bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medicaid expansion improved access to medication for the justice‐involved
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: April 2021

Medicaid expansion is improving access to evidence‐based medication treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) among individuals referred by the criminal justice system, suggests a new study based on national treatment admissions data. However, medication treatment for the justice‐involved population still lags substantially behind medication treatment for those referred by other sources, suggesting that other barriers to effective care for justice‐involved individuals persist.
ONDCP, others testify at daylong hearing on Hill about SUD bills
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2021

On April 14, the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on 11 proposed bills dealing with the opioid epidemic. However, other substances were discussed too.
Monolayer Hexagonal Boron Nitride: An Efficient Electron Blocking Layer in Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Tavakoli Mohammad Mahdi , Park Ji‐Hoon , Mwaura Jeremiah , Saravanapavanantham Mayuran , Bulović Vladimir , Kong Jing
Published: April 2021

In this study, monolayer hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) grown via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) as an effective electron blocking layer (EBL) for the organic photovoltaics (OPVs) is proposed. Unexpectedly, it is found that h‐BN can replace the commonly used hole transport layers (HTLs), i.e., molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) in an inverted device architecture. Here, a wet‐transfer technique is employed and a single layer of h‐BN on top of the PV2000:PC60BM blend is successfully placed. Analysis of the bandgap diagram shows that the monolayer h‐BN makes smaller barrier for holes but significantly larger barrier for electrons. This makes the h‐BN effective in blocking electrons while creating a possible path for the holes through tunneling to the electrode, due to the low energy barrier at the PV2000/h‐BN interface. Using h‐BN as an EBL, efficient inverted OPVs are achieved with an average solar‐to‐power conversion efficiency of 6.13%, which is comparable with that of reference devices based on MoO3 (7.3%) and PEDOT:PSS (7.6%) as HTLs. Interestingly, the devices with h‐BN shows great light‐soak stability. The study reveals that the monolayer h‐BN grown by CVD could be an effective alternative EBL for the fabrication of efficient, lightweight, and stable OPVs.
All‐pH Stable Sandwich‐Structured MoO2/MoS2/C Hollow Nanoreactors for Enhanced Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Gong Feilong , Liu Mengmeng , Ye Sheng , Gong Lihua , Zeng Guang , Xu Lin , Zhang Xiaoli , Zhang Yonghui , Zhou Liming , Fang Shaoming , Liu Jian
Published: April 2021

Molybdenum sulfide has great potential for the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution, but its structural instability in acidic media and high barriers in alkaline/neutral media limits its practical applications. Herein, the design of monodispersed sandwich‐structured MoO2/MoS2/C hollow nanoreactors is reported with a triple layer “conductor/catalyst/protector” configuration for efficient electrochemical hydrogen evolution over all pH values. Metallic MoO2 substrates with ultrahigh pristine electroconductivity can promote the charge transfer while sulfur vacancies are introduced to activate the highly exposed (002) facets of MoS2. The optimized MoO2/MoS2/C nanoreactor exhibits overpotentials of 77, 91, and 97 mV (10 mA cm−2) and Tafel slopes of 41, 49, and 53 mV dec−1 in acidic, alkaline, and neutral media, respectively, which are much better than most of the MoS2‐based electrocatalysts. Moreover, defective carbon shells are in situ generated, preventing the electrocatalysts from corrosion in acidic and alkaline media; the structural stability is verified via in situ Raman and XRD characterizations. Based on the density functional theory calculations, vacancy engineering can regulate the band structures, electron density differences, total density of states, and the H* and H2O adsorption‐dissociation ability over the entire pH range. The findings may shed light on the rational development of practical pH‐universal electrocatalysts for durable hydrogen evolution.
High‐Efficiency Organic Solar Cells Based on a Low‐Cost Fully Non‐Fused Electron Acceptor
Authors: Zhou Yuanyuan , Li Miao , Lu Hao , Jin Hui , Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Yan , Shen Shuaishuai , Ma Zaifei , Song Jinsheng , Bo Zhishan
Published: April 2021

A series of tetrathiophene‐based fully non‐fused ring acceptors (4T‐1, 4T‐2, 4T‐3, and 4T‐4), which can be paired with the star donor polymer PBDB‐T to fabricate highly efficient organic solar cells are developed. Tailoring the size of lateral chains can tune the solubility and packing mode of acceptor molecules in neat and blend films. It is found that the incorporation of 2‐ethylhexyl chains can effectively change the compatibility with the donor polymer PBDB‐T, and an encouraging power conversion efficiency of 10.15% is accomplished by 4T‐3‐based organic solar cells. It also presents good compatibility with the other polymer donor and an even higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.04% is achieved based on D18:4T‐3 blend, which is the champion PCE for the fully non‐fused acceptors. Importantly, these inexpensive tetrathiophene fully non‐fused ring acceptors provide cost‐effective photovoltaic performance. The results demonstrate a high photovoltaic performance from synthetically inexpensive materials could be achieved by the rational design of non‐fused ring acceptor molecules.
Plasmonic Coupling Architectures for Enhanced Photocatalysis
Authors: Liu Dong , Xue Can
Published: April 2021

