bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoframes of Co3O4–Mo2N Heterointerfaces Enable High‐Performance Bifunctionality toward Both Electrocatalytic HER and OER
Authors: Wang Tingting , Wang Pengyan , Zang Wenjie , Li Xin , Chen Ding , Kou Zongkui , Mu Shichun , Wang John
Published: November 2021

Interfacial engineering of heterostructured catalysts has attracted great interest in enabling both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER and OER), by fine tuning of the interfacial geometry and electronic structures. However, they are not well structured for high‐performing bifunctionalities, largely due to the confined single particle morphologies, where the exposed surfaces and interfaces are limited. Herein, a hollow nanoframing strategy is purposely devised for interconnected Co3O4–Mo2N heterostructures that are designed with interfacial charge transfer from Mo2N to Co3O4, as rationalized by theoretical calculations and confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. It is shown that by the controllable pyrolysis of bimetallic Mo–Co Prussian blue analogue nanoframes (NFs) with an optimal Mo/Co ratio, the desired nanoframes of Co3O4–Mo2N heterostructure are successfully formed. The as‐synthesized Co3O4–Mo2N NFs not only inherit the functionalities of individual components and the electrolyte‐accessible nanoframe structure, and they also give an ideal heterointerface with strong electron interaction and favorable H2O/H* adsorption energies, leading to a remarkable enhancement in bifunctional catalytic activities (i.e., 12.9‐fold and 20‐fold higher current density under the 300 mV overpotential, as compared to the single‐phased Co3O4 NFs alone toward HER and OER, respectively), while remaining a robust stability.
Biocompatible Materials Enabled by Biobased Production of Pyomelanin Isoforms Using an Engineered Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Miller Kelly K. , Springthorpe Sarah K. , Imbrogno Jennifer , Walker David J. F. , Gadiyar Shruti , Keitz Benjamin K. , Ellington Andrew D. , Lynd Nathaniel A. , Alper Hal S.
Published: November 2021

Melanin‐like compounds have been studied in recent years for their electron transport and ultraviolet (UV) light absorbance properties as well as applications as functional, biocompatible catalysts, and material additives. Pyomelanin is a unique form of melanin compounds that has not received significant attention. Here, a strain of Yarrowia lipolytica suitable for the production of nearly 2.8 g L−1 of homogentisic acid (HGA) is metabolically engineered, which can then be oxidized to form pyomelanin either in situ or through altering pH. By using this biosourced material, a series of material traits including spectral analysis/UV–vis absorbance properties, electronic and metal interaction/chelation properties, and effectiveness in polymer dispersions with poly(l‐lactide) are evaluated. In all cases, biosourced pyomelanin performs on par with or better than a chemically sourced analog. In a performance application, it is explored how pyomelanin may be blended at low concentrations to increase the elasticity of a rigid commercial polymer. Collectively, this work establishes biosourced pyomelanin as a versatile compound for unique material applications.
Fe(III)‐Shikonin Supramolecular Nanomedicine for Combined Therapy of Tumor via Ferroptosis and Necroptosis
Authors: Feng Wenjie , Shi Wanrui , Liu Shuwei , Liu Huiwen , Liu Yi , Ge Pengfei , Zhang Hao
Published: November 2021

Most of the antitumor chemotherapeutic drugs execute the therapeutic performance upon eliciting tumor cell apoptosis, which may cause chemoresistance of tumors. Design of novel drugs to eradicate apoptosis‐resistant tumors via non‐apoptotic cell death pathways is promising for improving the long‐term chemotherapeutic efficacy. Herein, a Fe(III)‐Shikonin metal‐polyphenol‐coordinated supramolecular nanomedicine for combined therapy of tumor via ferroptosis and necroptosis is designed. The construction of the nanomedicine based on the coordinated self‐assembly between Fe3+ and Shikonin not only overcomes the shortcomings of Shikonin including its low bioavailability and high toxicity toward normal tissues, but also integrates the theranostics functions of Fe ions. Under the exposure of the high concentration of glutathione (GSH) in tumor cells, the as‐prepared nanomedicine will disassemble into Fe2+ and Shikonin, followed by stimulating the tumor cell death through ferroptosis and necroptosis. In addition, benefiting from the stealth effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the targeting ability of cyclo(Arg‐Gly‐Asp‐d‐Phe‐Lys) (cRGD) to αvβ3‐integrin, NH2‐PEG‐cRGD‐modified nanomedicine exhibits a GSH‐responsive therapy toward 4T1 tumor in vivo and self‐enhanced longitudinal relaxation (T1)‐weighted imaging property. Since the self‐assembly of natural Shikonin and human body‐necessary Fe element is facile and feasible, the work may provide a promising supramolecular nanomedicine for next‐generation chemotherapeutic applications.
Multifunctional Biomedical Materials Derived from Biological Membranes
Authors: Wang Yuemin , Xu Xinyuan , Chen Xingyu , Li Jianshu
Published: November 2021

