bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Targets of Neurotoxic Insecticides in Apis mellifera
Authors: Cens Thierry , Chavanieu Alain , Bertaud Anaïs , Mokrane Nawfel , Estaran Sébastien , Roussel Julien , Ménard Claudine , De Jesus Ferreira Marie‐Celeste , Guiramand Janique , Thibaud Jean‐Baptiste , Cohen‐Solal Catherine , Rousset Matthieu , Rolland Valérie , Vignes Michel , Charnet Pierre
Published: March 2022

The intensive use of insecticides, combined with other factors such as habitat loss, might explain worldwide decrease of insect populations documented in the past twenty years. However, due to the involvement of pest species in crop destruction and in vector‐borne diseases, insecticides will probably continue to be required still for decades. The most commercially successful insecticides are neurotoxicants acting on ion channels of the central nervous system affecting thereby cellular excitability and synaptic transmission and causing insect paralysis and fatality. In this article, we provide an overview of the insecticides acting on voltage‐gated sodium channels, GABA‐gated chloride channels and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. We summarize the current knowledge on those ion channels from the honeybee Apis mellifera and discuss the possible mode of action of neurotoxic insecticides.
Label‐free enrichment of MCF7 breast cancer cells from leukocytes using continuous flow dielectrophoresis
Authors: Çağlayan Arslan Zeynep , Demircan Yalçın Yağmur , Külah Haluk
Published: March 2022

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) present in the bloodstream are strongly linked to the invasive behavior of cancer; therefore, their detection holds great significance for monitoring disease progression. Currently available CTC isolation tools are often based on tumor‐specific antigen or cell size approaches. However, these techniques are limited due to the lack of a unique and universal marker for CTCs, and the overlapping size between CTCs and regular blood cells. Dielectrophoresis (DEP), governed by the intrinsic dielectric properties of the particles, is a promising marker‐free, accurate, fast, and low‐cost technique that enables the isolation of CTCs from blood cells. This study presents a continuous flow, antibody‐free DEP‐based microfluidic device to concentrate MCF7 breast cancer cells, a well‐established CTC model, in the presence of leukocytes extracted from human blood samples. The enrichment strategy was determined according to the DEP responses of the corresponding cells, obtained in our previously reported DEP spectrum study. It was based on the positive‐DEP integrated with hydrodynamic focusing under continuous flow. In the proposed device, the parylene microchannel with two inlets and outlets was built on top of rectangular and equally spaced isolated planar electrodes rotated certain degree relative to the main flow (13°). The recovery of MCF7 cells mixed with leukocytes was 74%–98% at a frequency of 1 MHz and a magnitude of 10–12 Vpp. Overall, the results revealed that the presented system successfully concentrates MCF7 cancer cells from leukocytes, ultimately verifying our DEP spectrum study, in which the enrichment frequency and separation strategy of the microfluidic system were determined.
Review and Development of Anode Electrocatalyst Carriers for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell
Authors: Chen Fei , Sun Yaxin , Li Huiyu , Li Congju
Published: March 2022

Direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) can be used as a promising portable power device due to its excellent energy conversion efficiency and low pollutant emissions. The performance of DMFC largely depends on the anode electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). As an important part of the electrocatalyst, the carrier greatly affects the activity and stability of the electrocatalyst. Herein, the research progress of carbonaceous carriers (such as activated carbon, nanostructured carbon), noncarbonaceous carriers (metal compounds), and conducting polymers in DMFC is reviewed. Furthermore, an overview of the development of self‐supporting carriers for flexible DMFC electronics is presented. Its role as the most ideal DMFC carrier in the future provides new ideas for the challenges and development of the commercialization of flexible DMFC.
Evaluation of performance improvement of the combined biomass gasifier power cycle using low‐temperature bottoming cycles: Organic Rankine cycle, Kalina and Goswami
Authors: Hosseinpour Mohammad , Ozgoli Hassan Ali , Hajiseyed Mirzahosseini Seyed Alireza , Hemmasi Amir Hooman , Mehdipour Ramin
Published: March 2022

A novel combination of a conventional combined power plant and low‐temperature power generators as a cogeneration cycle coupled with a biomass gasifier is presented in this study. For this purpose, mathematical modeling of organic Rankine cycle (ORC), Kalina, and Goswami cycles was performed as a bottoming power system. To achieve the goals of sustainable energy development, a portion of the fuel required for the proposed cycle has been provided using renewable biomass fuels. The results indicated that the base cycle heat recovery in all proposed scenarios would increase energy efficiencies by 6.1%, 3.3%, and 1.1%, respectively, to ORC, Kalina, and Goswami cycles. Furthermore, the results of the parametric studies on principal factors such as steam to biomass and equivalence ratios in the gasifier, working fluid types in the ORC, mass fraction of ammonia‐water mixture in Kalina and Goswami cycles, as well as thermodynamic properties of the expander and condenser can be highly considered for the energy industry developers.
Potential for optimization of energy consumption and costs in saffron production in central Iran through data envelopment analysis and multi‐objective genetic algorithm
Authors: Saeidi Elham , Dehkordi Amin Lotfalian , Nabavi‐Pelesaraei Ashkan
Published: March 2022

