bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of an in vitro 3D intestinal organoid model by using massive RNAseq-based transcriptome profiling
Authors: Lu Jing , Krepelova Anna , Rasa Seyed Mohammad Mahdi , Annunziata Francesco , Husak Olena , Adam Lisa , Nunna Suneetha , Neri Francesco
Published: August 2021

Organoids culture provides unique opportunities to study human diseases and to complement animal models. Several organs and tissues can be in vitro cultured in 3D structures resembling in vivo tissue organization. Organoids culture contains most of the cell types of the original tissue and are maintained by growth factors mimicking the in vivo state. However, the system is yet not fully understood, and specific in vivo features especially those driven by cell-extrinsic factors may be lost in culture. Here we show a comprehensive transcriptome-wide characterization of mouse gut organoids derived from different intestinal compartments and from mice of different gender and age. RNA-seq analysis showed that the in vitro culture strongly influences the global transcriptome of the intestinal epithelial cells (~ 60% of the total variance). Several compartment-, age- and gender-related transcriptome features are lost after culturing indicating that they are driven by niche or systemic factors. However, certain intrinsic transcriptional programs, for example, some compartment-related features and a minority of gender- and aging- related features are maintained in vitro which suggested possibilities for these features to be studied in this system. Moreover, our study provides knowledge about the cell-extrinsic or cell-intrinsic origin of intestinal epithelial transcriptional programs. We anticipated that our characterization of this in vitro system is an important reference for scientists and clinicians using intestinal organoids as a research model.
Plasticity of intrinsic excitability across the estrous cycle in hypothalamic CRH neurons
Authors: Power Emmet M. , Iremonger Karl J.
Published: August 2021

Stress responses are highly plastic and vary across physiological states. The female estrous cycle is associated with a number of physiological changes including changes in stress responses, however, the mechanisms driving these changes are poorly understood. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons are the primary neural population controlling the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and stress-evoked corticosterone secretion. Here we show that CRH neuron intrinsic excitability is regulated over the estrous cycle with a peak in proestrus and a nadir in estrus. Fast inactivating voltage-gated potassium channel (IA) currents showed the opposite relationship, with current density being lowest in proestrus compared to other cycle stages. Blocking IA currents equalized excitability across cycle stages revealing a role for IA in mediating plasticity in stress circuit function over the female estrous cycle.
Graphene oxide-based fluorescent biosensors and their biomedical applications in diagnosis and drug discovery
Authors: Yim Yeajee , Shin Hojeong , Ahn Seong Min , Min Dal-Hee
Published: August 2021

This feature article highlights graphene oxide-based fluorescent biosensors as one of the most useful tools for biomedical applications such as diagnosis and drug discovery.
Construction of helical structures with planar chiral [2.2]paracyclophane: fusing helical and planar chiralities
Authors: Tsuchiya Motoki , Maeda Hazuki , Inoue Ryo , Morisaki Yasuhiro
Published: August 2021

Planar chiral pseudo-meta-disubstituted [2.2]paracyclophane was optically resolved on the sub-gram-scale by a diastereomer method. One-handed helical molecules were prepared using the enantiopure [2.2]paracyclophane.
Hierarchical macroparticles of ceria with tube-like shape – synthesis and properties
Authors: Małecka Małgorzata A. , Woźniak Piotr
Published: August 2021

The hierarchical organization of CeO2 nanoparticles into tube-like macroparticles has a great influence on the properties of the material.
Steric crowding of a series of pyridine based ligands influencing the photophysical properties of Zn(II) complexes
Authors: Ejarque Daniel , Calvet Teresa , Font-Bardia Mercè , Pons Josefina
Published: August 2021

The combination of α-acetamidocinnamic acid (HACA) and differentN,N,NandN,N,Npyridines (dPy) leads to crowded Zn(ii) metal centers. The increasing bulkiness competes with the chelation enhanced effect (CHEF) in the resulting quantum yields.
Growth of a large-aperture mid-infrared nonlinear optical La3Nb0.5Ga5.5O14 crystal for optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification
Authors: Wang Yuzhou , Liang Fei , Wang Jiyang , Lu Dazhi , Yu Haohai , Zhang Huaijin
Published: August 2021

A high optical quality 60 mm-diameter LGN crystal with wide transparency was grown by the Czochralski method. The origin of the wide transparency as for a traditional oxide crystal was investigated from the viewpoint of crystal symmetry.
Cysteine protecting groups: applications in peptide and protein science
Authors: Spears Richard J. , McMahon Clíona , Chudasama Vijay
Published: August 2021

In this review, we analyse and discuss 60+ individual cysteine protecting groups reported over the past several decades, highlighting their applications in peptide synthesis and protein science.
The interplay of Ag and ferromagnetic MgFe2O4 for optimized oxygen-promoted hydrogen evolution via formaldehyde reforming
Authors: Zhang Jiemei , Lu Nan , Peng Zhengxin , Li Sha , Yan Xiaoqing
Published: August 2021

The interplay of Ag and ferromagnetic MgFe2O4 for optimized oxygen-promoted hydrogen evolution via formaldehyde reforming.
Optimized design of obstacle sequences for microfluidic mixing in an inertial regime
Authors: Antognoli Matteo , Stoecklein Daniel , Galletti Chiara , Brunazzi Elisabetta , Di Carlo Dino
Published: August 2021

