bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OPTIMIZATION MODEL FOR VARIABLE RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES GENERATION: MACEDONIAN CASE STUDY
Authors: Dedinec Aleksandra , Tomovski Igor , Kocarev Ljupčo
Published: December 2021

This paper is motivated by a large tendency of shift towards low emission electricity production, which can be achieved by substituting the conventional energy sources by renewable energy sources. Therefore, a share of renewable energy sources is continually growing. However, large-scale integration of renewable energy sources into the power system is a challenging task, since it depends on a balance between demand and supply at any time and because of the nature of renewable energy sources. The production from some sources such as the photovoltaic and wind power plants fluctuates depending on meteorological conditions, so it cannot be regulated. However, large hydropower plants can be regulated, so they are suitable for electricity balancing. In this paper, an optimization model is set for a system with 100 % renewable energy sources, which includes models for correlation of meteorological data and the production of electricity from different variable renewable energy sources. The resulting model gives an optimal ratio of production of variable renewable energy sources, which depends on the share of these sources in the total electricity production. The objective function of this optimization problem is to minimize the excess and lack of electricity production. For this purpose, hourly data for electricity consumption and hourly meteorological data are included. The results show that if only wind and photovoltaic power plants are considered, for the case of Macedonia, this optimum is found at 72% wind and 28% photovoltaic power production. However, if the already installed capacity of the big hydropower plants and the maximal potential of the small hydropower plants which make together 30% of the total installed capacity is taken into account, the optimal ratio of production from the other sources is: 50% wind power generation and 20% photovoltaic power generation.
MONOLAYER POLYMER PHOTOCELLS. THE OPPORTUNITIES
Authors: Dudić Duško , Luyt Adriaan S.
Published: December 2021

The conversion of solar energy into electricity is in the focus of a large number of scientists. Because of the problems caused by the use of fossil fuels, the use of renewable and environmentally friendly energy sources is desirable, and in some countries the use of a certain percentage of such energy sources becomes a legal obligation. Today there are commercially available silicon solar cells with prices ranging from 800 USD/kW (about 10 m2/kW) and efficiency in the range of 10-20%. The main obstacle to a wide use of these energy sources is the high price of such generated electric power in comparison to the costs of electricity from classical sources (hydro, thermal and nuclear power plants). Technological progress has been made in the development of polymer-based organic photovoltaic (OPV) solar cells, and their energy efficiency is approaching the value of 10%, whereas the price per unit of output can be significantly lower than silicon solar cells. A shortcoming of OPV solar cells is their short life, and that is why they did not find a wider application. A single-layer polymer photovoltaic is characterized by a simple design and potentially very low production cost. It can be assumed that because of these properties, the polymer monolayer photocell can become a cheap substitute for widespread photocells based on classic semiconductors. In this article, the existing published achievements in the development of a monolayer polymer solar cell аre presented, and also the original solutions that are the result of investigations conducted by the authors.
BIOFUELS AS PROMISING FUELS
Authors: Mićić Vladan , Dugić Pero , Petrović Zoran , Tomić Milorad
Published: December 2021

The use of fossil fuels results in global warming and pollution. In comparison with fossil fuels biofuels represent an eco-friendly, biodegradable, sustainable, cost-competitive and promising alternative energy source. They contain high energy content and do not contribute to greenhouse effect. Therefore, using cheap or renewable resources as the feedstock for biofuels production has a great potential in terms of a major contribution to future energy supply. The production and use of biofuels is already well established and a further promotion of these fuels such as lipid biofuels (bioethanol, pure plant oils and biodiesel) and gas biofuels (biomethane, biohydrogen) mainly depends on non-technical issues, such as policies and cost–effectiveness. Biofuels will definitely stay for the foreseeable future and still can continue to provide the earth and the human population with a relatively clean source of energy with several benefits such as economic benefits of providing employment and health benefits of reduced carbon emissions, leading to cleaner air. With increasing sophistication of technology and intense research and development done, one can safely infer that biofuel will become more appealing and applicable for use on a globally commercial level. As such, biofuel is acknowledged as the Earth’s future energy source. Until a newer and cleaner energy source is discovered, scientists will definitely persist in researching and enhancing biofuels to make them more cost-effective, while still being environmentally friendly.
Blood-brain barrier-restricted translocation of Toxoplasma gondii from cortical capillaries
Authors: Olivera Gabriela C , Ross Emily C , Peuckert Christiane , Barragan Antonio
Published: December 2021

The cellular barriers of the central nervous system proficiently protect the brain parenchyma from infectious insults. Yet, the single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii commonly causes latent cerebral infection in humans and other vertebrates. Here, we addressed the role of the cerebral vasculature in the passage of T. gondii to the brain parenchyma. Shortly after inoculation in mice, parasites mainly localized to cortical capillaries, in preference over post-capillary venules, cortical arterioles or meningeal and choroidal vessels. Early invasion to the parenchyma (days 1-5) occurred in absence of a measurable increase in blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, perivascular leukocyte cuffs or hemorrhage. However, sparse focalized permeability elevations were detected adjacently to replicative parasite foci. Further, T. gondii triggered inflammatory responses in cortical microvessels and endothelium. Pro- and anti-inflammatory treatments of mice with LPS and hydrocortisone, respectively, impacted BBB permeability and parasite loads in the brain parenchyma. Finally, pharmacological inhibition or Cre/loxP conditional knockout of endothelial focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a BBB intercellular junction regulator, facilitated parasite translocation to the brain parenchyma. The data reveal that the initial passage of T. gondii to the central nervous system occurs principally across cortical capillaries. The integrity of the microvascular BBB restricts parasite transit, which conversely is exacerbated by the inflammatory response.
Antigenic evolution of human influenza H3N2 neuraminidase is constrained by charge balancing
Authors: Wang Yiquan , Lei Ruipeng , Nourmohammad Armita , Wu Nicholas C
Published: December 2021

