bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of vegetation restoration in karst areas on soil nitrogen mineralisation
Authors: Wu Jianghong , Gong Xianghuan , Shu Yingge
Published: December 2024

Background

Nitrogen mineralization plays a critical role in the ecosystem cycle, significantly influencing both the ecosystem function and the nitrogen biogeochemical cycle. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the evolutionary characteristics of soil nitrogen mineralization during the karst vegetation restoration to better understand its importance in the terrestrial nitrogen cycle.

Methods

This study analyzed from various stages of vegetation growth, including a 40-year-old woodland, 20-year-old shrubland, 15-year-old shrubland, 5-year-old grassland, and nearby cropland. The aerobic incubation technique was used for 35 days to evaluate soil N mineralization characteristics and their correlation with soil environmental factors. The study focused on examining the variations in soil N mineralization rate (NMR), N nitrification rate (NR), net nitrification rate (AR), and NH4+-N and NO3--N levels.

Results

Nitrate nitrogen, the primary form of inorganic nitrogen, increased by 19.38% in the 0–40 cm soil layer of the 20-year-old shrubland compared to the cultivated land. Soil NH4+-N levels varied during the incubation period, decreasing by the 14th day and rising again by the 21st day. Soil NO3−-N and total inorganic nitrogen levels initially increased, then declined, and eventually stabilized, reaching their highest levels on the 14th day. During vegetation restoration, the soil NR and NMR decreased gradually with increasing incubation time. The 15-year shrub, 20-year shrub, and 40-year woodland showed the potential to increase soil NR and NMR. Furthermore, the 15-year shrub and 20-year shrub also increased soil AR. The Mantel test analysis indicated positive correlations among total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), silicon (Si), AR, NR, and NMR. While available phosphorus (AP) and NMR demonstrated positive correlations with NR and NMR. Furthermore, TN, TP, TK, and Si were found to be positively correlated with AR, NR, and NMR, whereas AP and NO3--N showed negative correlations with AR, NR, and NMR. It is worth noting that NH4+-N had the greatest effect on AR, while the bulk density (BD) significantly affected the NR. Furthermore, ammonium nitrogen (AN) and soil organic carbon (SOC) were identified as the primary contributors to NMR. This study provides a theoretical basis for comprehending the influence of vegetation restoration on soil nitrogen mineralization and its role in ecosystem restoration.
Antimicrobial resistance pattern of Escherichia coli isolated from imported frozen shrimp in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhabib Ibrahim , Elhadi Nasreldin
Published: December 2024

Contamination of seafood products with multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is considered to be a potential source for the spread of MDR bacteria in communities. However, little is known about the extent of the contamination of seafood, in particular shrimp, with MDR bacteria in Saudi Arabia. In this study, imported frozen shrimp in retail markets were examined for the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Escherichia coli. Escherichia coli was isolated from 40 frozen shrimp samples; a total of 25 and 15 shrimp samples were imported from China and Vietnam, respectively. Of the 40 examined frozen shrimp samples, 30 tested positive for E. coli, resulting in an overall isolation rate of 75%, with a total of 180 isolates being identified. The largest number of positive samples for E. coli isolates (n = 140) were found in 22 out of 25 samples from frozen shrimp imported from China. Additionally, eight out of 15 samples from frozen shrimp imported from Vietnam were positive for E. coli, leading to the recovery of 40 isolates. Overall, the susceptibilities among E. coli isolates were observed against 99.4% for amikacin, augmentin and kanamycin, 95% for cefoxitin and 92.7% for ceftazidime and nitrofurantoin. High percentage of the isolates exhibited resistance to cephalothin (174/180, 96.6%), ampicillin (167/180, 92.7%), Cephalexin (163/180. 90.5%), piperacillin (156/180, 86.6%), ceftriaxone (123/180, 68.3%), nalidixic acid (95/180, 52.7%), trimethoprim sulphamethoxazole (90/180, 50%), and tetracycline (88/180, 48.8%). Additionally, the MDR (resistant to ≥3 different class of antimicrobials) rate among E. coli isolates was 94.4% (170/180). A relatively high intermediate resistance of 60% (108/180) was exhibited for aztreonam. Notably, E. coli showed 71 different antibiotic resistance patterns with the multiple antibiotic resistant (MAR) index ranging from 0.04 to 0.66 and 89.4% of E. coli isolates recorded very significant MAR indexes above the range of 0.2. In this study, we recorded highest antimicrobial co-resistance patterns of 162 (90%) isolates between cephalothin and ampicillin, followed by 158 (87.7%) isolates between cephalothin and cephalexin. Furthermore, and interestingly, the segregation of antimicrobial resistance patterns based on the source of country origin of frozen shrimp revealed few inter-country resistant patterns found interconnecting and this influenced 44 (24.4%) isolates overlapping between isolates origin from frozen shrimp imported from China and Vietnam. This study documents the antimicrobial resistance in E. coli isolated from imported frozen shrimp and the presence of MDR E. coli in shrimp consuming communities, which may pose a risk to public health and the transfer of resistant bacteria to the food chain and environment.
Effect of seedling size on post-planting growth and survival of five Mexican Pinus species and their hybrids
Authors: Ponce-Figueroa José Alberto , Antúnez Pablo , Hernández-Díaz José Ciro , Prieto-Ruíz José Ángel , Carrillo-Parra Artemio , López-Serrano Pablito Marcelo , Wehenkel Christian
Published: December 2024

Background

Seedling growth and survival depend on seedling quality. However, there is no experimental evidence showing that the seedling dimensions of the abundant, economically important and widely distributed tree species Pinus arizonica, P. durangensis, P. engelmannii, P. leiophylla, and P. teocote and their hybrids effectively improve survival and growth in reforestations and plantations in Mexico. Therefore, the aim was to evaluate the influence of initial morphological parameters of 2,007 nursery seedlings of these species and their hybrids on their growth and survival 44 months after planting in the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico.