Technical management of agricultural units plays an important role in increasing the yield, energy efficiency, and decreasing the production costs. Based on that, the present study aimed to evaluate and optimize the technical and economic efficiency in Saffron farms in the 2019–20 cropping season in Iran. Required data were collected from 70 Saffron farms through interviews and questionnaires and were analyzed and compared using two optimization methods including data envelopment analysis (DEA), and multi‐objective genetic algorithm (MOGA). Based on the results related to the energy section, the total energy input was obtained as 43,578 MJ ha−1 before any optimization, while it was determined as 36,033 and 36,910 MJ ha−1 after optimization using DEA, and MOGA, respectively. Also DEA and MOGA methods improved the energy ratio index (ER) (0.002) by 50, and 159%, respectively. Results related to the economic section showed that the total production costs were mitigated from 1260 $ ha−1 to 863.5 and 1069 $ ha−1 after optimization by DEA, and MOGA, respectively. After optimization of revenue (using MOGA method), and total costs (using MOGA, and DEA), the benefit cost ratio index was improved from 1.43 to 2.09 (using DEA), and 3.3 (using MOGA). Consequently, MOGA optimization method showed better results compared to DEA in both energy and economic sections.
Megafire‐induced interval squeeze threatens vegetation at landscape scales
Authors: Le Breton Tom D , Lyons Mitchell B , Nolan Rachael H , Penman Trent , Williamson Grant J , Ooi Mark KJ
Published: March 2022

Wildfires in 2019–2020 broke global records for extent and severity, affirming the arrival of the megafire era. Frequent megafires reflect changes to fire regimes that can negatively impact species and ecosystems. Here, we offer what we believe to be the first comprehensive analysis of megafire impacts on southeastern Australian vegetation communities, combining remote‐sensing data, fire‐history records, and plant trait‐derived fire interval thresholds. In our study area, fires burned over 5.5 million ha. We found that one‐third of all native vegetation in this region has burned too frequently following the megafires, particularly impacting fire‐sensitive vegetation (for example, rainforests). This represents a single‐year increase of 36% in the vegetation at risk of interval squeeze (vegetation transitions driven by altered fire regimes) compared to the previous 59 years combined. We demonstrate that megafires can overrun recently burned vegetation and infiltrate refugia, reducing fire intervals beyond the persistence thresholds of plant species and increasing the risk of ecosystem collapse. Averting this will require innovative approaches to fire management. However, if climate change is not addressed, ecosystem collapse may be unavoidable especially for ecosystems adapted to infrequent, high‐severity fire.
Sperm‐friendly lubricant: Fact or fiction
Authors: Markram Johan , Griessel Lizelle , Girdler‐Brown Brendan , Outhoff Kim
Published: March 2022

Objective

To assess the effects of “sperm‐friendly” coital lubricants on sperm motility.

Methods

This study compared the effects of five lubricants (Optilube®, Pre‐Seed®, Yes Baby®, olive oil, and egg white) on sperm motility in 60 normozoospermic semen samples obtained from men attending a private fertility clinic. Samples were exposed to each of the lubricants, with untreated samples serving as controls, and were examined microscopically at four defined time‐points from 2 to 72 h after liquefaction. Sperm motility was graded according to World Health Organization criteria.

Results

With the exception of egg white, all lubricants caused significant (P < 0.001) reductions in sperm forward progression compared with untreated controls until 24 h after liquefaction. Furthermore, between‐group comparisons of the commercially available lubricants revealed statistically significant differences in forward progression motility: Pre‐Seed® was superior to Optilube® (P < 0.001), which in turn was superior to Yes Baby® (P < 0.001) at 2–4 h after exposure. Significance (P < 0.001) between Pre‐Seed® and Yes Baby® was maintained until 24 h.

Conclusion

Although spermatozoa exposed to Pre‐Seed® demonstrated greater motility than spermatozoa exposed to Yes Baby®, claims that these lubricants are sperm‐friendly were refuted. Conversely, egg white was shown to be a sperm‐friendly lubricant for couples who are trying to conceive.
Units of analysis in acquisition‐performance criteria for “mastery”: A systematic replication
Authors: Wong Kristina K. , Fienup Daniel M.
Published: March 2022

This study compared 2 units of analysis for assessing acquisition mastery during sight word instruction for 3 participants. The unit of analysis refers to the specific performances that criteria are applied to, either sets of stimuli or individual operants. In the Set Analysis condition, we applied the acquisition‐performance criterion to the aggregated accuracy of a set of 4 target operants. In the Operant Analysis (OA) condition, we assessed the criterion for individual operants and replaced targets as they met the acquisition criterion. All participants acquired novel textual responses to sight words faster under the OA condition and response maintenance was similar between conditions. This study extended previous research by showing enhanced response maintenance in the OA condition by increasing the performance criterion from 1 observation of 100% accuracy to 2. This study also suggests a unique contribution of OA to quickening learning.
A translational evaluation of listener interest on the presentation of conversation topics to individuals who exhibit restricted interests
Authors: Fakharzadeh Sadaf , Stocco Corey S.
Published: March 2022

