bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pectobacterium
Authors: Coutinho Teresa A , Shin Gi Yoon , van der Waals Jacquie
Published: December 2021

Pec.to.bac.te'ri.u,m. N.L. suff.pecto‐, pertaining to pectin; from Gr. adj.pêktos, curdled, congealed; N.L. neut. n.bacterium, a small rod; N.L. neut. n.Pectobacterium, a pectolytic bacterium.

Proteobacteria / Gammaproteobacteria / Enterobacterales / Pectobacteriaceae / Pectobacterium

Cells of the genusPectobacteriumare Gram‐negative rods, 0.5–1.0 × 1.0–3.0 μm, with rounded ends, which mostly occur alone or in pairs, sometimes in chains. Cells are usually motile by means of peritrichous flagella. They are facultatively anaerobic, catalase‐positive, and oxidase‐negative. Cells are pectinolytic. They utilize arabinose, arbutin, β‐methylglucoside, citrate, fructose, fumarate, galactose, gluconate, glucose, glycerol, mannitol, mannose, pectin, ribose, salicin, succinate, and sucrose but not adipate, betaine, benzoate, butanol, gallate, methanol, oxalate, propionate, or sorbose as sole carbon source. They produce β‐galactosidase and H2S. The major fatty acids include C12:0, C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, and C17:1ω8cand C17:0. The known habitats are in water, soil, insects, and as pathogenic bacteria causing vascular wilts and soft rots in a range of food crops and ornamental plants.

DNA G + C content (mol%): 50.5–56.1 (Tmand genome analysis).

Type species:Pectobacterium carotovorumWaldee 1945AL.
Methylotenera
Authors: Afshin Yasmine , Delherbe Nathalie , Kalyuzhnaya Marina G.
Published: December 2021

Me.thy.lo.te'ne.ra. N.L. neut. n.methylumthe methyl group; N.L. pref.methylo‐, pertaining to the methyl radical; L. fem. adj.teneradelicate; N.L. fem. n.Methylotenera, delicate, methyl‐utilizing organism.

Proteobacteria / Betaproteobacteria / Nitrosomonadales / Methylophilaceae / Methylotenera

The genusMethylotenera, part of theMethylophilaceaefamily, unites obligately and facultatively methylotrophic bacteria. Three species have been described:Methylotenera mobilis,Methylotenera versatilis, andMethylotenera oryzisoli. Cells of these methylotrophs are Gram‐negative rods or ovals that do not form resting bodies and reproduce by binary fission. Some strains are motile. All described genus members can use methylamine as a single source of carbon, energy, and nitrogen. The oxidation of methylamine has been demonstrated to occur via methylamine dehydrogenase or theN‐methylglutamate pathway. Methanol utilization has been reported for most isolates.Methyloteneraspecies use the pyrroloquinoline quinone‐dependent methanol dehydrogenase enzyme (XoxF), which requires rare earth elements as cofactors. The oxidation of methanol is often coupled with dissimilatory nitrate reduction. All tested strains use the ribulose monophosphate pathway for C1‐carbon assimilation. Some members are capable of multicarbon substrate utilization, such as fructose and pyruvate. Genomic evidences suggest the presence of the methylcitric acid cycle, while the Krebs cycle is incomplete. Nitrate and ammonia can serve as nitrogen sources. Some strains can use urea. Tests conducted for catalase and cytochrome oxidase are positive. The major fatty acids are C16:1ω7c/C16:1ω6cand C16:0. The genomes of 18 strains, representative of all threeMethyloteneraspecies, have been sequenced. Genome sizes range from 1.65 to 3.06 Mb, with a DNA G + C content of 41–50 (mol%).Methyloteneraresides in a wide array of habitats, including polluted soil, marine and freshwater, acid mine drainage, terrestrial soils, and lake and glaciered sedimentary ecosystems.

Type species:Methylotenera mobilisKalyuzhnaya et al. 2006VP.
Differentiating the clinical and computed tomography imaging features of mixed epithelial and stromal tumors of the kidney to establish a treatment plan
Authors: Chen Juan , Liu Hui , Li Mengsi , Liu Wenguang , Masokano Ismail Bilal , Pei Yigang , Li Wenzheng
Published: December 2021

Objective

To differentiate the clinical features and computed tomography imaging features in the two types of mixed epithelial and stromal tumor of the kidney (MESTK) and to establish a treatment plan for the MESTK types.

Methods

Seventeen patients who underwent multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) before surgery and had a pathological diagnosis of MESTK were enrolled. Their clinical information (R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score (R.E.N.A.L.‐NS), radical nephrectomy (RN), partial nephrectomy (PN), etc.) were collected. The radiological features included renal sinus fat invagination (SFI), maximal diameter (MD), capsule and septa of the tumor, etc., were also analyzed. They were divided into two types according to the MDsolid/MDtumor ratio (solid type with >60%; cystic type with ≤60%). An independent‐sample t‐test and Fisher exact test were used to assess the differences between the two groups.

