bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lichens
Authors: Hawksworth David L
Published: July 2021

Lichens are most appropriately viewed as self‐supporting ecosystems formed by the interaction of a fungus, one or more photosynthetic partners, and an indeterminate number of other microscopic organisms – with the fungal partner providing the overall physical structure and scientific name used to refer to them. They were the first associations to which the term symbiosis was applied and are mutualisms as all partners benefit by enabling new habitats to be colonised. Their different morphologies, structures and ecophysiological relationships are introduced, and their dispersal and establishment discussed. Ecological roles range from other organisms that are dependent on them for food or camouflage, to involvement in rock weathering. Special attention is given to their use as biodindicators of air pollutants, habitat disturbance and climate change. Current economic and traditional uses are summarised, and attention is drawn to the numerous natural products produced some of which have potential pharmaceutical applications.

Key Concepts

Names given to lichens strictly refer only to the fungal component and the fungi involved are integrated into the overall system of fungal classification.

The fungi involved are mainly ascomycetes, dispersed through around 40 different orders, and many include fungi other than those that form lichens.

Single genera can include species that form lichens and ones with different biologies.

Some single species are facultative lichen‐formers, sometimes producing a lichen and sometimes not, or starting as invaders of other lichens and then becoming independent.

Lichen symbioses were well‐established by the Devonian, when land plants first evolved, but long before flowering plants arose in the Cretaceous.

The photosynthetic partners in lichens, green algae or cyanobacteria, are less diverse and different ones can associate with a single fungal partner.

Specialised bacteria, most unknown outside lichens, are now recognised as an integral part of lichen associations.

Lichens are largely dependent on nutrients and moisture from the air and long‐lived, making them valuable as biodindicators of air pollutants and climate change.

Lichens have important roles in global geochemical cycles, especially carbon.

The fungal partners produce over 800 natural products, many of which have potential pharmaceutical applications.
Calditrichia class. nov.
Authors: Bonch‐Osmolovskaya Elizaveta A. , Kublanov Ilya V.
Published: July 2021

Cal.di.tri'chi.a. N.L. fem. n.
Caldithrix
, the type genus of the type order of the class; N.L. neut. pl. n.
Calditrichia
, the class of the genus
Caldithrix
.

Calditrichota / Calditrichia class. nov.

Calditrichia
is the only class of the phylum
Calditrichota
. At present, it includes only one order and one family with two genera represented by moderately thermophilic, anaerobic organotrophic bacteria inhabiting submarine hydrothermal environments. Representatives of
Calditrichia
are organotrophs or facultative lithotrophs utilizing molecular hydrogen and capable of nitrate reduction.

Type order
:
Calditrichales
Kublanov et al. 2017, VL193.
Schumannella
Authors: Trujillo Martha E. , Riesco Raúl
Published: July 2021

Schu.man.nel'la. N.L. fem. dim. n.
Schumannella
, named after Peter Schumann, a German microbiologist, who contributed to the taxonomy of actinobacteria.

Actinobacteria / Actinomycetia / Micrococcales / Microbacteriaceae / Schumannella

Aerobic, nonmotile, and non‐spore‐forming actinobacteria that produce single, straight, and rod‐shaped cells that are Gram‐stain‐positive. Chemoorganotrophic. Positive for catalase but negative for oxidase. The characteristic chemotaxonomic markers are menaquinones MK‐11, MK‐10, and MK‐9; 2,4‐diaminobutyric acid as the diamino acid in the peptidoglycan; and anteiso‐C15:0 and iso‐C16:0 as major fatty acids in the cell membrane. The genus is represented by a single species,
Schumannella luteola
. Belongs to the family
Microbacteriaceae
and is phylogenetically related to the genera
Protaetiibacter
,
Herbiconiux
, and
Humibacter
.

DNA G
 + 
C content (mol%)
: 71.6 (WGS).

Type species
:
Schumannella luteola
An et al. 2008, VL125.
Sansalvadorimonas
Authors: Glaeser Stefanie P. , Kämpfer Peter
Published: July 2021

San.sal.va.do.ri.mo'nas. L. fem. n.
monas
a unit, monad; N.L. fem. n.
Sansalvadorimonas
a monad from San Salvador, The Bahamas.

Proteobacteria / Gammaproteobacteria / Oceanospirillales / Endozoicomonadaceae / Sansalvadorimonas

The genus
Sansalvadorimonas
accommodates bacteria with motile and rod‐shaped cells. Non‐spore‐forming. Gram‐strain‐negative. Aerobic or facultatively anaerobic. Catalase‐ and oxidase‐variable
Sansalvadorimonas
species are able to grow between 15 and 42°C. The species grow at a pH range of 6.0–9.0 and in the presence of 0.5–10% NaCl.

A genome sequence for the type strain of the only described species,
Sansalvadorimonas verongulae
, is available. Predominant cellular fatty acids of all
Sansalvadorimonas
species are a summed feature composed of C
16 : 1
ω7
c
and/or C
16 : 1
ω6
c
, C
18 : 1
ω7
c
and/or C
18 : 1
ω6
c
, and C
16 : 0
. The major polar lipids are diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphoethanolamine, and some unidentified lipids. The major respiratory quinone is ubiquinone Q‐9. The genus is a member of the class
Gammaproteobacteria
, order
Oceanospirillales
, forming a monophyletic clade within the family
Endozoicomonadaceae
. Known habitat of the one and single species
Sansalvadorimonas verongulae
is the marine sponge
Verongula gigantea
.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 42.3 (HPLC,
T
m
).