Listener behavior has been shown to influence speaker behavior. However, little is known about the extent to which listener behavior can influence countertherapeutic outcomes. This study evaluated the influence of listener interest on the topics presented by adult participants conversing with an experimenter acting as an individual who exhibited restricted interests. Each session consisted of a 5‐min conversation, during which the participant was instructed to talk about 3 topics. We compared the duration of topic presentation across phases in which the experimenter behaved as an interested listener for 1 topic or for all 3 topics. Results showed that topic presentation was controlled by listener interest and all participants reported that the simulation was believable, acceptable, and useful. Although preliminary, these findings have implications for understanding possible undesirable interactions between individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who exhibit restricted interests and their peers or caregivers.
Protein intake and risk of frailty among older women in the Nurses' Health Study
Authors: Struijk Ellen A. , Fung Teresa T. , Rodríguez‐Artalejo Fernando , Bischoff‐Ferrari Heike A. , Hu Frank B. , Willett Walter C. , Lopez‐Garcia Esther
Published: March 2022

Background

There is evidence that an overall healthy diet is associated with lower risk of frailty. However, the effect of diet composition, specifically the role of protein intake on frailty, is mostly unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intake of protein, including total, plant, animal, and dairy protein, in relation to frailty incidence in a large cohort of older women.

Methods

We analysed data from 85 871 women aged ≥60 participating in the Nurses' Health Study. Intake of protein was measured nine times during follow‐up from 1980 until 2010. Frailty was defined as having at least three of the following five criteria from the Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses and Loss of Weight (FRAIL) scale: fatigue, low strength, reduced aerobic capacity, having ≥5 illnesses, and weight loss of ≥5%. The occurrence of frailty was assessed every 4 years from 1992 up to 2014.

Results

During follow‐up, we identified 13 279 incident cases of frailty. Women with a higher intake of plant protein had a lower risk of developing frailty after adjustment for all relevant confounders [relative risks across quintiles of consumption: 1.00, 0.94, 0.89, 0.86, and 0.86; P‐trend < 0.001]. In contrast, those with a higher intake of animal protein intake had a higher risk of frailty [relative risks across quintiles of consumption: 1.00, 0.98, 0.99, 1.00, and 1.07; P‐trend 0.04]. The intake of total and dairy protein showed no significant association with frailty in the full model. Substituting 5% of energy from plant protein intake at the expense of animal protein, dairy protein, or non‐dairy animal protein was associated with 38% (29%, 47%), 32% (21%, 42%), and 42% (33%, 50%) reduced risk of frailty.

Conclusions

A higher intake of plant protein, but not animal or dairy protein, was associated with a lower risk of frailty. Substitution of plant protein for animal protein, especially non‐dairy animal protein, was associated with lower risk of frailty.
Effects of repeated deboning on structure, composition, and gelling properties of silver carp surimi
Authors: Liu Lulu , Xiong Yuxin , Yin Tao , Xiong Shanbai , You Juan , Liu Ru , Huang Qilin , Shi Liu
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Surimi is produced from the various sequences of filleting, deboning, washing, dehydrating, blending with cryprotectant, and freezing. Deboning, after which fish flesh is minced and separated from bone, skin, etc., is a vital step in the surimi production. In this study, effects of repeated deboning on yield, structure, composition, and gelling properties of silver carp surimi were investigated.

RESULTS

Surimi yield increased rapidly from 10% to 23% as the cycle of repeated deboning was increased from one to three, and then slowly increased up to 26%. As the cycle increased, cellular structure and ultrastructure of muscle fibers progressively fractured. Contents of fat, cathepsins, heme proteins, and transglutaminase of surimi obviously increased and then decreased. Three‐dimensional network of surimi gel without setting (NS gel) became more porous with the increase of cycles. It became more compact, and then turned to aggregated forms with lower homogeneity, for the surimi gel with setting (WS gel). Correspondently, the NS gel textural values gradually decreased with the cycles, while the WS gel textural values increased up to three cycles and then decreased. Regardless of setting, whiteness of surimi gels decreased and then increased with the cycles.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that structure and compositions of surimi changed with the cycle of repeated deboning, which affected gelling properties of surimi. It is recommended to debone three or four cycles in silver carp surimi production. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of subfreezing storage on the qualities of dough and bread containing pea protein
Authors: Dai Yunfei , Gao Haiyan , Zeng Jie , Liu Yufen , Qin Yueqi , Wang Mengyu
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

In this paper, −6, −9 and –12 °C were selected as subfreezing temperatures of dough containing pea protein based on the results of low‐field nuclear magnetic relaxation time. The effect of storage at subfreezing temperatures on dough properties was then investigated and compared with sample storage at −18 °C.

RESULTS

The pH value, springiness, resilience, cohesiveness of dough and sensory score of bread gradually decreased and the hardness and water loss rate of dough gradually increased with the extension of storage time. However, dough hardness, viscoelasticity and fermentation volume were maintained more effectively in subfreezing storage than in −18 °C storage. The subfreezing temperature could alleviate the damage of gluten network structure in frozen dough by ice crystals and was beneficial in maintaining the elasticity of gluten proteins. The network system of pea protein, gluten protein and starch granules in dough storage at −9 and −12 °C was more tightly connected and the microstructure was similar to that at −18 °C. There was no significant difference between the quality of bread made from the dough stored at subfreezing temperature and that stored at −18 °C for 1–6 weeks, and the preservation effect at −12 °C was closer to that at −18 °C.

