bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Droplet nuclei caustic formations in exhaled vortex rings
Authors: Papoutsakis Andreas , Danaila Ionut , Luddens Francky , Gavaises Manolis
Published: March 2022

Vortex ring (VR) structures occur in light or hoarse cough configurations. These instances consist of short impulses of exhaled air resulting to a self-contained structure that can travel large distances. The present study is the first implementation of the second order Fully Lagrangian Approach (FLA) for three-dimensional realistic flow-fields obtained by means of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and provides a method to calculate the occurrence and the intensity of caustic formations. The carrier phase flow field is resolved by means of second order accurate Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) based on a Finite Difference approach for the momentum equations, while a spectral approach is followed for the Poisson equation using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). The effect of the undulations of the carrier phase velocity due to large scale vortical structures and turbulence is investigated. The evaluation of the higher order derivatives needed by the second order FLA is achieved by pre-fabricated least squares second order interpolations in three dimensions. This method allows for the simulation of the clustering of droplets and droplet nuclei exhaled in ambient air in conditions akin to light cough. Given the ambiguous conditions of vortex-ring formation during cough instances, three different exhale (injection) parameters n are assumed, i.e. under-developed ($$n=2$$

n
=
2

), ideal ($$n=3.7$$

n
=
3.7

) and over-developed ($$n=6$$

n
=
6

) vortex rings. The formation of clusters results in the spatial variance of the airborne viral load. This un-mixing of exhumed aerosols is related to the formation of localised high viral load distributions that can be linked to super-spreading events.
Probing elastic anisotropy of human skin in vivo with light using non-contact acoustic micro-tapping OCE and polarization sensitive OCT
Authors: Kirby Mitchell A. , Tang Peijun , Liou Hong-Cin , Kuriakose Maju , Pitre John J. , Pham Tam N. , Ettinger Russell E. , Wang Ruikang K. , O’Donnell Matthew , Pelivanov Ivan
Published: March 2022

Skin broadly protects the human body from undesired factors such as ultraviolet radiation and abrasion and helps conserve body temperature and hydration. Skin’s elasticity and its level of anisotropy are key to its aesthetics and function. Currently, however, treatment success is often speculative and subjective, and is rarely based on skin’s elastic properties because there is no fast and accurate non-contact method for imaging of skin’s elasticity. Here we report on a non-contact and non-invasive method to image and characterize skin’s elastic anisotropy. It combines acoustic micro-tapping optical coherence elastography (AμT-OCE) with a nearly incompressible transversely isotropic (NITI) model to quantify skin’s elastic moduli. In addition, skin sites were imaged with polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) to help define fiber orientation. Forearm skin areas were investigated in five volunteers. Results clearly demonstrate elastic anisotropy of skin in all subjects. AμT-OCE has distinct advantages over competitive techniques because it provides objective, quantitative characterization of skin’s elasticity without contact, which opens the door for broad translation into clinical use. Finally, we demonstrate that a combination of multiple OCT modalities (structural OCT, OCT angiography, PS-OCT and AμT-OCE) may provide rich information about skin and can be used to characterize scar.
Valosin-containing protein-regulated endoplasmic reticulum stress causes NOD2-dependent inflammatory responses
Authors: Ghalandary Maryam , Li Yue , Fröhlich Thomas , Magg Thomas , Liu Yanshan , Rohlfs Meino , Hollizeck Sebastian , Conca Raffaele , Schwerd Tobias , Uhlig Holm H. , Bufler Philip , Koletzko Sibylle , Muise Aleixo M. , Snapper Scott B. , Hauck Fabian , Klein Christoph , Kotlarz Daniel
Published: March 2022

NOD2 polymorphisms may affect sensing of the bacterial muramyl dipeptide (MDP) and trigger perturbed inflammatory responses. Genetic screening of a patient with immunodeficiency and enteropathy revealed a rare homozygous missense mutation in the first CARD domain of NOD2 (ENST00000300589; c.160G > A, p.E54K). Biochemical assays confirmed impaired NOD2-dependent signaling and proinflammatory cytokine production in patient’s cells and heterologous cellular models with overexpression of the NOD2 mutant. Immunoprecipitation-coupled mass spectrometry unveiled the ATPase valosin-containing protein (VCP) as novel interaction partner of wildtype NOD2, while the binding to the NOD2 variant p.E54K was abrogated. Knockdown of VCP in coloncarcinoma cells led to impaired NF-κB activity andIL8expression upon MDP stimulation. In contrast, tunicamycin-induced ER stress resulted in increasedIL8, CXCL1,andCXCL2production in cells with knockdown of VCP, while enhanced expression of these proinflammatory molecules was abolished upon knockout of NOD2. Taken together, these data suggest that VCP-mediated inflammatory responses upon ER stress are NOD2-dependent.
Melanoma segmentation using deep learning with test-time augmentations and conditional random fields
Authors: Ashraf Hassan , Waris Asim , Ghafoor Muhammad Fazeel , Gilani Syed Omer , Niazi Imran Khan
Published: March 2022

