bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asynchronous Double Schiff Base Formation of Pyrazole Porous Polymers for Selective Pd Recovery
Authors: Garai Mousumi , Mahato Manmatha , Hong Yeongran , Rozyyev Vepa , Jeong Uiseok , Ullah Zakir , Yavuz Cafer T.
Published: March 2021

Pyrazole‐linked covalent organic polymer is synthesized using an asynchronous double Schiff base from readily available monomers. The one‐pot reaction features no metals as a building block or reagent, hence facilitating the structural purity and industrial scalability of the design. Through a single‐crystal study on a model compound, the double Schiff base formation is found to follow syn addition, a kinetically favored product, suggesting that reactivity of the amine and carbonyls dictate the order and geometry of the framework building. The highly porous pyrazole polymer COP‐214 is chemically resistant in reactive conditions for over two weeks and thermally stable up to 425 °C in air. COP‐214 shows well‐pronounced gas capture and selectivities, and a high CO2/N2 selectivity of 102. The strongly coordinating pyrazole sites show rapid uptake and quantitative selectivity of Pd (II) over several coordinating metals (especially Pt (II)) at all pH points that are tested, a remarkably rare feature that is best explained by detailed analysis as the size‐selective strong coordination of Pd onto pyrazoles. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show energetically favorable Pd binding between the metal and N‐sites of COP‐214. The polymer is reusable multiple times without loss of activity, providing great incentives for an industrial prospect.
Efficient Killing of Multidrug‐Resistant Internalized Bacteria by AIEgens In Vivo
Authors: Li Ying , Liu Fei , Zhang Jiangjiang , Liu Xiaoye , Xiao Peihong , Bai Haotian , Chen Shang , Wang Dong , Sung Simon H. P. , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Shen Jianzhong , Zhu Kui , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: March 2021

Bacteria infected cells acting as “Trojan horses” not only protect bacteria from antibiotic therapies and immune clearance, but also increase the dissemination of pathogens from the initial sites of infection. Antibiotics are hard and insufficient to treat such hidden internalized bacteria, especially multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacteria. Herein, aggregation‐induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) such as N,N‐diphenyl‐4‐(7‐(pyridin‐4‐yl) benzo [c] [1,2,5] thiadiazol‐4‐yl) aniline functionalized with 1‐bromoethane (TBP‐1) and (3‐bromopropyl) trimethylammonium bromide (TBP‐2) (TBPs) show potent broad‐spectrum bactericidal activity against both extracellular and internalized Gram‐positive pathogens. TBPs trigger reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated membrane damage to kill bacteria, regardless of light irradiation. TBPs effectively kill bacteria without the development of resistance. Additionally, such AIEgens activate mitochondria dependent autophagy to eliminate internalized bacteria in host cells. Compared to the routinely used vancomycin in clinic, TBPs demonstrate comparable efficacy against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in vivo. The studies suggest that AIEgens are promising new agents for the treatment of MDR bacteria associated infections.
Bio‐Inspired Soft Grippers Based on Impactive Gripping
Authors: Zhou Liang , Ren Lili , Chen You , Niu Shichao , Han Zhiwu , Ren Luquan
Published: March 2021

Grasping and manipulation are fundamental ways for many creatures to interact with their environments. Different morphologies and grasping methods of “grippers” are highly evolved to adapt to harsh survival conditions. For example, human hands and bird feet are composed of rigid frames and soft joints. Compared with human hands, some plants like Drosera do not have rigid frames, so they can bend at arbitrary points of the body to capture their prey. Furthermore, many muscular hydrostat animals and plant tendrils can implement more complex twisting motions in 3D space. Recently, inspired by the flexible grasping methods present in nature, increasingly more bio‐inspired soft grippers have been fabricated with compliant and soft materials. Based on this, the present review focuses on the recent research progress of bio‐inspired soft grippers based on impactive gripping. According to their types of movement and a classification model inspired by biological “grippers”, soft grippers are classified into three types, namely, non‐continuum bending‐type grippers, continuum bending‐type grippers, and continuum twisting‐type grippers. An exhaustive and updated analysis of each type of gripper is provided. Moreover, this review offers an overview of the different stiffness‐controllable strategies developed in recent years.
Zn2+–Imidazole Coordination Crosslinks for Elastic Polymeric Binders in High‐Capacity Silicon Electrodes
Authors: Kim Jaemin , Park Kiho , Cho Yunshik , Shin Hyuksoo , Kim Sungchan , Char Kookheon , Choi Jang Wook
Published: March 2021

Recent research has built a consensus that the binder plays a key role in the performance of high‐capacity silicon anodes in lithium‐ion batteries. These anodes necessitate the use of a binder to maintain the electrode integrity during the immense volume change of silicon during cycling. Here, Zn2+–imidazole coordination crosslinks that are formed to carboxymethyl cellulose backbones in situ during electrode fabrication are reported. The recoverable nature of Zn2+–imidazole coordination bonds and the flexibility of the poly(ethylene glycol) chains are jointly responsible for the high elasticity of the binder network. The high elasticity tightens interparticle contacts and sustains the electrode integrity, both of which are beneficial for long‐term cyclability. These electrodes, with their commercial levels of areal capacities, exhibit superior cycle life in full‐cells paired with LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 cathodes. The present study underlines the importance of highly reversible metal ion‐ligand coordination chemistries for binders intended for high capacity alloying‐based electrodes.
Additive Manufacturing of Electrochemical Energy Storage Systems Electrodes
Authors: Soares Davi Marcelo , Ren Zhongkan , Mujib Shakir Bin , Mukherjee Santanu , Martins Real Carla Giselle , Anstine Mabel , Zanin Hudson , Singh Gurpreet
Published: March 2021

