bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Selenium in Regulation of Plant Antioxidants, Chlorophyll Retention and Osmotic Adjustment under Drought Conditions: A Review
Authors: Dar Zaffar Mahdi , Malik Mushtaq Ahmad , Aziz Malik Asif , Masood Amjad , Dar Ab. Rouf , Hussan Shamshir ul , Dar Zahoor A.
Published: June 2021

Environmental change is ascending as one of the most unpredictable issue, the effects of which are observable as rise in the onset of regular abiotic stresses like no or irregular precipitation, ascend in worldwide normal temperature, floods and so on. Among all the abiotic stresses, drought stress has become a sector of interest for decades. Drought stress can be chronic in locations with low water accessibility or irregular precipitation during the time of plant development consequently decreasing its growth and yield through its impact on plant photosynthetic rate, increased load of reactive oxygen species, changes in plant water relations and so on. A great deal of examination has been done to study the varieties of changes in the plants at the morphological, physiological and cellular level to identify the methodologies for enhancing plant drought resistance. In this regard "selenium" (Se) is considered exceptionally significant for improving plant growth and development. Spraying drought stressed plants or pre-treating the seeds with low dosage of Se have been shown to be associated with upgraded plant drought resistance. The present study is aimed to frame a review on the regulation of plant defense system, chlorophyll retention and plant water relations so as to provide comprehensive understanding into the changes caused by the application of Se which inturn are liable for improved plant drought tolerance.
Mathematical Transmission of HIV/AID with Early Treatment
Authors: Akinwumi T. O. , Olopade I. A. , Adesanya A. O. , Alabi M. O.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a mathematical model for the transmission of HIV/AIDS with early treatment is developed and analyzed to gain insight into early treatment of HIV/AIDS and other epidemiological features that cause the progression from HIV to full blown AIDS. We established the basic reproduction number which is the average number of new secondary infection generated by a single infected individual during infectious period. The analysis shows that the disease free equilibrium is locally and globally asymptotically stable whenever the threshold quantity   is less than unity i.e. Numerical analysis shows that the early treatment of latently infected individuals reduces the dynamical progression to full blown AIDS. The result also showed that immunity boosted substances increase the red blood cells, sensitivity analysis of basic reproduction number with respect to parameters showed that effective contact rate must not exceed 0.3 to avoid endemic stage.
Longitudinal predictions of young adults' weapons use and criminal behavior from their childhood exposure to violence
Authors: Huesmann L. Rowell , Dubow Eric F. , B. Boxer Paul , Bushman Brad J. , S. Smith Cathy , A. Docherty Meagan , J. O'Brien Maureen
Published: June 2021

In this study, we examine whether youth who are exposed to more weapons violence are subsequently more likely to behave violently with weapons. We use data collected with a 3‐cohort, 4‐wave, 10‐year longitudinal study of 426 high‐risk youth from Flint, Michigan, who were second, fourth, or ninth‐graders in 2006–2007. The data were obtained from individual interviews with the youth, their parents, and their teachers, from archival school and criminal justice records, and from geo‐coded criminal offense data. These data show that early exposure to weapons violence significantly correlates at modest levels with weapon carrying, weapon use or threats‐to‐use, arrests for weapons use, and criminally violent acts 10 years later. Multiple regression analyses, controlling for children's initial aggressiveness, intellectual achievement, and parents' income, education, and aggression, reveal statistically significant independent 10‐year effects: (1) more early exposure to weapon use within the family predicts more using or threatening to use a gun; (2) more cumulative early violent video game playing predicts more gun using or threatening to use weapons, and normative beliefs that gun use is acceptable; (3) more cumulative early exposure to neighborhood gun violence predicts more arrests for a weapons crime; and (4) more cumulative early exposure to movie violence predicts more weapon carrying. We argue that youth who observe violence with weapons, whether in the family, among peers, or through the media or video games, are likely to be infected from exposure with a social–cognitive–emotional disease that increases their own risk of behaving violently with weapons later in life.
Image quality improvement with deep learning‐based reconstruction on abdominal ultrahigh‐resolution CT: A phantom study
Authors: Shirasaka Takashi , Kojima Tsukasa , Funama Yoshinori , Sakai Yuki , Kondo Masatoshi , Mikayama Ryoji , Hamasaki Hiroshi , Kato Toyoyuki , Ushijima Yasuhiro , Asayama Yoshiki , Nishie Akihiro
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In an ultrahigh‐resolution CT (U‐HRCT), deep learning‐based reconstruction (DLR) is expected to drastically reduce image noise without degrading spatial resolution. We assessed a new algorithm's effect on image quality at different radiation doses assuming an abdominal CT protocol.

Methods

For the normal‐sized abdominal models, a Catphan 600 was scanned by U‐HRCT with 100%, 50%, and 25% radiation doses. In all acquisitions, DLR was compared to model‐based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), filtered back projection (FBP), and hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR). For the quantitative assessment, we compared image noise, which was defined as the standard deviation of the CT number, and spatial resolution among all reconstruction algorithms.

