bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomes of leafy and leafless Platanthera orchids illuminate the evolution of mycoheterotrophy
Authors: Li Ming-He , Liu Ke-Wei , Li Zhen , Lu Hsiang-Chia , Ye Qin-Liang , Zhang Diyang , Wang Jie-Yu , Li Yu-Feng , Zhong Zhi-Ming , Liu Xuedie , Yu Xia , Liu Ding-Kun , Tu Xiong-De , Liu Bin , Hao Yang , Liao Xing-Yu , Jiang Yu-Ting , Sun Wei-Hong , Chen Jinliao , Chen Yan-Qiong , Ai Ye , Zhai Jun-Wen , Wu Sha-Sha , Zhou Zhuang , Hsiao Yu-Yun , Wu Wan-Lin , Chen You-Yi , Lin Yu-Fu , Hsu Jui-Ling , Li Chia-Ying , Wang Zhi-Wen , Zhao Xiang , Zhong Wen-Ying , Ma Xiao-Kai , Ma Liang , Huang Jie , Chen Gui-Zhen , Huang Ming-Zhong , Huang Laiqiang , Peng Dong-Hui , Luo Yi-Bo , Zou Shuang-Quan , Chen Shi-Pin , Lan Siren , Tsai Wen-Chieh , Van de Peer Yves , Liu Zhong-Jian
Published: April 2022

To improve our understanding of the origin and evolution of mycoheterotrophic plants, we here present the chromosome-scale genome assemblies of two sibling orchid species: partially mycoheterotrophic Platanthera zijinensis and holomycoheterotrophic Platanthera guangdongensis. Comparative analysis shows that mycoheterotrophy is associated with increased substitution rates and gene loss, and the deletion of most photoreceptor genes and auxin transporter genes might be linked to the unique phenotypes of fully mycoheterotrophic orchids. Conversely, trehalase genes that catalyse the conversion of trehalose into glucose have expanded in most sequenced orchids, in line with the fact that the germination of orchid non-endosperm seeds needs carbohydrates from fungi during the protocorm stage. We further show that the mature plant of P. guangdongensis, different from photosynthetic orchids, keeps expressing trehalase genes to hijack trehalose from fungi. Therefore, we propose that mycoheterotrophy in mature orchids is a continuation of the protocorm stage by sustaining the expression of trehalase genes. Our results shed light on the molecular mechanism underlying initial, partial and full mycoheterotrophy.
Low-overhead distribution strategy for simulation and optimization of large-area metasurfaces
Authors: Skarda Jinhie , Trivedi Rahul , Su Logan , Ahmad-Stein Diego , Kwon Hyounghan , Han Seunghoon , Fan Shanhui , Vučković Jelena
Published: April 2022

Fast and accurate electromagnetic simulation of large-area metasurfaces remains a major obstacle in automating their design. In this paper, we propose a metasurface simulation distribution strategy which achieves a linear reduction in the simulation time with the number of compute nodes. Combining this distribution strategy with a GPU-based implementation of the Transition-matrix method, we perform accurate simulations and adjoint sensitivity analysis of large-area metasurfaces. We demonstrate ability to perform a distributed simulation of large-area metasurfaces (over 600λ × 600λ), while accurately accounting for scatterer-scatterer interactions significantly beyond the locally periodic approximation.
Single-crystalline-level properties of ultrathin SrRuO3 flexible membranes with wide and clean surface
Authors: Kim Dongha , Jung Wook Ki , Lee Shinbuhm
Published: April 2022

Transferring single-crystalline (SC) membranes to flexible substrates has been increasingly studied, enabling emerging functionality and enhanced performance of various devices. A commonly used support-assisted transfer process inevitably leaves dirty residue on material surfaces, limiting the further development of surface-related applications. Here, we scale down the thickness of flexible SC SrRuO3(SRO) membranes to 15 nm with a clean surface area of 2.5 × 2.5 mm2. This is accomplished by making the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate surface hydrophilic via oxygen plasma treatment, thereby reducing the surface tension. The ultrathin, clean, wide, and flexible SC SRO membranes guarantee a high transmittance of up to 60%, a low resistivity of 10−4−10−3Ω cm at room temperature, and band ferromagnetism below 150 K with a high magnetic moment of ~0.5μB/Ru at 10 K. The SC-level properties of our SRO membranes imply their potential use in state-of-the-art platforms for next-generation electronics and energy devices.
Scalable and low-cost fabrication of flexible WS2 photodetectors on polycarbonate
Authors: Quereda Jorge , Kuriakose Sruthi , Munuera Carmen , Mompean Federico J. , Al-Enizi Abdullah M. , Nafady Ayman , Diez Enrique , Frisenda Riccardo , Castellanos-Gomez Andres
Published: April 2022

We present a low-cost and easy-to-implement technique to fabricate large-area WS2 photodetector devices onto transparent and flexible polycarbonate substrates. The method relies on the deposition of large-area (in the cm scale) thin films (~30 nm thick) of WS2 by a recently introduced abrasion-induced method. Interdigitated electrical contacts are then deposited by thermal evaporation through a shadow mask. The photodetectors present well-balanced performances with an good trade-off between responsivity (up to 144 mA/W at a source-drain voltage of 10 V and illumination power of 1 μW) and response time (down to ~70 µs) and a detectivity value of 108 Jones. We found that the devices perform very reversibly upon several illumination and straining cycles and we found a moderate device-to-device variation.
A comparative study of the dissolution mechanisms of amorphous and crystalline feldspars at acidic pH conditions
Authors: Cagnon Benjamin , Daval Damien , Cabié Martiane , Lemarchand Damien , Gin Stéphane
Published: April 2022

