bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Efficient and Tunable Emission of Lead‐Free Manganese Halides toward White Light‐Emitting Diode and X‐Ray Scintillation Applications
Authors: Jiang Tingming , Ma Wenbo , Zhang Hao , Tian Yue , Lin Gang , Xiao Wenge , Yu Xue , Qiu Jianbei , Xu Xuhui , (Michael) Yang Yang , Ju Dianxing
Published: January 2021

Environmental friendly metal halides have become emerging candidates as energy downconverting emitters for lighting and X‐ray imaging applications. Herein, luminescent single crystals of tetramethylammonium manganese chloride (C4H12NMnCl3) and tetraethylammonium bromide ((C8H20N)2MnBr4) are synthesized via a facile room‐temperature evaporation method. C4H12NMnCl3 and (C8H20N)2MnBr4 with octahedrally and tetrahedrally coordinated Mn2+ have correspondingly exhibited red and green emission peaking at 635 and 515 nm both originating from 4T1–6A1 transition of Mn2+ with high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 91.8% and 85.1% benefiting from their specific crystal structures. Thanks to their strong photoexcitation under blue light, high PLQY, tunable emission spectra, good environmental stability, the white light‐emitting diode based on blending of C4H12NMnCl3 and (C8H20N)2MnBr4 delivers an outstanding luminous efficacy of 96 lm W−1, approaching commercial level, and shows no obvious photoluminescence intensity degradation after 3000 h under operation. In addition, manganese halides also demonstrate interesting characteristics under X‐ray excitation, C4H12NMnCl3 and (C8H20N)2MnBr4 exhibit steady‐state X‐ray light yields of 50 500 and 24 400 photons MeV−1, low detectable limits of 36.9 and 24.2 nGyair s−1, good radiation hardness, and X‐ray imaging demonstration with high‐resolution of 5 lp mm−1. This work presents a new avenue for luminescent Mn‐based metal halides toward multifunctional light‐emitting applications.
All Slot‐Die Coated Non‐Fullerene Organic Solar Cells with PCE 11%
Authors: Chaturvedi Neha , Gasparini Nicola , Corzo Daniel , Bertrandie Jules , Wehbe Nimer , Troughton Joel , Baran Derya
Published: January 2021

Slot‐die (SD) coating is used to fabricate fully solution processed organic solar cells (OSCs) based on a blend of high performance donor polymer (PTB7‐Th) and a non‐fullerene acceptor (IEICO‐4F) for stable devices over extended periods of operation. The optimization of a sequential deposition process of transport and active layers, under ambient conditions, enable high efficiency slot‐die coated solar cells with remarkable power conversion efficiencies (PCE) > 11.0% to bridge the gap between lab‐to‐fab. Fully slot‐die coated inverted OSCs are demonstrated with efficiencies reaching 11% along with 1 cm2 devices, proving the scalability and reproducibility of the proposed technique. Further, replacing the evaporated Ag electrode with solution processed Ag nanowire (AgNW) electrodes shows the highest light utilization efficiency of 5.26% for semi‐transparent OSC with a PCE of 9.07% and average visible transmission of 58%.
Colossal Magnetoresistance without Mixed Valence in a Layered Phosphide Crystal
Authors: Wang Zhi‐Cheng , Rogers Jared D. , Yao Xiaohan , Nichols Renee , Atay Kemal , Xu Bochao , Franklin Jacob , Sochnikov Ilya , Ryan Philip J. , Haskel Daniel , Tafti Fazel
Published: January 2021

Materials with strong magnetoresistive responses are the backbone of spintronic technology, magnetic sensors, and hard drives. Among them, manganese oxides with a mixed valence and a cubic perovskite structure stand out due to their colossal magnetoresistance (CMR). A double exchange interaction underlies the CMR in manganates, whereby charge transport is enhanced when the spins on neighboring Mn3+ and Mn4+ ions are parallel. Prior efforts to find different materials or mechanisms for CMR resulted in a much smaller effect. Here an enormous CMR at low temperatures in EuCd2P2 without manganese, oxygen, mixed valence, or cubic perovskite structure is shown. EuCd2P2 has a layered trigonal lattice and exhibits antiferromagnetic ordering at 11 K. The magnitude of CMR (104%) in as‐grown crystals of EuCd2P2 rivals the magnitude in optimized thin films of manganates. The magnetization, transport, and synchrotron X‐ray data suggest that strong magnetic fluctuations are responsible for this phenomenon. The realization of CMR at low temperatures without heterovalency leads to a new regime for materials and technologies related to antiferromagnetic spintronics.
Tip‐Enhanced Electric Field: A New Mechanism Promoting Mass Transfer in Oxygen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Liu Peng , Chen Bo , Liang Caiwu , Yao Wentao , Cui Yuanzheng , Hu Shengyu , Zou Peichao , Zhang Hua , Fan Hong Jin , Yang Cheng
Published: January 2021

