bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Vitamin D in Neurodegeneration and Other Pathological Processes of the Central Nervous System
Authors: Nikolaus Homann Carl
Published: June 2021

The nervous system is the most complex organ in the human body, and it is the most essential. However nerve cells are particularly precious as, only like muscle cells, once formed, they do not replicate. This means that neural injuries cannot easily be replaced or repaired. Vitamin D seems to play a pivotal role in protecting these vulnerable and most important structures, but exactly how and to what extend is still subject to debate. Systematically reviewing the vast body of research on the influence of Vitamin D in various neuropathological processes, we found that Vitamin D particularly plays a mitigating role in the development of chronic neurodegeneration and the measured response to acutely acquired traumatic and non-traumatic nerve cells incidents. Adequate serum levels of Vitamin D before the initiation of these processes is increasingly viewed as being neuroprotective. However, comprehensive data on using it as a treatment during the ongoing process or after the injury to neurons is completed are much more ambiguous. A recommendation for testing and supplementation of insufficiencies seems to be well-founded.
Application of Atomic Force Microscopy in Organic and Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Shakher Pathak Chandra
Published: June 2021

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has become widely used technique in air, liquids, or vacuum to generate high-resolution topographic images of a surface having a nanometer-scale resolution. AFM gives the information about the morphology, phase composition etc. Photovoltaic materials have been attracting intense interest due to their performance and the morphology as well as quality of these materials affects their performance. AFM is now a day widely used technique for morphology and other electronic properties measurements at nanoscale for photovoltaic materials to understand their relation with device performance. This chapter describe the brief introduction of Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and conducting atomic force microscopy (CAFM) and their application in electrical characterization at nanoscale of organic and perovskite photovoltaic materials.
Travelling through the boxes of sound 1 & 2: Srđan Hofman's world beyond the mirror
Authors: Mikić Vesna
Published: June 2021

The idea behind this paper is to present two of the most recent works by Srđan Hofman (1944), which he regards as a diptych; the first of them won the 2015 Mokranjac Award. With its interpretation based on the central position that manipulating with composed sound objects occupies in Hofman's work, the text offers a discussion of the positioning of these works in Hofman's oeuvre so far.
The phonographic recordings of traditional music performed by Serbian prisoners of war (1915-1918)
Authors: Fracile Nice
Published: June 2021

This paper will focus on an examination of the phonographic recordings of traditional music, as performed by Serbian war prisoners during World War One (1915-1918) in the German camps of Knigsbrck and Parchim. These recordings of traditional Serbian songs and instrumental tunes were made on the spot by the German researcher Georg Schnemann. This is a unique and outstandingly valuable source - in terms of quantity, quality and scientific approach-providing material about Serbian folklore from the early 20th century. The author of this paper will examine the basic poetic/musical features of that material, the difficulties in deciphering the recordings and the identification of the informants, and also the continuity and changes in the style of performing those songs and instrumental tunes, which can still be heard sung and played in Serbia-in comparison to the musical folklore material from the early 20th century. Moreover, the significance and current relevance of the material for Serbian ethnomusicology will be highlighted, considering the fact that it has not been accessible to the scholarly public so far.
The 80th anniversary of the faculty of music in Belgrade
Authors: Marinković Sonja
Published: June 2021

The text sheds light on the activities of the Faculty of Music (est. 1937), Serbia's oldest institution of higher education in the field of music pedagogy. The aim is to present the context in which the institution developed, changes in the structure of its study programmes, to illuminate the dilemmas it had to negotiate while building a particular approach to higher education in the domain of art and the study of art, focusing on the institution's development over the last 30 years or so.
Lithuanian and Polish musical networking during the Cold War: Political curtains and cultural confrontations
Authors: Stanevičiūtė Rūta
Published: June 2021

Poland and Lithuania at the end of the Cold War serve as a case study for the theorization of music and politics. In this article, a little-studied field of two neighbouring countries' cultures has been chosen: oppositional musical networking, that in addition resulted in politically and socially engaged collaboration between Polish and Lithuanian musicians since late 1970s. Basing on the concept of a transformative contact (Padraic Kenney 2004), the author reflects on the factors which predetermined the intercommunication of informal communities in mentioned countries in the years of ideological and political constraints and the ways in which such relationships contributed to the cultural and political transformation of societies. Through the interactions of the milieus of the Polish and Lithuanian contemporary music, the participation of the norms and representations of one culture in the field of the other culture is discussed. The author shows that the paradoxical constraints on the informal relations between Lithuanian and Polish musicians were strongly affected by the political relations between the USSR and the Polish People's Republic, especially in the wake of the intensification of political resistance to the imposed Communist regime in Poland.
The Symphonic Concerto for piano and orchestra (1935) by Manolis Kalomiris: Reaffirming the national-ideal topos through the (old) western canon
Authors: Sakallieros Giorgos
Published: June 2021

