bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved ORR/OER bifunctional catalytic performance of amorphous manganese oxides prepared by photochemical metal–organic deposition
Authors: Bai Fan , He Yuxiu , Xu Lincheng , Wang Yue , Wang Yan , Hao Zhanzhong , Li Fan
Published: January 2022

Manganese oxide catalysts prepared by photochemical metal–organic deposition show a disordered morphology which leads to a better ORR/OER catalytic performance than crystalline manganese oxide catalysts.
Experimental investigation on the influence of temperature on the hysteresis behavior of magnetorheological gel by employing a large-amplitude-oscillation-shear test method
Authors: Wei Chen
Published: January 2022

It is of great significance to explore the mechanism of temperature influence on magnetorheological gel before employing materials for device design.
Hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol over MOF-derived Fe/Cu@C and Fe3O4/Cu@C catalysts
Authors: Li Pei , Ma Fengmin , Fu Mengyao , Lu Shiyu , Xia Xinxin , Li Cuiqin , Gao Yuxin , Li Feng
Published: January 2022

Using Cu-MOF loaded with Fe(NO3)3 as a precursor (Fe(NO3)3/Cu-MOF), Fe/Cu@C and Fe3O4/Cu@C catalysts were prepared via heating under a H2 or N2 atmosphere, respectively.
Observation of “de Vries-like” properties in bent-core molecules
Authors: Kaur Supreet , Barthakur Abinash , Mohiuddin Golam , Gupta Santosh Prasad , Dhara Surajit , Pal Santanu Kumar
Published: January 2022

A simple molecular design of unsymmetrical bent-core molecules exhibiting low layer shrinkage and a dip in the birefringence at the SmA–SmC phase transition, typical characteristics of “de Vries” liquid crystals.
High performance polyurethane–polyacrylic acid polymer binders for silicon microparticle anodes in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Niu Sulin , Zhao Min , Ma Lei , Zhao Fangfang , Zhang Yu , Tang Gen , Wang Yue , Pang Aimin , Li Wei , Wei Liangming
Published: January 2022

Low cost and high-performance binder for silicon microparticle anodes.
Engineering stability, longevity, and miscibility of microtubule-based active fluids
Authors: Chandrakar Pooja , Berezney John , Lemma Bezia , Hishamunda Bernard , Berry Angela , Wu Kun-Ta , Subramanian Radhika , Chung Johnson , Needleman Daniel , Gelles Jeff , Dogic Zvonimir
Published: January 2022

Microtubule-based active matter provides insight into the self-organization of motile interacting constituents.
Realizing electrochemical transformation of a metal–organic framework precatalyst into a metal hydroxide–oxy(hydroxide) active catalyst during alkaline water oxidation
Authors: Singh Baghendra , Yadav Abhimanyu , Indra Arindam
Published: January 2022

The electrochemical transformation of a MOF precatalyst into a metal hydroxide–(oxy)hydroxide active catalyst.
Passivation principle of deep-level defects: a study of SnZn defects in kesterites for high-efficient solar cells
Authors: Zhao Ke , Xiang Huiwen , Zhu Rui , Liu Chengyan , Jia Yu
Published: January 2022

The strong molecular orbital interaction and the octet electron counting rule are realized simultaneously by the formation of 2PS + SnZn defect complex for passivating the deep-level of SnZn defect in kesterite solar cells.
Photothermally triggered melting and perfusion: responsive colloidosomes for cytosolic delivery of membrane-impermeable drugs in tumor therapy
Authors: Ding Tao , Zhu Jing , Guan Haidi , Xia Daqing , Xing Yuxin , Huang Jixi , Wang Zhenqiang , Cai Kaiyong , Zhang Jixi
Published: January 2022

Photothermally triggered cytosolic delivery of membrane-impermeable drugs was achieved by polydopamine nanoparticle-stabilized colloidosomes, paving a new avenue for remotely controlled transportation of drugs through biological membrane barriers.
PLLA–gelatin composite fiber membranes incorporated with functionalized CeNPs as a sustainable wound dressing substitute promoting skin regeneration and scar remodeling
Authors: Lv Yarong , Xu Yulong , Sang Xinyu , Li Chenxi , Liu Yong , Guo Quanyi , Ramakrishna Seeram , Wang Ce , Hu Ping , Nanda Himansu Sekhar
Published: January 2022

Therapeutic nanoparticle incorporated composite fibrous dressing substitute promoting wound healing and scar remodeling.
High-temperature dielectric polymer composite films of all-organic PVDF/ABS with excellent energy storage performance and stability
Authors: Zhang Ranran , Li Lili , Long Shaojun , Wang Ping , Wen Fei , Yang Junzhou , Wang Gaofeng
Published: January 2022

High-temperature dielectric composite films of all-organic PVDF/ABS were fabricated. The composites possessed excellent temperature stability. Ultrahigh Udischarged (11.42 J cm−2) and high efficiency (75.8%) at 100 °C were simultaneously achieved.
Study of hyperchaos resulting from an erbium‐doped fibre three‐ring laser system
Authors: Senlin Yan
Published: January 2022

