bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(111)‐Dominated Perovskite Films by Antisolvent Engineering
Authors: Sun Xiangyu , Li Dongni , Zhao Lu , Zhang Yao , Hu Qin , Russell Thomas P. , Liu Fangze , Wei Jing , Li Hongbo
Published: April 2023

Fabricating perovskite films with a dominant crystal orientation is an effective path to realizing quasi‐single‐crystal perovskite film, which can eliminate the fluctuation of the electrical properties in films arising from grain‐to‐grain variations, and improve the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Perovskite (FAPbI3) films based on one‐step antisolvent methods usually suffer from chaotic orientations due to the inevitable intermediate phase conversion from intermediates of PbI2•DMSO, FA2Pb3I8•4DMSO, and δ‐FAPbI3 to α‐FAPbI3. Here, a high‐quality perovskite film with (111) preferred orientation ((111)‐α‐FAPbI3) using a short‐chain isomeric alcohol antisolvent, isopropanol (IPA) or isobutanol (IBA), is reported. The interaction between IPA and PbI2 leads to a corner‐sharing structure instead of an edge‐sharing PbI2 octahedron, sidestepping the formation of these intermediates. With the volatilization of IPA, FA+ can replace IPA in situ to form α‐FAPbI3 along the (111) direction. Compared to randomly orientated perovskites, the dominantly (111) orientated perovskite ((111)‐perovskite) exhibits improved carrier mobility, uniform surface potential, suppressed film defects and enhanced photostability. PSCs based on the (111)‐perovskite films show 22% power conversion efficiency and excellent stability, which remains unchanged after 600 h continuous working at maximum power point, and 95% after 2000 h of storage in atmosphere environment.
U‐Shaped Conjugated Oligomer‐Based Micelles as a Ratiometric Fluorescent Nanothermometer for Diverse Cellular Applications
Authors: Peng Rui , Zhang Hean , Yao Chuang , Cui Qianling , Luo Yufeng , Li Lidong
Published: April 2023

Herein, a conjugated oligomer is reported possessing a unique U‐shaped molecular geometry, which significantly affects the intramolecular charge transfer and modulates the fluorescence properties. Upon excitation, it displays blue/red dual emission, which is very sensitive to the polarity and viscosity of solvents. After being incorporated into Pluronic F127 micelles, a dramatic fluorescence enhancement is found in its red emission (up to 27‐fold) along with a stable blue emission at elevated temperature. Accordingly, the emissive micelles are successfully explored as a reliable ratiometric nanothermometer both in solution and in cellular environment. Moreover, compared to nanoparticle counterpart prepared by classical nanoprecipitation, the conjugated oligomer/F127 micelles exhibit a remarkable improvement in photo‐triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation efficiency and photodynamic killing behavior on cancer cells. The current study will help researchers to further understand the structure–property relationship of π‐conjugated fluorophores and design various nanomaterials with promising potential for simultaneous diagnostic and treatment on cancers.
Light‐Responsive Springs from Electropatterned Liquid Crystal Polymer Networks
Authors: Ryabchun Alexander , Lancia Federico , Katsonis Nathalie
Published: April 2023

Future robotic systems will have to adapt their operation to dynamic environments and therefore their development will require the use of active soft components. Bioinspired approaches toward novel actuation materials for active components rely on integrating molecular machines in soft matter, and ensuring that their nanoscale movement is amplified to the macroscale, where mechanically relevant motion is generated. This approach is successfully used in the design of photoresponsive soft springs and other mechanically active materials. Here, this study reports on a new approach where the operation of photoswitches and chiral liquid crystals are combined with an original and mask‐free microscopic patterning method to generate helix‐based movement at the macroscale, including light‐driven winding and unwinding accompanied with inversion of handedness. The microscopic patterning is the result of the unique organization of cholesteric liquid crystals under weak electric field. At a higher level, the pitch and the handedness of the active springs are defined by the imprinted pattern and the angle at which the spring ribbons are cut in the material. These findings are likely to enable soft and responsive robotic systems, and they show how transmission of molecular operation into macroscale functional movement is enabled by materials design across multiple hierarchical levels.
Visible‐Light Photoredox‐Catalyzed Radical Fluoromethoxylation of Olefins
Authors: Ramkumar Nagarajan , Sperga Arturs , Belyakov Sergey , Mishnev Anatoly , Zacs Dzintars , Veliks Janis
Published: April 2023

Fluoroalkyl ethers have attracted considerable research interest in the fields of pharmaceutical, agrochemical, nuclear imaging and material sciences, forging the development of new synthetic methods to access this class of compounds. Radical fluoroalkoxylation has recently emerged as a promising approach for synthesizing fluoroalkyl ethers. Herein, a solid, easy‐to‐access redox‐active N−O reagent, 1‐(fluoromethoxy)‐3‐methyl‐benzotriazolium triflate (FMBT), serving as a radical source of (mono)fluoromethoxy group under photocatalytic conditions, was introduced. The synthetic potential of FMBT was demonstrated in the functionalization of olefins to access amino and keto‐monofluoromethyl ethers, benefiting the related study in the context of chemical biology and drug discovery.