Methods

Spearman’s coefficient (rs) and the unbiased conditional pseudo coefficient of determination (R2c) between each specific predictor and each response variable and their 95% confidence interval (CI95%) were determined using Random Forest, generalized linear model, and bootstrapping. By bootstrapping, the potential environmental heterogeneity inside the trial fields and its impact on the results were also quantified.

Results

Among the studied species and their hybrids moderate correlations were observed between the nursery seedling dimensions and the plant dimensions 44 months after planting. However, only weak significant correlations were found between survival rate (SR) and height (H) (rs = 0.10) and between SR and robustness index (HRCD) both before planting (rs = 0.06). Also, weak significant R2c values of the seedlings RCD, H and HRCD were detected with respect to the corresponding RCD, H and SR 44 months after planting, respectively. Furthermore, the predictor variable “seed provenance” (with 23 provenances) significantly explained the variation in the post-planting RCD, H and SR of the seedlings, with R2c values ranging from 0.10 to 0.15. The low width of the CI95% shows that the environmental conditions in the trial fields were quite homogeneous.

Discussion

The results also show that the inclusion of “confounding” variables in the statistical analysis of the study was crucial. Important factors to explain this low association could be the strong damage observed caused by pocket gopher, the typically low winter-spring precipitation in both field trials and adaptation factors. The study findings provide preliminary insights and information aimed at helping to design more appropriate standards for nurseries.
Determinação do ponto de equilíbrio em leilões reversos: aplicação do modelo alice aos leilões de energia brasileiros
Authors: Ferreira Heitor Lopes
Published: December 2024

O Brasil, desde 2004, adota o mecanismo de leilão reverso, denominado Ambiente de Contratação Regulado (ACR) para a compra de energia elétrica de diferentes fontes, renováveis e não renováveis, abrindo oportunidades para empresas privadas explorarem um mercado que está em franca expansão no Brasil e no mundo. Os estudos sobre os ambientes de leilões é integrante da Teoria dos Jogos, cuja principal prerrogativa prevê a existência de interação estratégica entre os agentes em processos de tomada de decisão sob o enfoque racional. Dentro desse cenário, o presente artigo apresenta o modelo ALICE como alternativa para determinação do ponto de equilíbrio (PE), à luz da Teoria dos Jogos, que permite aos empreendimentos que participam destes leilões, avaliarem a probabilidade de vitória e maximização de suas receitas.  Possibilidade esta não prevista pelo clássico modelo de Cournot, quando os cenários são caracterizados pela existência de limitação de preço, desconhecimento da demanda e custo variável zero para geração de energia. As unidades de análise foram as usinas geradoras de energia brasileiras cuja fonte é a biomassa. Os dados analisados demonstraram que o modelo ALICE apresentou resultados robustos quando comparado ao modelo de Cournot, adaptou-se as limitações imposta pelos leilões reversos propiciando melhores utilidades e probabilidades de vitórias concretas.
Varied Analysis of Acid Dissociation Constants by Cyclic Voltammetry and UV-Visible to Determine the Aqueous Solubility of a New Diisopropylammonium Phenylsulfonate Molecule
Authors: Seye Dame , Faye Déthié , Lo Momath , Diop Cheikh A.  B. , Dieng Mamadou , Diop Cheikh A. K. , Fall Modou
Published: December 2024

The determination of dissociation constant, solubility and thermodynamic parameters are very important physico-chemical parameters in substances and their knowledge is of fundamental importance for the validation of a pharmaceutical ingredient target. The determination of these parameters for an agent candidate target diisopropylammonium phenylsulfonate (besylate) (PhSO3-iPr2NH2) was determined by voltammetric and UV-visible methods.
The voltammetric method gave pKa1= 3.03±0.21 and pKa2= 10.23±0.59, while the UV-visible method determined two pKas values, pKa1= 2.21±0.04 and pKa2= 10.77±0.42 respectively. The thermodynamic parameter values calculated for the enthalpy (∆H) and entropy (∆S) of PhSO3-iPr2NH2 are of the order of ∆H= 3429.96±82.30 KJ.mol-1and ∆S = 11.85 ± 0.26 KJ.mol-1.K-1. These values suggest that the crystalline molecule is stable and the dissociation process is endothermic.
 In addition, the Gibbs free energy of the molecule decreases with increasing temperature which confirmed the stability PhSO3-iPr2NH2 crystalline. The solubility shows values between 1.3 and 70 mg/mL for pH values between 2.75 and 10.5 and reaches its maximum Smax = 70mg/mL at pH equals 2.75 and 10.5.
All these physico-chemical properties of PhSO3-iPr2NH2, which are within the range of active pharmaceutical ingredients, could make it an excellent candidate of pharmaceutical ingredient. On the other hand, these results demonstrated the reliability and effectiveness of the voltammetric and UV-visible methods for the the determination of physico-chemical properties of molecules.
Response of Rabi Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) Varieties to Sowing Time and Row Spacing under Semi-arid Region of Banaskantha, Gujarat, India
Authors: Tamboli Y. A. , Amin A. U.
Published: December 2024

