bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visualizing Thermally Activated Memristive Switching in Percolating Networks of Solution‐Processed 2D Semiconductors
Authors: Sangwan Vinod K. , Rangnekar Sonal V. , Kang Joohoon , Shen Jianan , Lee Hong‐Sub , Lam David , Shen Junhua , Liu Xiaolong , de Moraes Ana C. M. , Kuo Lidia , Gu Jie , Wang Haihua , Hersam Mark C.
Published: September 2021

Memristive systems present a low‐power alternative to silicon‐based electronics for neuromorphic and in‐memory computation. 2D materials have been increasingly explored for memristive applications due to their novel biomimetic functions, ultrathin geometry for ultimate scaling limits, and potential for fabricating large‐area, flexible, and printed neuromorphic devices. While the switching mechanism in memristors based on single 2D nanosheets is similar to conventional oxide memristors, the switching mechanism in nanosheet composite films is complicated by the interplay of multiple physical processes and the inaccessibility of the active area in a two‐terminal vertical geometry. Here, the authors report thermally activated memristors fabricated from percolating networks of diverse solution‐processed 2D semiconductors including MoS2, ReS2, WS2, and InSe. The mechanisms underlying threshold switching and negative differential resistance are elucidated by designing large‐area lateral memristors that allow the direct observation of filament and dendrite formation using in situ spatially resolved optical, chemical, and thermal analyses. The high switching ratios (up to 103) that are achieved at low fields (≈4 kV cm−1) are explained by thermally assisted electrical discharge that preferentially occurs at the sharp edges of 2D nanosheets. Overall, this work establishes percolating networks of solution‐processed 2D semiconductors as a platform for neuromorphic architectures.
Building a Library for Catalysts Research Using High‐Throughput Approaches
Authors: Liu Xiaorui , Liu Bin , Ding Jia , Deng Yida , Han Xiaopeng , Zhong Cheng , Hu Wenbin
Published: September 2021

The development of new catalysts is an urgent task in chemistry research because of the increasing demands for higher productivity and efficiency in modern industrial chemistry. High‐throughput (HT) technologies have emerged as powerful accelerators for the discovery of new catalytic materials. Generally, HT techniques involve HT computational screening of catalytic materials and HT experimental approaches. Significant progress has been made in discovering and optimizing catalysts, which demonstrates the speed and economic advantages of HT methods in a matter of process within days and even hours, in contrast with traditional time‐consuming trial and error experiments. From this perspective, the key processes of HT technologies for building a catalysts library are highlighted, including the virtual lab construction based on informatics tools and experimental data lab involving the following processes: 1) design of experiments; 2) reactants prepared manually or automatically; 3) constructing reactor that can well control the variations including materials diversity and reaction conditions (e.g., temperature and reaction time); 4) parallel characterization of fabricated catalysts. Moreover, the correlation between virtual lab and experimental data is discussed to inspire explorations in this field. Furthermore, several remaining challenges of HT technologies accompanied by possible research directions are presented to promote efforts in catalysts library creation.
A 3D‐Bioprinted Multiple Myeloma Model
Authors: Wu Di , Wang Zongyi , Li Jun , Song Yan , Perez Manuel Everardo Mondragon , Wang Zixuan , Cao Xia , Cao Changliang , Maharjan Sushila , Anderson Kenneth C. , Chauhan Dharminder , Zhang Yu Shrike
Published: September 2021

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy of plasma cells accounting for ≈12% of hematological malignancies. In this study, the fabrication of a high‐content in vitro MM model using a coaxial extrusion bioprinting method is reported, allowing formation of a human bone marrow‐like microenvironment featuring an outer mineral‐containing sheath and the inner soft hydrogel‐based core. MM cells are mono‐cultured or co‐cultured with HS5 stromal cells that can release interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), where the cells show superior behaviors and responses to bortezomib in 3D models than in the planar cultures. Tocilizumab, a recombinant humanized anti‐IL‐6 receptor (IL‐6R), is investigated for its efficacy to enhance the chemosensitivity of bortezomib on MM cells cultured in the 3D model by inhibiting IL‐6R. More excitingly, in a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, it is revealed that patient‐derived MM cells can be maintained in 3D‐bioprinted microenvironment with decent viability for up to 7 days evaluated, whereas they completely die off in planar culture as soon as 5 days. In conclusion, a 3D‐bioprinted MM model is fabricated to emulate some characteristics of the human bone marrow to promote growth and proliferation of the encapsulated MM cells, providing new insights for MM modeling, drug development, and personalized therapy in the future.
Tuning Conjugated Polymer Chain Packing for Stretchable Semiconductors
Authors: Xu Jie , Wu Hung‐Chin , Mun Jaewan , Ning Rui , Wang Weichen , Wang Ging‐Ji Nathan , Nikzad Shayla , Yan Hongping , Gu Xiaodan , Luo Shaochuan , Zhou Dongshan , Tok Jeffrey B.‐H. , Bao Zhenan
Published: September 2021