A novel erbium‐doped fibre three‐ring laser system with a ring‐coupled‐ring‐coupled‐ring to obtain dynamic behaviours and develop a theoretical model of a three‐ring laser system is presented. Our studies on the dynamic behaviours of an erbium‐doped fibre three‐ring laser are reported. The fibre laser exhibits hyperchaotic and chaotic behaviours, as well as coexistent scenarios showing routes from period‐doubling to chaos, by shifting the pump levels. The results can be used as a reference value for a chaotic emitter and for chaotic laser technology and applications.
Utility intertie multi‐photovoltaic‐inverters‐based microgrid control for solar rooftop
Authors: Chauhan Shubhra , Singh Bhim
Published: January 2022

The solar photovoltaic (PV)‐based microgrid is one of the most ideal renewable energy resources. This paper presents a utility grid intertie multi‐PV‐inverter‐based microgrid (MG) control for the solar rooftop application. The main and ancillary voltage source converters (VSCs) DC links are assimilated with PV arrays of independent maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms for the economical and efficacious single‐stage configuration. At the point of common coupling (PCC), parallel VSCs arrangement increases the MG's power rating with distinctive local loads. In normal circumstances, the current control methodology is employed by the main VSC under the grid‐interactive mode. Conversely, in some grid contingency conditions under the isolated mode, its control transfers to the voltage control, which regulates the frequency and the voltage at PCC and acts like a grid‐forming inverter. The ancillary VSC operation is implemented with the current control algorithm. The main VSC supplies the active power towards the grid and accomplishes the load requirement, whereas the ancillary VSC retains its load demand in a grid‐interactive mode and also regulates the load requirement in an islanded mode of operation. The utilization of feed‐forward components for PV arrays powers in the VSCs current control techniques improves the MG dynamic performance. The seamless mode transfer performance of the main VSC is implemented via a power electronics switch. The MATLAB software is used to model a microgrid and its performance is analysed via RT‐LAB in real time through the OPAL‐RT (OP4510) controller for various scenarios, that is, varying solar insolation, load alterations and unbalanced non‐linear loads. The utilization of the modified Kwong's algorithm‐based current control enhances the power quality such as harmonics current elimination and improvement in the power factor. The voltage profile of PCC voltages is enhanced via using a modified Kwong's algorithm‐based filter in the voltage controller. The modified Kwong's algorithm has fast convergence, reduces misadjustments and gives very good performance compared to the least‐mean‐square (LMS) and Kwong's approaches. The total harmonic distortion (THD) of grid currents and PCC voltages THD in an isolated mode is found according to the limits of the IEEE‐519 standard.
On the dynamical evolution of Cepheids in star clusters
Authors: Dinnbier František , Anderson Richard I. , Kroupa Pavel
Published: January 2022

We investigated the occurrence of classical (type-I) Cepheid variable stars (henceforth Cepheids) in dynamically evolving star clusters from birth to an age of approximately 300 Myr. The clusters are modelled by the Aarseth codeNBODY6, and they feature a realistic stellar initial mass function and initial binary star population, single star and binary star evolution, expulsion of the primordial gas, and tidal field of the galaxy. Our simulations provide the first detailed dynamical picture of how frequently Cepheids remain gravitationally bound to their birth clusters versus how frequently they occur in the field. They allow us to quantify the relevance of various cluster ejection mechanisms and how they depend on stellar mass. Overall, the simulations agree with the empirical picture that a small fraction (≈10%) of Cepheids reside in clusters, that cluster halo membership is relatively common, and that the majority of Cepheid hosting clusters only have a single Cepheid member. Additionally, the simulations predict that (a) Cepheid progenitors are much more likely to escape from low-mass than higher mass clusters; (b) higher-mass (long-period) Cepheids are ≈30% more likely to be found in clusters than low-mass (short-period) Cepheids; (c) the clustered Cepheid fraction increases with galactocentric radius since cluster dispersal is less efficient at greater radii; (d) a lower metallicity reduces the overall clustered Cepheid fraction because the lower minimum mass of Cepheids leaves more time for cluster dispersal (this primarily affects short-period Cepheids); and (e) high-mass clusters are much more likely to have more than one Cepheid member at any given time, in particular at a lower metallicity. We interpret the results as outcomes of various aspects of star cluster dynamics. The comparison of predicted and observed clustered Cepheid fractions,fCC, highlights the need for additional cluster disruption mechanisms, most likely encounters with giant molecular clouds, to explain the observed fractions.
Managing periprosthetic fractures – a review of the hub and spoke model
Authors: Mudiganty Srikanth , Hughes Luke , Choudry Qaisar , Bokhari Awais
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Periprosthetic fractures are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The “hub and spoke model” consists of a central organisation (the hub) and a series of secondary units (the spokes). This study reviews the presentation, management, and outcomes of periprosthetic fractures at a large general district hospital, the Royal Blackburn Hospital. Methods: A retrospective data analysis for patients presenting with periprosthetic fractures from a single general district hospital between January 2011 and December 2020. Details recorded were patient demographics, primary arthroplasty procedure, fracture management, ASA grade, morbidity and mortality, and Unified Classification System for Periprosthetic Fractures (UCSPF). Results: With 229 periprosthetic fractures, the number tripled in 2020 that admitted in 2011. The mean age was 78.6 years (range 33–100), 151 were females. Seventy-five percent of the fractures were managed locally, while 25% a referral to the higher specialist centre was sort. Of the 57 referrals, 50 were transferred to the hub, 5 were operated on locally, and 2 were managed non-operatively. Higher-level care transfer resulted in a delayed definitive treatment (4.8 versus 12 days, p = 0.001). About 94.4% of patients treated locally had a favourable outcome versus 92% of patients treated at the hub hospital. Cumulative mortality rates for the two sites were comparable. Discussion: Most of the patients presenting to the local spoke hospital with periprosthetic fractures were managed in house. For this practice to be preserved, there is a need for future planning, such as maintaining an appropriate skill mix at spoke units. Discussion between specialists at the hub and spoke hospitals reduced patient transfer by 14%.
Diagnostic challenges in patients with alcohol-related liver disease
Authors: Krag Aleksander , Roskams Tania , Pinzani Massimo , Mueller Sebastian
Published: January 2022

