bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Polysulfide Conversion with Highly Conductive and Electrocatalytic Iodine‐Doped Bismuth Selenide Nanosheets in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Li Mengyao , Yang Dawei , Biendicho Jordi Jacas , Han Xu , Zhang Chaoqi , Liu Kun , Diao Jiefeng , Li Junshan , Wang Jing , Heggen Marc , Dunin‐Borkowski Rafal E. , Wang Jiaao , Henkelman Graeme , Morante Joan Ramon , Arbiol Jordi , Chou Shu‐Lei , Cabot Andreu
Published: March 2022

The shuttling behavior and sluggish conversion kinetics of intermediate lithium polysulfides (LiPS) represent the main obstacles to the practical application of lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs). Herein, an innovative sulfur host is proposed, based on an iodine‐doped bismuth selenide (I‐Bi2Se3), able to solve these limitations by immobilizing the LiPS and catalytically activating the redox conversion at the cathode. The synthesis of I‐Bi2Se3 nanosheets is detailed here and their morphology, crystal structure, and composition are thoroughly. Density‐functional theory and experimental tools are used to demonstrate that I‐Bi2Se3 nanosheets are characterized by a proper composition and micro‐ and nano‐structure to facilitate Li+ diffusion and fast electron transportation, and to provide numerous surface sites with strong LiPS adsorbability and extraordinary catalytic activity. Overall, I‐Bi2Se3/S electrodes exhibit outstanding initial capacities up to 1500 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and cycling stability over 1000 cycles, with an average capacity decay rate of only 0.012% per cycle at 1 C. Besides, at a sulfur loading of 5.2 mg cm−2, a high areal capacity of 5.70 mAh cm−2 at 0.1 C is obtained with an electrolyte/sulfur ratio of 12 µL mg−1. This work demonstrated that doping is an effective way to optimize the metal selenide catalysts in LSBs.
Demonstration of Photoelectrochemical‐Type Photodetectors Using Seawater as Electrolyte for Portable and Wireless Optical Communication
Authors: Luo Yuanmin , Wang Danhao , Kang Yang , Liu Xin , Fang Shi , Memon Muhammad Hunain , Yu Huabin , Zhang Haochen , Luo Dongyang , Sun Xiyu , Ooi Boon S. , Gong Chen , Xu Zhengyuan , Sun Haiding
Published: March 2022

The emerging photoelectrochemical‐type photodetector (PEC‐PD), because of its unique device architecture by using an aqueous electrolyte, is naturally applicable in the pursuit of underwater optical communication without sophisticated device packaging and assembling. Unfortunately, the traditional PEC detecting process typically involves a large electrochemical workstation with long cables and wire connections for photo signal acquisition, which hinders its applications in wireless optical communication. In this work, an AlGaN nanowire‐based self‐powered PEC‐PD is fabricated that uses seawater as an electrolyte, and then an optical communication system including the PEC‐PD and a portable electrochemical workstation as the signal receiver for data communication is built. Essentially, the self‐power PEC‐PD shows a high responsivity of −15.5 mA W–1, a fast response/recovery time of ≈100 ms, and high stability operation in the seawater electrolyte. Foremost, the optical communication system shows high accuracy in wireless transmission of ASCII code signals in a seawater environment. Such a demonstration offers a new device architecture for possible under‐seawater communication systems by leveraging the unique operation principle of photoelectrochemical devices in the future.
Light Extraction and Brightness Enhancement of Luminescent Rectangular Slabs
Authors: Pichon Pierre , Lopez Lisa , Nourry-Martin Maxime , Darbon Stéphane , Druon Frederic , Georges Patrick , Balembois François
Published: March 2022

The extraction efficiency and the brightness are critical parameters to increase the performance of luminescent rectangular slabs such as scintillators, luminescent concentrators, or diamonds with NV centers. This work explains how an additional face breaking the rectangular symmetry can improve the extraction efficiency and brightness. The study is based on a fully analytical approach corroborated experimentally with cerium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Ce:YAG) slabs. The model gives an analytical expression of the extraction efficiency and the brightness of the additional face as a function of the slab parameters (dimensions, refractive index, losses). Results highlight that the extraction efficiency by an additional face can be improved even if the area of the additional face is lower than the area of the smallest face of the slab, generally chosen as the output face in a standard configuration. Therefore, the output brightness can be easily improved and controlled by the dimension of the additional face. Balancing the extraction efficiency and the brightness, a 1 × 3 × 22 mm3 Ce:YAG slab with an optimized edge face and with mirrors on the lateral faces exhibits an efficiency 1.9 times better and a brightness 5.6 higher than a Ce:YAG in a standard configuration.
Development of Neutralization Breadth against Diverse HIV‐1 by Increasing Ab–Ag Interface on V2
Authors: Gao Nan , Gai Yanxin , Meng Lina , Wang Chu , Wang Wei , Li Xiaojun , Gu Tiejun , Louder Mark K. , Doria‐Rose Nicole A. , Wiehe Kevin , Nazzari Alexandra F. , Olia Adam S. , Gorman Jason , Rawi Reda , Wu Wenmin , Smith Clayton , Khant Htet , de Val Natalia , Yu Bin , Luo Junhong , Niu Haitao , Tsybovsky Yaroslav , Liao Huaxin , Kepler Thomas B. , Kwong Peter D. , Mascola John R. , Qin Chuan , Zhou Tongqing , Yu Xianghui , Gao Feng
Published: March 2022

