bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recombinant thrombomodulin lectin‐like domain attenuates Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide‐induced osteoclastogenesis and periodontal bone resorption
Authors: Chang Lan‐Yun , Lai Chao‐Han , Kuo Cheng‐Hsiang , Chang Bi‐Ing , Wu Hua‐Lin , Cheng Tsung‐Lin
Published: January 2021

Background

Evidence demonstrates that the thrombomodulin (TM) lectin domain (TMD1) exerts anti‐inflammatory functions. Lipopolysaccharides derived from Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg‐LPS) are considered a major pathogenic factor for chronic periodontitis, promoting inflammation, osteoclastogenesis and alveolar bone resorption. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the potential therapeutic effect of recombinant TMD1 (rTMD1) in suppression of Pg‐LPS‐induced osteoclastogenesis and periodontal bone loss.

Methods

In vitro, the effects of Pg‐LPS, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and rTMD1 on osteoclast differentiation were investigated using receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL)‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. In vivo, the effects of rTMD1 treatment were evaluated in a model of experimental periodontitis induced by direct injection of Pg‐LPS into the vestibular gingiva.

Results

Administration of Pg‐LPS to RANKL‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages resulted in upregulation of CD86 and osteoclast marker (eg, Dc‐stamp and Trap) gene expression and increase of pro‐inflammatory cytokine production (e.g., TNF‐α) during osteoclast differentiation, and rTMD1 can attenuate these effects. Also, rTMD1 inhibited Pg‐LPS‐enhanced in vitro bone resorption in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, TNF‐α promoted phosphorylation of p38 and ERK during osteoclast differentiation, and the signal activation can be inhibited by rTMD1. Finally, treatment with rTMD1 hindered Pg‐LPS‐induced alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis in mice.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that rTMD1 attenuates Pg‐LPS‐enhanced M1 macrophage polarization, osteoclastogenesis and periodontal bone resorption and thus holds therapeutic promise for periodontitis.
Preparation of palm (Elaeis oleifera) pressed fibre cellulose nanocrystals via cation exchange resin: characterisation and evaluation as Pickering emulsifier
Authors: Soo Yee‐Theng , Ng Shi‐Wan , Tang Teck‐Kim , Ab Karim Nur Azwani , Phuah Eng‐Tong , Lee Yee‐Ying
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Palm pressed fibre (PPF) is a cellulose‐rich biomass residue produced during palm oil extraction. Its high cellulose content allows the isolation of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC). CNC has attracted scientific interest due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility and low cost. The present study isolated CNC from PPF using a cation exchange resin, which is an environmentally friendly and less harsh hydrolysis method than conventional mineral acid hydrolysis. Isolated CNC was used to stabilise an oil‐in‐water emulsion and the emulsion stability was evaluated in terms of droplet size, morphology and physical stability.

RESULTS

PPF was subjected to alkali and bleach treatment prior to hydrolysis, which successfully removed 54% and 75% of non‐cellulosic components (hemicellulose and lignin, respectively). Hydrolysis conditions of 5 h, 15:1 (w/w) resin‐to‐pulp ratio and 50 °C produced CNC particles of 50–100 nm in length. CNC had a crystallinity index of 42% and appeared rod‐like morphologically. CNC‐stabilised emulsion had better stability when used in combination with soy lecithin (SL), a well‐established, commonly used food stabiliser. Emulsion stabilised by the binary mixture of CNC and SL had droplet size, morphology and physical stability comparable to those of emulsion stabilised using SL.

CONCLUSIONS

CNC was successfully isolated from PPF through a cation exchange resin. This offers an alternative usage for the underutilised PPF to be converted into value‐added products. Isolated CNC was also found to have promising potential in the stabilisation of Pickering emulsions. These results provide useful information indicating CNC as a natural and sustainable stabiliser for food, cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical applications. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Leonardite iron humate and synthetic iron chelate mixtures in Glycine max nutrition
Authors: Cieschi María T , Lucena Juan J
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

The aim of this work was to study the possible synergic effect between mixtures with iron leonardite humate (L/Fe3+) and synthetic chelates iron (Ch/Fe3+: o,oEDDHA /Fe3+ or HBED/Fe3+), and to reevaluate the classical chelate shuttle‐effect model. Different molar ratios of L/Fe3+:Ch/Fe3+, different doses, and different sampling times were used in hydroponic and soil experiments using soybean (Glycine max) as a model Strategy I crop in calcareous conditions. Ligand competition between the humate and chelating agents was also examined.

RESULTS

Iron humate participates in the chelate shuttle mechanism, providing available Fe to the chelating agent and then to the plants, showing a slight synergic effect. After a few days, the contribution of the chelates to the Fe nutrition decreases substantially, but the contribution of the humates is maintained.