Alcohol is globally the leading risk factor for cirrhosis and is subsumed under the term alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). However, only ca. 10% of people with harmful alcohol consumption (>40 gram alcohol per day) develop cirrhosis, while 15% have normal liver histology. Unfortunately, laboratory parameters and ultrasound hold little value to neither rule-in nor rule out alcohol related liver fibrosis. While several indices with combinations of liver associated markers such as FIB4 seem to be promising, non-invasive test strategies are urgently needed with cut-off’s that can be applied to guide clinical decision making. The aims of this review article are to highlight novel developments for the diagnosis of ALD and to identify topics of controversy and potential future directions. In the last 15 years, elastography to measure liver stiffness (LS) has significantly improved our screening strategies for cirrhosis. LS values below 6 kPa are considered as normal and exclude ALD. LS of 8 and 12.5 kPa represent generally accepted cut-off values for F3 and F4 fibrosis. Especially, transient elastography (TE) has been assessed in numerous studies, but similar performance can be obtained with point shear wave elastography, 2 SD shear wave elastography or MR elastography. Important confounders of elevated LS such as inflammation should also be considered and alcohol withdrawal not only improves liver inflammation but also LS. Liver stiffness measurement has signficiantly improved early diagnosis and follow-up of fibrosis in patients with ALD and patients with diagnosed manifest but clinically compensated cirrhosis should undergo further clinical examinations to rule out complications of portal hypertension. In addition, surveillance for the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma is recommended in all cirrhotic patients.
Retrieval of a Dislocated Stent Using a Grasping Forceps and a Steerable Sheath in a Fontan Patient
Authors: Kehl Torben , Müller Götz , Rickers Carsten , Kozlik-Feldmann Rainer
Published: January 2022

In Fontan patients, any pulmonary stenosis may impede free passive inflow into the pulmonary circuit and elevate central venous pressure. When stenting such pulmonary stenosis, dislocation of a stent is a feared complication. Here, we report on a successful retrieval of a dislocated Cook Formula stent into the peripheral left pulmonary artery in a Fontan patient with protein-losing enteropathy using a steerable sheath and a grasping forceps. Furthermore, a successful stent implantation for treating the stenosis was possible. Subsequently, we simulated the retraction technique ex vivo. To manage stent dislocation during complex pediatric catheter interventions, we can recommend the use of a steerable sheath guiding a grasping forceps. A dislocated stent can be grasped, completely longitudinally refolded, and safely retrieved.
Recurrent Cardiac Constriction after Implantation of an Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Surgical Membrane
Authors: Puiu Paul-Cătălin , Siepe Matthias , Zeh Wolfgang , Zimmer Emmanuel
Published: January 2022

One of the challenges compounding the complexity of reoperative cardiac surgery is the surgical adhesion, which can be responsible for adverse intraoperative events. Implantation of a substitute neo-pericardium has become a frequently used solution, with currently rising numbers of reoperations. We report the case of a 38-year-old man who developed recurrent delayed cardiac constriction following the implantation of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene neo-pericardium. Careful preoperative planning is recommended to plan the optimal method of pericardioplasty, taking into account the pros and cons of each available material.
Risk Factors and Algorithms for the Empirical Treatment of Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia and Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Authors: Pan Di , Niederman Michael S.
Published: January 2022

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) continue to be major concerns for morbidity and mortality, especially in patients treated in the intensive care unit. With the rise in multidrug-resistant organisms, HAP and VAP treatment is challenged by the need for early appropriate treatment, with broad-spectrum agents, while still being aware of the principles of antibiotic stewardship. The two major society guidelines proposed a series of risk factors in their most recent guidelines to help identify patients who can most benefit from narrow- or broad-spectrum initial empiric antibiotic therapy. The guidelines reveal differences in the proposed risk factors and treatment approaches, as well as major similarities.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Periodontal Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Authors: Murali Aparna C. , Bhandary Rahul
Published: January 2022

