bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Mesostructured Electrospun Polymer Nonwovens with Supramolecular Nanofibers
Authors: Frank Andreas , Weber Melina , Hils Christian , Mansfeld Ulrich , Kreger Klaus , Schmalz Holger , Schmidt Hans‐Werner
Published: March 2022

Functional, hierarchically mesostructured nonwovens are of fundamental importance because complex fiber morphologies increase the active surface area and functionality allowing for the effective immobilization of metal nanoparticles. Such complex functional fiber morphologies clearly widen the property profile and enable the preparation of more efficient and selective filter media. Here, the realization of hierarchically mesostructured nonwovens with barbed wire‐like morphology is demonstrated by combining electrospun polystyrene fibers, decorated with patchy worm‐like micelles, with solution‐processed supramolecular short fibers composed of 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxamides with peripheral N,N‐diisopropylaminoethyl substituents. The worm‐like micelles with a patchy microphase‐separated corona are prepared by crystallization‐driven self‐assembly of a polyethylene based triblock terpolymer and deposited on top of the polystyrene fibers by coaxial electrospinning. The micelles are designed in a way that their patches promote the directed self‐assembly of the 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxamide and the fixation of the supramolecular nanofibers on the supporting polystyrene fibers. Functionality of the mesostructured nonwoven is provided by the peripheral N,N‐diisopropylaminoethyl substituents of the 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxamide and proven by the effective immobilization of individual palladium nanoparticles on the supramolecular nanofibers. The preparation of hierarchically mesostructured nonwovens and their shown functionality demonstrate that such systems are attractive candidates to be used for example in filtration, selective separation and heterogenous catalysis.
Visualization of Solvent‐Induced Structure Evolution in Cyclodextrin Polyrotaxane Gels
Authors: Li Wei‐Zhen , Li Xiaopei , Yang Fan , Chen Yulan , Wang Yi‐Xuan
Published: March 2022

Cyclodextrin (CD)‐based polyrotaxanes (PR) are widely used to construct high‐mechanical‐performance materials because of the high degree of conformational freedom. However, strong hydrogen bonds between CDs greatly limit the application of CD‐PR in the preparation of ductile neutral hydrogels. In this work, spiropyrane (SP) into α‐CD‐based PR is introduced to “visualize” the segment motion of the network in neutral water. The aggregation‐induced cohesion and critical factors for the force transmission are disclosed. This system offers a new approach for the fundamental research for the complicated topologically cross‐linked structures, which is important for the design of CD‐PR‐based biocompatible soft materials.
Simultaneously Enhanced Efficiency and Mechanical Durability in Ternary Solar Cells Enabled by Low‐Cost Incompletely Separated Fullerenes
Authors: Sun Yanna , Ma Ruijie , Kan Yuanyuan , Liu Tao , Zhou Kangkang , Liu Pengke , Fang Jin , Chen Yiyao , Ye Long , Ma Changqi , Yan He , Gao Ke
Published: March 2022

All‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs) are one of the most promising application‐oriented organic photovoltaic technologies due to their excellent operational and mechanical stability. However, the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) are mostly lower than 16%, restricting their core competitiveness. Furthermore, the improvement of mechanical durability is rarely paid attention to cutting‐edge all‐PSCs. This work deploys a low‐cost “technical grade” PCBM (incompletely separated but pure mixtures containing ≥90% [70]PCBM or [60]PCBM), into the efficient PM6:PY‐IT all‐polymer blend, successfully yielding a high‐performance ternary device with 16.16% PCE, among the highest PCE values for all‐PSCs. Meanwhile, an excellent mechanical property (i.e., crack onset strain = 11.1%) promoted from 9.5% for the ternary system is also demonstrated. The “technical grade” PCBM slightly disrupts the crystallization of polymers, and disperses well into the amorphous polymer regions of the all‐PSC blends, thus facilitating charge transport and improving film ductility simultaneously. All these results confirm introducing low‐cost “technical grade” PCBM with high electron mobility into all‐polymer blends can improve carrier mobility, reduce charge recombination, and optimize morphology of the amorphous polymer regions, thus yielding more efficient and mechanically durable all‐PSCs.
Predicting major adverse cardiac events based on multi‐parameter coronary computed tomography angiography
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhou Lijuan , Chen Hongwei , Zeng Shangyu , Wu Qiuxiang , Fang Xiangming
Published: March 2022

Objective

To build a nomogram model to improve the prediction of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) using multi‐parameter coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

Methods

All patients underwent CCTA. Those who developed MACE 90 days later but within 2 years between January 2008 and December 2018 were retrospectively enrolled as MACE group, while those without MACE were 1:1 propensity score matched in the control group. CCTA stenosis, plaque qualitative–quantitative characteristics, and fractional flow reserve derived from computed tomography angiography (FFRct) were analyzed and compared between the two groups. The independent risk factors for predicting MACE were obtained through univariate and multivariate regression analysis, after which multi‐parameter models were built to predict MACE. Finally, the nomogram for predicting MACE was created using the independent risk factors from multivariate regression analysis.

