bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Augsta sprieguma bistabilo viedo logu elektronisko shēmu darbības metožu izpēte
Authors: Maltisovs Matīss
Published: February 2022

Promocijas darba mērķis ir noskaidrot, vai Smectic-A šķidrais kristāls var būt nākamās paaudzes produkts, kas spētu uzlabot cilvēku ikdienu. Šī šķidrā kristāla optiskās īpašības, salīdzinot ar tirgū pieejamajiem produktiem, ir krietni labākas, t. i., gaismas caurlaidība vienā stāvoklī ir > 85 %, otrā < 2 %. Tas paver iespējas produktu izmantot dažādiem nolūkiem, piemēram, viedajiem logiem, lai izkliedētu gaismu saulainā dienā vai sniegtu privātuma sajūta atklātā ofisa telpā. Veikta padziļināta Smectic-A šķidrā kristāla iepriekšējo pētījumu, iegūto eksperimentālo datu un mēģinājumu izstrādāt funkcionālus produktus analīze. Iegūtā informācija detalizēti aprakstīta, izceļot galvenās neatrisinātās problēmas un piedāvājot to risinājumus. Lai saprastu Smectic-A šķidrā kristāla potenciālu viedo logu tehnoloģijā, veikta esošo produktu analīze, sniegts kopsavilkums par aktīvajiem viedajiem logiem un to savstarpējais salīdzinājums. Eksperimentāli izpētīta Smectic-A šķidrā kristāla gaismas caurlaidības un pārslēgšanās ātruma atkarība no pārslēgšanas frekvences, kā arī jaudas patēriņš, balstoties uz pārslēdzamo šķidrā kristāla šūnas laukumu. Izstrādāta metodika, kā noteikt šķidrā kristāla elektriskos parametrus, lai varētu izveidot elektrisko simulācijas modeli un atvieglotu elektronisko sistēmu izstrādi.
Operating Methods of High Voltage Bistable Smart Glass Electronics Systems
Authors: Maltisovs Matīss
Published: February 2022

The Thesis focuses on Smectic-A (SmA) liquid crystals' (LCs) functional behaviour in order to understand if this will be the next generation product that could improve the daily life of the society. The optical properties of this liquid crystal are by far the best compared to the products available in the market, i.e., the light transmittance in transparent state is >85 % and in scatter state <2 %. Enabling the LC to be used for a variety of purposes, such as smart windows to scatter light on a sunny day or provide a sense of privacy in an open type office space. An in-depth literature review discusses the existing studies, obtained experimental data and attempts to develop functional products. The main unresolved problems are highlighted, described in detail and solutions are offered. In order to understand the potential of SmA LC in the smart glass/window technology, analysis of existing products was performed, a summary of an active smart glass/windows provided, and a comparative study between them was made. In addition, an in-depth study of long-term functional stability was performed during which the most popular types of defects were listed and analysed. Solutions for defect elimination and recommendations for optimization of switching systems and production processes are provided. A methodology for determining the electrical parameters of an LC has been developed in order to create an electrical simulation model and facilitate the development of electronic switching systems.
Variability of milk urea, milk urea nitrogen, and ammonia emission from dairy Simmental and Holstein cows based on the milk recording month
Authors: Gavran Mirna , Bešlo Drago , Gregić Maja , Šinka Danko , Steiner Zvonimir , Gantner Vesna
Published: February 2022

The subject of this paper was to define the variability of milk urea, milk urea nitrogen, and ammonia emission from dairy Simmental and Holstein cows relating to months of milk recording through the precision farming methodology. Test-day records of dairy cows used in the statistical analysis were collected over five years. Regarding the parity, the animals were divided into four classes; regarding the recording date, test-day records were divided into twelve recording months, from January to December. The analysis was performed separately for each breed. The significance of the differences between the recording months was tested by the Scheffe’s method of multiple comparisons (using the PROC GLM procedure in SAS). In terms of results, lower ammonia emission per cow was determined in the winter, while the ammonia emission was higher in the summer. Also, higher values of milk urea, milk urea nitrogen, as well as higher ammonia emission per animal, were determined in the Holstein than in Simmental cows.
Engineering of properties of low-dimensional materials via inhomogeneous strain
Authors: Wang Ya-Xun , Guo Di , Li Jian-Gao , Zhang Dong-Bo ,   College of Nuclear Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
Published: February 2022

Low-dimensional material represents a special structure of matter. The exploring of its novel properties is an important frontier subject in the fundamental research of condensed matter physics and material science. Owing to its small length scale in one or two dimensions, low-dimensional materials are usually flexible in structure. This feature together with the prompt electronic response to structural deformations enable us to modulate the material properties via a strain way. The main purpose of this paper is to introduce the recent research progress of obtaining novel physical properties by inhomogeneously straining two-dimensional materials, with focusing on two effects, i.e., pseudomagnetic field effect and the flexoelectric effect. Of course, the influence of inhomogeneous strains on electrons is not limited to these two effects. Fundamentally, an inhomogeneous deformation breaks the symmetry of crystalline structure. This may serve as a start point to delineate the structural-properties relation. First, the symmetry breaking can eliminate the degeneracy of energy levels. Second, the symmetry breaking will also cause the heterogeneity of electronic and phonon properties in different parts of the material.

