bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perancangan Video Game Sebagai Media Edukasi Tentang Pandangan Kontra dari Amnesty International Terhadap Pelaksanaan Hukuman Mati
Authors: Atmaja Liana , Ardianto Denny Tri , Setyawan Paulus Benny
Published: February 2022

Perubahan paradigma manusia secara kolektif di berbagai aspek kehidupan, seperti moralitas, filosofi, dan ilmu pengetahuan terjadi sebagai bagian dari perkembangan sejarah dunia, salah satunya dalam bidang hukum. Hukum yang pada mulanya bersifat retributif, di masa ini mulai mengalami pergeseran ke arah restoratif, yang mana tercermin dalam pandangan masyarakat dunia terhadap hukuman mati, di mana konsep dari hukuman mati menjadi cenderung semakin dikritisi. Indonesia mengalami ketertinggalan dalam hal itu. Dengan demikian, perancangan ini dilaksanakan sebagai respon terhadap fakta tersebut. Perancangan ini dilakukan untuk membuat media interaktif digital yang dapat menjadi media pembelajaran bagi masyarakat umum di Indonesia mengenai pandangan kontra Amnesty International terhadap isu hukuman mati. Bentuk media interaktif yang dipilih adalah Interactive Fiction, di mana materi pembelajaran dimasukkan dalam satu bentuk permainan yang bersifat naratif dan berbasis teks. Setelah dilakukan tes terhadap target audiens, hasil perancangan dinilai dapat menimbulkan ketertarikan terhadap topik yang diangkat, tetapi kurang mampu mempertahankan ketertarikan dan perhatian pemain terhadap media sebagai sebuah permainan.
Camera trapping and spatially explicit capture–recapture for the monitoring and conservation management of lions: Insights from a globally important population in Tanzania
Authors: Strampelli Paolo , Searle Charlotte E. , Smit Josephine B. , Henschel Philipp , Mkuburo Lameck , Ikanda Dennis , Macdonald David W. , Dickman Amy J.
Published: February 2022

Accurate and precise estimates of population status are required to inform and evaluate conservation management and policy interventions. Although the lion (Panthera leo) is a charismatic species receiving increased conservation attention, robust status estimates are lacking for most populations. While for many large carnivores population density is often estimated through spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR) applied to camera trap data, the lack of pelage patterns in lions has limited the application of this technique to the species.

Here, we present one of the first applications of this methodology to lion, in Tanzania's Ruaha‐Rungwa landscape, a stronghold for the species for which no empirical estimates of status are available. We deployed four camera trap grids across habitat and land management types, and we identified individual lions through whisker spots, scars and marks, and multiple additional features.

Double‐blind identification revealed low inter‐observer variation in photo identification (92% agreement), due to the use of xenon‐flash cameras and consistent framing and angles of photographs.

Lion occurred at highest densities in a prey‐rich area of Ruaha National Park (6.12 ± SE 0.94 per 100 km2), and at relatively high densities (4.06 ± SE 1.03 per 100 km2) in a community‐managed area of similar riparian‐grassland habitat. Miombo woodland in both photographic and trophy hunting areas sustained intermediate lion densities (1.75 ± SE 0.62 and 2.25 ± SE 0.52 per 100 km2, respectively). These are the first spatially explicit density estimates for lion in Tanzania, including the first for a trophy hunting and a community‐managed area, and also provide some of the first insights into lion status in understudied miombo habitats.

We discuss in detail the methodology employed, the potential for scaling‐up over larger areas, and its limitations. We suggest that the method can be an important tool for lion monitoring and explore the implications of our findings for lion management.
CX3CR1‐Expressing Myeloid Cells Regulate Host–Helminth Interaction and Lung Inflammation
Authors: Kim Sang Yong , Barnes Mark A. , Sureshchandra Suhas , Menicucci Andrea R. , Patel Jay J. , Messaoudi Ilhem , Nair Meera G.
Published: February 2022

Many helminth life cycles, including hookworm, involve a mandatory lung phase, where myeloid and granulocyte subsets interact with the helminth and respond to infection‐induced lung injury. To evaluate these innate subsets in Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection, reporter mice for myeloid cells (CX3CR1GFP) and granulocytes (PGRPdsRED) are employed. Nippostrongylus infection induces lung infiltration of reporter cells, including CX3CR1+ myeloid cells and PGRP+ eosinophils. Strikingly, CX3CR1GFP/GFP mice, which are deficient in CX3CR1, are protected from Nippostrongylus infection with reduced weight loss, lung leukocyte infiltration, and worm burden compared to CX3CR1+/+ mice. This protective effect is specific for CX3CR1 as CCR2‐deficient mice do not exhibit reduced worm burdens. Nippostrongylus co‐culture with lung Ly6C+ monocytes or CD11c+ cells demonstrates that CX3CR1GFP/GFP monocytes secrete more pro‐inflammatory cytokines and actively bind the parasites causing reduced motility. RNA sequencing of Ly6C+ or CD11c+ cells shows Nippostrongylus‐induced gene expression changes, particularly in monocytes, associated with inflammation, chemotaxis, and extracellular matrix remodeling pathways. Analysis reveals cytotoxic and adhesion molecules as potential effectors against the parasite, such as Gzma and Gzmb, which are elevated in CX3CR1GFP/GFP monocytes. These studies validate a dual innate cell reporter for lung helminth infection and demonstrate that CX3CR1 impairs monocyte–helminth interaction.
Coaxial Multiphase Flame for Continuous‐Flow Assembly of Ternary Nanocomposite Photocatalysts
Authors: Kwak Bongseop , Choi Jungwook , Lim Jiseok , Byeon Jeong Hoon
Published: February 2022

