bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shielding Effectiveness, Mechanical and Dielectric Properties of NiO/PCL Nano Composites at Microwave Frequency for Electronic Devices
Authors: Yakubu Abubakar , Abbas Zulkifly , Abdullahi Sirajo , Sahabi Suleiman , Sani Garba D.
Published: July 2021

There is a continuous generation of electromagnetic fields through operations of electronic devices for this reason it is paramount that these fields be shielded so as to prevent interferences. The, conventional method for shielding these fields are by the use of thin metal foils or sheets. The metals foils are heavy, difficult to fabricate, costly and in many cases not suitable for use in many applications. For these reasons, this work is focused on using materials that is flexible, cost effective and durable, with considerable shielding effectiveness (SE). Hence, polycaprolactone (PCL) and nickel oxide (NiO) nanocomposite were synthesized using the conventional melt blending (CMB) technique. The synthesis method used is fast, easy and produces large mass of controlled composites within a short period. Rectangular waveguide, vector network analyzer, coaxial cable and open ended coaxial probe were used in the measurement of microwave properties. Measured scattering parameter was used to calculate the shielding effectiveness of the NiO/PCL composites. Findings indicates that the dielectric constant increased with increasing filler content, where the highest dielectric property was 5.09 for the 62.5 % filler and it was able to shield electromagnetic fields by up to -9.35 dB at the frequency range measured. The average particle size of the NiO nano particles was 40.5 nm using TEM analysis. The best hardness and tensile strength was recorded for the highest loading percentage. It is then concluded that the substrate produced can be tailored for electronic, telecommunication, medical applications and military shield applications.
Species‐specific demographic and behavioral responses to food availability during migratory stopover
Authors: Tucker Anna M. , McGowan Conor P. , Lyons James E. , DeRose‐Wilson Audrey , Clark Nigel A.
Published: July 2021

Understanding the effects of migratory stopover site conditions on both demographic rates and migratory behaviors is critical for interpreting changes in passage population sizes at stopover sites and predicting responses to future changes and conservation actions. We used a Bayesian formulation of the open robust design model to analyze mark‐resight observations of three migratory shorebird species using Delaware Bay, USA during spring stopover from 2005 to 2018. We tested for an effect of stopover food availability and weather conditions on survival probability and the probability of returning to this site in the next year and found species differences in these relationships. After years with greater food availability, red knot Calidris canutus rufa had higher survival probability but ruddy turnstone Arenaria interpres were more likely to return to the site. Estimates of within‐year probabilities of arrival and persistence at the stopover site showed relatively consistent migration schedules for ruddy turnstone, but more interannual variation for red knot and sanderling Calidris alba. Shorebird use of this site typically peaked during May 26–28, but the estimated proportion of the population present during this period varied dramatically among years for red knot (range: 0.07–0.59) but less so for ruddy turnstone and sanderling. This demonstrates that both the proportion of the flyway population using this stopover site and the proportion present during a given sampling period vary among years, and both should be considered in analyzing and interpreting monitoring data. Stopover conditions can influence both migratory behavior and demographics, underscoring the importance of flyway‐wide monitoring.
Use of Complementary and Alternative Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis: Race and Gender Variations
Authors: Vina Ernest R. , Youk Ada O. , Quinones Cristian , Kwoh C. Kent , Ibrahim Said A. , Hausmann Leslie R.M.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To evaluate race and gender variations in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use for knee osteoarthritis (OA) (unadjusted and adjusted for demographic and clinical factors).

Methods

A secondary analysis of cross‐sectional data was conducted. The sample included Veterans Affairs patients 50 years of age or older with symptomatic knee OA. Current use of various CAM therapies was assessed at baseline. Logistic regression models were used to compare race and gender differences in the use of specific CAMs.

Results

The sample included 517 participants (52.2% identified as African American [AA]; 27.1% identified as female). After adjusting for demographic and clinical factors, AA participants, compared with white participants, were less likely to use joint supplements (odds ratio [OR]: 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31‐0.90]); yoga, tai chi, or pilates (OR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.19‐0.77); and chiropractic care (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.26‐1.00). However, they were more likely to participate in spiritual activities (OR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.39‐2.94). Women, compared with men, were more likely to use herbs (OR: 2.42; 95% CI: 1.41‐4.14); yoga, tai chi, or pilates (OR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.04‐4.19); acupuncture, acupressure, or massage (OR: 2.45; 95% CI: 1.28‐4.67); and spiritual activities (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.09‐2.60). The interactive effects of race and gender were significant in the use of herbs (P = 0.008); yoga, tai chi, or pilates (P = 0.011); acupuncture, acupressure or massage (P = 0.038); and spiritual activities (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

There are race and gender differences in the use of various CAMs for OA. As benefits and limitations of CAM therapies vary, clinicians must be aware of these differences.
Highly Reliable Charge Trap‐Type Organic Non‐Volatile Memory Device Using Advanced Band‐Engineered Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Dielectric Stacks
Authors: Kim Min Ju , Lee Changhyeon , Shin Eui Joong , Lee Tae In , Kim Seongho , Jeong Jaejoong , Choi Junhwan , Hwang Wan Sik , Im Sung Gap , Cho Byung Jin
Published: July 2021

