bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elastomeric Optical Waveguides by Extrusion Printing
Authors: Feng Jun , Zheng Yijun , Jiang Qiyang , Włodarczyk‐Biegun Małgorzata K. , Pearson Samuel , del Campo Aránzazu
Published: April 2022

Advances in optogenetics and the increasing use of implantable devices for therapies and health monitoring are driving demand for compliant, biocompatible optical waveguides and scalable methods for their manufacture. Molding, thermal drawing, and dip‐coating are the most prevalent approaches in recent literature. Here the authors demonstrate that extrusion printing at room temperature can be used for continuous fabrication of compliant optical waveguides with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) core and crosslinked Pluronic F127‐diacrylate (Pluronic‐DA) cladding. The optical fibers are printed from fluid precursor inks and stabilized by physical interactions and photoinitiated crosslinking in the Pluronic‐DA. The printed fibers show optical loss values of 0.13–0.34 dB cm–1 in air and tissue within the wavelength range of 405–520 nm. The fibers have a Young's Modulus (Pluronic cladding) of 150 kPa and can be stretched to more than 5 times their length. The optical loss of the fibers shows little variation with extension. This work demonstrates how printing can simplify the fabrication of compliant and stretchable devices from materials approved for clinical use. These can be of interest for optogenetic or photopharmacology applications in extensible tissues, like muscles or heart.
Transient Structural Colors with Magnesium‐Based Reflective Filters
Authors: Lyu Peifen , Gong Tao , Rebello Sousa Dias Mariama , Leite Marina S.
Published: April 2022

Structural color filters have recently blossomed as a superior alternative to organic dyes or chemical pigments owing to their remarkable durability and compactness. With appropriate design, nanostructure‐induced photonic or plasmonic resonance modes can give rise to either enhancement in transmission or suppression in the reflection within specific wavelength ranges in the optical regime, generating distinctive colors. However, the static optical properties due to fixed structural geometry and size after fabrication hinder their deployment in many cutting‐edge technologies requiring adaptive complexion changes. Here, a multilayer thin film‐based color filter incorporating Mg and MgO, earth‐abundant and biodegradable materials, is devised. The devices display vivid hues spanning a broad gamut via the control of the film thickness. They also exhibit minimal color changes with varying angle views up to 40°–50°. Moreover, the tones fade away instantly upon immersion in water and then progressively transition to a different hue with the complete removal of the Mg‐containing layers, realizing transient color responses. This approach holds great promise for alternative pixels with irreversible color‐change capability as well as zero‐power consumption and low cost, while making use of biodegradable materials.
Architecting Braided Porous Carbon Fibers Based on High‐Density Catalytic Crystal Planes to Achieve Highly Reversible Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Li Chuanqi , Zhang Zhijia , Chen Yuefang , Xu Xiaoguang , Zhang Mengmeng , Kang Jianli , Liang Rui , Chen Guoxin , Lu Huanming , Yu Zhenyang , Li Wei‐Jie , Wang Nan , Huang Qin , Zhang Delin , Chou Shu‐Lei , Jiang Yong
Published: April 2022

Carbonaceous materials are considered strong candidates as anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), which are expected to play an indispensable role in the carbon‐neutral era. Herein, novel braided porous carbon fibres (BPCFs) are prepared using the chemical vapour deposition (CVD) method. The BPCFs possess interwoven porous structures and abundant vacancies. The growth mechanism of the BPCFs can be attributed to the polycrystalline transformation of the nanoporous copper catalyst in the early stage of CVD process. Density functional theory calculations suggest that the Na+ adsorption energies of the mono‐vacancy edges of the BPCFs (−1.22 and −1.09 eV) are lower than that of an ideal graphene layer (−0.68 eV), clarifying in detail the adsorption‐dominated sodium storage mechanism. Hence, the BPCFs as an anode material present an outstanding discharge capacity of 401 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 500 cycles. Remarkably, this BPCFs anode, under high‐mass‐loading of 5 mg cm−2, shows excellent long‐term cycling ability with a reversible capacity of 201 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1 over 1000 cycles. This study provided a novel strategy for the development of high‐performance carbonaceous materials for SIBs.
Eliminating Leakage Current in Thin‐Film Transistor of Solution‐Processed Organic Material Stack for Large‐Scale Low‐Power Integration
Authors: Han Lei , Li Jun , Ogier Simon , Liu Zhe , Deng Li'ang , Cao Yu , Shan Tong , Sharkey Dan , Feng Linrun , Guo Aiying , Li Xifeng , Zhang Jianhua , Guo Xiaojun
Published: April 2022

For organic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs) made of solution processed stacks of organic semiconductor and dielectric materials, it is a grand challenge to eliminate the leakage current paths. With a top‐gate bottom‐contact structure, this work introduces a strong dipole interfacial layer made of self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) molecules at metal‐semiconductor contacts to suppress minority carrier injection for low leakage and stable operation, while not affecting majority carrier injection. Both gate insulator (GI) leakage and parasitic leakage in the device architecture are also effectively suppressed with a sputtering‐resistant polymer GI layer and photolith patterned OSC islands, respectively. The devices present a decent mobility with a typical value of 1.98 cm2 V–1 s–1, record‐low leakage current at 10–18 A µm−1 and large ON/OFF ratio (>1010) in a wide gate voltage range (100 V), reaching the theoretical limit and also the best level of inorganic counterparts despite much lower processing temperature (120 °C). Manufacturability of the material stack is verified on a 200 mm × 200 mm substrate and the fabricated 4.7 in. active‐matrix organic light‐emitting diode display, integrating more than 150 000 OTFTs, can be operated at ultra‐low frame‐rate (0.1 Hz) for power saving.
Synergistic Approach for Decarboxylative Ortho C−H Aroylation of 2‐Aryl‐pyrido[1,2‐a]pyrimidin‐4‐ones and Thiazolopyrimidinones by Merging Palladium Catalysis with Photocatalysis
Authors: Bhawale Rajesh T. , Sarothiya Durgesh , Kshirsagar Umesh A.
Published: April 2022