The slow kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) causes high power consumption for electrochemical water splitting. Various strategies have been attempted to accelerate the OER rate, but there are few studies on regulating the transport of reactants especially under large current densities when the mass transfer factor dominates the evolution reactions. Herein, NixFe1–x alloy nanocones arrays (with ≈2 nm surface NiO/NiFe(OH)2 layer) are adopted to boost the transport of reactants. Finite element analysis suggests that the high‐curvature tips can enhance the local electric field, which induces an order of magnitude higher concentration of hydroxide ions (OH−) at the active sites and promotes intrinsic OER activity by 67% at 1.5 V. Experimental results show that a fabricated NiFe nanocone array electrode, with optimized alloy composition, has a small overpotential of 190 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and 255 mV at 500 mA cm−2. When calibrated by electrochemical surface area, the nanocones electrode outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art OER electrocatalysts. The positive effect of the tip‐enhanced local electric field in promoting mass transfer is also confirmed by comparing samples with different tip curvature radii. It is suggested that this local field enhanced OER kinetics is a generic effect to other OER catalysts.
Rational Design of High‐Concentration Ti3+ in Porous Carbon‐Doped TiO2 Nanosheets for Efficient Photocatalytic Ammonia Synthesis
Authors: Han Qing , Wu Chongbei , Jiao Haimiao , Xu Ruoyu , Wang Yuze , Xie Jijia , Guo Qian , Tang Junwang
Published: January 2021

Photocatalytic ammonia synthesis is exciting but quite challenging with a very moderate yield at present. One of the greatest challenges is to develop highly active centers in a photocatalyst for N2 reduction under ambient conditions. Herein, porous carbon‐doped anatase TiOx (C‐TiOx) nanosheets with high‐concentration active sites of Ti3+ are presented, which are produced by layered Ti3SiC2 through a reproducible bottom‐up approach. It is shown that the high‐concentration Ti3+ sites are the major species for the significant increase in N2 photoreduction activity by the C‐TiOx. Such bottom‐up substitutional doping of C into TiO2 is responsible for both visible absorption and generation of Ti3+ concentration. Together with the porous nanosheets morphology and the loading of a Ru/RuO2 nanosized cocatalyst for enhanced charge separation and transfer, the optimal C‐TiOx with a Ti3+/Ti4+ ratio of 72.1% shows a high NH3 production rate of 109.3 µmol g−1 h−1 under visible‐light irradiation and a remarkable apparent quantum efficiency of 1.1% at 400 nm, which is the highest compared to all TiO2‐based photocatalysts at present.
Preparation and Potential Catalytic Applications of Hierarchically Structured Zeolites with Macropores
Authors: Weissenberger Tobias , Machoke Albert G. F. , Reiprich Bastian , Schwieger Wilhelm
Published: January 2021

Hierarchically structured zeolites can mitigate problems arising from the slow transport in the micropores, such as diffusion limitations. Hence, a manifold of different preparation methods for hierarchical zeolites have been developed over the years and the corresponding zeolites showed superior performance due to enhanced mass transport caused by higher diffusivities in the additional pore system and reduced diffusion path length in the micropores. The dimensions of the additional secondary “transport” pores in these materials is a major factor affecting their diffusion properties and consequently their catalytic performance. Interestingly almost all reports focus on the generation of additional mesopores and study of catalytic performance of mesoporous zeolites. Larger macropores with pore diameters of more than 50 nm, however, have some intrinsic advantages over mesopores that make them very attractive for catalytic applications. In the last years, methods for the preparation of zeolites and zeolite composites with additional macropores have been developed. These developments have brought about a novel and promising class of hierarchically structured materials; zeolites with macropores. This review gives an overview about different preparation routes for zeolites with inter or intra crystalline macropores as well as zeolite composites with macropores and summarizes the first studies regarding catalytic their performance.
Dual Passivation of Perovskite and SnO2 for High‐Efficiency MAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Yali , Zuo Xuejiao , He Yiyang , Qian Fang , Zuo Shengnan , Zhang Yalan , Liang Lei , Chen Zuqin , Zhao Kui , Liu Zhike , Gou Jing , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: January 2021

So far, most techniques for modifying perovskite solar cells (PSCs) focus on either the perovskite or electron transport layer (ETL). For the sake of comprehensively improving device performance, a dual‐functional method of simultaneously passivating trap defects in both the perovskite and ETL films is proposed that utilizes guidable transfer of Eu3+ in SnO2 to perovskite. Europium ions are distributed throughout the SnO2 film during the formation process of SnO2, and they can diffuse directionally through the SnO2/perovskite interface into the perovskite, while most of the europium ions remain at the interface. Under the synergistic effect of distributed Eu3+ in the SnO2 and aggregated Eu3+ at the interface, the electron mobilities of ETLs are evidently improved. Meanwhile, diffused Eu3+ ions passivate the perovskite to reduce trap densities at the grain boundaries, which can dramatically elevate the open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of PSCs. Finally, the mainly PSCs coated on SnO2:Eu3+ ETL achieve a power conversion efficiency of 20.14%. Moreover, an unsealed device degrades by only 13% after exposure to ambient atmosphere for 84 days.
Synergistic Ice Inhibition Effect Enhances Rapid Freezing Cryopreservation with Low Concentration of Cryoprotectants
Authors: Chang Tie , Moses Oyawale Adetunji , Tian Conghui , Wang Hai , Song Li , Zhao Gang
Published: January 2021

