bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urban and agricultural land use regulates the molecular composition and bio-lability of fluvial dissolved organic matter in human-impacted southeastern China
Authors: Hu Xiaosi , Zhou Yongqiang , Zhou Lei , Zhang Yunlin , Wu Li , Xu Hai , Zhu Guangwei , Jang Kyoung-Soon , Spencer Robert G. M. , Jeppesen Erik , Brookes Justin D. , Wu Fengchang
Published: September 2022

Urbanization and agricultural land use can increase the transport of nutrients to fluvial ecosystems; yet, the overall impact of urban and nonpoint agricultural inputs on the composition, bio-lability, and the fate of fluvial dissolved organic matter (DOM) remains poorly understood. We investigated the optical and molecular composition and bio-lability of DOM in 76 streams and rivers with varying sizes of catchment area (1 ~ 4850 km2) along large gradients of urban and agricultural land use. Optical spectroscopy and Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) were used to determine the chemical composition of DOM, and laboratory bio-incubations were used to assess DOM bio-lability. We found that urban and agricultural land use intensification was associated with the reduced relative contribution of DOM from pristine soils, enriched dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and higher contributions of aliphatic and peptide-like DOM, as well as enrichment of N- and S-containing molecular formulae. Specifically, FT-ICR MS revealed that the relative abundance of CHO-containing formulae decreased while that of CHOS-containing formulae increased with increasing urban land use. DOM bio-availability was higher in rivers draining urbanized and agricultural landscapes and was related to decreased DOM aromaticity and increased proportions of energy-rich aliphatic formulae. Our results suggested that DOM from urbanized and agricultural catchments significantly altered the chemical composition and bio-availability of DOM with potential effects on ecosystem metabolism and the fate of organic carbon in the downstream-linked streams and rivers. Anthropogenic disturbances may thus boost the microbial processing of organic carbon, including uptake, retention, and outgassing in the impacted ecosystems.

Graphical Abstract
High Sensitivity of Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing in Colon Tissue Biopsy by Host DNA Depletion
Authors: Cheng Wing Yin , Liu Wei-Xin , Ding Yanqiang , Wang Guoping , Shi Yu , Chu Eagle S.H. , Wong Sunny , Sung Joseph J.Y. , Yu Jun
Published: September 2022

The high host genetic background of tissue biopsies hinders the application of shotgun metagenomic sequencing in characterizing the tissue microbiota. We proposed an optimized method that removed host DNA from colon biopsies and examined the effect on metagenomic analysis. Human or mouse colon biopsies were divided into two groups, with one group undergoing host DNA depletion and the other serving as the control. Host DNA was removed through differential lysis of mammalian and bacterial cells before sequencing. The impact of host DNA depletion on microbiota was compared based on phylogenetic diversity analyses and regression analyses. Removing host DNA enhanced bacterial sequencing depth and improved species discovery, increasing bacterial reads by 2.46 ± 0.20 folds while reducing host reads by 6.80% ± 1.06%. Moreover, 2.40 times more of bacterial species were detected after host DNA depletion. This was confirmed from mouse colon tissues, increasing bacterial reads by 5.46 ± 0.42 folds while decreasing host reads by 10.2% ± 0.83%. Similarly, significantly more bacterial species were detected in the mouse colon tissue upon host DNA depletion (P < 0.001). Furthermore, an increased microbial richness was evident in the host DNA-depleted samples compared with non-depleted controls in human colon biopsies and mouse colon tissues (P < 0.001). Our optimized method of host DNA depletion improves the sensitivity of shotgun metagenomic sequencing in bacteria detection in the biopsy, which may yield a more accurate taxonomic profile of the tissue microbiota and identify bacteria that are important for disease initiation or progression.
Record power and efficient mid-infrared supercontinuum generation in germania fiber with high stability
Authors: Yang Linyong , Yang Yukun , Zhang Bin , Zhu Xiran , Zhao Desheng , Liu Shuailin , Hou Jing
Published: September 2022

We report the demonstration of a mid-infrared (MIR) supercontinuum (SC) laser delivering a record-breaking average output power of more than 40 W with a long-wavelength edge up to 3.5 μm. The all-fiberized configuration was composed of a thulium-doped fiber amplifier system emitting a broadband spectrum covering 1.9–2.6 μm with pulse repetition rate of 3 MHz, and a short piece of germania fiber. A 41.9 W MIR SC with a whole spectrum of 1.9–3.5 μm was generated in a piece of 0.2-m-long germania fiber, with a power conversion efficiency of 71.4%. For an even shorter germania fiber (0.1 m), an SC with even higher output power of 44.9 W (corresponding to a conversion efficiency of 76.5%) was obtained, but the energy conversion toward the long-wavelength region was slightly limited. A continuous operation for 1 hour with output power of 32.6 W showed outstanding power stability (root mean square 0.17%) of the obtained SC laser. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, for the first time, this work demonstrates the feasibility of germania fiber on generating a 40-W level MIR SC with high efficiency and excellent power stability, paving the way to real applications requiring high power and high reliability of MIR SC lasers.
“That They May Vomit Out Their Folly”: The Gut-Mind Axis and Hellebore in Early Modern England
Authors: Walkden Michael
Published: September 2022

