bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating small extracellular vesicles increase after an acute bout of moderate-intensity exercise in pregnant compared to non-pregnant women
Authors: Mohammad Shuhiba , Hutchinson Kelly Ann , da Silva Danilo Fernandes , Bhattacharjee Jayonta , McInnis Kurt , Burger Dylan , Adamo Kristi B.
Published: June 2021

The physiological and molecular mechanisms linking prenatal physical activity and improvements in maternal–fetal health are unknown. It is hypothesized that small extracellular vesicles (EVs, ~ 10–120 nm) are involved in tissue cross-talk during exercise. We aimed to characterize the circulating small EV profile of pregnant versus non-pregnant women after an acute bout of moderate-intensity exercise. Pregnant (N = 10) and non-pregnant control (N = 9) women performed a single session of moderate-intensity treadmill walking for 30 min. Plasma was collected immediately pre- and post-exercise, and small EVs were isolated by differential ultracentrifugation. EV presence was confirmed by western blotting for the small EV proteins TSG-101 and flottilin-1. Small EVs were quantified by size and concentration using nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy. All EV fractions were positive for TSG-101 and flotillin-1, and negative for calnexin. Mean vesicle size at baseline and percent change in size post-exercise were not different between groups. At baseline, pregnant women had higher levels of small EVs compared to controls (1.83E+10 ± 1.25E+10 particles/mL vs. 8.11E+09 ± 4.04E+09 particles/mL, respectively; p = 0.032). Post-exercise, small EVs increased significantly in the circulation of pregnant compared to non-pregnant women after correcting for baseline values (64.7 ± 24.6% vs. − 23.3 ± 26.1%, respectively; F = 5.305, p = 0.035). Further research is needed to assess the functional roles of exercise-induced small EVs in pregnancy.
Evidence of a new hidden neural network into deep fasciae
Authors: Fede Caterina , Petrelli Lucia , Guidolin Diego , Porzionato Andrea , Pirri Carmelo , Fan Chenglei , De Caro Raffaele , Stecco Carla
Published: June 2021

It is recognized that different fasciae have different type of innervation, but actually nothing is known about the specific innervation of the two types of deep fascia, aponeurotic and epymisial fascia. In this work the aponeurotic thoracolumbar fascia and the epymisial gluteal fascia of seven adult C57-BL mice were analysed by Transmission Electron Microscopy and floating immunohistochemistry with the aim to study the organization of nerve fibers, the presence of nerve corpuscles and the amount of autonomic innervation. The antibodies used were Anti-S100, Anti-Tyrosine Hydroxylase and Anti-PGP, specific for the Schwann cells forming myelin, the sympathetic nerve fibers, and the peripheral nerve fibers, respectively. The results showed that the fascial tissue is pervaded by a rhomboid and dense network of nerves. The innervation was statistically significantly lower in the gluteal fascia (2.78 ± 0.6% of positive area, 140.3 ± 31.6/mm2 branching points, nerves with 3.2 ± 0.6 mm length and 4.9 ± 0.2 µm thickness) with respect to the thoracolumbar fascia (9.01 ± 0.98% of innervated area, 500.9 ± 43.1 branching points/mm2, length of 87.1 ± 1.0 mm, thickness of 5.8 ± 0.2 µm). Both fasciae revealed the same density of autonomic nerve fibers (0.08%). Lastly, corpuscles were not found in thoracolumbar fascia. Based on these results, it is suggested that the two fasciae have different roles in proprioception and pain perception: the free nerve endings inside thoracolumbar fascia may function as proprioceptors, regulating the tensions coming from associated muscles and having a role in nonspecific low back pain, whereas the epymisial fasciae works to coordinate the actions of the various motor units of the underlying muscle.
The suitability of smartphone camera sensors for detecting radiation
Authors: Johary Yehia H. , Trapp Jamie , Aamry Ali , Aamri Hussin , Tamam N. , Sulieman A.
Published: June 2021

The advanced image sensors installed on now-ubiquitous smartphones can be used to detect ionising radiation in addition to visible light. Radiation incidents on a smartphone camera’s Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensor creates a signal which can be isolated from a visible light signal to turn the smartphone into a radiation detector. This work aims to report a detailed investigation of a well-reviewed smartphone application for radiation dosimetry that is available for popular smartphone devices under a calibration protocol that is typically used for the commercial calibration of radiation detectors. The iPhone 6s smartphone, which has a CMOS camera sensor, was used in this study. Black tape was utilized to block visible light. The Radioactivity counter app developed by Rolf-Dieter Klein and available on Apple’s App Store was installed on the device and tested using a calibrated radioactive source, calibration concrete pads with a range of known concentrations of radioactive elements, and in direct sunlight. The smartphone CMOS sensor is sensitive to radiation doses as low as 10 µGy/h, with a linear dose response and an angular dependence. The RadioactivityCounter app is limited in that it requires 4–10 min to offer a stable measurement. The precision of the measurement is also affected by heat and a smartphone’s battery level. Although the smartphone is not as accurate as a conventional detector, it is useful enough to detect radiation before the radiation reaches hazardous levels. It can also be used for personal dose assessments and as an alarm for the presence of high radiation levels.
Protein residue network analysis reveals fundamental properties of the human coagulation factor VIII
Authors: Lopes Tiago J. S. , Rios Ricardo , Nogueira Tatiane , Mello Rodrigo F.
Published: June 2021