CONCLUSIONS

The most efficient ratio was two parts of iron humates and one part of iron chelate. In particular, HBED/Fe3+ was the most suitable iron chelate because its lasting effect fits the iron humate long‐term effect better. The soluble iron in soil increased and the shoot‐to‐root iron translocation improved due to a synergic effect by a shuttle effect exerted by iron chelate in the mixture. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Potential foraminiferal nitrate transport in sediments in contact with oxic overlying water
Authors: Xu Zhaomeng , Liu Sumei , Ning Xiaoyan
Published: January 2021

Sedimentary denitrification accounts for more than half of the global marine fixed nitrogen loss, but this removal is often restricted by nitrate diffusive supply in sediments. The results of this study showed that foraminiferal nitrate transport may supply nitrate below the nitrate penetration depth and promote nitrogen removal in sediments in contact with oxic overlying water. Six dominant foraminiferal species in the Yellow Sea sediments accumulated high concentrations of intracellular nitrate (25–68 mM), which is 1000 times higher than the maximum pore water nitrate concentration. Notably, this is the first time that Protelphidium tuberculatum, the most dominant species at almost all stations, is reported to have elevated intracellular nitrate. P. tuberculatum contributes 45% to 92% of the foraminiferal intracellular nitrate pools and plays an important role in foraminiferal nitrate transport. The potential foraminiferal denitrification rates below the nitrate penetration depth induced by foraminiferal nitrate transport ranged from 4 to 117 μmol N m−2 d−1 and contributed 3% to 81% of sedimentary denitrification. The intensity of foraminiferal nitrate transport showed a negative correlation with the nitrate penetration depth and positively correlated with the chlorophyll a (Chl a) and chloroplastic pigment equivalent concentrations, which indicate that shallower redox depth (nitrate penetration depth) and increased food supply (Chl a, chloroplastic pigment equivalent) may promote foraminiferal nitrate transport. The trophic oxygen model was modified by adding the pore water nitrate to explain foraminiferal nitrate transport in various marine environments, and this modified trophic oxygen model predicts the observed high foraminiferal nitrate transport intensity.
A New Synthetic Strategy for Polymeric Bromine Precursors: One‐Step Change from Bromine‐Containing Polymers to Functional Polymers
Authors: Yu Gang , Xu Qian , Li Shuyi , Gu Yu , Lu Yanbing , Xu Weijian , Wu Ruoxi
Published: January 2021

Postmodification methods are effective tools in preparing functional polymers, and novel end‐group reactions have attracted much attention from researchers for postmodification applications. Here, a new high‐efficiency postmodification method is proposed, which can change bromine‐containing polymers to functional polymers in one step. Phenol, 1‐hydroxynaphthalene, and 4‐(2‐phenyldiazenyl)‐phenol (AzoOH) are successfully grafted onto the polymeric branch chain of bromine‐containing polymers, i.e., homopolymer, bromoethyl methyl acrylate, (pBMEA) and amphiphilic block copolymer p(BMEA)‐b‐p(mPEG), with a high grafting rate that is near 100%. Also, the micelles of the postmodified amphiphilic block copolymer p(BMEA‐Azo)‐b‐p(mPEG) are broken up under ultraviolet irradiation. The proposed method can be used as a platform to prepare a variety of stimuli‐responsive polymeric nanoparticles.
On the completeness and the decidability of strictly monadic second‐order logic
Authors: Takagi Kento , Kashima Ryo
Published: January 2021

Regarding strictly monadic second‐order logic (SMSOL), which is the fragment of monadic second‐order logic in which all predicate constants are unary and there are no function symbols, we show that a standard deductive system with full comprehension is sound and complete with respect to standard semantics. This result is achieved by showing that in the case of SMSOL, the truth value of any formula in a faithful identity‐standard Henkin structure is preserved when the structure is “standardized”; that is, the predicate domain is expanded into the set of all unary relations. In addition, we obtain a simpler proof of the decidability of SMSOL.
Cost gap, Shapley, or nucleolus allocation: Which is the best game‐theoretic remedy for the low‐risk anomaly?
Authors: Auer Benjamin R. , Hiller Tobias
Published: January 2021

Empirical research in investment management has discovered the puzzling phenomenon that, contrary to established capital market theory, low‐risk assets tend to earn larger returns than their high‐risk counterparts. In a recent contribution, Auer and Hiller (2019) emphasize that an inadequate quantification of risk may be the root of this problem. By interpreting a portfolio as a cooperative game, they arrive at the interesting finding that using assets' risk‐based Shapley values instead of classic stand‐alone risk measures has the potential to solve the low‐risk puzzle. In this article, we extend their study first by considering additional game‐theoretic risk allocation schemes, namely, the cost gap technique and the nucleolus method, and then by improving their simulation design via a larger number of assets and a supplementary determination of risk–return slopes. We find that the Shapley method outperforms the alternatives with respect to the generation of positive risk–return slopes.
The small‐convection limit in a two‐dimensional chemotaxis‐Navier‐Stokes system with singular sensitivity
Authors: Zhao Li , Jiang Ke , Xia Anyin
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we consider the two‐dimensional chemotaxis‐Navier‐Stokes system with singular sensitivity

in a bounded convex domain Ω ⊂ R2 with smooth boundary, with κ ∈ R and a given smooth potential ϕ : Ω → R. It is known that for each κ ∈ [0, 1) and 0 < χ < 1 this problem possesses a unique global classical solution (nκ, cκ, uκ). Our main result asserts that under the assumption of 0 < χ < 1, (nκ, cκ, uκ) stabilizes to (n0, c0, u0) with an explicit rate and a time dependent coefficient as κ → 0+.
A 4‐minute solution for submillimeter whole‐brain T1ρ quantification
Authors: Zhu Yanjie , Liu Yuanyuan , Ying Leslie , Qiu Zhilang , Liu Qiegen , Jia Sen , Wang Haifeng , Peng Xi , Liu Xin , Zheng Hairong , Liang Dong
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To develop a robust, accurate, and accelerated T1ρ quantification solution for submillimeter in vivo whole‐brain imaging.