A mild and efficient synergistic approach for decarboxylative aroylation of 2‐aryl‐pyrido[1,2‐a]pyrimidin‐4‐ones having intrinsic directing group has been developed by merging of palladium catalysis and photoredox catalysis at room temperature. Therapeutically interesting aryl ketones of pyrido[1,2‐a]pyrimidin‐4‐one have been synthesized in good to excellent yield with good functional group tolerance.
Engineering Injectable Anti‐Inflammatory Hydrogels to Treat Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Liu Wenguang
Published: April 2022

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) poses serious threats to human health. Suppressing long‐term inflammation is a promising strategy to improve cardiac function following AMI. However, the direct injection of anti‐inflammatory drugs after AMI can trigger adverse events due to systemic off‐target effects and bioavailability issues. Injectable hydrogels can be used for local transportation of various therapeutic molecules through minimally invasive technology to overcome the side effects of intravenous injection. Herein, the anti‐inflammatory mechanisms and applications of injectable hydrogels are reviewed to deliver anti‐inflammatory drugs, antioxidants, immune‐regulation drugs, stem cells and their derived exosomes, and therapeutic gas to reduce the inflammatory response to treat AMI. The outlook on challenges in the design of hydrogels for treating AMI is also presented.
Effects of Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor Therapy on Osteoblastic Activity at Sites of Inflammatory and Structural Lesions in Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Prospective Proof‐of‐Concept Study Using Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Sacroiliac Joints and Spine
Authors: Bruckmann Nils Martin , Rischpler Christoph , Tsiami Styliani , Kirchner Julian , Abrar Daniel B. , Bartel Timo , Theysohn Jens , Umutlu Lale , Herrmann Ken , Fendler Wolfgang P. , Buchbender Christian , Antoch Gerald , Sawicki Lino M. , Tsobanelis Athanasios , Braun Juergen , Baraliakos Xenofon
Published: April 2022

Objective

Proof‐of‐concept trial to determine the effects of tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) therapy on osteoblastic activity at sites of inflammatory and structural lesions in patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (SpA), using fluorine 18–labeled NaF (18F‐NaF) positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI).

Methods

Sixteen patients with clinically active radiographic axial SpA were prospectively enrolled to receive TNFi treatment and undergo 18F‐NaF PET/MRI of the sacroiliac (SI) joints and spine at baseline and at a follow‐up visit 3–6 months after treatment initiation. Three readers (1 for PET/MRI and 2 for conventional MRI) evaluated all images, blinded to time point. Bone marrow edema, structural lesions (i.e., fat lesions, sclerosis, erosions, and ankylosis), and 18F‐NaF uptake at SI joint quadrants and vertebral corners (VCs) were recorded.

Results

Overall, 11 male and 5 female patients (mean age ± SD 38.6 ± 12.0 years) were followed up for a mean duration of 4.6 months (range 3–6). 18F‐NaF PET/MRI was conducted on SI joints for 16 patients and the spine for 10; 128 SI joint quadrants and 920 VCs were analyzed at each time point. At baseline, 18F‐NaF uptake was demonstrated in 96.0% of SI joint quadrants with bone marrow edema, 94.2% with sclerosis, and 88.3% with fat lesions. At follow‐up, 65.3% of SI joint quadrants with bone marrow edema (P < 0.001), 33.8% with sclerosis (P = 0.23), and 24.5% with fat lesions (P = 0.01) had less 18F‐NaF uptake, compared with baseline. For VCs, 18F‐NaF uptake at baseline was found in 81.5% of edges with sclerosis, 41.9% with fat lesions, and 33.7% with bone marrow edema. At follow‐up, 73.5% of VCs with bone marrow edema (P = 0.01), 53.3% with fat lesions (P = 0.03), and 55.6% with sclerosis (P = 0.16) showed less 18F‐NaF uptake, compared with baseline.

Conclusion

Anti‐TNF antibody treatment led to a significant decrease in osteoblastic activity within 3–6 months, especially, but not solely, at sites of inflammation. Larger data sets are needed for confirmation of the antiosteoblastic effects of TNFi for the prevention of radiographic progression in axial SpA.
Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of penindolone in rat plasma using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Shuai , Gai Susu , Han Gaitian , Jiang Yilin , Li Bohan , Li Dehai , Yang Shuang , Lv Zhihua
Published: April 2022

Penindolone (PND) is a novel influenza A virus dual inhibitor that blocks hemagglutinin‐mediated adsorption and membrane fusion. A sensitive and specific ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated to determine PND in rat plasma. Plasma sample preparation was a simple deproteinization with acetonitrile followed by centrifugation. Chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column with a gradient mobile phase of acetonitrile–water containing 0.1% formic acid. Detection was carried out by electrospray ionization in negative ion multiple reaction monitoring mode. Linear detection responses were obtained for PND ranging from 1 to 1,000 ng/ml. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision (relative standard deviations, RSD) were within 6.5%, and accuracy (relative error, RE) was within ±11.0%. The extraction recovery data for PND and internal standard (IS) were >96.0%. PND was proved to be stable during the sample storage, preparation and analytic procedures. The validated method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic and bioavailability studies for PND in rats. The results showed the existence of twin peaks, gender difference and nonlinear pharmacokinetics for PND. In addition, two oxidation metabolites and three glucuronidation metabolites of PND were detected by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry.
Direct Measurements of the Cobalt‐Thiolate Bonds Strength in Rubredoxin by Single‐Molecule Force Spectroscopy
Authors: Shi Shengchao , Wu Tao , Zheng Peng
Published: April 2022

