bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NaMgF3:Tb3+@NaMgF3 Nanoparticles Containing Deep Traps for Optical Information Storage
Authors: Wang Yikuang , Chen Dunrong , Zhuang Yixi , Chen Wenjing , Long Hangyu , Chen Hongmin , Xie Rong‐Jun
Published: June 2021

Persistent luminescence (PersL) materials containing deep traps have attracted great attention in the field of optical information storage. However, the lack of nanomaterials with satisfactory light storage ability has become one of the main obstacles to the practical applications. In this work, NaMgF3:Tb3+@NaMgF3:Tb3+ nanoparticles are reported which exhibit excellent light storage ability into deep traps upon X‐ray irradiation and controllable photon emissions under thermal stimulation. A surface passivation strategy by constructing a core–shell structure is adopted, which is proved valid to greatly enhance the PersL efficiency. To understand the possible mechanism on the light storage and thermally stimulated PersL in the NaMgF3:Tb3+@NaMgF3 nanoparticles, an energy level diagram is built and the electronic transition processes are clarified. According to the proposed mechanism, the Tb3+ ions possibly serve as both emitting centers and trap centers in the NaMgF3 host during the X‐ray irradiation. Due to the excellent dispersibility and stability in water, luminescent inks containing the nanoparticles are successfully prepared and the applications to inkjet printing optical information storage and information decryption are demonstrated. The developed NaMgF3:Tb3+@NaMgF3 PersL nanoparticles may inspire further research on lanthanide‐activated fluoride PersL nanoparticles and provide new opportunities to the next‐generation information storage and biomedical technologies.
Unlocking the Failure Mechanism of Solid State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Liu Jia , Yuan Hong , Liu He , Zhao Chen‐Zi , Lu Yang , Cheng Xin‐Bing , Huang Jia‐Qi , Zhang Qiang
Published: June 2021

Solid‐state lithium metal batteries are regarded to be the ultimate choice for future energy storage systems due to their high theoretical energy density and safety. However, the practical applications of solid‐state batteries are hindered by severe interfacial issues, such as high interfacial resistance, inferior electro‐/chemical compatibility, as well as poor stability. Moreover, lithium dendrite growth and mechanical degradation caused by interfacial stress during repeated cycling induce the failure of a working solid‐state battery. Therefore, understanding the failure mechanism of a solid‐state lithium battery is imperative and significant to construct a better interface for a safe solid‐state lithium battery. In this review, the current fundamental understanding of the impact of the lithium/solid‐state electrolyte interface on the solid‐state ionics and interfacial chemistry are introduced first. The failure mechanisms underlying electrical, chemical, electrochemical, and mechanical aspects of solid‐state lithium batteries are summarized. The emerging perspectives regarding future research directions are also included. This sheds fresh light on the rational construction of high‐efficiency solid‐state lithium batteries.
Foliar application uniconazole enhanced lodging resistance of hybrid indica rice by altering basal stem quality under poor light stress
Authors: Zhang Wujun , Yao Xiong , Duan Xiujian , Liu Qiangming , Tang Yongqun , Li Jingyong , Li Ganghua , Ding Yanfeng , Liu Zhenghui
Published: June 2021

Poor light stress causes lodging risks in hybrid indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Sichuan Basin, China. However, the effective way of improving lodging resistance of hybrid indica rice by plant regulation strategy under poor light stress has not yet been investigated. A 2‐yr field study, comparing the three foliar application uniconazole rates under normal light and shading condition, was conducted to determine the lodging resistance and its physiological mechanism by using two hybrid rice varieties (Yuxiang203 [YX203] and Cliangyouhuazhan [CLYHZ]). The results showed that shading significantly decreased grain yield, but, increased lodging index (LI) due to poor stem breaking strength (M). Also, shading increased the non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC), but reduced structural carbohydrate (SC), especially for lignin in basal culm and thus, weakened the stem stiffness. Grain yield was first increased, and then declined with increasing foliar uniconazole rates. And, LI decreased sharply owing to improvement of M while reduction of bending moment by whole plant (WP). Larger section modulus (SM) of YX203 and higher bending stress (BS) of CLYHZ were contributed to higher M. Correlation analysis showed that M was significantly correlated with culm diameter, culm wall thickness and SC content for YX203, and that with SC content for CLYHZ, respectively. The results indicated that foliar application of uniconazole increased lodging resistance of hybrid indica rice for larger M and SC accumulation in basal stem. Uniconazole foliar application at 40 mg L–1 can increase lodging resistance while maintaining grain yield of hybrid indica rice in the Sichuan Basin, China.
Dynamics adsorption of the enhanced CH4 recovery by CO2 injection
Authors: Gu Min , Duan Shuo , Wu Qirong
Published: June 2021

The dynamic adsorption isotherms of CO2‐EGR were measured by using an Intelligent Gravimetric Analysis system. In the initial CO2 injecting stage, all the injected CO2 enters into the adsorbent and the mole fraction of CH4 in the gas phase () is maintained at 1.0. The CH4 recovery factor () increases. The duration of this stage (tCD) depends on the selectivity of CO2 over CH4 (). An adsorbent with large has long tCD. In the second stage, the injected CO2 competes with CH4 for adsorption. The cumulative of the second stage is much larger than that of the initial stage. However, decreases sharply. in the whole CO2 injection is always larger than that before CO2 injection, suggesting that CH4 desorption results from the displacement of CO2 rather than from pressure depletion.
Exploration of the Reactivity of Multivalent Electrophiles for Affinity Labeling: Sulfonyl Fluoride as a Highly Efficient and Selective Label
Authors: Suto Nanako , Kamoshita Shione , Hosoya Shoichi , Sakurai Kaori
Published: June 2021