In order to apply polymer semiconductors to stretchable electronics, they need to be easily deformed under strain without being damaged. A small number of conjugated polymers, typically with semicrystalline packing structures, have been reported to exhibit mechanical stretchability. Herein, a method is reported to modify polymer semiconductor packing‐structure using a molecular additive, dioctyl phthalate (DOP), which is found to act as a molecular spacer, to be inserted between the amorphous chain networks and disrupt the crystalline packing. As a result, large‐crystal growth is suppressed while short‐range aggregations of conjugated polymers are promoted, which leads to an improved mechanical stretchability without affecting charge‐carrier transport. Due to the reduced conjugated polymer intermolecular interactions, strain‐induced chain alignment and crystallization are observed. By adding DOP to a well‐known conjugated polymer, poly[2,5‐bis(4‐decyltetradecyl)pyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,4‐(2H,5H)‐dione‐(E)‐1,2‐di(2,2′‐bithiophen‐5‐yl)ethene] (DPPTVT), stretchable transistors are obtained with anisotropic charge‐carrier mobilities under strain, and stable current output under strain up to 100%.
Hydroxyl‐Rich d‐Sorbitol to Address Transport Layer/Perovskite Interfacial Issues toward Highly Efficient and Stable 2D/3D Tin‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Junwen , Zhao Xiangqing , Cheng Yangfeng , Qian Jie , Wang Minghao , Shen Wei , Cao Kun , Huang Yue , Hui Wei , Gu Yunhao , Chen Yonghua , Gao Xingyu , Chen Shufen
Published: September 2021

2D/3D mixed tin (Sn)‐based perovskites serving as excellent active layers possess a potential for enhancing film/device stabilities, open‐circuit voltage, and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Unfortunately, the poor morphology and low film coverage of these 2D/3D perovskites jeopardize their device performance and stability. Herein, doping of hydroxyl‐rich d‐sorbitol into hole transport layer poly(3,4‐ethenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) can effectively address the PEDOT:PSS/perovskite interfacial issues. The multihydroxyl groups from d‐sorbitol can sufficiently anchor iodide ions ([SnI6]4− or free I−) of PEA0.1(FA0.75MA0.25)0.9SnI3 perovskite via hydrogen bond, which not only introduces more nucleation sites with improved crystallinity along the preferential crystal orientations, but also reduces the trap states’ density and suppresses the iodide ions’ migration. In the meanwhile, the content of SnI2 is reduced in the resulting perovskite films. All of these are conducive to form compact and smooth high‐quality perovskite films with less traps and enhanced stability. Benefitting from these, an inverted PSC with a champion PCE of 10.46% and a lifetime of 700 h (25% attenuation in N2) is eventually achieved. This work provides a promising approach to manufacture highly efficient and stable Sn‐based PSCs based on 2D/3D mixed perovskites.
Deep Learning for Rapid Analysis of Spectroscopic Ellipsometry Data
Authors: Li Yifei , Wu Yifeng , Yu Heshan , Takeuchi Ichiro , Jaramillo Rafael
Published: September 2021

High‐throughput experimental approaches to rapidly develop new materials require high‐throughput data analysis methods to match. Spectroscopic ellipsometry is a powerful method of optical properties characterization, but for unknown materials and/or layer structures the data analysis using traditional methods of nonlinear regression is too slow for autonomous, closed‐loop, high‐throughput experimentation. Herein, three methods (termed spectral, piecewise, and pointwise) of spectroscopic ellipsometry data analysis based on deep learning are introduced and studied. After initial training, the incremental time for inferring optical properties can be a thousand times faster than traditional methods. Results for multilayer sample structures with optically isotropic materials are presented, appropriate for high‐throughput studies of thin films of phase‐change materials such as GeSbTe (GST) alloys. Results for studies on highly birefringent layered materials are also presented, exemplified by the transition metal dichalcogenide MoS2. How the materials under test and the experimental objectives may guide the choice of analysis methods are discussed. The utility of our approach is demonstrated by analyzing data measured on a composition spread of GeSbTe phase‐change alloys containing 177 distinct compositions, and identifying the composition with optimal phase‐change figure of merit in only 1.4 s of analysis time.
Multi‐Enzymatic Cascade Reactions for the Synthesis of cis,cis‐Muconic Acid
Authors: Vignali Elisa , Pollegioni Loredano , Di Nardo Giovanna , Valetti Francesca , Gazzola Silvia , Gilardi Gianfranco , Rosini Elena
Published: September 2021

Lignin valorization allows the generation of a number of value‐added products such as cis,cis‐muconic acid (ccMA), which is widely used for the synthesis of chemicals for the production of biodegradable plastic materials. In the present work, we reported the first multi‐enzymatic, one‐pot bioconversion process of vanillin into ccMA. In details, we used four sequential reactions catalyzed by xanthine oxidase, O‐demethylase LigM (and the tetrahydrofolate‐regeneration enzyme methyl transferase MetE), decarboxylase AroY (based on the use of E. coli transformed cells) and catechol 1,2‐dioxygenase CatA. The optimized lab‐scale procedure allowed to reach, for the first time, the conversion of 5 mM vanillin into ccMA in ∼30 h with a 90% yield: this achievement represents an improvement in terms of yields and time when compared to the use of a whole‐cell system. This multi‐enzymatic system represents a sustainable alternative for the production of a high value added product from a renewable resource.

