase in grouper abundance during the anthropause. Lobsters are a sustainably managed stock in The Bahamas, whereas grouper are a threatened species that appear to have benefited from an unplanned fishery restriction. Well‐managed marine reserves enhance populations long term and can have additive effects with fisheries management over short timescales.
Neurochemical classification of serotonin‐immunoreactive neurons co‐innervating motor endplates in the mouse esophagus
Authors: Zinsser‐Krys Jillena , Kapitza Christopher , Böhnke Lena , van der Keylen Piet , Neuhuber Winfried L. , Wörl Jürgen
Published: July 2022

Serotonin immunoreactivity was previously found in myenteric neurons co‐innervating motor endplates in the mouse esophagus striated muscle and an involvement in motility control was suggested. However, it is not known if other neuroactive substances are present in these neurons and to what extent they co‐localize. First, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) was established as a bona fide marker for putative inhibitory myenteric neurons by evaluating co‐localization with neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and neuropeptide Y (NPY). Then, co‐localization of serotonin and VIP was tested in co‐innervating axons on motor endplates, which were visualized with α‐bungarotoxin (α‐BT) by multilabel immunofluorescence. Myenteric ganglia were also surveyed for co‐localization in neuronal perikarya and varicosities. nNOS, NPY, and VIP were completely co‐localized in enteric co‐innervating nerve terminals on motor endplates. After co‐staining with VIP, we found (a) serotonin (5‐HT)‐positive nerve endings without VIP (44% of 5‐HT‐positively innervated endplates), (b) 5‐HT‐ and VIP‐positive endings without co‐localization (35%), and (c) 5‐HT‐ and VIP‐positive endings with co‐localization (21%). About one‐fifth of nerve terminals on motor endplates containing 5‐HT originate from putative inhibitory peptidegic nitrergic neurons. However, the majority represents a different population presumably subserving different functions.
Capturing variations in how spelling is taught in primary school classrooms in England
Authors: Esposito Rosanne , Herbert Elisabeth , Sumner Emma
Published: July 2022

Mastering spelling is important for children to progress in writing. The National Curriculum in England details spelling lists linked to each year group in primary education. Assessment practices also emphasise the importance of teaching spelling. However, to date, little is known about how teachers feel about teaching spelling nor the instructional methods that they use in primary schools in England. This study addresses this gap by investigating approaches to teaching spelling. An online survey was distributed to primary‐based teaching staff with roles in supporting teaching and learning. The survey asked for information about the respondents’ teaching experience and school setting, and about their attitudes and approach to teaching spelling. The survey was completed in full by 158 respondents. Approaches to teaching spelling were varied and over two‐thirds of the sample highlighted that their school did not have a spelling policy. The importance of explicit teaching of spelling was supported by the majority of teachers. This judgement was more frequent and rated more highly by teachers supporting younger children. Teachers largely reported devising their own spelling resources, highlighted that the curriculum spelling lists lack guidance for teaching spelling strategies and questioned their suitability for pupils of varying abilities. A range of spelling programmes and strategies were recorded. The findings provide insight into universal instructional approaches. Practical implications for teacher training and professional development are discussed.
From developmental to atavistic bet‐hedging: How cancer cells pervert the exploitation of random single‐cell phenotypic fluctuations
Authors: Capp Jean‐Pascal , Thomas Frédéric
Published: July 2022

Stochastic gene expression plays a leading developmental role through its contribution to cell differentiation. It is also proposed to promote phenotypic diversification in malignant cells. However, it remains unclear if these two forms of cellular bet‐hedging are identical or rather display distinct features. Here we argue that bet‐hedging phenomena in cancer cells are more similar to those occurring in unicellular organisms than to those of normal metazoan cells. We further propose that the atavistic bet‐hedging strategies in cancer originate from a hijacking of the normal developmental bet‐hedging of metazoans. Finally, we discuss the constraints that may shape the atavistic bet‐hedging strategies of cancer cells.
A Q‐Q plot aids interpretation of the false discovery rate
Authors: Galwey Nicholas W.
Published: July 2022

False discovery rates are routinely controlled by application of the Benjamini–Hochberg step‐up procedure to a set of p‐values. A method is demonstrated for representing the values so obtained (the BH‐FDRs) on a quantile–quantile (Q‐Q) plot of the p‐values transformed to the negative‐logarithmic scale. Recognition of this connection between the BH‐FDR and the Q‐Q plot facilitates both understanding of the meaning of the BH‐FDR and interpretation of the BH‐FDR in a particular data set.
Time‐lagged interspecies interactions prevail during biofilm development in moving bed biofilm reactor
Authors: Yuan Shasha , Guo Sixian , Huang Xihao , Meng Fangang
Published: July 2022

