bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmaceutico-Analytical Study of Muktashukti Pishti and Muktashukti bhasma and Comparative Evaluation of their Relative Oral Bioavailability
Authors: Kamble Shweta , Wanjari Anita , Rathi Bharat , Rajput D.
Published: June 2021

Background: Shukti (Oyster) is a very commonly occurring calcium form. It is rich source of calcium & minerals. As per text it can be converted into two forms which are bhasma (calcinated ash) and pishti (powdered form without agni).These forms may have different rate of absorption. This needs to be studied.

Aim: To study Pharmaceutico-analytical study of Muktashukti pishti & Muktashukti bhasma and comparative evaluation of their relative oral bioavailability.

Materials and methods: The two formulations will be prepared from shukti (oyster). By triturating with Gulabjala Muktashukti pishti will be prepared and by traditional puta method Muktashukti bhasma will be prepared. The prepared formulations will be assessed for Bhasma Pariksha mentioned in Ayurveda. Organoleptic characters, physicochemical parameters and Particle size distribution analysis, SEM-EDX (Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis), FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), XRD (X-Ray Diffraction), GCMS (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry) will be evaluated. To assess the relative oral bioavailability of Muktashukti pishti & Muktashukti bhasma study will be conducted in healthy volunteers and will be compared with the standard calcium supplement. The study will be conducted in between two test groups and standard group.

Observation and results: The analytical parameters will be assessed and compared in Muktashukti bhasma and Muktashukti pishti. For relative oral bioavailability Blood serum calcium will be assessed in all three groups. By applying unpaired “t” Test, One-way ANOVA the statistical significance can be measured.

Conclusion: The pharmaceutical & analytical study of Muktashukti pishti and Muktashukti bhasma will provide the standard parameters and clinical comparative evaluation with standard will generate evidence for better bioavailability.
Semibarbula orientalis (Web.) Wijk. and Marg: A Potential Source of Bioactive and High Value Phytochemicals
Authors: Deora Vinod , Deora G. S.
Published: June 2021

Aims: Present study aims to evaluate the presence of bioactive compounds of Semibarbula orientalis (Pottiales: Pottiaceae), a bryophyte whole plant methanolic extract by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) which are important medicinally as well flavouring and colouring agents.

Study design: Qualitative preliminary phytochemical and GC-MS analysis.

Place and duration of study: The study was carried out at Department of Botany, Center of Advanced Study, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur-Rajasthan (India) from January 2017 to December 2020.

Methodology: The Preliminary phytochemical screening of S.orientalis was carried out qualitatively following the standard methods of Harbourne, Trease and Evans. GC-MS analysis was performed by GC-MS-QP 2010 Shimadzu, Japan equipped with thermal desorption system TD 20.

Results: Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, phenols, sterols, flavonoids and terpenoids. GC-MS analysis of methanolic extract of whole plant revealed the presence of 49 bioactive phytoconstituents which include mainly n-Hexadecanoic acid, Cis-vaccenic acid, Azulene, Hexadecanoic acid metyl ester, 1,3-Propanediol, 2-(hydroxyl methyl)-2-nitro, 9-12 Octadecadienol chloride (z,z), Octadecanoic acid etc.

Conclusion: Preliminary phytochemical and GC-MS profiling of methanolic extract Semibarbula orientalis whole plant showed the presence of high value bioactive compounds with important medicinal properties and other uses in food industries as flavouring and colouring agents.
Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteroides and Prevotella to β-Lactams, Lincosamide and Nitroimidazole: A 20 Year Survey in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Egwari Louis O. , Nwokoye Nkiru N. , Babalola Funmilola A. , Kilani Adetunji M. , Effiok William W. , Olubi Olushoga O.
Published: June 2021

The propensity to develop resistance to antibiotics has accounted for the predominance of Bacteroides and Prevotella in infections due to anaerobic bacteria. The observed differences in resistance pattern across geographical boundaries underscored the timeliness for this study to review data on antibiotic susceptibility and resistance markers amongst Bacteroides and Prevotella to β-lactams, lincosamide and nitroimidazole from selected hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria from 1992-2011. Bacteroides, mostly B. fragilis were the sole anaerobic gram negative bacilli in peritonitis following lower abdominal surgery and bloodstream infections, while Prevotella bivia and P. melaninogenica were more frequent in periodontal abscess, pelvic inflammatory disease and chronic suppurative otitis media. The MIC range and MIC90 of the anaerobes for the antibiotics does not indicate changes in group resistance to antibiotics though isolated cases were recorded. While clear cut patterns were not established for other species, B. fragilis resistance increased for amoxicillin-clavulanic acid from 18.2% in 1992-1996 to 31.4% in 2006-2011 and from 27.3% in 1992-1996 to 34.3% in 2006-2011 for cefoxitin. In contrast, decrease susceptibility was obtained against clindamycin (54.5% in 1992-1996 to 22.9% in 2006-2011). Similarly, 22.7% of B. fragilis strains have the cepA and/or cfxA gene in 1992-1996 compared to 32.1% in 2006-2011. While not all isolates with cepA and/or cfxA genes were resistant to the β-lactams, all isolates carrying the ermF or nim genes were resistant to the lincosamide (clindamycin) or nitroimidazole (metronidazole) respectively. The presence of antibiotics resistance genes can be used in tracking resistance amongst species of Bacteroides and Prevotella. With emerging new technologies, gene screening may prove more effective and reliable for therapeutic decisions for anaerobic bacterial infections especially since the genes can be screened from the infective exudates. This will eliminate the need for culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing for this group of fastidious microorganisms.
Catalytic Performance of Calcium-Lanthanum co-doped Ceria (Ce0.85-xLa0.15CaxO2-δ) in Partial Oxidation of Methane
Authors: Sarmad Qassam , Khan U. M. , Anwar Mustafa , Khoja A. H. , Ali M. , Khan Z. S. , Muchtar Andanastuti , Somalu M. R.
Published: June 2021

