bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of rocket-triggered positive lightning flashes and propagation properties of their initial upward negative leaders
Authors: Li Zong-Xiang , Jiang Ru-Bin , Lü Guan-Lin , Liu Ming-Yuan , Sun Zhu-Ling , Zhang Hong-Bo , Liu Kun , Li Xiao-Qiang , Zhang Xiong ,   College of Electronic Engineering, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu 610225, China,   Key Laboratory of Middle Atmosphere and Global Environment Observation (LAGEO), Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China,   University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China,   State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Biological and Chemical Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China
Published: September 2021

Twelve lightning flashes are successfully triggered under the positive atmospheric electric field condition. The discharge properties of the flashes, and the propagation characteristics and mechanism of the involving upward negative leaders are investigated. When lightning flashes are triggered, the average ground atmospheric electric field is around 5 kV/m, with a maximum value exceeding 13 kV/m. Except for one special event showing a discharge polarity reversal (from positive to negative) and producing multiple negative return strokes, none of the remaining 11 triggered lightning flashes involves the subsequent return stroke process. The discharge currents of these flashes are generally of the order of several hundred amperes. The successfully triggered lightning flashes start with the initiation and the upward propagation of negative stepped leaders, of which the average two-dimensional velocity is 1.85 × 105 m/s. For a total of 132 steps captured by the high-speed video camera, the step lengths range from 0.8 m to 8.7 m, with an average of 3.9 m. During the initial stage of the upward negative stepped leader, the current and electromagnetic field present a significant impulsive feature. The mean value of pulse interval, current peak, charge transfer, half-peak-width and current rise time T10%–90% are 17.9 μs, 81A, 364 μC, 3.1 μs, and 0.9 μs, respectively. The equivalent linear charge density of a single step is 118.5 μC/m. The branching of the leader channel generally takes place together with the stepping process in two ways: the first way is to implement the multiple connections of clustering space stems/space leaders to the leader head within an individual step cycle, and the corresponding current waveform presents a multi-peak structure, with a peak interval of about 2–3 μs (up to 6–7 μs); the second way is to reactivate those previously extinguished space stems/space leaders and to connect them to the lateral surface of the channel.
Gamete expression of TALE class HD genes activates the diploid sporophyte program in Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Dierschke Tom , Flores-Sandoval Eduardo , Rast-Somssich Madlen I , Althoff Felix , Zachgo Sabine , Bowman John L
Published: September 2021

Eukaryotic life cycles alternate between haploid and diploid phases and in phylogenetically diverse unicellular eukaryotes, expression of paralogous homeodomain genes in gametes primes the haploid-to-diploid transition. In the unicellular chlorophyte alga Chlamydomonas, KNOX and BELL TALE-homeodomain genes mediate this transition. We demonstrate that in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha, paternal (sperm) expression of three of five phylogenetically diverse BELL genes, MpBELL234, and maternal (egg) expression of both MpKNOX1 and MpBELL34 mediate the haploid-to-diploid transition. Loss-of-function alleles of MpKNOX1 result in zygotic arrest, whereas a loss of either maternal or paternal MpBELL234 results in variable zygotic and early embryonic arrest. Expression of MpKNOX1 and MpBELL34 during diploid sporophyte development is consistent with a later role for these genes in patterning the sporophyte. These results indicate that the ancestral mechanism to activate diploid gene expression was retained in early diverging land plants and subsequently co-opted during evolution of the diploid sporophyte body.
A cross-sectional study of the nasal and fecal microbiota of sows from different health status within six commercial swine farms
Authors: Arruda Andreia G. , Deblais Loic , Hale Vanessa L. , Madden Christopher , Pairis-Garcia Monique , Srivastava Vishal , Kathayat Dipak , Kumar Anand , Rajashekara Gireesh
Published: September 2021

Background

Cull sows are a unique population on swine farms, often representing poor producing or compromised animals, and even though recent studies have reported that the microbiome is associated with susceptibility to diseases, the microbiome of the cull sow population has not been explored. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether there were differences in fecal and upper respiratory tract microbiota composition for groups of sows of different health status (healthy, cull, and compromised/ clinical sows) and from different farms (1 to 6).

Methods

Six swine farms were visited once. Thirty individual fecal samples and nasal swabs were obtained at each farm and pooled by five across health status and farm. Samples underwent 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and nasal and fecal microbiota were analyzed using QIIME2 v.2021.4.

Results

Overall, the diversity of the nasal microbiota was lower than the fecal microbiota (p < 0.01). No significant differences were found in fecal or nasal alpha diversity by sow’s health status or by farm. There were significant differences in nasal microbial composition by farm and health status (PERMANOVA,p < 0.05), and in fecal microbiota by farm (PERMANOVA,p < 0.05), but not by health status. Lastly, at the L7 level, there was one differentially abundant taxa across farms for each nasal and fecal pooled samples.

