bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vanadium Oxide‐Modified Triphenylamine‐Based Hole‐Transport Layer for Highly Reproducible and Efficient Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Ligang , Wang Hua , Feng Xiangyun , Zhou Yuhan , Chen Yonghua , Chen Runfeng , Huang Wei
Published: January 2021

Inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) often employ triphenylamine‐based materials, such as poly(triarylamine) (PTAA), as hole‐transporting layer (HTL). However, the high hydrophobic PTAA usually induces unsatisfactory perovskite growth, resulting in inferior efficiency and reproducibility. Herein, the vanadium oxide (VOx) film is introduced to modify hydrophobic PTAA layer and establish a hydrophilic surface for high‐quality perovskite film due to the decreased surface tension with improved perovskite solution spread, nucleation, and growth. The PSCs based on PTAA/VOx HTL exhibit high power conversion efficiency up to 18.9% with a sharp increase in comparison to the 16.5% of the control device. Moreover, the reproducibility is also significantly improved, showing a much smaller standard deviation of 1.75 for 40 devices compared to the control devices of 3.64. This work demonstrates that the introduction of VOx is a promising approach in producing high‐quality perovskite films on poor‐wetting PTAA layer for high‐performance inverted PSCs.
Fluidization of elongated particles—Effect of multi‐particle correlations for drag, lift, and torque in CFD‐DEM
Authors: Mema Ivan , Padding Johan T.
Published: January 2021

Having proper correlations for hydrodynamic forces is essential for successful CFD‐DEM simulations of a fluidized bed. For spherical particles in a fluidized bed, efficient correlations for predicting the drag force, including the crowding effect caused by surrounding particles, are already available and well tested. However, for elongated particles, next to the drag force, the lift force, and hydrodynamic torque also gain importance. In this work, we apply recently developed multi‐particle correlations for drag, lift and torque in CFD‐DEM simulations of a fluidized bed with spherocylindrical particles of aspect ratio 4 and compare them to simulations with widely used single‐particle correlations for elongated particles. Simulation results are compared with previous magnetic particle tracking experimental results. We show that multi‐particle correlations improve the prediction of particle orientation and vertical velocity. We also show the importance of including hydrodynamic torque.
Dehydration of C2–C4 alcohol/water mixtures via electrostatically enhanced graphene oxide laminar membranes
Authors: Liu Song , Zhou Guanyu , Guan Kecheng , Chen Xi , Chu Zhenyu , Liu Gongping , Jin Wanqin
Published: January 2021

The dehydration of alcohol/water mixtures using pervaporation membranes requires less energy than is required by conventional separation technologies. In this paper, we report electrostatically enhanced graphene oxide (GO) membranes for the highly efficient pervaporation dehydration of C2–C4 alcohol/water mixtures. Positively charged molecules were introduced as the interlayer of negatively charged GO layers via layer‐by‐layer assembly, thereby creating an electrostatic attraction that drives the assembly of GO nanosheets into ordered interlayer channels. The effects of the feed temperature, water concentration, and continuous operation on the membrane transport behavior were systematically investigated. In the dehydration of 90 wt% alcohol/water mixtures at 70°C, the membrane exhibited ethanol/water, isopropanol/water, and n‐butanol/water fluxes of 2.35, 2.98, and 4.69 kg/(m2 hr), respectively, as well as separation factors for the same mixtures of 3,390, 5,790, and 4,680, respectively. This excellent alcohol/water dehydration performance outperforms those of state‐of‐the‐art polymeric membranes and GO‐based membranes.
Novel FOXP1 pathogenic variants in two Indian subjects with syndromic intellectual disability
Authors: Moirangthem Amita , Phadke Shubha R.
Published: January 2021

We describe two unrelated Indian boys with Mental retardation with language impairment with or without autistic features (OMIM#613670). Novel pathogenic variants c. 593_599 delins AGAAG and c.1556T>C in FOXP1 were identified in Patients 1 and 2, respectively by exome sequencing. The patients shared the cardinal features of significant language impairment, prominent forehead, downslanted palpebral fissures, frontal upsweep of hair, and behavioral abnormalities. Camptodactyly (with pterygia in Patient 2) was an additional feature noted in our study. The phenotype was consistent with previous reports of patients with monogenic defects in FOXP1. The facial features overlap with Sotos syndrome. However, presence of frontal upsweep of hair is a good pointer toward FOXP1 related syndromic intellectual disability.
Innovations in osteomyelitis research: A review of animal models
Authors: Roux Kylie M. , Cobb Leah H. , Seitz Marc A. , Priddy Lauren B.
Published: January 2021

Infection of bone tissue, or osteomyelitis, has become a growing concern in modern healthcare due in no small part to a rise in antibiotic resistance among bacteria, notably Staphylococcus aureus. The current standard of care involves aggressive, prolonged antibiotic therapy combined with surgical debridement of infected tissues. While this treatment may be sufficient for resolving a portion of cases, recurrences of the infection and associated risks including toxicity with long‐term antibiotic usage have been reported. Therefore, there exists a need to produce safer, more efficacious options of treatment for osteomyelitis. In order to test treatment regimens, animal models that closely mimic the clinical condition and allow for accurate evaluation of therapeutics are necessary. Establishing a model that replicates features of osteomyelitis in humans continues to be a challenge to scientists, as there are many variables involved, including choosing an appropriate species and method to establish infection. This review addresses the refinement of animal models of osteomyelitis to reflect the clinical disease and test prospective therapeutics. The aim of this review is to explore studies regarding the use of animals for osteomyelitis therapeutics research and encourage further development of such animal models for the translation of results from the animal experiment to human medicine.
Characterization and Mechanistic Study of the Radical SAM Enzyme ArsS Involved in Arsenosugar Biosynthesis
Authors: Cheng Jinduo , Ji Wenjuan , Ma Suze , Ji Xinjian , Deng Zixin , Ding Wei , Zhang Qi
Published: January 2021

