bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monotone recursive types and recursive data representations in Cedille
Authors: Jenkins Christopher , Stump Aaron
Published: December 2021

Guided by Tarksi’s fixpoint theorem in order theory, we show how to derive monotone recursive types with constant-time roll and unroll operations within Cedille, an impredicative, constructive, and logically consistent pure typed lambda calculus. This derivation takes place within the preorder on Cedille types induced by type inclusions, a notion which is expressible within the theory itself. As applications, we use monotone recursive types to generically derive two recursive representations of data in lambda calculus, the Parigot and Scott encoding. For both encodings, we prove induction and examine the computational and extensional properties of their destructor, iterator, and primitive recursor in Cedille. For our Scott encoding in particular, we translate into Cedille a construction due to Lepigre and Raffalli (2019) that equips Scott naturals with primitive recursion, then extend this construction to derive a generic induction principle. This allows us to give efficient and provably unique (up to function extensionality) solutions for the iteration and primitive recursion schemes for Scott-encoded data.
Socio-economic patterning of food and drink advertising at public transport stops in Edinburgh, UK
Authors: Robertson Tony , Jepson Ruth , Lambe Kyle , Olsen Jonathan R , Thornton Lukar E
Published: December 2021

Objective:

Outdoor advertisements for food and drink products form a large part of the food environment and they disproportionately promote unhealthy products. However, less is known about the social patterning of such advertisements. The main aim of this study was to explore the socio-economic patterning of food and drink advertising at bus stops in Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh.

Design:

Bus stop advertisements were audited to identify food/drink adverts and classify them by food/drink category (i.e. ‘advert category’). This data were then linked to area-based deprivation and proximity measures. Neighbourhood deprivation was measured using the bus stop x/y co-ordinates, which were converted to postcodes to identify the matching 2012 deprivation level via the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation. Distance to schools and leisure centres were also collected using location data. Generalised estimating equations and linear regression analyses were used to assess associations between the promotion of advert categories and deprivation and proximity to schools/leisure centres, respectively.

Setting:

Edinburgh city, United Kingdom.

Results:

561 food/drink advertisements were identified across 349 bus stops, with 8 advertisement categories noted and included in the final analysis, including alcohol, fast food outlets and confectionary. The majority of adverts were for ‘unhealthy’ food and drink categories, however there was no evidence for any socio-economic patterning of these advertisements. There was no evidence of a relationship between advertisements and proximity to schools and leisure centres.

Conclusions:

While there is no evidence for food and drink advertising being patterned by neighbourhood deprivation, the scale of unhealthy advertising is an area for policy evaluations and interventions on the control of such outdoor advertising.
In Situ Observation of the Early Stages of Rapid Solid–Liquid Reaction in Closed Liquid Cell TEM Using Graphene Encapsulation
Authors: Cha Hyun Woo , An Byeong-Seon , Yang Cheol-Woong
Published: December 2021

In situ liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a very useful tool for investigating dynamic solid–liquid reactions. However, there are challenges to observe the early stages of spontaneous solid–liquid reactions using a closed-type liquid cell system, the most popular and simple liquid cell system. We propose a graphene encapsulation method to overcome this limitation of closed-type liquid cell TEM. The solid and liquid are separated using graphene to suspend the reaction until the graphene layer is destroyed. Graphene can be decomposed by the high-energy electron beam used in TEM, allowing the reaction to proceed. Fast dissolution of graphene-capped copper nanoparticles in an FeCl3 solution was demonstrated via in situ liquid cell TEM at 300 kV using a cell with closed-type SiNx windows.
Attitudes Toward Corporal Punishment of Children
Authors: Chung Kai Li , Tay Cheng Ean , Gan Adeline Zhi Qian , Tan Celine Shi Ning
Published: December 2021

Abstract. Despite corporal punishment being associated with negative developmental outcomes for children, it is commonly practiced in Malaysian courts, schools, and homes. This study examined the relationships among the Dark Tetrad personality traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, sadism), anger rumination, and attitudes toward corporal punishment of children. Two hundred sixty-three participants from a university and community sample in Malaysia completed measures of attitudes toward child corporal punishment, the Short Dark Tetrad, and the Anger Rumination Scale. Participants also answered questions about whether they received corporal punishment at home and school as children. Correlation analyses showed that Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism were positively associated with acceptance of corporal punishment. Further regression analyses revealed that having received corporal punishment at home – but not at school – during childhood as well as trait Machiavellianism and sadism predicted accepting attitudes toward corporal punishment. Identifying factors that influence people’s attitudes regarding corporal punishment and discipline behaviors could yield new insights into parenting education programs and policies.
Increasing Causal Effects of El Niño–Southern Oscillation on the Future Carbon Cycle of Terrestrial Ecosystems
Authors: Le Thanh , Ha Kyung‐Ja , Bae Deg‐Hyo
Published: December 2021

