bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular mechanism for direct actin force-sensing by α-catenin
Authors: Mei Lin , Espinosa de los Reyes Santiago , Reynolds Matthew J , Leicher Rachel , Liu Shixin , Alushin Gregory M
Published: September 2020

The actin cytoskeleton mediates mechanical coupling between cells and their tissue microenvironments. The architecture and composition of actin networks are modulated by force; however, it is unclear how interactions between actin filaments (F-actin) and associated proteins are mechanically regulated. Here we employ both optical trapping and biochemical reconstitution with myosin motor proteins to show single piconewton forces applied solely to F-actin enhance binding by the human version of the essential cell-cell adhesion protein αE-catenin but not its homolog vinculin. Cryo-electron microscopy structures of both proteins bound to F-actin reveal unique rearrangements that facilitate their flexible C-termini refolding to engage distinct interfaces. Truncating α-catenin’s C-terminus eliminates force-activated F-actin binding, and addition of this motif to vinculin confers force-activated binding, demonstrating that α-catenin’s C-terminus is a modular detector of F-actin tension. Our studies establish that piconewton force on F-actin can enhance partner binding, which we propose mechanically regulates cellular adhesion through α-catenin.
Description of the unusual digestive tract ofPlatax orbicularisand the potential impact ofTenacibaculum maritimuminfection
Authors: Alix Maud , Gasset Eric , Bardon-Albaret Agnes , Noel Jean , Pirot Nelly , Perez Valérie , Coves Denis , Saulnier Denis , Lignot Jehan-Hervé , Cucchi Patricia N.
Published: September 2020

Background

Ephippidae fish are characterized by a discoid shape with a very small visceral cavity. Among themPlatax orbicularishas a high economic potential due to its flesh quality and flesh to carcass ratio. Nonetheless, the development of its aquaculture is limited by high mortality rates, especially due toTenacibaculum maritimuminfection, occurring one to three weeks after the transfer of fishes from bio-secure land-based aquaculture system to the lagoon cages for growth. Among the lines of defense against this microbial infection, the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is less studied. The knowledge about the morphofunctional anatomy of this organ inP. orbicularisis still scarce. Therefore, the aims of this study are to characterize the GIT in non-infectedP. orbicularisjuveniles to then investigate the impact ofT. maritimumon this multifunctional organ.

Methods

In the first place, the morpho-anatomy of the GIT in non-infected individuals was characterized using various histological techniques. Then, infected individuals, experimentally challenged byT. maritimumwere analysed and compared to the previously established GIT reference.

Results

The overlapped shape of the GIT ofP. orbicularisis probably due to its constrained compaction in a narrow visceral cavity. Firstly, the GIT was divided into 10 sections, from the esophagus to the rectum. For each section, the structure of the walls was characterized, with a focus on mucus secretions and the presence of the Na+/K+ATPase pump. An identification key allowing the characterization of the GIT sections usingin totohistology is given. Secondly, individuals challenged withT. maritimumexhibited differences in mucus type and proportion and, modifications in the mucosal and muscle layers. These changes could induce an imbalance in the trade-off between the GIT functions which may be in favour of protection and immunity to the disadvantage of nutrition capacities.
Dryness
Authors: Dobiński Wojciech
Published: September 2020

Dry areas cover about 45% of inhabited lands and at least 14 million km
2
of glaciated areas. Antarctica is the driest continent on Earth. Dryness refers to absence of liquid water, when water is either completely absent or only present in the solid or gaseous form. Wetness can only be attributed to liquid water. The atmosphere is dry when water vapor does not reach the dew point; in the lithosphere, this occurs when all free water is evaporated or frozen. When drying occurs through water evaporation, the natural water cycle remains active as water continues to circulate in its gaseous form. Drying through freezing transfers the water into the solid state, which belongs to the lithosphere, delaying or halting the circulation of water thus sequestered. Dry conditions, in general, are detrimental to life processes. Both types of dryness also significantly increase the fire hazard in the areas where they occur.
Hub and spoke networks
Authors: O'Kelly Morton E.
Published: September 2020

The hub and spoke network is a vitally important concept for transport systems. The hub network handles flows between a set of origins and destinations. The hubs are linked together and allow pathways between spoke cities through the hub subnetwork.
Fimbriimonadia
Authors: Quan Zhe‐Xue , Im Wan‐Taek
Published: September 2020

Fim.bri.i.mo.na'dia. N.L. fem. n.
Fimbriimonas
type genus of the type order of the class; suff. ‐
ia
, ending to denote a class; N.L. neut. pl. n.
Fimbriimonadia
the class of the order
Fimbriimonadales
.

Armatimonadetes / Fimbriimonadia

The delineation of the class of the
Fimbriimonadia
is based on phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences. The class belongs to the phylum
Armatimonadetes
, and is currently represented by a single order (
Fimbriimonadales
) with a single family (
Fimbriimonadaceae
) and a single genus (
Fimbriimonas
). The class
Fimbriimonadia
encompasses bacteria and related 16S rRNA gene sequences mainly from soil habitats, freshwater habitats, aerobic or anaerobic sludges, and hot springs.
Thermogemmatisporaceae
Authors: Yabe Shuhei , Yokota Akira
Published: September 2020

Ther.mo.gem.ma.ti.spo.ra.ce'ae. N.L. fem. n.
Thermogemmatispora
type genus of the family; ‐
aceae
ending to denote a family; N.L. fem. pl. n.
Thermogemmatisporaceae
the
Thermogemmatispora
family.

