bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circularly Polarized Luminescence based on 0D Lead‐Free Antimony (III) Halide Hybrids
Authors: Xuan Hong‐Li , Li Jin‐Long , Xu Liang‐Jin , Zheng Da‐Sheng , Chen Zhong‐Ning
Published: June 2022

Chiral materials with circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) are currently attracting great attention for their wide applications in bioresponsive imaging, 3D displays, and storage of information. Herein, CPL‐active enantiomorphic hybrids (R)‐ and (S)‐C6H15Cl2NO⋅SbCl5are obtained by self‐assembling chiral R/S‐(3‐chloro‐2‐hydroxypropyl)trimethylammonium chloride with antimony(III) chloride, giving a 0D structure with SbCl5pyramids isolated by (3‐chloro‐2‐hydroxypropyl)trimethylammonium chloride cations. The formed enantiomers exhibit brilliant orange emission peaked at 604 nm with photoluminescence quantum yield as high as 71.2%, originating from the self‐trapped exciton emission demonstrated by photophysical characterization. Due to the existence of chiral organic cations, the enantiomers exhibit strong chiral‐optical properties with mirror‐image circular dichroism signals in ground state and obvious CPL activity with the dissymmetry factorglumof 2.5 × 10−4and −1.6 × 10−4for R‐type and S‐type, respectively. It should be mentioned that these are the first reported 0D hybrids with CPL‐activity. This work paves an avenue for developing eco‐friendly CPL materials with highly ‐efficient luminescence.
Modulating the Band Structure of Metal Coordinated Salen COFs and an In Situ Constructed Charge Transfer Heterostructure for Electrocatalysis Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhang Boying , Chen Liling , Zhang Zhenni , Li Qing , Khangale Phathutshedzo , Hildebrandt Diane , Liu Xinying , Feng Qingliang , Qiao Shanlin
Published: June 2022

A series of crystalline, stable Metal (Metal = Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, and Mn)‐Salen covalent organic framework (COF)EDA complex are prepared to continuously tune the band structure of Metal‐Salen COFEDA, with the purpose of optimizing the free energy intermediate species during the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) process. The conductive macromolecular poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is subsequently integrated into the one‐dimensional (1D) channel arrays of Metal‐Salen COFEDA to form heterostructure PEDOT@Metal‐Salen COFEDA via the in situ solid‐state polymerization method. Among the Metal‐Salen COFEDA and PEDOT@Metal‐Salen COFEDA complexes, the optimized PEDOT@Mn‐Salen COFEDA displays prominent electrochemical activity with an overpotential of 150 mV and a Tafel slope of 43 mV dec−1. The experimental results and density of states data show that the continuous energy band structure modulation in Metal‐Salen COFEDA has the ability to make the metal d‐orbital interact better with the s‐orbital of H, which is conducive to electron transport in the HER process. Moreover, the calculated charge density difference indicates that the heterostructures composed of PEDOT and Metal‐Salen COFEDA induce an intramolecular charge transfer and construct highly active interfacial sites.
Shielding Surfaces from Viruses and Bacteria with a Multiscale Coating
Authors: Ashok Deepu , Taheri Mahdiar , Garg Puneet , Webb Daryl , Parajuli Pawan , Wang Yi , Funnell Bronte , Taylor Bradley , Tscharke David C. , Tsuzuki Takuya , Verma Naresh K. , Tricoli Antonio , Nisbet David R.
Published: June 2022

The spread of viral and bacterial pathogens mediated by contact with surfaces is a leading cause of infection worldwide. COVID‐19 and the continuous rise of deaths associated with antibiotic‐resistant bacteria highlight the need to impede surface‐mediated transmission. A sprayable coating with an intrinsic ability to resist the uptake of bacteria and viruses from surfaces and droplets, such as those generated by sneezing or coughing, is reported. The coating also provides an effective microbicidal functionality against bacteria, providing a dual barrier against pathogen uptake and transmission. This antimicrobial functionality is fully preserved following scratching and other induced damage to its surface or 9 days of submersion in a highly concentrated suspension of bacteria. The coatings also register an 11‐fold decrease in viral contamination compared to the noncoated surfaces.
Small Molecule NIR‐II Dyes for Switchable Photoluminescence via Host –Guest Complexation and Supramolecular Assembly with Carbon Dots
Authors: Sar Dinabandhu , Ostadhossein Fatemeh , Moitra Parikshit , Alafeef Maha , Pan Dipanjan
Published: June 2022

Small molecular NIR‐II dyes are highly desirable for various biomedical applications. However, NIR‐II probes are still limited due to the complex synthetic processes and inadequate availability of fluorescent core. Herein, the design and synthesis of three small molecular NIR‐II dyes are reported. These dyes can be excited at 850–915 nm and emitted at 1280–1290 nm with a large stokes shift (≈375 nm). Experimental and computational results indicate a 2:1 preferable host–guest assembly between the cucurbit[8]uril (CB) and dye molecules. Interestingly, the dyes when self‐assembled in presence of CB leads to the formation of nanocubes (≈200 nm) and exhibits marked enhancement in fluorescence emission intensity (Switch‐On). However, the addition of red carbon dots (rCDots, ≈10 nm) quenches the fluorescence of these host–guest complexes (Switch‐Off) providing flexibility in the user‐defined tuning of photoluminescence. The turn‐ON complex found to have comparable quantum yield to the commercially available near‐infrared fluorophore, IR‐26. The aqueous dispersibility, cellular and blood compatibility, and NIR‐II bioimaging capability of the inclusion complexes is also explored. Thus, a switchable fluorescence behavior, driven by host–guest complexation and supramolecular self‐assembly, is demonstrated here for three new NIR‐II dyes.
Regulating *OCHO Intermediate as Rate‐Determining Step of Defective Oxynitride Nanosheets Enabling Robust CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Zhang Bo , Chang Yuan , Wu Yunzhen , Fan Zhaozhong , Zhai Panlong , Wang Chen , Gao Junfeng , Sun Licheng , Hou Jungang
Published: June 2022