Here we explored the reactivity of a set of multivalent electrophiles cofunctionalized with a carbohydrate ligand on gold nanoparticles to achieve efficient affinity labeling for target protein analysis. Evaluation of the reactivity and selectivity of the electrophiles against three different cognate binding proteins identified arylsulfonyl fluoride as the most efficient protein‐reactive group in this study. We demonstrated that multivalent arylsulfonyl fluoride probe 4 at 50 nm concentration achieved selective affinity labeling and enrichment of a model protein PNA in cell lysate, which was more effective than photoaffinity probe 1 with arylazide group. Labeling site analysis by LC–MS/MS revealed that the nanoparticle‐immobilized arylsulfonyl fluoride group can target multiple amino acid residues around the ligand binding site of the target proteins. Our study highlights the utility of arylsulfonyl fluoride as a highly effective multivalent affinity label suitable for covalently capturing unknown target proteins.
Electrocatalytic Methane Oxidation Greatly Promoted by Chlorine Intermediates
Authors: Wang Qihao , Li Tengfei , Yang Chao , Chen Menghuan , Guan Anxiang , Yang Li , Li Si , Lv Ximeng , Wang Yuhang , Zheng Gengfeng
Published: June 2021

Renewable energy‐powered methane (CH4) conversion at ambient conditions is an attractive but highly challenging field. Due to the highly inert character of CH4, the selective cleavage of its first C−H bond without over‐oxidation is essential for transforming CH4 into value‐added products. In this work, we developed an efficient and selective CH4 conversion approach at room temperature using intermediate chlorine species (*Cl), which were electrochemically generated and stabilized on mixed cobalt–nickel spinels with different Co/Ni ratios. The lower overpotentials for *Cl formation enabled an effective activation and conversion of CH4 to CH3Cl without over‐oxidation to CO2, and Ni3+ at the octahedral sites in the mixed cobalt–nickel spinels allowed to stabilize surface‐bound *Cl species. The CoNi2Ox electrocatalyst exhibited an outstanding yield of CH3Cl (364 mmol g−1 h−1) and a high CH3Cl/CO2 selectivity of over 400 at room temperature, with demonstrated capability of direct CH4 conversion under seawater working conditions.
Unveiling Five Naked Structures of Tartaric Acid
Authors: Alonso Elena R. , León Iker , Kolesniková Lucie , Mata Santiago , Alonso Jose Luis
Published: June 2021

The unbiased, naked structures of tartaric acid, one of the most important organic compounds existing in nature and a candidate to be present in the interstellar medium, has been revealed in this work for the first time. Solid samples of its naturally occurring (R,R) enantiomer have been vaporized by laser ablation, expanded in a supersonic jet, and characterized by Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. In the isolation conditions of the jet, we have discovered up to five different structures stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen‐bond networks dominated by O−H⋅⋅⋅O=C and O−H⋅⋅⋅O motifs extended along the entire molecule. These five forms, two with an extended (trans) disposition of the carbon chain and three with a bent (gauche) disposition, can serve as a basis to represent the shape of tartaric acid. This work also reports the first set of spectroscopy data that can be used to detect tartaric acid in the interstellar medium.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Chemo‐ and Enantioselective Hydrogenation of Conjugated Enynes
Authors: Hu Yanhua , Zhang Zhenfeng , Liu Yangang , Zhang Wanbin
Published: June 2021

Asymmetric hydrogenation is one of the most powerful methods for the preparation of single enantiomer compounds. However, the chemo‐ and enantioselective hydrogenation of the relatively inert unsaturated group in substrates possessing multiple unsaturated bonds remains a challenge. We herein report a protocol for the highly chemo‐ and enantioselective hydrogenation of conjugated enynes while keeping the alkynyl bond intact. Mechanism studies indicate that the accompanying Zn2+generated from zinc reduction of the CoIIcomplex plays a critical role to initiate a plausible CoI/CoIIIcatalytic cycle. This approach allows for the highly efficient generation of chiral propargylamines (up to 99.9 %eeand 2000 S/C) and further useful chemical transformations.
Scalable Fabrication of Crystalline COF Membranes from Amorphous Polymeric Membranes
Authors: Fan Chunyang , Wu Hong , Guan Jingyuan , You Xinda , Yang Chao , Wang Xiaoyao , Cao Li , Shi Benbing , Peng Quan , Kong Yan , Wu Yingzhen , Khan Niaz Ali , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: June 2021

Covalent organic framework (COF) membranes hold potential for widespread applicability, but scalable fabrication is challenging. Here, we demonstrate the disorder‐to‐order transformation from amorphous polymeric membrane to crystalline COF membrane via monomer exchange. Solution processing is used to prepare amorphous membrane and the replacing monomer is selected based on the chemical and thermodynamical stability of the final framework. Reversible imine bonds allow the extraneous monomers to replace the pristine monomers within amorphous membrane, driving the transformation from disordered network to ordered framework. Incorporation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds enables the crystalline COF to imprint the amorphous membrane morphology. The COF membranes harvest proton conductivity up to 0.53 S cm−1 at 80 °C. Our strategy bridges amorphous polymeric and crystalline COF membranes for large‐scale fabrication of COF membranes and affords guidance on materials processing.
TADF‐Type Organic Afterglow
Authors: Wang Xuepu , Sun Yan , Wang Guangming , Li Jiuyang , Li Xun , Zhang Kaka
Published: June 2021