Hemophilia A is an X-linked inherited blood coagulation disorder caused by the production and circulation of defective coagulation factor VIII protein. People living with this condition receive either prophylaxis or on-demand treatment, and approximately 30% of patients develop inhibitor antibodies, a serious complication that limits treatment options. Although previous studies performed targeted mutations to identify important residues of FVIII, a detailed understanding of the role of each amino acid and their neighboring residues is still lacking. Here, we addressed this issue by creating a residue interaction network (RIN) where the nodes are the FVIII residues, and two nodes are connected if their corresponding residues are in close proximity in the FVIII protein structure. We studied the characteristics of all residues in this network and found important properties related to disease severity, interaction to other proteins and structural stability. Importantly, we found that the RIN-derived properties were in close agreement with in vitro and clinical reports, corroborating the observation that the patterns derived from this detailed map of the FVIII protein architecture accurately capture the biological properties of FVIII.
Trends of the contributions of biophysical (climate) and socioeconomic elements to regional heat islands
Authors: Chen Shengzi , Yu Zhaowu , Liu Min , Da Liangjun , Faiz ul Hassan Muhammad
Published: June 2021

The development of urban accumulations in recent decades has led to the transformation of urban heat islands (UHI) into regional heat islands (RHI). The contributions of the biophysical, climate, and socioeconomic factors to RHI in urban agglomeration remain poorly understood. Here Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration (YRDUA) in eastern China has been selected as a case area to explore the influences trends, of the influencing factors to RHI by using MODIS data from 2003 to 2017. Results showed that, in summer, the area fraction of daytime RHI in YRDUA has increased from 21.74 to 31.03% in 2003 and 2017, respectively. As compared to 2003, the annual nighttime RHI area in 2017 has increased from 7510 to 20,097 km2. The dominant factors of surface RHI intensity (SRHII) showed seasonal variation. Enhanced vegetation index (EVI) (interpretation of 33.27%) was the dominant factor of daytime SRHII in spring. The most important factor was normalized difference build-up density (NDBI) (37.28% and 26.83%, respectively) in summer and autumn. In winter, precipitation (26.16%) was the most influential. At night, Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI) had a dominant effect on SRHII in spring (54.12%), autumn (52.62%), and winter (24.19%). The dominant factor of nighttime SRHII in summer was EVI (42%). Moreover, water bodies harm RHI during the day while having a positive effect at night. These findings can provide a theoretical basis for regional environment improvement and regional sustainable development.
Microclimate feedbacks sustain power law clustering of encroaching coastal woody vegetation
Authors: Huang Heng , Tuley Philip A. , Tu Chengyi , Zinnert Julie C. , Rodriguez-Iturbe Ignacio , D’Odorico Paolo
Published: June 2021

The spatial pattern of vegetation patchiness may follow universal characteristic rules when the system is close to critical transitions between alternative states, which improves the anticipation of ecosystem-level state changes which are currently difficult to detect in real systems. However, the spatial patterning of vegetation patches in temperature-driven ecosystems have not been investigated yet. Here, using high-resolution imagery from 1972 to 2013 and a stochastic cellular automata model, we show that in a North American coastal ecosystem where woody plant encroachment has been happening, the size distribution of woody patches follows a power law when the system approaches a critical transition, which is sustained by the local positive feedbacks between vegetation and the surrounding microclimate. Therefore, the observed power law distribution of woody vegetation patchiness may be suggestive of critical transitions associated with temperature-driven woody plant encroachment in coastal and potentially other ecosystems.
Pulsed laser assisted high-throughput intracellular delivery in hanging drop based three dimensional cancer spheroids
Authors: Gupta Pallavi , Kar Srabani , Kumar Ashish , Tseng Fan-Gang , Pradhan Shantanu , Mahapatra Pallab Sinha , Santra Tuhin Subhra
Published: June 2021

This is the first study to report laser mediated optoporation-based intracellular delivery in 3D cellular constructs grown in hanging drop cultures.
Tools and methods for circular dichroism spectroscopy of proteins: a tutorial review
Authors: Miles A. J. , Janes Robert W. , Wallace B. A.
Published: June 2021

This tutorial review discusses current methods and resources available for good practice data collection and analyses of circular dichroism spectroscopy, a widely-used method for examining the structures and conformational changes of proteins.
Development and validation of a point-of-care breath test for octane detection
Authors: Hagens Laura A. , Verschueren Alwin R. M. , Lammers Ariana , Heijnen Nanon F. L. , Smit Marry R. , Nijsen Tamara M. E. , Geven Inge , Schultz Marcus J. , Bergmans Dennis C. J. J. , Schnabel Ronny M. , Bos Lieuwe D. J.
Published: June 2021

We developed a POC breath test that can rapidly and reliably detect octane, with excellent repeatability, at clinically relevant levels of low ppb in exhaled breath of ventilated ICU patients.
Genotyping simplified: rationally designed antisense oligonucleotide-mediated PCR amplification-free colorimetric sensing of viral RNA in HCV genotypes 1 and 3
Authors: Mohammed Almas Shamaila , Balapure Aniket , Khan Aleem Ahmed , Khaja Mahammad Nanne , Ganesan Ramakrishnan , Dutta Jayati Ray
Published: June 2021

A proof-of-concept PCR-free colorimetric and spectrophotometric hepatitis C viral genotyping of 1 and 3 in clinical cohorts using a combination of plasmonic Au NPs and non-thiolated genotype-specific antisense oligonucleotides is presented.
Highly sensitive detection of 6mA at single-base resolution based on A–C mismatch
Authors: Li Wei , Yang Hongmei , Wang Yafen , Weng Xiaocheng , Wang Fang
Published: June 2021

We first demonstrated that 6mA can be selectively recognized based on the selective ligation reaction of DNA ligase toward A–C mismatch and 6mA-C mismatch.
An electrochemical biosensor for the detection of pathogenic bacteria based on dual signal amplification of Cu3(PO4)2-mediated click chemistry and DNAzymes
Authors: Wei Hongguo , Bu Shengjun , Zhang Wenguang , Ma Li , Liu Xiu , Wang Ze , Li Zhongyi , Hao Zhuo , He Xiuxia , Wan Jiayu
Published: June 2021

