bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Multivalent Cation Charge Carriers and Organic Solvents on Nanoporous Carbons in 4 V‐Window Magnesium Ion Supercapacitors
Authors: Moon Seongbak , Lee Sang Moon , Lim Hyung‐Kyu , Jin Hyoung‐Joon , Yun Young Soo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMultivalent charge carriers with a smaller ionic radius exhibit strong ionic interactions with solvent molecules. This can lead to unusual characteristics that typically are not observed in conventional monovalent charge carriers. Herein, the capacitive Mg ion storage behavior on nanoporous carbons is investigated within different solvent systems. A larger multivalent charge carrier, Ca ions, and alkali cations with different ionic radii are used as a comparison. In addition, the effects of nanopores on solvated Mg ion physisorption are observed in two types of nanoporous carbon, namely typical microporous carbon and ultramesoporous carbon (MEC). The oxidation stability of dimethoxyethane (DME) solvent is significantly improved by forming a solvation complex with Mg ions, while the destabilization effect of DME induced by anions is suppressed by the Mg ion charge carriers. The use of MEC as an active electrode material in a Mg ion‐DME electrolyte system leads to high electrochemical performance of the Mg ion supercapacitor over a wide range of operating voltages. A high‐performance 4 V Mg ion supercapacitor with charge‐injected symmetric MEC‐based electrodes is evaluated, where excellent specific energy and power densities of ≈106 W h kg−1 and ≈11870 W kg−1, respectively, are achieved.
Effect of Antisolvent Application Rate on Film Formation and Photovoltaic Performance of Methylammonium‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: An Qingzhi , Vieler Leonie , Goetz Katelyn P. , Telschow Oscar , Hofstetter Yvonne J. , Buschbeck Robin , Taylor Alexander D. , Vaynzof Yana 
Published: June 2021

The poor stability of perovskite solar cells that are based on methylammonium (MA)‐containing compositions has triggered immense interest in the development of MA‐free alternatives such as the double‐cation mixed‐halide Cs
x
FA1–x
Pb(I1–x
+ Br
x
)3 composition (CsFA perovskites). Although efficient solar cells based on this composition have been reported, many aspects related to the film formation of CsFA perovskites remain unclear. Herein, the influence of the antisolvent application rate on the properties and device performance of MA‐free perovskite solar cells are investigated. It is found that when applied slowly, all six of the investigated antisolvents result in high‐quality films and devices reaching a maximum power conversion efficiency of 20.7%. However, fast application leads to incomplete film coverage, and consequently no functional solar cells, for three of these antisolvents. It is demonstrated that this is related to the inefficacy of these antisolvents in triggering the crystallization of the perovskite layer and a simple test is offered that can aid researchers to identify whether other antisolvents will favor fast or slow antisolvent application.
Plasma IL‐12/IFN‐γ axis predicts cognitive trajectories in cognitively unimpaired older adults
Authors: Yang Hyun‐Sik , Zhang Can , Carlyle Becky C. , Zhen Sherri Y. , Trombetta Bianca A. , Schultz Aaron P. , Pruzin Jeremy J. , Fitzpatrick Colleen D. , Yau Wai‐Ying W. , Kirn Dylan R. , Rentz Dorene M. , Arnold Steven E. , Johnson Keith A. , Sperling Reisa A. , Chhatwal Jasmeer P. , Tanzi Rudolph E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionImmune dysregulation is implicated in neurodegeneration and altered cytokine levels are seen in people with dementia. However, whether cytokine levels are predictive of cognitive decline in cognitively unimpaired (CU) elderly, especially in the setting of elevated amyloid beta (Aβ), remains unclear.MethodsWe measured nine cytokines in the baseline plasma of 298 longitudinally followed CU elderly and assessed whether these measures were associated with cognitive decline, alone or synergistically with Aβ. We next examined associations between cytokine levels and neuroimaging biomarkers of Aβ/tau/neurodegeneration.ResultsHigher IL‐12p70 was associated with slower cognitive decline in the setting of higher Aβ (false discovery rate [FDR] = 0.0023), whereas higher IFN‐γ was associated with slower cognitive decline independent of Aβ (FDR = 0.013). Higher IL‐12p70 was associated with less tau and neurodegeneration in participants with higher Aβ.DiscussionImmune dysregulation is implicated in early‐stage cognitive decline, and greater IL‐12/IFN‐γ axis activation may be protective against cognitive decline and early‐stage AD progression.
