bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Bright, Narrow Emissivity of InP Quantum Dots Synthesized by Aminophosphine: Effects of Double Shelling Scheme and Ga Treatment
Authors: Jo Jung‐Ho , Jo Dae‐Yeon , Choi Seung‐Wan , Lee Sun‐Hyoung , Kim Hyun‐Min , Yoon Suk‐Young , Kim Yuri , Han Jee‐Na , Yang Heesun
Published: May 2021

Indium phosphide (InP) quantum dots (QDs) are in an unrivaled position in photoluminescence (PL) performances particularly for green and red color over other heavy‐metal‐free QD visible emitters. Herein, based on InP cores synthesized using an easy‐to‐handle, safe aminophosphine precursor, unprecedented bright, narrow emissivity is demonstrated synergically by optimizing double shelling scheme and Ga treatment. Two comparative double shells of ZnSe0.5S0.5/ZnS versus ZnSe/ZnS are generated on green‐emissive InP cores, yielding better PL outcomes with respect to PL quantum yield (QY) and full‐width‐at‐half‐maximum (FWHM) from the latter scheme over the former one. With an intent to further enhance emissivity, incorporation of Ga onto InP cores in the course of ZnSe inner shelling is newly devised. Properly Ga‐treated InP/ZnSe/ZnS QDs, where Ga is presumed to play a beneficial role in removing surface P dangling bond of InP core, produce a near‐unity PLQY (97%) and narrow FWHM of 37 nm. The similar effectiveness is also verified in red InP/ZnSe/ZnS heterostructure, clearly indicating that Ga treatment is a viable, valid strategy toward bright emissivity in the InP QD system.
Second Harmonic Generation Covering the Entire Visible Range from a 2D Material–Plasmon Hybrid Metasurface
Authors: Ding Yufeng , Wei Chengrong , Su Huimin , Sun Shuoyan , Tang Zhiyong , Wang Zhaona , Li Guixin , Liu Dahe , Gwo Shangjr , Dai Junfeng , Shi Jinwei
Published: May 2021

On‐chip coherent light source has always been fascinating and intriguing due to its various potential applications. In the past decades, there has been some progress in the development of chip coherent light (e.g., nanolaser, Bose‐Einstein condensation and nonlinear optical effects). However, these methods strictly depend on materials and extreme experimental conditions, and are usually not tunable. Here, a hybrid structure is designed which combines a chirped surface plasmon metasurface with a monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) to achieve a coherent second harmonic generation (SHG) covering the entire visible light spectrum. Using only finite number of metallic grooves, a continuous resonance tuning is obtained. By translating the metasurface in space, a space‐frequency locking SHG is demonstrated. Although the Q factor of the surface plasmon cavity is low, its near‐field enhancements of both fundamental and SH waves are still obvious. Significantly, the broad linewidth of plasmonic cavity leads to a large degree of overlap between adjacent localized modes, that enables the tuning of the output wavelength continuously at room temperature. Meanwhile, the exciton resonance also plays an important role. This monolithic tunable device demonstrates the potentials of 2D material‐plasmon hybrid metasurface and to construct an efficient broadband tunable on‐chip coherent light source.
Drug Repurposing for the Treatment of COVID‐19: A Knowledge Graph Approach
Authors: Yan Vincent K. C. , Li Xiaodong , Ye Xuxiao , Ou Min , Luo Ruibang , Zhang Qingpeng , Tang Bo , Cowling Benjamin J. , Hung Ivan , Siu Chung Wah , Wong Ian C. K. , Cheng Reynold C. K. , Chan Esther W.
Published: May 2021

Identifying effective drug treatments for COVID‐19 is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. Although a number of existing drugs have been proposed as potential COVID‐19 treatments, effective data platforms and algorithms to prioritize drug candidates for evaluation and application of knowledge graph for drug repurposing have not been adequately explored. A COVID‐19 knowledge graph by integrating 14 public bioinformatic databases containing information on drugs, genes, proteins, viruses, diseases, symptoms and their linkages is developed. An algorithm is developed to extract hidden linkages connecting drugs and COVID‐19 from the knowledge graph, to generate and rank proposed drug candidates for repurposing as treatments for COVID‐19 by integrating three scores for each drug: motif scores, knowledge graph PageRank scores, and knowledge graph embedding scores. The knowledge graph contains over 48 000 nodes and 13 37 000 edges, including 13 563 molecules in the DrugBank database. From the 5624 molecules identified by the motif‐discovery algorithms, ranking results show that 112 drug molecules had the top 2% scores, of which 50 existing drugs with other indications approved by health administrations reported. The proposed drug candidates serve to generate hypotheses for future evaluation in clinical trials and observational studies.
Integrating Emerging Polymer Chemistries for the Advancement of Recyclable, Biodegradable, and Biocompatible Electronics
Authors: Chiong Jerika A. , Tran Helen , Lin Yangju , Zheng Yu , Bao Zhenan
Published: May 2021

