bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Photothermal Conversion of h‐BN/CuO Nanofluids
Authors: Yu Xiaohan , He Lili , Liu Rui , Guan Hongyu , Ge Chunhua , Zhang Xiangdong
Published: November 2021

A new h‐BN/CuO nanocomposite was prepared by using boron nitride (h‐BN) and CuSO4 ⋅ 5H2O as raw materials via hydrothermal synthesis. We studied loading the CuO nanoparticles on sheet of h‐BN substrate and the stability of the h‐BN/CuO water‐based (h‐BN/CuO) nanofluids. It had both well light absorbing ability and photothermal conversion efficiency in direct absorption solar collectors (DASCs). The results show that different molar ratios of CuO to h‐BN do not affect the size of CuO nanoparticles or h‐BN substrates, but within a suitable feed ratio range, there exists an optimum feed ratio: h‐BN/CuO 0.75 : 1 which the suspension stability is the best in the base fluid. Simultaneously, supporting CuO nanoparticles on h‐BN substrate can make the absorption capacity of sunlight stronger than that of pure h‐BN. Under the simulated sunlight source, the nanocomposite with feed ratio of 0.75 : 1 was selected for the photothermal conversion test. The highest photothermal temperature of 0.05 wt % h‐BN/CuO nanofluid can reach 92.21 °C, which is 37.58 °C higher than pure water at most. Meanwhile, compared with 35.35 % for pure water, its photothermal conversion efficiency can rise to 80.18 %.
Acid‐Base Magnetic Silica Heterogeneous Catalyst for Green Aldol and Aza‐Michael Reactions
Authors: Fatemeh Mohammadi Metkazini S. , Heydari Akbar
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a bifunctional ligand containing two mutually acidic and basic sites was successfully immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles. The prepared nanocatalyst was analyzed by various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), thermal analysis (TGA), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). This novel easy‐prepared catalyst gave excellent efficiency in Aldol and aza‐Michael reactions in green and mild reaction conditions. The applicability of the introduced catalytic system was also studied successfully in the large‐scale synthesis of derivatives of dihydroquinolines. This procedure possesses many advantages such as simple work‐up, high yield, and short reaction times.
Oxygen‐Vacancy‐Mediated ROS Generation Mechanism of MgO Nanoparticles against Escherichia coli
Authors: Li Xiaoyi , Zhao Jiao , Fan Wei , Wang Yin , Tang Xiaojia , Zhu Yimin
Published: November 2021

The antibacterial property of MgO nanomaterials was strongly dependent on the surface defect‐mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS, such as .O2−, .OH and H2O2) generation, which makes the construction of surface defects become very significant. This work demonstrated that the anti‐Escherichia coli (E. coli) activity of MgO nanoparticles was obviously enhanced via N2 calcination processes, with the antibacterial ratio of 95.7 % for MgO nanoparticles calcined in N2 at 650 °C. The electron spin resonance (ESR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results indicated that rich oxygen vacancies on the surface of designed MgO nanoparticles could increase adsorbed oxygen content and further promote the activation of O2 and generation of ROS. The fluorescence probe results also verified that high‐level ROS could accumulate in E. coli exposed to MgO nanomaterials. Besides, .O2− played a dominant role in the antibacterial property of MgO nanoparticles compared with .OH and H2O2. The above findings illustrated the correlation between oxygen vacancy‐mediated ROS generation and enhanced antibacterial activity in MgO nanoparticles calcined under N2 atmosphere.
New Heterobimetallic Ferrocenyl Dithiophosphonato Cd(II) and Hg(II) Complexes: DNA Interactions, Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activity Studies of the Cd(II) Complexes
Authors: Sağlam Ertuğrul Gazi , Akkoç Senem , Acar Nurcan , Dal Hakan , Tutsak Özgür , Açık Leyla , Çelik Süheyla Pınar
Published: November 2021

A series of new ferrocenyldithiophosphonato complexes of Cd(II) and Hg(II) ions were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods. The antiproliferative activities of the ligands and their Cd(II) complexes were screened against four human cell lines using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. While the ligands were inactive in the three cancer cell lines screened, their Cd(II) complexes showed a very toxic effect against all cell lines. The complexes especially demonstrated the highest efficacy in the breast cancer cell line among the others. They were found to have higher cytotoxic activity compared to positive controls used in all cell lines. Furthermore, the ligands and their Cd(II) complexes were tested for antimicrobial activity against some pathogen bacteria and yeast strains. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), values were found to be in the ranges of 39.06–612 μM and 39.06–1250 μM, respectively. Besides, interactions between the compounds and plasmid DNA were studied by agarose gel electrophoresis. All of these cleaved double‐strand supercoiled plasmid DNA at the highest concentration indicating DNA cleavage activity. The restriction enzyme digestion of the compound‐DNA mixtures showed that compounds bind to A/A and G/G nucleotides.
Persistent Structure and Frustrated Magnetism in High Entropy Rare‐Earth Zirconates
Authors: Jothi Palani R. , Liyanage WLNC , Jiang Bo , Paladugu Sreya , Olds Daniel , Gilbert Dustin A. , Page Katharine
Published: November 2021

