bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global cooling induced by biophysical effects of bioenergy crop cultivation
Authors: Wang Jingmeng , Li Wei , Ciais Philippe , Li Laurent Z. X. , Chang Jinfeng , Goll Daniel , Gasser Thomas , Huang Xiaomeng , Devaraju Narayanappa , Boucher Olivier
Published: December 2021

Bioenergy crop with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) is a key negative emission technology to meet carbon neutrality. However, the biophysical effects of widespread bioenergy crop cultivation on temperature remain unclear. Here, using a coupled atmosphere-land model with an explicit representation of lignocellulosic bioenergy crops, we find that after 50 years of large-scale bioenergy crop cultivation following plausible scenarios, global air temperature decreases by 0.03~0.08 °C, with strong regional contrasts and interannual variability. Over the cultivated regions, woody crops induce stronger cooling effects than herbaceous crops due to larger evapotranspiration rates and smaller aerodynamic resistance. At the continental scale, air temperature changes are not linearly proportional to the cultivation area. Sensitivity tests show that the temperature change is robust for eucalypt but more uncertain for switchgrass among different cultivation maps. Our study calls for new metrics to take the biophysical effects into account when assessing the climate mitigation capacity of BECCS.
Convergent morphology and divergent phenology promote the coexistence of Morpho butterfly species
Authors: Le Roy Camille , Roux Camille , Authier Elisabeth , Parrinello Hugues , Bastide Héloïse , Debat Vincent , Llaurens Violaine
Published: December 2021

The coexistence of closely-related species in sympatry is puzzling because ecological niche proximity imposes strong competition and reproductive interference. A striking example is the widespread wing pattern convergence of several blue-bandedMorphobutterfly species with overlapping ranges of distribution. Here we perform a series of field experiments using flyingMorphodummies placed in a natural habitat. We show that similarity in wing colour pattern indeed leads to interspecific territoriality and courtship among sympatric species. In spite of such behavioural interference, demographic inference from genomic data shows that sympatric closely-relatedMorphospecies are genetically isolated. Mark-recapture experiments in the two most closely-related species unravel a strong temporal segregation in patrolling activity of males. Such divergence in phenology reduces the costs of reproductive interference while simultaneously preserving the benefits of convergence in non-reproductive traits in response to common ecological pressures. Henceforth, the evolution of multiple traits may favour species diversification in sympatry by partitioning niche in different dimensions.
Fano interference in quantum resonances from angle-resolved elastic scattering
Authors: Paliwal Prerna , Blech Alexander , Koch Christiane P. , Narevicius Edvardas
Published: December 2021

Asymmetric spectral line shapes are a hallmark of interference of a quasi-bound state with a continuum of states. Such line shapes are well known for multichannel systems, for example, in photoionization or Feshbach resonances in molecular scattering. On the other hand, in resonant single channel scattering, the signature of such interference may disappear due to the orthogonality of partial waves. Here, we show that probing the angular dependence of the cross section allows us to unveil asymmetric Fano profiles also in a single channel shape resonance. We observe a shift in the peak of the resonance profile in the elastic collisions between metastable helium and deuterium molecules with detection angle, in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions from full quantum scattering calculations. Using a model description for the partial wave interference, we can disentangle the resonant and background contributions and extract the relative phase responsible for the characteristic Fano-like profiles from our experimental measurements.
Comparative quantification of local climate regulation by green and blue urban areas in cities across Europe
Authors: Goldenberg Romain , Kalantari Zahra , Destouni Georgia
Published: December 2021

Urban growth alters environmental conditions with major consequences for climate regulation and the exposure of population to heat. Nature-based solutions may be used to alleviate the increasing urban climate pressures, but the climate regulation services that these solutions can supply for and across different urban conditions remains understudied. We comparatively investigate the urban ecosystem service realization (considering the ecosystem service supply and demand spatial interactions) of local climate regulation by vegetated (green) and water-covered (blue) areas across 660 European cities. Results show relatively robust power-law relationships with city population density (average R2 of 0.34) of main indicators of ecosystem service realization. Country-wise fitting for city-average indicators strengthens these relationships, in particular for western European cities (average R2 of 0.66). Cross-city results also show strong power-law relationship of effectiveness in ecosystem service realization with socio-economic measures like Human Development Index and GPD per capita, in particular for the area fraction of city parts with high ecosystem service realization (R2 of 0.77). The quantified relationships are useful for comparative understanding of differences in ecosystem services realization between cities and city parts, and quantitative projection of possible change trends under different types of city growth so that relevant measures can be taken to counteract undesirable trends.
Cloaking, trapping and superlensing of lamb waves with negative refraction
Authors: Legrand François , Gérardin Benoît , Bruno François , Laurent Jérôme , Lemoult Fabrice , Prada Claire , Aubry Alexandre
Published: December 2021

We report on experimental and numerical implementations of devices based on the negative refraction of elastic guided waves, the so-called Lamb waves. Consisting in plates of varying thickness, these devices rely on the concept of complementary media, where a particular layout of negative index media can cloak an object with its anti-object or trap waves around a negative corner. The diffraction cancellation operated by negative refraction is investigated by means of laser ultrasound experiments. However, unlike original theoretical predictions, these intriguing wave phenomena remain, nevertheless, limited to the propagating component of the wave-field. To go beyond the diffraction limit, negative refraction is combined with the concept of metalens, a device converting the evanescent components of an object into propagating waves. The transport of an evanescent wave-field is then possible from an object plane to a far-field imaging plane. Twenty years after Pendry’s initial proposal, this work thus paves the way towards an elastic superlens.
Genetic determinants of liking and intake of coffee and other bitter foods and beverages
Authors: Cornelis Marilyn C. , van Dam Rob M.
Published: December 2021

