bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supercritical fluid chromatography with post‐column addition of supporting electrolyte solution for electrochemical determination of tocopherol and tocotrienol isomers
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Nishimura Takuma , Machida Koichi , Kotani Akira , Hakamata Hideki
Published: March 2022

A supercritical fluid chromatography with electrochemical detection system was developed for the simultaneous determination of tocopherol and tocotrienol isomers. The supercritical fluid chromatography with electrochemical detection system was connected with an additional pump to create a flow path to add a supporting electrolyte solution. The supporting electrolyte solution was mixed with a mobile phase in a post‐column fashion, enabling the independent control of the separation and detection. After optimization of the measurement conditions, vitamin E isomers and an internal standard substance (2,2,5,7,8‐pentamethyl‐6‐hydroxychroman) were separated within 30 min using a mixture of supercritical carbon dioxide and methanol (99:1, v/v) as a mobile phase and a cyanopropyl column (4.6 mm inner diameter × 250 mm length, 5 μm). For the electrochemical detection, methanol containing 1.0 mol/L ammonium acetate was used as a supporting electrolyte solution, and the applied potential was set at +0.8 V. This analytical method showed good linearity (5–100 μg/mL) and repeatability (less than 2.5% relative standard deviation, n = 6) and was applicable to the determination of tocopherol and tocotrienol isomers in nutrition supplements.
Clinical grade lentiviral vector purification and quality control requirements
Authors: Shi Ruina , Jia Shenghua , Liu Huwei , Nie Honggang
Published: March 2022

Lentiviral vectors have been proven to be a powerful tool in gene therapies that includes the ability to perform long‐term gene editing in both dividing and non‐dividing cells. In order to meet the rising demand for clinical‐grade lentiviral vectors for future clinical trials and requirements by regulatory agencies, new methods and technologies were developed, including the rapid optimization of production and purification processes. However, gaps still exist in achieving ideal yields and recovery rates in large‐scale manufacturing process steps. The downstream purification process is a critical step required to obtain a sufficient quantity and high‐quality lentiviral vectors products, which is challenged by the low stability of the lentiviral vector particles and large production volumes associated with the manufacturing process. This review summarizes the most recent and promising technologies and enhancements used in the large‐scale purification process step of lentiviral vector manufacturing and aims to provide a significant contribution towards the achievement of providing sufficient quantity and quality of lentiviral vectors in scalable processes.
A sensitive and selective HPLC–MS3 method for therapeutic drug monitoring of meropenem and its validation by comparison with HPLC–MS2 methods
Authors: Cao Haiwei , Yin Lei , Cao Haihuan , Guo Haiyang , Ren Wenbo , Li Yanyan , Huang Jing
Published: March 2022

Meropenem, a representative β‐lactam antibiotic, is widely used to treat complicated and serious infections. Therefore, it is of great significance to monitor the plasma drug concentration for individualized antimicrobial therapy. This study first describes the development and validation of high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry cubed method for monitoring meropenem in human plasma. Protein precipitation with methanol and a chromatographic analysis time of 7 min make this method simple and of high throughput. Meropenem was extracted from human plasma with recoveries >94.1%. Calibration curves were linear (R2 > 0.995) in the concentration range of 0.5–50 μg/mL. Overall accuracy and precision did not exceed 8.0% as well as no significant matrix effect was observed. The novelty of this method is that the triple‐stage mass spectrometry technology improves the selectivity and sensitivity. A comparison of the presented method and traditional liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was assessed in 44 patients treated with meropenem and Passing–Bablok regression coefficients and Bland–Altman plots showed that no significant difference between the two methods. So the triple‐stage mass spectrometry method developed in this study is appropriate and practical for the monitor of meropenem in the daily clinical laboratory practice.
The nosographic structure of posttraumatic stress symptoms across trauma types: An exploratory network analysis approach
Authors: Ferreira Filipa , Gysi Deisy , Castro Daniel , Ferreira Tiago Bento
Published: March 2022

The nosographic structure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains unclear, and attempts to determine its symptomatic organization have been unsatisfactory. Several explanations have been suggested, and the impact of trauma type is receiving increasing attention. As little is known about the differential impact trauma type in the nosographic structure of PTSD, we explored the nosology of PTSD and the effect of trauma type on its symptomatic organization. We reanalyzed five cross‐sectional psychopathological networks involving different trauma types, encompassing a broad range of traumatic events in veterans, war‐related trauma in veterans, sexual abuse, terrorist attacks, and various traumatic events in refugees. The weighted topological overlap was used to estimate the networks and attribute weights to their links. Coexpression differential network analysis was used to identify the common and specific network structures of the connections across different trauma types and to determine the importance of symptoms across the networks. We found a set of symptoms with more common connections with other symptoms, suggesting that these might constitute the prototypical nosographic structure of PTSD. We also found a set of symptoms that had a high number of specific connections with other symptoms; these connections varied according to trauma type. The importance of symptoms across the common and specific networks was ascertained. The present findings offer new insights into the symptomatic organization of PTSD and support previous research on the impact of trauma type on the nosology of this disorder.
Endonasal Acoustic Doppler Sonography in Predicting the Survival of Nasoseptal Flap Following Previous Irradiation
Authors: Lai Calvin Chee‐Fung , Chow Samuel Man‐Wai , Tong Michael Chi‐Fai
Published: March 2022