Results

Deep learning‐based reconstruction yielded lower image noise than FBP and HIR at each radiation dose. DLR yielded higher image noise than MBIR at the 100% and 50% radiation doses (100%, 50%, DLR: 15.4, 16.9 vs MBIR: 10.2, 15.6 Hounsfield units: HU). However, at the 25% radiation dose, the image noise in DLR was lower than that in MBIR (16.7 vs. 26.6 HU). The spatial frequency at 10% of the modulation transfer function (MTF) in DLR was 1.0 cycles/mm, slightly lower than that in MBIR (1.05 cycles/mm) at the 100% radiation dose. Even when the radiation dose decreased, the spatial frequency at 10% of the MTF of DLR did not change significantly (50% and 25% doses, 0.98 and 0.99 cycles/mm, respectively).

Conclusion

Deep learning‐based reconstruction performs more consistently at decreasing dose in abdominal ultrahigh‐resolution CT compared to all other commercially available reconstruction algorithms evaluated.
Interface‐Rich Three‐Dimensional Au‐Doped PtBi Intermetallics as Highly Effective Anode Catalysts for Application in Alkaline Ethylene Glycol Fuel Cells
Authors: Yang Xiaotong , Yao Ke xin , Ye Jin Yu , Yuan Qiang , Zhao Fengling , Li Yongfei , Zhou Zhiyou
Published: June 2021

The preparation of metal electrocatalysts with excellent comprehensive properties for application in alcohol fuel cells is an urgent issue. This study reports a novel 3D Au‐doped PtBi intermetallic phase woven by sub‐7 nm building blocks. The high‐efficiency “active auxiliary” Au advances the activity and in situ anti‐CO poisoning upon ethylene glycol electrooxidation on 3D PtBiAu, along with high CC bond cleavage and attainment of a ten‐electron complete electrooxidation via a CO‐free pathway. The interface‐rich 3D structure with “nanocontainer” function, electronic effect, and dual functional sites of “Pt–Au” or “Pt–Bi” enable the 3D PtBiAu to outperform industrial Pt black and 3D PtBi intermetallics significantly. The mass activity on the 3D Pt53.1Bi43.4Au3.5 intermetallics boosts to 28.72 A mgPt−1, higher than that reported in a previous study. The 3D Pt53.1Bi43.4Au3.5 exhibits superior performance to industrial Pt/C in direct ethylene glycol fuel cells (DEGFCs). The peak power density of 3D Pt53.1Bi43.4Au3.5 is 145/92 mW cm−2 in O2/air (80 °C). Importantly, the cell voltage shows a negligible decay in both O2 and air during the 20 h durability testing. This study results in the development of novel 3D PtBiAu intermetallics as high‐performance anode electrocatalysts for application in DEGFCs.
Near‐Field Drives Long‐Lived Shallow Trapping of Polymeric C3N4 for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Wenchao , Bai Xueqin , Ci Qing , Du Lili , Ren Xingang , Phillips David Lee
Published: June 2021

Undesired photoelectronic dormancy through active species decay is adverse to photoactivity enhancement. An insufficient extrinsic driving force leads to ultrafast deep charge trapping and photoactive species depopulation in carbon nitride (g‐C3N4). Excitation of shallow trapping in g‐C3N4 with long‐lived excited states opens up the possibility of pursuing high‐efficiency photocatalysis. Herein, a near‐field‐assisted model is constructed consisting of an In2O3‐cube/g‐C3N4 heterojunction associated with ultrafast photodynamic coupling. This In2O3‐cube‐induced near‐field assistance system provides catalytic “hot areas”, efficiently enhances the lifetimes of excited states and shallow trapping in g‐C3N4 and this favors an increased active species density. Optical simulations combined with time‐resolved transient absorption spectroscopy shows there is a built‐in charge transfer and the active species lifetimes are longer in the In2O3‐cube/g‐C3N4 hybrid. Besides these properties, the estimated overpotential and interfacial kinetics of the In2O3‐cube/g‐C3N4 hybrid co‐promotes the liquid phase reaction and also helps in boosting the photocatalytic performance. The photocatalytic results exhibit a tremendous improvement (34‐fold) for visible‐light‐driven hydrogen production. Near‐field‐assisted long‐lived active species and the influences of trap states is a novel finding for enhancing (g‐C3N4)‐based photocatalytic performance.
Ionic Diode Based on an Asymmetric‐Shaped Carbon Black Nanoparticle Membrane
Authors: Li Mengqi , Wang Chengfa , Liu Zhijian , Song Yongxin , Li Dongqing
Published: June 2021

Bioinspired ionic diodes are widely explored to mimic the controllable ion transport of biological ion channels. However, due to their vertical structures, the integration of conventional ionic diodes into complex ionic circuits is still a challenge. Here, a horizontal ionic diode is developed based on an asymmetric nanochannel network membrane (NCNM) constructed from carbon black nanoparticles. The rectification of ionic current is achieved through the asymmetric concentration polarization of ions at two ends of the asymmetric NCNM. The rectification ratio of the NCNM ionic diode can be modified flexibly by changing the working fluid and the geometry of the NCNM. It is found that with the presence of cationic surfactant in the working fluid, the rectification ratio increases more than 30 times from 3.03 to 109.77. Advanced functions of the developed ionic component, including working as an ionic transistor for current switching and integrating into an ionic diode bridge on a single nanofluidic chip for rectifying alternating current signals, are also demonstrated in this paper. The horizontally arranged NCNM ionic diode possesses the advantages of easy fabrication and integration that can be practically applied in the development of ionic electronics and biocomputing.
Heterofunctional Particles as Single Cell Sensors to Capture Secreted Immunoglobulins and Isolate Antigen‐Specific Antibody Secreting Cells
Authors: Ramirez Katily , Kyu Shuya , Nguyen Doan , Han So‐Yun , Lee Ye Lim , Bradley John , Randall Troy , Sanz Ignacio , Lee Frances Eun‐Hyung , Sulchek Todd
Published: June 2021

