bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher-order topological insulators in synthetic dimensions
Authors: Dutt Avik , Minkov Momchil , Williamson Ian A. D. , Fan Shanhui
Published: July 2020

Conventional topological insulators support boundary states with dimension one lower than that of the bulk system that hosts them, and these states are topologically protected due to quantized bulk dipole moments. Recently, higher-order topological insulators have been proposed as a way of realizing topological states with dimensions two or more lower than that of the bulk due to the quantization of bulk quadrupole or octupole moments. However, all these proposals as well as experimental realizations have been restricted to real-space dimensions. Here, we construct photonic higher-order topological insulators (PHOTIs) in synthetic dimensions. We show the emergence of a quadrupole PHOTI supporting topologically protected corner modes in an array of modulated photonic molecules with a synthetic frequency dimension, where each photonic molecule comprises two coupled rings. By changing the phase difference of the modulation between adjacent coupled photonic molecules, we predict a dynamical topological phase transition in the PHOTI. Furthermore, we show that the concept of synthetic dimensions can be exploited to realize even higher-order multipole moments such as a fourth-order hexadecapole (16-pole) insulator supporting 0D corner modes in a 4D hypercubic synthetic lattice that cannot be realized in real-space lattices.
A long-term dataset on wild bee abundance in Mid-Atlantic United States
Authors: Kammerer Melanie , Tooker John F. , Grozinger Christina M.
Published: July 2020

With documented global declines in insects, including wild bees, there has been increasing interest in developing and expanding insect monitoring programs. Our objective here was to organize, validate, and share an analysis-ready version of one of the few existing long-term monitoring datasets for wild bees in the United States. Since 1999, the Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab (BIML) of the United States Geological Survey has sampled wild-bee communities in the Mid-Atlantic U.S., but samples were collected in multiple studies and the datasets are not fully integrated. Furthermore, critical information about sampling methodology was often lacking, though these factors can significantly influence collection outcomes and must be considered in analyses. We cleaned and verified BIML data from Maryland, Delaware, and Washington DC, USA, and generated sampling methodology for over 84% of the 99,053 pan-trapped occurrences in this region. We enthusiastically invite creative analyses of this rich dataset to advance understanding of the biology and ecology of wild bees, inform conservation efforts, and perhaps help design a nationwide bee monitoring program.
Targeting ESKAPE pathogens with anti-infective medicinal plants from the Greater Mpigi region in Uganda
Authors: Schultz Fabien , Anywar Godwin , Tang Huaqiao , Chassagne François , Lyles James T. , Garbe Leif-Alexander , Quave Cassandra L.
Published: July 2020

Antibiotic resistance poses one of the greatest threats to global health today; conventional drug therapies are becoming increasingly inefficacious and limited. We identified 16 medicinal plant species used by traditional healers for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases in the Greater Mpigi region of Uganda. Extracts were evaluated for their ability to inhibit growth of clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant ESKAPE pathogens. Extracts were also screened for quorum quenching activity against S. aureus, including direct protein output assessment (δ-toxin), and cytotoxicity against human keratinocytes (HaCaT). Putative matches of compounds were elucidated via LC–FTMS for the best-performing extracts. These were extracts of Zanthoxylum chalybeum (Staphylococcus aureus: MIC: 16 μg/mL; Enterococcus faecium: MIC: 32 μg/mL) and Harungana madagascariensis (S. aureus: MIC: 32 μg/mL; E. faecium: MIC: 32 μg/mL) stem bark. Extracts of Solanum aculeastrum root bark and Sesamum calycinum subsp. angustifolium leaves exhibited strong quorum sensing inhibition activity against all S. aureus accessory gene regulator (agr) alleles in absence of growth inhibition (IC50 values: 1–64 μg/mL). The study provided scientific evidence for the potential therapeutic efficacy of these medicinal plants in the Greater Mpigi region used for infections and wounds, with 13 out of 16 species tested being validated with in vitro studies.
Preference and familiarity mediate spatial responses of a large herbivore to experimental manipulation of resource availability
Authors: Ranc Nathan , Moorcroft Paul R. , Hansen K. Whitney , Ossi Federico , Sforna Tobia , Ferraro Enrico , Brugnoli Alessandro , Cagnacci Francesca
Published: July 2020

The link between spatio-temporal resource patterns and animal movement behaviour is a key ecological process, however, limited experimental support for this connection has been produced at the home range scale. In this study, we analysed the spatial responses of a resident large herbivore (roe deer Capreolus capreolus) using an in situ manipulation of a concentrated food resource. Specifically, we experimentally altered feeding site accessibility to roe deer and recorded (for 25 animal-years) individual responses by GPS tracking. We found that, following the loss of their preferred resource, roe deer actively tracked resource dynamics leading to more exploratory movements, and larger, spatially-shifted home ranges. Then, we showed, for the first time experimentally, the importance of site fidelity in the maintenance of large mammal home ranges by demonstrating the return of individuals to their familiar, preferred resource despite the presence of alternate, equally-valuable food resources. This behaviour was modulated at the individual level, where roe deer characterised by a high preference for feeding sites exhibited more pronounced behavioural adjustments during the manipulation. Together, our results establish the connections between herbivore movements, space-use, individual preference, and the spatio-temporal pattern of resources in home ranging behaviour.
Computational cognitive modeling and validation of Dp140 induced alteration of working memory in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Tyagi Rahul , Aggarwal Palvi , Mohanty Manju , Dutt Varun , Anand Akshay
Published: July 2020