Results

A total of 483 vessels in 260 patients were successfully analyzed. The combination of CCTA stenosis, plaque qualitative–quantitative characteristics, and FFRct (AUC = 0.922, P < 0.001) showed a higher predictive value compared to CCTA stenosis alone, FFRct alone, plaque qualitative–quantitative characteristics alone, CCTA stenosis combined with plaque qualitative–quantitative characteristics, and CCTA stenosis combined with FFRct (all P < 0.001). Independent risk factors were CCTA stenosis ≥50%, low attenuation plaque, positive remodeling, napkin ring sign, lipid plaque volume proportion, and FFRct. Subsequently, a nomogram was created using these independent risk factors.

Conclusions

The multi‐parameter CCTA model has improved performance in predicting MACE. Nomogram for predicting MACE, which includes these factors, represents a practical and easy‐to‐use method in the clinical setting.
CES 2022: Less is More
Authors: Werner Ken
Published: March 2022

Scaled‐down show still delivers top‐notch exhibits and innovation aplenty.
Discrimination between raw and ginger juice processed Magnoliae officinalis cortex based on HPLC and Heracles NEO ultra‐fast gas phase electronic nose
Authors: Zhang Kewei , Wang Jing , Fan Xingchen , Zhu Guangfei , Lu Tulin , Xue Rong
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Magnoliae officinalis cortex (MOC), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used in treating gastrointestinal diseases since ancient time. According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, it includes two kinds of decoction pieces, raw and ginger juice processed Magnoliae officinalis cortex (RMOC and GMOC).

Objective

The aim of this paper was to study the differences between non‐volatile and volatile components in RMOC and GMOC.

Methods

The non‐volatile components were detected by HPLC fingerprinting coupled with content determination (syringin, magnoflorine, honokiol and magnolol). Meanwhile, their odor information was obtained using a Heracles NEO ultra‐fast gas phase electronic nose to conduct radar fingerprint analysis, principal component analysis and discriminant factor analysis, and the volatile components were analyzed qualitatively by the Kovats retention index and the AroChemBase database.

Results

The HPLC fingerprints were established and 20 common peaks were found in all chromatograms with similarity values of more than 0.900. The content determination results showed that the contents of syringin and magnoflorine decreased, while the contents of honokiol and magnolol increased in GMOC. By the gas phase electronic nose, the two decoction pieces could be distinguished obviously and 16 possible compounds were identified. Among them, the relative contents of (−)‐α‐pinene and β‐pinene increased, while β‐phellandrene and (+)‐limonene levels decreased.

Conclusion

The results suggested that honokiol, magnolol, (−)‐α‐pinene and β‐pinene might be the main substances which could enhance the harmonizing effect on the stomach. Moreover, this paper could lay a foundation for exploring the processing mechanism of MOC and provide a novel method for the research of other traditional Chinese medicine with strong aroma.
Hormonal contraception use before and after breast cancer diagnosis: A nationwide drug utilization study
Authors: Mørch Lina Steinrud , Friis Søren , Meaidi Amani , Dehlendorff Christian , Skovlund Charlotte Wessel , Duun‐Henriksen Anne Katrine
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Purpose

To describe the use of hormonal contraceptives in Danish breast cancer patients.

Methods

Nationwide drug utilization study in Danish women diagnosed with breast cancer at ages 13–50 years during 2000–2015. User proportions were estimated in 6‐months intervals from 2 years before to 2 years after diagnosis.

Results

Use of hormonal contraceptives declined sharply after breast cancer diagnosis. Still, 7% of patients aged 13–39 years filled hormonal contraceptive prescriptions within 6 months after the diagnosis.

Conclusions

The majority of premenopausal breast cancer patients discontinues hormonal contraception at diagnosis. All prescribers of hormonal contraceptives should acknowledge that hormonal contraception is contraindicated for breast cancer patients.

Plain Language Summary

Use of hormonal contraception is contraindicated among women with breast cancer. In this nationwide study, we assessed the use of hormonal contraceptives among all Danish premenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer during 2000–2015. Hormonal contraceptive use was assessed within 2 years before and 2 years after breast cancer diagnosis. The majority of patients discontinued hormonal contraception at breast cancer diagnosis. However, 7% of patients aged 13–39 years filled hormonal contraceptive prescriptions within 6 months after the diagnosis.
The making of “good” citizens: China's Social Credit Systems and infrastructures of social quantification
Authors: Liang Fan , Chen Yuchen
Published: March 2022

This article examines citizen scoring in China's Social Credit Systems (SCSs). Focusing on 50 municipal cases that potentially cover 210 million population, we analyze how state actors quantify social and economic life into measurable and comparable metrics and discuss the implications of SCSs through the lens of social quantification. Our results illustrate that the SCSs are envisioned and designed as social quantification practices including two facets: a normative apparatus encouraging “good” citizens and social morality, and a regulative apparatus disciplining “deviant” behaviors and enforcing social management. We argue that the SCSs illustrate the significant shift in which state actors increasingly become data processors whereas citizens are reconfigured as datafied subjects that can be measured, compared, and governed. We suggest that the SCSs function as infrastructures of social quantification for enforcing social management, constructing differences, and nudging people towards desired behaviors defined by the state.
Aerosol‐assisted open‐air plasma deposition of acrylate‐based composite coatings: Molecule release control through precursor selection
Authors: Morand Gabriel , Chevallier Pascale , Tatoulian Michael , Mantovani Diego
Published: March 2022

