bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No More This than That
Authors: Vogt Katja Maria ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: November 2021

In the terms of ancient epistemology, Pyrrho is a dogmatist, not a skeptic, simply on account of putting forward a metaphysical theory. His most contested claim is that things are indifferent, unmeasured, and indeterminate—or, on a competing reconstruction, that things are indifferentiable, unmeasurable, and indeterminable. This paper argues that Pyrrho’s position, which I call Pyrrhonian Indeterminacy, belongs to a rich tradition of revisionist metaphysics that includes ancient atomism, flux metaphysics, Plato’s analysis of becoming, and today’s discussions of indeterminacy and vagueness. This tradition, my argument continues, makes room for a kind of metaphysics that proceeds in epistemological terms. Pyrrho’s indeterminacy claim says that things are indeterminate insofar as they do not have features by reference to which we can determine them to be such-and-such. We should not waver or be inclined to see things one way or another—we should see things, and describe them, as “no more this than that.”
Development of method to assess separation process taking into account rheological properties of mineral slurry
Authors: Potemkin Vadim , Aleksandrova Tatiana
Published: November 2021

This article considers the possibility of developing a methodology for assessing the separation process of gold-sulfide raw materials, taking into account the rheological characteristics of the mineral suspension. The object of the study is the ore of the Mayskoye deposit, which is subjected to fine crushing followed by cyanidation, so the consideration of rheological properties is the most important aspect of achieving the necessary enrichment performance. In the course of the research, using the object-oriented programming language Python 3.8, a program for calculating the empirical coefficients of the three-component rheological equation was developed. The resulting equation is the determinant for the shear stress within the suspension as a function of the velocity gradient. The developed program has been used to calculate coefficients of rheological equations for three variants of solid concentration in feed which correspond to the minimum, average and maximum for hydrocyclone used in the research (400 g/l, 500 g/l and 700 g/l respectively). Then, using the Ansys Fluent software, the multiphase classification modeling problem in the hydrocyclone was solved, resulting in shear rate profiles in the cross-section of the apparatus, from which the conditions necessary for the suspension to reach a fully dispersed state were concluded. It was determined that solid concentration 400 g/l is the optimum value that ensures maximum dispersion of the mineral slurry.
Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente - 25 Anos de História Relatos e Experiências nos 16 Municípios do Norte e Nordeste de Santa Catarina
Authors: Belli Jurema Iara Reis , Aquino Lourdes Salette Cezari de
Published: November 2021

Esta é uma obra que apresenta a política voltada à implantação efetiva dos direitos da criança e do adolescente, em especial na região que compreende os Municípios de Araquari, Balneário Barra do Sul, Barra Velha, Campo Alegre, Corupá, Garuva, Guaramirim, Itapoá, Jaraguá do Sul, Joinville, Massaranduba, Rio Negrinho, São Bento do Sul, São Francisco do Sul, São João do Itaperiú, e Schroeder.
A Qualitative Study of Unfairness and Distrust in Smoke-free Housing
Authors: Wray Jasilyn A. , Sheehan Brynn E. , Rees Vaughan W. , Cooper Diane , Morgan Emma , Plunk Andrew D.
Published: November 2021

Objectives: Whereas smoke-free housing (SFH) has the potential to protect residents from tobacco smoke, evidence suggests that SFH could lead to increased indoor smoking. In this study, we examine how perceptions of a residential smoking ban could be related to non-compliance.
Methods: We conducted 8 focus group interviews of low-income housing residents living in Norfolk, Virginia (N=53). Interviews were semi-structured and based on a list of guided questions related to SFH compliance, developed in partnership with a standing community advisory board comprised
of low-income housing residents. Results: Several themes emerged, including pervasive non-compliance, perceived unfairness and shame, barriers to compliance, and distrust of the housing authority. Smokers reported behavior primarily motivated by punishment avoidance, rather than out
of any perceived obligation to comply with the ban. Conclusions: Results led us to consider Procedural Justice Theory as a conceptual framework, in which compliance is directly related to perceptions about the legitimacy of a rule or authority. When compliance is low due to a lack of
perceived legitimacy, SFH should be adapted to promote changes in smoking behavior. We offer specific theory-supported adaptations to SFH focused on trust-building and improving perceived fairness.
Validity and Reliability of the Muscularity Oriented Eating Test (MOET) in Turkish
Authors: Caliskan Gozde , Alim Nural Erzurum
Published: November 2021

Objectives: In this study, we determine the validity and reliability of the Muscularity Oriented Eating Test (MOET) among Turkish university students, thereby creating the MOET-TR. Methods: First, the MOET was translated by using the translation-back translation method
for cultural equivalence. Then, the validity and reliability analyses were performed on 460 university students. To analyze the stability of the scale over time, the MOET-TR was applied to approximately 20% of the sample number for a second time after 2-4 weeks. Results: The one-factor
structure of the MOET-TR demonstrated a good agreement with the fix index values. Cronbach's for the MOET-TR was 0.88, and the ICC value was 0.84. In addition, we found a positive statistically significant relationship between the total scores obtained from the DMS, EAT-40, REZZY, and IPAQ-Short
forms used to evaluate the convergent divergent validity of the MOET-TR (p < .05). Conclusions: The MOET-TR is suitable for the Turkish culture and can be used to identify individuals who have muscularity oriented eating disorders, who are uncomfortable with their body shape, and
who turn their body shapes into a social phobia.
Scaling Behaviour of Si-alloyed Steel Slabs under Reheating Conditions
Authors: Mikl Gregor , Höfler Thomas , Gierl-Mayer Christian , Danninger Herbert , Linder Bernhard , Angeli Gerhard
Published: November 2021

