bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased prevalence of minor physical anomalies in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Tényi Dalma , Tényi Tamás , Csábi Györgyi , Jeges Sára , Bóné Beáta , Lőrincz Katalin , Kovács Norbert , Janszky József
Published: August 2022

Our aim was to investigate the rate and topological profile of minor physical anomalies (MPAs) in adult patients with epilepsy with the use of the Méhes Scale, a comprehensive modern scale of dysmorphology. Consecutive epilepsy patients admitted for outpatient evaluation were included. Patients with comorbidities of neurodevelopmental origin (such as autism, severe intellectual disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, tic disorder, Tourette syndrome, bipolar disorder, specific learning disorder and specific language impairment) were excluded. All participants underwent physical examination with the use of the Méhes Scale for evaluation of MPAs, including 57 minor signs. The frequency and topological profile of MPAs were correlated to clinical patient data using Kruskal–Wallis, chi2 tests and logistic regression model. 235 patients were included, according to the following subgroups: acquired epilepsy (non-genetic, non-developmental etiology) [N = 63], temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (TLE with HS) [N = 27], epilepsy with cortical dysgenesis etiology [N = 29], cryptogenic epilepsy [N = 69] and idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) [N = 47]. As controls, 30 healthy adults were recruited. The frequency of MPAs were significantly affected by the type of epilepsy [H(6) = 90.17; p < 0.001]. Pairwise comparisons showed that all patient groups except for acquired epilepsy were associated with increased frequency of MPAs (p < 0.001 in all cases). Furrowed tongue and high arched palate were more common compared to controls in all epilepsy subgroup except for TLE (p < 0.001 or p = 0.001 in all cases). A positive association was detected between the occurrence of MPAs and antiepileptic drug therapy resistance [Exp(B) = 4.19; CI 95% 1.37–12.80; p = 0.012]. MPAs are more common in patients with epilepsy, which corroborates the emerging concept of epilepsy as a neurodevelopmental disorder. Assessment of these signs may contribute to the clarification of the underlying etiology. Moreover, as increased frequency of MPAs may indicate pharmacoresistance, the identification of patients with high number of MPAs could allow evaluation for non-pharmacological treatment in time.
Acoustic scene classification based on three-dimensional multi-channel feature-correlated deep learning networks
Authors: Qu Yuanyuan , Li Xuesheng , Qin Zhiliang , Lu Qidong
Published: August 2022

As an effective approach to perceive environments, acoustic scene classification (ASC) has received considerable attention in the past few years. Generally, ASC is deemed a challenging task due to subtle differences between various classes of environmental sounds. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to perform accurate classification based on the aggregation of spatial–temporal features extracted from a multi-branch three-dimensional (3D) convolution neural network (CNN) model. The novelties of this paper are as follows. First, we form multiple frequency-domain representations of signals by fully utilizing expert knowledge on acoustics and discrete wavelet transformations (DWT). Secondly, we propose a novel 3D CNN architecture featuring residual connections and squeeze-and-excitation attentions (3D-SE-ResNet) to effectively capture both long-term and short-term correlations inherent in environmental sounds. Thirdly, an auxiliary supervised branch based on the chromatogram of the original signal is incorporated in the proposed architecture to alleviate overfitting risks by providing supplementary information to the model. The performance of the proposed multi-input multi-feature 3D-CNN architecture is numerically evaluated on a typical large-scale dataset in the 2019 IEEE AASP Challenge on Detection and Classification of Acoustic Scenes and Events (DCASE 2019) and is shown to obtain noticeable performance gains over the state-of-the-art methods in the literature.
A retrospective study of mortality for perioperative cardiac arrests toward a personalized treatment
Authors: Shang Huijie , Chu Qinjun , Ji Muhuo , Guo Jin , Ye Haotian , Zheng Shasha , Yang Jianjun
Published: August 2022

Perioperative cardiac arrest (POCA) is associated with a high mortality rate. This work aimed to study its prognostic factors for risk mitigation by means of care management and planning. A database of 380,919 surgeries was reviewed, and 150 POCAs were curated. The main outcome was mortality prior to hospital discharge. Patient demographic, medical history, and clinical characteristics (anesthesia and surgery) were the main features. Six machine learning (ML) algorithms, including LR, SVC, RF, GBM, AdaBoost, and VotingClassifier, were explored. The last algorithm was an ensemble of the first five algorithms. k-fold cross-validation and bootstrapping minimized the prediction bias and variance, respectively. Explainers (SHAP and LIME) were used to interpret the predictions. The ensemble provided the most accurate and robust predictions (AUC = 0.90 [95% CI, 0.78–0.98]) across various age groups. The risk factors were identified by order of importance. Surprisingly, the comorbidity of hypertension was found to have a protective effect on survival, which was reported by a recent study for the first time to our knowledge. The validated ensemble classifier in aid of the explainers improved the predictive differentiation, thereby deepening our understanding of POCA prognostication. It offers a holistic model-based approach for personalized anesthesia and surgical treatment.
Selective removal of some heavy metals from Lanthanide solution by graphene oxide functionalized with sodium citrate
Authors: Abu Elgoud E. M. , Abd-Elhamid A. I. , Emam Sh. Sh. , Aly H. F.
Published: August 2022