Objective

Blood supply to the nasoseptal flap may be compromised in patients who had previous irradiation to the head and neck region, hence, affecting its viability. Here, we evaluate the role of an endonasal acoustic Doppler sonography in predicting the survival of the nasoseptal flap in this group of patients.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients with previous irradiation to the head and neck region who had undergone endoscopic endonasal surgeries requiring nasoseptal flap as reconstruction. Survival rates of nasoseptal flap were compared between groups where endonasal Doppler was used.

Results

A total of 28 patients were identified with previous irradiation to the head and neck region who had undergone endoscopic endonasal surgeries requiring nasoseptal flap as reconstruction. The overall survival rate of nasoseptal flap is 67.8% (19 out of 28). Endonasal acoustic Doppler was used in 17 of these patients, of which 13 patients had a positive signal. The flap survival rate in the Doppler‐positive group compared to the non‐Doppler group was significantly better at 100% vs 45.4% (P = .003). Among those where the endonasal Doppler was used, the flap survival rate with a negative doppler signal was significantly worse at 25%, compared with 100% flap survival in those with positive doppler signal (P = .006). The positive predictive value of a positive endonasal Doppler signal with flap survival is 100%.

Conclusion

The use of endonasal acoustic Doppler may be useful in predicting the viability of nasoseptal flap in postirradiated patients who need a local mucosal flap coverage.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:244–247, 2023
Comparing the M.D. Anderson Symptom and Dysphagia Inventories for Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: Yarschenko Adam H. , Yannitsos Demetra H. , Weppler Sarah , Barbera Lisa , Quon Harvey , Sun Qiao , Smith Wendy
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Where patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) may be administered at multiple patient visits, it is advantageous to capture these symptoms with as few questions as possible. In this study, the M.D. Anderson Head and Neck Symptom Inventory (MDASI‐HN), and the M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) is compared to determine if using the MDASI‐HN alone would overlook symptoms identified with MDADI.

Methods

The MDASI‐HN and the MDADI were completed by 156 patients, postradiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC). Associations between the two instruments were analyzed using correlation analysis, unsupervised machine learning, and sensitivity analysis.

Results

Little correlation was found between the two surveys; however, there was overlap between MDASI‐HN dry mouth and many MDADI items, confirming that dry mouth is an important factor in difficulty swallowing, and patient QoL. Taking longer to eat (MDADI), was the most commonly reported item overall, with 85 (54%) patients rating it as moderate–severe. Dry mouth was the most endorsed MDASI‐HN item (68, 44%). There were 51 patients missed by the MDASI‐HN, reporting no moderate–severe symptoms, but reported one or more moderate–severe QoL impacts on MDADI. If patients who reported a score of 2 or higher on the MDASI‐HN Dry Mouth item are flagged as requiring follow‐up, the number of patients missed by MDASI‐HN drops to 15.

Conclusion

In an HNC clinic where MDASI‐HN is routinely administered, assessment of symptoms and QoL might be enhanced by reducing the value at which MDASI Dry Mouth is considered moderate–severe to 2.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:2388–2395, 2022
Biomimetic Biomaterials Based on Polysaccharides: Recent Progress and Future Perspectives
Authors: Silva Rodrigo Duarte , de Carvalho Layde Teixeira , de Moraes Rodolfo Minto , Medeiros Simone de Fátima , Lacerda Talita Martins
Published: March 2022

Nature is a source of diverse materials, including polysaccharides, which have been used to improve the quality of life. Besides being abundant and renewable, polysaccharides possess many advantages, such as biodegradability and biocompatibility, which allow them to be applied in different fields. They can be used in the design and development of renewable materials, thus contributing to a more sustainable society. Because of their advantages and versatility, polysaccharides may be incorporated in many systems, particularly biomimetic ones, to create outstanding sustainable solutions to problems that still need to be solved. Hence, nature not only offers resources but an inspiration to overcome issues. In this sense, this work aims to present an overview of current relevant biomimetic systems based on polysaccharides. Chitosan, cellulose, xanthan gum, alginates, pullulan, hyaluronic acid, schizophyllan, and oligomeric cyclodextrins are covered. The application of these polysaccharides in the design of biosensors, systems for environmental remediation, structural materials, drug delivery systems, tissue engineering among others is described. Finally, the challenges that still need to be faced and opportunities of application of these materials for the development of bioinspired technologies in the next future are highlighted.
Hierarchically Chiral Nanostructures Self‐Assembled from Nanoparticle Tethered Block Copolymers
Authors: Zhao Hongmeng , Xu Zhanwen , Lin Jiaping
Published: March 2022