In the paper, we also introduce a special method named the generalized Bloch theorem that is suitable for dealing with the inhomogeneous strain patterns at an atomistic level. From the perspective of atomistic simulation, due to the breaking of translational symmetry, the standard quantum mechanical calculations encounter fundamental difficulties in dealing with an inhomogeneous strain, e.g., bending and torsion. The generalized Bloch method overcomes such an obstacle by considering rotational and/or screw symmetries given by bending and/or torsion in solving the eigenvalue problem. As such, quantum mechanical calculations can be still conducted with a relatively small number of atoms.
On certain inequalities for the prime counting function – Part II
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, Babeș-Bolyai University, Sándor József
Published: February 2022

As a continuation of [6], we deduce some inequalities of a new type for the prime counting function π(x).
Augmentation of progestin signaling rescues testis organization and spermatogenesis in zebrafish with the depletion of androgen signaling
Authors: Zhai Gang , Shu Tingting , Yu Guangqing , Tang Haipei , Shi Chuang , Jia Jingyi , Lou Qiyong , Dai Xiangyan , Jin Xia , He Jiangyan , Xiao Wuhan , Liu Xiaochun , Yin Zhan
Published: February 2022

Disruption of androgen signaling is known to cause testicular malformation and defective spermatogenesis in zebrafish. However, knockout of cyp17a1, a key enzyme responsible for the androgen synthesis, in ar-/- male zebrafish paradoxically causes testicular hypertrophy and enhanced spermatogenesis. Because Cyp17a1 plays key roles in hydroxylation of pregnenolone and progesterone (P4), and converts 17α-hydroxypregnenolone to dehydroepiandrosterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone to androstenedione, we hypothesize that the unexpected phenotype in cyp17a1-/-;androgen receptor (ar)-/- zebrafish may be mediated through an augmentation of progestin/nuclear progestin receptor (nPgr) signaling. In support of this hypothesis, we show that knockout of cyp17a1 leads to accumulation of 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) and P4. Further, administration of progestin, a synthetic DHP mimetic, is sufficient to rescue testicular development and spermatogenesis in ar-/- zebrafish, whereas knockout of npgr abolishes the rescue effect of cyp17a1-/- in the cyp17a1-/-;ar-/- double mutant. Analyses of the transcriptomes among the mutants with defective testicular organization and spermatogenesis (ar-/-, ar-/-;npgr-/- and cyp17a-/-;ar-/-;npgr-/-), those with normal phenotype (control and cyp17a1-/-), and rescued phenotype (cyp17a1-/-;ar-/-) reveal a common link between a downregulated expression of insl3 and its related downstream genes in cyp17a-/-;ar-/-;npgr-/- zebrafish. Taken together, our data suggest that genetic or pharmacological augmentation of the progestin/nPgr pathway is sufficient to restore testis organization and spermatogenesis in zebrafish with the depletion of androgen signaling.
Identification of bipotent progenitors that give rise to myogenic and connective tissues in mouse
Authors: Grimaldi Alexandre , Comai Glenda , Mella Sebastien , Tajbakhsh Shahragim
Published: February 2022

How distinct cell fates are manifested by direct lineage ancestry from bipotent progenitors, or by specification of individual cell types is a key question for understanding the emergence of tissues. The interplay between skeletal muscle progenitors and associated connective tissue cells provides a model for examining how muscle functional units are established. Most craniofacial structures originate from the vertebrate-specific neural crest cells except in the dorsal portion of the head, where they arise from cranial mesoderm. Here, using multiple lineage-tracing strategies combined with single cell RNAseq and in situ analyses, we identify bipotent progenitors expressing Myf5 (an upstream regulator of myogenic fate) that give rise to both muscle and juxtaposed connective tissue. Following this bifurcation, muscle and connective tissue cells retain complementary signalling features and maintain spatial proximity. Disrupting myogenic identity shifts muscle progenitors to a connective tissue fate. The emergence of Myf5-derived connective tissue is associated with the activity of several transcription factors, including Foxp2. Interestingly, this unexpected bifurcation in cell fate was not observed in craniofacial regions that are colonised by neural crest cells. Therefore, we propose that an ancestral bi-fated program gives rise to muscle and connective tissue cells in skeletal muscles that are deprived of neural crest cells.
Target-specific control of olfactory bulb periglomerular cells by GABAergic and cholinergic basal forebrain inputs
Authors: De Saint Jan Didier
Published: February 2022

The olfactory bulb (OB), the first relay for odor processing in the brain, receives dense GABAergic and cholinergic long-range projections from basal forebrain (BF) nuclei that provide information about the internal state and behavioral context of the animal. However, the targets, impact, and dynamic of these afferents are still unclear. How BF synaptic inputs modulate activity in diverse subtypes of periglomerular (PG) interneurons using optogenetic stimulation and loose cell-attached or whole-cell patch-clamp recording in OB slices from adult mice were studied in this article. GABAergic BF inputs potently blocked PG cells firing except in a minority of calretinin-expressing cells in which GABA release elicited spiking. Parallel cholinergic projections excited a previously overlooked PG cell subtype via synaptic activation of M1 muscarinic receptors. Low-frequency stimulation of the cholinergic axons drove persistent firing in these PG cells, thereby increasing tonic inhibition in principal neurons. Taken together, these findings suggest that modality-specific BF inputs can orchestrate synaptic inhibition in OB glomeruli using multiple, potentially independent, inhibitory or excitatory target-specific pathways.
Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding with Cholecystoduodenal Fistula
Authors: Seo Min Woo
Published: February 2022