We report a highly efficient dopant‐matrix afterglow system enabled by TADF mechanism to realize afterglow quantum yields of 60–70 %, which features a moderate rate constant for reverse intersystem crossing (kRISC) to simultaneously improve afterglow quantum yields and maintain afterglow emission lifetime. Difluoroboron β‐diketonate (BF2bdk) compounds are designed with multiple electron‐donating groups to possess moderate kRISC values and are selected as luminescent dopants. The matrices with carbonyl functional groups such as phenyl benzoate (PhB) have been found to interact with and perturb BF2bdk excited states by dipole–dipole interactions and thus enhance the intersystem crossing of BF2bdk excited states. Through dopant‐matrix collaboration, the efficient TADF‐type afterglow materials have been achieved to exhibit excellent processability into desired shapes and large‐area films by melt casting, as well as aqueous afterglow dispersions for potential bioimaging applications.
Silencing of KIF18B restricts proliferation and invasion and enhances the chemosensitivity of breast cancer via modulating Akt/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Jiang Jue , Liu Ting , He Xin , Ma Wenqi , Wang Juan , Zhou Qi , Li Miao , Yu Shanshan
Published: June 2021

Kinesin family member 18B (KIF18B) is a new tumor‐associated protein that contributes to the carcinogenesis of multiple malignancies. However, the detailed relevance of KIF18B in breast cancer has not been fully elucidated. This work aimed was to evaluate a possible relationship between KIF18B and breast cancer progression. Our findings show KIF18B is increased in breast cancer and demonstrate that high KIF18B level predicts a reduced survival rate. Cellular functional studies revealed that knockdown of KIF18B markedly reduces the proliferation, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition of breast cancer cells and enhances their chemosensitivity toward doxorubicin. Further studies showed that KIF18B modulates the level of phospho‐Akt, phospho‐glycogen synthase kinase‐3β, and β‐catenin. Notably, suppression of Akt abolished KIF18B‐overexpression‐induced increases in activation of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. In addition, re‐expression of β‐catenin reversed KIF18B‐silencing‐induced cancer‐promoting effect. In vivo animal experiments elucidated that knockdown of KIF18B significantly weakened the tumorigenicity of breast cancer cells. Taken together, data of this study illustrate that KIF18B exerts a potential cancer‐promoting function in breast cancer via enhancement of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway through modulation of the Akt/GSK‐3β axis.
Monitoring the Structure Evolution of Titanium Oxide Photocatalysts: From the Molecular Form via the Amorphous State to the Crystalline Phase
Authors: Onur Şahin Ezgi , Dai Yitao , Chan Candace K. , Tüysüz Harun , Schmidt Wolfgang , Lim Joohyun , Zhang Siyuan , Scheu Christina , Weidenthaler Claudia
Published: June 2021

Amorphous TixOy with high surface area has attracted significant interest as photocatalyst with higher activity in ultraviolet (UV) light‐induced water splitting applications compared to commercial nanocrystalline TiO2. Under photocatalytic operation conditions, the structure of the molecular titanium alkoxide precursor rearranges upon hydrolysis and leads to higher connectivity of the structure‐building units. Structurally ordered domains with sizes smaller than 7 Å form larger aggregates. The experimental scattering data can be explained best with a structure model consisting of an anatase‐like core and a distorted shell. Upon exposure to UV light, the white TixOy suspension turns dark corresponding to the reduction of Ti4+ to Ti3+ as confirmed by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Heat‐induced crystallisation was followed by in situ temperature‐dependent total scattering experiments. First, ordering in the Ti−O environment takes place upon to 350 °C. Above this temperature, the distorted anatase core starts to grow but the structure obtained at 400 °C is still not fully ordered.
Bioinspired Ether Cyclizations within a π‐Basic Capsule Compared to Autocatalysis on π‐Acidic Surfaces and Pnictogen‐Bonding Catalysts
Authors: Hao Xiaoyu , Li Tian‐Ren , Chen Hao , Gini Andrea , Zhang Xiang , Rosset Stéphane , Mazet Clément , Tiefenbacher Konrad , Matile Stefan
Published: June 2021

While the integration of supramolecular principles in catalysis attracts increasing attention, a direct comparative assessment of the resulting systems catalysts to work out distinct characteristics is often difficult. Herein is reported how the broad responsiveness of ether cyclizations to diverse inputs promises to fill this gap. Cyclizations in the confined, π‐basic and Brønsted acidic interior of supramolecular capsules, for instance, are found to excel with speed (exceeding general Brønsted acid and hydrogen‐bonding catalysts by far) and selective violations of the Baldwin rules (as extreme as the so far unique pnictogen‐bonding catalysts). The complementary cyclization on π‐acidic aromatic surfaces remains unique with regard to autocatalysis, which is shown to be chemo‐ and diastereoselective with regard to product‐like co‐catalysts but, so far, not enantioselective.
Functionalization of Diamond‐Like Carbon Surfaces to Access High Rupture Forces in Single‐Molecule Force Spectroscopy of Covalent Bonds
Authors: Sammon Matthew S. , Schirra Simone , Pill Michael F. , Clausen‐Schaumann Hauke , Beyer Martin K.
Published: June 2021