For the low‐cost production of graphene (G)‐included composites, the growth of graphene on a transition metal in hydrocarbon flames is introduced, where the hydrocarbons are adsorbed on the metal surface, followed by catalytic decomposition, leading to continuous G formation. On the other hand, the flame synthesis of G is still a batch process, limiting the practical applications of such materials. Moreover, the hybridization of G for enhanced catalytic activities requires additional reaction and separation steps. Here, a coaxial multiphase flame is generated and combined with a rotating Cu–Ni foil and ultrasonic bath for the continuous‐flow assembly of ternary G composites with low‐cost and rapid implementation. The continuous flows to generate a multicomponent flame consist of MoS2 particle‐laden N2 gas (inner), titanium isopropoxide vapor‐laden CH4‐air (middle), and ethanol liquid (outer), while Cu–Ni foil plies between the flame and ultrasonic bath for the assembly and dispersion of MoS2–TiO2@G composites. The configuration of the composite can be modulated by replacing the MoS2 flow with a CdS flow to construct CdS–TiO2@G. From photocatalytic H2 production and CO2 reduction tests, the developed coaxial flame provides comparable performance with analogous architectures from the usual multistep methods despite the high‐throughput production.
Sn‐Doped Black Phosphorene for Enhancing the Selectivity of Nitrogen Electroreduction to Ammonia
Authors: Liu Honghong , Cao Xinrui , Ding Liang‐Xin , Wang Haihui
Published: February 2022

The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) to ammonia (NH3) is a highly desirable yet challenging objective because of the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, a novel electrocatalyst of Sn‐doped black phosphorene (Sn‐BPene) is demonstrated with dramatically improved selectivity for the NRR. The Sn that is added acts as a sacrificial species for the HER to protect the NRR active sites on black phosphorene (BPene). The Sn‐BPene achieves a Faraday efficiency of up to 36.51% and a prominent NH3 yield rate of 26.98 µg h–1 mgcat–1 at a relatively low overpotential. Density functional theory calculations prove that the adsorption sites of H2O and N2 are separated after doping with Sn, with H2O adsorbing preferentially onto the Sn sites and N2 onto the NRR active sites of BPene, leading to high selectivity.
Reconfigurable Ferromagnetic Resonances by Engineering Inhomogeneous Magnetic Textures in Artificial Magnonic Crystals
Authors: Ji Lianze , Zhao Rongzhi , Hu Xin , Hu Chenglong , Shen Xiaochen , Liu Xiaolian , Zhao Xiaoyu , Zhang Jian , Chen Wenchao , Zhang Xuefeng
Published: February 2022

Advanced microfabrication gives rise to an extra degree of freedom for controlling magnetic textures, which determine the spin dynamics of thin‐film magnets for various spintronic devices. However, the intuitive understanding of complicated ferromagnetic resonances (FMRs) is still challenging for lacking directly observed evolution of inhomogeneous magnetic textures. This study demonstrates the reconfigurable FMRs by introducing artificial patterns of antidot lattices (namely magnonic crystals), mediated by the engineering of inhomogeneous magnetic textures. Ordered walls are observed directly in such a magnetic film using in situ Lorentz transmission electron microscopy. By applying in‐plane external magnetic fields, arc‐shaped domain walls can be nucleated along the edge of patterns, inducing the splitting of FMRs from a single peak to two branches (marked by low‐frequency and high‐frequency branches, respectively). Complementary micromagnetic simulations reconstruct the inhomogeneous magnetic textures and splitting of FMRs. It is indicated that the low‐frequency branch ascribes to the confined mode excited by arc‐shaped domain walls, and the high‐frequency one originates from the quasi‐uniform mode generated by in‐plane magnetization between arc‐shaped domain walls. These results offer new opportunities for designing patterned magnonic devices and understanding the unique phenomenon of spin dynamics.
Observation of Short‐Period Helical Spin Order and Magnetic Transition in a Nonchiral Centrosymmetric Helimagnet
Authors: Ding Bei , Liu Jun , Li Hang , Liang Jinjing , Chen Jie , Li Zefang , Li Xue , Xi Xuekui , Cheng Zhenxiang , Wang Jianli , Yao Yuan , Wang Wenhong
Published: February 2022