Type species
:
Sansalvadorimonas verongulae
Goldberg et al. 2018
VP
.
Paludibacterium
Authors: Durán‐Viseras Ana , Manaia Célia M. , Vaz‐Moreira Ivone , Nunes Olga C.
Published: July 2021

Pa.lu.di.bac.te'ri.um. L. fem. n.
palus
‐
udis
a marsh; L. neut. n.
bacterium
a rod; N.L. neut. n.
Paludibacterium
a rod isolated from peat.

Proteobacteria / Betaproteobacteria / Neisseriales / Chromobacteriaceae / Paludibacterium

Curved rods, non‐spore‐forming, and Gram‐stain negative.
Motile
by means of a single polar flagellum.
Facultative anaerobe
. Reacts positively for the catalase and cytochrome
c
oxidase tests. Nitrate reduction is variable among genus members, and indole is not produced. The major respiratory quinone is ubiquinone 8 (Q‐8). Fatty acid composition is variable within the genus, although summed feature 3 (C
16:1
ω7
c
and/or C
16:1
ω6
c
) and C
16:0
are predominant in all species. The polar lipid profile consists of phosphatidylglycerol (PG), diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), among other unidentified aminophospholipids, phospholipids, and polar lipids.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 59.2–63.0 (HPLC and
T
m
) and 60.7–62.2 (genome).

Type species
:
Paludibacterium yongneupense
Kwon et al. 2008
VP
.
Adlercreutzia
Authors: Carro Lorena , Trujillo Martha E.
Published: July 2021

Ad.ler.creut'zi.a. N.L. fem. n.
Adlercreutzia,
named after H. Adlercreutz (Emeritus Professor, University of Helsinki, Finland), for his contributions to research on the effects of phytoestrogens on human health.

Actinobacteria / Coriobacteriia / Eggerthellales / Eggerthellaceae / Adlercreutzia

Gram‐stain‐positive, non‐spore‐forming, and nonmotile rods; obligately anaerobic, although some strains may be aerotolerant. Strains have been isolated from the gut of mice and human feces.
Adlercreutzia
grow well on Wilkins–Chalgren Anaerobe agar at 37°C, pH 7, in an anaerobic atmosphere with 85% N
2
, 10% CO
2
, and 5% H
2
. Growth is stimulated in the presence of arginine, with most strains producing arginine dihydrolase. Peptidoglycan contains
dl
‐ or
ll
‐diaminopimelic acid as diagnostic diamino acid. Predominant menaquinones are demethylmenaquinone‐6 and methylmenaquinone‐6. The major whole‐cell sugars include galactose; ribose and glucose may also be present. The main polar lipid is diphosphatidylglycerol, but important amounts of unidentified glycolipids and phospholipids are also present; the amount of phosphatidylglycerol is variable. The predominant fatty acids are C
16:0
, C
18:1
ω9
c
,
iso
‐C
15:0
, and
iso
‐C
17:0
. Genome size varies from 2.4 to 3 Mb. DNA G + C content varies from 62 to 65 mol
%
. Phylogenetically, a member of the family
Eggerthellaceae
.

DNA G
 + 
C content
(
mol
%): 62–65 (WGS).

Type species
:
Adlercreutzia equolifaciens
Maruo et al. 2008
VP
.
Setting the stage for facilitating online learning
Authors: Conceição Simone C. O.
Published: July 2021

Designing and facilitating online learning experiences require a repertoire of skills and a unique mindset. This article focuses on adult learners’ characteristics, learner‐centered principles, and tools for engaging learning in the online environment as a starting point for acquiring these skills.
Immersive deep learning activities online
Authors: Murray‐Johnson Kayon , Munro Andrea , Popoola Racheal
Published: July 2021

This article defines deep learning and describes how four technology‐based activities can be used to promote deep learning in the online environment. The rationale for their use along with benefits, limitations, and alternatives are explored.
Formative assessment and scaffolding online learning
Authors: Luckritz Marquis Timothy
Published: July 2021

Facilitation of online learning relies on an intentionally designed strategy for embedded formative assessment and scaffolding in order to encourage adult learner engagement with the educator, fellow learners, and the learning content. This article examines the nature of online formative assessment by discussing prior studies and offering practice examples to distill best practices.
Supports for developing online learners’ self‐direction
Authors: Baldwin Cheryl K. , Krishnamurti Praveen
Published: July 2021

This article describes a set of differentiated strategies for supporting the needs of online learners. Ways to combine technological tools with self‐directed learning supports are explained.
Developing online teaching skills: A self‐directed approach
Authors: Peno Kathy
Published: July 2021

Developing online educators can be enhanced by applying models of skill acquisition and online learning practices with mentoring for skill development. These practices and processes are rooted in understanding the foundational role of self‐direction in online professional development.
MoSi2/Al2O3/Feldspar Composites for Injection‐Molded Ceramic Heating Elements
Authors: Wick-Joliat René , Mauchle Stéphane , Kontic Roman , Ehrat Sandro , Hocker Thomas , Penner Dirk
Published: July 2021

MoSi2 is an electrically conductive material with numerous applications mostly in high‐temperature environments. Herein, the production of MoSi2‐containing resistive heating elements by ceramic injection molding (CIM) is described. The sintered parts consist of MoSi2 particles embedded in a matrix of vitrified feldspar and Al2O3. The conductivity of sintered parts can be tuned precisely by varying the content of the conductive phase. For the development of the injection‐molding feedstock, four binder systems are evaluated. The corresponding feedstocks are injection molded into different geometries in traditional molds as well as in additively manufactured, soluble molds. For each feedstock, a debinding and sintering routine is elaborated based on thermogravimetric measurements. Higher debinding temperature leads to more oxidation of MoSi2 and less conductive samples. Therefore, the conductivity as well as density of sintered parts is used to evaluate the applicability of the feedstocks. Finally, glow tests prove that MoSi2/Al2O3/feldspar composite parts can be used as heating elements and by combining infrared temperature measurement data with computational simulations important material data such as thermal and electrical conductivity and thermal capacity can be obtained reliably.
Temperature‐Responsive Ultrasonic‐Wave Engineering Using Thermoresponsive Polymers
Authors: Lee Sang Jun , Lee Haunmin , Lim Dahyun Daniel , Song Chanho , Choi Wonjoon
Published: July 2021