Arsenosugars are a group of arsenic‐containing ribosides that are found predominantly in marine algae but also in terrestrial organisms. It has been proposed that arsenosugar biosynthesis involves a key intermediate 5′‐deoxy‐5′‐dimethylarsinoyl‐adenosine (DDMAA), but how DDMAA is produced remains elusive. Now, we report characterization of ArsS as a DDMAA synthase, which catalyzes a radical S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM)‐mediated alkylation (adenosylation) of dimethylarsenite (DMAsIII) to produce DDMAA. This radical‐mediated reaction is redox neutral, and multiple turnover can be achieved without external reductant. Phylogenomic and biochemical analyses revealed that DDMAA synthases are widespread in distinct bacterial phyla with similar catalytic efficiencies; these enzymes likely originated from cyanobacteria. This study reveals a key step in arsenosugar biosynthesis and also a new paradigm in radical SAM chemistry, highlighting the catalytic diversity of this superfamily of enzymes.
Tweaking a BODIPY Spherical Self‐Assembly to 2D Supramolecular Polymers Facilitates Excited‐State Cascade Energy Transfer
Authors: Das Gourab , Cherumukkil Sandeep , Padmakumar Akhil , Banakar Vijay B. , Praveen Vakayil K. , Ajayaghosh Ayyappanpillai
Published: January 2021

Excited state properties such as emission, exciton transport, electron transfer, etc., are strongly dependent on the shape, size and molecular arrangement of chromophore based supramolecular architectures. Herein, we demonstrate creation and control of distinct supramolecular energy landscapes for the reversible control of the excited‐state emission processes through cascade energy transfer in chromophore assemblies, facilitated by an unprecedented solvent effect. In methylcyclohexane, a tailor‐made Y‐shaped BODIPY derivative self‐assembles to form an unusual spherical architecture of 400–1200 nm size, which exhibits a single emission at 540 nm upon 475 nm excitation through a normal excitation deactivation process. However, in n‐decane, the same BODIPY derivative forms two‐dimensional supramolecular sheets, exhibiting multiple emission peaks at 540, 610, 650, 725 and 790 nm with 475 nm excitation due to cascade energy transfer. Further control on the morphology and excitation energy transfer is possible with variable solvent composition and ultrasound stimulation, resulting in enhanced near‐infrared emission with an overall pseudo Stokes shift of 7105 cm−1.
A Macromolecular Drug for Cancer Therapy via Extracellular Calcification
Authors: Tang Ning , Li Hanhui , Zhang Lihong , Zhang Xueyun , Chen Yanni , Shou Hao , Feng Shuaishuai , Chen Xinhua , Luo Yan , Tang Ruikang , Wang Ben
Published: January 2021

Cancer chemotherapy typically relies on drug endocytosis and inhibits tumor cell proliferation via intracellular pathways; however, severe side effects may arise. In this study, we performed a first attempt to develop macromolecular‐induced extracellular chemotherapy involving biomineralization by absorbing calcium from the blood through a new type of drug, polysialic acid conjugated with folate (folate‐polySia), which selectively induces biogenic mineral formation on tumor cells and results in the pathological calcification of tumors. The macromolecule‐initiated extracellular calcification causes cancer cell death mainly by intervening with the glycolysis process in cancer cells. Systemic administration of folate‐polySia inhibited cervical and breast tumor growth and dramatically improved survival rates in mice. This study provides an extracellular therapeutic approach for malignant tumor diseases via calcification that is ready for clinical trials and offers new insights into macromolecular anticancer drug discovery.
Scalable De Novo Synthesis of Aldgarose and Total Synthesis of Aldgamycin N
Authors: Späth Georg , Fürstner Alois
Published: January 2021

Since the accompanying study had shown that the introduction of the eponymous aldgarose sugar to the C5‐OH group of the macrocyclic aglycone of aldgamycin N is most difficult, if not even impossible, the synthesis route was revised and the glycosidation performed at an earlier stage. To mitigate the “cost” of this strategic amendment, a practical and scalable de novo synthesis of this branched octose was developed. The glycoside formation required mild conditions; it commenced with the reaction of the aglycone with the trichloroacetimidate donor to give a transient orthoester, which slowly rearranged to the desired aldgaropyranoside. The presence of the polar peripheral groups in the product did not impede the selective late‐stage functionalization of the macrolide ring itself: the contained propargylic alcohol entity was readily transformed into the characteristic acyloin motif of the target by a ruthenium‐catalyzed trans‐hydrostannation followed by a modified Chan‐Lam‐type coupling.
Photoactive Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Materials with Nanosegregated Donor–Acceptor Arrays
Authors: Zhu Xiaolei , Hessin Cheriehan , Salamé Aude , Sosa‐Vargas Lydia , Kreher David , Adachi Chihaya , Proust Anna , Mialane Pierre , Marrot Jérome , Bouchet Aude , Sliwa Michel , Méry Stéphane , Heinrich Benoît , Mathevet Fabrice , Izzet Guillaume
Published: January 2021

