bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virtual conferences raise standards for accessibility and interactions
Authors: Sarabipour Sarvenaz
Published: November 2020

Scientific conferences have an important role in the exchange of ideas and knowledge within the scientific community. Conferences also provide early-career researchers with opportunities to make themselves known within their field of research. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has brought traditional in-person conferences to a halt for the foreseeable future, the growth of virtual conferences has highlighted many of the disadvantages associated with the in-person format and demonstrated the advantages of moving these events online. Here, based on data from in-person and virtual conferences in a range of subjects, we describe how virtual conferences are more inclusive, more affordable, less time-consuming and more accessible worldwide, especially for early-career researchers. Making conferences more open and inclusive will provide both immediate and long-term benefits to the scientific community.
Biomechanics of lower limb in badminton lunge: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Lam Wing-Kai , Wong Duo Wai-Chi , Lee Winson Chiu-Chun
Published: November 2020

Background

Badminton is a popular sport activity in both recreational and elite levels. A lot of biomechanical studies have investigated badminton lunge, since good lunge performance may increase the chances to win the game. This review summarized the current trends, research methods, and parameters-of-interest concerning lower-extremity biomechanics in badminton lunges.

Methodology

Databases including Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and PubMed were searched from the oldest available date to September 2020. Two independent authors screened all the articles and 20 articles were eligible for further review. The reviewed articles compared the differences among playing levels, footwear designs, and lunge directions/variations, using parameters including ground reaction forces, plantar pressure distribution, kinematics, and kinetics.

Results

Elite badminton players demonstrated higher impact attenuation capability, more aggressive knee and ankle strategy (higher mechanical moment), and higher medial plantar load than amateur players. Footwear modifications can influence comfort perception and movement mechanics, but it remains inconclusive regarding how these may link with lunging performance. Contradicting findings in kinematics is possibly due to the variations in lunge and instructions.

Conclusions

Playing levels and shoe designs have significant effects on biomechanics in badminton lunges. Future studies can consider to use an unanticipated testing protocol and realistic movement intensity. They can study the inter-limb coordination as well as the contributions and interactions of intrinsic and extrinsic factors to injury risk. Furthermore, current findings can stimulate further research studying whether some specific footwear materials with structural design could potentially compromise impact attenuation, proprioception, and performance.
Duration of hemodialysis associated with cardio-respiratory dysfunction and breathlessness: a multicenter study
Authors: Yuenyongchaiwat Kornanong , Vasinsarunkul Phatsara , Phongsukree Phoomipat , Chaturattanachaiyaporn Kodchaphan , Tritanon Opas
Published: November 2020

Background

Patients with hemodialysis suffer with protein-energy wasting and uremic myopathy lead to lack of physical activity and poor functional performance. However, ventilation abnormality in patients undergone hemodialysis remains controversial regarding the respiratory impairment. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the effect of duration of dialysis on respiratory function.

Methods

A multicenter study with cross-sectional study was designed in four hemodialysis outpatient clinics. Respiratory muscle strength (i.e., maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP)) pulmonary function test (i.e., forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC ratio), functional capacity (6-minute walk test) and sensation of breathlessness were assessed prior to dialysis.

Results

A total of 100 hemodialysis patients were recruited with 38 females and 62 males. An average of duration of hemodialysis was 5.93± 4.96 years. Decreased MIP values, FEV1values, FVC values, %FEV1and %FVC were noted in patients with long duration of dialysis (defined as ≥ 5 years of dialysis) compared to those with short duration of dialysis (ps< .05). In addition, increased sensation of breathlessness was observed in patients with long duration of dialysis (p < .05). Furthermore, participants with long duration of dialysis had an increased risk of ventilatory restriction (OR 6.093,p = .007).
Projet pilote de formation. Prévenir et promouvoir la santé mentale chez les agriculteurs : s’outiller pour mieux soutenir
Authors: Roy Philippe , Jaunathan Bilodeau Nancy Beauregard , Therrien Annie , Verville Sébastien
Published: November 2020

Cet article résume la mise en œuvre d’un projet pilote de formation destiné à promouvoir la santé mentale chez les agriculteurs. Cette initiative destinée tant aux intervenants qu’aux agriculteurs est née d’un partenariat entre un centre de prévention du suicide et le milieu universitaire québécois. On y présente de façon succincte le contexte ayant mené à sa mise sur pied, ses modalités, son appréciation et ses retombées. L’analyse de ce projet pilote met en lumière la pertinence des approches de codéveloppement unissant les agriculteurs, les intervenants et les chercheurs.
Housing Tenure and Youth Trajectories of Mental Health in Canada
Authors: Comeau Jinette , Laura Duncan , Katholiki Georgiades , Li Wang , Michael H. Boyle
Published: November 2020

We take a novel approach to estimating the association between housing tenure and youth mental health by considering stability and change in exposure. We categorize youth from age 10–15 into mutually exclusive groups: always rent or own—stable patterns; intermittently rent, or own—changing patterns. We use growth modeling to compare trajectories of aggression and emotional problems among children in families who always or intermittently rent to their counterparts who always own. We observe initial disparities in problems with aggression at age 10–11 between youth who have always lived in rented vs. owned housing that persist over time, resulting in comparable disparities at age 14–15.
STANDARDIZATION OF A SIDDHA HERBOMINERAL FORMULATION: KARASOODA SATHU PARPAM
Authors: Sharmila P. , Kumari H. Vetha Merlin , Mohan S , R Meenakumari
Published: November 2020

