bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sterol uptake by the NPC system in eukaryotes: a Saccharomyces cerevisiae perspective
Authors: Winkler Mikael B. L. , Nel Lynette , Frain Kelly M. , Dedic Emil , Olesen Esben , Pedersen Bjørn Panyella
Published: December 2021

Sterols are an essential component of membranes in all eukaryotic cells and the precursor of multiple indispensable cellular metabolites. After endocytotic uptake, sterols are integrated into the lysosomal membrane by the Niemann‐Pick type C (NPC) system before redistribution to other membranes. The process is driven by two proteins that, together, compose the NPC system: the lysosomal sterol shuttle protein NPC2 and the membrane protein NPC1 (named NCR1 in fungi), which integrates sterols into the lysosomal membrane. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae NPC system provides a compelling model to study the molecular mechanism of sterol integration into membranes and sterol homeostasis. This review summarizes recent advances in the field, and by interpreting available structural data, we propose a unifying conceptual model for sterol loading, transfer and transport by NPC proteins.
Are mindful people less involved in online trolling? A moderated mediation model of perceived social media fatigue and moral disengagement
Authors: Wu Biyun , Li Fang , Zhou Li , Liu Mingfan , Geng Fulei
Published: December 2021

Online trolling is aggressive online behavior that has severe consequences for the mental health of internet users. Online trolling can be influenced by personal factors and psychological states. Based on the General Aggression Model, moral disengagement was examined as a moderator of the direct and indirect relations between mindfulness and online trolling via social media fatigue. A total of 1123 college students completed questionnaires regarding their experience with online trolling, mindfulness, social media fatigue, and moral disengagement. The results showed that individuals with high mindfulness were less likely to troll others online, which was mediated by their social media fatigue. Furthermore, moral disengagement moderated the indirect relationship between mindfulness and online trolling. Specifically, the relationship between mindfulness and social media fatigue became weaker for individuals with high moral disengagement. The relationship between social media fatigue and online trolling became strengthened for individuals with high moral disengagement. These findings elucidate the role of personal factors and the present internal state in online trolling and suggest that comprehensive intervention programs may be promising for reducing online trolling.
Eliminating the Galvanic Corrosion Effect of Graphene Coating by an Accurate and Rapid Self‐Assembling Defect Healing Approach
Authors: Wu Yinghao , Sun Tian‐Yu , Ge Tianhao , Zhao Wenjie , Huang Liang‐Feng
Published: December 2021

The structural defects on graphene grown on a metal substrate via chemical vapor deposition can readily stimulate severe galvanic corrosion phenomena. For any defect passivation method that can be technologically promising for superior corrosion‐resistant graphene coatings, efficiency and accuracy are two critical but still challenging requirements. In this work, the authors design a rapid processing method (within just 15 min) that can accurately heal various structural defects of different types and sizes on graphene coating, where the hydrophobic 1H,1H,2H,2H‐perfluorooctanethiol (PFOT) molecules are self‐assembled onto the defect sites. The surface morphologies, atomic bonding states, and defect‐healing mechanism are deeply understood by comprehensive experimental characterizations and first‐principles calculations. Both weak physical PFOT‐pristine graphene bonding and strong covalent PFOT‐defect bonding are two microscopic factors that enhance defect healing efficiency and accuracy. Spatially resolved electronic and electrochemical measurements show that the defect‐healing not only effectively suppresses galvanic corrosion phenomena during both short‐term and long‐term tests, but also well preserves the superior electronic conductivity of pristine graphene. The defect healing strategy proposed here can find its wide potential applications in the fields like electro‐industry, coating, and sensors that require the graphene coatings having both superior corrosion resistance and electronic property.
Excited State Intramolecular Proton Transfer Based Fluorophores with Circularly Polarized Luminescence Emission
Authors: Coehlo Max , Clavier Gilles , Pieters Grégory
Published: December 2021

Herein, the first molecular design allowing the combination of circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) and excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) fluorescence is described. In this novel class of emitters, the chiroptical activity originates from a chiral excitonic coupling induced by the tethering of two ESIPT fluorophores via a readily accessible trans‐1,2‐diaminocyclohexane scaffold. This approach has notably allowed the synthesis in a single step of a CPL‐active molecule displaying a very large Stokes shift (up to 12 087 cm−1 in toluene solution) and the synthesis in three steps of one of the rare examples of CPL‐active purely organic dual‐emission materials.
Simple Molecular Design Strategy for Multiresonance Induced TADF Emitter: Highly Efficient Deep Blue to Blue Electroluminescence with High Color Purity
Authors: Han Jianmei , Huang Zhongyan , Lv Xialei , Miao Jingsheng , Qiu Yuntao , Cao Xiaosong , Yang Chuluo
Published: December 2021

