bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Principles of Fibrinogen Fiber Assembly In Vitro
Authors: Stamboroski Stephani , Joshi Arundhati , Noeske Paul‐Ludwig Michael , Köppen Susan , Brüggemann Dorothea
Published: March 2021

Fibrinogen nanofibers hold great potential for applications in wound healing and personalized regenerative medicine due to their ability to mimic the native blood clot architecture. Although versatile strategies exist to induce fibrillogenesis of fibrinogen in vitro, little is known about the underlying mechanisms and the associated length scales. Therefore, in this manuscript the current state of research on fibrinogen fibrillogenesis in vitro is reviewed. For the first time, the manifold factors leading to the assembly of fibrinogen molecules into fibers are categorized considering three main groups: substrate interactions, denaturing and non‐denaturing buffer conditions. Based on the meta‐analysis in the review it is concluded that the assembly of fibrinogen is driven by several mechanisms across different length scales. In these processes, certain buffer conditions, in particular the presence of salts, play a predominant role during fibrinogen self‐assembly compared to the surface chemistry of the substrate material. Yet, to tailor fibrous fibrinogen scaffolds with defined structure–function‐relationships for future tissue engineering applications, it still needs to be understood which particular role each of these factors plays during fiber assembly. Therefore, the future combination of experimental and simulation studies is proposed to understand the intermolecular interactions of fibrinogen, which induce the assembly of soluble fibrinogen into solid fibers.
Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Matrix‐Free Poly(Methyl Acrylate)‐Grafted Montmorillonite Nanosheets by Introducing Star Polymers and Hydrogen Bonding Moieties
Authors: Rauschendorfer Judith E. , Möckelmann Jytte , Vana Philipp
Published: March 2021

Matrix‐free nanocomposite films of poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) and montmorillonite (MMT) nanosheets that imitate the microscopic structure of nacre are developed and their mechanical properties are studied in detail via tensile testing. The exfoliated MMT nanosheets are grafted with PMA via a grafting‐through radical addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization in presence of a surface‐anchored ionic monomer. The mechanical properties are precisely tailored a) via the variation of the degree of polymerization of the surface‐grafted polymer, illustrating the impact of chain entanglement and the MMT content on the performance of the material, and b) via cross‐linking of the surface‐grafted polymer, either by partial change of the polymer topology from linear to star‐shape or by the introduction of hydrogen‐bonding units within the polymer. These experiments demonstrate the strong influence of the chain mobility of the surface‐grafted polymer on the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite material.
Autoregulated and individualised resistance training versus predetermined and standardised resistance training in tendinopathy: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Burton Ian , McCormack Aisling
Published: March 2021

Review Objective

To synthesise the best available evidence on the effectiveness of interventions that have used autoregulated and individualised resistance training versus predetermined and standardised resistance training in treating any tendinopathy.

Introduction

Recent evidence suggests that individualised exercise may be more effective than standardised exercise for musculoskeletal disorders such as tendinopathy. However, no systematic reviews have been conducted on the topic and optimal treatment protocols and clinical recommendations are lacking.

Inclusion Criteria

Randomised controlled trials assessing the effectiveness of autoregulated and individualised resistance training versus predetermined and standardised resistance training for tendinopathy in adults will be included.

Methods

The authors will search for a wide range of sources to find both published and unpublished studies via EBSCOhost, including, but not limited to, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Allied and Complementary Medicine Database. Studies published in a language other than English will only be considered if a translation is available. The Joanna Briggs Institute systematic review methodology will be followed when conducting the review. Data synthesis will be conducted using meta‐analysis or narrative synthesis, where appropriate.
Clinicopathologic and Genomic Characterization of PD-L1 Positive Urothelial Carcinomas
Authors: Huang Richard S.P. , Haberberger James , Harries Lukas , Severson Eric , Duncan Daniel L. , Ferguson N. Lynn , Hemmerich Amanda , Edgerly Claire , Murugesan Karthikeyan , Xiao Jinpeng , McEwan Deborah , Holmes Oliver , Hiemenz Matthew , Venstrom Jeffrey , Elvin Julia A. , Creeden James , Lin Douglas I. , Ross Jeffrey S. , Ramkissoon Shakti H.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Pembrolizumab was approved with an accompanying companion diagnostic (CDx) assay (PD-L1 DAKO 22C3) for urothelial carcinoma (UC). In this study, we further characterize the clinicopathologic and genomic features of UC that are programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) positive.

Materials and Methods

The cohort of this study consisted of a total of 528 consecutive UC patients with PD-L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) and comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP). All PD-L1 IHC testing was performed using the DAKO 22C3 CDx assay for UC. PD-L1 positivity was determined at a combined positive score ≥ 10.

Results

A total of 44.5% (235/528) patients with UC were PD-L1positive. A lower PD-L1 positivity rate was detected in primary (42.3%, 148/350) versus metastatic sites (48.9%, 87/178). PD-L1 positivity was dependent on the location of the metastatic sites. CGP revealed PD-L1positive patients had more frequent genomic alterations (GAs) in TP53 (p = .006) and RB1 (p = .003) and less frequent GAs in FGFR3 (p = .001) and MTAP (p = .028). The APOBEC mutational signature and tumor mutational burden (TMB)-high were more common in PD-L1positive patients. By testing patients with UC with CGP, in addition to PD-L1 IHC, an additional 97 patients (18.4%) in the total cohort were eligible for immunotherapy based on TMB status.