The yield of crops depends on climatic, soil and crop management factors, among them optimum time of sowing has becomes a prime importance for higher productivity. Crop varieties respond differently to sowing time as well as optimum row spacing is important for maximizing light interception, distribution and light penetration in crop canopy. So that in 2015-16, a field experiment was carried out to examine the consequences of different sowing time, varieties and row spacing on growth, yield and phenology of rabi fennel. The significantly tallest plant height and higher number of branches (primary, secondary and tertiary) per plant, number of seeds per umbellate, seed yield per plant, seed, stover and biological yield as well as more number days to 50 per cent flowering and days to physiological maturity recorded under early sowing i.e. 3rd week of October. Fennel variety GF-12 superior over GF-11 and GF-2 in terms of the growth and yield parameters. Whereas, row spacing of 45 cm recorded higher growth and yield parameters over 60 cm. However, spacing did not exhibit a significant influence on harvest index, days to 50 per cent flowering and days to physiological maturity. The Interaction effect of time of sowing and row spacing was found significant in primary branches, number of umbels and seed yield per plant as well as seed yield. It was found that growth and yield attributing characters significantly correlated with seed yield.
Combining Cleaning and Disinfection – An Alternative Approach for Preventing the Contamination of Blood Products
Authors: N Gatt , J.P. Gialanze, , N. Spiteri, , V. Zammit,
Published: December 2024

Aim: Disinfection products and protocols have been devised to provide safe blood and blood derivatives for transfusion; however, sepsis is still the leading cause of transfusion reaction fatalities. This raises the question whether disinfection on its own is sufficient for preventing such outcomes and whether cleaning of the arm prior to disinfection can further reduce the amount of skin commensals responsible for the contamination of blood products.
Methodology:   One of the blood donor’s arms was disinfected according to the standard protocol and swabs were taken before and after disinfection (Scenario 1). The other arm was cleaned with a hypoallergenic soap-free and alcohol-free wipe and then disinfected (Scenario 2). Swabs from this arm were taken before cleaning, after cleaning and after disinfection. Tryptone soya agar plates were inoculated and incubated at a temperature which facilitates bacterial and fungal growth.
Results: A rate reduction was set and plates that failed this criterion were due to coagulase negative staphylococci. The commonest bacteria identified was Staphylococcus epidermidis. Less fungi were isolated on the after-disinfection plates that failed disinfection and these were Penicillium sp. and Cladosporium sp. Resultant colony counts from both Scenarios were statistically analysed and resulted in a significant reduction of bacterial colony counts post disinfection; however, the after disinfection plates of Scenario 2 had a lower average of colony counts than Scenario 1. Cleaning the skin prior disinfection resulted in a significant reduction of bacterial colony count and leading to a higher average of bacterial reduction in Scenario 2 than Scenario 1. Although Scenario 2 had a reduction rate of 98.3% which was more than that of Scenario 1 which had a reduction rate of 97.5%, there was no statistically significant difference (P=0.293) between the outcomes. 
Conclusion: Cleaning the skin prior to disinfection reduces the bacterial load on the skin which makes the disinfection process more effective and reduces the probability of contamination of blood products.
Doping and Decorating 2D Materials for Biosensing: Benefits and Drawbacks
Authors: Chia Hui Ling , Mayorga‐Martinez Carmen C. , Pumera Martin
Published: August 2021

The rapid advancements in the field of materials science, especially nanoscience, have played a critical role in the advancement of sensors, in particular the development of novel transducer platforms. Sensors are devices that respond to specific phenomena with recordable and analytically useful output signals and have found their way into a myriad of applications in daily life. Some of these applications include the measurement of glucose and cholesterol levels and detection of emerging infectious diseases for biomedical purposes, environmental monitoring, and food analysis. 2D materials proffer numerous advantageous physical, chemical, electronic, and optical attributes such as large specific surface areas, excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, an abundance of catalytic sites, ease of functionalization, and tuneable electronic structures, allowing them to hold promising potential for the development of sensors with high sensitivity. Although layered materials demonstrate many beneficial attributes for the development of sensors, the properties and electronic structure of layered materials can be fine‐tuned via doping or decorating to enhance the sensing performance. This review highlights the current progress of electrical and optical sensors based upon metal‐decorated and metal‐doped 2D materials and examines the effects of decorating and doping 2D materials for sensor developments.
Bioinspired Development of an In Vitro Engineered Fracture Callus for the Treatment of Critical Long Bone Defects
Authors: Bolander Johanna , Mota Carlos , Ooi Huey Wen , Agten Hannah , Baker Matthew B. , Moroni Lorenzo , Luyten Frank P.
Published: August 2021

Cell‐based regenerative constructs provide hope for the restoration of tissue function in compromised biological conditions such as complex bone defects. A strategy mimicking the cascade of events of postnatal fracture healing suggests an implant design where progenitor cells provide the driving force for the construct's tissue forming capacity, while framing biomaterials provide cells with 3D cues to direct cellular processes. Large bone defects mainly heal through the formation of an intermediate endochondral fracture callus. The authors aimed to develop an in vitro engineered fracture callus manufactured by bioprinting to provide a spatially organized tissue construct based on: i) in vitro 3D primed human periosteum derived cells and ii) biocompatible thiol‐ene alginate hydrogels, mimicking the cells and extracellular matrix present in the different zones of the callus. Cell viability and maintained osteochondrogenic differentiation upon bioprinting is confirmed in vitro. In vivo assessment displays that the developed biomaterials provided essential 3D cues that further guided the cells in their tissue forming process in the absence of additional stimulatory molecules. The reported findings confirm the appeal of a biomimetic approach to steer tissue development of in vitro engineered constructs and illustrate the suitability of bioprinting methodologies for the fabrication of living regenerative implants.
Construction of Nickel‐Based Dual Heterointerfaces towards Accelerated Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution via Boosting Multi‐Step Elementary Reaction
Authors: Zhou Peng , Tao Li , Tao Shasha , Li Yinchang , Wang Dongdong , Dong Xinwei , Frauenheim Thomas , Fu Xianzhu , Lv Xingshuai , Wang Shuangyin
Published: August 2021