The configurational complexity and distinct local atomic environments of high entropy oxides remain largely unexplored, leaving structure‐property relationships and the hypothesis that the family offers rich tunability for applications ambiguous. This work investigates the influence of cation size and materials synthesis in determining the resulting structure and magnetic properties of a family of high entropy rare‐earth zirconates (HEREZs, nominal composition RE2Zr2O7 with RE = rare‐earth element combinations including Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, La, or Sc). The structural characterization of the series is examined through synchrotron X‐ray diffraction and pair distribution function analysis, and electron microscopy, demonstrating average defect‐fluorite structures with considerable local disorder, in all samples. The surface morphology and particle sizes are found to vary significantly with preparation method, with irregular micron‐sized particles formed by high temperature sintering routes, spherical nanoparticles resulting from chemical co‐precipitation methods, and porous nanoparticle agglomerates resulting from polymer steric entrapment synthesis. In agreement with the disordered cation distribution found across all samples, magnetic measurements indicate that all synthesized HEREZs show frustrated magnetic behavior, as seen in a number of single‐component RE2Zr2O7 pyrochlore oxides. These findings advance the understanding of the local structure of high entropy oxides and demonstrate strategies for designing nanostructured morphologies in the class.
Recent Advances in Multiresponsive Flexible Sensors towards E‐skin: A Delicate Design for Versatile Sensing
Authors: Li Wu‐Di , Ke Kai , Jia Jin , Pu Jun‐Hong , Zhao Xing , Bao Rui‐Ying , Liu Zheng‐Ying , Bai Lu , Zhang Kai , Yang Ming‐Bo , Yang Wei
Published: November 2021

Multiresponsive flexile sensors with strain, temperature, humidity, and other sensing abilities serving as real electronic skin (e‐skin) have manifested great application potential in flexible electronics, artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT). Although numerous flexible sensors with sole sensing function have already been reported since the concept of e‐skin, that mimics the sensing features of human skin, was proposed about a decade ago, the ones with more sensing capacities as new emergences are urgently demanded. However, highly integrated and highly sensitive flexible sensors with multiresponsive functions are becoming a big thrust for the detection of human body motions, physiological signals (e.g., skin temperature, blood pressure, electrocardiograms (ECG), electromyograms (EMG), sweat, etc.) and environmental stimuli (e.g., light, magnetic field, volatile organic compounds (VOCs)), which are vital to real‐time and all‐round human health monitoring and management. Herein, this review summarizes the design, manufacturing, and application of multiresponsive flexible sensors and presents the future challenges of fabricating these sensors for the next‐generation e‐skin and wearable electronics.
Block‐Copolymers Enable Direct Reduction and Structuration of Noble Metal‐Based Films
Authors: Gayrard Maxime , Chancerel Francois , De Marco Maria Letizia , Naumenko Denys , Boissière Cédric , Rozes Laurence , Amenitsch Heinz , Peron Jennifer , Cattoni Andrea , Faustini Marco
Published: November 2021

Noble metal nanostructured films are of great interest for various applications including electronics, photonics, catalysis, and photocatalysis. Yet, structuring and patterning noble metals, especially those of the platinum group, is challenging by conventional nanofabrication. Herein, an approach based on solution processing to obtain metal‐based films (rhodium, ruthenium (Ru) or iridium in the presence of residual organic species) with nanostructuration at the 20 nm‐scale is introduced. Compared to existing approaches, the dual functionality of block‐copolymers acting both as structuring and as reducing agent under inert atmosphere is exploited. A set of in situ techniques has allowed for the capturing of the carbothermal reduction mechanism occurring at the hybrid organic/inorganic interface. Differently from previous literature, a two‐step reduction mechanism is unveiled with the formation of a carbonyl intermediate. From a technological point of view, the materials can be solution‐processed on a large scale by dip‐coating as polymers and simultaneously structured and reduced into metals without requiring expensive equipment or treatments in reducing atmosphere. Importantly, the metal‐based films can be patterned directly by block‐copolymer lithography or by soft‐nanoimprint lithography on various substrates. As proof‐of‐concept of application, the authors demonstrate that nanostructured Ru films can be used as efficient catalysts for H2 generation into microfluidic reactors.
Carrier‐Free Delivery of Ultrasmall π‐Conjugated Oligomer Nanoparticles with Photothermal Conversion over 80% for Cancer Theranostics
Authors: Zheng Rijie , Zhao Qi , Qing Weixia , Li Shengliang , Liu Zhonghua , Li Qianqian , Huang Yongwei
Published: November 2021

High‐performance photothermal theranostics is urgently desired for cancer therapy because of their good controllability and noninvasive features. The relatively low photothermal conversion efficiency is still at the drawbacks because of the absence of efficient extraneous carriers. Herein, a carrier‐free nanomedicine is developed to in vivo self‐deliver organic photothermal agents for efficient cancer phototheranostics. By a facile self‐assembly strategy, the near‐infrared (NIR)‐absorbing conjugated oligomer IDIC‐4F is fabricated into a carrier‐free nanoparticle (DCF‐P), showing ultrasmall size of nearly 4.0 nm with a nearly 100% of drug loading capacity. Notably, DCF‐P achieves a superhigh photothermal conversion efficiency of 80.5% that is far greater than that of IDIC‐4F‐loaded nanomicelle DCF‐M (57.3%). With the guidance of NIR fluorescence and photoacoustic dual‐imaging, it is verified that DCF‐P could well achieve tumor‐preferential accumulation and retention at 4 h postinjection, and meanwhile shows highly efficient in vivo tumor elimination with good biosafety. This study thus contributes a novel concept for designing ultrasmall nanoparticle characteristics of preferential accumulation in tumors, and also provides a strategy for creating high‐performance carrier‐free nanomedicine via highly ordered molecular stacking.
A Multiscale Strategy to Construct Cobalt Nanoparticles Confined within Hierarchical Carbon Nanofibers for Efficient CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Xie Laiyong , Yu Xinyao , Wang Siyu , Wei Shaomin , Hu Qi , Chai Xiaoyan , Ren Xiangzhong , Yang Hengpan , He Chuanxin
Published: November 2021

