bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PEG‐Like Brush Polymer Conjugate of RNA Aptamer That Shows Reversible Anticoagulant Activity and Minimal Immune Response
Authors: Ozer Imran , Pitoc George A. , Layzer Juliana M. , Moreno Angelo , Olson Lyra B. , Layzer Kyle D. , Hucknall Angus M. , Sullenger Bruce A. , Chilkoti Ashutosh
Published: January 2022

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) therapeutics are an emerging class of drugs. RNA aptamers are of significant therapeutic and clinical interest because their activity can be easily reversed in vivo—a useful feature that is difficult to achieve using other therapeutic modalities. Despite their therapeutic promise, RNA aptamers are limited by their poor blood circulation. The attachment of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to RNA aptamers addresses this limitation. However, an RNA aptamer‐PEG conjugate that is a reversible anticoagulant fails in a clinical trial due to the reactivity of the conjugate with pre‐existing PEG antibodies and has cast a pall over PEGylation of aptamers and other biologics, despite its long history of utility in drug delivery. Here, PEG antibody‐reactivity of this RNA aptamer is eliminated by conjugating it to a next‐generation PEG‐like brush polymer—poly[(oligoethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)] (POEGMA). The conjugate retained the drug's therapeutic action and the ability to be easily reversed. Importantly, this conjugate does not bind pre‐existing PEG antibodies that are prevalent in humans and does not induce a humoral immune response against the polymer itself in mice. These findings suggest a path to rescuing the PEGylation of RNA therapeutics and vaccines from the deleterious side‐effects of PEG.
Co Nanoparticles Encapsulated in N‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes Grafted CNTs as Electrocatalysts for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Wang Chao , Ha Yuan , Mao Xin , Xu Weilan , Du Aijun , Wu Renbing , Chou Shulei , Zhang Haijiao
Published: January 2022

The exploration of high‐efficiency and inexpensive electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is of critical significance for renewable energy conversion. Herein, an in situ catalytic transformation strategy toward a unique hierarchical nanostructure is reported. In the architecture, Co nanoparticles encapsulated at the tip of bamboo‐like N‐doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) are grafted on N‐doped polypyrrole‐derived CNTs. Thanks to the smart design of unique 3D architecture, the NPCN@Co‐NCNTs catalyst displays an extraordinary ORR activity in 0.1 m KOH solution (the onset and half‐wave potentials are 0.96 and 0.90 V vs RHE, respectively), which is similar to commercial Pt/C catalyst (0.99 and 0.88 V vs RHE, respectively). Meanwhile, the catalyst shows the low Tafel slope of 78 mV dec−1 and long‐time stability. Experimental and theoretical results verify that the improved ORR performance is mainly related to the existence of Co nanoparticles protected by pyridinic‐N‐doped carbon, which lowers the theoretical overpotential of ORR. Density functional theory calculations reveal that Pyridinic‐NCCo site is the reactive site with the lowest overpotential for ORR (0.57 V). These results unambiguously indicate that the NPCN@Co‐NCNTs represent a low‐cost yet high‐efficiency electrocatalyst for the electrocatalytic ORR.
Point‐of‐Care Platform for Rapid Multiplexed Detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 Variants and Respiratory Pathogens
Authors: Trick Alexander Y. , Chen Fan‐En , Chen Liben , Lee Pei‐Wei , Hasnain Alexander C. , Mostafa Heba H. , Carroll Karen C. , Wang Tza‐Huei
Published: January 2022

The rise of highly transmissible SARS‐CoV‐2 variants brings new challenges and concerns with vaccine efficacy, diagnostic sensitivity, and public health responses to end the pandemic. Widespread detection of variants is critical to inform policy decisions to mitigate further spread, and postpandemic multiplexed screening of respiratory viruses will be necessary to properly manage patients presenting with similar respiratory symptoms. In this work, a portable, magnetofluidic cartridge platform for automated polymerase chain reaction testing in <30 min is developed. Cartridges are designed for multiplexed detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 with either identification of variant mutations or screening for Influenza A and B. Moreover, the platform can perform identification of B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 variants and the multiplexed SARS‐CoV‐2/Influenza assay using archived clinical nasopharyngeal swab eluates and saliva samples. This work illustrates a path toward affordable and immediate testing with potential to aid surveillance of viral variants and inform patient treatment.
Dual‐Channel Flexible Strain Sensors Based on Mechanofluorescent and Conductive Hydrogel Laminates
Authors: Lin Guoqing , Si Muqing , Wang Longgang , Wei Shuxin , Lu Wei , Liu Hao , Zhang Yi , Li Danyang , Chen Tao
Published: January 2022