Single‐molecule force spectroscopy is a powerful tool to experimentally probe the effect of mechanical force on individual bonds. With increasing mechanical stability of the target bond, however, this becomes exceedingly challenging, as mechanical activation of the mechanophore competes with rupture of the surface anchor. Here we investigate and systematically modify a functionalization protocol which is based on diamond‐like carbon (DLC) surfaces. We perform dynamic force spectroscopy on heterobifunctional polyethylene glycol molecules which are covalently anchored to the functionalized DLC surfaces and analyze the changes in rupture forces, distances at which single rupture events occur, as well as the properties of unspecific adhesion caused by modifications in the functionalization protocol. Average rupture forces of 1.7 nN are achieved, and 5.7 % of the rupture events yield rupture forces above 3 nN. Both values are significantly higher than for the widely used silane‐based surface anchors.
DNAqua‐Net conference unites participants from around the world with the quest to standardize and implement DNA‐based aquatic biomonitoring
Authors: Bohmann Kristine , Chua Physilia , Holman Luke E. , Lynggaard Christina
Published: June 2021

The EU COST Action DNAqua‐Net has since its start in 2016 gathered European researchers with the quest to standardize and implement DNA‐based aquatic biomonitoring. On March 9–11, 2021, their work culminated in their first conference. Here, an astounding 1500 participants from around the world gathered virtually to share their research on DNA‐based aquatic biomonitoring encompassing DNA reference databases, field and laboratory protocols, data analyses and storage, implementation strategy and legal issues, and biotic indices and metrics. The overwhelming interest in DNA‐based aquatic bioassessment and monitoring strongly underlines its relevance and timeliness.
High‐Performance Ionic Thermoelectric Supercapacitor for Integrated Energy Conversion‐Storage
Authors: Yang Xinyu , Tian Yuqing , Wu Bo , Jia Wei , Hou Chengyi , Zhang Qinghong , Li Yaogang , Wang Hongzhi
Published: June 2021

Converting low‐grade waste heat into usable electricity and storing it simultaneously requires a new technology that realize the directional migration of electrons or ions under temperature difference and enrichment on the electrodes. Although the urgent demand of energy conversion‐storage (ECS) has emerged in the field of wearable electronic, achieving the integrated bi‐functional device remains challenge due to the different mechanisms of electrical transportation and storage. Here, we report an ionic thermoelectric supercapacitor that relies on the synergistic functions of thermoelectricity and supercapacitor in the thermoelectric ionogel electrolyte and high‐performance hydrogel electrodes to enhance the ECS performance under a thermal gradient. The thermoelectric electrolyte is composed of polyacrylamide hydrogel and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (PMSC), possessing cross‐linked network with excellent cation selectivity, while the ionic thermoelectric properties are further improved in the presence of NaCl. The corresponding Seebeck coefficient and ionic conductivity of the NaCl–PMSC electrolyte reach 17.1 mV K−1 and 26.8 mS cm−1, respectively. Owing to good stretchability of both gel‐based electrolyte and electrode, the full‐stretchable integrated ECS device, termed ionic thermoelectric supercapacitor, presents promising thermal‐charge storage capability (~1.3 mC, ΔT ≈ 10 K), thus holds promise for wearable energy harvesting.
Evident Dielectric Relaxation in an Organic‐Inorganic Halide Perovskite
Authors: Huang Xue‐Qin , Gan Tian , Lu Yan‐Zi , Xu Zhe‐Kun , Wang Zhong‐Xia , Liao Wei‐Qiang
Published: June 2021

Organic‐inorganic halide perovskites (OIHPs) are increasing in interest due to their potential application prospects in optoelectronics, solar cells, biological research, sensing applications, etc. Although some dielectric response materials with dielectric switches have been reported in the OIHPs, OIHPs with dielectric relaxation have been rare. Herein, we have successfully synthesized a one‐dimensional (1D) organic‐inorganic halide perovskite DMEACdCl3 (DMEA=N,N‐Dimethylethylamine, 1), which displays obvious dielectric relaxation characteristics. The dielectric results between 1 kHz and 1000 kHz reveal that both the dielectric real part and dielectric loss of 1 show apparent anomalies at different frequencies. The dielectric anomalies present distinct relaxation in a wide temperature range of 200 K–375 K, which is well fitted by the Cole‐Cole function. Variable‐temperature single‐crystal structural analysis suggests that the dynamic change of DMEA cations plays a key role in the generation of dielectric relaxation behavior. It is expected that this work will shed light on the exploration of organic‐inorganic halide perovskites with dielectric relaxation.
Investigating a Redox Active Samarium Complex in Catalytic Reactions
Authors: Kaufmann Sebastian , Roesky Peter W.
Published: June 2021