In this study, Ce0.85-xLa0.15CaxO2-δ was synthesized using sol-gel combustion method and appliedfor partial oxidation of methane (POM). The physicochemical properties of catalyst were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Material shows a pure cubical structure and is highly stable up to 850 °C. The performance testing indicated the conversion of CH4 is 65% and selectivity of H2 and CO are 28% and 8%, respectively. The performance indicated the catalyst has a potential to be used for partial oxidation of methane on a larger scale. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Rheological Characterization ofN‐VinylPyrrolidone andN‐VinylCaprolactam‐Based Polymers
Authors: Ozkan Seher , McMullen Roger L.
Published: June 2021

This chapter discusses the rheology of linear and crosslinked polymers based on N‐vinylpyrrolidone and N‐vinylcaprolactam in different physical states, such as dilute solution, complex fluid, or molten fluid. A review of the basic concepts of rheology starting with the development of the Boltzman superposition principle is followed by an in‐depth discussion of linear viscoelasticity. The chapter introduces the concepts related to rheological models of viscoelasticity and how these relate to the dynamics of polymer systems. The basic definition of rheology is the science of flow and deformation of matter. Developments in computational rheology have improved the accuracy of both continuum mechanics and molecular dynamics‐based model predictions. Poly(vinyl pyrolidone) has also been evaluated as a rheology modifier and as an additive to generate porosity in electrospun nanofiber technology for tissue regeneration. Rheological characterization was conducted using a parallel plate rheometer at ambient conditions.
Antimicrobial Properties and Applications of Pyrrolidone and Caprolactam‐Based Materials
Authors: Winkowski Karen , Turovskiy Yevgeniy
Published: June 2021

The lactam ring is a core structure in a large number of natural and synthetic compounds, many of which have antimicrobial and other biological activities. This chapter focuses on small molecules that contain pyrrolidone and caprolactam moieties as well as pyrrolidone‐based polymers that exhibit antimicrobial activity. Membrane‐active antimicrobials disrupt the normal function of the cell membrane, leading to changes in membrane permeability, leaking of intracellular material, osmotic lysis, and inhibition of membrane associated metabolism. The antimicrobial effect of electrophiles results from their interaction with nucleophilic components of microbial cells. Polymeric materials with antimicrobial properties represent another class of antimicrobials whose use has been increasing in recent years. Microbial biofilms are commonly described as a surface‐attached assembly of cells imbedded in a three‐dimensional matrix. The γ‐lactam‐ and caprolactam‐containing molecules and polymers offer unique physicochemical properties that can be exploited to deliver alternative antimicrobial strategies to mitigate the crisis.
Application of Pyrrolidone‐ and Caprolactam‐Based Materials in the Digital Age
Authors: Hood David K.
Published: June 2021

This chapter seeks to inform the reader as to how pyrrolidone‐ and caprolactam‐based materials have enabled certain key elements of the individual‐centered economy, in terms of product conceptualization, development, and implementation. Perhaps the most critical feature of the typical inkjet printer is the printing head. The printing head is the device that enables a jet of ink, or in most cases many jets of ink, to be specifically deposited upon a substrate surface. There are a variety of low molecular weight, solvent‐type materials based upon pyrrolidone and caprolactam polymers that are suitable for inkjet ink applications. A key component to the success of such an inkjet pharmaceutical drug delivery approach is to determine the therapeutic viability of the technique. An evolutionary development of inkjet printing is Nanographic Printing. This printing method combines inkjet printing technologies with offset printing processes. Modern day electrophotographic printing processes can produce high‐quality images and high speeds.
Maximizing the Catalytic Performance of Pd@AuxPd1−x Nanocubes in H2O2 Production by Reducing Shell Thickness to Increase Compositional Stability
Authors: Zhang Yu , Lyu Zhiheng , Chen Zitao , Zhu Shangqian , Shi Yifeng , Chen Ruhui , Xie Minghao , Yao Yao , Chi Miaofang , Shao Minhua , Xia Younan
Published: June 2021

We report a simple route based upon seed‐mediated growth to the synthesis of Pd@AuxPd1−x (0.8≤x≤1) core–shell nanocubes. Benefiting from the well‐defined {100} facets and an optimal Au/Pd ratio for the surface, the nanocubes bearing a shell made of Au0.95Pd0.05 work as an efficient electrocatalyst toward H2O2 production, with high selectivity of 93–100 % in the low‐overpotential region of 0.4–0.7 V. When the Au0.95Pd0.05 alloy is confined to a shell of only three atomic layers in thickness, the electrocatalyst is able to maintain its surface structure and elemental composition, endowing continuous and stable production of H2O2 during oxygen reduction at a high rate of 1.62 mol g(Pd+Au)−1 h−1. This work demonstrates a versatile route to the rational development of active and durable electrocatalysts based upon alloy nanocrystals.
Einlagerung und Abtrennung von SO2‐Spuren in Metall‐organischen Gerüstverbindungen durch präsynthetische Anpassung der Porenumgebung mit Methylgruppen
Authors: Xing Shanghua , Liang Jun , Brandt Philipp , Schäfer Felix , Nuhnen Alexander , Heinen Tobias , Boldog Istvan , Möllmer Jens , Lange Marcus , Weingart Oliver , Janiak Christoph
Published: June 2021