Aerosol‐assisted open‐air plasma allows the direct deposition of composite coatings with embedded bioactive agents. However, the deposition of biodegradable coatings for controlled drug release application remains challenging. In this study, an innovative precursor injection strategy is used to entrap tracers in coatings deposited from various acrylate‐based precursors: Acrylic acid (AA), methacrylic anhydride (MA), and 1,4‐butanediol diacrylate (BDDA). Water immersion tests show dramatically different release kinetics ranging from over minutes to weeks and months for AA, MA, and BDDA, respectively. These different behaviors are correlated to the crosslinking degree and the hydrolysis rates of the crosslinking functions. This original approach allows controlled release of tracers entrapped in biodegradable acrylate‐based coatings and provides new insights for drug‐release application.
Influence of Silicon Substrate Surface Finish on the Screen‐Printed Silver Metallization of Polysilicon‐Based Passivating Contacts
Authors: Chaudhary Aditya , Hoß Jan , Lossen Jan , Huster Frank , Kopecek Radovan , van Swaaij René , Zeman Miro
Published: March 2022

Passivated contact based on a thin interfacial oxide and a highly doped polysilicon layer has emerged as the next evolutionary step to increase the efficiencies of industrial silicon solar cells. To take maximum advantage from this layer stack, it is vital to limit the losses at the metal polysilicon interface, which can be quantified as metal polysilicon recombination current density (J0met) and contact resistivity. In cell concepts, wherein a large variety of silicon substrate surface finish can be obtained, it is essential to know how the surface finish affects theJ0metand contact resistivity. Herein, commercially available fire through silver paste and the metal‐polysilicon recombination current densities and contact resistivity are used for three different silicon substrate surface finishes, namely: planar or saw damage etched (SDE), chemically polished in acidic solution and alkaline pyramidal textured. Contact resistivity values below 3 mΩ cm2withJ0metin order of the recombination current density of the doped region (J0pass) are obtained for samples with planar surface for both 150 and 200 nm n+polysilicon layer thicknesses. The results presented in this work show that the samples with flat substrate morphology outperform the samples with textured surfaces.
Magnetic and Electrical Properties of Ni3Te2 Single Crystals Grown by Physical Vapor Transport Technique
Authors: Jiang Wan-Yan , Gao Li-Xin , Fan Yiwei , Zhao Gang , Chen Fei , Cao Shixun , Li Zhe , Ge Jun-Yi
Published: March 2022

High‐quality single crystals with length up to 6 mm are successfully grown by the physical vapor transport (PVT) technique. The crystals exhibit unique tubular structures with a hexagonal cross section. The high‐quality crystal is studied by a series of structural and morphological characterization. The physical properties including both magnetization and electrical transport are studied in detail. It is found that there exists a coexistence of weak ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism at low temperatures. In the measured temperature range of 2–300 K, shows a typical metallic behavior, and the temperature dependence of the resistivity ρ

x

x
(T) can be well fitted by the parallel‐resistor model.
Effect of rosemary leaf powder with weight loss diet on lipid profile, glycemic status, and liver enzymes in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized, double‐blind clinical trial
Authors: Akbari Shayan , Sohouli Mohammad Hassan , Ebrahimzadeh Saeedeh , Ghanaei Fariborz Mansour , Hosseini Agha Fatemeh , Aryaeian Naheed
Published: March 2022

Experimental and some clinical studies have shown beneficial effects of rosemary leaf on liver function and biochemical parameters. The present study aimed to examine the impact of rosemary leaf powder with a weight loss diet in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In a randomized double‐blinded clinical trial, 110 patients were randomly assigned to receive either 4 g rosemary leaf or placebo (starch) powders for 8 weeks. In addition, all participants in the study were given weight loss diet and physical activity recommendations. Compared with baseline, alanine aminotransferase (p < .001), aspartate aminotransferase (p < .001), alkaline phosphatase (p < .001), gamma glutamyltransferase (p < .001), fasting blood glucose (p < .001), fasting insulin (p < .001), insulin resistance (p < .001), total cholesterol (p = .003), triglyceride (p < .001), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < .001), and anthropometric indices (weight, body mass index, and waist circumferences) decreased significantly in the rosemary and placebo group with weight loss. However, after 8 weeks, no significant difference between the rosemary and placebo groups was detected in the variables as mentioned above except homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell dysfunction (p = .014). The findings of the current clinical trial study revealed that rosemary group did produce changes, but they were not statistically different from those produced by the diet/activity intervention alone.
Observing severe precipitation near complex topography during the Yilan Experiment of Severe Rainfall in 2020 (YESR2020)
Authors: Su Shih‐Hao , Chang Yu‐Hung , Liu Ching‐Hwang , Chen Wei‐Ting , Chang Wei‐Yu , Chen Jen‐Ping , Chen Wei‐Nai , Chung Kao‐Sheng , Hou Jou‐Ping , Hsieh Min‐Ken , Jang Yi‐Shin , Kuo Hung‐Chi , Lee Yu‐Chi , Lin Pay‐Liam , Lin Ping‐Yu , Lin Po‐Hsiung , Lo Min‐Hui , Wang Sheng‐Hsiang , Wu Chien‐Ming , Yang Jing‐Hwa , Yang Ming‐Jen
Published: March 2022