The introduction of composite components to construct heterointerfaces is an important way to improve the electrocatalytic performance of materials. However, selecting appropriate components to accelerate the elementary reaction rates of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media is still in challenge. Here, a Ni‐CeF3‐VN multi‐component material is successfully constructed, which exhibits excellent HER catalytic activity (33 mV at 10 mA cm−2). The experimental and computational results show that the Ni‐VN and Ni‐CeF3 dual heterointerfaces can effectively promote the transfer of OH− adsorption site from Ni to VN and optimize the adsorption energy of intermediate H respectively, which together accelerate the rate of the multi‐step hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline solution and thus lead to a significantly improved HER performance compared to the pure Ni. Furthermore, the solar to hydrogen (STH) efficiency can reach 10.34%. This work provides an effective guide for the design of high‐efficiency multicomponent materials in the future.
Cobalt‐Nanoporous Carbon Functionalized Nanocomposite‐Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Contactless and Sustainable Self‐Powered Sensor Systems
Authors: Rana S. M. Sohel , Zahed Md Abu , Rahman M. Toyabur , Salauddin M. , Lee Sang Hyun , Park Chani , Maharjan P. , Bhatta T. , Shrestha Kumar , Park Jae Yeong
Published: August 2021

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), which operate in contactless mode and avoid physical contact, are highly attractive for self‐powered sensor systems aiming to achieve long‐term reliable operation and reduce rubbing friction. Herein, an ultra‐flexible and high‐performance contactless double‐layer TENG (CDL‐TENG) is first designed and fabricated using a metal–organic framework‐based cobalt nanoporous carbon (Co‐NPC)/Ecoflex with MXene/Ecoflex nanocomposite layer for self‐powered sensor applications. The porous structure of the Co‐NPC provides a high‐surface‐area of the nanocomposite and the charge storage layer of the MXene/Ecoflex nanocomposite accumulates more negative charge to improve the functionality of the CDL‐TENG two and three times, respectively. Compared with Ecoflex film‐based TENGs, the fabricated CDL‐TENG exhibits an eight‐fold slower decay rate owing to charge trapping characteristics, which were confirmed by surface potential measurements. The CDL‐TENG shows excellent humidity and acceleration sensitivity of about 0.3 V/% and 2.06 Vs2 m−1. The CDL‐TENG also offers non‐contact position detection performance in the 20 cm range. Furthermore, the CDL‐TENG is successfully integrated with mobile‐vehicles and an intelligent robot to perform obstacle and human‐motion detection. Finally, a contactless door‐lock password authentication system was demonstrated. These multifunctional benefits make it useful for numerous applications, including artificial intelligence, human‐machine interfaces, and self‐powered sensors.
Multifunctional Triboelectric Nanogenerator‐Enabled Structural Elements for Next Generation Civil Infrastructure Monitoring Systems
Authors: Zhang Qianyun , Barri Kaveh , Kari Sadra R. , Wang Zhong Lin , Alavi Amir H.
Published: August 2021

There is a critical shortage in research needed to explore a new class of multifunctional structural components that respond to their environment, empower themselves and self‐monitor their condition. Here, the novel concept of triboelectric nanogenerator‐enabled structural elements (TENG‐SEs) is proposed to build the foundation for the next generation civil infrastructure systems with intrinsic sensing and energy harvesting functionalities. In order to validate the proposed concept, proof‐of‐concept multifunctional composite rebars with built‐in TENG mechanisms are developed. The developed prototypes function as structural reinforcements, nanogenerators, and distributed sensing mediums under external mechanical vibrations. Experiential and theoretical studies are performed to verify the electrical and mechanical performance of the developed self‐powering and self‐sensing composite structural components. The capability of the embedded structural elements to detect damage patterns in concrete beams at multiscale is demonstrated. Finally, it is discussed how this new class of TENG‐SEs can revolutionize the large‐scale distributed monitoring practices in civil infrastructure and construction fields.
Promoting Energy Transfer via Manipulation of Crystallization Kinetics of Quasi‐2D Perovskites for Efficient Green Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Guo Zhenyu , Zhang Yu , Wang Bingzhe , Wang Liding , Zhou Ning , Qiu Zhiwen , Li Nengxu , Chen Yihua , Zhu Cheng , Xie Haipeng , Song Tinglu , Song Lei , Xue Haibo , Tao Shuxia , Chen Qi , Xing Guichuan , Xiao Lixin , Liu Zhiwei , Zhou Huanping
Published: August 2021