Reheating of steel slabs for further processing such as hot rolling usually takes place in gas-fired pusher furnaces. Temperatures well above 1000°C, combined with an atmosphere containing H2O, CO2, and O2, lead to substantial oxidation of most steel grades. Newly developed advanced steels often contain significant amounts of Si. This element plays a dominant role in the scaling behaviour near the steel-scale-interface, since fayalite (Fe2SiO4) forms a eutectic with wuestite (Fe1–xO) that melts as low as 1177°C.To better understand the high temperature oxidation behaviour, lab-scale trials were performed with different steel grades containing up to 3 wt.% Si. Possible interactions of Si with other alloying elements present in the samples such as Cr, Mn and Al were also of interest. The atmosphere contained 20% H2O, 7% CO2, and 3% O2, resembling reheating conditions in pusher furnaces, and temperatures ranged from 1100 to 1240°C. For metallographic investigation, the oxidised samples were cold mounted under vacuum using taper section angles. After preparation, the sections were examined through light microscopy, SEM/EDS, XRD, and TEM. The local distribution of the alloying elements could be mapped efficiently, and phase identification was successful in most parts. Under the applied experimental conditions, the elements of interest were present in their oxidic form either as pure or as mixed oxides. Higher Si-contents led to an increased build-up of eutectic melting phase at the steel-scale-interface at temperatures above 1177°C, which in turn further accelerated the oxidation.
Numerical Analysis of the Influence of the Modification of the Ladle Shroud on Fluid Flow Behavior in a One-strand Tundish during Continuous Steel Casting
Authors: Suchan Hanna , Cwudziński Adam
Published: November 2021

A tundish is a device from which liquid steel is pour into a mold. Therefore tundish hydrodynamic conditions have a significant impact on solidification during continuous steel casting (CSC) process. Modification of ladle shroud workspace, allows for the modification of liquid steel movement in the tundish. In the following work, numerical simulations were performed which allowed the impact of the modification of the ladle shroud workspace on the liquid steel flow structure in a one-strand tundish to be determined. In order to assess the impact of the modification of the ladle shroud on the behavior of the liquid steel in the tundish, simulations were performed, on the basis of which the percentage share of stagnant, ideal mixing and plug flow zones were determined. In addition, the mixing parameters were determined, allowing the estimation of casting duration during sequential casting. The flow fields of liquid steel for each modification of the ladle shroud were performed. The average velocity of liquid steel flowing through the tundish, the Reynolds number and turbulent intensity were also described. The obtained results showed, among others, that the application of three cylinders with a diameter of 0.041 m into the ladle shroud with a diameter of 0.11 m increases the share of active flow in the tundish in relation to the tundish with Conventional Ladle Shroud. At the same time, applying a ladle shroud with a diameter of 0.11 m during casting is the most favorable in relation to the hydrodynamics of the tundish.
Mål- og resultatstyring og tillitsbasert styring: Ulike alternativer eller kunstige motsetninger?
Authors: Bjurstrøm Karl Hagen
Published: November 2021

Forvaltningspolitikk har i økende grad kommet på dagsorden. Særlig diskuteres behovet for å erstatte mål- og resultatstyring med tillitsbasert styring. I denne artikkelen argumenteres det for at motsetningen mellom mål- og resultatstyring og tillitsbasert styring er kunstig og at tillitsbasert styring er fullt forenelig med mål- og resultatstyring. Heller enn å diskutere mål- og resultatstyring og tillitsbasert styring som ulike dikotomier bør vi studere hvordan behovet for politisk kontroll og faglig autonomi og handlingsrom kan og bør balanseres i utøvelsen av mål- og resultatstyring. Artikkelen viser hvordan ulike teoretiske tilnærminger til styring, samt forskning på etatsstyring i Norge, kan brukes for å forstå ulik praktisering av mål- og resultatstyring. Slik får en et mer nyansert bilde av, og økt bevissthet om, hvordan offentlig styring gjennom mål- og resultatstyring kan utøves.
Styrning av social- och hälsovårdstjänster under marknadsliknande förhållanden. Myndigheters syn på valfrihetens inverkan i Finland och Sverige.
Authors: Brandt Mats Olof Mikael
Published: November 2021

Sedan 1980-talet har marknadsinslagen ökat inom välfärdstjänsterna. Införandet av valfrihet har varit aktuell i social- och hälsovården i både Finland och Sverige under 2000-talet. Syftet här är att undersöka synen på styrning i samband med valfrihetssystem hos de myndigheter som har ansvar för social- och hälsovården i de två länderna. Den långsiktiga utvecklingen av styrningen beskrivs ur ett teoretiskt perspektiv samt även hur den är organiserad inom social- och hälsovården. I den empiriska delen används data från en tidigare undersökning.

Framväxten av valfrihetssystem speglar en utveckling av styrning med marknadsinslag över tid och den ger utrymme för betoning på samproduktion, samskapande och delaktighet. Samtidigt förutsätter valfriheten och flerproducentmiljön mer kontroll och övervakning för att myndigheterna ska styra de privata utförarna, enligt undersökningsresultaten. Resultaten pekar på variationer i marknaderna som behöver beaktas i styrningen. Det finns skillnader i synen hos myndigheterna i de två länderna på behoven för myndigheterna och medborgarna att i högre utsträckning övervaka de privata utförarna, där behoven upplevs klart större hos de finländska respondenterna.