Chiral nanostructures of nanoparticle assemblies have attracted tremendous interest for their fascinating functional properties. Herein, through theoretical simulations, it is shown that nanoparticle tethered block copolymers can self‐assemble into hierarchically chiral nanostructures. Twofold helices are formed in the hierarchically chiral nanostructures: the diblock copolymers form helical supercylinders while the nanoparticles arrange into chiral assemblies wrapped around the helical supercylinders. The hierarchically chiral nanostructures can be formed in a large parameter window. Circular dichroism calculations demonstrate that the coexistence of polymeric helices and chiral nanoparticle assemblies improves the chiroptical activity. These findings can provide guidelines for designing hierarchically ordered chiral nanostructures with advanced functional properties.
Flame‐Retardant PEDOT:PSS/LDHs/Leather Flexible Strain Sensor for Human Motion Detection
Authors: Zong Yan , Tan Sha , Ma Jianzhong
Published: March 2022

Flexible piezoresistive sensors have demonstrated great potential in human–motion–detection applications. However, it still remains a challenge to fabricate strain sensors with high sensitivity, broad sensing range, and good linear response to strain. In this report, a simple and scalable fabrication strategy is developed to construct high performance strain sensors by using leather as the substrates to filtrate poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(4‐styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) modified layered double hydroxides (LDHs) suspensions. The naturally aligned collagen fibers in leather enable size selection for the 2D conductive materials and as such dual‐conductive pathways are effectively formed on the surface and in the matrix of leather. Due to the unique design of conductive networks, the prepared sensor possesses high gauge factor (maximum value of 2326.84), tunable strain range (0–70%), fast tensile response time (160 ms), and good stability in 1000 stretching‐relaxing/compression‐relaxing cycles, making it suitable for various human motion detections including coughing and large‐scale motions of joint bending. In addition, the incorporated LDHs is a non‐toxic flame retardant, which is helpful to reduce electronic fire risk and can bring added value to the sensor.
Cationic Conjugated Polyelectrolytes with Aggregation‐Induced Ratiometric Fluorescence
Authors: Mei Li‐Jun , Li Chong , Zhao Peng‐Ju , Chen Tao , Tian Rui , Guo Jing , Zhu Ming‐Qiang
Published: March 2022

The molecular diversity of aggregation‐induced emission remains a challenge due to the limitation of conventional synthesis methods. Here, a series of novel neutral and cationic conjugated polymers composed of various ratios of tetraarylethylene (TAE) containing a bridged oxygen (O) and fluorene (F) units is designed and synthesized via the geminal cross‐coupling (GCC) of 1,1‐dibromoolefins. The incorporation of TAE segments into the conjugated backbone of polyfluorene produces pronounced aggregation‐induced ratiometric fluorescence, i.e., aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) at 520–600 nm and grows synergistically with aggregations‐caused quenching (ACQ) at 400–450 nm. The content of fluorene unit in the polymer backbones determines the intensity of the initial fluorescence in the blue light region. The huge distinction (about 150 nm) in dual emission wavelengths caused by the environment change makes these conjugated polyelectrolytes particularly suitable for ratiometric fluorescence sensing. Based on electrostatic interaction mechanism, the gradual addition of heparin into the cationic conjugated polymers aqueous solutions can induce dual‐color fluorescence changes with a detection limit of 9 × 10−9 m. This work exhibits the great facility of using GCC reaction to synthesis the conjugated TAE polymers with superior AIE properties and special functions.
Automated qualitative and quantitative analysis of complex forensic drug samples using 1H NMR
Authors: Mehr S. Hessam M. , Tang Aaron W. , Laing Richard R.
Published: March 2022

Progress in high‐resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) instrumentation has enabled fast and accurate acquisition of quantitative 1H NMR (qNMR) data, but analyzing complex forensic drug samples in the presence of significant peak overlap remains challenging. This limitation has hampered the adoption of 1H NMR in areas such as traditional medicine and law enforcement. We present the NMRquant algorithm, which can detect and quantitate compounds of interest within forensic mixed drug samples even when there is overlap between chemical shift regions. Our algorithm is robust against variations in chemical shift resulting from temperature, concentration, and inter‐analyte interactions. We have integrated these desirable features into an automated workflow, enabling routine unattended proton qNMR analysis of forensic drug samples.
The case for metagovernance: The promises and pitfalls of multisectoral nutrition service delivery structures in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Fox Ashley , Law Jennie R. , Baker Keith
Published: March 2022

While cross‐sector collaborations can create effective governance mechanisms for multi‐sectoral issues, little attention has been paid to how these arrangements operate in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), where state capacity is weak and the international donor sector is influential. A case study of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) collaborative governance platform in Senegal is presented to explore how tensions between actors can be managed and how power is exercised through metagovernance. Through in‐depth interviews with policy actors (N = 30), network mapping of ties and activities among actors and document review, the study identifies challenges and opportunities for multi‐sectoral nutrition governance. The study identifies several challenges specific to scaling up multi‐sectoral policies including the relative power of non‐state actors, duplication of efforts and a lack of incentives for multisectoral collaboration across different sectors within government. The article concludes that to ensure democratic governance, government must be capable of metagovernance.
Mussel‐inspired chitosan‐based hydrogel sensor with pH‐responsive and adjustable adhesion, toughness and self‐healing capability
Authors: Quan Lin , Tie Jianfei , Wang Yamei , Mao Zhiping , Zhang Linping , Zhong Yi , Sui Xiaofeng , Feng Xueling , Xu Hong
Published: March 2022