Discussion

This study provided baseline information for nasal and fecal microbiota of sows under field conditions, and results suggest that farm of origin can affect microbial diversity and composition. Furthermore, sow’s health status may have an impact on the nasal microbiota composition.
Helicopter Parenting as Correlate of Self Confidence and Esteem of Adolescents in Secondary Schools in Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Francisca Chigbu, Eberechukwu
Published: September 2021

The study is on adolescents’ helicopter parenting as correlate of their self confidence and esteem in Onitsha Education zone, Anambra State. Three research questions guided the study while one null hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance. Correlational research design was adopted for this study. The population of the study comprised 17,200 secondary school adolescents from which a sample size of 1760 adolescents was selected using simple random sampling and disproportionate stratified random sampling techniques. Two research instruments, namely: Adolescent helicopter parenting Questionnaire (AHPQ) and Adolescents’ Self confidence and esteem Questionnaire (ASCEQ) were used for the study. The instruments were duly validated by experts before it was used in conducting this study. The reliability of the instrument is as follows: 0.949 for AHPQ, and 0.928 for ASCEQ. Data was collected through direct delivery method. Research questions 1 to 2 were answered using range of summated scores, while research questions 3 was answered and the null hypotheses was tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficients. The findings of the study revealed among others that secondary school adolescents’ helicopter parenting has high negative relationship with their self confidence and esteem. It was recommended among others that the Government and the school administrators should organize seminars, workshops and symposia for parents so that resource persons will educate and direct them on the right parenting style and the likely implication of wrong parenting styles.
EXAMINING KEY DRIVERS FOR ONLINE IMPULSE BUYING IN MALAYSIAN’S PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES STUDENTS
Authors: Lu Man Hong , Abu Hassan Sha’ari Muhammad Azim , Chen Jia Jin , Chen Jie Hunn , Bong Shwu Ching
Published: September 2021

With the current growth of the internet, there are signs of e-commerce in Malaysia growing and booming, such as Lazada, Mudah.my, Shopee, and others. Malaysians have been increasingly reliant on the internet to obtain product details and to make purchases. This motivates e-commerce entrepreneurs to devise a new strategy for increasing sales by increasing the rate of online impulse purchases among visitors to online shopping platforms. The aim of this research is to look into the connection between key-driven and online impulse buying. The aim of this research is to create a framework that represents the main drivers of online impulse buying among Malaysian public universities. The study also addresses empirical results from a 303-respondent online survey conducted with SPSS version 22.0 and Smart-PLS version 3.0. The research paradigm is focused on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) Model, which includes online impulse buying as a dependent variable and three independent variables (Flow Experience, Perceived Usefulness, and Trust). Non-probability methods, judgement sampling, and convenience sampling were used to select respondents in this research, who ranged in age from 19 to over 30 years old and were university students in Malaysia. In addition, this research paves the way for future studies by identifying relevant online purchase platform providers and product categories to conduct a new study.
FACTORS INFLUENCE CUSTOMERS PURCHASE INTENTION TOWARDS HYPERMARKETS AT KOTA BHARU, KELANTAN
Authors: Lu Man Hong , Abu Hassan Sha’ari Muhammad Azim , Annamalai Darshini , Norazmi Muhammad Syahril Amin Bin , Hizani Nurul Asikin Binti , Tan King Kiat
Published: September 2021

The study's goal was to look into the relationship between price, product quality, and interior atmosphere and customers' purchasing intentions in the Kota Bharu, Kelantan area. Kota Bharu Mall, Aeon, Billion, Tesco, Mydin, Giant, and Pantai Timur Hypermarket were among the hypermarkets studied. Furthermore, this study was carried out to establish what the most influential variables are that which affect consumers' buying intentions and, as a result, how they choose their favourite hypermarket. The independent variables in this study were price, product quality, and interior atmospheric, while the dependent variable was purchasing intention. In this research, a questionnaire survey was used to collect data from customers at seven hypermarkets in Kota Bharu. A total of 417 accurate and usable questionnaires were collected, with responses reported on a four-point Likert-type scale, with one indicating strong disagreement and four indicating strong agreement. All of the independent variables were found to be strongly related to the dependent variables in the sample. Product quality has the highest positive correlation with purchasing intention following by Interior atmospheric and price came in second and third. This demonstrates that even minor changes in all of the independent variables have an impact on purchasing intent.
THE ADVANTAGES OF THE MICRO EQUITY MODEL FOR MSME BUSINESS RESILIENCE IN YOGYAKARTA DURING PANDEMIC
Authors: Hartono Bambang Dwi , Diponegoro Ahmad Diponegoro, MSIE., Ph.D. , Yuliawan Indra Yuliawan, SE, MBA, QCRO
Published: September 2021

Many MSME business enterprises were severely hit during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study examined a micro equity financing model as an innovative answer to conventional loans in assisting MSME to survive during and after the pandemic. The micro equity financing model employed a profit-sharing system with flexible repayment and without collateral. A qualitative, descriptive data processing approach was employed. Interviews were conducted online with respondents of MSME that use the micro equity model in the Trust Network Finance (TNF) project in Yogyakarta. It was found more than 75% of MSMEs in Yogyakarta had experienced contractions on the marketing of their business. And more than 50% of MSME players in Yogyakarta had experienced problems in repaying loans due to the Covid-19 pandemic crisis. We suggested from the results that the micro equity model had shown to provide many benefits to MSME, especially in marketing and financial aspects, such as more accessible loan applications, flexible repayment schedules, and business assistance.
Adsorption, Liquid Separation
Authors: Van den Bergh Matthias , Smolders Simon , De Vos Dirk
Published: September 2021

