bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics in C, N, and P stoichiometry and microbial biomass following soil depth and vegetation types in low mountain and hill region of China
Authors: Jiang Wenting , Gong Lei , Yang Lihui , He Shuping , Liu Xiaohu
Published: October 2021

Changes in soil carbon (C):nitrogen (N):phosphorus (P) stoichiometry have great significance on understand regulatory mechanism and restoration of ecosystem functions. However, the responses of C, N and P stoichiometry to soil depth and different vegetation types remains elusive. To address this problem, the study aims to explore the effects of soil depth and vegetation types on soil C, N, and P stoichiometry, and their relationships with microbial biomass in low mountain and hill region of China. The results indicated that soil SOC and TN concentrations in oak forest were markedly higher than those in grassland, and the vertical distribution of SOC and TN concentration showed an inverted triangle trend as the soil deepens. However, there was no significant change in soil TP concentration among 0–20 cm, 20–40 cm, and 40–60 cm. Soil C/N among different layers (0–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm) is narrower fluctuation margin, and its value is basically stable within a certain range (11–14.5). Both soil C/P and N/P showed significant variability in different vegetation types, and soil N/P decreased with soil layers deepen. Both the microbial biomass C (MBC) and N (MBN) showed a decreasing trend with the increase of soil depth, and three soil layers from high to low was: oak forest > pine forest > grassland. Our results will potentially provide useful information for the vegetation restoration and forest management and great significance to enrich the scientific theory of ecological stoichiometry.
Divergent connectomic organization delineates genetic evolutionary traits in the human brain
Authors: Bueichekú Elisenda , Gonzalez-de-Echavarri Jose M. , Ortiz-Teran Laura , Montal Victor , d’Oleire Uquillas Federico , De Marcos Lola , Orwig William , Kim Chan-Mi , Ortiz-Teran Elena , Basaia Silvia , Diez Ibai , Sepulcre Jorge
Published: October 2021

The relationship between human brain connectomics and genetic evolutionary traits remains elusive due to the inherent challenges in combining complex associations within cerebral tissue. In this study, insights are provided about the relationship between connectomics, gene expression and divergent evolutionary pathways from non-human primates to humans. Using in vivo human brain resting-state data, we detected two co-existing idiosyncratic functional systems: the segregation network, in charge of module specialization, and the integration network, responsible for information flow. Their topology was approximated to whole-brain genetic expression (Allen Human Brain Atlas) and the co-localization patterns yielded that neuron communication functionalities—linked to Neuron Projection—were overrepresented cell traits. Homologue-orthologue comparisons using dN/dS-ratios bridged the gap between neurogenetic outcomes and biological data, summarizing the known evolutionary divergent pathways within the Homo Sapiens lineage. Evidence suggests that a crosstalk between functional specialization and information flow reflects putative biological qualities of brain architecture, such as neurite cellular functions like axonal or dendrite processes, hypothesized to have been selectively conserved in the species through positive selection. These findings expand our understanding of human brain function and unveil aspects of our cognitive trajectory in relation to our simian ancestors previously left unexplored.
Simulation of nano elastic polymer chain displacement under pressure gradient/electroosmotic flow with the target of less dispersion of transition
Authors: Zakeri Ramin , Lee Eon Soo
Published: October 2021

Since non-scattering transfer of polymer chain in nanochannel is one of the important issue in biology, in this research, the behavior study of a long polymer chain in the nanofluid in two modes of free motion and restricted motion (fixed two ends) under two different forces including constant force (pressure gradient (PG)) and variable force (electroosmotic force (EOF)) has been investigated using dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) method. Our aim is that displacement of polymer chain carries out with less dispersion. Initially, without the presence of polymer, the results have been validated in a nanochannel by analytical results for both cases (PG, EOF) with an error of less than 10%. Then, assuming 50 beads of polymer chain, the polymer chain motion in free motion and fixed two ends modes has been examined by different spring coefficients between beads and different forces including PG (0.01 DPD unite) and EOF (zeta potential =  − 25 mV, electric field = 250 V/mm, kh parameter = 8). The results show that in free polymer motion-PG mode, by increasing 1.6 times of spring coefficient of the polymer, a 40% reduction in transition of polymer is achieved, which high dispersion of polymer chain is resulted for this mode. In the EOF, the spring coefficient has a slight effect on transferring of polymer and also, EOF moves the polymer chain with extremely low polymer chain scattering. Also, for fixed two ends-PG mode, a 36% reduction in displacement is achieved and in the same way, in EOF almost 39% declining in displacement is resulted by enhancing the spring coefficients. The results have developed to 25 and 100 beads which less dispersion of polymer chain transfer for free polymer chain-EOF is reported again for both circumstances and for restricted polymer chain state in two PG and EOF modes, less differences are reported for two cases. The results show that the EOF has the benefit of low dispersion for free polymer chain transfer, also, almost equal displacement for restricted polymer chain mode is observed for both cases.
Uncovering the transcriptional response of popcorn (Zea mays L. var. everta) under long-term aluminum toxicity
Authors: Pinto Vitor Batista , Ferreira Priscila Gonçalves , Vidigal Pedro Marcus Pereira , de Oliveira Mendes Tiago Antônio , Dal-Bianco Maximiller , de Magalhaes Jurandir Vieira , Viana José Marcelo Soriano
Published: October 2021

