bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic analysis and prenatal diagnosis in a Chinese with growth retardation, abnormal liver function, and microcephaly
Authors: Zhao Peiwei , Zhang Lei , Tan Li , Luo Sukun , Huang Yufeng , Peng Hanming , Cao Jiangxia , He Xuelian
Published: July 2021

Background

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a genetically heterogeneous group of disorders caused by defects in the synthesis and processing of glycoproteins. COG6‐CDG is a kind of disorder caused by conserved oligomeric golgi complex 6 (COG6) deficiency. To date, only 19 patients with COG6‐CDG have been reported.

Methods

We report a girl in a Chinese family with developmental delay, growth retardation, microcephaly, abnormal liver function, and hypohidrosis. Trio whole‐exome sequencing was performed for this patient and her parents, and the variants identified were validated by Sanger sequencing. Prenatal diagnosis was done for this family during a subsequent pregnancy. The literature review on these patients was performed by reviewing articles published in English and Chinese.

Results

Genetic sequencing identified two novel heterozygous mutations: c.428G>T (p.S143I) and c.1843C>T (p.Q615X) in the COG6 gene, inherited from her healthy parents, respectively. A total of 11 different mutations in COG6 have been reported previously, and mutations potentially affecting splicing are the most common. The main clinical features included development delay, facial dysmorphism, growth retardation, skin abnormalities (hypohidrosis), microcephaly, abnormal brain structure, liver involvement, and recurrent infections.

Conclusion

Our work broadens the mutation spectrum of COG6 gene and states the importance of whole‐exome sequencing in facilitating the definitive diagnosis of this disorder and prenatal diagnosis in a subsequent pregnancy.
A novel homozygous mutation of the PCNT gene in a Chinese patient with microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II
Authors: Liu Haifeng , Tao Na , Wang Yan , Yang Yang , He Xiaoli , Zhang Yu , Zhou Yuantao , Liu Xiaoning , Feng Xingxing , Sun Meiyuan , Xu Fang , Su Yanfang , Li Li
Published: July 2021

Background

Microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II (MOPD II) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by severe pre‐ and postnatal growth restrictions, microcephaly, skeletal dysplasia, severe teeth deformities, and typical facial features. Previous studies have shown that MOPD II is associated with mutations in the pericentrin (PCNT) gene.

Methods

We evaluated the clinical features of a 10‐year and 7‐month‐old Chinese girl with MOPD II. Subsequently, next‐generation sequencing and flow cytometry were performed to investigate genetic characteristics and the expression of PCNT protein respectively.

Results

The patient presented with short stature, microcephaly, typical craniofacial features, teeth deformity, thrombocytosis, and a delayed bone age (approximately 7 years). No abnormality in growth hormone or insulin‐like growth factor 1 was detected. Notably, the patient was found to carry a novel homozygous PCNT mutation (c.6157G>T, p.Glu2053Ter), which was inherited from her healthy heterozygous parents. Meanwhile, significant deficiency of PCNT expression was identified in the patient.

Conclusion

Our study identified a novel PCNT mutation associated with MOPD II, expanded the mutation spectrum of the PCNT gene and improved our understanding of the molecular basis of MOPD II.
Effects of the Mediterranean Diet or Nut Consumption on Gut Microbiota Composition and Fecal Metabolites and their Relationship with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors
Authors: Galié Serena , García‐Gavilán Jesús , Camacho‐Barcía Lucía , Atzeni Alessandro , Muralidharan Jananee , Papandreou Christopher , Arcelin Pierre , Palau‐Galindo Antoni , Garcia David , Basora Josep , Arias‐Vasquez Alejandro , Bulló Mònica
Published: July 2021

Scope

To examine whether a Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) compared to the consumption of nuts in the context of a habitual non‐MedDiet exerts a greater beneficial effect on gut microbiota and fecal metabolites; thus, contributing to explain major benefits on cardiometabolic risk factors.

Methods and Results

Fifty adults with Metabolic Syndrome are randomized to a controlled, crossover 2‐months dietary‐intervention trial with a 1‐month wash‐out period, following a MedDiet or consuming nuts (50 g day‐1). Microbiota composition is assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolites are measured using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC‐qTOF) platforms in a targeted metabolomics approach.

Decreased glucose, insulin and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) is observed after the MedDiet compared to the nuts intervention. Relative abundances of Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 and an uncultured genera of Ruminococcaceae are significantly increased after the MedDiet compared to nuts supplementation. Changes in Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 are inversely associated with insulin levels and HOMA‐IR, while positively and negatively with changes in cholate and cadaverine, respectively.

Conclusions

Following a MedDiet, rather than nuts, induces a significant increase in Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 and improves the metabolic risk. This genera seems to affect the bile acid metabolism and cadaverine which may account for the improvement in insulin levels.
Daily Dose of Bovine Lactoferrin Prevents Ethanol‐Induced Liver Injury and Death in Male Mice by Regulating Hepatic Alcohol Metabolism and Modulating Gut Microbiota
Authors: Li Deming , He Qian , Yang Huanhuan , Du Yafang , Yu Kangqing , Yang Jing , Tong Xing , Guo Yaxin , Xu Jiaying , Qin Liqiang
Published: July 2021

Scope

Lactoferrin (Lf) possess a protective potential to liver, but whether it can prevent alcoholic liver injury (ALI) remains unclear.