The dissolution of amorphous and crystalline oligoclase, a Na-feldspar with traces of Ca and K, was investigated at 90 °C and acidic pH of 1.5 and 3 to unravel the impact of long- and short-range orders on silicate dissolution mechanisms. Experiments were conducted in solutions spiked with 29SiO2(aq) and saturated with respect to SiO2(am). Through morphology, structural, and composition characterizations, we showed that on the amorphous samples (glass samples), the altered layer was mostly formed by leaching, while a combination of both interfacial precipitation and leaching explains the layers formed on the crystalline sample. As expected, the altered layer was thicker at the most acidic pH and it became passivating on crystalline sample at pH 3. The alteration was faster on amorphous oligoclase than on its crystalline equivalent due to the more open structure of the glass. The preferential release of Al was suggested to play a key role, by weakening the silicate network of both substrates. Finally, in this study, a large overestimation of the global alteration of the materials was noticed based on the solution analyses. Discrepancies with solid analyses were attributed to an underestimation (≥2-fold factor) of the total reactive surface area.
Plasma branched-chain and aromatic amino acids correlate with the gut microbiota and severity of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Zhang Yi , He Xiaoqin , Qian Yiwei , Xu Shaoqing , Mo Chengjun , Yan Zheng , Yang Xiaodong , Xiao Qin
Published: April 2022

Disturbances of circulating amino acids have been demonstrated in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, there have been no consistent results for branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and aromatic amino acids (AAAs), and related factors have not been explored. We aimed to explore plasma BCAA and AAA profiles in PD patients, and identify their correlations with clinical characteristics and the gut microbiota. Plasma BCAA (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) and AAA (tyrosine and phenylalanine) levels were measured in 106 PD patients and 114 controls. Fecal samples were collected from PD patients for microbiota sequencing and functional analysis. We found that plasma BCAAs and tyrosine were decreased in PD patients. BCAAs and AAAs were correlated with clinical characteristics and microbial taxa, and, in particular, they were negatively correlated with the Hoehn and Yahr stage. Compared with early PD patients, BCAA and AAA levels were even lower, and microbial composition was altered in advanced PD patients. Predictive functional analysis indicated that predicted genes numbers involved in BCAA biosynthesis were lower in advanced PD patients. What’s more, the fecal abundances of critical genes (ilvB,ilvC,ilvD, andilvN) involved in BCAA biosynthesis were reduced and fecal BCAA concentrations were lower in advanced PD patients. In conclusion, the disturbances of plasma BCAAs and AAAs in PD patients may be related to the gut microbiota and exacerbated with PD severity. The microbial amino acid metabolism may serve as a potential mechanistic link.
Microscopic evidence for anisotropic multigap superconductivity in the CsV3Sb5 kagome superconductor
Authors: Gupta Ritu , Das Debarchan , Mielke III Charles Hillis , Guguchia Zurab , Shiroka Toni , Baines Christopher , Bartkowiak Marek , Luetkens Hubertus , Khasanov Rustem , Yin Qiangwei , Tu Zhijun , Gong Chunsheng , Lei Hechang
Published: April 2022

The recently discovered kagome superconductor CsV3Sb5 (Tc ≃ 2.5 K) has been found to host charge order as well as a non-trivial band topology, encompassing multiple Dirac points and probable surface states. Such a complex and phenomenologically rich system is, therefore, an ideal playground for observing unusual electronic phases. Here, we report anisotropic superconducting properties of CsV3Sb5 by means of transverse-field muon spin rotation (μSR) experiments. The fits of temperature dependences of in-plane and out-of-plane components of the magnetic penetration depth suggest that the superconducting order parameter may have a two-gap (s + s)-wave symmetry. The multiband nature of superconductivity could be further supported by the different temperature dependences of the anisotropic magnetic penetration depth γλ(T) and upper critical field $${\gamma }_{{{{{\rm{B}}}}}_{{{{\rm{c}}}}2}}(T)$$

γ

B

c
2

(

T

)

. The relaxation rates obtained from zero field μSR experiments do not show noticeable change across the superconducting transition, indicating that superconductivity does not break time reversal symmetry.
Optimizing maturity and dose of iPSC-derived dopamine progenitor cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Hiller Benjamin M. , Marmion David J. , Thompson Cayla A. , Elliott Nathaniel A. , Federoff Howard , Brundin Patrik , Mattis Virginia B. , McMahon Christopher W. , Kordower Jeffrey H.
Published: April 2022

In pursuit of treating Parkinson’s disease with cell replacement therapy, differentiated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) are an ideal source of midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) cells. We previously established a protocol for differentiating iPSC-derived post-mitotic mDA neurons capable of reversing 6-hydroxydopamine-induced hemiparkinsonism in rats. In the present study, we transitioned the iPSC starting material and defined an adapted differentiation protocol for further translation into a clinical cell transplantation therapy. We examined the effects of cellular maturity on survival and efficacy of the transplants by engrafting mDA progenitors (cryopreserved at 17 days of differentiation, D17), immature neurons (D24), and post-mitotic neurons (D37) into immunocompromised hemiparkinsonian rats. We found that D17 progenitors were markedly superior to immature D24 or mature D37 neurons in terms of survival, fiber outgrowth and effects on motor deficits. Intranigral engraftment to the ventral midbrain demonstrated that D17 cells had a greater capacity than D24 cells to innervate over long distance to forebrain structures, including the striatum. When D17 cells were assessed across a wide dose range (7,500-450,000 injected cells per striatum), there was a clear dose response with regards to numbers of surviving neurons, innervation, and functional recovery. Importantly, although these grafts were derived from iPSCs, we did not observe teratoma formation or significant outgrowth of other cells in any animal. These data support the concept that human iPSC-derived D17 mDA progenitors are suitable for clinical development with the aim of transplantation trials in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Persistent immunogenicity of integrase defective lentiviral vectors delivering membrane-tethered native-like HIV-1 envelope trimers
Authors: Gallinaro Alessandra , Pirillo Maria Franca , Aldon Yoann , Cecchetti Serena , Michelini Zuleika , Tinari Antonella , Borghi Martina , Canitano Andrea , McKay Paul F. , Bona Roberta , Vescio Maria Fenicia , Grasso Felicia , Blasi Maria , Baroncelli Silvia , Scarlatti Gabriella , LaBranche Celia , Montefiori David , Klotman Mary E. , Sanders Rogier W. , Shattock Robin J. , Negri Donatella , Cara Andrea
Published: April 2022