The delicate structure and fantastic functions of biological membranes are the successful evolutionary results of a long‐term natural selection process. Their excellent biocompatibility and biofunctionality are widely utilized to construct multifunctional biomedical materials mainly by directly camouflaging materials with single or mixed biological membranes, decorating or incorporating materials with membrane‐derived vesicles (e.g., exosomes), and designing multifunctional materials with the structure/functions of biological membranes. Here, the structure–function relationship of some important biological membranes and biomimetic membranes are discussed, such as various cell membranes, extracellular vesicles, and membranes from bacteria and organelles. Selected literature examples of multifunctional biomaterials derived from biological membranes for biomedical applications, such as drug‐ and gene‐delivery systems, tissue‐repair scaffolds, bioimaging, biosensors, and biological detection, are also highlighted. These designed materials show excellent properties, such as long circulation time, disease‐targeted therapy, excellent biocompatibility, and selective recognition. Finally, perspectives and challenges associated with the clinical applications of biological‐membrane‐derived materials are discussed.
The Integration of Sensing and Actuating based on a Simple Design Fiber Actuator towards Intelligent Soft Robots
Authors: Liao Wei , Yang Zhongqiang
Published: November 2021

Integration of multiple functions into a simple unit can simplify the device design and facilitate the miniaturization and portability of soft robots. Actuating and sensing functions are the basis of soft robots to interact with the environment. In this work, a modified melt‐spinning method is used to produce liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fibers with a hollow structure and fill the core with liquid metal (LM) to construct LCE–LM coaxial fibers with integrated sensing and actuation functions. The inner LM generates Joule heat upon an electrical trigger to actuate the outer LCE shell. When LCE–LM coaxial fibers are actuated or loaded with objects, the deformation of LCE shell forces the inner LM to reform, allowing to sense the motion of the fibers or the mass of objects, by measuring the feedback voltage or resistance change of the inner LM. Benefitting from the material selection and structural design, the LCE–LM coaxial fibers with integrated actuating and sensing capability exhibit large reversible contraction (40%) and reliable durability (5000 cycles for actuation and motion sensing). Finally, a soft three‐arm Delta robot is fabricated to complete object identification, sorting tasks, and in situ monitoring the motion process.
Dynamic Quarter‐Wave Metasurface for Efficient Helicity Inversion of Polarization Beyond the Single‐Layer Conversion Limit
Authors: Kobachi Mitsuki , Miyamaru Fumiaki , Nakanishi Toshihiro , Okimura Kunio , Sanada Atsushi , Nakata Yosuke
Published: November 2021

Terahertz chiral sensing and polarization‐multiplexing communication demand subwavelength devices that dynamically invert polarization helicity. Metasurfaces can enhance anisotropy and fine tunability at subwavelength scales for this purpose. Although metasurfaces enabling deep modulation between orthogonal polarizations have been designed, they suffer from low conversion efficiencies. In this study, it is shown that the efficiency of conversion from linear to circular polarization by conventional single‐layer transmissive metasurfaces cannot exceed a fundamental limit. A dynamic reflective metasurface free from this limitation is then proposed. The device includes multilayer structures working as a terahertz quarter‐wave plate with switchable slow and fast axes. A phase transition of vanadium dioxide induces the necessary structural transformation of the metallic patterns. A practical fabrication method, based on the room‐temperature bonding technique of sapphires, is presented. Dynamic helicity inversion is demonstrated at 0.90 THz, with a conversion efficiency of over 80% that is beyond the fundamental limit of single‐layer transmissive metasurfaces (65%) and more than four times greater than that of previously reported devices.
Fine‐Tuning of Cholesterol Homeostasis Controls Erythroid Differentiation
Authors: Lu Zhiyuan , Huang Lixia , Li Yanxia , Xu Yan , Zhang Ruihao , Zhou Qian , Sun Qi , Lu Yi , Chen Junjie , Shen Yuemao , Li Jian , Zhao Baobing
Published: November 2021

Lipid metabolism is essential for stemness maintenance, self‐renewal, and differentiation of stem cells, however, the regulatory function of cholesterol metabolism in erythroid differentiation is poorly studied. In the present study, a critical role for cholesterol homeostasis in terminal erythropoiesis is uncovered. The master transcriptional factor GATA1 binds to Sterol‐regulatory element binding protein 2 (SREBP2) to downregulate cholesterol biosynthesis, leading to a gradual reduction in intracellular cholesterol levels. It is further shown that reduced cholesterol functions to block erythroid proliferation via the cholesterol/mTORC1/ribosome biogenesis axis, which coordinates cell cycle exit in the late stages of erythroid differentiation. The interaction of GATA1 and SREBP2 also provides a feedback loop for regulating globin expression through the transcriptional control of NFE2 by SREBP2. Importantly, it is shown that disrupting intracellular cholesterol hemostasis resulted in defect of terminal erythroid differentiation in vivo. These findings demonstrate that fine‐tuning of cholesterol homeostasis emerges as a key mechanism for regulating erythropoiesis.
Host/Guest Nanostructured Photoanodes Integrated with Targeted Enhancement Strategies for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Zhu Heng , Tu Wenguang , Zhu Xi , Yao Yingfang , Zhou Yong , Zou Zhigang
Published: November 2021