Siddha system is one of the ancient medical systems in India. The siddha is capable of treating all types of disease other than emergency cases. Karasooda Sathu Parpam is a traditional siddha herbomineral drug. The aim of the present study is to investigate the phytochemical, physiochemical and TLC, HPTLC of a traditional Shastric siddha herbomineral formulation known as Karasooda Sathu Parpam. Preliminary phytochemical analysis, HPTLC analysis and physicochemical parameters such as ash values, extractive values and loss of drying were determined as per Pharmacopoeial Laboratory for Indian Medicines (PLIM) guidelines. Phytochemical analysis of different extracts gave positive test for Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Glycosides, Steroids, Triterpenoids, Coumarin, Phenol, Tannins, Saponin, Proteins, Anthocyanin and carbohydrates. HPTLC fingerprint analysis of extracts showed the presence of possible number of components. Physicochemical parameters such as the total ash value was found to be 9.43 ± 0.19 %, acid insoluble ash value is 0.5133 ± 0.117% and loss of drying at 105ºc is 0.68 ± 0.10%. The water-soluble extractives and alcohol soluble extractives were found to be 0.4667 ± 0.22% and 0.2567 ± 0.086%. Biochemical analysis revealed the presence of Sulphate, Chloride, Carbonate, Iron, Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium, Ammonium, Starch, Alkaloids. Qualitative analysis revealed the presence of Sulphate, Chloride, Carbonate, Aluminum, Iron, Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium, Ammonium, Starch and alkaloids. The study highlights the appropriate application of modern scientific methods for developing the new insights into metal-based Siddha drugs.
A CRITICAL REVIEW ON BHAISHAJYA KALPANA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PANCHAVIDHA KASHAYA KALPANAS: AYURVEDA PHARMACEUTICS
Authors: YC Pallavi , N Krishna Prasad
Published: November 2020

Bhaishajya Kalpana is a specialized branch of Ayurveda scientifically explained by all the acharyas in their respective classical Samhitas. All the classical textbooks of Ayurveda give utmost importance to this particular branch. Acharya Sharangadhara gives wider explanation regarding the pharmaceutical preparations and procedures. The branch clearly explains the selection of drugs, the methods involved, the season to be considered, useful part to be collected, processing of the raw material, shodhana if any required, preparation of the medicine, steps involved, assessing the final product, siddha lakshanas obtained, the medicine to be discarded etc in detail along with the indications, Anupana to be used along with the medicine.
CONCEPTS OF DIETETICS AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN PANCHAKARMA: A REVIEW
Authors: Mehta Tanuja , Sharma Uttam Kumar , Bhatkoti Mayank
Published: November 2020

Due to various exogenous factors like lack of sleep, inappropriate food habits metabolic toxins (Ama) get deeply accumulated in the body which causes congestion in the patency of micro and macro channels leading to the stagnation of excreta and waste metabolites in the tissues, eventually unbalancing all the three Doshas in the body which catalyze the occurrence of various diseases like eczema, allergies, improper digestion, chronic fatigue etc. Panchakarma is a Shodhana therapy which cleanses the body at both gross organ and cellular level by eliminating the metabolic toxin (Ama) which restored the equilibrium of Dosha and give rise to permanent healing from the disease. As a consequence of this vigorous cleansing, metabolism (Agni) get slowed down. Thus, there are certain dietary measure and regimen (Samsarjana krama) is mentioned in the Ayurvedic classics which are essentially to be followed to restore the hypo function Agni and one can attain the utmost result from the Panchakarma therapies is to be discussed here.
A CRITICAL APPRAISAL ON THE MECHANISM OF ACTION OF BASTI PROCEDURE OF AYURVEDA IN PERSPECTIVE OF MODERN PHYSIOLOGY
Authors: Rawat Neha , Roushan Rakesh
Published: November 2020

In Ayurveda, Basti is a medical procedure in which the drug is administrated through anal route. In ancient time physicians used urinary bladder of sheep, cow and buffalo for giving medicated enema as an instrument. In Ayurveda, there are three basic humours vata, pitta and kapha. Disturbance in the homeostatic condition of these humours cause diseased condition. There are certain procedures explained by acharyas where increased doshas should be eliminated through the nearest opening. The principal site of vatadosha is pakwashaya (large intestine) and the nearest opening is anus. Drug administrated through this route act on the increased dosha bring it in homeostatic condition after removing excessive doshas through the anus. Vata is the only motivating force in the body which is responsible for spreading doshas all over the body and Basti is the main treatment for vata disorders. Ayurveda students should learn to appreciate their practical value through experimental experience. In an age where validity of concepts is judged by their scientific relevance, establishing the scientific validity of Basti is a programme of significance. It requires practical application and translating concept into the idiom of modern biology and medicine. In this article we are trying to establish a relevant correlation in terms of mechanism of action with modern physiology.
AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF MUSCLE CONTUSION WITH RESULTANT HAEMATOMA: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Rani Tinkle , Aggarwal Vishal , Gupta Arun
Published: November 2020

