bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacteriological Quality of Potable Water Consumed in Cape Coast and Takoradi Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Akwetey Samuel Addo , Oduro-Kwarteng Ernest , Ocran Priscilla , Anokye Kumi Nana , Donkor Allswell , Opare Priscilla Abena Ankamaa , Acheampong Desmond Omane , Kwakye-Nuako Godwin 
Published: July 2021

Background: Bacterial contamination of potable water remains a global canker and has been reported to result in deaths from gastrointestinal infections. Treatment of gastrointestinal infections is becoming difficult due to antimicrobial resistance. This study sought to assess the bacteriological quality of potable water consumed in Cape Coast and Takoradi Metropolis of Ghana.
Methodology: Eighty-seven (87) samples of potable water were collected from various vicinities of Cape Coast (43) and Takoradi (44). The samples were analyzed for their bacterial loads using various laboratory bacteriological procedures and the resulting colonies were subjected to standard identification techniques. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) was carried out to determine the susceptibility patterns of the various isolates.
Results: A total of 220 bacterial isolates were identified comprising 18 species, with Bacillus cereus. (13.6%), Staphylococcus aureus (8.5%), and Klebsiella sp. (10%), being predominant and Pseudomonas sp. (2.3%), Streptococcus sp. (1.8%), and Serratia sp. (0.5%) being less frequent. Antimicrobial Sensitivity Testing (AST) revealed multiple antimicrobial-resistant bacteria including, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp., and Klebsiella sp. The average HPC and TCC of the various samples ranged from 0.20 - 1.94 x 108 CFU/ml and 0.00 - 2.39 x 108 CFU/ml respectively.
Conclusion: Some potable water in Cape Coast and Takoradi metropolis including most sachet water sold on the streets were found to be highly contaminated with bacteria.
Improved forest management as a natural climate solution: A review
Authors: Kaarakka Lilli , Cornett Meredith , Domke Grant , Ontl Todd , Dee Laura E. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractNatural climate solutions (NCS), a set of land management, conservation and restoration practices aimed at mitigating climate change, have been introduced as cost‐effective strategies to increase carbon (C) sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems. Improved forest management (IFM) has been identified as one NCS for working forests with substantial climate change mitigation potential. However, there is a disconnect between the policy and carbon markets context and the scientific evidence for verifiable C benefits. Further, forest soil C—the largest forest C pool—has largely been excluded from current forest management guidelines and has not been included in the IFM discourse.Herein, we assess the evidence for the potential of specific IFM practices to sequester C in live forest vegetation and store it in both live and dead organic matter, and forest soil. We review IFM approaches that can enhance forest C storage, and links to best management practices and silvicultural systems to offer guidance for practitioners and researchers in the Great Lakes region of the United States. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and opportunities in including soil C in forest C management guidelines and frameworks.
An investigation of using log‐file analysis for automated patient‐specific quality assurance in MRgRT
Authors: Lim Seng Boh , Godoy Scripes Paola , Napolitano Mary , Subashi Ergys , Tyagi Neelam , Cervino Arriba Laura , Lovelock Dale Michael 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveAdaptive radiation therapy (ART) is an integral part of MR‐guided RT (MRgRT), requiring a new RT plan for each treatment fraction and resulting in a significant increase in patient‐specific quality assurance (PSQA). This study investigates the possibility of using treatment log‐file for automated PSQA.MethodAll treatment plans were delivered in 1.5T Unity MR‐Linac (Elekta). A Unity compatible version of LinacView (Standard Imaging) was commissioned to automatically monitor and analyze the log‐files. A total of 220 fields were delivered and measured by ArcCheck®‐MR (Sun Nuclear) and LinacView. Thirty incorrectly matched fields were also delivered to check for error detection sensitivity. The gamma analysis, γ, with 3%, 3 mm criteria was used in both ArcCheck®‐MR and LinacView. Additionally, the gantry angle, jaws, and multileaf collimators (MLC) positions reported in the log‐file were compared with plan positions using TG‐142 criteria.ResultThe γ (3%, 3 mm) for the 190 plans were found to be between the range of 72.5%–100.0% and 95.4%–100.0% for ArcCheck®‐MR and LinacVeiw, respectively. All the delivered gantry angle and jaws were found to be within 0.2° and 2 mm. MLCs that were outside the guard leaves or under the diaphragms were found to have more than 1.0 mm discrepancy. This was attributed to the linac internal override for these MLCs and had no dosimetric impact. Excluding these discrepancies, all MLC positions were found to be within 1.0 mm. The γ (3%, 3 mm) for the 30 incorrectly matched fields were found to be 3.9%–84.8% and 0.1%–64.4% for ArcCheck®‐MR and LinacVeiw, respectively.ConclusionSignificant ranked correlation demonstrates the automated log‐file analysis can be used for PSQA and expedite the ART workflow. Ongoing PSQA will be compared with log‐file analysis to investigate the longer term reproducibility and correlation.