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production from water splitting is a green technology that can solve the environmental and energy problems through converting solar energy into renewable hydrogen fuel. The construction of host/guest architecture in semiconductor photoanodes has proven to be an effective strategy to improve solar‐to‐fuel conversion efficiency dramatically. In host/guest photoanodes, the absorber layer is deposited onto a high‐surface‐area electron collector, resulting in a significant enhancements in light‐harvesting as well as charge collection and separation efficiency. The present review aims to summarize and highlight recent state‐of‐the‐art progresses in the architecture designing of host/guest photoanodes with integrated enhancement strategies, including i) light trapping effect; ii) optimization of conductive host scaffolds; iii) hierarchical structure engineering. The challenges and prospects for the future development of host/guest nanostructured photoanodes are also presented.
Liquid Metal‐Organic Frameworks In‐Situ Derived Interlayer for High‐Performance Solid‐State Na‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Miao Xianguang , Wang Peng , Sun Rui , Li Jiafeng , Wang Zhongxiao , Zhang Tao , Wang Rutao , Li Zhaoqiang , Bai Yujun , Hao Rui , Yin Longwei
Published: November 2021

Despite recent progress in solid‐state Na‐metal batteries (SSNBs) based on inorganic solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs), Na dendrite propagation due to interfacial Na+ transport inhomogeneity and heterogeneous Na stripping/plating processes, greatly hinders the improvement of the cycling stability of SSNBs. Herein, the characteristics and propagation mechanism of Na dendrite growth in SSNBs are comprehensively analyzed. Confronted with Na dendrites, a novel strategy is developed to in‐situ modify a SSE surface with a liquid metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) precursor. The interlayer is directly obtained from high‐temperature monophasic liquid MOFs, not interfering with intermediate recrystallization, thus endowing superior uniformity. It can improve interfacial compatibility with the Na‐anode and homogenize e−/Na+ transport kinetics, leading to spatially even Na nucleation and thus a transition of Na deposition behavior from dendrites to a lateral flat‐shape growth tendency. Furthermore, the obtained sodiophilicity interlayer shows isotropous and stable characteristics to alleviate stress/strain and maintain excellent interfacial stability during cycling. Therefore, the assembled Na symmetric batteries demonstrate a top‐level time‐terminated critical current density of 1.0 mA cm−2, and the integrated full cells show a stable cycling performance for 500 cycles at 1 C. The presented liquid MOFs in‐situ derived strategy to suppress dendrites propagation is expected to be promising for other solid‐state batteries.
Investigation on the catalytic combustion of CO over LaMn1‐xCuxO3 promoted by acid treatment
Authors: Wu Qiwei , Zhou Hao
Published: November 2021

There are large amounts of CO pollutants in the off‐gas of the iron and steel industry, which cause serious harm to the environment and human health. To control the emission of CO more effectively, in this paper, LaMn1‐xCuxO3 (x = 0, 0.25) perovskite catalysts were prepared and then modified by dilute nitric acid. And the physicochemical properties and the catalytic activity of perovskite were investigated and analyzed. The activity results indicate that the Cu2+ substitution and acid treatment could obviously promote the catalytic activity of catalysts for CO oxidation. Among the prepared samples, LaMn0.75Cu0.25O3‐H exhibits the highest activity with 90% CO conversion at 176.5°C, and the self‐sustained combustion of CO is successfully achieved. And the long‐time stability test shows that LaMn0.75Cu0.25O3‐H can keep 100% CO conversion, and the activity remains almost unchanged. Combined with the x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and H2 temperature‐programmed reduction (H2‐TPR) results, the increased activity of LaMn0.75Cu0.25O3‐H catalyst is mainly ascribed to the high concentration of Mn4+ and abundant oxygen vacancies. On the other hand, the morphology of perovskite catalysts was remolded by acid etching, and the formation of the porous structure significantly increases the specific surface area. The above results show that the substitution of Cu and acid treatment for perovskite catalysts is a feasible strategy to improve CO catalytic combustion activity.
Sensitivity improvement for spectrofluorimetric determination of commonly used antifungal drug ‘nystatin’: application for oral suspension
Authors: Attia Tamer Z. , Saied Huda H. , Nour El‐Deen Deena A. M. , Alahmadi Yaser M. , Omar Mahmoud A.
Published: November 2021

In this paper, two simple, rapid and highly sensitive spectrofluorimetric methods were developed and validated for nystatin determination in its pure form and pharmaceutical dosage form (oral suspension). The first method was based on measuring the nystatin native fluorescence after dilution with isopropyl alcohol at 407 nm (excitation 303 nm). The fluoresence intensity was linearly dependant on the nystatin concentration within the specified range 50–500 ng ml−1. The second was based on micellar enhancement of nystatin fluorescence using sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). In the presence of 2% w/v SDS, an ~1.9‐fold enhancement could be achieved in the relative fluorescence intensity of nystatin. The linear range for the second method was 20–100 ng ml−1. The limits of quantification and detection were found to be 43.23 ng ml−1 and 14.27 ng ml−1 (Method I), 6.08 ng ml−1 and 2.0 ng ml−1 (Method II). According to percentage recoveries and relative standard deviations (RSDs) obtained, the proposed methods were precise (RSDs were less than 2%), reproducible, and accurate and could be successfully applied for quantitative estimation of nystatin in its dosage form. The statistical results of this method were compared with that of the reported method and showed excellent agreement with respect to accuracy and precision.
A facile protocol for copper‐free palladium‐catalyzed Sonogashira coupling in aqueous media
Authors: Jung Da‐Young , Park Soo Youl , Kim Seung‐Hoi
Published: November 2021