Clarifying the essential succession dynamics of interspecies interactions during biofilm development is crucial for the regulation and application of biofilm‐based processes. In this study, regular and time‐series phylogenetic molecular ecological networks were constructed to investigate ordinary and time‐lagged interspecies interactions during biofilm development in a moving bed biofilm reactor. Positive interactions dominated both regular (89.78%) and time‐series (77.04%) ecological networks, suggesting that extensive cooperative behaviors facilitated biofilm development. The pronounced directional interactions (72.52%) in the time‐series network further indicated that time‐lagged interspecies interactions prevailed in the biofilm development process. Specifically, the proportion of directional negative interactions was higher than that of positive interactions, implying that interspecific competition preferred to be time‐lagged. The time‐series network revealed that module hubs exhibited extensive time‐lagged positive interactions with their neighbors, and most of them exhibited altruistic behaviors. Keystone species possessing more positive interactions were positively correlated with biofilm biomass, NO3−‐N concentrations, and the removal efficiencies of NH4+‐N and chemical oxygen demand. However, keystone species and peripherals that were negatively targeted by their neighbors showed positive correlations with the concentrations of NO2−‐N, polysaccharides, and proteins in the soluble microbial products. The data highlight that the time‐series network can provide directional microbial interactions along with the biofilm development process, which would help to predict the tendency of community shifts and propose efficient strategies for the regulation of biofilm‐based processes.
Visualizing protein data sets in R through a student peer‐review rubric
Authors: Friedman Alon
Published: July 2022

The R programming language and computing environment is a powerful and common platform used by life science researchers and educators for the analysis of big data. One of the benefits of using R in this context is its ability to visualize the results. Using R to generate visualizations has gained in popularity due to the increased number of R packages available to convert data to graphic display. In this paper, I ask the following question: how can student engagement with protein analysis be promoted using R‐based visualizations in the classroom? During the 2021 IUBMB/ASBMD workshop “Teaching Science with Big Data”, I presented a teaching strategy that used R for the visualization of protein data. In this report, I provide a teaching procedure and a summary of how students engaged with these data in our Introduction to R for Professional Data Science class. This report is based on a case study methodology by reviewing student peer comments for protein analyses conducted in R. The results indicated that students were active participants in the peer‐review process and that they learned to take a critical view of data visualization.
Teaching biology students data exploration and visualization in a data‐driven world
Authors: Hilliker Angela K. , Grayson Kristine L.
Published: July 2022

As biologists accumulate or encounter increasingly large and complex data sets, our field creates the need for students to develop skills in data exploration and visualization. Many biology courses lack the time for students to develop the skills needed to parse complex datasets and visualize them appropriately. We developed a new upper‐level undergraduate biology course to focused on data exploration and communication without requiring previous coding experience. We emphasized data visualization principles and best practices and taught students how to manage and visualize data via Tableau and R. We also explored scientific ethics, how to refute misinformation, and inequities that can occur in data collection and usage.
Development of a validated high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography method for quantification of lupeol from different parts of Bauhinia acuminata
Authors: Nakkala Komalatha , Laddha Kirti S.
Published: July 2022

The goal of the study was to determine how much lupeol was present in different Bauhinia acuminata samples. Lupeol was analyzed using a unique (verified) high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC) method. Separation of various compounds was achieved on silica gel (66 F 254) plates with toluene and methanol (99:1) as the mobile phase, followed by derivatization with Liebermann–Burchard reagent (r2 = 0.996). The proposed approach demonstrated a satisfactory linear relationship in the concentration range of 4–8 μg/mL. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were 63.84 ng/spot and 208.57 ng/spot, respectively. The proposed method was a simple and precise procedure that provided good resolution with other constituents of extracts. The validated HPTLC method described was simple, dependable, and practical and could be useful for standardizing and evaluating the quality of herbal material and formulations containing various Bauhinia species. The leaf, stem, unsaponified matter leaf, and stem petroleum ether extract had good amounts of lupeol (25.75, 38.25, 1.65, and 1.75, respectively). This research will be helpful for the quantitative determination of lupeol from herbal formulations as well as useful for further studies in this area.
The role of neuroticism and conscientious facets in academic motivation
Authors: Apostolov Nikolas , Geldenhuys Madelyn
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Personality differences have been demonstrated to influence an individual's academic performance in different ways. Notably, conscientiousness is the most consistent significant predictor of academic performance, while neuroticism shows inconsistent results.