Coffee is a widely consumed beverage that is naturally bitter and contains caffeine. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of coffee drinking have identified genetic variants involved in caffeine-related pathways but not in taste perception. The taste of coffee can be altered by addition of milk/sweetener, which has not been accounted for in GWAS. Using UK and US cohorts, we test the hypotheses that genetic variants related to taste are more strongly associated with consumption of black coffee than with consumption of coffee with milk or sweetener and that genetic variants related to caffeine pathways are not differentially associated with the type of coffee consumed independent of caffeine content. Contrary to our hypotheses, genetically inferred caffeine sensitivity was more strongly associated with coffee taste preferences than with genetically inferred bitter taste perception. These findings extended to tea and dark chocolate. Taste preferences and physiological caffeine effects intertwine in a way that is difficult to distinguish for individuals which may represent conditioned taste preferences.
Distinct trans-placental effects of maternal immune activation by TLR3 and TLR7 agonists: implications for schizophrenia risk
Authors: Kwon Jaedeok , Suessmilch Maria , McColl Alison , Cavanagh Jonathan , Morris Brian J.
Published: December 2021

Exposure to infection in utero predisposes towards psychiatric diseases such as autism, depression and schizophrenia in later life. The mechanisms involved are typically studied by administering mimetics of double-stranded (ds) virus or bacterial infection to pregnant rats or mice. The effect of single-stranded (ss) virus mimetics has been largely ignored, despite evidence linking prenatal ss virus exposure with psychiatric disease. Understanding the effects of gestational ss virus exposure has become even more important with recent events. In this study, in pregnant mice, we compare directly the effects, on the maternal blood, placenta and the embryonic brain, of maternal administration of ds-virus mimetic poly I:C (to activate Toll-like receptor 3, TLR3) and ss-virus mimetic resiquimod (to activate TLR7/8). We find that, 4 h after the administration, both poly I:C and resiquimod elevated the levels of IL-6, TNFα, and chemokines including CCL2 and CCL5, in maternal plasma. Both agents also increased placental mRNA levels of IL-6 and IL-10, but only resiquimod increased placental TNFα mRNA. In foetal brain, poly I:C produced no detectable immune-response-related increases, whereas pronounced increases in cytokine (e.g.Il-6,Tnfα) and chemokine (e.g.Ccl2,Ccl5) expression were observed with maternal resiquimod administration. The data show substantial differences between the effect of maternal exposure to a TLR7/8 activator as compared to a TLR3 activator. There are significant implications for future modelling of diseases where maternal ss virus exposure contributes to environmental disease risk in offspring.
Spatiotemporal variations of agricultural water footprint and its economic benefits in Xinjiang, northwestern China
Authors: Li Yinbo , Deng Mingjiang
Published: December 2021

Agriculture is the largest water user and is the main driving force behind water stress in Xinjiang, northwestern China. In this study, the water footprint (WF) (blue, green and gray WF) of main crop production and their temporal and spatial characteristics in Xinjiang were estimated in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018. The blue water footprint deficit (BWFd) was conducted and food productivity and economic benefits of WF were also analyzed via the water consumption per output value (food productivity and economic benefits). The results reveal that the WF increased from 22.75 to 44.16 billion m3 during 2006–2018 in Xinjiang, of which cotton, corn and wheat are main contributors of WF. In terms of different regions, corn has the largest WF in north Xinjiang and cotton has the largest WF in south and east Xinjiang. The BWFd broadened from − 11.51 to + 13.26 billion m3 in Xinjiang with the largest increased BWFd in Kashgar (from − 3.35 to 1.40 billion m3) and Aksu (from − 2.92 to 2.23 billion m3) of south Xinjiang and in Shihezi (from − 0.11 to 2.90 billion m3) of north Xinjiang. In addition, the water footprint food productivity does not well correspond with the water footprint economic benefits in prefectures of Xinjiang. It means we should consider the food yields priority and economic benefits priority to formulate a scientific and effective supervisor mode to realize the sustainable management of agricultural water in prefectures of Xinjiang.
Independent evaluation of 12 artificial intelligence solutions for the detection of tuberculosis
Authors: Codlin Andrew J. , Dao Thang Phuoc , Vo Luan Nguyen Quang , Forse Rachel J. , Van Truong Vinh , Dang Ha Minh , Nguyen Lan Huu , Nguyen Hoa Binh , Nguyen Nhung Viet , Sidney-Annerstedt Kristi , Squire Bertie , Lönnroth Knut , Caws Maxine
Published: December 2021

There have been few independent evaluations of computer-aided detection (CAD) software for tuberculosis (TB) screening, despite the rapidly expanding array of available CAD solutions. We developed a test library of chest X-ray (CXR) images which was blindly re-read by two TB clinicians with different levels of experience and then processed by 12 CAD software solutions. Using Xpert MTB/RIF results as the reference standard, we compared the performance characteristics of each CAD software against both an Expert and Intermediate Reader, using cut-off thresholds which were selected to match the sensitivity of each human reader. Six CAD systems performed on par with the Expert Reader (Qure.ai, DeepTek, Delft Imaging, JF Healthcare, OXIPIT, and Lunit) and one additional software (Infervision) performed on par with the Intermediate Reader only. Qure.ai, Delft Imaging and Lunit were the only software to perform significantly better than the Intermediate Reader. The majority of these CAD software showed significantly lower performance among participants with a past history of TB. The radiography equipment used to capture the CXR image was also shown to affect performance for some CAD software. TB program implementers now have a wide selection of quality CAD software solutions to utilize in their CXR screening initiatives.
Spatial and temporal multiplet analysis for identification of dominant fluid migration path at The Geysers geothermal field, California
Authors: Staszek M. , Rudziński Ł. , Kwiatek G.
Published: December 2021