In industry, recovery and purification of the desired end product is a crucial step in the production of many chemicals, arguably as important as the synthesis itself. The cost of separation and purification often contributes a large part of the total production cost. Selection of the appropriate separation technique and optimization of the purification process are hence of critical importance. Adsorption has been used since history for the purification and separation of both gaseous and liquid streams. Sand filtration is known since ancient times and is one of the first examples of human water treatment. Even though the exact nature and mechanism of adsorption processes have long not been well understood, adsorption has been used for a huge variety of applications through all of human history. The separation of dyes, contaminant removal from water, decolorization of sugars, and recovery of fermented products are only a few examples. Nearly every modern‐day industrial chemical‐manufacturing process requires some form of separation in general and adsorption in specific. For instance, every catalytic reaction on a solid catalyst is characterized by an adsorption step, potentially rate determining.

In this article, the basic fundamentals of adsorption, the different adsorbent types and process modes, and a selection of the most relevant industrial adsorptive separations are discussed.
Syrups
Authors: White John S. , Hebeda Ronald E.
Published: September 2021

Starch‐based sweeteners, maple syrup, molasses, honey, and agave syrup—all commercially available syrups—are sweet, viscous, and concentrated carbohydrate solutions. These ingredients play an important role in a variety of food and nonfood applications. Starch‐based sweeteners are prepared from hydrolyzed starch and include dextrose, glucose syrup, maltodextrin, and high‐fructose syrup, all of which have in common the raw material source, general methods of preparation, and many properties and applications. Dextrose, the sugar building block of starch polymers and corn syrup oligomers, is available as a syrup or as a pure crystalline solid. Glucose syrups and maltodextrins are clear, colorless, and viscous liquids prepared by hydrolysis of starch to solutions of dextrose, maltose, and higher molecular weight saccharides. High‐fructose syrup is produced by the partial enzymatic isomerization of starch‐derived dextrose and can be made from a variety of starches. Maple syrup, molasses, honey, and agave syrup—like starch‐based syrups—are nutritive sweeteners produced as concentrated carbohydrate solutions.
Hinterland
Authors: Guerrero David , Pais‐Montes Carlos
Published: September 2021

In transport geography the word “hinterland” designates the catchment area of a transport terminal such as a port, an airport, or an intermodal yard. The performance of the hinterland segment is crucial to the cost competitiveness of an end‐to‐end transport chain. Not all the places within a hinterland are equally important; the core usually provides much of the cargo and it is usually easy to identify. The margins are diffuse and difficult to delineate as they are usually subject to competition with other transport terminals. Within the field of maritime transport, containerization has favored the expansion and overlapping of hinterlands, although the extent of these changes remains to be measured.
CDC and FDA warn of delta‐8 THC harms
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2021

The active ingredient of marijuana is delta‐9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but a new variant, delta‐8 THC, is now making an appearance, and the federal government is warning of serious adverse events — mainly, inadvertent intoxication when people think they are consuming non‐psychoactive CBD, but also more serious adverse events. Children and pets have been poisoned. In a Sept. 14 advisory, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned of “the potential for adverse events due to insufficient labeling of products containing THC and cannabidiol (CBD).” And in another statement from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consumers are warned of adverse events from delta‐8 THC. While THC usually refers to the delta‐9 compound, there are several other compounds that occur in the plant, including delta‐8 THC. The conversion process by which CBD is turned into delta‐8 THC, as well as delta‐9 THC and other THC compounds, with a solvent and other processes, “may create harmful by‐products that presently are not well‐characterized,” the CDC wrote. Delta‐8 products are sometimes marketed as “weed light” or “diet weed” because delta‐8 is not as psychoactive — but still intoxicating. However, there is much confusion now, with CBD and hemp products actually containing delta‐8 on the market. In March 2021, the West Virginia Poison Control Center reported two cases of adverse events related to use of delta‐8 THC products in adults who mistook the products for CBD‐like products, resulting in cannabis intoxication symptoms. The Michigan Poison Control Center also reported two cases of severe adverse events to delta‐8 THC in two children who ingested a parent's delta‐8 THC–infused gummies purchased from a vape shop. “Both children experienced deep sedation and slowed breathing with initial increased heart rate progressing to slowed heart rate and decreased blood pressure,” the CDC wrote. The children were admitted to intensive care.
Influence of the Addition of Ni‐Coated Carbon Nanotubes on the Mechanical Properties of Highly Porous Zirconia Cellular Structures
Authors: Henriques Bruno , Fabris Douglas , Lopes Elvira , Moreira Anderson C. , Mantovani Iara F. , Fernandes Celso P. , Fredel Márcio C.
Published: September 2021