Understanding maturation pathways of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) against HIV‐1 can be highly informative for HIV‐1 vaccine development. A lineage of J038 bnAbs is now obtained from a long‐term SHIV‐infected macaque. J038 neutralizes 54% of global circulating HIV‐1 strains. Its binding induces a unique “up” conformation for one of the V2 loops in the trimeric envelope glycoprotein and is heavily dependent on glycan, which provides nearly half of the binding surface. Their unmutated common ancestor neutralizes the autologous virus. Continuous maturation enhances neutralization potency and breadth of J038 lineage antibodies via expanding antibody‐Env contact areas surrounding the core region contacted by germline‐encoded residues. Developmental details and recognition features of J038 lineage antibodies revealed here provide a new pathway for elicitation and maturation of V2‐targeting bnAbs.
Electrochemical Hydrogen Generation by Oxygen Evolution Reaction‐Alternative Anodic Oxidation Reactions
Authors: Liu Xi , Han Yue , Guo Yao , Zhao Xueting , Pan Duo , Li Kangkang , Wen Zhenhai
Published: March 2022

Hydrogen (H2) as an environmentally friendly and sustainable energy carrier has been regarded as one of the most promising alternatives to carbon‐based fossil fuels. Electrochemical water splitting powered by renewable electricity provides a promising strategy for H2 production, but its energy efficiency is strongly limited by the kinetically sluggish anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which consumes ≈90% electricity in the water‐splitting process. A new strategy is urgently needed to reduce its energy consumption. Small‐molecule electro‐oxidation reactions that replace OER have attracted increasing attention due to the advantages of low theoretical thermodynamic potential and the benefit of producing value‐added chemicals compared with OER. Hybrid electrolysis systems, by coupling cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with anodic small‐molecule oxidation reactions, have been proposed, which can produce high‐purity H2 and value‐added products. This review aims to systematically summarize the recent research on OER‐alternative reactions at the anode for energy‐efficient water splitting. The state‐of‐the art electrocatalysts for OER‐alternative reactions are first presented. The electrolysis performance in hybrid electrolysis regarding the conversion rate, selectivity, yield, and corresponding Faraday efficiency of anodic value‐added products is then evaluated. Finally, the challenges and perspectives are discussed and it is suggested to develop energy‐efficient and economically viable hybrid electrolysis systems.
SHOX far‐downstream deletion in a patient with nonsyndromic short stature
Authors: Fukami Maki , Shindo Junya , Ogata Tsutomu , Kageyama Ikuko , Kamimaki Tsutomu
Published: March 2022

Haploinsufficiency of SHOX represents one of the major genetic causes of nonsyndromic short stature. To date, eight DNA elements around SHOX exons have been proposed as putative enhancer regions. Although six copy‐number variations (CNVs) downstream to the known enhancer regions have recently been identified in patients with short stature, the pathogenicity of these CNVs remains uncertain. Here, we identified a paternally derived SHOX far‐downstream deletion in a boy. The deletion involved a ~100 kb genomic interval at a position >60 kb away from the known enhancer regions. The boy exhibited moderate short stature with nonspecific skeletal changes. The height of the father was within the normal range but lower than the mid‐parental height. The deletion of the boy and the six previously reported CNVs mostly overlapped; however, all CNVs had unique breakpoints. The deletion of our case encompassed a ~30 kb genomic interval that has previously been associated with a 4C‐seq peak, as well as several SHOX‐regulatory SNPs/indels. These results indicate that the SHOX far‐downstream region contains a novel cis‐acting enhancer, whose deletion leads to nonsyndromic short stature of various degree. In addition, our data highlight genomic instability of SHOX‐flanking regions that underlies diverse nonrecurrent CNVs.
Native American mitochondrial lineages in admixed populations from Chile: Detecting recent migrations during post‐Columbian times using geographically restricted lineages
Authors: Pezo Patricio , Orellana‐Soto Michael , de la Fuente Constanza , Leiva Ximena , Herrera Luisa , Flores‐Alvarado Sandra , Galimany Jacqueline , de Saint Pierre Michelle , Bravi Claudio , Moraga Mauricio
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To analyze the mitochondrial diversity in three admixed populations and evaluate the historical migration effect of native southern population movement to Santiago (capital of Chile). The intensity of migration was quantified using three mitochondrial lineages restricted to South‐Central native groups.

Methods

D‐loop sequences were genotyped in 550 unrelated individuals from San Felipe‐Los Andes (n = 108), Santiago (n = 217), and Concepción (n = 225). Sequence processing, alignment, and haplogroup inference were carried out, and different genetic structure analyses were performed for haplogroup frequencies and D‐loop sequences.

Results

The Native lineages B2i2, C1b13, and D1g were the most frequent haplogroups, especially in Santiago (71.8%). Despite the distance, this city showed a high‐genetic affinity with southern populations, including Concepción (~500 km distant) and native groups, rather than with those from San Felipe‐Los Andes (<100 km distant). In fact, there was a negative correlation between geographical and genetic distance among these cities (r corr = −0.5593, p value = 0.8387). Network analysis revealed shared haplotypes between Santiago, Concepción, and other southern populations. Finally, we found lineages from Concepción acting as ancestral nodes in the northern clade.