The electrochemical conversion of CO2 into hydrocarbons is an important approach to store sustainable energy and address climate concerns. However, it is a huge challenge to unearth a promising model for elucidating the role of dopants and vacancies on catalysts upon CO2 electroreduction. Herein, porous indium oxynitride nanosheets with simultaneous incorporation of nitrogen dopant and oxygen vacancy (Vo‐N‐InON) are reported for achieving efficient CO2 conversion to formic acid (HCOOH). As a result, the catalyst exhibits an extremely high formate selectivity of 95.1% at a low potential of −0.8 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) compared with pristine In2O3, Vo‐In2O3, and InN, delivering a large partial current density of 121.1 mA cm–2 for formate production at −1.13 V versus RHE in the flow cell. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the generation of *OCHO intermediate is the rate‐determining step. The synergistic effect between nitrogen dopants and oxygen vacancies contributes to the activation of CO2, facilitates the charge transfer, and reduces the reaction free energy of *OCHO protonation. This work not only discloses a fundamental understanding of synergistic effects between nitrogen dopants and oxygen vacancies to improve catalytic performance, but also provides an effective platform toward CO2 conversion.
Long‐Term Operation of Nb‐Coated Stainless Steel Bipolar Plates for Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers
Authors: Stiber Svenja , Hehemann Michael , Carmo Marcelo , Müller Martin , Ayers Katherine E. , Capuano Christopher , Danilovic Nemanja , Morawietz Tobias , Biswas Indro , Gazdzicki Pawel , Heger Jan‐Frederik , Gago Aldo Saul , Friedrich Kaspar Andreas
Published: June 2022

Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) is the most promising technology for green hydrogen production using renewable electricity, but it is expensive due to the Ti bipolar plates (BPPs). Herein, a PEMWE stack with coated stainless steel (ss) BPPs (Nb/Ti/ss‐BPP and Nb/ss‐BPP) is reported, which operates for about 14 000 h at 1.63 ± 0.12 A cm−2 and 65 °C. The average degradation rate is as low as 1.2% or 5.5 μV h−1. Scanning electrode microcopy reveals no signs of corrosion of the ss beneath the coatings. The interfacial contact resistance increases due to the formation of poorly conductive amorphous Nb oxides, as shown by atomic force microscopy and X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy, although it does not affect the cell performance. The results prove that Ti is not needed anymore as base material for manufacturing the BPPs, thus the cost of PEMWE can be significantly reduced.
Study of hydrodynamics and flow characteristics in a twin‐blade planetary mixer with non‐Newtonian fluids
Authors: Long Jiecai , Zhan Xiaobin , Guo Fang , Sun Zhibin , Shen Baojun , He Yu , Li Xiwen
Published: June 2022

This study aims to characterize the hydrodynamics and flow characteristics in a twin‐blade planetary mixer with non‐Newtonian fluids by using CFD modeling technique. The kneading pressure was recorded using an experimental setup, and a CFD model was verified. The flow characteristics and hydrodynamics in the mixing vessel containing the power‐law fluids were analyzed quantitatively, particularly the influence of the flow behavior index n. Results revealed that as n increased from 0.25 to 1.75, the maximum shear rate decreased from 733 to 120 s−1 and the local apparent viscosity in the kneading regions increased significantly. The maximum kneading pressure and power consumption increased almost exponentially with increasing n. The correlation for the kneading pressure and the correlation for the power consumption were established by introducing the pressure‐oriented effective viscosity μe‐p, the pressure‐oriented effective shear rate , the improved effective viscosity μei and the improved effective shear rate .
Evolution and Single‐Droplet Analysis of Fuel‐Driven Compartments by Droplet‐Based Microfluidics
Authors: Bergmann Alexander M. , Donau Carsten , Späth Fabian , Jahnke Kevin , Göpfrich Kerstin , Boekhoven Job
Published: June 2022

Active droplets are a great model for membraneless organelles. However, the analysis of these systems remains challenging and is often limited due to the short timescales of their kinetics. We used droplet‐based microfluidics to encapsulate a fuel‐driven cycle that drives phase separation into coacervate‐based droplets to overcome this challenge. This approach enables the analysis of every coacervate‐based droplet in the reaction container throughout its lifetime. We discovered that the fuel concentration dictates the formation of the coacervate‐based droplets and their properties. We observed that coacervate‐based droplets grow through fusion, decay simultaneously independent of their volume, and shrinkage rate scales with their initial volume. This method helps to further understand the regulation of membraneless organelles, and we believe the analysis of individual coacervate‐based droplets enables future selection‐ or evolution‐based studies.
An Oxazine‐Based Fluorogenic Probe with Changeable π‐Conjugation to Eliminate False‐Positive Interference of Albumin and Its Application to Sensing Aminopeptidase N
Authors: Shang Jizhen , Zhang Xiaofan , He Zixu , Shen Shili , Liu Diankai , Shi Wen , Ma Huimin
Published: June 2022

