bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global trends in antimicrobial use in aquaculture
Authors: Schar Daniel , Klein Eili Y. , Laxminarayan Ramanan , Gilbert Marius , Van Boeckel Thomas P.
Published: December 2020

Globally aquaculture contributes 8% of animal protein intake to the human diet, and per capita consumption is increasing faster than meat and dairy consumption. Reports have documented antimicrobial use in the rapidly expanding aquaculture industry, which may contribute to the rise of antimicrobial resistance, carrying potential consequences for animal-, human-, and ecosystem-health. However, quantitative antimicrobial use across a highly diversified aquaculture industry is not well characterized. Here, we estimate global trends in antimicrobial use in aquaculture in 2017 and 2030 to help target future surveillance efforts and antimicrobial stewardship policies. We estimate antimicrobial use intensity (mg kg−1) for six species groups though a systematic review of point prevalence surveys, which identified 146 species-specific antimicrobial use rates. We project antimicrobial use in each country by combining mean antimicrobial use coefficients per species group with OECD/FAO Agricultural Outlook and FAO FishStat production volumes. We estimate global antimicrobial consumption in 2017 at 10,259 tons (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 3163–44,727 tons), increasing 33% to 13,600 tons in 2030 (UI 4193–59,295). The Asia–Pacific region represents the largest share (93.8%) of global consumption, with China alone contributing 57.9% of global consumption in 2017. Antimicrobial consumption intensity per species group was: catfish, 157 mg kg−1 (UI 9–2751); trout, 103 mg kg−1 (UI 5–1951); tilapia, 59 mg kg−1 (UI 21–169); shrimp, 46 mg kg−1 (UI 10–224); salmon, 27 mg kg−1 (UI 17–41) and a pooled species group, 208 mg kg−1, (UI 70–622). All antimicrobial classes identified in the review are classified as medically important. We estimate aggregate global human, terrestrial and aquatic food animal antimicrobial use in 2030 at 236,757 tons (95% UI 145,525–421,426), of which aquaculture constitutes 5.7% but carries the highest use intensity per kilogram of biomass (164.8 mg kg−1). This analysis calls for a substantial scale-up of surveillance capacities to monitor global trends in antimicrobial use. Current evidence, while subject to considerable uncertainties, suggests that for some species groups antimicrobial use intensity surpasses consumption levels in terrestrial animals and humans. Acknowledging the fast-growing nature of aquaculture as an important source of animal nutrition globally, our findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced antimicrobial stewardship in a high-growth industry with broad links to water and ecosystem health.
Evaluation of primary breast cancers using dedicated breast PET and whole-body PET
Authors: Hathi Deep K. , Li Wen , Seo Youngho , Flavell Robert R. , Kornak John , Franc Benjamin L. , Joe Bonnie N. , Esserman Laura J. , Hylton Nola M. , Jones Ella F.
Published: December 2020

Metabolic imaging of the primary breast tumor with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) PET may assist in predicting treatment response in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) setting. Dedicated breast PET (dbPET) is a high-resolution imaging modality with demonstrated ability in highlighting intratumoral heterogeneity and identifying small lesions in the breast volume. In this study, we characterized similarities and differences in the uptake of [18F]FDG in dbPET compared to whole-body PET (wbPET) in a cohort of ten patients with biopsy-confirmed, locally advanced breast cancer at the pre-treatment timepoint. Patients received bilateral dbPET and wbPET following administration of 186 MBq and 307 MBq [18F]FDG on separate days, respectively. [18F]FDG uptake measurements and 20 radiomic features based on morphology, tumor intensity, and texture were calculated and compared. There was a fivefold increase in SULpeak for dbPET (median difference (95% CI): 4.0 mL−1 (1.8–6.4 mL−1), p = 0.006). Additionally, spatial heterogeneity features showed statistically significant differences between dbPET and wbPET. The higher [18F]FDG uptake in dbPET highlighted the dynamic range of this breast-specific imaging modality. Combining with the higher spatial resolution, dbPET may be able to detect treatment response in the primary tumor during NAC, and future studies with larger cohorts are warranted.
Population genetics of the Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) in East Asia
Authors: Tan Yue , Fang Lei , Qiu Ming , Huo Zhongming , Yan Xiwu
Published: December 2020

The Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum is the world’s second most important bivalve mollusk commercially farmed, whose indigenous populations are mainly distributed in the coastal areas of East Asia. However, with the development of commercialization, mixture of populations and loss of local germplasm have become prominent problems. Here, genetic differentiation of seven Manila clam populations from East Asia was investigated through analyzing the polymorphism of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene as well as 20 simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular loci. In total, 40 haplotypes were identified, among which 31 were unique. Moreover, two main haplotypes were detected with several radiating derived haplotypes. Populations in Japan-North Korea shared haplotype Hap_31, and populations in China shared haplotype Hap_7, suggesting that the natural geographical isolation of the Yangtze River and the Yalu River might have divided the East Asian indigenous populations into three groups, which were located in South China, North China, and Japan-North Korea, respectively. The Aquaculture breeding activities from South to North in China might have promoted gene exchange among Manila clam populations. Population in Laizhou had the highest genetic diversity and therefore could be an excellent germplasm source.
Cu-chitosan nano-net improves keeping quality of tomato by modulating physio-biochemical responses
Authors: Meena Mahendra , Pilania Shalini , Pal Ajay , Mandhania Shiwani , Bhushan Bharat , Kumar Satish , Gohari Gholamreza , Saharan Vinod
Published: December 2020

