bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Output response of non‐point source pollutants and its driving mechanisms of different arable land use patterns
Authors: Min Min , Li Han , Miao Changhong
Published: May 2023

The irrational use of arable land has caused increased nutrient loss and aggravated non‐point source (NPS) pollution. This natural process has a significant socioeconomic origin. However, because of the inconsistency between the simulation scale of NPS pollution mechanism models and the statistical calibre of socioeconomic factors, the quantitative expression of the relationship between socioeconomic development, arable land use, and NPS pollutant output needs further exploration. We improved the mechanism model using a flow accumulation algorithm to construct a measure of the NPS pollutant output response at the administrative region scale. The mediating effect test confirmed that socioeconomic factors such as labour transfer, farmland property rights, large‐scale operations, agricultural technological progress and risk aversion were also fundamental drivers that affected the NPS pollutant output by changing the arable land use form factors. The mediating drivers included endowment, landscape morphology, management system, planting mode and production capacity. The average total phosphorus concentrations per unit area in townships with various arable land use patterns were grain and economical crop extensive operations (0.83 mg/L); grain and economical crop scale operations (0.54 mg/L); grain, oil, and cotton scale operations (0.45 mg/L); and suburban compound operations (0.44 mg/L). We found that the degree of influence and path of each fundamental and mediating driver on NPS pollutant output concentrations showed clear differences between townships with different patterns, which were the primary reasons for the significant differences in NPS pollutant output responses.
Sediment oxygen consumption in Antarctic subglacial environments
Authors: Michaud Alexander B. , Priscu John C.
Published: May 2023

Oxygen consumption in aquatic sediments is an indicator of overall biological activity of the ecosystem. As such, rates of sedimentary oxygen utilization are well documented for much of the open oceans and freshwater lakes. However, there are few direct measurements of sedimentary oxygen consumption from Antarctic subglacial aquatic sediments. We report the first microsensor oxygen profiles and derived sedimentary oxygen consumption rates from beneath the Ross Ice Shelf and a subglacial lake beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Rates of oxygen consumption in these two environments are relatively low, but comparable to those reported from ice‐free polar oceans and oligotrophic Arctic lakes. Our study demonstrates the presence of oxygen within Antarctic subglacial aquatic sediments and its importance for oxygen‐consuming microorganisms living in these ecosystems.
Single‐Crystal Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes with External Quantum Efficiency of over 8% Enabled by Nonstoichiometric Composition Tuning
Authors: Zhang Huanyu , Zhang Xiujuan , Wang Chaoqiang , Yu Tingxiu , He Geng , Jia Ruofei , Pirzado Azhar Ali Ayaz , Lin Jie , Huang Jingsong , Peng Jun , Jie Jiansheng , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: May 2023

Perovskite single crystals (SCs) have been emerging as promising materials for electroluminescence (EL) device applications owing to their superior optoelectronic properties. However, the device performance of single‐crystal perovskite light‐emitting diodes (SC‐PeLEDs) is limited by the lack of effective defect management and energy level modulation. Here, a nonstoichiometric composition tuning (NCT) strategy for the construction of high‐performance SC‐PeLEDs is reported. The NCT strategy, finely tuning the MABr (MA+ = CH3NH3+) excess in the nonstoichiometric MAPbBr3 SCs to enhance the crystal quality, reduce the trap density, and elevate the energy level of the resultant perovskite SC, enables markedly decreased nonradiative recombination and more efficient carrier injection for the devices. In consequence, the optimized SC‐PeLEDs exhibit an ultrahigh peak luminance of 161 900 cd m−2 and a large external quantum efficiency (EQE) of up to 8.1%, representing the most efficient SC‐PeLED reported thus far. This strategy also shows a high universality in enhancing the EL performance of other lead bromide perovskite SC‐PeLEDs, endowing them with luminances and EQEs three times larger than those of the pristine devices. This work opens an avenue for the development of high‐performance EL devices based on perovskite SCs.
Extreme Diffraction Management in Phase‐Corrected Gradient Metasurface by Fourier Harmonic Component Engineering
Authors: Wang Yuxiang , Yuan Yueyi , Liu Yi , Ding Xumin , Ratni Badreddine , Wu Qun , Burokur Shah Nawaz , Hu Guangwei , Zhang Kuang
Published: May 2023