Conclusion

PD-L1positive and PD-L1negative urothelial carcinomas are genomically different. Also, our study provides the framework for future clinical investigation with regard to specimen site selection for PD-L1 testing as well as candidate biomarker genomic alterations that may predict for better response or lack of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Implications for Practice

In this study, a higher prevalence of TP53 and RB1 alterations and APOBEC mutational signatures in the PD-L1positive urothelial carcinoma disease subset and enrichment of FGFR3 alterations in the PD-L1negative disease subset were found. These data provide the basis for future investigation into the role of these genomic changes as positive and negative predictors of immunotherapy response. Also, differences wer seen in PD-L1 positivity based on the collection site of the sample, which can provide a framework for future clinical trial design and could influence sample selection for PD-L1 testing in patients with urothelial carcinoma when multiple samples are available.
Effect of physiological aging on binocular vision
Authors: Yan Fang‐Fang , Lv Hongyu , Fan Shuhan , Chen Lijun , Wu Yifan , Huang Chang‐Bing
Published: March 2021

We see the world with two eyes. Binocular vision provides more ample information through interocular interaction. Previous studies have shown that aging impairs a variety of visual functions, but how aging affects binocular vision is still unclear. In this study, we measured three typical binocular functions—binocular combination, binocular rivalry, and stereo vision—to investigate aging‐related effects on binocular vision in a relatively large sample (48 younger adults and 27 older adults) with normal or corrected‐to‐normal distance vision and no ophthalmological and mental diseases. We found that there were no consistent aging‐related declines in binocular vision, with the worst effect on alternation frequency in binocular rivalry and no effect on binocular phase combination and stereo vision tested by Titmus. In addition, aging changed the correlation pattern among some of these binocular functions. These results reflected (at least partially) different aging‐related mechanism(s) in binocular vision.
The diagnostic efficacy of exome data analysis using fixed neurodevelopmental gene lists: Implications for prenatal setting
Authors: Sukenik‐Halevy Rivka , Ruhrman‐Shahar Noa , Orenstein Naama , Gonzaga‐Jauregui Claudia , Shuldiner Alan R. , Magal Nurit , Hagari Ofir , Azulay Noy , Lidzbarsky Gabriel A. , Bazak Lily , Basel‐Salmon Lina
Published: March 2021

Objective

Laboratories performing prenatal exome sequencing (ES) frequently limit analysis to predetermined gene lists. We used a diagnostic postnatal ES cohort to assess how many of the genes diagnosed are not included in a number of select fixed lists used for prenatal diagnosis.

Methods

Of 601 postnatal ES tests, pathogenic variants related to neurodevelopmental disorders were detected in 138 probands. We evaluated if causative genes were present in the following: (1) Developmental Disorders Genotype–Phenotype database list, (2) a commercial laboratory list for prenatal ES, (3) the PanelApp fetal anomalies panel, and (4) a published list used for prenatal diagnosis by ES (Prenatal Assessment of Genomes and Exomes study).

Results

The percentages of cases where the diagnosed gene was not included in the selected four lists were; 11.6%, 17.24%, 23.2%, and 10.9%, respectively. In 13/138 (9.4%) cases, the causative gene was not included in any of the lists; in 4/13 (∼30%) cases noninclusion was explained by a relatively recent discovery of gene–phenotype association.

Conclusions

A significant number of genes related to neurocognitive phenotypes are not included in some of the lists used for prenatal ES data interpretation. These are not only genes related to recently discovered disorders, but also genes with well‐established gene–phenotype.
Effects of Sm3+/PMAA on mechanical and thermal properties of natural rubber latex film
Authors: Zhang Li , Liao Lusheng , Chen Jing , Ma Lin , Zhang Fuquan , Huang Qianqian , Ju Guoxian , Chen Meilian
Published: March 2021

Samarium carbonate [Sm2(CO3)3] was taken as the source of Sm3+, and methyl acrylic acid (MAA) was employed as the precursor to prepare polymethacrylic acid (PMAA). The mixture of Sm2(CO3)3 and PMAA was marked as “SmP.” The SmP prepared under different conditions was added to natural rubber (NR) latex to prepare NR/SmP films. The influence of the polymerization temperature of MAA and the amount of SmP on the mechanical properties and structure of NR/SmP films were analyzed. The results show that polymerization temperature has significant effect on the mechanical properties of NR/SmP film; lower temperature is benefit to improve modulus and rigidity, whereas higher temperature helps maintain good elasticity. Compared with neat NR, addition of 5‐phr Sm2(CO3)3 results in a 30%–37% increase of tensile strength. Furthermore, the glass transition temperature (Tg) can also be increased by the addition of SmP; and the tan δ curves of all samples exhibit only one transition peak and indicate no phase separation between SmP and NR matrix. The influence of SmP on the structure and morphology of NR was explored by Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy analysis; and the results show that SmP can be dispersed uniformly in the NR latex when loading of Sm2(CO3)3 is lower than 20 phr.
Ternary‐organic photovoltaics with J71 as donor and two compatible nonfullerene acceptors
Authors: Wang Yue , Xu Chunyu , Wang Chong , Yan Yutong , Sun Qianqian , Ma Xiaoling , Zhang Fujun
Published: March 2021