The efficiency of CO2 electroreduction has been largely limited by the activity of the catalysts as well as the three‐phase interface. Herein, a multiscale strategy is proposed to synthesize hierarchical nanofibers covered by carbon nanotubes and embedded with cobalt nanoparticles (Co/CNT/HCNF). The confinement effect of carbon nanotubes can restrict the diameter of the cobalt particles down to several nanometers and prevent the easy corrosion of these nanoparticles. The three‐dimensional carbon nanofibers, in size range of several hundred nanometers, improve the electrochemically active surface area, facilitate electron transfer, and accelerate CO2 transportation. These cross‐linked carbon nanofibers eventually form a freestanding Co/CNT/HCNF membrane of dozens of square centimeters. Consequently, Co/CNT/HCNF produces CO with 97% faradaic efficiency at only −0.4 VRHE cathode potential in an H‐type cell. From the regulation of catalyst nanostructure to the design of macrography devices, Co/CNT/HCNF membrane can be directly used as the gas‐diffusion compartment in a flow cell device. Co/CNT/HCNF membrane generates CO with faradaic efficiencies higher than 90% and partial current densities greater than 300 mA cm−2 for at least 100‐h stability. This strategy provides a successful example of efficient catalysts for CO2 electroreduction and also has the feasibility in other self‐standing energy conversion devices.
Engineering In‐Plane Nickel Phosphide Heterointerfaces with Interfacial sp HP Hybridization for Highly Efficient and Durable Hydrogen Evolution at 2 A cm−2
Authors: Zhou Qian , Liao Liling , Bian Qihang , Yu Fang , Li Dongyang , Zeng Jinsong , Zhang Long , Wang Hui , Tang Dongsheng , Zhou Haiqing , Ren Zhifeng
Published: November 2021

The catalytic hydrogen‐evolving activities of transition‐metal phosphides are greatly related to the phosphorus content, but the physical origin of performance enhancement remains ambiguous, and tuning the catalytic activity of nickel phosphides (NiP2/Ni5P4) remains challenging due to unfavorable H* adsorption. Here, a strategy is introduced to integrate P‐rich NiP2 and P‐poor Ni5P4 into in‐plane heterostructures by anion substitution, in which P atoms at the in‐plane interfaces perform as active sites to adsorb H* and thus facilitate the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) process via modulating the electronic structure between NiP2 and Ni5P4. Consequently, the NiP2/Ni5P4 hybrid exhibits an outstanding hydrogen‐evolving activity, requiring only 30 and 76 mV to afford 10 and 100 mA cm−2 in acid, respectively. It surpasses most of the earth‐abundant electrocatalysts thus far, and is comparable to Pt catalysts (30/72 mV at 10/100 mA cm−2). Particularly, it can run smoothly at large current density and only requires 247 mV to reach 2000 mA cm−2. Detailed theoretical calculations reveal that its exceptional activity stems from the moderate overlap of density states between P 2p and H 1s orbitals, thus optimizing the H*‐adsorption strength. This work highlights a new avenue toward the fabrication of robust non‐noble electrocatalysts by constructing in‐plane heterojunctions.
Simultaneous Dimensional and Analytical Characterization of Ordered Nanostructures
Authors: Hönicke Philipp , Kayser Yves , Nikolaev Konstantin V. , Soltwisch Victor , Scheerder Jeroen E. , Fleischmann Claudia , Siefke Thomas , Andrle Anna , Gwalt Grzegorz , Siewert Frank , Davis Jeffrey , Huth Martin , Veloso Anabela , Loo Roger , Skroblin Dieter , Steinert Michael , Undisz Andreas , Rettenmayr Markus , Beckhoff Burkhard
Published: November 2021

The spatial and compositional complexity of 3D structures employed in today's nanotechnologies has developed to a level at which the requirements for process development and control can no longer fully be met by existing metrology techniques. For instance, buried parts in stratified nanostructures, which are often crucial for device functionality, can only be probed in a destructive manner in few locations as many existing nondestructive techniques only probe the objects surfaces. Here, it is demonstrated that grazing exit X‐ray fluorescence can simultaneously characterize an ensemble of regularly ordered nanostructures simultaneously with respect to their dimensional properties and their elemental composition. This technique is nondestructive and compatible to typically sized test fields, allowing the same array of structures to be studied by other techniques. For crucial parameters, the technique provides sub‐nm discrimination capabilities and it does not require access‐limited large‐scale research facilities as it is compatible to laboratory‐scale instrumentation.
Towards a security‐driven automotive development lifecycle
Authors: Dobaj Jürgen , Macher Georg , Ekert Damjan , Riel Andreas , Messnarz Richard
Published: November 2021