Wir berichten über eine präsynthetische Porenumgebungs‐Design‐Strategie zur Herstellung stabiler Methyl‐funktionalisierter Metall‐organischer Gerüstverbindungen (MOFs) für eine bevorzugte SO2‐Bindung und damit verbesserte SO2‐Adsorption bei niedrigem (Partial‐)Druck und SO2/CO2‐Trennung. Die verbesserte Sorptionsleistung wird erstmals auf eine optimale Porengröße durch Erhöhung der Methylgruppendichte am Benzoldicarboxylat‐Linker in [Ni2(BDC‐X)2DABCO] (BDC‐X=Mono‐, Di‐ und Tetramethyl‐1,4‐benzoldicarboxylat/Terephthalat; DABCO=1,4‐Diazabicyclo[2,2,2]octan) zurückgeführt. Monte‐Carlo‐Simulationen und Ab‐initio‐Dichtefunktionaltheorie(DFT)‐Berechnungen zeigen die Schlüsselrolle der Methylgruppen innerhalb der Porenoberfläche für die bevorzugte SO2‐Affinität gegenüber dem Stamm‐MOF. Das SO2‐Abtrennungspotential durch Methyl‐funktionalisierte MOFs wurde durch Gas‐Sorptionsisothermen, IAST‐Berechnungen, simulierte und experimentelle Durchbruchskurven und DFT‐Berechnungen validiert.
Entdeckung neuer bakterieller Chalconisomerasen durch eine Sequenz‐Struktur‐Funktions‐Evolutions‐Strategie für die enzymatische Synthese von (S)‐Flavanonen
Authors: Meinert Hannes , Yi Dong , Zirpel Bastian , Schuiten Eva , Geißler Torsten , Gross Egon , Brückner Stephan I. , Hartmann Beate , Röttger Carsten , Ley Jakob P. , Bornscheuer Uwe T.
Published: June 2021

Die Chalconisomerase (CHI) ist ein Schlüsselenzym in der Biosynthese von Flavonoiden in Pflanzen. Die erste bakterielle CHI (CHIera) wurde in Eubacterium ramulus identifiziert, aber Häufigkeit, evolutionärer Ursprung, Substratspektrum und Stereoselektivität sind bislang unklar. Hier beschreiben wir die Identifizierung von 66 neuen bakteriellen CHIs in Genbank durch eine neuartige Sequenz‐Struktur‐Funktions‐Evolutions (SSFE)‐Strategie. Diese neuen bakteriellen CHIs weisen ein breites Substratspektrum gegenüber einer Reihe hydroxylierter und methoxylierter Chalcone auf. Die Mutagenese der CHIera, basierend auf einem Substratbindemodell dieser neuen bakteriellen CHIs, resultierte in mehreren Varianten mit deutlich verbesserter Aktivität gegenüber diesen Chalconen. Zusätzlich wurden präparative Reaktionen mit diesen bakteriellen CHIs für fünf Chalcone durchgeführt, die (S)‐Selektivität mit bis zu 96 % ee ergaben. Dies ermöglicht eine alternative biokatalytische Route zur Synthese von (S)‐Flavanonen in hohen Ausbeuten.
Discovery of Novel Bacterial Chalcone Isomerases by a Sequence‐Structure‐Function‐Evolution Strategy for Enzymatic Synthesis of (S)‐Flavanones
Authors: Meinert Hannes , Yi Dong , Zirpel Bastian , Schuiten Eva , Geißler Torsten , Gross Egon , Brückner Stephan I. , Hartmann Beate , Röttger Carsten , Ley Jakob P. , Bornscheuer Uwe T.
Published: June 2021

Chalcone isomerase (CHI) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of flavonoids in plants. The first bacterial CHI (CHIera) was identified from Eubacterium ramulus, but its distribution, evolutionary source, substrate scope, and stereoselectivity are still unclear. Here, we describe the identification of 66 novel bacterial CHIs from Genbank using a novel Sequence‐Structure‐Function‐Evolution (SSFE) strategy. These novel bacterial CHIs show diversity in substrate specificity towards various hydroxylated and methoxylated chalcones. The mutagenesis of CHIera according to the substrate binding models of these novel bacterial CHIs resulted in several variants with greatly improved activity towards these chalcones. Furthermore, the preparative scale conversion catalyzed by bacterial CHIs has been performed for five chalcones and revealed (S)‐selectivity with up to 96 % ee, which provides an alternative biocatalytic route for the synthesis of (S)‐flavanones in high yields.
Synthesis of BiOBr/Mg metal organic frameworks catalyst application for degrade organic dyes rhodamine B under the visible light
Authors: Lou Weiyi , Wang Liying , Zhang Yongfeng , Xing Yu
Published: June 2021