Through advances in molecular design, understanding of processing parameters, and development of non‐traditional device fabrication techniques, the field of wearable and implantable skin‐inspired devices is rapidly growing interest in the consumer market. Like previous technological advances, economic growth and efficiency is anticipated, as these devices will enable an augmented level of interaction between humans and the environment. However, the parallel growing electronic waste that is yet to be addressed has already left an adverse impact on the environment and human health. Looking forward, it is imperative to develop both human‐ and environmentally‐friendly electronics, which are contingent on emerging recyclable, biodegradable, and biocompatible polymer technologies. This review provides definitions for recyclable, biodegradable, and biocompatible polymers based on reported literature, an overview of the analytical techniques used to characterize mechanical and chemical property changes, and standard policies for real‐life applications. Then, various strategies in designing the next‐generation of polymers to be recyclable, biodegradable, or biocompatible with enhanced functionalities relative to traditional or commercial polymers are discussed. Finally, electronics that exhibit an element of recyclability, biodegradability, or biocompatibility with new molecular design are highlighted with the anticipation of integrating emerging polymer chemistries into future electronic devices.
Electromechanical Manipulation of Topological Defects to Yield Giant Piezoelectric Response in Epitaxial Lead Zirconate Titanate Bilayers on Silicon
Authors: Winkler Richard Stephen , Zhang Yangyang , Zhang Qi , Wang Zhe , Zhu Yimei , Han Myung‐Geun , Schlom Darrell G. , Valanoor Nagarajan
Published: May 2021

The combination of topological defect mobility and exploitation of the boundary conditions in bilayer heterostructures presents an enormous opportunity for enhancing actuation responses from modest external stimuli in electromechanical applications. Tetragonal PbZr0.3Ti0.7O3 and underlying rhombohedral PbZr0.54Ti0.46O3 ferroelectric bilayers are epitaxially grown on silicon substrates. The topmost layer shows crystallographic symmetry lower than a typical tetragonal structure but is arranged in‐plane with a mosaic pattern of superdomains and ferroelastic a1/a2 nanodomains within. The domain pattern also shows a series of vortex/anti‐vortex pairs induced in the pseudo‐tetragonal film, which can be manipulated to either migrate across the film or annihilate one another in the presence of an external electrical bias. The mobility of defect pairs and domain walls, through reduced substrate clamping by the underlying rhombohedral film, is the driving force for endowing the bilayer with a ≈45% increased effective d33 response compared to a rhombohedral single layer on silicon. Furthermore, a square in‐plane polarization loop (≈32 µC cm–2) provides further evidence of the mobility and large‐scale polarization switching. An improvement of this magnitude demonstrates the opportunity to implement bilayer technology while exploiting a functional silicon substrate for enhanced, industry‐ready, smart material applications.
Cell‐Based Bio‐Hybrid Delivery System for Disease Treatments
Authors: Li Chu-Xin , Qi Yong-Dan , Feng Jun , Zhang Xian-Zheng
Published: May 2021

Live cells are implicated in diverse biological processes, including nutrient transport and removal of foreign substances. Their intelligent biofunctions with complex mechanisms cannot be replicated at all in man‐made materials despite the significant advance in material design. Taking advantages of their biocompatibility and biotropic capability, various live cells have been developed as a kind of special carriers for the on‐demand delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents in recent years. Furthermore, synthetic materials can be integrated with live cells to provide bio‐hybrid systems that inherit advantages from both the synthetic particles and the natural cells. Herein, recent strategies and advances in cell‐based bio‐hybrid delivery systems for disease treatment are summarized. Challenges and opportunities in this field are also discussed.
Wirt‐Gast‐Wechselwirkungen in einer Serie isoretikulärer Metall‐organischer Gerüststrukturen für molekulare photokatalytische CO2‐Reduktion
Authors: Stanley Philip M. , Haimerl Johanna , Thomas Christopher , Urstoeger Alexander , Schuster Michael , Shustova Natalia B. , Casini Angela , Rieger Bernhard , Warnan Julien , Fischer Roland A.
Published: May 2021

Eine Strategie zur Verbesserung der Stabilität, Effizienz und Selektivität von homogenen molekularen Katalysatoren ist die Immobilisierung auf Trägeroberflächen oder innerhalb von Matrizes. Hier untersuchen wir die Immobilisierung des CO2‐Reduktionskatalysators [ReBr(CO)3(4,4′‐dcbpy)] und des Photosensibilisators [Ru(bpy)2(5,5′‐dcbpy)]Cl2 unter Verwendung folgender Serie von isoretikulären Metall‐organischen Gerüsten (MOFs): UiO‐66, ‐67 und ‐68. Die spezifische Wahl der Porengröße ermöglicht eine unterschiedliche räumliche Anordnung von Katalysator und Photosensibilisator – entweder an der äußeren Oberfläche der MOF‐Partikel oder im Inneren der MOF‐Kavitäten. Dies beeinflusst die Katalysatorstabilität, die elektronische Kommunikation zwischen Reaktionszentrum und Photosensibilisator und folglich die katalytische Aktivität. Diese Ergebnisse ermöglichen ein rationales Verständnis eines optimierten supramolekularen Zusammenspiels von Katalysator, Photosensibilisator und Wirt.
Palladium‐katalysierte decarbonylierende Iodierung von Carbonsäuren, ermöglicht durch Ligand‐unterstützten Halogenaustausch
Authors: Boehm Philip , Martini Tristano , Lee Yong Ho , Cacherat Bastien , Morandi Bill
Published: May 2021