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials based on multiple resonance (MR) effect exhibit enormous potentials in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) with high color purity due to their intrinsically narrow emission. However, most of MR‐TADF emitters are limited to the boron‐nitrogen‐based rigid skeleton. In this work, three novel MR‐TADF emitters, namely CzBNO, DMAcBNO and DPAcBNO, are elaborately constructed, the TADF properties of which are realized by virtue of opposite MR effect of boron and nitrogen/oxygen atom. CzBNO‐based deep blue‐emitting OLEDs achieve a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 13.6% with a small FWHM of 36 nm, as well as a Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinate of (0.14,0.08). While the other two emitter‐based devices exhibit blue emission with a maximum EQE of up to 23.0%. To further improve the OLEDs performances, DMAcBNO and DPAcBNO‐based devices assisted by a sensitizer exhibit an excellent EQE of up to 29.6% with a relatively small efficiency roll‐off.
Accelerating Battery Characterization Using Neutron and Synchrotron Techniques: Toward a Multi‐Modal and Multi‐Scale Standardized Experimental Workflow
Authors: Atkins Duncan , Capria Ennio , Edström Kristina , Famprikis Theodosios , Grimaud Alexis , Jacquet Quentin , Johnson Mark , Matic Aleksandar , Norby Poul , Reichert Harald , Rueff Jean‐Pascal , Villevieille Claire , Wagemaker Marnix , Lyonnard Sandrine
Published: December 2021

Li‐ion batteries are the essential energy‐storage building blocks of modern society. However, producing ultra‐high electrochemical performance in safe and sustainable batteries for example, e‐mobility, and portable and stationary applications, demands overcoming major technological challenges. Materials engineering and new chemistries are key aspects to achieving this objective, intimately linked to the use of advanced characterization techniques. In particular, operando investigations are currently attracting enormous interest. Synchrotron‐ and neutron‐based bulk techniques are increasingly employed as they provide unique insights into the chemical, morphological, and structural changes inside electrodes and electrolytes across multiple length scales with high time/spatial resolutions. However, data acquisition, data analysis, and scientific outcomes must be accelerated to increase the overall benefits to the academic and industrial communities, requiring a paradigm shift beyond traditional single‐shot, sophisticated experiments. Here a multi‐scale and multi‐technique integrated workflow is presented to enhance bulk characterization, based on standardized and automated data acquisition and analysis for high‐throughput and high‐fidelity experiments, the optimization of versatile and tunable cells, as well as multi‐modal correlative characterization. Furthermore, new mechanisms, methods and organizations such as artificial intelligence‐aided modeling‐driven strategies, coordinated beamtime allocations, and community‐unified infrastructures are discussed in order to highlight perspectives in battery research at large scale facilities.
Toward High‐Performance Semitransparent Organic Photovoltaics with Narrow‐Bandgap Donors and Non‐Fullerene Acceptors
Authors: Cheng Hao‐Wen , Zhao Yepin , Yang Yang
Published: December 2021

Solar energy offers an alternative solution to the global community's growing energy demands. Semitransparent organic photovoltaics (ST‐OPVs) have received tremendous attention due to their tunable energy levels and rising power conversion efficiency (PCE). Because of its transparency, ST‐OPVs are able to serve as the power‐generating roof of the greenhouse, and color‐tunable walls/windows for modern buildings or façades. With the rapid development of narrow‐bandgap semiconductors to absorb near‐infrared photons, the performances of ST‐OPVs has progressed with PCEs over 12% with average visible transmittances over 20%. Here, recent developments in ST‐OPVs based on narrow‐bandgap donors and non‐fullerene acceptors are reviewed. Several strategies for chemical structures design have been reported to lower bandgaps semiconductor materials. The recent developments of non‐fullerene acceptor structures for ST‐OPVs are categorized into A‐D‐A, A‐π‐D‐π‐A, and A‐DAD‐A by the structure alignment. From device perspectives, the strategies such as ternary blend, distributions of donors and acceptors in active layers, tandem and transparent conductive electrodes for high‐performance ST‐OPVs are summarized. To conclude, some insightful guidelines for future developments in ST‐OPVs from both materials and device points of views are provided.
Highly Efficient Synthesis of Poly(silylether)s: Access to Degradable Polymers from Renewable Resources
Authors: Fouilloux Hugo , Rager Marie‐Noelle , Ríos Pablo , Conejero Salvador , Thomas Christophe M.
Published: December 2021

The design of new materials with tunable properties and intrinsic recyclability, derived from biomass under mild conditions, stands as a gold standard in polymer chemistry. Reported herein are platinum complexes which catalyze the formation of poly(silylether)s (PSEs) at low catalyst loadings. These polymers are directly obtained from dual‐functional biobased building blocks such as 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) or vanillin, coupled with various dihydrosilanes. Access to different types of copolymer architectures (statistical or alternating) is highlighted by several synthetic strategies. The materials obtained were then characterized as lowTgmaterials (ranging from −60 to 29 °C), stable upon heating (T−5%up to 301 °C) and resistant towards uncatalyzed methanolysis. Additionally, quantitative chemical recycling of several PSEs could be triggered by acid‐catalyzed hydrolysis or methanolysis. These results emphasize the interest of biobased poly(silylether)s as sustainable materials with high recycling potential.
Engineering hybrid textile braids for tendon and ligament repair application
Authors: Peixoto Tânia , Carneiro Sofia , Fangueiro Raúl , Guedes Rui M. , Paiva Maria C. , Lopes Maria A.
Published: December 2021