With the recent interest in data storage in flexible electronics, highly reliable charge trap‐type organic‐based non‐volatile memory (CT‐ONVM) has attracted much attention. CT‐ONVM should have a wide memory window, good endurance, and long‐term retention characteristics, as well as mechanical flexibility. This paper proposed CT‐ONVM devices consisting of band‐engineered organic–inorganic hybrid films synthesized via an initiated chemical vapor deposition process. The synthesized poly(1,3,5‐trimethyl‐1,3,5,‐trivinyl cyclotrisiloxane) and Al hybrid films are used as a tunneling dielectric layer and a blocking dielectric layer, respectively. For the charge trapping layer, different Hf, Zr, and Ti hybrids are examined, and their memory performances are systematically compared. The best combination of hybrid dielectric stacks showed a wide memory window of 6.77 V, good endurance of up to 104 cycles, and charge retention of up to 71% after 108 s even under the 2% strained condition. The CT‐ONVM device using the hybrid dielectric stacks outperforms other organic‐based charge trap memory devices and is even comparable in performance to conventional inorganic‐based poly‐silicon/oxide/nitride/oxide/silicon structures devices. The CT‐ONVM using hybrid dielectrics can overcome the inherent low reliability and process complexity limitations of organic electronics and expedite the realization of wearable organic electronics.
Universal Peptide Hydrogel for Scalable Physiological Formation and Bioprinting of 3D Spheroids from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Li Quan , Qi Guangyan , Liu Xuming , Bai Jianfa , Zhao Jikai , Tang Guosheng , Zhang Yu Shrike , Chen‐Tsai Ruby , Zhang Meng , Wang Donghai , Zhang Yuanyuan , Atala Anthony , He Jia‐Qiang , Sun Xiuzhi Susan
Published: July 2021

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are used for drug discoveries, disease modeling and show great potential for human organ regeneration. 3D culture methods have been demonstrated to be an advanced approach compared to the traditional monolayer (2D) method. Here, a self‐healing universal peptide hydrogel is reported for manufacturing physiologically formed hiPSC spheroids. With 100 000 hiPSCs encapsulated in 500 µL hydrogel, ≈50 000 spheroids mL−1 (diameter 20–50 µm) are generated in 5 d. The spheroids in the universal peptide hydrogel are viable (85–96%) and show superior pluripotency and differentiation potential based on multiple biomarkers. Cell performance is influenced by the degradability of the hydrogel but not by gel strength. Without postprinting crosslinking aided by UV or visible lights or chemicals, various patterns are easily extruded from a simple star to a kidney‐like organ shape using the universal peptide hydrogel bioink showing acceptable printability. A 20.0 × 20.0 × 0.75 mm3 sheet is finally printed with the universal peptide hydrogel bioink encapsulating hiPSCs and cultured for multiple days, and the hiPSC spheroids are physiologically formed and well maintained.
Graphene‐Based Heterostructure Composite Sensing Materials for Detection of Nitrogen‐Containing Harmful Gases
Authors: Feng Qiuxia , Huang Baoyu , Li Xiaogan
Published: July 2021

Graphene‐based heterostructure composite is a new type of advanced sensing material that includes composites of graphene with noble metals/metal oxides/metal sulfides/polymers and organic ligands. Exerting the synergistic effect of graphene and noble metals/metal oxides/metal sulfides/polymers and organic ligands is a new way to design advanced gas sensors for nitrogen‐containing gas species including NH3 and NO2 to solve the problems such as poor stability, high working temperature, poor recovery, and poor selectivity. Different fabrication methods of graphene‐based heterostructure composite are extensively studied, enabling massive progress in developing chemiresistive‐type sensors for detecting the nitrogen‐containing gas species. With the components of noble metals/metal oxides/metal sulfides/polymers and organic ligands which are composited with graphene, each material has its attractive and unique electrical properties. Consequently, the corresponding composite formed with graphene has different sensing characteristics. Furthermore, working ambient gas and response type can affect gas‐sensitive characteristic parameters of graphene‐based heterostructure composite sensing materials. Moreover, it requires particular attention in studying gas sensing mechanism of graphene‐based heterostructure composite sensing materials for nitrogen‐containing gas species. This review focuses on related scientific issues such as material synthesis methods, sensing performance, and gas sensing mechanism to discuss the technical challenges and several perspectives.
Scaling Metal‐Elastomer Composites toward Stretchable Multi‐Helical Conductive Paths for Robust Responsive Wearable Health Devices
Authors: Zhao Yue , Tan Yu Jun , Yang Weidong , Ling Shaohua , Yang Zijie , Teo Ju Teng , See Hian Hian , Lee David Kwok Hung , Lu Dingjie , Li Shihao , Zeng Xianting , Liu Zhuangjian , Tee Benjamin C.K.
Published: July 2021

Stretchable electronics have advanced rapidly and many applications require high repeatability and robustness under various mechanical deformations. It has been described here that how a highly stretchable and reliable conductor composite made from helical copper wires and a soft elastomer, named eHelix, can provide mechanically robust and strain‐insensitive electronic conductivity for wearable devices. The reversibility of the mechanical behavior of the metal‐elastomer system has been studied using finite element modeling methods. Optimal design parameters of such helical metal‐elastomer structures are found. The scaling of multiple copper wires into such helical shapes to form a Multi‐eHelix system is further shown. With the same elastomer volume, Multi‐eHelix has more conductive paths and a higher current density than the single‐eHelix. Integrations of these eHelix stretchable conductors with fabrics showed wearable displays that can survive machine‐washes and hundreds of mechanical loading cycles. The integration of the eHelix developed by us with a wearable optical heart rate sensor enabled a wearable health monitoring system that can display measured heart rates on clothing. Furthermore, Multi‐eHelix conductors are used to connect flexible printed circuit boards and piezoresistive sensors on a tactile sensing glove for the emerging sensorized prosthetics.
Iridium Oxide Nanoparticle–Protein Corona Neural Interfaces with Enhanced Electroactivity and Bioactivity Enable Electrically Manipulatable Physical and Chemical Neuronal Activation
Authors: Chan Fu‐Erh , Syu Huei‐Min , Wang Te‐Yi , Tang Zheng‐Ting , Huang Chih‐Ning , Lee Jyh‐Fu , Burnouf Thierry , Hu Shang‐Hsiu , Chen Po‐Chun , Huang Wei‐Chen
Published: July 2021