Recombining the advantages on photovoltaic parameters of two binary‐organic photovoltaics (OPVs) into one ternary cell is an efficient strategy for selecting materials, in addition to the absorption spectra complementary among the used materials. The binary‐OPVs with J71:BTP‐4F‐12 exhibit a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 11.70%, along with a short‐circuit‐current‐density (JSC) of 23.61 mA cm−2, an open‐circuit‐voltage (VOC) of 0.841 V and a fill factor (FF) of 58.99%. Although the relatively low PCE of 10.92% and JSC of 16.59 mA cm−2 are achieved in J71:ITIC‐based binary‐OPVs, the VOC of 0.935 V and FF of 70.40% are impressive compared with J71:BTP‐4F‐12‐based OPVs. Optimal ternary‐OPVs are achieved with J71:BTP‐4F‐12:ITIC as active layers by weight ratio of 1:0.48:0.72, delivering a markedly increased PCE of 13.05% with a VOC of 0.903 V, a JSC of 21.27 mA cm−2 and a FF of 68.20%. An over 11.5% PCE improvement is obtained by recombining the advantages of binary‐OPVs into ternary‐OPVs with ITIC as photon harvesting reinforcing agent and morphology regulator. The good compatibility between BTP‐4F‐12 and ITIC provides large room to well optimize their relative content for achieving the well balanced three key photovoltaic parameters of ternary‐OPVs.
Blast Wave Shaping by Altering Cross‐Sectional Shape
Authors: Williams Kelly , Langenderfer Martin J. , Olbricht Gayla , Johnson Catherine E.
Published: March 2021

Standoff distances for people and equipment are determined using a scaled distance calculation that assumes a uniform distribution of explosive energy, which only occurs with center‐initiated spherical charges in free air without ground effects. There is a significant amount of data available for spheres and cylinders in air and hemispheres on the ground, but little has been published for other geometries. Published studies of spherical, cylindrical, and planar charges demonstrate that there is a focus on the blast wave resulting from charge geometry. From these studies, it appears that the highest overpressure occurs in the orientation of the largest presented surface area. This paper presents experimental pressure data recorded from the detonation of spherical, cylindrical, and cubic charges at two scaled distances. The non‐spherical charges were instrumented normal to two adjacent sides and the interjacent edge. The pressure normal to the sides of the cubic and cylindrical charges was up to 1.5 times that of the spherical charge in the near field, but lower in the far‐field indicating that a simple multiplication factor will not accurately predict the overpressure over distance for complex charges from spherical data. The sides of the cubic charge produced a near field overpressure relative to its surface area consistent with those observed from the side and end of the cylindrical charge. In the far‐field, the pressure from the sides of the charge was less than that of the sphere indicating that there is a lateral movement of energy behind the shock front causing a reversal of peak pressure in the measured orientations.
Cooperative hydrophobic core interactions in the β‐trefoil architecture
Authors: Blaber Michael
Published: March 2021

Symmetric protein architectures have a compelling aesthetic that suggests a plausible evolutionary process (i.e., gene duplication/fusion) yielding complex architecture from a simpler structural motif. Furthermore, symmetry inspires a practical approach to computational protein design that substantially reduces the combinatorial explosion problem, and may provide practical solutions for structure optimization. Despite such broad relevance, the role of structural symmetry in the key area of hydrophobic core‐packing cooperativity has not been adequately studied. In the present report, the threefold rotational symmetry intrinsic to the β‐trefoil architecture is shown to form a geometric basis for highly‐cooperative core‐packing interactions that both stabilize the local repeating motif and promote oligomerization/long‐range contacts in the folding process. Symmetry in the β‐trefoil structure also permits tolerance towards mutational drift that involves a structural quasi‐equivalence at several key core positions.
Torpedo californica acetylcholinesterase is stabilized by binding of a divalent metal ion to a novel and versatile 4D motif
Authors: Silman Israel , Shnyrov Valery L. , Ashani Yacov , Roth Esther , Nicolas Anne , Sussman Joel L. , Weiner Lev
Published: March 2021

Stabilization of Torpedo californica acetylcholinesterase by the divalent cations Ca+2, Mg+2, and Mn+2 was investigated. All three substantially protect the enzyme from thermal inactivation. Electron paramagnetic resonance revealed one high‐affinity binding site for Mn+2 and several much weaker sites. Differential scanning calorimetry showed a single irreversible thermal transition. All three cations raise both the temperature of the transition and the activation energy, with the transition becoming more cooperative. The crystal structures of the Ca+2 and Mg+2 complexes with Torpedo acetylcholinesterase were solved. A principal binding site was identified. In both cases, it consists of four aspartates (a 4D motif), within which the divalent ion is embedded, together with several water molecules. It makes direct contact with two of the aspartates, and indirect contact, via waters, with the other two. The 4D motif has been identified in 31 acetylcholinesterase sequences and 28 butyrylcholinesterase sequences. Zebrafish acetylcholinesterase also contains the 4D motif; it, too, is stabilized by divalent metal ions. The ASSAM server retrieved 200 other proteins that display the 4D motif, in many of which it is occupied by a divalent cation. It is a very versatile motif, since, even though tightly conserved in terms of RMSD values, it can contain from one to as many as three divalent metal ions, together with a variable number of waters. This novel motif, which binds primarily divalent metal ions, is shared by a broad repertoire of proteins. An animated Interactive 3D Complement (I3DC) is available in Proteopedia at http://proteopedia.org/w/Journal:Protein_Science:3.
Near‐IR Radiation‐Induced Attenuation of Aluminosilicate Optical Fibers
Authors: Alessi Antonino , Guttilla Angela , Agnello Simonpietro , Sabatier Camille , Robin Thierry , Barnini Alexandre , Di Francesca Diego , Vecchi Gaetano Li , Cannas Marco , Boukenter Aziz , Ouerdane Youcef , Girard Sylvain
Published: March 2021