CONCLUSION

Subfreezing storage can keep the stability of dough containing pea protein close to traditional frozen storage (−18 °C), which provides a new method for storage and transportation of frozen dough. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Postmaterial values and career aspirations in tourism: Generation‐Y tourism professionals in Hong Kong
Authors: Huang Wei‐Jue
Published: March 2022

Recent political movements in Hong Kong suggest a postmaterial value shift in the younger generation, from pursuing material affluence to a greater concern for autonomy, self‐expression, and quality of life. This study examined the values and career aspirations of Generation‐Y tourism professionals through postmaterialism and intergenerational value change. In‐depth interviews revealed differences in the views of older and younger Gen‐Y and three types of career aspirations: Corporate job, Entrepreneurship, and “Slash” careers. Findings demonstrated the material/postmaterial shifts from teenage to mid‐adulthood, and how values were shaped by: student versus working life, tourism work experience, social changes, and specific social events.
A multi‐disciplinary approach to chronic cough in children
Authors: Mukerji Shraddha S. , Yenduri Naga Jaya Smitha , Chiou Eric , Moonnumakal Siby P. , Bedwell Joshua R.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

(1) To highlight the important causes of chronic and recurrent cough in children. (2) To discuss multidisciplinary approach to management of chronic/recurrent pediatric cough.

Methods

Review of scholarly articles, guidelines, expert panels via PubMed and Google Scholar.

Conclusion

Chronic cough (CC) in children is mainly attributed to persistent bacterial bronchitis, asthma, nonspecific cough, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. A multi‐disciplinary approach is cost‐effective and aids with earlier diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Congenital or acquired narrowing of the subglottis is the leading ENT cause for recurrent croup (RC) in children. Laryngeal cleft‐type 1 is commonly seen in children with recurrent aspiration and CC. Children are usually referred to pulmonologists for wet cough not responding to treatment. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and GERD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of CC in children with both respiratory symptoms and failure to thrive.

Level of Evidence: 2a
Bottom boundary layer mixing processes across internal seiche cycles: Dominance of downslope flows
Authors: Nielson Jeffrey R. , Henderson Stephen M.
Published: March 2022

In a stratified lake, where an internal seiche maintained an oscillating bottom boundary layer (BBL), processes including strain‐induced periodic stratification (SIPS), a downslope mean flow, and upslope‐propagating internal waves controlled fluctuating BBL mixing rates. To investigate these processes, high‐resolution temperature and velocity profiles were measured within 2 m of the sloping bed, through more than 100 cycles of upslope and downslope flows. The associated seiche‐induced velocity reversals coincided with the arrival of upslope‐propagating cold fronts. Although fronts are sometimes associated with internal wave breaking, in this lake the measured frontal slopes were small and breaking did not occur. When fronts were not propagating past instruments, near‐bed stratification was consistent with SIPS, being intensified by downslope flows and reduced by upslope flows. Owing to a downslope near‐bed mean flow, which was previously shown to cancel an upslope internal‐wave Stokes drift, peak downslope velocities regularly exceeded peak upslope velocities. Given these strong downslope velocities, turbulent dissipation rates were most intense during downslope phases. Therefore, during downslope flow, creation of stratification by SIPS coincided with elevated dissipation, creating conditions for effective mixing. Correspondingly, two simple parameterizations for mixing efficiency suggest that most of the total near‐bed buoyancy flux (≥ 82%), and most of the irreversible flux (87%), occurred during the downslope‐flow phase of internal seiche cycles. The observed mechanism for dominant mixing during downslope flow has potential to act in other environments where internal waves propagate up sloping beds.
Effects of Ni content on the corrosion behavior of Al0.5CoCrFeNix high entropy alloys in acid and alkaline media
Authors: Dong Qijuan , Jia Wenchao , Zhang Zequn , Zhang Dingxin , Wu Junsheng , Zhang Bowei
Published: March 2022

The present work investigates the influence of Ni content on the microstructure evolution of Al0.5CoCrFeNix high‐entropy alloys followed by the study on their corrosion behavior in acid and alkaline solutions, respectively. The microscopic characterization demonstrates that the transformation from a BCC single‐phase to a triple‐phase (BCC + FCC + B2) structure occurs with the increase of Ni content. The corrosion behavior of Al0.5CoCrFeNix high‐entropy alloys was evaluated by electrochemical measurements coupled with morphology analysis. It is found that the corrosion on Al0.5CoCrFeNi0 high‐entropy alloy in both acid and alkaline media is uniform due to its homogeneous microstructure. In contrast, the increase of Ni content leads to the formation of Al, Ni enriched B2 phase with lower Volta potential, causing the respective occurrence of selective dissolution in acid and preferential oxidation in alkaline on the Al0.5CoCrFeNi0.2, Al0.5CoCrFeNi0.6, and Al0.5CoCrFeNi0.8 high‐entropy alloys.
Influence of Al and Fe additions on metal dusting of NiCr alloys
Authors: Schlereth Clara , Oskay Ceyhun , Hattendorf Heike , Nowak Benedikt , Galetz Mathias C.
Published: March 2022