Artificial structures for controlling ultrasonic‐waves are attractive for developing superb functions in sensing‐imaging techniques. However, the complicated fabrication and fixed design associated with the particular wave limit the scalability. Herein, a versatile‐reversible ultrasonic‐wave engineering using programmable heating of local areas on thermoresponsive polymers is presented. As an abrupt shift of the elastic modulus occurs at selectively heated zones over the glass transition temperature, the drastic modulus change alters the S0 phase velocity of the Lamb wave within ultrasonic waves passing through the heated regimes. The modified wave propagation results in an active wavelength shift and wave refraction, which enables multifunctional programming of wave propagation pathways and wavefront shapes. Multiple functions such as reduced wavelength, wave steering, energy focusing and bifurcation are implemented in one nylon 6 thermoresponsive polymer, according to predesigned heating shapes. This work demonstrates the capability of temperature‐responsive wave engineering in bulk solid media with only a heating configuration.
A Bifunctional Zwitterion‐Modified Porphyrin for Photodynamic Nondestructive Tooth Whitening and Biofilm Eradication
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhu Yingnan , Li Yi , Qi Xiaoyu , Yang Jing , Qi Haishan , Li Qingsi , Ma Yiming , Zhang Ye , Zhang Xu , Zhang Lei
Published: July 2021

Tooth staining and biofilm formation are major challenges for dental healthcare around the world. Herein, a bifunctional photodynamic dental therapy (PDDT) strategy is designed based on zwitterion‐modified porphyrin (ZMP) prepared by the conjugation of protoporphyrin IX (PP) and a superhydrophilic zwitterion moiety for tooth whitening and biofilm eradication. The electron donor–acceptor structure and water solubility of ZMP increases its reactive oxygen species output to ≈8 times compared with PP under purple light irradiation. Results show that this new strategy can not only nondestructively whiten teeth by degrading the chromogen, but also eradicate ≈95% of the biofilm by disintegrating the extracellular polymeric substances. This study highlights the superiority of ZMP as a photosensitizer and opens new avenues in exploring PDDT for clinical dentistry to whiten teeth and treat biofilm‐induced dental diseases.
Oxygen‐Incorporated NiMoP Nanotube Arrays as Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalysts For Urea‐Assisted Energy‐Saving Hydrogen Production in Alkaline Electrolyte
Authors: Jiang Hao , Sun Mingzi , Wu Shuilin , Huang Bolong , Lee Chun‐Sing , Zhang Wenjun
Published: July 2021

To couple hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with urea oxidation reaction (UOR) is a promising approach to produce H2 with reduced energy consumption. However, the development of a low‐cost and high‐performance bifunctional electrocatalyst toward HER and UOR is still a challenge. In this work, oxygen‐incorporated nickel molybdenum phosphide nanotube arrays are synthesized on nickel foam (O‐NiMoP/NF) via electrodeposition accompanied with in‐situ template etching. Benefiting from the modulated electronic structure and the nanotube array architecture of O‐NiMoP, the self‐supporting O‐NiMoP/NF electrodes demonstrate highly efficient bifunctional catalytic activity toward HER and UOR. Particularly, in the HER and UOR (HER||UOR) coupled system for H2 production, a significantly reduced cell voltage of 1.55 V is obtained at the current density of 50 mA cm–2, which is about 300 mV lower than that of the conventional water electrolysis. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the remarkable HER and UOR activities originated from the Ni sites with the modulated electronic environment induced by Mo, P and O atoms, which facilitate the water dissociation during HER and balance the adsorption/desorption of the intermediates during UOR. The development of Ni‐based phosphides nanotube arrays as a bifunctional electrocatalyst in HER||OER system provides a new approach enabling energy‐saving H2 production.
Dynamically Deformable Protein Delivery Strategy Disassembles Neutrophil Extracellular Traps to Prevent Liver Metastasis
Authors: Zhu Lianghan , Li Zhaoting , Liu Ning , Sun Honghao , Wang Yixin , Sun Minjie
Published: July 2021

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), consisting of chromatin DNA filaments coated with granule proteins, promote metastasis by enhancing tumor cell migration to distant organs. Recent studies indicate that NETs adhere to cancer cell membranes and enhance cell motility significantly to induce liver metastasis in patients with breast and colon cancers. Herein, a dynamically deformable protein delivery strategy is developed to prevent liver metastasis by disassembling NETs. Specifically, poly amino acid conjugating with polyethylene glycol (PAAP) is explored and synthesized for DNase‐1 delivery. Notably, PAAP/DNase‐1 degrades chromatin to induce apoptosis, followed by cell membrane rupture and remaining DNase‐1 releases to the extracellular. More importantly, the released DNase‐1 disassembles NET‐DNA to prevent liver metastasis induced by NET. In all, PAAP/DNase‐1 treatment not only suppresses tumor growth by degrading intracellular chromatin, but also prevents the liver metastasis by disassembling the NET‐NDA. This strategy may provide brand‐new inspiration to prevent the liver metastasis fundamentally in patients with metastatic colon and breast cancer.
Highly Sensitive Narrowband Photomultiplication‐Type Organic Photodetectors Prepared by Transfer‐Printed Technology
Authors: Zhao Zijin , Liu Ming , Yang Kaixuan , Xu Chunyu , Guan Yunxia , Ma Xiaoling , Wang Jian , Zhang Fujun
Published: July 2021

