bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A multi-technique approach to understanding delithiation damage in LiCoO2 thin films
Authors: Salagre E. , Quílez S. , de Benito R. , Jaafar M. , van der Meulen H. P. , Vasco E. , Cid R. , Fuller E. J. , Talin A. A. , Segovia P. , Michel E. G. , Polop C. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe report on the delithiation of LiCoO2 thin films using oxalic acid (C2H2O4) with the goal of understanding the structural degradation of an insertion oxide associated with Li chemical extraction. Using a multi-technique approach that includes synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, micro Raman spectroscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy and conductive atomic force microscopy we reveal the balance between selective Li extraction and structural damage. We identify three different delithiation regimes, related to surface processes, bulk delithiation and damage generation. We find that only a fraction of the grains is affected by the delithiation process, which may create local inhomogeneities. However, the bulk delithiation regime is effective to delithiate the LCO film. All experimental evidence collected indicates that the delithiation process in this regime mimics the behavior of LCO upon electrochemical delithiation. We discard the formation of Co oxalate during the chemical extraction process. In conclusion, the chemical route to Li extraction provides additional opportunities to investigate delithiation while avoiding the complications associated with electrolyte breakdown and simplifying in-situ measurements.
Determination of quasi-primary odors by endpoint detection
Authors: Xu Hanxiao , Kitai Koki , Minami Kosuke , Nakatsu Makito , Yoshikawa Genki , Tsuda Koji , Shiba Kota , Tamura Ryo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIt is known that there are no primary odors that can represent any other odors with their combination. Here, we propose an alternative approach: “quasi” primary odors. This approach comprises the following condition and method: (1) within a collected dataset and (2) by the machine learning-based endpoint detection. The quasi-primary odors are selected from the odors included in a collected odor dataset according to the endpoint score. While it is limited within the given dataset, the combination of such quasi-primary odors with certain ratios can reproduce any other odor in the dataset. To visually demonstrate this approach, the three quasi-primary odors having top three high endpoint scores are assigned to the vertices of a chromaticity triangle with red, green, and blue. Then, the other odors in the dataset are projected onto the chromaticity triangle to have their unique colors. The number of quasi-primary odors is not limited to three but can be set to an arbitrary number. With this approach, one can first find “extreme” odors (i.e., quasi-primary odors) in a given odor dataset, and then, reproduce any other odor in the dataset or even synthesize a new arbitrary odor by combining such quasi-primary odors with certain ratios.
Conjugated topological interface-states in coupled ring resonators
Authors: Lin Yu-Chuan , Chen Bo-Yu , Hsueh Wen-Jeng 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe optical properties of topological photonics have attracted much interest recently because its potential applications for robust unidirectional transmission that are immune to scattering at disorder. However, researches on topological series coupled ring resonators (T-SCRR) have been much less discussed. The existence of topological interface-states (TIS) in the T-SCRR is described for the first time in this article. An approach has been developed to achieve this goal via the band structure of dielectric binary ring resonators and the Zak phase of each bandgap. It is found that an ultra-high-Q with complete transmission is obtained by the conjugated topological series coupled ring resonators due to the excitation of conjugated topological interface-states, which is different from those in conventional TIS. Furthermore, the problem of transmission decreases resulting from high-Q increases in the traditional photonic system is significantly improved by this approach. These findings could pave a novel path for developing advanced high-Q filters, optical sensors, switches, resonators, communications and quantum information processors.
Experiment and simulation of single inhibitor SH110 for void-free TSV copper filling
Authors: Wang Fuliang , Le Yuping 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThree-dimensional integration with through-silicon vias (TSVs) is a promising microelectronic interconnection technology. Three-component additives are commonly used for void-free TSV filling. However, optimising the additive concentrations is an expensive process. To avoid this, a single-component additive was developed: 3-(2-(4,5-dihydrothiazol-2-yl) disulfanyl) propane-1-sulfonic acid/sulfonate (SH110). Sodium 3,3′-dithiodipropane sulfonate (SPS) and SH110 were used as additives for TSV electroplating copper filling. SH110 resulted in void-free filling, whereas large keyhole voids were found for SPS. To understand how the additives affect the filling mechanism, linear sweep voltammetry of the plating solutions was carried out. The interactions between the Cu surface and additives were simulated by molecular dynamics (MD) analysis using Materials Studio software, and quantum chemistry calculations were conducted using GAUSSIAN 09W. SH110 adsorbs to the Cu surface by both 4,5-dihydrothiazole (DHT) and 3-mercaptopropane sulfonate (MPS) moieties, while SPS is adsorbed only by MPS moieties. MD simulations indicated that the adsorption of the coplanar MPS moiety is the main factor governing acceleration. Quantum chemistry calculations showed that DHT provides an inhibitory effect for TSV filling, while MPS acts as an accelerator for SH110. SH110 is an excellent additive exhibiting both the acceleration and the suppression necessary for achieving void-free TSV filling.