To date, the investigation of genes involved in Al resistance has focused mainly on microarrays and short periods of Al exposure. We investigated genes involved in the global response under Al stress by tracking the expression profile of two inbred popcorn lines with different Al sensitivity during 72 h of Al stress. A total of 1003 differentially expressed genes were identified in the Al-sensitive line, and 1751 were identified in the Al-resistant line, of which 273 were shared in both lines. Genes in the category of “response to abiotic stress” were present in both lines, but there was a higher number in the Al-resistant line. Transcription factors, genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, and genes involved in cell wall modifications were also detected. In the Al-resistant line, GST6 was identified as one of the key hub genes by co-expression network analysis, and ABC6 may play a role in the downstream regulation of CASP-like 5. In addition, we suggest a class of SWEET transporters that might be involved in the regulation of vacuolar sugar storage and may serve as mechanisms for Al resistance. The results and conclusions expand our understanding of the complex mechanisms involved in Al toxicity and provide a platform for future functional analyses and genomic studies of Al stress in popcorn.
Effect of dietary tannin supplementation on cow milk quality in two different grazing seasons
Authors: Menci R. , Natalello A. , Luciano G. , Priolo A. , Valenti B. , Farina G. , Caccamo M. , Niderkorn V. , Coppa M.
Published: October 2021

Extensive farming systems are characterized by seasons with different diet quality along the year, as pasture availability is strictly depending on climatic conditions. A number of problems for cattle may occur in each season. Tannins are natural polyphenolic compounds that can be integrated in cows’ diet to overcome these seasonal problems, but little is known about their effect on milk quality according to the season. This study was designed to assess the effects of 150 g/head × day of tannin extract supplementation on proximate composition, urea, colour, cheesemaking aptitude, antioxidant capacity, and fatty acid (FA) profile of cow milk, measured during the wet season (WS) and the dry season (DS) of Mediterranean climate. In WS, dietary tannins had marginal effect on milk quality. Conversely, in DS, the milk from cows eating tannins showed 10% lower urea and slight improvement in antioxidant capacity, measured with FRAP and TEAC assays. Also, tannin extract supplementation in DS reduced branched-chain FA concentration, C18:1 t10 to C18:1 t11 ratio and rumenic to linoleic acid ratio. Tannins effect on rumen metabolism was enhanced in the season in which green herbage was not available, probably because of the low protein content, and high acid detergent fibre and lignin contents in diet. Thus, the integration of tannin in the diet should be adapted to the season. This could have practical implications for a more conscious use of tannin-rich extracts, and other tannin sources such as agro-industrial by-products and forages.
Blood Volume as a new functional image-based biomarker of progression in metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Drljevic-Nielsen Aska , Rasmussen Finn , Mains Jill Rachel , Thorup Kennet , Donskov Frede
Published: October 2021

RECIST v1.1 has limitations in evaluating progression. We assessed Dynamic Constrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (DCE-CT) identified Blood Volume (BV) for the evaluation of progressive disease (PD) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). BV was quantified prospectively at baseline, after one month, then every three months until PD. Relative changes (ΔBV) were assessed at each timepoint compared with baseline values. The primary endpoint was Time to PD (TTP), the secondary endpoint was Time to the scan prior to PD (PDminus1). Cox proportional hazard models adjusted ΔBV for treatments and International mRCC Database Consortium factors. A total of 62 patients had analyzable scans at the PD timepoint. Median BV was 23.92 mL × 100 g−1 (range 4.40–399.04) at PD and 26.39 mL × 100 g−1 (range 8.70–77.44) at PDminus1. In the final multivariate analysis higher ΔBV was statistically significantly associated with shorter Time to PD, HR 1.11 (95% CI 1.07–1.15, P < 0.001). Also assessed at PDminus1, higher ΔBV was significantly associated with shorter time to PD, HR 1.14 (95% CI 1.01–1.28, P = 0.031). In conclusion, DCE-CT identified BV is a new image-based biomarker of therapy progression in patients with mRCC.
The influence of the chemical composition of essential oils of Clausena lansium seeds on the growth of Candida strains
Authors: Ma Yinzheng , Wang Yuanxiao , Zhou Xia , Yang Heng , Zhang Huixin , Chen Wenhan , Zhang Haiying , Zhang Yunxia , He Xiaowen
Published: October 2021

Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels seeds have been shown to have diverse beneficial medical value due to their unique active components. This study analysed the composition of essential oils (EOs) of C. lansium seeds and investigated their potential antifungal effects against Candida strains. A total of forty-six components were identified in all samples by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The main components were sabinene, β-phellandrene and 4-terpineol. Thirteen EOs of C. lansium seeds were classified into three clusters based on their components. Cluster analysis showed that the difference between the tropics and subtropics was the greatest. These EOs and the three main chemicals showed different antifungal activities against five Candida species (C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. krusei and C. parapsilosis). The antifungal activity against C. glabrata and C. krusei was higher than that against other Candida strains. EOs of C. lansium seeds displayed noteworthy antifungal activity against both sensitive and fluconazole-resistant strains, with inhibition zone diameters in the range of 9.4–23.4 mm. Comprehensive analysis illustrated the importance of sabinene, β-phellandrene and 4-terpineol to antifungal activity, and there may be some synergistic effects with other components. These results represent the first report about the correlation between the chemical composition of EOs of C. lansium seeds and antifungal activity. Taken together, the results obtained provide scientific evidence for the traditional use of C. lansium seeds waste.
Plasmon-enhanced reduced graphene oxide photodetector with monometallic of Au and Ag nanoparticles at VIS–NIR region
Authors: Rohizat Nurul Syazwani , Ripain Atiena Husna Abdullah , Lim Chin Seong , Tan Chee Leong , Zakaria Rozalina
Published: October 2021

