bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflationary Effect on Nigeria Economic Growth: The ARDL Bound Test Approach
Authors: Farouk B. U. K. , David I. J. , Agog N. S.
Published: August 2021

The expectation of any country is to experience a high output but in the presence of increasing inflation such expectation becomes blurring because high inflation is a sign of a low working economic system. In this research the impact of inflation rate (InfR) on Nigeria economic growth (EcoG) is studied for the period of 1986 to 2018 using an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Bounds test approach to determine the co-integration existence between InfR and EcoG and determine the long run effect through the approach of Error Correction Model (ECM). The results obtained showed that an ARDL (2, 2) model was the best fitted model for the sampled data based on the smallest Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC) value obtained. Also, it was found that InfR significantly impacted on Nigeria EcoG negatively on the long and short run dynamics with a stable estimation as portrayed by the CUSUM square chart.
A Review on the Medicinal Potential of Trachyspermum ammi Found in Pakistan
Authors: Awan Sana Javaid , Hadi Faheem , Maqbool Tahir , Nadeem Shumaila , Malik Sabeen , Farzand Anam
Published: August 2021

Numerous plants are used as a traditional medicine in herbal therapy and are well known for their effective potential in therapeutics for different ailments. Carom [Trachyspermum ammi] is one of the plants that are crucial in medicine. It was cultivated first time in different regions of Asia. It has been used in traditional medicine for a long time in a variety of pharmacological and medicinal aspects. It is renowned for its curative value in different miseries, especially infections. Like other fatal diseases, great advancements have been made by utilizing the therapeutic abilities of different medicinal plants regarding the cure and control of cancer progression. However still, there is a need for improvement in treatment strategies and meeting up significant deficiencies in cancer management. Carom may have some progressive role in controlling such types of ailments. Moreover, it may be anticipated as an immunotherapeutic agent and would dominate other infection-controlling agents and cancer-treating strategies due to its higher efficiency as well as biosecurity free of adverse side effects.
Design of a Reversible Cholinesterase Inhibitor Mamentine HCL Nanogel: Formulation and In-vitro Evaluation
Authors: Mohapatra Subhasri , Jain Sourabh , Shukla Karunakar
Published: August 2021

Memantine hydrochloride is a is a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, low-moderate affinity, uncompetitive n-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, with strong voltage dependency and rapid blocking/unblocking kinetics. The present study was explore the potential of thermosensitive nanogel of mamentine loaded nanoparticle. In situ gel choosing due to restrict unwanted exposure in blood and other healthy tissues, thus eliminate hemolytic side effects of the drug and offer easy administration in vivo. Nanoparticle prepared by ionic gelation method and further the dried nanoparticle incorporates with in situ gel.  The in situ gel prepared by cold method using the solutions of Poloxamer-188 and Carbopol-934. The Transmission electron microscopy showed the spherical particles  with  smooth surface which was in conformity  with the SEM and Zetasizer  data for particle size. The pH of the formulations was found to be satisfactory and was in the range of 6.8±0.039 -7.4±0.053 and also mucoadhesive strength was show in table. The mucoadhesive strength of all formulations was varies from 2398±0.0004 to 4945±0.0002 dynes/cm2. In-vitro diffusion study of the in situ gel (N1-N8) was performed using modified Franz diffusion cell with dialysis membrane in phosphate buffer pH 6.5 for a period of 24 hours. The in vitro release study were fitted into various kinetic models viz zero order, first order, higuchi model and korsmeyer peppas equation. Stability studies for optimized formulations were carried out at 4.0 ± 0.5°C and 37 ± 0.5ºC for a period of four weeks. There was no significant variation found in physical appearance, average particle size and % drug content of the in situ nanogel N2. No visible changes in the appearance of the gel formulation were observed at the end of the storage period.
Resistance Profile and Molecular Characterization of Toxigenic Vibrio cholerae Strains Responsible for the 2016 to 2018 Epidemic in Republic of Benin (West Africa)
Authors: Akpo Eliane Assiba Olorun-Kosun , Dougnon Tamegnon Victorien , Sacheli Rosalie , Agbankpe Alidehou Jerrold , Houngbégnon Olivia Mariette Yégbandé , Melin Pierrette , Bankole Honoré Sourou
Published: August 2021

Aims: This study aims to characterize of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae strains for improved cholera surveillance in Benin.

Methodology: 304 diarrheal stool samples were collected from people with watery diarrhea of unknown etiology and vomiting during epidemics from 2016 to 2018 in Benin. Toxigenic Vibrio cholerae strains were isolated and then biochemical tests, serogrouping and serotyping were performed. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed using the disc diffusion method and E-tests. Multiplex and real-time PCR were used to identify and detect virulence genes (CtxA, OmpW and TcpA).

Results: The results showed a 21.71% prevalence of toxigenic Vibrio cholera in Benin. All strains were Vibrio cholerae O1 serotype Inaba (100%) and showed a high sensitivity to doxycycline (96.97 %), chloramphenicol (95.45 %) and ciprofloxacin (90.91 %). However, antibiotic resistance was observed, especially for erythromycin (74.24 %), Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (71.21 %) and ampicillin (43.94 %). The CtxA and TcpA virulence genes were respectively detected in 100% and 96.97% of the toxigenic strains of V. cholerae isolated. While the OmpW gene was identified on all the toxigenic strains of Vibrio cholerae isolated.