A novel electrochemical biosensor for detecting pathogenic bacteria was designed based on specific magnetic separation and highly sensitive click chemistry.
Bio-alcohol induced self-assembly of heterojunctioned TiO2/WO3 composites into a hierarchical yolk–shell structure for photocatalysis
Authors: He Jiehong , Lyu Pin , Li Dan , Cheng Can , Chang Shaoshuai , Qin Liansheng , Zheng Chengjin , Zhu Jian
Published: June 2021

Synthesis of a series of hierarchical TiO2-based heterojunctions with tailored interior space from solid, core–shell and yolk–shell to fully hollow structures.
De novodesigned coiled coils as scaffolds for lanthanides, including novel imaging agents with a twist
Authors: Webster Alexandra M. , Peacock Anna F. A.
Published: June 2021

The design of artificial miniature lanthanide proteins, provide an opportunity to access new functional metalloproteins as well as insight into native lanthanide biochemistry.
Hg3(Te3O8)(SO4): a new sulfate tellurite with a novel structure and large birefringence explored from d10 metal compounds
Authors: Li Peng-Fei , Hu Chun-Li , Gong Ya-Ping , Kong Fang , Mao Jiang-Gao
Published: June 2021

Four new sulfate tellurites have been found from d10 Metal–Te4+–SO42− systems and the mercury compound, Hg3(Te3O8)(SO4), exhibits the largest birefringence among the reported metal sulfate tellurites to date.
Complete deconstruction of SF6 by an aluminium(i) compound
Authors: Sheldon Daniel J. , Crimmin Mark R.
Published: June 2021

The room-temperature activation of SF6, a potent greenhouse gas, is reported using a monovalent aluminium(i) reagent to form well-defined aluminium(iii) fluoride and aluminium(iii) sulfide products.
Hydrogen bonding from crystalline water mediates the hydration/dehydration of mequitazine glycolate
Authors: Okura Ryuhei , Uchiyama Hiromasa , Kadota Kazunori , Tozuka Yuichi
Published: June 2021

Comparison of crystal structures, dynamic vapor adsorption measurements, lattice energy calculations and structural optimization of the dehydration model were used to evaluate the hydration-dehydration behavior.
Porous Co3O4 stabilized VS2 nanosheets obtained with a MOF template for the efficient HER
Authors: Wang Zhenguo , Yu Ke , Huang Rong , Zhu Ziqiang
Published: June 2021

TS-Co3O4@VS2 with highly efficient and stable catalytic hydrogen production performance was synthesized by the MOF template method hydrothermally.
Two-dimensional Janus semiconductor BiTeCl and BiTeBr monolayers: a first-principles study on their tunable electronic properties via an electric field and mechanical strain
Authors: Bafekry A. , Karbasizadeh S. , Stampfl C. , Faraji M. , Hoat D. M. , Sarsari I. Abdolhosseini , Feghhi S. A. H. , Ghergherehchi M.
Published: June 2021

The electronic properties of BiTeCl and BiTeBr Janus monolayers are investigated: by increasing the number of layers a semiconductor–metal transformation can be induced, and by applying an electric field and mechanical strain, the band gaps can be significantly changed.
A computational study on the reduction of O2 to H2O2 using small polycyclic aromatic molecules
Authors: Lopez Kristal , Groves Michael N.
Published: June 2021

This work presents the complete autoxidation pathway for the anthraquinone process and one alternative catalyst that overcomes its kinetic challenges.
NMR and luminescence experiments reveal the structure and symmetry adaptation of a europium ionic liquid to solvent polarity
Authors: Castro Gerson P. , Melo Lizandra L. L. S. , Hallwass Fernando , Gonçalves Simone M. C. , Simas Alfredo M.
Published: June 2021

By combining NMR with luminescence, we uncover how the structure of an ionic liquid adapts to solvents of different polarities.
Two new polyoxometalate-based metal–organic complexes for the detection of trace Cr(vi) and their capacitor performance
Authors: Liu Qian-Qian , Wang Xiu-Li , Lin Hong-Yan , Chang Zhi-Han , Zhang Yu-Chen , Tian Yuan , Lu Jun-Jun , Yu Le
Published: June 2021

Two new Keggin-type POM-based metal–organic complexes with different structures have been synthesized, which can be used as electrochemical sensors for the detection of trace Cr(vi) and as supercapacitor materials.
Aerosol presence reduces the diurnal temperature range: an interval when the COVID-19 pandemic reduced aerosols revealing the effect on climate
Authors: Hu Shijie , Wang Dashan , Wu Jie , Zhou Lihong , Feng Xu , Fu Tzung-May , Yang Xin , Ziegler Alan D. , Zeng Zhenzhong
Published: June 2021

DTRs from February to June during the COVID-19 pandemic are greater than 3 standard deviations above the climatological mean DTR.
Atomic-scale insight into the enhanced surface stability of methylammonium lead iodide perovskite by controlled deposition of lead chloride
Authors: Jamshaid Afshan , Guo Zhendong , Hieulle Jeremy , Stecker Collin , Ohmann Robin , Ono Luis K. , Qiu Longbin , Tong Guoqing , Yin Wanjian , Qi Yabing
Published: June 2021

Our scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory studies show that the Cl incorporation plays a crucial role in the surface stability of the metal halide perovskite CH3NH3PbI3.
Probing the effects of redox conditions and dissolved Fe2+ on nanomagnetite stoichiometry by wet chemistry, XRD, XAS and XMCD
Authors: Jungcharoen Phoomipat , Pédrot Mathieu , Choueikani Fadi , Pasturel Mathieu , Hanna Khalil , Heberling Frank , Tesfa Marawit , Marsac Rémi
Published: June 2021

