bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant growth promoters mediated quality and yield attributes of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) ecotypes under salinity stress
Authors: Zahra Noreen , Wahid Abdul , Hafeez Muhammad Bilal , Alyemeni Mohammed Nasser , Shah Tariq , Ahmad Parvaiz
Published: December 2021

Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn (Astraceae) is a well-reputed medicinal plant mostly utilized for silymarin (Sily) content and oil production, however, the information about Sily contents in achene part is still fragmented under different climatic conditions. In this study four milk thistle ecotypes from Faisalabad (FSD), Gujranwala (GUJ), Quetta (QTA), and Kallar kahar (KK) having an altered achene color were analyzed under salt stress. Application of plant growth promoters (PGPs) is one of the solution for ameliorating the effect of salinity and increasing the quantity and quality traits of milk thistle, so ascorbic acid (AsA), thiourea (TU), and moringa leaf extract (MLE) were soil supplied after developing salinity stress (120 mM with irrigation) at germination stage. Predetermined levels were selected for PGPs such as AsA (500 µM), MLE (3%), and TU (250 µM). Results revealed that all yield related attributes were significantly decreased, while secondary metabolites, pericarp epidermis, pericarp parenchyma, and pericarp seed integument increased under salinity stress. Data suggested that PGPs treatment was helpful to alleviate the deleterious effects of salinity stress and enhance the milk thistle quality and quantity parameters. The ecotypic variations with altered achene color patterns represent an advantage for QTA ecotypes for higher Sily extraction under salt stressed conditions.
Shape matters: morphological metrics of glioblastoma imaging abnormalities as biomarkers of prognosis
Authors: Curtin Lee , Whitmire Paula , White Haylye , Bond Kamila M. , Mrugala Maciej M. , Hu Leland S. , Swanson Kristin R.
Published: December 2021

Lacunarity, a quantitative morphological measure of how shapes fill space, and fractal dimension, a morphological measure of the complexity of pixel arrangement, have shown relationships with outcome across a variety of cancers. However, the application of these metrics to glioblastoma (GBM), a very aggressive primary brain tumor, has not been fully explored. In this project, we computed lacunarity and fractal dimension values for GBM-induced abnormalities on clinically standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In our patient cohort (n = 402), we connect these morphological metrics calculated on pretreatment MRI with the survival of patients with GBM. We calculated lacunarity and fractal dimension on necrotic regions (n = 390), all abnormalities present on T1Gd MRI (n = 402), and abnormalities present on T2/FLAIR MRI (n = 257). We also explored the relationship between these metrics and age at diagnosis, as well as abnormality volume. We found statistically significant relationships to outcome for all three imaging regions that we tested, with the shape of T2/FLAIR abnormalities that are typically associated with edema showing the strongest relationship with overall survival. This link between morphological and survival metrics could be driven by underlying biological phenomena, tumor location or microenvironmental factors that should be further explored.
Outdoor PM2.5 concentration and rate of change in COVID-19 infection in provincial capital cities in China
Authors: Han Yang , Lam Jacqueline C. K. , Li Victor O. K. , Crowcroft Jon , Fu Jinqi , Downey Jocelyn , Gozes Illana , Zhang Qi , Wang Shanshan , Gilani Zafar
Published: December 2021

This study investigates thoroughly whether acute exposure to outdoor PM2.5 concentration, P, modifies the rate of change in the daily number of COVID-19 infections (R) across 18 high infection provincial capitals in China, including Wuhan. A best-fit multiple linear regression model was constructed to model the relationship between P and R, from 1 January to 20 March 2020, after accounting for meteorology, net move-in mobility (NM), time trend (T), co-morbidity (CM), and the time-lag effects. Regression analysis shows that P (β = 0.4309, p < 0.001) is the most significant determinant of R. In addition, T (β = −0.3870, p < 0.001), absolute humidity (AH) (β = 0.2476, p = 0.002), P × AH (β = −0.2237, p < 0.001), and NM (β = 0.1383, p = 0.003) are more significant determinants of R, as compared to GDP per capita (β = 0.1115, p = 0.015) and CM (Asthma) (β = 0.1273, p = 0.005). A matching technique was adopted to demonstrate a possible causal relationship between P and R across 18 provincial capital cities. A 10 µg/m3 increase in P gives a 1.5% increase in R (p < 0.001). Interaction analysis also reveals that P × AH and R are negatively correlated (β = −0.2237, p < 0.001). Given that P exacerbates R, we recommend the installation of air purifiers and improved air ventilation to reduce the effect of P on R. Given the increasing observation that COVID-19 is airborne, measures that reduce P, plus mandatory masking that reduces the risks of COVID-19 associated with viral-particulate transmission, are strongly recommended. Our study is distinguished by the focus on the rate of change instead of the individual cases of COVID-19 when modelling the statistical relationship between R and P in China; causal instead of correlation analysis via the matching analysis, while taking into account the key confounders, and the individual plus the interaction effects of P and AH on R.
Early brain injury and cognitive impairment after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Rowland Matthew J. , Garry Payashi , Ezra Martyn , Corkill Rufus , Baker Ian , Jezzard Peter , Westbrook Jon , Douaud Gwenaëlle , Pattinson Kyle T. S.
Published: December 2021