The X‐ray radiation‐induced attenuation (RIA) growth kinetics are studied online in different single‐mode aluminosilicate optical fibers in the near‐IR (NIR) domain to evaluate their potential in terms of dosimetry. The optical fibers differ by Al contents, core sizes, drawing parameters, and also by a preform deposition process. The data show no dependence of the RIA on all these parameters, a positive result for the design of point or distributed radiation detectors exploiting RIA to monitor the dose. The RIA growth rate is unchanged for dose rates changing from 0.073 to 6.25 Gy(SiO2) s−1, and the RIA linearly increases with the dose up to 2 kGy(SiO2). Small but noticeable RIA changes are observed when the irradiation temperature increases up to 50 °C during successive irradiation runs. Such results, and the post‐irradiation RIA recovery, have to be considered for the application, as they can affect the dose measurement accuracy. Finally, the spectral analysis shows no dependence of the spectral shape on the fiber and irradiation parameters. As a consequence, the data reported at 1310 and 1550 nm give information not only for the RIA kinetics at telecommunications and sensor wavelengths but also for the whole NIR range often used fiber‐based technologies.
A novel method to objectively assess robotic assistance in laparoscopic colorectal surgery
Authors: Ngu James Chi‐Yong , Teo Nan‐Zun
Published: March 2021

Objective

An objective assessment of robotic assistance in colorectal surgery.

Background

There is a lack of objective evidence behind the claims of superior optics and improved ergonomics with robotics. This study introduces a novel method of assessing how robotics facilitates colorectal surgery.

Methods

Operative videos of laparoscopic and robotic surgeries were reviewed. Two components were evaluated—scope‐holder performance was assessed using a transparent overlay to partition the video image and provide lines for measurement; assistant instrument performance was measured using a separate matrix of movement episodes and time.

Results

The views achieved in robotic surgery were superior and less dependent on the assistant. The degree of assistance provided by the robotic system was more than that of the human assistant.

Conclusions

The use of robotics allows a trained operator to project his skills threefold—as a scope holder, operator and assistant—providing superior visualization and dynamic assistance throughout surgery.
Protocol‐based H∞ filtering for piecewise linear systems: A measurement‐dependent equivalent reduction approach
Authors: Li Jiajia , Wei Guoliang , Ding Derui , Tian Engang
Published: March 2021

In this article, a protocol‐based H∞ filtering problem is investigated for piecewise linear (PWL) systems with mixed delays. Stochastic access protocol (SAP) is utilized to schedule the signal transmission via a constrained communication channel, under which only one measurement value can be transmitted to the filter at each time instant following a Markov process. When SAP is applied to PWL systems, only a part of system modes can be observed due to the incomplete measurement information. Therefore, a measurement‐dependent parameter storage rule with a certain probability distribution is introduced to overcome the difficulties coming from SAP‐induced incomplete information. By resorting to the proposed mode storage rule, a novel measurement‐dependent asynchronous H∞ filter model is constructed and the problem is converted into a new switching process of a larger state space following a reconstructed Markov process. Subsequently, a sufficient condition is established to guarantee the H∞ performance, and the probability‐dependent filter parameters are obtained by applying the stochastic analysis technique. Finally, a numerical example is given to show the effectiveness of the design approach.
Development and Characterization of Drug‐Loaded PVP/PAN/Gr Electrospun Fibers for Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Maşlakcı Neslihan Nohut
Published: March 2021

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the pH‐dependent drug release from polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/graphene (Gr) (P1) fibers using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Electrospun fibers for poorly water‐soluble drugs were prepared on the QCM electrode surface through the electrospinning with P1 as the fiber‐forming polymer and drug carrier system and ibuprofen (Ibu) as the model drug. Characterization of the fibers is practiced by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy in combination with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)‐differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and water contact angle measurements. The in vitro release kinetic studies of the Ibu were studied using QCM and UV‐vis spectroscopy. The drug delivery properties of the fibers of PVP/PAN/Gr with 5 wt % Ibu (P2) and PVP/PAN/Gr with 10 wt % Ibu (P3) were measured at pH 5.4 and 7.4. In pH 5.4, the cumulative drug release of 19.5 % was procured from the P3 fiber within 24 h, on the other hand; the cumulative drug release of 16 % was acquired in pH 7.4.
Synthesis, Dynamic Mechanical Properties, and Shape Memory Effect of Poly(benzoxazine‐ether‐urethane)s
Authors: Wang Chang , Li Zhiyun , Lu Guosheng , Zhen Hecheng , Liu Yanfang , Run Mingtao
Published: March 2021