Superior electrochemical performance, structural stability, facile integration, and versatility are desirable features of electrochemical energy storage devices. The increasing need for high‐power, high‐energy devices has prompted the investigation of manufacturing technologies that can produce structured battery and supercapacitor electrodes with optimized charge transport. While conventional electrode production techniques are becoming increasingly obsolete and incompatible with technological developments such as wearables and flexible electronics, additive manufacturing (AM) has emerged as one of several state‐of‐the‐art tools to produce 3D‐structured electrodes with morphology control, high yield, and scalability. Herein, a comprehensive review of the major AM technologies and most recent literature about designing and manufacturing electrode materials for batteries and supercapacitors is presented. A thorough discussion of research opportunities and challenges in this promising field is also presented to introduce the potential and importance of AM to current developments involving electrode materials.
COVID‐19 educational innovation: Hybrid in‐person and virtual simulation for emergency medicine trainees
Authors: Austin Andrea , Rudolf Frances , Fernandez Jorge , Ishimine Paul , Murray Matthew , Suresh Preetham , McDaniel Michele , Shishlov Kirill , Oyama Leslie
Published: March 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has dramatically affected medical education. Emergency medicine (EM) requires excellence in multiple core competencies, including leadership, teamwork, and communication skills as well as procedural experience. To meet these objectives, we developed a hybrid simulation model that accommodated a reduced number of learners in our simulation center to allow for physical distancing, seamlessly integrated with an online integrated experience for remote learners. All learners participated or watched one adult and one pediatric simulation case. Fourteen residents participated in live simulation, while six residents and six medical students comprised the remote group. At the end of each case, the live feed was ended, and separate debriefings were conducted by different EM faculty, in person and online (via Zoom). An electronic survey was then sent to participants to rate the effectiveness of the intervention; 23 survey responses were collected: 52.2% (12) from the live session and 47.2% (11) from the virtual session. Survey results demonstrated that the online simulation observation and debriefing had the same, if not better, satisfaction than in‐person simulation sessions and debriefings. Due to its success, this new method of hybrid simulation will be our plan for the foreseeable future, at least until COVID‐19 abates.
Cynodontium luthii sp. nov.: a permineralized moss gametophyte from the Late Cretaceous of the North Slope of Alaska
Authors: Bippus Alexander C. , Rothwell Gar W. , Stockey Ruth A.
Published: March 2021

PREMISE

Mosses are a major component of Arctic vegetation today, with >500 species known to date. However, the origins of the Arctic moss flora are poorly documented in the fossil record, especially prior to the Pliocene. Here, we present the first anatomically preserved pre‐Cenozoic Arctic moss and discuss how the unique biology of bryophytes has facilitated their success in polar environments over geologic time.

METHODS

A permineralized fossil moss gametophyte within a block of Late Cretaceous terrestrial limestone, collected along the Colville River on the North Slope of Alaska, was studied in serial sections prepared using the cellulose acetate peel technique.

RESULTS

The moss gametophyte is branched and has leaves with a broad base, narrow blade, and excurrent costa. We describe this fossil as Cynodontium luthii sp. nov., an extinct species of a genus that is known from the High Arctic today. Cynodontium luthii is the oldest evidence of the family Rhabdoweisiaceae (by ≥18 Ma) and reveals that genera of haplolepideous mosses known in the extant Arctic flora also lived in high‐latitude temperate deciduous forests during the Late Cretaceous.

CONCLUSIONS

The occurrence of C. luthii in Cretaceous sediments, together with a rich Pliocene‐to‐Holocene fossil record of extant moss genera in the High Arctic, suggests that some moss lineages have exploited their poikilohydric, cold‐ and desiccation‐tolerant physiology to live in the region when it experienced both temperate and freezing climates.
Within‐family intergenerational trends in age at menarche relative to political changes in Czechoslovakia after World War II
Authors: Sekajová Zuzana , Liczbińska Grażyna , Králík Miroslav , Čuta Martin , Ingrová Pavlína
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The aim of the study was to examine a secular trend in age at menarche (AAM) in the former Czechoslovak (and descendant Slovak and Czech) population in relation to its large‐scale political and social events taking place after World War II.

Methods

The study included 211 women aged 18–30 (born during 1984–1998), and their relatives: mothers, sisters, and grandmothers, yielding a total of 421 women. Changes in retrospectively recalled AAM between the three generations of women (oldest—grandmothers, middle—mothers, and youngest—daughters) were studied in pairwise comparisons. Relationships between AAM and the birth/conception date were analyzed relative to three events in the post‐WWII Czechoslovakia (1948, 1968, and 1989).