As one of the main influenza antigens, neuraminidase (NA) in H3N2 virus has evolved extensively for more than 50 years due to continuous immune pressure. While NA has recently emerged as an effective vaccine target, biophysical constraints on the antigenic evolution of NA remain largely elusive. Here, we apply combinatorial mutagenesis and next-generation sequencing to characterize the local fitness landscape in an antigenic region of NA in six different human H3N2 strains that were isolated around 10 years apart. The local fitness landscape correlates well among strains and the pairwise epistasis is highly conserved. Our analysis further demonstrates that local net charge governs the pairwise epistasis in this antigenic region. In addition, we show that residue coevolution in this antigenic region is correlated with the pairwise epistasis between charge states. Overall, this study demonstrates the importance of quantifying epistasis and the underlying biophysical constraint for building a model of influenza evolution.
Sudden Cardiac Death Caused by a Septic Coronary Artery Embolism as the First Clinical Presentation of Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Kim Eojin , Baek Taehwa , Lee Sookyung , Kim Han Na
Published: December 2021

This report describes an uncommon and fatal case of myocardial infarction due to coronary embolus arising from vegetation in the aortic valve with a background of infective endocarditis (IE). There are various causes of fatal IE. Myocardial infarction due to septic emboli is rare. We report a case of sudden death in a 69-year-old woman with hyperlipidemia and no known cardiac disease. She had severe general weakness and was hospitalized for colonoscopy. The patient unexpectedly presented with cardiac arrest and died. The autopsy showed total occlusion of the left anterior descending artery by an embolus, which originated from the septic vegetation of the aortic valve. Myocardial infarction from septic emboli associated with IE can be fatal and manifested as the first presentation. In autopsy practice of deceased patients with IE, careful examination of the coronary arteries is required.
Benefits of Helicobacter pylori Eradication on Extragastric Diseases
Authors: Kim Tae Jun , Lee Hyuk
Published: December 2021

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication can reduce the risk of gastric diseases such as gastritis, gastric ulcer, and gastric adenocarcinoma. Since H. pylori was discovered more than 30 years ago, many studies have reported associations between H. pylori infection and extragastric diseases such as immune thrombocytopenia and iron-deficiency anemia. Thus, recent guidelines recommended H. pylori eradication in patients with those diseases. In contrast, although the role of H. pylori eradication in other extragastric diseases remains controversial, there is growing evidence of its benefit on them, especially cardiovascular (ischemic heart disease and stroke), metabolic (dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), neurodegenerative (Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease), autoimmune (Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Raynaud’s syndrome, rosacea, and chronic urticaria), and other (cap polyposis, colorectal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, periodontal disease, hyperemesis gravidarum, and osteoporosis) conditions. A recent prospective randomized study reported that H. pylori eradication improved insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. These findings were consistent with the results of a recent meta-analysis. Therefore, well-designed prospective interventional studies are needed to examine the effects of H. pylori eradication on various extragastric diseases.
Gastric Mixed Adenoneuroendocrine Carcinoma with Revised Diagnosis after Retrospective Pathologic Review
Authors: Jeong Bo Seok , Hwang Hye Won , Kim Jong Won , Hwang In Gyu , Park Jae Yong
Published: December 2021

Gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC) is an entity defined by World Health Organization in 2010, which is composed of adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine neoplasm. This is a very rare type of tumor in the stomach, which is estimated to be one to two per one million people per year on gastrointestinal track. In general, as MANEC often shows a poor prognosis, early diagnosis of the disease is important for achieving a favorable outcome. However, due to its rarity and histological heterogeneity, it is hard to suspect this disease initially, and sometimes this tumor is misdiagnosed as adenocarcinoma. The present case was a 76-year-old man who was initially diagnosed with gastric tubular adenocarcinoma without distant metastasis. Only 1 month after a curative surgery, multiple liver metastases were newly detected. Retrospective pathologic review resulted in a revised diagnosis as a gastric MANEC, and the patient underwent palliative systemic chemotherapy to achieve partial response.
Diarrhoea in COVID-19 with Emphasis on Non Respiratory Presentation: A Case Series
Authors: Tyagi Rahul , Madan Manu , Mittal Saurabh , Mohan Anant , Tiwari Pawan
Published: December 2021