Multiplet analysis is based on the identification of seismic events with very similar waveforms which are used then to enhance seismological analysis e.g. by precise relocation of sources. In underground fluid injection conditions, it is a tool frequently used for imaging of subsurface fracture system. We identify over 150 repeatedly activated seismic sources within seismicity cluster induced by fluid injection in NW part of The Geysers geothermal field (California). Majority of multiple events (ME) occur along N–S oriented planar structure which we interpret as a fault plane. Remaining ME are distributed along structures interpreted as fractures, forming together a system of interconnected cracks enabling fluid migration. Temporal analysis reveals that during periods of relatively low fluid injection the proportion of ME to non-multiple events is higher than during periods of high injection. Moreover, ME which occur within the fault differ in activity rate and source properties from ME designating the fractures and non-multiple events. In this study we utilize observed differences between ME occurring within various structures and non-multiple events to describe hydraulic conditions within the reservoir. We show that spatial and temporal analysis of multiplets can be used for identification and characterization of dominant fluid migration paths.
Structural conservation of WEE1 and its role in cell cycle regulation in plants
Authors: Détain A. , Redecker D. , Leborgne-Castel N. , Ochatt S.
Published: December 2021

The WEE1 kinase is ubiquitous in plant development and negatively regulates the cell cycle through phosphorylations. However, analogies with the control of the human cell cycle by tyrosine- (Tyr-) phosphorylation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are sometimes questioned. In this in silico study, we assessed the structural conservation of the WEE1 protein in the plant kingdom with a particular focus on agronomically valuable plants, the legume crops. We analyzed the phylogenetic distribution of amino-acid sequences among a large number of plants by Bayesian analysis that highlighted the general conservation of WEE1 proteins. A detailed sequence analysis confirmed the catalytic potential of WEE1 proteins in plants. However, some substitutions of an arginine and a glutamate at the entrance of the catalytic pocket, illustrated by 3D structure predictions, challenged the specificity of this protein toward the substrate and Tyr-phosphorylation compared to the human WEE1. The structural differences, which could be responsible for the loss of specificity between human and plants, are highlighted and suggest the involvement of plant WEE1 in more cell regulation processes.
In vivo biocompatibility evaluation of in situ-forming polyethylene glycol-collagen hydrogels in corneal defects
Authors: Chun Yoon Hong , Park Sun-Kyoung , Kim Eun Jeong , Lee Hyun Jong , Kim Hyewon , Koh Won-Gun , Cunha Gabriella Fernandes , Myung David , Na Kyung-Sun
Published: December 2021

The available treatment options include corneal transplantation for significant corneal defects and opacity. However, shortage of donor corneas and safety issues in performing corneal transplantation are the main limitations. Accordingly, we adopted the injectable in situ-forming hydrogels of collagen type I crosslinked via multifunctional polyethylene glycol (PEG)-N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) for treatment and evaluated in vivo biocompatibility. The New Zealand White rabbits (N = 20) were randomly grouped into the keratectomy-only and keratectomy with PEG-collagen hydrogel-treated groups. Samples were processed for immunohistochemical evaluation. In both clinical and histologic observations, epithelial cells were able to migrate and form multilayers over the PEG-collagen hydrogels at the site of the corneal stromal defect. There was no evidence of inflammatory or immunological reactions or increased IOP for PEG-collagen hydrogel-treated corneas during the four weeks of observation. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the superior corneal stroma of the keratectomy-only group (indicative of fibrotic healing), whereas low stromal α-SMA expression was detected in the keratectomy with PEG-collagen hydrogel-treated group. Taken together, we suggest that PEG-collagen may be used as a safe and effective alternative in treating corneal defect in clinical setting.
Thermoelectric characteristics of X$$_2$$YH$$_2$$ monolayers (X=Si, Ge; Y=P, As, Sb, Bi): a first-principles study
Authors: Mohebpour Mohammad Ali , Mozvashi Shobair Mohammadi , Vishkayi Sahar Izadi , Tagani Meysam Bagheri
Published: December 2021

Ever since global warming emerged as a serious issue, the development of promising thermoelectric materials has been one of the main hot topics of material science. In this work, we provide an in-depth understanding of the thermoelectric properties of X$$_2$$

2

YH$$_2$$

2

monolayers (X=Si, Ge; Y=P, As, Sb, Bi) using the density functional theory combined with the Boltzmann transport equation. The results indicate that the monolayers have very low lattice thermal conductivities in the range of 0.09−0.27 Wm$$^{-1}$$

-
1

K$$^{-1}$$

-
1

at room temperature, which are correlated with the atomic masses of primitive cells. Ge$$_2$$

2

PH$$_2$$

2

and Si$$_2$$

2

SbH$$_2$$

2

possess the highest mobilities for hole (1894 cm$$^2$$

2

V$$^{-1}$$

-
1

s$$^{-1}$$

-
1

) and electron (1629 cm$$^2$$

2

V$$^{-1}$$

-
1

s$$^{-1}$$

-
1

), respectively. Si$$_2$$

2

BiH$$_2$$

2

shows the largest room-temperature figure of merit, $$ZT=2.85$$

Z
T
=
2.85

in the n-type doping ( $$\sim 3\times 10^{12}$$

∼
3
×

10
12

 cm$$^{-2}$$

-
2

), which is predicted to reach 3.49 at 800 K. Additionally, Si$$_2$$

2

SbH$$_2$$

2

and Si$$_2$$

2

AsH$$_2$$

2

are found to have considerable ZT values above 2 at room temperature. Our findings suggest that the mentioned monolayers are more efficient than the traditional thermoelectric materials such as Bi$$_2$$

