bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Set/Reset Bilaterally Controllable Resistance Switching Ga‐doped Ge2Sb2Te5 Long‐Term Electronic Synapses for Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Wang Qiang , Luo Ren , Wang Yankun , Fang Wencheng , Jiang Luyue , Liu Yangyang , Wang Ruobing , Dai Liyan , Zhao Jinyan , Bi Jinshun , Liu Zenghui , Zhao Libo , Jiang Zhuangde , Song Zhitang , Schwarzkopf Jutta , Schroeder Thomas , Wu Shengli , Ye Zuo‐Guang , Ren Wei , Song Sannian , Niu Gang
Published: March 2023

Long‐term plasticity of bio‐synapses modulates the stable synaptic transmission that is quite related to the encoding of information and its emulation using electronic hardware is one of important targets for neuromorphic computing. Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) based phase change random access memory (PCRAM) has become a strong candidate for complementary‐metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) compatible integrated long‐term electronic synapses to cope with the high‐efficient and low power consumption data processing tasks for neuromorphic computing. However, the performance of PCRAM electronic synapses is still quite limited due to the challenges in linear and continuous conductance regulation, which originates from the fast and uncontrollable resistance switching characteristic of conventional PCRAM for the data storage application. Here an in‐depth study is reported on the impact of gallium (Ga) doping on GST (GaGST) structural properties and on the corresponding 0.13 µm CMOS technology fabricated PCRAM integrated devices with a mushroom structure. The Ga doping effectively retarded the crystallization process of GST by augmenting the local disorder of GeTe4‐nGen tetrahedron, which subsequently leads to the Set/Reset bilaterally controllable resistance switching of corresponding PCRAM devices. The optimized 6.5%GaGST electronic synapses demonstrate gradual resistance switching characteristics and a good multilevel retention feature and eventually exhibit outstanding long‐term synaptic plasticity like potentiation/depression and spiking time dependent plasticity in four forms. Such long‐term electronic synapses are applied to handwritten digits recognition (96.22%) and CIFAR‐10 image categorization (93.6%) and attain very high accuracy for both tasks. These results provide an effective method to achieve high performance PCRAM electronic synapses and highlight the great potential of GaGST PCRAM as a component for future high‐performance neuromorphic computing.
A Plant‐inspired Light Transducer for High‐performance Near‐infrared Light Mediated Gas Sensing
Authors: Liang Hongping , Guo Xin , Guo Lanpeng , Liu Siying , Zhan Qiuqiang , Yang Haihong , Li Hao , de Rooij Nicolaas Frans , Lee Yi‐Kuen , French Paddy J. , Wang Yao , Zhou Guofu
Published: March 2023

Constructing near‐infrared light (NIR) light‐enhanced room temperature gas sensors is becoming more promising for practical application. In this study, learning from the structure and photosynthetic process of chlorophyll thylakoid membranes in plants, the first “Thylakoid membrane” structural formaldehyde (HCHO) sensor is constructed by matching the upconversion emission of the lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and the UV–vis adsorption of the as‐prepared nanocomposites. The NIR‐mediated sensor exhibits excellent performances, including ultra‐high response (Ra / Rg = 2.22, 1 ppm), low practical limit of detection (50 ppb), reliable repeatability, high selectivity, and broadband spectral response. The practicality of the NIR‐mediated gas sensor is confirmed through the remote and external stimulation test. A study of sensing mechanism demonstrates that it is the UCNPs‐based light transducer produces more light‐induced oxygen species for gas response in the process of non‐radiative/radiative energy transfer, playing a key role in significantly improving the sensing properties of the sensor. The universality of NIR‐mediated gas sensors based on UCNPs is verified using ZnO, In2O3, and SnO2 systems. This work paves a way for fabricating high‐performance NIR‐mediated gas sensors and will expand the application fields of NIR light.
3D Hollow Porous Radio‐Granular Hydrogels for SPECT Imaging‐Guided Cancer Intravascular Brachytherapy
Authors: Xu Xiao , Chen Hu , He Pan , Zhao Zhenwen , Gao Xing , Liu Chao , Cheng Hongwei , Jiang Lai , Wang Peiyu , Zhang Yang , Wen Xiaofei , Li Yesen , Huang Jinxiong , Xiong Yongfu , Mao Jingsong , Ma Hongjuan , Liu Gang
Published: March 2023

Radioactive microspheres have shown excellent therapeutic effects in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to indiscriminate embolization and killing of tumor cells. However, limitations such as unstable loading, in vivo reflux, and untrackable radioactive microspheres restrict their clinical applicability. Herein, a novel injectable lutetium‐177‐labeled 3D hollow porous radio‐granular hydrogels with a double‐cross‐linked network (177Lu‐3D‐HPGH) are synthesized via microfluidics combined with ultraviolet photo‐cross‐linking technology is reported. The radiolabeling efficiency of 177Lu‐3D‐HPGH can reach 97.85%. The 3D hollow porous radio‐granular hydrogels exhibited uniform, controllable size, radio‐theranostics, and excellent underwater adhesion properties, avoiding unwanted radiation damage to non‐target organs. Particularly, the extended X‐ray absorption fine structure combined with the density functional theory calculation revealed the mechanism of 3D‐HPGH loading with 177Lu through Lu‐N/O coordination. Furthermore, rabbit orthotopic kidney and liver tumor models are used to verify the excellent embolization performance, radionuclide loading stability, anti‐reflux characteristics, anti‐tumor effect, and biosafety of 177Lu‐3D‐HPGH. Briefly, this facile, green, and safe synthesis strategy provides a superior choice for intravascular brachytherapy of HCC and has great application value and transformative potential in clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Real‐Time Monitoring and Early Warning of a Cytokine Storm In Vivo Using a Wearable Noninvasive Skin Microneedle Patch
Authors: Xu Jingxian , Yang Bin , Kong Jilie , Zhang Yongjun , Fang Xueen
Published: March 2023