Methods

A multislice T1ρ mapping solution (MS‐T1ρ) was developed based on a two‐acquisition scheme using turbo spin echo with RF cycling to allow for whole‐brain coverage with 0.8‐mm in‐plane resolution. A compressed sensing–based fast imaging method, SCOPE, was used to accelerate the MS‐T1ρ acquisition time to a total scan time of 3 minutes 31 seconds. A phantom experiment was conducted to assess the accuracy of MS‐T1ρ by comparing the T1ρ value obtained using MS‐T1ρ with the reference value obtained using the standard single‐slice T1ρ mapping method. In vivo scans of 13 volunteers were acquired prospectively to validate the robustness of MS‐T1ρ.

Results

In the phantom study, the T1ρ values obtained with MS‐T1ρ were in good agreement with the reference T1ρ values (R2 = 0.9991) and showed high consistency throughout all slices (coefficient of variation = 2.2 ± 2.43%). In the in vivo experiments, T1ρ maps were successfully acquired for all volunteers with no visually noticeable artifacts. There was no significant difference in T1ρ values between MS‐T1ρ acquisitions and fully sampled acquisitions for all brain tissues (p‐value > .05). In the intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland‐Altman analyses, the accelerated T1ρ measurements show moderate to good agreement to the fully sampled reference values.

Conclusion

The proposed MS‐T1ρ solution allows for high‐resolution whole‐brain T1ρ mapping within 4 minutes and may provide a potential tool for investigating neural diseases.
Optimization of adiabatic pulses for pulsed arterial spin labeling at 7 tesla: Comparison with pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling
Authors: Wang Kai , Shao Xingfeng , Yan Lirong , Ma Samantha J. , Jin Jin , Wang Danny J. J.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To optimize and evaluate adiabatic pulses for pulsed arterial spin labeling at ultrahigh field 7 tesla.

Methods

Four common adiabatic inversion pulses, including hyperbolic secant, wideband uniform rate smooth truncation, frequency offset corrected inversion, and time‐resampled frequency offset corrected inversion pulses, were optimized based on a custom‐defined loss function that included labeling efficiency and inversion band uniformity. The optimized pulses were implemented in flow‐sensitive alternating inversion recovery sequences and tested on phantom and 11 healthy volunteers with 2 constraints: 1) specific absorption rate normalized; and 2) equal peak RF amplitude, respectively. A pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling sequence was implemented for comparison. Quantitative metrics such as perfusion and relative labeling efficiency versus residual tissue signal were calculated.

Results

Among the 4 pulses, the wideband uniform rate smooth truncation pulse yielded the lowest loss in simulation and achieved a good balance between labeling efficiency and residual tissue signal from both phantom and in vivo experiments. Wideband uniform rate smooth truncation–pulsed arterial spin labeling showed significantly higher relative labeling efficiency compared to the other sequences (P < .01), whereas the perfusion signal was increased by 40% when the highest amplitude was used. The 4 pulsed arterial spin labeling sequences yielded comparable perfusion signals compared to pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling but with less than half the specific absorption rate.

Conclusion

Optimized wideband uniform rate smooth truncation pulse with the highest amplitude allowed was recommended for 7 tesla pulsed arterial spin labeling.
Discrete geometric modeling of granular soils based on statistical percolative principles: A 2D implementation
Authors: Pinkert Shmulik , Larom Yuval
Published: January 2021

This study proposes a new geometric modeling approach for a discrete representation of a realistic pore‐scale morphology by using an amorphous, non‐Euclidean, geometry of the shape of soil grains. The soil‐skeleton composition process follows a consistent, statistically based, algorithm by implementing ideas derived from both fractal and percolation theories. Although the model yields random amorphous soil morphology, the global (geotechnical) scale of the obtained soil skeleton is consistent and well defined. The paper drives the fundamental principles of the model and suggests specific functions for practical use. An inverse analysis is also shown, in which the model parameters can be determined based on the specific grading curve characteristics that are required. The model is implemented in 2D but can be used as a general basis for 3D modeling.
Electroconvulsive seizures lead to lipolytic‐induced gene expression changes in mediobasal hypothalamus and decreased white adipose tissue mass
Authors: Takefusa Marika , Kubo Yuki , Ohno Marie , Segi‐Nishida Eri
Published: January 2021

Aims

Electroconvulsive seizure (ECS) therapy is highly effective in the treatment of several psychiatric disorders, including depression. Past studies have shown that the rodent model of ECS reveals the activation of multiple brain regions including the hypothalamus, suggesting that this method of brain stimulation broadly regulates central neuronal function, which results in peripheral function. The ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) plays an important role in feeding and energy homeostasis. Our previous study showed that ECS increases the expression of anorexigenic factors in the VMH and has an anorexigenic effect in a mouse model. Since the VMH is also suggested to play a critical role in the peripheral lipid metabolism of white adipose tissue (WAT), we hypothesized that ECS alters lipid metabolism via activation of the VMH.