Stable isotopes reveal the importance of terrestrially derived resources for the diet of the freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera)
Authors: Brauns Mario , Berendonk Thomas , Berg Sina , Grunicke Felix , Kneis David , Krenek Sascha , Schiller Thomas , Schneider Jana , Wagner Annekatrin , Weitere Markus 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

The freshwater pearl mussel (FPM) is among the most endangered freshwater species worldwide. The few remaining populations suffer from low recruitment rates and are subject to habitat fragmentation, pollution, siltation, decline or loss of host fish populations, and climate change.
Successful conservation strategies for FPM require a holistic understanding of its ecological requirements, life history, population dynamics, and habitat prerequisites. Although habitat requirements are well described, food requirements at different life stages have received less attention.
Stable isotope analyses of FPM and potential food resources in three German streams were combined with mixing model analysis to quantify organic matter resources assimilated by juvenile (first year after encystment from host fish) and semi‐adult (10 years old, immature) individuals.
There were only slight differences in dietary contributions between the two life stages, and terrestrial particulate organic matter and benthic organic matter contributed substantially to the diet. Tissue type was more important in explaining variation in dietary contributions than individual variation for semi‐adult FPM. The strong reliance on terrestrial resources sheds new light on the functional role of unionid mussels and the connection of streams to their riparian area.
The dependence of FPM on terrestrial resources also emphasizes the need for a stronger focus on the restoration and protection of intact riparian areas, including wetlands with their specific vegetation, when planning conservation and management strategies for threatened FPM populations.
Nitrogen Doped Carbon Coated Bi Microspheres as High‐performance Anode for Half and Full Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Ma Hao , Wang Tianyi , Li Jiabao , Yang Jian , Liu Zhigang , Wang Na , Su Dawei , Wang Chengyin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAs two‐dimensional (2D) materials, bismuth (Bi) has large interlayer spacing along c‐axis (0.395 nm) which provides rich active sites for sodium ions, thus guaranteeing high sodium ion storage activity. However, its poor electrical conductivity, combined with its degraded cycling performance, restricts its practical application. Herein, Bi microsphere coated with nitrogen‐doped carbon (Bi@NC) was synthesized. Owing to the unique Bi crystals and nitrogen‐doped carbon layer, the obtained Bi@NC anode exhibited satisfactory cycling stability and superior rate capability. Moreover, after assembling Bi@NC anode with Na3V2(PO4)3@C cathode to full battery, excellent sodium storage performance was obtained (57 mA h g−1 after 2000 cycles at 1.0 A g−1).
Cucurbituril Based Luminescent Materials in Aqueous Media and Solid State
Authors: Bhaumik Shubhra Kanti , Biswas Rakesh , Banerjee Supratim 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCucurbit[n]urils, the pumpkin shaped macrocyclic host molecules possessing a hydrophobic cavity and two identical carbonyl portals, have drawn a lot of attention in recent years due to their high‐affinity yet dynamic molecular recognition properties in water. The reversible and stimuli‐responsive nature of their host‐guest complexes imparts “smart” features leading to materials with intriguing optical, mechanical and morphological properties. In this review, we focus on the design of cucurbituril based luminescent materials in aqueous media as well in solid or film state. The design principles of fluorescent complexes, small assemblies as well as supramolecular polymers along with their stimuli‐responsive properties and applications in diverse areas such as optoelectronic devices, light harvesting, anti‐counterfeiting and information technology, cell imaging, etc are highlighted with selected examples from recent literature. We also discuss examples of room temperature phosphorescent materials derived from purely organic luminogens in the presence of cucurbiturils.