Conductive hydrogels with adhesion, toughness and self‐healing properties have attracted more and more attention due to their wide application in wearable devices and health monitoring. However, integrating adhesion, toughness and self‐healing properties into a hydrogel remains a serious challenge. Herein, we prepared an ionic conductive hydrogel using Fe3+ ion, tert‐butyl acetoacetate‐modified polyvinyl alcohol (PVAA) and catechol‐modified chitosan (CCS) based on mussel inspired catechol chemistry. The adhesion, toughness and self‐healing properties of the hydrogel could be easily regulated. The prepared hydrogel had excellent adhesion properties (102 kPa), rapid self‐healing properties (5 min at room temperature), pH responsiveness and toughness up to 1386 kJ/m3. Therefore, the hydrogel could be used as a wearable sensor to detect human movement, and it could also be used as a bioelectrode to collect electrocardiographic signal (ECG). It might not only show great potential in applications such as wearable devices and health monitoring, but also promote the development of next‐generation adhesive hydrogel bioelectronic devices.
The influence of fabric architecture on impregnation behavior and void formation: Artificial neural network and statistical‐based analysis
Authors: Monticeli Francisco M. , Almeida José Humberto S. , Neves Roberta M. , Ornaghi Heitor L. , Trochu François
Published: March 2022

This work proposes an approach combining artificial neural networks (ANN) with statistical models to predict injection processing conditions for four reinforcement architectures: plain weave, bidirectional noncrimp fabrics, unidirectional fabrics (Uni) and random fiber mats (Random). Key results allow evaluating the velocity of the flow front by combining processing parameters and creating a three‐dimensional response surface based on a properly trained ANN. This investigation is based on a large number of experimental results. The key role played by some physical parameters was associated with predicting the impregnation behavior (velocity of the flow front) during resin injection. The main outcome aims to provide a better control of void content in terms of size and position to the four fibrous reinforcements considered.
RNA sequencing role and application in clinical diagnostic
Authors: Peymani Fatemeh , Farzeen Aiman , Prokisch Holger
Published: March 2022

Although whole‐exome sequencing and whole‐genome sequencing has tremendously improved our understanding of the genetic etiology of human disorders, about half of the patients still do not receive a molecular diagnosis. The high fraction of variants with uncertain significance and the challenges of interpretation of noncoding variants have urged scientists to implement RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) in the diagnostic approach as a high throughput assay to complement genomic data with functional evidence. RNA‐seq data can be used to identify aberrantly spliced genes, detect allele‐specific expression, and identify gene expression outliers. Amongst eight studies utilizing RNA‐seq, a mean diagnostic uplift of 15% has been reported. Here, we provide an overview of how RNA‐seq has been implemented to aid in identifying the causal variants of Mendelian disorders.
Genotypic variability in root length in pea (Pisum sativum L.) and lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) cultivars in a semi‐arid environment based on mini‐rhizotron image capture
Authors: Bourgault Maryse , Lamb Peggy , McPhee Kevin , McGee Rebecca J. , Vandenberg Albert , Warkentin Tom
Published: March 2022

Physiological breeding is an approach that complements conventional breeding by providing characterizations of traits present in breeding populations. This allows breeders the ability to choose crosses based on desirable and adaptive traits, an approach that may be more reliable than selection on yield alone. In this study, we determined how much genotypic variability was present in selected lines of modern field pea (Pisum sativum L.) and lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) cultivars from Montana, North Dakota, Washington, and Saskatchewan, Canada, and if root growth, particularly at depth, improves the fitness of lines to semi‐arid environments. We conducted experiments at the Northern Agricultural Research Center of Montana State University from 2017 to 2019 inclusively to investigate root growth with mini‐rhizotrons in 29 field pea lines and 25 lentil lines. Results suggest there is large genotypic variability in root length across the soil profile and the proportion of root length found below 30 cm in both crops, and these root traits appear independent of each other. In field pea, the highest yielding cultivars were intermediary in both total root length and the proportion of root length below 30 cm, suggesting large root systems and/or deeper root profiles are not necessarily beneficial in this environment. By contrast, in lentil, total root length and root length found below 30 cm was well correlated with biomass and yield. For breeders interested in in improved adaptation to semi‐arid environments, it may be too early to optimize root systems, and above‐ground traits may still yield a better return on investment.
Scoring of protein–protein docking models utilizing predicted interface residues
Authors: Pozzati Gabriele , Kundrotas Petras , Elofsson Arne
Published: March 2022