A Muscle Contusion is a deep bruise due to traumatic blow to the soft structures such as muscle fibres, connective tissues and or blood vessels. In sports activity, Quadriceps Muscle Contusion is a very common complaint. It is a type of closed wound in which there is crushing of the muscle fibres which only allows bleeding beneath the skin. Symptoms include discolouration, swelling, pain and limitation of motion. As per Ayurvedic perspective, Quadriceps Muscle Contusion should be considered as Abhighata Janit Shoth. The present case study aims to investigate whether Ayurvedic intervention can be used as a treatment modality for acute sports injuries such as Quadriceps Muscle Contusion. A 19 years old girl came to the OPD of CBPACS with clinical features indicative of Quadriceps Muscle Contusion with resultant Hematoma. This case of was managed by Ayurvedic intervention of Kaishor Guggulu, Brihat Manjishthadi Kwath and Dashanga Lepa local application at OPD level for 14 days. The treatment gave very promising results with an overall improvement of about 76.66% in the subjective parameter used i.e. Oswestry’s disability index from 30 to 07, VAS improved from 8/10 to 2/10, at the end of 14 days of treatment.
A Study on Sectorial Contribution of GDP in India from 2010 to 2019
Authors: Sabitha G.
Published: November 2020

Aims: The GDP growth of Indian Economy had touched the six year low in the first financial quarter of April-June 2020. It touched 5.8% growth in January-March, although in nominal terms India’s GDP grew by 7.99% which is also lowest. This paper amid at studying the impact on key sectors bearing the brunt of Indian Economy slowdown is Agriculture, Automobile, Real Estate, and FMCG among others. 

Study Design: Secondary data is used for the present study. The dependent variable in the study is GDP components and sectors are considered independent variables.

Place and Duration of Study: The data has been collected for the period 2015 to 2019. Data is related to contribution of sectors to Indian GDP is considered.

Methodology: GDP is measured by a number of components but in this study only Agriculture, Manufacturing, Construction, Mining, Public Administration and Utilities sectors, were selected as major components for the period selected for the study. Correlation and Multiple regressions have been used to analyze the collected data.

Results: Coefficient of agriculture parameter tells dependability of agriculture sector on GDP. Simultaneously manufacturing, public administration and utilities have positively dependability on GDP. Whereas mining sector that tells about no dependability of mining sector on GDP.

Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between correlation values of agriculture, construction, manufacturing, mining, public administration and utilities with GDP. So, null hypothesis has been rejected.
Evolutionary history of ATP‐binding cassette proteins
Authors: Srikant Sriram
Published: November 2020

ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) proteins are found in every sequenced genome and evolved deep in the phylogenetic tree of life. ABC proteins form one of the largest homologous protein families, with most being involved in substrate transport across biological membranes, and a few cytoplasmic members regulating in essential processes like translation. The predominant ABC protein classification scheme is derived from human members, but the increasing number of fully sequenced genomes permits to reevaluate this paradigm in the light of the evolutionary history the ABC‐protein superfamily. As we study the diversity of substrates, mechanisms, and physiological roles of ABC proteins, knowledge of the evolutionary relationships highlights similarities and differences that can be attributed to specific branches in protein divergence. While alignments and trees built on natural sequence variation account for the evolutionary divergence of ABC proteins, high‐throughput experiments and next‐generation sequencing creating experimental sequence variation are instrumental in identifying functional constraints. The combination of natural and experimentally produced sequence variation allows a broader and more rational study of the function and physiological roles of ABC proteins.
Discovery of novel DNA methylation biomarkers for non‐invasive sporadic breast cancer detection in the Latino population
Authors: Cappetta Mónica , Fernandez Lucía , Brignoni Lucía , Artagaveytia Nora , Bonilla Carolina , López Miguel , Esteller Manel , Bertoni Bernardo , Berdasco María
Published: November 2020

Human diversity is one of the main pitfalls in the development of robust worldwide biomarkers in oncology. Epigenetic variability across human populations is associated with different genetic backgrounds, as well as variable lifestyles and environmental exposures, each of which should be investigated. To identify potential non‐invasive biomarkers of sporadic breast cancer in the Uruguayan population, we studied genome‐wide DNA methylation using Illumina methylation arrays in leukocytes of 22 women with sporadic breast cancer and 10 healthy women in a case–control study. We described a panel of 38 differentially methylated CpG positions that was able to cluster breast cancer patients (BCP) and controls, and that also recapitulated methylation differences in 12 primary breast tumors and their matched normal breast tissue. Moving forward, we simplified the detection method to improve its applicability in a clinical setting and used an independent well‐characterized cohort of 80 leukocyte DNA samples from BCP and 80 healthy controls to validate methylation results at specific cancer‐related genes. Our investigations identified methylation at CYFIP1 as a novel epigenetic biomarker candidate for sporadic breast cancer in the Uruguayan population. These results provide a proof‐of‐concept for the design of larger studies aimed at validating biomarker panels for the Latin American population.
Arbutin suppresses osteosarcoma progression via miR‐338‐3p/MTHFD1L and inactivation of the AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Wang Cheng‐Qun , Wang Xiu‐Mei , Li Bing‐Liang , Zhang Yuan‐Min , Wang Lei
Published: November 2020

