bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maximum multianvil cell assembly running on WC anvils with certain size
Authors: Dai Yi , Wang Wen-Dan , Fa Zhi-Xiang , Wang Lu , Wang Ju , Liang Ce , Li Xing-Han ,   Institute of High Temperature and High Pressure, School of Physical Science and Technology, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
Published: July 2021

Since the invention of split sphere multianvil apparatus, the maximum sample size that can be obtained on tungsten carbide (WC) anvils with a certain size has always been a neglected issue. The maximum volume of loaded gaskets and the maximum multianvil cell assembly operating on given size WC anvils are calculated by a simplified geometric model. As a concrete example, the maximum volume of loaded gaskets in different assemblies (18/11, 25/17 (octahedral edge-length/anvil truncation edge-length, in millimetre)) and different initial shapes of octahedrons (octahedron chamfered or not) running on WC anvils with 25.4 mm edge-length are calculated. The maximum initial sizes of gaskets in different assemblies are also calculated according to the maximum volume of loaded gaskets. Using the pyrophyllite octahedron as the pressure transmission medium, the pressure calibration of 14/8, 18/11, and 25/17 assembly are carried out on WC cubes, of which the edge-length is 25.4 mm, to verify the calculated results. The cell pressure is calibrated by in situ observing resistance change caused by phase transition of pressure calibration material at high pressure. All assemblies run stably and no blow-out phenomenon occurs. The experimental results show that the pressure transfer efficiency of 18/11 and 25/17 assembly with chamfered octahedron are better than previous reported results in the same pressure range. The experimental results also indicate that the calculations of the gasket in this work are valid. And the 25/17 assembly with chamfered octahedron can run stably on WC cube with 25.4 mm edge-length. In addition, using graphite tubes as heater, heating structure designs of different assemblies (14/8, 18/11, 25/17) are completed, in which the 14/8 assembly can achieve the highest temperature of 2300 ℃. The diameter of sample chamber is almost one centimeter in 25/17 assembly. This work contributes to the development of assembly techniques for secondary anvil made of polycrystalline diamond materials to obtain larger sample volumes under higher pressure conditions.
Peach-Morchella intercropping mode affects soil properties and fungal composition
Authors: Song Haiyan , Chen Dong , Sun Shuxia , Li Jing , Tu Meiyan , Xu Zihong , Gong Ronggao , Jiang Guoliang
Published: July 2021

Objective

This study aims to explore a three-dimensional planting mode in orchards and provide theoretical basis for the efficient peach-Morchella planting and soil management after Morchella cultivation.

Methods

Next-generation sequencing was performed to investigate the variations in soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activities and fungal composition under peach-Morchella intercropping for one year and two years, by using the soil without peach-Morchella intercropping as the control group.

Results

Peach-Morchella intercropping decreased the soil bulk density, and significantly increased the maximum field capacity, non-capillary porosity and total porosity, organic matter, available potassium and available zinc, which together improved soil structure and soil fertility. Besides, the intercropping mode obviously enhanced soil enzyme activities and mineral absorption and transformation in peach orchard soils. The intercropping also resulted in a decline of soil fungal diversity, and the 2-year soil samples were of higher abundance of Zygomycota. More importantly, peach-Morchella intercropping elevated the yields of both peach and Morchella, bringing about obviously higher economic benefits.

Conclusion

Continuous peach-Morchella intercropping improves the soil structure and fertility while decreases soil fungal diversity, which can contribute to greater economic benefits of the peach orchard. Our findings shed new light on the intercropping-fungus-soil relationship, and may facilitate the further development of peach-Morchella intercropping.
Inter- and intraspecific variation in the Artibeus species complex demonstrates size and shape partitioning among species
Authors: Hedrick Brandon P.
Published: July 2021

Neotropical leaf-nosed bats (family Phyllostomidae) are one of the most diverse mammalian families and Artibeus spp. is one of the most speciose phyllostomid genera. In spite of their species diversity, previous work on Artibeus crania using linear morphometrics has uncovered limited interspecific variation. This dearth of shape variation suggests that differences in cranial morphology are not contributing to niche partitioning across species, many of which are often found in sympatry. Using two-dimensional geometric morphometric methods on crania from eleven species from the Artibeus species complex, the current study demonstrates substantial cranial interspecific variation, sexual size and shape dimorphism, and intraspecific geographic variation. The majority of species were shown to have a unique size and shape, which suggests that each species may be taking advantage of slightly different ecological resources. Further, both sexual size and shape dimorphism were significant in the Artibeus species complex. Male and female Artibeus are known to have sex specific foraging strategies, with males eating near their roosts and females feeding further from their roosts. The presence of cranial sexual dimorphism in the Artibeus species complex, combined with previous work showing that different fruit size and hardness is correlated with different cranial shapes in phyllostomids, indicates that the males and females may be utilizing different food resources, leading to divergent cranial morphotypes. Additional field studies will be required to confirm this emergent hypothesis. Finally, significant geographical shape variation was found in a large intraspecific sample of Artibeus lituratus crania. However, this variation was not correlated with latitude and instead may be linked to local environmental factors. Additional work on ecology and behavior in the Artibeus species complex underlying the morphological variation uncovered in this study will allow for a better understanding of how the group has reached its present diversity.
Comparative Study of Recession with Y- splitting Vs Recession Only of Lateral Rectus Muscle Surgery for up/down Shoot in Duane Retraction Syndrome
Authors: Reddy Vangala Chandrasekhara , Reddy Sagili Chandrasekhara
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of lateral rectus muscle recession with Y-splitting versus recession only in the surgical treatment of up/down shoot in Duane retraction syndrome patients.