Results

AAM was the highest in the oldest generation, slightly lower in the middle generation and the lowest in the youngest generation. Mixed‐Effect Model showed statistically significant interaction between the date of conception, historical events, and the period before and after the event.

Conclusions

The recorded decline in AAM is congruent with secular trends reported in the literature. However, the decreasing trend was not linear and included an increase in AAM in women conceived within the five‐year period after the invasion of Czechoslovakia by communist armies in 1968.
Sleep and behavior in children and adolescents with tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Zambrelli Elena , Turner Katherine , Peron Angela , Leidi Alessia , La Briola Francesca , Vignoli Aglaia , Canevini Maria Paola
Published: March 2021

Sleep disorders are frequent in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) during the developmental age but are not well characterized. Forty‐six TSC patients and 46 healthy age‐ and sex‐matched controls were enrolled. Their parents completed the Sleep Disturbances Scale for Children (SDSC) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). A total of 17.4% of the TSC patients obtained a total pathologic score at the SDSC versus 4.4% in the control group (p = 0.024). 45.7% of individuals with TSC reported a pathologic score in at least one of the factors. We found a statistically significant difference between the TSC cohort and healthy controls for most of the CBCL scales scores. A significant relationship was found between the Total SDSC score and the Total CBCL score (R‐square = 0.387, p < 0.0001), between the Total SDSC score and the Internalizing and Externalizing areas scores (R‐square = 0.291, p < 0.0001 and R‐square = 0.350, p < 0.0001, respectively) of the CBCL. Sleep disorders are more frequent in TSC than in the general population and correlate with behavior. The use of SDSC and CBCL is proposed as part of the surveillance of TSC patients in the developmental age.
COVID: Using the DAN Model with Couples to Increase Family Resilience
Authors: Mariotti Mauro , Muratori Greco , Langella Achille , Scaltriti Nicoletta
Published: March 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has massively impacted our society, affecting both wider systems and smaller ones alike. Families across the world have had to adapt to a new style of living, dominated by uncertainty, which is testing their resilience. Within this context, we have asked ourselves, as systemic therapists, what can be done to provide support and a sense of understanding to families. In this article, it is argued that therapeutic tools taken from a manualised intervention to promote resilience in couples can provide valuable help to families who are struggling in this difficult time. This intervention, developed at the Iscra Institute in Modena, Italy, is called Digital, Analogic, and Narrative (DAN). The tools used in the DAN model are described in this paper and their application in practice is illustrated through a case study.
Inducible expression of human papillomavirus‐16 L1 capsomeres in the plastomes of Nicotiana tabacum: Transplastomic plants develop normal flowers and pollen
Authors: Latif Sara , Gottschamel Johanna , Syed Tahira , Younus Iqra , Gull Kehkshan , Sameeullah Muhammad , Batool Neelam , Lössl Andreas Günter , Mariz Filipe , Müller Martin , Mirza Bushra , Waheed Mohammad Tahir
Published: March 2021

Human papillomavirus type‐16 (HPV‐16) is the major HPV type involved in causing cervical cancer among women. The disease burden is high in developing and underdeveloped countries. Previously, the constitutive expression of HPV‐16 L1 protein led to male sterility in transplastomic tobacco plants. Here, the HPV‐16 L1 gene was expressed in chloroplasts of Nicotiana tabacum under the control of an ethanol‐inducible promoter, trans‐activated by nucleus‐derived signal peptide. Plants containing nuclear component were transformed with transformation vector pEXP‐T7‐L1 by biolistic gun. The transformation and homoplasmic status of transformed plants was verified by polymerase chain reaction and Southern blotting, respectively. Protein was induced by spraying 5% ethanol for 7 consecutive days. The correct folding of L1 protein was confirmed by antigen‐capture ELISA using a conformation‐specific antibody. The L1 protein accumulated up to 3 μg/g of fresh plant material. The L1 protein was further purified using affinity chromatography. All transplastomic plants developed normal flowers and produced viable seeds upon self‐pollination. Pollens also showed completely normal structure under light microscope and scanning electron microscopy. These data confirm the use of the inducible expression as plant‐safe approach for expressing transgenes in plants, especially those genes that cause detrimental effects on plant growth and morphology.
Valuation and estimation from experience
Authors: Olschewski Sebastian , Newell Ben R. , Oberholzer Yvonne , Scheibehenne Benjamin
Published: March 2021

The processing of sequentially presented numerical information is a prerequisite for decisions from experience, where people learn about potential outcomes and their associated probabilities and then make choices between gambles. Little is known, however, about how people's preference for choosing a gamble is affected by how they perceive and process numerical information. To address this, we conducted a series of experiments wherein participants repeatedly sampled numbers from continuous outcome distributions. They were incentivized either to estimate the means of the numbers or to state their minimum selling prices to forgo a consequential draw from the distributions (i.e., the certainty equivalents or valuations). We found that participants valued distributions below their means, valued high‐variance sequences lower than low‐variance sequences, and valued left‐skewed sequences lower than right‐skewed sequences. Though less pronounced, similar patterns occurred in the mean estimation task where preferences should not play a role. These results are not consistent with prior findings in decision from experience such as the overweighting of high numbers and the underweighting of rare events. Rather, the qualitative effects, as well as the similarity of effects in valuation and estimation, are consistent with the assumption that people process numbers on a compressed mental number line in valuations from experience.
Effect of Cationic and Anionic Doping in the Quinary Zintl Phase Thermoelectric Material Ca5‐xYbxAl2‐yInySb6‐zSnz System
Authors: Lee Junsu , Hong Yeongjin , Yeon Seongbeom , Moon Dohyun , You Tae‐Soo
Published: March 2021