Challenges involving tendon and ligament repair have motivated the investigation of new strategies to improve clinical outcomes. These have been mainly based on polymer constructs, which may be non‐biodegradable or biodegradable. The former typically fails due to lack of device integration and the latter demands a complex balance between biodegradability and tissue ingrowth, often failing due to insufficient mechanical properties. This work presents the development of hybrid braids based on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polylactic acid (PLA) yarns. A textile technique was used to fabricate braids based on 16 multifilament yarns of varying PLA/PET composition. The composition was varied to maximize biodegradability while ensuring mechanical performance. The braids' morphology, physical and mechanical properties were characterized. As production parameters and architecture were maintained, the braids exhibited similar porosity and wicking ability. The breaking force and stiffness decreased significantly as the number of PLA yarns increased, although strain levels remained constant. Braids containing 10 and 12 PET yarns (out of the total 16 yarns) demonstrated good creep and force‐relaxation behavior, as well as resistance to cyclic loading. These compositions were selected for future work, to be assembled into more elaborate structures to mimic the fibrous organization and tensile properties of different tendons/ligaments.
Characterization of a novel superoxide dismutase in Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Yamamoto Kohji , Yamaguchi Misuzu
Published: December 2021

The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) is a major agricultural pest of rice crops. Analysis of the enzymes produced by N. lugens is important to develop pest‐control methods. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a detoxification enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of superoxide anions (reactive oxygen species) into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. As there have been no reports on SOD in N. lugens, in this study, we characterized a new SOD in the brown planthopper, nlSOD1. Amino acid sequence and phylogenetic analyses revealed that nlSOD1 is a member of the Cu/Zn‐SOD family. Recombinant nlSOD1, when overexpressed in Escherichia coli, catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide radicals into molecular O2 and H2O2. Exposure to various insecticides induced nlSOD1 messenger RNA expression. These results indicate that nlSOD1 may contribute to the insecticide resistance of N. lugens. The findings of this study may assist in the development of novel methods to control the population of N. lugens.
Epitaxial Engineering Strategy to Amplify Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance and Electrocatalytic Activity Enhancement in Layered Bismuth Selenide by Phosphorus Functionalization
Authors: Savariraj Antonysamy Dennyson , Manikandan Ramu , Raj C. Justin , Velayutham Rajavel , Mangalaraja R. V. , Park Jinsoo , Cho Won‐Je , Kim Byung Chul
Published: December 2021

Bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) is an orderly layered material with large surface area and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). The electrocatalytic profile of Bi2Se3 has been least explore for energy storage applications since its pristine form is handicapped with limited electrical conductivity. Here we report an epitaxial engineering strategy to manipulate the weak van der Waals forces to expand the interlayer spacing by intercalating phosphorus (P) atom by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The obtained P intercalated Bi2Se3 (P@Bi2Se3) exhibited towering LSPR, increased carrier density bestowing ample active sites, enhanced ion diffusion and plentiful channels for the exodus of electrolyte. The potential of P@Bi2Se3 was examined for energy storage application which exhibited battery like behavior with a specific capacity (Cs) of 194 C g−1 at 3 A g−1 current density against 121 C g−1 by Bi2Se3/NF under identical condition and restored 88 % of its initial specific capacity even after 5000 charge/discharge cycles. The hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) assembled using P@Bi2Se3 and O, N, S@AC as positive and negative electrodes exhibited a considerable specific capacitance, high specific energy (Es) and specific power (Ps) with excellent stability for 10000 charge/discharge cycles. The surface and interfacial engineering strategy proposed here can be extended to tune plasmonic resonance and charge carrier energy density for the successful implementation of Bi2Se3 beyond energy storage applications.
Back‐Integration of Recovered Graphite from Waste‐Batteries as Ultra‐High Capacity and Stable Anode for Potassium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Duc Pham Hong , Padwal Chinmayee , Fernando Joseph F. S. , Wang Tony , Kim TaeYoung , Golberg Dmitri , Dubal Deepak P.
Published: December 2021

The rapid growth of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) in many markets from portable electronics to large scale electric vehicles makes it increasingly urgent to address recycling of strategic materials from used batteries. Herein, we report the excellent electrochemical performance of recycled graphite (REG) from spent LIBs, which was successfully employed as an anode in potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs). The graphite‐anode not only delivers highly reversible capacity of 361.4 mAh g−1 (at 0.1 C) but also demonstrates good long‐term cycling stability. The phase evolution of electrochemically potassium intercalated/deintercalated REG electrodes is elucidated using in‐situ X‐ray diffraction. The well‐preserved structure of the recycled graphite makes it ideal host for reversible intercalation and de‐intercalation of K‐ions. Furthermore, a potassium‐hybrid capacitor was fabricated by coupling the recycled graphite with textile waste‐derived activated carbon as cathode material. The cell demonstrates considerable energy density of 84.5 Wh kg−1 and power density of 400 W kg−1, respectively. Apart from the great electrochemical performances, the low‐cost, abundant, and sustainable recycled graphite in this work will help to address the challenges in Li‐ion battery recycling and show the prospects of next‐generation battery system development.
3DOM Cerium Doped LaCoO3Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Evolution and Reduction Reactions
Authors: Boonlha Sukit , Chakthranont Pongkarn , Kityakarn Sutasinee
Published: December 2021