Despite recent advances in controlling ice formation and growth, it remains a challenge to design anti‐icing materials in various fields from atmospheric to biological cryopreservation. Herein, tungsten diselenide (WSe2)‐polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized through one‐step solvothermal route. The WSe2‐PVP NPs show synergetic ice regulation ability both in the freezing and thawing processes. Molecularly speaking, PVP containing amides group can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. At a macro level, the WSe2‐PVP NPs show adsorption‐inhibition and photothermal conversation effects to synergistically restrict ice growth. Meanwhile, WSe2‐PVP NPs are for the first time used for the cryopreservation of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC)‐laden constructs based on rapid freezing with low concentrations of cryoprotectants (CPAs), the experimental results indicate that a minimal concentration (0.5 mg mL−1) of WSe2‐PVP NPs can increase the viabilities of HUVECs in the constructs post cryopreservation (from 55.8% to 83.4%) and the cryopreserved constructs can also keep good condition in vivo within 7 days. Therefore, this work provides a novel strategy to synergistically suppress the formation and growth of the ice crystalsfor the cryopreservation of cells, tissues, or organs.
Sequential Deposition of Donor and Acceptor Provides High‐Performance Semitransparent Organic Photovoltaics Having a Pseudo p–i–n Active Layer Structure
Authors: Wang Hao‐Cheng , Cheng Pei , Tan Shaun , Chen Chung‐Hao , Chang Bin , Tsao Cheng‐Si , Chen Li‐Yin , Hsieh Chung‐An , Lin Yu‐Che , Cheng Hao‐Wen , Yang Yang , Wei Kung‐Hwa
Published: January 2021

Semitransparent organic photovoltaics (ST‐OPVs) have great potential for use in renewable energy technologies. In bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) ST‐OPVs, a compromise is necessary between the visible light transmittance (VLT) and the power conversion efficiency (PCE). A sequential deposition (SD) strategy that involves individually depositing a polymer donor layer (D) and a small‐molecule acceptor layer (A) as the active layer is presented; where molecular diffusion occurring at the interfacial region results in a pseudo p–i–n structure. PBDB‐T‐2F(D)/Y6(A) ST‐OPVs are fabricated with different active layer thicknesses—at 115 nm, the SD (D:A/75:40 nm) and BHJ devices (D:A/1:1.2 w) provide the champion PCE of 12.91% (VLT of 14.5%) and 12.77% (VLT of 13.4%), respectively; at 85 nm, the SD (D:A/45:40 nm) and BHJ devices (D:A/1:1.2 w) provide a PCE of 12.22% (VLT of 22.2%) and 11.23% (VLT of 16.6%), respectively. This trend indicates SD devices have larger PCE and VLT values than the BHJ devices at a given active layer thickness, and the enhancements of PCE and VLT values by the SD structures against the BHJ structures become more pronounced as the active layer thickness reduced. The SD strategy provides a new approach for achieving ST‐OPVs with both high efficiency and high transparency.
Residual herbicides affect critical time of Palmer amaranth removal in soybean
Authors: de Sanctis Jose H. S. , Barnes Ethann R. , Knezevic Stevan Z. , Kumar Vipan , Jhala Amit J.
Published: January 2021

Glyphosate‐resistant (GR) Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) is one of the most difficult to control weeds in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production fields. Residual pre‐emergence (PRE) herbicide applied at planting is one of the recommendations for management of herbicide‐resistant Palmer amaranth; however, information is not available about the effect of residual herbicides on critical time of Palmer amaranth removal (CTPAR) to prevent an unacceptable yield loss in soybean. The objective of this study was to determine the CTPAR in soybean affected by residual PRE herbicides compared with the no PRE herbicide in southcentral Nebraska. Field experiments were conducted in 2018 and 2019 in a grower's field infested with GR Palmer amaranth near Carleton, NE. The treatments were arranged in a split‐plot design with PRE herbicides (no PRE herbicide, flumioxazin, and a premix of flumioxazin/metribuzin/pyroxasulfone) as the main plot and Palmer amaranth removal timings as subplot treatments (a weed‐free control; a nontreated control; and Palmer amaranth removal timing at the V1, V3, V6, R2, and R5 soybean growth stages). In the absence of a PRE herbicide, the CTPAR at 5% soybean yield loss occurred at V1 and V6 soybean growth stages, equivalent to 194 and 480 Celsius growing degrees days (GDDc) in 2018 and 2019, respectively. When flumioxazin was applied alone, the CTPAR was delayed until the V3 and V6 soybean growth stages, or 341 and 501 GDDc. When flumioxazin/metribuzin/pyroxasulfone premix was applied, the CTPAR was delayed until the V2 and R1 soybean growth stages, corresponding to 255 and 546 GDDc, in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Essential updates 2019/2020: Surgical treatment of gallbladder cancer
Authors: Matsuyama Ryusei , Yabusita Yasuhiro , Homma Yuki , Kumamoto Takafumi , Endo Itaru
Published: January 2021

Gallbladder cancer is a biliary tract cancer that originates in the gallbladder and cystic ducts and is recognized worldwide as a refractory cancer with early involvement of the surrounding area because of its anatomical characteristics. Although the number of cases is increasing steadily worldwide, the frequency of this disease remains low, making it difficult to plan large‐scale clinical studies, and there is still much discussion about the indications for surgical resection and the introduction of multidisciplinary treatment. Articles published between 2019 and 2020 were reviewed, focusing mainly on the indications for surgical resection for each tumor stage, the treatment of incidental gallbladder cancer, and current trends in minimally invasive surgery for gallbladder cancer.
Operability and control in process intensification and modular design: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Pistikopoulos Efstratios N. , Tian Yuhe , Bindlish Rahul
Published: January 2021