Diagnosis of periodontal disease depends on conventional clinical parameters. In periodontitis with extensive bone defects, radiographs play a crucial role in arriving at a proper diagnosis. The emergence of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) became a boon in oral radiology. Limitations of conventional two-dimensional (2D) radiographs include inadequate visualization of bone defects, lamina dura, and furcation involvement. CBCT generates 3D images of anatomical structures necessary for the periodontal diagnosis of furcation involvement, intrabony defects, and implant placement. CBCT, thus, imparts various potential applications in the field of periodontics which serves to arrive at better diagnostic conclusions.
Periodontal Manifestations in Vertical Root Fractured Teeth
Authors: Shenoy Nina , Shenoy Arvind
Published: January 2022

Vertical root fractures are more commonly encountered following endodontic treatment and in teeth without endodontic treatment, with habits like bruxism and eating coarse, hard food. The teeth most predisposed to fracture are the premolars of the maxilla and mandible, the mesial roots and mesiobuccal roots of the mandibular molars, maxillary molars and the mandibular incisors. Timely identification of cracked teeth and fractures is the key since it permits a conservative and preventive approach. Delay in diagnosis and treatment will result in the involvement of the underlying periodontium, causing periodontal pockets, abscess formation, and bone loss, thereby further complicating the outcome. Appropriate diagnosis, education, and counseling of the patient by the dentist and coronal restoration following root canal treatment are mandatory to prevent the loss of teeth in patients. The prognosis of multirooted teeth is more favorable. Affected single-rooted teeth may, however, require immediate extraction. MEDLINE database and Scopus search (www.scopus.com) were performed using the key words “vertical root fracture” or “longitudinal root fracture.” Text book chapters were manually checked.
Detection of ABO Discrepancy in a Case of Coronary Artery Disease by Conventional Tube Technique: A Miss by Column Agglutination Technology
Authors: Routray Suman Sudha , Prakash Satya , Ray Gopal Krushna , Mukherjee Somnath , Sahu Ansuman
Published: January 2022

ABO and Rh blood grouping of donors and recipients is the first and foremost step in pretransfusion compatibility testing. Conventional tube technique (CTT) is used to test for blood grouping and Rh D typing. But the procedure is cumbersome, and there may be subjective variation during the interpretation of the test results. The other disadvantage is that it is not adaptable to automation. Many newer techniques, such as the column agglutination technique (CAT) used for pretransfusion testing, are amenable to automation. It is being preferred to shift from CTT to semiautomated or fully automated CAT platforms or other newer technologies in many blood centers. The CAT has the added advantage of increased sensitivity and stable end-point results. The results in automated platforms using CAT are equally efficient and reliable as CTT. However, sometimes it is noted that CAT misses subgroups detection. Here, we report a case with a subgroup of A that was failed to be detected by the CAT using dextran acrylamide gel, signifying the use of CTT in evaluating blood group discrepancy.
Finding pathways to synergistic development of Sustainable Development Goals in China
Authors: Zhang Junze , Wang Shuai , Zhao Wenwu , Meadows Michael E. , Fu Bojie
Published: January 2022

While the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) index is a widely employed method of measuring progress in the United Nations (UN) SDGs, as it allows comparisons across countries and regions, it does not usually offer any indication as to how to move the SDGs forward. To address this deficit, we analyzed the impact of the offsetting effects of changes in individual SDG scores on the SDG index from 2015 to 2018 at the provincial level in China. Future priority goals are also revealed by accessing the interactions among the SDGs. Our findings show that both the number of SDGs that experienced an increase or decrease in the score and the degree of change in SDG scores have a major impact on changes in the SDG index score. For example, a decline in individual SDG scores at the national level usually represents a decline in the scores of more than 15 provinces, while an increase in the SDG score may mask the fact that some provinces have experienced a decline in their scores. In addition, changes in SDG scores can show some similarities in the strengths and weaknesses even across provinces in different geographical zones. The analysis of SDG interactions suggests that prioritizing the promotion of SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG12 (Responsible Production and Consumption) will advance the synergistic development of SDGs in China. Overall, our study highlights the necessity to focus not only on regions with declining aggregated index scores but also on goals with declining scores in order to implement the SDGs as a whole. Meanwhile, leveraging the similarity of SDG changes to inform sustainable management policies will contribute to the overall implementation of the SDGs in different regions.
Equipping next generation CAR T cells against cancer
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: January 2022

Recent advancements will improve the safety and efficiency of using chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy to treat cancers, including solid tumors.
Whistler waves generated by nongyrotropic and gyrotropic electron beams during asymmetric guide field reconnection
Authors: Choi Seung , Bessho Naoki , Wang Shan , Chen Li-Jen , Hesse Michael
Published: January 2022