Scoring docking solutions is a difficult task, and many methods have been developed for this purpose. In docking, only a handful of the hundreds of thousands of models generated by docking algorithms are acceptable, causing difficulties when developing scoring functions. Today's best scoring functions can significantly increase the number of top‐ranked models but still fail for most targets. Here, we examine the possibility of utilizing predicted interface residues to score docking models generated during the scan stage of a docking algorithm. Many methods have been developed to infer the regions of a protein surface that interact with another protein, but most have not been benchmarked using docking algorithms. This study systematically tests different interface prediction methods for scoring >300.000 low‐resolution rigid‐body template free docking decoys. Overall we find that contact‐based interface prediction by BIPSPI is the best method to score docking solutions, with >12% of first ranked docking models being acceptable. Additional experiments indicated precision as a high‐importance metric when estimating interface prediction quality, focusing on docking constraints production. Finally, we discussed several limitations for adopting interface predictions as constraints in a docking protocol.
Novel sustainable strategies to control Plasmopara viticola in grapevine unveil new insights on priming responses and arthropods ecology
Authors: Giudice Gaetano , Moffa Loredana , Niero Marina , Duso Carlo , Sandrini Marco , Vazzoler Loris Francesco , Luison Massimiliano , Pasini Enrico , Chitarra Walter , Nerva Luca
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Reduction of fungicide consumption in agriculture is globally recognized as a priority. Government authorities are fostering research to achieve a reduction of risks associated with conventional pesticides and promoting the development of sustainable alternatives. To address these issues, in the present study, alternative protocols for the control of downy mildew infection in grapevine were compared to the standard protocol. In the first protocol, only resistance inducers were used, comprising a single formulation with Acibenzolar S‐methyl, laminarin and disodium‐phosphonate. The second and third protocols followed the standard protocol but substituted phosphonates with phosphorus pentoxide and Ecklonia maxima extract.

RESULTS

The results showed that at veraison downy mildew incidence and severity in all tested protocols were significantly reduced compared to nontreated controls on both canopy and bunches. Expression analysis of key genes involved in plant stress response, indicated that the two protocols for phosphites substitution induced a remodulation of salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA), with positive impact on yields. Analysis of the first protocol revealed that the primed state induced a short delay in bunch ripening, with a shift of carbohydrate metabolism to boost the plant defences, involving an upregulation of defence related‐gene, SAR response and a decreased ROS detoxification. Additionally, analysis on the arthropods populations, in parallel with the positive results achieved using alternatives to conventional fungicides, were enriched by those showing the potential of naturally occurring predators of spider mites.

CONCLUSION

This study provides practical solutions to reduce the environmental impact of treatments for the control downy mildew in viticulture. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Near Infrared Light‐Sensing Organic Light‐Dependent Resistors Based on Dialkoxybenzothiadiazole‐Containing Conjugated Polymer
Authors: Cho Yeonhwa , Lee Saebom , Kim Taehoon , Kim Hwajeong , Song Dong-Ik , Kim Youngkyoo
Published: March 2022

Herein, near infrared light‐sensing organic light‐dependent resistors (NIR–OLDRs) is reported, that are fabricated with a planar geometry by employing poly[{3‐(5‐(7‐methyl‐5,6‐bis(octyloxy)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazol‐4‐yl)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐6‐(5‐methylthiophen‐2‐yl)}‐co‐{2,5‐bis(2‐octyldodecyl)‐2,5‐dihydropyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,4‐dione}] (PDPP‐8OBT) as an active layer. The PDPP‐8OBT polymer, which is synthesized by the Stille coupling reaction of corresponding monomers, shows a broad absorption up to ≈1000 nm (wavelength) and good thermal stability with a glass transition temperature of >200 °C. A high‐power laser diode, which emits a monochromatic NIR light (wavelength = 905 nm) for light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems, is used to examine the characteristics of NIR–OLDRs. Results show that the present NIR–OLDRs can successfully detect the 905 nm NIR light and their electrical resistance (and photocurrent) is sensitive to the incident intensity of NIR light. In particular, for both regular and semitransparent devices, the best NIR light‐sensing performances are achieved by device annealing at 150 °C (change of resistance = 34.5%) due to the increased crystallinity of PDPP‐8OBT films. The present NIR–OLDRs exhibit excellent sensing stability upon optical on/off modulations of NIR light (905 nm).
Structural defects in graphene quantum dots: A review
Authors: Rabeya Ramisha , Mahalingam Savisha , Manap Abreeza , Satgunam Meenaloshini , Akhtaruzzaman Md. , Chia Chin Hua
Published: March 2022

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are known for their low toxicity, strong fluorescence, high surface area, large solubility, and tunable band gaps. However, the change in their properties depends on the preparation processes of GQDs. Thus, certain types of preparation lead to certain defects, such as surface defect, edge defects, Stone–Wales defect. These structural defects are responsible for hindering GQDs to possess their regular shape that affects the morphological properties of GQDs. Thus, the optical and electrical properties get affected. The GQDs, which are synthesized via acidic methods are generally more vulnerable to defects compared to those synthesized using eco‐friendly methods. Thereby, the aim of this review is to discuss the causes of structural defects. Moreover, it focuses on how they affect the properties of GQDs and to what extent they affect them. The processes of regulating defects have been elucidated so that more efficient applications can be designed using GQDs with controlled amounts of defects.
Ultrafast and Irreversibly Thermochromic SiO2‐PC/PEG Double Layer for Green Thermal Printing
Authors: Zhang Xin , Ran Yumei , Fu Qianqian , Ge Jianping
Published: March 2022

