bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective Ion Detection with Integrated Organic Electrochemical Transistors
Authors: Koutsouras Dimitrios A. , Lieberth Katharina , Torricelli Fabrizio , Gkoupidenis Paschalis , Blom Paul W. M.
Published: August 2021

Accurate sensing of ion concentrations in body fluids is of importance to monitor cell functions, and any deviation of the concentration serves as a warning sign of pathophysiological conditions. Here, a fabrication approach for an integrated device consisting of two electrochemical transistors, capable of selective simultaneous detection between potassium and sodium ions in an analyte is demonstrated. A common in‐plane gate electrode is integrated in the substrate, enabling the fabrication of micro‐scale ion sensors for biomedical applications. The approach is versatile and can be extended to include numerous ion‐selective transistors on a chip in order to meet the demand for simultaneous sensing of multiple ions.
Mechanically Tunable Nanogap Antennas: Single‐Structure Effects and Multi‐Structure Applications
Authors: Laible Florian , Horneber Anke , Fleischer Monika
Published: August 2021

By mechanically changing the width of a nanometer gap between two optical antennas, the coupling condition for the antennas can be seamlessly modified. This leads to a shift in the antenna's localized surface plasmon resonance wavelength, and a modification of the intensity in the antenna hotspot, which can reach extraordinarily high values for nanometer gaps. Such systems have in recent years been realized, for example, by using flexible polymers as substrates that are mechanically stretched or bent, or by combining break junctions with plasmonic antennas. Applications can be found, amongst others, in plasmonic strain sensing via color shift sensors, or tunable surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy platforms. In this article an overview is given over recent work on mechanically tunable gap antennas, with a specific focus on studies at the single‐nanostructure level. Different techniques used for mechanical tuning, optical read‐out signals that are influenced by the gap width, and potential applications of the resulting structures are presented. Plasmonic break junctions offer a new perspective that allows for added functionalities. The mechanical activation is discussed within the context of single nanoantenna gap tuning by using alternative stimuli.
Substitution Effects on a New Pyridylbenzimidazole Acceptor for Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence and Their Use in Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Hall David , Rajamalli Pachaiyappan , Duda Eimantas , Suresh Subeesh Madayanad , Rodella Francesco , Bagnich Sergey , Carpenter‐Warren Cameron L. , Cordes David B. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Strohriegl Peter , Beljonne David , Köhler Anna , Olivier Yoann , Zysman‐Colman Eli
Published: August 2021

In this work a new acceptor is used for use in thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters, pyridylbenzimidazole, which when coupled with phenoxazine allows efficient TADF to occur. N‐functionalization of the benzimidazole using methyl, phenyl, and tert‐butyl groups permits color tuning and suppression of aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ) with minimal impact on the TADF efficiency. The functionalized derivatives support a higher doping of 7 wt% before a fall‐off in photoluminescence quantum yields is observed, in contrast with the parent compound, which undergoes ACQ at doping concentrations greater than 1 wt%. Complex conformational dynamics, reflected in the time‐resolved decay profile, is found. The singlet−triplet energy gap, ΔEST, is modulated by N‐substituents of the benzimidazole and ranges of between 0.22 and 0.32 eV in doped films. Vacuum‐deposited organic light‐emitting diodes, prepared using three of the four analogs, show maximum external quantum efficiencies, EQEmax, of 23.9%, 22.2%, and 18.6% for BIm(Me)PyPXZ, BIm(Ph)PyPXZ, and BImPyPXZ, respectively, with a correlated and modest efficiency roll‐off at 100 cd m–2 of 19% 13%, and 24% of the EQEmax, respectively.
Turn‐On Photocatalysis: Creating Lone‐Pair Donor–Acceptor Bonds in Organic Photosensitizer to Enhance Intersystem Crossing
Authors: Liu Mingjie , Liu Junnan , Zhou Kai , Chen Jingwen , Sun Qi , Bao Zongbi , Yang Qiwei , Yang Yiwen , Ren Qilong , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: August 2021

There is growing interest in developing triplet photosensitizers in terms of implementing photochemical strategies in synthetic chemistry. However, synthesis of stable triplet organic photosensitizers is nontrivial and often requires the use of heavy atoms. Herein, an alternative strategy is demonstrated to enhance the triplet generation efficiency by implanting lone‐pair donor–acceptor bonds in the conjugated covalent organic frameworks (COFs). This powerful method is validated using COFs that host triazine, a moiety that has been extensively investigated in photocatalysis. Spectroscopic analysis and theoretical calculations reveal substantial improvements in the photoabsorptivity and triple‐state photogeneration efficiency, consistent with catalytic tests concerning industrially relevant sulfide oxidation. These systems represent a promising addition to the rapidly increasing arsenal of synthetic photocatalytic systems.
Modeling Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease in Human Brain Organoids under Serum Exposure
Authors: Chen Xianwei , Sun Guoqiang , Tian E , Zhang Mingzi , Davtyan Hayk , Beach Thomas G. , Reiman Eric M. , Blurton‐Jones Mathew , Holtzman David M. , Shi Yanhong
Published: August 2021