This study introduces a recent field experiment investigating multiscale terrain–circulation–precipitation interactions. When a synoptic‐scale northeasterly wind prevails under the active East Asian winter monsoon, stratocumulus cloud decks with severe rainfall exceeding 100 mm·day−1 frequently occur in the northeastern plain area and adjacent mountains in Yilan, Taiwan. The Yilan Experiment of Severe Rainfall (YESR2020) is a field campaign from November 20, 2020, to November 24, 2020, to survey the physical processes leading to severe wintertime rainfall. The three‐dimensional structure of the wind field and the atmospheric environment can be identified through high temporal and spatial resolution sounding observations, which is empowered by the novel Storm Tracker mini‐radiosonde. During YESR2020, the continuously collected meteorological data of two northeasterly episodes captured the variability of local‐scale wind patterns and the features of the severe rainfall induced by stratocumulus. A preliminary analysis indicated that a local‐scale convergence line could appear over the plain area of Yilan under the northeasterly environmental condition. The precipitation hotspot was located in the mountain region of southern Yilan, where the local winds signified turbulence features. Moreover, the severe rainfall of the two northeasterly episodes spotlighted shallow cumulus under stratus with pure warm rain processes. The results of YESR2020 inspire the arrangement of future field observations to explore detailed mechanisms of heavily precipitating stratocumulus over complex topography.
Row‐sensing templates: A generic 3D sensor‐based approach to robot localization with respect to orchard row centerlines
Authors: Fei Zhenghao , Vougioukas Stavros
Published: March 2022

Accurate robot localization relative to orchard row centerlines is essential for autonomous guidance where satellite signals are often obstructed by foliage. Existing sensor‐based approaches rely on variousfeaturesextracted from images and point clouds. However, any selected features are not available consistently, because the visual and geometrical characteristics of orchard rows change drastically when tree types, growth stages, canopy management practices, seasons, and weather conditions change. In this study, we introduce a novel localization method that does not rely on features; instead, it relies on the concept of arow‐sensing template, which is the expected observation of a 3D sensor traveling in an orchard row, when the sensor is anywhere on the centerline and perfectly aligned with it. First, the template is built using a few measurements, provided that the sensor's true pose with respect to the centerline is available. Then, during navigation, the best pose estimate (and its confidence) is estimated by maximizing the match between the template and the sensed point cloud using particle‐filtering. The method can adapt to various orchards and conditions by rebuilding the template. Experiments were performed in a vineyard, and in an orchard in different seasons. Results showed that the lateral mean absolute error (MAE) was less than 3.6% of the row width, and the heading MAE was less than 1.72°. Localization was robust, as errors did not increase when less than 75% of measurement points were missing. The results indicate that template‐based localization can provide a generic approach for accurate and robust localization in real‐world orchards.
Sample size calculation for the augmented logrank test in randomized clinical trials
Authors: Hattori Satoshi , Komukai Sho , Friede Tim
Published: March 2022

In randomized clinical trials, incorporating baseline covariates can improve the power in hypothesis testing for treatment effects. For survival endpoints, the Cox proportional hazards model with baseline covariates as explanatory variables can improve the standard logrank test in power. Although this has long been recognized, this adjustment is not commonly used as the primary analysis and instead the logrank test followed by the estimation of the hazard ratio between treatment groups is often used. By projecting the score function for the Cox proportional hazards model onto a space of covariates, the logrank test can be more powerful. We derive a power formula for this augmented logrank test under the same setting as the widely used power formula for the logrank test and propose a simple strategy for sizing randomized clinical trials utilizing historical data of the control treatment. Through numerical studies, the proposed procedure was found to have the potential to reduce the sample size substantially as compared to the standard logrank test. A concern to utilize historical data is that those might not reflect well the data structure of the study to design and then the sample size calculated might not be accurate. Since our power formula is applicable to datasets pooled across the treatment arms, the validity of the power calculation at the design stage can be checked in blind reviews.
Biocompatible Coating on Micro‐structured Titanium Implants with Enhanced Osteogenesis to Facilitate Bone‐implant Integration
Authors: Wu Jiannan , Yang Jing , Wang Yanying , Wang Yanduo , Yu Haiyang , Han Jing , Zhang Jian
Published: March 2022

Titanium (Ti) implants are bioinert materials. The surface modification of a Ti implant can endow it with biological activity and promote its osteosynthesis. In this study, the improvement of the biocompatibility of Ti substrates mainly originates from polydopamine (PDA) coating technology, which combines the BMP‐2 polypeptide (P24) and a gelatin film on the substrate surface. The results showed that the P24 polypeptide and gelatin film coating endowed the Ti substrate with enhanced hydrophilicity. The modified surface favored cell adhesion and spreading compared with the pure Ti substrate, and significantly improved cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) in vitro. Furthermore, the modification significantly accelerated osseointegration and osteogenesis in vivo when the Ti rod was inserted into rat femurs. Thus, the P24 polypeptide and gelatin film modification on titanium implant surface has potential applications to achieve rapid bone‐implant integration.
Effect of Europium, Yttrium and Lutetium Doping on the Photocatalytic Property of CeO2 Nanoparticles in the Reduction of p‐nitrophenol under Visible Light
Authors: Keerthana Madhusuthanan , Pushpa Malini Thanikachallam , Sangavi Ravi , Arockia Selvi John Peter , Arthanareeswari Maruthapillai
Published: March 2022