Conclusion: Vibrio cholerae strains isolated from patients suspected of cholera were highly virulent and resistant to antimicrobials.
Ceruloplasmin overexpression is associated with oncogenic pathways and poorer survival rates in clear‐cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yong , Chen Zhan , Chen Jian‐Gang , Chen Xin‐Feng , Gu Dong‐Hua , Liu Zhen‐Min , Gao Ya‐Dong , Zheng Bing
Published: August 2021

Clear‐cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most prevalent renal malignancy. The pathogenesis of the disease is currently poorly understood, and the prognosis is poor. Therefore, in this study, we focused on exploring and identifying genes and signal transduction pathways that are closely related to ccRCC. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed using the renal cell oncogene expression profiles GSE100666 and GSE68417. DAVID evaluation of gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses was used. We constructed a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGS using Cytoscape software and analyzed the submodules with the CytoHubba plugin. Finally, we performed western blot, immunohistochemistry, and PCR validation by collecting tissues, and also utilized cells for in vitro functional analysis of ceruloplasmin (CP). In total, 202 DEGs (52 upregulated and 150 downregulated genes) were identified. Upregulated DEGs are significantly rich in angiogenesis, cell adhesion, and response to hypoxia, whereas downregulated DEGs are involved in intracellular pH regulation, excretion, coagulation, and chloride transmembrane transport. We selected the interactions of the top 20 hub genes provided by the PPI network, all of which are involved in important physiological pathways in vivo, such as complement and coagulation cascades. Tissue protein assays demonstrated that renal cancer highly expressed CP, while in vitro experiments showed that CP could promote the invasion of renal cancer cells. Our study suggests that ALB, C3, LOX, HRG, CXCR4, GPC3, SLC12A3, CP, and CASR may be involved in the development of ccRCC, and is expected to provide theoretical support for future studies on the diagnosis and targeted therapy of ccRCC.
Intermediaries and cross‐examination resilience in children: The development of a novel experimental methodology
Authors: Henry Lucy A. , Crane Laura , Millmore Amanda , Nash Gilly , Wilcock Rachel
Published: August 2021

Experimental studies examining child 'witnesses' under cross‐examination typically rely on researchers questioning children using a 'barrister's script'. In the current research, experienced barristers used a defence statement from a mock perpetrator (who committed a theft 11 months earlier) to challenge typically developing children's evidence under cross‐examination. We also assessed whether Registered Intermediaries (RIs), trained professionals who facilitate communication between vulnerable witnesses and members of the justice system, help children reduce compliance with misleading cross‐examination suggestions. Results demonstrated that children (6–11 years) complied with barristers' challenges to a high degree: 94% agreed with at least one of the barristers' seven false suggestions. However, when assisted by an RI, children were significantly less compliant with barrister challenges. These findings, and additional analyses of the nature of child responses and barrister questions, provide novel exploratory evidence for the beneficial role of RIs in tempering the adverse effects of cross‐examination style questioning for children.
Selectively Fluorinated Furan‐Phenylene Co‐Oligomers Pave the Way to Bright Ambipolar Light‐Emitting Electronic Devices
Authors: Koskin Igor P. , Becker Christina S. , Sonina Alina A. , Trukhanov Vasiliy A. , Shumilov Nikita A. , Kuimov Anatoly D. , Zhuravleva Yuliya S. , Kiseleva Yuliya O. , Shundrina Inna K. , Sherin Peter S. , Paraschuk Dmitry Yu. , Kazantsev Maxim S.
Published: August 2021

Linearly conjugated oligomers attract ever‐growing attention as promising systems for organic optoelectronics because of their inherent lucky combination of high charge mobility and bright luminescence. Among them, furan‐phenylene co‐oligomers (FPCOs) are distinguished by outstanding solubility, very bright luminescence, and good hole‐transport properties; however, furan‐containing organic semiconductors generally lack electron transport, which makes it impossible to utilize them in efficient light‐emitting electronic devices, specifically, ambipolar light‐emitting transistors. In this work, 1,4‐bis(5‐phenylfuran‐2‐yl)benzene (FP5) derivatives are synthesized with the fully/partially fluorinated central and edge phenyl rings. It is shown that the selective fluorination of FPCOs lowers the energies of frontier molecular orbitals, maintaining the bandgap, solubility, and bright luminescence, dramatically improves the photostability, tunes the π‐π stacked packing, and allows the first realization of electron transport in FPCOs. It is found that selectively fluorinated 2,2′‐(2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoro‐1,4‐phenylene)bis[5‐(3,5‐difluorophenyl)furan] demonstrates well‐balanced ambipolar charge transport and efficient electroluminescence in an organic light‐emitting transistor (OLET) with external quantum and luminous efficiencies as high as 0.63% and 5 cdA−1, respectively, which are among the best reported for OLETs. The findings show that “smart” fluorination is a powerful tool to fine‐tune the stability and performance of linearly conjugated small molecules for organic optoelectronics.
Ruthenium (II)‐Coordinated Supramolecular Metallodrug Complex Realizing Oxygen Self‐Supply In Situ for Overcoming Hypoxic Tumors
Authors: Liu Chengfei , Li Muqiong , Li Pengxiang , Bai Yang , Pang Jun , Fan Li , Tian Wei
Published: August 2021

