bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hamiltonian of a flux qubit-LC oscillator circuit in the deep–strong-coupling regime
Authors: Yoshihara F. , Ashhab S. , Fuse T. , Bamba M. , Semba K.
Published: April 2022

We derive the Hamiltonian of a superconducting circuit that comprises a single-Josephson-junction flux qubit inductively coupled to an LC oscillator, and we compare the derived circuit Hamiltonian with the quantum Rabi Hamiltonian, which describes a two-level system coupled to a harmonic oscillator. We show that there is a simple, intuitive correspondence between the circuit Hamiltonian and the quantum Rabi Hamiltonian. While there is an overall shift of the entire spectrum, the energy level structure of the circuit Hamiltonian up to the seventh excited states can still be fitted well by the quantum Rabi Hamiltonian even in the case where the coupling strength is larger than the frequencies of the qubit and the oscillator, i.e., when the qubit-oscillator circuit is in the deep–strong-coupling regime. We also show that although the circuit Hamiltonian can be transformed via a unitary transformation to a Hamiltonian containing a capacitive coupling term, the resulting circuit Hamiltonian cannot be approximated by the variant of the quantum Rabi Hamiltonian that is obtained using an analogous procedure for mapping the circuit variables onto Pauli and harmonic oscillator operators, even for relatively weak coupling. This difference between the flux and charge gauges follows from the properties of the qubit Hamiltonian eigenstates.
Pedigree derived mutation rate across the entire mitochondrial genome of the Norfolk Island population
Authors: Connell J. R. , Benton M. C. , Lea R. A. , Sutherland H. G. , Chaseling J. , Haupt L. M. , Wright K. M. , Griffiths L. R.
Published: April 2022

Estimates of mutation rates for various regions of the human mitochondrial genome (mtGenome) vary widely, depending on whether they are inferred using a phylogenetic approach or obtained directly from pedigrees. Traditionally, only the control region, or small portions of the coding region have been targeted for analysis due to the cost and effort required to produce whole mtGenome Sanger profiles. Here, we report one of the first pedigree derived mutation rates for the entire human mtGenome. The entire mtGenome from 225 individuals originating from Norfolk Island was analysed to estimate the pedigree derived mutation rate and compared against published mutation rates. These individuals were from 45 maternal lineages spanning 345 generational events. Mutation rates for various portions of the mtGenome were calculated. Nine mutations (including two transitions and seven cases of heteroplasmy) were observed, resulting in a rate of 0.058 mutations/site/million years (95% CI 0.031–0.108). These mutation rates are approximately 16 times higher than estimates derived from phylogenetic analysis with heteroplasmy detected in 13 samples (n = 225, 5.8% individuals). Providing one of the first pedigree derived estimates for the entire mtGenome, this study provides a better understanding of human mtGenome evolution and has relevance to many research fields, including medicine, anthropology and forensics.
Topology dependence of skyrmion Seebeck and skyrmion Nernst effect
Authors: Weißenhofer Markus , Nowak Ulrich
Published: April 2022

We explore the dynamics of skyrmions with various topological charges induced by a temperature gradient in an ultra-thin insulating magnetic film. Combining atomistic spin simulations and analytical calculations we find a topology-dependent skyrmion Seebeck effect: while skyrmions and antiskyrmions move to the hot regime, a topologically trivial localized spin structure moves to the cold regime. We further reveal the emergence of a skyrmion Nernst effect, i.e. finite, topology-dependent velocities transverse to the direction of the temperature gradient. These findings are in agreement with accompanying simulations of skyrmionic motion induced by monochromatic magnon currents, allowing us to demonstrate that the magnonic spin Seebeck effect is responsible for both, skyrmion Seebeck and Nernst effect. Furthermore we employ scattering theory together with Thiele’s equation to identify linear momentum transfer from the magnons to the skyrmion as the dominant contribution and to demonstrate that the direction of motion depends on the topological magnon Hall effect and the topological charge of the skyrmion.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Fractional boundary element solution of three-temperature thermoelectric problems
Authors: Fahmy Mohamed Abdelsabour , Almehmadi Mohammed M. , Al Subhi Fahad M. , Sohail Ayesha
Published: April 2022

The primary goal of this article is to propose a new fractional boundary element technique for solving nonlinear three-temperature (3 T) thermoelectric problems. Analytical solution of the current problem is extremely difficult to obtain. To overcome this difficulty, a new numerical technique must be developed to solve such problem. As a result, we propose a novel fractional boundary element method (BEM) to solve the governing equations of our considered problem. Because of the advantages of the BEM solution, such as the ability to treat problems with complicated geometries that were difficult to solve using previous numerical methods, and the fact that the internal domain does not need to be discretized. As a result, the BEM can be used in a wide variety of thermoelectric applications. The numerical results show the effects of the magnetic field and the graded parameter on thermal stresses. The numerical results also validate the validity and accuracy of the proposed technique.
Negative radiation pressure in metamaterials explained by light-driven atomic mass density rarefication waves
Authors: Partanen Mikko , Tulkki Jukka
Published: April 2022