This article explores the early modern understanding of the gut-mind relationship through a study of the beliefs and practices surrounding the hellebore plant in seventeenth-century England. Hellebore has been strongly associated with mental illness for most of recorded European history, and it is only during the past two centuries that it has lost this association. Taking a phenomenological approach, I demonstrate that the study of this specific plant, its representations, and its practices is significant not just to plant folklorists and medical historians but also to wider histories of culture, religion, emotion, and the body. The use of hellebore as a treatment for disorders of the mind reveals a fully embodied view of emotion in which the gut played a key role in shaping subjective experience. It also reflects a potently negative understanding of emotion as excremental matter, as something inherently impure, dangerous, and evil, warranting a violent remedy that was as punitive as it was therapeutic. By analyzing medical sources—herbals, pharmacopoeias, practitioners’ casebooks, and domestic receipt books—alongside devotional literature and religious polemic, I show that hellebore's symbolic importance was inseparable from its practical use as a treatment for mental illness, which depended upon an understanding of emotion and religious identity that accorded vital significance to the relationship between belly and brain.
FINITIST AXIOMATIC TRUTH
Authors: KENTARO SATO , WALKER JAN
Published: September 2022

Following the finitist’s rejection of the complete totality of the natural numbers, a finitist language allows only propositional connectives and bounded quantifiers in the formula-construction but not unbounded quantifiers. This is opposed to the currently standard framework, a first-order language. We conduct axiomatic studies on the notion of truth in the framework of finitist arithmetic in which at least smash function
$\#$
is available. We propose finitist variants of Tarski ramified truth theories up to rank
$\omega $
, of Kripke–Feferman truth theory and of Friedman–Sheard truth theory, and show that all of these have the same strength as the finitist arithmetic of one higher level along Grzegorczyk hierarchy. On the other hand, we also show that adding Burgess-style groundedness schema, adjusted to the finitist setting, makes Kripke–Feferman truth theory as strong as primitive recursive arithmetic. Meanwhile, we obtain some basic results on finitist theories of (full and hat) inductive definitions and on the second order axiom of hat inductive definitions for positive operators.
Effectiveness of enhancing contact model on reducing family caregiving burden and improving psychological wellbeing among caregivers of persons with schizophrenia in rural China
Authors: Wang Yi-Zhou , Weng Xue , Zhang Tian-Ming , Li Ming , Luo Wei , Wong Yin-Ling Irene , Yang Lawrence H. , Thornicroft Graham , Lu Lin , Ran Mao-Sheng
Published: September 2022

Background

It is unclear whether the enhancing contact model (ECM) intervention is effective in reducing family caregiving burden and improving hope and quality of life (QOL) among family caregivers of persons with schizophrenia (FCPWS).

Methods

We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial in FCPWS in eight rural townships in Xinjin, Chengdu, China. In total, 253 FCPWS were randomly allocated to the ECM, psychoeducational family intervention (PFI), or treatment as usual (TAU) group. FCPWS in three groups were assessed caregiving burden, QOL and state of hope at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), 3-month (T2), and 9-month (T3) follow-up, respectively.

Results

Compared with participants in the TAU group, participants in the ECM group had statistically significantly lower caregiving burden scores both at T1 and T2 (p = 0.0059 and 0.0257, respectively). Compared with participants in the TAU group, participants in the PFI group had statistically significantly higher QOL scores in T1 (p = 0.0406), while participants in the ECM group had statistically significantly higher QOL scores in T3 (p = 0.0240). Participants in both ECM and PFI groups had statistically significantly higher hope scores than those in the TAU group at T1 (p = 0.0160 and 0.0486, respectively).

Conclusions

This is the first study to explore the effectiveness of ECM on reducing family caregiving burden and improving hope and QOL in rural China. The results indicate the ECM intervention, a comprehensive and multifaceted intervention, is more effective than the PFI in various aspects of mental wellbeing among FCPWS. Future research needs to confirm ECM's effectiveness in various population.
Educational Success in Transitional China: The Gaokao and Learning Capital in Elite Professional Service Firms
Authors: Ren Ran
Published: September 2022

Despite fruitful findings on the reasons underlying the desire for educational success and scarce credentials among students and families, there is little research on the meaning of educational success in the marketplace. As higher education in China has expanded to aid better-quality growth and the transition to a knowledge-based economy, educational success has become increasingly critical in the allocation of socioeconomic rewards. As such, insights into how educational success and concomitant credentials are valorized are empirically and theoretically significant. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 73 recruiters for elite professional service firms, this study analyses the meanings underlying the process of valorizing educational success and elite credentials. It shows that success in the gaokao, or entry to higher education, was qualitatively salient in excluding candidates, while information about subject domains and marks/class rank carried relatively less weight. Recruiters based the value of educational success on the notion of “learning ability,” which reflected their shared understandings about Chinese educational selection/institutions and wider conditions of elite professional firms. On this basis, this paper argues for the development of learning capital as a new theoretical lens for approaching educational success and credentials in transitional China.
The Mechanistic Determination of Doping Contrast from Fermi Level Pinned Surfaces in the Scanning Electron Microscope Using Energy-Filtered Imaging and Calculated Potential Distributions
Authors: Chee Augustus KW
Published: September 2022