Tumor hypoxia greatly limits the antitumor therapeutic efficacy of oxygen (O2)‐dependent treatments. The common strategies of doping O2 generating compounds into one “package” may lead to insufficient O2 supply in situ in cancer cells due to the relatively low loading content, limited reproducibility, and uncontrollable release kinetics. Herein, organometallic drug complexes combined with a supramolecular interaction strategy are proposed to realize a stable and efficient O2 self‐supply in situ for overcoming hypoxic tumors. A ruthenium (II)‐coordinated supramolecular metallodrug complex (RuSMDC) is first designed and synthesized via host–guest interactions between two functionalized drug molecules, in which ruthenium is used to catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to produce O2. The obtained RuSMDC further self‐assembles into Ru‐containing supramolecular metallodrug micelles (RuSMDMs), which provides sufficient O2 for chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT) oncotherapy in an anaerobic tumor environment. In vitro and in vivo studies further confirm that RuSMDMs effectively alleviate the tumor hypoxic environment, greatly improve the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy and PDT oncotherapy, and reduce the systemic toxicity to normal organs.
Constructing All‐Inorganic Perovskite/Fluoride Nanocomposites for Efficient and Ultra‐Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wei Youchao , Zhao Yao , Liu Caiping , Wang Zhaoyu , Jiang Feilong , Liu Yongsheng , Zhao Qing , Yu Dapeng , Hong Maochun
Published: August 2021

Organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have rapidly developed over the past decade and have achieved the latest certified power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 25.5%. However, unsatisfactory long‐term operational stability for these hybrid PSCs remains a huge obstacle to further development and commercialization. Herein, a unique hetero‐structured CsPbI3/CaF2 perovskite/fluoride nanocomposites (PFNCs) is fabricated via a newly developed facile two‐step hetero‐epitaxial growth strategy to deliver efficient and ultra‐stable PSCs. After being incorporated into the crystal lattice of α‐phase CsPbI3 perovskite, the cubic‐phase CaF2 in the resultant CsPbI3/CaF2 PFNCs can not only passivate the intrinsic defects of CsPbI3 perovskite itself but also effectively suppress the notorious ion migration in hybrid perovskite Cs0.05FA0.81MA0.14PbI2.55Br0.45 (CsFAMA) thin‐films of PSCs. As such, the CsFAMA PSC devices based on CsPbI3/CaF2‐deposited perovskite thin‐film achieve a mean PCE of 20.45%, in sharp contrast to 19.33% of the control devices without deposition. Specifically, the CsPbI3/CaF2‐deposited PSC retains 85% of its original PCE after 1000 h continuous operation at the maximum power point under AM 1.5G solar light, far better than those of the control and CsPbI3‐deposited PSCs with a device T85 lifetime of 315 and 125 h, respectively.
An Injectable Meta‐Biomaterial: From Design and Simulation to In Vivo Shaping and Tissue Induction
Authors: Béduer Amélie , Bonini Fabien , Verheyen Connor A. , Genta Martina , Martins Mariana , Brefie‐Guth Joé , Tratwal Josefine , Filippova Aleksandra , Burch Patrick , Naveiras Olaia , Braschler Thomas
Published: August 2021

A novel type of injectable biomaterial with an elastic softening transition is described. The material enables in vivo shaping, followed by induction of 3D stable vascularized tissue. The synthesis of the injectable meta‐biomaterial is instructed by extensive numerical simulation as a suspension of irregularly fragmented, highly porous sponge‐like microgels. The irregular particle shape dramatically enhances yield strain for in vivo stability against deformation. Porosity of the particles, along with friction between internal surfaces, provides the elastic softening transition. This emergent metamaterial property enables the material to reversibly change stiffness during deformation, allowing native tissue properties to be matched over a wide range of deformation amplitudes. After subcutaneous injection in mice, predetermined shapes can be sculpted manually. The 3D shape is maintained during excellent host tissue integration, with induction of vascular connective tissue that persists to the end of one‐year follow‐up. The geometrical design is compatible with many hydrogel materials, including cell‐adhesion motives for cell transplantation. The injectable meta‐biomaterial therefore provides new perspectives in soft tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Implementation of Highly Reliable and Energy Efficient in‐Memory Hamming Distance Computations in 1 Kb 1‐Transistor‐1‐Memristor Arrays
Authors: Lin Huai , Wu Zuheng , Liu Long , Wang Di , Zhao Xuefeng , Cheng Lingli , Lin Ya , Wang Zhongqiang , Xu Xiaoxin , Xu Haiyang , Liu Qi , Xing Guozhong
Published: August 2021

Highly efficient Hamming distance (HD) computations can significantly boost up modern data‐intensive algorithms. However, the traditional complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor devices configured circuits suffer from the huge power consumption with periphery complexity for HD computations. Herein, the implementation of highly reliable and energy efficient in‐memory HD computations in 1 Kb 1‐transistor‐1‐memristor (1T1M) TiN/HfOx/TaOx/TiN array chip is reported. 1T1M devices demonstrate a high on/off ratio of 50, high programming speed of 20 ns, and low energy consumption of 0.224 pJ bit−1. By modulating the 1T1M cell gate and source signal synergistically, the characteristic XOR operations of the binary information are executed in a reliable manner. Importantly, equipped with a stable low resistance state (LRS) distribution (coefficient of variation <11%), the developed 1T1M arrays can implement accurate HD computations between two 8‐bit strings and simultaneously store computing results in the memristors. The complementary studies demonstrate that the stable LRS is attributed to the TaOx built‐in compliance layer which facilitates the transistor surge current reduction during forming and SET, elaborating the significant potential for achieving reliable in‐memory HD computations. Such architecture manifests a 5‐ and 36.89‐fold enhancement of the processing latency and energy efficiency in comparison with latest reports, promoting the fan out of new in‐memory computing applications.
Efficient White Light Emission from Ga/Ga2O3 Hybrid Nanoparticles
Authors: Xiang Jin , Li Shulei , Sun Zhibo , Chen Jingdong , Chen Lei , Pangmai Mingcheng , Li Guangcan , Lan Sheng
Published: August 2021