The momentum and radiation pressure of light in negative-index metamaterials (NIMs) are commonly expected to reverse their direction from what is observed for normal materials. The negative refraction and inverse Doppler effect of light in NIMs have been experimentally observed, but the equally surprising phenomenon, the negative radiation pressure of light, still lacks experimental verification. We show by simulating the exact position- and time-dependent field-material dynamics in NIMs that the momentum and radiation pressure of light in NIMs can be either positive or negative depending on their subwavelength structure. In NIMs exhibiting negative radiation pressure, the negative total momentum of light is caused by the sum of the positive momentum of the electromagnetic field and the negative momentum of the material. The negative momentum of the material results from the optical force density, which drives atoms backward and reduces the local density of atoms at the site of the light field. In contrast to earlier works, light in NIMs exhibiting negative radiation pressure has both negative total momentum and energy. For the experimental discovery of the negative radiation pressure, one must carefully design the NIM structure and record the joint total pressure of the field and material momentum components.
A multi-suckling system combined with an enriched housing environment during the growing period promotes resilience to various challenges in pigs
Authors: Parois S. P. , Van Der Zande L. E. , Knol E. F. , Kemp B. , Rodenburg T. B. , Bolhuis J. E.
Published: April 2022

Little is known about the impact of social and environmental enrichment on improving livestock resilience, i.e. the ability to quickly recover from perturbations. We evaluated the effect of an alternative housing system (AHS) on resilience of pigs, as compared to conventional housing (CONV). The AHS consisted of multi-litter housing during lactation, delayed weaning, extra space allowance and environmental enrichment at all times. We assessed recovery to a 2 h-transport challenge, an LPS injection, 2 h-heat stress and a biopsy wound in 96 pigs. Additionally, indicators of long-term “wear and tear” on the body were determined. AHS pigs had better physiological recoveries with quicker returns to baseline in the transport and LPS challenges, showed lower cortisol accumulation in hairs and lower variance in weight gain over the experimental period compared to conventionally-housed (CONV) pigs. They also had higher levels of natural antibodies binding KLH than CONV pigs. Their response to heat stress revealed a different strategy compared to CONV pigs. Taken together, AHS pigs appear to be more resilient and experience less chronic stress. Enhancing welfare by provision of social and environmental enrichment that better meets the behavioural needs of pigs seems to be a promising approach to improve their resilience.
Microwave response of a metallic superconductor subject to a high-voltage gate electrode
Authors: Catto Giacomo , Liu Wei , Kundu Suman , Lahtinen Valtteri , Vesterinen Visa , Möttönen Mikko
Published: April 2022

Processes that lead to the critical-current suppression and change of impedance of a superconductor under the application of an external voltage is an active area of research, especially due to various possible technological applications. In particular, field-effect transistors and radiation detectors have been developed in the recent years, showing the potential for precision and sensitivity exceeding their normal-metal counterparts. In order to describe the phenomenon that leads to the critical-current suppression in metallic superconducting structures, a field-effect hypothesis has been formulated, stating that an electric field can penetrate the metallic superconductor and affect its characteristics. The existence of such an effect would imply the incompleteness of the underlying theory, and hence indicate an important gap in the general comprehension of superconductors. In addition to its theoretical value, a complete understanding of the phenomenon underneath the electric-field response of the superconductor is important in the light of the related technological applications. In this paper, we study the change of the characteristics of a superconductor implementing a coplanar-waveguide resonator as a tank circuit, by relating our measurements to the reactance and resistance of the material. Namely, we track the state of the superconductor at different voltages and resulting leakage currents of a nearby gate electrode which is not galvanically connected to the resonator. By comparing the effects of the leakage current and of a change in the temperature of the system, we conclude that the observed behaviour in the superconductor is mainly caused by the heat that is deposited by the leakage current, and bearing the experimental uncertainties, we are not able to observe the effect of the applied electric field in our sample. In addition, we present a relatively good quantitative agreement between the Mattis–Bardeen theory of a heated superconductor and the experimental observations. Importantly, we do not claim this work to nullify the results of previous works, but rather to provide inspiration for future more thorough experiments and analysis using the methods presented here.
Piezoelectric inkjet printing of tyrosinase (polyphenol oxidase) enzyme on atmospheric plasma treated polyamide fabric
Authors: Biswas Tuser T. , Yu Junchun , Nierstrasz Vincent A.
Published: April 2022

Tyrosinase enzyme was digitally printed on plasma pretreated polyamide-6,6 fabric using several sustainable technologies. Ink containing carboxymethyl cellulose was found to be the most suitable viscosity modifier for this enzyme. Before and after being deposited on the fabric surface, the printed inks retained enzyme activity of 69% and 60%, respectively, compared to activity prior printing process. A good number of the printed enzyme was found to be strongly adsorbed on the fabric surface even after several rinsing cycles due to surface activation by plasma treatment. Rinsed out fabrics retained a maximum activity of 34% resulting from the well-adsorbed enzymes. The activity of tyrosinase on printed fabrics was more stable than ink solution for at least 60 days. Effects of pH, temperature and enzyme kinetics on ink solution and printed fabrics were assessed. Tyrosinase printed synthetic fabrics can be utilized for a range of applications from biosensing and wastewater treatment to cultural heritage works.
Building block 3D printing based on molecular self-assembly monolayer with self-healing properties
Authors: Hamoudi Hicham , Berdiyorov Golibjon R. , Zekri Atef , Tong Yongfeng , Mansour Said , Esaulov Vladimir A. , Youcef-Toumi Kamal
Published: April 2022

The spontaneous formation of biological substances, such as human organs, are governed by different stimuli driven by complex 3D self-organization protocols at the molecular level. The fundamentals of such molecular self-assembly processes are critical for fabrication of advanced technological components in nature. We propose and experimentally demonstrate a promising 3D printing method with self-healing property based on molecular self-assembly-monolayer principles, which is conceptually different than the existing 3D printing protocols. The proposed molecular building-block approach uses metal ion-mediated continuous self-assembly of organic molecular at liquid–liquid interfaces to create 2D and 3D structures. Using this technique, we directly printed nanosheets and 3D rods using dithiol molecules as building block units.
A preclinical radiotherapy dosimetry audit using a realistic 3D printed murine phantom
Authors: Biglin Emma R. , Aitkenhead Adam H. , Price Gareth J. , Chadwick Amy L. , Santina Elham , Williams Kaye J. , Kirkby Karen J.
Published: April 2022

