bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Edge Engineering in 2D Molybdenum Disulfide: Simultaneous Regulation of Lithium and Polysulfides for Stable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Yu Xiaoliang , Liao Ting , Tang Jie , Zhang Kun , Tang Shuai , Gao Run-Sheng , Lin Shiqi , Qin Lu-Chang
Published: March 2021

Polysulfides shuttling and lithium dendrite growth are two challenges confronting lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs). Herein, edge engineering of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) is proposed to simultaneously address these two issues. First, utilizing MoS2 as a model material, theoretical calculations demonstrate the strong binding affinity of polysulfides to molybdenum edges and the robust electrovalent bonds between Li+ and sulfur edges, thus predicting the multifunctional regulation capability of edge‐rich MoS2. Holey atomically thin MoS2‐constructed nanobrushes (HATM‐NBs) are then prepared by a polar functionality‐assisted anchoring strategy. The functionality anchoring effectively inhibits longitudinal growth of 2D MoS2 and more impressively facilitates formation of plentiful in‐plane nanopores due to the fast nucleation and growth. Spectroscopy and electrochemical techniques verify the superior adsorption/catalytic conversion of polysulfides by Mo edges and therefore accelerated redox reactions. The sulfur edge‐rich nanobrush structure promotes good contact with the lithium metal anode, homogenized Li+ flux, and thus uniform lithium plating/stripping. A fabricated laminate cell with ultrathin HATM‐NBs‐coated separator demonstrates superior electrochemical performances even under harsh test conditions (high sulfur loading of 7.43 mg cm−2 and low E/S ratio of 5 mL g−1). The rational design of multifunctional edge‐rich 2D TMDs provides fresh insights for developing stable LSBs.
Radical Chain Breaking Bis(ortho‐organoselenium) Substituted Phenolic Antioxidants
Authors: Upadhyay Aditya , Singh Bhakuni Bhagat , Meena Rahul , Kumar Sangit
Published: March 2021

The presence of a chalcogen atom at the ortho‐position of phenols enhances their radical chain‐breaking activity. Here, a copper(I)‐catalyzed reaction of 2,6‐dibromo‐ and 2,6‐diiodophenols with diorganodiselenides has been studied for the introduction of two organoselenium substituents at both ortho‐positions of the phenolic radical chain‐breaking antioxidants, which afforded 2,6‐diorganoseleno‐substituted phenols in 80–92% yields having electron‐donating CH3, and electron‐withdrawing CN and CHO functionalities. Additionally, 2,6‐diiodophenols with electron‐withdrawing CHO and CN groups also afforded novel 5,5′‐selenobis(4‐hydroxy‐3‐(phenylselanyl)benzaldehyde) and 5,5′‐selenobis(4‐hydroxy‐3‐(phenylselanyl)benzonitrile) consisting of three selenium and two phenolic moieties along with 2,6‐diorganoseleno‐substituted phenols has been synthesized. The electron‐withdrawing CHO group has been reduced by sodium borohydride to the electron‐donating alcohol CH2OH group, which is desirable for efficient radical quenching activity of phenols. The developed copper‐catalyzed reaction conditions enable the installation of two‐arylselenium group ortho to phenolic radical chain‐breaking antioxidants, which may not be possible by conventional organolithium‐bromine exchange methods due to the sluggish reactivity of trianions (dicarba and phenoxide anion), which are generated by the reaction of organolithium with 2,6‐dibromophenols, with diorganodiselenides. The antioxidant activities of the synthesized bis and tris selenophenols have been accessed by DPPH, thiol peroxides, and singlet oxygen quenching assay. The radical quenching antioxidant activity has been studied for the synthesized compounds by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The bis‐selenophenols show comparable radical deactivating activity, while tris seleno‐bisphenols show higher radical deactivating activity than α‐tocopherol. Furthermore, the tris seleno‐bisphenol shows comparable peroxide decomposing activity with ebselen molecules.
Predictions of mortality related to four major cancers in China, 2020 to 2030
Authors: Li Ning , Wu Peng , Shen Yubing , Yang Cuihong , Zhang Luwen , Chen Yali , Wang Zixing , Jiang Jingmei
Published: March 2021

Background

Cancer has become a global health problem, and assessments of cancer mortality are important for effective public health policy‐making and adequate resource allocation. In this study, we aimed to predict the mortality rates and numbers of deaths related to four common cancers (lung, liver, stomach, and esophagus) in China from 2020 to 2030 and to estimate the corresponding cancer burden caused by population aging and tobacco smoking.

Methods

Cancer mortality data (2004–2017) were extracted from China's death surveillance datasets, and China's population figures (2020–2030) were obtained from the United Nations population projections. Smoking prevalence data were retrieved from a World Health Organization global report, and relative risks of smoking and cancers were derived from large‐scale Asian studies. We predicted the deaths related to the four major cancers and age‐standardized mortality rates using joinpoint regression and linear regression models. The tobacco smoking‐related burden of these four major cancers was estimated using the population attributable fraction.

Results

Unlike lung cancer mortality which was predicted to continue to increase, the age‐standardized mortality rates for digestive cancers (liver, stomach, and esophageal cancers) are predicted to decline over the next decade. The number of deaths caused by the four major cancers is predicted to increase from 1,490,304 in 2020 to 1,823,960 in 2030. The age‐specific mortality rates of the four major cancers are predicted to increase with age after 40–45 years, peaking in the age groups of 80–84 and ≥85 years. In 2030, the combined number of deaths from the four examined cancers among adults aged ≥65 years is predicted to be 1,167,153, accounting for 64% of all deaths from these cancers. Tobacco smoking is predicted to contribute to nearly 29% of deaths from these cancers, corresponding to 527,577 deaths.