Methods and Results

Here, we demonstrate that repeated ECS suppresses the fat mass of epididymal WAT and significantly increases the expression levels of lipolytic and brown adipose tissue markers such as Adrb3, Hsl/Lipe, and Ppargc1a. In the VMH, ECS increased the expression of multiple genes, notably Bdnf, Adcyap1, and Crhr2, which are not only anorexigenic factors but are also modulators of lipid metabolism. Furthermore, gold‐thioglucose‐induced hypothalamic lesions affecting the VMH abolished the effect of ECS on the WAT, indicating that hypothalamus activation is required for the phenotypic changes seen in the epididymal WAT.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrates a new effect of ECS on the lipid metabolism of WAT via induction of hypothalamic activity involving the VMH.
In Reply: Randomized Studies Are Needed to Improve Knowledge of Nutritional Interventions for Advanced Cancer Patients
Authors: Bouleuc Carole , Marchal Timothée , Chvetzoff Gisèle , Raynard Bruno , Thiery-Vuillemin Antoine , Aubry Régis
Published: January 2021

This letter to the editor continues a discussion about parenteral nutrition for patients with advanced cancer and calls for future randomized studies assessing both enteral and parenteral nutrition.
A Medical Pearl Harbor: Pandemic Uncovers Societal Fissures and Leadership Breaches
Authors: Chabner Bruce A. , Bates Susan E. , Fojo Antonio Tito , Murphy Ann , Sartor A. Oliver , Murphy Martin J.
Published: January 2021

The Editors of The Oncologist remark on recent national events and call for new strategies for the New Year.
PEDOT: PSS‐grafted graphene oxide‐titanium dioxide nanohybrid‐based conducting paper for glucose detection
Authors: Paul Geetu , Verma Sakshi , Jalil Owais , Thakur Deeksha , Pandey Chandra Mouli , Kumar Devendra
Published: January 2021

In this work, efforts have been made to develop a conducting paper‐ (CP) based biosensor using poly(3,4ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(4‐styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)‐grafted reduced graphene oxide‐titanium dioxide (rGO‐TiO2) nanohybrid. The effect of different dopant (ethylene glycol [EG], glycerine and methanol) on the conductivity of the paper has been investigated, and it was observed that the conductivity of the CP significantly increases from 6.9 × 10−5 S/cm to 1.1 × 10−4 S/cm on treatment with EG. While, after the incorporation rGO‐TiO2 nanohybrid into PEDOT:PSS‐grafted paper, the conductivity increased to 4.9 × 10−2 S/cm. The fabricated flexible rGO‐TiO2@CP was characterized using X‐ray diffraction, Thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and amperometric techniques. The developed rGO‐TiO2@CP has been utilized for the immobilization of glucose oxidase for the quantitative estimation of glucose. Electrochemical results reveal that the modified CP shows high sensitivity (94.98 μAmM−1 cm−2) with a low limit of detection (0.01 mM) and can be a promising substitute over other expensive conventional electrodes.
Detecting deviations from the efficacy and safety results of single‐arm trials using real‐world data: The case of a CAR‐T cell therapy in B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Jakobsen Lasse Hjort , Callréus Torbjörn , Sessa Maurizio , Jerkeman Mats , Andersen Morten , El‐Galaly Tarec Christoffer
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Personalized therapies are leading to an increasing number of marketing authorizations based on single‐arm trials, which increases the demand for better post‐authorization monitoring strategies. The aim of the present study was to estimate the power over time as data accrue in population‐based registries for detecting deviations from the expected efficacy/safety of chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR‐T) therapy approved for relapsed/refractory large B‐cell lymphoma (RR‐LBCL).

Methods

The number of real‐world RR‐LBCL patients was projected over time in a general population of 5, 15, and 25 million citizens using lymphoma registry data. For each scenario, we computed the power over time for detecting significant deviations in efficacy (1‐year overall survival [1yOS]) when comparing to historical controls (SCHOLAR‐1 study; 1yOS, 28%) and RR‐LBCL patients treated with CAR‐T cell therapy in a single‐arm trial (ZUMA‐1; 1yOS, 59%) as well as deviations in selected adverse events (grade ≥3 aphasia) from the ZUMA‐1 trial. We assumed a 10% absolute deviation in 1yOS (efficacy) and a relative increase of 50% in grade ≥3 aphasia (safety).

Results

Assuming a general population of 5, 15, and 25 million, the accrual time needed to achieve 80% power for detecting a significant increase over the 1yOS reported in SCHOLAR‐1 was 9, 4, and 3 years, respectively, while 80% power for detecting a significant decrease in 1yOS compared to ZUMA‐1 required 10.5, 4.5, and 3 years of data accrual, respectively. However, corresponding estimates for aphasia were >20, 8, and 5 years, respectively.

Conclusions

Projections of the statistical power for detecting important deviations in efficacy/safety from that reported in pivotal clinical trials(s) provide critical information about the expected performance of post‐authorization monitoring programs.
Alternatives of resorcinol in carbon black filled belt skim compound: A sustainable approach to make tire
Authors: Kumawat Pankaj , Chanda Jagannath , Das Sanjit Kumar , Ghosal Anshu , Gupta Saikat Das , Mukhopadhyay Rabindra
Published: January 2021