Preclinical radiation research lacks standardized dosimetry procedures that provide traceability to a primary standard. Consequently, ensuring accuracy and reproducibility between studies is challenging. Using 3D printed murine phantoms we undertook a dosimetry audit of Xstrahl Small Animal Radiation Research Platforms (SARRPs) installed at 7 UK centres. The geometrically realistic phantom accommodated alanine pellets and Gafchromic EBT3 film for simultaneous measurement of the dose delivered and the dose distribution within a 2D plane, respectively. Two irradiation scenarios were developed: (1) a 10 × 10 mm2 static field targeting the pelvis, and (2) a 5 × 5 mm2 90° arc targeting the brain. For static fields, the absolute difference between the planned dose and alanine measurement across all centres was 4.1 ± 4.3% (mean ± standard deviation), with an overall range of − 2.3 to 10.5%. For arc fields, the difference was − 1.2% ± 6.1%, with a range of − 13.1 to 7.7%. EBT3 dose measurements were greater than alanine by 2.0 ± 2.5% and 3.5 ± 6.0% (mean ± standard deviation) for the static and arc fields, respectively. 2D dose distributions showed discrepancies to the planned dose at the field edges. The audit demonstrates that further work on preclinical radiotherapy quality assurance processes is merited.
Regulation of photosynthetic material production by inter-root microbial extinction and metabolic pathways in sorghum under different nitrogen application patterns
Authors: Fei Zhang , Wang Jiaxu , Zhang Kuangye , Wu Han , Ke Fulai , Duan Youhou , Wang Yanqiu , Zou Jianqiu , Zhu Kai , Zhang Zhipeng , Lu Feng , Zou Hongtao
Published: April 2022

The development of nitrogen fertilizer green and efficient application technology by exploring the mechanism of efficient sorghum N use is important for sustainable development of sorghum industry as well as barren marginal land development and utilization. This study was conducted in 2018, 2019, and 2020 at Shenyang, China, using the nitrogen-efficient sorghum variety Liaonian No. 3 as material. The correlation between soil microbial species, diversity, and metabolic pathways with photosynthetic parameters and yield traits was analyzed to elucidate the mechanisms of nitrogen utilization and photosynthetic material production in sorghum under four fertilizer application patterns. The results showed that 17 populations of soil inter-root microorganisms were active in the organic fertilizer + 0 kg per hm2of nitrogen (N0Y) model, and the abundance of two key populations, Comamonadaceae and Ellin5301, was significantly increased. Soil microorganisms regulated sorghum growth mainly through 30 pathways, focus including ko00540, ko00471, ko00072 and ko00550, of which ko02030 (Bacterial chemotaxis) and ko00072 (Synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies) played the most critical role. The functional analysis of soil microbial populations revealed that N0Y fertilizer model significantly reduced the intracellular trafficking, secretion. In addition, vesicular transport of microorganisms, amino acid transport and metabolism and nucleotide transport and metabolism played a key role in the regulation of population function. Overall, the N0Y model of N-efficient sorghum can achieve high levels of photosynthetic material production and higher yield formation through regulation of population activities and metabolic pathways of loamy microorganisms, resulting in reduced chemical N application and efficient green production of sorghum.
Effect of acute high-intensity exercise on myocardium metabolic profiles in rat and human study via metabolomics approach
Authors: Wu Lijun , Wang Jiayi , Cao Xiuhui , Tian Yue , Li Jia
Published: April 2022

Acute high-intensity exercise can affect cardiac health by altering substance metabolism. However, few metabolomics-based studies provide data on the effect of exercise along with myocardial metabolism. Our study aimed to identify metabolic signatures in rat myocardium during acute high-intensity exercise and evaluate their diagnostic potential for sports injuries. We collected rat myocardium samples and subjects’ serum samples before and after acute high-intensity exercise for metabolite profiling to explore metabolic alterations of exercise response in the myocardium. Multivariate analysis revealed myocardium metabolism differed before and after acute high-intensity exercise. Furthermore, 6 target metabolic pathways and 12 potential metabolic markers for acute high-intensity exercise were identified. Our findings provided an insight that myocardium metabolism during acute high-intensity exercise had distinct disorders in complex lipids and fatty acids. Moreover, an increase of purine degradation products, as well as signs of impaired glucose metabolism, were observed. Besides, amino acids were enhanced with a certain protective effect on the myocardium. In this study, we discovered how acute high-intensity exercise affected myocardial metabolism and exercise-related heart injury risks, which can provide references for pre-competition screening, risk prevention, and disease prognosis in competitive sports and effective formulation of exercise prescriptions for different people.
Continuous monitoring of surgical bimanual expertise using deep neural networks in virtual reality simulation
Authors: Yilmaz Recai , Winkler-Schwartz Alexander , Mirchi Nykan , Reich Aiden , Christie Sommer , Tran Dan Huy , Ledwos Nicole , Fazlollahi Ali M. , Santaguida Carlo , Sabbagh Abdulrahman J. , Bajunaid Khalid , Del Maestro Rolando
Published: April 2022