Iridium oxide (IrOx) is a promising implantable electrode material owing to its remarkable neural stimulation capacity. However, presently, IrOx electrodes lack biocompatibility and bioactive interactions with nerve tissues. Application of polymeric surface coatings results in a weak physical adhesion at the organic/inorganic interface, which limits their wide‐scale application. Herein, a smart iridium oxide‐plasma protein (IrOx‐PP) electrode with enhanced electroactivity, electrochemical stability, cytocompatibility, and bioactivity that can provide controllable topographical, electrical, and chemical stimuli to enhance neuronal activity is proposed. In the inorganic/organic nanoparticle (NP)‐protein corona structures, the soft NP‐corona led to repeated burst‐to‐zero‐to‐burst PP release, while the hard NP‐corona with an ordered atomic structure enhanced the electrochemical stability and bioactivity. The incorporated PP resulted in a higher current storage capacity, lower impedance, better cell growth, and significant neurite outgrowth compared with those obtained with pristine IrOx. The application of electrical stimulation to IrOx‐PP enabled simultaneous neuromodulation, on‐demand PP release, and cell uptake, with a 2‐fold higher cell density and significant neurite outgrowth on IrOx‐PP than on pristine IrOx. This bioactive inorganic‐organic hybrid electrode with the combined features of physical properties and improved neuromodulation is expected to be a revolutionary platform for efficient and biocompatible neural implantation.
Fluorescent Silicon Carbide Nanoparticles
Authors: de Vries Mitchell O. , Sato Shin‐ichiro , Ohshima Takeshi , Gibson Brant C. , Bluet Jean‐Marie , Castelletto Stefania , Johnson Brett C. , Reineck Philipp
Published: July 2021

Silicon carbide (SiC) is an indirect wide band gap semiconductor that is utilized in many industrial applications due to its extreme physical properties. SiC nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit a versatile surface chemistry, fluoresce from the ultraviolet to the near‐infrared spectral ranges, and their sizes can be tuned from one to hundreds of nanometers. Yet, fluorescent SiC NPs have received far less attention by the scientific community. This review summarizes the state‐of‐the‐art in fluorescent SiC NPs. Nanoparticle fabrication methods, characterization techniques, nanoparticle surface chemistry, and SiC NPs fluorescence properties are assessed in detail. Atomic defects and impurities in the SiC crystal lattice (so‐called color centers), surface‐induced fluorescence, quantum confinement, and band‐edge fluorescence are identified as the main sources of fluorescence in SiC NPs. While many color centers are reported in bulk SiC, only few are identified in SiC NPs and interface‐related defects remain poorly understood, creating enormous potential for scientific discovery. Finally, an overview of demonstrated and emerging potential applications of SiC NPs in the areas of bioimaging and quantum sensing is provided.
Efficient Restraint of Intra‐Cluster Aggregation‐Caused Quenching Effect Lighting Room‐Temperature Photoluminescence
Authors: Chen Ling , Dong Xiao‐Bin , Mo Zong‐Wen , Wang Hai‐Ping , Ye Jia‐Wen , Zhang Kun , Chen Xiao‐Ming
Published: July 2021

At room temperature (RT), the weak and strong cluster‐centered luminescence of silver and copper iodide clusters, respectively, has been widely reported. Though the central metal ions show same d10 electrons and similar coordination mode, the mechanism of their distinct emission properties is still unclear, which restricts further applications. In this work, it is found that different photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) are caused by various collision energy transfers between the metal ions in clusters, like a kind of aggregation‐caused quenching mechanism. Concretely, isostructural coordination polymers (CPs) of Ag(I) and Cu(I) iodide clusters are synthesized. The Ag(I)‐CP shows no luminescence at RT while the PLQY of Cu(I)‐CP boosts to 89%, in which short radius and weak collision between metal ions are found. Moreover, shorter Cu(I)‐Cu(I) and longer Ag(I)‐Ag(I) distances are realized in the similar structure and they display prospective luminescence, which proves the collisional quenching mechanism. Inspired of the above, the heterometallic materials with high sensitivities and wide sensing windows to temperature detection are obtained through tuning the metal content, and they are also fabricated into detecting sequences, which satisfies the wide‐range temperature sensing. This work proposes an efficient strategy to improve RT photoluminescence and broaden temperature sensing windows.
Cell Analysis from Dried Blood Spots: New Opportunities in Immunology, Hematology, and Infectious Diseases
Authors: Ait Belkacem Ines , Mossadegh‐keller Noushine , Bourgoin Penelope , Arnoux Isabelle , Loosveld Marie , Morange Pierre‐emmanuel , Markarian Thibaut , Michelet Pierre , Busnel Jean Marc , Roulland Sandrine , Galland Franck , Malergue Fabrice
Published: July 2021