A cytokine storm may be the last attack of various diseases, such as sepsis, cancer, and coronavirus disease 2019, that can be life threatening. Real‐time monitoring of cytokines in vivo is helpful for assessing the immune status of patients and providing an early warning of a cytokine storm. In this study, a functional carbon nanotube biointerface‐based wearable microneedle patches for real‐time monitoring of a cytokine storm in vivo via electrochemical analysis are reported. This wearable system has sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.54 pg mL−1, high specificity, and 5 days of stability with a coefficient of variation of 4.0%. The system also has a quick response of several hours (1–4 h) to increasing cytokines. This wearable microneedle patch may offer a promising route for real‐time biomolecule wearables construction. The patch is also the first reported integrated capture and monitoring system that is capable of real‐time measurement of protein markers in interstitial fluid.
Engineering Pore Environments of Sulfate‐Pillared Metal‐Organic Framework for Efficient C2H2/CO2 Separation with Record Selectivity
Authors: Liu Xing , Zhang Peixin , Xiong Hanting , Zhang Yan , Wu Ke , Liu Junhui , Krishna Rajamani , Chen Jingwen , Chen Shixia , Zeng Zheling , Deng Shuguang , Wang Jun
Published: March 2023

Engineering pore environments exhibit great potential in improving gas adsorption and separation performances but require specific means for acetylene/carbon dioxide (C2H2/CO2) separation due to their identical dynamic diameters and similar properties. Herein, a novel sulfate‐pillared MOF adsorbent (SOFOUR‐TEPE‐Zn) using 1,1,2,2‐tetra(pyridin‐4‐yl) ethene (TEPE) ligand with dense electronegative pore surfaces is reported. Compared to the prototype SOFOUR‐1‐Zn, SOFOUR‐TEPE‐Zn exhibits a higher C2H2 uptake (89.1 cm3 g−1), meanwhile the CO2 uptake reduces to 14.1 cm3 g−1, only 17.4% of that on SOFOUR‐1‐Zn (81.0 cm3 g−1). The high affinity toward C2H2 than CO2 is demonstrated by the benchmark C2H2/CO2 selectivity (16 833). Furthermore, dynamic breakthrough experiments confirm its application feasibility and good cyclability at various flow rates. During the desorption cycle, 60.1 cm3 g−1 C2H2 of 99.5% purity or 33.2 cm3 g−1 C2H2 of 99.99% purity can be recovered by stepped purging and mild heating. The simulated pressure swing adsorption processes reveal that 75.5 cm3 g−1 C2H2 of 99.5+% purity with a high gas recovery of 99.82% can be produced in a counter‐current blowdown process. Modeling studies disclose four favorable adsorption sites and dense packing for C2H2.
Discovery of Topological Magnetic Textures near Room Temperature in Quantum Magnet TbMn6Sn6
Authors: Li Zhuolin , Yin Qiangwei , Jiang Yi , Zhu ZhaoZhao , Gao Yang , Wang Shouguo , Shen Jun , Zhao Tongyun , Cai Jianwang , Lei Hechang , Lin Shi‐Zeng , Zhang Ying , Shen Baogen
Published: March 2023

The study of topology in quantum materials has fundamentally advanced the understanding in condensed matter physics and potential applications in next‐generation quantum information technology. Recently, the discovery of a topological Chern phase in the spin–orbit‐coupled Kagome lattice TbMn6Sn6 has attracted considerable interest. Whereas these phenomena highlight the contribution of momentum space Berry curvature and Chern gap on the electronic transport properties, less is known about the intrinsic real space magnetic texture, which is crucial for understanding the electronic properties and further exploring the unique quantum behavior. Here, the stabilization of topological magnetic skyrmions in TbMn6Sn6 using Lorentz transmission electron microscopy near room temperature, where the spins experience full spin reorientation transition between the a‐ and c‐axes, is directly observed. An effective spin Hamiltonian based on the Ginzburg–Landau theory is constructed and micromagnetic simulation is performed to clarify the critical role of Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yosida interaction on the stabilization of skyrmion lattice. These results not only uncover nontrivial spin topological texture in TbMn6Sn6, but also provide a solid basis to study its interplay with electronic topology.
Shorted Micro‐Waveguide Array for High Optical Transparency and Superior Electromagnetic Shielding in Ultra‐Wideband Frequency Spectrum
Authors: Liang Yuanlong , Huang Xianjun , Pan Jisheng , Liu Wencong , Wen Kui , Zhai Duocai , Shang Peng , Liu Peiguo
Published: March 2023