Corrosion by metal dusting causes problems in various industries that process carbonaceous gases. Recently, the chromium‐ and aluminum‐rich Ni‐based Alloy 699 XA was introduced as a material with high resistance against metal dusting attacks. In this study, the metal dusting degradation of Alloy 699 XA and model alloys was investigated. In the model alloys, the aluminum, chromium, and iron contents were varied to analyze the role of each element systematically. Alloy 602 CA was included as a reference material. It was found that the alloys with the highest chromium and aluminum contents (30 and 2–3 wt%, respectively) showed the highest resistance against metal dusting. Also, the limited addition of iron enhanced the aluminum activity and thereby promoted the formation and maintenance of an aluminum‐rich oxide scale. This effect at low iron levels is contrary to the negative impact of iron at higher levels, which typically leads to an increased metal dusting susceptibility. Exposure tests were performed with two gas mixtures having similar compositions, but different carbon activities. It was found that both gases had a similar aggressiveness regarding metal dusting attacks.
Side‐Chain Substituents on Benzotriazole‐Based Polymer Acceptors Affecting the Performance of All‐Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Fu Huiting , Li Yuxiang , Wu Ziang , Lin Francis R. , Woo Han Young , Jen Alex K.‐Y.
Published: March 2022

Recently, the strategy of polymerized small‐molecule acceptors (PSMAs) has attracted extensive attention for applications in all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs). Although side‐chain engineering is considered as a simple and effective strategy for manipulating polymer properties, the corresponding effect on photovoltaic performance of PSMAs in all‐PSCs has not been systemically investigated. Herein, a series of PSMAs based on the benzotriazole (BTz)‐core fused SMAs with different N‐alkyl chains including branched 2‐butyloctyl, linear n‐octyl, and methyl on the BTz unit, namely PZT‐C12, PZT‐C8, and PZT‐C1, respectively, is presented. Comparative studies show that the size of alkyl chains has a significant impact on the solid‐state behavior of PZT polymers, which in turn affects their light absorption and charge transporting capacities, and subsequently the all‐PSC performances. When combining with the polymer donor PBDB‐T, PZT‐C1 affords a champion power conversion efficiency of 14.9%, compared to 13.1% of PZT‐C12, and 13.8% of PZT‐C8 in the resultant all‐PSCs, mainly benefiting from its better crystallinity and the more favorable blend morphology. This work emphasizes the importance of optimizing side‐chain substituents on PSMAs for improving the device efficiency of all‐PSCs.
Aggregation‐Induced Emission Boosting the Study of Polymer Science
Authors: Ge Sheng , Wang Erjing , Li Jinhua , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: March 2022

The past one hundred years have witnessed the great development of polymer science. The advancement of polymer science is closely related with the development of characterization techniques and methods, from viscometry in molecular weight determination to advanced techniques including differential scanning calorimetry, nuclear magnetic resonance, and scanning electron microscopy. However, these techniques are normally constrained to tedious sample preparation, high costs, harsh experimental conditions, or ex situ characterization. Fluorescence technology has the merits of high sensitivity and direct visualization. Contrary to conventional aggregation‐causing quenching fluorophores, those dyes with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics show high emission efficiency in aggregate states. Based on the restriction of intramolecular motions for AIE properties, the AIE materials are very sensitive to the surrounding microenvironments owing to the twisted propeller‐like structures and therefore offer great potential in the study of polymers. The AIE concept has been successfully used in polymer science and provides a deeper understanding on polymer structure and properties. In this review, the applications of AIEgens in polymer science for visualizing polymerization, glass transition, dissolution, crystallization, gelation, self‐assembly, phase separation, cracking, and self‐healing are exemplified and summarized. Lastly, the challenges and perspectives in the study of polymer science using AIEgens are addressed.
Realizing Ultrahigh Transconductance in Organic Electrochemical Transistor by Co‐Doping PEDOT:PSS with Ionic Liquid and Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
Authors: Wang Li , Sun Qizeng , Zhang Linrong , Wang Jin , Ren Guozhang , Yu Liuyingzi , Wang Kaili , Zhu Yameng , Lu Gang , Yu Hai‐Dong
Published: March 2022

Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), especially the ones with high transconductance, are highly promising in sensitive detection of chemical and biological species. However, it is still a great challenge to design and fabricate OECTs with very high transconductance. Herein, an OECT with ultrahigh transconductance is reported by introducing ionic liquid and dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DBSA) simultaneously in poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) as the semiconductive channel. Compared with the OECT based on pristine PEDOT:PSS, the OECT based on co‐doped PEDOT:PSS demonstrates a significant enhancement of transconductance from 1.85 to 22.7 mS, because of the increase in volumetric capacitance and conductivity. The enhanced transconductance is attributed to the DBSA‐facilitated phase separation between the ionic liquid and PEDOT:PSS, which helps to form conductive domains of ionic liquid in PEDOT:PSS matrix, and the partial dispersion of ionic liquid in the PEDOT:PSS phase. Furthermore, by using the interdigitated electrodes as the source and drain electrodes, an ultrahigh transconductance of 180 mS is obtained, which is superior to that of the state‐of‐the‐art OECTs. Because of the ultrahigh transconductance, the obtained OECT demonstrates sensitive detection of hydrogen peroxide and glucose, making it promising in clinical diagnosis, health monitoring, and environmental surveillance.
Nonexistence of global solutions of systems of time fractional differential equations posed on the Heisenberg group
Authors: Kirane Mokhtar , Abdeljabbar Alrazi
Published: March 2022