Blood cell analysis is a major pillar of biomedical research and healthcare. These analyses are performed in central laboratories. Rapid shipment from collection site to the central laboratories is currently needed because cells and biomarkers degrade rapidly. The dried blood spot from a fingerstick allows the preservation of cellular molecules for months but entire cells are never recovered. Here leucocyte elution is optimized from dried blood spots. Flow cytometry and mRNA expression profiling are used to analyze the recovered cells. 50–70% of the leucocytes that are dried on a polyester solid support via elution after shaking the support with buffer are recovered. While red blood cells lyse upon drying, it is found that the majority of leucocytes are preserved. Leucocytes have an altered structure that is improved by adding fixative in the elution buffer. Leucocytes are permeabilized, allowing an easy staining of all cellular compartments. Common immunophenotyping and mRNAs are preserved. The ability of a new biomarker (CD169) to discriminate between patients with and without Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome induced by Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infections is also preserved. Leucocytes from blood can be dried, shipped, and/or stored for at least 1 month, then recovered for a wide variety of analyses, potentially facilitating biomedical applications worldwide.
Food product launch and positioning in China—Do claims of credence attributes matter?
Authors: Yang Wei , Renwick Alan , Tantiwat Waranan , Revoredo‐Giha Cesar , Wu Dafeng
Published: July 2021

This article aims to empirically investigate the role of claims of credence attributes in the launch of food and drink products using a large dataset of new product development by food companies in China. A multinomial regression model is employed to analyze the association between the type of product launch and the positioning claims adopted by firms. The results provide evidence that claims of credence attributes play an important role in the product launch strategy of firms. Food companies tend to choose the most cost‐effective strategies to launch products with credence attributes. Hence, claims that are seen as most important for consumers are more likely to be engendered for the more costly launch approach. For example, the attribute of food safety is highly important in China and its use is related to launching brand new products which generally is the most costly launch strategy. In contrast, other credence attributes, such as “environmentally sustainable,” are linked to relatively simpler and cheaper strategies, such as new packaging. Given most studies on credence attributes have focused on the consumer side, results of this study fill in the gap of understanding how food suppliers respond to consumer demand for food products with credence attributes.
Phylogenomics and biogeography of Cunoniaceae (Oxalidales) with complete generic sampling and taxonomic realignments
Authors: Pillon Yohan , Hopkins Helen C. F. , Maurin Olivier , Epitawalage Niroshini , Bradford Jason , Rogers Zachary S. , Baker William J. , Forest Félix
Published: July 2021

Premise

Cunoniaceae are a family of shrubs and trees with 27 genera and ca. 335 species, mostly confined to tropical and wet temperate zones of the southern hemisphere. There are several known issues regarding generic limits, and the family also displays a number of intriguing long‐range disjunctions.

Methods

We performed a phylogenomic study using the universal Angiosperms353 probe set for targeted sequence capture. We sampled 37 species covering all genera in the Cunoniaceae, and those in the three closely related families of the crown Oxalidales (Brunelliaceae, Cephalotaceae, and Elaeocarpaceae). We also performed analyses for molecular dating and ancestral area reconstruction.

Results

We recovered the topology (Cunoniaceae, (Cephalotaceae, (Brunelliaceae, Elaeocarpaceae))) and a well‐resolved genus‐level phylogeny of Cunoniaceae with strongly supported clades corresponding to all previously recognized tribes. As previously suspected, the genera Ackama and Weinmannia were recovered as paraphyletic. Australasia was inferred as the likely ancestral area for the family.

Conclusions

The current distribution of Cunoniaceae is best explained by long‐distance dispersal with a few possible cases of Australasian–American vicariance events. Extinctions may have been important in determining the mostly Oceanian distribution of this family while some genera in the tribe Cunonieae and in New Caledonia have undergone recent bursts of diversification. New generic diagnoses, 80 new combinations, and one new name are provided for a recircumscribed Ackama (including Spiraeopsis), a much smaller Weinmannia (mostly New World), and a resurrected Pterophylla to accommodate Old World taxa previously in Weinmannia.
Stroke hospitalizations, posttraumatic stress disorder, and 9/11‐related dust exposure: Results from the World Trade Center Health Registry
Authors: Yu Shengchao , Alper Howard E. , Nguyen Angela‐Maithy , Maqsood Junaid , Brackbill Robert M.
Published: July 2021

Background

Few studies have examined the association between disaster‐related factors and stroke by subtype or number. We investigated the association between 9/11‐related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dust exposure, and stroke subtype as well as recurrent strokes.

Methods

The study included 29,012 individuals enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Registry. Stroke cases were obtained by matching Registry enrollees to the New York State Department of Health's discharge records for inpatient visits between 2000 and 2016. Cox proportional hazards regression models were performed to examine the association between 9/11‐related risk factors and stroke by subtype. Multinomial logistic regression models were conducted to assess the associations between the same risk factors and the number of stroke hospitalizations.

Results

Having PTSD significantly increased the risk of developing ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, with adjusted hazards ratios (AHRs) of 1.64 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28–2.10) and 1.73 (95% CI: 1.10–2.71), respectively. The point estimate for dust cloud exposure, although not significant statistically, suggested an increased risk of ischemic stroke (AHR = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.96–1.50). PTSD was significantly associated with recurrent strokes with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.79 (95% CI: 1.09–2.95).