The evolution of strongly-held group identities through agent-based cooperation
Authors: Whitaker Roger M. , Colombo Gualtiero B. , Dunham Yarrow 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIdentity fusion represents a strongly-held personal identity that significantly overlaps with that of a group, and is the current best explanation as to why individuals become empowered to act with extreme self-sacrifice for a group of non-kin. This is widely seen and documented, yet how identity fusion is promoted by evolution is not well-understood, being seemingly counter to the selfish pursuit of survival. In this paper we extend agent-based modelling to explore how and why identity fusion can establish itself in an unrelated population with no previous shared experiences. Using indirect reciprocity to provide a framework for agent interaction, we enable agents to express their identity fusion towards a group, and observe the effects of potential behaviours that are incentivised by a heightened fusion level. These build on the social psychology literature and involve heightened sensitivity of fused individuals to perceived hypocritical group support from others. We find that simple self-referential judgement and ignorance of perceived hypocrites is sufficient to promote identity fusion and this is easily triggered by a sub-group of the population. Interestingly the self-referential judgement that we impose is an individual-level behaviour with no direct collective benefit shared by the population. The study provides clues, beyond qualitative and observational studies, as to how hypocrisy may have established itself to reinforce the collective benefit of a fused group identity. It also provides an alternative perspective on the controversial proposition of group selection - showing how fluidity between an individual’s reputation and that of a group may function and influence selection as a consequence of identity fusion.
Multiplex recombinase polymerase amplification assay developed using unique genomic regions for rapid on-site detection of genus Clavibacter and C. nebraskensis
Authors: Larrea-Sarmiento Adriana , Stack James P. , Alvarez Anne M. , Arif Mohammad 
Published: June 2021

AbstractClavibacter is an agriculturally important bacterial genus comprising nine host-specific species/subspecies including C. nebraskensis (Cn), which causes Goss's wilt and blight of maize. A robust, simple, and field-deployable method is required to specifically detect Cn in infected plants and distinguish it from other Clavibacter species for quarantine purposes and timely disease management. A multiplex Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) coupled with a Lateral Flow Device (LFD) was developed for sensitive and rapid detection of Clavibacter and Cn directly from infected host. Unique and conserved genomic regions, the ABC transporter ATP-binding protein CDS/ABC-transporter permease and the MFS transporter gene, were used to design primers/probes for specific detection of genus Clavibacter and Cn, respectively. The assay was evaluated using 52 strains, representing all nine species/subspecies of Clavibacter, other closely related bacterial species, and naturally- and artificially-infected plant samples; no false positives or negatives were detected. The RPA reactions were also incubated in a closed hand at body temperature; results were again specific. The assay does not require DNA isolation and can be directly performed using host sap. The detection limit of 10 pg (~ 3000 copies) and 100 fg (~ 30 copies) was determined for Clavibacter- and Cn-specific primers/probes, respectively. The detection limit for Cn-specific primer/probe set was decreased to 1 pg (~ 300 copies) when 1 µL of host sap was added into the RPA reaction containing tenfold serially diluted genomic DNA; though no effect was observed on Clavibacter-specific primer/probe set. The assay is accurate and has applications at point-of-need diagnostics. This is the first multiplex RPA assay for any plant pathogen.
Ex vivo immune profiling in patient blood enables quantification of innate immune effector functions
Authors: Lehnert Teresa , Leonhardt Ines , Timme Sandra , Thomas-Rüddel Daniel , Bloos Frank , Sponholz Christoph , Kurzai Oliver , Figge Marc Thilo , Hünniger Kerstin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe assessment of a patient’s immune function is critical in many clinical situations. In complex clinical immune dysfunction like sepsis, which results from a loss of immune homeostasis due to microbial infection, a plethora of pro- and anti-inflammatory stimuli may occur consecutively or simultaneously. Thus, any immunomodulatory therapy would require in-depth knowledge of an individual patient’s immune status at a given time. Whereas lab-based immune profiling often relies solely on quantification of cell numbers, we used an ex vivo whole-blood infection model in combination with biomathematical modeling to quantify functional parameters of innate immune cells in blood from patients undergoing cardiac surgery. These patients experience a well-characterized inflammatory insult, which results in mitigation of the pathogen-specific response patterns towardsStaphylococcus aureusandCandida albicansthat are characteristic of healthy people and our patients at baseline. This not only interferes with the elimination of these pathogens from blood, but also selectively augments the escape ofC. albicansfrom phagocytosis. In summary, our model could serve as a valuable functional immune assay for recording and evaluating innate responses to infection.