Lanthanides are widely used in several advanced technologies, and the presence of heavy metal ions as traces reduce their efficiencies. Hence, adsorption of some heavy metals from Lanthanides aqueous solution using previously prepared graphene oxide-citrate (GO-C) composite was reported. In this regard, the GO-C was applied to remove various heavy metal ions (Fe, Ni, Mn) through the batch technique. The GO-C after the adsorption process was characterized by various advanced techniques. The results obtained from the experimental investigations revealed that the GO-C showed a rapid equilibrium adsorption time (1.0 min) for all the studied heavy metal ions. Moreover, the adsorption isotherm data for Fe3+, Mn2+, and Ni2+ was fit by the Langmuir isotherm model with excellent adsorption capacity for Fe3+ (535.0 mg/g), Mn2+ (223.22 mg/g), and Ni2+ (174.65 mg/g). Furthermore, the GO-C can be reused over five times to enhance the removal efficiency. Interestingly, the GO-C adsorbent achieved removal performance reached 95.0% for the Fe3+ and ≥ 35.0% for Ni, Mn, Co, and Cu compared to < 1% for lanthanides metal ions.
Association of myocardial infarction and angina pectoris with obesity and biochemical indices in the South Korean population
Authors: Chi Jeong Hee , Lee Bum Ju
Published: August 2022

The best obesity index for myocardial infarction or angina pectoris (MIAP) risk assessment remains controversial. Furthermore, the association between biochemical indices and these diseases is unclear. This study examined associations of obesity and biochemical indices with MIAP in the Korean population. This large-scale cross-sectional study was based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey dataset from 2010 to 2019. A total of 22,509 subjects (9452 men and 13,057 women) aged ≥ 50 years were included. Participants consisted of 21,426 individuals without MIAP (men = 8869, women = 12,557) and 1083 with MIAP (men = 583, women = 500). Binary logistic regression was performed to examine the association of MIAP with obesity and biochemical indices. The prevalence of MIAP in Korean adults aged ≥ 50 years was 4.81% (6.57% among men, 3.98% among women). MIAP was more strongly associated with total cholesterol than other variables in men (adjusted OR = 0.436 [0.384–0.495], adjusted p < 0.001) and women (adjusted OR = 0.541 [0.475–0.618], adjusted p < 0.001). The waist-to-height ratio (adjusted OR = 1.325 [1.082–1.623], adjusted p = 0.007) and waist circumference (adjusted OR = 1.290 [1.072–1.553], adjusted p = 0.007) showed a significant association with MIAP in men, with no association between obesity indices and MIAP in women after adjustment. The association between biochemical indices and MIAP differed slightly according to sex. Only total cholesterol, creatinine, and platelets were associated with MIAP in both men and women.
Exploring the link between Turkish gifted children’s perceptions of the gifted label and emotional intelligence competencies
Authors: Tercan Hülya , Bıçakçı Müdriye Yıldız
Published: August 2022

The present study attempts to explore the relation between Turkish gifted children’s perceptions of the gifted label and their emotional intelligence competencies. We included 122 gifted children in this correlational study in the 2018–2019 academic year and collected the data using the Perceptions of Gifted Label Scale (PGLS) and the Emotional Intelligence Competencies Scale (EICS). In the analysis, we utilized descriptive statistics and calculated Pearson’s correlation coefficients between the variables. The mean age of the children was 11.5 years, and there was an equal number of girls and boys. The findings revealed that the children got almost average scores on all subscales of the PGLS. The results uncovered that self-perception of the gifted label was significantly correlated with friends’ and parents’ perceptions of the gifted label [r = 0.380, p < .01]. We found a significant negative relationship between the PGLS self-perception and the EICS self-consciousness. To put it more clearly, as having increased self-consciousness, they are likely to have decreased perception of being labeled decreases. . Our findings also seem noteworthy in suggesting a helpful conceptual framework for designing therapeutic interventions for gifted children, who are often considered more sensitive to social-emotional issues.
Temperature gradient sensing mechanism using liquid crystal droplets with 0.1-mK-level detection accuracy and high spatial resolution
Authors: Bono Shinji , Konishi Satoshi
Published: August 2022

We proposed the detection mechanism of the micro-levels of temperature gradient in a micro-electromechanical system using the unidirectional rotation of cholesteric-liquid crystal (Ch-LC) droplets. Ch-LC droplets in the presence of an isotropic phase subjected to a heat flux rotate with a speed proportional to the magnitude of the temperature gradient. We further quantified the temperature gradient-to-torque conversion efficiency to apply the thermomechanical cross-correlation to the detection of temperature gradient. Then, we observed the rotational behavior of Ch-LC droplets after introducing them onto model devices containing patterned Au thin-film electrodes. Direct electric current applied to these Au electrodes results in unidirectional rotation of the Ch-LC droplets in response to heat flux generated from the Au electrodes. By evaluating the possible temperature gradient detection resolution using Ch-LC droplet rotation, we show that Ch-LC droplets can achieve both high spatial resolution (~ 10 µm) and high detection accuracy (~ 0.1 mK/µm).
Antibody response after first and second BNT162b2 vaccination to predict the need for subsequent injections in nursing home residents
Authors: Tuaillon Edouard , Pisoni Amandine , Veyrenche Nicolas , Rafasse Sophia , Niel Clémence , Gros Nathalie , Muriaux Delphine , Picot Marie-Christine , Aouinti Safa , Van de Perre Philippe , Bousquet Jean , Blain Hubert
Published: August 2022