Cholecystoduodenal fistula, caused by gallbladder stone, trauma, peptic ulcer disease, and malignancy, is an uncommon cause of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. I report a case of cholecystoduodenal fistula with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and gallbladder cancer. An 85-year-old male, complaining of hematemesis, was presented to the emergency department. Endoscopic examination revealed a 2 cm-sized ulceration at the first portion of the duodenum. Imaging studies, including CT, displayed cholecystoduodenal fistula accompanied with thickened gall bladder wall, air-fluid level in the gall bladder, and multiple hepatic metastatic lesions. The patient was referred for bleeding control surgery; however, he died due to recurrent and massive bleeding before surgery. Since bleeding from cholecystoduodenal fistula is associated with high mortality, early detection is critical for the prognosis. However, there is no typical symptoms and signs of cholecystodudodenal fistula. Additionally, diagnosis of cholecystoduodenal fistula using endoscopy alone was difficult. Therefore, it is recommended to use different diagnostic modalities, including enhanced CT.
Diversity and pathogenicity of Alternaria species associated with the invasive plant Ageratina adenophora and local plants
Authors: Li Yu-Xuan , Dong Xing-Fan , Yang Ai-Ling , Zhang Han-Bo
Published: February 2022

Pathogen accumulation after introduction is unavoidable for exotic plants over a long period of time. Therefore, it is important to understand whether plant invasion promotes novel pathogen emergence and increases the risk of pathogen movement among agricultural, horticultural, and wild native plants. In this study, we used multiple gene analysis to characterize the species composition of 104 isolates of Alternaria obtained from the invasive plant Ageratina adenophora and native plants from Yunnan, Hubei, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Guangxi in China. Phylogenetically, these strains were from A. alternata (88.5%), A. gossypina (10.6%) and A. steviae (0.9%). There was a high amount of sharing between strains associated with A. adenophora and with local plants. Pathogenicity tests indicated that most of these Alternaria strains are generalists; the isolates with a wider host range were more virulent to the plant. Woody plants were more resistant to these strains than herbaceous plants and vines. However, the invasive plant A. adenophora was highly sensitive to these strains. Our data are valuable for understanding how A. adenophora invasion impacts the Alternaria species composition of the native plant and whether A. adenophora invasion causes potential disease risks in invaded ecosystems.
Isolation and characterization of peritoneal microvascular pericytes
Authors: Tang Lei , Shi Jun , Yu Manshu , Shan Yun , Zhao Juan , Sheng Meixiao
Published: February 2022

As a potential source of myofibroblasts, pericytes may play a role in human peritoneal fibrosis. The culture of primary vascular pericytes in animals has previously been reported, most of which are derived from cerebral and retinal microvasculature. Here, in the field of peritoneal dialysis, we describe a method to isolate and characterize mouse peritoneal microvascular pericytes. The mesenteric tissues of five mice were collected and digested by type II collagenase and type I DNase. After cell attachment, the culture fluid was replaced with pericyte‐conditioned medium. Pericytes with high purity (99.0%) could be isolated by enzymatic disaggregation combined with conditional culture and magnetic activated cell sorting. The primary cells were triangular or polygonal with protrusions, and confluent cell culture could be established in 3 days. The primary pericytes were positive for platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐β, α‐smooth muscle actin, neuron‐glial antigen 2, and CD13. Moreover, they promoted formation of endothelial tubes, and pericyte–myofibroblast transition occurred after treatment with transforming growth factor‐β1. In summary, we describe here a reproducible isolation protocol for primary peritoneal pericytes, which may be a powerful tool for in vitro peritoneal fibrosis studies.
Association of Diabetes Mellitus Status and Hyperglycemia With Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Zheng Jiazhen , Huang Xihao , Huang Jinghan , Meng Bingyao , Li Furong , Liu Huamin , Chen Liren , Zhou Rui , Zou Mengchen , Wu Xianbo
Published: February 2022

Objective

Emerging evidence indicates that hyperglycemia has an adverse impact on the knee joint which, in turn, may increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis (OA), but evidence from the real‐life settings of large‐scale cohort studies remains unclear. We sought to evaluate the association of glycemic control and the risk of symptomatic knee OA in a community‐based cohort of older adults.

Methods

We conducted a prospective analysis of 10,730 participants without knee OA. Comprehensive blood biomarker data were obtained. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was defined mainly using a glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of ≥6.5%; poor glycemic control in individuals with DM was defined as an HbA1c level of ≥7%. We fit Cox regression models, stratified according to DM status. We evaluated the hazards associated with HbA1c and fasting blood glucose levels using a spline model.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 5 years, knee OA developed in 1,089 participants (108 with DM and 971 without). Knee OA was related to DM (hazard ratio [HR] 1.29 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.02–1.78]), bad glycemic regulation in DM patients (HR 1.41 [95% CI 1.05–2.09]), and long‐term DM (≥5 versus <5 years; HR 1.49 [95% CI 1.02–2.17]). High levels of HbA1c (>7.7% and 61 mmoles/mole) and fasting blood glucose (>186 mg/dl) were significantly associated with higher risk of incident knee OA.

