bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal mapping of hepatitis B vaccine‐induced B‐cell linear epitopes in healthy individuals
Authors: Zhong Shihong , Liu Zhipeng , Zhou Yang , Zhang Tianling , Fu Xin , Guo Ling , Gu Shuqin , Tang Libo , Hou Jinlin , Li Yongyin
Published: June 2022

The elimination of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is partially facilitated by the prophylactic HB vaccine. As the loss of seroprotection over time remains a conundrum for long‐lasting protection, a comprehensive dynamic analysis of immunogenic targets of the HB vaccine will provide novel insights into the improvement and design of potential targets. In this study, 36 healthy subjects without prior history of hepatitis B infection and negative for hepatitis B surface antibody (anti‐HBs) were enrolled. Participants were given a series of three doses of HB vaccine on a 0‐, 1‐, and 6‐month schedule and longitudinally followed up. We systematically mapped 55 overlapping 15‐mer peptides covering the small S protein of hepatitis B virus (SHBs) of vaccinees' serum samples at seven time points by performing an ELISA assay. Additionally, the frequencies and function dynamics of adaptive immune response were assessed by flow cytometry. We found that the SHBs peptide coverage presented an overall upward trend along with the vaccination progress, and the individual subpartition recognition was strongly correlated with the anti‐HBs titers. Moreover, we identified one dominant epitope (S29) located on “a determinant region” associated with effective vaccine response. Besides, significant correlations between the proportion of plasmablasts and proliferating B cells and levels of anti‐HBs were ascertained. Taken together, our data characterized the dynamics of HB vaccine‐induced neutralizing antibodies against B‐cell linear epitopes on SHBs and adaptive immune response, which will be constructive to develop the next‐generation vaccine.
Last Glacial Maximum active layer thickness in Western Europe, and the issue of ‘tundra gleys’ in loess sequences
Authors: Bertran Pascal , Stadelmaier Kim H. , Ludwig Patrick
Published: June 2022

Late Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 and MIS 2 loess–palaeosol sequences in Western Europe comprise alternating loess layer and 3‐ to 30‐cm‐thick bleached soil horizons with Fe–Mn oxide precipitations, which are usually interpreted as waterlogged active layers and referred to as ‘tundra gleys’. Active layer thickness data derived from a regional climate model simulation and the fossils (shells, earthworm granules) found in ‘tundra gleys’ argue against such an assumption. Most of these horizons better correspond to Fe‐depleted, slightly humic topsoil horizons or subsurface eluvial horizons and should be referred to as (incipient) Ag or Eg horizons. They formed during climate ameliorations associated with vegetation (cryptogams, herbs) development, possibly limited by long‐lasting snow cover. Strong mixing usually occurred in these horizons due to the activity of anecic earthworms and frost activity.
A new conceptual framework for spatial predictive modelling of land degradation in a semiarid area
Authors: Abolhasani Azam , Zehtabian Gholamreza , Khosravi Hassan , Rahmati Omid , Alamdarloo Esmail Heydari , D'Odorico Paolo
Published: June 2022

Although land degradation (LD) is known as a severe environmental problem, spatial predictive modelling of this phenomenon remains a challenge. This research aimed to develop a new conceptual framework to predict LD susceptibility based on net primary production (NPP) and machine learning approaches. The annual NPP over the period 2001–2020 were obtained using MOD17A3 and the trend of NPP changes was considered to investigate the occurrence sites of LD within Qazvin Plain, in Qazvin Province, Iran, under a semiarid climate, with an area of about 9500 km2. An inventory map of LD was generated based on the LD study sites. The locations were randomly split‐sampled as training (70%) and testing (30%) datasets to evaluate the efficiency of the built models. Fifteen geo‐environmental factors were considered as LD predictive variables such as altitude, slope, land use, and temperature. Four advanced machine‐learning techniques were performed to model LD susceptibility. Finally, the predictive efficiency of the models was measured utilizing the area under the (ROC) curve Area Under the ROC Curve(AUC) and true skill as statics (TSS). The results indicated that the randomForest (RF), with the AUC = 0.81 and TSS = 0.5, showed the highest efficiency for predicting LD in the Qazvin Plain followed by boosted regression tree (BRT) with AUC = 0.76 and TSS = 0.47, support vector machine (SVM) with AUC = 0.71 and TSS = 0.39, and classification and regression tree (CART) with AUC = 0.63 and TSS = 0.31. The findings illustrated that altitude was the most influential variable within RF, BRT, and SVM while rainfall showed the most important contribution in modelling based on the CART algorithm. This study proposed a new modelling framework that is easily replicable in different contexts for the assessment of LD modelling and analysis.
Dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as a vital component of sustainable agriculture and food security—A review
Authors: Uebersax Mark A. , Cichy Karen A. , Gomez Francisco E. , Porch Timothy G. , Heitholt Jim , Osorno Juan M. , Kamfwa Kelvin , Snapp Sieglinde S. , Bales Scott
Published: June 2022

