bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum error correction with silicon spin qubits
Authors: Takeda Kenta , Noiri Akito , Nakajima Takashi , Kobayashi Takashi , Tarucha Seigo
Published: August 2022

Future large-scale quantum computers will rely on quantum error correction (QEC) to protect the fragile quantum information during computation1,2. Among the possible candidate platforms for realizing quantum computing devices, the compatibility with mature nanofabrication technologies of silicon-based spin qubits offers promise to overcome the challenges in scaling up device sizes from the prototypes of today to large-scale computers3–5. Recent advances in silicon-based qubits have enabled the implementations of high-quality one-qubit and two-qubit systems6–8. However, the demonstration of QEC, which requires three or more coupled qubits1, and involves a three-qubit gate9–11 or measurement-based feedback, remains an open challenge. Here we demonstrate a three-qubit phase-correcting code in silicon, in which an encoded three-qubit state is protected against any phase-flip error on one of the three qubits. The correction to this encoded state is performed by a three-qubit conditional rotation, which we implement by an efficient single-step resonantly driven iToffoli gate. As expected, the error correction mitigates the errors owing to one-qubit phase-flip, as well as the intrinsic dephasing mainly owing to quasi-static phase noise. These results show successful implementation of QEC and the potential of a silicon-based platform for large-scale quantum computing.
Efficient generation of entangled multiphoton graph states from a single atom
Authors: Thomas Philip , Ruscio Leonardo , Morin Olivier , Rempe Gerhard
Published: August 2022

The central technological appeal of quantum science resides in exploiting quantum effects, such as entanglement, for a variety of applications, including computing, communication and sensing1. The overarching challenge in these fields is to address, control and protect systems of many qubits against decoherence2. Against this backdrop, optical photons, naturally robust and easy to manipulate, represent ideal qubit carriers. However, the most successful technique so far for creating photonic entanglement3is inherently probabilistic and, therefore, subject to severe scalability limitations. Here we report the implementation of a deterministic protocol4–6for the creation of photonic entanglement with a single memory atom in a cavity7. We interleave controlled single-photon emissions with tailored atomic qubit rotations to efficiently grow Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger (GHZ) states8of up to 14 photons and linear cluster states9of up to 12 photons with a fidelity lower bounded by 76(6)% and 56(4)%, respectively. Thanks to a source-to-detection efficiency of 43.18(7)% per photon, we measure these large states about once every minute, which is orders of magnitude faster than in any previous experiment3,10–13. In the future, this rate could be increased even further, the scheme could be extended to two atoms in a cavity14,15or several sources could be quantum mechanically coupled16, to generate higher-dimensional cluster states17. Overcoming the limitations encountered by probabilistic schemes for photonic entanglement generation, our results may offer a way towards scalable measurement-based quantum computation18,19and communication20,21.
Symmetry as a grouping cue for numerosity perception
Authors: Maldonado Moscoso Paula A. , Anobile Giovanni , Burr David C. , Arrighi Roberto , Castaldi Elisa
Published: August 2022

To estimate the number of objects in an image, each element needs to be segregated as a single unit. Several principles guide the process of element identification, one of the strongest being symmetry. In the current study, we investigated how symmetry affects the ability to rapidly estimate the number of objects (numerosity). Participants judged the numerosity of asymmetric or symmetric arrays of various numerosities. The results show that the numerosity of symmetrical arrays was significantly underestimated at low numerosities, but the effect was greatly reduced at higher numerosities. Adding an additional axis of symmetry (double symmetry) further reduced perceived numerosity. The magnitude of the symmetry-driven underestimation was inversely correlated with autistic personality traits, consistent with previous work associating autistic traits with perceptual grouping. Overall, these results support the idea that perceived numerosity relies on object segmentation and grouping cues, with symmetry playing a key role.
The combined role of obesity and depressive symptoms in the association with ischaemic heart disease and its subtypes
Authors: Liu Shuo , Luo Jia , Zhang Tianhao , Zhang Dongfeng , Zhang Hua
Published: August 2022

This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the combined effects of depression and obesity on ischemic heart disease and its subtypes. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2018 were used. A total of 29,050 participants aged 20 years or older were included in the analyses. Logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline models were applied to evaluate the associations between depression symptom and ischemic heart disease. There were significant correlations between depressive symptoms and ischemic heart disease [OR and 95% CI 2.44 (1.91, 3.10)] and its subtypes: coronary heart disease [2.32 (1.67, 3.23)], heart attack [2.18 (1.71, 2.78)], and angina [2.72 (1.96, 3.79)].The synergistic effects of depression with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) and central obesity (waist ≥ 102/88 cm for men/women) on ischemic heart disease were estimated and expressed using the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) and the attributable proportion due to interaction (AP). The RERI and AP with 95% CIs of depression and central obesity for ischemic heart disease were 1.10 (0.01, 2.19) and 0.35 (0.06, 0.64). When we analysed the other three subtypes of ischemic heart disease, we only found depressive symptoms and central obesity could have a meaningful synergistic effect on heart attack (RERI: 0.84 (− 0.28, 1.96) AP: (0.31 (0.00, 0.69)).
Network phenotypes and their clinical significance in temporal lobe epilepsy using machine learning applications to morphological and functional graph theory metrics
Authors: Garcia-Ramos Camille , Nair Veena , Maganti Rama , Mathis Jedidiah , Conant Lisa L. , Prabhakaran Vivek , Binder Jeffrey R. , Meyerand Beth , Hermann Bruce , Struck Aaron F.
Published: August 2022