Secondary electron (SE) doping contrast in the scanning electron microscope is correlated with Fermi level pinned surfaces of Si samples prepared using HF-based wet-chemical treatment or focused ion beam (FIB) micromachining en route to quantitative dopant profiling. Using energy-resolved SE imaging techniques and finite-element analyses of surface states and surface junction potentials, we clarified the surface band-bending effects post-NH4F-treatment, consistent with brighter p-contrast from degenerately doped (>1019 cm−3) regions. In general, SE spectromicroscopy scan measurements unambiguously indicated heavy suppression of patch fields, while the empirical discovery of scan frequency-modulated contrast inversion due to Chee et al. [Springer Proceedings in Physics,  120, pp. 407–410 (2008)] is ascribable to competing fixed oxide charge and dynamic charge injection phenomena (particularly at dwell times >29 μs). Leveraging numerical simulations of electric potentials and variable-voltage experimental data, the theoretical model based on amorphization damage-mediated Fermi level pinning is elucidated for Ga+ FIB-processed site-specific doping contrast on patch field-free surfaces. This work successfully argues against the notion that doping contrast ultimately or exclusively entails patch fields or adventitious metal–semiconductor contacts.
Masculinity and Sexuality in Populist Radical Right Leadership
Authors: Linders Nik , Dudink Stefan , Spierings Niels
Published: September 2022

Research shows that masculinity and sexuality are pivotal to the leadership and success of the populist radical right (PRR). In particular, normative conceptions of masculinity, as seen in gendered nationalism, have been argued to be important to the appeal of PRR parties. However, the supply side of this dynamic remains understudied. To fill this gap, this article uses critical discourse analysis to analyze the role of masculinity and sexuality in the self-positioning and envisioned hegemonies of the most successful Dutch PRR leaders: Pim Fortuyn, Geert Wilders, and Thierry Baudet. The Dutch case is particularly insightful as it presents a diverse array of PRR parties in one country context. We found crucial similarities and differences between the discourses of these leaders. Our findings suggest that masculinity and sexuality, while constitutive at the party level, are largely negotiable or nondefining for the larger party family. These findings problematize often-made identifications of PRR politics with a one-of-a-kind conservative ideology of gender and sexuality.
Self-Regulated Learning and Working Memory Determine Problem-Solving Accuracy in Math
Authors: Ferreira Paula Da Costa , Ferreira Aristides I. , Veiga Simão Ana Margarida Vieira Da , Prada Rui , Paulino Ana Paula , Rodrigues Ricardo
Published: September 2022

This study aims to understand the role of self-regulated learning (SRL) and its different processes in the relationship between working memory (WM) and problem-solving accuracy in math in primary school children. A sample of 269 primary school children (Mage = 8.84, SD = 0.81, 58% boys) participated in this study. Tasks were used as intervention resources to assess children’s WM (i.e., reading and computation span tasks), SRL (i.e., a digital game), and performance (i.e., the performance in the game, as well as a traditional math problem). Through structural equation modeling, results revealed that WM predicted children’s SRL and their problem-solving accuracy in math, such that those with higher capability for temporary storage attained better accuracy. Accordingly, children’s SRL explained the relationship between WM capacity and problem-solving accuracy in math; such that the indirect effect of WM capacity through SRL was lower on problem-solving accuracy in math. Results indicated that the planning phase was a greater indicator of students’ SRL in problem-solving accuracy in math. These results highlight the importance of SRL competencies in explaining children’s performance in problem-solving in math.
An in vitro fermentation model to study the impact of bacteriophages targeting Shiga toxin-encoding Escherichia coli on the colonic microbiota
Authors: Pinto Graça , Shetty Sudarshan A. , Zoetendal Erwin G. , Gonçalves Raquel F. S. , Pinheiro Ana C. , Almeida Carina , Azeredo Joana , Smidt Hauke
Published: September 2022

Lytic bacteriophages are considered safe for human consumption as biocontrol agents against foodborne pathogens, in particular in ready-to-eat foodstuffs. Phages could, however, evolve to infect different hosts when passing through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). This underlines the importance of understanding the impact of phages towards colonic microbiota, particularly towards bacterial families usually found in the colon such as the Enterobacteriaceae. Here we propose in vitro batch fermentation as model for initial safety screening of lytic phages targeting Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). As inoculum we used faecal material of three healthy donors. To assess phage safety, we monitored fermentation parameters, including short chain fatty acid production and gas production/intake by colonic microbiota. We performed shotgun metagenomic analysis to evaluate the outcome of phage interference with colonic microbiota composition and functional potential. During the 24 h incubation, concentrations of phage and its host were also evaluated. We found the phage used in this study, named E. coli phage vB_EcoS_Ace (Ace), to be safe towards human colonic microbiota, independently of the donors’ faecal content used. This suggests that individuality of donor faecal microbiota did not interfere with phage effect on the fermentations. However, the model revealed that the attenuated STEC strain used as phage host perturbed the faecal microbiota as based on metagenomic analysis, with potential differences in metabolic output. We conclude that the in vitro batch fermentation model used in this study is a reliable safety screening for lytic phages intended to be used as biocontrol agents.
Modelling urea cycle disorders using iPSCs
Authors: Duff Claire , Baruteau Julien
Published: September 2022

The urea cycle is a liver-based pathway enabling disposal of nitrogen waste. Urea cycle disorders (UCDs) are inherited metabolic diseases caused by deficiency of enzymes or transporters involved in the urea cycle and have a prevalence of 1:35,000 live births. Patients present recurrent acute hyperammonaemia, which causes high rate of death and neurological sequelae. Long-term therapy relies on a protein-restricted diet and ammonia scavenger drugs. Currently, liver transplantation is the only cure. Hence, high unmet needs require the identification of effective methods to model these diseases to generate innovative therapeutics. Advances in both induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and genome editing technologies have provided an invaluable opportunity to model patient-specific phenotypes in vitro by creating patients’ avatar models, to investigate the pathophysiology, uncover novel therapeutic targets and provide a platform for drug discovery. This review summarises the progress made thus far in generating 2- and 3-dimensional iPSCs models for UCDs, the challenges encountered and how iPSCs offer future avenues for innovation in developing the next-generation of therapies for UCDs.
A competitive precision CRISPR method to identify the fitness effects of transcription factor binding sites
Authors: Pihlajamaa Päivi , Kauko Otto , Sahu Biswajyoti , Kivioja Teemu , Taipale Jussi
Published: September 2022