The synthesis of the first mesogenic donor‐acceptor polyoxometalate (POM)‐based hybrid is herein described. The structural and electronic properties of the hybrid compound were evaluated through combination of small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, optical microscopy, electrochemistry and photoluminescence. In the solid state, the compound behaves as a birefringent solid, displaying a lamellar organization in which double‐layers of POMs and bis(thiophene)thienothiophene organic donors alternate regularly. Noticeably, the sub‐unit organizations in the composite are similar to that observed for the individual POM and organic donor precursors. Photophysical studies show that in the hybrid, the fluorescence of the organic donor unit is considerably quenched both in solution and in the solid state, which is attributed to occurrence of intramolecular charge‐separated state.
Liquid Phase Peptide Synthesis via One‐Pot Nanostar Sieving (PEPSTAR)
Authors: Yeo Jet , Peeva Ludmila , Chung Seoyeon , Gaffney Piers , Kim Daeok , Luciani Carla , Tsukanov Sergey , Seibert Kevin , Kopach Michael , Albericio Fernando , Livingston Andrew
Published: January 2021

Herein, a one‐pot liquid phase peptide synthesis featuring iterative addition of amino acids to a “nanostar” support, with organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) for isolation of the growing peptide after each synthesis cycle is reported. A cycle consists of coupling, Fmoc removal, then sieving out of the reaction by‐products via nanofiltration in a reactor‐separator, or synthesizer apparatus where no phase or material transfers are required between cycles. The three‐armed and monodisperse nanostar facilitates both efficient nanofiltration and real‐time reaction monitoring of each process cycle. This enabled the synthesis of peptides more efficiently while retaining the full benefits of liquid phase synthesis. PEPSTAR was validated initially with the synthesis of enkephalin‐like model penta‐ and decapeptides, then octreotate amide and finally octreotate. The crude purities compared favorably to vendor produced samples from solid phase synthesis.
Efficient Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylation of 1,3‐Dienes: Selective Synthesis of Adipates and Other Aliphatic Diesters
Authors: Yang Ji , Liu Jiawang , Ge Yao , Huang Weiheng , Ferretti Francesco , Neumann Helfried , Jiao Haijun , Franke Robert , Jackstell Ralf , Beller Matthias
Published: January 2021

The dicarbonylation of 1,3‐butadiene to adipic acid derivatives offers the potential for a more cost‐efficient and environmentally benign industrial process. However, the complex reaction network of regioisomeric carbonylation and isomerization pathways, make a selective and direct transformation particularly difficult. Here, we report surprising solvent effects on this palladium‐catalysed process in the presence of 1,2‐bis‐di‐tert‐butylphosphin‐oxylene (dtbpx) ligands, which allow adipate diester formation from 1,3‐butadiene, carbon monoxide, and methanol with 97 % selectivity and 100 % atom‐economy under scalable conditions. Under optimal conditions a variety of di‐ and triesters from 1,2‐ and 1,3‐dienes can be obtained in good to excellent yields.
Synthesis and Hydrogenation of Heavy Homologues of Rhodium Carbynes: [(Me3P)2(Ph3P)Rh≡E‐Ar*] (E=Sn, Pb)
Authors: Widemann Max , Eichele Klaus , Schubert Hartmut , Sindlinger Christian P. , Klenner Steffen , Pöttgen Rainer , Wesemann Lars
Published: January 2021

Tetrylidynes [(Me3P)2(Ph3P)Rh≡SnAr*] (10) and [(Me3P)2(Ph3P)Rh≡PbAr*] (11) are accessed for the first time via dehydrogenation of dihydrides [(Ph3P)2RhH2SnAr*] (3) and [(Ph3P)2RhH2PbAr*] (7) (Ar*=2,6‐Trip2C6H3, Trip=2,4,6‐triisopropylphenyl), respectively. Tin dihydride 3 was either synthesized in reaction of the dihydridostannate [Ar*SnH2]− with [(Ph3P)3RhCl] or via reaction between hydrides [(Ph3P)3RhH] and
 [(Ar*SnH)2]. Homologous lead hydride [(Ph3P)2RhH2PbAr*] (7) was synthesized analogously from [(Ph3P)3RhH] and
 [(Ar*PbH)2]. Abstraction of hydrogen from 3 and 7 supported by styrene and trimethylphosphine addition yields tetrylidynes 10 and 11. Stannylidyne 10 was also characterized by 119Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy. Hydrogenation of the triple bonds at room temperature with excess H2 gives the cis‐dihydride [(Me3P)2(Ph3P)RhH2PbAr*] (12) and the tetrahydride [(Me3P)2(Ph3P)RhH2SnH2Ar*] (14). Complex 14 eliminates spontaneously one equivalent of hydrogen at room temperature to give the dihydride [(Me3P)2(Ph3P)RhH2SnAr*] (13). Hydrogen addition and elimination at stannylene tin between complexes 13 and 14 is a reversible reaction at room temperature.
Strong Self‐Trapped Exciton Emissions in Two‐Dimensional Na‐In Halide Perovskites Triggered by Antimony Doping
Authors: Zhang Yu , Liu Xingyi , Sun Huaiyang , Zhang Jinxia , Gao Xiaowen , Yang Chuang , Li Qi , Jiang Hong , Wang Juan , Xu Dongsheng
Published: January 2021

