bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anxiety, home blood pressure monitoring, and cardiovascular events among older hypertension patients during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Zhang Shuyuan , Zhong Yixuan , Wang Lixin , Yin Xinhua , Li Yufeng , Liu Yunlan , Dai Qiuyan , Tong Anli , Li Dongfeng , Zhang Liangqing , Li Ping , Zhang Guohui , Huang Rongjie , Liu Jinguang , Zhao Luosha , Yu Jing , Zhang Xinjun , Yang Li , Cai Jun , Zhang Weili ,   On behalf of the STEP Study Group
Published: January 2022

The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a health crisis. It remains unclear how anxiety affects blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular risk among older patients with hypertension. In this study, we extracted longitudinal data on home BP monitored via a smartphone-based application in 3724 elderly patients with hypertension from a clinical trial (60–80 years; 240 in Wuhan and 3484 in non-Wuhan areas) to examine changes in morning BP during the COVID-19 outbreak in China. Anxiety was evaluated using Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 item scores. Changes in morning systolic BP (SBP) were analyzed for five 30-day periods during the pandemic (October 21, 2019 to March 21, 2020), including the pre-epidemic, incubation, developing, outbreak, and plateau periods. Data on cardiovascular events were prospectively collected for one year. A total of 262 individuals (7.0%) reported an increased level of anxiety, and 3462 individuals (93.0%) did not. Patients with anxiety showed higher morning SBP than patients without anxiety, and the between-group differences in SBP change were +1.2 mmHg and +1.7 mmHg during the outbreak and plateau periods (P < 0.05), respectively. The seasonal BP variation in winter among patients with anxiety was suppressed during the pandemic. Anxious patients had higher rates of uncontrolled BP. During the 1-year follow-up period, patients with anxiety had an increased risk of cardiovascular events with a hazard ratio of 2.47 (95% confidence interval, 1.10–5.58; P = 0.03). In summary, COVID-19-related anxiety was associated with a short-term increase in morning SBP among older patients and led to a greater risk of cardiovascular events. (ClinicalTrials. gov number, NCT03015311).
Magnetic monopole density and antiferromagnetic domain control in spin-ice iridates
Authors: Pearce M. J. , Götze K. , Szabó A. , Sikkenk T. S. , Lees M. R. , Boothroyd A. T. , Prabhakaran D. , Castelnovo C. , Goddard P. A.
Published: January 2022

Magnetically frustrated systems provide fertile ground for complex behaviour, including unconventional ground states with emergent symmetries, topological properties, and exotic excitations. A canonical example is the emergence of magnetic-charge-carrying quasiparticles in spin-ice compounds. Despite extensive work, a reliable experimental indicator of the density of these magnetic monopoles is yet to be found. Using measurements on single crystals of Ho2Ir2O7 combined with dipolar Monte Carlo simulations, we show that the isothermal magnetoresistance is highly sensitive to the monopole density. Moreover, we uncover an unexpected and strong coupling between the monopoles on the holmium sublattice and the antiferromagnetically ordered iridium ions. These results pave the way towards a quantitative experimental measure of monopole density and demonstrate the ability to control antiferromagnetic domain walls using a uniform external magnetic field, a key goal in the design of next-generation spintronic devices.
Controlling the helicity of π-conjugated oligomers by tuning the aromatic backbone twist
Authors: Bedi Anjan , Manor Armon Amit , Diskin-Posner Yael , Bogosalvsky Benny , Gidron Ori
Published: January 2022

The properties of π-conjugated oligomers and polymers are commonly controlled by side group engineering, main chain engineering, or conformational engineering. The last approach is typically limited to controlling the dihedral angle around the interring single bonds to prevent loss of π-conjugation. Here we propose a different approach to conformational engineering that involves controlling the twist of the aromatic units comprising the backbone by using a tether of varying lengths. We demonstrate this approach by synthesizing an inherently twisted building unit comprised of helically locked tethered acenes, bearing acetylene end-groups to enable backbone extension, which was applied in a series of nine helical oligomers with varying backbone length and twist. We find that the optical and electronic properties of π-conjugated systems may be determined by the additive, antagonistic, or independent effects of backbone length and twist angle. The twisted oligomers display chiral amplification, arising from the formation of secondary helical structures.
A Klotho-derived peptide protects against kidney fibrosis by targeting TGF-β signaling
Authors: Yuan Qian , Ren Qian , Li Li , Tan Huishi , Lu Meizhi , Tian Yuan , Huang Lu , Zhao Boxin , Fu Haiyan , Hou Fan Fan , Zhou Lili , Liu Youhua
Published: January 2022