Narrowband photomultiplication‐type organic photodetectors (PMOPDs) are realized with poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) (P3HT) as the optical field adjusting (OFA) layer and transfer‐printed P3HT: [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) (50:1, w/w) as the photomultiplication (PM) layer. The thickness of the OFA layers is adjusted to optimize interfacial trapped electron distribution and density, which determines the external quantum efficiency (EQE) and spectral response range of PMOPDs. Narrowband PMOPDs with 2.5 µm thick P3HT as the OFA layer exhibit two narrow response peaks at 350 and 660 nm, and the corresponding EQE values at 350 and 660 nm are 180% and 760% under an applied bias of −20 V. A wide bandgap polymer poly[N,N′‐bis(4‐butylphenyl)‐N,N′‐bis(phenyl)benzidine] (P‐TPD) is deliberately incorporated into OFA layer for adjusting interfacial trapped electron distribution near Al electrode. Narrowband PMOPDs exhibit only one response peak at 660 nm with the enhanced EQE value of 1120% under the same bias. The enhanced EQE of PMOPDs with P‐TPD is primarily attributed to the increased hole tunneling injection and transport, which can be ascribed to the enhanced trapped electron density near the Al electrode and the improved hole mobility, respectively. Clearly resolved images can be obtained from the imaging system with the narrowband PMOPDs as sensing pixel without any current preamplifier, indicating the promising potential of PMOPDs in imaging sense.
Biochemical and Structural Characterization of an (R)‐Selective Transaminase in the Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral Hydroxy Amines
Authors: Li Fulong , Liang Youxiang , Wei Yuwen , Zheng Yukun , Du Yan , Yu Huimin
Published: July 2021

An (R)‐selective transaminase RbTA with excellent stereoselectivity (>99% ee) in the asymmetric amination of hydroxy ketones was identified. Biochemical characterization showed that RbTA exhibited the highest activity toward 4‐hydroxy‐2‐butanone among reported enzymes, and that it has broad substrate specificity, including for aliphatic, aromatic, and alicyclic ketones. Crystallization of RbTA were performed, as were molecular docking and mutagenesis studies. Residue Tyr125 plays a key role in substrate recognition by forming a hydrogen bond with hydroxy ketone. The applicability of the enzyme was determined in preparative‐scale synthesis of (R)‐3‐amino‐1‐butanol, demonstrating the potential of RbTA as a green biocatalyst for production of value‐added chiral hydroxy amines. This study provides an efficient tool for enzymatic synthesis of chiral hydroxy amines, as well as structural insight into substrate recognition by transaminases in the asymmetric amination of hydroxy ketones.

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Biochar affects soil water content but not soybean yield in a sandy southeastern U.S. soil
Authors: Reyes‐Cabrera Joel , Erickson John E. , Leon Ramon G.
Published: July 2021

Drought is the greatest abiotic cause of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield loss in rainfed systems in the United States. Preplant incorporation of powdery biochar to soil cultivated with soybean in these water‐stressed regions presents the potential to increase volumetric soil water content (VSWC) between rainfall events and ameliorate the impact of intermittent water stress. However, VSWC and the above‐ and belowground response of soybean to biochar amendment are not well understood. This 2‐yr field study (2014–2015) evaluated the effectiveness of incorporating powdery (325 μm) biochar to 0.2‐m soil depth to increase soil water storage in a coarse‐textured soil in the southeastern United States. Soybean yield, aboveground biomass accumulation, root morphology, and VSWC in the soil profile to 1‐m depth were assessed under three biochar rates (0, 2.5, and 10 Mg ha–1) and two water treatments (rainfed and irrigated). In 2014, application of 10 Mg biochar ha–1 increased the cumulative soil water storage in the top 1‐m soil depth. Biochar application did not affect soybean yield or root morphology. Biochar only elicited changes in fresh weight of pods during reproductive stages, which indicates biochar's limited benefit to the water status of this shoot component. Irrigation increased yield by 28% compared with the rainfed treatment. Our study provides evidence that field application of biochar to soybean may be a sustainable practice to sequester recalcitrant C in the soil when biochar is available to producers, but its benefits on protecting soybean yield from water stress might depend on other factors such as soil texture, rainfall amount, and frequency.
Molecular dynamics simulations of heterogeneous hydrogen bond environment in hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Abbas Usman L. , Qiao Qi , Nguyen Manh Tien , Shi Jian , Shao Qing
Published: July 2021

Hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as excellent extractants. Their performance depends on the heterogeneous hydrogen bond environment formed by multiple hydrogen bond donors and acceptors. Understanding this heterogeneous hydrogen bond environment can help develop principles for designing high‐performance DESs for extraction and other separation applications. We investigate the structure and dynamics of hydrogen bonds in eight hydrophobic DESs formed by decanoic acid, menthol, thymol, and lidocaine using molecular dynamics simulations. The results show the diversity of hydrogen bonds in the eight DESs and their impact on diffusivity and molecular association. Each DES possesses four to six types of hydrogen bonds and one or two of them overwhelm the others in quantity and lifetime. The dominating hydrogen bonds determine whether the DESs are governed by intra‐ or inter‐component associations. The component diffusivity presents an inverse relationship with the hydrogen bond strength.
Pt–calcium cobaltate enables sorption‐enhanced steam reforming of glycerol coupled with chemical‐looping CH4 combustion
Authors: Li Hanke , Dang Chengxiong , Li Yuhang , Yang Guangxing , Cao Yonghai , Wang Hongjuan , Peng Feng , Yu Hao
Published: July 2021