Many fluorophores/probes suffer from the interference of albumin in biosystems. Herein, we propose an effective strategy to overcome this interference by virtue of both an albumin‐insensitive fluorophore and its changeable π‐conjugation, and demonstrate the strategy by designing an oxazine‐based fluorogenic probe for aminopeptidase N (APN). The modification on the N atom in the oxazine fluorophore with alanine through a cleavable linker locks the resulting probe in a non‐conjugated, colorless and non‐fluorescent state, so the non‐specific interaction of albumin produces no spectroscopic response. APN can selectively cleave the alanine moiety, restoring the large π‐conjugation and strong fluorescence. The capability of the probe to eliminate the albumin influence has been demonstrated by imaging APN in different cell lines, and by quantitatively determining APN in human serum and mouse urine. The present strategy may be useful for developing more specific fluorogenic probes for other enzymes.
Straightforward Access to Multifunctional π‐Conjugated P‐Heterocycles Featuring an Internal Ylidic Bond**
Authors: Delouche Thomas , Caytan Elsa , Cordier Marie , Roisnel Thierry , Taupier Grégory , Molard Yann , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Le Guennic Boris , Hissler Muriel , Jacquemin Denis , Bouit Pierre‐Antoine
Published: June 2022

We report the straightforward one‐pot synthesis of novel 5‐ or 6‐membered P‐heterocycles featuring an internal ylidic bond: P‐containing acenaphthylenes and phenanthrenes. The stability of the compounds tolerates post‐functionalization through direct arylation to introduce electron‐rich/poor substituents and the synthetic strategy is also compatible with the preparation of more elaborate polyaromatic scaffolds such as acenes and helicenes. Using a joint experimental (X‐ray analysis, optical and redox properties) and theoretical approach, we perform a full structure–property relationships study on these new platforms. In particular, we show that molecular engineering allows not only tuning their absorption/emission across the entire visible range but also endowing them with chiroptical or non‐linear optical properties, making them valuable dyes for a large panel of photonic or opto‐electronic applications.
Embedding Multiphoton Active Units within Metal–Organic Frameworks for Turning on High‐Order Multiphoton Excited Fluorescence for Bioimaging
Authors: Li Bo , Lu Xin , Tian Yupeng , Li Dandan
Published: June 2022

The fabrication of high‐order multiphoton excited fluorescent materials for second near‐infrared (NIR‐II, 1000–1700 nm) light‐induced fluorescence imaging has always been an intractable challenge. In this study, a reasonable strategy guided by theoretical calculations was employed to fabricate a novel high‐order multiphoton excited fluorescence (H‐MPEF)‐responsive UiO‐type metal–organic framework (MOF, ZrTc). Strategically, the functionalization of the photonic‐responsive thiazolothiazole‐based organic ligand gave rise to amplified H‐MPEF (four‐photon activity) performance and prolonged excitation wavelength (1550 nm) of ZrTcI. The results reveal that the extended π‐electron system, enhanced charge transfer, improved dipole moment, and weakened π‐π stacking interactions within the MOFs endow them with excellent H‐MPEF performance for NIR‐II light‐induced fluorescence imaging. It is an extremely rare report on H‐MPEF bioimaging using MOFs and provide a universal strategy for the fabrication of H‐MPEF‐responsive materials.
Tuning Interphase Chemistry to Stabilize High‐Voltage LiCoO2Cathode Material via Spinel Coating
Authors: Liu Junxiang , Wang Jiaqi , Ni Youxuan , Liu Jiuding , Zhang Yudong , Lu Yong , Yan Zhenhua , Zhang Kai , Zhao Qing , Cheng Fangyi , Chen Jun
Published: June 2022

Cathode electrolyte interphases (CEIs) are critical to the cycling stability of high‐voltage cathodes for batteries, yet their formation mechanism and properties remain elusive. Here we report that the compositions of CEIs are largely controlled by abundant species in the inner Helmholtz layer (IHL) and can be tuned from material aspects. The IHL of LiCoO2(LCO) was found to alter after charging, with a solvent‐rich environment that results in fragile organic‐rich CEIs. By passivated spinel Li4Mn5O12coating, we achieve an anion‐rich IHL after charging, thus enabling robust LiF‐rich CEIs. In situ microscopy reveals that LiF‐rich CEIs maintain mechanical integrity at 500 °C, in sharp contrast to organic‐rich CEIs which undergo severe expansion and subsequent voids/cracks in the cathode. As a result, the spinel‐coated LCO exhibits a high specific capacity of 194 mAh g−1at 0.05 C and a capacity retention of 83 % after 300 cycles at 0.5 C. Our work sheds new light on modulating CEIs for advanced lithium‐ion batteries.
Discovery and Genetic Code Expansion of a Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Hydrolase from the Human Saliva Metagenome for the Degradation and Bio‐Functionalization of PET
Authors: Eiamthong Bhumrapee , Meesawat Piyachat , Wongsatit Thanakrit , Jitdee Jariya , Sangsri Raweewan , Patchsung Maturada , Aphicho Kanokpol , Suraritdechachai Surased , Huguenin‐Dezot Nicolas , Tang Shan , Suginta Wipa , Paosawatyanyong Boonchoat , Babu M. Madan , Chin Jason W. , Pakotiprapha Danaya , Bhanthumnavin Worawan , Uttamapinant Chayasith
Published: June 2022