Soft lattice and strong exciton–phonon coupling have been demonstrated in layered double perovskites (LDPs) recently; therefore, LDPs represents a promising class of compounds as excellent self‐trapped exciton (STE) emitters for applications in solid‐state lighting. However, few LDPs with outstanding STE emissions have been discovered, and their optoelectronic properties are still unclear. Based on the three‐dimensional (3D) Cs2NaInCl6, we synthesized two 2D derivatives (PEA)4NaInCl8:Sb (PEA=phenethylamine) and (PEA)2CsNaInCl7:Sb with monolayer and bilayer inorganic sheets by a combination of dimensional reduction and Sb‐doping. Bright broadband emissions were obtained for the first time under ambient temperature and pressure, with photoluminescence quantum efficiency (PLQE) of 48.7 % (monolayer) and 29.3 % (bilayer), superior to current known LDPs. Spectroscopic characterizations and first‐principles calculations of excited state indicate the broadband emissions originate from STEs trapped at the introduced [SbCl6]3− octahedron.
Highly Efficient Near‐Infrared Electrofluorescence from a Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Molecule
Authors: Balijapalli Umamahesh , Nagata Ryo , Yamada Nishiki , Nakanotani Hajime , Tanaka Masaki , D'Aléo Anthony , Placide Virginie , Mamada Masashi , Tsuchiya Youichi , Adachi Chihaya
Published: January 2021

Near‐IR organic light‐emitting diodes (NIR‐OLEDs) are potential light‐sources for various sensing applications as OLEDs have unique features such as ultra‐flexibility and low‐cost fabrication. However, the low external electroluminescence (EL) quantum efficiency (EQE) of NIR‐OLEDs is a critical obstacle for potential applications. Here, we demonstrate a highly efficient NIR emitter with thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) and its application to NIR‐OLEDs. The NIR‐TADF emitter, TPA‐PZTCN, has a high photoluminescence quantum yield of over 40 % with a peak wavelength at 729 nm even in a highly doped co‐deposited film. The EL peak wavelength of the NIR‐OLED is 734 nm with an EQE of 13.4 %, unprecedented among rare‐metal‐free NIR‐OLEDs in this spectral range. TPA‐PZTCN can sensitize a deeper NIR fluorophore to achieve a peak wavelength of approximately 900 nm, resulting in an EQE of over 1 % in a TADF‐sensitized NIR‐OLED with high operational device durability (LT95>600 h.).
The Design of a GLP‐1/PYY Dual Acting Agonist
Authors: Østergaard Søren , Paulsson Johan F. , Kjærgaard Gerstenberg Marina , Wulff Birgitte S.
Published: January 2021

The two gut hormones GLP‐1 and PYY3–36, which are both secreted from the L‐cells upon food stimuli, have a stronger inhibitory effect on food intake when they are combined, compared to their individual effects as single agonists. Although they are not homologous and share no sequence similarity, we show that a GLP‐1 analogue can be designed to exhibit potent activity on both the Y2 and GLP‐1 receptors. Dual acting hybrid analogues were realized by designing truncated and potent Y2 receptor PYY analogues, followed by integrating the critical residues into GLP‐1. In this study, we show that one of these dual acting agonists acutely reduces food intake significantly more than the respective mono‐agonist counterparts.
Dimeric Cycloparaphenylenes with a Rigid Aromatic Linker
Authors: Li Ke , Xu Zhanqiang , Deng Han , Zhou Zhennan , Dang Yanfeng , Sun Zhe
Published: January 2021

Dimeric cycloparaphenylene (CPP) architectures with well‐defined flipping motion are constructed taking advantage of an efficient cyclocondensation reaction. Variable‐temperature nuclear magnetic resonance (VT‐NMR) analyses and theoretical calculations indicate rapid interconversion of cis and trans conformers at room temperature, while energetically favorable trans conformer exists at low temperature with the metastable cis conformer hidden. The trihexylsilylethynyl‐substituted dimer exhibits bright emission in solution at 616 nm with quantum yield up to 80 %, representing the brightest CPP‐based emitter beyond 600 nm. A 1:2 host–guest complex of the dimer and C60 is established with negative cooperativity, demonstrating the first example of 1:2 complex from CPP derivatives.
An Efficient Turing‐Type Ag2Se‐CoSe2 Multi‐Interfacial Oxygen‐Evolving Electrocatalyst**
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Long , Yang Peng‐Peng , Zheng Ya‐Rong , Duan Yu , Hu Shao‐Jin , Ma Tao , Gao Fei‐Yue , Niu Zhuang‐Zhuang , Wu Zhi‐Zheng , Qin Shuai , Chi Li‐Ping , Yu Xingxing , Wu Rui , Gu Chao , Wang Cheng‐Ming , Zheng Xu‐Sheng , Zheng Xiao , Zhu Jun‐Fa , Gao Min‐Rui
Published: January 2021

Although the Turing structures, or stationary reaction‐diffusion patterns, have received increasing attention in biology and chemistry, making such unusual patterns on inorganic solids is fundamentally challenging. We report a simple cation exchange approach to produce Turing‐type Ag2Se on CoSe2 nanobelts relied on diffusion‐driven instability. The resultant Turing‐type Ag2Se‐CoSe2 material is highly effective to catalyze the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline electrolytes with an 84.5 % anodic energy efficiency. Electrochemical measurements show that the intrinsic OER activity correlates linearly with the length of Ag2Se‐CoSe2 interfaces, determining that such Turing‐type interfaces are more active sites for OER. Combing X‐ray absorption and computational simulations, we ascribe the excellent OER performance to the optimized adsorption energies for critical oxygen‐containing intermediates at the unconventional interfaces.
Single Atom Ruthenium‐Doped CoP/CDs Nanosheets via Splicing of Carbon‐Dots for Robust Hydrogen Production
Authors: Song Haoqiang , Wu Min , Tang Zhiyong , Tse John S. , Yang Bai , Lu Siyu
Published: January 2021