Isolating cells based on their secreted proteins remain a challenge. The authors demonstrate a capacity for high throughput single‐cell protein secretion analysis and isolation based on heterofunctional particles combined with fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). The workflow shows that antibody secreting cells (ASCs) specific for the H1 protein from influenza virus can be isolated from B cells. The workflow consists of incubating anti‐CD27 particles with the ASCs, capturing locally secreted immunoglobulins with Protein G on the particles, and identifying immunoglobulins specific to H1 via fluorescent labeled antigens followed by FACS to enrich antigen‐specific ASCs. Two particles designs, Janus and mixed, are tested with hybridoma cells. Mixed particles are found to improve antibody collection, while Janus particles are found to bind target cells more effectively. Targeted hybridoma cells in coculture with non‐specific hybridoma cells are identified with a sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 98%. Heterofunctional particles are used to capture ASCs that secrete antibodies specific for influenza virus from B cells from healthy adults isolated from blood after vaccination. Positive H1‐tetramer sorted ASCs are validated using single ASC cultures and identify 23/56 cells specific for H1 demonstrating 164‐fold enrichment from total B cells and 14.6‐fold enrichment from total ASCs.
Surfactant‐Stripped Micelles with Aggregation‐Induced Enhanced Emission for Bimodal Gut Imaging In Vivo and Microbiota Tagging Ex Vivo
Authors: Jiang Zhen , Sun Boyang , Wang Yueqi , Gao Heqi , Ren He , Zhang Hao , Lu Tong , Ren Xiangkui , Wei Wei , Wang Xiaoli , Zhang Lei , Li Jiao , Ding Dan , Lovell Jonathan F. , Zhang Yumiao
Published: June 2021

Aggregation‐induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) hold promise for biomedical imaging and new approaches facilitating their aggregation state are desirable for fluorescence enhancement. Herein, a series of surfactant‐stripped AIEgen micelles (SSAMs) with improved fluorescence are developed by a low‐temperature surfactant‐stripping method to encapsulate AIEgens in temperature‐sensitive Pluronic block copolymer. After stripping excessive surfactant, SSAMs exhibit altered optical properties and significantly higher fluorescence quantum yield. Using this method, a library of highly concentrated fluorescent nanoparticles are generated with tunable absorption and emission wavelengths, permitting imaging of deep tissues at different wavelengths. SSAMs remain physiologically stable and can pass safely through gastrointestinal tract (GI) without degradation in the harsh conditions, allowing for fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging of intestine with high resolution. d‐amino acids (DAA), a natural metabolite for bacteria, can be chemically conjugated on the surface of SSAMs, enabling non‐invasive monitoring of the microbial behavior of ex vivo fluorescently labeled gut microbiota in the GI tract.
Design and Usability Evaluations of a 3D‐Printed Implantable Drug Delivery Device for Acute Liver Failure in Preclinical Settings
Authors: Kim Shin‐Young , Han Ginam , Hwang Da‐Bin , Won Dong‐Hoon , Shin Yoo‐Sub , Kim Changuk , Kang Jeon Min , Park Jung‐Hoon , Jung Hyun‐Do , Park Wooram , Yun Jun‐Won
Published: June 2021

Acute liver failure (ALF) requiring liver transplantation is a disease that occurs due to rapid hepatocellular dysfunction. As liver transplantation has various limitations, including donor scarcity, high cost, and immuno‐incompatibility, continuous local delivery of biopharmaceuticals to the liver tissue can be a promising ALF treatment option. Here, the in vivo safety and usability of a 3D‐printed implantable drug delivery device for effective ALF treatment is evaluated. The implantable reservoir consists of a 3D‐printed container and a semipermeable membrane for repeated administrations of drugs, specifically to the liver tissue. The physical stability and function of the 3D‐printed reservoir are confirmed by the mechanical properties and in vitro drug release test, respectively. In mice implanted with the reservoir system, mortality, weight changes, clinical signs, hematological and serum biochemical changes, and organ weight changes are not observed, suggesting no foreign body reaction. The usability of the reservoir system is further evaluated using an ALF model of 70% hepatectomized mice treated with N‐acetylcysteine through the system, showing cell‐specific regeneration and significant liver injury alleviation. Overall, the 3D‐printed reservoir system is safe for studying the therapeutic potential of ALF treatment, and it can be used for the delivery of various active pharmaceutical ingredients.
A Magnetically Powered Stem Cell‐Based Microrobot for Minimally Invasive Stem Cell Delivery via the Intranasal Pathway in a Mouse Brain
Authors: Jeon Sungwoong , Park Sun Hwa , Kim Eunhee , Kim Jin‐young , Kim Sung Won , Choi Hongsoo
Published: June 2021