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection can have myriad presentations ranging from non specific constitutional symptoms to respiratory failure and extrapulmonary manifestations. As COVID-19 is viewed predominantly as an illness of the respiratory tract, extrapulmonary manifestations are often overlooked. The case series is of seven COVID-19 diagnosed patients who presented with diarrhoea, without respiratory symptoms. Clinicodemographic characteristics, hospital course and outcome of these patients are described here. Median age of the patients was 42 years. There were four males and three females. One patient had diabetes mellitus and hypertension, one had hypothyroidism and one had Hodgkin’s lymphoma along with tuberculosis. Five patients had fever while all had diarrhoea as the predominant presenting complaint. Median duration of symptoms was four days before admission. Laboratory abnormalities included anaemia (n=5; 57.1%), lymphopenia (n=3; 42.9%) and elevated inflammatory markers i.e., ferritin and C-reactive protein (n=2; 28.6%). Most patients did not require any specific treatment other than supportive care. All patients were successfully discharged after a median hospital stay of 10 days. Isolated diarrhoea without respiratory symptoms can be presenting complaint of COVID-19 and should be considered by clinicians in current pandemic scenario.
Study of Trauma Profile and its Outcomes at a Tertiary Care Centre: A Cohort Study of 1000 Cases
Authors: Walia Bhupinder Singh , Dugg Pankaj , Aulakh Kanwaldeep Singh , Sharma Sanjeev , Kapur Venita
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Trauma has been the leading cause of mortality and morbidity. However, there are changes in pattern of trauma and their outcomes with time. Aim: To study the mode and nature of injury and mortality associated with trauma of head, chest and abdomen. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 1000 individuals that presented to emergency surgery ward from 2014 to 2019. Patients presented to emergency surgery of Government Medical College, Amritsar, Punjab, India were observed for various characteristics i.e., age group, mode of injury, site of injury, outcomes and management. Results: The mean age of patients was 33.91±16.29 years with significant male predominance (n=794, 79.4%) (p-value 0.00001). Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs) were the most common mode of trauma affecting 490 patients (49%). Head injury was the most common of all injuries (n=834). Overall mortality was 3.6% (n=36). Mortality was higher in males (p-value 0.00933) and mortality rate of 25% was seen in age group of 61-70 years. Conclusion: RTIs followed by assaults are the most common cause of trauma and it significantly affects young male population. However, mortality rate increases with increase in age group with higher rates in older age groups.
Farmers’ Perception on Climate Change: A Study in Tarai Region of Uttarakhand
Authors: Neha . , Ansari Mohammad Aslam
Published: December 2021

Climate change has emerged as a potent threat disrupting the development process and is hurting several sectors of Indian economy, especially the agriculture sector. Knowledge about these disruptive factors can enable the farmers to mitigate the negative impact of climate change on agriculture. Therefore, the understanding of location-specific farmers’ perceptions and their adaptive behaviors can provide a better insight to design appropriate policy measures and guidelines to address these challenges effectively. The present study was aimed at determining farmers’ perceptions about climate change on agriculture. The study sample comprised 180 farmers selected using simple random sampling. The findings indicate that all the farmers (100%) were aware of climate change. All of them reported “increase in temperature” and “erratic rainfall” and “shortening of winter season” as the major indicators of climate change as experienced by them. Besides, 85.55 percent famers reported that “peak time of winter” has changed in Uttarakhand, a hilly state. Such perceptions about climate change can be seen as a precursor mediating the adoption of recommended practices and adaptation measures. Thus, the results of the study will enlighten the policy makers and agriculture scientists in preparing a roadmap for policy formulation regarding adaptation measures (short run initiatives) as well as undertaking mitigation measures (long run initiatives) of climate change besides helping the agriculture extension agencies to design and plan locale-specific adaptation strategies and agriculture development programs.
Women Empowerment in Microfinance: Poverty Alleviation Tool
Authors: Illangakoon Anurudha Gishan , Azam S. M. Ferdous , Khatibi Ali , Sudasinghe Sepali
Published: December 2021

This article attempts to discuss, how does women empowerment in Sri Lanka could be used as an effective tool to alleviate poverty. Predominantly microfinance was identified as an effective concept to reduce poverty and improve social well-being. The women empowerment is also play a vital part in the process. Microfinance industry has adapted various business strategies and innovative ideas to address and influence poverty reduction. It is acceptable fact that women play a pivotal part in economic development in Sri Lanka. As per the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) stipulated in 2000, women empowerment and gender equality have been identified as one of the main objectives of MDGs to achieve in every country. It is known fact that there has been a strong relationship between microfinance and women. It’s not only women it has a broader relationship mainly in perspective of empowerment. The aim of this paper is to discuss importance of building women empowerment through microfinance by way of substantial in building confidence, courage, skill development and empowerment, and ultimately become an effective poverty alleviating tool. It is very important to focus on Financial, Social dimensions, Government and Regulator support and Environment performances to put microfinance on to track to become a new standard for the microfinance sector by getting effective participation from women sector. Therefore in order to get the real result from these emerging concepts, need women participation for up-tick the microfinance and alleviate poverty.
Science students' perspectives on how to decrease the stigma of failure
Authors: Nunes Krystal , Du Sherry , Philip Riya , Mourad Mohammed Majd , Mansoor Zainab , Laliberté Nicole , Rawle Fiona
Published: December 2021