Controllability of multilayer networks
Authors: Jiang Lixin , Tang Longkun , Lü Jinhu 
Published: June 2021

AbstractNetwork controllability recently stimulates researchers' growing interests, and large‐scale networked systems in real applications can be well described by multilayer networks. The intrinsic relationship between network controllability and multiple types of connection structures is far from clear and needs further investigations. This paper studies the state controllability of multilayer networks with high‐dimensional nodal systems, where the network topology is described by multiple connection structures with different coupling modes. We focus on the impact of multilayer structures, multiple coupling modes, and external control inputs on the controllability of multilayer networked systems, and investigations show that (1) the controllability of multilayer networked system is far more complicated than that of monolayer networked systems and the multilayser topological structures facilitate the controllability; (2) different from that in the monolayer network system, a two‐layer network system may be controllable even if both underlying network topologies are uncontrollable. However, under certain conditions, uncontrollable network topologies lead to the two‐layer network system being uncontrollable; (3) the mutually complementary coupling modes are beneficial to the controllability of multilayer networks.
Study of the properties of carotenoids and key carotenoid biosynthesis genes from Deinococcus xibeiensis R13
Authors: Chu Xiaoting , Liu Jie , Gu Wanyi , Tian Liqing , Tang Susu , Zhang Zhidong , Jiang Ling , Xu Xian 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTo investigate the properties of carotenoids from the extremophile Deinococcus xibeiensis R13, the factors affecting the stability of carotenoids extracted from D. xibeiensis R13, including temperature, illumination, pH, redox chemicals, metal ions, and food additives, were investigated. The results showed that low temperature, neutral pH, reducing agents, Mn2+, and food additives (xylose and glucose) can effectively improve the stability of Deinococcus carotenoids. The carotenoids of D. xibeiensis R13 exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with the scavenging rate of hydroxyl radicals reaching 71.64%, which was higher than the scavenging efficiency for 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl free radicals and 2,2'‐azino‐bis (3‐ethyl‐benzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) free radicals (44.55 and 27.65%, respectively). In addition, the total antioxidant capacity reached 0.60 U/ml, which was 2.61‐fold that of carotenoids from the model strain Deinococcus radiodurans R1. Finally, we predicted the gene clusters encoding carotenoid biosynthesis pathways in the genome of R13 and identified putative homologous genes. The key enzyme genes (crtE, crtB, crtI, crtLm, cruF, crtD, and crtO) in carotenoid synthesis of D. xibeiensis R13 were cloned to construct the multigene coexpression plasmids pET‐EBI and pRSF‐LmFDO. The carotenoid biosynthesis pathway was heterologously introduced into engineered Escherichia coli EBILmFDO, which exhibited a higher yield (7.14 mg/L) than the original strain. These analysis results can help us to better understand the metabolic synthesis of carotenoids in extremophiles.
Does transcriptional heterogeneity facilitate the development of genetic drug resistance?
Authors: Farquhar Kevin S. , Rasouli Koohi Samira , Charlebois Daniel A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractNon‐genetic forms of antimicrobial (drug) resistance can result from cell‐to‐cell variability that is not encoded in the genetic material. Data from recent studies also suggest that non‐genetic mechanisms can facilitate the development of genetic drug resistance. We speculate on how the interplay between non‐genetic and genetic mechanisms may affect microbial adaptation and evolution during drug treatment. We argue that cellular heterogeneity arising from fluctuations in gene expression, epigenetic modifications, as well as genetic changes contribute to drug resistance at different timescales, and that the interplay between these mechanisms enhance pathogen resistance. Accordingly, developing a better understanding of the role of non‐genetic mechanisms in drug resistance and how they interact with genetic mechanisms will enhance our ability to combat antimicrobial resistance. Also see the video abstract here: https://youtu.be/aefGpdh-bgU
Practicing logical reasoning through Drosophila segmentation gene mutants
Authors: Bargiela Ariadna , Artero Ruben 
Published: June 2021

AbstractLaboratory practical sessions are critical to scientific training in biology but usually fail to promote logical and hypothesis‐driven reasoning and rely heavily on the teacher's instructions. This paper describes a 2‐day laboratory practicum in which students prepare and analyze larval cuticle preparations of Drosophila segmentation gene mutant strains. Embryonic segmentation involves three major classes of genes according to their loss‐of‐function phenotypes: the establishment of broad regions by gap genes, the specification of the segments by the pair‐rule genes, and the compartments within segments by the segment polarity genes. Students are asked to sort undefined segmentation mutants into gap, pair‐rule, or segment polarity categories based on their knowledge of the Drosophila segmentation process and the microscopic anatomical traits they are capable of finding in the sample preparations. This technically simple practicum prompts students to pay attention to detailed observation to detect anatomic markers of intrasegmental compartments and thorax versus abdomen cuticle, and promote their logical reasoning in hypothesizing to which segmentation type a given mutant fits best.