We report a bioinformatic workflow and subsequent discovery of a new polyethylene terephthalate (PET) hydrolase, which we named MG8, from the human saliva metagenome. MG8 has robust PET plastic degradation activities under different temperature and salinity conditions, outperforming several naturally occurring and engineered hydrolases in degrading PET. Moreover, we genetically encoded 2,3‐diaminopropionic acid (DAP) in place of the catalytic serine residue of MG8, thereby converting a PET hydrolase into a covalent binder for bio‐functionalization of PET. We show that MG8(DAP), in conjunction with a split green fluorescent protein system, can be used to attach protein cargos to PET as well as other polyester plastics. The discovery of a highly active PET hydrolase from the human metagenome—currently an underexplored resource for industrial enzyme discovery—as well as the repurposing of such an enzyme into a plastic functionalization tool, should facilitate ongoing efforts to degrade and maximize reusability of PET.
Self‐Assembly of 2D Hybrid Double Perovskites on 3D Cs2AgBiBr6 Crystals towards Ultrasensitive Detection of Weak Polarized Light
Authors: Zhang Xinyuan , Yao Yunpeng , Liang Lishan , Niu Xinyi , Wu Jianbo , Luo Junhua
Published: June 2022

We report the self‐assembly of 2D double perovskite (BLA)2CsAgBiBr7 (BLA=benzylammonium) on 3D Cs2AgBiBr6 crystals, providing the first demonstration of polarization‐sensitive photodetection using lead‐free double perovskite heterocrystals (HCs). The (BLA)2CsAgBiBr7/Cs2AgBiBr6 HC successfully combines the anisotropy of 2D double perovskites with the well‐defined interface provided by heterogeneous integration. Driven by the built‐in electric field in junction, photodetectors of HCs exhibit unique polarization dependence of zero‐bias photocurrent with a large anisotropy ratio up to 9, which is 6 times amplified as compared to the pristine 2D (BLA)2CsAgBiBr7. More importantly, the present devices can remain polarization‐sensitive with incident light intensity down to the nW cm−2 level. Our study on lead‐free hybrid perovskite HCs marks a step toward establishing robust material foundations for fundamental scientific investigations and the development of optoelectronic devices.
Nitric‐Oxide‐Releasing aza‐BODIPY: A New Near‐Infrared J‐Aggregate with Multiple Antibacterial Modalities
Authors: Bao Xinyao , Zheng Shaoqiu , Zhang Lei , Shen Aizong , Zhang Guoying , Liu Shiyong , Hu Jinming
Published: June 2022

The development of near‐infrared (NIR) J‐aggregates has received increasing attention due to their broad applications. Here, we report the nitrosation of an amine‐containing aza‐BODIPY precursor (BDP‐NH2), affording the first nitric oxide (NO)‐releasing NIR J‐aggregate (BDP‐NO). The introduction of N‐nitrosamine moieties efficiently inhibits the aromatic interactions of BDP‐NH2, which instead promotes the formation of J‐aggregates within micellar nanoparticles with a remarkable bathochromic shift of ≈109 nm to the NIR window (820 nm). Interestingly, the NO release and photothermal conversion efficiency (PTCE) can be delicately tuned by the loading contents of BDP‐NO within micellar nanoparticles, thereby enabling multiple antibacterial modalities by exploring either NO release, photothermal therapy (PTT), or both. We demonstrate the combination of NO and PTT can elevate antibacterial activity while attenuating PTT‐associated inflammation for the in vivo treatment of MRSA infection.
Self‐assembled graphene oxide microcapsules in Pickering emulsions for photo‐responsive self‐healing epoxy coatings
Authors: Yu Fei , Feng Hengyu , Leng Jinpeng , Xue Hongying , Zhong Ziyi , Yan Zhen , Liu Xudong , Liu Yu , Xiao Linghan
Published: June 2022

In regard to the nonfatal harm self‐healing of natural species, microcapsule‐based polymeric materials for self‐healing have been considered to be highly desirable in light of their ability to heal cracks in significant volumes, leaving the original chemical structures of polymers unchanged. Accordingly, this study sought to design a one‐component photo‐responsive self‐healing polymer composite based on Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate resin @graphene oxide microcapsules (BAEA@GOMCs) that are capable of photo‐absorption in order to reduce difficulties of processing and inhomogeneous distributions of the two components. Embedding of BAEA@GOMCs were carried out in waterborne epoxy matrix, and self‐healing composite coatings were generated onto surfaces of hot‐dip steel via galvanization. Upon incurring mechanical damage, solidification of the agents of photo‐responsive healing and the flowing the cracks were achieved as the agents were exposed to light to achieve self‐healing. In addition, the solidification within the unbroken microcapsules was maintained, and there were continuous no reactions. Given the simplicity of the proposed preparation, incorporating light‐absorbing particles into the microcapsule shell can further broaden the application range of the aforementioned common materials.
Anti‐migration performance of EPDM composite improved by octadecylamine‐functionalized graphene oxide
Authors: Lu Zhehong , Hu Yubing , Zhang Bohan , Zhang Guangpu , Guo Fan , Jiang Wei
Published: June 2022