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Nanotechnology for Targeted Detection and Removal of Bacteria: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Hajipour Mohammad J. , Saei Amir Ata , Walker Edward D. , Conley Brian , Omidi Yadollah , Lee Ki‐Bum , Mahmoudi Morteza
Published: September 2021

The emergence of nanotechnology has created unprecedented hopes for addressing several unmet industrial and clinical issues, including the growing threat so‐termed “antibiotic resistance” in medicine. Over the last decade, nanotechnologies have demonstrated promising applications in the identification, discrimination, and removal of a wide range of pathogens. Here, recent insights into the field of bacterial nanotechnology are examined that can substantially improve the fundamental understanding of nanoparticle and bacteria interactions. A wide range of developed nanotechnology‐based approaches for bacterial detection and removal together with biofilm eradication are summarized. The challenging effects of nanotechnologies on beneficial bacteria in the human body and environment and the mechanisms of bacterial resistance to nanotherapeutics are also reviewed.
GGCX‐related congenital combined vitamin K‐dependent clotting factors deficiency‐1: Description of a fetus with chondrodysplasia punctata
Authors: Mathonnet Alix , Cunat Séverine , Allias Fabienne , Caillot Sandrine , Thonnon Cyrielle , Till Marianne , Attié‐Bitach Tania , Touraine Renaud , Meunier Sandrine , Cartellier Charline , Rossi Massimiliano , Attia Jocelyne , Putoux Audrey
Published: September 2021

Congenital combined vitamin K‐dependent clotting factors deficiency (VKCFD) is a rare autosomal recessive disease resulting in hemorrhagic symptoms usually associated with developmental disorders and bone abnormalities. Pathogenic variants in two genes encoding enzymes of the vitamin K cycle, GGCX and VKORC1, can lead to this disorder. We present the case of a male fetus with a brachytelephalangic chondrodysplasia punctata (CDP), absence of nasal bone, growth restriction, and bilateral ventriculomegaly at 18 weeks of gestation. Pathological examination showed a Binder phenotype, hypoplastic distal phalanges, stippled epiphyses, and brain abnormalities suggestive of a brain hemorrhage. Two GGCX pathogenic variants inherited respectively from the mother and the father were identified. To our knowledge, this is the first prenatal description of VKCFD. Even if it remains a rare etiology, which is mostly described in children or adult patients, VKCFD should be considered in fetuses with CDP.
Operando Terahertz Spectroscopy of Solid Electrolyte Interphase Evolution on Silicon Anodes
Authors: Krotkov Daniel , Schneier Dan , Menkin Svetlana , Horowitz Yonatan , Peled Emanuel , Golodnitsky Diana , Fleischer Sharly
Published: September 2021

The in‐situ characterization of materials and interphases of battery electrodes is of crucial importance for the basic understanding of the complex, simultaneous processes that take place during the operation of secondary batteries. Here we present, for the first time, the use of a Terahertz (THz) time‐domain‐spectroscopy method for the operando characterization of the silicon/electrolyte interfacial phenomena and dynamics in a working lithium‐ion battery. Strong correlation between the THz, XPS, and electrochemical data was established, allowing us to monitor the formation and evolution of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) during the reversible lithiation of the silicon anode.
Zinc‐Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors: Progress and Future Perspective
Authors: Gong Xuefei , Chen Jingwei , Lee Pooi See
Published: September 2021

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Prof. Pooi See Lee. The cover picture shows environmentally friendly Zn2+‐based energy storage devices. In view of their merits including good safety, low costs, satisfactory energy density and power density as well as environmental friendliness, Zn‐ion hybrid supercapacitors are promising energy storage devices. Read the full text of the Review at 10.1002/batt.202100034.
Eco‐innovations of firms: A longitudinal analysis of the roles of industry norms and proactive environmental strategy
Authors: Roxas Banjo
Published: September 2021

There is scant empirical longitudinal evidence in the extant eco‐innovation literature on how industry norms, standards and expectations influence firms' strategic choices and innovation activities in the context of environmental sustainability. This study fills this research gap by determining the causal effects of industry norms that promote environmentally sustainable business practices on developing a firm's proactive environmental strategy, which propels a firm's eco‐innovation outputs or those innovations considered environmentally sustainable. It utilises two waves of survey data involving 274 small and medium enterprises and the cross‐lagged panel method of longitudinal analysis to bring to light the explanatory mediating power of a firm's environmental strategy as a response to industry norms that push firms to pursue eco‐innovations. Drawing on institutional and strategic adaptation theories, this study's main findings on the causal and predictive temporal effects of industry norms on firm strategy and eco‐innovation offer robust empirical evidence that extends and overcomes the shortcomings of previous studies on firm‐level eco‐innovation and its institutional and strategy‐related determinants. This article presents the significant theoretical, empirical, methodological and practical implications of the study.
Supercapacitive Performances of Single‐Phase Quaternary Metal Hydroxychlorides
Authors: Zheng Mengmeng , Chen Qibin , Bian Jianqing , Liu Honglai
Published: September 2021

Metal hydroxychloride, as a new electrode material, shows an excellent electrochemical performance owing to the presence of abundant Cl− ions and hydroxyl groups. Herein, a single‐phase quaternary M2(OH)3Cl based composite is constructed, for the first time, via a simple deep eutectic solvent annealing process, followed by the exposure to air at ambient temperature. Herein, this composite, denoted as M2(OH)3Cl‐4/CoNi/N−C, is made up of ultrafine M2(OH)3Cl nanoparticles composed of Mn2+, Fe2+, Co2+ and Ni2+, CoNi alloy nanoparticles and N‐doped carbon with a degree of graphitization. M2(OH)3Cl‐4/CoNi/N−C exhibits an excellent specific capacitance of 1576.6 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, exceeding the unary, binary and ternary metal hydroxychlorides, which is attributed to the synergistic effect among the four metals in M2(OH)3Cl and the formation of CoNi alloy nanoparticles and carbon substrates. Our findings offer promise for creating unique functional materials via combining multiple components with distinctive properties.
Vertical Migration of Copper and Zinc Ions in Soils Polluted by Electroplating Sludge
Authors: Datsenko Vita , Borzenko Oleksandra , Kaliuzhna Iuliia
Published: September 2021