Conclusion

DM, bad glycemic management, and long‐term DM are potential risk factors of symptomatic knee OA independent of age and body mass index. Targeting blood glucose, in addition to bodyweight, may be an important avenue for prevention of knee OA.
Agreement Among Multiple Observers on Crystal Identification by Synovial Fluid Microscopy
Authors: Bernal José‐Antonio , Andrés Mariano , López‐Salguero Salvador , Jovaní Vega , Vela‐Casasempere Paloma , Pascual Eliseo
Published: February 2022

Objective

Despite the fact that polarized microscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosing crystal arthritis, some uncertainties hamper full implementation in clinical practice. We undertook this study to analyze the agreement among multiple observers in crystal identification using compensated polarized microscopy, as well as to assess potential outcome modifiers.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional, observational study with consecutive synovial fluid sampling. Samples were immediately analyzed when possible or kept refrigerated at 4°C. Five observers analyzed them separately, blinded to clinical data, using a compensated polarized optical microscope (400×), through 3 stages (ordinary, simple polarized, and compensated polarized light) to detect and identify crystals. They recorded the presence and type of crystal (no crystals, monosodium urate [MSU], and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate [CPP]). Interrater agreement was measured by Cohen's kappa. Subanalyses were performed on visualization delay and cumulative expertise. Discrepancies between each stage of the microscopy and the final decision were also examined.

Results

A total of 250 observations from 50 samples completed full assessment. Overall, κ = 0.74 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.64–0.84), indicating good agreement. Agreement for crystal detection was κ = 0.71 (95% CI 0.59–0.82), for MSU was κ = 0.88 (95% CI 0.75–1.0), and for CPP was κ = 0.69 (95% CI 0.56–0.82). Most of the crystal identifications were already made by ordinary light. No differences between observations made before or after 24 hours (P = 0.859) or in expertise on crystal analysis (P = 0.989) were found. Observations performed under ordinary light matched the final diagnosis in 96.8% of cases (242 of 250).

Conclusion

Compensated polarized microscopy remained consistent in detecting and identifying crystals in synovial fluid, even when examined among multiple observers, confirming its high utility for clinical practice.
Water/Ionic Liquid/Succinonitrile Hybrid Electrolytes for Aqueous Batteries
Authors: Reber David , Borodin Oleg , Becker Maximilian , Rentsch Daniel , Thienenkamp Johannes Helmut , Grissa Rabeb , Zhao Wengao , Aribia Abdessalem , Brunklaus Gunther , Battaglia Corsin , Kühnel Ruben‐Simon
Published: February 2022

The water‐in‐salt concept has significantly improved the electrochemical stability of aqueous electrolytes, and the hybridization with organic solvents or ionic liquids has further enhanced their reductive stability, enabling cell chemistries with up to 150 Wh kg−1 of active material. Here, a large design space is opened by introducing succinonitrile as a cosolvent in water/ionic liquid/succinonitrile hybrid electrolytes (WISHEs). By means of succinonitrile addition, the solubility limits can be fully circumvented, and the properties of the electrolytes can be optimized for various metrics such as highest electrochemical stability, maximum conductivity, or lowest cost. While excessive nitrile fractions render the mixtures flammable, careful selection of component ratios yields highly performant, nonflammable electrolytes that enable stable cycling of Li4Ti5O12–LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 full cells over a wide temperature range with strong rate performance, facilitated by the fast conformational dynamics of succinonitrile. The WISHEs allow stable cycling with a maximum energy density of ≈140 Wh kg−1 of active material, Coulombic efficiencies of close to 99.5% at 1C, and a capacity retention of 53% at 10C relative to 1C.
Defect‐Engineered Graphene/Si3N4Multilayer Alternating Core‐Shell Nanowire Membrane: A Plainified Hybrid for Broadband Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Authors: Liang Jie , Ye Fang , Cao Yuchen , Mo Ran , Cheng Laifei , Song Qiang
Published: February 2022

To tackle the increasing electromagnetic pollution, broadband electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption materials are urgently needed. Toward this goal, traditional strategies resort to the construction of multicomponent dielectric/magnetic hybrid materials, including ternary, quaternary, or even more complicated systems. However, they always suffer from many intrinsic drawbacks in practical applications. Herein, a theory‐directed strategy is presented to design plainified EMW absorption materials (binary hybrids) via amplified interface effects, which are based on well‐designed multilayer alternating core‐shell nanostructures by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). A defect‐engineered CVD graphene (DG) core composed of graphitic open edges and in‐plane defects is used as a lossy phase. Correspondingly, a CVD Si3N4layer with nanometer thickness is used as an impedance matching shell. By optimizing the alternating numbers of DG/Si3N4units, enhanced interface polarization and strong frequency dispersion behavior of permittivity (especially the real part, ε′) are obtained, which helps the plainified binary hybrids to reach an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 8.0 GHz at a thickness of 2.7 mm. Moreover, these plainified hybrids show excellent thermal and pH stability. Even after 1000 °C oxidation, for example, an EAB of 7.44 GHz coupling with a minimum reflection coefficient of −77.3 dB is still achieved.
Rational Design of Electrolyte Solvation Structures for Modulating 2e−/4e− Transfer in Sodium–Air Batteries
Authors: Yang Xiecheng , Peng Chao , Hou Minjie , Zhang Da , Yang Bin , Xue Dongfeng , Lei Yong , Liang Feng
Published: February 2022