In this paper, the ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) was used as a composite matrix and octadecylamine‐functionalized graphene oxide (GA) was applied as insulation nanofiller to prevent plasticizer migration. To study the anti‐migration behavior of EPDM under plasticizer environment and different temperatures, we investigated the diffusion of dioctyl phthalate (DOP) in EPDM and its composites. The migration kinetics of DOP into EPDM composites with respect to filler and temperature were observed by the immersion absorption method. The process is dynamic and conforms to Fick's law. The composite show a 90% increase in tensile strength and 151% improvement in elongation at break by the addition of 5 phr filler of GA. Meanwhile, the EPDM/GA composite show an obviously improved anti‐migration performance, compared to pure EPDM at different temperatures, the composite show a 22.68%, 17.35%, 14.95%, 7.63% increase. Well layer‐structure of graphene offers a chance to improve the anti‐migration performance of insulation.
Hybrid imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine analogs as potent ATX inhibitors with concrete in vivo antifibrosis effect
Authors: Li Tong , Lei Hongrui , Yang Juanjuan , Cao Zhi , Yang Yu , Liu Zimeng , Sun Ruonan , Yang Xinlian , Zhai Xin
Published: June 2022

In recent years, small‐molecule inhibitors targeting the autotaxin (ATX)/lysophosphatidic acid axis gradually brought excellent disease management benefits. Herein, a series of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine compounds (1–11) were designed as ATX inhibitors through a hybrid strategy by combining the imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine skeleton in GLPG1690 and the benzyl carbamate moiety in PF‐8380. As indicated by FS‐3‐based enzymatic assay, the carbamate derivatives revealed moderate to satisfying ATX inhibitory potency (IC50 = 23–343 nM). Subsequently, the carbamate linker was altered to a urea moiety (12–19) with the aim of retaining ATX inhibition and improving the druglikeness profile. The binding mode analysis all over the modification process well rationalized the leading activity of urea derivatives in an enzymatic assay. Following further structural optimization, the diethanolamine derivative 19 exerted an amazing inhibitory activity (IC50 = 3.98 nM) similar to the positive control GLPG1690 (IC50 = 3.72 nM) and PF‐8380 (IC50 = 4.23 nM). Accordingly, 19 was tested directly for in vivo antifibrotic effects through a bleomycin model (H&E staining), in which 19 effectively alleviated lung structural damage and fibrosis at an oral dose of 20 and 60 mg/kg. Collectively, 19 qualified as a promising ATX inhibitor for potential application in fibrosis‐relevant disease treatment.
Adaptive neural network sliding mode control of a nonlinear two‐degrees‐of‐freedom helicopter system
Authors: Zou Tao , Wu Huiyuan , Sun Weijun , Zhao Zhijia
Published: June 2022

The helicopter can play an important role in military and civil applications owing to its super maneuvering ability, which is closely related to its control system. To improve control performance, this study presents an adaptive sliding mode control strategy merging an adaptive neural network for a nonlinear two‐degrees‐of‐freedom (2‐DOF) helicopter system. By setting up the Lyapunov function, the asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop system is guaranteed, the astringency of the neural network weight renewal course is pledged, and the asymptotic attitude adjustment and trajectory tracking for the desired set point are realized. The availability of the adaptive radial basis function sliding mode control is finally verified via the simulation and real implementation on a nonlinear 2‐DOF helicopter platform.
Production of novel SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike truncations in Chinese hamster ovary cells leads to high expression and binding to antibodies
Authors: Minami Shiaki A. , Jung Seongwon , Huang Yihan , Harris Bradley S. , Kenaston Matthew W. , Faller Roland , Nandi Somen , McDonald Karen A. , Shah Priya S.
Published: June 2022

SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike is a key protein that mediates viral entry into cells and elicits antibody responses. Its importance in infection, diagnostics, and vaccinations has created a large demand for purified Spike for clinical and research applications. Spike is difficult to express, prompting modifications to the protein and expression platforms to improve yields. Alternatively, the Spike receptor‐binding domain (RBD) is commonly expressed with higher titers, though it has lower sensitivity in serological assays. Here, we improve transient Spike expression in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. We demonstrate that Spike titers increase significantly over the expression period, maximizing at 14 mg L−1 on day 7. In comparison, RBD titers peak at 54 mg L−1 on day 3. Next, we develop eight Spike truncations (T1–T8) in pursuit of truncation with high expression and antibody binding. The truncations T1 and T4 express at 130 and 73 mg L−1, respectively, which are higher than our RBD titers. Purified proteins were evaluated for binding to antibodies raised against full‐length Spike. T1 has similar sensitivity as Spike against a monoclonal antibody and even outperforms Spike for a polyclonal antibody. These results suggest that T1 is a promising Spike alternative for use in various applications.
How does stakeholder engagement through environmental, social, and governance affect eco‐efficiency and profitability efficiency? Zooming into Apple Inc.'s counterparts
Authors: Lu Wen‐Min , Kweh Qian Long , Ting Irene Wei Kiong , Ren Chunya
Published: June 2022

As global ecological degradation intensifies, a trade‐off has arisen between environmental protection and production efficiency to achieve sustainable development for the environment, society, and the company itself. However, the potential reverse causality relationship between environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and corporate efficiency may lead to confusion. This study estimates the eco‐efficiency of Apple Incorporated's value‐chain counterparts in the first stage and creates values and profitability in the second stage of efficiency evaluation. Results obtained from the (i) directional distance function in the two‐stage data envelopment analysis (DEA), (ii) additive efficiency decomposition two‐stage network DEA model, and (iii) network slacks‐based measure model are consistent. That is, Apple counterparts manage more efficient eco‐efficiency than profitability efficiency, implying that eco‐efficiency is their competitive advantage. We thus also run a regression analysis to examine how the ESG ratings of Apple counterparts explain their eco‐efficiency and profitability efficiency. Although the overall ESG rating positively explains the efficiencies, we found that the individual governance rating shows no statistically significant effect. The regression results provide insight for practitioners on the importance of investing in the three aspects of a firm's collective conscientiousness for societal and environmental governance. This paper integrates companies' eco‐efficiency and profitability efficiency to resolve the conflict between environmental issues and production efficiency. It also analyzes in depth the effects of ESG and its three individual factors on eco‐, profitability, and average efficiencies. The diversity of research methods also provides new ideas for future research related to firm efficiency.
Bone regeneration: A message from clinical medicine and basic science
Authors: Tsukagoshi Yuta , Matsushita Yuki
Published: June 2022