A bifunctional oxygen evolution reaction and oxygen reduction reaction (OER/ORR) electrocatalyst, macroporous cerium‐doped LaCoO3, was designed based on a dual strategy that included (1) constructing a three‐dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) structure to increase the electrochemical surface area and (2) varying amount of cerium substitution from 0.02 to 0.15 mole fraction of the A site to alter the intrinsic activity of LaCoO3. The catalytic activity of 3DOM La0.95Ce0.05CoO3(3DOM LCCO‐0.05) is significantly improved over that of the unmodified LaCoO3, with the OER overpotential to reach 10 mA cm−2lowered by 190 mV, the ORR limiting current density doubled, and the OER‐ORR potential gap reduced by 220 mV to 1.07 V. This enhanced activity is attributed to the increased electrochemical surface area and specific activity, as evidenced by the greater double‐layer capacitances and the lower charge transfer resistances determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Furthermore, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray photospectroscopy (XPS) results reveal that these enhanced OER/ORR activities are possibly related to the transformation of the cobalt(III) spin state from low to intermediate or high‐spin, and the increasing amount of surface oxygen species and oxygen vacancies.
Yield and soil responses to adding wheat to a corn–soybean rotation
Authors: Huo Daowen , Frey Timothy , Lindsey Laura E. , Benitez Maria‐Soledad
Published: December 2021

Farmers are becoming interested in management practices that mitigate greenhouse gas emissions because of C trading initiatives. For example, farmers may be paid for no‐tillage and use of cover crops, including winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In 2012, a study was initiated at two locations in Ohio comparing corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (CS) and corn–soybean–wheat (CSW) annual rotations under no‐tillage with no wheat straw removal. The objectives were to compare: (a) plant stand and biomass at the early vegetative stage, and grain yield and (b) soil health indicators in the CS and CSW rotations. In 2019, soil organic matter was greater in the CSW rotation than in the CS rotation. Under CSW, soybean yield was significantly greater than in the CS rotation by 21 and 5% in the western location in 2016 and the northwest location in 2018, respectively. In the other six site‐years, soybean yield was not significantly influenced by crop rotation. Corn yield at five of eight site‐years was 17% lower on average in the CSW rotation compared with CS. Corn root and shoot biomass tended to be less in the CSW rotation than in the CS rotation. The negative effects of winter wheat on corn biomass and grain yield were probably a result of the no‐tillage system without wheat straw removal, causing cooler and wetter soil conditions. Before entering into C agreements, farmers should understand the potential yield outcomes of no‐tillage and winter wheat to ensure proper payment.
Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging: A New Tool to See through Nanoscale Particles in Biological Systems
Authors: Jiang Yuming , Sun Jie , Cao Xiaohua , Liu Huihui , Xiong Caiqiao , Nie Zongxiu
Published: December 2021

Understanding the fate of nanoscale particles (NPs) in biological systems is significant with the increasing risk for human exposure. Recent research endeavors in laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (LDI‐MSI) have enriched the toolbox for evaluation of NPs’ behavior in biological tissues, especially in aspects including sub‐organ bio‐distribution, clearance, quantification and surface chemistry variation analysis. In recognition of the potential for advancement in LDI MSI, this concept provides a brief overview of recent research works in LDI MSI for NPs, illustrates new applications that demonstrate the superiority of this technique, and highlights a series of perspectives and directions to move the field forward.
Structural Evolution in P2‐type Layered Oxide Cathode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Zhengbo , Liu Jun
Published: December 2021

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted much attention due to their abundance, easy accessibility, and low cost. P2‐type layered oxide materials, as one of the most potential cathode candidates for SIBs, have been widely studied. However, various kinds of structural evolution during cycling are harmful to the stability. In the present Minireview, the phase transitions occurring in the process of charge/discharge are summarized, and the mechanism of structural rearrangement and phase transition are introduced. This Minireview is aimed at helping researchers understand the detailed structural evolution, and propose strategies of designing the P2‐type layered oxide cathodes with low strain.
Greedy Nominator Heuristic: Virtual function placement on fog resources
Authors: Almurshed Osama , Rana Omer , Chard Kyle
Published: December 2021