Here we examine the causal effects of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the global carbon cycle over historical and future periods utilizing datasets from the Coupled Modeling Intercomparison Project Phase 6 models. Our results show that ENSO exhibits impact on terrestrial carbon fluxes and carbon storage over numerous regions of Asia, Oceania, and America. High consensus is found between models for the influences of ENSO over these regions. The results demonstrate that the effects of ENSO on carbon cycling over subtropics and high‐latitude regions may be more significant than previously understood. In historical simulation, the regions affected by ENSO account for approximately 8.5% land‐area and this proportion rises to approximately 11.7% in the future simulation, indicating an increase in ENSO influences on the gross primary productivity of terrestrial ecosystems. In addition, the results emphasize stronger response of seasonal carbon stocks to ENSO compared to that of seasonal carbon fluxes.
Global Ambipolar Potentials and Electric Fields at Mars Inferred From MAVEN Observations
Authors: Xu Shaosui , Mitchell David L. , Ma Yingjuan , Weber Tristan , Brain David A. , Halekas Jasper , Ruhunusiri Suranga , DiBraccio Gina , Mazelle Christian
Published: December 2021

The motion of charged particles is governed by electromagnetic forces at high altitudes at Mars and thus the characterization of electrostatic potential and electric fields is important for understanding ion escape at Mars. In this study, we utilize measurements from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN mission to derive electrostatic potentials above the collisional atmosphere at Mars. We find averaged potentials to be up to ∼100 V in the magnetosheath and down to ∼−70 V in the tail, with respect to the upstream. We then derive electric fields based on averaged potential maps, ranging V/km. These data‐derived electric fields are in good agreement with ambipolar electric fields from a multi‐fluid magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model. MHD results also reveal that these large electric fields mainly originate from the electron pressure gradient in the magnetosheath and in the transition region from the hot solar wind flow to the cold ionospheric flow. This work provides the first data‐based characterization of global ambipolar electric fields at Mars (outside of the main ionosphere).
Neogene‐Quaternary Uplift and Landscape Evolution in Northern Greenland Recorded by Subglacial Valley Morphology
Authors: Paxman Guy J. G. , Tinto Kirsty J. , Austermann Jacqueline
Published: December 2021

The landscape hidden beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet remains one of the most sparsely mapped regions on Earth, but offers a unique record of environmental conditions prior to and during widespread glaciation, and of the ice sheet's response to changing climates. In particular, subglacial valleys observed across Greenland may preserve geomorphological information pertaining to landscape and ice sheet evolution. Here we analyze the morphology of a subglacial valley network in northern Greenland using bed elevation measurements acquired during multi‐year airborne radio‐echo sounding surveys. Channel profile morphologies are consistent with a primarily fluvial origin of the network, with evidence for localized modification by ice and/or meltwater. Gravity and magnetic anomalies suggest that the spatial organisation of the valley network is influenced by regional‐scale geological structure, implying a long‐lived and well‐established hydrological system. We also document two knickzones in the valley longitudinal profile and terraces above the channel floor in the lower course of the network. These observations, combined with stream power modeling, indicate that northern Greenland experienced two episodes of relative base level fall during the Neogene (∼150 m at ca. 12–3.7 Ma and ∼380 m at ca. 8.2–2.8 Ma) that resulted in channel profile adjustment via incision and knickzone retreat. The timing of the inferred base level fall correlates with other onshore and offshore records of uplift, denudation, and/or relative sea level change, and we suggest that tectonic and/or mantle‐driven uplift played an important role in the genesis of the modern landscape of northern Greenland.
Suppressed electronic contribution in thermal conductivity of Ge2Sb2Se4Te
Authors: Aryana Kiumars , Zhang Yifei , Tomko John A. , Hoque Md Shafkat Bin , Hoglund Eric R. , Olson David H. , Nag Joyeeta , Read John C. , Ríos Carlos , Hu Juejun , Hopkins Patrick E.
Published: December 2021

Integrated nanophotonics is an emerging research direction that has attracted great interests for technologies ranging from classical to quantum computing. One of the key-components in the development of nanophotonic circuits is the phase-change unit that undergoes a solid-state phase transformation upon thermal excitation. The quaternary alloy, Ge2Sb2Se4Te, is one of the most promising material candidates for application in photonic circuits due to its broadband transparency and large optical contrast in the infrared spectrum. Here, we investigate the thermal properties of Ge2Sb2Se4Te and show that upon substituting tellurium with selenium, the thermal transport transitions from an electron dominated to a phonon dominated regime. By implementing an ultrafast mid-infrared pump-probe spectroscopy technique that allows for direct monitoring of electronic and vibrational energy carrier lifetimes in these materials, we find that this reduction in thermal conductivity is a result of a drastic change in electronic lifetimes of Ge2Sb2Se4Te, leading to a transition from an electron-dominated to a phonon-dominated thermal transport mechanism upon selenium substitution. In addition to thermal conductivity measurements, we provide an extensive study on the thermophysical properties of Ge2Sb2Se4Te thin films such as thermal boundary conductance, specific heat, and sound speed from room temperature to 400 °C across varying thicknesses.
RNA modifications detection by comparative Nanopore direct RNA sequencing
Authors: Leger Adrien , Amaral Paulo P. , Pandolfini Luca , Capitanchik Charlotte , Capraro Federica , Miano Valentina , Migliori Valentina , Toolan-Kerr Patrick , Sideri Theodora , Enright Anton J. , Tzelepis Konstantinos , van Werven Folkert J. , Luscombe Nicholas M. , Barbieri Isaia , Ule Jernej , Fitzgerald Tomas , Birney Ewan , Leonardi Tommaso , Kouzarides Tony
Published: December 2021