Conclusions

The overall trend in the combined total mortality from four major cancers is predicted to decline over the next decade; however, the corresponding death toll is expected to surge, in the context of China's population aging and high smoking prevalence. These estimates provide data‐driven evidence for China to implement effective cancer control measures in the future.
Antioxidant Activity of a New Xanthone Derivative from Aspidistra Letreae: In Vitro and In Silico Studies
Authors: Ho Duc Viet , Nguyen Hoai Thi , Vu Thien‐Y , Pham Ty Viet , Nguyen Hien Minh
Published: March 2021

A new xanthone derivative, aspidxanthone A (1), and three known compounds ((2S)‐1‐(β‐D‐galactopyranosyloxy)‐3‐(hexadecanoyloxy)propan‐2‐yl (9Z,12Z)‐octadeca‐9,12‐dienoate (2), (25S)‐spirostane‐1β,3α,5β‐triol (3), and asparenyldiol (4)) were isolated from the whole of the endemic species Aspidistra letreae in Vietnam. Their structures were elucidated by means of extensive spectroscopic analyses and comparison with published data. In this study, we report the isolation and structure elucidation of a new compound aspidxanthone A, antioxidant activities of the extract and isolates 1–4, and in silico molecular docking of aspidxanthone A. The ethyl acetate extract had good antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 26.3 μg mL−1. Among the isolates, aspidxanthone A exhibited DPPH reduction activity with an IC50 value of 11.2 μM, which is in the same range as that of the positive control, ascorbic acid. The mechanism of action of aspidxanthone A on the tyrosinase and xanthine oxidase proteins have been clarified by in silico studies.
Diagnostic accuracy of quantitative flow ratio for assessment of coronary stenosis significance from a single angiographic view: A novel method based on bifurcation fractal law
Authors: Tu Shengxian , Ding Daixin , Chang Yunxiao , Li Chunming , Wijns William , Xu Bo
Published: March 2021

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of computation of fractional flow reserve (FFR) from a single angiographic view in patients with intermediate coronary stenosis.

Background

Computation of quantitative flow ratio (QFR) from a single angiographic view might increase the feasibility of routine use of computational FFR. In addition, current QFR solutions assume a linear tapering of the reference vessel size, which might decrease the diagnostic accuracy in the presence of the physiologically significant bifurcation lesions.

Methods

An artificial intelligence algorithm was proposed for automatic delineation of lumen contours of major epicardial coronary arteries including their side branches. A step‐down reference diameter function was reconstructed based on the Murray bifurcation fractal law and used for QFR computation. Validation of this Murray law‐based QFR (μQFR) was performed on the FAVOR II China study population. The μQFR was computed separately in two angiographic projections, starting with the one with optimal angiographic image quality. Hemodynamically significant coronary stenosis was defined by pressure wire‐derived FFR ≤0.80.

Results

The μQFR was successfully computed in all 330 vessels of 306 patients. There was excellent correlation (r = 0.90, p < .001) and agreement (mean difference = 0.00 ± 0.05, p = .378) between μQFR and FFR. The vessel‐level diagnostic accuracy for μQFR to identify hemodynamically significant stenosis was 93.0% (95% CI: 90.3 to 95.8%), with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio of 87.5% (95% CI: 80.2 to 92.8%), 96.2% (95% CI: 92.6 to 98.3%), 92.9% (95% CI: 86.5 to 96.9%), 93.1% (95% CI: 88.9 to 96.1%), 23.0 (95% CI: 11.6 to 45.5), 0.13 (95% CI: 0.08 to 0.20), respectively. Use of suboptimal angiographic image view slightly decreased the diagnostic accuracy of μQFR (AUC = 0.97 versus 0.92, difference = 0.05, p < .001). Intra‐ and inter‐observer variability for μQFR computation was 0.00 ± 0.03, and 0.00 ± 0.03, respectively. Average analysis time for μQFR was 67 ± 22 s.

Conclusions

Computation of μQFR from a single angiographic view has high feasibility and excellent diagnostic accuracy in identifying hemodynamically significant coronary stenosis. The short analysis time and good reproducibility of μQFR bear potential of wider adoption of physiological assessment in the catheterization laboratory.
Anti‐N‐Methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor encephalitis masquerading as fever of unknown origin
Authors: Heng Katrina Yi Ching , Lee Jan Hau , Thomas Terrence
Published: March 2021

Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is a diagnostic challenge. Anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor encephalitis should be considered in children with FUO and new‐onset neurological symptoms without significant encephalopathy.
Transacylation Kinetics in Fatty Acid and Polyketide Synthases and its Sensitivity to Point Mutations**
Authors: Stegemann Franziska , Grininger Martin
Published: March 2021