Fog computing is an intermediate infrastructure between edge devices (e.g., Internet of Things) and cloud systems that is used to reduce latency in real‐time applications. An application can be composed of a collection of virtual functions, between which dependency constraints can be captured in a service function chain (SFC). Virtual functions within an SFC can be executed at different geo‐distributed locations. However, virtual functions are prone to failure and often do not complete within a deadline. This results in function reallocation to other nodes within the infrastructure; causing delays, potential data loss during function migration, and increased costs. We proposed Greedy Nominator Heuristic (GNH) to address these issues. GNH is based on redundant deployment and failure tracking of virtual functions. GNH places replicas of each function at multiple locations—taking account of expected completion time, failure risk, and cost. We make use of a MapReduce‐based mechanism, where Mappers find suitable locations in parallel, and a Reducer then ranks these locations. Our results show that GNH reduces latency by up to 68%, and is more cost effective than other approaches which rely on state‐of‐the‐art optimization algorithms to allocate replicas.
Reconfigurable switches for high performance and flexible MPI collectives
Authors: Haghi Pouya , Guo Anqi , Xiong Qingqing , Yang Chen , Geng Tong , Broaddus Justin T. , Marshall Ryan , Schafer Derek , Skjellum Anthony , Herbordt Martin C.
Published: December 2021

There has been much effort in offloading MPI collective operations into hardware. But while NIC‐based collective acceleration is well‐studied, offloading their processing into the switching fabric, despite numerous advantages, has been much more limited. A major problem with fixed logic implementations is that either only a fraction of the possible collective communication is accelerated or that logic is wasted in the applications that do not need a particular capability. Using reconfigurable logic has numerous advantages: exactly the required operations can be implemented; the level of desired performance can be specified; and new, possibly complex, operations can be defined and implemented. We have designed an in‐switch collective accelerator,MPI‐FPGA, and demonstrated its use with seven MPI collectives and over a set of benchmarks and proxy applications (MiniApps). The accelerator uses a novel two‐level switch design containing fully pipelined vectorized aggregation logic units. Essential to this work is providing support for sub‐communicator collectives that enables communicators of arbitrary shape, and that is scalable to large systems. A streaming interface improves the performance for long messages. While this reconfigurable design is generally applicable, we prototype it with an FPGA‐centric cluster. A sampleMPI‐FPGAdesign in a direct network achieves considerable speedups over conventional clusters in the most likely scenarios. We also present results for indirect networks with reconfigurable high‐radix switches and show that this approach is competitive withSHArPtechnology for the subset of operations thatSHArPsupports.MPI‐FPGAis fully integrated into MPICH and is transparent to MPI applications.
Plant dry weight and nutritive value of genetically diverse germplasm of false Rhodes grass [Leptochloa crinita (Lag.) P.M. Peterson and N.W. Snow], a native forage grass from arid regions of the Americas
Authors: Dominguez Deolindo Luis Esteban , Cavagnaro Juan Bruno , Pérez María Belén , Cavagnaro Pablo Federico
Published: December 2021

The native forage, false Rhodes grass [Leptochloa crinita (Lag.) P.M. Peterson and N.W. Snow], represents an important component of the arid and semi‐arid rangelands of the Americas, due to its large area of distribution and its tolerance to drought and cattle grazing. Precise information on nutritive value and the factors that influence this trait is relevant for effective utilization as a forage in arid regions of the world. Here, we characterized dry matter (DM) per plant and nutritive value parameters in leaves, stems, and panicles of 21 genetically diverse L. crinita accessions, in a 2‐yr partially replicated trial. Dry matter, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ash, fat, phosphorus, and calcium concentrations were determined. Significant (p < .01), substantial variation was found among accessions for DM, CP, NDF, ADF, ash, and fat content. Whole‐plant DM varied ∼three‐fold among the accessions. Variation was also found among the plant parts (p < .001) for all traits, with leaves and panicles having greater CP content than stems, and leaves being the less fibrous organs. In general, the range values found for DM (117–342 g DM plant−1), CP (76–109 g kg−1), NDF (747–839 g kg−1), and ADF (425–479 g kg−1) partially overlapped the range of variation reported for these traits in other forage grasses of arid regions, although some L. crinita accessions had greater CP and DM than most of the compared species; suggesting that L. crinita is an adequate forage grass for cattle grazing.
A cyclic frequency division non‐orthogonal multiple access system
Authors: Sheela N. Sathya , Stuwart S. Lenty
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we have developed a downlink power domain non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) system based on cyclic frequency division, where interleaved frequency division multiple access (IFDMA) is cyclically combined with NOMA. The newly developed cyclic frequency division NOMA (CFD‐NOMA) system has the benefit of both NOMA and IFDMA. The concept of superposed multiuser principle for non‐orthogonal resource allocation is used in each NOMA cluster, and the users' data associated with different clusters are separated based on IFDMA. Extreme channel conditions are considered among the users in each cluster. Based on channel gain, the users are differentiated as strong and cell edge users. At the strong user terminal, successive interference cancelation (SIC) is applied to decode the strong user data with the aid of the cell edge user data found from a hard decision, whereas the cell edge user terminal detects its signal only through the hard decision. The near‐far effect of the users present in a cluster, the amount of difference among their channel gain, and transmission power play an important role in detecting the cell edge and the strong users. The CFD‐NOMA system inherits an effective use of multipath channel, thereby reaps an increased cell edge user performance in terms of bit error rate (BER).
Soil nitrogen regulates symbiotic nitrogen fixation in a legume shrub but does not accumulate under it
Authors: Alon Moshe , Dovrat Guy , Masci Tania , Sheffer Efrat
Published: December 2021