Wir berichten über eine effiziente und breit anwendbare Palladium‐katalysierte Iodierung günstiger und leicht verfügbarer Aryl‐ und Vinylcarbonsäuren durch In‐situ‐Aktivierung zum Säurechlorid und Bildung eines Phosphoniumsalzes. Die Verwendung von 1‐Iodbutan als Iodidquelle in Kombination mit einer Base und einem Desoxychlorierungsreagenz eröffnet den Zugang zu einer Vielzahl von Aryl‐ und Vinyliodiden unter Pd/Xantphos‐Katalyse, einschließlich komplexer arzneimittelähnlicher Strukturen. Stöchiometrische Experimente und kinetische Analysen legen einen einzigartigen Mechanismus nahe, welcher die reduktive C‐P‐Eliminierung zur Bildung des Xantphos‐Phosphoniumchlorids beinhaltet, welches anschließend einen ungewöhnlichen Halogenaustausch durch nukleophile Substitution initiiert.
Consecutive Ligand‐Based Electron Transfer in New Molecular Copper‐Based Water Oxidation Catalysts
Authors: Gil‐Sepulcre Marcos , Garrido‐Barros Pablo , Oldengott Jan , Funes‐Ardoiz Ignacio , Bofill Roger , Sala Xavier , Benet‐Buchholz Jordi , Llobet Antoni
Published: May 2021

Water oxidation to dioxygen is one of the key reactions that need to be mastered for the design of practical devices based on water splitting with sunlight. In this context, water oxidation catalysts based on first‐row transition metal complexes are highly desirable due to their low cost and their synthetic versatility and tunability through rational ligand design. A new family of dianionic bpy‐amidate ligands of general formula H2LNn− (LN is [2,2′‐bipyridine]‐6,6′‐dicarboxamide) substituted with phenyl or naphthyl redox non‐innocent moieties is described. A detailed electrochemical analysis of [(L4)Cu]2− (L4=4,4′‐(([2,2′‐bipyridine]‐6,6′‐dicarbonyl)bis(azanediyl))dibenzenesulfonate) at pH 11.6 shows the presence of a large electrocatalytic wave for water oxidation catalysis at an η=830 mV. Combined experimental and computational evidence, support an all ligand‐based process with redox events taking place at the aryl‐amide groups and at the hydroxido ligands.
Particle‐by‐Particle In Situ Characterization of the Protein Corona via Real‐Time 3D Single‐Particle‐Tracking Spectroscopy**
Authors: Tan Xiaochen , Welsher Kevin
Published: May 2021

Nanoparticles (NPs) adsorb proteins when exposed to biological fluids, forming a dynamic protein corona that affects their fate in biological environments. A comprehensive understanding of the protein corona is lacking due to the inability of current techniques to precisely measure the full corona in situ at the single‐particle level. Herein, we introduce a 3D real‐time single‐particle tracking spectroscopy to “lock‐on” to single freely diffusing polystyrene NPs and probe their individual protein coronas, primarily using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model system. The fluorescence signals and diffusive motions of the tracked NPs enable quantification of the “hard corona” using mean‐squared displacement analysis. Critically, this method's particle‐by‐particle nature enabled a lock‐in‐type frequency filtering approach to extract the full protein corona, despite the typically confounding effect of high background signal from unbound proteins. From these results, the dynamic in situ full protein corona is observed to contain twice the number of proteins compared to the ex situ‐measured “hard” protein corona.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Decarbonylative Iodination of Aryl Carboxylic Acids Enabled by Ligand‐Assisted Halide Exchange
Authors: Boehm Philip , Martini Tristano , Lee Yong Ho , Cacherat Bastien , Morandi Bill
Published: May 2021

We report an efficient and broadly applicable palladium‐catalyzed iodination of inexpensive and abundant aryl and vinyl carboxylic acids via in situ activation to the acid chloride and formation of a phosphonium salt. The use of 1‐iodobutane as iodide source in combination with a base and a deoxychlorinating reagent gives access to a wide range of aryl and vinyl iodides under Pd/Xantphos catalysis, including complex drug‐like scaffolds. Stoichiometric experiments and kinetic analysis suggest a unique mechanism involving C−P reductive elimination to form the Xantphos phosphonium chloride, which subsequently initiates an unusual halogen exchange by outer sphere nucleophilic substitution.
Heterocycle/Heteroallene Ring‐Opening Copolymerization: Selective Catalysis Delivering Alternating Copolymers
Authors: Plajer Alex J. , Williams Charlotte K.
Published: May 2021

Heteroatom‐containing polymers have strong potential as sustainable replacements for petrochemicals, show controllable monomer–polymer equilibria and properties spanning plastics, elastomers, fibres, resins, foams, coatings, adhesives, and self‐assembled nanostructures. Their current and future applications span packaging, house‐hold goods, clothing, automotive components, electronics, optical materials, sensors, and medical products. An interesting route to these polymers is the catalysed ring‐opening copolymerisation (ROCOP) of heterocycles and heteroallenes. It is a living polymerization, occurs with high atom economy, and creates precise, new polymer structures inaccessible by traditional methods. In the last decade there has been a renaissance in research and increasing examples of commercial products made using ROCOP. It is better known in the production of polycarbonates and polyesters, but is also a powerful route to make N‐, S‐, and other heteroatom‐containing polymers, including polyamides, polycarbamates, and polythioesters. This Review presents an overview of the different catalysts, monomer combinations, and polymer classes that can be accessed by heterocycle/heteroallene ROCOP.
Loading Linear Arrays of CuII Inside Aromatic Amide Helices
Authors: Wang Jinhua , Wicher Barbara , Méndez‐Ardoy Alejandro , Li Xuesong , Pecastaings Gilles , Buffeteau Thierry , Bassani Dario M. , Maurizot Victor , Huc Ivan
Published: May 2021