Cobalt is a trace transition metal. Although it is not abundant on earth, tens of cobalt‐containing proteins exist in life. Moreover, the characteristic spectrum of Co(II) ion makes it a powerful probe for the characterization of metal‐binding proteins through the formation of cobalt‐ligand bonds. Since most of these natural and artificial cobalt‐containing proteins are stable, we believe that these cobalt‐ligand bonds in the protein system are also mechanically stable. To prove this, we used atomic force microscopy‐based single‐molecule force spectroscopy (AFM‐SMFS) to directly measure the rupture force of Co(II)‐thiolate bond in Co‐substituted rubredoxin (CoRD). By combining the chemical denature/renature method for building metalloprotein and cysteine coupling‐based polyprotein construction strategy, we successfully prepared the polyprotein sample (CoRD)n suitable for single‐molecule studies. Thus, we quantified the strength of Co(II)‐thiolate bonds in rubredoxin with a rupture force of ∼140 pN, revealing that it is a mechanostable chemical bond. In addition, the Co−S bond is more labile than the Zn−S bond in proteins, similar to the result from the metal‐competing titration experiment.
A little leak goes a long way! 5‐Year‐outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Inci Errol , Block Peter C
Published: April 2022

Mild paravalvular leak after TAVR is associated with increased 5‐year mortality. Current noninvasive and invasive prediction models for mortality may only hold for short term outcomes. Other imaging modalities aside from transthoracic echocardiography should be strongly considered when assessing paravalvular leak, regardless of severity
TMVR: Early benefits, late questions
Authors: Eng Marvin H. , Fang H. Kenith
Published: April 2022

Key Points

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) appears to have better early survival compared to surgical mitral valve replacement (SMVR).

Over the long‐term, TMVR has attenuated survival compared to SMVR and this attributed to advanced age, chronic lung disease, more advanced heart failure and pulmonary hypertension.

Low rates of mortality for TMVR are likely linked to the iterative improvement in techniques to use transseptal access for implantation.
Therapeutic drug level of tacrolimus causing intracranial hemorrhage in a patient with renal transplant
Authors: Shah Sangam , Ojha Rajeev , Chamlagain Rajan , Chhetri Santosh , Prasad Pravin , Baral Bikash , Gyawali Bindu , Shrestha Ashish , Yadav Jayant Kumar
Published: April 2022

Tacrolimus is used in solid organ transplant patients to prevent rejection, and no case of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has been reported till date. We report a case of 31‐year‐old man with diabetes and hypertension for ten years who had a renal transplant four years back; diagnosed with tacrolimus‐induced ICH.
Direct Participation of Solvent Molecules in the Formation of Supramolecular Polymers
Authors: Ghosh Goutam , Chakraborty Anwesha , Pal Prasun , Jana Biman , Ghosh Suhrit
Published: April 2022

This article reports supramolecular polymerization of two bis‐amide functionalized naphthalene‐diimide (NDI) building blocks (NDI−L and NDI−C) in two solvents, namely n‐heptane (Hep) and methylcyclohexane (MCH). NDI−L and NDI−C differ only by the peripheral hydrocarbon wedges, consisting of linear C7 chains or cyclic methylcyclohexane rings, respectively. UV/Vis and FTIR spectroscopy studies reveal distinct internal order and H‐bonding pattern for NDI−L and NDI−C aggregates irrespective of the solvent system, indicating the dominant role of the intrinsic packing parameters of the individual building block, possibly influenced by the peripheral steric crowding. However, NDI−L produces a significantly stronger gel in Hep compared to MCH as evident from the rheological and thermal properties. In contrast, NDI−C exhibits a clear preference for MCH, producing gel with moderate strength but in Hep it fails to produce 1D morphology or gelation. All‐atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies corroborate with the experimental observation and provide the rationale for the observed solvent‐shape effect by revealing a quantitative estimate regarding the thermodynamics of self‐assembly in these four combinations. Such clear‐cut shape‐matching effect (between the peripheral hydrocarbon wedge and the solvent system) unambiguously support a direct participation of the solvent molecules during supramolecular polymerization and presence of a closely‐adhered solvent shell around the supramolecular polymers, similar to the first layer of water molecules around the protein surface. Solvent induced CD experiments support this hypothesis as induced CD band was observed only from a chiral co‐solvent of matching shape. This is reconfirmed by the higher de‐solvation temperature of the shape‐matching NDI/solvent system combination compared to the shape mis‐match combination in variable temperature UV/Vis experiments, revealing transformation to a different aggregate at higher temperatures rather than disassembly to the monomer for all four combinations.
Synthesis of Silico‐Phospho‐Aluminum Nanosheets by Adding Amino Acid and its Catalysis in the Conversion of Furfuryl Alcohol to Fuel Additives
Authors: Ji Ying , Zuo Yi , Liu Huifang , Wang Feng , Guo Xinwen
Published: April 2022

