bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radio-frequency single electron transistors in physically defined silicon quantum dots with a sensitive phase response
Authors: Mizokuchi Raisei , Bugu Sinan , Hirayama Masaru , Yoneda Jun , Kodera Tetsuo
Published: March 2021

Radio-frequency reflectometry techniques are instrumental for spin qubit readout in semiconductor quantum dots. However, a large phase response is difficult to achieve in practice. In this work, we report radio-frequency single electron transistors using physically defined quantum dots in silicon-on-insulator. We study quantum dots which do not have the top gate structure considered to hinder radio frequency reflectometry measurements using physically defined quantum dots. Based on the model which properly takes into account the parasitic components, we precisely determine the gate-dependent device admittance. Clear Coulomb peaks are observed in the amplitude and the phase of the reflection coefficient, with a remarkably large phase signal of ∼45°. Electrical circuit analysis indicates that it can be attributed to a good impedance matching and a detuning from the resonance frequency. We anticipate that our results will be useful in designing and simulating reflectometry circuits to optimize qubit readout sensitivity and speed.
Point-of-care SARS-CoV-2 serological assays for enhanced case finding in a UK inpatient population
Authors: Pallett S. J. C. , Denny S. J. , Patel A. , Charani E. , Mughal N. , Stebbing J. , Davies G. W. , Moore L. S. P.
Published: March 2021

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a global pandemic. Case identification is currently made by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) during the acute phase and largely restricted to healthcare laboratories. Serological assays are emerging but independent validation is urgently required to assess their utility. We evaluated five different point-of-care (POC) SARS-CoV-2 antibody test kits against PCR, finding concordance across the assays (n = 15). We subsequently tested 200 patients using the OrientGene COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Cassette and find a sensitivity of 74% in the early infection period (day 5–9 post symptom onset), with 100% sensitivity not seen until day 13, demonstrating inferiority to PCR testing in the infectious period. Negative rate was 96%, but in validating the serological tests uncovered potential false-negatives from PCR testing late-presenting cases. A positive predictive value (PPV) of 37% in the general population precludes any use for general screening. Where a case definition is applied however, the PPV is substantially improved (95.4%), supporting use of serology testing in carefully targeted, high-risk populations. Larger studies in specific patient cohorts, including those with mild infection are urgently required to inform on the applicability of POC serological assays to help control the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and improve case finding of patients that may experience late complications.
Responsiveness to ripasudil may be a potential outcome marker for selective laser trabeculoplasty in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Baba Taro , Hirooka Kazuyuki , Nii Hiroki , Kiuchi Yoshiaki
Published: March 2021

We examined responsiveness to ripasudil as a potential factor for predicting the effect of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) when performed for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). A total of 70 eyes with no history of glaucoma surgery underwent SLT between January 2015 and June 2019. Patients were divided into two groups, with an intraocular pressure (IOP) decrease of 15% or more due to ripasudil administration before SLT defined as the effective group, while an IOP decrease of less than 15% was defined as the non-effective group. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed. A Cox proportional hazards model assessed the influence of baseline factors on the success. Of the 70 eyes evaluated, treatments were effective in 22 and non-effective in 48. Postoperatively, both groups exhibited IOP reductions for up to 24 months. Success ratios at 12 and 24 months after SLT were 43.5% and 18.5% in the effective versus 24.9% and 9.3% in the non-effective group, which were significantly higher in the effective group (P = 0.03). Presence of a ripasudil effective eye (P = 0.03) was associated with treatment success. Responsiveness to ripasudil may be useful in predicting the therapeutic effect of SLT.
Role of vitamin D serum levels in prevention of primary and recurrent melanoma
Authors: Lombardo M. , Vigezzi A. , Ietto G. , Franchi C. , Iori V. , Masci F. , Scorza A. , Macchi S. , Iovino D. , Parise C. , Carcano G.
Published: March 2021

Patients afflicted with melanoma show lower vitamin D serum levels (VDSL) than the healthy population. This hypothesis agrees with its well-known antiproliferative features. An observational study was carried out to collect VDSL in patients suffering from melanoma. Our aim was to identify a potential connection between low VDSL and the risk to incur melanoma. Furthermore, we studied the association between VDSL at the diagnosis of melanoma and other germane prognostic factors. The population held in regard was composed of 154 patients with a diagnosis of melanoma between 2016 and 2019. These patients were retrospectively collected from our follow-up storage. We compared VDSL to clinical and pathological parameters (age, sex, tumour location, Breslow’s depth, Clark’s level, histological subtype, ulceration, et aliqua). Moreover, we recruited a control group with negative melanoma history. Mean and median of VDSL were significantly lower in the melanoma group. Instead, we found a negative association between melanoma and VDSL > 30 ng/L (OR 0.11; p < 0.0001). No correlation between VDSL and both Breslow’s depth and Clark’s level was discovered, but the VDSL comparison between thin (depth ≤ 1 mm) and thick tumours (depth > 1 mm) revealed a statistically significant difference (21.1 ± 8.2 ng/L vs 17.8 ± 8.1; p = 0.01). Moreover, VDSL were significantly lower in melanomas with mitotic rate ≥ 1/mm2 (22.1 ± 8.3 ng/L; p < 0007). Nevertheless, no connection was found between VDSL and both ulceration and positive sentinel nodes (p = 0.76; p = 0.74). Besides, our study revealed no association between VDSL and histological subtype (p = 0.161). Lower VDSL correlate with thick and high mitotic rate tumours. Future prospective studies would investigate if appropriate upkeep of suitable VDSL can decrease the risk of primary and recurrent melanoma diagnosis.
Electron liquid state in the symmetric Anderson lattice
Authors: Karnaukhov Igor N.
Published: March 2021