The very stable helices of 8‐amino‐2‐quinolinecarboxylic acid oligoamides are shown to uptake CuII ions in their cavity through deprotonation of their amide functions with minimal alteration of their shape, unlike most metallo‐organic structures which generally differ from their organic precursors. The outcome is the formation of intramolecular linear arrays of a defined number of CuII centers (up to sixteen in this study) at a 3 Å distance, forming a molecular mimic of a metal wire completely surrounded by an organic sheath. The helices pack in the solid state so that the arrays of CuII extend intermolecularly. Conductive‐AFM and cyclic voltammetry suggest that electrons are transported throughout the metal‐loaded helices in contrast with hole transport observed for analogous foldamers devoid of metal ions.
Cobalt‐Mediated Switchable Catalysis for the One‐Pot Synthesis of Cyclic Polymers
Authors: Zhao Yajun , Zhu Shuaishuai , Liao Can , Wang Yong , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Zhou Xingping , Wang Xianhong , Xie Xiaolin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: May 2021

A cobalt salen pentenoate complex [salen=(R,R)‐N,N′‐bis(3,5‐di‐tertbutylsalicylidene)‐1,2‐cyclohexanediamine] is rationally designed as the catalyst for the ring‐opening copolymerization (ROCOP) of epoxides/anhydrides/CO2. Via migratory insertion of carbon monoxide (CO) into the Co−O bonds, the ROCOP‐active species α‐alkene‐ω‐O‐CoIII(salen) can be rapidly and quantitatively transformed into α‐alkene‐ω‐O2C‐CoIII(salen) telechelic linear precursors. Upon dilution of reaction mixtures, the homolytic cleavage of Co−C bonds induced by visible light generates α‐alkene acyl radicals that spontaneously undergo intramolecular radical addition to afford organocobalt‐functionalized cyclic polyesters and CO2‐based polycarbonates with excellent regioselectivity. The cyclic products can either react with radical scavengers to generate metal‐free cyclic polymers or serve as photo‐initiators for organometallic‐mediated radical polymerization (OMRP) to produce tadpole‐shaped copolymers.
Designing of a β‐Cyclodextrin‐based supramolecular fluorescent sensor doped with superparamagnetic α‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles with improved light fastness, thermal, and photoluminescent properties
Authors: Philip Sherin , Kuriakose Sunny , Mathew Tessymol
Published: May 2021

1‐Pyrene butyric acid (PBA), a carboxylic derivative of pyrene, which is a well‐studied fluoroprobe, has been greatly used for fluorescent modification of macromolecules belonging to different classes. The present study aimed at the synthesis and characterization of fluorescently modified β‐cyclodextrin (CD) by covalent immobilization of PBA onto supramolecular CD via Steglich esterification. Fluorescently modified CD‐PBA conjugate was further encapsulated with iron (III) oxide nanoparticles (IONP), which belong to the α‐Fe2O3 (hematite) phase. The three systems PBA, CD‐PBA, and CD‐PBA‐IONP were well characterized and compared for their photoresponsive and thermal properties. Photo stability of the samples under study was investigated by exposing the samples to visible light upto 6 h and at regular intervals of time measuring their respective photodegradation by UV/visible spectrophotometry. Thermal properties were monitored using thermogravimetric (TG‐DTG) analysis. Steady state fluorescent studies were performed for the photoluminescent properties. Also, time correlated single photon counting technique was used to measure the fluorescent lifetime of the samples in order to have a better understanding of the quenching mechanism prevailing.
Preparation of poly(butylene succinate) vitrimer with thermal shape stability via transesterification reaction
Authors: Yin Yue , Yang Jian , Meng Linghui
Published: May 2021

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) refers to a high‐performance biodegradable polymer employed to substitute petroleum polymers that cause environmental issues. However, PBS exhibits the defect of flowing above the melting point and rapid dripping for its poor melt strength. Accordingly, this study proposed a novel method to fabricate PBS vitrimer by exploiting reactive extrusion technology to mix diepoxide with PBS and then by employing zinc acetate as a catalyst to crosslink the PBS. Therefore, after the reaction extrusion blending, the blend still has a lower viscosity and high processing performance; in the subsequent curing process, the polymer undergoes a transesterification reaction and the viscosity increases. Via transesterification to form a cross‐linked network, the storage modulus, and loss modulus of PBS vitrimer at 140°C reach 55,800% and 3500% of pure PBS, respectively. At this time, the crystallinity of PBS vitrimer is still as high as 56.9% (The crystallinity of pure PBS is 47.4%). And the shape stability of PBS at high temperatures was significantly improved. Moreover, PBS vitrimer could still be reshaped after the cross‐linking process. This study proposed a facile method to produce PBS materials exhibiting high thermal shape stability.
Activation of catalytic DNAzyme by binding‐induced DNA displacement for homogeneous assay
Authors: Fan Wei , Chen Junbo , Du Huan , Hu Changjia , Yang Peng , Hou Xiandeng
Published: May 2021

The sensitive assays for protein, especially for the DNA‐based assay, are often dependent on the amplification procedure with assistance of enzyme. Compared with a protein enzyme, deoxyribozyme (DNAzyme) exhibits similar catalytic activity and specificity and better flexibility. In this work, we streamlined the binding induced DNA displacement (BINDD) strategy for the activation of DNAzyme cleavage. Since the intrinsic element of DNAzyme is the nucleic acids, it is easy to join the BINDD by hybridization with an affinity probe. The activity of DNAzyme was initiated by the BINDD reaction mediated by the recognition affinity probe with target proteins. Upon DNAzyme release, it was able to catalyze and cleave the predesigned substrates, generating the enhanced fluorescence signal indicating the protein concentration. Such a constructed homogeneous assay is available and effective in human serum when it was used for detection of platelet derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB) and prostate specific antigen (PSA), with detection limits of 100 pM and 200 pM, respectively.
Consider how a pickup basketball game might change public perception of your department
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: May 2021