In a computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) system for skin lesion segmentation, variations in shape and size of the skin lesion makes the segmentation task more challenging. Lesion segmentation is an initial step in CAD schemes as it leads to low error rates in quantification of the structure, boundary, and scale of the skin lesion. Subjective clinical assessment of the skin lesion segmentation results provided by current state-of-the-art deep learning segmentation techniques does not offer the required results as per the inter-observer agreement of expert dermatologists. This study proposes a novel deep learning-based, fully automated approach to skin lesion segmentation, including sophisticated pre and postprocessing approaches. We use three deep learning models, including UNet, deep residual U-Net (ResUNet), and improved ResUNet (ResUNet++). The preprocessing phase combines morphological filters with an inpainting algorithm to eliminate unnecessary hair structures from the dermoscopic images. Finally, we used test time augmentation (TTA) and conditional random field (CRF) in the postprocessing stage to improve segmentation accuracy. The proposed method was trained and evaluated on ISIC-2016 and ISIC-2017 skin lesion datasets. It achieved an average Jaccard Index of 85.96% and 80.05% for ISIC-2016 and ISIC-2017 datasets, when trained individually. When trained on combined dataset (ISIC-2016 and ISIC-2017), the proposed method achieved an average Jaccard Index of 80.73% and 90.02% on ISIC-2017 and ISIC-2016 testing datasets. The proposed methodological framework can be used to design a fully automated computer-aided skin lesion diagnostic system due to its high scalability and robustness.
Gain enhancement of BiCMOS on-chip sub-THz antennas by mean of meta-cells
Authors: Stocchi Matteo , Cao Zhibo , Joseph Christopher Hardly , Voss Thomas , Mencarelli Davide , Pierantoni Luca , Kaynak Canan Baristiran , Hebeler Joachim , Zwick Thomas , Wietstruck Matthias , Kaynak Mehmet
Published: March 2022

A MM-loaded sub-THz on-chip antenna with a narrow beamwidth, 9 dB gain and a simulated peak efficiency of 76% at the center frequency of 300 GHz is presented. By surrounding the antenna with a single MM-cell ring defined solely on the top metal of the back-end of line, an efficient suppression of the surface waves is obtained. The on-chip antenna has been designed using IHPs 130 nm SiGe BiCMOS technology with a 7-layer metallization stack, combined with the local backside etching process aimed to creating an air cavity which is then terminated by a reflective plane. By comparing the measured MM-loaded antenna performances to its non-MM-loaded counterpart, an enhanced integrity of the main lobe due to the MM-cells shielding effect can be observed. An excellent agreement between the simulated and measured performances has been found, which makes the MM-loaded antennas a valid alternative for the upcoming next-generation sub-THz transceivers.
Establishing a jugular-femoral venous route for recanalization of complicated inferior vena cava in Budd–Chiari Syndrome after transfemoral access failure
Authors: Bi Yonghua , Wu Zhengyang , Yi Mengfei , Han Xinwei , Ren Jianzhuang
Published: March 2022

Recanalization of inferior vena cava (IVC) with complete obstruction, old thrombosis or long segmental stenosis/obstruction (complicated IVC) via transfemoral access may fail in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). In this study, 34 consecutive patients with BCS underwent recanalization of complicated IVC occlusion via jugular-femoral venous (JFV) route establishment. BCS with complicated IVC was detected by reviewing preoperative color Doppler ultrasonography or computed tomography (CT) venography, and confirmed by intraoperative venography. Clinical data on technical success, complications, and follow-up outcomes were analyzed. Except for one patient received surgical repair of rupture IVC after recanalization, technical success of IVC recanalization was achieved in remaining 33 (97.1%) patients. No perioperative deaths was found. Three complications were observed during recanalization, for a complication rate of 8.8%. Bleeding of the femoral vein was observed in one patient, and two patients showed bleeding of IVC. The IVC lesion diameter and blood flow of the distal IVC increased significantly after the procedure. Twenty-four patients (77.4%) were clinically cured, and four patients (12.9%) showed clinical improvement. The 1-year, 3-year, 5-year primary patency rates were 85.9%, 76.4% and 70.0%, respectively. The 5-year secondary patency rate was 96.8%. There were three deaths during follow up, and the 5-year survival rate was 90.0%. In conclusion, JFV route establishment and angioplasty for complicated IVC is safe and effective for patients with BCS after transfemoral access failure.
A clarification of the nuances in the fairness metrics landscape
Authors: Castelnovo Alessandro , Crupi Riccardo , Greco Greta , Regoli Daniele , Penco Ilaria Giuseppina , Cosentini Andrea Claudio
Published: March 2022

In recent years, the problem of addressing fairness in machine learning (ML) and automatic decision making has attracted a lot of attention in the scientific communities dealing with artificial intelligence. A plethora of different definitions of fairness in ML have been proposed, that consider different notions of what is a “fair decision” in situations impacting individuals in the population. The precise differences, implications and “orthogonality” between these notions have not yet been fully analyzed in the literature. In this work, we try to make some order out of this zoo of definitions.
Relevance of pepsinogen, gastrin, and endoscopic atrophy in the diagnosis of autoimmune gastritis
Authors: Kishikawa Hiroshi , Nakamura Kenji , Ojiro Keisuke , Katayama Tadashi , Arahata Kyoko , Takarabe Sakiko , Sasaki Aya , Miura Soichiro , Hayashi Yukie , Hoshi Hitomi , Kanai Takanori , Nishida Jiro
Published: March 2022

