bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus-doped h-boron nitride as an efficient metal-free catalyst for direct dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene
Authors: Lin Baining , Xu Fan , Mei Yuxin , Liu Yuwei , Zou Yingping , Liang Zhiwu , Zhou Yonghua , Diao Jiangyong , Mao Yu , Liu Hongyang
Published: June 2021

The N2PO and N3P–OH sites of PBN synergistically catalyzed the direct dehydrogenation reaction of ethylbenzene with a styrene production rate of 6.63 mmolST g−1 h−1 even after 100 h.
Physical, sensory, and simulated mastication properties of texture-modified Spanish sauce using different texturing agents
Authors: Ribes Susana , Estarriaga Raquel , Grau Raúl , Talens Pau
Published: June 2021

Instrumental and sensory properties of texture-modified Spanish sauce with different texturing agents are studied. Saliva plays an important role in the samples. Selecting a suitable hydrocolloid is crucial in dysphagia-oriented foods.
Melanoidins, extracted from Chinese traditional vinegar powder, inhibit alcohol-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in macrophages via activation of SIRT1 and SIRT3
Authors: Li Yang , Jia Xin , Tang Ning , Tao Huiyuan , Xia Rong , Cheng Yongqiang
Published: June 2021

Study of the role of melanoidins, extracted from Chinese traditional vinegar powder, in the regulation of alcohol-induced inflammation and oxidative stress using a RAW 264.7 macrophage model, and elucidation of the underlying mechanisms of action.
In vitrogastrointestinal digestion impact on stability, bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity of polyphenols from wild and commercial blackberries (Rubusspp.)
Authors: Sánchez-Velázquez Oscar Abel , Mulero Miquel , Cuevas-Rodríguez Edith Oliva , Mondor Martin , Arcand Yves , Hernández-Álvarez Alan Javier
Published: June 2021

Gastrointestinal digestion (GID) is a physiological process that transforms the stability, bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity (AOX) of polyphenols from blackberries (Rubusspp.).
Aloe-emodin prevents nerve injury and neuroinflammation caused by ischemic stroke via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and NF-κB pathway
Authors: Xian Minghua , Cai Jiale , Zheng Kening , Liu Qu , Liu Yali , Lin Huiting , Liang Shengwang , Wang Shumei
Published: June 2021

Study of the protective role of aloe-emodin in nerve injury and neuroinflammation in vivo and in vitro, to provide a scientific basis for aloe-emodin treatment of neurological diseases.
Lithium isotopic composition of reference materials of biological origin TORT-2, DORM-2, TORT-3, DORM-4, SRM-1400 and ERM-CE278k
Authors: Thibon Fanny , Weppe Lucas , Montanes Maryline , Telouk Philippe , Vigier Nathalie
Published: June 2021

Li isotope compositions of soft tissues and bones from six international reference materials of biological origin has been characterized with MC-ICP-MS.
Efficient cascade reactions for luminescent pyrylium biolabels catalysed by light rare-earth elements
Authors: Wang Guangming , Li Xun , Wang Xuepu , Zhang Kaka
Published: June 2021

Luminescent pyrylium salts have been efficiently synthesized from cascade reactions, coupled to supramolecular assembly and used for protein labeling.
Galenic Lab-on-a-Chip concept for lipid nanocapsules production
Authors: Rolley Nicolas , Bonnin Marie , Lefebvre Guillaume , Verron Sylvain , Bargiel Sylwester , Robert Laurent , Riou Jérémie , Simonsson Carl , Bizien Thomas , Gimel Jean-Christophe , Benoit Jean-Pierre , Brotons Guillaume , Calvignac Brice
Published: June 2021

Galenic-on-chip concept and nanomedicines production using additive manufacturing and microfabrication techniques.
Unconventional distortion induced two-dimensional multiferroicity in a CrO3 monolayer
Authors: Chen Shanbao , Sun Huasheng , Ding Junfei , Wu Fang , Huang Chengxi , Kan Erjun
Published: June 2021

Two-dimensional (2D) multiferroic materials with the coexistence of electric and spin polarization offer a tantalizing potential for high-density multistate data storage.
Electrocatalytic desalination with CO2 reduction and O2 evolution
Authors: Shen Kaixiang , Wei Qiang , Wang Xin , Ru Qiang , Hou Xianhua , Wang Guannan , Hui Kwan San , Shen Jiadong , Hui Kwun Nam , Chen Fuming
Published: June 2021

An electrocatalytic desalination device exhibits a quick removal rate with formate generation at the cathode and oxygen evolution at the anode.
Enhancing the electrocatalytic activity and stability of Prussian blue analogues by increasing their electroactive sites through the introduction of Au nanoparticles
Authors: Sanchis-Gual Roger , Otero Toribio F. , Coronado-Puchau Marc , Coronado Eugenio
Published: June 2021

Au@PBA nanoparticles exhibiting an enhanced electrocatalytic activity and stability, compared to pristine PBAs and other Au–PBA nanostructures, have been prepared.
Dual-functional porous MOFs with hierarchical guest encapsulation for room-temperature phosphorescence and white-light-emission
Authors: Yuan Jiangyan , Feng Guangyuan , Dong Jie , Lei Shengbin , Hu Wenping
Published: June 2021

Two different guest molecules coronene and RhB were hierarchically encapsulated into the framework of PCN-921, and the dual-functional hybrid RhB@coronene@PCN-921 was achieved with optical properties of RTP and white light emission.
A layered (n-C4H9NH3)2CsAgBiBr7 perovskite for bipolar resistive switching memory with a high ON/OFF ratio
Authors: Kim So-Yeon , Yang June-Mo , Lee Sun-Ho , Park Nam-Gyu
Published: June 2021