Integrase Defective Lentiviral Vectors (IDLVs) represent an attractive vaccine platform for delivering HIV-1 antigens, given their ability to induce specific and persistent immune responses in both mice and non-human primates (NHPs). Recent advances in HIV-1 immunogen design demonstrated that native-like HIV-1 Envelope (Env) trimers that mimic the structure of virion-associated Env induce neutralization breadth in rabbits and macaques. Here, we describe the development of an IDLV-based HIV-1 vaccine expressing either soluble ConSOSL.UFO.664 or membrane-tethered ConSOSL.UFO.750 native-like Env immunogens with enhanced bNAb epitopes exposure. We show that IDLV can be pseudotyped with properly folded membrane-tethered native-like UFO.750 trimers. After a single IDLV injection in BALB/c mice, IDLV-UFO.750 induced a faster humoral kinetic as well as higher levels of anti-Env IgG compared to IDLV-UFO.664. IDLV-UFO.750 vaccinated cynomolgus macaques developed unusually long-lasting anti-Env IgG antibodies, as underlined by their remarkable half-life both after priming and boost with IDLV. After boosting with recombinant ConM SOSIP.v7 protein, two animals developed neutralization activity against the autologous tier 1B ConS virus mediated by V1/V2 and V3 glycan sites responses. By combining the possibility to display stabilized trimeric Env on the vector particles with the ability to induce sustained humoral responses, IDLVs represent an appropriate strategy for delivering rationally designed antigens to progress towards an effective HIV-1 vaccine.
AJILE12: Long-term naturalistic human intracranial neural recordings and pose
Authors: Peterson Steven M. , Singh Satpreet H. , Dichter Benjamin , Scheid Michael , Rao Rajesh P. N. , Brunton Bingni W.
Published: April 2022

Understanding the neural basis of human movement in naturalistic scenarios is critical for expanding neuroscience research beyond constrained laboratory paradigms. Here, we describe our Annotated Joints in Long-term Electrocorticography for 12 human participants (AJILE12) dataset, the largest human neurobehavioral dataset that is publicly available; the dataset was recorded opportunistically during passive clinical epilepsy monitoring. AJILE12 includes synchronized intracranial neural recordings and upper body pose trajectories across 55 semi-continuous days of naturalistic movements, along with relevant metadata, including thousands of wrist movement events and annotated behavioral states. Neural recordings are available at 500 Hz from at least 64 electrodes per participant, for a total of 1280 hours. Pose trajectories at 9 upper-body keypoints were estimated from 118 million video frames. To facilitate data exploration and reuse, we have shared AJILE12 on The DANDI Archive in the Neurodata Without Borders (NWB) data standard and developed a browser-based dashboard.
Efficacy and safety of drug-coated balloon in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Qiu-Yi , Chang Mei-Ying , Wang Xin-Yi , Wang An-Lu , Liu Qi-Yu , Wang Tong , Xu Hao , Chen Ke-Ji
Published: April 2022

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the main causes of death in the world, and the incidence of AMI is increasing in the young population. Drug-coated balloon (DCB) has become an effective concept for the treatment of in-stent restenosis, small vessel disease, bifurcation lesions, high blood risk conditions, and even de novo large vessel disease. To ensure whether DCB can play an alternative role in AMI, we conducted a comprehensive meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DCB in the treatment of AMI. Electronic databases were searched for RCTs that compared DCB with stent for AMI. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), the secondary outcome was late lumen loss (LLL). RevMan 5.3 software and RStudio software were used for data analysis. Five RCTs involving 528 patients with 6–12 months of follow-up were included. There was no significant difference in the incidence of MACEs between DCB group and stent group (RR, 0.85; 95% CI 0.42 to 1.74; P = 0.66). Lower LLL was shown in DCB group (WMD, − 0.29; 95% CI − 0.46 to − 0.12; P < 0.001). This meta-analysis of RCT showed that DCB might provide a promising way on AMI compared with stents. Rigorous patients’ selection and adequate predilation of culprit lesions are necessary to optimize results and prevent bailout stent implantation.

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020214333.
Heterogeneous effects of climatic conditions on Andean bean landraces and cowpeas highlight alternatives for crop management and conservation
Authors: Acosta-Quezada Pablo G. , Valladolid-Salinas Edin H. , Murquincho-Chuncho Janina M. , Jadán-Veriñas Eudaldo , Ruiz-González Mario X.
Published: April 2022