Simple objective modalities are required for evaluating suspected autoimmune gastritis (AIG). This cross-sectional study aimed to examine whether pepsinogen, gastrin, and endoscopic findings can predict AIG. The diagnostic performance of endoscopic findings and serology in distinguishing AIG was evaluated. AIG was diagnosed in patients (N = 31) with anti-parietal cell antibody and/or intrinsic factor antibody positivity and histological findings consistent with AIG. Non-AIG patients (N = 301) were seronegative for anti-parietal cell antibodies. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the entire cohort (N = 332) identified an endoscopic atrophic grade cutoff point of O3 on the Kimura–Takemoto classification (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.909), while those of pepsinogen-I, I/II ratio, and gastrin were 20.1 ng/mL (AUC: 0.932), 1.8 (AUC: 0.913), and 355 pg/mL (AUC: 0.912), respectively. In severe atrophy cases (≥ O3, N = 58, AIG/control; 27/31), the cutoff values of pepsinogen-I, I/II ratio, and gastrin were 9.8 ng/mL (AUC: 0.895), 1.8 (AUC: 0.86), and 355 pg/mL (AUC: 0.897), respectively. In conclusion, endoscopic atrophy is a predictor of AIG. High serum gastrin and low pepsinogen-I and I/II ratio are predictors even in the case of severe atrophy, suggesting their usefulness when the diagnosis of AIG is difficult or as serological screening tests.
Epidemiology of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus among hill tribe adults in Thailand
Authors: Apidechkul Tawatchai , Chomchoei Chalitar , Upala Panupong
Published: March 2022

A community-based cross-sectional study was performed to estimate the prevalence of and determine factors associated with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among hill tribe adults aged 30 years and over. Data were collected from the target hill tribe people living in the 30 selected villages in Chiang Rai Province in northern Thailand. A total of 2365 people were invited to participate in the study; 65.9% were female, 72.4% were aged 40–69 years, 0.9% regularly received preventive healthcare, and only 41.2% understood Thai. The overall prevalence of undiagnosed T2DM was 7.5%. After adjusting for age and sex, two factors were found to be associated with T2DM: triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Those with high triglyceride levels were 2.80 (95% CI 1.99–3.94) times more likely to be suffering from T2DM than those with a normal triglyceride level. Those with low HDL-C levels were 1.65 (95% CI 1.16–2.34) times more likely to be suffering from T2DM than those with normal HDL-C. Appropriate public health interventions should be developed and implemented to reduce T2DM by providing regular preventive healthcare, educating patients on DM prevention and control, and encouraging regular exercise and reduced consumption of fatty food.
A perturbation approach for ultrafast calculation of RF field enhancements near medical implants in MRI
Authors: Stijnman Peter R. S. , Steensma Bart R. , van den Berg Cornelis A. T. , Raaijmakers Alexander J. E.
Published: March 2022

Patients with medical implants often are deprived of magnetic resonance imaging examination because of safety risks. One specific risk is the enhancement of the radiofrequency fields around the medical implant potentially resulting in significant tissue heating and damage. The assessment of this enhancement is a computationally demanding task, with simulations taking hours or days to converge. Conventionally the source of the radiofrequency fields, patient anatomy, and the medical implant are simulated concurrently. To alleviate the computational burden, we reformulate a fast simulation method that views the medical implant as a small perturbation of the simulation domain without the medical implant and calculates the radiofrequency fields associated with this perturbation. Previously, this method required an extensive offline stage where the result is intractable for large simulation domains. Currently, this offline stage is no longer required and the method is completely online. The proposed method results in comparable radiofrequency fields but is orders of magnitude faster compared to standard simulation technique; the finite-difference time-domain, the finite-sums, and the finite element methods. This acceleration could enable patient-specific and potentially online radiofrequency safety assessment.
Short-term inhalation of isoflurane improves the outcomes of intraportal hepatocyte transplantation
Authors: Nishimaki Hiroyasu , Saitoh Yoshikatsu , Inagaki Akiko , Nakamura Yasuhiro , Imura Takehiro , Fathi Ibrahim , Yamana Hiroki , Ohashi Kazuo , Miyagi Shigehito , Kamei Takashi , Unno Michiaki , Goto Masafumi
Published: March 2022

Clinical hepatocyte transplantation (HTx) is only performed without general anesthesia, while inhalation anesthetics are usually used in animal experiments. We hypothesized that isoflurane may be a possible reason for the discrepancy between the results of animal experiments and the clinical outcomes of HTx. Syngeneic rat hepatocytes (1.0 × 107) were transplanted to analbuminemic rats with (ISO group) and without (AW group) isoflurane. The serum albumin, AST, ALT, LDH levels and several inflammatory mediators were analyzed. Immunohistochemical staining and ex vivo imaging were also performed. The serum albumin levels of the ISO group were significantly higher in comparison to the AW group (p < 0.05). The serum AST, ALT, LDH levels of the ISO group were significantly suppressed in comparison to the AW group (p < 0.0001, respectively). The serum IL-1β, IL-10, IL-18, MCP-1, RNTES, Fractalkine and LIX levels were significantly suppressed in the ISO group. The ischemic regions of the recipient livers in the ISO group tended to be smaller than the AW group; however, the distribution of transplanted hepatocytes in the liver parenchyma was comparable between the two groups. Isoflurane may at least in part be a reason for the discrepancy between the results of animal experiments and the clinical outcomes of HTx.
Sequential IVM by CNP preincubation and cooperating of PGE2 with AREG enhances developmental competence of SCNT reconstructs in goat
Authors: Assareh Nazanin , Shahemabadi Mahya , Varnosfaderani Shiva Rouhollahi , Jafarpour Farnoosh , Hajian Mehdi , Nasr-Esfahani Mohammad Hossein
Published: March 2022