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Dicamba off‐target movement from applications on soybeans at two growth stages
Authors: Kruger Greg R. , Alves Guilherme S. , Schroeder Kasey , Golus Jeffrey A. , Reynolds Daniel B. , Dodds Darrin M. , Brown Ashli E. , Fritz Bradley K. , Hoffmann Wesley C.
Published: April 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate dicamba off‐target movement during and after applications over soybean at two growth stages. Dicamba‐tolerant soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] at V3 and R1 growth stages in Nebraska and Mississippi fields were treated with diglycolamine salt of dicamba (560 g ae ha−1), potassium salt of glyphosate (1260 g ae ha−1), and a drift‐reducing adjuvant (0.5% v v−1). Filter papers positioned outside the sprayed area were used to determine primary movement and air samplers positioned at the center of sprayed area were used to calculate dicamba flux from 0.5 up to 68 hours after application (HAA). Flux was calculated using the aerodynamic method. Soybean growth stage did not affect dicamba deposition on filter papers from 8 to 45 m downwind from the sprayed areas. At 33 m downwind (i.e., distance of the labeled buffer zone), a spray drift of less than 0.0091% (0.05 g ae ha−1) of applied rate is estimated. Dicamba secondary movement may not be affected by soybean growth stage during the application. Although dicamba was detected in air samples collected at 68 HAA, the majority of the secondary movement was observed in the first 24 HAA. Dicamba cumulative loss was lower than 0.77% of applied rate. Results suggest the more stable the atmospheric conditions, the higher the dicamba flux. Thus, meteorological conditions after applications must be considered, and tools to predict the occurrence of temperature inversion are needed to minimize secondary movement of dicamba.
Evaluating dynamic productivity change of US farm supply cooperatives
Authors: Skevas Theodoros , Grashuis Jasper
Published: April 2023

This article estimates dynamic productivity change and its components (i.e., technical inefficiency change, scale inefficiency change, and technical change) for a sample of ~700 US farm supply cooperatives over the 2005–2017 period. Estimation is undertaken using a directional distance function that accounts for the presence of adjustment costs associated with investments in quasi‐fixed factors of production. A bootstrap regression is then used to determine the factors affecting dynamic productivity change and its components. Results show that the sample cooperatives experienced a modest decline in productivity over the study period, on average. The analysis of productivity change decompositions suggests that productivity decline is mainly due to the negative contribution of technical inefficiency change. Results further reveal that ignoring adjustment costs when modeling cooperatives' performance leads to distortions in estimates of productivity and its components. The regression analysis results show that years of operation and a higher share of energy products in supply turnover are positively related to productivity change, technical inefficiency change, and scale inefficiency change. [EconLit Citations: Q12, D22, C61].
Numerical study of biomass gasification combined with CO2 absorption in a bubbling fluidized bed
Authors: Kong Dali , Wang Shuai , Luo Kun , Fan Jianren
Published: April 2023

Biomass gasification combined with CO2 absorption‐enhanced reforming (AER) in a bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) reactor is numerically studied via the multiphase particle‐in‐cell (MP‐PIC) method featuring thermochemical and polydispersity sub‐models. A novel bubble detection algorithm is proposed for efficiently characterizing bubble morphology. The effects of several crucial operating parameters on the microscale particle behaviors, mesoscale bubble dynamics, and macroscale reactor performance of the AER gasification process are analyzed. Compared with conventional gasification, AER gasification reduces the CO2 concentration by 33.58% but elevates the H2 concentration by 32.13%. Higher operating temperature and steam‐to‐biomass (S/B) ratio promote H2 generation but deteriorate gasification performance. A lower operating pressure improves gas–solid contact efficiency and gasification performance as the increased operating pressure inhibits bubble dynamics and particle kinematics. Compared with pure sand as bed material, the mixed bed material (CaO:sand = 1:1) significantly improves gasification performance by enhancing H2 generation and CO2 removal.
Versatile Ultrasoft Electromagnetic Actuators with Integrated Strain‐Sensing Cellulose Nanofibril Foams
Authors: Mohammadi Mohsen , Berggren Magnus , Tybrandt Klas
Published: April 2023

As robots more frequently fraternize with humans in everyday life, aspects such as safety, flexibility of tasks, and appearance become increasingly important. Soft robotics is attractive for new human‐close applications, but soft actuators constitute a major challenge both in terms of actuation force and speed, and in terms of control and accuracy of the deformable soft actuator body. Herein, several of these challenges are addressed by developing versatile ultrasoft electromagnetic actuators that operate in absence of external magnetic fields, while simultaneously monitoring their states by internal strain sensors. The versatile actuators can compress to less than 50% of their initial length with strain‐independent contraction force and operate in both contraction and expansion modes up to 200 Hz frequency while conforming to curved surfaces. The soft multilayer conductive cellulose‐based foams are lightweight (3 mg cm−3) and provide internal strain‐sensing capability and structural support, thereby improving the monitoring and controllability of the actuators while maintaining an axial softness of 0.6 kPa. It is believed that the concept of soft versatile electromagnetic actuators with integrated lightweight strain‐sensing foams is promising for a wide range of applications within soft robotics.
Behavioral responses of solicitors after failure to receive grooming in Macaca fuscata
Authors: Ueno Masataka , Yamada Kazunori , Nakamichi Masayuki
Published: April 2023