Targeted stem cell delivery with microrobots has emerged as a potential alternative therapeutic strategy in regenerative medicine, and intranasal administration is an effective approach for minimally invasive delivery of therapeutic agents into the brain. In this study, a magnetically powered stem cell‐based microrobot (“Cellbot”) is used for minimally invasive targeted stem cell delivery to the brain through the intranasal passage. The Cellbot is developed by internalizing superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) into human nasal turbinate stem cells. The SPIONs have no influence on hNTSC characteristics, including morphology, cell viability, and neuronal differentiation. The Cellbots are capable of proliferation and differentiation into neurons, neural precursor cells, and neurogliocytes. The Cellbots in the microfluidic channel can be reliably manipulated by an external magnetic field for orientation and position control. Using an ex vivo model based on brain organoids, it is determined that the Cellbots can be transplanted into brain tissue. Using a murine model, it is demonstrated that the Cellbots can be intranasally administered and magnetically guided to the target tissue in vivo. This approach has the potential to effectively treat central nervous system disorders in a minimally invasive manner.
Rigidity Bridging Flexibility to Harmonize Three Excited‐State Deactivation Pathways for NIR‐II‐Fluorescent‐Imaging‐Guided Phototherapy
Authors: Huang Weijing , Yang Huocheng , Hu Zongxing , Fan Yifan , Guan Xiaofang , Feng Wenqi , Liu Zhihong , Sun Yao
Published: June 2021

Small organic phototherapeutic molecules of the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) window (1000–1700 nm) serve as promising candidates for theranostics. However, developing such versatile agents for fluorescence‐guided photodynamic/photothermal therapy remains a demanding task stirred by competitive energy dissipation pathways, including radiative decay, internal conversion, and intersystem crossing. To the best of current knowledge, the current paradigm for addressing the issue has deliberately approached the optimum balance among three deactivation processes through offsetting from each other, possibly leading to a comprehensively compromised theranostic efficacy. Few reports aim to modulate the three deactivation pathways excluding sacrificing any one of them. Herein, a molecular design strategy to construct a phototherapeutic organic fluorophore CCNU‐1060, armed with NIR‐II luorescence‐guided phototherapeutic properties, is rationally developed. With a flexible motor, tetraphenylethene, bridged to the rigidified coplanar core boron‐azadipyrromethene, the desired CCNU‐1060 is subsequently encapsulated into an amphiphilic matrix to form CCNU‐1060 nanoparticles (NPs), which match or transcend its precursor NJ‐1060 NPs in the three energy dissipation processes. CCNU‐1060 NPs are utilized to realize high‐spatial vessel imaging and effective NIR‐II fluorescence‐guided phototherapeutic tumor ablation. This study unlocks a viewpoint of molecular engineering that simultaneously regulates multiple energy dissipation pathways for the construction of versatile phototherapy agents.
3D Co‐Printing of 3D Electronics with a Dual Light Source Technology
Authors: Xiao Junfeng , Zhang Dongxing , Guo Qiuquan , Yang Jun
Published: June 2021

This study reports a new strategy—3D co‐printing technology by collaboratively employing a dual‐light curing process—to fabricate 3D electronics selectively either deposited on a free‐form surface or embedded within a bulk structure. The 3D co‐printing technology only involves one printing material, which works for both the construction of polymeric structures and the metallization process of conductive circuits resulted from the metal precursor loaded in photosensitive resin. The photoreduction of metal nanoparticles (NPs) can be efficiently activated with a second laser scanning. 3D co‐printing technology addresses the challenge of conventional methods requiring multiple materials deposition processes. The resultant conductive trace composed of NPs exhibits a superior resistivity as low as ≈6.12 µΩ m. The resistivity is further controllable ranging from 10−6 to 10 Ω m through adjusting the material formulation and processing parameters. This study has demonstrated that the proposed 3D co‐printing is a high‐efficiency and low‐cost co‐printing approach which opens a new avenue of making 3D electronics.
Bioinspired Artificial Compound Eyes: Characteristic, Fabrication, and Application
Authors: Yang Qing , Li Minjing , Bian Hao , Yong Jiale , Zhang Fan , Hou Xun , Chen Feng
Published: June 2021

The natural compound eyes provide great inspiration for design of advanced imaging devices. Artificial compound eyes (ACEs) with close‐packed microlens arrays (MLAs) have attracted enormous research interests due to their remarkable advantages in modern micro‐optical systems, such as miniaturization, high integration, tunable focal length, large field of view, and moving objects tracking. Over a decade of intense research, numerous approaches have been successfully developed to fabricate MLAs with high surface morphology and excellent optical performance. This paper gives a review of progress and continuous effort in the development and practical applications of ACEs. At first, two representative visual systems: single‐lens eye and compound eye are briefly introduced. Then, the main characteristic parameters of the microlens and MLAs are presented. After that, various fabrication technologies with different mechanisms that are successfully applied in planar and curved MLAs are summarized. The advantages and limitations of each processing method are discussed. Subsequently, some important practical applications of MLAs, particularly on imaging, beaming homogenizing, sensing, light extraction technique, micro‐total analysis systems (µ‐TAS), and microfabrication are also given. Finally, the current challenges and further prospects of this field are highlighted.
Mitigating Water Crossover by Crosslinked Coating of Cation‐Exchange Membranes for Brine Concentration
Authors: Rommerskirchen Alexandra , Roth Hannah , Linnartz Christian J. , Egidi Franziska , Kneppeck Christian , Roghmans Florian , Wessling Matthias
Published: June 2021