Self‐assembled spheres of silico‐phospho‐aluminum nanosheets were synthesized with the addition of l‐arginine and evaluated as catalysts for the valorization of furfuryl alcohol to fuel additives. Adding the amino acid, a bio‐derived additive, contributed to higher external specific surface area and more active sites, featuring a simple, environmentally friendly, and feasible strategy to regulate the growth of nanosheets. Herein, in the reaction of furfuryl alcohol with ethanol, the performance of silico‐phospho‐aluminum nanosheets was significantly improved compared with typical silicon phosphorus aluminum catalyst SAPO‐34. The yield of ethyl levulinate with the use of silico‐phospho‐aluminum nanosheets was 7.8 times higher than for SAPO‐34, and meanwhile the amount of undesirable byproduct diethyl ether was decreased by two orders of magnitude and negligibly produced compared with SAPO‐34. Moreover, replacing part of aluminum isopropoxide with aluminum sulfate as aluminum source could introduce sulfate in situ in the process of catalyst synthesis and increase the amount of acid sites on the catalyst.
General method for constructing multi‐input high‐boost DC‐DC converters with low spike current
Authors: Chen Yanfeng , Xu Minglin , Xiao Wenxun , Zhang Bo , Qiu Dongyuan
Published: April 2022

Switched‐capacitor (SC) technique is widely used in high step‐up DC‐DC converters. Yet the unwanted high spike current in the SC‐based loop deteriorates the converters performances. To find a solution to this issue, this paper devises a general method of constructing topologies that can prevent high spike current and obtain additional voltage pumping as well. By inserting a VSL unit, which consists of an inductor, an active switch, and a voltage source, into a typical SC‐based converter, a series of improved topologies can be obtained systematically. Based on the proposed rule of inserting VSL units, the operating modes and sequence of the SC‐VSL‐based loop are first discussed to explain the principle of preventing current spike. Then, performances are analyzed in detail, and experiments are carried out for further verification of the proposed rules and the converters derived from these rules. Results from theoretical analysis and experiments show that the proposed converters can produce an additional voltage pumping capability while suppressing the spike current in the SC loop and thus have a higher efficiency.
Wearable multimodal sensors for the detection of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia using personalized machine learning models
Authors: Iaboni Andrea , Spasojevic Sofija , Newman Kristine , Schindel Martin Lori , Wang Angel , Ye Bing , Mihailidis Alex , Khan Shehroz S.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) signal distress or unmet needs and present a risk to people with dementia and their caregivers. Variability in the expression of these symptoms is a barrier to the performance of digital biomarkers. The aim of this study was to use wearable multimodal sensors to develop personalized machine learning models capable of detecting individual patterns of BPSD.

Methods

Older adults with dementia and BPSD (n = 17) on a dementia care unit wore a wristband during waking hours for up to 8 weeks. The wristband captured motion (accelerometer) and physiological indicators (blood volume pulse, electrodermal activity, and skin temperature). Agitation or aggression events were tracked, and research staff reviewed videos to precisely annotate the sensor data. Personalized machine learning models were developed using 1‐minute intervals and classifying the presence of behavioral symptoms, and behavioral symptoms by type (motor agitation, verbal aggression, or physical aggression).

Results

Behavioral events were rare, representing 3.4% of the total data. Personalized models classified behavioral symptoms with a median area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of 0.87 (range 0.64–0.95). The relative importance of the different sensor features to the predictive models varied both by individual and behavior type.

Discussion

Patterns of sensor data associated with BPSD are highly individualized, and future studies of the digital phenotyping of these behaviors would benefit from personalization.
Inserting Cre recombinase into the Prolactin 8a2 gene for decidua‐specific recombination in mice
Authors: Dickson Mackenzie J. , Oh Yeongseok , Gruzdev Artiom , Li Rong , Balaguer Nuria , Kelleher Andrew M. , Spencer Thomas E. , Wu San‐Pin , DeMayo Francesco J.
Published: April 2022

An estimated 75% of unsuccessful pregnancies are due to implantation failure. Investigating the causes of implantation failure is difficult as decidualization and embryo implantation is a dynamic process. Here, we describe a new decidua‐specific iCre recombinase mouse strain. Utilizing CRISPR/Cas9‐based genome editing, a mouse strain was developed that expresses iCre recombinase under the control of the endogenous prolactin family 8, subfamily a, member 2 (Prl8a2) promoter. iCre recombinase activity was examined by crossing with mTmG/+ or Sun1‐GFP reporter alleles. iCre activity initiated reporter expression at gestational day 5.5 in the primary decidual zone and continued into mid‐gestation (gestational day 9.5), with expression highly concentrated in the anti‐mesometrial region. No reporter expression was observed in the ovary, oviduct, pituitary, or skeletal muscle, supporting the tissue specificity of the Prl8a2iCre in the primary decidual zone. This novel iCre line will be a valuable tool for in vivo genetic manipulation and lineage tracing to investigate functions of genetic networks and cellular dynamics associated with decidualization and infertility.
Tetranuclear Pd4, PtnPd4‐n (n=1–3), and Pt4 Chains Supported by rac‐ and meso‐Ph2PCH2P(Ph)N(Ar)P(Ph)CH2PPh2 Tuned by Changing N‐Substituents, P‐Configuration, and Terminal Ligands
Authors: Tanase Tomoaki , Fujisawa Yoshimi , Morita Yuka , Ura Yasuyuki , Nakajima Takayuki
Published: April 2022