Results

MESTKs demonstrated a variable multi‐septate cystic and solid components with a delayed enhancement. There were nine patients for solid type and eight patients for cystic type. Compared with solid type, the lesions in cystic type have larger MD (81.00 ± 37.91 vs. 41.22 ± 24.19, p = 0.020), higher R.E.N.A.L.‐NS (10.03 ± 0.50 vs. 8.95 ± 1.26, p < 0.001), higher RN (75.00% vs. 22.22%, p = 0.015), larger SFI (87.5% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.05), more septa (100% vs. 0%, p < 0.001), and more capsule (100% vs. 11.1%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Cystic type MESTK has more hazardous features (such as larger MD, higher R.E.N.A.L.‐NS, more RN, greater SFI, multiple septa) compared with solid type, suggesting that RN is more suitable for cystic type and PN for solid type.
Improvement of Air Filtration Performance Using Nanofibrous Membranes with a Periodic Variation in Packing Density
Authors: Liu Yufeng , Shao Hao , Wang Hongxia , Ji Zhongli , Bai Ruixi , Chen Feng , Li Bin , Chang Cheng , Lin Tong
Published: December 2021

This study reports a patterned nanofibrous membrane and its novel filtration performance. The nanofibers are prepared using an electrospinning technique, and the nanofibers are collected on a commercial nonwoven fabric covering a roller collector, which is prepared using a metal sheet with a round hole array. The nanofibers collected on the metal surface have a much denser structure than those in the hole areas. As a result, the patterned nanofibrous membrane has a different filtration performance (lower pressure drop and filtration efficiency) from the uniform nanofiber membrane, prepared under the same condition but using a smooth roller collector. When two layers of this patterned nanofibrous membrane are combined, the filtration performance depends on the layer arrangement. When the dual‐layer membranes are arranged with the dense and loose packing areas staggering between the layers, the filter shows lower filtration resistance but higher efficiency than the uniform dual‐layer filter. It is further shown that the staggered dual‐layer membranes (made of polyacrylonitrile nanofibers) maintain high efficiency after eliminating the electrostatic charges. The efficiency meets air filter F9, the highest requirement according to the air filter standard (EN 779:2012), enabling a long service life.
Rechargeable Batteries: Regulating Electronic and Ionic Transports for High Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Xu Xiaolong , Zhao Xiuxiu , Hui Kwan San , Dinh Duc Anh , Hui Kwun Nam
Published: December 2021

Rechargeable batteries are serving society and are continuing to develop according to application requirements. Recently, rechargeable batteries with high energy density, power density, stability, and rate performance, as well as low cost have attracted the attention of researchers globally. However, achieving all these merits in a single rechargeable battery system is difficult. Accordingly, many approaches are reported to improve the performance of different energy storage devices. Nevertheless, reports on a general research method to improve the performance of battery systems are still limited. Herein, the current progress of rechargeable batteries and the corresponding opportunities and challenges are summarized. The principles of electrochemical reactions for lead–acid batteries, metal–ion batteries, metal–sulfur batteries, and metal–air batteries are introduced and compared. The technological challenges in the development of rechargeable batteries on the basis of transports of electrons and ions are comprehensively analyzed. In particular, approaches for regulating electronic and ionic transports are comprehensively discussed for the enhancement of electrochemical performance. Some advanced energy storage materials with good electronic and ionic conductivities are also highlighted. Furthermore, several perspectives on potential research directions for the choice and design of high‐performance rechargeable batteries for practical application are proposed.
Wearable Piezoelectric Yarns with Inner Electrodes for Energy Harvesting and Signal Sensing
Authors: Ryu Chul Hee , Cho Jae Yong , Jeong Se Yeong , Eom Wonsik , Shin Hwansoo , Hwang Wonsoep , Jhun Jeong Pil , Hong Seong Do , Kim Taeyun , Jeong In Wha , Sung Tae Hyun
Published: December 2021

Wearable device‐based gait data analysis is being used in medical research to prevent and treat serious diseases such as dementia beyond modern health management strategies. For gait‐related data collection and analysis, it is advantageous to place the sensor on the sole of the foot as a foot‐pressure, it is advantageous to use a piezoelectric generator‐based electronic textile (E‐textile) that can supply its own power by converting mechanical energy from the foot into electrical energy. In order to apply E‐textile materials to the sole of the foot, excellent durability, flexibility, and high signal accuracy through noise minimization are required. In this study, a piezoelectric polymer was used to coat the surface of a conductive fiber using the reverse dip coating technique. This method is easily scalable, feasible for large‐scale processing with a continuous process. The electrodes of this process are placed inside a piezoelectric fiber to minimize noise from the electrodes. The inner‐electrode piezoelectric yarn (IEPY) used during the process has excellent tensile strength (maximum stress and strain value: 54.2 MPa, 54%) and strong durability, maintaining its performance over 105 cycles under pushing force of 60 kg and generating excellent piezoelectric output (292 mVmax, 16.2 µW). The IEPY can drive the sensor for gait data, with the sensors being capable of continuous and large‐scale operation and feasible for the manufacturing of custom sensors.
Combined Photoredox and Carbene Catalysis for the Synthesis of γ‐Aryloxy Ketones
Authors: Wang Pengzhi , Fitzpatrick Keegan P. , Scheidt Karl A.
Published: December 2021

N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have emerged as catalysts for the construction of C−C bonds in the synthesis of substituted ketones under single‐electron processes. Despite these recent reports, there still remains a need to increase the utility and practicality of these reactions by exploring new radical coupling partners. Herein, we report the synthesis of γ‐aryloxyketones via combined NHC/photoredox catalysis. In this reaction, an α‐aryloxymethyl radical is generated via oxidation of an aryloxymethyl potassium trifluoroborate salt, which is then added into styrene derivatives to provide a stabilized benzylic radical. Subsequent radical‐radical coupling reaction with an azolium radical affords the γ‐aryloxy ketone products.