Using mean field approach, we provide analytical and numerical solution of the symmetric Anderson lattice for arbitrary dimension at half filling. The symmetric Anderson lattice is equivalent to the Kondo lattice, which makes it possible to study the behavior of an electron liquid in the Kondo lattice. We have shown that, due to hybridization (through an effective field due to localized electrons) of electrons with different spins and momenta $$\mathbf{k} $$
k
and $$\mathbf{k} +\overrightarrow{\pi }$$

k
+

π
→

, the gap in the electron spectrum opens at half filling. Such hybridization breaks the conservation of the total magnetic momentum of electrons, the spontaneous symmetry is broken. The state of electron liquid is characterized by a large Fermi surface. A gap in the spectrum is calculated depending on the magnitude of the on-site Coulomb repulsion and value of s–d hybridization for the chain, as well as for square and cubic lattices. Anomalous behavior of the heat capacity at low temperatures in the gapped state, which is realized in the symmetric Anderson lattice, was also found.
An intercomparison of the pore network to the Navier–Stokes modeling approach applied for saturated conductivity estimation from X-ray CT images
Authors: Gackiewicz Bartłomiej , Lamorski Krzysztof , Sławiński Cezary , Hsu Shao-Yiu , Chang Liang-Cheng
Published: March 2021

Different modeling techniques can be used to estimate the saturated conductivity of a porous medium based on computed tomography (CT) images. In this research, two methods are intercompared: direct modeling using the Navier–Stokes (NS) approach and simplified geometry pore network (PN) modeling. Both modeling approaches rely on pore media geometry which was determined using an X-ray CT scans with voxel size 2 μm. An estimate of the saturated conductivity using both methods was calculated for 20 samples prepared from sand with diverse particle size distributions. PN-estimated saturated conductivity was found to be statistically equivalent to the NS-determined saturated conductivity values. The average value of the ratio of the PN-determined conductivity to the NS-determined conductivity (KsatPN/NS) was equal to 0.927. In addition to the NS and PN modeling approaches, a simple Kozeny-Carman (KC) equation-based estimate was made. The comparison showed that the KC estimate overestimated saturated conductivity by more than double (2.624) the NS estimate. A relationship was observed between the porous media specific surface and the KsatPN/NS ratio. The tortuosity of analyzed samples was estimated, the correlation between the porous media tortuosity and the specific surface of the samples was observed. In case of NS modelling approach the difference between pore media total porosity and total porosity of meshes, which were lower, generated for simulations were observed. The average value of the differences between them was 0.01. The method of NS saturated conductivity error estimation related to pore media porosity underestimation by numerical meshes was proposed. The error was on the average 10% for analyzed samples. The minimum value of the error was 4.6% and maximum 19%.
Metabolic engineering of probiotic Escherichia coli for cytolytic therapy of tumors
Authors: Chiang Chung-Jen , Huang Po-Han
Published: March 2021

Bacterial cancer therapy was developed using probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) for medical intervention of colorectal cancer. EcN was armed with HlyE, a small cytotoxic protein, under the control of the araBAD promoter (PBAD). The intrinsic limitation of PBAD for the gene expression is known to be negated by glucose and afflicted with all-or-nothing induction in host bacteria. This issue was addressed by metabolic engineering of EcN to uncouple the glucose-mediated control circuit and the L-arabinose transport-induction loop and to block L-arabinose catabolism. As a result, the reprogrammed strain (designated EcNe) enabled efficient expression of HlyE in a temporal control manner. The HlyE production was insensitive to glucose and reached a saturated level in response to L-arabinose at 30–50 μM. Moreover, the administrated EcNe exhibited tumor-specific colonization with the tumor-to-organ ratio of 106:1. Equipped with HlyE, EcNe significantly caused tumor regression in mice xenografted with human colorectal cancer cells. Overall, this study proposes a new strategy for the bacteria-mediated delivery of therapeutic proteins to tumors.
A focused very high energy electron beam for fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy
Authors: Svendsen Kristoffer , Guénot Diego , Svensson Jonas Björklund , Petersson Kristoffer , Persson Anders , Lundh Olle
Published: March 2021

An electron beam of very high energy (50–250 MeV) can potentially produce a more favourable radiotherapy dose distribution compared to a state-of-the-art photon based radiotherapy technique. To produce an electron beam of sufficiently high energy to allow for a long penetration depth (several cm), very large accelerating structures are needed when using conventional radio-frequency technology, which may not be possible due to economical or spatial constraints. In this paper, we show transport and focusing of laser wakefield accelerated electron beams with a maximum energy of 160 MeV using electromagnetic quadrupole magnets in a point-to-point imaging configuration, yielding a spatial uncertainty of less than 0.1 mm, a total charge variation below $$1 \%$$

1
%

and a focal spot of $$2.3 \times 2.6\;{\text {mm}}^2$$

2.3
×
2.6

mm

2

. The electron beam was focused to control the depth dose distribution and to improve the dose conformality inside a phantom of cast acrylic slabs and radiochromic film. The phantom was irradiated from 36 different angles to obtain a dose distribution mimicking a stereotactic radiotherapy treatment, with a peak fractional dose of 2.72 Gy and a total maximum dose of 65 Gy. This was achieved with realistic constraints, including 23 cm of propagation through air before any dose deposition in the phantom.
Synthesis and performance of ZnO quantum dots water-based fluorescent ink for anti-counterfeiting applications
Authors: Chen Xi , Wang Qi , Wang Xiao-Ju , Li Jie , Xu Guo-Bin
Published: March 2021