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no cure. Huge efforts have been made to develop anti‐AD drugs in the past decades. However, all drug development programs for disease‐modifying therapies have failed. Possible reasons for the high failure rate include incomplete understanding of complex pathophysiology of AD, especially sporadic AD (sAD), and species difference between humans and animal models used in preclinical studies. In this study, sAD is modeled using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)‐derived 3D brain organoids. Because the blood–brain barrier (BBB) leakage is a well‐known risk factor for AD, brain organoids are exposed to human serum to mimic the serum exposure consequence of BBB breakdown in AD patient brains. The serum‐exposed brain organoids are able to recapitulate AD‐like pathologies, including increased amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregates and phosphorylated microtubule‐associated tau protein (p‐Tau) level, synaptic loss, and impaired neural network. Serum exposure increases Aβ and p‐Tau levels through inducing beta‐secretase 1 (BACE) and glycogen synthase kinase‐3 alpha / beta (GSK3α/β) levels, respectively. In addition, single‐cell transcriptomic analysis of brain organoids reveals that serum exposure reduced synaptic function in both neurons and astrocytes and induced immune response in astrocytes. The human brain organoid‐based sAD model established in this study can provide a powerful platform for both mechanistic study and therapeutic development in the future.
Ultrathin 2D Inorganic Ancient Pigment Decorated 3D‐Printing Scaffold Enables Photonic Hyperthermia of Osteosarcoma in NIR‐II Biowindow and Concurrently Augments Bone Regeneration
Authors: He Chao , Dong Caihong , Yu Luodan , Chen Yu , Hao Yongqiang
Published: August 2021

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the primary malignant bone tumor. Despite therapeutic strategies including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy have been introduced into the war of fighting OS, the 5‐year survival rate for patients still remains unchangeable for decades. Besides, the critical bone defects after surgery, drug‐resistance and side effects also attenuate the therapeutic effects and predict poor prognosis. Recently, photothermal therapy (PTT) has attracted extensive attention featuring minimal invasiveness and high spatial‐temporal precision characteristics. Herein, an ultrathin 2D inorganic ancient pigment Egyptian blue decorated 3D‐printing scaffold (CaPCu) with profound PTT efficacy at the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) biowindow against OS and enhanced osteogenesis performance is successfully constructed. Importantly, this work uncovers the underlying biological mechanisms that genes associated with cell death, proliferation, and bone development are regulated by CaPCu‐scaffold‐based therapy. This work not only elucidates the fascinating clinical translation prospects of CaPCu‐scaffold‐based PTT against OS in NIR‐II biowindow, but also demonstrates the potential mechanisms and offers a novel strategy to develop the next‐generation, multifunctional tissue‐engineering biomaterials.
A novel 4‐mRNA signature predicts the overall survival in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Chen Zizhen , Song Junzhe , Wang Wenjun , Bai Jiaojiao , Zhang Yuhui , Shi Jun , Bai Jie , Zhou Yuan
Published: August 2021

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive cancer of myeloid cells with high levels of heterogeneity and great variability in prognostic behaviors. Cytogenetic abnormalities and genetic mutations have been widely used in the prognostic stratification of AML to assign patients into different risk categories. Nevertheless, nearly half of AML patients assigned to intermediate risk need more precise prognostic schemes. Here, 336 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between AML and control samples and 206 genes representing the intratumor heterogeneity of AML were identified. By applying a LASSO Cox regression model, we generated a 4‐mRNA prognostic signature comprising KLF9, ENPP4, TUBA4A and CD247. Higher risk scores were significantly associated with shorter overall survival, complex karyotype, and adverse mutations. We then validated the prognostic value of this 4‐mRNA signature in two independent cohorts. We also proved that incorporation of the 4‐mRNA‐based signature in the 2017 European LeukemiaNet (ELN) risk classification could enhance the predictive accuracy of survival in patients with AML. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that this signature was independent of traditional prognostic factors such as age, WBC count, and unfavorable cytogenetics. Finally, the molecular mechanisms underlying disparate outcomes in high‐risk and low‐risk AML patients were explored. Therefore, our findings suggest that the 4‐mRNA signature refines the risk stratification and prognostic prediction of AML patients.
Breastfeeding and weaning in Late Holocene hunter‐gatherers of the lower Paraná wetland, South America
Authors: Loponte Daniel , Mazza Bárbara
Published: August 2021

Objective

In this study, we analyze breastfeeding and weaning practices in pre‐Columbian complex hunter‐gatherers from the lower Paraná River basin (South America).

Materials and Methods

We carried out bone isotope analyses concerning δ13C in collagen and apatite, the spacing between both carbon sources and δ15N in a sample of 23 subadult and adult individuals of both sexes recovered from Late Holocene archaeological sites, ranging from 1665 ± 45 to 680 ± 80 14C years BP.

Results and Discussion

The results indicate that exclusive breastfeeding continued until the age of ~2 years, and weaning probably until 4 years of age. Supplementary foods included C3 plants and probably animal fats and C4 carbohydrates. A high fractionation of 4.9‰ in δ15N values was recognized between breastfeeding infants and adult females, perhaps reflecting episodic hyper‐protein diets in women linked to men's food provisioning during women's gestational/postpartum period. Additionally, male adults present a higher protein intake than females. Although this difference is not statistically significant with the current sample size, it could be a clue related to a sexual division in food procurement.
FRONTotemporal dementia Incidence European Research Study—FRONTIERS: Rationale and design
Authors: Borroni Barbara , Graff Caroline , Hardiman Orla , Ludolph Albert C. , Moreno Fermin , Otto Markus , Piccininni Marco , Remes Anne M , Rowe James B , Seelaar Harro , Stefanova Elka , Traykov Latchezar , Logroscino Giancarlo ,   FRONTIERS
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The incidence of Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD)–related disorders and their characteristics are not well known. The “FRONTotemporal dementia Incidence European Research Study” (FRONTIERS) is designed to fill this gap.