Beam diffraction management with on‐demand efficiency over compact devices is important in various applications, such as communications, spectroscopy, wireless power transfer, and others. Recently, the in‐depth study of metasurfaces, such as phase gradient metasurfaces (PGMs) or metagratings (MGs) made of discrete elements, has promoted an ultrathin platform to manipulate diffractions. However, most studies only focus on symmetrical diffraction orders or different propagating diffraction orders with equally distributed energy. It is difficult to efficiently excite beams with arbitrary energy distribution by phase‐only metasurfaces due to the complex optimization procedure. Here, to address these challenges, Fourier harmonic component engineering is proposed to allocate the energy between multiple diffraction beams. By introducing phase‐corrected gradient (PCG) on the metasurface platform, lossless transformation from the incidence to far‐field patterns can be obtained. A variety of diffraction situations are considered (symmetric and asymmetric, with equal or arbitrary energy ratio), where the simulated and measured far‐field patterns are in excellent agreement with the theoretical predictions and the achieved diffraction efficiency is up to 98.3%. The proposed method paves the way for multichannel wireless communication applications and can be readily extended to other frequency regions.
Structure design and sealing performance analysis of the sealing mechanism of the drilling tractor
Authors: Zhao Jianguo , Wang Ju , Wang Guorong , Liu Qingyou , Zhang Ying
Published: May 2023

In order to ensure the reliability of drilling tractor in the downhole operation, three high‐temperature and high‐pressure sealing mechanisms are designed in this paper to balance the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the drilling tractor, namely the triangular, the U‐shaped and the right‐angle combined sealing structure. In this paper, three models of combined sealing structures are established, the contact stress of different contact surfaces of the three combined sealing structures is analysed by simulation method, and their sealing performance is studied and compared. By comprehensively comparing the effects of pre‐compression ratio, working medium pressure and reciprocating motion on the sealing effect of the three combined sealing structures, the optimal combined sealing structure of the drilling tractor is selected as the U‐shaped combined sealing structure. The research results of this paper can provide reference and theoretical basis for the design and selection of the combined sealing structure.
Toughening PVC with Biocompatible PCL Softeners for Supreme Mechanical Properties, Morphology, Shape Memory Effects, and FFF Printability
Authors: Rahmatabadi Davood , Aberoumand Mohammad , Soltanmohammadi Kianoosh , Soleyman Elyas , Ghasemi Ismaeil , Baniassadi Majid , Abrinia Karen , Bodaghi Mahdi , Baghani Mostafa
Published: May 2023

In this article, a first of its kind blend of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and biocompatible polycaprolactone (PCL) is introduced by melt mixing and then 3D printed successfully via Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). Experimental tests are carried out on PCL‐PVC blends to assess thermo‐mechanical behaviors, morphology, fracture toughness, shape‐memory effects and printability. Macro and microscopic tests reveal that PVC‐PCL compounds are miscible due to high molecular compatibility and strong interaction. This causes extraordinary mechanical properties specially for PVC‐10 wt% PCL. In addition to the desired tensile strength (45 MPa), this material has a completely rubbery behavior at ambient temperature, and its total elongation is more than 81%. In addition, due to the high formability of PVC‐PCL at ambient temperature, it has capability of being programed via different shape‐memory protocols. Programming tests show that PVC‐PCL blends have an excellent shape‐memory effect and result in 100% shape recovery. SEM results prove a high improvement of PVC printability with the addition of 10 wt% PCL. Toughened PVC by PCL is herein added to the materials library of FFF 3D printers and expected to revolutionize applications of PVC compounds in the field of biomedical 3D and 4D printing due to its appropriate thermo‐mechanical properties, supreme printability, and excellent biocompatibility.
Repurposing clinically available drugs and therapies for pathogenic targets to combat SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Xue Yiying , Mei Husheng , Chen Yisa , Griffin James D. , Liu Qingsong , Weisberg Ellen , Yang Jing
Published: May 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has affected a large portion of the global population, both physically and mentally. Current evidence suggests that the rapidly evolving coronavirus subvariants risk rendering vaccines and antibodies ineffective due to their potential to evade existing immunity, with enhanced transmission activity and higher reinfection rates that could lead to new outbreaks across the globe. The goal of viral management is to disrupt the viral life cycle as well as to relieve severe symptoms such as lung damage, cytokine storm, and organ failure. In the fight against viruses, the combination of viral genome sequencing, elucidation of the structure of viral proteins, and identifying proteins that are highly conserved across multiple coronaviruses has revealed many potential molecular targets. In addition, the time‐ and cost‐effective repurposing of preexisting antiviral drugs or approved/clinical drugs for these targets offers considerable clinical advantages for COVID‐19 patients. This review provides a comprehensive overview of various identified pathogenic targets and pathways as well as corresponding repurposed approved/clinical drugs and their potential against COVID‐19. These findings provide new insight into the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies that could be applied to the control of disease symptoms emanating from evolving SARS‐CoV‐2 variants.
Impacts of differentiated services and competition on the pricing strategies of ride‐hailing platforms
Authors: Sun Zhongmiao , Liu Jinrong
Published: May 2023