Fatty acid and polyketide synthases (FASs and PKSs) synthesize physiologically and pharmaceutically important products by condensation of acyl building blocks. The transacylation reaction catalyzed by acyl transferases (ATs) is responsible for the selection of acyl‐CoA esters for further processing by FASs and PKSs. In this study, the AT domains of different multidomain (type I) PKS systems are kinetically described in their substrate selectivity, AT−Acyl carrier protein (ACP) domain‐domain interaction and enzymatic kinetic properties. We observe that the ATs of modular PKSs, intricate protein complexes occurring in bacteria and responsible for the biosynthesis of bioactive polyketides, are significantly slower than ATs of mammalian FASs, reflecting the respective purpose of the biosynthetic pathways within the organism and their metabolic context. We further perform a mutational study on the kinetics of the AT−ACP interaction in the modular PKS 6‐deoxyerythronolide B synthase (DEBS) and find a high plasticity in enzyme properties, which we explain by a high plasticity in AT−ACP recognition. Our study enlarges the understanding of ATs in its molecular properties and is similarly a call for thorough AT‐centered PKS engineering strategies.
Hierarchical Carbon/Metal Nanostructure with a Combination of 0D Nanoparticles, 1D Nanofibers, and 2D Nanosheets: An Efficient Bifunctional Catalyst for Zinc‐Air Batteries
Authors: Yin Ximeng , Liu Qian , Ding Yichun , Chen Kai , Cai Pingwei , Wen Zhenhai
Published: March 2021

Multi‐dimensional hierarchical nanostructures can efficiently promote the mass transportation and electron transfer of electrocatalysts, which can boost the electrocatalytic performance. In this study, we report the design of a hierarchical carbon/metal nanostructure (Co@CNFs) with the combination of 0D cobalt metal nanoparticles, 1D carbon nanofibers, and 2D carbon nanosheets as a bifunctional oxygen reduction/evolution reaction (ORR/OER) catalyst. The Co@CNF catalysts are prepared by using a facile approach of combining electrospinning, impregnation growth of ZIF‐67 nanosheets, and high‐temperature carbonization. Through rationally optimizing the synthesis conditions, including the chemical concentration and carbonization temperature, the optimal catalyst of Co@CNFs‐50‐800 features a hierarchical structure of continuous carbon nanofibers (CNFs)‐anchored carbon nanosheets wrapping Co nanoparticles, which holds decent catalytic activities in term of a half‐wave potential of 0.8 V for the ORR and a potential of 1.54 V for the OER at 10 mA cm−2. A rechargeable Zn‐air battery is set up using the catalyst as the air cathode, which exhibits a high specific capacity of 809 mAh g−1 and a peak power density of 165.5 mW cm−2, as well as a good durability up to 1000 charging‐discharging cycles (>160 h), which is even better than the benchmark Pt/C+RuO2 catalyst. This study provides a rational strategy to design hierarchically nanostructural catalysts to boost the mass transportation and electron transfer of electrocatalytic reactions.
A threshold group signature scheme suitable for the Internet of Things
Authors: Gong Bei , Zhang Xinyi , Cao Yang , Li Zheng , Yang Jia , Wang Wei
Published: March 2021

With the development of information technology, the Internet of Things terminals are vulnerable to threats such as eavesdropping, tampering, and counterfeiting. The application of threshold group signature technology can effectively ensure the security of the system in applications such as battlefield intelligent decision‐making, connected vehicles, and intelligent manufacturing. However, the existing threshold group signature schemes lack the two‐way trusted authentication mechanism between group members and group manager, and group manager can easily become a security risk for the entire signature system. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a threshold group signature scheme based on elliptic curve that achieves mutual authentication of group members and group manager. The security analysis proves that the proposed scheme is anonymous, traceable, and can resist collusion attacks and frame attacks. The results of performance analysis and comparison also show that under the same security strength, the scheme proposed has shorter signature length, lower calculation amount for signature generation and signature verification, which can effectively reduce the communication and calculation overhead of the IoT terminal, and can be better applied to the Internet of Things application scenarios.
Using Cover Crops as an IPM Tool for Managing Hard‐to‐Control Weeds
Authors: Proctor Chris
Published: March 2021

While herbicides provided an opportunity to expand many important soil conservation practices, overuse of glyphosate and the evolution of glyphosate‐resistant weeds poses one the greatest threats to conservation tillage as it has forced some farmers to revert to conventional tillage for effective weed control. Cover crops have the potential to delay weed emergence, decrease weed size, and decrease weed number. However, the beneficial gains in cover crop–related weed suppression should be considered against the potential trade‐offs with cropping system productivity. This article is the first in the three‐part series in Crops & Soils magazine. It is part of an American Society of Agronomy training series sponsored by the Kellogg Company. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Integrated Pest Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/941.
Thin‐film deposition by combining plasma jet with spark discharge source at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Ussenov Yerbolat A. , Toktamyssova Moldir T. , Dosbolayev Merlan K. , Gabdullin Maratbek T. , Daniyarov Talgat T. , Ramazanov Tlekkabul S.
Published: March 2021

This study demonstrates a method for the deposition of CuOx thin films by combining atmospheric pressure plasma jet with spark discharge. In this type of discharge source, the bulk copper material of spark discharge electrodes plays the role of a precursor. Copper atoms and particles go through the physical processes of sputtering, evaporation, and further agglomeration and condensation in the plasma jet and on the substrate. The experiments were carried out with and without a combination of discharges. The material coated on the substrate was studied using a scanning electron microscope, Raman spectroscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The characteristics of the set‐up and plasma, such as I‐V curves, optical emission spectra, and substrate temperature, were also measured. Copper electrodes were examined for erosion by a scanning electron microscope. The results demonstrate that deposits coated by combined discharge show denser and thicker films.
The effect of modulated electric field on characteristic of SDBD‐like plasma jet for surface modification
Authors: Seyfi Pourya , Heidari Amir , Khademi Ahmad , Golghand Mehrdad , Gharavi Marjan , Ghomi Hamid
Published: March 2021