Here we describe a competitive genome editing method that measures the effect of mutations on molecular functions, based on precision CRISPR editing using template libraries with either the original or altered sequence, and a sequence tag, enabling direct comparison between original and mutated cells. Using the example of the MYC oncogene, we identify important transcriptional targets and show that E-box mutations at MYC target gene promoters reduce cellular fitness.
Unveiling the causes of pericardial effusion in a contemporary case series of pericardiocentesis in Latin America
Authors: del Portillo-Navarrete Juan Hernando , Pizano Alejandro , Benavides Jhonattan , Palacio Andres M. , Moreno-Medina Karen , Cabrales Jaime , Echeverri Darío
Published: September 2022

Pericardial effusions requiring pericardiocentesis have multiple causes that vary among geographical regions and health contexts. This procedure can be performed for diagnostic or therapeutic indications. The purpose of this study was to identify the principal causes of pericardial effusions and indications for pericardiocentesis, exploring differences among groups. This was a retrospective case series of patients who underwent pericardiocentesis for pericardial effusion in a single center in Latin America. Demographic, clinical, echocardiographic, and procedural variables were recorded and analyzed. The primary outcome was to determine the causes of pericardial effusions in these patients and the indication (diagnostic, therapeutic, or both). The results are presented in two groups (inflammatory and noninflammatory) according to the cause of the pericardial effusion. One hundred sixteen patients with pericardial effusion underwent pericardiocentesis. The median age was 58 years (IQR 46.2–70.7), and 50% were male. In the noninflammatory pericardial effusion group, there were 61 cases (53%), among which neoplastic pericardial effusion was the most frequent cause (n = 25, 40.9%). In the inflammatory group, there were 55 cases (47%), and the main cause was postpericardiectomy syndrome after cardiac surgery (n = 31, 56.4%). The principal indication for pericardiocentesis was therapeutic (n = 66, 56.8%). Large pericardial effusion without hemodynamic effect of cardiac tamponade was significantly more frequent in the inflammatory group (p = 0.03). In conclusion, the principal cause of pericardial effusion in patients who underwent pericardiocentesis was postpericardiectomy syndrome after cardiac surgery, followed by neoplastic pericardial effusion. Pericardiocentesis is mainly a therapeutic procedure.
Deciphering diversity at er loci for diversification of powdery mildew resistance in pea
Authors: Banyal Devinder K. , Dixit Himisha , Chaudhary Jaya , Malannavar Anudeep B. , Thakur Nisha
Published: September 2022

Agricultural biotechnology aims to scrutinize the field crops which feed half of the world’s population by improving their agronomic traits using various biotechnological tools. Pea- an important cash crop, rich in nutrients, but frequently infected with powdery mildew (fungal disease caused by Erysiphe pisi) that destroys the whole crop and causes economic loss for growers. We, therefore, targeted this research to find the pathogen-resistant pea lines and further decipher the diversity at er locus among resistant pea lines. Screening for resistant pea lines was done with Erysiphe pisi isolates (Genebank submission: KX455922.1) under the net house and greenhouse conditions. Molecular studies revealed that the Erysiphe resistant (er1) gene was present in 40 lines out of selected 50 pea lines and the mutational character was conferred up to 36 genotypes with 11 haplotype groups. The haplotype (gene) diversity (Hd) was found to be 0.5571 ± 0.099 SD and the nucleotide diversity (Pi) was 0.0160 ± 0.0042 SD Majority of resistant lines (67%) occurred in Hap-1, other remaining haplotypes (Hap 2–10) having 33% resistant lines, each showing characteristic nucleotide substitutions with respect to reference PsMLO1 gene; genotypes from these divergent haplotypes can be used in pea resistance breeding to avoid genetic homogeneity and genetic vulnerability.
Ni ions doped oxyflourophosphate glass as a triple ultraviolet–visible–near infrared broad bandpass optical filter
Authors: Abu-raia W. A. , Aloraini D. A. , El-Khateeb S. A. , Saeed Aly
Published: September 2022

Research and development R&D about new materials that can be used as an optical filter, shortpass, bandpass, and longpass is still ongoing. So, in this context, the 50P2O5–20ZnF2–15MgF2–15PbF2 doped different concentrations of NiO ranging from 0 up to 4 mol% as a bandpass filter was prepared using the conventional melt annealing method. The formation of the amorphous essence was observed in the X-ray diffraction patterns. The role of Ni ions in the produced glass network was studied by density and Fourier Transform Infrared FTIR spectroscopy results, which showed that the Ni ions play a network modifier role. Thermal analysis results showed high thermal stability for the produced glasses. Electron paramagnetic resonance EPR spectra results clarified that the Ni3+ ions occupy an elongated octahedral $$\left( {g_{ \bot } > g_{\parallel } \approx 2} \right)$$

g
⊥

>

g
‖

≈
2

. The measurements of AC conductivity, dielectric constant, and electric modulus were studied at different temperatures and frequencies. The ionic conduction dominates the conductivity at high temperatures, while the electronic dominates at low temperatures. The appearance of Ni3+ (confirmed by ESR) and Ni2+ were observed in the optical absorption spectra, also it was found that both of them occupy both tetrahedral and octahedral sites. Three distinguished bands in the UV (centered at 354 nm), visible (centered at 620 nm), and NIR (centered at 1074 nm) regions appeared in the optical transmittance spectra, indicating the defining characteristic of the bandpass filter.
Identification of arterial oxygen intermittency in oximetry data
Authors: Galuzio Paulo P. , Cherif Alhaji , Tao Xia , Thwin Ohnmar , Zhang Hanjie , Thijssen Stephan , Kotanko Peter
Published: September 2022