As per global trends, new legislation, regulations, and restrictions on the use of hazardous materials with respect to environmental concerns, it has become necessary to eliminate resorcinol from the rubber compound as it was generating carcinogenic fumes during processing at high temperature. In this research, two non‐hazardous phenolic resins [A] and [B] were explored, in place of resorcinol, in a typical PCR tire belt skim compound. The entire study includes three phases. In Phase I, resorcinol was substituted with both the resins and it was revealed that they have potential to function as resorcinol in rubber‐brass bonding mechanism with few limitations, primarily as low cure rate. In Phase II, it was adjusted by incorporating TBBS as an additional accelerator but an abrupt loss in extent of adhesion retention was noticed for aged samples. It leads to further investigation in Phase II compositions. In Phase III, a little amount of precipitated silica was formulated, which results into a significant revival of adhesion retention. Eventually, both the compounds were showing faster vulcanizing characteristics, improved aged and un‐aged properties, higher dynamic stiffness, and lower hysteresis. Compound [B] showed best performance in all the properties except fatigue crack growth rate in low strain percentage.
Optoelectronic reciprocity in hot carrier solar cells with ideal energy selective contacts
Authors: Pusch Andreas , Dubajic Milos , Nielsen Michael P. , Conibeer Gavin J. , Bremner Stephen P. , Ekins‐Daukes Nicholas J.
Published: January 2021

Hot carrier solar cells promise theoretical power conversion efficiencies far beyond the single junction limit. However, practical implementations of hot carrier solar cells have lagged far behind those theoretical predictions. Reciprocity relations for electroluminescence from conventional single junction solar cells have been extremely helpful in driving their efficiency ever closer to the theoretical limits. In this work, we discuss how the signatures of a functioning hot carrier device should manifest experimentally when driven in reverse, that is, in electroluminescent mode. Hot carrier properties lead to deviations of the dark I–V from the Shockley diode equation that is typical for conventional single junction solar cells. These deviations are directly linked to an increase in temperature of the carriers and therefore the temperature measured from electroluminescence spectra. We also elucidate how the behaviour of hot carrier solar cells in the dark depends on whether Auger processes play a significant role, revealing a stark contrast between the regime of negligible Auger recombination (carrier conservation model) and dominant Auger recombination (impact ionisation model) for hot carrier solar cells.
Hematite/Polystyrene Raspberry‐Like Microcomposites as Stable Support for Silver Nanoparticle Immobilization
Authors: Lupa Dawid , Oćwieja Magdalena , Adamczyk Zbigniew
Published: January 2021

Among the methods utilized for the preparation of raspberry‐like microcomposites, due to its simplicity and universality, the electrostatically‐driven deposition of nanoparticles at the surface of microparticles is especially attractive. This process, leading to the formation of a single nanoparticle monolayer, is widely reported. On the other hand, no data concerning the electrostatically‐driven formation of nanoparticle bilayers at the surface of microparticles are reported. To fill this gap, the detailed investigation of the formation of silver/hematite nanoparticle bilayers at the surface of polystyrene microparticles is reported. First, the hematite/polystyrene raspberry‐like microcomposites are obtained by immobilization of hematite nanoparticles under an electrostatically‐driven process. The stability of hematite/polystyrene microcomposites at elevated temperatures up to 323 K is monitored using microelectrophoresis. No significant changes in the hematite nanoparticle layer coverage are observed after prolonged time of incubation. This proves the irreversible character of nanoparticle immobilization. Next, the hematite/polystyrene microcomposites are utilized as the interfaces for immobilization of negatively charged silver nanoparticles. This process is quantitatively described using electrokinetic measurements. The changes in the hydrodynamic diameter of microcomposites are also determined. Finally, the validity of the electrokinetic model used in this work for predicting the zeta potential of the silver/hematite/polystyrene microcomposites is confirmed.
Synthesis and Characterization of the Energetic 3‐Azido‐5‐amino‐6‐nitro‐1,2,4‐triazine
Authors: Creegan Shannon E. , Zeller Matthias , Byrd Edward F. C. , Piercey Davin G.
Published: January 2021

The reaction of diazotetrazole with nitroacetonitrile led to the isolation of the simple 1,2,4‐triazine‐based energetic 3‐azido‐5‐amino‐6‐nitro‐1,2,4‐triazine. It and related compounds were chemically characterized by NMR, IR, and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. Their energetic sensitivities (impact, friction) were experimentally determined and energetic performances calculated. The ability of 3‐azido‐5‐amino‐6‐nitro‐1,2,4‐triazine to form N‐oxides was also studied.
Valent USA LLC strategies, innovations, and collaborations to deal with herbicide resistance and achieve sustainability
Authors: Kohrt Jonathon R , Pawlak John , Sandell Lowell , Cranmer John
Published: January 2021

In conjunction with our parent company Sumitomo Chemical, Valent USA LLC continues to research, develop, and steward products that assist growers in the management of existing and emerging weed resistance issues in their fields. The knowledge gained through collaboration with universities and industry stakeholders in how to effectively manage and prevent the spread of herbicide‐resistant weeds is being incorporated into the development and stewardship of our products. Valent demonstrates our commitment to herbicide stewardship by developing products which incorporate multiple‐effective modes of action using flumioxazin as a foundational component for preemergence residual weed control. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Genetic structure and population demographics of Hypnoidus bicolor (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in the Canadian Prairies
Authors: Drahun Ivan , Wiebe Kiana F , Koloski Cody W , van Herk Willem G , Cassone Bryan J
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Following banning of the pesticide lindane in most counties, wireworms (i.e., the soil‐living larval stages of click beetles) have become major pests of a variety of economically important field crops. Hypnoidus bicolor is a common pest species in the Canadian Prairies. However, little is known about its life history, which impedes the development of effective integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Population genetic approaches have the potential to assist in the development of IPM.