Styrningens framtida utformning behöver även ta sikte på de övergripande politiska målsättningarna med valfrihet och detta får stöd av myndigheterna, bland annat att främja serviceanvändarens självbestämmande och främja kvalitetsutvecklingen.
Lower limb kinetic comparisons between the chasse step and one step footwork during stroke play in table tennis
Authors: He Yuqi , Sun Dong , Yang Xiaoyi , Fekete Gusztáv , Baker Julien S. , Gu Yaodong
Published: November 2021

Background

Biomechanical footwork research during table tennis performance has been the subject of much interest players and exercise scientists. The purpose of this study was to investigate the lower limb kinetic characteristics of the chasse step and one step footwork during stroke play using traditional discrete analysis and one-dimensional statistical parameter mapping.

Methods

Twelve national level 1 table tennis players (Height: 172 ± 3.80 cm, Weight: 69 ± 6.22 kg, Age: 22 ± 1.66 years, Experience: 11 ± 1.71 year) from Ningbo University volunteered to participate in the study. The kinetic data of the dominant leg during the chasse step and one step backward phase (BP) and forward phase (FP) was recorded by instrumented insole systems and a force platform. Paired sample T tests were used to analyze maximum plantar force, peak pressure of each plantar region, the force time integral and the pressure time integral. For SPM analysis, the plantar force time series curves were marked as a 100% process. A paired-samples T-test in MATLAB was used to analyze differences in plantar force.

Results

One step produced a greater plantar force than the chasse step during 6.92–11.22% BP (P = 0.039). The chasse step produced a greater plantar force than one step during 53.47–99.01% BP (P < 0.001). During the FP, the chasse step showed a greater plantar force than the one step in 21.06–84.06% (P < 0.001). The one step produced a higher maximum plantar force in the BP (P = 0.032) and a lower maximum plantar force in the FP (P = 0) compared with the chasse step. The one step produced greater peak pressure in the medial rearfoot (P = 0) , lateral rearfoot (P = 0) and lateral forefoot (P = 0.042) regions than the chasse step during BP. In FP, the chasse step showed a greater peak pressure in the Toe (P = 0) than the one step. The one step had a lower force time integral (P = 0) and greater pressure time integral (P = 0) than the chasse step in BP, and the chasse step produced a greater force time integral (P = 0) and pressure time integral (P = 0.001) than the one step in the FP.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that athletes can enhance plantarflexion function resulting in greater weight transfer, facilitating a greater momentum during the 21.06–84.06% of FP. This is in addition to reducing the load on the dominant leg during landing by utilizing a buffering strategy. Further to this, consideration is needed to enhance the cushioning capacity of the sole heel and the stiffness of the toe area.
Rare Case of Multilocular Cystic Renal Neoplasm of Low Malignant Potential with Chronic Pyelonephritis
Authors: Kesari Mrunal , Agrawal Shweta , Patil Yoganand , Bhattacharya Indranil , Dholpure Monica
Published: November 2021

Multilocular Cystic Renal Neoplasm of Low Malignant Potential (MCRNLMP) represents a rare variant of clear cell (conventional) renal carcinoma. They constitute between 3-6% of clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC). The RCC constitutes less than 1% of all renal tumours. The MCRNLMP has an excellent prognosis with no reports of recurrence or metastasis. Authors reported a case of 67-year-old male patient on account of its rarity, co-existing pyelonephritis and incidental detection of MCRNLMP. Differentiation between MCRNLMP, RCC variants and other cystic lesions with clear cells is important as prognosis, treatment differ markedly. Radiological Bosnaik classification of complex cysts in category IIF and III is challenging and requires microscopic examination for correct diagnosis. Histopathology shows cysts separated and fibrous septae having groups of clear cells with low grade nuclei. Immunohistochemistry with Carbonic Anhydrase-IX (CA-IX), Epithelial Membrane Antigen (EMA), Cytokeratin (CK7) and CD10 is confirmatory. Diagnosis requires detailed imaging studies, meticulous grossing of nephrectomy specimens, extensive sampling of cystic tissue to find clear cells and immunohistochemistry (IHC).
Eksperimen Perancangan Elemen Pembentuk Dan Pengisi Ruang Interior Berbasis Repurposing Pipa PVC
Authors: Pramono Jonathan , Kusumarini Yusita , F. Poillot Jean
Published: November 2021

Pipa PVC adalah bahan bangunan yang sangat umum digunakan dalam instalasi plumbing di seluruh dunia sejak tahun 1930. Dengan karakter fisik yang ringan, kuat, fleksibel, tahan terhadap kebocoran dan korosi, serta mudah dari segi perakitan, sifat fisik pipa PVC ini sangat potensial digunakan dalam perancangan elemen pembentuk dan pengisi ruang interior dengan prinsip “repurposing”. Dalam perancangan ini terdapat 2 pokok masalah yang diangkat yakni bagaimana potensi pipa PVC dalam perancangan elemen pembentuk dan pengisi ruang interior dan apa saja kekurangan dan kelebihan dari rancangan elemen pembentuk dan pengisi ruang interior yang menggunakan  pipa  PVC  sebagai  bahan  utamanya  jika  ditinjau  dari  sifat  material  pipa  PVC,  penerapan  sistem  mekanis,  dan modularnya.  Metode  yang  digunakan  adalah  design  thinking  dengan  tahapan:  inspiration  (understand,  observe,  dan  P.O.V.), ideation (ideate, prototype, dan test), implementation (story telling, pilot, dan business model). Perancangan ini menghasilkan 5 desain produk interior (chair, office table, coffee table, partisi, dan stacking rack). Kelima produk ini dapat membuktikan potensi pipa PVC dari segi sifat material dan penerapan sistemnya. Kelebihan yang teridentifikasi adalah:  waktu pembuatan yang singkat serta sistem  mekanis  dan  modular  yang  dapat  diaplikasikan  dengan  sambungan  dan  tabung  pipa  PVC.  Kekurangan yang teridentifikasi adalah aplikasi sistem dan proses perakitan yang kurang bisa presisi.
Perancangan Omahub! Apartemen Small Office Home Office Multifungsi
Authors: Ardani Melissa , Angelina Natasya , Suprobo Filipius Priyo
Published: November 2021