Highly Efficient Ternary Solar Cells with Efficient Förster Resonance Energy Transfer for Simultaneously Enhanced Photovoltaic Parameters
Authors: Xiao Liangang , Wu Xing , Ren Guoxing , Kolaczkowski Matthew A. , Huang Guang , Tan Wanyi , Ma Lin , Liu Yidong , Peng Xiaobin , Min Yonggang , Liu Yi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroducing a third component into organic bulk heterojunction solar cells has become an effective strategy to improve photovoltaic performance. Meanwhile, the rapid development of non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs) has pushed the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs) to a higher standard. Herein, a series of fullerene‐free ternary solar cells are fabricated based on a wide bandgap acceptor, IDTT‐M, together with a wide bandgap donor polymer PM6 and a narrow bandgap NFA Y6. Insights from the morphological and electronic characterizations reveal that IDTT‐M has been incorporated into Y6 domains without disrupting its molecular packing and sacrificing its electron mobility and work synergistically with Y6 to regulate the packing pattern of PM6, leading to enhanced hole mobility and suppressed recombination. IDTT‐M further functions as an energy‐level mediator that increases open‐circuit voltage (VOC) in ternary devices. In addition, efficient Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between IDTT‐M and Y6 provides a non‐radiative pathway for facilitating exciton dissociation and charge collection. As a result, the optimized ternary device features a significantly improved PCE up to 16.63% with simultaneously enhanced short‐circuit current (JSC), VOC, and fill factor (FF).
Bio‐Multifunctional Hydrogel Patches for Repairing Full‐Thickness Abdominal Wall Defects
Authors: Yin Xiangyi , Hao Yuanping , Lu Yun , Zhang Dongjie , Zhao Yaodong , Mei Li , Sui Kunyan , Zhou Qihui , Hu Jilin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractDeveloping bio‐multifunctional patches with natural extracellular matrix‐like structures, excellent high adhesion in the wet state, self‐healing ability, antibacterial activity, and favorable cell responses for accelerating tissue healing is highly desirable in clinical applications. Herein, bio‐multifunctional composite hydrogels are developed by coupling carboxymethyl chitosan and 4‐arm poly (ethylene glycol) aldehyde for full‐thickness abdominal wall defect repair. The prepared hydrogels exhibit excellent self‐healing and mechanical properties, high adhesion in the wet state, and significant antibacterial ability. In vitro cellular experiments show that the hydrogels combined with recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor remarkably promote cell proliferation and then accelerate full‐thickness abdominal wall defect repair in a rat model. The histomorphological evaluation shows that compared to the commercial polypropylene mesh used clinically, the designed hydrogel patches facilitate an increase in the thickness and integrity of the abdominal wall tissue by upregulating the production of Ki67, enhancing the formation of collagen, inducing neovascularization, and inhibiting inflammation by reducing the expression of IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β. The results demonstrate that this novel bio‐multifunctional hydrogel patch holds great potential for the treatment of full‐thickness abdominal wall defects.