We first consider a nonlinear time fractional wave equation with a fractional damping posed on the Heisenberg group with Caputo fractional derivatives that interpolate the heat equation and the wave equation with the linear damping. It extends the Caputo–Wisner, the modified Szabo and the fractional Zener models. The non‐linearity accounts for a nonlinear medium. We present the Fujita exponent for blow‐up which sheds light on the admissible nonlinearity in practice. Then, we establish sufficient conditions ensuring non‐existence of local solutions. using the nonlinear capacity method. Furthermore, we extend the analysisto the case of the
system to show the flexibility of the method used.
Quantitative analysis of Cu in Traditional Chinese medicinal materials using laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Sun Duixiong , Yang Fuchun , Su Maogen , Han Weiwei , Dong Chenzhong
Published: March 2022

Traditional Chinese medicinal materials (TCMM) play an important role in the prevention and treatment of human diseases. Laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technology has great advantages in the detection of heavy metals in Chinese medicinal materials. In this study, the standard curve method and internal standard method were used to quantitatively analyze the heavy metal Cu in Angelica sinensis and Scutellaria baicalensis, and also partial least squares (PLS) and back‐propagation artificial neural network (BP‐ANN) was performed by LIBS combined with stoichiometry; the univariate and multivariate regression models have been established to improve the quantitative analysis performance of LIBS. It can be seen that the results calculated by the internal standard method and the standard curve method have large errors. The results calculated by BP‐ANN are closer to the real value, followed by the PLS method. Therefore, LIBS technology combined with machine learning method can accurately and rapidly analyze heavy metals in TCMM.
Developing the World's Brightest WUXGA OLED Microdisplay
Authors: Ghosh Amal , Khayrullin Ilyas , Vazan Fridrich , Zhao Fangchao , Lin Howard , Prache Olivier , Sziklas Laurie , Peruvemba Sri , Sculley Andrew
Published: March 2022

With the advent of AR/VR technologies, microdisplay performance requirements are more demanding. Although OLED microdisplays are well suited to satisfy most of these stringent requirements, luminance still needs to be improved.
Well grounded: Indigenous Peoples' knowledge, ethnobiology and sustainability
Authors: Turner Nancy J. , Cuerrier Alain , Joseph Leigh
Published: March 2022

The biological knowledge and associated values and beliefs of Indigenous and other long‐resident Peoples are often overlooked and underrepresented in governance, planning and decision‐making at local, regional, national and international levels. Ethnobiology—the study of the dynamic relationships among peoples, biota and environments—is a field that places Indigenous Peoples' ecological knowledge and ways of knowing at the forefront of research interests, particularly in relation to the importance of biocultural diversity in sustaining the Earth's Ecosystems.

In this paper, we examine the nature and significance of Indigenous Peoples' knowledge systems concerning environmental sustainability, as documented in collaborative ethnobiological research. We emphasize the diverse aspects of Indigenous knowledge in conservation, and the role played by ethnobiologists in respectfully highlighting this knowledge, and link these to the Intergovernmental Science‐Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Global Assessment's key levers and leverage points for enabling the transformative change required for achieving more sustainable lifeways. Drawing on diverse ways of knowing—respectfully, collaboratively, ethically and reciprocally—can help provide more detailed knowledge of local ecosystems, and guide all humans towards greater sustainability.

From environmental monitoring, to building relationships with plants and the land, to ecological restoration, there are many lessons and ways in which the intersections between Indigenous knowledge and ethnobiology can inform and contribute to the future of humanity and other life on earth.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Cardiovascular events and all‐cause mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using olodaterol and other long‐acting beta2‐agonists
Authors: Rebordosa Cristina , Farkas Dóra Körmendiné , Montonen Jukka , Laugesen Kristina , Voss Florian , Aguado Jaume , Bothner Ulrich , Rothman Kenneth J. , Zint Kristina , Mines Daniel , Ehrenstein Vera
Published: March 2022

Purpose

We examined the effect of olodaterol on the risk of myocardial ischaemia, cardiac arrhythmia, and all‐cause mortality compared with use of other long‐acting beta2‐agonists (LABAs). Channelling bias was also explored.

Methods

This Danish population‐based cohort study used data linked from registries of hospital diagnoses, outpatient dispensings, and deaths. It included patients (aged ≥40 years) with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who initiated olodaterol or another LABA. Using matching and propensity score (PS) stratification, we calculated adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) using Poisson regression, followed by several additional analyses to evaluate and control channelling bias.

Results

The IRRs of cardiac arrhythmias or myocardial ischaemia among users of olodaterol (n = 14 239) compared to users of other LABAs (n = 51 167) ranged from 0.96 to 1.65 in various analyses, although some estimates had low precision. Initial analysis suggested an increased risk for death with olodaterol compared with other LABAs (IRR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.44–1.84). Because olodaterol prescribing was associated with COPD severity, the mortality association was attenuated by using different methods of tighter confounding control: the IRRs were 1.26 (95% CI, 0.97–1.64) among LABA‐naïve LABA/LAMA users without recent COPD hospitalisation; 1.27 (95% CI, 1.03–1.57) in a population with additional trimming from the tails of the PS distribution; and 1.32 (95% CI, 1.19–1.48) after applying overlap‐weights analysis.