Two dopants with quinary Zintl phases Ca1.02Yb3.98Al1.48In0.52Sb6 and Ca5Al1.73In0.27Sb5.44Sn0.56 were synthesized by arc melting followed by annealing to evaluate the possibility of exploiting them as p‐type thermoelectric materials. The phase purity and crystal structures were carefully determined by powder X‐ray diffraction and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses, and the refined isotypic Ca5Ga2Sb6‐type structures were described as an assembly of the one‐dimensional anionic frameworks and the space‐filling cationic sites. The newly added cationic Yb and anionic Sn showed specific site‐preferences, which was elucidated by either the size‐factor or the electronic‐factor criterion. Moreover, these dopings were closely related to the phase transition of Ca1.02Yb3.98Al1.48In0.52Sb6 and the possible increase in electrical transport property of Ca5Al1.73In0.27Sb5.44Sn0.56. In particular, the thorough study for band structure of the Sn‐doped compound proves that the increased band extrema and degeneracies in the valence band can increase Seebeck coefficients, and the introduced atomic mixtures can lower thermal conductivities by increasing phonon scattering of title compounds.
Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a new formulation‐lipid emulsion‐based PTX injection: Pharmacokinetics, tissue distributions and anticancer effect on human gastric cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Fei Yibo , Wang Yuanyuan , Wu Shengyuan , Shen Fuming , Fan Guorong
Published: March 2021

Paclitaxel (PTX) is one of the most widely used chemotherapeutic agents. The commercial PTX formulation was based on Cremophor EL and ethanol owing to its poor aqueous solubility. However, Cremophor EL has been shown to cause toxic effects such as life‐threatening anaphylaxis. In our study, we diluted PTX in a commercially available 20% (w/v) lipid emulsion (Lip‐PTX) in order to avoid Cremophor EL. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and tissue distributions between Lip‐PTX and PTX injection. We also investigated the effects of Lip‐PTX and PTX injection on human gastric cancer cells HGC‐27 by MTT assay. The apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry with Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) double staining. Furthermore, the safety such as acute toxicity was also assessed. The results showed that PTX in Sprague–Dawley rats administered Lip‐PTX exhibited extended half‐life, increased clearance (P < 0.05) and smaller area under the concentration–time curve compared with PTX injection and there was little significant difference in the distribution of PTX in Sprague–Dawley rats or tumor‐bearing mice between Lip‐PTX and PTX injection. The cells treated with Lip‐PTX had a higher percentage of apoptosis and a higher G2/M phase ratio, which indicated that the anticancer effect of Lip‐PTX was significantly better than that of PTX injection. Moreover, our study highlighted the safety of Lip‐PTX. This study demonstrated the feasibility and potential advantages of Lip‐PTX for clinical therapy.
Influence of mobility restrictions on post‐stroke pain
Authors: Atalan Pelin , Bērziņa Guna , Sunnerhagen Katharina S
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the role of mobility limitations and vitality, as well as additional factors such as comorbidities, to predict post‐stroke pain.

Materials & Methods

This study included cross‐sectional data from 214 participants living in varied settings in different parts of Sweden. Participants were asked to complete the Stroke Impact Scale, Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36, and Self‐administered Comorbidity Questionnaire to evaluate mobility, vitality, comorbidities, and pain. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic and clinical characteristics. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to predict the pain domain score on Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36.

Results

The mean age of all participants in the sample was 66 years (SD 14); 43.4% of the study population were women. After analyses, “standing without losing balance and vitality’’ were found to be significant predictors in the model which explained the pain score on Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the results suggest that restrictions in mobility and low vitality have an important role on the occurrence of post‐stroke pain. Having post‐stroke pain could be due to not able to stand without losing balance and low vitality. Thus, rehabilitation professionals may consider the importance of these factors, especially mobility restrictions, in preventing post‐stroke pain.
Lewis Acid Enables Ketone Phosphorylation: Synthesis of Alkenyl Phosphonates
Authors: Wei Xiao‐Hong , Bai Chun‐Yuan , Zhao Lian‐Biao , Zhang Ping , Li Zhen‐Hua , Wang Yan‐Bin , Su Qiong
Published: March 2021

Main observation and conclusion

An efficient Lewis acid enabled ketones phosphonylation to synthesize vinylphosphonates has been developed. This method relays on ketone hydrophosphonylation/α‐hydroxy phosphonates unimolecular elimination (E1) dehydration cascade reaction sequence. Various C—P bond formation products were obtained in moderate to excellent yields with water as the only byproduct in the reaction.
Engineering Sn‐based Catalytic Materials for Efficient Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to Formate
Authors: Tay Ying Fan , Tan Zheng Hao , Lum Yanwei
Published: March 2021