Magnetite oxidation and/or interaction with dissolved Fe(ii) induce surface recrystallization processes, which can be probed by XMCD.
Effects of soy isoflavone supplementation on patients with diabetic nephropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang Xue , Liang Qing-Feng , Zeng Xia , Huang Guang-Xiao , Xin Gui-Zhong , Xu You-Hua , Wang Shu-Mei , Tang Dan
Published: June 2021

Soy isoflavones have been widely used as a source of functional foods. The results of our study showed that soy isoflavone intake is effective in ameliorating diabetic nephropathy.
Microplastics from textile origin – emission and reduction measures
Authors: Zhang Ya-Qi , Lykaki Marianna , Alrajoula Mohammad Taher , Markiewicz Marta , Kraas Caroline , Kolbe Sabrina , Klinkhammer Kristina , Rabe Maike , Klauer Robert , Bendt Ellen , Stolte Stefan
Published: June 2021

Emission of fibrous microplastics from synthetic textile washing to the aquatic environment via wastewater treatment plant and reduction measures.
PEG-400 as a carbon synthon: highly selective synthesis of quinolines and methylquinolines under metal-free conditions
Authors: Ding Chengcheng , Li Shichen , Feng Kaili , Ma Chen
Published: June 2021

The remarkable feature of this work was using green, non-toxic PEG-400 as a carbon synthon for highly selective synthesis of quinolines (quinoxalines) and methylquinolines (methylquinoxalines) under metal-free conditions.
Slip formation of a high-density droplet array for nucleic acid quantification by digital LAMP with a random-access system
Authors: Lyu Weiyuan , Zhang Jiajie , Yu Yan , Xu Lei , Shen Feng
Published: June 2021

A droplet array SlipChip is presented to compartmentalize fluid into partitions at high density with a simple “Load-Slip” operation, and to perform digital LAMP quantification of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acids with a random access system.
Water-dispersible and ferroelectric PEGylated barium titanate nanoparticles
Authors: Taheri M. , Zanca B. , Dolgos M. , Bryant S. , Trudel S.
Published: June 2021

Water-dispersible BaTiO3 nanoparticles coated with poly(ethylene glycol) can be synthesized via an easy, one-pot synthesis. These nanoparticles maintain their ferroelectric properties down to 60 nm.
New rationally designed hybrid polypyrrole@SnCoS4as an efficient anode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Javadian Soheila , Bayat Elaheh , Parviz Zohre , Dalir Nima , Gharibi Hussein
Published: June 2021

Three active materials containing binary metal sulfide (SnCoS4) were obtainedviaa simple hydrothermal method. Also, the electrochemical performance of the anode materials was investigated in a lithium-ion half-cell.
Efficiency enhancement in a stoichiometrically stable CdS/TiO2 nanotube heterostructure electrode for sunlight-driven hydrogen generation
Authors: Srimurugan V. , Jothiprakash C. G. , Prasanth R.
Published: June 2021

A stoichiometrically stable CdS/TiO2 heterostructured electrode was developed via electrodeposition for efficient photoelectrochemical conversion.
Development of a highly stable Pt-based ORR catalyst over Mn-modified polyaniline-based carbon nanofibers
Authors: Yu Jinghua , Zhou Qian , Xue Xiaoyi , Zhang Haitao , Li Xiaojin , Wang Fanghui , Chen Qingjun , Zhu Hong
Published: June 2021

A highly stable Pt-based ORR catalyst was developed over Mn-modified polyaniline-based carbon nanofibers with a high degree of graphitization.
Enhanced gas barrier properties of polymer substrates for flexible OLEDs by adjusting the backbone rigidity and incorporating 2D nanosheets
Authors: Yang Zhenghui , Guo Haiquan , Kang Chuanqing , Gao Lianxun
Published: June 2021

Ultra-high Tg, low CTE and great ductility as well as a high barrier performance are embodied in PI nanocomposite films.
ICT-based fluorescent ratiometric probe for monitoring mitochondrial peroxynitrite in living cells
Authors: Du Yuting , Wang Hongliang , Zhang Ting , Wei Wen , Guo Minmin
Published: June 2021

Mitochondria-targeted near-infrared fluorescent probe for the detection of peroxynitrite and the bioimaging of peroxynitrite in cells.
A pH-controlled one-pot synthesis of gold nanostars by using a zwitterionic protein hydrolysate (gelatin): an enhanced radiosensitization of cancer cells
Authors: Das Ram Pada , Gandhi Vishwa V. , Singh Beena G. , Kunwar Amit
Published: June 2021

One-pot green synthesis of gold nanoparticles of desired shapes is developed by using FDA approved and economic GRAS materials. The gold nanoparticles exhibit radio-sensitization in A549 cells with star shaped nanoparticles showing maximum efficacy.
Aggregation-induced emissions in the mesogenic BF2 complexes of aroylhydrazines
Authors: Cai Yi-Hong , Chih Hsin-Yun , Lee Gene-Hsiang , Lai Chung K.
Published: June 2021

PL peak intensity of 1a-BF2 (n = 12) versus fw of THF/H2O in pure THF (fw = 0) and THF/water with a specific fw. The concentration is 10 μM and PL emission was excited at 376 nm. Photos were taken under UV illumination.
Ni(OH)2–Ag hybrid nanosheet array with ultralow Ag loading as a highly efficient and stable electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Xu Tong , Wang Jianzhi , Wang Miao , Xue Yanan , Liu Jie , Cai Ning , Chen Weimin , Huang Fuhua , Li Xugen , Yu Faquan
Published: June 2021