Flexible strain sensors are of great importance in many emerging applications for human motion monitoring, implanted devices, and human–machine interactive systems. However, the dual‐channel sensing systems that enable both strain‐dependent electronic and visually optical signal responses still remain underdeveloped, but such systems are of great interest for human–machine interactive uses. Here, inspired by the mechanically modulated skin color changes of squids via muscle contracting/releasing movements, a class of mechanofluorescent and conductive hydrogel laminates for visually flexible electronics is presented. The sensing laminates consist of interfacially bonded red fluorescent hydrogel, polydimethylsiloxane and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) film. Since the densely stacked microscopic CNTs film can be precisely stretched to induce the formation of network microcracks, the developed hydrogel laminates are endowed with simultaneous fluorescence‐color and resistance changes, which can function as dual‐channel flexible sensors for real‐time human motion monitoring. These properties make the bioinspired soft hydrogel laminate electronics quite promising in the flexible electronics field.
Supramolecular Radiosensitizer Based on Hypoxia‐Responsive Macrocycle
Authors: Hou Xiaoxue , Chang Yu‐Xuan , Yue Yu‐Xin , Wang Ze‐Han , Ding Fei , Li Zhi‐Hao , Li Hua‐Bin , Xu Yicheng , Kong Xianglei , Huang Fan , Guo Dong‐Sheng , Liu Jianfeng
Published: January 2022

Radiotherapy (RT) has been viewed as one of the most effective and extensively applied curatives in clinical cancer therapy. However, the radioresistance of tumor severely discounts the radiotherapy outcomes. Here, an innovative supramolecular radiotherapy strategy, based on the complexation of a hypoxia‐responsive macrocycle with small‐molecule radiosensitizer, is reported. To exemplify this tactic, a carboxylated azocalix[4]arene (CAC4A) is devised as molecular container to quantitatively package tumor sensitizer banoxantrone dihydrochloride (AQ4N) through reversible host–guest interaction. Benefited from the selective reduction of azo functional groups under hypoxic microenvironment, the supramolecular prodrug CAC4A•AQ4N exhibits high tumor accumulation and efficient cellular internalization, thereby significantly amplifying radiation‐mediated tumor destruction without appreciable systemic toxicity. More importantly, this supramolecular radiotherapy strategy achieves an ultrahigh sensitizer enhancement ratio (SER) value of 2.349, which is the supreme among currently reported noncovalent‐based radiosensitization approach. Further development by applying different radiosensitizing drugs can make this supramolecular strategy become a general platform for boosting therapeutic effect in cancer radiotherapies, tremendously promising for clinical translation.
Pressure Drives Rapid Burst‐Like Coordinated Cellular Motion from 3D Cancer Aggregates
Authors: Raghuraman Swetha , Schubert Ann‐Sophie , Bröker Stephan , Jurado Alejandro , Müller Annika , Brandt Matthias , Vos Bart E. , Hofemeier Arne D. , Abbasi Fatemeh , Stehling Martin , Wittkowski Raphael , Ivaska Johanna , Betz Timo
Published: January 2022

A key behavior observed during morphogenesis, wound healing, and cancer invasion is that of collective and coordinated cellular motion. Hence, understanding the different aspects of such coordinated migration is fundamental for describing and treating cancer and other pathological defects. In general, individual cells exert forces on their environment in order to move, and collective motion is coordinated by cell–cell adhesion‐based forces. However, this notion ignores other mechanisms that encourage cellular movement, such as pressure differences. Here, using model tumors, it is found that increased pressure drove coordinated cellular motion independent of cell–cell adhesion by triggering cell swelling in a soft extracellular matrix (ECM). In the resulting phenotype, a rapid burst‐like stream of cervical cancer cells emerged from 3D aggregates embedded in soft collagen matrices (0.5 mg mL−1). This fluid‐like pushing mechanism, recorded within 8 h after embedding, shows high cell velocities and super‐diffusive motion. Because the swelling in this model system critically depends on integrin‐mediated cell–ECM adhesions and cellular contractility, the swelling is likely triggered by unsustained mechanotransduction, providing new evidence that pressure‐driven effects must be considered to more completely understand the mechanical forces involved in cell and tissue movement as well as invasion.
Photomultiplication‐Type Organic Photodetectors for Near‐Infrared Sensing with High and Bias‐Independent Specific Detectivity
Authors: Xing Shen , Kublitski Jonas , Hänisch Christian , Winkler Louis Conrad , Li Tian‐yi , Kleemann Hans , Benduhn Johannes , Leo Karl
Published: January 2022

Highly responsive organic photodetectors allow a plethora of applications in fields like imaging, health, security monitoring, etc. Photomultiplication‐type organic photodetectors (PM‐OPDs) are a desirable option due to their internal amplification mechanism. However, for such devices, significant gain and low dark currents are often mutually excluded since large operation voltages often induce high shot noise. Here, a fully vacuum‐processed PM‐OPD is demonstrated using trap‐assisted electron injection in BDP‐OMe:C60 material system. By applying only −1 V, compared with the self‐powered working condition, the responsivity is increased by one order of magnitude, resulting in an outstanding specific detectivity of ≈1013 Jones. Remarkably, the superior detectivity in the near‐infrared region is stable and almost voltage‐independent up to −10 V. Compared with two photovoltaic‐type photodetectors, these PM‐OPDs exhibit the great potential to be easily integrated with state‐of‐the‐art readout electronics in terms of their high responsivity, fast response speed, and bias‐independent specific detectivity. The employed vacuum fabrication process and the easy‐to‐adapt PM‐OPD concept enable seamless upscaling of production, paving the way to a commercially relevant photodetector technology.
Excessive Oxygen Peroxide Model‐Based Analysis of Positive‐Bias‐Stress and Negative‐Bias‐Illumination‐Stress Instabilities in Self‐Aligned Top‐Gate Coplanar In–Ga–Zn–O Thin‐Film Transistors
Authors: Choi Sungju , Park Jingyu , Hwang Seong‐Hyun , Kim Changwook , Kim Yong‐Sung , Oh Saeroonter , Baeck Ju Heyuck , Bae Jong Uk , Noh Jiyong , Lee Seok‐Woo , Park Kwon‐Shik , Kim Jeom‐Jae , Yoon Soo Young , Kwon Hyuck‐In , Kim Dae Hwan
Published: January 2022