Cybersecurity has become one of the most crucial challenges in the automotive development lifecycle. The upcoming ISO/SAE 21434 standard provides only a generic framework that is insufficient to derive concrete design methods. This article proposes an actionable cybersecurity development lifecycle model that provides concrete action and work product guidance aligned with the ISO/SAE 21434 and Automotive SPICE® extension for cybersecurity. The model has been inspired by action research in “next” industry practice pilot projects, which ensures that it is actionable. It has been augmented by insights gained from literature research in cybersecurity development for embedded systems. The proposed lifecycle model complements the ISO/SAE 21434 standard and provides the basis for the company‐specific process and practice specifications. It has been validated through the integration of cybersecurity‐related aspects in an electric power steering system. A core characteristic of the model is the central role of threat modeling, vulnerability analyses, and cybersecurity requirements derivation on both system and subsystem levels. Without concrete practice guidelines, the ISO/SAE 21434 is very difficult to understand and apply at this stage. This contribution aims to fill this gap through a model inspired by cutting‐edge embedded cybersecurity practices interpreted for the current and near‐future automotive electronic architectures.
Quenching as a Route to Defect‐Rich Ru‐Pyrochlore Electrocatalysts toward the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Liu Tongtong , Yang Shaoxuan , Guan Jingyu , Niu Jin , Zhang Zhengping , Wang Feng
Published: November 2021

Defects have a significant impact on the electrocatalysts performance. Introducing defect structures in metal oxides such as pyrochlores and perovskites has proved to be an effective strategy to enhance electrocatalytic activity. However, it is hard to build numerous defect sites in such high‐temperature oxides due to the strong metal–oxygen bonds and the so‐called self‐purification effect, which becomes increasingly important as the particle size reduced to the nanoscale. Here, a facile strategy is demonstrated to fabricate defect‐rich yttrium ruthenate oxides Y2Ru2O7−δ with the pyrochlore structure (denoted Drich‐YRO) by the liquid nitrogen (<−196 °C) quenching. Owing to the almost instantaneous cooling in oxygen‐deficient condition, a large number of defects—including oxygen vacancies, grain boundaries, pores and surficial disorder—are preserved in the room temperature material and act as electrocatalytic active sites for oxygen evolution. As a result, Drich‐YRO shows excellent catalytic activity and high electrochemical stability, along with a high performance in the operation of proton exchange membrane electrolyzer. The quenching strategy employed in this work provides a facile approach for constructing defect‐rich structures in high‐temperature oxides and should lead to new applications in energy conversion and storage devices for such materials.
Halogen Bond Involved Post‐Treatment for Improved Performance of Printable Hole‐Conductor‐Free Mesoscopic Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Deyi , Jiang Pei , Li Daiyu , Li Sheng , Qi Jianhang , Wang Xiadong , Hu Yue , Rong Yaoguang , Mei Anyi , Han Hongwei
Published: November 2021

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are considered to be the most promising next‐generation photovoltaic technology. Among all the configurations of PSCs, the printable hole‐conductor‐free mesoscopic PSC (p‐MPSC) has unique advantages on low cost, large‐area fabrication and fabulous stability, which endows it with the greatest potential for industrialization. The interfacial recombination losses, especially at the perovskite/carbon interface, are the bottleneck for further improving the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of p‐MPSCs. 2‐Bromo‐6‐fluoronaphthalene is introduced as an interfacial modulator for p‐MPSCs through post‐treatment. The bromo‐terminal acts as an electrophilic site to interact with the iodine ion in perovskite via the noncovalent halogen bond. Meanwhile, the fused ring of naphthalene is capable to accommodate electron density that is attracted from the perovskite. This interaction induces a more favorable band structure at the interface. The hole extraction is promoted and the interfacial nonradiative recombination is inhibited. Accordingly, a champion p‐MPSC with an improved PCE of 16.77% from 15.50% of the pristine device is obtained.
Redundancies in the communication of music: An operationalization of Schutz's ‘Making Music Together’
Authors: Johnson Mark William , Leydesdorff Loet
Published: November 2021

We elaborate Alfred Schutz's theory of musical communication empirically. Our technique for analysing musical communication aligns Schutz's sociological theory with the mathematics of anticipatory systems. Music, we argue, can be considered as an anticipatory system that articulates through its diachronic unfolding, fundamental symmetries which can be traced back to its initial moments. Following Bohm and Dubois, we argue that these symmetries are present in fractal structures that gradually increase in definition as the music progresses. Critically, we focus on the role of redundancy in this process of providing increasing definition. By analysing the entropy of musical data, we show how graphs of relative entropies can be produced from which a fractal is constructed. In arguing that coherence in music can be established through the alignment of self‐similar patterns, the connection between Dubois's anticipatory systems and Schutz's characterization of the dimensions of musical communication shows how redundancy underlies musical coherence.
Zur Traglastberechnung geschraubter Kopfplattenverbindungen bei Hohlprofilen mittels DLO
Authors: Timmers Ralph , Lang Robert
Published: November 2021