2

Te$$_3$$

3

and stimulate experimental efforts for novel syntheses and applications.
Energy recovery linac based fully coherent light source
Authors: Zhao Z. T. , Wang Z. , Feng C. , Chen S. , Cao L.
Published: December 2021

Energy recovery linac (ERL) holds great promise for generating high repetition-rate and high brightness electron beams. The application of ERL to drive a free-electron laser is currently limited by its low peak current. In this paper, we consider the combination of ERL with the recently proposed angular-dispersion induced microbunching technique to generate fully coherent radiation pulses with high average brightness and tunable pulse length. Start-to-end simulations have been performed based on a low energy ERL (600 MeV) for generating coherent EUV radiation pulses. The results indicate an average brightness over 1025phs/s/mm2/mrad2/0.1%BW and average power of about 100 W at 13.5 nm or 20 W with the spectral resolution of about 0.5 meV with the proposed technique. Further extension of the proposed scheme to shorter wavelength based on an ERL complex is also discussed.
Olfactory function testing before and after anesthesia
Authors: Hernandez Anna Kristina , Fuchss Patrick , Haehner Antje , Hummel Thomas
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to determine whether anesthesia would affect olfactory function. Patients who were admitted for surgical intervention that did not include the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses were included in this prospective cohort study. Structured medical history was taken from the patients, including the following: age, sex, smoking history, alcohol intake, current medications, and sleep deficits prior to surgery. Before surgery, patients were asked for a self-rating of their olfactory function. Olfactory function was also measured using Sniffin’ Sticks comprising measures of odor threshold, discrimination, and identification. The mean interval between olfactory tests was 6 days (range 3–12 days). Seventy-three patients were included in the study, 34 men and 39 women. Olfactory scores were consistent before and after surgery as indicated by correlative analyses (p < 0.05). Odor thresholds, discrimination, identification, and composite TDI scores did not change significantly, whereas odor identification scores increased (p = 0.011) after surgery. In conclusion, post-operative olfactory scores remained stable. However, identification scores exhibited a slight increase which can be attributed to a retest effect. Overall, the present results indicate that surgery outside of the nasal and paranasal sinus region performed in general anesthesia has no major effect on the sense of smell.
Study of Non-Newtonian biomagnetic blood flow in a stenosed bifurcated artery having elastic walls
Authors: Shahzad Hasan , Wang Xinhua , Sarris Ioannis , Iqbal Kaleem , Hafeez Muhammad Bilal , Krawczuk Marek
Published: December 2021

Fluid structure interaction (FSI) gained attention of researchers and scientist due to its applications in science fields like biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering etc. One of the major application in FSI is to study elastic wall behavior of stenotic arteries. In this paper we discussed an incompressible Non-Newtonian blood flow analysis in an elastic bifurcated artery. A magnetic field is applied along $$x$$
x
direction. For coupling of the problem an Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian formulation is used by two-way fluid structure interaction. To discretize the problem, we employed $$P_{2} P_{1}$$

P
2

P
1

finite element technique to approximate the velocity, displacement and pressure and then linearized system of equations is solved using Newton iteration method. Analysis is carried out for power law index, Reynolds number and Hartmann number. Hemodynamic effects on elastic walls, stenotic artery and bifurcated region are evaluated by using velocity profile, pressure and loads on the walls. Study shows there is significant increase in wall shear stresses with an increase in Power law index and Hartmann number. While as expected increase in Reynolds number decreases the wall shear stresses. Also load on the upper wall is calculated against Hartmann number for different values of power law index. Results show load increases as the Hartmann number and power law index increases. From hemodynamic point of view, the load on the walls is minimum for shear thinning case but when power law index increased i.e. for shear thickening case load on the walls increased.
Graphene-based dual-functional chiral metamirror composed of complementary 90° rotated U-shaped resonator arrays and its equivalent circuit model
Authors: Asgari Somayyeh , Fabritius Tapio
Published: December 2021

An equivalent circuit model (ECM) using a MATLAB code to analyze a tunable two-layered graphene-based chiral dual-function metamirror, is proposed in this work. The investigated metastructure is composed of complementary U-shaped graphene resonator arrays in the terahertz (THz) region. The ECM analysis could be used for any two-layered chiral metastructure for any frequencies, containing resonators with a thickness less than λ/50. The characteristics of the proposed tunable metamirror were analyzed numerically using the finite element method (FEM) in CST Software to verify the ECM analysis. The proposed metamirror can be used in polarization-sensitive devices in the THz region with simpler biasing without a need for ion gels or similar. It works as a broadband TE and multiband (four bands) TM mirror in the 0.3–4.5 THz bandwidth with a strong linear dichroism (LD) response (up to 96%). The designed mirror is a dynamically tunable, dual-functional structure, requiring only 90° rotation of the incident electromagnetic fields to switch between broadband and multiband spectral behavior making it a promising candidate for future THz intelligent systems. The proposed ECM is in agreement with the FEM results. The ECM analysis provides a simple, fast, and effective way to understand the metamirror’s behavior and guides for the design and analysis of graphene-based chiral metastructures in the THz region.
Early-life nicotine or cotinine exposure produces long-lasting sleep alterations and downregulation of hippocampal corticosteroid receptors in adult mice
Authors: Bastianini Stefano , Lo Martire Viviana , Alvente Sara , Berteotti Chiara , Matteoli Gabriele , Rullo Laura , Stamatakos Serena , Silvani Alessandro , Candeletti Sanzio , Romualdi Patrizia , Cohen Gary , Zoccoli Giovanna
Published: December 2021