Chloroflexi / Ktedonobacteria / Thermogemmatisporales / Thermogemmatisporaceae

The family
Thermogemmatisporaceae
contains only one genus (
Thermogemmatispora
), which has five species with validly published names. Members of the family comprise aerobic, thermophilic, Gram‐positive bacteria showing branched vegetative and aerial mycelia, and formation of spores by budding on the aerial mycelia. Oxidase‐positive, catalase‐positive. The family
Thermogemmatisporaceae
is circumscribed herein on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequences. Members of the family were isolated from sediments or leaves deposited on geothermally heated soil. Phylogenetic relevance of the members and detailed description are the same as for the genus
Thermogemmatispora
.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 58.1–63.1.

Type genus
:
Thermogemmatispora
Yabe et al. 2011.
Thermogemmatisporales
Authors: Yabe Shuhei , Yokota Akira
Published: September 2020

Ther.mo.gem.ma.ti.spo.ra'les. N.L. fem. n.
Thermogemmatispora
type genus of the order; ‐
ales
ending to denote an order; N.L. fem. pl. n.
Thermogemmatisporales
the order of the genus
Thermogemmatispora
.

Chloroflexi / Ktedonobacteria / Thermogemmatisporales

The order
Thermogemmatisporales
contains only one genus (
Thermogemmatispora
), which has five species with validly published names. Members of the order comprise aerobic, thermophilic, Gram‐stain‐positive bacteria with branched vegetative and aerial mycelia and formation of spores by budding on the aerial mycelia. Oxidase‐positive, catalase‐positive. The order
Thermogemmatisporales
is circumscribed herein on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequences. Members of the order were isolated from sediments or leaves deposited on geothermally heated soil. Phylogenetic relevance of the members and detailed description are the same as for the genus
Thermogemmatispora
.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 58.1–63.1.

Type genus
:
Thermogemmatispora
Yabe et al. 2011.
Comparison of VMAT complexity‐reduction strategies for single‐target cranial radiosurgery with the Eclipse treatment planning system
Authors: Lobb Eric C. , Degnan Michael
Published: September 2020

Complexity in MLC‐based radiosurgery treatment delivery can be characterized by the efficiency of monitor unit (MU) utilization and the average MLC leaf separation distance for a treatment plan. A reduction in plan complexity may be desirable if plan quality is not impacted. In this study, a number of strategies are explored to determine how plan quality is affected by efforts to reduce plan complexity. Ten radiosurgery cases of varying complexity are retrospectively planned using six optimization strategies: an unconstrained volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) technique, a MU‐constrained VMAT technique, three techniques using various strengths of the aperture shape controller (ASC), and a hybrid technique consisting of a final‐stage VMAT optimization applied to a dynamic conformal arc leaf sequence (ODCA). The plans are compared in terms of MU efficiency, MLC leaf‐separation, conformity index (CI), gradient index (GI), and QA measurement results. The five VMAT techniques exhibited only minor differences in CI and GI values, though the ASC and MU‐constrained techniques did require 6–20% fewer MU and had mean field apertures 5–19% larger. On average, the ODCA technique had CI values 3.5% lower and GI values 1.0–2.5% higher than the VMAT techniques, but also had a mean field aperture 24–47% larger and required 16–32% fewer MU. The QA measurement results showed a 0.61% variation in mean per‐field 2%/1 mm gamma passing rates across all techniques (range 96.81%–97.42%), with no observed correlation between passing rate and technique. For simple targets, the ODCA technique achieved CI results that were equivalent to the unconstrained VMAT technique with an average 30% reduction in required MU, an average 50% increase in mean leaf separation distance, and brain V12Gy values within 0.38 cc of the VMAT technique for targets up to approximately 2 cm diameter. For MLC‐based single‐target radiosurgery, plan complexity can often be significantly reduced without an equivalent reduction in plan quality.
Achieving Pseudo‐Ductile Behavior of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites via Interfacial Engineering
Authors: Szebényi Gábor , Magyar Balázs , Czigany Tibor
Published: September 2020

This article presents an investigation of the properties of interfacial engineered carbon fiber (CF) reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. Poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) is used as an interface engineering/interlayer material to modify the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) between the phases, with which it is aimed to increase the pseudo‐ductility of CFRPs. A stable crack propagation behavior can be achieved through interfacial engineering due to the locally weakened connection between the resin and the fiber reinforcement. Various grid patterns of PCL interfacial additive are designed, and 3D printed on the unidirectional (UD) CF (UDCF) surfaces by fused deposition modeling (FDM) and the UDCF is infiltrated with an amine‐cured epoxy (EP). The resulting composites are subjected to mechanical tests. In each case, the PCL‐rich interphase increases ductile pseudo‐behavior, and the type of grid affects the mechanical response.
Organic Thin Film Transistors in Mechanical Sensors
Authors: Lamport Zachary A. , Cavallari Marco Roberto , Kam Kevin A. , McGinn Christine K. , Yu Caroline , Kymissis Ioannis
Published: September 2020