Die Berechnung geschraubter Kopfplattenverbindungen ist in der EN 1993‐1‐8 über das sog. T‐Stummel‐Modell geregelt. Abhängig von den sich einstellenden Verformungen kann es zu sog. Abstützkräften kommen, welche die Schrauben zusätzlich beanspruchen. Diese Effekte werden über das T‐Stummel‐Modell grundsätzlich abgebildet, allerdings nur für eine begrenzte Anzahl praxisrelevanter Fälle. Eine allgemeingültige Lösung dieses Problems stellt die Discontinuity‐Layout‐Optimization‐ (DLO‐) Methode dar. Hierbei handelt es sich um eine numerische Methode zur direkten Bestimmung der Traglast, basierend auf dem kinematischen Satz und unter Verwendung linearer Optimierungsalgorithmen. In vorangegangenen Arbeiten wurde die Methodik bereits an typischen nicht ausgesteiften und ausgesteiften Kopfplattenverbindungen mit I‐Profilen verifiziert. Ziel der vorliegenden Untersuchungen ist es nun, den Anwendungsbereich der DLO auf zugbeanspruchte Hohlprofile mit Kopfplattenanschlüssen und allseitig angeordneten Schrauben zu erweitern. Diese Anschlüsse können über die EN 1993‐1‐8 nicht vollständig abgebildet werden, da allfällige globale Fließlinienmuster durch die Norm nicht abgedeckt sind. Daher wurden die berechneten Traglasten durch Versuche verifiziert. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass die DLO ein geeignetes Mittel zur Berechnung solcher Verbindungen ist und dass die Anwendung, im Vergleich zur FEM, deutlich einfacher und zudem normenkonform ist.
Understanding the Influences of Rice Starch Fine Structure and Protein Content on Cooked Rice Texture
Authors: Li Changfeng , Ji Yi , Li Enpeng
Published: November 2021

Amylose content, fine structure, and protein content affect the hardness and stickiness of cooked rice. However, the mechanisms of those effects have not been fully understood especially the fine structure of amylose. Here, 22 rice varieties with large ranges of both starch chain‐length distributions and protein content are examined, and the starch structural results are parameterized using biosynthesis‐based models. The ratios of the activities of branching enzyme and starch synthase for amylose showed positive and negative correlations with rice hardness (coefficient 0.556 and 0.838) and stickiness (coefficient −0.498 and −0.639), respectively. Protein content is strongly positively correlated with hardness, with nitrogen application up to the panicle development stage (coefficient 0.640). New findings could be obtained from these correlations, which reveal that in the whole region of amylose, the shorter the amylose is, the harder and less sticky the cooked rice is, which has not been reported previously. In addition, protein is found to influence rice hardness significantly, while rice stickiness is less affected by it. Therefore, a comprehensive mechanism of protein effects on rice texture is proposed. This work provides information for breeders to develop improved rice varieties.
Mesenchymal stromal cells reprogram monocytes and macrophages with processing bodies
Authors: Min Hyunjung , Xu Li , Parrott Roberta , Overall Christopher C. , Lillich Melina , Rabjohns Emily M. , Rampersad Rishi R. , Tarrant Teresa K. , Meadows Norin , Fernandez-Castaneda Anthony , Gaultier Alban , Kurtzberg Joanne , Filiano Anthony J.
Published: November 2021

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are widely used in clinical trials because of their ability to modulate inflammation. The success of MSCs has been variable over 25 years, most likely due to an incomplete understanding of their mechanism. After MSCs are injected, they traffic to the lungs and other tissues where they are rapidly cleared. Despite being cleared, MSCs suppress the inflammatory response in the long term. Using human cord tissue-derived MSCs (hCT-MSCs), we demonstrated that hCT-MSCs directly interact and reprogram monocytes and macrophages. After engaging hCT-MSCs, monocytes and macrophages engulfed cytoplasmic components of live hCT-MSCs, then downregulated gene programs for antigen presentation and costimulation, and functionally suppressed the activation of helper T cells. We determined that low-density lipoprotein receptor-related proteins on monocytes and macrophages mediated the engulfment of hCT-MSCs. Since a large amount of cellular information can be packaged in cytoplasmic RNA processing bodies (p-bodies), we generated p-body deficient hCT-MSCs and confirmed that they failed to reprogram monocytes and macrophages in vitro and in vivo. hCT-MSCs suppressed an inflammatory response caused by a nasal lipopolysaccharide challenge. Although both control and p-body deficient hCT-MSCs were engulfed by infiltrating lung monocytes and macrophages, p-body deficient hCT-MSCs failed to suppress inflammation and downregulate MHC-II. Overall, we identified a novel mechanism by which hCT-MSCs indirectly suppressed a T-cell response by directly interacting and reprogramming monocytes and macrophages via p-bodies. The results of this study suggest a novel mechanism for how MSCs can reprogram the inflammatory response and have long-term effects to suppress inflammation.
SALL1 regulates commitment of odontoblast lineages by interacting with RUNX2 to remodel open chromatin regions
Authors: Lin Yuxiu , Xiao Yao , Lin ChuJiao , Zhang Qian , Zhang Shu , Pei Fei , Liu Huan , Chen Zhi
Published: November 2021

