bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon Dynamics in Climate Smart Agriculture Precision Land Leveling Practices on Topsoil Microbial Community Changes and Soil Organic Carbon in Cereal Based Cropping Systems of Sub-Tropical India: A Review
Authors: Naresh R. K. , Chandra M. Sharath , Baliyan Aryan , Kumar B. Naveen , Kanaujiya Pradeep Kumar , Pathak Shakti Om , Singh Pradeep Kumar , Kumar Navneet
Published: May 2021

The role of soil microorganisms in the biogeochemical process and nutrient cycling of soil is critical and is colossally impacted by agronomic management practices. In order to establish climate-smart precision land leveling practices in cereal based cropping systems, comprehension of the land bacterial local area and supplement nutrient dynamics under differentiating management practices is of most extreme significance. Climate smart agriculture (CSA) practices are gaining traction in subtropical India as a viable alternative to conventional cereal-based cropping systems for reversing natural resource depletion. Sustainable soil management alternatives that sequester carbon in the soil, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and help intensify production, all while enhancing the natural resource base. Aggregate-associated soil organic carbon (SOC) contents in 0-15 cm depth were recorded highest SOC at 15-30 cm depth in Precision Land Leveling (PLL) systems as 9.4% for both M-P-MbPLL and M-W-MbPLL. Highest PON change in arable cropping system (30.9 & 40.1%) was found in O-W-Mb with precision land levelling plots followed by R-P-O with precision land levelling plots (26.1 & 35.8%) as compared to R-W and S-W system. The values of LFOC in surface soil were 194.7, 187.9, 176.2, 170.9, 168.5, 150.6, 132.8 and 123.8 mgkg−1 in R-P-O, R-C-O, M-W-Mb, O-W-Mb, M-P-Mb, R-P-Mb, R-W and S-W with precision land leveling treatments. Therefore, adopting Climate Smart Agriculture Precision Land leveling practices can dramatically boost system productivity in cereal-based cropping systems by improving SOC and soil biological quality. The overview literature accrued indicate that CSA based totally totally management has a remarkable impact on top soil resilience in phrases of relative abundances of bacterial groups, soil organic carbon & to be had plant nutrients and as a result may additionally play a vital function within the sustainability of the extensive cereal based cropping systems.
Salt Tolerant Rhizobacteria from Coastal Region of Bangladesh Portrayed the Potential for Plant Growth Promotion
Authors: Arifin Md. Shoaib , Rion Md. Shafiul Islam , Rahman Atiqur , Zakir H. M. , Quadir Quazi Forhad
Published: May 2021

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria can effectively reduce the severity of different abiotic stresses like water stress, temperature stress, salt stress, etc. on plant growth and development. The study aimed at isolating salt-tolerant rhizobacteria followed by their morphological, biochemical and plant growth promotion traits evaluation. Sixteen root samples of nine different plant species were collected from two locations of Patuakhali, a coastal southern district of Bangladesh. Thirty rhizobacteria were isolated, fifteen from each location, to assess their halotolerance and plant growth promoting potential. The isolated rhizobacteria were subjected to morphological (viz. shape, colour and elevation), biochemical (viz. Gram reaction, catalase test and HCN production) and growth-promoting traits [viz. phosphate solubilizing ability, salt tolerance, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, and N2-fixation] characterization. Twenty-eight isolates were Gram positive, 27 were catalase positive, and nine showed varying degrees of phosphate solubilization on National Botanical Research Institute of Phosphate (NBRIP) medium. Isolate PWB5 showed the highest phosphate solubilizing index (PSI = 3.83±0.098) on the 6th day. To screen salt-tolerant rhizobacteria, the isolates were cultured in NBA media containing different (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12%, 15%) NaCl concentrations. Isolate PWB12 and PWB13 grew at 15% NaCl concentration. Eleven isolates exhibited IAA producing ability on Winogradsky medium amended with L-tryptophan among which four (PMB13, PMB14, PMB15 and PWB6) were strong IAA producers. Twenty-seven isolates were potential N2-fixer and among them, 20 were highly efficient, but none of the isolates was HCN producer. The rhizobacteria isolated in the current research work showed some potential plant growth-promoting traits which seem applicable for crop production, especially, under salt stress condition.
Syphilis Seroprevalence among Blood Donors at the Chad National Blood Transfusion Center in N’Djamena
Authors: Djimadoum Mbanga , Nadlaou Bessimbaye , Moussa Ali Mahamat , Mahamat Abba Alifa , Zakaria Soureya , Otchom Brahim Boy
Published: May 2021

This involves evaluating the risk of syphilis transfusion in blood donors having a reaction to the group antigen and confirming positive or negative by the treponemal test.

From August 2019 to August 2020, an observational study of syphilitic markers was conducted with blood donors (replacement families and volunteers non-remunerated) at the Center National de Transfusion Sanguine de N’Djamena. The donors included were also tested negative for the markers (HBsAg, Ab anti HCV, Ag /Ab HIV) according to standard methods of clinical microbiology.

During one year, 24587 donors were identified of which 654 (2.65%) were confirmed positive by the treponemal test. Different positive rates of syphilis were determined in family replacement donors (94%), voluntary non-remunerated donors (6.12%), male (86%) and female (13%) respectively.