In this study, the ZnO quantum dots (QDs) water-based fluorescent anti-counterfeiting ink was prepared with the polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) content of 0.15–0.17 g/mL, the ZnO QDs concentration of 4% and water as the solvent, which has good fluorescence, printability and resistance. According to the halftone technology, fluorescence quenching of the ZnO QDs by acid, and acid resistance of the organic fluorescent ink, a high-quality anti-counterfeiting method of fluorescent discoloration was proposed. The QDs ink has broad application prospects in the field of anti-counterfeiting green packaging.
Maternal antibodies facilitate Amyloid-β clearance by activating Fc-receptor-Syk-mediated phagocytosis
Authors: Illouz Tomer , Nicola Raneen , Ben-Shushan Linoy , Madar Ravit , Biragyn Arya , Okun Eitan
Published: March 2021

Maternal antibodies (MAbs) protect against infections in immunologically-immature neonates. Maternally transferred immunity may also be harnessed to target diseases associated with endogenous protein misfolding and aggregation, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and AD-pathology in Down syndrome (DS). While familial early-onset AD (fEOAD) is associated with autosomal dominant mutations in theAPP,PSEN1,2genes, promoting cerebral Amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, DS features a life-long overexpression of theAPPandDYRK1Agenes, leading to a cognitive decline mediated by Aβ overproduction and tau hyperphosphorylation. Although no prenatal screening for fEOAD-related mutations is in clinical practice, DS can be diagnosed in utero. We hypothesized that anti-Aβ MAbs might promote the removal of early Aβ accumulation in the central nervous system of humanAPP-expressing mice. To this end, a DNA-vaccine expressing Aβ1-11was delivered to wild-type female mice, followed by mating with 5xFAD males, which exhibit early Aβ plaque formation. MAbs reduce the offspring’s cortical Aβ levels 4 months after antibodies were undetectable, along with alleviating short-term memory deficits. MAbs elicit a long-term shift in microglial phenotype in a mechanism involving activation of the FcγR1/Syk/Cofilin pathway. These data suggest that maternal immunization can alleviate cognitive decline mediated by early Aβ deposition, as occurs in EOAD and DS.
MAGIs regulate aPKC to enable balanced distribution of intercellular tension for epithelial sheet homeostasis
Authors: Matsuzawa Kenji , Ohga Hayato , Shigetomi Kenta , Shiiya Tomohiro , Hirashima Masanori , Ikenouchi Junichi
Published: March 2021

Constriction of the apical plasma membrane is a hallmark of epithelial cells that underlies cell shape changes in tissue morphogenesis and maintenance of tissue integrity in homeostasis. Contractile force is exerted by a cortical actomyosin network that is anchored to the plasma membrane by the apical junctional complexes (AJC). In this study, we present evidence that MAGI proteins, structural components of AJC whose function remained unclear, regulate apical constriction of epithelial cells through the Par polarity proteins. We reveal that MAGIs are required to uniformly distribute Partitioning defective-3 (Par-3) at AJC of cells throughout the epithelial monolayer. MAGIs recruit ankyrin-repeat-, SH3-domain- and proline-rich-region-containing protein 2 (ASPP2) to AJC, which modulates Par-3-aPKC to antagonize ROCK-driven contractility. By coupling the adhesion machinery to the polarity proteins to regulate cellular contractility, we propose that MAGIs play essential and central roles in maintaining steady state intercellular tension throughout the epithelial cell sheet.
Investigation of electronic and vibrational properties of dihydroxylammonium 5,5′-bistetrazole-1,1′-diolate under high-pressure conditions
Authors: Fan Junyu , Su Yan , Zhao Jijun
Published: March 2021

The vibrational and electronic properties of TKX-50 reveal the enhanced intermolecular hydrogen bonds cause the change of intramolecular geometry of TKX-50, thereby triggering possible structural transformation.
Chemically modified and conjugated antimicrobial peptides against superbugs
Authors: Li Wenyi , Separovic Frances , O'Brien-Simpson Neil M. , Wade John D.
Published: March 2021

Chemical modification of antimicrobial peptides augments their antibacterial action via multiple mechanisms.
Selenite supplementation modulates the hepatic metabolic sensors AMPK and SIRT1 in binge drinking exposed adolescent rats by avoiding oxidative stress
Authors: Nogales Fátima , Cebadero Oscar , Romero-Herrera Inés , Rua Rui Manuel , Carreras Olimpia , Ojeda Ma Luisa
Published: March 2021

Oxidative metabolism of ethanol after exposure to BD in hepatocytes, and its relationship with SIRT1 and AMPK through EROS and NADH/NAD+. Effects of selenium supplementation.
Protective effects of fucoidan against ethanol-induced liver injury through maintaining mitochondrial function and mitophagy balance in rats
Authors: Zhao Huichao , Liu Shuang , Zhao Hui , Liu Ying , Xue Meilan , Zhang Huaqi , Qiu Xia , Sun Zhanyi , Liang Hui
Published: March 2021

Fucoidan prevents the occurrence of ethanol-induced high apoptosis and mitophagy by scavenging ROS, and maintains mitochondrial function and mitophagy balance.
Integration of capillary–hydrodynamic logic circuitries for built-in control over multiple droplets in microfluidic networks
Authors: Zaremba Damian , Błoński Sławomir , Korczyk Piotr M.
Published: March 2021

Passive integrated microfluidic logic structures allowing for the microelectronics-inspired programming of operations on sequences of droplets.
In-air particle generation by on-chip electrohydrodynamics
Authors: Dau Van T. , Bui Tung T. , Tran Canh-Dung , Nguyen Thanh Viet , Nguyen Tuan-Khoa , Dinh Toan , Phan Hoang-Phuong , Wibowo David , Rehm Bernd H. A. , Ta Hang Thu , Nguyen Nam-Trung , Dao Dzung V.
Published: March 2021