Conclusions

Considering the geographic distances from these cities, the results were not consistent with a model of genetic isolation by geographic distance, revealing the effects of a historical migration process from the south to the capital. We also show evidence of possible north‐to‐south migration during admixture onset in Concepción and in addition, we were able to identify previously unreported mitochondrial diversity in urban populations that became lost in Native groups post‐European contact.
Safeguarding without stigmatising: Language of responses to child abuse in high‐ and upper‐middle‐ income countries
Authors: Lines Lauren Elizabeth , Grant Julian Maree , Kakyo Tracy Alexis , Hutton Alison
Published: March 2022

Child abuse and neglect is an increasing international social issue. Specific challenges include the over‐representation of disadvantaged and marginalised populations, including First Nations communities. This document review explored how responses to child abuse and neglect are conceptualised in international policy and professional guidelines to identify the language that shapes strategies to address child abuse and neglect. In doing so, this review aimed to identify which approaches may be applicable to the Australian context to underpin population‐wide strategies to address child abuse and neglect and provide a shared language for professionals working with children. Twenty‐two policies and professional guidelines from 13 high and upper‐middle income countries were analysed inductively supported by NVivo software. Key findings showed that many policies and professional guidelines included blame, labelling and stigmatising language which may further marginalise children and families. One approach that minimised stigmatising language was safeguarding as practiced in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Safeguarding may be applicable to contexts like Australia to underpin inclusive approaches and provide a shared vision and language for all professionals working with children. However, further research is needed to explore whether safeguarding could be enacted in culturally safe ways in colonised countries with First Nations populations.
Highly efficient catalytic performance on CuAAC reaction by polymer‐like supramolecular self‐assemblies‐Cu(I) in aqueous solution
Authors: Deng Bin , Yang Jing , Guo Mengbi , Yang Rui
Published: March 2022

A series of AA/BB types of cyclodextrin‐based supramolecular polymers (CD‐SP 1, 2, 3, and 4) have been constructed and characterized, which employed as ligands to accelerate the copper(I)‐catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) using the conventional Sharpless–Fokin catalyst (CuSO4 + Na ascorbate) for the first time. Among them, the bridged‐maleic‐2‐β‐CD (CD = cyclodextrin)@bridged‐maleic‐2‐Ada (Ada = adamantane) (CD‐SP 4) self‐assembly shows more effective catalytic activity for CuAAC of azide and acetylene at 40 mol ppm of Cu(I) in water with excellent yields and remarkable TON (turnover number) values (up to 23,750). CD‐SP 4 can be fully recycled, and the catalyst can be reused efficiently for 10 times with negligible loss of catalyst activity. Therefore, it may extend the potential applications of cyclodextrin‐based supramolecular polymers in green chemical synthesis.
Profile of enzyme in drupe of oueslati's cv. olives during ripening phases: A support method implementation in the production of extra virgin olive oil
Authors: Hachicha Hbaieb Rim , Kotti Faten , Paduano Antonello , Crupi Pasquale , Clodoveo Maria Lisa , Sacchi Raffaele , Gargouri Mohamed
Published: March 2022

Quality of virgin olive oil (VOO) depends on phenolic molecules content, which depends on the biochemical characteristics of olive fruits, namely endogenous enzymes. In order to ascertain the influence of olive fruit ripening degree on the phenol content, enzyme activities in olive fruits, and the quality of the corresponding oils were studied during Oueslati olive ripening. In fact, three enzymes were studied: peroxidase (POX) in olive seeds, polyphenoloxidase (PPO), and β‐glucosidase (β‐GL) in olive fruits mesocarp. Each enzyme showed specific trend: POX activity increased gradually until reaching a maximum (17.061 ± 0.101 U g−1 FW) at ripening index (RI) 3.6 and then decreased slowly at advanced ripening stage. However, the maximum of PPO activity (240.421 ± 0.949 U g−1 FW) was observed earlier at RI of 0.7. Concerning β‐glucosidase activity, its maximal was 60.857 ± 1.105 U g−1 FW at RI 2.8, then, it decreased sharply to reach 17.096 ± 0.865 U g−1 FW at RI 3.9. A significant increase of total phenol content as well as the antioxidant activity were observed during Oueslati olive ripening. Moreover, phenolic profile indicated that appropriate harvesting date of Oueslati olives coincided with RI 3.9 given that highest content of most important individuals phenolic compounds responsible for the main VOO biological properties achieved on this date. Furthermore, phenols amount of Oueslati VOO was principally due to PPO enzyme activity as the increase in total phenols coincides with the decrease in PPO activity.
Preparation and electrochromic properties of polyamides based on 3,4‐dimethylthieno[2,3‐b]thiophene
Authors: Ma Yang , Hou Yanjun , Zhang Yuhang , Chang Lijing , Li Rui , Niu Haijun
Published: March 2022