A fast method for designing optimal sequences of passive mixing units is provided for inertial flows. Intense mixing is achieved through highly-controlled stretching of the fluid contact surfaces.
Tl0.6Mo3S5, an original large tunnel-like molybdenum sulfide with Mo zigzag chains and disordered Tl cations
Authors: Gougeon Patrick , Gall Philippe , Migot Sylvie , Ghanbaja Jaafar , Hervieu Maryvonne , Levinský Petr , Hejtmánek Jiří , Dauscher Anne , Malaman Bernard , Lenoir Bertrand , Candolfi Christophe
Published: August 2021

A novel family of tunnel-like molybdenum sulfide is presented. Strongly disordered Tl cations residing in the large tunnels influence significantly the thermal transport.
A low-cost tabletop tensile tester with optical extensometer
Authors: Hinge Mogens , Johnson Jeremiah A. , Henriksen Martin L.
Published: August 2021

This work presents a low cost (∼$500) fully customizable tensile tester, together with custom made operation software. It delivers data of similar quality to commercial equipment.
Solvothermal-assisted preparation of PdRhTe nanowires as an efficient electrocatalyst for ethylene glycol oxidation
Authors: Bi Peiyan , Wu Xiaoping , Xiong Shuwen , Hong Wei
Published: August 2021

A new strategy for the fabrication of composition-tunable PdRhTe nanowires with high performance toward ethylene glycol electrooxidation has been demonstrated.
Multifunctional book-like CuCo-MOF for highly sensitive glucose detection and electrocatalytic oxygen evolution
Authors: Liu Qingcui , Chen Jianhong , Yu Feng , Wu Jianning , Liu Zhiyong , Peng Banghua
Published: August 2021

Bimetallic book-like CuCo-MOF were fixed on carbon fiber paper as efficient catalyst for electrochemical glucose detection and oxygen evolution reaction.
The van der Waals CdO/PtS2 heterostructures for photocatalytic water splitting with excellent carrier separation and light absorption
Authors: Ahmad Iqtidar , Shahid Ismail , Ali Anwar , Zeb Shakeel , Gao Lei , Cai Jinming
Published: August 2021

The creation of hydrogen by photocatalytic water splitting is a core research area in the worldwide attempts to discover a valid substitute for fossil fuels.
The synthesis of indeno[de]isochromene derivatives from arylvinyl epoxides and carbonyl compounds via tandem Nazarov and oxa-Pictet–Spengler cyclizations
Authors: Satish Nagam , Raju Siruvuri Krishnam , Nanubolu Jagadeesh Babu , Sudhakar Gangarajula
Published: August 2021

The conversion of aryl vinyl epoxides and carbonyl compounds in the presence of a catalytic amount of BF3·OEt2 to indeno[de]isochromenes via tandem Nazarov and oxa-Pictet–Spengler cyclizations is described.
Fluorescence spotting of latent sweat fingerprints with zinc oxide carbon dots embedded in a silica gel nanopowder: a green approach
Authors: Sekar Anithadevi , Vadivel Ramanan , Munuswamy Ramanujam Ganesh , Yadav Rakhi
Published: August 2021

In this research article, the green synthesized CZnO-dots/Si nanopowder is expended as the LFs fluorescent tagging agent by the dust blowing method.
Structural characterisation of amyloid-like fibrils formed by an amyloidogenic peptide segment of β-lactoglobulin
Authors: Gowda Vasantha , Biler Michal , Filippov Andrei , Mantonico Malisa V. , Ornithopoulou Eirini , Linares Mathieu , Antzutkin Oleg N. , Lendel Christofer
Published: August 2021

A 10-residue peptide segment of β-lactoglobulin (β-LG11–20) forms amyloid-like fibrils as revealed by AFM, NMR, and MD simulations.
Non-thermal plasma promotes hair growth by improving the inter-follicular macroenvironment
Authors: Kim Han-Jun , Choi Eun-Wook , Choi Eun-Ji , Kim Hyo-Sung , Kim Junggil , Cho Guangsup , Kim Heesu , Na Seulgi , Shin Jae Ho , Do Sun Hee , Park Bong Joo
Published: August 2021

Non-thermal plasma (NTP) is widely used in the disinfection and surface modification of biomaterials.
A novel quercetin/β-cyclodextrin transdermal gel, combined or not with therapeutic ultrasound, reduces oxidative stress after skeletal muscle injury
Authors: Sousa Filho Luis Fernando , Barbosa Santos Marta Maria , Menezes Paula dos Passos , Lima Bruno dos Santos , Souza Araújo Adriano Antunes de , de Oliveira Evaleide Diniz
Published: August 2021

A gel containing the inclusion complex of quercetin and β-cyclodextrin was developed in order to verify its effects, isolated or using phonophoresis, on oxidative biomarkers after skeletal muscle injury.
Electrodeposition of ligand-free copper nanoparticles from aqueous nanodroplets
Authors: Tarolla Nicole E. , Voci Silvia , Reyes-Morales Joshua , Pendergast Andrew D. , Dick Jeffrey E.
Published: August 2021

Copper nanoparticles have emerged as promising electrocatalysts for energy storage and conversion.
Silver vanadium bronze, β-Ag0.33V2O5: crystal-water-free high-capacity cathode material for rechargeable Ca-ion batteries
Authors: Hyoung Jooeun , Heo Jongwook W. , Jeon Boosik , Hong Seung-Tae
Published: August 2021