The marriage of organic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs) and flexible mechanical sensors has enabled previously restricted applications to become a reality. Counterintuitively, the addition of an OTFT at each sensing element can reduce the overall complexity so that large‐area, low‐noise sensors can be fabricated. The best‐performing instance of this is the active matrix, used in display applications for many of the same reasons, and nearly any type of flexible mechanical sensor can be incorporated into these structures. In this Progress Report, some of the flexible sensor devices that have taken advantage of these mechanical properties are highlighted, examining the advantages that OTFTs offer in the hybrid integration of local amplification and switching. In particular, the current research on resistive pressure sensors, capacitive pressure sensors, resistive or piezoresistive strain sensors, and piezoelectric sensors is identified and enumerated.
Polymer Electrochromism Driven by Metabolic Activity Facilitates Rapid and Facile Bacterial Detection and Susceptibility Evaluation
Authors: Wu Jiayingzi , Zhu Yifan , You Liyan , Dong Pu‐Ting , Mei Jianguo , Cheng Ji‐Xin
Published: September 2020

The electrochromism of a water‐soluble naturally oxidized electrochromic polymer, ox‐PPE, is harnessed for rapid and facile bacterial detection, discrimination, and susceptibility testing. The ox‐PPE solution shows distinct colorimetric and spectroscopic changes within 30 min when mixed with live bacteria. For the underlying mechanism, it is found that ox‐PPE responds to the reducing species (e.g., cysteine and glutathione) released by metabolically active bacteria. This reduction reaction is ubiquitous among various bacterial strains, with a noticeable difference that enables discrimination of Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacterial strains. Combining ox‐PPE with antibiotics, methicillin‐susceptible and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus can be differentiated within 2.5 h. Proof‐of‐concept demonstration of ox‐PPE for antimicrobial susceptibility testing is carried out by incubating Escherichia coli with various antibiotics. The obtained minimum inhibition concentrations are consistent with the conventional culture‐based methods, but with the procedure time significantly shortened to 3 h.
Self‐Bondable and Stretchable Conductive Composite Fibers with Spatially Controlled Percolated Ag Nanoparticle Networks: Novel Integration Strategy for Wearable Electronics
Authors: Kwon Chaebeen , Seong Duhwan , Ha Jeongdae , Chun Dongwon , Bae Jee‐Hwan , Yoon Kukro , Lee Minkyu , Woo Janghoon , Won Chihyeong , Lee Seungmin , Mei Yongfeng , Jang Kyung‐In , Son Donghee , Lee Taeyoon
Published: September 2020

Advances in electronic textiles (E‐textiles) for next‐generation wearable electronics have originated from making a balance between electrical and mechanical properties of stretchy conductive fibers. Despite such progress, the trade‐off issue is still a challenge when individual fibers are woven and/or stretched undesirably. Time‐consuming fiber weaving has limited practical uses in scalable E‐textiles. Here, a facile method is presented to fabricate ultra‐stretchable Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs)/polyurethane (PU) hybrid conductive fibers by modulating solvent diffusion accompanied by in situ chemical reduction and adopting a tough self‐healing polymer (T‐SHP) as an encapsulation layer. First, the controlled diffusivity determines how formation of AgNPs is spatially distributed inside the fiber. Specifically, when a solvent with large molecular weight is used, the percolated AgNP networks exhibit the highest conductivity (30 485 S cm−1) even at 300% tensile strain and durable stretching cyclic performance without severe cracks by virtue of the efficient strain energy dissipation of T‐SHP encapsulation layers. The self‐bondable properties of T‐SHP encapsulated fibers enables self‐weavable interconnects. Using the new integration, mechanical and electrical durability of the self‐bonded fiber interconnects are demonstrated while stretching biaxially. Furthermore, the self‐bonding assembly is further visualized via fabrication of a complex structured E‐textile.
State of the Art and Perspectives of Hierarchical Zeolites: Practical Overview of Synthesis Methods and Use in Catalysis
Authors: Kerstens Dorien , Smeyers Brent , Van Waeyenberg Jonathan , Zhang Qiang , Yu Jihong , Sels Bert F.
Published: September 2020

Microporous zeolites have proven to be of great importance in many chemical processes. Yet, they often suffer from diffusion limitations causing inefficient use of the available catalytically active sites. To address this problem, hierarchical zeolites have been developed, which extensively improve the catalytic performance. There is a multitude of recent literature describing synthesis of and catalysis with these hierarchical zeolites. This review attempts to organize and overview this literature (of the last 5 years), with emphasis on the most important advances with regard to synthesis and application of such zeolites. Special attention is paid to the most common and important 10‐ and 12‐membered ring zeolites (MTT, TON, FER, MFI, MOR, FAU, and *BEA). In contrast to previous reviews, the research per zeolite topology is brought together and discussed here. This allows the reader to instantly find the best synthesis method in accordance to the desired zeolite properties. A summarizing graph is made available to enable the reader to select suitable synthesis procedures based on zeolite acidity and mesoporosity, the two most important tunable properties.
Enhancing the Long‐Term Robustness of Dropwise Condensation on Nanostructured Superhydrophobic Surfaces by Introducing 3D Conical Microtextures Prepared by Femtosecond Laser
Authors: Long Jiangyou , Zhou Peiyang , Huang Yajun , Xie Xiaozhu
Published: September 2020

Achieving sustainable dropwise condensation is still a challenge for the industrial applications of bio‐inspired superhydrophobic surfaces in the field of phase‐change heat transfer. In this work, 3D conical microtextures covered by various nanostructures are prepared by utilizing femtosecond laser micromachining and solid–liquid reactions, where the introduction of 3D conical microtextures affected both the early distribution and the subsequent coalescence and departure of condensed droplets. Due to the growth and coalescence of condensed droplets, some merged droplets cannot depart from the surfaces due to the pinning effect caused by the localized micro‐defects of imperfect nanoscale morphology or chemical heterogeneity, thus resulting in the generation of large pinned droplets. The introduction of 3D conical microtextures helps with the departure of these pinned droplets due to the enhanced Laplace expulsion of conical morphology, which inhibits the increase of large droplets and maintains stable dropwise condensation. The results provide an engineering feasible approach to enhance the long‐term robustness of dropwise condensation on superhydrophobic surfaces, thus benefiting the optimal design of practical bio‐inspired superhydrophobic surfaces.
Coating‐Mediated Nanomechanical Behaviors of CuO Electrodes in Li‐ and Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Hu Shuaishuai , Liu Huihui , Zheng He , Jia Shuangfeng , Chen Guoxujia , Jiang Renhui , Li Lei , Zhao Ligong , Zhao Dongshan , Wang Jianbo
Published: September 2020