Reduction of dimensionality of a lead-free perovskite from 3D to 2D improves the ON/OFF ratio from 102 to 107.
Hydrogen sulfide-activatable prodrug-backboned block copolymer micelles for delivery of chemotherapeutics
Authors: Xiang Jiajia , Xing Peiwen , Liu Xin , Shen Peihong , Shao Shiqun , Zhou Quan , Zhou Zhuxian , Tang Jianbin , Shen Youqing
Published: June 2021

A novel hydrogen sulfide-activatable block copolymer prodrug with high tumor specificity was developed for cancer chemotherapy.
High-performance soy protein-based films from cellulose nanofibers and graphene oxide constructed synergistically via hydrogen and chemical bonding
Authors: Wei Ningsi , Liao Murong , Xu Kaijie , Qin Zhiyong
Published: June 2021

Soybean protein isolate (SPI) shows a broad application prospect in the food and packaging industry.
Electrostatic interaction mechanism of visible light absorption broadening in ion-doped graphitic carbon nitride
Authors: Cen Zengyu , Kang Yuna , Lu Rong , Yu Anchi
Published: June 2021

H2O2 treated K-doped graphitic carbon nitride presents an enhanced visible light absorption, which is due to the electrostatic attraction between K ions and OOH ions inside graphitic carbon nitride.
Synthesis and characterization of AFe2O4 (A: Ni, Co, Mg)–silica nanocomposites and their application for the removal of dibenzothiophene (DBT) by an adsorption process: kinetics, isotherms and experimental design
Authors: Vafaee Fahimeh , Mandizadeh Samira , Amiri Omid , Jahangiri Mansour , Salavati-Niasari Masoud
Published: June 2021

Among the methods for adsorptive desulfurization (ADS) represents a promising alternative method of removing sulfur by adsorption.
One-pot, ligand-free, room-temperature synthesis of Au/Pd/ZnO nanoclusters with ultra-low noble metal loading and synergistically improved photocatalytic performances
Authors: Wei Yunwei , Shahid Malik Zeeshan , Lyu Shujuan , Sun Weiying , Lyu Shuqiang
Published: June 2021

Au/Pd/ZnO nanoclusters with ultra-low noble metal loadings were prepared by a one-step and ligand-free method at room temperature. The obtained Au/Pd/ZnO nanoclusters were composed of ZnO nanoclusters decorated with well-dispersed AuPd NPs with ultra-low noble metal loading.
Tricarbonyl triazolato Re(i) compounds of pyridylbenzimidazole ligands: spectroscopic and antimicrobial activity evaluation
Authors: Mansour Ahmed M.
Published: June 2021

The antimicrobial activity and solvatochromism properties of mono- and binuclear tricarbonyl triazolato Re(i) complexes of pyridylbenzimidazole, formed by catalyst-free [3+2] cycloaddition reaction, were examined.
Separation and recovery of arsenic from As, Cu, and Zn rich leaching liquor using a reduction-crystallization approach
Authors: Zhang Erjun , Zhou Kanggen , Zhang Xuekai , Peng Changhong , Chen Wei , He Dewen
Published: June 2021

Separation and recovery of valuable arsenic elements from complex wastewater was successfully achieved through a reduction-crystallization approach.
Transient release of radioactive iodine from the fission of UF4 in 2LiF–BeF2 salt
Authors: Geng Junxia , Zhao Zhongqi , Cheng Zhiqiang , Li Wenxin , Dou Qiang , Fu Haiying , Hu Jifeng , Cai Xiangzhou , Chen Jingen , Li Qingnuan
Published: June 2021

The reaction between hot atoms of fission product iodine causes its partial release and is affected by the redox condition of FLiBe salt.
Boric acid in magnetized water: clean and powerful media for synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones
Authors: Khakyzadeh Vahid , Moosavi-Zare Ahmad Reza , Sheikhaleslami Sahra , Ehsani Amir , Sediqi Salbin , Rezaei-Gohar Mohammad , Jalilian Zahra
Published: June 2021

Water was magnetized via an external magnetic field and employed, for the first time, as a solvent in green preparation of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones by the one-pot three-component condensation reaction using boric acid as a catalyst.
Luminescence properties of Ba4Yb3F17:Er3+ nanocrystals embedded in glass ceramics for optical thermometry
Authors: Li Sixing , Li Liang , Wang Wenming , Chen Hongmei , Li Yong , Huang Xianshan , Pan Yan
Published: June 2021

Transparent glass ceramic embedded with Ba4Yb3F17:Er3+ nanocrystals can be applied as a promising temperature sensor.
Synthesis of indazoles from 2-formylphenylboronic acids
Authors: Solomin Vitalii V. , Seins Alberts , Jirgensons Aigars
Published: June 2021

A method for the synthesis of indazoles was developed which involves a copper(ii) acetate catalysed reaction of 2-formylboronic acids with diazadicaboxylates followed by acid or base induced ring closure.
Recent development and applications of semipinacol rearrangement reactions
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Ming , Li Bao-Sheng , Wang Shao-Hua , Zhang Kun , Zhang Fu-Min , Tu Yong-Qiang
Published: June 2021

The recent development of semipinacol rearrangement is reviewed, highlighting its application in β-functionalized ketone synthesis, quaternary carbon formation and total synthesis.
A quasi-stable molybdenum sub-oxide with abundant oxygen vacancies that promotes CO2 hydrogenation to methanol
Authors: Kuwahara Yasutaka , Mihogi Takashi , Hamahara Koji , Kusu Kazuki , Kobayashi Hisayoshi , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: June 2021