Two series of poly(benzoxazine‐ether‐urethane)s (PBEUs) are prepared through thermally activated ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of bi‐functional benzoxazines containing ether‐urethane moieties. The bi‐functional benzoxazines are synthesized through coupling reaction of hydroxyl‐containing mono‐functional monomers based on phenol,o‐allylphenol,o‐cresol,p‐cresol, diglycolamine, and paraformaldehyde with 1,6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and 2,4‐toluene diisocyanate (TDI), respectively. The ROP temperature of each HDI‐based benzoxazine is higher than that of the counterpart based on TDI, and they are in descending orderortho‐,para‐, and unsubstituted phenol for both series. Due to the difference in structure symmetry between the two series monomers, the variation of polymerization rate with temperature of each TDI‐based benzoxazine is different from that of the counterpart based on HDI. Theortho‐ andpara‐substituted‐phenol‐based PBEUs show lower glass transition temperatures than that of the phenol‐based counterpart. In the vicinity of the glass transition temperature, the HDI‐based PBEUs exhibit thermally induced one‐way dual‐shape memory effect.
Laccase‐Mimicking Syntheses of Phenoxazinones by Aerobic Oxidative Homo‐ and Hetero‐Dimerizations of Aminophenols
Authors: Duan Wenxue , Li Wenhao , Tang Qingxuan , Zhao Yiyang , Guo Xianji , Yang Guanyu
Published: March 2021

To pursue a sustainable enzyme‐liking approach, a laccase‐mimicking model that utilized natural low‐toxic gallic acid as an organocatalyst was developed for efficient aerobic oxidative homo‐ and hetero‐dimerizations of various 2‐aminophenols to afford 2‐aminophenoxazin‐3‐ones with moderate to high isolated yields at room temperature in water.
Polymeric Carbon Nitride‐Derived Photocatalysts for Water Splitting and Nitrogen Fixation
Authors: Zhang Deliang , He Wen , Ye Jiamin , Gao Xing , Wang Debao , Song Jibin
Published: March 2021

Photocatalysis is a promising energy conversion and environmental restoration technology. The main focus of photocatalysis is the development and manufacture of highly efficient photocatalysts. Semiconductor‐based photocatalysis technology based on harnessing solar energy is considered as an attractive approach to solve the problems of global energy shortage and environmental pollution. Since 2009 pioneering work has been carried out on polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) for visible photocatalytic water splitting, thus PCN‐based photocatalysis has become a hot research topic, demanding significant research attention. This article reviews the physical and chemical properties, synthesis methods, and the methods to control the morphology, heteroatom doping, and construction of heterojunctions to improve the performance of PCN‐based photocatalysts in water splitting and nitrogen fixation. Through different design strategies, the photo‐generated electron‐hole pair separation efficiency of PCN materials can be effectively improved, thereby improving their photocatalytic performance. Finally, the challenges of PCN‐based photocatalysts in water splitting and nitrogen fixation applications are discussed herein. It is strongly believed that through different design strategies, efficient PCN‐based photocatalysts can be constructed for both water splitting and nitrogen reduction. These excellent modification strategies can be used as a guiding theory for photocatalytic reactions of other promising catalysts and further promote the development of photocatalysis.
Maximized Schottky Effect: The Ultrafine V2O3/Ni Heterojunctions Repeatedly Arranging on Monolayer Nanosheets for Efficient and Stable Water‐to‐Hydrogen Conversion
Authors: Zhang Qi , Liu Bingqiu , Li Lu , Ji Yue , Wang Chungang , Zhang Lingyu , Su Zhongmin
Published: March 2021

The Mott–Schottky heterojunction formed at the interface of ultrafine metallic Ni and semiconducting V2O3 nanoparticles is constructed, and the heterojunctions are “knitted” into the tulle‐like monolayer nanosheets on nickel foam (NF). The greatly reduced particle sizes of both Ni and V2O3 on the Mott–Schottky heterojunction highly enhance the number of Schottky heterojunctions per unit area of the materials. Moreover, arranging the heterojunctions into the monolayer nanosheets makes the heterojunctions repeat and expose to the electrolyte sufficiently. The Schottky heterojunctions are like countless self‐powered charge transfer workstations embedded in the tulle‐like monolayer nanosheets, promoting maximum of the materials to participate into the electron transfer and become catalytic active sites. In addition, the tulle‐like monolayer nanosheet structure can assist in pumping liquid phase electrolyte to the surface of catalysts, owing to the capillary force. The V2O3/Ni/NF Mott–Schottky catalyst exhibits excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance with a low η10 of 54 mV and needs −107 mV to get the current density of −100 mA cm−2. Furthermore, V2O3/Ni/NF Schottky electrocatalyst exhibits excellent urea oxidation reaction activity: 1.40, 1.51, and 1.61 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) voltage are required to reach a current density of 100, 500, and 1000 mA cm−2, respectively.
Reduced Fracture Strength of 2D Materials Induced by Interlayer Friction
Authors: Zhan Hao , Tan Xinfeng , Xie Guoxin , Guo Dan
Published: March 2021

The potential applications of 2D layered materials (2DLMs) as the functional membranes in flexible electronics and nano‐electromechanical systems emphasize the role of the mechanical properties of these materials. Interlayer interactions play critical roles in affecting the mechanical properties of 2DLMs, and nevertheless the understanding of their relationship remains incomplete. In the present work, it is reported that the fracture strength of few‐layer (FL) WS2 can be weakened by the interlayer friction among individual layers with the assistance of finite element simulations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The reduced fracture strength can be also observed in FL WSe2 but with a lesser extent, which is attributed to the difference in the interlayer sliding energies of WS2 and WSe2 as confirmed by DFT calculations. Moreover, the tip‐membrane friction can give rise to the underestimation of the Young's modulus except for the membrane nonlinearity. These results give deep insights into the influence of interfacial interactions on the mechanical properties of 2DLMs, and suggest that importance should be also attached to the interlayer interactions during the design of nanodevices with 2DLMs as the functional materials.
Modulation of Self‐Assembly Enhances the Catalytic Activity of Iron Porphyrin for CO2 Reduction
Authors: Tasaki Masahiro , Okabe Yuki , Iwami Hikaru , Akatsuka Chiharu , Kosugi Kento , Negita Kohei , Kusaka Sinpei , Matsuda Ryotaro , Kondo Mio , Masaoka Shigeyuki
Published: March 2021

