bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Others’ Emotions, and Ours: a Reflection on Narratives, Categories, and Heuristic Devices
Authors: Tonutti Sabrina
Published: June 2021

This article reflects on some epistemological and methodological tenets of cultural anthropology such as the informants’ role in ethnographical research, the relation between collective phenomena and individuals, and that between case studies (individual level) and abstraction (generalization). These tenets will be addressed focusing on the lack of recognition of animals’ individuality and agency in social relations, and on the related humans/animals opposition. With the topic of the emotional lives of animals as a starting point, the essay sets out to reflect on how the narratives we use to interpret and describe them inform our enquiry within an anthropocentric and essentialist view, consequently biasing our understanding of diversity.
First-principles study of effect of Mg doping on structural stability and electronic structure of LiCoO2 cathode material
Authors: Lin Hong-Bin , Lin Chun , Chen Yue , Zhong Ke-Hua , Zhang Jian-Min , Xu Gui-Gui , Huang Zhi-Gao ,   Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China,   Fujian Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced High-Field Superconducting Materials and Engineering, Fuzhou 350117, China,   Concord University College, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
Published: June 2021

Developing the cathode material with high voltage and high capacity is of critical importance in improving the energy density of the battery. Among various cathode materials, LiCoO2, as the first commercialized cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, is still widely concerned by many researchers due to its high output voltage, high volumetric energy density, and excellent cycling performance. However, a series of issues, such as serious capacity fading and performance deterioration, can emerge as cut-off voltage is above 4.5 V. Many strategies have been proposed to stabilize the cycling performance of LiCoO2 at high voltages. Mg doping is considered to be an effective strategy to improve the high voltage cycling stability of LiCoO2 cathode material, but the specific doping form and mechanism of Mg doping still need to be further studied. In this paper, the values of formation energy and the electronic structures of various configurations for Mg doping on Co and Li sites in LiCoO2 are investigated by the first-principles method based on density-functional theory. The calculated results show that the values of formation energy for different doping configurations are different and the substitution of Mg in LiCoO2 is complicated. When the doping concentration is 3.7%, Mg prefers to substitute for the Co site; while the doping concentration increases to 7.4%, Mg can replace not only the Co or Li sites, but also the Co and Li sites simultaneously. Therefore, it should not be simply believed that Mg ion can replace only Co or Li site in LiCoO2, depending on the specific doping situation actually. Furthermore, various doping configurations also exhibit different electronic states, including metallic state and semiconductor state, and what is more, electronic local states in many cases. Therefore, we believe that the Mg doping configuration in LiCoO2 is related closely to the doping amount, and the doping induced electronic structure also has a great difference.
Oral function in patients with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Donskov Agnete Overgaard , Shimada Akiko , Vinge Lotte , Svensson Peter , Andersen Henning
Published: June 2021

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is characterised by muscle weakness and increased fatigability. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate if patients with MG demonstrate different functional chewing patterns and report more complaints related to mastication as compared with healthy controls. Twelve patients (median 60 years Q1–Q3: 46–70) with generalised MG and nine healthy controls (median 57 years Q1–Q3: 55–63) participated. All participants underwent dental and oral examination and were asked to fill in a questionnaire concerning oral health. Static maximum bite force was measured with a bite force transducer, electromyography in the masseter, temporalis, and suprahyoid muscles were recorded, and jaw movement was tracked, during a 5-minute gum chewing test. The patients had more oral complaints (oral health impact profile total score 22.6 vs 7.5 P < 0.01) and had lower peak bite force than controls (18.8kgf (11.1;26.4) (95% CI) vs 29.5 kgf (21.6; 37.4) (P = 0.04)). In contrast, fatigability of the masticatory muscles, as defined by number of chewing cycles during the gum-chewing test, did not differ between patients and controls (P = 0.10). In conclusion, patients had more oral complaints and lower bite force than controls, but did not show significantly different functional chewing patterns. Future studies should aim at integrating measurement of peak force into functional tests. Attention should be given to oral complaints of patients with MG.
Tiempo de retención y capacidad de transporte de los remolinos del noroeste del golfo de México
Authors: Bello-Fuentes Fernando José , García-Nava Héctor , Andrade-Canto Fernando , Durazo Reginaldo , Castro Rubén , Yarbuh Ismael
Published: June 2021