Oxygen-defective molybdenum sub-oxide coupled with Pt nanoparticles affords high methanol yield in liquid-phase CO2 hydrogenation via reverse Mars–van Krevelen mechanism.
Incorporation of nanogels within calcite single crystals for the storage, protection and controlled release of active compounds
Authors: Nahi Ouassef , Kulak Alexander N. , Kress Thomas , Kim Yi-Yeoun , Grendal Ola G. , Duer Melinda J. , Cayre Olivier J. , Meldrum Fiona C.
Published: June 2021

Nanocarriers have tremendous potential for the encapsulation, storage and delivery of active compounds.
How important are fluctuations in the treatment of internal friction in polymers?
Authors: Kailasham R. , Chakrabarti Rajarshi , Prakash J. Ravi
Published: June 2021

The Rouse model with internal friction (RIF) is shown with polymer kinetic theory (PKT) to pre-average internal friction and to neglect fluctuations, significantly affecting the model's prediction of properties at equilibrium and in shear flow.
Phase behaviour in 2D assemblies of dumbbell-shaped colloids generated under geometrical confinement
Authors: Stuckert Rouven , Lüders Anton , Wittemann Alexander , Nielaba Peter
Published: June 2021

Structure formation in experimental monolayers of dumbbell particles is explored and compared to Brownian dynamics simulations. Probability densities of shape factors found in Voronoi tessellations allow for an in-depth analysis of structural motifs.
Extending the timescale of molecular simulations by using time–temperature superposition: rheology of ionic liquids
Authors: Balogun Adegbola , Lazarenko Daria , Khabaz Fardin , Khare Rajesh
Published: June 2021

Application of time–temperature superposition allows for a direct comparison of viscoelastic moduli resulting from atomistically detailed simulations and experiments.
Impact of a microfluidic jet on a pendant droplet
Authors: Quetzeri-Santiago Miguel A. , Hunter Ian W. , van der Meer Devaraj , Fernandez Rivas David
Published: June 2021

The impact of microscopic jets on pendant liquid droplets is studied experimentally. The critical traversing jet velocity is predicted, which explains how the phenomena are governed by the impact inertia, the surface tension of the droplet and viscoelastic effects.
Hybrid artificial photosynthetic systems constructed using quantum dots and molecular catalysts for solar fuel production: development and advances
Authors: Liu Jing , Ren Ying-Yi , Wu Jin , Xia Wu , Deng Bo-Yi , Wang Feng
Published: June 2021

The strategy of the combination of molecular catalysts and inorganic quantum dots for solar fuel production has shown great success for the construction of artificial photosynthetic systems in the last decade.
A novel method to synthesize BiSI uniformly coated with rGO by chemical bonding and its application as a supercapacitor electrode material
Authors: Sun Huapeng , Xiao Xufeng , Celorrio Veronica , Guo Zhenfu , Hu Yue , Kirk Caroline , Robertson Neil
Published: June 2021

Bismuth cations are uniformly anchored on the surface of GO and the size of GO can determine the final size of rGO coated BiSI composite.
Tuning the nitrogen-doping configuration in carbon materialsviasulfur doping for ultrastable potassium ion storage
Authors: Xu Yang , Wang Changlai , Niu Ping , Li Zhiqiang , Wei Lingzhi , Yao Ge , Zheng Fangcai , Chen Qianwang
Published: June 2021

We successfully achieve high-level pyridinic-N and pyrrolic-N in nitrogen-doped carbon materials, which exhibits a high reversible capacity (441.5 mA h g−1over 100 cycles at 0.1 A g−1) and long-term cycling stability (283.3 mA h g−1after 1000 cycles at 2 A g−1).
A MoSe2 quantum dot modified hole extraction layer enables binary organic solar cells with improved efficiency and stability
Authors: Lian Hong , Pan Mingao , Han Jinba , Cheng Xiaozhe , Liang Jiaen , Hua Wenqiang , Qu Yongquan , Wu Yucheng , Dong Qingchen , Wei Bin , Yan He , Wong Wai-Yeung
Published: June 2021

A stable binary organic solar cell with efficiency as high as 17.1% was demonstrated and realized by introducing a MoSe2 QDs/PEDOT:PSS composite hole extraction layer.
Amplified oxidative stress therapy by a degradable copper phosphate nanozyme coated by the in situ polymerization of PEGDA
Authors: Nie Ning , Liu Yifan , Li Bing , Hua Zhentao , Liu Jianfeng , Liu Jinjian , Wang Wei
Published: June 2021

A new PEGylation strategy is developed for improving the biocompatibility of a copper phosphate nanozyme, which is designed with amplified anti-tumor effects.
PDGF-BB/SA/Dex injectable hydrogels accelerate BMSC-mediated functional full thickness skin wound repair by promoting angiogenesis
Authors: Zhang Zhenkun , Li Zhe , Wang Yingying , Wang Qianqian , Yao Minghao , Zhao Liang , Shi Jijing , Guan Fangxia , Ma Shanshan
Published: June 2021

A schematic illustration of the preparation and application of PDGF-BB/SA/Dex composite hydrogels loaded with BMSCs in a full-thickness skin excision mouse model.
A novel theranostic nanoplatform for imaging-guided chemo-photothermal therapy in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Gu Mengqin , Jiang Li , Hao Liying , Lu Junzhuo , Liu Zhenqi , Lei Zixue , Li Yijun , Hua Chengge , Li Wei , Li Xiyu
Published: June 2021

We constructed the PDA-modified HATb nanoparticle encapsulating the anticancer drug DOX (HATb-PDA-DOX), which achieved pH/NIR triggered drug release and imaging-guided synergistic chemo-photothermal tumor therapy.
A review on electrospun magnetic nanomaterials: methods, properties and applications
Authors: Jia Yifan , Yang Congyi , Chen Xueyang , Xue Wenqing , Hutchins-Crawford Helena J. , Yu Qianqian , Topham Paul D. , Wang Linge
Published: June 2021