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy has emerged as a model to assess cognitive domains. The DMD gene variant location and its association with variable degrees of cognitive impairment necessitate identification of a common denominator. Computer architectures provide a framework to delineate the mechanisms involved in the cognitive functioning of the human brain. Copy number variations in the 79 exons of DMD gene were screened in 84 DMD subjects by Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA). DMD subjects were categorized based on the presence or absence of DP140 isoform. The cognitive and neuropsychological assessments were carried out as per inclusion criteria using standard scales. Instance-based learning theory (IBLT) based on the partial matching process was developed to mimic Stroop Color and Word Task (SCWT) performance on Adaptive Control of Thought-Rational (ACT-R) cognitive architecture based on IBLT. Genotype–phenotype correlation was conducted based on the mutation location in DMD gene. Assessment of specific cognitive domains in DP140 − ve group corresponded to the involvement of multiple brain lobes including temporal (verbal and visual learning and memory), parietal (visuo-conceptual and visuo-constructive abilities) and frontal (sustained and focused attention, verbal fluency, cognitive control). Working memory axis was found to be the central domain through tasks including RAVLT trial 1, recency effect, digit span backward, working memory index, arithmetic subtests in the Dp140 − ve group. IBLT validated the non-reliance of DMD subjects on recency indicating affected working memory domain. Modeling strategy revealed altered working memory processes in DMD cases with affected Dp140 isoform. DMD brain was observed to rely on primacy than the recency suggesting alterations in working memory capacity. Modeling revealed lowered activation of DMD brain with Dp140 − ve in order to retrieve the instances.
Relationship between the actual fine dust concentration and media exposure that influenced the changes in outdoor activity behavior in South Korea
Authors: Kim Myung-Gwan , Lee Su-Jin , Park Donghwi , Kim Chul-hyun , Lee Ki- hoon , Hwang Jong-moon
Published: July 2020

The one reason of the decrease of walking time for adults in South Korea among various factors is the sense of fear about fine dust sparked by media reports, which has created a negative perception of fine dust. This study aimed to assess the change in concentration of fine dust, as well as individuals' walking time and health status, in South Korea, and to investigate the relationship between the media reports on fine dust. Using the national government statistics data, we analyzed the relationship between walking time, concentration of fine dust, and amount of media reports on fine dust. From 2008 to 2017, the average walking time and PM10 levels decreased from 76.17 to 49.47 min and 52 to 45 μg/m3; whereas PM10 media frequency increased from 349 to 9,234. No positive correlation existed between walking time in South Korea and exposure to fine dust. However, media reports on fine dust increased steadily from 2012 and peaked in 2015. The decrease in average walking time in South Korea was due to the negative perception created by the increase in media reports on fine dust, rather than the increase in the actual concentration of fine dust.
N-myristoyltransferase-1 is necessary for lysosomal degradation and mTORC1 activation in cancer cells
Authors: Chen Yu-Chuan , Navarrete Marian S. , Wang Ying , McClintock Natalie C. , Sakurai Reiko , Wang Feng , Chen Kathryn T. , Chou Tsui-Fen , Rehan Virender K. , Lee Delphine J. , Diaz Begoña
Published: July 2020

N-myristoyltransferase-1 (NMT1) catalyzes protein myristoylation, a lipid modification that is elevated in cancer cells. NMT1 sustains proliferation and/or survival of cancer cells through mechanisms that are not completely understood. We used genetic and pharmacological inhibition of NMT1 to further dissect the role of this enzyme in cancer, and found an unexpected essential role for NMT1 at promoting lysosomal metabolic functions. Lysosomes mediate enzymatic degradation of vesicle cargo, and also serve as functional platforms for mTORC1 activation. We show that NMT1 is required for both lysosomal functions in cancer cells. Inhibition of NMT1 impaired lysosomal degradation leading to autophagy flux blockade, and simultaneously caused the dissociation of mTOR from the surface of lysosomes leading to decreased mTORC1 activation. The regulation of lysosomal metabolic functions by NMT1 was largely mediated through the lysosomal adaptor LAMTOR1. Accordingly, genetic targeting of LAMTOR1 recapitulated most of the lysosomal defects of targeting NMT1, including defective lysosomal degradation. Pharmacological inhibition of NMT1 reduced tumor growth, and tumors from treated animals had increased apoptosis and displayed markers of lysosomal dysfunction. Our findings suggest that compounds targeting NMT1 may have therapeutic benefit in cancer by preventing mTORC1 activation and simultaneously blocking lysosomal degradation, leading to cancer cell death.
Chemokine C–C motif ligand 2 overexpression drives tissue-specific metabolic responses in the liver and muscle of mice
Authors: Luciano-Mateo Fedra , Cabré Noemí , Fernández-Arroyo Salvador , Baiges-Gaya Gerard , Hernández-Aguilera Anna , Rodríguez-Tomàs Elisabet , Muñoz-Pinedo Cristina , Menéndez Javier A. , Camps Jordi , Joven Jorge
Published: July 2020

Chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) has been associated with chronic metabolic diseases. We aimed to investigate whether Ccl2 gene overexpression is involved in the regulation of signaling pathways in metabolic organs. Biochemical and histological analyses were used to explore tissue damage in cisgenic mice that overexpressed the Ccl2 gene. Metabolites from energy and one-carbon metabolism in liver and muscle extracts were measured by targeted metabolomics. Western blot analysis was used to explore the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin pathways. Ccl2 overexpression resulted in steatosis, decreased AMPK activity and altered mitochondrial dynamics in the liver. These changes were associated with decreased oxidative phosphorylation and alterations in the citric acid cycle and transmethylation. In contrast, AMPK activity and its downstream mediators were increased in muscle, where we observed an increase in oxidative phosphorylation and increased concentrations of different metabolites associated with ATP synthesis. In conclusion, Ccl2 overexpression induces distinct metabolic alterations in the liver and muscle that affect mitochondrial dynamics and the regulation of energy sensors involved in cell homeostasis. These data suggest that CCL2 may be a therapeutic target in metabolic diseases.
Fragmented kelp forest canopies retain their ability to alter local seawater chemistry
Authors: Murie Kindall A. , Bourdeau Paul E.
Published: July 2020