Herein, the effect of the addition of Ni‐coated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and morphology of zirconia porous cellular structures is studied, aiming to increase their mechanical strength. Highly porous structures of monolithic zirconia (ZrO2) and zirconia reinforced with Ni‐doped CNTs (ZrO2 + CNT/Ni) are fabricated through the replica method. Scanning electron microscopy and micro‐computed tomography (microCT) analyses show that ZrO2 + CNT/Ni specimens present lower overall porosity (88.0%) than monolithic ZrO2 (93.8%), indicating improved sintering kinetics. Compressive tests for the ZrO2 + CNT/Ni samples result in a compressive strength of 0.82 ± 0.10 MPa, a threefold value of that of the monolithic sample (0.25 ± 0.07 MPa). The ZrO2 + CNT/Ni samples also present a higher elastic modulus (41.02 ± 4.94 MPa) than the ZrO2 ones (21.92 ± 5.40 MPa). Thus, the addition of Ni‐coated CNTs significantly improves the strength of highly porous zirconia cellular structures.
Revisiting the Chemical Stability of Germanium Selenide (GeSe) and the Origin of its Photocatalytic Efficiency
Authors: Boukhvalov Danil W. , Nappini Silvia , Vorokhta Mykhailo , Menteş Tevfik Onur , Piliai Lesia , Panahi Mohammad , Genuzio Francesca , De Santis Jessica , Kuo Chia‐Nung , Lue Chin Shan , Paolucci Valentina , Locatelli Andrea , Bondino Federica , Politano Antonio
Published: September 2021

Recently, germanium selenide (GeSe) has emerged as a promising van der Waals semiconductor for photovoltaics, solar light harvesting, and water photoelectrolysis cells. Contrary to previous reports claiming perfect ambient stability based on experiments with techniques without surface sensitivity, here, by means of surface‐science investigations and density functional theory, it is demonstrated that actually both: i) the surface of bulk crystals; and ii) atomically thin flakes of GeSe are prone to oxidation, with the formation of self‐assembled germanium‐oxide skin with sub‐nanometric thickness. Surface oxidation leads to the decrease of the bandgap of stoichiometric GeSe and GeSe1−x, while bandgap energy increases upon surface oxidation of Ge1−xSe. Remarkably, the formation of a surface oxide skin on GeSe crystals plays a key role in the physicochemical mechanisms ruling photoelectrocatalysis: the underlying van der Waals semiconductor provides electron–hole pairs, while the germanium‐oxide skin formed upon oxidation affords the active sites for catalytic reactions. The self‐assembled germanium‐oxide/germanium‐selenide heterostructure with different bandgaps enables the activation of photocatalytic processes by absorption of light of different wavelengths, with inherently superior activity. Finally, it is discovered that, depending on the specific solvent‐GeSe interaction, the liquid phase exfoliation of bulk crystals can induce the formation of Se nanowires.
Enhancing Performance and Stability of Tin Halide Perovskite Light Emitting Diodes via Coordination Engineering of Lewis Acid–Base Adducts
Authors: Heo Ye Jin , Jang Ho Jin , Lee Joo‐Hong , Jo Sae Byeok , Kim Seonkwon , Ho Dong Hae , Kwon Seok Joon , Kim Kyusun , Jeon Il , Myoung Jae‐Min , Lee Jun Yeob , Lee Jin‐Wook , Cho Jeong Ho
Published: September 2021

For resolving toxicity issues of Pb‐based perovskites, Sn‐based perovskites have been widely studied as a promising alternative due to similar valence electron configuration between Sn2+ and Pb2+. However, desired Sn2+ in the precursor solution and film is easily oxidized to Sn4+, causing detrimental Sn vacancies and impurities in the films. Unfortunately, dimethyl sulfoxide, a ubiquitously used Lewis base for the fabrication of high‐quality perovskite thin films via the adduct approach, further accelerates the oxidation of Sn2+ in the precursor solution. Herein, N,N′‐dimethylpropyleneurea (DMPU) is proposed as an alternative Lewis base for the fabrication of high‐quality Sn‐based perovskite thin films. The strongly coordinating Lewis base DMPU is shown to suppress the oxidation of Sn2+ in the precursor solution while promoting growth of uniform and highly crystalline thin films. The PEA2SnI4 perovskite light emitting diode (PeLED) based on DMPU demonstrates dramatically improves luminance (L): a more than sixfold enhanced external quantum efficiency (EQE) and better operational stability than those of the device fabricated without DMPU. The optimum PeLED based on DMPU achieves a maximum L and EQE of 68.84 cd m−2 and 0.361%, respectively. This study provides an important methodological base for studying Sn perovskites for development of high‐performance and eco‐friendly PeLEDs.
Molecular Dopant‐Dependent Charge Transport in Surface‐Charge‐Transfer‐Doped Tungsten Diselenide Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Kim Jae‐Keun , Cho Kyungjune , Jang Juntae , Baek Kyeong‐Yoon , Kim Jehyun , Seo Junseok , Song Minwoo , Shin Jiwon , Kim Jaeyoung , Parkin Stuart S. P. , Lee Jung‐Hoon , Kang Keehoon , Lee Takhee
Published: September 2021