This study determined a level of specific antigen for syphilis in a study population that reacted positively to the non-treponemal test.

In view of this result, we recommend screening with the treponemal test in any blood donor having a reaction with a non-treponemal test in order to minimize the residual risk of transmission of syphilis among blood donors in Chad.
Impact of Diabetes Continuing Education on Knowledge and Practice of Diabetes Care among Health Care Professionals in Yemen
Authors: Babelgaith Salmeen D. , Almetwazi Mansour , Wajid Syed , Alfadly Saeed , Shaman Ahmed M , Al-Arifi Mohamed N.
Published: May 2021

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the Impact of diabetes continuing education on knowledge and practice of diabetes care among health care professionals in Yemen.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study was carried out among health care professionals. The original questionnaire consisted of 22 multiple choice questions. A total of 73 HCPs received continuing education (CE) intervention.  Knowledge attitude and practice (KAP) was assessed using a validated questionnaire. 

Results: The result showed that majority of the HCPs has a good general knowledge on diabetes and its managements prior to the CE program. Evaluation of the general knowledge score of the HCPs found some improvement in the knowledge score, however the improvement was not significant (p=0.31). The result of this study found that HCPs has good knowledge on monitoring the sign, symptoms and laboratory parameters.

Conclusion: Evaluation of the knowledge score on Goal of Diabetes Management of HCPs found significant (p=0.024) improvement in the knowledge score. The results indicated that the lab values were rated as the most important in the goal for the treatment of diabetes patients.  The study also found no significant difference in practice score after CE program among HCPs.
The Ca2+‐binding protein sorcin stimulates transcriptional activity of the unfolded protein response mediator ATF6
Authors: Parks Steven Z. , Gao Tian , Jimenez Awuapura Natalia , Ayathamattam Joseph , Chabosseau Pauline L. , Kalvakolanu Dhananjaya V. , Valdivia Héctor H. , Rutter Guy A. , Leclerc Isabelle
Published: May 2021

Sorcin is a calcium‐binding protein involved in maintaining endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ stores. We have previously shown that overexpressing sorcin under the rat insulin promoter was protective against high‐fat diet‐induced pancreatic beta‐cell dysfunction in vivo. Activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) is a key mediator of the unfolded protein response (UPR) that provides cellular protection during the progression of ER stress. Here, using nonexcitable HEK293 cells, we show that sorcin overexpression increased ATF6 signalling, whereas sorcin knock out caused a reduction in ATF6 transcriptional activity and increased ER stress. Altogether, our data suggest that sorcin downregulation during lipotoxic stress may prevent full ATF6 activation and a normal UPR during the progression of obesity and insulin resistance.
BRET analysis reveals interaction between the lysophosphatidic acid receptor LPA2 and the lysophosphatidylinositol receptor GPR55 in live cells
Authors: Bang Gwantae , Ghil Sungho
Published: May 2021

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and lysophosphatidylinositol bind to the G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) LPA and GPR55, respectively. LPA2, a type 2 LPA receptor, and GPR55 are highly expressed in colon cancer and involved in cancer progression. However, crosstalk between the two receptors and potential effects on cellular physiology are not fully understood. Here, using BRET analysis, we found that LPA2 and GPR55 interact in live cells. In the presence of both receptors, LPA2 and/or GPR55 activation facilitated co‐internalization, and activation of GPR55, uncoupled with Gαi, induced reduction of intracellular cAMP. Notably, co‐activation of receptors synergistically triggered further decline in the cAMP level, promoted cell proliferation, and increased the expression of cancer progression‐related genes, suggesting that physical and functional crosstalk between LPA2 and GRR55 is involved in cancer progression.
Novel CTRP8‐RXFP1‐JAK3‐STAT3 axis promotes Cdc42‐dependent actin remodeling for enhanced filopodia formation and motility in human glioblastoma cells
Authors: Glogowska Aleksandra , Thanasupawat Thatchawan , Beiko Jason , Pitz Marshall , Hombach‐Klonisch Sabine , Klonisch Thomas
Published: May 2021

C1q tumor necrosis factor‐related peptide 8 (CTRP8) is the least studied member of the C1Q‐TNF‐related peptide family. We identified CTRP8 as a ligand of the G protein‐coupled receptor relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The CTRP8‐RXFP1 ligand–receptor system protects human GBM cells against the DNA‐alkylating damage‐inducing temozolomide (TMZ), the drug of choice for the treatment of patients with GBM. The DNA protective role of CTRP8 was dependent on a functional RXFP1‐STAT3 signaling cascade and targeted the monofunctional glycosylase N‐methylpurine DNA glycosylase (MPG) for more efficient base excision repair of TMZ‐induced DNA‐damaged sites. CTRP8 also improved the survival of GBM cells by upregulating anti‐apoptotic BCl‐2 and BCL‐XL. Here, we have identified Janus‐activated kinase 3 (JAK3) as a novel member of a novel CTRP8‐RXFP1‐JAK3‐STAT3 signaling cascade that caused an increase in cellular protein content and activity of the small Rho GTPase Cdc42. This is associated with significant F‐actin remodeling and increased GBM motility. Cdc42 was critically important for the upregulation of the actin nucleation complex N‐Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein/Arp3/4 and actin elongation factor profilin‐1. The activation of the RXFP1‐JAK3‐STAT3‐Cdc42 axis by both RXFP1 agonists, CTRP8 and relaxin‐2, caused extensive filopodia formation. This coincided with enhanced activity of ezrin, a key factor in tethering F‐actin to the plasma membrane, and inhibition of the actin filament severing activity of cofilin. The F‐actin remodeling and pro‐migratory activities promoted by the novel RXFP1‐JAK3‐STAT3‐Cdc42 axis were blocked by JAK3 inhibitor tofacitinib and STAT3 inhibitor STAT3 inhibitor VI. This provides a new rationale for the design of JAK3 and STAT3 inhibitors with better brain permeability for clinical treatment of the pervasive brain invasiveness of GBM.
A flux and speed observer for induction motors with unknown rotor resistance and load torque and no persistent excitation requirement
Authors: Pyrkin Anton , Bobtsov Alexey , Vedyakov Alexey , Ortega Romeo , Vediakova Anastasiia , Sinetova Madina
Published: May 2021