In this article, the importance of considering operability and control criteria in the analysis and design of intensified and modular processes is discussed. We first analyze the impact on operability of key factors including: (i) degrees of freedom, (ii) process constraints, (iii) numbering up vs. scaling up, and (iv) dynamic/periodic operation. Comparative examples are presented to showcase the pros and cons in intensified/modular systems vs. their conventional counterparts from operability and control aspects. Then we look into metrics and tools to address these challenges such as: (i) flexibility analysis, (ii) operability‐based design, and (iii) advanced model‐based control. Considering different conceptual design stages as synthesis intensification, steady‐state design, and dynamic operational optimization, we highlight the need to incorporate different levels of operability considerations. Future research opportunities and perspectives are also identified, particularly emphasizing the importance of a holistic strategy for integrated design, operability, and control of intensified and modular process systems.
Variability of weaning age in mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei)
Authors: Robbins Martha M. , Robbins Andrew M.
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Weaning is a key life history milestone for mammals that represents both the end of nutritional investment from the perspective of mothers and the start of complete nutritional independence for the infants. The age at weaning may vary depending on ecological, social, and demographic factors experienced by the mother and infant. Bwindi mountain gorillas live in different environmental conditions and have longer interbirth intervals than their counterparts in the Virunga Volcanoes, yet other life history characteristics of this population remain less well known. We use long‐term data from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda to examine factors related to weaning age.

Materials and methods

We analyzed data on infants born in four mountain gorilla groups in Bwindi to quantify their age of weaning (defined as last nipple contact) and to test if the sex of offspring, parity, and dominance rank of mother influences age of weaning. We also compared the age at weaning and time to conception after resumption of mating in Bwindi and Virunga gorillas.

Results

Bwindi gorillas were weaned at an average age of 57.5 months. No difference was found between age of weaning for primiparous and multiparous mothers, nor did maternal dominance rank influence age of weaning, but sons were weaned at a later age than daughters. The majority of Bwindi mothers were still suckling when they resumed mating and mothers generally conceived before they weaned their previous offspring. The age of weaning was significantly later in Bwindi than in Virunga gorillas. After mothers resumed mating, the time to conceiving the next offspring was not significantly longer for Bwindi females than Virungas females (6 vs. 4 months).

Discussion

Later weaning age for sons than daughters is similar to findings of other studies of great apes. Bwindi mountain gorillas are weaned at approximately the same age as western gorillas and chimpanzees, which is more than a year later than Virunga mountain gorillas. The results of this study suggest that variation in ecological conditions of populations living in close geographic proximity can result in variation in life history patterns, which has implications for understanding the evolution of the unique life history patterns of humans.
Targeted Delivery of Persulfides to the Gut: Effects on the Microbiome
Authors: Dillon Kearsley M. , Morrison Holly A. , Powell Chadwick R. , Carrazzone Ryan J. , Ringel‐Scaia Veronica M. , Winckler Ethan W. , Council‐Troche R. McAlister , Allen Irving C. , Matson John B.
Published: January 2021

Persulfides (R−SSH) have been hypothesized as potent redox modulators and signaling compounds. Reported herein is the synthesis, characterization, and in vivo evaluation of a persulfide donor that releases N‐acetyl cysteine persulfide (NAC‐SSH) in response to the prokaryote‐specific enzyme nitroreductase. The donor, termed NDP‐NAC, decomposed in response to E. coli nitroreductase, resulting in release of NAC‐SSH. NDP‐NAC elicited gastroprotective effects in mice that were not observed in animals treated with control compounds incapable of persulfide release or in animals treated with Na2S. NDP‐NAC induced these effects by the upregulation of beneficial small‐ and medium‐chain fatty acids and through increasing growth of Turicibacter sanguinis, a beneficial gut bacterium. It also decreased the populations of Synergistales bacteria, opportunistic pathogens implicated in gastrointestinal infections. This study reveals the possibility of maintaining gut health or treating microbiome‐related diseases by the targeted delivery of reactive sulfur species.
Influence of preparation method on adhesion and drying performances of polyurethane dispersion
Authors: Wang Qichao , Xin Xiulan , Liu Hongqin , Song Nan , Xu Baocai , Wang Meng
Published: January 2021

Waterborne polyurethane (WPU) dispersions with a high solid content were prepared by one‐step and two‐step methods with polyester and polyether type macromolecular diols as the main raw materials. The effects of two synthesis methods on the properties of WPU of polyester and polyether were studied. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, particle size and distribution, and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements were utilized to characterize the structure. The dryness test results showed that the WPU synthesized with polyester diol as the soft segment by the two‐step method had the best drying. In addition, the microstructure of WPU was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, which confirmed that WPU was mainly spherical structure. TGA and scanning electron microscopy results showed that the microphase separation between the soft and hard segments of WPU prepared by the two‐step method was weaker, the hydrogen bonding was stronger, the adhesion, and thermal stability of WPU was improved.
Type I Interferon–Activated STAT4 Regulation of Follicular Helper T Cell–Dependent Cytokine and Immunoglobulin Production in Lupus
Authors: Dong Xuemei , Antao Olivia Q. , Song Wenzhi , Sanchez Gina M. , Zembrzuski Krzysztof , Koumpouras Fotios , Lemenze Alexander , Craft Joe , Weinstein Jason S.
Published: January 2021

Objective

To assess the role of STAT4 activation in driving pathogenic follicular helper T (Tfh) cell secretion of the cytokines interleukin‐21 (IL‐21) and interferon‐γ (IFNγ) in murine and human lupus.