Methods and Results

Four groups of male C57BL/6J mice are fed with different diets, namely, AIN‐93G diet for control (CON) and ethanol (EtOH) groups, and AIN‐93G diet with 0.4% and 4% casein replaced by Lf for low‐dose Lf (LLf) and high‐dose Lf (HLf) groups, respectively. ALI is induced by giving 20% ethanol ad libitum combined with four “binges”. Lf can remarkably decrease EtOH‐induced mortality. Lf promotes aldehyde dehydrogenase‐2 (ALDH2) expression and suppressing cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) overexpression, resulting in the reduced hepatic superoxide and inflammation levels, which ultimately leads to the hepatic injury alleviation. However, HLf increases acetyl‐CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase protein levels, which suggests that excessive intake may weaken the beneficial effects of Lf. Moreover, LLf increases the relative abundances of Akkermansia and Lactobacillus. Additionally, the study shows that Lf likely exerts action in its digestive product forms rather than intact Lf molecular in normal condition.

Conclusion

LLf can ameliorate ALI, which is associated with the regulation of hepatic alcohol metabolism and the modulation of gut microbiota. However, excessive Lf intake may result in a diminished benefit.
Sensitization Potency of Sunflower Seed Protein in a Mouse Model: Identification of 2S‐Albumins More Allergenic Than SFA‐8
Authors: Achour Jihana , Guinot Marine , Guillon Blanche , Kapel Romain , Galet Olivier , Adel‐Patient Karine , Hazebrouck Stéphane , Bernard Hervé
Published: July 2021

Scope

Food allergy to sunflower seed (SFS) protein is not frequent and only non‐specific lipid transfert protein (nsLTP) Hel a 3 is officially recognized as a food allergen. Out of the eleven seed storage 2S‐albumins (SESA) detected in SFS, only SFA‐8 allergenicity has been investigated so far. The study aimed then to evaluate SFS protein allergenicity and particularly, to compare the sensitization potency of SESA in a mouse model.

Methods and Results

The most abundant SESA and nsLTP were isolated from SFS through a combination of chromatographic methods. Purified proteins were then used to measure specific IgG1 and IgE responses in BALB/c mice orally sensitized to different SFS protein isolates. The study, thus, confirmed the allergenicity of SFA‐8 and Hel a 3 but mice were also highly sensitized to other SESA such as SESA2‐1 or SESA20‐2. Furthermore, competitive inhibition of IgE‐binding revealed that SFA‐8 IgE‐reactivity was due to cross‐reactivity with other SESA. 11S‐globulins were weakly immunogenic and were rapidly degraded in an in vitro model of gastroduodenal digestion. In contrast, Hel a 3, SESA2‐1 and SFA‐8 were more resistant to proteolysis and gastroduodenal digestion did not affect their IgE‐reactivity.

Conclusions

SESA2‐1 or SESA20‐2 were more potent allergens than SFA‐8 in this mouse model. Allergenicity of SESA must be now confirmed in SFS‐allergic patients.
Performance evaluation of optical carrier suppressed RZ‐DPSK signal in WDM networks employing OFC
Authors: Ullah Sibghat , Tian Feng , Qi Zhang , Ali Amjad , Khan Jahangir , Khan Muhammad Saad , Xin Xiangjun
Published: July 2021

A new arrangement of optical frequency comb and its deployment in a wavelength division multiplexed optical network is proposed and demonstrated. The generated optical carriers are separated by a frequency spacing of 10GHz and the overall spectra comprise 63 individual optical carriers. These carriers are identified and separated by utilizing rectangle optical filters, and 10Gbps data is modulated on each carrier frequency. The data is modulated using carrier suppressed return to zero differential phase‐shift keying (CSRZ‐DPSK) modulation technique. Furthermore, the performance analysis of DPSK and CSRZ‐DPSK (presuppressed RZ‐DPSK, postsuppressed RZ‐DPSK, and suppression of multiplexed DPSK signal) are studied in details. In our analysis, it is observed that the three suppression techniques produce almost the same level of suppression, however, the bit error rate and Q factor differ. It has been observed that the postsuppressed DPSK modulation scheme offers more tolerance towards chromatic dispersion and other fiber impairments and nonlinearities such as self‐phase modulation and offers better overall performance. The results are analyzed in terms of BER performance, Q‐factor, and eye‐opening penalty.
Duopolistic positioning and pricing competition with variety‐seeking and strategic consumers
Authors: Shang Weixin , Tong Shilu , Wang Yunjie
Published: July 2021

This paper examines a duopolistic market in which two firms compete on their positioning and pricing decisions. Consumers may be variety‐seeking or non‐variety‐seeking, and strategic or myopic, in their repeated purchases. The competing firms first determine the positioning and then the prices in two selling periods under either price commitment or dynamic pricing. Contrary to the conventional wisdom that variety‐seeking consumers are less profitable consumers, we find that firms may benefit from more variety‐seeking consumers under either pricing scheme when some of these consumers are myopic. Strategic consumer behavior always intensifies the competition and hurts the firms. Under each pricing scheme, either myopic variety‐seeking consumers or non‐variety‐seeking consumers can be the most profitable consumer group, while strategic variety‐seeking consumers are always the least preferred consumer group. Compared with dynamic pricing, price commitment softens horizontal competition and increases profits. When the firms can choose freely between price commitment and dynamic pricing before they engage in pricing competition, they may adopt asymmetric pricing schemes in equilibrium.
Synthesis and Antiprotozoal Profile of 3,4,5‐Trisubstituted Isoxazoles
Authors: Rosa Fernanda Andreia , Mendes de Souza Melo Samara , Pianoski Karlos Eduardo , Poletto Julia , dos Santos Mariellen Guilherme , Vieira da Silva Michael Jackson , Lazarin‐Bidóia Danielle , Volpato Hélito , Moura Sidnei , Nakamura Celso Vataru
Published: July 2021