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Flexible Threshold Switching Selectors with Ultrahigh Endurance Based on Halide Perovskites
Authors: Tang Lingzhi , Huang Yang , Wang Chen , Zhao Zhenxuan , Yang Yiming , Bian Jiming , Wu Huaqiang , Zhang Zengxing , Zhang David Wei
Published: December 2021

Flexible electronics are essential for wearable setup. Due to the high nonlinear property, threshold switching (TS) selectors can effectively suppress interference currents and are compatible to large‐scale integration, enabling them to be promising for circuit applications. However, it is still a big challenge to develop flexible TS selectors with both high electrical performance and flexibility endurance due to the lack of suitable materials and processes. Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites (OIHPs) show great potential in flexible TS selectors owing to fast ion migration, low‐temperature synthetic processes, and excellent mechanical flexibility. Here, the flexible TS selectors with an Ag/OIHP/indium tin oxide/polyethylene naphthalate structure are demonstrated by a low‐cost solution process. The devices exhibit ultrahigh endurance (1010 cycles), excellent mechanical bending stability (104 times), as well as fast switching speed (40 ns). One‐selector one‐memristor is assembled to perform the write and read operation, clearly indicating nearly free of interference current. The working mechanism of the selectors is also carefully studied by energy dispersive spectroscopy and dynamic Monte Carlo model, showing that the high electrical performance should be ascribed to the low migration barrier of Ag in OHIP films. This work should provide a new promising approach in developing large‐scale integration of flexible high‐performance electronic devices.
Organocatalytic Enantioselective Construction of Axially Chiral Tetrasubstituted Allenes via 1,6‐Addition of Alkynyl Indole Imine Methides with 2‐Substituted Indoles
Authors: Wu Yu , Yue Zhibin , Qian Chenxiao , Chen Xuling , Li Fushuai , Li Pengfei , Li Wenjun
Published: December 2021

An organocatalytic construction of axially chiral tetrasubstituted allenes featuring indole skeletons has been established. With the aid of chiral phosphoric acid, alkynyl indole imine methides were formed in situ from α‐(3‐indolyl) propargylic alcohols, followed by the asymmetric 1,6‐conjugate addition with 2‐substituted indoles, furnishing axially chiral indole‐containing tetrasubstituted allenes in generally high yields and enantioselectivities.
Development of bipedal walking in olive baboons, Papio anubis: A kinematic analysis
Authors: Druelle François , Özçelebi Jonathan , Marchal François , Berillon Gilles
Published: December 2021

Objective

Although extant nonhuman primates are not habitual bipeds, they are able to walk bipedally from an early age. In humans, children improve their walking skills through developmental processes and learning experience. In nonhuman primates, infants do not routinely experience bipedalism and their musculoskeletal system gradually specializes for other locomotor modes. The aim of this study is to explore the development of occasional bipedal walking in olive baboon and to test whether the postural adjustments change with age.

Materials and Methods

We collected kinematics and spatiotemporal parameters of bipedal gait in an ontogenetic sample of 24 baboons. Data were collected at the primatology station of the CNRS (France) and a total of 47 bipedal strides were extracted for the present analysis.

Results

Adults and adolescents walk bipedally in the same way, and the average kinematic pattern is similar across the age‐classes. Infants walk bipedally with longer duty factor, they present larger movement amplitude of the thigh and the amplitude of the knee joint decreases with speed. In contrast, older baboons increase the amplitude of the knee and ankle joints with speed.

Discussion

In a non‐adapted biped, the postural adjustments of bipedal walking vary with age. In infant baboons, the balance requirements are likely to be higher and these are solved by adopting a “blocking strategy”. In older baboons, the postural adjustments are focused on the lower limb and the movements increase with speed. These results may echo, in some respects, the developmental sequence of the intersegmental coordination described in the ontogeny of human locomotion.
From Impossible to Possible: Atom‐Economic Polymerization of Low Strain Five‐Membered Carbonates
Authors: You Huai , Wang Enhao , Cao Han , Zhuo Chunwei , Liu Shunjie , Wang Xianhong , Wang Fosong
Published: December 2021

The direct ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of propylene carbonate (PC) only affords oligomers with substantial unidentified by‐products, which hinders the efficient utilization of PC. Through detailed studies, for the first time, a careful mechanism involving the in situ release of propylene oxide (PO) from PC decarboxylation is proposed. Further, we report a novel strategy of copolymerization of PC/cyclic anhydrides via in situ capture of the formed intermediates. Results show that PC is successfully transformed into polyesters. Especially for the ring‐opening alternating copolymerization (ROAC) of PC/phthalic anhydride (PA), a variety of advantages are manifold: i) slow‐release of PO ensuring a perfectly alternating structure; ii) quantitative and fast transformation of PC; iii) visualization of polymerization process by a CO2 pressure gauge. Of importance, through tandem polymerizations, PC is fully transformed into polyesters and polycarbonates concurrently, thus achieving PC utilization with a high atom‐economy.
PDMS with Tunable Side Group Mobility and Its Highly Permeable Membrane for Removal of Aromatic Compounds
Authors: Pan Yang , Guo Yanan , Liu Jiangying , Zhu Haipeng , Chen Guining , Liu Quan , Liu Gongping , Jin Wanqin
Published: December 2021