This work demonstrates the capability of simultaneously generating-and-delivering a stream of micro/nanoparticles range of 0.75–2 μm by electrohydrodynamics, without any restrictions of either the collector or the assistance of external flow.
Biosynthetic strategies for tetramic acid formation
Authors: Mo Xuhua , Gulder Tobias A. M.
Published: March 2021

Over 30 biosynthetic gene clusters for natural tetramate have been identified. This highlight reviews the biosynthetic strategies for formation of tetramic acid unit for the first time, discussing the individual molecular mechanism in detail.
Spinel-type FeNi2S4 with rich sulfur vacancies grown on reduced graphene oxide toward enhanced supercapacitive performance
Authors: Tao Yingrui , Yuan Jingjing , Qian Xingyue , Meng Qi , Zhu Junwu , He Guangyu , Chen Haiqun
Published: March 2021

Due to the coexistence of rich sulfur vacancies and rGO, the r-FeNi2S4-rGO electrode shows a superior specific capacitance.
Three-dimensional clusters of peony-shaped CuO nanosheets as a high-rate anode for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Hu Lin , Yang Zhong , Li Hulin , Yang Xiao , Li Jianping , Wang Ping , Jin Changqing , Zhang Chi
Published: March 2021

TCP-CuO possesses a unique three-dimensional peony-liked architecture which not only alleviates volume expansion problem, but also enhances electron/ion conductivity. As an anode in LIBs, TCP-CuO delivers excellent electrochemical performances.
A new and efficient lactic acid polymerization by multimetallic cerium complexes: a poly(lactic acid) suitable for biomedical applications
Authors: Pastore Genny , Gabrielli Serena , Cecchi Teresa , Giuliani Arianna , Cimarelli Cristina , Menchi Alessandro , Marcantoni Enrico
Published: March 2021

The combined CeCl3·7H2O–NaI system has demonstrated to be a very valuable and nontoxic catalyst toward PLLA synthesis.
Predicting the characteristics of defect transitions on curved surfaces
Authors: Agarwal Siddhansh , Hilgenfeldt Sascha
Published: March 2021

Analytical criteria determine the characteristics of order to disorder transition on curved lattices (e.g. viral capsids) and predict stability of non-symmetric defect positions.
Ti3C2MXene–polymer nanocomposites and their applications
Authors: Riazi Hossein , Nemani Srinivasa Kartik , Grady Michael C. , Anasori Babak , Soroush Masoud
Published: March 2021

Favorable interactions between polymer chains and Ti3C2MXene flakes are essential to develop state-of-the-art MXene/polymer nanocomposite devices.
High-density monolithic pellets of double-sided graphene fragments based on zeolite-templated carbon
Authors: Gabe Atsushi , Ouzzine Mohammed , Taylor Erin E. , Stadie Nicholas P. , Uchiyama Naoki , Kanai Tomomi , Nishina Yuta , Tanaka Hideki , Pan Zheng-Ze , Kyotani Takashi , Nishihara Hirotomo
Published: March 2021

High-density and highly porous graphene-based pellets with anomalous gas densification property and glass-like hardness have been fabricated by using zeolite-templated carbon and reduced graphene oxide.
Electricity generation from the interaction of liquid–solid interface: a review
Authors: Wang Kaiqiang , Li Jinjin
Published: March 2021

The mechanisms, classical designs, recent developments and applications of the liquid–solid nanogenerators are reviewed. And the existing problems and future developments of the liquid–solid nanogenerator are discussed and summarized.
The effect of the position of cross-linkers on the structure and microenvironment of PPh3 moiety in porous organic polymers
Authors: Ji Guangjun , Li Cunyao , Xiao Dong , Wang Guoqing , Sun Zhao , Jiang Miao , Hou Guangjin , Yan Li , Ding Yunjie
Published: March 2021

An effective and feasible strategy to precisely regulate the framework of PPh3 based porous organic ligands (POLs) and the corresponding coordination microenvironment surrounding Rh was put forward by changing the position of cross-linkers.
Fabrication and characterization of laser-heated, multiplexed electrospray emitter
Authors: Groper Emily R. , Barnes Jack A. , McEwen Rory , Messaddeq Younès , Oleschuk Richard D. , Loock Hans-Peter
Published: March 2021

We present a one-step fabrication method for a new multiplexed electrospray emitter with nine parallel micronozzles.
An electrochemical SARS-CoV-2 biosensor inspired by glucose test strip manufacturing processes
Authors: Vezza Vincent J. , Butterworth Adrian , Lasserre Perrine , Blair Ewen O. , MacDonald Alexander , Hannah Stuart , Rinaldi Christopher , Hoskisson Paul A. , Ward Andrew C. , Longmuir Alistair , Setford Steven , Farmer Eoghan C. W. , Murphy Michael E. , Corrigan Damion K.
Published: March 2021

A rapid, low cost sensor for Covid-19 was developed using a perfluorodecanthiol layer and ACE2.
Direct ligand screening against membrane proteins on live cells enabled by DNA-programmed affinity labelling
Authors: Huang Yiran , Deng Yuqing , Zhang Jianfu , Meng Ling , Li Xiaoyu
Published: March 2021

DNA-programmed affinity labelling (DPAL) enables the screening of chemical compounds against membrane proteins directly on live cells.
3-Benzoylquinoxalinone as a photoaffinity labelling derivative with fluorogenic properties allowing reaction monitoring under “no-wash” conditions
Authors: Cauwel Madeleine , Guillou Clément , Renault Kévin , Schapman Damien , Bénard Magalie , Galas Ludovic , Cosette Pascal , Renard Pierre-Yves , Sabot Cyrille
Published: March 2021