Hybrids plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) and unique 2D graphene significantly enhanced the photoresponse of the photodetectors. The metallic NPs that exhibit localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) improves strong light absorption, scattering and localized electromagnetic field by the incident photons depending on the optimum condition of NPs. We report high-performance photodetectors based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) integrated with monometallic of Au and Ag nanoparticles via a familiar fabrication technique using an electron beam evaporation machine. Under 680 nm illumination of light, our rGO photodetector exhibited the highest performance for Au-rGO with the highest responsivity of 67.46 AW−1 and the highest specific detectivity (2.39 × 1013 Jones). Meanwhile, Ag-rGO achieved the highest responsivity of 17.23 AW−1, specific detectivity (7.17 × 1011 Jones) at 785 nm. The response time are 0.146 µs and 0.135 µs for Au-rGO and Ag-rGO respectively for both wavelengths. The proposed photodetector with combining monometallic and graphene provide a new strategy to construct reliable and next-generation optoelectronic devices at VIS–NIR region.
Comparative genome-wide analysis of WRKY, MADS-box and MYB transcription factor families in Arabidopsis and rice
Authors: Abdullah-Zawawi Muhammad-Redha , Ahmad-Nizammuddin Nur-Farhana , Govender Nisha , Harun Sarahani , Mohd-Assaad Norfarhan , Mohamed-Hussein Zeti-Azura
Published: October 2021

Transcription factors (TFs) form the major class of regulatory genes and play key roles in multiple plant stress responses. In most eukaryotic plants, transcription factor (TF) families (WRKY, MADS-box and MYB) activate unique cellular-level abiotic and biotic stress-responsive strategies, which are considered as key determinants for defense and developmental processes. Arabidopsis and rice are two important representative model systems for dicot and monocot plants, respectively. A comprehensive comparative study on 101 OsWRKY, 34 OsMADS box and 122 OsMYB genes (rice genome) and, 71 AtWRKY, 66 AtMADS box and 144 AtMYB genes (Arabidopsis genome) showed various relationships among TFs across species. The phylogenetic analysis clustered WRKY, MADS-box and MYB TF family members into 10, 7 and 14 clades, respectively. All clades in WRKY and MYB TF families and almost half of the total number of clades in the MADS-box TF family are shared between both species. Chromosomal and gene structure analysis showed that the Arabidopsis-rice orthologous TF gene pairs were unevenly localized within their chromosomes whilst the distribution of exon–intron gene structure and motif conservation indicated plausible functional similarity in both species. The abiotic and biotic stress-responsive cis-regulatory element type and distribution patterns in the promoter regions of Arabidopsis and rice WRKY, MADS-box and MYB orthologous gene pairs provide better knowledge on their role as conserved regulators in both species. Co-expression network analysis showed the correlation between WRKY, MADs-box and MYB genes in each independent rice and Arabidopsis network indicating their role in stress responsiveness and developmental processes.
The MRI posterior drawer test to assess posterior cruciate ligament functionality and knee joint laxity
Authors: Wollschläger Lena Marie , Radke Karl Ludger , Schock Justus , Kotowski Niklas , Latz David , Kanschik Dominika , Filler Timm Joachim , Caspers Svenja , Antoch Gerald , Windolf Joachim , Abrar Daniel Benjamin , Nebelung Sven
Published: October 2021

Clinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of joints is limited to mere morphologic evaluation and fails to directly visualize joint or ligament function. In this controlled laboratory study, we show that knee joint functionality may be quantified in situ and as a function of graded posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)-deficiency by combining MRI and standardized loading. 11 human knee joints underwent MRI under standardized posterior loading in the unloaded and loaded (147 N) configurations and in the intact, partially, and completely PCL-injured conditions. For each specimen, configuration, and condition, 3D joint models were implemented to analyse joint kinematics based on 3D Euclidean vectors and their projections on the Cartesian planes. Manual 2D measurements served as reference. With increasing PCL deficiency, vector projections increased significantly in the anteroposterior dimension under loading and manual measurements demonstrated similar patterns of change. Consequently, if combined with advanced image post-processing, stress MRI is a powerful diagnostic adjunct to evaluate ligament functionality and joint laxity in multiple dimensions and may have a role in differentiating PCL injury patterns, therapeutic decision-making, and treatment monitoring.
Enhancement of cardiac contractility using gold-coated SU-8 cantilevers and their application to drug-induced cardiac toxicity tests
Authors: Kim Jongyun , Shanmugasundaram Arunkumar , Lee Dong-Weon
Published: October 2021

Herein, we propose an array of gold (Au)-coated SU-8 cantilevers with microgrooves for improved maturation of cardiomyocytes and describe its applications to drug-induced cardiac toxicity tests.
Soft nanoball-encapsulated carbon dots for reactive oxygen species scavenging and the highly sensitive chemiluminescent assay of nucleic acid biomarkers
Authors: Jiang Yong Jian , Yang Xi Ju , Wang Jian , Li Yuan Fang , Li Chun Mei , Huang Cheng Zhi
Published: October 2021