Kelp forests support some of the most productive and diverse ecosystems on Earth, and their ability to uptake dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) allows them to modify local seawater chemistry, creating gradients in carbon, pH, and oxygen in their vicinity. By taking up both bicarbonate and CO2 as a carbon source for photosynthesis, kelp forests can act as carbon sinks, reducing nearby acidity and increasing dissolved oxygen; creating conditions conducive to calcification. Recent stressors, however, have reduced kelp forest canopies globally; converting once large and persistent forests to fragmented landscapes of small kelp patches. In a two-year study, we determined whether fragmented kelp patches retained the ability to alter local seawater chemistry. We found that diel fluctuations of multiple parameters of carbonate chemistry were greater in the kelp canopy than in the kelp benthos and in adjacent urchin barrens, consistent with metabolic activity by the kelp. Further, kelp fragments increased pH and aragonite saturation and decreased pCO2 during the day to a similar degree as large, intact kelp forests. We conclude that small kelp patches could mitigate OA stress and serve as spatial and temporal refugia for canopy-dwelling organisms, though this effect is temporary and confined to daylight hours during the growing season.
Human essential hypertension: no significant association of polygenic risk scores with antihypertensive drug responses
Authors: Sánez Tähtisalo Heini , Ruotsalainen Sanni , Mars Nina , Porthan Kimmo , Oikarinen Lasse , Virolainen Juha , Fyhrquist Frej , Ripatti Samuli , Kontula Kimmo K. , Hiltunen Timo P.
Published: July 2020

Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for essential hypertension, calculated from > 900 genomic loci, were recently found to explain a significant fraction of hypertension heritability and complications. To investigate whether variation of hypertension PRS also captures variation of antihypertensive drug responsiveness, we calculated two different PRSs for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure: one based on the top 793 independent hypertension-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms and another based on over 1 million genome-wide variants. Using our pharmacogenomic GENRES study comprising four different antihypertensive monotherapies (n ~ 200 for all drugs), we identified a weak, but (after Bonferroni correction) statistically nonsignificant association of higher genome-wide PRSs with weaker response to a diuretic. In addition, we noticed a correlation between high genome-wide PRS and electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy. Finally, using data of the Finnish arm of the LIFE study (n = 346), we found that PRSs for systolic blood pressure were slightly higher in patients with drug-resistant hypertension than in those with drug-controlled hypertension (p = 0.03, not significant after Bonferroni correction). In conclusion, our results indicate that patients with elevated hypertension PRSs may be predisposed to difficult-to-control hypertension and complications thereof. No general association between a high PRS and less efficient drug responsiveness was noticed.
Estrogens decrease osteoclast number by attenuating mitochondria oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production in early osteoclast precursors
Authors: Kim Ha-Neui , Ponte Filipa , Nookaew Intawat , Ucer Ozgurel Serra , Marques-Carvalho Adriana , Iyer Srividhya , Warren Aaron , Aykin-Burns Nukhet , Krager Kimberly , Sardao Vilma A. , Han Li , de Cabo Rafael , Zhao Haibo , Jilka Robert L. , Manolagas Stavros C. , Almeida Maria
Published: July 2020

Loss of estrogens at menopause is a major cause of osteoporosis and increased fracture risk. Estrogens protect against bone loss by decreasing osteoclast number through direct actions on cells of the myeloid lineage. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanism of this effect. We report that 17β-estradiol (E2) decreased osteoclast number by promoting the apoptosis of early osteoclast progenitors, but not mature osteoclasts. This effect was abrogated in cells lacking Bak/Bax—two pro-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family of proteins required for mitochondrial apoptotic death. FasL has been previously implicated in the pro-apoptotic actions of E2. However, we show herein that FasL-deficient mice lose bone mass following ovariectomy indistinguishably from FasL-intact controls, indicating that FasL is not a major contributor to the anti-osteoclastogenic actions of estrogens. Instead, using microarray analysis we have elucidated that ERα-mediated estrogen signaling in osteoclast progenitors decreases “oxidative phosphorylation” and the expression of mitochondria complex I genes. Additionally, E2 decreased the activity of complex I and oxygen consumption rate. Similar to E2, the complex I inhibitor Rotenone decreased osteoclastogenesis by promoting osteoclast progenitor apoptosis via Bak/Bax. These findings demonstrate that estrogens decrease osteoclast number by attenuating respiration, and thereby, promoting mitochondrial apoptotic death of early osteoclast progenitors.
Intracellular ion concentrations and cation-dependent remodelling of bacterial MreB assemblies
Authors: Szatmári Dávid , Sárkány Péter , Kocsis Béla , Nagy Tamás , Miseta Attila , Barkó Szilvia , Longauer Beáta , Robinson Robert C. , Nyitrai Miklós
Published: July 2020