The importance of legumes in sustainable cropping systems has been studied extensively. Among legumes, common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are a rich world resource of biodiversity with two centers of domestication (Andes and Central America) and over 10 major market classes cultivated globally. Common beans are recognized as a nutrient‐dense, healthy food source due to their high protein, dietary fiber, and minerals content and also being a rich source of resistant and slowly digestible starch, which elicits a lower glycemic response. Some bioactive compounds present in beans are reported to mitigate cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, hyper‐cholesterolemia, and cancer. Dry bean production systems provide unique advantages that support sustainability, including a low carbon footprint and short growth cycle, which facilitates crop diversification and cover crop integration. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF), a unique characteristic of legumes, promotes environmentally friendly production through modest fertilizer use. Advances to improve the upright plant architecture of beans during the last two decades have enhanced options for direct harvest thereby reducing the number of equipment passes required. Overall, the sustainability implications of diversifying crop rotation using beans result in reduced requirements for environmentally unfriendly inputs and buffering of crop productivity under variable weather conditions. This review article covers common beans' role in agricultural sustainability (biodiversity, SNF, rotational diversity, harvest management) and as a sustainable source of nutrition and food security. Further discussion includes measures to enhance dry beans sustainability through breeding and crop management practices by addressing biotic and abiotic stresses (diseases, drought, high temperature, waterlogging, conservation tillage).
Spatial and temporal variations in atmospheric gas flux from the Hudson River: the estuarine gas exchange maximum
Authors: Scully Malcolm E. , Michel Anna P. M. , Nicholson David P. , Traylor Shawnee
Published: June 2022

A unique combination of data collected from fixed instruments, spatial surveys, and a long‐term observing network in the Hudson River demonstrate the importance of spatial and temporal variations in atmospheric gas flux. The atmospheric exchanges of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) exhibit variability at a range of time scales including pronounced modulation driven by spring‐neap variations in stratification and mixing. During weak neap tides, bottom waters become enriched in pCO2 and depleted in dissolved oxygen because strong stratification limits vertical mixing and isolates sub‐pycnocline water from atmospheric exchange. Estuarine circulation also is enhanced during neap tides so that bottom waters, and their associated dissolved gases, are transported up‐estuary. Strong mixing during spring tides effectively ventilates bottom waters resulting in enhanced CO2 evasion and O2 invasion. The spring‐neap modulation in the estuarine portion of the Hudson River is enhanced because fortnightly variations in mixing have a strong influence on phytoplankton dynamics, allowing strong blooms to occur during weak neap tides. During blooms, periods of CO2 invasion and O2 evasion occur over much of the lower stratified estuary. The along‐estuary distribution of stratification, which decreases up‐estuary, favors enhanced gas exchange near the limit of salt, where vertical stratification is absent. This region, which we call the estuarine gas exchange maximum (EGM), results from the convergence in bottom transport and is analogous to the estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM). Much like the ETM, the EGM is likely to be a common feature in many partially mixed and stratified estuarine systems.
Polymer Vesicles in a Nanochannel under Flow Fields: A DPD Simulation Study
Authors: Wu Fangsheng , Lin Jiaping , Wang Liquan , Lin Shaoliang
Published: June 2022

The general lack of knowledge on the dynamics of polymer vesicles under flow field has confounded their applications in drug delivery and other fields. Therefore, dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations on the dynamic behavior of diblock copolymer vesicles in a nanochannel under Poiseuille flow are conducted. The simulation results show that the block copolymer vesicles with hydrophobic blocks of different rigidities exhibit significantly different mechanical stabilities under the flow fields. With increasing the Reynolds number, the coil–coil block copolymer vesicles undergo a shape transition from spherical to bullet‐like to asymmetric and eventually split into two parts. In contrast, the rod–coil block copolymer vesicles deform from spherical to bullet‐like to parachute‐like structures and ultimately ruptured. The flow‐induced distortion and reorganization of copolymers mainly cause the deformation of vesicles. The distinguished motions of the block copolymers with different rigid blocks lead to the distinct performance of the vesicles. The findings could help understand the flow behavior of polymer vesicles in a nanochannel or a blood vessel and assist the design of bio‐functional polymersomes.
Evaluation of COVID‐19 pandemic spreading using computational analysis on nonlinear SITR model
Authors: Ghasemi S. E. , Gouran Sina
Published: June 2022

The main purpose of present paper is to investigate the nonlinear model of COVID‐19 (novel coronavirus) computationally. The SITR model is designed according to four classifications of Susceptible (S), Infectious (I), Treatment (T) and Recovered (R). Two convenient and effective numerical techniques namely the Adams–Bashforth Method (ABM) and Milne‐Simpson Method (MSM) are employed to analyze the epidemic model. The influences of the contact rate parameter (β), recovery parameter (μ) and death parameter (α) on the variables including S, I and R are studied comprehensively. The obtained findings indicate that by increasing the contact rate parameter the infectious and recovered categories enhance but the susceptible mechanism decreases.
Heat conduction in composite media involving imperfect contact and perfectly conductive inclusions
Authors: Amar Micol , Andreucci Daniele , Timofte Claudia
Published: June 2022

We study the thermal properties of a composite material made up of a medium hosting an
‐periodic array of perfect thermal conductors. The thermal potentials of the two phases are coupled across the interface through a non‐standard imperfect contact transmission condition, involving the external thermal flux and a proportionality coefficient
, where
is a scaling parameter and
accounts for the imperfect contact. We perform the homogenization for all the scalings
and we compare the resulting models with the perfect contact transmission case addressed in some of our previous studies, letting
, where this is meaningful.
Simultaneously optimizing sampling pattern for joint acceleration of multi‐contrast MRI using model‐based deep learning
Authors: Seo Sunghun , Luu Huan Minh , Choi Seung Hong , Park Sung‐Hong
Published: June 2022

Background

Acceleration of MR imaging (MRI) is a popular research area, and usage of deep learning for acceleration has become highly widespread in the MR community. Joint acceleration of multiple‐acquisition MRI was proven to be effective over a single‐acquisition approach. Also, optimization in the sampling pattern demonstrated its advantage over conventional undersampling pattern. However, optimizing the sampling patterns for joint acceleration of multiple‐acquisition MRI has not been investigated well.