The search for materials exhibiting nanoscale spiral order continues to be fuelled by the promise of emergent inductors. Although such spin textures have been reported in many materials, most of them exhibit long periods or are limited to operate far below room temperature. Here, the real‐space observation of an ordered helical spin order with a period of 3.2 nm in a nonchiral centrosymmetric helimagnet MnCoSi at room temperature via multiangle and multiazimuth approach of Lorentz transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is presented. A magnetic transition from the ordered helical spin order to a cycloidal spin order below 228 K is clearly revealed by in situ neutron powder diffraction and Lorentz TEM, which is closely correlated with temperature‐induced variation in magneto‐crystalline anisotropy. These results reveal the origin of spiral ordered spin textures in nonchiral centrosymmetric helimagnet, which can serve as a new strategy for searching materials with nanoscale spin order with potential applications in emergent electromagnetism.
Injectable Extracellular Matrix Microparticles Promote Heart Regeneration in Mice with Post‐ischemic Heart Injury
Authors: Wang Xinming , Ansari Ali , Pierre Valinteshley , Young Kathleen , Kothapalli Chandrasekhar R. , von Recum Horst A. , Senyo Samuel E.
Published: February 2022

Ischemic heart injury causes permanent cardiomyocyte loss and fibrosis impairing cardiac function. Tissue derived biomaterials have shown promise as an injectable treatment for the post‐ischemic heart. Specifically, decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) is a protein rich suspension that forms a therapeutic hydrogel once injected and improves the heart post‐injury response in rodents and pig models. Current dECM‐derived biomaterials are delivered to the heart as a liquid dECM hydrogel precursor or colloidal suspension, which gels over several minutes. To increase the functionality of the dECM therapy, an injectable solid dECM microparticle formulation derived from heart tissue to control sizing and extend stability in aqueous conditions is developed. When delivered into the infarcted mouse heart, these dECM microparticles protect cardiac function promote vessel density and reduce left ventricular remodeling by sustained delivery of biomolecules. Longer retention, higher stiffness, and slower protein release of dECM microparticles are noted compared to liquid dECM hydrogel precursor. In addition, the dECM microparticle can be developed as a platform for macromolecule delivery. Together, the results suggest that dECM microparticles can be developed as a modular therapy for heart injury.
Shape‐Changing DNA‐Linked Nanoparticle Films Dictated by Lateral and Vertical Patterns
Authors: Kim Jongwook , Lee Sunghee , Choi Jisu , Baek Kyungnae , Shim Tae Soup , Hyun Jerome Kartham , Park So‐Jung
Published: February 2022

The self‐assembly of nanoscale building blocks into complex nanostructures with controlled structural anisotropy can open up new opportunities for realizing active nanomaterials exhibiting spatiotemporal structural transformations. Here, a combination of bottom‐up DNA‐directed self‐assembly and top‐down photothermal patterning is adopted to fabricate free‐standing nanoparticle films with vertical and lateral heterogeneity. This approach involves the construction of multicomponent plasmonic nanoparticle films by DNA‐directed layer‐by‐layer (LbL) self‐assembly, followed by on‐demand lateral patterning by the direct photothermal writing method. The distinct plasmonic properties of nanospheres and nanorods constituting the multidomain films enable photopatterning in a selective domain with precisely controlled vertical depths. The photopatterned films exhibit complex morphing actions instructed by the lateral and vertical patterns inscribed in the film as well as the information carried in DNA.
Stiffness Variable Polymers Comprising Phase‐Changing Side‐Chains: Material Syntheses and Application Explorations
Authors: Gao Meng , Meng Yuan , Shen Claire , Pei Qibing
Published: February 2022

Stiffness variable materials have been applied in a variety of engineering fields that require adaptation, automatic modulation, and morphing because of their unique property to switch between a rigid, load‐bearing state and a soft, compliant state. Stiffness variable polymers comprising phase‐changing side‐chains (s‐SVPs) have densely grafted, highly crystallizable long alkyl side‐chains in a crosslinked network. Such a bottlebrush network‐like structure gives rise to rigidity modulation as a result of the reversible crystallization and melting of the side chains. The corresponding modulus changes can be more than 1000‐fold within a narrow temperature span, from ≈102 MPa to ≈102 kPa or lower. Other important properties of the s‐SVP, such as stretchability, optical transmittance, and adhesion, can also be altered. This work reviews the underlying molecular mechanisms in the s‐SVP's, discusses the material's structure–property relationship, and summarizes important applications explored so far, including reversible shape transformation, bistable electromechanical transduction, optical modulation, and reversible adhesion.
pH‐Responsive Polymer Nanoparticles for Efficient Delivery of Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein With or Without Donor DNA
Authors: Xie Ruosen , Wang Xiuxiu , Wang Yuyuan , Ye Mingzhou , Zhao Yi , Yandell Brian S. , Gong Shaoqin
Published: February 2022

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) may offer new therapeutics for genetic diseases through gene disruption via nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) or gene correction via homology‐directed repair (HDR). However, clinical translation of CRISPR technology is limited by the lack of safe and efficient delivery systems. Here, facilely fabricated pH‐responsive polymer nanoparticles capable of safely and efficiently delivering Cas9 ribonucleoprotein alone (termed NHEJ‐NP, diameter = 29.4 nm), or together with donor DNA (termed HDR‐NP, diameter = 33.3 nm) are reported. Moreover, intravenously, intratracheally, and intramuscularly injected NHEJ‐NP induces efficient gene editing in mouse liver, lung, and skeletal muscle, respectively. Intramuscularly injected HDR‐NP also leads to muscle strength recovery in a Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse model. NHEJ‐NP and HDR‐NP possess many desirable properties including high payload loading content, small and uniform sizes, high editing efficiency, good biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and ease of production, storage, and transport, making them great interest for various genome editing applications with clinical potentials.
Spiked Nanostructures Disrupt Fungal Biofilm and Impart Increased Sensitivity to Antifungal Treatment
Authors: Hayles Andrew , Bright Richard , Wood Jonathan , Palms Dennis , Zilm Peter , Brown Toby , Barker Dan , Vasilev Krasimir
Published: February 2022