Here, we measured the concentrations of several ions in cultivated Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and analyzed their effects on polymer formation by the actin homologue MreB. We measured potassium, sodium, chloride, calcium and magnesium ion concentrations in Leptospira interrogans, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. Intracellular ionic strength contributed from these ions varied within the 130–273 mM range. The intracellular sodium ion concentration range was between 122 and 296 mM and the potassium ion concentration range was 5 and 38 mM. However, the levels were significantly influenced by extracellular ion levels. L. interrogans, Rickettsia rickettsii and E. coli MreBs were heterologously expressed and purified from E. coli using a novel filtration method to prepare MreB polymers. The structures and stability of Alexa-488 labeled MreB polymers, under varying ionic strength conditions, were investigated by confocal microscopy and MreB polymerization rates were assessed by measuring light scattering. MreB polymerization was fastest in the presence of monovalent cations in the 200–300 mM range. MreB filaments showed high stability in this concentration range and formed large assemblies of tape-like bundles that transformed to extensive sheets at higher ionic strengths. Changing the calcium concentration from 0.2 to 0 mM and then to 2 mM initialized rapid remodelling of MreB polymers.
Paper-based 1,5-anhydroglucitol quantification using enzyme-based glucose elimination
Authors: Jang Hyungjun , Oh Jusung , Ki Hangil , Kim Min-Gon
Published: July 2020

This paper-based sensor quantified glucose and 1,5-anhydroglucitol using enzyme-based colorimetric and elimination reaction in human urine.
Multiomic analysis of a dried single-drop plasma sample using an integrated mass spectrometry approach
Authors: Gao Weina , Zhang Qiaoyun , Su Yiran , Huang Peiwu , Lu Xue , Gong Qinyue , Chen Wendong , Xu Ruilian , Tian Ruijun
Published: July 2020

An easy-to-use and fast approach was developed for integrated proteomic and metabolic profiling in a dried single-drop plasma sample.
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for detection of VX and HD in the gas phase using a hand-held Raman spectrometer
Authors: Heleg-Shabtai Vered , Sharabi Hagai , Zaltsman Amalia , Ron Izhar , Pevzner Alexander
Published: July 2020

A sensitive surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate was developed to enable hand-held Raman spectrometers to detect gas-phase VX and HD.
A two-photon responsive naphthyl tagged p-hydroxyphenacyl based drug delivery system: uncaging of anti-cancer drug in the phototherapeutic window with real-time monitoring
Authors: Singh Amit Kumar , Kundu Moumita , Roy Samrat , Roy Biswajit , Shah Sk. Sheriff , Nair Asha V , Pal Bipul , Mondal Mahitosh , Singh N. D. Pradeep
Published: July 2020

A two-photon responsive drug delivery system having two-photon absorption (TPA) in the phototherapeutic window with a two-photon uncaging cross-section ≥10 GM and exhibiting real-time monitoring of anti-cancer drug release.
Introducing a cell moisturizer: organogel nano-beads with rapid response to electrolytes for Prussian white analogue based non-aqueous potassium ion battery
Authors: Chen Fang , Liao Jiaying , Wang Junru , He Xiaodong , Ding Xiang , Hu Qiao , Chen Fei , Wang Shuo , Dong Jiemin , Wen Zhaoyin , Chen Chunhua
Published: July 2020

Nanoparticles were connected by poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) nano-gel/conducting polymer nano-beads via a one-step route to avoid powder falling.
A rationally designed 3D interconnected porous tin dioxide cube with reserved space for volume expansion as an advanced anode of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Kong Shuyi , Xu Jijian , Lin Gaoxin , Zhang Shaoning , Dong Wujie , Wang Jiacheng , Huang Fuqiang
Published: July 2020

A porous SnO2 cube with rational designed reserved space (∼375%) is synthesized via an artful topochemistry route (CaSn(OH)6–CaSnO3–SnO2).
Engineering bimetal Cu, Co sites on 3D N-doped porous carbon nanosheets for enhanced oxygen reduction electrocatalysis
Authors: Lu Lingzhi , Liu Ying , Fan Jiayao , Wang Lei , Lin Yue , Xu Dongdong , Dai Zhihui , Han Min
Published: July 2020

Mesoporous Cu,Co–N–C nanosheet architectures are fabricated, showing greatly enhanced ORR performance due to the synergistic interplay of (Cu,Co)–Nx bimetallic sites.
Cyclization of 5-alkynones with chromium alkylidene equivalents generated in situ from gem-dichromiomethanes
Authors: Murai Masahito , Taniguchi Ryuji , Kurogi Takashi , Shunsuke Moritani , Takai Kazuhiko
Published: July 2020

Generation of chromium Schrock carbene equivalents from gem-dichromiomethanes was suggested in the transformation of 5-alkynones via carbene/alkyne metathesis followed by cyclization induced by capturing with polar CO bonds.
Alkali metal complexes of bis-o-xylyl-(17-crown-5): from a dinuclear monomer and a dinuclear polymer to sandwich polymer
Authors: Kim Seulgi , Park In-Hyeok , Lee Shim Sung , Sim Wonbo , Lee Jai Young
Published: July 2020

The self-assembly reactions of bis-o-xylyl-(17-crown-5) with alkali metal salts afforded binding mode (good fit, perching and sandwich)-dependent supramolecular complexes, including a sandwich-type cesium(i) coordination polymer.
Ln(iii)–Ni(ii) heteropolynuclear metal organic frameworks of oxydiacetate with promising proton-conductive properties
Authors: Igoa Fernando , Romero Mariano , Peinado Guzmán , Castiglioni Jorge , Gonzalez-Platas Javier , Faccio Ricardo , Suescun Leopoldo , Kremer Carlos , Torres Julia
Published: July 2020