The use and conservation of agrobiodiversity have become critical to face the actual and future challenges imposed by climate change. Collecting phytogenetic resources is a first step for their conservation; however, the genetic material must be analysed to understand their potential to improve agricultural resilience and adaptation to the new climatic conditions. We have selected nine Phaseolus vulgaris, one P. lunatus and two Vigna unguiculata landraces from two different climatic backgrounds of the Andean region of South Ecuador and one P. vulgaris commercial cultivar, and we grew them under two different conditions of temperature and humidity (open field and greenhouse). Then, we recorded data for 32 characters of plant architecture, flower and fruit characteristics and yield, and 17 events in the phenology of the plants. We analysed the impact of treatment on species, climatic background, and each of the landraces, and identified both characters and landraces that are mostly affected by changes in their environmental conditions. Overall, higher temperatures were benign for all materials except for two P. vulgaris landraces from cold background, which performed better or developed faster under cold conditions. Finally, we calculated a climate resilience landrace index, which allowed us to classify the landraces by their plasticity to new environmental conditions, and found heterogeneous landrace susceptibility to warmer conditions. Two P. vulgaris landraces were highlighted as critical targets for conservation.
Next generation automated traceless cell chromatography platform for GMP-compliant cell isolation and activation
Authors: Radisch Sabine , Poltorak Mateusz P. , Wagner Michaela , Cletiu Vlad , Radisch Christian , Treise Irina , Pann Steffi , Weigt Alexis , Artner Sophie , Dreher Stefan , Fechner Fabian , Borjan Bojana , Fraessle Simon P. , Effenberger Manuel , Benke Eileen , Navratil Gottfried , Hentschel Norbert , Busch Dirk H. , Schmidt Thomas , Stemberger Christian , Germeroth Lothar
Published: April 2022

Large-scale target cell isolation from patient blood preparations is one of the critical operations during drug product manufacturing for personalized cell therapy in immuno-oncology. Use of high-affinity murine antibody coated magnetic nanoparticles that remain on isolated cells is the current standard applied for this purpose. Here, we present the transformation of previously described technology — non-magnetic immunoaffinity column chromatography-based cell selection with reversible reagents into a new clinical-grade cell isolation platform called Automated Traceless Cell affinity chromatography (ATC). ATC is a fully closed and GMP-compliant cell selection and manufacturing system. Reversibility of reagents enables (sequential) positive cell selection, optionally in combination with depletion columns, enabling capture of highly specific cell subsets. Moreover, synergy with other Streptamer-based technologies allows novel uses beyond cell isolation including integrated and automated on-column target cell activation. In conclusion, ATC technology is an innovative as well as versatile platform to select, stimulate and modify cells for clinical manufacturing and downstream therapies.
Proteome-wide landscape of solubility limits in a bacterial cell
Authors: Györkei Ádám , Daruka Lejla , Balogh Dávid , Őszi Erika , Magyar Zoltán , Szappanos Balázs , Fekete Gergely , Fuxreiter Mónika , Horváth Péter , Pál Csaba , Kintses Bálint , Papp Balázs
Published: April 2022

Proteins are prone to aggregate when expressed above their solubility limits. Aggregation may occur rapidly, potentially as early as proteins emerge from the ribosome, or slowly, following synthesis. However, in vivo data on aggregation rates are scarce. Here, we classified the Escherichia coli proteome into rapidly and slowly aggregating proteins using an in vivo image-based screen coupled with machine learning. We find that the majority (70%) of cytosolic proteins that become insoluble upon overexpression have relatively low rates of aggregation and are unlikely to aggregate co-translationally. Remarkably, such proteins exhibit higher folding rates compared to rapidly aggregating proteins, potentially implying that they aggregate after reaching their folded states. Furthermore, we find that a substantial fraction (~ 35%) of the proteome remain soluble at concentrations much higher than those found naturally, indicating a large margin of safety to tolerate gene expression changes. We show that high disorder content and low surface stickiness are major determinants of high solubility and are favored in abundant bacterial proteins. Overall, our study provides a global view of aggregation rates and hence solubility limits of proteins in a bacterial cell.
Deep learning-enabled mobile application for efficient and robust herb image recognition
Authors: Sun Xin , Qian Huinan , Xiong Yiliang , Zhu Yingli , Huang Zhaohan , Yang Feng
Published: April 2022

With the increasing popularity of herbal medicine, high standards of the high quality control of herbs becomes a necessity, with the herb recognition as one of the great challenges. Due to the complicated processing procedure of the herbs, methods of manual recognition that require chemical materials and expert knowledge, such as fingerprint and experience, have been used. Automatic methods can partially alleviate the problem by deep learning based herb image recognition, but most studies require powerful and expensive computation hardware, which is not friendly to resource-limited settings. In this paper, we introduce a deep learning-enabled mobile application which can run entirely on common low-cost smartphones for efficient and robust herb image recognition with a quite competitive recognition accuracy in resource-limited situations. We hope this application can make contributions to the increasing accessibility of herbal medicine worldwide.
Genome-wide identification, classification and expression analysis of the JmjC domain-containing histone demethylase gene family in Jatropha curcas L.
Authors: Wang Jie , Jiang Xiaoke , Bai Hanrui , Liu Changning
Published: April 2022

JmjC domain-containing proteins, an important family of histone lysine demethylase, play significant roles in maintaining the homeostasis of histone methylation. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the JmjC domain-containing gene family in Jatropha curcas and found 20 JmjC domain-containing genes (JcJMJ genes). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these JcJMJ genes can be classified into five major subgroups, and genes in each subgroup had similar motif and domain composition. Cis-regulatory element analysis showed that the number and types of cis-regulatory elements owned by the promoter of JcJMJ genes in different subgroup were significantly different. Moreover, miRNA target prediction result revealed a complicated miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulatory network, in which JcJMJ genes were regulated by different numbers and types of miRNAs. Further analysis of the tissue and stress expression profiles showed that many JcJMJ genes had tissue and stress expression specificity. All these results provided valuable information for understanding the evolution of JcJMJ genes and the complex transcriptional and post transcriptional regulation involved, and laid the foundation for further functional analysis of JcJMJ genes.
Employing computational fluid dynamics technique for analyzing the PACK-1300XY with methanol and isopropanol mixture
Authors: Cao Y. , Dhahad H. A. , Khandakar A. , Chowdury M. E. H. , Ayari M. A. , Alizadeh S. M. , Vaferi B.
Published: April 2022