A series of 60 4‐aminomethyl 5‐aryl‐3‐substituted isoxazoles were synthesized by an efficient method and evaluated in vitro against Leishmania amazonensis and Trypanosoma cruzi, protozoa that cause the neglected tropical diseases leishmaniasis and Chagas disease, respectively. Thirteen compounds exhibited a selective index greater than 10. The series of 3‐N‐acylhydrazone isoxazole derivatives bearing the bithiophene core exhibited the best antiparasitic effects.
Association of BRAF V600E mutations with vasoactive intestinal peptide syndrome in MYCN‐amplified neuroblastoma
Authors: Shahid Sanam , Kushner Brian H. , Modak Shakeel , Basu Ellen M. , Rubin Elyssa M. , Gundem Gunes , Papaemmanuil Elli , Roberts Stephen S.
Published: July 2021

Very rarely, vasoactive intestinal peptide‐related diarrhea (VIP‐D) is observed in patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma (HR‐NB) where the associated fluid and electrolyte abnormalities can pose a major clinical challenge for administering the required aggressive multimodality treatment. Two patients with HR‐NB developed VIP‐D during induction and were found to have a somatic BRAF V600E mutation. Serum VIP levels and diarrhea promptly resolved in both patients after initiating treatment with BRAF and MEK inhibitors. This illustrates an association of VIP‐D with BRAF V600E mutations and demonstrates a therapeutic strategy in the specific context of VIP‐D and BRAF V600E mutations in HR‐NB patients. The addition of BRAF and MEK inhibitors allows continued conventional tumor‐directed treatment by decreasing the severity of symptoms caused by this life‐threatening complication.
Tribological and mechanical fracture performance of Mediterranean lignocellulosic fiber reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: AL‐Oqla Faris M. , Hayajneh Mohammed T. , Aldhirat Amal
Published: July 2021

Natural fiber‐reinforced polymeric composites are considered one of the newest materials in the industry. Ecological concerns have led to a growing need of using ecofriendly materials. This work aimed to study the dynamic and quasi‐static performance as well as tribological characteristics of Mediterranean lignocellulosic fiber‐reinforced polypropylene composites. Various types of Jordanian lignocellulosic fibers were utilized in the study, namely, hay, lemon, palm, and reed. Composites with various reinforcement structures were designed, prepared, and utilized for the investigations. Wear performance and coefficient of friction as well as various mechanical performance characteristics including tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation to break, and impact strength were performed. Results have demonstrated that composites have led to different significant characteristics. The hay/polypropylene composites were revealed to have good mechanical performance enhancements. Their maximum value of the tensile modulus was 1557.2 MPa in the case of 30 wt% fiber content. It was also demonstrated that their maximum value of toughness was about 1031 kJ/m3 in the case of 20 wt% fiber content. However, the increase of fiber loading more than 20 wt% was found to make negative effects on the toughness characteristics. Moreover, it was found that most of the considered Jordanian lignocellulosic fibers were capable of enhancing most of the mechanical performance characteristics of the composites, particularly, the stiffness property. The coefficient of friction was also found variable with fiber loading as well as fiber type. The maximum coefficient of friction value was for the composites with 30 wt% hay, while the lowest was found for composites that contained palm and reed at 10 wt%. The work had demonstrated that the features of Jordanian natural fibers were potential and competitive regarding their elasticity, toughness, interfacial adhesive potency, accessibility, and polypropylene compatibility due to their desired intrinsic mechanical characteristics. This would contribute to the finding of low‐cost environmentally friendly materials for various bio‐product applications with reliable mechanical performance, and could attribute more sustainable design possibilities.
Registration of twoOryza sativatropicaljaponicagermplasm lines selected for panicle architecture and grain size traits
Authors: Eizenga Georgia C. , McClung Anna M. , Huggins Trevis D.
Published: July 2021

Two rice (Oryza sativaL.) germplasm lines, SC14_166 (Reg. no. GP‐148, PI 698103) and SC14_072 (Reg. no. GP‐147, PI 698102), containing alleles for increased panicle branching, seeds per panicle, and grain length were developed by the USDA‐ARS. They are recombinant inbred lines selected from a cross of ‘Estrela’ (GSOR 301227) and NSFTV199 (GSOR 301190), both of tropicaljaponicaorigin. SC14_166 is a medium grain cultivar and contains alleles for two major genes,SPIKELET NUMBERon chromosome (chr.) 4 andFRIZZY PANICLEon chr. 7, which result in a greater number of primary branches, seeds per panicle, and panicle weight compared with the parents. SC14_072 is an extra‐long grain cultivar and contains alleles for two major genes on chr. 3,GRAIN SIZE 3andGRAIN LENGTH 3.2, resulting in greater grain length, width, thickness, and kernel weight. The germplasm lines possessPi‐ks, whereas SC_072 also hasPi‐z, both of which are major genes for resistance to rice blast disease. These germplasm lines are well adapted to growing conditions in the southern United States and will benefit long‐grain and medium‐grain breeding programs that desire to increase grain dimensions and panicle architecture traits. Because they are derived from the tropicaljaponicasubpopulation like most U.S. cultivars, they will be highly compatible for making breeding crosses and will contribute novel alleles to the gene pool.
Insights into the low‐temperature deposition of a dense anatase TiO2 film via an atmospheric pressure pulse‐modulated plasma
Authors: Xu Yu , He Tao , Zhang Yu , Wang Haozhe , Guo Ying , Shi Jianjun , Du Chengran , Zhang Jing
Published: July 2021