Heteropolynuclear metal organic frameworks (MOFs) of the general formula [Ln2Ni3(oda)6(H2O)6]·xH2O (oda = oxydiacetate, Ln = +3 rare earth ion) were synthesized and characterized.
Structural or population dynamics: what is revealed by the time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy of 1,3-cyclohexadiene? A study with an ensemble density functional theory method
Authors: Filatov Michael , Lee Seunghoon , Nakata Hiroya , Choi Cheol Ho
Published: July 2020

Theoretical simulations predict much faster decay of the time-resolved photoelectron spectrum than the excited state population decay.
Metalated-bipyridine-based porous hybrid polymers with POSS-derived Si–OH groups for synergistic catalytic CO2 fixation
Authors: Zhang Yadong , Luo Niu , Xu Jingyu , Liu Ke , Zhang Shengqi , Xu Qinglin , Huang Rui , Long Zhouyang , Tong Minman , Chen Guojian
Published: July 2020

ZnBr2 metalated-bipyridine porous hybrid polymers with POSS-derived Si–OH as “all-in-one” heterogeneous catalysts for synergistic catalytic CO2 fixation.
Hybrid catalysts of molybdovanadophosphoric acid and g-C3N4 with tunable bandgaps
Authors: Cai Linkun , Hu Jie , Li Mu , Yin Panchao
Published: July 2020

Nanocomposites of phosphovanadomolybdates (H3+xPMo12−xVxO40, x = 0–3) and g-C3N4 can absorb nearly the full light spectrum, and their energy band structures are tuned by the number of vanadium atoms in H3+xPMo12−xVxO40.
A transesterification–acetalization catalytic tandem process for the functionalization of glycerol: the pivotal role of isopropenyl acetate
Authors: Rigo Davide , Calmanti Roberto , Perosa Alvise , Selva Maurizio
Published: July 2020

A catalytic tandem sequence was implemented by which a pool of innocuous reactants (isopropenyl acetate, acetic acid and acetone) allowed upgrading of glycerol through selective acetylation and acetalization processes.
The formation mechanism of ZnTPyP fibers fabricated by a surfactant-assisted method
Authors: Tashiro Keigo , Murafuji Toshihiro , Sumimoto Michinori , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Yamazaki Suzuko
Published: July 2020

Zn–N coordination and the sphere-to-rod transition of CTAB micelles contribute concertedly to the formation of ZnTPyP fibers.
Practical copper-catalyzed chloronitration of alkenes with TMSCl and guanidine nitrate
Authors: Li Si-Yuan , Guan Zhen-Yu , Xue Jing , Zhang Guang-Yi , Guan Xiao-Yu , Deng Qing-Hai
Published: July 2020

A practical chloronitration of alkenes catalyzed by cheap copper sulfate pentahydrate to providevic-chloronitro compounds in good to excellent yields was developed, and the resulting products could be transformed into diverse nitro compounds.
Iron-catalyzed tandem reaction of C–Se bond coupling/selenosulfonation of indols with benzeneselenols
Authors: Guan Senling , Chen Yue , Wu Hongjie , Xu Runsheng
Published: July 2020

Iron-catalyzed tandem reaction of C–Se bond coupling/selenosulfonation.
Analytical chemistry students’ explanatory statements in the context of their corresponding lecture
Authors: Wang Ying , Lewis Scott E.
Published: July 2020

Conceptually understanding chemistry requires the ability to transition among representational levels to use an understanding of submicroscopic entities and properties to explain macroscopic phenomena. Past literature describes student struggles with these transitions but provides limited information about upper-level post-secondary chemistry students’ abilities to transition among levels. This group is of particular interest as they are engaging in potentially their final training before entering a career as professional chemists, thus if students are likely to develop this skill during their formal education it should be manifest among this group. This study characterized analytical chemistry students’ responses to open-ended assessments on acid–base titrations and thin-layer chromatography for the use of sub-microscopic entities or properties to explain these macroscopic phenomena. Further, to understand whether explanatory statements were an expectation inherent in the instructional context of the setting, the analytical chemistry instructor's lectures on acid–base titrations and thin-layer chromatography were analyzed with the same framework. The analysis found that students seldom invoked explanatory statements within their responses and that congruence between lectures and responses to assessment was primarily limited to the use of macroscopic, descriptive terms. Despite the fact that the lecture in class regularly invoked explanatory statements in one context, this did not translate to student use of explanatory statements. To further test the hypothesis that analytical chemistry students struggle with explanatory statements, a follow-on study was also conducted among a second cohort of students reviewing their responses when specifically prompted to use sub-microscopic entities to explain a macroscopic phenomenon. The results suggest that fewer than half of the students showed proficiency on generating explanatory statements when explicitly prompted to do so. Instructional implications to promote explanatory statements are proposed in the discussion.
A sustainable light-chargeable two-electrode energy storage system based on aqueous sodium-ion photo-intercalation
Authors: Wang Zhuoran , Chiu Hsien-Chieh , Paolella Andrea , Gauvin Raynald , Zaghib Karim , Demopoulos George P.
Published: July 2020

An aqueous two-electrode photo-rechargeable storage system featuring Na+ photo-intercalation into CdS-sensitized TiO2 photoelectrode, Cu2S counter electrode and polysulfide electrolyte.
An interconnected porous Au3Pt film on Ni foam: an efficient electrocatalyst for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Yu Hongjie , Wang Ziqiang , Dai Zechuan , Mao Qiqi , Xu You , Li Xiaonian , Wang Liang , Wang Hongjing
Published: July 2020

We report a micelle-assisted replacement method for the synthesis of a porous Au3Pt film on Ni foam for alkaline hydrogen evolution.
A new design of an electrochromic energy storage device with high capacity, long cycle lifetime and multicolor display
Authors: Wang Ling , Guo Mingrui , Zhan Jing , Jiao Xiuling , Chen Dairong , Wang Ting
Published: July 2020

