bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Portable Force Measurement Kit Using Arduino and Android Phone App for Pascal’s Law
Authors: Ahmad Nur Aina Kamilia , Nawi Mohd Norzaidi Mat
Published: September 2021

Learning through experimentation is a teaching method that allows students to conduct investigations through planning, implementation and discussion. However, the implementation of experiments is less emphasized due to limited teaching time and insufficient laboratory equipment, thus reducing students’ interest in Physics subject. Therefore, this study aims to develop an Arduino-based portable kit for force measurement and to test the reliability of the developed measurement kit. The development of this measurement kit was determined for Pascal’s law to diversify the practice in this topic. This kit consists of pressure sensor, Arduino microcontroller, android device and Bluetooth module. This study used a questionnaire instrument to measure the reliability of this kit. The validity of the kit was obtained from two (2) experts, and its reliability was evaluated from 15 Form 4 students through questionnaires. The result of the study showed a satisfactory reliability level with Cronbach alpha of 0.88. Therefore, it is expected that the development of this measurement kit can facilitate teachers in the teaching process and enhance students’ interest in Physics subject in Malaysia.
School Learning Action Cell (SLAC) among Secondary School Teachers under New Normal
Authors: Floreno Fegil C.
Published: September 2021

Aims: To determine the relationship among the demographic profile, level of management skills, and level of implementation of School Learning Action Cell (SLAC)

Study design:  Descriptive - correlation

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Education, Division of Digos City, Davao del Sur during the Second Semester 2020-2021.

Methodology: The study  involved 133 English teachers from seven public secondary schools. These teachers were involved in SLAC implementation. Complete enumeration was used in selecting the teachers.

Results: Most of the respondents’ average age was 37, mostly female, and serving the Department of Education for 11 years and above. In the SLAC, respondents had been serving as members for two to three years. The level of management skills of those serving the SLAC and SLACs in terms of Topic and Implementation Process were described as very much ready. With regards to the relationship of respondents’ demographic profile and the level of SLAC Implementation, the age and years rendered in SLAC had influenced to its implementation. Moreover, there was a very strong relationship between the level of management skills and SLAC implementation. Although the result did not show the entire situation in the country, the conduct of SLAC sessions could be sustained as well as its monitoring and evaluation to keep everyone updated in the new teaching pedagogy that might help address the challenges in the teaching-learning process.

Conclusion: Teachers who are in their late thirties and above and have experienced in handling SLAC may be given bigger responsiblities for SLAC implementation. Moreover, level of management of skills may be enhanced to improve the implementation of SLAC.
Farmers’ Preference of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Varieties Introduced to Improve Plant Productivity in North Sumatra Province, Indonesia
Authors: Widodo Yudi , Krisdiana Ruly , Prasetiaswati Nila , Noerwijati Kartika , Harsono Arief , Sucahyono Didik , Wahyuni Tinuk S. , Sundari Titik , Mejaya Made J. , Martias . , Arsana I. G. K. D.
Published: September 2021

A varietal testing had been undertaken in Pematangsiantar regency, North Sumatra province, Indonesia in 2015-2016. The objective of the study was to determine the preference of cassava growers to the introduced varieties compared to the existing cassava varieties. Twelve cassava varities (UB1/2, UB1472, Adira1, Malang4, Cecekijo, Farsem, Gajah, Ketan Jabung, Caspro, Malaysia, Adira4, and Cikaret) were tested using a Randomized Block Design with four replications. The data were taken on aboveground characters and underground characters such as root number, root diameter, root length, root weight, and starch content based on factory criteria (A = 22%, B = 18%, C = 14% and D = 10% starch content). Results of the study indicated that Malang-4 had the highest root yield (49,830 kg ha-1) followed by Farsem variety (41,690 kg ha-1), and Malaysia Local variety (41,030 kg ha-1). The bitter taste of Malang 4 was an appropriate character to be developed as starch processing of cassava. Starch content is very important indigenous criteria for farmers and traders to know fairly about pricing in relation with starch content. The higher starch content coincided with higher root yield of Malang-4 is very interesting and will benefit the factory. There was no difference in factory price of cassava from farmers, although the starch content indicated different levels (B =18%, C=14% or D =10%). The Malang-4 could be introduced to the local goverment for being grown in a larger areas in the North Sumatera province.
Morphological and Proximate Analysis of Orange (Citrus scinesis) Peel and Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Authors: Parveen Zia , Mishra Sunita
Published: September 2021

The main objective of the study is to evaluate the nutritional composition of orange peel and tomato for the development of natural colour to increase the awareness about the use of natural food colour which reduces the risk assessment of artificial colour. Fruits are very important constituents of the diet and provide nutrients such as, vitamin, minerals, and fibre etc. Orange is one of the most popular fruits in the world. It is rich in nutrient like vitamin C, folic acid, carotenoids, flavonoids etc. These nutrients are very useful for boosting immunity. In this study we discus about nutritional composition of orange peel and tomato. Proximate analysis of each sample was conducted to evaluate the moisture, fat, protein, ash etc. The morphological analysis of the samples was done by using scanning electron microscope which helps in identifying the different structural forms of the samples. Results of the study suggest that orange peel and tomato both have a good nutritional property. The fat, protein, ash and fibre content in orange peel was found to be 3.4, 4.8, 4.2 and 8.3 respectively while in tomato the values are 0.24, 2.26, 0.18 and 1.19 respectively. Orange peel removed the amount of cholesterol and fight against heart diseases in your body because orange peel contains pectin and natural fibre, it controls our blood pressure and helpful for weight loss. Tomato is an edible, red berry types of fruits. Tomatoes contribute to a healthy well-balanced diet. Because they are rich in nutrients like minerals, vitamins (B and C), sugar and dietary fibre. Tomato is a good source of lycopene; it is a red colour pigment present in high amount (2573 μg) per 100 tomatoes is a very good sources of raw materials for fruits and vegetables industry.
Gastro-Retentive as Most Promising Drug Delivery System
Authors: Srinivas Lankalapalli , Shanti Sagar
Published: September 2021