Herein the synthesis of a new ethynyl ferrocenyl amidinate ligand [Fc−C≡C‐{C(Ndipp)2H}] (Fc=ferrocenyl; dipp=diisopropylphenyl) and the subsequent formation of the corresponding samarium amido complex [Sm{Fc−C≡C‐[C(Ndipp)2]}2{N(SiMe3)2}] is reported. [Fc−C≡C‐{C(Ndipp)2H}] and [Sm{Fc−C≡C‐[C(Ndipp)2]}2{N(SiMe3)2}] were fully characterized including the study of the complex’ redox properties by cyclovoltammetry. Furthermore, we investigated the catalytic properties of the samarium complex in the intramolecular hydroamination reaction and intermolecular dehydrocoupling of pinacol borane with various amines.
Equitable Access to Liver Transplant: Bridging the Gaps in the Social Determinants of Health
Authors: Rosenblatt Russell , Lee Hannah , Liapakis AnnMarie , Lunsford Keri E. , Scott Andrew , Sharma Pratima , Wilder Julius
Published: June 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic and social justice movement have highlighted the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) and structural racism in the United States on both access to care and patient outcomes. With the evaluation for liver transplantation being a highly subjective process, there are multiple ways for SDOH to place vulnerable patients at a disadvantage. This policy corner focuses on three different methods to reverse the deleterious effects of SDOH—identify and reduce implicit bias, expand and optimize telemedicine, and improve community outreach.
Intimate partner sexual violence and violent victimisation among women living homeless in Madrid (Spain)
Authors: Rivas‐Rivero Esther , Panadero Sonia , Vázquez José Juan
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this paper is to discover the extent to which women living homeless in Madrid (Spain) have been victims of intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV), analysing the connection between stressful life events (SLE) relating to violent victimisation and having suffered sexual assault by a partner. This study took place using a sample of women living homeless in Madrid (n = 136). The results obtained show that a high percentage of the women living homeless who were questioned had been victims of IPSV. The women interviewed, who had been victims of IPSV, had suffered, to a greater extent, SLEs relating to situations of violent victimisation, both during childhood and adolescence as well as in adulthood. The episodes of violent victimisation that seem to be the most common forerunners to IPSV are incidents of sexual abuse in childhood and adolescence.
The relationship between liver pathological inflammation degree and pyroptosis in chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Wang Yao , Li Xun , Chen Qian , Jiao Fangzhou , Shi Chunxia , Pei, Maohua , Wang Luwen , Gong Zuojiong
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between liver pathological inflammation degree and pyroptosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). One hundred and twenty CHB patients' liver tissue samples, including A0–A3 inflammatory grades, were selected. Six tissue sections were selected for each indicator in each inflammation grade. The results of immunohistochemical analysis on the pyroptosis‐related molecules (NLRP3, GSDMD, caspase1, interleukin [IL]‐1β, and IL‐18) were determined. The correlation between the pyroptosis‐related molecules and liver inflammatory activities was analyzed. The expression of NLRP3, GSDMD, caspase1, IL‐18, and IL‐1β was respectively significantly positively correlated with the grade of inflammatory activity (r

s
 = 0.690, p < 0.01; r

s
 = 0.681, p < 0.01; r

s
 = 0.540, p < 0.01; r

s
 = 0.725, p < 0.01; r

s
 = 0.663, p < 0.01) and linear relationship (χ
2 = 56.763, p < 0.01; χ
2 = 55.350, p < 0.01; χ
2 = 34.776, p < 0.01; χ
2 = 62.523, p < 0.01; χ
2 = 52.521, p < 0.01) in liver tissue. The high expression of NLRP3, GSDMD, caspase1, IL‐1β, and IL‐18 may be involved in the process of liver tissue inflammation and damage, which is positively correlated with liver tissue inflammation in patients with CHB.
TLR3 polymorphisms are associated with the severity of hand, foot, and mouth disease caused by enterovirus A71 in a Chinese children population
Authors: Chen Guo‐Ping , Xiang Kun , Sun Liang , Shi Yong‐Lin , Meng Can , Song Lv , Liu Rui‐Shan , Li Wei‐Dong , Pan Hai‐Feng
Published: June 2021

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) caused by enterovirus A71 (EV‐A71) is a contagious viral disease, and toll‐like receptors (TLRs) play essential roles in resisting the pathogen. The aim of this study was to assess the potential relationship between several TLRs polymorphisms and the HFMD severity in a Chinese children population. A total of 328 Chinese children with HFMD were included in the present study. The polymorphisms of TLR3 (rs3775290, rs3775291, rs3775296, rs1879026, rs5743312, rs5743313, rs5743303, rs13126816, and rs3775292), TLR4 (rs4986790, rs4986791, rs2149356, rs11536889, and rs41426344), TLR7 (rs179009, rs179010, rs179016, rs3853839, rs2302267, rs1634323, and rs5741880), and TLR8 (rs3764880, rs2159377, rs2407992, rs5744080, rs3747414, rs3764879, and rs5744069) genes were selected. The study indicated that individuals with the GG genotype of TLR3 single‐nucleotide polymorphism rs1879026 had a higher risk of developing severe cases (GG vs. GT: OR = 1.875; 95% CI, 1.183–2.971; p = .007). Meanwhile, TLR3 rs3775290 CC genotype and C allele were associated with lower disease severity in females (CC vs. CT: OR = 0.350; 95% CI, 0.163–0.751; p = .006; C vs. T: OR = 0.566; 95% CI, 0.332–0.965; p = .036). TLR3 rs3775291 CC genotype showed 2.537 folds higher risk of developing severe cases in females (CC vs. CT: OR = 2.537; 95% CI, 1.108–5.806; p = .026). Moreover, TLR3 rs1879026 GG genotype was found to be related to increased risk of severe cases in males (GG vs. GT: OR = 2.076; 95% CI, 1.144–3.768; p = .016). The current findings show that the genetic variants of TLR3 rs1879026, rs3775290, and rs3775291 are associated with the severity of EV‐A71‐associated HFMD in a Chinese children population.
Expectations, Experiences, and Career‐Related Outcomes of Computer‐Assisted Career Guidance Systems
Authors: Osborn Debra S. , Brown Caitlyn A. , Morgan Michael J.
Published: June 2021