Sorption‐enhanced steam reforming (SESR) process is usually highly energy intensive in producing high‐purity hydrogen. Herein, the sorbent decarbonation was conducted in the presence of O2 to enable the exothermic reaction between CaO and CoOx to form calcium cobaltate (CCO). By utilizing CCO as oxygen carrier (OC), the chemical‐looping methane combustion was employed prior to the SESR of glycerol (SESRG), by which CCO was prereduced to Co catalysts and CaO sorbent, thereby significantly improving the H2 yield from SESRG. With a Pt‐doped CCO acting as precatalyst, CO2 sorbent, and OC, we realized 70% CH4 conversion and 96 vol% H2 with 120% yield (based on glycerol) for 20 cycles, and the excess H2 was due to steam gasification of coke. The promoting effects of Pt toward CH4 conversion and H2 production were rationalized by CH4 temperature‐programmed reduction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of process integration enabled by multifunctional materials.
Postvaccinal Encephalitis after ChAdOx1 nCov‐19
Authors: Zuhorn Frédéric , Graf Tilmann , Klingebiel Randolf , Schäbitz Wolf‐Rüdiger , Rogalewski Andreas
Published: July 2021

The global SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic has contributed to more than 163 million confirmed infections and 3.3 million deaths worldwide. The severity of the pandemic has led to an unprecedented effort to develop multiple effective vaccines. Due to excellent safety and efficacy data from clinical trials, several vaccines were approved. We report a case series of postvaccinal encephalitis in temporal correlation to vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCov‐19. The diagnostic criteria for possible autoimmune encephalitis were fulfilled. Our patients responded well to immunosuppressive therapy with corticosteroids. The incidence has been estimated to be approximately 8 per 10 million vaccine doses. Complication of postvaccinal encephalitis after ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 vaccination still appear to be very rare, but need to be diagnosed and treated adequately. Large pooled data from observational epidemiologic studies are necessary to verify causality. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:506–511
Enantioselective Synthesis of Spiro‐oxiranes: An Asymmetric Addition/Aldol/Spirocyclization Domino Cascade
Authors: Choo Ken‐Loon , Mirabi Bijan , Demmans Karl Z. , Lautens Mark
Published: July 2021

Enantioenriched spiro‐oxiranes bearing three contiguous stereocenters were synthesized using a rhodium‐catalyzed asymmetric addition/aldol/spirocyclization sequence. Starting from a linear substrate, the cascade enabled the formation of a spirocyclic framework in a single step. sp2‐ and sp‐hybridized carbon nucleophiles were found to be competent initiators for this cascade, giving arylated or alkynylated products, respectively. Derivatization studies demonstrated the synthetic versatility of both the epoxide and the alkyne moieties of the products. DFT calculations were used to reconcile spectroscopic discrepancies observed between the solution‐ and solid‐state structures of the products.
2D Porphyrinic Metal–Organic Framework Nanosheets as Multidimensional Photocatalysts for Functional Materials
Authors: Zhang Liwen , Ng Gervase , Kapoor‐Kaushik Natasha , Shi Xiaobing , Corrigan Nathaniel , Webster Richard , Jung Kenward , Boyer Cyrille
Published: July 2021

Ultrathin porphyrinic 2D MOFs, ZnTCPP nanosheets (TCPP: 5,10,15,20‐(tetra‐4‐carboxyphenyl) porphyrin) were employed as heterogeneous photocatalysts to activate PET‐RAFT polymerization under various wavelengths ranging from violet to orange light. High polymerization rates, oxygen tolerance, and precise temporal control were achieved. The polymers showed narrow molecular weight distributions and good chain‐end fidelity. The 2D ZnTCPP nanosheets were applied as photocatalysts in stereolithographic 3D printing in an open‐air environment under blue light to yield well‐defined 3D printed objects. Apart from providing an efficient catalytic system, 2D ZnTCPP nanosheets reinforced the mechanical properties of the 3D printed materials. The presence of ZnTCPP embedded in the materials conferred effective antimicrobial activity under visible light by production of singlet oxygen, affording 98 % and 93 % anti‐bacterial efficiency against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, respectively.
Nanomediator–Effector Cascade Systems for Amplified Protein Kinase Activity Imaging and Phosphorylation‐Induced Drug Release In Vivo
Authors: Zheng Fenfen , Meng Tiantian , Jiang Difei , Sun Jiamin , Yao Haiyang , Zhu Jun‐Jie , Min Qianhao
Published: July 2021

Protein kinases constitute a rich pool of biomarkers and therapeutic targets of tremendous diseases including cancer. However, sensing kinase activity in vivo while implementing treatments according to kinase hyperactivation remains challenging. Herein, we present a nanomediator–effector cascade system that can in situ magnify the subtle events of kinase‐catalyzed phosphorylation via DNA amplification machinery to achieve kinase activity imaging and kinase‐responsive drug release in vivo. In this cascade, the phosphorylation‐mediated disassembly of DNA/peptide complex on the nanomediators initiated the detachment of fluorescent hairpin DNAs from the nanoeffectors via hybridization chain reaction (HCR), leading to fluorescence recovery and therapeutic cargo release. We demonstrated that this nanosystem simultaneously enabled trace protein kinase A (PKA) activity imaging and on‐demand drug delivery for inhibition of tumor cell growth both in vitro and in vivo, affording a kinase‐specific sense‐and‐treat paradigm for cancer theranostics.
Reversible and Irreversible [2+2] Cycloaddition Reactions of Heteroallenes to a Gallaphosphene
Authors: Sharma Mahendra K. , Wölper Christoph , Haberhauer Gebhard , Schulz Stephan
Published: July 2021