RNA molecules undergo a vast array of chemical post-transcriptional modifications (PTMs) that can affect their structure and interaction properties. In recent years, a growing number of PTMs have been successfully mapped to the transcriptome using experimental approaches relying on high-throughput sequencing. Oxford Nanopore direct-RNA sequencing has been shown to be sensitive to RNA modifications. We developed and validated Nanocompore, a robust analytical framework that identifies modifications from these data. Our strategy compares an RNA sample of interest against a non-modified control sample, not requiring a training set and allowing the use of replicates. We show that Nanocompore can detect different RNA modifications with position accuracy in vitro, and we apply it to profile m6A in vivo in yeast and human RNAs, as well as in targeted non-coding RNAs. We confirm our results with orthogonal methods and provide novel insights on the co-occurrence of multiple modified residues on individual RNA molecules.
Acute RyR1 Ca2+ leak enhances NADH-linked mitochondrial respiratory capacity
Authors: Zanou Nadège , Dridi Haikel , Reiken Steven , Imamura de Lima Tanes , Donnelly Chris , De Marchi Umberto , Ferrini Manuele , Vidal Jeremy , Sittenfeld Leah , Feige Jerome N. , Garcia-Roves Pablo M. , Lopez-Mejia Isabel C. , Marks Andrew R. , Auwerx Johan , Kayser Bengt , Place Nicolas
Published: December 2021

Sustained ryanodine receptor (RyR) Ca2+ leak is associated with pathological conditions such as heart failure or skeletal muscle weakness. We report that a single session of sprint interval training (SIT), but not of moderate intensity continuous training (MICT), triggers RyR1 protein oxidation and nitrosylation leading to calstabin1 dissociation in healthy human muscle and in in vitro SIT models (simulated SIT or S-SIT). This is accompanied by decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content, increased levels of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation proteins, supercomplex formation and enhanced NADH-linked mitochondrial respiratory capacity. Mechanistically, (S-)SIT increases mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake in mouse myotubes and muscle fibres, and decreases pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphorylation in human muscle and mouse myotubes. Countering Ca2+ leak or preventing mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake blunts S-SIT-induced adaptations, a result supported by proteomic analyses. Here we show that triggering acute transient Ca2+ leak through RyR1 in healthy muscle may contribute to the multiple health promoting benefits of exercise.
Dark exciton anti-funneling in atomically thin semiconductors
Authors: Rosati Roberto , Schmidt Robert , Brem Samuel , Perea-Causín Raül , Niehues Iris , Kern Johannes , Preuß Johann A. , Schneider Robert , Michaelis de Vasconcellos Steffen , Bratschitsch Rudolf , Malic Ermin
Published: December 2021

Transport of charge carriers is at the heart of current nanoelectronics. In conventional materials, electronic transport can be controlled by applying electric fields. Atomically thin semiconductors, however, are governed by excitons, which are neutral electron-hole pairs and as such cannot be controlled by electrical fields. Recently, strain engineering has been introduced to manipulate exciton propagation. Strain-induced energy gradients give rise to exciton funneling up to a micrometer range. Here, we combine spatiotemporal photoluminescence measurements with microscopic theory to track the way of excitons in time, space and energy. We find that excitons surprisingly move away from high-strain regions. This anti-funneling behavior can be ascribed to dark excitons which possess an opposite strain-induced energy variation compared to bright excitons. Our findings open new possibilities to control transport in exciton-dominated materials. Overall, our work represents a major advance in understanding exciton transport that is crucial for technological applications of atomically thin materials.
Improved electrochemical conversion of CO2 to multicarbon products by using molecular doping
Authors: Wu Huali , Li Ji , Qi Kun , Zhang Yang , Petit Eddy , Wang Wensen , Flaud Valérie , Onofrio Nicolas , Rebiere Bertrand , Huang Lingqi , Salameh Chrystelle , Lajaunie Luc , Miele Philippe , Voiry Damien
Published: December 2021

The conversion of CO2 into desirable multicarbon products via the electrochemical reduction reaction holds promise to achieve a circular carbon economy. Here, we report a strategy in which we modify the surface of bimetallic silver-copper catalyst with aromatic heterocycles such as thiadiazole and triazole derivatives to increase the conversion of CO2 into hydrocarbon molecules. By combining operando Raman and X-ray absorption spectroscopy with electrocatalytic measurements and analysis of the reaction products, we identified that the electron withdrawing nature of functional groups orients the reaction pathway towards the production of C2+ species (ethanol and ethylene) and enhances the reaction rate on the surface of the catalyst by adjusting the electronic state of surface copper atoms. As a result, we achieve a high Faradaic efficiency for the C2+ formation of ≈80% and full-cell energy efficiency of 20.3% with a specific current density of 261.4 mA cm−2 for C2+ products.
Gravitational caustics in an atom laser
Authors: Mossman M. E. , Bersano T. M. , Forbes Michael McNeil , Engels P.
Published: December 2021

Typically discussed in the context of optics, caustics are envelopes of classical trajectories (rays) where the density of states diverges, resulting in pronounced observable features such as bright points, curves, and extended networks of patterns. Here, we generate caustics in the matter waves of an atom laser, providing a striking experimental example of catastrophe theory applied to atom optics in an accelerated (gravitational) reference frame. We showcase caustics formed by individual attractive and repulsive potentials, and present an example of a network generated by multiple potentials. Exploiting internal atomic states, we demonstrate fluid-flow tracing as another tool of this flexible experimental platform. The effective gravity experienced by the atoms can be tuned with magnetic gradients, forming caustics analogous to those produced by gravitational lensing. From a more applied point of view, atom optics affords perspectives for metrology, atom interferometry, and nanofabrication. Caustics in this context may lead to quantum innovations as they are an inherently robust way of manipulating matter waves.
Homo-composition and hetero-structure nanocomposite Pnma Bi2SeS2 - Pnnm Bi2SeS2 with high thermoelectric performance
Authors: Jabar Bushra , Li Fu , Zheng Zhuanghao , Mansoor Adil , Zhu Yongbin , Liang Chongbin , Ao Dongwei , Chen Yuexing , Liang Guangxing , Fan Ping , Liu Weishu
Published: December 2021