Manolis Kalomiris's Symphonic Concerto for piano and orchestra (1935) consolidates the virtuosic piano performance and the complexity of romantic symphonic texture with the appearance of authentic Greek folk material, its westernized treatments, and symbolic self-references arising from the Greek National School principles. The work is critically examined through historical and analytical perspectives, aiming at a better understanding of the composer's aspirations expressing the indigenous artistic, cultural and political circumstances of the period when it was completed. Examples of the relative Greek and international "concertante" repertoire, from the late 19th to the mid-20th century, are also taken into comparative consideration.
Teologia, ciências da religião e sociedade: formação e atuação no Brasil
Authors: Peretti Clelia , Mendes Everaldo Dos Santos
Published: June 2021

Historicamente, a Resolução CNE/CES nº 4, de 16 de setembro de 2016, instituiu as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais — DCNs para o curso de Bacharelado em Teologia na República Federativa do Brasil. Por conseguinte, a Resolução CNE/CP nº 5, de 28 de dezembro de 2018, instituiu as DCNs para o curso de Licenciatura em Ciências da Religião. Partindo da distinção entre teologia monástica e método escolástico no século XII, objetivamos refletir sobre a formação e atuação em Teologia e Ciências da Religião na contemporaneidade. No percurso metodológico, elegemos a pesquisa qualitativa de caráter bibliográfico e documental, que reuniu escritos de teologia monástica e método escolástico e as atuais DCNs de Teologia e Ciências da Religião. Por conveniência, estabelecemos uma unidade de tempo: o século XII. Instituímos uma unidade de espaço: o Estado brasileiro. Prescrevemos uma unidade de ação: a formação e atuação em Teologia e Ciências da Religião na República Federativa do Brasil. No século XII, as escolas monacais não revelaram uma “escolástica”, mas uma “teologia monástica”: a teologia dos mosteiros. Não obstante, os meios monástico e escolástico não estão em oposição; mas, estão em relação um com o outro. Partindo das DCNs, adotar-se-ão como base formativa do curso de Bacharelado em Teologia os fundamentos constitutivos da construção do fenômeno humano e religioso, sob a perspectiva da contribuição teológica, sem perder de vista o ser humano em todas as suas dimensões. Peculiarmente, o curso de Licenciatura em Ciências da Religião constitui-se como habilitação em nível de formação inicial de docentes do Ensino Religioso na Educação Básica. No Brasil, a formação em Teologia e Ciências da Religião possibilita ao egresso atuar como pesquisador, consultor e assessor em espaços não escolares, instituições públicas e privadas, organizações não governamentais e entidades confessionais.
Formação Docente e Ensino Religioso: Exercícios Decoloniais em Territórios Latino-Americanos
Authors: Oliveira Lilian Blanck de , Riske-Koch Simone
Published: June 2021

O território latino-americano é marcado por colonialidades decorrentes dos processos de colonização. Espanhóis, portugueses e europeus chegando à região de Abya Yala — agora América Latina — trouxeram em sua bagagem intentos de invadir para expropriar, buscando colonizar política, cultural e economicamente as populações originárias. Neste processo, a colonialidade impetrada impingiu na educação formal práticas reprodutoras de visões de mundo dos colonizadores, historicamente hegemônicas. Todavia, a multiplicidade de povos da Abya Yala, com suas culturas e práticas peculiares, historicamente aprendeu a sobreviver, resistir e mover-se entre lógicas e códigos coloniais. Partimos de pressupostos de que, nos processos formativos coletivos e individuais, algumas possibilidades de uma decolonialidade na educação passam pela formação docente e se efetivam a partir de uma episte(me)todologia comprometida com a diferença — as diversidades. Neste artigo objetivamos problematizar efeitos da colonização na educação brasileira, especificamente no Ensino Religioso, analisando algumas práticas e exercícios decoloniais na formação docente inicial e continuada. A investigação é de perspectiva bibliográfica e documental, utilizando, especialmente, registros do curso de licenciatura em Ciências da Religião da Universidade Regional de Blumenau, referentes ao período entre 1996 e 2020. Os resultados sinalizam a existência de possibilidades de uma formação que acolhe e reconhece outras histórias, saberes e culturas. Indicam, ainda, a viabilidade de criar espaços de abertura e lugares de diálogo, de romper com hierarquizações de saberes e poderes e do reconhecimento de diversidades epistêmicas e metodológicas — ações que interpelam e afetam o ensino da/para/com a diversidade religiosa no cotidiano da educação básica.
Música y espectáculo en la televisión pública: Eurovisión
Authors: Costa Gálvez Lola
Published: June 2021

La música ha formado parte de la programación televisiva desde sus inicios. La reciente celebración del festival de Eurovisión 2021 da pie a una reflexión necesaria: ¿cómo encaja la cultura del espectáculo con la misión de servicio público de los medios de comunicación?
A Predictive Model for Gastrocnemius Tightness in Forefoot Pain and Intractable Plantar Keratosis of the Second Rocker
Authors: Cobacho Mar Torres , Barcia Jorge M. , Freijó-Gutiérrez Valentín , Caballero-Gómez Fernanda , Ferrer-Torregrosa Javier
Published: June 2021

Background

Many people experience gastrocnemius tightness. Few studies demonstrate the relationship between gastrocnemius tightness and forefoot pathology. This study aimed to define the association between intractable plantar keratosis of the second rocker (IPK2) (also known as well-localized IPK or discrete keratosis) and metatarsalgia.