Early-life exposure to environmental toxins like tobacco can permanently re-program body structure and function. Here, we investigated the long-term effects on mouse adult sleep phenotype exerted by early-life exposure to nicotine or to its principal metabolite, cotinine. Moreover, we investigated whether these effects occurred together with a reprogramming of the activity of the hippocampus, a key structure to coordinate the hormonal stress response. Adult male mice born from dams subjected to nicotine (NIC), cotinine (COT) or vehicle (CTRL) treatment in drinking water were implanted with electrodes for sleep recordings. NIC and COT mice spent significantly more time awake than CTRL mice at the transition between the rest (light) and the activity (dark) period. NIC and COT mice showed hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor (GR) downregulation compared to CTRL mice, and NIC mice also showed hippocampal mineralocorticoid receptor downregulation. Hippocampal GR expression significantly and inversely correlated with the amount of wakefulness at the light-to-dark transition, while no changes in DNA methylation were found. We demonstrated that early-life exposure to nicotine (and cotinine) concomitantly entails long-lasting reprogramming of hippocampal activity and sleep phenotype suggesting that the adult sleep phenotype may be modulated by events that occurred during that critical period of life.
Visible-light and near-infrared fluorescence and surface-enhanced Raman scattering point-of-care sensing and bio-imaging: a review
Authors: Hang Yingjie , Boryczka Jennifer , Wu Nianqiang
Published: December 2021

This article reviews the principles, design and applications of visible-light and near-infrared fluorescence and surface-enhanced Raman scattering in point-of-care testing and bio-imaging.
Cluster-induced desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of highlighter ink: unambiguous identification of dyes and degradation processes based on fragmentation-free desorption
Authors: Bomhardt Karolin , Schneider Pascal , Rohnke Marcus , Gebhardt Christoph R. , Dürr Michael
Published: December 2021

The soft nature of cluster-induced desorption/ionization allows for unambiguous identification of highlighter inks and the discrimination of different degradation processes by means of mass spectrometry.
Modified cytosines versus cytosine in a DNA polymerase: retrieving thermodynamic and kinetic constants at the single molecule level
Authors: Lee Ji Yoon , Park Joon Won
Published: December 2021

A convenient approach for obtaining fundamental constants such as affinity constant and dissociation constant at the single molecule level. The constants for the binding between dGTP and various cytosines in the polymerase pocket were compared.
Determining metal elements in liquid samples using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and phase conversion technology
Authors: Zhang Zhichao , Jia Wenbao , Shan Qing , Hei Daqian , Wang Zi , Wang Yu , Ling Yongsheng
Published: December 2021

This work introduces a new phase conversion method for the determination of metal elements in brines.
Cationic cyclization reactions with alkyne terminating groups: a useful tool in biomimetic synthesis
Authors: García-Pedrero Olaya , Rodríguez Félix
Published: December 2021

Cationic cyclization reactions are useful processes in organic synthesis and, particularly, the use of alkynes as the terminating groups offers wide synthetic possibilities because this group can serve as a precursor of different functionalities.
Recent progress on porous MOFs for process-efficient hydrocarbon separation, luminescent sensing, and information encryption
Authors: Zhao Dian , Yu Kuangli , Han Xue , He Yabing , Chen Banglin
Published: December 2021

This feature article highlights the recent, important progress on multifunctional MOF materials for their application in hydrocarbon separation, luminescent sensing, and information encryption.
Potential-dependent C–C coupling mechanism and activity of C2 formation in the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 on defective Cu(100) surfaces
Authors: Liu Hong , Yang Bo
Published: December 2021

The mechanism of C2 formation is potential-dependent in the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 on several defective Cu(100) surfaces, and a nonmonotonic trend is observed between the effective free energy barriers and the average coordination numbers.
Bridgman growth and electrical properties of Nd-doped PMN–PT single crystal with ultrahigh piezoelectricity
Authors: Chen Ziyun , Deng Tingyu , Chen Rui , Lin Di , Di Wenning , Chen Hongbing , Luo Haosu , Han Tao
Published: December 2021

The work presents electrical properties of Nd–PMN–PT single crystal grown by Bridgman method. As-grown crystal has been verified to have ultrahigh piezoelectric coefficient d33 with maximum value of 3650 pC N−1 under alternating current polarization.
Efficient degradation of reactive brilliant red on the first open-framework borate-rich cadmium borophosphate
Authors: Feng Yuquan , Lv Linxia , Bi Dongqin , Zhong Zhiguo , Li Jing , Yue Zilong , Zeng Zhaoge , Zhang Shuhan , Meng Zhaohui
Published: December 2021

The first open-framework borate-rich cadmium borophosphate exhibits excellent ion-exchange capacities with Na+ cations and efficient photocatalytic activities for the degradation of reactive brilliant red (X3B).
The dual function of impurity in protein crystallization
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhang Chen-Yan , Liu Yue , Wu Xiang-Long , Zhang Tuo-Di , Zhao Feng-Zhu , Chen Liang-Liang , Jin Xiao-Qian , He Jin-Liang , Yin Da-Chuan
Published: December 2021