Methods

FRONTIERS is a European prospective, observational population study based on multinational registries. FRONTIERS comprises 11 tertiary referral centers across Europe with long‐lasting experience in FTLD‐related disorders and comprehensive regional referral networks, enabling incidence estimation over well‐defined geographical areas.

Endpoints

The primary endpoints are (1) the incidence of FTLD‐related disorders across Europe; (2) geographic trends of FTLD‐related disorders; (3) the distribution of FTLD phenotypes in different populations and ethnicities in Europe; (4) inheritance of FTLD‐related disorders, including the frequencies of monogenic FTLD as compared to overall disease burden; and (5) implementation of data banking for clinical and biological material.

Expected impacts

FRONTIERS will improve the understanding of FTLD‐related disorders and their epidemiology, promoting appropriate public health service policies and treatment strategies.
Incidence of dementia in a Brazilian population: The Tremembé Epidemiologic Study
Authors: César‐Freitas Karolina G. , Suemoto Claudia K. , Power Melinda C. , Brucki Sonia M. D. , Nitrini Ricardo
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Few dementia incidence studies have been performed in Latin America. We aimed to provide the incidence of dementia in a Brazilian community‐dwelling elderly population.

Methods

This study was conducted in urban and rural areas of Tremembé. The 520 participants without dementia at baseline were invited to participate in the follow‐up.

Results

After a median follow‐up of 5 years, the incidence rate of dementia was 26.1 per 1000 person‐years (PY) (95% confidence interval  = 18.7–36.6/1000PY). This rate increased exponentially with age (8.3/1000PY for 60‐ to 64‐year‐olds to 110.2/1000PY for ≥80‐year‐olds) and lower education (10.5/1000PY for > 8 years of education to 59.2/1000PY for illiterates). Higher dementia risk was found among individuals with cognitive impairment no dementia at baseline.

Discussion

The dementia incidence rate found was higher than in other countries in people under 65 years. Higher incidence in younger individuals is expected in developing countries probably due to low education and a high burden of cardiovascular diseases.
Synergistic Deoxynucleoside and Gene Therapies for Thymidine Kinase 2 Deficiency
Authors: Lopez‐Gomez Carlos , Sanchez‐Quintero Maria J. , Lee Eung Jeon , Kleiner Giulio , Tadesse Saba , Xie Jun , Akman Hasan Orhan , Gao Guangping , Hirano Michio
Published: August 2021

Objective

Autosomal recessive human thymidine kinase 2 (TK2) mutations cause TK2 deficiency, which typically manifests as a progressive and fatal mitochondrial myopathy in infants and children. Treatment with pyrimidine deoxynucleosides deoxycytidine and thymidine ameliorates mitochondrial defects and extends the lifespan of Tk2 knock‐in mouse (Tk2KI) and compassionate use deoxynucleoside therapy in TK2 deficient patients have shown promising indications of efficacy. To augment therapy for Tk2 deficiency, we assessed gene therapy alone and in combination with deoxynucleoside therapy in Tk2KI mice.

Methods

We generated pAAVsc CB6 PI vectors containing human TK2 cDNA (TK2). Adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐TK2 was administered to Tk2KI, which were serially assessed for weight, motor functions, and survival as well as biochemical functions in tissues. AAV‐TK2 treated mice were further treated with deoxynucleosides.

Results

AAV9 delivery of human TK2 cDNA to Tk2KI mice efficiently rescued Tk2 activity in all the tissues tested except the kidneys, delayed disease onset, and increased lifespan. Sequential treatment of Tk2KI mice with AAV9 first followed by AAV2 at different ages allowed us to reduce the viral dose while further prolonging the lifespan. Furthermore, addition of deoxycytidine and deoxythymidine supplementation to AAV9 + AAV2 treated Tk2KI mice dramatically improved mtDNA copy numbers in the liver and kidneys, animal growth, and lifespan.

Interpretation

Our data indicate that AAV‐TK2 gene therapy as well as combination deoxynucleoside and gene therapies is more effective in Tk2KI mice than pharmacological alone. Thus, combination of gene therapy with substrate enhancement is a promising therapeutic approach for TK2 deficiency and potentially other metabolic disorders. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:640–652
Selective Electrosynthetic Hydrocarboxylation of α,β‐Unsaturated Esters with Carbon Dioxide**
Authors: Sheta Ahmed M. , Alkayal Anas , Mashaly Mohammad A. , Said Samy B. , Elmorsy Saad S. , Malkov Andrei V. , Buckley Benjamin R.
Published: August 2021

The carboxylation of low‐value commodity chemicals to provide higher‐value carboxylic acids is of significant interest. Recently alternative routes to the traditional hydroformylation processes that used potentially toxic carbon monoxide and a transition metal catalyst have appeared. A significant challenge has been the selectivity observed for olefin carboxylation. Photochemical methods have shown a viable route towards the hydrocarboxylation of α,β‐unsaturated alkenes but rely on the use of an excess reducing or amine reagent. Herein we report our investigations of an electrochemical approach that is able to hydrocarboxylate α,β‐unsaturated alkenes with excellent regioselectivity and the ability to carboxylate hindered substrates to afford α‐quaternary center carboxylic acids. The reported process requires no chromatography and the products are purified by simple crystallization from the reaction mixture after work‐up.
Harte Röntgen‐Nanotomographie zur 3D‐Analyse der Verkokung in Nickel‐basierten Katalysatoren
Authors: Weber Sebastian , Batey Darren , Cipiccia Silvia , Stehle Matthias , Abel Ken L. , Gläser Roger , Sheppard Thomas L.
Published: August 2021