The aim of any research work is to find the complications associated with the drug or formulation and find the conclusion of what can be the best possible way to solve them. It has been observed that drugs with short half-life, pH-dependent solubility and having absorption window in upper part of GIT forms good drug candidate for gastro retentive system. Since the formulation reside at a particular site and releases the drug in a controlled manner. In this review article, we have focussed on a thorough understanding on the gastric region, which helped in selecting drugs, various types of gastro retentive systems, new outcomes from recent literature, and important evaluation parameters to attain formulation objective and various marketed products available.
Effect of Oculus Guided Physical Therapy in Adjunct to Conventional Therapy in Lateral Epicondylitis Patients
Authors: Badjate Divya , Phansopkar Pratik , Chitale Neha
Published: September 2021

Background: Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is a very common condition musculoskeletal in nature affecting the elbow, causing significant pain, disability and loss of grip strength. The conservative management program for lateral epicondylitis includes rest, cryotherapy, and ultrasound, stretching and strengthening exercises. The Oculus Quest is a virtual reality headset. The oculus adventure game ‘Hand Physics Lab' encourages you to try virtual reality in a new way by providing you complete control over your hands and fingers. VR is a developing technology that can be a valuable supplement to conventional therapeutic modalities.

Methods: In this study, a total of 60 patients with lateral epicondylitis will be included and divided into two groups of 30 participants each of age group 25-45 years. Group A will undergo conservative management of lateral epicondylitis and Group B will undergo oculus therapy by a hand tracking game ‘Hand Physics Lab’ along with the conservative management. Visual analog scale, Range Of Motion, PRTEE scale are used as outcome measures before and after the treatment and results will be analyzed.

Discussion: In this study the effect of oculus guided therapy with conventional Physiotherapy over conventional physiotherapy will be investigated in improving functional level and reducing pain in patients with LE. Individuals in mechanical professions or recreational activities with repetitive stress and intensive usage of forearm muscles are more likely to develop lateral epicondylitis. Physical therapy is now widely accepted as a standard treatment option for persistent lateral epicondylitis. Furthermore, this study can be useful in applying recent advancement in virtual reality for the betterment of health. This study can provide virtual reality in tennis elbow patients for improved motion control, improved quality of life and more patient entertainment to encourage motor learning.
The epithelial splicing regulator ESRP2 is epigenetically repressed by DNA hypermethylation in Wilms tumour and acts as a tumour suppressor
Authors: Legge Danny , Li Ling , Moriarty Whei , Lee David , Szemes Marianna , Zahed Asef , Panousopoulos Leonidas , Chung Wan Yun , Aghabi Yara , Barratt Jasmin , Williams Richard , Pritchard‐Jones Kathy , Malik Karim T.A. , Oltean Sebastian , Brown Keith W.
Published: September 2021

Wilms tumour (WT), an embryonal kidney cancer, has been extensively characterised for genetic and epigenetic alterations, but a proportion of WTs still lack identifiable abnormalities. To uncover DNA methylation changes critical for WT pathogenesis, we compared the epigenome of foetal kidney with two WT cell lines, filtering our results to remove common cancer‐associated epigenetic changes and to enrich for genes involved in early kidney development. This identified four hypermethylated genes, of which ESRP2 (epithelial splicing regulatory protein 2) was the most promising for further study. ESRP2 was commonly repressed by DNA methylation in WT, and this occurred early in WT development (in nephrogenic rests). ESRP2 expression was reactivated by DNA methyltransferase inhibition in WT cell lines. When ESRP2 was overexpressed in WT cell lines, it inhibited cellular proliferation in vitro, and in vivo it suppressed tumour growth of orthotopic xenografts in nude mice. RNA‐seq of the ESRP2‐expressing WT cell lines identified several novel splicing targets. We propose a model in which epigenetic inactivation of ESRP2 disrupts the mesenchymal to epithelial transition in early kidney development to generate WT.
Dose rate correction for a silicon diode detector array
Authors: Jäger Andreas , Wegener Sonja , Sauer Otto A.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

A signal dependence on dose rate was reported for the ArcCHECK array due to recombination processes within the diodes. The purpose of our work was to quantify the necessary correction and apply them to quality assurance measurements.