We explored antibody response after first and second BNT162b2 vaccinations, to predict the need for subsequent injections in nursing home (NH) residents. 369 NH residents were tested for IgG against SARS-CoV-2 Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD-IgG) and nucleoprotein-IgG (SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant and SARS-CoV-2 IgG Alinity assays, Abbott Diagnostics). In NH residents with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, the first dose elicited high RBD-IgG levels (≥ 4160 AU/mL) in 99/129 cases (76.9%), with no additional antibody gain after the second dose in 74 cases (74.7%). However, a low RBD-IgG level (< 1050 AU/mL) was observed in 28 (21.7%) residents. The persistence of nucleoprotein-IgG and a longer interval between infection and the first dose were associated with a higher RBD-IgG response (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0013, respectively). RBD-IgG below 50 AU/mL after the first dose predicted failure to reach the antibody concentration associated with a neutralizing effect after the second dose (≥ 1050 AU/mL). The BNT162b2 vaccine elicited a strong humoral response after the first dose in a majority of NH residents with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, about one quarter of these residents require a second injection. Consideration should be given to immunological monitoring in NH residents to optimize the vaccine response in this vulnerable population.
Effects of Cordyceps militaris fermentation products on reproductive development in juvenile male mice
Authors: Lin Shan , Hsu Wen-Kuang , Tsai Ming-Shiun , Hsu Tai-Hao , Lin Tso-Ching , Su Hong-Lin , Wang Sue-Hong , Jin Dazhi
Published: August 2022

Cordyceps militaris (CM) is a popular medicinal fungus; however, few studies have focused on its impact on the male reproductive system. We evaluated the effects of CM fermentation products on the reproductive development of juvenile male (JM) mice. Mice were divided into four experimental groups, each fed 5% CM products (weight per weight (w/w) in normal diet): extracellular polysaccharides (EPS), fermentation broth (FB), mycelia (MY), and whole fermentation products (FB plus MY, FBMY) for 28 days, while mice in the control group (CT) were fed a normal diet. Basic body parameters, testicular structure, sperm parameters, and sex hormones concentrations were analyzed. Compared to the CT group, mice in the EPS, MY, and FBMY groups showed a significantly increased mean seminiferous tubule area (p < 0.05), mice in the FB and MY groups had significantly higher sperm concentrations (p < 0.05), and mice in the EPS, FB, and FBMY groups showed significantly increased ratios of motile sperm (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, EPS significantly promoted the ability of JM mice to synthesize testosterone (p < 0.05). Furthermore, all CM products significantly increased the food intake of JM mice (p < 0.05) but did not significantly change their water intake and body weight gain (p > 0.05). In conclusion, CM products, especially EPS, exhibit strong androgen-like activities that can promote male reproductive development.
Si1–xGex anode synthesis on plastic films for flexible rechargeable batteries
Authors: Murata H. , Nozawa K. , Suzuki T. , Kado Y. , Suemasu T. , Toko K.
Published: August 2022

SiGe is a promising anode material for replacing graphite in next generation thin-film batteries owing to its high theoretical charge/discharge capacity. Metal-induced layer exchange (LE) is a unique technique used for the low-temperature synthesis of SiGe layers on arbitrary substrates. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis of Si1−xGex (x = 0–1) layers on plastic films using Al-induced LE. The resulting SiGe layers exhibited high electrical conductivity (up to 1200 S cm−1), reflecting the self-organized doping effect of LE. Moreover, the Si1−xGex layer synthesized by the same process was adopted as the anode for the lithium-ion battery. All Si1−xGex anodes showed clear charge/discharge operation and high coulombic efficiency (≥ 97%) after 100 cycles. While the discharge capacities almost reflected the theoretical values at each x at 0.1 C, the capacity degradation with increasing current rate strongly depended on x. Si-rich samples exhibited high initial capacity and low capacity retention, while Ge-rich samples showed contrasting characteristics. In particular, the Si1−xGex layers with x ≥ 0.8 showed excellent current rate performance owing to their high electrical conductivity and low volume expansion, maintaining a high capacity (> 500 mAh g–1) even at a high current rate (10 C). Thus, we revealed the relationship between SiGe composition and anode characteristics for the SiGe layers formed by LE at low temperatures. These results will pave the way for the next generation of flexible batteries based on SiGe anodes.
Novel detection of stem cell niche within the stroma of limbus in the rabbit during postnatal development
Authors: Abdellah Nada , Desoky Sara M. M. El-
Published: August 2022

Identifying and locating stem cell populations in the limbus may lead to developing a cell-based strategy for treating the corneal injury. Therefore, this study was the first to design a follow-up on the microscopical and histomorphometric changes in the rabbit limbus and to localize and demonstrate the limbal stem cell niche during postnatal development. The paraffin sections from the eyes of different postnatal-developmental stages were stained and examined using light microscopy. Furthermore, sections were immunohistologically stained for the epithelial stem cell differentiation marker, cytokeratin-14. Moreover, semithin and ultrathin sections were applied for ultrastructural demonstration of the stem cell niche. This study revealed that the number and thickness of limbal epithelial layers increased with age, whereas the thickness of limbal stroma decreased. Additionally, the immunohistochemical data showed that ck14 staining intensity increased in the limbal region where limbal stem cells reside. The semithin and ultrastructure investigation revealed stem cell clusters within the limbus’s underlying stroma close to the blood and nerve supply and surrounded by telocytes. Conclusively, isolated clusters of limbal epithelial stem cells combined with blood vessels, nerve fibers, and telocytes propose a harmonious microenvironment of a stem cell niche.
Heterogeneous impact of Covid-19 response on tuberculosis burden by age group
Authors: Kim Boyeon , Kang Young Ae , Lee Jeehyun
Published: August 2022