Conclusions

PTSD is a risk factor for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and is associated with recurrent strokes. Dust exposure on 9/11 is a possible risk factor for ischemic stroke but not for hemorrhagic stroke, and was not associated with recurrent strokes. Our findings warrant additional research on stroke‐morbidity and mortality associated with 9/11‐related PTSD and dust exposure.
Detailed clinical and radiological features of the first patient with Elsahy–Waters syndrome in East Asia
Authors: Minatogawa Mari , Tsukahara Yoshinori , Yuzuriha Shunsuke , Kosho Tomoki
Published: July 2021

Elsahy–Waters syndrome (EWS; OMIM#211380) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that is caused by loss‐of‐function variants in CDH11, which encodes cadherin 11. EWS is characterized by brachycephaly, midface hypoplasia, characteristic craniofacial morphology, cervical fusion, cutaneous syndactyly in 2–3 digits, genitourinary anomalies, and intellectual disability. To the best of our knowledge, there have been only six patients of molecularly confirmed EWS. We report the first patient of EWS in East Asia in a Japanese man with a novel splice site homozygous variant of CDH11. We reviewed the clinical and molecular findings in previously reported individuals and the present patient. In addition to the previously reported clinical features of EWS, the present patient had unreported findings of atlantoaxial instability due to posterior displacement of dens, thoracic fusion, thoracic butterfly vertebra, sacralization of the lumbar vertebra (L5), and multiple perineural cysts. The spinal findings in this patient could represent a new spectrum of skeletal phenotypes of EWS. It remains to be clarified whether the multiple perineural cysts in the patient were associated with EWS or coincidental. The current observation might contribute to an expanded understanding of the clinical consequences of loss‐of‐function of cadherin 11.
Longitudinal Changes in Hippocampal Network Connectivity in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Dautricourt Sophie , de Flores Robin , Landeau Brigitte , Poisnel Géraldine , Vanhoutte Matthieu , Delcroix Nicolas , Eustache Francis , Vivien Denis , de la Sayette Vincent , Chételat Gaël
Published: July 2021

Objective

The hippocampus is connected to 2 distinct cortical brain networks, the posterior–medial and the anterior–temporal networks, involving different medial temporal lobe (MTL) subregions. The aim of this study was to assess the functional alterations of these 2 networks, their changes over time, and links to cognition in Alzheimer's disease.

Methods

We assessed MTL connectivity in 53 amyloid‐β–positive patients with mild cognitive impairment and AD dementia and 68 healthy elderly controls, using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging, cross‐sectionally and longitudinally. First, we compared the functional connectivity of the posterior–medial and anterior–temporal networks within the control group to highlight their specificities. Second, we compared the connectivity of these networks between groups, and between baseline and 18‐month follow‐up in patients. Third, we assessed the association in the connectivity changes between the 2 networks, and with cognitive performance.

Results

We found decreased connectivity in patients specifically between the hippocampus and the posterior–medial network, together with increased connectivity between several MTL subregions and the anterior–temporal network. Moreover, changes in the posterior–medial and anterior–temporal networks were interrelated such that decreased MTL–posterior–medial connectivity was associated with increased MTL–anterior–temporal connectivity. Finally, both MTL–posterior–medial decrease and MTL–anterior–temporal increase predicted cognitive decline.

Interpretation

Our findings demonstrate that longitudinal connectivity changes in the posterior–medial and anterior–temporal hippocampal networks are linked together and that they both contribute to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. These results shed light on the critical role of the posterior–medial and anterior–temporal networks in Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology and clinical symptoms. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:391–406
High Mobility Organic Lasing Semiconductor with Crystallization‐Enhanced Emission for Light‐Emitting Transistors
Authors: Liu Dan , Liao Qing , Peng Qian , Gao Haikuo , Sun Qi , De Jianbo , Gao Can , Miao Zhagen , Qin Zhengsheng , Yang Jiaxin , Fu Hongbing , Shuai Zhigang , Dong Huanli , Hu Wenping
Published: July 2021

The development of high mobility organic laser semiconductors with strong emission is of great scientific and technical importance, but challenging. Herein, we present a high mobility organic laser semiconductor, 2,7‐diphenyl‐9H‐fluorene (LD‐1) showing unique crystallization‐enhanced emission guided by elaborately modulating its crystal growth process. The obtained one‐dimensional nanowires of LD‐1 show outstanding integrated properties including: high absolute photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) approaching 80 %, high charge carrier mobility of 0.08 cm2 V−1 s−1, Fabry‐Perot lasing characters with a low threshold of 86 μJ cm−2and a high‐quality factor of ≈2400. Furthermore, electrically induced emission was obtained from an individual LD‐1 crystal nanowire‐based light‐emitting transistor due to the recombination of holes and electrons simultaneously injected into the nanowire, which provides a good platform for the study of electrically pumped organic lasers and other related ultrasmall integrated electrical‐driven photonic devices.
Solid‐Phase Peptide Macrocyclization and Multifunctionalization via Dipyrrin Construction
Authors: Wu Yue , Chau Ho‐Fai , Thor Waygen , Chan Kaitlin Hao Yi , Ma Xia , Chan Wai‐Lun , Long Nicholas J. , Wong Ka‐Leung
Published: July 2021