After the initial activation process, the tunnel-type β-Ag0.33V2O5 material exhibits a reversible capacity of 179 mA h g−1 at ∼2.8 V (vs. Ca2+/Ca), the highest capacity among the Ca cathode materials without crystal water reported to date.
Vacancy-engineered MoO3 and Na+-preinserted MnO2in situ grown N-doped graphene nanotubes as electrode materials for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Zhao Jian , Cheng He , Li Huanyu , Wang Yan-Jie , Jiang Qingyan , Yang Lina , Meng Alan , Huang Jianfeng , Sun Changlong , Li Huifang , Li Zhenjiang , Zhang Jiujun
Published: August 2021

An asymmetric supercapacitor device based on an advanced N-GNTs@MoO3−x negative electrode and N-GNTs@Na+-preinserted MnO2 positive electrode was designed, and it exhibits excellent charge storage capability.
Twisted-graphene-like perylene diimide with dangling functional chromophores as tunable small-molecule acceptors in binary-blend active layers of organic photovoltaics
Authors: Lin Yu-Che , Chen Chung-Hao , She Nian-Zu , Juan Chien-Yao , Chang Bin , Li Meng-Hua , Wang Hao-Cheng , Cheng Hao-Wen , Yabushita Atsushi , Yang Yang , Wei Kung-Hwa
Published: August 2021

This study presents the synthesis of small-molecule acceptors having the structure A–D–A′–D–A—where A, A′, and D represent the end group, the core and π-bridge unit, respectively—that form the active layers with the polymer PM6 for organic photovoltaics.
Ru/Mo2C@NC Schottky junction-loaded hollow nanospheres as an efficient hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst
Authors: Salah Abdulwahab , Ren Hong-Da , Al-Ansi Nabilah , Yu Fei-Yang , Lang Zhong-Ling , Tan Huaqiao , Li Yang-Guang
Published: August 2021

A new electrocatalyst, N-doped carbon hollow nanospheres loaded with Ru/Mo2C Schottky junctions (Ru/Mo2C@NC), exhibits superior hydrogen evolution performance to commercial Pt/C in a universal pH range.
Three-dimensional MXene/BCN microflowers for wearable all-solid-state microsupercapacitors
Authors: Tu Dan , Yang Wenyao , Li Yi , Zhou Yujiu , Shi Liuwei , Xu Jianhua , Yang Yajie
Published: August 2021

Illustration of the preparation of the MXene/BCN electrode. Left panel: synthesis of MXene/BCN. Right panel: design of a versatile MXene/BCN electrode for printing, the 2D pattern (top row) and the three-electrode system (bottom row).
GCH1-regulated miRNAs are potential targets for microglial activation in neuropathic pain
Authors: Jia Shu , Chen Guowu , Liang Yanhu , Liang Xiao , Meng Chunyang
Published: August 2021

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic pain directly caused by injury or disease of the somatosensory nervous system. Previous studies suggest that GTP cyclohydrolase I (GCH1) may play a pivotal role in microglial activation, which has been shown to be essential for NP. However, its underlying mechanisms in microglial activation remain unclear. A wide range of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been found to be involved in microglial activation-induced NP. To identify the miRNAs regulated by GCH1 and predict their functions in the progression of microglial activation, we analyzed the miRNA expression profiles of GCH1-knockdown (KD) BV2 microglial cells. Small RNA-sequencing analysis revealed 13 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in GCH1-KD cells. The target genes of DE miRNAs mainly participate in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, peroxisome and ferroptosis. The miRNA–mRNA regulatory network analysis showed that GCH1, MAP4K5 and YWHAB acted as hub genes. qRT-PCR results further verified the expression levels of mmu-miR-1a-3p, mmu-miR-133a-3p, mmu-miR-7a-5p and mmu-miR-10a-5p in GCH1-KD cells, which were consistent with the sequencing data. In addition, our data indicated that overexpression of mmu-miR-133a-3p alleviated the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), indicating that mmu-miR-133a-3p has a negative effect on microglial activation. Taken together, our findings suggest that many miRNAs regulated by GCH1 may be involved in microglial activation, which may provide new potential targets for GCH1 in the pathogenesis of NP.
Metabolic profiling of maternal serum of women at high-risk of spontaneous preterm birth using NMR and MGWAS approach
Authors: Gupta Juhi K. , Care Angharad , Goodfellow Laura , Alfirevic Zarko , Lian Lu-Yun , Müller-Myhsok Bertram , Alfirevic Ana , Phelan Marie M.
Published: August 2021

