bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anisometric Microstructures to Determine Minimal Critical Physical Cues Required for Neurite Alignment
Authors: Vedaraman Sitara , Perez‐Tirado Amaury , Haraszti Tamas , Gerardo‐Nava Jose , Nishiguchi Akihiro , De Laporte Laura
Published: July 2021

In nerve regeneration, scaffolds play an important role in providing an artificial extracellular matrix with architectural, mechanical, and biochemical cues to bridge the site of injury. Directed nerve growth is a crucial aspect of nerve repair, often introduced by engineered scaffolds imparting linear tracks. The influence of physical cues, determined by well‐defined architectures, has been mainly studied for implantable scaffolds and is usually limited to continuous guiding features. In this report, the potential of short anisometric microelements in inducing aligned neurite extension, their dimensions, and the role of vertical and horizontal distances between them, is investigated. This provides crucial information to create efficient injectable 3D materials with discontinuous, in situ magnetically oriented microstructures, like the Anisogel. By designing and fabricating periodic, anisometric, discreet guidance cues in a high‐throughput 2D in vitro platform using two‐photon lithography techniques, the authors are able to decipher the minimal guidance cues required for directed nerve growth along the major axis of the microelements. These features determine whether axons grow unidirectionally or cross paths via the open spaces between the elements, which is vital for the design of injectable Anisogels for enhanced nerve repair.
Mechanomaterials: A Rational Deployment of Forces and Geometries in Programming Functional Materials
Authors: Cai Pingqiang , Wang Changxian , Gao Huajian , Chen Xiaodong
Published: July 2021

The knowledge of mechanics of materials has been extensively implemented in developing functional materials, giving rise to recent advances in soft actuators, flexible electronics, mechanical metamaterials, tunable mechanochromics, regenerative mechanomedicine, etc. While conventional mechanics of materials offers passive access to mechanical properties of materials in existing forms, a paradigm shift is emerging toward proactive programming of materials’ functionality by leveraging the force–geometry–property relationships. Here, such a rising field is coined as “mechanomaterials”. To profile the concept, the design principles in this field at four scales is first outlined, namely the atomic scale, the molecular scale, the manipulation of nanoscale materials, and the microscale design of structural materials. A variety of techniques have been recruited to deliver the multiscale programming of functional mechanomaterials, such as strain engineering, capillary assembly, topological interlocking, kirigami, origami, to name a few. Engineering optical and biological functionalities have also been achieved by implementing the fundamentals of mechanochemistry and mechanobiology. Nonetheless, the field of mechanomaterials is still in its infancy, with many open challenges and opportunities that need to be addressed. The authors hope this review can serve as a modest spur to attract more researchers to further advance this field.
Nano‐ and Micro‐Structures Formed during Laser Processing of Selenium Doped Bismuth Telluride
Authors: Welch Ryan , Hobbis Dean , Birnbaum Andrew J. , Nolas George , LeBlanc Saniya
Published: July 2021

Laser processing of thermoelectric materials provides an avenue to influence the nano‐ and micro‐structure of the material and enable additive manufacturing processes that facilitate freeform device shapes, a capability that is lacking in thermoelectric materials processing. This paper describes the multiscale structures formed in selenium‐doped bismuth telluride, an n‐type thermoelectric material, from laser‐induced rapid melting and solidification. Macroscale samples are fabricated in a layer‐by‐layer technique using laser powder bed fusion (also known as selective laser melting). Laser processing results in highly textured columnar grains oriented in the build direction, nanoscale inclusions, and a shift in the primary charge carriers. Sparse oxide inclusions and tellurium segregation shift the material to p‐type behavior with a Seebeck coefficient that peaks at 143 µV K–1 at 95 °C. With an average relative density of 74%, fabricated parts have multiscale porosity and microscale cracking that likely resulted from low powder layer packing density and processing parameters near the transition threshold between conduction and keyhole mode processing. These results provide insights regarding the pathways for influencing carrier transport in thermoelectric materials via laser melting‐induced nanoscale structuring and the laser processing parameters required to achieve effective powder consolidation and hierarchical structuring in thermoelectric parts.
Lithiated Zeolite as Additives for Low‐Cost Positive Electrode
Authors: Liu Jin , Xiao Xingcheng , Haddad Daad , Zhang Qinglin , Cai Mei , Zeng Sherman
Published: July 2021

For low‐cost positive electrode chemistry, including lithium manganese oxide (LMO) and its mixture with high capacity lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), such as NMC532 blended with LMO, transition metal dissolution potentially compromises battery cycle life. Here the benefits of using lithium‐ion exchanged zeolite (Li‐zeolite) are demonstrated on mitigating transitional metal dissolution and improving the cycling performance for batteries particularly at high temperature. Adopted as an additive to cathode electrodes through mixing or coating, Li‐zeolite has shown the improved cycle life. Postmortem analysis through X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron probe micro‐analyzer (EPMA) further clarifies the functions of Li‐zeolite in batteries and advises it future development. While the efforts on further optimization of electrode quality and increasing loading for desirable energy density is ongoing, the processes and results reported in this work provide a simple and practical route to enhance the performance for LMO and LMO blended electrodes. The application of Li‐zeolite is envisioned as a low‐cost and scalable path which can be potentially implemented in electrode manufacturing.
Confronting the Challenges in Lithium Anodes for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Wang Qingyu , Liu Bin , Shen Yuanhao , Wu Jingkun , Zhao Zequan , Zhong Cheng , Hu Wenbin
Published: July 2021