Grooming is one of the most common cooperative behaviors among several animal species. However, the tactics used to cope with uncooperative partners in grooming interactions remain unclear. Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) solicit grooming from partners through postural behaviors, but may not necessarily receive grooming. This study investigated the behavior of female Japanese macaques after they solicited but did not receive grooming. We predicted that unsuccessful solicitors would engage in grooming interactions with uncooperative partners if they were affiliated. If they were not affiliated, the solicitors would not do so and may seek grooming interactions with other grooming partners. We used a focal‐animal sampling method, targeting 17 females at Katsuyama, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. We recognized affiliative relationships by measuring close spatial association. After unsuccessful solicitation, females tended to scratch themselves, suggesting that solicitors may experience anxiety or distress when they do not receive grooming. They also tended to be proximate with affiliated partners after solicitation, regardless of whether the solicitors received grooming from their partners. In contrast, when solicitors failed to receive grooming from unaffiliated partners, their subsequent proximity was lower than when they were groomed. Moreover, unsuccessful solicitors were likely to engage in grooming interactions with affiliated partners who were uncooperative (receivers of unsuccessful solicitations). However, they were less likely to engage in grooming interactions with unaffiliated partners and instead engaged in grooming interactions with other nearby partners. These findings indicate that female Japanese macaques decide whether to engage in grooming interactions with uncooperative partners who have not groomed solicitors based on affiliative relationships and the availability of other grooming partners. It is probable that, when the cost of searching for a grooming partner is low, female Japanese macaques are likely to switch partners, potentially leading to an increase in the benefits obtained from grooming interactions.
Formation and Loading of a (2S)‐2‐Ethylmalonamyl Starter Unit in the Assembly Line of Polyketide‐Nonribosomal Peptide Hybrid Sanglifehrin A
Authors: Tang Zhijun , Pang Bo , Liu Chang , Guo Shengjie , Qu Xudong , Liu Wen
Published: April 2023

Sanglifehrin A (SFA) is a spirolactam‐conjugated, 22‐membered macrolide with remarkable immunosuppressive and antiviral activities. This macrolide is a result of a hybrid polyketide synthase (PKS)‐nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) assembly line that utilizes (2S)‐2‐ethylmalonamyl as a starter unit. Here, we report that the formation and loading of this starter unit in the SFA assembly line involve two unusual enzymatic reactions that occur on a discrete acyl carrier protein (ACP), SfaO. An amide synthetase, SfaP, catalyzes the amidation of (2S)‐2‐ethylmalonyl in a SfaO‐dependent manner. Then, a β‐ketoacyl‐ACP synthase III‐like protein, SfaN, transfers resultant (2S)‐2‐ethylmalonamyl from SfaO onto the loading ACP domain of the hybrid PKS‐NRPS assembly line to prime SFA biosynthesis. Both SfaP and SfaN display promiscuous activities. This study furthers the appreciation of assembly line chemistry, as a new paradigm for unusual building block formation and incorporation is provided.
Supercooled Liquids with Dynamic Room Temperature Phosphorescence Using Terminal Hydroxyl Engineering
Authors: Xu Zixuan , Wang Zhaoyu , Yao Wei , Gao Yanhua , Li Yuxin , Shi Huifang , Huang Wei , An Zhongfu
Published: April 2023

Dynamic room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials have potential applications in optoelectronics, which inevitably suffer from poor processability, flexibility or stretchability. Herein, we report a concise strategy to develop supercooled liquids (SCLs) with dynamic RTP behavior using terminal hydroxyl engineering. The terminal hydroxyls effectively hinder the nucleation process of molecules for the formation of stable SCLs after thermal annealing. Impressively, the SCLs show reversible RTP emission via alternant stimulation by UV light and heat. Photoactivated SCLs have phosphorescent efficiency of 8.50 % and a lifetime of 31.54 ms under ambient conditions. Regarding the dynamic RTP behavior and stretchability of SCLs, we demonstrate the applications in erasable data encryption and patterns on flexible substrates. This finding provides a design principle for obtaining SCLs with RTP and expands the potential applications of RTP materials in flexible optoelectronics.
Selective Photocatalytic Oxidative Coupling of Methane via Regulating Methyl Intermediates over Metal/ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Pu , Shi Run , Zhao Yunxuan , Li Zhenhua , Zhao Jiaqing , Zhao Jiaqi , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Wu Li‐Zhu , Zhang Tierui
Published: April 2023

Methane conversion to higher hydrocarbons requires harsh reaction conditions due to high energy barriers associated with C−H bond activation. Herein, we report a systematic investigation of photocatalytic oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) over transition‐metal‐loaded ZnO photocatalysts. A 1 wt % Au/ZnO delivered a remarkable C2‐C4 hydrocarbon production rate of 683 μmol g−1 h−1 (83 % C2‐C4 selectivity) under light irradiation with excellent photostability over two days. The metal type and its interaction with ZnO strongly influence the selectivity toward C−C coupling products. Photogenerated Zn+‐O− sites enable CH4 activation to methyl intermediates (*CH3) migrating onto adjacent metal nanoparticles. The nature of the *CH3‐metal interaction controls the OCM products. In the case of Au, strong d‐σ orbital hybridization reduces metal‐C−H bond angles and steric hindrance, thereby enabling efficient methyl coupling. Findings indicate the d‐σ center may be a suitable descriptor for predicting product selectivity during OCM over metal/ZnO photocatalysts.
A Tailored Versatile and Efficient NHC‐Based NNC‐Pincer Manganese Catalyst for Hydrogenation of Polar Unsaturated Compounds
Authors: Wei Zeyuan , Li Hengxu , Wang Yujie , Liu Qiang
Published: April 2023