Failure is hard‐wired into the scientific method and yet teaching students to productively engage with failure is not foundational in most biology curricula. To train successful scientists, it is imperative that we teach undergraduate science students to be less fearful of failure and to instead positively accept it as a productive part of the scientific process. In this article, we focus on student perceptions of the stigma of failure and their associated concerns to explore how failure could be better supported within and beyond a university context. Through a survey of first‐year biology students, we found that societal and familial pressures to succeed were the greatest contributing factors to students' fear of failure. In student suggestions on how to reduce the stigma of failure within and beyond the university context, the most common theme identified across both contexts was for increased discussion and open communication about experiences of failure. Importantly, student comments in this study bring attention to the role of factors beyond the classroom in shaping student experiences of failure within their biology courses.
Biotemplating of Metal–Organic Framework Nanocrystals for Applications in Small‐Scale Robotics
Authors: Terzopoulou Anastasia , Palacios‐Corella Mario , Franco Carlos , Sevim Semih , Dysli Thomas , Mushtaq Fajer , Romero‐Angel María , Martí‐Gastaldo Carlos , Gong De , Cai Jun , Chen Xiang‐Zhong , Pumera Martin , deMello Andrew J. , Nelson Bradley J. , Pané Salvador , Puigmartí‐Luis Josep
Published: December 2021

Biotemplating is a powerful approach for manufacturing small‐scale devices. Here, the assembly of metal–organic framework (MOF) nanocrystals onto biotemplated magnetic helical structures on the cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis is reported. It is demonstrated that the authors’ approach is universal and can be used to equip biotemplated structures with different functional MOF systems. The successful assembly of MOF nanocrystals on magnetically coated helical biotemplates is achieved by decorating the magnetic surface with gelatin, a naturally occurring macromolecule with synthon moieties that allows anchoring of the MOF nanocrystals via electrostatic interactions. Furthermore, as gelatin is a thermally responsive material, it can serve to free the magnetic biotemplates from the MOF nanocrystal cargoes. As such, the systems can be used as highly integrated magnetically driven microrobots with multiple functionalities. To this end, the potential of these composite helical architectures is demonstrated as MOF‐based small‐scale robots with applications in biomedicine and environmental remediation.
Space–Time–Frequency Modulation Mechanisms of Monochromatic and Nonmonochromatic Electromagnetic Waves on a Digital Programmable Transmission Metasurface
Authors: Wan Xiang , Wang Jia Wei , Huang Zi Ai , Li Bai Yang , Xiao Qiang , Cui Tie Jun
Published: December 2021

By dynamically configuring unit structures, a digital programmable metasurface (DPM) can perform space, time, and frequency modulations of electromagnetic (EM) waves directly on the aperture, and hence linking the metasurface physics to digital information worlds. However, the interactions between DPMs and EM waves have not yet been systematically and efficiently depicted. Based on the Huygens–Fresnel principle and Fourier analysis, here the authors demonstrate the foundations of space–time–frequency joint controls of monochromatic or nonmonochromatic EM waves by DPM. Due to linear superposition properties of Fourier transform in the analysis, the space– and time–frequency modulations are naturally decoupled, hence enabling simultaneous and independent space–time–frequency controls of the EM waves. A transmissive DPM is designed and fabricated to interpret the space–time–frequency joint modulations. This work will facilitate the researches on DPMs and promote the applications of DPMs in wireless communications, intelligent sensing, and radar systems.
Four‐Channel Kaleidoscopic Metasurfaces Enabled by a Single‐Layered Single‐Cell Quad‐Band Meta‐Atom
Authors: Xie Rensheng , Fang Xin , Zhang Dajun , Wang Xiong , Chen Ke , An Sensong , Zheng Bowen , Zhang Hualiang , Feng Yijun , Ding Jun
Published: December 2021

Multichannel devices, which can manipulate multiple distinguished wavefronts like a kaleidoscope, are preferably desired for compact systems with higher integration and smaller footprint. Particularly, multiband metasurfaces are one of the intuitive and effective approaches to expand the number of the operation channels in meta‐devices. In this work, a strategy to design four‐channel metasurface based on a novel single‐cell quad‐band meta‐atom is proposed for the kaleidoscopic wavefront manipulations. While illuminating a circularly polarized wave, the independent 2π phase shifts at four distinct frequencies can be obtained by the single‐layered substrate meta‐atom with almost theoretically maximal transmission amplitudes. As a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, a four‐channel metasurface is designed to realize a single‐vortex beam generator, a dual‐vortex beam generator, a meta‐hologram, and a focusing metalens in channels 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The experiment and full‐wave simulation results agree very well with each other, validating the design concept. The proposed strategy has increased the number of operation frequencies for a single‐cell meta‐atom while guaranteeing the electromagnetic performance, and may lead to advances in a variety of multifunctional devices with a compact structure such as ultra‐thin metalenses, beam generators, and holographic displays.
The Potential of Phosphorus Nitride Monolayer for Li–S Battery from the Anchoring and Diffusing Perspective: A First‐Principles Study
Authors: Zheng Xinyi , Lin Shiru , Kong Dalin , Wei Yadong , Pang Kaijuan , Ku RuiQi , Kaner Ngeywo Tolbert , Xu Xiaodong , Sha Ming , Liu Jinhong , Huang Hongxi , Yang Jianqun , Shi HongYan , Li Xingji , Li Weiqi
Published: December 2021