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 in aqueous media is an important reaction to produce value‐added carbon products in an environmentally and economically friendly manner. Various molecule‐based catalytic systems for the reaction have been reported thus far. The key features of state‐of‐the‐art catalytic systems in this field can be summarized as follows: 1) an iron‐porphyrin‐based scaffold as a catalytic center, 2) a dinuclear active center for the efficient activation of a CO2 molecule, and 3) a hydrophobic channel for the accumulation of CO2. This article reports a novel approach to construct a catalytic system for CO2 reduction with the aforementioned three key substructures. The self‐assembly of a newly designed iron‐porphyrin complex bearing bulky substituents with noncovalent interaction ability forms a highly ordered crystalline solid with adjacent catalytically active sites and hydrophobic pores. The obtained crystalline solid serves as an electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction in aqueous media. Note that a relevant iron‐porphyrin complex without bulky substituents cannot form a porous structure with adjacent active sites, and the catalytic performance of the crystals of this relevant iron‐porphyrin complex is substantially lower than that of the newly developed catalytic system. The present study provides a novel strategy for constructing porous crystalline solids for small‐molecule conversions.
Interplay of Bright Triplet and Dark Excitons Revealed by Magneto‐Photoluminescence of Individual PbS/CdS Quantum Dots
Authors: Kim Younghee , Hu Zhongjian , Avdeev Ivan D. , Singh Ajay , Singh Amita , Chandrasekaran Vigneshwaran , Nestoklon Mikhail O. , Goupalov Serguei V. , Hollingsworth Jennifer A. , Htoon Han
Published: March 2021

A low‐temperature polarization‐resolved magneto‐photoluminescence experiment is performed on individual PbS/CdS core/shell quantum dots (QDs). The experiment enables a direct measurement of the exciton Landé g factor and the anisotropic zero‐field splitting of the lowest emissive bright exciton triplet in PbS/CdS QDs. While anisotropic splittings of individual QDs distribute randomly in 104—325 μeV range, the exciton Landé g factors increase from 0.95 to 2.70 as the emission energy of the QD increases from 1.0 to 1.2 eV. The tight‐binding calculations allow to rationalize these trends as a direct consequence of reducing a cubic symmetry of QD via addition/removal of a few (<70) atoms from the surfaces of the PbS core. Furthermore, it is observed that while right (σ  +) and left (σ   −) circularly polarized photoluminescence (PL) peaks split linearly with magnetic field as expected for Zeeman effect, the energy splitting between X and Y linearly polarized PL peaks remains nearly unchanged. The theoretical study reveals rich and complex magnetic field‐induced interplay of bright triplet and dark exciton states explaining this puzzling behavior. These findings fill the missing gaps in the understanding of lead salt QDs and provide foundation for development of classical and quantum light sources operating at telecommunication wavelengths.
Suppressing Water Dissociation via Control of Intrinsic Oxygen Defects for Awakening Solar H2O‐to‐H2O2 Generation
Authors: Wang Luyang , Lu Yuan , Han Nannan , Dong Chaoran , Lin Cheng , Lu Siyu , Min Yulin , Zhang Kan
Published: March 2021

BiVO4 theoretically has a thermodynamic activity trend toward highly selective water oxidative H2O2 formation, but it is more inclined to generate O2 in practical. The influence of intrinsic oxygen vacancy (Ovac), especially, on surface reactivity, has never been considered as a possible activity loss mechanism in the synthetic BiVO4. In this work, it is theoretically and experimentally demonstrated that the intrinsic surface Ovac is responsible for lower H2O2 evolution activity via promoting water dissociation to form intermediate. Through an annealing process under a V2O5 rich atmosphere, the surface Ovac can be eliminated that awakens the photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidative H2O2 activity in a NaHCO3 electrolyte, which achieves an average of 58.4%, and increases by up to 4.28 times of the one annealed in air. This work offers a general understanding of catalytic activity loss and may be extended to other photo or electrocatalysts for catalytic selectivity regulation.
Initial Solidification and Heat Transfer at Different Locations of Slab Continuous Casting Mold through 3D Coupled Model
Authors: Ji Junde , Mao Yumin , Zhang Xubin , Chen Wei , Zhang Lifeng , Wang Qian
Published: March 2021