RESULTS

We sequenced a 622‐bp fragment of the COX1 gene from 326 H. bicolor wireworm and click beetles collected from 13 localities on the Canadian Prairies. Two genetically distinct (>4.66% sequence divergence) clades were identified, suggesting that they may be part of a species complex. Clade A predominated and increased in prevalence the further east samples were collected, whereas the opposite was true for clade B. Clade B appears to be comprised of two mitochondrial DNA groups, however, one group was represented by only one haplotype. Both clades were characterized by uneven gene flow among populations with low levels of regional genetic structuring. Clade A appeared to have undergone population and range expansions, which may coincide with the advent of intensive agriculture practices in the prairies.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge of species composition and population structure is important for the development of effective IPM strategies but is often lacking for wireworms. Our study fills these knowledge gaps for a predominant pest species in the prairies, H. bicolor, by providing robust evidence for cryptic forms and characterizing its dispersal patterns and population dynamics. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Improving the Performance of Deep Recessed Anode AlGaN/GaN Schottky Barrier Diode by Post Etching Treatment
Authors: Liu Kai , Wang Chong , Zheng Xuefeng , Ma Xiaohua , Zhao Yaopeng , Li Ang , He Yunlong , Mao Wei , Hao Yue
Published: January 2021

Herein, fluorine (F) plasma and HCl solution treatments are used as post etching treatment to improve the performance of recessed anode AlGaN/GaN Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs). To avoid the deterioration in the forward characteristics caused by F‐plasma treatment, the deep recessed anode structure is designed. Simulation results show that when the recessed depth exceeds 60 nm, the forward current is not reduced after the F‐plasma treatment. The recessed depth of 70 nm is chosen in the experiment. After the post etching treatment, the on‐resistance (RON) and forward voltage (VF) are reduced by 0.4 Ω mm and 0.4 V, respectively. The improvement of forward characteristic is attributed to the change of electron transport paths, which is due to the increase in barrier height and width at anode sidewall caused by F ions. Moreover, the reverse current (IREV) is suppressed by two orders of magnitude. It can be explained by the dispersion of electric field peaks by F‐plasma treatment and repair of etching damage after HCl treatment.
Pressure effects on the electronic, magnetic, thermoelectric, and thermodynamic properties of Mn2CoSi half‐metallic compound
Authors: On Vo Van , Nguyen Duy Khanh , Hoat D. M. , Ponce‐Pérez R. , Rivas‐Silva J. F. , H. Cocoletzi Gregorio
Published: January 2021

In this work, the pressure effects on the electronic, magnetic, thermoelectric, and thermodynamic properties of the half‐metallic full‐Heusler Mn2CoSi compound are investigated using spin‐polarized first‐principles calculations. The material used is half‐metallic, with the spin‐up alignment being metallic and semiconductivity found in the spin‐down state, creating the perfect spin polarization of 100%. Ferromagnetic and spin‐flip energy gaps have values of 0.887 and 0.415 eV, respectively. The half‐metallicity is quite robust under high pressures. The magnetic properties of Mn2CoSi follows the Slater‐Pauling rule, Mt = Z − 24, being produced mainly by the Mn and Co atoms, while the Si contribution is negligible. Thermoelectric properties' calculations indicate that the metallic behavior generates quite a small figure of merit, while large values close to unity can be obtained with the semiconductor nature. Finally, the Mn2CoSi thermodynamic properties, including the Gibbs free energy, thermal expansion coefficient, bulk modulus, heat capacity, Grüneisen parameter, and Debye temperature, under different temperatures (up to 1000 K) and pressures (up to 50 K) are determined and discussed in detail.
A qualitative study of risk perception and preparedness knowledge in two Midwestern United States communities that are located near nuclear power plants
Authors: Crowley Julia
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this research is to examine risk perceptions of communities living near nuclear power plants and to relate the risk perceptions to the local knowledge of preparedness procedures in the event of an accident at the facilities. A total of 65 interviews were conducted in 2 communities in a Midwestern state in the United States that has nuclear power plants. Questions pertained to risk perceptions and knowledge of preparedness procedures in regards to the nuclear power plants. Interview transcripts were coded through the two‐step process of initial and focused coding to derive four themes. These themes include quality of life, energy production, safety, and preparedness knowledge. The majority of interviewees reported that the facilities enhanced their quality of life with the taxes paid by the parent company. In addition, most interviewees described the energy production process as clean. While most of the interviewee safety perceptions were positive overall, some expressed concerns regarding the potential for an accident at one of the nuclear power plants. In regards to preparedness knowledge, fewer than half of interviewees could name at least one preparedness procedure offhand. This research concludes that interviewees with low‐risk perceptions of the facilities were less prepared overall.
Recent Advances of Indium(III) Chloride Catalyzed Reactions in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Datta Mrityunjoy
Published: January 2021