Material and Methods: In this prospective study, 42 patients of Duane retraction syndrome with up/down shoot underwent surgery over a period of seven years, were divided into two groups of twenty one each.  In group A, Y-splitting of lateral rectus with recession and in group B, only lateral rectus recession was performed. In all the patients width of lateral rectus muscle at its insertion was measured. Postoperative results were compared and analyzed in terms of up/down shoot on adduction. Data analysis was performed using R Core Team (2020) R., and the P value <0.05 was taken as significant.

Results: The Mean age at the time of surgery was 12.5 ± 4.5 years in group A, and 11.5 ± 3.9 years in group B (range, 5 to 22 years). Correction of up/down shoot was 100% in group A and 81% in group B. Five patients in group B showed no improvement of up/down shoot in whom the width of lateral rectus was 7mm or less and the surgery was recession of lateral rectus only. In these 5 patients, Y-splitting of lateral rectus was done in second sitting with good result Mean follow up was 12 months (range, 3 weeks to 3 years).

Conclusions: Recession of lateral rectus muscle with Y-splitting is  more effective (100%) when compared to recession only, in correcting significant up/down shoot in Duane retraction syndrome. Lateral rectus muscle Y- splitting is not necessary in these patients with upshoot / down shoot if the width of the muscle at insertion is within normal limits (8.3 -12.5 mm). In these cases simple recession is enough. Lateral rectus muscle Y splitting is essential when the width of lateral rectus muscle at insertion is 7mm or less.
Wheelchair‐accessible group homes for people with disabilities: Management methods and architectural planning of group homes for people using wheelchairs
Authors: Ozu Hiroki , Matsuda Yuji
Published: July 2021

In Japan, it appears that people with physical disabilities occupy group homes for people with disabilities at a lower rate than people with intellectual and other disabilities. Information on the architectural planning of group homes for people with physical disabilities is very scarce. In this study, we focused on wheelchair‐accessible group homes (WAGHs) for people with disabilities by conducting a questionnaire survey and an interview survey. The findings are as follows. (1) Residents in WAGHs are more likely to suffer from more severe disabilities than those in ordinary group homes for people with disabilities. (2) Compared to ordinary group homes for people with disabilities, WAGHs require a larger floor space, especially for the bathrooms and toilets. (3) New buildings are often used for WAGHs; however, acquiring land and buildings for them is a major problem.
Circulating CTRP9 Is Associated With Severity of Systemic Sclerosis–Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Yang Monica M. , Balmert Lauren C. , Marangoni Roberta Goncalves , Carns Mary , Hinchcliff Monique , Korman Benjamin D. , Varga John
Published: July 2021

Objective

While interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc), there remains a paucity of predictive markers to assess disease progression. We previously demonstrated that adipose tissue metabolism and adipokine homeostasis is dysregulated in SSc. The present study was undertaken to determine the association and predictive ability of the novel adipokine C1q/tumor necrosis factor–related protein 9 (CTRP9) for SSc‐associated ILD.

Methods

We performed a retrospective longitudinal study utilizing the Northwestern Scleroderma Program Patient Registry and Biorepository. Serum levels of CTRP9 were measured in 110 SSc patients at baseline, and demographic, clinical, and pulmonary function test data were collected in 12‐month intervals to 48 months. Longitudinal trajectory of forced vital capacity percent predicted (FVC%) was used as a primary outcome measure. We utilized a mixed model to compare trajectories of lung function by CTRP9 groups and performed latent trajectory analysis to accommodate for heterogeneity.

Results

In cross‐sectional analysis, elevated circulating CTRP9 was associated with significantly lower FVC% at baseline (72% ± 17 versus 80% ± 18; P = 0.02) and 48 months (68 ± 19 versus 84 ± 18; P = 0.001). In mixed model analysis, high CTRP9 was associated with worse lung function but not with a different trajectory (P = 0.23). In contrast, low CTRP9 identified patients with stability of lung disease with reasonable accuracy (sensitivity 73%). Latent trajectory analysis confirmed the association of lower CTRP9 with higher FVC%.

Conclusion

Higher circulating CTRP9 associated with worse pulmonary function, while low CTRP9 identified patients with lung disease stability over time. These findings suggest that CTRP9 may be a potential biomarker in SSc‐associated ILD.
Rational Design of Immunomodulatory Hydrogels for Chronic Wound Healing
Authors: Kharaziha Mahshid , Baidya Avijit , Annabi Nasim
Published: July 2021