Methods

The Silfverskiöld (ST) and lunge (LT) tests, used for measuring ankle dorsiflexion, were applied to diagnose gastrocnemius tightness. An instrument for measuring accurate performance and the force to be applied (1.7–2.0 kg of force to the ankle dorsiflexion) complemented the ST for clinical diagnosis and to obtain repeatedly reliable results (the authors apply force manually, which is difficult to quantify accurately).

Results

Of 122 patients studied, 74 were used to devise a prediction model from a logistic regression analysis that determines the probability of presenting gastrocnemius tightness in each test (LT and ST) with the following variables: metatarsalgia, IPK2, and maximum static pressure (baropodometry). The IPK2 plays the principal role in predicting this pathology, with the highest Wald values (6.611 for LT and 5.063 for ST). Metatarsalgia induces a somewhat lower change (66.7% LT and 64.3% ST). The maximum pressure of the forefoot is equally significant (P = .043 LT and P = .025 ST), taking α < .05 as the significance level.

Conclusions

The results of this validation report confirm that a model composed of metatarsalgia, IPK2, and maximum pressure in static acts as a predictive method for gastrocnemius tightness.
Regional sequencing collaboration reveals persistence of the T12 Vibrio cholerae O1 lineage in West Africa
Authors: Ekeng Eme , Tchatchouang Serges , Akenji Blaise , Issaka Bassira Boubacar , Akintayo Ifeoluwa , Chukwu Christopher , Dano Ibrahim Dan , Melingui Sylvie , Ousmane Sani , Popoola Michael Oladotun , Nzouankeu Ariane , Boum Yap , Luquero Francisco , Ahumibe Anthony , Naidoo Dhamari , Azman Andrew , Lessler Justin , Wohl Shirlee
Published: June 2021

Background:

Despite recent insights into cholera transmission patterns in Africa, regional and local dynamics in West Africa—where cholera outbreaks occur every few years—are still poorly understood. Coordinated genomic surveillance of Vibrio cholerae in the areas most affected may reveal transmission patterns important for cholera control.

Methods:

During a regional sequencing workshop in Nigeria, we sequenced 46 recent V. cholerae isolates from Cameroon, Niger, and Nigeria (37 from 2018 to 2019) to better understand the relationship between the V. cholerae bacterium circulating in these three countries.

Results:

From these isolates, we generated 44 whole Vibrio cholerae O1 sequences and analyzed them in the context of 1280 published V. cholerae O1 genomes. All sequences belonged to the T12 V. cholerae seventh pandemic lineage.

Conclusions:

Phylogenetic analysis of newly generated and previously published V. cholerae genomes suggested that the T12 lineage has been continuously transmitted within West Africa since it was first observed in the region in 2009, despite lack of reported cholera in the intervening years. The results from this regional sequencing effort provide a model for future regionally coordinated surveillance efforts.

Funding:

Funding for this project was provided by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation OPP1195157.
Clustering assessment in weighted networks
Authors: Arratia Argimiro , Renedo Mirambell Martí
Published: June 2021

We provide a systematic approach to validate the results of clustering methods on weighted networks, in particular for the cases where the existence of a community structure is unknown. Our validation of clustering comprises a set of criteria for assessing their significance and stability. To test for cluster significance, we introduce a set of community scoring functions adapted to weighted networks, and systematically compare their values to those of a suitable null model. For this we propose a switching model to produce randomized graphs with weighted edges while maintaining the degree distribution constant. To test for cluster stability, we introduce a non parametric bootstrap method combined with similarity metrics derived from information theory and combinatorics. In order to assess the effectiveness of our clustering quality evaluation methods, we test them on synthetically generated weighted networks with a ground truth community structure of varying strength based on the stochastic block model construction. When applying the proposed methods to these synthetic ground truth networks’ clusters, as well as to other weighted networks with known community structure, these correctly identify the best performing algorithms, which suggests their adequacy for cases where the clustering structure is not known. We test our clustering validation methods on a varied collection of well known clustering algorithms applied to the synthetically generated networks and to several real world weighted networks. All our clustering validation methods are implemented in R, and will be released in the upcoming package clustAnalytics.
Evolutionary and ecological processes influencing chemical defense variation in an aposematic and mimetic Heliconius butterfly
Authors: Mattila Anniina L. K. , Jiggins Chris D. , Opedal Øystein H. , Montejo-Kovacevich Gabriela , Pinheiro de castro Érika C. , McMillan W. Owen , Bacquet Caroline , Saastamoinen Marjo
Published: June 2021