Loss of Klotho, an anti-aging protein, plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney diseases. As Klotho is a large transmembrane protein, it is challenging to harness it as a therapeutic remedy. Here we report the discovery of a Klotho-derived peptide 1 (KP1) protecting kidneys by targeting TGF-β signaling. By screening a series of peptides derived from human Klotho protein, we identified KP1 that repressed fibroblast activation by binding to TGF-β receptor 2 (TβR2) and disrupting the TGF-β/TβR2 engagement. As such, KP1 blocked TGF-β-induced activation of Smad2/3 and mitogen-activated protein kinases. In mouse models of renal fibrosis, intravenous injection of KP1 resulted in its preferential accumulation in injured kidneys. KP1 preserved kidney function, repressed TGF-β signaling, ameliorated renal fibrosis and restored endogenous Klotho expression. Together, our findings suggest that KP1 recapitulates the anti-fibrotic action of Klotho and offers a potential remedy in the fight against fibrotic kidney diseases.
Real-space observation of incommensurate spin density wave and coexisting charge density wave on Cr (001) surface
Authors: Hu Yining , Zhang Tianzhen , Zhao Dongming , Chen Chen , Ding Shuyue , Yang Wentao , Wang Xu , Li Chihao , Wang Haitao , Feng Donglai , Zhang Tong
Published: January 2022

In itinerant magnetic systems, a spin density wave (SDW) state can be induced by Fermi surface nesting and electron-electron interaction. It may intertwine with other orders such as charge density wave (CDW), while their relation is still yet to be understood. Here via spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy, we directly observed long-range spin modulation on Cr(001) surface, which corresponds to the well-known incommensurate SDW of bulk Cr. It displays 6.0 nm in-plane period and anti-phase behavior between adjacent (001) planes. Meanwhile, we simultaneously observed the coexisting CDW with half the period of SDW. Such SDW/CDW have highly correlated domain structures and are in-phase. Surprisingly, the CDW displays a contrast inversion around a density-of-states dip at −22 meV, indicating an anomalous CDW gap opened below EF. These observations support that the CDW is a secondary order driven by SDW. Our work is not only a real-space characterization of incommensurate SDW, but also provides insights on how SDW and CDW coexist.
Genome-wide detection of CRISPR editing in vivo using GUIDE-tag
Authors: Liang Shun-Qing , Liu Pengpeng , Smith Jordan L. , Mintzer Esther , Maitland Stacy , Dong Xiaolong , Yang Qiyuan , Lee Jonathan , Haynes Cole M. , Zhu Lihua Julie , Watts Jonathan K. , Sontheimer Erik J. , Wolfe Scot A. , Xue Wen
Published: January 2022

Analysis of off-target editing is an important aspect of the development of safe nuclease-based genome editing therapeutics. in vivo assessment of nuclease off-target activity has primarily been indirect (based on discovery in vitro, in cells or via computational prediction) or through ChIP-based detection of double-strand break (DSB) DNA repair factors, which can be cumbersome. Herein we describe GUIDE-tag, which enables one-step, off-target genome editing analysis in mouse liver and lung. The GUIDE-tag system utilizes tethering between the Cas9 nuclease and the DNA donor to increase the capture rate of nuclease-mediated DSBs and UMI incorporation via Tn5 tagmentation to avoid PCR bias. These components can be delivered as SpyCas9-mSA ribonucleoprotein complexes and biotin-dsDNA donor for in vivo editing analysis. GUIDE-tag enables detection of off-target sites where editing rates are ≥ 0.2%. UDiTaS analysis utilizing the same tagmented genomic DNA detects low frequency translocation events with off-target sites and large deletions in vivo. The SpyCas9-mSA and biotin-dsDNA system provides a method to capture DSB loci in vivo in a variety of tissues with a workflow that is amenable to analysis of gross genomic alterations that are associated with genome editing.
Activation of the plant mevalonate pathway by extracellular ATP
Authors: Cho Sung-Hwan , Tóth Katalin , Kim Daewon , Vo Phuc H. , Lin Chung-Ho , Handakumbura Pubudu P. , Ubach Albert Rivas , Evans Sterling , Paša-Tolić Ljiljana , Stacey Gary
Published: January 2022

The mevalonate pathway plays a critical role in multiple cellular processes in both animals and plants. In plants, the products of this pathway impact growth and development, as well as the response to environmental stress. A forward genetic screen of Arabidopsis thaliana using Ca2+-imaging identified mevalonate kinase (MVK) as a critical component of plant purinergic signaling. MVK interacts directly with the plant extracellular ATP (eATP) receptor P2K1 and is phosphorylated by P2K1 in response to eATP. Mutation of P2K1-mediated phosphorylation sites in MVK eliminates the ATP-induced cytoplasmic calcium response, MVK enzymatic activity, and suppresses pathogen defense. The data demonstrate that the plasma membrane associated P2K1 directly impacts plant cellular metabolism by phosphorylation of MVK, a key enzyme in the mevalonate pathway. The results underline the importance of purinergic signaling in plants and the ability of eATP to influence the activity of a key metabolite pathway with global effects on plant metabolism.
Effectiveness of protection areas in safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystem services in Tibet Autonomous Region
Authors: Xu Kaipeng , Wang Xiahui , Wang Jinnan , Wang Jingjing , Ge Rongfeng , Tian Rensheng , Chai Huixia , Zhang Xin , Fu Le
Published: January 2022