A series of binary composite photo‐catalyst BiOBr/MgBTC (the ligand of MgBTC is 1, 3, 5‐benzenetricarboxylate = H3BTC) with different content of BiOBr have been designed and used to degrade the traditional dye rhodamine B (RhB). As‐prepared binary composites have been first obtained via a simple hydrothermal system and subsequently deposited onto the BiOBr substrates. The composites exhibited better catalytic performance compared with the pristine BiOBr, and the performance of BM‐55 (synthesized by 0.55 mmol BiOBr and 0.45 mmol MgCl2•6H2O) was the most efficient and its removal rate of RhB can reach 98.3% within 60 min. The composite photo catalyst was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence (PL), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), respectively. In the free radical trapping experiments, it can be seen that the main photo‐catalytic active species are superoxide radicals (•O2−) and holes (h+). This work can provide considerable opportunities to the development of various metal–organic frameworks (MOF)‐based visible light photo‐catalysts and modified 2D bismuth ox halide materials (BiOX) for use in environmental cleaning application.
American College of Rheumatology Guidance for COVID‐19 Vaccination in Patients With Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases: Version 2
Authors: Curtis Jeffrey R. , Johnson Sindhu R. , Anthony Donald D. , Arasaratnam Reuben J. , Baden Lindsey R. , Bass Anne R. , Calabrese Cassandra , Gravallese Ellen M. , Harpaz Rafael , Kroger Andrew , Sadun Rebecca E. , Turner Amy S. , Williams Eleanor Anderson , Mikuls Ted R.
Published: June 2021

Objective

To provide guidance to rheumatology providers on the use of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccines for patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs).

Methods

A task force was assembled that included 9 rheumatologists/immunologists, 2 infectious disease specialists, and 2 public health physicians. After agreeing on scoping questions, an evidence report was created that summarized the published literature and publicly available data regarding COVID‐19 vaccine efficacy and safety, as well as literature for other vaccines in RMD patients. Task force members rated their agreement with draft consensus statements on a 9‐point numerical scoring system, using a modified Delphi process and the RAND/University of California Los Angeles Appropriateness Method, with refinement and iteration over 2 sessions. Consensus was determined based on the distribution of ratings.

Results

Despite a paucity of direct evidence, 74 draft guidance statements were developed by the task force and agreed upon with consensus to provide guidance for use of the COVID‐19 vaccines in RMD patients and to offer recommendations regarding the use and timing of immunomodulatory therapies around the time of vaccination.

Conclusion

These guidance statements, made in the context of limited clinical data, are intended to provide direction to rheumatology health care providers on how to best use COVID‐19 vaccines and to facilitate implementation of vaccination strategies for RMD patients.
Understanding the (De)Sodiation Mechanisms in Na‐Based Batteries through Operando X‐ray Methods
Authors: Brennhagen Anders , Cavallo Carmen , Wragg David S. , Sottmann Jonas , Koposov Alexey Y. , Fjellvåg Helmer
Published: June 2021

Invited for this month's cover picture is the review team led by Carmen Cavallo (University of Oslo). The cover picture shows a team of scientists performing operando studies on a sodium battery, as if it were a real patient in a hospital. Operando X‐ray methodologies deliver valuable information about the structural, atomistic, and morphological changes while the battery is actually in its working state. Read the full text of the Review at 10.1002/batt.202000294.
Effects of Ultrashort Wave Therapy on Inflammation and Macrophage Polarization after Acute Lung Injury in Rats
Authors: Li Lan , Qu Mengjian , Yang Lu , Liu Jing , Wang Qian , Zhong Peirui , Zeng Yahua , Wang Ting , Xiao Hao , Liu Danni , Huang Xiarong , Wang Jinling , Zhou Jun
Published: June 2021

Acute lung injury (ALI) features dysregulated pulmonary inflammation. Ultrashort waves (USWs) exert anti‐inflammatory effects but no studies have evaluated their activity in ALI. Herein, we used an in vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced ALI model to investigate whether the anti‐inflammatory activity of USWs is mediated by altering the polarization of M1 to M2 macrophages. Twenty‐four male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, untreated ALI, and ALI treated with USW groups (n = 8 in each group). ALI was induced by intratracheal LPS instillation. Rats in the USW group were treated for 15 min at 0, 4, and 8 h after a single LPS intratracheal instillation. Histopathologic examination, wet/dry lung weight ratio, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analyses were performed to evaluate the degree of lung injury and to determine macrophage phenotypes. Histopathologic examination disclosed attenuation of ALI, with reduced alveolar hemorrhage and neutrophilic infiltration in the USW group. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) were significantly decreased after USW therapy. Moreover, the messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of TNF‐α and IL‐1β were significantly decreased in the USW group, whereas the mRNA expression of Arginase 1 (Arg1) and the protein expression of mannose receptor significantly increased in comparison with the untreated ALI group. We conclude that USW therapy may attenuate inflammation in LPS‐induced ALI through the modulation of macrophage polarization. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Thermoresponsive Sulfone and Sulfoxide‐Containing Polyacrylamides
Authors: Choi Jieun , Lee Hyung‐il
Published: June 2021