A pulse‐modulated atmospheric pressure radio frequency (RF) plasma is used to prepare a dense TiO2 thin film at a low temperature. With certain plasma on time (Ton = 50 ms), the discharge temperature decreases with plasma off time (Toff), and the lengths of the thin films increase. An anatase TiO2 thin film was successfully deposited on a temperature‐sensitive substrate (polyethylene terephthalate). The transmission electron microscope (TEM) results show that the film is composed from anatase TiO2 nanoparticles grown through plasma in 0.07 s. By using laser light scattering, the TiO2 particles are found to be trapped above the substrate at about 0.27 mm during plasma on, which is close to the simulated plasma sheath thickness (0.26 mm). The deposition mechanism of pulse‐modulated atmospheric pressure RF plasma has been investigated.
Protein structure prediction using deep learning distance and hydrogen‐bonding restraints in CASP14
Authors: Zheng Wei , Li Yang , Zhang Chengxin , Zhou Xiaogen , Pearce Robin , Bell Eric W. , Huang Xiaoqiang , Zhang Yang
Published: July 2021

In this article, we report 3D structure prediction results by two of our best server groups (“Zhang‐Server” and “QUARK”) in CASP14. These two servers were built based on the D‐I‐TASSER and D‐QUARK algorithms, which integrated four newly developed components into the classical protein folding pipelines, I‐TASSER and QUARK, respectively. The new components include: (a) a new multiple sequence alignment (MSA) collection tool, DeepMSA2, which is extended from the DeepMSA program; (b) a contact‐based domain boundary prediction algorithm, FUpred, to detect protein domain boundaries; (c) a residual convolutional neural network‐based method, DeepPotential, to predict multiple spatial restraints by co‐evolutionary features derived from the MSA; and (d) optimized spatial restraint energy potentials to guide the structure assembly simulations. For 37 FM targets, the average TM‐scores of the first models produced by D‐I‐TASSER and D‐QUARK were 96% and 112% higher than those constructed by I‐TASSER and QUARK, respectively. The data analysis indicates noticeable improvements produced by each of the four new components, especially for the newly added spatial restraints from DeepPotential and the well‐tuned force field that combines spatial restraints, threading templates, and generic knowledge‐based potentials. However, challenges still exist in the current pipelines. These include difficulties in modeling multi‐domain proteins due to low accuracy in inter‐domain distance prediction and modeling protein domains from oligomer complexes, as the co‐evolutionary analysis cannot distinguish inter‐chain and intra‐chain distances. Specifically tuning the deep learning‐based predictors for multi‐domain targets and protein complexes may be helpful to address these issues.
Protein tertiary structure prediction and refinement using deep learning and Rosetta in CASP14
Authors: Anishchenko Ivan , Baek Minkyung , Park Hahnbeom , Hiranuma Naozumi , Kim David E. , Dauparas Justas , Mansoor Sanaa , Humphreys Ian R. , Baker David
Published: July 2021

The trRosetta structure prediction method employs deep learning to generate predicted residue‐residue distance and orientation distributions from which 3D models are built. We sought to improve the method by incorporating as inputs (in addition to sequence information) both language model embeddings and template information weighted by sequence similarity to the target. We also developed a refinement pipeline that recombines models generated by template‐free and template utilizing versions of trRosetta guided by the DeepAccNet accuracy predictor. Both benchmark tests and CASP results show that the new pipeline is a considerable improvement over the original trRosetta, and it is faster and requires less computing resources, completing the entire modeling process in a median < 3 h in CASP14. Our human group improved results with this pipeline primarily by identifying additional homologous sequences for input into the network. We also used the DeepAccNet accuracy predictor to guide Rosetta high‐resolution refinement for submissions in the regular and refinement categories; although performance was quite good on a CASP relative scale, the overall improvements were rather modest in part due to missing inter‐domain or inter‐chain contacts.
The contribution of nano‐based strategies in overcoming ceftriaxone resistance: a literature review
Authors: Tewabe Ashagrachew , Marew Tesfa , Birhanu Gebremariam
Published: July 2021

Antimicrobial drug resistance, including resistance to multiple antibiotics, is continuously increasing. According to research findings, many bacteria resistant to other antibiotics were susceptible to ceftriaxone. However, over the last few years, ceftriaxone resistance has become growing and extremely worrisome challenge to the global healthcare system and several strategies have been initiated to contain the spread of antimicrobial drug resistance. Its extended use for therapeutic or preventative measures in humans and farm animals resulted in the development and spread of resistance. Recent advances in nanotechnology also offer novel formulations based on distinct types of nanostructure particles with different sizes and shapes, and flexible antimicrobial properties. For ceftriaxone, several nanostructured formulations through conjugation, intercalation, encapsulation with lipid carrier, and polymeric films have been investigated by different groups with promising results in combating the development of resistance. This review addressed the existing knowledge and practice on the contribution of nano‐based delivery approaches in overcoming ceftriaxone resistance. Evidences have been generated from published research articles using major search electronic databases such as PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Science Direct.
Spinosad resistance in field populations of melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), in Hawaii
Authors: Hsu Ju‐Chun , Chou Ming‐Yi , Mau Ronald FL , Maeda Colby , Shikano Ikkei , Manoukis Nicholas C , Vargas Roger I
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Control of Zeugodacus cucurbitae, a serious agricultural pest worldwide, often includes or is dependent on the use of spinosad‐based insecticides. This is especially the case in Hawaii, where GF‐120, a protein bait containing spinosad as the active ingredient, has been in use as a key integrated pest management (IPM) tool against this Tephritid for the last two decades. Here, we report on resistance to spinosad [resistance ratios (RRs) and median lethal concentration (LC50)] in Hawaii's populations of Z. cucurbitae.