Plasmonic photocatalysis is a promising approach for solar energy transformation. Comparing with isolated metal nanoparticles, the plasmonic coupling architectures can provide further strengthened local electromagnetic field and boosted light‐harvesting capability through optimal control over the composition, spacing, and orientation of individual nanocomponents. As such, when integrated with semiconductor photocatalysts, the coupled metal nanostructures can dramatically promote exciton generation and separation through plasmonic‐coupling‐driven charge/energy transfer toward superior photocatalytic efficiencies. Herein, the principles of the plasmonic coupling effect are presented and recent progress on the construction of plasmonic coupling architectures and their integration with semiconductors for enhanced photocatalytic reactions is summarized. In addition, the remaining challenges as to the rational design and utilization of plasmon coupling structures are elaborated, and some prospects to inspire new opportunities on the future development of plasmonic coupling structures for efficient and sustainable light‐driven reactions are raised.
A Bottom‐Up Approach to Red‐Emitting Molecular‐Based Nanoparticles with Natural Stealth Properties and their Use for Single‐Particle Tracking Deep in Brain Tissue
Authors: Rosendale Morgane , Flores Jessica , Paviolo Chiara , Pagano Paolo , Daniel Jonathan , Ferreira Joana , Verlhac Jean‐Baptiste , Groc Laurent , Cognet Laurent , Blanchard‐Desce Mireille
Published: April 2021

Fluorescent nanoparticles dedicated to bioimaging applications should possess specific properties that have to be maintained in the aqueous, reactive, and crowded biological environment. These include chemical and photostability, small size (on the scale of subcellular structures), biocompatibility, high brightness, and good solubility. The latter is a major challenge for inorganic nanoparticles, which require surface coating to be made water soluble. Molecular‐based fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONs) may prove a promising, spontaneously water‐soluble alternative, whose bottom‐up design allows for the fine‐tuning of individual properties. Here, the critical challenge of controlling the interaction of nanoparticles with cellular membranes is addressed. This is a report on bright, size‐tunable, red‐emitting, naturally stealthy FONs that do not require the use of antifouling agents to impede interactions with cellular membranes. As a proof of concept, single FONs diffusing up to 150 µm deep in brain tissue are imaged and tracked.
Polymeric Microparticles Generated via Confinement‐Free Fluid Instability
Authors: Song Jianing , Zhang Wenluan , Wang Dehui , Fan Yue , Zhang Chenglin , Wang Dapeng , Chen Longquan , Miao Bing , Cui Jiaxi , Deng Xu
Published: April 2021

In‐fiber fluid instability can be harnessed to realize scalable microparticles fabrication with tunable sizes and multifunctional characteristics making it competitive in comparison to conventional microparticles fabrication methods. However, since in‐fiber fluid instability has to be induced via thermal annealing and the resulting microparticles can only be collected after dissolving the fiber cladding, obtaining contamination‐free particles for high‐temperature incompatible materials remains great challenge. Herein, confinement‐free fluid instability is demonstrated to fabricate polymeric microparticles in a facile manner induced by the ultralow surface energy of the superamphiphobic surface. The polymer solution columns break up into uniform droplets then form spherical particles spontaneously in seconds at ambient temperature. This method can be applied to a variety of polymers spanning an exceptionally wide range of sizes: from 1 mm down to 1 µm. With the aid of microfluidic spinning instrument, a large quantity of microparticles can be obtained, making this method promising for scaling up production. Notably, through simple modification of the feed solution configuration, composite/structured micromaterials can also be produced, including quantum‐dots‐labeled fluorescent particles, magnetic particles, core–shell particles, microcapsules, and necklace‐like microfibers. This method, with general applicability and facile control, is envisioned to have great prospects in the field of polymer microprocessing.
Synthesis of Wafer‐Scale Graphene with Chemical Vapor Deposition for Electronic Device Applications
Authors: Sun Baojun , Pang Jinbo , Cheng Qilin , Zhang Shu , Li Yufen , Zhang Congcong , Sun Dehui , Ibarlucea Bergoi , Li Yang , Chen Duo , Fan Huaimin , Han Qingfang , Chao Mengxin , Liu Hong , Wang Jingang , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Han Lin , Zhou Weijia
Published: April 2021

The first isolation of graphene opens the avenue for new platforms for physics, electronic engineering, and materials sciences. Among several kinds of synthesis approaches, chemical vapor deposition is most promising for the growth at wafer‐scale, which is compatible with the Si‐based electronic device integration protocols. In this review, the types, properties, and synthesis methods of graphene are first introduced. Many details of wafer‐scale graphene synthesis by chemical vapor deposition strategies are given, including the wafer‐scale single crystal metal and alloy preparation, roll to roll synthesis over Cu, roll to roll electrochemical transfer technique. Besides, the batch‐to‐batch synthesis are highlighted for direct graphene over dielectric substrates such as sapphire and Si/SiO2. The electronic transport and transparent conductance of the wafer‐scale graphene are compared with high‐quality single crystal. The progress and proof‐of‐the‐concept are briefly recalled in graphene‐based electronics such as transistors, sensors, integrated circuits, and spin transport valves. Eventually, the readers are provoked with the current challenges as well as the future opportunities.​
Optical Momentum Alignment Effect in WSe2 Phototransistor
Authors: Zhang Yuchen , Xu Ya‐Qiong
Published: April 2021