A highly sensitive detection of nucleic acid based on CoOOH-Luminol chemiluminescence (CL) system was constructed using toehold-mediated strand displacement reaction (TSDR) and liposome dual signal amplification strategy.
Magnetic and radio-labeled bio-hybrid scaffolds to promote and track in vivo the progress of bone regeneration
Authors: Campodoni Elisabetta , Velez Marisela , Fragogeorgi Eirini , Morales Irene , de la Presa Patricia , Stanicki Dimitri , Dozio Samuele M. , Xanthopoulos Stavros , Bouziotis Penelope , Dermisiadou Eleftheria , Rouchota Maritina , Loudos George , Marín Pilar , Laurent Sophie , Boutry Sébastien , Panseri Silvia , Montesi Monica , Tampieri Anna , Sandri Monica
Published: October 2021

This work describes the preparation, characterization and functionalization with magnetic nanoparticles of a bone tissue-mimetic scaffold composed of collagen and hydroxyapatite obtained through a biomineralization process.
Improved epithelial cell–cell adhesion using molecular mobility of supramolecular surfaces
Authors: Mikami Ryo , Arisaka Yoshinori , Hakariya Masahiro , Iwata Takanori , Yui Nobuhiko
Published: October 2021

The role of molecular mobility on polyrotaxane surfaces was investigated in epithelial cell–cell adhesion. The polyrotaxane surfaces with higher mobility induced cytoplasmic YAP localization, leading to stronger cell–cell adhesion.
A cyanine dye based supramolecular photosensitizer enabling visible-light-driven organic reaction in water
Authors: Shigemitsu Hajime , Tamemoto Tomoe , Ohkubo Kei , Mori Tadashi , Osakada Yasuko , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Kida Toshiyuki
Published: October 2021

Photooxidation of hydrophobic aromatic compounds in water was successfully performed by a supramolecular photosensitizer composed of an amphiphilic cyanine dye.
Physical aging in aqueous nematic gels of a swelling nanoclay: sol (phase) to gel (state) transition
Authors: Shoaib Mohammad , Molaei Nahid , Bobicki Erin R.
Published: October 2021

Sodium-montmorillonite aqueous suspensions at low ionic strengths and far above the gel point exhibit physical aging leading to a time-dependent microstructure and rheological properties.
One-pot synthesis of FeCu–SSZ-13 using Cu–TEPA as the template by adding iron complexes
Authors: Ming Yangfan , Li Gang
Published: October 2021

Hydrolysis of cyanide and “sustained-release” of iron during hydrothermal synthesis.
Enrichment of psychrophilic and acidophilic sulfate-reducing bacterial consortia – a solution toward acid mine drainage treatment in cold regions
Authors: Dev Subhabrata , Galey Miranda , Chun Chan Lan , Novotny Chad , Ghosh Tathagata , Aggarwal Srijan
Published: October 2021

Enrichment of psychrophilic and acidophilic SRB from Arctic mine sediments that successfully treated sulfate and metal contaminated water under a multi-stressor environment (low pH, low temperature, and high metal concentrations).
Insufficient evidence for the existence of natural trifluoroacetic acid
Authors: Joudan Shira , De Silva Amila O. , Young Cora J.
Published: October 2021

Examination of literatures surrounding purported natural trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) reveals that all TFA observations can be reasonably altributed to anthropogenic sources.
The bioaccumulation testing strategy for manufactured nanomaterials: physico-chemical triggers and read across from earthworms in a meta-analysis
Authors: Handy R. D. , Clark N. J. , Vassallo J. , Green C. , Nasser F. , Tatsi K. , Hutchinson T. H. , Boyle D. , Baccaro M. , van den Brink N. , Svendsen C.
Published: October 2021

How to use chemical triggers and invertebrate tests in the lower tiers of a bioaccumulation testing strategy.
Polyaniline nanowire arrays generated through oriented mesoporous silica films: effect of pore size and spectroelectrochemical response
Authors: Ullah Wahid , Herzog Grégoire , Vilà Neus , Walcarius Alain
Published: October 2021

Individual nanofilaments of polyaniline (PANI) were electrogenerated through vertically aligned mesoporous silica membranes, exhibiting very fast responses to electrochemical stimuli.
A vapor thermal approach to selective recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Qu Xin , Cai Muya , Zhang Beilei , Xie Hongwei , Guo Lei , Wang Dihua , Yin Huayi
Published: October 2021

Minimizing energy consumption, the amount of chemicals used, and secondary wastes is key to achieving a techno-economic approach for recycling spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).
An automated centrifugal microfluidic assay for whole blood fractionation and isolation of multiple cell populations using an aqueous two-phase system
Authors: Moon Byeong-Ui , Clime Liviu , Brassard Daniel , Boutin Alex , Daoud Jamal , Morton Keith , Veres Teodor
Published: October 2021

This paper describes an advanced on-chip whole human blood fractionation and cell isolation process combining an aqueous two-phase system to create complex separation layers with a centrifugal microfluidic platform to control and automate the assay.
Recent progress in the toxicity of nitric oxide-releasing nanomaterials
Authors: Pieretti Joana Claudio , Pelegrino Milena Trevisan , Boudier Ariane , Seabra Amedea Barozzi
Published: October 2021

The combination of NO-releasing nanoparticles with anticancer therapies might reverse multidrug resistance in cells.
Temperature-dependent morphology-electron mobility correlations of naphthalene diimide-indacenodithiophene copolymers prepared via direct arylation polymerization
Authors: Adamczak Desiree , Passarella Bianca , Komber Hartmut , Becker-Koch David , Dolynchuk Oleksandr , Schmidt Simon B. , Vaynzof Yana , Caironi Mario , Sommer Michael
Published: October 2021