Protein crystallization could be promoted with a low concentration of impurities and inhibited with a high concentration of impurities, and this inhibition can be weakened by an audible sound.
Modelling quenching mechanisms of disordered molecular systems in the presence of molecular aggregates
Authors: Fanciullo Giacomo , Conti Irene , Didier Pascal , Klymchenko Andrey , Léonard Jérémie , Garavelli Marco , Rivalta Ivan
Published: December 2021

A macroscopic model of exciton density decays in disordered molecular systems, including contributions from molecular aggregate quenchers, is proposed. The model can be applied to ultrafast decays of dyes and for global fitting of experimental data.
The molecular origin of the electrostatic gating of single-molecule field-effect biosensors investigated by molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Côté Sébastien , Bouilly Delphine , Mousseau Normand
Published: December 2021

Field-effect biosensors (bioFETs) offer a novel way to measure the kinetics of biomolecular events such as protein function and DNA hybridization at the single-molecule level on a wide range of time scales.
2D Violet phosphorene with highly anisotropic mobility and its vdW heterojunction design for device applications
Authors: Xu Yuehua , Long Qianqian , Li Dongze , Li Pengfei
Published: December 2021

A 2D violet phosphorene monolayer with high anisotropic carrier mobility and a graphene/violet phosphorene vdW heterojunction with tailoring of the Schottky/ohmic contact.
Enhancing the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells based on moisture-resistant dopant free hole transport materials by using a 2D-BA2PbI4 interfacial layer
Authors: Ghoreishi Farzaneh S. , Ahmadi Vahid , Alidaei Maryam , Arabpour Roghabadi Farzaneh , Samadpour Mahmoud , Poursalehi Reza , Johansson Erik M. J.
Published: December 2021

In this work, the photovoltaic performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on a dopant-free hole transport layer (HTL) are efficiently improved by inserting a two-dimensional (2D) interfacial layer.
The inhibition of interaction with serum albumin enhances the physiological activity of curcumin by increasing its cellular uptake
Authors: Itaya Mayuko , Miyazawa Taiki , Khalifa Saoussane , Shimizu Naoki , Nakagawa Kiyotaka
Published: December 2021

Based on the free drug hypothesis, we hypothesized that food compounds that bind stronger to BSA than CUR inhibit the binding between BSA and CUR, and that this results in an increase of the cellular uptake and physiological activities of CUR.
Complexation between burdock holocellulose nanocrystals and corn starch: gelatinization properties, microstructure, and digestibility in vitro
Authors: Li Ying , Liang Wei , Huang Wuyang , Huang Meigui , Feng Jin
Published: December 2021

Burdock holocellulose nanocrystals, prepared from natural resources using green techniques, could retard the retrogradation and digestibility of corn starch paste, revealing their potential applications in staple foods with a low glycemic index.
Fabricating nickel phyllosilicate-like nanosheets to prepare a defect-rich catalyst for the one-pot conversion of lignin into hydrocarbons under mild conditions
Authors: Chen Bo , He Chengzhi , Cao Meifang , Qiu Xueqing , Ouyang Xinping , Qian Yong
Published: December 2021

A bifunctional catalyst was designed via the in situ reduction of novel nickel phyllosilicate-like nanosheets. It enables the high-yield production of liquid fuels directly from the hydrodeoxygenation of lignins under mild conditions.
Highly selective conversion of phenol to cyclohexanol over Ru/Nb2O5-nC18PA catalysts with increased acidity in a biphasic system under mild conditions
Authors: Zhan Jiahui , Hu Rui , Luo Xi , Zhang Cheng , Luo Gang , Fan Jiajun , Clark James H. , Zhang Shicheng
Published: December 2021

The catalytic activity was enhanced by the introduction of C18PA on the support of the Ru/Nb2O5 catalyst. The addition of more Lewis acid sites on the support activated the aromatic ring in phenol and promoted the formation of cyclohexanol.
Applications of deep eutectic solvents in the extraction, dissolution, and functional materials of chitin: research progress and prospects
Authors: Wang Jiake , Teng Changchang , Yan Lifeng
Published: December 2021

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as sustainable solvents for chitin extraction, dissolution, and functional materials.
Exhausted mature dendritic cells exhibit a slower and less persistent random motility but retain chemotaxis against CCL19
Authors: Choi Yongjun , Sunkara Vijaya , Lee Yeojin , Cho Yoon-Kyoung
Published: December 2021

We report the cellular migration of exhausted DCs in a tissue-mimicked confined microenvironment.
Helical SiNW design with a dual-peak response for broadband scattering in translucent solar cells
Authors: Gao Zhongliang , Geng Qi , Wang Zhe , Gao Ting , Li Yingfeng , Chen Lei , Li Meicheng
Published: December 2021

Design of helical SiNW with broad spectrum is applied to translucent SiNW array solar cells.
Electrochromic behavior of fac-tricarbonyl rhenium complexes
Authors: Zhou Qian-hua , Pan Ming-yue , He Qi , Tang Qian , Chow Cheuk-fai , Gong Cheng-bin
Published: December 2021

Tricarbonyl rhenium complex shows good electrochromic performance with a colored stage of green, rapid response and good switching stability.
Synthesis, structure and properties of a high-energy metal–organic framework fuel [Cu(MTZ)2(CTB)2]n
Authors: Mei Haozheng , Xu Yiqiang , Lei Guorong , Cao Wenli , Li Zhimin , Zhang Jianguo
Published: December 2021