The combination of a readily available palladium catalyst and an eco‐friendly basic aqueous solution of room‐temperature ionic liquid, choline hydroxide (ChOH), was used in a facile protocol alternative to the Sonogashira coupling reaction, alkynylation of aryl halides in the absence of a copper cocatalyst and an external base. The dual nature of ChOH to act as a base and a green solvent played a crucial role in the catalytic cycle. The coupling reaction progressed efficiently to form a CspCsp2 bond under the identified conditions although the reaction outcome depended significantly on the substrates.
Segmentation, environmental identity and stages of change: An application to a wildlife trust
Authors: Wells Victoria K. , Forbes Sarah , Powell Madeline , O'Reilly Daragh
Published: November 2021

Using a quantitative survey approach, cluster analysis is used to assess the relevant target segments of a wildlife trust to develop a consumer‐focused marketing strategy. Using environmental identity and stages of change, the paper identifies and examines a number of clusters for both members and non‐members and segments the trust's target audience, providing valuable insights into the character and behaviour of each segment and their openness to different activities. It provides practical recommendations as to which specific groups would be most valuable to target for the trust as well as the potential messages and marketing strategies which be most successful in engaging these groups.
Biodiversity disclosure, sustainable development and environmental initiatives: Does board gender diversity matter?
Authors: Carvajal Mariela , Nadeem Muhammad , Zaman Rashid
Published: November 2021

Modern‐day corporations are under intense stakeholder pressure to incorporate environmentalism, particularly biodiversity initiatives, into their business strategy. Building on upper echelon and gender socialization theories, we investigate the effect of board gender diversity (BGD) on the biodiversity initiatives undertaken by firms for the restoration and rehabilitation of damaged ecosystems and/or to minimize their environmental impacts. Using data on 2406 US firms covered in the ASSET4 database for the period 2002–2018 (15,337 firm‐year observations), we document a significant positive association between BGD and both biodiversity restoration protection and impact reduction initiatives. Our findings are consistent for exploitative and nonexploitative industries, as well as for the pre‐ and post‐UN resolution on conservation of biodiversity periods. We further develop a causal relationship through the positive impact of BGD on management environment training and environmental partnerships—possible mechanisms by which BGD may impact biodiversity initiatives. The results suggest that BGD is vital for developing strategies concerning the restoration, protection and impact reduction of biodiversity and ecosystems. Our findings are of interest to legislators and regulators who are interested in assessing biodiversity initiatives, improving environmental policies and promoting gender diversity in company director boards.
Long‐Term Behavior of Fuel Vapor Retaining Systems for Biofuels (E0, E10) Part 1: Regeneration with Dry Flushing Nitrogen
Authors: Göbel M. Ulrich , Keller Jürgen U. , Meller Karl , Schmitz Ingo , Seeger Thomas , Schieferstein Eva
Published: November 2021

Seit 2011 werden dem fossilen Ottokraftstoff 5 bis 10 Vol.‐% Bioethanol beigemischt. Um den Einfluss des Ethanol‐Zusatzes auf die Funktionstüchtigkeit der Aktivkohlefilter von Kraftstoffdampfrückhaltesystemen untersuchen zu können, wurde eine spezielle Versuchsanlage konzipiert. Mit ihr sind Langzeitmessungen über mehrere Wochen möglich, so dass das Ad‐ und Desorptionsverhalten der Aktivkohlefilter detailliert erfasst werden kann. Die Ergebnisse zeigen bei Regeneration mit trockenem Spül‐Stickstoff deren Langzeittauglichkeit. Das dabei gewonnene Grundverständnis könnte den mit Ethanolblends und feuchtem Regenerationsfluid verstärkten Ausfall der Filter erklären.
Adaptive Sampling of Dynamic Systems for Generation of Fast and Accurate Surrogate Models
Authors: Talis Torben , Weigert Joris , Esche Erik , Repke Jens‐Uwe
Published: November 2021

For economic nonlinear model predictive control and dynamic real‐time optimization fast and accurate models are necessary. Consequently, the use of dynamic surrogate models to mimic complex rigorous models is increasingly coming into focus. For dynamic systems, the focus so far had been on identifying a system's behavior surrounding a steady‐state operation point. In this contribution, we propose a novel methodology to adaptively sample rigorous dynamic process models to generate a dataset for building dynamic surrogate models. The goal of the developed algorithm is to cover an as large as possible area of the feasible region of the original model. To demonstrate the performance of the presented framework it is applied on a dynamic model of a chlor‐alkali electrolysis.
Gesche Gottfrieds Mäusebutter
Authors: Strey Karsten
Published: November 2021

Historisch ist Arsenik das vielleicht bekannteste Mordgift überhaupt. Die Geschichte der vielfachen Giftmörderin Gesche Gottfried gehört zu den spektakulärsten Kriminalfällen des 19. Jahrhunderts. Arsenverbindungen können im Körper eine Vielzahl von chemischen Reaktionen eingehen. Die direkte Giftwirkung wird beim As(III) durch Reaktion mit Thiol‐Gruppen verursacht, während beim As(V) der Phosphat‐Stoffwechsel und damit der Energiestoffwechsel behindert wird. Durch jahrelange Aufnahme von Arsen werden die DNA‐Reparaturprozesse behindert, was zu einer erhöhten Krebshäufigkeit führt. Die komplexen toxikologischen Mechanismen sind aber bis heute nicht restlos aufgeklärt.
Students‘ difficulties arising from mathematical modelling in Physical Chemistry
Authors: Komor Ines , van Vorst Helena , Sumfleth Elke
Published: November 2021