Methods

Static 10 × 10 cm2 6‐MV fields delivered by a linear accelerator were applied to the detector array while decreasing the average dose rate, that is, the pulse frequency, from 500 to 30 MU/min. An ion chamber was placed inside the ArcCHECK cavity as a reference. Furthermore, the instantaneous dose rate dependence (DRD) was studied. The position of the detector was adjusted to change the dose‐per‐pulse, varying the distance between the focus and the diode closest to the focus between 69.6 and 359.6 cm. Reference measurements were performed with an ion chamber placed inside a PMMA slab phantom at the same source‐to‐detector distances (. Exponential saturation functions were fitted to the data, with different parameters to account for two generations of ArcCHECK detectors (types 2 and 3) and both DRDs. Corrections were applied to 12 volumetric modulated arc therapy plans.

Results

The sensitivity decreased by up to 2.8% with a decrease in average dose rate and by 9% with a decrease in instantaneous dose rate. Correcting the average DRD, the mean gamma pass rates (2%/2‐mm criterion) of the treatment plans were improved by 5 percentage points (PP) for diode type 3 and 0.4 PP for type 2. Correcting the instantaneous DRD, the improvement was 8.4 PP for type 3 and 0.9 PP for type 2.

Conclusions

The instantaneous DRD was identified as the prevailing effect on the diode sensitivity. We developed and validated a method to correct this behavior. The number of falsely not passed treatment plans could be considerably reduced.
Structural Stability of Bilayer MoS2 in Ambient Air
Authors: Femi‐Oyetoro John , Yao Kevin , Hathaway Evan , Jiang Yan , Ojo Ibikunle , Squires Brian , Neogi Arup , Cui Jingbiao , Philipose Usha , Gadiyaram Nithish Kumar , Zhou Weidong , Perez Jose
Published: September 2021

It is reported that chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown bilayer (BL) MoS2 films are significantly more structurally stable in ambient air than CVD‐grown monolayer (ML) MoS2 films that have been reported to structurally degrade in ambient air. The authors present atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of preheated and as‐grown ML and multilayer MoS2 films after exposure to ambient air for periods of up to 2 years. The AFM images show that, in ambient air, preheated and as‐grown BL and thicker‐layer MoS2 films do not exhibit the growth of dendrites that is characteristic of ML degradation. Dendrites are observed to stop at the ML‐BL boundary. Raman spectra of BLs exposed for up to 2 years are similar to those reported for as‐grown BLs. The greater stability of BLs and thicker layers are attributed to their indirect band gaps that suppress Förster resonance energy transfer processes that have been proposed to be responsible for ML degradation. The results show that BL and thicker‐layer transition metal dichalcogenides with indirect band gaps may be structurally stable in air and useful for ambient‐air applications.
Interplays of Dipole and Charge‐Transfer‐Plasmon Modes in Capacitively and Conductively Coupled Dimer with High Aspect Ratio Nanogaps
Authors: Tobing Landobasa Y. M. , Soehartono Alana M. , Mueller Aaron D. , Czyszanowski Tomasz , Yong Ken‐Tye , Fan Wei Jun , Zhang Dao Hua
Published: September 2021

Charge transfer plasmons (CTPs) in coupled plasmonic cavities have gained attention for their interesting resonance mechanisms and potential applications in sensing. The authors present the first investigation of the CTP mode in top‐down fabricated tall plasmonic nanostructures with deep nanogaps, whose excitation becomes possible by the interaction of transversal and longitudinal plasmonic modes. Hybridization of dipole and CTP modes at different parts of the plasmonic nanostructures, for both capacitively coupled dimer of sub‐5 nm gap and conductively coupled dimer with junction bridge is extensively studied. Importantly, the authors demonstrate the conditional emergence of a hybrid dimer‐CTP mode based on the cladding refractive index and analyte thickness, which can present an opportunity for highly specific surface sensing applications. The sensing performances of these modes are evaluated, showing a figure‐of‐merit of ≈18.4 and Q ≈ 44 for the hybrid dimer‐CTP mode in the visible spectrum. Surface sensing based on alkanethiol adsorption shows surface sensitivity as high as ≈3.2 nm/carbon‐chain for this mode, which is higher than the typical values obtained by LSP structures.
S100A9‐Targeted Cowpea Mosaic Virus as a Prophylactic and Therapeutic Immunotherapy against Metastatic Breast Cancer and Melanoma
Authors: Chung Young Hun , Park Jooneon , Cai Hui , Steinmetz Nicole F.
Published: September 2021

Prognosis and treatment of metastatic cancer continues to be one of the most difficult and challenging areas of oncology. Treatment usually consists of chemotherapeutics, which may be ineffective due to drug resistance, adverse effects, and dose‐limiting toxicity. Therefore, novel approaches such as immunotherapy have been investigated to improve patient outcomes and minimize side effects. S100A9 is a calcium‐binding protein implicated in tumor metastasis, progression, and aggressiveness that modulates the tumor microenvironment into an immunosuppressive state. S100A9 is expressed in and secreted by immune cells in the pre‐metastatic niche, as well as, post‐tumor development, therefore making it a suitable targeted for prophylaxis and therapy. In previous work, it is demonstrated that cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) acts as an adjuvant when administered intratumorally. Here, it is demonstrated that systemically administered, S100A9‐targeted CPMV homes to the lungs leading to recruitment of innate immune cells. This approach is efficacious both prophylactically and therapeutically against lung metastasis from melanoma and breast cancer. The current research will facilitate and accelerate the development of next‐generation targeted immunotherapies administered as prophylaxis, that is, after surgery of a primary breast tumor to prevent outgrowth of metastasis, as well as, therapy to treat established metastatic disease.
Super Tough and Spontaneous Water‐Assisted Autonomous Self‐Healing Elastomer for Underwater Wearable Electronics
Authors: He Cyuan‐Lun , Liang Fang‐Cheng , Veeramuthu Loganathan , Cho Chia‐Jung , Benas Jean‐Sebastien , Tzeng Yung‐Ru , Tseng Yen‐Lin , Chen Wei‐Cheng , Rwei Alina , Kuo Chi‐Ching
Published: September 2021