Undesired water crossover through ion‐exchange membranes is a significant limitation in electrically driven desalination processes. The effect of mitigating water crossover is twofold: 1) The desalination degree is less reduced due to the unwanted removal of water, and 2) the brine concentration is increased due to decreased dilution by an unwanted crossover of water molecules. Hence, water crossover limits the desalination and concentration efficiency of the processes, while the energy demand to achieve a certain level of desalination or concentration increases. This effect is especially pronounced when treating high salinity solutions, which goes hand in hand with the crossover of many ions through the ion‐exchange membranes. A crosslinked coating for cation‐exchange membranes (CEMs) is presented in this work, which can significantly mitigate such undesired water crossover. The efficacy is demonstrated using the flow‐electrode capacitive deionization process applied for desalination and concentration of saline brines at feed concentrations of 60 and 120 g L−1 NaCl. With just a single coated CEM, the water crossover was reduced by up to 54%.
Simultaneous Illumination‐Imaging
Authors: Fu Kang , Gao Xumin , Qin Feifei , Song Yongyuan , Wang Linning , Ye Ziqi , Su Yulong , Zhu Hongbo , Ji Xiangyang , Wang Yongjin
Published: June 2021

Micro multiple quantum well (MQW) III‐nitride diodes usually function as micro light‐emitting diodes, which are considered the next generation of display technology. In addition to both illumination and display, MQW III‐nitride diodes in theory have the capability to both detect and modulate light. Here, proof that the III‐nitride diode can simultaneously emit and detect light is experimentally confirmed by a wireless light communication system using two identical devices. The 20 × 20 MQW III‐nitride diodes are monolithically integrated into a single chip and a real‐time imaging system of transmitted images is established, which in practice can perform display, illumination, imaging, and simultaneous illumination‐imaging operations. These functions can be software controlled and switched freely. This work may lead to a multifunctional display that merges millions of III‐nitride diodes together to perform these functions at the same time.
Simulation of Charge Carriers in Organic Electronic Devices: Methods with their Fundamentals and Applications
Authors: Zojer Karin
Published: June 2021

Device modeling is an established tool to design and optimize organic electronic devices, be them organic light emitting diodes, organic photovoltaic devices, or organic transistors and thin‐film transistors. Further, reliable device simulations form the basis for elaborate experimental characterizations of crucial mechanisms encountered in such devices. The present contribution collects and compares contemporary model approaches to describe charge transport in devices. These approaches comprise kinetic Monte Carlo, the master equation, drift‐diffusion, and equivalent circuit analysis. This overview particularly aims at highlighting the following three aspects for each method: i) The foundation of a method including inherent assumptions and capabilities, ii) how the nature of organic semiconductors enters the model, and iii) how major tuning handles required to control the device operation are accounted for, namely temperature, external field, and provision of mobile carriers. As these approaches form a hierarchy of models suitable for multiscale modeling, this contribution also points out less established or even missing links between the approaches.
Tris(Keto‐Hydrazone): A Fully Integrated Highly Stable and Exceptionally Sensitive H2S Capacitive Sensor
Authors: Yuvaraja Saravanan , Bhyranalyar Veerabhadraswamy Nagarajappa , Bhat Sachin A. , Vijjapu Mani Teja , Surya Sandeep G. , Yelamaggad Channabasaveshwar Veerappa , Salama Khaled Nabil
Published: June 2021

Here a novel tris(keto‐hydrazone) monomer having secondary amines and alkoxy groups to detect toxic hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas is reported. The as‐synthesized tris(keto‐hydrazone) monomer is successfully integrated on a micro‐fabricated device to realize an organic capacitive sensor. The organic sensor's quantitative detection capability toward H2S gas and its specificity against the other toxic gases and volatile organic compounds are investigated. The capacitance sensor achieves an excellent sensitivity (80% parts per million–1) toward H2S gas with an experimental limit of detection of around 25 parts per billion. Besides, the fabricated capacitive sensor displays minimal response to humidity (0.005% RH–1), and high ambient stability (≈8 months) without compromising sensing performance. Furthermore, the energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy spectrum analysis confirms the adsorption of sulfur atoms over the surface of the monomer after the exposure to H2S gas. After that, a short purge of N2 gas would suffice to revive the whole device and can work with negligible losses.
Lattice Oxygen Instability in Oxide‐Based Intercalation Cathodes: A Case Study of Layered LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2
Authors: Hou Xueyan , Ohta Kento , Kimura Yuta , Tamenori Yusuke , Tsuruta Kazuki , Amezawa Koji , Nakamura Takashi
Published: June 2021

Oxide‐based cathode materials are key components of secondary batteries, for example, alkali metal‐ion and anion batteries, sufficient stability of which is thus vital for ensuring high energy density and safety. However, problems originating from the lattice oxygen instability in oxide‐based intercalation cathodes are widely reported, such as capacity degradation, gas generation, and thermal runaway, highlighting the importance of deep insights into the critical factors for lattice oxygen stability. In this work, lattice oxygen stability in layered rock‐salt LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2−δ is investigated with a focus on oxygen release behavior and relevant changes in crystal and electronic structures. Release of lattice oxygen facilitates cation mixing, transition metal slab expansion, and Li slab contraction, thus deteriorating the layered structure. As is revealed by X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, in the beginning stage of oxygen release, the charge balance is compensated by selective reduction of Ni3+. This strongly suggests that high valent Ni generated by delithiation or negative defect species, that is, lithium at the transition metal site ( TM), aggravates oxygen release severely. The findings of this work provide a new research direction and guidelines for the stabilization of lattice oxygen in oxide‐based intercalation cathodes.
Highly Stable Quasi‐Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries: Reinforced Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3/Li Interface by a Protection Interlayer
Authors: Chen Zhen , Kim Guk‐Tae , Kim Jae‐Kwang , Zarrabeitia Maider , Kuenzel Matthias , Liang Hai‐Peng , Geiger Dorin , Kaiser Ute , Passerini Stefano
Published: June 2021