The relevance of the study is due to the fact the high concentration of copper and zinc ions in waste from electroplating industries and their different migration in the environment make these metals sensitive indicators of industrial pollution. The aim of this work is to study the vertical migration of copper and zinc ions from model sulfate copper‐zinc sludge into the horizons of four soil samples. Technogenic pollution with copper and zinc in the “sludge–soil” system is explained by the chemical composition of galvanic sludge, the properties of metals included in it, and the physicochemical properties of soils. An increase in the content of Cu2+ and Zn2+ with depth is recorded in all layers of the studied soils after pollution with maximum accumulation in the upper layer. The index of the pollution concentration of Zn2+ is 8–31 times higher than that of Cu2+. The fixation of Cu2+ and Zn2+ in the upper soil layer and low migration to the lower layers is facilitated by a high sum of exchangeable cations up to 12.8. The values of the factor of element contamination indicate a high risk of contamination of the upper horizons of the studied soils.
Adsorption and Activation of CO2 on Nitride MXenes: Composition, Temperature, and Pressure effects
Authors: Jurado Anabel , Ibarra Kevin , Morales‐García Ángel , Viñes Francesc , Illas Francesc
Published: September 2021

The interaction of CO2 with nitride MXenes of different thickness is investigated using periodic density functional theory‐based calculations and kinetic simulations carried out in the framework of transition state theory, the ultimate goal being predicting their possible use in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). We consider the basal (0001) surface plane of nitride MXenes with Mn+1Nn (n=1–3; M=Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, and W) stoichiometry and also compare to equivalent results for extended (001) and (111) surfaces of the bulk rock‐salt transition metal nitride compounds. The present results show that the composition of MXenes has a marked influence on the CO2‐philicity of these substrates, whereas the thickness effect is, in general, small, but not negligible. The largest exothermic activation is predicted for Ti‐, Hf‐, and Zr‐derived MXenes, making them feasible substrates for CO2 trapping. From an applied point of view, Cr‐, Mo‐, and W‐derived MXenes are especially well suited for CCS as the interaction with CO2 is strong enough but molecular dissociation is not favored. Newly developed kinetic phase diagrams are introduced supporting that Cr‐, Mo‐, and W‐derived MXenes are appropriate CCS substrates as they are predicted to exhibit easy capture at mild conditions and easy release by heating below 500 K.
A low‐profile planar monopole antenna for ISM/IMT/Bluetooth/Zigbee/WiFi/WiMAX/WLAN wireless communication applications
Authors: Alam Md. Mottahir , Azim Rezaul , Mehedi Ibrahim Mustafa , Khan Asif Irshad
Published: September 2021

Recently, there is a significant rise in the numbers of devices and systems that use industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) frequency bands. The ISM band is not only used in ISM applications but also in telecommunication services including IMT, Zigbee, Bluetooth, WiFi, WiMAX, WLAN, RFID, military radars, and wireless sensor networks. To cover all these applications, in this paper, a low‐profile planar monopole antenna is suggested for 2.45‐GHz band communication applications. The anticipated antenna is composed of a vertical bar‐shaped radiator and a partial ground plane with two vertical slits. The inclusion of vertical slits in the ground plane forms a matching circuit by enlarging the current path, and hence, the studied design can achieve a measured operating band of 2.2 to 2.95 GHz. Moreover, the studied antenna achieved a maximum peak gain of 2.77 dBi and a maximum radiation efficiency of 82.45% and exhibited an omnidirectional radiation pattern that makes it appropriate for ISM and different narrowband wireless applications.
The effect of creatine ingestion on urinary creatinine concentration: Does supplementation mask a heavy dilution?
Authors: Franz Simon , Skopp Gisela , Musshoff Frank
Published: September 2021

A high volume of fluid can strongly reduce a drug's concentration in urine. Therefore, to detect diluted samples, the concentration of creatinine in urine is determined during testing drugs of abuse. If the concentration is below 20 mg creatinine/dl urine, the urine sample is usually rejected for drug testing. It should be examined whether creatine or creatinine ingestion can mask urine dilution by increasing the creatinine concentration. A total of 18 subjects drank 1.3 L of water and 0.2 L of orange juice on each of the three testing days: (1) without creatine, (2) with 20 g of creatine, and (3) with 20 g of creatine following incubation for 4 days in orange juice at room temperature; an acidic environment should promote conversion of creatine to creatinine. The lowest creatinine concentrations in urine were observed on average 2 h after fluid intake. At that time, ingestion of fluid without creatine, with creatine, and with creatine(ine)‐orange juice mixture resulted in mean values of 11.6, 22.5, and 28.3 mg creatinine/dl urine, respectively. It can be concluded that ingestion of creatine or creatinine can increase the concentration of creatinine in urine and thus mask dilution of a sample. The conversion of creatine in orange juice further increases availability of creatinine as it is obvious from urine creatinine concentration. Therefore, creatine ingestion during drug testing will give rise to negative results due to matrix adulteration. In a case of suspected creatine supplementation, the creatine content of the sample should be determined in addition to creatinine.
Development of novel ECM which has stiffness difference based on hydrogel beads
Authors: Miyata Hiromu , Peng Zugui , Shimba Kenta , Miyamoto Yoshitaka , Yagi Tohru
Published: September 2021