The controllability of carrier density and major carrier type of transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDCs) is critical for electronic and optoelectronic device applications. To utilize doping in TMDC devices, it is important to understand the role of dopants in charge transport properties of TMDCs. Here, the effects of molecular doping on the charge transport properties of tungsten diselenide (WSe2) are investigated using three p‐type molecular dopants, 2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoro‐7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4‐TCNQ), tris(4‐bromophenyl)ammoniumyl hexachloroantimonate (magic blue), and molybdenum tris(1,2‐bis(trifluoromethyl)ethane‐1,2‐dithiolene) (Mo(tfd‐COCF3)3). The temperature‐dependent transport measurements show that the dopant counterions on WSe2 surface can induce Coulomb scattering in WSe2 channel and the degree of scattering is significantly dependent on the dopant. Furthermore, the quantitative analysis revealed that the amount of charge transfer between WSe2 and dopants is related to not only doping density, but also the contribution of each dopant ion toward Coulomb scattering. The first‐principles density functional theory calculations show that the amount of charge transfer is mainly determined by intrinsic properties of the dopant molecules such as relative frontier orbital positions and their spin configurations. The authors’ systematic investigation of the charge transport of doped TMDCs will be directly relevant for pursuing molecular routes for efficient and controllable doping in TMDC nanoelectronic devices.
Dendritic CsSnI3 for Efficient and Flexible Near‐Infrared Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Lu Jianxun , Guan Xiang , Li Yuqing , Lin Kebin , Feng Wenjing , Zhao Yaping , Yan Chuanzhong , Li Mingliang , Shen Yueyue , Qin Xiangqian , Wei Zhanhua
Published: September 2021

All‐inorganic and lead‐free CsSnI3 is emerging as one of the most promising candidates for near‐infrared perovskite light‐emitting diodes (NIR Pero‐LEDs), which find practical applications including facial recognition, biomedical apparatus, night vision camera, and Light Fidelity. However, in the CsSnI3‐based Pero‐LEDs, the holes injection is significantly higher than that of electrons, resulting in unbalanced charge injection, undesired exciton dissipation, and poor device performance. Herein, it is proposed to manage charge injection and recombination behavior by tuning the interface area of perovskite and charge‐transporter. A dendritic CsSnI3 structure is prepared on the hole‐transporter, only making a bottom contact with the hole‐transporter and exposing all other available crystal surfaces to the electron‐transporter. In other words, the interface area of perovskite/electron‐transporter is significantly higher than that of perovskite/hole‐transporter. Moreover, the embedding interface of perovskite/electron‐transporter can spatially confine holes and electrons, increasing the radiation recombination. By taking advantage of the dendritic structure, efficient lead‐free NIR Pero‐LEDs are achieved with a record external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 5.4%. More importantly, the dendritic structure shows great superiorities in flexible devices, for there is almost no morphology change after 2000‐cycles of bends, and the fabricated Pero‐LEDs can keep 93.4% of initial EQEs after 50‐cycles of bends.
Additively Manufactured Deformation‐Recoverable and Broadband Sound‐Absorbing Microlattice Inspired by the Concept of Traditional Perforated Panels
Authors: Li Xinwei , Yu Xiang , Zhai Wei
Published: September 2021

Noise pollution is a highly detrimental daily health hazard. Sound absorbers, such as the traditionally used perforated panels, find widespread applications. Nonetheless, modern product designs call for material novelties with enhanced performance and multifunctionality. The advent of additive manufacturing has brought about the possibilities of functional materials design to be based on structures rather than chemistry. With this in mind, herein, the traditional concept of perforated panels is revisited and is incorporated with additive manufacturing for the development of a novel microlattice‐based sound absorber with additional impact resistance multifunctionality. The structurally optimized microlattice presents excellent broadband absorption with an averaged experimental absorption coefficient of 0.77 across a broad frequency range from 1000 to 6300 Hz. Extensive simulation and experiments reveal absorption mechanisms to be based on viscous flow, thermal and structural damping dissipations while broadband capabilities to be on multiple resonance modes working in tandem. High deformation recovery up to 30% strain is also possible from the strut‐based design and viscoelasticity of the base material. Overall, the excellent properties of the microlattice overcome tradeoffs commonly found in conventional absorbers. Additionally, this work aims to present a new paradigm: revisiting old concepts for the developments of novel materials using contemporary methods.
Interface Engineering of Metal‐Oxide Field‐Effect Transistors for Low‐Drift pH Sensing
Authors: Ren Huihui , Liang Kun , Li Dingwei , Zhao Momo , Li Fanfan , Wang Hong , Miao Xiaohe , Zhou Taofei , Wen Liaoyong , Lu Qiyang , Zhu Bowen
Published: September 2021

Field‐effect transistors (FETs) with nanoscale channels have emerged as excellent platforms for constructing high‐sensitivity biosensors. However, in typical FET‐based biosensors, the electronic perturbation at channel/electrolyte interfaces results in poor stability and severe signal drifts, making long‐term continuous measurements quite challenging. To address this issue, here the dielectric/semiconductor interface is tailored by depositing an ultrathin layer of Al2O3 (≈7 nm in thickness) on In2O3 FETs via solution‐based processes. The results show that the Al2O3 dielectric layers effectively passivate the In2O3 channel and endow the device with low operation voltage (0.05 V), high sensitivity (61.9 mV pH−1), and low current drift (0.35 mV h−1) upon long‐term and continuous pH monitoring. This work paves the way to real‐time biosensing with high sensitivity, excellent stability, and low power consumption.
CuInS2Quantum Dot and Polydimethylsiloxane Nanocomposites for All‐Optical Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Imaging
Authors: Bodian Semyon , Colchester Richard J. , Macdonald Thomas J. , Ambroz Filip , Briceno de Gutierrez Martha , Mathews Sunish J. , Fong Yu Man Mandy , Maneas Efthymios , Welsby Kathryn A. , Gordon Ross J. , Collier Paul , Zhang Edward Z. , Beard Paul C. , Parkin Ivan P. , Desjardins Adrien E. , Noimark Sacha
Published: September 2021