Machine learning analyses were performed on graph theory (GT) metrics extracted from brain functional and morphological data from temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients in order to identify intrinsic network phenotypes and characterize their clinical significance. Participants were 97 TLE and 36 healthy controls from the Epilepsy Connectome Project. Each imaging modality (i.e., Resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (RS-fMRI), and structural MRI) rendered 2 clusters: one comparable to controls and one deviating from controls. Participants were minimally overlapping across the identified clusters, suggesting that an abnormal functional GT phenotype did not necessarily mean an abnormal morphological GT phenotype for the same subject. Morphological clusters were associated with a significant difference in the estimated lifetime number of generalized tonic–clonic seizures and functional cluster membership was associated with age. Furthermore, controls exhibited significant correlations between functional GT metrics and cognition, while for TLE participants morphological GT metrics were linked to cognition, suggesting a dissociation between higher cognitive abilities and GT-derived network measures. Overall, these findings demonstrate the existence of clinically meaningful minimally overlapping phenotypes of morphological and functional GT networks. Functional network properties may underlie variance in cognition in healthy brains, but in the pathological state of epilepsy the cognitive limits might be primarily related to structural cerebral network properties.
Detection of Leptomonas seymouri narna-like virus in serum samples of visceral leishmaniasis patients and its possible role in disease pathogenesis
Authors: Sukla Soumi , Nath Himadri , Kamran Mohd. , Ejazi Sarfaraz Ahmad , Ali Nahid , Das Pradeep , Ravichandiran V. , Roy Syamal , Biswas Subhajit
Published: August 2022

Kala-azar/Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania donovani (LD) is often associated with Leptomonas seymouri (LS) co-infection in India. Leptomonas seymouri narna-like virus 1 (Lepsey NLV1) has been reported in multi-passaged laboratory isolates of VL samples which showed LD-LS co-infection. A pertinent question was whether this virus of LS is detectable in direct clinical samples. DNA from the serum of twenty-eight LD diagnosed patients was subjected to LD-specific and LS-specific PCR to reconfirm the presence of LD parasites and to detect LD-LS co-infections. RNA extracted from same samples was subjected to RT-PCR, qRT-PCR and sequencing using virus-specific primers to detect/identify and quantify the virus. The presence of the virus was confirmed in thirteen of eighteen (72%) recently collected VL and PKDL samples. Cytokine profiling showed significantly elevated IL-18 in only LD infected patients compared to the virus-positive LD and control samples. IL-18 is crucial for Th1 and macrophage activation which eventually clears the parasite. The Lepsey NLV1 interaction with the immune system results in reduced IL-18 which favors LD survival and increased parasitic burden. The study emphasizes the need to revisit LD pathogenesis in the light of the association and persistence of a protozoan virus in kala-azar and PKDL patients.
Effect of amide protoporphyrin derivatives on immune response in Apis mellifera
Authors: Trytek Mariusz , Buczek Katarzyna , Zdybicka-Barabas Agnieszka , Wojda Iwona , Borsuk Grzegorz , Cytryńska Małgorzata , Lipke Agnieszka , Gryko Dorota
Published: August 2022

The intracellular microsporidian parasite Nosema ceranae is known to compromise bee health by induction of energetic stress and downregulation of the immune system. Porphyrins are candidate therapeutic agents for controlling Nosema infection without adverse effects on honeybees. In the present work, the impact of two protoporphyrin IX derivatives, i.e. PP[Asp]2 and PP[Lys]2, on Apis mellifera humoral immune response has been investigated in laboratory conditions in non-infected and N. ceranae-infected honeybees. Fluorescence spectroscopy analysis of hemolymph showed for the first time that porphyrin molecules penetrate into the hemocoel of honeybees. Phenoloxidase (PO) activity and the expression of genes encoding antimicrobial peptides (AMPs: abaecin, defensin, and hymenoptaecin) were assessed. Porphyrins significantly increased the phenoloxidase activity in healthy honeybees but did not increase the expression of AMP genes. Compared with the control bees, the hemolymph of non-infected bees treated with porphyrins had an 11.3- and 6.1-fold higher level of PO activity after the 24- and 48-h porphyrin administration, respectively. Notably, there was a significant inverse correlation between the PO activity and the AMP gene expression level (r =  − 0.61696, p = 0.0143). The PO activity profile in the infected bees was completely opposite to that in the healthy bees (r =  − 0.5118, p = 0.000), which was related to the changing load of N. ceranae spores in the porphyrin treated-bees. On day 12 post-infection, the spore loads in the infected porphyrin-fed individuals significantly decreased by 74%, compared with the control bees. Our findings show involvement of the honeybee immune system in the porphyrin-based control of Nosema infection. This allows the infected bees to improve their lifespan considerably by choosing an optimal PO activity/AMP expression variant to cope with the varying level of N. ceranae infection.
Jejunum-derived NF-κB reporter organoids as 3D models for the study of TNF-alpha-induced inflammation
Authors: Daghero Hellen , Doffe Flora , Varela Belén , Yozzi Victoria , Verdes José Manuel , Crispo Martina , Bollati-Fogolín Mariela , Pagotto Romina
Published: August 2022