In this study, an innovative wire gauze structured packing, namely PACK-1300XY with a specific surface area of 1300 m2/m3 has been characterized by performing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach. Indeed, different features of this packing (height equivalent to a theoretical plate, wet/dry pressure drop, and mass transfer efficiency) were analyzed by analyzing the flow regime using the three-dimensional CFD approach with the Eulerian–Eulerian multiphase scenario. The results showed the mean relative deviation of 16% (for wet pressure drop), 14% (for dry pressure drop), and 17% (for mass transfer efficiency) between the CFD predictions and experimental measurements. These excellent levels of consistency between the numerical findings and experimental observations approve the usefulness of the CFD-based approach for reliable simulation of separation processes.
Comparison of vision-related quality of life in patients with homonymous hemianopia and monocular blindness
Authors: Choi Hee-young , Kim Su-Jin , Kim Sang Yoon , Lee Ji-Eun
Published: April 2022

To evaluate the vision-related quality of life (QoL) in patients with homonymous hemianopia (HH). The study compared the QoL in 32 patients with HH and 33 patients with monocular blindness. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and visual field test were investigated. The National Eye Institute-Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (NEI VFQ-25) and independent mobility questionnaires (IMQs) were used to assess their perceived visual and physical functioning abilities. The results of QoL questionnaires were compared in two groups. The mean deviation (MD) in the better eye was significantly lower in the HH group than in the monocular blindness group. The composite scores of NEI-VFQ and IMQs were significantly lower in the HH patients than in the monocular blindness patients. The driving-related score was significantly lower in patients with right hemianopsia than in those with left hemianopsia. The outdoor activity-related score was significantly lower in patients aged less than 55 years than in patients aged 55 years and more. Homonymous hemianopia had a negative impact on patients’ QoL by limiting their vision related activities compared to monocular blindness. The MD of the better eye in the HH patients reflects the binocular visual field and can affect the real visual function and QoL.
Controlling the threshold voltage of a semiconductor field-effect transistor by gating its graphene gate
Authors: Anzi Luca , Tuktamyshev Artur , Fedorov Alexey , Zurutuza Amaia , Sanguinetti Stefano , Sordan Roman
Published: April 2022

The threshold voltage of a field-effect transistor (FET) determines its switching and limits the scaling of the supply voltage in the logic gates. Here we demonstrate a GaAs FET with a monolayer graphene gate in which the threshold voltage was externally controlled by an additional control gate. The graphene gate forms a Schottky junction with the transistor channel, modulating the channel conductivity. The control gate sets the work function of the graphene gate, controlling the Schottky barrier height and therefore the threshold voltage, and reduces the subthreshold swing down to ~60 mV dec−1. The change of the threshold voltage was large enough to turn the initially depletion mode FETs into the enhancement mode FETs. This allowed to realize logic gates with a positive switching threshold in which the threshold voltage of each transistor was independently set. The presented FETs can also be operated as dual-gate FETs, which was demonstrated by realizing frequency mixers.
Self-flux-grown Ba4Fe4ClO9.5−x crystals exhibiting structures with tunable modulation
Authors: Arakcheeva Alla , Bi Wen Hua , Baral Priya Ranjan , Magrez Arnaud
Published: April 2022

Ba4Fe4ClO9.5−x compounds are built of a Ba2Fe4O9.5−x framework with open hexagonal channels. (Ba–Cl–Ba) trimers located in the channels and the framework O atoms cause incommensurability, which is tuned under different annealing conditions.
The pH-dependent gating of the human voltage-gated proton channel from computational simulations
Authors: Jardin Christophe , Ohlwein Niklas , Franzen Arne , Chaves Gustavo , Musset Boris
Published: April 2022

(Δ)pH induces conformational change from a deactivated to an activated state of the hHv1 voltage-gated proton channel.
A gold nanoparticle doped flexible substrate for microplastics SERS detection
Authors: Xu Dewen , Su Wei , Lu Hanwen , Luo Yinlong , Yi Tianan , Wu Jian , Wu Hong , Yin Cheng , Chen Bingyan
Published: April 2022

A simple, sensitive, and stable MPs detection method based on a AuNP doped filter paper SERS substrate has been investigated. The substrate can overcome the hydrophobic problem of MPs, and effectively generate EM hot spots to enhance the Raman signal.
A 2D/1D heterojunction nanocomposite built from polymeric carbon nitride and MIL-88A(Fe) derived α-Fe2O3for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B
Authors: Viswanathan Vandana P. , Nayarassery Adarsh N. , Xavier Marilyn Mary , Mathew Suresh
Published: April 2022

2D/1D heterojunction α-Fe2O3/C3N4 photocatalysts containing α-Fe2O3 microrods and polymeric carbon nitride flakes are synthesised through the calcination of Fe-based metal-organic frameworks and boost the visible light photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B.
Cu/Co/CoS2 embedded in S,N-doped carbon as highly efficient oxygen reduction and evolution electrocatalyst for rechargeable zinc–air batteries
Authors: Zhao Yiwei , Sun Qiming , Liu Xianchun , Li Dehua , Xing Shuangxi
Published: April 2022

The synergistic interaction induced by multiphase interfaces between Cu, Co, CoS2 and S,N–C leads to excellent bifunctional oxygen reduction and evolution reaction activity and durability.
Mixed cation 2D perovskite: a novel approach for enhanced perovskite solar cell stability
Authors: Abuhelaiqa Mousa , Gao Xiao-Xin , Ding Yong , Ding Bin , Yi Zhang , Sohail Muhammad , Kanda Hiroyuki , Dyson Paul J. , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: April 2022