Purpose

To develop a model‐based deep learning scheme to optimize sampling patterns for a joint acceleration of multi‐contrast MRI.

Methods

The proposed scheme combines sampling pattern optimization and multi‐contrast MRI reconstruction. It was extended from the physics‐guided method of the joint model–based deep learning (J‐MoDL) scheme to optimize the separate sampling pattern for each of multiple contrasts simultaneously for their joint reconstruction. Tests were performed with three contrasts of T2‐weighted, FLAIR, and T1‐weighted images. The proposed multi‐contrast method was compared to (i) single‐contrast method with sampling optimization (baseline J‐MoDL), (ii) multi‐contrast method without sampling optimization, and (iii) multi‐contrast method with single common sampling optimization for all contrasts. The optimized sampling patterns were analyzed for sampling location overlap across contrasts. The scheme was also tested in a data‐driven scenario, where the inversion between input and label was learned from the under‐sampled data directly and tested on knee datasets for generalization test.

Results

The proposed scheme demonstrated a quantitative and qualitative advantage over the single‐contrast scheme with sampling pattern optimization and the multi‐contrast scheme without sampling pattern optimization. Optimizing the separate sampling pattern for each of the multi‐contrasts was superior to optimizing only one common sampling pattern for all contrasts. The proposed scheme showed less overlap in sampling locations than the single‐contrast scheme. The main hypothesis was also held in the data‐driven situation as well. The brain‐trained model worked well on the knee images, demonstrating its generalizability.

Conclusion

Our study introduced an effective scheme that combines the sampling optimization and the multi‐contrast acceleration. The seamless combination resulted in superior performance over the other existing methods.
Bayesian statistics‐guided label refurbishment mechanism: Mitigating label noise in medical image classification
Authors: Gao Mengdi , Feng Ximeng , Geng Mufeng , Jiang Zhe , Zhu Lei , Meng Xiangxi , Zhou Chuanqing , Ren Qiushi , Lu Yanye
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Deep neural networks (DNNs) have been widely applied in medical image classification, benefiting from its powerful mapping capability among medical images. However, these existing deep learning‐based methods depend on an enormous amount of carefully labeled images. Meanwhile, noise is inevitably introduced in the labeling process, degrading the performance of models. Hence, it is significant to devise robust training strategies to mitigate label noise in the medical image classification tasks.

Methods

In this work, we propose a novel Bayesian statistics‐guided label refurbishment mechanism (BLRM) for DNNs to prevent overfitting noisy images. BLRM utilizes maximum a posteriori probability in the Bayesian statistics and the exponentially time‐weighted technique to selectively correct the labels of noisy images. The training images are purified gradually with the training epochs when BLRM is activated, further improving classification performance.

Results

Comprehensive experiments on both synthetic noisy images (public OCT & Messidor datasets) and real‐world noisy images (ANIMAL‐10N) demonstrate that BLRM refurbishes the noisy labels selectively, curbing the adverse effects of noisy data. Also, the anti‐noise BLRMs integrated with DNNs are effective at different noise ratio and are independent of backbone DNN architectures. In addition, BLRM is superior to state‐of‐the‐art comparative methods of anti‐noise.

Conclusions

These investigations indicate that the proposed BLRM is well capable of mitigating label noise in medical image classification tasks.
Foot self‐care behaviour in type 2 diabetes adults with and without comorbid heart failure
Authors: Aga Fekadu , Dunbar Sandra B. , Kebede Tedla , Guteta Senbeta , Higgins Melinda Kay , Gary Rebecca A.
Published: June 2022

Aims

To compare the correlates of foot self‐care behaviours among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) adults with and without comorbid heart failure (HF).

Design

Cross‐sectional, correlational, comparative design.

Methods

A 210 T2D adults (105 with HF and 105 without HF) participated from August–December 2020. Foot self‐care behaviour was measured using the foot care subscale of the Summary of Diabetes Self‐Care Activities (SDSCA) instrument. A stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to explore variables predicting foot self‐care behaviour.

Results

The participants' mean age was 58.7 ± 10.9 years. Poor foot self‐care behaviour was reported in T2D adults both with (53.3%) and without (54.3%) HF. Participants with HF‐comorbidity were statistically significantly older and had higher total daily medication intake. Household income and the total number of daily medications statistically significantly predicted foot self‐care behaviour in HF‐comorbid T2D adults. Marital status, social support and body mass index predicted foot self‐care behaviour in the non‐HF group.
Frequency and co‐occurrence of porous skeletal lesions in identified non‐adults from Portugal (19th to 20th centuries) and its association with respiratory infections as cause of death
Authors: Gomes Ricardo A. M. P. , Petit Jimmy , Dutour Olivier , Santos Ana Luisa
Published: June 2022