Population aging is a global phenomenon and with it, the number of bone fractures increases due to higher incidences of osteoporosis. Bone fractures in the elderly increase the risk of bedridden status and mortality. Therefore, the control of osteoporosis and bone fracture is important for healthy life expectancy, and the fundamental understanding of its pathogenesis and its application in treatment is of great social significance. To solve these clinical problems, it is necessary to integrate clinical medicine and basic research. Bone regeneration after a fracture is an essential function of the living body. The prevailing view is that a small number of resident skeletal stem cells are solely responsible for regenerative capacity. Although these cells have long been considered to be in the bone marrow, it has been shown that they are also present in the growth plate and periosteum. More recently, distinct types of cells in the bone marrow, including bone marrow stromal cells, osteoblast progenitor cells, and osteoblasts, have been shown to participate in bone regeneration. Interestingly, the cellular plasticity of differentiated cells, rather than active recruitment of resident stem cell populations, may largely account for regeneration of bone tissues; terminally differentiated cells de‐differentiate into a stem cell‐like state, and then re‐differentiate into regenerating bone. In this review, we discuss the clinical risk and preventive therapy of bone fractures and the current concept of bone regeneration in basic mechanical insights, which may prove useful to both clinicians and researchers.
Long non‐coding RNA ESCCAL‐1/miR‐590/LRP6 signaling pathway participates in the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Guan Hongya , Lv Pengju , Han Pengli , Zhou Lijuan , Liu Jia , Wu Wei , Yan Ming , Xing Qinghe , Cao Wei
Published: June 2022

Background

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have critical functions within esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the function and mechanism underlying ESCC‐associated lncRNA‐1 (ESCCAL‐1) in ESCC tumorigenesis have not been well clarified.

Methods

ESCCAL‐1, miR‐590 and LRP6 were quantified using qRT‐PCR. Cell viability, migration and invasion abilities were measured using CCK‐8 assay and transwell assays. The protein pression was determined with western blot assay. The xenograft model assays were used to examine the impact of ESCCAL‐1 on tumorigenic effect in vivo. Direct relationships among ESCCAL‐1, miR‐590 and LRP6 were confirmed using dual‐luciferase reporter assays.

Results

The present work discovered the ESCCAL‐1 up‐regulation within ESCC. Furthermore, ESCCAL‐1 was found to interact with miR‐590 and consequently restrict its expression. Functionally, knocking down ESCCAL‐1 or over‐expressing miR‐590 hindered ESCC cell growth, invasion, and migration in vitro. Moreover, inhibition of miR‐590 could reverse the effect of knockdown of ESCCAL‐1 on cells. Importantly, it was confirmed that LRP6 was miR‐590’s downstream target and LRP6 over‐expression also partly abolished the role of miR‐590 overexpression in ESCC cells.

Conclusion

We have uncovered a novel regulatory network comprising aberrant interaction of ESCCAL‐1/miR‐590/LRP6 participated in ESCC progression.
New‐onset pemphigus foliaceus following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and unmasking multiple sclerosis: A case report
Authors: Mohaghegh Fatemeh , Hatami Parvaneh , Refaghat Arezoo , Mehdizadeh Mohammadjavad , Aryanian Zeinab , Mohandesi Nessa Aghazadeh , Afshar Zeinab Mohseni
Published: June 2022

Development of pemphigus foliaceus (PF) following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection has only been reported in one patient who had received Bamlanivimab and thus might be considered as a drug‐induced case of PF. Here, we reported the first case of PF arising solely after COVID infection without taking any culprit drug.
Pituitary insufficiency with masked inflammation: Pituitary abscess
Authors: Ono Ryohei , Nishiguchi Sho , Kitagawa Izumi
Published: June 2022

A 29‐year‐old woman presented with fever and amenorrhea. Laboratory findings showed no elevation inflammatory markers; however, hormonal evaluation revealed panhypopituitarism. She was finally diagnosed with pituitary abscess, and underwent transsphenoidal excision. The patient was treated with antibiotics and oral hormonal supplementation, and her pituitary function finally normalized.
Configuration‐Dependent Bimetallic Metal–Organic Framework Nanorods for Efficient Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation
Authors: Zhang Hao‐Dong , Wu Ya‐Ling , Ye Si‐Yuan , Hua Yi‐Wei , You Xi‐Xi , Yan Zheng , Li Meng‐Li , Liu Dan , Meng Yan , Cao Xuebo
Published: June 2022