Two different ligand precursors are mixed together and deposited at the 3D PVK/HTL interface, forming a novel 2D perovskite layer at the interface which improves the stability among other properties of perovskite solar cells.
Recent advances in spheroid-based microfluidic models to mimic the tumour microenvironment
Authors: Ro Jooyoung , Kim Junyoung , Cho Yoon-Kyoung
Published: April 2022

Microfluidic platforms with 3D tumour spheroid culture provide platforms to study the multi-cellular interactions and external stimuli in the complex tumour microenvironment.
Simple manipulation of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using an automated microfluidic interface
Authors: Panraksa Yosita , Jang Ilhoon , Carrell Cody S. , Amin Anita G. , Chailapakul Orawon , Chatterjee Delphi , Henry Charles S.
Published: April 2022

ELISA on microfluidic interface device for lipoarabinomannan.
Reactivity vs. selectivity of quinone methides: synthesis of pharmaceutically important molecules, toxicity and biological applications
Authors: Ali Kasim , Mishra Prajjval , Kumar Awnish , Reddy Damodara N , Chowdhury Sushobhan , Panda Gautam
Published: April 2022

The synthetic routes, structure–reactivity relationships and synthetic applications of quinone methides, along with possible chemical manifestations leading to their toxicity in biological systems, are discussed.
A smartphone-based three-in-one biosensor for co-detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA, antigen and antibody
Authors: Dou Yanzhi , Su Jing , Chen Shixing , Li Tie , Wang Lihua , Ding Xianting , Song Shiping , Fan Chunhai
Published: April 2022

We report a universal and portable three-in-one biosensor linked to a smartphone for co-detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA, antigen, and antibody.
A comparative study of oxide-derived Cu electrocatalysts through electrochemicalvs.thermal reduction
Authors: Ye Fang , Ren Qingye , Zhang Lifeng , Luo Langli
Published: April 2022

We demonstrate how the processing routes of OD-Cu affected the surface structure and electrochemical reduction of CO2.
A 2D bimetallic Ni–Co hydroxide monolayer cocatalyst for boosting photocatalytic H2 evolution
Authors: Su Haiwei , Yu Xiaohui , Wang Weikang , Wang Lele , Tang Hua , Liu Qinqin
Published: April 2022

A novel bimetallic NiCo-hydroxide monolayer with lower H* adsorption energy and strong charge transfer capability was employed as a cocatalyst to improve the photocatalytic H2 evolution performance of g-C3N4.
A dual-responsive probe for the simultaneous monitoring of viscosity and peroxynitrite with different fluorescence signals in living cells
Authors: Xu Chang , Li Ying , Wu Xue , Li Xiao , Li Lu , Kong Fanpeng , Tang Bo
Published: April 2022

A dual-responsive fluorescent probe MC-V-P has been prepared for the simultaneous detection of ONOO− and viscosity under different imaging channels in living HepG2 cells.
Photochemical organocatalytic enantioselective radical γ-functionalization of α-branched enals
Authors: Balletti Matteo , Marcantonio Enrico , Melchiorre Paolo
Published: April 2022

Reported herein is a rare example of asymmetric catalytic functionalisation of enals at the remote γ-position, proceeding via a radical path.
Atomistic simulation of the FEBID-driven growth of iron-based nanostructures
Authors: Prosvetov Alexey , Verkhovtsev Alexey V. , Sushko Gennady , Solov'yov Andrey V.
Published: April 2022

Irradiation-driven molecular dynamics simulations provide atomistic insights into the structure and morphology of metal deposits grown during the FEBID process.
Trehalose matrices for high temperature dynamic nuclear polarization enhanced solid state NMR
Authors: Kaushik Monu , Lingua Hugo , Stevanato Gabriele , Elokova Margarita , Lelli Moreno , Lesage Anne , Ouari Olivier
Published: April 2022

Trehalose matrix in combination with a tailor designed dinitroxide radical represents a promising DNP medium for high-sensitivity solid-state NMR of biological substrates at elevated temperatures where conventional water-based formulations melt down.
External electric field to control the Diels–Alder reactions of endohedral fullerene
Authors: Yadav Priyanka , Rai Philips Kumar , Mallick Subhasish , Kumar Pradeep
Published: April 2022

The present work investigates the role of External Electric Field (EEF) on a Diels–Alder reaction of endohedral fullerene by means of chemical kinetics and quantum chemical calculations.
Thermoresponsive dendritic oligoethylene glycols
Authors: Xu Gang , Zhang Jiaxing , Qi Mengyuan , Zhang Xiacong , Li Wen , Zhang Afang
Published: April 2022

Dendritic oligoethylene glycols show topological structure-dependent thermoresponsiveness to intriguingly encapsulate guests and there is a balance between the dehydrated and the hydrated molecules at elevated temperatures.
Noncovalently bound and mechanically interlocked systems using pillar[n]arenes
Authors: Kato Kenichi , Fa Shixin , Ohtani Shunsuke , Shi Tan-hao , Brouwer Albert M. , Ogoshi Tomoki
Published: April 2022

This review discusses pillar[n]arene-based MIMs such as rotaxanes, catenanes, polyrotaxanes, single-component mechanically self-locked molecules, and supramolecular polymers.
Basicity of isostructural porous ionic crystals composed of Nb/Ta-substituted Keggin-type polyoxotungstates
Authors: Weng Zhewei , Ogiwara Naoki , Yokogawa Daisuke , Kitao Takashi , Kikukawa Yuji , Uchida Sayaka
Published: April 2022