[2+2] Cycloaddition reactions of gallaphosphene L(Cl)GaPGaL 1 (L=HC[C(Me)N(2,6‐i‐Pr2C6H3)]2) with carbodiimides [C(NR)2; R=i‐Pr, Cy] and isocyanates [RNCO; R=Et, i‐Pr, Cy] yielded four‐membered metallaheterocycles LGa(Cl)P[μ‐C(X)NR]GaL (X=NR, R=i‐Pr 2, Cy 3; X=O, R=Et 4, i‐Pr 5, Cy 6). Compounds 4–6 reversibly react with CO2 via [2+2] cycloaddition at ambient temperature to the six‐membered metallaheterocycles LGa(Cl)P[μ‐C(O)O]‐μ‐C(O)N(R)GaL (R=Et 7, i‐Pr 8, Cy 9). Compounds 2–9 were characterized by IR and heteronuclear (1H, 13C{1H}, 31P{1H}) NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis, while quantum chemical calculations provided a deeper understanding on the energetics of the reactions.
Effect of adding different silane coupling agents on metal friction and wear in mixing process
Authors: Han Deshang , Pan Yi , Xue Junxiu , Yu Benhui , Yan Gang , Wang Chuansheng , Wang Kongshuo , Pan Yiren
Published: July 2021

The function of silane coupling agent in rubber mixing field is to combine inorganic matrix with rubber organic matrix. Silica is commonly used in the rubber mixing field to strengthen rubber. The size and amount of silica aggregates in the mixing process are important factors affecting the wear of the mixing chamber. The wear of the mixing chamber would lead to a increasing gap between the mixer chamber and the rotor, which caused the mixing efficiency reducing. It also affected the dispersion effect, then affected the mechanical and physical properties of the vulcanized rubber. In this paper, the effects of rubber compound on metal friction and wear were studied by using four silane coupling agents commonly used in rubber mixing field. The experiment was carried out at 15°C, and the attention should be paid to drying during sample preparation to avoid the deviation of the experiment caused by hydrolysis of silane coupling agent. The results showed that silanization reaction occured between silica and silane coupling agent in the mixing process. The mixing temperature was usually maintained at 145 to 155°C for 1 min in the mixer, and the silanization reaction rate was the fastest during this time. We took this rubber compound as the research object and studied the friction and wear of the rubber compound on the mixing chamber in the mixing process. The products of the silylation reaction are alcohol and water. This paper studies the corrosion and abrasion of the mixing chamber by water at high temperatures. In the mixing process, abrasive wear was the main wear form, but the corrosion wear caused by high temperature steam still occupied a large proportion.
Chemical treatment of grafted rubber‐based conductive polymer film for homogeneity improvement
Authors: Khong Choy‐Hung , Chia Min‐Rui , Ahmad Ishak , Phang Sook‐Wai
Published: July 2021

Conductive polymer film that possess stable electrical conductivity and good mechanical performance was prepared with the incorporation of polyaniline (PAni) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) in grafted rubber (MG49) matrix was synthesized in this research study. PAni was synthesized through the chemical oxidation process while CMC was produced using the carboxymethylation reaction. Besides, conductive polymer films of MG 49/PAni/CMC were synthesized using ex‐situ polymerization. The optimum reinforcement of CMC in the polymer films was proven through UTM analysis at 8% CMC loading with tensile strength and Young Modulus of 12.1 and 630 MPa, respectively. The chemical interaction, crystallinity, thermal stability, and morphology behaviors of the conductive polymer films before and after chemical modifications were confirmed by FTIR, XRD, TGA, and SEM analyses. Chemical modification by the introduction of silane coupling agent into conductive polymer films significantly enhances the homogeneity of the composites by giving a stable and narrow range of electrical conductivity with the value of 6.931 × 10−7–8.768 × 10−7 S cm−1. As conclusion, the mechanical performance, and electrical conductivity of MG49/PAni/CMC(8%)‐TMMS is more homogenous and fulfils the requirements of conductive polymer film that can be potentially applied in the flexible conductors of stretchable electronics.
Treatment effect and mechanism of Fu's subcutaneous needling among patients with shoulder pain: A retrospective pilot study
Authors: Bao Xiao , Wang Ming‐Hong , Liu Howe , Shi Hong‐Fei , Salem Yasser , Xu Shu , Zhu Zhi‐Min , Xie Ju‐Ying , Yang Quan
Published: July 2021

Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN) is a new acupuncture therapy developed from acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine models. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of FSN on shoulder pain. In this retrospective comparative study, patient case files with shoulder pain (Group A) treated with FSN were analyzed and compared with the same number of patients with shoulder pain (Group B) treated with conventional acupuncture and physical therapy. Motion‐related pain (MRP), pain under pressure (PUP), and Range of motion (ROM) were collected before and after intervention. In the 68 patients, there were 39 males and 29 females, aged 21–53 years old (mean ± SD = 36.4 ± 8.15) with onset time ranging from 1 day to 7 days (mean ± SD = 3.15 ± 1.73). MRP, PUP, and ROM scores were improved after FSN intervention (p < .05). There were significant differences between group A and group B in MRP, PUP, and ROM scores after FSN intervention and 1 week follow‐up (p < .05). No adverse events, such as fainting and sharp pain, occurred during the treatment process. FSN can be an effective rehabilitation intervention for improving shoulder pain and shoulder range of motion.
Leishmanicidal and cytotoxic activities and 4D‐QSAR of 2‐arylidene indan‐1,3‐diones
Authors: de Souza Ana P. M. , Costa Maria C. A. , de Aguiar Alex R. , Bressan Gustavo C. , de Almeida Lima Graziela D. , Lima Wallace P. , Borsodi Maria P. G. , Bergmann Bartira R. , Ferreira Márcia M. C. , Teixeira Róbson R.
Published: July 2021