Surface coating strategy has been proved essential for mitigating the large volume change in the electrodes for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), thus improving the cyclability and working efficiency of batteries. However, the mechanical instability of electrode generated by incorporating heterostructure interface between the coating and core materials remains largely unexplored. Here, the effects of carbon and gold coatings on the nanomechanical properties of CuO nanowires (NWs) are investigated based on the in situ experiments during the electrochemical reactions. It is found that the NW deformability is mediated by the coating materials as well as the reaction speed. Besides, the inhomogeneity between coating and core materials can promote the crack propagation in the lithiated/sodiated CuO/C NWs and sodiated CuO/Au NWs. Further study indicates that the namomechanical behaviors also depend on the different reaction stages, e.g., lithiation/sodiation or delithiation/desodiation. This work serves as a guidance for building better ion batteries not only with improved electrochemical properties but enhanced mechanical stabilities.
Emergency Food Provision for Children and Families during the COVID‐19 Pandemic: Examples from Five U.S. Cities
Authors: Jablonski Becca B.R. , Casnovsky Joy , Clark Jill K. , Cleary Rebecca , Feingold Beth , Freedman Darcy , Gray Steven , Romeiko Xiaobo , Olabisi Laura Schmitt , Torres Mariana , van den Berg Alexandra E. , Walsh Colleen , Wentworth Chelsea
Published: September 2020

As lockdown and school closure policies were implemented in response to the coronavirus, the federal government provided funding and relaxed its rules to support emergency food provision, but not guidance on best practices for effectiveness. Accordingly, cities developed a diverse patchwork of emergency feeding programs. This article uses qualitative data to provide insight into emergency food provision developed in five cities to serve children and families. Based on our qualitative analysis, we find that the effectiveness of local approaches appears to depend on: (i) cross‐sector collaboration, (ii) supply chains, and (iii) addressing gaps in service to increased risk populations.
Wilderness Medicine Education in the Time of Social Distancing and COVID‐19
Authors: Hill Adam D. , Pasik Sara D.
Published: September 2020

Wilderness medicine (WM) education has traditionally been conducted as in‐person training. The current COVID‐19 pandemic has forced medical schools to cancel clerkships and clinical electives and pivot to remote education. With online media modalities, it is possible to conduct a WM student elective remotely. The use of recorded audio lectures, instructional videos, choice‐based simulations, and video conferencing allows students access to nearly all necessary content under the guidance of instructors. Although hands‐on practicums are still essential to WM education, the process outlined here enables a temporary alternative during the time of necessary social distancing.
Feasibility of fecal microbiota transplantation via oral gavage to safely alter gut microbiome composition in marmosets
Authors: Ross Corinna N. , Reveles Kelly R.
Published: September 2020

Disruption of microbial communities within human hosts has been associated with infection, obesity, cognitive decline, cancer risk and frailty, suggesting that microbiome‐targeted therapies may be an option for improving healthspan and lifespan. The objectives of this study were to determine the feasibility of delivering fecal microbiota transplants (FMTs) to marmosets via oral gavage and to evaluate if alteration of the gut microbiome post‐FMT could be achieved. This was a prospective study of marmosets housed at the Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies in San Antonio, Texas. Eligible animals included healthy young adult males (age 2–5 years) with no recent medication use. Stool from two donors was combined and administered in 0.5 ml doses to five young recipients once weekly for 3 weeks. Safety outcomes and alterations in the gut microbiome composition via 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing were compared at baseline and monthly up to 6 months post‐FMT. Overall, significant differences in the percent relative abundance was seen in FMT recipients at the phylum and family levels from baseline to 1 month and baseline to 6 months post‐FMT. In permutational multivariate analysis of variance analyses, treatment status (donor vs. recipient) (p = .056) and time course (p = .019) predicted β diversity (p = .056). The FMT recipients did not experience any negative health outcomes over the course of the treatment. FMT via oral gavage was safe to administer to young adult marmosets. The marmoset microbiome may be altered by FMT; however, progressive changes in the microbiome are strongly driven by the host and its baseline microbiome composition.
Hostility on Display: Why and When Corporations Aren't Really Big Fans of Arbitration
Authors: Frankel Richard
Published: September 2020

Over the past 30 years, corporations and businesses have been strong proponents of binding, mandatory arbitration as an alternative to litigation, particularly in their contracts with individual consumers and employees.
‘In the Neighbourhood’: Broader Schemes Start Locally
Authors: Samuel Adam
Published: September 2020

Some years ago, I was dealing with a domain name dispute concerning a burlesque night club in a “colourful” part of London.
Interfacing Living and Synthetic Cells as an Emerging Frontier in Synthetic Biology
Authors: Elani Yuval
Published: September 2020