Three isostructural porous ionic crystals (PICs) based on Keggin-type POMs with different compositions but equal negative charge ([BW12O40]5−, [SiW11NbO40]5−, and [SiW11TaO40]5− ) are synthesized.
Spatial atmospheric pressure molecular layer deposition of alucone films using dimethylaluminum isopropoxide as the precursor
Authors: Jain Hardik , Creatore Mariadriana , Poodt Paul
Published: April 2022

Dimethylaluminum isopropoxide (DMAI) and ethylene glycol (EG) yield alucone films with properties similar to those of films prepared using trimethylaluminum (TMA) and EG but with much higher deposition rates (nm s−1).
Co-intercalation strategy of constructing partial cation substitution of ammonium vanadate {(NH4)2V6O16} for stable zinc ion storage
Authors: Sun Rui , Dong Siyang , Xu Feng , Li Zhiyong , Wang Caihong , Lu Shengjun , Fan Haosen
Published: April 2022

Simple synthesis strategy was adopted to prepare (NH4)2V6O16 with co-intercalation of Na+ and H2O, which not only enhances the binding energy between V-O layers but also successfully improves the structural stability during the cyclic process.
A hybrid borotungstate-coated metal–organic framework with supercapacitance, photocatalytic dye degradation and H2O2 sensing properties
Authors: Yu Liang , Ning Kang , Chunmei Wang , Kai Yu , Jinghua Lv , Chunxiao Wang , Baibin Zhou
Published: April 2022

Borotungstate-coated metal–organic framework hybrids were synthesized via a simple grinding method, and the optimum material showed good supercapacitor, photocatalytic dye degradation, and H2O2 sensing performance.
Nickel metal–organic frameworks for visible-light CO2 reduction under mild reaction conditions
Authors: Chen Liuyong , Yang Jun , Yang Wenqian , Xian Jiahui , Li Guangqin
Published: April 2022

A well-defined nickel metal-organic framework (Ni-MOF) is obtained via solvothermal synthesis from nickel and 3,3′,5,5′-azobenzene tetracarboxylic acid ligands (H4abtc). Ni-MOF exhibits remarkable performance for photocatalytic CO2-to-CO conversion.
Defects and performance of Si PV modules in the field – an analysis
Authors: Denz J. , Hepp J. , Buerhop C. , Doll B. , Hauch J. , Brabec C. J. , Peters I. M.
Published: April 2022

Photovoltaic installations will likely become one of the major power sources in the 21st century and we need photovoltaic modules to operate reliably. The map shows the average photovoltaic fleet age in Europe.
Enhancement of the efficiency and thermal stability of the double perovskite Cs2AgInCl6 single crystal by Sc substitution
Authors: Chen Liyan , Jiang Hangjie , Luo Zhaohua , Liu Guoqiang , Wu Xianhui , Liu Yongfu , Sun Peng , Jiang Jun
Published: April 2022

The thermal stability of Cs2AgInCl6 is improved from 7.4%@475 K to 51.3%@475 K by substituting Sc for In.
Modulating the periods and electronic properties of striped moiré superstructures for monolayer WSe2 on Au(100) by varied interface coupling
Authors: Zhang Zehui , Hu Jingyi , Yang Pengfei , Pan Shuangyuan , Quan Wenzhi , Li Ning , Zhu Lijie , Zhang Yanfeng
Published: April 2022

The diverse striped moiré superstructures for monolayer WSe2/Au(100) imply a crucial effect on the electronic properties of 2D materials.
Popcorn-like Co3O4 nanoparticles confined in a three-dimensional hierarchical N-doped carbon nanotube network as a highly-efficient trifunctional electrocatalyst for zinc–air batteries and water splitting devices
Authors: Yao Xiuyun , Wang Xueying , Sun Lixin , Li Ling , Kan Erjun , Ouyang Bo , Zhang Wenming
Published: April 2022

A novel unique 3D hierarchical structural electrocatalyst is synthesized, where popcorn-like Co3O4 nanoparticles coated with N-doped amorphous carbon anchor onto the tips of N-doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs), and the NCNTs grow on carbon nanofiber.
Highly uniform Y3Al2Ga3O12-based nanophosphors for persistent luminescence bioimaging in the visible and NIR regions
Authors: Arroyo Encarnación , Torres Herrero Beatriz , de la Fuente Jesús M. , Ocaña Manuel , Becerro Ana I.
Published: April 2022

A simple strategy is proposed to synthesize highly uniform garnet-based nanospheres that exhibit colloidal stability in physiological media, high biocompatibility and both green and NIR persistent luminescence.
A missing link in the nitrogen-rich organic chain on Titan
Authors: Carrasco N. , Bourgalais J. , Vettier L. , Pernot P. , Giner E. , Spezia R.
Published: April 2022

Context.The chemical building blocks of life contain a large proportion of nitrogen, an essential element. Titan, the largest moon of Saturn, with its dense atmosphere of molecular nitrogen and methane, offers an exceptional opportunity to explore how this element is incorporated into carbon chains through atmospheric chemistry in our Solar System. A brownish dense haze is consistently produced in the atmosphere and accumulates on the surface on the moon. This solid material is nitrogen-rich and may contain prebiotic molecules carrying nitrogen.

Aims.To date, our knowledge of the processes leading to the incorporation of nitrogen into organic chains has been rather limited. In the present work, we investigate the formation of nitrogen-bearing ions in an experiment simulating Titan’s upper atmosphere, with strong implications for the incorporation of nitrogen into organic matter on Titan.

Methods.By combining experiments and theoretical calculations, we show that the abundant N2+ion, produced at high altitude by extreme-ultraviolet solar radiation, is able to form nitrogen-rich organic species.