Porous skeletal lesions (PSL) have been reported in scientific literature since the 19th century, yet their etiology(ies) remains a complex issue under debate. The aim of this study is twofold: evaluate the frequency, co‐occurrence, and association of PSL with biological sex and age at death and examine possible relationships between the presence/absence of PSL with the known cause of death (COD). Fifty‐six non‐adult skeletons from the Coimbra Identified Skeletal Collection (19th to 20th centuries) were evaluated. Lesion presence/absence was recorded macroscopically without previous knowledge of the biographic data. Forty‐nine individuals (87.5%) presented at least one type of PSL, and cribra femoralis was the most frequent (n = 39), followed by orbitalia (n = 26), humeralis (n = 15), and cranii (n = 6). Porous skeletal lesions affected males and females equally, and younger individuals presented a significantly higher frequency of cribra femoralis. Even without statistical significance, the co‐occurrence of cribra orbitalia, humeralis, and femoralis was common, as described in the “cribrous syndrome” where it is advocated a shared etiology for these lesions, based on macroscopic, microscopic, and radiological features. Individuals with a COD as respiratory infection, particularly pulmonary tuberculosis, exhibited a higher risk of expressing cribra orbitalia. The results of this investigation suggest an influence of age and infectious diseases in the expression of PSL, impacting the bioarchaeological interpretations. There is a need for further research in clinical, autopsy, and identified skeletal collection samples to further understand co‐occurrence, comorbidity, and possible frailty related to PSL.
Mechanical and thermal properties of synergistic modification of bismaleimide polymer composites with nano‐SiO2 and hyperbranched polyimide
Authors: Gao Feng , Shi Jiahao , Zhang Xiaorui , Wang Xuan , Weng Ling , Sun Xue , Yu Lida , Li Chenhao
Published: June 2022

Bismaleimide resin (BMI) is a thermosetting resin with excellent properties. However, due to its poor toughness as a cured product, this paper uses hyperbranched polyimide (HBPI) and nano‐SiO2 in a synergistic manner to improve the performance of BMI. Isophorone diisocyanated tripolymer (IPDI trimer) and methyl nadic anhydride (MNA) were used to synthesize HBPI, and then we investigated the effect of the synergistic modification on the mechanical and thermal properties and the modification mechanism of HBPI and nano‐SiO2. The experiments showed that the most significant improvements were achieved at the addition of 40 and 3 wt% of HBPI and nano‐SiO2 respectively, with the impact strength of the materials increasing by 97.2%, fracture toughness indexes GIC and KIC increased by 36.7% and 34.6% respectively and glass transition temperature (Tg) was reduced. The SEM results showed that the nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed and further validated the synergistic modification mechanism.
Chinese adolescents' positive relationships with parents: The effects of the sex of their younger sibling
Authors: Chen Bin‐Bin , Shen Mengqian , Jin Shenghua , French Doran C.
Published: June 2022

We investigated how sibling status and sex of younger siblings influence Chinese adolescents' relationships with their fathers and mothers as a function of resource dilution and preference for sons. The sample included 1,093 adolescents from the 8th grade (Mage = 13.96 years,SD = 0.75 years; 47% girls) and the 11th grade (Mage = 17.25 years,SD = 0.74 years; 57% girls) in a longitudinal study. Consistent with expectations pertaining to the hypothesis of resource dilution and son preference in combination, girls with a younger brother reported less positive relationships with mothers than either singleton girls or girls with a younger sister. No significant difference was found between singleton boys and boys with a younger sibling. The current findings show implications that the resource‐dilution theory and son preference culture together may place girls with a younger brother in an unfavorable condition of resource allocation.
Maize resistance to insect herbivory is enhanced by silencing expression of genes for jasmonate‐isoleucine degradation using sugarcane mosaic virus
Authors: Chung Seung Ho , Zhang Shudi , Song Hojun , Whitham Steven A. , Jander Georg
Published: June 2022

Previously, sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) was developed as a vector for transient expression of heterologous genes in Zea mays (maize). Here, we show that SCMV can also be applied for virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) of endogenous maize genes. Comparison of sense and antisense VIGS constructs targeting maize phytoene desaturase (PDS) showed that antisense constructs resulted in a greater reduction in gene expression. In a time course of gene expression after infection with VIGS constructs targeting PDS, lesion mimic 22 (Les22), and Iodent japonica 1 (Ij1), efficient expression silencing was observed 2, 3, and 4 weeks after infection with SCMV. However, at Week 5, expression of Les22 and Ij1 was no longer significantly reduced compared with control plants. The defense signaling molecule jasmonate‐isoleucine (JA‐Ile) can be inactivated by 12C‐hydroxylation and hydrolysis, and knockout of these genes leads to herbivore resistance. JA‐Ile hydroxylases and hydrolases have been investigated in Arabidopsis, rice, and Nicotiana attenuata. To determine whether the maize homologs of these genes function in plant defense, we silenced expression of ZmCYP94B1 (predicted JA‐Ile hydroxylase) and ZmJIH1 (predicted JA‐Ile hydrolase) by VIGS with SCMV, which resulted in elevated expression of two defense‐related genes, Maize Proteinase Inhibitor (MPI) and Ribosome Inactivating Protein 2 (RIP2). Although ZmCYP94B1 and ZmJIH1 gene expression silencing increased resistance to Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm), Schistocerca americana (American birdwing grasshopper), and Rhopalosiphum maidis (corn leaf aphid), there was no additive effect from silencing the expression of both genes. Further work will be required to determine the more precise functions of these enzymes in regulating maize defenses.
Enhanced Energy Storage Properties of BNT–ST–AN Relaxor Ferroelectric Ceramics Fabrication by the Solid‐State Combustion Technique
Authors: Kornphom Chittakorn , Saenkam Kamonporn , Bongkarn Theerachai
Published: June 2022