In this study, a novel high-energy metal–organic framework (MOF, [Cu(MTZ)2(CTB)2]n) was constructed based on the nitrogen-rich cyanotetrazolylborohydride (CTB) and 1-methyltriazole (MTZ) ligands, with Cu2+ as the autocatalytic metal centers.
Graphdiyne-supported single-cluster electrocatalysts for highly efficient carbon dioxide reduction reaction
Authors: Ge Pingji , Zhai Xingwu , Liu Xiaoyue , Liu Yinglun , Yang Xiaodong , Yan Hongxia , Ge Guixian , Yang Jueming , Liu Yunhu
Published: December 2021

The Cr3@GDY possesses the best catalytic performance with a remarkably low rate-limiting step of 0.39 eV toward the CO2 product.
Non-invasive transferrin targeted nanovesicles sensitize resistant glioblastoma multiforme tumors and improve survival in orthotopic mouse models
Authors: Sandbhor Puja , Goda Jayant , Mohanty Bhabani , Chaudhari Pradip , Dutt Shilpee , Banerjee Rinti
Published: December 2021

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) and tumor heterogeneity have resulted in abysmally poor clinical outcomes in glioblastoma (GBM) with the standard therapeutic regimen.
Browning of white adipocytes by gold nanocluster mediated electromagnetic induction heating hyperthermia
Authors: Xue Tiantian , Xu Hejie , Du Yanhui , Ding Jialuo , Su Yu , Lin Zhenkun
Published: December 2021

Gold nanocluster mediated electromagnetic induction heating hyperthermia can effectively induce the browning of white adipocytes.
Controlling the nucleation and growth of ultrasmall metal nanoclusters with MoS2 grain boundaries
Authors: Shi Yongliang , Rabbani Muztoba , Vázquez-Mayagoitia Álvaro , Zhao Jin , Saidi Wissam A.
Published: December 2021

The enhanced stability of supported nanoclusters by substrate defects is size-dependent where it is appreciable for only ultrasmall clusters.
End-functionalized polymers by controlled/living radical polymerizations: synthesis and applications
Authors: Zhou Di , Zhu Liang-Wei , Wu Bai-Heng , Xu Zhi-Kang , Wan Ling-Shu
Published: December 2021

This review focuses on end-functionalized polymers synthesized by controlled/living radical polymerizations and the applications in fields including bioconjugate formation, surface modification, topology construction, and self-assembly.
Diphenyl phosphate/ethyl diphenylphosphinite as an efficient organocatalytic system for ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone and δ-valerolactone
Authors: Li Yanping , Xu Songyi , Ling Jun , Pan Ke , Liu Yujian , Chen Yougen
Published: December 2021

A novel controlled/living ROP method of ε-CL and δ-VL using ethyl diphenylphosphinite/diphenyl phosphate (EDPP/DPP) organocatalytic system was revealed, which involves the activated monomer mechanism and the reversible chain end deactivation process.
Access to high-molecular-weight poly(γ-butyrolactone) by using simple commercial catalysts
Authors: Liu Yihuan , Yuan Xin , Wu Jiaqi , Hu Xin , Zhu Ning , Guo Kai
Published: December 2021

The simple commercial organomagnesium catalysts were utilized for efficient access to high-molecular-weight poly(γ-butyrolactone) and facile manipulation of the reaction conditions enabled the polymer topology controlled.
One-dimensional polymer-derived ceramic nanowires with electrocatalytically active metallic silicide tips as cathode catalysts for Zn–air batteries
Authors: Moni Prabu , Mooste Marek , Tammeveski Kaido , Rezwan Kurosch , Wilhelm Michaela
Published: December 2021

New intermetallic silicide catalysts for Zn–air batteries facilitate ORR/OER kinetics and deliver peak power densities of 59 mW cm−2 and 1200 cycles.
Which fraction of stone wool fibre surface remains uncoated by binder? A detailed analysis by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Hirth Sabine , Waindok Hubert , Wohlleben Wendel
Published: December 2021

ToF-SIMS mapping reveals that man-made vitreous fibres (MMVF) are fully covered with binder explaining variations in biodurability testing with simulated lung fluid described earlier.
Synaptic transistors based on a tyrosine-rich peptide for neuromorphic computing
Authors: Song Min-Kyu , Song Young-Woong , Sung Taehoon , Namgung Seok Daniel , Yoon Jeong Hyun , Lee Yoon-Sik , Nam Ki Tae , Kwon Jang-Yeon
Published: December 2021

In this article, we propose an artificial synaptic device based on a proton-conducting peptide material.
Conformational adaptability determining antibody recognition to distomer: structure analysis of enantioselective antibody against chiral drug gatifloxacin
Authors: Wang Lanteng , Xie Wei , Jiao Wenyang , Zhang Chijian , Li Xiangmei , Xu Zhenlin , Huang Xin-an , Lei Hongtao , Shen Xing
Published: December 2021

The conformational adaptability of both antibody and ligand could determine the antibody enantioselectivity in chiral drug immunoassay.
A PVA/LiCl/PEO interpenetrating composite electrolyte with a three-dimensional dual-network for all-solid-state flexible aluminum–air batteries
Authors: Chen Li , Li Boqiao , Zhu Liangliang , Deng Xiaobin , Sun Xueyan , Liu Yilun , Zhang Chen , Zhao Wei , Chen Xi
Published: December 2021

Problems relating to the leakage of alkaline liquid electrolyte, the evaporation of water, and flexibility in traditional aluminum–air batteries are solved in this study.
Fabrication and characterization of polyamide thin-film composite membrane via interfacial polycondensation for pervaporation separation of salt and arsenic from water
Authors: Pham Minh-Xuan , Le Thu Minh , Tran Thien Trong , Phuong Ha Huynh Ky , Phong Mai Thanh , Nguyen Van-Huy , Tran Le-Hai
Published: December 2021