Quasi‐2D (Q‐2D) perovskites are promising materials applied in light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) due to their high exciton binding energy and quantum confinement effects. However, Q‐2D perovskites feature a multiphase structure with abundant grain boundaries and interfaces, leading to nonradiative loss during the energy‐transfer process. Here, a more efficient energy transfer in Q‐2D perovskites is achieved by manipulating the crystallization kinetics of different‐n phases. A series of alkali‐metal bromides is utilized to manipulate the nucleation and growth of Q‐2D perovskites, which is likely associated with the Coulomb interaction between alkali‐metal ions and the negatively charged PbBr64– frames. The incorporation of K+ is found to restrict the nucleation of high‐n phases and allows the subsequent growth of low‐n phases, contributing to a spatially more homogeneous distribution of different‐n phases and promoted energy transfer. As a result, highly efficient green Q‐2D perovskites LEDs with a champion EQE of 18.15% and a maximum brightness of 25 800 cd m–2 are achieved. The findings affirm a novel method to optimize the performance of Q‐2D perovskite LEDs.
Large‐Sized Graphene Oxide Nanosheets Increase DC–T‐Cell Synaptic Contact and the Efficacy of DC Vaccines against SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Zhou Qianqian , Gu Hongjing , Sun Sujing , Zhang Yulong , Hou Yangyang , Li Chenyan , Zhao Yan , Ma Ping , Lv Liping , Aji Subi , Sun Shihui , Wang Xiaohui , Zhan Linsheng
Published: August 2021

Dendritic cell (DC) vaccines are used for cancer and infectious diseases, albeit with limited efficacy. Modulating the formation of DC–T‐cell synapses may greatly increase their efficacy. The effects of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets on DCs and DC–T‐cell synapse formation are evaluated. In particular, size‐dependent interactions are observed between GO nanosheets and DCs. GOs with diameters of >1 µm (L‐GOs) demonstrate strong adherence to the DC surface, inducing cytoskeletal reorganization via the RhoA‐ROCK‐MLC pathway, while relatively small GOs (≈500 nm) are predominantly internalized by DCs. Furthermore, L‐GO treatment enhances DC–T‐cell synapse formation via cytoskeleton‐dependent membrane positioning of integrin ICAM‐1. L‐GO acts as a “nanozipper,” facilitating the aggregation of DC–T‐cell clusters to produce a stable microenvironment for T cell activation. Importantly, L‐GO‐adjuvanted DCs promote robust cytotoxic T cell immune responses against SARS‐CoV‐2 spike 1, leading to >99.7% viral RNA clearance in mice infected with a clinically isolated SARS‐CoV‐2 strain. These findings highlight the potential value of nanomaterials as DC vaccine adjuvants for modulating DC–T‐cell synapse formation and provide a basis for the development of effective COVID‐19 vaccines.
A Wavelength‐Tunable Multi‐Functional Transistor with Visible‐Light Detection and Inverse Photomemory for Logic Gate and Retina Emulation
Authors: Shi Qianqian , Liu Dapeng , Dai Shilei , Huang Jia
Published: August 2021

The multi‐functional phototransistor is essential for the realization of highly‐integrated multi‐functional electronics. Herein, inverse photomemory is discovered from the organic phototransistor based on dinaphtho[2,3‐b:2′,3′‐f]thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (DNTT)/diarylethene (DAE) bilayer structure. With the incorporation of the photoactive DAE dielectric layer, the integration of high‐performance photodetection and photomemory in one device is realized. The function of the device can be switched by changing the wavelength of the incident light. The devices exhibit positive photosensing performances under the stimulation of 450 nm monochromatic light, can be switched to inverse photomemory transistors under the stimulation of 365 nm monochromatic light, and recover to the pristine state when applying a positive gate voltage and 600 nm illumination. The I450/Idark ratio of positive photosensing and the Idark/I365 ratio of inverse photomemory are high up to the order of 106 and 107, respectively. In addition, the photonic logic gate and the retina emulation have been successfully demonstrated. In addition, the device can be operated as a light‐stimulated synaptic transistor. The typical synaptic behaviors (excitatory postsynaptic current, paired pulse facilitation, memory, and learning behaviors) have been successfully demonstrated. The development of multi‐functionalized phototransistors provides a promising configuration for multi‐functional and highly‐integrated systems.
A Facile Method Based on Oxide Semiconductor Reduction for Controlling the Photoresponse Characteristic of Flexible and Transparent Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Kim Min Seong , Jung Joohye , Kim Hyung Tae , Choi Dong Hyun , Jung Sujin , Kim Hyun Jae
Published: August 2021

A facile method is presented involving a reducing agent, sodium dithionite (Na2S2O4), to control the photoresponse characteristics of oxide semiconductors that detect visible‐light. The method exhibits extraordinary potential for fabricating a diverse range of optoelectronic devices. Due to its weak S–S bond, Na2S2O4 generates excessive subgap states and oxygen vacancies in hafnium–indium–gallium–zinc oxide (HIGZO) thin‐film during the reduction treatment (RDT). It is achievable to finely tune the photoresponse characteristic by adjusting the molarity of Na2S2O4, implying superior applicability of RDT into various applications. First, HIGZO phototransistors with photoresponsivity of 626.32 A W−1, photosensitivity of 3.32 × 107, and detectivity of 7.18 × 1011 Jones under 10 mW mm−2 of red light illumination are fabricated using 0.1 m Na2S2O4. Second, 0.5 m Na2S2O4 is chosen for photomemory‐based neuromorphic devices with a paired‐pulse facilitation index of 142.6% when the input pulse of red light with an intensity of 1 mW mm−2 is introduced. In addition, major synaptic functions such as short‐term memory and long‐term memory behaviors, originated from persistent photoconductivity and depending on sequential pulse condition, are successfully emulated. These results indicate that RDT can control the photoresponse of oxide semiconductors to expand the applicability of oxide semiconductors without using a light absorption layer.
Radical Promoted Synthesis of Furoquinolines via Anomalous Dakin‐Type Reaction
Authors: Sushmita  , Aggarwal Trapti , Saini Kapil Mohan , Verma Akhilesh K.
Published: August 2021