Preterm birth (PTB) is a leading global cause of infant mortality. Risk factors include genetics, lifestyle choices and infection. Understanding the mechanism of PTB could aid the development of novel approaches to prevent PTB. This study aimed to investigate the metabolic biomarkers of PTB in early pregnancy and the association of significant metabolites with participant genotypes. Maternal sera collected at 16 and 20 weeks of gestation, from women who previously experienced PTB (high-risk) and women who did not (low-risk controls), were analysed using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics and genome-wide screening microarray. ANOVA and probabilistic neural network (PNN) modelling were performed on the spectral bins. Metabolomics genome-wide association (MGWAS) of the spectral bins and genotype data from the same participants was applied to determine potential metabolite-gene pathways. Phenylalanine, acetate and lactate metabolite differences between PTB cases and controls were obtained by ANOVA and PNN showed strong prediction at week 20 (AUC = 0.89). MGWAS identified several metabolite bins with strong genetic associations. Cis-eQTL analysis highlighted TRAF1 (involved in the inflammatory pathway) local to a non-coding SNP associated with lactate at week 20 of gestation. MGWAS of a well-defined cohort of participants highlighted a lactate-TRAF1 relationship that could potentially contribute to PTB.
Detecting Hearing Loss in Infants With a Syndrome or Craniofacial Abnormalities Following the Newborn Hearing Screen
Authors: Horn Philippa , Driscoll Carlie , Fitzgibbons Jane , Beswick Rachael
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The current Joint Committee on Infant Hearing guidelines recommend that infants with syndromes or craniofacial abnormalities (CFAs) who pass the universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) undergo audiological assessment by 9 months of age. However, emerging research suggests that children with these risk factors are at increased risk of early hearing loss despite passing UNHS. To establish whether earlier diagnostic audiological assessment is warranted for all infants with a syndrome or CFA, regardless of screening outcome, this study compared audiological outcomes of those who passed UNHS and those who referred.

Method

A retrospective analysis was performed on infants with a syndrome or CFA born between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2017 who participated in Queensland, Australia's state-wide UNHS program.

Results

Permanent childhood hearing loss (PCHL) yield was higher among infants who referred on newborn hearing screening (51.20%) than in those who passed. Nonetheless, 27.47% of infants who passed were subsequently diagnosed with hearing loss (4.45% PCHL, 23.02% transient conductive), but PCHL was generally milder in this cohort. After microtia/atresia, the most common PCHL etiologies were Trisomy 21, other syndromes, and cleft palate. Of the other syndromes, Pierre Robin sequence featured prominently among infants who passed the hearing screen and were subsequently diagnosed with PCHL, whereas there was a broader mix of other syndromes that caused PCHL in infants who referred on screening.

Conclusion

Children identified with a syndrome or CFA benefit from early diagnostic audiological assessment, regardless of their newborn hearing screening outcome.
Effects of Task Demands on Neural Correlates of Acoustic and Semantic Processing in Challenging Listening Conditions
Authors: Devaraju Dhatri S. , Kemp Amy , Eddins David A. , Shrivastav Rahul , Chandrasekaran Bharath , Hampton Wray Amanda
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Listeners shift their listening strategies between lower level acoustic information and higher level semantic information to prioritize maximum speech intelligibility in challenging listening conditions. Although increasing task demands via acoustic degradation modulates lexical-semantic processing, the neural mechanisms underlying different listening strategies are unclear. The current study examined the extent to which encoding of lower level acoustic cues is modulated by task demand and associations with lexical-semantic processes.

Method

Electroencephalography was acquired while participants listened to sentences in the presence of four-talker babble that contained either higher or lower probability final words. Task difficulty was modulated by time available to process responses. Cortical tracking of speech—neural correlates of acoustic temporal envelope processing—were estimated using temporal response functions.

Results

Task difficulty did not affect cortical tracking of temporal envelope of speech under challenging listening conditions. Neural indices of lexical-semantic processing (N400 amplitudes) were larger with increased task difficulty. No correlations were observed between the cortical tracking of temporal envelope of speech and lexical-semantic processes, even after controlling for the effect of individualized signal-to-noise ratios.

Conclusions

Cortical tracking of the temporal envelope of speech and semantic processing are differentially influenced by task difficulty. While increased task demands modulated higher level semantic processing, cortical tracking of the temporal envelope of speech may be influenced by task difficulty primarily when the demand is manipulated in terms of acoustic properties of the stimulus, consistent with an emerging perspective in speech perception.
Speech-in-Speech Recognition and Spatially Selective Attention in Children and Adults
Authors: Kane Stacey G. , Dean Kelly M. , Buss Emily
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Knowing target location can improve adults' speech-in-speech recognition in complex auditory environments, but it is unknown whether young children listen selectively in space. This study evaluated masked word recognition with and without a pretrial cue to location to characterize the influence of listener age and masker type on the benefit of spatial cues.

Method

Participants were children (5–13 years of age) and adults with normal hearing. Testing occurred in a 180° arc of 11 loudspeakers. Targets were spondees produced by a female talker and presented from a randomly selected loudspeaker; that location was either known, based on a pretrial cue, or unknown. Maskers were two sequences comprising spondees or speech-shaped noise bursts, each presented from a random loudspeaker. Speech maskers were produced by one male talker or by three talkers, two male and one female.

Results

Children and adults benefited from the pretrial cue to target location with the three-voice masker, and the magnitude of benefit increased with increasing child age. There was no benefit of location cues in the one-voice or noise-burst maskers. Incorrect responses in the three-voice masker tended to correspond to masker words produced by the female talker, and in the location-known condition, those masker intrusions were more likely near the cued loudspeaker for both age groups.