Mouse dental papilla cells (mDPCs) derive from cranial neural crest cells and maintain mesenchymal stem cell characteristics. The differentiation of neural crest cells into odontoblasts is orchestrated by transcription factors regulating the expression of genes whose enhancers are initially inaccessible. However, the identity of the transcription factors driving the emergence of odontoblast lineages remains elusive. In this study, we identified SALL1, a transcription factor that was particularly expressed in preodontoblasts, polarizing odontoblasts, and secretory odontoblasts in vivo. Knockdown of Sall1 in mDPCs inhibited their odontoblastic differentiation. In order to identify the regulatory network of Sall1, RNA sequencing and an assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing were performed to analyze the genome-wide direct regulatory targets of SALL1. We found that inhibition of Sall1 expression could decrease the accessibility of some chromatin regions associated with odontoblast lineages at embryonic day 16.5, whereas these regions remained unaffected at postnatal day 0.5, suggesting that SALL1 regulates the fate of mDPCs by remodeling open chromatin regions at the early bell stage. Specifically, we found that SALL1 could directly increase the accessibility of cis-regulatory elements near Tgf-β2 and within the Runx2 locus. Moreover, coimmunoprecipitation and proximal ligation assays showed that SALL1 could establish functional interactions with RUNX2. Taken together, our results demonstrated that SALL1 positively regulates the commitment of odontoblast lineages by interacting with RUNX2 and directly activating Tgf-β2 at an early stage.
Sirolimus augments hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell regeneration following hematopoietic insults
Authors: Lin Zenghua , Hollinger Maile K. , Wu Zhijie , Sun Wanling , Batey Kaylind , Kim Jisoo , Chen Jichun , Feng Xingmin , Young Neal S.
Published: November 2021

The role of mammalian target of rapamycin and its suppressor sirolimus in the regulation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) is controversial. We show here that sirolimus enhanced regeneration of HSPCs in mice exposed to sublethal total body irradiation (TBI) and other regenerative stressors. Sorted Lin−CD150+ bone marrow cells from sirolimus-treated TBI mice had increased expression of c-Kit and other hematopoietic genes. HSPCs from sirolimus-treated TBI mice were functionally competent when tested by competitive engraftment in vivo. Postradiation regeneration of HSPCs in mice treated with sirolimus was accompanied by decreased γ-H2AX levels detected by flow cytometry and increased expression of DNA repair genes by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Reduction of cell death and DNA damage post-radiation by sirolimus was associated with enhanced clearance of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HSPCs. Increased HSPC recovery with sirolimus was also observed in mice injected with hematoxic agents, busulfan and 5-fluorouracil. In contrast, sirolimus showed no effect on HSPCs in normal mice at steady state, but stimulated HSPC expansion in mice carrying the Wv mutation at the c-Kit locus. In human to mouse xenotransplantation, sirolimus enhanced engraftment of irradiated human CD34+ cells. In summary, our results are consistent with sirolimus' acceleration of HSPC recovery in response to hematopoietic stress, associated with reduced DNA damage and ROS. Sirolimus might have clinical application for the treatment and prevention of hematopoietic injury.
Suppressing Hippo signaling in the stem cell niche promotes skeletal muscle regeneration
Authors: Liu Qi , Pan Su , Liu Shijie , Zhang Sui , Willerson James T. , Martin James F. , Dixon Richard A. F.
Published: November 2021

Lack of blood flow to the lower extremities in peripheral arterial disease causes oxygen and nutrient deprivation in ischemic skeletal muscles, leading to functional impairment. Treatment options for muscle regeneration in this scenario are lacking. Here, we selectively targeted the Hippo pathway in myofibers, which provide architectural support for muscle stem cell niches, to facilitate functional muscle recovery in ischemic extremities by promoting angiogenesis, neovascularization, and myogenesis. We knocked down the core Hippo pathway component, Salvador (SAV1), by using an adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9) vector expressing a miR30-based triple short-hairpin RNA (shRNA), controlled by a muscle-specific promoter. In a mouse hindlimb-ischemia model, AAV9 SAV1 shRNA administration in ischemic muscles induced nuclear localization of the Hippo effector YAP, accelerated perfusion restoration, and increased exercise endurance. Intravascular lectin labeling of the vasculature revealed enhanced angiogenesis. Using 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine to label replicating cellular DNA in vivo, we found SAV1 knockdown concurrently increased paired box transcription factor Pax7+ muscle satellite cell and CD31+ endothelial cell proliferation in ischemic muscles. To further study Hippo suppression in skeletal muscle regeneration, we used a cardiotoxin-induced muscle damage model in adult (12-15 weeks old) and aged mice (26-month old). Two weeks after delivery of AAV9 SAV1 shRNA into injured muscles, the distribution of regenerative myofibers shifted toward a larger cross-sectional area and increased capillary density compared with mice receiving AAV9 control. Together, these findings suggest our approach may have clinical promise in regenerative therapy for leg ischemia and muscle injury.
Development of analytical model for predicting compressive behavior of engineered cementitious composites‐concrete encased steel composite columns
Authors: Khan Muhammad Khubaib Ilyas , Lee Chi King , Zhang Yixia
Published: November 2021

Analytical models which can reliably predict the load–deformation behaviors and the ultimate strength of columns are indispensable tools for the practical design. In this paper, an analytical model is developed to predict the compressive load–deformation behavior and the ultimate capacity of engineered cementitious composite confined concrete encased steel (ECC‐CES) composite columns. The proposed analytical model employs the effective material stress and strain compatibility approaches for the predictions of compressive load–deformation response of ECC‐CES columns. The material constitutive models for ECC, concrete, and steel are first established, and then used in the analytical model. The effect of ECC and steel confinement on the concrete core and the softening behavior of steel column due to compression buckling are also considered. Based on the experimental results, appropriate strength reduction factors are proposed so that the effective material stresses can be calculated. The strength predictions from the proposed analytical methods and different design codes are compared with the experimental and numerical results. It was found that the proposed analytical models using effective material stresses gave better predictions than many commonly used design codes.
Experimental investigation on the use of glass fiber reinforced polymer reinforcement in hollow‐core circular concrete columns
Authors: Ahmad Habil , Sheikh M. Neaz , Hadi Muhammad N. S.
Published: November 2021