Das Verständnis der Katalysatordesaktivierung durch Verkokung ist entscheidend für ein wissensbasiertes Katalysator‐ und Prozessdesign bei Reaktionen mit Kohlenstoffverbindungen. Die Katalysatorverkokung wird dabei typischerweise durch Post‐Mortem‐Analyse untersucht. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird ptychographische Röntgentomographie (PXCT) zur Analyse von künstlich verkokten Ni/Al2O3‐Katalysatoren für die CO2‐Methansierung und CH4‐Trockenreformierung verwendet. PXCT liefert dabei 3D‐Informationen der lokalen Elektronendichte mit ca. 80 nm Auflösung und ermöglicht somit die Visualisierung und Untersuchung der Ausprägung der Verkokung in Katalysatorpartikeln mit einem Durchmesser von ca. 40 μm. Die Verkokung wurde hauptsächlich im nanoporösen Festkörper identifiziert und konnte nicht in den aufgelösten Makroporen gefunden werden. Die Kohlenstoffbildung wurde unabhängig dazu mittels operando Raman‐Spektroskopie bestätigt. PXCT wird als aufkommende Charakterisierungstechnik hervorgehoben, die eine nanoskalige Identifizierung, Lokalisierung und möglicherweise Quantifizierung von verschiedenen Desaktivierungsphänomenen mit 3D‐Auflösung in kompletten Katalysatorpartikeln ermöglicht.
Gerüst‐Editierung – Stickstoff‐Deletion sekundärer Amine mithilfe anomerer Amid‐Reagenzien
Authors: Zippel Christoph , Seibert Jasmin , Bräse Stefan
Published: August 2021

Die gezielte, nachträgliche Modifikation vorhandener Vorläufermoleküle ermöglicht den Zugang zu einer großen Breite biologisch aktiver Verbindungen. Periphere Editierungen (z. B. C‐H‐Aktivierung) sind weit verbreitete Methoden, während Editierungen am molekularen Grundgerüst noch in den Kinderschuhen stecken. Die Deletion eines Stickstoffatoms unter Verwendung von anomeren Amid‐Reagenzien stellt ein leistungsfähiges Werkzeug zur Modifizierung des molekularen Gerüsts sekundärer Amine dar. N‐Pivaloyloxy‐N‐alkoxyamid lässt sich leicht in großem Maßstab herstellen und ermöglicht die Bildung von C‐C‐Bindungen unter N2‐Extrusion für eine Vielzahl von (cyclischen) aliphatischen Aminen in hohen Ausbeuten. Durch die breite Verfügbarkeit der Amine können bestehende Syntheseprotokolle in die Konstruktion neuer C‐C‐Bindungen übertragen werden. Dies ermöglicht Ringkontraktionen und zeigt ein hohes Potenzial zur Strukturoptimierung biologisch aktiver Verbindungen.
Laterally Engineering Lanthanide‐MOFs Epitaxial Heterostructures for Spatially Resolved Planar 2D Photonic Barcoding
Authors: Gao Zhenhua , Yang Shuo , Xu Baoyuan , Zhang Tongjin , Chen Shunwei , Zhang Weiguang , Sun Xun , Wang Zifei , Wang Xue , Meng Xiangeng , Zhao Yong Sheng
Published: August 2021

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) heterostructures with domain‐controlled emissive colors have shown great potential for achieving high‐throughput sensing, anti‐counterfeit and information security. Here, a strategy based on steric‐hindrance effect is proposed to construct lateral lanthanide‐MOFs (Ln‐MOFs) epitaxial heterostructures, where the channel‐directed guest molecules are introduced to rebalance in‐plane and out‐of‐plane growth rates of the Ln‐MOFs microrods and eventually generate lateral MOF epitaxial heterostructures with controllable aspect ratios. A library of lateral Ln‐MOFs heterostructures are acquired through a stepwise epitaxial growth procedure, from which rational modulation of each domain with specific lanthanide doping species allows for definition of photonic barcodes in a two‐dimensional (2D) domain with remarkably enlarged encoding capacity. The results provide molecular‐level insight into the use of modulators in governing crystallite morphology for spatially assembling multifunctional heterostructures.
Chemoselective and Highly Sensitive Quantification of Gut Microbiome and Human Metabolites
Authors: Lin Weifeng , Conway Louis P. , Vujasinovic Miroslav , Löhr J.‐Matthias , Globisch Daniel
Published: August 2021

The microbiome has a fundamental impact on the human host's physiology through the production of highly reactive compounds that can lead to disease development. One class of such compounds are carbonyl‐containing metabolites, which are involved in diverse biochemical processes. Mass spectrometry is the method of choice for analysis of metabolites but carbonyls are analytically challenging. Herein, we have developed a new chemical biology tool using chemoselective modification to overcome analytical limitations. Two isotopic probes allow for the simultaneous and semi‐quantitative analysis at the femtomole level as well as qualitative analysis at attomole quantities that allows for detection of more than 200 metabolites in human fecal, urine and plasma samples. This comprehensive mass spectrometric analysis enhances the scope of metabolomics‐driven biomarker discovery. We anticipate that our chemical biology tool will be of general use in metabolomics analysis to obtain a better understanding of microbial interactions with the human host and disease development.
Grafting polymers from cellulose nanocrystals via surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Sèbe Gilles , Hou Yelin , Wang Juan , Huang Jin , Zhou Guofu
Published: August 2021