The current study focuses on the photocatalytic reduction of p‐nitrophenol using Europium, Yttrium and Lutetium doped Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles which were synthesized via chemical precipitation method. The synthesized nanoparticles were subjected to characterization using different analytical tools to confirm the formation of nanoparticles. They were characterized using X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) studies, Fourier Transform‐Infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), High resolution Scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), High resolution Transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDAX), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV‐Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV‐DRS) studies. The synthesized rare earth nanomaterials were successfully applied for the photoreduction of the organic pollutant p‐nitrophenol with the addition of NaBH4 as reducing agent using 300 W Xenon lamp. The addition of the synthesized photocatalyst enhanced the reduction ability of NaBH4 in reducing p‐nitrophenol to p‐aminophenol. The results confirmed the superior photocatalytic activity of Lu0.05CeO2 compared to the other rare earth doped photocatalysts. The time taken by Lu0.05CeO2 photocatalyst for the complete reduction of p‐nitrophenol was 45 min and was found to be 96 % efficient in the reduction of 0.5 mM p‐nitrophenol to p‐aminophenol compared to the other photocatalysts.
Recent Advances in Electrochemical Synthesis of Nitriles: A Sustainable Approach
Authors: Rodrigues Roopa Margaret , Thadathil Ditto Abraham , Ponmudi Keerthana , George Ashlay , Varghese Anitha
Published: March 2022

Nitriles unveil widespread applications in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, textiles, rubber, polymers, and constitute a significant intermediate in several organic transformations, necessitating the design of simple and environmentally benign pathways for their synthesis. Over the recent years, electro‐organic reactions have found widespread attention in developing effective and selective organic synthesis. They possess several advantages: high atom economy, selectivity, minimal waste production, and shorter routes to multistep traditional organic reactions. The development of novel strategies for greener and sustainable electro‐organic synthesis of nitriles is therefore commendable. This review focuses on analyzing various methods and strategies used in the electrochemical synthesis of nitriles using phase transfer catalyst, N‐oxoammonium salts mediated electrocatalysis, iodine‐mediated electrocatalysis, and anodic oxidations of aldoximes. In addition, the recent trends including the synthesis of nitriles via C−H cyanation, domino oxidation, bio electrocatalysis, and metal‐ligand cooperative synthesis have been discussed.
Time‐ and Excitation Wavelength‐ Dependent Afterglow Supramolecular Assembly for Multi‐Modal Anti‐Counterfeiting Application
Authors: Zhang Shenjie , Li Peng , Li Huanrong
Published: March 2022

Color‐tunable smart afterglow materials in response to excitation wavelength and time simultaneously is highly important for anticounterfeiting and data encryption application, which remains a great challenge to date. Here, we provide a simple and efficient approach to develop color‐tunable afterglow supramolecular assembly AxBy@Lap in response to excitation wavelength and time simultaneously through the co‐assembly of non‐emissive nanoclay (Lap) and two different kinds of guests (A: Terephthalic acid (TPA), B: Terpyridine‐derivatives) using a simple solventless grinding method. Experimental and theoretical researches clear that the different decay lifetimes and origin for multiple afterglow emission centers bring about the aforementioned distinctive excitation wavelength‐ and time‐dependent feature. Furthermore, AxBy@Lap reveal excellent color‐tunable afterglow behavior with excitation wavelength‐ and time‐dependent feature in aqueous solution with water content of 99 wt %. Benefiting from this excellent characteristics, multi‐modal anti‐counterfeiting and encryption application were exhibited.
A BODIPY‐Diaminomaleonitrile Based Water‐Soluble Fluorescent Probe for Selective “Off‐On” Detection of Hypochlorite**
Authors: Leng Junqiang , Nie Wen , Yuan Linying , Liu Shuang , Liu Tianxin , Cheng Jianbo , Liu Zhenbo
Published: March 2022

A fluorescent probe (BODIPY‐DAMN) with high selectivity and sensitivity for the detection of hypochlorite (ClO−) was designed and synthesized. The probe uses boron‐dipyrromethene (BODIPY) as fluorophore, carboxyl group modification to improve its water solubility, and diaminomaleonitrile (DAMN) as recognition group to recognize ClO−. BODIPY‐DAMN exhibits an “off‐on” fluorescence response towards ClO−. In the range of 10.0 to 250.0 μM, there is a good linear relationship between the emission intensity and HClO concentration, and the detection limit is 298 nM. Hypochlorite in actual water samples was determined with recovery of 89.5 % and 112.0 %. In addition, BODIPY‐DAMN has low cytotoxicity, and has been used to determine endogenous ClO− in mouse melanoma cells (B16‐F10), human neuroblastoma cells (SH‐SY5Y) and zebrafish. The results of this study provide a new strategy for further research on the physiological and pathological effects of hypochlorite.
Do Alliance portfolios encourage or impede new business practice adoption? Theory and evidence from the private equity industry
Authors: Sen Prothit , Puranam Phanish
Published: March 2022

Research Summary

We show that the existing alliance portfolio of a firm can impede the adoption of a new business practice. We analyze the private equity industry which features alliances in the form of deal syndication and has recently seen the rise of a novel investment practice: add‐on deals. Using algorithm‐supported induction, we first document robust empirical patterns using machine learning techniques, and then test the theory we construct to explain these patterns using standard econometric methods in a hold‐out sample. We find that when the capabilities required for the new business practice require new partners, existing alliance portfolio members who support current practices can impede access to these new partners (and hence the adoption of the new business practice) through capacity constraints and inter‐partner rivalry.