Apart from the incidence and mortality caused by it, Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has had a significant impact on other diseases. This study aimed to estimate the influences of COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) and the number of TB-associated deaths in Republic of Korea. A dynamic compartment model incorporating age-structure was developed for studying TB transmission and progression using the Korean population data. After calibration with notification of incidence data from South Korea, the TB burden over 6 years (2020–2025) was predicted under the nine different scenarios. Under the scenario of strong social distancing and low-level health service disruption, new TB cases were reduced by 761 after 1 year in comparison to the baseline. However, in the elderly population, social distancing had little impact on TB incidence. On the other hand, the number of TB-related deaths mainly depends on the level of health service disruption for TB care. It was predicted that with a high degree of health service disruption, the number of TB-related deaths would increase up to 155 in 1 year and 80 percent of the TB-related deaths would be in the elderly population. The decrease of tuberculosis incidence is significantly affected by social distancing, which is owing to reduction of contacts. The impact of health service disruption is dominant on TB-related deaths, which occurs mainly in the elderly. It suggests that it is important to monitor TB-related deaths by COVID-19 because the TB burden of the elderly is high in the Republic of Korea.
Deficits in multiple object-tracking and visual attention following mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Alnawmasi Mohammed M , Khuu Sieu K.
Published: August 2022

Difficulty in the ability to allocate and maintain visual attention is frequently reported by patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). In the present study, we used a multiple object tracking (MOT) task to investigate the degree to which TBI affects the allocation and maintenance of visual attention to multiple moving targets. Fifteen adults with mild TBI and 20 control participants took part in this study. All participants were matched for age, gender, and IQ. The sensitivity and time taken to perform the MOT task were measured for different conditions in which the duration of the tracking, number of target, and distractor dots were systematically varied. When the number of target dots required to be tracked increased, sensitivity in correctly detecting them decreased for both groups but was significantly greater for patients with mild TBI. Similarly, increasing the number of distractor dots had a greater effect on reducing task sensitivity for patients with mild TBI than control participants. Finally, across all conditions, poorer detection performance was observed for patients with mild TBI when the tracking duration was longer compared to control participants. The present study showed that patients with mild TBI have greater deficits (compared to control participants) in their ability to maintain visual attention on tracking multiple moving objects, which was particularly hindered by increased tracking load and distraction.
An Introduction to Material-based Mechanobiology
Authors: Nakanishi Jun , Uto Koichiro
Published: August 2022

Mechanobiology studies focus on the roles of physical forces, such as shear stress and mechanical stretching, and on changes in the mechanical properties of cells and tissues that regulate biological and pathological processes. This chapter provides a brief overview of the development of material-based mechanobiology with regard to cellular mechanoarchitectonic and its time-evolving dynamic nature, together with the prospects of this new discipline.
Mechanotransduction at the Cell Surface and Methods to Study Receptor Forces
Authors: Ma Rong , Deal Brendan R. , Salaita Khalid
Published: August 2022

Cells squeeze, pull, and tug on their surroundings and on one another, exerting molecular forces through specific receptors. These forces are incredibly small – at the scale of tens of piconewtons (pN). Although small in magnitude, these molecular forces can have profound biological impacts in many processes including the fate of differentiating stem cells, T cell response to antigen, cell division, cancer metastasis, and blood clotting. Therefore, the ability to measure molecular forces within living cells is paramount. This chapter will describe molecular tension fluorescence microscopy (MTFM) where a conventional fluorescence microscope is used to map cellular forces with pN resolution by using a calibrated molecular force probe. The focus will be on nucleic acid-based force sensors since this is the most sensitive class of MTFM probes. Following an overview of the classic DNA force sensor, this chapter discusses the versatile development and application of DNA-based tools to study receptor mechanics.
Measurement and Manipulation of Cellular Forces Using Silicone Elastomers
Authors: Hirata Hiroaki , Sokabe Masahiro
Published: August 2022

Manipulation and measurement of mechanical forces at the cellular and subcellular levels are essential for the mechanobiological research of cells. Since silicone elastomers have various advantages in their mechanical, optical, and biocompatible properties, they have been widely employed to fabricate devices for force measurement/manipulation of cells. In this chapter, we review silicone elastomer-based technologies that have been developed and utilized in cell mechanobiology, especially focusing on methods for force measurement and mechanical intervention at cell adhesion machineries.
Geometric Cues for Directing Cell Fate
Authors: Romanazzo Sara , Kilian Kristopher A.
Published: August 2022

Geometry is an important aspect of the environment surrounding cells and tissues. Often the chemical and physical aspects of the environment will dictate a corresponding topography that gives rise to a host of connected activities. Microengineering materials have been widely used for a variety of biomedical applications, including protein biosensors and microarrays, cell-based drug screening, and fundamental cell biology (cell–cell, cell–matrix, and cell–factor interaction) and applied tissue engineering. The platforms employed to control the shape of cells and tissues are diverse and often vary according to the context of the application or necessary materials. In this chapter, we provide an overview of state-of-the-art microengineering techniques used for cell and tissue micropatterning, along with a description of how they are applied to a variety of cell and biomaterial types.
Micro- and Nanopatterned Substrates for Studies on the Mechanobiology of Cell–Matrix Adhesions
Authors: Christian Joel , Cavalcanti-Adam Elisabetta Ada
Published: August 2022