Hunian merupakan salah satu kebutuhan primer tiap manusia, di mana manusia melakukan banyak aktivitas di dalamnya. Dewasa  ini  dengan  bertambahnya  populasi  manusia  yang  terus  menerus  dengan  lahan  yang  semakin  sedikit menimbulkan  alternatif  hunian  bertingkat  yaitu  apartemen.  Apartemen  merupakan  hunian  yang  memiliki  lahan  kecil sehingga  tidak  semua  aktivitas  dapat  dilakukan  di  dalamnya.  Sehingga  small  office  home  office  yang  merupakan gabungan fungsi kantor dan rumah menjadi solusi baik untuk fenomena ini. Perancangan Omahub sebagai solusi yang berkonsep menjadikan suatu apartmen menjadi pusat (hub) area profesional muda untuk melakukan segala kegiatannya baik sebagai rumah dan workspace dalam sehari-hari.
Meprin and ADAM proteases as triggers of systemic inflammation in sepsis
Authors: Rahn Sascha , Becker‐Pauly Christoph
Published: November 2021

Systemic inflammatory disorders (SIDs) comprise a broad range of diseases characterized by dysregulated excessive innate immune responses. Severe forms of SIDs can lead to organ failure and death, and their increasing incidence represents a major issue for the healthcare system. Protease‐mediated ectodomain shedding of cytokines and their receptors represents a central mechanism in the regulation of inflammatory responses. The metalloprotease A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) 17 is the best‐characterized ectodomain sheddase capable of releasing TNF‐α and soluble IL‐6 receptor, which are decisive factors of systemic inflammation. Recently, meprin metalloproteases were also identified as IL‐6 receptor sheddases and activators of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and IL‐18. In different mouse models of SID, particularly those mimicking a sepsis‐like phenotype, ADAM17 and meprins have been found to promote disease progression. In this review, we summarize the role of ADAM10, ADAM17, and meprins in the onset and progression of sepsis and discuss their potential as therapeutic targets.
TaCo2Te2: An Air‐Stable, High Mobility Van der Waals Material with Probable Magnetic Order
Authors: Singha Ratnadwip , Yuan Fang , Cheng Guangming , Salters Tyger H. , Oey Yuzki M. , Villalpando Graciela V. , Jovanovic Milena , Yao Nan , Schoop Leslie M.
Published: November 2021

Van der Waals (vdW) materials are an indispensable part of functional device technology due to their versatile physical properties and ease of exfoliating to the low‐dimensional limit. Among all the compounds investigated so far, the search for magnetic vdW materials has intensified in recent years, fueled by the realization of magnetism in 2D. However, metallic magnetic vdW systems are still uncommon. In addition, they rarely host high‐mobility charge carriers, which is an essential requirement for high‐speed electronic applications. Another shortcoming of 2D magnets is that they are highly air sensitive. Using chemical reasoning, TaCo2Te2 is introduced as an air‐stable, high‐mobility, magnetic vdW material. It has a layered structure, which consists of Peierls distorted Co chains and a large vdW gap between the layers. It is found that the bulk crystals can be easily exfoliated and the obtained thin flakes are robust to ambient conditions after 4 months of monitoring using an optical microscope. Signatures of canted antiferromagntic behavior are also observed at low‐temperature. TaCo2Te2 shows a metallic character and a large, nonsaturating, anisotropic magnetoresistance. Furthermore, the Hall data and quantum oscillation measurements reveal the presence of both electron‐ and hole‐type carriers and their high mobility.
High‐Performance Magnetic FePt (L10) Surface Microrollers Towards Medical Imaging‐Guided Endovascular Delivery Applications
Authors: Bozuyuk Ugur , Suadiye Eylul , Aghakhani Amirreza , Dogan Nihal Olcay , Lazovic Jelena , Tiryaki Mehmet Efe , Schneider Martina , Karacakol Alp Can , Demir Sinan Ozgun , Richter Gunther , Sitti Metin
Published: November 2021