Developmental competence of in vitro matured cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) in conventional IVM (C.IVM) is lower than in vivo maturated COCs and is related to unsynchronized nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. To overcome this dearth, COCs can be exposed to granulosa secreted factors in a two-step system. Therefore, in the first experiment, 1000 nM of C-type natriuretic peptide for 8 h was determined (CAPA), as the best time and concentration to retain oocytes in germinal vesicle stage. This condition, also reduces lipid droplets and increases the expression ofATGLandPLIN2involved in lipolysis and lipogenesis, respectively. In the second experiment, maturation was stimulated with prostaglandin E2 and amphiregulin for 18 h (CAPA-IVM), and their optimal concentrations based on blastocyst formation rates through in vitro fertilization (IVF) were determined as 1 and 600 nM, respectively. In the third experiment, the in vitro and in vivo developmental competency of SCNT embryos in CAPA-IVM group were determined. Despite similar blastocyst formation rates in IVF and SCNT between CAPA-IVM and C.IVM, the quality of blastocysts were quality was higher in CAPA-IVM, which reflected itself, as higher ICM/TE ratio and also expression ofNANOGin SCNT blastocysts. Pregnancy rate, live births rate and SCNT efficiency were not significant between CAPA-IVM and C.IVM groups. Therefore, CAPA-IVM can improve the developmental competency of SCNT derived embryos.
Soil-based nano-graphene oxide and foliar selenium and nano-Fe influence physiological responses of 'Sultana' grape under salinity
Authors: Aazami Mohammad Ali , Mehrabani Lamia Vojodi , Hashemi Tahereh , Hassanpouraghdam Mohammad Bagher , Rasouli Farzad
Published: March 2022

Salinity is a worldwide stressor that influences the growth and productivity of plants. Some novel compounds like; graphene oxide and nutrients such as Se and Fe especially as nano form may improve plant responses to the environmental stress factors. The soil-based graphene oxide (0, 50, and 100 g kg−1) and the foliar applications of Se and nano-Fe (control and 3 mg L−1) were assayed on grapevine cv. Sultana under salinity (0, 50, and 100 mM NaCl). The top flavonoids, chlorophyll b, and plant dry weight belonged to graphene oxide and nano-Fe applications. CAT activity was improved in response to Se, nano-Fe, and graphene oxide (50 g kg−1). The least Fe, K, Se, N, Mg, Mn, and Zn content was recorded for 100 mM NaCl. In contrast, the higher data for K, Se, Ca, Mg, Zn and Mn were acquired with graphene oxide × foliar treatments. In general, graphene oxide treatment (50 g kg−1) × nano-Fe and Se foliar use ameliorated the adverse salinity effects with the improved biochemical and physiological responses of Sultana grape.
Toward fully automated UED operation using two-stage machine learning model
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Yang Xi , Huang Xiaobiao , Shaftan Timur , Smaluk Victor , Song Minghao , Wan Weishi , Wu Lijun , Zhu Yimei
Published: March 2022

To demonstrate the feasibility of automating UED operation and diagnosing the machine performance in real time, a two-stage machine learning (ML) model based on self-consistent start-to-end simulations has been implemented. This model will not only provide the machine parameters with adequate precision, toward the full automation of the UED instrument, but also make real-time electron beam information available as single-shot nondestructive diagnostics. Furthermore, based on a deep understanding of the root connection between the electron beam properties and the features of Bragg-diffraction patterns, we have applied the hidden symmetry as model constraints, successfully improving the accuracy of energy spread prediction by a factor of five and making the beam divergence prediction two times faster. The capability enabled by the global optimization via ML provides us with better opportunities for discoveries using near-parallel, bright, and ultrafast electron beams for single-shot imaging. It also enables directly visualizing the dynamics of defects and nanostructured materials, which is impossible using present electron-beam technologies.
Multicenter clinical outcomes of hole implantable collamer lens implantation in middle-aged patients
Authors: Igarashi Akihito , Kamiya Kazutaka , Ichikawa Kazuo , Kitazawa Yoshihiro , Kojima Takashi , Nakamura Tomoaki , Shimizu Kimiya
Published: March 2022

To assess the multicenter clinical outcomes of the implantation of hole implantable collamer lens (Hole ICL, ICL KS-AquaPORTTM; STAAR Surgical, Nidau, Switzerland) in patients of 45 years or more. We retrospectively assessed the surgery’s safety, efficacy, predictability, stability, and adverse events before surgery and after the surgery at 1 week; 1, 3, and 6 months; and 1 year, followed by once every year for approximately 2.2 years. A total of 118 eyes of 65 patients aged 45–65 years with myopic refractive errors ranging from − 2.13 to − 18.75 diopters (D) underwent hole ICL implantation and routine postoperative examinations. The average observation period was 2.2 ± 1.0 years. The safety and efficacy indices were 1.08 ±  0.21 and 0.87 ± 0.25, respectively. Manifest refraction changes of − 0.20 ± 0.43 D occurred from 1 month to the final visit after ICL implantation. Eight eyes (6.8%) developed asymptomatic anterior subcapsular cataract (ASC) immediately after surgery, and three eyes (2.5%) developed clinically significant symptomatic nuclear cataracts during the follow-up period. According to our experience, hole ICL implantation offered favorable outcomes in all measures of safety, efficacy, predictability, and stability, even in middle-aged patients, during the 2.2-year observation period.
A novel optical thermometry strategy based on emission of Tm3+/Yb3+ codoped Na3GdV2O8 phosphors
Authors: Saidi Kamel , Dammak Mohamed , Soler-Carracedo K. , Martín Inocencio R.
Published: March 2022