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) are rod‐like nanoparticles extracted from cellulose. Due to their fascinating properties—renewable, biocompatible, non‐toxic, biodegradable, excellent mechanical performances, high specific surface area, water dispersible, can be assemble in chiral nematic phases—CNC have shown promise in various fields, including oil recovery, polymer composites reinforcing, hydrogels, aerogels, supercapacitors, energy saving buildings, cosmetics, papermaking, coatings, liquid crystals, and waste water treatment. However, the hydrophilic surface of CNC hinders their broader applications. In this context, surface modification of CNC via polymer grafting can be used to finely tune their surficial properties and endow CNC with a variety of functionalities, such as conductivity, pH or temperature responsiveness, reactivity…In particular, surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP) is a powerful tool to graft various polymers with a high grafting density and controlled chain length. In this review, the precise control of grafted polymers from CNC via SI‐ATRP is first discussed, including issues related to the polymer grafting density, chain length and possibility to perform an asymmetric grafting. Then, the properties and applications of CNC grafted with a variety of polymers are presented. Finally, some challenges and outlook related to the SI‐ATRP method applied to the field of CNC is discussed.
Effects of difunctional reactive polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane on the properties of EPDM
Authors: Ma Xutao , Ji Tiezheng , Ma Xiaoyan , Zhao Xiaoran , Wang Wentao , Guo Hongbin , Shen Shuai , Fan Cunlong , Yang Miaomiao , Hou Xiao
Published: August 2021

Bifunctional reactive polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) of 3, 13‐divinyl octyphenyl silsesquioxane (DV‐DDSQ) and 3, 13‐dihydro octyphenyl silsesquioxane (DH‐DDSQ) were used as additive to modify ethylene‐propylene‐diene rubber (EPDM), and double vinyl groups or active hydrogen groups of bifunctional reactive POSS (brPOSS) underwent a cross‐linking reaction with the active hydrogen groups and double bonds of EPDM, to investigate the effect of brPOSS regulating functional reaction group on the properties of EPDM. Crosslinking density, mechanical properties, thermal stability and ablation performance of brPOSS modified EPDM were investigated, and the pyrolysis behavior and surface structure of modified EPDM was analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the ablation performance of brPOSS modified insulation based on EPDM was investigated. The results showed that the tensile strength of EPDM/DV‐DDSQ and EPDM/DH‐DDSQ increased by 35.8% and 55.3% respectively compared with EPDM; the tear strength increased by 6.4% and 5% than that of EPDM. Moreover, the 5% initial thermal decomposition temperature based on thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and mass (or linear) ablation rate ablative performance of brPOSS modified EPDM were optimized to a certain extent, and the ablative performance of brPOSS modified insulation based on is significantly improved, the mass ablation rate of DV‐DDSQ/insulation and DH‐DDSQ/insulation decreased by 35.4% and 41.6% respectively, and linear ablation rate decreased by 38.2% and 39.4% respectively.
Potential links between wintertime snow cover in central Europe and precipitation over the low‐latitude highlands of China in May
Authors: Ma Anqi , Zhao Jinchuan , Cai Lei , Dong Zeyu , Yang Ruowen
Published: August 2021

This research describes a link between winter–springtime snow cover anomalies in central Europe and precipitation over the low‐latitude highlands of China (LLHC). Excessive snow cover over Europe and East Asia alters the meridional temperature gradient, which induces zonal wind anomalies at the 500 hPa level that impact the strength and position of subtropical streams. These anomalies persist until spring and result in a distinctive paired cyclonic–anticyclonic circulation pattern. Over Mongolia, the imposition of cyclonic circulation weakens the Mongolia High and reduces the potential southward flow of cold air that normally affects the LLHC during spring. Concurrently, the development of anticyclonic conditions over the LLHC weakens springtime precipitation in this area. This paired circulation system is verified by the linear baroclinic model, which also confirms that the observed linkage between snow cover and precipitation is not modulated by the El Niño–Southern Oscillation. This analysis affords new insight into the effects of snow cover on the subtropical stream and atmospheric circulations downwind.
Eu(III)–DO3A and BODIPY dyad as a chemosensor for anthrax biomarker
Authors: Alp Meltem , Pamuk Algi Melek , Algi Fatih
Published: August 2021

The sensitive and selective determination of Bacillus anthracis spores before the infection is vital for human health and safety. Dipicolinic acid (DPA) is an excellent biomarker due to its presence in the nucleus of bacterial spores at high concentrations (up to 1 M, about 15% dry weight). In the present work, a new molecular chemosensor 1, based on europium(III)–DO3A and BODIPY dyad, is developed to detect DPA in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) buffered solution and tap water samples. Also, 1 can be used as a ratiometric optical chemosensor to track DPA.
Environmental investment decisions of family firms—An analysis of competitor and government influence
Authors: Bendell Bari L.
Published: August 2021