Managerial Summary

Alliance partners play a valuable role in many industries, and particularly in the PE industry as syndication partners. While the benefits of working with such partners are well understood, we uncover a potential weakness that alliance portfolio managers should be aware of. If a new business practice relies substantially on a new type of alliance partner, the existing alliance portfolio may impede access to this partner, thus impeding the adoption of the new practice. For PE fund managers, in particular, this implies balancing their deal syndication strategy with the development of new relationships with corporate partners to adopt add‐on models to complement the traditional LBOs. We also show how to use machine learning techniques to uncover patterns of strategic interest in past transaction data.
Reciprocity of Cell Mechanics with Extracellular Stimuli: Emerging Opportunities for Translational Medicine
Authors: Li Yiwei , Wong Ian Y. , Guo Ming
Published: March 2022

Human cells encounter dynamic mechanical cues in healthy and diseased tissues, which regulate their molecular and biophysical phenotype, including intracellular mechanics as well as force generation. Recent developments in bio/nanomaterials and microfluidics permit exquisitely sensitive measurements of cell mechanics, as well as spatiotemporal control over external mechanical stimuli to regulate cell behavior. In this review, the mechanobiology of cells interacting bidirectionally with their surrounding microenvironment, and the potential relevance for translational medicine are considered. Key fundamental concepts underlying the mechanics of living cells as well as the extracelluar matrix are first introduced. Then the authors consider case studies based on 1) microfluidic measurements of nonadherent cell deformability, 2) cell migration on micro/nano‐topographies, 3) traction measurements of cells in three‐dimensional (3D) matrix, 4) mechanical programming of organoid morphogenesis, as well as 5) active mechanical stimuli for potential therapeutics. These examples highlight the promise of disease diagnosis using mechanical measurements, a systems‐level understanding linking molecular with biophysical phenotype, as well as therapies based on mechanical perturbations. This review concludes with a critical discussion of these emerging technologies and future directions at the interface of engineering, biology, and medicine.
Mechanically Strong, Hydrostable, and Biodegradable Starch–Cellulose Composite Materials for Tableware
Authors: Niu Shasha , Chang Qing , He Wenqin , Zhao Dandan , Xie Yijun , Deng Xiaoyong
Published: March 2022

The extensive use of nondegradable plastic tableware has brought serious environmental problems. Starch‐based materials are good alternatives to plastics, but poor mechanical properties and intrinsic hydrophilicity limit their utilizations. In order to address this issue, naturally abundant bagasse pulp fiber is used as the reinforcing agent to improve the mechanical properties of starch and polydimethylsiloxane coating (CSB35‐PDMS50) to improve their hydrophobicity and hydrostability. CSB35‐PDMS50 reaches the tensile strength of 21.2 MPa and contact angle of 121°. The enhancement of the mechanical strength can be explained by strong hydrogen bonding between starch and cellulose, as indicated by noncovalent interaction‐reduced density gradient (NCI‐RDG) analysis. CSB35‐PDMS50 retains the low water adsorption rate within 60 h, remains stable in water for 24 h without morphology change, and maintains initial hydrophobicity after continuous abrasion in sandpaper and high‐pressure water spraying due to the formation of Si─O–C bonds. The water absorption capacity of CSB35‐PDMS50 is less than 10% when used as the cap materials for Eppendorf tube for 30 days. Furthermore, CSB35‐PDMS50 demonstrates good biodegradability in the soil with 74% in 100 days. The tableware prepared from ther composites demonstrates good potentials as the competitive substitute for plastics with easy production, high strength, and biodegradability.
High‐entropy alloy stabilized and activated Pt clusters for highly efficient electrocatalysis
Authors: Shi Wenhui , Liu Hanwen , Li Zezhou , Li Chenghang , Zhou Jihan , Yuan Yifei , Jiang Feng , Fu (Kelvin) Kun , Yao Yonggang
Published: March 2022