Chemical defences against predators underlie the evolution of aposematic coloration and mimicry, which are classic examples of adaptive evolution. Surprisingly little is known about the roles of ecological and evolutionary processes maintaining defence variation, and how they may feedback to shape the evolutionary dynamics of species. Cyanogenic Heliconius butterflies exhibit diverse warning color patterns and mimicry, thus providing a useful framework for investigating these questions. We studied intraspecific variation in de novo biosynthesized cyanogenic toxicity and its potential ecological and evolutionary sources in wild populations of Heliconius erato along environmental gradients, in common-garden broods and with feeding treatments. Our results demonstrate substantial intraspecific variation, including detectable variation among broods reared in a common garden. The latter estimate suggests considerable evolutionary potential in this trait, although predicting the response to selection is likely complicated due to the observed skewed distribution of toxicity values and the signatures of maternal contributions to the inheritance of toxicity. Larval diet contributed little to toxicity variation. Furthermore, toxicity profiles were similar along steep rainfall and altitudinal gradients, providing little evidence for these factors explaining variation in biosynthesized toxicity in natural populations. In contrast, there were striking differences in the chemical profiles of H. erato from geographically distant populations, implying potential local adaptation in the acquisition mechanisms and levels of defensive compounds. The results highlight the extensive variation and potential for adaptive evolution in defense traits for aposematic and mimetic species, which may contribute to the high diversity often found in these systems.
Far-field to Near-field Data Relations for the Inverse Electromagnetic Scattering Problem
Authors: Abramov Arnold , Yue Yutao
Published: June 2021

This paper considers (in general form) the problem of recovering information (size and material parameters) about the scattering object from far-field measurements. The order of solution and functions of each equation for the fields inside and outside the scattering object are discussed. Using well-known mathematical theorems, a simple equation has been derived that connects the far-field data on one side to the near-field data on the other side. Consequently, this equation has been used in an optimization procedure to find the parameters of the dielectric cylinder.
Leukemia Diagnosis using Machine Learning Classifiers Based on Correlation Attribute Eval Feature Selection
Authors: Armya Revella E. A. , Abdulazeez Adnan Mohsin , Sallow Amira Bibo , Zeebaree Diyar Qader
Published: June 2021

Leukemia refers to a disease that affects the white blood cells (WBC) in the bone marrow and/or blood. Blood cell disorders are often detected in advanced stages as the number of cancer cells is much higher than the number of normal blood cells. Identifying malignant cells is critical for diagnosing leukemia and determining its progression. This paper used machine learning with classifiers to detect leukemia types as a result, it can save both patients and physicians time and money. The primary objective of this paper is to determine the most effective methods for leukemia detection. The WEKA application was used to evaluate and analyze five classifiers (J48, KNN, SVM, Random Forest, and Naïve Bayes classifiers). The results were respectively as follows: 83.33%, 87.5%, 95.83%, 88.88%, and 98.61%, with the Naïve Bayes classifier achieving the highest accuracy; however, accuracy varies according to the shape and size of the sample and the algorithm used to classify the leukemia types.
Analysis of Land Cover Change and Its Implication on the Environment around the Dja Biosphere Reserve, Southeastern Cameroon
Authors: Munjeb Njini Loveline , Kfuban Yerima Bernard Palmer , Avana Marie-Louise Tientcheu , Nfor Julius Tata , Rogers Enang Kogge
Published: June 2021

Land cover change is a growing concern around the world. This is especially true for protected areas which are rapidly degrading owing to pressure from anthropogenic activities. The aim of this study was to analyze land cover change for the periods 1980, 2008 and 2020 and its implication on the environment in and around the Dja Biosphere Reserve in south eastern Cameroon. This was done using remote sensing and geographical information systems techniques to quantify and measure the extent of land cover change in the study area for forty years. Household surveys were equally undertaken through the administration of questionnaires to farmers in villages located within the Dja Biosphere Reserve. Collected data was analyzed through the use of GIS software as well as Microsoft Excel. From the land cover maps, four classes were found: dense forest, cultivated areas, water surface, and buildings and bare soils. The transition matrix between 1980 and 2008 showed that 6477.81 ha of dense forest was lost to cultivated areas and between 2008 and 2020, 722.84 ha of dense forest was lost. Between 1980 and 2008 cultivated areas lost 0.07% and gain 0.72% between 2008 and 2020. Building and bare soils increase by 0.28% between 1980 and 2020. The Kappa index of agreement was 0.91 % between 1980 and 2008 and 0.88% between 2008 and 2020. Slash and burn agriculture (43.3%), hunting (36.3%) and harvesting of tree-based products (20.3%) were identified by farmers as the human activities with the most negative impact on the reserve. Results revealed that, there are still opportunities to safe this vulnerable reserve from the negative effects of land cover change through the practice of agroforestry.
Multivariable control of hybrid powertrain dynamics at GM
Authors: Morris Robert L.
Published: June 2021

This article illustrates the control design process, from the requirements determination phase to the vehicle validation phase, as applied to GM's first two‐mode hybrid electric powertrains. Customer requirements are first translated into metrics that must be met with the closed loop control design. Physics‐based modeling tools developed in‐house are utilized to simplify the development of control design and simulation models for the multi‐input multi‐output hybrid driveline system. Frequency sweep methods and tools are then employed to validate the models and later to verify the control implementation with vehicle tests. Modern control tools are used to develop a multi‐input multi‐output feedback control design. Finally, vehicle test results show how this design approach is successful in dramatically changing the open loop behavior of the dynamic driveline response, turning an unsalable product into a world class leader in drive quality.
Understanding Degradation Mechanisms in SrIrO3 Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts: Chemical and Structural Microscopy at the Nanoscale
Authors: Ben‐Naim Micha , Liu Yunzhi , Stevens Michaela Burke , Lee Kyuho , Wette Melissa R. , Boubnov Alexey , Trofimov Artem A. , Ievlev Anton V. , Belianinov Alex , Davis Ryan C. , Clemens Bruce M. , Bare Simon R. , Hikita Yasuyuki , Hwang Harold Y. , Higgins Drew C. , Sinclair Robert , Jaramillo Thomas F.
Published: June 2021