Methods

The effect of STAT4‐dependent Tfh cell signaling on cytokine production and autoreactive B cell maturation was assessed temporally during the course of lupus in a murine model, with further assessment of Tfh cell gene transcription performed using RNA‐Seq technology. STAT4‐dependent signaling and cytokine production were also determined in circulating Tfh‐like cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as compared to cells from healthy control subjects, and correlations with disease activity were assessed in the Tfh‐like cells from SLE patients.

Results

IL‐21– and IFNγ‐coproducing Tfh cells expanded prior to the detection of potentially pathogenic IgG2c autoantibodies in lupus‐prone mice. Tfh cells transcriptionally evolved during the course of disease with acquisition of a STAT4‐dependent gene signature. Maintenance of Tfh cell cytokine synthesis was dependent upon STAT4 signaling, driven by type I IFNs. Circulating Tfh‐like cells from patients with SLE also secreted IL‐21 and IFNγ, with STAT4 phosphorylation enhanced by IFNβ, in association with the extent of clinical disease activity.

Conclusion

We identified a role for type I IFN signaling in driving STAT4 activation and production of IL‐21 and IFNγ by Tfh cells in murine and human lupus. Enhanced STAT4 activation in Tfh cells may underlie pathogenic B cell responses in both murine and human lupus. These data indicate that STAT4 guides pathogenic cytokine and immunoglobulin production in SLE, demonstrating a potential therapeutic target to modulate autoimmunity.
Meaning‐making on gender: Deeply meaningful information in a significant life change among transgender people
Authors: Huttunen Aira , Kortelainen Terttu
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this paper is to report on the seeking of deeply meaningful information, also including embodied information, connected to significant, intensely personal life changes having lifelong impacts. The concepts of “meaning‐making,” “transitioning,” and information seeking in “deeply meaningful and profoundly personal contexts” are used in order to understand transgender individuals' information seeking in the contexts of gender identity formation. Based on the literature, emotions and information seeking connected to a significant life change were divided into four phases to study how they could be identified in the 25 qualitative interviews with transgender individuals from Finland between the ages of 15 and 72. Based on the findings of this study, in significant life changes, an individual needs reliable, sensible and identifiable information. Serendipitous encounters and embodied experiences characterize information seeking during transitional stages. Peer communities are important for minorities in order to find places where interviewees feel safe to share information and experiences. These communities can also be found online. The concept of “deeply meaningful information” highlights the effect information has on information seekers. Deeply meaningful information can serve as a trigger for life change, helping people forward during the transitions.
On the vertical extending of the explosive extratropical cyclone: A case study
Authors: Jiang Li‐Zhi , Yu Hai‐Guo , Dong Li , Fu Shen‐Ming , Sun Jian‐Hua , Zheng Fei , Yi Kan , Ma Hui
Published: January 2021

Explosive extratropical cyclone (EEC) is the main disastrous weather system over the ocean and offshore areas in the cold season. As a type of vertically deep system, after decades of studies, key features of EECs' vertical extents still remain vague. Based on a reasonably simulated entire‐troposphere‐thick EEC, this study analyzes variation of the EEC's vertical extent and investigates governing mechanisms for its vertical extending. Main findings are as follows: (a) the EEC's vertical extent showed consistent variation features with its central sea level pressure and lower‐level vorticity (correlation coefficients were ~0.9), whereas its relationship with EEC's maximum surface wind was not significant; (b) EEC's upward extending featured strong ascending motion and rapid cyclonic‐vorticity enhancement at the top level of the cyclone and obvious inflow (convergence) in the lower troposphere. (c) vorticity budget at the EEC's top level shows that net import transport of cyclonic vorticity (by westerly and northwesterly winds) from the trough west of the cyclone dominated its upward extending, and upward transport of cyclonic vorticity from levels below the cyclone's top level acted as the second dominant factor. In contrast, divergence‐related vertical shrinking around the EEC's top level was the most detrimental factor for the cyclone's upward extending.
Red dwarf stars as a new source type of galactic cosmic rays
Authors: Sinitsyna Vera G. , Sinitsyna Vera Yu. , Stozhkov Yurii I.
Published: January 2021