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), as the benchmark of organophilic membrane materials, still faces challenges for removal of aromatic compounds due to the undesirable transport channels. In this work, we propose to reconstruct the PDMS conformation with tunable side group mobility by introducing phenyl as rigid molecular spacer to relieve steric hindrance of large‐sized aromatic molecules; meanwhile, polymer segments are loosely stacked to provide additional degrees of freedom as increasing the permeant size. Moreover, the reconstructed PDMS is engineered into the composite membrane with prevention of condensation of aromatic compounds in the substrate pores. The resulting thin‐film composite membrane achieved one order of magnitude higher flux (11.8 kg m−2 h−1) with an equivalent separation factor (12.3) compared with the state‐of‐the‐art membranes for aromatic removal. The permeant‐customized membrane molecular and microstructure designing strategy opens a new avenue to develop membranes for specific separation targets.
Composition, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant activities of avocado oil obtained from Duke and Fuerte cultivars
Authors: Elosaily Ahmed H. , Mahrous Engy A. , Salama Abeer A. , Salama Ahmed M. , Elzalabani Soheir M.
Published: December 2021

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) fruit and oil are traditionally used for their antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐aging properties. We investigated chemical variability between two avocado cultivars (Duke and Fuerte) in relation to their antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities. Duke cultivar showed higher β‐carotene and α‐tocopherol content but significantly lower lipid content (36% dry weight) compared to Fuerte (52% dry weight). The ethanolic extract of Duke cultivar showed good antioxidant properties in 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay with IC50 at 27.21 μg/ml, while that of Fuerte showed weak activity. Meanwhile, in rat paw edema anti‐inflammatory model, Duke oil (15 mg/kg) was slightly more effective in reducing inflammation by 41.12% after 1 h compared to Fuerte oil (15 mg/kg). However, after 4 h, both oils showed comparable inhibition of edema by 35.39% and 34.14% (15 mg/kg). The study underscores that variability in chemical composition of different avocado cultivars could affect biological activities attributed to the fruit and its oil.
Universal focal reducer for small telescopes
Authors: Afanasiev Victor L. , Amirkhanyan Vladimir R. , Uklein Roman I. , Perepelitsyn Alexander E. , Malygin Eugene A. , Shablovinskaya Elena S. , Afanasieva Irina V.
Published: December 2021

This paper is devoted to the memory of Dr Victor Afanasiev and his immense legacy. The report highlights the capabilities of two new instruments tested at the 1‐m Zeiss‐1000 telescope of SAO RAS: The Stokes Polarimeter (StoP) and the MAGIC focal reducer. Optimized for the study of active galactic nuclei, methodically, these instruments are suitable for a wide range of small telescope tasks. The fields of view of StoP and MAGIC are 6′ and 13′ for direct images, respectively. The StoP device allows one to conduct photometric observations and polarimetric ones with a double Wollaston prism; the spectral mode was added to MAGIC. For a star‐like target up to 14 mag in medium‐band filters with a seeing of 1″ for 20 min of total exposure, the photometry accuracy is better than 0.01 mag and the polarization accuracy is better than 0.6%. The available spectral range obtained with the volume phase holographic grating in MAGIC is 4,000–7,200 AA with a dispersion of 2A/px. StoP and MAGIC received the first light in 2020 and are used in test mode at the Zeiss‐1000. The report discusses the first results obtained by the authors with new instruments, as well as further prospects.
Answers and Questions: Forty Years in Bioelectromagnetics
Authors: Greenebaum Ben
Published: December 2021

The work began in 1972 when three young assistant professors used a slime mold to see if electromagnetic fields would affect it. The fields did, though the effects were small and hard to tease out of the noise. The cell cycle was lengthened and there were changes in respiration. So, the next question was “how and why?” Further changes were seen using these and then other bacterial and eukaryotic cells in respiration, in ATP, in the protein replication chain, and so forth. Changes occurred even in cell extracts that lacked an intact plasma membrane. Nerve cells showed changes in leakage of neurotransmitters and in neurite outgrowth from excised ganglia. Based on some experiments with nerve cells, I also did some computer calculations, modeling the internal electric and magnetic fields and current densities in simplified representations of bone fractures and also of spinal cords in vertebrae. More recently, I have collaborated on some theoretical models of what fields might be doing at the cellular and molecular level, particularly with reference to the radical model. With each piece of research, my collaborators and I generally found a small piece of information about fields and biological systems; and each answer raised another set of questions, which is the way of science. Though bioelectromagnetic scientists have learned much and can say much at greater depth about what happens when an organism is exposed to a field, the fundamental question still remains: What exactly is going on here? © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Simultaneous quantitative determination of insulin aspart and insulin degludec in human plasma using simple shoot LC method
Authors: Abdelwaly Eman A. , Mohamed Abeer A. , El‐Kosasy Amira M. , Ayad Miriam F.
Published: December 2021

Combining short‐acting and long‐acting insulin analogs was a real challenge that was overcome by NovoNordisk through the co‐formulation of insulin aspart and insulin degludec in single‐dosage form. The proposed study provides a simple, short, and reliable HPLC method with diode array detection that is developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of insulin aspart and insulin degludec in human plasma. The proposed method achieved good separation between the two analytes utilizing a C8 column at 35°C in a very short run time (6 min), with a simple, low‐cost, and reliable extraction method through precipitation of plasma protein. Gradient elution was applied using a mobile phase consisting of 0.1 M sodium sulfate (pH 3.4) and acetonitrile. The method was validated according to EMA Guideline on Bioanalytical Validation. The proposed method had a linear range from 3.0 to 300 μg/mL for insulin aspart and from 3.5 to 300 μg/mL for insulin degludec. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision of insulin aspart were 0.36–3.33% and 1.59–8.84%, respectively, and accuracy was between 10.06 and 3.09% The intra‐ and inter‐day precision of insulin degludec were 0.29–1.93% and 0.89–5.14%, respectively, and accuracy was between −5.29 and 3.91%.
Mechanistic Insight into Polypyrrole Coating on V2O5 Cathode for Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Battery
Authors: Dong Ruichen , Zhang Tian , Liu Jiyuan , Li Huan , Hu Deji , Liu Xingjiang , Xu Qiang
Published: December 2021