A comprehensive review summarising the methods, reagents, properties and applications of electrospun magnetic nanomaterials.
Multi-responsive fluorescent switches and iodine capture of porous hydrogen-bonded self-assemblies
Authors: Chen Xinyu , Zhang Tong , Han Yanning , Chen Qiao , Li Chengpeng , Xue Pengchong
Published: June 2021

Porous nanoribbons from gels may act as smart materials for applications in iodine absorption and fluorescence sensing for gaseous nitrobenzene, and could reversibly change its fluorescence color under shearing force and solvent annealing.
Attitude tracking control for observation spacecraft flying around the target spacecraft
Authors: Su Yunzhe , Yang Yajun , Yang Xuerong , Ye Wei
Published: June 2021

This paper addresses the attitude tracking problem of observation spacecraft, which is traveling around the target spacecraft. To observe the target spacecraft completely, view planning technology is used to select the optimal viewpoints where the observation spacecraft need to achieve and scans the target spacecraft. The desired attitude and desired angular velocity are determined by the relative location and relative velocity of the observation spacecraft with respect to the target spacecraft. The attitude tracking model are globally and uniquely described in the space of . Based on the sliding mode method, a nonlinear feedback controller is designed to track the desired attitude and desired angular velocity. The convergence and stability of the closed‐loop system are assured by Morse‐Lyapunov theorem and LaSalle's theorem. Moreover, it is proved that the attitude error and angular velocity error converge to a tolerable error interval regardless of actuator misalignment, uncertainties of the inertia matrix and external disturbed torque. In addition, the convergence interval is determined by the parameter setting in the controller. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Assessment of distributed photovoltaic hosting capacity in integrated electricity and heat systems considering uncertainty
Authors: Zhao Lebing , Wan Can , Yu Peng , Wu Mengjing , Zhao Shen
Published: June 2021

Distributed photovoltaics (DPVs) have been widely integrated into power systems due to their abundance, renewability and low cost, while the stochastic nature of DPVs imposes significant influence on the hosting capacity (HC) of DPVs. Here, the integrated electricity and heat system (IEHS) is explored to increase the deployment of DPVs in comparison to the power system by exploiting the interaction between electric and thermal energy. An MILP‐based HC assessment model for DPVs of the IEHS is proposed to efficiently promote the penetration level of DPV generation in distribution networks considering the uncertainty of DPV generation. To reduce the computational burden for HC assessment, the linearisation method combined with the incremental formulations of the big‐M method is developed to simplify the complex non‐linear model of energy devices and networks in IEHS. A scenario‐based uncertainty modelling approach is applied to characterise DPV uncertainty, which improves the accuracy of HC assessment for DPVs. Comprehensive case studies according to a 33‐bus electric network and a 6‐node heat network validate the superiority of the proposed assessment model.
Interpreting dissolved gases in transformer oil: A new method based on the analysis of labelled fault data
Authors: Nanfak Arnaud , Eke Samuel , Kom Charles Hubert , Mouangue Ruben , Fofana Issouf
Published: June 2021

In this contribution, a new dissolved gas analysis (DGA) method combining key gases and ratio approaches for power transformer fault diagnostic is presented. It is based on studying subsets and uses the five main hydrocarbon gases including hydrogen (H2), methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), ethylene (C2H4), and acetylene (C2H2). The proposed method uses 475 samples from the dataset divided into subsets formed from the maximum and minimum(s) concentrations of the whole dataset. It has been tested on 117 DGA sample data and validated on the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) TC10 database. The performance of the proposed diagnostic method was evaluated and compared with the following diagnostic methods: IEC ratios method, Duval's triangle (DT), three ratios technique (TRT), Gouda's triangle (GT), and self‐organizing map (SOM) clusters. The results found were analysed by computer simulations using MATLAB software. The proposed method has a diagnosis accuracy of 97.42% for fault types, as compared to 93.16% of TRT, 96.58% of GT method, 97.25% of SOM clusters method and 98.29% of DT method. However, in terms of fault severity, the proposed method has a diagnostic accuracy of 90.59% as compared to 78.90% of SOM clusters method, 83.76% of TRT, 88.03% of DT method, and 89.74% of GT method.
Pain expression assessment based on a locality and identity aware network
Authors: Xin Xuwu , Li Xiaowu , Yang Shengfu , Lin Xiaoyan , Zheng Xin
Published: June 2021

In clinical medicine, the pain feeling is a significant indicator for the medical condition of patients. Of late, automatic pain assessment methods have received more and more interests. Many researchers proposed corresponding methods and achieved impressive results. However, they always ignore the locality and individual differences of painful expression. Therefore, a locality and identity aware network (LIAN) for pain assessment is presented here. Concretely, for the locality characteristic, a locality aware module consisting of a two‐branch structure, feature and attention branches, is presented. The former learns pain features by a deep network, while the latter guides the pain features to focus on the discriminational regions of pain. As for the individual differences, an identity aware module with a multi‐task method is proposed to represent identity‐related information to achieve identity‐invariant pain assessment. Extensive experiments on public databases show the superiority of LIAN in pain assessment.
RHAPSODIE: Reconstruction of High-contrAst Polarized SOurces and Deconvolution for cIrcumstellar Environments
Authors: Denneulin L. , Langlois M. , Thiébaut É. , Pustelnik N.
Published: June 2021

Context. Polarimetric imaging is one of the most effective techniques for the high-contrast imaging and characterization of circumstellar environments. These environments can be characterized through direct-imaging polarimetry at near-infrared wavelengths. The Spectro-Polarimetric High-contrast Exoplanet REsearch (SPHERE)/IRDIS instrument, installed on the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in its dual-beam polarimetric imaging mode, offers the capability to acquire polarimetric images at high contrast and high angular resolution. However, dedicated image processing is needed to eliminate the contamination from the stellar light, instrumental polarization effects, and blurring from the instrumental point spread function.