An excess oxygen‐peroxide‐based model that can simultaneously analyze the positive‐bias‐stress (PBS) and negative‐bias‐illumination‐stress (NBIS) instabilities in commercial self‐aligned top‐gate (SA‐TG) coplanar indium–gallium–zinc oxide (IGZO) thin‐film transistors (TFTs) is proposed herein. Existing studies have reported that the transition of oxygen vacancy (VO) charge states from VO0 to VO2+ is the dominant physical mechanism responsible for the negative shift of threshold voltage (VTH) under NBIS. However, in this study, it is observed that both the PBS and the NBIS stabilities of IGZO TFTs deteriorate at a faster rate as the amount of oxygen increases within the channel layer, implying that the conventional VO‐related defect model is inappropriate in elucidating the PBS and NBIS instabilities of commercial SA‐TG coplanar IGZO TFTs, where the channel layers are formed under high oxygen flow rates (OFRs) to make VTH positive. On the basis of the full‐energy range subgap density of states extracted before and after each stress from IGZO TFTs with different OFRs, it is determined that the generation and annihilation of the subgap states in the excess oxygen peroxide configuration are the dominant physical mechanisms for PBS and NBIS instabilities in commercial SA‐TG coplanar IGZO TFTs, respectively.
Density of solutions of formaldehyde in water and alcohols
Authors: Dyga Maximilian , Keller Andreas , Hasse Hans
Published: January 2022

Formaldehyde is an important chemical that is mostly handled in aqueous solutions, which generally also contain methanol; furthermore, also solutions of formaldehyde in other alcohols are used. The density of these solutions is an important thermophysical property. The available models of the density of formaldehyde‐containing solutions, however, all have shortcomings, such as a poor accuracy or a limited range of applicability. Therefore, in the present work, a new model of the density in systems of the type (formaldehyde + water + alcohol) was developed. The alcohols that are presently included in the new model are methanol, 1‐propanol, and isoprenol; an extension to other alcohols is straightforward. The model was developed using literature data and extensive new density data measured in this work covering binary, ternary, and quarternary solutions of formaldehyde in water, methanol, 1‐propanol, and isoprenol at temperatures of K and formaldehyde concentrations of 0.06 − 0.30 g g−1.
Predictive molecular thermodynamic models for ionic liquids
Authors: Yu Gangqiang , Wei Zhong , Chen Kai , Guo Ruili , Lei Zhigang
Published: January 2022

Predictive molecular thermodynamic models can bridge the gap between the microscopic molecular level and macroscopic system scale. Over the past few decades, ionic liquids (ILs), as a class of green solvents and functional materials, have received widespread research interest in the field of chemical processing owing to their unique physicochemical merits. This review aims to provide an easy‐to‐read and exhaustive reference regarding state‐of‐the‐art predictive thermodynamic models for ILs, with more focuses on UNIFAC‐ and COSMO‐based models and various applications involving phase equilibrium prediction, guidance for IL screening and design, and building equilibrium stage models for separation processes. This review provides a theoretical perspective on the structure–property relationships between molecular structures and phase behaviors for the systems and the constituted components covering a multi‐scale viewpoint from molecular level to industrial scale. Moreover, the predictive capacities of different thermodynamic models are comprehensively compared.
Assessment of hydraulic performance and fouling control caused by pulse flow in hollow fiber membrane module
Authors: Qin Qingwen , Cheng Zhiyang , Jia Hui , Cui Zhao , Yang Guang , Sun Min , Wang Jie
Published: January 2022

To shed light on the effect of pulse flow on shear force and membrane fouling, the pulse frequency and flow velocity based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensing technology were studied. The results show that there is a threshold for this synergy between the pulse frequency and flow velocity, which forms more easily at a high pulse frequency and low flow velocity. Moreover, the transition from pulse flow to continuous flow affects the shear force distribution with the membrane module height. Besides, at the same volumetric flow, Re gradually reaches a plateau as the pulse frequency increases from 1 to 5 Hz, and the membrane fouling control has a better flux recovery, which can reach a maximum of 28.89%. Finally, the results also show that the combined effect of high pulse frequency and low flow velocity would be higher than that of low pulse frequency and high flow velocity.
Atomistic insight into the lubrication of glycerol aqueous solution: The role of the solid interface‐induced microstructure of fluid molecules
Authors: Qin Yao , You Yajing , Jin Guangzheng , Zhu Wei , Zhu Yudan , Wang Qiutian , Lu Xiaohua , Shi Yijun
Published: January 2022

Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to investigate the solid surface‐induced microstructure and friction coefficient of glycerol aqueous solutions with different water contents confined in graphene and FeO nanoslits. Results show that the friction coefficient of glycerol aqueous solutions confined in both nanoslits presents similar nonlinear variation tendencies with increasing water content, but their lowest value and the corresponding water contents differ. Distinctive microstructures of the near‐surface liquid layer induced by surfaces with different hydrophilicity are responsible for their difference in lubrication. The sliding primarily occurs at the solid–liquid interface for the hydrophobic graphene nanoslit owing to almost the same velocity difference in fluid molecules. By contrast, the sliding mainly occurs at the liquid–liquid interface for the hydrophilic FeO nanoslit because of the large velocity difference in fluid molecules. The weaker the interaction force at the sliding position, the lower the friction coefficient.
Bilateral choanal stenosis in auriculocondylar syndrome caused by a PLCB4 variant
Authors: Peart Lé Shon , Gonzalez Joanna , Bivona Stephanie , Latchman Kumarie , Torres Leonardo ,   Undiagnosed Diagnosis Network, Tekin Mustafa
Published: January 2022

Auriculocondylar syndrome (ARCND) is characterized by a distinguished feature of question mark ears and a variation of other minor and major malformations. Monoallelic or biallelic PLCB4 variants have been reported in a subset of affected individuals, referred to as ARCND2. We report on a 3‐year‐old female with ARCND who presented at birth with question mark ears, micrognathia, and bilateral choanal stenosis that was characterized by difficulty in breathing. She was found to be heterozygous for a novel PLCB4 variant, p.Glu358Gly. Respiratory distress is rare in autosomal dominant ARCND2 and choanal stenosis has not been reported. Our study expands the clinical phenotype of ARCND by adding choanal stenosis as a finding and suggests that PLCB4 play a role in the development of choanal structures.
A decade of proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) population monitoring in Balikpapan Bay: Confronting predictions with empirical data
Authors: Toulec Tadeáš , Lhota Stanislav , Scott Katherine , Putera Alexander K. S. , Kustiawan Wawan , Nijman Vincent
Published: January 2022

Systematic and well‐structured monitoring is essential for taxa with high extinction risk such as primates. Endangered proboscis monkeys Nasalis larvatus are endemic to Borneo, where they are found scattered across lowland habitats of the island, which are under strong anthropogenic pressure. A large population of proboscis monkeys in Balikpapan Bay, Indonesian Borneo, was predicted to decline due to the ongoing habitat loss and degradation, notably because of forest fires. We examined changes in the number and composition of groups of a part of this population from 2007 to 2017, which included a period of forest fires linked to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation events. We conducted a census from a boat; attempting to locate all proboscis monkey groups within the Balikpapan City administrative area in 2007, 2012, and 2017. During the most recent census, we observed a total number of 60 proboscis monkey groups in two subpopulations. The population density was 1.14 group per km2 of suitable habitat. Contrary to previously published predictions, we did not find evidence of a population decline. Contrary to predictions, the 2015 El Niño induced fires impacted mainly forests on ridges and slopes, thus affecting only a small part of the proboscis monkey habitat located close to rivers and mangrove swamps. However, the increasing population density of monkeys, coupled with ongoing habitat degradation and habitat loss in one of the subpopulations, suggests that proboscis monkey population in Balikpapan Bay may be approaching a limit of resilience to habitat changes. In case it proves infeasible to census all individuals in the whole population, we recommend using a group‐level census, connected with systematic group counts to obtain a reasonably precise proboscis monkey population size estimate.
Phenytoin versus other antiepileptic drugs as treatments for status epilepticus in adults: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hoshiyama Eisei , Kumasawa Junji , Uchida Masatoshi , Hifumi Toru , Moriya Takashi , Ajimi Yasuhiko , Miyake Yasufumi , Kondo Yutaka , Yokobori Shoji ,   for the Japan Resuscitation Council (JRC) Neuroresuscitation Task Force and the Guidelines Editorial Committee
Published: January 2022

Aim

Status epilepticus (SE) is a life‐threatening neurological emergency. There is insufficient evidence regarding which antiepileptic therapy is most effective in patients with benzodiazepine‐refractory convulsive SE. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate intravenous phenytoin (PHT) and other intravenous antiepileptic medications for SE.

Methods

We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi for published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in humans up to August 2019. We compared outcomes between intravenous PHT and other intravenous medications. The important primary composite outcomes were the successful clinical cessation of seizures, mortality, and neurological outcomes at discharge. The reliability of the level of evidence for each outcome was compared using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

Results

A total of 1,103 studies were identified from the databases, and 10 RCTs were included in the analysis. The ratio of successful clinical seizure cessation was significantly lower (risk ratio [RR] 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82–0.97) for patients treated with intravenous PHT than with other medications. When we compared mortality and neurological outcomes at discharge, we observed no significant differences between patients treated with PHT and those treated with other medications. The RRs were 1.07 (95% CI, 0.55–2.08) and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.72–1.15) for mortality and neurological outcomes at discharge, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings showed that intravenous PHT was significantly inferior to other medications in terms of the cessation of seizures. No significant differences were observed in mortality or neurological outcomes between PHT and other medications.
A mechanistic approach for in‐vitro anticancer activity via nucleic acid fragmentation by copper(II) complex anchored on MCM‐41
Authors: Karim Suhana , Dasgupta Sanchari , Parveen Rumana , Biswas Subhendu , Das Debasis
Published: January 2022