Nanocomposite engineering decouples the transport of phonons and electrons. This usually involves the in-situ formation or ex-situ addition of nanoparticles to a material matrix with hetero-composition and hetero-structure (heC-heS) interfaces or hetero-composition and homo-structure (heC-hoS) interfaces. Herein, a quasi homo-composition and hetero-structure (hoC-heS) nanocomposite consisting of Pnma Bi2SeS2 - Pnnm Bi2SeS2 is obtained through a Br dopant-induced phase transition, providing a coherent interface between the Pnma matrix and Pnnm second phase due to the slight structural difference between the two phases. This hoC-heS nanocomposite demonstrates a significant reduction in lattice thermal conductivity (~0.40 W m−1 K−1) and an enhanced power factor (7.39 μW cm−1 K−2). Consequently, a record high figure-of-merit ZTmax = 1.12 (at 773 K) and a high average figure-of-merit ZTave = 0.72 (in the range of 323–773 K) are achieved. This work provides a general strategy for synergistically tuning electrical and thermal transport properties by designing hoC-heS nanocomposites through a dopant-induced phase transition.
Plasma extracellular vesicle long RNA profiles in the diagnosis and prediction of treatment response for breast cancer
Authors: Su Yonghui , Li Yuchen , Guo Rong , Zhao Jingjing , Chi Weiru , Lai Hongyan , Wang Jia , Wang Zhen , Li Lun , Sang Yuting , Hou Jianjing , Xue Jingyan , Shao Zhimin , Chi Yayun , Huang Shenglin , Wu Jiong
Published: December 2021

A large number RNAs are enriched and stable in extracellular vesicles (EVs), and they can reflect their tissue origins and are suitable as liquid biopsy markers for cancer diagnosis and treatment efficacy prediction. In this study, we used extracellular vesicle long RNA (exLR) sequencing to characterize the plasma-derived exLRs from 112 breast cancer patients, 19 benign patients and 41 healthy participants. The different exLRs profiling was found between the breast cancer and non-cancer groups. Thus, we constructed a breast cancer diagnostic signature which showed high accuracy with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.960 in the training cohort and 0.900 in the validation cohort. The signature was able to identify early stage BC (I/II) with an AUC of 0.940. Integrating the signature with breast imaging could increase the diagnosis accuracy for breast cancer patients. Moreover, we enrolled 58 patients who received neoadjuvant treatment and identified an exLR (exMSMO1), which could distinguish pathological complete response (pCR) patients from non-pCR with an AUC of 0.790. Silencing MSMO1 could significantly enhance the sensitivity of MDA-MB-231 cells to paclitaxel and doxorubicin through modulating mTORC1 signaling pathway. This study demonstrated the value of exLR profiling to provide potential biomarkers for early detection and treatment efficacy prediction of breast cancer.
Versatile carbon-loaded shellac ink for disposable printed electronics
Authors: Poulin Alexandre , Aeby Xavier , Siqueira Gilberto , Nyström Gustav
Published: December 2021

Emerging technologies such as smart packaging are shifting the requirements on electronic components, notably regarding service life, which counts in days instead of years. As a result, standard materials are often not adapted due to economic, environmental or manufacturing considerations. For instance, the use of metal conductive tracks in disposable electronics is a waste of valuable resources and their accumulation in landfills is an environmental concern. In this work, we report a conductive ink made of carbon particles dispersed in a solution of shellac. This natural and water-insoluble resin works as a binder, favourably replacing petroleum-derived polymers. The carbon particles provide electrical conductivity and act as a rheology modifier, creating a printable shear-thinning gel. The ink’s conductivity and sheet resistance are 1000 S m−1and 15 Ω sq−1, respectively, and remain stable towards moisture. We show that the ink is compatible with several industry-relevant patterning methods such as screen-printing and robocasting, and demonstrate a minimum feature size of 200 μm. As a proof-of-concept, a resistor and a capacitor are printed and used as deformation and proximity sensors, respectively.
Electronic case report forms generation from pathology reports by ARGO, automatic record generator for onco-hematology
Authors: Zaccaria Gian Maria , Colella Vito , Colucci Simona , Clemente Felice , Pavone Fabio , Vegliante Maria Carmela , Esposito Flavia , Opinto Giuseppina , Scattone Anna , Loseto Giacomo , Minoia Carla , Rossini Bernardo , Quinto Angela Maria , Angiulli Vito , Grieco Luigi Alfredo , Fama Angelo , Ferrero Simone , Moia Riccardo , Di Rocco Alice , Quaglia Francesca Maria , Tabanelli Valentina , Guarini Attilio , Ciavarella Sabino
Published: December 2021