With the low redox potential of −3.04 V (vs SHE) and ultrahigh theoretical capacity of 3862 mAh g−1, lithium metal has been considered as promising anode material. However, lithium metal battery has ever suffered a trough in the past few decades due to its safety issues. Over the years, the limited energy density of the lithium‐ion battery cannot meet the growing demands of the advanced energy storage devices. Therefore, lithium metal anodes receive renewed attention, which have the potential to achieve high‐energy batteries. In this review, the history of the lithium anode is reviewed first. Then the failure mechanism of the lithium anode is analyzed, including dendrite, dead lithium, corrosion, and volume expansion of the lithium anode. Further, the strategies to alleviate the lithium anode issues in recent years are discussed emphatically. Eventually, remaining challenges of these strategies and possible research directions of lithium‐anode modification are presented to inspire innovation of lithium anode.
Camera illustration of Indicator of Reduction in Soils (IRIS) reduction dynamics
Authors: LeFevre Olivia Victoria , Knappenberger Thorsten , Shaw Joey Nathan , Olshansky Yaniv
Published: July 2021

Indicator of Reduction in Soils (IRIS) tubes or films are used with coatings of iron or manganese oxide to observe depth or occurrence of reducing conditions, with coating removal often assessed weekly. We evaluated the use of a rhizosphere camera to capture iron and manganese reduction (coating removal) at high temporal resolution. A rhizosphere tube was coated with iron and manganese oxide (two sections of each oxide) and inserted into a saturated column filled with a surface horizon from a wet soil (Fluvaquent). Images were taken hourly over 28 d and compared with Eh and pH data. Reducing conditions were observed for manganese and iron after 1 and 4 d, respectively. This technology builds upon an existing approach and could be used to evaluate real‐time reducing soil conditions with IRIS as well as to improve oxide coating composition and tube/film development (e.g., coating thickness).
Chemical Dopant‐Free Doping by Annealing and Electron Beam Irradiation on 2D Materials
Authors: Choi Min Sup , Lee Myeongjin , Ngo Tien Dat , Hone James , Yoo Won Jong
Published: July 2021

Doping is a key technique for forming complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) that is a basic building block for current state‐of‐the‐art semiconductor devices. However, conventional doping methods such as ion implantation are unsuitable for 2D materials due to their ultra‐thinness to accommodate substitutionally doped atomic structures and vulnerability to high energy ion bombardment. Chemical doping methods have been widely used for 2D materials to induce a charge exchange transfer; however, they are subjected to surface contamination which can be detrimental for high quality semiconductor device processing. In this work, the authors reveal the effects of chemicals‐free doping in which annealing induces a p‐doping effect by physisorption and substitution of oxygen atoms while electron beam irradiation selectively n‐dopes MoTe2, based on the results obtained by electrical characterization and Kelvin probe force microscopy. The annealing increases work‐function of MoTe2 which undergoes oxidation as observed in the reduction of surface potential and the transition of transfer curves toward the p‐type behavior. Electrical measurements and a significant reduction in surface potential after electron beam irradiation indicate the generation of trapped charges which is responsible for the n‐doping effect. Subsequently, the authors fabricate a CMOS inverter consisting of distinctively p‐ and n‐doped areas of MoTe2.
Water‐Soluble Salt Template‐Assisted Anchor of Hollow FeS2 Nanoparticle Inside 3D Carbon Skeleton to Achieve Fast Potassium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Cui Yongpeng , Feng Wenting , Wang Dandan , Wang Yesheng , Liu Wei , Wang Huanlei , Jin Yongcheng , Yan Youguo , Hu Han , Wu Mingbo , Xue Qingzhong , Yan Zifeng , Xing Wei
Published: July 2021

The rationally structural engineering is an efficient strategy to improve the comprehensive performance of potassium‐ion storage anode materials. In this paper, a hybrid with hollow FeS2 nanoparticles anchored into the 3D carbon skeleton (labeled as H‐FeS2@3DCS) is successfully constructed through two critical steps of in situ chemical deposition and anion‐exchange reaction strategies. In the former, the water‐soluble Na2CO3 crystals are used as hard templates for the preparation of 3DCS, while Fe3+‐containing aqueous solutions are utilized to remove the Na2CO3 templates. Interestingly, the intense collision between Fe3+ and CO32‐ in aqueous solution produces nanoscale Fe(OH)3 colloidal particles, which are firmly anchored into the pores of the carbon skeleton to form a “lotus‐seed”‐like nanostructure. In the latter case, a central void space is created inside the FeS2 nanoparticles due to the different diffusion rates of S‐anions and Fe‐cations during the subsequent sulfidation process. Thanks to this unique composition model, the H‐FeS2@3DCS hybrid not only alleviates the volume expansion efficiently by rationally hollow structure design, but also provides spacious “roads” (3D carbon skeleton) and “houses” (hollow FeS2 nanoparticles) for fast K‐ion transition and storage. As the anode of PIBs and PIHCs, the resultant H‐FeS2@3DCS electrode delivers an obviously enhanced K‐ions storage performance over state‐of‐the‐art.
Plasmonic Metal Nanostructures as Efficient Light Absorbers for Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Wang Yawen , Zhang Junchang , Liang Wenkai , Qin Wei , Sun Yinghui , Jiang Lin
Published: July 2021