The optical momentum alignment effect is demonstrated in WSe2 phototransistors . When the photon energy is above the A exciton energy, the maximum photocurrent response occurs for the light polarization direction parallel to the metal electrode edge, suggesting that electrons in the valence band of WSe2 prefer to absorb photons with the polarization direction perpendicular to their momentum direction. Further studies indicate that the anisotropic distribution of photo‐excited carriers is likely due to the pseudospin‐induced optical transition selection rules. If the photon energy is below the A exciton energy, the photocurrent signals are maximized when the incident light is polarized in the direction perpendicular to the electrode edge, which is mainly attributed to the polarized absorption of the plasmonic gold electrodes. Moreover, the photocurrent peak can be controlled by an electric field via the quantum confined Stark effect. This resonance peak can also be shifted by adjusting environmental temperatures due to the temperature‐dependent nature of the WSe2 band gap. These experimental studies shed light on the knowledge of photocurrent generation mechanisms, opening the door for engineering future anisotropic optoelectronics.
Tunable Light Polarization Information from Single Upconverting Fluoride Microcrystal
Authors: Yang Dandan , Peng Zixing , Guo Xin , Qiao Shuqian , Zhao Pu , Zhan Qiuqiang , Qiu Jianrong , Yang Zhongmin , Dong Guoping
Published: April 2021

The key components in display, imaging, data communication, and photoelectric detection fields are low‐dimensional micro‐/nanomaterials with highly anisotropic optoelectronic properties manifesting polarized light. However, for anisotropic upconversion (UC) materials, obtaining tunable polarization characteristics remains a significant challenge. Herein, based on a detailed investigation of the crystal structure, local symmetry, and properties of rare‐earth ions (RE3+), the authors successfully realized a tunable UC light polarization characteristic (UCLPC) with dependence on excitation polarization using a series of RE3+ single‐ or co‐doped β‐NaYF4 microrods. By simulating the electron cloud distribution and bonding structure based on density functional theory calculations, it is shown that: i) Yb3+ with a unique electron cloud distribution adjusts the UCLPC of the activator via energy transfer processes; ii) co‐doping with RE3+ having a larger dipole polarizability improves the UCLPC of the activator by performing its electric field distribution toward anisotropy; and iii) increasing the activator concentration strengthens the UCLPC. By exploiting the unique UCLPC from different doping combinations, applications in optical storage, encryption, and anti‐counterfeiting are illustrated. Simultaneously, the findings obtained in this work will provide new and exciting fundamental insights into understanding the polarization properties of RE3+ in an anisotropic structure.
Efficiently Luminescent and Stable Lead‐free Cs3Cu2Cl5@Silica Nanocrystals for White Light‐Emitting Diodes and Communication
Authors: Zhao Shuangyi , Chen Chen , Cai Wensi , Li Ru , Li Haiyun , Jiang Siqi , Liu Min , Zang Zhigang
Published: April 2021

The poor stability of lead‐free Cs3Cu2Cl5nanocrystals (NCs) is the main impediment for their broad practical applications. Here, a sol‐gel reaction using tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as the silica coating precursor to prepare Cs3Cu2Cl5@SiOxNCs is proposed. Due to the efficient passivation and robust protection of SiOxshells on the NCs surface, Cs3Cu2Cl5@SiOxNCs solution and films exhibit a high photoluminescence quantum yield of 98% and 76%, respectively, and improved stability against water and heat. Cs3Cu2Cl5@SiOxNCs are then used to fabricate warm white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs), which show a high color‐rendering index of 94 and a proper correlated color temperature of 5049 K, and maintain an excellent thermal (265–360 K) and prolonged operating (380 h) stability. In addition, the good white light emission facilitates the application in visible light communication (VLC). The VLC light source demonstrates a −3 dB bandwidth of 420 kHz, and the achieved data rate of the VLC system reaches 2.65 Mbps using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing modulation with a bit loading. As a result, lead‐free Cs3Cu2Cl5@SiOxNCs with an efficient optical performance and an excellent stability might promote the development of stable NCs and extend the applications in optoelectronics.
Superoxide Dismutase‐Loaded Nanoparticles Attenuate Myocardial Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury and Protect against Chronic Adverse Ventricular Remodeling
Authors: Altshuler Peter J. , Schiazza Alexis R. , Luo Lijun , Helmers Mark R. , Chhay Bonirath , Han Jason J. , Hu Robin , Herbst David Alan , Tsourkas Andrew , Cheng Zhiliang , Atluri Pavan
Published: April 2021