In this article, we address the problems of flux and speed observer design for voltage‐fed induction motors with unknown rotor resistance and load torque. The only measured signals are stator current and control voltage. Invoking the recently reported Dynamic Regressor Extension and Mixing‐Based Adaptive Observer (DREMBAO), we provide the first global solution to this problem. The proposed DREMBAO achieves asymptotic convergence under an excitation condition that is strictly weaker than persistent excitation. If the latter condition is assumed the convergence is exponential.
Stable Aqueous Anode‐Free Zinc Batteries Enabled by Interfacial Engineering
Authors: An Yongling , Tian Yuan , Zhang Kai , Liu Yongpeng , Liu Chengkai , Xiong Shenglin , Feng Jinkui , Qian Yitai
Published: May 2021

Anode‐free zinc batteries (AFZBs) are proposed as promising energy storage systems due to their high energy density, inherent safety, low cost, and simplified fabrication process. However, rapid capacity fading caused by the side reactions between the in situ formed zinc metal anode and electrolyte hinders their practical applications. To address these issues, aqueous AFZBs enabled by electrolyte engineering to form a stable interphase are designed. By introducing a multifunctional zinc fluoride (ZnF2) additive into the electrolyte, a stable F‐rich interfacial layer is formed. This interfacial layer can not only regulate the growth orientation of zinc crystals, but also serve as an inert protection layer against side reactions such as H2 generation. Based on these synergy effects, zinc deposition/dissolution with high reversibility (Coulombic efficiency > 99.87%) and stable cycling performance up to 600 h of are achieved in the electrolyte optimized by ZnF2. With this electrolyte, the cycling life of AFZBs is significantly improved. The work may initiate the research of AFZBs and be useful for the design of high energy, high safety, and low‐cost power sources.
Tuning the Charge Transfer Dynamics of the Nanostructured GaN Photoelectrodes for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Detection in the Ultraviolet Band
Authors: Fang Shi , Wang Danhao , Wang Xiaoning , Liu Xin , Kang Yang , Yu Huabin , Zhang Haochen , Hu Wei , He Jr‐Hau , Sun Haiding , Long Shibing
Published: May 2021

The intriguing surface sensitivity of the single‐crystalline semiconductor nanowires offers tremendous opportunity in tuning the physical properties of nanophotonic and nanoelectronic devices for versatile applications. Particularly, in the pursuit of emerging photoelectrochemical (PEC)‐type devices, significant efforts have been devoted to understanding the charge transfer dynamics between the nanowires and the electrolyte. Here, a PEC‐type ultraviolet photodetector consisting of GaN p‐n junction nanowires as photoelectrodes is constructed. It is found that two competing charge transport processes at the nanowires’ surface as well as in the p‐n junction co‐determine the photoresponsive behavior of the device. Furthermore, the surface platinum (Pt) decoration has successfully tuned the charge transfer dynamics by enhancing the charge transport efficiency at the surface, resulting in a twenty‐fold increase of the photocurrent compared to the pristine GaN nanowires. Theoretical calculations reveal that the newly formed electronic states at the Pt/GaN interface account for the improved charge transfer at the surface, and the optimal hydrogen adsorption energy contributes to the boosted PEC reaction rate. The synergy of these two effects uncover the underlying mechanism of the high photoresponse of the constructed Pt/GaN‐nanowires‐based PEC photodetectors.
A Robust Wearable Point‐of‐Care CNT‐Based Strain Sensor for Wirelessly Monitoring Throat‐Related Illnesses
Authors: Qaiser Nadeem , Al‐Modaf Fhad , Khan Sherjeel Munsif , Shaikh Sohail Faizan , El‐Atab Nazek , Hussain Muhammad Mustafa
Published: May 2021