Gallium (Ga) emerges as a promising material in plasmonics mainly due to its extraordinary properties, such as changeable material phase, tunable plasmon resonances across the ultraviolet to near‐infrared spectral range, and remarkable chemical stability. Here, the efficient white light emission from gallium oxide (Ga2O3) nanoparticles doped with liquid Ga nanodots, which are fabricated by using a laser‐induced oxidation method is reported. The quantum efficiency of Ga/Ga2O3 hybrid nanoparticles is found to be ≈1.3%, which is nearly two orders of magnitude larger than that of liquid Ga nanoparticles. It is revealed that the existence of Schottky barrier and hotspots in Ga/Ga2O3 nanoparticles plays a crucial role in enhancing the quantum efficiency. As an example of practical applications, high‐quality optical data storage is demonstrated by exploiting the controllable formation of Ga/Ga2O3 nanoparticles on a platform of disordered Ga nanoislands. These results suggest the potential applications of Ga/Ga2O3 hybrid nanoparticles in the development of nanoscale light sources and data storage devices.
Quantum Dot Self‐Assembly Enables Low‐Threshold Lasing
Authors: Zhou Chun , M. Pina Joao , Zhu Tong , H. Parmar Darshan , Chang Hao , Yu Jie , Yuan Fanglong , Bappi Golam , Hou Yi , Zheng Xiaopeng , Abed Jehad , Chen Hao , Zhang Jian , Gao Yuan , Chen Bin , Wang Ya‐Kun , Chen Haijie , Zhang Tianju , Hoogland Sjoerd , Saidaminov Makhsud I. , Sun Liaoxin , Bakr Osman M. , Dong Hongxing , Zhang Long , H. Sargent Edward
Published: August 2021

Perovskite quantum dots (QDs) are of interest for solution‐processed lasers; however, their short Auger lifetime has limited lasing operation principally to the femtosecond temporal regime the photoexcitation levels to achieve optical gain threshold are up to two orders of magnitude higher in the nanosecond regime than in the femtosecond. Here the authors report QD superlattices in which the gain medium facilitates excitonic delocalization to decrease Auger recombination and in which the macroscopic dimensions of the structures provide the optical feedback required for lasing. The authors develope a self‐assembly strategy that relies on sodiumd—an assembly director that passivates the surface of the QDs and induces self‐assembly to form ordered three‐dimensional cubic structures. A density functional theory model that accounts for the attraction forces between QDs allows to explain self‐assembly and superlattice formation. Compared to conventional organic‐ligand‐passivated QDs, sodium enables higher attractive forces, ultimately leading to the formation of micron‐length scale structures and the optical faceting required for feedback. Simultaneously, the decreased inter‐dot distance enabled by the new ligand enhances exciton delocalization among QDs, as demonstrated by the dynamically red‐shifted photoluminescence. These structures function as the lasing cavity and the gain medium, enabling nanosecond‐sustained lasing with a threshold of 25 µJ cm–2.
Bidirectional Planar Flexible Snake‐Origami Batteries
Authors: Li Na , Chen Haosen , Yang Shuangquan , Yang Heng , Jiao Shuqiang , Song Wei‐Li
Published: August 2021

With the rapid development of commercial flexible/wearable devices, flexible batteries have attracted great attention as optimal power sources. However, a combination of high energy density and excellent arbitrary deformation ability is still a critical challenge to satisfy practical applications. Inspired by rigid and soft features of chemical molecular structures, novel bidirectional flexible snake‐origami lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) with both high energy density and favorable flexibility are designed and fabricated. The flexible snake‐origami battery consists of rigid and soft segments, where the former is designed as the energy unit and the latter served as the deformation unit. With the unique features from such design, the as‐fabricated battery with calculating all the components exhibits a record‐setting energy density of 357 Wh L−1 (133 Wh kg−1), compared with the cell‐scale flexible LIBs achieved from both academic and industry. Additionally, a design principle is established to verify the validity of utilizing rigid‐soft‐coupled structure for enduring various deformations, and the intrinsic relationship between battery structure, energy density, and flexibility can be confirmed. The results suggest that the design principle and performance of bidirectional flexible snake‐origami batteries will provide a new reliable strategy for achieving high energy flexible batteries for wearable devices.
Green Light‐Triggered Intraocular Drug Release for Intravenous Chemotherapy of Retinoblastoma
Authors: Long Kaiqi , Yang Yang , Lv Wen , Jiang Kuan , Li Yafei , Lo Amy Cheuk Yin , Lam Wai Ching , Zhan Changyou , Wang Weiping
Published: August 2021

Retinoblastoma is one of the most severe ocular diseases, of which current chemotherapy is limited to the repetitive intravitreal injections of chemotherapeutics. Systemic drug administration is a less invasive route; however, it is also less efficient for ocular drug delivery because of the existence of blood‐retinal barrier and systemic side effects. Here, a photoresponsive drug release system is reported, which is self‐assembled from photocleavable trigonal small molecules, to achieve light‐triggered intraocular drug accumulation. After intravenous injection of drug‐loaded nanocarriers, green light can trigger the disassembly of the nanocarriers in retinal blood vessels, which leads to intraocular drug release and accumulation to suppress retinoblastoma growth. This proof‐of‐concept study would advance the development of light‐triggered drug release systems for the intravenous treatment of eye diseases.
High Depth‐of‐Discharge Zinc Rechargeability Enabled by a Self‐Assembled Polymeric Coating
Authors: Arnot David J. , Lim Matthew B. , Bell Nelson S. , Schorr Noah B. , Hill Ryan C. , Meyer Andrew , Cheng Yang‐Tse , Lambert Timothy N.
Published: August 2021