Prior research suggests that family firms are more likely to engage in environment‐friendly practices. However, the source of this difference is less clear. This study investigates how environmental innovations and stakeholder pressure tradeoffs (specifically from competitors and government) are simultaneously evaluated within family and nonfamily firms. An experimental rating‐based conjoint methodology was used to capture and analyze 1936 firm environmental innovation investment decisions. The results indicate that firms were significantly more likely to invest in an environmental innovation that helped reduce regulatory oversight, and less likely to do so when it leads to a negative reputation among their industry peers. The findings also suggest that while firms will make an environmental innovation investment decisions to keep the government close, they are much more likely to avoid these investments if doing so will negatively impact their reputation among their peers—thus keeping their competitors closer. However, the results also demonstrated that family firms who were highly engaged with their peers were significantly less influenced by the possibility of negative peer reputation repercussions when making investment decisions compared with other firms. This research contributes to the development of a more comprehensive theoretical synthesis among the fields of corporate social responsibility (CSR), family business, and stakeholder theory.
Differential responses in EPA and fucoxanthin production by the marine diatom Stauroneis sp. under varying cultivation conditions
Authors: Parkes Rachel , Archer Lorraine , Gee Dónal Mc , Smyth Thomas J. , Gillespie Eoin , Touzet Nicolas
Published: August 2021

There has been an increasing drive toward better valorising raw biological materials in the context of the sustainability of bio‐based industries and the circular economy. As such, microalgae hold the ability to biosynthesise valuable metabolites, which are sought after within the bioenergy, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics or nutrition sectors. Owing to their bioactivities, the xanthophyll pigment fucoxanthin and the omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have fostered increasing interests in terms of sustainably refining them from natural sources, such as microalgae. Together with the suitability of individual species to industrial cultivation, a key challenge resides in optimizing the yields of these compounds within the microalgal biomass they are retrieved from. The marine diatom Stauroneis sp. LACW24 was batch cultivated into its stationary phase of growth prior to being subjected at high cell density (1 × 106 cells mL−1) to seven different regimes of light exposure in replenished medium and under nutritional limitation (silica and nitrate) for 12 days. The highest EPA proportions and yields were obtained under blue LED in f/2 medium (16.5% and 4.8 mg g−1, respectively), double the values obtained under red LED illumination. The fucoxanthin yield was the highest when cells were subjected to blue LEDs (5.9 mg g−1), a fourfold increase compared to the nitrogen‐limited treatment under white LEDs. These results indicate that a two‐stage approach to the batch cultivation of this diatom can be used for enhancing the production of the high‐value metabolites fucoxanthin and EPA post‐stationary phase.
Testing homogeneity in contaminated mixture models
Authors: Liu Guanfu , Fu Yuejiao , Liu Wenchen , Mu Rongji
Published: August 2021

Contaminated mixture models (CMMs) have wide applications in the real world. Testing homogeneity in CMMs is an important and fundamental problem. In this article, we develop an EM‐test for homogeneity in the general framework of the CMM with unbounded likelihood. The null limiting distribution of the test is shown to be a shifted mixture of chi‐square distributions. Simulation studies demonstrate that the EM‐test has excellent finite‐sample performance. Two real‐data examples illustrate the applications of the proposed method.
Efficient design optimization of a miniaturized thermoelectric generator for electrically active implants based on parametric model order reduction
Authors: Rao Yongchen , Yuan Chengdong , Sadashivaiah Gunasheela , Hohlfeld Dennis , Bechtold Tamara
Published: August 2021

This research focuses on the design of a miniaturized thermoelectric generator (TEG) for electrically active implants. Its design optimization is performed using the finite element method. A simplified TEG model is obtained by replacing the thermocouple array with a single representative thermopile, which considers the number and fill factor of the thermocouples as parameters. Instead of rebuilding the geometry of a detailed model with multiple thermocouples, the simplified model adapts the material properties of its representative thermopile, facilitating design optimization. We extend the model by integrating the simplified TEG together with a housing inside a human tissue model for thermoelectric analysis. For computation efficiency and applicability of model order reduction (MOR), a thermal model is derived from the thermoelectric one, with the Peltier effect being considered through an effective thermal conductivity. Through parametric MOR, two parametric reduced‐order models are generated from the full‐scale thermoelectric and thermal model, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrate the design optimization of TEG both in full‐scale and reduced‐order model for maximal power output and sufficient voltage output.
Subphthalocyanine‐Diketopyrrolopyrrole Conjugates: 3D Star‐Shaped Systems as Non‐Fullerene Acceptors in Polymer Solar Cells with High Open‐Circuit Voltage
Authors: Álvaro‐Martins Maria J. , Sánchez José G. , Lavarda Giulia , Molina Desiré , Pallarès Josep , Torres Tomás , Marsal Lluis F. , Sastre‐Santos Ángela
Published: August 2021

Invited for this month's cover are the collaborating groups of Prof. Ángela Sastre‐Santos, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Prof. Lluis F. Marsal, Universitat Rovira i Virgili and Prof. Tomás Torres, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain. The cover shows a toy doll holding an umbrella which represents a non‐planar, highly conjugated subphthalocyanine‐diketopyrrolopyrrole hybrid molecule for non‐fullerene organic solar cells. When the sun shines on the umbrella, it absorbs the light, and the doll slides down a polymeric flexible solar cell like a slide, where electrons are produced and electricity flows into the magic wand to illuminate the room. More information can be found in the Full Paper by Ángela Sastre‐Santos, Lluis F. Marsal, Tomás Torres, and co‐workers.
Dormancy attributes in sunflower achenes (Helianthus annuus L.): II. Sowing date effects
Authors: Riveira Rubin Mailen , Arata Gonzalo Joaquin , López Esteban Dario , Rodriguez Maria Veronica , Batlla Diego
Published: August 2021