Physically processing imperfect produce: The impact of prototypicality
Authors: Barone Ada Maria , Donato Carmela , Romani Simona 
Published: June 2021

AbstractForty percent of edible produce is wasted because of consumers' aversion toward esthetical imperfections related to size, shape, and blemish for produce. This phenomenon has huge implications in terms of both environmental sustainability and food security, and calls for the development of interventions that could facilitate the sale of products which would otherwise go to waste. This research provides an explanation for why transforming the physical state of imperfect produce—that is, by physically processing it and turning it into other products (e.g., juices)—is a successful strategy in this sense. More specifically, when imperfect produce is transformed, the new processed product (e.g., juice) belongs to a different conceptual category and thus is perceived as more prototypical and a good example of this new category. We show that higher perceptions of prototypicality in turn lead to more positive preferences. We test this effect in three experimental studies and show that this mechanism is robust across a range of possible transformations of imperfect produce (e.g., natural vs. artificial) and across different dependent variables (i.e., purchase intention, product choice, willingness to pay). Our findings provide evidence for the effectiveness of a solution to be enacted by retailers and actors of the food sector and provide suggestions for public policy initiatives aimed at curbing food waste.
Design, Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Novel Pyrimidine‐Containing 4H‐Chromen‐4‐One Derivatives**
Authors: Su Shijun , Chen Mei , Tang Xuemei , Peng Feng , Liu Tingting , Zhou Qing , Zhan Wenliang , He Ming , Xie Chengwei , Xue Wei 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA series of pyrimidine‐containing 4H‐chromen‐4‐one derivatives were designed and synthesized by combining bioactive substructures. Preliminary biological activity results showed that most of the compounds displayed significant inhibitory activities in vitro against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Citri (X. axonopodis), Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (X. oryzae) and Ralstonia solanacearum (R. solanacearum). In particular, compound 2‐[(3‐{[5,7‐dimethoxy‐4‐oxo‐2‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)‐4H‐1‐benzopyran‐3‐yl]oxy}propyl)sulfanyl]‐4‐(4‐methylphenyl)‐6‐oxo‐1,6‐dihydropyrimidine‐5‐carbonitrile (4c) demonstrated a good inhibitory effect against X. axonopodis and X. oryzae, with the half‐maximal effective concentration (EC50) values of 15.5 and 14.9 μg/mL, respectively, and compound 2‐[(3‐{[5,7‐Dimethoxy‐4‐oxo‐2‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)‐4H‐1‐benzopyran‐3‐yl]oxy}propyl)sulfanyl]‐4‐(3‐fluorophenyl)‐6‐oxo‐1,6‐dihydropyrimidine‐5‐carbonitrile (4h) showed the best antibacterial activity against R. solanacearum with an EC50 value of 14.7 μg/mL. These results were better than commercial reagents bismerthiazol (BT, 51.7, 70.1 and 52.7 μg/mL, respectively) and thiodiazole copper (TC, 77.9, 95.8 and 72.1 μg/mL, respectively). In vivo antibacterial activity results indicated that compound 4c displayed better curative (42.4 %) and protective (49.2 %) activities for rice bacterial leaf blight than BT (35.2, 39.1 %) and TC (30.8, 27.3 %). The mechanism of compound 4c against X. oryzae was analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These results indicated that pyrimidine‐containing 4H‐chromen‐4‐one derivatives have important value in the research of new agrochemicals.
Photosensitized Oxidative Dimerization at Tyrosine by a Water‐Soluble 4‐Amino‐1,8‐naphthalimide
Authors: Keyes E. Dalles , Kauser Katalin , Warner Kevin S. , Roberts Andrew G. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe oxidation of proteins generates reactive amino acid (AA) residue intermediates, leading to protein modification and cross‐linking. Aerobic studies with peptides and photosensitizers allow for the controlled generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive AA residue intermediates, providing mechanistic insights as to how natural protein modifications form. Such studies have inspired the development of abiotic methods for protein modification and crosslinking, including applications of biomedical importance. Dityrosine linkages derived from oxidation at tyrosine (Tyr) residues represent one of the more well‐understood oxidation‐induced modifications. Here we demonstrate an aerobic, visible light‐dependent oxidation reaction of Tyr‐containing substrates promoted by a water‐soluble 4‐amino‐1,8‐naphthalimide‐based photosensitizer. The developed procedure converts Tyr‐containing substrates intoo,o’‐Tyr‐Tyr linked dimers. The regioselectively formedo,o’‐Tyr‐Tyr linkage is consistent with dimeric standards prepared using a known enzymatic method. A crossover study with two peptides provides a statistical mixture of three distincto,o’‐Tyr‐Tyr linked dimers, supporting a mechanism that involves Tyr residue oxidation followed by intermolecular combination.