In procedural-based medicine, the technical ability can be a critical determinant of patient outcomes. Psychomotor performance occurs in real-time, hence a continuous assessment is necessary to provide action-oriented feedback and error avoidance guidance. We outline a deep learning application, the Intelligent Continuous Expertise Monitoring System (ICEMS), to assess surgical bimanual performance at 0.2-s intervals. A long-short term memory network was built using neurosurgeon and student performance in 156 virtually simulated tumor resection tasks. Algorithm predictive ability was tested separately on 144 procedures by scoring the performance of neurosurgical trainees who are at different training stages. The ICEMS successfully differentiated between neurosurgeons, senior trainees, junior trainees, and students. Trainee average performance score correlated with the year of training in neurosurgery. Furthermore, coaching and risk assessment for critical metrics were demonstrated. This work presents a comprehensive technical skill monitoring system with predictive validation throughout surgical residency training, with the ability to detect errors.
Nanostructured particles assembled from natural building blocks for advanced therapies
Authors: Ju Yi , Liao Haotian , Richardson Joseph J. , Guo Junling , Caruso Frank
Published: April 2022

Bio-derived components are natural and abundant, often with inherent biocompatibility, natural bioactivity, and diverse chemical properties, which makes them promising building blocks to assemble nanoparticles for advanced therapeutic applications.
The combination of HT-ac and HBET improves the cognitive and learning abilities of heat-stressed mice by maintaining mitochondrial function through the PKA–CREB–BDNF pathway
Authors: Li Hongxia , Xu Xin , Cai Mengyu , Qu Yicui , Ren Zifu , Ye Chuyang , Shen Hui
Published: April 2022

The aim was to investigate whether the combination of hydroxytyrosol acetate (HT-ac) and ethyl β-hydroxybutyrate (HBET) can improve the cognition of heat-stressed mice, meanwhile exploring the mechanism of action.
The optimization effect of different parameters on the super hydrophobicity of prickly-shaped carbonyl iron particles
Authors: Rabbani Y. , Shariaty-Niassar M. , Ebrahimi S. A. Seyyed
Published: April 2022

The effects of glucose concentration, temperature, and time parameters of the hydrothermal reaction on the growth of prickly-shaped magnetic particles were studied by using an experimental design to obtain the maximum superhydrophobicity.
The isothermal crystallization kinetics of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(l-lactide) block copolymers (PEG–PLLA): effects of the block lengths of PEG and PLLA
Authors: Chen Yun , Wang Liying , Chen Weishuo , Zhong Channa , Li Shuangcheng , Shao Jun , Li Gao , Hou Haoqing
Published: April 2022

The crystallization rate of PLLA exhibited a bell shape with the crystallization temperature. In the copolymers, the bell shape tended to migrate to a lower temperature, and the peak of the bell increased with the molecular weight of PEG segments.
Rhodium promoted heteropolyacid catalysts for low temperature methanol carbonylation
Authors: Newman Andrew D. , Wang Yuan , Orr Samantha A. , Wilson Karen , Lee Adam F.
Published: April 2022

Rh(OAc)2/HPW/SiO2 is an effective bifunctional catalyst for the halide-free carbonylation of methanol to methyl acetate and acetic acid.
Highly enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity by modifying the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles with a high proportion of single Cu atoms
Authors: Ma Yiwen , Ma Yuxiang , Lv Tianping , Deng Xiyu , Kuang Xinya , Zhang Jin , Liu Qingju , Zhang Yumin
Published: April 2022

Single-atom photocatalysts have received a lot of attention owing to their high catalytic activity.
Development if healthy milk and yogurt products for reducing metabolic diseases using cyclodextrin and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil
Authors: Guadarrama-Flores Berenice , Matencio Adrián , Navarro-Orcajada Silvia , Martínez-Lede Ismael , Conesa Irene , Vidal-Sánchez Francisco José , García-Carmona Francisco , López-Nicolás José Manuel
Published: April 2022

Artistic representation of the dairy products studied encapsulated by cyclodextrins.
Relating the structure, properties, and activities of nanostructured SrTiO3 and SrO–(SrTiO3)n (n = 1 and 2) for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Vijay Aditi , Bairagi Kadambari , Vaidya Sonalika
Published: April 2022

The role of crystal structure in the hydrogen evolution efficiency of perovskite oxides.
Challenges surrounding nanosheets and their application to solar-driven photocatalytic water treatment
Authors: Pérez-Álvarez Diego T. , Brown Jacob , Elgohary Elzahraa A. , Mohamed Yasser M. A. , El Nazer Hossam A. , Davies Philip , Stafford Jason
Published: April 2022

A holistic review detailing the recent advances and challenges of nanosheet-derived photocatalysts for the removal of pollutants using sunlight.
Architectural design of core–shell nanotube systems based on aluminosilicate clay
Authors: Stavitskaya Anna , Rubtsova Maria , Glotov Aleksandr , Vinokurov Vladimir , Vutolkina Anna , Fakhrullin Rawil , Lvov Yuri
Published: April 2022

An architectural approach for design of functional materials based on natural tubule nanoclay with functional elements placed selectively inside or outside these aluminosilicate tubes.
Quantitative assessment of in vivo distribution of nanoplastics in bivalve Ruditapes philippinarum using reliable SERS tag-labeled nanoplastic models
Authors: Du Hongyu , Wang Yunqing , Zhang Panpan , Mei Rongchao , Ji Yunxia , Zhao Xizhen , Zhang Zhiyang , Ma Jiping , Chen Lingxin
Published: April 2022

SERS tag-labeled nanoplastic models for quantitative analysis of nanoplastics (NPs) were developed and they suggested the risk of NP uptake by humans via bivalve seafood diets.
Evidence for triplet-state-dominated luminescence in biicosahedral superatomic molecular Au25 clusters
Authors: Mitsui Masaaki , Wada Yuki , Kishii Ryoto , Arima Daichi , Niihori Yoshiki
Published: April 2022