We introduce a new and highly efficient synthetic protocol towards multifunctional fluorescent cyclopeptides by solid‐phase peptide macrocyclization via dipyrrin construction, with full scope of proteinogenic amino acids and different ring sizes. Various bicyclic peptides can be created by dipyrrin‐based crosslinking and double dipyrrin‐ring formation. The embedded dipyrrin can be either transformed to fluorescent BODIPY and then utilized as cancer‐selective targeted protein imaging probe in vitro, or directly employed as a selective metal sensor in aqueous media. This work provides a valuable addition to the peptide macrocyclization toolbox, and a blueprint for the development of multifunctional dipyrrin linkers in cyclopeptides for a wide range of potential bioapplications.
Porous Metal–Organic Framework Liquids for Enhanced CO2 Adsorption and Catalytic Conversion
Authors: Zou Yu‐Huang , Huang Yuan‐Biao , Si Duan‐Hui , Yin Qi , Wu Qiu‐Jin , Weng Zixiang , Cao Rong
Published: July 2021

The unique applications of porous metal–organic framework (MOF) liquids with permanent porosity and fluidity have attracted significant attention. However, fabrication of porous MOF liquids remains challenging because of the easy intermolecular self‐filling of the cavity or the rapid settlement of porous hosts in hindered solvents that cannot enter their pores. Herein, we report a facile strategy for the fabrication of a MOF liquid (Im‐UiO‐PL) by surface ionization of an imidazolium‐functionalized framework with a sterically hindered poly(ethylene glycol) sulfonate (PEGS) canopy. The Im‐UiO‐PL obtained in this way has a CO2 adsorption approximately 14 times larger than that of pure PEGS. Distinct from a porous MOF solid counterpart, the stored CO2 in Im‐UiO‐PL can be slowly released and efficiently utilized to synthesize cyclic carbonates in the atmosphere. This is the first example of the use of a porous MOF liquid as a CO2 storage material for catalysis. It offers a new method for the fabrication of unique porous liquid MOFs with functional behaviors in various fields of gas adsorption and catalysis.
Engineering Dirhodium Artificial Metalloenzymes for Diazo Coupling Cascade Reactions**
Authors: Upp David M. , Huang Rui , Li Ying , Bultman Max J. , Roux Benoit , Lewis Jared C.
Published: July 2021

Artificial metalloenzymes (ArMs) are commonly used to control the stereoselectivity of catalytic reactions, but controlling chemoselectivity remains challenging. In this study, we engineer a dirhodium ArM to catalyze diazo cross‐coupling to form an alkene that, in a one‐pot cascade reaction, is reduced to an alkane with high enantioselectivity (typically >99 % ee) by an alkene reductase. The numerous protein and small molecule components required for the cascade reaction had minimal effect on ArM catalysis. Directed evolution of the ArM led to improved yields and E/Z selectivities for a variety of substrates, which translated to cascade reaction yields. MD simulations of ArM variants were used to understand the structural role of the cofactor on ArM conformational dynamics. These results highlight the ability of ArMs to control both catalyst stereoselectivity and chemoselectivity to enable reactions in complex media that would otherwise lead to undesired side reactions.
Biomimetic Total Synthesis of Enterocin
Authors: Koser Lilla , Lechner Vivian Miles , Bach Thorsten
Published: July 2021

The first chemical total synthesis of the highly oxygenated polyketide enterocin has been accomplished. The key step of the synthesis was a late‐stage biomimetic reaction cascade involving two intramolecular aldol reactions in which each step proceeded in 52 % yield (averaged) and which established four of the seven stereogenic centers. The pivotal precursor for the cascade reaction was assembled from three readily available building blocks. A chiral dithioacetal with two stereogenic centers originating from L‐arabinose represented the core fragment to both ends of which the other building blocks were attached by aldol reactions. The remaining stereogenic center was installed by Davis oxygenation immediately prior to the key step.
Dual‐Responsive Material Based on Catechol‐Modified Self‐Immolative Poly(Disulfide) Backbones
Authors: Agergaard Asger Holm , Sommerfeldt Andreas , Pedersen Steen Uttrup , Birkedal Henrik , Daasbjerg Kim
Published: July 2021

Functional materials engineered to degrade upon triggering are in high demand due their potentially lower impact on the environment as well as their use in sensing and in medical applications. Here, stimuli‐responsive polymers are prepared by decorating a self‐immolative poly(dithiothreitol) backbone with pendant catechol units. The highly functional polymer is fashioned into stimuli‐responsive gels, formed through pH‐dependent catecholato–metal ion cross‐links. The gels degrade in response to specific environmental changes, either by addressing the pH responsive, non‐covalent, catecholato–metal complexes, or by addition of a thiol. The latter stimulus triggers end‐to‐end depolymerization of the entire self‐immolative backbone through end‐cap replacement via thiol–disufide exchanges. Gel degradation is visualized by release of a dye from the supramolecular gel as it itself is converted into smaller molecules.
Sub‐micron calcium carbonate isolated carbon nanotubes/polyethylene composites with controllable electrical conductivity
Authors: Shen Weixin , Zhu Aiping
Published: July 2021

The dispersion and distribution of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on/in the polymer composites are greatly affected by the molding technology progress, which results in different electrical conductivity. The uncontrollable electrical conductivity has limited the application of conductive polymer composites, for example, sensor components. In this work, to enhance the dispersion stability of CNTs in polyethylene (PE) matrix, sub‐micron calcium carbonate isolated CNTs (smCaCO3@CNTs) were selected based on the fact that smCaCO3 is much easier to disperse in polymer in comparison with CNTs. This good distribution of CNTs in smCaCO3@CNTs/PE was characterized by transmission electron microscope and Raman mapping. The electrical performance test results show that when 0.5 wt% of CNTs filled in smCaCO3@CNTs/PE, the percolation network begins to form; when CNTs filled increases to 1‐2 wt%, the surface resistance of smCaCO3@CNTs/PE ranges from 106 to 109Ω almost not affected by the molding technology process (compression molding or injection molding). The possible reason is that the isolated CNTs by smCaCO3 in polymer matrix are favorable for the formation of the stable conductive network.
Super‐tough poly(lactic acid) using a fully bio‐based polyester containing malic acid via in‐situ interfacial compatibilization
Authors: Yang Rong , Cao Hongwei , Li Chong , Zou Guoxiang , Zhang Xin , Li Jinchun
Published: July 2021