The unstructured nature of Real-World (RW) data from onco-hematological patients and the scarce accessibility to integrated systems restrain the use of RW information for research purposes. Natural Language Processing (NLP) might help in transposing unstructured reports into standardized electronic health records. We exploited NLP to develop an automated tool, named ARGO (Automatic Record Generator for Onco-hematology) to recognize information from pathology reports and populate electronic case report forms (eCRFs) pre-implemented by REDCap. ARGO was applied to hemo-lymphopathology reports of diffuse large B-cell, follicular, and mantle cell lymphomas, and assessed for accuracy (A), precision (P), recall (R) and F1-score (F) on internal (n = 239) and external (n = 93) report series. 326 (98.2%) reports were converted into corresponding eCRFs. Overall, ARGO showed high performance in capturing (1) identification report number (all metrics > 90%), (2) biopsy date (all metrics > 90% in both series), (3) specimen type (86.6% and 91.4% of A, 98.5% and 100.0% of P, 92.5% and 95.5% of F, and 87.2% and 91.4% of R for internal and external series, respectively), (4) diagnosis (100% of P with A, R and F of 90% in both series). We developed and validated a generalizable tool that generates structured eCRFs from real-life pathology reports.
Sequence edition of single domains modulates the final immune and antimicrobial potential of a new generation of multidomain recombinant proteins
Authors: Roca-Pinilla Ramon , Holani Ravi , López-Cano Adrià , Saubi Cristina , Baltà-Foix Ricardo , Cobo Eduardo R. , Garcia-Fruitós Elena , Arís Anna
Published: December 2021

Combining several innate immune peptides into a single recombinant antimicrobial and immunomodulatory polypeptide has been recently demonstrated. However, the versatility of the multidomain design, the role that each domain plays and how the sequence edition of the different domains affects their final protein activity is unknown. Parental multidomain antimicrobial and immunomodulatory protein JAMF1 and several protein variants (JAMF1.2, JAMF2 and AM2) have been designed and recombinantly produced to explore how the tuning of domain sequences affects their immunomodulatory potential in epithelial cells and their antimicrobial capacity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The replacement of the sequence of defensin HD5 and phospholipase sPLA2 by shorter active fragments of both peptides improves the final immunomodulatory (IL-8 secretion) and antimicrobial function of the multidomain protein against antimicrobial-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus spp. Further, the presence of Jun and Fos leucine zippers in multidomain proteins is crucial in preventing toxic effects on producer cells. The generation of antimicrobial proteins based on multidomain polypeptides allows specific immunomodulatory and antimicrobial functions, which can be easily edited by modifying of each domain sequence.
Direct evidence for metallic mercury causing photo-induced darkening of red cinnabar tempera paints
Authors: Elert Kerstin , Pérez Mendoza Manuel , Cardell Carolina
Published: December 2021

Photo-induced darkening of red cinnabar (HgS) has attracted the interest of many researchers as it drastically impacts the visual perception of artworks. Darkening has commonly been related to metallic mercury (Hg0) formation in the presence of chlorides. Based on the study of UV-aged cinnabar pigment and tempera paint we propose an alternative pathway for the blackening reaction of cinnabar, considering its semiconductor properties and pigment-binder interactions. We demonstrate that darkening is caused by the oxidation of cinnabar to mercury sulfates and subsequent reduction to Hg0via photo-induced electron transfer without the involvement of chlorides, and provide direct evidence for the presence of Hg0on UV-aged tempera paint. Photooxidation also affects the organic binder, causing a competing depletion of photo-generated holes and consequently limiting but not impeding mercury sulfate formation and subsequent reduction to Hg0. In addition, organics provide active sites for Hg0sorption, which is ultimately responsible for the darkening of cinnabar-based paint.
Identification of adducts between oxidized rosmarinic acid and glutathione compounds by electrochemistry, liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry
Authors: Newair Emad F. , Garcia François
Published: December 2021

A combination of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with an electrochemical approach was applied for identifying the oxidation products of rosmarinic acid and glutathione that are very complicated to identify.
Role of quantum-size effects in the dehydrogenation of CH4 on 3d TMn clusters: DFT calculations combined with data mining
Authors: Andriani Karla F. , Felício-Sousa Priscilla , Morais Felipe Orlando , Da Silva Juarez L. F.
Published: December 2021

Adsorption modes identified by clustering algorithms for CH4 adsorption on TMn clusters.
Unravelling the metal–support interactions in χ-Fe5C2/MgO catalysts for olefin synthesis directly from syngas
Authors: Liu Yitao , Liu Xianglin , Yang Zixu , Li Hu , Ding Xiaoxu , Xu Minjie , Li Xinli , Tu Wei-Feng , Zhu Minghui , Han Yi-Fan
Published: December 2021

The structural and electronic modifications of χ-Fe5C2 by MgO contribute to the high selectivity towards lower olefins and the high catalyst stability.
Linking the chemical composition and optical properties of biomass burning aerosols in Amazonia
Authors: Ponczek Milena , Franco Marco A. , Carbone Samara , Rizzo Luciana V. , Monteiro dos Santos Djacinto , Morais Fernando G. , Duarte Alejandro , Barbosa Henrique M. J. , Artaxo Paulo
Published: December 2021

The absorption efficiency of chemically resolved organic aerosols of Southwestern Amazonia showed strong spectral dependence and significant light absorption in the UV-vis wavelength range indicating the presence of organic species that act as BrC.
Effects of microenvironmental factors on assessing nanoparticle toxicity
Authors: Seo Suyeong , Lee Ji Eun , Lee Kangwon , Kim Hong Nam
Published: December 2021