The cell microenvironment acts as an adhesive and signaling platform for cells, where both chemical and physical signals are integrated to trigger cell functions. Materials that recapitulate such features of the extracellular space are inspired by the composition and structure of the extracellular matrix. A great effort over the past decades has been directed to achieving micro- and nanoscale precision in mimicking the extracellular matrix spatial organization, while combining it with the presentation of specific ligands to study receptor behavior and signaling cascades. In this chapter, we outline materials-based strategies combined with mechanobiological approaches for patterning extracellular molecules and ligands and describe how their spatial presentation allows us to address mechanosensing and mechanotransduction in cells.
A Fundamental Approach Towards Carbon Dioxide Conversion to Chemicals and Fuels: Current Trends for CO2 Utilization Technologies
Authors: Kandy Mufeedah Muringa , Sankaralingam Muniyandi
Published: August 2022

The unrestrained release of CO2 into the atmosphere that is leading to global warming is the main problem being tackled currently. Scavenging atmospheric CO2 and converting it to valuable fuels and chemicals is an approach with dual benefits. The foremost difficulties associated with the conversion of a small molecule like CO2 are the high capital costs, thermodynamic stability, and kinetic confines. Despite such issues, a large number of approaches for CO2 capture, and conversion techniques like electrochemical, photocatalysis, thermal, and biological have been initiated, investigated, and developed so far. The conventional technologies that are used in these progressions often suffer from low conversion, energy efficiency, and selectivity. The current research strategies need to consider appropriate process intensification techniques with innovative explorations to attain this ideal reaction. Currently, there exist very limited intensifying technologies that are sufficiently potent for industrial applications. This gap could be filled by intensive research that evaluates the potency of various suitable technologies to make the world more climate-friendly. Finally, research challenges that are in the early stages and the future directions that will raise these process to industrially viable technologies are also discussed.
Two-dimensional Based Hybrid Materials for CO2-to-fuels Electrochemical Conversion CO2 Process
Authors: Hoang Van Chinh , Le Tri Nguyen Dang
Published: August 2022

In recent years, tremendous attention has been focussed on electrochemical conversion of CO2 to fuels, which utilizes electricity produced from renewable energy resources (such as wind, solar, and hydro) to transform the greenhouse gas CO2 into value-added substances. Hybrid 2D (two-dimensional) based materials are highly desirable for the electro reduction of CO2 because of its large active surface area, unique properties like excellent electronic conductivity and high stability, which are advantageous for the increased interfacial charge and mass transfer for efficient and long-term CO2 electrocatalysis. Therefore, this chapter mainly focusses on recent CO2 electroreduction of 2D hybrid nanostructured electrocatalysts development. Advances in the improvement of reaction activity, primary product selectivity and catalytic stability on 2D hybrid materials are highlighted and discussed as insights towards efficient and selective CO2 electroreduction to valuable products.
Photocatalytic Conversion of CO2 Into Energy-rich Chemicals by Two-dimensional Nanomaterials
Authors: Adegoke Kayode Adesina , Adegoke Oyeladun Rhoda , Adesina Morenike Oluwabunmi , Bello Olugbenga Solomon , Maxakato Nobanathi Wendy
Published: August 2022

In recent years two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have remained unique photocatalysts owing to the associated superior physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. These include larger surface–volume ratio, abundant surface defects, transparency, suitable atomic thickness, the higher ratio of uncoordinated surface atoms, numerous active sites, short transport distance in the bulk phases, stronger quantum electron confinements in the 2D, numerous rich options of host–guest species, environmentally friendly, economical, abundant in nature, and ultrathin characteristics. Also, 2D-nanomaterials offer practical ways of promoting light absorption and separation and a promising approach to transferring the photogenerated charge carriers. However, since the advent of monolayered graphene-based nanomaterials, graphitic carbon nitride-based nanomaterials, metal chalcogenide-based nanomaterials, metal oxide-based nanomaterials, and metal oxyhalide-based nanomaterials, numerous novel 2D-nanomaterials were developed for CO2 photoreduction to energy-rich chemicals, thus the study of different 2D-photocatalysts remains the hottest topics to date. In this chapter, different 2D-nanomaterials are reviewed, the fundamental aspect of photocatalytic CO2 reduction (CO2R), and steps of the photocatalytic conversion of CO2 with water on a typical semiconductor photocatalyst are also discussed. In conclusion, some shortcomings and prospects for enhancing the performance of 2D-nanomaterials and the CO2 photoreduction are suggested to advance the field to meet reliable industrial applications.
Catalytic Thermal Conversion of CO2 to Fuels Using Two-dimensional Nanomaterials
Authors: Khemthong P. , Kiatphuengporn S. , Kuboon S. , Osakoo N. , Butburee T. , Yimsukanan C. , Faungnawakij K. , Wittayakun J.
Published: August 2022

Among the growing research to reduce global warming, two-dimensional (2D) materials have earned significant attention for their role in converting CO2 to synthetic fuels and value-added chemicals. 2D materials are promising platform materials because they have superior properties on mechanical strength, electrical and thermal conductivity, and chemical and thermal stability. This chapter summarizes the recent achievements of 2D materials in CO2 utilization via thermal catalytic processes including hydrogenation, methanation, and dry reforming. The chapter also includes the conversion of CO2 to carbon materials like graphene or polymer, and modification strategies to improve the catalytic activity of CO2 reduction. Moreover, the bottlenecks, challenges, and principles of design and application of these materials are discussed. Prospects and directions of 2D materials development are highlighted. Suitable 2D materials are recommended for particular catalytic reactions in CO2 reduction based on their properties and performance.
CO2 Capture and Conversion Using Different Renewable Sources
Authors: Chandra Veerla Sarath , Kumar Astakala Anil
Published: August 2022