A series of thermoresponsive polyacrylamides containing sulfide, sulfone, or sulfoxide was successfully prepared by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The thermal properties of polyacrylamides with sulfone or sulfoxide, which have not been studied before, were investigated for the first time. While poly[N‐(2‐(propylsulfonyl)ethyl)acrylamide] (P2SO2) with sulfone groups was water insoluble, poly[N‐(2‐(propylsulfinyl)ethyl)acrylamide] (P2SO) with sulfoxide groups was water soluble, indicating that the sulfoxide moiety is more hydrophilic than sulfone. By controlling the end of the polymer chain, we synthesized poly[N‐(2‐(ethylsulfonyl)ethyl)acrylamide] (P1SO2) and poly[N‐(2‐(butylsulfinyl)ethyl)acrylamide] (P3SO), which exhibit an lower critical solution temperature (LCST) in water around 24–26°C. For adjusting a wide range of LCST, we synthesized the random copolymers by controlling the initial feed ratio of hydrophobic M2SO2 and hydrophilic M2SO. The amphiphilic block copolymers were also synthesized and assembled in water to yield the micelles. After adding H2O2 to this micellar solution, the hydrophobic block was oxidized and converted to a hydrophilic block, leading to the transformation of micelles to unimers.
Haptics and brands: The effect of touch on product evaluation of branded products
Authors: Karangi Sheena W. , Lowe Ben
Published: June 2021

This research provides insight into how touch effects differ by brand familiarity and brand status. Using schema theory and contagion theory, hypotheses were tested in two between subject experiments. A sweater and pillowcase served as product stimuli and consumers were exposed to a known and unknown brand for the brand stimuli. Findings provide support for a brand contagion effect where a luxury branded product is concerned and suggest that this effect is activated through product touch. Interestingly, brand familiarity did not seem to influence the relationship between touch and product evaluation. This paper finds brand status to be a moderator of touch effects on product evaluation while brand familiarity is not. Additionally, a brand contagion effect activated through product touch is shown. The results of this paper provide insight for marketers and retailers regarding marketing strategies for different levels of the product life cycle (where familiarity differs), brand extension strategies (where familiarity and brand status may differ) and, most crucially, design of in‐store layout and product displays. It advances knowledge in the field of sensory marketing by integrating and conceptualizing previously unexplored relationships between three key areas of literature, namely product touch, brand familiarity, and brand status.
Facilitating Pt−WOx Species Interaction for Efficient Glycerol Hydrogenolysis to 1,3‐Propanediol
Authors: Zhao Binbin , Liang Yu , Liu Lei , He Qian , Dong Jin‐Xiang
Published: June 2021

Designing efficient catalysts for glycerol hydrogenolysis to 1,3‐propanediol (1,3‐PDO), which involves the selective cleavage of the secondary C−O bond, is a challenging task. Current Pt−WOx‐based catalysts often provide low atom efficiency of W and Pt toward 1,3‐PDO production due to undesired catalyst structures. Herein, we fabricate the highly‐dispersed substantially uniform WOx species on inert α‐Al2O3 support by simple high‐temperature heat‐treatment, and the amount of Pt−WOx interface active sites could be adjusted by Pt loading, showing an excellent catalytic performance in glycerol hydrogenolysis at high concentration of glycerol, especially the unprecedented W efficiency (76 g1,3‐PDOgW−1 h−1) toward 1,3‐PDO. The high catalytic efficiency is attributed to the strong interaction between the isolated WO4 species and platinum, which could in‐situ generate the Brønsted acid sites during the reaction as evidenced by IR analysis with NH3 adsorption.
Uncovering the Hidden Landscape of Tris(4‐pyridyl) Ligands: Topological Complexity Derived from the Bridgehead
Authors: Waters Jessica E. , Berger Georg , Peel Andrew J. , García‐Rodríguez Raúl , Bond Andrew D. , Wright Dominic S.
Published: June 2021

Supramolecular main group chemistry is a developing field which parallels the conventional domain of metallo‐organic chemistry. Little explored building blocks in this area are main group metal‐based ligands which have the appropriate donor symmetry to build desired molecular or extended arrangements. Tris(pyridyl) main group ligands (E(py)3, E=main group metal) are potentially highly versatile building blocks since shifting the N‐donor arms from the 2‐ to the 3‐positions and 4‐positions provides a very simple way of changing the ligand character from mononuclear/chelating to multidentate/metal‐bridging. Here, the coordination behaviour of the first main group metal tris(4‐pyridyl) ligands, E(4‐py)3 (E=Sb, Bi, Ph−Sn) is explored, as well as their ability to build metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs). The complicated topology of these MOFs shows a marked influence on the counter anion and on the ability of the E(4‐py)3 ligands to switch coordination mode, depending on the steric and donor character of the bridgehead. This structure‐directing influence of the bridgehead provides a potential building strategy for future molecular and MOF design in this area.
Anion Modulation of Pt‐Group Metals and Electrocatalysis Applications
Authors: Chen Ding , Zhu Jiawei , Pu Zonghua , Mu Shichun
Published: June 2021