With the hope of tuning structural and electronic properties of the metal chains by changing the N‐substituent group and P‐chiral configurations, a series of PNP bridged tetraphosphines, rac‐ and meso‐Ph2PCH2P(Ph)N(Ar)P(Ph)CH2PPh2 (Ar=4‐RC6H4, R=F (rac‐dpmppanF), CH3 (rac‐dpmppanMe), H (meso‐dpmppan), OMe (meso‐dpmppanOMe); Ar=2,4‐xylyl (rac‐dpmppanMe2)), were synthesized, and utilized to prepare the Pd4 and Pt2Pd2 chains with XylNC terminal ligands, [M4(rac‐dpmppanR)2(XylNC)2](PF6)2 (M4=Pd4, R=F (1F), Me (1Me); M4=Pt2Pd2, R=F (4F), Me (4Me)) and [M4(meso‐dpmppanR)2(XylNC)2](PF6)2 (M4=Pd4, R=H (6), OMe (6OMe); M4=PdPt2Pd, R=OMe (9OMe)). While the M4 metal chains with rac‐dpmppanR (R=H, F, Me) ligands showed only marginal effects on the tetranuclear metal chains, the meso stereoisomer of meso‐dpmppanOMe afforded a new series of Pd4 (6OMe), PtPd3 (7OMe), PtPd2Pt (8OMe), PdPt2Pd (9OMe), Pt3Pd (10OMe), and Pt4 (11OMe) chains that exhibited a characteristic electronic absorption band tunable by the number and positions of incorporated Pt atoms from 628 nm to 473 nm. Especially, 11OMe is the first example of Pt4 chains supported by tetraphosphines. The coordinatively unsaturated Pd4 strings, [Pd4(rac‐dpmppan)2(CH3CN)](BF4)2 (12) and [Pd4(meso‐dpmppanOMe)2](BF4)2 (13), were also synthesized and 12 was utilized in axial ligand exchange reactions with PPh2Me, and PPh3 to disclose their successive incorporation into [Pd4(rac‐dpmppan)2(L)2](BF4)2 (L=PPh2Me (14 a), PPh3 (14 b)) and remarkable red‐shift (713–718 nm) of the HOMO‐LUMO transition of the Pd4 chains. The linear Pd4, PtnPd4‐n (n=1–3), and Pt4 complexes obtained in the present study could be useful 1D building blocks for assembling through metal−metal interaction.
Numerical analysis on influence of surface structures of cathode catalyst layers on performance of polymer electrolyte fuel cells
Authors: Park Kayoung , Wei Yuting , So Magnus , Noh Tae Hyoung , Kimura Naoki , Tsuge Yoshifumi , Inoue Gen
Published: April 2022

Because it is time‐consuming to optimize the design of a cathode catalyst layer (CCL), a numerical simulation to predict the reaction and mass transport characteristics without trial and error is desirable. This study used numerical analysis to investigate how the mass transport occurring in CCLs with flat and three‐dimensional (3D) structures influenced the performance. The simulations included the reconstruction of the CCLs and their electrochemical calculation using our multi‐block model. The simulation results showed the reduction of the proton resistance in the ionomer was a factor in improving the performance in the 3D structure in comparison with the flat structure. An increasing aspect ratio of the 3D structure improved the cell performance and decreased the proton resistance in the ionomer. These results were due to the shortened conductive path of the protons from the polymer electrolyte membrane to the gas diffusion layer side surface in the 3D structure. Finally, the cell performance with an increase in the ionomer content was predicted. This numerical analysis made it possible to understand the reaction of the 3D structure and mass transport and predict ways to optimize the structural design to improve cell performance.
Multi‐decadal coastline dynamics in Suriname controlled by migrating subtidal mudbanks
Authors: de Vries Job , van Maanen Barend , Ruessink Gerben , Verweij Pita A. , de Jong Steven M.
Published: April 2022

For the development of climate‐resilient coastal management strategies, which focus on challenges in the decades to come, it is critical to incorporate spatial and temporal variability of coastline changes. This is particularly true for the mud‐dominated coastline of Suriname, part of the Guianas, where migrating subtidal mudbanks cause a cyclic instability of erosion and accretion of the coast that can be directly related to interbank and bank phases. The coastline hosts extensive mangrove forests, providing valuable ecosystem services to local communities. Recent studies on mudbank dynamics in Suriname predominantly focused on large‐scale trends without accounting for local variability, or on local changes considering the dynamics of a single mudbank over relatively short time scales. Here we use a remote sensing approach, with sufficient spatial and temporal resolution and full spatial and temporal coverage, to quantify the influence of mudbank migration on spatiotemporal coastline dynamics along the entire coast of Suriname.

We show that migration of six to eight subtidal mudbanks in front of the Suriname coast has a strong imprint on local coastline dynamics between 1986 and 2020, with an average 32 m/yr accretion during mudbank presence and 4 m/yr retreat of the coastline during mudbank absence. Yet, coastal erosion can still occur when mudbanks are present and coastal aggregation may happen in the absence of mudbanks, exemplifying local variability and thus suggesting the importance of other drivers of coastline changes.