The first 72 h following aneurysm rupture play a key role in determining clinical and cognitive outcomes after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Yet, very little is known about the impact of so called “early brain injury” on patents with clinically good grade SAH (as defined as World Federation of Neurosurgeons Grade 1 and 2). 27 patients with good grade SAH underwent MRI scanning were prospectively recruited at three time-points after SAH: within the first 72 h (acute phase), at 5–10 days and at 3 months. Patients underwent additional, comprehensive cognitive assessment 3 months post-SAH. 27 paired healthy controls were also recruited for comparison. In the first 72 h post-SAH, patients had significantly higher global and regional brain volume than controls. This change was accompanied by restricted water diffusion in patients. Persisting abnormalities in the volume of the posterior cerebellum at 3 months post-SAH were present to those patients with worse cognitive outcome. When using this residual abnormal brain area as a region of interest in the acute-phase scans, we could predict with an accuracy of 84% (sensitivity 82%, specificity 86%) which patients would develop cognitive impairment 3 months later, despite initially appearing clinically indistinguishable from those making full recovery. In an exploratory sample of good clinical grade SAH patients compared to healthy controls, we identified a region of the posterior cerebellum for which acute changes on MRI were associated with cognitive impairment. Whilst further investigation will be required to confirm causality, use of this finding as a risk stratification biomarker is promising.
Senolytic effects of quercetin in an in vitro model of pre-adipocytes and adipocytes induced senescence
Authors: Zoico Elena , Nori Nicole , Darra Elena , Tebon Maela , Rizzatti Vanni , Policastro Gabriella , De Caro Annamaria , Rossi Andrea Petronio , Fantin Francesco , Zamboni Mauro
Published: December 2021

The dysfunction of adipose tissue with aging and the accumulation of senescent cells has been implicated in the pathophysiology of chronic diseases. Recently interventions capable of reducing the burden of senescent cells and in particular the identification of a new class of drugs termed senolytics have been object of extensive investigation. We used an in vitro model of induced senescence by treating both pre-adipocytes as well as mature adipocytes with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at a sub-lethal concentration for 3 h for three consecutive days, and hereafter with 20 uM quercetin at a dose that in preliminary experiments resulted to be senolytic without cytotoxicity. H2O2 treated pre-adipocytes and adipocytes showed typical senescence-associated features including increased beta-galactosidase activity (SA-ß-gal) and p21, activation of ROS and increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The treatment with quercetin in senescent pre-adipocytes and adipocytes was associated to a significant decrease in the number of the SA-β-gal positive cells along with the suppression of ROS and of inflammatory cytokines. Besides, quercetin treatment decreased miR-155-5p expression in both models, with down-regulation of p65 and a trend toward an up-regulation of SIRT-1 in complete cell extracts. The senolytic compound quercetin could affect AT ageing by reducing senescence, induced in our in vitro model by oxidative stress. The downregulation of miRNA-155-5p, possibly through the modulation of NF-κB and SIRT-1, could have a key role in the effects of quercetin on both pre-adipocytes and adipocytes.
Aptamers based sensing of pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAG) of bovine for early pregnancy detection
Authors: Yadav Munna Lal , Parashar Abhishek , Mahanandia Nimai Charan , Bhushan Vanya , Kumar Sudarshan , Mohanty Ashok Kumar
Published: December 2021

Tosyl activated magnetic beads were used for aptamer selection against PAG- 7 and 18 proteins of bovine origin. PAG proteins were immobilized on beads with further addition of biotin tagged aptamer library. The recognition of aptamers with PAG was identified by ST-HRP based approach which was colorimetric in nature. The selected aptamers were sequenced and at the same time several new aptamers were identified. Later M-fold structure and G-quadruplex score of aptamers were analyzed for their selection. Those aptamers having high G value and complex structure were chosen. In dot blot assay, aptamers recognized PAG protein in an animal after 42 days of artificial insemination which later given birth to a healthy calf. Further the cross reactivity with serum of 0th day animal (post AI) or with non pregnant animal serum was minimal. Aptamers have also shown interaction with PAG protein of buffalo origin. These selected aptamers have commercial application especially in development of biosensors for early detection of pregnancy in bovine.
Temperature, moisture and freeze–thaw controls on CO2 production in soil incubations from northern peatlands
Authors: Byun Eunji , Rezanezhad Fereidoun , Fairbairn Linden , Slowinski Stephanie , Basiliko Nathan , Price Jonathan S. , Quinton William L. , Roy-Léveillée Pascale , Webster Kara , Van Cappellen Philippe
Published: December 2021

Peat accumulation in high latitude wetlands represents a natural long-term carbon sink, resulting from the cumulative excess of growing season net ecosystem production over non-growing season (NGS) net mineralization in soils. With high latitudes experiencing warming at a faster pace than the global average, especially during the NGS, a major concern is that enhanced mineralization of soil organic carbon will steadily increase CO2 emissions from northern peatlands. In this study, we conducted laboratory incubations with soils from boreal and temperate peatlands across Canada. Peat soils were pretreated for different soil moisture levels, and CO2 production rates were measured at 12 sequential temperatures, covering a range from − 10 to + 35 °C including one freeze–thaw event. On average, the CO2 production rates in the boreal peat samples increased more sharply with temperature than in the temperate peat samples. For same temperature, optimum soil moisture levels for CO2 production were higher in the peat samples from more flooded sites. However, standard reaction kinetics (e.g., Q10 temperature coefficient and Arrhenius equation) failed to account for the apparent lack of temperature dependence of CO2 production rates measured below 0 °C, and a sudden increase after a freezing event. Thus, we caution against using the simple kinetic expressions to represent the CO2 emissions from northern peatlands, especially regarding the long NGS period with multiple soil freeze and thaw events.
Effect of 970 nm low-level laser therapy on orthodontic tooth movement during Class II intermaxillary elastics treatment: a RCT
Authors: Pérignon Bénédicte , Bandiaky Octave Nadile , Fromont-Colson Caroline , Renaudin Stéphane , Peré Morgane , Badran Zahi , Cuny-Houchmand Madline , Soueidan Assem
Published: December 2021