With all the advances in tissue engineering for construction of fully functional skin tissue, complete regeneration of chronic wounds is still challenging. Since immune reaction to the tissue damage is critical in regulating both the quality and duration of chronic wound healing cascade, strategies to modulate the immune system are of importance. Generally, in response to an injury, macrophages switch from pro‐inflammatory to an anti‐inflammatory phenotype. Therefore, controlling macrophages’ polarization has become an appealing approach in regenerative medicine. Recently, hydrogels‐based constructs, incorporated with various cellular and molecular signals, have been developed and utilized to adjust immune cell functions in various stages of wound healing. Here, the current state of knowledge on immune cell functions during skin tissue regeneration is first discussed. Recent advanced technologies used to design immunomodulatory hydrogels for controlling macrophages’ polarization are then summarized. Rational design of hydrogels for providing controlled immune stimulation via hydrogel chemistry and surface modification, as well as incorporation of cell and molecules, are also dicussed. In addition, the effects of hydrogels’ properties on immunogenic features and the wound healing process are summarized. Finally, future directions and upcoming research strategies to control immune responses during chronic wound healing are highlighted.
Large Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons as Graphene Quantum Dots: from Synthesis to Spectroscopy and Photonics
Authors: Paternò Giuseppe Maria , Goudappagouda  , Chen Qiang , Lanzani Guglielmo , Scotognella Francesco , Narita Akimitsu
Published: July 2021

Synergistic research efforts in multistep chemical synthesis and state‐of‐the‐art optical spectroscopy have permitted the realization of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with defined structures and properties, paving the way towards their possible applications in photonics and optoelectronics. One such fruitful feedback loop between synthesis and spectroscopy is represented by the recent development of stable GQDs with zigzag edges, displaying excellent spectral features such as optical gain and strong absorption/emission in the visible/near‐infrared regions, which are appealing for applications in photonics. In this progress report, the authors provide an overview of the latest developments in the chemical synthesis and advanced spectroscopic investigations of atomically precise GQDs, with particular emphasis on those with zigzag‐edged structures. The latest developments in their applications are also introduced, for example, in lasing and optical imaging, and new opportunities in the field of GQDs are discussed, including chiral GQDs with chiroptical properties and possible applications of GQDs for long‐lived luminescence. The authors highlight the role and power of chemical synthesis and spectroscopy in providing new GQDs with promising optical properties that pave the way for new and exciting applications in photonics.
Blue Axially Chiral Biphenyl Based Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Materials for Efficient Circularly Polarized OLEDs
Authors: Tu Zhen‐Long , Lu Jun‐Jian , Luo Xu‐Feng , Hu Jia‐Jun , Li Si , Wang Yi , Zheng You‐Xuan , Zuo Jing‐Lin , Pan Yi
Published: July 2021

This work presents two axial chiral biphenyl based blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials (M‐BPCZ4 and P‐BPCZ4) with four carbazole (CZ) donors and two cyano (CN) acceptors. The rigid CZ‐CN based molecular structures with multiple chromophores result in small gaps among charge transfer states (CTs), and the spin−orbit coupling between CT and locally excited states pushes the reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) process. Besides, this chiral luminescence center strategy with the close distance between chiral units and chiral luminescence region contributes to satisfying circularly polarized luminescence properties with dissymmetry factor |gPL| of 5.0 × 10−3 for (R/S)‐M‐BPCZ4 and 4.7 × 10−3 for (R/S)‐P‐BPCZ4 enantiomers, respectively. Furthermore, the positions of other two CZ units have great effects on the racemization temperatures and circularly polarized electroluminescence properties of the enantiomers. The chiral dyes doped circularly polarized organic light‐emitting diodes compatibly display good performances with external quantum efficiency of 18.3% with slight efficiency roll‐off and high electroluminescence |gEL| of 5.5 × 10−3.
Theoretical Study on Understanding the Effects of Core Structure and Energy Level Tuning on Efficiency of Nonfullerene Acceptors in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Joseph Saju , Ravva Mahesh Kumar , Davis Binny A , Thomas Sabu , Kalarikkal Nandakumar
Published: July 2021

Nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) are a new focus in organic photovoltaics (OPVs), and continue to progress upon the drawbacks of many fullerene‐based electron acceptors. The aim of this work is to identify some important parameters that influence the efficiency of NF‐acceptors in OPVs. These results provide an enhanced understanding of the effect of the NFAs core structure (electron rich/poor group) on the photophysical and optoelectronic properties. In addition, the effect of the small ΔLUMO value (the subtle difference in energy between LUMO+1 and LUMO orbitals of NFAs; LUMO=lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals) on ultrafast charge transfer and charge separation processes in OPVs, recently identified as a key factor for all top rated high performing NFAs, is studied. So far, ΔLUMO‐based theoretical studies are limited to individual NFAs; here, for the first time, the authors have extended to the respective donor/acceptor complexes as well. Finally, based on the first‐principles density functional theory calculations with the seven reported NFAs, , P3HT, and the seven newly modeled donor–acceptor complexes, this study sheds light on important factors that will provide trends and guidelines for further rational design of more efficient NF‐acceptors for OPVs.
Rapid and inexpensive assessment of soil total iron using Nix Pro color sensor
Authors: Jha Gaurav , Sihi Debjani , Dari Biswanath , Kaur Harpreet , Nocco Mallika Arudi , Ulery April , Lombard Kevin
Published: July 2021