The novel remote sensing workflow allowed us to analyse local spatial and temporal variations in the magnitude and timing of expanding and retreating trajectories. Our results demonstrate that it is essential that all coastal behaviours, including changes that cannot be explained by the migration of mudbanks, are included in multi‐decadal management frameworks that try to explain current variability, and predict future coastline changes in Suriname.
A framework for 210Pb model selection and its application to 37 cores from Eastern Canada to identify the dynamics and drivers of lake sedimentation rates
Authors: Baud Alexandre , Aulard Candice , Ghanbari Hamid , Fradette Maxime , Antoniades Dermot , del Giorgio Paul , Huot Yannick , Francus Pierre , Smol John , Gregory‐Eaves Irene
Published: April 2022

Lake sedimentation rate represents a synthetic metric of ecosystem functioning. Many localized studies have reported a significant association between land use/land cover changes and lake sediment mass accumulation rates, with a few global syntheses echoing these findings at larger scales. In the literature, studies evaluating lead‐210 (210Pb) for establishing sediment chronologies will report at least one of three dating models, but the constant rate of supply (CRS) model is the most widely used. However, it is often unclear how or why this model is selected, despite its influence on the interpretation of many subsequent analyses about ecosystem dynamics and functioning. It would thus be advantageous to design an objective and semi‐automated way of choosing among dating models. We measured radioisotopic activities in 37 sediment cores across four ecozones of Eastern Canada and developed an approach to assess model fit for the three commonly applied dating models. The derived chronologies were then used to evaluate the spatial and temporal variation in sedimentation rates across four ecozones in Canada (covering a surface area of 2.2 × 106 km2). We observed a recent increase in lake sedimentation rates across most lakes, as has been observed globally, albeit with significant differences in the magnitude of sedimentation rates across ecozones. Across all lakes, we found that regional human population counts and mean annual air temperatures were significant temporal predictors of variation in mass accumulation rates. Overall, this analytical framework offers an objective approach for assessing fit and selecting among sediment age models, which contributes to a more robust quantification of sedimentation rates. With this first application, we provide a quantitative assessment of how lake sedimentation rates have varied across a northern lake‐rich region and have responded to environmental change.
Inhibitory effects of saeu‐jeot extract on NLRP3 inflammasome activation and radiation‐induced micronucleus formation
Authors: Li Lan , Kim Hee‐Sun , Kwon Sung‐Won , Lee Min‐Jae
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Saeu‐jeot, or shrimp paste, is a traditional Korean high‐salt fermented seafood. This study elucidated the effects of saeu‐jeot extract (SJE) on NLRP3 inflammasome activation and radiation‐induced micronucleus formation.

Method

We treated lipopolysaccharide‐primed mouse bone marrow‐derived macrophages with the NLRP3 inflammasome activators ATP and nigericin. We also analyzed the acute effects of ionizing radiation on micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs) in whole‐body gamma‐irradiated male BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice after oral administration of SJE.

Results

SJE significantly inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reducing IL‐1β secretion in vitro. In addition, the frequency of MnPCEs was significantly lower in SJE‐treated mice.

Conclusions

SJE has anti‐inflammatory effects and reduces radiation‐induced chromosome damage.

Advance in knowledge: There are no reports concerning the effects of SJE on NLRP3 inflammasome activation or radioprotection. This experiment showed the radioprotective effects of saeu‐jeot.
Quality assessment of yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata) meat cultured in an offshore floating flexible facility
Authors: Ando Masashi , Mok Wen Jye , Maeda Yuji , Miki Ryoji , Fukuda Takashi , Tsukamasa Yasuyuki
Published: April 2022

Commercial aquaculture of yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata) is challenging, owing to deterioration of aquaculture environments. Offshore aquaculture may be a means of overcoming these problems. Here, we assessed the quality of flesh from offshore yellowtail (OY) bred for 1 year in an offshore floating flexible facility compared with coastal yellowtail (CY) cultured simultaneously in a coastal cage facility. The survival rate of the OY group was 94.46%, which was slightly lower than that of CY (98.18%). The feeding rate (feeding weight/fish weight) of CY was 0.4–0.5, whereas that of OY was only 0.3, possibly because poor weather conditions prevented feeding at the offshore facility. However, final fish weights did not differ significantly between both groups. In sensory tests, OY was inferior to CY in terms of oily taste. The lipid content in CY was significantly higher than that in OY. Hardness analysis revealed that OY muscles were harder than those of CY. There were no significant differences between OY and CY in overall sensory evaluations; thus, OY was judged as having equivalent value as a food product with CY. The redness of dark muscles was not significantly different on day 1 of refrigeration. However, the redness value of OY was significantly higher than that of CY on day 2. The inferior fattiness of OY relative to that of CY can be overcome by improving the feeding method. Therefore, offshore aquaculture with negligible environmental pollution may be effective for further development of aquaculture.
Comparative study of physicochemical, nutritional, phytochemical, and sensory properties of bread with plantain and soy flours partly replacing wheat flour
Authors: Udomkun Patchimaporn , Masso Cargele , Swennen Rony , Romuli Sebastian , Innawong Bhundit , Fotso Kuate Apollin , Akin‐Idowu Pamela Eloho , Alakonya Amos , Vanlauwe Bernard
Published: April 2022

Plantain flour (PLF) and soy flour (SF) were used to substitute wheat flour (10% and 20% w/w) in composite bread. Physicochemical, phytochemical, and sensory properties were investigated. Partial substitution by PLF significantly increased (p < .05) starch, amylose, ascorbic acid, and potassium content in bread samples. In contrast, a significant improvement (p < .05) in protein, fat, amylopectin, and calcium content was observed with SF substitution. Composite bread with PLF and SF together lowered the hydrolysis index (HI) and glycemic index (GI) as compared with whole wheat flour. The molar phytate to minerals (iron, zinc, and calcium) ratio in all composite loaves was lower than reported critical values, except for phytate to iron. Significant differences (p < .05) were found in color, specific volume, and texture characteristics of loaves made from partial substitution with PLF and SF. Sensory evaluation revealed that bread with 10% PLF exhibited better scores for appearance and willingness to pay than the control. In contrast, SF negatively affected (p < .05) the appearance, texture, color, overall acceptance, and willingness to pay. The trade‐off analysis indicated that PLF can be utilized to produce bread that meets consumers' demands, while incorporating SF as an alternative high‐nutrient density bread will be beneficial to health.
Trondhjemites from the Qianxi Complex, North China Craton: Implications for Neoarchean crustal growth
Authors: Wang Ming‐Xian , Santosh M. , Yang Cheng‐Xue , Jang Yirang , Yu Bing , Gao Pin
Published: April 2022