A Meta‐Analysis of Conductive and Strong Carbon Nanotube Materials
Authors: Bulmer John S. , Kaniyoor Adarsh , Elliott James A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractA study of 1304 data points collated over 266 papers statistically evaluates the relationships between carbon nanotube (CNT) material characteristics, including: electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties; ampacity; density; purity; microstructure alignment; molecular dimensions and graphitic perfection; and doping. Compared to conductive polymers and graphitic intercalation compounds, which have exceeded the electrical conductivity of copper, CNT materials are currently one‐sixth of copper's conductivity, mechanically on‐par with synthetic or carbon fibers, and exceed all the other materials in terms of a multifunctional metric. Doped, aligned few‐wall CNTs (FWCNTs) are the most superior CNT category; from this, the acid‐spun fiber subset are the most conductive, and the subset of fibers directly spun from floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition are strongest on a weight basis. The thermal conductivity of multiwall CNT material rivals that of FWCNT materials. Ampacity follows a diameter‐dependent power‐law from nanometer to millimeter scales. Undoped, aligned FWCNT material reaches the intrinsic conductivity of CNT bundles and single‐crystal graphite, illustrating an intrinsic limit requiring doping for copper‐level conductivities. Comparing an assembly of CNTs (forming mesoscopic bundles, then macroscopic material) to an assembly of graphene (forming single‐crystal graphite crystallites, then carbon fiber), the ≈1 µm room‐temperature, phonon‐limited mean‐free‐path shared between graphene, metallic CNTs, and activated semiconducting CNTs is highlighted, deemphasizing all metallic helicities for CNT power transmission applications.
Ultrafast Photoconductivity and Terahertz Vibrational Dynamics in Double‐Helix SnIP Nanowires
Authors: Purschke David N. , Pielmeier Markus R. P. , Üzer Ebru , Ott Claudia , Jensen Charles , Degg Annabelle , Vogel Anna , Amer Naaman , Nilges Tom , Hegmann Frank A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractTin iodide phosphide (SnIP), an inorganic double‐helix material, is a quasi‐1D van der Waals semiconductor that shows promise in photocatalysis and flexible electronics. However, the understanding of the fundamental photophysics and charge transport dynamics of this new material is limited. Here, time‐resolved terahertz (THz) spectroscopy is used to probe the transient photoconductivity of SnIP nanowire films and measure the carrier mobility. With insight into the highly anisotropic electronic structure from quantum chemical calculations, an electron mobility as high as 280 cm2  V−1s−1 along the double‐helix axis and a hole mobility of 238 cm2  V−1 s−1 perpendicular to the double‐helix axis are detected. Additionally, infrared‐active (IR‐active) THz vibrational modes are measured, which shows excellent agreement with first‐principles calculations, and an ultrafast photoexcitation‐induced charge redistribution is observed that reduces the amplitude of a twisting mode of the outer SnI helix on picosecond timescales. Finally, it is shown that the carrier lifetime and mobility are limited by a trap density greater than 1018 cm−3. The results provide insight into the optical excitation and relaxation pathways of SnIP and demonstrate a remarkably high carrier mobility for such a soft and flexible material, suggesting that it could be ideally suited for flexible electronics applications.
Secreted Expression of mRNA‐Encoded Truncated ACE2 Variants for SARS‐CoV‐2 via Lipid‐Like Nanoassemblies
Authors: Li Min , Li Sanpeng , Huang Yixuan , Chen Haixia , Zhang Songya , Zhang Zhicheng , Wu Weigang , Zeng Xiaobin , Zhou Boping , Li Bin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe transfer of foreign synthetic messenger RNA (mRNA) into cells is essential for mRNA‐based protein‐replacement therapies. Prophylactic mRNA COVID‐19 vaccines commonly utilize nanotechnology to deliver mRNA encoding SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine antigens, thereby triggering the body's immune response and preventing infections. In this study, a new combinatorial library of symmetric lipid‐like compounds is constructed, and among which a lead compound is selected to prepare lipid‐like nanoassemblies (LLNs) for intracellular delivery of mRNA. After multiround optimization, the mRNA formulated into core–shell‐structured LLNs exhibits more than three orders of magnitude higher resistance to serum than the unprotected mRNA, and leads to sustained and high‐level protein expression in mammalian cells. A single intravenous injection of LLNs into mice achieves over 95% mRNA translation in the spleen, without causing significant hematological and histological changes. Delivery of in‐vitro‐transcribed mRNA that encodes high‐affinity truncated ACE2 variants (tACE2v mRNA) through LLNs induces elevated expression and secretion of tACE2v decoys, which is able to effectively block the binding of the receptor‐binding domain of the SARS‐CoV‐2 to the human ACE2 receptor. The robust neutralization activity in vitro suggests that intracellular delivery of mRNA encoding ACE2 receptor mimics via LLNs may represent a potential intervention strategy for COVID‐19.