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation on the behavior of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bar‐reinforced hollow‐core (GFRP‐HC) circular concrete specimens under concentric, 25 mm and 50 mm eccentric axial loading and four‐point bending. The main parameters investigated include the type of reinforcing bars, pitch of the helices and loading conditions. The test matrix of this study consists of 12 specimens, among which nine specimens (850 mm high) were tested under concentric and eccentric axial loading and the remaining three specimens (1500 mm long) were tested under four‐point bending. The specimens were circular in cross‐section with an outer diameter of 214 mm and an inner circular hole diameter of 56 mm. The experimental results showed that, for the similar amount of reinforcement, steel bar‐reinforced hollow‐core (steel‐HC) specimens sustained higher loads than the GFRP‐HC specimens under different loading conditions. Also, the steel‐HC specimens achieved higher ductility than the GFRP‐HC specimens under 50 mm eccentric axial loading and four‐point bending. However, under concentric and 25 mm eccentric axial loading, the GFRP‐HC specimens achieved higher ductility than the steel‐HC specimens. The close pitch of the GFRP helices significantly enhanced the load carrying capacity and ductility of the GFRP‐HC specimens.
Removing attached mortar from recycled aggregate by the combined freeze–thaw cycles and high‐temperature drying
Authors: Wu Qingpei , Gong Fuyuan , Zhi Dian , Zhao Yuxi
Published: November 2021

The fundamental reason for the poor performance of recycled aggregate (RA) and recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) is the attached mortar, which severely restricts the application of RA and RAC. This research proposes an innovative method for the modification of RA: using the freeze–thaw cycle (FTC) to remove the attached mortar. In addition, to improve the spalling efficiency, high temperature drying is introduced before and during FTCs. The results show that as the lowest temperature of FTC decreases, the spalling rate increases. Besides, the attached mortar that suffered from high temperature drying is more likely to be peeled off during the following FTCs, and more times of high temperature drying treatments can provide higher efficiency. At the same time, vibrating process can introduce mechanical damage, which is also beneficial for the removal of mortar. Finally, after proper combination of FTC, high temperature drying and vibrating, all attached mortar can be peeled off quickly, and the physical/mechanical properties of modified RA can be very close to the natural aggregates.
A Data‐Driven Fault Location Method in Distribution Network Based on PMU Data
Authors: Fang Jian , Wang Hongbin , Yang Fan , Wang Yong , Yin Kuang , He Jiaxing , Lin Xiang
Published: November 2021

As an important part in the power systems, the status of the distribution network affects the safety, reliability, and economy of the whole power supply. When a fault occurs in the distribution network, it is of great significance to accurately and quickly locate the fault. At present, a cost‐effective synchronous phase measurement unit (PMU) device has been developed for the monitoring of the distribution network, which has opened up a new path for fault location in the distribution network. In this paper, the fuzzy clustering algorithm is used to judge the fault section, and the multiple fault information is extracted for fusion, so that the fault characteristic index can highlight the fault information. Then a new method based on multi‐terminal PMU data to realize the fault location of the distribution network is proposed. This method realizes fault location through the relationship between multiple fault indexes, and the simulation verification of PSCAD/EMTDC shows the accuracy and effectiveness of the method. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Portable Noise Time‐Frequency Characteristic Monitoring System for Environmental Assessment of Power Transformer Rooms
Authors: Fan Yadong , Xu Bing , Wang Jianguo , Wu Jinglu , Ding Yang , Cai Li
Published: November 2021

Power transformer rooms have been gradually installed in residential buildings due to an increasing demand for power supply and space requirement. However, the noise generated by transformers during operation has become a hot topic of complaints. In order to solve the problem of transformer noise pollution and explore the rules of noise for power transformer rooms, a portable noise monitoring system consisting sensor array and a vibration and noise tester is developed in this paper. The noise characteristics of a power transformer room in Guangzhou city are obtained through field tests, which include the time‐domain characteristics, spectrum characteristics, and A‐weighted sound level characteristics. Results show that the frequency component of noises is stable, but the amplitude varies. The sound pressure of the power transformer room has obvious periodicity and the amplitude is 0.1–0.2 Pa. The dominant noise frequency is fixed at 300 Hz. According to different positions, the A‐weighted sound level is distributed between 55 and 65 dB. The research is not only of great help to formulate transformer noise assessment methods, but also of great significance to improve people's living environment and ensure power system's reliable operation. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
How language proficiency standardized assessments inequitably impact Latinx long‐term English learners
Authors: Siordia Celestina , Kim Kathy MinHye
Published: November 2021