0D Ag nanoparticles were successfully loaded onto 2D Ni(OH)2 nanosheets on 3D nickel foam by a one-step hydrothermal method for enhancing the electrocatalytic ability.
Europium(iii)-containing nanohydrogels for cellular imaging and drug delivery applications
Authors: Wang Yicheng , Wang Yuxin , Hu Yaqin , Yang Wen Jing , Wang Lianhui
Published: June 2021

By employing the excellent luminescence of Eu(iii) complexes and the versatility of nanohydrogels, Eu(iii)-containing nanohydrogels were prepared as a potential theranostic nanoplatform for cancer therapy.
On the relationship between cutting and tearing in soft elastic solids
Authors: Zhang Bingyang , Hutchens Shelby B.
Published: June 2021

Unique observations of cutting energy in silicone elastomers motivate a picture of soft fracture that qualitatively and quantitatively links far-field tearing with push cutting for the first time.
Adsorption and wettability of extended anionic surfactants with different PO numbers on a polymethylmethacrylate surface
Authors: Du Yuechun , Zhou Zhao-Hui , Gao Ming , Han Lu , Zhang Lei , Yan Feng , Wang Mingxia , Zhang Lu
Published: June 2021

The number of propylene oxide (PO) unit plays crucial role in controlling the wettability of surfactants on the surface of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).
Design and evaluation of a cyber‐physical testbed for improving attack resilience of power systems
Authors: Sahu Abhijeet , Wlazlo Patrick , Mao Zeyu , Huang Hao , Goulart Ana , Davis Katherine , Zonouz Saman
Published: June 2021

A power system is a complex cyber‐physical system whose security is critical to its function. A major challenge is to model, analyse and visualise the communication backbone of the power systems concerning cyber threats. To achieve this, the design and evaluation of a cyber‐physical power system (CPPS) testbed called Resilient Energy Systems Lab (RESLab) are presented to capture realistic cyber, physical, and protection system features. RESLab is architected to be a fundamental platform for studying and improving the resilience of complex CPPS to cyber threats. The cyber network is emulated using Common Open Research Emulator (CORE), which acts as a gateway for the physical and protection devices to communicate. The physical grid is simulated in the dynamic time frame using Power World Dynamic Studio (PWDS). The protection components are modelled with both PWDS and physical devices including the SEL Real‐Time Automation Controller (RTAC). Distributed Network Protocol 3 (DNP3) is used to monitor and control the grid. Then, the design is exemplified and the tools are validated. This work presents four case studies on cyberattack and defence using RESLab, where we demonstrate false data and command injection using Man‐in‐the‐Middle and Denial of Service attacks and validate them on a large‐scale synthetic electric grid.
Structure and non‐blocking properties of bidirectional unfolded two‐stage switches
Authors: Koloko Labson , Obara Hitoshi , Kumagai Seiji
Published: June 2021

Two‐stage switch networks are an emerging design option for relatively small‐capacity space switches. They are classified into two categories: folded and unfolded. Although folded switches have been well studied, research on unfolded two‐stage switch networks (UTSNs) remains limited. Here, non‐blocking UTSNs are considered. First, a new UTSN design is presented that consists of input and output switch modules (ISMs and OSMs) using bidirectional switching techniques. The proposed UTSN is represented by B(n, m, r), where n, m, and r denote the number of input ports of the ISM, number of OSMs, and number of ISMs, respectively. Second, the maximum number of rearrangements for B(n, n, r) is proved to be ⌊⌋ in general, whereas it is limited to two when n ≥ r. The strictly non‐blocking condition for B(n, m, r) to be m ≥ n + 1 is also determined. Finally, it is shown that the switch hardware complexity becomes minimal at and saturates at N2/2 as N → ∞.
Addressing the post‐COVID era through engineering biology
Authors: Bell Jennifer , Philp Jim , Kitney Richard I.
Published: June 2021

Currently, the world is faced with two fundamental issues of great importance, namely climate change and the coronavirus pandemic. These are intimately involved with the need to control climate change and the need to switch from high carbon, unsustainable economies to low carbon economies. Inherent in this approach are the concepts of the bioeconomy and the Green Industrial Revolution. The article addresses both issues, but it, principally, focusses on the development of the bioeconomy. It considers how nations are divided in relation to the use of biotechnology and synthetic biology in terms of their bioeconomy strategies. The article addresses, as a central theme, the nature and role of engineering biology in these developments. Engineering biology is addressed in terms of BioDesign, coupled with high levels of automation (including AI and machine learning) to increase reproducibility and reliability to meet industrial standards. This lends itself to distributed manufacturing of products in a range of fields. Engineering biology is a platform technology that can be applied in a range of sectors. The bioeconomy, as an engine for economic growth is addressed—in terms of moving from oil‐based economies to bio‐based economies—using biomass, for example, using selected lignocellulosic waste as a feedstock.
YOLOFig detection model development using deep learning
Authors: Lawal Olarewaju Mubashiru , Zhao Huamin
Published: June 2021