A series of defect-free n-type copolymers poly(naphthalene diimide-alt-indacenodithiophene) P(NDI-IDT) comprising alternating naphthalene diimide (NDI) and indacenodithiophene (IDT) units is prepared using atom-economic direct arylation polycondensation (DAP).
Interplay between inter- and intraparticle interactions in bi-magnetic core/shell nanoparticles
Authors: Omelyanchik A. , Villa S. , Vasilakaki M. , Singh G. , Ferretti A. M. , Ponti A. , Canepa F. , Margaris G. , Trohidou K. N. , Peddis D.
Published: October 2021

This paper shed lights on the interplay among intra- and inter-particle interactions in different hard/soft bi-magnetic core/shell nanoarchitecture.
Prospects and applications of synergistic noble metal nanoparticle-bacterial hybrid systems
Authors: Vázquez-Arias Alba , Pérez-Juste Jorge , Pastoriza-Santos Isabel , Bodelon Gustavo
Published: October 2021

The synergistic combination of noble metal nanoparticles and bacterial cells results in hybrid systems that offer new useful properties for the development of future applications and tools.
Novel class of water-soluble phosphonate silver cluster assembled material for efficient photoelectric sensing and photoacoustic imaging
Authors: Biswas Sourav , Das Anish Kumar , Nath Akashdeep , Paul Souradip , Suheshkumar Singh M. , Mandal Sukhendu
Published: October 2021

Herein, we unreveal the total structure of an atom-precise one-dimensional silver cluster assembled material possessing innovative and significant properties that are rarely observed in its analogues.
Two-dimensional transition metal borides as high activity and selectivity catalysts for ammonia synthesis
Authors: Zhang Haona , Wang Shuhua , Wang Hao , Huang Baibiao , Dong Shuping , Dai Ying , Wei Wei
Published: October 2021

ReB2 as an NRR catalyst shows a record-low limiting potential of UL = –0.05 V and high FE of 100%, satisfying the demands of low energy cost, high selectivity, and durability.
Elucidation of network structure in cationic photopolymerization of cyclic ether comonomers
Authors: Kaalberg Sara M. , Schissel Sage M. , Soumounthong Michael , Jessop Julie L. P.
Published: October 2021

Kinetic outcomes of epoxide photopolymerizations are substantially improved by oxetane addition, resulting in copolymeric structures elucidated through reactivity ratios.
Thiol decorated defective metal–organic frameworks embedded with palladium nanoparticles for efficient Cr(vi) reduction
Authors: Pankajakshan Asha , Ravarikkandy Aparna , Ratheesh Balu P. , Maman Manju P. , Mandal Sukhendu
Published: October 2021

Incorporation of Pd nanoparticles into thiol decorated defective UiO-66 for the reduction of toxic hexavalent chromium Cr(vi) to Cr(iii) in aqueous medium within a very short time under visible light.
Synthesis of 9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) fluorene catalyzed by bifunctional ionic liquids
Authors: Wei Jialun , Yu Limei , Yan Lei , Bai Wei , Lu Xinxin , Gao Zhanxian
Published: October 2021

A series of bifunctional ionic liquids (BFILs) containing sulfonic acid (–SO3H) and sulfhydryl groups (–SH) were synthesized, and their catalytic performance in the condensation reaction of 9-fluorenone and phenol were studied.
Discovery of catalytic-site-fluorescent probes for tracing phosphodiesterase 5 in living cells
Authors: Qiu Meiying , Wu Deyan , Huang Yi-You , Huang Yue , Zhou Qian , Tian Yijing , Guo Lei , Gao Yuqi , Luo Hai-Bin
Published: October 2021

To enhance the understanding of PDE5 as the drug target. Herein, we designed catalytic-site-fluorescent probes that can be applied to PDE5 visualization in live cells and tissue slices, implying the potential in diagnosis and drug screening.
Stability and structural properties of vacancy-ordered and -disordered ZrCx
Authors: Davey Theresa , Suzuki Ken , Miura Hideo , Chen Ying
Published: October 2021

The origin of vacancy ordering in ZrCx is explained considering structure geometry, electronic charge distribution, and atomic bonding features, and linked to stability and volume trends in the vacancy-ordered and -disordered zirconium carbides.
Origin of enantioselectivity reversal in Lewis acid-catalysed Michael additions relying on the same chiral source
Authors: Riehl Paul S. , Richardson Alistair D. , Sakamoto Tatsuhiro , Reid Jolene P. , Schindler Corinna S.
Published: October 2021

Enantiodivergence is an important concept in asymmetric catalysis that enables access to both enantiomers of a product relying on the same chiral source as reagent.
A sulfonated polyvinyl alcohol ionomer membrane favoring smooth electrodeposition of zinc for aqueous rechargeable zinc metal batteries
Authors: Vijayakumar Vidyanand , Torris Arun , Kurian Maria , Mathew Megha Mary , Ghosh Meena , Khairnar Ajay B. , Badiger Manohar V. , Kurungot Sreekumar
Published: October 2021

Sulfonated polyvinyl alcohol ionomer membrane for aqueous rechargeable zinc-metal batteries shows its superiority over the non-ionomer counterpart, ensuring smooth Zn electrodeposition and better cycling stability in MnO2‖Zn cells.
Understanding Vulnerabilities of Renewable Energy Systems For Building Their Resilience to Climate Change Hazards: Key Concepts And Assessment Approaches
Authors: Sarma Georgia , Zabaniotou Anastasia
Published: October 2021