Biicosahedral Au25 clusters exhibit room-temperature phosphorescence from the excited triplet state with an intersystem crossing quantum yield of almost 100%. This property allows triplet sensitization and induces triplet fusion photon upconversion.
From residue to resource: new insights into the synthesis of functionalized lignin micro/nanospheres by self-assembly technology for waste resource utilization
Authors: Li Ruijin , Huang Danlian , Chen Sha , Lei Lei , Chen Yashi , Tao Jiaxi , Zhou Wei , Wang Guangfu
Published: April 2022

Environmental solid waste is transformed into lignin and then into lignin-based nanomaterials, which can be widely used in environmental pollution remediation, agriculture, biomedicine, industry and other fields.
The copper-catalyzed oxidation of arylmethyl triazines with H2O toward the oxidant-free synthesis of aroyl triazines
Authors: Zeng Ming , Yuan Zi-Xin , Wen Lin-Fei , Jiang Dengzhao , Lu Hui , Liu Wenbo , Dai Jun , Zeng Shen-xin
Published: April 2022

We report an efficient copper-catalyzed dehydrogenation method for the synthesis of aroyl triazines from arylmethyl triazines with water. It is confirmed that water is the only oxygen donor and hydrogen is the by-product in this oxidation strategy.
Strain-correlated mechanochromism in different polyurethanes featuring a supramolecular mechanophore
Authors: Traeger Hanna , Sagara Yoshimitsu , Berrocal José Augusto , Schrettl Stephen , Weder Christoph
Published: April 2022

Polyurethanes with different mechanical properties are equipped with a supramolecular, loop-forming mechanophore. The mechanochromic response reliably correlates with the strain and is more intense in polymers with a higher strength and stiffness.
Water-soluble/visible-light-sensitive naphthalimide derivative-based photoinitiating systems: 3D printing of antibacterial hydrogels
Authors: Chen Hong , Pieuchot Laurent , Xiao Pu , Dumur Frédéric , Lalevée Jacques
Published: April 2022

The adaptability of hydrogels allows these structures to be used in a variety of industries, including biomedicine, soft electronics, and sensors.
Recent advances in the application of magnetic bio-polymers as catalysts in multicomponent reactions
Authors: Kheilkordi Zohreh , Mohammadi Ziarani Ghodsi , mohajer Fatemeh , Badiei Alireaza , Sillanpää Mika
Published: April 2022

Magnetic nanoparticles have attracted significant attention due to their high surface area and superparamagnetic properties.
Recent trends in chemistry, structure, and various applications of 1-acyl-3-substituted thioureas: a detailed review
Authors: Zahra Urage , Saeed Aamer , Abdul Fattah Tanzeela , Flörke Ulrich , Erben Mauricio F.
Published: April 2022

This review encapsulates the recently designed acyl thioureas, and their crystal structures, metal complexes and various applications from 2017 to present, including pharmacological aspects, chemosensing and heterogenous catalysis.
Angle-dependent strength of a single chemical bond by stereographic force spectroscopy
Authors: Cai Wanhao , Bullerjahn Jakob T. , Lallemang Max , Kroy Klaus , Balzer Bizan N. , Hugel Thorsten
Published: April 2022

Stereographic force spectroscopy reveals that a chemical bond ruptures along a fixed pathway such that the apparent bond strength strongly depends on the angle of force application.
Non-covalent reconfigurable microgel colloidosomes with a well-defined bilayer shell
Authors: Guan Xin , Liu Yang , Wan Zhili , Steve Tse Ying-Lung , Ngai To
Published: April 2022

Inverse W/O Pickering emulsions and reconfigurable microgelsomes with a well-defined bilayer structure are prepared from octanol-swollen PNIPAM-co-MAA microgels and the combination of binary microgels, which promise wider application of soft colloids.
A practical and sustainable two-component Minisci alkylation via photo-induced EDA-complex activation
Authors: Sharique Mohammed , Majhi Jadab , Dhungana Roshan K. , Kammer Lisa Marie , Krumb Matthias , Lipp Alexander , Romero Eugénie , Molander Gary A.
Published: April 2022

An operationally simple, open-air, and efficient light-mediated Minisci C–H alkylation method is described, based on the formation of an electron donor–acceptor (EDA) complex between nitrogen-containing heterocycles and redox-active esters.
Recent advances and perspectives in conductive-polymer-based composites as cathode materials for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhang Wanhong , Wei Huijie , Zhai Xiaoliang , Wang Fei , Zhou Yazhou , Tao Feng , Zhai Penghui , Liu Wei , Liu Yong
Published: April 2022

The advantages and recent advances of conductive polymer-based composites as cathode materials for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries are summarized.
Rapid microwave synthesis of carbon-bridged Nb2O5 mesocrystals for high-energy and high-power sodium-ion capacitors
Authors: Jiang Yingjun , Guo Songtao , Li Yaqian , Hu Xianluo
Published: April 2022

Unusual single-crystal-like Nb2O5 mesocrystals with carbon bridging and conformal coating obtained by microwave synthesis are demonstrated for sodium-ion capacitor anodes with high rate capability and long-term cyclability.
Performance enhancement of a self-powered imaging CsPbBr3 photodetector by tuning the trap effects of carriers
Authors: Gong Weiqiang , Tian Yongzhi , Yan Jun , Gao Feng , Li Lin
Published: April 2022

The ZnO quantum dots were introduced into a CsPbBr3 film as trap states, which effectively suppress the recombination of photogenerated carriers. A self-powered photodetector was realized by designing planar asymmetric electrodes on the hybrid film.
Facile synthesis of ZnOHF/ZIF‐8 composite coating for corrosion protection of Zn–Cu–Ti alloy
Authors: Ni Ya , Zhu Dongdong , Qi Jiqiu , Zhu Lei
Published: April 2022