When Jeannette Hurt was honored for her work as a police officer at Washington State University, Vancouver, as the Staff Woman of Distinction of the year in April 2021, it was the culmination of 23 years of good work at WSU. But Hurt doesn't see it that way. “Nothing I do is big, I just do a lot of what is good,” Hurt said.
Thinking outside the cavity: Effusion lymphoma primary to bone marrow
Authors: Gu Sean X. , Pan Zenggang , Xu Mina L.
Published: May 2021

This case illustrates a rare and aggressive entity in AIDS‐related lymphoproliferative disorders and highlights the importance and challenges of recognizing PEL outside of cavitary lesions.
Enantioselective Cross‐couplings between Halide Derivatives and Organometallics by Using Iron and Cobalt Catalysts: Formation of C−C Bonds
Authors: Shu Tao , Cossy Janine
Published: May 2021

This review highlights the recent achievements of iron‐ and cobalt‐catalyzed enantioselective cross‐couplings of halide derivatives with organometallic reagents for the construction of C‐C bonds. Synthetic applications of enantioselective cross‐couplings to natural products and biologically active compounds are also covered showing the power of these cross‐couplings in organic synthesis.
Transition‐Metal‐Free Coupling of Polyfluorinated Arenes and Functionalized, Masked Aryl Nucleophiles
Authors: Finck Lucie , Oestreich Martin
Published: May 2021

A chemoselective C(sp2)−C(sp2) coupling of sufficiently electron‐deficient fluorinated arenes and functionalized N‐aryl‐N’‐silyldiazenes as masked aryl nucleophiles is reported. The fluoride‐promoted transformation involves the in situ generation of the aryl nucleophile decorated with various sensitive functional groups followed by a stepwise nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr). These reactions typically proceed at room temperature within minutes. This catalytic process allows for the functionalization of both coupling partners, furnishing highly fluorinated biaryls in good yields.
Actuator fault detection for a two‐stage chemical reactor based on the functional observer approach
Authors: Wu Yu , Du Dongsheng , Mao Zehui
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a new method of actuator fault detection based on the functional observer approach for a two‐stage chemical reactor with disturbance, parameter uncertainty, and time‐delay. The mechanism analysis method is used to model the system and the observer is designed. The exogenous disturbance can be decoupled completely from the error dynamic systems by letting some relevant constraints ensure the robustness of the residual generator. Stability conditions are obtained by using the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional approach in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, simulation results are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Aqueous Conversion of Fructose Phosphate Precursor Nanoparticles into Emissive C‐Dot Composite Nanoparticles
Authors: Sabljo Kristina , Popescu Radian , Michenfelder Nadine C. , Unterreiner Andreas‐Neil , Gerthsen Dagmar , Feldmann Claus
Published: May 2021

A one‐pot, fully water‐based synthesis of blue‐ and red‐emitting C‐dots is presented. To this concern, [ZrO]2+[F6P]2− and [Eu(OH)]2+[F6P]2− precursor nanoparticles (F6P: D‐fructose‐6‐phosphate) are prepared in water and converted to C‐dot@[ZrO]2+[HPO4]2− and C‐dot@[Eu(OH)]2+[HPO4]2− composite nanoparticles in boiling water (100 °C) via microwave heating. Composition, structure, and fluorescence of the composite nanoparticles are validated by different analytical methods (e. g., FT‐IR, EA, TG, DLS, SEM, TEM, EDXS). The resulting aqueous suspensions are characterized by high colloidal stability and intense emission. Specifically, C‐dot@[Eu(OH)]2+[HPO4]2− exhibits Eu3+‐type red emission in water. The one‐pot water‐based synthesis with fructose‐containing precursor nanoparticles and the structure of the phosphate‐stabilized C‐dot composite nanoparticles are reported for the first time.
Blockchain‐based framework for secured storage, sharing, and querying of electronic healthcare records
Authors: Kaur Jasleen , Rani Rinkle , Kalra Nidhi
Published: May 2021

Medical records contain vital, critical, and confidential information of any person. Paper‐based medical records are being used by many hospitals that suffer from various issues like large physical storage requirements, limited security, and life. Electronic health records (EHRs) can transform this entire system but faces various security threats like unintentional disclosure, tampering, data leaks, lack of security mechanisms, and data access policies. Thus, there arises a need for a decentralized, tamper‐proof, and transparent healthcare network. In this article, a permissioned blockchain‐based framework using Hyperledger Fabric (HLF) is proposed, which provides secure storage, sharing, and querying of EHRs. For better data accessibility and security, algorithms have been designed to define the functionality of patients, doctors, and third‐party administrator using smart‐contracts. In the existing approaches, LevelDB (key store database) is used as a state database that is not suitable for handling complex queries. To overcome this issue, we have used CouchDB (document store database) as a state database where the search is based on keys and data values both rather than only keys. To measure the various performance indicators for this framework, a blockchain benchmark tool “Hyperledger Caliper” is used. The experimental results show the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed framework.
An approach based on Yet Another Next Generation for software‐defined networking management
Authors: Montoya‐Munoz Ana Isabel , Casas‐Velasco Daniela , Estrada‐Solano Felipe , Caicedo Rendon Oscar Mauricio , Saldanha da Fonseca Nelson L.
Published: May 2021