Inflammation is an important process for epithelial barrier protection but when uncontrolled, it can also lead to tissue damage. The nuclear factor-kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway is particularly relevant in the intestine, as it seems to play a dual role. Whereas NF-κB protects intestinal epithelium against various noxious stimuli, the same pathway mediates intestinal inflammatory diseases by inducing pro-inflammatory gene expression. The availability of appropriate in vitro models of the intestinal epithelium is crucial for further understanding the contribution of NF-κB in physiological and pathological processes and advancing in the development of drugs and therapies against gut diseases. Here we established, characterized, and validated three-dimensional cultures of intestinal organoids obtained from biopsies of NF-κB-RE-Luc mice. The NF-κB-RE-Luc intestinal organoids derived from different intestine regions recreated the cellular composition of the tissue and showed a reporter responsiveness similar to the in vivo murine model. When stimulated with TNF-α, jejunum-derived NF-κB-RE-Luc-reporter organoids, provided a useful model to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of natural and synthetic compounds. These reporter organoids are valuable tools to explore the epithelial TNF-α-induced NF-κB contribution in the small intestine, being a reliable alternative method while helping to reduce the use of laboratory animals for experimentation.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors increase risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding when used with NSAIDs: a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alam Syed Mobashshir , Qasswal Mohammed , Ahsan Muhammad Junaid , Walters Ryan W. , Chandra Subhash
Published: August 2022

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can increase the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Similarly, it is well known that the use of NSAIDs predisposes patients to upper GI bleeding. The aim of this study was to explore if the addition of SSRIs in patients already taking NSAIDs significantly increases their risk for upper GI bleeding. An electronic literature search was conducted using the SCOPUS and MEDLINE databases from inception through September 2020. Cohort and case–control trials that reported patients with upper GI bleeding on NSAIDs with SSRIs, compared to controls on NSAIDs only were included. Newcastle–Ottawa checklist was used to ensure inclusion of high-quality studies. Data was extracted by the lead investigator and cross-checked by the second author. Dichotomous data was pooled to obtain an odds ratio (OR) of the risk of upper GI bleeding in patients on NSAIDs with concomitant SSRI use. The primary endpoint of the study was the risk of upper GI bleeding with SSRIs and NSAIDs compared to NSAIDs alone. A total of 366 citations were reviewed, and 21 were selected for full-text evaluation. 1 cohort and 9 case–control studies were eligible. There was an additional increased risk of upper GI bleeding in patients on NSAIDs with concomitant SSRI use (OR 1.75, 95% CI = 1.32–2.33). In patients already on NSAID therapy, the concomitant use of SSRIs can significantly increase the risk of upper of GI bleeding.
Controllable synthesis of sphere-shaped interconnected interlinked binder-free nickel sulfide@nickel foam for high-performance supercapacitor applications
Authors: Al-Abawi Batool Taher , Parveen Nazish , Ansari Sajid Ali
Published: August 2022

The fabrication of energy storage electrode materials with high specific capacitance and rapid charge–discharge capability has become an essential and major issue of concern in recent years. In the present work, sphere-shaped interconnected interlinked binder-free nickel sulfide (NiS) grown on the surface of a three-dimensional nickel foam (3DNF) was fabricated by a one-step solvothermal method under optimized synthesis conditions, including different solvents, amounts of sulfur, and experimental reaction times. The fabricated binder-free SS-NiS@3DNF-E electrodes were characterized by a range of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques and further evaluated for their comparative electrochemical supercapacitive performance in half-cell assembly cells. The optimized sphere-shaped interconnected interlinked binder-free SS-NiS@3DNF-E-3 electrode showed an outstanding specific capacitance of 694.0 F/g compared to SS-NiS@3DNF-E-1 (188.0 F/g), SS-NiS@3DNF-E-2 (470.0 F/g), and SS-NiS@3DNF-E-4 (230.0 F/g) as well as excellent cycling stability up to 88% after 6700 continuous charge–discharge cycles, with an energy density of 24.9 Wh/kg at a power density of 250.93 W/kg. The obtained results demonstrate that the interconnected interlinked binder-free NiS@nickel electrode is a potential candidate for energy storage applications.
STING-pathway modulation to enhance the immunogenicity of adenoviral-vectored vaccines
Authors: Padron-Regalado Eriko , Ulaszewska Marta , Douglas Alexander D. , Hill Adrian V. S. , Spencer Alexandra J.
Published: August 2022

Traditional chemical adjuvants remain a practical means of enhancing the immunogenicity of vaccines. Nevertheless, it is recognized that increasing the immunogenicity of viral vectors is challenging. Recently, STING ligands have been shown to enhance the efficacy of different vaccine platforms, but their affectivity on viral-vectored vaccination has not been fully assessed. In this study we used a multi-pronged approach to shed light on the immunological properties and potential mechanisms of action of this type of adjuvant and focused our study on replication-deficient human adenovirus serotype 5 (AdHu5). When the STING ligand 2′3′-cGAMP was mixed with AdHu5, the adjuvant enhanced anti-vector immune responses while decreasing the transgene-specific CD8+ T cell response. Studies employing STING-knockout mice and a 2′3′-cGAMP inactive analogue confirmed the aforementioned effects were STING dependent. In vitro assays demonstrated 2′3′-cGAMP induced the production of IFN-β which in turn negatively affected AdHu5 transgene expression and CD8+ T cell immunogenicity. In an effort to overcome the negative impact of early 2′3′-cGAMP signaling on AdHu5 transgene immunogenicity, we generated a bicistronic vector encoding the 2′3′-cGAMP together with a model antigen. Intracellular production of 2′3′-cGAMP after AdHu5 infection was able to enhance transgene-specific CD8+ T cell immunogenicity, although not to a level that would warrant progression of this adjuvant to clinical assessment. This work highlights the importance of timing of 2′3′-cGAMP administration when assessing its adjuvant capacity with different vaccine modalities.
Positional relationship between lacrimal sac and skull base: implication of risk of cerebrospinal fluid leakage during dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Kono Shinjiro , Vaidya Aric , Naito Munekazu , Nakano Takashi , Ito Makoto , Kakizaki Hirohiko , Takahashi Yasuhiro
Published: August 2022