Controlled microrobotic navigation in the vascular system can revolutionize minimally invasive medical applications, such as targeted drug and gene delivery. Magnetically controlled surface microrollers have emerged as a promising microrobotic platform for controlled navigation in the circulatory system. Locomotion of micrororollers in strong flow velocities is a highly challenging task, which requires magnetic materials having strong magnetic actuation properties while being biocompatible. The L10‐FePt magnetic coating can achieve such requirements. Therefore, such coating has been integrated into 8 µm‐diameter surface microrollers and investigated the medical potential of the system from magnetic locomotion performance, biocompatibility, and medical imaging perspectives. The FePt coating significantly advanced the magnetic performance and biocompatibility of the microrollers compared to a previously used magnetic material, nickel. The FePt coating also allowed multimodal imaging of microrollers in magnetic resonance and photoacoustic imaging in ex vivo settings without additional contrast agents. Finally, FePt‐coated microrollers showed upstream locomotion ability against 4.5 cm s−1 average flow velocity with real‐time photoacoustic imaging, demonstrating the navigation control potential of microrollers in the circulatory system for future in vivo applications. Overall, L10‐FePt is conceived as the key material for image‐guided propulsion in the vascular system to perform future targeted medical interventions.
CO2 Dominated Bifunctional Catalytic Sites for Efficient Industrial Exhaust Conversion
Authors: Dong Man , Zhou Jie , Zhong Jun , Li Hai‐Tao , Sun Chun‐Yi , Han Yi‐Dong , Kou Jun‐Ning , Kang Zhen‐Hui , Wang Xin‐Long , Su Zhong‐Min
Published: November 2021

Converting industrial exhaust into valuable chemicals is crucial for sustainable economic development. Direct CO2 photoreduction from real flue gas is an ideal clean and promising way, until now, without success. Here, photoreduction of exhaust gas from the power plant by Ni bridged COF (Ni@TPHH‐COF) is shown. Under visible light, syngas is produced with CO output reaching 2.1 mol kg−1 h−1. The ideal conversion of flue gas is up to 672 L kg−1 h−1. Of note, the system exhibits appealing yield and selectivity under 0.5–40% CO2 and AQY achieves 3.96% under 10% CO2, ranking among the highest value of reported photocatalysts. Mechanism studies suggest CO2 plays a dual function as both a component of a catalytic site and a reactant, which can not only selectively enrich CO2 in catalytic sites but improve reaction rate significantly. This CO2‐dominated bifunctional site prolongs electrons lifetime, stabilizes intermediates, and reduces free energy of reduction under diluted CO2.
Ultrafast Synthesis of I‐Rich Lithium Argyrodite Glass–Ceramic Electrolyte with High Ionic Conductivity
Authors: Liu Yu , Peng Hongling , Su Han , Zhong Yu , Wang Xiuli , Xia Xinhui , Gu Changdong , Tu Jiangping
Published: November 2021

Lithium argyrodites are one of the most promising sulfide electrolytes due to their high ionic conductivity and ductile feature. Among them, Li6PS5I (LPSI) exhibits better stability against Li metal but a rather low ionic conductivity (only ≈10−6 S cm−1) because of the absence of S2−/I− disorder. Herein, argyrodite Li6−xPS5−xI1+x glass–ceramic electrolytes with high iodine content are synthesized using ultimate‐energy mechanical alloying method. S2−/I− disorder is successfully introduced into the system by doping LiI during this one‐pot process. Determined by 6Li magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, the introduction of iodine promotes Li+ inter‐cage jumps, leading to an enhanced long‐range Li+ conducting. The Li5.6PS4.6I1.4 glass–ceramic electrolyte (LPSI1.4‐gc) possesses high ionic conductivity (2.04 mS cm−1) and excellent stability against Li metal. The Li symmetric cell with the LPSI1.4‐gc electrolyte demonstrates ultralong cycling stability over 3200 h at 0.2 mA cm−2. LiCoO2/Li6PS5Cl/Li all‐solid‐state battery applying LPSI1.4‐gc as the anode interlayer also presents prominent cycling and rate performance. This work provides a novel type of electrolyte with high ionic conductivity and stability against Li metal.
Vapor‐Phase Fabrication of Cell‐Accommodated Scaffolds with Multicomponent Functionalization for Neuronal Applications
Authors: Wu Ting‐Ying , Wu Chih‐Yu , Christy Jane , Chiang Yu‐Chih , Guan Zhen‐Yu , Yu Jiashing , Chen Hsien‐Yeh
Published: November 2021

Multifunctional scaffolds are needed for neurogenetic tissue engineering. The rationale of the proposed advanced scaffold features a friendly vapor‐phased fabrication process involving no solvents, initiators, or harmful chemical agents. The state‐of‐the‐art fabrication mechanism is exploited in this study to fabricate a neuron‐guiding porous scaffold based on controlling the thermodynamic properties and mass‐transport phenomenon of the molecules that involve two simultaneous processes of water molecule sublimation and poly‐p‐xylylene deposition. More importantly, variations in the functional molecules are arranged in terms of the composition and spatial location within the scaffold construct to provide multiple functions, including excellent biocompatibility by poly‐p‐xylylene, electrical conductivity by poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), and multicomponent growth factors by platelet‐rich plasma (PRP). In addition, pheochromocytoma 12 cell line (PC‐12) cells are preloaded to ensure homogeneous distribution. High cell viability is also observed with spherical aggregates of PC‐12 cells, verifying enhanced cell–cell interactions and cell–matrix interactions and finally enhancing cellular responses, while increased efficiency of neurogenetic differentiation with upregulated Nestin and Tuj‐1 gene expression is confirmed, showing enhancement of neuron‐like cells differentiation in fabricated scaffold constructs. The advanced scaffold represents a prospective synthetic tissue engineering product with sophisticated engineering guidance of molecular composition and distribution and control of cellular activities and differentiation.
Laser‐Induced Graphenization of PDMS as Flexible Electrode for Microsupercapacitors
Authors: Zaccagnini Pietro , Ballin Chiara , Fontana Marco , Parmeggiani Matteo , Bianco Stefano , Stassi Stefano , Pedico Alessandro , Ferrero Sergio , Lamberti Andrea
Published: November 2021