Three new mononuclear copper Schiff base complexes, namely, ([Cu(L1)Cl].CH3CN (HmC_1), [Cu(L2)Cl].CH3CN (HmC_2) and [Cu(L3)Cl].CH3CN (HmC_3) derived from ONO donor tridentate ligands HL1, HL2 and HL3, respectively, have been synthesized to check their efficacy as target‐specific next‐generation anticancer therapeutics. All the HmCs have been characterized by using various physicochemical techniques (i.e., single‐crystal X‐ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared [FT‐IR] spectroscopy and elemental analysis). Among the synthesized Schiff base complexes, HmC_3 was turned out to be most effective in killing cancer cell carried out on cultured human breast cancer cell line (MDA‐MB‐231) and human lung carcinoma cell line (A549). Finally, in order to improve the cellular permeability, particle size of HmC_3 was scaling down to nano‐regime by immobilizing it onto a suitable matrix MCM‐41@APTES (MCM‐41 = Mobil Composition of Matter No. 41 and APTES = 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane) to generate MCM‐41@APTES@HmC_3 (MCM‐41@APTES@HmC_3 = HtC_3). Field‐emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) study revealed the particle size of the synthesized HtC_3 nano‐composite was within nano‐regime and therefore could be further effective for biomedical applications. Furthermore, HtC_3 displayed better cancer cell killing property. To get insight into the mechanism of action of HtC_3, Annexin V‐FITC/PI analysis and TUNEL assay revealed that DNA damage phenomenon is accompanied with changes in cellular morphology leading to cell apoptosis. Cell migration assay on MDA‐MB‐231 cell with HtC_3 exposed the effectiveness of HtC_3 in arresting cancer cell migration. Therefore, all the in‐vitro studies demonstrated that the immobilization of the copper Schiff base complex onto a suitable matrix increased its efficiency and becomes a promising anticancer nano‐therapeutic agent.
Precipitation copolymerization of methyl methacrylate/meth‐acrylate acid in supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Zhang Shoucun , Wang Shengyan , Bian Yujing , Xue Min , Guo Shengwei , Wu Wenli
Published: January 2022

Utilizing 2,2′‐azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) as the initiator, the copolymerization of methyl methacrylate/methacrylate acid is performed by precipitation copolymerization. The effects of pressure, initiation concentration, the methacrylic acid (MA) concentration, and small amount of water are investigated separately. The morphology and molecular weight are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and gel permeation chromatography, respectively. The results indicates that the concentration of MA or AIBN affects the molecular weight greatly, and the maximum molecular weight reaches 213 kDa. The morphology of samples exhibits a certain degree of agglomeration. Most samples are obtained as free‐flowing powder with numerous spherical bulges under a proper polymerization condition.
Effects of the species of crosslinking reagents on the structures and properties of biodegradable poly (butanediol sebacate ‐ butanediol terephthalate) copolyester
Authors: Li Zhimao , Li Yingchun , He Maoyong , Wang Wensheng , Li Jie
Published: January 2022

In the present study, poly(butylene sebacate‐co‐terephthalate)s having different crosslinking reagents were synthesized with a random distribution by a two‐step esterification and one‐step polycondensation process. In detail, the using crosslinking agents were included trimethylolethane (TME), trimethylolpropane, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminoethane, glycerol (GL). Particularly, CS refers to a sample with no crosslinking agent added. The copolyester with TME was the least crystalline sample, and the melting peaks of all copolyesters corresponding to both, sebacate and terephthalate‐rich phases were still observable in second calorimetric heating runs. These copolyesters were associated with interesting thermal and mechanical properties. The melting points of all samples were higher than 118°C and the puncture resistance and tensile strength of GL, the tear strength of TME, and the Young's modulus of all samples have been improved. Enzymatic degradability was assessed and the effect of composition and crystallinity on the degradation rate was investigated. The copolyester adding GL appears as a highly promising biodegradable material since it showed a significant weight loss during exposure to all selected degradation media, but also exhibited good performance and properties that were comparable to those characteristic of polyethylene. In brief, the improvement of PBSeT's puncture resistance, tear strength, and degradation performance is extremely important for the development and promotion of degradable foam, film, and elastomer materials.
Multi‐dimensional Taylor network‐based control for a class of nonlinear stochastic systems with full state time‐varying constraints and the finite‐time output constraint
Authors: Wang Ming‐Xin , Zhu Shan‐Liang , Han Yu‐Qun
Published: January 2022

In this paper, the adaptive multi‐dimensional Taylor network (MTN) control problem is investigated for nonlinear stochastic systems with full state time‐varying constraints and the finite‐time output constraint. By combining the MTN‐based approximation method and the adaptive backstepping control method, a novel adaptive MTN control scheme is provided by constructing the time‐varying barrier Lyapunov function (TVBLF). To implement the finite‐time output constraint, the finite‐time performance function (FTPF) is introduced in the control scheme. The proposed scheme can ensure that the tracking error finally converges to a small neighborhood of the origin in the finite‐time and all signals in the closed‐loop system are semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded (SGUUB) in probability. Finally, two simulation examples are presented to show the effectiveness of the provided control scheme.
Multiple linear regression models to simulate spore yields of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BS13 through optimization of medium composition
Authors: Kamoun Fakher , Weekers Frederic , Ayed Rayda Ben , Mechri Sondes , Jabeur Fadoua , Thonart Philippe , Jaouadi Bassem
Published: January 2022