Ultrathin two‐dimensional catalysts are attracting attention in the field of electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution. This work describe a composite material design in which CoP nanoparticles doped with Ru single‐atom sites supported on carbon dots (CDs) single‐layer nanosheets formed by splicing CDs (Ru1CoP/CDs). Small CD fragments bore abundant functional groups, analogous to pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, and could provide a high density of binding sites to immobilize Ru1CoP. The single‐particle‐thick nanosheets formed by splicing CDs acted as supports, which improved the conductivity of the electrocatalyst and the stability of the catalyst during operation. The Ru1CoP/CDs formed from doping atomic Ru dispersed on CoP showed very high efficiency for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) over a wide pH range. The catalyst prepared under optimized conditions displayed outstanding stability and activity: the overpotential for the HER at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 was as low as 51 and 49 mV under alkaline and acidic conditions, respectively. Density functional theory calculations showed that the substituted Ru single atoms lowered the proton‐coupled electron transfer energy barrier and promoted H−H bond formation, thereby enhancing catalytic performance for the HER. The findings open a new avenue for developing carbon‐based hybridization materials with integrated electrocatalytic performance for water splitting.
Design of convex‐hull bionic tire tread compounds and mechanism on collaborative improvement of wet resistance and wear resistance
Authors: Mao Chunyu , Lv Xueman , Yang Xiaodong , Yang Zhuojuan , Ma Yunhai , Lv Shuwei
Published: January 2021

The materials or bionic methods available cannot further solve the contradiction between the wear resistance and wet resistance of tire tread compounds. In this study, a convex‐hull bionic tire tread compound was designed and produced according to the difference in wear resistance between two types of tire tread compounds. The effects of the bionic structure on the wear resistance and wet resistance of the tire tread compounds were explored by analyzing the changes in wear loss, wear surface characteristics, and wet friction coefficient. The wear resistance and wet resistance of the convex‐hull bionic tire tread compound were collaboratively improved. The largest increasing rate of wear resistance was 9%, and the largest increasing rates of wet sliding ability on sand paper surface and on smooth glass surface were 3.4% and 4.2%, respectively. The coupling design of materials and bionic structures offers a new way to improve the overall performances of tire tread compounds.
Accurate self‐damage detection by electrically conductive epoxy/graphene nanocomposite film
Authors: Meng Qingshi , Araby Sherif , Oh Jeong‐A , Chand Aron , Zhang Xuming , Kenelak Vincent , Ma Jian , Liu Tianqing , Ma Jun
Published: January 2021

Detecting and locating accurately structure damages at an early stage is essential to minimization of catastrophic disasters, prevention of fatalities and provision of cost‐effective maintenance. We herein report a facile approach to detect structure damages and to accurately identify their locations by using an electrically conductive epoxy/graphene nanocomposite film. A percolation threshold of electrical conductivity was observed at 0.58 vol% of graphene platelets (GnPs, ~3 nm in thickness and ~15 μm in length); electrical conductivity of 3.3 S/cm was obtained at 9.00 vol% of GnPs. The epoxy/GnP composite film containing 9.00 vol% of GnPs was employed as an array of electrically conductive paths in horizontal and vertical directions to detect and locate structure's damages. Thermal stability and temperature coefficient of the composite film were studied. Relative resistance change due to temperature effect was fitted into an exponential function, which showed strong correlation with the temperature change. This implies that an algorithm can be developed to compensate drift errors in resistance measurement due to temperature variation. With the help of Internet of Things, our self‐sensing epoxy/graphene nanocomposite films have great potential for smart aerospace structural health monitoring.
A novel technique to fabricate magnetic polydimethylsiloxane micropillar
Authors: Yang Xiaoming , Zhong Zhaowei
Published: January 2021

In past decades, polymeric micropillars have been employed in many complex functional micro‐devices, such as micro‐fluids, micro‐sensors, tunable wetting surfaces, and substrate structures. This paper presents a novel technique to fabricate high‐aspect‐ratio magnetic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micropillars that can move under gradient magnetic fields. First, a drop of Fe3O4 superparamagnetic nanoparticles was dispersed in acetone solution, sonicated, and poured over a pre‐etch silicon mold with deep micro‐holes. Second, we quickly attracted Fe3O4 nanoparticles in micro‐holes with a strong permanent magnet at the silicon mold's backside. Third, we used a soft lithography process to force the PDMS liquid to flow into the micro‐holes by sequencing the air in a vacuum chamber, baked in a hot plate, and then peeled off in ethanol solution and dried in a CO2 dryer machine. The diameters of PDMS magnetic micropillars were from 1 μm, 2 μm to 10 μm, and the heights were 30 μm and 50 μm. We observed 1 μm micropillar with 50 aspect ratio could deflect its end up to 12 μm under a gradient magnetic field of 5 mT/mm. The magnetic micropillar end movement in an ethanol solution was validated, which broads the application to micro‐fluidics and other liquid microdevices. The energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy also examined the iron percentage in PDMS micropillars. They were in a range of 42% to 81.4%; with the median value was 59.6% that is the highest value reported in the literature, to our best knowledge.
Anthropogenic injury and site fidelity in Maldivian whale sharks (Rhincodon typus)
Authors: Allen Harriet L. , Stewart Bryce D. , McClean Colin J. , Hancock James , Rees Richard
Published: January 2021

Whale sharks collect in predictable seasonal aggregations across the tropics. South Ari Atoll in the Maldives is one of a few aggregation sites where whale sharks can be encountered year‐round. Here, areas with high levels of tourism‐related boating traffic overlap with the whale shark hotspot, increasing the probability of anthropogenic injury. Whale sharks have been reported to remain faithful to this aggregation site following injury, despite the costs of injury and the risk of re‐injury. However, the impacts of injury on site fidelity and residency behaviour are not fully understood.