ZnOHF/ZIF‐8 (Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks‐8) composite with a thickness of about 13.4 μm was coated on Zn–Cu–Ti alloy via hydrothermal route for the first time and its corrosion resistance performance was investigated in 3.5% NaCl solution. It is found that the Icorr of the composite‐coated alloy (7.03 × 10–4 A/cm2) is lower than that of alloy substrate (12.47 × 10–4 A/cm2). Meanwhile, the composite‐coated alloy shows a higher corrosion product resistance of 121.2 Ω cm2 in comparison with that of the alloy substrate (102.2 Ω cm2). Moreover, after 6 days of immersion, the composite‐coated alloy exhibits a lower corrosion layer thickness. Its coating and corrosion layer is only about 42.5 μm, but for the alloy substrate this value is 67 μm. This work confirms the ZnOHF/ZIF‐8 composite can be used as an effective anti‐corrosion coating for Zn alloy.
Study by nanoindentation of the influence of the manufacturing process on the mechanical properties of Copper-Clad Aluminum wires
Authors: Eve Sophie , Keller Clément , Hug Éric
Published: April 2022

We studied the influence of the architecture of Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA) wires produced by cold-drawing process, on the mechanical properties of materials, and the development of intermetallic compounds at the interface after annealing. Simple and architectured-CCA (A_CCA) rods, fabricated by stacking and re-drawing of original CCA wires, have been characterized before and after a thermal treatment. Nanoindentation tests, performed to map the hardness and the elastic modulus at the microscale, allow to well catch the recrystallization phenomenon, which takes place in both the Cu and the Al subjected to severe plastic deformation, as well as the formation of three intermetallic compounds (IMC) at the interface. Our measures underline that the mechanical properties of all the components involved in the wires, i.e., Cu, Al, and eventually the IMC developing after annealing, are only slightly influenced by the structuration of the wires. IMC developing at the Cu/Al interfaces present a high hardness, and might deteriorate the mechanical properties of the wires, even more for A_CCA wires, which exhibit more interfaces that the traditional CCA samples.
Effect of Valsalva Maneuver on Choriocapillary Retinal Microvasculature
Authors: Wiest Maximilian Robert Justus , Hamann Timothy , Zweifel Sandrine
Published: April 2022

Purpose We aimed to identify and evaluate possible quantitative changes in retinal and choriocapillary blood flow utilizing optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) imaging in
healthy study subjects during the Valsalva maneuver (VM).

Methods OCTA imaging with a ZEISS PlexElite 9000 on one eye was performed. OCTA images were acquired before VM and 5 seconds after. Images were segmented and underwent projection
removal using algorithms supplied by the manufacturer. Analysis of vessel density (VD) and vessel length density (VLD) were performed on superficial (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP)
layer slabs using ImageJ. ImageJ was also utilized for analyzing flow voids (FVs) in the choriocapillary slabs.

Results Ten (8 right, 2 left) eyes of 10 (5 male, 5 female) healthy study subjects were included. Pre-VM, -VD, and -VLD were 0.428 (± 0.291) and 17.871 mm−1
(± 2.22 mm−1) in the SCP and 0.423 (± 0.0213) and 23.850 mm−1 (± 1.023 mm−1) in the DCP. Pre-VM and -FV were measured at 19.686 (± 1.959). During VM, VD,
and VLD in the SCP were 0.417 (± 0.024) and 17.376 mm−1 (± 2.007 mm−1), and in the DCP, 0.426 (± 0.221) and 23.944 mm−1 (± 1.021 mm−1),
respectively. FV post-VM was 20.440 (± 2.062). A paired samples t-test test revealed no significant changes in any of the observed parameters.

Conclusion We did not observe any significant changes in the VD, VLD, or FV. This might be due to autoregulatory processes in the ocular vasculature. Due to the small sample size,
confidence intervals are comparatively large. Further study with more probands might yield different results.
Retrospective Analysis of 12 Months Glaucoma Implant Efficacy: XEN45 and PreserFlo Microshunt
Authors: Saletta Giulia , Alexoudis Antonios , Gatzioufas Zisis , Grieshaber Matthias , Papazoglou Anthia , Tschopp Markus , Töteberg Marc , Gugleta Konstantin
Published: April 2022

Purpose Several new implant devices have recently been introduced to glaucoma surgery using various techniques for reducing intraocular pressure (IOP). Two implants introduced during
the past couple of years, XEN45 and PreserFlo Microshunt, are both designed to control subconjunctival filtration. There are two Swiss multicenter studies that collected the data
retrospectively to analyze the efficacy and safety of these two devices separately. In this study, we report the analysis of the combined data subset from the University Hospital of
Basel.

Subjects and Methods The XEN45 implantation technique was introduced to Basel University Hospital in 2016 and PreserFlo Microshunt in 2018. Sixty operated patients, thirty in each
group, were operated on by one surgeon, clinically followed up, and their data retrospectively analyzed from medical records. Only standalone procedures, without combined
phacoemulsification, were considered in this analysis; the lens status, however, was neither an inclusion nor an exclusion criterion. Further inclusion criteria were the diagnosis of
open-angle glaucoma, no previous glaucoma surgery, other than laser trabeculoplasty, and complete medical records during the 12 months of follow-up. IOP reduction during a 12-month
postoperative period was the primary outcome measure as well as the number of IOP reducing drugs. The number of subsequent surgical interventions and complications/adverse events are
descriptively reported.