This prospective randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy on tooth movement during Class II intermaxillary elastics treatment. Forty-two patients with Class II malocclusion were included, and their maxillary quadrants were allocated into two groups: treatment with an active diode laser and a placebo group. In each group, the time taken to obtain Class I occlusion after 6 months, rate of movement, total displacement of the maxillary canine to Class I occlusion and pain were recorded. The time to reach Class I occlusion in the active laser group (2.46 ± 2.1 months) was not significantly different from that in the placebo group (2.48 ± 2.0 months) (p = 0.938). Interestingly, the total distance of movement on the active laser side (2.27 ± 1.5 mm) was significantly greater than that on the placebo side (1.64 ± 1.3 mm) (p = 0.009). The pain levels on days 1, 2 and 3 were not significantly different between the laser and placebo sections. The rate of distance change toward Class I occlusion in the laser group (1.1 ± 0.7 mm/month) was significantly higher than that in the placebo group (0.74 ± 0.6 mm/month) (p = 0.037). Low-level laser therapy (970 nm) did not reduce the time needed to obtain Class I occlusion, but a significant acceleration in tooth movement was observed in the irradiated group.

Trial registration: NCT02181439. Registered 04 July 2014—https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=cinelaser.
Determination of new generation amide insecticide residues in complex matrix agricultural food by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Lin Tao , Chen Xinglian , Wang Li , Fang Haixian , Li Maoxuan , Li Yangang , Liu Hongcheng
Published: December 2021

Eight new generation amide insecticide residues analysis by multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNs) cleanup, combined with QuEChERS and ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry has been developed and successfully applied in complex matrix such as orange, celery, onion, litchi, mango, shallot, chives, avocado, garlic. The matric effect of MWCNs is optimized and compared with ordinary cleanup materials. The results show that the performance of MWCNs is fine and effectively reduce matrix interference. Through chemical structure skeletons analyzed, chlorantraniliprole, bromoantraniliprole, and cyantraniliprole can cause same product ions of m/z 286.0 or 177.1 in the ESI+ mode, then tetrachlorantraniliprole and cyclaniliprole can produce collective ions of m/z 146.9 in the ESI− mode. The coefficients (R2) were greater than 0.9990, the limit of quantification ranges from 0.03 to 0.80 μg/kg, the recovery rate ranges from 71.2 to 120%, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) ranges from 3.8 to 9.4%. The method is fast, simple, sensitive, and suitable for the rapid determination of amide pesticides in complex matrix agricultural food.
Fabrication and evaluation of slow-release lignin-based avermectin nano-delivery system with UV-shielding property
Authors: Mo Dongmei , Li Xiangying , Chen Yong , Jiang Yang , Gan Chunfang , Zhang Yuanfei , Li Weiguo , Huang Yanmin , Cui Jianguo
Published: December 2021

Nanopesticide is one of the best pesticide formulation technologies to overcome the disadvantages of traditional pesticides, which has received great attention from the international community. Using high-speed emulsification and ultrasonic dispersion technology, an avermectin nano-delivery system (Av-NDs) with a particle size of 80–150 nm was prepared through embedding the pesticide molecule utilizing the cross-linking reaction between sodium lignosulfonate and p-phenylenediamine diazonium salt. The formulation and composition of Av-NDs were optimized, the morphology of Av-NDs was analyzed by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and dynamic light scattering, and the structure of Av-NDs was characterized by UV, IR and 1H NMR. Anti-photolysis and controlled-release tests show that the stability of Av-NDs is 3–4 times of the original avermectin (Av) and possesses the pH-responsive controlled release property. Furthermore, the insecticidal activity of Av-NDs is better than that of avermectin suspension concentrate (Av-SC). The Av-NDs with anti-photolysis and controlled-release characteristics is suitable for large-scale industrial production and is capable to be utilized as effective insecticide in the field.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate inhibits wound closure of human endometrial epithelial cells and stromal fibroblasts in vitro
Authors: Patel Mickey V. , Rodriguez-Garcia Marta , Shen Zheng , Wira Charles R.
Published: December 2021

Mucosal integrity in the endometrium is essential for immune protection. Since breaches or injury to the epithelial barrier exposes underlying tissue and is hypothesized to increase infection risk, we determined whether endogenous progesterone or three exogenous progestins (medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), norethindrone (NET), and levonorgestrel (LNG)) used by women as contraceptives interfere with wound closure of endometrial epithelial cells and fibroblasts in vitro. Progesterone and LNG had no inhibitory effect on wound closure by either epithelial cells or fibroblasts. MPA significantly impaired wound closure in both cell types and delayed the reestablishment of transepithelial resistance by epithelial cells. In contrast to MPA, NET selectively decreased wound closure by stromal fibroblasts but not epithelial cells. Following epithelial injury, MPA but not LNG or NET, blocked the injury-induced upregulation of HBD2, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial implicated in wound healing, but had no effect on the secretion of RANTES, CCL20 and SDF-1α. This study demonstrates that, unlike progesterone and LNG, MPA and NET may interfere with wound closure following injury in the endometrium, potentially conferring a higher risk of pathogen transmission. Our findings highlight the importance of evaluating progestins for their impact on wound repair at mucosal surfaces.
Artificial intelligence-based automatic assessment of lower limb torsion on MRI
Authors: Schock Justus , Truhn Daniel , Nürnberger Darius , Conrad Stefan , Huppertz Marc Sebastian , Keil Sebastian , Kuhl Christiane , Merhof Dorit , Nebelung Sven
Published: December 2021