In sodium–air batteries (SABs), achieving the regulation of the electron transfer number during oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) in the same electrolyte system remains a significant challenge. In this work, a promising strategy is proposed to dynamically modulate 2e−/4e− transfer in ORRs by regulating the electrolyte structures to realize the different performances of SABs. The 4e− ORR can be realized by decreasing the electrolyte concentration. The solvation sheath of Na+ at dilute concentrations consists mainly of water molecules that hinder the access of Na+ to the cathode surface due to the high solvation energies indicated by theoretical calculations, thereby impeding the 2e− reaction. In contrast, excess free water can easily access the cathode surface and trigger the 4e− ORR. The solvation energies of Na+ can be remarkably reduced by increasing the electrolyte concentration, forming a water‐in‐salt unit, in which the Na+ mainly coordinates with the bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide anion and can be easily released from the solvation sheath. Hence, the 2e− ORR is significantly promoted and becomes the dominant reaction. The SAB based on the 2e− reaction exhibits excellent energy density (15980 Wh kg−1) and good cycle performance (300 times), and the 4e− reaction exhibits excellent power density (12.09 mW cm−2).
Ultrahigh Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction Efficiency and Selectivity Manipulation by Single‐Tungsten‐Atom Oxide at the Atomic Step of TiO2
Authors: Feng Yibo , Wang Cong , Cui Peixin , Li Chong , Zhang Bin , Gan Liyong , Zhang Shengbai , Zhang Xiaoxian , Zhou Xiaoyuan , Sun Zhiming , Wang Kaiwen , Duan Youyu , Li Hui , Zhou Kai , Huang Hongwei , Li Ang , Zhuang Chunqiang , Wang Lihua , Zhang Ze , Han Xiaodong
Published: February 2022

The photocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction is a sustainable route to the direct conversion of greenhouse gases into chemicals without additional energy consumption. Given the vast amount of greenhouse gas, numerous efforts have been devoted to developing inorganic photocatalysts, e.g., titanium dioxide (TiO2), due to their stability, low cost, and environmentally friendly properties. However, a more efficient TiO2 photocatalyst without noble metals is highly desirable for CO2 reduction, and it is both difficult and urgent to produce selectively valuable compounds. Here, a novel “single‐atom site at the atomic step” strategy is developed by anchoring a single tungsten (W) atom site with oxygen‐coordination at the intrinsic steps of classic TiO2 nanoparticles. The composition of active sites for CO2 reduction can be controlled by tuning the additional W5+ to form W5+–O–Ti3+ sites, resulting in both significant CO2 reduction efficiency with 60.6 μmol g−1 h−1 and selectivity for methane (CH4) over carbon monoxide (CO), which exceeds those of pristine TiO2 by more than one order of magnitude. The mechanism relies on the accurate control of the single‐atom sites at step with 22.8% coverage of surface sites and the subsequent excellent electron–hole separation along with the favorable adsorption–desorption of intermediates at the sites.
A Gradient pH‐Sensitive Polymer‐Based Antiviral Strategy via Viroporin‐Induced Membrane Acidification
Authors: Sun Yizhe , Gong Lidong , Yin Yue , Zhang Lei , Sun Qiangming , Feng Kai , Cui Yimin , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Xuehui , Deng Xuliang , You Fuping , Lu Dan , Lin Zhiqiang
Published: February 2022

Lipid‐membrane‐targeting strategies hold great promise to develop broad‐spectrum antivirals. However, it remains a big challenge to identify novel membrane‐based targets of viruses and virus‐infected cells for development of precision targeted approaches. Here, it is discovered that viroporins, viral‐encoded ion channels, which have been reported to mediate release of hydrogen ions, trigger membrane acidification of virus‐infected cells. Through development of a fine‐scale library of gradient pH‐sensitive (GPS) polymeric nanoprobes, the cellular membrane pH transitions are measured from pH 6.8–7.1 (uninfection) to pH 6.5–6.8 (virus‐infection). In response to the subtle pH alterations, the GPS polymer with sharp response at pH 6.8 (GPS6.8) selectively binds to virus‐infected cell membranes or the viral envelope, and even completely disrupts the viral envelope. Accordingly, GPS6.8 treatment exerts suppressive effects on a wide variety of viruses including SARS‐CoV‐2 through triggering viral‐envelope lysis rather than affecting immune pathway or viability of host cells. Murine viral‐infection models exhibit that supplementation of GPS6.8 decreases viral titers and ameliorates inflammatory damage. Thus, the gradient pH‐sensitive nanotechnology offers a promising strategy for accurate detection of biological pH environments and robust interference with viruses.
Boron Phosphide Films by Reactive Sputtering: Searching for a P‐Type Transparent Conductor
Authors: Crovetto Andrea , Adamczyk Jesse M. , Schnepf Rekha R. , Perkins Craig L. , Hempel Hannes , Bauers Sage R. , Toberer Eric S. , Tamboli Adele C. , Unold Thomas , Zakutayev Andriy
Published: February 2022

With an indirect band gap in the visible and a direct band gap at a much higher energy, boron phosphide (BP) holds promise as an unconventional p‐type transparent conductor. This work reports on reactive sputtering of amorphous BP films, their partial crystallization in a P‐containing annealing atmosphere, and extrinsic doping by C and Si. The highest hole concentration to date for p‐type BP (5 × 1020cm−3) is achieved using C doping under B‐rich conditions. Furthermore, bipolar doping is confirmed to be feasible in BP. An anneal temperature of at least 1000 °C is necessary for crystallization and dopant activation. Hole mobilities are low and indirect optical transitions are stronger than that predicted by theory. Low crystalline quality probably plays a role in both cases. High figures of merit for transparent conductors might be achievable in extrinsically doped BP films with improved crystalline quality.
3D and 4D Printing of Complex Structures of FeMnSi‐Based Shape Memory Alloy Using Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Kim Dohyung , Ferretto Irene , Leinenbach Christian , Lee Wookjin
Published: February 2022