The construction of artificial cells from inanimate molecular building blocks is one of the grand challenges of our time. In addition to being used as simplified cell models to decipher the rules of life, artificial cells have the potential to be designed as micromachines deployed in a host of clinical and industrial applications. The attractions of engineering artificial cells from scratch, as opposed to re‐engineering living biological cells, are varied. However, it is clear that artificial cells cannot currently match the power and behavioural sophistication of their biological counterparts. Given this, many in the synthetic biology community have started to ask: is it possible to interface biological and artificial cells together to create hybrid living/synthetic systems that leverage the advantages of both? This article will discuss the motivation behind this cellular bionics approach, in which the boundaries between living and non‐living matter are blurred by bridging top‐down and bottom‐up synthetic biology. It details the state of play of this nascent field and introduces three generalised hybridisation modes that have emerged.
Enantioselective Synthesis of 1‐Aryl Benzo[5]helicenes Using BINOL‐Derived Cationic Phosphonites as Ancillary Ligands
Authors: Redero Pablo , Hartung Thierry , Zhang Jianwei , Nicholls Leo D. M. , Zichen Guo , Simon Martin , Golz Christopher , Alcarazo Manuel
Published: September 2020

The synthesis of unprecedented BINOL‐derived cationic phosphonites is described. Through the use of these phosphanes as ancillary ligands in AuI catalysis, a highly regio‐ and enantioselective assembly of appropriately designed alkynes into 1‐(aryl)benzo[5]carbohelicenes is achieved. The modular synthesis of these ligands and the enhanced reactivity that they impart to AuI‐centers after coordination have been found to be the key features that allow an optimization of the reaction conditions until the desired benzo[5]helicenes are obtained with high yield and enantioselectivity.
Metal–Organic Framework Derived Bimetallic Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Sanati Soheila , Abazari Reza , Albero Josep , Morsali Ali , García Hermenegildo , Liang Zibin , Zou Ruqiang
Published: September 2020

Supercapacitors (SCs), showing excellent power density, long service life, and high reversibility, have received great attention because of the increasing demand for energy storage devices. To further improve their performance, it is essential to develop advanced electrode materials. One group of materials, porous crystalline solids referred to as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), have proved to be excellent templates for synthesizing functional materials to be employed in the preparation of electrodes for SCs. In comparison to monometallic MOFs, bimetallic MOFs and their derivatives offer a number of advantages, including tunable electrochemical activity, high charge capacity, and improved electrical conductivity. This review focuses on the use of MOF‐derived bimetallic materials in SCs, the origin of the improved performance, and the latest developments in the field. Furthermore, the challenges and perspectives in this research area are discussed.
Cell Death Mediated by the Pyroptosis Pathway with the Aid of Nanotechnology: Prospects for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Wu Dan , Wang Sheng , Yu Guocan , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: September 2020

Pyroptosis, a unique form of programmed cell death (PCD) that is characterized by DNA fragmentation, chromatin condensation, cellular swelling with big bubbles, and leakage of cell content, has been proven to have a close relationship with human diseases, such as inflammatory diseases and malignant tumors. Since a new gasdermin‐D (GSDMD) protein was identified in 2015, various strategies have been developed to induce pyroptosis for cancer therapy, including ions, small‐molecule drugs and nanomaterials. Although there are a number of reviews about the close relationship between the pyroptosis mechanism and the occurrence of various cancers, a summary covering recent progress in the field of nanomedicines in pyroptosis‐based cancer therapy has not yet been presented. Therefore, it is urgent to fill this gap and light up future directions for the use of this powerful tool to combat cancer. In this Minireview, recent progress in cancer treatment based on pyroptosis induced by nanoparticles will be described in detail, the design highlights and the therapeutic advantages are emphasized, and future perspectives in this emerging area are proposed.
The Effect of SiMe3 and SiEt3Para Substituents for High Activity and Introduction of a Hydroxy Group in Ethylene Copolymerization Catalyzed by Phenoxide‐Modified Half‐Titanocenes
Authors: Kitphaitun Suphitchaya , Yan Qing , Nomura Kotohiro
Published: September 2020

Remarkable effects of SiMe3 and SiEt3 para‐substituents in the phenoxide‐modified half‐titanocenes, Cp*TiCl2(O‐2,6‐iPr2‐4‐R‐C6H2) [R=SiMe3 (6), SiEt3 (7)], toward the catalytic activities in ethylene copolymerizations with 2‐methyl‐1‐pentene, 1‐decene, 1‐dodecene and with 9‐decen‐1‐ol (DC‐OH) have been demonstrated. The activities by 6, 7 at 50 °C showed higher than those conducted at 25 °C in all cases in the presence of MAO cocatalyst. Efficient synthesis of high‐molecular‐weight (HMW) ethylene copolymers incorporating DC‐OH (or 5‐hexen‐1‐ol, HX‐OH) has been attained in the copolymerization by 7, which showed better DC‐OH (HX‐OH) incorporation at 50 °C to afford the HMW copolymers, poly(ethylene‐co‐DC‐OH)s, with high activities (activity 1.21–3.81×105 kg‐polymer mol−1‐Ti h, Mn=6.55–10.0×104, DC‐OH 2.3–3.6 mol %).
A Green and Wide‐Scope Approach for Chiroptical Sensing of Organic Molecules through Biomimetic Recognition in Water
Authors: Wang Li‐Li , Quan Mao , Yang Ti‐Long , Chen Zhao , Jiang Wei
Published: September 2020