There is a globally increasing demand for medically implanted devices, partly spurred by an aging population. In parallel, there is a proportionate increase in implant associated infection. Much focus has been directed toward the development of techniques to fabricate nanostructured antimicrobial biomaterials to mitigate infection. The present study investigates the interaction of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans with an antimicrobial surface bearing nanoscale protrusions. C. albicans cells were observed to be affected by cell wall stress, which impeded its ability to switch to a hyphal phenotype. There are significant differences in the expression of C. albicans virulence‐associated genes between the untreated and nanostructured surfaces. To determine whether the observed inhibition of C. albicans would also sensitize it to antifungal drugs, a culture is established for 3 days on the nanostructured surface before being treated with the antifungal drug amphotericin B. The drug was able to kill all cells on the nanostructured surface at sub‐clinical concentrations, while remaining ineffective against cultures grown on a smooth control surface. These findings may eventually prove to be impactful in the clinic, as clinicians may be able to reduce antifungal drug dosages and minimize the effects of drug associated toxicity.
Exploring the Sodium‐Storage Mechanism of Nanosized Disodium Rhodizonate as the Anode Active Material
Authors: Hao Zhiqiang , Dimov Nikolay , Nishio Akira , Sakamoto Ryo , Okada Shigeto
Published: February 2022

Nanosized disodium rhodizonate (Na2C6O6, NCO) prepared by antisolvent crystallization is tested as an organic anode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). A reversible capacity of 230 mAh g−1 combined with an excellent capacity retention of ≈85% after 1000 cycles versus Na/Na+ is demonstrated in a NaPF6‐DME electrolyte. Such a promising electrochemical performance is achieved by the synergy of the NCO particle nanosizing, and the formation of a thin, but stable and Na+‐permeable solid electrolyte interface layer that builds‐up readily in the NaPF6‐1,2‐dimethoxyethane electrolyte. The feasibility of the nanosized NCO anode for SIBs is also confirmed in a full sodium‐ion cell versus Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode, and the discharge potential is as high as 2.0 V suggesting a promising energy density.
Under‐Oil Autonomously Regulated Oxygen Microenvironments: A Goldilocks Principle‐Based Approach for Microscale Cell Culture
Authors: Li Chao , Humayun Mouhita , Walker Glenn M. , Park Keon Young , Connors Bryce , Feng Jun , Pellitteri Hahn Molly C. , Scarlett Cameron O. , Li Jiayi , Feng Yanbo , Clark Ryan L. , Hefti Hunter , Schrope Jonathan , Venturelli Ophelia S. , Beebe David J.
Published: February 2022

Oxygen levels in vivo are autonomously regulated by a supply–demand balance, which can be altered in disease states. However, the oxygen levels of in vitro cell culture systems, particularly microscale cell culture, are typically dominated by either supply or demand. Further, the oxygen microenvironment in these systems is rarely monitored or reported. Here, a method to establish and dynamically monitor autonomously regulated oxygen microenvironments (AROM) using an oil overlay in an open microscale cell culture system is presented. Using this method, the oxygen microenvironment is dynamically regulated via the supply–demand balance of the system. Numerical simulation and experimental validation of oxygen transport within multi‐liquid‐phase, microscale culture systems involving a variety of cell types, including mammalian, fungal, and bacterial cells are presented. Finally, AROM is applied to establish a coculture between cells with disparate oxygen demands—primary intestinal epithelial cells (oxygen consuming) and Bacteroides uniformis (an anaerobic species prevalent in the human gut).
Electronic Localization Derived Excellent Stability of Li Metal Anode with Ultrathin Alloy
Authors: He Danqi , Cui Wenjun , Liao Xiaobin , Xie Xianfei , Mao Mingheng , Sang Xiahan , Zhai Pengcheng , Zhao Yan , Huang Yunhui , Zhao Wenyu
Published: February 2022

Lithium metal is an ideal anode for next‐generation high‐energy‐density batteries. However, lithium dendrite growth has impeded its commercial application. Herein, fabricating Li‐based ultrathin alloys with electronic localization and high surface work function via depositing Bi, Al, or Au metals on the surface of copper foil for in situ alloying with lithium is proposed. It is discovered that the electronic localization can induce self‐smoothing effect of Li ions, as a result, significantly suppressing the growth of dendritic lithium. Meanwhile, the high surface work function can effectively alleviate side reactions between the electrolyte and lithium. With the as‐obtained ultrathin alloys as anodes, excellent cycling performance is achieved. The half cells run stably after more than 120 cycles under high capacity of 4 mAh cm−2. The S||Bi/Cu‐Li full cell delivers a specific capacity of 736 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles. This work provides a new strategy for fabricating long‐life and high‐capacity lithium batteries.
Optimizing the diagnostic workflow for acute lymphoblastic leukemia by optical genome mapping
Authors: Rack Katrina , De Bie Jolien , Ameye Geneviève , Gielen Olga , Demeyer Sofie , Cools Jan , De Keersmaecker Kim , Vermeesch Joris R. , Maertens Johan , Segers Heidi , Michaux Lucienne , Dewaele Barbara
Published: February 2022