In this paper, the dynamics and flow behaviour of an atmospheric argon plasma jet was studied in the new nozzle structure similar to the surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) using the Schlieren imaging method. The effect of plasma jet driven by repetitive high‐voltage microsecond pulses with low‐frequency sinusoidal bias was measured qualitatively in a single mirror Schlieren optical system. The enhancement of plasma jet length and cross‐section of plasma jet with surface in this condition is due to highly turbulent flow of argon plasma jet in this structure. This study revealed the important role of SDBD structure and modulated electric field on the behaviour of plasma jet in a high diameter nozzle. In practice, this technique allows us to increase the jet length of the nozzle output to 5 cm and under these conditions, the diameter of the plasma jet cross‐section is increased to 8 mm, without increasing the electrical power consumption. Eventually, the hydrophilicity of the surface is also measured by the contact angle of a water droplet that decreases from 78° to 8° after surface treatment, implying we were able to reach a super‐hydrophilic surface with this plasma jet structure.
MHD Eyring–Powell nanofluid past over an unsteady exponentially stretching surface with entropy generation and thermal radiation
Authors: Agrawal Rashmi , Kaswan Pradeep
Published: March 2021

This study's primary objective is to analyze the entropy generation in an unsteady magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) Eyring–Powell nanofluid flow. A surface that stretched out exponentially induced flow. The influences of thermal radiation, thermophoresis, and Brownian motion are also taken into consideration. The mathematical formulation for the transport of mass, momentum, and heat described by a set of partial differential equation is used, which is then interpreted by embracing the homotopy analysis method and with a fourth‐order precision program (bvp4c). Graphical results display the consequences of numerous parameters on velocity, temperature, concentration, and entropy generation. Moreover, escalating amounts of the magnetic parameter, thermal radiation parameter, Reynolds number, and Brinkman number improve the entropy profile of the nanofluid. The rate of heat flux and the mass flux conspicuously improves for non‐Newtonian fluid as compared to Newtonian fluid.
Long‐term hydrological, biogeochemical, and ecological data for the Kuparuk River, North Slope, Alaska
Authors: Medvedeff Alexander B. , Iannucci Frances M. , Deegan Linda A. , Huryn Alexander D. , Bowden William B.
Published: March 2021

The Kuparuk River, located on Alaska's North Slope, is one of the most studied rivers in the Arctic. For nearly 40 seasons, physical, chemical, and biological parameters have been monitored continuously in a 5 km, 4th‐order reach of the river during the short summer season when there is flow in this river. Flow decreases as the tundra begins to refreeze in the late autumn and these streams normally remain frozen until the spring freshet. The monitoring program has supported a 34‐year phosphorus enrichment experiment conducted by the Arctic Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) program. Enrichment with phosphorus dramatically changed the structure and function of the primary producer community in the fertilized reach, with cascading effects in higher trophic levels. The datasets generated by this experiment have revealed significant increases in flow‐weighted mean concentrations of nitrate and significant decreases in flow‐weighted mean concentrations of dissolved organic N and P over time. In this paper, we present an overview of the nutrient concentration, discharge, macroinvertebrate, and Arctic grayling population datasets we have collected. The purposes of these datasets are to track changes resulting from the enrichment experiment, support ancillary research on responses of an Arctic stream to climate warming and permafrost thaw, and to provide input and validation data for models to predict future changes in Arctic streams.
The Numerical Precision Effect: How Precision of Attribute Information Affects Adoption of Technology Products
Authors: Park Hanyong , Kwon JaeHwan
Published: March 2021

This research examines the influence of numerical precision on consumer evaluations of technology products. We posit that when an attribute of a technology product is unfamiliar (vs. familiar), numerical precision of the attribute information (e.g., Galaxy Fold’s folding durability of 54,986 times vs. 55,000 times) increases the willingness to purchase the product. This occurs because numerical precision induces inferences that the attribute is highly calibrated, which, in turn, increases perceived reliability of the technology. However, this precision effect attenuates when the unfamiliar attribute is non‐performance‐related (vs. performance‐related). Four studies using a variety of products and operationalizations of both numerical precision and attribute calibration perception provide converging evidence for the proposed effect and underlying mechanism. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Addition of rituximab in relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia after progression on venetoclax monotherapy
Authors: Handunnetti Sasanka , Anderson Mary Ann , Roberts Andrew W. , Davids Matthew S. , Ma Shuo , Boyer Michelle , Arzt Jennifer , Masud Abdullah Al , Popovic Relja , Jacobson Amanda , Kim Su Y. , Seymour John F.
Published: March 2021

Venetoclax is approved as monotherapy and in combination with rituximab for relapsed/refractory (R/R) chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Two Phase 1 studies (M12‐175 [NCT01328626]; M13‐365 [NCT01682616]) were conducted in which patients who initially responded and then progressed on venetoclax monotherapy could receive added rituximab. Ten patients were evaluated (M12‐175, n = 8; M13‐365, n = 2), and five (50%) responded again upon addition of rituximab, including three complete and two partial responses. Responses were ongoing after 5–10 months of follow‐up. Addition of rituximab was well tolerated. These findings indicate potential clinical benefit with rituximab added to venetoclax post‐progression in some patients with R/R CLL.
Programmable Random Lasing Pulses Based on Waveguide‐Assisted Random Scattering Feedback
Authors: Bian Yaoxing , Xue Hanyi , Wang Zhaona
Published: March 2021