The indan‐1,3‐dione and its derivatives are important building blocks in organic synthesis and present important biological activities. Herein, the leishmanicidal and cytotoxicity evaluation of 16 2‐arylidene indan‐1,3‐diones is described. The compounds were evaluated against the leukemia cell lines HL60 and Nalm6, and the most effective ones were 2‐(4‐nitrobenzylidene)‐1H‐indene‐1,3(2H)‐dione (4) and 4‐[(1,3‐dioxo‐1H‐inden‐2(3H)‐ylidene)methyl]benzonitrile (10), presenting IC50 values of around 30 µmol/L against Nalm6. The leishmanicidal activity was assessed on Leishmania amazonensis, with derivative 4 (IC50 = 16.6 µmol/L) being the most active. A four‐dimensional quantitative structure–activity analysis (4D‐QSAR) was applied to the indandione derivatives, through partial least‐squares regression. The statistics presented by the regression models built with the selected field descriptors of Coulomb (C) and Lennard‐Jones (L) nature, considering the activities against L. amazonensis, HL60, and Nalm6 leukemia cells, were, respectively, R2 = 0.88, 0.92, and 0.98; Q2 = 0.83, 0.88, and 0.97. The presence of positive Coulomb descriptors near the carbonyl groups indicates that these polar groups are related to the activities. Besides, the presence of positive Lennard‐Jones descriptors close to substituents R3 or R1 indicates that bulky nonpolar substituents in these positions tend to increase the activities. This study provides useful insights into the mode of action of indandione derivatives for each biological activity involved.
Authentic versus synthetic: An investigation of the influences of study settings and task configurations on search behaviors
Authors: Wang Yiwei , Shah Chirag
Published: July 2021

In information seeking and retrieval research, researchers often collect data about users' behaviors to predict task characteristics and personalize information for users. The reliability of user behavior may be directly influenced by data collection methods. This article reports on a mixed‐methods study examining the impact of study setting (laboratory setting vs. remote setting) and task authenticity (authentic task vs. simulated task) on users' online browsing and searching behaviors. Thirty‐six undergraduate participants finished one lab session and one remote session in which they completed one authentic and one simulated task. Using log data collected from 144 task sessions, this study demonstrates that the synthetic lab study setting and simulated tasks had significant influences mostly on behaviors related to content pages (e.g., page dwell time, number of pages visited per task). Meanwhile, first‐query behaviors were less affected by study settings or task authenticity than whole‐session behaviors, indicating the reliability of using first‐query behaviors in task prediction. Qualitative interviews reveal why users were influenced. This study addresses methodological limitations in existing research and provides new insights and implications for researchers who collect online user search behavioral data.
The transferred translocases: An old wine in a new bottle
Authors: Balaji S.
Published: July 2021

The role of translocases was underappreciated and was not included as a separate class in the enzyme commission until August 2018. The recent research interests in proteomics of orphan enzymes, ionomics, and metallomics along with high‐throughput sequencing technologies generated overwhelming data and revamped this enzyme into a separate class. This offers a great opportunity to understand the role of new or orphan enzymes in general and specifically translocases. The enzymes belonging to translocases regulate/permeate the transfer of ions or molecules across the membranes. These enzyme entries were previously associated with other enzyme classes, which are now transferred to a new enzyme class 7 (EC 7). The entries that are reclassified are important to extend the enzyme list, and it is the need of the hour. Accordingly, there is an upgradation of entries of this class of enzymes in several databases. This review is a concise compilation of translocases with reference to the number of entries currently available in the databases. This review also focuses on function as well as dysfunction of translocases during normal and disordered states, respectively.
Preparation of flame‐retardant, hydrophobic, ultraviolet protective, and luminescent transparent wood
Authors: Aldalbahi Ali , El‐Naggar Mehrez E. , Khattab Tawfik A. , Hossain Mokarram
Published: July 2021

Transparent wood with multifunctional properties has recently attracted more attention as an efficient building product. Here, we describe the development of transparent wood with long‐persistent phosphorescence, tough surface, high durability, photostability, and reversibility without fatigue, and with ultraviolet shielding, superhydrophobicity, and flame‐retardant activity. This long‐persistent phosphorescent, or glow‐in‐the‐dark, smart wood exhibited an ability to continue emitting light for prolonged periods of time. The photoluminescent translucent wooden substrate was prepared by immobilizing lignin‐modulated wooden bulk with an admixture of methylmethacrylate (MMA), ammonium polyphosphate (APP), and lanthanide‐doped strontium aluminate (LSA; SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+) phosphor nanoparticles. The photoluminescent transparent wood displayed a colour switch from colourless to bright white beneath ultraviolet (UV) light and greenish‐yellow in the dark as reported by Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage laboratory colorimetric space coordinates. The generated phosphorescent wooden substrates demonstrated an absorbance band at 365 nm and an emission band at 516 nm. The phosphorescent transparent wood was improved flame‐retardant properties, ultraviolet shielding, and superhydrophobic properties, as well as a reversible long‐persistent phosphorescent responsiveness to UV light without fatigue. The current approach demonstrated a potential large‐scale production strategy for multifunctional transparent wooden substrates for a range of applications such as smart windows, gentle indoor and outdoor lighting, and safety directional signs in buildings.
Moderating role of psychological empowerment on the relationship between green HRM practices and millennial employee retention in the hotel industry of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md Asadul , Hack‐Polay Dieu , Haque Ahasanul , Rahman Mahfuzur , Hossain Md Shahadat
Published: July 2021