Based on the performance of improving the stabilities and coloring efficiencies of triphenylamine polymers, this paper separately synthesized different diamines and 3,4‐dimethylthieno[2,3‐b]thiophene‐2,5‐dicarboxylic acid, and the electrochromic functions of the polymer films were studied on indium‐tin oxide glass (ITO) glass. The polymers had a thiophene group, which was rich in π‐electrons and conducive to molecular stability, and showed good stabilities. Ultraviolet spectrum showed that all the six polymers had a wide absorption band in the neutral range of 200–700 nm. Electrochromic analysis showed that the six kinds of polymer films all showed reasonable optical contrast, short response time and low band gap in the infrared spectrum range of 200–1000 nm. Among them, the film formed by PAD2 on ITO glass had better electrochromic properties, longer bleaching response time (tc = 1.3 s, tb = 4.1 s), PAD3 had better coloration efficiency (214 cm2 C−1).
On the slow crack growth process and associated structure–property relationships in polyamide 12 grades
Authors: Messiha Mario , Frank Andreas , Arbeiter Florian , Pinter Gerald
Published: March 2022

The influence of micro‐structural changes within polyamide 12 (PA12) grades on their resistance against crack initiation and subsequent Slow Crack Growth (SCG) was examined. Possible micro‐deformation mechanisms and processes guiding slow crack extensions in PA12 are discussed. Special focus was put on the formation of plastic zones as predecessors to microscopic cracks prior to crack initiation via crack freezing analysis. Simultaneously, variations in the pure SCG resistance after a recorded craze‐crack transition were determined via cyclic Cracked Round Bar (CRB) tests. In that context, a homologous series of PA12 grades of increasing molecular weight (MW), as well as a systematically developed series of PA12 grades incorporating a pigment and/or an impact modifier, were selected for this study. Results show a good correlation between the crack initiation resistance and the disentanglement resistance of PA12 chains as well as the size of the plastic zone. In that context, an increasing average MW, leads to increasing disentanglement resistances due to hydrogen bond effects. An impact modification promotes the development of notably larger plastic zones. Contrarily, colored grades exhibit a reduced plastic zone size, rendering a lower amount of dissipated energy before physical crack initiation. Pure SCG resistance follows a similar trend and is improved by high average MW as well as the use of impact modifier. Crack growth acceleration, however, is assumed to occur alongside the relatively weak interfaces between polymer matrix and pigments.
Erdbebenanker für Massivholzkonstruktionen
Authors: Tannert Thomas
Published: March 2022

Der Holzbau überschreitet derzeit neue Grenzen, besonders in Bezug auf mehrgeschossige Konstruktionen. Wegen der zu berücksichtigenden höheren Wind‐ und Erdbebenlasten sind Hochhäuser mit erhöhten Anforderungen konfrontiert, unter anderem müssen die Erdbebenanker (EA) hohe Tragfähigkeit aufweisen, um diese Lasten abzuleiten, eine hohe Steifigkeit, um horizontale Verschiebungen zu minimieren, sowie Nachgiebigkeit, um die gewünschte Kinematik der aussteifenden Wandplatten während eines Erdbebens zu ermöglichen. In diesem Beitrag wird der Stand der Technik in der EA‐Technologie für aussteifende Massivholzwände zusammengefasst sowie aktuelle Forschungsergebnisse zu drei innovativen EA präsentiert: i) mit Vollgewindeschrauben oberflächeninstallierte Stahlplatten, ii) eingeschlitzte und mit selbstbohrenden Stabdübeln befestigte Stahllochplatten und iii) hyperelastische Platten mit Stahlstangen.
Data integrity within the biopharmaceutical sector in the era of Industry 4.0
Authors: Alosert Haneen , Savery James , Rheaume Jennifer , Cheeks Matthew , Turner Richard , Spencer Christopher , S. Farid Suzanne , Goldrick Stephen
Published: March 2022

Data Integrity (DI) in the highly regulated biopharmaceutical sector is of paramount importance to ensure decisions on meeting product specifications are accurate and hence assure patient safety and product quality. The challenge of ensuring DI within this sector is becoming more complex with the growing amount of data generated given increasing adoption of process analytical technology (PAT), advanced automation, high throughput microscale studies, and managing data models created by machine learning (ML) tools. This paper aims to identify DI risks and mitigation strategies in biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities as the sector moves towards Industry 4.0. To achieve this, the paper examines common DI violations and links them to the ALCOA+ principles used across the FDA, EMA, and MHRA. The relevant DI guidelines from the ISPE's GAMP5 and ISA‐95 standards are also discussed with a focus on the role of validated computerised and automated manufacturing systems to avoid DI risks and generate compliant data. The paper also highlights the importance of DI whilst using data analytics to ensure the developed models meet the required regulatory standards for process monitoring and control. This includes a discussion on possible mitigation strategies and methodologies to ensure data integrity is maintained for smart manufacturing operations such as the use of cloud platforms to facilitate the storage and transfer of manufacturing data, and migrate away from paper‐based records.
A parallel model of DenseCNN and ordered‐neuron LSTM for generic and species‐specific succinylation site prediction
Authors: Wang Huiqing , Zhao Hong , Zhang Jing , Han Jiale , Liu Zhihao
Published: March 2022