Point‐of‐care testing (POC) has the ability to detect chronic and infectious diseases early or at the time of occurrence and provide a state‐of‐the‐art personalized healthcare system. Recently, wearable and flexible sensors have been employed to analyze sweat, glucose, blood, and human skin conditions. However, a flexible sensing system that allows for the real‐time monitoring of throat‐related illnesses, such as salivary parotid gland swelling caused by flu and mumps, is necessary. Here, for the first time, a wearable, highly flexible, and stretchable piezoresistive sensing patch based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is reported, which can record muscle expansion or relaxation in real‐time, and thus act as a next‐generation POC sensor. The patch offers an excellent gauge factor for in‐plane stretching and spatial expansion with low hysteresis. The actual extent of muscle expansion is calculated and the gauge factor for applications entailing volumetric deformations is redefined. Additionally, a bluetooth‐low‐energy system that tracks muscle activity in real‐time and transmits the output signals wirelessly to a smartphone app is utilized. Numerical calculations verify that the low stress and strain lead to excellent mechanical reliability and repeatability. Finally, a dummy muscle is inflated using a pneumatic‐based actuator to demonstrate the application of the affixed wearable next‐generation POC sensor.
Bioinspired Dual‐Mode Temporal Communication via Digitally Programmable Phase‐Change Materials
Authors: Deng Shihong , Huang Limei , Wu Jingjun , Pan Pengju , Zhao Qian , Xie Tao
Published: May 2021

Switchable optical properties are essential for numerous technologies including communication, anticounterfeiting, camouflage, and imaging/sensing. Typically, the switching is enabled by applying external stimulation such as UV light for fluorescence detection. In contrast, ground squirrels utilize spontaneous live infrared emission for fencing off predators as a unique way of communication. Inspired by this, live evolution of both optical and thermal images for temporal communication in which time is the encoded information is demonstrated. This system is based on a digitally light‐cured polymeric phase‐change material for which the crystallization kinetics can be controlled in a pixelated manner. Consequently, live evolution in optical transparency during the crystallization process enables temporal optical communication. Additionally, by harnessing the dynamic evolution of the thermal enthalpy, multiple sets of time‐specific information can be reversibly retrieved as self‐evolving infrared thermal images. The versatility of this dual‐mode temporal system expands the scope for secured communication, with potential implications for various other areas including optics, thermal regulation, and 3D/4D printing.
Novel Spin–Orbit Torque Generation at Room Temperature in an All‐Oxide Epitaxial La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/SrIrO3 System
Authors: Huang Xiaoxi , Sayed Shehrin , Mittelstaedt Joseph , Susarla Sandhya , Karimeddiny Saba , Caretta Lucas , Zhang Hongrui , Stoica Vladimir A. , Gosavi Tanay , Mahfouzi Farzad , Sun Qilong , Ercius Peter , Kioussis Nicholas , Salahuddin Sayeef , Ralph Daniel C. , Ramesh Ramamoorthy
Published: May 2021

Spin–orbit torques (SOTs) that arise from materials with large spin–orbit coupling offer a new pathway for energy‐efficient and fast magnetic information storage. SOTs in conventional heavy metals and topological insulators are explored extensively, while 5d transition metal oxides, which also host ions with strong spin–orbit coupling, are a relatively new territory in the field of spintronics. An all‐oxide, SrTiO3 (STO)//La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO)/SrIrO3 (SIO) heterostructure with lattice‐matched crystal structure is synthesized, exhibiting an epitaxial and atomically sharp interface between the ferromagnetic LSMO and the high spin–orbit‐coupled metal SIO. Spin‐torque ferromagnetic resonance (ST‐FMR) is used to probe the effective magnetization and the SOT efficiency in LSMO/SIO heterostructures grown on STO substrates. Remarkably, epitaxial LSMO/SIO exhibits a large SOT efficiency, ξ|| = 1, while retaining a reasonably low shunting factor and increasing the effective magnetization of LSMO by ≈50%. The findings highlight the significance of epitaxy as a powerful tool to achieve a high SOT efficiency, explore the rich physics at the epitaxial interface, and open up a new pathway for designing next‐generation energy‐efficient spintronic devices.
Lotus‐Root‐Like Carbon Fibers Embedded with Ni–Co Nanoparticles for Dendrite‐Free Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Chen Chen , Guan Jun , Li Nian Wu , Lu Yue , Luan Deyan , Zhang Cai Hong , Cheng Guang , Yu Le , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: May 2021

The growth of lithium (Li) dendrites and the huge volume change are the critical issues for the practical applications of Li‐metal anodes. In this work, a spatial control strategy is proposed to address the above challenges using lotus‐root‐like Ni–Co hollow prisms@carbon fibers (NCH@CFs) as the host. The homogeneously distributed bimetallic Ni–Co particles on the N‐doped carbon fibers serve as nucleation sites to effectively reduce the overpotential for Li nucleation. Furthermore, the 3D conductive network can alter the electric field. More importantly, the hierarchical lotus‐root‐like hollow fibers provide sufficient void space to withstand the volume expansion during Li deposition. These structural features guide the uniform Li nucleation and non‐dendritic growth. As a result, the NCH@CFs host enables a very stable Li metal anode with a low voltage hysteresis during repeated Li plating/stripping for 1200 h at a current density of 1 mA cm−2.
Performance‐Enhanced CsPbBr3/HfO2/Si Heterostructure Optoelectronics through the Tunneling Effect
Authors: Wang Yanhao , Zheng Wei , Ji Hao , Shen Depeng , Zhang Yuhai , Han Yingkuan , Gao Jianwei , Qiang Le , Liu Hong , Han Lin , Zhang Yu
Published: May 2021