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is a rare but severe complication during dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). Understanding the details of the anatomy of the lacrimal drainage system and skull base is essential to avoid this complication. We examined the positional relationship between the lacrimal sac and skull base using 16 cadavers (22 sides) and using computed tomographic images taken in 81 patients (81 sides). Consequently, the frontal sinus intervened between the lacrimal sac and skull base in 81.8–90.1% of cases. The lacrimal sac fundus and posterior lacrimal crest were far from the skull base/cribriform plate, and the skull base above the lacrimal sac was considerably thick. These results indicate that the risk of skull base injury and consequent CSF leakage during DCR is extremely low. However, surgeons should be cautious of this complication by indirect injury due to a twisting movement of a bone rongeur applied to the maxillary bone during creation of a bony window in patients with no interposition of the frontal and ethmoid sinuses between the lacrimal sac and skull base.
A near-infrared fluorescent long-chain fatty acid toward optical imaging of cardiac metabolism in living mice
Authors: Swamy Mahadeva M. M. , Zubir Mohamad Zarif Mohd , Mutmainah  , Tsuboi Setsuko , Murai Yuta , Monde Kenji , Hirano Ken-ichi , Jin Takashi
Published: August 2022

A near infrared fluorescence labelled long-chain fatty acid (FFA), Alexa680-BMPP (BMPP: 15-(4-(3-aminopropyl)phenyl)-3-methyl pentadecanoic acid), was synthesized as a fluorescent probe toward optical imaging of cardiac metabolism.
Pyridine N-oxides as HAT reagents for photochemical C–H functionalization of electron-deficient heteroarenes
Authors: Ciszewski Łukasz W. , Gryko Dorota
Published: August 2022

Unique reactivity of pyridine N-oxides as HAT reagents in light induced functionalization of electron-deficient heteroarenes is reported. EDA complex formation between the N-oxide and a substrate eliminates the need for a photocatalyst.
An aryl diimine cobalt(i) catalyst for carbonyl hydrosilylation
Authors: Sharma Anuja , So Sangho , Kim Jun-Hyeong , MacMillan Samantha N. , Baik Mu-Hyun , Trovitch Ryan J.
Published: August 2022

Aldehyde and ketone hydrosilylation turnover frequencies of up to 330 s−1 have been achieved using a phosphine-substituted aryl diimine cobalt catalyst.
Co-doped MoS2nanosheet: a stable and pH-universal electrocatalyst for an efficient hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Tan Xiaojie , Zhao Depeng , Sun Yuchen , Duan Zhongxin , Wang Xiaowei , Wu Xiang
Published: August 2022

In this study, we synthesize several Co-doped MoS2structures using a one-step hydrothermal strategy. Through Co doping, MoS2nanosheets can expose many active sites and effectively improve their electrocatalytic performance.
Conductive polymer mediated earth abundant Z-scheme g-C3N4/Fe2O3 heterostructure with excellent photocatalytic activity
Authors: Liu Yuxuan , Pan Guang-Yu , He Xiong , Li Tao , Liu Fu-Tian , Li Kui
Published: August 2022

The ternary Z-scheme g-C3N4/PPy/Fe2O3 heterostructure photocatalyst with excellent photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity was designed and fabricated with PPy supporting and confining the nanosized Fe2O3 using a facile method.
Pressure induced phase transitions of bulk CsGeCl3 and ultrafast laser pulse induced excited-state properties of CsGeCl3 quantum dots
Authors: Qiu Jiasi , Kuang Xiaoyu , Yu Miao , Xing Zhangyao , Zhou Siyuan , Chen Jichao , Ma Jiancheng , Mao Aijie
Published: August 2022

Three structural phase transitions have been discovered in CsGeCl3. Furthermore, the optical response properties of CsGeCl3 quantum dots (QDs) can be regulated by ultrafast laser pulses, and R3m-QDs possess excellent optical responses.
Thermoelectric, spin-dependent optical and quantum transport properties of 2D half-metallic Co2Se3
Authors: Moradi Zeinab , Vaezzadeh Majid , Saeidi Mohammadreza
Published: August 2022

In this paper, the thermoelectric, spin-dependent optical and quantum transport properties of a two-dimensional (2D) Co2Se3monolayer are investigated using first principles calculations.
Semiconductors with a chiral crystal structure in group IVB transition metal pernitrides
Authors: Xie Xing , Wen Minru , Dong Huafeng , Long Hui , Zhang Xin , Wu Fugen , Mu Zhongfei
Published: August 2022

The novel structures of P3121 and P3221 in group IVB transition metal pernitrides exhibit the interesting semiconductor phase.
Why does solvent treatment increase the conductivity of PEDOT : PSS? Insight from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Modarresi Mohsen , Zozoulenko Igor
Published: August 2022

The mechanism of PEDOT : PSS conductivity enhancement after polar solvent treatment.
α-Cyanostilbene: a multifunctional spectral engineering motif
Authors: Mahalingavelar Paramasivam , Kanvah Sriram
Published: August 2022

α-Cyanostilbene motif helps tuning the emission intensity and wavelength through intermolecular non-covalent interactions.
Thermoelectrochemical Seebeck coefficient and viscosity of Co-complex electrolytes rationalized by the Einstein relation, Jones–Dole B coefficient, and quantum-chemical calculations
Authors: Cho Yuki , Nagatsuka Shinya , Murakami Yoichi
Published: August 2022