NASICON‐type Li1+xAlxTi2−x(PO4)3 (LATP) solid electrolytes have developed as a promising candidate for solid‐state lithium batteries. However, the brittle and stiff LATP suffers from poor physical contact with electrodes and chemical/electrochemical instability at electrode|electrolyte interfaces. Herein, a thin and flexible hybrid electrolyte comprised of LATP and poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluorethylene) (PVDF‐TrFE) incorporated with highly concentrated ionic liquid electrolyte (ILE) is prepared to resolve these prominent limitations. To further protect the LATP|Li interface, an ultrathin poly[2,3‐bis(2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐N‐oxycarbonyl)‐norbornene] (PTNB) polymer is coated on Li, acting as an additional protective layer. Consequently, the lithium stripping‐plating lifetime is prolonged from 128 to 792 h, with no dendritic lithium observed. The PTNB@Li||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (PTNB@Li||NCM811) cells achieve significantly improved rate capability and cycling stability, predominantly resulting from the drastically decreased interfacial resistances, prohibited dendritic lithium generation, mitigated cathode material phase evolution, and prevention of internal microcrack formation. The thinner interphases formed on NCM811 and PTNB@Li electrodes also play a key role. The quasi‐solid‐state batteries allow for the fabrication of multi‐layer bipolar cells with stable cycling. Even under some exertive circumstances, (limited lithium source, low temperature, e.g., 0 °C), the impressive electrochemical performance achieved highlights the importance of such quasi‐solid‐state lithium batteries as a viable solution for the next‐generation high‐performance lithium batteries.
Jujube is at a competitiveness disadvantage to cotton in intercropped system
Authors: Ai Pengrui , Ma Yingjie , Hai Ying
Published: June 2021

Intercropping is a key methodology used by farmers to improve economic benefits. However, in certain areas such as Xinjiang, China, limitations in available irrigation water make intercropping difficult to implement. Farmers are therefore challenged to improve economic benefits in water‐limited conditions. We evaluated the effectiveness of intercropped common jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Mill.) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) under different irrigation regimes. Using a factorial design, crops were planted individually and together (i.e., intercropping) under five different irrigation systems. We measured growth parameters and evaluated the temporal distribution of root system growth and fruit yield. Intercropped cotton displayed higher fitness metrics and outperformed the single‐cropped cotton in crop yield. Intercropping, however, had the opposite effect on jujube plants: the overall fitness and yield of jujube were significantly curtailed under the interspecific competition induced by this planting technique. Under low irrigation levels, cotton plants tended to invade the jujube niches that reduced jujube growth and development. Our findings suggest that in a jujube/cotton intercropping system, cotton is the dominant competitor, whose ability to inhibit the development of the less competitive jujube is exacerbated under water deficit situations. Although intercropping system affected jujube development, overall cotton yield, and therefore benefit to farmers was considerably higher using this system. However, the competitive ability of jujube gradually increases as the plant aged which could reduce the economic advantages of the intercropping system.
Self‐Powered Stretchable Mechanoluminescent Optical Fiber Strain Sensor
Authors: Liang Haohua , He Yongcheng , Chen Meihua , Jiang Licheng , Zhang Zhishen , Heng Xiaobo , Yang Lin , Hao Yanpeng , Wei Xiaoming , Gan Jiulin , Yang Zhongmin
Published: June 2021

Strain sensors that can work sustainably and continuously without any external power supply are highly desirable for future wearable and implantable devices. Herein, a self‐powered stretchable strain sensor based on the integration of mechanoluminescent phosphors with an elastomer optical fiber is proposed and developed. This mechanoluminescent optical fiber is capable of emitting light just driven by external strain, without the need of an external light source or electric power. The strain‐induced emitted light can be collected and guided along the mechanoluminescent optical fiber. The sensor exhibits linear strain response up to 50% and high‐accuracy strain measurement (±1%). Moreover, this optical fiber strain sensor displays consistent signals over 10 000 stretch–release motion cycles, which demonstrates the good durability of the sensor. Due to the excellent light confinement of the elastomer optical fiber, this strain sensor is demonstrated in both bright‐ and dark‐field measurements, wearable gloves, and an implantable sensing device, thereby demonstrating potential as a promising technology for future self‐powered optical sensor systems.
Rarity patterns of woody plant species are associated with life form and diversification rates in Pacific islands forests
Authors: Ibanez Thomas , Ainsworth Alison , Gross Jacob , Price Jonathan P. , Webb Edward L. , Hart Patrick J.
Published: June 2021

Premise

Rarity is a complex and central concept in ecology and conservation biology. Yet, it is still poorly understood why some species are rare and others common. Here, we aimed to understand the drivers of species rarity patterns in woody plant communities.