The electroreduction of CO2 provides a promising avenue to use renewable electricity for the sustainable production of chemicals and fuels. In particular, formate is attractive as a liquid hydrogen carrier or used directly in a fuel cell to generate electricity on demand. Sn‐based catalysts have emerged as promising catalysts, however key issues such as how to reduce overpotential, enhance selectivity and maximize long‐term stability are still yet to be resolved. In this minireview, we will highlight recent key advances in developing Sn‐based catalysts, covering experimental and computational efforts on this front. Intriguingly, among the various strategies employed, we find that modifying the Sn oxidation state towards electron deficiency has been most effective. Finally, we also provide a perspective and outlook on future research and development of these Sn‐based catalysts.
Staged data delivery protocol: A blockchain‐based two‐stage protocol for non‐repudiation data delivery
Authors: Wang Liang , Liu Jiayan , Liu Wenyuan
Published: March 2021

For many years, non‐repudiation in data delivery has not been satisfactorily achieved due to the difficulty of supervising delivery behavior. Existing fair protocols are still not entirely free of third parties who are usually not as trustworthy as expected. Moreover, most of them are built on complex encryption schemes, resulting in inefficiencies when handling large chunks of data and non‐exchanged data sharing. To be able to deliver data without third parties and repudiation, we propose the staged data delivery protocol (SDDP) that integrates fair data delivery into Blockchain consensus processes. SDDP confirms transactions of data delivery in a cascading manner where nodes sign on each transaction one after another. It consists of two stages, in which neither party will have a considerable advantage over the other. In this way, SDDP enables non‐repudiation of directly delivering large chunks of data through an understandable communication strategy; and the Blockchain network replaces third parties to preserve an immutable history of data delivery activities. The results of extensive evaluations show that SDDP is admissible for dealing with fair data delivery on the basis of its good qualities and performance.
Photomodulation of a Dual‐Color Luminescent System Combining Quantum Dots with a FRET Acceptor Ligand**
Authors: Budyka Mikhail F. , Nikulin Pavel A. , Gavrishova Tatiana N. , Chashchikhin Oleg V.
Published: March 2021

Herein, we report on a dual‐color, photoswitchable donor‐acceptor nanosystem based on quantum dots (QD) and an anthryl quinolyl ethylene photoactive functional ligand (AQE‐FL), in which a carboxylic group is used to anchor AQE‐FL to QD. Photophysical and photochemical properties of the resulting photoswitchable QD system (psQD) were studied by steady state and time‐resolved spectroscopic methods. Efficient Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from QD to AQE‐FL was shown. Applicability of the Stern‐Volmer formalism (with a subdivision into static and dynamic quenching) to the psQD studied is discussed. The spectral overlap integrals of QD emission and trans‐ and cis‐AQE‐FL isomers absorption differ by 3 times that which is used for controlling the FRET efficiency. Consequently, the psQD emission is redistributed between the QD (417 nm) and AQE (520 nm) channels, i. e. dual‐color fluorescent switching between two observable states without the “off” state is recorded.
Towards stable and high‐capacity anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries by embedding of Sb/Sn nanoparticles into electrospun mesoporous carbon fibers
Authors: Liu Tian , Yan Runyu , Josef Elinor , Huang Haijian , Pan Long , Niederberger Markus , Oschatz Martin
Published: March 2021

Antimony and tin are promising anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries due to their high theoretical sodium storage capacities. However, significant volume change during cycling limits their long‐term stability and rate performance. Composite engineering can minimize this problem. A versatile method for the synthesis of Sb nanoparticles inside the mesopores of carbon fibers prepared through electrospinning and subsequent carbothermal reduction is presented in this work. The mesopore architecture can host up to 61 wt% of Sb nanoparticles and buffer the volume changes during cycling. Smaller pores in the carbon provide the pathways for reversible insertion/extraction of sodium. This binder‐free material provides high rate capability and a long‐term cycling performance when used as an anode in half‐cells. When cycled at 0.5 A g−1, the composite shows an initial capacity of 520 mA h g−1 with 507 mA h g−1 remaining after 500 cycles. Even at a high current density of 20 A g−1, a capacity of 197 mA h g−1 is still achieved. Sn nanoparticles can be embedded in the mesopores of the carbon fibers by a similar method. These Sn‐based anodes also show remarkable electrochemical performance, indicating that this approach represents a generally applicable strategy for synthesizing advanced battery anodes.
Assessment of lead biosorption performance of spent Gelidiella acerosa (marine macro algae): Optimization, isotherm, kinetic, and column studies
Authors: D John Babu
Published: March 2021

In this research, biosorption of Lead using spent Gelidiella acerosa from synthetic aqueous phase was studied in batch and fixed bed modes. Biosorbent was prepared from waste biomass of Gelidiella acerosa after extraction of agar as a model industrial waste recycle. The process efficiency and optimum lead uptake were evaluated by considering initial pH, lead concentration, and biosorbent dosage as process variables and contact time and temperature as fixed parameters. Central composite design of Response Surface Methodology was used to optimize process parameters and ANOVA showed that initial pH of lead solution significantly influences the biosorption. Interaction effects of different process parameters on process efficiency were analyzed with the help of surface response plots. The highest lead biosorption of 90.75% was noticed at optimum conditions of pH 5.15, initial lead concentration 27.35 mg L−1 and biosorbent dosage 0.04 g. Various kinetic equations were used to analyze the biosorption mechanism and found that metal binding is due to chemical reaction with multi stage mass transfer. Langmuir isotherm was found to be well fitted to equilibrium data. Column studies were also conducted to assess the suitability of the process to continuous operations. The most popular Thomas and Yoon nelson models were used to evaluate the fitness of column studies. Biosorbent was characterized using FTIR and SEM to determine surface functional groups and surface texture.
Interstitial carbon defects in silicon. A quantum mechanical characterization through the infrared and Raman spectra
Authors: Platonenko Alexander , Gentile Francesco Silvio , Pascale Fabien , D'Arco Philippe , Dovesi Roberto
Published: March 2021