Nanoparticles, such as dust or fine particles, are regarded as hazardous materials to human organs, and the interest in understanding their biological mechanisms and cellular response of nanoparticles is growing.
Enhancing ammonium oxidation fluxes and nitritation efficiencies in MABRs: a modeling study
Authors: Pérez-Calleja Patricia , Clements Emily , Nerenberg Robert
Published: December 2021

MABR biofilms can achieve higher ammonium oxidation fluxes than conventional biofilms, but also have more complex behavior and tend to have lower nitritation efficiencies.
Evaluating fixed-film nitrification systems in autotrophic mode: enhanced biomass retention does not improve bioreactor performance during alkalinity induced stress
Authors: Ronan Evan , Kroukamp Otini , Liss Steven N. , Wolfaardt Gideon M.
Published: December 2021

Fixed-film bioreactors with different biomass loads operated in parallel. Similar ammonia removal rates indicated a lack of biomass-concentration dependent mechanisms to overcome alkalinity induced stress.
Prenylated phenolic compounds from licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) and their anti-inflammatory activity against osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhao Lu , Chen Xiaofei , Shao Xian , Wang Ziyu , Du Yan , Zhu Cuicui , Du Wei , Tang Daoquan , Ji Shuai
Published: December 2021

Four prenylated phenolic compounds from licorice, including two new compounds, were found to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity against osteoarthritis.
Construction of honeycomb-like Te-doped NiCo-LDHs for aqueous supercapacitors and as oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts
Authors: Zhang Ding , Tang Xiaoning , Yang Zhaoguang , Yang Ying , Li Haipu
Published: December 2021

The honeycomb-like HS-Te-NiCo-LDH/NiO/NF electrode gave an ultralow overpotential of 221 mV at 10 mA cm−2 as OER electrocatalyst with prolonged stability and a high specific capacity of 650 C g−1 for aqueous supercapacitor in 1 mol L−1 KOH solution.
Rational design of a zwitterionic porous organic framework loaded with Co(ii) ions to host sulfur and synergistically boost polysulfide redox kinetics for lithium sulfur batteries
Authors: Sun Miao , Yan Gaojie , Ji Haifeng , Feng Yi , Zhang Xiaojie , Shi Jingjing
Published: December 2021

A cobalt(ii) modified multifunctional porous organic framework (POF) as the cathode to obtain a high-performance lithium–sulfur battery.
A simple model to engineer single-molecule conductance of acenes by chemical disubstitution
Authors: Fallaque Joel G. , Rodríguez-González Sandra , Díaz Cristina , Martín Fernando
Published: December 2021

Single-molecule conductance of π-conjugated acenes can be engineered by changing their length, the nature of the linkers and their relative positions following the variations in the HOMO energies, as dictated by a simple extended-Hückel method.
Controlling reaction paths for ultra-fast growth of inorganic nanowires floating in the gas phase
Authors: Schäufele Richard S. , Vazquez-Pufleau Miguel , Pendashteh Afshin , Vilatela Juan J.
Published: December 2021

Identification and understanding of selective growth parameters of 1D nanomaterials by floating catalysts chemical vapour deposition.
Rational design of walnut-like ZnO/Co3O4 porous nanospheres with substantially enhanced lithium storage performance
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Zhang Yamin , Aldama Edgar , Liu Huitian , Sun Zhijian , Ma Yao , Liu Nian , John Zhang Z.
Published: December 2021

Rational fabrication and smart design of multi-component anode materials to achieve desirable reversible capacities and exceptional cyclability are significant for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).
Expanding the known structure space for RNA binding: a test of 2,5-diketopiperazine
Authors: Arévalo Diego M. , Anokhina Viktoriya S. , Swart Oliver L. R. , Miller Benjamin L.
Published: December 2021

A compound incorporating a 2,5-diketopiperazine substructure is able to selectively bind an RNA critical to the process of ribosomal frameshifting in HIV.
Planar Blatter radicals through Bu3SnH- and TMS3SiH-assisted cyclization of aryl iodides: azaphilic radical addition
Authors: Bartos Paulina , Celeda Małgorzata , Pietrzak Anna , Kaszyński Piotr
Published: December 2021

Radical chain cyclization of aryl iodides provides an efficient synthesis of planar Blatter radicals, and, for the first time, access to functionalized sulphur-containing analogues.
Unravelling the anticancer potential of a square planar copper complex: toward non-platinum chemotherapy
Authors: Malik Manzoor Ahmad , Raza Md Kausar , Mohammed Arif , Wani Mohmmad Younus , Al-Bogami Abdullah Saad , Hashmi Athar Adil
Published: December 2021

A square planar copper complex showing interesting anticancer activity.
Rice husk biochar modified-CuCo2O4 as an efficient peroxymonosulfate activator for non-radical degradation of organic pollutants from aqueous environment
Authors: Xie Kai , Han Ruirui , Sun Ping , Wang Hui , Fang Yingsen , Zhai Zhicai , Ma Danzhu , Liu Hui
Published: December 2021

A series of rice husk biochar (RHBC) modified bimetallic oxides were prepared using a simple pyrolysis method to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of acid orange G (OG).
Electrochemically promoted ammonia synthesis on an Fe/BaZr0.8Y0.2O3−δ catalyst at ambient pressure
Authors: Yuan Yao , Tada Shohei , Kikuchi Ryuji
Published: December 2021