The Tibet Autonomous Region of China constitutes a unique and fragile ecosystem that is increasingly influenced by development and global climate change. To protect biodiversity and ecosystem services in Tibet, the Chinese government established a system of nature reserves at a significant cost; however, the effectiveness of nature reserves at protecting both—biodiversity and ecosystem service functions in Tibet is not clear. To determine the success of existing nature reserves, we determined importance areas for the conservation of mammal, plant, bird, amphibian, and reptile species, and for the protection of ecosystem service functions. The results indicated that important conservation areas for endangered plants were mainly distributed in the southern part of Nyingchi City, and for endangered animals, in the southern part of Nyingchi and Shannan Cities. Extremely important conservation areas for ecosystem service functions of carbon sequestration, water and soil protection, and flood regulation were mainly distributed in the southern part of Nyingchi and Shannan Cities, northern and southeastern parts of Nagqu City, and southern part of Ngari area. Based on an analysis of spatial overlap in protection areas, we conclude that existing natural reserves need to be expanded, and new ones need to be established to better protect biodiversity in Tibet Autonomous Region.
Stories of intentional action mobilise climate policy support and action intentions
Authors: Sabherwal Anandita , Shreedhar Ganga
Published: January 2022

What makes a climate story effective? We examined if short fiction stories about everyday pro-environmental behaviours motivate climate policy support, and individual and collective climate action in a nationally representative experiment (N = 903 UK adults). The story featuring protagonists driven by pro-environmental intentions (i.e., the intentional environmentalist narrative) increased participants’ support for pro-climate policies and intentions to take both individual and collective pro-environmental actions, more so than did stories featuring protagonists whose pro-environmental behaviours were driven by intentions to gain social status, to protect their health, and a control story. Participants’ stronger feelings of identification with the protagonist partially explained these effects of the intentional environmentalist narrative. Results highlight that narrating intentional, rather than unintentional, pro-environmental action can enhance readers’ climate policy support and intentions to perform pro-environmental action. Therefore, the intentions driving pro-environmental action may have implications for the extent to which observes identify with the actor and take pro-environmental action themselves.
Human transgenerational observations of regular smoking before puberty on fat mass in grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Authors: Golding Jean , Gregory Steve , Northstone Kate , Pembrey Marcus , Watkins Sarah , Iles-Caven Yasmin , Suderman Matthew
Published: January 2022

Previously, using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) we showed that sons of fathers who had started smoking regularly before puberty (< 13 years) had increased fat mass during childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. We now show that if the paternal grandfather had started smoking pre-puberty, compared with later in childhood (13–16 years), his granddaughters, but not grandsons, had evidence of excess fat mass at two ages: mean difference + 3.54 kg; (P with 1-tailed test) = 0.043 at 17 years, and + 5.49 kg; (P1 = 0.016) at age 24. When fathers of maternal grandfathers had started smoking pre-puberty, their great-granddaughters, but not great-grandsons, had excess body fat: + 5.35 kg (P1 = 0.050) at 17, and + 6.10 kg (P1 = 0.053) at 24 years. Similar associations were not found with lean mass, in a sensitivity analysis. To determine whether these results were due to the later generations starting to smoke pre-puberty, further analyses omitted those in subsequent generations who had smoked regularly from < 13 years. The results were similar. If these associations are confirmed in another dataset or using biomarkers, this will be one of the first human demonstrations of transgenerational effects of an environmental exposure across four generations.
Higher trait neuroticism is associated with greater fatty acid amide hydrolase binding in borderline and antisocial personality disorders
Authors: Kolla Nathan J. , Boileau Isabelle , Bagby R. Michael
Published: January 2022

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) are the two most frequently diagnosed and researched DSM-5 personality disorders, and both are characterized by high levels of trait neuroticism. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), an enzyme of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), has been linked to regulation of mood through modulation of anandamide, an endocannabinoid. We hypothesized that prefrontal cortex (PFC) FAAH binding would relate to trait neuroticism in personality disorders. Thirty-one individuals with personality disorders (20 with BPD and 11 with ASPD) completed the investigation. All participants completed the revised NEO Personality Inventory, which yields standardized scores (e.g., T scores) for the traits of neuroticism, openness, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and extraversion. All participants were medication free and were not utilizing illicit substances as determined by drug urinalysis. Additionally, none of the participants had a comorbid major depressive episode, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, or substance use disorder. Each participant underwent one [11C]CURB PET scan. Consistent with our hypothesis, neuroticism was positively correlated with PFC FAAH binding (r = 0.42, p = 0.021), controlling for genotype. Neuroticism was also positively correlated with dorsal putamen FAAH binding (r = 0.53, p = 0.0024), controlling for genotype. Elevated brain FAAH is an endophenotype for high neuroticism in BPD and ASPD. Novel pharmacological therapeutics that inhibit FAAH could emerge as potential new treatments for BPD and ASPD with high neuroticism.
Regional and temporal coordinated mutation patterns in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein revealed by a clustering and network analysis
Authors: Negi Surendra S. , Schein Catherine H. , Braun Werner
Published: January 2022