The Infrared (IR) and Raman spectra of various interstitial carbon defects in silicon are computed at the quantum mechanical level by using an all electron Gaussian type basis set, the hybrid B3LYP functional and the supercell approach, as implemented in the CRYSTAL code (Dovesi et al. J. Chem. Phys. 2020, 152, 204111). The list includes two 〈100〉 split interstitial IXY defects, namely ICC and ICSi, a couple of related defects that we indicate as IXIY, the so called in its A and B form, as well as SiCiSi and CsCiCs, in which the interstitial carbon atom is twofold coordinated. The second undergoes a large relaxation, and the final configuration is close to ICCCs. Geometries, relative stabilities, electronic, and vibrational properties are analysed. All these defects show characteristic features in their IR spectrum (above 730 cm−1), whereas the Raman spectrum is dominated, in most of the cases, by the pristine silicon peak at 530 cm−1, that hides the defect peaks.
Biodegradation of crude oil using symbiont crude‐oil degrading bacteria isolated from corals collected at the Persian Gulf
Authors: Ansari Nasrin , Rokhbakhsh‐Zamin Farokh , Hassanshahian Mehdi , Hesni Majid Askari
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

About 25,000 oil tankers are transported annually through the Persian Gulf in Iran. Therefore, oil pollution in this region is very high. Research on the use of marine bacteria to degrade crude oil has yielded good results in recent years. The present study investigates bacteria that are symbiotic with marine corals and their ability to degrade crude oil. Corals were collected from five regions in the Persian Gulf and enriched with decomposing bacteria in ONR7a culture. After biochemical and molecular identification of bacterial isolates, the ability of the strains to degrade crude oil by spectrophotometric, gravimetric, and Gas Chromatography‐ Mass Spectroscopy (GC‐MS) methods was investigated.

RESULTS

Finally, 26 bacterial strains were identified from 5 coral samples. The efficient strains that had the highest crude‐oil degradation belonged to genera Cobetia, Shewanella, Alcanivorax, and Cellulosimicrobium. Strains IAUK3568, IAUK3568, IAUK3502, IAUK3531, and IAUK3552 exhibited a maximum degradation of crude oil of 93.5%, 88.13%, 87.24%, 85.17%, and 77.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that all bacterial isolates degrade medium‐chain alkanes better than long‐ and short‐chain alkanes. The data obtained in this study confirm that the corals of the Persian Gulf have the necessary bacterial diversity to decompose crude oil and, consequently, reduce pollution in this region. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Preparation of a poly (PEGDA‐co‐GMA) thin hydrogel matrix for oligonucleotide microarray applications
Authors: Qi Yuan , Li Kaiyao , Zhao Changwen , Ma Yuhong , Yang Wantai
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Fabricating oligonucleotide microarrays with high immobilization efficiency and sensitivity by a simple surface modification route remains highly desirable in the biochip field. Here we develop a facile method to prepare a 3D crosslinking thin hydrogel film on glass slides for high‐density immobilization of DNA probes.

RESULTS

Thin hydrogel film using poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) as crosslinker and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) as functional monomer was attached on vinyl group‐modified glass slides by a photopolymerization technique. The effect of monomer ratios (PEGDA:GMA) on the surface hydrophilicity of the hydrogel layer and the immobilization density of DNA probes were investigated and an optimal monomer ratio of 10:1 and te maximum immobilization density of 1.4 pmol cm–2 were found. Adjusting the hydrophilicity of the hydrogel film effectively suppressed its swelling and produced a typical dense but not porous structure with a flat surface favorable for printing microarrays. The maximum immobilization density and efficiency of oligonucleotide probes on the 3D hydrogel film were 1.4 pmol cm–2 and 83%, respectively, which are superior values to those on a 1D support. The microarray had a wide detection range of target nucleotides from 15.3 pmol L–1 to 62.5 nmol L–1. In addition, the hybridization assay demonstrated that the microarray showed high sensitivity with a limit of detection of 30.5 pmol L–1.