Solar energy has been considered as one of the most promising sustainable energy sources to meet the current energy demands. Plasmonic metal nanostructures, possessing unique localized surface plasmon resonance effects, hold particular strengths in enhancing incident light trapping and extending optical response range across the full solar spectrum. The integration of plasmonic metal nanostructures into photocatalyst systems offers huge opportunities to maximize the utilization of solar energy and improve the conversion efficiency of solar energy into available chemical energy, especially hydrogen fuel cells. Herein, recent research efforts on the applications of plasmonic metal nanostructures in photocatalytic, photoelectrochemical (electro‐assisted photocatalytic), and photo‐assisted electrocatalytic water splitting, including the hydrogen evolution reaction and the oxygen evolution reaction, are highlighted. In addition, the relevant structure design, mechanism exploration, and performance promotion are summarized and discussed.
Waterproof Mechanically Robust Multifunctional Conformal Sensors for Underwater Interactive Human–Machine Interfaces
Authors: Duan Shengshun , Wang Binghao , Lin Yucheng , Li Yinghui , Zhu Di , Wu Jun , Xia Jun , Lei Wei , Wang Baoping
Published: July 2021

Wearable sensors with water resistance and mechanical durability are of great value in dealing with long‐term movement and remote control in harsh environments. However, achieving high sensitivity with long‐term stability and real‐time remote control in a watery environment is still a challenge. Herein, the waterproof wearable sensors with good mechanical robustness composed of laser‐induced graphene and in situ‐coated protective silicone layers are reported. By being integrated with high‐capacitance ion‐gel dielectrics, the conformal sensors can detect multiple stimuli, including strain, temperature, and pressure. The long‐term water resistance of strain sensors is evaluated by continuously monitoring the resistance in underwater, sweat, and saline environment for up to 5.5 h. Underwater wireless remote control of a robotic hand is further demonstrated by mounting five sensor arrays. Moreover, different finger gestures are well recognized, making these sensor devices promising candidates for versatile waterproof wearable electronics and robotics technology.
Viscoelastic hemostatic assays: Update on technology and clinical applications
Authors: Faraoni David , DiNardo James A.
Published: July 2021

Viscoelastic hemostatic assays (VHA) are point of care tests that allow for a global assessment of coagulation using whole blood. The technology to allow this assessment has evolved from the original thromboelastography (TEG, Haemonetic, Boston, MA) to now include thromboelastometry (ROTEM, Instrumentation Laboratory, Bedford, MA), and, most recently, the Quantra Hemostasis Analyzer (Hemosonics, Charlottesville, VA). Diagnosis and treatment algorithms incorporating viscoelastic hemostatic tests for bleeding patients in a variety of clinical situations have now been developed. The original ROTEM and TEG technologies have been updated with emphasis placed on a cartridge‐based technologies. Results from the new devices show good correlation with those from the previous versions of the devices, while cartridge‐based technology has increased device stability and enhanced portability to the bedside. In this article, we will review recent advances in TEG and ROTEM technology and introduce the Quantra Hemostasis Analyzer device.
Additive‐Free Visible‐Light‐Mediated Hydro‐/Deuterodediazoniation of Arenediazonium Tetrafluoroborates in THF/THF‐d8
Authors: Yang Lian , Zhang Cheng‐Pan
Published: July 2021

A visible‐light‐irradiated reductive hydrodediazoniation of arenediazonium tetrafluoroborates in THF is described. The reaction proceeded at ambient temperature under catalyst‐ and additive‐free conditions to afford hydrodediazoniated products in good yields. This protocol was also suitable for deuterodediazoniation of arenediazonium tetrafluoroborates in THF‐d8, supplying the corresponding deuterated arenes in excellent yields. Advantages of this dediazoniation strategy include mildness, simplicity, visible‐light irradiation, a wide range of substrates, good functional group tolerance, with no use of catalysts and additives, and feasibility of a one‐pot diazotization/hydrodediazoniation process, which allows for a safe and convenient way to (deuterated)arenes from anilines.
High electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness achieved by multiple internal reflection and absorption in polybenzoxazine/graphene foams
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Sun Hongyi , Lan Tiange , Liu Xiaobo , Ran Qichao
Published: July 2021

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is an increasingly severe issue in modern life and high‐performance EMI shielding materials are in desperate need. To achieve high EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE), a series of polybenzoxazine/graphene composites foams are developed using a simple sol–gel method. When the graphene loading increases from 1 to 20 wt%, the density of the composites foams drops from 0.4143 g/cm3 to 0.1654 g/cm3. Meanwhile, an electrically conductive path is formed at around 7 wt% of graphene. Below the percolation threshold, the dielectric constant increases with graphene content and composite foam with 5 wt% graphene shows dielectric constant of 10.8 (1 MHz). At the highest graphene content of 20 wt%, the electric conductivity reaches 0.02 S/cm, 10 orders of magnitude higher than pure polybenzoxazine foam. Benefiting from the high electrical conductivity and lightweight porous structure, the composite foam PF/20G delivers an EMI SE of 85 dB and a specific SE of 513.9 dB·cm3/g. Importantly, the EMI shielding is dominated by absorption attenuation, with PF/20G shows absorption ratio higher than 98% in the range of 8.4–11.0 GHz, which is believed to be caused by multiple internal reflection and absorption inside the conductive foam.
Improved interfacial adhesion in carbon fiber/poly (ether ether ketone) composites with the sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) sizing treatment
Authors: Su Yanan , Liu Peipei , Jing Deqi , Zhang Xinghua , Zhang Shouchun
Published: July 2021