Zinc has the potential for widespread use as an environmentally friendly and cost‐effective anode material pending the resolution of rechargeability issues caused by active material loss and shape change. Here, a self‐assembled Nafion‐coated Celgard 3501 (NC‐Celgard) separator is shown to enable unprecedented cycle life of a Zn anode in alkaline electrolyte at high depth‐of‐discharge (DODZn). Using commercially relevant energy‐dense electrodes with high areal capacities of 60 mAh cm–2, Zn–Ni cells tested at 20% DODZn cells achieve over 200 cycles while 50% DODZn cells achieve over 100 cycles before failure. The 20% and 50% DOD cells deliver an average of 132 and 180 Wh L–1 per cycle over their lifetime respectively. Rechargeability is attributed to the highly selective diffusion properties of the 300 nm thick negatively charged Nafion coating on the separator which prevents shorting by dendrites and inhibits redistribution of the active material. Crossover experiments show that the NC‐Celgard separator is practically impermeable to zincate ([Zn(OH)4]2–), outperforming commercial Celgard, cellophane, Nafion 211 and 212 separators while still allowing hydroxide transport. This work demonstrates the efficacy of selective separators for increasing the cycle life of energy‐dense Zn electrodes without adding significant volume or complexity to the system.
Isolation of Metalloid Boron Atoms in Intermetallic Carbide Boosts the Catalytic Selectivity for Electrocatalytic N2 Fixation
Authors: Wen Yankun , Zhuang Zechao , Zhu Han , Hao Jiace , Chu Kaibin , Lai Feili , Zong Wei , Wang Chan , Ma Piming , Dong Weifu , Lu Shuanglong , Liu Tianxi , Du Mingliang
Published: August 2021

The electrochemical N2 reduction reaction (eNRR) is considered to be an attractive alternative to overcome the short‐comings of the Haber‐Bosch method, where the electrocatalysts play a vital role in the eNRR efficiency. Herein, isolated single‐B sites with electron deficiency in intermetallic carbide are rationally designed to trigger charge density redistribution, achieving excellent selectivity for eNRR. The B‐rich VC nanocrystals are in situ synthesized on carbon nanofibers (B‐VC/CNFs), and the ordered intermetallic structure of VC can isolate contiguous B atoms into single‐B sites with specific electronic structures. In light of density functional theory calculations, the as‐designed BCV configuration can regulate the adsorption behavior of N2 and decrease the energy barrier for the proton–electron coupling and transferring process (*NN → *NNH), endowing the distinguished activity and selectivity, as evidenced by excellent Faradaic efficiency of 46.1% and NH3 yield of 0.443 µmol h–1 cm–2. The operando Raman spectra reveals the formation of NH intermediates on the surfaces of B‐VC/CNFs, further confirming the calculated eNRR pathway. This intermetallic carbide host strategy for generating electron‐deficient single‐B sites offers powerful guidelines for designing advanced eNRR electrocatalysts to achieve effective ammonia production.
Seasonal patterns of callose deposition and xylem embolism in five boreal deciduous tree species
Authors: Miller Ashley E. , Stanfield Ryan C. , Hacke Uwe G.
Published: August 2021

Premise

Phloem tissue allows for sugar transport along the entirety of a plant and, thus, is one of the most important anatomical structures related to growth. It is thought that the sugar‐conducting sieve tube may overwinter and that its cells persist multiple seasons in deciduous trees. One possible overwintering strategy is to build up callose on phloem sieve plates to temporarily cease their function. We tested the hypothesis that five deciduous tree species produce callose on their sieve plates on a seasonal basis.

Methods

Young shoots of five deciduous tree species were sampled periodically between April 2019 and February 2020 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. After enzymatic digestion of cytoplasmic constituents, cross sections were imaged using scanning electron microscopy to observe and quantify the level of callose deposition at monthly intervals, and sieve plate pore size was measured. Using a conductivity apparatus, we measured xylem native embolism during these sampling periods.

Results

Contrary to past work on some of the same species, we found little evidence that sieve tubes overwinter by becoming occluded with callose. Instead, we found that most sieve plates remain open. Xylem embolism was minimal during the peak growing season, but increased over winter.

Conclusions

Many species had been assumed to deposit callose on sieve plates over winter, though anatomical and phenological phloem data were sparse. Our data do not support this notion.
Delta Baryon Photoproduction with Twisted Photons
Authors: Afanasev Andrei , Carlson Carl E.
Published: August 2021

A future gamma factory at CERN or accelerator‐based gamma sources elsewhere can include the possibility of energetic twisted photons, which are photons with a structured wave front that can allow a pre‐defined large angular momentum along the beam direction. Twisted photons are potentially a new tool in hadronic physics, and one possibility is considered here, namely the photoproduction of Δ(1232) baryons using twisted photons. It is shown that particular polarization amplitudes isolate the smaller partial wave amplitudes and they are measurable without interference from the terms that are otherwise dominant.
Three novel spiral chain Nd (III) Eu (III) Sm (III)complexes bridged by 1,1 '(1,4‐phenylene‐bis [methylene])‐bis (pyridine‐3‐carboxylicaicd): Synthesis, structural characterization, and antitumor activity
Authors: Liu Gongchi , Wu Shuangyan , Liu Wei , Gao Guoxu , Zhang Ying , Gao Enjun , Zhu Mingchang
Published: August 2021