Computer‐assisted career guidance (CACG) systems provide a comprehensive intervention for career exploration and decision‐making. Ninety students completed a CACG system bookended by pre‐ and postintervention surveys as part of an undergraduate career class. Results indicated high expectations for CACG systems but lower experience ratings. Interaction with CACG systems was associated with increases in students' metacognitive beliefs and experiences associated with career development, with most students progressing in their career decision‐making as defined by cognitive information processing theory. When experience with the CACG system exceeded expectations, students reported larger gains in their belief that they had the knowledge necessary to make a career decision.
Assessment of chemical constitution and aroma properties of kiwi wines obtained from pure and mixed fermentation with Wickerhamomyces anomalus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Sun Nan , Gao Zhiyi , Li Shiqi , Chen Xiaowen , Guo Jing
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

To improve the aroma of kiwi wine through the utilization of Wickerhamomyces anomalus, kiwi juice was fermented using a selected W. anomalus strain in pure culture and mixed fermentations with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which was inoculated simultaneously and sequentially. The physicochemical indices, volatile compounds and aroma properties of the kiwi wines were assessed.

RESULTS

The study suggested that the ethanol, color indices and organic acids of the wines were closely related to the method of inoculation. Compared with the pure S. cerevisiae fermentation, the mixed fermentations produced more varieties and concentrations of volatiles. The sequential fermentations increased the concentrations of esters and terpenes, improving the flower and sweet fruit notes of the wines. The simultaneous inoculation enhanced the contents of esters and aldehydes, intensifying the flower, sweet and sour fruit of the wines. Partial least‐squares regression analysis showed that esters and terpenes contributed greatly to the flower and sweet fruit aroma, whereas aldehydes were the major contributors to the sour note.

CONCLUSION

Based on our results, the mixed fermentations not only enriched the types and concentrations of volatiles, but also had better sensory properties. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Phytoprostanes, phytofurans, tocopherols, tocotrienols, carotenoids and free amino acids and biological potential of sea buckthorn juices
Authors: Tkacz Karolina , Gil‐Izquierdo Ángel , Medina Sonia , Turkiewicz Igor Piotr , Domínguez‐Perles Raúl , Nowicka Paulina , Wojdyło Aneta
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Juices are currently a fast‐growing segment in the fruit and vegetable industry sector. However, there are still no reports on the diversity of the phytochemical profile and health‐promoting properties of commercial sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides) juices. This study aimed to identify and quantify phytoprostanes, phytofurans by ultra high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐QqQ‐MS/MS), tocopherols, tocotrienols by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with a fluorescence detector (UPLC‐FL), carotenoids, and free amino acids by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode detector‐quadrupole and tandem time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐PDA‐Q/TOF‐MS), and assess their anti‐cholinergic, anti‐diabetic, anti‐obesity, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant potential by in vitro assays of commercial sea buckthorn juices.

RESULTS

Phytoprostanes (PhytoPs) and phytofurans (PhytoFs) in sea buckthorn juices were identified for the first time. Juices contained eight F1‐, D1‐, B1‐ and L1‐phytoprostanes and one phytofuran (32.31–1523.51 ng and up to 101.47 μg/100 g dry weight (DW)), four tocopherol congeners (22.23–94.08 mg 100 g–1 DW) and three tocotrienols (5.93–25.34 mg 100 g–1 DW). Eighteen carotenoids were identified, including ten xanthophylls, seven carotenes and phytofluene, at a concentration of 133.65 to 839.89 mg 100 g–1 DW. Among the 20 amino acids (175.92–1822.60 mg 100 g–1 DW), asparagine was dominant, and essential and conditionally essential amino acids constituted 11 to 41% of the total. The anti‐enzyme and antioxidant potential of juices correlated selectively with the composition.

CONCLUSION

Sea buckthorn juice can be a valuable dietary source of vitamins E and A, oxylipins and amino acids, used in the prevention of metabolic syndrome, inflammation, and neurodegenerative processes. The differentiation of the composition and the bioactive potential of commercial juices indicate that, for the consumer, it should be important to choose juices from the declared berry cultivars and crops. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Fish oil encapsulated in soy protein particles by lyophilization. Effect of drying process
Authors: Di Giorgio Luciana , Salgado Pablo Rodrigo , Mauri Adriana Noemi
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Fish oil is an important source of healthy ω‐3 fatty acids to be used in functional foods. However, its autoxidation susceptibility, aroma and solubility make it difficult to use. Its encapsulation could reduce these disadvantages. This manuscript focuses on the drying stage of the encapsulation process. Its objective was to study the encapsulation of fish oil with soy proteins by emulsification and lyophilization and compare microparticles characteristics with those processed identically but spray dried.

RESULTS

Microparticles with different protein/oil ratios were prepared by emulsification and lyophilization. Soy proteins encapsulated fish oil in matrix‐type microcapsules masking its typical odor and oily appearance. Microparticles dried by lyophilization showed a better solid recovery but lower encapsulation efficiency than those spray dried. Increasing protein/oil mass ratio of initial formulations seemed to favor initial lipid oxidation, but these differences were not appreciated when analyzing the oxidative stability over time (measured by Rancimat test). Porous structure and large surface area of lyophilized samples would favor oxygen easy penetration and exposition to free radicals, increasing lipid oxidation over time, while spray dried microparticles showed a good oxidative stability over time, like that of free oil.