Traditional thermochromic photonic crystal (PC) usually has a slow and reversible thermal response, which limits its application in thermal printing. Here, the authors develop a thermochromic “SiO2‐PC/PEG” double layer structure with a responding time of milliseconds for fast thermal printing. Controlled by the print‐head, the polyethylene glycol (PEG) melts, infiltrates, and solidifies within the interparticle voids, which instantly and irreversibly changes the refractive index and produces the PC pattern. Multicolor printing can be realized by tuning the size and type of colloidal particles. Resolution as high as 300 DPI is achieved to print the high‐resolution patterns and then the grayscale patterns based on the control of pixel densities. Different from fiber thermal paper, the “SiO2‐PC/PEG” film has no toxic bisphenol A and possesses superior light stability for keeping the images longer. It is fully compatible with the commercial printer, which provides a mature solution for fast and convenient preparation of PC patterns.
Fabrication, Flow Assembly, and Permeation of Microscopic Any‐Shape Particles
Authors: Lüken Arne , Stüwe Lucas , Rauer Sebastian Bernhard , Oelker Jesco , Linkhorst John , Wessling Matthias
Published: March 2022

Today, millimeter‐sized nonspherical any‐shape particles serve as flexible, functional scaffold material in chemical and biochemical reactors tailoring their hydrodynamic properties and active surface‐to‐volume ratio based on the particle's shape. Decreasing the particle size to smaller than 100 μm would be desired as it increases the surface‐to‐volume ratio and promotes a particle assembly based on surface interactions, allowing the creation of tailored self‐assembling 3D scaffolds. This study demonstrates a continuous high‐throughput fabrication of microscopic 3D particles with complex shape and sub‐micron resolution using continuous two‐photon vertical flow lithography. Evolving from there, in‐channel particle fabrication into a confined microfluidic chamber with a resting fluid enables the precise fabrication of a defined number of particles. 3D assemblies with various particle shapes are fabricated and analyzed regarding their permeability and morphology, representing convective accessibility of the assembly's porosity. Differently shaped particles highlight the importance of contact area regarding particle–particle interactions and the respective hydraulic resistance of an assembly. Finally, cell culture experiments show manifold cell–particle interactions promising applicability as bio‐hybrid tissue. This study pushes the research boundaries of adaptive, responsive, and permeable 3D scaffolds and granular media by demonstrating a high throughput fabrication solution and a precise hydrodynamic analysis method for micro‐particle assemblies.
Infrared Organic Photodetectors Employing Ultralow Bandgap Polymer and Non‐Fullerene Acceptors for Biometric Monitoring
Authors: Jacoutot Polina , Scaccabarozzi Alberto D. , Zhang Tianyi , Qiao Zhuoran , Aniés Filip , Neophytou Marios , Bristow Helen , Kumar Rhea , Moser Maximilian , Nega Alkmini D. , Schiza Andriana , Dimitrakopoulou‐Strauss Antonia , Gregoriou Vasilis G. , Anthopoulos Thomas D. , Heeney Martin , McCulloch Iain , Bakulin Artem A. , Chochos Christos L. , Gasparini Nicola
Published: March 2022

Recent efforts in the field of organic photodetectors (OPD) have been focused on extending broadband detection into the near‐infrared (NIR) region. Here, two blends of an ultralow bandgap push–pull polymer TQ‐T combined with state‐of‐the‐art non‐fullerene acceptors, IEICO‐4F and Y6, are compared to obtain OPDs for sensing in the NIR beyond 1100 nm, which is the cut off for benchmark Si photodiodes. It is observed that the TQ‐T:IEICO‐4F device has a superior IR responsivity (0.03 AW‐1 at 1200 nm and −2 V bias) and can detect infrared light up to 1800 nm, while the TQ‐T:Y6 blend shows a lower responsivity of 0.01 AW‐1. Device physics analyses are tied with spectroscopic and morphological studies to link the superior performance of TQ‐T:IEICO‐4F OPD to its faster charge separation as well as more favorable donor–acceptor domains mixing. In the polymer blend with Y6, the formation of large agglomerates that exceed the exciton diffusion length, which leads to high charge recombination, is observed. An application of these devices as biometric sensors for real‐time heart rate monitoring via photoplethysmography, utilizing infrared light, is demonstrated.
Low Voltage‐Loss Organic Solar Cells Light the Way for Efficient Semitransparent Photovoltaics
Authors: Luginbuhl Benjamin R. , Ko Seo-Jin , Ran Niva A. , Hu Huawei , Becwar Shona M. , Karki Akchheta , Seifrid Martin , Okubo Takashi , Wang Ming , Ade Harald W. , Chmelka Bradley F. , Bazan Guillermo C. , Manjunatha Reddy G. N. , Nguyen Thuc-Quyen
Published: March 2022