The additive manufacturing of shape memory materials, commonly known as 4D printing, facilitates the achievement of a complex 3D structure that possesses a temperature‐dependent shape change functionality. Herein, it is demonstrated that complex 3D structures of Fe‐based shape memory alloys (Fe‐SMAs) can be produced through a 3D printing process of laser powder bed fusion (L‐PBF). The 3D printed Fe‐SMA shows good mechanical properties with much higher strength and stiffness than those in shape memory polymers. The printed Fe‐SMAs manifest shape recovery behavior, demonstrating that material‐inherent functional behaviors can be combined with the functionalities of the complex 3D structures to facilitate shape morphing, self‐healing, and auxetic behavior and to achieve a lattice structure with extraordinary specific strength.
Optical Properties and Optimization of LaB6 Thin Films for Photothermal Applications
Authors: Sugavaneshwar Ramu Pasupathi , Handegård Ørjan Sele , Doan Anh Tung , Ngo Thien Duc , Tran Toan Phuoc , Ngo Hai Dang , Dao Thang Duy , Ishii Satoshi , Otani Shigeki , Nagao Tadaaki
Published: February 2022

The growth of highly crystalline LaB6 films with an excellent optical response and low loss is reported, which will be useful for high‐performance photothermal device applications when combined with their inherent refractory properties. Optimum growth parameters for realizing uniaxial and coherent LaB6 thin films, exhibiting an excellent plasmonic response for near‐ to mid‐infrared device applications, are established. Numerical electromagnetic simulations of the epitaxial LaB6 nanostructures revealed that the electromagnetic field at the LaB6 surface can be as high as that of the Au nanostructures. Furthermore, the LaB6 nanostructures show resonance in the visible (red) to mid‐infrared region comparable to those of Au with the added advantage of improved temperature stability that can withstand harsh photothermal device operations.
Near‐Infrared Electroluminescent Light‐Emitting Transistors Based on CVD‐Synthesized Ambipolar ReSe2 Nanosheets
Authors: Mathew Roshan Jesus , Cheng Kai‐Hsiang , Hsu Ching‐Hong , Chand Pradyumna Kumar , Paul Inbaraj Christy Roshini , Peng Yu‐Lou , Yang Jung‐Yen , Lee Chih‐Hao , Chen Yit‐Tsong
Published: February 2022

Near‐infrared light‐emitting technology is ideal for noncontact diagnostic medical imaging and high‐speed data communications. High‐quality ReSe2 nanosheets of anisotropic single‐crystal structure with a bandgap of 1.26 eV (≈984 nm) are synthesized with an atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) method. The as‐synthesized ReSe2 nanosheets‐fabricated light‐emitting transistors (LETs) exhibit nearly symmetric ambipolar characteristics in electrical transport. Judicious selection of asymmetric platinum (Pt)/chromium (Cr) electrodes, with their work functions matching respectively the conduction‐ and valence‐band edges of ambipolar ReSe2, generates a low turn‐on voltage ReSe2‐LET with the balanced number density and field‐effect mobility of bipolar carriers (i.e., electrons and holes). Room‐temperature near‐infrared electroluminescence (NIR EL) from the frequency‐modulated ReSe2‐LET has been observed unprecedentedly with the assistance of a lock‐in detection system. The NIR EL intensity is tested by varying the bias voltage applied to the ReSe2‐LET devices with different channel lengths. The wavelength of the NIR EL from ReSe2‐LET is differentiated with optical bandpass filters. Room‐temperature angle‐dependent two lobe‐shaped EL pattern manifests the inherent anisotropic in‐plane excitonic polarization of the ReSe2 crystal. The highly stable NIR EL from ReSe2‐LETs provides prospective 2D material‐based ultrathin scalable data communication electronics for future development.
Atomic‐Scale Observation of Off‐Centering Rattlers in Filled Skutterudites
Authors: Ge Zhen‐Hua , Li Wen‐Jie , Feng Jing , Zheng Fengshan , Jia Chun‐Lin , Wu Di , Jin Lei
Published: February 2022

As one of the most fundamental order parameters, the coordinate order of atoms is a cornerstone in determining the physical and chemical properties of materials. Off‐centering shifts of atoms from their centrosymmetric positions, a phenomenon that is closely related to symmetry breaking and structural transitions in crystals, is of key importance in modifying a broad range of fundamental properties, such as ferroelectricity, antiferroelectricity, and piezoelectricity. In thermoelectric materials, which can be used to directly interconvert heat to electricity, off‐centering has been proposed in, e.g., lead tellurides, halide perovskites, type I and II clathrates, and filled skutterudites, to be the physical origin of the experimentally measured exceptionally low thermal conductivity, but only indirectly supported from structural refinements and experimental/theoretical vibration mode analyses. In this work, Yb partially filled and Ce fully filled skutterudite is taken as a model system for directly measuring the off‐centering shifts of filler atoms, i.e., rattlers, with picometer precision in real space, by means of atomic‐resolution negative spherical aberration imaging transmission electron microscopy. This finding allows an in‐depth understanding of the relationship between the off‐centering and the thermoelectric performance, and the presented methodology here is also applicable to investigate the off‐centering phenomena in other functional materials, e.g., ferroelectrics and solar cells.
High‐Frequency Light Rectification by Nanoscale Plasmonic Conical Antenna in Point‐Contact‐Insulator‐Metal Architecture
Authors: Mupparapu Rajeshkumar , Cunha Joao , Tantussi Francesco , Jacassi Andrea , Summerer Leopold , Patrini Maddalena , Giugni Andrea , Maserati Lorenzo , Alabastri Alessandro , Garoli Denis , Proietti Zaccaria Remo
Published: February 2022