The correlation between coordination mode and electrocatalytic water oxidation behavior are highly remarkable. Herein, we designed an iron‐based metal–organic framework (MOF) to realize a configuration variety from the traditional mononuclear configuration (Fe‐MOF‐M) to the binuclear structure (Fe‐MOF‐B). The configuration of Fe‐MOF was successfully regulated by pH control and nickel was introduced into the iron‐based MOF to obtain an efficient heterogeneous electrocatalyst. Benefiting from the dual function of adding Ni atoms, enhanced stability and optimized synergistic effect of different metal sites, the Ni0.8Fe0.2‐MOF‐B delivers a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a low overpotential of 301 mV with a small Tafel slope of 62.3 mV dec−1 in 0.1 M KOH. This work presents a simple method to adjust configuration and the Ni0.8Fe0.2‐MOF‐B plays a supporting role to investigate the impact of configuration on OER performance.
Edge‐Rich Graphene Nanospheres with Ultra‐High Nitrogen Loading Metal‐Free Electrocatalysts for Boosted Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Han Yunjun , Shen Yongqing , Song Yanhui , Zhang Haixia , Liu Peizhi , Guo Junjie
Published: June 2022

Nitrogen (N) doping in graphene‐based materials has been demonstrated as an effective strategy in constructing active sites of metal‐free catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The practical applications of metal‐free electrocatalysts in metal‐air batteries or fuel cells, nevertheless, have been hampered by their unsatisfactory catalytic performance due to insufficient catalytic active sites. In this work, a novel N‐rich graphene nanospheres (NGNs) have been achieved by adopting an edge engineering strategy through annealing the mixture of graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) and edge‐rich graphene nanospheres (GNs) composed of graphene nanoflakes. Benefiting from the exposure of edge defects in the GNs, the N loading surprisingly achieved as high as 14.01 at%. The half‐wave potential and limiting current density of the synthesized NGNs‐900 catalyst can reach 0.872 V and 4.25 mA cm−2, respectively, which are superior to that of the commercial Pt/C. Based on the experimental and theoretical results, the synergistic effect of graphitic‐N and pyridinic‐N in NGNs catalysts has been distinguished as the origin of the boosted ORR performance. This work proposes a facile synthesis strategy to optimize the N‐doped carbon‐based catalysts for ORR, which have great potential to replace noble‐metal catalysts.
From retina to motoneurons: A substrate for visuomotor transformation in salamanders
Authors: Flaive Aurélie , Ryczko Dimitri
Published: June 2022

The transformation of visual input into motor output is essential to approach a target or avoid a predator. In salamanders, visually guided orientation behaviors have been extensively studied during prey capture. However, the neural circuitry involved is not resolved. Using salamander brain preparations, calcium imaging and tracing experiments, we describe a neural substrate through which retinal input is transformed into spinal motor output. We found that retina stimulation evoked responses in reticulospinal neurons of the middle reticular nucleus, known to control steering movements in salamanders. Microinjection of glutamatergic antagonists in the optic tectum (superior colliculus in mammals) decreased the reticulospinal responses. Using tracing, we found that retina projected to the dorsal layers of the contralateral tectum, where the dendrites of neurons projecting to the middle reticular nucleus were located. In slices, stimulation of the tectal dorsal layers evoked glutamatergic responses in deep tectal neurons retrogradely labeled from the middle reticular nucleus. We then examined how tectum activation translated into spinal motor output. Tectum stimulation evoked motoneuronal responses, which were decreased by microinjections of glutamatergic antagonists in the contralateral middle reticular nucleus. Reticulospinal fibers anterogradely labeled from tracer injection in the middle reticular nucleus were preferentially distributed in proximity with the dendrites of ipsilateral motoneurons. Our work establishes a neural substrate linking visual and motor centers in salamanders. This retino‐tecto‐reticulo‐spinal circuitry is well positioned to control orienting behaviors. Our study bridges the gap between the behavioral studies and the neural mechanisms involved in the transformation of visual input into motor output in salamanders.
Mechanisms of Complete Dissociation of CO2 on Iron Clusters
Authors: Gutsev Gennady L. , Tibbetts Katharine M. , Gutsev Lavrenty G. , Aldoshin Sergey M. , Ramachandran Bala R.
Published: June 2022

Dissociation of CO2 on iron clusters was studied by using semilocal density functional theory and basis sets of triple‐zeta quality. Fe2, Fe4, and Fe16 clusters were selected as the representative host clusters. When searching for isomers of FenCO2, n=2, 4 and 16 corresponding to carbon dioxide attachment to the host clusters, its reduction to O and CO, and to the complete dissociation, it was found that the total spin magnetic moments of the lowest energy states of the isomers are often quenched with respect to those of initial reagents Fen+CO2. Dissociation pathways of the Fe2+CO2, Fe4+CO2, and Fe16+CO2 reactions contain several transition states separated by the local minima states; therefore, a natural question is where do the spin flips occur? Since lifetimes of magnetically excited states were shown to be of the order of 100 fs, the search for the CO2 dissociation pathways was performed under the assumption that magnetic deexcitation may occur at the intermediate local minima. Two dissociation pathways were obtained for each Fen+CO2 reaction using the gradient‐based methods. It was found that the Fe2+CO2 reaction is endothermic with respect to both reduction and complete dissociation of CO2, whereas the Fe4+CO2 and Fe16+CO2 reactions are exothermic to both reduction and complete dissociation of carbon dioxide. The CO2 reduction was found to be more favorable than its complete dissociation in the Fe4 case.
Oil and seed yields affected by sowing dates and irrigation regimes applied in growth phenological stages of safflower
Authors: Gholami Baseri Saiedeh , Honar Tooraj , Heidari Bahram , Salami Maryam , Richards Christopher M.
Published: June 2022