The detection of fruit, including accuracy and speed is of great significance for robotic harvesting. Nevertheless, attributes such as illumination variation, occlusion, and so on have made fruit detection a challenging task. A robust YOLOFig detection model was proposed to solve detection challenges and to improve detection accuracy and speed. The YOLOFig detection model incorporated Leaky activated ResNet43 backbone with a new 2,3,4,3,2 residual block arrangement, spatial pyramid pooling network (SPPNet), feature pyramid network (FPN), complete (CIoU) loss, and distance DIoU−NMS to improve the fruit detection performance. The obtained average precision (AP) and speed (frames per second or fps) respectively under 2,3,4,3,2 residual block arranged backbone for YOLOv3b is 78.6% and 69.8 fps, YOLOv4b is 87.6% and 57.1 fps, and YOLOFig is 89.3% and 96.8 fps; under 1,2,8,8,4 residual block arranged backbone for YOLOv3 is 77.1% and 56.3 fps, YOLOv4 is 87.1% and 52.5 fps, and YOLOResNet70 is 87.3% and 79 fps; and under 3,4,6,3 residual block arranged backbone for YOLOResNet50 is 85.4% and 77.1 fps. An indication that the new residual block arranged backbone of 2,3,4,3,2 outperformed 1,2,8,8,4 on an average AP of 1.33% and detection speed of 15.2%. Finally, the compared results showed that the YOLOFig detection model performed better than other models at the same level of residual block arrangement. It can better generalize and is highly suitable for real‐time harvesting robots.
A lyapunov‐based adaptive voltage controller for a grid connected PV system
Authors: Bhunia Malay , Subudhi Bidyadhar , Ray Pravat Kumar
Published: June 2021

A new Lyapunov‐based adaptive controller (LBAC) for a single stage three‐phase grid‐connected PV system (GCPVS) is proposed here. The uncertainties in solar irradiation affects the performance of the GCPVS. Further, ageing in the DC‐link capacitor affects the PV voltage tracking. To achieve an improved performance of the GCPVS under both high and low irradiation, and under an aged DC‐link capacitor, a new LBAC scheme has been proposed to control the PV voltage. In this LBAC, the gains of the controller are adapted online by a Lyapunov‐based adaptation mechanism to provide the nominal tracking response of PV voltage. Further, a maximum power point tracking algorithm and grid current controllers are designed to transfer the maximum PV power to the grid, ensuring good power quality. As a result, improved performances of the GCPVS are achieved in terms of low PV voltage ripple, enhancement of delivered grid energy, and low grid current total harmonics distortion (THDs). Computer simulation studies are carried out in MATLAB/Simulink environment to verify the effectiveness of the proposed LBAC. Further, experiments are performed in a 2.5 kW GCPVS prototype for real time implementation of the proposed controller. The total harmonics distortion (THD) of grid currents is found to be within IEEE‐1547 standards.
Drifting inwards in protoplanetary discs
Authors: Pillich C. , Bogdan T. , Landers J. , Wurm G. , Wende H.
Published: June 2021

In previous laboratory experiments, we measured the temperature dependence of sticking forces between micrometer grains of chondritic composition. The data showed a decrease in surface energy by a factor ~5 with increasing temperature. Here, we focus on the effect of surface water on grains. Under ambient conditions in the laboratory, multiple water layers are present. At the low pressure of protoplanetary discs and for moderate temperatures, grains likely only hold a monolayer. As dust drifts inwards, even this monolayer eventually evaporates completely in higher temperature regions. To account for this, we measured the tensile strength for the same chondritic material as was prepared and measured under normal laboratory conditions in our previous work, but now introducing two new preparation methods: drying dust cylinders in air (dry samples), and heating dust pressed into cylinders in vacuum (super-dry samples). For all temperatures up to 1000 K, the data of the dry samples are consistent with a simple increase in the sticking force by a factor of ~10 over wet samples. Up to 900 K super-dry samples behave like dry samples. However, the sticking forces then exponentially increase up to another factor ~100 at about 1200 K. The increase in sticking from wet to dry extends a trend that is known for amorphous silicates to multimineral mixtures. The findings for super-dry dust imply that aggregate growth is boosted in a small spatial high-temperature region around 1200 K, which might be a sweet spot for planetesimal formation.
The effects of Bentagran on the development and antioxidant parameters ofArthrospira platensisGomont andChlorella vulgarisBeyerinck (Beijerinck)
Authors: ER Şükrüye , Tunca Hatice , Doğru Ali , Ongun Sevindik Tuğba
Published: June 2021

The aim of the study is to determine the effects of Bentagran on growth and oxidative effects toChlorella vulgarisandArthrospira platensisand to evaluate the herbicide toxicity on primary producers of aquatic ecosystems. The decrease in both biomass accumulation and chlorophyll-acontent in a dose-dependent manner were observed in both organisms exposed to different Bentagran concentrations (for C. vulgaris60–960 µg mL−1; forA. platensis100–800 µg mL−1) during 7 days. SOD activity increases significantly inChlorella vulgarisandArthrospira platensisat concentrations of 480 and 200 ug mL−1, respectively. Although there was no significant change in APX (ascorbate peroxidase) activity inC. vulgaris, the APX activity decreased at 400 and 600 µg mL−1concentrations inA. platensis. While the GR (glutathione reductase) activity increased at 960 µg mL−1concentration inC. vulgaris,it also showed increases at 100, 200 and 400 μg mL−1concentrations, but it decreased at 600 µg mL−1concentration inA. platensis. MDA (malondialdehyde) and proline amounts decreased only at the concentration of 960 µg mL−1, while H2O2didn't change compared to control. Total MDA, H2O2(hydrogen peroxide) and proline amounts did not show significant change compared to control. It is found that the effects of Bentagran on growth and antioxidant parameters are diverse at different concentrations and species, and this can be attributed to the different reactive oxygen species (ROS) production ability in these species.
Strong bounded variation estimates for the multi-dimensional finite volume approximation of scalar conservation laws and application to a tumour growth model
Authors: Chirappurathu Remesan Gopikrishnan
Published: June 2021