Conclusions

Increasing benefit of the location cue with increasing child age in the three-voice masker suggests maturation of spatially selective attention, but error patterns do not support this idea. Differences in performance in the location-unknown condition could play a role in the differential benefit of the location cue.
Train related injuries: A descriptive analysis highlighting orthopaedic injuries and management
Authors: Kontoghiorghe Christina Niovi , Graham Simon Matthew , Rodriguez Joel , Matzopoulos Richard , Maqungo Sithombo
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Orthopaedic injuries constitute a major aspect of morbidity and mortality following train accidents. The pattern of orthopaedic/musculoskeletal injuries sustained following these accidents has not been fully characterised. The main aim of this study is to describe the range of orthopaedic injuries reported in a major trauma centre and evaluate their management, as well as reporting mortality and amputation rates. Further aims are to identify the social and demographic background of the patients to suggest treatment and prevention strategies. Methods: This study is a retrospective observation of all clinical files of patients presented to Level 1 Trauma Centre in Cape Town, South Africa, as “train casualty” from January 2013 to July 2019, which were reviewed and evaluated. A total of 174 patients were included, of which 92 were orthopaedic referrals. The average age was 29 years, and 87% were male. Results: Tibial fractures were most common (N = 19), 38% of patients sustained open fractures, and 68% of patients (in total) underwent surgery. Wound debridement was the most common operation, followed by open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). Twelve patients (13%) underwent amputation to 14 body parts. Eight patients (4.6%) (in total) died in the trauma unit. Discussion: This study provides insight into train accident victims and their orthopaedic injuries and management patterns. The victims are largely young males. The majority of orthopaedic injuries require surgical intervention, and those who make it to the hospital have a good chance of survival and limb salvage. It appears that in addition to early hospital access and specialised updated treatments, morbidity and mortality in train accidents could be reduced by improving safety measures and social awareness to reduce railway violence and accidents.
Interest of inertial measurement unit tool in the functional evaluation of ankle evertor muscles in trail running
Authors: Dury Jeanne , Michel Fabrice , Ravier Gilles
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to investigate the interest of inertial measurement units (IMU) in the functional assessment of the ankle to identify sport specific adaptations and to determine whether a hilly run session affected balance control and ability in accelerating eversion and slowing down inversion movements. Thirteen well-trained trail runners and 12 cyclists completed ankle tests on a destabilized footwear device: one balance-control test and two dynamic inversion and eversion tests (involving eccentric, ECC and concentric, CONC muscle regimens, respectively). Kinematic data derived from IMU were automatically calculated as performance scores i) to compare trail runners and cyclists at rest, and ii) to determine the fatigue induced by hilly run (16 km, 400 D+) in trail runners. Both ECC and CONC scores derived from angular velocity of twenty repetitions (with threshold of 60°/s and 250°/s, respectively) during dynamic tests. Results showed higher ECC score (CV = 14.6%; p = 0.06; ES = moderate) and lower CONC score (CV = −33.8%; p < 0.01; ES = large) in trail runners than in cyclists. Furthermore, proprioception score decreased in response to the hilly run session (CV = −6.1%; p = 0.03; ES = moderate). Kinematic data emphasized sport specific adaptations in the ability to control eversion and inversion movements. This might suggest differences in evertor muscle strength characteristics. Decrement in the proprioception score highlighted the interest of using IMU in the assessment of acute fatigue induced by hilly run.
Efficiency enhancement of organic thin-film phototransistors due to photoassisted charge injection
Authors: Jagoo Zafrullah , Lamport Zachary A. , Jurchescu Oana D. , McNeil L. E.
Published: August 2021

Understanding the underlying physics of charge transport in organic semiconductors under illumination is important for the development of novel optoelectronic applications. We study the effects of monochromatic light in the visible spectrum on the channel of an organic thin-film transistor based on 2,8-difluoro-5,11-bis(triethylsilylethynyl) anthradithiophene. When the channel of the transistor was illuminated with red, green, or blue light, more charge carriers were measured than what exciton generation from photon absorption alone could provide, leading to a photon-to-charge-carrier conversion efficiency much larger than 100%. We explain this phenomenon using a model incorporating space-charge limited photocharges and enhanced hole injection from the source electrode due to lowering of the potential barrier by photogenerated electrons.
Large metasurface-based optical concentrators for infrared photodetectors
Authors: Wenger Tobias , Muller Richard , Wilson Daniel , Gunapala Sarath D. , Soibel Alexander
Published: August 2021

We demonstrate a modular design approach for large metasurface-based optical concentrators. In this approach, each concentrator is split into a collection of sublens modules. Each sublens module has an off-axis focal point, and this point is located between the concentrator center and the intended detector center. This reduces the necessary deflection angle, thus improving the concentrator design. Moreover, each concentrator module is designed individually, thereby reducing the required computational resources and improving the design versatility. We designed, fabricated, and tested 300-μm-diameter metasurface-based optical concentrators operating in the 3–5 μm mid-wavelength infrared range. These optical concentrators are fabricated on a gallium antimonide substrate, which can be used for epitaxial growth of infrared detectors. This allows future monolithic integration of these concentrators with detectors epitaxially grown on the front side of the substrate and concentrators fabricated on the backside. The optical concentrators enhanced the measured optical intensity at the intended detector position up to a factor of 6.4; in the future, this will improve the signal-to-noise ratio of detectors and increase their operating temperature.
Monotonic variation in carbon-related defects with Fermi level in different conductive types of GaN
Authors: Zhang Yuheng , Liang Feng , Zhao Degang , Yang Jing , Chen Ping , Liu Zongshun
Published: August 2021