Abnormal torsion of the lower limbs may adversely affect joint health. This study developed and validated a deep learning-based method for automatic measurement of femoral and tibial torsion on MRI. Axial T2-weighted sequences acquired of the hips, knees, and ankles of 93 patients (mean age, 13 ± 5 years; 52 males) were included and allocated to training (n = 60), validation (n = 9), and test sets (n = 24). A U-net convolutional neural network was trained to segment both femur and tibia, identify osseous anatomic landmarks, define pertinent reference lines, and quantify femoral and tibial torsion. Manual measurements by two radiologists provided the reference standard. Inter-reader comparisons were performed using repeated-measures ANOVA, Pearson’s r, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Mean Sørensen-Dice coefficients for segmentation accuracy ranged between 0.89 and 0.93 and erroneous segmentations were scarce. Ranges of torsion as measured by both readers and the algorithm on the same axial image were 15.8°–18.0° (femur) and 33.9°–35.2° (tibia). Correlation coefficients (ranges, .968 ≤ r ≤ .984 [femur]; .867 ≤ r ≤ .904 [tibia]) and ICCs (ranges, .963 ≤ ICC ≤ .974 [femur]; .867 ≤ ICC ≤ .894 [tibia]) indicated excellent inter-reader agreement. Algorithm-based analysis was faster than manual analysis (7 vs 207 vs 230 s, p < .001). In conclusion, fully automatic measurement of torsional alignment is accurate, reliable, and sufficiently fast for clinical workflows.
A high-throughput pipeline for scalable kit-free RNA extraction
Authors: Han Ping , Go Maybelle K. , Chow Jeng Yeong , Xue Bo , Lim Yan Ping , Crone Michael A. , Storch Marko , Freemont Paul S. , Yew Wen Shan
Published: December 2021

An overreliance on commercial, kit-based RNA extraction in the molecular diagnoses of infectious disease presents a challenge in the event of supply chain disruptions and can potentially hinder testing capacity in times of need. In this study, we adapted a well-established, robust TRIzol-based RNA extraction protocol into a high-throughput format through miniaturization and automation. The workflow was validated by RT-qPCR assay for SARS-CoV-2 detection to illustrate its scalability without interference to downstream diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy. This semi-automated, kit-free approach offers a versatile alternative to prevailing integrated solid-phase RNA extraction proprietary systems, with the added advantage of improved cost-effectiveness for high volume acquisition of quality RNA whether for use in clinical diagnoses or for diverse molecular applications.
High divergence of human astrovirus genotypes circulating in pediatric patients hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in Chiang Mai, Thailand, 2017–2020
Authors: Wei Hongyu , Khamrin Pattara , Kumthip Kattareeya , Yodmeeklin Arpaporn , Maneekarn Niwat
Published: December 2021

Human astrovirus (HAstV) is one of the common causes of acute gastroenteritis in children. The investigation of molecular epidemiology of HAstV is essential for monitoring the emergence and/or re-emergence of new HAstV genotypes, as well as understanding the evolution of HAstV circulating in children suffering from acute gastroenteritis. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and distribution of HAstVs strains circulating in children hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in Chiang Mai, Thailand during 2017–2020. A total of 1500 fecal specimens collected from children with acute gastroenteritis were screened for HAstV by RT-PCR that targeted the partial RdRp in ORF1b and strains were characterized by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Of the 1500 fecal samples, 39 (2.6%) were positive for HAstV. Of these, both classic and novel HAstV genotypes, including classic HAstV1–HAstV5, novel HAstV-MLB1, MLB2, and HAstV-VA2, were detected. The data in this study revealed a high divergence of HAstV genotypes circulating in pediatric patients admitted to the hospitals with acute gastroenteritis in Chiang Mai, Thailand during 2017–2020.
Emergence of mTOR mutation as an acquired resistance mechanism to AKT inhibition, and subsequent response to mTORC1/2 inhibition
Authors: Coleman Niamh , Subbiah Vivek , Pant Shubham , Patel Keyur , Roy-Chowdhuri Sinchita , Yedururi Sireesha , Johnson Amber , Yap Timothy A. , Rodon Jordi , Shaw Kenna , Meric-Bernstam Funda
Published: December 2021

Acquired resistance to molecular targeted therapy is a significant challenge of the precision medicine era. The ability to understand these mechanisms of resistance may improve patient selection and allow for the development of rationally designed next-line or combination treatment strategies and improved patient outcomes. AKT is a critical effector of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling cascade, one of the most commonly activated pathways in human cancer. Deregulation of signaling pathways, such as RAF/MEK/ERK are previously described mechanisms of resistance to AKT/PI3K inhibitors. Mutations in the mTOR gene, however, are exceedingly rare. We present a case of acquired mTOR resistance, following targeted AKT inhibition, and subsequent response to mTOR1/2 inhibitor in a patient with metastatic endometrial cancer, the first documented response to ATP-competitive mTOR inhibition in this setting. This case supports mTOR mutation as a mechanism of resistance, and underscores the importance of tumor molecular profiling, exemplifying precision medicine in action.
A multifunctional supramolecular hydrogel for infected wound healing
Authors: Ding Tingting , Qi Jiajia , Zou Jingcheng , Dan Hongxia , Zhao Hang , Chen Qianming
Published: December 2021