A water‐soluble sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) sizing agent is prepared and applied to improve the interfacial adhesion of carbon fiber/poly (ether ether ketone) (CF/PEEK) composites. The surface morphology, surface roughness, surface chemistries, and surface free energy of SPEEK sized CF are obtained to understand the sizing effect. The results reveal the increased surface free energy and surface roughness of SPEEK sized CF. In addition, a chemical reaction between the CF surface and sizing layer is proved based on the results of XPS, IR, and 1H NMR. The interfacial structure of CF/PEEK composites is further ascertained by AFM and the appearance of gradient interface could be verified for SPEEK sized CF/PEEK composites. The formation of the gradient interface is due to the chemical reaction between the CF and sizing agent as well as the improved compatibility between the sized CF and matrix, which benefits the improvement of interfacial adhesion.
Algae to angiosperms: Autofluorescence for rapid visualization of plant anatomy among diverse taxa
Authors: Pegg Timothy J. , Gladish Daniel K. , Baker Robert L.
Published: July 2021

Premise

Fluorescence microscopy is an effective tool for viewing plant internal anatomy. However, using fluorescent antibodies or labels hinders throughput. We present a minimal protocol that takes advantage of inherent autofluorescence and aldehyde‐induced fluorescence in plant cellular and subcellular structures to markedly increase throughput in cellular and ultrastructural visualization.

Methods and Results

Twelve species distributed across the plant phylogeny were each subjected to five fixative treatments: 1% paraformaldehyde and 2% glutaraldehyde, 2% paraformaldehyde, 2% glutaraldehyde, formalin‐acid‐alcohol (FAA), and 70% ethanol. Samples were prepared by embedding and mechanically sectioning or via whole mount. A confocal laser scanning system was used to collect micrographs. We evaluated and compared fixative influence on sample structural preservation and tissue autofluorescence.

Conclusions

Formaldehyde fixation of Viridiplantae taxa samples generates useful structural data while requiring no additional histological staining or clearing. In addition, a fluorescence‐capable microscope is the only specialized equipment required for image acquisition. The minimal protocol developed in this experiment enables high‐throughput sample processing by eliminating the need for multi‐day preparations.
Safety and Efficacy of Upadacitinib in Patients With Active Ankylosing Spondylitis and an Inadequate Response to Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drug Therapy: One‐Year Results of a Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study and Open‐Label Extension
Authors: Deodhar Atul , van der Heijde Désirée , Sieper Joachim , Van den Bosch Filip , Maksymowych Walter P. , Kim Tae‐Hwan , Kishimoto Mitsumasa , Ostor Andrew , Combe Bernard , Sui Yunxia , Chu Alvina D. , Song In‐Ho
Published: July 2021

Objective

To report the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib through 1 year in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods

In the SELECT‐AXIS 1 study, adults with active AS and an inadequate response to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs were randomized to receive upadacitinib 15 mg once daily or placebo. At week 14, patients who had been randomized to receive placebo were switched to upadacitinib, and all patients continued in the open‐label extension and received upadacitinib up to week 104; interim data up to week 64 are reported herein.

Results

Of 187 patients, 178 completed week 14 on study drug and entered the open‐label extension. Similar proportions of patients in either group (continuous upadacitinib or placebo‐to‐upadacitinib) achieved Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society 40% response (ASAS40) or Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) showing low disease activity at week 64: ≥70% of patients achieved these end points based on nonresponder imputation (NRI) and ≥81% based on as‐observed analyses. Furthermore, ≥34% (NRI) and ≥39% (as‐observed analysis) achieved ASDAS showing inactive disease or ASAS showing partial remission at week 64. Mean changes from baseline (week 0) to week 64 in pain, function, and inflammation showed consistent improvement or sustained maintenance through the study. Among 182 patients receiving upadacitinib (237.6 patient‐years), 618 adverse events (260.1 per 100 patient‐years) were reported. No serious infections, major adverse cardiovascular events, venous thromboembolic events, gastrointestinal perforation, or deaths were reported.

Conclusion

Upadacitinib 15 mg once daily showed sustained and consistent efficacy over 1 year. Patients who switched from placebo to upadacitinib at week 14 showed similar efficacy versus those who received continuous upadacitinib.
Using the Toxic Substance Control Act for Source Water Protection
Authors: Schlea Stephanie Hayes , Wilkes Wendi
Published: July 2021

Key Takeaways

US environmental laws should work in concert to mitigate risk from harmful chemical substances and mixtures. This can be done by considering potential risks from drinking water under the Toxic Substances Control Act's (TSCA's) evaluations and regulatory determinations.

Drinking water associations are working with the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to ensure TSCA considers drinking water source protection in regulatory actions.

Water systems interested in using TSCA to better protect drinking water sources should engage directly with USEPA through public comment opportunities or through their professional associations.
Integrating Supply Management With Finance and Asset Management
Authors: James Felicia , Baehr James M.
Published: July 2021

Key Takeaways

Effective utility management focuses on implementing infrastructure management strategies, addressing financial viability, and optimizing operations.

Allocating resources to renew critical infrastructure shifts them from optional budget items to mandatory expenditures.