Minimizing the post-harvest losses in fruits and vegetables is one of the challenging tasks in agriculture. To address this issue, we report nano-net of Cu-chitosan nanoparticles (Cu-chitosan NPs) which has the ability to extend the shelf-life of stored tomato. The application of Cu-chitosan NPs (0.01–0.04%) significantly curtailed microbial decay (< 5 versus > 50% in control), physiological loss in weight (14.36 versus 28.13% in control), respiration rate (0.01173 versus 0.01879 g CO2 kg−1 h−1) and maintained fruit firmness (34.0 versus 17.33 N in control) during storage. Further, these NPs significantly retarded loss of titratable acidity, retained total soluble solids, total and reducing sugars, lycopene, ascorbic acid and inhibited polyphenol oxidase. Likewise, NPs effectively preserved L* (lightness), a* (red/green) and b* (blue/yellow) values and maintained organoleptic score. Scanning electron microscopy study confirmed that Cu-chitosan NPs orchestrate into an invisible-intangible nano-net over tomato surface which may plausibly act as a potential barrier at all possible openings (stem scar, cuticle wax, lenticels, and aquaporins) to control microbial infection, moisture loss, gas exchanges and respiration rate. Overall, nano-net extended keeping quality of tomatoes up to 21 days at room temperature (27 ± 2 °C, 55 ± 2% relative humidity).
CT changes of severe coronavirus disease 2019 based on prognosis
Authors: Liang Bin , Xie Lingli , Yang Fan , Makamure Joyman , Zhang Lijie , Pang Ran , Du Peng , Fan Wenhui , Zheng Chuansheng
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to determine the characteristics of CT changes in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) based on prognosis. Serial CT scans in 47 patients with severe COVID-19 were reviewed. The patterns, distribution and CT score of lung abnormalities were assessed. Scans were classified according to duration in weeks after onset of symptoms. These CT abnormalities were compared between discharged and dead patients. Twenty-six patients were discharged, whereas 21 passed away. Discharged patients were characterized by a rapid rise in CT score in the first 2 weeks followed by a slow decline, presence of reticular and mixed patterns from the second week, and prevalence of subpleural distribution of opacities in all weeks. In contrast, dead patients were characterized by a progressive rise in CT score, persistence of ground-glass opacity and consolidation patterns in all weeks, and prevalence of diffuse distribution from the second week. CT scores of death group were significantly higher than those of discharge group (P < 0.05). The CT changes differed between the discharged and dead patients. An understanding of these differences can be of clinical significance in the assessment of the prognosis of severe COVID-19 patients.
Choose your meals carefully if you need to coexist with a toxic invader
Authors: Pettit Lachlan , Ward-Fear Georgia , Shine Richard
Published: December 2020

Vulnerable native species may survive the impact of a lethally toxic invader by changes in behaviour, physiology and/or morphology. The roles of such mechanisms can be clarified by standardised testing. We recorded behavioural responses of monitor lizards (Varanus panoptes and V. varius) to legs of poisonous cane toads (Rhinella marina) and non-toxic control meals (chicken necks or chicken eggs and sardines) along 1300 and 2500 km transects, encompassing the toad’s 85-year invasion trajectory across Australia as well as yet-to-be-invaded sites to the west and south of the currently colonised area. Patterns were identical in the two varanid species. Of monitors that consumed at least one prey type, 96% took control baits whereas toad legs were eaten by 60% of lizards in toad-free sites but 0% from toad-invaded sites. Our survey confirms that the ability to recognise and reject toads as prey enables monitor lizards to coexist with cane toads. As toxic invaders continue to impact ecosystems globally, it is vital to understand the mechanisms that allow some taxa to persist over long time-scales.
Obesity in spontaneous spondylodiscitis: a relevant risk factor for severe disease courses
Authors: Schoof Benjamin , Stangenberg Martin , Mende Klaus Christian , Thiesen Darius Maximilian , Ntalos Dimitris , Dreimann Marc
Published: December 2020

Spondylodiscitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease. Obesity is a risk factor for many infections, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe characteristics of obese patients with spondylodiscitis and identify risk factors for a severe disease course in obese patients. Between December 2012 and June 2018, clinical records were screened for patients admitted for spondylodiscitis. The final analysis included 191 adult patients (mean age 64.6 ± 14.8 years). Patient data concerning demographics, comorbidities, surgical treatment, laboratory testing, and microbiological workup were analysed using an electronic database. Patients were grouped according to body mass index (BMI) as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 or < 30 kg/m2. Seventy-seven patients were classified as normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2), 65 as preobese (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2), and 49 as obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Obese patients were younger, had a higher revision surgery rate, and showed higher rates of abscesses, neurological failure, and postoperative complications. A different bacterial spectrum dominated by staphylococci species was revealed (p = 0.019). Obese patients with diabetes mellitus had a significantly higher risk for spondylodiscitis (p = 0.002). The mortality rate was similar in both cohorts, as was the spondylodiscitis localisation. Obesity, especially when combined with diabetes mellitus, is associated with a higher proportion of Staphylococcus aureus infections and is a risk factor for a severe course of spondylodiscitis, including higher revision rates and sepsis, especially in younger patients.
Different expression of lipid metabolism-related genes in Shandong black cattle and Luxi cattle based on transcriptome analysis
Authors: Liu Ruili , Liu Xianxun , Bai Xuejin , Xiao Chaozhu , Dong Yajuan
Published: December 2020