Pt‐group metal (PGM) electrocatalysts with unique electronic structures and irreplaceable comprehensive properties play crucial roles in electrocatalysis. Anion engineering can create a series of PGM compounds (such as RuP2, IrP2, PtP2, RuB2, Ru2B3, RuS2, etc.) that provide a promising prospect for improving the electrocatalytic performance and use of Pt‐group noble metals. This review seeks the electrochemical activity origin of anion‐modulated PGM compounds, and systematically analyzes and summarizes their synthetic strategies and energy‐relevant applications in electrocatalysis. Orientation towards the sustainable development of nonfossil resources has stimulated a blossoming interest in the design of advanced electrocatalysts for clean energy conversion. The anion‐modulated strategy for Pt‐group metals (PGMs) by means of anion engineering possesses high flexibility to regulate the electronic structure, providing a promising prospect for constructing electrocatalysts with superior activity and stability to satisfy a future green electrochemical energy conversion system. Based on the previous work of our group and others, this review summarizes the up‐to‐date progress on anion‐modulated PGM compounds (such as RuP2, IrP2, PtP2, RuB2, Ru2B3, RuS2, etc.) in energy‐related electrocatalysis from the origin of their activity and synthetic strategies to electrochemical applications including hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR), N2reduction reaction (NRR), and CO2reduction reaction (CO2RR). At the end, the key problems, countermeasures and future development orientations of anion‐modulated PGM compounds toward electrocatalytic applications are proposed.
Moth eye‐inspired highly efficient, robust, and neutral‐colored semitransparent perovskite solar cells for building‐integrated photovoltaics
Authors: Zhu Yiyi , Shu Lei , Zhang Qianpeng , Zhu Yudong , Poddar Swapnadeep , Wang Chen , He Zhubing , Fan Zhiyong
Published: June 2021

Semi‐transparent perovskite solar cells (ST‐PSCs) engendered enormous attention for practical applications such as power generation windows. However, it is still challenging to achieve high‐performance, robust and neutral‐colored ST‐PSCs. Herein we demonstrate a moth‐eye‐inspired structure (MEIS) for light‐trapping photons in the wavelength range where the human eye is less perceptive. This biomimetic structure contributes to the improvements in ST‐PSCs performance and visual appearance simultaneously. Consequently, a record high figure‐of‐merit for ST‐PSC, defined as the product of power conversion efficiency and the average visible transmittance, is achieved. Meanwhile, the optical appearance is converted to a desired near‐neutral color after introducing the MEIS. The investigation of ST‐PSCs with long‐term stability is implemented via engineering blend ratio of halides. The modified device exhibited appealing tolerance against moisture and solar irradiation. This work reveals an in‐depth understanding of light trapping along with modifying the visual appearance of solar cells.

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Adaptive and maladaptive expression plasticity underlying herbicide resistance in an agricultural weed
Authors: Josephs Emily B. , Van Etten Megan L. , Harkess Alex , Platts Adrian , Baucom Regina S.
Published: June 2021

Plastic phenotypic responses to environmental change are common, yet we lack a clear understanding of the fitness consequences of these plastic responses. Here, we use the evolution of herbicide resistance in the common morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea) as a model for understanding the relative importance of adaptive and maladaptive gene expression responses to herbicide. Specifically, we compare leaf gene expression changes caused by herbicide to the expression changes that evolve in response to artificial selection for herbicide resistance. We identify a number of genes that show plastic and evolved responses to herbicide and find that for the majority of genes with both plastic and evolved responses, plastic responses appear to be adaptive. We also find that selection for herbicide response increases gene expression plasticity. Overall, these results show the importance of adaptive plasticity for herbicide resistance in a common weed and that expression changes in response to strong environmental change can be adaptive.

Impact Statement

Predicting whether and how organisms will adapt to environmental change is a crucial goal. However, this goal can be complicated because environmental change can alter traits, in a process called plasticity. The extent and fitness consequences of plasticity will have important effects on the adaptive process. In this study, we use adaptation to herbicide in the agricultural weed, the common morning glory, as a model for understanding the extent and fitness consequences of plasticity in gene expression. We find evidence that gene expression plasticity is adaptive in the presence of herbicide, suggesting that understanding plasticity is crucial for understanding how organisms adapt to new environments.
miR‐141‐5p suppresses vascular smooth muscle cell inflammation, proliferation, and migration via inhibiting the HMGB1/NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Li Yadong , Li Haide , Chen Bin , Yang Fan , Hao Zhiying
Published: June 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as significant modulators in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS). Additionally, the dysregulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a crucial biological event during AS. Our study aimed to explore the functional roles and molecular mechanisms of miR‐141‐5p in VSMCs dysfunction. C57BL/6 mice were used to establish AS animal model. Human VSMCs were treated by oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) to establish AS cell model. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was employed to probe miR‐141‐5p and high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) mRNA expressions in VSMCs or plasma samples of the mice. Inflammatory cytokines were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. Cell counting kit‐8 and bromodeoxyuridine assays were performed to evaluate cell proliferation. Cell migration and apoptosis were detected with Transwell assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The target gene of miR‐141‐5p was predicted with the TargetScan database, and the interaction between miR‐141‐5p and HMGB1/nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) was further validated by dual‐luciferase reporter assay, qRT‐PCR, and Western blot analysis. miR‐141‐5p was found to be decreased in the plasma of patients and mice model with AS. Its expression was also downregulated in VSMCs treated by ox‐LDL. miR‐141‐5p overexpression inhibited the inflammation, proliferation, migration of VSMCs, and promoted the apoptosis of VSMCs. HMGB1 was identified as a direct target of miR‐141‐5p, and miR‐141‐5p could repress the activity of HMGB1/NF‐κB signaling. HMGB1 restoration reversed the effects of miR‐141‐5p, and NF‐κB inhibitor JSH‐23 showed similar effects with miR‐141‐5p mimics. miR‐141‐5p inhibits VSMCs’ dysfunction by targeting the HMGB1/NF‐κB pathway, which probably functions as a protective factor during the development of AS.
Recovery of protein‐based compounds from meat by‐products by membrane‐assisted separations: a review
Authors: Castro‐Muñoz Roberto , García‐Depraect Octavio , León‐Becerril Elizabeth , Cassano Alfredo , Conidi Carmela , Fíla Vlastimil
Published: June 2021