This review summarizes recent advances of indium trichloride catalyzed synthesis of different organic compounds. It is obvious that InCl3 co‐ordinates with C−C and/or C‐heteroatom multiple bonds and thereby makes them very prone to nucleophilic attack to form a new bond. This Lewis acid catalyst also activates oxiranes to produce aldehydes. Multicomponent synthesis including C−C bond formation reaction and construction of N, O and S‐containing heterocycles are discussed in organic solvents as well as in water. This article highlights recent developments and application of indium(III) chloride as a catalyst in organic synthesis from 2015 to 2020. The mechanism of few important reactions is discussed in detail which will be very useful for the readers.
Determination of Pd2+ by Fluorescence Enhancement caused by an Off‐Switching of an Energy‐ and an Electron Transfer
Authors: Schwarze Thomas
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we introduce a fluorescent dye 1, which is able to detect selectively Pd2+ by a clear fluorescence enhancement (FE) in THF. In the presence of eight Pd2+ equivalents, we observed a fluorescence enhancement factor (FEF) of 28.3. The high Pd2+ induced FEF can be explained by an off switching of multiple quenching processes within 1 by Pd2+. In the free dye 1 a photoinduced electron transfer (PET) and energy transfer (ET) takes place and quenches the anthracenic fluorescence. The coordination of eight Pd2+ units by the alkylthio‐substituted porphyrazine receptor suppresses the PET and ET quenching process and the anthracenic fluorescence is switched on.
Multifunctional Biopolymers‐Based Composite Materials for Biomedical Applications: A Systematic Review
Authors: Khan Ajahar , Alamry Khalid A. , Asiri Abdullah M.
Published: January 2021

Biopolymers are considered as a favorable group of substances with a broad array of applications, of which biomedical field stands out. The interesting features of biopolymers such as low‐cost, non‐cytotoxicity, hydrophilicity, biodegradation and biocompatibility make them promising and excellent feedstock to be used in implantable devices. The bounteous reactive functional groups in the backbone structure of polysaccharides and its derivatives could be utilized to develop hydrogels, nano‐composite and 3D scaffolds with appealing structures and desired features, leading to promising research attention towards biomedical fields. The present review describes the foremost properties as well as potential of different biopolymers, and their composites for application in implantable biomedical systems. This work may introduce readers about the comprehension of state‐of‐the‐art advances, real present challenges along with the future anticipation of eco‐friendly and biomimetic techniques for the modification of biopolymeric materials to improve their biomedical applications.
Effect of Bio‐Based Aldehyde Structure on the Conversion and Selectivity Towards Glycerol Acetal Over Amberlyst‐46 by Using a Solvent‐Free Approach
Authors: Armylisas Abu Hassan Noor , Yeong Shoot Kian , Maznee Tuan Ismail Tuan Noor , Hoong Seng Soi
Published: January 2021

Acetalization of glycerol with acetone (1 : 5) at 60 °C catalyzed by A‐46 (10 wt %) under nitrogen (N2) afforded 63 % solketal 1 a in just 15 min. Subsequently, acetalization of glycerol and bio‐based aldehydes i. e. acetaldehyde, isobutyraldehyde, n‐heptaldehyde, p‐anisaldehyde and benzaldehyde were investigated under optimized reaction conditions. The conversion and selectivity of this reaction was found to be affected by structure of aldehydes employed. Excellent conversion of 97 and 99 % were obtained using acetaldehyde and isobutyraldehyde, respectively while longer chain or aromatic aldehyde gave poor conversion between 17 and 36 %. Aldehyde with branching or aromatic ring gave better selectivity towards 6‐membered ring acetal b at the expense of conversion: p‐anisaldehyde > benzaldehyde>isobutyraldehyde>acetaldehyde>n‐heptaldehyde. Conversely, organic solvent gave adverse effects to both conversion and selectivity towards b. Optimized acetalization of glycerol/benzaldehyde was also studied. A‐46 has shown excellent stability and reactivity with no significant loss of catalytic activity in 10 subsequent runs.
Multivalency Pattern Recognition to Sort Colloidal Assemblies
Authors: Loescher Sebastian , Walther Andreas
Published: January 2021

Multivalent interaction is an important principle for self‐assembly and has been widely used to assemble colloids. However, surface binding partners are statistically distributed, which falls short of the interaction possibilities arising from geometrically controlled multivalency patterns as seen in viruses. Herein, the precision provided by 3D DNA origami is exploited to introduce multivalency pattern recognition via designing geometrically precise interaction patterns at patches of patchy nanocylinders. This gives rise to self‐sorting of colloidal assemblies despite having the same type and number of supramolecular binding motifs—solely based on the pattern located on a 20 × 20 nm2 cross‐section. The degree of sorting can be modulated by the geometric overlap of patterns and homo; mixed and alternating supracolloidal polymerizations are demonstrated. Multivalency patterns are able to provide an additional information layer to organize soft matter, important towards engineering of biological responses and functional materials design.
1/f Noise and Machine Intelligence in a Nonlinear Dopant Atom Network
Authors: Chen Tao , Bobbert Peter A. , van der Wiel Wilfred G.
Published: January 2021

Noise exists in nearly all physical systems ranging from simple electronic devices such as transistors to complex systems such as neural networks. To understand a system's behavior, it is vital to know the origin of the noise and its characteristics. Recently, it was shown that the nonlinear electronic properties of a disordered dopant atom network in silicon can be exploited for efficiently executing classification tasks through “material learning.” Here, we study the dopant network's intrinsic 1/f noise arising from Coulomb interactions, and its impact on the features that determine its computational abilities, viz., the nonlinearity and the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), is investigated. The findings on optimal SNR and nonlinear transformation of data by this nonlinear network provide a guideline for the scaling of physical learning machines and shed light on neuroscience from a new perspective.
Anion Exchange‐Induced Crystal Engineering via Hot‐Pressing Sublimation Affording Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ding Bin , Peng Jun , Chu Qian-Qian , Zhao Shenyou , Shen Heping , Weber Klaus J. , Yang Guan-Jun , White Thomas P. , Catchpole Kylie R. , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Dyson Paul J.
Published: January 2021