Self‐healing soft electronic material composition is crucial to sustain the device long‐term durability. The fabrication of self‐healing soft electronics exposed to high moisture environment is a significant challenge that has yet to be fully achieved. This paper presents the novel concept of a water‐assisted room‐temperature autonomous self‐healing mechanism based on synergistically dynamic covalent Schiff‐based imine bonds with hydrogen bonds. The supramolecular water‐assisted self‐healing polymer (WASHP) films possess rapid self‐healing kinetic behavior and high stretchability due to a reversible dissociation–association process. In comparison with the pristine room‐temperature self‐healing polymer, the WASHP demonstrates favorable mechanical performance at room temperature and a short self‐healing time of 1 h; furthermore, it achieves a tensile strain of 9050%, self‐healing efficiency of 95%, and toughness of 144.2 MJ m−3. As a proof of concept, a versatile WASHP‐based light‐emitting touch‐responsive device (WASHP‐LETD) and perovskite quantum dot (PeQD)‐based white LED backlight are designed. The WASHP‐LETD has favorable mechanical deformation performance under pressure, bending, and strain, whereas the WASHP‐PeQDs exhibit outstanding long‐term stability even over a period exceeding one year in a boiling water environment. This paper provides a mechanically robust approach for producing eco‐friendly, economical, and waterproof e‐skin device components.
Impact of imposed root lodging on corn growth and yield
Authors: Lindsey Alexander J. , Carter Paul R. , Thomison Peter R.
Published: September 2021

Strong winds combined with heavy rains can push corn (Zea mays L.) plants over and pull roots part way out of the soil. Weather events that bring these conditions are becoming more frequent in occurrence in the midwestern United States. Yield losses due to root lodging have been related to partial loss of root activity and reduced light interception, but also may stem from affected pollination and kernel fill. A field study was conducted in Ohio from 2018 to 2020 that simulated root lodging from strong winds imposed at V10, V13–14, VT–R1, or R3 growth stages in three modern hybrids. Plants were pushed perpendicular to row direction at the specified stage following natural rain or irrigation events. Differences in hybrids were recorded in this study, but each hybrid exhibited a similar response to lodging (hybrid × lodging interaction was not evident). Yield was reduced by 5, 22, 43, and 33% compared to non‐lodged control at V10, V13–14, VT–R1, and R3, respectively. Light interception in the upper canopy decreased when measured at R4 if lodged previously, and was of greater magnitude as lodging occurred later in the season. Poor pollination contributed to the large yield loss at VT–R1. In addition to reduced yield, increased vivipary and decreased kernel weights in the R3 treatments could further reduce grain quality. These yield losses from this study are greater than have been reported previously, and should be considered when assessing fields for severe wind damage in the future.
Spherical nucleic acids: Organized nucleotide aggregates as versatile nanomedicine
Authors: Song Yangmeihui , Song Wenyu , Lan Xiaoli , Cai Weibo , Jiang Dawei
Published: September 2021

Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) are composed of a nanoparticle core and a layer of densely arranged oligonucleotide shells. After the first report of SNA by Mirkin and coworkers in 1996, it has created a significant interest by offering new possibilities in the field of gene and drug delivery. The controlled aggregation of oligonucleotides on the surface of organic/inorganic nanoparticles improves the delivery of genes and nucleic acid–based drugs and alters and regulates the biological profiles of the nanoparticle core within living organisms. Here in this review, we present an overview of the recent progress of SNAs that has speeded up their biomedical application and their potential transition to clinical use. We start with introducing the concept and characteristics of SNAs as drug/gene delivery systems and highlight recent efforts of bioengineering SNA by imaging and treatmenting various diseases. Finally, we discuss potential challenges and opportunities of SNAs, their ongoing clinical trials, and future translation, and how they may affect the current landscape of clinical practices. We hope that this review will update our current understanding of SNA, organized oligonucleotide aggregates, for disease diagnosis and treatment.
A de novoCSDE1 variant causing neurodevelopmental delay, intellectual disability, neurologic and psychiatric symptoms in a child of consanguineous parents
Authors: Gangfuß Andrea , Lochmüller Hanns , Töpf Ana , O'Heir Emily , Horvath Rita , Kölbel Heike , Schweiger Bernd , Schara‐Schmidt Ulrike , Roos Andreas
Published: September 2021