Methods

We analyzed the local abundance and landscape frequency of 121 woody plant species across 238 plots on American Samoa and Hawaiian islands. We first assessed whether taxonomy, life form (shrub, small tree, large tree), and dispersal syndrome (dispersed by animals or by other means) are associated with the rarity of species. We then analyzed phylogenetic patterns in plant rarity and tested whether rarity patterns are associated with species evolutionary distinctiveness and the number of species within genera and families.

Results

Large trees were less abundant but more frequent than shrub species. Animal‐dispersed species tended to be less abundant than species dispersed by other means, while species frequency was not associated with dispersal syndromes. Relative frequency in Hawai′i exhibited a more robust phylogenetic signal than did abundance. Both evolutionary distinctiveness and taxa species richness were significantly associated with the frequency of shrub species in Hawai′i.

Conclusions

Life form appears consistently associated with the rarity of species. High diversification rate is probably a key factor explaining landscape‐scale rarity of native species on isolated archipelagos like Hawai′i. At the landscape scale, rarity appears to be inversely associated with evolutionary distinctiveness, but at the local scale, species abundance may be not associated with evolutionary distinctiveness.
History of the methodology of disease gene identification
Authors: Antonarakis Stylianos E.
Published: June 2021

The past 45 years have witnessed a triumph in the discovery of genes and genetic variation that cause Mendelian disorders due to high impact variants. Important discoveries and organized projects have provided the necessary tools and infrastructure for the identification of gene defects leading to thousands of monogenic phenotypes. This endeavor can be divided in three phases in which different laboratory strategies were employed for the discovery of disease‐related genes: (i) the biochemical phase, (ii) the genetic linkage followed by positional cloning phase, and (iii) the sequence identification phase. However, much more work is needed to identify all the high impact genomic variation that substantially contributes to the phenotypic variation.
N‐doped TiO2‐quantum dots tightly anchored on graphene with superior interfacial contact via C–Ti bond
Authors: Dai Yue , Ju Tangtong , Tang Hailong , Wang Meiling , Wang Min , Ma Yongqing , Zheng Ganhong
Published: June 2021

A novel composite of N‐doped TiO2‐quantum dots tightly anchored on graphene (denoted as N‐doped TiO2‐QDs@GP) with superior interfacial contact via C–Ti bond was synthesized via the simple one‐pot vapor‐thermal method. The as‐obtained N‐doped TiO2‐QDs@GP includes TiO2 QDs with an average size of 3.28 nm uniformly distributed on the surface of GP. The large specific area and superior interfacial contact via C–Ti bond ensured its potential photocatalytic application. Except for the effective interfacial charge transfer achieved via C–Ti chemical bond between TiO2 QDs and GP, its enhanced visible light absorption and larger oxygen vacancy ratio also make contributions. Electron spin resonance spectra (ESR) were used to study the photocatalytic mechanism, which proved the participation of both superoxide radical (·O2−) and hydroxyl radical (·OH) in the photocatalytic reactions. This work provides a promising one‐pot method for constructing intimately contacted N‐doped TiO2/GP composite with superior interfacial contact via C–Ti bond and excellent photocatalytic activities.
Evaluating the Passivation Layer of Freshly Cleaved Silicon Surfaces by Binary Silane‐Based Electrolytes
Authors: Schneier Dan , Horowitz Yonatan , Kasnatscheew Johannes , Grünebaum Mariano , Wiemhöfer Hans‐Dieter , Winter Martin , Peled Emanuel
Published: June 2021

The expansion of silicon anodes in lithium‐ion batteries during lithiation and the resulting instability of its solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) has been its Achilles heel for quite some time. Beyond the mechanical damage, this expansion exposes fresh elemental silicon to the electrolyte solution. The electrolyte readily decomposes on the reactive silicon surface. Researchers that test novel electrolytes find it difficult to separate which of the electrolyte components (solvent or anion) decomposes first and diagnose the respective decomposition products. Here, we utilize a straightforward test protocol that reveals which reduces first on bare silicon. We exposed four electrolyte mixtures to elemental silicon in custom made T‐cells by breaking thin silicon wafers in solution. We analyze the resulting surface film layers and compare their composition to the electrolyte's performance in symmetrical lithium cells, and Si/Li cells. We found that unstable anions rather than reactive solvents lead to poor electrochemical performance.
The gamma‐tubulin ring complex: Deciphering the molecular organization and assembly mechanism of a major vertebrate microtubule nucleator
Authors: Böhler Anna , Vermeulen Bram J.A. , Würtz Martin , Zupa Erik , Pfeffer Stefan , Schiebel Elmar
Published: June 2021

Microtubules are protein cylinders with functions in cell motility, signal sensing, cell organization, intracellular transport, and chromosome segregation. One of the key properties of microtubules is their dynamic architecture, allowing them to grow and shrink in length by adding or removing copies of their basic subunit, the heterodimer αβ‐tubulin. In higher eukaryotes, de novo assembly of microtubules from αβ‐tubulin is initiated by a 2 MDa multi‐subunit complex, the gamma‐tubulin ring complex (γ‐TuRC). For many years, the structure of the γ‐TuRC and the function of its subunits remained enigmatic, although structural data from the much simpler yeast counterpart, the γ‐tubulin small complex (γ‐TuSC), were available. Two recent breakthroughs in the field, high‐resolution structural analysis and recombinant reconstitution of the complex, have revolutionized our knowledge about the architecture and function of the γ‐TuRC and will form the basis for addressing outstanding questions about biogenesis and regulation of this essential microtubule organizer.
Structural and spectroscopic investigations of neodymium‐doped strontium borophosphate glass
Authors: Pagoti Ramakrishna , Panda Sitakanta , Patchapureddy Vinodkumar , Padhi Ranjib Kumar , Subramanian Balakrishnan , Jena Hrudananda , Panigrahi Bhabani Shankar
Published: June 2021