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seed industry needs nondormant seeds (i.e., seeds with the capacity to germinate in a wide range of environmental conditions) for processing and packaging. Thus, the presence of persistent seed dormancy is an undesirable trait. Dormancy level depends on the genotype and on the maternal environment. The aim of the present work was to study, in a wide range of sunflower genotypes, the effect of variations in sowing date on achene dormancy level and to investigate if these changes are related to variations in (a) embryo or coat‐imposed dormancy, (b) dormancy expression at high or low incubation temperatures, and (c) embryo sensitivity to abscisic acid (ABA). Two experiments were performed. In Experiment I, 20 sunflower genotypes were sown in two contrasting planting dates during three consecutive years, whereas in Experiment II, 1579 genotype was sown in five dates along a 5‐mo period. At harvest and during postharvest storage, fruit structures were incubated at different incubation temperatures in water and ABA. Descriptive multivariate analyses showed that late sowings provoked an enhancement of achene germination at harvest and a faster dormancy release during postharvest storage in all genotypes. However, the magnitude of the response, the temperature at which dormancy was expressed, and the tissue responsible for achene dormancy varied among genotypes. The mechanism that partially explains this dormancy alleviation appears to be the sensitivity of embryo germination to ABA inhibition. Result suggest that sowing date can be managed to obtain less‐dormant sunflower seed lots without significant yield loss.
Chemo‐Biological Upcycling of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) to Multifunctional Coating Materials
Authors: Kim Hee Taek , Hee Ryu Mi , Jung Ye Jean , Lim Sooyoung , Song Hye Min , Park Jeyoung , Hwang Sung Yeon , Lee Hoe‐Suk , Yeon Young Joo , Sung Bong Hyun , Bornscheuer Uwe T. , Park Si Jae , Joo Jeong Chan , Oh Dongyeop X.
Published: August 2021

Chemo‐biological upcycling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) developed in this study includes the following key steps: chemo‐enzymatic PET depolymerization, biotransformation of terephthalic acid (TPA) into catechol, and its application as a coating agent. Monomeric units were first produced through PET glycolysis into bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET), mono(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (MHET), and PET oligomers, and enzymatic hydrolysis of these glycolyzed products using Bacillus subtilis esterase (Bs2Est). Bs2Est efficiently hydrolyzed glycolyzed products into TPA as a key enzyme for chemo‐enzymatic depolymerization. Furthermore, catechol solution produced from TPA via a whole‐cell biotransformation (Escherichia coli) could be directly used for functional coating on various substrates after simple cell removal from the culture medium without further purification and water‐evaporation. This work demonstrates a proof‐of‐concept of a PET upcycling strategy via a combination of chemo‐biological conversion of PET waste into multifunctional coating materials.
Comprehensive survey of routing protocols for Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Rady Asmaa , El‐Rabaie E L‐Sayed M. , Shokair Mona , Abdel‐Salam Nariman
Published: August 2021

Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks (MWSNs) have emerged as a new evolution trend in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) technology as a result of the growth and popularization of mobile terminal technology. WSNs' feature spectrum is greatly expanded by the mobility of nodes introduced by MWSNs. MWSN is a network with lots of sensors that are initially distributed randomly and collaborate to gather, process, and transmit information around targets to the sink node. MWSN is an overgrowth and emerging technology with significant applications that provide free moving for sensors and adaptable communicating with each other without fixed infrastructure. Because of their small size, they have limited radio capability, storage, and power. Therefore, MWSNs are utilized to improve network lifetime, energy expenditure, and channel capacity than fixed WSNs. Many routing protocols have recently been introduced to perform advances in the field of energy expenditure for MWSN data collection. This paper introduces a survey on hierarchical‐based routing protocols for MWSNs. The survey outlines the classification of the routing techniques in the aspect of mobility. The comparisons between Mobile Sensor Node (MSN) protocols, Mobile Sink (MS)protocols, and protocols for mobile of both sink and sensor node together are introduced individually. Moreover, the commercial software programs for MWSNs are discussed. Finally, the challenges and future trends in MWSNs are presented.
Evidence for widespread changes in the structure, composition, and fire regimes of western North American forests
Authors: Hagmann R. K. , Hessburg P. F. , Prichard S. J. , Povak N. A. , Brown P. M. , Fulé P. Z. , Keane R. E. , Knapp E. E. , Lydersen J. M. , Metlen K. L. , Reilly M. J. , Sánchez Meador A. J. , Stephens S. L. , Stevens J. T. , Taylor A. H. , Yocom L. L. , Battaglia M. A. , Churchill D. J. , Daniels L. D. , Falk D. A. , Henson P. , Johnston J. D. , Krawchuk M. A. , Levine C. R. , Meigs G. W. , Merschel A. G. , North M. P. , Safford H. D. , Swetnam T. W. , Waltz A. E. M.
Published: August 2021