An Fe-based catalyst was applied to the catalytic and electrocatalytic synthesis of NH3 from N2 and H2 at ambient pressure and 500 °C. NH3 production was enhanced under applied voltages. The slow response of the NH3 production rate to applied voltages was analysed.
Processing method determines the long-term stability of particle dispersions in concentrated nanoparticle/polymer suspensions
Authors: Oh Sol Mi , Lee Chae Han , Kim So Youn
Published: December 2021

The preparation pathway of concentrated suspensions affects the degree of polymer adsorption, and changes the particle dispersion and rheological properties; moreover, it determines the long-term stability of particle dispersion over several months.
A hyperbranched polymer elastomer-based pressure sensitive adhesive
Authors: Cui Chunyan , Liu Bo , Wu Tengling , Liu Yang , Fan Chuanchuan , Xu Ziyang , Yao Yuan , Liu Wenguang
Published: December 2021

A highly stretchable hyperbranched polymer elastomer pressure sensitive adhesive can instantly adhere to various substrates in air, and its outstanding water dispelling capability allows for direct deployment and long-lasting tough adhesion in water.
Space charge enhanced ion transport in heterogeneous polyelectrolyte/alumina nanochannel membranes for high-performance osmotic energy conversion
Authors: Chang Chen-Wei , Chu Chien-Wei , Su Yen-Shao , Yeh Li-Hsien
Published: December 2021

The remarkable amplification of nanofluidic osmotic energy conversion performance has been demonstrated with a highly space-charged polyelectrolyte-incorporated ionic diode membrane.
Covalent organic frameworks anchored with frustrated Lewis pairs for hydrogenation of alkynes with H2
Authors: Liu Qiang , Liao Qiaobo , Hu Jinling , Xi Kai , Wu Youting , Hu Xingbang
Published: December 2021

Heterogeneous COFs-FLPs were prepared by anchoring FLPs to COFs and showed high reactivity for the hydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes.
Construction of efficient bismuth/boron-based flexible electrodes in organic media toward neutral hydrogen evolution
Authors: Fan Jinli , Hao Weiju , Fu Chengyu , Chen Ziliang , Liang Rikai , Lian Cheng , Zhang Qiang , Li Guisheng
Published: December 2021

Bi–B/BiB3O6 materials are modified on various flexible substrates via electroless plating in organic phase for hydrogen production in neutral simulated seawater with outstanding durability and high efficiency, which electrolyzed continuously for more than 36 h at 100 mA cm−2.
Highly exfoliated Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets atomically doped with Cu for efficient electrochemical CO2 reduction: an experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Eid Kamel , Lu Qingqing , Abdel-Azeim Safwat , Soliman Ahmed , Abdullah Aboubakr M. , Abdelgwad Ahmed M. , Forbes Roy P. , Ozoemena Kenneth I. , Varma Rajender S. , Shibl Mohamed F.
Published: December 2021

We present a facile method for the rational design of highly exfoliated two-dimensional Ti3C2Tx nanosheets (Tx = O, OH, and F) doped with Cu (Cu/Ti3C2Tx) for electrochemical CO2 reduction to formic acid at low Cu content of ∼1 wt%.
The Bouba-Kiki Effect in Children With Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Authors: Gold Rinat , Klein Dina , Segal Osnat
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

The
bouba-kiki
(BK) effect refers to associations between visual shapes and auditory pseudonames. Thus, when tested, people tend to associate the pseudowords
bouba
and
kiki
with round or spiky shapes, respectively. This association requires cross-modal sensory integration. The ability to integrate information from different sensory modalities is crucial for speech development. A clinical population that may be impaired in cross-modal sensory integration is children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). The purpose of this study was to examine the involvement of cross-modal sensory integration in children with (CAS).

Method:

The BK effect was assessed in participants with CAS (
n
= 18) and two control groups: One control group was composed of children with developmental language disorder (DLD), also termed
specific language impairment
(
n
= 15), and a second group included typically developing (TD) children (
n
= 22). The children were presented with 14 pairs of novel visual displays and nonwords. All the children were asked to state which shape and nonword correspond to one another. In addition, background cognitive (Leiter-3) and language measures (Hebrew PLS-4) were determined for all children.

Results:

Children in the CAS group were less successful in associating between visual shapes and corresponding auditory pseudonames (e.g., associating the spoken word “bouba” with a round shape; the spoken word “kiki” with a spiky shape). Thus, children with CAS demonstrated a statistically significant reduced BK effect compared with participants with TD and participants with DLD. No significant difference was found between the TD group and the DLD group.

Conclusions:

The reduced BK effect in children with CAS supports the notion that cross-modal sensory integration may be altered in these children. Cross-modal sensory integration is the basis for speech production. Thus, difficulties in sensory integration may contribute to speech difficulties in CAS.
HI observations of the MATLAS dwarf and ultra-diffuse galaxies
Authors: Poulain Mélina , Marleau Francine R. , Habas Rebecca , Duc Pierre-Alain , Sánchez-Janssen Rubén , Durrell Patrick R. , Paudel Sanjaya , Müller Oliver , Lim Sungsoon , Bílek Michal , Fensch Jérémy
Published: December 2021