RESULTS

High resistance was found in populations from three farms on Oahu (RR = 102–303; LC50 = 191–567 mg L–1) and in a population from Maui (RR = 8.50; LC50 = 15.9 mg L–1). These will be problematic for control given that the most concentrated dilution ratio on the GF‐120 label is 96 mg L–1 of spinosad (1 part GF‐120 to 1.5 parts water). Background resistance in a naïve wild population from the Island of Hawaii (RR = 2.73; LC50 = 5.1 mg L–1) was relatively low compared with a spinosad‐susceptible laboratory colony (LC50 = 1.87 mg L–1). Resistance in the three Oahu and one Maui populations declined over generations in the absence of spinosad but remained elevated in some cases. Moreover, melon flies collected from one of the Oahu farms 1 year after the cessation of spinosad use revealed high persistence of resistance.

CONCLUSION

Compared with a 2008 survey of spinosad resistance, our findings indicate a 34‐fold increase in resistance on one of the Oahu farms over 9 years. The evolution and persistence of high levels of resistance to spinosad in Z. cucurbitae in Hawaii highlights the need for alternative control tactics, particularly rotation of active ingredients. © 2021 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Numerical Investigation on Reducing the Auger Recombination for Quasivertical GaN‐Based PIN Diode through Reversed ITO‐pGaN Junction
Authors: Qian Jia , Zhao Zhilin , Sun Yunqian , Li Weiwei
Published: July 2021

The serious current crowing appears at the edge of the quasivertical GaN‐based PIN diode on sapphire substrate. Herein, to alleviate the current crowing and reduce Auger recombination for PIN diode, the ITO used widely in optoelectronic devices is proposed to be inserted on the edge of mesa of PIN diode. Then a reversed ITO‐pGaN junction is formed under forward voltage and deplete the carrier at the edge of mesa leading to alleviated current crowing and reduced Auger recombination. Moreover, the proposed PIN diode can improve the forward work voltage, without affecting the breakdown voltage for PIN diodes.
Simulation of Nitrogen Indiffusion and Its Impact on Silicon Wafer Strength
Authors: Müller Timo , Kissinger Gudrun , Kot Dawid , Gehmlich Michael , Boy Michael , Vollkopf Alexander , Sattler Andreas , Miller Alfred
Published: July 2021

Herein, the concentration profiles of nitrogen after nitriding rapid thermal annealing (RTA) of Si wafer surfaces are simulated. A model describing the fundamental partial differential equations for diffusion and interaction of nitrogen, vacancies, interstitials, and nitrogen vacancy (NV) complexes is used for this thermal process and the equations are solved simultaneously. In addition, thermal stress tests via intentionally induced stress due to the temperature gradient in an RTA process are conducted. By these wafer strength tests, which apply a controlled stress level, the relative slip robustness of wafers with nitrogen‐indiffused RTA and polished wafers are compared quantitatively.
On the Real‐Time Atomistic Deformation of the CoNiCrFeMn High‐Entropy Alloy with Gradient Structures
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Roghayeh , Heidarzadeh Akbar
Published: July 2021

Molecular dynamic simulations are used to correlate gradient structure and mechanical properties of a CoNiCrFeMn high‐entropy alloy (HEA) by characterizing the structural evolution and dislocation substructures during tensile loading. The gradient distributions of deformation faults, dislocations, and grain size from the surface to the center of samples are explored in detail. Quantitative analysis indicates that improvement of strength is attributed to the high densities of dislocations and deformation faults in the grain interior. Moreover, the results reveal that the energy barrier for nucleation of deformation faults in the deformed layer of gradient HEA is higher than that of the ungradient sample. The high strength and work hardening of gradient HEA areattributed to the bundles of concentrated dislocations, which are distributed in grain interiors. This study helps to fundamental understanding of the deformation mechanisms of HEAs with gradient structure, which can be used to strength‐ductility trade‐off.
Quantum Entanglement Among Multiple Memories for Continuous Variables
Authors: Yan Zhihui , Wu Liang , Jia Xiaojun , Xie Changde , Peng Kunchi
Published: July 2021

Quantum network is constituted by quantum channels and quantum nodes. The interaction between non‐classical optical modes and quantum nodes, as well as quantum entanglement among multiple distant quantum nodes are the building blocks of quantum network, which enable to achieve a plethora of quantum information protocols, such as distributed quantum computation, quantum state transfer across quantum nodes, and quantum clock network. On one hand, the multipartite non‐classical states of optical modes, which can directly interact with atomic ensembles, are required for the practical applications of quantum network. On the other hand, a crucial goal of quantum network is to unconditionally generate and on‐demand store and retrieve multipartite entangled states in atomic ensembles. This paper presents an up‐to‐date review on recent developments in these areas: multipartite continuous‐variable polarization entangled optical modes have been created by transforming quantum state from quadrature into polarization components; and a scalable quantum network with deterministic entanglement among multiple quantum memories has been constructed by transferring spatially separated entangled optical modes into atomic ensembles.
Mechanobiology of the female reproductive system
Authors: Matsuzaki Sachiko
Published: July 2021

Background

Mechanobiology in the field of human female reproduction has been extremely challenging technically and ethically.