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignancy that can be subdivided into distinct entities based on clinical, immunophenotypic and genomic features, including mutations, structural variants (SVs), and copy number alterations (CNA). Chromosome banding analysis (CBA) and Fluorescent In‐Situ Hybridization (FISH) together with Multiple Ligation‐dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA), array and PCR‐based methods form the backbone of routine diagnostics. This approach is labor‐intensive, time‐consuming and costly. New molecular technologies now exist that can detect SVs and CNAs in one test. Here we apply one such technology, optical genome mapping (OGM), to the diagnostic work‐up of 41 ALL cases. Compared to our standard testing pathway, OGM identified all recurrent CNAs and SVs as well as additional recurrent SVs and the resulting fusion genes. Based on the genomic profile obtained by OGM, 32 patients could be assigned to one of the major cytogenetic risk groups compared to 23 with the standard approach. The latter identified 24/34 recurrent chromosomal abnormalities, while OGM identified 33/34, misinterpreting only 1 case with low hypodiploidy. The results of MLPA were concordant in 100% of cases. Overall, there was excellent concordance between the results. OGM increased the detection rate and cytogenetic resolution, and abrogated the need for cascade testing, resulting in reduced turnaround times. OGM also provided opportunities for better patient stratification and accurate treatment options. However, for comprehensive cytogenomic testing, OGM still needs to be complemented with CBA or SNP‐array to detect ploidy changes and with BCR::ABL1 FISH to assign patients as soon as possible to targeted therapy.
Multiple‐Qubit CkUm Logic Gates of Rydberg Atoms via Optimized Geometric Quantum Operations
Authors: Li Meng , Li Jing‐Yang , Guo Fu‐Qiang , Zhu Xiao‐Yu , Liang Erjun , Zhang Shou , Yan Lei‐Lei , Feng Mang , Su Shi‐Lei
Published: February 2022

Multiple‐qubit logic gates, as an essential part of quantum logic gates, have wide practical application in quantum computation. Here, a scheme to directly construct a multiple‐qubit logic gate , in which k control atoms apply an universal operation U on each of m target qubits in the Rydberg atom system is proposed. The scheme, based on Rydberg blockade and geometric quantum operations as well as optimized control theory, can greatly reduce the qubit number and the operation steps, improving the speed and robustness of the gating compared to the conventional multiple‐qubit gates consisting of single‐ and two‐qubit gates. Taking the C2U2 gate as an example, the performance of the proposal is numerically evaluated in terms of the fidelity of the quantum gate as well as the robustness against the static systematic errors and spontaneous emission. This work may provide a significative reference for constructing universal multiple‐qubit logic gates in future Rydberg atom experiments.
Characterization, theoretical computation, DNA‐binding, molecular docking, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities of new metal complexes of (E)‐1‐([1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl]diazenyl)naphthalen‐2‐ol
Authors: El‐Sayed Yusif S. , Gaber Mohammed , Fahmy Rowaida M. , Fathallah Shaimaa
Published: February 2022

Complexes of (E)‐1‐([1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl]diazenyl)naphthalen‐2‐ol with manganese (II), cobalt (II), nickel (II), and zinc (II) have been constructed. Elemental analyses, molar conductance, magnetic moment measurements, spectral (IR, 1H, 13C NMR, EI‐mass, and UV–Vis), XRD, and thermal studies have all been used to determine the structure of complexes. Except for Ni (II), which has a tetrahedral geometry, the results demonstrated that all complexes have octahedral geometry. The molecular mechanic calculations used in the hyper chem. 8.03 molecular modeling program were used to determine the potential structures of metal complexes. To confirm the geometrical geometries of the investigated metal complexes, the bond lengths, bond angles, LUMO, HOMO, and dipole moments of the listed complexes were determined. At varied heating rates, the thermal analysis (TG) measurements are also investigated. Different integral equations were used to compute the kinetic and thermodynamic characteristics of the thermal degradation processes. UV–Vis absorption titration was used to study the complexes' DNA binding mechanisms. The results revealed that the complexes attach to DNA in either intercalative or non‐intercalative manner. Azodye and its metal complexes were tested in vitro against Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), fungi (Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, and Mucor), and yeast (Malassezia furfur). The azodye and its metal chelates have shown potent antioxidant activities. The molecular docking analysis has been tested with Topoisomerase II protein code: 4CHT model.
Generalized discrete decoupling and control of MIMO systems
Authors: Pandey Sumit Kumar , Dey Jayati , Banerjee Subrata
Published: February 2022