Arbutin, a glycoside extracted from the plant Arctostaphylos uva‐ursi, has been previously reported to possess antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anticancer effects. Here, we investigated whether arbutin affects the proliferation of the cells of the osteosarcoma (OS) cell lines MG‐63 and SW1353. Arbutin suppressed OS cell viability in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, as shown by Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay. Furthermore, arbutin exposure decreased the protein levels of MTHFD1L, CCND1 and phosphorylated‐protein kinase B (AKT)/phosphorylated‐mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Potential upstream miRNAs of MTHFD1L were predicted using TargetScan, PICTAR5, miRanda and miRWalk. We performed luciferase activity assays to show that miR‐338‐3p directly targets and negatively regulates the expression of MTHFD1L. Knockdown of miR‐338‐3p promoted cell invasion, migration and proliferation in arbutin‐treated OS cells via MTHFD1L. In summary, our data suggest that arbutin inhibits OS cell proliferation, migration and invasion via miR‐338‐3p/MTHFD1L and by inactivating the AKT/mTOR pathway.
Microextraction Techniques Based on the Combination of Agitation and Extraction in the Same Device
Authors: Cárdenas Soledad , Lucena Rafael
Published: November 2020

The efficiency of a given microextraction technique relies on both thermodynamic and kinetic factors. The first one defines the maximum amount of analyte that can be extracted, whereas the latter describes the rate at which the extraction equilibrium is reached. The stirring of the sample during extraction is a well‐known kinetic variable that positively affects the diffusion of the analytes between the donor and the acceptor phases. Although stirring/agitation is a critical and optimizing variable in most of the microextraction techniques, only a few of them integrate stirring within the extraction device. The so‐called stirring/extraction‐integrated microextraction techniques present a high potential, and they have been the focus of a deep research. This article is focused on the description of the main research milestones in this development, giving a wide overview of the potential and applicability of these microextraction techniques.
Generalized Poisson Distributions
Authors: Famoye Felix , Lee Carl
Published: November 2020

The generalized Poisson distribution (GPD) is a two‐parameter discrete distribution. One of the parameters measures the location and the other measures the dispersion. The distribution is unimodal, and it can be skewed to the right or the left. It approaches the normal distribution when the location parameter gets very large. In this article, we present the definition and derive several important properties of the GPD. We review statistical inference and state some characterizations of the distribution. This article is expected to serve as a reference and stimulate further research work on the GPD.
Sequential Monte Carlo: Particle Filters and Beyond
Authors: Johansen Adam M.
Published: November 2020

Sequential Monte Carlo methods are a family of computational algorithms which use an ensemble of weighted samples to approximate, in turn, each of a sequence of distributions and their associated normalizing constants. These algorithms first came to prominence as efficient methods for approximating the optimal filter in the context of hidden Markov models on general state spaces, online as observations become available, but are very much more widely applicable. This article seeks to provide a high‐level overview of these methods, introducing the methods themselves and some of their key theoretical properties before discussing their application in a range of settings which include inference for hidden Markov models; Bayesian inference more generally; maximum‐likelihood estimation and rare event estimation.
Ergonomic and Reliable Bayesian Inference with Adaptive Markov Chain Monte Carlo
Authors: Vihola Matti
Published: November 2020

Adaptive Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods provide an ergonomic way to perform Bayesian inference, imposing mild modeling constraints and requiring little user specification. The aim of this section is to provide a practical introduction to selected set of adaptive MCMC methods and to suggest guidelines for choosing appropriate methods for certain classes of models. We consider simple unimodal targets with random‐walk‐based methods, multimodal target distributions with parallel tempering, and Bayesian hidden Markov models using particle MCMC. The section is complemented by an easy‐to‐use open‐source implementation of the presented methods in Julia, with examples.
Bare Singulars
Authors: Munn Alan , Schmitt Cristina
Published: November 2020

Kind‐referring expressions in many languages are expressed using bare plurals, and most semantic treatments of kinds depend on semantic plurality. The existence of bare singular kinds in some languages is therefore surprising. This chapter examines two representative cases of bare singulars (Brazilian Portuguese and Russian) that demonstrate different ways in which a morphosyntactic bare singular may be realized semantically. Other instances of bare singulars that do not denote kinds are also discussed, including predicate modifier bare singulars, coordinated bare singulars, and incorporated bare singulars.
Weak Necessity
Authors: Rubinstein Aynat
Published: November 2020

Getting the meaning ofoughtright and accounting for its relation tomusthas proven to be a considerable challenge for deontic logic as well as formal semantic analyses of modality. This chapter aims to give a language‐independent characterization of weak necessity as a phenomenon of gradable modality, focusing on morphological, semantic, and discursive properties of modals likeought. Weak necessity requires us to distinguish between degrees of necessity. Two theoretical frameworks for doing so are evaluated in the chapter. The two frameworks are shown to have complementary strengths, highlighting the distinction between probability‐based weak necessities and priority‐oriented ones.
Topic
Authors: Tomioka Satoshi
Published: November 2020

It is universally acknowledged that topic is a difficult concept to define. The main objective of this chapter is therefore to help the reader navigate through the complex and confusing landscape surrounding topicality. Some representative theoretical views are reviewed, but the main focus is on the examination of crosslinguistic data, which show both surprisingly wide variability and some notable trends. The chapter provides some practical advice in order to avoid misconceptions as well as a couple of possible directions for future research.
Evaluative Predicates
Authors: Umbach Carla
Published: November 2020