Aims. We aim to reconstruct and deconvolve the near-infrared polarization signal from circumstellar environments.

Methods. We used observations of these environments obtained with the high-contrast imaging infrared polarimeter SPHERE-IRDIS at the VLT. We developed a new way to extract the polarimetric signal using an inverse approach method that benefits from the additional knowledge of the detected signal formation process. The method includes a weighted data fidelity term and smooth penalization, and it takes the instrumental polarization into account.

Results. This method enables us to accurately measure the polarized intensity and angle of linear polarization of circumstellar disks by taking into account the noise statistics and the convolution by the instrumental point spread function. It has the capacity to use incomplete polarimetry cycles, which enhance the sensitivity of the observations. The method improves the overall performances in particular for instances of both low signal-to-noise (S/N) and small polarized flux compared to standard methods.

Conclusions. By increasing the sensitivity and including deconvolution, our method will allow for more accurate studies of these disks morphology, especially in the innermost regions. It also will enable more accurate measurements of the angle of linear polarization at low S/N, which would lead to in-depth studies of dust properties. Finally, the method will enable more accurate measurements of the polarized intensity, which is critical for the construction of scattering phase functions.
La paramécie, un organisme modèle pour étudier la ciliogenèse et les maladies ciliaires
Authors: Bouhouche Khaled , Le Borgne Pierrick , Lemullois Michel , Tassin Anne-Marie
Published: June 2021

Le cil est une extension présente à la surface de la quasi-totalité des cellules eucaryotes. Conservé au cours de l’évolution, il assure des fonctions sensorielles et/ou motiles. Chez l’homme, le dysfonctionnement ciliaire est à l’origine de différentes maladies regroupées sous le nom de ciliopathies. Grâce à sa ciliature complexe, la paramécie constitue un modèle de choix pour étudier non seulement la structure, l’assemblage et les fonctions des cils, mais aussi pour valider les mutations de gènes associées à ces ciliopathies.
CFTRet mucoviscidose, une histoire cinquantenaire
Authors: Becq Frédéric
Published: June 2021

L’histoire médicale et scientifique de la mucoviscidose marquera durablement la médecine humaine. Il a fallu 50 ans d’expérimentations et d’observations médicales, favorisées par les progrès en génétique, en biologie moléculaire et en physiologie, pour construire la théorie ionique montrant que cette maladie est la conséquence d’un défaut généralisé du transport transépithélial de NaCl, et pour découvrir le gène responsable de la maladie. La découverte du gèneCFTRet son clonage en 1989, la mise en évidence de ses mutations, puis la description de la protéine CFTR et de son rôle dans la maladie ont ainsi révolutionné la physiologie et la physiopathologie des transports ioniques des cellules épithéliales des systèmes respiratoire et digestif.
Les approches thérapeutiques de modulation de l’épissage
Authors: Saoudi Amel , Goyenvalle Aurélie
Published: June 2021

Les avancées en recherches génétique et génomique ne cessent d’accroître nos connaissances des maladies héréditaires. Un nombre croissant de ces maladies relève d’épissages aberrants qui représentent des cibles idéales pour les approches correctives centrées sur l’ARN. De nouvelles stratégies, en particulier médicamenteuses, visant à exclure ou à ré-inclure des exons lors du processus d’épissage, ont ainsi émergé et plusieurs molécules ont récemment obtenu des autorisations de mise sur le marché, notamment pour le traitement de la dystrophie musculaire de Duchenne et de l’amyotrophie spinale, suscitant de plus en plus d’intérêt et d’espoir. Parmi ces molécules, les oligonucléotides antisens, ou ASO, ont connu un réel essor et font l’objet de progrès constants en matière de modifications chimiques et de conception. Toutefois, leur biodistribution après administration par voie générale demeure souvent limitée, et le développement de chimies alternatives plus performantes et de nouveaux systèmes d’adressage est devenu un axe de recherche très actif. En parallèle, l’utilisation de petites molécules présentant une excellente biodistribution, ou de vecteurs viraux pour véhiculer les séquences antisens, est également explorée. Dans cette Synthèse, nous présentons les dernières avancées de ces approches de modulation d’épissage à travers deux exemples de maladies neuromusculaires. Nous discutons de leurs avantages et des principales limitations actuelles.
Das Einsparpotenzial der Behandlungskosten bei COPD durch Rauchstopp – Modellierung für DMP COPD in Deutschland
Authors: Hering Thomas , Batra Anil , Mühlig Stephan , Nowak Dennis , Rüther Tobias , Schwarzkopf Larissa
Published: June 2021

Basierend auf Real-life-Daten für die Stadien-Verteilung von COPD-Patienten (GOLD) und den faktischen Stadien-bezogenen Behandlungskosten innerhalb einer bundesweiten Kohortenstudie (COSYCONET) 1 wird modellhaft für das Szenario einer Reduktion der Raucher-Quote in dieser Patientengruppe von 26 % um 10 %-Punkte auf 16 % ermittelt, welchen Einfluss die reduzierte Raucher-Quote auf die Behandlungskosten haben dürfte. Zugrunde gelegt wird die Annahme, dass bei herabgesetzter Raucher-Quote leichtere Stadien (I/II) stärker repräsentiert sind, während sich höhere und kostenintensivere Stadien (III/IV) proportional verkleinern. Die Intervention zur Erreichung der Tabakabstinenz wird für die überschlägigen Modell-Berechnungen kalkuliert mit den typischen Kosten einer leitlinienkonformen Behandlung durch Nutzung eines verhaltenstherapeutischen Gruppen-Entwöhnungs-Programmes und der parallel eingesetzten medikamentösen Unterstützung 2 3. Im Ergebnis zeigt sich die mögliche Absenkung der Fallkosten um 10,5 %, wobei reduzierte Kosten bei Komorbiditäten nicht berücksichtigt sind.
Finite Antiviral Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with Cirrhosis
Authors: Jeng Wen-Juei , Liaw Yun-Fan
Published: June 2021