Conclusions

Olodaterol users had a similar risk for cardiac arrhythmias or myocardial ischaemia as other LABA users. The observed excess all‐cause mortality associated with olodaterol use could be due to uncontrolled channelling bias.
Structured cyclic peptide mimics by chemical ligation
Authors: Atkinson Bethany C. , Thomson Andrew R.
Published: March 2022

We report the development of a β‐turn mimic that allows the direct formation of cyclic peptides through a spontaneous cyclisation under standard solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) cleavage conditions. The mimic is formed via an acylhydrazone, which is either reduced in situ by triisopropylsilane‐trifluoroacetic acid, or which can be isolated and reduced in a separate step. This method uses commercially available reagents and is compatible with manual and automated SPPS methods. The cyclisation is tolerant of polar residues at the C‐terminal position, with the exception of asparagine, for which a subsequent structural rearrangement similar to aspartimide formation was observed. The cyclisation method has been shown to tolerate ring sizes equivalent to 5–10 amino acid residues. We have used this method to design and synthesise potential selective integrin binding sequences with controlled conformations.
Photovoltaic system monitoring and fault detection using peer systems
Authors: Alcañiz Alba , Nikam Maitheli M. , Snow Yitzi , Isabella Olindo , Ziar Hesan
Published: March 2022

Monitoring residential scale photovoltaic (PV) systems is important for maximizing the energy yield and detecting malfunctions. Analytical‐based approaches are not reliable in these systems because of the lack of on‐site measurements and detailed PV system specifications. In this paper, a collaborative approach is proposed which does not depend on weather data but on similar PV systems. Based on the so‐called performance‐to‐peer approach, the aim of this work is to improve this baseline model by adding PV systems characteristics and by optimizing with machine learning techniques. The methodology has been tested in a fleet of more than 12,000 PV systems located in the Netherlands with up to 7 years of data per system. The proposed model achieves an average of 94.1% and a NRMSE of 0.05, outperforming in terms of the baseline model by 1.4 points, and the analytical approach by 3.8. The data requirements of this model are not high: With 1,700 years of PV system data with daily resolution, the maximum performance can be achieved as long as a minimum of 6 months of data per system and 100 PV systems are considered. The application of this model for fault detection and categorization has also been shown. The proposed approach has shown its strengths with respect to other methods through its ability of distinguishing between system mismatch and actual fault and of adapting to new situations via retraining.
Young's Modulus and Thermal Stability of Individual Sb2O3 Nanowires at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Hou Lizhen , Gao Yangyang , Yibibulla Tursunay , Huang Han , Wang Shiliang
Published: March 2022

Young's modulus of Sb2O3 nanowires with nominal diameters of 51–170 nm is measured by using a laser‐Doppler vibrometry within the temperature range of 300–650 K. The Young's modulus is found to decrease linearly with the elevated temperature ranging from 300 to ≈475 K. The temperature coefficient of Young's modulus (TCE) is ≈−170 ppm K−1 when nanowire diameter is above ≈100 nm, below which the coefficient decreases to ≈−310 ppm K−1 with the diameters down to ≈50 nm. This strong size‐dependent TCE is attributed to the synergistic reaction of temperature and size/surface effects. Nanowires would sublimate or even melt starting from their tips at elevated temperatures, even though the temperature is far below the melting point of the bulk counterpart. The observed thermomechanical behavior of nanowires provides the basis and reference for the optimal design and operation of high‐temperature nanodevices using nanowires as building blocks.
BREEZE: Open‐label clinical study to evaluate the safety and tolerability of treprostinil inhalation powder as Tyvaso DPI™ in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Spikes Leslie A. , Bajwa Abubakr A. , Burger Charles D. , Desai Sapna V. , Eggert Michael S. , El‐Kersh Karim A. , Fisher Micah R. , Johri Shilpa , Joly Joanna M. , Mehta Jinesh , Palevsky Harold I. , Ramani Gautam V. , Restrepo‐Jaramillo Ricardo , Sahay Sandeep , Shah Trushil G. , Deng Chunqin , Miceli Melissa , Smith Peter , Shapiro Shelley M.
Published: March 2022