The lack of a Management Plane specification in the software‐defined networking (SDN) is a fundamental problem for the integrated management of networks that follow this paradigm. Several solutions have addressed this problem, but they do not provide data models intended to support Fault, Configuration, Accounting, Performance, and Security (FCAPS) in SDN from a specialized Management Plane. In this paper, we introduce a technology‐agnostic approach that comprises mainly a collection of YANG data models and their relationships. These models characterize SDN management and handle technology heterogeneity. To evaluate our approach, we developed the proof of concept of the YANG data models in an SDN scenario involving the configuration of devices from different vendors supporting diverse technologies. The evaluation results show the efficiency of our approach regarding response time, composition time, consumption time, and network traffic.
Altered connectivity of the default mode network in cognitively stable adults with Down syndrome: “Accelerated aging” or a prelude to Alzheimer's disease?
Authors: Rosas H. Diana , Lewis Lydia R. , Mercaldo Nathaniel D. , Nasr Shahin , Brickman Adam M. , Siless Viviana , Yassa Michael , Sathishkumar Mithra , Lott Ira , Schupf Nicole , Silverman Wayne , Lai Florence ,   the Alzheimer's Disease in Down Syndrome (ADDS) Consortium
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Most individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have the neuropathological changes of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by age 40 and will have developed dementia by age 60. Alterations of the intrinsic connectivity of the default mode network (DMN) are associated with AD in the neurotypical population. In this study, we sought to determine whether, and how, connectivity between the hubs of the DMN were altered in cognitively stable adults with DS who did not have evidence of either mild cognitive impairment or AD.

Methods

Resting state functional MRI scans were collected from 26 healthy adults with DS and 26 healthy age‐matched non‐DS controls. Nodes comprising the DMN were generated as ROI's (regions of interest) and inter‐nodal correlations estimated.

Results

Analysis of intra‐network connectivity of the DMN revealed anterior‐posterior DMN dissociation and hyper‐ and hypo‐connectivity, suggesting “accelerated aging” in DS.

Discussion

Disruption of the DMN may serve as a prelude for AD in DS.
Brain‐gut psychotherapies: Promising tools to address gastrointestinal problems in patients with eating disorders
Authors: Wildes Jennifer E. , Bedell Alyse , Graham Andrea K. , Kells Meredith
Published: May 2021

Gastrointestinal (GI) problems are common in individuals with eating disorders (EDs) and associated with distress, impairment, and increased healthcare utilization. GI symptoms may be exacerbated by meals and other interventions central to ED recovery thereby contributing to negative clinical outcomes. Informed by models emphasizing the role of the brain‐gut axis in the expression of GI symptoms, this article describes a program of research to adapt “brain‐gut psychotherapies” for EDs. First, the role of the brain‐gut axis in GI symptoms is described, and evidence‐based brain‐gut psychotherapies are reviewed, with an emphasis on cognitive behavioral therapy for GI disorders and gut‐directed hypnotherapy. Next, future directions for research in EDs to (a) understand the impact of GI symptoms on illness course and outcome; (b) clarify target engagement; (c) evaluate brain‐gut psychotherapies; and (d) optimize intervention reach and delivery are described. We present a conceptual model that emphasizes GI‐specific anxiety and altered gut physiology as targets of brain‐gut psychotherapies in EDs, and discuss several issues that need to be addressed in designing clinical trials to test these interventions. We also describe how engagement with multidisciplinary stakeholders and use of digital tools could speed translation from the laboratory to clinical settings.
Body size and tree species composition determine variation in prey consumption in a forest‐inhabiting generalist predator
Authors: van Schrojenstein Lantman Irene M. , Vesterinen Eero J. , Hertzog Lionel R. , Martel An , Verheyen Kris , Lens Luc , Bonte Dries
Published: May 2021

Trophic interactions may strongly depend on body size and environmental variation, but this prediction has been seldom tested in nature. Many spiders are generalist predators that use webs to intercept flying prey. The size and mesh of orb webs increases with spider size, allowing a more efficient predation on larger prey. We studied to this extent the orb‐weaving spider Araneus diadematus inhabiting forest fragments differing in edge distance, tree diversity, and tree species. These environmental variables are known to correlate with insect composition, richness, and abundance. We anticipated these forest characteristics to be a principle driver of prey consumption. We additionally hypothesized them to impact spider size at maturity and expect shifts toward larger prey size distributions in larger individuals independently from the environmental context. We quantified spider diet by means of metabarcoding of nearly 1,000 A. diadematus from a total of 53 forest plots. This approach allowed a massive screening of consumption dynamics in nature, though at the cost of identifying the exact prey identity, as well as their abundance and putative intraspecific variation. Our study confirmed A. diadematus as a generalist predator, with more than 300 prey ZOTUs detected in total. At the individual level, we found large spiders to consume fewer different species, but adding larger species to their diet. Tree species composition affected both prey species richness and size in the spider's diet, although tree diversity per se had no influence on the consumed prey. Edges had an indirect effect on the spider diet as spiders closer to the forest edge were larger and therefore consumed larger prey. We conclude that both intraspecific size variation and tree species composition shape the consumed prey of this generalist predator.
Regioselectivity of the Conjugate Addition of Amines to Dissymmetrical Pull‐Pull Alkenes
Authors: Rulev Alexander Yu. , Zubkov Ilya N. , Ushakov Igor A. , Semenov Valentin A. , Vashchenko Alexander V. , Maddaluno Jacques
Published: May 2021

The regioselectivity of the conjugate nucleophilic addition of amines to vicinal di‐acceptor‐substituted alkenes has been studied. A set of results obtained with standard primary and secondary amines gives some clues on the relative acceptor character of classical electron‐withdrawing groups (EWG). We have shown in addition that computed inverse local nucleophilicity index can be used to predict the regioselectivity of the nucleophilic attack.
Extremely Crowded Biaryls
Authors: Du Yuchen , Mague Joel T. , Pascal Robert A.
Published: May 2021