The TTG (tonalite‐trondhjemite‐granodiorite) rock suites are major building blocks of the Archean continental crust and their timing of formation and petrogenetic evolution are important keys to understanding the growth of continents in the Early Earth. Here we investigate trondhjemites from the Qiangxi Complex in the North China Craton and present petrological, geochemical and zircon U–Pb, REE and Lu–Hf data to understand the timing of their formation and petrogenetic history. The trondhjemites in our study belong to typical Archean Na‐rich TTG rocks and their geochemical features are similar to high‐Al TTG rocks. The geochemical characteristics of these rocks and the associated amphibolite indicate derivation from a subduction‐related hydrous basalt. The magmatic zircon grains from the trondhjemite samples show a peak 207Pb/206Pb age around 2,515 Ma. Magmatic zircon in the associated amphibolite also shows a similar age representing the timing of the protolith formation. Both the trondhjemites and amphibolite also contain metamorphic zircon grains which constrain the timing of metamorphism as 2,451–2,490 Ma, suggesting high‐grade metamorphism closely following the magmatism, associated with the assembly of the microblocks in the NCC. The geochemical characteristics and zircon age data presented in this study, in conjunction with those in previous studies from the Qiangxi Complex, suggest subduction‐related arc building occurred dominantly during 2.6–2.5 Ga. The Lu‐Hf isotope data from zircon grains in the trondhjemite and amphibolite samples of this study show dominantly positive εHf(t) values, indicating that the protolith magma was derived from juvenile components or depleted mantle. Our new results in conjunction with the data reported in earlier studies indicate a major crust‐building event through multiple magmatism during Neoarchean. The depleted mantle ages (TDM) of zircon in our samples range from 2,857 Ma to 2,605 Ma indicating that active subduction might have initiated in the late Mesoarchean, with the peak of magmatism during 2.6–2.5 Ga, followed by metamorphism at ca. 2.45–2.49 Ga.
The UN Challenge to Guardianship and Surrogate Decision‐Making
Authors: Dresser Rebecca
Published: April 2022

In 2006, the United Nations issued the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Convention, together with an accompanying commentary, urges governments to abandon laws authorizing guardianship and substitute decision‐making for people with intellectual disabilities and to replace them with supportive decision‐making laws that give all individuals the freedom to make choices reflecting their “will and preferences.” Although critics point to ethical and legal problems with this approach, the Convention and commentary offer guidance to clinicians, ethicists, and others involved in evaluating medical decision‐making. Whether or not it leads to formal legal action, the Convention rightly urges us to give people with cognitive impairments a greater role in decisions about their lives.
Handle with Care: The WHO Report on Human Genome Editing
Authors: Cohen I. Glenn , Sherkow Jacob S. , Adashi Eli Y.
Published: April 2022

The World Health Organization’s recent Report on Human Genome Editing departs from similar reports from other institutions in that it recognizes that ethical assessments of the technology are deeply complex, surprisingly fragile, and subject to practical and political considerations. The WHO report largely recommends that human genome editing, rather than being accepted in some circumstances and banned in others, should be handled with care. The report recommends some oversight mechanisms—such as intellectual property licensing—previously undiscussed or underexplored in sister reports, and it recognizes that others—like international law—may be impractical. This essay explores how the report has shifted global considerations of governing human genome editing to more pragmatic ends.
Frequency‐specific coactivation patterns in resting‐state and their alterations in schizophrenia: An fMRI study
Authors: Yang Hang , Zhang Hong , Meng Chun , Wohlschläger Afra , Brandl Felix , Di Xin , Wang Shuai , Tian Lin , Biswal Bharat
Published: April 2022

The resting‐state human brain is a dynamic system that shows frequency‐dependent characteristics. Recent studies demonstrate that coactivation pattern (CAP) analysis can identify recurring brain states with similar coactivation configurations. However, it is unclear whether and how CAPs depend on the frequency bands. The current study investigated the spatial and temporal characteristics of CAPs in the four frequency sub‐bands from slow‐5 (0.01–0.027 Hz), slow‐4 (0.027–0.073 Hz), slow‐3 (0.073–0.198 Hz), to slow‐2 (0.198–0.25 Hz), in addition to the typical low‐frequency range (0.01–0.08 Hz). In the healthy subjects, six CAP states were obtained at each frequency band in line with our prior study. Similar spatial patterns with the typical range were observed in slow‐5, 4, and 3, but not in slow‐2. While the frequency increased, all CAP states displayed shorter persistence, which caused more between‐state transitions. Specifically, from slow‐5 to slow‐4, the coactivation not only changed significantly in distributed cortical networks, but also increased in the basal ganglia as well as the amygdala. Schizophrenia patients showed significant alteration in the persistence of CAPs of slow‐5. Using leave‐one‐pair‐out, hold‐out and resampling validations, the highest classification accuracy (84%) was achieved by slow‐4 among different frequency bands. In conclusion, our findings provide novel information about spatial and temporal characteristics of CAP states at different frequency bands, which contributes to a better understanding of the frequency aspect of biomarkers for schizophrenia and other disorders.
Petrol prices and obesity
Authors: Prakash Kushneel , Awaworyi Churchill Sefa , Smyth Russell
Published: April 2022