In this study, an inexpensive Nix Pro (Nix Sensor Ltd.) color sensor was used to develop prediction models for soil iron (Fe) content. Thirty‐eight soil samples were collected from five agricultural fields across the Animas watershed to develop and validate soil Fe prediction models. We used color space models to develop three different parameter sets for Fe prediction with Nix Pro. The different color space sets were used to develop three new predictive models for Nix Pro‐based Fe content against the lab‐based inductively coupled plasma analyzed Fe content. The model performances were assessed using the coefficient of determination, root mean square error, and model p‐value. Three models (International Commission on Illumination's lightness, ±a axis (redness to greenness), and ± b axis (yellowness to blueness) [CIEL*a*b]; red, green, blue [RGB]; and cyan, magenta, yellow, key [black] [CMYK]) were significant in predicting the Fe content using colorimetric variables with R2 ranging from 0.79 to 0.81. The mean square prediction error (MSPE) and Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE) Index were calculated to validate models and CMYK was predicted to be a better model (MSPE = 0.13; KGE = 0.601) than CIEL*a*b and RGB models. The results suggest Nix Pro is useful in predicting soil Fe content.
Organic Negative Electrode Materials for Metal‐Ion and Molecular‐Ion Batteries: Progress and Challenges from a Molecular Engineering Perspective
Authors: Lakraychi Alae Eddine , Dolhem Franck , Vlad Alexandru , Becuwe Matthieu
Published: July 2021

In the critical area of sustainable energy storage, organic batteries are gaining momentum as strong candidates thanks to their lower environmental footprint and great structural versatility. A plethora of organic materials have been proposed and evaluated as both positive and negative electrode materials. Whereas positive electrode chemistries have attracted extensive attention in the context of practical research and advances overviews, the negative electrode field remains poorly analyzed from a critical point of view. This review summarizes and provides an assessment of different classes of organic compounds with potential applications as negative electrode materials for metal‐ion and molecular‐ion batteries. The impact of molecular design on the electrochemical performance and guidelines for remaining challenges are highlighted.
Nutrient availability affected by silicate and Azospirillum brasilense application in corn–wheat rotation
Authors: Galindo Fernando Shintate , Pagliari Paulo Humberto , Buzetti Salatiér , Rodrigues Willian Lima , Fernandes Guilherme Carlos , Biagini Antônio Leonardo Campos , Tavanti Renan Francisco Rimoldi , Teixeira Filho Marcelo Carvalho Minhoto
Published: July 2021

The interactive effectof silicon (Si) application on soil fertility is poorly understood when inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense is performed. This research determined if Si application and A. brasilense inoculation to corn (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has agronomic benefits on soil nutrient concentration and grain yield. Treatments were tested under a no‐till system in a Rhodic Haplustox in a full factorial design with four replicates and comprised (a) two soil amendment sources—calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) silicate and dolomitic limestone; (b) with and without seed inoculation with A. brasilense; and (c) five sampling dates collected during two corn–wheat crop rotations (2015–2017). Calcium and Mg silicate application was effective at decreasing soil hydrogen + aluminum (H+Al) and Al content and increasing soil pH, sum of bases, and base saturation. However, silicate changed soil nutrient availability, reduced cation exchange capacity, phosphorus (P) and Mg content and did not significantly affect (p > .05) corn and wheat grain yield. Inoculation reduced Al toxicity, with lower H+Al and Al contents, and increased K content, leading to a greater pH and base saturation after four cropping seasons. Inoculation increased corn and wheat grain yield by 8.2 and 8.3%, respectively. Application of Ca and Mg silicate was more effective than limestone as a liming agent but could result in decreased availability of certain nutrients in soil. Inoculation with A. brasilense could be an important management practice to maintain adequate Si content in soil when limestone is applied. However, with silicate application, A. brasilense could increase Si depletion in soil.
Review of Dielectric Elastomer Actuators and Their Applications in Soft Robots
Authors: Guo Yaguang , Liu Liwu , Liu Yanju , Leng Jinsong
Published: July 2021

Due to the inherent rigidity of hard materials, the adaptability and flexibility of traditional robots are limited. Recently, soft robots became one of the most attractive areas. The intrinsic compliance and adaptability of soft materials enable soft robots to achieve unexpected functions. Dielectric elastomers (DE) can exhibit large deformation, fast response, and high energy density under the action of external electrical stimuli, becoming one of the most promising materials in soft robots. Herein, the key points of DE actuators (DEAs) are first introduced, including the working principle, DE materials, compliant electrodes, and typical configurations. Then, the soft robots driven by DEAs are reviewed. Some recent highlights are described and discussed in detail. Finally, the main challenges are summarized for the real‐world application of soft robots based on DEAs.
Brennstoffbetriebene und enzymregulierte redoxresponsive supramolekulare Hydrogele
Authors: Jain Mehak , Ravoo Bart Jan
Published: July 2021