Differentiated services and competition have made the operation of ride‐hailing platforms (i.e., Uber and Didi) more complex. Timely optimizing their pricing strategies will be conducive to the profitability of the platform enterprises. This paper considers the differentiation in service level of two ride‐hailing brands and the Bertrand price competition between platforms, and we propose dynamic, differentiated, and static pricing strategies based on the market demand fluctuation. The optimal prices in each case are derived, and the impacts of the Bertrand competition and differentiated services on the platform's optimal pricing strategies are analyzed. Our results show that competition between platforms will change the impact of the demand fluctuation on the optimal decisions of the platform. Additionally, we find that the optimal prices of two ride‐hailing brands all increase with the coefficient of service differentiation, but the optimal price of the brand with higher service level is increased faster. The numerical studies indicate that if one of the two platforms gives priority to offering differentiated services, the profit loss caused by competition can be attenuated to a great extent.
Generalization and Evaluation of the Analytical Solution of Intraparticle Diffusion Models in Finite Batch Adsorption
Authors: Miglioranza Gabriel , Schwaab Marcio
Published: May 2023

In this paper, a detailed description of particle adsorption/diffusion model in batch systems is presented. The phenomenological equations are based on a mechanism combining mass transfer by convection from bulk phase to particle surface, intraparticle mass diffusion and equilibrium adsorption processes. The change of bulk and particle concentration is modeled through differential mass balance equations, leading to a system of one ordinary differential equation and one partial differential equation. When adsorption equilibrium follows a linear relationship, this system of equations can be solved by the Laplace transform method. The purpose of this paper is the development of a generalized analytical solution, that is rewritten specifically for each of the traditional particle shapes: slab, cylinder, and sphere. Finally, this analytical solution is evaluated through several simulations in different batch conditions and compared to simulated experimental data, showing the capability of this analytical solution to predict batch adsorption processes when adsorbate concentration is low. This result clearly indicates the feasibility of applying the analytical solution presented in this paper, which is based on phenomenological concepts, to describe the adsorption kinetics of processes, when the linear isotherm can be considered adequate to represent the adsorption equilibrium.
Social Media for Chemistry Scholars**
Authors: Ciriminna Rosaria , Scurria Antonino , Pagliaro Mario
Published: May 2023

Used by nearly 60 % of the world's population, social media are highly interactive websites (“platforms”) today widely used also by researchers. This perspective aims at identifying the main benefits of social media utilization by chemistry scholars with respect to the three main dimensions (research, education and societal service) of scholarly activity. The main risks arising from the use of social media, as we suggest in the conclusions, must be managed and new education on their purposeful utilization should be planned and delivered
Conversion of polystyrene foams into auxetic metamaterials
Authors: Chen Xiao Yuan , Rodrigue Denis
Published: May 2023

Auxetic foams have gained popularity within the research community because of their enhanced properties, such as low density combined with high relative stiffness, toughness, and damping properties. Low density polystyrene (PS) foams are commonly used in the packaging industry, but have a short service life and generate a high volume of waste (white pollution). This is why their recycling and valorizing is necessary and imperative. The objective of this work is to present a simple and environmentally friendly process combining low pressure (vacuum) and mechanical compression to convert recycled PS foams (15 kg/m3) into low density foams (50–63 kg/m3) having negative tensile and compressive Poisson's ratios (NPR). The effect of processing conditions (vacuum level, temperature, mechanical pressure, and time) were studied. Based on the optimized conditions, the tensile Poisson's ratio of the resulting auxetic foams reached −0.65 for theYdirection (width) and −0.74 for theZdirection (thickness) when stretching in theXdirection (length). On the other hand, the minimum compressive Poisson's ratios were −0.32 for theYdirection and −0.28 for theZdirection. The foam structure was characterized via morphological analysis to determine the changes after treatment. Finally, tensile and compressive properties (Young's modulus, strain energy, energy dissipation, and damping capacity) are also discussed. It was observed that the mechanical properties of the resulting auxetic foams were improved compared to the original PS foam (PS‐O) in terms of resilience and strength. For example, the elongation at break of auxetic foams (31%–62%) were much higher compared to PS‐O (7%). These auxetic foams can be used in several applications, such as sports and military protective equipment.
Scoring festination and gait freezing in people with Parkinson's: The freezing of gait severity tool‐revised
Authors: Scully Aileen E. , Tan Dawn , Oliveira Beatriz Ito Ramos de , Hill Keith D. , Clark Ross , Pua Yong Hao
Published: May 2023

Background and Purpose

To improve existing clinical assessments for freezing of gait (FOG) severity, a new clinician‐rated tool which integrates the varied types of freezing (FOG Severity Tool‐Revised) was developed. This cross‐sectional study investigated its validity and reliability.

Methods

People with Parkinson's disease who were able to independently ambulate eight‐metres and understand study instructions were consecutively recruited from outpatient clinics of a tertiary hospital. Those with co‐morbidities severely affecting gait were excluded. Participants were assessed with the FOG Severity Tool‐Revised, three functional performance tests, the FOG Questionnaire, and outcomes measuring anxiety, cognition, and disability. The FOG Severity Tool‐Revised was repeated for test‐retest reliability. Exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha were computed for structural validity and internal consistency. Reliability and measurement error were estimated with ICC (two‐way, random), standard error of measurement, and smallest detectable change (SDC95). Criterion‐related and construct validity were calculated with Spearman's correlations.