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens is a food spoilage spore‐forming bacterium. Its spores are useful for multiple biotechnological applications. Nevertheless, few reports are available regarding the achievement of a high cell density and good sporulation effectiveness under fermentation conditions. Therefore, the current study was designed to optimize a low‐cost fermentation medium allowing the highest sporulation yield by B. amyloliquefaciens strain BS13. Our data revealed that tryptone and starch were the best carbon and energy sources. In addition, two nitrogen sources namely, corn steep liquor (CSL) and yeast extract (YE), allowed a significant enhancement of spore production and they were both retained for further optimization. A combination of CaCl2, MgSO4, and MnSO4 showed a positive impact on spores’ production. The composition of the optimized medium was (in g/L); tryptone 3, starch 15, CSL 13.5, YE 1.5, CaCl2 0.1, MgSO4·7H2O 0.012, and MnSO4·7H2O 0.0012. Such medium was further validated in a 400‐L fermentor. The spore yield by B. amyloliquefaciens strain BS13 was enhanced from 3.0 × 1010 spores/mL under flask culture conditions to 6.2 × 1010 spores/mL when cultures were performed on large scale. Therefore, strain BS13 spore preparation could be proposed as a promising probiotic and a biocontrol agent useful for plants, animals, and humans.
Induced effect of Ca2+ and Al3+ on chaetominine synthesis by Aspergillus fumigatus CY018 under submerged fermentation
Authors: Liu Changqing , Chen Tianwen , Chen Jijie , Zhou Yuxuan , Deng Lina , Feng Gongneng , Gao Jian , Liang Huixing
Published: January 2022

Chaetominine (CHA), an alkaloid with a biological activity obtained from Aspergillus fumigatus CY018, has strong anticancer activity against the human leukemia cells. However, its physiological and biochemical research is limited by CHA yield in the liquid‐state fermentation, which is a problem that urgently needs effective biological solution. In this work, Ca2+ and Al3+ were found to have a strong promoting effect on CHA production after multiple metal ions screening. Then, the addition condition of Ca2+ and Al3+ was, respectively, optimized CHA production and dry cell weight. The intermediate metabolites were increased with coaddition of Ca2+ and Al3+. The activities of key enzymes of DAHPs, AroAs, and TrpCs in the CHA biosynthesis pathway were improved by 3.58‐, 3.60‐, and 3.34‐fold, respectively. Meanwhile, the transcription level of laeA, dahp, cs, and trpC was upregulated by 3.22‐, 12.65‐, 5.58‐, and 6.99‐fold, respectively, by coaddition of Ca2+ and Al3+. Additionally, the fermentation strategy was successfully scaled up to a 5‐L bioreactor, in which CHA production could attain 75.6 mg/L at 336 h. This work demonstrated that Ca2+ and Al3+ coaddition was an effective strategy for increasing CHA production, and the information obtained might be useful in the fermentation of filamentous fungi with the addition of metal ions.
Information processing in tax decisions: a MouselabWEB study on the deterrence model of income tax evasion
Authors: Kogler Christoph , Olsen Jerome , Müller Martin , Kirchler Erich
Published: January 2022

The highly influential Allingham and Sandmo model of income tax evasion assumes that taxpayers are driven by utility maximization, choosing evasion over compliance if it yields a higher expected profit. We test the main assumptions of this so‐called deterrence approach considering both compliance decisions and the process of information acquisition using MouselabWEB. In an incentivized experiment, 109 participants made 24 compliance decisions with varying information presented for four within‐subject factors (the four central model parameters: income, tax rate, audit probability, and fine level). Additionally, explicit expected value information was indicated in one of two conditions. The results reveal that participants attended to all relevant information, a prerequisite for expected value‐like calculations. As predicted by the deterrence model, choices were clearly influenced by audit probability and fine level. Against the model assumptions, the presented parameters were not integrated adequately, indicated by a non‐monotonic increase of evasion with rising expected rate of return from evasion. Additionally, more transitions between information necessary for calculating expected values did not result in higher model conformity, just as presenting explicit information on expected values. We conclude that deterrence information clearly influences tax compliance decisions in our setting but observed deviations from the deterrence model can be attributed to failures to properly integrate all relevant parameters.
A versatile enrichment of functionalized calixarene as a facile sensor for amino acids
Authors: Parikh Jaymin , Bhatt Keyur , Modi Krunal , Patel Nihal , Desai Ajay , Kumar Sandeep , Mohan Brij
Published: January 2022

Amino acids are the most important part of the human biological system due to their role in living processes. The role of amino acids stretches beyond their traditional role as a building block for proteins, and deficiency of amino acids could lead to decreased immunity, digestive problems, depression, fertility issues, lower mental alertness, slowed growth in children, and many other health issues. The acute detection of amino acids is necessary to determine the human health domain. Here, in this review, we summarize and study the calixarenes as complexes that are of immeasurable value and their utilization for amino acid detection. Key factors such as noncovalent forces, limit of detection, and the supramolecular chemistry of calixarenes with amino acids have been well described. This study presents the most recent efforts made towards the development of potential and highly efficient calixarene‐based sensors for the detection of amino acids.
Fading bioluminescence of the tropical Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Piontkovski Sergey A. , Serikova Irina M.
Published: January 2022