While functional materials with both light transmitting and electromagnetic shielding are highly desirable and have made rapid advancements, only very few of them meet the stringent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding criteria for optoelectronic systems. Achieving high optical transparency and superior EMI shielding in a broad frequency spectrum is a remaining challenge in both academic and industrial areas. Herein, a design strategy of shorted micro‐waveguides (SMWs) array to decouple the light transmission and EMI shielding is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The array of SMWs, consisting of cutoff metallic micro‐waveguides and shorting indium tin oxide (ITO) continuous conductive film, exhibits high optical transmittance of 90.4% and superior EMI shielding effectiveness of 60.8 dB on average over ultra‐wide frequency spectrum (0.2–1.3 GHz & 1.7–18 GHz). Compared to previously reported works, an improvement of 17 dB in average shielding effectiveness is achieved under the same level of light transmission, and the shielding frequency spectrum is significantly expanded. The working principle is explained in depth and factors influencing the performance are investigated for design optimization. These outstanding properties enable the transparent shielding material based on SMWs to excel in future applications of EMI shielding for optoelectronic systems.
Anhydrous Superprotonic Conductivity in the Zirconium Acid Triphosphate ZrH5(PO4)3**
Authors: Fop Sacha , Vivani Riccardo , Masci Silvia , Casciola Mario , Donnadio Anna
Published: March 2023

The development of solid‐state proton conductors with high proton conductivity at low temperatures is crucial for the implementation of hydrogen‐based technologies for portable and automotive applications. Here, we report on the discovery of a new crystalline metal acid triphosphate, ZrH5(PO4)3 (ZP3), which exhibits record‐high proton conductivity of 0.5–3.1×10−2 S cm−1 in the range 25–110 °C in anhydrous conditions. This is the highest anhydrous proton conductivity ever reported in a crystalline solid proton conductor in the range 25–110 °C. Superprotonic conductivity in ZP3 is enabled by extended defective frustrated hydrogen bond chains, where the protons are dynamically disordered over two oxygen centers. The high proton conductivity and stability in anhydrous conditions make ZP3 an excellent candidate for innovative applications in fuel cells without the need for complex water management systems, and in other energy technologies requiring fast proton transfer.
Site‐Selective C−H Alkenylation of N‐Heteroarenes by Ligand‐Directed Co/Al and Co/Mg Cooperative Catalysis**
Authors: Saito Yuri , Kikuchi Jun , Wang Chen , Yoshikai Naohiko
Published: March 2023

We report herein the design and development of Co/Al and Co/Mg bimetallic catalysts, supported by a phosphine/secondary phosphine oxide (PSPO) bifunctional ligand, for the site‐selective C−H alkenylation of nitrogen‐containing heteroarenes with alkynes. These catalysts enable the alkenylation of pyridine, pyridone, and imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine derivatives at the C−H site proximal to the Lewis basic nitrogen or oxygen atom, which represents a selectivity profile distinct from that of the previously developed cobalt‐diphosphine/aluminum catalyst. The alkenylated products were obtained in moderate to good yields using various heterocycles and differently substituted internal alkynes. Kinetic isotope effect experiments suggest the irreversibility of the C−H activation step, the relevance of which to the rate‐limiting step depends on the reaction conditions. Density functional theory calculations indicate that ligand‐to‐ligand hydrogen transfer is the common mechanism of C−H activation.
Type I Photosensitizer Targeting G‐Quadruplex RNA Elicits Augmented Immunity for Cancer Ablation
Authors: Chen Wen , Zhang Yuan , Yi Hai‐Bo , Wang Fenglin , Chu Xia , Jiang Jian‐Hui
Published: March 2023

Type I photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents a promising treatment modality for tumors with intrinsic hypoxia. However, type I photosensitizers (PSs), especially ones with near infrared (NIR) absorption, are limited and their efficacy needs improvement via new targeting tactics. We develop a NIR type I PS by engineering acridinium derived donor‐π‐acceptor systems. The PS exhibits an exclusive type I PDT mechanism due to effective intersystem crossing and disfavored energy transfer to O2, and shows selective binding to G‐quadruplexes (G4s) via hydrogen bonds identified by a molecular docking study. Moreover, it enables fluorogenic detection of G4s and efficient O2⋅− production in hypoxic conditions, leading to immunogenic cell death and substantial variations of gene expression in RNA sequencing. Our strategy demonstrates augmented antitumor immunity for effective ablation of immunogenic cold tumor, highlighting its potential of RNA‐targeted type I PDT in precision cancer therapy.
Generative systemic‐constructionist psychotherapy in the face of crisis in the context of armed violence in colombia: Case of MM, Montes de María – Department of Sucre
Authors: Sánchez‐Jiménez Maria Hilda
Published: March 2023

This article aims to show a process of systemic‐constructionist and generative therapy in the face of crisis situations experienced by MM. MM is a woman victim–survivor from the region of Los Montes de María in Colombia, a territory hard hit by armed violence between 1990 and 2008. Methodologically, the fragments presented are those that are repeated in three sessions. Psychotherapeutic work is a combination of dialogical and interactive resources, opportunities, and capacities that combine three kinds of time in MM's daily life. These are: first, the past of the violence; second, the present comprised of the presence of memories of violence, social and family interactions, together with psychiatric diagnoses; and third, the sense of a future based on the hope of reducing their suffering and taking action against the violence. Analysis and interpretation are hermeneutical constructions carried out throughout the psychotherapeutic process and in the midst of generative dialogues. On the one hand, the scientific and everyday knowledge that helps to process and transform the crisis is recognised. On the other hand, it shows a form of knowledge that distances itself from the parameters of science and positivist approaches. In conclusion, this article is an opportunity to question traditional positions within the field of mental health in the light of moments constructed with MM in the framework of systemic‐constructionist therapy, seen as a relational space where generative contexts are built.
The outside and family therapy: A perspective from the relational thinking of Gilles Deleuze
Authors: Argüello Rogelio
Published: March 2023