The performance of high energy storage lead free 0.722(Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3)−0.228(SrTiO3)−0.05(AgNbO3) (BNT–ST–AN) ceramics prepared by the solid‐state combustion technique, using glycine as fuel is studied here. All samples are investigated for their phase formation, microstructure, dielectric, ferroelectric, and energy storage characteristics. A single perovskite phase of BNT–ST–AN is obtained from the powder calcined at 750 °C for 4 h. The sintered BNT–ST–AN ceramics present a single perovskite structure with coexisting rhombohedral (R) and cubic (C) phases in all samples. The percentage of the R phase increases while the percentage of the C phase decreases when the sintering temperature increases from 1075 to 1125 °C and then shows an opposite trend. A good microstructure, the highest density (5.42 g cm−3), the highest dielectric constant (ε
r ≈ 1871 and ε
m ≈ 3396), the highest electric breakdown strength (E
b ≈ 130 kV cm−1) and excellent total energy storage density (W
total ≈ 3.07 J cm−3), recoverable energy storage density (W
rec ≈ 2.25 J cm−3) and efficiency (η ≈ 75.88%) with coexisting phases of R (62%) and C (38%) are achieved from the sample sintered at 1125 °C for 2 h. Moreover, this sample exhibits temperature and frequency stability of the energy storage properties in the range from 25 to 150 °C and 1 to 20 Hz, respectively.
Real‐time biomechanical modelling of the liver using LightGBM model
Authors: Zhu Jiahua , Su Yixian , Liu Ziteng , Liu Bainan , Sun Yu , Gao Wenpeng , Fu Yili
Published: June 2022

Background

Accurate and real‐time biomechanical modelling of the liver is a major challenge in computer‐assisted surgery. Finite element method is often used to predict the deformation of organs for its high modelling accuracy. However, its high computation cost hinders its application in real time, such as virtual surgery simulations.

Method

A liver model with biomechanical properties similar to real one is created using finite element method and a data set of the liver deformation with different forces (whose magnitude ranges from 0.1 to 0.5 N in omni‐direction) acting on different surface points is generated. The mechanical behaviour of liver is simulated in real time by a tree‐based LightGBM regression model trained with the generated data set.

Results

In comparison with the Random Forest and XGBoost, the LightGBM model achieves the best accuracy with 0.0774 mm, 0.0786 mm, 0.0801 mm in the mean absolute error (MAE) and 0.0591 mm, 0.0609 and 0.0622 mm in the root mean square error (RMSE) along x, y and z axis, respectively. In addition, it only takes 33 ms for the LightGBM model to estimate the deformation of the liver, which is much faster than finite element model (29.91 s).

Conclusion

These results lay a foundation for the future development of real‐time virtual surgery systems of simulating liver deformation during minimally invasive surgeries using our method.
Structural characterization of Au/Cr bilayer thin films using combined X‐ray reflectivity and grazing incidence X‐ray fluorescence measurements
Authors: Alam Md. Akhlak , Tiwari Manoj K. , Khooha Ajay , Nayak Maheswar , Mukherjee Chandrachur
Published: June 2022

Gold thin‐film mirrors are widely used as X‐ray reflective optics to manipulate X‐rays especially in synchrotron beamlines. Application of a thin underlying buffer layer of chromium enhances the adhesion of gold film to the substrate material and provides long term structural stability. In the present work, Au/Cr bilayers deposited using the DC magnetron sputtering technique with different thickness values on a Si substrate are studied to better understand the correlation between micro‐structure properties and residual stress. In order to obtain precise structural properties of Cr binding layer and gold layer, as well as in‐between nanoscaled interfacial structure, nondestructive probing is carried out by simultaneously utilizing synchrotron‐based combined X‐ray reflectivity (XRR)–grazing incidence X‐ray fluorescence (GIXRF) techniques. It has been clearly observed that when thickness of Cr layer is relatively small, a composite interlayer structure is formed at the Au/Cr boundary and at the Cr/Si interface boundary due to the interdiffusion of two layer mediums. However, when the thickness of the Cr layer is relatively larger (~90 Å), emergence of such an interlayer medium does not take place. The grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction (GIXRD) measurements have also been performed to investigate crystalline structure and residual stress of the gold layer medium. Our results show that relatively large residual stress exists in the Au layer if thickness of Cr layer is small. The surface roughness morphology of the top gold layer obtained from the atomic force microscopy measurements showed the partial agreement with the results obtained from the XRR‐GIXRF technique.
Morphological behavior of fullerene‐steroid hybrid derivatives
Authors: Lemos Reinier , Ortiz Fiorella , Almagro Luis , Makowski Kamil , Martin Nazario , Albericio Fernando , Suárez Margarita , Rodríguez Hortensia
Published: June 2022