A uniform bounded variation estimate for finite volume approximations of the nonlinear scalar conservation law ∂tα + div(uf(α)) = 0 in two and three spatial dimensions with an initial data of bounded variation is established. We assume that the divergence of the velocity div(u) is of bounded variation instead of the classical assumption that div(u) is zero. The finite volume schemes analysed in this article are set on nonuniform Cartesian grids. A uniform bounded variation estimate for finite volume solutions of the conservation law ∂tα + div(F(t,x,α)) = 0, where divxF ≠ 0 on nonuniform Cartesian grids is also proved. Such an estimate provides compactness for finite volume approximations in Lp spaces, which is essential to prove the existence of a solution for a partial differential equation with nonlinear terms in α, when the uniqueness of the solution is not available. This application is demonstrated by establishing the existence of a weak solution for a model that describes the evolution of initial stages of breast cancer proposed by Franks et al. [J. Math. Biol. 47 (2003) 424–452]. The model consists of four coupled variables: tumour cell concentration, tumour cell velocity–pressure, and nutrient concentration, which are governed by a hyperbolic conservation law, viscous Stokes system, and Poisson equation, respectively. Results from numerical tests are provided and they complement theoretical findings.
Haben medizinische Kompressionsstrümpfe im Liegen einen hämodynamischen Effekt?
Authors: Burmeister Jonas , Bergmann-Köster Claudia , Loff Detlef , Kahle Birgit
Published: June 2021

Medizinische Kompressionsstrümpfe (MKS) bilden die Grundlage in der Therapie chronischer Venenerkrankungen. Aufgrund mangelnder Studiendaten über deren Auswirkung auf die Hämodynamik im Liegen kann für ihr Tragen in horizontaler Körperlage bisher jedoch keine klare Empfehlung gegeben werden. In folgender Kasuistik wurde der hämodynamische Effekt von MKS der Klasse 1 bei einer Patientin mit venentypischen Beschwerden im Stadium C4 über die Erhebung des veno-arteriellen Flow-Index (VAFI) quantitativ untersucht. Unter Kompression mit MKS zeigten sowohl die duplexsonografischen als auch die mittels Phasenkontrast-MRT akquirierten Messdaten eine deutliche Verbesserung der hämodynamischen Verhältnisse in Rückenlage. Dieser Krankheitsfall zeigt, dass das Tragen von MKS im Liegen insbesondere bei Immobilität einen therapeutischen Mehrwert bringen kann.
Infektionen am Fingerendglied
Authors: Langer Martin F. , Grünert Jörg G. , Spies Christian K. , Ueberberg Johanna , Oeckenpöhler Simon , Wieskötter Britta
Published: June 2021

Infektionen der Endglieder sind unter allen Handinfektionen am häufigsten. Unterschieden werden die dorsalen Infektionen, die sich im Bereich des Nagelwalls entwickeln und Paronychien genannt werden, und die palmaren Infektionen, die die Fingerbeere oder Fingerkuppe betreffen. Die akuten Paronychien müssen je nach Infektionsort gezielt eröffnet werden. Dazu sind genaue anatomische Kenntnisse des Nagelaufbaus erforderlich. Chronische Paronychien haben meist andere Ursachen, und die Therapie ist deutlich schwieriger. Fingerbeereninfektionen sind häufig stark schmerzhaft, da die Infektion im kompliziert aufgebauten Druckkammersystem stattfindet und eine Schwellung durch die fibrösen Septen begrenzt ist. Eine spätere Ausbreitung, wenn die Septen zerstört sind, in den Knochen oder die Beugesehnenscheide ist aber möglich.
Five-Membered Hetarene N-Oxides: Recent Advances in Synthesis and Reactivity
Authors: Fershtat Leonid L. , Teslenko Fedor E.
Published: June 2021

Five-membered heterocyclic N-oxides attract special attention due to their significant potential applications in medicinal chemistry and advanced materials science. In this regard, novel methods for their synthesis and functionalization are in constant demand. In this short review, recent state-of-the-art achievements in the chemistry of isoxazoline N-oxides, 1,2,3-triazole 1-oxides and 1,2,5-oxadiazole 2-oxides are summarized. The main routes involving transition-metal-catalyzed and metal-free functionalization protocols along with mechanistic considerations are outlined. The transformations of these hetarene N-oxide rings as precursors to other nitrogen heterocyclic systems are also presented.

1 Introduction

2 Isoxazoline N-Oxides

3 1,2,3-Triazole 1-Oxides

4 1,2,5-Oxadiazole 2-Oxides

5 Conclusion
[4+n] Annulation Reactions Using ortho-Chloromethyl Anilines as Aza-ortho-Quinone Methide Precursors
Authors: Yang Qing-Qing , Xiao Wen-Jing , He Xiao-Yu , Ma Yu-Hong
Published: June 2021

Aza-ortho-quinone methides are important reactive intermediates that have found broad applications in synthetic chemistry. Recently, 1,4-elimination of ortho-chloromethyl aniline derivatives has emerged as a novel, powerful and convenient method for aza-ortho-quinone methide generation. This review will highlight the recent applications of aza-ortho-quinone methide precursors in annulation reactions to access various biologically important nitrogen-containing heterocycles. The general mechanisms are briefly discussed as well.

1 Introduction

2 [4+n] Annulation Reactions Using ortho-Chloromethyl Anilines as Aza-ortho-Quinone Methide Precursors

2.1 [4+2] Annulation Reactions

2.2 [4+1] Annulation Reactions

2.3 [4+3] Annulation Reactions

3 Conclusion and Perspective
Core-Substituted Naphthalene-Diimides (cNDI) and Related Derivatives: Versatile Scaffold for Supramolecular Assembly and Functional Materials
Authors: Mukherjee Anurag , Ghosh Suhrit
Published: June 2021

Naphthalene-diimide (NDI)-derived building blocks have been explored extensively for supramolecular assembly as they exhibit attractive photophysical properties, suitable for applications in organic optoelectronics. Core-substituted derivatives of the NDI chromophore (cNDI) differ significantly from the parent NDI dye in terms of optical and redox properties. Adequate molecular engineering opportunities and substitution-dependent tunable optoelectronic properties make cNDI derivatives highly promising candidates for supramolecular assembly and functional materials. This short review discusses recent development in the area of functional supramolecular assemblies based on cNDIs and related molecules.