This article was inspired by a reflection on what unfolded with the COVID‐19 virus, especially how it brought to light the interconnectedness of individual and collective well‐being. This calls for a reassessment of the family therapy approach, which has traditionally focussed on the internal dynamics of the family to explain problems faced by individuals inside the family system without taking into account social, political and historical aspects. This approach, which is referred to in the article as ‘familialism,’ is challenged using the relational philosophy put forward by Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari, and a fresh viewpoint is also given from the concept of the ‘outside.’ This outside perspective seeks to prevent the family system from closing in on itself, allowing for the creation of open systems. By doing so, it is argued, it is possible to incorporate different elements of the social, political and historical order in therapeutic practice and prevent underestimating the complexity of the human experience.
Facile preparation of highly crystalline poly(L‐lactide) films with inversed wettability and their potential application in oil–water separation
Authors: Chen Li , Pang Xiujiang
Published: March 2023

Highly crystallized poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) films with enhanced hydrophobicity are easily prepared by casting PLLA solution into a poor solvent like isopropyl alcohol (IPA). The crystallinity of the PLLA film can be controlled by PLLA's concentration, the kind of poor solvent, and the volume ratio of poor solvent dichloromethane (DCM). Results show the addition of poor solvents obviously accelerate the crystallization of PLLA film and enhance the crystallinity up to 48.7%. A lower volume ratio of IPA/DCM at higher PLLA concentration as well as a higher volume ratio of IPA/DCM at lower PLLA concentration is conducive to raising the crystallinity of the PLLA film. In the meanwhile, microscopy observation and wettability tests confirm the PLLA films present multidimensional microstructure including fibrils, lamellas, and flower‐like stacks or spherulite‐like superstructure, and display high porosity as well as enhanced hydrophobicity. Despite the volume ratio of IPA/DCM, the PLLA films prepared at lower concentrations display higher crystallinity, porosity as well as hydrophobicity than those prepared at higher concentrations. The highly crystalline PLLA films with enhanced porosity and hydrophobicity are supposed to be applied in oil–water separation, and so forth.
Efficient Cyan Delayed Fluorescence Luminogen as Sensitizing Host for OLEDs with High Efficiencies and Extremely Low Roll‐Offs
Authors: Wang Jianghui , Huang Ruishan , Liu Hao , Chen Hao , He Junchu , Tang Ben Zhong , Zhao Zujin
Published: March 2023

Organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) using thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials to sensitizing conventional fluorescence dopants (CFDs) have attracted intensive research interest due to the extraordinary device performances. Herein, a cyan luminogen (TCz‐BP‐SFAC) with TADF and aggregation‐enhanced emission (AEE) character is developed as a sensitizing host for CFDs. TCz‐BP‐SFAC owns excellent thermal and electrochemical stabilities, prefers horizontal dipole orientation and demonstrates violent delayed fluorescence with high photoluminescence quantum yields in neat and doped films. It exhibits preeminent electroluminescence (EL) performances with maximum external quantum efficiencies (ηexts) of 25.1% and 30.0% and very low efficiency roll‐offs. TCz‐BP‐SFAC also performs well as a sensitizing host for CFDs of different colors. When TCz‐BP‐SFAC sensitizing green emitter TTPA and orange emitter TBRB, the devices achieve high ηexts of 16.9% and 17.1% as well as very low efficiency roll‐offs of 2.4% and 1.2%, respectively. Moreover, TCz‐BP‐SFAC can serve as a sensitizing host for two‐color all‐fluorescence white OLEDs, resulting in high ηexts of ∼18% and very low efficiency roll‐offs of ∼5%. The outstanding EL performances predict the great potential of TCz‐BP‐SFAC as emitter and host in practical display and lighting devices.
Beyond conventional aqueous electrolytes: Recent developments in Li‐free “water‐in‐salt” electrolytes for supercapacitors
Authors: Kim Jongyoon , Lee Subin , Lee Dongwook , Yoo Seung Joon
Published: March 2023

Water‐in‐salt electrolyte (WiSE) is an extremely high‐concentration aqueous solution where the salt outnumbers the solvent by weight and/or volume. Supercapacitors (SCs) incorporating lithium‐free WiSE are promising energy storage systems due to their wide electrochemical stability window (ESW), high‐ionic conductivity, low cost, and ecofriendliness. This review provides an overview of WiSE‐based SCs, focusing on physicochemical properties, recent progress, and prospects of non‐lithium WiSE‐based SCs. The mechanisms of how WiSEs exhibit expanded ESW, high‐ionic conductivity, and low‐temperature tolerance are elaborated. Then, we summarized the current strategies for the lithium‐free WiSE‐based SCs categorized by cations (Na+, K+, other metallic cations, and non‐metallic cations). In addition, the utilization of redox additives in WiSE‐based SCs is presented. Finally, current challenges and perspectives for the application of Li‐free WiSE into SCs are provided.
Safety and efficacy of an ultra low dose fluoroscopic protocol for chronic total occlusion recanalization
Authors: Bacci Elodi , Chiarito Mauro , Sanz‐Sanchez Jorge , Leone Pier Pasquale , Gohar Aisha , Novelli Laura , Kovacic Mihajlo , Regazzoli Damiano , Reimers Bernhard , Contorni Francesco , Ghionzoli Nicolò , Cameli Matteo , Gasparini Gabriele L.
Published: March 2023

Background

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) revascularization is a major source of radiation for both patients and physicians. Therefore, efforts to minimize radiation during CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are highly encouraged.

Aims

To evaluate the impact of an Ultra Low fluoroscopic Dose Protocol (ULDP), based on 3.75 frames per second for the fluoroscopy and 7.5 frames per second for the cine acquisition, during CTO PCI.