The performance of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery is strongly dependent on the sulfur electrodes materials. Due to the chemical interaction between electrodes and intermediates produced in charging and discharging process, the Janus‐polar two dimensional (2D) electrode materials can enhance the electrochemical performance of Li–S battery by overcoming shuttle effect and increasing diffusion rates. Here, it is explored the structural, electronic, and dynamic characteristics of Li ion, S8 cluster, and lithium polysulfides adsorbed over Janus Phosphorus Nitride monolayer with blue phosphorene phase (b‐PN) by using first‐principles calculations. The reported findings highlight potential of the b‐PN monolayer as a good host material, given that the large absorption energies of different clusters vary from −0.47 to −3.78 eV, which can suppress shuttle effect effectively. These strong adsorptions are origin from the chemical interaction between nitrogen atoms of the b‐PN and Li atoms in lithium polysulfides in present work. Particularly, it is predicted that b‐PN monolayer has extremely small diffusion barriers for Li ion and Li2S8 clusters of 0.10 and 0.03 eV, which leading to a higher battery charge and discharge rate than reported graphene and MoS2. It is hoped that this efficient strategy for promising host materials of sulfur‐electrode guides the development of next‐generation lithium–sulfur batteries.
Ultrafast Ferroelectric Domain Switching Induced by Nano‐Second Strain‐Pulse
Authors: Shi Xiaoming , Wang Jing , Cheng Xingwang , Huang Houbing
Published: December 2021

Ferroelectric materials subjected to ultrafast external stimuli have been demonstrated to exhibit dynamic phenomena with potential applications in the high‐speed operation of ferroelectric data‐storage devices. A modified phase‐field model is developed to investigate the ferroelectric domain evolution for Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 bulk materials under nano‐second strain‐pulse stimuli. In contrast to the ultrafast electric field pulses, where the ferroelectric domain is switched through domain‐wall motion over the entire duration of the pulses, the nano‐second strain‐pulse induces ultrafast domain switching at the beginning of the pulse, after which the domain structure of the material remains stable. A tensile strain pulse (10 ns) with a critical magnitude of 4.4% is demonstrated to completely switch c domain to a domain. In addition, c domain can also be fully switched to a domain through multiple‐step domain reversals under the periodic small magnitude (2.0%) of strain pulses (5 ns). The theoretical insights obtained in this work are expected to provide useful guidance for exploring and manipulating the ultrafast dynamic functionalities of ferroelectric materials.
Exploiting Petri Nets for Graphical Modelling of Electromagnetic Pulse Switching Operations
Authors: Ventisei Alessandro , Yakovlev Alex , Pacheco‐Peña Victor
Published: December 2021

Most of the current computing technology relies on semiconductor‐based devices to perform fundamental switching/routing processes, however, recent advances in the field of optical computing have demonstrated that interconnected waveguides (in a series and/or parallel configuration) can enable high‐speed switching and routing of transverse electromagnetic (TEM) square pulses, creating new paradigms for alternative solutions in computing. In this work, a new approach for the modelling of TEM square pulse switching and routing in interconnected waveguides is proposed by unleashing the potential of Petri‐Nets (PNs). PNs are a highly regarded graphical modelling technique used in multiple scenarios ranging from industrial engineering, electronic circuits and even in chemical engineering for the study of chemical reactions. The fundamental principles of PNs along with their potential to graphically represent systems of equations are presented. These features are then exploited to represent the interaction of TEM square pulses in waveguide junctions using three or four interconnected waveguides (series and parallel configurations). This work represents a fundamental step toward allowing experts from multiple fields (such as computer science, electronics, and photonics) to contribute to the design of future computing systems by exploiting PNs in the design of electromagnetic wave‐based computing systems.
Ultralow Light‐Power Consuming Photonic Synapses Based on Ultrasensitive Perovskite/Indium‐Gallium‐Zinc‐Oxide Heterojunction Phototransistors
Authors: Cao Yong , Sha Xin , Bai Xianwei , Shao Yan , Gao Yuanhong , Wei Yu‐Ming , Meng Lingqiang , Zhou Ni , Liu Jin , Li Bo , Yu Xue‐Feng , Li Jia
Published: December 2021

The brain‐inspired neuromorphic parallel computing has become one of the most promising technologies for efficient information processing by overcoming the von Neumann bottleneck of sequential operations. Synapses transmit information among neurons and act as the basic component in neuromorphic computing platforms. Despite the rapid advances in developing artificial synapses, most synaptic devices function electronically and thus numerous merits for photonics such as visual/imaging information processing, less corsstalk, and fast response, have to be compromised. Herein, a light‐stimulated synaptic device (photonic synapses) based on perovskite/In‐Ga‐Zn‐O heterojunction phototransistor is reported. The combination of high‐efficiency light absorber, high‐mobility channel, and heterojunction device architecture leads to efficient photon‐to‐electron conversion and intrinsic high‐gain mechanism for such light‐stimulated synapses. As a result, high performance photonic synapses are obtained with the basic functions of excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC), paired‐pulse facilitation (PPF), and short‐term memory to long‐term memory conversion (STM‐LTM). Importantly, owing to the ultrasensitive photodetection characteristics, the light power consumption of such photonic artificial synapse can be as low as 2.6 picojoule. This study proposes a simple, efficient, and industry‐compatible device concept providing the photosensitive synapses for photonic neural networks by combining the merits of appropriate materials and device architecture.
Impact of COVID‐19 on the Onset and Progression of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias: A Roadmap for Future Research
Authors: Gordon Marcia N. , Heneka Michael T. , Le Page Lydia M. , Limberger Christian , Morgan David , Tenner Andrea J. , Terrando Niccolò , Willette Auriel A. , Willette Sara A.
Published: December 2021