In patients with kidney failure treated by hemodialysis, intradialytic arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) time series present intermittent high-frequency high-amplitude oximetry patterns (IHHOP), which correlate with observed sleep-associated breathing disturbances. A new method for identifying such intermittent patterns is proposed. The method is based on the analysis of recurrence in the time series through the quantification of an optimal recurrence threshold ($${{\varvec{\epsilon}}}_{\mathbf{o}\mathbf{p}\mathbf{t}}$$ϵopt). New time series for the value of$${{\varvec{\epsilon}}}_{\mathbf{o}\mathbf{p}\mathbf{t}}$$ϵoptwere constructed using a rolling window scheme, which allowed for real-time identification of the occurrence of IHHOPs. The results for the optimal recurrence threshold were confronted with standard metrics used in studies of obstructive sleep apnea, namely the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and oxygen desaturation density (ODD). A high correlation between$${{\varvec{\epsilon}}}_{\mathbf{o}\mathbf{p}\mathbf{t}}$$ϵoptand the ODD was observed. Using the value of the ODI as a surrogate to the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), it was shown that the value of$${{\varvec{\epsilon}}}_{\mathbf{o}\mathbf{p}\mathbf{t}}$$ϵoptdistinguishes occurrences of sleep apnea with great accuracy. When subjected to binary classifiers, this newly proposed metric has great power for predicting the occurrences of sleep apnea-related events, as can be seen by the larger than 0.90 AUC observed in the ROC curve. Therefore, the optimal threshold$${{\varvec{\epsilon}}}_{\mathbf{o}\mathbf{p}\mathbf{t}}$$ϵoptfrom recurrence analysis can be used as a metric to quantify the occurrence of abnormal behaviors in the arterial oxygen saturation time series.
Switchable aqueous catalytic systems for organic transformations
Authors: Das Nikita , Maity Chandan
Published: September 2022

In living organisms, enzyme catalysis takes place in aqueous media with extraordinary spatiotemporal control and precision. The mechanistic knowledge of enzyme catalysis and related approaches of creating a suitable microenvironment for efficient chemical transformations have been an important source of inspiration for the design of biomimetic artificial catalysts. However, in “nature-like” environments, it has proven difficult for artificial catalysts to promote effective chemical transformations. Besides, control over reaction rate and selectivity are important for smart application purposes. These can be achieved via incorporation of stimuli-responsive features into the structure of smart catalytic systems. Here, we summarize such catalytic systems whose activity can be switched ‘on’ or ‘off’ by the application of stimuli in aqueous environments. We describe the switchable catalytic systems capable of performing organic transformations with classification in accordance to the stimulating agent. Switchable catalytic activity in aqueous environments provides new possibilities for the development of smart materials for biomedicine and chemical biology. Moreover, engineering of aqueous catalytic systems can be expected to grow in the coming years with a further broadening of its application to diverse fields.
Coexistence of two types of short-range order in Si–Ge–Sn medium-entropy alloys
Authors: Jin Xiaochen , Chen Shunda , Li Tianshu
Published: September 2022

Short-range chemical order (SRO) has been shown to play a decisive role in modulating a wide range of physical properties in medium-entropy alloys and high-entropy alloys. The enormous configurational space of these alloys implies multiple forms of SRO may exist, but such structural diversity has not been reported. Here, ab initio-based sampling reveals that Si–Ge–Sn medium-entropy alloys have two distinct forms of SRO, which carry different energies, distinct degrees of local ordering, and dissimilar electronic structures, and co-exist across a wide range of Si–Ge–Sn compositions. We rationalize the co-existence of two SROs through their virtual degeneracy of thermodynamic stability, due to a subtle balance in the change of enthalpy and configurational entropy upon transformation between the two SROs. Such co-existence of SROs suggests an inherent structural heterogeneity, a diffuse electronic structure, and a new route for band engineering in Si–Ge–Sn medium-entropy alloys. More generally, this study indicates possibility of the co-existence of multiple forms of SRO in medium- and high-entropy alloys.
Novel bacterial taxa in a minimal lignocellulolytic consortium and their potential for lignin and plastics transformation
Authors: Díaz Rodríguez Carlos Andrés , Díaz-García Laura , Bunk Boyke , Spröer Cathrin , Herrera Katherine , Tarazona Natalia A , Rodriguez-R Luis M , Overmann Jörg , Jiménez Diego Javier
Published: September 2022