The well‐established management trio focused on budget–schedule–quality is evolving into a new paradigm of asset management–financial management–supply management.
Apprenticeships and Internships: Opportunities for Equity and Inclusion
Authors: Curtis Catherine , Jones Sherri
Published: July 2021

Key Takeaways

On‐the‐job training programs can help the water industry build and maintain a skilled and diverse workforce.

The benefits are numerous for participants in apprenticeship and internship programs, with a well‐organized plan that offers training in specific skills, job assurance and potential for advancement, personal development, and financial stability.

Where small or medium‐sized water utilities don't see the feasibility of developing their own formalized on‐the‐job training, a regional program is a possible solution.
Which has more complications?—Shockwave lithotripsy versus endoscopic treatment of renal calculi with 1‐year follow‐up in an Australian population
Authors: Farag Matthew , Jack Gregory S. , Papa Nathan , Wong Lih‐Ming , Bolton Damien M. , Lenaghan Daniel
Published: July 2021

Introduction and objectives

Renal calculi are a common medical problem with incidence rates calculated to be approximately 6%‐9% in men & 3%‐4% in women worldwide. Incidence appears to be increasing. This study compares emergency presentations and unplanned readmissions between extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and pyeloscopic stone treatment in the population of Victoria, Australia after 1‐year follow‐up.

Methods

This is a population study comparing all patients with renal calculi electively treated with SWL to those initially treated with flexible ureteroscopy (URS) in Victoria, Australia. We used data linkage across the state of Victoria to follow patients treated with either modality in a 12 months period (with no urological surgery in the prior 12 months). Each patient's emergency presentations and subsequent re‐admissions were followed up for 1 year after their index treatment to assess for stone complications. We assessed for selection bias between the two patient groups by comparing age, gender, insurance status, geographical location, and comorbidity scores.

Results

We report stone‐related complications for 739 flexible URS and 1317 SWL procedures undertaken across public and private hospitals in Victoria over 12 months. Unplanned emergency presentations within 60‐days of surgery were (22/739) 2.98% for flexible URS patients and (83/1317) 6.30% for SWL patients (P = .001); however, at 12 months, this became 16.23% (120/739) for flexible URS patients and 12.83% (169/1317) for SWL patients (P = .034). Flexible URS patients were more likely than SWL patients to be admitted with 71.76% of flexible URS versus 53.97% of SWL patients requiring an admission at any given emergency presentation (P ≤ .001) within 12 months. On multivariate analysis, both flexible URS ([OR] 1.67, CI 1.23‐2.26, P = .001) and being a public patient ([OR] 3.06, CI 2.24‐4.18, P < .001) significantly increased the likelihood that patients required an unplanned re‐admission within 12 months.

Conclusions

There is work needed to reduce emergency presentations and unplanned re‐admissions after both SWL and flexible URS. At 12‐months follow‐up, unplanned emergency visits and re‐admission rates were significantly more after flexible URS. Symptoms at emergency presentation indicate that better education regarding stent management is needed, especially in the public health care system.
Application of peptide nucleic acid in electrochemical nucleic acid biosensors
Authors: Sun Haobo , Kong Jinming , Zhang Xueji
Published: July 2021

The early diagnosis of major diseases, such as malignant tumors, has always been an important field of research. Through screening, early detection of such diseases, and timely and effective treatment can significantly improve the survival rate of patients and reduce medical costs. Therefore, the development of a simple detection method with high sensitivity and strong specificity, and that is low cost is of great significance for the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. Electrochemical DNA biosensing analysis is a technology based on Watson Crick base complementary pairing, which uses the capture probe of a known sequence to specifically recognize the target DNA and detect its concentration. Because of its advantages of low cost, simple operation, portability, and easy miniaturization, it has been widely researched and has become a cutting‐edge topic in the field of biochemical analysis and precision medicine. However, the existing methods for electrochemical DNA biosensing analysis have some shortcomings, such as poor stability and specificity of capture probes, insufficient detection sensitivity, and long detection cycles. In this review, we focus on improving the sensitivity and practicability of electrochemical DNA biosensing analysis methods and summarize a series of research work carried out by using electrically neutral peptide nucleic acid as an immobilized capture probe.
Candidate l‐methionine target piRNA regulatory networks analysis response to cocaine‐conditioned place preference in mice
Authors: Zhang Kunlin , Ji Guanyu , Zhao Mei , Wang Yan
Published: July 2021

Background

Methionine has been proven to inhibit addictive behaviors of cocaine dependence. However, the mechanism of methionine response to cocaine CPP is unknown. Recent evidence highlights piRNAs to regulate genes via a miRNA‐like mechanism. Here, next‐generation sequencing is used to study mechanism on methionine response to drug‐induced behaviors though piRNA.

Methods

l‐methionine treatment cocaine CPP animal model was used to do non‐coding RNA sequencing. There were four groups to sequence: saline+saline (SS), MET+saline (MS), MET+cocaine (MC), and cocaine+saline. Combining mRNA sequencing data, the network and regulation of piRNA were analyzed with their corresponding mRNA and miRNA.

Results

Analysis of the piRNAome reveals that piRNAs inversely regulated their target mRNA genes. KEGG analysis of DE‐piRNA target mRNA genes were enriched in Morphine addiction, GABAergic synapse and Cholinergic synapse pathway. Furthermore, four significantly differential expressed genes Cacna2d3, Epha6, Nedd4l, and Vav2 were identified and regulated by piRNAs in the process of l‐methionine inhibits cocaine CPP. Thereinto, Vav2 was regulated by multiple DE piRNAs by sharing the common sequence: GTCTCTCCAGCCACCTT. Meanwhile, it was found that piRNA positively regulates miRNA and three genes Bcl3, Il20ra, and Insrr were identified and regulated by piRNA through miRNA.