Although Pt and other noble metals are the state‐of‐the‐art catalysts for various energy conversion applications, their low reserve, high cost, and instability limit their large‐scale utilization. Herein, we report a hybrid catalysts design featuring noble metal clusters (e.g., Pt) uniformly dispersed and stabilized on high‐entropy alloy nanoparticles (HEA, e.g., FeCoNiCu), denoted as HEA@Pt, which is prepared via ultra‐fast shock synthesis (∼300 ms) for HEA alloying combined with Pt galvanic replacement for surface anchoring. In our design, the HEA core critically ensures high dispersity, stability, and tunability of the surface Pt clusters through high entropy stabilization and core‐shell interactions. As an example in the hydrogen evolution reaction, HEA@Pt achieved a significant mass activity of 235 A/gPt, which is 9.4, 3.6, and 1.9‐times higher compared to that of homogeneous FeCoNiCuPt (HEA‐Pt), Pt, and commercial Pt/C, respectively. We also demonstrated noble Ir stabilized on FeCoNiCrMn nanoparticles (HEA‐5@Ir), achieving excellent anodic oxygen evolution performance and highly efficient overall water splitting when combined with the cathodic HEA@Pt. Therefore, our work developed a general catalysts design strategies by using high entropy nanoparticles for effective dispersion, stabilization, and modulation of surface active sites, achieving a harmonious combination of high activity, stability, and low cost.
Analysis of the Influence of Electrostatic Probe on Surface Charge Measurements
Authors: Chen Bo , Lu Tiebing , Cheng Luying , Wang Donglai , Hiziroglu Huseyin
Published: March 2022

The electrostatic probe is among the most popular methods to measure the surface charge. However, the probe influences the surface charge distribution on the sample, which increases measurement error. In this paper, the electrostatic probe system is modeled to study its effect on surface charges on a circular conductor plate using electrostatic field calculation. The influence of the probe on the sample surface charges is found to increase with a decrease in the measurement distance, whereas it has a similar effect on surface charge density at different radial positions. A calibration process is proposed to measure the potential from the induced potential of the probe head. Using the measured potential, we calculate the surface charge density via the method of moments. The measurement error is analyzed when the measurement distance and number of rings are changed. The authors find that the number of rings should be appropriately reduced when the measurement distance increases to ensure the accuracy of the calculations. This research provides theoretical guidance for using the electrostatic probe and establishing a surface charge measurements system. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
“I don’t know how to spell it”: Overcoming Translingual Spelling Hesitancy
Authors: Rowe Lindsey W.
Published: March 2022

Teachers in English‐medium classrooms can support students’ translingual composing by inviting students to write using all their language resources. However, students in these contexts often express hesitancy about their ability to spell in languages beyond English. This article describes support strategies teachers can use to scaffold students’ translingual composing and help them overcome hesitancy about spelling in languages beyond English. These support strategies center on helping students draw on available resources, including their existing knowledge, peers and family members, and digital tools to write/spell in languages beyond English.
Diffusion Monte Carlo approaches for studying nuclear quantum effects in fluxional molecules
Authors: DiRisio Ryan J. , Finney Jacob M. , McCoy Anne B.
Published: March 2022

Diffusion quantum Monte Carlo (DMC) provides a powerful approach for obtaining the ground state energy and wave function of molecules, ions, and molecular clusters. The approach is uniquely well suited for studies of fluxional molecules, which undergo large amplitude vibrational motions even in their ground state. In contrast to the electronic structure problem, where the wave function must be antisymmetric with respect to exchange of any pair of electrons, the wave function for the ground vibrational state is nodeless. This greatly simplifies the application of DMC for vibrational problems. Because there is not a single potential function that can be used to describe the intramolecular and intermolecular interactions in all molecular systems, most methods that are used to describe nuclear quantum effects rely on a carefully chosen zero‐order description of the molecular vibrations. In contrast, DMC calculations can be performed in Cartesian coordinates, making the DMC algorithm easily transferable between different chemical systems. In this contribution, the theory that underlies DMC will be discussed along with important considerations for performing DMC calculations. Extensions for evaluating vibrationally excited states and molecular properties are also discussed. Insights that can be obtained from DMC calculations are illustrated in the context of the protonated water clusters.

This article is categorized under:

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Dynamics and Monte‐Carlo Methods

Theoretical and Physical Chemistry > Spectroscopy
Allegheny woodrat occupancy across western Virginia, United States
Authors: Lombardi Jason V. , Mengak Michael T. , Castleberry Steven B.
Published: March 2022

The Allegheny woodrat Neotoma magister, a rock outcrop habitat specialist, has suffered drastic reductions in geographic range over the past 40 years. Previous research has examined habitat characteristics at varying spatial scales, but none have used occupancy modeling to examine trends over time. Therefore, we used presence/absence data from live trapping to assess environmental variables likely to influence Allegheny woodrat occupancy and detection patterns at a regional scale across western Virginia, USA, from 2009 to 2011. We observed a shift in occupancy and detection rates across years with a peak in 2009, a decline in 2010 and apparent recovery in 2011. We found significant isolation by distance effect influencing woodrat occupancy across the region, with occupancy linked to sites in closer proximity to other occupied locations. Occupancy increased in oak and hickory forests, suggesting woodrat occurrence increases in forest types with a higher abundance of hard and soft mast‐producing species. We found variable effects of elevation over time, with higher occupancy at higher elevations in 2009 but at lower elevations in 2010, which may be explained by variation in winter severity and mast abundance across years. Allegheny woodrat management should include activities to promote and retain mast‐producing species at higher elevations to offset potential subpopulation contractions during harsh winters.
Diversity in Nitridosilicate Chemistry: The Nitridoalumosilicate Ca4(AlSiN5) and the Nitridosilicate Silicide Ca12Si4[SiN4]
Authors: Link Lukas , Niewa Rainer
Published: March 2022