SARS-CoV-2 has steadily mutated during its spread to > 300 million people throughout the world. The WHO has designated strains with certain mutations, “variants of concern” (VOC), as they may have higher infectivity and/or resist neutralization by antibodies in sera of vaccinated individuals and convalescent patients. Methods to detect regionally emerging VOC are needed to guide treatment and vaccine design. Cluster and network analysis was applied to over 1.2 million sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein from 36 countries in the GISAID database. While some mutations rapidly spread throughout the world, regionally specific groups of variants were identified. Strains circulating in each country contained different sets of high frequency mutations, many of which were known VOCs. Mutations within clusters increased in frequency simultaneously. Low frequency, but highly correlated mutations detected by the method could signal emerging VOCs, especially if they occur at higher frequency in other regions. An automated version of our method to find high frequency mutations in a set of SARS-COV-2 spike sequences is available online at http://curie.utmb.edu/SAR.html.
A part per trillion isotope ratio analysis of 90Sr/88Sr using energy-filtered thermal ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Wakaki Shigeyuki , Aoki Jo , Shimode Ryoya , Suzuki Katsuhiko , Miyazaki Takashi , Roberts Jenny , Vollstaedt Hauke , Sasaki Satoshi , Takagai Yoshitaka
Published: January 2022

Strontium-90 is a major radioactive nuclide released by nuclear accidents and discharge waste. Input of such radioactive nuclide into earth surface environment causes potential threat of long-term internal exposure when taken up by organism. Rapid and precise measurement of 90Sr in variety of environmental sample is important to understand the distribution and dynamics of 90Sr in the local environment after the accident and to assess the effect of radioactive nuclide inputs on bodies. However, previous 90Sr measurement techniques have drawbacks such as long measurement times for radiometry and high detection limits for mass spectrometry. Here we present a technique to accurately measure a significantly small amount of 90Sr in natural environmental samples using an energy-filtered thermal ionization mass spectrometry. Our technique achieved a 90Sr detection limit of 0.23 ag, which corresponds to a 90Sr activity of 1.2 µBq. The detection limit was lowered by two orders of magnitude compared with the previous mass spectrometric 90Sr analyses. The ability of our technique will expand the applicability of mass spectrometric 90Sr survey not only to the rapid 90Sr survey upon nuclear accidents but also to study a long-term environmental diffusion of radioactive materials using size-limited environmental and biological samples.
Comparative genomics reveals evolutionary loss of epiplakin in cetaceans
Authors: Fuchs Peter , Drexler Corinne , Ratajczyk Sonia , Eckhart Leopold
Published: January 2022

The adaptation of vertebrates to different environments was associated with changes in the molecular composition and regulation of epithelia. Whales and dolphins, together forming the clade cetaceans, have lost multiple epithelial keratins during or after their evolutionary transition from life on land to life in water. It is unknown whether the changes in keratins were accompanied by gain or loss of cytoskeletal adapter proteins of the plakin family. Here we investigated whether plakin proteins are conserved in cetaceans and other vertebrates. Comparative analysis of genome sequences showed conservation of dystonin, microtubule actin crosslinking factor 1 (MACF1), plectin, desmoplakin, periplakin and envoplakin in cetaceans. By contrast, EPPK1 (epiplakin) was disrupted by inactivating mutations in all cetaceans investigated. Orthologs of EPPK1 are present in bony and cartilaginous fishes and tetrapods, indicating an evolutionary origin of EPPK1 in a common ancestor of jawed vertebrates (Gnathostomes). In many vertebrates, EPPK1 is flanked by an as-yet uncharacterized gene that encodes protein domains homologous to the carboxy-terminal segment of MACF1. We conclude that epiplakin, unlike other plakins, was lost in cetaceans.
Dye tracing and concentration mapping in coastal waters using unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Johansen Kasper , Dunne Aislinn F. , Tu Yu-Hsuan , Almashharawi Samir , Jones Burton H. , McCabe Matthew F.
Published: January 2022

Coastal water flows facilitate important nutrient exchanges between mangroves, seagrasses and coral reefs. However, due to the complex nature of tidal interactions, their spatiotemporal development can be difficult to trace via traditional field instrumentations. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) serve as ideal platforms from which to capture such dynamic responses. Here, we provide a UAV-based approach for tracing coastal water flows using object-based detection of dye plume extent coupled with a regression approach for mapping dye concentration. From hovering UAV images and nine subsequent flight surveys covering the duration of an ebbing tide in the Red Sea, our results show that dye plume extent can be mapped with low omission and commission errors when assessed against manual delineations. Our results also demonstrated that the interaction term of two UAV-derived indices may be employed to accurately map dye concentration (coefficient of determination = 0.96, root mean square error = 7.78 ppb), providing insights into vertical and horizontal transportation and dilution of materials in the water column. We showcase the capabilities of high-frequency UAV-derived data and demonstrate how field-based dye concentration measurements can be integrated with UAV data for future studies of coastal water flow dynamics.
Hybrid architecture based on two-dimensional memristor crossbar array and CMOS integrated circuit for edge computing
Authors: Kumar Pratik , Zhu Kaichen , Gao Xu , Wang Sui-Dong , Lanza Mario , Thakur Chetan Singh
Published: January 2022