Table of contents

1. Introduction

2. General Supramolecular Assemblies of cNDI Derivatives

3. cNDI-Based Chiral Supramolecular Assemblies and Functional Materials

4. Controlled Supramolecular Polymerization with cNDI Derivatives

5. Dimeric Naphthalimide-Based Building Blocks

6. Conclusions and Outlook
Changing Demographics of Stroke Mimics in Present Day Stroke Code Era: Need of a Streamlined Clinical Assessment for Emergency Physicians
Authors: Sundar Kaushik , Panwar Ajay , Bhirud Lomesh , Paul Eldho Mathew , Alapatt Paul J. , Kuruttukulam Gigy Varkey
Published: June 2021

Background There is an apparently high incidence of stroke mimics in the present-day stroke code era. The reason being is the intense pressure to run with time to achieve the “time is brain”-based goals.

Methods The present study was a retrospective analysis of the data collected over a duration of 6 months from April 2019 to September 2019. We observed the incidence of stroke mimics among the patients for whom rapid response stroke code was activated during the study period. We also performed a logistic regression analysis to identify the clinical features which can act as strong predictors of stroke and mimics.

Results A total of 314 stroke codes were activated of which 256 (81.5%) were stroke and 58 (18.5%) were the mimics. Functional disorders and epilepsy were the most common mimics (24.1% each). Female gender (p = 0.04; odds ratio [OR] 2.9[1.0–8.8]), isolated impairment of consciousness (p < 0.01; OR 4.3[1.5–12.6]), and isolated dysarthria (p < 0.001) were the strong independent predictors for a stroke mimic. Hemiparesis was the strong independent predictor for a stroke (p < 0.001; OR 0.0[0.0–0.1]).

Conclusion In the present epoch of rapid response stroke management, a streamlined assessment by the emergency physicians based on the above clinical predictors may help in avoiding the misdiagnosis of a mimic as stroke.
Myocardial Infarction with Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries: A Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Asamoah Kofi Tekyi
Published: June 2021

Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is a significant cause of cardiovascular morbidity, especially among non-white women younger than 55 years. It is a working diagnosis that warrants further investigation due to its varied underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms. Investigations may be hampered by unavailability of testing modalities, cost, and the expertise to carry out the tests, as they are highly specialized. Clinical history is therefore important, especially in developing countries, to predict potential causes and institute empirical treatment without the luxury of tests. Some physicians are also unaware of this phenomenon and may dismiss symptoms as functional when a coronary angiogram shows nonobstructed coronary arteries, potentially resulting in patients suffering symptoms for longer and incurring extra cost. Most importantly, it leaves them at risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. This article presents a patient with atrial fibrillation who was diagnosed with MINOCA and highlights the diagnostic challenges in evaluating MINOCA.
Effects of surface nanostructure on boundary lubrication using molecular dynamics
Authors: Pan Ling , Yu Hui , Lu Shiping , Lin Guobin
Published: June 2021

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the boundary lubrication behaviors of squalane lubricant between two iron wall structures during shearing at different pressures and temperatures. Boundary lubrication models with a smooth iron wall and a nanostructured iron wall, respectively, are constructed, and the density distribution of the lubricating film and the velocity distribution in the shearing process are analyzed. The mechanical response of the solid wall is output, and the friction coefficient is calculated. A tribological test is performed with a UMT-2 tribometer under sliding conditions to evaluate the reliability of the simulation method. The results show that the surface nanostructure has a significant effect on the film thickness and delamination of the lubricating film but little effect on the velocity distribution of the lubricating film. The nano strip groove helps to reduce the friction coefficient of the boundary lubrication system.
Tunneling-based biosensor detects tens of DNA molecules per liter in smaller form factor
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: June 2021

Approach draws on a two-terminal design and an aluminum oxide interface, and points to future of portable, point-of-care diagnostic testing.
An atomic hydrogen etching sensor for H2 plasma diagnostics
Authors: van Leuken D. P. J. , de Meijere C. A. , van der Horst R. , Banine V. Y. , Osorio E. A. , Beckers J.
Published: June 2021

A simple and selective new technique for atomic hydrogen flux measurements in a hydrogen plasma environment is introduced and demonstrated in this work. This technique works by measuring the etching rate of an amorphous carbon film and translating this to an incoming hydrogen radical flux through a well-defined carbon etch yield per radical. Ions present in the plasma environment have a much higher etch yield than radicals do. For that reason, suppression of the ion flux toward the carbon film is crucial to ensure that the observed carbon etch rate is dominated by atomic hydrogen etching. It is demonstrated that this can be achieved using a simple cylindrical pipe (hereinafter “chimney”) in which a bend is introduced to enforce ion–wall collisions, neutralizing the ions. The chimney is made out of Macor, a material with low catalytic surface activity, to preserve the incoming atomic hydrogen flux while effectively suppressing ions. Ultimately, the etching sensor is deployed in a radio frequency inductively coupled hydrogen plasma operated at low pressure (1–10 Pa). Atomic hydrogen fluxes are measured and compared with heat flux sensor and vacuum ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy measurements in the same setup. All sensors agreed within a factor 4 in the atomic hydrogen flux range 1019 to 1021 m−2 s−1.