The aqueous zinc‐ion batteries have been extensively studied among energy storage devices due to the excellent electrochemical performance, high safety, and low cost. Recently, vanadium oxide (V2O5) cathode materials have received much attention owing to the high theoretical capacity. However, it is still hindered by some drawbacks, including poor electronic conductivity, sluggish kinetics for zinc‐ion diffusion, and cathode dissolution in the electrolyte. To address these issues, the cathode material of V2O5 particles coated by a layer of polypyrrole (V2O5/PPy) has been prepared by an environmental favorable route in this work. It was found that the PPy coating layer can efficiently enhance the cyclic and rate performance. The obtained V2O5@PPy cathode demonstrates a high capacity retention of 95.6 % after 300 cycles, and deliver a high‐rate capacity of 68.4 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1. The theoretical computation clarifies that PPy coating can weaken the electrostatic interaction between V2O5 matrix and zinc‐ion and therefore boost the insertion/extraction process of Zn2+ ion. This work provides a valuable insight into the underlying action mechanism of polymer‐coated cathode materials for Zn2+ storage in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries.
Self‐catalyzed formation of strongly interconnected multiphase molybdenum‐based composites for efficient hydrogen evolution
Authors: Chen Jiani , Zhang Haijuan , Yu Jie , Guan Daqin , She Sixuan , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: December 2021

Molybdenum carbide (MoxC) with variable phase structure possesses flexible hydrogen‐binding energy (HBE), which is a promising hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst. Herein, a hybrid multiphase MoxC freestanding film coupled with Co3Mo (CM/MoxC@NC) is synthesized through the electrospinning method supplemented by the heteroatom incorporation. CM/MoxC@NC surpasses its pure phase counterparts and exhibits remarkable catalytic activity at 114 mV to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in acid, which is among the first‐rate level performance reported for MoxC‐based catalysts. The subsequent ex situ and in situ characterizations reveal a phase transition mechanism based on self‐catalysis that CoOx depletes the coordinated C of α‐MoC via the interaction, which realizes the assembly of weak HBE α‐MoC and strong HBE β‐Mo2C, and the enhanced utilization of active materials as well. The multiple structures with optimal HBE are in favor of the stepwise reactions of HER, as the study of the correlation between HBE and phase structure revealed. This study discloses the underlying phase transition mechanism and highlights the HBE–structure relationship that should be considered for catalyst design.
Engineering and Application of Pillar[6]arene Functionalized Chiral Surface in Selective Adsorption of R‐Adrenaline
Authors: Cheng Ming , Gong Wen , Lu Mingxiang , Ma Junkai , Lu Zhiyan , Li Haibing
Published: December 2021

Comprehensive Summary

Chiral properties of biological surface is of importance as they dominate interactions with biomolecules (such as proteins, nucleic acids, hormones) in a living system. Inspired by this phenomenon, we designed and constructed a L‐/D‐N‐acetyl‐cysteine‐pillar[6]arene functionalized Si surface (L‐/D‐NACP surface) for studying the influence of superficial chirality on selective adsorption of R‐adrenaline. The fabricated chiral L‐/D‐NACP surface with consistency in hydrophilia and elementary composition exhibited a strong mirror‐symmetric circular dichroism signal. In the adsorption study, the contact‐angle of R‐adrenaline droplet on D‐NACP surface was more hydrophilic from macroscopical view, and the size and quantity of R‐adrenaline aggregation on D‐NACP surface was larger than L‐NACP surface, implying selective adsorption of R‐adrenaline appeared on the D‐NACP surface. The possible mechanism was due to the stronger host‐guest interaction between D‐NACP and R‐adrenaline, which facilitated the selective adsorption. Besides, the D‐NACP surface with good selectivity can be used for chiral separation of racemic adrenaline. The results enhance the understanding of hormones adsorption affected by surface chirality, and may provide some helpful inspiration for practical application of chiral surface.
Engineering Heteronuclear Arrays from IrIII‐Metalloligand and CoII Showing Coexistence of Slow Magnetization Relaxation and Photoluminescence
Authors: Fan Kun , Bao Song‐Song , Yu Zi‐Wen , Huang Xin‐Da , Liu Yu‐Jie , Kurmoo Mohamedally , Zheng Li‐Min
Published: December 2021