Antiviral therapy has greatly improved the survival and reduced the incidence of adverse liver events such as hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B patients with cirrhosis (hepatitis B virus [HBV]-cirrhosis). However, hepatitis B surface antigen loss, regarded as the ultimate goal of therapy or functional cure, was rarely achieved during long-term indefinite nucleos(t)ide analogues (Nuc) treatment. Emerging issues such as medication adherence and loss-to-follow-up may lead to increased risk of hepatic decompensation, even catastrophic life-threatening events. Studies have shown that finite therapy is feasible and reasonably safe, even in patients with HBV-cirrhosis. This review critically assesses the scientific evidence of the pros and cons for finite Nuc therapy in HBV-cirrhosis and proposes how to stop Nuc therapy and monitor the off-therapy patients. It also proposes the perspective and unsolved issues to be investigated in the future.
Evaluation of Pathological Findings of COVID-19 by Minimally Invasive Autopsies: A Single Tertiary Care Center Experience from India
Authors: Vishwajeet Vikarn , Purohit Abhishek , Kumar Deepak , Parag Vijay , Tripathi Swapnil , Kanchan Tanuj , Kothari Nikhil , Dutt Naveen , Elhence Poonam Abhay , Bhatia Pradeep Kumar , Nag Vijaya Lakshmi , Garg Mahendra Kumar , Misra Sanjeev
Published: June 2021

Objectives The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has spread across the globe with more than 6 lakh deaths. Clinical autopsies are important to understand the pathobiology of the disease.

Materials and Methods Autopsy techniques have been modified to be minimally invasive autopsies in all COVID-19 positive cases, and tissue biopsies were sampled from lungs, liver, and bone marrow within an hour after death. Detailed histological analysis was performed in the sampled tissues, along with immunohistochemistry. Patients’ clinical records were collected.

Statistical Analysis Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data.

Results Of the 21 cases studied, 76.2% patients were ≥ 60 years of age, 80.9% were males, and 85.7% had co-morbidities. Histopathological analysis revealed diffuse alveolar damage (including exudative and organizing phase) in 88.9% cases. Microthrombi were seen in 44.4% cases. Additional findings include viral cytopathic changes, metaplastic change in the epithelium, intra-alveolar hemorrhage, and pulmonary edema. Liver showed centrizonal congestion with hepatocytic loss, lobular inflammation, steatosis, Kupffer cell hypertrophy, and sinusoidal neutrophilic infiltration, while significant portal infiltrate and cholestasis were absent to minimal. Bone marrow revealed hemophagocytosis in 60% cases.

Conclusion Incorporation of minimally invasive autopsies provides an effective method to study the pathological findings in COVID-19 deaths in resource-constrained settings. Presence of pulmonary microthrombi in a significant number of cases supports the vascular events, apart from the characteristic diffuse alveolar damage, as an important pathogenic mechanism for lung injury in COVID-19 infections. Histopathological findings in the liver and bone marrow suggest indirect insult to these organs, related to circulatory and/or hyperinflammatory response to viral infections.
Parent-Administered Oral Stimulation in Preterm Infants: A Randomized, Controlled, Open-Label Pilot Study
Authors: Majoli Marta , De Angelis Laura Costanza , Panella Monica , Calevo Maria Grazia , Serveli Simona , Knoll Brenda Lessen , Ramenghi Luca Antonio
Published: June 2021

Objective The study aimed to assess whether there was any difference in the transition time to full oral feedings between parent-administered and professional-administered premature infant oral motor intervention (PIOMI). The study also evaluated parental satisfaction with performing the intervention through an open-ended questionnaire.

Study Design A single-center, randomized, controlled, open-label pilot study was carried on between March 2017 and May 2019. A total of 39 infants born ≤32 weeks' gestation were randomly assigned to either parent-performed or professionally performed oral stimulation. The oral stimulation was performed once a day for seven consecutive days between 31 and 32 weeks' postmenstrual age.

Results There was no statistically significant difference in transition time, weight gain, or length of hospital stay between the two groups. No adverse events were observed. Parents' satisfaction was high, and their active involvement enhanced their perception of adequacy to care for their infant.

Conclusion Following adequate training, a parent-administered PIOMI may be considered in preterm infants to reduce the transition time to full oral feeding and enhance the direct involvement of parents in neonatal care.

Key Points
Sequential tunability of red and white light emissions in Sm-activated ZnO phosphors by up- and downconversion mechanisms
Authors: Kaur Puneet , Kriti  , Kaur Simranpreet , Rahul  , Vashishtha Pargam , Gupta Govind , Dong Chung-Li , Chen Chi-Liang , Kandasami Asokan , Paul Singh Davinder
Published: June 2021