To provide new ideas for improving meat quality and generating new breeds of cattle, the important candidate genes affecting fat deposition in two kinds of cattle were identified. Eighteen months Shandong black cattle (n = 3) and Luxi cattle (n = 3) were randomly assigned into two environmental. The longissimus dorsi muscles of Shandong Black Cattle and Luxi Cattle were collected and analyzed by fatty acid determination, high-throughput sequencing transcriptomics, qRT-PCR expression profile and western blot. The ratio of unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids was 1.37:1 and 1.24:1 in the muscle tissues of Shandong black cattle and Luxi cattle, respectively. The results of RNA-Seq analysis revealed 1320 DEGs between the longissimus dorsi of Shandong black cattle and Luxi cattle. A total of 867 genes were upregulated, and the other 453 genes were downregulated. With GO enrichment analysis, it was found that the identified DEGs were significantly enriched in regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway, negative regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway, cAMP metabolic process, fat cell differentiation and among other functions. We found that regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes was the significant enrichment pathway of upregulated genes and downregulated genes, PPAR signaling pathway and AMPK signaling pathway are highly representative pathways of lipid metabolism in Shandong black cattle. Network analysis showed that PPARGC1A, ADCY4, ANKRD6, COL1A1, FABP4, ADIPOQ, PLIN1, PLIN2, and LIPE genes were correlated with key loci genes in multiple metabolic pathways. Meanwhile we found that FABP4 and ADIPOQ had 7 common regulatory factors in different genes, which were PLIN1, PLIN2, PPARGC1A, RXRA, PCK1, LEPR, LEP. These genes were involved in regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, adipocytokine signaling pathway, PPAR signaling pathway. FABP4 and ADIPOQ were selected as important candidate marker genes for fat deposition based on the results.
Author Correction: Positive-negative tunable liquid crystal lenses based on a microstructured transmission line
Authors: Algorri J. F. , Morawiak P. , Bennis N. , Zografopoulos D. C. , Urruchi V. , Rodríguez-Cobo L. , Jaroszewicz L. R. , Sánchez-Pena J. M. , López-Higuera J. M.
Published: December 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Recombinant collagen polypeptide as a versatile bone graft biomaterial
Authors: Fushimi Hideo , Hiratsuka Takahiro , Okamura Ai , Ono Yoshitaka , Ogura Izumi , Nishimura Ichiro
Published: December 2020

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s43246-020-00111-0
Pharmacological Regulation and Functional Significance of Chromatin Binding by BET Tandem Bromodomains
Authors: Olp Michael D. , Cui Huarui , Pomerantz William C. K. , Smith Brian C.
Published: December 2020

Bromodomains are protein–protein interaction modules that recognize acetylated proteins and form acetylation-dependent complexes. Human bromodomains are encoded within nuclear proteins, often with enzymatic and/or protein/DNA-interaction domains. The bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) family is evolutionarily conserved and essential in yeast, fly, and mouse development. Humans encode four BET paralogues (BRDT, BRD2, BRD3, and BRD4) that contain two N-terminal bromodomains and a C-terminal extraterminal protein–protein interaction domain. BET bromodomain inhibitors modulate diverse transcriptional processes including cell cycle progression, lineage specification, and inflammation. Consequently, BET inhibitors are in clinical trials for hematological malignancies, solid tumors, and inflammation-driven diseases. However, clinical studies have identified dose-limiting toxicities associated with pan-BET inhibitors, thus hampering progress toward FDA approval. Compounds with selectivity toward the N- or C-terminal BET bromodomains have recently entered the clinic and exhibit differential and cell-type-specific transcriptional effects compared to pan-BET inhibitors. Compounds that degrade BET proteins or that bivalently bind to both the N- and C-terminal BET bromodomains have also been reported. However, the mechanisms linking different modes of BET inhibition to divergent transcriptional outputs are poorly understood. Better understanding of the protein–protein interaction targets and cooperative functions carried out by BET bromodomains would facilitate therapeutic application of BET inhibitors.
Combined effect of shear stress and laser-patterned topography on Schwann cell outgrowth: synergistic or antagonistic?
Authors: Babaliari Eleftheria , Kavatzikidou Paraskevi , Mitraki Anna , Papaharilaou Yannis , Ranella Anthi , Stratakis Emmanuel
Published: December 2020

Shear stress can act either synergistically or antagonistically with topographical cues in specific cell responses such as orientation and elongation.
Azide–alkyne cycloadditions in a vortex fluidic device: enhanced “on water” effects and catalysis in flow
Authors: Oksdath-Mansilla Gabriela , Kucera Renata L. , Chalker Justin M. , Raston Colin L.
Published: December 2020

Azide–alkyne cycloadditions in a Vortex Fluidic Device benefit from enhanced “on water” effects and copper jet feeds provide a convenient method of highly active catalyst delivery for flow chemistry.
Reactivity of NHC/diphosphene-coordinated Au(i)-hydride
Authors: Dhara Debabrata , Scheschkewitz David , Chandrasekhar Vadapalli , Yildiz Cem B. , Jana Anukul
Published: December 2020