Rapid development in industrialization and urbanization results in significant increases in the volume of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and other gases and leads to global warming. The capture and efficient conversion of CO2 into chemicals and fuels is a sophisticated process and has gained significance in reducing the concentration of CO2 present in the environment. CO2 is highly stable and is utilized as a catalyst in the synthesis of chemicals such as methanol, salicylic acid, dimethyl carbonate, and cyclic carbonates. Carbon derivatives based adsorbants are considered to be versatile materials used to capture CO2 due to their similar physical and chemical properties. Photoelectrochemical conversion of CO2 is considered to be an artificial photosynthesis employing different wide band gap semiconductors, and produces chemicals/fuels such as formic acid, methane, ethanol and ethanol. In this chapter, we report the capture and conversion of CO2 into chemicals and fuels by different techniques such as photoelectrochemical, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, thermo-catalysis, and biochemical techniques.
CO2 Capture by Functionalized Two-dimensional Nanomaterials
Authors: Reddy N. Lakshmana , Yu Yeon-Tae , Reddy N. Ramesh , Ramakrishna Seeram , Reddy Kakarla Raghava
Published: August 2022

Global warming and environmental pollution triggered by CO2 emission are the two critical challenges facing humankind. There is a need to focus science and technology pursuits to tackle these issues to restore the Earth's health and provide a sustainable future for the next generations. In this regard, many techniques and advanced nanomaterials have been extensively studied to capture CO2 emissions from large industries and many other sources. Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials like metal sulphides (MoS2), carbon-based materials including g-C3N4, graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) etc., have become the most promising nanomaterials to capture the CO2 in a significant way. More importantly, the hybrids of MoS2, g-C3N4, carbonaceous nanomaterials have emerged as attractive candidates for CO2 capture and its reduction into clean and low-carbon fuels and valuable chemical feedstock sustainable and intermittent renewable energy sources of sunlight and electricity through the heterogeneous photo(electro)catalysis. Hence, in this chapter, we focused on this important type of 2D nanomaterial (NMs) for CO2 capture by photocatalysis, photo(electro)catalysis to convert into clean fuels and value-added chemicals.
Conversion of CO2 into Energy-dense Chemicals and the Commercialization Using Two-dimensional Nanomaterials as Catalysts
Authors: Al Hinaai Mohammed M. , Changez Mohammad
Published: August 2022

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an abundant source of carbon, and it is one of the main greenhouse gases, due to continuous enormous consumption of fossil fuel and extended industrial production. The accumulated CO2, not only increases global warming but it has a direct effect on human health. CO2 is highly stabile under ambient conditions, thus making it hard to use as a raw industrial material. A considerable amount of research has taken place exploring the ability to utilize CO2 as source of carbon. Thermo-chemical, photoelectrochemical, photocatalytic, biochemical, electrochemical, and neutralization reaction techniques have been investigated. Electrochemical techniques with the assistance of nanomaterials are the most promising methods to reduce CO2 into value-added chemicals and increase the conversion efficiency rate compared with other tested methods. 2D-nanomaterials can provide an extra reaction surface and increase the catalytic activity of the modified system. In this chapter (i) the principle of CO2 in the future energy and global warming (ii) the essential chemical role of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials and reverse microbial fuel cell on the electrochemical reduction of CO2 (ERC), and (iii) updated information about available commercial ERC of CO2 will be discussed.
DCD-chip designed for the digital and ultraprecise quantification of copy number variation
Authors: Zou Zheyu , Zhuang Jianjian , Xia Liping , Li Ying , Yin Juxin , Mu Ying
Published: August 2022

The progress of CNV detection in DCD-chip.
Development of a colloidal gold strip assay for the detection of total homocysteine in serum samples
Authors: Ang Beijun , Xu Xinxin , Xu Liguang , Liu Liqiang , Kuang Hua , Xu Chuanlai
Published: August 2022

A highly sensitive anti-SAH mAb was produced and an LFIA strip was developed to detect tHcy in serum samples after enzymatic hydrolysis.
Dual-emission carbon dots for sensitive fluorescence detection of metal ions and ethanol in water
Authors: Xu Qingqing , Li Jiurong , Gong Xiao
Published: August 2022

Red fluorescent carbon dots with dual emission are synthesized, which can be applied for the trace detection of Fe3+ and Cu2+, and the ethanol content in aqueous solution.
Metformin reprograms tumor microenvironment and boosts chemoimmunotherapy in colorectal cancer
Authors: Ni Weidong , Wu Jiayan , Feng Yuanji , Hu Yingying , Liu Haiyan , Chen Jie , Chen Fangfang , Tian Huayu
Published: August 2022

The combination strategy of MET/MMH NPs/αOX40 provides a novel and effective clinical option for colorectal cancer therapy.
Reactive oxygen species-responsive Pre-PROTAC for tumor-specific protein degradation
Authors: Liu Haixia , Ren Chaowei , Sun Renhong , Wang Huihui , Zhan Yuexiong , Yang Xiaobao , Jiang Biao , Chen Hongli
Published: August 2022

ROS-responsive Pre-PROTAC degrades BRD3 in high-ROS T47D cancer cells while BRD3 remained constant in normal 293T cells.
Asymmetric organocatalytic sulfenylation for the construction of a diheteroatom-bearing tetrasubstituted carbon centre
Authors: Tan Qingfa , Chen Qianping , Zhu Zitong , Liu Xiaohua
Published: August 2022