Legumes in dryland ecosystems face the challenge of maintaining energetically costly symbiosis with N2‐fixing rhizobia, in a water‐ and nutrient‐limited environment. Controlled experiments showed a strong reduction in symbiotic N2fixation in response to elevated levels of nitrogen availability, but this regulation of N2fixation was not found in dryland field settings. Here, we ask whether regulation of N2fixation occurs in the field and what are the possible consequences for dryland soil nitrogen. We measured plant investment in root nodules and rates of bacterial activity, in seedlings and adults of a common N2‐fixing shrub,Calicotome villosa,in five field sites naturally varying in soil nitrogen and phosphorus availabilities. Additionally, we measured nitrogen concentrations and availabilities in the soil underC.villosaand a reference non‐fixing shrub. Biomass investment in root nodules was significantly reduced in response to elevated levels of soil nitrate in adult shrubs, but no such effect was found for seedlings. Soil nitrogen concentration underC.villosashrubs was low compared to the soil under a non‐fixing reference shrub. We provide evidence that symbiotic N2‐fixing plants in drylands tightly regulate their investment in symbiotic N2fixation, therefore controlling nitrogen inputs into the soil. These findings challenge the long‐held notion that the growth of N2‐fixing plants necessarily leads to the accumulation of soil nitrogen in their surroundings over time.
Asymmetrically Difunctionalized 1,1′‐Ferrocenyl Metalloligands and Their Transition Metal Complexes
Authors: Wagner Hanna E. , Frank Nils , Barani Elham , Anson Christopher E. , Bayer Lea , Powell Annie K. , Fink Karin , Breher Frank
Published: December 2021

The synthesis and full characterization of novel 1,1′‐difunctionalized ferrocene metalloligands is described. While one cyclopentadienyl ring has been functionalized with 2,2′‐bipyridine for secondary coordination, the second Cp ring has been decorated with different aryl moieties containing electron withdrawing groups such as 4‐(CF3)C6H4 (2A) 3,5‐(CF3)2C6H3 (2B) or 4‐(NO2)C6H4 (2C). The newly developed metalloligands were reacted with [Pd(cod)Cl2] (3A–C), CuCl2 (4A–C) and trans‐[(PPh3)2Ni(Mes)Br] (5A,B) to obtain the corresponding square‐planar and dimeric square‐pyramidal complexes. The electrochemical behaviour of the ligands and complexes was investigated with the aid of cyclic voltammetry and compared with the corresponding monofunctionalized derivatives. The influence of the implemented functional groups on the nickel complexes was then confirmed for the reductive elimination reaction of an aryl ether induced by oxidation of the corresponding methoxides (6A,B,D). The experimental findings are supported by quantum chemical calculations.
Electrode‐supported and free‐standing bilayer lipid membranes: Formation and uses in molecular electrochemistry
Authors: Labbé Eric , Buriez Olivier
Published: December 2021

This short review is aimed at emphasizing the recent most prominent advances in the electrochemical investigation of the interactions of molecules with purely lipid bilayers. The first part which deals with electrode‐supported bilayer lipid membranes is articulated around the nature of electrode material with a focus on mercury to celebrate this special issue entitled “100 years from polarography to contemporary electrochemistry”. The second part is devoted to suspended or free‐standing bilayer lipid membranes that are robust models to investigate the passive transport of molecules. It is notably shown that molecular electrochemistry methods such as cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry, amperometry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, or electrochemiluminescence are well‐adapted for the investigation of molecules/lipids interactions or the passive transport of molecules. These various techniques bring meaningful information notably on molecule/lipid interactions and transport modes across phospholipids.
Stock market as a nowcasting indicator for real investment
Authors: Degiannakis Stavros
Published: December 2021

The paper proposes a novel method to assess whether real investment can be nowcasted based on information that is available on the stock market. The stock market index on a daily sampling frequency is assessed as a predictor of gross fixed capital formation on a quarterly sampling frequency. For France, Germany, Greece, and Spain (four representative countries of eurozone), we find significant empirical evidence that the information from the stock market does produce accurate nowcasting values of gross fixed capital formation.
Efficacy of hydrogels for repair of traumatic spinal cord injuries: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ayar Zahra , Hassannejad Zahra , Shokraneh Farhad , Saderi Narges , Rahimi‐Movaghar Vafa
Published: December 2021