This chapter is about evaluative predicates and their interpretation. In the first part, data are presented addressing the question of which predicates should be considered as evaluative and why. Predicates under consideration range from personal taste (
tasty
,
fun)
and aesthetics (
beautiful
) to one‐dimensional (
tall
) and multidimensional predicates (
healthy
,
smart
). The data part is concluded by a section about subjective attitude verbs like English
find
that are widely regarded as a testing ground for evaluative predicates. In the second part of this chapter, a range of theoretical positions are considered including relativist accounts as well as different varieties of contextualist accounts. Finally, two prominent sources from philosophy provide a broader historical context.
Progressive
Authors: Zucchi Sandro
Published: November 2020

The Imperfective Paradox is a puzzle known since antiquity. A modern instance is this: we may say truly that Mozart was finishing theRequiembefore he died and that, however, he never finished it. How can both these claims be true? What is it about the semantics of sentences of the forms ⌜x was F‐ing⌝ and ⌜x F‐ed⌝ that makes this possible? In the formal semantics literature, opinion is divided between those who solve the puzzle by suggesting that progressive morphology creates an intensional context and those who rely on an extensional interpretation of the progressive. Several authors, moreover, converge on the view that the truth value of progressive sentences is irreducibly context dependent, though they may disagree on the locus and the extent of the context dependence. A reconstruction of the debate and of the empirical issues involved is offered.
Blood neurofilament light: a critical review of its application to neurologic disease
Authors: Barro Christian , Chitnis Tanuja , Weiner Howard L.
Published: November 2020

Neuronal injury is a universal event that occurs in disease processes that affect both the central and peripheral nervous systems. A blood biomarker linked to neuronal injury would provide a critical measure to understand and treat neurologic diseases. Neurofilament light chain (NfL), a cytoskeletal protein expressed only in neurons, has emerged as such a biomarker. With the ability to quantify neuronal damage in blood, NfL is being applied to a wide range of neurologic conditions to investigate and monitor disease including assessment of treatment efficacy. Blood NfL is not specific for one disease and its release can also be induced by physiological processes. Longitudinal studies in multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and stroke show accumulation of NfL over days followed by elevated levels over months. Therefore, it may be hard to determine with a single measurement when the peak of NfL is reached and when the levels are normalized. Nonetheless, measurement of blood NfL provides a new blood biomarker for neurologic diseases overcoming the invasiveness of CSF sampling that restricted NfL clinical application. In this review, we examine the use of blood NfL as a biologic test for neurologic disease.
Modular Assembly of Red Blood Cell Superstructures from Metal–Organic Framework Nanoparticle‐Based Building Blocks
Authors: Guo Jimin , Yu Yunlong , Zhu Wei , Serda Rita E. , Franco Stefan , Wang Lu , Lei Qi , Agola Jacob Ongudi , Noureddine Achraf , Ploetz Evelyn , Wuttke Stefan , Brinker C. Jeffrey
Published: November 2020

Bio/artificial hybrid nanosystems based on biological matter and synthetic nanoparticles (NPs) remain a holy grail of materials science. Herein, inspired by the well‐defined metal–organic framework (MOF) with diverse chemical diversities, the concept of “armored red blood cells” (armored RBCs) is introduced, which are native RBCs assembled within and protected by a functional exoskeleton of interlinked MOF NPs. Exoskeletons are generated within seconds through MOF NP interlocking based on metal‐phenolic coordination and RBC membrane/NP complexation via hydrogen‐bonding interactions at the cellular interface. Armored RBC formation is shown to be generalizable to many classes of MOF NPs or any NPs that can be coated by MOF. Moreover, it is found that armored RBCs preserve the original properties of RBCs (such as oxygen carrier capability and good ex ovo/in vivo circulation property) and show enhanced resistance against external stressors (like osmotic pressure, detergent, toxic NPs, and freezing conditions). By modifying the physicochemical properties of MOF NPs, armored RBCs provide the capability for blood nitric oxide sensing or multimodal imaging. The synthesis of armored RBCs is straightforward, reliable, and reversible and hence, represent a new class of hybrid biomaterials with a broad range of functionalities.
InAs Nanocrystals with Robust p‐Type Doping
Authors: Asor Lior , Liu Jing , Ossia Yonatan , Tripathi Durgesh C. , Tessler Nir , Frenkel Anatoly I. , Banin Uri
Published: November 2020

Robust control over the carrier type is fundamental for the fabrication of nanocrystal‐based optoelectronic devices, such as the p–n homojunction, but effective incorporation of impurities in semiconductor nanocrystals and its characterization is highly challenging due to their small size. Herein, InAs nanocrystals (NCs), post‐synthetically doped with Cd, serve as a model system for successful p‐type doping of originally n‐type InAs nanocrystals, as demonstrated in field effect transistors (FETs). Advanced structural analysis, using atomic resolution electron microscopy and synchrotron X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy reveal that Cd impurities reside near and on the nanocrystal surface acting as substitutional p‐dopants replacing Indium. Commensurately, Cd‐doped InAs FETs exhibit remarkable stability of their hole conduction, mobility, and hysteretic behavior over time when exposed to air, while intrinsic InAs NCs FETs are easily oxidized and their performance quickly declines. Therefore, Cd plays a dual role acting as a p‐type dopant, and also protects the nanocrystals from oxidation, as evidenced directly by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements of air exposed samples of intrinsic and Cd‐doped InAs NCs films. This study demonstrates robust p‐type doping of InAs nanocrystals, setting the stage for implementation of such doped nanocrystal systems in printed electronic devices.
High‐Performance Red Quantum‐Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes Based on Organic Electron Transporting Layer
Authors: Yang Liuqing , Li Xuefei , Yang Qingqing , Wang Shumeng , Tian Hongkun , Ding Junqiao , Wang Lixiang
Published: November 2020