Optical chirality sensing has attracted a lot of interest due to its potential in high‐throughput screening in chirality analysis. A molecular sensor is required to convert the chirality of analytes into optical signals. Although many molecular sensors have been reported, sensors with wide substrate scope remain to be developed. Herein, we report that the amide naphthotube‐based chirality sensors have an unprecedented wide scope for chiroptical sensing of organic molecules. The substrates include, but are not limited to common organic products in asymmetric catalysis, chiral molecules with inert groups or remote functional groups from their chiral centers, natural products and their derivatives, and chiral drugs. The effective chirality sensing is based on biomimetic recognition in water and on effective chirality transfer through guest‐induced formation of a chiral conformation of the sensors. Furthermore, the sensors can be used in real‐time monitoring on reaction kinetics in water and in determining absolute configurations and ee values of the products in asymmetric catalysis.
Towards Green Ammonia Synthesis through Plasma‐Driven Nitrogen Oxidation and Catalytic Reduction
Authors: Hollevoet Lander , Jardali Fatme , Gorbanev Yury , Creel James , Bogaerts Annemie , Martens Johan A.
Published: September 2020

Ammonia is an industrial large‐volume chemical, with its main application in fertilizer production. It also attracts increasing attention as a green‐energy vector. Over the past century, ammonia production has been dominated by the Haber–Bosch process, in which a mixture of nitrogen and hydrogen gas is converted to ammonia at high temperatures and pressures. Haber–Bosch processes with natural gas as the source of hydrogen are responsible for a significant share of the global CO2 emissions. Processes involving plasma are currently being investigated as an alternative for decentralized ammonia production powered by renewable energy sources. In this work, we present the PNOCRA process (plasma nitrogen oxidation and catalytic reduction to ammonia), combining plasma‐assisted nitrogen oxidation and lean NOx trap technology, adopted from diesel‐engine exhaust gas aftertreatment technology. PNOCRA achieves an energy requirement of 4.6 MJ mol−1 NH3, which is more than four times less than the state‐of‐the‐art plasma‐enabled ammonia synthesis from N2 and H2 with reasonable yield (>1 %).
Molecular Engineering through Control of Structural Deformation for Highly Efficient Ultralong Organic Phosphorescence
Authors: Yin Zheng , Gu Mingxing , Ma Huili , Jiang Xueyan , Zhi Jiahuan , Wang Yafei , Yang Huifang , Zhu Weiguo , An Zhongfu
Published: September 2020

It is an enormous challenge to achieve highly efficient organic room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) with a long lifetime. We demonstrate that, by bridging the carbazole and halogenated phenyl ring with a methylene linker, RTP phosphors CzBX (X=Cl, Br) present high phosphorescence efficiency (ΦPh). A ΦPh up to 38 % was obtained for CzBBr with a lifetime of 220 ms, which is much higher than that of compounds CzPX (X=Cl, Br) with a C−N bond as a linker (ΦPh<1 %). Single‐crystal analysis and theoretical calculations revealed that, in the crystal phase, intermolecular π‐Br interactions accelerate the intersystem crossing process, while tetrahedron‐like structures induced by sp3 methylene linkers restrain the nonradiative decay channel, leading to the high phosphorescence efficiency in CzBBr. This research paves a new road toward highly efficient and long‐lived RTP materials with potential applications in anti‐counterfeiting or data encryption.
Catalyst‐Free Synthesis of O‐Heteroacenes by Ladderization of Fluorinated Oligophenylenes
Authors: Feofanov Mikhail , Akhmetov Vladimir , Takayama Ryo , Amsharov Konstantin
Published: September 2020

A novel catalyst‐free approach to benzoannulated oxygen‐containing heterocycles from fluorinated oligophenylenes is reported. Unlike existing methods, the presented reaction does not require an oxygen‐containing precursor and relies on an external oxygen source, potassium tert‐butoxide, which serves as an O2− synthon. The radical nature of the reaction facilitates nucleophilic substitution even in the presence of strong electron‐donating groups and enables de‐tert‐butylation required for the complete annulation. Also demonstrated is the applicability of the method to introduce five‐, six‐, and seven‐membered rings containing oxygen, whereas multiple annulations also open up a short synthetic path to ladder‐type O‐heteroacenes and oligodibenzofurans.
Modular Reconfigurable DNA Origami: From Two‐Dimensional to Three‐Dimensional Structures
Authors: Liu Yan , Cheng Jin , Fan Sisi , Ge Huan , Luo Tao , Tang Linlin , Ji Bin , Zhang Chuan , Cui Daxiang , Ke Yonggang , Song Jie
Published: September 2020

DNA origami enables the manipulation of objects at nanoscale, and demonstrates unprecedented versatility for fabricating both static and dynamic nanostructures. In this work, we introduce a new strategy for transferring modular reconfigurable DNA nanostructures from two‐dimensional to three‐dimensional. A 2D DNA sheet could be modularized into connected parts (e.g., two, three, and four parts in this work), which can be independently transformed between two conformations with a few DNA “trigger” strands. More interestingly, the transformation of the connected 2D modules can lead to the controlled, resettable structural conversion of a 2D sheet to a 3D architecture, due to the constraints induced by the connections between the 2D modules. This new approach can provide an efficient mean for constructing programmable, higher‐order, and complex DNA objects, as well as sophisticated dynamic substrates for various applications.
Synthesis and characterization of natural rubber‐based telechelic oligomers via olefin metathesis
Authors: Hu Guangwei , Lin Shaohui , Zhao Boxin , Pan Qinmin
Published: September 2020