Los remolinos son estructuras transitorias que influyen en gran medida en la circulación promedio del océano. Modifican la distribución de masa y propiedades como calor, sal, clorofila y partículas inertes. La capacidad que tienen los remolinos para transportar propiedades o partículas depende de su capacidad de retención. En este estudio se identificaron y caracterizaron los remolinos de mesoescala del noroeste del golfo de México (NOGM) a través de un método lagrangiano que permite evaluar el tiempo de retención y la fracción de masa que pueden retener y transportar. Para el análisis, se utilizaron datos diarios de altimetría de 1993 a 2016. En el periodo de estudio se detectaron un total de 254 remolinos, 73 anticiclones y 181 ciclones. Se identificó una región (94.75º W, 26.75º N) donde ocurren ~30% del total de los remolinos ciclónicos detectados entre las isóbatas de 1,000 y 2,500 m. En promedio, el radio de los remolinos fue de ~40 km para la isobata <1,000 m y ~70 km para la isobata >2,500 m. Los remolinos de mesoescala del NOGM pueden trasportar ~60% de la masa que contenían al momento de ser detectados. En promedio, el transporte de masa ocurrió por 33 d para los ciclones y por 26 d para los anticiclones. Rara vez ocurrió por 60 d o más.
Government Capital Expenditure and Economic Growth: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Waweru David
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate how capital government expenditure contributes to economic growth in East African countries. Many past empirical studies on the relationship between public capital spending and output growth show inconsistent results and mainly focus on total public expenditure. Hence, this study aims to determine the impact of public capital spending on economic growth using panel data series for East African countries. The secondary data sources were statistical abstracts and World Bank reports. To check if the variables have a relationship, this study used the panel least squares (OLS) estimation technique. The results showed that capital spending has a positive and significant effect on economic growth in East Africa. This research suggests that in East African economies, the strategy and policy of increasing government spending on the capital budget to promote economic growth will be appropriate, but fewer funds should be channeled towards recurrent programs.
Biosecurity Practices and Potential Biological Risks in Poultry Farms in Agnibilekrou and in Peri Urban Areas of Abidjan
Authors: Kadja M. C. , Sabi S. Sourokou , N’guessan C , Laleye F.X , Kane Y. , Kaboret Y.
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to evaluate biosecurity practices and potential biological risks in poultry farms in Agnibilékrou and in the peri-urban areas of Abidjan. It took place from August to December 2008. A total of 219 poultry farms were surveyed, including 119 in Sector 3 and 100 in Sector 4. The results of this study show that only 22.7% of the farms have fences, 6.7% have roto-tanks and 30.3% have foot baths for the entrance and protection of the breeding area. In 22.7% of cases, poultry carcasses are thrown into the open air and in 25% of farms they are consumed. Nevertheless, 91% of these farms have well maintained surroundings. Waste is disposed of in 96% of open-air farms, poultry corpses in 69% of farms. The water consumed by the birds is surface water in 57% of the farms. In 81% of the farms, the birds are fed by divagation and in 19% of the cases by semi-divagation. Feed is soiled in 89% of farms. Poultry carcasses are thrown away in 43.5% of farms near the farm. Faced with such situations, the Ivorian government should strengthen training, awareness and encourage all actors in the poultry sector, especially farmers, to implement good biosecurity practices.
Representations of Girlhood and Girl Stereotypes in Victoria Aveyards’ The Red Queen Collection
Authors: Soltani Masoumeh , Atashi Laleh
Published: June 2021

Given the fact that girlhood studies is a new area of investigation which intriguingly demonstrates various ways through which girlhood is structured by different social and cultural codes, we intend to examine  girl characters in The Red Queen collection as it was the New York Times Best Selling series. This investigation reveals the way cultural and social norms prescribe specific gender roles and shape different versions of girl characters in this series. To find girl stereotypes in The Red Queen collection, such girlhood theories as Girl Power, Reviving Ophelia, #LIKEAGIRL, Girl Effect and Girl Up have been taken into consideration. Various depictions of girlhood in The Red Queen collection are represented through characters who have different ethnic backgrounds and come from different social classes. This implies that the formation of girl identity has a lot to do with social, economic, political and cultural structures. However, identity formation, as we see in the collection, is an ongoing process and can change in the course of an individual’s self-development.
In search of self: Navigating subjectivity amidst conflicts in Rainbow Rowell’s Eleanor & Park (2012)
Authors: Fitriani Azalea Ayu Dewinta , Gandana Isti Siti Saleha , Nafisah Nia
Published: June 2021

Entrance into adulthood has often been seen as a phase marked by self-exploration, instability, and struggles to overcome tensions and conflicts. Eleanor & Park (2012) is a novel that explores issues of growing up and tells the story of how the two main characters go through the struggles of their adolescent lives. This study analyzes how Eleanor and Park construct and navigate their subjectivities amidst the various conflicts they face. It does so by, first, identifying and classifying the conflicts the characters encounter and then locating their provisional subject positions that draw on how they react to and deal with the conflicts. While the study confirms the dynamic nature of subject positions, both Eleanor and Park tend to bring to the fore their active subject position in dealing with the conflicts. Moreover, their subject positions further indicate that Eleanor and Park are empowered agents who are capable of deliberating thoughts and actions consciously. In navigating their subjectivities, both characters, in the end, are able to achieve personal growth and empowerment.
In vitro and in vivo safety studies indicate that R15, a synthetic polyarginine peptide, could safely reverse the effects of unfractionated heparin
Authors: Li Tong , Meng Zhiyun , Zhu Xiaoxia , Gan Hui , Gu Ruolan , Wu Zhuona , Liu Taoyun , Han Peng , Gao Jiarui , Han Su , Dou Guifang
Published: June 2021

Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is an anionic glycosaminoglycan that is widely used to prevent blood clotting. However, in certain cases, unwanted side effects can require it to be neutralized. Protamine sulfate (PS), a basic peptide rich in arginine, is the only approved antagonist for UFH neutralization. Many adverse reactions occur with the clinical application of PS, including systemic hypotension, pulmonary hypertension, and anaphylaxis. We previously described R15, a linear peptide composed of 15 arginine molecules, as a potential UFH antagonist. In this study, the in‐depth safety of R15 was explored to reveal its merits and associated risks in comparison with PS. In vitro safety studies investigated the interactions of R15 with erythrocytes, fibrin, complement, and rat plasma. In vivo safety studies explored potential toxicity and immunogenicity of R15 and the UFH–R15 complex. Results showed that both PS and R15 can induce erythrocyte aggregation, thicken fibrin fibers, activate complement, and cause anticoagulation in a concentration‐dependent manner. However, those influences weakened in whole blood or in live animals and were avoided when R15 was in a complex with UFH. We found dramatically enhanced complement activation when there was excess UFH in analyses involving UFH–PS complexes, and a slight increase in those involving UFH–R15 complexes. Within 2 h, R15 was degraded in rat plasma in vitro, whereas PS was not. Enhanced creatinine was found after a single intravenous injection of PS or R15 (900 U·kg−1, body weight), suggesting possible abnormal renal function. The UFH–PS complex, but not the UFH–R15 complex, exhibited obvious immunogenicity. In conclusion, R15 is nonimmunogenic and potentially safe at a therapeutic dose to reverse the effects of UFH.
N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification of G protein‐coupled receptor 133 increases proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wu Guixiong , Zhai Dongfeng , Xie Jiemei , Zhu Shuiquan , Liang Zhuo , Liu Xin , Zhao Ziwen
Published: June 2021

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) accounts for almost 40% of lung cancers, leading to significant associated morbidity and mortality rates. However, the mechanism of LUAD tumorigenesis remains far from clear. Here, we scanned down‐regulated genes involved in LUAD sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus data and focused on G protein‐coupled receptor 133 (GPR133). We offer compelling evidence that GPR133 was expressed at low levels in the setting of LUAD, and higher expression was positively related to a better prognosis among patients with LUAD. Functionally, GPR133 inhibited cell proliferation and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Regarding the mechanism, flow cytometry assays and western blot assays showed that GPR133 enhanced p21 and decreased cyclin B1 expression, thus triggering LUAD cells at G2/M‐phase arrest. Consistent with this, we evaluated the expression levels of cell‐cycle biomarkers and found that bioinformatics analysis combined with N6‐methyladenosine (methylation at the N6 position in adenosine) RNA immunoprecipitation‐qPCR assay indicated that GPR133 expression was down‐regulated by this modification. Moreover, we observed that methyltransferase‐like 3 was impaired in LUAD, and that it is able to significantly increase levels of GPR133 by enhancing its RNA stability. In conclusion, we found that GPR133 expression was down‐regulated in LUAD via N6‐methyladenosine modification. Increasing GPR133 levels could suppress LUAD cell proliferation and tumor growth.
Photomemory and Pulse Monitoring Featured Solution‐Processed Near‐Infrared Graphene/Organic Phototransistor with Detectivity of 2.4 × 1013 Jones
Authors: He Zeyu , Han Jiayue , Du Xiaoyang , Cao Luye , Wang Jun , Zheng Caijun , Lin Hui , Tao Silu
Published: June 2021

Emerging graphene/organic phototransistors are eye‐catching technologies owing to their unique merits including easy/low‐cost fabrication, temperature independent, and achieving various functions. However, their development in the near‐infrared (NIR) region is experiencing a bottleneck of inferior sensitivity due to low exciton dissociation efficiency and inefficient charge extraction rate. Here, a novel‐design solution‐processed graphene/organic NIR phototransistor is reported, that is, creatively introducing electron extraction layer of ZnO on graphene channel and employing organic ternary bulk heterojunction as photosensitive layer, successfully breaking that bottleneck. The phototransistor exhibits a high responsivity of 6.1 × 106 A W−1, a superior detectivity of 2.4 × 1013 Jones, and a remarkable minimum detection power of 1.75 nW cm−2 under 850 nm radiation. Considering its excellent NIR detection performance, a noncontact transmission‐type pulse monitoring is carried out with no external circuit support, from which human pulse signal and heart rate can be displayed in real time. The phototransistor, interestingly, can be switched into a photomemory function with a retention time of 1000 s in the atmosphere through a gate voltage of −20 V. The design takes the characteristics of graphene/organic phototransistors to a higher level, beyond the limit of sensitivity, and opens up a novel approach for developing multifunction devices.
Flow Analysis of Regenerated Silk Fibroin/Cellulose Nanofiber Suspensions via a Bioinspired Microfluidic Chip
Authors: Lu Li , Fan Suna , Geng Lihong , Lin Jinyou , Yao Xiang , Zhang Yaopeng
Published: June 2021

Microfluidic spinning has been used to mimic and discover the natural spinning process of silk. However, it is still challenging to understand the orientation and alignment of silk‐spinning through microfluidic chips. Here, flow analysis is performed for a bioinspired microfluidic chip mimicking the shape of a spider's major ampullate gland and spinning duct by in situ small angle X‐ray scattering and simulations using the finite element method. A composite suspension of regenerated silk fibroin and cellulose nanofibers show higher orientation and alignment after flowing through the microfluidic chip. This confinement can be attributed to the drop in the extrusion pressure of the silk proteins and the shear and elongation forces from the anisotropic microchannel. This work reveals the microstructure−property relationship of fibers obtained through the microfluidic chip. Hence, it paves the way to uncover the mystery behind the natural spinning process and further provides comprehensive and systematic insights into preparing highly oriented artificial fibers for biomedical applications.
Finger‐Skin‐Inspired Flexible Optical Sensor for Force Sensing and Slip Detection in Robotic Grasping
Authors: Jiang Chengpeng , Zhang Zhang , Pan Jing , Wang Yancheng , Zhang Lei , Tong Liming
Published: June 2021