Single crystals of the calcium nitridoalumosilicate Ca4(AlSiN5) and the nitridosilicate silicide Ca12Si4[SiN4] were grown from sodium flux. Ca4(AlSiN5) crystallizes in the noncentrosymmetric space group Pna21 and presents a framework of AlN4 and SiN4 tetrahedra sharing vertices. Ca12Si4[SiN4] crystallizes in P
. Its crystal structure features mutually isolated nitridosilicate tetrahedra [SiIVN4]8− next to Si4− Zintl anions, with silicon both in its highest and lowest possible oxidation state. Crystals of the isotypic compound Sr12Ge4[GeN4] were obtained, but the crystal structure could not be satisfactorily refined due to unsolved twinning issues.
A Pyridyl Zn (II) Chelate for the Sensitive Detection of Aβ Fibrils
Authors: Yao Yusi , Li Wenhui , Han Qiuqin , Lv Guanglei , Li Chunxia , Sun Anyang
Published: March 2022

Amyloid‐β (Aβ) fibrils play a pivotal role in driving neuroinflammation and the progression of tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In addition, Aβ oligomers are presumed to be closely associated with pathogenesis of AD. Currently, although a few Aβ antibodies are available, fluorescent probes still play an important role in detecting Aβ pathology. Herein, we designed and synthesized a pyridyl zinc chelate KZ and tested its potential specificity to Aβ species. The probe KZ showed a good binding to fibrillar Aβ aggregates and an excellent anti‐interference feature in vitro. Importantly, KZ could display a subset of Aβ deposits recognized by OC antibody in brain sections of AD mouse models. Thus, this probe KZ could be used as a sensitive tracer for detecting Aβ fibrils or/and fibrillar oligomers.
Prescriptive Process Monitoring Under Resource Constraints: A Causal Inference Approach
Authors: Shoush Mahmoud , Dumas Marlon
Published: March 2022

Prescriptive process monitoring is a family of techniques to optimize the performance of a business process by triggering interventions at runtime. Existing prescriptive process monitoring techniques assume that the number of interventions that may be triggered is unbounded. In practice, though, interventions consume resources with finite capacity. For example, in a loan origination process, an intervention may consist of preparing an alternative loan offer to increase the applicant’s chances of taking a loan. This intervention requires time from a credit officer. Thus, it is not possible to trigger this intervention in all cases. This paper proposes a prescriptive monitoring technique that triggers interventions to optimize a cost function under fixed resource constraints. The technique relies on predictive modeling to identify cases that are likely to lead to a negative outcome, in combination with causal inference to estimate the effect of an intervention on a case’s outcome. These estimates are used to allocate resources to interventions to maximize a cost function. A preliminary evaluation suggests that the approach produces a higher net gain than a purely predictive (non-causal) baseline.
On the Performance Analysis of the Adversarial System Variant Approximation Method to Quantify Process Model Generalization
Authors: Theis Julian , Mokhtarian Ilia , Darabi Houshang
Published: March 2022

Process mining algorithms discover a process model from an event log. The resulting process model is supposed to describe all possible event sequences of the underlying system. Generalization is a process model quality dimension of interest. A generalization metric should quantify the extent to which a process model represents the observed event sequences contained in the event log and the unobserved event sequences of the system. Most of the available metrics in the literature cannot properly quantify the generalization of a process model. A recently published method called Adversarial System Variant Approximation leverages Generative Adversarial Networks to approximate the underlying event sequence distribution of a system from an event log. While this method demonstrated performance gains over existing methods in measuring the generalization of process models, its experimental evaluations have been performed under ideal conditions. This paper experimentally investigates the performance of Adversarial System Variant Approximation under non-ideal conditions such as biased and limited event logs. Moreover, experiments are performed to investigate the originally proposed sampling parameter value of the method on its performance to measure the generalization. The results confirm the need to raise awareness about the working conditions of the Adversarial System Variant Approximation method and serve to initiate future research directions.
Process Mining in Trusted Execution Environments: Towards Hardware Guarantees for Trust-Aware Inter-organizational Process Analysis
Authors: Müller Marcel , Simonet-Boulogne Anthony , Sengupta Souvik , Beige Oliver
Published: March 2022

Process mining techniques enable business process analysis on event logs extracted from information systems. Currently, industry applications and research in process mining predominantly analyze intra-organizational processes. Intra-organizational processes deal with the workflows within a single organization. However, analyzing inter-organizational processes across separate companies has the potential to generate further insights. Process analysts can use these insights for optimizations such as workflow improvements and process cost reductions. It is characteristic for inter-organization process analysis that it is not possible to uncover the insights by analyzing the event logs of a single organization in isolation. On the other hand, privacy and trust issues are a considerable obstacle to adopting inter-organizational process mining applications. The independent companies fear competitive disadvantages by letting third parties access their valuable process logs. This paper proposes a concept for inter-organizational process mining using trusted execution environments in a decentralized cloud. The hardware-based approach aims to technically prevent data leakage to unauthorized parties without the need for a trusted intermediary. The contributions of this paper are theoretical and identify future research challenges for implementing the concept.