The understanding and manipulation of microbial communities toward the conversion of lignocellulose and plastics are topics of interest in microbial ecology and biotechnology. In this study, the polymer-degrading capability of a minimal lignocellulolytic microbial consortium (MELMC) was explored by genome-resolved metagenomics. The MELMC was mostly composed (>90%) of three bacterial members (Pseudomonas protegens; Pristimantibacillus lignocellulolyticus gen. nov., sp. nov; and Ochrobactrum gambitense sp. nov) recognized by their high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). Functional annotation of these MAGs revealed that Pr. lignocellulolyticus could be involved in cellulose and xylan deconstruction, whereas Ps. protegens could catabolize lignin-derived chemical compounds. The capacity of the MELMC to transform synthetic plastics was assessed by two strategies: (i) annotation of MAGs against databases containing plastic-transforming enzymes; and (ii) predicting enzymatic activity based on chemical structural similarities between lignin- and plastics-derived chemical compounds, using Simplified Molecular-Input Line-Entry System and Tanimoto coefficients. Enzymes involved in the depolymerization of polyurethane and polybutylene adipate terephthalate were found to be encoded by Ps. protegens, which could catabolize phthalates and terephthalic acid. The axenic culture of Ps. protegens grew on polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) nanoparticles and might be a suitable species for the industrial production of PHAs in the context of lignin and plastic upcycling.
Exploring volatile organic compound emission from thermally modified wood by PTR-ToF-MS
Authors: Romano Andrea , Cappellin Luca , Cuccui Ignazia , Bogialli Sara , Khomenko Iuliia , Tonezzer Matteo , Biasioli Franco , Pastore Paolo , Allegretti Ottaviano
Published: September 2022

PTR-ToF-MS allows for the rapid and sensitive characterisation of the VOC release profile, which varies significantly according to both tree species and treatment type.
Superior performance of a graphdiyne self-powered biosensor with exonuclease III-assisted signal amplification for sensitive detection of microRNAs
Authors: Shi Jinyue , Lin Yu , Qin Weiling , Li Mingxiang , Zhou Yuyi , Wu Yeyu , Luo Hu , Huang Ke-Jing , Tan Xuecai
Published: September 2022

Graphdiyne couples with an exonuclease III-assisted amplification strategy to construct a superior-performance self-powered biosensor based on enzymatic biofuel cells for highly sensitive detection of the tumour marker miRNA-21.
Triazine based eccentric Piedfort units towards a single source hydrogen bonded network
Authors: Mehrotra Sonam , Raje Sakthi , Jain Anant Kumar , Butcher Ray J. , Angamuthu Raja
Published: September 2022

Herein we report a hydrogen-bonded three-dimensional network originating from a single source precursor,sym-triisopropylaminotriazine, that is both a donor and an acceptor of hydrogen bonds.
Combined experimental and simulation study of self-assembly of colloidal gold nanoparticles on silanized glass
Authors: Thomas Neethu , Sreekeerthi Pamula , Swaminathan Parasuraman
Published: September 2022

Understanding the kinetics of metal nanoparticle self-assembly on functionalized surfaces is key for a variety of applications.
Toward highly efficient hyperfluorescence-based emitters through excited-states alignment using novel optimally tuned range-separated models
Authors: Alipour Mojtaba , Izadkhast Tahereh
Published: September 2022

Several variants of optimally tuned range-separated hybrids are designed and validated for a reliable description of the excited-states alignment in the hyperfluorescence mechanism.
Adsorption of acrolein and its hydrogenation products on Cu(111)
Authors: Islam Arephin , Molina David L. , Trenary Michael
Published: September 2022

The adsorption of acrolein and its hydrogenation products propanal, 1-propanol, and 2-propenol on Cu(111) was studied by reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD).
A 50% increase in the terbium-based OLED luminance through reducing the excited-state lifetime due to the introduction of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Gladkikh Arseny Yu. , Kozlov Makarii I. , Vashchenko Andrey A. , Medved'ko Aleksei V. , Goloveshkin Alexander S. , Bolshakova Anastasia V. , Latipov Egor V. , Utochnikova Valentina V.
Published: September 2022

The first study of the gold nanoparticles introduction into the lanthanide-based OLED demonstrated a 50% increase in the luminance of terbium-based OLED. This effect was proved to be due to the decrease in the excited state lifetime.
Mechanistic insight into borrowing-hydrogenN-alkylation catalyzed by an MLC catalyst with dual proton-responsive sites
Authors: Mei Lan , Du Min , Zhang Yuan , Hou Cheng
Published: September 2022

This theoretical study reveals the mechanistic preference of borrowing-hydrogenN-alkylation catalyzed by an MLC catalyst with dual proton-responsive sites.
Detection techniques for air-borne isocyanates based on fluorescent derivatizing agents
Authors: Selvakumar S. , Karunakaran Subbaraj , Rama Krishna V. Siva
Published: September 2022

The high toxicity of isocyanate species in the workplace demands the development of sensitive techniques for the detection of isocyanates to protect workers from adverse health effects.
Aerosol emissions and their volatility from heating different cooking oils at multiple temperatures
Authors: Sankhyan Sumit , Zabinski Kayley , O'Brien Rachel E. , Coyan Steven , Patel Sameer , Vance Marina E.
Published: September 2022

Heating cooking oils at high temperatures emits aerosols in the fine and ultrafine size ranges as well as a variety of volatile organic compounds that could have implications on both indoor as well as outdoor air quality.
Large in-plane piezo-strain enhanced voltage control of magnetic anisotropy in Si-compatible multiferroic thin films
Authors: Peng Bin , Lu Qi , Tang Haowen , Zhang Yao , Cheng Yuxin , Qiu Ruibin , Guo Yunting , Zhou Ziyao , Liu Ming
Published: September 2022