In this communication, we report a fluorogenic 3-benzoylquinoxalinone derivative for photoaffinity labelling applications.
Amyloid-like Prep1 peptides exhibit reversible blue-green-red fluorescence in vitro and in living cells
Authors: Monti Alessandra , Bruckmann Chiara , Blasi Francesco , Ruvo Menotti , Vitagliano Luigi , Doti Nunzianna
Published: March 2021

Florescence emission of the amyloid-like aggregates of the PREP1-based peptide in different contexts. The column of letters is the sequence of the peptide.
The effects of substitutional doping on Cu vacancy formation in Cu2O(111): a density functional theory study
Authors: Beronio Ellaine Rose A. , Colambo Ivy R. , Padama Allan Abraham B.
Published: March 2021

The interaction between the dopant and Cu atoms explains the Cu vacancy formation in doped Cu2O(111) surface.
Targeted modifications in ionic liquids – from understanding to design
Authors: Philippi Frederik , Welton Tom
Published: March 2021

The large number of possible ionic liquids makes fully empirical design virtually impossible. In this work, we show how targeted modifications can be and have been used to find the relevant structural features that define the properties of ionic liquids.
Convenient synthesis of spiroindolenines from tryptamine-derived isocyanides and organic azides by cobalt catalysis in pure water
Authors: Jiang Shuai , Cao Wen-Bin , Li Hai-Yan , Xu Xiao-Ping , Ji Shun-Jun
Published: March 2021

A sustainable synthesis of spiroindolenines from tryptamine-derived isocyanides and organic azides in pure water was described.
Gram-scale production of sugar nucleotides and their derivatives
Authors: Li Shuang , Wang Shuaishuai , Wang Yaqian , Qu Jingyao , Liu Xian-wei , Wang Peng George , Fang Junqiang
Published: March 2021

Herein, we reported a practical approach for multi-gram scale synthesis of natural and unnatural sugar nucleotides.
Y-doped In2O3 hollow nanocubes for improved triethylamine-sensing performance
Authors: Zhao Qi , Zhuang Guoce , Zhao Yongbing , Yang Liangliang , Zhao Jinshan
Published: March 2021

Y-In2O3 hollow nanocubes show enhanced triethylamine gas sensing properties, with a high response and an ultra-fast response-recovery speed.
Synthesis, structure and the Hirshfeld surface analysis of three novel metal-tiron coordination complexes
Authors: Tiwari Ranjay K. , Shruti Ipsha , Behera J. N.
Published: March 2021

Three novel metal-tiron (4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-benzenedisulfonic acid disodium salt) and other pillared ligand bpy (4,4-bipyridyl) centered coordination polymers were successfully synthesized and characterized.
Effects of granular activated carbon and Fe-modified granular activated carbon on anammox process start-up
Authors: Lu Guangsong , Ma Yunqian , Zang Lihua , Sun Yan , Yu Fei , Xue Rong
Published: March 2021

In this study, granular activated carbon (GAC) and Fe-modified granular activated carbon (FeGAC) prepared by ultrasonic impregnation method were added into respective up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors to explore their effects on the anammox process start-up.
Highly robust, novel aluminum counter cation-based monophosphate tungsten bronze electro-catalysts for oxygen evolution in acidic solution
Authors: Hossain Md. Imran , Debnath Tapas , Mollah M. Yousuf Ali , Susan Md. Abu Bin Hasan , Islam Md. Mominul
Published: March 2021

Highly stable, aluminum counter cation-supported, unusually stabilized W5+-enriched bronzes synthesized for electro-catalytic oxygen evolution in acidic solution.
Crystals springing into action: metal–organic framework CUK-1 as a pressure-driven molecular spring
Authors: Iacomi Paul , Lee Ji Sun , Vanduyfhuys Louis , Cho Kyung Ho , Fertey Pierre , Wieme Jelle , Granier Dominique , Maurin Guillaume , Van Speybroeck Veronique , Chang Jong-San , Yot Pascal G.
Published: March 2021

Mercury porosimetry and in situ high pressure single crystal X-ray diffraction revealed the wine-rack CUK-1 MOF as a unique crystalline material capable of a fully reversible mechanical pressure-triggered structural contraction.
Few-layered MoN–MnO heterostructures with interfacial-O synergistic active centers boosting electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Lin Fei , Qin Hongye , Wang Tongzhou , Yang Lei , Cao Xuejie , Jiao Lifang
Published: March 2021

MoN–MnO heterostructures exhibit excellent HER activity under alkaline condition. The experiments and calculations indicate that the interfacial O promotes charge redistribution and synergistically interacts with MoN for optimal H adsorption.
Polymeric antibacterial materials: design, platforms and applications
Authors: Luo Hao , Yin Xue-Qian , Tan Peng-Fei , Gu Zhi-Peng , Liu Zhen-Mi , Tan Lin
Published: March 2021

Over the past decades, the morbidity and mortality caused by pathogen invasion remain stubbornly high even though medical care has increasingly improved worldwide.
Impact of defect states on the capacitance voltage characteristics of space charge limited organic diodes, and determination of defect states
Authors: Tripathi Durgesh C. , Rao K. Sudheendra , Mohapatra Y. N.
Published: March 2021