Laser graphenization of polymeric surfaces has emerged as one of the most promising technologies to fabricate flexible electrodes. Unfortunately, despite the large number of materials suitable for laser‐induced graphene (LIG) fabrication, there is a lack of stretchable polymers, hindering the full exploitation of LIG for flexible electronics. Herein, the laser graphenization of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), the most exploited elastomeric substrate for flexible electronic device fabrication, is proposed for the first time. The low carbon content and the absence of aromatic structures strongly limit the graphenization process resulting in limited conduction properties. Nevertheless, by adding triethylene glycol (TEG) as carbon source into the PDMS matrix, it is possible to improve the graphenization and to reduce the sheet resistance of the written LIG by two orders of magnitude down to 130 ohm sq−1. The PDMS‐TEG material becomes a suitable candidate for flexible microsupercapacitor fabrication with specific capacitance values as high as 287 µF cm−2 and energy and power density approaching LIG‐based supercapacitors fabricated onto traditional polyimide substrates.
Structured Scintillators for Efficient Radiation Detection
Authors: Lin Ziyu , Lv Shichao , Yang Zhongmin , Qiu Jianrong , Zhou Shifeng
Published: November 2021

Scintillators, which can convert high‐energy ionizing radiation into visible light, have been serving as the core component in radiation detectors for more than a century of history. To address the increasing application demands along with the concern on nuclear security, various strategies have been proposed to develop a next‐generation scintillator with a high performance in past decades, among which the novel approach via structure control has received great interest recently due to its high feasibility and efficiency. Herein, the concept of “structure engineering” is proposed for the exploration of this type of scintillators. Via internal or external structure design with size ranging from micro size to macro size, this promising strategy cannot only improve scintillator performance, typically radiation stopping power and light yield, but also extend its functionality for specific applications such as radiation imaging and therapy, opening up a new range of material candidates. The research and development of various types of structured scintillators are reviewed. The current state‐of‐the‐art progresses on structure design, fabrication techniques, and the corresponding applications are discussed. Furthermore, an outlook focusing on the current challenges and future development is proposed.
A Multifunctional Neutralizing Antibody‐Conjugated Nanoparticle Inhibits and Inactivates SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Cai Xiaolei , Chen Min , Prominski Aleksander , Lin Yiliang , Ankenbruck Nicholas , Rosenberg Jillian , Nguyen Mindy , Shi Jiuyun , Tomatsidou Anastasia , Randall Glenn , Missiakas Dominique , Fung John , Chang Eugene B. , Penaloza‐MacMaster Pablo , Tian Bozhi , Huang Jun
Published: November 2021

The outbreak of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID‐19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), has resulted in a global pandemic. Despite intensive research, the current treatment options show limited curative efficacies. Here the authors report a strategy incorporating neutralizing antibodies conjugated to the surface of a photothermal nanoparticle (NP) to capture and inactivate SARS‐CoV‐2. The NP is comprised of a semiconducting polymer core and a biocompatible polyethylene glycol surface decorated with high‐affinity neutralizing antibodies. The multifunctional NP efficiently captures SARS‐CoV‐2 pseudovirions and completely blocks viral infection to host cells in vitro through the surface neutralizing antibodies. In addition to virus capture and blocking function, the NP also possesses photothermal function to generate heat following irradiation for inactivation of virus. Importantly, the NPs described herein significantly outperform neutralizing antibodies at treating authentic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in vivo. This multifunctional NP provides a flexible platform that can be readily adapted to other SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies and extended to novel therapeutic proteins, thus it is expected to provide a broad range of protection against original SARS‐CoV‐2 and its variants.
Asymmetric Oxo‐Bridged ZnPb Bimetallic Electrocatalysis Boosting CO2‐to‐HCOOH Reduction
Authors: Mohamed Aya Gomaa Abdelkader , Zhou Enbo , Zeng Zipeng , Xie Jiafang , Gao Dunfeng , Wang Yaobing
Published: November 2021

Electrochemical CO2 reduction (ECR) is one of the promising CO2 recycling technologies sustaining the natural carbon cycle and offering more sustainable higher‐energy chemicals. Zn‐ and Pb‐based catalysts have improved formate selectivity, but they suffer from relatively low current activities considering the competitive CO selectivity on Zn. Here, lead‐doped zinc (Zn(Pb)) electrocatalyst is optimized to efficiently reduce CO2 to formate, while CO evolution selectivity is largely controlled. Selective formate is detected with Faradaic efficiency (FEHCOOH) of ≈95% at an outstanding partial current density of 47 mA cm–2 in a conventional H‐Cell. Zn(Pb) is further investigated in an electrolyte‐fed device achieving a superior conversion rate of ≈100 mA cm–2 representing a step closer to practical electrocatalysis. The in situ analysis demonstrates that the Pb incorporation plays a crucial role in CO suppression stem from the generation of the Pb–O–C–O–Zn structure rather than the CO‐boosted Pb–O–C–Zn. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the alloying effect tunes the adsorption energetics and consequently modifies the electronic structure of the system for an optimized asymmetric oxo‐bridged intermediate. The alloying effect between Zn and Pb controls CO selectivity and achieves a superior activity for a selective CO2‐to‐formate reduction.
Bio‐Inspired Adaptive Sensing through Electropolymerization of Organic Electrochemical Transistors
Authors: Ghazal Mahdi , Daher Mansour Michel , Scholaert Corentin , Dargent Thomas , Coffinier Yannick , Pecqueur Sébastien , Alibart Fabien
Published: November 2021