Using 13 waves of longitudinal data from Australia, we examine the relationship between petrol prices and obesity. Applying panel data models that control for individual fixed effects and the endogeneity of petrol prices, our results suggest that petrol prices have a negative effect on obesity. Specifically, our preferred instrumental variable estimates, which instrument for petrol prices using the Arca Oil Stock price and control for individual and time fixed effects, suggest that a standard deviation increase in petrol prices generates a 0.006 standard deviation decline in body mass index, while a unit increase in petrol prices results in a 2 percentage point decrease in the probability that a survey participant is obese. These results are robust to several sensitivity checks. Back of the envelope calculations suggest that our results imply that a permanent $1 per liter increase in petrol prices would reduce the number of people who were obese by 672,000 and save $1.4 billion dollars in medical expenditure related to obesity every year. We also find that frequency of participation in physical activity and expenditure on meals eaten out are channels through which petrol prices affect obesity.
A numerical study of heat and mass transport by double‐diffusive magnetoconvection in an electrically conducting fluid under sinusoidal/non‐sinusoidal rotational modulation
Authors: Rudziva Munyaradzi , Sibanda Precious , Noreldin Osman A. I. , Goqo Sicelo P.
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we study the effects of rotational modulation on heat and mass transport due to double‐diffusive magnetoconvection in an electrically conducting fluid. In the study, different modes of rotational modulation are considered. Using a perturbation method, a Ginzburg–Landau equation which is nonautonomous is obtained for the modulation amplitude. The effect of rotational modulation on the heat and mass transfer is studied. For the investigation of the effect of buoyancy ratio on the onset of convection, the system of Lorenz type equations is solved using the recent multistage spectral relaxation method. Furthermore, the influence of other fluid parameters on thermal convection and heat and mass transport is analyzed and presented graphically. We find among other results that the effect of increasing the Taylor number is to reduce the Nusselt and Sherwood numbers. A comparison between the sinusoidal and non‐sinusoidal modes of rotational modulation on their influence on heat and mass transport in a magneto‐diffusive fluid layer is made. We show that the square wave rotational modulation is the most destabilizing type of modulation in the sense that it leads to the early onset of thermal instabilities while the triangular modulation is the most stabilizing type of modulation. The effect of the buoyancy ratio on the nature of the flow pattern has been determined using streamlines, isotherms, and isoconcentrations.
Individual heart rate assessment and bout analysis of vigorous physical activity in children
Authors: Van Camp Carole M. , Batchelder Sydney R. , Irwin Helvey Casey
Published: April 2022

Children should engage in 1 hr/day of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) that results in increased heart rates (HRs) (CDC, 2022). However, precise individualized HR criteria for MVPA are not provided, and it is unclear whether observed behaviors classified as MVPA are associated with elevated HRs indicative of MVPA. The current study replicated an individualized heart rate assessment (IHRA) for identifying MVPA HR zones in children (Van Camp et al., 2021). We then evaluated whether engaging in vigorous PA (VPA) for half of the session resulted in HRs indicative of VPA for at least half of the session when children engaged in running for 30, 60, 90, and 120 s bouts. Individual differences were observed during the IHRA. During the bout analysis, HRs were not within VPA zones for 50% of the session. However, HRs were within moderate PA (MPA) zones, with 30 s bouts producing the highest percentages of MPA.
Construction of an algorithm based on oncosis‐related LncRNAs comprising the molecular subtypes and a risk assessment model in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Hang , Zhou Chongchang , Hu Zeyang , Sang Menglu , Ni Saiqi , Wu Jiacheng , Pan Qiaoling , Tong Jingtao , Liu Kaitai , Li Ni , Zhu Linwen , Xu Guodong
Published: April 2022

Background

As an important non‐apoptotic cell death method, oncosis has been reported to be closely associated with tumors in recent years. However, few research reported the relationship between oncosis and lung cancer.

Methods

In this study, we established an oncosis‐based algorithm comprised of cluster grouping and a risk assessment model to predict the survival outcomes and related tumor immunity of patients with lung adenocarcinomas (LUAD). We selected 11 oncosis‐related lncRNAs associated with the prognosis (CARD8‐AS1, LINC00941, LINC01137, LINC01116, AC010980.2, LINC00324, AL365203.2, AL606489.1, AC004687.1, HLA‐DQB1‐AS1, and AL590226.1) to divide the LUAD patients into different clusters and different risk groups. Compared with patients in clsuter1, patients in cluster2 had a survival advantage and had a relatively more active tumor immunity. Subsequently, we constructed a risk assessment model to distinguish between patients into different risk groups, in which low‐risk patients tend to have a better prognosis. GO enrichment analysis revealed that the risk assessment model was closely related to immune activities. In addition, low‐risk patients tended to have a higher content of immune cells and stromal cells in tumor microenvironment, higher expression of PD‐1, CTLA‐4, HAVCR2, and were more sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including PD‐1/CTLA‐4 inhibitors. The risk score had a significantly positive correlation with tumor mutation burden (TMB). The survival curve of the novel oncosis‐based algorithm suggested that low‐risk patients in cluster2 have the most obvious survival advantage.

Conclusion

The novel oncosis‐based algorithm investigated the prognosis and the related tumor immunity of patients with LUAD, which could provide theoretical support for customized individual treatment for LUAD patients.