Results Patient age, gender, ophthalmological diagnosis, and initial preoperative IOP were well balanced between the two groups. Postoperative IOP course was comparable between the
two methods for the first 12 months. IOP measurements were taken preoperatively and then on the first postop day, week 1, month 1, and months 3, 6, and 12 for the PreserFlo Microshunt vs.
XEN45 (mmHg): 23.6 vs. 24.9, 9.0 vs. 8.9, 11.4 vs. 10.6, 13.0 vs.18.3, 16.8 vs.15.1, 15.9 vs.15.0, and 15.4 vs.14.5, respectively. IOP reducing medications were also comparable between the
two groups. The study showed that subsequent interventions were more frequent in the XEN45 (13) than in the PreserFlo Microshunt group (7).

Conclusion Both methods demonstrate satisfactory IOP control within a 12-month postoperative period with practically no serious adverse events/complications, but with relatively high
numbers of subsequent interventions (needlings), particularly in the XEN45 group.
“Treat-and-Extend” Regimen for Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Two-Year Retrospective Follow-up Study
Authors: Riecke Julian , Valmaggia Christophe
Published: April 2022

Background After the introduction of a “treat-and-extend” regimen (T&E) with aflibercept for exudative age-related macular degeneration, naive eyes were compared with eyes
pretreated with a “pro re nata” scheme (PRN).

Patients and Methods The Ethics Committee of Eastern Switzerland approved the retrospective single-centre study (EKOS20/084, project ID: 2020-01193). The study included 342 eyes of
303 patients newly treated with or switched to T&E between January 2018 and March 2018 at the Eye Clinic of the Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen. The gender distribution of the treated eyes
was 63.5% (n = 217) female and 36.5% (n = 125) male. The mean age was 81.6 years (SD = 8.6 years). The collective was divided into three groups: 1) naive, untreated eyes (n = 92), 2) eyes
with ≤ 6 previous treatments with PRN (n = 37), 3) eyes with > 6 previous treatments with PRN (n = 213). The following parameters were analysed up to December 2019: the evolution of
visual acuity, the number of intravitreal injections, the number of recurrences, the duration of the follow-up, the dropout rate, and the duration of the last treatment interval.

Results During the observation period, group 1 showed a statistically significant improvement in visual acuity of + 1.5 ETDRS, while groups 2 and 3 showed a decrease in visual acuity
of − 2.9 and − 3.7 ETDRS, respectively. Group 1 had better development of visual acuity than groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.005), while groups 2 and 3 were not significantly different (p = 0.92). The
other parameters examined in the three groups did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions Treatment with aflibercept in T&E shows significantly better visual acuity in naive eyes than in eyes pretreated with PRN.
Vorläufige und endgültige Leichenschau und
Todesbescheinigung im Rettungsdienst in Deutschland – uneinheitliche
Prozessabläufe und mangelnde Standards
Authors: Nohl André , Ondruschka Benjamin , Afflerbach Christian , Lurz Christian , Sarangi Frank , Zeiger Sascha , Weichert Veronika , Brune Bastian , Dudda Marcel
Published: April 2022

Hintergrund Uneinheitliche Regelungen und Gesetze bzgl. medizinischer
Untersuchungen und Prozesse können zu Missverständnissen und
fehlerhaften, vermeidbaren Abläufen führen. Mit dieser Studie
möchten wir die Heterogenität der einzelnen Prozesse bei der
vorläufigen und endgültigen Leichenschau und Todesbescheinigung
im deutschen Rettungsdienst evaluieren.

Methoden An 212 Ärztliche Leiter Rettungsdienst in Deutschland
wurde eine E-Mail mit einem Umfragelink versendet. Die Fragen konnten online
beantwortet werden.

Ergebnisse Die Rücklaufquote betrug 47%. Die Existenz
geregelter Verfahrensanweisungen bejahen 58% der Teilnehmer. Eine
vorläufige Todesbescheinigung ist bei 64% zulässig, eine
vorläufige Leichenschau in 45% der Fälle. 19,4%
der Notärztinnen und Notärzte werden regelmäßig
zur Durchführung der endgültigen Leichenschau verpflichtet.
41% der Teilnehmer empfinden das Notarzt-Einsatzprotokoll als
ausreichende Dokumentationsform. 45% der Teilnehmer bewerten die
für ihr Bundesland geltende gesetzliche Bestimmung als ausreichend
detailliert. Rückfragen und Beschwerden treten auf, insbesondere wenn
ÄLRD der Meinung sind, dass die landesspezifischen Bestimmungen nicht
ausreichend sind (p<0,001).

Schlussfolgerung Die Ergebnisse zeigen heterogene Prozessabläufe
in Deutschland im Rahmen der obligaten ärztlichen Tätigkeit
Leichenschau. Mehr als die Hälfte der Teilnehmer bewerten die
vorliegenden gesetzlichen Bestimmungen als unzureichend. In der Folge kommt es
nicht selten zu Rückfragen und Beschwerden, v. a. aber zu
Unsicherheiten im Praxisalltag. Eine einheitliche Gesetzgebung und klare
Prozessabläufe sind aufgrund unserer Ergebnisse
wünschenswert.
Ginseng – die Möglichkeit seiner Anwendung zur Behandlung der Tumor-assoziierten Müdigkeit
Authors: Pfuhlmann Katrin , Klose Petra , Neufeld Tanja , Langhorst Jost
Published: April 2022