The presence of HI gas in galaxies is inextricably linked to their morphology and evolution. This paper aims to understand the HI content of the already identified 2210 dwarfs located in the low-to-moderate density environments of the Mass Assembly of early-Type GaLAxies with their fine Structures (MATLAS) deep imaging survey. We combined the HI observations from the ATLAS3Dsurvey, with the extragalactic HI sources from the Arecibo Legacy Fast ALFA survey, to extract the HI line width, velocity, and mass of the MATLAS dwarfs. From the 1773 dwarfs in our sample with available HI observations, 8% (145) have an HI line detection. The majority of the dwarfs show an irregular morphology, while 29% (42) are ellipticals, which is the largest sample of HI-bearing dwarf ellipticals (dEs) to date. Of the HI dwarf sample, 2% (three) are ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs), 12% have a transition-type morphology, 5% are tidal dwarf candidates, and 10% appear to be disrupted objects. In our optically selected sample, 9.5% of the dEs, 7% of the UDGs, and 10% of the classical dwarfs are HI-bearing. The HI-bearing dwarfs have, on average, bluer colors than the dwarfs without detected HI. We find relations between the stellar and HI masses, gas fraction, color, and absolute magnitude to be consistent with previous studies of dwarfs probing similar masses and environments. For 79% of the dwarfs identified as satellites of massive early-type galaxies, we find that the HI mass increases with the projected distance to the host. Using the HI line width, we estimate dynamical masses and find that 5% (seven) of the dwarfs are dark matter deficient.
Model-based selection of most informative diagnostic tests and test parameters
Authors: Herrmann Sven , Dietz Mathias
Published: December 2021

Given the complexity of most brain and body processes, it is often not possible to relate experimental data from an individual to the underlying subject-specific physiology or pathology. Computer simulations of these processes have been suggested to assist in establishing such a relation. However, the aforementioned complexity and required simulation accuracy impose considerable challenges. To date, the best-case scenario is varying the model parameters to fit previously recorded experimental data. Confidence intervals can be given in the units of the data, but usually not for the model parameters that are the ultimate interest of the diagnosis. We propose a likelihood-based fitting procedure, operating in the model-parameter space and providing confidence intervals for the parameters under diagnosis. The procedure is capable of running parallel to the measurement, and can adaptively set test parameters to the values that are expected to provide the most diagnostic information. Using the pre-defined acceptable confidence interval, the experiment continues until the goal is reached. As an example, the approach was tested with a simplistic three-parameter auditory model and a psychoacoustic binaural tone in a noise-detection experiment. For a given number of trials, the model-based measurement steering provided 80% more information.
Magnetic straintronics: Manipulating the magnetization of magnetostrictive nanomagnets with strain for energy-efficient applications
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Supriyo , Atulasimha Jayasimha , Barman Anjan
Published: December 2021

The desire to perform information processing, computation, communication, signal generation, and related tasks, while dissipating as little energy as possible, has inspired many ideas and paradigms. One of the most powerful among them is the notion of using magnetostrictive nanomagnets as the primitive units of the hardware platforms and manipulating their magnetizations (which are the state variables encoding information) with electrically generated static or time-varying mechanical strain to elicit myriad functionalities. This approach has two advantages. First, information can be retained in the devices after powering off since the nanomagnets are nonvolatile unlike charge-based devices, such as transistors. Second, the energy expended to perform a given task is exceptionally low since it takes very little energy to alter magnetization states with strain. This field is now known as “straintronics,” in analogy with electronics, spintronics, valleytronics, etc., although it pertains specifically to “magnetic” straintronics and excludes phenomena involving non-magnetic systems. We review the recent advances and trends in straintronics, including digital information processing (logic), information storage (memory), domain wall devices operated with strain, control of skyrmions with strain, non-Boolean computing and machine learning with straintronics, signal generation (microwave sources) and communication (ultra-miniaturized acoustic and electromagnetic antennas) implemented with strained nanomagnets, hybrid straintronics–magnonics, and interaction between phonons and magnons in straintronic systems. We identify key challenges and opportunities, and lay out pathways to advance this field to the point where it might become a mainstream technology for energy-efficient systems.
Connecting people and voices for radical change in Africa
Authors: Zeilig Leo
Published: December 2021

In this section of the journal, we aim to give readers of the print journal a picture of what has been published on Roape.net over the last few months, and invite you to connect and follow the articles, blogposts, authors and debates online. Details of all the blogposts referred to here are in the reference list at the end. We warmly invite all our readers to sign up to the Roape.net newsletter by entering their email address at the top of the home page of the website.
A fast estimator for quantifying the shape dependence of the 3D bispectrum
Authors: Shaw Abinash Kumar , Bharadwaj Somnath , Sarkar Debanjan , Mazumdar Arindam , Singh Sukhdeep , Majumdar Suman
Published: December 2021

The dependence of the bispectrum on the size and shape of the triangle contains a wealth of cosmological information. Here we consider a triangle parameterization which allows us to separate the size and shape dependence. We have implemented an FFT based fast estimator for the three dimensional (3D) bin averaged bispectrum, and we demonstrate that it allows us to study the variation of the bispectrum across triangles of all possible shapes (and also sizes). The computational requirement is shown to scale as ∼ N
g
3 log N
g
3 where N
g is the number of grid points along each side of the volume. We have validated the estimator using a non-Gaussian field for which the bispectrum can be analytically calculated. The estimated bispectrum values are found to be in good agreement (< 10 % deviation) with the analytical predictions across much of the triangle-shape parameter space. We also introduce linear redshift space distortion, a situation where also the bispectrum can be analytically calculated. Here the estimated bispectrum is found to be in close agreement with the analytical prediction for the monopole of the redshift space bispectrum.