Bioluminescence intensity acts as the indicator of the functional state of a plankton community. Data on bioluminescence intensity, zooplankton biomass, and chlorophyll a from the expeditions to the tropical and subtropical Atlantic Ocean were analyzed. The regression models implied a ~10‐fold decline of bioluminescence intensity [bioluminescence potential (BP)] and zooplankton biomass for the 46 year time range from 1970 to 2016. The correlation was low between chlorophyll a (the indicator of phytoplankton biomass) and BP, but it was significant for the zooplankton biomass BP annual time series. The decline of BP was associated with the decreasing abundance of bioluminescent zooplankton, and increasing global warming‐driven temperature.
Determination of multiple active constituents in Da‐Huang‐Xiao‐Shi decoction using HPLC–LTQ–Orbitrap mass spectrometry: Application in comparing the differences in the formula and its constituent herbs
Authors: Li Hongyu , Jin Jingyi , Xue Haoyu , Li Yuanyuan , Wang Tianming , Shi Rong , Ma Yueming
Published: January 2022

Da‐Huang‐Xiao‐Shi decoction (DHXSD) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula and is used to treat cholestasis. In this study, we developed a reliable and comprehensive HPLC coupled with a linear ion trap–Orbitrap mass spectrometry method for the separation and determination of 21 components including six alkaloids, five anthraquinones, three tannins, three terpenes, two iridoid glycosides, one organic acid and one flavonoid in DHXSD. A C18 column was eluted using a gradient mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 ml/min. Detection was operated with an electrospray ionization source in positive and negative ion modes using selective ion monitoring. The calibration curves for all analytes showed good linearity (r > 0.9901), and the inter‐ and intra‐day precision did not exceed 4.98%. The recovery, repeatability and stability were also within the acceptable limits. The method was successfully applied to determine multiple active constituents in DHXSD and its constituent herbs. Compared with Da Huang, the total contents of the five anthraquinones were significantly higher in DHXSD. However, the changes in the components from Zhi Zi/Huang Bo were complicated in DHXSD. The study could serve as a fundamental reference for establishing comprehensive DHXSD quality control measures and be helpful to understand some compatibility laws of DHXSD.
A neural signature for combined action observation and motor imagery? An fNIRS study into prefrontal activation, automatic imitation, and self–other perceptions
Authors: Emerson Jonathan R. , Scott Matthew W. , van Schaik Paul , Butcher Natalie , Kenny Ryan P. W. , Eaves Daniel L.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Research indicates that both observed and imagined actions can be represented in the brain as two parallel sensorimotor representations. One proposal is that higher order cognitive processes would align these two hypothetical action simulations.

Methods

We investigated this hypothesis using an automatic imitation paradigm, with functional near‐infrared spectroscopy recordings over the prefrontal cortex during different motor simulation states. On each trial, participants (n = 14) observed a picture of a rhythmical action (instructed action) followed by a distractor movie showing the same or different action. Participants then executed the instructed action. Distractor actions were manipulated to be fast or slow, and instructions were manipulated during distractor presentation: action observation (AO), combined action observation and motor imagery (AO+MI) and observe to imitate (intentional imitation). A pure motor imagery (MI) condition was also included.

Results

Kinematic analyses showed that although distractor speed effects were significant under all instructions (shorter mean cycle times in execution for fast compared to slow trials), this imitation bias was significantly stronger for combined AO+MI than both AO and MI, and stronger for intentional imitation than the other three automatic imitation conditions. In the left prefrontal cortex, cerebral oxygenation was significantly greater for combined AO+MI than all other instructions. Participants reported that their representation of the self overlapped with the observed model significantly more during AO+MI than AO.

Conclusion

Left prefrontal activation may therefore be a neural signature of AO+MI, supporting attentional switching between concurrent representations of self (MI, top‐down) and other (AO, bottom‐up) to increase imitation and perceived closeness.
Frailty and malnutrition as influential drivers of outcomes after aortic valve replacement
Authors: Upadhyay Ankit , Jneid Hani
Published: January 2022

Key Points

Frailty and malnutrition share common pathophysiologic pathways as evidenced by similar hormonal disturbances and cardiac biomarker abnormalities.

Multiple assessment tools exist to measure frailty and malnutrition in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR). In the current single‐center study, the fried frailty phenotype frailty score and the Mini Nutritional Assessment–Long Form nutrition scale appear to have the strongest association with 1‐year all‐cause mortality in those patients.

Objective assessment of frailty and nutritional status should be added to conventional surgical risk scores in all patients undergoing AVR, and incorporated in the multidisciplinary heart team deliberations and the shared decision‐making process with patients.
Surgical bailout after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Hospital procedural volume matters!
Authors: Okuya Yoshiyuki , Moussa Issam D.
Published: January 2022

Key Points

Surgical bailout after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has diminished overtime to less than 1%; however, it is still associated with very high mortality rate even at very high volume hospitals.

The frequency of surgical bailout after TAVR is related to annual hospital procedural volume. An annual hospital volume >200 procedures is associated with <0.5% incidence of surgical bailout.

These findings ought to trigger a discussion regarding the necessity for surgical standby for TAVR procedures at high volume hospitals.
Prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy in selected patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Spirito Alessandro , Mehran Roxana
Published: January 2022

Key Points

It is crucial to identify patients with an increased bleeding or ischemic risk that may benefit from a tailored antiplatelet regimen.