In Hydrogele eingebrachte chemische Reaktionsnetzwerke können responsive Materialien zu komplexen, selbstregulierenden Materialien transformieren, die eine Rückkopplung auf externe Stimuli generieren können. Diese Arbeit präsentiert Hydrogele aus dem Wirt‐Gast‐Paar β‐Cyclodextrin und Ferrocen als supramolekulare Vernetzer. Ein redoxresponsives Verhalten des Systems wird induziert durch die Treibstoff‐Enzym‐Paare Meerrettich‐Peroxidase/H2O2 und Glucose‐Oxidase (GOx)/d‐Glucose. Das Hydrogel kann durch Variation der Konzentration des Reduktionstreibstoffs d‐Glucose von einem responsiven zu einem selbstregulierenden supramolekularen System umgewandelt werden. Gestartet wird das selbstregulierende Verhalten durch die Bildung eines Oxidationsmittels innerhalb des Gels durch das Cofaktor‐Intermediat GOx[FADH2]. UV/Vis‐Spektroskopie, Rheologie und kinetische Modellierung wurden angewendet, um dieses Nichtgleichgewichtsverhalten und die Programmierbarkeit der Rückkopplung des Hydrogels, unter anderem die Anpassung des Speichermoduls und die mögliche Anwendung als Glucose‐Sensor, zu beleuchten.
Flexible and sensitive piezoresistive electronic skin based on TOCN/PPy hydrogel films
Authors: Gao Yujiao , Liu Dongning , Xie Yuanyuan , Song Yiheng , Zhu Enwen , Shi Zhuqun , Yang Quanling , Xiong Chuanxi
Published: July 2021

In recent years, the wearable electronic skin (E‐skin) has attracted more and more attention due to high sensitivity, good portability and flexibility. In this work, we used the 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyl‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO)‐oxidized cellulose nanofibril (TOCN) as the substrate, and used the in‐situ polymerization method to introduce polypyrrole (PPy) into the TOCN substrate. Then, the nylon gauze was used as microstructure template to prepare a TOCN/PPy E‐skin with a surface microstructure. This E‐skin possessed excellent sensing and mechanical properties. In the pressure range of 0–600 Pa, the sensitivity of E‐skin was 3.13 kPa−1. In addition, the E‐skin exhibited ultrafast response/recovery time (≤10 ms), ultralow detection limit of 0.3 Pa, good stability (>9000 cycles) and mechanical strength of up to 117 MPa. Therefore, the TOCN/PPy E‐skin has broad development prospects in the fields of artificial intelligence and health monitoring.
Time‐dependent properties of epoxy resin with imidazolium ionic liquid
Authors: Fonseca Eduardo , da Silva Vinícius Demétrio , Amico Sandro Campos , Pupure Liva , Joffe Roberts , Schrekker Henri Stephan
Published: July 2021

This study investigates creep and viscoelastic behavior of the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy resin and triethylenetetramine (TETA) system containing an imidazolium ionic liquid (IL), the 1‐n‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride (C4MImCl). Different time‐dependent analysis methods are studied using data from tensile creep, tensile creep/recovery, and three‐point and four‐point flexural creep tests of epoxy with 1.0 or 4.0 phr of IL. From the results, the composition containing 1.0 phr of C4MImCl, cured at 60°C, presented greater viscoelasticity and crosslink density compared to compositions cured at 30 and 40°C, which was attributed to higher free volume and higher molecular mobility induced by the presence of the IL. In tensile creep tests using the stepped isostress method (SSM), no important degrading effects were found after the addition of 1.0 phr of IL over long time periods. This composition also showed the best overall performance in flexural SSM creep tests.
Extraction of a second power‐law tail of the density distribution in simulated clouds
Authors: Marinkova Lyubov , Veltchev Todor , Girichidis Philipp , Donkov Sava
Published: July 2021

The emergence and development of a power‐law tail (PLT) at the high‐density end of the observed column‐density distribution are thought to be indicative for advanced evolution of star‐forming molecular clouds. As shown from many numerical simulations, it corresponds to a morphologically analogous evolution of the mass‐density distribution (ρ‐PDF). The latter may display also a second, shallower PLT at the stage of collapse of the first formed protostellar cores. It is difficult to estimate the parameters of a possible second PLT due to resolution constraints. To address the issue, we extend the method for the extraction of single PLTs from arbitrary density distributions suggested by Veltchev et al. (MNRAS, 489, 788, 2019) to detect a second PLT. The technique is elaborated through tests on an analytic ρ‐PDF and applied to a set of hydrodynamical high‐resolution simulations of isothermal self‐gravitating clouds. In all but one case two PLTs were detected—the first slope is always steeper and the second one is typically . These results are in a good agreement with numerical and theoretical works and do suggest that the technique extracts correctly double PLTs from smooth PDFs.
Preparation of thermosensitive PNIPAm‐based copolymer coated cytodex 3 microcarriers for efficient nonenzymatic cell harvesting during 3D culturing
Authors: Darge Haile F. , Chuang Shun‐Hao , Lai Juin‐Yih , Lin Shuian‐Yin , Tsai Hsieh‐Chih
Published: July 2021