Conclusion

The results showed that piRNA negatively regulated target mRNA genes and positively regulated target miRNA genes. Genes located in substance dependence, signal transduction and also nervous functions pathways were identified. When taken together, these data may explain the roles of l‐methionine in counteracting the effects of cocaine CPP via piRNAs.
GDP Induces PANC‐1 Human Pancreatic Cancer Cell Death Preferentially under Nutrient Starvation by Inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR/Autophagy Signaling Pathway
Authors: Sun Sijia , Kim Min Jo , Omar Ashraf M. , Duy Phan Nguyen , Aoike Mio , Awale Suresh
Published: July 2021

Pancreatic tumors are hypovascular, which leads to a poor nutrient supply to support the aggressively proliferating tumor cells. However, human pancreatic cancer cells have extreme resistance to nutrition starvation, which enables them to survive under severe metabolic stress conditions within the tumor microenvironment, a phenomenon known as “austerity” in cancer biology. Discovering agents which can preferentially inhibit the cancer cells’ ability to tolerate starvation conditions represents a new generation of anticancer agents. In this study, geranyl 2,4‐dihydroxy‐6‐phenethylbenzoate (GDP), isolated from Boesenbergia pandurata rhizomes, exhibited potent preferential cytotoxicity against PANC‐1 human pancreatic cancer cells under nutrition starvation conditions. GDP also possessed PANC‐1 cell migration and colony formation inhibitory activities under normal nutrient‐rich conditions. Mechanistically, GDP inhibited PI3K/Akt/mTOR/autophagy survival signaling pathway, leading to selective PANC‐1 cancer cell death under the nutrition starvation condition. Therefore, GDP is a promising anti‐austerity agent for drug development against pancreatic cancer.
Effect of extrusion on physical and chemical properties and storage stability of corn germ
Authors: Xiao Zhigang , Wang Kexin , Li Fanshu , Cao Huiying , Duan Qingsong , Zhu Minpeng , Wang Peng , Gao Yuzhe , Duan Yumin
Published: July 2021

Background and objectives

Corn germ is a by‐product of corn starch processing, which is rich in nutrients but easy to rancidity. In order to improve the storage stability of corn germ and prevent the metamorphism, raw germ was treated with twin‐screw extruder. Lipase (LA) and lipoxygenase (LOX) activities, free fatty acid (FFA), nutrient composition, microbiology, and microstructure of germ were investigated and the shelf lives were calculated.

Findings

Extruding doubled the content of SDF, LA activity reduced to 19.42% and LOX activity reduced to 0% at 120°C and 25 Hz. The total bacteria count and mold count of raw germ decreased significantly. FFA of extruded germ increased slower than that of raw germ during storage and the shelf lives were predicted by a mathematical model experiment and it was 13.5 times as raw corn germ while extruded in 25 Hz and 120°C.

Conclusions

Extrusion stabilization technology did not only keep the nutrients of corn germ, but improve the quality and prolonged the shelf life.

Significance and novelty

This study could provide an important reference for further research and industrial production of corn germ.
Impervious synthetic layered silicates coating to restrict the swelling of clay‐rich shales
Authors: Patel Hasmukh A. , Santra Ashok
Published: July 2021

An incremental demand towards the use of water‐based fluids for drilling oil and gas wells has generated numerous challenges in the field of shale inhibition characteristics. One of the major problems associated with the use of water‐based drilling fluids is the interaction of water with clay‐rich shales that leads to hydration and swelling of reactive clays. We have developed functionalized nanoplatelets composed of amine functionalities anchored on the nanometre‐thick magnesium silicates (LMS‐NH2). A facile synthetic approach was employed to synthesize lab‐scale quantity of LMS‐NH2 through combination of sol–gel and precipitation techniques. The structural characterization was conducted using powder X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis to evaluate generation of anticipated LMS‐NH2. Shale stabilization characteristics of LMS‐NH2 were tested and compared with other commercial shale inhibitors. Clay swelling and clay dispersion tests were performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the impermeable coating of nano‐platelets on to the clay‐rich shales. The LMS‐NH2 demonstrated 87% recovery of swellable shales after dispersion tests. The microscopic study conducted on shales revealed the formation of inorganic film, which provide impervious coating to protect the water‐susceptible clays. The linear swelling measurements were also performed to understand the effectiveness of LMS‐NH2 over 72 h. LMS‐NH2 demonstrated linear swelling of 31.7% when compared with drilling fluid without shale inhibitor. The newly developed inhibitor in the current study has outperformed conventional shale inhibitors (a 18.7% reduction in linear swelling), wherein the presence of inorganic constituents aids stronger film formation compared to solely organic inhibitors.
Gold Segregation Improves Electrocatalytic Activity of Icosahedron Au@Pt Nanocluster: Insights from Machine Learning†
Authors: Chen Dingming , Lai Zhuangzhuang , Zhang Jiawei , Chen Jianfu , Hu Peijun , Wang Haifeng
Published: July 2021