Implementation of wildfire‐ and climate‐adaptation strategies in seasonally dry forests of western North America is impeded by numerous constraints and uncertainties. After more than a century of resource and land use change, some question the need for proactive management, particularly given novel social, ecological, and climatic conditions. To address this question, we first provide a framework for assessing changes in landscape conditions and fire regimes. Using this framework, we then evaluate evidence of change in contemporary conditions relative to those maintained by active fire regimes, i.e., those uninterrupted by a century or more of human‐induced fire exclusion. The cumulative results of more than a century of research document a persistent and substantial fire deficit and widespread alterations to ecological structures and functions. These changes are not necessarily apparent at all spatial scales or in all dimensions of fire regimes and forest and nonforest conditions. Nonetheless, loss of the once abundant influence of low‐ and moderate‐severity fires suggests that even the least fire‐prone ecosystems may be affected by alteration of the surrounding landscape and, consequently, ecosystem functions. Vegetation spatial patterns in fire‐excluded forested landscapes no longer reflect the heterogeneity maintained by interacting fires of active fire regimes. Live and dead vegetation (surface and canopy fuels) is generally more abundant and continuous than before European colonization. As a result, current conditions are more vulnerable to the direct and indirect effects of seasonal and episodic increases in drought and fire, especially under a rapidly warming climate. Long‐term fire exclusion and contemporaneous social‐ecological influences continue to extensively modify seasonally dry forested landscapes. Management that realigns or adapts fire‐excluded conditions to seasonal and episodic increases in drought and fire can moderate ecosystem transitions as forests and human communities adapt to changing climatic and disturbance regimes. As adaptation strategies are developed, evaluated, and implemented, objective scientific evaluation of ongoing research and monitoring can aid differentiation of warranted and unwarranted uncertainties.
Prevalence of eating disorders and comorbid psychopathology in a US sample of treatment‐seeking veterans
Authors: Vaught Amanda S. , Piazza Vivian , Raines Amanda M.
Published: August 2021

Objective

Eating disorders (EDs) are a well‐studied public health issue in the general population. Less is known, however, about the prevalence of such conditions and levels of comorbid psychopathology among military and veteran populations. The current study sought to describe the probable prevalence of EDs and levels of comorbid psychopathology using a racially diverse treatment‐seeking sample of US veteran men and women.

Method

Veterans (N =254) presenting for routine clinical care completed self‐report questionnaires assessing EDs, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and shame.

Results

Thirty‐one percent of the sample met probable criteria for either bulimia nervosa (BN), binge‐eating disorder, or purging disorder. Although overall ED prevalence estimates were similar across men and women, estimates of BN were higher among Black veterans compared to White veterans or veterans who identified as a race other than Black or White. Further, mean levels of psychopathology were significantly higher in veterans with a probable ED compared to those without.

Discussion

This study extends previous research and highlights the importance of establishing dedicated ED screening programs within the Veterans Health Administration.
Large and small herbivores have strong effects on tundra vegetation in Scandinavia and Alaska
Authors: Lindén Elin , Gough Laura , Olofsson Johan
Published: August 2021

Large and small mammalian herbivores are present in most vegetated areas in the Arctic and often have large impacts on plant community composition and ecosystem functioning. The relative importance of different herbivores and especially how their specific impact on the vegetation varies across the Arctic is however poorly understood.

Here, we investigate how large and small herbivores influence vegetation density and plant community composition in four arctic vegetation types in Scandinavia and Alaska. We used a unique set of exclosures, excluding only large (reindeer and muskoxen) or all mammalian herbivores (also voles and lemmings) for at least 20 years.

We found that mammalian herbivores in general decreased leaf area index, NDVI, and abundance of vascular plants in all four locations, even though the strength of the effect and which herbivore type caused these effects differed across locations. In three locations, herbivore presence caused contrasting plant communities, but not in the location with lowest productivity. Large herbivores had a negative effect on plant height, whereas small mammalian herbivores increased species diversity by decreasing dominance of the initially dominating plant species. Above‐ or belowground disturbances caused by herbivores were found to play an important role in shaping the vegetation in all locations.

Synthesis: Based on these results, we conclude that both small and large mammalian herbivores influence vegetation in Scandinavia and Alaska in a similar way, some of which can mitigate effects of climate change. We also see important differences across locations, but these depend rather on local herbivore and plant community composition than large biogeographical differences among continents.
Preventive implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy in contemporary clinical practice: need for more stringent selection criteria
Authors: Deckers Jaap W. , Arshi Banafsheh , van den Berge Jan C. , Constantinescu Alina A.
Published: August 2021

While the efficacy of the intracardiac defibrillators (ICDs) for primary prevention is not disputed, the relevant studies were carried out a long time ago. Most pertinent trials, including MADIT‐II, SCD‐Heft, and DEFINITE, recruited patients more than 20 years ago. Since then, improved therapeutic modalities including, in addition to cardiac resynchronization therapy, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, angiotensin receptor‐neprilysin inhibitors, and, most recently, inhibitors of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2, have lowered present‐day rates of mortality and of sudden cardiac death. Thus, nowadays, ICD therapy may be less effective than previously reported, and not as beneficial as many people currently believe. However, criteria for ICD implantation remain very inclusive. The patient must (only) be symptomatic and have ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 35%. The choice of EF 35% is notable because the average EF in all large trials was much lower, and clinical benefit was mainly limited to EF ≤ 30%. This EF cut‐off value defines a substantial portion of potential ICD recipients. It seems therefore reasonable to limit ICD eligibility criteria in the EF range 30–35% to patients at highest risk only. We discuss and present some rational criteria to assist the clinician in improving risk stratification for preventive ICD implantation.