This study confirmed the benefit of a prolonged DAPT (≥12 months) in reducing ischemic events without bleeding harm in a real world East Asian population presenting with acute coronary syndrome and additional clinical and angiographic high‐risk features.

An alternative approach, consisting of a prolonged P2Y12 monotherapy, is under investigation in this patient subset.
Oxidation of Methane to Methanol by Water Over Cu/SSZ‐13: Impact of Cu Loading and Formation of Active Sites
Authors: Zhang Hailong , Lv Jianhang , Zhang Zhun , Du Congcong , Wang Shuai , Lin Jingdong , Wan Shaolong , Wang Yong , Xiong Haifeng
Published: January 2022

Cu/SSZ‐13 catalysts with different Cu loadings (1–5 wt.%) were prepared by conventional impregnation via a slow step‐dry process for the direct conversion of methane to methanol. Catalytic performance of the catalysts is found to depend on the Cu loading in both stepwise and continuous processes and 2 wt.% Cu presents the best performance. CuO nanoparticles, CuxOy clusters and monomeric [CuOH]+ species are found on Cu/SSZ‐13 based on HRTEM, HAADF‐STEM, DR UV‐vis and FTIR spectroscopies. The high coverage of CuO nanoparticles on 5 wt.% Cu/SSZ‐13 results in the loss of catalytic reactivity in spite of the existence of active CuxOy and [CuOH]+ sites. Besides, it is proposed that the formation of [Cu2O2]2+ and [Cu2O]2+ active sites involves [CuOH]+ intermediates. We further found that improved catalytic performance in cyclic stepwise process involves the re‐dispersion of CuO nanoparticles and/or large clusters as well as the re‐oxidation of Cu(I) cations from self‐reduction of [CuOH]+ species.
Colorimetric characterization of color imaging systems using a multi‐inputPSO‐BPneural network
Authors: Liu Lu , Xie Xufen , Zhang Yuncui , Cao Fan , Liang Jing , Liao Ningfang
Published: January 2022

Most commonly used camera characterization methods do not use a deep learning‐based artificial neural network approach at present. This article proposes a colorimetric characterization method for color imaging systems based on the multi‐input particle swarm optimization backpropagation neural network. Combined with a particle swarm optimization algorithm for global search and a 19‐input vector, this method not only overcomes the effects of local extrema on the multi‐input backpropagation neural network, but also improves the accuracy of the common input backpropagation neural network. Images of a ColorChecker SG chart were collected using a Canon EOS 1000D camera for experimental verification, and the color differences were used to evaluate the characterization results. The results show that the color differences of the multi‐input particle swarm optimization backpropagation neural network (structure: 19‐7‐3) model are substantially better than those of the multi‐input backpropagation neural network (structure: 19‐7‐3) and common input backpropagation neural network (structure: 3‐4‐3) models. Its performance is close to that of the weighted nonlinear regression model. The multi‐input particle swarm optimization backpropagation neural network is hence an effective method for colorimetric characterization with good prediction accuracy.
Research on the colour preference and harmony of the two‐colour combination buildings
Authors: Li Ke‐Run , Zheng Zhi‐Qiang , Wang Pei‐Hong , Yan Wen‐Jie
Published: January 2022

This study used computer software to design building models with selected colour parameters based on a two‐colour pattern combination, which was then presented on a standard computer screen. Further, the two‐colour combination pattern was adopted to prepare building simulation pictures with 153 colour combinations. A total of six hues were extracted based on the Natural Colour System, and there were also 18 colour samples with different lightness and saturation degrees. The results of the study found that hue difference, lightness difference, chroma difference, and total colour difference have a significant effect on harmony. On the other hand, hue difference, chroma difference, and total colour difference have a significant effect on preference. It is worth noting that lightness difference and architectural colour preferences were negatively related. In addition, there was a high correlation between architectural colour harmony and preference.
Classification of human's activities from gesture recognition in live videos using deep learning
Authors: Khan Amjad Rehman , Saba Tanzila , Khan Muhammad Zeeshan , Fati Suliman Mohamed , Khan Muhammad Usman Ghani
Published: January 2022

The automated behavior analysis is a significant problem in the examination. In the presence of invigilators and examiners, examinees use various unfair means to cheat the staff. Examinees may use different gestures like moving their head, eyes and using different suspicious objects (mobile phone, calculator) and so forth. This research is intended to automatically identify and distinguish examinees in live videos who cheat by their activities in examination hall during exams. Hence, we took the privilege of ensemble learning using deep learning‐based algorithms. The suspicious head movements and prohibited objects have been monitored using fine‐tuned Faster RCNN algorithm. At the same time, interactive use‐age of prohibited objects find out using Open‐Pose architecture. For this purpose, intersection over union (IOU) has been calculated between the region of interest (ROI) of detected objects and pose points of hands and face. To get the identity of a specific examinee, we stored the features of facial ROI after the last convolution layer and matched them at the time of testing for statistical analysis. We achieved state‐of‐the‐art results using standard evaluating measures. Moreover, for experiments, dataset of automatic examinee invigilation is available currently. So, this research also contributes toward the generation and annotation of the dataset.