Symbolisch‐mathematische Modelle und der Prozess des mathematischen Modellierens sind bei der Bearbeitung von typischen mathematikbasierten Aufgaben aus der Physikalischen Chemie von großer Bedeutung. Hiermit haben aber Studierende häufig große Schwierigkeiten, ohne dass die Ursachen dafür bisher detailliert beschrieben werden können. Zur näheren Untersuchung der schwierigkeitserzeugenden Parameter wurden Studierendeninterviews (N=10) durchgeführt. Als Interviewleitfaden wurden drei typische Aufgabenstellungen verwendet. Die Ergebnisse der qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse der Interviews werden im Rahmen dieses Artikels vorgestellt und mit Blick auf die (Um‐)Gestaltung von Lerngelegenheiten diskutiert. Hierbei kommt insbesondere dem Schritt des Mathematisierens, also der Entwicklung eines mathematischen Modells, eine besondere Rolle zu.
Strategic Tillage Has Its Place in No‐Till Agriculture
Authors: Sever Megan
Published: November 2021

No‐till farming is great—until it’s not. When problems like resistant weeds or compaction arise, a well‐chosen one‐off till job, often called strategic tillage, could be just what the doctor—or CCA— ordered. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Soil & Water Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at https://bit.ly/3plI4TG. View all CEUs online at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
The Tien Shan vole (Microtus ilaeus; Rodentia: Cricetidae) as a new species in the Late Pleistocene of Europe
Authors: Baca Mateusz , Popović Danijela , Lemanik Anna , Fewlass Helen , Talamo Sahra , Zima Jan , Ridush Bogdan , Popov Vasil , Nadachowski Adam
Published: November 2021

Grey voles (subgenus Microtus) represent a complex of at least seven closely related and partly cryptic species. The range of these species extends from the Atlantic to the Altai Mountains, but most of them occur east of the Black Sea. Using ancient DNA analyses of the Late Pleistocene specimens, we identified a new mtDNA lineage of grey voles in Europe. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b sequences from 23 voles from three caves, namely, Emine–Bair–Khosar (Crimea, Ukraine), Cave 16 (Bulgaria), and Bacho Kiro (Bulgaria), showed that 14 specimens form a previously unrecognized lineage, sister to the Tien Shan vole. The average sequence divergence of this lineage and the extant Tien Shan vole was 4.8%, which is similar to the divergence of grey vole forms, which are considered distinct species or being on the verge of speciation; M. arvalis and M. obscurus or M. mystacinus and M. rossiaemeridionalis. We estimated the time to the most recent common ancestor of the grey voles to be 0.66 Ma, which is over twice the recent estimates, while the divergence of the extant Tien Shan vole and the new lineage to be 0.29 Ma. Our discovery suggests that grey voles may have been more diversified in the past and that their ranges may have differed substantially from current ones. It also underlines the utility of ancient DNA to decipher the evolutionary history of voles.
Connectivity and directionality in estuarine channel networks
Authors: Hiatt Matthew , Addink Elisabeth A. , Kleinhans Maarten G.
Published: November 2021

Estuaries host channel networks that can range from meandering single‐thread channels to complex channel networks comprising looping, branching, and offshoot structures through which water, sediment, and nutrients are transported in both the flood and ebb directions. In this article, we use graph theory to quantify the structural and dynamical connectivity of multidirectional estuarine channel networks using network analysis techniques rooted in graph theory that have proven useful for quantifying connectivity in river deltas. Networks from several estuaries around the world are extracted from satellite imagery and compared to a set of schematized networks that represent the end‐member of the channel network structure and dynamics found in estuaries. Higher levels of structural connectivity are found for larger networks, which points to increased predilection for looping structures in networks with large numbers of channels. The real‐world network structures contain signatures of both mutually evasive flood and ebb channels that typify alluvial estuaries, but also contain branching structures as either bifurcating delta‐like structures or converging tidal patterns. The level of dynamical connectivity is modulated by flow direction through the network, with flood direction fluxes more broadly distributed throughout the network and fluxes in the ebb direction tending to be more localized. Analysis of dynamical connectivity also reveals a tidal asymmetry indicative of fluxes in flood–ebb dominant channels in estuaries. This study provides implications for understanding the self‐organization of estuarine channel networks on which fluxes are partitioned through estuaries in the flood and ebb directions, and establishes a benchmark for analyzing multidirectional channel networks using graph theory.
Musical memories in newborns: A resting‐state functional connectivity study
Authors: Loukas Serafeim , Lordier Lara , Meskaldji Djalel‐Eddine , Filippa Manuela , Sa de Almeida Joana , Van De Ville Dimitri , Hüppi Petra S.
Published: November 2021