The capacitance rise in low frequency C–V curves originates due to diffusive storage of injected carriers within the bulk in the case of intrinsic devices, whereas a voltage dependent depletion width is the cause in the case of devices having traps.
Persistent luminescence of transparent ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ thin films from colloidal nanoparticles of tunable size
Authors: Arroyo Encarnación , Medrán Beatriz , Castaing Victor , Lozano Gabriel , Ocaña Manuel , Becerro Ana I.
Published: March 2021

We report on the fabrication of transparent thin films from colloidal suspensions of ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ nanoparticles and the evaluation, for the first time in the literature, of their persistent red to NIR emission.
Dimers with thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emission in non-doped device
Authors: Chen Xing , Khan Aziz , Zou Sheng-Nan , Li Yun , Tian Qi-Sheng , Zhong Cheng , Fung Man-Keung , Jiang Zuo-Quan , Liao Liang-Sheng
Published: March 2021

Two novel TADF molecules, with donor#1–σ–donor#2–π–acceptor (D1–σ–D2–π–A) conformation, were designed and synthesized through-bond charge transfer (TBCT) and through-space charge transfer (TSCT).
Self-assembled polar hole-transport monolayer for high-performance perovskite photodetectors
Authors: Lin Jia-Yu , Hsu Fang-Chi , Chang Chi-Yuan , Chen Yang-Fang
Published: March 2021

Perovskite photodetectors adopting a self-assembled polar hole-transport monolayer demonstrate a superior detectivity, responsivity, LDR values, and response time, which outperform previous reports.
Promiscuous enzymes generating d-amino acids in mammals: Why they may still surprise us?
Authors: Wolosker Herman , Radzishevsky Inna
Published: March 2021

Promiscuous catalysis is a common property of enzymes, particularly those using pyridoxal 5′-phosphate as a cofactor. In a recent issue of this journal, Katane et al. Biochem. J. 477, 4221–4241 demonstrate the synthesis and accumulation of d-glutamate in mammalian cells by promiscuous catalysis mediated by a pyridoxal 5′-phosphate enzyme, the serine/threonine dehydratase-like (SDHL). The mechanism of SDHL resembles that of serine racemase, which synthesizes d-serine, a well-established signaling molecule in the mammalian brain. d-Glutamate is present in body fluids and is degraded by the d-glutamate cyclase at the mitochondria. This study demonstrates a biochemical pathway for d-glutamate synthesis in mammalian cells and advances our knowledge on this little-studied d-amino acid in mammals. d-Amino acids may still surprise us by their unique roles in biochemistry, intercellular signaling, and as potential biomarkers of disease.
A low complexity hybrid combiner design for the ill‐conditioned multiuser mmWave massive MIMO uplink
Authors: Ahmed Irfan , Khammari Hedi , Alraddady Fahad
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a simple and robust hybrid combiner for the multiuser massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) uplink. The hybrid beamforming is used in massive MIMO systems to reduce the number of radio frequency chains. Radio frequency chain consists of power hungry electronic components like mixer, analog‐to‐digital converter / digital‐to‐analog converter etc. This paper proposes a Householder based hybrid beamforming (HHBF) design to simultaneously reduce the beam domain inter‐user interference and increase the sum‐rate performance of massive MIMO uplink. The Householder reflectors generate the orthogonal analog combiner matrix which not only reduces inter‐user interference but also helps reduce the dimension of the digital combiner. It has been shown that the proposed HHBF scheme provides better sum‐rate performance than the Gram–Schmidt based hybrid beamforming design in the real‐World ill‐conditioned MIMO channel. Simulation results show that the beam domain orthogonality error remains less than 0.5 with 0.97 probability and the proposed HHBF provides increased sum‐rate at dB SNR.
Leader–following consensus problem of networked multi‐agent systems under switching topologies and communication constraints
Authors: Tan Chong , Dong Xuyang , Li Yanjiang , Liu Guo‐Ping
Published: March 2021

The problem of leader–following consensus is investigated for heterogeneous discrete‐time linear networked multi‐agent systems with data packet losses and network delays. Two kinds of networked protocols are presented to derive the states of followers to reach an agreement on leader's state under the switching topologies, in the meanwhile, the asymptotic stability of all agents are guaranteed. Due to unavailable agents' states and communication constraints, the networked predictive control method is used to compensate network delays and data packet losses actively. Sufficient criteria of leader–following consensus and asymptomatic stability are obtained when at least one follower is connected to the leader by a directed edge. The simulation example is presented to illustrate that states of followers can track leader's state, and all agents' states also asymptotically converge to the equilibrium under the proposed theoretical results.
ECG signal classification using capsule neural networks
Authors: Neela Tejashwini , Namburu Swetha
Published: March 2021

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the dominant cause of deaths in the world, of which 90% are curable. The electrocardiogram (ECG) measures the electrical stimulus of the heart noninvasively. Convolutional neural networks (CNN) act as one of the powerful machine learning techniques to classify ECG arrhythmia classification and other CVDs. Nonetheless, they have some functional flaws like ignorance of spatial hierarchies between the features and are unable to acquire a rotational invariance. To overcome these problems of CNN, a novel neural network named capsule network (CapsNet) is proposed as an efficient algorithm to provide error‐free implementation of deep learning over the databases. The main focus of this work is to apply and implement CapsNet for ECG signal classification from the MIT‐BIH database and compare its efficiency with the pretrained CNN networks.
Determination of the escape velocity of the Milky Way using a halo sample selected based on proper motion
Authors: Koppelman Helmer H. , Helmi Amina
Published: March 2021

Context. The Gaia mission has provided the largest catalogue ever of sources with tangential velocity information. However, it is difficult to use this catalogue for dynamical studies because most of the stars lack line-of-sight velocity measurements. Recently, we presented a selection of ∼107 halo stars with accurate distances that were selected based on their photometry and proper motions.