Hydrogels have been used as promising biomaterials for regeneration and control of pathophysiological events after traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI). However, no systematic comparison was conducted to show the effect of hydrogels on pathophysiological events. This study was designed to address this issue and evaluate the regenerative potential of hydrogels after TSCI. From 2857 records found in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (April 23, 2021), 49 articles were included based on our inclusion/exclusion criteria. All studies discussing the effect of hydrogels on at least one of the main pathophysiological events after TSCI, including inflammation, axon growth, remyelination, glial scar formation, cavity size, and locomotor functional recovery were included. For statistical analysis, we used mean difference with 95% confidence intervals for locomotor functional recovery. The results showed that both natural and synthetic hydrogels could reduce the inflammatory response, hinder glial scar formation, and promote axon growth and vascularization. Also, the meta‐analysis of the BBB score showed that using the hydrogels can lead to locomotor functional recovery. It was found that hydrogels are more efficient when used in transection and hemisection injuries (SMD: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.26, 2.52;P < .00001) compared to other injury models. The pre‐formed implanted hydrogels (SMD: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.24, 2.34;P < .00001) found to be more effective compared to injection (SMD: 1.58; 95% CI: 0.64, 2.52;P = 0.0009). In conclusion, based on the available evidence, it was concluded that hydrogel composition as well as implantation method are dominant factors affecting tissue regeneration after TSCI and should be chosen according to the injury model in animal studies.
The development of a self‐report scale to assess therapists' acceptance of telepsychotherapy
Authors: Békés Vera , Aafjes‐van Doorn Katie , McCollum James , Prout Tracy R. , Hoffman Leon
Published: December 2021

Objective

We aimed to develop a self‐report measure of therapist acceptance of telepsychotherapy based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework.

Methods

Using a cross‐sectional survey design, 1265 therapists completed the UTAUT‐T, as well as additional questions.

Results

Confirmatory analysis indicated that the original UTAUT model did not fit the therapist context well. Exploratory factor analysis specified a better‐fitting five‐factor model, which showed good internal validity fit (χ2 = 17,753.36, RMSEA = 0.063, TLI = 0.886, SRMSR = 0.04). The five UTAUT‐T subscales showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.86) and together predicted the intention to use online therapy in the future (R2 = 0.42, F(5, 1259) = 181.9, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The 21‐item UTAUT‐T offers a promising self‐report measure of therapist acceptance of telepsychotherapy and intention towards using it in the future. Future studies on the convergent and predictive validity of the UTAUT‐T are warranted.
Psychological well‐being and family distress of Italian caregivers during the COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Fusar‐Poli Laura , Surace Teresa , Meo Valeria , Patania Federica , Avanzato Chiara , Pulvirenti Alfredo , Aguglia Eugenio , Signorelli Maria Salvina
Published: December 2021

The present study aimed to investigate the personal well‐being and family distress of Italian caregivers during the lockdown. Five hundred sixty‐five family caregivers and 638 age‐ and sex‐matched noncaregivers completed a web‐based survey. The following scales were administered to all participants: General Health Questionnaire‐12 items (GHQ‐12), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS), and Family Distress Index (FDI). Caregivers were also asked to provide information about their family members with disabilities. Individual and family distress, as well as insomnia, were significantly higher in caregivers than controls. Contrariwise, caregivers reported lower resilience levels. Multiple linear regression showed that distress was higher in caregivers living in Central and Southern Italy. Individual well‐being was negatively predicted by low independence measured by the activities of daily living (ADL). Family distress was higher in households of psychiatric patients. Finally, low resilience levels appeared as the strongest predictors of both individual and family distress. The lockdown caused severe distress among caregivers and families of people with disabilities. Support networks for people with disabilities and their families are fundamental to prevent severe consequences from a psychological, social, and economical point of view.
A one‐stop shop model for improved efficiency of pre‐exposure prophylaxis delivery in public clinics in western Kenya: a mixed methods implementation science study
Authors: Roche Stephanie D. , Odoyo Josephine , Irungu Elizabeth , Kwach Benn , Dollah Annabell , Nyerere Bernard , Peacock Sue , Morton Jennifer F. , O'Malley Gabrielle , Bukusi Elizabeth A. , Baeten Jared M. , Mugwanya Kenneth K.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

In public clinics in Kenya, separate, sequential delivery of the component services of pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (e.g. HIV testing, counselling, and dispensing) creates long wait times that hinder clients’ ability and desire to access and continue PrEP. We conducted a mixed methods study in four public clinics in western Kenya to identify strategies for operationalizing a one‐stop shop (OSS) model and evaluate whether this model could improve client wait time and care acceptability among clients and providers without negatively impacting uptake or continuation.

Methods

From January 2020 through November 2020, we collected and analysed 47 time‐and‐motion observations using Mann–Whitney U tests, 29 provider and client interviews, 68 technical assistance reports, and clinic flow maps from intervention clinics. We used controlled interrupted time series (cITS) to compare trends in PrEP initiation and on‐time returns from a 12‐month pre‐intervention period (January–December 2019) to an 8‐month post‐period (January–November 2020, excluding a 3‐month COVID‐19 wash‐out period) at intervention and control clinics.

Results

From the pre‐ to post‐period, median client wait time at intervention clinics dropped significantly from 31 to 6 minutes (p = 0.02), while median provider contact time remained around 23 minutes (p = 0.4). Intervention clinics achieved efficiency gains by moving PrEP delivery to lower volume departments, moving steps closer together (e.g. relocating supplies; cross‐training and task‐shifting), and differentiating clients based on the subset of services needed. Clients and providers found the OSS model highly acceptable and additionally identified increased privacy, reduced stigma, and higher quality client–provider interactions as benefits of the model. From the pre‐ to post‐period, average monthly initiations at intervention and control clinics increased by 6 and 2.3, respectively, and percent of expected follow‐up visits occurring on time decreased by 18% and 26%, respectively; cITS analysis of PrEP initiations (n = 1227) and follow‐up visits (n = 2696) revealed no significant difference between intervention and control clinics in terms of trends in PrEP initiation and on‐time returns (all p>0.05).