A new design of the electrochromic energy storage (EES) device with high capacity, long-term stability and multicolor display is proposed with high potential for practical applications.
Investigation of low intensity light performances of kesterite CZTSe, CZTSSe, and CZTS thin film solar cells for indoor applications
Authors: Park Jongsung , Yoo Hyesun , Karade Vijay , Gour Kuldeep Singh , Choi Eunyoung , Kim Moonyong , Hao Xiaojing , Shin So Jeong , Kim JunHo , Shim Hongjae , Kim Dongmyung , Kim Jong H. , Yun Jaesung , Kim Jin hyeok
Published: July 2020

Three kesterite thin-film solar cells, Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe), Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe), and Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS), and based on low light intensity measurements, examined the possibility of using kesterite devices for indoor applications.
Anionic vacancy-dependent activity of the CoSe2with a tunable interfacial electronic structure on the N-doped carbon cloth for advanced Li–O2batteries
Authors: Hou Zhiqian , Shu Chaozhu , Zheng Ruixin , Liu Chunhai , Ran Zhiqun , Yang Tingshuai , Hei Peng , Zhang Qiang , Long Jianping
Published: July 2020

The inferior reversibility of the formation/decomposition of the lithium peroxide (Li2O2) and its insolubility and insulation features result in poor energy efficiency and limited durability of state-of-the-art Li–O2batteries.
Improved stability and activity of Fe-based catalysts through strong metal support interactions due to extrinsic oxygen vacancies in Ce0.8Sm0.2O2−δ for the efficient synthesis of ammonia
Authors: Humphreys John , Lan Rong , Chen Shigang , Tao Shanwen
Published: July 2020

The SMSI between Fe and oxygen vacancies in Ce0.8Sm0.2O2−δ helps to weaken and break the strong NN bonds in N2, increasing the catalytic activity. Materials with anion vacancies improve oxygenate tolerance property of ammonia synthesis catalysts.
Nanocellulose assisted preparation of ambient dried, large-scale and mechanically robust carbon nanotube foams for electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Zeng Zhihui , Wang Changxian , Wu Tingting , Han Daxin , Luković Mirko , Pan Fei , Siqueira Gilberto , Nyström Gustav
Published: July 2020

Nanocellulose was used to assist the preparation of ambient pressure dried CNT foams with well-ordered pore microchannels that enable orientation induced tuning of their electromagnetic interference shielding performance.
Absolutely “off–on” fluorescent CD-based nanotheranostics for tumor intracellular real-time imaging and pH-triggered DOX delivery
Authors: Dong Yuman , Du Pengcheng , Liu Peng
Published: July 2020

Absolutely “off–on” fluorescent CDs-based nanotheranostics was designed for the tumor intracellular real-time imaging and pH-triggered DOX delivery, via both static quenching and dynamic quenching mechanisms.
A cryogenic solid-state reaction at the interface between Ti and the Bi2Se3 topological insulator
Authors: Ferfolja Katja , Fanetti Mattia , Gardonio Sandra , Panighel Mirco , Píš Igor , Nappini Silvia , Valant Matjaz
Published: July 2020

Titanium deposited on the Bi2Se3 surface reacts (even at 130 K) and forms new phases.
Crystalline characteristics and solar-blind photodetecting performances of β-Ga2O3 film grown on silicon thermal oxide wafer using an EBV method
Authors: Yang Chen , Shao Yu , Zhang Jin , Liang Haifeng , Cai Changlong , Liu Weiguo
Published: July 2020

With an EBV technique and post-annealing method, solar-blind photodetectors of β-Ga2O3 film were fabricated on silicon thermal oxide wafers.
Modulation of light absorption in flexible GeSn metal–semiconductor–metal photodetectors by mechanical bending
Authors: An Shu , Wu Shaoteng , Tan Chuan Seng , Chang Guo-En , Gong Xiao , Kim Munho
Published: July 2020

We have demonstrated flexible GeSn metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) photodetectors (PDs) by exploring the effect of mechanical strain on their optoelectronic properties.
Null controllability of the heat equation in pseudo-cylinders by an internal control
Authors: Bárcena-Petisco Jon Asier
Published: July 2020

In this paper we prove the null controllability of the heat equation in domains with a cylindrical part and limited by a Lipschitz graph. The proof consists mainly on getting a Carleman estimate which presents the usual absorption properties. The main difficulty we face is the loss of existence of the usual weighted function inC2smooth domains. In order to deal with this, we use its cylindrical structure and approximate the system by the same system stated in regular domains. Finally, we show some applications like the controllability of the semi-linear heat equation in those domains.
Teilhabemöglichkeit, Partizipation, Inklusion und psychisches Befinden im Zusammenhang mit Ausgangsbeschränkungen aufgrund SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Schützwohl Matthias , Mergel Eduard
Published: July 2020

Ziel der Studie Untersuchung der Auswirkungen der Coronapandemie und der in diesem Zusammenhang ausgesprochenen Ausgangsbeschränkungen auf Teilhabemöglichkeiten, Partizipation, Inklusionserleben und psychisches Befinden bei Personen, die sich mit Blick auf das Vorliegen einer akuten oder chronischen psychischen Störung unterschiedlichen Gruppen zuordnen lassen.

Methodik Follow-up-Erhebung mittels Fragebogen zur Erfassung von Partizipation und sozialer Inklusion (F-INK), Index zur Messung von Einschränkungen der Teilhabe (IMET) und BSI-18 (n = 132).