Organic electrochemical transistors are considered today as a key technology to interact with a biological medium through their intrinsic ionic‐electronic coupling. In this paper, the authors show how this coupling can be finely tuned (in operando) post‐microfabrication via the electropolymerization technique. This strategy exploits the concept of adaptive sensing where both transconductance and impedance are tunable and can be modified on‐demand to match different sensing requirements. Material investigation through Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy reveals that electropolymerization can lead to a fine control of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) microdomains organization, which directly affects the iono‐electronic properties of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). They further highlight how volumetric capacitance and effective mobility of PEDOT:polystyrene sulfonate influence distinctively the transconductance and impedance of OECTs. This approach shows to improve the transconductance by 150% while reducing their variability by 60% in comparison with standard spin‐coated OECTs. Finally, they show how the technique can influence voltage spike rate hardware classification with direct interest in bio‐signals sorting applications.
Improved Performance and Stability of Perovskite Solar Modules by Regulating Interfacial Ion Diffusion with Nonionic Cross‐Linked 1D Lead‐Iodide
Authors: Zeng Haipeng , Li Lin , Liu Fengxiang , Li Min , Zhang Shujing , Zheng Xin , Luo Long , You Shuai , Zhao Yang , Guo Rui , Gong Zhongmiao , Huang Rong , Li Zhe , Wang Ti , Cui Yi , Rong Yaoguang , Li Xiong
Published: November 2021

Long‐term stability has become the major obstacle for the successful large‐scale application of perovskites devices. Owing to the ionic nature of metal‐halide perovskites, the interfacial ion diffusion can induce irreversible degradation under operational conditions, which presents a great challenge to realize stable perovskite solar modules. Here, a diphenylphosphine oxide compound, ethane‐1,2‐diylbis(diphenylphosphine oxide) (DPPO) is introduced to coordinate with lead iodide and form a cross‐linked 1D Pb3I6‐DPPO (1D‐PbI2) complex. These judiciously designed cross‐linked nonionic low‐dimensional lead halide/organic adducts can passivate the defects of perovskite while acting as a robust ion diffusion barrier, thus significantly improving the electronic quality and intrinsic stability of perovskite films. As a result, high‐performance inverted (p‐i‐n) solar modules with a champion efficiency approaching 19% (a certified stabilized efficiency of 17.8%) for active device areas above 17 cm2 without the use of antisolvents, accompanied by outstanding operational stability under heat stress and continuous illumination are achieved.
Regulating Electron Redistribution of Intermetallic Iridium Oxide by Incorporating Ru for Efficient Acidic Water Oxidation
Authors: He Jing , Zhou Xin , Xu Ping , Sun Jianmin
Published: November 2021

Developing high‐performance electrocatalysts to catalyze water splitting for the generation of sustainable hydrogen remains a challenge in proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. However, the only applicable IrOx in PEM electrolyzers for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with a multiproton‐coupled process, requires a higher standard due to the weak oxygen bonding on Ir sites, which causes high overpotential and poor stability under oxidative and acidic conditions. Herein, the intermetallic Ru1Ir1Ox is synthesized through incorporation of Ru into IrOx, which exhibits a record overpotential of 204 mV (10 mA cm−2geo) and excellent stability of 110 h (100 mA cm−2geo) with a high stability number (1.13 × 106) toward the acidic OER. Through fine characterizations, Ir sites with lower than +4 valence state are observed due to charge redistribution, in turn enhancing the acidic OER performance. Theoretical calculations reveal that incorporation of Ru effectively moves the Fermi level to the Ir 5d band center, thus enhancing the adsorption of oxygen intermediates and decreasing the energy barrier of the potential‐determining step from 1.02 to 0.65 eV. The decreased valence states of Ir and enhanced valence state of Ru due to the charge redistribution significantly tunes the electronic structure of Ir sites, thereby drastically enhancing the OER performance.
Effects of temperature on seed dormancy and germination of the coastal dune plant Viola grayi: germination phenology and responses to winter warming
Authors: Kuroda Asumo , Sawada Yoshihiro
Published: November 2021

Premise

In temperate sand dunes, rising air temperature from climate change could not only further elevate surface soil temperatures during summers, but also drastically change the range of soil temperatures in other seasons. Winter warming may shift the timing of seed germination of dune species that require cold stratification for dormancy release.

Methods

We assessed the effects of temperature on dormancy and germination of Viola grayi seeds and evaluated whether winter warming could affect its germination phenology by conducting germination experiments and analyzing soil temperature data in cold and warm winters.

Results

Viola grayi seeds were dormant when dispersed in spring. One‐month moist‐chilling treatment (4°C) effectively released dormancy, while short, intermittent lower temperatures (alternating 20°/5°C) did not. Continuous higher temperatures induced secondary dormancy in nondormant seeds. During a cold, snowy winter, the surface soil temperatures of the sand dune remained at 0°–2°C for approximately 1 month owing to the accumulated snow, while the period of such stable low soil temperatures was much shorter during a warm, less‐snowy winter, and the highest soil temperature reached 20°–25°C. These results suggest that dispersed seeds germinate in the following spring after winter chilling, but they may remain dormant after warm winters.