Inhaled treprostinil is an approved therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease in the United States. Studies have confirmed the robust benefits and safety of nebulized inhaled treprostinil, but it requires a time investment for nebulizer preparation, maintenance, and treatment. A small, portable treprostinil dry powder inhaler has been developed for the treatment of PAH. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of treprostinil inhalation powder (TreT) in patients currently treated with treprostinil inhalation solution. Fifty‐one patients on a stable dose of treprostinil inhalation solution enrolled and transitioned to TreT at a corresponding dose. Six‐minute walk distance (6MWD), device preference and satisfaction (Preference Questionnaire for Inhaled Treprostinil Devices [PQ‐ITD]), PAH Symptoms and Impact (PAH‐SYMPACT®) questionnaire, and systemic exposure and pharmacokinetics for up to 5 h were assessed at baseline for treprostinil inhalation solution and at Week 3 for TreT. Adverse events (AEs) were consistent with studies of inhaled treprostinil in patients with PAH, and there were no study drug‐related serious AEs. Statistically significant improvements occurred in 6MWD, PQ‐ITD, and PAH‐SYMPACT. Forty‐nine patients completed the 3‐week treatment phase and all elected to participate in an optional extension phase. These results demonstrate that, in patients with PAH, transition from treprostinil inhalation solution to TreT is safe, well‐tolerated, and accompanied by statistically significant improvements in key clinical assessments and patient‐reported outcomes with comparable systemic exposure between the two formulations at evaluated doses (trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03950739).
Outcomes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Yang Jenny Z. , Odish Mazen F. , Mathers Hannah , Pebley Nicole , Wardi Gabriel , Papamatheakis Demosthenes G. , Poch David S. , Kim Nick H. , Fernandes Timothy M. , Sell Rebecca E.
Published: March 2022

Over the past 20 years, despite significant advancements in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) medical therapy, many patients require admission to the hospital and are at risk for in‐hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). Prior data found poor survival in PAH patients after cardiac arrest. The purpose of this study was to explore post‐IHCA outcomes in PAH patients receiving advanced medical therapies. This is a single‐center retrospective study of PAH patients who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation for IHCA between July 2005 and May 2021. Patients were identified through an internal cardiac arrest database. Twenty six patients were included. Half of the cohort had idiopathic PAH, with 54% of patients on combination therapy, 27% on monotherapy, and 19% of patients on no therapy. Mean right atrial pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, cardiac index, and pulmonary vascular resistance were 13 ± 6 mmHg, 57 ± 13 mmHg, 2.0 ± 0.7 L/min/m2, and 14.5 ± 7.6 Wood units, respectively. Most common etiology of cardiac arrest was circulatory collapse. Initial arrest rhythm in all but one patient was pulseless electrical activity. Six patients (23%) achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and one patient (4%) survived to hospital discharge. Rates of ROSC and survival to discharge after IHCA are poor in patients with PAH. Even patients with mild hemodynamics had low likelihood of survival. In patients who are lung transplant candidates, there should be early consideration of extracorporeal support before cardiac arrest.
A satellite‐based climatology of fog and low stratus formation and dissipation times in central Europe
Authors: Pauli Eva , Cermak Jan , Andersen Hendrik
Published: March 2022

Knowledge of fog and low stratus (FLS) cloud patterns and life cycles is important for traffic safety, for the production of solar energy and for the analysis of cloud processes in the climate system. While meteorological stations provide information on FLS, a data set describing FLS formation and dissipation times on large spatial and temporal scales does not yet exist. In this study, we use logistic regression to extract FLS formation and dissipation times from a satellite‐based 10‐year FLS data set covering central Europe. The resulting data set is the first to provide a geographic perspective on FLS formation and dissipation at a continental scale. The patterns found show a clear dependency of FLS formation and dissipation times on topography. In mountainous areas, FLS forms in the night and dissipates in the morning. In river valleys, the typical FLS life cycle shifts to formation after sunrise and dissipation in the afternoon. Seasonal patterns of FLS formation and dissipation show similar FLS formation and dissipation times in winter and autumn, and in spring and summer, with longer events in the former two seasons.
Identifying behavioural patterns of coupled water‐agriculture systems using system archetypes
Authors: Nyam Yong Sebastian , Kotir Julius H. , Jordaan Andries , Ogundeji Abiodun Akintunde
Published: March 2022

Managing water and food systems in South Africa is complex given the factors involved in sustainably managing the sector. To ensure sustainable management of water and agricultural systems, equal access to natural resources, and economic equality, the government has implemented policies to regulate the systems and ensure economic growth. However, the unintended consequences of these policies on the sustainability of water and agricultural systems have not been fully understood in South Africa. This paper identified and analysed four system archetypes believed to have implications for current water and agricultural development policies in South Africa. These are ‘Limits to Growth’, ‘Fixes that Fail’, ‘Shifting the Burden’, and the ‘Attractiveness Principle’. The results show that policies implemented by the government ensure inclusiveness, equal access to natural resources, and improve productivity in the short‐term; the unintended consequences will ultimately undermine sustainability and food security over time.
The Other Third Culture Kids: EAL Learners' Views OnSelf‐Identity, Home Culture, And Community In International Schools
Authors: Spencer James
Published: March 2022

This article aims to develop a better understanding of the dynamic identity of third culture kids (TCKs) who study English as an additional language (EAL) in an international secondary school in Ukraine. The research focuses on the internal forces of home culture and self‐perceived identities as well as the external forces of the school community and the classroom that influence EAL learners in their language acquisition. The article draws on qualitative data from interviews with individual EAL learners. The interviews investigated how EAL learners see themselves in terms of an EAL identity, how social status and community influence EAL learners, and how the home language and culture are influential in the language classroom. As a result of these data, the discussion focuses on the disconnect between the internal and the external forces that TCK EAL learners experience. The article concludes that more integrated collaboration between EAL and mainstream teachers would foster greater understanding of the internal forces and cultural capital TCK EAL learners bring with them to ensure more effective language learning in the external force of the language classroom. The authors conclude with recommendations for further steps.