Dual‐modality imaging employing complementary modalities, such as all‐optical ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging, is emerging as a well‐suited technique for guiding minimally invasive surgical procedures. Quantum dots are a promising material for use in these dual‐modality imaging devices as they can provide wavelength‐selective optical absorption. The first quantum dot nanocomposite engineered for co‐registered laser‐generated ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging is presented. The nanocomposites developed, comprising CuInS2quantum dots and medical‐grade polydimethylsiloxane (CIS‐PDMS), are applied onto the distal ends of miniature optical fibers. The films exhibit wavelength‐selective optical properties, with high optical absorption (> 90%) at 532 nm for ultrasound generation, and low optical absorption (< 5%) at near‐infrared wavelengths greater than 700 nm. Under pulsed laser irradiation, the CIS‐PDMS films generate ultrasound with pressures exceeding 3.5 MPa, with a corresponding bandwidth of 18 MHz. An ultrasound transducer is fabricated by pairing the coated optical fiber with a Fabry–Pérot (FP) fiber optic sensor. The wavelength‐selective nature of the film is exploited to enable co‐registered all‐optical ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging of an ink‐filled tube phantom. This work demonstrates the potential for quantum dots as wavelength‐selective absorbers for all‐optical ultrasound generation.
The diversity and community structure of symbiotic cyanobacteria in hornworts inferred from long‐read amplicon sequencing
Authors: Nelson Jessica M. , Hauser Duncan A. , Li Fay‐Wei
Published: September 2021

Premise

Nitrogen‐fixing endosymbioses with cyanobacteria have evolved independently in five very different plant lineages. Expanding knowledge of these symbioses promises to improve the understanding of symbiosis evolution and broaden the toolkit for agricultural engineering to reduce artificial fertilizer use. Here we focused on hornworts, a bryophyte lineage in which all members host cyanobacteria, and investigated factors shaping the diversity of their cyanobiont communities.

Methods

We sampled hornworts and adjacent soils in upstate New York throughout the hornwort growing season. We included all three sympatric hornwort species in the area, allowing us to directly compare partner selectivity. To profile cyanobacteria communities, we established a metabarcoding protocol targeting rbcL‐X with PacBio long reads.

Results

The hornwort cyanobionts detected were phylogenetically diverse, including clades that do not contain other known plant symbionts. We found significant overlap between hornwort cyanobionts and soil cyanobacteria, a pattern not previously reported in other plant–cyanobacteria symbioses. Cyanobiont communities differed between host plants only centimeters apart, but we did not detect an effect of sampling time or host species on the cyanobacterial community structure.

Conclusions

This study expands the phylogenetic diversity of known symbiotic cyanobacteria. Our analyses suggest that hornwort cyanobionts have a tight connection to the soil background, and we found no evidence that time within growing season, host species, or distance at the scale of meters strongly govern cyanobacteria community assembly. This study provides a critical foundation for further study of the ecology, evolution, and interaction dynamics of plant–cyanobacteria symbiosis.
Manifestation of epilepsy in a patient with EED‐related overgrowth (Cohen–Gibson syndrome)
Authors: Hetzelt Katalin L. M. L. , Winterholler Martin , Kerling Frank , Rauch Christophe , Ekici Arif B. , Winterpacht Andreas , Vasileiou Georgia , Uebe Steffen , Thiel Christian T. , Kraus Cornelia , Reis André , Zweier Christiane
Published: September 2021

Cohen–Gibson syndrome is a rare genetic disorder, characterized by fetal or early childhood overgrowth and mild to severe intellectual disability. It is caused by heterozygous aberrations in EED, which encodes an evolutionary conserved polycomb group (PcG) protein that forms the polycomb repressive complex‐2 (PRC2) together with EZH2, SUZ12, and RBBP7/4. In total, 11 affected individuals with heterozygous pathogenic variants in EED were reported, so far. All variants affect a few key residues within the EED WD40 repeat domain. By trio exome sequencing, we identified the heterozygous missense variant c.581A > G, p.(Asn194Ser) in exon 6 of the EED‐gene in an individual with moderate intellectual disability, overgrowth, and epilepsy. The same pathogenic variant was detected in 2 of the 11 previously reported cases. Epilepsy, however, was only diagnosed in one other individual with Cohen–Gibson syndrome before. Our findings further confirm that the WD40 repeat domain represents a mutational hotspot; they also expand the clinical spectrum of Cohen–Gibson syndrome and highlight the clinical variability even in individuals with the same pathogenic variant. Furthermore, they indicate a possible association between Cohen–Gibson syndrome and epilepsy.
Accidental hypothermia: characteristics, outcomes, and prognostic factors—A nationwide observational study in Japan (Hypothermia study 2018 and 2019)
Authors: Takauji Shuhei , Hifumi Toru , Saijo Yasuaki , Yokobori Shoji , Kanda Jun , Kondo Yutaka , Hayashida Kei , Shimazaki Junya , Moriya Takashi , Yagi Masaharu , Yamaguchi Junko , Okada Yohei , Okano Yuichi , Kaneko Hitoshi , Kobayashi Tatsuho , Fujita Motoki , Shimizu Keiki , Yokota Hiroyuki
Published: September 2021

Aim

This study describes the clinical characteristics and outcomes as well as the prognostic factors of patients with accidental hypothermia (AH) using Japan’s nationwide registry data.