The experimental data obtained with Pamela, Fermi, AMS‐02, and other spectrometers cannot be explained using the diffusive models of propagation of cosmic‐rays accelerated at the supernova shocks and require the existence of nearby sources of cosmic rays at the distances less than 1 kpc. These sources could explain the growth of the ratio of galactic positrons to electrons with an increase of their energy, the complex dependence of the exponent of the proton and alpha spectra from the energy of these particles, the appearance of anomaly component in cosmic rays. We consider active dwarf stars as possible sources of galactic cosmic rays in the energy range up to ∼1014 eV. These stars produce powerful stellar flares sometimes with energy release more than 1036 erg. The generation of high‐energy cosmic rays should be accompanied by high‐energy gamma‐ray emission, which may be detected. Here we present the SHALON long‐term observation data aimed to search for gamma‐ray emission above 800 GeV from the active red dwarf stars: V388 Cas, V547 Cas, V780 Tau, V962 Tau, V1589 Cyg, GJ 3684, GJ 1078, and GL 851.1. The TeV gamma‐ray emission mostly of flaring type from these sources was detected. This result confirms that active dwarf stars are also the sources of high‐energy galactic cosmic rays.
Antibiofilm effect of mono‐rhamnolipids and di‐rhamnolipids on carbon steel submitted to oil produced water
Authors: Rocha Vanessa Alves Lima , de Castilho Lívia Vieira Araujo , Castro Rui de Paula Vieira de , Teixeira Douglas Braga , Magalhães Augusto Vieira , Abreu Fernanda de Avila , Cypriano Jefferson Bomfim Silva , Gomez José Gregório Cabrera , Freire Denise Maria Guimarães
Published: January 2021

The objective of this study was to compare the potential of mono‐rhamnolipids (mono‐RML) and di‐rhamnolipids (di‐RML) against biofilm formation on carbon steel coupons submitted to oil produced water for 14 days. The antibiofilm effect of the RML on the coupons was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by epifluorescence microscopy, and the contact angle was measured using a goniometer. SEM analysis results showed that all RML congeners had effective antibiofilm action, as well as preliminary anticorrosion evaluation confirmed that all RML congeners prevented the metal deterioration. In more detail, epifluorescence microscopy showed that mono‐RML were the most efficient congeners in preventing microorganism's adherence on the carbon steel metal. Image analyses indicate the presence of 15.9%, 3.4%, and <0.1% of viable particles in di‐RML, mono/di‐RML and mono‐RML pretreatments, respectively, in comparison to control samples. Contact angle results showed that the crude carbon steel coupon presented hydrophobic character favoring hydrophobic molecules adhesion. We calculated the theoretical polarity of the RML congeners and verified that mono‐RML (logP = 3.63) presented the most hydrophobic character. This had perfect correspondence to contact angle results, since mono‐RML conditioning (58.2°) more significantly changed the contact angle compared with the conditioning with one of the most common surfactants used on oil industry (29.4°). Based on the results, it was concluded that rhamnolipids are efficient molecules to be used to avoid biofilm on carbon steel metal when submitted to oil produced water and that a higher proportion of mono‐rhamnolipids is more indicated for this application.
Essential Oil from Bark of Aniba parviflora (Meisn.) Mez (Lauraceae) Reduces HepG2 Cell Proliferation and Inhibits Tumor Development in a Xenograft Model
Authors: de Oliveira Felipe P. , da C. Rodrigues Ana Carolina B. , de Lima Emilly J. S. P. , Silva Valdenizia R. , de S. Santos Luciano , da Anunciação Talita A. , Nogueira Mateus L. , Soares Milena B. P. , Dias Rosane B. , Gurgel Rocha Clarissa A. , Duvoisin Junior Sérgio , Albuquerque Patrícia M. , Lima Emerson S. , Gonçalves José F. C. , Bataglion Giovana A. , Costa Emmanoel V. , da Silva Felipe M. A. , Koolen Hector H. F. , Bezerra Daniel P.
Published: January 2021

Aniba parviflora (Meisn.) Mez (Lauraceae) is an aromatic plant of the Amazon rainforest, which has a tremendous commercial value in the perfumery industry; it is popularly used as flavoring sachets and aromatic baths. In Brazilian folk medicine, A. parviflora is used to treat victims of snakebites. Herein, we analyzed the chemical composition of A. parviflora bark essential oil (EO) and its effect on the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells in vitro and in vivo. EO was obtained by hydrodistillation and characterized by GC‐MS and GC‐FID. The main constituents of EO were linalool (16.3±3.15), α‐humulene (14.5±2.41 %), δ‐cadinene (10.2±1.09 %), α‐copaene (9.51±1.12 %) and germacrene B (7.58±2.15 %). Initially, EO's cytotoxic effect was evaluated against five cancer cell lines (HepG2, MCF‐7, HCT116, HL‐60 and B16‐F10) and one non‐cancerous one (MRC‐5), using the Alamar blue method after 72 h of treatment. The calculated IC50 values were 9.05, 22.04, >50, 15.36, 17.57, and 30.46 μg/mL, respectively. The best selectivity was for HepG2 cells with a selective index of 3.4. DNA Fragmentation and cell cycle distribution were quantified in HepG2 cells by flow cytometry after a treatment period of 24 and 48 h. The effect of EO on tumor development in vivo was evaluated in a xenograft model using C.B‐17 SCID mice engrafted with HepG2 cells. In vivo tumor growth inhibition of HepG2 xenograft at the doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg were 12.1 and 62.4 %, respectively.
Atheroembolic kidney disease: The under‐recognized silent killer
Authors: Ștefan Gabriel , Zugravu Adrian , Stancu Simona , Gherghiceanu Mihaela , Terinte‐Balcan George
Published: January 2021