The fabrication of integrated circuits (ICs) employing two-dimensional (2D) materials is a major goal of semiconductor industry for the next decade, as it may allow the extension of the Moore’s law, aids in in-memory computing and enables the fabrication of advanced devices beyond conventional complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. However, most circuital demonstrations so far utilizing 2D materials employ methods such as mechanical exfoliation that are not up-scalable for wafer-level fabrication, and their application could achieve only simple functionalities such as logic gates. Here, we present the fabrication of a crossbar array of memristors using multilayer hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) as dielectric, that exhibit analog bipolar resistive switching in >96% of devices, which is ideal for the implementation of multi-state memory element in most of the neural networks, edge computing and machine learning applications. Instead of only using this memristive crossbar array to solve a simple logical problem, here we go a step beyond and present the combination of this h-BN crossbar array with CMOS circuitry to implement extreme learning machine (ELM) algorithm. The CMOS circuit is used to design the encoder unit, and a h-BN crossbar array of 2D hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) based memristors is used to implement the decoder functionality. The proposed hybrid architecture is demonstrated for complex audio, image, and other non-linear classification tasks on real-time datasets.
Hydrological properties predict the composition of microbial communities cycling methane and nitrogen in rivers
Authors: Clark Dave R , McKew Boyd A , Binley Andrew , Heppell Catherine M , Whitby Corinne , Trimmer Mark
Published: January 2022

Sediment microbial communities drive the biogeochemical cycles that make rivers globally important sources and sinks of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). The structure of these communities is strongly determined by the local physico-chemical environment. However, we currently lack an understanding of the factors that determine microbial community structures at the catchment scale. Here, we show that the contribution of groundwater to total river flow (quantified as base flow index; BFI) predicts the structure and diversity of the different microbial functional groups that cycle N and C across nine UK rivers, spanning a geological BFI gradient from 0.23 (clay sediment) to 0.95 (chalk gravel sediment). Furthermore, the GC-content (percentage of guanine-cytosine bases in a DNA sequence) and codon-usage bias of ammonia monooxygenase DNA sequences, and the hydrophobicity and net-charge of the corresponding amino acid sequences, were all strongly correlated with BFI, likely reflecting physiological adaptations to different riverbed sediment structure along the BFI gradient. Our results offer an opportunity to overcome the “paradox of scales” that has seen microbial ecologists focus on small- rather than large-scale environmental variables, enabling us to scale-up our understanding of microbial biogeochemistry to the catchment and beyond.
Unlocking novel reaction pathways of diazoalkanes with visible light
Authors: Empel Claire , Pei Chao , Koenigs Rene M.
Published: January 2022

In this feature article, the photolysis and dye-sensitized reactions of diazoalkanes are discussed and applications in organic synthesis are presented.
In situ Bragg coherent X-ray diffraction imaging of corrosion in a Co–Fe alloy microcrystal
Authors: Yang David , Phillips Nicholas W. , Song Kay , Barker Clara , Harder Ross J. , Cha Wonsuk , Liu Wenjun , Hofmann Felix
Published: January 2022

Morphology, 3D lattice strain, and dissolution of a Co–Fe microcrystal was monitored using in situ Bragg coherent X-ray diffraction imaging.
Understanding the role of spacer cation in 2D layered halide perovskites to achieve stable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Mahal Eti , Mandal Shyama Charan , Pathak Biswarup
Published: January 2022

Intermolecular H-bonding between organic cations results in the highly rigid geometry of 2D layered halide perovskites leading to reduced octahedral distortion and inorganic layer separation. This improves the optoelectronic property of the materials.
Calcium montmorillonite as a potential carrier in the release of bisphosphonates
Authors: Sandomierski Mariusz , Zielińska Monika , Adamska Katarzyna , Patalas Adam , Voelkel Adam
Published: January 2022

There is a strong need to search for more effective bisphosphonate carriers which will lead to their increased bioavailability for bone tissue engineering.
Preparation of magnetic silica supported Brønsted acidic ionic liquids for the depolymerization of lignin to aromatic monomers
Authors: Cui Mingyu , Wang Dingkai , Li Yanjun , Zhao Wei , Liang Chong , Liu Xutang , Fu Shuiyuan , Wang Luyao , Wei Xianyong
Published: January 2022

A magnetic silica supported Brønsted acidic ionic liquid is employed in lignin depolymerization into aromatic monomers, such as aryl aldehyde, aryl ketone, aryl acid, and aryl ester.
A new FeOCl/graphene quantum dot catalyst for peroxymonosulfate activation to efficiently remove organic pollutants and inactivate Escherichia coli
Authors: Sun Xin , Zheng Hongai , Jiang Shuangyan , Zhu Meilin , Zhou Yao , Wang Derui , Fan Yankun , Hu Lili , Zhang Daquan , Zhang Lizhi
Published: January 2022

Electrons are transferred through GQDs, thereby accelerating the reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ and enhancing the activation of PMS.
Hydrothermal synthesis and crystal structure of a novel double-perovskite-type bismuth oxide with 3 : 1 ordering at the B-site
Authors: Hossain Khandaker Monower , Saiduzzaman Md , Kumada Nobuhiro , Takei Takahiro , Yamane Hisanori
Published: January 2022

A low-temperature hydrothermal method was successfully used to synthesize a novel bismuth oxide Ba4Bi3NaO12. This compound exhibited photocatalytic activity toward phenol degradation under visible-light irradiation and has semiconducting nature.
Supramolecular polymer networks crosslinked by crown ether-based host–guest recognition: dynamic materials with tailored mechanical properties in the bulk
Authors: Bai Ruixue , Zhang Hao , Yang Xue , Zhao Jun , Wang Yongming , Zhang Zhaoming , Yan Xuzhou
Published: January 2022