Designing acid‐stable oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts is key to developing sustainable energy technologies such as polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzers but has proven challenging due to the high applied anodic potentials and corrosive electrolyte. This work showcases advanced nanoscale microscopy techniques supported by complementary structural and chemical characterization to develop a fundamental understanding of stability in promising SrIrO3 thin film electrocatalyst materials. Cross‐sectional high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy illustrates atomic‐scale bulk and surface structure, while secondary ion mass spectrometry imaging using a helium ion microscope provides the nanoscale lateral elemental distribution at the surface. After accelerated degradation tests under anodic potential, the SrIrO3 film thins and roughens, but the lateral distribution of Sr and Ir remains homogeneous. A layer‐wise dissolution mechanism is hypothesized, wherein anodic potential causes the IrOx‐rich surface to dissolve and be regenerated by Sr leaching. The characterization approaches utilized herein and mechanistic insights into SrIrO3 are translatable to a wide range of catalyst systems.
Contrasting Cu Roles Lead to High Ranged Thermoelectric Performance of PbS
Authors: Qin Yongxin , Hong Tao , Qin Bingchao , Wang Dongyang , He Wenke , Gao Xiang , Xiao Yu , Zhao Li‐Dong
Published: June 2021

To obtain high‐performance PbS‐based thermoelectric materials, this study introduces Cu with different contrasting roles in p‐type PbS, which can effectively decrease the lattice thermal conductivity and simultaneously optimize the electrical transport properties. Experimental results illustrate that Cu substitutions and Cu interstitials can improve carrier mobility through lowering effective mass (m*) and carrier concentration (nH) in a low temperature range (300–450 K), and further optimize temperature‐dependent nH in a high temperature range (450–823 K). Both decreased m* and nH shift the peak power factor to low temperature range, leading to an ultrahigh power factor ≈23 µW cm−1 K−2 at 423 K for Pb0.99Cu0.01S‐0.01Cu. Additionally, the special dynamic‐doping behaviors of Cu can continuously promote nH to approach the temperature‐dependent relationship of (nH, opt) ≈ (m*T)1.5, which brings about an eminent average power factor (PFave) ≈ 18 µW cm−1 K−2 among 300–823 K in Pb0.99Cu0.01S‐0.01Cu. Furthermore, the microstructure characterizations unclose that the atomic and nanoscale Cu‐containing defects can effectively intensify the phonon scattering and suppress the lattice thermal conductivity. Consequently, both high ZT (≈0.2 at 300 K) and peak ZT (≈1.2 at 773 K) result in a record‐high average ZT (ZTave) of ≈0.79 at 300–823 K for Pb0.99Cu0.01S‐0.01Cu.
Innovations in Disease State Responsive Soft Materials for Targeting Extracellular Stimuli Associated with Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, and Beyond
Authors: Battistella Claudia , Liang Yifei , Gianneschi Nathan C.
Published: June 2021

Recent advances in polymer chemistry, materials sciences, and biotechnology have allowed the preclinical development of sophisticated programmable nanomedicines and materials that are able to precisely respond to specific disease‐associated triggers and microenvironments. These stimuli, endogenous to the targeted diseases, include pH, redox‐state, small molecules, and protein upregulation. Herein, recent advances and innovative approaches in programmable soft materials capable of sensing the aforementioned disease‐associated stimuli and responding via a range of dynamic processes including morphological and size transitions, changes in mobility and retention, as well as disassembly are described. In this field generally, the majority of ongoing and past research effort has focused on oncology. Given this interest, examples of the latest innovative approaches to chemo‐ and immunotherapy treatment strategies for cancer are presented. Moreover, as the field broadens its attention, applications of programmable materials in other diseases are highlighted, with a special focus on cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus, where limited attention is paid by the field, but where many promising avenues exist with high potential impact.
Molecular Imprinting: Green Perspectives and Strategies
Authors: Arabi Maryam , Ostovan Abbas , Li Jinhua , Wang Xiaoyan , Zhang Zhiyang , Choo Jaebum , Chen Lingxin
Published: June 2021

Advances in revolutionary technologies pose new challenges for human life; in response to them, global responsibility is pushing modern technologies toward greener pathways. Molecular imprinting technology (MIT) is a multidisciplinary mimic technology simulating the specific binding principle of enzymes to substrates or antigens to antibodies; along with its rapid progress and wide applications, MIT faces the challenge of complying with green sustainable development requirements. With the identification of environmental risks associated with unsustainable MIT, a new aspect of MIT, termed green MIT, has emerged and developed. However, so far, no clear definition has been provided to appraise green MIT. Herein, the implementation process of green chemistry in MIT is demonstrated and a mnemonic device in the form of an acronym, GREENIFICATION, is proposed to present the green MIT principles. The entire greenificated imprinting process is surveyed, including element choice, polymerization implementation, energy input, imprinting strategies, waste treatment, and recovery, as well as the impacts of these processes on operator health and the environment. Moreover, assistance of upgraded instrumentation in deploying greener goals is considered. Finally, future perspectives are presented to provide a more complete picture of the greenificated MIT road map and to pave the way for further development.
Discovery of Targeted Material Binding Microorganisms Using a Centrifugal Microfluidic Platform
Authors: Han Song‐I , Sarkes Deborah A. , Jahnke Justin P. , Hurley Margaret M. , Ugaz Victor M. , Renberg Rebecca L. , Sumner James J. , Stratis‐Cullum Dimitra N. , Han Arum
Published: June 2021