Enzymatic detachment of cells might damage important features and functions of cells and could affect subsequent cell‐based applications. Therefore, nonenzymatic cell detachment using thermosensitive polymer matrix is necessary for maintaining cell quality after harvesting. In this study, we prepared thermosensitive PNIPAm‐co‐AAc‐b‐PS and PNIPAm‐co‐AAm‐b‐PS copolymers and low critical solution temperature (LCST) was tuned near to body temperature. Then, spin coated polymer films were prepared for cell adhesion and thermal‐induced cell detachment. The alpha‐step analysis and scanning electron microscope image of the films suggested that the thickness of the films depends on the molecular weight and concentration which ranged from 206 to 1330 nm for PNIPAm‐co‐AAc‐b‐PS and 97.5–497 nm for PNIPAm‐co‐AAm‐b‐PS. The contact angles of the films verified that the polymer surface was moderately hydrophilic at 37°C. Importantly, RAW264.7 cells were convincingly proliferated on the films to a confluent of >80% within 48 h and abled to detach by reducing the temperature. However, relatively more cells were grown on PNIPAm‐co‐AAm‐b‐PS (5%w/v) films and thermal‐induced cell detachment was more abundant in this formulation. As a result, PNIPAm‐co‐AAm‐b‐PS (5%w/v) was further used to coat commercial cytodex 3 microcarriers for 3D cell culturing and interestingly enhanced cell detachment with preserved potential of recovery was observed at a temperature of below LCST. Thus, surface modification of microcarriers with thermosensitive PNIPAm‐co‐AAm‐b‐PS could be vital strategy for nonenzymatic cell detachment and to achieve adequate number of cells with maximum cell viability and functionality.
Nuclear Aurora kinase A triggers programmed death‐ligand 1‐mediated immune suppression by activating MYC transcription in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Sun Shulan , Zhou Wei , Li Xiaoxi , Peng Fei , Yan Min , Zhan Yajing , An Fan , Li Xiaoyan , Liu Yunyong , Liu Quentin , Piao Haozhe
Published: July 2021

Background

Increasing studies have reported that oncogenes regulate components of the immune system, suggesting that this is a mechanism for tumorigenesis. Aurora kinase A (AURKA), a serine/threonine kinase, is involved in cell mitosis and is essential for tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance. However, the mechanism by which AURKA is involved in immune response regulation is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of AURKA in immune regulation in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were co‐cultured with TNBC cells. The xCELLigence Real‐Time Cell Analyzer‐MP system was used to detect the killing efficiency of immune cells on TNBC cells. The expression of immune effector molecules was tested by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) to evaluate immune function. Furthermore, to validate AURKA‐regulated immune response in vivo, 4T1 murine breast cancer cell line with AURKA overexpression or downregulation was engrafted into BALB/c mice. The distribution and proportion of immune cells in tumors were further evaluated by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.

Results

Downregulation of AURKA in TNBC cells increased immune response by activating CD8+ T cell proliferation and activity. Nuclear rather than cytoplasmic AURKA‐derived programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression was independent of its kinase activity. Mechanistic investigations showed that nuclear AURKA increased PD‐L1 expression via an MYC‐dependent pathway. PD‐L1 overexpression mostly reversed AURKA silencing‐induced expression of immune effector molecules, including interleukin‐ (IL‐2), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), and perforin. Moreover, AURKA expression was negatively correlated with the enrichment and activity of tumor‐infiltrating CD8+ T cells in 4T1 engrafted BALB/c mouse model.

Conclusions

Nuclear AURKA elevated PD‐L1 expression via an MYC‐dependent pathway and contributed to immune evasion in TNBC. Therapies targeting nuclear AURKA may restore immune responses against tumors.
Identification of novel mutations and functional impacts of EPAS1 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Islam Farhadul , Gopalan Vinod , Lu Cu Tai , Pillai Suja , Lam Alfred K.
Published: July 2021

Endothelial PAS domain‐containing protein 1 (EPAS1) has implications in many cancers. However, the molecular behaviours, functional roles and mutational status of EPAS1 have never been studied in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). The study aims to examine the genetic alterations and functional roles of EPAS1 in CRC. In addition, the clinical impacts of EPAS1 in CRC were studied. Significant EPAS1 DNA amplification (63.4%; n = 52/82) and consequent mRNA overexpression (72%; n = 59/82) were noted in patients with CRC. In CRC, 16% (n = 13/82) of the patients had mutations in the EPAS1 coding sequence and most of the mutated samples exhibited aberrant DNA changes and mRNA overexpression. We have identified two novel variants, c.1084C>T; p.L362L and c.1121T>G; p.F374C in CRC. These EPAS1 aberrations in CRC were correlated with clinicopathological parameters, including tumour size, histological grade, T‐stages, cancer perforation as well as the presence of synchronous cancer. Also, reduced cell proliferation, wound healing, migration and invasion were noted in colon cancer cells followed by EPAS1 silencing. To conclude, the results obtained from the current study indicated that EPAS1 plays important role in colorectal carcinogenesis, thus, could be useful as a prognostic marker and as a target for therapy development.
Hypoxia‐related lncRNAs to build prognostic classifier and reveal the immune characteristics of EGFR wild type and low expression of PD‐L1 squamous and adenocarcinoma NSCLC
Authors: Zhao Fang , Wang Min , Zhu Jie
Published: July 2021

Background

Recently, the development and application of targeted therapies like tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have achieved remarkable survival benefits in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. However, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) wild type and low expression of programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) NSCLC remain unmanageable. Few treatments for these patients exist, and more side effects with combination therapies have been observed. We intended to generate a hypoxia‐related lncRNAs (hypolncRNAs) classifier that could successfully identify the high‐risk patients and reveal its underlying molecular immunology characteristics.