CONCLUSION

Drying processes were determinants in the morphology of microcapsules, the efficiency of encapsulation and protection exerted on the oil. Although emulsifying and drying processes caused certain initial oil oxidation, soy proteins managed to mask fish oil flavors and spray dried systems showed a good perspective of oxidative stability of fish oil over time, better than that of lyophilized microparticles. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Using embedded alginate microparticles to tune the properties of in situ forming poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐graft‐chondroitin sulfate bioadhesive hydrogels for replacement and repair of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc
Authors: Christiani Thomas , Mys Karen , Dyer Karl , Kadlowec Jennifer , Iftode Cristina , Vernengo Andrea Jennifer
Published: June 2021

Low back pain is a major public health issue associated with degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD). The early stages of degeneration are characterized by the dehydration of the central, gelatinous portion of the IVD, the nucleus pulposus (NP). One possible treatment approach is to replace the NP in the early stages of IVD degeneration with a hydrogel that restores healthy biomechanics while supporting tissue regeneration. The present study evaluates a novel thermosensitive hydrogel based on poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐graft‐chondroitin sulfate) (PNIPAAM‐g‐CS) for NP replacement. The hypothesis was tested that the addition of freeze‐dried, calcium crosslinked alginate microparticles (MPs) to aqueous solutions of PNIPAAm‐g‐CS would enable tuning of the rheological properties of the injectable solution, as well as the bioadhesive and mechanical properties of the thermally precipitated composite gel. Further, we hypothesized that the composite would support encapsulated cell viability and differentiation. Structure‐material property relationships were evaluated by varying MP concentration and diameter. The addition of high concentrations (50 mg/mL) of small MPs (20 ± 6 μm) resulted in the greatest improvement in injectability, compressive mechanical properties, and bioadhesive strength of PNIPAAm‐g‐CS. This combination of PNIPAAM‐g‐CS and alginate MPs supported the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells toward an NP‐like phenotype in the presence of soluble GDF‐6. When implanted ex vivo into the intradiscal cavity of degenerated porcine IVDs, the formulation restored the compressive and neutral zone stiffnesses to intact values and resisted expulsion under lateral bending. Overall, results indicate the potential of the hydrogel composite to serve as a scaffold for supporting NP regeneration. This work uniquely demonstrates that encapsulation of re‐hydrating polysaccharide‐based MPs may be an effective method for improving key functional properties of in situ forming hydrogels for orthopedic tissue engineering applications.
Land cover and nutrient enrichment regulates low‐molecular weight dissolved organic matter turnover in freshwater ecosystems
Authors: Brailsford Francesca L. , Glanville Helen C. , Marshall Miles R. , Yates Christopher A. , Owen Alun T. , Golyshin Peter N. , Johnes Penny J. , Jones Davey L.
Published: June 2021

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a complex mixture of carbon‐containing compounds. The low‐molecular weight (LMW) fraction constitutes thousands of different compounds and represents a substantial proportion of DOM in aquatic ecosystems. The turnover rates of this LMW DOM can be extremely high. Due to the challenges of measuring this pool at a molecular scale, comparatively little is known of the fate of LMW DOM compounds in lotic systems. This study addresses this knowledge gap, investigating the microbial processing of LMW DOM across 45 sites representing a range of physicochemical gradients and dominant land covers in the United Kingdom. Radioisotope tracers representing LMW dissolved organic carbon (DOC) (glucose), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) (amino acid mixture), dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) (glucose‐6‐phosphate), and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP, measured as orthophosphate) were used to measure the microbial uptake of different DOM compounds in river waters. The amount of DOM biodegradation varied between different components (DON ≥ DOC > DOP), with the rate of turnover of all three increasing along a gradient of N and P enrichment across the range of sites. Conversely, the uptake of SRP decreased along this same gradient. This was ascribed to preferential utilization of DOP over SRP. Dominant land cover had a significant effect on DOM use as a resource, due to its control of nutrient enrichment within the catchments. We conclude that nutrient enrichment of river waters will lead to further DOM removal from the water column, increased microbial growth, and a decrease in stream oxygen saturation, exacerbating the effects of eutrophication in rivers.
Implantable coaxial nanocomposite biofibers for local chemo‐photothermal combinational cancer therapy
Authors: Liu Hanghang , Talebian Sepehr , Vine Kara L. , Li Zhen , Foroughi Javad
Published: June 2021

Multi‐therapy strategies that coexist in a single system for cancer therapy has a great clinical application potential. In this paper, with the aim of establishing a suitable implantable platform for multimodal chemo‐photothermal cancer therapy, we have fabricated a coaxial composite hydrogel fiber that facilitated prolonged release of Doxorubicin from core. Fibers also served as NIR‐absorbing mediators, via incorporation of Cu2‐xSe nanoparticles in the shell, to facilitate chemo‐photothermal combinational effects. In vitro experiments exhibited excellent photo‐thermal properties of the fibers and exceptional cancer cell‐killing efficiency. Remarkably, in vivo antitumor experiments showed that Doxorubicin‐loaded coaxial hydrogel fibers containing Cu2‐xSe nanoparticles had outstanding antitumor efficacy, compared with chemotherapy or photothermal application alone. Overall, the coaxial composite hydrogel fibers provided a safe and efficacious implantable platform for multimodal chemo‐photothermal therapy that could potentially be used to control the progression of cancer locally at the tumor site.
Effect of Zinc Substitution on Structural, Dielectric, and Electrical Characteristics of Pb(Zr0.48Ti0.52)O3 Ceramics
Authors: Auromun Krishna , Panda Ipsita , Das Sagarika , Sahoo Rashmi Rekha , Choudhary Ram Naresh Prasad
Published: June 2021