For tissue engineering, it is important to understand the relationship between cells’ behavior and the mechanical properties of extracellular matrix (ECM). We aim to develop a novel ECM taking the advantage of micro‐sized polyacrylamide gel beads. The advantages of our ECM are creation of any elasticity at any position. Elasticity measurement experimental results by atomic force microscope (AFM) show that there is a significant difference in Young modulus between the place where gel beads exist and the place where gel beads do not exist. In addition, C2C12 cell culture experiments show that cell behavior changes with and without gel beads.
Simultaneous mapping of neural activities in auditory and visual cortex of rat
Authors: Mori Kanato , Shiramatsu Tomoyo Isoguchi , Ishizu Kotaro , Takahashi Hirokazu
Published: September 2021

In the mammalian cerebral cortex, each sensory cortex plays a central role in the information processing of each sensory modality, yet the cross‐modal interactions between sensory cortices remains to be elucidated. Herein, we designed a surface electrode array with 32 recording sites and established a novel electrophysiological technique to record neural activities simultaneously from the auditory and visual cortices of anesthetized rats. We evaluated our mapping in two ways; first, the middle‐latency potentials in the auditory‐evoked potentials and visual‐evoked potentials were localized in the auditory and visual cortex, respectively. Second, the microelectrode array successfully recorded auditory and visual mismatch negativity (aMMN and vMMN), which is one of the neural activities reported to reflect cross‐modal interactions in previous human studies. In addition, we demonstrated that MMN distributed beyond the border between these sensory cortices, suggesting cross‐modal interactions between these areas. Taken together, the present recording technique will contribute to elucidating cross‐modality information processing in sensory cortices.
Making the Case for the Quality and Use of a New Language Proficiency Assessment: Validity Argument for the Redesigned TOEIC Bridge® Tests
Authors: Schmidgall Jonathan , Cid Jaime , Carter Grissom Elizabeth , Li Lucy
Published: September 2021

The redesigned TOEIC Bridge® tests were designed to evaluate test takers' English listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills in the context of everyday adult life. In this paper, we summarize the initial validity argument that supports the use of test scores for the purpose of selection, placement, and evaluation of a test taker's English skills. The validity argument consists of four major claims that provide a coherent narrative about the measurement quality and intended uses of test scores. Each major claim in the validity argument is supported by more specific claims and a summary of supporting evidence. By considering the claims and supporting evidence presented in the validity argument, readers should be able to better evaluate whether the TOEIC Bridge tests are appropriate for their situation.
Health‐Related Quality of Life and Its Contributors According to a Preference‐Based Generic Instrument in Cirrhosis
Authors: Hui Yangyang , Li Nan , Yu Zihan , Li Chaoqun , Wang Xiaoyu , Li Yifan , Sun Mingyu , Yang Wanting , Guo Gaoyue , Fan Xiaofei , Lin Lin , Cui Binxin , Chen Xin , Wang Bangmao , Zhang Jie , Sun Chao
Published: September 2021

It is essential to determine contributors around impairment in health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with cirrhosis aiming at improving health care and therapeutic strategy. Studies simultaneously incorporating disease severity based on biochemical parameters and other physical/psychological effects (i.e., sleep disturbance and frailty) are heterogeneous and the subject of the present study. We analyzed and compared HRQoL, using the EuroQol Group 5 Dimension (EQ‐5D) questionnaire and the utility index retrieved, in patients with cirrhosis and across groups stratified by sleep disturbance or frailty phenotype. Sleep disturbance and frailty were determined by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Frailty Index, respectively. Multiple linear regression was implemented to clarify contributors of poor HRQoL. In this cohort of 227 patients with mean age of 61.7 years and 47.2% male, more than half of the study population represented impairment in HRQoL in at least one domain, according to EQ‐5D. Furthermore, sleep disturbance and frailty have proved to be independently associated with poor HRQoL in two separate regression models, whereas conventional scoring systems such as Child‐Pugh classification and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease are not closely relevant. Intriguingly, not all health domains within EQ‐5D correlated well with PSQI and Frailty Index, with the exception of usual activities. Pain and anxiety/depression were the most frequently affected HRQoL domains even in patients without sleep disturbance or frailty. Conclusion: Impaired HRQoL is prevalent in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Sleep disturbance and frailty are independently associated with poor HRQoL. It is imperative to timely intervene with these symptoms and deliver tailored health care.
Effect of injection system parameters on overall performance of a small diesel engine
Authors: Dond Dipak Kisan , Gulhane Nitin Parashram
Published: September 2021