Si-compatible multiferroic thin films exhibit enhanced voltage control of magnetic anisotropy (VCMA), which is greater than bulk multiferroic composites. This study provides a general strategy to improve the VCMA effect in multiferroic thin films.
Direct-write of tungsten-carbide nanoSQUIDs based on focused ion beam induced deposition
Authors: Sigloch Fabian , Sangiao Soraya , Orús Pablo , de Teresa José M.
Published: September 2022

NanoSQUIDs are quantum sensors that excel in detecting a change in magnetic flux with high sensitivity and high spatial resolution. Here, we employ Ga+ focused ion beam induced deposition techniques to grow W–C nanoSQUIDs and we investigate their electrical response.
Rapid and facile detection of HBV with CRISPR/Cas13a
Authors: Ding Ronghua , Shen Yue , Yuan Mingzhu , Zheng Xue , Chen Shuaiyin , Duan Guangcai
Published: September 2022

A rapid point-of-care assay based on CRISPR-Cas13a for HBV was built with a LOD of 1 copy per μL was achieved in 50 min. The lateral flow test strip method can achieve naked-eye results, and the fluorescence readout can achieve real-time detection.
FeCl2/TBAC efficiently catalyzes domino coupling reactions for constructing indoline-fused tetrahydroisoquinolines
Authors: Sun Zhonghua , Yao Jie , Ji Shuliang , Zhou Weiyou , Wang Anwei , He Mingyang , Hua Xianjun , Liu Yupeng
Published: September 2022

FeCl2/TBAC has been found to be highly active for the construction of indoline-fused tetrahydroisoquinolines using aryltetrahydroisoquinolines and active methylene as simple reactants via two coupling reactions in a single step.
Synthesis and photophysical properties of 1,7-aroyl BODIPYs: an experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Efimov Ilya V. , Miftyakhova Almira R. , Matveeva Maria D. , Zhilyaev Dmitry I. , Czulkin Paweł. , Janasik Patryk , Talarico Giovanni , Voskressensky Leonid G.
Published: September 2022

The introduction of electron donating groups or electron withdrawing groups into the phenyl ring at themesoposition of 1,7-aroyl BODIPY significantly influences the fluorescence quantum yield.
Copper-catalyzed construction of (Z)-benzo[cd]indoles: stereoselective intramolecular trans-addition and SN–Ar reaction
Authors: Wang Xinyue , Zeng Heyang , Zhang Wenli , Guo Haiyang , Jin Tao , Shi Senlei , Jin Xiaoyuan , Qu Na , Liu Li , Zhang Lianpeng
Published: September 2022

Copper-catalyzed one pot synthesis of polysubstituted benzo[cd]indoles is reported. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that the reaction undergoes intramolecular trans-addition and SN-Ar reaction with excellent regioselectivity.
A new breakthrough in low-coordinate Dy(iii) single-molecule magnets
Authors: Zhu Zhenhua , Ying Xu , Zhao Chen , Zhang Yi-Quan , Tang Jinkui
Published: September 2022

A five-coordinate mononuclear Dy(iii) complex was constructed using a super bulky Schiff-base ligand, which shows a strong block of magnetization with aUeffofca.1200 cm−1and aTBof 20 K.
Harnessing solution and solid-state emissive materials from aliphatic biogenic amine-induced transient assembly and spontaneous disassembly
Authors: Roy Rupam , Pramanik Anup , Dutta Tanoy , Sharma Vikas , Kovida  , Koner Apurba Lal
Published: September 2022

This work represents the harnessing of water-soluble emissive materials for bioimaging applicationviabiogenic amine-induced transient assembly and disassembly.
Visible-light-induced radical cascade reaction to prepare oxindoles via alkyl radical addition to N-arylacryl amides
Authors: Cheng Hanchao , Luo Yunfeng , Lam Tsz-Lung , Liu Yungen , Che Chi-Ming
Published: September 2022

A photochemical approach towards oxindoles with C3 quaternary centers by the radical cascade reaction of α,β-unsaturated N-arylacryl amides with alkyl bromides or iodides upon visible light irradiation under mild reaction conditions was developed.
A heterocycle fusing strategy for simple construction of efficient solution-processable pure-red thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters
Authors: Gong Xu , Xiang Yepeng , Ning Weimin , Zhan Lisi , Gong Shaolong , Xie Guohua , Yang Chuluo
Published: September 2022

A heterocycle fusing strategy is demonstrated to construct solution-processable red thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters. The resulting pure-red organic light-emitting diodes deliver a high external quantum efficiency of 6.8%.
Automatic formation of electron transport layer in BHJ solar cells using phenothiazine-based conjugated small molecular electrolytes
Authors: Meng LingXin , Kim Danbi , Yang Eunhye , Suh Hongsuk , Park Sung Heum
Published: September 2022

We report the design and synthesis of phenothiazine-based conjugated small-molecular electrolytes as an ETL that could be applied to provide spontaneous phase separation, to reduce the number of steps required for device fabrication.
Sodium silicate and hexametaphosphate promote the release of (oxyhydr)oxide nanoparticles from corroding iron
Authors: Trueman Benjamin F. , Locsin Javier , Doré Evelyne , Hood Kalli , Gagnon Graham A.
Published: September 2022