CsPbBr3, as an all‐inorganic perovskite, has attracted considerable research interest due to its excellent optoelectronic properties. However, because the electronic properties of CsPbBr3 are not satisfactory, the relatively low on/off ratio and long photoresponse time of CsPbBr3 devices limit further applications. In this work, a CsPbBr3 device with high performance is successfully fabricated through a simple process using a CsPbBr3 colloid, and the photoresponse performance of the device is investigated under different external factors. By inserting a thin HfO2 layer, CsPbBr3‐based heterostructure devices exhibit much better performances, including an enhanced photocurrent of ≈10 µA, a responsivity of 45.05 A W−1, a detectivity of 9.12 × 1010 Jones, an external quantum efficiency of 12445%, and rise/fall times of 600 µs/300 µs, respectively. A physical mechanism is proposed to explain the photoresponse property promotion in CsPbBr3 devices, which can be attributed to the tunneling effect between CsPbBr3 and Si through the thin HfO2 layer. More importantly, the optoelectrical properties of the proposed CsPbBr3/HfO2/Si heterostructure device can be modulated through both Vds and Vgs. This work offers a valuable strategy and a practical scheme that can be generalized to other perovskite and heterostructure devices.
The Impact of Grain Boundaries on Charge Transport in Polycrystalline Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Meier Tobias , Bässler Heinz , Köhler Anna
Published: May 2021

The active element of an organic field effect transistor (OFET) is a polycrystalline transport layer. The crystallites are interrupted by grain boundaries (GB) that can act as traps or barriers to the charge‐carriers. Their impact on charge transport and hence on the performance of the OFET is still not fully understood. Employing kinetic Monte Carlo studies, the authors set up well‐defined test systems and explore how the parameters of the system, for example, the thickness of the GB, their fractional contribution to the overall film, and the energies of the GB relative to the crystallites, affect the performance of the OFET. It is found that these parameters control the position of the Fermi level, which is crucial in controlling whether the charge transport is confined to GB, or whether it takes place as a superposition between filamentary transport in the boundaries and delocalized transport in the crystallites, or as tunneling‐mediated transport across the crystallites. Guidelines for the morphological optimization of the films for these different transport modes are derived.
Reconfigurable Surfaces Using Fringing Electric Fields from Nanostructured Electrodes in Nematic Liquid Crystals
Authors: Ghannam Rami , Xia Yuanjie , Shen Dezhi , Fernandez F. Anibal , Heidari Hadi , Roy Vellasaimy A. L.
Published: May 2021

Liquid crystals with a varying phase profile enable reconfigurable and intelligent devices to be designed, which are capable of manipulating incident electromagnetic fields in display, telecommunications as well as wearable applications. The active control of defects in these devices is becoming more important, especially since the electrodes used to manipulate them are shrinking to nanometer length scales. In this paper, a simple subwavelength, 1D, interdigitated metal electrode structure that can be reconfigured using nematic liquid crystals aligned in the homeotropic, planar, and hybrid methods are demonstrated. Accurate electro‐optic modeling of the directors and the defects are shown, which are induced by the fringing electric fields. Applied voltages result in liquid crystal reorientation near the bottom surface, such that defects are induced between the electrodes. The height of the electrodes does not affect the lateral position of these defects. Rather, this can be achieved by increasing the biasing voltage on the top electrode, which also leads to greater splay‐bend in the bulk of the material. These results therefore aim to generalize the control of defects in complex anisotropic nematic liquid crystals using simple interdigitated structures for a range of reconfigurable intelligent surface applications.
Visualization of Directional Beaming of Weakly Localized Raman from a Random Network of Silicon Nanowires
Authors: Lo Faro Maria J. , Ruello Giovanna , Leonardi Antonio A. , Morganti Dario , Irrera Alessia , Priolo Francesco , Gigan Sylvain , Volpe Giorgio , Fazio Barbara
Published: May 2021

Disordered optical media are an emerging class of materials that can strongly scatter light. These materials are useful to investigate light transport phenomena and for applications in imaging, sensing and energy storage. While coherent light can be generated using such materials, its directional emission is typically hampered by their strong scattering nature. Here, the authors directly image Rayleigh scattering, photoluminescence and weakly localized Raman light from a random network of silicon nanowires via real‐space microscopy and Fourier imaging. Direct imaging enables us to gain insight on the light transport mechanisms in the random material, to visualize its weak localization length and to demonstrate out‐of‐plane beaming of the scattered coherent Raman light. The direct visualization of coherent light beaming in such random networks of silicon nanowires offers novel opportunities for fundamental studies of light propagation in disordered media. It also opens venues for the development of next generation optical devices based on disordered structures, such as sensors, light sources, and optical switches.
Optogenetic Control of Non‐Apoptotic Cell Death
Authors: He Lian , Huang Zixian , Huang Kai , Chen Rui , Nguyen Nhung T. , Wang Rui , Cai Xiaoli , Huang Zhiquan , Siwko Stefan , Walker Joel R. , Han Gang , Zhou Yubin , Jing Ji
Published: May 2021