Encounter data on individual sharks from the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme database (2006–2018) were analysed to assess the relationship between injury and site fidelity in whale sharks. There was no difference in geographic site use, with injured and non‐injured individuals being encountered in the same areas. However, there were differences in residency timings: injured resident whale sharks (individuals repeatedly encountered over 6 months or longer) spent significantly more time at the atoll and less time absent, and were seen more consistently than non‐injured residents. Increased residency duration, return rate and number of residency periods correlated with increasing injury number.

These differences in behaviour imply a cost to injury, with whale sharks potentially remaining at this site to recover. With boat traffic being concentrated at the aggregation site, injured sharks may be more vulnerable to further injury. Alternatively, these individuals may remain at the atoll despite injury because the benefits gained from this area outweigh the potential costs, with more resident individuals facing greater exposure to anthropogenic threats. These findings highlight the importance of this location and emphasize the need for improved management of anthropogenic activities, particularly boating traffic, at aggregation hotspots to reduce injury rates and any subsequent impacts on behaviour and fitness.
Plasmonic Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs): Properties, Synthesis and their Advanced Energy, Environmental and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Sarfraz Nafeesa , Khan Ibrahim
Published: January 2021

Inducing plasmonic characteristics, primarily localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), in conventional AuNPs through particle size and shape control could lead to a significant enhancement in electrical, electrochemical, and optical properties. Synthetic protocols and versatile fabrication methods play pivotal roles to produced plasmonic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which can be employed in multipurpose energy, environmental and biomedical applications. The main focus of this review is to provide a comprehensive and tutorial overview of various synthetic methods to design highly plasmonic AuNPs, along with a brief essay to understand the experimental procedure for each technique. The latter part of the review is dedicated to the most advanced and recent solar‐induced energy, environmental and biomedical applications. The synthesis methods are compared to identify the best possible synthetic route, which can be adopted while employing plasmonic AuNPs for a specific application. The tutorial nature of the review would be helpful not only for expert researchers but also for novices in the field of nanomaterial synthesis and utilization of plasmonic nanomaterials in various industries and technologies.
Study and Comparison on Purification Methods of Multicolor Emission Carbon Dots
Authors: Zhou Shengju , Sui Ying , Zhu Xiaotong , Sun Xiaofeng , Zhuo Shuping , Li Hongguang
Published: January 2021

Recent years have witnessed a rapid development of carbon dots (CDs), due to their outstanding luminescence properties and excellent biocompatibility. However, the internal structure and photoluminescent (PL) mechanism of CDs are still the subject of considerable debate, which is due to the fact that reaction products usually contain mixtures of several CD fractions as well as molecular intermediate and side products. Therefore, careful purification of the CDs is significant for analysis of structure and luminescence mechanism. Here, multicolor emission CDs were prepared by a one‐pot pyrolysis of citric acid in formamide. Then, the precipitation method, dialysis and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) are successively employed to purify the multicolor emission CDs. This post‐treatment allowed us to compare the optical properties of CDs obtained by different separation methods and provide a valuable guidance for the purification of CDs.
Molecular Architectonics‐guided Design of Biomaterials
Authors: Moorthy Hariharan , Datta Lakshmi Priya , Govindaraju Thimmaiah
Published: January 2021

The quest for mastering the controlled engineering of dynamic molecular assemblies is the basis of molecular architectonics. The rational use of noncovalent interactions to programme the molecular assemblies allow the construction of diverse molecular and material architectures with novel functional properties and applications. Understanding and controlling the assembly of molecular systems are daunting tasks owing to the complex factors that govern at the molecular level. Molecular architectures depend on the design of functional molecular modules through the judicious selection of functional core and auxiliary units to guide the precise molecular assembly and co‐assembly patterns. Biomolecules with built‐in information for molecular recognition are the ultimate examples of evolutionary guided molecular recognition systems that define the structure and functions of living organisms. Explicit use of biomolecules as auxiliary units to command the molecular assemblies of functional molecules is an intriguing exercise in the scheme of molecular architectonics. In this minireview, we discuss the implementation of the principles of molecular architectonics for the development of novel biomaterials with functional properties and applications ranging from sensing, drug delivery to neurogeneration and tissue engineering. We present the molecular designs pioneered by our group owing to the requirement and scope of the article while acknowledging the designs pursued by several research groups that befit the concept.
Improved Synthesis of ortho‐Phenylene‐bridged Cyclic Tetrapyrroles and Oxidative Fusion Reactions Toward Substituted Tetraaza[8]circulenes
Authors: Morimoto Yuki , Chen Fengkun , Matsuo Yusuke , Kise Koki , Tanaka Takayuki , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: January 2021

Hetero[8]circulenes have emerged as novel functionalized heteronanographenes that show various promising functions such as bright fluorescence, charge transporting, and redox reactivities. One of the effective synthetic strategy is the fold‐in type oxidative fusion reaction of ortho‐phenylene‐bridged cyclic tetrapyrroles, whose construction, however, is not well‐sophisticated in terms of reproducibility and possibility for versatile derivatization. In this paper, a “reverse” coupling strategy has been developed, which enabled synthesis of opp‐type low symmetric analogues of cyclic tetrapyrroles. Oxidative fusion reaction conditions to afford tetraaza[8]circulenes have also been reinvestigated and improved. Substituent effects of cyclic tetrapyrroles and tetrabenzotetraaza[8]circulenes are studied for solid‐state structures and packing structures, redox potentials, and optical properties.
One‐Step Simultaneous Synthesis of Circularly Polarized Luminescent Multiple Helicenes Using a Chrysene Framework
Authors: Ikai Tomoyuki , Yamakawa Shoya , Suzuki Nozomu , Yashima Eiji
Published: January 2021