Inorganic ZnO modified using rare earth (RE) ions is proposed as an alternative source of energy harvesting over the whole solar spectrum by utilizing the down- and upconversion excitation mechanisms. The present investigation reports the tunability of white/red light possessing excellent color rendering index and color quality scale by employing down/upconversions from Sm-activated ZnO phosphors. The occurrence of intra-4f transitions of Sm3+ ions in both up- and downconversion signifies the energy transfer from defect centers of the host lattice to the dopant sites (Sm3+). A mechanism is explicated with the help of an energy level diagram for down/upconversion to provide a clear understanding of the host–guest energy transfer and the involvement of various defect states. As a proof-of-concept, these findings demonstrate an inexpensive and clean approach to solid-state lighting and solar cell industries by extending the spectral range from the ultraviolet to infrared region.
Strain management and AlN crystal quality improvement with an alternating V/III ratio AlN superlattice
Authors: Tang Bin , Wan Zehong , Hu Hongpo , Gong Liyan , Zhou Shengjun
Published: June 2021

We report the metal-organic chemical vapor deposition growth of high-quality AlN on sapphire enabled by an alternating V/III ratio AlN superlattice. We demonstrated that the insertion of an alternating V/III ratio AlN superlattice facilitates the relaxation of tensile stress during growth and assists the annihilation of threading dislocations. Dislocation inclination was proposed to play a major role in the stress relaxation and dislocation reduction, which not only provides an effective misfit-dislocation component but also increases the dislocation reaction probability. By this method, crack-free 3.25 μm-thick AlN films were grown on flat sapphire substrate (FSS) and nano-patterned sapphire substrate (NPSS) at 1180 °C, and the full width at half maximum of (002)/(102) rocking curves was 204/408 and 152/323 arcsec for such AlN/FSS and AlN/NPSS templates.
Differences in electrical responses and recovery of GaN p+n diodes on sapphire and freestanding GaN subjected to high dose 60Co gamma-ray irradiation
Authors: Ahn K. , Ooi Y. K. , Mirkhosravi F. , Gallagher J. , Lintereur A. , Feezell D. , Mace E. K. , Scarpulla M. A.
Published: June 2021

We investigate the effects of high-rate and high total doses of 60Co gamma rays on the current–voltage (IV) characteristics of GaN p+n diodes grown by metal-organic chemical vapor phase epitaxy on Ga-face (0001) sapphire and hydride vapor phase epitaxy freestanding GaN substrates. We show that diodes grown on sapphire undergo more permanent changes upon irradiation at doses up to 3900 kGy than those grown on freestanding GaN. By combining diode and circular transfer length method measurements, we show that the p-type contact interface and adjacent p++ Mg-doped layer are sensitive to irradiation. In initial experiments, diodes grown on sapphire exhibited p-type contacts with Schottky characteristics, while those on freestanding GaN were Ohmic. Serendipitously, we identified and subsequently irradiated a freestanding sample with a pre-irradiation spatial gradient of p-contact Schottky vs Ohmic behavior across the die. This sample allowed the root cause of induced change to be identified as differences in the p++ contacting layer. We show that the p-type contact's pre-irradiation Schottky behavior is predictive of diodes' IV characteristics changing significantly upon gamma-ray irradiation. Further, we observe that the IV curves of diodes on freestanding GaN recover fully over several weeks at room temperature to be indistinguishable from pre-irradiation. IV curves from diodes on sapphire do not fully recover; we thus hypothesize that interactions between radiation-induced point defects and threading dislocations affect the evolution of radiation damage.
X-ray diffraction data from shock-compressed copper: Some consequences of metallurgical texture
Authors: Foster J. M. , Avraam P. W. , Floyd E. K. R. , Comley A. J. , Rothman S. D. , McGonegle D. R. , Graham P. , Peacock L. J. , Penman R. , Luis J. J. D. , Poulter C. P.
Published: June 2021

We report the measurements of in situ Debye–Scherrer x-ray diffraction from copper foils shock compressed at the Orion laser facility to pressure in the range of 10–40 GPa. Our objective was to record distortion (variation of scattering angle at peak intensity, 2θ, with azimuthal position, φ, around the diffraction ring) of the Debye–Scherrer rings. We intended to measure the anisotropy of elastic strain and infer the effective strength of copper at a high strain rate. However, our measured diffraction data from all crystallographic reflection planes considered together are not consistent with a simple model that assumes homogeneous elastic strain. Consideration of both the β-fiber metallurgical texture of the rolled copper foil that we used as the sample material and the measured diffraction linewidths provides an empirical understanding of the data. We extend our understanding by using a Taylor-type, single-crystal plasticity model in which the total strain of each grain is assumed to be identical to that of the whole sample. This model reproduces many features of our experimental data and points to the importance of accounting for the plastic anisotropy of single-crystal grains, which can, in turn, lead to inter-grain elastic strain inhomogeneity and complex distortions of the diffraction rings.
Triple diffusive convection in a viscoelastic Oldroyd-B fluid layer
Authors: Raghunatha K. R. , Shivakumara I. S.
Published: June 2021

The stability of a triply diffusive viscoelastic fluid layer in which the fluid density depends on three stratifying agencies possessing different diffusivities is investigated. The viscoelastic fluid is modeled by means of the Oldroyd-B constitutive equation. Analytical expressions are obtained for steady and oscillatory onset by carrying out the linear instability analysis and the crossover boundary between them is demarcated by identifying a codimension-two point in the viscoelastic parameters plane. The occurrence of disconnected closed oscillatory neutral curve lying well below the stationary neutral curve is established for some values of governing parameters indicating the requirement of three critical values of thermal Rayleigh number to specify the linear instability criteria. However, the possibility of quasiperiodic bifurcation from the motionless basic state is not perceived and this is in contradiction to the case of inelastic couple stress and Newtonian fluids. The corresponding weakly nonlinear stability of stationary and oscillatory modes has been carried out using a perturbation method. The cubic Landau equations are derived and the stability of bifurcating solution is discussed. The viscoelastic parameters influence the stability of stationary bifurcation despite their effect is not felt on the stationary onset. The stationary and oscillatory finite amplitude solution is found to bifurcate either subcritical or supercritical depending on the choice of governing parameters. The effect of Prandtl number and viscoelastic parameters on stationary and oscillatory convection modes of heat and mass transfer is analyzed.
High absorption asymmetry enabled by a deep-subwavelength ventilated sound absorber
Authors: Long Houyou , Shao Chen , Cheng Ying , Tao Jiancheng , Liu Xiaojun
Published: June 2021