COVID‐19 causes lasting neurological symptoms in some survivors. Like other infections, COVID‐19 may increase risk of cognitive impairment. This perspective highlights four knowledge gaps about COVID‐19 that need to be filled to avoid this possible health issue. The first is the need to identify the COVID‐19 symptoms, genetic polymorphisms and treatment decisions associated with risk of cognitive impairment. The second is the absence of model systems in which to test hypotheses relating infection to cognition. The third is the need for consortia for studying both existing and new longitudinal cohorts in which to monitor long term consequences of COVID‐19 infection. A final knowledge gap discussed is the impact of the isolation and lack of social services brought about by quarantine/lockdowns on people living with dementia and their caregivers. Research into these areas may lead to interventions that reduce the overall risk of cognitive decline for COVID‐19 survivors.
How good are medical and death records for identifying dementia?
Authors: Schliep Karen C. , Ju Shinyoung , Foster Norman L. , Smith Ken R. , Varner Michael W. , Østbye Truls , Tschanz JoAnn T.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Retrospective studies using administrative data may be an efficient way to assess risk factors for dementia if diagnostic accuracy is known.

Methods

Within‐individual clinical diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and all‐cause dementia in ambulatory (outpatient) surgery, inpatient, Medicare administrative records and death certificates were compared with research diagnoses among participants of Cache County Study on Memory, Health, and Aging (CCSMHA) (1995–2008, N = 5092).

Results

Combining all sources of clinical health data increased sensitivity for identifying all‐cause dementia (71%) and AD (48%), while maintaining relatively high specificity (81% and 93%, respectively). Medicare claims had the highest sensitivity for case identification (57% and 40%, respectively).

Discussion

Administrative health data may provide a less accurate method than a research evaluation for identifying individuals with dementing disease, but accuracy is improved by combining health data sources. Assessing all‐cause dementia versus a specific cause of dementia such as AD will result in increased sensitivity, but at a cost to specificity.
Modified Bessel–Gaussian Vortex Beam with an Adjustable Broken Opening
Authors: Yang Kaibo , Wu Zhenkun , Zhang Yagang , Li Peng , Wen Feng , Gu Yuzong
Published: December 2021

In this study, an open‐ring controllable Bessel vortex beam is theoretically and experimentally constructed with a power‐exponent‐phase vortex. Its distribution in the far field after being blocked with obstacles is subsequently investigated. In the far field, the beam exhibits different degrees of the open‐loop effect following adjustments in the phase term of the power exponent. For an obstructed beam, the direction of the open loop is offset by a certain value, and different open‐loop angles can be achieved for different blocking angles. The developed beam can be used to guide particles and avoid obstacles.
Manipulation of Multiple Cell–Cell Interactions by Tunable DNA Scaffold Networks
Authors: Guo Zhenzhen , Zhang Lili , Yang Qiuxia , Peng Ruizi , Yuan Xi , Xu Liujun , Wang Zhimin , Chen Fengming , Huang Huidong , Liu Qiaoling , Tan Weihong
Published: December 2021

Manipulation of cell–cell interactions via cell surface engineering has potential biomedical applications in tissue engineering and cell therapy. However, manipulation of the comprehensive and multiple intercellular interactions remains a challenge and missing elements. Herein, utilizing a DNA triangular prism (TP) and a branched polymer (BP) as functional modules, we fabricate tunable DNA scaffold networks on the cell surface. The responsiveness of cell–cell recognition, aggregation and dissociation could be modulated by aptamer‐functionalized DNA scaffold networks with high accuracy and specificity. By regulating the DNA scaffold networks coated on the cell surface, controlled intercellular molecular transportation is achieved. Our tunable network provides a simple and extendible strategy which addresses a current need in cell surface engineering to precisely manipulate cell–cell interactions and shows promise as a general tool for controllable cell behavior.
Urban Mining Index – Planungs‐ und Bewertungsinstrument für zirkuläres Bauen
Authors: Rosen Anja
Published: December 2021

Mit dem Urban Mining Index wurde an der Bergischen Universität Wuppertal ein Planungsinstrument für zirkuläres Bauen entwickelt. Es ist die erste Systematik, die die Kreislauffähigkeit von Baukonstruktionen quantitativ messbar macht und dabei sowohl die Qualität der zirkulären Materialverwendung als auch den Rückbauaufwand und die Wirtschaftlichkeit des selektiven Rückbaus in die Bewertung einbezieht.

Zur systematischen Erfassung von Baukonstruktionen wurde eine Matrix in Form eines anwenderfreundlichen Exceltools entwickelt, mit der die Kreislaufpotenziale und der CO2‐Footprint auf Bauteil‐ und Gebäudeebene berechnet und bewertet werden können. Über den gesamten Lebenszyklus eines Bauwerks werden alle eingehenden Materialien und alle daraus entstehenden Wert‐ und Abfallstoffe berechnet und nach den Qualitätsstufen ihrer Nachnutzung bewertet. Der Anteil der zirkulären Baustoffe an der Gesamtmasse aller im Lebenszyklus des Bauwerks verbauten Materialien beziffert das Ergebnis, den Urban Mining Indicator.