The finger skin of human plays a key role in amplifying and transferring tactile signals to sensory receptors, and it provides design guidelines for next‐generation flexible tactile sensors. To enable robotic applications such as dexterous manipulation and tactile feedback, the functions of force sensing and slip detection are crucial for flexible tactile sensors. Here, a finger‐skin inspired flexible optical (FIFO) sensor based on optical microfiber is reported, and this sensor has fingerprint‐like surface with parallel ridges and resin/polydimethylsiloxane multilayer structure with different stiffness, mimicking the structural characteristics of human finger skin. With these design features, the sensor is capable of measuring force with high durability and detecting slip with high sensitivity and short response time. Time‐resolved response curve and its wavelet transform provide useful information related to grasping and slipping when the sensor is in contact with objects with different shapes and materials. As a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, the sensor directly attached onto a robotic gripper is capable of measuring grasping force and monitoring object slippage during manipulation tasks, indicating its potential applications in advanced robotics.
Soil health considerations for global food security
Authors: Bagnall Dianna K. , Shanahan John F. , Flanders Archie , Morgan Cristine L.S. , Honeycutt C. Wayne
Published: June 2021

The focus of this paper is the relationship between soil health and global food security. We discuss the role of climate change on food security and the role of farmer profitability in promoting soil health. Specific objectives were to (a) consider the role that U.S. agricultural production plays in global food security, (b) consider key mechanisms by which soil health impacts U.S. agricultural production, and (c) offer a comprehensive strategy to scale adoption of soil health systems. Based on the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) Food Price Index, U.S. commodity exports influence global food prices, linking U.S. crop production to food security. Soil health affects food security through crop yield, crop yield resilience, and farmer profitability. Results relating soil health and crop yield are complicated by biophysical complexity, lack of standardized research practices, and the scale of research trials. Studies of the relationship between yield resilience and soil health are similarly inconclusive. Despite mixed research results, interviews with 100 U.S. farmers found over half reported increased crop yield due to soil health management systems, and most reported more resilient yields. Partial budget analysis of production information from 100 interviews found using soil health management systems increased net farm income (in 2020 U.S. dollars) by US$127.61 ha–1 ($51.66 acre–1) for maize (Zea mays L.) and $110.84 ha–1 ($44.87 acre–1) for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. We detail a path to increase adoption of soil health systems so healthy soils can serve as the foundation for producing food, mitigating climate change, and increasing farmer profitability.
Evaluation of DSSAT‐CROPGRO‐cotton model to simulate phenology, growth, and seed cotton yield in northwestern India
Authors: Mishra Sudhir Kumar , Kaur Varinderjit , Singh Kulvir
Published: June 2021

Crop simulation models are widely used in developed countries to understand the impact of uncertain weather situations on crop production and consequent strategies formulation but their application in developing countries like India is limited and thus needs to be strengthened. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the DSSAT‐CROPGRO‐cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) model for assessing impact of varying weather on productivity dynamics of cotton in northwestern India. To ascertain this, field experiments were carried out under a 3 yr study at two distinct agro‐climatic zones/locations for testing and validation of CROPGRO‐cotton model (version 4.7) for phenological development and seed cotton yield of four diverse cotton cultivars (F2228, F1861, NCS855BGII, and RCH650BGII) grown under three sowing dates (20 April, 10 May, and 30 May). The results elucidated that phenological events like anthesis and physiological maturity were fairly predicted with high d‐index value ≥0.83 and ≥0.89 and low root mean square error (RMSE), that is, ≤2.27 and  ≤4.98 d, respectively. Furthermore, aboveground biomass and seed cotton yield also exhibited a RMSE of ≤706 kg ha–¹ (≥0.72, d‐index) and ≤126 kg ha–1 (≥0.97, d‐index), respectively, indicative of high accuracy. These findings revealed that DSSAT‐CROPGRO‐cotton model could be exploited for simulating cotton growth, phenology, and yield in northwestern India besides its application in similar arid crop environments across the globe. However, further testing with extensive and long‐term datasets is required to improve the utility of model.
Personal utility of genomic sequencing for infants with congenital deafness
Authors: Tutty Erin , Amor David J. , Jarmolowicz Anna , Paton Kate , Downie Lilian
Published: June 2021