Using a two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulation of asymmetric reconnection with a guide field whose strength is 0.3 times the reconnecting magnetic field, we study electron distribution functions and wave intensities in the diffusion region, focusing on the electron diffusion region (EDR). Wave activities with frequencies below the electron cyclotron frequency are observed, and these are whistler waves propagating almost anti-parallel to the magnetic field. The waves are concentrated near the magnetospheric separatrix away from the X line, but the wave activity also spreads through the EDR near the X line. The reconnection outflows are asymmetric in the outflow direction in the magnetospheric side, and the wave intensity is stronger in the side of the faster electron outflow. We study the whistler waves using the fast Fourier transform, analyses of electron velocity distribution functions, and the dispersion solver calculation. Along the magnetospheric separatrix in the stronger outflow side, highly anisotropic electron beams exist with super-Alfvénic drift speeds. The dispersion analysis shows that there are two modes: a temperature anisotropy mode and a beam mode. Outside the EDR, the whistler wave intensity is highest near the separatrix, but the wave intensity decreases if we move away from the separatrix toward the magnetic neutral line because of the increase in the electron population near zero parallel velocity. In the EDR, in the velocity plane perpendicular to the magnetic field, ring/crescent electron distribution functions are observed. Near the X-line, the wave power is enhanced where nongyrotropic electrons contribute to increase the perpendicular temperature anisotropy.
Physics-informed neural networks for imaging and parameter retrieval of photonic nanostructures from near-field data
Authors: Chen Yuyao , Dal Negro Luca
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we develop a deep learning approach for the accurate solution of challenging problems of near-field microscopy that leverages the powerful framework of physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) for the inversion of the complex optical parameters of nanostructured environments. Specifically, we show that PINNs can be flexibly designed based on full-vector Maxwell’s equations to inversely retrieve the spatial distributions of the complex electric permittivity and magnetic permeability of unknown scattering objects in the resonance regime from near-field data. Moreover, we demonstrate that PINNs achieve excellent convergence to the true material parameters under both plane wave and point source (localized) excitations, enabling parameter retrieval in scanning near-field optical microscopy. Our method is computationally efficient compared to traditional data-driven deep learning approaches as it requires only a single dataset for training. Furthermore, we develop and successfully demonstrate adaptive PINNs with trainable loss weights that largely improve the accuracy of the inverse reconstruction for high-index materials compared to standard PINNs. Finally, we demonstrate the full potential of our approach by retrieving the space-dependent permittivity of a three-dimensional unknown object from near-field data. The presented framework paves the way to the development of a computationally driven, accurate, and non-invasive platform for the simultaneous retrieval of the electric and magnetic parameters of resonant nanostructures from measured optical images, with applications to biomedical imaging, optical remote sensing, and characterization of metamaterial devices.
Simulation of particle size distribution and source term for uranium aerosols based on zinc generated under fire conditions
Authors: Zhu Min , Mao Hanyuan , Du Liang , Tan Zhaoyi , Wang Yanjun , Li Biao , Wu Fei , Guo Ming
Published: January 2022

Fire is a typical scenario for nuclear accidents, in which uranium-containing materials will release uranium aerosols. Limited by many aspects, uranium aerosols cannot be used directly to carry out nuclear emergency training and equipment development research under real conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to filter and evaluate available surrogate materials through experiments. In this paper, metallic zinc is used to study the source term and particle size distribution of zinc aerosols under fire conditions, and the feasibility of zinc as a surrogate material for uranium aerosol research is evaluated based on the data of uranium aerosols in the literature. The experimental results show that the mass median aerodynamic diameter obtained by fitting with lognormal distribution is between 0.36 and 0.59 µm. The cumulative mass fraction distribution data are consistent with those given in the literature, indicating that the zinc aerosols generated under fire have a nice simulation effect on uranium aerosols in terms of particle size distribution. As for air release fraction (ARF) and respirable fraction (RF), the experiment of zinc aerosols is greater than that of uranium aerosols, which means the simulation in ARF and RF is not so good.
Correlation and decomposition concepts for identifying and disentangling flow structures: Framework and insights into turbulence organization
Authors: Mukherjee Siddhartha , Mascini Merlijn , Portela Luis M.
Published: January 2022

Turbulence and its organization, long conceptualized in terms of “coherent structures,” has resisted clear description. A significant limitation has been the lack of tools to identify instantaneous, spatially finite structures, while unraveling their superposition. We present a framework of generalized correlations, which can be used to readily define a variety of correlation measures, aimed at identifying field patterns. Coupled with Helmholtz-decomposition, this provides a paradigm to identify and disentangle structures. We demonstrate the correlations using vortex-based canonical flows and then apply them to incompressible, homogeneous, isotropic turbulence. We find that high turbulence kinetic energy (Ek) regions form compact velocity-jets that are spatially exclusive from high enstrophy (ω2) regions that form vorticity-jets surrounded by swirling velocity. The correlation fields reveal that the energetic structures in turbulence, being invariably jets, are distinct from those in vortex-based canonical flows, where they can be jet-like as well as swirling. A full Biot–Savart decomposition of the velocity field shows that the velocity-jets are neither self-induced, nor induced by the interaction of swirling, strong vorticity regions, and are almost entirely induced, non-locally, by the permeating intermediate range (rms level) vorticity. Velocity-swirls, instead, are a superposition of self-induced and background-induced velocity. Interestingly, it is the mild intermediate vorticity that dominantly induces the velocity-field everywhere. This suggests that turbulence organization could result from non-local and non-linear field interactions, leading to an emergent description unlike the notion of a strict structural hierarchy. Our correlation-decomposition framework lends itself readily to the study of generic vector and scalar fields associated with diverse phenomena.
Retina organoids: Window into the biophysics of neuronal systems
Authors: Salbaum Katja A. , Shelton Elijah R. , Serwane Friedhelm
Published: January 2022