Results

Thirty‐nine participants were enrolled [79.5% (n = 31) male; Median (IQR): age–73.0 (9.0) years; disease duration–4.0 (5.8) years], with fifteen (38.5%) who reported no medication state change contributing a second assessment for reliability estimation. The FOG Severity Tool‐Revised demonstrated sufficient structural validity and internal consistency (α = 0.89–0.93), and adequate criterion‐related validity compared to the FOG Questionnaire (ρ = 0.73, 95% CI 0.54–0.85). Test‐retest reliability (ICC = 0.96, 95%CI 0.86–0.99) and random measurement error (%SDC95 = 10.4%) was acceptable in this limited sample.

Discussion and Conclusions

The FOG Severity Tool‐Revised appeared valid in this initial sample of people with Parkinson's. While its psychometric properties remain to be confirmed in a larger sample, it may be considered for use in the clinical setting.
Unlike woodland edges, flower strips do not act as a refuge for cabbage stem flea beetle aestivation
Authors: Pigot Justine , Gardarin Antoine , Doré Thierry , Morisseau Alexandre , Valantin‐Morison Muriel
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Semi‐natural habitats are generally considered to be beneficial to natural enemies of crop pests and pollinators. However, they could also be used by pests, such as the Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle (CSFB), Psylliodes chrysocephala, a major pest of winter oilseed rape, Brassica napus. Adults emerge from pupation in late spring and move to aestivation habitats. Published reports identify forest edges as the major shelter used, but flower strips may also constitute an alternative habitat. This study aimed to: (i) determine the role of perennial flower strips in CSFB aestivation in comparison with woodland edges; (ii) determine the influence of landscape composition on the abundance of aestivating CSFB and (iii) identify the characteristics of the local habitat associated with a high abundance of aestivating CSFB.

RESULTS

CSFB emergence from aestivation was monitored with emergence traps from mid‐August to mid‐October 2021, at 14 sites in France. We found that CSFB preferred woodland edges and did not aestivate in flower strips. We found a negative effect of percentage woodland cover only for the smallest scale studied (250 m radius). We also found positive effects of the percentage of litter and mean tree circumference on the number of aestivating CSFB in woodland edges.

CONCLUSION

The aestivation of CSFB is supported by woodland edges, but not by flower strips. This implies that the presence of flower strips near oilseed rape fields does not exacerbate the problems due to this pest. However, the crops in the vicinity of woodlands could be colonized earlier by this pest than more distant fields. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Characterizing Curie and Néel Point Phase Transitions via Thermal Techniques
Authors: Reddy Jejitti Aravind , Lakshya Annu Kumar , Raj Rishav , Kumar Lakshaman , Chowdhury Anirban
Published: May 2023

Various magnetic materials (for example, ferro, ferri, antiferromagnetic) are characterized by their respective transition temperatures (for example, Curie and Néel transitions). Knowledge of these transition temperatures is vital from an application standpoint. Accurate measurements by suitable characterization techniques are needed for identifying these transitions. Several techniques have been used to identify Curie and Néel transition temperatures, with thermal methods being one of the preferred choice. These thermal methods include differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), differential thermal analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. Although thermal analysis tools have been popularly used for examining magnetic phase transitions, still much confusion exists on their efficacy and might. This review article highlights the strength and limitations of measuring Curie and Néel transitions by thermal techniques; measurements by DSC were the most common choice in previous works. Considering the intrinsic/fundamental nature of these Curie/Néel transitions, such confusion on their measurements (by thermal techniques) and their subsequent analysis (for the order of transition) suggests that a more comprehensive understanding of the events should be an immediate future goal for the research community, at large.
Nonlinear Optical Properties of Al0.3Ga0.7As/GaAs Quantum Dots under Tunable Parameters
Authors: Wang Xing , Li Xuechao
Published: May 2023

The nonlinear optical properties of quantum dots under multidimensional confinement potential are investigated. In the framework of the effective mass approximation, the analytical formula of the optical absorption coefficient in the quantum dots is derived using the density matrix method and the iterative procedure, and the numerical results of typical Al0.3Ga0.7 As/GaAs material are calculated. Through calculation and numerical fitting, it is found that increasing temperature and the depth of limiting potential will give rise to the absorption peak to move to the high‐energy region commonly referred to as the blueshift, within a certain range of parameter variations. While reducing the range of limiting potential, quantum dot radius and the hydrostatic pressure can achieve the same effect. It is important to emphasize that variations in hydrostatic pressure and the depth of the limiting potential result in significant changes to the peak value of the optical absorption coefficient. The research results have a certain guiding significance for further study of the optical properties of quantum dots under multidimensional confinement potential and their application in practical production.
Belimumab shows promise in neuropsychiatric lupus: Another challenge to find the offender
Authors: Yu Shuilian , Hou Zhongjun , Liu Zhiping , Lin Zeying , Zhong Ling , Yang Qilin , Huang Wenhui
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Agents that can be used for the treatment of neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE) are lacking in the therapeutic armamentarium. Belimumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the B‐cell activating factor (BAFF) and is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as an additional treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus patients with persistent disease activity and lupus nephritis (LN); however, severe active central nervous system manifestations were excluded.