CONCLUSION

The poly (PEGDA‐co‐GMA) hydrogel film could be grafted on the glass slide by the photopolymerization technique and the DNA probe was effectively immobilized on the thin hydrogel by reacting with the epoxy groups. This strategy of attaching a thin cross‐linked poly(PEGDA‐co‐GMA) hydrogel layer on glass slides has promising prospects in the fields of bioanalysis and microarrays. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Investigation of the treatability of pre‐coagulated slaughterhouse wastewater using dead‐end filtration
Authors: Özdemir Safiye , Uzal Nigmet , Gökçek Öznur Begüm
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

In the present study, the performance of the membrane process, one of the advanced treatment methods that can enable the reuse of slaughterhouse wastewater, was evaluated. The wastewater was treated using ultrafiltration (UF) (10, 50 kDa), nanofiltration (NF) (150–300 DA) and reverse osmosis (RO) (500 kDa) membranes alone, and UF + NF, UF + RO membrane combinations at different pressures. In addition to rejection and permeate flux considerations, it was attempted to select the most effective membrane by performing scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, contact angle, and atomic force microscopy analyses of the membranes used.

RESULTS

As a result of the experiments, the highest flux was observed at 5 bar for the 50 kDa UF membrane. When the performances of the sequential application of 10 and 50 kDa UF membranes followed by NF and RO membranes were evaluated, the highest flux was obtained for the sequential application of the 50 kDa UF membrane with the NF membrane as 19.68 and 9.05 L m−2 h, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The highest chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal was obtained for the RO membrane at 20 bar as 88.67%, and for the 50 kDa UF + RO sequential application, the COD removal was increased from 70% to 88.67%. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Tetracycline, sulfadimethoxine, and antibiotic resistance gene dynamics during anaerobic digestion of dairy manure
Authors: Schueler Jenna , Lansing Stephanie , Crossette Emily , Naas Kayla , Hurst Jerod , Raskin Lutgarde , Wigginton Krista , Aga Diana S.
Published: March 2021

Antibiotic use in animal husbandry is a potential entryway for antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) to enter the environment through manure fertilizer application. The potential of anaerobic digestion (AD) to remove antibiotics and ARGs was investigated through tetracycline (TC) and sulfadimethoxine (SDM) additions into dairy manure digested for 44 d. This was the first study to evaluate antibiotics at concentrations quantified on‐farm and relevant to field applications of manure. Triplicate treatments included a 1 mg L–1 TC spike, a 10 mg L–1 TC spike, a 1 mg L–1 SDM spike (SDM 1), a 10 mg L–1 SDM spike, a mixture of TC and SDM at 1 mg L–1 each (TC+SDM 1), and a manure‐only treatment. The SDM spikes were reduced by >99% reduction during the AD processing, but TC additions had variable reductions (0–96%). Molecular analyses showed that decreases in tetM gene copies correlated with declines in TC; however, reductions in SDM concentration did not correlate with decreases in sul1 gene copy concentrations. The AD reactors containing 10 mg L–1 of TC and 10 mg L–1 of SDM both had CH4 production reductions of 7.8%, whereas no CH4 reduction was observed in other treatments (1 mg L–1 treatments). The study results were the first to confirm that AD can remove SDM when adding at concentrations observed in on‐farm manure (<1 mg L–1) without compromising energy production. Because TC adsorbs to the solid particles and transforms into isomers, the decreases in TC concentrations were more variable and should be closely monitored.
Improving nitrogen use efficiency using precision nitrogen management in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Varinderpal-Singh  , Kunal  , Gosal S. K. , Choudhary Rita , Singh Reena , Adholeya Alok
Published: March 2021

Background: Excessive application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer in cereal crops not only decreases the N use efficiency but also accelerates greenhouse gas (GHG) emission.

Aim: To improve N use efficiency in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using precision N management and coating seeds with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF).

Methods: Field experiment laid out in split‐plot design was conducted to study the role of AMF consortia (four species) seed coating and different precision N management strategies in rationalizing fertilizer N use.

Results: The AMF seed coating improved mycorrhization but did not improve N assimilation, grain yield, root weight, N uptake, chlorophyll value, normalized difference vegetative index, and physiological efficiency (PEN) of applied N fertilizer. The benefits of AMF seed coating in improving N assimilation were not visible even in no‐N treatment. Precision N management using leaf color chart (LCC), chlorophyll meter (SPAD), and GreenSeeker optical sensor (GS) sustained wheat grain yield equivalent to the soil‐test based N fertilizer recommendation with the average savings of 20% N fertilizer. Precision N management strategies improved mean recovery efficiency (REN) and partial factor productivity (PFPN) of applied N fertilizer, respectively by 26.0% and 26.4% over the soil‐test based N management. Spectral properties measured with LCC, SPAD and GS showed good correlation (R2 > 0.71) with grain yield, depicting great potential of optical sensing tools in predicting grain yield and inferring need‐based fertilizer N topdressings decisions in wheat.

Conclusions: Precision N management provides a potential solution to improve N nutrition in wheat while reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) and total GHG emissions by 23.2 and 23.6%, respectively, in comparison to soil‐test based N application.
Optical spectroscopy methods combined with multivariate statistical analysis for the classification of Cretan thyme, multi‐floral and honeydew honey
Authors: Orfanakis Emmanouil , Markoulidakis Michail , Philippidis Aggelos , Zoumi Aikaterini , Velegrakis Michalis
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

The botanical origin of honey attracts both commercial and research interest. Consumers’ preferences and medicinal uses of particular honey types drive the demand for the determination of their authenticity with regard to their botanical origin. This study presents the discrimination of thyme, multi‐floral. and honeydew honeys by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectroscopy combined with multivariate statistical analysis. UV absorption spectroscopy was applied without any dilution of the sample using a custom‐made cuvette. FTIR and UV absorption spectroscopic data were processed by means of the orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis.