Meat by‐products and co‐products, including poultry and fish wastes, represent a current challenge for the food processing industry due to their harmful impact on the environment. Membrane technologies, thanks to their intrinsic properties, represent an emerging tool for the valorization of these streams according to the principles of a sustainable circular economy. A review of significant applications of membrane‐based technologies, including pressure‐driven membrane processes and electro‐membrane processes, for the recovery of protein‐based compounds from meat by‐products is presented along with their trends and future potentials in the production of functional ingredients. Classic and recent development works are analyzed and critically discussed according to the relevant results in the field. Literature data clearly indicate that membrane technologies represent an efficient and environmentally friendly option for the separation, fractionation, and purification of bioactive compounds from different meat co‐products. The implementation of such processes as a way of recovering biomolecules also gives environmental benefits by reducing the organic load of both by‐ and co‐products. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
The emotional leader: Implicit theories of leadership emotions and leadership perceptions
Authors: Sy Thomas , van Knippenberg Daan
Published: June 2021

Implicit theories of leadership emotions (ITLEs) are individuals' schemas about emotional traits and behaviors characterizing leaders. We investigate the specific emotional content and structure of ITLEs. Five studies involving 1286 participants provide evidence for content, convergent, discriminant, criterion, and incremental validity, and internal consistency of the ITLEs instrument. ITLEs are represented by a first‐order structure (Cheer, Calm, Pride, Anger, Fear, and Remorse), and a second‐order structure (Positive and Negative ITLEs). Results revealed that female leaders elicited lower ratings on the Anger, Fear, and Remorse prototypes and higher ratings on the Cheer (but not Pride and Calm) prototype. Moreover, the relationship between ITLEs prototypes and leadership perceptions were moderated by management level, such that the relationship was significant only for high level leaders but not low level leaders. Moderated mediation results indicated that leadership perceptions of high level (but not low level) women leaders, as compared with men leaders, are more positive because they elicited lower ratings on the ITLEs prototypes of Anger and Fear and higher ratings on the ITLEs prototype of Cheer. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of ITLEs and offer future directions for this budding construct that is often implicated in leadership discourse but rarely studied explicitly.
The North Pacific Victoria mode: More effective prediction signal for the Central Pacific El Niño than the North Pacific Oscillation
Authors: Qi Li , Mao Xin
Published: June 2021

By use of observational reanalysis data and the CMIP5 data, the relationships of the Central Pacific (CP) El Niño and the Victoria Mode (VM)/North Pacific Oscillation (NPO) are compared. The VM/NPO and the CP El Niño are physically related via negative feedback process of air–sea interaction. The VM/NPO has a delay effect on the CP ENSO in the subsequent winter. Nevertheless, the impact of VM on the CP El Niño is more effective relative to the NPO. When the conventional ENSO (hereafter as ENSO) own cycle is removed, the former's correlation with the EMI (El Niño Modoki index) in the Dec(+1) only decreases from 0.48 to 0.31, which is still significant. But the latter's correlation dose not reach 95% confidence level. Composition analysis also shows that during the D(+1)JF(+2), very few SST anomalies could be found over 95% significant level whether in positive or negative NPO phase. While for the VM cases, a large area of the CP ENSO‐like SST anomalies is observed significantly in the tropical Pacific. Especially, for non‐ENSO year, CP El Niño occurs in 50% positive VM cases' following winter. Although in previous studies, the VM is only considered as a transition stage during the process of NPO affecting the CP El Niño, the regression analysis shows that the VM is a partly natural mode, most of its variation is contributed by its internal evolution. The CP El Niño would still occur during positive VM cases even when NPO phase is negative. Their relationship remains stable in the CMIP5 RCP8.5 simulations, that is, the global warming does not interfere with the impact of positive VM on the CP El Niño. In conclusion, the VM may be a more effective prediction signal for the CP El Niño than the NPO.
Knowledge hiding and knowledge hoarding: A systematic literature review
Authors: Oliveira Mírian , Curado Carla , de Garcia Plínio Silva
Published: June 2021

The present study aims to present a consolidated view of the quantitative research on Knowledge Hiding (KHi) and Knowledge Hoarding (Kho), and the relationship with Knowledge Sharing (KS), and propose guidelines for future research. A systematic literature review was adopted, following rigorous procedures. The articles were searched in Scopus, Web of Science, Wiley Online, Science Direct, and Emerald. Fifty different articles were analyzed. The oldest article identified is from 2011. They were published in 33 different journals. Only 16 authors published more than one article on the topic. The four behaviors can be perceived as positive when the individual is committed to the organization and negative when the individual is not committed to the organization. A framework that summarizes the suggestions for future research is presented. Understanding the relationships between KHi and KSc, and between Kho and KSd might facilitate the flow of knowledge in organizations. The paper provides an original contribution by considering KS as two processes, collection and donation, highlighting the oppositional relationship between KHi and KSc, and between KHo and KSd. Furthermore, research gaps and further research lines in the KHi, KHo, and KS area are highlighted.
Blockchain for scholarly journal evaluation: Potential and prospects
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhao Liangbin
Published: June 2021

Key points

Blockchain shows potential for supporting the multidimensional evaluation of scholarly journals.