Ergebnisse In Abhängigkeit vom Vorliegen einer akuten oder chronischen psychischen Störung waren die Studienteilnehmer in ihren Teilhabemöglichkeiten sehr unterschiedlich betroffen. In keiner der untersuchten Gruppen kam es zu einem Anstieg psychischer Beschwerden.

Schlussfolgerung Es fand sich kein Hinweis dafür, dass es zu Beginn der Coronapandemie und im Zusammenhang mit einer vierwöchigen Ausgangsbeschränkung zu negativen psychischen Folgen kam.
An Efficient Copper-Catalyzed C(sp2)–S Formation Starting from Aryl Iodides and Tetramethylthiuram Monosulfide (TMTM)
Authors: Dong Zhi-Bing , Wu Yue-Xiao , Peng Kang , Li Jing-Hang
Published: July 2020

A new, efficient copper-catalyzed C(sp2)–S formation of phenyl dithiocarbamates starting from aryl iodides and tetramethylthiuram monosulfide (TMTM) was developed. The target compounds, phenyl dithiocarbamates with active sites, were synthesized smoothly in good to excellent yields. The easy performance, high yields, decent functional group compatibility, and cost-effective substrates make the protocol practical and attractive in C–S bond formation.
A Descriptive Study on Aeroallergen Sensitivity Pattern in Children with Bronchial Asthma and/or Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Yadav Saket , Mathur Madhu , Agarwal Gunjan , Sharma Abhishek Kumar
Published: July 2020

Background The growing prevalence of allergy and asthma in India has become a major health concern, with symptoms ranging from mild rhinitis to severe asthma, and aeroallergens play a major role in the pathogenesis of reactive airway diseases. The distribution of aeroallergen and the knowledge of allergen sensitivity pattern in northern India (Rajasthan) are limited. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of various aeroallergens in children with bronchial asthma and/or allergic rhinitis by skin prick test at a tertiary care center in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

Methods Children who had presented to the Department of Pediatrics (outpatient department and inpatient department), Mahatma Gandhi Medical College, Jaipur, from January 2018 to June 2019 fulfilling the inclusion criteria, were included in this prospective study. A total of 15 antigens were used. Skin prick testing was performed as per standard protocol.

Result Among total 60 children with respiratory allergic diseases, overall the highest percentage of skin prick test positivity was found among house dust mite (66.6%), storage mite (41.6%), wheat (33.3%), animal dander (30%), and Kentucky bluegrass (26.6%), in that order.

Conclusion It is advised to avoid common inhaled allergens found with SPT in our region in children with allergic airway diseases.
Perforated Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Tzivanakis Alexios , Moran Brendan J.
Published: July 2020

The majority of patients with colorectal tumors will present via the elective route. However, one-fifth of patients will present as an emergency. The most common cause of emergency presentation of colorectal cancer is obstruction followed by perforation, and in many cases, patients will present with both. We discuss the management of the patient presenting with a perforated colorectal tumor covering the acute presentation and also how to deal with consequences of a perforated tumor, namely, the management of colorectal peritoneal metastasis (CPM). CPM used to be considered a terminal condition; however, a strategy of early detection of CPM, careful patient selection for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, leads to much improved outcomes and even cure, in some patient compared with systemic chemotherapy alone.
Mid- to Long-Term Survivorship Analysis of a Second-Generation Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene in Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Yeroushalmi David , Lygrisse Katherine A. , Sharan Mohamad , Maher Nolan A. , Zuckerman Joseph D. , Schwarzkopf Ran
Published: July 2020

The emergence of highly cross-linked polyethylene (HCLPE) has drastically improved survivorship of implants used in total hip arthroplasty (THA), as demonstrated by midterm outcomes. However, there is limited data evaluating long-term outcomes and wear rates of these liners. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the longest-to-date follow-up of a specific second-generation HCLPE liner, the progression of wear rate, and its relation to acetabular cup positioning. A retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent THA between January 2001 and December 2005 using a specific second-generation HCLPE liner. Annual liner wear rate (mm/year) was calculated in this group as well as acetabular positioning through abduction angle (degrees). Failures and reason for failures such as periprosthetic fracture, dislocation, and osteolysis were noted when applicable. Forty hips of 35 patients were included in this study with a clinical and radiographic follow-up of 13.4 ± 2.2 years (range: 10.0–16.7 years). Linear and volumetric wear rates were calculated to be 0.037 ± 0.020 mm/year and 22.94 ± 12.07 mm3/year, respectively. No radiographic femoral or acetabular osteolysis was observed in any of the cases. One patient required revision due to complications unrelated to the liner. No significant relationship could be established for acetabular component abduction angle and linear wear rate (p = 0.690, Spearman's rho = 0.03). Our study demonstrates comparable liner wear rates to that of other second-generation HCLPE liners in long-term follow-up. The XLPE liner continues to exhibit minimal progression of linear wear when compared with previous midterm studies and maintains a low rate of postoperative complications requiring revision THA surgery. Further studies are warranted to assess long-term wear and survivorship between this specific liner and comparable HCLPE models.
On Schrödinger–Poisson systems under the effect of steep potential well (2 < p < 4)
Authors: Sun Juntao , Wu Tsung-fang
Published: July 2020