We report the reactivity of NHC/diphosphene-stabilized Au(i)-hydride towards substrates with C–C and N–N multiple bonds. It reveals NHC/diphosphene-Au(i)-hydride is more reactive than NHC-Au(i)-hydride and also the reactivity pattern is different.
Rapid synthesis of azepinoindole derivatives from tryptamine sulfonamides and bromoallyl sulfones via an acid-mediated cyclization and rearrangement
Authors: Gurram Ravikumar , Nanubolu Jagadeesh Babu , Menon Rajeev S.
Published: December 2020

The azepinoindole framework present in natural alkaloids such as subincanadine F, ibogaine and catharanthine was formed in a novel acid-promoted cyclization–rearrangement of tryptamine-derived N-sulfonyl enamines.
Assembly of four modules onto a tetraazide platform by consecutive 1,2,3-triazole formations
Authors: Yoshida Suguru , Sakata Yuki , Misawa Yoshihiro , Morita Takamoto , Kuribara Tomoko , Ito Harumi , Koike Yuka , Kii Isao , Hosoya Takamitsu
Published: December 2020

Efficient consecutive 1,2,3-triazole formations using multiazide platforms are disclosed. A convergent synthesis of tetrafunctionalized probes was achieved from a tetraazide platform in a modular synthetic manner.
Aggregation of coronene: the effect of carboxyl and amine functional groups
Authors: Correia C. F. O. , Marques J. M. C. , Bartolomei M. , Pirani F. , Maçôas E. , G. Martinho J. M.
Published: December 2020

Global optimization reveals that aggregation is enhanced for coronene substituted with carboxylic and amine groups, which is due to the influence of weak hydrogen bonds and stronger electrostatic contributions.
Probing the molecular frame of uracil and thymine with high-harmonic generation spectroscopy
Authors: Luppi Eleonora , Coccia Emanuele
Published: December 2020

We present here HHG spectra of uracil and thymine, computed by a real-time formulation of configuration interaction with single excitations. Spectra are obtained as three-dimensional and molecular-plane averages, and as single-polarisation responses.
The effect of nanoparticulate PdO co-catalysts on the faradaic and light conversion efficiency of WO3 photoanodes for water oxidation
Authors: Wilson Anna A. , Corby Sacha , Francàs Laia , Durrant James R. , Kafizas Andreas
Published: December 2020

PdO nanoparticles grown on the surface of nanostructured WO3 photoanodes dramatically increase the faradaic efficiency of water oxidation from 52% to 92%, whilst also enhancing photocurrent generation and electron extraction rates.
Contemporary methods for generation of aryl radicals
Authors: Kvasovs Nikita , Gevorgyan Vladimir
Published: December 2020

Aryl radicals have been long recognized as useful synthetic intermediates. However, their broad application was hampered due to the lack of mild and general methods for their generation. This tutorial review summarizes recent techniques for mild and efficient generation of aryl radicals.
Recent advances in luminescent materials for super-resolution imaging via stimulated emission depletion nanoscopy
Authors: Xu Yanzi , Xu Ruohan , Wang Zhi , Zhou Yu , Shen Qifei , Ji Wenchen , Dang Dongfeng , Meng Lingjie , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: December 2020

Recent progress on STED fluorophores for super-resolution imaging and also their characteristics are outlined here, thus providing some guidelines to select proper probes and even develop new materials for super-resolution imaging via STED nanoscopy.
Sono- and mechanochemical technologies in the catalytic conversion of biomass
Authors: Calcio Gaudino Emanuela , Cravotto Giancarlo , Manzoli Maela , Tabasso Silvia
Published: December 2020

This tutorial review focuses on the valorisation of biomass by sonochemical and mechanochemical activation.
A higher voltage Fe(ii) bipyridine complex for non-aqueous redox flow batteries
Authors: Cammack Claudina X. , Pratt Harry D. , Small Leo J. , Anderson Travis M.
Published: December 2020

A new family of tunable iron bipyridine coordination complexes has been synthesized and tested in a non-aqueous flow battery.
A magnetic site dilution approach to achieve bifunctional fluorescent thermometers and single-ion magnets
Authors: Ma Shuai , Zhang Ting , Zhao Jiong-Peng , Liu Zhong-Yi , Liu Fu-Chen
Published: December 2020

The dilution of diamagnetic YIII ions in [NaDyL4]n suppressed the QTM of DyIII ions and lightened the emissions of 8-hydroxyquinoline, which lead to the formation of bifunctional fluorescent thermometers and SIM materials.
Nanoporous silk films with capillary action and size-exclusion capacity for sensitive glucose determination in whole blood
Authors: Márquez Augusto , Santos Moliria V. , Guirado Gonzalo , Moreno Alex , Aznar-Cervantes Salvador D. , Cenis Jose Luis , Santagneli Silvia H. , Domínguez Carlos , Omenetto Fiorenzo G. , Muñoz-Berbel Xavier
Published: December 2020

Nanoporous silk-fibroin films in test strips present capillary action and size-exclusion filtering capacity enabling quick optical biosensing in whole blood samples.
Fabrication of Mo1.33CTz(MXene)–cellulose freestanding electrodes for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Etman Ahmed S. , Halim Joseph , Rosen Johanna
Published: December 2020