Music is known to induce emotions and activate associated memories, including musical memories. In adults, it is well known that music activates both working memory and limbic networks. We have recently discovered that as early as during the newborn period, familiar music is processed differently from unfamiliar music. The present study evaluates music listening effects at the brain level in newborns, by exploring the impact of familiar or first‐time music listening on the subsequent resting‐state functional connectivity in the brain. Using a connectome‐based framework, we describe resting‐state functional connectivity (RS‐FC) modulation after music listening in three groups of newborn infants, in preterm infants exposed to music during their neonatal‐intensive‐care‐unit (NICU) stay, in control preterm, and full‐term infants. We observed modulation of the RS‐FC between brain regions known to be implicated in music and emotions processing, immediately following music listening in all newborn infants. In the music exposed group, we found increased RS‐FC between brain regions known to be implicated in familiar and emotionally arousing music and multisensory processing, and therefore implying memory retrieval and associative memory. We demonstrate a positive correlation between the occurrence of the prior music exposure and increased RS‐FC in brain regions implicated in multisensory and emotional processing, indicating strong engagement of musical memories; and a negative correlation with the Default Mode Network, indicating disengagement due to the aforementioned cognitive processing. Our results describe the modulatory effect of music listening on brain RS‐FC that can be linked to brain correlates of musical memory engrams in preterm infants.
Molecular Imaging of Tumor Microenvironment to Assess the Effects of Locoregional Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Quan , Chen Austin Z. , Jia Guorong , Li Jindian , Zheng Chuansheng , Chen Kai
Published: November 2021

Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. Among all primary liver cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type, representing 75%‐85% of all primary liver cancer cases. Median survival following diagnosis of HCC is approximately 6 to 20 months due to late diagnosis in its course and few effective treatment options. Interventional therapy with minimal invasiveness is recognized as a promising treatment for HCC. However, due to the heterogeneity of HCC and the complexity of the tumor microenvironment, the long‐term efficacy of treatment for HCC remains a challenge in the clinic. Tumor microenvironment, including factors such as hypoxia, angiogenesis, low extracellular pH, interstitial fluid pressure, aerobic glycolysis, and various immune responses, has emerged as a key contributor to tumor residual and progression after locoregional treatment for HCC. New approaches to noninvasively assess the treatment response and assist in the clinical decision‐making process are therefore urgently needed. Molecular imaging tools enabling such an assessment may significantly advance clinical practice by allowing real‐time optimization of treatment protocols for the individual patient. This review discusses recent advances in the application of molecular imaging technologies for noninvasively assessing changes occurring in the microenvironment of HCC after locoregional treatment.
The potential role of lysergic acid diethylamide for psychological assisted therapy: A meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials in healthy volunteers
Authors: Li Hang , Zhong Yi , Yang Siyuan , Wang Jiahe , Li Xiang , Xu Jianguo , Gao Heng , Chen Gang
Published: November 2021

Objective

In recent years, interest in using lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in psychiatric research and corresponding therapy has increased rapidly. In this meta‐analysis, we explored the effects of LSD on healthy subjects with respect to subjective drug effects, blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and side effects.

Method

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched from January 2010 to December 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of LSD in healthy people. Subsequently, 5 RCTs with 132 healthy people which focused on the effects of LSD were enrolled in our study.

Result

We found that taking 50, 100 and 200 mcg LSD doses were associated with a significant increase in the maximal difference from the baseline compared to the placebo group among the outcomes of AMRS (Adjective Mood Rating Scale) score. Significant differences existed between the LSD and placebo groups when taking 100 and 200 mcg LSD in acute adverse effects (100 mcg: SMD = .97, 95% confidence interval [CI], .50, 1.44, Z = 4.04, p < .001; 200 mcg: SMD = 1.18, 95% CI, 0.65, 1.72, Z = 4.32, p < .001).

Conclusions

Meta‐analysis of the subjective effects of LSD in healthy people revealed moderate significant effect sizes in favor of LSD with no significant adverse effects. A 100 mcg dose of LSD has potential for use in psychological‐assisted therapy and may improve the mental fitness of patients with disease‐related psychiatric distress. Additional clinical trials are necessary to explore the efficacy and safety of LSD as a psychological‐assisted therapy.
The effect of midbond functions on interaction energies computed using MP2 and CCSD(T)
Authors: Matveeva Regina , Falck Erichsen Merete , Koch Henrik , Høyvik Ida‐Marie
Published: November 2021

In this article we use MP2 and CCSD(T) calculations for the A24 and S66 data sets to explore how midbond functions can be used to generate cost effective counterpoise corrected supramolecular interaction energies of noncovalent complexes. We use the A24 data set to show that the primary role of midbond functions is not to approach the complete basis set limit, but rather to ensure a balanced description of the molecules and the interaction region (unrelated to the basis set superposition error). The need for balance is a consequence of using atom centered basis sets. In the complete basis set limit, the error will disappear, but reaching the complete basis set limit is not feasible beyond small systems. For S66 we investigate the need for increasing the number of midbond centers. Results show that adding a second midbond center increases the accuracy, but the effect is secondary to changing the atom centered basis set. Further, by comparing calculations using the 3s3p2d1f1g midbond set with using aug‐cc‐pVDZ and aug‐cc‐pVTZ as midbond sets, we see that the requirements for the midbond set to be effective, is not just that it contains diffuse functions, but also that high angular momentum functions are included. By comparing two approaches for placing midbond centers we show that results are not particularly sensitive to placement as long as the placement is reasonable.
Myosteatosis as an independent risk factor for mortality after kidney allograft transplantation: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Morel Antoine , Ouamri Yaniss , Canouï‐Poitrine Florence , Mulé Sébastien , Champy Cécile Maud , Ingels Alexandre , Audard Vincent , Luciani Alain , Grimbert Philippe , Matignon Marie , Pigneur Frédéric , Stehlé Thomas
Published: November 2021

Background

Patients with end‐stage renal disease may display both a loss of skeletal muscle mass and an increase in muscle fat deposits. We aimed to analyse the impact of low skeletal muscle mass index (SMI, surrogate marker of sarcopenia) and low muscle density (MD, surrogate marker of myosteatosis) on patient survival after kidney transplantation (KT).