Conclusions

With winter warming, seed dormancy of V. grayi seeds could be prolonged and the associated germination delayed. Assessing the minimum requirements for dormancy release and the potential to form persistent soil seed banks is important for judging the necessity and urgency of conservation efforts for temperate dune species.
Genetic variation of the relict maple Acer miyabei: uncovering its history of disjunct occurrence and the role of mountain refugia in shaping genetic diversity
Authors: Saeki Ikuyo , Hirao Akira S. , Kenta Tanaka
Published: November 2021

Premise

Relict species provide valuable insights into the origin and formation of extant vegetation. Here, we aimed to elucidate the genetic structure and diversity of a riparian relic, Acer miyabei, in Japan. Once widely distributed, it now occurs in three isolated regions. The most northern regional group is located at low elevation on Hokkaido Island, whereas the southernmost group in central Honshu Island is at high elevation in a mountainous landscape. This contrastive distribution enables us to examine the effects of climate oscillations on genetic diversity in relation to topographic variation.

Methods

We collected 604 individuals of A. miyabei from 43 sites. Their genetic structure and diversity were analyzed using 12 microsatellite markers and cpDNA sequences.

Results

According to structure analyses, ∆K was lowest at K = 2; the clustering essentially separated many of the individuals in the most northern regional group from the others. In contrast, the two southern groups were not clearly differentiated from each other, despite their geographic discontinuity. The proportion of private alleles was high in populations from the mountain terrain in the southern group although the number of extant populations is limited.

Conclusions

Genetic clustering of A. miyabei is not perfectly congruent with the current patterns of geographic distribution. We infer that disjunction of the two southern groups occurred more recently than that between these groups and the northern group. The mountainous landscape in the most southern region likely provided multiple refugia and contributed to the retention of distinctive genetic variation.
Expanding the phenotypic and allelic spectrum of SMG8: Clinical observations reveal overlap with SMG9‐associated disease trait
Authors: Abdel‐Salam Ghada M. H. , Duan Ruizhi , Abdel‐Hamid Mohamed S. , Sayed Inas S. M. , Jhangiani Shalini N. , Khan Ziad , Du Haowei , Gibbs Richard A. , Posey Jennifer E. , Marafi Dana , Lupski James R.
Published: November 2021

SMG8 (MIM *617315) is a regulatory subunit involved in nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay (NMD), a cellular protective pathway that regulates mRNA transcription, transcript stability, and degrades transcripts containing premature stop codons. SMG8 binds SMG9 and SMG1 to form the SMG1C complex and inhibit the kinase activity of SMG1. Biallelic deleterious variants in SMG9 are known to cause a heart and brain malformation syndrome (HBMS; MIM #616920), whereas biallelic deleterious variants in SMG8 were recently described to cause a novel neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) with dysmorphic facies and cataracts, now defined as Alzahrani–Kuwahara syndrome (ALKUS: MIM #619268). Only eight subjects from four families with ALKUS have been described to date. Through research reanalysis of a nondiagnostic clinical exome, we identified a subject from a fifth unrelated family with a homozygous deleterious variant in SMG8 and features consistent with ALKUS. Interestingly, the subject also had unilateral microphthalmia, a clinical feature that has been described in SMG9‐related disorder. Our study expands the phenotypic spectrum of SMG8‐related disorder, demonstrates an overlapping phenotype between SMG8‐ and SMG9‐related rare disease traits, provides further evidence for the SMG8 and SMG9 protein interactions, and highlights the importance of revisiting nondiagnostic exome data to identify and affirm emerging novel genes for rare disease traits.
Tunable Amine‐Reactive Electrophiles for Selective Profiling of Lysine
Authors: Tang Kuei‐Chien , Cao Jian , Boatner Lisa M. , Li Linwei , Farhi Jonathan , Houk Kendall N. , Spangle Jennifer , Backus Keriann M. , Raj Monika
Published: November 2021

Proteome profiling by activated esters identified >9000 ligandable lysines but they are limited as covalent inhibitors due to poor hydrolytic stability. Here we report our efforts to design and discover a new series of tunable amine‐reactive electrophiles (TAREs) for selective and robust labeling of lysine. The major challenges in developing selective probes for lysine are the high nucleophilicity of cysteines and poor hydrolytic stability. Our work circumvents these challenges by a unique design of the TAREs that form stable adducts with lysine and on reaction with cysteine generate another reactive electrophiles for lysine. We highlight that TAREs exhibit substantially high hydrolytic stability as compared to the activated esters and are non‐cytotoxic thus have the potential to act as covalent ligands. We applied these alternative TAREs for the intracellular labeling of proteins in different cell lines, and for the selective identification of lysines in the human proteome on a global scale.
BTP‐Rh@g‐C3N4 as an efficient recyclable catalyst for dehydrogenation and borrowing hydrogen reactions
Authors: Luo Lan , Liu Hongqiang , Zeng Wei , Hu Wenkang , Wang Dawei
Published: November 2021

Highly active catalysts play an important role in modern catalysis. A novel and efficient ligand benzotriazole‐pyrimidine (BTP) and the corresponding rhodium composite on C3N4 were successfully synthesized. The resulting rhodium composite was fully characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The obtained composite exhibited good catalytic activity and good recovery performance in the synthesis of quinoxaline from 2‐aminobenzyl alcohol and benzonitrile, and more than 20 quinoxalines were obtained in good yields. Additionally, it also showed that rhodium composite could achieved good catalytic performance in the synthesis of functionalized ketone through borrowing hydrogen strategy.