Highly congested derivatives of biphenyl were prepared by double Diels‐Alder reactions of cyclopentadienones with substituted butadiynes. The reaction of 2,3,5‐tri(tert‐butyl)cyclopentadienone (5) and diphenylbutadiyne (3) gave only the single adduct, 1‐(phenylethynyl)‐2‐phenyl‐3,5,6‐tri‐tert‐butylbenzene (6), and even extreme conditions gave no second addition. When tetracyclone (4) was added to bis(trimethylsilyl)butadiyne (8), two additions were achieved, but one silyl group was lost either during, or immediately following, the second addition to give 2‐(trimethylsilyl)‐2′,3,3′,4,4′,5,5′,6‐octaphenylbiphenyl (11). However, when 3,4‐diphenyl‐2,5‐dimethylcyclopentadienone (12) was added to 8, the fully substituted 2,2′‐bis(trimethylsilyl)‐4,4′,5,5′‐tetraphenyl‐3,3′,6,6′‐tetramethylbiphenyl (14) was formed. The X‐ray structures of compounds 11 and 14 show them to be quite crowded, but the central biphenyl rings do not exhibit the distortions previously observed in decaphenylbiphenyl. In an alternative approach, arynes were added to 5,5′‐bis(4‐chlorophenyl)‐3,3′,4,4′‐tetraphenyl‐2,2′‐bis(cyclopentadienone) (18). Simple benzyne added twice to give 4,4′‐bis(4‐chlorophenyl)‐2,2′,3,3′‐tetraphenyl‐1,1′‐binaphthyl (19) in low yield, but tetraphenylbenzyne, generated from tetraphenylanthranilic acid, added only once.
Recent Advancements in Battery Management System for Li‐Ion Batteries of Electric Vehicles: Future Role of Digital Twin, Cyber‐Physical Systems, Battery Swapping Technology, and Nondestructive Testing
Authors: Panwar Nitika G. , Singh Surinder , Garg Akhil , Gupta Abhishek Kumar , Gao Liang
Published: May 2021

The increasing popularity of the electric vehicles (EVs) is due to various environmental impacts of the gasoline‐/diesel‐based vehicles over the past few decades. EVs are commercialized in various parts of world but their full‐scale commercialization has not yet attained. Despite of many advantages, challenges associated with the use of EVs are their range anxiety, slow charging, and the performance/cost of battery. A thorough review from the year 2006 to 2020 is conducted in the field of battery management system (BMS). Herein, various functions, advantages, and disadvantages of methods used in BMS for cell balancing, thermal management, and protection of battery against over‐voltage and over current, estimation of state of health, and estimation of state of charge of battery are discussed. Additionally, critical gaps are identified and a framework for design of an efficient BMS is proposed. The deployment of advanced intelligent and smart technologies such as digital‐twin of battery pack, cyber‐physical systems, battery swapping technology, nondestructive testing, self‐reconfigurable batteries, and prudent recycling/reusability using automation are also discussed. In‐brief, critical gaps; advanced technologies and framework that researchers can use to develop comprehensive systems comprising advanced BMS; real‐time battery monitoring, and battery reusability and recycling; as a whole complete unit are provided.
Residual dune ridges: Sedimentary architecture, genesis, and implications for palaeo‐climate reconstructions
Authors: Lindhorst Sebastian , Reimann Tony
Published: May 2021

Sedimentary architecture and genesis of residual dune ridges in a temperate climate are presented and implications for their use as archive of changes in long‐term precipitation and wind climate are discussed. Residual dunes are common features of wet aeolian systems, where they form sets of shallow ridges, oriented perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction. Residual dune ridges of the study area are vegetated and typically elevate 0.6 to 2.5 m above the surrounding interdune flats. They develop on the lower stoss side of active transgressive dunes, triggered by periods of elevated groundwater table and hence colonization of the foot of the dune by rapid growing pioneer vegetation. Stabilized by plants, the growing ridge detaches from the active transgressive dune and gets abandoned within years in the course of the downwind‐migration of the transgressive dune. Grain‐size data suggest a main sediment supply from the transgressive dune and only minor input from other sources. Ground‐penetrating radar reveals that the residual dune ridges are composed of windward‐dipping as well as leeward‐dipping sedimentary beds. Leeward‐dipping strata reflect sediment supply from the parental dune, whereas windward‐dipping beds are seen to result from sediment redistribution along the ridge and sediment supply from the adjacent swales during the ridge growth period. Multi‐annual to multi‐decadal variability in precipitation leads to the development of sequences composed of tens of ridges, spanning time periods of several centuries. Spacing of individual ridges in these sequences is controlled not by long‐term variability in precipitation alone, but probably also reflects variable wind intensity which affects the migration rate of the parental dune. The important role of vegetation in ridge construction makes these landforms a demonstrative example of landscape development by geo‐biosphere interacting processes.
The pricing mechanism between ETF option and spot markets in China
Authors: Dong Da , Liu Qingfu , Tao Pingping , Ying Zhiliang
Published: May 2021

This paper investigates the price discovery and volatility spillover effects between the exchange‐traded fund (ETF) option and spot markets in China. Employing a sample of China Securities Index (CSI) 300 ETF options and spots, we find that the CSI 300 ETF options interact with the spot markets, with the CSI 300 ETF options contributing more than the spots in terms of pricing efficiency, especially on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE). We further find that the option markets on the SSE can dominate the option markets on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, revealing investors' trading behaviors across different markets.
Specification analysis of VXX option pricing models under Lévy processes
Authors: Cao Jiling , Ruan Xinfeng , Su Shu , Zhang Wenjun
Published: May 2021