The reactivity of metal‐hydride complexes can be harnessed by the modification of ancillary ligands. With the aim of improving the hydride‐donor ability of the key Mn−H intermediate and reducing steric hindrance, we herein report the rational design of a versatile and efficient NHC‐based NNC‐pincer Mn catalyst for hydrogenation reactions. This newly developed catalyst exhibited higher activity than the corresponding NNP‐pincer Mn catalyst owing to its reduced steric hindrance and enhanced Mn−H σ‐bonding orbital energy level through a π‐antibonding interaction. Using this highly active NNC‐pincer Mn catalyst, a rich array of polar unsaturated compounds (>80 examples) including esters, N‐heteroarenes, amides, carbonates, and urea derivatives, were successfully hydrogenated under relatively mild conditions. This work represents a rare example of a general phosphine‐free Mn‐catalyzed hydrogenation system.
Concise Total Synthesis of (−)‐Quinocarcin Enabled by Catalytic Enantioselective Reductive 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition of Secondary Amides
Authors: Ji Kan‐Lei , He Shu‐Fan , Xu Dong‐Dong , He Wen‐Xin , Zheng Jian‐Feng , Huang Pei‐Qiang
Published: April 2023

A concise asymmetric total synthesis of (−)‐quinocarcin has been accomplished with high step economy from commercially available starting materials. A catalytic enantioselective reductive 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of N‐heteroaryl secondary amides with reactive dipolarophiles using iridium/copper relay catalysis was developed to prepare the key chiral pyrrolidine intermediate with three stereocenters. This protocol features excellent regio‐, exo‐ and enantioselectivities, broad substrate scope, and good functional group tolerance. The high efficiency was also ensured by a RhIII‐catalyzed C−H activation/cyclization and a tandem diastereoselective hydrogenation/cyclization to construct the tetrahydroisoquinoline‐pyrrolidine tetracyclic core unit of quinocarcin.
Highly Active Hydrogen‐rich Photothermal Reverse Water Gas Shift Reaction on Ni/LaInO3 Perovskite Catalysts with Near‐unity Selectivity
Authors: Yu Jianbo , Muhetaer Aidaer , Gao Xiaowen , Zhang Zhenzhen , Yang Yuying , Li Qi , Chen Langxing , Liu Haichao , Xu Dongsheng
Published: April 2023

Photo‐assisted reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction is regarded green and promising in controlling the reaction gas ratio in Fischer Tropsch synthesis. But it is inclined to produce more byproducts in high H2 concentration condition. Herein, LaInO3 loaded with Ni‐nanoparticles (Ni NPs) was designed to obtain an efficient photothermal RWGS reaction rate, where LaInO3 was enriched with oxygen vacancies to roundly adsorbing CO2 and the strong interaction with Ni NPs endowed the catalysts with powerful H2 activity. The optimized catalyst performed a large CO yield rate (1314 mmol gNi−1 h−1) and ≈100 % selectivity. In situ characterizations demonstrated a COOH* pathway of the reaction and photoinduced charge transfer process for reducing the RWGS reaction active energy. Our work provides valuable insights on the construction of catalysts concerning products selectivity and photoelectronic activating mechanism on CO2 hydrogenation.
Modification of microstructure and selected physicochemical properties of bacterial cellulose produced by bacterial isolate using hydrocolloid‐fortified Hestrin–Schramm medium
Authors: Nguyen Nhu‐Ngoc , Tran Thi Tuong Vi , Nguyen Quoc‐Duy , Nguyen Tran‐Phong , Lien Tuyet‐Ngan
Published: April 2023

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biopolymer with applications in numerous industries such as food and pharmaceutical sectors. In this study, various hydrocolloids including modified starches (oxidized starch—1404 and hydroxypropyl starch—1440), locust bean gum, xanthan gum (XG), guar gum, and carboxymethyl cellulose were added to the Hestrin‐Schramm medium to improve the production performance and microstructure of BC by Gluconacetobacter entanii isolated from coconut water. After 14‐day fermentation, medium supplemented with 0.1% carboxymethyl cellulose and 0.1% XG resulted in the highest BC yield with dry BC content of 9.82 and 6.06 g/L, respectively. In addition, scanning electron microscopy showed that all modified films have the characteristic three‐dimensional network of cellulose nanofibers with dense structure and low porosity as well as larger fiber size compared to control. X‐ray diffraction indicated that BC fortified with carboxymethyl cellulose exhibited lower crystallinity while Fourier infrared spectroscopy showed characteristic peaks of both control and modified BC films.
Preparation of Artemisia Turcomanic Encapsulated Niosomal Nanocarriers and Evaluation of Anticancer Activities and Apoptosis Gene Expression Analysis in HeLa Cells
Authors: Eslamian Farnaz , Keshtmand Zahra , Hesampour Ardeshir
Published: April 2023