With a kind of magnetism, the human retina draws the eye of neuroscientist and physicist alike. It is attractive as a self-organizing system, which forms as a part of the central nervous system via biochemical and mechanical cues. The retina is also intriguing as an electro-optical device, converting photons into voltages to perform on-the-fly filtering before the signals are sent to our brain. Here, we consider how the advent of stem cell derived in vitro analogs of the retina, termed retina organoids, opens up an exploration of the interplay between optics, electrics, and mechanics in a complex neuronal network, all in a Petri dish. This review presents state-of-the-art retina organoid protocols by emphasizing links to the biochemical and mechanical signals of in vivo retinogenesis. Electrophysiological recording of active signal processing becomes possible as retina organoids generate light sensitive and synaptically connected photoreceptors. Experimental biophysical tools provide data to steer the development of mathematical models operating at different levels of coarse-graining. In concert, they provide a means to study how mechanical factors guide retina self-assembly. In turn, this understanding informs the engineering of mechanical signals required to tailor the growth of neuronal network morphology. Tackling the complex developmental and computational processes in the retina requires an interdisciplinary endeavor combining experiment and theory, physics, and biology. The reward is enticing: in the next few years, retina organoids could offer a glimpse inside the machinery of simultaneous cellular self-assembly and signal processing, all in an in vitro setting.
Bandgap analysis and carrier localization in cation-disordered ZnGeN2
Authors: Cordell Jacob J. , Tucker Garritt J. , Tamboli Adele , Lany Stephan
Published: January 2022

The bandgap of ZnGeN2 changes with the degree of cation site disorder and is sought in light emitting diodes for emission at green to amber wavelengths. By combining the perspectives of carrier localization and defect states, we analyze the impact of different degrees of disorder on electronic properties in ZnGeN2, addressing a gap in current studies, which largely focus on dilute or fully disordered systems. The present study demonstrates changes in the density of states and localization of carriers in ZnGeN2 calculated using bandgap-corrected density functional theory and hybrid calculations on partially disordered supercells generated using the Monte Carlo method. We use localization and density of states to discuss the ill-defined nature of a bandgap in a disordered material and identify site disorder and its impact on the structure as a mechanism controlling electronic properties and potential device performance. Decreasing the order parameter results in a large reduction of the bandgap. The reduction in bandgap is due, in part, to isolated, localized states that form above the valence band continuum associated with nitrogen coordinated by more zinc than germanium. The prevalence of defect states in all but the perfectly ordered structure creates challenges for incorporating disordered ZnGeN2 into optical devices, but the localization associated with these defects provides insight into the mechanisms of electron/hole recombination in the material.
A perspective on magnetic microfluidics: Towards an intelligent future
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhou Aiwu , Chen Songlin , Lum Guo Zhan , Zhang Xiaosheng
Published: January 2022

Magnetic microfluidics has been gradually recognized as an area of its own. Both conventional microfluidic platforms have incorporated magnetic actuation for microfluidic operation and microscale object manipulation. Nonetheless, there is still much room for improvement after decades of development. In this Perspective, we first provide a quick review of existing magnetic microfluidic platforms with a focus on the magnetic tools and actuation mechanisms. Next, we discuss several emerging technologies, including magnetic microrobots, additive manufacture, and artificial intelligence, and their potential application in the future development of magnetic microfluidics. We believe that these technologies can eventually inspire highly functional magnetic tools for microfluidic manipulation and coordinated microfluidic control at the system level, which eventually drives magnetic microfluidics into an intelligent system for automated experimentation.
Effects of extreme summer heat events on nutritive characteristics of dairy pastures in northern Victoria, Australia
Authors: Rogers M. E. , Lawson A. R. , Giri K. , Williams Y. , Garner J. B. , Marett L. C. , Wales W. J. , Jacobs J. L.
Published: January 2022

Context The incidence of extreme heat events (prolonged temperatures above 35°C) is increasing in the northern Victorian dairying region in Australia. This increase is having a significant effect on the performance of perennial ryegrass, which has traditionally been the major perennial species in these pastures. Aim During seven extreme heat events, forage sampling was conducted on commercial farms to evaluate the effects of high temperatures on the nutritive characteristics of perennial ryegrass, tall fescue and lucerne. Our hypothesis was that reductions in nutritive characteristics with an increasing external temperature would vary among species. Methods Before, during and after heat events, replicated samples of the three forage species were collected and analysed for in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and crude protein (CP). Several anti-nutritive compounds (alkaloids in perennial ryegrass, and saponins and coumestrols in lucerne) were also measured. Key results None of the temperate forage species evaluated maintained nutritive quality under high temperatures. Linear mixed model (LMM) analyses showed that for each degree rise between 23°C and 40°C, IVDMD and WSC concentrations decreased by 0.2% while NDF and ADF concentrations increased by 0.2% and 0.15% respectively. Concentrations of the alkaloid, ergovaline, in the base of the perennial ryegrass tiller were close to, or above, the recommended threshold level for animal health and welfare in three of the six samples taken during heat events. Conclusions These results suggest that extreme heat events have a detrimental effect on the nutritive characteristics of the evaluated forage species. Implications Heat-induced decreases in nutritive characteristics will potentially have serious implications for milk production and farm productivity. Further research, undertaken under controlled conditions of temperature, humidity and plant growth stage, is recommended to determine the full effect of these extreme summer conditions on forage nutritive characteristics.
Dissection of brain-wide resting-state and functional somatosensory circuits by fMRI with optogenetic silencing
Authors: Jung Won Beom , Jiang Haiyan , Lee Soohyun , Kim Seong-Gi
Published: January 2022