Organic solar cells that are transparent to visible light are highly desirable for applications such as window treatments or solar greenhouse panels. A key challenge is to simultaneously transmit most photons between 400 and 700 nm while retaining a high short‐circuit current and power conversion efficiency (PCE). Here, organic bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells consisting of a donor polymer (PM2) is reported and the non‐fullerene acceptor ITIC‐Th achieves a PCE of 9.3%, and the BHJ thin films exhibit an average visible transmittance over 40%. This value is achieved primarily due to a very high open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.93 V, which represents a voltage loss of only 0.50 V relative to the material optical bandgap, Eopt. In PM2:PC61BM devices, this voltage loss increases to 0.62 V (VOC = 0.82 V). It is found that this difference in VOC is due to higher nonradiative recombination in the fullerene‐based solar cell, suggesting that non‐fullerene acceptors may lead to better performance in semi‐transparent devices. The optoelectronic properties associated with PM2:ITIC‐Th and PM2:PC61BM blends are further corroborated by different morphological features and local structures at the donor‐acceptor interfaces characterized by atomic force microscopy, X‐ray scattering, and solid‐state NMR spectroscopy techniques.
Water use efficiency and nitrogen use efficiency of apical rooted cuttings of potato grown in a mollic Andosol
Authors: Satognon Felix , Owido Seth F. O. , Lelei Joyce J.
Published: March 2022

Water and nitrogen (N) are key interacting factors that control plant growth. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of N rates and drip irrigation regimes on water use efficiency (WUE) and N use efficiency (NUE) of apical rooted cuttings of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) grown in a mollic Andosol. The treatments comprised four drip irrigation regimes of 50%, 75%, 85% and 100% of the crop evapotranspiration (ETC), where ETC100% was irrigated according to the soil water depletion 2 d after full irrigation and four N rates: 0 (N0), 60 (N1), 90 (N2) and 130 kg N ha−1 (N3). The results showed that potato tuber yield, WUE, and NUE were significantly (P < .001) affected by irrigation regimes, N rates, and the interaction of both factors. The highest potato tuber yield, 58.29 Mg ha−1, was obtained under ETC100% with N3, whereas the highest WUE, 17.5 kg m−3, was found under ETC50% with N3. The apical rooted cuttings of potato grown under ETC100% with N2 produced the maximum NUE, 208.30 kg kg−1. The correlation coefficient (r = 0.31; P < .01) obtained between WUE and NUE was weak. It was also observed that an increase in irrigation amount decreased WUE and increased NUE, whereas a high N dosage increased WUE and decreased NUE of potato grown in a mollic Andosol. This study suggests that if the farmers aim to maximize NUE of apical rooted cuttings in a mollic Andosol, then they will do so at the expense of potato WUE, and yield will be looked at as a secondary factor.
Magnetohydrodynamics unsteady separated stagnation‐point (USSP) flow of a hybrid nanofluid on a moving plate
Authors: Khashi'ie Najiyah Safwa , Wahid Nur Syahirah , Arifin Norihan Md , Pop Ioan
Published: March 2022

In view of the unique properties in the hybrid nanofluids, this working fluid has been widely applied in industrial and technological sectors along with the substantial growth of numerical and experimental studies. Hence, this study contributes to the thermal characteristics and flow behavior of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) unsteady separated stagnation point (USSP) flow of Cu‐Al2O3/water nanofluid in a two‐dimensional system considering the shifting plate. The results are generated using the bvp4c package by first reducing the governing model. The results show that for the decelerating flow case, dual solutions exist while the steady and accelerating flow cases admit a unique solution. The critical values (separation from laminar to turbulent flow) and separation values (separation from attached flow solution/AFS to reverse flow solution/RFS) are observed and collected for different Hartmann number, acceleration parameter and fluids. The Cu‐Al2O3/water nanofluid has the maximum thermal rate followed by Cu‐water and pure water. Meanwhile, the magnetic field and acceleration parameter are also the contributing factors for the thermal enhancement and the expansion of the boundary layer separation.
Geodesics in the extended Kähler cone of Calabi-Yau threefolds
Authors: Brodie Callum R. , Constantin Andrei , Lukas Andre , Ruehle Fabian
Published: March 2022