Artemisia turcomanic as a natural antibacterial agent, exhibited significant antibacterial effect in the treatment against cancer. This study is the first to investigate size, encapsulation efficiencies, release behavior of Artemisia turcomanic loaded niosomal nanocarriers, and the anticancer effect of niosomal nanocarriers by MTT assay, flow cytometry, and real time (on HeLa cell lines). When the molar ratio of cholesterol: surfactant was 1 : 2 and the liquid content was 300 μmol, the highest percentage of entrapment efficiency was 83.25 %. Moreover, niosomal formulation showed a pH‐dependent release; a slow‐release profile in physiological pH (7.4), and a more significant release rate at acidic conditions (pH=5.4). In addition, The apoptotic rate of Artemisia loaded niosomes on HeLa cell lines was higher than free extract and pristine niosome. Also, reduction in the expression levels of Bcl2, caspase‐3, and p53 genes and increase in the expression level of BAX after treatment with Artemisia turcomanic‐loaded niosomes were more significant than those after treatment with free Artemisia turcomanic and blank niosome. The cytotoxicity results of samples presented that Artemisia turcomanic loaded niosomes are more beneficial in the death of HeLa cell lines.
Non‐Symmetrical Tetrafluoroalkadienes Synthesized by ROCM of 3,3,4,4‐Tetrafluorocyclobutene
Authors: Kučnirová Kateřina , Kvíčala Jaroslav , Svoboda Martin , Cvačka Josef , Čejka Jan , Rybáčková Markéta
Published: April 2023

As the first known example of ring‐opening cross metathesis (ROCM) of polyfluorinated strained cyclobutenes, ROCM of 3,3,4,4‐tetrafluorocyclobutene with electronically rich alkenes, catalyzed by Grubbs or Hoveyda‐Grubbs 2nd generation precatalysts, gave a small library of non‐symmetrical isolated dienes bearing a tetrafluoroethylene spacer between the double bonds. 1‐Butoxy‐3,3,4,4‐tetrafluorohexa‐1,5‐diene thus formed underwent subsequent regioselective cross metathesis (CM) with a series of styrenes, catalyzed by Hoveyda‐Grubbs 2nd generation precatalyst, leading to non‐symmetrically substituted dienes. 6,6‐Dibutoxy‐3,3,4,4‐tetrafluorohex‐1‐ene, formed by regioselective butoxylation of 1‐butoxy‐3,3,4,4‐tetrafluorohexa‐1,5‐diene, was dihydroxylated and cyclized to the corresponding 3,3,4,4‐tetrafluorohexopyranose.
Optimization and Automation of Helical Aromatic Oligoamide Foldamer Solid‐Phase Synthesis
Authors: Corvaglia Valentina , Sanchez Florian , Menke Friedericke S. , Douat Céline , Huc Ivan
Published: April 2023

Helically folded oligoamides of 8‐amino‐2‐quinolinecarboxylic acid composed of up to 41 units were prepared using optimized manual solid‐phase synthesis (SPS). The high yield and purity of the final products places these SPS protocols among the most efficient known to date. Furthermore, analytical methods allowing for the clear identification and purity assessment of the products were validated, including 1H NMR, a seldom used method for such large molecules. Adaption of the SPS protocols, in particular using in situ acid chloride activation under Appel's conditions, made it possible to efficiently implement SPS on a commercial peptide synthesizer, leading to a dramatic reduction of the laboratory work required to produce long sequences. Automation constitutes a breakthrough for the development of helical aromatic oligoamide foldamers.
Light and colour – a must for chemistry education
Authors: Tausch Michael W.
Published: April 2023

Licht und Farbe sind ein untrennbares Paar, das gleichermaßen zu unseren Alltagserfahrungen und zu den umstrittensten Begriffen naturphilosophischer Betrachtungen gehört. Im Chemieunterricht ist eine experimentbasierte Herangehensweise und eine pragmatische Deutung dieser Begriffe notwendig, die mit den „big five“ Basiskonzepten des Chemieunterrichts kompatibel ist. In diesem Sinnen präsentiert der Beitrag ein Panorama von Experimenten, didaktisch reduzierten Konzepten und Lehr‐/Lernmaterialien für den Chemieunterricht in den Sekundarstufe I und II.
Dabigatran Dosing Proposal for Adults With Atrial Fibrillation: Stress‐Testing Renal Function Range in Real World Patients
Authors: Powell J. Robert , Al Qaraghuli Farah , Fiedler‐Kelly Jill , Gonzalez Daniel , Weiner Daniel
Published: April 2023

Dabigatran is the first of four direct‐acting oral anticoagulants approved to prevent stroke in adult patients with atrial fibrillation using a fixed two‐dose scheme compared with warfarin dosing adjusted to a prothrombin time range associated with optimal risk reduction in stroke and serious bleeding. The pivotal phase III trial found dabigatran, depending on dose, is superior to warfarin in stroke reduction and similar in bleeding risk while also showing dabigatran efficacy and safety correlate with steady‐state plasma concentrations. Because the relationship between dabigatran dose and plasma concentration is highly variable, a previously developed population pharmacokinetic model of over 9,000 clinical trial patients was used as a basis for simulations comparing the performance of dosing via the drug label to other proposed doses and regimens. Assessment of dosing regimen performance was based on simulations of trough plasma levels within the therapeutic concentration range of 75–150 ng/mL over a renal function range of 15–250 mL/min creatinine clearance, representing extremes for real‐world patients. An improved regimen that best achieves this therapeutic range was identified, requiring five different dosing schedules, corresponding to specified renal function ranges, compared with the two approved in the label. The discussion focuses on how this information could better inform patient outcomes and future dabigatran development.
Three‐dimensional lab‐on‐a‐foil device for dielectrophoretic separation of cancer cells
Authors: Wu Mengren , Gao Yuan , Luan Qiyue , Papautsky Ian , Chen Xiaolin , Xu Jie
Published: April 2023