Early revascularization is critical to reduce morbidity after myocardial infarction, although reperfusion incites additional oxidative injury. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an antioxidant that scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) but has low endogenous expression and rapid myocardial washout when administered exogenously. This study utilizes a novel nanoparticle carrier to improve exogeneous SOD retention while preserving enzyme function. Its role is assessed in preserving cardiac function after myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury. Here, nanoparticle‐encapsulated SOD (NP‐SOD) exhibits similar enzyme activity as free SOD, measured by ferricytochrome‐c assay. In an in vitro I/R model, free and NP‐SOD reduce active ROS, preserve mitochondrial integrity, and improve cell viability compared to controls. In a rat in vivo I/R injury model, NP‐encapsulation of fluorescent‐tagged SOD improves intramyocardial retention after direct injection. Intramyocardial NP‐SOD administration in vivo improves left ventricular contractility at 3‐h post‐reperfusion by echocardiography and 4‐weeks by echocardiography and invasive pressure–volume catheter analysis. These findings suggest that NP‐SOD mitigates ROS damage in cardiac I/R injury in vitro and maximizes retention in vivo. NP‐SOD further attenuates acute injury and protects against myocyte loss and chronic adverse ventricular remodeling, demonstrating potential for translating NP‐SOD as a therapy to mitigate myocardial I/R injury.
Dopants in the Design of Noble Metal Nanoparticle Electrocatalysts and their Effect on Surface Energy and Coordination Chemistry at the Nanocrystal Surface
Authors: Kwon Taehyun , Kim Taekyung , Son Yunchang , Lee Kwangyeol
Published: April 2021

Commercialization of energy conversion technologies, such as water electrolysis or fuel cells, has become a common prioritized goal in academia and industry due to the accelerated environmental crisis caused by the rapid increase in demand for fossil fuel‐based energy resources. However, these state‐of‐the‐art technologies require the use of expensive noble metal‐based electrocatalysts, which significantly undermine the feasibility of their commercial success. The introduction of less expensive elements into the noble metal‐based electrocatalysts, namely, doping, has become common in nanocatalysis research because of the lower catalyst preparation costs. Interestingly, recent studies have revealed additional roles of dopants in noble metal catalysts; doping can enhance the catalytic activity and selectivity by modulating the band structure, optimizing the surface energy of the catalysts, controlling the binding strength of adsorbates, and thus affecting the reaction kinetics. Dopants can also intervene in the nanocrystal growth mechanism, leading to shape‐ and phase‐controlled nanocrystals. This review discusses the great versatility of dopants in nanoparticle‐based catalysis in all aspects, from nanocrystal growth to nanocatalyst performance. The future challenges and outlook for dopants in nanocrystals and their applications are further discussed.
Correlations among soil biochemical parameters, crop yield, and soil respiration vary with growth stage and soil depth under fertilization
Authors: Liang Guopeng , Wu Xueping , Cai Andong , Dai Hongcui , Zhou Liping , Cai Dianxiong , Houssou Albert , Gao Lili , Wang Bisheng , Li Shengping , Song Xiaojun , Wu Huijun
Published: April 2021

Most studies only measure soil biochemical parameters in the surface soil at one growth stage to uncover how fertilization affects crop yield and soil respiration. A field study was conducted in a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–maize (Zea mays L.) rotation system to determine whether correlations among soil biochemical parameters, crop yield, and soil respiration vary with growth stage and soil depth. Annual crop yield, seasonal soil respiration, soil biochemical parameters at different growth stages (i.e., soil enzyme activity and available N content), and soil chemical parameters at different soil depths (i.e., soil organic carbon [SOC] and total nitrogen [TN] content) were measured. Stronger positive relationships between crop yield, soil respiration, and soil biochemical parameters were found at the first growth stage relative to other stages during both the 2013 wheat and 2014 maize growing seasons. In addition, the most significant relationship among soil chemical properties, crop yield, and soil respiration was found at 20‐to‐40‐cm soil depth during the 2013 wheat growing season but was found at 0‐to‐20‐cm soil depth during the 2014 maize growing season. Overall, correlations among soil biochemical parameters, crop yield, and soil respiration vary with growth stage and soil depth under fertilization. Our study indicates that single time‐point measurements of only surface soil biochemical parameters are not sufficient to understand fertilization impacts on crop yield and soil respiration.
Structural Community Governance: Importance for Community‐Academic Research Partnerships
Authors: Sanchez‐Youngman Shannon , Boursaw Blake , Oetzel John , Kastellic Sara , Devia Carlos , Scarpetta Maia , Belone Lorenda , Wallerstein Nina
Published: April 2021

Community based participatory research (CBPR) emphasizes democratic knowledge production and joint action between academics and communities to promote health equity through multilevel interventions. While much scholarship has expressed a commitment to collaboration between researchers and communities, effective methods of structural governance between community and academic stakeholders is under explored. We fill this gap by presenting a conceptual and empirical analysis describing multiple dimensions of structural governance in CBPR partnerships. First, we integrate public policy evidence on effective collaborative governance designs with the emerging literature in CBPR to create a conceptual model. Next, we utilize internet surveys of 179 federally funded community engaged research projects to construct and assess a measure of structural governance across multiple dimensions using confirmatory factor analysis. We explore whether antecedent factors such as the stage of the partnership and ethnic composition are associated with these dimensions and we examine associations for each of these components on positive perceptions of community involvement of research and collective empowerment. We develop a robust multidimensional measure of structural governance that is positively associated with perceptions of increased community involvement in research and collective empowerment.
Electrocatalytic Activation of Donor–Acceptor Cyclopropanes and Cyclobutanes: An Alternative C(sp3)−C(sp3) Cleavage Mode
Authors: Kolb Simon , Petzold Martin , Brandt Felix , Jones Peter G. , Jacob Christoph R. , Werz Daniel B.
Published: April 2021