Herein, a 3D mathematical model is established to investigate the initial solidification and heat transfer at different locations of the mold through considering the steel–slag–air three‐phase fluid flow, the heat transfer, the solidification, and the mold oscillation. The meniscus solidification on different sections is revealed, and the heat flux on hot face of the mold is compared. Through the simulation, the meniscus solidification on longitudinal sections parallel to narrow face is the largest at the center and the edge of wide face, and is the lowest at a quarter of wide face. The thickness of the total slag on the cross section is larger at the corner than that far from the corner. In the current simulation, the largest heat flux along the vertical direction is 2.6–3.5 MW m−2 at approximately 14 mm below initial meniscus. With the increase in thickness of the slag rim on different longitudinal sections, the thickness of the slag increases, resulting in the decrease in the heat flux on the hot face. Therefore, the initial solidification and heat transfer are significantly affected by the thickness of the slag as well as the heat supplement from the upper backflow.
Tentative sensitivity of future 0νββ-decay experiments to neutrino masses and Majorana CP phases
Authors: Huang Guo-yuan , Zhou Shun
Published: March 2021

Abstract

In the near future, the neutrinoless double-beta (0νββ) decay experiments will hopefully reach the sensitivity of a few meV to the effective neutrino mass |mββ|. In this paper, we tentatively examine the sensitivity of future 0νββ-decay experiments to neutrino masses and Majorana CP phases by following the Bayesian statistical approach. Provided experimental setups corresponding to the experimental sensitivity of |mββ| ≃ 1 meV, the null observation of 0νββ decays in the case of normal neutrino mass ordering leads to a very competitive bound on the lightest neutrino mass m1. Namely, the 95% credible interval in the Bayesian approach turns out to be 1.6 meV ≲ m1 ≲ 7.3 meV or 0.3 meV ≲ m1 ≲ 5.6 meV when the uniform prior on m1/eV or on log10(m1/eV) is adopted. Moreover, one of two Majorana CP phases is strictly constrained, i.e., 140° ≲ ρ ≲ 220° for both scenarios of prior distributions of m1. In contrast, if a relatively worse experimental sensitivity of |mββ| ≃ 10 meV is assumed, the constraint on the lightest neutrino mass becomes accordingly 0.6 meV ≲ m1 ≲ 26 meV or 0 ≲ m1 ≲ 6.1 meV, while two Majorana CP phases will be essentially unconstrained. In the same statistical framework, the prospects for the determination of neutrino mass ordering and the discrimination between Majorana and Dirac nature of massive neutrinos in the 0νββ-decay experiments are also discussed. Given the experimental sensitivity of |mββ| ≃ 10 meV (or 1 meV), the strength of evidence to exclude the Majorana nature under the null observation of 0νββ decays is found to be inconclusive (or strong), no matter which of two priors on m1 is taken.
A new spin on the Weak Gravity Conjecture
Authors: Aalsma Lars , Cole Alex , Loges Gregory J. , Shiu Gary
Published: March 2021

Abstract

The mild form of the Weak Gravity Conjecture states that quantum or higher-derivative corrections should decrease the mass of large extremal charged black holes at fixed charge. This allows extremal black holes to decay, unless protected by a symmetry (such as supersymmetry). We reformulate this conjecture as an integrated condition on the effective stress tensor capturing the effect of quantum or higher-derivative corrections. In addition to charged black holes, we also consider rotating BTZ black holes and show that this condition is satisfied as a consequence of the c-theorem, proving a spinning version of the Weak Gravity Conjecture. We also apply our results to a five-dimensional boosted black string with higher-derivative corrections. The boosted black string has a BTZ×S2 near-horizon geometry and, after Kaluza-Klein reduction, describes a four-dimensional charged black hole. Combining the spinning and charged Weak Gravity Conjecture we obtain positivity bounds on the five-dimensional Wilson coefficients that are stronger than those obtained from charged black holes alone.
Overlaps and fermionic dualities for integrable super spin chains
Authors: Kristjansen Charlotte , Müller Dennis , Zarembo Konstantin
Published: March 2021

Abstract

The $$ \mathfrak{psu}\left(2,\left.2\right|4\right) $$
psu

2

2

4

integrable super spin chain underlying the AdS/CFT correspondence has integrable boundary states which describe set-ups where k D3-branes get dissolved in a probe D5-brane. Overlaps between Bethe eigenstates and these boundary states encode the one-point functions of conformal operators and are expressed in terms of the superdeterminant of the Gaudin matrix that in turn depends on the Dynkin diagram of the symmetry algebra. The different possible Dynkin diagrams of super Lie algebras are related via fermionic dualities and we determine how overlap formulae transform under these dualities. As an application we show how to consistently move between overlap formulae obtained for k = 1 from different Dynkin diagrams.
Non-relativistic limit of gravity theories in the first order formalism
Authors: Guerrieri Amanda , Sobreiro Rodrigo F.
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We consider the non-relativistic limit of gravity in four dimensions in the first order formalism. First, we revisit the case of the Einstein-Hilbert action and formally discuss some geometrical configurations in vacuum and in the presence of matter at leading order. Second, we consider the more general Mardones-Zanelli action and its non-relativistic limit. The field equations and some interesting geometries, in vacuum and in the presence of matter, are formally obtained. Remarkably, in contrast to the Einstein-Hilbert limit, the set of field equations is fully determined because the boost connection appears in the action and field equations. It is found that the cosmological constant must disappear in the non-relativistic Mardones-Zanelli action at leading order. The conditions for Newtonian absolute time be acceptable are also discussed. It turns out that Newtonian absolute time can be safely implemented with reasonable conditions.
R-catcher, a potent molecular tool to unveil the arginylome
Authors: Seo Taewook , Kim Jihyo , Shin Ho-Chul , Kim Jung Gi , Ju Shinyeong , Nawale Laxman , Han Goeun , Lee Hye Seon , Bang Geul , Kim Jin Young , Bang Jeong Kyu , Lee Kyung Ho , Soung Nak-Kyun , Hwang Joonsung , Lee Cheolju , Kim Seung Jun , Kim Bo Yeon , Cha-Molstad Hyunjoo
Published: March 2021