Pervaporation, mainly utilized to separate azeotropic mixtures, has been paid much attention for desalination in recent years due to its numerous advantages.
The effect of metal substitution in CsSnI3 perovskites with enhanced optoelectronic and photovoltaic properties
Authors: Islam M. N. , Podder J. , Ali M. L.
Published: December 2021

Non-toxic lead-free halide metal perovskites have gained significant interest in photovoltaic and optoelectronic device applications.
Reduction of silver ions in molybdates: elucidation of framework acidity as the factor controlling charge balance mechanisms in aqueous zinc-ion electrolyte
Authors: Combs Derrick , Godsel Brendan , Pohlman-Zordan Julie , Huff Allen , King Jackson , Richter Robert , Smith Paul F.
Published: December 2021

Across four molybdates, reduction of silver ions in aqueous zinc electrolyte is more facile with increasing acidity.
First-principles insights onto structural, electronic and optical properties of Janus monolayers CrXO (X = S, Se, Te)
Authors: Linh Tran P. T. , Hieu Nguyen N. , Phuc Huynh V. , Nguyen Cuong Q. , Vinh Pham T. , Thai Nguyen Q. , Hieu Nguyen V.
Published: December 2021

The lacking of the vertical mirror symmetry in Janus structures compared to their conventional metal monochalcogenides/dichalcogenides leads to their characteristic properties, which are predicted to play significant roles for various promising applications.
Cp2ZrCl2 – Et3Al reagent system in the homo-coupling of trimethylsilyl-substituted alkynes
Authors: Ramazanov Ilfir R. , Kadikova Rita N. , Amirova Aliya K. , Mozgovoj Oleg S. , Dzhemilev Usein M.
Published: December 2021

The reaction of trimethylsilyl-substituted alkynes with 0.5 equivalents of Cp2ZrCl2 and 1 equivalent of Et3Al in toluene at room temperature gives products of the homo-coupling in good yield.
Nanobiotic formulations as promising advances for combating MRSA resistance: susceptibilities and post-antibiotic effects of clindamycin, doxycycline, and linezolid
Authors: Mohamed Mennatallah A. , Nasr Maha , Elkhatib Walid F. , Eltayeb Wafaa N. , Elshamy Aliaa A. , El-Sayyad Gharieb S.
Published: December 2021

Novel nanobiotic formulations of clindamycin, doxycycline, and linezolid were evaluated for the post-antibiotic effects against biofilm forming methicillin resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA).
Synthesis of tertiary alkyl fluorides and chlorides by site-selective nucleophilic ring-opening reaction of α-aryl azetidinium salts
Authors: Tayama Eiji , Kawai Kohei
Published: December 2021

Site-selective nucleophilic ring-opening of 2 with Bu4NX proceeded at a much-substituted 2-position preferentially and produced tertiary alkyl halides 3.
Expeditious base-free solid-state reaction between phenyl boronates and hydrogen peroxide on silica gel
Authors: Zhang Li , Chen Qianqian , Yang Li , He Yining , Guo Keke , Yang Jialin , Han Ji-Min
Published: December 2021

The expeditious base-free reaction between a phenyl boronate film and H2O2 vapor can be realized on a silica gel surface, playing an important role in sensor manufacturing applications and chemical production.
Synthesis of octagon-containing molecular nanocarbons
Authors: González Miera Greco , Matsubara Satoshi , Kono Hideya , Murakami Kei , Itami Kenichiro
Published: December 2021

Nanocarbons, such as fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and graphenes, have long inspired the scientific community.
Size-dependent selectivity of iron-based electrocatalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Xie Mengna , Gao Na , Xiao GuoPing , Ge Min , Du Xian-Long , Mei BingBao , Wang Jian-Qiang , Li Tao
Published: December 2021

A well-defined Fe-based single-atom catalyst for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to CO was synthesized via a facile pyrolysis of Fe-doped ZIF-8. Fe single-atomic sites exhibit optimum activity in producing CO with nearly 100% faradaic efficiency.
Catalytic steam reforming of simulated bio-oil for green hydrogen production using highly active LaNixCo1−xO3 perovskite catalysts
Authors: Singh Piyush Pratap , Nirmalkar Neelkanth , Mondal Tarak
Published: December 2021

LaNi0.5Co0.5O3 perovskite catalysts displayed excellent catalytic activity for hydrogen production via steam reforming of simulated bio-oil.
Fully bio-based cellulose nanofiber/epoxy composites with both sustainable production and selective matrix deconstruction towards infinite fiber recycling systems
Authors: Subbotina E. , Montanari C. , Olsén P. , Berglund Lars A.
Published: December 2021

Design of nanocellulose-based composite materials suitable for selective disintegration, recovery and recycling of individual components is of great scientific and technical interest.
Are you using the right probe molecules for assessing the textural properties of metal–organic frameworks?
Authors: Islamoglu Timur , Idrees Karam B. , Son Florencia A. , Chen Zhijie , Lee Seung-Joon , Li Peng , Farha Omar K.
Published: December 2021

Textural properties—such as the surface area, pore size distribution, and pore volume—are at the forefront of characterization for porous materials.
Electronic structure regulation of cobalt oxide clusters for promoting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Yan Bo , He Yan , Yang Guowei
Published: December 2021

Photocatalysis for water decomposition under solar light is a promising route to produce clean hydrogen energy.