Latinx students make up 77.8% of the English learner (EL) population in the United States (Department of Education, 2017). However, there is a subpopulation of Latinx ELs who are: English‐dominant, born in the United States, and identified as long‐term English learner (LTEL). ELs who are not reclassified after 6 or 7 years are categorized as LTEL (Clark‐ Gareca et al., 2019). The focus of this paper is how language proficiency standardized assessments inequitably impact Latinx LTELs. We use Flores and Rosa’s raciolinguistic ideologies (2015) to analyze the inequitable language opportunities Latinx LTELs experience because of standardized tests. A raciolinguistic perspective “shifts the focus from the linguistic practices of the speaker/writer toward the perceiving practices of the listener/reader” (Flores, 2020, p. 24). We argue that standardized assessments serve as both the listener/reader and the institutional mechanism that causes Latinxs to be overrepresented as LTELs and underrepresented in dual‐language (DL) and Seal of Biliteracy programs. We conclude that language proficiency standardized assessments do not reflect the actual language abilities of Latinx LTELs (Brooks, 2018). Instead, we propose the use of EL portfolios to demonstrate proficiency in English (Winke & Zhang, 2019).
To what extent does productive derivational knowledge of adult L1 speakers and L2 learners at two educational levels differ?
Authors: Iwaizumi Emi , Webb Stuart
Published: November 2021

Research has indicated that first language (L1) English speakers acquire derivational knowledge—the ability to understand and produce derived forms of a word— through increased exposure to the language (e.g., Anglin, 1993). Second language (L2) research has shown that L2 English learners tend to have limited productive derivational knowledge in comparison to L1 speakers (Schmitt & Zimmerman, 2002). However, the degree to which productive knowledge of derivatives differs between L1 speakers and L2 learners remains unclear. Moreover, there have yet to be any studies that have compared productive derivational knowledge of L2 learners at different educational levels (undergraduate and graduate students), nor has research examined L1 and L2 production of derivatives according to the frequency levels of the target items. The present study compared the ability of 21 L1 speakers, 18 English as a second language (ESL)–speaking graduate students, and 61 English as a foreign language (EFL) undergraduate students to produce the derivatives of 30 headwords. The results indicated that L1 speakers produced significantly more derivatives than ESL graduate students and EFL undergraduate students, and ESL graduate students outperformed EFL undergraduate students.
Potential of lignocellulosic residues from coconut, fique, and sugar cane as substrates for pleurotus and ganoderma in the development of biomaterials
Authors: Solanilla‐Duque José Fernando , Salazar‐Sánchez Margarita del Rosario , Rodríguez Herrera Raúl
Published: November 2021

In this work, three lignocellulosic residues, coconut fiber, sugarcane bagasse, and fique bagasse, were used as a carbon source for fungal colonization had been proposed to form a composite material. The lignocellulosic residues presented a high percentage of carbon. The lignocellulosic residues had been conditioned and characterized morphologically. The particle sizes chosen were 16 and 50 sieves. The mycelial growth kinetics of the fungi had been evaluated in the residues, where a higher growth rate was observed in the medium enriched with coconut fiber and lower in those containing bagasse. When studying these intrinsic factors, it was observed that an inadequate carbon‐nitrogen (C/N) ratio affected mycelial growth. This method of obtaining biomaterials is a promising alternative to lignocellulosic substrates as substrates for fungi with delignification capacity.
Patients with resolution of low‐lying placenta and placenta previa remain at increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: DeBolt C. A. , Rosenberg H. M. , Pruzan A. , Goldberger C. , Kaplowitz E. , Buckley A. , Vieira L. , Stone J. , Bianco A.
Published: November 2021

Objective

To determine whether women who experience resolution of low placentation (low‐lying placenta or placenta previa) are at increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage compared to those with normal placentation throughout pregnancy.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of women who delivered at Mount Sinai Hospital between 2015 and 2019, and who were diagnosed with low‐lying placenta or placenta previa on transvaginal ultrasound at the time of the second‐trimester anatomical survey, with resolution of low placentation on subsequent ultrasound examination. Women undergoing second‐trimester anatomical survey who had normal placentation on transvaginal ultrasound 3 days before or after the cases were randomly identified for comparison. The primary outcome was the rate of postpartum hemorrhage. Secondary outcomes included the need for a blood transfusion, use of additional uterotonic medication, the need for additional procedures to control bleeding, and maternal admission to the intensive care unit. Outcomes were assessed using a multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

A total of 1256 women were identified for analysis, of whom 628 had resolved low placentation and 628 had normal placentation. Women with resolved low placentation, compared to those with normal placentation throughout pregnancy, had significantly higher mean age (33.0 ± 5.4 years vs 31.9 ± 5.5 years; P < 0.01) and lower mean body mass index at delivery (27.9 ± 5.5 kg/m2 vs 30.2 ± 5.7 kg/m2; P < 0.01), and were more likely to have undergone in‐vitro fertilization, be of non‐Hispanic white race, have posterior placental location (all P < 0.01) and have private/commercial health insurance (P = 0.04). Patients with resolved low placentation vs normal placentation had greater odds of postpartum hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 3.5 (95% CI, 2.0–6.0); P < 0.01), use of additional uterotonic medication (aOR, 2.2 (95% CI, 1.5–3.1); P < 0.01) and increased rates of additional procedures to control bleeding (aOR, 4.0 (95% CI, 1.3–11.9); P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Despite high rates of resolution of low‐lying placenta and placenta previa by term, women with resolved low placentation remain at increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage compared to those with normal placentation throughout pregnancy. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.