Programmable random lasing pulses are highly desired due to their promising applications in information security, flexible encoding systems, and smart imaging. However, the fixed random scattering configuration hinders their realization. Herein, a programmable random laser is designed to dynamically regulate random lasing pulses through introducing an external waveguide structure with random scattering feedback. Liquid and solid film random lasers are thus separately achieved. Most importantly, various pulse time series of random lasing can be flexibly realized by switching the adhesion/separation state between the gain and the destroyed waveguide structure. The Feinam coding system is further realized for encryption and information transmission by combining programmable random pulses. The results may widely expand the application prospects of random lasers in the fields of optical data recording, dynamic security labels, smart sensing, and flexible imaging.
Indium Tin Oxide with High Carrier‐Collection Capacity and Radiation Resistance for GaInP Solar Cell
Authors: Dai Pan , Long Junhua , Sun Qiangjian , Wu Yuanyuan , Tan Ming , Lu Shulong
Published: March 2021

The crystal structure, light transmittance, and contact resistivity of transparent conducting indium‐tin‐oxide (ITO) ﬁlms for a III–V solar cell are studied. The optical transparency of ITO can reach 96% under appropriate annealing conditions. ITO and n+‐GaAs can form Ohmic contacts having a lower contact resistance than those formed with ITO and n+‐GaInP. A specially designed solar cell structure is fabricated to grow the ITO ﬁlm as the front electrode and thus prevent oxidation of the AlInP window layer. Three different GaInP solar cells with pure ITO and ITO/metal grid electrode structures are designed and compared. The results indicate that the ITO electrode has good carrier‐collection ability. After irradiation with 1 MeV energy electrons with an electron fluence of 1 × 1015 e cm−2, the remaining factor of the GaInP solar cells with a pure ITO electrode is ≈98%. The results indicate that ITO films have significant application potential in space solar cell manufacturing.
Ultrasmall FeS2 Nanoparticles‐Decorated Carbon Spheres with Laser‐Mediated Ferrous Ion Release for Antibacterial Therapy
Authors: Xi Juqun , An Lanfang , Huang Yaling , Jiang Jian , Wang Yanqiu , Wei Gen , Xu Zhilong , Fan Lei , Gao Lizeng
Published: March 2021

Recent progress in nanotechnology and the ancient use of sulfur in treating dermatological disorders have promoted the development of nano‐sulfides for antimicrobial applications. However, the variable valences and abundant forms of nano‐sulfides have complicated investigations on their antibacterial activity. Here, carbon nanospheres (CNSs) with decoration of ultrasmall FeS2 nanoparticles (CNSs@FeS2) is synthesized, and their antibacterial ability and mechanism are explored. The CNSs@FeS2 released Fe2+ and sulfur ions simultaneously through dissolution and disproportionation. In vitro study indicated that the released Fe2+ killed bacteria by increasing the oxidative state of bacterial surfaces and intracellular molecules. Importantly, the released sulfur exhibited a protective effect on Fe2+, ensuring the stable existence of Fe2+ to continuously combat bacteria. Moreover, the carbon shells of CNSs@FeS2 not only prevented the aggregation of FeS2 but also accelerated the release of Fe2+ through photothermal effects to achieve synergistic hyperthermia/Fe2+ therapy. In vivo experiments indicated that treatment with CNSs@FeS2 resulted in a marked reduction in bacterial number and improvement in survival in an acute peritonitis mouse model, and antibacterial wound experiments demonstrated high efficacy of CNSs@FeS2‐enabled synergistic hyperthermia/Fe2+ therapy. Thus, this study clarifies the antibacterial mechanism of FeS2 and offers a synergetic therapeutic platform with laser‐mediated Fe2+ release for antibacterial applications.
Recent Advances in Nonprecious Metal Oxide Electrocatalysts and Photocatalysts for N2 Reduction Reaction under Ambient Condition
Authors: Xu Tong , Liang Jie , Li Shaoxiong , Xu Zhaoquan , Yue Luchao , Li Tingshuai , Luo Yonglan , Liu Qian , Shi Xifeng , Asiri Abdullah M. , Yang Chun , Sun Xuping
Published: March 2021

NH3 plays an indispensable role in agriculture, fertilizer production as well as in the chemical industry. However, its large‐scale production still relies deeply on the century‐old Haber–Bosch process under high temperature and pressure along with greenhouse gas emission and fossil fuel consumption. The electrocatalytic and photocatalytic N2 reduction reactions (NRRs) for NH3 production are favorable approaches to avoid these issues because they are carbon‐neutral and energy‐saving. Recently, the nonprecious metal oxides (NPMO) have gathered the most attention due to their ease of synthesis, controllable stability, lower cost, and environmental friendliness. Herein, the recent advances in NPMO electrocatalysts and photocatalysts for the NRR are narrated and the strategies to improve the poor NRR activity of pristine NPMOs by heteroatom doping to engineer their surface‐active sites and introduction of oxygen vacancies are highlighted. A brief summary of and the future perspective on this research field are also presented.
Additive Engineering toward High‐Performance Tin Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Tianhao , Cui Danyu , Liu Xiao , Luo Xinhui , Su Hongzhen , Segawa Hiroshi , Zhang Yiqiang , Wang Yanbo , Han Liyuan
Published: March 2021