This paper proposes an efficient discrete‐time decoupling algorithm for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) systems having strong coupling between inputs and outputs. A design method for discrete decouplers is proposed to eliminate the cross‐coupling effects present in MIMO systems. The proposed decoupling technique is based on relative gain array (RGA) approach of MIMO system. In order to perform closed‐loop control, individual discrete‐time PID controllers are designed based on Kharitonov theorem for each of the SISO control loops of the resulting decoupled MIMO system. The closed‐loop performance of the MIMO system under consideration is investigated in simulation and in real time which illustrate that the proposed decoupling algorithm satisfactorily nullifies the interaction between the inputs and outputs. The control scheme exhibits perfect tracking of the reference commands even in presence of disturbances. Twin rotor MIMO system (TRMS) is considered as the real‐time example to validate the proposed method. Further, the performance of the compensated TRMS system is analyzed in frequency domain in presence of common actuator nonlinearities dead zone and saturation together. The performances of the controllers are found to be efficient even in presence of actuator nonlinearities.
Dynamic modelling of N2O emissions from a full‐scale granular sludge partial nitritation‐anammox reactor
Authors: Wan Xinyu , Volcke Eveline I.P.
Published: February 2022

Partial nitration‐anammox is a resource‐efficient pathway for nitrogen removal from wastewater. However, the advantages of this nitrogen removal technology may be counter‐acted by the emission of N2O, a potent greenhouse gas. In this study, mathematical modelling was applied to analyse N2O formation and emission dynamics and to develop N2O mitigation strategies for a one‐stage partial nitritation‐anammox granular sludge reactor. Dynamic model calibration for such a full‐scale reactor was performed, applying a one‐dimensional biofilm model and including several N2O formation pathways. Simultaneous calibration of liquid phase concentrations and N2O emissions leads to improved model fit compared to their consecutive calibration. The model could quantitatively predict the average N2O emissions and qualitatively characterize the N2O dynamics, adjusting only seven parameter values. The model was validated with N2O data from an independent data set at different aeration conditions. Nitrifier nitrification was identified as the dominating N2O formation pathway. Off‐gas recirculation as a potential N2O emission reduction strategy was tested by simulation and showed indeed some improvement, be it at the cost of higher aeration energy consumption.
Classification of the popliteofibular ligament
Authors: Olewnik Łukasz , Gonera Bartosz , Kurtys Konrad , Zielinska Nicol , Ruzik Kacper , Aragonés Paloma , Sanudo Jose Ramón , Danowska‐Klonowska Dominika , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to characterize the morphological variations in the distal attachment of the popliteofibular ligament (PFL) and create an accurate classification for use in planning surgical procedures in this area and in evaluating radiological imaging. One hundred and thirty‐seven lower limbs of body donors fixed in 10% formalin solution were examined for the presence and course of the PFL. The PFL was present in 88.3% of cases. We propose the following three‐fold classification: type I (72.3%), the most common type, characterized by the attachment onto the apex of the head of the fibula, type II (8.7%), characterized by a bifurcation, with the dominant band inserting on the anterior slope of the styloid process of the fibula and the smaller band onto the posterior surface of the styloid process of the fibula and type III (7.3%), characterized by a double PFL: the first PFL (main) originated from the popliteus tendon and inserted onto the anterior slope of the styloid process of the fibula, while the second originated from the musculotendinous junction of the popliteus muscle and inserted on the posterior surface of the styloid process of the fibula. The PFL was characterized by high morphological variation, as reflected in our proposed classification. This variation may present clinical and biomechanical issues for both medical personnel and researchers. Our proposed classification may be valuable for clinicians who evaluate and perform surgical procedures within the knee joint area.
Is the avatar scared? Pupil as a perceptual cue
Authors: Dong Yuzhu , Jörg Sophie , Jain Eakta
Published: February 2022

The importance of eyes for virtual characters stems from the intrinsic social cues in a person's eyes. While previous work on computer generated eyes has considered realism and naturalness, there has been little investigation into how details in the eye animation impact the perception of an avatar's internal emotional state. We present three large scale experiments (N≈500) that investigate the extent to which viewers can identify if an avatar is scared. We find that participants can identify a scared avatar with accuracy using cues in the eyes including pupil size variation, gaze, and blinks. Because eye trackers return pupil diameter in addition to gaze, our experiments inform practitioners that animating the pupil correctly will add expressiveness to a virtual avatar with negligible additional cost. These findings also have implications for creating expressive eyes in intelligent conversational agents and social robots.
Case report of open appendectomy in treating acute perforated appendicitis with necrotizing fasciitis of the abdominal wall: A rare complication of a common disease
Authors: Rakhsha Mohsen , Hosseinzadeh Rezvan , Hosseinzadeh Dariush , Behnamfar Morteza , Kazemi Kataneh
Published: February 2022

Acute appendicitis can be associated with uncommon complications such as necrotizing fasciitis. We present a case of a 37‐year‐old woman referred to our hospital with a 1‐week history of significant weakness, anorexia, and mild abdominal pain. According to laboratory and radiographic data, the patient was diagnosed with perforated appendicitis and gangrene.
Impact of COVID‐19 on the Renewable Energy Sector and Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Olabi Valentina , Wilberforce Tabbi , Elsaid Khaled , Sayed Enas Taha , Abdelkareem Mohammad Ali
Published: February 2022