CSDE1 encodes the cytoplasmic cold shock domain‐containing protein E1 (CSDE1), which is highly conserved across species and functions as an RNA‐binding protein involved in translationally coupled mRNA turnover. CSDE1 displays a bidirectional role: promoting and repressing the translation of RNAs but also increasing and decreasing the abundance of RNAs. Preclinical studies highlighted an involvement of CSDE1 in different forms of cancer. Moreover, CSDE1 is highly expressed in human embryonic stem cells and plays a role in neuronal migration and differentiation. A genome‐wide association study suggested CSDE1 as a potential autism‐spectrum disorder risk gene. A multicenter next generation sequencing approach unraveled likely causative heterozygous variants in CSDE1 in 18 patients, identifying a new autism spectrum disorder‐related syndrome consisting of autism, intellectual disability, and neurodevelopmental delay. Since then, no further patients with CSDE1 variants have been reported in the literature. Here, we report a 9.5‐year‐old girl from a consanguineous family of Turkish origin suffering from profound delayed speech and motor development, moderate intellectual disability, neurologic and psychiatric symptoms as well as hypoplasia of corpus callosum and mildly reduced brain volume on brain magnetic resonance imaging associated with a recurrent de novo mutation in CSDE1 (c.367C > T; p.R123*) expanding the phenotypical spectrum associated with pathogenic CSDE1 variants.
Carbazole‐Fused Polycyclic Aromatics Enabled by Regioselective Scholl Reactions
Authors: Zhao Mengna , Pun Sai Ho , Gong Qi , Miao Qian
Published: September 2021

The synthesis of new carbazole‐fused polycyclic aromatics with interesting geometry and useful properties was explored using Scholl reactions. As found from the Scholl reactions of substrates having two carbazole units linked at different positions through o‐phenylene, oxidative coupling of carbazole units occurred in a regioselective manner with new carbon–carbon bonds preferably formed at C3 and C4 in N‐alkyl carbazoles. A new N‐containing aromatic bowl was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography, and new p‐type organic semiconductors exhibited field effect mobility of up to 0.070 cm2 V−1 s−1 in solution‐processed thin‐film transistors.
High‐Throughput Discovery of a Rhombohedral Twelve‐Connected Zirconium‐Based Metal‐Organic Framework with Ordered Terephthalate and Fumarate Linkers
Authors: Tollitt Adam M. , Vismara Rebecca , Daniels Luke M. , Antypov Dmytro , Gaultois Michael W. , Katsoulidis Alexandros P. , Rosseinsky Matthew J.
Published: September 2021

We report a metal‐organic framework where an ordered array of two linkers with differing length and geometry connect [Zr6(OH)4O4]12+ clusters into a twelve‐connected fcu net that is rhombohedrally distorted from cubic symmetry. The ordered binding of equal numbers of terephthalate and fumarate ditopic carboxylate linkers at the trigonal antiprismatic Zr6 core creates close‐packed layers of fumarate‐connected clusters that are connected along the single remaining threefold axis by terephthalates. This well‐defined linker arrangement retains the three‐dimensional porosity of the Zr cluster‐based UiO family while creating two distinct windows within the channels that define two distinct guest diffusion paths. The ordered material is accessed by a restricted combination of composition and process parameters that were identified by high‐throughput synthesis.
Desolvation of Peptide Bond by O to S Substitution Impacts Protein Stability
Authors: Khatri Bhavesh , Raghunathan Shampa , Chakraborti Sohini , Rahisuddin R. , Kumaran S. , Tadala Raghu , Wagh Padmakar , Priyakumar U. Deva , Chatterjee Jayanta
Published: September 2021

Amino acid side chains are key to fine‐tuning the microenvironment polarity in proteins composed of polar amide bonds. Here, we report that substituting an oxygen atom of the backbone amide bond with sulfur atom desolvates the thioamide bond, thereby increasing its lipophilicity. The impact of such local desolvation by O to S substitution in proteins was tested by synthesizing thioamidated variants of Pin1 WW domain. We observe that a thioamide acts in synergy with nonpolar amino acid side chains to reduce the microenvironment polarity and increase protein stability by more than 14 °C. Through favorable van der Waals and hydrogen bonding interactions, this single atom substitution significantly stabilizes proteins without altering the amino acid sequence and structure of the native protein.
Chiral Indoline‐2‐carboxylic Acid Enables Highly Enantioselective Catellani‐type Annulation with 4‐(Bromomethyl)cyclohexanone
Authors: Chen Xin‐Meng , Zhu Ling , Chen Dian‐Feng , Gong Liu‐Zhu
Published: September 2021

Chiral indoline‐2‐carboxylic acid has been identified to enable a highly enantioselective Catellani‐type annulation of (hetero)aryl, alkenyl triflate and conjugated vinyl iodides with 4‐(bromomethyl)cyclohexanone, directly assembling a diverse range of chiral all‐carbon bridged ring systems. Control experiments and DFT calculations suggest that the coordinating orientation of the chiral amino acid to the arylpalladium(II) center allows for high levels of stereochemical control.
NBN‐Doped Bis‐Tetracene and Peri‐Tetracene: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Fu Yubin , Chang Xiao , Yang Huan , Dmitrieva Evgenia , Gao Yixuan , Ma Ji , Huang Li , Liu Junzhi , Lu Hongliang , Cheng Zhihai , Du Shixuan , Gao Hong‐Jun , Feng Xinliang
Published: September 2021