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as one of the third‐generation photovoltaic technologies. However, the toxicity issue of the lead element in perovskite absorbers hinders their large‐scale production. Thus, exploiting lead‐free perovskite materials becomes an important solution to overcome this challenge. Among all the candidates, tin perovskites have advanced rapidly in recent years due to their low toxicity, favorable bandgap, and high carrier mobility. After a few years of development, the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of tin PSCs has exceeded 13%, which is mainly attributed to the breakthroughs arising from additive engineering of the Sn perovskite layer. Herein, the role of additive engineering in the research community of tin PSCs is emphasized. First, the crystal structure, electronic characteristics, and the chemical instability of Sn perovskites are introduced. Next, additives used for stabilizing the Sn2+ components, purifying SnI2 sources, and improving the crystal quality of perovskite films are discussed in detail. Finally, challenges and perspectives are laid out to advance the properties of tin halide perovskites for further improving the device efficiency and stability.
Species delimitation with distinct methods based on molecular data to elucidate species boundaries in the Cycas taiwaniana complex (Cycadaceae)
Authors: Feng Xiu‐Yan , Wang Xin‐Hui , Chiang Yu‐Chung , Jian Shu‐Guang , Gong Xun
Published: March 2021

Accurately delimiting species boundaries is of critical importance in many areas of biology including population genetics, conservation biology, biogeography, and evolutionary biology because inaccurate species delimitation may significantly affect downstream inferences. The Cycas taiwaniana complex consists of six morphologically similar taxa (C. changjiangensis, C. fairylakea, C. hainanensis, C. lingshuigensis, C. szechuanensis, C. taiwaniana) that are distributed throughout a narrow region of South China. The members of this complex and the taxonomic status of their names have long been debated. In this study, combining morphological characteristics, we employed three distinct approaches to delimit species: haplotype phylogeny delimitation, Bayesian coalescent species delimitation (BPP), and population cluster analyses. To delimitate the species boundaries within the C. taiwaniana complex, we used 4 plastid intergenic spacers (cpDNA), 4 nuclear genes (nDNA) and 10 microsatellites. All three approaches revealed the presence of two distinct species in the C. taiwaniana complex under the unified species concept, C. taiwaniana and C. szechuanensis, largely corresponding to morphological differentiation. Cycas fairylakea was a synonym for C. szechuanensis, and the other three taxa were synonyms for C. taiwaniana. Species delimitation using molecular data was consistent with our preliminary morphological inference. This study thus optimally resolved the species boundaries and taxonomic treatment of the C. taiwaniana complex from an integrated perspective using multiple sources of molecular data and distinct analytical approaches.
A dark clue to seesaw and leptogenesis in a pseudo-Dirac singlet doublet scenario with (non)standard cosmology
Authors: Konar Partha , Mukherjee Ananya , Saha Abhijit Kumar , Show Sudipta
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We propose an appealing alternative scenario of leptogenesis assisted by dark sector which leads to the baryon asymmetry of the Universe satisfying all theoretical and experimental constraints. The dark sector carries a non minimal set up of singlet doublet fermionic dark matter extended with copies of a real singlet scalar field. A small Majorana mass term for the singlet dark fermion, in addition to the typical Dirac term, provides the more favourable dark matter of pseudo-Dirac type, capable of escaping the direct search. Such a construction also offers a formidable scope to radiative generation of active neutrino masses. In the presence of a (non)standard thermal history of the Universe, we perform the detailed dark matter phenomenology adopting the suitable benchmark scenarios, consistent with direct detection and neutrino oscillations data. Besides, we have demonstrated that the singlet scalars can go through CP-violating out of equilibrium decay, producing an ample amount of lepton asymmetry. Such an asymmetry then gets converted into the observed baryon asymmetry of the Universe through the non-perturbative sphaleron processes owing to the presence of the alternative cosmological background considered here. Unconventional thermal history of the Universe can thus aspire to lend a critical role both in the context of dark matter as well as in realizing baryogenesis.
Five-dimensional non-Lorentzian conformal field theories and their relation to six-dimensions
Authors: Lambert N. , Lipstein A. , Mouland R. , Richmond P.
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We study correlation functions in five-dimensional non-Lorentzian theories with an SU(1,3) conformal symmetry. Examples of such theories have recently been obtained as Ω-deformed Yang-Mills Lagrangians arising from a null reduction of six-dimensional superconformal field theories on a conformally compactified Minkowski space. The correlators exhibit a rich structure with many novel properties compared to conventional correlators in Lorentzian conformal field theories. Moreover, identifying the instanton number with the Fourier mode number of the dimensional reduction offers a hope to formulate six-dimensional conformal field theories in terms of five-dimensional Lagrangian theories. To this end we show that the Fourier decompositions of six-dimensional correlation functions solve the Ward identities of the SU(1,3) symmetry, although more general solutions are possible. Conversely we illustrate how one can reconstruct six-dimensional correlation functions from those of a five-dimensional theory, and do so explicitly at 2- and 3-points. We also show that, in a suitable decompactification limit Ω→0, the correlation functions become those of the DLCQ description.
Superspace formulation of exotic supergravities in six dimensions
Authors: Cederwall Martin
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We provide a linearised superfield description of the exotic non-metric N = (4, 0) supergravity in D = 6, by using a pure spinor superfield formalism. The basic field Ψ is a ghost number 2 scalar, transforming in the same R-symmetry module as the tensor fields. Partial results for the N = (1, 3) model are presented.
γδ T Lymphocytes in Asthma: a Complicated Picture
Authors: Zarobkiewicz Michał K. , Wawryk-Gawda Ewelina , Kowalska Wioleta , Janiszewska Mariola , Bojarska-Junak Agnieszka
Published: March 2021