Lanthanide upconverted luminescence for contactless optical thermometry.
Organic solar powered greenhouse performance optimization and global economic opportunity
Authors: Ravishankar Eshwar , Booth Ronald E. , Hollingsworth Joseph A. , Ade Harald , Sederoff Heike , DeCarolis Joseph F. , O'Connor Brendan T.
Published: March 2022

This work integrates greenhouse energy demand, solar power production, and plant growth modeling to assess the economic opportunity of organic solar powered greenhouses. Results show these systems have positive economic outlook across broad climates.
Gold-coated silver nanowires for long lifetime AFM-TERS probes
Authors: Wen Han , Inose Tomoko , Hirai Kenji , Akashi Taiki , Sugioka Shoji , Li Jiangtao , Peeters Wannes , Fron Eduard , Fortuni Beatrice , Nakata Yoshihiko , Rocha Susana , Toyouchi Shuichi , Fujita Yasuhiko , Uji-i Hiroshi
Published: March 2022

Au-coated AgNW allows to perform long lifetime TERS activity.
An ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence biosensor for the detection of total bacterial count in environmental and biological samples based on a novel sulfur quantum dot luminophore
Authors: Wang Xiaobin , Zhao Yuqing , Hua Qing , Lu Jiaojiao , Tang Feiyan , Sun Wenjie , Luan Feng , Zhuang Xuming , Tian Chunyuan
Published: March 2022

An electrochemiluminescence sensor for total bacterial count detection based on sulfur quantum dots with β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide as an important parameter.
Recent advances in biosensor devices for HER-2 cancer biomarker detection
Authors: Chupradit Supat , Jasim Saade Abdalkareem , Bokov Dmitry , Mahmoud Mustafa Z. , Roomi Ali B. , Hachem Kadda , Rudiansyah Mohammad , Suksatan Wanich , Bidares Ramtin
Published: March 2022

The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) protein is a member of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR or ErbB) family and is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor.
Manipulating the spin crossover behaviour in a series of cyanide-bridged {FeIII2FeII2} molecular squares through NCE− co-ligands
Authors: You Maolin , Nguyen Giang T. , Shao Dong , Wang Te , Chang Xiao-Yong , Ungur Liviu , Zhang Yuan-Zhu
Published: March 2022

Three molecular squares with tunable transition temperature (T1/2) through the substitution of NCE− (E = S, Se, BH3) anions were prepared, demonstrating another effective way to tune the SCO properties of the [FeIII–CN–FeII] systems.
Synthesis of carbon-11 radiolabelled transition metal complexes using 11C-dithiocarbamates
Authors: Cesarec Sara , Edgar Fraser , Lai Titan , Plisson Christophe , White Andrew J. P. , Miller Philip W.
Published: March 2022

Fast and efficient radiolabelling using 11C-dithiocarbamate ligands to generate a range of novel 11C-labelled transition metal complexes in high radiochemical yields.
Selective modification of hydroxyl groups in lignin model compounds by ruthenium-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation
Authors: Badazhkova Veronika D. , Savela Risto , Leino Reko
Published: March 2022

A robust ruthenium-catalyzed methodology converts lignin diols into hydroxyketones under mild conditions.
Two Zn(ii) coordination polymers with anticancer drug norcantharidin as ligands for cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Wang Jia , Huang Xiange , Li Hegen , Yan Deyue , Huang Wei
Published: March 2022

Two Zn(ii) coordination polymers synthesized from norcantharidin and Zn(NO3)2·6H2O can be transformed into nanoparticles for drug delivery. They both can effectively inhibit the growth of Hep3B tumor in vivo with relatively few side effects.
The electrical behaviour of ultrafine bismuth phosphate particles under a range of temperature and frequency conditions
Authors: Ghosh Sarit K. , Perla Venkata , Mallick Kaushik
Published: March 2022

Organic-molecule-stabilized ultrafine bismuth phosphate was synthesized by applying a wet chemical complexation-mediated route.
In vitro bioactivity evaluation of mulberry leaf extracts as nutraceuticals for the management of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Marchetti Lucia , Truzzi Eleonora , Frosi Ilaria , Papetti Adele , Cappellozza Silvia , Saviane Alessio , Pellati Federica , Bertelli Davide
Published: March 2022

This work contributes to new insights for a rational use of mulberry-based health products in the treatment of hyperglycaemia in the context of diabetes mellitus.
Excellent response to near ultraviolet light and large intervalley scatterings of electrons in 2D SnS2
Authors: Wu Yu , He Junbo , Chen Ying , Kong Mingran , Zhang Yiming , Hu Xiaobing , Lian Jianwei , Zhang Hao , Zhang Rongjun
Published: March 2022

We find that the electronic structure of multi-valleys makes SnS2 have excellent optical properties and large intervalley scattering.
A quasi-3D Sb2S3/reduced graphene oxide/MXene (Ti3C2Tx) hybrid for high-rate and durable sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Pengxin , Zang Rui , Wu Yuhan , Liu Shuaishuai , Wang Siyu , Liu Puyu , Li Peng
Published: March 2022

A quasi three-dimensional Sb2S3/rGO/MXene composite exhibits high adsorption energy of Na+, excellent rate capability and stable cycling performance.
Coupled straintronic–optoelectronic effect in Mott oxide films
Authors: Zheng Ming , Guan Pengfei
Published: March 2022

The electro-photo double control of electronic transport in Mott insulating LaVO3 thin films on ferroelectric single crystals with coupled straintronic–optoelectronic effect is demonstrated.
Fluorogenic sydnonimine probes for orthogonal labeling
Authors: Xu Wenyuan , Shao Zhuzhou , Tang Cheng , Zhang Chun , Chen Yinghan , Liang Yong
Published: March 2022