This study examined the photoluminescence (PL) of samples of GaN and found that the intensity of the peak of luminescence related to carbon impurities in p-GaN changed with the doping concentration of Mg. However, the results of a secondary ion mass spectrometry test showed that the concentration of carbon impurities did not change correspondingly. Moreover, we observed changes in the relative strength of the peak related to carbon impurities in the PL spectra of a series of samples of n-type conductive GaN. This suggests a connection between the behavior of carbon-related defects and the conductivity of GaN. The results show that the variation in carbon-related defects was monotonic. As the Fermi level approached the conductive band, carbon-related defects that generated higher-energy photonics became more dominant in the PL spectra in the series from p-type to n-type GaN.
Random number generation from a quantum tunneling diode
Authors: Aungskunsiri Kanin , Amarit Ratthasart , Wongpanya Kruawan , Jantarachote Sakdinan , Yamwong Wittawat , Saiburee Siriporn , Chanhorm Sataporn , Intarapanich Apichart , Sumriddetchkajorn Sarun
Published: August 2021

Random numbers are important in many activities, including communication, encryption, science, gambling, finance, and decision making. There is a strong demand for a hardware random number generator that could support cryptographic applications. In this work, we propose a quantum tunneling diode as a source of true randomness achieved by applying electrical current sweeps through the device and then harnessing a time-counting unit to measure fluctuation of current flows. Our approach can be implemented with inexpensive electronics and could be integrated into systems that require random numbers such as portable communication devices.
Point light detection with UO2
Authors: Rickert Karl , Prusnick Timothy A. , Streby Matthew A. , Turner David B. , Reyner Charles J. , Mann J. Matthew
Published: August 2021

UO2's electrical properties and U's inherently high fission energy release make a UO2-based direct conversion neutron detector a tantalizing possibility, but the evolution of even rudimentary devices is inhibited by the absence of large, high quality single crystals of UO2. Hydrothermally grown UO2 is incorporated into a prototype device here, and laser light is used as a surrogate for neutron-induced fission events. Excitation sources with wavelengths of 325, 488, 532, and 633 nm are incident on the device for a variety of timescales to test the detection responses, resolution, and saturation behaviors. The non-amplified changes in the current are presented, including when the illumination's diameter, power, and location are altered. Photocurrent changes follow a positively correlated linear trend with power and device efficiency is inversely correlated with illumination wavelength. The impact of illumination time on the detection efficiency is discussed. Illumination event detection is independent of illumination surface area size and largely independent of the illumination location. The ramifications of these results with regard to the development of UO2 as a neutron detector are considered.
Diffusion, phase behavior, and gelation in a two-dimensional layer of colloids in osmotic equilibrium with a polymer reservoir
Authors: Griffiths Sam E. , Koumakis Nick , Brown Aidan T. , Vissers Teun , Warren Patrick B. , Poon Wilson C. K.
Published: August 2021

The addition of enough non-adsorbing polymers to an otherwise stable colloidal suspension gives rise to a variety of phase behaviors and kinetic arrest due to the depletion attraction induced between the colloids by the polymers. We report a study of these phenomena in a two-dimensional layer of colloids. The three-dimensional phenomenology of crystal–fluid coexistence is reproduced, but gelation takes a novel form, in which the strands in the gel structure are locally crystalline. We compare our findings with a previous simulation and theory and find substantial agreement.
Dissociation of water on atomic oxygen-covered Rh nanoclusters supported on graphene/Ru(0001)
Authors: Huang Yi-Cheng , Yen Hung-Yu , Lan Liang-Wei , Dutta D. , Rahmah A. , Lai Yu-Ling , Hsu Yao-Jane , Kuo Chien-Cheng , Wang Jeng-Han , Luo Meng-Fan
Published: August 2021

We studied the dissociation of water (H2O*, with * denoting adspecies) on atomic oxygen (O*)-covered Rh nanoclusters (RhO*) supported on a graphene film grown on a Ru(0001) surface [G/Ru(0001)] under ultrahigh-vacuum conditions and with varied surface-probe techniques and calculations based on density-functional theory. The graphene had a single rotational domain; its lattice expanded by about 5.7% to match the Ru substrate structurally better. The Rh clusters were grown by depositing Rh vapors onto G/Ru(0001); they had an fcc phase and grew in (111) orientation. Water adsorbed on the Rh clusters was dissociated exclusively in the presence of O*, like that on a Rh(111) single-crystal surface. Contrary to the case on Rh(111)O*, excess O* (even at a saturation level) on small RhO* clusters (diameter of 30–34 Å) continued to promote, instead of inhibiting, the dissociation of water; the produced hydroxyl (OH*) increased generally with the concentration of O* on the clusters. The difference results from more reactive O* on the RhO* clusters. O* on RhO* clusters activated the dissociation via both the formation of hydrogen bonds with H2O* and abstraction of H directly from H2O*, whereas O* on Rh(111)O* assisted the dissociation largely via the formation of hydrogen bonds, which was readily obstructed with an increased O* coverage. As the disproportionation (2 OH* → H2O* + O*) is endothermic on the RhO* clusters but exothermic on Rh(111)O*, OH* produced on RhO* clusters showed a thermal stability superior to that on the Rh(111)O* surface—thermally stable up to 400 K.
Energy stability analysis of turbulent incompressible flow based on the triple decomposition of the velocity gradient tensor
Authors: Hoffman Johan
Published: August 2021