Results.An unexpected and important formation of CH3N2+and CH2N2+diazo-ions is experimentally observed when exposing a gas mixture composed of molecular nitrogen and methane to extreme-ultraviolet radiation. Our theoretical calculations show that these diazo-ions are mainly produced by the reaction of N2+with CH3radicals. These small nitrogen-rich diazo-ions, with a N/C ratio of two, appear to be a missing link that could explain the high nitrogen content in Titan’s organic matter. More generally, this work highlights the importance of reactions between ions and radicals, which have rarely been studied thus far, opening up new perspectives in astrochemistry.
An Efficient Route to Branched Allylsilanes through Copper-Catalyzed Allene Hydrosilylation Using Readily Available Silanes
Authors: Liu Xiao-Tao , Zhan Zhuang-Ping , Chen Jun-Jia
Published: April 2022

A CuCl-catalyzed hydrosilylation of allenes with PhSiH3 has been developed. It is the first example of using readily available cheap silane reagents to generate branched allylsilanes in copper-catalyzed allene hydrosilylation. This base-metal catalyst offered an atom-economical and efficient route to branched allylsilanes with excellent regioselectivity.
Pyrazoles in the Intersection of Mesomeric Betaines and N-Heterocyclic Carbenes: Formation of NHC Selenium Adducts of Pyrazolium-4-aminides
Authors: Schmidt Andreas , Hillrichs Kai , Namyslo Jan C. , Lederle Felix , Hübner Eike G.
Published: April 2022

Starting from 4-nitropyrazole, eight mesoionic pyrazolium-4-aminides were prepared by a six-step reaction sequence. The deprotonation of 1,2-disubstituted 4-amido-1H-pyrazolium salts by an anion exchange resin in its hydroxide form is the final step of the synthesis. A tautomeric equilibrium between the mesoionic compounds (pyrazolium-4-aminides) and N-heterocyclic carbenes (pyrazol-3-ylidenes) can be formulated; however, the NHC tautomers were not detected by means of NMR spectroscopy in polar aprotic solvents such as DMSO-d
6 or MeCN-d
3. Apart from tautomerism, anionic N-heterocyclic carbenes can be formulated as a result of a deprotonation of the mesoionic compounds­. Trapping reactions were performed with selenium, which resulted in the formation of pyrazole-3-selenones. Methylation at the selenium atom gave the corresponding 3-(methylselanyl)-4-amido-1H-pyrazolium salts, which were deprotonated to give new mesomeric betaines, 3-(methylselanyl)-1H-pyrazolium-4-aminides as unique compounds­. DFT-calculations as well as 77Se NMR spectroscopic measurements were carried out.
Achalasia Cardia: Balloon, Tunnel, or Knife?
Authors: Maydeo Amit
Published: April 2022

Achalasia cardia is a rare esophageal motility disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter during swallowing and aperistalsis of the esophageal smooth muscles. The treatment approaches to achalasia include nonsurgical treatment with medications (nitrates, calcium channel blockers), endoscopic treatment (balloon pneumatic dilation [PD], botulinum toxin injection [BTI], peroral endoscopic myotomy [POEM]), and surgery (laparoscopic Heller's myotomy [LHM]). The subtype of achalasia (the Chicago Classification) governs the ideal treatment. For the commonly encountered achalasia subtype I and II, PD, LHM, and POEM all have similar efficacy. However, for type III achalasia, POEM seems to be the best line of treatment. Among high-risk elderly patients or those with comorbidities, BTI is preferred. The choice of treatment should be minimally invasive therapy with good short-term and sustained long-term effects with negligible adverse events. POEM seems to be evolving as a first-line therapy among the available therapies. Here, we review the treatment options among achalasia cardia patients with special attention to post-POEM gastroesophageal reflux disease and its management.
Percutaneous Cholecystostomy: A Bridge to Less Morbidity
Authors: Singh Anil Kumar
Published: April 2022

Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) is a minimally invasive procedure for decompressing gall bladder (GB) or biliary system in emergency settings, performed in patients with GB or biliary diseases who are at high risk for surgical exploration. Indications range from acute cholecystitis in seriously ill patients to overdistended GB with impending perforation to overt GB perforation. This procedure, by allowing biliary drainage, helps in controlling the infection and optimizing the patient's condition for definitive treatment in the form of elective surgery if possible, thus acting as a bridge to a definitive treatment option. In some cases, such as acute acalculous cholecystitis, it may obviate the need for surgery, and in malignant biliary obstruction, it may be used as a palliative measure to keep GB decompressed. This review article focuses on and revisits many aspects of PC including technical aspects, clinical indications, outcomes, and safety of the procedure, in addition to its role as bridge therapy versus definitive therapy versus palliative option. It includes observations based on the author's own work experience and review of the literature.
Direct Fluoroscopic-Guided Sclerotherapy for Vulvoperineal Varices: An Experience in 70 Patients
Authors: Tawab Karim A. Abd El , Hagag Mohamed A. A. , Khafagy Rana T. M.
Published: April 2022

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous vulvoperineal varices sclerotherapy using 2% polidocanol foam under fluoroscopic guidance.

Subjects and Methods This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data of 70 patients treated between June 2020 and November 2021, with a mean age of 31 years (range: 24–42 years). All patients were not pregnant with residual vulvoperineal varices after embolization of their refluxing tributaries of the ovarian vein and/or internal iliac veins presenting with vulvoperineal heaviness/pain with or without lower limb varicosities. Technical and clinical successes together with procedural complications were assessed.

Results The technical success rate was 100%. No minor or major complications have been reported. Follow-up was at 1 week, 2 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months post sclerotherapy. Clinical success was observed in all patients with improvement in their symptoms.

Conclusion Direct fluoroscopic-guided sclerotherapy for vulvoperineal varices offers a safe and effective treatment option with the ability of visualization and embolization of the pelvic leak points to avoid recurrence.