Neodymium‐doped glass finds application in lasers with high energy and low pulse width. In the present study, a series of Nd3+ ions (0–2 mol%)‐doped strontium borophosphate (SBP) glass samples was prepared through the conventional melt quench method. A broad peak in the X‐ray diffraction spectrum confirmed the formation of a single‐phase amorphous borophosphate glass. Fourier transform infrared spectra of the doped and undoped glass samples indicated the presence of borate and phosphate groups that form the anionic network. The thermal properties of the glass samples were determined from thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis. Photoluminescence and ultraviolet–visible light techniques were used to investigate the optical properties of the as‐prepared SBP:Nd glass. The Judd–Ofelt (JO) intensity parameters Ωλ (2, 4, 6), stimulated emission cross‐section, branching ratios, and transition probabilities of the Nd3+‐doped glass were obtained through the JO analysis. Characteristic Nd3+ emission peaks were observed at 1330, 1060, and 876 nm, corresponding to the 4F3/2→4IS/2 (S = 13, 11, and 9) transitions, respectively. The suitability of SBP:Nd (0.5 mol%) glass for use in solid‐state lasers was demonstrated by its intense luminescence, high transition probability, high emission cross‐section, optical gain, and luminescence branching ratio.
1,3‐Benzodioxole‐Modified Noscapine Analogues: Synthesis, Antiproliferative Activity, and Tubulin‐Bound Structure
Authors: Yong Cassandra , Devine Shane M. , Abel Anne‐Catherine , Tomlins Stefan D. , Muthiah Divya , Gao Xuexin , Callaghan Richard , Steinmetz Michel O. , Prota Andrea E. , Capuano Ben , Scammells Peter J.
Published: June 2021

Since the revelation of noscapine's weak anti‐mitotic activity, extensive research has been conducted over the past two decades, with the goal of discovering noscapine derivatives with improved potency. To date, noscapine has been explored at the 1, 7, 6′, and 9′‐positions, though the 1,3‐benzodioxole motif in the noscapine scaffold that remains unexplored. The present investigation describes the design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of noscapine analogues consisting of modifications to the 1,3‐benzodioxole moiety. This includes expansion of the dioxolane ring and inclusion of metabolically robust deuterium and fluorine atoms. Favourable structural modifications were subsequently incorporated into multi‐functionalised noscapine derivatives that also possessed modifications previously shown to promote anti‐proliferative activity in the 1‐, 6′‐ and 9′‐positions. Our research efforts afforded the deuterated noscapine derivative 14 e and the dioxino‐containing analogue 20 as potent cytotoxic agents with EC50 values of 1.50 and 0.73 μM, respectively, against breast cancer (MCF‐7) cells. Compound 20 also exhibited EC50 values of <2 μM against melanoma, non‐small cell lung carcinoma, and cancers of the brain, kidney and breast in an NCI screen. Furthermore, compounds 14 e and 20 inhibit tubulin polymerisation and are not vulnerable to the overexpression of resistance conferring P‐gp efflux pumps in drug‐resistant breast cancer cells (NCIADR/RES). We also conducted X‐ray crystallography studies that yielded the high‐resolution structure of 14 e bound to tubulin. Our structural analysis revealed the key interactions between this noscapinoid and tubulin and will assist with the future design of noscapine derivatives with improved properties.
Pretreatment neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio as a potential prognostic biomarker for newly diagnosed patients with metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer
Authors: Salah Samer , Abu‐Hijlih Ramiz , Abuhijla Fawzi , Tamimi Faris , Al‐Tell Abdallah , Shahait Mohammed
Published: June 2021

Background

Although the prognostic role of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been assessed in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer, data on its impact on oncological outcomes of patients with metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) are scarce.

Aim

This study aims to examine the influence of elevated pretreatment NLR on time to prostatic‐specific antigen (PSA) progression and overall survival (OS) of patients with mCSPC.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients presenting between June 2007 and June 2019 with mCSPC. Survival was estimated by the Kaplan‐Meier method and compared by the log‐rank test. Multivariate analyses were used to assess the factors influencing time to PSA progression and OS.

Results

A total of 189 patients were included; median age = 69 years, median PSA = 155 ng/mL, 41(22%) had visceral metastasis. Median time to PSA progression was shorter for patients with NLR ≥4 (n = 37) compared to patients with NLR < 4 (n = 146); 11.3 and 18.3 months, respectively, P = .015. Patients with NLR ≥4 also had inferior median OS (23.9 vs 49.5 months, P = .001). On multivariate analysis, NLR ≥4 was not an independent factor for time to PSA progression. However, NLR ≥4 was an independent factor of inferior OS (HR: 2.75, 95% CI: 1.01‐7.87, P = .047). Other independent factors predicting inferior OS included Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status ≥1, high‐volume status, and Hb < 12.

Conclusion

Elevated pretreatment NLR independently predicts inferior OS in newly diagnosed patients with mCSPC. However, NLR was not a predictor of time to PSA progression.