An ersten Modellprojekten, wie dem Neubau für das Rathaus in Korbach, konnte mit dem „UMI” die Optimierung für das ressourcenschonende Bauen nachgewiesen werden.
Die Klassifizierung des Schallschutzes DnT,w mithilfe des Schalldämm‐Maßes R'w
Authors: Neubauer Reinhard O.
Published: December 2021

Gebäude müssen einen ihrer Nutzung entsprechenden Schallschutz gewährleisten. Dieser Schallschutz wird bauordnungsrechtlich geregelt. In Deutschland regelt dies DIN 4109 Teil 1 mit Angabe eines „Mindestschallschutzes”. Darüberhinausgehende Anforderungen werden als „erhöhter Schallschutz” bezeichnet. Eine erhöhte Schalldämmung führt jedoch nicht zwingend zu einem erhöhten Schallschutz. Schallschutz und Schalldämmung sind diesbezüglich nicht gleichzusetzende Begriffe. Der Schallschutz kann durch eine Klassifikation als Bewertungsmaßstab für die Qualität einer Wohnung charakterisiert werden. Verschiedene europäische Länder haben Klassifizierungssysteme eingeführt, zum Teil als Kenngrößen des Schallschutzes (z. B. DnT,w) und zum Teil als Kenngrößen der Schalldämmung (z. B. R'w). In diesem Artikel wird gezeigt, dass eine direkte Zuordnung der Größen R'w und DnT,w nur für bestimmte geometrische Verhältnisse von Raumvolumen und Trennbauteilfläche (V/S) möglich ist. Wird eine zulässige Abweichung zwischen R'w und DnT,w akzeptiert, kann eine Klassierung der Schalldämmwerte (R'w) mit festen Klassengrenzen vorgenommen werden. Damit wird eine Klassifizierung des Schallschutzes mit Bezug auf die beschreibende Kenngrößen DnT,w mithilfe der Größe Bau‐Schalldämm‐Maß R'w möglich. Die Klassifizierung des Schallschutzes unter Verwendung des bewerteten Bau‐Schalldämm‐Maßes R'w bleibt jedoch eine Funktion des geometrischen Verhältnisses von Raumvolumen (V) zu Trennbauteilfläche (S).
Hydrothermal catalysis of waste greases into green gasoline, jet, and diesel biofuels in continuous flow supercritical water
Authors: Fedie Ronald L. , McNeff Clayton V. , McNeff Charles V. , McNeff Larry C. , Greuel Peter G. , Yan Bingwen , Jenkins Julie A. , Brethorst Jason T. , Frost Grant B. , Hoye Thomas R.
Published: December 2021

The production of green gasoline, jet, and diesel biofuels from waste greases was achieved using a novel hydrothermal, continuous‐flow catalytic process operating under supercritical water conditions, with recycled water the only added chemical. Thermally and chemically stable catalysts were explored to optimize yields of liquid biofuels and to minimize production of gases and acidic compounds. A 50:50 mixture of brown and yellow waste greases converted into 76.6 wt% liquid biocrude (BC); the remainder converted to water and gases. Less than 0.2% of the feedstock (FS) formed carbon char (mainly amongst catalyst particles). Various tubular reactors (Inconel, Hastelloy, titanium, stainless) showed no interior defects, erosion, or mass loss after runs. The titanium catalyst was fully recovered and regenerated back to its original potency. The BC was further refined into 28%, 48%, 20%, and 4 wt%, respectively for green gasoline, jet, diesel, and bunker. Biofuels were analyzed for compound class compositions and reaction mechanisms were proposed. Hundreds of identified fuel products (C3‐C35) from processing oleic acid as a pure model compound were identified. The neat green gasoline and diesel biofuels, along with a 50% green jet blend (with petroleum Jet A), were tested in appropriate spark ignition, turbine, and diesel engines at the University of Minnesota Engine Labs. The biofuels achieved 107.7%, 97.2%, and 101.3% engine power performance levels relative to petroleum fuels (91‐Octane, Jet A, #2 Diesel) along with lower CO and pollutant emissions. The biofuels complied with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) fuel specifications (D4814, D7566, D975) including mandated corrosion and low sulfur limits of all three biofuels. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Virus inactivation at moderately low pH varies with virus and buffer properties
Authors: Joshi Pratik U. , Meingast Christa L. , Xu Xuankuo , Holstein Melissa , Feroz Hasin , Ranjan Swarnim , Ghose Sanchayita , Li Zheng Jian , Heldt Caryn L.
Published: December 2021

Background

Virus inactivation is a critical operation in therapeutic protein manufacturing. Low pH buffers are a widely used strategy to ensure robust enveloped virus clearance. However, the choice of model virus can give varying results in viral clearance studies. Pseudorabies virus (SuHV) or herpes simplex virus‐1 (HSV‐1) are frequently chosen as model viruses to demonstrate the inactivation for the herpes family.

Results

In this study, SuHV, HSV‐1, and equine arteritis virus (EAV) were used to compare the inactivation susceptibility at pH 4.0 and 4°C. SuHV and HSV‐1 are from the same family, and EAV was chosen as a small, enveloped virus. Glycine, acetate, and citrate buffers at pH 4.0 and varying buffer strengths were studied. The inactivation susceptibility was found to be in the order of SuHV > HSV > EAV. The buffer effectiveness was found to be in the order of citrate > acetate > glycine. The smaller virus, EAV, remained stable and infectious in all the buffer types and compositions studied.