In the context of flow visualization, a triple decomposition of the velocity gradient into irrotational straining flow, shear flow, and rigid body rotational flow was proposed by Kolář in 2007 [V. Kolář, “Vortex identification: New requirements and limitations,” Int. J. Heat Fluid Flow, 28, 638–652 (2007)], which has recently received renewed interest. The triple decomposition opens for a refined energy stability analysis of the Navier–Stokes equations, with implications for the mathematical analysis of the structure, computability, and regularity of turbulent flow. We here perform an energy stability analysis of turbulent incompressible flow, which suggests a scenario where at macroscopic scales, any exponentially unstable irrotational straining flow structures rapidly evolve toward linearly unstable shear flow and stable rigid body rotational flow. This scenario does not rule out irrotational straining flow close to the Kolmogorov microscales, since there viscous dissipation stabilizes the unstable flow structures. In contrast to worst case energy stability estimates, this refined stability analysis reflects the existence of stable flow structures in turbulence over extended time.
Comparative experimental and computational study of synthetic and natural bottlebrush polyelectrolyte solutions
Authors: Horkay Ferenc , Chremos Alexandros , Douglas Jack F. , Jones Ronald , Lou Junzhe , Xia Yan
Published: August 2021

We systematically investigate model synthetic and natural bottlebrush polyelectrolyte solutions through an array of experimental techniques (osmometry and neutron and dynamic light scattering) along with molecular dynamics simulations to characterize and contrast their structures over a wide range of spatial and time scales. In particular, we perform measurements on solutions of aggrecan and the synthetic bottlebrush polymer, poly(sodium acrylate), and simulations of solutions of highly coarse-grained charged bottlebrush molecules having different degrees of side-branch density and inclusion of an explicit solvent and ion hydration effects. While both systems exhibit a general tendency toward supramolecular organization in solution, bottlebrush poly(sodium acrylate) solutions exhibit a distinctive “polyelectrolyte peak” in their structure factor, but no such peak is observed in aggrecan solutions. This qualitative difference in scattering properties, and thus polyelectrolyte solution organization, is attributed to a concerted effect of the bottlebrush polymer topology and the solvation of the polymer backbone and counterions. The coupling of the polyelectrolyte topological structure with the counterion distribution about the charged polymer molecules along with direct polymer segmental hydration makes their solution organization and properties “tunable,” a phenomenon that has significant ramifications for biological function and disease as well as for numerous materials applications.
Syngap1
regulates experience-dependent cortical ensemble plasticity by promoting in vivo excitatory synapse strengthening
Authors: Llamosas Nerea , Michaelson Sheldon D. , Vaissiere Thomas , Rojas Camilo , Miller Courtney A. , Rumbaugh Gavin
Published: August 2021

Significance

Many autism risk genes, such as
Syngap1
, regulate synapse plasticity, and disruptions to this subcellular process are thought to underlie behavioral deficits. However, behavior emerges through experience-driven dynamics within neural ensembles or groups of coactivated neurons. It is currently unclear how genetic regulation of synapse plasticity contributes to experience-dependent changes to cortical ensemble activity. Our data demonstrate that disruptions to synapse-level strengthening mechanisms in
Syngap1
mice underlies impairments to balanced plasticity within cortical ensembles driven by novel sensory experience. Because not all neurons in ensembles were sensitive to
Syngap1
regulation, we propose that additional genetic mechanisms are also initiated in response to experience to effectively redistribute activity within cortical networks.
Silicon microchannel frames for high-energy physics experiments
Authors: Poonsawat W. , Supadech J. , Klunngien N. , Jeamsaksiri W. , Ritjoho N. , Laojamnongwong N. , Mapelli A. , Francescon A. , Alvarez Feito D. , Kobdaj C.
Published: August 2021

The design of detectors used for experiments in high-energy
physics requires a light, stiff, and efficient cooling system with a
low material budget. The use of silicon microchannel cooling plates
has gained considerable interest in the last decade. In this study,
we propose the development of silicon microchannel cooling frames
studied within the framework of the major upgrade of the Inner
Tracking System (ITS) of the ALICE experiment at CERN. The
preliminary results obtained with these frames demonstrate that they
can withstand the internal pressure arising from the flow of the
coolant with a limited mass penalty.
The Effect of Using an Active Earmuff on High Frequency Hearing in United States Marine Corps Weapons Instructors
Authors: Federman Jeremy , Karch Stephanie , Duhon Christon , Hughes Linda , Kulinski Devon
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To investigate the change in hearing and perceived comfort over 1 year related to using an active hearing protection device (HPD) among United States Marine Corps (USMC) personnel routinely exposed to hazardous noise.

Methods

USMC Weapons Instructors (n = 127) were issued an active earmuff that met military standards and was compatible with other protective equipment. These participants completed pre- and post-hearing tests and comfort surveys. A control cohort (n = 94) was also included to compare individual changes in high-frequency pure tone average (HF-PTA) over 1 year.

Results

The control group’s HF-PTA was 3 dB worse than the intervention group after only 1 year. Survey responses revealed perceived improvements in the ability to hear and understand, situational awareness, and safety.