A minor subset (approximately 5%) of peripheral T cells has their TCR build up from γ and δ chains instead of α and β—those are the γδ T lymphocytes. They can be functionally divided into subsets, e.g., Th1-, Th2-, Th9-, Th17-, Tfh-, and Treg-like γδ T cells. They share some specifics of both innate and adaptive immunity, and are capable of rapid response to a range of stimuli, including some viral and bacterial infections. Atopic diseases, including asthma, are one of major health-related problems of modern western societies. Asthma is one of the most common airway diseases, affecting people of all ages and having potential life-threatening consequences. In this paper, we review the current knowledge about the involvement of γδ T cells in the pathogenesis of asthma and its exacerbations. We summarize both the studies performed on human subjects as well as on the murine model of asthma. γδ T cells seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of asthma, different subsets probably perform opposite functions, e.g., symptom-exacerbating Vγ1 and symptom-suppressing Vγ4 in mice model of asthma.
SDLV: Verification of Steering Angle Safety for Self-Driving Cars
Authors: Wu Huihui , Lv Deyun , Cui Tengxiang , Hou Gang , Watanabe Masahiko , Kong Weiqiang
Published: March 2021

Self-driving cars over the last decade have achieved significant progress like driving millions of miles without any human intervention. However, behavioral safety in applying deep-neural-network-based (DNN based) systems for self-driving cars could not be guaranteed. Several real-world accidents involving self-driving cars have already happened, some of which have led to fatal collisions. In this paper, we present a novel and automated technique for verifying steering angle safety for self-driving cars. The technique is based on deep learning verification (DLV), which is an automated verification framework for safety of image classification neural networks. We extend DLV by leveraging neuron coverage and slack relationship to solve the judgement problem of predicted behaviors, and thus, to achieve verification of steering angle safety for self-driving cars. We evaluate our technique on the NVIDIA’s end-to-end self-driving architecture, which is a crucial ingredient in many modern self-driving cars. Experimental results show that our technique can successfully find adversarial misclassifications (i.e., incorrect steering decisions) within given regions if they exist. Therefore, we can achieve safety verification (if no misclassification is found for all DNN layers, in which case the network can be said to be stable or reliable w.r.t. steering decisions) or falsification (in which case the adversarial examples can be used to fine-tune the network).
A new minimally invasive technique for the repair of diastasis recti: a pilot study
Authors: Manetti Gabriele , Lolli Maria Giulia , Belloni Elena , Nigri Giuseppe
Published: March 2021

Background

Diastasis recti is an abdominal wall defect that occurs frequently in women during pregnancy. Patients with diastasis can experience lower back pain, uro-gynecological symptoms, and discomfort at the level of the defect. Diastasis recti is diagnosed when the inter-rectus distance is > 2 cm. Several techniques, including both minimally invasive and open access surgical treatment, are available. Abdominoplasty with plication of the anterior rectus sheath is the most commonly used, with the major limitation of requiring a wide skin incision. The new technique we propose is a modification of Costa’s technique that combines Rives–Stoppa principles and minimally invasive access using a surgical stapler to plicate the posterior sheaths of the recti abdominis.

Methods

It is a fully laparoscopic technique. The pneumoperitoneum is induced from a sovrapubic trocar, placed using an open access technique. The posterior rectus sheath is dissected from the rectus muscle using a blunt dissector to create a virtual cavity. The posterior sheets of the recti muscles are plicated using an endo-stapler. A mesh is then placed in the retromuscular space on top of the posterior sheet without any fixation. Using a clinical questionnaire, we analyzed the outcomes in 74 patients who underwent minimally invasive repair for diastasis of the rectus abdominis sheath.

Results

Seventy-four patients (9 men and 65 women) were treated using this technique. Follow-up was started two months after surgery. All procedures were conducted successfully. There were no major complications or readmissions. No postoperative infections were reported. There were two recurrences after six months. There was a significant reduction in symptoms.

Conclusions

This new method is feasible and has achieved promising results, even though a longer follow-up is needed to objectively assess this technique.
Recycling von minderwertigen Aluminiumschrotten
Authors: Wibner Stefan , Antrekowitsch Helmut
Published: March 2021