Comprehensive Summary

Three heteronuclear IrIII‐CoII arrays, [Co(H2O)6]2[Ir(ppyCOO)(ppyCOOH)(bpy)]2[Ir(ppyCOO)2(bpy)]2(NO3)2⋅10.5H2O (2), [Co(H2O)6]{Co(H2O)4[Ir(ppyCOO)2(bpy)]2}[Ir(ppyCOO)2(bpy)]2⋅15H2O (3) and {Co(H2O)2[Ir(ppyCOO)2(bpy)]2}⋅2CH3OH⋅3H2O (4), have been synthesized by combining paramagnetic CoII ion with luminescent IrIII‐metalloligand, [Ir(ppyCOOH)2(bpy)][Ir(ppyCOO)2(bpy)]⋅5H2O (1), where ppyCOOH = 3‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)benzoic acid and bpy = 2,2'‐bipyridyl. Owing to the variable charged states of compound 1 at different pH, compounds 2 and 3 are discrete ionic complexes containing hydrated Co2+ cations and deprotonated [Ir(ppyCOO)2(bpy)]– anions as well as coexisting neutral [Ir(ppyCOO)(ppyCOOH)(bpy)] (for 2) or Co(H2O)4[Ir(ppyCOO)2(bpy)]2 trinuclear molecule (for 3). Whereas compound 4 consists of self‐assembled two‐dimensional coordination polymer with Co‐metalloligand dative bonds. The hexa‐coordinated CoII cores in all complexes display octahedral geometries with varying degrees of distortion. In a bias dc field, the ac susceptibilities for 2—4 reveal slow magnetic relaxation. Moreover, the solid‐state phosphorescence is observed for compounds 2 and 3 due to weak supramolecular interaction between CoII ion and Ir‐moiety but is severely quenched for 4, where the Co center is strongly connected to the metalloligand. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Ir‐Co systems showing both slow magnetization relaxation and photoluminescence.
Characteristics, mechanism, and management of pain in atopic dermatitis: A literature review
Authors: Li Jia‐Xin , Dong Rui‐Jia , Zeng Yue‐Ping
Published: December 2021

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, pruritic, immune‐mediated inflammatory disease. Developments in basic science and clinical research have increased our understanding of AD. Although pain as a symptom of AD is underemphasized in previous studies, multiple researchers address pain as a frequent burden of AD. However, the exact role of pain in AD is not fully understood.

Aims

Our review aimed to summarize the current evidence focusing on characteristics, mechanism, and management of pain in AD.

Materials & Methods

We conducted a thorough literature review in the PubMed database to figure out different aspects discussing pain in AD, including pain symptoms, burden, the relationship between pain and itch, mechanism, and pain management in AD.

Results and Conclusion

AD patients affected by skin pain vary from 42.7%‐92.2% with remarkable intensity and heavy burden. Skin pain and itch interacted both in symptoms and mechanisms. Atopic skin with the impaired barrier, neurogenic inflammation mediators, peripheral and central sensitization of pain may possibly explain pain mechanism in AD. Future research is needed to clarify the commonality and disparity of pain and itch in AD in order to seek efficacious medications and treatment.
The association of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis with peripartum mental disorders
Authors: Ren Tai , Chen Jiawen , Yu Yongfu , He Hua , Zhang Jun , Li Fei , Svendsen Katrine , Obel Carsten , Wang Hui , Li Jiong
Published: December 2021

Background

Atopic diseases are characterized by dysregulated inflammatory response, which may incur the onset of peripartum mental disorders, but the impact remains unknown. This study examined whether and to what extent the history of atopic diseases is associated with newly onset peripartum mental disorders.

Methods

Using population‐based registries, we identified all primiparous women who gave birth to live singletons in Denmark during 1978–2016 (n = 937,422). The exposure was hospital contact due to the three major types of atopic diseases—asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis—before conception. The primary outcome was any hospital contact for mental disorder during pregnancy and 1‐year postpartum, which was further classified into affective disorders, neurotic, stress‐related and somatoform disorders, and substance abuse. The follow‐up started from the date of conception and ended at the date of the first diagnosis of mental disorders, 1‐year postpartum, death, emigration, or December 31, 2016, whichever came first. Cox regression was used, adjusted for calendar year, age at childbirth, education, residence, and Charlson comorbidity index.

Results

A total of 24,016 (2.6%) women received diagnosis of at least one of the three atopic diseases before conception (asthma, 1.7%; atopic dermatitis, 0.6%; and allergic rhinitis, 0.8%). Exposure to asthma, atopic dermatitis, or allergic rhinitis was associated with a 37% increased overall risk of peripartum mental disorders (hazard ratio [HR], 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27–1.49). Higher risks were observed among women with more frequent hospital contacts for atopic disease (HR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.37–2.35; ≥5 times), and with recent hospital contacts for atopic disease (HR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.48–2.06; within 2 years before conception). Specific associations were observed between asthma and neurotic, stress‐related and somatoform disorders (HR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.21–1.62), and between atopic dermatitis and substance abuse (HR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.12–2.34).

Conclusions

History of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis before conception was associated with increased risks of peripartum mental disorders. Women who have atopic diseases before pregnancy may benefit from systematic mental health monitoring.
Synthesis of Bitopic Ligands as Potent Dopamine D2 Receptor Agonists
Authors: Qian Mingcheng , Zhou Kuo , Wu Yi , Luo Zhijie , Xiao Zhekai , Sun Jingjing , Zeng Siyu , Yao Yi , Zhao Shuai , Chen Xin
Published: December 2021

In this study, we designed and synthesized twelve bitopic ligands as dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) agonists. The forskolin‐induced cAMP accumulation assay revealed that all the finial compounds are able to activate D2R. Furthermore, bitopic ligand N‐((trans)‐4‐(((2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐inden‐2‐yl)(propyl)amino)methyl)cyclo‐hexyl)‐1H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyridine‐2‐carboxamide (11 b) showed 21‐fold higher potency than lead compound propyl aminoindane (2) and 17‐fold higher subtype selectivity for D2R over D4R, indicating that the optimal length of spacer affects the D2R functionality. Molecular modeling study exhibited that 11 b formed an electrostatic interaction and two H‐bonds with amino acid Asp114, which contributes significantly to the D2R functional activity. Taken together, we discovered a bitopic ligand 11 b as potent D2R agonist, which may be used as a tool compound for further study.
Amphiphilic Fullerene‐BODIPY Photosensitizers for Targeted Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Gündüz Ezel Öztürk , Gedik M. Emre , Günaydın Gürcan , Okutan Elif
Published: December 2021