Simple, fast, and robust approach to fabricate Mo1.33CTz–cellulose electrodes with high capacitances (440 F g−1, 1178 F cm−3, 1.4 F cm−2). The method enables the use of high mass loading electrodes (∼26 μm-thick).
Potent and selective A3 adenosine receptor antagonists bearing aminoesters as heterobifunctional moieties
Authors: Federico Stephanie , Margiotta Enrico , Moro Stefano , Kachler Sonja , Klotz Karl-Norbert , Spalluto Giampiero
Published: December 2020

Potent A3 adenosine receptor antagonists were developed to be conjugated and obtain receptor probes, drug delivery systems, and multitarget or bitopic ligands.
Self-passivation leads to semiconducting edges of black phosphorene
Authors: Ding Li Ping , Ding Feng
Published: December 2020

Freshly cleaved BPNR edges are reconstructed into highly stable ones dominated by three bond configurations: double PP bonds, P(2)–P(4) with two lone pairs on one P atom and that with all P atoms having three sp3 bonds.
Synthesis, photochemical isomerization and photophysical properties of hydrazide–hydrazone derivatives
Authors: Wu Bao-Xing , Chang Hsin-Yueh , Liao Yi-Shun , Yeh Mei-Yu
Published: December 2020

The structure–property relationships for the hydrazide–hydrazone derivatives were investigated to provide new insights into the design of photo-responsive materials.
Design, synthesis,in silicomolecular modelling studies and biological evaluation of novel indole-thiazolidinedione hybrid analogues as potential pancreatic lipase inhibitors
Authors: George Ginson , Auti Prashant S. , Paul Atish T.
Published: December 2020

A series of thiazolidinedione-indole hybrids are designed and synthesized as a potential inhibitor for pancreatic lipase (PL).
Ordered polymer composite materials: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Wang Yuping , Desroches Griffen J. , Macfarlane Robert J.
Published: December 2020

Polymer nanocomposites are an important class of materials whose properties are generally tuned as a function of their composition. New opportunities for controlling these properties lie in manipulating the 3D organization of their nanofillers.
Stereoselective synthesis of trifluoroethyl 3,2′-spirooxindole γ-lactam through the organocatalytic cascade reaction of 3-((2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)amino)indolin-2-one
Authors: Liu Shuai-Jiang , Mao Qing , Zhan Gu , Qin Rui , Chen Ben-Hong , Xue Jing , Luo Meng-Lan , Zhao Qian , Han Bo
Published: December 2020

A series of newly prepared 3-((2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)amino)indolin-2-ones for the facile synthesis of chiral 3,2′-spirooxindole γ-lactam products containing trifluoroethyl groups have been developed.
Surfactant-mediated thioglycosylation of 1-hydroxy sugars in water
Authors: Ratthachag Trichada , Buntasana Supanat , Vilaivan Tirayut , Padungros Panuwat
Published: December 2020

Dodecyl benzenesulfonic acid (DBSA)-mediated thioglycosylation in water provided thioglycosides without open-chain dithioacetal sugars, which are common by-products when performing reactions in organic solvent.
Synthesis of ABA triblock copolymer nanoparticles by polymerization induced self-assembly and their application as an efficient emulsifier
Authors: Guo Yakun , Yu Yuewen , Shi Keyu , Zhang Wangqing
Published: December 2020

ABA triblock copolymer nanoparticles of PHPMA-b-PS-b-PHPMA were synthesized by PISA and demonstrated to be an efficient emulsifier.
Zr4+-based metal organic gel as a fluorescent “Turn on–off” sensing platform for the selective detection and adsorption of CrO42−
Authors: Liu Wen-sheng , Yang Yong , Zhong Qian-kun , Xu Zhi-peng , Zhang Ju-zhou , Yao Bang-ben , Lian Xiao , Niu He-lin
Published: December 2020

The zirconium-based metal organic gel was synthesized, which was used for CrO42− recognition and adsorption. The result showed excellent stimulation response and adsorption effect.
Modulating the properties of buckybowls containing multiple heteroatoms
Authors: Zhu Guanxing , Song Yujun , Zhang Qianyu , Ding Weiwei , Chen Xinxin , Wang Yuannan , Zhang Gang
Published: December 2020

Nitrogen-centered buckybowls with sulfur decoration at the rim were synthesized and characterized. The buckybowls demonstrate tunable properties depending on the state of the sulfur atom.
Gel rupture during dynamic swelling
Authors: Leslie Kelsey-Ann , Doane-Solomon Robert , Arora Srishti , Curley Sabrina J. , Szczepanski Caroline , Driscoll Michelle M.
Published: December 2020

A complex, three-stage fracture process is described for hydrogels, resulting in material failure. This process is markedly different than that observed in brittle materials, and we describe how this process varies with network architecture.
Globular protein assembly and network formation at fluid interfaces: effect of oil
Authors: Bergfreund Jotam , Diener Michael , Geue Thomas , Nussbaum Natalie , Kummer Nico , Bertsch Pascal , Nyström Gustav , Fischer Peter
Published: December 2020

The formation of viscoelastic networks at fluid interfaces by globular proteins is essential in many industries, scientific disciplines, and biological processes.
A structural approach to vibrational properties ranging from crystals to disordered systems
Authors: Tan Xin , Guo Ying , Huang Duan , Zhang Ling
Published: December 2020