Combining solution‐based and surface‐assisted synthesis, we demonstrate the first synthesis of NBN‐doped bis‐tetracene (NBN‐BT) and peri‐tetracene (NBN‐PT). The chemical structures are clearly elucidated by high‐resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) in combination with noncontact atomic force microscopy (nc‐AFM). Scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) characterizations reveal that NBN‐BT and NBN‐PT possess higher energy gaps than bis‐tetracene and peri‐tetracene. Interestingly, NBN‐BT can undergo stepwise one‐electron oxidation and convert into its corresponding radical cation and then to its dication. The energy gap of the NBN‐BT dication is similar to that of bis‐tetracene, indicating their isoelectronic relationship. Moreover, a similar energy gap between the NBN‐PT dication and peri‐tetracene can be predicted by DFT calculations. This work provides a novel synthesis along with characterizations of multi‐NBN‐doped zigzag‐edged peri‐acenes with tunable electronic properties.
Towards Dendrite‐Free Potassium‐Metal Batteries: Rational Design of a Multifunctional 3D Polyvinyl Alcohol‐Borax Layer
Authors: Wang Shuo , Yan Yaping , Xiong Dongbin , Li Guojing , Wang Ye , Chen Fuming , Chen Song , Tian Bingbing , Shi Yumeng
Published: September 2021

K metal is the optimal anode for K‐ion batteries because of its high capacity and low operating potential, but it suffers from fast capacity fading and safety issues due to an unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and continuous K‐dendrite growth. Herein, to obtain promising potassium‐metal batteries, a 3D polyvinyl‐alcohol (PVA)‐borax layer is designed, which enables a dendrite‐free K‐plating/stripping process. The protective layer possesses good wettability, high K‐ion diffusivity, and good structural stability, which enables a “uniform and underneath plating” behavior, therefore exhibiting a stable electrochemical performance. As a result, Cu current collector with PVA‐borax (PVA‐borax@Cu) exhibits a stable cycling lifetime for 700 h at 0.5 mA cm−2 and 500 h at 1 mA cm−2 at 10 % depth of discharge (DOD) without dendrite formation. Even at a high utilization of 25 % DOD and 50 % DOD, the PVA‐borax@Cu shows a stable cycle for 180 h and 100 h, respectively.
Activity‐Based Luciferase‐Luciferin Bioluminescence System for Bioimaging Applications
Authors: Xia Tiantian , Cheng Xiaotong , Zhan Wenjun , Liang Gaolin
Published: September 2021

There is growing interest in applying bioluminescence for imaging varies biological processes in life sciences due to its high resolution, selectivity, and signal/noise ratio (no need of external light excitation). Among the diverse bioluminescence systems, firefly luciferin–luciferase system is considered to be the most popular one for bioimaging applications both in vitro and in vivo. The general design strategy of this system is to cage luciferin (i. e., free luciferin is protected with distinctive functional groups). When the protecting moieties are removed by their corresponding analytes, bioluminescence signal turns “on”, enabling people to understand their biological processes. Considering that d‐luciferin‐luciferase bioluminescence imaging system is now becoming a hot and cutting‐edge research topic, in this minireview, we briefly explain the bioluminescence mechanism and summarize the biological molecule‐responsive, d‐luciferin‐based bioluminescence imaging probes. Moreover, the attempts to optimize the photochemical properties of d ‐luciferin are also introduced. Current challenges and future perspectives for activity‐based luciferase‐luciferin bioluminescence system are also outlooked. With the understanding of the structure−property relationships and working mechanisms of these bioluminescence probes, we hope that this minireview might provide effective guidance for the development of bioluminescence imaging probes and even their clinical translations.
Preparation of Fe3O4@C‐dots as a recyclable magnetic nanocatalyst using Elaeagnus angustifolia and its application for the green synthesis of formamidines
Authors: Ghereghlou Mahnaz , Esmaeili Abbas Ali , Darroudi Majid
Published: September 2021

This work describes a novel and simple procedure for successfully synthesizing formamidines by using Fe3O4@C‐dots in the role of an effective and reusable catalyst throughout a solvent‐free set‐up. The formamidine derivatives were easily prepared through aromatic amines with triethyl orthoformate in the company of Fe3O4@C‐dots. According to the experimental outcomes, the obtained formamidines in the presence of Fe3O4@C‐dots exhibited good to high yield values. In the following, we distinguished the prepared catalyst by applying field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) techniques. Furthermore, the evaluation of catalytic activity was done in the course of synthesizing formamidine derivatives. Among the advantages of this method, one can highlight the facts of solvent‐free conditions, the simplicity of operation, high yields, nonacidic catalyst, and the reusability of nanocatalyst for at least five cycles.
Ultrasound‐promoted novel route to triazabenzo[b]cyclopenta[lm]fluorenes: An efficient NiFe2O4@SiO2–SO3H nanocatalyst‐assisted green synthesis
Authors: Basu Soumyadip , Chatterjee Sauvik , Bhaumik Asim , Mukhopadhyay Chhanda
Published: September 2021

A series of new triazabenzo[b]cyclopenta[lm]fluorene scaffolds have been synthesized from 1,2‐phenylenediamines, isothiocyanates and ninhydrin via a heterogeneous and efficient NiFe2O4@SiO2–SO3H nanoparticle‐catalysed, ultrasonic irradiation‐assisted, eco‐friendly protocol. The NiFe2O4@SiO2–SO3H nanopowder has been synthesized and thoroughly characterized by FTIR, powdered XRD, FESEM, HRTEM, EDX and N2 adsorption analysis. The most desirable agenda of our methodology is to evolve an eco‐friendly green protocol with minimum reaction time and easy reaction condition. A new and efficient catalyst, broad scope in substrate variation, very high yield percentages, use of green solvent and very short reaction time are the crucial advantages of our methodology.
Effect of additives on properties of cross‐linked carboxymethyl starch/polyvinyl alcohol composite films
Authors: Yang Liang , Xie Mingzhu , Fang Jinxin , Zhang Tianyun , Wang Xuemei , Chen Liping
Published: September 2021