Methods

By identifying the bottom 25% PD‐L1 expression level as low expression of PD‐L1 and removing EGFR mutant samples, a total of 222 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous carcinoma (LUSC) samples and 93 adjacent non‐tumor samples were finally extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). A 0 or 1 matrix was constructed by cyclically pairing hypoxia‐related long non‐coding RNAs (hypolncRNAs) and divided into the train set and test set. The univariate Cox regression analysis determined the prognostic hypolncRNAs pairs. Then, the prognostic classifier contained nine hypolncRNAs pairs which were generated by Lasso regression and multivariate Cox analysis. It successfully stratified EGFR wild type and low expression of PD‐L1 squamous and adenocarcinoma NSCLC (double‐negative LUAD and LUSC) patients into the high‐ and low‐risk groups, whose accuracy was proved by the time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Furthermore, diverse acknowledged immunology methods include XCELL, TIMER, QUANTISEQ, MCPcounter, EPIC, CIBERSORT‐ABS, CIBERSORT, and the single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) revealed its underlying antitumor immunosuppressive status in the high‐risk patients.

Conclusions

It is noteworthy that hypolncRNAs are associated with the survival of double‐negative LUAD and LUSC patients, for which the possible mechanism is inhibiting the antitumor immune process.
Delusional misidentification syndrome and criminal acting out: A case report of maternal filicide
Authors: Ben Ammar Hanen , Hamdi Ghada , Brahmi Lina , Naceur Yomn , Khelifa Emira , Felhi Rania , Mnif Leila
Published: July 2021

Delusional misidentification syndromes are associated with danger and may lead to homicide. Early assessment of the danger is a key part of the psychiatric examination. Compliance to treatment in psychosis is important to avoid the devastating consequences, for the perpetrator, the victim, and the community.
Synergistic Engineering of Defects and Heterostructures Enhance Lithium/Sodium Storage Properties of F‐SnO2‐x‐SnS2‐x Nanocrystals Supported on N,S‐Graphene
Authors: Yuan Xing , Zhao Xiaojun , Qiu Shuting , Song Yizhuo
Published: July 2021

Phase engineering of the electrode materials in terms of designing heterostructures, introducing heteroatom and defects, improves great prospects in accelerating the charge storage kinetics during the repeated Li+/Na+ insertion/deintercalation. Herein, a new design of Li/Na‐ion battery anodes through phase regulating is reported consisting of F‐doped SnO2‐SnS2 heterostructure nanocrystals with oxygen/sulfur vacancies (VO/VS) anchored on a 2D sulfur/nitrogen‐doped reduced graphene oxide matrix (F‐SnO2‐x‐SnS2‐x@N/S‐RGO). Consequently, the F‐SnO2‐x‐SnS2‐x@N/S‐RGO anode demonstrates superb high reversible capacity and long‐term cycling stability. Moreover, it exhibits excellent great rate capability with 589 mAh g−1 for Li+ and 296 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1 for Na+. The enhanced Li/Na storage properties of the nanocomposites are not only attributed to the increase in conductivity caused by VO/VS and F doping (confirmed by DFT calculations) to accelerate their charge‐transfer kinetics but also the increased interaction between F‐SnO2‐x‐SnS2‐x and Li/Na through heterostructure. Meanwhile, the hierarchical F‐SnO2‐x‐SnS2‐x@N/S‐RGO network structure enables fast infiltration of electrolyte and improves electron/ion transportation in the electrode, and the corrosion resistance of F doping contributes to prolonged cycle stability.
Characterization of Functional Groups in Estuarine Dissolved Organic Matter by DNP‐enhanced 15N and 13C Solid‐State NMR
Authors: Venel Florian , Nagashima Hiroki , Rankin Andrew G. M. , Anquetil Christelle , Klimavicius Vytautas , Gutmann Torsten , Buntkowsky Gerd , Derenne Sylvie , Lafon Olivier , Huguet Arnaud , Pourpoint Frédérique
Published: July 2021

Estuaries are key ecosystems with unique biodiversity and are of high economic importance. Along the estuaries, variations in environmental parameters, such as salinity and light penetration, can modify the characteristics of dissolved organic matter (DOM). Nevertheless, there is still limited information about the atomic‐level transformations of DOM in this ecosystem. Solid‐state NMR spectroscopy provides unique insights into the nature of functional groups in DOM. A major limitation of this technique is its lack of sensivity, which results in experimental time of tens of hours for the acquisition of 13C NMR spectra and generally precludes the observation of 15N nuclei for DOM. We show here how the sensitivity of solid‐state NMR experiments on DOM of Seine estuary can be enhanced using dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) under magic‐angle spinning. This technique allows the acquisition of 13C NMR spectra of these samples in few minutes, instead of hours for conventional solid‐state NMR. Both conventional and DNP‐enhanced 13C NMR spectra indicate that the 13C local environments in DOM are not strongly modified along the Seine estuary. Furthermore, the sensitivity gain provided by the DNP allows the detection of 15N NMR signal of DOM, in spite of the low nitrogen content. These spectra reveal that the majority of nitrogen is in the amide form in these DOM samples and show an increased disorder around these amide groups near the mouth of the Seine.
Normal reward development likely to be blunted by frequent drinking in teenagers
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2021

Children who initiate drinking in teenage years, starting with no use and moving to frequent drinking at a young age, are likely to have disrupted normative development in behavioral control, researchers have found. In addition, both severe alcohol use in adolescents and blunted activity in the medial orbitofrontal cortex (which regulates decision‐making) during reward functions may be common factors. Both conclusions were found in a study of adolescents published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Cannabis use linked to increase in suicidality in young adults, especially women
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2021