Main observation and conclusion

As a common electrocatalytic system, Au‐Pt alloy particles are often prepared as Au‐core‐Pt‐shell (Au@Pt) to make full use of platinum. However, Au has a strong tendency to segregate to the outer surface, leading to the redistribution of the active sites. Unfortunately, the mechanism of such reconstruction and its effect on the electrocatalytic activity have not been thoroughly discussed, largely owing to the complexity of in‐situ characterization and computational modeling. Herein, by taking the 55‐atom Au13Pt42 core‐shell nanocluster as an example, we utilized the neural network potential at density functional theory (DFT) level and the genetic algorithm to search the complex global configurational space. It turns out that it is thermodynamically favorable when all gold atoms are segregated to the surface and the shape of the cluster tends to change from icosahedron to a distorted amorphous structure (at a reduced core, DRC) with a unique gold distribution. Towards understanding the dynamic activity variation of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on this bimetallic Au@Pt system, oxygen adsorption energy calculations show that this reconstruction could not only increase the number of adsorption sites but also dramatically improve the ORR catalytic activity of each site, thus enhance the overall ORR reactivity.
Cu/Picolinamides‐Catalyzed Coupling of (Hetero)aryl Halides with Secondary Phosphine Oxides and Phosphite†
Authors: Fang Chao , Wei Bangguo , Ma Dawei
Published: July 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Some 4‐hydroxy‐picolinic acid derived amides were revealed as more efficient ligands for Cu‐catalyzed coupling of (hetero)aryl halides with secondary phosphine oxides and phosphites. Only 3—5 mol% CuI and ligands were required to ensure coupling with a number of (hetero)aryl bromides and iodides to complete at 120 oC in 10—20 h.
Patients, caregivers, and clinicians differ in performance status ratings: Implications for pediatric cancer clinical trials
Authors: Maurer Scott H. , Hinds Pamela S. , Reeve Bryce B. , Mack Jennifer W. , McFatrich Molly , Lin Li , Withycombe Janice S. , Jacobs Shana S. , Baker Justin N. , Castellino Sharon M. , Freyer David R.
Published: July 2021

Background

The Lansky Play‐Performance Scale (LPPS) is often used to determine a child's performance status for cancer clinical trial eligibility. Differences between clinician and caregiver LPPS ratings and their associations with child‐reported functioning have not been evaluated.

Methods

Children aged 7 to 18 years who were receiving cancer treatment and their caregivers were recruited from 9 pediatric cancer centers. Caregivers and clinicians reported LPPS scores, and children completed Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pediatric functioning and symptom measures before treatment (time 1 [T1]) and after treatment (time 2 [T2]). t tests and mixed‐linear models were used to assess differences in caregiver and clinician LPPS scores; polyserial correlations quantified associations between PROMIS and LPPS scores.

Results

Of 482 children, 281 had matched caregiver‐ and clinician‐reported LPPS T1/T2 scores. Caregivers rated children significantly worse on the LPPS than clinicians at both T1 (mean, 73.3 vs 87.4; P < .01) and T2 (mean, 67.9 vs 83.1; P < .01). These differences were not related to a child's age (P = .89), diagnosis (P = .17), or sex (P = .64) or to the time point (P = .45). Small to moderate associations existed between caregiver‐ and clinician‐reported LPPS ratings and child‐reported PROMIS scores for mobility (caregiver T1/T2 r = 0.51/0.45; P < .01; clinician T1/T2 r = 0.40/0.35; P < .01), fatigue (caregiver T1/T2 r = –0.46/–0.37; P < .01; clinician T1/T2 r = –0.26/–0.27; P < .01), and pain interference (caregiver T1/T2 r = –0.32/–0.30; P < .01; clinician T1/T2 r = –0.17/–0.31; P < .01). Caregivers and clinicians assigned significantly lower LPPS scores at T2 (caregiver Δ = –5.37; P < .01; clinician Δ = –4.20; P < .01), whereas child‐reported PROMIS scores were clinically stable.

Conclusions

Significant differences between clinician and caregiver LPPS ratings of child performance were sustained over time; their associations with child reports were predominantly small to moderate. These data suggest that clinician‐reported LPPS ratings by themselves are inadequate for determining clinical trial eligibility and should be supplemented by appropriate measures of a child's functional status reflecting the child and caregiver perspectives.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analyses of Ertugliflozin in Select Ethnic Populations
Authors: Fediuk Daryl J. , Sahasrabudhe Vaishali , Dawra Vikas Kumar , Zhou Susan , Sweeney Kevin
Published: July 2021

Ertugliflozin, a sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, is approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes. Two population pharmacokinetic (PK) analyses were conducted, using data from up to 17 phase 1 to 3 studies, to characterize ertugliflozin PK parameters in select ethnic subgroups: (1) East/Southeast (E/SE) Asian vs non‐E/SE Asian subjects; (2) Asian subjects from mainland China vs Asian subjects from the rest of the world and non‐Asian subjects. A 2‐compartment model with first‐order absorption, lag time, and first‐order elimination was fitted to the observed data. For the E/SE Asian vs non‐E/SE Asian analysis (13 692 PK observations from 2276 subjects), E/SE Asian subjects exhibited a 17% increase in apparent clearance (CL/F) and 148% increase in apparent central volume of distribution (Vc/F) vs non‐E/SE Asian subjects. However, individual post hoc CL/F values were similar between groups when body weight differences were considered. For the second analysis (16 018 PK observations from 2620 subjects), compared with non‐Asian subjects, CL/F was similar while Vc/F increased by 44% in Asian subjects from mainland China and both CL/F and Vc/F increased in Asian subjects from the rest of the world (8% and 115%, respectively) vs non‐Asian subjects. Increases in Vc/F would decrease the ertugliflozin maximum concentration but would not impact area under the concentration‐time curve. Therefore, the differences in CL/F (area under the concentration‐time curve) and Vc/F were not considered clinically relevant or likely to result in meaningful ethnic differences in the PK of ertugliflozin.
Enhanced Photovoltaic Performance of BiSCl Solar Cells Through Nanorod Array
Authors: Li Sen , Xu Linfeng , Kong Xingang , Kusunose Takafumi , Tsurumach Noriaki , Feng Qi
Published: July 2021