Conclusions

An OSS model significantly improved client wait time and care acceptability without negatively impacting initiations or continuations, thus highlighting opportunities to improve the efficiency of PrEP delivery efficiency and client‐centredness.
Sequence analysis of the emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 variant Omicron in South Africa
Authors: Wang Lulan , Cheng Genhong
Published: December 2021

Despite the worldwide vaccination, the COVID‐19 pandemic continues as SARS‐CoV‐2 evolves into numerous variants. Since the first identification of the novel SARS‐CoV‐2 variant of concern (VOC) Omicron on November 24th, 2021, from an immunocompromised patient in South Africa, the variant has overtaken Delta as the predominant lineage in South Africa and has quickly spread to over 40 countries. Here, we provide an initial molecular characterization of the Omicron variant through analyzing a large number of mutations, especially in the spike protein receptor‐binding domain with their potential effects on viral infectivity and host immunity. Our analysis indicates that the Omicron variant has two subclades and may evolve from clade 20B instead of the currently dominant Delta variant. In addition, we have also identified mutations that may affect the ACE2 receptor and/or antibody bindings. Our study has raised additional questions on the evolution, transmission, virulence, and immune escape properties of this new Omicron variant.
Nutrition challenges of cancer cachexia
Authors: Gaafer Omnia U. , Zimmers Teresa A.
Published: December 2021

Cancer cachexia, or progressive weight loss, often despite adequate nutrition contributes greatly to cancer morbidity and mortality. Cachexia is metabolically distinct from starvation or protein malnutrition, although many patients with cancer and cachexia exhibit lowered appetite and food consumption. Tumors affect neural mechanisms that regulate appetite and energy expenditure, while promoting wasting of peripheral tissues via catabolism of cardiac and skeletal muscle, adipose, and bone. These multimodal actions of tumors on the host suggest a need for multimodal interventions. However, multiple recent consensus guidelines for management of cancer cachexia differ in treatment recommendations, highlighting the lack of effective, available therapies. Challenges to defining appropriate nutrition or other interventions for cancer cachexia include lack of consensus on definitions, low strength of evidence from clinical trials, and a scarcity of robust, rigorous, and mechanistic studies. However, efforts to diagnose, stage, and monitor cachexia are increasing along with clinical trial activity. Furthermore, preclinical models for cancer cachexia are growing more sophisticated, encompassing a greater number of tumor types in organ‐appropriate contexts and for metastatic disease to model the clinical condition more accurately. It is expected that continued growth, investment, and coordination of research in this topic will ultimately yield robust biomarkers, clinically useful classification and staging algorithms, targetable pathways, pivotal clinical trials, and ultimately, cures. Here, we provide an overview of the clinical and scientific knowledge and its limitations around cancer cachexia.
Melanoma trials that defined surgical management: Overview of trials that established NCCN margin guidelines
Authors: Sharib Jeremy , Slingluff Craig L. , Beasley Georgia M.
Published: December 2021

Since the observation that clearance of all visible and microscopic tumors from cutaneous melanoma is critical to prevent a recurrence, wide surgical margins have been central to surgical dogma. In the last several decades, more conservative margin widths have been vigorously studied by surgical investigators to lessen wound complications, the need for reconstruction, and healthcare costs. This review summarizes surgeon‐led clinical trials that define current guidelines and highlights the challenges to initiate and perform trials today.
Abundant solitary wave structures of the higher dimensional Sakovich dynamical model
Authors: Younis Muhammad , Seadawy Aly R. , Baber Muhammad Z. , Yasin Muhammad W. , Rizvi Syed T. R. , Iqbal Muhammad S.
Published: December 2021

In this study, the abundant families of multiwave structures are constructed for (2 + 1)‐dimensional Sakovich model. The single and combined wave structures are observed in shock, complex solitary‐shock, shock‐singular, and periodic‐singular forms. The rational solutions are also emerged during the derivation. The new modified extended direct algebraic (NMEDA) technique and mathematica software are used to obtained the solutions. The obtained results are very useful to study and verify the analytical solutions with numerical and experimental work in nonlinear dynamics. Moreover, the graphics of obtained solutions for the different values of parameters are drawn in three and two dimensions along with their contour diagrams.
Malnutrition screening and diagnosis tools: Implications for practice
Authors: House Mary , Gwaltney Caitlin
Published: December 2021

Despite the prevalence of protein‐calorie malnutrition (PCM) in acute‐care hospitals and long‐term care centers, a national and global consensus on nutrition screening and malnutrition diagnosis is lacking. PCM is associated with various acute and chronic complications, such as impaired wound healing, increased risk for infection, debility, and increased risk for rehospitalization. The consequences of PCM are also incredibly costly to both the patient and the healthcare facility. The purpose of this paper is to identify nutrition screening tools and malnutrition diagnosis tools currently being utilized in acute‐care healthcare centers across the United States.