Limited fuel capacity and pollution are major concerns in the automobile industry. The combustion, performance, and emission characteristics are important considering the engine's overall performance. In the present paper, an experimental investigation was carried out on a small diesel engine to analyze the effect of injection system parameters on all measurable characteristics. The conventional diesel engine injection system was retrofitted with a common rail diesel injection (CRDI) system. The injection system parameters such as injection pressure, start of pilot injection timing, the start of main injection timing, and quantity of fuel injection percentage during the pilot and the main injection period were considered in the study. With the use of the CRDI system, it was observed that mean effective pressure and cylinder pressure were increased compared to the conventional diesel engine. There was a decrease in the peak value of the HRR and RoPR curve and simultaneously an increase in the width of the curve. MGT inside the combustion cylinder was also decreased. The retrofitted CRDI system shows higher thermal efficiency with good fuel economy as well as found a considerable reduction in carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke percentage. Overall, the considered injection system parameters deliver a significant improvement to the overall attributes of the small diesel engine.
Prospective study of fertility‐sparing treatment with chlormadinone acetate for endometrial carcinoma and atypical hyperplasia in young women
Authors: Ouasti Samia , Bucau Margot , Larouzee Elise , Clement De Givry Sebastien , Chabbert‐Buffet Nathalie , Koskas Martin
Published: September 2021

Objective

To confirm that the efficiency of the use of chlormadinone acetate for 6 months to obtain remission of atypical hyperplasia or endometrial carcinoma is comparable to that of the use of other fertility‐sparing treatments.

Method

The present study is based on the PREFERE prospective registry. All the patients received 3 or 6 months of chlormadinone acetate and were evaluated by hysteroscopic resection and pipelle sampling every 3 months.

Results

Ninety‐four patients were included. Seventy‐nine patients achieved complete remission at 6 months (84%). No patients stopped treatment because of a lack of tolerance. Twenty‐four per cent of the patients achieved a live birth.

Conclusion

Chlormadinone acetate is an effective and well‐tolerated fertility‐sparing treatment. Its benefits over other progestins are its tolerability, and its absence of contraindications, which make it a good choice for patients with thromboembolism and high vascular risk.
Cervical adenocarcinoma in situ during pregnancy and subsequent fertility‐sparing therapy challenge
Authors: Sánchez‐Cuerda Cristina , Cuadra María , Gámir Susana , Lobo Paloma , Elices Margarita , Cabrera Yasmina
Published: September 2021

Objective

Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) of the cervix is a premalignant lesion, and a precursor of invasive disease. It is less frequent than its squamous counterpart. During pregnancy, AIS is a scarcely described scenario, whose diagnosis barely differs from non‐pregnant patients. Its management is challenging with hysterectomy being the definitive treatment. However, its high incidence in young patients makes fertility‐sparing management an approachable option for selected patients. The objective of this study is twofold. Firstly, we describe a case of a patient with AIS during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Secondly, the available literature is reviewed.

Methods

Retrospective medical record review of a single case and a medical literature search in Pubmed of AIS cases in pregnant women.

Results

A 31‐year‐old woman with cervical AIS diagnosed during pregnancy underwent serial fertility‐sparing surgeries including a loop electrosurgical excision procedure and endocervical curettage during the second trimester, and a re‐conization and a simple traquelectomy during the postpartum period, until negative margins were achieved. Upon reviewing the literature from 1965 to 2020, 23 other cases were found.

Conclusion

Surgical management of cervical AIS during pregnancy is a safe procedure. Subsequent conservative surgeries imply a real challenge to preserve fertility.
Fostering Multimodal Analyses of Video Games: Reflective Writing in the Middle School
Authors: Stufft Carolyn J. , von Gillern Sam
Published: September 2021

This article explores the written reflections and multimodal analyses of 31 middle school students who engaged with video games as texts. For four consecutive days, students spent 30 minutes playing video games and then 30 minutes writing reflections on their experiences and perceptions, resulting in 124 total reflections. Students focused on how they interpreted multimodal symbols within video games to comprehend, learn, and make decisions during gameplay. Students’ analyses were informed by the Gamer Response and Decision (GRAD) Framework. Results demonstrate that students identified various ways that multimodal symbols, such as dynamic visuals, written language, oral language, and sounds, impacted their interpretations and decision making within the game. This study demonstrates how students can engage in valuable reflective writing and multimodal analysis activities using video games as texts, such as through exploring communicative modes in video games and reflecting on associated learning and decision‐making processes.
Elucidation of ER stress and UPR pathway in sialic acid‐deficient cells: Pathological relevance to GNEM
Authors: Chaudhary Priyanka , Sharma Shweta , Singh Reema , Arya Ranjana
Published: September 2021

Accumulation of misfolded proteins in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) generates a stress condition in the cell. The cell combats ER stress by activating unfolded protein response (UPR) and ERAD (ER stress‐associated degradation) pathway. Failure to restore favorable folding environment results in cell dysfunction and apoptosis. Various neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by the accumulation of misfolded protein, protein aggregates, and ER stress. GNE myopathy (GNEM) is a neuromuscular disorder pathologically characterized by rimmed vacuole formation due to the accumulation of protein aggregates. More than 200 mutations in key sialic acid biosynthetic enzyme UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine 2‐epimerase/N‐acetylmannosamine kinase (GNE) have been identified worldwide in the muscle biopsies of GNE myopathy patients. However, the cellular and molecular pathomechanism leading to the disease ar poorly understood. In the present study, the phenomenon of ER stress has been elucidated in GNE mutant cells overexpressing GNE mutations of Indian origin. The effect of GNE mutations on activation of UPR signaling via inositol‐requiring transmembrane kinase/endoribonuclease 1 (IRE‐1), protein kinase RNA‐like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), and activating transcription factor‐6 (ATF6) were deciphered to understand the effect of GNE mutations on these proteins. GRP78 was upregulated with increased X‐box‐binding protein‐1 (XBP‐1) splicing and CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein (C/EBP) homologous protein (CHOP) upregulation leading to increased apoptosis of GNE mutant cells. Insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) ligand rescued the cells from apoptotic phenotype by supporting cell survival mechanism. Our study indicates a balance of cell death and survival that decides cell fate and offers potential therapeutic targets to combat ER stress in diseases associated with dysfunctional UPR pathway.
Differentiation of aldohexoses and ketohexoses through collision‐induced dissociation
Authors: Tsai Shang‐Ting , Ni Chi‐Kung
Published: September 2021