Crystalline, dense, and uniform perovskite thin films are crucial for achieving high‐power conversion efficiency solar cells. Herein, a universal method of fabricating highly crystalline and large‐grain perovskite films via crystal engineering is demonstrated. Anion exchange of Cl− and I−, and annealing perovskite films, in an ultraconfined and uniform temperature enclosed space with saturated MAI (or FAI) vapor using hot‐pressing sublimation technology are conducted. This process ensures a rapid crystal growth rate due to fast exchange between the gas phase and the crystalline film to reduce vertically oriented grain boundaries. The generation of the commonly observed PbI2 phase is also suppressed due to the chemical equilibrium state during the thermal annealing process. Using this approach, pinhole‐free perovskite films with preferred crystal orientation and micrometer‐scale grains are obtained, leading to a high steady‐state efficiency of 22.15% based on mixed‐cation perovskite composition. In addition, devices based on different perovskite compositions all exhibit enhanced photovoltaic performance based on the crystal engineering method. The device (without encapsulation) has an efficiency loss of about only 4% after 2520 h of aging in ambient conditions and retains 87% of its initial efficiency after 1000 h of continuous 1 Sun light soaking, thus demonstrating considerably improved stability.
Anchorable Perylene Diimides as Chemically Inert Electron Transport Layer for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells with High Reproducibility
Authors: Ye Fangyuan , Zhang Diwei , Xu Xiaojia , Guo Huanxin , Liu Shuaijun , Zhang Shuo , Wu Yongzhen , Zhu Wei-Hong
Published: January 2021

Oxide semiconductors like TiO2 and SnO2 are exclusively used to construct electron transport layer (ETL) in n–i–p‐structured perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Despite high electron mobility and suitable energy levels, their complicated surface chemistry is detrimental to the interfacial stability as well as fabrication reproducibility. Alternatively, organic n‐type semiconductors address these issues due to their defined molecular structures. Herein, the novel use of anchorable perylene diimides (PDI) and naphthalene diimide (NDI) as chemically inert ETLs is proposed to improve the stability and reproducibility of n–i–p‐structured PSCs. Compared with NDI, the PDI analogues show more suitable lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels (−4.1 vs. −3.8 eV) for matching the conduction band edge of metal halide perovskites, thus favoring the interfacial electron collection. The anchoring chains decorated on PDI entity are found to affect not only the solution processability of ETLs, but also the crystal quality of perovskites. More importantly, the interfacial perovskite decomposition is suppressed in such organic ETLs‐based PSCs. These merits of the anchorable PDI‐based ETLs enable ≈19% efficiency devices with excellent reproducibility and long‐term stability, which outperform traditional TiO2‐based n–i–p PSCs.
Model Reduction Techniques for Unstable Second Order‐Form Systems
Authors: Ali Sadaqat , Mohd‐Mokhtar Rosmiwati , Haider Shafiq , Bukhari Syed Hashim Raza , Rasool Akhtar
Published: January 2021

In the present work, multiple non existing model order reduction (MOR) techniques for unstable second‐order form systems (SOSs) are proposed. For unstable SOSs, continuous‐time algebraic Lyapunov equations get unsolvable that halt the reduction process. To avoid this problem, unstable SOS is first decomposed into stable and unstable portions and balanced truncation is applied to the stable part. The obtained reduced order model (ROM) for the stable portion is augmented with the unstable portion to obtain the overall reduced system. It is observed that the second‐order structure in ROM for the first technique gets lost as well as augmented unstable dynamics degrade the ROM performance. To cater to these constraints, two structure‐preserving second‐order balanced truncation techniques for unstable SOSs are proposed in second part. System is first stabilized using the Bernoulli feedback stabilization procedure and then gramians are computed for the stabilized system. Further, gramians are partitioned into position and velocity portions to achieve structure preservation in ROM and balanced truncation is applied. As second technique retains second‐order structure as well as involves stabilized system dynamics, this technique far closely approximates original system behavior. Proposed techniques are tested on multiple systems and results certify the correct development of proposed techniques that can be utilized for MOR applications of unstable SOSs. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Sources of variation in the speech of African Americans: Perspectives from sociophonetics
Authors: Farrington Charlie , King Sharese , Kohn Mary
Published: January 2021

African American Language (AAL) is one of the most researched varieties of American English, yet key aspects of its development and spread remain under‐theorized. For example, regional and social variation in the speech of African Americans was initially understudied in AAL as scholars sought to demonstrate the overall systematicity of the variety, often at the expense of examining variation across and within communities. More recently, scholars have begun to address this gap by examining different sources of variation in AAL phonology. For instance, the African American Vowel System (AAVS), also called the African American Vowel Shift, describes a pattern identified within AAL, including the raising of the front lax vowels and the nonfronting of the high‐ and mid‐back vowels. Aspects of the AAVS have been found in geographically widespread varieties of AAL, suggesting that shared patterns of population movement resulting from the Great Migration and subsequent social experiences may have led to the development of this system. Other more regionally limited sound patterns suggest the role of more localized processes of variation and change. We focus on three sources of variation that have contributed to the spread and realizations of the sound system in modern AAL: migration, segregation, and place and identity. Evidence from sociophonetic analyses across these three factors provides a foundation to more thoroughly document the ways in which AAL varieties developed, spread, and vary, while allowing for a more nuanced assessment of racialization and its implications for individual differences.

This article is categorized under:

Linguistics > Linguistic Theory

Psychology > Language