Sydnonimine fluorogenic probes with a high turn-on ratio were designed and synthesized, releasing near-infrared fluorescence via a strain-promoted “click-and-release” reaction.
Functional nanoparticle-driven self-assembled diblock copolymer hybrid nano-patterns
Authors: Mawélé Loudy Coste , Allouche Joachim , Bousquet Antoine , Billon Laurent , Martinez Hervé
Published: March 2022

Herein, we report how functional gold nanoparticles can drive the block copolymer BCP thin film morphologies of polystyrene-block-poly(vinylbenzyl-3-(2-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)prop-1-yne (PS-b-PVBEG).
Design of selective divalent chain transfer agents for coordinative chain transfer polymerization of ethylene and its copolymerization with butadiene
Authors: Baulu Nicolas , Poradowski Marie-Noëlle , Verrieux Ludmilla , Thuilliez Julien , Jean-Baptiste-dit-Dominique François , Perrin Lionel , D'Agosto Franck , Boisson Christophe
Published: March 2022

A selective divalent chain transfer agent is designed to exclusively lead to polyolefin chain growth on a divalent pentanediyl moiety via coordinative chain transfer polymerization (CCTP).
Are pure hydrocarbons the future of host materials for blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes?
Authors: Poriel Cyril , Rault-Berthelot Joëlle , Jiang Zuo-Quan
Published: March 2022

This Chemistry Frontiers deals with a new generation of host materials for phosphorescent OLEDs only constituted with carbon and hydrogen atoms, which can be beneficial for the future development of the OLED industry.
Introduction to the themed collection on digitalization in reaction engineering
Authors: Galvanin Federico , Hartman Ryan L. , Kulkarni Amol A. , Nieves-Remacha María José
Published: March 2022

Federico Galvanin, Ryan Hartman, Amol Kulkarni and María José Nieves-Remacha introduce the Reaction Chemistry & Engineering themed collection on digitalization in reaction engineering.
Development of pre-service chemistry teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge through mentoring
Authors: Can-Kucuk Dizem , Gencer Sinem , Akkus Huseyin
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study was to develop pre-service chemistry teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) regarding atoms and the periodic table via mentoring. Two pre-service chemistry teachers with different levels of academic achievement participated in the study. The development of the participants’ PCK was investigated in terms of the following components: orientations toward science teaching, knowledge of curriculum, knowledge of instructional strategies, knowledge of learners, and knowledge of assessment. The data of this study were collected over four months using multiple data collection tools, including semi-structured interviews, observations, content representations, card-sorting activities, and field notes. The results of this study provided evidence for the relationship between the development of PCK and mentoring. However, as a result of the mentoring, it was determined that the improvements in the PCK components did not occur at the same levels for these participants. One of the participants had an advanced level of improvement in all PCK components through mentoring, while the other participant had varying levels of improvement in PCK components. It was found that the more academically successful participant had more advanced development in all components of PCK as a result of mentoring. For the other participant with lower academic achievement, there was no improvement in some respects of PCK components. According to the results of this study, it can be said that the development of PCK can be fostered through mentoring in pre-service chemistry teacher education. In light of the results of this study, implications are stated for in-service chemistry teacher education, pre-service chemistry teacher education, and chemistry education researchers.
Type-II BiVO4/Ni3(hexahydroxytriphenylene)2 heterojunction photoanodes for effective photoelectrochemical reaction
Authors: Yoon Ji Won , Jo Young-Moo , Lee Jong-Heun
Published: March 2022

M3(hexahydroxytriphenylene)2 (M = Ni, Co, Cu; hexahydroxytriphenylene (HHTP)) was uniformly coated onto BiVO4 thin films via a facile solvothermal process, and the photoelectrochemical performance of the BiVO4/M3(HHTP)2 photoanodes was investigated.
From a Distance: Comparison of In-Person and Virtual Assessments With Adult–Child Dyads From Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds
Authors: Pratt Amy S. , Anaya Jissel B. , Ramos Michelle N. , Pham Giang , Muñoz Miriam , Bedore Lisa M. , Peña Elizabeth D.
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

Our proof-of-concept study tested the feasibility of virtual testing using child assessments that were originally validated for in-person testing only.

Method:

Ten adult–child dyads were assigned to complete both in-person and virtual tests of language, cognition, and narratives. Child participants fell between the ages of 4 and 8 years; adult participants were speech-language clinicians or researchers with experience in administering child assessments. Half of child participants were Spanish–English bilinguals, and half were monolingual English speakers.

Results:

Results showed similar performance across in-person and virtual modalities on all assessments. Recommendations for adapting, administering, and scoring virtual measures with linguistically diverse children are discussed.