Metathesis degradation and functionalization of natural rubber (NR) were conducted with 1‐hexene, 1‐octene, 1‐decene, 1‐dodecene, trans‐stilbene, and 4,4′‐dibromo‐trans‐stilbene as chain transfer agents (CTAs) in presence of Grubbs 2nd generation catalyst to generate NR‐based telechelic oligomers that had been a long‐lasting challenge due to the structure and compositions of NR with various impurities. Orthogonal experiments were applied and the effects of the CTA type, CTA concentration, catalyst concentration, reaction time, and reaction temperature on the formation of telechelic oligomers were studied, indicating that the catalyst concentration was the major factor influencing the number average molecular weights (Mn) and polymer dispersity index (PDI) of telechelic oligomers. The structures of the oligomers were characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and MALDI‐TOF‐MS, which confirmed the formation of the designed terminal groups. The results showed that well‐defined telechelic oligomers with a Mn of a few thousand and a PDI around 1.6 were obtained, with potential applications in binder, lubricant and many other fields.
Versatile poly(maltose) micro/nanoparticles with tunable surface functionality as a biomaterial
Authors: Kurt Saliha B. , Ayyala Ramesh S. , Sahiner Nurettin
Published: September 2020

Maltose, a natural disaccharide, was crosslinked with divinyl sulfone to prepare poly(maltose) (p(MAL)) micro/nanoparticles via one step microemulsion system with ≥90% ± 5% yield in a size rage of 0.5–100 μm for the first time. P(MAL) was modified (m‐p(MAL)) with ethylenediamine (EDA), polyethyleneimine (PEI), and taurine (TA) to render additional functionalities, that is, amine and sulfate groups. The isoelectronic point of bare p(MAL) particles were calculated at pH 2.2 ± 0.5 and was changed to 1.3 ± 0.5, 4.3 ± 1.0, and 8.1 ± 0.7 for TA (p(MAL)/TA), EDA (p(MAL)/EDA), and PEI (p(MAL)/PEI) modification, respectively. Bare p(MAL) particles were found to be biocompatible up to 2 mg/ml with hemolysis and blood clotting tests, whereas the modified p(MAL) particles were found to be biocompatible at 1 mg/ml concentration. Additionally, it was found that TA‐ and PEI‐modified p(MAL) particles induced blood clotting mechanisms. Sodium diclofenac as model drug was released at proportions of 8.7% ± 1.3%, 3.9% ± 0.2%, 8.8% ± 0.9%, and 31.6% ± 0.4% of the loaded drug in phosphate buffered saline solution from p(MAL), p(MAL)/TA, p(MAL)/EDA, and p(MAL)/PEI, respectively. The inhibition of antimicrobial activity of p(MAL)/PEI particles at 20 mg/ml concentration for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strain was determined as 99.86% ± 0.3% and 99.79% ± 0.25%, respectively.
Fabrication of cellulose acetate‐based radiation grafted anion exchange membranes for fuel cell application
Authors: Samaniego Angelo Jacob , Arabelo Allison Kaye , Sarker Mrittunjoy , Mojica Felipe , Madrid Jordan , Chuang Po‐Ya Abel , Ocon Joey , Espiritu Richard
Published: September 2020

Novel cellulose acetate‐based anion exchange membranes (CA‐AEM) are successfully synthesized via gamma radiation grafting as a possible renewable alternative to commercial AEMs. Using CA film precursors with degree of acetylation of 2.5, the synthesized AEM shows a high ion exchange capacity of 2.15 mmol g−1 obtained at high degree of grafting of 45%. It was determined using thermogravimetric analysis that the radiation‐grafted CA‐AEM has stable amine functional groups under oxygen environment within the normal operating temperature range of alkaline fuel cells. The CA‐AEM also exhibits appreciable performance over a range of temperatures, with a highest ionic conductivity of up to 0.163 S cm−1 depending on the synthesis parameters. Results revealed that membranes prepared using gamma radiation dose of 31 kGy and above are susceptible to mechanical and dimensional instability due to increased water uptake and degree of swelling. Further study should consider the balance between grafting parameters and the desired hydrophysical properties.
Phenotypic characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana lines overexpressing AVP1 and MIOX4 in response to abiotic stresses
Authors: Nepal Nirman , Yactayo‐Chang Jessica P. , Gable Ricky , Wilkie Austin , Martin Jazmin , Aniemena Chineche L. , Gaxiola Roberto , Lorence Argelia
Published: September 2020

Premise

AVP1 (H+‐pyrophosphatase) and MIOX4 (myo‐inositol oxygenase) are genes that, when overexpressed individually, enhance the growth and abiotic stress tolerance of Arabidopsis thaliana plants. We propose that pyramiding AVP1 and MIOX4 genes will further improve stress tolerance under water‐limited and salt‐stress conditions.

Methods

MIOX4 and AVP1 reciprocal crosses were developed and phenomic approaches used to investigate the possible synergy between these genes.

Results

Under normal and stress conditions, the crosses had higher foliar ascorbate content than the wild‐type and parental lines. Under water‐limited conditions, the crosses also displayed an enhanced growth rate and biomass compared with the control. The observed increases in photosystem II efficiency, linear electron flow, and relative chlorophyll content may have contributed to this observed phenotype. Additionally, the crosses retained more water than the controls when subjected to salt stress. Higher seed yields were also observed in the crosses compared with the controls when grown under salt and water‐limitation stresses.