Lysine succinylation (Ksucc) regulates various metabolic processes, participates in vital life processes, and is involved in the occurrence and development of numerous diseases. Accurate recognition of succinylation sites can reveal underlying functional mechanisms and pathogenesis. However, most remain undetected. Moreover, a deep learning architecture focusing on generic and species‐specific predictions is still lacking. Thus, we proposed a deep learning‐based framework named Deep‐Ksucc, combining a dense convolutional network and ordered‐neuron long short‐term memory in parallel, which took the cascading characteristics of sequence information and physicochemical properties as the input. The results of the generic and species‐specific predictions indicated that Deep‐Ksucc can identify sequence patterns of different organisms and recognize plenty of succinylation sites. The case study showed that Deep‐Ksucc can serve as a reliable tool for biology verification and computer‐aided recognition of succinylation sites.
Copper impurity of iron raw material contributes to improved cell culture performance
Authors: Weiss Christine Hilde , Caspari Janine Stephanie , Merkel Corinna , Zimmer Aline
Published: March 2022

Cell culture medium (CCM) formulations are chemically defined to reduce lot‐to‐lot variability and complexity of the medium while still providing all essential nutrients supporting cell growth and productivity of various cell lines. However, raw material impurities may still introduce variations and inconsistencies to final CCM formulations. In one of our previous studies (Weiss et al. Biotechnol Prog. 2021;37(4):e3148), we have demonstrated the impact of iron raw material impurity on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell performance and critical quality attributes (CQAs) of recombinant proteins within the Cellvento® 4CHO CCM platform by identifying manganese impurity as the main root cause for improved cell performance and altered glycosylation profiles. This study sought to investigate the impact of iron raw material impurities within another medium platform, namely EX‐CELL® Advanced CHO Fed‐Batch‐Medium. As opposed to previously published results, in this platform, copper instead of manganese impurity present within the used ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) iron source was responsible for an improved cell performance of a CHOZN® cell line and a slight difference in CQAs of the produced recombinant protein. The use of tightly controlled raw material specifications or the use of low impurity iron sources is therefore crucial to minimize the impact of impurities on cell performance in any CCM platform and thereby guarantee consistent and reproducible cell culture processes.
Great imitator with exclusive oral manifestations
Authors: Hayder Faten , Marrakchi Slaheddine , Bahloul Emna , Charfi Slim , Sellami Khadija , Turki Hamida
Published: March 2022

Oral manifestations in syphilis are frequent through the different stages of the disease. Exclusive oral localization in secondary syphilis (SS) is yet uncommon. Delays in diagnosis are frequent in these patients. We describe a case of SS limited to the buccal mucosa with both serological and histological confirmation.
Guillain‐Barré syndrome associated with Coronavirus disease 2019: A case from Nepal
Authors: Aryal Roshan , Karki Shivaji , Rajbhandari Shreesti , Gajurel Bikram Prasad , Karn Ragesh , Rajbhandari Reema , Paudel Sunanda , Gautam Niraj , Shrestha Ashish , Ojha Rajeev
Published: March 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has now spread widely after the outbreak since December 31, 2019. Guillain‐Barré syndrome is an immunological postinfectious neuropathy, which has been reported to be a rare but possible complication COVID‐19. We report a case of Guillain‐Barré syndrome associated with COVID‐19 in Nepal.
Visible‐Light Assisted Covalent Surface Functionalization of Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanosheets with Arylazo Sulfones
Authors: Lombardi Lorenzo , Kovtun Alessandro , Mantovani Sebastiano , Bertuzzi Giulio , Favaretto Laura , Bettini Cristian , Palermo Vincenzo , Melucci Manuela , Bandini Marco
Published: March 2022

We present an environmentally benign methodology for the covalent functionalization (arylation) of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets with arylazo sulfones. A variety of tagged aryl units were conveniently accommodated at the rGO surface via visible‐light irradiation of suspensions of carbon nanostructured materials in aqueous media. Mild reaction conditions, absence of photosensitizers, functional group tolerance and high atomic fractions (XPS analysis) represent some of the salient features characterizing the present methodology. Control experiments for the mechanistic elucidation (Raman analysis) and chemical nanomanipulation of the tagged rGO surfaces are also reported.
Optimization of an Asymmetric Reaction in the Cavity of Chiral Aromatic Oligoamide Foldamers
Authors: Ma Chunmiao , Tang Jie , Yu Lu , Wen Kehan , Gan Quan
Published: March 2022

An asymmetric reaction can be implemented and refined in the helical cavity of aromatic oligoamide sequences. These sequences, which bear a chiral inducer, can fold into helical structures with absolute control of the helical sense, whereby a ketone substrate covalently linked in the cavity can be asymmetrically reduced to diastereomers. The diastereoselectivity of the reduction is highly dependent on the shielding efficiency of the helical cavity. Iterative modifications of the sequence, such as addition and replacement of monomers, can fine‐tune the cavity to realize the asymmetric reaction, thereby progressively increasing the diastereomeric excess up to 90 %.
Experimental methods in chemical engineering: Atomic force microscopy − AFM
Authors: Moraille Patricia , Abdali Zahra , Ramkaran Mohini , Polcari David , Patience Gregory S. , Dorval Courchesne Noémie‐Manuelle , Badia Antonella
Published: March 2022