A series of multiple helicenes was simultaneously synthesized in one step by intramolecular cyclization of a single chrysene derivative containing two 2‐[(4‐alkoxyphenyl)ethynyl]phenyl units accompanied by rearrangements of the aryl pendants. The electrophile‐induced double cyclization with or without aryl migrations proceeded efficiently under acidic conditions to afford annulative π‐extension of the chrysene units and produced quadruple (QH‐2), triple (TH‐2), and double (DH‐2) helicenes containing [4]‐ and/or [5]helicene frameworks with dynamic and/or static helicene chirality in one step. Three multiple helicenes’ structures were determined by X‐ray crystallography and/or density functional theory calculations. The multiple TH‐2 and DH‐2 helicenes were separated into enantiomers because of the stable one and two [5]helicene moieties, respectively, and showed intense circular dichroism and circularly polarized luminescence. Although QH‐2, which comprises four [4]helicene subunits, was not resolved into enantiomers, the TH‐2 enantiomers were further separated into a pair of diastereomers at low temperature resulting from their substituted [4]helicene chirality.
Immobilized peptide‐N‐glycosidase F onto magnetic nanoparticles: A biotechnological tool for protein deglycosylation under native conditions
Authors: Bidondo Lucía , Festari Florencia , Freire Teresa , Giacomini Cecilia
Published: January 2021

The elucidation of glycans biological function is essential to understand their role in biological processes, both normal and pathological. Immobilized glycoenzymes are excellent tools for this purpose as they can selectively release glycans from glycoproteins without altering their backbone. They can be easily removed from the reaction mixture avoiding their interference in subsequent experiments. Here, we describe the immobilization of peptide‐N‐glycosidase F (PNGase F) onto silica magnetic nanoparticles with immobilization yields of 86% and activity yields of 12%. Immobilized PNGase F showed higher thermal stability than its soluble counterpart, and could be reused for at least seven deglycosylation cycles. It was efficient in the deglycosylation of several glycoproteins (ribonuclease B, bovine fetuin, and ovalbumin) and a protein lysate from the parasite Fasciola hepatica under native conditions, with similar performance to that of the soluble enzyme. Successful deglycosylation was evidenced by a decrease in specific lectin recognition of the glycoproteins (40%–80%). Moreover, deglycosylated F. hepatica lysate allowed us to confirm the role of parasite N‐glycans in the inhibition of the lipopolysaccharide‐induced maturation of dendritic cells. Immobilized PNGase F probed to be a robust biotechnological tool for deglycosylation of glycoproteins and complex biological samples under native conditions.
Integrative identification of human serpin PAI‐1 inhibitors from Dracaena dragon blood and molecular implications for inhibitor‐induced PAI‐1 allosterism
Authors: Xu Chong , Liu Xia , Shen Jie , Sun Quan , Guo Xiaohong , Yang Min , Leng Jing
Published: January 2021

Human plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) is an important component of the coagulation system and has been recognized as a potential therapeutic target of diverse cardiovascular disorders. Previously, it was found that the extracts from the Chinese medicine Dracaena dragon blood have potent inhibitory activity against PAI‐1, but it is unclear which constituents directly participate in the inhibition and how do they regulate PAI‐1 at molecular level. Here, we describe an integrated strategy to identify the dragon blood's chemical constituents that can directly target PAI‐1. With the strategy, five compounds 1–5 are hit as promising PAI‐1 inhibitor candidates, from which three are measured to have high or moderate activity against PAI‐1. In particular, the compound 3 is determined to exhibit the highest potency; this value is roughly comparable with the widely used PAI‐1 inhibitor Tiplaxtinin. We further examine the molecular effect of compound 3 on PAI‐1 conformation at structural level. It is supposed that small‐molecule inhibitor regulates the reactive center loop (RCL) of PAI‐1 through an allosterism, that is, binding of compound 3 to PAI‐1 can allosterically stabilize RCL in latent form, thus promoting PAI‐1 conformational conversion from metastable active form to the inactive latent form. Long‐term atomistic simulations also demonstrate that removal of compound 3 can destabilize the structured β‐stranded conformation of RCL in latent form, although the current simulations are still not sufficient to characterize the full conversion dynamics trajectory.
The Impact of Mobile Phone Use on Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Kacprzyk Artur , Stefura Tomasz , Krzysztofik Marta , Rok Tomasz , Rokita Eugeniusz , Tatoń Grzegorz
Published: January 2021

Tinnitus is a perception of sound in the absence of an external source. The aim of our study was to investigate with a meta‐analytical approach, whether mobile phone (MP) use increases the risk of tinnitus. Eight studies reporting the risk of tinnitus in relation to MP use were identified, and six high‐quality studies (two cohort studies, one case–control study, and three cross‐sectional ones) were included in the meta‐analysis. The quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. The risk of tinnitus was analyzed depending on the exposure to MPs in subgroups according to the study design and method of exposure assessment. Two cohort studies, which assessed the exposure to MPs using network operator data, indicated no significantly increased risk of tinnitus among highly exposed MP users in comparison to lightly exposed individuals (odds ratio [OR]: 1.03 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93–1.15]). Likewise, the self‐reported exposure data from two cohorts/case–control and four cross‐sectional studies did not find an association between exposure to MPs and tinnitus (OR: 1.20 [95% CI: 0.40–3.61] and OR: 1.73 [95% CI: 0.67–4.49], respectively). Current scientific knowledge, including high‐quality studies with a reliable exposure assessment based on network operator data, does not support the hypothesis that MP use is associated with tinnitus. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Retinal and Cortical Contributions to Phosphenes During Transcranial Electrical Current Stimulation
Authors: Evans Ian D. , Palmisano Stephen , Croft Rodney J.
Published: January 2021