A radical promoted approach for the selective synthesis of furo[3,2‐b]quinolines and benzylidene‐1,3‐dihydrofuro[3,4‐b]quinolines have been achieved from 2‐alkynyl quinoline‐3‐carbaldehydes by fine‐tuning of base and oxidant in good yields. In the presence of an oxidant, the reaction afforded the 5‐endo‐dig cyclized furoquinolines by decarbonylative intramolecular cyclization via a Dakin‐type reaction; however, in the absence of oxidant, 5‐exo‐dig cyclized products were obtained selectively through reductive intramolecular cyclization. The formation of furoquinolines was further supported by X‐ray crystallographic studies. The proposed mechanism was well supported by the control experiments.

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One‐Pot Synthesis of 1,2,3‐Triazolo Polycyclic Systems via Copper‐Catalyzed/TsOH‐Promoted Tandem Annulation of 1,6‐Allenynes with Organic Azides
Authors: Zhou Ting , Zhu Yuqi , Zhang Hong , He Jieyin , Li Hongguang , Lang Ming , Wang Jian , Peng Shiyong
Published: August 2021

A copper‐catalyzed/TsOH‐promoted one‐pot tandem annulation of 1,6‐allenynes with organic azides was reported, providing N‐allyl 1,2,3‐triazole‐fused structures in moderate to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions. Moreover, the late‐stage diversification of the N‐allyl products can be realized by chemoselectively reducing to the N‐alkyl counterparts.

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Porous Lithiophilic Li–Si Alloy‐Type Interfacial Framework via Self‐Discharge Mechanism for Stable Lithium Metal Anode with Superior Rate
Authors: Park Jung Been , Choi Changhoon , Yu Seungho , Chung Kyung Yoon , Kim Dong‐Wan
Published: August 2021

Lithium is regarded as an ideal anode for next‐generation Li metal batteries (LMB) as it exhibits extraordinarily high theoretical capacity and the lowest electrochemical potential among all anode candidates. However, safety concerns and poor cycling stability of Li induced by uncontrollable dendrite growth and severe side reactions impede its practical application for LMB. Although various strategies for fabricating Li anodes have been suggested, developing high‐rate LMB remains a significant challenge. To address this challenge, the use of a 3D porous Li–Si alloy‐type interfacial framework (LSIF) created via a “self‐discharge” mechanism with the aid of an electrolyte is proposed here. Exploiting the in situ spontaneous prelithiation, lithiophilic Li15Si4 particles are homogenously arranged to build porous 3D LSIF. The balanced ionic/electronic conducting LSIF serves as a stable Li host, helping to suppress dendrite growth and volume expansion during cycling. The LSIF@Li anode possesses a strong affinity toward Li, rapid Li diffusion kinetics, and low nucleation/diffusion barriers. Moreover, the LSIF@Li symmetric cells are capable of stable cycling (over 1000 cycles) even at an ultrahigh current density (15 mA cm–2). When paired with LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 or LiFePO4, LSIF@Li full cells show improved rate capability and long‐term cycling stability (≈2000 cycles) at 10 C.
A modified DSSAT‐CERES model for simulating summer maize growth under film mulching
Authors: Shen Hongzheng , Gao Yan , Guo Fangchen , Wang Yue , Ma Xiaoyi
Published: August 2021

Plastic film mulching is an effective agronomic measure for increasing crop yield, and the decision support system for agricultural technology transfer (DSSAT) model is an effective tool for simulating crop growth and water management. However, the DSSAT model does not have a specific soil evaporation module for plastic film mulching. In this paper, a method for estimating soil evaporation capacity under film mulching conditions based on the small hole effect was developed and embedded in the DSSAT model. Then, considering the compensation effect of soil temperature on air temperature under the condition of film mulching, the DSSAT model was modified accordingly. The results show that the average temperature compensation coefficient for 2 yr from sowing to emergence was 0.695 °C, and 0.305 °C from emergence to jointing. The improved DSSAT model can simulate the growth of summer maize (Zea mays L.) and changes in soil water content. Compared with the original model, the average relative RMSE of the simulated and observed soil water content of the modified DSSAT model improved by 2.26 and 1.63%, respectively. The modified model can improve the simulation accuracy, which shows that the method proposed in this paper can provide an effective way for the simulation of crop growth process under film mulching conditions.
DNase Treatment Prevents Cerebrospinal Fluid Block in Early Experimental Pneumococcal Meningitis
Authors: Pavan Chiara , L. R. Xavier Anna , Ramos Marta , Fisher Jane , Kritsilis Marios , Linder Adam , Bentzer Peter , Nedergaard Maiken , Lundgaard Iben
Published: August 2021

Objective

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis, a disease that, despite treatment with antibiotics, still is associated with high mortality and morbidity worldwide. Diffuse brain swelling is a leading cause of morbidity in S pneumoniae meningitis. We hypothesized that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) disrupt cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) transport by the glymphatic system and contribute to edema formation in S pneumoniae meningitis.

Methods

We used DNase I treatment to disrupt NETs and then assessed glymphatic function by cisterna magna injections of CSF tracers in a rat model of S pneumoniae meningitis.