A chiral bifunctional guanidine catalyst-catalyzed enantioselective α-sulfenylation of α-fluoro-β-keto amides and azlactones is described.
Terpene dispersion energy donor ligands in borane complexes
Authors: Mears Kristian L. , Kutzleb Michelle A. , Stennett Cary R. , Fettinger James C. , Kaseman Derrick C. , Yu Ping , Vasko Petra , Power Philip P.
Published: August 2022

Structural characterization of the complex [B(β-pinane)3] (1) reveals non-covalent H⋯H contacts consistent with the generation of London dispersion energies involving the β-pinane ligands.
Novel polymer-based thermoresponsive photonic crystal sensors with broad wavelength shifts
Authors: Li Lu , Xu Jingjing , Lyu Xin , Liu Zhanfang , Song Zihe , Wei Juan
Published: August 2022

Novel broad wavelength-shifted thermoresponsive sensors were fabricated by introducing ferrocene groups into polymeric photonic crystals.
A hetero-phase growth method to control the crystal growth of β-antimony single crystals with high quality and large sizes
Authors: Zhao Xuewen , Xu Xuequan , Zhao Rongzheng , Gu Mengyue , Yang Na , Huang Lei , Fu Chengcheng , Cheng Yonghong , Zhang Jinying
Published: August 2022

A hetero-phase crystal growth method was proposed by introducing a heteroelement to yield large antimony single crystals with high quality.
Diamond subhydride: unraveling the mystery of “n-diamond”
Authors: Kondrin M. V. , Lebed Y. B. , Grigoriev Y. V. , Brazhkin V. V.
Published: August 2022

We propose that “n-diamond” is not pure carbon, but a 3D polymeric hydrocarbon.
Electrospun one-dimensional electrocatalysts for boosting electrocatalysis
Authors: Ding Changming , Qiao Zhiyong
Published: August 2022

Electrospun 1D nanomaterials are highly active towards the electrocatalytic energy conversion reaction.
An intramolecular-locked strategy for designing nonlinear optical materials with remarkable first hyperpolarizability
Authors: Li Bo , Xiao Tiejun , Shen Hujun , Deng Mingsen , Gu Feng Long
Published: August 2022

An intramolecular-locked strategy is proposed to design nonlinear optical materials with remarkable static first hyperpolarizability.
Correction: Multi-mass velocity map imaging study of the 805 nm strong field ionization of CF3I
Authors: Crane Stuart W. , Lee Jason W. L. , Ashfold Michael N. R.
Published: August 2022

Correction for ‘Multi-mass velocity map imaging study of the 805 nm strong field ionization of CF3I’ by Stuart W. Crane et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/d2cp02449g.
Boosting propane dehydroaromatization by confining PtZn alloy nanoparticles within H-ZSM-5 crystals
Authors: Chen Hui , Li Wei , Zhang Mingchao , Wang Wangyang , Zhang Xian-Hua , Lu Fa , Cheng Kang , Zhang Qinghong , Wang Ye
Published: August 2022

A Pt–Zn@H-ZSM-5 catalyst with Pt–Zn alloy nanoparticles confined in H-ZSM-5 crystals exhibits a significantly improved performance in the propane dehydroaromatization reaction.
Rational synthesis of a pyridyl-imidazoquinazoline based multifunctional 3D Zn(ii)-MOF: structure, luminescence, selective and sensitive detection of Al3+ and TNP, and its semiconducting device application
Authors: Bairy Gurupada , Dey Arka , Dutta Basudeb , Maity Suvendu , Sinha Chittaranjan
Published: August 2022

A novel luminescent multifunctional 3D Zn(ii)-pyridylimidazoquinazoline MOF was synthesised and used as a selective sensor for the detection of Al3+ and trinitrophenol and to fabricate a Schottky diode with improved photo-conductivity.
The effects of introducing terminal alkenyl substituents into the 2,2′-bipyridine domain in [Cu(N^N)(P^P)]+ coordination compounds
Authors: Wöhler Jannika , Meyer Marco , Prescimone Alessandro , Housecroft Catherine E. , Constable Edwin C.
Published: August 2022

The introduction of but-3-en-1-yl or pent-4-en-1-yl substituents into the 6- or 6,6′-positions of the bpy ligand in [Cu(bpy)(P^P)]+ complexes has highly beneficial effects on the photophysical properties of the compounds.
NDI-integrated rotaxane/catenane and their interactions with anions
Authors: Nandi Mandira , Bej Somnath , Ghosh Pradyut
Published: August 2022

Phen-ether macrocycle and azide terminated NDI axle based new fluorophoric [2]rotaxane/[2]catenane and their F− and CN− sensing properties.
Long story short: donor set symmetry in [Eu(DOTA)(H2O)]−crystals determines the electronic structure
Authors: Storm Thomsen Maria , Andersen Helene Obel Bøch , Sørensen Thomas Just
Published: August 2022

Have you ever wondered what the luminescence spectrum of a specific form of [Eu·DOTA(H2O)]−looks like? Look no further, the answer is here.
Fu brick tea alleviates alcoholic liver injury by modulating the gut microbiota–liver axis and inhibiting the hepatic TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Du Yao , Yang Chengcheng , Ren Daoyuan , Shao Hongjun , Zhao Yan , Yang Xingbin
Published: August 2022