Infected wound healing has been a concern so it is crucial to develop new multifunctional hydrogel that integrates antibacterial, adhesive and antioxidant properties.
Betti base derived P-stereogenic phosphine-diamidophosphite ligands with a single atom spacer and their application in asymmetric catalysis
Authors: Chakrabortty Soumyadeep , Konieczny Katharina , Müller Bernd H. , Spannenberg Anke , Kamer Paul C. J. , de Vries Johannes G.
Published: December 2021

Small bite-angle P-chirogenic PNP ligands have been synthesized stereo-selectively and employed in Rh-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation and Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution resulting in moderate to excellent enantioselectivities.
Three-dimensional cross-linked Co-MoS2 catalyst on carbon cloth for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Xiao Yan , Yao Jing , Zhang Tianze , Ma Xinzhi , Xu Dexin , Gao Hong
Published: December 2021

The as-synthesized material had a three-dimensional self-supporting cross-linked (3DSC) structure. 3DSC Co-MoS2-4/CC can drive the current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm−2 only with 40 and 119 mV overpotentials, respectively, in alkaline medium.
Emergent physical properties of perovskite-type oxides prepared under high pressure
Authors: Ye Xubin , Wang Xiao , Liu Zhehong , Zhou Bowen , Zhou Long , Deng Hongshan , Long Youwen
Published: December 2021

A series of structural evolutions and emergent physical properties of perovskite-type oxides prepared by high-pressure and temperature are reviewed. Chemical substitution and oxygen content can effectively regulate their physical properties.
Tuning multicolour emission of Zn2GeO4:Mn phosphors by Li+ doping for information encryption and anti-counterfeiting applications
Authors: Gao Dangli , Ma Kaiwei , Wang Peng , Zhang Xiangyu , Pang Qing , Xin Hong , Zhang Zihan , Jiao Huan
Published: December 2021

By tuning Li+ doping concentrations, a gradual colour output and a tuneable afterglow duration have been achieved in Zn2GeO4:Mn,Li and NaLiGe4O9:Mn phosphors, which exhibit excellent performance for anti-counterfeiting applications.
Highly-dispersed and high-metal-density electrocatalysts on carbon supports for the oxygen reduction reaction: from nanoparticles to atomic-level architectures
Authors: Li Zesheng , Li Bolin , Hu Yifan , Wang Shaoyu , Yu Changlin
Published: December 2021

The preparation methods, ORR performances, and synergistic mechanisms of carbon-supported high-metal-density ORR electrocatalysts (including nanosize NPs and atomic-level structures) are systematically summarized.
Organic building blocks at inorganic nanomaterial interfaces
Authors: Huang Yunping , Cohen Theodore A. , Sperry Breena M. , Larson Helen , Nguyen Hao A. , Homer Micaela K. , Dou Florence Y. , Jacoby Laura M. , Cossairt Brandi M. , Gamelin Daniel R. , Luscombe Christine K.
Published: December 2021

Inorganic–organic interfaces: a tutorial on using organic functional groups to enhance the performances and/or enable new functionality of inorganic nanomaterials.
The effect of krill oil on longevity and locomotion: a pilot study
Authors: Shi Jiachen , Wang Yanan , Jiang Fan , Liu Yuanfa , Xu Yong-Jiang
Published: December 2021

Supplement of krill oil is benefit for lifespan and locomotion of C. elegans.
Exploration of hydrated lithium manganese oxide with a nanoribbon structure as cathodes in aqueous lithium ion and magnesium ion batteries
Authors: Bai Xue , Cao Dianxue , Jiang Zhuwu , Zhang Hongyu
Published: December 2021

Aqueous lithium/magnesium ion battery was assembled with Li0.21MnO2·H2O (LMO) as the cathode and VO2 as the anode.
CsCu3SbS4: rational design of a two-dimensional layered material with giant birefringence derived from Cu3SbS4
Authors: Liu Chang , Zhou Sheng-Hua , Zhang Chao , Shen Ya-Ying , Liu Xiao-Yan , Lin Hua , Liu Yi
Published: December 2021

By introducing Cs into known Cu3SbS4, we successfully obtained a novel thioantimonate, quaternary CsCu3SbS4 with an unprecedented 2D layered structure, which exhibits a giant birefringence (0.232 at 549 nm).
Cation effects on the properties of halloysite-confined bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide based ionic liquids
Authors: Agafonov A. V. , Ramenskaya L. M. , Grishina E. P. , Kudryakova N. O.
Published: December 2021

The structure and properties of ionic liquids based on the bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion confined by halloysite nanoclay change due to interaction with outer and inner surfaces of nanotubes, depending on the type and size of the cation.
Graphene oxide-catalyzed trifluoromethylation of alkynes with quinoxalinones and Langlois' reagent
Authors: Li Hong , Peng Xiangjun , Nie Liang , Zhou Lin , Yang Ming , Li Fan , Hu Jian , Yao Zhiyang , Liu Liangxian
Published: December 2021

The direct C–H trifluoromethylation of alkynes and quinoxalinones using a graphene oxide/Langlois' reagent system.
In silico analysis of SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease potential inhibitors
Authors: Elseginy Samia A. , Anwar Manal M.
Published: December 2021

The emergent outbreak caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 continues spreading and causing huge social and economic disruption.
Unexpected role of electronic coupling between host redox centers in transport kinetics of lithium ions in olivine phosphate materials
Authors: Gao Yu , Huang Jun , Liu Yuwen , Chen Shengli
Published: December 2021