Methods

One hundred fifty consecutive patients who underwent CTO PCI were retrospectively enrolled. Eighty‐five underwent standard dose protocol (SDP) and 65 ULDP. Radiation exposure and acute clinical outcomes were compared between groups. Results were stratified according to lesion complexity.

Results

Patients undergoing ULDP, as compared to those undergoing SDP, showed a significant reduction of kerma area product, both for simple lesions (6861.0 vs. 13236.0 mGy × cm2; p = 0.014) and complex lesions (CL) (8865.0 vs. 16618.0 mGy × cm2; p < 0.001). Similarly, Air Kerma (AK) was lower when ULDP was used (1222.5 vs. 2015.0 cGy in SL, p = 0.134; 1499.0 vs. 2794.0 cGy in CL, p < 0.001). No significant differences were reported regarding procedural success and in‐hospital major adverse cardiovascular events between groups. Notably, there was not any crossover from ULDO to SDP due to poor quality images. Interestingly, fluoroscopy time, procedural time and contrast volume was significantly lower in patients undergoing ULDP only for CLs.

Conclusions

ULDP significantly reduces radiation exposure in the setting of high complexity procedures such as CTO PCI. This reduction seemed to be greater with increased procedural complexity and did not impact acute success or adverse clinical events.
Degradation Mechanisms of Platinum Group Metal‐Free Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalyst based on Iron Phthalocyanine
Authors: Honig Hilah C. , Elbaz Lior
Published: March 2023

Platinum group metal‐free catalysts have been considered the most promising alternative for platinum‐based catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells. Despite the significant advancement made in activity, their viability as fuel cell catalysts is still questionable due to their low durability. So far, deciphering the degradation mechanisms of this class of catalysts has been hampered by their undefined structure. Herein, we used a molecular model catalyst, iron‐phthalocyanine, featuring Fe−N4 active sites with resemblance to those in the more active Fe−N−C catalysts, and studied their degradation mechanisms. Based on X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and the electrochemical measurements, three main demetallation processes were identified: at potentials higher than 0.65 V vs. RHE, where the metal center is Fe3+, an electrochemical oxidation of the ligand ring is occurring, between 0.6 and 0.2 V vs. RHE, Fenton reagents are produced and attack the catalyst and support, and at lower voltages, where peroxide is produced by the catalyst and the carbon support. The combination of the different iron oxidation states together with the oxygen species directs to different degradation mechanisms. The decay rates obtained in the stability measurements establish what is mainly causing the loss of activity. Thereby, this model molecule can aid in understanding the degradation mechanisms of other platinum group metal‐free oxygen reduction reaction catalysts.
Optimizing computational costs of Spark for SARS‐CoV‐2 sequences comparisons on a commercial cloud
Authors: Nunes Alan L. , Melo Alba , Tadonki Claude , Boeres Cristina , de Oliveira Daniel , de Assumpção Lúcia Maria
Published: March 2023

Cloud computing is currently one of the prime choices in the computing infrastructure landscape. In addition to advantages such as the pay‐per‐use bill model and resource elasticity, there are technical benefits regarding heterogeneity and large‐scale configuration. Alongside the classical need for performance, for example, time, space, and energy, there is an interest in the financial cost that might come from budget constraints. Based on scalability considerations and the pricing model of traditional public clouds, a reasonable optimization strategy output could be the most suitable configuration of virtual machines to run a specific workload. From the perspective of runtime and monetary cost optimizations, we provide the adaptation of a Hadoop applications execution cost model extracted from the literature aiming at Spark applications modeled with the MapReduce paradigm. We evaluate our optimizer model executing an improved version of the Diff Sequences Spark application to perform SARS‐CoV‐2 coronavirus pairwise sequence comparisons using the AWS EC2's virtual machine instances. The experimental results with our model outperformed 80% of the random resource selection scenarios. By only employing spot worker nodes exposed to revocation scenarios rather than on‐demand workers, we obtained an average monetary cost reduction of 35.66% with a slight runtime increase of 3.36%.
Atypical anorexia nervosa diagnosis should exclude those with lifetime anorexia nervosa: Commentary on Walsh, Hagan, and Lockwood (2022)
Authors: Eddy Kamryn T. , Breithaupt Lauren
Published: March 2023

Atypical anorexia nervosa (AN) is not well‐defined. Walsh, Hagan, and Lockwood (2022) review the data on atypical AN published in the last decade demonstrating overwhelming clinical similarities between atypical AN and AN. As written, atypical AN includes at least three clinical presentations that may not have the same underlying illness, and in turn, may have different prognoses and treatment needs: (1) higher‐weight AN; (2) prodromal AN; and (3) partial remission from AN. While useful for the first two presentations, we suggest that the atypical AN diagnosis is not appropriate for those in partial remission from AN. Extant data document symptom fluctuation is part of illness course in AN rather than crossover to a distinct disorder. Further, lifetime AN carries the greatest risk for relapse to low‐weight, premature death, and medical morbidities. Finally, emerging data support unique biobehavioral mechanisms in AN suggesting its combination with atypical AN is premature. Therefore, at this time, we recommend that the atypical AN diagnosis be reserved for those without lifetime AN. We encourage research to test and validate operational definitions of atypical AN and partial remission from AN, and further suggest documentation of lifetime AN across the eating disorders given its prognostic value.
Density Functional Theory Guided Investigation of Ligand‐Induced Neptunyl‐Neptunyl Interactions
Authors: Augustine Logan J. , Pyrch Mikaela Mary F. , Kravchuk Dmytro V. , Williams Jay M. , Mason Sara E. , Forbes Tori Z.
Published: March 2023