Aims. Using this sample, we model the tail of the velocity distribution in the stellar halo locally and as a function of distance. Our goal is to measure the escape velocity, and based on this, to constrain the mass of our Galaxy.

Methods. We fitted the tail of the velocity distribution with a power-law distribution, a commonly used approach that has long been established. For the first time, we used tangential velocities that were accurately measured for an unprecedented number of halo stars to estimate the escape velocity.

Results. In the solar neighbourhood, we obtain a very precise estimate of the escape velocity, which is 497−8+8 km s−1. This estimate is most likely biased low, our best guess is by 10%. As a result, the true escape velocity is most likely closer to 550 km s−1. The escape velocity directly constrains the total mass of the Milky Way. To find the best-fitting halo mass and concentration parameter, we adjusted the dark (spherical Navarro-Frenk-White) halo of a realistic Milky Way potential while keeping the circular velocity at the solar radius fixed at vc(R⊙) = 232.8 km s−1. The resulting halo parameters are M200+10% = 1.11−0.07+0.08 · 1012 M⊙, and the concentration parameter is c+10% = 11.8−0.3+0.3, where we use the explicit notation to indicate that they are corrected for the 10% bias. The slope of the escape velocity with galactocentric distance is as expected in the inner Galaxy based on Milky Way models. Curiously, we find a disagreement beyond the solar radius where the estimated escape velocity is higher than at the solar radius. This result is likely an effect of a change in the shape of the velocity distribution and could be related to the presence of velocity clumps. A tentative analysis of the escape velocity as a function of (R, z) shows that the slope is shallower than expected for a spherical halo when standard values are used for the characteristic parameters describing the galactic disc.
On k-orthogonal factorizations in networks
Authors: Wang Sufang , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2021

Let m, n, k, r and ki (1 ≤i ≤ m) are positive integers such that 1 ≤n ≤ m and k1 ≥ k2 ≥⋯≥km ≥ (r + 1)k. Let G be a graph with vertex set V(G) and edge set E(G), and H1, H2,⋯,Hr be r vertex-disjoint nk-subgraphs of G. In this article, we demonstrate that a graph G with maximum degree at most $ {\sum }_{i=1}^m {k}_i-(n-1)\mathrm{k}$ has a set $ \mathcal{F}=\{{F}_1,\cdots,{F}_n\}$ of n pairwise edge-disjoint factors of G such that Fi has maximum degree at most ki for 1 ≤ i ≤ n and $ \mathcal{F}$ is k-orthogonal to every Hj for 1 ≤ j ≤ r.
Socially concerned periodic review replenishment system with customer service level and supply chain contracting
Authors: Johari Maryam , Hosseini-Motlagh Seyyed-Mahdi , Nematollahi Mohammadreza , Goh Mark , Ignatius Joshua
Published: March 2021

This study contributes to the periodic review inventory system literature by: (1) investigating customer service level (CSL) as a social responsibility in pharmaceutical supply chains (PSCs) and (2) proposing supply chain contracting to achieve win–win coordination and guarantee a satisfied CSL. Specifically, considering the demand uncertainty as one of the main challenges faced by pharmacies, we analyze how applying contracts to coordinate the inventory policy of a pharmacy with that of its supplier can affect their profits and the CSL offered to society. Having shown the advantages of the centralization compared to the decentralization, we design a coordination scheme based on the quantity discount contract to encourage the players move towards centralization. Under the proposed scheme, we first obtain the minimum and maximum acceptable amounts of discount from each actor’s viewpoint. Then, we propose a benefit-sharing strategy in order to make the plan interesting to both sides. The proposed discount contract and benefit-sharing strategy distribute the extra profits equitably between the two participants according to their bargaining power, which can make a win–win condition for two actors. Our results suggest that coordinating review period and order-up-to-level of the retailer and replenishment multiplier of the supplier will be of benefit in terms of both economic profitability and social responsibility.
Effektivität der Ernährungsberatung im Adipositaszentrum gegenüber einer Ernährungsberatung bei externen Kooperationspartnern bei Adipositas-Patienten mit Sleeve-Gastrektomie
Authors: Jannasch Tamara , Putzinger Jens , Ziemek Constanze , Stroh Christine
Published: March 2021

Ziel der Studie Ziel der vorliegenden Studie ist die Gegenüberstellung der adipositaschirurgischen und konventionellen Ernährungsberatung bei Patienten mit Sleeve-Gastrektomie. Im Vordergrund steht dabei die Analyse der postoperativen Therapieerfolge.

Methodik Zielparameter waren der BMI und die Komorbiditäten Diabetes mellitus Typ 2 und arterielle Hypertonie. Diese wurden zum Operationstag sowie ein Jahr postoperativ erhoben. Die retrospektive Datenerhebung erfolgte für 139 Patienten durch die Qualitätssicherung des German Bariatric Surgery Registry.

Ergebnisse Die Analyse für den postoperativen Verlauf ergab für den BMI (p = 0,61) und die Remission des Diabetes mellitus Typ 2 (p = 0,76) keine signifikanten Unterschiede. Jedoch war in der Gruppe mit konventioneller Ernährungsberatung die Remission für die arterielle Hypertonie knapp doppelt so hoch (p < 0,011, 62 %) wie in der adipositaschirurgischen Ernährungsberatung (35 %).