A simple, low‐cost, three‐dimensional (3D) lab‐on‐a‐foil microfluidic device for dielectrophoretic separation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is designed and constructed. Disposable thin films are cut by xurography and microelectrode array are made with rapid inkjet printing. The multilayer device design allows the studying of spatial movements of CTCs and red blood cells (RBCs) under dielectrophoresis (DEP). A numerical simulation was performed to find the optimum driving frequency of RBCs and the crossover frequency for CTCs. At the optimum frequency, RBCs were lifted 120 µm in z‐axis direction by DEP force, and CTCs were not affected due to negligible DEP force. By utilizing the displacement difference, the separation of CTCs (modeled with A549 lung carcinoma cells) from RBCs in z‐axis direction was achieved. With the nonuniform electric field at optimized driving frequency, the RBCs were trapped in the cavities above the microchannel, whereas the A549 cells were separated with a high capture rate of 86.3% ± 0.2%. The device opens not only the possibility for 3D high‐throughput cell separation but also for future developments in 3D cell manipulation through rapid and low‐cost fabrication.
Edible film based on corn zein containing dill extract and essential oil/β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complex: Shelf life enhancement of common carp fillet
Authors: Zolfaghari Ali , Bazargani‐Gilani Behnaz , Aghajani Narjes
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study was to examine the impacts of corn zein edible film (Z) fortified with dill leaves extract (DE) and encapsulated dill essential oil with β‐cyclodextrin (nDEO) on the quality of refrigerated common carp fillet. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis showed that the most frequent substances of DEO were apiol (35.1%) and carvone (31.4%), respectively. Designated treatments were as follows: (1) Control (C), (2) Z, (3) Z‐DE, (4) Z‐DEO, (5) Z‐nDEO, (6) Z‐DE‐DEO, and (7) Z‐DE‐nDEO. The physicochemical properties (thickness, moisture percent, tensile strength, elongation at break, Young's modulus, color, morphology, functional groups, and thermal resistance) of the activated films significantly improved (p ≤ .05). The total viable counts, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and psychrotrophic bacteria significantly decreased in all wrapped fillets compared to the unwrapped ones (p ≤ .05). Throughout storage period, the wrapped fillets exhibited lower changes in pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and total volatile‐based nitrogen values than the unwrapped fillets. According to the sensory findings, incorporating DE and nDEO in the zein films created significantly desirable aroma and flavor in the wrapped samples during storage time (p ≤ .05). Encapsulation of DEO with β‐cyclodextrin significantly fortified preservative effects of the films in fish fillets during storage period (p ≤ .05). In conclusion, the designated composite zein edible film containing DE and nDEO can be introduced as an active edible packaging in the shelf life improvement of common carp fillets during cold storage.
Planning and financing of RMNCH+A under National Health Mission: A case study of the Gurugram District of Haryana State
Authors: Gaylong Ruchi , Tiwari Vijay Kumar , Sherin Raj T. P.
Published: April 2023

Background

The Health Planning Process under National Health Mission (NHM) is participatory in nature and the State Programme Implementation Plan (PIP) is an aggregation of District PIPs which is examined and approved by the National Programme Coordination Committee (NPCC), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Many times there are delays in releasing of Record of Proceedings (ROPs)/approvals. This affects utilisation of NHM funds at district level and below and desired outcomes are not achieved. The present study aims to analyse the process of fund flow, disbursement and utilisation of funds on various components under Reproductive Maternal New born Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) in the district Gurugram.

Methodology

The study was conducted in the District Gurugram of Haryana State, India. One Community Health Centres (CHCs), two Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and four Sub Health Centres were randomly selected. Primary and secondary data were collected in the study. Medical Officer (I/C), Accounts Staff and Health Workers were interviewed using separate schedules regarding process of disbursement, delays in release and utilisation of funds. Separate checklists were prepared to collect data on availability and utilisation of funds at District, CHC and PHC levels under different components of programme.

Findings

Study found that PIP is prepared with inputs from Block level but community participation at (PHC) and below was not present. There was a delay in reaching funds to district due to delayed release of ROPs. Almost 30%–40% of the budget could not be utilised due to delay in receiving of budget. Utilisation of funds was less in some programme activities due to vacant positions project staff. Only 38% and 31% of the funds were utilised under the child health and family planning budget head for the district of Gurugram in the year 2016–17. Accounts staffs were overburdened which affected monitoring of funds utilisation. Budget release from State to District and below was through e‐Banking. Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) at Sub centre used to get Untied Funds at the end of third quarter. The Government introduced new 18 broad budget heads in NHM Budget for improving utilisation of budget.

Conclusion

Delayed release of ROPs and erroneous estimation of budget under the programme, very rigid and large number of budget heads poses challenges of understanding and analysing expenditure and affects utilisation of funds under the NHM. Moreover, vacant positions in the programme, unrealistic planning, weak community participation in planning of expenditure and unexplained budget cut in ROPs were main challenges faced by the District.
Studying the effect of the force convection boundary condition and radius magnetic field on fluid flow and heat transfer between coaxial pipes
Authors: Mohammadi Javad , Javanmard Mohsen , Esfandooni Reza Najafi , Askari Nematollah , Ghamati Mehdi , Taheri Mohammad Hasan
Published: April 2023