Herein, a set of optogenetic tools (designated LiPOP) that enable photoswitchable necroptosis and pyroptosis in live cells with varying kinetics, is introduced. The LiPOP tools allow reconstruction of the key molecular steps involved in these two non‐apoptotic cell death pathways by harnessing the power of light. Further, the use of LiPOPs coupled with upconversion nanoparticles or bioluminescence is demonstrated to achieve wireless optogenetic or chemo‐optogenetic killing of cancer cells in multiple mouse tumor models. LiPOPs can trigger necroptotic and pyroptotic cell death in cultured prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells and in living animals, and set the stage for studying the role of non‐apoptotic cell death pathways during microbial infection and anti‐tumor immunity.
Application of offset‐free Koopman‐based model predictive control to a batch pulp digester
Authors: Son Sang Hwan , Choi Hyun‐Kyu , Kwon Joseph Sang‐Il
Published: May 2021

This work presents the application of a Koopman operator approach to a batch pulp digester. To manufacture paper products with desired properties, it is essential to consider both macroscopic and microscopic attributes of pulp. However, the complexity of multiscale dynamics of pulping processes hinders proper control system design. Therefore, we utilize extended dynamic mode decomposition (EDMD), which is based on Koopman operator theory, to derive a global linear representation of a pulp digester. Then, we design an offset‐free Koopman‐based model predictive control (KMPC) system to regulate the Kappa number and cell wall thickness (CWT) of fibers at a batch pulp digester while compensating for the influence of plant‐model mismatch and disturbance during operation. The numerical experiments demonstrate that the linear state‐space model, obtained via EDMD, properly predicts the behavior of a batch pulp digester, and the designed offset‐free KMPC system successfully drives the Kappa number and CWT to set‐point values.
Next‐generation sequencing and the evolution of data sharing
Authors: de Macena Sobreira Nara Lygia , Hamosh Ada
Published: May 2021

Disease gene identification often relies on identifying multiple affected individuals with similar phenotypes and candidate variants in the same gene. Phenotypic and genomic data sharing tools have facilitated connections that led to novel disease gene discoveries and better characterization and recognition of rare diseases. Additionally, data sharing has evolved. From gene‐based matches to variant‐level information with increasing use of phenotypic information. We expect that these initiatives will continue to expand in the future affording clinicians, researchers, and most importantly, patients and their families faster and more comprehensive answers.
Genotype–phenotype studies in a large cohort of Brazilian patients with Hunter syndrome
Authors: Josahkian Juliana Alves , Brusius‐Facchin Ana Carolina , Netto Alice Brinckmann Oliveira , Leistner‐Segal Sandra , Málaga Diana Rojas , Burin Maira Graeff , Michelin‐Tirelli Kristiane , Trapp Franciele Barbosa , Cardoso‐dos‐Santos Augusto César , Ribeiro Erlane Marques , Kim Chong Ae , de Siqueira Ana Cecília Menezes , Santos Mara Lucia , do Valle Daniel Almeida , da Silva Raquel Tavares Boy , Horovitz Dafne Dain Gandelman , de Medeiros Paula Frassinetti Vasconcelos , de Souza Carolina Fischinger Moura , Giuliani Liane de Rosso , Miguel Diego Santana Chaves Geraldo , Santana‐da‐Silva Luiz Carlos , Galera Marcial Francis , Giugliani Roberto
Published: May 2021

Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) is an X‐linked inherited disease caused by pathogenic variants in the IDS gene, leading to deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme iduronate‐2‐sulfatase and consequent widespread storage of glycosaminoglycans, leading to several clinical consequences, with progressive manifestations which most times includes cognitive decline. MPS II has wide allelic and clinical heterogeneity and a complex genotype–phenotype correlation. We evaluated data from 501 Brazilian patients diagnosed with MPS II from 1982 to 2020. We genotyped 280 of these patients (55.9%), which were assigned to 206 different families. Point mutations were present in 70% of our patients, being missense variants the most frequent. We correlated the IDS pathogenic variants identified with the phenotype (neuronophatic or non‐neuronopathic). Except for two half‐brothers, there was no discordance in the genotype–phenotype correlation among family members, nor among MPS II patients from different families with the same single base‐pair substitution variant. Mothers were carriers in 82.0% of the cases. This comprehensive study of the molecular profile of the MPS II cases in Brazil sheds light on the genotype–phenotype correlation and helps the better understanding of the disease and the prediction of its clinical course, enabling the provision of a more refined genetic counseling to the affected families.
Comment on “The Nature of Chalcogen‐Bonding‐Type Tellurium–Nitrogen Interactions”: Fixing the Description of Finite‐Temperature Effects Restores the Agreement Between Experiment and Theory
Authors: Mewes Jan‐Michael , Hansen Andreas , Grimme Stefan
Published: May 2021

Mitzel and co‐workers recently presented an intriguing molecule displaying a tellurium–nitrogen interaction. Structural data obtained in the solid and in gas phase indicated a large increase of the Te–N equilibrium distance re from 2.64 to 2.92 Å, respectively. Although some DFT calculations appear to support the large re in gas phase, we argue that the lions share of the increase is due to an incomplete description of finite‐temperature effects in the back‐corrected experimental data. This hypothesis is based on high‐level coupled‐cluster (CC) and periodic DFT calculations, which consistently point towards a much smaller re in the isolated molecule. Further support comes through MD simulations with a tuned GFN2‐xTB Hamiltonian: Calibrated against a CC reference, these show a six‐times larger influence of temperature than with the originally used GFN1‐xTB. Taking this into account, the back‐corrected re in gas phase becomes 2.67±0.08 Å, in good agreement with high‐level CC theory and most DFT methods.
Bottom‐up Fabrication and Atomic‐Scale Characterization of Triply Linked, Laterally π‐Extended Porphyrin Nanotapes**
Authors: Sun Qiang , Mateo Luis M. , Robles Roberto , Lorente Nicolas , Ruffieux Pascal , Bottari Giovanni , Torres Tomás , Fasel Roman
Published: May 2021