Methods

The present review provides the current knowledge on mechanobiology of the female reproductive system. This review focuses on the early phases of reproduction from oocyte development to early embryonic development, with an emphasis on current progress.

Main findings (Results)

Optimal, well‐controlled mechanical cues are required for female reproductive system physiology. Many important questions remain unanswered; whether and how mechanical imbalances among the embryo, decidua, and uterine muscle contractions affect early human embryonic development, whether the biomechanical properties of oocytes/embryos are potential biomarkers for selecting high‐quality oocytes/embryos, whether mechanical properties differ between the two major compartments of the ovary (cortex and medulla) in normally ovulating human ovaries, whether durotaxis is involved in several processes in addition to embryonic development. Progress in mechanobiology is dependent on development of technologies that enable precise physical measurements.

Conclusion

More studies are needed to understand the roles of forces and changes in the mechanical properties of female reproductive system physiology. Recent and future technological advancements in mechanobiology research will help us understand the role of mechanical forces in female reproductive system disorders/diseases.
Characterizing some improperly posed problems in proportional‐derivative control
Authors: Méndez‐Barrios César‐Fernando , Niculescu Silviu‐Iulian , Martínez‐González Alejandro , Ramírez Adrián
Published: July 2021

This article focuses on the root behavior of the characteristic function of some LTI SISO systems controlled by a PD‐control when a delay‐difference operator is used to approximate the derivative action. We will focus on the cases when the corresponding stability problem is improperly posed for “small” delay values. In this context, we will express the solutions of the corresponding characteristic function as power series and exploit their structure in deriving the asymptotic behavior of the characteristic roots. This analysis will allow detecting and explicitly characterizing the cases when delay‐difference approximations lead to improperly posed stability problems. Furthermore, in the case when the derivative approximation guarantees the properly posedness of the closed‐loop system, the robustness of the scheme with respect to the delay margin of the delay‐difference approximation and control gains parameters are explicitly addressed. More precisely, upper bounds on the delays as well as the robustness of the corresponding controller are computed. Some illustrative examples complete the presentation.
Estimating basis functions in massive fields under the spatial mixed effects model
Authors: Pazdernik Karl , Maitra Ranjan
Published: July 2021

Spatial prediction is commonly achieved under the assumption of a Gaussian random field by obtaining maximum likelihood estimates of parameters, and then using the kriging equations to arrive at predicted values. For massive datasets, fixed rank kriging using the expectation–maximization algorithm for estimation has been proposed as an alternative to the usual but computationally prohibitive kriging method. The method reduces computation cost of estimation by redefining the spatial process as a linear combination of basis functions and spatial random effects. A disadvantage of this method is that it imposes constraints on the relationship between the observed locations and the knots. We develop an alternative method that utilizes the spatial mixed effects model, but allows for additional flexibility by estimating the range of the spatial dependence between the observations and the knots via an alternating expectation conditional maximization algorithm. Experiments show that our methodology improves estimation without sacrificing prediction accuracy while also minimizing the additional computational burden of extra parameter estimation. The methodology is applied to a temperature dataset archived by the United States National Climate Data Center, with improved results over previous methodology.
Fe–Ni Alloy Nanoclusters Anchored on Carbon Aerogels as High‐Efficiency Oxygen Electrocatalysts in Rechargeable Zn–Air Batteries
Authors: Li Hong , Shu Xinxin , Tong Peiran , Zhang Jihui , An Pengfei , Lv Zhengxing , Tian He , Zhang Jintao , Xia Haibing
Published: July 2021

In this work, Fe–Ni alloy nanoclusters (Fe–Ni ANCs) anchored on N, S co‐doped carbon aerogel (Fe–Ni ANC@NSCA catalysts) are successfully prepared by the optimal pyrolysis of polyaniline (PANI) aerogels derived from the freeze‐drying of PANI hydrogel obtained by the polymerization of aniline monomers in the co‐presence of tannic acid (TA), Fe3+, and Ni2+ ions. In addition, the optimal molar ratio of the TA, Fe3+, and Ni2+ ions for synthesis of Fe–Ni ANC@NSCA catalysts are 1:2:5, which can guarantee the formation of carbon aerogel composed of quasi‐2D porous carbon sheets and the formation of high‐density Fe–Ni ANCs with an ultrasmall size between 2 to 2.8 nm. These Fe–Ni ANCs consisting of N4–Fe–O–Ni–N4 moiety are proposed as a new type of active species for the first time, to the best of the authors’ knowledge. Thanks to their unique features, the Fe–Ni ANC@NSCA catalysts show excellent performance in oxygen reduction reaction with a half‐wave potential (E1/2) of 0.891 V and oxygen evolution reaction (260 mV @ 10 mA cm−2) in alkaline media as bifunctional catalysts, which are better than the state‐of‐the‐art commercial Pt/C catalysts and RuO2 catalysts. Moreover, Zn–air battery assembled with the Fe–Ni ANC@NSCA catalysts also shows a remarkable performance and exceptionally high stability over 500 h at 5 mA cm−2.
Tungsten Oxide/Reduced Graphene Oxide Aerogel with Low‐Content Platinum as High‐Performance Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Li Yi , Jiang Kaiyue , Yang Jing , Zheng Yuanyuan , Hübner René , Ou Zhaowei , Dong Xin , He Lanqi , Wang Honglei , Li Jian , Sun Yujing , Lu Xubing , Zhuang Xiaodong , Zheng Zhikun , Liu Wei
Published: July 2021