Herein, the synthesis and characterization of zinc (Zn)‐modified lead zirconate titanate (PZT) at the morphotropic phase boundary (Zr/Ti = 48/52) (i.e., Pb1−x
Zn
x
Zr0.48Ti0.52O3 [x = 0.0, 0.03, 0.06, and 0.09]) are reported. The materials are synthesized using a high‐temperature solid‐state reaction route. Room temperature X‐ray structural (Rietveld) analysis confirms the formation of single‐phase compounds in tetragonal symmetry. The detailed dielectric studies exhibit that the Curie temperature of the modified PZT is 451, 444, 443, and 442 °C for x = 0.0 (PZT‐1), 0.03 (PZT‐2), 0.06 (PZT‐3), and 0.09 (PZT‐4), respectively. The existence of ferroelectric property in the compounds is confirmed through the room temperature electric‐field‐dependent polarization hysteresis loops. It is found that PZT‐1 has the highest dielectric constant ≈4327 (at 1 kHz) at T
C as compared with that of other compositions. The frequency–temperature‐dependent dielectric and electrical properties demonstrate the contribution of zinc in the conduction mechanism. The observation of grain and grain boundary contributions to the charge carriers, the negative and positive temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR and PTCR) nature across T
C, a controlled (lower) leakage current (≈10−11 to ≈10−13), and the piezoelectric property make the materials useful for several applications.
Pathways toward 30% Efficient Single‐Junction Perovskite Solar Cells and the Role of Mobile Ions
Authors: Diekmann Jonas , Caprioglio Pietro , Futscher Moritz H. , Le Corre Vincent M. , Reichert Sebastian , Jaiser Frank , Arvind Malavika , Toro Lorena Perdigón , Gutierrez-Partida Emilio , Peña-Camargo Francisco , Deibel Carsten , Ehrler Bruno , Unold Thomas , Kirchartz Thomas , Neher Dieter , Stolterfoht Martin
Published: June 2021

Perovskite semiconductors have demonstrated outstanding external luminescence quantum yields, enabling high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). However, the precise conditions to advance to an efficiency regime above monocrystalline silicon cells are not well understood. Herein, a simulation model that describes efficient p–i–n‐type perovskite solar cells well and a range of different experiments is established. Then, important device and material parameters are studied and it is found that an efficiency regime of 30% can be unlocked by optimizing the built‐in voltage across the perovskite layer using either highly doped (1019 cm−3) transport layers (TLs), doped interlayers or ultrathin self‐assembled monolayers. Importantly, only parameters that have been reported in recent literature are considered, that is, a bulk lifetime of 10 μs, interfacial recombination velocities of 10 cm s−1, a perovskite bandgap () of 1.5 eV, and an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 95%. A maximum efficiency of 31% is predicted for a bandgap of 1.4 eV. Finally, it is demonstrated that the relatively high mobile ion density does not represent a significant barrier to reach this efficiency regime. The results of this study suggest continuous PCE improvements until perovskites may become the most efficient single‐junction solar cell technology in the near future.
Semitransparent Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells for Potential Greenhouse Applications
Authors: Wang Ziyu , Zhu Xuejie , Feng Jiangshan , Yang Dong , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: June 2021

Perovskite photovoltaics (PV) is an emerging thin‐film solar energy technology that is advantageous over the currently dominant crystalline silicon PV in terms of its adjustable bandgap with sub‐bandgap transparency, potential flexibility, and more rapid continuous roll‐to‐roll manufacturing, showing promise for unique niche applications. Herein, methylammioun lead tribromide (MAPbBr3) is utilized in a semitransparent flexible solar cell with a transparent electrode using a sandwiched MoO3/Au/MoO3 (MAM) multilayer to harvest around 80% of the visible light region. Through design of the thickness of the MAM multilayer, the reflected light loss is significantly reduced, thereby improving the light transmittance in the visible light region to maximize the photosynthetic yield. The semitransparent flexible device exhibits a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.67% (the highest efficiency of MAPbBr3‐based semitransparent flexible devices), and the opaque rigid MAPbBr3 solar cell shows a PCE of 9.73% with a high open‐circuit voltage of 1.629 V. Optical measurement demonstrates that the flexible cell without metal electrode shows over 77% transparency in the 540–1100 nm range, whereas the overall semitransparent cell shows an average transmittance of 60% in the 540–760 nm range, which is perfect for greenhouse vegetation to not only act as protective coverage but also provide practical output power.
Multimodal sentimental analysis for social media applications: A comprehensive review
Authors: Chandrasekaran Ganesh , Nguyen Tu N. , Hemanth D. Jude
Published: June 2021

The analysis of sentiments is essential in identifying and classifying opinions regarding a source material that is, a product or service. The analysis of these sentiments finds a variety of applications like product reviews, opinion polls, movie reviews on YouTube, news video analysis, and health care applications including stress and depression analysis. The traditional approach of sentiment analysis which is based on text involves the collection of large textual data and different algorithms to extract the sentiment information from it. But multimodal sentimental analysis provides methods to carry out opinion analysis based on the combination of video, audio, and text which goes a way beyond the conventional text‐based sentimental analysis in understanding human behaviors. The remarkable increase in the use of social media provides a large collection of multimodal data that reflects the user's sentiment on certain aspects. This multimodal sentimental analysis approach helps in classifying the polarity (positive, negative, and neutral) of the individual sentiments. Our work aims to present a survey of recent developments in analyzing the multimodal sentiments (involving text, audio, and video/image) which involve human–machine interaction and challenges involved in analyzing them. A detailed survey on sentimental dataset, feature extraction algorithms, data fusion methods, and efficiency of different classification techniques are presented in this work.

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Commercial, Legal, and Ethical Issues > Social Considerations