Blockchain‐based scholarly communications will generate new data, which may be used for evaluating aspects of journals that are currently not fully evaluated.

Blockchain can help enrich journal evaluation by extending the evaluation content to the upstream of journal publishing and increase the economic dimensions of journal usage.

Blockchain‐based scholarly journal evaluation would be more automated, more open, and more verifiable to the community.
Speech comprehension across multiple CI processor generations: Scene dependent signal processing
Authors: Hey Matthias , Böhnke Britta , Mewes Alexander , Munder Patrick , Mauger Stefan J. , Hocke Thomas
Published: June 2021

Objectives

In clinical practice, characterization of speech comprehension for cochlear implant (CI) patients is typically administered by a set of suprathreshold measurements in quiet and in noise. This study investigates speech comprehension of the three most recent cochlear implant sound processors; CP810, CP910, and CP1000 (Cochlear Limited). To compare sound processor performance across generations and input dynamic range changes, the state‐of‐the art signal processing technologies available in each sound processor were enabled. Outcomes will be assessed across a range of stimulation intensities, and finally analyzed with respect to normal hearing listeners.

Methods

In a prospective study, 20 experienced postlingually deafened CI patients who received a Nucleus CI in the ENT department of the University Hospital of SH in Kiel were recruited. Speech comprehension was measured in quiet at 40, 50, and 65 dBSPL with monosyllabic words as well as by speech reception threshold for two‐digit numbers. In noise, speech reception thresholds were measured with the adaptive German matrix test with speech and noise in front.

Results

We found that high levels of open‐set speech comprehension are achieved at suprathreshold presentation levels in quiet. However, results at lower test levels have remained mostly unchanged for tested sound processors with default dynamic range. Expanding the lower limit of the acoustic input dynamic range yields better speech comprehension at lower presentation levels. In noise the application of ForwardFocus improves the speech reception. Overall, a continuous improvement for speech perception across three generations of CI sound processors was found.

Conclusions

Findings motivate further development of signal pre‐processing, an additional focus of clinical work on lower stimulation levels, and automation of ForwardFocus.

Level of evidence

2.
Model‐free leakage index estimation of the blood‐brain barrier using dual dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI acquisition
Authors: Jin Seokha , Cho Hyung Joon
Published: June 2021

Pharmacokinetic K2 mapping from dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC)‐MRI can be a sensitive technique for evaluating the vascular permeability of the subtly damaged blood‐brain barrier (BBB) in ischemic regions. However, the K2 values of ischemic lesions depend upon the selection of the intact BBB reference region. As previous observations suggest that the ΔR2* curve of pre‐loaded DSC‐MRI is not significantly affected by the extravasation of contrast agent, dual DSC‐MRI acquisitions can be performed to derive the BBB leakage index from the voxel‐wise reference input function for ischemic regions. This study aims to demonstrate the robustness of such model‐free leakage index estimation in ischemic brains. By configuring the relationship between dual ΔR2* curves of the intact contralateral brain, the deviation of the measured ΔR2* curve from the unloaded DSC‐MRI with respect to the non‐deviated ΔR2* curve in the pre‐loaded DSC‐MRI can be quantified as the BBB leakage index. Such model‐free leakage index values from rats with transient middle carotid artery occlusion (tMCAO) (n = 17) and normal controls (n = 3) were evaluated and compared with conventional K2 values with multiple reference regions. Inter‐subject leakage index values were also compared with the corresponding ΔT1 map. Evans‐blue‐stained images were used to validate the leakage index. For the tMCAO group, leakage index values correlated well with ΔT1 (Pearson's r = 0.828). The hyperintense area on the leakage index map matched well with the corresponding Evans‐blue‐stained area (Dice correlation = 0.626). The slopes of the scatter‐plot from the leakage index (0.97‐1.00) were observed to be more robust against changes in the reference region than those from conventional K2 values (0.94‐1.07). In a subtly damaged BBB tMCAO model, model‐free evaluation of vascular permeability using dual DSC‐MRIs would provide a consistent measure of inter‐subject vascular permeability.
Integrated preparation and properties of polyurethane‐based sandwich structure composites with foamed core layer
Authors: Zeng Xiaoyan , Tang Ting , An Jiaxuan , Liu Xiaoxiang , Xiang Hongxia , Li Youbing , Yang Chaolong , Xia Tian
Published: June 2021

The polyurethane‐based sandwich structure composite was integrally prepared through using glass fiber reinforced polyurethane composite (GFRPUC) as the skin layer and rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) as the core layer with the application of a prepolymer infiltrating‐foaming integrated manufacturing process. The effect of isocyanate content on the mechanical properties of polyurethane (PU) matrix was explored, and the influences of n‐pentane as the foaming agent on the mechanical properties of RPUF and sandwich structure composite were investigated. The results showed that PU prepolymer synthesized with 10% isocyanate group had the excellent comprehensive performances including the tensile strength of 77 MPa, bending strength of 110 MPa and impact toughness of 59 kJ/m2. Under the optimal molding process, the tensile strength, bending, and impact strengths of the GFRPUC surface are 794 MPa, 846 MPa, and 228 kJ/m2, respectively. Using the PU prepolymer method, the surface layer and foam core are integrally fabricated as the sandwich structure composites, whose structure is characterized by strong surface layer and porous core with energy absorption effect. The integrated SSC plate with foamed core layer has excellent mechanical properties especially the core layer containing 2 wt% foaming agent, such as shear property.