Case Report

We report on a treatment‐naïve LN patient with refractory NPSLE complicated with progressive posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) who was successfully treated via the combination of mycophenolate and belimumab, resulting in reversal of persistent headache and neuroradiologic manifestations.

Conclusion

Research on this topic could be relevant for identifying a possible correlation between BAFF and psychiatric NPSLE manifestations.
Efficacy and safety of long‐acting cabotegravir versus oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate‐emtricitabine as HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Xiu , Li Jun , Kou Liqiu , Xie Xiaolu , Wei Deqing , Li Yaling
Published: May 2023

WHO guidelines recommend daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and emtricitabine (FTC) for pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) of HIV in people at high risk of HIV infection. However, due to social, psychological and other reasons, the compliance with daily oral TDF‐FTC in real life is low. Long‐acting cabotegravir is currently the only long‐acting drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for HIV PrEP. Due to the long dosing interval (8 weeks), long‐acting cabotegravir has low compliance requirements for people at high risk of HIV infection. We aimed to discuss the feasibility of long‐acting cabotegravir to replace TDF‐FTC as HIV PrEP based on efficacy and safety analyses. Randomized controlled trials were retrieved, and R software was used for meta‐analysis after data extraction. and discussion: Results of the meta‐analysis showed that compared with TDF‐FTC, long‐acting cabotegravir was associated with a lower risk of HIV infection (HR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.08–0.59, p < 0.01), less decreased creatinine clearance (RR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93–0.99, p < 0.01), but more tolerated injection sites adverse events (p < 0.01). No statistically significant differences were found between long‐acting cabotegravir and oral placebo in non‐injection‐related adverse events (creatine phosphokinase, headache, nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection and gastroenteritis) (p > 0.05). Long‐acting cabotegravir has a manageable safety profile and is more effective than TDF‐FTC in preventing HIV infection. Interestingly, decreased creatinine clearance occurred less frequently with long‐acting cabotegravir than with TDF‐FTC. Long‐acting cabotegravir is very promising to replace TDF‐TFC in the future, which requires more large‐sample, high‐quality RCTs to verify.
Adaptive changes in traditional settlements in the Loess Plateau of the Yellow River Basin over 500 years
Authors: Wang Fang , Xu Haoyi , He Peiwen , Xue Pengcheng , Gao Xingxi
Published: May 2023

Basin settlements are social‐ecological systems that embody human–land relationships in river basins and face the challenge of adaptive development. The traditional human–land relationship in the Loess Plateau of the Yellow River Basin has changed under the combined effects of human activities and natural disturbances. Traditional settlements face the challenge of balancing conservation, development, ecology, and livelihood. To clarify the long‐time evolution process of settlements in this region, a framework of “population–production–ecology” coupled system in the Loess Plateau of the Yellow River Basin was proposed from the perspective of social‐ecological systems. Based on long‐term time‐series data, the evolution of the regional human–land relationship and the coupling coordination degree of the system were identified. Further, based on the differences in the levels of systems, the adaptation of basin settlements to the external environment was analyzed using water resources as an example. The results showed that the coupling coordination degree within the basin had been decreasing, suggesting the disintegration of the dynamic mechanism of regional development. Moreover, the changes in the development pattern of basin settlements were more delayed compared with those in the basin environment. Overall, this study provides suggestions for the development of sustainable integrated river basin management strategies.
How does policy coherence shape effectiveness and inequality? Implications for sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda
Authors: Browne Katherine , Dzebo Adis , Iacobuta Gabriela , Faus Onbargi Alexia , Shawoo Zoha , Dombrowsky Ines , Fridahl Mathias , Gottenhuber Sara , Persson Åsa
Published: May 2023

During the formulation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, many promoted policy coherence as a key tool to ensure achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a way that “leaves no one behind.” Their argument assumed that coherent policymaking contributes to more effective policies and supports over‐arching efforts to reduce inequality. As the 2030 Agenda reaches the halfway point, however, countries are falling short on many SDGs, particularly SDG 10 (reduce inequality). This study revisits the basic assumptions about policy coherence underpinning the SDGs. We systematically screened the peer‐reviewed literature to identify 40 studies that provide evidence about whether coherent policymaking contributes to more effective outcomes and helps to reduce inequality. We find that coherent policymaking did not help reduce inequality in a majority of cases and made it worse in several. Our findings challenge the narrative that coherence is a necessary pre‐condition for progress on the SDGs for all people.
Optoelectronic and Optomechanical Properties of Few‐Atomic‐Layer Black Phosphorus Nanoflakes as Revealed by In Situ TEM
Authors: Zhang Chao , Korovina Anastasia V. , Firestein Konstantin L. , Fernando Joseph F. S. , Lewis Courtney‐Elyce , Kvashnin Dmitry G. , Golberg Dmitri V.
Published: May 2023