High‐performance red quantum dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) are demonstrated based on nitrogen heterocycle‐containing compounds as the organic electron transporting layer (ETL). Unlike ZnO, the adoption of organic ETL can eliminate unwanted photoluminescence quenching of colloidal quantum dots (QDs) due to the prevented electron transfer between QDs and organic ETL. Most importantly, when the central core is varied from benzene and pyrimidine to triazine, their lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy levels are found to be well tuned to facilitate electron injection. Consequently, a triazine‐cored organic ETL (denoted as TmPPPyTz) achieves a restored charge balance, giving a record‐high external quantum efficiency of 13.4% (18.8 cd A−1, 23.9 lm W−1) and Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage coordinates of (0.68, 0.32). The obtained state‐of‐art performance clearly indicates the great potential of organic ETL towards efficient QLEDs.
Fluorescent Photochromic α‐Cyanodiarylethene Molecular Switches: An Emerging and Promising Class of Functional Diarylethene
Authors: Lin Siyang , Gutierrez‐Cuevas Karla G. , Zhang Xinfang , Guo Jinbao , Li Quan
Published: November 2020

Fluorescent photochromic molecules that exhibit distinct light‐triggered changes in their emission colors are highly desirable for the fabrication of smart soft materials and advanced photonic devices. α‐Cyanodiarylethenes, that is, α‐cyano‐functionalized diarylethenes, as alternative “non‐azo” Z/E photochromic molecular switches, are popular choices due to their unique characteristics such as their aggregation‐induced emission or aggregation‐induced‐enhanced emission behavior in their self‐assembled states, and visible changes in fluorescence colors during Z/E photoisomerization. In recent years, the development of fluorescent photochromic α‐cyanodiarylethene‐based compounds including α‐cyanostilbenes, dicyanodistyrylbenzenes, and diaryldicyanoethenes, has mainly focused on molecular design, photochemical and photophysical behavior in solution, and smart soft matter technologies. In this review, recent significant achievements in light‐responsive systems based on the Z/E photoisomerization of fluorescent photochromic α‐cyanodiarylethene switches that span the range from liquid crystals to gels and finally to self‐assembled nanostructures, are highlighted. The smart soft materials constructed from α‐cyanodiarylethene molecular switches find use in a plethora of areas, including display, sensing, encrypting, actuating, and biomedical imaging applications, among others. The review concludes with a brief perspective on some major challenges and opportunities for the future development of light‐responsive smart soft photonic materials.
2D Transition Metal Carbides (MXenes): Applications as an Electrically Conducting Material
Authors: Shahzad Faisal , Iqbal Aamir , Kim Hyerim , Koo Chong Min
Published: November 2020

Since their discovery in 2011, 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, known as MXenes, have attracted considerable global research interest owing to their outstanding electrical conductivity coupled with light weight, flexibility, transparency, surface chemistry tunability, and easy solution processability. Here, the promising abilities of 2D MXenes, from both experimental and theoretical perspectives, for designing conductive materials for a range of applications, including electromagnetic interference shielding, flexible optoelectronics, sensors, and thermal heaters, are presented.
Visualizing Tailored Spin Phenomena in a Reduced‐Dimensional Topological Superlattice
Authors: Sun Rui , Yang Shijia , Yang Xu , Kumar A. , Vetter Eric , Xue Wenhua , Li Yan , Li Na , Li Yang , Zhang Shihao , Ge Binghui , Zhang Xiang‐qun , He Wei , Kemper Alexander F. , Sun Dali , Cheng Zhao‐hua
Published: November 2020

Emergent topological insulators (TIs) and their design are in high demand for manipulating and transmitting spin information toward ultralow‐power‐consumption spintronic applications. Here, distinct topological states with tailored spin properties can be achieved in a single reduced‐dimensional TI‐superlattice, (Bi2/Bi2Se3)‐(Bi2/Bi2Se3)N or (□/Bi2Se3)‐(Bi2/Bi2Se3)N (N is the repeating unit, □ represents an empty layer) by controlling the termination via molecular beam epitaxy. The Bi2‐terminated superlattice exhibits a single Dirac cone with a spin momentum splitting ≈0.5 Å−1, producing a pronounced inverse Edelstein effect with a coherence length up to 1.26 nm. In contrast, the Bi2Se3‐terminated superlattice is identified as a dual TI protected by coexisting time reversal and mirror symmetries, showing an unexpectedly long spin lifetime up to 1 ns. The work elucidates the key role of dimensionality and dual topological phases in selecting desired spin properties, suggesting a promise route for engineering topological superlattices for high‐performance TI‐spintronic devices.
Synthesis of Indolo[2,1‐a]isoquinolin‐6(5H)‐Ones Derivatives via Fe(OTf)3‐Promoted Tandem Selenylation/Cyclization of 2‐Arylindoles
Authors: Zhang Jia‐Rong , Liu Hao‐Yang , Fan Tao , Chen Yan‐Yan , Xu Yan‐Li
Published: November 2020

A practical method for the synthesis of selenylsubstituted indolo[2,1‐a]isoquinolin‐6(5H)‐ones through Fe(OTf)3‐promoted tandem selenylation/cyclization of 2‐arylindoles was developed. In this transformation, new C−Se bond and C−C bond were constructed simultaneously under mild conditions.