Over the years, fullerene has been covalently linked to other polar structures, increasing its aqueous solubility, thereby improving its potential use for biological and biomedical applications. Here, we report on the self‐organization characteristics in water of fullerene‐steroid hybrid derivatives with broad structural features. A library of 12 hybrid derivatives was prepared and classified into three groups: (1) mono adducts with only one steroid molecule and one fullerene moiety fused; (2) hybrids bearing wings with one fullerene moiety and two steroid molecules; and (3) a structure with two fullerene moieties linked to one steroid molecule and a mixture of two different monoaducts where C60‐malonate is attached to the A or D ring of steroid moiety. Different spectroscopic techniques characterized all synthesized fullerene derivatives, such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments (1H and 13C), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The morphology of the derivatives in aqueous solution was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In general, all the derivatives were organized into spherical nanoscale structures, where the structural characteristics defined the particle size distribution (PSD), showing a broad range of sizes from 6 to over 50 nm, and only a low percentage of larger particles were observed. The presence of dehydroepiandrosterone moieties in fullerene derivatives bearing wings and the increase in lipophilicity conferred by two C60 in the same structure induced more homogeneous and smaller particles, ranging from 6 to 20 nm. A preliminary computational study of the wing aggregates IIb showed that theoretical curve aggregates are more stable than linear ones supporting our TEM and PDS results.
Metal‐Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and their Applications in CO2Adsorption and Conversion
Authors: Zulkifli Zuraini I. , Lim Kean L. , Teh Lee P.
Published: June 2022

Nowadays, sustaining the atmosphere and protecting it from global warming are recognized as the main concerns of the planet. This problem has been addressed through the development of a number of different carbon capture and sequestration approaches. Lately, metal‐organic framework (MOF) has emerged as the most auspicious CO2adsorption and conversion material. This novel class of porous material has demonstrated tremendous potential for gas separation technologies, particularly CO2adsorption and conversion due to their remarkable characteristics. Therefore, the present review attempted to provide current understanding of the CO2adsorption and conversion performance over MOF‐based materials. This review paper discussed the type and properties of the MOF, effect of metal and ligand on MOF's properties, and various applications of MOF. Furthermore, future insights were proposed for better design and development of MOF‐based materials for CO2applications.
H2O2‐Promoted Inter‐ and Intramolecular C−N Bond Formation: Synthesis of Quinazoline Derivatives
Authors: Liu Qingjie , Chen Hong , Li Shigai , Guo Yanchun , Cao Shuxia , Zhao Yufen
Published: June 2022

Hydrogen peroxide, a cheap and easily available green oxidant, can not only produce oxygen, but also produce hydroxyl radical by homogenization under the catalysis of metal. Toluene and benzyl halide can be oxidized to benzaldehyde by hydrogen peroxide and participate in the reaction with 2‐aminobenzylamine. Through the construction of C−N bond, a series of quinazoline derivatives were synthesized. This reaction allows a broad range of substrates as well as good functional group compatibility.
Photocatalytic Reduction of Cr VI by TiO2/GO Nanocomposite
Authors: Verma Nidhi , Chundawat Tejpal S. , Surolia Praveen K. , Vaya Dipti
Published: June 2022

Graphene Oxide (GO) was successfully deposited on TiO2 NPs through sol‐gel process. The fabricated TiO2/GO (T/G) nanocomposite was used for reduction of CrVI under simulated solar light illumination. 10 wt. % GO was used for the preparation of T/ G nanocomposite. Several analytical methods such as powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV‐visible diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) spectrophotometer was used to characterize the samples. The PXRD revealed the formation of the anatase phase of TiO2 NPs and T/G nanocomposites, as per literature more favourable form of TiO2 for photocatalytic activity. The average crystallite size was found 5.1 nm and 23 nm for TiO2 NPs and T/G nanocomposite respectively. Under the simulated sunlight illumination, the TiO2 NPs was excited to generate the electron‐hole pairs and then the photo‐generated electron transferred by the GO to the CrVI which further converted into CrIII. The band gap for T/G nanocomposite was calculated 2.92 eV. Under visible light,27.3 % photoreduction of (10 mg/L) CrVI solution at λmax=347 nm was achieved within 90 min on the T/G sample at the pH 5–6 while overall reduction was 48 % including adsorption. The rate of reaction was found 0.00305 min−1 and the order of reaction was pseudo first order.
One‐Pot Sequential [3+2] Cycloaddition and Ring‐Expansion Reaction for Selective Synthesis of Polycyclic Spirooxindole
Authors: He Yue‐Wei , Wu Wen‐Tao , Han Ying , Ma Wei‐Qing , Sun Jing , Yan Chao‐Guo
Published: June 2022

The one‐pot three‐component reaction of L‐proline, isatins and 1‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐3‐phenylprop‐2‐en‐1‐ones and sequential reaction with methyl propiolate in refluxing methanol resulted in novel functionalized spiro[chromane‐2,3′‐indoline]‐2′,4‐diones as major products and spiro[chromeno[3,2‐d]azocine‐2,3′‐indolin]‐3‐ yl)acrylate as minor products. On the other hand, the similar one‐pot‐three‐component reaction of L‐proline, isatins and 3‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1‐phenylprop‐2‐en‐1‐ones and sequential reaction with methyl propiolate in refluxing acetonitrile predominately afforded the unique 6b,14‐(epoxy[1,2]benzeno)pyrrolo[1′,2′:1,2]azocino[4,5‐c]quinoline‐8‐carboxylates in satisfactory yields.
Selective Ion Sensing in Artificial Sweat Using Low‐Cost Reduced Graphene Oxide Liquid‐Gated Plastic Transistors
Authors: Furlan de Oliveira Rafael , Montes‐García Verónica , Livio Pietro Antonio , González‐García María Begoña , Fanjul‐Bolado Pablo , Casalini Stefano , Samorì Paolo
Published: June 2022