The optoelectronic signatures of free‐standing few‐atomic‐layer black phosphorus nanoflakes are analyzed by in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). As compared to other 2D materials, the band gap of black phosphorus (BP) is related directly to multiple thicknesses and can be tuned by nanoflake thickness and strain. The photocurrent measurements with the TEM show a stable response to infrared light illumination and change of nanoflakes band gap with deformation while pressing them between two electrodes assembled in the microscope. The photocurrent spectra of an 8‐ and a 6‐layer BP nanoflake samples are comparatively measured. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are performed to identify the band structure changes of BP during deformations. The results should help to find the best pathways for BP smart band gap engineering via tuning the number of material atomic layers and programmed deformations to promote future optoelectronic applications.
Introducing Hybrid Defects of Silicon Doping and Oxygen Vacancies into MOF‐Derived TiO2–X@Carbon Nanotablets Toward High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Yao Tianhao , Wang Hongkang , Ji Xin , Wang Deyu , Zhang Qingmiao , Meng Lingjie , Shi Jian‐Wen , Han Xiaogang , Cheng Yonghong
Published: May 2023

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a promising anode material for sodium–ion batteries (SIBs), which suffer from the intrinsic sluggish ion transferability and poor conductivity. To overcome these drawbacks, a facile strategy is developed to synergistically engineer the lattice defects (i.e., heteroatom doping and oxygen vacancy generation) and the fine microstructure (i.e., carbon hybridization and porous structure) of TiO2‐based anode, which efficiently enhances the sodium storage performance. Herein, it is successfully realized that the Si‐doping into the MIL‐125 metal‐organic framework structure, which can be easily converted to SiO2/TiO2–x@C nanotablets by annealing under inert atmosphere. After NaOH etching SiO2/TiO2–x@C which contains unbonded SiO2 and chemically bonded SiOTi, thus the lattice Si‐doped TiO2–x@C (Si‐TiO2–x@C) nanotablets with rich Ti3+/oxygen vacancies and abundant inner pores are developed. When examined as an anode for SIB, the Si‐TiO2–x@C exhibits a high sodium storage capacity (285 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1), excellent long‐term cycling, and high‐rate performances (190 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1 after 2500 cycles with 95.1% capacity retention). Theoretical calculations indicate that the rich Ti3+/oxygen vacancies and Si‐doping synergistically contribute to a narrowed bandgap and lower sodiation barrier, which thus lead to fast electron/ion transfer coefficients and the predominant pseudocapacitive sodium storage behavior.
An insider's perspective on FDA approval of aducanumab
Authors: Wang Yaning
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Aducanumab was approved in 2021 by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the accelerated approval pathway. Since then, there have been many misconceptions about the approval decision despite multiple publications from the FDA to explain the rationale.

Methods

Even though the FDA's final decision was accelerated approval, the Office of Clinical Pharmacology recommended regular/full approval based on its own analyses. Exposure–response analyses were conducted to quantify the relationship between aducanumab longitudinal exposure and responses (standardized uptake values ratios for amyloid beta and various clinical endpoints) in all clinical trials. To explain the difference between aducanumab and other compounds with negative results in the past, publicly available data were combined with the aducanumab data to demonstrate the relationship between amyloid reduction and clinical endpoint change across multiple compounds with similar mechanism of action. The probability to observe the overall positive findings in the aducanumab program was quantified under the assumption that aducanumab is ineffective.

Results

Positive exposure–response (disease progression) relationship for multiple clinical endpoints from all clinical trials was identified. Positive exposure–amyloid reduction relationship was established. Consistent amyloid reduction–clinical endpoint change relationship across multiple compounds was observed. If aducanumab is assumed to be ineffective, it is extremely unlikely we would observe the overall positive findings in the aducanumab program.

Conclusion

These results provided convincing evidence to support aducanumab's effectiveness. In addition, the observed effect size in the studied patient population represents a clinically meaningful benefit given the magnitude of disease progression within the trial duration.

Highlights

Totality of evidence supports the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s approval decision for aducanumab.

Different opinions were clearly explained in the FDA's public reviews from different disciplines.