Supramolecular polymer networks crosslinked by crown ether-based host–guest recognition are designed and synthesized, whose bulk materials exhibit tailored mechanical properties and abundant dynamic behaviors.
Two new tellurite halides with cationic layers: syntheses, structures, and characterizations of CdPb2Te3O8Cl2 and Cd13Pb8Te14O42Cl14
Authors: Bai Chen , Chu Yu , Zhou Jiazheng , Wang Linan , Luo Ling , Pan Shilie , Li Junjie
Published: January 2022

Two new cationic layered tellurite halides, CdPb2Te3O8Cl2 and Cd13Pb8Te14O42Cl14, were rationally designed and synthesized by a high-temperature solution method.
Palladium-catalyzed alkynylative [5 + 1] carboannulation of 1,3-diarylprop-2-yn-1-yl acetates with terminal alkynes enabled by C–H functionalization
Authors: Yu Jiang-Xi , Wu Li-Jun , Wang Zhi-Qiang , Xu Zhi-Feng , Li Jin-Heng
Published: January 2022

Using 1,3-diarylprop-2-yn-1-yl acetates as the five-carbon components enables alkynylative[5 + 1] carboannulation involving C–H functionalization toward 3-ethynyl-1-methylene-1,2-dihydronaphthalenes.
Simple manual roller pump-driven valve-free microfluidic solution exchange system for urgent bioassay
Authors: Biswas Gokul Chandra , Suzuki Hiroaki
Published: January 2022

We report an easy microfluidic solution exchange system that employs a finger-driven manual roller pump (MRP) and valveless micro-flow structures to enable minimally trained personnel to execute instantaneous stepwise bioassays.
Unveiling ultrafast dynamics in bridged bimetallic complexes using optical and X-ray transient absorption spectroscopies
Authors: Mara Michael W. , Phelan Brian T. , Xie Zhu-Lin , Kim Tae Wu , Hsu Darren J. , Liu Xiaolin , Valentine Andrew J. S. , Kim Pyosang , Li Xiaosong , Adachi Shin-ichi , Katayama Tetsuo , Mulfort Karen L. , Chen Lin X.
Published: January 2022

In photosynthetic systems employing multiple transition metal centers, the properties of charge-transfer states are tuned by the coupling between metal centers.
Graphynes: ideal supports of single atoms for electrochemical energy conversion
Authors: Li Bisheng , Yu Shuning , Zhou Mingzhu , Chen Cheng , Lai Cui , Zhang Mingming , Lin Hongjun
Published: January 2022

The overview of GY-supported SACs and their applications for electrocatalytic energy conversion.
Weak Pb–O of confined [Pb–O4] in pyramidal sillenite-type Bi12PbO20 for enhanced electrochemical ozone production
Authors: Shi Huaijie , Feng Ge , Li Suiqin , Liu Jia , Yang Xinying , Li Ye , Lu Ye , Zhong Xing , Wang Shibin , Jianguo Wang
Published: January 2022

A pyramidal Bi12PbO20 was synthesized and its application towards the electrochemical ozone production (EOP) was investigated. DFT shown that the low oxygen vacancy formation energy promotes the EOP processes.
Recent advances in 3D hydrogel culture systems for mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy and cell behavior regulation
Authors: Hu Xinqiang , Xia Zengzilu , Cai Kaiyong
Published: January 2022

This review focuses on the recent advances in hydrogels for the 3D culture of MSCs and the current/potential applications of 3D hydrogel culture systems, providing preliminary tips for designing hydrogel culture systems with special properties.
Light-driven self-healing polyurethane based on PDA@Ag nanoparticles with improved mechanical and antibacterial properties
Authors: Wang Haibo , Yan Rui , Zou Yuke , Xing Dongming , Zhong Kai
Published: January 2022

Light-driven self-healing polyurethanes based on PDA@Ag nanoparticles with improved mechanical and antibacterial properties were successfully prepared.
Non-fullerene acceptor alloy strategy enabling stable ternary polymer solar cells with efficiency of 17.74%
Authors: Li Minglang , Lin Hui , Ma Benteng , Yu Xin , Du Xiaoyang , Yang Gang , Zheng Caijun , Tao Silu
Published: January 2022

By forming an acceptor alloy in the blend film, the performance of the device is enhanced and the stability of the device is improved.
Revisiting the non-fluorescence of nitroaromatics: presumption versus reality
Authors: Poronik Yevgen M. , Sadowski Bartłomiej , Szychta Kamil , Quina Frank H. , Vullev Valentine I. , Gryko Daniel T.
Published: January 2022

Introducing moderate charge-transfer character into nitro-aromatics is a key to producing strong fluorescence.
Observation of dielectric dispersion and relaxation behavior in Ni2+-substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Srinivasamurthy K. M. , El-Denglawey A. , Manjunatha K. , Angadi V. Jagadeesha , Oliveira M. C. , Longo E. , Lázaro S. R. , Ribeiro R. A. P.
Published: January 2022

Combined experimental and theoretical analysis reveals the superior properties of Co1−xNixFe2O4 nanoparticles – a putative candidate for energy-harvesting applications.
The Lateral Knee Radiograph: A Detailed Review
Authors: Kong Andrew P. , Robbins Robert M. , Stensby James D. , Wissman Robert D.
Published: January 2022