Methods

In a retrospective cohort of 200 kidney transplant recipients (KTr), we measured on an unenhanced cross‐sectional computed tomography scan taken at the level of the third lumbar vertebra within the previous year or at the time of KT, both SMI (muscle cross‐sectional area normalized for height2, reported in cm2/m2) and MD (mean attenuation of muscle cross‐sectional area, expressed in Hounsfield units). We determined age‐specific and sex‐specific normality thresholds on 130 healthy subjects. The baseline factors associated with low MD were assessed by logistic regression analysis. Cox proportional hazard univariable and multivariable models were constructed to identify predictive factors of patient survival.

Results

Among the 200 patients of the cohort, 123 were male (62%), and mean age was 54.8 ± 13.8 years. A total of 181 KTr required renal replacement therapy before KT (91%), and 36 KTr (18%) received repeat kidney transplant after previous failed KT. Mean MD was 30.6 ± 9 HU in men and 29.7 ± 8.3 HU in women, whereas SMI was 49.7 ± 8.6 cm2/m2 in men and 42.3 ± 7.3 cm2/m2 in women. MD was below the 2.5th percentile for the healthy population in 49 KTr (25%), defining the myosteatosis group, while SMI was below the 2.5th percentile for the reference population in 10 KTr (5%). Independent risk factors for myosteatosis were two or more KT [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 5.2, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 2.22–12.4, P = 0.0001], a history of stroke (aOR 3.7, 95% CI: 1.30–10.7, P = 0.015), and body mass index > 25 kg/m2 (aOR 2.94, 95% CI: 1.4–6.18, P = 0.004). Myosteatosis was independently associated with mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.12, 95% CI: 1.06–4.24, P = 0.033], as were cardiovascular disease (HR 2.06, 95% CI: 1.02–4.15, P = 0.043) and age (aHR 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03–1.09, P = 0.0003). Low SMI was not associated with mortality.

Conclusions

Myosteatosis, which was more prevalent than low skeletal muscle mass, might be an important prognostic marker in patients undergoing KT.
Noble metals doped tin dioxide for sodium hypochlorite synthesis from low concentrated NaCl solutions
Authors: Shmychkova Olesia , Girenko Dmitry , Velichenko Alexander
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Creation of anode materials with high selectivity to the target process is the main problem in low concentration sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions. A specificity of such solutions is the achievement of high potentials at which the anodes traditionally used for the synthesis of chlorine [rutile oxide/titania (RuO2‐TiO2)] are destroyed. The main aim of the work concerns the eveluation of the effect of platinum (Pt) group metals in a tin oxide (SnO2) matrix on the electrocatalytic activity and selectivity in reactions of the synthesis of sodium hypochlorite and chlorate (NaClO and NaClO3) and oxygen (O2) evolution.

RESULTS

It was revealed that palladium (Pd) in oxide Ti/SnO2‐Pd and Ti/SnO2‐Pt‐Pd coatings existed in the PdO form, which has a high affinity for hydroxylation. Electrocatalytic activity of coatings in anode processes in low concentrated chloride‐containing solutions would be determined by the bond strength of chemisorbed with the surface O‐containing particles. Participation in the process of Cl‐ oxidation of labile O‐containing particles increased the rate of formation of NaClO and led to inhibition of adverse reactions of O2 evolution and synthesis of chlorates and chlorites.

CONCLUSION

A correlation between the selectivity of formation of NaClO and NaClO3, and the activity of the catalyst in the O2 evolution reaction is proposed. Significant formation of chlorates occurred only at the anodes, where in 1 mol L–1 HClO4 the O2 evolution potential was >1.58 V. Parameters influencing the electrocatalytic activity and selectivity of electrode materials in the target process were proposed based on this dependence. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Does workfare work? India's employment guarantee during COVID‐19
Authors: Narayanan Sudha , Oldiges Christian , Saha Shree
Published: November 2021

As many other countries, India leverages on a pre‐existing workfare programme as a COVID‐19 response. We combine monthly administrative data with migration and poverty statistics and provide four insights on the recent expansion of the programme. First, poorer districts include more households, that is, increasing extensive margin. Second, in districts with a high proportion of return migrants, there is no increase, and third, unmet demand for work is higher than the national average of 22.7%. Fourth, despite the expansion, the programme provided just 13.5 days per rural household. The programme requires attention to fulfil its promise as a credible safety net.
The balance between positive and negative affect in employee well‐being
Authors: Yoon David J. , Bono Joyce E. , Yang Tao , Lee KiYoung , Glomb Theresa M. , Duffy Michelle K.
Published: November 2021