While kidney biopsy demonstrating cholesterol crystal emboli is the method of definitive diagnosis; the triad of acute to subacute renal failure with skin findings in the setting of recent precipitating event should raise clinical suspicion for atheroembolic kidney disease.
Impact of N‐Structure Geometry on Heat Transfer in a Microchannel Heat Exchanger
Authors: Zhang Ying , Pan Minqiang
Published: January 2021

A new microchannel heat exchanger with N‐structure is proposed to balance the heat transfer performance and pressure drop. A straight channel section equal to the wavelength of the continuous wave microchannel is added to create an N‐structure microchannel. The relationship between different N‐structures of the microchannel and the heat transfer performance as well as the structural influence of the N‐structure on heat transfer characteristics are investigated. The performance of the microchannel is affected by the arrangement of wave channel sections in the N‐structure. The symmetrical N‐structure has the best heat transfer effect. The pressure drop between the inlet and outlet of the cold side is mainly influenced by the structure of the microchannel. A superior transfer performance is associated with the pressure drop.
Do Docking Sites Persist Upon Fluorination? The Diadamantyl Ether‐Aromatics Challenge for Rotational Spectroscopy and Theory
Authors: Quesada‐Moreno María Mar , Pinacho Pablo , Pérez Cristóbal , Šekutor Marina , Schreiner Peter R. , Schnell Melanie
Published: January 2021

Fluorinated derivatives of biological molecules have proven to be highly efficient at modifying the biological activity of a given protein through changes in the stability and the kind of docking interactions. These interactions can be hindered or facilitated based on the hydrophilic/hydrophobic character of a particular protein region. Diadamantyl ether (C20H30O) possesses both kinds of docking sites, serving as a good template to model these important contacts with aromatic fluorinated counterparts. In this work, an experimental study on the structures of several complexes between diadamantyl ether and benzene as well as a series of fluorinated benzenes is reported to analyze the effect of H→F substitution on the interaction and structure of the resulting molecular clusters using rotational spectroscopy. All experimentally observed complexes are largely dominated by London dispersion interactions with the hydrogen‐terminated surface areas of diadamantyl ether. Already single substitution of one hydrogen atom with fluorine changes the preferred docking site of the complexes. However, the overall contributions of the different intermolecular interactions are similar for the different complexes, contrary to previous studies focusing on the difference in interactions using fluorinated and non‐fluorinated molecules.
Adherence to endocrine therapy including ovarian suppression: A large observational cohort study of US women with early breast cancer
Authors: Reeder‐Hayes Katherine E. , Mayer Sophie E. , Lund Jennifer L.
Published: January 2021

Background

Recent clinical trials support adding ovarian suppression (OS) to oral endocrine therapy (ET) for premenopausal women with early breast cancer. The adoption of OS among real‐world populations and the impact of OS on ET adherence have not been evaluated.

Methods

This study examined a retrospective, observational cohort of women under the age of 50 years with incident early breast cancer from 2001 to 2016. The IBM MarketScan Commercial insurance claims database was used to identify new users of ET with or without OS and to track discontinuation of or adherence to ET. In all, 21,948 women filled at least 1 prescription for ET within 12 months of their diagnosis after a washout period of 12 months with no prior claims. Patients who received an aromatase inhibitor without a synchronous OS drug were excluded.

Results

Use of OS increased over time and reached 11.3% in 2016. In an unadjusted analysis, 40.2% of ET+OS users discontinued ET early, whereas 48.8% of tamoxifen‐alone users did. In adjusted analyses, ET+OS users had a similar likelihood of discontinuing ET in comparison with tamoxifen‐alone users (hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.83‐1.03). Approximately 30% of women had low adherence over the first year of use. The likelihood of high adherence was similar, regardless of OS exposure.

Conclusions

The use of OS among young, commercially insured patients with breast cancer increased over time in agreement with recent clinical trial results but remained relatively low. Nonadherence to ET was common, but the use of OS was not associated with lower adherence to ET in this observational, nonrandomized cohort. These findings may reassure oncologists that use of OS does not endanger ET adherence, although prospective studies are needed for confirmation.
Azurite blue in the Qing dynasty
Authors: Wang Ran , Wang Minghui , Shamey Renzo
Published: January 2021

Azurite blue (shi qin, 石青) was one of the most important colors in the Qing (清) dynasty; however, most people, even those familiar with color description, may find it difficult to describe its exact appearance. To determine and offer a more precise description of azurite blue, nine formal items of clothing, including three ceremonial robes of emperors and their wives, and six court robes from the Qing dynasty were examined using the Natural Color System (NCS) classification and the colors were labeled based on the NCS system. Assessments indicate that while azurite blue in different garments varies on a narrow scale, the colors of the royal robes range from S8010‐R60B to S8505‐R50B, and a color ranging between two NCS notations S8505‐R80B to S8010‐R65B represent those of the officers.
On‐site genetic analysis for species identification using lab‐on‐a‐chip
Authors: Wimbles Ryan , Melling Louise M. , Cain Bradley , Davies Naomi , Doherty Jason , Johnson Bridget , Shaw Kirsty J.
Published: January 2021