Schlussfolgerung Eine adäquate ernährungstherapeutische Nachsorge fördert das postoperative Outcome, reduziert Komplikationen und die Inzidenz von Komorbiditäten. Für die komplexe Behandlung der Adipositas und die Sicherung der Therapieerfolge nach adipositaschirurgischen Eingriffen ist ein standardisiertes Konzept für die ernährungstherapeutische Nachbetreuung notwendig. Folglich ist die Bereitstellung künftiger evidenzbasierter Studien unentbehrlich. Diese müssen die präoperative ebenso wie die postoperative Ernährungsberatung einbeziehen.
COVID-19: Navigieren im Unbekannten
Authors: Wildner Manfred
Published: March 2021

Die Geschichte der Menschheit ist voll von Entdeckungsreisen. Sie haben teilweise
mythisch-erzählerischen Charakter und reichen von den sagenhaften Reisen der
griechischen Argonauten, den Irrfahrten des Odysseus oder den Abenteuern Sindbad des
Seefahrers aus 1001 Nacht bis hin zu Stanley Kubricks moderner filmischer
Science-Fiction-Erzählung „2001: Odyssee im Weltall“ (1968)
eintausend Jahre später, zu „E.T.“ und „Star
Wars“. Neben diesen Geschichten gibt es auch die tatsächliche,
historisch belegte Geschichte und ihre nicht minder packenden Inhalte: Die Fahrt des
Griechen Pytheas schon im vierten vorchristlichen Jahrhundert bis zum Polarkreis,
die Besiedlung Grönlands durch Erik den Roten und die daran
anschließende erste europäische Besiedlung Amerikas um das Jahr 1000
(Leif Eriksson), im 15.
„Akademisierung voranbringen, Direkt- zugang einführen und Zertifikate abschaffen“ – Dr. Claus Beyerlein über seinen Wechsel in die Verbandspolitik
Authors: Andrea Pötting
Published: March 2021

Als „breit aufgestellt“ könnte man das Profil von Dr. Claus Beyerlein bezeichnen. Er ist Physiotherapeut, Instruktor, Zeitschriftenherausgeber, Buchautor, Dozent, Referent und jetzt Vorstandsmitglied im Landesverband Baden-Württemberg von Physio Deutschland. Was motiviert einen, der 2011 aus dem Verband austrat, dazu, zurückzukehren und sich an vorderster Front zu engagieren?
Conservative Surgery of the Nasal Dorsum: Septal Pyramidal Adjustment and Repositioning
Authors: Dewes Wilson , Zappelini Carlos E.M. , Ferraz Mario B.J. , Neves José Carlos
Published: March 2021

The term SPAR (septum pyramidal adjustment and repositioning), aims to conserve the nasal dorsum without detachment of the upper lateral nasal cartilage of the nasal septum, based on the Cotte's principles, unlike classical rhinoplasty. The aim of the study is to describe surgical technique of SPAR with the surgical steps used to reviewing the literature on the surgical treatment of the nasal dorsum. This is a less invasive form of rhinoplasty, but no less effective, not being necessary additional techniques to nasal reconstruction, and preservation of essential nasal structures. It is an evolution of push down and the other conservative surgery, making a more modern technique and may be suitable for most types of cavities. More studies are needed, especially comparative, showing the following late sequelae, complications, and their long-term results.
Tissue culture and biological time: Alexis Carrel, Henri Bergson and the plasticity of living matter
Authors: Kelz Rosine
Published: March 2021

Taking the early tissue culture experiments of Alexis Carrel in the 1910s–1930s as its example, the article explores the relationship between advances in biotechnological control over living matter and a holistic ontology of life, which stresses the temporal specificity of living things. With reference to Henri Bergson, Carrel argued that physiological time depends on an organism’s relationship to its milieu. By developing a laboratory apparatus and culture media, new objects of investigation could be made to live outside the organism and be brought to behave in novel temporal ways. In difference to recent biotechnological advances, like for example genome editing, which seek to ‘engineer’ living organisms by rebuilding them from their DNA up, then, early twentieth century interventionist laboratory practices were often linked to an understanding that biological plasticity results from organismic complexity and interactions between organism and milieu. These notions contributed to shaping laboratory apparatuses and techniques; they also helped to establish an understanding of environmental control that would allow for the production of novel ‘living things’.
An assessment of different electronic structure approaches for modeling time-resolved x-ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Tsuru Shota , Vidal Marta L. , Pápai Mátyás , Krylov Anna I. , Møller Klaus B. , Coriani Sonia
Published: March 2021

We assess the performance of different protocols for simulating excited-state x-ray absorption spectra. We consider three different protocols based on equation-of-motion coupled-cluster singles and doubles, two of them combined with the maximum overlap method. The three protocols differ in the choice of a reference configuration used to compute target states. Maximum-overlap-method time-dependent density functional theory is also considered. The performance of the different approaches is illustrated using uracil, thymine, and acetylacetone as benchmark systems. The results provide guidance for selecting an electronic structure method for modeling time-resolved x-ray absorption spectroscopy.
Faster high-speed atomic force microscopy for imaging of biomolecular processes
Authors: Fukuda Shingo , Ando Toshio
Published: March 2021

High-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) has enabled observing protein molecules during their functional activity at rates of 1–12.5 frames per second (fps), depending on the imaging conditions, sample height, and fragility. To meet the increasing demand for the great expansion of observable dynamic molecular processes, faster HS-AFM with less disturbance is imperatively needed. However, even a 50% improvement in the speed performance imposes tremendous challenges, as the optimization of major rate-limiting components for their fast response is nearly matured. This paper proposes an alternative method that can lower the feedback control error and thereby enhance the imaging rate. This method can be implemented in any HS-AFM system by minor modifications of the software and hardware. The resulting faster and less-disturbing imaging capabilities are demonstrated by the imaging of relatively fragile actin filaments and microtubules near the video rate, and of actin polymerization that occurs through weak intermolecular interactions, at ∼8 fps.