This review explores the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the renewable energy (RE) sector, especially in countries with the highest RE capacities, e.g., the USA, China, India, and the EU. It highlights stimulus packages put in place by governments worldwide and their sustainability to cushion the RE sector. Commissioning of RE projects has stalled due to lack of funding allocation and interruptions in the supply of equipment and components due to lockdown measures. Despite the need to fund COVID‐19 vaccination programs and other related health services, the world must not neglect other sectors of the economy, creating more problems, such as worsening the climate change situation in the long run. This review aims to present the information needed to sustain future energy during the COVID‐19 global pandemic.
Improved Preparation of Cu/Zn‐Based Catalysts by Well‐Defined Conditions of Co‐Precipitation and Aging
Authors: Guse David , Polierer Sabrina , Wild Stefan , Pitter Stephan , Kind Matthias
Published: February 2022

In order to enable science‐ and knowledge‐based adaptation of catalyst materials to new demands, e.g., methanol synthesis from CO2, a modified method to prepare Cu/Zn‐based catalysts based on the strict consecutive execution of co‐precipitation and aging is investigated. By successfully stabilizing the initial co‐precipitate, two mixing regimes are revealed: regarding slow mixing, the particle size of the co‐precipitate decreases with increasing volume flow. By contrast, co‐precipitation is no longer influenced by mixing for sufficiently high volume flows. While aging can be accelerated by forming smaller aggregates in the co‐precipitation, the final state is found to be defined by thermodynamic equilibrium alone. Furthermore, the microstructure of the final catalyst was influenced and the performance in direct dimethyl ether synthesis was improved by adjusting the mixing in the co‐precipitation. We believe that the approach could be scaled‐up to industrial production rates and, hence, is promising to make methanol synthesis from CO2 more effective and sustainable.
Subtype of atypia on cytology and risk of malignancy in pediatric thyroid nodules
Authors: Cherella Christine E. , Hollowell Monica L. , Smith Jessica R. , Zendejas Benjamin , Modi Biren P. , Cibas Edmund S. , Wassner Ari J.
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Thyroid nodules with atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) are challenging to manage because of their intermediate risk of malignancy. Subclassification of atypia can refine malignancy risk in adult AUS nodules but has not been evaluated in children.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients (<19 years old) who underwent fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) of a thyroid nodule with resulting AUS cytology. Atypia was subclassified as nuclear only, architectural only, nuclear and architectural, or oncocytic. The primary outcome was the association between atypia subtype and malignancy. A secondary outcome was the association of atypia subtype with repeat FNA cytology.

RESULTS

Sixty‐eight AUS nodules in 61 patients were analyzed. The median age at FNA was 16.2 years (range, 9.8‐18.9 years). Twenty‐four nodules (35%) were malignant. Nuclear atypia only was present in 17 nodules (25%), architectural atypia only was present in 27 nodules (40%), nuclear and architectural atypia was present in 20 nodules (29%), and predominantly oncocytic features were present in 4 nodules (6%). The presence of nuclear atypia was associated with a significantly increased rate of malignancy (22 of 37 [59%] vs 2 of 31 [6.5%]; P < .001), whereas architectural atypia was not associated with malignancy (P = .8). Repeat FNA was performed in 42 of 68 nodules (62%). In nodules with initial nuclear and architectural atypia, benign repeat cytology had a high false‐negative rate (3 of 6; 50%).

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric AUS nodules with nuclear atypia have a high rate of malignancy, but architectural atypia is not associated with malignancy. In nodules with nuclear atypia, repeat FNA may inform clinical decisions regarding the need for resection. In the absence of suspicious clinical features, nodules without nuclear atypia might be considered for observation rather than resection or repeat FNA.
Color inconstancy in CIELAB: A red herring?
Authors: Seymour John
Published: February 2022

Color constancy is something we take for granted. An apple appears red despite monumental changes in the intensity and spectral balance of illumination. There are many components to the human visual system that make this illusion possible. Nonetheless, the system is imperfect. Objects will change apparent color under different illumination. The CIELAB color space allows for the computation of color values under any illuminant. CIELAB values will, in general, change as the illuminant changes. It would be natural to assume that these changes in CIELAB values would agree with the apparent color change that a human would experience. But the chromatic adaptation built into CIELAB is known to be less than optimal due to an imperfect emulation of how the adaptation process is performed in the human visual system. As a result, at least part of the illuminant color change implied by the CIELAB values is an artifact of this imperfect emulation. This paper investigates the magnitude of this artifact by comparing color changes implied by CIELAB with color changes in a color system that mimics CIELAB, except that it more closely emulates the human visual system. The difference between the two estimates of color change is assumed to be an artifact of CIELAB's poor emulation of the chromatic adaptation process. As color manufacturers are dealing with a wider spectrum of illumination sources, they may wish to consider the issue of color constancy; what colors and what formulations of colors exhibit better color constancy? Can CIELAB be used to quantify this? Or are color spaces that are based on LMS rather than XYZ more appropriate?
Gnotobiotic Plant Systems for Reconstitution and Functional Studies of the Root Microbiota
Authors: Ma Ka‐Wai , Ordon Jana , Schulze‐Lefert Paul
Published: February 2022