Nanotheranostic tailor‐made carriers are potent platforms for the treatment of cancer that propound a number of advantages over conventional agents for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Herein, four new heavy atom free amphiphilic glucose‐BODIPY‐fullerene dyads (14–17) endowed with carbohydrate units in the styryl units, which can also form nanomicelles (14–17NM) with Tween 80 for PDT are reported. Glucose‐BODIPY‐fullerene systems (14–17) and related nanomicelles (14‐17NM) have been prepared to emcee efficient singlet oxygen generation upon light irradiation. In vitro anti‐tumor effects of the compounds 14–17 and 14–17NM in the presence of light and in darkness have been investigated with K562 human chronic myelogenous leukemia suspension cells. Anti‐tumor toxicity upon light irradiation was due to the formation of singlet oxygen and reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study may provide an accomplished example of efficient PDT applications based on nanovehicles fabricated with universal spin converter, fullerene, light harvesting unit, BODIPY dyes conjugated with targeting units to fight against cancer.
Modified jackknife Kibria–Lukman estimator for the Poisson regression model
Authors: Oranye Henrietta Ebele , Ugwuowo Fidelis Ifeanyi
Published: December 2021

Poisson regression is one of the methods to analyze count data and, the regression parameters are usually estimated using the maximum likelihood (ML) method. However, the ML method is sensitive to multicollinearity. Multicollinearity occurs when there is linear dependency among the explanatory variables. Multicollinearity often leads to unstable maximum likelihood estimates. In this article, we developed modified jackknifed Poisson Kibria–Lukman (MJPKL) estimator to mitigate multicollinearity in the Poisson regression model. We theoretically compared the MJPKL estimator with some existing estimators and obtained the condition for the superiority of MJPKL. A simulation study and real‐life application were conducted to compare the performance of the estimators. It is evident from the simulation and real‐life results that the modified jackknifed Poisson K‐L estimator (MJPKLE) gives better results than other estimators under some conditions. Finally, the MJPKL estimator reduces the bias of the PKL estimator and dominates every estimator considered in this article.
Insights from a dyslexia simulation font: Can we simulate reading struggles of individuals with dyslexia?
Authors: Stark Zoey , Franzen Léon , Johnson Aaron P.
Published: December 2021

Individuals with dyslexia struggle at explaining what it is like to have dyslexia and how they perceive letters and words differently. This led the designer Daniel Britton to create a font that aims to simulate the perceptual experience of how effortful reading can be for individuals with dyslexia (http://danielbritton.info/dyslexia). This font removes forty percent of each character stroke with the aim of increasing reading effort, and in turn empathy and understanding for individuals with dyslexia. However, its efficacy has not yet been empirically tested. In the present study, we compared participants without dyslexia reading texts in the dyslexia simulation font to a group of individuals with dyslexia reading the same texts in Times New Roman font. Results suggest that the simulation font amplifies the struggle of reading, surpassing that experienced by adults with dyslexia—as reflected in increased reading time and overall number of eye movements in the majority of typical readers reading in the simulation font. Future research could compare the performance of the Daniel Britton simulation font against a sample of beginning readers with dyslexia as well as seek to design and empirically test an adapted simulation font with an increased preserved percentage of letter strokes [Correction added on 10 December 2021, after initial online publication. Abstract has been added].
Straightforward Access to Terminally Disubstituted Electron‐Deficient Alkylidene Cyclopent‐2‐en‐4‐ones through Olefination with α‐Carbonyl and α‐Cyano Secondary Alkyl Sulfones
Authors: Trifonov Lena , Rothstein Ayelet , Korshin Edward E. , Viskind Olga , Afri Michal , Leitus Gregory , Palczewski Krzysztof , Gruzman Arie
Published: December 2021

Herein we report on a simplified synthesis of scarcely explored, terminally disubstituted electron‐poor alkylidene cyclopent‐2‐en‐4‐ones through uncommon olefination. Secondary sulfones, activated by electron‐withdrawing groups at the adjacent carbon atom, undergo K2CO3‐promoted coupling with 4‐acyloxy‐ and 4‐tert‐butyldimethylsilyloxycyclopent‐2‐en‐1‐ones giving directly, or after a separate dehydrosulfinylation step, alkylidene cyclopent‐2‐en‐4‐ones. A plausible mechanism for these transformations is proposed. Initially, β‐arylsulfonyl esters as well as their acetyl or nitrile analogues are allylated by cyclopentenone derivatives via a tandem Michael addition of α‐sulfonyl carbanions followed by proton migration and retro‐Michael‐type O‐nucleofuge elimination. The primary allylation products are formed as two diastereomers whose configuration and conformation were elucidated using single crystal X‐ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy. Regardless of stereochemistry, both sets of diastereomers are subjected to Zaitsev‐type retro‐Michael vinylogous dehydrosulfinylation under either basic or thermal silica gel promoted conditions resulting in E/Z‐alkylidene cyclopent‐2‐en‐4‐ones. In these reactions activated sulfones serve as bearing electron‐withdrawing group alkylidene anion‐radical synthons, whereas 4‐oxy‐substituted cyclopentenones represent cyclopent‐2‐en‐4‐one cation‐radical surrogates.
In vitro dielectrophoresis of HEK cell migration for stimulating chronic wound epithelialization
Authors: Deivasigamani Revathy , Abdul Nasir Nur Shahira , Mohamed Mohd Ambri , Buyong Muhamad Ramdzan
Published: December 2021