We examine the effects of the balance between positive and negative affect experienced at work on well‐being outcomes. An extensive literature on affect balance suggests that it is not only positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA) alone that affect well‐being; rather it is the balance between them that matters. We use experience sampling methods and polynomial regression to test the notion that daily PA and NA at work, along with their interactive and nonlinear effects, predict employee well‐being after work. In a sample of working adults, we find that affect balance—the dynamic interplay between daily PA and NA—at work was differentially associated with various indices of well‐being: PA, NA, and the interaction between them predicted physical and mental health. Affect balance at work also predicted life satisfaction, but only for those low on trait affect balance. Detailed examination of the joint effects of PA, NA, and the balance between them reveals that high PA at work is most important for life satisfaction, whereas both low NA and high PA are important for health. Low NA plays an especially important role in physical health.
Eosinophilic esophagitis in individuals with sex chromosome aneuploidies: Clinical presentations and management implications
Authors: Howell Susan , Buchanan Catherine , Davis Shanlee M. , Miyazawa Heather , Furuta Glenn T. , Tartaglia Nicole R. , Nguyen Nathalie
Published: November 2021

Background

Supernumerary sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCA) are common genetic conditions characterized by additional X or Y chromosome, affecting ~1/500 individuals, with the most frequent karyotypes of 47,XXY (Klinefelter syndrome), 47,XXX (Trisomy X), and 47,XYY (Jacob syndrome). Although there is considerable phenotypic variation among these diagnoses, these conditions are characterized by the presence of overlapping physical, medical, developmental, and psychological features. Our interdisciplinary clinic’s experience anecdotally supports previous published findings of atopic conditions, feeding difficulties, and gastroesophageal reflux to be more prevalent in SCAs (Bardsley et al., Journal of Pediatrics, 2013, 163, 1085; Samango‐Sprouse et al., The Application of Clinical Genetics, 2019, 12, 191; Tartaglia et al., Acta Paediatrica, 2008, 100, 851). Furthermore, we observed that many of these patients have also been diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), an association not currently reported in the literature.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of all 667 patients with SCA seen at a large tertiary care center to investigate the prevalence and presenting features of EoE.

Results

Four percent of children with SCAs had a biopsy‐confirmed diagnosis of EoE, which represents an odds ratio of 32 (95% CI 6–185) when compared to the prevalence rates reported in the general population.

Conclusion

Routine screening for EoE symptoms may be warranted for individuals with SCA and atopic conditions.
APA: Decision‐making a struggle for young adults during COVID
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2021

In the 18 months since COVID‐19 commenced, more than one‐third of adults, particularly young adults, say they are struggling with making day‐to‐day decisions and major life decisions compared with before the pandemic, according to a national survey released late last month by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Data transmission bit error rate modeling and analysis of multi‐screen measurement system based on optical communication link
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqian , Gao Junchai , Zhang Jialiang
Published: November 2021

To reduce the bit error rate of data transmission in the field of the long‐distance ballistic trajectory of weapon range, this article utilizes a MIMO‐OFDM atmospheric laser link communication model to transfer the obtained data using the four‐screen measurement system in the terminal ballistic. First, the atmospheric attenuation channel model caused by haze and fog in the atmospheric link communication is analyzed. Then the atmospheric attenuation factors of haze day are introduced and the received optical power of the system is calculated. Lastly, the atmospheric laser link communication model in different weather environment is established. The calculation functions of signal‐to‐noise ratio and bit error rate in the long‐distance link communication are derived. Through the calculation and analysis, the attenuation of laser's power caused by fog and haze with different visibilities is obtained. The results show that the lower is the visibility under fog or haze days, the faster is the attenuation of the laser's power and the higher is the bit error rate of the communication link. The atmospheric attenuation can be reduced by increasing the laser's power. The results verify the feasibility of the MIMO‐OFDM atmospheric laser link communication model. The proposed model has a certain guiding significance for the further study of reliable data transmission in the ultra‐long‐range ballistic.
Optimization of spin‐lock times in T1ρ mapping of knee cartilage: Cramér‐Rao bounds versus matched sampling‐fitting
Authors: Zibetti Marcelo V. W. , Sharafi Azadeh , Regatte Ravinder R.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To compare different optimization approaches for choosing the spin‐lock times (TSLs), in spin‐lattice relaxation time in the rotating frame (T1ρ) mapping.

Methods

Optimization criteria for TSLs based on Cramér‐Rao lower bounds (CRLB) are compared with matched sampling‐fitting (MSF) approaches for T1ρ mapping on synthetic data, model phantoms, and knee cartilage. The MSF approaches are optimized using robust methods for noisy cost functions. The MSF approaches assume that optimal TSLs depend on the chosen fitting method. An iterative non‐linear least squares (NLS) and artificial neural networks (ANN) are tested as two possible T1ρ fitting methods for MSF approaches.

Results

All optimized criteria were better than non‐optimized ones. However, we observe that a modified CRLB and an MSF based on the mean of the normalized absolute error (MNAE) were more robust optimization approaches, performing well in all tested cases. The optimized TSLs obtained the best performance with synthetic data (3.5–8.0% error), model phantoms (1.5–2.8% error), and healthy volunteers (7.7–21.1% error), showing stable and improved quality results, comparing to non‐optimized approaches (4.2–13.3% error on synthetic data, 2.1–6.2% error on model phantoms, 9.8–27.8% error on healthy volunteers).

Conclusion

A modified CRLB and the MSF based on MNAE are robust optimization approaches for choosing TSLs in T1ρ mapping. All optimized criteria allowed good results even using rapid scans with two TSLs when a complex‐valued fitting is done with iterative NLS or ANN.