Discovery of unique peptides that specifically bind to target materials of interest is commonly achieved through biopanning‐based screening of cell libraries having high diversity. However, conventional methods have limitations in the generation of controllable shear stress applied in order to effectively remove weak and unbound cells from a target material. Here, a centrifugal force‐based microfluidic biopanning platform is presented. Using this microfluidic platform, a wide range of shear stress conditions can be generated by simply adjusting the rotation speed of the platform, which provides a precisely controllable wash step. The enhanced circularly permuted outer membrane protein X (eCPX) 3.0 bacterial peptide display library (≈1011 number of cells) is screened, and many isolates that show strong affinity towards gold only, ITO only, or both are successfully obtained through a multiround iterative sorting process. Amino acid contents of the resulting isolates are analyzed to provide a better understanding of the distinctive attributes of these peptides and their specific material‐binding capabilities. This platform is simple and easy to use and can be readily applied to screen microbial libraries against virtually any material surface of interest, which can greatly accelerate the discovery of peptide‐driven biomaterials and the development of hybrid organic–inorganic materials.
Brønsted Acid‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Iodocycloetherification Enabled by Triphenylphosphine Selenide Cocatalysis
Authors: Guria Sudip , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Hennecke Ulrich
Published: June 2021

Enantioselective iodocycloetherifications can be conducted using sterically highly demanding BINOL‐based phosphoric acid diesters as catalyst. To achieve highly enantioselective reactions, cocatalysis by triphenylphosphine selenide is necessary. With cocatalysis, good to excellent enantioselectivities can be achieved for a broad range of substrates using catalyst and cocatalyst loadings as low as 1 mol %. The triphenylphosphine selenide cocatalyst itself does not strongly influence diastereoselectivity, but leads to higher reactivity and, in combination with a BINOL‐based phosphoric acid diester, to good enantioselectivity.

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Synthesis of Fused Dihydroazepine Derivatives of Fullerenes by a Rh‐Catalyzed Cascade Process
Authors: Artigas Albert , Castanyer Cristina , Roig Nil , Lledó Agustí , Solà Miquel , Pla‐Quintana Anna , Roglans Anna
Published: June 2021

A synthetic methodology is reported that functionalizes C60 and C70 fullerenes with dihydroazepine rings by a cascade reaction encompassing a rhodium‐catalyzed cycloisomerization of 1,5‐bisallenes and a [4+2] cycloaddition. This transition metal‐catalyzed cascade reaction provides a versatile and step‐economical approach to the synthesis of 6,7‐membered polyheterocyclic fullerene adducts. Electrochemical characterization of the products obtained ventures their application in organic and perovskite photovoltaic devices.

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Bright Bacterium for Hypoxia‐Tolerant Photodynamic Therapy Against Orthotopic Colon Tumors by an Interventional Method
Authors: Zhu Daoming , Zhang Jing , Luo Guanghong , Duo Yanhong , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: June 2021

While promising, the efficacy of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐based photodynamic therapy (PDT) is limited by several factors including limited depth of laser penetration and intratumoral hypoxia. In the present study, a novel bacteria‐based AIEgen (TBP‐2) hybrid system (AE) is developed, that is able to facilitate the hypoxia‐tolerant PDT treatment of orthotopic colon tumors via an interventional method. For this approach, an interventional device is initially designed, composed of an optical fiber and an endoscope, allowing for clear visualization of the position of the orthotopic tumor within the abdominal cavity. It is then possible to conduct successful PDT treatment of this hypoxic tumor via laser irradiation, as the TBP‐2 is able to generate hydroxyl radicals (•OH) via a type I mechanism within this hypoxic microenvironment. Moreover, this interventional approach is proved to significantly impair orthotopic colon cancer growth and overcame PDT defects. This study is the first report involving such an interventional PDT strategy to knowledge, and it has the potential to complement other treatment modalities while also highlighting novel approaches to the design of hybrid AIEgen systems.
Elucidating Ionic Programming Dynamics of Metal‐Oxide Electrochemical Memory for Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Jeong Yangho , Lee Hyunjoon , Ryu Da Gil , Cho Seong Ho , Lee Gawon , Kim Sangbum , Kim Seyoung , Lee Yun Seog
Published: June 2021