We describe the first electrochemical activation of D–A cyclopropanes and D–A cyclobutanes leading after C(sp3)−C(sp3) cleavage to the formation of highly reactive radical cations. This concept is utilized to formally insert molecular oxygen after direct or DDQ‐assisted anodic oxidation of the strained carbocycles, delivering β‐ and γ‐hydroxy ketones and 1,2‐dioxanes electrocatalytically. Furthermore, insights into the mechanism of the oxidative process, obtained experimentally and by additional quantum‐chemical calculations are presented. The synthetic potential of the reaction products is demonstrated by diverse derivatizations.
New sonochemical magnetite nanoparticles functionalization approach of dithiooxamide–formaldehyde developed cellulose: From easy synthesis to recyclable 4‐nitrophenol reduction
Authors: Mehdaoui Rahma , Agren Soumaya , Dhahri Abdelwahab , El Haskouri Jamal , Beyou Emmanuel , Lahcini Mohammed , Baouab Mohamed Hassen V.
Published: April 2021

Magnetic [FA‐c‐(C‐DTX)@Fe3O4] nanocomposites have been prepared with a four‐step technique involving three mechanical stirring conventional steps to obtain [(FA‐c‐(DTX‐g‐DAC)] and an ultrasound‐assisted Fe3O4 coating approach to fabricate [FA‐c‐(C‐DTX)@Fe3O4]. Magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) (Fe3O4 NPs) synthesis and integration has been easily and rapidly approached under novel environmentally friendly optimized reaction conditions: an ethanol–water solution, one iron precursor use, short reaction time, low temperature, and an ultrasonic irradiation process. This new condition's unique combination is attributed to our new synthesis procedure. Sonochemically synthetisized [FA‐c‐(C‐DTX)@Fe3O4] were easily separated from the reaction mixture simply via external magnetic field application, and therefore, neither filtration nor centrifigation was required. The synthetisized samples have been investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and vibrating‐sample magnetometry (VSM). Obtained outcomes including successful magnetite coating process, good crystallinity, homogenous morphology, enhanced thermal stability, and obvious magnetic properties suggested the potential of sonochemical procedure to fabricate and integrate magnetic NPs. This sonochemically synthesized catalyst was evaluated toward the reduction of the organic pollutant 4‐nitrophenol and showed excellent catalytic activity. This ultrasound‐assisted nanocomposites preparation is simply scalable to meet industrial application.
Covalent organic framework supported Pd(II)‐catalyzed conjugate additions of arylboronic acids to α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids
Authors: Wen Min , Lu Shujuan , Fan Chaogang , Shen Kai , Lin Shaohui , Pan Qinmin
Published: April 2021

A palladium(II)‐coordinated covalent organic framework (Pd(II)@COF) was mechanochemically synthesized from [2,2′‐bipyridine]‐5,5′‐diamine (Bpy) and 1,3,5‐triformylphloroglucinol (Tp), which was demonstrated as a catalyst for conjugate addition of arylboronic acids to unreactive α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids in aqueous media (water/acetone = 1:1). Modest to good yields were obtained for most substrates, and studies on the catalyst recyclability showed that the heterogeneous catalyst gave >80% yields in the first 4 cycles. This research broadens the application of COFs supported catalysis and gave a new option for Pd(II)‐catalysis.
Tuning piezoelectric properties in elastomeric polyurethane nanocomposites utilizing cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Sanches Alex O. , da Silva Michael J. , Malmonge Luiz F. , Basso Nara R. S. , Malmonge José A.
Published: April 2021

Flexible piezoelectric nanocomposites have been the subject of a lot of recent research due to the development and use of wearable electronic devices and the increasing need for new harvesting devices and sensors due to increasingly intelligent and interconnected cities. In this study, flexible piezoelectric nanocomposites using elastomeric polyurethane (PU) as matrix, and lead zirconate titanate (PZT) as active phase, were produced using cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) as the third phase. The study describes the effect of CNC insertion on the morphology, thermal, electrical, and piezoelectric properties of the nanocomposites. It points out that the CNCs not only act to cause greater dispersion of the ceramic grains in the matrix, but also to lead to greater polarization effectiveness of the ceramic grains, resulting in a longitudinal piezoelectric coefficient (d33) increase of more than 370%, as compared with biphasic composites dependent on the ceramic and nanocrystals content.
The use of Bis‐(3‐triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulphane for surface modification of silica, ferrite and kenaf fiber filled natural rubber composites; comparison of aqueous solvent deposition, dry blend and integral blend methods
Authors: Shuib Raa Khimi , Shamsuddin Rashid
Published: April 2021