An investigation of the heat transfer of Newtonian fluid flow through coaxial two pipes with variable radius ratio has been conducted with the boundary conditions of forced convection on the inner pipe walls and a radius magnetic field. This paper presents an exact analytical solution to the momentum equation and a novel semi‐analytic collocation method for solving the full‐term energy equation that takes Joule heating into account as well as viscous dissipation. Based on the results of the numerical fourth‐order Runge–Kutta method, it was found that increasing the magnetic parameter decreased the amount of friction on the surface of the pipe walls and the rate of heat transfer. As the radius ratio of the two pipes increases, so does the skin friction and heat transfer rate on the internal pipe walls. As Eckert (Ec) and Prandtl (Pr) numbers increase, the mean temperature as well as the dimensionless temperature between the two pipes increases. The increase in Biot number (Bi) has the opposite impact on the mean temperature. As Ec, Pr, and Bi increase, so does the rate of heat transfer on the inner wall of the pipe.
Bacterial biosynthesis of flavonoids: Overview, current biotechnology applications, challenges, and prospects
Authors: Okoye Charles O. , Jiang Huifang , Wu Yanfang , Li Xia , Gao Lu , Wang Yongli , Jiang Jianxiong
Published: April 2023

Flavonoids are secondary metabolites present in plant organs and tissues. These natural metabolites are the most prevalent and display a wide range of beneficial physiological effects, making them usually intriguing in several scientific fields. Due to their safety for use and protective attributes, including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial functions, flavonoids are broadly utilized in foods, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals. However, conventional methods for producing flavonoids, such as plant extraction and chemical synthesis, entailed dangerous substances, and laborious procedures, with low product yield. Recent studies have documented the ability of microorganisms, such as fungi and bacteria, to synthesize adequate amounts of flavonoids. Bacterial biosynthesis of flavonoids from plant biomass is a viable and environmentally friendly technique for producing flavonoids on a larger scale and has recently received much attention. Still, only a few bacteria species, particularly Escherichia coli, have been extensively studied. The most recent developments in bacterial biosynthesis of flavonoids are reviewed and discussed in this article, including their various applications as natural food biocontrol agents. In addition, the challenges currently faced in bacterial flavonoid biosynthesis and possible solutions, including the application of modern biotechnology approaches for developing bacterial strains that could successfully produce flavonoids on an industrial scale, were elucidated.
Gene therapy for urea cycle defects: An update from historical perspectives to future prospects
Authors: Duff Claire , Alexander Ian E. , Baruteau Julien
Published: April 2023

Urea cycle defects (UCDs) are severe inherited metabolic diseases with high unmet needs which present a permanent risk of hyperammonaemic decompensation and subsequent acute death or neurological sequelae, when treated with conventional dietetic and medical therapies. Liver transplantation is currently the only curative option, but has the potential to be supplanted by highly effective gene therapy interventions without the attendant need for life‐long immunosuppression or limitations imposed by donor liver supply. Over the last three decades, pioneering genetic technologies have been explored to circumvent the consequences of UCDs, improve quality of life and long‐term outcomes: adenoviral vectors, adeno‐associated viral vectors, gene editing, genome integration and non‐viral technology with messenger RNA. In this review, we present a summarised view of this historical path, which includes some seminal milestones of the gene therapy's epic. We provide an update about the state of the art of gene therapy technologies for UCDs and the current advantages and pitfalls driving future directions for research and development.
Purified cellulase‐mediated simultaneous sugar utilization by Bacillus albus isolated from Similipal, Odisha, India
Authors: Paul Manish , Das Mohapatra Pradeep K. , Thatoi Hrudayanath
Published: April 2023

Among 24 isolated cellulolytic bacteria from Similipal Biosphere Reserve, the most efficient isolate was recognized as a strain of Bacillus albus. This strain of B. albus was evaluated for cellulase production and the cellulase activity was measured in submerged fermentation using substrate carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Different nutritional (carbon, nitrogen, and metal‐ion sources) and physical variables (pH, temperature, substrate concentration, and incubation time) during the growth of B. albus were optimized to obtain maximum cellulase activity. The highest cellulase activity of 5.79 U/mL for B. albus was observed at pH 6.75, temperature 37.5°C, CMC concentration 8.5 g/L, and 42 h incubation time. Further, supplementation of glucose as a subsidiary carbon source, yeast extract, peptone as nitrogen sources, and MgSO4 and MnSO4 as metal‐ion sources enhance the cellulase activity of B. albus. The purified enzyme was reported to have a molecular weight of ∼54 kDa as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A zymogram analysis evidenced the cellulase activity of the purified enzyme fractions obtained from diethylaminoethyl cellulose chromatography. The purified cellulase was reported to have an optimum pH and temperature of 7.0°C and 50°C, respectively with a capacity of retaining its 60% residual activity within pH 6.0–8.0 and temperature 30–40°C, respectively. The metal ions, K+ and Na+ were the activators, while Pb2+ and Hg2+ were the inhibitors for the purified cellulase. The purified cellulase showed Km and Vmax values of 0.38 M and 8.19 U/mL, respectively, in presence of the substrate CMC and also simultaneous consumption of both hexose and pentose sugars.
Creativity and Flow: Not a Simple Relationship
Authors: Thomson Paula , Jaque S. Victoria
Published: April 2023