The discrepancy between the trend in the diffusion coefficient of lithium ions (DLi+) and that in the activation energy of ion hopping signals hidden factors determining ion transport kinetics in layered olivine phosphate materials (LiMPO4).
Can super-resolution microscopy become a standard characterization technique for materials chemistry?
Authors: Dhiman Shikha , Andrian Teodora , Gonzalez Beatriz Santiago , Tholen Marrit M. E. , Wang Yuyang , Albertazzi Lorenzo
Published: December 2021

SRM, an advanced nanoscopy technique demands a transition from being a niche sophisticated technique to standard routine method for material characterization. The roadmap of necessary developments through multidisciplinary collaboration is discussed.
Mapping blood biochemistry by Raman spectroscopy at the cellular level
Authors: Volkov Victor V. , McMaster Jonathan , Aizenberg Joanna , Perry Carole C.
Published: December 2021

We assign the electronic transitions responsible for the colour of blood and present a Raman imaging diagnostic approach for individual blood cells.
Defect engineering in semiconductor-based SERS
Authors: Song Ge , Cong Shan , Zhao Zhigang
Published: December 2021

Defect engineering strategies are used to boost the SERS activity of a wide variety of semiconductors including metal oxides, nitrides, carbon materials and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), as discussed in this perspective.
Progress and challenges on scaling up of perovskite solar cell technology
Authors: Yan Jin , Savenije Tom J. , Mazzarella Luana , Isabella Olindo
Published: December 2021

In this review, developments and challenges related to scaling up of PSCs are discussed. This work touches the aspects of scalable deposition methods, technical challenges, costs, and large area perovskite single and tandem devices.
Coke-promoted Ni/CaO catal-sorbents in the production of cyclic CO and syngas
Authors: Jo Seongbin , Lee Jong Heon , Woo Jin Hyeok , Kim Tae-Young , Ryu Ho-Jung , Hwang Byungwook , Kim Jae Chang , Lee Soo Chool , Gilliard-AbdulAziz Kandis Leslie
Published: December 2021

Highly efficient CO and syngas production in a cyclic system was proposed using coke-promoted Ni/CaO (C-Ni/CaO) catal-sorbent. The C-Ni/CaO exhibited high CO production in CO2 conversion and syngas production in CH4 conversion step, respectively.
Halide-free catalytic carbon dioxide fixation of epoxides to cyclic carbonates under atmospheric pressure
Authors: Mitra Antarip , Biswas Tanmoy , Ghosh Sourav , Tudu Gouri , Paliwal Khushboo S. , Ghosh Suptish , Mahalingam Venkataramanan
Published: December 2021

An efficient fixation of CO2 into epoxide is achieved by using a halide free aluminium-based polymeric material as catalysts under atmospheric pressure.
Rods in a lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal: emergence of chirality, symmetry-breaking alignment, and caged angular diffusion
Authors: Ettinger Sophie , Dietrich Clarissa F. , Mishra Chandan K. , Miksch Cornelia , Beller Daniel A. , Collings Peter J. , Yodh A. G.
Published: December 2021

Surprising symmetry-breaking behaviors and chiral director configurations surrounding rod-like particles suspended in a lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal.
Controllable formation of bulk perfluorohexane nanodroplets by solvent exchange
Authors: Ji Yuwen , Zheng Jin , Geng Zhanli , Tan Tingyuan , Hu Jun , Zhang Lijuan , Zhang Yi
Published: December 2021

We developed a propanol–water exchange method to prepare highly homogeneous and stable perfluorohexane bulk nanodroplets. In addition, a ternary phase diagram to describe the physicochemical properties of PFH nanodroplets was constructed.
Conditions for efficient charge generation preceded by energy transfer process in non-fullerene organic solar cells
Authors: Benatto L. , Moraes C. A. M. , Candiotto G. , Sousa K. R. A. , Souza J. P. A. , Roman L. S. , Koehler M.
Published: December 2021

Our results provide a simple relationship involving the driving force and binding energy of CT state to maximize charge generation in non-fullerene organic solar cells.
Porphyrin framework-derived N-doped porous carbon-confined Ru for NH3BH3 methanolysis: the more pyridinic-N, the better
Authors: Li Xiugang , Yao Qilu , Li Zongbao , Li Hongbo , Zhu Qi-Long , Lu Zhang-Hui
Published: December 2021

Ultrafine Ru NPs encapsulated in a pyridinic-N-rich N-doped porous carbon derived from the pyrolysis of a new porphyrin framework were firstly fabricated for hydrogen generation.
Theoretical study on stability and ion transport property with halide doping of Na3SbS4 electrolyte for all-solid-state batteries
Authors: Jalem Randy , Gao Bo , Tian Hong-Kang , Tateyama Yoshitaka
Published: December 2021

We report a comprehensive first-principles DFT study on (electro)chemical stability, intrinsic defects, and ionic conductivity improvement by halide doping of Na3SbS4 electrolyte for all-solid-state Na batteries.
Embedding in-plane aligned MOF nanoflakes in silk fibroin for highly enhanced output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators
Authors: Chen Zixi , Cao Yule , Yang Weifeng , An Lin , Fan Hongwei , Guo Yinben
Published: December 2021

Embedding active fillers into polymers to construct composite materials is an effective way to enhance the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs).
Wide visible-range activatable fluorescence ZnSe:Eu3+/Mn2+@ZnS quantum dots: local atomic structure order and application as a nanoprobe for bioimaging
Authors: Khan Zahid Ullah , Uchiyama Mayara Klimuk , Khan Latif Ullah , Araki Koiti , Goto Hiro , Felinto Maria Claudia França Cunha , de Souza Ana Olivia , de Brito Hermi Felinto , Gidlund Magnus
Published: December 2021