Actinyl‐actinyl interactions are particularly prevalent for the pentavalent neptunyl cation (Np(V)O2)+where these interactions appear either as aT‐ orD‐shape (diamond‐shape).T‐shaped interactions have been previously identified in high concentration Np(V) solutions containing simple anions (NO3−, ClO4−, Cl−) whereasD‐shaped have only been isolated in the solid‐state in the presence of carboxylate ligands. In this study, Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were paired with Raman spectroscopy to evaluate the formation ofD‐shaped interactions in the presence of aliphatic (R=H (formate), CH3(acetate), CH2CH3(propionate)) and aromatic (R=C6H5(benzoate), C6H4OH (4‐hydroxybenzoate), C5H4N (isonicotinate)) carboxylate ligands. DFT studies indicate that the ΔGto form hydratedT‐ andD‐shaped forms are not spontaneous but become so with the addition of the carboxylate ligands. Raman spectra of the Np(V) carboxylate solutions contained vibrational modes associated with theD‐shaped interactions, but spectral changes observed over time indicate a dynamic system. Crystallization experiments from the Np(V) carboxylate systems confirmed the presence ofD‐shaped dimers for the aromatic carboxylates, suggesting that the choice of the anion in solution favors actinyl‐actinyl interactions even at low concentrations (≤20 mM) of Np(V).
Methionine Capped Nanoparticles as Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors
Authors: Laban Bojana B. , Lazarević‐Pašti Tamara , Veljović Djordje , Marković Mirjana , Klekotka Urszula
Published: March 2023

The silver and gold L‐methionine capped nanoparticles (Ag and Au @LM NPs) were analyzed as prospective acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors to test their potential in the treatment of cognitive impairment in depression and Alzheimer's disease. The stability of NPs, and their ability to inhibit AChE were studied by UV‐Vis and FTIR spectrophotometry. At the same time, TEM and SEM measurements, DLS, and zeta potential measurements were employed in the structural characterization of NPs. Nearly spherical, negatively charged Ag and Au @LM NPs, with 17 nm and 31 nm in diameter, respectively, showed moderate inhibitory potential toward AChE in the given frame of investigated concentrations. For both NPs IC50 is not reached. Furthermore, the adsorption of enzyme molecules on the surface of Ag and Au @LM NPs was demonstrated. Hence, our assumption is that inhibition of AChE is caused by blockage of the enzyme‘s active site due to the steric hindrance of NPs.
α‐Acrylaldehyde 3‐Pyrrolyl BODIPY as a Specific Optical Sensor for Cysteine and Homocysteine
Authors: Behera Kanhu Charan , Pushpanandan Poornenth , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: March 2023

A new fluorophore, α‐acrylaldehyde 3‐pyrrolyl BODIPY was synthesized by treating 3‐pyrrolyl BODIPY with a mixture of 3‐(dimethylamino) acrolein and POCl3 under Vilsmeier–Haack reaction conditions. The X‐ray structure revealed that the fluorophore was almost planar, and the appended pyrrole was in the same plane with a small deviation from the mean plane. We investigated the potential use of α‐acrylaldehyde 3‐pyrrolyl BODIPY for sensing thiol containing amino acids such as cysteine/homocysteine (Cys/Hcy). Our studies showed that the α‐acrylaldehyde‐ 3‐pyrrolyl BODIPY was found to be useful for exclusive sensing of Cys/Hcy and to exhibit different optical signaling responses to Cys and Hcy at physiological pH in aq. CH3CN (1 : 1 v/v, PBS) medium. The enhancement in optical properties for Cys and quenching in same properties for Hcy was attributed to different binding modes of Cys/Hcy with α‐acrylaldehyde 3‐pyrrolyl BODIPY.
Failure characteristic and acoustic emission spatio‐temporal evolution of coal under different cyclic loading rates
Authors: Liu Bin , Zhao Yixin , Hua Xinzhu , Ling Chunwei , Wang Xiaoliang
Published: March 2023

The coal and rock dynamic disasters occur more and more frequently in deep mining, which is tightly correlated to the instability of coal pillars under high stress and cyclic disturbance load. In this study, the strength, deformation behaviors, and failure mechanism of coal under cyclic loading in a high‐stress state were investigated by considering the influence of cyclic loading rate. The experimental results indicate that the compressive strength is positively correlated with the cyclic loading rate, and the deformation patterns, AE amplitude, and spatial evolution are the same under various cyclic loading rates. The damage variable shows the “slow increase→fast increase→slow increase→ fast increase →slow increase→fast increase→rapid increase” trend. The damage growth rate ranges from 9.32 × 10−5 to 4.86 × 10−3, and increases with the cyclic loading rate. The spatial fractal dimensions under various cyclic loading rates are the same, and the distribution ranges from 2.1 to 2.9, showing a general downward trend. The microfailure mechanism under various cyclic loading rates is mixed failure dominated by tensile failure, with a small amount of shear failure. There is a positive correlation between the percentage of shear cracks and the cyclic loading rates.
Influence of Water Hardness on Chronic Toxicity of Potassium Chloride to a Unionid Mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea)
Authors: Wang Ning , Dorman Rebecca A. , Kunz James L. , Cleveland Danielle , Steevens Jeffery A. , Dunn Suzanne , Martinez A. David
Published: March 2023