Designing cost‐effective, highly active, and durable platinum (Pt)‐based electrocatalysts is a crucial endeavor in electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, the low‐content Pt (0.8 wt%)/tungsten oxide/reduced graphene oxide aerogel (LPWGA) electrocatalyst with excellent HER activity and durability is developed by employing a tungsten oxide/reduced graphene oxide aerogel (WGA) obtained from a facile solvothermal process as a support, followed by electrochemical deposition of Pt nanoparticles. The WGA support with abundant oxygen vacancies and hierarchical pores plays the roles of anchoring the Pt nanoparticles, supplying continuous mass transport and electron transfer channels, and modulating the surface electronic state of Pt, which endow the LPWGA with both high HER activity and durability. Even under a low loading of 0.81 μgPt cm−2, the LPWGA exhibits a high HER activity with an overpotential of 42 mV at 10 mA cm−2, an excellent stability under 10000‐cycle cyclic voltammetry and 40 h chronopotentiometry at 10 mA cm−2, a low Tafel slope (30 mV dec−1), and a high turnover frequency of 29.05 s−1 at η = 50 mV, which is much superior to the commercial Pt/C and the low‐content Pt/reduced graphene oxide aerogel. This work provides a new strategy to design high‐performance Pt‐based electrocatalysts with greatly reduced use of Pt.
A Feasible Strategy for Identifying Single‐Atom Catalysts Toward Electrochemical NO‐to‐NH3 Conversion
Authors: Niu Huan , Zhang Zhaofu , Wang Xiting , Wan Xuhao , Kuai Chunguang , Guo Yuzheng
Published: July 2021

Combining NO removal and NH3 synthesis, electrochemical NO reduction reaction (NORR) toward NH3 is considered as a novel and attractive approach. However, exploring suitable catalysts for NO‐to‐NH3 conversion is still a formidable task due to the lack of a feasible method. Herein, utilizing systematic first‐principles calculations, a rational strategy for screening efficient single‐atom catalysts (SACs) for NO‐to‐NH3 conversion is reported. This strategy runs the gamut of stability, NO adsorbability, NORR activity, and NH3 selectivity. Taking transition metal atom embedded in C2N (TM‐C2N) as an example, its validity is demonstrated and Zr‐C2N is selected as a stable NO‐adsorbable NORR catalyst with high NH3 selectivity. Therefore, this work has established a theoretical landscape for screening SACs toward NO‐to‐NH3 conversion, which will contribute to the application of SACs for NORR and other electrochemical reactions.
LINT‐Web: A Web‐Based Lipidomic Data Mining Tool Using Intra‐Omic Integrative Correlation Strategy
Authors: Li Fengsheng , Song Jia , Zhang Yingkun , Wang Shuaikang , Wang Jinhui , Lin Li , Yang Chaoyong , Li Peng , Huang He
Published: July 2021

Lipidomics is a younger member of the “omics” family. It aims to profile lipidome alterations occurring in biological systems. Similar to the other “omics”, lipidomic data is highly dimensional and contains a massive amount of information awaiting deciphering and data mining. Currently, the available bioinformatic tools targeting lipidomic data processing and lipid pathway analysis are limited. A few tools designed for lipidomic analysis perform only basic statistical analyses, and lipid pathway analyses rely heavily on public databases (KEGG, Reactome, and HMDB). Due to the inadequate understanding of lipid signaling and metabolism, the use of public databases for lipid pathway analysis can be biased and misleading. Instead of using public databases to interpret lipidomic ontology, the authors introduce an intra‐omic integrative correlation strategy for lipidomic data mining. Such an intra‐omic strategy allows researchers to unscramble and predict lipid biological functions from correlated genomic ontological results using statistical approaches. To simplify and improve the lipidomic data processing experience, they designed an interactive web‐based tool: LINT‐web (http://www.lintwebomics.info/) to perform the intra‐omic analysis strategy, and validated the functions of LINT‐web using two biological systems. Users without sophisticated statistical experience can easily process lipidomic datasets and predict the potential lipid biological functions using LINT‐web.
Orientation and Wayfinding: Measuring Visibility
Authors: van Nes Akkelies , Yamu Claudia
Published: July 2021

In this chapter, we explain how the analytical logic of space syntax is applied for visibility analysis. In the previous chapter, the focus was on presenting all public spaces as axial sightlines. The individual axial line is a one-dimensional (1D) representation of public space and is useful for analysing the interrelationship of public spaces on a citywidescale. At the neighbourhoodscale, a two-dimensional (2D) representation of spatial elements can be useful. In particular, the public realm, such as public squares, parks, and wide streets, benefits from a 2D spatial analysis with a visual field using araster-based as well as an all-line modelling approach. In order to explain visibility analysis in space syntax, we start with the well-known 2D geographical visibility analysis ‘isovist’ as a field of vision. We build upon and explain visibility point-depthanalysisand visual graph analysis. Further, we demonstrate how the simple point-depth calculations contribute to a theory on space and urban centrality. In addition, we discuss 3D isovists. Furthermore, we also demonstrate and discuss the use of the all-lineanalysis. Finally, we expound upon agent-based modelling. Exercises are provided at the end of this chapter.
Private and Public Space: Analysing Spatial Relationships Between Buildings and Streets
Authors: van Nes Akkelies , Yamu Claudia
Published: July 2021