Conclusions

Active HPDs can reduce hearing loss and improve hearing-related occupational tasks.
Risk and DoE-Based Analytical Failure Mode Effect Analysis (AFMEA) to Simultaneous Estimation of Montelukast Sodium and Bilastine by HPTLC Method Using Enhanced AQbD Approach
Authors: Prajapati Pintu , Tamboli Jayesh , Mishra Ashish
Published: August 2021

The fixed-dose combination (FDC) of montelukast sodium (MLS) and bilastine (BIL) is used for monotherapy in the patient with seasonal allergic rhinoconjuctivitis and asthma. According to the upcoming ICH (International Council for Harmonization) Q14 guideline, the development of the analytical method by the implementation of the Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD) approach based on principles of Quality Risk Management (QRM) and design of experiments (DoE) would be a regulatory requirement for the registration of new drug substance and product in ICH countries. Hence, a robust high-performance thin layer chromatography method has been developed, which was not previously reported for simultaneous estimation of MLS and BIL using risk and DoE-based enhanced AQbD approach. The analytical failure mode effect analysis (AFMEA) was started with the identification of potential analytical failure modes followed by their effect analysis by RPN ranking and filtering method. The DoE-based AFMEA was applied for optimization of high-risk analytical failure modes by central composite design using Design-Expert software. The method operable design ranges and control strategy was set for quality risk management throughout the lifecycle of the developed method. The developed method was validated as per ICH Q2 (R1) guideline. The method was applied for the assay of FDC, and results were found in compliance with the labeled claim.
Twelve-month clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing complex percutaneous coronary intervention: insights from the ISAR-REACT 5 trial
Authors: Coughlan J J , Aytekin Alp , Ndrepepa Gjin , Schüpke Stefanie , Bernlochner Isabell , Mayer Katharina , Neumann Franz Josef , Menichelli Maurizio , Richardt Gert , Wöhrle Jochen , Xhepa Erion , Kufner Sebastian , Sager Hendrik B , Joner Michael , Ibrahim Tareq , Fusaro Massimiliano , Laugwitz Karl Ludwig , Schunkert Heribert , Kastrati Adnan , Cassese Salvatore
Published: August 2021

Aims

Complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with a higher risk of ischaemic events. However, no study has analysed the effect of PCI complexity on outcomes in a contemporary cohort of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients treated with a dual anti-platelet therapy regimen based on potent P2Y12-inhibitors. Therefore, we performed the current analysis.

Methods and results

This analysis included all ACS patients treated with PCI in the Intracoronary Stenting and Antithrombotic Regimen: Rapid Early Action for Coronary Treatment (ISAR-REACT) 5 trial. Complex PCI was defined as at least one of: multi-vessel PCI, ≥3 stents implanted, ≥3 lesions treated, and total stented length >60 mm. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke at 12 months; the safety endpoint was Bleeding Academic Research Consortium types 3–5 bleeding at 12 months. Overall, 3377 patients were included in this analysis (complex PCI, n = 1429; non-complex PCI, n = 1948). The primary endpoint occurred more frequently in the complex PCI group than the non-complex PCI group [10.1% vs. 7.2%, hazard ratio (HR): 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.14–1.82), P = 0.002], driven primarily by a higher risk of MI [HR: 1.62, (1.17–2.26), P = 0.004]. The safety endpoint was not statistically different between patients undergoing complex vs. non-complex PCI, although it was numerically higher in the complex PCI group [6.7% vs. 5.3%, HR: 1.28, (0.97–1.70), P = 0.08].

Conclusions

Acute coronary syndrome patients undergoing complex PCI have an increased incidence of ischaemic events compared with ACS patients undergoing non-complex PCI.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT01944800, Prospective, Randomized Trial of Ticagrelor Vs. Prasugrel in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome—Full-Text View—ClinicalTrials.gov https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01944800
Assessment of preoperative frailty and identification of patients at risk for postoperative delirium in cardiac intensive care units: a prospective observational study
Authors: Cheng Hsiao-Wei , Liu Chieh-Yu , Chen Yih-Sharng , Shih Chun-Che , Chen Wei-Yi , Chiou Ai-Fu
Published: August 2021

Background

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication that may occur from 24 to 72 h after cardiac surgery. Frailty is a chronic syndrome that leads to a decline in physiological reserve and to disability. The associations between frailty and POD are unclear.

Aims

To investigate associations between POD and frailty in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and to analyse predictors of POD.

Methods and results

Convenience sampling was used to recruit 152 patients who underwent cardiac surgery in two medical centres in northern Taiwan. Preoperative frailty in these patients was evaluated using Fried’s frailty phenotype. Delirium in patients was assessed from postoperative day 1 to day 5 using the confusion assessment method for intensive care units. A total of 152 patients who underwent cardiac surgery included 68 (44.74%) prefrail patients and 21 (13.81%) patients with frailty after the surgery. Ten patients (6.58%) developed delirium after cardiac surgery. The occurrence of delirium peaked at postoperative day 2, and the average duration of delirium was 3 days. A case–control comparison revealed a significant correlation between preoperative frailty and POD. Significant predictors of POD in patients undergoing cardiac surgery included the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II, preoperative arrhythmia, and preoperative anxiety and depression.

Conclusion

Preoperative frailty was correlated with POD. Preoperative arrhythmia, anxiety, and depression are predictors of POD. Nurses should perform preoperative assessments of surgical risk and physiological and psychological conditions of patients undergoing cardiac surgery and monitor the occurrence of POD.