Abstract

We present a detailed study of the effective cones of Calabi-Yau threefolds with h1,1 = 2, including the possible types of walls bounding the Kähler cone and a classification of the intersection forms arising in the geometrical phases. For all three normal forms in the classification we explicitly solve the geodesic equation and use this to study the evolution near Kähler cone walls and across flop transitions in the context of M-theory compactifications. In the case where the geometric regime ends at a wall beyond which the effective cone continues, the geodesics “crash” into the wall, signaling a breakdown of the M-theory supergravity approximation. For illustration, we characterise the structure of the extended Kähler and effective cones of all h1,1 = 2 threefolds from the CICY and Kreuzer-Skarke lists, providing a rich set of examples for studying topology change in string theory. These examples show that all three cases of intersection form are realised and suggest that isomorphic flops and infinite flop sequences are common phenomena.
Anyon condensation: coherent states, symmetry enriched topological phases, Goldstone theorem, and dynamical rearrangement of symmetry
Authors: Hu Yuting , Huang Zichang , Hung Ling-Yan , Wan Yidun
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Although the mathematics of anyon condensation in topological phases has been studied intensively in recent years, a proof of its physical existence is tantamount to constructing an effective Hamiltonian theory. In this paper, we concretely establish the physical foundation of anyon condensation by building the effective Hamiltonian and the Hilbert space, in which we explicitly construct the vacuum of the condensed phase as the coherent states that are the eigenstates of the creation operators creating the condensate anyons. Along with this construction, which is analogous to Laughlin’s construction of wavefunctions of fractional quantum hall states, we generalize the Goldstone theorem in the usual spontaneous symmetry breaking paradigm to the case of anyon condensation. We then prove that the condensed phase is a symmetry enriched (protected) topological phase by directly constructing the corresponding symmetry transformations, which can be considered as a generalization of the Bogoliubov transformation.
Plastid ribosome protein L5 is essential for post-globular embryo development in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Dupouy Gilles , McDermott Emma , Cashell Ronan , Scian Anna , McHale Marcus , Ryder Peter , de Groot Joelle , Lucca Noel , Brychkova Galina , McKeown Peter C. , Spillane Charles
Published: March 2022

Plastid ribosomal proteins (PRPs) can play essential roles in plastid ribosome functioning that affect plant function and development. However, the roles of many PRPs remain unknown, including elucidation of which PRPs are essential or display redundancy. Here, we report that the nuclear-encoded PLASTID RIBOSOMAL PROTEIN L5 (PRPL5) is essential for early embryo development in A. thaliana, as homozygous loss-of-function mutations in the PRPL5 gene impairs chloroplast development and leads to embryo failure to develop past the globular stage. We confirmed the prpl5 embryo-lethal phenotype by generating a mutant CRISPR/Cas9 line and by genetic complementation. As PRPL5 underwent transfer to the nuclear genome early in the evolution of Embryophyta, PRPL5 can be expected to have acquired a chloroplast transit peptide. We identify and validate the presence of an N-terminal chloroplast transit peptide, but unexpectedly also confirm the presence of a conserved and functional Nuclear Localization Signal on the protein C-terminal end. This study highlights the fundamental role of the plastid translation machinery during the early stages of embryo development in plants and raises the possibility of additional roles of plastid ribosomal proteins in the nucleus.
A new framework for rapidly assessing national adaptation policies: an application to small island developing states in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans
Authors: Robinson Stacy-ann , Bouton Emma , Dolan Mara , Meakem Allison , Messer Anna , Lefond Ian , Roberts J. Timmons
Published: March 2022

Adapting to climate change is becoming a routine and necessary component of planning at all levels. In the case of small island developing states (SIDS), the successful development, implementation and evaluation of national-level adaptation policies are especially important because of their disproportionate vulnerability. The status of adaptation policies in these countries, however, is poorly understood and documented, particularly for the Atlantic, Indian Oceans, Mediterranean and South China Seas (AIMS) region. This is so largely because of minimal mainstream research interest in these small nations. This paper helps fill this gap. It develops an Adaptation Policy Assessment Framework that facilitates a rapid qualitative assessment of countries’ national adaptation policies. It applies the framework to seven representative policies across six of the nine SIDS in the AIMS region—Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Maldives, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles and Singapore. It finds that countries are mostly successful in identifying climate and climate-related vulnerabilities and linking associated risks to other national development priorities such as poverty reduction. Countries, however, struggle with establishing and maintaining systems to review and improve adaptation interventions, which is not entirely unique to them or their circumstances. This paper’s findings provide critical points of reflection for countries preparing and revising their National Adaptation Plans in the context of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. They also contribute to a broader understanding of the complexities of climate policy development in small jurisdictions.
Can we generate shellcodes via natural language? An empirical study
Authors: Liguori Pietro , Al-Hossami Erfan , Cotroneo Domenico , Natella Roberto , Cukic Bojan , Shaikh Samira
Published: March 2022

Writing software exploits is an important practice for offensive security analysts to investigate and prevent attacks. In particular, shellcodes are especially time-consuming and a technical challenge, as they are written in assembly language. In this work, we address the task of automatically generating shellcodes, starting purely from descriptions in natural language, by proposing an approach based on Neural Machine Translation (NMT). We then present an empirical study using a novel dataset (Shellcode_IA32), which consists of 3200 assembly code snippets of real Linux/x86 shellcodes from public databases, annotated using natural language. Moreover, we propose novel metrics to evaluate the accuracy of NMT at generating shellcodes. The empirical analysis shows that NMT can generate assembly code snippets from the natural language with high accuracy and that in many cases can generate entire shellcodes with no errors.