Conclusions:

Although additional research on virtual assessment is needed, our results open opportunities for appropriate remote assessment, particularly for bilingual children, who may not have in-person access to speech-language pathology services.
Secrecy‐oriented user association in ultra dense heterogeneous networks against strategically colluding adversaries
Authors: Su Gongchao , Dai Mingjun , Chen Bin , Lin Xiaohui , Wang Hui
Published: March 2022

Network densification is recognized as the key technology to meet the ever growing demand of data traffic in next generation wireless networks. However the proliferation of small cell base stations (SCBSs) introduces vulnerabilities to information security, as they are prone to eavesdropping attacks. In this paper, it is studied how user association strategies can be specifically tailored to meet this security challenge in a ultra dense heterogeneous cellular network(UDHCN) with a group of colluding eavesdroppers. In particular, the situation is considered where eavesdroppers may have limited capabilities in intercepting and decoding data traffic. In this setting each eavesdropper has to make its own decision on eavesdropping targets, and they are able to take concerted actions to sabotage information security. To address this challenge, a zero sum game framework to reflect the conflicting interests of users and eavesdroppers is proposed and a user association scheme is devised that aims to maximize system sum secrecy rate against these adversaries whose actions intend to minimize sum secrecy rate. The case that all adversaries have limited eavesdropping capabilities is first considered, and it is shown that the corresponding zero sum game is indeed a bilinear game, and its Nash equilibrium solution can be readily approximated using a saddle point Frank Wolfe(SP‐FW)algorithm. Then the framework is extended to the case where adversaries with a diverse configuration of eavesdropping capabilities exist. In this case, it is shown that the underlying minimax optimization problem is indeed a nonsmooth convex‐nonconcave one. A two stage method is proposed by first smoothing the objective function with a Hermite cubic polynomial approximation, and then obtaining a nearly stationary solution via a recently proposed proximal point gradient descent method. Simulation results show that the proposed framework leads to significant increases in sum secrecy rate and secrecy probability against both the capability‐limited adversaries and a hybrid type of adversaries.
Multi‐scale feature combination for person re‐identification
Authors: Huang Bailiang , Piao Yan , Zhang Hao , Tang Yanfeng
Published: March 2022

Person re‐identification (Re‐ID) is an instance‐level task of image retrieval, and its identification accuracy depends on the distinguishable features extracted from people. However, most identification methods based on deep learning only mechanically extract distinguishable features of person images, and some important details are frequently overlooked. For scenes with substantial background differences or occlusions, the Re‐ID efficiency is not high and the network scalability is not good. Here, the authors propose a multi‐scale feature combination network (MFC‐Net) model that combines structural feature information with global comprehensive feature information of the person images through a convolution neural network that can effectively retain distinguishing character detail information. The authors also propose a Gaussian stochastic pooling layer to solve the defects of the pooling layer. For the problem of many network parameters and weak performance, the authors propose an attentive feature convolutions layer. The authors perform many comparative experiments on three benchmark datasets. The results prove that our MFC‐Net model performs well in person Re‐ID and that its identification accuracy is higher than that of other investigated models.
Use of Biologic Agents in Nasal and Scalp Reconstruction
Authors: Depani Monal , Grush Andrew E. , Parham Matthew J. , Jones Lloyd M. , Thornton James F.
Published: March 2022

Oncologic reconstruction of the nose and scalp following Mohs micrographic surgery poses a significant challenge for plastic surgeons. While these defects are traditionally reconstructed using primary closure techniques, skin grafts, local flaps, pedicled flaps, and free tissue transfer, the incorporation of biologic healing wound agents such as Integra and Cytal provides patients and surgeons with alterative reconstructive options without additional donor site morbidity. Herein, we review the use of biologic agents used in soft tissue reconstruction of the nose and scalp following Mohs surgery.
Molecular Response Assessment with Immune Adaptive PERCIST in Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Nivolumab: Is It Better Than iRECIST?
Authors: Gupta Manoj , Choudhury Partha S. , Jain Parveen , Sharma Manish , Koyyala Venkata P. B. , Goyal Sumit , Agarwal Chaturbhuj , Jajodia Ankush , Pasricha Sunil , Sharma Anurag , Batra Ullas
Published: March 2022

Aims We compared the immune response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (iRECIST) with immune adaptive positron emission tomography response criteria in solid tumors (imPERCIST) in lung cancer patients treated with nivolumab.

Materials and Methods Twenty lung cancer patients underwent fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) scan at baseline (PET-0), after four cycles (PET-1) and six to eight cycles (PET-2) of nivolumab were included. Kappa coefficient (k) was derived to see the level of agreement in two response criteria. Progression-free survival (PFS) curves were computed by the Kaplan–Meier method and compared with the Log Rank test. Univariate and multivariate regression for the percentage change in the sum of diameters (SoD), standard uptake value maximum (SUVmax), sum of metabolic tumor volume (SoMTV), and sum of total lesion glycolysis (SoTLG) was computed. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results Kappa coefficient showed a substantial level of agreement (k 0.769) in two response criteria. Mean PFS in partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease (PD) patients in iRECIST and imPERCIST was 27.3, 17.7, 4.2, and 23.3, 18.8, 3.8 months, respectively. The Kaplan–Meier method with the log rank test showed a significant difference in PFS on intracomparison within both criteria; however, it was not significant on intercomparison. On univariate analysis, the percentage change in SoD, SoMTV, SoTLG was significant. However, on multivariate analysis, only percentage change in SoD was a significant predictor.