In this work, three new complexes [Ln2(L)3·H2O]n (where Ln = Nd(1)、Eu (2) and Sm (3)) have been synthesized by H2L (H2L = 1,1 ‘(1,4‐phenylene‐ bis [methylene])‐bis (pyridine‐3‐carboxylicaicd)) and were characterized by X‐ray single crystal diffraction and PXRD. The interaction of these complexes with FS DNA (fish sperm DNA) and the DNA binding constants of the complexes were determined using UV spectroscopy, indicating their ability to bind to FS DNA. The DNA binding constants k of the three complexes were 1.0186 × 104, 5.047 × 103, and 5.115 × 103, respectively. The results of UV spectrum showed that the complex 1–3 was bound to DNA through hydrogen bonding. The interaction of the complexes with FS DNA was studied by fluorescence spectroscopy. The stern‐volmer quenching values of complexes 1, 2, and 3 were 0.186, 0.093, and 0.114, respectively. Electrophoresis experiments showed that the three complexes could cleave DNA molecules. In addition, flow cytometry, and morphological apoptosis studies showed that the complex could induce apoptosis of HeLa tumor cells. Results all the three complexes had potential medicinal value.
Wettability control and oil/water separation performance of3D‐printed porous materials
Authors: Guo Yonggang , Luo Bingpeng , Wang Xinchao , Liu Shihua , Geng Tie
Published: August 2021

In this paper, polylactic acid porous materials were prepared by a fused deposition modeling 3D printing method. Then, a combination of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) solution etching containing hydrophobic nano‐silica (HN‐SiO2) and low surface energy fluorosilane modification was used to obtain the samples with different wettability. The effect of immersion time in MEK solution and HN‐SiO2content on the wettability of porous samples was investigated. Finally, the sample with the highest contact angle and extremely low sliding angle was selected for the oil/water separation test. The separation efficiency of oil/water separators with hole side lengths of 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2 for five different oil/water mixtures was investigated. The results show that the oil/water separator with a hole side length of 1.0 mm has a better primary separation effect. With the increase of the hole size of the oil–water separator, the effect of multiple separations is unfavorable. The oil/water separator with hole side length of 0.8 mm has repeatable oil/water separation performance many times. This research provides a new idea for the application of the oil/water separator with a hole side length greater than 0.6 mm printed by an ordinary, inexpensive, low‐precision fusion 3D printer.
Bioanalytical chemistry with scanning electrochemical microscopy
Authors: Gwon Hyo Jin , Lim Donghoon , Ahn Hyun S.
Published: August 2021

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is a powerful and suitable tool for visualizing local electrochemical activity as well as topography of surfaces. Due to the development of electrode manufacturing technology, high spatial resolution can be achieved, and various applications are possible by combining SECM with other technologies. Many studies have applied SECM to bioanalytical chemistry at the single‐cell level. The purpose of this review is to introduce various advanced nanoelectrode fabrication techniques and their subsequent applications in bioanalytical research using SECM.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Model of Two‐Phase Flow in NETmix Reactors
Authors: Fernandes Isabel Sousa , de Brito Margarida Sarmento e Cunha Abrunhosa , Manrique Yaidelin Alves , Dias Madalena Maria , Lopes José Carlos Brito , Santos Ricardo Jorge
Published: August 2021

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling approach was developed to study the mixing of two immiscible liquids in NETmix reactors. A two‐dimensional two‐phase CFD model based on the Euler‐Euler approach with the volume‐of‐fluid (VOF) method was implemented in a reduced physical domain from the imposition of periodic boundary conditions. The fluids modeled were sunflower oil and water. The VOF modeling was validated by comparison with experimental results. CFD results predicted the actual flow regimes and overall flow patterns for each phase at three Reynolds numbers. The validation demonstrated the 2D CFD model to describe the physics of two‐phase flow in the NETmix reactors. This model can be applied to design studies for liquid‐liquid extraction or gas‐liquid reactors, where the operation flow regime is crucial.
Arsenic (III) Detection with Underpotential Deposition and Anodic Stripping Voltammetry
Authors: Zhang Yifei , Li Danlei , Compton Richard G.
Published: August 2021

We report a stripping voltammetric method for the detection of aqueous As(III) using a Pt macroelectrode or a Pt nanoparticle‐modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) which, novelly, is based on the underpotential deposition of As atoms. The method consists of a pre‐concentration reductive step to accumulate As ad‐atoms onto Pt, followed by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). It is shown that the stripping peak of As ad‐atoms improves the response at low concentrations of As(III) as compared to analogous measurements using the deposition of bulk As. No interference was seen from Cu(II) at realistic concentrations although high concentrations of chloride inhibited the deposition of the ad‐atoms. A linear response was found for the concentration range 0.05 to 1 μM As(III) at both types of electrode with a visually clear signal recorded at 0.05 μM (4 ppb), suggesting that this method has practical value noting the WHO limit of 0.13 μM (10 ppb) for safe drinking water.
Modellbildung und Simulation der mehrstufigen Filterkuchenwäsche im Gegenstrom
Authors: Sprott Thomas , Brückner Andreas , Hoffner Bernhard
Published: August 2021