Healthy plants host a multi‐kingdom community of microbes, which is known as the plant microbiota. Amplicon sequencing technologies for microbial genomic markers were a milestone in revealing the taxonomic composition of the microbiota and its variation associated with a plant host in natural environments. However, this method alone does not allow conclusions to be drawn about functions of these microbial assemblages for the plant. The development of culture collections, which recapitulate natural microbial communities in their diversity, and multiple gnotobiotic plant systems therefore represent a breakthrough in plant‒microbiota research such that plants can be inoculated with defined communities to study proposed microbiota functions. These systems provided, for the root microbiota, first insights into mechanisms underlying microbial community establishment and contributions of its microbial members to indirect pathogen protection and mineral nutrition of the host. We argue that the choice of a gnotobiotic system for microbiota reconstitution and subsequent functional analysis depends on the particular plant trait that is influenced by the microbiota. We start by discussing the advantages and limitations of using individual gnotobiotic systems and then describe the general procedures for preparing bacterial cultures from the Arabidopsis thaliana At‐R‐SPHERE culture collection for inoculation and cocultivation in two gnotobiotic plant growth systems using agar and perlite matrix. Additionally, a protocol for inoculation of plants with opportunistic Pseudomonas pathogens is provided. Lastly, we describe a high‐throughput system for visual assessment of roots after inoculation with individual mutants of a transposon library generated from a root‐derived bacterial commensal. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of bacterial cultures from At‐R‐SPHERE

Support Protocol 1: Validation of strains by sequencing hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene

Basic Protocol 2: Coinoculation of plants grown on an agar matrix with microbial elicitor and a defined microbial community

Alternate Protocol: Inoculation of plants cultivated in a perlite‐based growth system

Support Protocol 2: Surface sterilization of Arabidopsis thaliana seeds

Basic Protocol 3: Inoculation using a Pseudomonas opportunistic pathogen

Basic Protocol 4: Assessment of commensal‐mediated root phenotypes using phytostrips
Prognostic value of the liver fibrosis marker fibrosis‐5 index in patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Maeda Daichi , Kanzaki Yumiko , Sakane Kazushi , Tsuda Kosuke , Akamatsu Kanako , Hourai Ryoto , Okuno Takahiro , Tokura Daisuke , Nakayama Sayuri , Hasegawa Hitomi , Morita Hideaki , Ito Takahide , Hoshiga Masaaki
Published: February 2022

Aims

Recently, liver fibrosis markers, such as the fibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4), have been shown to be associated with prognosis in patients with heart failure. The fibrosis‐5 (FIB‐5) index, which assesses albumin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase and platelet count, is a simple liver fibrosis marker that was reported to be superior to FIB‐4 for differentiation of liver fibrosis. This study aimed to compare the prognostic value of FIB‐4 and FIB‐5 in patients with heart failure.

Methods and results

The FIB‐4 and FIB‐5 scores were calculated at discharge in 906 patients hospitalized with heart failure. The patients were stratified into three groups based on their FIB‐5 scores: low (n = 303), middle (n = 301), and high (n = 302) FIB‐5 groups. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiac death or rehospitalization for heart failure. The low FIB‐5 group was older and had larger inferior vena cava diameters and higher brain natriuretic peptide levels than the other two groups. The primary endpoint occurred in 156 (51.5%), 110 (36.5%), and 54 patients (17.9%) in the low, middle, and high FIB‐5 groups, respectively (P < 0.001). On Cox proportional hazard analysis, the low FIB‐5 was independently associated with the primary endpoint after adjustment for confounding factors. The association was consistent in both patients with preserved and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and there was no significant interaction between LVEF phenotypes in terms of the prognostic impact of FIB‐5 (P for interaction = 0.311). FIB‐5 was superior to FIB‐4 as a prognostic indicator of the primary endpoint (continuous net reclassification improvement, 0.530; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.399–0.662; P < 0.001; integrated discrimination improvement, 0.072; 95% CI, 0.057–0.088; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The FIB‐5 is a useful risk stratification marker with better prognostic value than FIB‐4 in patients hospitalized with heart failure.
“Why do you think Christmas will never ever be celebrated again?” A paradoxical thinking intervention's potential to affect conflict‐related concerns, willingness to compromise, and openness towards refugees
Authors: Knab Nadine , Steffens Melanie C.
Published: February 2022

The large number of refugees and host countries’ citizens’ reactions regarding their admission have been major global issues. Thus, psychological interventions to foster intergroup relations in the asylum context are desirable. In three experiments with general population samples (N = 986), we adapted a paradoxical thinking intervention to the intergroup context of Germans and refugees, thus testing its effectiveness in an early stage of conflict. Participants in the paradoxical condition, compared to two control conditions, showed lower levels of conflict‐related concerns (Experiment 1), higher levels of openness to alternative information (Experiment 1, 3) and higher willingness to compromise (Experiment 2). In addition, the intervention was still successful when the sender of the paradoxical questions belonged to a political outgroup (Experiment 3). A mini‐meta‐analysis corroborated significant effects across experiments (for openness and willingness to compromise). Ideas for future research and the intervention's practical use are discussed (e.g., in social media).