We offer a bridge between outcomes of solution chemistry obtained in the previous century and thermoelectrochemical conversion using redox electrolytes.
Versatile chemistry of six-membered NHC with boranes: bromination at sp3 borane, activation of the B–H bond of HBpin, and ring expansion of NHC
Authors: Kundu Gargi , Dixit Ruchi , Tothadi Srinu , Vanka Kumar , Sen Sakya S.
Published: August 2022

While 6-SIDipp cleaves the B–H bond of pinacolborane (HBpin) to afford the desired 1,1-oxidative-addition product (7), it undergoes ring expansion with 9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (9-BBN), leading to a seven-membered ring (6b).
Quantification and physical analysis of nanoparticle emissions from a marine engine using different fuels and a laboratory wet scrubber
Authors: Santos Luis F. E. d. , Salo Kent , Thomson Erik S.
Published: August 2022

A marine test-bed diesel engine was used to study how international fuel sulfur content (FSC) regulations and wet scrubbing can affect physical properties of submicron exhaust particles.
Multi-method approach for analysis of road dust particles: elemental ratios, SP-ICP-TOF-MS, and TEM
Authors: Tou Feiyun , Nabi Md. Mahmudun , Wang Jingjing , Erfani Mahdi , Goharian Erfan , Chen Jing , Yang Yi , Baalousha Mohammed
Published: August 2022

A multi-analytical approach, including elemental ratios, SP-ICP-TOF-MS, and TEM analysis, was used for the characterization, quantification and discrimination of natural and anthropogenic metal-containing particles in Shanghai road dust.
A look to surface water and wastewaters in Beira Baixa, Portugal: wastewater treatment plants and environmental risk
Authors: Silva Sofia , Cardoso Vitor Vale , Duarte Lúcia , Carneiro Rui Neves , Almeida Cristina M. M.
Published: August 2022

Some PhACs were not eliminated in WWTPs. Some PhACs were detected in upstream and downstream water samples. Some PhACs showed higher sensitivity for specific trophic levels.
Status and gaps toward fossil-free sustainable chemical production
Authors: Centi Gabriele , Perathoner Siglinda
Published: August 2022

Chemical industry needs and gaps regarding its transformation to fossil-free production to meet the targets for net-zero emissions by the year 2050 are presented.
Comprehensive review on pre-treatment of native, crystalline chitin using non-toxic and mechanical processes in preparation for biomaterial applications
Authors: Pohling Julia , Hawboldt Kelly , Dave Deepika
Published: August 2022

Chitin forms an intricate and exceptionally stable 3D network in crustacean cuticles. Dissolution of purified chitin without derivatization or damage to its native structure is challenging and recent advances are presented in this review.
Point-of-care SARS-CoV-2 sensing using lens-free imaging and a deep learning-assisted quantitative agglutination assay
Authors: Potter Colin J. , Hu Yanmei , Xiong Zhen , Wang Jun , McLeod Euan
Published: August 2022

To address the persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have developed a novel point-of-care SARS-CoV-2 biosensor. This sensor has a limit of detection within an order of magnitude of traditional PCR and can provide an accurate measure of viral load.
Microfluidics in vascular biology research: a critical review for engineers, biologists, and clinicians
Authors: Simitian Grigor , Virumbrales-Muñoz María , Sánchez-de-Diego Cristina , Beebe David J. , Kosoff David
Published: August 2022

Here we provide a detailed review of the use of microfluidic technologies in vascular biology. This review focuses on how to recapitulate and investigate biological hallmarks and is written for a wide audience ranging from clinicians to engineers.
3D-printed, configurable, paper-based, and autonomous multi-organ-on-paper platforms
Authors: Li Hongbin , Cheng Feng , Wang Zixuan , Li Wanlu , Robledo-Lara Juan Antonio , Zhang Yu Shrike
Published: August 2022

We report 3D-printed, configurable, paper-based organ-on-paper platforms where autonomous and continuous delivery of media to engineered microtissue models is readily achieved without requiring external electrical power during device operations.
A Cd-based perovskite with optical-electrical multifunctional response
Authors: Han Li-Jun , Liu Jia , Shao Ting , Jia Qiang-Qiang , Su Chang-Yuan , Fu Da-Wei , Lu Hai-Feng
Published: August 2022

A two-dimensional organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite with blue-white emission and high phase transition temperature is presented.
WS2 quantum dots harvesting via sonication assisted liquid exfoliation for the electrochemical sensing of xanthine
Authors: Sakthivel Arunkumar , Chandrasekaran Anitha , Soosaimanickam Charlin , Li Chen-Zhong , Alwarappan Subbiah
Published: August 2022

WS2 quantum dots (QDs) were prepared by sonication assisted liquid exfoliation in dimethyl formamide (DMF) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).
FeOOH-activating resorcinol–formaldehyde resin nanospheres for the photo-Fenton degradation of organic pollutants
Authors: Liu Binyao , Yan Longgang , Wen Jinyu , Liu Xiaotian , Duan Feng , Jia Bi , Liu Xiaoyan , Ke Gaili , He Huichao , Zhou Yong
Published: August 2022