Health monitoring is experiencing a radical shift from clinic‐based to point‐of‐care and wearable technologies, and a variety of nanomaterials and transducers have been employed for this purpose. 2D materials (2DMs) hold enormous potential for novel electronics, yet they struggle to meet the requirements of wearable technologies. Here, aiming to foster the development of 2DM‐based wearable technologies, reduced graphene oxide (rGO)‐based liquid‐gated transistors (LGTs) for cation sensing in artificial sweat endowed with distinguished performance and great potential for scalable manufacturing is reported. Laser micromachining is employed to produce flexible transistor test patterns employing rGO as the electronic transducer. Analyte selectivity is achieved by functionalizing the transistor channel with ion‐selective membranes (ISMs) via a simple casting method. Real‐time monitoring of K+ and Na+ in artificial sweat is carried out employing a gate voltage pulsed stimulus to take advantage of the fast responsivity of rGO. The sensors show excellent selectivity toward the target analyte, low working voltages (<0.5 V), fast (5–15 s), linear response at a wide range of concentrations (10 µm to 100 mm), and sensitivities of 1 µA/decade. The reported strategy is an important step forward toward the development of wearable sensors based on 2DMs for future health monitoring technologies.
Self‐Supporting Carbon Nanofibers with Ni‐Single‐Atoms and Uniformly Dispersed Ni‐Nanoparticles as Scalable Multifunctional Hosts for High Energy Density Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Pei Huayu , Yang Quan , Yu Jingkun , Song Haoqiang , Zhao Siyuan , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Guo Junling , Lu Siyu
Published: June 2022

The energy density of lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs) is currently hampered by modest sulfur loadings and high electrolyte/sulfur ratios (E/S). These limitations can potentially be overcome using easy‐to‐infiltrate sulfur hosts with high catalytic materials. However, catalytic materials in such hosts are very susceptible to agglomeration due to the lack of efficient confinement in easy‐to‐infiltrate structures. Herein, using carbon dots as an aggregation limiting agent, the successful fabrication of self‐supporting carbon nanofibers (CNF) containing Ni‐single‐atoms (NiSA) and uniformly dispersed Ni‐nanoparticles (NiNP) of small sizes as multifunctional sulfur hosts is reported. The NiSA sites coordinated by such NiNP offer outstanding catalytic activity for sulfur reactions and CNF is an easy‐to‐infiltrate sulfur host with a large‐scale preparation method. Accordingly, such hosts that can be prepared on a large scale enable sulfur cathodes to exhibit high sulfur utilization (66.5 mAh cm−2 at ≈0.02 C) and cyclic stability (≈86.1% capacity retention after 100 cycles at ≈0.12 C) whilst operating at a high sulfur loading (50 mg cm−2) and low E/S (5 µL mg−1). This work provides a blueprint toward practical LSBs with high energy densities.
Understanding the Effect of Pore Size on Electrochemical Capacitive Performance of MXene Foams
Authors: Lv Ke , Zhang Jizhen , Zhao Xu , Kong Na , Tao Jinlong , Zhou Ji
Published: June 2022

Wearable electronics demand energy storage devices with high energy density and fast charging‐discharging rates. Although various porous electrodes have been constructed, the effect of pore size on the capacitive performance of 2D nanomaterials has been rarely studied. Herein, flexible MXene foams with significantly different pore structures are fabricated using varying diameter polystyrene (PS) spheres (80, 310, and 570 nm), which shows uniform pores and interconnected pores providing enough active sites and a good electrical connection for electron transfer. Noteworthy, when MXene flakes and templates (310 nm) have a similar size, the foam delivers the highest gravimetric capacitance of 474 ± 12 F g−1 at 2 mV s−1 than others. Additionally, the mass ratio between MXene and PS controls the packing density of foams influencing the inner resistance of foam electrodes. A carbon nanotube is introduced to further improve the electrical conductivity of foams to achieve a capacitance of 462 ± 8 F g−1 at 2 mV s−1 and retains 205 ± 10 F g−1 at 1000 mV s−1, demonstrating promises in energy storage applications and providing an insightful guidance for designing 2D nanomaterials‐based porous electrodes for supercapacitors.
Ion‐Exchange Strategy for Metal‐Organic Frameworks‐Derived Composites with Tunable Hollow Porous and Microwave Absorption
Authors: Tao Jiaqi , Tan Ruiyang , Xu Linling , Zhou Jintang , Yao Zhengjun , Lei Yiming , Chen Ping , Li Zhong , Ou Jian Zhen
Published: June 2022