In order to improve the comprehensive performance of cross‐linked carboxymethyl starch (CCMS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite films, expand its application in the field of daily packaging. The CCMS/PVA blend films were prepared by solution casting method. The effect of environmentally friendly non‐toxic additives citric acid, urea, CaCl2, and nano‐SiO2 on the microscopic surface morphology, crystallization properties, thermal properties, mechanical properties, water resistance and optical properties of the CCMS/PVA composite films were investigated. The biocomposite films were characterized by SEM, FT‐IR, XRD, TGA, tensile testing, water absorption test, water vapor transmission test, and UV–visible spectrophotometer. The result indicates that the compound addition of citric acid and urea greatly increase the elongation at break of the composite films from 9.2% to 225.7%. With the composite addition of citric acid and nano‐SiO2, the composite film has the best water resistance and water vapor barrier properties. The composite films added with citric acid, urea and nano‐SiO2 can obtain the best thermal stability. Among these four additives, CaCl2 has the largest negative effect on the elongation at break and urea has the largest negative effect on water resistance properties of the CCMS/PVA composites. The CCMS/PVA composite films prepared by adding 30% citric acid and 6% nano‐SiO2 has the best comprehensive performance. The tensile strength, elongation at break, solubility, thermal decomposition temperature, water vapor permeability and light transmittance of the CCMS/PVA/CA/S composite films are 3.3 MPa, 168%, 34.6%, 293.2°C, 1.54 × 10−11 g s−1 m−1 Pa−1 and 22.47%, respectively. The biocomposite film has the potential to be applied in the field of packaging, and provides a reference for further research.
Global fast terminal integral sliding mode control based on magnetic field measurement for magnetic levitation system
Authors: Li Guidan , Ren Zongqin , Li Bin , Fu Tongling , Duan Peihua
Published: September 2021

Magnetic levitation systems are widely applied in many fields. In this paper, a global fast terminal integral sliding mode controller (GFTISMC) based on the second‐order flux linkage model is proposed to improve the response speed and steady‐state error of the maglev system. Firstly, the dynamic model of the maglev system is deduced, and the second‐order flux state model is established. Secondly, to improve the global response speed of the system and reduce the steady‐state error, a GFTISMC is constructed. A position model based on magnetic field measurement is determined to achieve closed‐loop control. Finally, compared with the traditional sliding mode control, the simulation and experimental results show that the proposed controller has better global response speed, stronger robustness, and smaller steady‐state error.
A parameter setting method to find the required state estimation accuracy for a motion control method in merging scenario
Authors: Cao Wenjing , Mukai Masakazu , Kawabe Taketoshi
Published: September 2021

In this study, we propose a procedure for parameters setting of the motion control method to find the required state estimation accuracy. A lot of motion control methods have been proposed for automatic driving vehicles in recent years to reduce fuel consumption and drivers' mental load. Mode predictive control (MPC) method is one of the often‐used control methods in motion control of automobiles. The technique to find the required state estimation accuracy is necessary to implement a motion control method. However, to the best of the authors' knowledge, such a technique has not been presented in any literature before. Therefore, we proposed a parameter setting method to find the required state estimation accuracy, assuming a model‐predictive‐type motion control method designed based on an optimal control problem. The contributions of this work are as follows: (1) A specific procedure to set the control parameters is proposed. (2) To overcome the difficulty of the parameter setting problem, we divide the control parameters into two sets. The first set of parameters are unrelated to the robustness against state estimation errors, while the others are related. (3) The parameters in the first set are designed independently of the others, so that parameter setting can be easily accomplished. The parameters in the first set are designed to obtain desirable motion of the ego vehicles ignoring the errors. The other parameters are set to find the required state estimation accuracy. (4) The parameter tuning problem and the specification of the state estimation accuracy is considered together. As a result, once the control parameters are determined, the required state estimation accuracy is specified. As an example, a robust motion control method based on MPC for merging scenario was considered. Calculations for some cases were conducted to show the effectiveness of the proposed procedure. The results showed that, if the estimation errors in the displacements of the vehicles are bounded in [− 1, 1][m]and that in the velocities are bounded in [− 1/30, 1/30][m/s], desirable motion control is possible for all the tested initial conditions.
Does regulating per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances represent a meaningful opportunity for health risk reduction?
Authors: Alfredo Katherine , Seidel Chad , Ghosh Amlan
Published: September 2021

US Environmental Protection Agency's drinking water contaminant regulations must meet a qualitative “meaningful opportunity” threshold in health risk reduction. Using our Relative Health Indicator (RHI) metric, we quantify the ranges of potential health risk reductions that could be achieved from state and federal per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances regulatory levels (proposed or finalized) and compare them with previous regulatory determinations of other contaminants to create a quantifiable, comparable scale of “meaningful opportunity” justifications. If perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctyl sulfonate (PFOS) were present in 100% of water systems, contaminant concentrations of 227 ng/L PFOS and 2295 ng/L PFOA would be needed to exceed the minimum threshold of percent population*RHI (PopRHI) to justify “meaningful opportunity,” based on the current regulatory levels of uranium; these concentrations exceed any levels being proposed. Using this comparison metric, our results demonstrate that the regulatory levels for PFOA and PFOS alone will not achieve a national meaningful health risk reduction as compared with previously regulated contaminants.