Many scientists generally attribute the vibrational anomalies of disordered solids to the structural disorder, which, however, is still under intense debate.
Laser fabrication of hybrid electrodes composed of nanocarbons mixed with cerium and manganese oxides for supercapacitive energy storage
Authors: García Lebière Pablo , Pérez del Pino Ángel , Domingo Guillem Domènech , Logofatu Constantin , Martínez-Rovira Immaculada , Yousef Ibraheem , György Enikö
Published: December 2020

Novel composite materials are being investigated for improving the energy storage performance of electrochemical capacitors through reactive inverse matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation obtaining excellent volumetric capacitances.
Synthesis and optoelectronic properties of a promising quaternary metal oxide light absorber CuBiW2O8
Authors: Zhou Lite , Bainglass Edan , Masroor Maryam , Giri Binod , Li Guangjiang , Carl Alexander , Grimm Ronald L. , Huda Muhammad N. , Titova Lyubov V. , Rao Pratap M.
Published: December 2020

First synthesis of CuBiW2O8 with direct bandgap of 1.9−2.0 eV and characterization of photoexcited charge dynamics from picoseconds to nanoseconds.
Modulating the electrical conductivity of a graphene oxide-coated 3D framework for guiding bottom-up lithium growth
Authors: Park Kwang Hyun , Kang Dong Woo , Park Jun-Woo , Choi Jeong-Hee , Hong Soon-Jik , Song Sung Ho , Lee Sang-Min , Moon Janghyuk , Kim Byung Gon
Published: December 2020

An electrical conductivity-controlled 3D Li host for Li-metal batteries enables preferential bottom deposition/dissolution of lithium and stable cycling performance.
Engineering the electronic states of Ni3FeNviazinc ion regulation for promoting oxygen electrocatalysis in rechargeable Zn–air batteries
Authors: He Xiaoyang , Tian Yuhui , Huang Zengliang , Xu Li , Wu Jianchun , Qian Junchao , Zhang Jianming , Li Henan
Published: December 2020

The electronic states of Ni3FeN are optimized by a zinc ion regulating strategy for promoting oxygen electrocatalysis of Zn-Ni3FeN/NG. Finally, a Zn–air battery with Zn-Ni3FeN/NG exhibits a high-power density and an excellent cycle life.
When MOFs meet MXenes: superior ORR performance in both alkaline and acidic solutions
Authors: Wang Wen-Tao , Batool Nadia , Zhang Tian-Heng , Liu Jiao , Han Xiao-Feng , Tian Jing-Hua , Yang Ruizhi
Published: December 2020

The facilely synthesized Fe–N–C@Ti3C2Tx composite exhibited excellent ORR activity and extraordinary stability in both alkaline and acidic solutions.
Two-dimensional MXene-based flexible nanostructures for functional nanodevices: a review
Authors: Hasan Md. Mehdi , Hossain Md. Milon , Chowdhury Hussain Kawsar
Published: December 2020

MXene contain over 30 members with different compositions and endow nanostructures with EMI shielding capability, high sensitivity to different stimuli, superior electrothermal property, and can be utilized for energy harvesting and storage.
HA/MgO nanocrystal-based hybrid hydrogel with high mechanical strength and osteoinductive potential for bone reconstruction in diabetic rats
Authors: Chen Rui , Chen Hang-Bo , Xue Peng-Peng , Yang Wai-Geng , Luo Lan-Zi , Tong Meng-Qi , Zhong Bin , Xu He-Lin , Zhao Ying-Zheng , Yuan Jian-Dong
Published: December 2020

Bone repair and regeneration processes are markedly impaired in diabetes mellitus (DM).
Highly efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters enabled by double charge transfer pathways via ortho-linked triarylboron/carbazole hybrids
Authors: Ouyang Minting , Xing Longjiang , Chen Qiaodeng , Huang Hong , Zhu Minrong , Hu Kai , Liu Yuan , Chen Wen-Cheng , Huo Yanping , Yang Chuluo
Published: December 2020

Two thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters with double charge transfer pathways have been studied. Owing to the restricted ortho-linked D–A–D configuration, both emitters exhibited excellent luminescent performance.
A pyrimidine-5-carbonitrile acceptor combined with an ortho-linked donor for long lifetime through facilitated reverse intersystem crossing in thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters
Authors: Jang Ji Seon , Lee Ha Lim , Lee Kyung Hyung , Lee Jun Yeob , Hong Wan Pyo
Published: December 2020

Molecular design combining a 4,6-diphenylpyrimidine-5-carbonitrile (PyCN) acceptor and an ortho-linked donor was developed to extend the lifetime of OLEDs with shortened the delayed fluorescence lifetime and promoted the reverse intersystem crossing.
Automatic Estimation of Laryngeal Vestibule Closure Duration Using High-Resolution Cervical Auscultation Signals
Authors: Sabry Aliaa , Mahoney Amanda S. , Mao Shitong , Khalifa Yassin , Sejdić Ervin , Coyle James L.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Safe swallowing requires adequate protection of the airway to prevent swallowed materials from entering the trachea or lungs (i.e., aspiration). Laryngeal vestibule closure (LVC) is the first line of defense against swallowed materials entering the airway. Absent LVC or mistimed/shortened closure duration can lead to aspiration, adverse medical consequences, and even death. LVC mechanisms can be judged commonly through the videofluoroscopic swallowing study; however, this type of instrumentation exposes patients to radiation and is not available or acceptable to all patients. There is growing interest in noninvasive methods to assess/monitor swallow physiology. In this study, we hypothesized that our noninvasive sensor-based system, which has been shown to accurately track hyoid displacement and upper esophageal sphincter opening duration during swallowing, could predict laryngeal vestibule status, including the onset of LVC and the onset of laryngeal vestibule reopening, in real time and estimate the closure duration with a comparable degree of accuracy as trained human raters.