This article describes a dielectrophoresis (DEP)‐based simulation and experimental study of human epidermal keratinocyte (HEK) cells for wounded skin cell migration toward rapid epithelialization. MyDEP is a standalone software designed specifically to study dielectric particles and cell response to an alternating current (AC) electric field. This method demonstrated that negative dielectrophoresis (NDEP) occurs in HEK cells at a wide frequency range in highly conductive medium. The finite element method was used to characterize particle trajectory based on DEP and drag force. The performance of the system was assessed using HEK cells in a highly conductive EpiLife suspending medium. The DEP experiment was performed by applying sinusoidal wave AC potential at the peak‐to‐peak voltage of 10 V in a tapered aluminum microelectrode array from 100 kHz to 1 MHz. We experimentally observed the occurrence of NDEP, which attracted HEK cells toward the local electric field minima in the region of interest. The DIPP‐MotionV software was used to track cell migration in the prerecorded video via an automatic marker and estimate the average speed and acceleration of the cells. The results showed that HEK cell migration was accomplished approximately at 6.43 μm/s at 100 kHz with 10 V, and FDEP caused the cells to migrate and align at the target position, which resulted in faster wound closures because of the application of an electric field frequency to HEK cells in random locations.
Evaluation of Capping Materials to Reduce Zinc Flux from Sediments in a Former Mining Pit Lake
Authors: Cervi Eduardo Cimino , Hudson Michelle , Rentschler Alison , Clark Sean , Brown Steven S. , Burton G. Allen
Published: December 2021

Wilson Mine is a former vanadium mine site located in the Ouachita Mountains near Hot Springs, Arkansas. The site, which drains via two streams to Lake Catherine, has undergone extensive reclamation to significantly reduce groundwater and surface water contact with mine spoils. One of the streams passes through a former mine pit forming East Wilson Pond, and flux from pit lake sediments can result in elevated metal, that is, zinc (Zn), concentrations in overlying water. To mitigate potential risks, an investigation was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of capping materials for partitioning Zn-contaminated sediments from overlying water in East Wilson Pond. A 28-day laboratory study compared the effectiveness of capping materials including combinations of limestone, bentonite clay, and gravel for mitigating Zn flux, including under reasonable worst-case conditions (pH 5.5) encountered in the hypolimnion. Dissolved Zn was monitored over time in overlying water and in sediment porewaters within untreated controls and within the capping layer of treated systems. The use of limestone and/or bentonite clay improved buffering capacity compared to the noncapped control, and pH declined gradually but only modestly in the overlying water and porewater of all treated systems. Concentrations of Zn in overlying water of the noncapped control increased from approximately 30 to 100 µg/L during the study period, while concentrations in the overlying water and porewater of systems containing capping materials remained low (10–30 µg/L). The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the capping materials for neutralizing pH and reducing Zn flux, and a three-layer cap consisting of limestone (top) + bentonite clay (middle) + gravel (bottom) was determined to be most effective. These results were used to inform the selection of materials for the application of a cap to reduce Zn flux from the pit lake sediments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:193–200. © 2021 SETAC
Sequana I: Struggling with section 423 of the Insolvency Act 1986
Authors: Bork Reinhard
Published: December 2021

This article deals with the Court of Appeal's decision in Sequana, particularly with its comments on sec. 423 IA 1986. It puts this norm in relation to other appearances of the actio pauliana in national insolvency laws and shows that sec. 423 IA 1986 is shaped rather uniquely, which makes its application unnecessarily difficult.
Differential expression of synaptophysin and its functional implication under conditions of both contused and transected spinal cord injury
Authors: Yuan Hao , Chen Zhi‐Wei , Dong Xiu‐Juan , Zhou Long‐Hui , Sun Zhen‐Wu , Liu Jian
Published: December 2021

Objective

This study was designed to investigate the effect of changes of synaptophysin in the spinal cord contusion (SCC) model and spinal cord transection (SCT) model, and collect more evidence about the role of synaptophysin for the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

Healthy Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham, SCC, and SCT groups. SCT model was induced at T10 cord transection, while SCC model was established through Allen's method. Motor function of hind limbs was evaluated with Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor scale. Sensory function was indicated by the mechanical nociceptive withdrawal responses using paw withdrawal test and thermal hyperalgesia with tail‐flick latency. A quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of synaptophysin on the level of mRNA. The location of synaptophysin in the spinal cord was detected with immunofluorescence.

Results

The BBB score and expression level of mRNA coding synaptophysin in the SCT and SCC groups were both lower than those in the sham group; while the tail‐flick latency and threshold force were the highest in the SCT group, and the mRNA level of synaptophysin is the lowest, also. Synaptophysin immunostaining showed that it is mainly expressed in the spinal cord matter, scattered in the dorsal horn and anterior horn.

Conclusion

Differential expression of synaptophysin in SCC and SCI models cause different dysfunction in behavior, especially in sensory function, suggesting that synaptophysin may be directly and differently related to sensory function remodeling in different SCI conditions.