FeOOH coupling on the surface of resorcinol–formaldehyde resin nanospheres for the photo-Fenton degradation of organic pollutants is reported.
Synthesis and computationally assisted spectroscopic study of tautomerism in 3-(phenyl(2-arylhydrazineylidene)methyl)quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones
Authors: Katsyuba Sergey A. , Mustakimova Liliya V. , Gerasimova Tatiana P. , Burganov Timur I. , Sirazieva Aisylu R. , Voronina Julia K. , Shamsutdinova Leisan R. , Rizvanov Il’dar Kh. , Mamedov Vakhid A.
Published: August 2022

Implicit and explicit quantum mechanical modeling of solutions of a series of quinoxalinone-based hydrazones allowed to describe their tautomeric/isomeric/conformational composition and IR and UV-Vis spectra.
The chemistry behind room temperature synthesis of hafnium and cerium UiO-66 derivatives
Authors: Zaremba Orysia , Andreo Jacopo , Wuttke Stefan
Published: August 2022

RT formation of Hf and Ce UiO-66 derivatives is investigated using a one-step method where the linker and metal salt are simply combined, and a two-step method where the inorganic component is pre-heated to form metal clusters.
Chemical looping steam reforming of glycerol for hydrogen production over NiO–Fe2O3/Al2O3 oxygen carriers
Authors: Li Hetong , Zhang Yuchun , Fu Peng , Wei Ranran , Li Zhiyu , Dai Lei , Zhang Andong
Published: August 2022

A nano NiO–Fe2O3/Al2O3 Fe-based OC was developed for CLSR hydrogen production experiments in a modified device. Ni promoted Fe-Al2O3 is effective and stable.
Ammonia breath analysis
Authors: Lefferts Merel J. , Castell Martin R.
Published: August 2022

Ammonia breath analysis is an important emerging non-invasive tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases because it can provide information about a vast array of biochemical processes occurring in the human body.
Ultrafast screening of serum for early prediction of diabetes by fractalkine detection
Authors: Stefan-van Staden Raluca-Ioana , Gheorghe Damaris-Cristina , Stoica Roxana-Adriana
Published: August 2022

A smart cellphone-based device was employed to determine fractalkine in serum samples. Results may help medical practitioners to establish whether the patient is healthy, or in prediabetes or diabetes stages of illness.
Mediator-free NADH photochemical regeneration with the aid of the amino acid l-cysteine
Authors: Bianco Alberto , Zaffagnini Mirko , Bergamini Giacomo
Published: August 2022

An aged Ru complex has been successfully employed for the photochemical monoreduction of NAD+ achieving mediator-free NADH formation with the only aid of l-cysteine and visible light.
Electropolymerized thin films with a microporous architecture enabling molecular sieving in harsh organic solvents under high temperature
Authors: Lu Yanqiu , Liu Wei , Wang Kaiyu , Zhang Sui
Published: August 2022

Electropolymerized conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) membranes enable molecular sieving in organic solvents under extreme conditions.
A bifunctional catalyst of ultrathin cobalt selenide nanosheets for plastic-electroreforming-assisted green hydrogen generation
Authors: Li Ying , Zhao Yunxing , Zhao Hu , Wang Zilei , Li Hong , Gao Pingqi
Published: August 2022

Cobalt selenide nanosheets with 3.5 nm thickness can be used as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for plastic-electroreforming-assisted water electrolysis, achieving a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a voltage of only 1.37 V in 1 M KOH with 1 mM PLA electrolyte.
A zwitterionic composite membrane for a high-performance zinc/bromine flowless battery
Authors: Han Dabin , Gikunoo Edzordzi Kwame , Shanmugam Sangaraju
Published: August 2022

A zwitterionic SiO2 composite membrane (PFSA/Z-SiO2) was designed and explored in a zinc-bromine flowless battery (ZBFLB). The optimized ZBFLB with the PFSA/Z-SiO2 membrane showed excellent performance for over 1800 hours at a high state of charge.
Recent advances of crosslinkable organic semiconductors in achieving solution-processed and stable optoelectronic devices
Authors: Ma Zongwen , Zhao Biao , Gao Huaizhi , Gong Yongshuai , Yu Runnan , Tan Zhan'ao
Published: August 2022

Crosslinkable organic semiconductors in optoelectronic devices have attracted extensive attention due to the outstanding advantages of strong solvent resistance and stable film morphology.
A hierarchical VN/Co3ZnC@NCNT composite as a multifunctional integrated host for lithium–sulfur batteries with enriched adsorption sites and accelerated conversion kinetics
Authors: Fu Junjie , Shen Zewei , Cai Daoping , Fei Ban , Zhang Chaoqi , Wang Yaguang , Chen Qidi , Zhan Hongbing
Published: August 2022

A space-confined melamine-assisted nitridation strategy is developed to synthesize the hierarchical VN/Co3ZnC@NCNTs composite, which can serve as a multifunctional integrated sulfur host for lithium–sulfur batteries.
Cholate-conjugated cationic polymers for regulation of actin dynamics
Authors: Sahoo Subhasish , Maiti Ipshita , Laha Arkayan , De Rumi , Maiti Sankar , De Priyadarsi
Published: August 2022

A cholic acid-conjugated polycationic actin interacting material with self-aggregation behaviour has been synthesized to effectively enhance actin nucleation, and stabilize actin filaments.
FBP1 knockdown decreases ovarian cancer formation and cisplatin resistance through EZH2-mediated H3K27me3
Authors: Xiong Xifeng , Lai Xudong , Zhang Jinli , Meng Qingqi , Wang Pengzhen , Qin Shengnan , Liu Wei , Wang Yongxuan , Yao Zhuo , Wang Di , Li Xiaojian , Liu Zhihe , Miao Haixiong
Published: August 2022