Die Filterkuchenwäsche ist ein weitverbreiteter Prozess in vielen Industriezweigen. Jedoch ist der Prozess sehr komplex und nur schwer mathematisch zu beschreiben. Vor allem die mehrstufige Filterkuchenwäsche im Gegenstrom weist noch erhebliche Verständnisdefizite auf. In dieser Arbeit wird ein Modell vorgestellt, mit welchem die Filterkuchenwäsche für nicht poröse Partikel für die bekannten Phänomene Verdrängung, Dispersion und Diffusion beschrieben werden kann. Mit Beispielsimulationen wird die Anwendbarkeit des Modells veranschaulicht.
Selective catalytic reduction: Adding an ammonia slip catalyst mitigates dosing errors
Authors: Bendrich Michelle , Opitz Bastian , Scheuer Alexander , Hayes Robert E. , Votsmeier Martin
Published: August 2021

This paper uses computational simulation to compare the performance of two catalytic systems designed for the removal of oxides of nitrogen from automotive engine exhaust using selective catalytic reduction (SCR). The first system is comprised of an SCR catalyst alone, whilst the second system adds an ammonia slip catalyst (ASC) to the end of an SCR catalyst. Both systems had the same total length. Comparisons of the NOx removal efficiency and the degree of ammonia slip are made using driving cycles and an optimized ammonia dosing strategy. Comparisons are also made for the case where a constant error in the ammonia dosing occurs. The addition of the ASC reduces ammonia slip during over‐dosing scenarios and gives a greater NOx conversion during under‐dosing cases. This work concludes that the ASC is a positive addition to the SCR in meeting the exhaust emission regulations. Although it does not necessarily allow for a higher NOx conversion, its ability to cope with under‐ and over‐dosing situations can be beneficial in catalyst aging and unpredictable driving conditions.
Hypersensitivity in the lungs is responsible for acute respiratory failure in COVID‐19 patients: Case series of patients who received high‐dose/short‐term methylprednisolone
Authors: Chen Meizhu , Tu Changli , Tan Cuiyan , Zheng Xiaobin , Sun Fengfei , Liang Yingjian , Shi Honglei , Wu Jian , Huang Yiying , Wang Zhenguo , Wang Kongqiu , Lin Minmin , Wu Weiming , Zhou Hong , Liu Jing , Huang Jin
Published: August 2021

Background

COVID‐19 is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus. Patients with severe disease have a high fatality rate and face a huge medical burden due to the need for invasive mechanical ventilation. Hypoxic respiratory failure is the major cause of death in these patients. There are currently no specific anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 drugs, and the effect of corticosteroids is still controversial.

Methods

The clinical data of 102 COVID‐19 patients, including 27 patients with severe disease, were analyzed. The serum levels of total IgE and anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 specific IgE were compared in healthy controls and COVID‐19 patients, changes in the level of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 specific IgE and clinical response to methylprednisolone (MP) treatment were analyzed, and the effect of high‐dose/short‐term MP therapy for patients with critical illness and respiratory failure was determined.

Results

COVID‐19 patients had elevated serum levels of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 specific IgE, and patients with severe disease, especially critical illness, had even higher levels. Application of short‐term/high‐dose MP significantly reduced the level of these IgE antibodies and also blocked the progression of hypoxic respiratory failure. Hypoxic respiratory failure in patients with COVID‐19 is related to pulmonary hypersensitivity.

Conclusions

Hypersensitivity in the lungs is responsible for acute respiratory failure in COVID‐19 patients. Application of high‐dose/short‐term MP appears to be an effective life‐saving method for COVID‐19 patients who have hypoxic respiratory failure.
First‐Principles Investigation of the Effect of Vanadium Doping on Hydrogen Incorporation in Tungsten
Authors: Cui Zilin , Zhang Xin , Xu Yuhong , Lei Guangjiu , Li Heng , Zhu Yiqin , Hu Jun , Geng Shaofei , Liu Qijun , Ni Yuxiang , Liu Haifeng , Wang Xianqu , Huang Jie , Liu Hai , Cheng Jun , Tang Changjian
Published: August 2021

Using the first‐principles method based on the density functional theory, hydrogen diffusion, electron structure, and mechanical properties of hydrogen impurity in W15V structure are investigated in this paper. It is found that in W‐V lattice the single H atom tends to be located in the tetrahedral interstitial site nearest to V atom with the solution energy of 0.614 eV. The calculation of energy barriers shows that the V doping can be helpful to trap H atoms near the V atom. The analysis of the elastic moduli shows that the V‐alloying can decrease the strength and improve the ductility of pure W. In addition, the H impurity further enhances this situation. Besides, the effect of H impurity on pure W is greater than W15V structure. The results of this study offer a useful database for the research of W‐based alloys for plasma facing materials (PFMs).
Assessing the impact of socially responsible human resources management on company environmental performance and cost of debt
Authors: Gangi Francesco , D'Angelo Eugenio , Daniele Lucia Michela , Varrone Nicola
Published: August 2021

This study answers the call for more in‐depth investigations into the antecedents and effects of corporate environmental responsibility (CER). In particular, we aim to verify whether socially responsible human resource management (SRHRM) positively affects the level of CER engagement and whether CER impacts firm financial performance. Based on a sample of 317 food companies, over the study period 2010–2017, we found that SRHRM improves CER engagement, both as a whole and with reference to its sub‐pillars. Furthermore, findings from the current study reveal that CER reduces the cost of debt and negatively moderates the positive effect of SRHRM on financial costs. The paper provides original implications concerning the complementarity between social and environmental activities and the benefits for firms to communicate their environmental performance to debt holders.
Meldonium residues in milk: A possible scenario for inadvertent doping in sports?
Authors: Guddat Sven , Görgens Christian , Sobolevsky Tim , Thevis Mario
Published: August 2021