Initial imaging evaluation for a variety of knee pathologies often begins with a radiographic series. Depending on the specific indication, this will include at least two different projections of the knee. In most cases, these are the anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the affected knee, and sometimes with the contralateral knee for comparison. Typically, knee pathologies visible on lateral view can also be appreciated on the anteroposterior view. However, several pathologic processes occur in anatomic locations typically obscured on other projections because of superimposed osseous structures. Examples of these pathologies include injuries involving the quadriceps or patellar tendons, avulsion fractures involving anterior or posterior structures, and many soft-tissue injuries. Knowledge of the relevant anatomy and typical pathologies typically visualized on the lateral radiograph of the knee is imperative to avoid overlooking these disease processes.
Microwave Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Liver Metastases: Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Directions
Authors: Stratchko Lindsay M. , Koepsel Erica M. Knavel , Ziemlewicz Timothy J. , Knott Emily A. , Hinshaw J. Louis , Wells Shane A. , Laeseke Paul F. , Lee Jr Fred T.
Published: January 2022

Chronic liver disease predisposes patients to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the degree of liver dysfunction helps dictate the management of patients with primary hepatic malignancy. Percutaneous ablation is an increasingly utilized treatment modality for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who are poor surgical candidates, particularly when treatment goals include sparing hepatic parenchyma in the setting of hepatic dysfunction. Various thermal and non-thermal ablation modalities have historically been used to treat HCC. With advances in ablation technology, modern microwave (MW) ablation systems have become increasingly utilized in HCC as well as hepatic metastatic disease management due to larger and more predictable ablation zones. The evolution of ablation technology has resulted in the growth of ablation as a safe and effective treatment option for patients with primary and secondary liver tumors.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in a Child with Sickle Cell Disease and SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Kannan Varun , Risen Sarah
Published: January 2022

The full range of neurological manifestations of novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]) infection in children remains incompletely characterized. Here, we discussed a 7-year-old male child patient with sickle cell disease (SCD), who presented with acute encephalopathy and nonconvulsive (electrographic only) seizures immediately prior to the onset of severe symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, manifesting as respiratory failure, systemic inflammatory response, and hypertension. Brain imaging confirmed hyperintense lesions consistent with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Following aggressive symptomatic management including antiseizure medication, immunomodulatory treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and intensive blood pressure control, he made a full neurological recovery. PRES has been observed in adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection, but there are few published reports of this neurological manifestation in children. Our case demonstrates that PRES should be a consideration in children with SARS-CoV-2 infection presenting with acute neurological decompensation, especially in the setting of preexisting risk factors for cerebrovascular dysregulation such as SCD.
Photoluminescence of Ag8SnSe6 argyrodite
Authors: Semkiv I. , Ilchuk H. , Kashuba N.
Published: January 2022

A basic study of the low-temperature photoluminescence of an Ag8SnSe6 argyrodite compound is reported. Measurements were performed on wafers grown by the direct melting of a high-purity stoichiometric mixture of elementary Ag, Sn, and Se in a sealed silica ampoule. Two peaks with maxima located at 0.85 and 0.95 eV were visible in the photoluminescence spectra of an Ag8SnSe6 argyrodite. The temperature and excitation dependences of the dominant peak at 0.85 eV suggest that this transition can be associated with donor-acceptor recombination. The activation energies of the defects involved in this transition were calculated based on temperature-dependent photoluminescence and transmission measurements. We found the ionization energies to be at 44 and 72 meV for the shallower and deeper defects, respectively. The second peak in the spectra at 0.95 eV was assigned to a band-to-band transition or a transition between band tails.
Effects of high temperature annealing on the atomic layer deposited HfO2/β-Ga2O3(010) interface
Authors: Masten Hannah N. , Phillips Jamie D. , Peterson Rebecca L.
Published: January 2022

Atomic layer deposited HfO2 is a primary candidate for metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) power devices based on the ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor β-Ga2O3. Here, we investigated the thermal stability of this stack. Out-diffusion of gallium into HfO2, measured by secondary ion mass spectroscopy depth profile, was observed after annealing at 900 °C. Electrical characterization of MOS capacitors (MOSCAPs) showed that this diffusion caused a dramatic increase in leakage current. For annealing temperatures between 700 and 850 °C, no significant Ga diffusion into the HfO2 layer was observed. Nonetheless, MOSCAPs made with stacks annealed at 700 °C have significantly higher forward bias leakage compared to as-prepared MOSCAPs. Through photo-assisted capacitance–voltage measurements (C–V), we found that this leakage is due to an increase in interface traps (Dit) lying 0.3–0.9 eV below the conduction band. We thus have identified how thermal treatments influence HfO2/Ga2O3 behavior: for anneals at 700–850 °C, we observe an increase in Dit and leakage, while annealing at >900 °C results in notable Ga out-diffusion and a catastrophic degradation in leakage. This understanding is key to improving the performance and reliability of future β-Ga2O3 MOS power devices.
Effect of small-size space porous flexible PVC material on propane deflagration
Authors: Qiao Zhenglong , Ma Heng
Published: January 2022