We evaluated the protective effects of Fu brick tea water extracts (FTE) on alcoholic liver injury and its underlying mechanism in C57BL/6J mice. The results suggested that FTE treatment effectively suppressed alcoholic liver injury.
Doping regulates pyro-photo-electric catalysis to achieve efficient water splitting in Ba1−xSrxTiO3 through solar energy and thermal resources
Authors: Liu Simeng , Liu Zhifeng , Meng Yue
Published: August 2022

The effect of Sr2+ doping concentration in Ba1−xSrxTiO3 photoelectrodes on pyro-photo-electric catalysis was discussed. The main reason for the performance improvement is that doping broadens the response range of the semiconductor to visible light.
Electrochemical fabrication of an efficient cobalt–iron oxide/graphene heterostructure by a three-electrode system for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Xiao He , Cheng Xiaoru , Jing Yanying , Zhao Man , Zhang Li , Wu Haishun , Jia Jianfeng
Published: August 2022

Electrosynthesized cobalt–iron oxide/graphene heterostructure by a three-electrode electrolysis system for efficient oxygen evolution reaction.
Pectin-assisted one-pot synthesis of MoS2 nanocomposites for resistive switching memory application
Authors: Wang Honglei , Shi Jun , Zhang Jingyu , Tao Zhehao , Wang Hongguang , Yang Qingqing , van Aken Peter A. , Chen Runfeng
Published: August 2022

This research present a method for efficiently fabricating semiconductive hexagonal phase MoS2 (2H-MoS2) nanosheets by pectin-assisted one-pot synthesis (PAOS) for flash diode memory device.
Decreasing free fatty acid of crude palm oil with polyvinylidene fluoride hollow fiber membranes using a combination of chitosan and glutaraldehyde
Authors: Widiastuti Nurul , Silitonga Romaya Sitha , Dharma Hadi Nugraha Cipta , Jaafar Juhana , Widyanto Alvin Rahmad , Purwanto Mochammad
Published: August 2022

Crude palm oil (CPO) has emerged as a significant commodity in the economic and social development of producer nations.
A first-principles prediction of novel Janus T′-RuXY (X/Y = S, Se, Te) monolayers: structural properties and electronic structures
Authors: Hien Nguyen D.
Published: August 2022

Due to the breaking of the mirror symmetry, two-dimensional layered Janus materials possess many extraordinary mechanical and electronic properties that cannot exist in symmetric structures.
Development of pre-service teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge and the factors affecting that development: a longitudinal study
Authors: Belge Can Hatice , Boz Yezdan
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to explore the development of pre-service chemistry teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge regarding the effect of temperature on reaction rate topic as they took pedagogical content knowledge courses throughout the teacher education program. Pre-service teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge was examined under five components: Orientations toward science teaching, Knowledge of curriculum, Knowledge of instructional strategies, Knowledge of learners, and Knowledge of assessment. Two pre-service chemistry teachers participated in the study. Data were collected through a vignette and semi-structured interviews over two years. Analysis of data revealed that both participants’ pedagogical content knowledge components showed development. However, there was an uneven development of components of pedagogical content knowledge. Moreover, the degree and pattern of development were different for some components of pedagogical content knowledge for each participant. The present study has some implications for teacher educators and teacher education programs.
In situ monitoring of functional activity of extracellular matrix stiffness-dependent multidrug resistance protein 1 using scanning electrochemical microscopy
Authors: Kuermanbayi Shuake , Yang Yaowei , Zhao Yuxiang , Li Yabei , Wang Le , Yang Jin , Zhou Yan , Xu Feng , Li Fei
Published: August 2022

SECM using FcCOOH as the redox mediator and endogenous GSH as the indicator was employed to investigate the effect of extracellular matrix stiffness on the functional activity of MRP1 in cancer cells in situ.
Dynamic ordering caused by a source-sink relation between two droplets
Authors: Watanabe Chiho , Tanaka Shinpei , Löffler Richard J. G. , Hanczyc Martin M. , Górecki Jerzy
Published: August 2022

Complex modes of synchronized motion in a system of 1-decanol and paraffin droplets at different concentrations of Sudan Black B dye.
A low-concentration eutectic electrolyte for superior cycling ability of aqueous zinc-ion capacitors
Authors: Lu Xuejun , Tao Li , Qu Keqi , Zhang Yue , Liu Chang , Godin Robert , Liu Jian
Published: August 2022

A low concentration eutectic electrolyte (LCEE) proposed by usingN-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) additive delivered superior cycling ability and excellent compatibility in coin cell and pouch cell prototypes.
Femtosecond laser optimization of PEEK: efficient bioactivity achieved by synergistic surface chemistry and structures
Authors: Luo Fengxiong , Mao Ruiqi , Huang Yawen , Wang Ling , Lai Yixiang , Zhu Xiangdong , Fan Yujiang , Wang Kefeng , Zhang Xingdong
Published: August 2022

Femtosecond laser optimization of PEEK: efficient bioactivity achieved by synergistic surface chemistry and structures.
Beyond the fluorescence labelling of novel nitrogen-doped silicon quantum dots: the reducing agent and stabilizer for preparing hybrid nanoparticles and antibacterial applications
Authors: Wang Yi-Fan , Pan Meng-Meng , Song Yong-Li , Li Zhi , Wang Le , Jiang Ming , Yu Xu , Xu Li
Published: August 2022

A novel multifunctional N-doped Si quantum dot was synthesized and used as fluorescent labeled probe, reductant and stabilizer to prepare Au nanoparticles, and nano-antibacterial agent.