Elevated concentrations of potassium (K) often occur in effluents from wastewater treatment plants, oil and gas production operations, mineral extraction processes, and other anthropogenic sources. Previous studies have demonstrated that freshwater mussels are highly sensitive to K in acute and chronic exposures, and that acute toxicity of K decreases with increasing water hardness. However, little is known about the influence of hardness on the chronic toxicity of K. The objective of our study was to evaluate the chronic toxicity of K (tested as KCl) to a commonly tested unionid mussel (fatmucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea) at five hardness levels (25, 50, 100, 200, and 300 mg/L as CaCO3) representing most surface waters in the United States. Chronic 28-day K toxicity tests were conducted with 3-week-old juvenile fatmucket in the five hardness waters using an ASTM International standard method. The maximum acceptable toxicant concentrations (geometric mean of the no-observed-effect concentration and the lowest-observed-effect concentration) increased from 15.1 to 69.3 mg K/L for survival and from 15.1 to 35.8 mg K/L for growth (length and dry wt) and biomass when water hardness was increased from 25 mg/L (soft) to 300 mg/L (very hard). These results provide evidence to support water hardness influence on chronic K toxicity to juvenile fatmucket. However, the chronic effect concentrations based on the more sensitive endpoint (growth or biomass) increased only 2.4-fold from the soft water to the very hard water, indicating that water hardness had a limited influence on the chronic toxicity of K to the mussels. These results can be used to establish chronic toxicity thresholds for K across a broad range of water hardness and to derive environmental guideline values for K to protect freshwater mussels and other organisms. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1085–1093. Published 2023. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Investigating Population-Level Toxicity of the Antidepressant Citalopram in Harpacticoid Copepods Using In Vivo Methods and Bioenergetics-Based Population Modeling
Authors: Koch Josef , De Schamphelaere Karel A. C.
Published: March 2023

Recent research has revealed various lethal and sublethal effects of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram hydrobromide on the harpacticoid copepod Nitocra spinipes. In the present study, an individual-based model (IBM) grounded in the dynamic energy budget (DEB) theory was developed to extrapolate said effects to the population level. Using a generic DEB-IBM as a template, the model was designed to be as simple as possible, keeping model components that are outside the scope of the core DEB theory to a minimum. To test the model, a 56-day population experiment was performed at 0, 100, and 1000 μg citalopram hydrobromide L−1. In the experiment, the populations quickly reached a plateau in the control and at 100 μg L−1, which was correctly reproduced by the model and could be explained by food limitations hindering further population growth. At 1000 μg L−1, a clear mismatch occurred: Whereas in the experiment the population size increased beyond the supposed (food competition–induced) capacity, the model predicted a suppression of the population size. It is assumed that the IBM still misses important components addressing population density–regulating processes. Particularly crowding effects may have played an important role in the population experiment and should be further investigated to improve the model. Overall, the current DEB IBM for N. spinipes should be seen as a promising starting point for bioenergetics-based copepod population modeling, which—with further improvements—may become a valuable individual-to-population extrapolation tool in the future. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1094–1108. © 2023 SETAC
The genomic scale of fluctuating selection in a natural plant population
Authors: Kelly John K.
Published: March 2023

This study characterizes evolution at ≈1.86 million Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) within a natural population of yellow monkeyflower (Mimulus guttatus). Most SNPs exhibit minimal change over a span of 23 generations (less than 1% per year), consistent with neutral evolution in a large population. However, several thousand SNPs display strong fluctuations in frequency. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that these ‘Fluctuating SNPs’ are driven by temporally varying selection. Unlinked loci exhibit synchronous changes with the same allele increasing consistently in certain time intervals but declining in others. This synchrony is sufficiently pronounced that we can roughly classify intervals into two categories, “green” and “yellow,” corresponding to conflicting selection regimes. Alleles increasing in green intervals are associated with early life investment in vegetative tissue and delayed flowering. The alternative alleles that increase in yellow intervals are associated with rapid progression to flowering. Selection on the Fluctuating SNPs produces a strong ripple effect on variation across the genome. Accounting for estimation error, we estimate the distribution of allele frequency change per generation in this population. While change is minimal for most SNPs, diffuse hitchhiking effects generated by selected loci may be driving neutral SNPs to a much greater extent than classic genetic drift.
On the Helical Crystals of Cholesterol Monohydrate
Authors: Addadi Lia , Varsano Neta , Ben Moshe Assaf
Published: March 2023

We review in this short perspective the history of cholesterol crystals and crystal structures. We address in particular the helical crystals that form in vitro and in pathology from environments rich in bile acids or from phospholipid membranes. We review the known mechanisms leading to crystals with chiral morphology, from screw‐dislocation mediated growth to mechanisms involving asymmetric mechanical strain. We propose a mechanism for cholesterol helical crystal development based on the monoclinic cholesterol monohydrate crystal structure. We suggest that curvature arises in few layers thick crystals due to the tension induced between the hydrophobic layer and the ice‐like H‐bonded lattice of the water molecules with the cholesterol hydroxy groups. Helicity would ensue through a combination of the curvature and the fast growth of a thin ribbon in one crystal direction.
Attitudes of Covid‐19 patients toward sharing their health data: A survey‐based study to understand security and privacy concerns
Authors: Moulaei Khadijeh , Iranmanesh Elnaz , Amiri Parasto , Ahmadian Leila
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims

Many people around the world, especially at the time of the Covid‐19 outbreak, are concerned about their e‐health data. The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes of patients with Covid‐19 toward sharing their health data for research and their concerns about security and privacy.