The affairs and concerns relating to the energy sector are versatile, spatially differentiated, and dynamic, due to the determining importance of energy in the everyday life of people, national economy, and wellbeing globally. Climate change with extreme and intense weather phenomena, combined with potential biological hazards, affect energy systems, posing a threat to energy systems' resilience and security. understand the interaction of the above factors affecting energy systems, it is necessary to understand the concepts of vulnerability and resilience. This study aims to review factors of vulnerability and resilience of renewable energy systems (RES). Climate change is a significant factor, considered critical for the resilience of renewable energy infrastructure. Conclusions include courses of action and measures that need to be taken, to build resilience. Suggestions are made, for a more sustainable and resilient renewable energy sector, compatible with contemporary technology and eco-friendly behaviors, mandated by climate change.
A Case Series of Budd–Chiari Syndrome in Nigerian Patients: Diagnosis, Associations, Management, and Outcomes
Authors: Ninalowo Hammed , Oluyemi Aderemi , Olowoyeye Omodele , Ajayi Abisoye
Published: October 2021

Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) is defined as hepatic outflow obstruction regardless of the cause or level of obstruction—from small hepatic veins to the opening of the inferior vena cava in the right atrium. BCS could be primary or secondary. Very few cases of this syndrome have been reported in Nigeria and there is no local clinical series documenting the noninvasive and invasive imaging findings and importance of interventional radiology techniques in its diagnosis and management.

We report three cases of patients diagnosed with BCS in Lagos, Nigeria. We hope this work will raise awareness about the condition and its associations and show that much can be done to establish diagnosis and care with minimally invasive techniques in our resource-limited environment.
Dual mode operation of a hydromagnetic plasma thruster to achieve tunable thrust and specific impulse
Authors: Underwood Thomas C. , Riedel William M. , Cappelli Mark A.
Published: October 2021

We report here on initial studies of a pulsed hydromagnetic plasma gun that can operate in either a pre-filled or a gas-puff mode on demand. These modes enable agile and responsive performance through tunable thrust and specific impulse. Operation with a molecular nitrogen propellant is demonstrated to show that the hydromagnetic thruster is a candidate technology for air-harvesting and drag compensation in the very low Earth orbit. A dual mode operation is achieved by leveraging propellant gasdynamics to change the fill fraction and flow collisionality within the thruster. This results in the formation of distinct modes that are characterized by the current-driven hydromagnetic waves that they allow, namely, magneto-deflagration and magneto-detonation, respectively. These modes form the basis of using gasdynamics to enable responsive thruster performance. Using time-of-flight emission diagnostics to characterize near-field flow velocities, we find that a relatively dramatic transition occurs between modes as gas is allowed to expand in the thruster, with exhaust velocities ranging from 10 to 55 km/s in the deflagration and detonation regimes, respectively. Simulations of the processed mass bit offer the first glimpse into possible thruster performance and trade-offs between specific impulse and thrust. An impulse bit tunability of ∼22% is predicted, with differing propellant fill fractions when operating in a burst mode.
The electrical- and magneto-transport properties of Rb-, Sn-, and Co-doped BiCuSeO crystals
Authors: Han Shuang , Yin Cheng-Hao , Lv Yang-Yang , Lu Hao-Min , Luo Ye-Cheng , Xu Lu , Yao Shu-Hua , Zhou Jian , Chen Y. B.
Published: October 2021

Doped BiCuSeO is one of the promising thermoelectric oxide candidates. However, the research on doping effects on the electrical transport properties of BiCuSeO, especially in crystalline samples, is still limited. Here, we studied the transport properties of doped BiCuSeO crystals, including three types of doping species (Rb, Sn, and Co) with varying concentrations. In the case of Rb-doped BiCuSeO crystals, few percentage (≤1%) Rb-doping make BiCuSeO display metallic behavior, while high one (≥2%) displays bad-metallic behavior. Both Sn- and Co-doped BiCuSeO crystals have similar electrical evolution as Rb-doped ones. The charge carriers of all these doped BiCuSeO crystals are holes, and the increased dopant concentration decreases the hole concentrations regardless of the type of dopant species. There is negative magnetoresistance (MR) in Rb- and Sn-doped BiCuSeO at low temperature (<15 K), which is due to the breakdown of weak localization by magnetic field B, but the MR behaviors in Co-doped BiCuSeO crystals are strongly correlated with their magnetic properties. The analysis of the temperature-dependent mobility of these doped BiCuSeO crystals substantiates that at low temperatures (<50 K), electron-impurity scattering dominates, while electron–phonon scattering dominates at high temperatures (>50 K). The evolution of the above-mentioned electrical/magneto-transport properties of doped BiCuSeO can be understood as follows: the dopant compensates the Bi-deficiency in pristine BiCuSeO crystals and decreases the hole concentration and leads to the metal–Anderson-insulator transition. These results may be valuable to optimize the electrical properties of layered compounds similar to BiCuSeO.
Wave transport in 1D stealthy hyperuniform phononic materials made of non-resonant and resonant scatterers
Authors: Romero-García V. , Chéron É. , Kuznetsova S. , Groby J.-P. , Félix S. , Pagneux V. , Garcia-Raffi L. M.
Published: October 2021