Results

Our analysis showed that CSF influx into the brain parenchyma, as well as CSF drainage to the cervical lymph nodes, was significantly reduced in the rat model of S pneumoniae meningitis. Degrading NETs by DNase treatment restored glymphatic transport and eliminated the increase in brain weight in the rats. In contrast, first‐line antibiotic treatment had no such effect on restoring fluid dynamics.

Interpretation

This study suggests that CSF accumulation is responsible for cerebral edema formation and identifies the glymphatic system and NETs as possible new treatment targets in S pneumoniae meningitis. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:653–669
Low‐Valence Znδ+ (0<δ<2) Single‐Atom Material as Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst for CO2 Reduction
Authors: Li Simin , Zhao Siqi , Lu Xiuyuan , Ceccato Marcel , Hu Xin‐Ming , Roldan Alberto , Catalano Jacopo , Liu Min , Skrydstrup Troels , Daasbjerg Kim
Published: August 2021

A nitrogen‐stabilized single‐atom catalyst containing low‐valence zinc atoms (Znδ+‐NC) is reported. It contains saturated four‐coordinate (Zn‐N4) and unsaturated three‐coordinate (Zn‐N3) sites. The latter makes Zn a low‐valence state, as deduced from X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, and density functional theory. Znδ+‐NC catalyzes electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO with near‐unity selectivity in water at an overpotential as low as 310 mV. A current density up to 1 A cm−2 can be achieved together with high CO selectivity of >95 % using Znδ+‐NC in a flow cell. Calculations suggest that the unsaturated Zn‐N3 could dramatically reduce the energy barrier by stabilizing the COOH* intermediate owing to the electron‐rich environment of Zn. This work sheds light on the relationship among coordination number, valence state, and catalytic performance and achieves high current densities relevant for industrial applications.
Biocatalytic C3‐Indole Methylation—A Useful Tool for the Natural‐Product‐Inspired Stereoselective Synthesis of Pyrroloindoles
Authors: Schneider Pascal , Henßen Birgit , Paschold Beatrix , Chapple Benjamin P. , Schatton Marcel , Seebeck Florian P. , Classen Thomas , Pietruszka Jörg
Published: August 2021

Enantioselective synthesis of bioactive compounds bearing a pyrroloindole framework is often laborious. In contrast, there are several S‐adenosyl methionine (SAM)‐dependent methyl transferases known for stereo‐ and regioselective methylation at the C3 position of various indoles, directly leading to the formation of the desired pyrroloindole moiety. Herein, the SAM‐dependent methyl transferase PsmD from Streptomyces griseofuscus, a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of physostigmine, is characterized in detail. The biochemical properties of PsmD and its substrate scope were demonstrated. Preparative scale enzymatic methylation including SAM regeneration was achieved for three selected substrates after a design‐of‐experiment optimization.
Genetic diversity of immature Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) sea turtles from the northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Lamont Margaret M. , Moreno Nickolas , Camacho‐Sánchez Fatima Yedith , Acosta‐Sánchez H. Hugo , Glaberman Scott , Reyes‐Lopez Miguel Angel , Chiari Ylenia
Published: August 2021

The Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) is the world’s most endangered sea turtle species. Predominately nesting at only one beach in Mexico, this species declined to an estimated 300 females in the mid‐1980s. Conservation efforts in the United States and Mexico, including a head start programme in southern Texas in which hatchlings were reared in captivity for several months before being released into the wild, resulted in the recovery of this species.

Although genetic data have previously been used to assess the success of the head start programme and dispersal of individual adults, data on immature turtles sampled at foraging areas and adult females sampled at the main nesting beach in Mexico are lacking. Genetic characterization of immature individuals is important for understanding recruitment, survival, and population demography, while genetic data on individuals from Mexico are essential for understanding dispersal and overall genetic diversity in this species.

To address these gaps, mitochondrial DNA data were collected from 106 immature individuals sampled at four different foraging sites in the northern Gulf of Mexico and from 18 nesting females at the primary nesting beach in Mexico.

Two previously unknown mitochondrial DNA haplotypes were discovered among the immature individuals.

Except for these two new haplotypes, the genetic diversity of immature individuals in the northern Gulf of Mexico closely corresponds to that of adults sampled in Mexico, which suggests that much of the diversity within the nesting population can be found among immature animals dispersing to foraging grounds, including locations in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

Continued monitoring of the genetic variation of different life stages of this species across its distribution range will help assess the success of conservation programmes by ensuring the maintenance of genetic diversity and representation of this diversity across the species’ distribution range.
Adaptive dynamic programming‐based decentralized event‐triggered control of large‐scale nonlinear systems
Authors: Hu Chuanhao , Zou Yuanyuan , Li Shaoyuan
Published: August 2021

This paper proposes an adaptive dynamic programming (ADP)‐based decentralized event‐triggered control strategy for large‐scale nonlinear systems with event‐triggered scheme to efficiently reduce communication cost and computational burden. Under the event‐triggered mechanism, an local neural networks (NNs)‐based observer is introduced to identify the mismatched interconnections and the estimation error is guaranteed to be uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB). Then, a decentralized triggering condition related to the approximation error of interconnections is designed to reduce the local controller updates with guaranteed overall stabilization of large‐scale systems. By virtue of critic‐only structure, the local optimal control policy can be approximated via aperiodic tuning rule using ADP. In addition, the closed‐loop large‐scale system ensures to be asymptotically stable with adaptive triggering threshold according to Lyapunov method. Finally, the simulation results justify the theoretical analysis and illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed event‐triggered control (ETC) strategy.
Fast identification of off‐target liabilities in early antibiotic discovery with Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Ribeiro da Cunha Bernardo , Aleixo Sandra M. , Fonseca Luís P. , Calado Cecília R. C.
Published: August 2021