Atomic force microscopy (AFM), part of the scanning probe microscopy family, exploits the local interaction forces between the sharp tip of a scanning mechanical probe and a material sample to profile its surface topography or map mechanical and tribological properties over nanometre to micron length scales. AFM images the topography at a sub‐angstrom resolution in height and sub‐nanometre to nanometre lateral resolution for diverse materials spanning extremely soft biological samples to hard metals in air, fluid, or vacuum. The accuracy of dimensional metrology measurements depends on the probe tip radius and geometry, calibration of the piezoelectric scanner movement, and applied force. A number of experimental aspects must be considered to ensure imaging reproducibility and maximize imaging resolution. These considerations include sample preparation, imaging environment, choice of AFM mode and probe, and imaging parameters. AFM offers specialized modes to characterize materials properties such as surface potential, electrochemical reactivity, and electrical and magnetic properties. Recent advances combine AFM and infrared spectroscopy to simultaneously map the surface topography and distribution of chemical species. High‐speed or fast‐scanning AFM captures dynamic structural changes and (bio)molecular processes occurring on the millisecond time scale. Every year, Web of Science indexes over 3200 articles that appear when adding AFM and microscopy in the search field topic. A bibliometric analysis grouped AFM research into five clusters: (1) mechanical properties, membranes, and adhesion, (2) morphology, microstructure, and roughness, (3) spectroscopy, nanocomposite, and oxide, (4) adsorption and steel, and (5) polymer and wettability.
Prediction of electricity energy consumption including COVID‐19 precautions using the hybrid MLR‐FFANN optimized with the stochastic fractal search with fitness distance balance algorithm
Authors: Dalcali Adem , Özbay Harun , Duman Serhat
Published: March 2022

The increase in energy consumption is affected by the developments in technology as well as the global population growth. Increasing energy consumption makes it difficult to ensure electrical energy supply security. Meeting the energy demand can be achieved with the right planning. Proper planning is critical for both economical use of resources and low cost for the end consumer. On the other hand, erroneous estimation of demand may cause waste of resources and energy crisis. Accurate estimation is possible by accurately modeling the factors affecting electricity consumption. Apart from known factors such as seasonal conditions, days of the week and hours, modeling in extreme events such as pandemics that affect all our behaviors increases the success in modeling the future projection. This ensures that the security of electrical energy supply is carried out effectively with limited resources. For this purpose, in this study, a hybrid multiple linear regression‐feedforward artificial neural network (MLR‐FFANN) based algorithm model was proposed, taking into account the estimated impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the energy consumption values of Bursa, an industrial city in Turkey. The aim of the hybrid MLR‐FFANN approach was to simultaneously optimize the β polynomial for multiple linear regression and the weight and bias coefficients for the forward propagation neural network using the adaptive guided differential evolution, equilibrium optimizer, slime mold algorithm, and stochastic fractal search with fitness distance balance (SFSFDB) optimization algorithms. The success of the model whose parameters were optimized using the optimization algorithms was determined according to mean absolute error, mean absolute percentage error, and root mean square error evaluation criteria and statistical analysis of these results. According to the results of the analysis, the MLR‐FFANN approach whose parameters were optimized with the SFSFDB algorithm was more successful in the training of the dataset containing the COVID‐19 precautions.
A scalable serology solution for profiling humoral immune responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and vaccination
Authors: Colwill Karen , Galipeau Yannick , Stuible Matthew , Gervais Christian , Arnold Corey , Rathod Bhavisha , Abe Kento T , Wang Jenny H , Pasculescu Adrian , Maltseva Mariam , Rocheleau Lynda , Pelchat Martin , Fazel‐Zarandi Mahya , Iskilova Mariam , Barrios‐Rodiles Miriam , Bennett Linda , Yau Kevin , Cholette François , Mesa Christine , Li Angel X , Paterson Aimee , Hladunewich Michelle A , Goodwin Pamela J , Wrana Jeffrey L , Drews Steven J , Mubareka Samira , McGeer Allison J , Kim John , Langlois Marc‐André , Gingras Anne‐Claude , Durocher Yves
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Antibody testing against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has been instrumental in detecting previous exposures and analyzing vaccine‐elicited immune responses. Here, we describe a scalable solution to detect and quantify SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies, discriminate between natural infection‐ and vaccination‐induced responses, and assess antibody‐mediated inhibition of the spike‐angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) interaction.

Methods

We developed methods and reagents to detect SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The main assays focus on the parallel detection of immunoglobulin (Ig)Gs against the spike trimer, its receptor binding domain (RBD) and nucleocapsid (N). We automated a surrogate neutralisation (sn)ELISA that measures inhibition of ACE2‐spike or ‐RBD interactions by antibodies. The assays were calibrated to a World Health Organization reference standard.

Results

Our single‐point IgG‐based ELISAs accurately distinguished non‐infected and infected individuals. For seroprevalence assessment (in a non‐vaccinated cohort), classifying a sample as positive if antibodies were detected for ≥ 2 of the 3 antigens provided the highest specificity. In vaccinated cohorts, increases in anti‐spike and ‐RBD (but not ‐N) antibodies are observed. We present detailed protocols for serum/plasma or dried blood spots analysis performed manually and on automated platforms. The snELISA can be performed automatically at single points, increasing its scalability.