Research establishing optimal sowing dates and irrigation can help to alleviate the adverse effects of drought on safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.). The main objective of this study was to assess the effects of sowing date and irrigation quantity on safflower traits. Irrigation treatments were applied based on crop evapotranspiration (ETc) at the vegetative, flowering, and capitulum development stages. Evapotranspiration increased as the number of irrigations increased. Morphological, yield and oil traits, and water use efficiency (WUE) were significantly higher in the early than in late sowing. Grain yield varied from 440 to 1,460 kg ha−1 in early and from 340 to 1,240 kg ha−1 in late sowing dates. Oil yield of early sown safflower varied between 188.56 and 338.84 kg ha−1 and between 24.4 and 308.82 kg ha−1 in late sowing. The oil yield of one supplemental irrigation in the vegetative stage (I1V treatment) was significantly lower than in treatments with two (I2VF, vegetative and flowering stages) and three supplemental irrigations (I3VFG, vegetative, flowering, and capitulum development stages) in early sowing. In late sowing, the oil yield of I2VF was higher than other irrigation treatments. The range of saving irrigation water in I1 treatments was from 57.0 to 83.0% in early sowing but with a corresponding 30.0 to 66.0% reduction in grain yield compared with full irrigation treatment. For most of the tested traits, irrigation in the vegetative and especially flowering stages improved safflower yield and WUE, and thus can be an alternative irrigation strategy for water conservation in dry regions.
5G smart antenna for IoT application: A review
Authors: Kishore Nawal , Senapati Anupama
Published: June 2022

The fifth generation of mobile technology is referred to as “5G.” 5G refers to the next significant phase of mobile communications standards after the upcoming 4G standards. With 5G technology, the bulk of high‐bandwidth consumers would be able to use their phones in innovative ways. When 5G is pushed over a VOIP‐enabled device, individuals encounter record levels of call volume and data transmission. In this paper, we reviewed smart antenna 5G for Internet of Things (IoT) application. Beamforming is a 5G active antenna technique that uses directional radio links to concurrently and selectively supply high bandwidth to certain mobile devices. Multi‐antenna systems are required when using larger frequency ranges. The better the propagation conditions for electromagnetic waves, the higher the frequency. To some extent, multi‐antenna arrays and beamforming can assist mitigate this. Radio signals can be transmitted and received in a spatially targeted manner due to beamforming. The better the beamforming works, the more dipoles (antenna elements) are available. In contrast to earlier eras on wireless networking, such as Global System For Mobile Communication (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), also 4G/LTE, 5G would not require major technological advances. Additional systems and equipment are added to the existing LTE technology to increase data capacity and reduce latency. The 5G NR infrastructure depends heavily on active antenna arrays, which enable multi‐user multiple‐in multiple‐out (MIMO) technologies. For targeted radio contact with the receiver, these antenna modules use beamforming.
Sexually transmitted doping: The impact of urine contamination of semen
Authors: Handelsman David J. , Bacha Feyrous , DeBono Marsha , Sleiman Sue , Janu Margaret R.
Published: June 2022

The high sensitivity of antidoping detection tests creates the possibility of inadvertent doping due to an athlete's unknowing ingestion of contaminated environmental sources such as dietary supplements, food, or drinks. Recently, athletes denying use of a prohibited substance have claimed that the positive antidoping tests was due to exchange of bodily fluids with a nonathlete partner using a prohibited substance. Measurement of drugs in semen is largely limited to one or very few samples due to the inaccessibility of sufficiently frequent semen samples for detailed pharmacokinetics. An emerging issue in semen drug measurements is that semen samples may contain residual urine from ejaculation left in the urethra; however, the urine content in semen samples has not been studied. In the present study, we employed concurrent creatinine measurements in urine and seminal plasma to determine the urine content of semen samples.
Looking for compensation at multiple scales in a wetland bird community
Authors: Barraquand Frédéric , Picoche Coralie , Aluome Christelle , Carassou Laure , Feigné Claude
Published: June 2022

Compensatory dynamics, during which community composition shifts despite a near‐constant total community size, are usually rare: Synchronous dynamics prevail in natural communities. This is a puzzle for ecologists, because of the key role of compensation in explaining the relation between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. However, most studies so far have considered compensation in either plants or planktonic organisms, so that evidence for the generality of such synchrony is limited. Here, we extend analyses of community‐level synchrony to wetland birds. We analyze a 35‐year monthly survey of a community where we suspected that compensation might occur due to potential competition and changes in water levels, favoring birds with different habitat preferences. We perform both year‐to‐year analyses by season, using a compensation/synchrony index, and multiscale analyses using a wavelet‐based measure, which allows for both scale‐ and time‐dependence. We analyze synchrony both within and between guilds, with guilds defined either as tightknit phylogenetic groups or as larger functional groups. We find that abundance and biomass compensation are rare, likely due to the synchronizing influence of climate (and other drivers) on birds, even after considering several temporal scales of covariation (during either cold or warm seasons, above or below the annual scale). Negative covariation in abundance at the guild or community level did only appear at the scale of a few months or several years. We also found that synchrony varies with taxonomic and functional scale: The rare cases where compensation appeared consistently in year‐to‐year analyses were between rather than within functional groups. Our results suggest that abundance compensation may have more potential to emerge between broad functional groups rather than between species, and at relatively long temporal scales (multiple years for vertebrates), above that of the dominant synchronizing driver.