Ventilated sound isolation platforms enabling asymmetric absorption have demonstrated great scientific significance and promising applicability. However, common designs composed of variant resonant meta-atoms present complicated frameworks and poor flexibility in operating frequency modulations, let alone for a high degree of absorptive asymmetry. Here, we propose a paradigm to realize high absorption asymmetry in a deep-subwavelength ventilated absorber coupled by a lossy meta-atom with a non-resonant impedance boundary, which can be served by a folded Fabry–Pérot (FFP) resonator and a narrow slit channel, respectively. For illustration, an asymmetric absorber showing 97.4% (2.4%) absorptance at 100 Hz (wavelength λ being approximately 101 times of absorber thickness) for sound incident from the left (right) port is constructed, in which the degree of asymmetry up to 40.8 enables extraordinary unbalanced absorbed and reverberated fields in opposite sides of the system. Moreover, due to the non-resonance characteristics of the narrow slit channel, the designed operating frequency can be modulated only by FFP, which illustrates larger flexibility than previous ones relying on multiple resonators. Additionally, the reported recipe can be extended to construct broadband asymmetric absorbers. As a concept proof, we assemble an absorber showing > 85% (<3%) absorptance for left (right)-incident sound within 308–352 Hz (λ from 33.2 to 29.1 times of thickness). Our results open potential possibilities for developing ultrathin ventilated functional devices capable of absorbing sound asymmetrically.
Molecular vibrational frequencies from analytic Hessian of constrained nuclear–electronic orbital density functional theory
Authors: Xu Xi , Yang Yang
Published: June 2021

Nuclear quantum effects are important in a variety of chemical and biological processes. The constrained nuclear–electronic orbital density functional theory (cNEO-DFT) has been developed to include nuclear quantum effects in energy surfaces. Herein, we develop the analytic Hessian for cNEO-DFT energy with respect to the change in nuclear (expectation) positions, which can be used to characterize stationary points on energy surfaces and compute molecular vibrational frequencies. This is achieved by constructing and solving the multicomponent cNEO coupled-perturbed Kohn–Sham (cNEO-CPKS) equations, which describe the response of electronic and nuclear orbitals to the displacement of nuclear (expectation) positions. With the analytic Hessian, the vibrational frequencies of a series of small molecules are calculated and compared to those from conventional DFT Hessian calculations as well as those from the vibrational second-order perturbation theory (VPT2). It is found that even with a harmonic treatment, cNEO-DFT significantly outperforms DFT and is comparable to DFT-VPT2 in the description of vibrational frequencies in regular polyatomic molecules. Furthermore, cNEO-DFT can reasonably describe the proton transfer modes in systems with a shared proton, whereas DFT-VPT2 often faces great challenges. Our results suggest the importance of nuclear quantum effects in molecular vibrations, and cNEO-DFT is an accurate and inexpensive method to describe molecular vibrations.
All-optical magnetic recording in garnets using a single laser pulse at L-band telecom wavelengths
Authors: Frej Antoni , Maziewski Andrzej , Stupakiewicz Andrzej
Published: June 2021

Ultrafast photo-magnetism in dielectric garnets reveals a possibility to perform magnetization switching with a single laser pulse. We demonstrate ultrafast photo-magnetic switching in Co-doped iron garnet films at wavelengths relevant to the more-enabled optical L-band window. We studied both photo-induced magnetization precession and switching of magnetization within the near-infrared spectral range using magneto-optical tools. Single laser pulse switching of magnetization around the 1590 nm wavelength has been found in a narrow resonance band using magneto-optical imaging. The high efficiency of this switching, along with a very low-photon absorption in the L-band, makes this phenomenon interesting for both all-optical magnetic recording and data transfer using telecom systems.
Modelling and assessment of climate change and policy response – the distribu tion and area of
Authors: Lin Huilong , Pu Yanfei , Li Lin , Nyandwi Charles , de Dieu Nzabonakuze Jean , Tang Rong
Published: June 2021

How the suitable distribution of a given grassland type will respond to policy implementation and climate change is a prerequisite and the basis for effective grassland management and sustainable development. The maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model as a comprehensive evaluation method at species level was successfully used to simulate the temporal and spatial changes in the geographical distribution of Kobresia meadow in China’s Three-River Headwaters (TRH) region under the context of policy implementation and climate change. There were three main findings. First, there are the six dominant environmental variables affecting the distribution of Kobresia meadow (these being elevation, precipitation variation coefficient, March precipitation, April precipitation, April minimum temperatures, and May minimum temperatures: their threshold values are 3500–4000 m, 86–100, 8.5 mm, 12 mm, –3.5°C and 1.5°C, respectively, which indicate the most suitable conditions for Kobresia meadow distribution). Second, under current (2005–2014) climate conditions, the suitable distribution of Kobresia meadow gradually decreases from east to west, with the largest area in the east. Implementation of the ecological conservation policy in the TRH has greatly improved the ecological environment in lower elevation and high population areas. This has benefited the growth of Kobresia meadow and enlarged its suitable areas. Third, compared with the current distribution, areas suitable for Kobresia meadow will increase by 25.4–33.0% in the 2050s (2041–2060) and 17.4–33.0% in the 2070s (2061–2080) under four Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios. More importantly, from the 2050s to the 2070s, areas suitable for Kobresia meadow will decrease or stabilise, bringing new challenges for protection and utilisation.