Conclusions

Measuring antibodies to three viral antigens and identify neutralising antibodies capable of disrupting spike‐ACE2 interactions in high‐throughput enables large‐scale analyses of humoral immune responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and vaccination. The reagents are available to enable scaling up of standardised serological assays, permitting inter‐laboratory data comparison and aggregation.
Two asymmetric cylindrical dielectric resonator loaded dual port multiple‐input multiple‐output antenna for wide band application with circular polarization attributes
Authors: Dwivedi Ajay Kumar , K.N. Nagesh , Kumar H. Venkatesh , Singh Suyash Kumar , Mungara Jitendranath , Sharma Anand , Singh Vivek
Published: March 2022

A novel multiple‐input multiple‐output double asymmetrical cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna (MIMO‐DCDRA) with modified stub line feed is discussed and proposed in this work. Two unequal CDRA are placed diagonally to each other and are electromagnetically coupled with feeding arrangement via two asymmetrical circular apertures. By performing the optimization of the dimensional parameters, a significant impedance bandwidth of 70.84% ranging from 2.87 to 5.76 GHz and axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) of 34.89% is obtained. Antenna gain is about 5.0 dBi within the operating frequency. The proposed MIMO‐DCDRA exhibits a low mutual coupling of (|S21| & |S12| < −20 dB) with the incorporation of a neutralization line. There are various diversity parameters that are also discussed in terms of mutual coupling, envelop correlation coefficient (ECC < 0.002), diversity gain (DG > 9.995), and channel capacity loss (CCL < 0.3 bits/s/Hz) over the entire impedance bandwidth.
Indigenous‐led conservation: Pathways to recovery for the nearly extirpatedKlinse‐Zamountain caribou
Authors: Lamb Clayton T. , Willson Roland , Richter Carmen , Owens‐Beek Naomi , Napoleon Julian , Muir Bruce , McNay R. Scott , Lavis Estelle , Hebblewhite Mark , Giguere Line , Dokkie Tamara , Boutin Stan , Ford Adam T.
Published: March 2022

Indigenous Peoples around the northern hemisphere have long relied on caribou for subsistence and for ceremonial and community purposes. Unfortunately, despite recovery efforts by federal and provincial agencies, caribou are currently in decline in many areas across Canada. In response to recent and dramatic declines of mountain caribou populations within their traditional territory, West Moberly First Nations and Saulteau First Nations (collectively, the “Nations”) came together to create a new vision for caribou recovery on the lands they have long stewarded and shared. The Nations focused on the Klinse‐Za subpopulation, which had once encompassed so many caribou that West Moberly Elders remarked that they were “like bugs on the landscape.” The Klinse‐Za caribou declined from ~250 in the 1990s to only 38 in 2013, rendering Indigenous harvest of caribou nonviable and infringing on treaty rights to a subsistence livelihood. In collaboration with many groups and governments, this Indigenous‐led conservation initiative paired short‐term population recovery actions, predator reduction and maternal penning, with long‐term habitat protection in an effort to create a self‐sustaining caribou population. Here, we review these recovery actions and the promising evidence that the abundance of Klinse‐Za caribou has more than doubled from 38 animals in 2013 to 101 in 2021, representing rapid population growth in response to recovery actions. With looming extirpation averted, the Nations focused efforts on securing a landmark conservation agreement in 2020 that protects caribou habitat over a 7986‐km2area. The Agreement provides habitat protection for >85% of the Klinse‐Za subpopulation (up from only 1.8% protected pre‐conservation agreement) and affords moderate protection for neighboring caribou subpopulations (29%–47% of subpopulation areas, up from 0%–20%). This Indigenous‐led conservation initiative has set both the Indigenous and Canadian governments on the path to recover the Klinse‐Za subpopulation and reinstate a culturally meaningful caribou hunt. This effort highlights how Indigenous governance and leadership can be the catalyst needed to establish meaningful conservation actions, enhance endangered species recovery, and honor cultural connections to now imperiled wildlife.
Climatic refugia and reduced extinction correlate with underdispersion in mammals and birds in Africa
Authors: Cooper Jacob C. , Crouch Nicholas M. A. , Ferguson Adam W. , Bates John M.
Published: March 2022

Macroevolutionary patterns, often inferred from metrics of community relatedness, are often used to ascertain major evolutionary processes shaping communities. These patterns have been shown to be informative of biogeographic barriers, of habitat suitability and invasibility (especially with regard to environmental filtering), and of regions that function as evolutionary cradles (i.e., sources of diversification) or museums (i.e., regions of reduced extinction). Here, we analyzed continental datasets of mammal and bird distributions to identify primary drivers of community evolution on the African continent for mostly endothermic vertebrates. We find that underdispersion (i.e., relatively low phylogenetic diversity compared to species richness) closely correlates with specific ecoregions that have been identified as climatic refugia in the literature, regardless of whether these specific regions have been touted as cradles or museums. Using theoretical models of identical communities that differ only with respect to extinction rates, we find that even small suppressions of extinction rates can result in underdispersed communities, supporting the hypothesis that climatic stability can lead to underdispersion. We posit that large‐scale patterns of under‐ and overdispersion between regions of similar species richness are more reflective of a particular region’s extinction potential, and that the very nature of refugia can lead to underdispersion via the steady accumulation of species richness through diversification within the same ecoregion during climatic cycles. Thus, patterns of environmental filtering can be obfuscated by environments that coincide with biogeographic refugia, and considerations of regional biogeographic history are paramount for inferring macroevolutionary processes.
Reshaping Electrolyte Solvation Structure for High‐Energy Aqueous Batteries
Authors: Liu Shuailei , Liu Jinping
Published: March 2022