Production of Multiple Cell‐Laden Microtissue Spheroids with a Biomimetic Hepatic‐Lobule‐Like Structure
Authors: Hong Gyusik , Kim Jin , Oh Hyeongkwon , Yun Seokhwan , Kim Chul Min , Jeong Yun‐Mi , Yun Won‐Soo , Shim Jin‐Hyung , Jang Ilho , Kim C‐Yoon , Jin Songwan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe construction of an in vitro 3D cellular model to mimic the human liver is highly desired for drug discovery and clinical applications, such as patient‐specific treatment and cell‐based therapy in regenerative medicine. However, current bioprinting strategies are limited in their ability to generate multiple cell‐laden microtissues with biomimetic structures. This study presents a method for producing hepatic‐lobule‐like microtissue spheroids using a bioprinting system incorporating a precursor cartridge and microfluidic emulsification system. The multiple cell‐laden microtissue spheroids can be successfully generated at a speed of approximately 45 spheroids min−1 and with a uniform diameter. Hepatic and endothelial cells are patterned in a microtissue spheroid with the biomimetic structure of a liver lobule. The spheroids allow long‐term culture with high cell viability, and the structural integrity is maintained longer than that of non‐structured spheroids. Furthermore, structured spheroids show high MRP2, albumin, and CD31 expression levels. In addition, the in vivo study reveals that structured microtissue spheroids are stably engrafted. These results demonstrate that the method provides a valuable 3D structured microtissue spheroid model with lobule‐like constructs and liver functions.
Electromagnetic Field‐Programmed Magnetic Vortex Nanodelivery System for Efficacious Cancer Therapy
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Zhang Yifan , Guo Yu , Jiao Wangbo , Gao Xiao , Lee Wee Siang Vincent , Wang Yanyun , Deng Xia , He Yuan , Jiao Ju , Zhang Ce , Hu Guoqing , Liang Xing‐Jie , Fan Haiming 
Published: July 2021

AbstractEffective delivery of anticancer drugs into the nucleus for pharmacological action is impeded by a series of intratumoral transport barriers. Despite the significant potential of magnetic nanovehicles in electromagnetic field (EF)‐activated drug delivery, modularizing a tandem magnetoresponsive activity in a one‐nanoparticle system to meet different requirements at both tissue and cellular levels remain highly challenging. Herein, a strategy is described by employing sequential EF frequencies in inducing a succession of magnetoresponses in the magnetic nanovehicles that aims to realize cascaded tissue penetration and nuclear accumulation. This nanovehicle features ferrimagnetic vortex‐domain iron oxide nanorings coated with a thermo‐responsive polyethylenimine copolymer (PI/FVIOs). It is shown that the programmed cascading of low frequency (Lf)‐EF‐induced magnetophoresis and medium frequency (Mf)‐EF‐stimulated magneto‐thermia can steer the Doxorubicin (DOX)‐PI/FVIOs to the deep tissue and subsequently trigger intracellular burst release of DOX for successful nuclear entry. By programming the order of different EF frequencies, it is demonstrated that first‐stage Lf‐EF and subsequent Mf‐EF operation enables DOX‐PI/FVIOs to effectively deliver 86.2% drug into the nucleus in vivo. This nanodelivery system empowers potent antitumoral activity in various models of intractable tumors, including DOX‐resistant MCF‐7 breast cancer cells, triple‐negative MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells, and BxPC‐3 pancreatic cancer cells with poor permeability.