Decisions about genetic testing have traditionally been based on clinical utility and cost, but personal utility is increasingly recognized when assessing the value of testing. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was offered to a population cohort of 106 infants diagnosed with congenital hearing loss. Parents could choose to receive results relating to hearing loss only or also learn additional information about childhood‐onset conditions (medically nonactionable and/or actionable). This study aimed to quantify the personal utility of WES for parents after a diagnosis of hearing loss in their child. Parents completed surveys pretest (63/106), after hearing loss results (52/106) and after receiving additional information (47/72). Open‐ended responses from all three surveys (N = 67) were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Answers to questions regarding the value of sequencing to parents were analyzed and collated. Parents placed high value on diagnostic WES for hearing loss but had different perspectives on the personal utility of additional information. Diagnostic results provided certainty while the choice to learn additional information about childhood‐onset disorders was associated with empowerment. WES also represented an opportunity to promote their child's best interests. Results provide insights into the utility of WES for the indication of congenital deafness and for genomic newborn screening broadly.
Comprehensive investigation of the phenotype of MEF2C‐related disorders in human patients: A systematic review
Authors: Cooley Coleman Jessica A. , Sarasua Sara M. , Boccuto Luigi , Moore Hannah Warren , Skinner Steven A. , DeLuca Jane M.
Published: June 2021

MEF2C‐related disorders (aka MEF2C‐haploinsufficiency) are caused by variations in or involving the MEF2C gene and are characterized by intellectual disability, developmental delay, lack of speech, limited walking, and seizures. Despite these findings, the disorder is not easily recognized clinically. We performed a systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines to assemble the most comprehensive list of patients and their phenotypes. Through searching PubMed, Web of Science, and MEDLINE, 43 articles met the inclusion criteria and were fully reviewed. One hundred and seventeen patients were identified from these publications with most having a phenotype of intellectual disability, developmental delay, seizures, hypotonia, absent speech, inability to walk, stereotypic movements, and MRI abnormalities. Nonclassical findings included one patient with a question mark ear, two patients with a jugular pit, one patient with a unique neuroendocrine finding, and nine patients that did not have MEF2C deletions or disruptions but may be affected due to a positional effect on MEF2C. This systematic review characterizes the phenotype of MEF2C‐related disorders, documents the severity of this condition, and will help providers to better diagnose and care for patients and their families. Additionally, this compiled information provides a comprehensive resource for investigators interested in pursuing specific genotype–phenotype correlations.
Hypervalent Iodine‐Mediated and Traceless Fluorine‐Oriented: Synthesis of 5‐Methyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydropyridine from Unactivated Alkenes
Authors: Zhang Lu‐Wen , Huang Xie , Wang Jia‐Qi , He Wei
Published: June 2021

An original metal‐free method for the convenient preparation of 5‐methyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydropyridine derivatives from simple unactivated alkenes was firstly developed with excellent yields under mild conditions, based on hypervalent iodine compounds in combination with boron fluoride reagents. Mechanism studies have shown that fluorine participates in the reaction as a traceless guiding group, ensuring the successful construction of the Csp2−N bond of tetrahydropyridine derivatives via the selective intramolecular coupling reaction of unactivated alkenes.
Effects of Crystallographic Orientation of GaAs Substrate and the Period of Plasmon Grid on THz Antenna Performance
Authors: Buryakov Arseniy M. , Ivanov Maxim S. , Khusyainov Dinar I. , Gorbatova Anastasia V. , Bilyk Vladislav R. , Klimov Evgeniy A. , Galiev Galib B. , Vilarinho Paula M. , Mishina Elena D.
Published: June 2021

An alternative approach is proposed to improve the conventional (based on the low‐temperature grown GaAs and Si‐doped GaAs superlattice) photoconductive antenna (PCA) performance by modification of the planar electrodes design and crystallographic orientations of the GaAs substrate ((100) and (111)‐A). The electrode scheme design includes a combination of logarithmic spiral, bow‐tie, and plasmonic antennas and results in appearance of sharp resonant peaks, high spectral bandwidth and high signal‐to‐noise ratio, and significant enhancement of the output terahertz (THz) power. The material design leads to significant increase in the THz output power (by 6.4 in GaAs (100), by 5.6 in GaAs (111)‐A PCAs) regarding to a conventional antenna. The substrate crystallographic cut direction influences the relaxation time constant of photoexcited charge carriers being an order of magnitude smaller in the sample grown on the GaAs (111)‐A than in the one on the GaAs (100). The simulation model supports experimental results demonstrating that the optimal period of the plasmonic antenna grid providing the highest efficiency of THz radiation generation, is about 200 nm. Comparison of the THz spectra in manufactured antennas against the conventional stripline PCA shows a broadening band toward the low‐frequency region down to 0.1 THz with a resonance at 0.2 THz.
Molecular Brush Surfactants: Versatile Emulsifiers for Stabilizing and Structuring Liquids
Authors: Wang Beibei , Liu Tan , Chen Hao , Yin Bangqi , Zhang Zhao , Russell Thomas P. , Shi Shaowei
Published: June 2021

Using amphiphilic molecular brushes to stabilize emulsions usually requires the synthesis of specific side chains, which can be a time‐consuming and difficult challenge to meet. By taking advantage of the electrostatic interactions between water‐soluble molecular brushes and oil‐soluble oligomeric ligands, the in situ formation, assembly and jamming of molecular brush surfactants (MBSs) at the oil‐water interface is described. With MBSs, stable emulsions including o/w, w/o and o/w/o can be easily prepared by varying the molar ratios of the molecular brushes to the ligands. Moreover, when jammed, the binding energy of MBSs at the interface is sufficiently strong to allow the stabilization of liquids in nonequilibrium shapes, i.e., structuring liquids, producing an elastic film at the interface with exceptional mechanical properties. These structured liquids have numerous potential applications, including chemical biphasic reactions, liquid electronics, and all‐liquid biomimetic system.
Integration of Bimetallic Electronic Synergy with Oxide Site Isolation Improves the Selective Hydrogenation of Acetylene
Authors: Liu Fang , Xia Yujia , Xu Wenlong , Cao Lina , Guan Qiaoqiao , Gu Qingqing , Yang Bing , Lu Junling
Published: June 2021