We conduct a comprehensive study on the specifications of VXX option pricing models under Lévy processes during the period from 2010 to 2017 based on in‐sample and out‐of‐sample performance tests. Our empirical results imply that a jump component plays an important role in VXX option pricing. In particular, we find that infinite‐activity jump models are superior to finite‐activity jump models. More importantly, this paper corrects the VXX option pricing theory in the literature; that is the discounted VXX price should be a martingale under the risk‐neutral measure as the VXX is an exchange‐traded debt security.
Evaluation of recurrent GNPTAB, GNPTG, and NAGPA variants associated with stuttering
Authors: Gunasekaran Nandhini Devi , Jayasankaran Chandru , Justin Margret Jeffrey , Krishnamoorthy Mathuravalli , Srisailapathy C. R. Srikumari
Published: May 2021

Stuttering is a childhood‐onset fluency disorder, intertwined with physiological, emotional, and anxiety factors. The present study was designed to evaluate the recurrence of the reported mutations among three previously implicated (GNPTAB, GNPTG, NAGPA) candidate genes, in persons with stuttering from south India. Mutation screening was performed among 64 probands on 12 specific exons, by Sanger sequencing. A total of 12 variants were identified, which included five nonsynonymous, five synonymous, and two noncoding variants. Three unrelated probands harbored heterozygous missense variants at conserved coding positions across species (p. Glu1200Lys in GNPTAB, p. Ile268Leu in GNPTG and p. Arg44Pro in NAGPA). Of these, only one variant (p. Glu1200Lys in GNPTAB) cosegregated with the affected status while p. Ile268Leu in GNPTG gene was found to be a rare de novo variant. Although this study identified some previously reported variants that have been claimed to have a role in stuttering, we confirmed only one of these to be a likely causal de novo variant (p.Ile268Leu) in the GNPTG gene at an allele frequency of 0.8% (1/128) in the families with stuttering.
Lenalidomide abrogates the survival effect of bone marrow stromal cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Kriston Csilla , Hernádfői Márk , Plander Márk , Márk Ágnes , Takács Ferenc , Czeti Ágnes , Szalóki Gábor , Szabó Orsolya , Matolcsy András , Barna Gábor
Published: May 2021

In the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) the microenvironment plays an important role, as it produces survival signals and mediates drug resistance. Lenalidomide, which has immunomodulatory effect, can enhance the activation of T‐, NK‐cells and endothelial cells, however there are no data available whether it can modulate bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). In our study, we investigated the effects of lenalidomide on BMSCs and CLL cells. CLL cells were cultured alone or with BMSCs and were treated with lenalidomide. Apoptosis, immunophenotype, and cytokine secretion of BMSCs and CLL cells were determined by flow cytometry. Lenalidomide slightly increased the apoptosis of CLL cells and abrogated the anti‐apoptotic effect of BMSCs on CLL cells. Lenalidomide treatment decreased the expression of antigens on CLL cells, which mediate the interactions with the microenvironment. Interestingly, lenalidomide enhanced the expression of IRF4 and the co‐stimulatory molecule CD86. The secretion of several cytokines was not changed significantly by lenalidomide. CD49d‐negative CLL cases were more sensitive to lenalidomide treatment. Our results suggest that lenalidomide has a limited effect on BMSCs, but it renders CLL cells more immunogenic and unresponsive to survival signals provided by BMSCs.
Comparing the properties of the EQ‐5D‐5L and EQ‐5D‐3L in general population in Iran
Authors: Rezaei Satar , Woldemichael Abraha , Ahmadi Sina , Mohamadi Bolbanabad Amjad , Zahir Abdullah Farman , Piroozi Bakhtiar
Published: May 2021

Background

Little information exists on properties of EQ‐5D‐5L (the 5L hereafter) compared to the EQ‐5D‐3L (the 3L hereafter) measures in the context of Iran. This study aims to compare the measurement properties of the two versions of the EQ‐5D (the 3L vs. the 5L) using data obtained from general population in Iran.

Methods

A total of 886 adults aged 18 years and above from September to November 2020 participated in this cross‐sectional analysis. The required data collected using self‐administered and—standard questionnaire and multistage sampling method was used to select the samples. The 3L and 5L measures compared in terms of celling effect, distribution and redistribution pattern, feasibility, convergent validity, know‐groups validity and informativity.

Results

From September to November 2020, 886 adults (mean aged = 44.6 years; 55% male and 87.1% married) included in the study. The study indicated that the 5L had lower celling effects compared to the 3L (45% vs. 46%). A better convergent validity and known‐groups validity was found for the 5L version compared to the 3L and significantly stronger association found between the 5L measure with both the Visual Analogue Scale and the 5‐point health status scale. The 5L index score showed higher relative efficiency (RE) in 9 of 11 condition (mean RE = 1.36). Compared to the 3L, the 5L classification system had higher Shannon index (H′) in all dimensions: mobility (0.52 vs. 0.40), self‐care (0.23 vs. 0.20), usual activities (0.61 vs. 0.47), pain/discomfort (1.19 vs. 0.89) and anxiety/depression (1.22 vs. 0.47).

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that the measurement properties of 5L version in terms of celling effects, convergent validity, known‐groups validity, RE and informativity similar or better than the 3L among general population; suggesting the use of 5L in the context of Iran. Hence, we suggested the use of the 5L in economic evaluation, clinical and public health studies in Iran.