Method

The sensor-based system used in this study is high-resolution cervical auscultation (HRCA). Advanced machine learning techniques enable HRCA signal analysis through feature extraction and complex algorithms. A deep learning model was developed with a data set of 588 swallows from 120 patients with suspected dysphagia and further tested on 45 swallows from 16 healthy participants.

Results

The new technique achieved an overall mean accuracy of 74.90% and 75.48% for the two data sets, respectively, in distinguishing LVC status. Closure duration ratios between automated and gold-standard human judgment of LVC duration were 1.13 for the patient data set and 0.93 for the healthy participant data set.

Conclusions

This study found that HRCA signal analysis using advanced machine learning techniques can effectively predict laryngeal vestibule status (closure or opening) and further estimate LVC duration. HRCA is potentially a noninvasive tool to estimate LVC duration for diagnostic and biofeedback purposes without X-ray imaging.
A universal data transfer technique over voice channels of cellular mobile communication networks
Authors: Zhang Tikui , Li Sensen , Yu Bin
Published: December 2020

A universal technique for transmitting data over voice (DoV) links that can be applied to various cellular networks is proposed. In the scheme, a generic modulation model is established based on waveform symbol mapping, where the data to be transmitted are mapped into finite waveform symbols of a codebook generated offline and demodulated with soft decision results at the receiving end. To make the proposed scheme applicable to various kinds of cellular networks, first sinusoidal signals are selected to synthesise waveform symbols due to their stable transmission characteristics over various voice channels. Then, an analytical method based on Surface Packing is proposed to optimise modulation codebooks. Finally, the target demodulation codebook is obtained through learning from the modulation codebook online. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme performs well over voice channels with different vocoders and has low symbol error rate on various vocoders. Compared with previous schemes designed for some specific vocoders in global system for mobile communication (GSM), the proposed scheme can extend the application scope of DoV to cross‐network scenarios consisting of GSM, universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) and long‐term evolution (LTE).
Energy self‐sufficiency and network support through photovoltaic and energy storage systems owned by private investors in a residential complex
Authors: Hayat Muhammad Adnan , Shahnia Farhad , Shafiullah GM , Wen Fushuan
Published: December 2020

The concept of community solar projects (CSPs) implies immense technical and economic incentives, but has not been widely adopted because of the investment risks. In this context, solar leasing can be very attractive and can lead to significant uptakes of residential rooftop photovoltaic (RPV) systems. This paper proposes solar leasing as an option to realize a CSP for a multi‐housing residential complex. Under the proposed approach, a company will lease the roof of some residential premises for installing and operating RPV systems, and selling the generated electricity to the community and the utility. The key considered design parameters are the rating and penetration level of RPV systems, as well as the capacity and the charge/discharge rate of the employed battery energy storage systems, in addition to the number of the houses that have leased their roofs and the energy trading tariffs. The impacts of these parameters on supporting the utility feeder such as network peak demand shaving and flattening the duck curve profile, while achieving the required level of self‐sufficiency for the multi‐housing complex are studied. These performance indicators have been also analyzed with respect to the economic parameters of the investing company.
Assessing the impacts of large‐scale offshore wind power in Southern China
Authors: Lin Chenyun , Song Yi , Zhao Junhua , Liang Gaoqi , Qiu Jing
Published: December 2020

As an important renewable energy resource, wind power has been greatly developed in Southern China to meet the increasing demands. In the context of power industry deregulation and hence electricity market development, wind power introduces new uncertainties for market participants and affects the long‐term planning of the power system concerned. In this paper, we use a simplified Guangdong power system model to simulate the electricity market in Southern China from 2019 to 2028. To study the economic and reliability impacts of installing large‐scale offshore wind farms, case studies are conducted to simulate two targeted scenarios, that is, with and without offshore wind power penetration. Based on the presented model, the well‐established Monte Carol simulation method is applied to assess the reliability of the Guangdong power grid by calculating the expected unsupplied energy (EUE). The experimental results show that the integration of offshore wind power farms will reduce the locational marginal prices (LMPs) as well as the weighted average spot price. The power flow on transmission lines with nodes connected to offshore wind farms will increase and the increase rate is higher in cases with higher demand. In addition, the increased EUE indicates that the integration of large‐scale offshore wind power farms will impair the reliable operation of the power grid. The proposed system model delivers practical references to renewable energy evaluation and regional electricity market operations.
A comparative study of marginal loss pricing algorithms in electricity markets
Authors: Yang Jiajia , Dong Zhao Yang , Wen Fushuan
Published: December 2020