Aluminiumschrott ist häufig mit einer Vielzahl an Stoffen verunreinigt, wie Kunstoffen, Dichtungen, Ölen und Holz, oder liegt in lackierter bzw. beschichteter Form vor. Dabei handelt es sich um organische Bestandteile, welche in den Schmelzöfen zu Reaktionen und damit zum Verlust von metallischem Aluminium führen. Im Rahmen dieses Beitrags erfolgt eine Erläuterung der industriell üblichen Verfahren zur Verarbeitung von minderwertigen Al-Schrotten, welche einen hohen Organikanteil aufweisen. Typischerweise kommen diese in Refinern zum Einsatz, wo Schmelzsalze Anwendung finden. Dabei erfolgt die Herstellung von Gusslegierungen, wozu auch Desoxidationsgranalien, welche in der Stahlherstellung Verwendung finden, zählen. Eine weitere Möglichkeit zur Erzeugung dieser Produkte bietet der Schmelzprozess im Zweikammerofen, wo durch Pyrolyse vorab ein hoher Anteil organischer Bestandteile entfernt werden kann. Im experimentellen Teil des Beitrags finden Laboruntersuchungen statt, um Schmelzausbeuten von gemischtem Al-Schrott mit hohem Organikgehalt zu bestimmen. Hierbei werden die metallurgischen Rahmenbedingungen dahingehend eingestellt, dass eine Vergleichbarkeit mit den industriell eingesetzten Schmelzaggregaten gegeben ist. Die besten Ergebnisse konnten dabei durch die Anwendung von Schmelzsalzen erreicht werden. Bei der Verarbeitung minderwertiger Schrotte im Zweikammerofen führt eine vorgeschaltete Pyrolyse zur Erhöhung der Schmelzausbeuten und zur Verringerung der Krätzemengen.
Ladungsträgerbasierte Modellierung von Teilentladungsprozessen in Runddrahtwicklungen umrichtergespeister Niederspannungsmaschinen
Authors: Driendl Niklas , lütke Jüdefeld Clara , Pauli Florian , Schröder Michael , Hameyer Kay
Published: March 2021

Das Auftreten von Teilentladungen in elektrischen Maschinen kann innerhalb von kurzer Zeit zum Versagen des Isoliersystems und somit zum Ausfall der Maschine führen. Für den Auslegungsprozess ist es daher essenziell zu ermitteln, ab welcher Spannung für welche Betriebspunkte Teilentladungen auftreten können. Umrichterbetriebene elektrische Maschinen sind aufgrund der transienten Spannungen besonderen Belastungen ausgesetzt. Insbesondere im Automobilbereich entstehen zusätzliche Anforderungen durch die Erhöhung der Zwischenkreisspannung und der Verwendung von schnellschaltenden Halbleiterelementen, wie z. B. Siliziumkarbid (SiC). Teilentladungen treten in luftgefüllten Hohlräumen innerhalb des Isoliersystems auf. Um die Teilentladungseinsetzspannung in Abhängigkeit von Spannungsanstiegsgeschwindigkeit und Überschwingverhalten zu berechnen, wird ein Modell auf Basis von hydrodynamischen Gleichungen entwickelt, das die Teilchenbewegung von positiven und negativen Ionen sowie von Elektronen im Luftraum berücksichtigt. Mithilfe der ladungsträgerbasierten Modellierung ist es ferner möglich, den entstehenden Teilchenstrom zu berechnen, der einen Rückschluss auf die Teilentladungsintensität zulässt.
Pain management in hemophilia: expert recommendations
Authors: Stromer Waltraud , Pabinger Ingrid , Ay Cihan , Crevenna Richard , Donnerer Josef , Feistritzer Clemens , Hemberger Sophie , Likar Rudolf , Sevelda Florian , Thom Katharina , Wagner Barbara , Streif Werner
Published: March 2021

Introduction

As a typical consequence of bleeding into muscles and joints, patients with severe hemophilia suffer from acute and chronic pain. In spite of its high prevalence, pain in this patient group is not always sufficiently considered or treated in an effective manner.

Aim

The recommendations presented in this paper address possible improvements in pain management in hemophilia patients and particularities that have to be taken into account in this patient group.

Method

The manifold aspects of pain management in hemophilia patients were discussed within the framework of an expert meeting. Based on the available literature and the experts’ clinical experience, the participants developed a set of recommendations presented in this paper.

Results

Pain management in patients with hemophilia is often insufficient, a fact that not only influences the patients’ quality of life but also implies the risk of difficult to manage chronic pain. Both the prevalent polypharmacy (due to comorbidities) as well as the underlying disease itself present special challenges to pain therapy in this patient group. The present review and recommendations are intended to support medical professionals in recognising the risks of pain chronicity, applying basic principles of multimodal pain therapy, including the options of psychological intervention and modalities of physical medicine in therapy concepts, and reaching a comprehensive understanding of the range of analgesic options available.
Reducing mass while improving the operational behavior: form optimization of planetary gearbox housings
Authors: Theling Julian , Brimmers Jens , Brecher Christian
Published: March 2021

The optimization of load sharing between planets is one of the most important goals in planetary gearbox design. Unevenly distributed load will cause locally higher flank pressures and therefore, less durability of gears and bearings. Furthermore, unevenly distributed or fluctuating loads can cause excitations in the gear mesh and structural vibrations. The load sharing in planetary gear stages depends on the individual stiffness conditions in each mesh position. The stiffness is not only influenced by the gear geometry but also by the surrounding structural elements like shafts, housings and torque arms. In wind industry these components are often designed very stiff in order to reduce their effect on the operational behavior.

Within this paper, a method is presented, which allows combining the structural optimization process with a tooth contact analysis for planetary gearboxes. By means of this combined approach, it is possible to optimize the housing structure of the ring gear in terms of mass reduction while keeping the operational behavior in focus. With a weighted design objective function, it is possible to decide whether the main objective should be load distribution, excitation behavior, low mass or a balanced design.