To develop fluorescent bionanoprobe for cellular imaging, it is crucial to get precise insight on the particle–cell interaction, optical properties of QDs in and out of the cell, their movement in and out of the cell, and the final fate of particle.
Vanadium disulfide nanosheets loaded on carbon cloth as electrode for flexible quasi-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors: energy storage mechanism and electrochemical performance
Authors: Zhang M. Y. , Miao J. Y. , Yan X. H. , Zhu Y. H. , Li Y. L. , Zhang W. J. , Zhu W. , Pan J. M. , Javed M. S. , Hussain S.
Published: December 2021

VS2/CC electrodes enable an asymmetric flexible supercapacitor to maintain high energy density and power density simultaneously and stable electrochemical performance under different bending conditions.
Spectroscopic comparison of charge dynamics in fullerene and non-fullerene acceptor-based organic photovoltaic cells
Authors: Pugliese Silvina N. , Gallaher Joseph K. , Uddin Mohammad Afsar , Ryu Hwa Sook , Woo Han Young , Hodgkiss Justin M.
Published: December 2021

Photocurrent generation dynamics are compared between three classes of organic acceptors using ultrafast spectroscopy. New excitations are important in non-fullerene acceptors, but their performance is impaired by charge recombination and disorder.
An all-inorganic CsPbBr3/GaN hetero-structure for a near UV to green band photodetector
Authors: Su Longxing , Zhang Yue , Xie Jin
Published: December 2021

A stable all-inorganic CsPbBr3/GaN heterojunction photodetector operated in both photoconductive mode and depletion mode is fabricated, exhibiting a sensitive response to the radiation from the near UV to the green band.
Sequences consistency feature learning for video‐based person re‐identification
Authors: Zhao Kai , Cheng Deqiang , Kou Qiqi , Li Jiahan , Liu Ruihang
Published: December 2021

Video‐based person re‐identification aims to match pedestrians from video sequences across non‐overlapping cameras. A major challenge of the person re‐identification is the serious intra‐class distance caused by cropped frames variation in video sequences. To address this issue, a novel sequences consistency feature learning (SCFL) framework for video‐based person re‐identification is proposed. Specifically, SCFL utilizes a deep neural network and the proposed sequences consistency loss to learn sequences‐invariant features for each pedestrian, which decreases the intra‐class distance across the partial occlusions, inaccurate detection and viewpoint variation. During the training process, SCFL slices the video‐level features and computes the cosine similarity between disjoint sequences features pairs of the same pedestrian as the sequences consistency loss to minimize the intra‐class distance. The experiments demonstrate that our approach improves the performance of the existing deep networks and achieves competitive performance on the large‐scale benchmark datasets including MARS and DukeMTMC‐VideoReID.
Comparative study of dual 3‐phase permanent magnet machines with coil span of two slot‐pitches
Authors: Feng Jianghua , Xu Peilin , Zhu Ziqiang , Wang Shensheng , Shao Bo , Xiao Yang , Guo Shuying , Li Yifeng , Feng Shouzhi
Published: December 2021

In this study, the electromagnetic performances of dual 3‐phase permanent magnet (PM) machines with coil span of two slot‐pitches are comparatively investigated. It mainly focuses on two PM machines with different slot/pole number combinations (Ns/2p), that is, the 24‐slot/10‐pole and 24‐slot/14‐pole machines (2p = Ns/2 ± 2). First, winding configurations are illustrated for these two dual 3‐phase machines with 30° angle displacement. Then, the winding factor, back electromotive force, average torque, torque ripple, iron and PM losses, short‐circuit (SC) current, and PM irreversible demagnetisation are analysed and compared for both machines on the conditions of healthy operation and one set of three‐phase fault, that is, SC or open circuit (OC), respectively. The comparative results show that on healthy condition the 14‐pole PM machine has a slightly larger torque output. Besides, on 3‐phase OC condition, the 14‐pole machine also performs better over‐rating torque capability. In terms of iron and PM losses, the 10‐pole machine has smaller iron losses but larger PM losses than the 14‐pole machine. Moreover, on 3‐phase SC condition, the 14‐pole machine has a significantly lower risk of PM irreversible demagnetisation than the 10‐pole machine, although both machines have very similar SC currents. Finally, the 24‐slot/10‐ and 14‐pole dual 3‐phase PM machines are both prototyped and some tests are carried out for validation.
Modelling and analysis of permanent magnet vernier machine using flexible magnetic equivalent circuit method
Authors: Rostami Mohsen , Naderi Peyman , Shiri Abbas
Published: December 2021

This paper develops a new model with adjustable accuracy to evaluate performance of permanent magnet Vernier machine (PMVM) based on flexible magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) method. The desired machine parameters such as number of flux modulation poles (FMPs), winding pole‐pairs, and geometrical dimensions can be chosen in the presented model. By utilizing nonlinear core magnetization curve, saturation effect is taken into account. There are two main contributions in this study. First, the flexible MEC model is developed to predict the machine performance accurately. The second contribution is that the developed model can be used to evaluate the performance of the machine under no‐load and loading conditions at the same time. The results of MEC model under no‐load and loading conditions are compared with 2D‐finite element method (FEM) and 3D‐FEM in terms of accuracy and simulation time. The results indicate acceptable accuracy and suitable processing time of the proposed MEC model.
The impact of the presence of water ice on the analysis of debris disk observations
Authors: Stuber T. A. , Wolf S.
Published: December 2021

Context. The analysis of debris disk observations is often based on the assumption of a dust phase composed of compact spherical grains consisting of astronomical silicate. Instead, observations indicate the existence of water ice in debris disks.