Discussion

Overall, these results suggest the combinatorial effect of overexpressing MIOX4 and AVP1 may be more advantageous than the individual traits for enhancing stress tolerance and seed yields during crop improvement.
Relationship between volatile compounds ofPicea likiangensisvar.linzhiensiscone and host selection ofDioryctria abietella
Authors: Tang Xiaoqin , Gao Tan , Lu Jie , Hong Dawei , Tong Xianming , Ren Yihua
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to determine the relationship between volatile compounds ofPicea likiangensisvar.linzhiensiscone and host selection ofDioryctria abietella. During the infestation ofP. likiangensisvar.linzhiensisbyD. abietella, their cones and branches emitted volatile compounds, which were extracted using CH2Cl2extraction and XAD2adsorption methods, and were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Before and after overwintering,D. abietellalarva preferred annually infested cones and their extracts, and adultD. abietellapreferred to lay eggs on annually infested cones and healthy cones of the year, and the oviposition rate of adultD. abietellawas 72% on branches with healthy cones of the year, and no egg was laid on branches with annually healthy cones or branches without cones. The volatile compounds after infestation, α‐ and β‐pinene, were significantly higher in cones than those in other tissues; however, myrcene in cones was significantly lower than those in other tissues. The annually infested cones produced β‐caryophyllene and (1S)‐(‐)‐β‐pinene, while the annually healthy cones and branches produced myrcene and 3‐carene. The annually infested cones and their extracts attractedD. abietellalarvae, while that of healthy cones and annually infested cones attracted the adults, indicating that the terpene compounds: α‐pinene, β‐pinene, (1S)‐(‐)‐β‐pinene, limonene, and β‐caryophyllene are attractive toD. abietella, and the terpene compounds—myrcene and 3‐carene—from the branch tissues may be repulsive toD. abietella.
Forensic geophysical survey to investigate illegal looting of a site of historical importance
Authors: De Giorgi Lara , Fragalá Giovanni , Leucci Giovanni , Mazzaglia Antonino , Malfitana Daniele , Russo Salvatore
Published: September 2020

Objects of forensic investigations vary from illegally buried weapons and explosives, landmines and improvised explosive devices, drugs and weapons caches to clandestine graves of murder victims and mass genocide graves, environmental crime. Illegal excavations represent one of the main risks which affect the archaeological heritage all over the world. They cause a massive loss of artefacts but also, and above all, a loss of the cultural context, which makes the subsequent interpretation of archaeological remains very difficult. Various techniques are available for forensic crime search teams. These techniques allow for the detection of a hidden object successfully. Near‐surface geophysical search methods have been dominated by ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) but recently other techniques, such as electrical resistivity, magnetometric, time domain reflection have become more common. The geophysical investigation was required to investigate the presence of illegal looting in an area located 1 km north from the archaeological park of Pompeii. For this purpose combined GPR and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) were used. Results reveal the presence of an illegal tunnel and offered the opportunity to investigate such areas not previously systematically documented.
Trajectory tracking control of a wheeled mobile robot in the presence of matched uncertainties via a composite control approach
Authors: Shafei Hamid Reza , Bahrami Mohsen
Published: September 2020

In the present work, a novel method is devised for controlling an uncertain wheeled mobile robot (WMR) in a desired path. To achieve this objective, an optimal and robust control system with adaptive gains is combined to benefit from the advantages of both methods. In fact, applying this controller not only controls a nonlinear system robustly against uncertainties and external disturbances, but also optimizes a quadratic cost function. Also, since the upper bound of uncertainty is determined by an adaptive law, it does not need to be adjusted manually. To ensure the designed controller's finite time stability, Lyapunov theory is used. Finally, to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control method, a case study involving a WMR is presented. By comparing the results of this approach with those of an adaptive sliding mode control (ASMC), it is shown that the proposed controller uses less control effort, relative to the ASMC controller, to stabilize the uncertain WMR in the presence of external disturbances.
Finite‐time H∞ control of distributed parameter switched systems with event‐triggered scheme
Authors: Li Xueyang , Zhou Mengran , Fang Xianwen
Published: September 2020

This manuscript addresses the finite‐time (FT) H∞ control issue for distributed parameter switched systems (DPSSs). First, finite‐time boundedness for DPSSs is studied. By applying piecewise Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional method incorporated with average dwell time approach, sufficient conditions of the FT boundedness for the DPSSs are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Then, an event‐triggered scheme is constructed to design output feedback controller, which guarantees the closed‐loop system to be FT bounded. Based on the conditions in FT boundedness and event‐triggered FT stabilization, FT H∞ control problem for DPSSs is developed. Finally, two numerical examples are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed results.
Synthesis and characterization of V2O5/urease for a biosensor of urea
Authors: da Rocha Renata Cristina Felix , de Souza Flávia Alves , Vieira Noemy Santana , Cestarolli Dane Tadeu , Guerra Elidia Maria
Published: September 2020

Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) was used as support material to immobilize the urease enzyme. V2O5 was prepared from a sol–gel process, and the immobilization of urease was done onto the surface of the PET/ITO/V2O5 film. Different concentrations of urea were tested to study the sensitivity of the biosensor. Tests with pH variation were carried out, and it was noticed that the total charge in the cyclic voltammograms decreases due to the increase in pH that influences the catalytic activity of the enzyme. From cyclic voltammograms, with a different scan rate, for linear correlation testing, it was observed that the anodic currents varied as a function of the scan rate. Based on the variation in the urea concentration, the current increased with the increase in the urea concentration, indicating the sensitivity of the material. The use of V2O5/urease showed favorable electrochemical responses for application in biosensors as well as being sensitive to the variation in the urea concentration and easy to obtain and prepare.