In this work, Bis‐(3‐triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulphane was employed for surface modification of silica, ferrite and kenaf fiber filled natural rubber composites using aqueous solvent deposition, dry blending and integral blend methods. The efficiency of each method and the preferred modification method for improving the mechanical performance of natural rubber composites was assessed. The appearance of the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy peak around 1088 cm−1for all types of fillers provided evidence that silane interaction had occurred between the fillers and rubber and the formation of siloxane linkages were quantitatively determined by the crosslink density measurement. The surface treatment by dry method for silica and ferrite fillers showed significant improvement of tensile performance at approximately 67% and 34% compared to those with untreated fillers. For kenaf fiber‐filled rubber composites, the surface treatment by aqueous solvent deposition showed the highest tensile improvement of 59% compared to the dry blending and integral blend method.
It is the ambience, not the menu. Prey availability does not drive habitat selection by the endangered Pyrenean desman
Authors: Esnaola Amaiur , Mata Vanessa , Arrizabalaga‐Escudero Aitor , González‐Esteban Jorge , Larrañaga Aitor , Rebelo Hugo , Elosegi Arturo , Aihartza Joxerra
Published: April 2021

The Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus) is an endangered stream‐dwelling insectivore endemic to the Iberian Peninsula and the north of the Pyrenees. It favours riffles over slow habitats such as runs or pools, yet it is still unclear whether habitat preference is based on prey availability or on other factors, such as mechanical constraints on its hunting habits.

Desman diet and prey selection were analysed along the pristine Elama Stream and the slightly modified Leitzaran Stream in the Basque Country, Spain.

In each stream the prey consumed were identified by metabarcoding 94 desman faeces, and prey availability characterized from 10 Surber samples taken in each habitat type (riffles, runs and pools). Invertebrates were sorted and identified, the biomass of each taxon was calculated, and their DNA was also extracted, amplified using PCR, and sequenced to build a reference database.

Prey availability and diet varied between streams. Desmans positively selected shredders and invertebrates that live on the substrate, and selected against taxa that live in fine sediment, taxa with hard shells or those that are highly mobile. The diet of desmans was more selective in the Elama, the stream with better ecological status. Food availability did not differ among habitats, and therefore does not explain the preference of desmans for riffles; rather, mechanical constraints to deal with buoyancy and physical habitat heterogeneity were hypothesized to be the reason behind the habitat preference.

The results suggest that promoting the formation of riffles in streams can improve the situation of some desman populations living in degraded habitats.
Chemoproteomic Profiling of Covalent XPO1 Inhibitors to Assess Target Engagement and Selectivity
Authors: Martin Jeffrey G. , Ward Jennifer A. , Feyertag Felix , Zhang Lu , Couvertier Shalise , Guckian Kevin , Huber Kilian V. M. , Johnson Douglas S.
Published: April 2021

Selinexor, a covalent XPO1 inhibitor, is approved in the USA in combination with dexamethasone for penta‐refractory multiple myeloma. Additional XPO1 covalent inhibitors are currently in clinical trials for multiple diseases including hematologic malignancies, solid tumor malignancies, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is important to measure the target engagement and selectivity of covalent inhibitors to understand the degree of engagement needed for efficacy, while avoiding both mechanism‐based and off‐target toxicity. Herein, we report clickable probes based on the XPO1 inhibitors selinexor and eltanexor for the labeling of XPO1 in live cells to assess target engagement and selectivity. We used mass spectrometry‐based chemoproteomic workflows to profile the proteome‐wide selectivity of selinexor and eltanexor and show that they are highly selective for XPO1. Thermal profiling analysis of selinexor further offers an orthogonal approach to measure XPO1 engagement in live cells. We believe these probes and assays will serve as useful tools to further interrogate the biology of XPO1 and its inhibition in cellular and in vivo systems.
A H2S‐Specific Ultrasensitive Fluorogenic Probe Reveals TMV‐Induced H2S Production to Limit Virus Replication
Authors: Pang Zhili , Ye Haishun , Ma Dejun , Tu Xiaoqiang , Yi Long , Xi Zhen
Published: April 2021

Understanding the role of H2S in host defense mechanisms against RNA viruses may provide opportunities for the development of antivirals to combat viral infections. Here, we have developed a green‐emitting fluorogenic probe, which exhibits a large fluorescence response at 520 nm (>560‐fold) when treated with 100 μM H2S for 1 h. It is highly selective for H2S over biothiols (>400‐fold F/F0) and has a detection limit of 12.9 nM. We demonstrate the application of the probe for endogenous H2S detection in vivo for the understanding of its roles in antiviral host defense. Such virus‐induced H2S inhibits viral replication by reducing gene expression of RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and coat protein (CP). Additionally, a H2S donor GYY4137 showed significantly antiviral activity as ribavirin, a broad‐spectrum drug against RNA viruses. Furtherly, we propose a possible molecular mechanism for the TMV‐induced H2S biogenesis. This work provides a proof‐of‐principle in support of further studies identifying endogenous H2S and its donors as potential antivirals toward RNA viruses.
Screening of Inhibitors Targeting Heat Shock Protein 47 Involved in the Development of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Okuno Daisuke , Sakamoto Noriho , Tagod Mohammed S. O. , Akiyama Yoshiko , Moriyama Sakiko , Miyamura Takuto , Hara Atsuko , Kido Takashi , Ishimoto Hiroshi , Ishimatsu Yuji , Tanaka Takashi , Ishihara Jun , Takeda Kohsuke , Tanaka Yoshimasa , Mukae Hiroshi
Published: April 2021

Heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), a collagen‐specific molecular chaperone, is causally related to fibrotic diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The identification of Compounds that interfere with the HSP47‐collagen interaction is essential for the development of relevant therapeutics. Herein, we prepared human HSP47 as a soluble fusion protein expressed in E. coli and established an assay system for HSP47 inhibitor screening. We screened a natural and synthetic Compound library established at Nagasaki University. Among 1023 Compounds, 13 exhibited inhibitory activity against human HSP47, of which three inhibited its function in a dose‐dependent manner. Epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate, one of these three Compounds, is a typical polyphenol Compound derived from tea leaves. Structurally related Compounds were synthesized and examined for their activity, revealing a hydroxyl group at A‐ring position 5 as important for its activity. The present findings provide valuable insight for the development of natural product‐derived therapeutics for fibrotic diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Big data analytics for identifying electricity theft using machine learning approaches in microgrids for smart communities
Authors: Arif Arooj , Javaid Nadeem , Aldegheishem Abdulaziz , Alrajeh Nabil
Published: April 2021

Electricity theft (ET) causes major revenue loss in power utilities. It reduces the quality of supply, raises production cost, causes legal consumers to pay the higher cost, and impacts the economy as a whole. In this article, we use the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) dataset, which contains electricity consumption data of 1035 days for two classes: normal and fraudulent. In this work, ET detection model is proposed that consists of four steps: interpolation, data balancing, feature extraction, and classification. First, missing values of the dataset are recovered using the interpolation method. Second, resampling technique is implemented. ET consumers are 9% in the SGCC dataset that make the model inefficient to correctly classify both classes (normal and theft). A hybrid resampling technique is proposed, named synthetic minority oversampling technique with near miss. Third, residual network extracts the latent features from the SGCC dataset. Fourth, three tree based classifiers, such as decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), and adaptive boosting (AdaBoost) are applied to train the encoded feature vectors for classification. Besides, search for good hyperparameters is a challenging task, which is usually done manually and takes a considerable amount of time. To resolve this problem, Bayesian optimizer is used to simplify the tuning process of DT, RF, and AdaBoost. Finally, the results indicate that RF outperforms DT and AdaBoost.
Understanding Use of Real‐World Data and Real‐World Evidence to Support Regulatory Decisions on Medical Product Effectiveness
Authors: Mahendraratnam Nirosha , Mercon Kerra , Gill Mira , Benzing Laura , McClellan Mark B.
Published: April 2021

RWE has potential to provide efficient and relevant information on the effectiveness of medical products, complementing the data generated in clinical trials; however, how RWE can support regulatory decision‐making is unclear, potentially limiting its use. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize instances where RWE was included in the evidence package to support the effectiveness of a medical product regulated by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. A retrospective landscape analysis was conducted to identify instances where RWE was submitted to support effectiveness through targeted review of white and gray literature and publicly available FDA reviews of medical products. Trained evaluators examined FDA reviews to determine if and how RWE contributed to regulatory decision‐making regarding effectiveness. Evaluators identified 34 instances of RWE submitted between 1954 and 2020, where 26% of instances were for oncology, 18% for hematology, and 12% for neurology. Over 50% of the products were indicated for use in rare disease or pediatric populations. 82% of products where RWE was submitted received an orphan designation. RWE was included in the product label in 59% of instances. Stated reasons indicating why submitted RWE did not significantly contribute to regulatory decision‐making included lack of pre‐specification of study design and analysis as well as data reliability and relevancy concerns. While there is historical use of RWE to support medical product effectiveness for oncology and rare diseases, potential exists to leverage the strengths of RWE to support other therapeutic areas and capture outcomes that are most relevant to patients.
Cotton photosynthetic productivity enhancement through uniform row‐spacing with optimal plant density in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Hu Liting , Pan Xuebiao , Wang Xiaochen , Hu Qi , Wang Xiangru , Zhang Hengheng , Xue Qingwu , Song Meizhen
Published: April 2021

Xinjiang is currently the most dominant cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)‐growing region in China and possesses abundant radiation resource. The cultivation techniques such as wide and narrow row‐spacing and high density are widely adopted to obtain high cotton yield in the region. However, the region is facing some problems including poor light transmittance in the field and low exploitation for light resources under the current planting pattern which impedes further growth in cotton yields. Therefore, it is essential to develop some cultivation practices to increase radiation use efficiency (RUE) and cotton yields in Xinjiang. Here we conducted a field experiment to quantify the effects of row spacing pattern and plant density on RUE, intercepted photosynthetically active radiation from May to August (IRAR5–8), and lint yield during 2017 and 2018. In this study, we designed two row‐spacing configurations (R1, wide and narrow configuration, 66 cm + 10 cm; R2, uniform row‐spacing configuration, 76 cm) and six plant densities (4.5, 9.0, 13.5, 18.0, 22.5, and 27.0 plants m−2). The RUE, lint yield, and number of bolls were higher in R2 than R1 by 4.1–5.9, 2.5–4.8, and 9.1–14.2%, respectively. The RUE significantly increased with plant density, but lint yield stabilized at 18.0 plants m−2. Moreover, RUE had more significant positive effects on boll number and lint yield. Overall, we found that R2 combined with optimal plant densities (13.5–18.0 plants m−2) would be an effective strategy to achieve higher RUE and yields in the Xinjiang cotton system.
Improvement in mood symptoms ​after post‐bariatric surgery among people with obesity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Loh Huai Heng , Francis Benedict , Lim Lee‐Ling , Lim Quan Hziung , Yee Anne , Loh Huai Seng
Published: April 2021

Aims

We aimed to examine if bariatric surgery was associated with a reduction in the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among people with obesity.