Aims. We quantify the impact of water ice as a potential grain constituent in debris disks on the disk parameter values estimated from photometric and spatially resolved observations in the mid- and far-infrared.

Methods. We simulated photometric measurements and radial profiles of debris disks containing water ice and analyzed them by applying a disk model purely consisting of astronomical silicate. Subsequently, we quantified the deviations between the derived and the true parameter values. As stars in central positions we discuss a β Pic sibling and main-sequence stars with spectral types ranging from A0 to K5. To simulate observable quantities we employed selected observational scenarios regarding the choice of wavelengths and instrument characteristics.

Results. For the β Pic stellar model and ice fractions ≥50% the derived inner disk radius is biased by ice sublimation toward higher values. However, the derived slope of the radial density profile is mostly unaffected. Along with an increasing ice fraction, the slope of the grain size distribution is overestimated by up to a median factor of ~1.2 for an ice fraction of 90%. At the same time, the total disk mass is underestimated by a factor of ~0.4. The reliability of the derived minimum grain size strongly depends on the spectral type of the central star. For an A0-type star the minimum grain size can be underestimated by a factor of ~0.2, while for solar-like stars it is overestimated by up to a factor of ~4–5. Neglecting radial profile measurements and using solely photometric measurements, the factor of overestimation increases for solar-like stars up to ~7–14.
Proposition d’un cadre d’analyse des nouvelles formes collectives d’exploitation agricole en France
Authors: Laurant Delphine , Bazile Didier , Le Page Christophe , Rousselou Emilie
Published: December 2021

Depuis une dizaine d’années en France, de nouvelles formes d’installations collectives émergent et semblent motivées par la réalisation d’un projet de vie associé à l’exercice du métier d’agriculteur. Encore peu documentées, ces formes d’exploitations collectives pourraient cependant favoriser la conduite de systèmes plus diversifiés, dont la gestion plus complexe serait permise par la diversité des acteurs impliqués dans le processus de production. Pour appréhender les interactions entre l’organisation collective et la combinaison d’activités caractérisant l’exploitation agricole, nous proposons un cadre générique permettant d’analyser et de comparer différentes stratégies organisationnelles. Considérant une combinaison de données récoltées sur treize fermes collectives, nous proposons un cadre conceptuel générique basé sur le formalisme AGR (Agent-Groupe-Rôle) issu du domaine de la recherche en informatique. Sa déclinaison en un cadre d’analyse appliqué à trois cas d’étude contrastés illustre la diversité des formes d’organisation de collectifs et des différents enjeux qu’ils portent, ainsi que les façons dont le partage des ressources structure les groupes.
Enrichment dynamics for advanced reactor HALEU support
Authors: Bachmann Amanda M. , Fairhurst-Agosta Roberto , Richter Zoë , Ryan Nathan , Munk Madicken
Published: December 2021

Transitioning to High Assay Low Enriched Uranium-fueled reactors will alter the material requirements of the current nuclear fuel cycle, in terms of the mass of enriched uranium and Separative Work Unit capacity. This work simulates multiple fuel cycle scenarios using Cyclus to compare how the type of the advanced reactor deployed and the energy growth demand affect the material requirements of the transition to High Assay Low Enriched Uranium-fueled reactors. Fuel cycle scenarios considered include the current fleet of Light Water Reactors in the U.S. as well as a no-growth and a 1% growth transition to either the Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation Micro Modular Reactor or the X-energy Xe-100 reactor from the current fleet of U.S. Light Water Reactors. This work explored parameters of interest including the number of advanced reactors deployed, the mass of enriched uranium sent to the reactors, and the Separative Work Unit capacity required to enrich natural uranium for the reactors. Deploying Micro Modular Reactors requires a higher average mass and Separative Work Unit capacity than deploying Xe-100 reactors, and a lower enriched uranium mass and a higher Separative Work Unity capacity than required to fuel Light Water Reactors before the transition. Fueling Xe-100 reactors requires less enriched uranium and Separative Work Unit capacity than fueling Light Water Reactors before the transition.
LID and LETID evolution of PV modules during outdoor operation and indoor tests
Authors: Fokuhl Esther , Philipp Daniel , Mülhöfer Georg , Gebhardt Paul
Published: December 2021

Light Induced Degradation (LID) and Light and Elevated Temperature Induced Degradation (LETID) manifest with carrier injection due to light or forward bias and can lead to performance losses during the first months or years of operation in the field. We are investigating the effects of common LETID indoor test conditions and the module temperature under outdoor exposure on the evolution of BO LID and LETID over time. The investigations are based on experimental data from twelve structurally identical mono-crystalline and two multi-crystalline PERC PV modules, which underwent a detailed experiment including five different indoor test sequences and an outdoor test. Changes in the module performance are discussed based on the current knowledge on state transitions of the BO defect and LETID. Temporary recovery of the LETID defect was used to distinguish LETID from other degradation mechanisms. Our results confirm the importance of BO stabilization prior to LETID tests as it is included in the current IEC TS draft for LETID detection. We also show that too strong acceleration of the processes can lead to misinterpretation of LETID test results. Under dark storage conditions, destabilization of BO defects was found to already evolve at temperatures as low as 75 °C and a likely alteration of subsequent LETID was observed. The performance changes under outdoor exposure can be explained with the same mechanisms as investigated under indoor experiments and reveal reversible seasonal recovery effects. Furthermore, the influence of different module operating temperatures on the evolution of both, BO LID and LETID is presented and evaluated.