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High‐Index Faceted RuCo Nanoscrews for Water Electrosplitting
Authors: Zhu Ting , Huang Ju , Huang Bolong , Zhang Nan , Liu Shangheng , Yao Qing , Haw Shu‐Chih , Chang Yu‐Chung , Pao Chih‐Wen , Chen Jin‐Ming , Shao Qi , Hu Zhiwei , Ma Yanhang , Huang Xiaoqing
Published: November 2020

Shape control has realized huge success for developing efficient Pd/Pt‐based nanocatalysts, but the control of Ru‐based nanocrystals remains a formidable challenge due to the inherent anisotropy in hexagonal closed‐packed nanocrystals. Herein, a class of unique RuCo nanoscrews (NSs) for water electrosplitting is successfully synthesized with rough surfaces and the exposure of steps and edges. Those high‐index faceted RuCo NSs show superior performance for overall water electrosplitting, where a low cell voltage of 1.524 V (@ 10 mA cm−2) and excellent stability for more than 20 h (@ 10 mA cm−2) for overall water electrosplitting in 1 m KOH is achieved. The enhanced performance of RuCo NSs is due to the optimization of the binding energy with the intermediate species and the reduced energy barrier of water dissociation. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the RuCo NS structure intrinsically endows various ridges and edges, which create low coordinated Ru‐ and Co‐sites. These active Ru‐ and Co‐sites present high efficiencies in electronic exchange and transfer between adsorbing O species and nearby lattice sites, guaranteeing the high H2O‐splitting activities. This present work opens up a new strategy for creating high‐performance electrocatalysts for water splitting.
A Dual Magnetic Tunnel Junction‐Based Neuromorphic Device
Authors: Hong Jeongmin , Li Xin , Xu Nuo , Chen Hong , Cabrini Stefano , Khizroev Sakhrat , Bokor Jeffrey , You Long
Published: November 2020

With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in computational devices technology, various synaptic array architectures are proposed for neuromorphic computing applications. Among them, the non‐volatile memory (NVM) architectures are very promising for their small cell size, ultra‐low energy consumption, and capability for large parallel data processing through 3D configurations capable of multilevel signal processing. Herein, the viability of such magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ)‐based synaptic devices via fabrication and characterization of multi‐junction spintronic devices is demonstrated, with the experimental results supported through micromagnetic simulations.
Efficient removal of thallium from flow gas using manganite‐based catalysts by gas–solid‐phase catalytic oxidation at low temperature
Authors: Ma Qiang , Ning Ping , Wang Xueqian , Wang Langlang , Xu Lixia , Ma Yixing , Zhang Yingjie , Tao Lei , Liu Wei , Hao Jiming
Published: November 2020

Thallium (Tl) is a highly toxic heavy metal, for which its removal from aqueous environments has gained increasing attention. However, removal of Tl from the gas phase is yet to be addressed, especially at low temperature. Herein, we synthesized and characterized a manganite‐based active carbon (Mn–AC) catalyst via an impregnation method process. The Mn–Ac catalyst was then used for elemental Tl removal from simulated flow gas in a laboratory‐scale fixed‐bed reactor. Tl(I) was adsorbed by the AC and oxidized by active Mn, resulting in Tl(III). In addition, experiments were performed at varying temperatures and different Mn dosages to evaluate the efficiency of Tl removal in various conditions. The Mn–AC catalysts were shown to oxidize Tl(I) to Tl(III) on their surface with Tl removal efficiency decreasing with increasing temperature, reaching a removal rate of 90% over 8 h at 25°C. Further, increasing Mn content led to a decrease in surface area and a convolution of the AC morphology. Mn(10%)–AC was shown to have the highest gas‐phase Tl removal efficiency (≥90%, over 8 h).
Transition metal complexes of 6‐mercaptopurine: Characterization, Theoretical calculation, DNA‐Binding, molecular docking, and anticancer activity
Authors: Sharfalddin Abeer A. , Emwas Abdul‐Hamid , Jaremko Mariusz , Hussien Mostafa A.
Published: November 2020

6‐mercaptopurine (6‐MP) is used for treating various cancers and autoimmune disorders. A few examples of transition metal complexes of 6‐MP have been shown to enhance its anticancer activity, but many remain untested. We isolated five highly stable and colored metal complexes of 6‐MP and confirmed their structures by elemental analysis, spectral, and thermal techniques. Infrared (IR) spectra revealed that 6‐MP is a bidentate ligand that interacts through sulfur and pyrimidine nitrogen in a 1:2 (M:L) molar ratio. The magnetic susceptibility and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra for the Cu(II) complex revealed an octahedral arrangement around the metal ion with strong covalent bonding. The fully optimized geometries of the metal structures obtained using density function theory (DFT)/B3LYP calculations were used to verify the structural and biological features. DNA titration revealed that the octahedral Cu(II) complex has a critical binding constant value ofKb= 8 × 105. Docking studies using three different cancer protein receptors were used to predict the biological applications of the synthesized drug‐metal complexes. Finally, cytotoxicity assays against a myeloma cancer cell line (MM) and a colon cancer cell line (Caco‐2) revealed favorable anticancer activity for the copper complex, exceeding that of the gold‐standard chemotherapeutic cisplatin.
PBI/Clinoptilolite mixed‐matrix membranes for binary (N2/CH4) and ternary (CO2/N2/CH4) mixed gas separation
Authors: Montes Luna Angel de J. , Fuentes López Nidia C. , Castruita de León Griselda , Pérez Camacho Odilia , Yeverino Miranda Claudia Y. , Perera Mercado Yibran A.
Published: November 2020