Structural modifications of known antibiotic scaffolds have kept the upper hand on resistance, but we are on the verge of not having antibiotics for many common infections. Mechanism‐based discovery assays reveal novelty, exclude off‐target liabilities, and guide lead optimization. For that, we developed a fast and automatable protocol using high‐throughput Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIRS). Metabolic fingerprints of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli exposed to 35 compounds, dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or water, were acquired. Our data analysis pipeline identified biomarkers of off‐target effects, optimized spectral preprocessing, and identified the top‐performing machine learning algorithms for off‐target liabilities and mechanism of action (MOA) identification. Spectral bands with known biochemical associations more often yielded more significant biomarkers of off‐target liabilities when bacteria were exposed to compounds dissolved in water than DMSO. Highly discriminative models distinguished compounds with predominant off‐target effects from antibiotics with well‐defined MOA (AUROC > 0.87, AUPR > 0.79, F1 > 0.81), and from the latter predicted their MOA (AUROC > 0.88, AUPR > 0.70, F1 > 0.70). The compound solvent did not affect predictive models. FTIRS is fast, simple, inexpensive, automatable, and highly effective at predicting MOA and off‐target liabilities. As such, FTIRS mechanism‐based screening assays can be applied for hit discovery and to guide lead optimization during the early stages of antibiotic discovery.
Mesenchymal stem cells and local tacrolimus delivery synergistically enhance neurite extension
Authors: Saffari Sara , Saffari Tiam M. , Chan Katelyn , Borschel Gregory H. , Shin Alexander Y.
Published: August 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and local delivery of tacrolimus (FK506) on nerve regeneration when applied to nerve autografts and decellularized allografts.

Methods

A three‐dimensional in vitro compartmented cell culture system consisting of a neonatal dorsal root ganglion adjacent to a nerve graft was used to evaluate the regenerating neurites into the peripheral nerve scaffold. Nerve autografts and allografts were treated with (i) undifferentiated MSCs, (ii) FK506 (100 ng/mL) or (iii) both (N = 9/group). After 48 hours, neurite extension was measured to quantify nerve regeneration and stem cell viability was evaluated.

Results

Stem cell viability was confirmed in all MSC‐treated grafts. Neurite extension was superior in autografts treated with FK506, and MSCs and FK506 combined (p < 0.001 and p = 0.0001, respectively), and autografts treated with MSCs (p = 0.12) were comparable to untreated autografts. In allografts, FK506 treatment and combined treatment were superior to controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.0001, respectively), and treatment with MSCs (p = 0.09) was comparable to controls. All autograft groups were superior compared to their respective allograft treatment group (p < 0.05) in neurite extension.

Conclusions

Alone, either MSC or FK506 treatment improved neurite outgrowth, and combined they further enhanced neurite extension in both autografts and allografts.
Retinal Haemorrhages in Childhood Encephalopathies: Review of a Prospective Research Programme
Authors: Minns Robert A. , Jones Patricia A. , Fleck Brian W. , Mulvihill Alan O.
Published: August 2021

One important cause of retinal haemorrhages (RHs) in children is abusive head trauma (AHT). Our programme of research was conducted on children admitted to hospital over a seven‐year period who had RHs as part of their clinical presentation. This paper summarises important findings from previous publications. As a prerequisite, two basic studies were necessary: (i) a method of reporting the precise location of the RH in the retina; and (ii) defining a simple clinical classification of RHs based on the appearance of the retinal layer involved. Because raised intracranial pressure (RICP) is a frequent secondary brain insult following serious adult head injury, causing hypoxic‐ischaemic injury with a resultant poor outcome, it was considered whether such RICP might also cause RHs in children. Detailed, state‐of‐the‐art monitoring methods were used to investigate this relationship along with retinal imaging. Methodical documentation of the type, area and lifespan of RHs meant that it was possible to address the question of predicting AHT from RH numbers and characteristics, and to describe not only the duration of different layer haemorrhages, but also a previously unreported observation that some RHs transiently enlarge over two to three days before resolving normally.

‘One important cause of retinal haemorrhages (RHs) in children is abusive head trauma’

Key Practitioner Messages

A new retinal zone classification for research and legal purposes has been developed, as well as a simplified five‐point working classification of RHs, based on existing fundoscopic descriptions.

In this cohort study, a young age and a high ‘dot‐blot’ count (>25 intraretinal haemorrhages) are strong predictors of AHT.

There is a complex association between the burden of intracranial pressure insult and RHs.

Time to resolution of different RHs has been calculated using two‐dimensional RH area pixel counts from sequential retinal imaging. Two patterns of resolution are reported.
Successful determination of imatinib re‐administration dosage by therapeutic drug monitoring in a case of chronic myeloid leukemia initiating dialysis for acute renal dysfunction
Authors: Nakahara Ryosuke , Sumimoto Takahiro , Tanaka Ryota , Ogata Masao , Itoh Hiroki
Published: August 2021

Fixed dose regimen is currently the standard administration method for TKI. However, this case report indicated that TDM may by a useful approach to individualized dosing of TKI for the treatment of CML when initiating dialysis.