Significance

Functional MRI (fMRI) has led to tremendous advancements in brain science by allowing noninvasive mapping of functional regions in response to various stimuli and noninvasive mapping of resting-state functional connectivity. Both evoked and resting-state functional networks contain multiple brain regions that are hierarchically yet reciprocally connected. Therefore, it is critical to determine the relative contributions of different circuits to fMRI findings to better understand brain functions and resting-state connectivity. Here, we adopted local silencing with optogenetic stimulation to suppress downstream networks and successfully dissected fMRI responses at the circuit level. This fMRI approach opens an avenue for understanding brain-wide, population-based neural circuits, allowing investigations of functional reorganization caused by neuropathological modifications and learning in individual animals.
Yeast has evolved to minimize protein resource cost for synthesizing amino acids
Authors: Chen Yu , Nielsen Jens
Published: January 2022

Proteins, as essential biomolecules, account for a large fraction of cell mass, and thus the synthesis of the complete set of proteins (i.e., the proteome) represents a substantial part of the cellular resource budget. Therefore, cells might be under selective pressures to optimize the resource costs for protein synthesis, particularly the biosynthesis of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids. Previous studies showed that less energetically costly amino acids are more abundant in the proteomes of bacteria that survive under energy-limited conditions, but the energy cost of synthesizing amino acids was reported to be weakly associated with the amino acid usage in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
. Here we present a modeling framework to estimate the protein cost of synthesizing each amino acid (i.e., the protein mass required for supporting one unit of amino acid biosynthetic flux) and the glucose cost (i.e., the glucose consumed per amino acid synthesized). We show that the logarithms of the relative abundances of amino acids in
S. cerevisiae
’s proteome correlate well with the protein costs of synthesizing amino acids (Pearson’s
r
= −0.89), which is better than that with the glucose costs (Pearson’s
r
= −0.5). Therefore, we demonstrate that
S. cerevisiae
tends to minimize protein resource, rather than glucose or energy, for synthesizing amino acids.
Depleted carbon isotope compositions observed at Gale crater, Mars
Authors: House Christopher H. , Wong Gregory M. , Webster Christopher R. , Flesch Gregory J. , Franz Heather B. , Stern Jennifer C. , Pavlov Alex , Atreya Sushil K. , Eigenbrode Jennifer L. , Gilbert Alexis , Hofmann Amy E. , Millan Maëva , Steele Andrew , Glavin Daniel P. , Malespin Charles A. , Mahaffy Paul R.
Published: January 2022

Significance

Carbon isotopic analysis is among the most pervasive geochemical approaches because the fractionation of carbon isotopes produces a natural tracer of biological and chemical processes. Rover-based carbon isotopic analyses of sedimentary rocks on Mars have the potential to reveal modes of Martian carbon cycling. We report carbon isotopic values of the methane released during pyrolysis of samples obtained at Gale crater. The values show remarkable variation indicating different origins for the carbon evolved from different samples. Samples from multiple locations within Gale crater evolved methane with highly fractionated carbon isotopes. We suggest three routes by which highly fractionated carbon could be deposited on Mars, with each suggesting that Martian carbon cycling is quite distinct from that of the present Earth.
A Study of the TOMM and DCT in Chinese-Speaking Immigrants with Limited English Proficiency in the United States
Authors: Chang Yi-Ting , Rosenfeld Barry , Tam Wai-Cheong C. , Teng Cheng-Yun , Han Ying
Published: January 2022

The accuracy of performance validity tests (PVTs) with culturally diverse populations has increasingly been questioned. High false positive rates have been found in some PVTs in culturally and linguistically diverse individuals within the U.S. and internationally. No study to date has investigated the accuracy of PVTs with Chinese-speaking immigrants (CSI) in the U.S. The current study aimed to evaluate two PVTs, the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) and Dot Counting Test (DCT), to determine their accuracy in a community sample of CSI with limited English proficiency. These two measures were used in a simulation design, contrasting 52 participants who were instructed to respond honestly to 22 participants instructed to feign incompetency to stand trial. Results demonstrated the scores of TOMM Trial 1 and Trial 2 were effective in classifying honest responders from simulators, whereas the DCT E-score did not differentiate the groups better than chance. However, false positive rates for the TOMM Trial 1, Trial 2, and the DCT E-score were relatively low. Only one honest responder (1.9%) was classified as exerting insufficient effort in TOMM Trial 1 and DCT E-score, and the TOMM Trial 2 did not misclassify any honest responders. Implications and cautionary statements are provided and discussed.
Completeness and orthonormality of the energy eigenfunctions of the Dirac delta derivative potential
Authors: Dalabeeh M A , Chair N
Published: January 2022