Conclusions We concluded that imPERCIST was equally effective as currently recommended criteria iRECIST for response evaluation of nivolumab in lung cancer patients.
Realization of a cost-effective thermochromic solar absorber with a high emittance change based on VO2 and an infrared transparent intermediate layer
Authors: Dittrich Arne , Heinemeyer Frank , Xu Chencheng , Reineke-Koch Rolf
Published: March 2022

In this study, we present a thermochromic solar absorber coating that reaches a high thermal emittance change by using a thin, optically switching VOx film located on an infrared transparent interlayer (spacer) of Si or Ge with an optical thickness of λ/4 (for λ = 7 μm). Using this so-called “lambda/4-concept,” temperature-dependent reflection measurements in the spectral range between 2500 and 50 000 nm from an absorber with a 450 nm Si spacer and a VOx film oxidized from a 30-nm-thick V display an overall increase in emittance from ε(25 °C) = 12.2% to ε(150 °C) = 55.1%, resulting in a change of Δε = 42.9%. In addition, using an absorber with a 400 nm Ge spacer in combination with a VOx film oxidized from 17.5-nm-thick V, an increase in emittance from ε(25 °C) = 8.2% to ε(150 °C) = 49.2% with a change of Δε = 41.0% was achieved. In addition, the optical properties of Ge and Si thin films over a wide spectral range of 250–38 000 nm were determined using spectroscopic ellipsometry. Using this optical data and a simple optical model of the VOx film, reflectance simulations could be performed by using the ellipsometry analysis software WVASE©. It was shown by x-ray diffraction measurements that the optically switching VOx films oxidized from V in a belt furnace consist of the VO2 and the V2O5 phases. Using scanning electron microscopy images, the surface morphology of optically switching VOx films was compared with over-oxidized VOx films. A correlation between the surface morphology and the crystalline phases was revealed and applied to search for the optimal furnace parameters. This method could significantly reduce the time cost to achieve optically switching VOx coatings using an oxidation process.
Dual-coupling drag reduction inspired by tuna skin: Fan-shaped imbricated fish scale composited with flexible coating
Authors: Chen Dengke , Chen Huawei , Cui Xianxian
Published: March 2022

The excellent hydrodynamic properties of fishes enable them to respond rapidly to exterior excitation in water. In this study, three types of bionic surfaces were designed and manufactured based on the construction and mechanical properties of the tuna skin. The surface and coating features of these bionic surfaces were analyzed, and their drag reduction performance was investigated in a circulating water tunnel. The results revealed that the drag reduction effect was proportional to the flexible coating thickness, and a maximum drag reduction of 7.22% was achieved for the dual-structure coupling surface with a flexible coating thickness of 140 µm. The simulation results indicated that the “vortex stretching” effect formed near the fish scale wall further decreased the high-velocity regions, leading to low- and high-velocity streaks inside the boundary layer close to the bionic fish scale surface along the streamwise direction. As the flexible coatings could absorb turbulent fluctuations, they formed larger low-pressure areas near the surface, enabling a better drag reduction effect. The drag reduction mechanism for the dual-structure coupling surfaces arose from the combined actions of the flexible coatings and fan-shaped imbricated fish scales. This study may provide an ideal alternative for drag reduction and antifouling properties in underwater vehicle planning.
Efficient defect control of zinc vacancy in undoped ZnO microtubes for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Pan Yongman , Yan Yinzhou , Wang Qiang , Yang Lixue , Zhang Xuegang , Tang Long , Xing Cheng , Chen Fei , Jiang Yijian
Published: March 2022

Here, we report a strategy to regulate the defect level of zinc vacancy (VZn) in acceptor-rich ZnO (A-ZnO) microtubes by optical vapor supersaturated precipitation (OVSP) combined with the first-principles calculation. The formation energy (FE) of VZn in ZnO is calculated based on the density functional theory, indicating the FE of VZn depending upon the surrounding Zn chemical potential in ZnO. The defect level of VZn is experimentally controlled in the A-ZnO microtubes by regulating the concentration of oxygen during the OVSP process. For the high oxygen concentration, the photoluminescence intensity of VZn-related donor–acceptor pair emission is enhanced by 46%, compared with those grown in oxygen-deficient conditions. Meanwhile, a defective 2LA mode appeared in the Raman spectra of A-ZnO microtubes with the increase in oxygen concentration, confirming the controllability of the generation of VZn. The VZn defects induce the conductive filaments for the resistive switching behavior in the A-ZnO microtubes, by which the on/off ratio can be enhanced by up to ∼103. Moreover, the tunable current-induced thermal tunneling electroluminescence was also realized by the defect-controlled A-ZnO microrods/tubes. This work opens new opportunities for the design of novel optoelectronic devices by defect-engineered wide-bandgap semiconductors in future.
Effects of carbon impurities on the performance of silicon as an anode material for lithium ion batteries: An ab initio study
Authors: Olou’ou Guifo Stéphane B. , Mueller Jonathan E. , Henriques David , Markus Torsten
Published: March 2022

Silicon is widely used in the semiconductor industry and has recently become very attractive as a lithium ion battery anode due to its high capacity. However, volume changes associated with repeated lithiation–delithiation cycles expose fresh silicon surfaces to the electrolyte, causing irreversible side reactions. Moreover, silicon suffers from a poor electronic conductivity at a low lithium content. Carbon impurities originating at synthesis or resulting from subsequent contact with other electrode components are often neglected. However, atomistic simulations reveal that dissolved carbon decreases the local potential energy surface by drawing the electron density from silicon to form polar covalent C–Si bonds that are stronger than the non-polar covalent Si–Si bonds they replace. This leads to a higher density and elastic stiffness, regardless of the interstitial lithium concentration. Substitutional carbon also reduces the mobility of silicon self-vacancies and interstitial lithium by increasing their diffusion barriers by 24.7 and 27.3 kJ mol−1, respectively. Moreover, the [carbon, silicon vacancy] complex is basically stable, while the [carbon, lithium] complex is found to become stable against both single defects at a spacing of 4.72 Å. The minimum energy paths ultimately demonstrate that both the interstitialcy and dissociative mechanisms are mainly responsible for carbon diffusion in silicon.