Novel Homologs of Isopentenyl Phosphate Kinase Reveal Class‐Wide Substrate Flexibility
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Johnson Bryce P. , Dimas Dustin A. , Singh Shanteri 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe widespread utility of isoprenoids has recently sparked interest in efficient synthesis of isoprene‐diphosphate precursors. Current efforts have focused on evaluating two‐step “isoprenol pathways,” which phosphorylate prenyl alcohols using promiscuous kinases/phosphatases. The convergence on isopentenyl phosphate kinases (IPKs) in these schemes has prompted further speculation about the class's utility in synthesizing non‐natural isoprenoids. However, the substrate promiscuity of IPKs in general has been largely unexplored. Towards this goal, we report the biochemical characterization of five novel IPKs from Archaea and the assessment of their substrate specificity using 58 alkyl‐monophosphates. This study reveals the IPK‐catalyzed synthesis of 38 alkyl‐diphosphate analogs and discloses broad substrate specificity of IPKs. Further, to demonstrate the biocatalytic utility of IPK‐generated alkyl‐diphosphates, we also highlight the synthesis of alkyl‐l‐tryptophan derivatives using coupled IPK‐prenyltransferase reactions. These results reveal IPK‐catalyzed reactions are compatible with downstream isoprenoid enzymes and further support their development as biocatalytic tools for the synthesis of non‐natural isoprenoids.
Mechanistic Considerations on the H2 Production by Methanol Thermal‐assisted Photocatalytic Reforming over Cu/TiO2 Catalyst
Authors: Platero Francisco , López‐Martín Angeles , Caballero Alfonso , Colón Gerardo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe have studied the gas phase H2 production by methanol thermo‐photoreforming using Cu‐modified TiO2. Metal co‐catalyst has been deposited by means of photodeposition method. The concentration of methanol in the steam was also considered. It appears that H2 production is notably higher as temperature increases. Moreover, the optimum H2 yield is achieved using methanol concentration of 10 % v/v. CO and CO2 were monitored as side products of the overall reaction. It has been stated that CO evolution is significant at lower temperatures. As temperature increases, CO evolution is hindered and H2 appeared boosted. We have demonstrated that other reactions such water‐gas‐shift or formate dehydration would participate in the overall process. On this basis, optimal operational condition for H2 production is attained for thermo‐photocatalytic reforming of methanol solution 10 % v/v at 200 °C.
Six‐Electron Chemistry of a Binuclear Fe(III) Fused Porphyrin
Authors: Reyes Cruz Edgar A. , Nishiori Daiki , Wadsworth Brian L. , Khusnutdinova Diana , Karcher Timothy , Landrot Gautier , Lassalle‐Kaiser Benedikt , Moore Gary F. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this special collection dedicated to Prof. Jean‐Michel Savéant, we report on the synthesis and characterization of a novel binuclear Fe(III) fused porphyrin. Ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy confirms the extended electronic structure of this macrocycle. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicates the Fe centers experience a relatively rigid ligand environment as compared to a structurally related mononuclear complex featuring an 18 π‐aromatic porphyrin ligand. X‐ray photoelectron and X‐ray absorption near edge spectroscopies confirm the iron centers of both assemblies are Fe(III) in the as prepared, resting state. In comparison with the mononuclear porphyrin, electrochemical measurements show there is a doubling of the number of redox events associated with the fused, binuclear complex. In summary, key features of the fused‐iron‐porphyrin include: 1) bimetallic‐iron sites, 2) a π‐extended ligand capable of delocalizing electrons across the multimetallic scaffold, and 3) the ability to store up to six electrons.