In this work, polybenzimidazole (PBI)‐based mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with natural zeolite were prepared and their transport properties for binary (N2/CH4) and ternary (CO2/N2/CH4) mixed‐gas separation were studied. The MMMs, were prepared with PBI as polymeric matrix and Mexican natural zeolite clinoptilolite enriched with cations of Ca2+ as filler. The thermal properties analysis of the PBI and MMMs studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicates that the MMMs membranes have Tg higher than 350°C and decomposition temperatures above 600°C compared with the pristine membranes. PBI membrane and MMMs were analyzed by X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) and the diffraction patterns showed the zeolite signals combine with the amorphous dome from the polymeric matrix. In addition, the perm‐selectivity properties of the polymeric membranes and MMMs were tested with binary (N2/CH4; 10/90 mol%) and ternary (CO2/N2/CH4; 5/10/85 mol%) gas mixtures at different pressure rates (50, 150 and 300 psi). The perm‐selectivity properties of the MMMs membranes show an improvement in their values about 30% higher compared to the PBI polymeric membranes, favoring the permeation of CO2 and N2.
Optimizing crystallinity of engineered poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene succinate) blends: The role of single and multiple nucleating agents
Authors: Barletta Massimiliano , Pizzi Elisa
Published: November 2020

This work deals with the design and experimental development of formulations based on bioplastic materials optimized for the production processes of high‐performance packaging products, suitable for food contact and characterized by high thermo‐mechanical stability. For this purpose, mixtures of poly (L‐lactic acid) (PLLA)/poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) (PLA/PBS) containing micro‐lamellar talc as reinforcing agent and inorganic nucleating agent have been obtained on a pre‐industrial scale. Through the addition in formulation of two organic nucleating agents, ethylene (bis)stereamide (EBS) and poly (D‐lactic acid) (PDLA), evaluated separately and in combination with each other, four different PLA/PBS formulations were produced by means of a co‐rotating twin screw extruder. The effects on the crystallinity of the materials obtained first in the form of pre‐dried pellets, then in the form of films by casting extrusion and, finally, as thermoformed items were compared, according to the variation of the chosen nucleation system. The effect on the crystallinity of the materials was assessed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and by Fourier transform infrared analysis in attenuated total reflection mode (ATR‐FTIR). This approach aims to provide data for the further investigation on the processability and the thermo‐mechanical properties of end‐goods achievable by converting processes (melt processing) of the bioplastic compounds.
Tensile properties and corrosion resistance of PCL‐based 3D printed composites
Authors: Chen Bicheng , Wang Yiyang , Tuo Xiaohang , Gong Yumei , Guo Jing
Published: November 2020

The practicality of implantable biomedical materials depends on the design of size and function to meet the needs of personal customization. This paper used fused deposition modeling 3D printing process to make composite materials, and studied the performance of 3D printed samples through different matrix molecular weights, print filling settings, additives, and their contents. Mechanical properties, thermal analysis, structural characterization, surface hydrophilicity, and functional verification of PCL‐based 3D printed composites were discussed. We found that 80% print filling and 10% SA addition could greatly improve the work of fracture of the tensile sample. Furthermore, the efficacy and content of CS was also verified and analyzed. These resulting information are helpful for structural design and functional matching of medical composites.
Managing PFAS: A North Carolina Utility Story
Authors: Vandermeyden Carel , Hagerty Vaughn
Published: November 2020

Key Takeaways

Comprehensive, year‐round sampling of Cape Fear Public Utility Authority's raw water for per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) justified the need for PFAS treatment in conjunction with improved upstream point source control.

Site‐specific pilot testing of different PFAS treatment technologies should be conducted to help identify the most effective treatment solutions based on local conditions.

Communication strategies should be based on transparency, willingness to engage customers, and consistent messages, along with public advocacy for vigilant, consistently applied regulation.
Detroit's Robust Full Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Authors: Smalley Samuel A. , Peckinpaugh Bryan
Published: November 2020

Key Takeaways

In 2018, the state of Michigan implemented a revised Lead and Copper Rule that required replacement of all existing lead service lines.

Given Detroit's unique financial challenges, significant efforts were made to ensure swift compliance with new standards without the need to raise rates.

Expert teams in Detroit developed standard operating procedures to ensure efficient processes that are successful and have broad customer acceptance and compliance.
Aquifer Storage and Recovery: Can an Updated Inventory Predict Future System Success?
Authors: Bloetscher Frederick , Sham Chi Ho , Ratick Samuel J.
Published: November 2020

Key Takeaways

Aquifer storage and recovery, or ASR, is used to provide a stored water source where water supplies are unreliable or to address future demand.

A 2013 inventory of ASR systems was updated in 2019 to evaluate project parameters and determine which variables are best at predicting the success of future ASR projects.

With a time frame of June 2013 through October 2019, the revised inventory and analysis included data on new ASR sites and existing sites whose status had changed.