Porphyrin nanotapes (Por NTs) are promising structures for their use as molecular wires thanks to a high degree of π‐conjugation, low HOMO—LUMO gaps, and exceptional conductance. Such structures have been prepared in solution, but their on‐surface synthesis remains unreported. Here, meso–meso triply fused Por NTs have been prepared through a two‐step synthesis on Au(111). The diradical character of the on‐surface formed building block PorA2, a phenalenyl π‐extended ZnIIPor, facilitates intermolecular homocoupling and allows for the formation of laterally π‐extended tapes. The structural and electronic properties of individual Por NTs are addressed, both on Au(111) and on a thin insulating NaCl layer, by high‐resolution scanning probe microscopy/spectroscopy complemented by DFT calculations. These Por NTs carry one unpaired electron at each end, which leads to magnetic end states. Our study provides a versatile route towards Por NTs and the atomic‐scale characterization of such tapes.
Design, synthesis, and molecular docking of novel 3,5‐disubstituted‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole derivatives as iNOS inhibitors
Authors: Koksal Meric , Dedeoglu‐Erdogan Ayca , Bader Marwa , Gurdal Enise E. , Sippl Wolfgang , Reis Rengin , Ozgurbuz Melda , Sipahi Hande , Celik Turgay
Published: May 2021

To obtain new anti‐inflammatory agents, recent studies have aimed to replace the carboxylate functionality of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs with less acidic heterocyclic bioisosteres like 1,3,4‐oxadiazole to protect the gastric mucosa from free carboxylate moieties. In view of these observations, we designed and synthesized a series of 3,5‐disubstituted‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole derivatives as inhibitors of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and NO production with an improved activity profile. As initial screening, and to examine the anti‐inflammatory activities of the compounds, the inhibitions of the productions of lipopolysaccharide‐induced NO and PGE2 in RAW 264.7 macrophages were evaluated. The biological assays showed that, compared with indomethacin, compounds 5a, 5g, and 5h significantly inhibited NO production with 12.61 ± 1.16, 12.61 ± 1.16, and 18.95 ± 3.57 µM, respectively. Consequently, the three compounds were evaluated for their in vivo anti‐inflammatory activities. Compounds 5a, 5g, and 5h showed a potent anti‐inflammatory activity profile almost equivalent to indomethacin at the same dose in the carrageenan‐induced paw edema test. Moreover, the treatment with 40 mg/kg of 5h produced significant anti‐inflammatory activity data. Furthermore, docking studies were performed to reveal possible interactions with the inducible nitric oxide synthase enzyme. Docking results were able to rationalize the biological activity data of the studied inhibitors. In summary, our data suggest that compound 5h is identified as a promising candidate for further anti‐inflammatory drug development with an extended safety profile.
Adaptive decentralized control for large‐scale nonlinear systems with finite‐time output constraints by multi‐ dimensional Taylor network
Authors: Chu Lei , Gao Tian , Wang Ming‐Xin , Han Yu‐Qun , Zhu Shan‐Liang
Published: May 2021

This paper investigates the adaptive decentralized control problem for a class of large‐scale nonlinear systems with finite‐time output constraints. In order to ensure that the tracking errors are constrained within a predefined boundary in finite time, a novel adaptive barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) control method is proposed by combining the modified finite‐time performance function (FTPF) in the first step of backstepping process. Besides, the mean value theorem and regulating functions are employed to handle the difficulties caused by interconnection functions in large‐scale systems. Subsequently, with the approximation performance of multi‐dimensional Taylor network (MTN), a MTN‐based adaptive decentralized tracking control scheme is developed to guarantee that the tracking errors satisfy the prescribed performance and all signals of the closed‐loop systems are bounded. Finally, the stability theory analysis and simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Short‐term trajectories of restricted and repetitive behaviors in minimally verbal children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Harrop Clare , Sterrett Kyle , Shih Wendy , Landa Rebecca , Kaiser Ann , Kasari Connie
Published: May 2021

Very little is known about the 30% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who remain minimally verbal when they enter school. Restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are well‐characterized in younger, preschool, and toddler samples. However, the prevalence and impact of RRBs has not been characterized in older, minimally verbal children. The goal of this study was to characterize this core diagnostic feature in minimally verbal children with ASD ages 5–8 years over a 9‐month period to better understand how these behaviors manifest in this crucially understudied population. RRBs were coded from caregiver‐child interactions (CCX) at four timepoints. Upon entry into the study, children demonstrated an average of 17 RRBs during a 10‐min CCX. The most common category was Verbal. RRBs remained constant over 6 months; however, a slight reduction was observed at the final timepoint. Compared to prior literature on younger samples, minimally verbal children with ASD demonstrated higher rates of RRBs and higher rates of verbal RRBs. Further work is required to understand the function and impact of RRBs in minimally verbal children.