Semi‐hydrogenation of acetylene to ethylene is an important process to purify ethylene streams in industry. However, among current approaches reported in the literature, high ethylene selectivity has been generally achieved at the expense of activity. Herein, we show that a Ga2O3 coating of Ag@Pd core–shell bimetallic nanoparticle catalysts, allows improvement of the ethylene selectivity to a much greater extent than the coating of monometallic Pd nanoparticles, while preserving a remarkable intrinsic activity, approximately 50 times higher than the benchmark catalyst of Pd1Ag single‐atom alloys (SAAs). Importantly, the resulting catalyst also shows excellent long‐term stability, by suppressing coke formation efficiently. Spectroscopic characterization reveals that weakened ethylene adsorption by bimetallic electronic synergy, and oxide site isolation are both essential for the high ethylene selectivity and high‐coking resistance. H‐D exchange measurements further show that the Ga2O3‐coated Ag@Pd catalyst possesses a much higher activity of H2 activation than that of Pd1Ag SAAs, thus boosting the hydrogenation activity at the same time.
RNA‐Cleaving Deoxyribozymes Differentiate Methylated Cytidine Isomers in RNA
Authors: Liaqat Anam , Sednev Maksim V. , Stiller Carina , Höbartner Claudia
Published: June 2021

Deoxyribozymes are emerging as modification‐specific endonucleases for the analysis of epigenetic RNA modifications. Here, we report RNA‐cleaving deoxyribozymes that differentially respond to the presence of natural methylated cytidines, 3‐methylcytidine (m3C), N4‐methylcytidine (m4C), and 5‐methylcytidine (m5C), respectively. Using in vitro selection, we found several DNA catalysts, which are selectively activated by only one of the three cytidine isomers, and display 10‐ to 30‐fold accelerated cleavage of their target m3C‐, m4C‐ or m5C‐modified RNA. An additional deoxyribozyme is strongly inhibited by any of the three methylcytidines, but effectively cleaves unmodified RNA. The mXC‐detecting deoxyribozymes are programmable for the interrogation of natural RNAs of interest, as demonstrated for human mitochondrial tRNAs containing known m3C and m5C sites. The results underline the potential of synthetic functional DNA to shape highly selective active sites.
Doubly Decorated Platinum–Gallium Intermetallics as Stable Catalysts for Propane Dehydrogenation
Authors: Nakaya Yuki , Xing Feilong , Ham Hyungwon , Shimizu Ken‐ichi , Furukawa Shinya
Published: June 2021

Propane dehydrogenation (PDH) is a promising chemical process that can satisfy the increasing global demand for propylene. However, the Pt‐based catalysts that have been reported thus far are typically deactivated at ≥600 °C by side reactions and coke formation. Thus, such catalysts possess an insufficient life. Herein, we report a novel catalyst design concept, namely, the double decoration of PtGa intermetallics by Pb and Ca, which synergize the geometric and electronic promotion effects on the catalyst stability, respectively. Pb is deposited on the three‐fold Pt3 sites of the PtGa nanoparticles to block them, whereas Ca, which affords an electron‐enriched single‐atom‐like Pt1 site, is placed around the nanoparticles. Thus, PtGa−Ca−Pb/SiO2 exhibits an outstandingly high catalytic stability, even at 600 °C (kd=0.00033 h−1, τ=3067 h), and almost no deactivation of the catalyst was observed for up to 1 month for the first time.
Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopic Evidence of Key Intermediate Species and Role of NiFe Dual‐Catalytic Center in Water Oxidation
Authors: Hu Cejun , Hu Yanfang , Fan Chenghao , Yang Ling , Zhang Yutong , Li Haixia , Xie Wei
Published: June 2021

NiFe‐based electrocatalysts have attracted great interests due to the low price and high activity in oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, the complex reaction mechanism of NiFe‐catalyzed OER has not been fully explored yet. Detection of intermediate species can bridge the gap between OER performances and catalyst component/structure properties. Here, we performed label‐free surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) monitoring of interfacial OER process on Ni3FeOx nanoparticles (NPs) in alkaline medium. By using bifunctional Au@Ni3FeOx core‐satellite superstructures as Raman signal enhancer, we found direct spectroscopic evidence of intermediate O‐O− species. According to the SERS results, Fe atoms are the catalytic sites for the initial OH− to O‐O− oxidation. The O‐O− species adsorbed across neighboring Fe and Ni sites experiences further oxidation caused by electron transfer to NiIII and eventually forms O2 product.
Halogen Bonding Tetraphenylethene Anion Receptors: Anion‐Induced Emissive Aggregates and Photoswitchable Recognition
Authors: Docker Andrew , Shang Xiaobo , Yuan Daohe , Kuhn Heike , Zhang Zongyao , Davis Jason J. , Beer Paul D. , Langton Matthew J.
Published: June 2021