Cross‐point arrays of synaptic devices have been investigated as a core platform for neuromorphic computing architectures. To achieve a significant speed boost in deep neural network computations compared to the von Neumann architecture, it is essential to develop synaptic devices with optimal performance for fully parallel vector‐matrix‐multiplication. Among various non‐volatile memory candidates, metal‐oxide based electrochemical random‐access memory (ECRAM) is considered as a promising analog synapse due to its superior switching characteristics and CMOS‐compatibility. However, the switching mechanisms of metal‐oxide ECRAM remain to be understood, impeding improvements of the synaptic characteristics and device performance. Here, ionic programming dynamics based on oxygen ion migration and associated redox‐reactions are investigated in metal‐oxide ECRAMs by considering ion transport via the electrolyte and diffusion in the channel. Additionally, the origins of update asymmetry and long‐term retention found in voltage‐pulse programming measurements are explained by non‐uniform distribution of the off‐stoichiometry in the channel layer. By exploiting the programming mechanism, ECRAMs can achieve desirable synaptic characteristics under voltage‐pulse mode. Finally, experimental and simulation studies consistently suggest that channel and electrolyte with high ionic transport properties can improve the performance of metal‐oxide ECRAMs, opening a path toward optimized synaptic device characteristics for the maximum computation performance.
Robust Pseudocapacitive Sodium Cation Intercalation Induced by Cobalt Vacancies at Atomically Thin Co1−xSe2/Graphene Heterostructure for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yuan Ding , Dou Yuhai , Tian Yuhui , Adekoya David , Xu Li , Zhang Shanqing
Published: June 2021

Electronic structure engineering on electrode materials could bring in a new mechanism to achieve high energy and high power densities in sodium ion batteries. Herein, we design and create Co vacancies at the interface of atomically thin CoSe2/graphene heterostructure and obtain Co1−xSe2/graphene heterostructure electrode materials that facilitate significant Na+ intercalation pseudocapacitance. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation suggests that the Na+ adsorption energy is dramatically increased, and the Na+ diffusion barrier is remarkably reduced due to the introduction of Co vacancy. The optimized electrode delivers a superior capacity of 673.6 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, excellent rate capability of 576.5 mAh g−1 at 2.0 C and ultra‐long life up to 2000 cycles. Kinetics analysis indicates that the enhanced Na+ storage is mainly attributed to the intercalation pseudocapacitance induced by Co vacancies. This work suggests that the creation of cation vacancy could bestow heterostructured electrode materials with pseudocapacitive Na+ intercalation for high‐capacity and high‐rate energy storage.
Dinuclear Silver Complexes in Catalysis
Authors: Elkoush Tasneem , Reich Natasha D. , Campbell Michael G.
Published: June 2021

Over the past two decades, there has been a substantial increase in the number of synthetically useful transformations catalyzed by silver. Across the range of silver‐catalyzed reactions that have been reported, dinuclear species often emerge as a common feature, either as the (pre‐)catalysts themselves or as intermediates during catalysis. This Minireview explores the role of dinuclear silver complexes in homogeneous catalysis, which we hope will aid in the development of improved design principles for silver catalysts.
Theoretical and experimental assessment of UV resistance of high‐density polyethylene: Screening and optimization of hindered amine light stabilizers
Authors: Davand Razieh , Rahimpour Mohammad Reza , Hassanajili Shadi , Rashedi Reza
Published: June 2021

Hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) are widely used chemical stabilizers for preventing polymer degradation. In this study, the effects of type of HALS and its content in high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) over the stabilization process are investigated employing density functional theory (DFT) and experimental approach. The electrophilicity index of four types of commercial HALS are compared by DFT to select the most effective one. Besides, the HDPE sample containing a phenolic antioxidant and different contents of the selected HALS are experimentally exposed to UV irradiation. The effect of HALS content on the changes in chain microstructure and molecular weight of HDPE are evaluated using gel permeation chromatography and frequency sweep rheometry. In the absence of HALS, HDPE suffers degradation and the phenolic antioxidant causes chain scission. However, by adding HALS, the chain branching and crosslinking mechanisms are predominant. The results of FTIR, DSC, and tensile analyses follow similar trends, revealing that the best stabilization performance corresponds to adding 600 ppm HALS to HDPE.
Controllability results for quasi‐linear systems: Standard and descriptor cases
Authors: Gu Da‐Ke , Zhang Da‐Wei , Liu Yin‐Dong
Published: June 2021

This paper investigates the controllability of quasi‐linear systems in standard and descriptor cases. Two extended PBH criteria depending on the coefficient matrices, as sufficient conditions, are proposed to test the controllability of quasi‐linear systems for standard and descriptor cases. Finally, two practical examples are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed criteria. The proposed method naturally extends the controllability conclusions to existing results and practically enlightens the study of nonlinear systems.
Recent advances in techniques for fabrication and characterization of nanogap biosensors: A review
Authors: Adam Tijjani , Dhahi Th. S. , Gopinath Subash C. B. , Hashim U. , Uda M. N. A.
Published: June 2021