BiSCl single‐crystalline nanofibers were synthesized by a facile one‐pot solvothermal approach for the first time. BiSCl possesses a double chain type structure and grows readily along the c‐axis, resulting the fibrous morphology. UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy revealed that BiSCl nanofibers exhibit a strong light absorption in a wavelength range from UV to visible light, corresponding to a bandgap of 1.96 eV. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations revealed that BiSCl is a direct n‐type semiconductor with valence band maximum and conduction band minimum located at 6.04 and 4.08 eV below the vacuum level, respectively. To investigate the photovoltaic performance, the homogeneous thin film of BiSCl‐nanorod array was fabricated on a TiO2 porous film by a modified solvothermal process, where the nanorod array is oriented vertically to the surface of the TiO2 porous film. A proper band alignment of BiSCl‐based solar cells with an architecture of fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO)/TiO2/BiSCl/(I3−/I−)/Pt gave a PCE of 1.36 % and a relatively large short‐circuit photocurrent density of 9.87 mA cm−2 for the first time. The preliminary photovoltaic study result revealed a potential possibility of BiSCl‐nanorod array as a light absorber for solar cells that can be fabricated by the low‐cost solution process.
Metabarcoding options to study eukaryotic endoparasites of birds
Authors: Bourret Vincent , Gutiérrez López Rafael , Melo Martim , Loiseau Claire
Published: July 2021

There is growing interest in the study of avian endoparasite communities, and metabarcoding is a promising approach to complement more conventional or targeted methods. In the case of eukaryotic endoparasites, phylogenetic diversity is extreme, with parasites from 4 kingdoms and 11 phyla documented in birds. We addressed this challenge by comparing different primer sets across 16 samples from 5 bird species. Samples consisted of blood, feces, and controlled mixes with known proportions of bird and nematode DNA. Illumina sequencing revealed that a 28S primer set used in combination with a custom blocking primer allowed detection of various plasmodiid parasites and filarioid nematodes in the blood, coccidia in the feces, as well as two potentially pathogenic fungal groups. When tested on the controlled DNA mixes, these primers also increased the proportion of nematode DNA by over an order of magnitude. An 18S primer set, originally designed to exclude metazoan sequences, was the most effective at reducing the relative number of avian DNA sequences and was the only one to detect Trypanosoma in the blood. Expectedly, however, it did not allow nematode detection and also failed to detect avian malaria parasites. This study shows that a 28S set including a blocking primer allows detection of several major and very diverse bird parasite clades, while reliable amplification of all major parasite groups may require a combination of markers. It helps clarify options for bird parasite metabarcoding, according to priorities in terms of the endoparasite clades and the ecological questions researchers wish to focus on.
Complex multi‐predator effects on demographic habitat selection and community assembly in colonizing aquatic insects
Authors: Resetarits William J. , Pintar Matthew R. , Bohenek Jason R.
Published: July 2021

Running the gauntlet of predators consumes critical time and energy resources, as all species are vulnerable to one or, typically, more predators at some life stage. Prey employ a vast array of mechanisms to avoid predation, and predators, likewise, come in a bewildering variety. Thus, defensive adaptations are rarely one size fits all. Considerable work has addressed multi‐predator consumptive effects, but we now know that non‐consumptive effects of predators can dramatically impact individuals, (meta)populations, and (meta)communities. However, little is known regarding the community‐wide dynamics of non‐consumptive effects generated by multiple predators. Predator avoidance by choosing a patch that is free of a particular predator or predators can be the most effective strategy if conditions at colonization are a reliable predictor of absence, which is often true for fish in freshwater systems. We experimentally manipulated composition of the predator assemblage in aquatic mesocosms in a substitutive design, with zero, one, two, or three caged predatory fish species (one benthic, one pelagic, and one surface fish) at constant density and biomass, and assayed responses of naturally colonizing aquatic insects. We addressed three related questions; first, how do members of a diverse assemblage of colonizing aquatic insects respond to this variation in species and species combinations, second, do individual species (and higher taxa), respond differently to single vs. multiple predator species (species richness), and third how do any responses to fish species and species combinations, and effects on species richness, translate into community‐wide changes in the composition of colonists. Prey had varied responses to specific predators or combinations of predators, resulting in distinct community composition across treatments and higher β‐diversity with predators. Prey showed emergent multi‐predator effects, where certain species only responded to predator species combinations, but not to any individual predator, and stronger effects of multiple predator vs. single‐predator treatments, despite strong responses to individual predators in many taxa. Habitat selection effects can range from the individual to the metacommunity, and the dynamics of habitat selection in response to predators is a complex function of predator identity, density, richness, species composition, and patch spatial context.