Numerous efforts have been undertaken to develop rectifying antennas operating at high frequencies, especially dedicated to light harvesting and photodetection applications. However, the development of efficient high frequency rectifying antennas has been a major technological challenge both due to a lack of comprehension of the underlying physics and limitations in the fabrication techniques. Various rectification strategies have been implemented, including metal‐insulator‐metal traveling‐wave diodes, plasmonic nanogap optical antennas, and whisker diodes, although all show limited high‐frequency operation and modest conversion efficiencies. Here a new type of rectifying antenna based on plasmonic carrier generation is demonstrated. The proposed structure consists of a resonant metallic conical nano‐antenna tip in contact with the oxide surface of an oxide/metal bilayer. The conical shape allows for an improved current generation based on plasmon‐mediated electromagnetic‐to‐electron conversion, an effect exploiting the nanoscale‐tip contact of the rectifying antenna, and proportional to the antenna resonance and to the surface‐electron scattering. Importantly, this solution provides rectification operation at 280 THz (1064 nm) with a 100‐fold increase in efficiency compared to previously reported results. Finally, the conical rectifying antenna is also demonstrated to operate at 384 THz (780 nm), hence paving a way toward efficient rectennas toward the visible range.
A New PEDOT Derivative for Efficient Organic Solar Cell with a Fill Factor of 0.80
Authors: Kang Qian , Liao Qing , Yang Chenyi , Yang Yi , Xu Bowei , Hou Jianhui
Published: February 2022

Although PEDOT:PSS is the most prominently used conducting polymer as hole transporting layer (HTL) material in organic solar cells (OSCs), the strong acidity of PEDOT:PSS has been proved to cause corrosion on electrodes, which is largely responsible for device instability. At present, the development of a non‐corrosive and stable PEDOT with comparable performance to PEDOT:PSS remains a great challenge in the field. Herein, a solid n‐PEDOT:POM powder with neutral pH is synthesized by utilizing polyoxometalate (POM) as an oxidizing reagent, which exhibits excellent water solubility, high chemical stability, and superior hole collection ability. Impressively, an amazing fill factor of 0.80 along with a photovoltaic efficiency of 17.62% is obtained in the OSC by using n‐PEDOT:POM as the HTL, suggesting an exceptional hole collection ability for n‐PEDOT:POM. In addition, the neutral pH of PEDOT:PSS effectively improves the long‐term stability of OSCs. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results reveal that, compared to the electrode/PEDOT:PSS interface, the permeation of dissociative indium from the electrode to n‐PEDOT:POM can be greatly retarded, which proves the non‐corrosive effect of n‐PEDOT:POM and its improvement of device stability. The successful preparation of a non‐corrosive and stable PEDOT derivative without sacrificing its hole collection ability provides the most fruitful new insight into developing high‐performance HTL materials.
Favorable Energy Band Alignment of TiO2 Anatase/Rutile Heterophase Homojunctions Yields Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution with Quantum Efficiency Exceeding 45.6%
Authors: Ruan Xiaowen , Cui Xiaoqiang , Cui Yi , Fan Xiaofeng , Li Zhiyun , Xie Tengfeng , Ba Kaikai , Jia Guangri , Zhang Haiyan , Zhang Lei , Zhang Wei , Zhao Xiao , Leng Jing , Jin Shengye , Singh David J. , Zheng Weitao
Published: February 2022

Developing the technology for high yielding photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions is an important challenge. Development and optimization of photocatalytic junctions is a likely route for achieving this if heterojunctions with suitable band alignments can be achieved in sufficiently high‐density form. Here, a novel anatase‐TiO2/H‐rutile‐TiO2 heterophase homojunction system with near optimum energy band alignment is reported. The resulting as‐prepared catalyst exhibits an excellent photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 29.63 mmol g–1 h–1 under UV–vis light irradiation and an outstanding apparent quantum efficiency of 45.6% at 365 nm. The significant improvement is ascribed to near perfect lattice matching in combination with the rapid separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers in anatase‐TiO2/H‐rutile‐TiO2 heterophase homojunctions. In situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron spin resonance spin‐trapping tests, femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, steady‐state surface photovoltage spectroscopy, and transient‐state surface photovoltage with additional ex situ characterizations and theoretical calculations show that the mechanism is enhanced transfer of photogenerated carriers in the anatase‐TiO2/H‐rutile‐TiO2 catalyst. This work provides a pathway for enhancing photocatalytic performance through optimization of heterojunctions.
A relationship among the blood serum levels of interleukin‐6, albumin, and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and frailty in elderly patients with chronic coronary syndrome
Authors: Dai Jing‐rong , Li, Jie , He, Xu , Huang, Hong , Li Yan
Published: February 2022

Background

With the aggravation of the aging of the world population, frailty has become one of the common complications in elderly people. Its diagnosis is not objective, the pathogenesis is not clear, and interventions are not sound, thus intensifying the problem. Furthermore, frailty is closely associated with the occurrence and poor prognosis of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. Moreover, few studies report on the prevalence of frailty in elderly patients with the chronic coronary syndrome (CCS).