In this study, flow, both dispositional and state, and movement‐based creative processing were investigated in a group of pre‐professional and professional dancers (N = 288) who were involved in the creation, rehearsal, and performance of a new dance work(s). Dance is both movement‐based and group‐based. The Experience of Creativity Questionnaire and Dispositional Flow Scale were administered 2 weeks prior to the performance of the new choreography. The state flow data were collected immediately after the completion of the final dress rehearsal and immediately following the opening night performance. The results of this quasi‐experimental study demonstrated that the association with creative processes and dispositional flow dimensions yielded weak significance. Many creative processing dimensions predicted state dress and performance flow conditions, although the predominant predictors were Clarity and Preparation, Creative Anxiety (negative predictor), and Beyond the Personal. The uniqueness of this study was that it focused on movement‐based creative processing and its relation with dispositional and state flow.
Dilute‐and‐shoot approach for determination of several biomarkers and pharmaceuticals in wastewater using nanoflow liquid chromatography – Orbitrap mass spectrometry
Authors: Fedorenko Deniss , Podjava Antons , Prikulis Arvis , Bartkevics Vadims
Published: April 2023

A new method for quantitative analysis of several biomarkers and pharmaceutical compounds in wastewater has been developed employing nanoflow liquid chromatography with Orbitrap mass spectrometry. An easy dilute‐and‐shoot approach has been used for sample preparation with a dilution factor of 5. Improved retention of ionic and highly polar compounds has been achieved by the addition of tetrabutylammonium bromide as an ion pair reagent into the final diluted sample. The new nanoflow liquid chromatography method has demonstrated low matrix effects (70%–111%), high sensitivity in terms of limits of quantification (0.005 to 0.3 μg/L), low injection volume (70 nl) and solvent consumption, and the ability to analyze diverse polar and ionic analytes within one run using a single reversed‐phase nanoflow liquid chromatography column. Wastewater samples (n = 116) from the wastewater treatment plants of different cities in Latvia were analyzed using the developed method. The observed concentrations of biomarkers were in line with the literature data.
Size fractionated biogeochemical constituents across adjacent coastal systems informs approaches for integrating small catchment studies into regional models
Authors: Khoo Celyn L.L. , Sipler Rachel E. , Faulkner Sally J.M. , Boyd Sean G. , Foroutani Maryam Beheshti , McBride Colleen E. , Ziegler Susan E.
Published: April 2023

Observed and predicted hydrological changes in C‐rich boreal ecosystems have the ability to change the transport trajectory of biogeochemical constituents from the land to ecologically, economically, and culturally important coastal systems. Yet, most of our current understanding of biogeochemical fluxes and cycling across salinity gradients stem from observations of large and urbanized riverine systems, which overlooks the numerically abundant smaller systems. In this study, we conducted a baseline assessment of the biogeochemical constituents across salinity gradients among two adjacent small systems in the boreal zone. Dissolved iron (DFe) and its ratio with dissolved organic carbon (DFe : DOC) were the most sensitive indicators for small catchment heterogeneity. These parameters were the best indicators of change among coastal systems across regional and seasonal scales. Our results also confirm consistencies in common optical measures (SUVA254 and S[275–295/350–400]) and DOC to nitrogen ratios that may adequately provide representation of biogeochemical composition on a regional scale. Simultaneous variation in biogeochemical parameters across particulate and dissolved pools during the summer‐to‐fall transition period indicate this as an important timeframe for targeted investigation of the linkages between biogeochemical parameters and coastal ecosystem functioning. By providing some key spatial and temporal constraints on biogeochemical fluxes among boreal river‐estuaries, our findings indicate that DFe and DFe : DOC ratios should be used to design research aimed at capturing regional and coastal ecosystem scale biogeochemical fluxes to inform Earth System Models.
Benefits and challenges of online teaching: Lessons and perspectives gained during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Wyatt Briana M. , Aburto Felipe , Howe Julie A. , Smith Ashley Peyton
Published: April 2023

Though universities have offered online education options since the 1990s, the coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic led to increased online course development and implementation worldwide. Transitioning to online learning during the pandemic created challenges and opportunities for instructors and students alike, especially in the soil and environmental sciences, where laboratory and field work is essential for training students. Our review of the available literature and the authors' personal experiences suggests that many students struggled with the transition, with a lack of adequate internet access representing a significant barrier for many university students. Similarly, some instructors struggled with transitioning away from in‐person learning, while others took the opportunity to create novel resources, institute new learning frameworks, and develop unique online course content. Here we seek to describe some of the major challenges and benefits related to the transition to online learning during COVID‐19 as well as the efficacy of different online course types, including the perspectives of both university students and instructors based on both the authors’ experience at three universities in two countries and on the published literature. Based on these findings, we also make recommendations regarding future online course development in soil and environmental science fields.
Utility Staff Mount a Heroic Response to an Urban Wildfire
Authors: Kowar Kurt
Published: April 2023

From system assessment to recovery, a water utility's staff went beyond the call of duty to respond to the most destructive structural wildfire in Colorado history.
Operators Need to Know How to Determine What's in an Unknown
Authors: Adams Hunter , Wagner Mary Carol , Fleming Jaime , Musser James , Reyes Dimas , Ash Steve , Southard Mark
Published: April 2023

Understanding how different types of laboratory analyses can be used to make determinations on unknown samples can guide operators in their response.
Hone Hydrant Assembly Skills With Hydrant Hysteria
Authors: Wells Brielle
Published: April 2023

AWWA's competitions, presented at AWWA's Annual Conference & Exposition (ACE) each June, are a great way for operators to get to know other water professionals and get connected with their section events. Of the five annual operator competitions, Hydrant Hysteria is the newest and fastest‐growing initiative of AWWA's Operator Involvement Committee.