Mass spectrometry has high sensitivity and is widely used for carbohydrate structural determination. However, conventional mass spectrometry is not able to identify anomericity and stereoisomer. In this work, we demonstrate that aldohexose and ketohexose can be distinguished through the collision‐induced dissociation of sodium adducts in an ion trap mass spectrometer. The criterion for the differentiation is the intensity ratio of fragment ion m/z 143 to fragment ion m/z 113. Aldohexoses have an intensity ratio larger than 1.8 and ketohexoses have an intensity ratio less than 0.7. These ratios can be explained using a cross‐ring dissociation mechanism. Although the dissociation mechanism of lithium adducts is similar to that of sodium adducts, differentiation using lithium adducts is not as good as that of sodium adducts because of the large lithiation energies. In addition, a dehydration propensity rule to differentiate anomeric configuration is extended from glucose, galactose, and mannose to allose, altrose, gulose, talose, fructose, and tagatose in this work. Application of this method for the identification of aldohexoses and ketohexoses produced from the collision‐induced dissociation of oligosaccharides in tandem mass spectrometer is demonstrated.
CSRP3, p.Arg122*, is responsible for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a Chinese family
Authors: Huang Hao , Chen Yaqin , Jin Jieyuan , Du Ran , Tang Ke , Fan Liangliang , Xiang Rong
Published: September 2021

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a hereditary disease manifested by a thickened ventricular wall. Cysteine and glycine‐rich protein 3 (CSRP3), the gene encoding muscle LIM protein, is important for initiating hypertrophic gene expression. The mutation of CSRP3 causes dilated cardiomyopathy or HCM.

Methods

In the present study, we enrolled a Chinese family with HCM across three generations. Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed in the proband to detect the candidate genes of the family. Sanger sequencing was performed for mutational analysis and confirmation of cosegregation.

Results

Through histopathological and imaging examinations, an obvious left ventricular hypertrophy was found in the proband. After WES data filtering, bioinformatic prediction and co‐segregation analysis, a nonsense mutation (NM_003476.5:c.364C>T; NP_003467.1:p.Arg122*) of CSRP3 was identified in this family. This variant was predicted to be disease‐causing and resulted in a truncated protein.

Conclusions

This is the first HCM family case of CSRP3 (p.Arg122*) variation in Asia. The finding here not only contributes to the genetic diagnosis and counseling of the family, but also provides a new case with detailed phenotypes that may be caused by the CSRP3 variant.
Conflict‐free chromatic number versus conflict‐free chromatic index
Authors: Dębski Michał , Przybyło Jakub
Published: September 2021

A vertex coloring of a given graph is conflict‐free if the closed neighborhood of every vertex contains a unique color (i.e., a color appearing only once in the neighborhood). The minimum number of colors in such a coloring is the conflict‐free chromatic number of , denoted . What is the maximum possible conflict‐free chromatic number of a graph with a given maximum degree ? Trivially, , but it is far from optimal—due to results of Glebov, Szabó, and Tardos, and of Bhyravarapu, Kalyanasundaram, and Mathew, the answer is known to be . We show that the answer to the same question in the class of line graphs is —it follows that the extremal value of the conflict‐free chromatic index among graphs with maximum degree is much smaller than the one for conflict‐free chromatic number. The same result for is also provided in the class of near regular graphs, that is, graphs with minimum degree .
A solvent‐free manganese(II) ‐catalyzed Clauson‐Kaas protocol for the synthesis of N‐aryl pyrroles under microwave irradiation
Authors: Rohit Kizhakkekuttu Radhakrishnan , Meera Gopinadh , Anilkumar Gopinathan
Published: September 2021

The first manganese‐catalyzed modified Clauson‐Kaas reaction for N‐substituted pyrrole synthesis using 2,5‐dimethoxytetrahydrofuran with variously substituted aromatic amines has been developed (up to 89% yield). This interesting neat strategy is free from additives including co‐catalysts, ligands, and acids. Relatively low cost, environmentally benign, and handy Mn(NO3)2·4H2O is employed as the catalyst under microwave conditions with a very short reaction time (20 min). The above qualities attest to the green nature of this reaction.
Long‐term drench of exopolysaccharide from Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides XG5 protects against type 1 diabetes of NOD mice via stimulating GLP‐1 secretion
Authors: Pan Lei , Xu Min , Wang Qi , Zou Xuan , Han Ye , Zhou Zhijiang
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that results in the specific destruction of insulin‐producing beta cells in the pancreas. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of exopolysaccharide from Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides XG5 (XG5 EPS) against type 1 diabetes.