A series of tetraphenylethene (TPE) derivatives functionalized with highly potent electron‐deficient perfluoroaryl iodo‐triazole halogen bond (XB) donors for anion recognition are reported. 1H NMR titration experiments, fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering measurements, TEM imaging and X‐ray crystal structure analysis reveal that the tetra‐substituted halogen bonding receptor forms luminescent nanoscale aggregates, the formation of which is driven by XB‐mediated anion coordination. This anion‐coordination‐induced aggregation effect serves as a powerful sensory mechanism, capable of luminescence chloride sensing at parts per billion concentration. Furthermore, the doubly substituted geometric isomers act as unprecedented photoswitchable XB donor anion receptors, where the composition of the photostationary state can be modulated by the presence of a coordinating halide anion.
Physicochemical Understanding of the Impact of Pore Environment and Species of Adsorbates on Adsorption Behaviour
Authors: Cho Hae Sung , Tanaka Hideki , Lee Yongjin , Zhang Yue‐Biao , Jiang Juncong , Kim Minho , Kim Hyungjun , Kang Jeung Ku , Terasaki Osamu
Published: June 2021

For a better design of adsorbents, it is important to know the intermolecular interaction among adsorbates and host material, leading to improved guest selectivity and uptake capacity. In this study, we demonstrate the influence of the interaction among adsorbates and substrate, controlled by the pore environment and species of adsorbates, on the adsorption behaviour. We report the unique CO2 adsorption behaviour of MOF‐205 due to distinct pore geometry. The precise analysis through gas‐adsorption crystallography with molecular simulation shows that capillary condensation of CO2 in MOF‐205 occurs preferentially in the large dodecahedral pore rather than the small tetrahedral pore, because the interaction of CO2 with MOF‐205 framework is weaker than that among CO2 molecules, while Ar and N2 are sequentially filled into two different pores of MOF‐205 according to their size. Comparison of the materials with different pore environments reveals that the relative strength of the adsorbate–adsorbate and adsorbate–substrate interaction gives rise to different shapes of isotherms.
Einbau von Fenstern – Planung des Bauanschlusses
Authors: Hofstetter Rolf
Published: June 2021

Mit dem nachfolgenden Bericht wird ein Konzept zur Planung des Bauanschlusses von Fenstern auf Grundlage der derzeit vorliegenden Normung und technischen Richtlinien erarbeitet bzw. vorgeschlagen. In Ermangelung einer ausreichenden normativen deutschen Regelung wird Bezug auf internationale Regelwerke genommen. Das Hauptaugenmerk in diesem Bericht gilt der Befestigung der Fensterelemente.
Applications of the matching law to observe shifts in problem behavior: A proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Kronfli Faris R. , Lloveras Lindsay A. , Vollmer Timothy R.
Published: June 2021

We used the matching law to quantify the relation between the relative likelihood of appropriate behavior and problem behavior and the relative likelihood of parent‐delivered reinforcement for those behaviors. First, we conducted an initial descriptive observation in the dyads' homes. Second, we assessed the problem behavior within a clinic where participants were receiving behavior‐analytic services. Third, using behavioral skills training (BST), we taught parents how to implement treatments based on differential reinforcement. Fourth, we conducted a second descriptive observation in the dyads' home. Last, we used the generalized matching law to quantify the relation between the child's response allocation and parent‐delivered reinforcement before and after BST. The relation between the effects of parent‐delivered reinforcement on the relative likelihood of appropriate and problem behavior was well described by the matching law.
Rapid RNase inhibitor production to enable low‐cost, on‐demand cell‐free protein synthesis biosensor use in human body fluids
Authors: Soltani Mehran , Hunt J. Porter , Bundy Bradley C.
Published: June 2021

Human body fluids contain biomarkers which are used extensively for prognostication, diagnosis, monitoring, and evaluation of different treatments for a variety of diseases and disorders. The application of biosensors based on cell‐free protein synthesis (CFPS) offers numerous advantages including on‐demand and at‐home use for fast, accurate detection of a variety of biomarkers in human fluids at an affordable price. However, current CFPS‐based biosensors use commercial RNase inhibitors to inhibit different RNases present in human fluids and this reagent is approximately 90% of the expense of these biosensors. Here the flexible nature ofEscherichia coli‐lysate‐based CFPS was used for the first time to produce murine RNase Inhibitor (m‐RI) and to optimize its soluble and active production by tuning reaction temperature, reaction time, reduced potential, and addition of GroEL/ES folding chaperons. Furthermore, RNase inhibition activity of m‐RI with the highest activity and stability was determined against increasing amounts of three human fluids of serum, saliva, and urine (0%–100% v/v) in lyophilized CFPS reactions. To further demonstrate the utility of the CFPS‐produced m‐RI, a lyophilized saliva‐based glutamine biosensor was demonstrated to effectively work with saliva samples. Overall, the use of CFPS‐produced m‐RI reduces the total reagent costs of CFPS‐based biosensors used in human body fluids approximately 90%.
Untargeted metabolomics reveals the mechanism of quercetin enhancing the bioavailability of ticagrelor
Authors: Zhang Weijie , Sun Yaxin , Wei Shuangyan , Wei Bo , Xu Xia , Tang Youcai
Published: June 2021