Objective

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of frailty in elderly patients with CCS. We analyzed the correlation between the blood serum levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), albumin (Alb), and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) with frailty in elderly patients with CCS. We have also provided recommendations for helping the objective diagnosis as well as proposed new intervention methods in the future.

Methods

Two hundred eight‐eight inpatients (≥60 years) with the chronic coronary syndrome were recruited at the Department of Geriatrics, the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, China. General information and laboratory examination data were collected. The comprehensive geriatric assessment was conducted via an internet‐based platform of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (inpatient version) developed by us, among which frailty was assessed by the Chinese version of Fried Frailty Phenotype, a component of the assessment scale.

Results

Among the total number of old patients with CCS, 87 (30.2%) had no frailty, 93 (32.3%) had early frailty, and 108 (37.5%) had frailty. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for confounding factors, IL‐6 (OR = 1.066, 95% CI 1.012–1.127), Alb (OR = 0.740, 95% CI 0.560–0.978), and 25(OH)D (OR = 0.798, 95% CI 0.670–0.949) were independently associated with frailty in the three groups of models.

Conclusion

IL‐6 proved to be a risk factor for frailty in elderly patients with CCS, while Alb and 25(OH)D were protective factors, which make the potential targets for predicting and intervening frailty in elderly patients with CCS.
Predator avoidance and food patch proximity influence sleeping site use of Assamese macaques in a limestone forest of Southwest Guangxi, China
Authors: Liu Guanghua , Liu Shengyuan , Li Youbang , Huang Zhonghao
Published: February 2022

Objectives

We investigated the sleeping site use of one group of Assamese macaques in Southwest Guangxi, China. We examined their behavioral adaptation to limestone forests by evaluating hypotheses of predator avoidance, food proximity, and range or resource defense.

Materials and Methods

We recorded the locations of sleeping sites on a topographic map using a grid cell method and mapped the use of foraging patches within the home range.

Results

Assamese macaques used 19 different sleeping sites, mainly located on cliffs. They rapidly entered sleeping sites and then remained silent. They preferred three sites but never used them for more than four consecutive nights. Sleeping site use was positively correlated with the number of surrounding foraging patches, but the distances between sleeping sites and the last/first feeding areas (84.16 ± 41.26 and 94.88 ± 45.83 m, respectively) were not affected by seasonal fluctuations in fruit availability; these distances were longer than those predicted under a multiple central place foraging (MCPF) strategy but shorter than those predicted under a central place foraging (CPF) strategy. The observed distances between the sleeping sites and the first feeding areas in the rainy season were similar to the predicted distances of an MCPF strategy. The macaques slept in peripheral parts of their home range as expected, and there were no conflicts with neighboring groups.

Discussion

Sleeping site use was strongly affected by predator avoidance and proximity to food resources, but not by resource defense. The vertical distribution of sleeping sites on hills was not influenced by fruit availability. The macaques are closer to using an MCPF strategy to maximize food harvest efficiency, particularly in the rainy season. Assamese macaques' sleeping site use in limestone forests supports the hypotheses of predator avoidance and food proximity.
CSF biomarkers and plasma p‐tau181 as predictors of longitudinal tau accumulation: Implications for clinical trial design
Authors: Moscoso Alexis , Karikari Thomas K. , Grothe Michel J. , Ashton Nicholas J. , Lantero‐Rodriguez Juan , Snellman Anniina , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Schöll Michael
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Clinical trials targeting tau in Alzheimer's disease (AD) need to recruit individuals at risk of tau accumulation. Here, we studied cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers and plasma phosphorylated tau (p‐tau)181 as predictors of tau accumulation on positron emission tomography (PET) to evaluate implications for trial designs.

Methods

We included older individuals who had serial tau‐PET scans, baseline amyloid beta (Aβ)‐PET, and baseline CSF biomarkers (n = 163) or plasma p‐tau181 (n = 74). We studied fluid biomarker associations with tau accumulation and estimated trial sample sizes and screening failure reductions by implementing these markers into participant selection for trials.

Results

P‐tau181 in CSF and plasma predicted tau accumulation (r > 0.36, P < .001), even in AD‐continuum individuals with normal baseline tau‐PET (A+T–; r > 0.37, P < .05). Recruitment based on CSF biomarkers yielded comparable sample sizes to Aβ‐PET. Prescreening with plasma p‐tau181 reduced up to ≈50% of screening failures.

Discussion

Clinical trials testing tau‐targeting therapies may benefit from using fluid biomarkers to recruit individuals at risk of tau aggregation.
Versatile Vibrational Energy Sensors for Proteins
Authors: Löffler Jan G. , Deniz Erhan , Feid Carolin , Franz Valentin G. , Bredenbeck Jens
Published: February 2022

Vibrational energy transfer (VET) is emerging as key mechanism for protein functions, possibly playing an important role for energy dissipation, allosteric regulation, and enzyme catalysis. A deep understanding of VET is required to elucidate its role in such processes. Ultrafast VIS‐pump/IR‐probe spectroscopy can detect pathways of VET in proteins. However, the requirement of having a VET donor and a VET sensor installed simultaneously limits the possible target proteins and sites; to increase their number we compare six IR labels regarding their utility as VET sensors. We compare these labels in terms of their FTIR, and VET signature in VET donor‐sensor dipeptides in different solvents. Furthermore, we incorporated four of these labels in PDZ3 to assess their capabilities in more complex systems. Our results show that different IR labels can be used interchangeably, allowing for free choice of the right label depending on the system under investigation and the methods available.