Materials and Methods

We pooled data from 49 studies involving 11,255 people with obesity who underwent bariatric surgery. The study outcomes were the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among these patients pre‐ and post‐surgery.

Results

There was a significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) post‐operatively (pooled d+: −13.3 kg/m2 [95% confidence interval [CI] 15.19, −11.47], p < 0.001). The pooled proportion of patients with anxiety symptoms reduced from 24.5% pre‐operatively to 16.9% post‐operatively, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.58 (95% CI 0.51, 0.67, p < 0.001). The reduction remained significant in women aged ≥40 years and irrespective of post‐operative BMI. There were significant reductions in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS) (anxiety component) by 0.64 (pooled d+: −0.64 [95% CI −1.06, −0.22], p = 0.003) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment‐7 score by 0.54 (pooled d+: −0.54 [95% CI −0.64, −0.44], p < 0.001). The pooled proportion of depressive symptoms reduced from 34.7% pre‐operatively to 20.4% post‐operatively, with an OR of 0.49 (95% CI 0.37, 0.65, p < 0.001). The reduction remained significant irrespective of patient's age and post‐operative BMI. There were also significant reductions in HADS score (depressive component) (pooled d+: −1.34 [95% CI −1.93, −0.76], p < 0.001), Beck’s Depression Inventory score (pooled d+: −1.04 [95% CI −1.46, −0.63], p < 0.001) and Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 score (pooled d+: −1.11 [95% CI −1.21, −1.01], p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery was associated with significant reduction in the prevalence and severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms among people with obesity.
Vegetation dynamics models: a comprehensive set for natural resource assessment and planning in the United States
Authors: Blankenship Kori , Swaty Randy , Hall Kimberly R. , Hagen Sarah , Pohl Kelly , Shlisky Hunt Ayn , Patton Jeannie , Frid Leonardo , Smith Jim
Published: April 2021

In the context of widespread ecological changes, land managers and policymakers confront the need to prioritize ecosystem restoration and fuel management activities across large areas to sustain ecosystem services. Reference conditions inform prioritization efforts by providing a baseline from which to measure where and how vegetation and fuels have changed, but until recently the USA lacked a complete set of reference conditions. We describe the ongoing development of a comprehensive set of vegetation reference conditions based on over 900 quantitative vegetation dynamic models and accompanying description documents for terrestrial ecosystems in the USA. These models and description documents, collaboratively developed by more than 800 experts around the country through the interagency LANDFIRE Program, synthesize fundamental ecological information about ecosystem dynamics, structure, composition, and disturbance regimes before European‐American settlement. These products establish the first comprehensive national baseline for measuring vegetation change in the USA, providing land managers and policymakers with a tool to support vegetation restoration and fuel management activities at regional to national scales. Users have applied these products to support a variety of land management needs including exploring ecosystem dynamics, assessing current and desired conditions, and simulating the effects of management actions. In an era of rapid ecological change, these products provide land managers with an adaptable tool for understanding ecosystems and predicting possible future conditions.
Intra‐seasonal rainfall variability and herbivory affect the interaction outcome of two dryland plant species
Authors: Verwijmeren M. , Baudena M. , Wassen M. , Díaz‐Sierra R. , Smit C. , Rietkerk M.
Published: April 2021

Increases in drought frequency in combination with overgrazing may result in degradation of (semi‐) arid ecosystems. Facilitative interactions between plants are a key mechanism in preventing degradation, but it is poorly understood how they respond to increased stress by combined drought and herbivory. In this study, we used an ecohydrological model, to simulate the plant growth of two plant species interacting with each other under different rainfall and herbivory pressure scenarios. The functional traits of the two modeled plants were based on a prior field experiment in southeastern Spain, in which an unpalatable “nurse” species protected a palatable protégé species from herbivory. Moreover, the nurse species was more drought‐resistant; that is, it had a lower wilting point, whereas the protégé species had a higher optimal growth rate. Firstly, we investigated the coexistence of the two plant species growing under a single limiting resource, focusing on the effect of intra‐seasonal rainfall variability. We found that longer periods without rainfall within the wet season resulted in stable coexistence, whereas nearly constant rainfall led to competitive exclusion of the protégé by the nurse species. Secondly, we investigated how plant interactions varied along our studied gradients. Using the neighbor effect intensity and importance indices, we found that competitive effects increased with more constant rainfall. Moreover, higher herbivory rates resulted in increased facilitative effects of the nurse on the protégé species, but facilitative effects could only prevail over competitive effects under currently observed or higher intra‐seasonal rainfall variability. This study highlights the relevance of intra‐seasonal rainfall variability in explaining coexistence of species in dryland ecosystems and shows that increasing intra‐seasonal rainfall variability or herbivory pressure can result in more facilitative effects from a nurse species. This information is crucial to obtain a better insight into the long‐term coexistence of species, and the resulting stability of dryland ecosystems in response to future climate change.