Cannabis use is associated with three types of suicidality in young adults: suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide), suicide plans, and suicide attempts, according to a recent study by researchers from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) published in JAMA Network Open online June 22. The associations could not be proven causally, but the 40%–60% increase in suicidality — ideation, plan, attempt, and death — mirrors the increase in cannabis use.
Black children have higher, not lower, risks for ADHD than others
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2021

Blacks are at higher risk for attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than the general population in the United States, according to a recent study. This conclusion is contrary to DSM‐5, but it based on a systematic review and meta‐analysis. The results highlight the need to increased assessment and monitoring among Blacks from different social backgrounds, the researchers conclude, as well as the importance of accurate diagnoses and culturally appropriate care.
On the optimum binding energy for the hydrogen evolution reaction: How do experiments contribute?
Authors: Exner Kai S.
Published: July 2021

Binding energies of reaction intermediates are largely used to comprehend activity trends in a class of electrode materials. For a two‐electron process, such as the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), it is a well‐established paradigm that the optimum electrocatalyst binds adsorbed hydrogen thermoneutrally at zero overpotential. While this picture was challenged recently by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations and microkinetic considerations, reporting a shift of the optimum binding energy to strong or weak bonding with increasing overpotential, now experiments show further evidence for this theory. This perspective article juxtaposes the different views of the optimum binding energy for the HER by means of the Sabatier principle, microkinetic considerations, DFT calculations, and experiments, and provides an outlook of potential future investigations by the combination of experiments with DFT aiming at sustainable materials development for the hydrogen electrocatalysis.
A survey of problematic database code fragments in software systems
Authors: Alshemaimri Bader , Elmasri Ramez , Alsahfi Tariq , Almotairi Mousa
Published: July 2021

Database code fragments exist in software systems by using Structured Query Language (SQL) as the standard language for relational databases. Traditionally, developers bind databases as backends to software systems for supporting user applications. However, these bindings are low‐level code and implemented to persist user data, so Object Relational Mapping (ORM) frameworks take place to abstract database access details. Both approaches are prone to problematic database code fragments that negatively impact the quality of software systems. We survey problematic database code fragments in the literature and examine antipatterns that occur in low‐level database access code using SQL and high‐level counterparts ORM frameworks. We also study problematic database code fragments in different and popular software architectures such as Service‐Oriented Architecture, Microservice Architecture, and Model View Controller. We create a novel categorization of both SQL schema and query antipatterns in terms of performance, maintainability, portability, and data integrity.
Dehydrogenation properties of hydride‐hydroxide systems containing potassium
Authors: Noto Nozomi , Isobe Shigehito , Hashimoto Naoyuki
Published: July 2021

In this research, dehydrogenation properties of several hydride‐hydroxide systems containing KH and KOH have been evaluated. Six types of hydride‐hydroxide systems (KH‐M[OH]n, MHm‐KOH, M: Li, Na, Mg) were prepared by ball milling method. We expected reaction formula of these six systems with assumption, that is, oxides would form after dehydrogenation. The hydrogen desorption properties of these systems were evaluated by TG‐DTA and MS. From the results of XRD before and after dehydrogenation, we obtained actual reaction formulas, which were different from expected formulas. Among six systems, it was confirmed that only KH‐LiOH system dehydrogenated in endothermic. This means that KH‐LiOH system can reversibly ab/desorb hydrogen in principle. However, it is calculated that extremely high pressure of GPa order is required for rehydrogenation of KH‐LiOH system.
Coarse sediment supply sets the slope of bedrock channels in rapidly uplifting terrain: Field and topographic evidence from eastern Taiwan
Authors: Lai Larry Syu‐Heng , Roering Joshua J. , Finnegan Noah J. , Dorsey Rebecca J. , Yen Jiun‐Yee
Published: July 2021

The incision rate and steepness of bedrock channels depend on water discharge, uplift rate, substrate lithology, sediment flux, and bedload size. However, the relative role of these factors and the sensitivity of channel steepness to rapid (>1 mm yr−1) uplift rates remain unclear. We conducted field and topographic analyses of fluvial bedrock channels with varying channel bed lithology and sediment source rock along the Coastal Range in eastern Taiwan, where uplift rates vary from 1.8 to 11.8 mm yr−1 and precipitation is relatively consistent (1.5–2.7 m yr−1), to evaluate the controls on bedrock channel steepness. We find that channel steepness is independent of rock uplift rate and annual precipitation but increases monotonically with sediment size and substrate strength. Furthermore, in reaches with uniform substrate lithology (mudstone and flysch), channel steepness systematically varies with sediment source rock but not with channel width. When applied to our data, a mechanistic incision model (saltation‐abrasion model) suggests that the steepness of Coastal Range channels is set primarily by coarse‐sediment supply. We also observe that larger particles are mainly composed of resistant lithologies derived from volcanic rocks and conglomerates. This result implies that hillslope bedrock properties in the source area exert a dominant control on the steepness of proximal channels through coarse‐sediment production in this setting. We propose that channel steepness may be insensitive to uplift rate and flow discharge in fast‐uplifting landscapes where incision processes are set by coarse sediment size and supply. Models assuming a proportionality between incision rate and basal shear stress (stream power) may not fully capture controls on fluvial channel profiles in landslide‐dominated landscapes. Processes other than channel steepening, such as enhanced bedload impacts and debris‐flow scour, may be required to balance rock uplift and incision in these transport‐limited systems.