The purpose of the paper is to examine the relationship between green human resource management (GHRM) practices such as green recruitment, green training, green performance management, green reward, green involvement and millennial employee retention in the hotel industry in Bangladesh. The study examined the moderating effect of psychological empowerment on the relationship between GHRM practices and millennials' retention. This study used a survey questionnaire of 394 employees in Bangladeshi 3‐star to 5‐star hotels to test hypotheses using SmartPLS. The study found that green reward and green training have significant relationships with millennials' retention in hotels. The results showed psychological empowerment as a significant moderator on the relationship between three GHRM practices, green training, green performance management, green and reward and millennials' retention. With significant environmental degradation in South‐Asia, this study establishes GHRM can reconcile environmental regeneration and business strategy in the hotel industry, whose environmental footprint is increasingly under scrutiny.
Pursuing sustainable development through green entrepreneurship: An institutional perspective
Authors: Zhao Mengli , Liu Jinxin , Shu Chengli
Published: July 2021

Pursuing sustainable development through green entrepreneurship has been advocated, conceptualized, and empirically examined in the recent environmental management and entrepreneurship literature. However, green entrepreneurs are embedded in institutional environments that may discourage them from embracing sustainable development because of the “paradox of embedded agency.” How can a firm overcome the liability of such an agency issue and escape what has become known as a “green prison”? This study proposes that, because international venturing exposes firms to foreign institutions, it provides them with opportunities for institutional learning. Thus, we examine how international venturing influences green entrepreneurship which, in turn, impacts firm performance. Specifically, based on institutional theory, this study develops a firm‐level green entrepreneurship framework with three dimensions: green initiatives (a firm's active adoption of green practices), received government green support (benefits that a firm gains from the government by adapting to governmental incentives, programs, and policies related to green practices), and green political influence (a firm's attempts to influence legislation that enacts laws, rules, and regulations related to green practices). The results obtained by analyzing 152 firms that engage in international venturing activities and 151 firms that do not show that international venturing is positively associated with green initiatives and government green support while these two factors further directly enhance firm performance and mediate the effects of international venturing on performance.
Improved Catalytic Activity and Stability of Ba Substituted SrTiO3 Perovskite for Oxidative Coupling of Methane
Authors: Wang Yue , Yang Xiao , Hou Chenxiao , Yin Fumin , Wang Guowei , Zhu Xiaolin , Jiang Guiyuan , Li Chunyi
Published: July 2021

Perovskite oxides are widely used as the catalyst for oxidative coupling of methane (OCM). The partial substitution of A or B sites in ABO3 perovskites with heteroatoms was effective in improving the catalytic performance, but the promoting mechanism has not been thoroughly studied. In this work, the partial substitution of Sr with Ba in SrTiO3 perovskite was demonstrated to improve both the OCM reaction activity and stability. Compared with SrTiO3 and BaTiO3, the crystal size of Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 was greatly reduced (∼55 nm), the amount of surface chemisorbed oxygen species acting as the alkaline active centers for OCM was increased, and the electrophilic lattice oxygens with higher electronegativity rapidly replenishing the surface alkaline active sites were obtained. Thereby, a higher C2 yield (∼18 %) and C2H4/C2H6 ratio (∼1.7) were simultaneously achieved. Furthermore, the enhanced reaction stability was attributed to the better thermal resistance of nano‐sized Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 perovskite.
Sublimated Se‐Induced Formation of Dual‐Conductive Surface Layers for High‐Performance Ni‐Rich Layered Cathodes
Authors: Chen Shi , Wang Zirun , Chen Lai , Liu Na , Li Ning , Lu Yun , Cao Duanyun , Fu Nuoting , Li Qing , Su Yuefeng , Wu Feng
Published: July 2021

Ni‐rich layered oxide cathode materials for Li‐ion batteries have received widespread attention owing to their high specific capacity and comparatively low cost. However, owing to Li‐containing surface residues, side reactions with the electrolyte and structural rearrangement after long‐term cycling leads to severe degradation of the cathode performance. Here, Se coating serves as a novel and simple sublimation‐inducing gas reaction method to modify the Ni‐rich layered material, resulting in capacity retention and rate performance improvement. The sublimed gaseous Se reacts with residual Li compounds to form a Li2SeO4 coating on the surface of the secondary particles, which simultaneously promotes the transmission of Li ions and reduces electrode‐electrolyte side reactions. Moreover, gaseous Se penetrates between the primary particles within the secondary particles to promote electron transmission. This dual‐conductive surface layer facilitates superior capacity and voltage retentions. Significantly, the proposed method is scalable and applicable to all Ni‐rich cathode materials.
Mechanistic Investigation of a Synthetic Route to Biaryls by the Sigmatropic Rearrangement of Arylsulfonium Species
Authors: Yanagi Tomoyuki , Yorimitsu Hideki
Published: July 2021

A comprehensive mechanistic investigation was conducted on the coupling reaction of aryl sulfoxides with phenols by using trifluoroacetic anhydride to yield biaryls. NMR experiments revealed that our previously proposed mechanism, which consists of a cascade of an interrupted Pummerer reaction and a rate‐determining [3,3] sigmatropic rearrangement, is reasonable. The electronic effects of the substrates were also evaluated to elucidate the nature of the rearrangement step. Based on experimental observations and theoretical calculations, we conclude that the rearrangement is highly asynchronous and stepwise rather than concerted when electron‐rich phenols are employed for the reaction.