Protein arginylation is a critical regulator of a variety of biological processes. The ability to uncover the global arginylation pattern and its associated signaling pathways would enable us to identify novel disease targets. Here, we report the development of a tool able to capture the N-terminal arginylome. This tool, termed R-catcher, is based on the ZZ domain of p62, which was previously shown to bind N-terminally arginylated proteins. Mutating the ZZ domain enhanced its binding specificity and affinity for Nt-Arg. R-catcher pulldown coupled to LC–MS/MS led to the identification of 59 known and putative arginylated proteins. Among these were a subgroup of novel ATE1-dependent arginylated ER proteins that are linked to diverse biological pathways, including cellular senescence and vesicle-mediated transport as well as diseases, such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. This study presents the first molecular tool that allows the unbiased identification of arginylated proteins, thereby unlocking the arginylome and provide a new path to disease biomarker discovery.
Automatic detection of peripheral stimuli in shooters and handball players: an event-related potential study
Authors: Petro Bela , Lénárt Ágota , Gaál Zsófia Anna , Kojouharova Petia , Kökény Tibor , Ökrös Csaba , Czigler István
Published: March 2021

This study examined the practice-related sensitivity of automatic change detection. The visual mismatch negativity (vMMN) component of event-related potentials was compared in handball players and in sport shooters. Whereas effective performance in handball requires processing of a wide visual field, effective performance in shooting requires concentration to a narrow field. Thus, we hypothesized larger sensitivity to peripheral stimuli violating the regularity of sequential stimulation in handball players. Participants performed a tracking task, while task-irrelevant checkerboard patterns (a frequent and an infrequent type) were presented in the lateral parts of the visual field. We analyzed the vMMN, a signature of automatic detection of violating sequential regularity, and sensory components (P1, N1, and P2). We obtained larger vMMN in the handball players’ group indicating larger sensitivity to peripheral stimuli. These results suggest the plasticity of the automatic visual processing, i.e., it can adapt to sport-specific demands, and this can be captured even in a short experimental session in the laboratory.
Biodegradation of lignin monomers and bioconversion of ferulic acid to vanillic acid by Paraburkholderia aromaticivorans AR20-38 isolated from Alpine forest soil
Authors: Margesin Rosa , Volgger Georg , Wagner Andreas O. , Zhang Dechao , Poyntner Caroline
Published: March 2021

Lignin bio-valorization is an emerging field of applied biotechnology and has not yet been studied at low temperatures. Paraburkholderia aromaticivorans AR20-38 was examined for its potential to degrade six selected lignin monomers (syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid, benzoic acid) from different upper funneling aromatic pathways. The strain degraded four of these compounds at 10°C, 20°C, and 30°C; syringic acid and vanillic acid were not utilized as sole carbon source. The degradation of 5 mM and 10 mM ferulic acid was accompanied by the stable accumulation of high amounts of the value-added product vanillic acid (85–89% molar yield; 760 and 1540 mg l−1, respectively) over the whole temperature range tested. The presence of essential genes required for reactions in the upper funneling pathways was confirmed in the genome. This is the first report on biodegradation of lignin monomers and the stable vanillic acid production at low and moderate temperatures by P. aromaticivorans.

Key points

• Paraburkholderia aromaticivorans AR20-38 successfully degrades four lignin monomers.

• Successful degradation study at low (10°C) and moderate temperatures (20–30°C).

• Biotechnological value: high yield of vanillic acid produced from ferulic acid.
Melanoma is associated with an increased risk of bullous pemphigoid: a large population-based longitudinal study
Authors: Kridin Khalaf , Hundt Jennifer E. , Ludwig Ralf J. , Amber Kyle T. , Bitan Dana Tzur , Cohen Arnon D.
Published: March 2021

The association between bullous pemphigoid (BP) and melanoma is yet to be investigated. We aimed to assess assess the bidirectional association between BP and melanoma and to delineate the epidemiological features of patients with both diagnoses. A population-based cohort study was performed comparing BP patients (n = 3924) with age-, sex- and ethnicity-matched control subjects (n = 19,280) with regard to incident cases of melanoma. A case–control design was additionally adopted to estimate the risk of BP in individuals with a preexisting diagnosis of melanoma. The prevalence of preexisting melanoma was higher in patients with BP than in control subjects (1.5% vs. 1.0%, respectively; P = 0.004). A history of melanoma confers a 50% increase in the risk of subsequent BP (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.14–2.06). This risk was higher among males (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.09–2.54) and individuals older than 80 years (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.11–2.38), and persisted after adjustment for multiple putative confounders including PD-1/PDL-1 antagonists (adjusted OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.14–2.06). Conversely, the risk of melanoma among patients with BP was slightly elevated, but did not reach the level of statistical significance (adjusted HR 1.13; 95% CI 0.73–1.74). Patients with a dual diagnosis of BP and melanoma were older at the onset of BP and had lower body mass index. A history of melanoma is associated with a 50% increase in the incidence of subsequent BP. Physicians managing patients with both conditions should be aware of this association. Further research is warranted to reveal the underlying mechanism of these findings.