It is generally believed that the phosphenes induced by transcranial electric current stimulation (tECS) are a product of retinal activation, even when electrode placement is directly over the primary visual cortex. However, the origins of these tECS‐induced phosphenes have not yet been conclusively determined. In this study, phosphene detection thresholds using an FPz‐Oz montage were compared with those from (i) an Oz‐Cz montage to determine whether prefrontal regions, such as the retina, contribute to phosphenes and (ii) an FPz‐Cz montage to determine whether the visual cortex in the occipital lobe contributes to phosphenes. Twenty‐two participants received transcranial current stimulation with each of these montages (as well as a T3‐T4 montage included for exploratory purposes) at 6, 10, 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 Hz. To estimate differences in current density at the retina and occipital lobe across montages, modeling of current density at phosphene thresholds was measured across 20 head models. Consistent with the proposal that tECS‐induced phosphenes are generated in the retina, increasing current density near the retina (FPz‐Oz relative to Oz‐Cz montage) reduced phosphene thresholds. However, increasing current density near the occipital cortex (FPz‐Oz relative to FPz‐Cz montage) also reduced phosphene thresholds while also requiring less current density at the retina according to the modeling estimates. This suggests that tECS of this occipital cortex also contributed to phosphene perception. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Continued insights into virus clearance validation across continuous capture chromatography
Authors: Angelo James M. , Potter Kevin , Müller‐Späth Thomas , Xu Xuankuo , Li Zheng Jian , Ghose Sanchayita
Published: January 2021

Multi‐column capture chromatography (MCC) has gained increased attention lately due to the significant economic and process‐related advantages it offers compared to traditional batch mode chromatography. However, for wide adoption of this technology in the clinical and commercial space, it requires scalable models for viral validation. In this study, additional viral validation studies were conducted under cGLP guidelines to assess retro‐(X‐MuLV) and parvo‐virus (minute virus of mice) clearance across twin‐column continuous capture chromatography (CaptureSMB) to supplement work previously performed. A surrogate model was validated using standard batch mode chromatography equipment based on flow path modifications to mimic the loading strategy employed in CaptureSMB. In addition, aged resin was used in this surrogate format to assess the impact of resin lifetime on viral clearance during continuous capture operation. The impact of column loading was also explored to shed light on the viral clearance mechanisms of protein A chromatography in overloading conditions. The proposed approach greatly simplifies MCC virus validation studies, and provides a robust strategy for regulatory filing of continuous biomanufacturing processes.
Development of an in vitro coculture device for the investigation of host–microbe interactions via integrative multiomics approaches
Authors: Song Won‐Suk , Shin Sung Gyu , Jo Sung‐Hyun , Lee Jae‐Seung , Jeon Hyo‐Jin , Kwon Ji‐Eun , Park Ji‐Hyeon , Cho Sungwoo , Jeong Jae Hyun , Kim Byung‐Gee , Kim Yun‐Gon
Published: January 2021

The commensal gut bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila is well known as a promising probiotic candidate that improves host health and prevents diseases. However, the biological interaction of A. muciniphila with human gut epithelial cells has rarely been explored for use in biotherapeutics. Here, we developed an in vitro device that simulates the gut epithelium to elucidate the biological effects of living A. muciniphila via multiomics analysis: the Mimetic Intestinal Host–Microbe Interaction Coculture System (MIMICS). We demonstrated that both human intestinal epithelial cells (Caco‐2) and the anaerobic bacterium A. muciniphila can remain viable for 12 h after coculture in the MIMICS. The transcriptomic and proteomic changes (cell–cell junctions, immune responses, and mucin secretion) in gut epithelial cells treated with A. muciniphila closely correspond with those reported in previous in vivo studies. In addition, our proteomic and metabolomic results revealed that A. muciniphila activates glucose and lipid metabolism in gut epithelial cells, leading to an increase in ATP production. This study suggests that A. muciniphila improves metabolism for ATP production in gut epithelial cells and that the MIMICS may be an effective general tool for evaluating the effects of anaerobic bacteria on gut epithelial cells.
Preliminary Investigation of Organocatalyst Activity Based on C‐Arylcalix[4]‐2‐Methylresorcinarene Sulfonic Acid Materials for Biodiesel Production
Authors: Jumina  , Amalina Ifa , Triono Sugeng , Kurniawan Yehezkiel Steven , Priastomo Yoga , Ohto Keisuke , Yamin Bohari M.
Published: January 2021

At present, biodiesel remains an untapped fuel source while crude oil reserves are being depleted. Extensive efforts are necessary to achieve efficient biodiesel production, but catalytic activity in methyl palmitate production remains unsatisfactory. In this study, we report the synthesis and organocatalyst activity of C‐arylcalix[4]‐2‐methylresorcinarene sulfonic acids for biodiesel production. The presence of a methyl group on an aromatic ring is expected to disturb the intramolecular hydrogen bonds; thus, each hydroxyl group could be utilized for the catalytic process. C‐arylcalix[4]‐2‐methylresorcinarene sulfonic acids were prepared from cyclocondensation and sulfonation reactions yielding compounds 1–6 at rates of 66.7%–86.6%. By evaluating the organocatalytic activity of the C‐arylcalix[4]‐2‐methylresorcinarene sulfonic acids, we found that 4 mol% of compound 5 exhibited the highest yield (97.8%) of methyl palmitate at 338 K for 6‐h reaction time, which is remarkable. These findings show that C‐arylcalix[4]‐2‐methylresorcinarene sulfonic acids are promising heterogeneous catalyst materials for biodiesel production.