Ticagrelor is a first‐line clinical drug for the treatment of acute coronary syndrome, but its oral bioavailability is relatively low. Flavonoids (polyphenol compounds commonly found in plant foods) seriously affect human metabolism and health. This study compared the effects of quercetin, luteolin and catechin on the pharmacokinetic parameters of ticagrelor and found that quercetin can significantly increase the Cmax and area under the curve from time zero to 36 h (AUC0–36) of ticagrelor, that is, quercetin can enhance the bioavailability of ticagrelor, but luteolin and catechin cannot. The difference between the ticagrelor group and the combination of quercetin and ticagrelor was analyzed through untargeted metabolomics methods and multivariate data analysis, which identified changes in the levels of seven metabolites (deoxycholic acid, taurocholic acid, glycocholic acid, glycoursodeoxycholic acid, tryptophan, phenylalanine and kynurenine). Based on the changes of these metabolites, we found that the metabolic pathways of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan and the biosynthetic pathway of bile acids were changed. A metabolomics study revealed that quercetin improves the oral bioavailability of ticagrelor and that this might rely on changing the metabolic pathways of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan and the biosynthetic pathway of bile acids. The research results at the metabolic level provide us with a strong basis and direction for further exploring the mechanism underlying quercetin’s ability to enhance the bioavailability of ticagrelor, and this may be useful for finding new agents that enhance the bioavailability.
Recent Developments and Challenges for the Industrial Implementation of Polyphosphate Kinases
Authors: Tavanti Michele , Hosford Joseph , Lloyd Richard C. , Brown Murray J. B.
Published: June 2021

Polyphosphate kinases (PPKs) have emerged as valuable candidates to address the unmet need for scalable recycling of the common enzyme cofactor adenosine‐5’‐triphosphate (ATP) because they use cheap, freely available and stable polyphosphate (polyP) salts as the phosphate donor. The aim of this review is not only to present recent efforts in the characterisation of PPKs but also to provide an overview of the challenges associated with their implementation in chemical manufacturing. In assessing the current status of polyP‐driven biocatalysts, we identify gaps that need to be filled for successful adoption of these biocatalysts in industry. Guidelines for a wider adoption of PPKs are also provided.
Enantioselective Construction of Tertiary C(sp3)−P Bonds by Thiourea‐based Bifunctional Phosphonium Salt‐catalyzed Hydrophosphonylation of Ketone Compounds
Authors: Feng Zhenghuai , Zhang Hongkui , Ren Xiaoyu , Jiang Chunhui , Gao Guowei , Wang Tianli
Published: June 2021

Asymmetric hydrophosphonylation of carbonyl compounds to generate a variety of optically pure quaternary α‐hydroxy phosphonate molecules is herein described by thiourea‐derived bifunctional phosphonium salt catalysis. This new synthetic protocol has an excellent functional group tolerance, and particularly both aromatic, heteroaromatic and aliphatic α‐ketoesters and 1,2‐diketones were readily transferred into phosphonate products in high yields (up to 99 %) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 97 % ee). The mechanistic results suggested that both ion pair and hydrogen‐bonding interactions were crucial in asymmetric induction.
Factors Controlling the Aluminum(I)‐meta‐Selective C−H Activation in Arenes
Authors: Cabrera‐Trujillo Jorge Juan , Fernández Israel
Published: June 2021

The so far poorly understood factors controlling the completemeta‐selectivity observed in the C−H activation reactions of alkylarenes promoted by aluminyl anions have been explored in detail by means of Density Functional Theory calculations. To this end, a combination of state‐of‐the‐art computational methods, namely the activation strain model of reactivity and energy decomposition analysis, has been applied to quantitatively unveil the origin of the selectivity of the transformation as well as the influence of the associated potassium cation. It is found that the selectivity takes place during the initial nucleophilic addition step where the key LP(Al)→π*(C=C) molecular orbital interaction is more stabilizing for themeta‐pathway, which results in a stronger interaction between the reactants along the entire transformation.
Artificial intelligence‐based process control in chemical, biochemical, and biomedical engineering
Authors: Dutta Debaprasad , Upreti Simant R.
Published: June 2021

In the last three decades, artificial intelligence (AI) has been increasingly and vigorously utilized for process control in chemical, biochemical, and biomedical engineering. These disciplines frequently involve fairly sophisticated processes under risks of operational upsets, and thus have an ever increasing demand of superior control strategies. As the deployment of AI in process control pushes the limits in this regard, the research advances, which are multitudinous and varied, need to be assimilated and organized to help promote further utilization and progress in the field. To that end, we examine more than 280 relevant research publications, and systematically collate the information. The AI‐based technologies are classified, and their over‐arching control paradigm is presented. Common AI‐based control technologies are then presented, which are based on expert systems, fuzzy logic, artificial neural networks, nature‐inspired algorithms, and hybrid approaches. Their working principles, types, and implementations are summarized along with advantages, limitations, and comparisons, if available. Important applications in the above disciplines are included with the help of tables that capture important details. A discussion is also provided on advanced and newly emerging AI‐based control technologies with pertinent applications. Overall trends are analyzed, and future prospects are identified based on the survey.