Conclusion

The variation in inactivation susceptibility of herpes viruses indicated that SuHV and HSV cannot be interchangeably used as a virus model for inactivation studies. Smaller viruses might remain adventitiously infective at moderately low pH.
Infectious complications of immune checkpoint inhibitors in solid organ malignancies
Authors: Ross Justine Abella , Komoda Kellie , Pal Sumanta , Dickter Jana , Salgia Ravi , Dadwal Sanjeet
Published: December 2021

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are targeted cancer therapies regarded to have less toxicity than chemotherapy. Immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) of ICIs are well described in the literature but limited data exist on their infectious complications. The objective is to describe the spectrum and risk factors for developing serious infections in patients receiving ICIs.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients with melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, or nonsmall‐cell lung cancer on nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and/or ipilimumab from January 1, 2017 to November 30, 2017. Exclusion: receipt of less than two ICI doses or history of other malignancy. Characteristics: age, sex, prior chemotherapy, steroid use, and temozolomide or infliximab use. Data identified from microbiology, radiography, serology, or physician note documentation. Serious infection is defined as infections requiring hospitalization and/or IV antibiotics from initiation of ICI until the end of the study period.

Results

One hundred and eleven pts received ICIs. Suspected or confirmed bacterial infections occurred in 24% (27/111) with 8% (9/111) confirmed bacterial cultures. The overall serious infection rate was 14% (16/111) with 25% (4/16) confirmed bacterial cultures. Suspected or confirmed infection sites: genitourinary 20% (22/111), pneumonia 5% (7/111), skin/soft tissue 7% (8/111). Noninfectious pneumonitis (NIP) occurred in 5% (5/111). No association regarding the risk of infection between the type of malignancy and ICI used. Steroid use was the only risk factor significantly associated with serious infection: 12/16 (75%) on steroids versus 27/95 (28.4%) without steroid use (p = 0.0003).

Conclusion

The rate of serious infection with ICI was higher in our study compared with previous reports of pts treated with melanoma. Infectious complications are encountered with ICIs and correlate with steroid use.
Synthesis of Novel Vindoline‐Chrysin Hybrids
Authors: Mayer Szabolcs , Nagy Nóra , Keglevich Péter , Szigetvári Áron , Dékány Miklós , Szántay Junior Csaba , Hazai László
Published: December 2021

Vinca alkaloids are well‐known microtubule targeting agents, which are used against some types of cancer. Vindoline is one of the monomeric Vinca alkaloids which does not have anti‐tumor effect, although its derivatives have serious impact on the field of these indole alkaloids. Chrysin is a secondary plant metabolite, which has broad‐spectrum biological activity, among others anticancer activity. Chrysin had shown synergic effect with several antiproliferative compounds (e. g., doxorubicin, cisplatin and ciglitazone), therefore, we attempted the synthesis of a novel vindoline‐chrysin hybrid molecule. However, in the first case a diphenylamine structure was isolated. The mechanism of the unexpected reaction was studied, and then the originally targeted hybrid was synthesized by a reverse route coupling. A further hybrid was produced using a different site of the molecule. The antitumor activities were determined against 60 human tumor cell lines (NCI60), where the aimed hybrid showed low micromolar GI50 values on most of the cell lines.
Effect of wheat gluten addition on the quality of thermal‐vacuum packaged Chinese steamed bread
Authors: Xiang Yuting , Dong Rui , Xu Shuya , Ren Tian , Hu Xinzhong
Published: December 2021

Background and objectives

In order to investigate the effect of wheat gluten on thermal‐vacuum packaged Chinese steamed bread (CSB) quality during storage at room temperature, the wheat gluten addition levels of 0%, 1%, and 2% were set to study the effect on the protein structure, water mobility, starch retrogradation properties, and texture properties.

Findings

With the addition of wheat gluten, the β‐sheet content was increased and random coil content of thermal‐vacuum packaged CSB decreased. Wheat gluten enhanced the water holding capacity of CSB and restricted water migration, resulting in a lower content of bound water and higher content of less strongly bound water and free water according to the low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). With the increase of wheat gluten, the diffraction peak intensity and relative crystallinity reduced. The elasticity and cohesion were higher, and the hardness, gumminess, chewiness, and resilience were lower than those in the control.

Conclusions

The results of this study revealed that the addition of wheat gluten can effectively inhibit moisture dispersion and starch retrogradation to delay the staling of CSB during storage.

Significance and novelty

As a natural food additive, wheat gluten can not only optimize protein structure and enhance nutritional value but also extend the shelf life of CSB. Therefore, these findings will promote industrial development of CSB.
Enteropathy‐associated T‐cell lymphoma manifesting as non‐specific abdominal pain: A case report highlighting the dangers of relying on Google Translate for clinical history taking
Authors: Leyden Deirbhile , Melby Niamh
Published: December 2021

We present the case of a 60‐year‐old man with non‐specific abdominal pain. We explore how communication between doctor and patient was challenged by a language barrier. We also consider how the ability to take an accurate clinical history differed between Google Translate and an accredited medical phone translation service.
Hyperinsulinemia/euglycemia and intravenous lipid emulsion therapy for the management of severe amlodipine toxicosis in a cat
Authors: Tinsman Audrey E. , Bellis Tara J.
Published: December 2021

Calcium‐channel blockers (CCBs) are widely used in people and animals. Overdose can result in cardiovascular collapse and death. Hyperinsulinemia/euglycemia therapy (HIET) and intralipid therapy (ILT) are reported treatment options in people. This is the first report describing HIET and ILT as treatments for amlodipine toxicosis in a cat.