We investigate the existence of nontrivial solutions for a class of Schrödinger–Poisson systems with steep potential well V and the nonlinearity a(x)|u|p−2u(2 < p < 4) in R3. Such a problem cannot be studied by applying variational methods in a standard way, even by restricting its corresponding energy functional on the Nehari manifold, because Palais–Smale sequences may not be bounded. In this paper, by developing a novel constraint method, we find one positive solution under suitable assumptions when 2 < p < 4. In particular, one positive ground state solution is found when 1+733≤p<4. An interesting point is that unlike some methods that only work for the case of either 2 < p ≤ 3 or 3 < p < 4 {see the work by Jiang and Zhou [J. Differ. Equations 251, 582–608 (2011)]; Sun et al. [Z. Angew. Math. Phys. 68, 73 (2017)]; and Zhao et al. [J. Differ. Equations 255, 1–23 (2013)]}, our method is applicable to all 2 < p < 4.
Critical behaviors of high-degree adaptive and collective-influence percolation
Authors: Kim Jung-Ho , Kim Soo-Jeong , Goh K.-I.
Published: July 2020

How the giant component of a network disappears under attacking nodes or links addresses a key aspect of network robustness, which can be framed into percolation problems. Various strategies to select the node to be deactivated have been studied in the literature, for instance, a simple random failure or high-degree adaptive (HDA) percolation. Recently, a new attack strategy based on a quantity called collective-influence (CI) has been proposed from the perspective of optimal percolation. By successively deactivating the node having the largest CI-centrality value, it was shown to be able to dismantle a network more quickly and abruptly than many of the existing methods. In this paper, we focus on the critical behaviors of the percolation processes following degree-based attack and CI-based attack on random networks. Through extensive Monte Carlo simulations assisted by numerical solutions, we estimate various critical exponents of the HDA percolation and those of the CI percolations. Our results show that these attack-type percolation processes, despite displaying apparently more abrupt collapse, nevertheless exhibit standard mean-field critical behaviors at the percolation transition point. We further discover an extensive degeneracy in top-centrality nodes in both processes, which may provide a hint for understanding the observed results.
Significantly enhanced electrical properties in CaBi2Nb2O9-based high-temperature piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Long Changbai , Wang Bo , Ren Wei , Zheng Kun , Fan Huiqing , Wang Dawei , Liu Laijun
Published: July 2020

A synergetic effect of Li/Nd at the A site and W/Mn at the B site co-substitution on electrical properties of calcium bismuth niobate (CaBi2Nb2O9, CBNO)-based ceramics is proposed in this paper. CBNO primarily shows mixed p-type and ionic conduction due to a trace of oxygen vacancies (VO••). Both bulk resistivity (ρb) and activity energy (Ea) for conduction are dramatically increased by the co-substitution in Ca0.92(Li1/2Nd1/2)0.08Bi2Nb2−x(W3/4Mn1/4)xO9 [CBNO-LN-x(WM), x = 0–0.02]. Consequently, the modified compositions almost show an intrinsic conducting mechanism due to a significant suppression of the VO•• concentration. Furthermore, the synergetic effect of Li/Nd at the A site and W/Mn at the B site greatly improves the piezoelectricity coefficient (d33), which is up to ∼21.1 pC/N in the optimized composition [CBNO-LN-10(WM)]. This combined with a high Curie temperature (TC = ∼946 °C) and high resistivity indicates that CBNO-LN-10(WM) is a good promising material in high-temperature piezoelectric applications.
Self-assembly and entropic effects in pear-shaped colloid systems. I. Shape sensitivity of bilayer phases in colloidal pear-shaped particle systems
Authors: Schönhöfer Philipp W. A. , Marechal Matthieu , Cleaver Douglas J. , Schröder-Turk Gerd E.
Published: July 2020

The role of particle shape in self-assembly processes is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, particle shape and particle elongation are often considered the most fundamental determinants of soft matter structure formation. On the other hand, structure formation is often highly sensitive to details of shape. Here, we address the question of particle shape sensitivity for the self-assembly of hard pear-shaped particles by studying two models for this system: (a) the pear hard Gaussian overlap (PHGO) and (b) the hard pears of revolution (HPR) model. Hard pear-shaped particles, given by the PHGO model, are known to form a bicontinuous gyroid phase spontaneously. However, this model does not replicate an additive object perfectly and, hence, varies slightly in shape from a “true” pear-shape. Therefore, we investigate in the first part of this series the stability of the gyroid phase in pear-shaped particle systems. We show, based on the HPR phase diagram, that the gyroid phase does not form in pears with such a “true” hard pear-shaped potential. Moreover, we acquire first indications from the HPR and PHGO pair-correlation functions that the formation of the gyroid is probably attributed to the small non-additive properties of the PHGO potential.
Perspective of self-assembled InGaAs quantum-dots for multi-source quantum implementations
Authors: Vural Hüseyin , Portalupi Simone L. , Michler Peter
Published: July 2020

In recent years, semiconductor quantum dots have demonstrated their potential to reach the goal of being an ideal source of single and entangled photon pairs. Exciting reports of near unity entanglement fidelity, close to unity photon indistinguishability, and high collection efficiency in nanophotonic structures have been demonstrated by several distinct groups, showing unequivocally the maturity of this technology. To achieve the required complexity and scalability in realistic quantum photonic implementations, two-photon interference of photons from multi-sources must be reached. While high indistinguishability values have been observed for photons generated from the same source within a relatively short time separation, achieving similar visibility for larger time separation or in multi-source experiments still requires intensive efforts. In fact, the coupling to the particular mesoscopic environment of charge carriers confined in the quantum dot leads to decoherence processes, which limit the quantum interference effects to a short time window. Here, we discuss the progress in studying the dynamics of this decoherence, which crucially depends on the evolution of line broadening in high-quality self-assembled InGaAs quantum dots. Characterization of line broadening mechanisms is the first fundamental step to be able to counteract them. Optimization of the growth and active and passive control of the radiative transitions are crucial for the technological readiness of non-classical light sources based on semiconductor platforms.