This paper presents a microfluidic device capable of performing genetic analysis on dung samples to identify White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum). The development of a microfluidic device, which can be used in the field, offers a portable and cost‐effective solution for DNA analysis and species identification to aid conservation efforts. Optimization of the DNA extraction processes produced equivalent yields compared to conventional kit‐based methods within just 5 minutes. The use of a color‐changing loop‐mediated isothermal amplification reaction for simultaneous detection of the cytochrome B sequence of C. simum enabled positive results to be obtained within as little as 30 minutes. Field testing was performed at Knowsley Safari to demonstrate real‐world applicability of the microfluidic device for testing of biological samples.
Courtship behavior, nesting microhabitat, and assortative mating in sympatric stickleback species pairs
Authors: Dean Laura L. , Dunstan Hannah R. , Reddish Amelia , MacColl Andrew D. C.
Published: January 2021

The maintenance of reproductive isolation in the face of gene flow is a particularly contentious topic, but differences in reproductive behavior may provide the key to explaining this phenomenon. However, we do not yet fully understand how behavior contributes to maintaining species boundaries. How important are behavioral differences during reproduction? To what extent does assortative mating maintain reproductive isolation in recently diverged populations and how important are “magic traits”? Assortative mating can arise as a by‐product of accumulated differences between divergent populations as well as an adaptive response to contact between those populations, but this is often overlooked. Here we address these questions using recently described species pairs of three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), from two separate locations and a phenotypically intermediate allopatric population on the island of North Uist, Scottish Western Isles. We identified stark differences in the preferred nesting substrate and courtship behavior of species pair males. We showed that all males selectively court females of their own ecotype and all females prefer males of the same ecotype, regardless of whether they are from species pairs or allopatric populations. We also showed that mate choice does not appear to be driven by body size differences (a potential “magic trait”). By explicitly comparing the strength of these mating preferences between species pairs and single‐ecotype locations, we were able to show that present levels of assortative mating due to direct mate choice are likely a by‐product of other adaptations between ecotypes, and not subject to obvious selection in species pairs. Our results suggest that ecological divergence in mating characteristics, particularly nesting microhabitat may be more important than direct mate choice in maintaining reproductive isolation in stickleback species pairs.
Leaf litter identity rather than diversity shapes microbial functions and microarthropod abundance in tropical montane rainforests
Authors: Sánchez‐Galindo Laura M. , Sandmann Dorothee , Marian Franca , Krashevska Valentyna , Maraun Mark , Scheu Stefan
Published: January 2021

In tropical forest ecosystems leaf litter from a large variety of species enters the decomposer system, however, the impact of leaf litter diversity on the abundance and activity of soil organisms during decomposition is little known. We investigated the effect of leaf litter diversity and identity on microbial functions and the abundance of microarthropods in Ecuadorian tropical montane rainforests. We used litterbags filled with leaves of six native tree species (Cecropia andina,Dictyocaryum lamarckianum,Myrcia pubescens,Cavendishia zamorensis,Graffenrieda emarginata, andClusiaspp.) and incubated monocultures and all possible two‐ and four‐species combinations in the field for 6 and 12 months. Mass loss, microbial biomass, basal respiration, metabolic quotient, and the slope of microbial growth after glucose addition, as well as the abundance of microarthropods (Acari and Collembola), were measured at both sampling dates. Leaf litter diversity significantly increased mass loss after 6 months of exposure, but reduced microbial biomass after 12 months of exposure. Leaf litter species identity significantly changed both microbial activity and microarthropod abundance with species of high quality (low C‐to‐N ratio), such asC. andina, improving resource quality as indicated by lower metabolic quotient and higher abundance of microarthropods. Nonetheless, species of low quality, such asClusiaspp., also increased the abundance of Oribatida suggesting that leaf litter chemical composition alone is insufficient to explain variation in the abundances of soil microarthropods. Overall, the results provide evidence that decomposition and microbial biomass in litter respond to leaf litter diversity as well as litter identity (chemical and physical characteristics), while microarthropods respond only to litter identity but not litter diversity.
Drivers of large‐scale spatial demographic variation in a perennial plant
Authors: Römer Gesa , Christiansen Ditte M. , de Buhr Hendrik , Hylander Kristoffer , Jones Owen R. , Merinero Sonia , Reitzel Kasper , Ehrlén Johan , Dahlgren Johan P.
Published: January 2021

To understand how the environment drives spatial variation in population dynamics, we need to assess the effects of a large number of potential drivers on vital rates (survival, growth, and reproduction) and explore these relationships over large geographical areas and broad environmental gradients. In this study, we examined the effects of a wide variety of abiotic and biotic environmental factors on the demography of the forest understory herb Actaea spicata between 2017 and 2019 at 40 sites across Sweden, including the northern range margin of its distribution. We assessed the effects of potential environmental drivers on vital rates using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) and then quantified the impact of each important driver on population growth rate (λ) using integral projection models (IPMs). Population dynamics of A. spicata were mostly driven by environmental factors affecting survival and growth, such as air humidity, soil depth, and forest tree species composition, and thus, those drivers jointly determined the realized niche of the species. Soil pH had a strong effect on the flowering probability, while the effect on λ was relatively small. In addition to identifying specific drivers for A. spicata’s population dynamics, our study illustrates the impact that spatial variation in environmental conditions can have on λ. Assessing the effects of a broad range of potential drivers, as done in this study, is important not only to quantify the relative importance of different drivers for population dynamics but also to understand species distributions and abundance patterns.