Worldwide, ovarian cancer (OC) is the seventh common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death in women. Due to high rates of relapse, there is an urgent need for the identification of new targets for OC treatment. The far-upstream element binding protein 1 (FBP1) and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) are emerging proto-oncogenes that regulate cell proliferation and metastasis. In the present study, Oncomine data analysis demonstrated that FBP1 was closely associated with the development of OC, and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data analysis indicated that there was a positive correlation between FBP1 and EZH2 in ovarian tissues. Moreover, we found that FBP1 knockdown suppressed tumor formation in nude mice and cisplatin resistance of OC cells, but the role of FBP1 in the cisplatin resistance of OC cells remained unclear. In addition, we verified physical binding between FBP1 and EZH2 in OC cells, and we demonstrated that FBP1 knockdown enhanced cisplatin cytotoxicity in OC cells and down-regulated EZH2 expression and trimethylation of H3K27. These results suggested that FBP1 increases cisplatin resistance of OC cells by up-regulating EZH2/H3K27me3. Thus, FBP1 is a prospective novel target for the development of OC treatment.
The minimum number of discriminant equations for a symmetric game
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Xinyun , Li Ting , Zhu Jiandong
Published: August 2022

The discriminant equations with the minimum number for a symmetric game are derived. By using a new version of the semi‐tensor product method based on adjacent transpositions, the analysis of symmetric games is greatly simplified. Some new necessary and sufficient conditions for symmetric games are proposed, a basis of the symmetric game space is easily calculated, and the computing complexity is achieved. Finally, two examples are displayed to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
HSLS: An efficient local search algorithm for the hardware and software partitioning problem
Authors: Tian Xinliang , Ouyang Dantong , Zhou Huisi , Jiang Luyu , Zhang Liming
Published: August 2022

Hardware and software partitioning (HW/SW) is a crucial step in the co‐design of embedded systems, which is a typical combinatorial optimisation problem. In practice, HW/SW instances would be of large scale, so it is of significant importance to design effective heuristic algorithms to obtain a high‐quality partitioning scheme. Different from previous heuristics, the HW/SW problem is treated as the minimum weight dominating set (MWDS) problem in this letter, and the mature local search framework for solving the MWDS problem is introduced to solve the HW/SW problem. In addition, two suitable vertex selection rules based on scoring function and tabu are proposed. Combined with the introduced local search framework, an efficient local search algorithm named HSLS is obtained. 96 classic benchmark instances are used to evaluate the performance of the HSLS algorithm, and the four latest evolutionary algorithms designed for the HW/SW problem are used as comparison algorithms, which are genetic algorithm, binary particle swarm optimisation, differential evolution, and group theory‐based optimisation algorithm. The experimental results show that the HSLS algorithm is far superior to the four comparison algorithms in terms of the optimal solution and obtains optimal solution on 78 benchmark instances, the four comparison algorithms obtain 43, 29, 42, and 41 optimal solutions respectively.
Synchronous reluctance machines with new type of fractional‐slot concentrated‐windings based on the concept of stator slot shifting
Authors: Taghavi Araghi Seyed Mahdiar , Kiyoumarsi Arash , Mirzaeian Dehkordi Behzad
Published: August 2022

Fractional‐slot concentrated‐windings are appreciated for their simple construction, short end‐winding length, high copper fill factor, low cogging torque, good field‐weakening capability and fault‐tolerant ability. However, in comparison to the conventional distributed windings, the fractional‐slot concentrated‐windings are characterised with high space magnetomotive force (MMF) harmonics, which results in undesirable effects on the machine performance, such as localised core saturation, eddy current loss in the rotor and noise and vibration. In order to improve winding characteristics, several techniques have been developed recently. This manuscript introduces the 5 new winding topologies by using the general concept of stator slot shifting. It means that, in order to cancel undesirable MMF harmonics, by doubling (or tripling or even multiplying) the slot number and dividing the winding and then relatively shifting the winding by one (or more) slots, the undesirable harmonics have been eliminated effectively. The best choice is chosen according to the lowest amount of the MMF harmonic, highest value of winding factor and torque desirable characteristics. At the end, comprehensive comparisons for the designed synchronous reluctance motor (SynRel) equipped with proposed windings and also distributed winding are presented. The analytical study and 2D FEM analysis results show that it is possible to get an ideal low space‐harmonic winding topology, and consequently, a low torque ripple for these motors.
Inversion detection method of oil‐immersed transformer abnormal heating state
Authors: Deng Yongqing , Ruan Jiangjun , Dong Xuzhu , Huang Daochun , Zhang Chen
Published: August 2022

Transformer overheating faults have an important impact on the transformer safe and stable operation. Taking 10 kV oil‐immersed transformer as the research object, using the indirect coupling analysis method of electromagnetic thermal fluid multi‐physical field, the transformer heating characteristics under overheating faults, such as winding inter‐turn short circuit and core multi‐point grounding, are analysed, and the transformer abnormal heating state identification method is proposed based on the inversion of transformer top oil temperature rise. By inverting the transformer normal top oil temperature rise under different load rates and comparing it with the actual measured value, taking into account the top oil temperature rise inversion error, it is determined that when the top oil temperature rise measured value is higher than the inversion value by 2.9 K, it indicates the transformer is in an abnormal heating state, and the higher the deviation degree is, the deeper the degree of abnormal heating fault. The accuracy of the transformer abnormal heating state identification method is verified by the multi‐working condition temperature rise test, which can provide a certain reference for the detection and maintenance of transformer abnormal internal heating faults.
Multi‐functional control strategy for power quality improvement of three‐phase grid using solar PV fed unified power quality conditioner
Authors: Sanjenbam Chandrakala Devi , Shah Priyank , Singh Bhim
Published: August 2022