Methods

This survey is a cross‐sectional study conducted through an electronic researcher‐made questionnaire from February to May 2021. Convenience sampling was applied to select the participants and all 475 patients were referred to two to Afzalipour and Shahid Bahonar hospitals were invited to the study. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 204 patients were included in the study and completed the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, and standard deviation) were used to analyze the questionnaire data. SPSS 23.0 was used for data analysis.

Results

Participants tended to share information about “comments provided by individuals on websites” (68.6%), “fitness tracker data” (64.19%), and “online shopping history” (63.21%) before death. Participants also tended to share information about “electronic medical records data” (36.75%), “genetic data” (24.99%), and “Instagram data” (24.99%) after death. “Fraud or misuse of personal information” (4.48 [±1.27]) was the most common concern of participants regarding the virtual world. “Unauthorized access to the account” (4.38 [±0.73]), “violation of the privacy of personal information” (4.26 [±0.85]), and “violation of the patient privacy and personal information confidentially” (4.26 [±0.85]) were the most of the unauthorized security incidents that occurred online for participants.

Conclusion

Patients with Covid‐19 were concerned about releasing information they shared on websites and social networks. Therefore, people should be made aware of the reliability of websites and social media so that their security and privacy are not affected.
Evaluation of the sexual function of men in Kazakhstan during 2021–2022: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sikhymbaev Marat , Ospanova Dinara , Grzhibovsky Andrey , Akkaliyev Merkhat , Kurmanbekov Turar , Tanabayeva Shynar , Saliev Timur , Altynbekov Sagat , Fakhradiyev Ildar
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims

Assessing male sexual function is an important public health issue in every country. In Kazakhstan, there are currently no reliable statistics on male sexual function. The study aimed at the assessment of sexual function in men in Kazakhstan.

Methods

Men between the ages of 18 and 69 from Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent, three of Kazakhstan's biggest cities, were included in the cross‐sectional study in 2021–2022. A standardized and modified Brief Sexual Function Inventory (BSFI) tool was used for participants' interviews. The World Health Organization STEPS questionnaire was employed to gather sociodemographic information, including smoking and alcohol use.

Results

Respondents from three cities:n = 283 from Almaty,n = 254 from Astana, andn = 232 from Shymkent were interviewed. All participants' average age was 39.2 ± 13.4. Kazakhs made up 79.5% of the respondents by nationality; 19.1% who answered questions on physical activity verified that they were involved in high‐intensity labor. According to the BSFI questionnaire, the respondents from Shymkent had an average total score of 2.82 ± 0.92, (p ≤ 0.05), which was higher than the total scores of respondents from Almaty (2.69 ± 0.87) and Astana (2.69 ± 0.95). A relationship was found between sexual dysfunction and age indicators over 55 years. Participants with overweight had a relationship with sexual dysfunction with an odds ratio (OR): 1.84 (p = 0.01). According to the smoking factor, in study participants with sexual dysfunction, a relationship was also determined, OR: 1.42; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79–1.97 (p = 0.001). The presence of high‐intensity activity (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 0.04–1.91), and physical inactivity (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 0.89–1.97) were associated with the presence of sexual dysfunction,p ≤ 0.05.

Conclusions

Our research indicates that men over 50 who smoke, are overweight, and are physically inactive are at risk for sexual dysfunction. Early health promotion may be the most effective method to reduce the negative effects of sexual dysfunction on the health and wellbeing of men over 50.
Nonlinear instability analysis of internally heated convection in a porous layer with the impact of magnetic field and variable gravity
Authors: Ragoju Ravi , Venkateshwar Rao Madharam , Pavani Loka
Published: March 2023

The impact of the magnetic field, heat source, and variable gravity field on the stability of convective phenomena in a porous layer are investigated numerically. Three types of gravity variations, such as linear, parabolic, and cubic functions are considered. For linear and nonlinear theories, the method of normal modes has been employed to solve governing dimensionless equations. It is found that the onset of convection is delayed by increasing the Hartmann number and gravity variation parameter and enhancement of the internal heat source makes the system stable. The subcritical instability region increases as the Hartmann number and gravity variation parameter increase.
Self‐powered transparent photodetector for subretinal visual functions of wide‐field‐of‐view and broadband perception
Authors: Bhatnagar Priyanka , Patel Malkeshkumar , Lee Kibum , Kim Joondong
Published: March 2023

Natural photoreceptors enable color vision in humans, wherein the eyes detect colors and their corresponding intensities via cone and rod photoreceptors, respectively. Herein, we developed an artificial broadband photoreceptor with light‐color intensity detection similar to that of natural photoreceptors. The developed photoreceptor operates in the self‐powered mode and is capable of broadband perception (365–940 nm). The designed metal‐oxide heterojunction (n‐ZnO/p‐NiO) photoreceptor with a thin tin sulfide layer embedded in between is capable of perceiving various colors. It exhibits good transparency in the visible range and displays excellent integration with flexible substrates, highlighting its potential for use in flexible electronics. The fabricated structure has an exceptional response time (≈1 ms) and a wide‐field‐of‐view (150°) compared to the human eye's sensing range (50–100 ms and 108°). The transparent photoreceptor mimics cones and rods to detect a various wavelength‐dependent signals and explicitly differentiate between the intensities of the detected signals, respectively. This is further illustrated by employing the developed photoreceptor to detect colors in real time by generating unique signals corresponding to each color. The demonstration provides the proof of concept for self‐biased flexible bioelectronics emulating high‐performing visual functions of artificial eyes.

image