Reactive interfacial compatibilization is the most efficient way to prepare super‐tough poly (lactic acid) (PLA) materials. Introducing a post‐reactive group into a toughening agent that can react with PLA is the key issue. Herein, we reported a series of fully bio‐based polyesters (PBSePM) synthesized with sebacic acid, diethyl malate, 1,3‐propanediol, and 1,4‐butanediol via transesterification in one pot. Super‐tough PLA materials can be obtained by reactively blending with PBSePM in the presence of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). In the processing, the side hydroxyl group of the PBSePM reacted with HDI and formed polyurethane elastomer to improve the toughness of PLA. Moreover, the in‐situ formed PLA‐g‐PBSePM grafted copolymer enhanced the interfacial adhesion. With increasing diethyl malate moiety in PBSePM, the PBSePM phase morphology transformed from co‐continuous phase structure to semi‐continuous and “sea‐island” phase structure. When adding 20 wt% PBSePM, all PLA/PBSePM blends have a notched impact strength higher than 53 kJ m−2, suggested a super toughness effect. Maximum impact strength of 83 kJ m−2 was realized while the PBSePM containing 20% diethyl malate moiety. In addition, super‐tough PLA materials can be achieved by only adding 15 wt% PBSePM20, exhibited a highly efficient toughening effect.
Flexible transparent projection screen of polycarbonate matrix integrated with functionalized alumina particles
Authors: Gong Keqian , Xu Xiangyang , Liu Qi , Han Zexian , Huang Wei , Huang Chenyu , Huang Xiangning
Published: July 2021

Solution blending approach was introduced to prepare flexible Polycarbonate (PC)‐based composited films with excellent transparent projection performance. After modified by an aluminate coupling agent DL‐411(ACA‐1), alumina (Al2O3) possesses improved dispersity. There may form oxygen bridge between aluminum atoms on Al2O3and ACA‐1. With the long aliphatic chain directing outwards, the compatibility between PC and modified Al2O3was significantly improved. The dispersion of Al2O3particles in PC was therewith promoted. After vacuum drying, well‐blended mixtures were developed and PC films containing Al2O3clusters can be prepared. The composite films have good light transmission and diffuse reflection effects. When Al2O3/PC mass ratio is beneath 0.2, the composited films possess excellent transparency comparable with pure PC film. The diffuse reflection performance of PC composite films is gradually enhanced with the increase of Al2O3content. When Al2O3/PC ratio attains 0.1, the visible light reflectance amounts 15%, which can even exceed 30% with the ratio reaches 0.5. The composite films show improved resistance to UV irradiation as the visible light reflectance and transparency are comparable to un‐radiated samples. The hydrophobicity of composite films with a certain Al2O3amount increases, which brings forth good anti‐moisture property for these transparent projection screen films.
Heterometallation of Photoluminescent Silver(I) Sulfide Nanoclusters Protected by Octahedral Iridium(III) Thiolates
Authors: Goo Zi Lang , Minami Katsue , Yoshinari Nobuto , Konno Takumi
Published: July 2021

The recently‐increasing interest in coinage metal clusters stems from their photophysical properties, which are controlled via heterometallation. Herein, we report homometallic AgI46S13 clusters protected by octahedral fac‐[Ir(aet)3] (aet=2‐aminoethanethiolate) molecules and their conversion to heterometallic AgI43MI3S13 (M=Cu, Au) clusters. The reactions of fac‐[Ir(aet)3] with Ag+ and penicillamine produced [Ag46S13{Ir(aet)3}14]20+ ([1]20+), where a spherical AgI46S13 cluster is covered by fac‐[Ir(aet)3] octahedra through thiolato bridges. [1]20+ was converted to [Ag43M3S13{Ir(aet)3}14]20+ ([1M]20+) with an AgI43MI3S13 cluster by treatment with M+, retaining its overall structure. [1]20+ was photoluminescent and had an emission band ca. 690 nm that originated from an S‐to‐Ag charge transfer. While [1Cu]20+ showed an emission band with a slightly higher energy of ca. 650 nm and a lower quantum yield, the emission band for [1Au]20+ shifted to a much higher energy of ca. 590 nm with an enhanced quantum yield.
Exploring undergraduate students’ conceptions of learning via auto‐photography: A cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Huang Wen‐Lung , Li Liang‐Yi , Tsai Chin‐Chung
Published: July 2021

This study analysed students’ auto‐photographs with transcripts to understand their conceptions of learning and to compare the differences among different grade levels. A total of 549 Taiwanese college students took photographs and wrote accompanying textual descriptions to illustrate how they conceptualised learning. A coding checklist was developed to analyse the characteristics of the students’ auto‐photography, and showed that their main view of learning was alone by themselves, the main learning contexts were outside of school, and observing/experiencing/thinking were the main learning activities. The textual data analysed using the content analysis method revealed nine categories of conceptions of learning, namely learning as memorising, gaining higher status, practicing tutorial problems, a process not bound by context or time, the increase of knowledge, applying, autonomous learning, understanding and seeing in a new way. In addition, in cross‐sectional analysis, two main findings were revealed: (1) students’ views of learning shifted from stereotypes of acquiring knowledge (e.g. teachers lecturing in classrooms) in the lower grade levels to observing/experiencing learning outside of school in the higher grade levels; and (2) higher‐grade‐level students possessed weaker autonomous learning conceptions than lower‐grade‐level students. The results of this study suggest a possible development trend of students’ learning conceptions that warrants further investigation.
Estimating the optimal population upper bound for scan methods in retrospective disease surveillance
Authors: Meysami Mohammad , French Joshua P. , Lipner Ettie M.
Published: July 2021