Lately, the veterinary drug Emidonol® has been discussed as a possible scenario for inadvertent doping in sports. Emidonol® is approved for use in livestock breeding, exhibiting antihypoxic and weak sedative effects. The veterinary drug rapidly dissociates into meldonium, a substance prohibited in sports, and is excreted largely in its unchanged form into urine. To investigate if residues of meldonium in edible produce may result in adverse analytical findings in sports drug testing, a pilot study was conducted with three volunteers consuming a single dose of 100 ml meldonium‐spiked milk at a concentration of 500 ng/ml (Study 1), and multiple doses of 100 ml of meldonium‐spiked milk (500 ng/ml) on five consecutive days (Study 2). In the single dose study, urinary meldonium concentrations peaked between 2 and 6 h post‐administration with maximum values of 7.5 ng/ml, whereas maximum meldonium concentrations of 18.6 ng/ml were determined after multiple doses 4 h post‐administration. All samples were analyzed using an established and validated protocol based on HILIC‐HRMS/MS.
Stability study of the antiviral agent camphecene in dried blood spots at different temperatures
Authors: Okhina Alina A. , Rogachev Artem D. , Yarovaya Olga I. , Pokrovsky Andrey G. , Salakhutdinov Nariman F.
Published: August 2021

In this study, an optimized procedure of sample preparation for quantitative determination of the antiviral agent camphecene in dried rat blood spots was developed. It has been shown that when using methanol containing 0.1% HCOOH as an extractant, the recovery of the substance increases in comparison with the previously developed method. In addition to this, there is no need to dilute the obtained solutions with water for the analysis of the sample by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on a column with a reversed‐phase sorbent. By using the developed method, the stability of samples of dried rat blood spots containing camphecene in different concentrations at different temperatures was studied. It was found that while the samples were stored at room temperature, apparently, desorption of the substance occurs leading to a loss of more than 15% of its initial amount after 5–10 days. Lowering the temperature increases the stability of samples and their storage at −70°C is possible for 4 weeks.
Optimizing noninvasive sampling of a zoonotic bat virus
Authors: Giles John R. , Peel Alison J. , Wells Konstans , Plowright Raina K. , McCallum Hamish , Restif Olivier
Published: August 2021

Outbreaks of infectious viruses resulting from spillover events from bats have brought much attention to bat‐borne zoonoses, which has motivated increased ecological and epidemiological studies on bat populations. Field sampling methods often collect pooled samples of bat excreta from plastic sheets placed under‐roosts. However, positive bias is introduced because multiple individuals may contribute to pooled samples, making studies of viral dynamics difficult. Here, we explore the general issue of bias in spatial sample pooling using Hendra virus in Australian bats as a case study. We assessed the accuracy of different under‐roost sampling designs using generalized additive models and field data from individually captured bats and pooled urine samples. We then used theoretical simulation models of bat density and under‐roost sampling to understand the mechanistic drivers of bias. The most commonly used sampling design estimated viral prevalence 3.2 times higher than individual‐level data, with positive bias 5–7 times higher than other designs due to spatial autocorrelation among sampling sheets and clustering of bats in roosts. Simulation results indicate using a stratified random design to collect 30–40 pooled urine samples from 80 to 100 sheets, each with an area of 0.75–1 m2, and would allow estimation of true prevalence with minimum sampling bias and false negatives. These results show that widely used under‐roost sampling techniques are highly sensitive to viral presence, but lack specificity, providing limited information regarding viral dynamics. Improved estimation of true prevalence can be attained with minor changes to existing designs such as reducing sheet size, increasing sheet number, and spreading sheets out within the roost area. Our findings provide insight into how spatial sample pooling is vulnerable to bias for a wide range of systems in disease ecology, where optimal sampling design is influenced by pathogen prevalence, host population density, and patterns of aggregation.
Does urbanization ameliorate the effect of endoparasite infection in kangaroo rats?
Authors: Hurtado Gizelle , Mayer Ghislaine , Mabry Karen E.
Published: August 2021

Urban development can fragment and degrade remnant habitat. Such habitat alterations can have profound impacts on wildlife, including effects on population density, parasite infection status, parasite prevalence, and body condition. We investigated the influence of urbanization on populations of Merriam's kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami) and their parasites. We predicted that urban development would lead to reduced abundance, increased parasite prevalence in urban populations, increased probability of parasite infection for individual animals, and decreased body condition of kangaroo rats in urban versus wildland areas. We live trapped kangaroo rats at 5 urban and 5 wildland sites in and around Las Cruces, NM, USA from 2013 to 2015, collected fecal samples from 209 kangaroo rats, and detected endoparasites using fecal flotation and molecular barcoding. Seven parasite species were detected, although only two parasitic worms, Mastophorus dipodomis and Pterygodermatites dipodomis, occurred frequently enough to allow for statistical analysis. We found no effects of urbanization on population density or probability of parasite infection. However, wildland animals infected with P. dipodomis had lower body condition scores than infected animals in urban areas or uninfected animals in either habitat. Our results suggest that urban environments may buffer Merriam's kangaroo rats from the detrimental impacts to body condition that P. dipodomis infections can cause.