Readers are encouraged to read the FDA's reviews to understand the FDA's rationale to approve aducanumab.
Eukaryotic splicing machinery in the plant–virus battleground
Authors: Su Chang‐Feng , Das Debatosh , Muhammad Aslam Mehtab , Xie Ji‐Qin , Li Xiang‐Yang , Chen Mo‐Xian
Published: May 2023

Plant virual infections are mainly caused by plant‐virus parasitism which affects ecological communities. Some viruses are highly pathogen specific that can infect only specific plants, while some can cause widespread harm, such as tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). After a virus infects the host, undergoes a series of harmful effects, including the destruction of host cell membrane receptors, changes in cell membrane components, cell fusion, and the production of neoantigens on the cell surface. Therefore, competition between the host and the virus arises. The virus starts gaining control of critical cellular functions of the host cells and ultimately affects the fate of the targeted host plants. Among these critical cellular processes, alternative splicing (AS) is an essential posttranscriptional regulation process in RNA maturation, which amplify host protein diversity and manipulates transcript abundance in response to plant pathogens. AS is widespread in nearly all human genes and critical in regulating animal‐virus interactions. In particular, an animal virus can hijack the host splicing machinery to re‐organize its compartments for propagation. Changes in AS are known to cause human disease, and various AS events have been reported to regulate tissue specificity, development, tumour proliferation, and multi‐functionality. However, the mechanisms underlying plant–virus interactions are poorly understood. Here, we summarize the current understanding of how viruses interact with their plant hosts compared with humans, analyze currently used and putative candidate agrochemicals to treat plant‐viral infections, and finally discussed the potential research hotspots in the future.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Splicing Mechanisms

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing
Towards an evidence‐informed strategy for communicating lead ammunition risks
Authors: Balog‐Way Dominic H. P. , McComas Katherine A. , Leong Alisius D. , Brown David O. , Schuler Krysten L.
Published: May 2023

Lead hunting ammunition is a key source of lead exposure for wildlife and humans who eat wild game. To improve the effectiveness of lead ammunition risk communication, and avoid unintended negative effects from poorly conceived messages, we examined how New York State hunter education instructors view the lead issue. We conducted in‐depth interviews with instructors from 5 New York State regions from September 2020 to February 2021, which generated qualitative data on instructors' knowledge, beliefs, and opinions. We classified instructors into 3 groups: (i) concerned advocates, (ii) resistant skeptics, or (iii) ambivalent educators. Concerned advocates had substantial, accurate knowledge of the lead issue, as judged by the investigators, and a strong desire to avoid lead ammunition. Resistant skeptics believed lead ammunition risks are insignificant, exaggerated, or already well‐managed, and strongly resisted using nonlead alternatives. Ambivalent educators self‐reported limited knowledge of the lead issue or its significance and a general ambivalence, or even apathy, towards switching to nonlead alternatives. Across groups, instructors made clear they were (i) concerned about the higher price and lower availability of nonlead ammunition, (ii) uncertain about the relative performance of lead versus nonlead ammunition, and (iii) strongly opposed to legislation and regulation. Instructors also strongly believed that education and effective communication offer the best path forward, although most admitted rarely discussing the toxic effects of lead ammunition in class. We recommend that state hunter education program managers update their curricula and instructor training courses to include a module on the wildlife and human health lead ammunition issue. We also recommend that state and federal regulators cooperate strategically on communicating and managing lead ammunition risks to better address the issue and avoid unintended, unwanted outcomes.
Sanctorius’s Work in Its Practical Context
Authors: Hollerbach Teresa
Published: May 2023

This chapter spotlights the practical context of theDe statica medicinaand explores Sanctorius’s use of instrumentation. The investigation of the form and style of theDe statica medicinaand its relation to the literary genre ofRegimina sanitatis—a medieval tradition of rules of health—allows important conclusions to be drawn on how Sanctorius shared his practical experiences, on his intended audience, and more generally, on the purpose of the publication. Complementary to established knowledge on Sanctorius, the analysis of his use of instrumentation focuses here not on the measuring instruments, but on the various other lesser-known devices that he developed, ranging from surgical devices to a special sickbed. I examine the relation of these devices to Sanctorius’s medical practice as well as to his teaching activities at the University of Padua. Even though—or exactly because—they were not part of the quantitative approach to physiology, their study helps to complement the picture of Sanctorius as a practicing physician. Moreover, it provides glimpses of the social context in which he developed and used his instruments and of how he used his head and hands in medicine. Finally, the results of this chapter allow theDe statica medicinato be reviewed afresh within the broader practical context of Sanctorius’s undertakings.
Integrated microscale immiscible phase extraction and isothermal amplification for colorimetric detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Rodriguez-Mateos Pablo , Ngamsom Bongkot , Ameyo Daglus , Wakaba Patrick , Shiluli Clement , Iles Alexander , Gitaka Jesse , Pamme Nicole
Published: May 2023