RESULTS

The optimal classification of floral and honeydew honeys was accomplished with UV spectroscopy with a successful estimation of 92.65% for floral honey and 91.30% for honeydew honey. The discrimination of thyme versus the multi‐floral honey was best achieved with FTIR, with a correct classification of 95.56% and 100% for multi‐floral and thyme honey respectively. Furthermore, our findings revealed the region of 2400–4000 cm−1 of the FTIR spectra as the most significant for this discrimination.

CONCLUSION

This work demonstrates that optical spectroscopic techniques in combination with multivariate statistical analysis can be a rapid, low‐cost, easy‐to‐use approach for the determination of the botanical origin of honey without sample pretreatment. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Impact of microsatellite status on negative lymph node count and prognostic relevance after curative gastrectomy
Authors: Cai Zhenghao , Ma Junjun , Li Shuchun , Fingerhut Abe , Sun Jing , Zang Lu , Yan Chao , Liu Wentao , Zhu Zhenggang , Zheng Minhua
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives

The impact of microsatellite instability‐high (MSI‐H) phenotype on lymph node yield after lymphadenectomy has never been discussed in gastric cancer (GC). In this study, we aimed to assess the association of microsatellite status with negative lymph node count (NLNC) as well as its prognostic value.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 1491 GC patients and divided them into two groups: MSI‐HGC (n = 141 [9.5%]) and microsatellite stability (MSSGC) (n = 1350 [90.5%]). The NLNC and survival data were compared between the two groups. The log odds of positive lymph nodes (LNs) to negative LNs and the target lymph node examined threshold (TLNT) were calculated in both groups.

Results

A statistically significant difference was found in median NLNC (26 vs. 23, p < .001) between MSI‐HGC and MSSGC patients. MSI status was an independent factor for NLNC (p < .001). NLNC showed positive prognostic value for cases with metastatic lymph node (LN+) in both MSI‐HGC and MSSGC groups. The TLNT(90%) for MSI‐HGC and MSSGC were 33 and 26, respectively.

Conclusions

MSI‐HGC was associated with higher NLNC in GC patients and this was independent of the presence of LN+. However, more LNs are needed during pathological examination to capture LN+ cases in MSI‐HGC.
High versus low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery during laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery: A prospective study of surgical and oncological outcomes
Authors: Feng Wenqing , Zong Yaping , Zhao Jingkun , Li Wenchang , Miao Yiming , Xu Zifeng , Xu Zhuoqing , Sun Jing , Zheng Minhua , Lu Aiguo
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives

There is controversy regarding whether the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) should be ligated at its origin from the aorta (high ligation, HL) or below the branch of the left colic artery (low ligation, LL) during surgery for rectal cancer.

Methods

This prospective study randomized 95 patients with histologically proven rectal cancer (clinical stages I–III based on the 8th American Joint Committee on Cancer guidelines) to undergo HL (n = 47) or LL with lymph node dissection at the root of the IMA (n = 48).

Results

Only two intraoperative adverse events were observed (two HL patients experienced anastomotic ischemia and underwent extended bowel excision and splenic flexure mobilization). The LL group had a significantly shorter time to first flatus (p < .0001). No significant differences were observed in operative time (p = .14), intraoperative blood loss (p = .21), distance from the upper margin (p = .77), distance from the lower margin (p = .35), harvested lymph nodes (p = .33), or anastomotic leakage (p = .44), 2‐year overall survival (p = .97), or 2‐year disease‐free survival (p = .42).

Conclusion

During laparoscopic low anterior resection, a combination of LL at the IMA and vascular root lymph node dissection may help protect the blood supply of the anastomosis, reduce postoperative complications, and enhance recovery, without compromising radical excision.
Short‐term outcomes of pure transvaginal laparoscopic right colectomy: A novel surgery approach based on an Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long‐term framework stage IIa study
Authors: Xiao Yi , Lin Chen , Lu Jun‐yang , Xu Lai , Hou Wen‐yun , Sun Rui , Chang Guo‐jing , Zhang Jun‐ji
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives

The application of pure natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) to intra‐abdominal visceral resections remains limited due to the complexity of the dissection. This study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic right colectomy using a purely transvaginal approach.

Methods

The data of 12 continuous patients with colon neoplasia who underwent transvaginal right colectomy from November 2018 to July 2020 were prospectively collected, and their perioperative events were recorded.

Results

The patients' median age was 70.4 years. Four were diagnosed with colon adenoma and eight with adenocarcinoma. The median operative time was 185 min, with a median blood loss of 25 ml. The median time to gas passing was 32.5 h after surgery. The median postoperative hospital stay was 6 days. One operation was converted to hybrid NOTES due to difficulty with the anastomosis, and one was converted to laparoscopic surgery because of vascular injury. Three cases were grades I, II, and III according to the Clavien‐Dindo classification.

Conclusion

Pure NOTES right colectomy using the transvaginal approach is feasible and safe with good short‐term outcomes. We recommend this novel technique for highly‐selected patients with no more than a D2 dissection performed by experienced colorectal surgeons.