In this chapter, we discuss and demonstrate how to analyse the urban micro-spatial relationships between private and public spaces. These methods allow one to analyse intervisibility between buildingsandstreets, entrancedensity from buildings towards streets, streetconstitutedness, and the topological depth between private and public spaces. These urban micro-scaleanalyses are a quantification of Jane Jacob’s (1960) and Jan Gehl’s (1996) presumptions about the interrelation between streets and building entrances and windows. Exercises are provided at the end of this chapter.
Space Syntax Applied in Urban Practice
Authors: van Nes Akkelies , Yamu Claudia
Published: July 2021

In this chapter, we discuss the application of space syntax in consultancyforurbanplanningdesign and practice. First, we present the scientific challenges to tying general understandings and theoriesto urban planning and design practice. Some elementary principles for communicating results from research and theories to practitioners are demonstrated. We further explain the principles for successful master planning and the principles for designing vital and safe public realms related to the use of space syntax. This is followed by a discussion on how to avoid common errors when planning for vital neighbourhoods and cities. We present examples from practice where space syntax has played a major role. These include regenerating Trafalgar Square in London, evaluating various proposals for a new road link in the Dutch city of Leiden, developing strategies for the whole province of North Holland, and densification strategies in the Norwegian town of Bergen. In the conclusion, we discuss major pitfalls when applying space syntax to urban design and planning projects in practice. Exercises are provided at the end of the chapter.
Teachers’ Perspective on Fostering Computational Thinking Through Educational Robotics
Authors: Chevalier Morgane , El-Hamamsy Laila , Giang Christian , Bruno Barbara , Mondada Francesco
Published: July 2021

With the introduction of educational robotics (ER) and computational thinking (CT) in classrooms, there is a rising need for operational models that help ensure that CT skills are adequately developed. One such model is the Creative Computational Problem Solving Model (CCPS) which can be employed to improve the design of ER learning activities. Following the first validation with students, the objective of the present study is to validate the model with teachers, specifically considering how they may employ the model in their own practices. The Utility, Usability and Acceptability framework was leveraged for the evaluation through a survey analysis with 334 teachers. Teachers found the CCPS model useful to foster transversal skills but could not recognise the impact of specific intervention methods on CT-related cognitive processes. Similarly, teachers perceived the model to be usable for activity design and intervention, although felt unsure about how to use it to assess student learning and adapt their teaching accordingly. Finally, the teachers accepted the model, as shown by their intent to replicate the activity in their classrooms, but were less willing to modify it or create their own activities, suggesting that they need time to appropriate the model and underlying tenets.
Exploring a Handwriting Programming Language for Educational Robots
Authors: El-Hamamsy Laila , Papaspyros Vaios , Kangur Taavet , Mathex Laura , Giang Christian , Skweres Melissa , Bruno Barbara , Mondada Francesco
Published: July 2021

Recently, introducing computer science and educational robots in compulsory education has received increasing attention. However, the use of screens in classrooms is often met with resistance, especially in primary school. To address this issue, this study presents the development of a handwriting-based programming language for educational robots. Aiming to align better with existing classroom practices, it allows students to program a robot by drawing symbols with ordinary pens and paper. Regular smartphones are leveraged to process the hand-drawn instructions using computer vision and machine learning algorithms, and send the commands to the robot for execution. To align with the local computer science curriculum, an appropriate playground and scaffolded learning tasks were designed. The system was evaluated in a preliminary test with eight teachers, developers and educational researchers. While the participants pointed out that some technical aspects could be improved, they also acknowledged the potential of the approach to make computer science education in primary school more accessible.
Lattice regularisation and entanglement structure of the Gross-Neveu model
Authors: Roose Gertian , Bultinck Nick , Vanderstraeten Laurens , Verstraete Frank , Van Acoleyen Karel , Haegeman Jutho
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We construct a Hamiltonian lattice regularisation of the N-flavour Gross-Neveu model that manifestly respects the full O(2N) symmetry, preventing the appearance of any unwanted marginal perturbations to the quantum field theory. In the context of this lattice model, the dynamical mass generation is intimately related to the Coleman-Mermin-Wagner and Lieb-Schultz-Mattis theorems. In particular, the model can be interpreted as lying at the first order phase transition line between a trivial and symmetry-protected topological (SPT) phase, which explains the degeneracy of the elementary kink excitations. We show that our Hamiltonian model can be solved analytically in the large N limit, producing the correct expression for the mass gap. Furthermore, we perform extensive numerical matrix product state simulations for N = 2, thereby recovering the emergent Lorentz symmetry and the proper non-perturbative mass gap scaling in the continuum limit. Finally, our simulations also reveal how the continuum limit manifests itself in the entanglement spectrum. As expected from conformal field theory we find two conformal towers, one tower spanned by the linear representations of O(4), corresponding to the trivial phase, and the other by the projective (i.e. spinor) representations, corresponding to the SPT phase.