Methods

The Hypothermia study 2018 and 2019, which included patients aged 18 years or older with a body temperature of 35°C or less, was a multicenter registry conducted at 87 and 89 institutions throughout Japan, with data collected from December 2018 to February 2019 and December 2019 to February 2020, respectively.

Results

In total, 1363 patients were enrolled in the registry, of which 1194 were analyzed in this study. The median (interquartile range) age was 79 (68–87) years, and the median (interquartile range) body temperature at the emergency department was 30.8°C (28.4–33.6°C). Forty‐three percent of patients with AH had a mild condition, 35.2% moderate, and 21.9% severe. AH occurred in an indoor setting in 73.4% and was caused by acute medical illness in 49.3% of patients. A total of 101 (8.5%) patients suffered from cardiopulmonary arrest on arrival at the hospital. The overall 30‐day mortality rate was 24.5%, the median (interquartile range) intensive care unit stay was 4 (2–7) days, and the median (interquartile range) hospital stay was 13 (4–27) days. In the multivariable logistic analysis, the prognostic factors were age (≥75 years old), male, activities of daily living (needing total assistance), cause of AH (trauma, alcohol), Glasgow Coma Scale score, and potassium level (>5.5 mEq/L).

Conclusion

The mortality rate of AH was 24.5% in Japan. The prognostic factors developed in this study may be useful for the early prediction, prevention, and awareness of severe AH.
Controlling Gene Expression in Mammalian Cells Using Multiplexed Conditional Guide RNAs for Cas12a**
Authors: Oesinghaus Lukas , Simmel Friedrich C.
Published: September 2021

Spatiotemporal control of the activity of CRISPR‐associated (Cas) proteins is of considerable interest for basic research and therapeutics. Here, we show that conditional guide RNAs (gRNAs) for Cas12a can be transcribed in mammalian cells by RNA polymerase II, followed by activation via input‐dependent processing of the 3′ tail of the gRNA transcript. We demonstrate processing using an RNA strand displacement mechanism, as well as microRNA‐dependent processing, and cleavage by a guanine‐responsive ribozyme. We further demonstrate that Cas12a along with several independently switchable gRNAs can be compactly integrated on a single transcript using stabilizing RNA triplexes, providing a route towards Cas12a‐based gene regulation constructs with multi‐input switching capabilities. The principle is shown to work in HEK and mouse fibroblast cells using luminescence, fluorescence, and is also demonstrated for the conditional upregulation of an endogenous gene.
Comments and further results on “Optimal design of non‐fragile PID controller”
Authors: Kumar Mahendra , Hote Yogesh V.
Published: September 2021

In this brief paper, we present the technical errors of “Optimal design of non‐fragile PID controller” (Elsisi, 2019), which is published in this journal. Besides, we give the solution of these technical errors. Further, we give the robustness fragility index (RFI) concept to analyze the nonfragile nature of the published controller.
Verteilte Rissbreitenmessung im Betonbau mittels faseroptischer Sensorik – Neue Anwendung von verteilten faseroptischen Messsystemen
Authors: Vorwagner Alois , Kwapisz Maciej , Lienhart Werner , Winkler Madeleine , Monsberger Christoph , Prammer Dominik
Published: September 2021