Stealthy hyperuniform point patterns are characterized by a vanishing spatial Fourier transform around the origin of the reciprocal vector space. The long-range point density fluctuations are suppressed as well in materials consisting of such distribution of scatterers, opening up opportunities to control waves. Beside wave transport in such structured materials are driven by several elements, such as the acoustic properties of the host material, the scatterer characteristics, i.e., dimensions or resonant features, and the scatterer distribution patterns. The effects of these three basic elements on the wave transport properties are usually hard to discriminate. In this work, we analyze the transport properties of acoustic waves in one-dimensional phononic materials constituted of either non-resonant or resonant scatterers distributed along stealthy hyperuniform patterns in air. The pattern is controlled by the stealthiness, allowing us to continuously vary from random phononic materials to phononic crystals. The properties of the scatterers are controlled by their size and/or the resonant frequencies. The properties of the host material are controlled by the viscothermal losses. Transport properties of stealthy hyperuniform materials are found to be robust to both the scatterer dimensions and inherent viscothermal losses, while strongly affected by the scatterer resonances, which introduce sharp dips in the transmission coefficient.
Two-dimensional porous graphitic carbon nitride C6N7 monolayer: First-principles calculations
Authors: Bafekry A. , Faraji M. , Fadlallah M. M. , Abdolhosseini Sarsari I. , Jappor H. R. , Fazeli S. , Ghergherehchi M.
Published: October 2021

The fabrication of the C6N7 monolayer [Zhao et al., Sci. Bull. 66, 1764 (2021)] motivated us to discover the optical, structural, mechanical, and electronic properties of the C6N7 monolayer by employing the density functional theory (DFT) method. We find that the shear modulus and Young's modulus of the C6N7 monolayer are smaller than the relevant values of graphene. However, Poisson's ratio is more significant than that of graphene. Applying the PBE (HSE06) functional bandgap of the C6N7 monolayer is 1.2 (1.97) eV, and the electronic dispersion is almost isotropic around the Γ point. C6N7 is more active in the ultraviolet region as compared to the visible light region. This study provides outstanding results, highlighting the bright viewpoints for the applications of the C6N7 monolayer in electronic and optical systems.
Study on screening current field of quasi-isotropic strand and directly stacked strand at different field orientations
Authors: Nie Yang , Wang Yinshun , Liu Yating , Wang Jian , Pi Wei
Published: October 2021

REBCO tapes, the so-called second-generation high temperature superconductor, have wide application prospects in electrical engineering and high field magnets because of their high critical current density and superior mechanical and electromagnetic properties. However, a screening current field (SCF) can be induced by the perpendicular component of the magnetic field if the tapes are in a variable magnetic field since the width of the commercial tape is generally more than 2 mm. As a result, the SCF results in an uneven spatial distribution of the magnetic field. In this paper, the SCFs of the quasi-isotropic strand and the directly stacked strand, made of the REBCO tapes, are calculated at 77 K under different orientations of a 300 mT external magnetic field. Then, the experiments are conducted under the same conditions as the simulation. The experimental results are in good agreement with the calculated results. The conclusions of this paper are helpful to understand the SCFs of two kinds of strands and useful in the design of high field magnets in the future.
Strongly enhanced second-order optical nonlinearity in CMOS-compatible Al1−xScxN thin films
Authors: Yoshioka Valerie , Lu Jian , Tang Zichen , Jin Jicheng , Olsson Roy H. , Zhen Bo
Published: October 2021

Silicon photonics has enabled large-scale production of integrated optical devices for a vast array of applications. However, extending its use to nonlinear devices is difficult since silicon does not exhibit an intrinsic second-order nonlinearity. While heterogeneous integration of strongly nonlinear materials is possible, it often requires additional procedures since these materials cannot be directly grown on silicon. On the other hand, CMOS-compatible materials often suffer from weaker nonlinearities, compromising efficiency. A promising alternative to current material platforms is scandium-doped aluminum nitride (Al1−xScxN), which maintains the CMOS compatibility of aluminum nitride (AlN) and has been used in electrical devices for its enhanced piezoelectricity. Here, we observe enhancement in optical second-order susceptibility (χ(2)) in CMOS-compatible Al1−xScxN thin films with varying Sc concentrations. For Al0.64Sc0.36N, the χ(2) component d33 is enhanced to 62.3 ± 5.6 pm/V, which is 12 times stronger than intrinsic AlN and twice as strong as lithium niobate. Increasing the Sc concentration enhances both χ(2) components, but loss increases with a higher Sc concentration as well, with Al0.64Sc0.36N exhibiting 17.2 dB/cm propagation loss at 1550 nm and Al0.80Sc0.20N exhibiting 8.2 dB/cm at 1550 nm. Since other material properties of this alloy are also affected by Sc, tuning the Sc concentration can balance strong nonlinearity, loss, and other factors depending on the needs of specific applications. As such, Al1−xScxN could facilitate low cost development of nonlinear integrated photonic devices.
Low-defect-density ZnO homoepitaxial films grown by low-temperature ALD
Authors: Elam David , Ortega Eduardo , Nemashkalo Anastasiia , Strzhemechny Yuri , Ayon Arturo , Ponce Arturo , Chabanov Andrey A.
Published: October 2021

We report atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ZnO thin films on O-polar surface crystalline ZnO substrates at the relatively low temperatures of 120, 150, and 200 °C. The as-grown ZnO films are studied with aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy and diffraction contrast, photoluminescence (PL), and surface photovoltage (SPV) spectroscopy. We find that the homoepitaxial films have a monocrystalline structure with the density of basal stacking faults comparable to that of the substrate (∼1011 cm−2) and that the stacking faults can induce high lattice strain due to their interaction with the inversion domain boundaries. The narrow excitonic PL linewidth (2 meV at 8 K) and the sharp SPV bandgap transition confirm the high quality of the ZnO films. Despite similarities in the film properties, the growth temperature has an effect on the density and spatial distribution of intrinsic defects. Our results demonstrate a considerable potential of ALD ZnO homoepitaxy for fabricating high-quality ZnO nanostructures and attaining viable p-type ZnO.
TO-phonon anisotropies in a highly doped InP (001) grating structure
Authors: Espinosa-Cuellar L. D. , Lastras-Martínez L. F. , Balderas-Navarro R. E. , Castro-García R. , Lastras-Martínez A. , Flores-Camacho J. M. , Panah Mohammad Esmail Aryaee , Semenova Elizaveta , Lavrinenko Andrei V.
Published: October 2021