A highlight on reshaping aqueous electrolyte solvation structure for high‐energy batteries is provided. Firstly, the recent key design routes for regulating solvation structure to widen electrochemical stability window (ESW) of aqueous electrolyte are briefly summarized. Then, the groundbreaking work of Wang et al. on reshaping electrolyte structure using urea as the diluent is elaborated. Finally, the significance of Wang's work is highlighted.
Ultrahigh Energy Density Li‐Organic Primary Batteries
Authors: Chen Zhaoyang , Yao Yan
Published: March 2022

This article is to highlight recent work from Prof. Yunhua Xu published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 2022, 119, e2116775119.
Ecosystem‐scale mapping of coral species and thermal tolerance
Authors: Drury Crawford , Martin Roberta E , Knapp David E , Heckler Joseph , Levy Joshua , Gates Ruth D , Asner Gregory P
Published: March 2022

The global decline of coral reefs urgently requires scalable colony‐level data about phenotypic variation to improve coral conservation and management. To address this, we leveraged historical bleaching phenotypes, airborne imaging spectroscopy, and recurrent temperature stress to map coral species composition and thermal tolerance across four focal reefs with a cumulative area of ~15 ha. Spectral data accurately distinguished benthic composition and coral species, and showed substantial capacity for mapping thermal tolerance in two species of healthy coral. We used thermal stress from a 2019 marine heatwave to demonstrate high prediction accuracy during a natural bleaching event, and to strengthen the links between predictions, conserved tolerance phenotypes, and spectral signatures. Large differences in the proportion of tolerant corals at individual reefs suggest that ecosystem‐scale “winners” and “losers” in future bleaching can be predicted, which may greatly increase the efficacy of management. This framework provides foundational evidence for the applicability of organismic‐scale remote sensing to coral conservation.
Multiplex size marker (YEAST PLEX) for rapid and accurate identification of pathogenic yeasts
Authors: Aboutalebian Shima , Mahmoudi Shahram , Charsizadeh Arezoo , Nikmanesh Bahram , Hosseini Mahnaz , Mirhendi Hossein
Published: March 2022

Background

Multiple yeast species can cause human disease, involving superficial to deep‐seated infections. Treatment of these infections depends on the accurate identification of causative agents; however, reliable methods are not available in many laboratories, especially not in resource‐limited settings. Here, a new multiplex assay for rapid and low‐cost identification of pathogenic yeasts is described.

Methods

A two‐step multiplex assay named YEAST PLEX that comprises of four tubes and identifies 17 clinically important common to rare yeasts was designed and evaluated. The set also provides PCR amplicon of unidentified species for direct sequencing. The specificity of YEAST PLEX was tested using 28 reference strains belonging to 17 species and 101 DNA samples of clinically important non‐target bacteria, parasites, and fungi as well as human genomic DNA. The method was further analyzed using 203 previously identified and 89 unknown clinical yeast isolates. Moreover, the method was tested for its ability to identify mixed yeast colonies by using 18 mixed suspensions of two or three species.

Results

YEAST PLEX was able to identify all the target species without any non‐specific PCR products. When compared to PCR‐sequencing/MALDI‐TOF, the results of YEAST PLEX were in 100% agreement. Regarding the 89 unknown clinical isolates, random isolates were selected and subjected to PCR‐sequencing. The results of sequencing were in agreement with those of YEAST PLEX. Furthermore, this method was able to correctly identify all yeasts in mixed suspensions.

Conclusion

YEAST PLEX is an accurate, low‐cost, and rapid method for identification of yeasts, with applicability, especially in developing countries.
Magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers for selectively adsorbing flavins and their effects on bioremoval of Acid Red 18 and Cr(VI)
Authors: Liu Xinxin , Lu Hong , Li Qiansheng , Fu Ze , Tan Feng , Wang Xiaolei , Zhou Jiti
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Flavins can be used as redox mediators to accelerate anaerobic biotransformation of refractory pollutants. For better application of flavins, suitable immobilization methods need to be developed. As most microorganisms can synthesize flavins, it is a good strategy to develop selective solid sorbents for immobilizing the flavins released by waste biomass including waste activated sludge (WAS).

RESULTS

Novel core–shell magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) for flavins were successfully prepared. The adsorption amount of 10 mg of MMIPs for flavin mononucleotide (FMN) could reach 29.19 μmol g−1, which was around 24.9‐fold higher than that of magnetic non‐molecularly imprinted polymers (1.17 μmol g−1). Their isothermal adsorption process followed the Langmuir model. Similar adsorption behaviors of MMIPs were also observed for flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and riboflavin. The three flavins adsorbed on MMIPs enhanced the removal rates of azo dye Acid Red 18 (AR 18) and Cr(VI) by Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1. Moreover, the catalytic performance of MMIPs–FMN could remain at 97.6% of the original value after five repeated usages. Further studies found that MMIPs could efficiently adsorb FAD from the lysate of WAS, and MMIPs–FAD enhanced the decolorization of AR 18.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel MMIPs could selectively adsorb flavins. MMIPs–flavins exhibited good catalytic and repeated usage performances, indicating that they could be used for accelerating anaerobic biotransformation of refractory pollutants. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).