Due to the development of new technologies, change of generation mix and appearance of newly formed energy supply hubs, there is a large year‐on‐year change in the marginal loss factors in power systems. Since any change of marginal loss factors could have significant impacts on payment of loads and profitability of generators, it is necessary to carry out a comparative study on the loss factor‐based locational marginal pricing methods. Considering that a systematic comparison of various locational marginal pricing methods has not been reported in existing publications, this work presents a comparative study of the loss factor‐based locational marginal pricing methods that are widely adopted in electricity markets. Advantages and disadvantages of each locational marginal pricing method are explored in detail, and could serve as references in selecting appropriate locational marginal pricing methods in practice. The selected five locational marginal pricing models are tested in two standard power systems, that is, the IEEE 5‐bus and 39‐bus systems. Then, through numerical experiments and detailed analysis, key findings about the reference point dependency of loss factors, accuracy of loss estimation, load payment, generation income, and market settlement surplus are summarised and elaborated. It is found that marginal loss factors‐based locational marginal pricing methods tend to produce a higher market settlement surplus and can lead to a lower generation income than other locational marginal pricing methods.
Distributed generation hosting capacity in electric distribution network in the presence of correlated uncertainties
Authors: Solat Sajjad , Aminifar Farrokh , Shayanfar Heidarali
Published: December 2020

High penetration of renewable distributed generations is one of the most current challenges of electric distribution networks due to resources uncertainties, and hosting capacity limitation of the networks. The challenges may be more critical when uncertainties are highly correlated. The effect of correlated uncertainties of wind speed and load on the distributed generation hosting capacity of distribution networks is evaluated. A combination of point estimation method, and inverse Nataf transformation is proposed for correlated uncertainties modelling. The efficiency of some ANM schemes on the hosting capacity improvement is also studied in the presence of correlated uncertainties. To do so, an optimisation framework with the objective of maximising the installed capacity of distributed generation subject to network operational constraints such as voltage deviation is proposed. The proposed optimisation problem is formulated in a mixed‐integer quadratically constrained program form, and is solved via CPLEX solver. The proposed method is implemented on the 33‐bus standard test system. The results demonstrate the significant effect of the correlation between uncertainties on the distributed generation hosting capacity of network.
Ageing characteristics and lifetime model of oil–paper insulation for oil‐immersed paper condenser bushing
Authors: Gao Sihang , Yang Lijun , Ke Tingjing
Published: December 2020

This study extensively investigated the ageing characteristics and lifetime model of oil–paper insulation for oil‐immersed paper condenser bushing. The accelerated thermal and electrothermal ageing experiments of oil‐immersed paper condenser bushing were conducted respectively. The properties of oil–paper insulation during the ageing process were investigated. Results showed that descending speed of degree of polymerization of the innermost and the outermost layer paper was higher than that of middle layer paper, the difference in water content on different paper layers caused varying deterioration speeds. The aluminium foil contributed to a surge in aluminium dissolution in oil, further accelerating the ageing of insulation. Based on the obtained degree of polymerization data under thermal ageing at 90°C, 100°C and 130°C, the lifetime model of oil–paper insulation for condenser bushing model was established. In addition, the surface breakdown of the scale model of bushing occurred after 133 days ageing, the properties of bushing decreased gradually during the ageing process and sharply after the breakdown. Degree of polymerization deviation of different paper layers in bushing between calculated value according to the above lifetime model and actual value of bushing after the breakdown was less than 6%, further verifying the validity of lifetime model.
Equipotential shielding voltage sensor for contact measurement of transient voltage in EHV/UHV power grids
Authors: Zheng Jianchao , Li Bo , Zha Kunpeng , Guo Ningming , Wang Liming
Published: December 2020

In this study, an equipotential shielding voltage sensor is proposed to achieve contact measurement of transient voltage in extra‐high voltage (EHV)/ultra‐high voltage (UHV) power grids. Two design versions of the voltage sensor for engineering application are described. One version of the sensor is designed as a miniaturized sensor for non‐disturbing measurement of potential distribution along power electronic equipment under transient voltage. The other version is designed for online measurement and monitoring in alternating current EHV/UHV power grids. Based on the design parameters, the performance of the sensor is evaluated, including stability of measurement, shielding effect against the interference from adjacent objects and frequency bandwidth. In order to verify the performance of this sensor, an experimental comparison between this sensor and a standard capacitive voltage divider used in high voltage laboratory was carried out and the results of comparison are presented. The results show that the difference of measured peak voltage between the two devices is no more than ±5%, and the difference of measured time parameters between the two devices is no more than ±15%.
3D particle‐in‐cell simulation of positive streamer initiation in highly pressurized gaseous, liquid and supercritical CO2 with field ionization
Authors: Abbas Muhammad Farasat , Yuan Xu‐Chu , Li Han‐Wei , Xue Jian‐Yi , Sun An‐Bang , Zhang Guan‐Jun
Published: December 2020

A 3D particle‐in‐cell/Monte Carlo collision model is used to investigate the streamer discharge inception in CO2 at elevated pressures including gaseous, liquid and supercritical phases. Generation of free electrons is a prerequisite for initiation and development of positive streamers. Field ionization from impurity molecules of low density and low ionization energy is assumed as the source of primary ionization in the model. The field dependent generation rate of electrons is calculated by Zener's model. Tree‐like streamer with filamentary shape presents at the needle tip and propagates towards the plane electrode in all three phases of CO2, with differing in length and propagation speed. Furthermore, the influence of different parameters such as applied voltage, electrode tip size, and ionizable density and ionization potential of impurity molecules on the evolution of streamer discharge in supercritical CO2 are investigated. Simulation results obtained from the 3D model agree well with experimental observations in the literature, which show that field ionization might be one of possible ionization sources in pressurized CO2 in the presence of high electric field.