Risse und deren Veränderung sind wesentliche Indikatoren für Betonbauten. Konventionelle Risssensoren können nur bekannte Risse punktuell erfassen bzw. deren Weitenänderung bestimmen. In diesem Beitrag wird ein neues Rissmesssystem vorgestellt, welches mit nachträglich an der Betonoberfläche verklebten kostengünstigen Glasfasersensoren über weite Strecken Risse erfasst, ohne deren Lage zuvor zu kennen. Mit verteilten faseroptischen Messungen (engl. Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing „DFOS“) können bis zu einer Einzelmesslänge von 70,0 m neue Risse identifiziert, auf 3,5 cm verortet sowie deren Weitenänderungen bestimmt werden. Die erreichten Genauigkeiten betragen 0,035 mm (Labormaßstab) und 0,15 mm (reale Anwendungen). Mit DFOS werden somit Einzelrisse bei im Stahlbetonbau üblichen Rissabständen von 15 cm messbar, auch wenn keine direkte Sichtverbindung vorliegt. Es wird ein neu entwickelter Auswertealgorithmus vorgestellt, mit dem zusätzlich die historische Rissentwicklung erfasst wird. Bei Epochenmessungen kann mit diesem auf eine zwischenzeitlich aufgetretene maximale Rissbreite rückgeschlossen werden. Laborversuche und reale Messungen im Zuge einer Pilotanwendung von mehr als einem Jahr zeigen die Methodik sowie die Randbedingungen bei der Wahl der Faser und des Klebers. Gegenüberstellungen verschiedener Messsysteme ergeben eine erreichte Genauigkeit in ähnlicher Größenordnung wie konventionelle Risssensoren.
Pharmacokinetic comparison of four arbidol hydrochloride preparations in beagle dogs
Authors: Lu Jing‐Ze , Ye Dan , Chen Long , Ma Bing‐Liang
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to compare the pharmacokinetic properties of four preparations (dispersible tablets, ordinary tablets, capsules and granules) of arbidol hydrochloride, a broad‐spectrum antiviral drug, in beagle dogs. Briefly, a single dose of 100 mg of the four preparations of arbidol hydrochloride was orally administered to dogs; blood was then collected from the veins of the foreleg at different times after administration to prepare plasma samples. The plasma concentration of arbidol hydrochloride was measured using a validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The results showed that when orally administered with dispersible tablets, ordinary tablets, capsules and granules suspended with water, there were no significant differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters (including peak time, peak concentration, elimination half‐life, area under the curve (AUC0–t), and mean retention time) of arbidol hydrochloride. However, in the case of the dispersible tablets, the pharmacokinetics of arbidol hydrochloride was significantly affected by the mode of administration. Compared with direct feeding, peak time [0.50 (0.13, 0.50) vs. 1.00 (0.50, 2.00)] was significantly shortened (P = 0.033) and the AUC0–48 h (8726.5 ± 2509.3 vs. 3650.8 ± 1536.9 ng h/ml) was significantly increased (P = 0.012) when the dispersible tablets were orally administered as water dispersion. In conclusion, the pharmacokinetics of four preparations of arbidol hydrochloride were not significant different in beagle dogs. However, compared with direct feeding, the absorption of arbidol hydrochloride was faster and the bioavailability was better when the dispersible tablets were orally administered as water dispersion.
Acetylated Rhamnose Triterpenoid Saponins from Glechoma longituba Analyzed by LC‐Q‐TOFMS
Authors: Ouyang Xi‐Lin , Ma Tian‐Hua , Xie Gui‐Liang , Chen Shan , Wang Heng‐Shan , Jia Qiang , Zhang En‐De , Huang Jing‐Hua
Published: September 2021

The aim of the present work is to isolate a series of triterpene derivatives with rhamnosyl linking acetyl groups from Glechoma longituba according to the structural characteristics of previously described triterpene saponins. The extract ion chromatography spectrum of the crude extract of G. longituba was detected and analyzed by HPLC‐HR‐ESI‐MS to determine possible components, and these metabolites were traced and separated by combining high‐resolution mass spectrometry and predicted liquid chromatography retention time. Three 11α, 12α‐epoxypentacyclic oleanolic acid triterpene saponins (glechomanosides H–J) and one ursane triterpene aldehyde saponin with a C‐28 aldehyde group were isolated from G. longituba. The structure of these compounds was confirmed by NMR and compared with those of previously characterized compounds. The strategy described in this report enables a rapid, reliable, and complete analysis of glycoside compounds containing different numbers of acetyl groups at different positions on the sugar.
Community colleges in the policyscape: Concluding thoughts for research and practice
Authors: Fernandez Frank , Hu Xiaodan
Published: September 2021

Community colleges navigate a policy landscape or “policyscape” that was not created for them but that affects them in numerous ways. The concluding article introduces the idea of the policyscape in the community college context, and provides examples from the volume of when and how policies can be updated (what Mettler calls “policy maintenance”) to support community colleges and their missions. We argue that the volume identifies ways that community colleges are affected by policy design effects, unintended consequences, and lateral effects. We use the policyscape framework to synthesize takeaways from the volume and suggest directions for future research and institutional action.
Light‐Driven Oxidation of Pu(IV) to Pu(VI) Enables Green and Efficient Pu Recovery
Authors: Dong Xue , Wang Zhipeng , Yan Qiang , Chen Jing , Feng Xiaogui , Xu Chao
Published: September 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Plutonium (Pu) is a key actinide in nuclear industry and is the only element in the periodic table known to date that could exist in four different oxidation states simultaneously in aqueous solution. Efficient recovery of Pu in nuclear wastes relies greatly on the precise control of its oxidation states. Herein, we introduce a light‐driven oxidation approach that could effectively oxidize Pu(IV) to Pu(VI) in acidic solutions without the addition of extra chemical oxidants. The oxidation proceeds via the reaction of Pu(IV) with the oxidative species induced by UV light irradiation. This approach can help with the separation of Pu from other metals and can be further extended to a biphasic extraction system to achieve green and efficient stripping of Pu from an organic solvent.
Research Progress on Coating Structure of Silicon Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Ke , Liu Xuefeng , Guan Keke , Yu Yingjie , Lei Wen , Zhang Shaowei , Jia Quanli , Zhang Haijun
Published: September 2021

Silicon, which has been widely studied by virtue of its extremely high theoretical capacity and abundance, is recognized as one of the most promising anode materials for the next generation of lithium‐ion batteries. However, silicon undergoes tremendous volume change during cycling, which leads to the destruction of the electrode structure and irreversible capacity loss, so the promotion of silicon materials in commercial applications is greatly hampered. In recent years, many strategies have been proposed to address these shortcomings of silicon. This Review focused on different coatings materials (e. g., carbon‐based materials, metals, oxides, conducting polymers, etc.) for silicon materials. The role of different types of materials in the modification of silicon‐based material encapsulation structure was reviewed to confirm the feasibility of the protective layer strategy. Finally, the future research direction of the silicon‐based material coating structure design for the next‐generation lithium‐ion battery was summarized.