For zinc blende semiconductors, such as InP, the Raman selection rules for a backscattering configuration from the (001) surface forbid the transversal optical (TO) phonon mode, whereas the longitudinal optical mode is allowed. However, when InP is highly doped with Si atoms, InP-Si clusters with the reduced C3v symmetry allow TO modes in the Raman spectrum with the backscattering configuration. Here, we demonstrate that the amplitude of the TO modes can be modulated spatially by using a highly doped InP grating. By exciting the sample with a laser linearly polarized parallel and perpendicular to the grating grooves, we observe a change in amplitude of the phonon optical response for the TO mode.
Linearized spectrum correlation analysis for thermal helium beam diagnostics
Authors: Nishizawa T. , Griener M. , Dux R. , Grenfell G. , Wendler D. , Kado S. , Manz P. , Cavedon M. ,   ASDEX Upgrade team
Published: October 2021

We introduce a new correlation analysis technique for thermal helium beam (THB) diagnostics. Instead of directly evaluating line ratios from fluctuating time series, we apply arithmetic operations to all available He I lines and construct time series with desired dependencies on the plasma parameters. By cross-correlating those quantities and by evaluating ensemble averages, uncorrelated noise contributions can be removed. Through the synthetic data analysis, we demonstrate that the proposed analysis technique is capable of providing the power spectral densities of meaningful plasma parameters, such as the electron density and the electron temperature, even under low-photon-count conditions. In addition, we have applied this analysis technique to the experimental THB data obtained at the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak and successfully resolved the electron density and temperature fluctuations up to 90 kHz in a reactor relevant high power scenario.
Experimental validation of negative stacking fault energies in metastable face-centered cubic materials
Authors: Werner Konstantin V. , Niessen Frank , Villa Matteo , Somers Marcel A. J.
Published: October 2021

Stacking fault energy (SFE) is considered an important parameter to predict the prevalent plastic deformation mechanism in face-centered cubic (fcc) alloys. Experimental methods for determining SFE presuppose that SFE is positive. Density functional theory (DFT) is a promising tool to predict alloy compositions with low SFEs and desirable mechanical properties. For metastable fcc alloys, DFT predicts negative SFE values, which cannot be validated by the existing experimental procedures. In this contribution, it is demonstrated that experimental procedures to assess SFE values only provide an apparent value that needs correction. The suggested correction relies on the critical resolved shear stress for twinning, which is grain size-dependent, just like the apparent SFE. The correction provides SFE values that are independent of grain size. Accordingly, negative SFEs predicted by DFT can be experimentally validated.
A thermofield-based multilayer multiconfigurational time-dependent Hartree approach to non-adiabatic quantum dynamics at finite temperature
Authors: Fischer Eric W. , Saalfrank Peter
Published: October 2021

We introduce a thermofield-based formulation of the multilayer multiconfigurational time-dependent Hartree (MCTDH) method to study finite temperature effects on non-adiabatic quantum dynamics from a non-stochastic, wave function perspective. Our approach is based on the formal equivalence of bosonic many-body theory at zero temperature with a doubled number of degrees of freedom and the thermal quasi-particle representation of bosonic thermofield dynamics (TFD). This equivalence allows for a transfer of bosonic many-body MCTDH as introduced by Wang and Thoss to the finite temperature framework of thermal quasi-particle TFD. As an application, we study temperature effects on the ultrafast internal conversion dynamics in pyrazine. We show that finite temperature effects can be efficiently accounted for in the construction of multilayer expansions of thermofield states in the framework presented herein. Furthermore, we find our results to agree well with existing studies on the pyrazine model based on the ρMCTDH method.
Coherent epitaxy of trilayer nickelate (Nd0.8Sr0.2)4Ni3O10 films by high-pressure magnetron sputtering
Authors: Bi Jiachang , Pei Yujuan , Zhang Ruyi , Peng Shaoqin , Wang Xinming , Sun Jie , Feng Jiagui , Yang Jingkai , Cao Yanwei
Published: October 2021

Rare-earth nickelates (such as perovskite RNiO3, trilayer R4Ni3O10, and infinite layer RNiO2) have attracted tremendous interest very recently. However, unlike the widely studied RNiO3 and RNiO2 films, the synthesis of trilayer nickelate R4Ni3O10 films is rarely reported. Here, single-crystalline (Nd0.8Sr0.2)4Ni3O10 epitaxial films were coherently grown on SrTiO3 substrates by high-pressure magnetron sputtering. The crystal and electronic structures of (Nd0.8Sr0.2)4Ni3O10 films with oxygen ligand holes were characterized by high-resolution x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoemission spectroscopy, and resonant soft x-ray absorption spectroscopy. The electrical transport measurements reveal a metal–insulator transition behavior near 82 K and negative magnetoresistance in (Nd0.8Sr0.2)4Ni3O10 films. Our work provides a novel route to synthesize high-quality trilayer nickelate R4Ni3O10 films with RNiO3 targets by high-pressure magnetron sputtering.