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the relationship between the facets of conscientiousness and neuroticism on academic motivation.

Method

The study was conducted in Australia and consisted of 285 undergraduate students. The International Personality Item Pool and Motivated Strategies Learning Questionnaire were used to measure personality and motivation, respectively. Structural equation modeling results revealed that conscientiousness had the most significant relationship with academic motivation, while neuroticism was negatively related. The conscientious facets of self‐efficacy and achievement striving were positively related to academic motivation. The results also revealed that the anxiety facet of neuroticism was the only significant positive predictor for academic motivation, while depression and vulnerability were negatively related.

Conclusion

This study reveals how personality facets contribute to academic motivation over assessing grades and superordinate factors alone. Trait‐level anxiety significantly contributes to academic motivation, helping us shed light on underlying mechanisms such as defensive pessimism, resulting in higher motivation due to fearing the worst.
Vaccines against SARS‐CoV‐2 are safe to administer in patients with antibodies to pegaspargase
Authors: Swanson Hope D. , Hakim Hana , Hijano Diego R. , Morton Ted , Cross Shane , Inaba Hiroto , Jeha Sima , Pui Ching‐Hon , Karol Seth E.
Published: July 2022

Objective

Allergic reactions to pegaspargase during ALL therapy are typically due to antibodies against polyethylene glycol (PEG), which is also used as a stabilizing agent in mRNA‐based SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines. To evaluate the safety of these vaccines in patients with anti‐pegaspargase antibodies.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients treated for ALL who had received SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccinations. All patients had antibodies against pegaspargase assayed during ALL therapy prospectively and in response to clinical allergies. Symptoms of intolerance to vaccination were gathered retrospectively from chart abstraction.

Results

SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination was well tolerated in all 78 patients with prior exposure to pegaspargase as part of their leukemia therapy. No reactions were observed in the 54 patients without a history of anti‐pegaspargase antibodies or in 19 patients with antibodies who received mRNA vaccination. 1 patient who received the polysorbate containing Janssen vaccine experienced mild symptoms after vaccination not meeting the criteria of clinical allergy which spontaneously resolved within 25 minutes.

Conclusion

SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination is safe in this population.
Case of a lung collision tumor consisting of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Sasaki Masato , Sakon Kayo , Tanaka Kaede , Okada Akitoshi , Ikeda Takeshi , Koshiji Takaaki
Published: July 2022

Among the reports of malignant collision tumors, collision tumors consisting of lung cancer and malignant lymphoma are extremely rare. We report case of a lung collision tumor consisting of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma.
Native right‐sided endocarditis in intravenous drug user: A case report
Authors: Franca Hudson , Broceta Martínez Abelardo , Chohan Farah A. , Ishak Angela , Rocher Maray , Pokhrel Nishan Babu , Jaiswal Vikash
Published: July 2022

An increased rate of hospitalizations due to right‐sided infective endocarditis is currently witnessed due to the rapid rise of IV drug use. In this case report, we aim to discuss the long‐term outcome and highlight the various diagnostic approaches and management difficulties that are encountered in these cases.
Nitrogen and Sulfur Enriched Porous Carbon Materials with Trace Fe Derived from Hyper‐Crosslinked Polymer as an Efficient Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalyst
Authors: Barman Jayshree , Deka Namrata , Maji Pradip K. , Dutta Gitish K.
Published: July 2022

Exploring and designing a non‐precious metal‐based electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reactions with high efficiency is imperative for commercializing fuel cell technology. In the present work, an approach to synthesize N, and S ‐doped porous carbon catalysts with trace Fe derived from N, S enriched hyper‐crosslinked polymer for ORR by ZnCl2 activation at high temperature is described. The optimized catalyst (HCP‐NSZn‐900) exhibited an impressive catalytic activity towards ORR due to its high surface area, excellent porosity, and effective doping of Fe and heteroatoms. Accordingly, HCP‐NSZn‐900 demonstrates a high onset potential of 0.98 V (vs. RHE) with a large diffusion‐limited current density of 4.72 mA cm−2, and improved tolerance to methanol crossover, significantly longer durability in contrast to the Pt/C catalyst. Furthermore, HCP‐NSZn‐900 confirmed the 4‐electron transfer selectivity (n∼4.0). Therefore, the synthesized materials could be a potential replacement for Pt/C catalyst for energy conversion technologies.