RESULTS

Long‐term drench of XG5 EPS delayed the onset of autoimmune diabetes and had fewer islets with high‐grade infiltration (an insulitis score of 3 or 4) than untreated NOD mice. Oral administration of 50 mg kg−1 d−1 XG5 EPS increased the insulin and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) levels of serum, stimulated GLP‐1 secretion and upregulated gcg mRNA expression of colon in NOD mice. Moreover, oral administration of 50 mg kg−1 d−1 XG5 EPS significantly increased total short‐chain fatty acids levels in the colon contents, especially those of acetic acid and butyric acid. In NCI‐H716 cells, 500 and 1000 μmol L−1 sodium butyrate promoted the secretion of GLP‐1 and upregulated the mRNA expression of gcg and PC3, while XG5 EPS and sodium acetate did not stimulate the GLP‐1 secretion. Therefore, long‐term drench of XG5 EPS delayed the onset of autoimmune diabetes, which may be directly correlated with the increase of butyrate in the colon of NOD mice.

CONCLUSION

Long‐term drench of 50 mg kg−1 d−1 XG5 EPS promoted the expression and secretion of GLP‐1 by increasing the production of butyric acid, thereby delaying T1D onset in NOD mice. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Epidemiology and incidence of HPV‐related cancers of the head and neck
Authors: Roman Benjamin R. , Aragones Abraham
Published: September 2021

Globally, 4.5% of cancers are due to the human papillomavirus (HPV). In the United States, 80 million people are infected with HPV, and the incidence of HPV oropharyngeal cancer has surpassed HPV cervical cancer. The highest burden of oropharyngeal cancer is seen in middle‐aged and increasingly older White men. HPV vaccination promises to change the epidemiology of this disease, but HPV vaccination rates remain too low today to reduce disease transmission.
Tourism and waste management: An analysis of municipal solid waste
Authors: Comerio Niccolò , Nagai Hayato , Pacicco Fausto , Serati Massimiliano
Published: September 2021

Tourism has the potential to protect natural and cultural assets upon which it depends; however, the growing number of travelers may pose burdens. Among the potential environmental externalities, solid waste production is an often overlooked factor, although the literature highlights it as one of tourism's most visible impacts on the environment. This paper aims to address the complex interdependence of tourism and waste generation using spatial models. The results showed a positive response of solid waste disposal at an increase in tourism flows. Due to the complexity of the topic, the research note calls for future research.
Technical Note: Histological validation of anatomical imaging for breast modeling using a novel cryo‐microtome
Authors: Sen Anando , Fowlkes Natalie W. , Kingsley Charles V. , Kulp Adam M. , Huynh Thomas , Willis Brandy J. , Brewer Savannah Kari J. , Bordes Mary Catherine A. , Hwang Ken‐Pin , McCulloch Molly M. , Stafford Roger Jason , Contreras Alejandro , Reece Gregory , Brock Kristy K.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Precise correlation between three‐dimensional (3D) imaging and histology can aid biomechanical modeling of the breast. We develop a framework to register ex vivo images to histology using a novel cryo‐fluorescence tomography (CFT) device.

Methods

A formalin‐fixed cadaveric breast specimen, including chest wall, was subjected to high‐resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The specimen was then frozen and embedded in an optimal cutting temperature (OCT) compound. The OCT block was placed in a CFT device with an overhead camera and 50 μm thick slices were successively shaved off the block. After each shaving, the block‐face was photographed. At select locations including connective/adipose tissue, muscle, skin, and fibroglandular tissue, 20 μm sections were transferred onto cryogenic tape for manual hematoxylin and eosin staining, histological assessment, and image capture. A 3D white‐light image was automatically reconstructed from the photographs by aligning fiducial markers embedded in the OCT block. The 3D MR image, 3D white‐light image, and photomicrographs were rigidly registered. Target registration errors (TREs) were computed based on 10 pairs of points marked at fibroglandular intersections. The overall MR‐histology registration was used to compare the MR intensities at tissue extraction sites with a one‐way analysis of variance.

Results

The MR image to CFT‐captured white‐light image registration achieved a mean TRE of 0.73 ± 0.25 mm (less than the 1 mm MR slice resolution). The block‐face white‐light image and block‐face photomicrograph registration showed visually indistinguishable alignment of anatomical structures and tissue boundaries. The MR intensities at the four tissue sites identified from histology differed significantly (p < 0.01). Each tissue pair, except the skin‐connective/adipose tissue pair, also had significantly different MR intensities (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Fine sectioning in a highly controlled imaging/sectioning environment enables accurate registration between the MR image and histology. Statistically significant differences in MR signal intensities between histological tissues are indicators for the specificity of correlation between MRI and histology.
Vertical vibration of piles with square cross‐section
Authors: Qu Liming , Yang Changwei , Ding Xuanming , Kouroussis Georges , Yuan Cheng
Published: September 2021

The paper presents an approximate solution to axial dynamic impedance calculation for group of square piles. Firstly, dynamic responses of the single pile‐soil system are derived on the basis of Hamilton's energy principle and variation analysis. Then, the effects of square cross section on the pile‐soil interaction are examined through the combination of theoretical deduction and numerical simulation. The vertical soil vibration around a square pile is found to be dependent on wave propagation directions in the near field (two times less than the side length of square pile). As the radial distance off pile axis increases, the soil vibration tends to be independent on propagation directions. Through superposition principle, the dynamic impedance of square pile group is calculated. This study could provide a reference to the problems with how the non‐circular piles interplay with soil on vibration.