Von dem zu den Efeugewächsen gehörigen Ginseng sind vor allem zwei Arten bekannt: Der Asiatische oder Koreanische Ginseng Panax ginseng und der Amerikanische Ginseng Panax quinquefolius. Anwendung finden Verarbeitungen der Ginsengwurzel (Ginseng Radix), welche etliche gesundheitsförderliche Inhaltsstoffe enthält. Die wichtigsten pharmakologisch aktiven Substanzen stellen die Ginsenoside dar. Ginseng gilt als traditionelles Mittel gegen Erschöpfungszustände aller Art. Für diesen Zweck ist der Asiatische Ginseng in Europa als Arzneimittel zugelassen. Ergebnisse hochwertiger randomisierter kontrollierter Studien zeigen erste positive Effekte der Anwendung von Ginseng bei Tumor-assoziierter Müdigkeit und liefern Hinweise für eine toxikologische Unbedenklichkeit des Ginsengs. Auf Grundlage dieser Publikationen lautet die Empfehlung in der S3-Leitlinie „Komplementärmedizin in der Behandlung von onkologischen PatientInnen“: „Es liegen Daten aus 4 RCTs zur Wirksamkeit von Ginseng auf die Verbesserung von Fatigue bei onkologischen Patienten vor. Ginseng kann zur Verbesserung von Fatigue bei diesen Patienten erwogen werden.“
Bilateral CMV Retinitis in a Patient with Relapsed Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma on Oral Metronomic Chemotherapy: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Saj Fen , Deb Amit Kumar , Kaliaperumal Subhashini , Kayal Smita , Dubashi Biswajit , Dhodapkar Rahul , Ganesan Prasanth
Published: April 2022

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is one of the common complications in profoundly immunosuppressed patients such as those with acquired immune deficiency syndrome. It has been rarely reported in patients with lymphoma on aggressive chemotherapy. We encountered a patient with bilateral CMV retinitis who developed this vision-threatening complication while on low-dose palliative metronomic chemotherapy with oral drugs (cyclophosphamide, procarbazine, etoposide, and prednisolone). Though the infection resolved with treatment, there was residual vision loss. This case is presented to sensitize clinicians to the possibility of unusual infections in patients on long-term oral chemotherapies.
Apparatus for measuring strength in biaxial compression
Authors: Belof J. L. , Katz J. I.
Published: April 2022

Most measurements of compressive strength of ductile materials have involved Hopkinson–Kolsky bars or Taylor anvils placing samples in uniaxial compression. In these geometries, strain is limited by the tendency of the sample to petal, in analogy to necking in uniaxial tension. Estimation of strength for any other form of the stress tensor requires assuming a shape of the yield surface; because data exist only for uniaxial compression, these assumptions are untested. In an imploding spherical shell, compression is biaxial, the plastic strain may not be small, and the material behavior may be nonlinear as a result of work hardening and heating by plastic work. We outline a method of measuring the strengths of materials in biaxial compression, both quasistatically and dynamically, using the compression of thin spherical shells. We suggest surrounding the shell with an annulus filled with a mixture of H2 and Cl2 gases whose homogeneous ignition is initiated by a flash of blue and near-ultraviolet light. Less promising approaches are described in Appendixes A–C.
The climatic interdependence of extreme-rainfall events around the globe
Authors: Su Zhen , Meyerhenke Henning , Kurths Jürgen
Published: April 2022

The identification of regions of similar climatological behavior can be utilized for the discovery of spatial relationships over long-range scales, including teleconnections. Additionally, it provides insights for the improvement of corresponding interaction processes in general circulation models. In this regard, the global picture of the interdependence patterns of extreme-rainfall events (EREs) still needs to be further explored. To this end, we propose a top-down complex-network-based clustering workflow, with the combination of consensus clustering and mutual correspondences. Consensus clustering provides a reliable community structure under each dataset, while mutual correspondences build a matching relationship between different community structures obtained from different datasets. This approach ensures the robustness of the identified structures when multiple datasets are available. By applying it simultaneously to two satellite-derived precipitation datasets, we identify consistent synchronized structures of EREs around the globe, during boreal summer. Two of them show independent spatiotemporal characteristics, uncovering the primary compositions of different monsoon systems. They explicitly manifest the primary intraseasonal variability in the context of the global monsoon, in particular, the “monsoon jump” over both East Asia and West Africa and the mid-summer drought over Central America and southern Mexico. Through a case study related to the Asian summer monsoon, we verify that the intraseasonal changes of upper-level atmospheric conditions are preserved by significant connections within the global synchronization structure. Our work advances network-based clustering methodology for (i) decoding the spatiotemporal configuration of interdependence patterns of natural variability and for (ii) the intercomparison of these patterns, especially regarding their spatial distributions over different datasets.
A planar piezoelectric motor of two dimensional XY motions driven by one cross-shaped piezoelectric unit: A new principle
Authors: Zheng Shaofeng , Wang Jihao , Meng Wenjie , Zhang Jing , Feng Qiyuan , Wang Ze , Hou Yubin , Lu Qingyou , Lu Yalin
Published: April 2022

We present a two-degree-of-freedom piezoelectric motor, which is driven by a simple cross-shaped piezo unit. Here, not only the structure of high novelty and simplicity but also the working principle is new. The cross-shaped piezo unit is sandwiched between top and bottom guiding plates with roughly equal pressing forces applied between the four free ends of the piezo unit and the plates. The working principle is as follows: A pair of opposite arms of the piezo unit quickly and simultaneously expand and contract periodically in the X direction, which results in a vanishing total friction force in the X direction; meanwhile, the other two arms in the Y direction deform slowly in a push–pull manner, which will move the aforementioned X-direction arms a step in the Y direction; then, the Y direction piezo arms restore their initial states slowly one by one. Repeating these actions will produce continuous stepping in the Y direction. Because the structure is symmetric in X and Y directions, we can similarly produce stepping in the X direction. The advantages are obvious: compact, rigid, and planar, which are all important for high stability and, hence, crucial in building an atomically resolved scanning probe microscope.