The orthonormality and completeness of the energy eigenfunctions solution for the Schrödinger equation are usually hard to prove explicitly. There are few examples treated in the literature that give an explicit demonstration of these properties. In this work, we are going to orthonormalize the energy eigenfunctions of the solutions of the Schrödinger equation with contact potential given by the Dirac delta derivative potential λδ′(x), where λ is the coupling constant and prove that they are complete. The solutions for this problem include both continuum and discrete energy spectra. This makes it a perfect choice in the sense that it covers all possible cases of the solutions in quantum mechanics. The bound states solutions are normalized as usual, while the scattering states are normalized in continuum sense. The scattering solutions are shown to be orthogonal to each other and to the bound states. Using these orthonormal eigenfunctions an explicit demonstration of the completeness is given. It is found that both the bound and scattering solutions should be considered to ensure completeness. The calculation shows that the scattering state solutions are complete by themselves except for a certain value of the energy eigenvalue. This energy eigenvalue was shown to be precisely consistent with the energy eigenvalue of the bound state.
Room-temperature light-activated chemical sensors for gas monitoring and applications: a review
Authors: Zhang Qiuping , Chen Chunxu , Liu Yutong , Xu Ming , Xie Guangzhong , Tai Huiling , Du Xiaosong , Jiang Yadong , Su Yuanjie
Published: January 2022

The rapid growth of wearable electronic and integrated multifunctional devices has aroused a great deal of interest in developing chemical sensors that operate at room temperature. Among them, light-activated chemical sensors have shown great application potentials in gas detection because of the room temperature operation, humidity resistance, feasibility in flexible integration and low energy consumption. This review aims to offer an overview of research progress on the sensing mechanism, sensitive materials, device configurations and related applications of room temperature light-activated chemical sensors in gas detection for both environmental monitoring and breath analysis. Finally, the opportunities and challenges for the future development of light-activated chemical sensors is discussed in detail.
Influence of Al
x
Ga1−x
N nucleation layers on MOVPE-grown zincblende GaN epilayers on 3C-SiC/Si(001)
Authors: Gundimeda Abhiram , Rostami Mohammadreza , Frentrup Martin , Hinz Alexander , Kappers Menno J , Wallis David J , Oliver Rachel A
Published: January 2022

The suitability of Al
x
Ga1−x
N nucleation layers (NLs) with varying Al fraction x for the metal organic vapour phase epitaxy of zincblende GaN on (001) 3C-SiC was investigated, using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and x-ray diffraction. The as-grown NLs exhibited elongated island structures on their surface, which reduce laterally into smaller, more equiaxed islands with increasing AlN composition. During high-temperature annealing in a mixture of NH3 and H2 the nucleation islands with low Al fraction ripened and increased in size, whereas this effect was less pronounced in samples with higher Al fraction. The compressive biaxial in-plane strain of the NLs increases with increasing AlN composition up to x = 0.29. GaN epilayers grown over NLs that have low Al fraction have high cubic zincblende phase purity and are slightly compressively strained relative to 3C-SiC. However, those samples with a measured Al fraction in the NL higher than 0.29 were predominantly of the hexagonal wurtzite phase, due to formation of wurtzite inclusions on various {111} facets of zb-GaN, thus indicating the optimal Al composition for phase-pure zb-GaN epilayer growth.
Exciton and fermion-pair condensation at non-zero temperature
Authors: Muraviev S E , Rumyantsev O A
Published: January 2022

A thermodynamic study of a many-particle two-level system with the SU(2) ⊗ SU(2)-symmetry interaction in the particle–particle and particle–hole channels is carried out. Using the symmetry of the system, its free energy and phase diagram are calculated. It is demonstrated that the superconducting (particle–particle) and excitonic (particle–hole) condensates are both formed in the considered system which undergoes two phase transitions. The calculated phase diagram represents qualitatively the phase diagram typical for materials with the high-temperature superconducting properties, including the existence of two phase transitions, the first and second order phase transitions, triple and tricritical points.
Survey of the publics’ preferences for communication of medical radiation risk
*
Authors: Davies Elizabeth , Peet Deborah , Taylor Michael J , Chung Emma M L
Published: January 2022

To comply with the Ionising Radiations (Medical Exposures) Regulations 2017, patients need to be adequately informed of medical radiation risks prior to exposure. This study used a survey developed in partnership with patients and members of the public to explore patient preferences for radiation risk communication. It was distributed through social media between 28/4/2020 and 18/7/2020. All respondents (N = 376) wanted to be informed about radiation risk, though the threshold at which they wished to be informed varied. The current practice of displaying posters in waiting areas does not meet the expressed preference of the patients if used in isolation. Only 6% of respondents were satisfied with the commonly used statement that the ‘risk is low’ if used in isolation. The majority of respondents (73%) said they would not be concerned about an increase in the risk of cancer of less than 1 in 10 000. The level of risk at which patients express a concern and the methodology for risk communication has been evaluated and based on these findings, and pre-existing literature, a graded approach to radiation risk communication based on modality is proposed. Patients must be involved throughout the evolution of this practice.