Correctly and quickly identifying disease patterns and clusters is a vital aspect of public health and epidemiology so that disease outbreaks can be mitigated as effectively as possible. The circular scan method is one of the most commonly used methods for detecting disease outbreaks and clusters in retrospective and prospective disease surveillance. The circular scan method requires a population upper bound in order to construct the set of candidate zones to be scanned, which is usually set to 50% of the total population. The performance of the circular scan method is affected by the choice of the population upper bound, and choosing an upper bound different from the default value can improve the method's performance. Recently, the Gini coefficient based on the Lorenz curve, which was originally used in economics, was proposed to determine a better population upper bound. We present the elbow method, a new method for choosing the population upper bound, which seeks to address some of the limitations of the Gini‐based method while improving the performance of the circular scan method over the default value. To evaluate the performance of the proposed approach, we evaluate the sensitivity and positive predictive value of the circular scan method for publicly‐available benchmark data for the default value, the Gini coefficient method, and the elbow method.
Factors determining the serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D response to vitamin D supplementation: Data mining approach
Authors: Amiri Zahra , Nosrati Mina , Sharifan Payam , Saffar Soflaei Sara , Darroudi Susan , Ghazizadeh Hamideh , Mohammadi Bajgiran Maryam , Moafian Fahimeh , Tayefi Maryam , Hasanzade Elahe , Rafiee Mahdi , Ferns Gordon A. , Esmaily Habibollah , Amini Mahnaz , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid
Published: July 2021

Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to prevent vitamin D deficiency, but various factors can affect the response to supplementation. Data mining is a statistical method for pulling out information from large databases. We aimed to evaluate the factors influencing serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels in response to supplementation of vitamin D using a random forest (RF) model. Data were extracted from the survey of ultraviolet intake by nutritional approach study. Vitamin D levels were measured at baseline and at the end of study to evaluate the responsiveness. We examined the relationship between 76 potential influencing factors on vitamin D response using RF. We found several features that were highly correlated to the serum vitamin D response to supplementation by RF including anthropometric factors (body mass index [BMI], free fat mass [FFM], fat percentage, waist‐to‐hip ratio [WHR]), liver function tests (serum gamma‐glutamyl transferase [GGT], total bilirubin, total protein), hematological parameters (mean corpuscular volume [MCV], mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration [MCHC], hematocrit), and measurement of insulin sensitivity (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance). BMI, total bilirubin, FFM, and GGT were found to have a positive relationship and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, MCV, MCHC, fat percentage, total protein, and WHR were found to have a negative correlation to vitamin D concentration in response to supplementation. The accuracy of RF in predicting the response was 93% compared to logistic regression, for which the accuracy was 40%, in the evaluation of the correlation of the components of the data set to serum vitamin D.
Using a stable isotope‐labeled internal standard for liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry quantitation of meloxicam in human plasma
Authors: Zhan Cuijiao , Wang Changmao , Wang Yaqin , Xie Haitang , Chu Jiru , Zhang Rong , Hu Rongfeng , Shen Jie , Jia Yuanwei
Published: July 2021

A sensitive and highly efficient LC–ESI‐MS/MS method using a stable isotope‐labeled internal standard (SIL IS) to detect meloxicam in human plasma was developed and validated. Sample preparation used only 50 μL human plasma with one‐step methanol protein precipitation. A gradient mobile phase system was adopted for chromatographic separation on a Poroshell 120 SB‐C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 2.7 μm). Positive ion pattern was chosen for quantification under multiple reaction monitoring. Ion pairs were [M + H]+ m/z 352.1 → 115.1 for meloxicam and [M + H]+ m/z 355.1 → 187.1 for meloxicam‐d3 (SIL IS). Total run time was 4.0 min. Standard curve was linear over a concentration range from 8.00 to 1600 ng mL−1. This method was fully validated to evaluate its performance, including specificity, carryover, sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, recovery, matrix effects, stability, dilution reliability and incurred sample reanalysis, which provided a reliable basis for pharmacokinetic studies of meloxicam in 28 healthy Chinese volunteers. After a single‐dose oral administration of 7.5 mg meloxicam, the main pharmacokinetic parameters were as follows: Cmax, 814.79 ± 201.37 ng mL−1; Tmax, 4.54 ± 1.42 h; AUC0–t, 24,572.04 ± 5766.93 ng·h mL−1; AUC0–∞, 25,810.89 ± 6796.60 ng·h mL−1 and t1/2, 21.11 ± 5.35 h.
Novel method for transaxillary Impella 5.0 implantation in patients with tortuous arterial anatomy
Authors: Fisher Bryant , Smith Conrad , Sultan Ibrahim , Kilic Arman
Published: July 2021

A novel method of transaxillary Impella 5.0 implantation utilizing a vascular sheath can overcome difficult arterial anatomy and provide mechanical support for patients in critical cardiogenic shock.