Collaborative Equilibrium Coupling of Catalytic DNA Nanostructures Enables Programmable Detection of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Chen Yuan , Sundah Noah R. , Ho Nicholas R. Y. , Natalia Auginia , Liu Yu , Miow Qing Hao , Wang Yu , Beh Darius L. L. , Chew Ka Lip , Chan Douglas , Tambyah Paul A. , Ong Catherine W. M. , Shao Huilin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAccessible and adaptable nucleic acid diagnostics remains a critical challenge in managing the evolving COVID‐19 pandemic. Here, an integrated molecular nanotechnology that enables direct and programmable detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA targets in native patient specimens is reported. Termed synergistic coupling of responsive equilibrium in enzymatic network (SCREEN), the technology leverages tunable, catalytic molecular nanostructures to establish an interconnected, collaborative architecture. SCREEN mimics the extraordinary organization and functionality of cellular signaling cascades. Through programmable enzyme–DNA nanostructures, SCREEN activates upon interaction with different RNA targets to initiate multi‐enzyme catalysis; through system‐wide favorable equilibrium shifting, SCREEN directly transduces a single target binding into an amplified electrical signal. To establish collaborative equilibrium coupling in the architecture, a computational model that simulates all reactions to predict overall performance and optimize assay configuration is developed. The developed platform achieves direct and sensitive RNA detection (approaching single‐copy detection), fast response (assay reaction is completed within 30 min at room temperature), and robust programmability (across different genetic loci of SARS‐CoV‐2). When clinically evaluated, the technology demonstrates robust and direct detection in clinical swab lysates to accurately diagnose COVID‐19 patients.
Reduced Acrolein Detoxification in akr1a1a Zebrafish Mutants Causes Impaired Insulin Receptor Signaling and Microvascular Alterations
Authors: Qi Haozhe , Schmöhl Felix , Li Xiaogang , Qian Xin , Tabler Christoph T. , Bennewitz Katrin , Sticht Carsten , Morgenstern Jakob , Fleming Thomas , Volk Nadine , Hausser Ingrid , Heidenreich Elena , Hell Rüdiger , Nawroth Peter Paul , Kroll Jens 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIncreased acrolein (ACR), a toxic metabolite derived from energy consumption, is associated with diabetes and its complications. However, the molecular mechanisms are mostly unknown, and a suitable animal model with internal increased ACR does not exist for in vivo studying so far. Several enzyme systems are responsible for acrolein detoxification, such as Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH), Aldo‐Keto Reductase (AKR), and Glutathione S‐Transferase (GST). To evaluate the function of ACR in glucose homeostasis and diabetes, akr1a1a−/− zebrafish mutants are generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Accumulated endogenous acrolein is confirmed in akr1a1a−/− larvae and livers of adults. Moreover, a series of experiments are performed regarding organic alterations, the glucose homeostasis, transcriptome, and metabolomics in Tg(fli1:EGFP) zebrafish. Akr1a1a−/− larvae display impaired glucose homeostasis and angiogenic retina hyaloid vasculature, which are caused by reduced acrolein detoxification ability and increased internal ACR concentration. The effects of acrolein on hyaloid vasculature can be reversed by acrolein‐scavenger l‐carnosine treatment. In adult akr1a1a−/− mutants, impaired glucose tolerance accompanied by angiogenic retina vessels and glomerular basement membrane thickening, consistent with an early pathological appearance in diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy, are observed. Thus, the data strongly suggest impaired ACR detoxification and elevated ACR concentration as biomarkers and inducers for diabetes and diabetic complications.
Effect of Bias Voltage on Substrate for the Structure and Electrical Properties of Y:HfO2 Thin Films Deposited by Reactive Magnetron Co‐Sputtering
Authors: Zhang Weiqi , Zhou Dayu , Sun Nana , Wang Jingjing , Li Shuaidong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractHfO2 thin film has been widely studied as the most promising candidate material for microelectronic devices. However, low leakage current density is the prerequisite for the excellent performance of devices. Therefore, effects of substrate bias duty ratio and frequency on the roughness and leakage current density are studied for the Y:HfO2 thin films deposited by reactive magnetron co‐sputtering method. The results illustrate that the substrate bias duty ratio and frequency influence the leakage current density through grain size and roughness of films. An appropriate substrate bias is beneficial to the densification of films and the reduction of leakage current. When the substrate bias duty cycle is 30.1% at the frequency of 19.7 kHz, the roughness and leakage current density of films are reduced to 0.4 nm and 8.8 × 10−8 A cm−2, respectively.