Nanogap biosensors have fascinated researchers due to their excellent electrical properties. Nanogap biosensors comprise three arrays of electrodes that form nanometer‐size gaps. The sensing gaps have become the major building blocks of several sensing applications, including bio‐ and chemosensors. One of the advantages of nanogap biosensors is that they can be fabricated in nanoscale size for various downstream applications. Several studies have been conducted on nanogap biosensors, and nanogap biosensors exhibit potential material properties. The possibilities of combining these unique properties with a nanoscale‐gapped device and electrical detection systems allow excellent and potential prospects in biomolecular detection. However, their fabrication is challenging as the gap is becoming smaller. It includes high‐cost, low‐yield, and surface phenomena to move a step closer to the routine fabrications. This review summarizes different feasible techniques in the fabrication of nanogap electrodes, such as preparation by self‐assembly with both conventional and nonconventional approaches. This review also presents a comprehensive analysis of the fabrication, potential applications, history, and the current status of nanogap biosensors with a special focus on nanogap‐mediated bio‐ and chemical sonsors.
Investigating trace metal precipitation in highly concentrated cell culture media with Pourbaix diagrams
Authors: Brantley Timothy , Moore Brandon , Grinnell Chris , Khattak Sarwat
Published: June 2021

Commercial production of therapeutic proteins using mammalian cells requires complex process solutions, and consistency of these process solutions is critical to maintaining product titer and quality between batches. Inconsistencies between process solutions prepared at bench and commercial scale may be due to differences in mixing time, temperature, and pH which can lead to precipitation and subsequent removal via filtration of critical solution components such as trace metals. Pourbaix diagrams provide a useful tool to model the solubility of trace metals and were applied to troubleshoot the scale‐up of nutrient feed preparation after inconsistencies in product titer were observed between bench‐ and manufacturing‐scale batches. Pourbaix diagrams modeled the solubility of key metals in solution at various stages of the nutrient feed preparation and identified copper precipitation as the likely root cause of inconsistent medium stability at commercial scale. Copper precipitation increased proportionally with temperature in bench‐scale preparations of nutrient feed and temperature was identified as the root cause of copper precipitation at the commercial scale. Additionally, cell culture copper titration studies performed in bench‐scale bioreactors linked copper‐deficient mammalian cell culture to inconsistent titers at the commercial scale. Pourbaix diagrams can predict when trace metals are at risk of precipitating and can be used to mitigate risk during the scale‐up of complex medium preparations.
Engineered modular microphysiological models of the human airway clearance phenomena
Authors: Pedersoli Lucia , Zhang Shuaizhong , Briatico‐Vangosa Francesco , Petrini Paola , Cardinaels Ruth , den Toonder Jaap , Peneda Pacheco Daniela
Published: June 2021

Mucociliary clearance is a crucial mechanism that supports the elimination of inhaled particles, bacteria, pollution, and hazardous agents from the human airways, and it also limits the diffusion of aerosolized drugs into the airway epithelium. In spite of its relevance, few in vitro models sufficiently address the cumulative effect of the steric and interactive barrier function of mucus on the one hand, and the dynamic mucus transport imposed by ciliary mucus propulsion on the other hand. Here, ad hoc mucus models of physiological and pathological mucus are combined with magnetic artificial cilia to model mucociliary transport in both physiological and pathological states. The modular concept adopted in this study enables the development of mucociliary clearance models with high versatility since these can be easily modified to reproduce phenomena characteristic of healthy and diseased human airways while allowing to determine the effect of each parameter and/or structure separately on the overall mucociliary transport. These modular airway models can be available off‐the‐shelf because they are exclusively made of readily available materials, thus ensuring reproducibility across different laboratories.
What the pandemic has taught us
Authors: Miles David
Published: June 2021

We are now over a year into the COVID‐19 pandemic, and we are not sure how much longer the virus will be with us.
A comparison of trajectories of offending among people with psychotic disorders, other mental disorders and no mental disorders: Evidence from a whole‐of‐population birth cohort study
Authors: Valuri Giulietta Maria , Morgan Frank , Ferrante Anna , Jablensky Assen , Morgan Vera A.
Published: June 2021

Background

Trajectory analysis has been used to study long‐term offending patterns and identify offender subgroups, but few such studies have included people with psychotic disorders (PDs) and these have been restricted to adult offenders.

Aims

To compare offending trajectories among 10–26‐year‐olds with PDs with those with other mental disorders (OMDs) or none (NMD) and identify associated risk factors.

Methods

This is a record‐linkage study of 184,147 people born in Western Australia (WA) 1983–1991, drawing on data from WA mental health information system, WA corrective services and other state‐wide registers. Group‐based trajectory modelling was used to identify offending trajectories.

Results

Four offender groups were identified in each mental health status group: G1–no/negligible offending; G2–early onset, adolescent, desisting by age 18; G3–early onset, low rate, offending into early adulthood; and G4–very early onset, high rate, peaking at age 17, continuing into early adulthood. The PDs group had the lowest proportion of individuals with no or negligible offending histories—84% compared with 88.5% in the OMDs group and 96.6% in the no mental disorder group. Within mental health status offender groups, the PDs group was characterised by early or very early onset offending persisting into adulthood, accounting for 5.4% and 3.7% of the group respectively (OMD: 3.8%, 1.5%; NMD: 1.0%, 0.5%). Gender, indigenous status, substance use problems, childhood abuse and parental offending were generally associated with trajectory group membership, although among those with PDs childhood abuse and parental offending were only significant in the early onset‐life‐course‐persistent group.

Conclusions

While most people with PDs never offend, some are disproportionately vulnerable from a particularly early age. If the offending subgroup is to be helped away from criminal justice involvement, interventions must be considered in childhood.