Article Impact Statement

Placing the 2021 USEPA PFAS positive RegDet in historical context, we evaluate "meaningful opportunity" for health risk reduction.
Alobar holoprosencephaly in mining‐related areas of the Eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A case series
Authors: Mudekereza Paterne Safari , Mudekereza Jules Balagizi , Bahizire Gauthier Murhula , Lekuya Hervé Monka , Mudekereza Edouard Amani , Zabadayi Germain Mudumbi , Budema Paul Munguakonkwa , Balungwe Patrick Birindwa , Chimanuka Dominique , Mubenga Léon‐Emmanuel Mukengeshai
Published: September 2021

Background

Recent case reports described three cases of holoprosencephaly (HPE) in the area with high mining‐related pollution of the southern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). We reported two male neonates with clinically diagnosed HPE in the localities of Fizi and Kitutu, two mineral areas in the Eastern region of the same country (DRC), where artisanal surface mining is predominant with high exposure to radiation and heavy metals from mining.

Cases' presentations

Two newborns from adult and multigravida mothers without pregnancy complication. The birth weights were 3,200 g and 2,500 g, respectively, and the malformations noticed were essentially the single median eye, the absent nose, polydactyly for one case, and proboscis for the other case. They both died a few minutes later after birth.

Conclusion

The etiologic factors of HPE remain unknown but seem to be multifactorial from both genetic and environmental factors. We hypothesize under reserve for these two cases that mining and radiation expositions were likely potential environmental associated factors to the occurrence of these malformations.
Graue Emissionen im Bauwesen – Bestandsaufnahme und Optimierungsstrategien
Authors: Weidner Stefanie , Mrzigod Alexandra , Bechmann Roland , Sobek Werner
Published: September 2021

Die menschengemachten CO2‐Emissionen sind weiterhin viel zu hoch, um die 2015 im Pariser Klimaabkommen gesetzten Ziele – nämlich eine Beschränkung der Erderwärmung auf 1,5 °C im Vergleich zum vorindustriellen Zeitraum – zu erreichen. Das Bauwesen spielt dabei eine besondere Rolle, denn es ist anteilig der größte Emittent des klimaschädlichen Gases CO2. Der vorliegende Aufsatz untersucht deshalb Umfang und Reduktionspotenzial der grauen Emissionen, die für Herstellung, Einbau und Abbruch von tragwerksrelevanten Bauelementen in Deutschland entstehen. Ziel ist es hierbei, einzuhaltende Grenzwerte aufzuzeigen und zu erläutern, welche Maßnahmen bereits in frühen Planungsphasen eine deutliche Reduktion der grauen Emissionen möglich machen.
Melatonin supplementation in the subacute phase after ischemia alleviates postischemic sleep disturbances in rats
Authors: Hao Shu‐Mei , Zhong Zhi‐Gang , Qu Wei‐Min , Huang Zhi‐Li , Sun Feng‐Yan , Qiu Mei‐Hong
Published: September 2021

Background

Sleep disorders are highly prevalent among stroke survivors and impede stroke recovery. It is well established that melatonin has neuroprotective effects in animal models of ischemic stroke. However, as a modulator of endogenous physiological circadian rhythms, the effects of melatonin on poststroke sleep disorders remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated how melatonin delivered intraperitoneally once daily in the subacute phase after stroke onset, influencing neuronal survival, motor recovery, and sleep–wake profiles in rats.

Methods

Transient ischemic stroke in male Sprague–Dawley rats was induced with 30 min occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Melatonin or vehicle was delivered intraperitoneally once daily in the subacute phase, from 2 to 7 days after stroke. Electroencephalogram and electromyogram recordings were obtained simultaneously.

Results

Compared to the effects observed in the vehicle‐treated ischemic group, after 6 daily consecutive treatment of melatonin at 10 mg/kg starting at ischemic/reperfusion day 2, the infarct volume was significantly decreased (from 39.6 to 26.2%), and the degeneration of axons in the ipsilateral striatum and the contralateral corpus callosum were significantly alleviated. Sensorimotor performances were obviously improved as evidenced by significant increases in the latency to falling off the wire and in the use of the impaired forelimb. In addition to those predictable results of reducing brain tissue damage and mitigating behavioral deficits, repeated melatonin treatment during the subacute phase of stroke also alleviated sleep fragmentation through reducing sleep‐wake stage transitions and stage bouts, together with increasing stage durations. Furthermore, daily administration of melatonin at 9 a.m. significantly increased the nonrapid eye movement sleep delta power during both the light and dark periods and decreased the degree of reduction of the circadian index.

Conclusions

Melatonin promptly reversed ischemia‐induced sleep disturbances. The neuroprotective effects of melatonin on ischemic injury may be partially associated with its role in sleep modulation.