This article presents a generalised integrator with a band‐pass filter frequency locked loop (GI‐BPF‐FLL) control algorithm for the solar photovoltaic (SPV)‐integrated unified power quality conditioner (SPVUPQC) system. This control algorithm extracts fundamental components (FC) of the distorted and deformed input signals, and it has the competence of eliminating DC‐offset. The key objective is to decrease the number of sensors used in the control algorithm of the SPVUPQC system while enabling the power quality enhancement features in the distribution grid. The effectiveness of the presented GI‐BPF‐FLL control algorithm and its performance comparison with the conventional control algorithm are discussed in both the time domain as well as frequency domain analysis. The SPVUPQC system consisting of a distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) and a dynamic voltage restorer (DVR), to compensate simultaneously both the voltage distortions, sag/swell etc. as well as current harmonics, reactive power and load currents unbalances etc. The model of the SPVUPQC system is developed in the MATLAB/Simulink environment, and its results are presented to demonstrate its capabilities. The system's validation is also done on the hardware prototype, and it performs effectively for the voltage and current power quality enhancement simultaneously. The load side voltages magnitudes, grid side voltages and the grid currents total harmonic distortions are found within the boundaries specified in the IEEE standard 1159 and the IEEE standard 519.
A feedback‐integrated framework for resilient and distributed scheduling of electric vehicles under uncertain charging characteristics
Authors: Kandpal Bakul , Verma Ashu
Published: August 2022

Emerging innovation in smart charging for plug‐in electric vehicles (EVs) has the potential to achieve significant economic benefits. In several works, smart charging encourages the use of EVs as a flexible resource by modifying their power consumption through a demand response (DR) program. However, it is promptly assumed that EVs are always responsive and accept the smart charging signals with no fault. In practice, due to uncertainties such as random EV mobility, volatile battery charging characteristics or charging component failures, some EVs would be unable to accept the assigned charging signals dispatched from a central server. Therefore, this article proposes a feedback loop to predict EV charging behaviours and thereby adaptively tune the time‐based control signals dispatched to individual EVs. Moreover, a parallel‐operating distributed DR algorithm is proposed which aims optimal EV scheduling under charging uncertainties while reducing the need of private information sharing. The proposed distributed algorithm allows increased EV user privacy, fast convergence properties and optimal operation under communication disruptions and delays. The effectiveness of the proposed methods are also numerically exhibited for varying penetration of EVs within a low‐voltage (LV) distribution test network.
Predicting liver disorder based on machine learning models
Authors: Zhao Jing , Wang Peixia , Pan Yubiao
Published: August 2022

As the main detoxification organ of human body, liver is very important in humans' health by metabolizing a lot of substances that are taken in, including alcohol and the medicine. However, if a person consumes too much alcohol or contaminated food, it will lead to liver disorder by causing little ingestion of essential nutrients. Accurate prediction for alcohol consumption, therefore, is very important by providing doctors the necessary information for diagnosing liver diseases. To address this problem, this paper introduces machine learning models to predict liver disorder. In addition, to alleviate the influence of data randomness by splitting the data set into a training set and a testing set, the leave‐one‐out cross valuation is utilized. The feature importance and the relationships between different features are also analyzed. The experimental results showed that the machine learning models are effective for alcohol consumption prediction. Among them, the random forest has the best performance in terms of accuracy (80.35%). The reason could be that the ensemble strategy used is helpful to reduce the over‐fitting problem caused by the imbalanced data set. This indicates that the random forest could be a useful tool for liver disorder prediction by providing helpful information or suggestions for doctors for diagnosing liver diseases.
Hubble constant and nuclear equation of state from kilonova spectro-photometric light curves
Authors: Pérez-García M. A. , Izzo L. , Barba-González D. , Bulla M. , Sagués-Carracedo A. , Pérez E. , Albertus C. , Dhawan S. , Prada F. , Agnello A. , Angus C. R. , Bruun S. H. , del Burgo C. , Dominguez-Tagle C. , Gall C. , Goobar A. , Hjorth J. , Jones D. , López-Sánchez A. R. , Sollerman J.
Published: August 2022

The merger of two compact objects of which at least one is a neutron star is signalled by transient electromagnetic emission in a kilonova (KN). This event is accompanied by gravitational waves and possibly other radiation messengers such as neutrinos or cosmic rays. The electromagnetic emission arises from the radioactive decay of heavy r-process elements synthesized in the material ejected during and after the merger. In this paper we show that the analysis of KNe light curves can provide cosmological distance measurements and constrain the properties of the ejecta. In this respect, MAAT, the new Integral Field Unit in the OSIRIS spectrograph on the 10.4 m Gran Telescopio CANARIAS (GTC), is well suited for the study of KNe by performing absolute spectro-photometry over the entire 3600 − 10 000 Å spectral range. Here, we study the most representative cases regarding the scientific interest of KNe from binary neutron stars, and we evaluate the observational prospects and performance of MAAT on the GTC to do the following: (a) study the impact of the equation of state on the KN light curve, and determine to what extent bounds on neutron star (NS) radii or compactness deriving from KN peak magnitudes can be identified and (b) measure the Hubble constant, H0, with precision improved by up to 40%, when both gravitational wave data and photometric-light curves are used. In this context we discuss how the equation of state, the viewing angle, and the distance affect the precision and estimated value of H0.