Lay Abstract

Approximately one‐third of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain minimally verbal at the time of school entry. In this study, we sought to characterize the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) in school‐aged children (5–8) who were minimally verbal. Compared to prior studies, minimally verbal children with ASD had higher frequencies of RRBs and demonstrated a different profile of behaviors, including more verbal RRBs.
A correlation study of intestinal microflora and first‐episode depression in Chinese patients and healthy volunteers
Authors: Zheng Shaojun , Zhu Yubing , Wu Weidong , Zhang Qi , Wang Yongqian , Wang Zhiren , Yang Fude
Published: May 2021

Objective

This research examines the intestinal‐associated flora of patients with depression compared with healthy volunteers to identify the characteristics and differences of flora associated with depression. It provides a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of depression through intestinal micro‐ecological regulation.

Methods

We recruited 30 patients with depression to participate in the patient group (PG), and 30 volunteers were recruited for the healthy control group (HG) from the Beijing Hui‐long‐guan Hospital. Thereafter, the 16S rRNA high‐throughput sequencing method, using the Hamilton Depression Scale, was applied to analyze patient and healthy groups.

Results

PG and HG microflora were different regarding phylum, Family, Genus, and Order. The results showed that Barnesiella was the dominant flora in depression patients, while Lachnospiraceae and Alloprevotella were the dominant bacteria in healthy participants. The proportion of Betaproteobateria (Proteobacteria), Alcaligenaceae (proinflammatory), Peptostreptococcaceae, Catenibacterium, Romboutsia, Sutterella, and Burkholderiales in the anxiety‐negative depressed group was significantly higher than in the anxiety‐positive group; and the proportion of Anaerostipes (inflammation) and Faecalibacterium (anti‐inflammatory) bacteria was significantly lower than that of patients with anxiety.

Conclusion

Results showed there were differences in intestinal micro‐ecology between patients with depression and healthy volunteers. We found that the level of inflammation‐related bacteria in anxiety‐positive patients was lower than that in anxiety‐negative patients. These results enrich the knowledge of relationships between depression and intestinal flora and provide a theoretical basis for probiotics to assist in the treatment of depression.
Conscious sedation compared to general anesthesia for intracranial mechanical thrombectomy: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Shen Huasu , Ma Xiaoyu , Wu Zhen , Shao Xian , Cui Jingjing , Zhang Bao , Abdelrahim Mohamed EA , Zhang Jin
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Endovascular therapy is the standard of care for severe acute ischemic stroke caused by large‐vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation, but there is a debate on the optimal anesthetic approach during this therapy. Meta‐analyses of observational studies suggest that general anesthesia increases disability and death compared with conscious sedation However, their results are conflicting. This meta‐analysis study was performed to assess the relationship between the effects of general anesthesia compared to conscious sedation during endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

Through a systematic literature search up to August 2020, 18 studies included 4,802 subjects at baseline with endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke and reported a total of 1,711 subjects using general anesthesia and 1,961 subjects using conscious sedation were found. They recorded relationships between the effects of general anesthesia compared to conscious sedation during endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke. Odds ratio (OR) or Mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated between the effect of general anesthesia compared to conscious sedation during endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke using the dichotomous or contentious methods with a random or fixed‐effect model.

Results

No significant difference were found between general anesthesia and conscious sedation during the endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke in functional independence at 90 days (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.44–1.40, p = 40); successful recanalization at 24 hr (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.62–2.41, p = 55); mortality at 90 days (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.83–2.24, p = .22); interventional complication (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.76–2.02, p = .40); symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.41–0.99, p = .05); aspiration pneumonia (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.58–1.58, p = .87); and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score after 24 hr (MD, 0.38; 95% CI, −1.15–1.91, p = .62); with relative relationship favoring general anesthesia only in decreasing the symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.

Conclusions

General anesthesia has no independent relationship compared to conscious sedation during the endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke with a relative relationship favoring general anesthesia only in decreasing the symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.

This relationship encouraged us to recommend either anesthetic strategy during the endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke with no possible fear of higher complication.
On the processing of optimal performances: Studying arousal evoked by being correct and fast
Authors: Valt Christian , Stürmer Birgit
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Responses are optimal when they are accurate and fast. The present experiment investigated whether optimal responses evoke physiological arousal and whether performance affects the processing and evaluation of subsequent emotional material.

Methods

Participants performed a response‐choice task, where feedback was a colored square reflecting performance quality or a face whose expression (happy or angry) did not indicate any aspect of performance. In the occurrence of an emotional stimulus, participants had to express a judgment about the emotional strength. The experiment focused on differences in the electrodermal and brain electrophysiological activities evoked by optimal (correct‐fast) and suboptimal (correct‐slow) responses, along with modulations on the processing and interpretation of facial emotions.

Results

The results showed that, compared to correct responses, incorrect responses elicited an augmented phasic skin conductance response (SCR) and enhanced response‐locked event‐related potentials. Importantly, among correct responses, the SCR and the correct‐related negativity (CRN) were larger for correct‐fast than correct‐slow responses. Performance also affected the processing of faces, irrespective of the emotion, but it did not change the subjective interpretation. The EPN evoked by angry and happy faces was less negative after optimal than suboptimal responses.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the monitoring system is sensitive to detect correct‐fast responses, resulting in a state of physiological arousal that might guide the reinforcement of optimal performances.