Hollow metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) with careful phase engineering have been considered to be suitable candidates for high‐performance microwave absorbents. However, there has been a lack of direct methods tailored to MOFs in this area. Here, a facile and safe Ni2+‐exchange strategy is proposed to synthesize graphite/CoNi alloy hollow porous composites from Ni2+ concentration‐dependent etching of Zeolite imidazole frame‐67 (ZIF‐67) MOF and subsequent thermal field regulation. Such a special combination of hollow structure and carefully selected hybrid phase are with optimized impedance matching and electromagnetic attenuation. Especially, the suitable carrier transport model and the rich polarization site enhance the dielectric loss, while more significant hysteresis loss and more natural resonance increase the magnetic loss. As a result, excellent microwave absorbing (MA) performances of both broadband absorption (7.63 GHz) and high‐efficiency loss (‐63.79 dB) are obtained. Moreover, the applicability and practicability of the strategy are demonstrated. This work illustrates the unique advantages of ion‐exchange strategy in structure design, component optimization, and electromagnetic regulation, providing a new reference for the 5G cause and MA field.
Composition and Morphological Analysis of MnO–SiO2–Al2O3 Inclusions during Solidification of Steel
Authors: Gamutan Jonah Longaquit , Fujiwara Chihaya , Miki Takahiro
Published: June 2022

To understand the extent of the temperature dependence on the deoxidation reactions during cooling of molten steel and the influence of solute microsegregation during solidification on the formation of oxide inclusions, changes in the morphology and composition of Mn–Si–Al deoxidation products of two actual steel samples are experimentally investigated herein. It is found that from 1823 K to just above the liquidus temperature of steel, oxide inclusion composition does not change significantly, suggesting that the temperature dependence of the deoxidation reactions on oxide inclusion formation can be ignored. Meanwhile, during solidification from the liquidus to the solidus temperature of steel, it is found that positive segregation of Mn and Si in the residual molten steel phase largely influences oxide inclusion composition such that the equilibrium oxide phase shifts from high‐ to low‐Al2O3 region. It is confirmed that the higher Al2O3 oxide inclusions are present in the solid, while the lower Al2O3 oxide inclusions are present in the liquid steel phase. These results suggest that the microsegregation behavior of solute elements in molten steel plays an important role in the formation of inclusions, which is of great importance in the production of high‐quality steels.
Analysis of surveillance and prevention plan for African Swine Fever in Italy in 2020
Authors: Iscaro Carmen , Cambiotti Valentina , Bessi Olivia , Pacelli Francesca , Ruocco Luigi , Feliziani Francesco
Published: June 2022

Background

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a challenge for pig health worldwide. The disease has spread to multiple countries on five continents. ASF‐free countries need to apply effective strategies to prevent the introduction of infection.

Methods

Italy implemented a surveillance and prevention plan for ASF in 2020, supported by a dedicated information system. Several pillars for action have been identified: passive surveillance in both domestic pigs and wild boar populations, verification of the implementation of biosecurity measures on farms and an awareness campaign for all involved stakeholders.

Results

There were some regional differences in the management of passive surveillance. In order to identify all critical points and apply corrective measures, regional authorities were called to carry out a gap analysis exercise in July 2020. There were an adequate number of samples collected from wild boar but the number of samples collected from domestic pigs was below the target in most regions. Furthermore, sample distribution within the country was not homogeneous.

Conclusions

During the forthcoming year, some issues must be addressed in order to establish an effective early detection system in Italian ASF‐free regions.
Septic cholecystitis in a goat
Authors: Biedrzycki Adam H. , Roe Heather A.
Published: June 2022

A 3‐year‐old, female, Nigerian dwarf goat presented for the evaluation of a swelling in the right flank. No other clinical signs were apparent. Biochemical changes were minimal and included a hyperfibrinogenemia and a leukocytosis characterised by neutrophilia. Diagnostic imaging included ultrasonography and computed tomography, which demonstrated a grossly distended gall bladder. Cholecystectomy could not be performed due to extensive adhesions, so the case was managed successfully via tube cholecystostomy, lavage, open drainage and systemic antibiotics for 5 weeks. Eight months after treatment, the goat continues to gain weight and is clinically well otherwise. Although rare, the successful treatment of septic cholecystitis is possible in goats.
Mark‐resight methodology for estimating key deer abundance assisted by citizen scientists
Authors: Silvy Nova J. , Lopez Roel R. , Lopez Cristian N. , Breen Timothy , Lopez Angelica , Montalvo Andrea E. , Parker Israel D. , Powell Brian
Published: June 2022

Florida Key deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium) are an endangered subspecies of white‐tailed deer endemic to the Lower Florida Keys. The New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) infestation in July 2016 and Hurricane Irma on 10 September 2017 both caused the Key deer population to decline. Our objective was to estimate current Key deer population abundance using traditional distance sampling and a mark‐resight methodology applicable for citizen scientist participation. For mark‐resight efforts, deer were marked with hand sprayers using water‐based livestock dye on Big Pine (BPK) and No Name keys (NNK). Biologists conducted road surveys between 9–13 March 2020 on BPK and NNK and collected data for mark retention, mark‐resight, and distance calculations concurrently. Our mark‐resight estimate (n = 748) was nearly 300 deer lower than the traditional distance estimate likely because of distance sampling's sensitivity to increased deer visibility along survey routes. Compared to historic data, our mark‐resight population estimate indicated increased deer abundance compared to post‐Hurricane Irma estimates (n = 573), but slightly below post‐screwworm outbreak estimates (n = 860). Based on mark‐retention data, we recommend all resight surveys be completed within 5 days of the first mark placement for the most dependable mark detection. We recommend our mark‐resight method be used in future Key deer surveys as it is simple, efficient, and can be reliably completed with the assistance of volunteers therefore allowing for more regular monitoring.