Gonorrhea is the second most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) with around 87 million cases worldwide estimated in 2016 by the World Health Organization. With over half of the cases being asymptomatic, potential life-threatening complications and increasing numbers of drug-resistant strains, routine monitoring of prevalence and incidence of infections are key preventive measures. Whilst gold standard qPCR tests have excellent accuracy, they are neither affordable nor accessible in low-resource settings. In this study, we developed a lab-on-a-chip platform based on microscale immiscible filtration to extract, concentrate and purify Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA with an integrated detection assay based on colorimetric isothermal amplification. The platform was capable of detecting as low as 500 copies/mL from spiked synthetic urine and showed no cross-reactivity when challenged with DNAs from other common STIs. The credit card–size device allows DNA extraction and purification without power or centrifuges, and the detection reaction only needs a low-tech block heater, providing a straightforward and visual positive/negative result within 1 h. These advantages offer great potential for accurate, affordable and accessible monitoring of gonorrhea infection in resource-poor settings.
Simplicial Chern–Weil theory for coherent analytic sheaves, part II
Authors: Hosgood Timothy
Published: May 2023

In the previous part of this diptych, we defined the notion of an admissible simplicial connection, as well as explaining how H.I. Green constructed a resolution of coherent analytic sheaves by locally free sheaves on the Čech nerve. This paper seeks to apply these abstract formalisms, by showing that Green’s barycentric simplicial connection is indeed admissible, and that this condition is exactly what we need in order to be able to apply Chern–Weil theory and construct characteristic classes. We show that, in the case of (global) vector bundles, the simplicial construction agrees with what one might construct manually: the explicit Čech representatives of the exponential Atiyah classes of a vector bundle agree. Finally, we summarise how all the preceding theory fits together to allow us to define Chern classes of coherent analytic sheaves, as well as showing uniqueness in the compact case.
Umbilical Hernia Repair in Patients with Cirrhosis and in Patients with Severe Comorbidities—A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Snitkjær Christian , Christoffersen Mette W. , Gluud Lise Lotte , Kimer Nina , Helgstrand Frederik , Jensen Kristian Kiim , Henriksen Nadia A.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Umbilical hernia is a frequent condition in patients with cirrhosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the risks associated with umbilical hernia repair in patients with cirrhosis in the elective and emergency setting. Secondly, to compare patients with cirrhosis with a population of patients with equally severe comorbidities but without cirrhosis.

Methods

Patients with cirrhosis who underwent umbilical hernia repair from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2018, were included from the Danish Hernia Database. A control group of patients with a similar Charlson score (≥ 3) without cirrhosis was generated using propensity score matching. The primary outcome was postoperative re‐intervention within 30 days following hernia repair. Secondary outcomes were mortality within 90 days and readmission within 30 days following hernia repair.

Results

A total of 252 patients with cirrhosis and 504 controls were included. Emergency repair in patients with cirrhosis was associated with a significantly increased rate of re‐intervention (54/108 (50%) vs. 24/144 (16.7%), P < 0.001), 30‐day readmission rate (50/108 (46.3%) compared with elective repair vs. 36/144 (25%) (P < 0.0001)), and 90‐day mortality (18/108 (16.7%) vs. 5/144 (3.5%), P < 0.001). Patients with cirrhosis were more likely to undergo a postoperative re‐intervention compared with comorbid patients without cirrhosis (OR = 2.10; 95% CI [1.45–3.03]).

Conclusion

Patients with cirrhosis and other severe comorbidity undergo emergency umbilical hernia repair frequently. Emergency repair is associated with increased risk of poor outcome. Patients with cirrhosis undergo a postoperative reintervention more frequently than patients with other severe comorbidity undergoing umbilical hernia repair.
Comparative Analysis of Rhizosphere and Endophytic Microbial Communities Between Root Rot and Healthy Root of Psammosilene tunicoides
Authors: Yang Wen. T. , Li Guo. D. , Li Jun. N. , Yang Cheng. F. , Zhang Xiao. M. , Zhang Ai. L.
Published: May 2023

The wild resources of Psammosilene tunicoides have decreased sharply because of the long-term mining and excavation, which has led to the increased demand for its artificial cultivation. However, root rot represents a significant obstacle leading to a poor quality and product of P. tunicoides. Previous reports have not focused on root rot in P. tunicoides. Therefore, this study explores the rhizospheric and root endophytic microbial community structure and composition of healthy and root rot P. tunicoides to understand the mechanism underlying root rot. The properties of the rhizosphere soil were assessed using physiochemical methods, and the bacterial and fungal populations were studied through amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes and ITS regions in the root and soil. Compared to healthy samples, the pH, hydrolysis N, available P, and available K were significantly decreased in the diseased samples while the organic matter and total organic carbon were significantly increased in the diseased samples. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that soil environmental factors are related to changes in the root and rhizosphere soil microbial community of P. tunicoides indicating that the physiochemical properties of soil affect plant health. Alpha diversity analysis showed that the microbial communities of healthy and diseased samples were similar. Some bacterial and fungal genera were significantly increased or decreased (P < 0.05) in diseased P. tunicoides, and certain microbial factors that antagonized root rot were further explored. This study provides an abundant microbial resource for future studies and contributes to improving soil quality and P. tunicoides agricultural production.