The effect of porous flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) barriers on the kinetic properties of propane explosions is investigated based on fluid dynamics and combustion-related theory. Furthermore, using small-sized cylindrical pipes, separate experimental studies on propane deflagration are conducted with different types of flexible PVC barriers placed in the pipeline. The results show that when the conditions of the same nature as the obstacles appear at the outlet end of the pipeline and the blocking rate is low, the presence of porous flexible PVC barriers counteracts the effect of tail-end barriers on propane deflagration. In the tail-end opening experiment, the porous flexible PVC obstacle has a significant effect on the flame pattern passing through it but has a weaker effect on the flames before they pass through it. Furthermore, it only affects the degree of “fingertip” sharpening of finger-shaped flames; the fewer the number of holes in the obstacle, the higher the sharpness of the fingertip flame. The porous flexible PVC barriers can reduce the rate of flame propagation and creasing of propane deflagration. The porous flexible PVC barriers have a lifting effect on the overpressure of the blast and a delaying effect on the onset of peak overpressure; the larger the number of holes in the barrier, the stronger the delaying effect.
Increase efficiency of a gas compressing facility in Oil and Gas Industry. Setting up an efficient design review session during a construction project
Authors: Brezean Octavian Andrei , Ivanovich Epikhin Aleksey
Published: January 2022

As most gas compression facilities in Romania are from the 60’s-80, there is an increased demand to increase their efficiency. The paper is meant to give general guidelines to manage the project and to know one’s importance in the project in order to have a good understanding of the actual steps involved in the gas energy efficiency increase from the technical, financial and managerial points of view.
Aspiration-assisted freeform bioprinting of mesenchymal stem cell spheroids within alginate microgels
Authors: Kim Myoung Hwan , Banerjee Dishary , Celik Nazmiye , Ozbolat Ibrahim T
Published: January 2022

Aspiration-assisted freeform bioprinting (AAfB) has emerged as a promising technique for precise placement of tissue spheroids in three-dimensional (3D) space enabling tissue fabrication. To achieve success in embedded bioprinting using AAfB, an ideal support bath should possess shear-thinning behavior and yield-stress to facilitate tight fusion and assembly of bioprinted spheroids forming tissues. Several studies have demonstrated support baths for embedded bioprinting in the past few years, yet a majority of these materials poses challenges due to their low biocompatibility, opaqueness, complex and prolonged preparation procedures, and limited spheroid fusion efficacy. In this study, to circumvent the aforementioned limitations, we present the feasibility of AAfB of human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) spheroids in alginate microgels as a support bath. Alginate microgels were first prepared with different particle sizes modulated by blending time and concentration, followed by determination of the optimal bioprinting conditions by the assessment of rheological properties, bioprintability, and spheroid fusion efficiency. The bioprinted and consequently self-assembled tissue structures made of hMSC spheroids were osteogenically induced for bone tissue formation. Alongside, we investigated the effects of peripheral blood monocyte-derived osteoclast incorporation into the hMSC spheroids in heterotypic bone tissue formation. We demonstrated that alginate microgels enabled unprecedented positional accuracy (∼5%), transparency for visualization, and improved fusion efficiency (∼97%) of bioprinted hMSC spheroids for bone fabrication. This study demonstrates the potential of using alginate microgels as a support bath for many different applications including but not limited to freeform bioprinting of spheroids, cell-laden hydrogels, and fugitive inks to form viable tissue constructs.
Roadmap for machine learning based network-on-chip (M/L NoC) technology and its analysis for researchers
Authors: Balamurugan K , Umamaheswaran S , Mamo Tadele , Nagarajan S , Rao Namamula Lakshmana
Published: January 2022

A few decades ago, communication inside the chip is done by transferring signals between the cores. This conventional method is not worthy because of the increase in latency and power consumption. To rectify this issue Network-on-Chip (NoC) technology has emerged. NoC technology is invented to transfer data packets instead of signals. Machine Learning NoC (M/LNoC) is a very fast-growing technology in today’s Integrated Circuit world for the communication between Intellectual property (IP) cores. The machine learning algorithms are used in the existing and emerging novel NoCs. In this paper, various evolving NoC technologies to decrease the transfer latency, power consumption of the IC is addressed for the implementation of the machine learning algorithm. The NoCs working with machine learning algorithms are called M/L NoC. We also provided the security issues to be focused- on in the M/L NoC. Also, we have provided the available NoC tools for the NoC researchers.
Study on the mathematical model related to the connection properties of cold pressing joining technology
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Authors: Xia Yifan , Chen Xiangjun , Ye Zhongfei , Wu Chuan , Li Dianzhong
Published: January 2022

Cold pressing joining is an important mechanical joining technology in the application of wire rope. In this paper, a new simplified equivalent model is established to describe cold pressing joining process of multilayer structures and corresponding mathematical equations describing the equivalent model are derived based on the elastic-plastic theory. In addition, the cold pressing joining experiments are carried out using the compression strain clamp (NY-300/40) and the steel reinforced aluminum conductor (SRAC - JL/G3A-300/40) for verifying the rationality of the mathematical model. Results show that the trend of the experimental results is in good agreement with the theoretical results. Finally, the critical processing parameters and quality evaluation parameters of pressed strain clamp NY-300/40 have been calculated based on the mathematical model built in this work. The universal mathematical model can be extended to other types of wire rope.