Sequestrants such as polyphosphate and sodium silicate are used to control iron precipitation in drinking water, but they may generate iron nanoparticles that increase lead mobility.
Efficient learning of robust quadruped bounding using pretrained neural networks
Authors: Wang Zhicheng , Li Anqiao , Zheng Yixiao , Xie Anhuan , Li Zhibin , Wu Jun , Zhu Qiuguo
Published: September 2022

Bounding is one of the important gaits in quadrupedal locomotion for negotiating obstacles. The authors proposed an effective approach that can learn robust bounding gaits more efficiently despite its large variation in dynamic body movements. The authors first pretrained the neural network (NN) based on data from a robot operated by conventional model‐based controllers, and then further optimised the pretrained NN via deep reinforcement learning (DRL). In particular, the authors designed a reward function considering contact points and phases to enforce the gait symmetry and periodicity, which improved the bounding performance. The NN‐based feedback controller was learned in the simulation and directly deployed on the real quadruped robot Jueying Mini successfully. A variety of environments are presented both indoors and outdoors with the authors’ approach. The authors’ approach shows efficient computing and good locomotion results by the Jueying Mini quadrupedal robot bounding over uneven terrain.

The cover image is based on the Research Article Efficient learning of robust quadruped bounding using pretrained neural networks by Zhicheng Wang et al., https://doi.org/10.1049/csy2.12062.
A novel multi‐strategy self‐optimizing SAPSO algorithm for PMSM parameter identification
Authors: Wen Dingdou , Shi Chuandong , Zhang Yang , Liao Kaixian , Liu Jianhua , Luo Bing , Wang Tingting
Published: September 2022

To address the unsatisfactory performance of particle swarm optimization (PSO), a novel multi‐strategy self‐optimizing simulated annealing particle swarm optimization (SOSAPSO) method for permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) parameter identification is proposed. The full‐rank mathematical model and the fitness function are developed. In SOSAPSO, the velocity term of the PSO is simplified and dynamic opposition‐based learning (DOBL) is introduced in the inertia weight update process to avoid population monotonicity. Moreover, A Cauchy–Gaussian hybrid variation strategy based on similarity and density is devised to achieve self‐learning in deep regions. Meanwhile, the simulated annealing (SA) with a memory and tempering mechanism is introduced into SOSAPSO, and the greedy optimization algorithm (GOA) is used to enhance local fine‐exploitation capabilities when SOSAPSO evolution is stalled. The test results indicate the proposed method can effectively avoid local convergence problems and has better robustness and convergence speed.
Atmospheric characterization of the ultra-hot Jupiter WASP-33b
Authors: Cont D. , Yan F. , Reiners A. , Nortmann L. , Molaverdikhani K. , Pallé E. , Henning Th. , Ribas I. , Quirrenbach A. , Caballero J. A. , Amado P. J. , Czesla S. , Lesjak F. , López-Puertas M. , Mollière P. , Montes D. , Morello G. , Nagel E. , Pedraz S. , Sánchez-López A.
Published: September 2022

Ultra-hot Jupiters are highly irradiated gas giant exoplanets on close-in orbits around their host stars. The dayside atmospheres of these objects strongly emit thermal radiation due to their elevated temperatures, making them prime targets for characterization by emission spectroscopy. We analyzed high-resolution spectra from CARMENES, HARPS-N, and ESPaDOnS taken over eight observation nights to study the emission spectrum of WASP-33b and draw conclusions about its atmosphere. By applying the cross-correlation technique, we detected the spectral signatures of Ti i, V i, and a tentative signal of Ti ii for the first time via emission spectroscopy. These detections are an important finding because of the fundamental role of Ti- and V-bearing species in the planetary energy balance. Moreover, we assessed and confirm the presence of OH, Fe i, and Si i from previous studies. The spectral lines are all detected in emission, which unambiguously proves the presence of an inverted temperature profile in the planetary atmosphere. By performing retrievals on the emission lines of all the detected species, we determined a relatively weak atmospheric thermal inversion extending from approximately 3400 to 4000 K. We infer a supersolar metallicity close to 1.5 dex in the planetary atmosphere, and find that its emission signature undergoes significant line broadening with a Gaussian full width at half maximum of about 4.5 km s−1. Also, we find that the atmospheric temperature profile retrieved at orbital phases far from the secondary eclipse is about 300 to 700 K cooler than that measured close to the secondary eclipse, which is consistent with different day- and nightside temperatures. Moreover, retrievals performed on the emission lines of the individual chemical species lead to consistent results, which gives additional confidence to our retrieval method. Increasing the number of species included in the retrieval and expanding the set of retrieved atmospheric parameters will further advance our understanding of exoplanet atmospheres.
Dynamic market share through advertising and loyalty reward programs: A case study of Ofo versus Mobike
Authors: Wang Jun , Li Yu , Jiang Wenwen , Wang Yufang , Zhang Shuhua
Published: September 2022

The emerging business models have impelled firms’ competition in a brand-new and fast-growing market. This study examines such a competition for market share through advertising and loyalty reward programs. Two stages can be distinguished based on the transformation of the competition strategies. These stages can be formulated as a dynamic differential game model and a static Hotelling game model. The operation strategies and performances of two firms are determined and compared via analytical studies and case analyses toward a bicycle-sharing program, i.e., Ofo versus Mobike. Historical data are used to fit the curve of the market size and to estimate the parameter values of these models. The results show that during the first stage, the difference in market share between these firms gradually decreases (increases) when the advertising response constant is low (high). Meanwhile, in the second stage, these firms offer converse reward strategies.