Barrier crossings and winds shape daily travel schedules and speeds of a flight generalist
Authors: Lopez-Ricaurte Lina , Vansteelant Wouter M. G. , Hernández-Pliego Jesús , García-Silveira Daniel , Bermejo-Bermejo Ana , Casado Susana , Cecere Jacopo G. , de la Puente Javier , Garcés-Toledano Fernando , Martínez-Dalmau Juan , Ortega Alfredo , Rodríguez-Moreno Beatriz , Rubolini Diego , Sarà Maurizio , Bustamante Javier 
Published: June 2021

AbstractExternal factors such as geography and weather strongly affect bird migration influencing daily travel schedules and flight speeds. For strictly thermal-soaring migrants, weather explains most seasonal and regional differences in speed. Flight generalists, which alternate between soaring and flapping flight, are expected to be less dependent on weather, and daily travel schedules are likely to be strongly influenced by geography and internal factors such as sex. We GPS-tracked the migration of 70 lesser kestrels (Falco naumanni) to estimate the relative importance of external factors (wind, geography), internal factors (sex) and season, and the extent to which they explain variation in travel speed, distance, and duration. Our results show that geography and tailwind are important factors in explaining variation in daily travel schedules and speeds. We found that wind explained most of the seasonal differences in travel speed. In both seasons, lesser kestrels sprinted across ecological barriers and frequently migrated during the day and night. Conversely, they travelled at a slower pace and mainly during the day over non-barriers. Our results highlighted that external factors far outweighed internal factors and season in explaining variation in migratory behaviour of a flight generalist, despite its ability to switch between flight modes.
Development of cellulose nanocrystal-stabilized Pickering emulsions of massoia and nutmeg essential oils for the control of Aedes albopictus
Authors: Seo Seon-Mi , Lee Jae-Woo , Shin Jonghyun , Tak Jun-Hyung , Hyun Jinho , Park Il-Kwon 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe investigated the larvicidal potential of 10 plant essential oils (EOs) against the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus. Among the EOs, larvicidal activity against Ae. albopictus was strongest in those derived from massoia (Massoia aromatica) and nutmeg (Myristica fragrans). Larvicidal activities of massoia and nutmeg EOs against Ae. albopictus were 95.0% and 85.0% at 50 μg/mL, respectively. A total of 4 and 14 compounds were identified from massoia and nutmeg, respectively, and two massoia lactones, C10 and C12, were isolated from massoia EO. Among the identified compounds, benzyl salicylate, terpinolene, C12 massoia lactone, sabinene, benzyl benzoate, methyl eugenol, and C10 massoia lactone exhibited the strong larvicidal activity. Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-stabilized Pickering emulsions of massoia and nutmeg EOs were developed to overcome the insolubility of EOs in water. CNC/massoia and CNC/nutmeg emulsions were stable for at least 10 days, and larvicidal activities of CNC/massoia PE and CNC/nutmeg were higher than those of crude massoia and nutmeg EOs. This study presents a CNC-stabilized PE, a suitable formulation for EOs, as a potential larvicide against Ae. albopictus.
Extracellular mutation induces an allosteric effect across the membrane and hampers the activity of MRP1 (ABCC1)
Authors: Bin Kanner Yuval , Ganoth Assaf , Tsfadia Yossi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDynamic conformational changes play a major role in the function of proteins, including the ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) transporters. Multidrug Resistance Protein 1 (MRP1) is an ABC exporter that protects cells from toxic molecules. Overexpression of MRP1 has been shown to confer Multidrug Resistance (MDR), a phenomenon in which cancer cells are capable to defend themselves against a broad variety of drugs. In this study, we used varied computational techniques to explore the unique F583A mutation that is known to essentially lock the transporter in a low-affinity solute binding state. We demonstrate how macro-scale conformational changes affect MRP1’s stability and dynamics, and how these changes correspond to micro-scale structural perturbations in helices 10–11 and the nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) of the protein in regions known to be crucial for its ATPase activity. We demonstrate how a single substitution of an outward-facing aromatic amino acid causes a long-range allosteric effect that propagates across the membrane, ranging from the extracellular ECL5 loop to the cytoplasmic NBD2 over a distance of nearly 75 Å, leaving the protein in a non-functional state, and provide the putative allosteric pathway. The identified allosteric structural pathway is not only in agreement with experimental data but enhances our mechanical understanding of MRP1, thereby facilitating the rational design of chemosensitizers toward the success of chemotherapy treatments.
The key role of contact time in elucidating the mechanisms of enhanced decontamination by Fe0/MnO2/sand systems
Authors: Cao Viet , Alyoussef Ghinwa , Gatcha-Bandjun Nadège , Gwenzi Willis , Noubactep Chicgoua 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMetallic iron (Fe0) has shown outstanding performances for water decontamination and its efficiency has been improved by the presence of sand (Fe0/sand) and manganese oxide (Fe0/MnOx). In this study, a ternary Fe0/MnOx/sand system is characterized for its discoloration efficiency of methylene blue (MB) in quiescent batch studies for 7, 18, 25 and 47 days. The objective was to understand the fundamental mechanisms of water treatment in Fe0/H2O systems using MB as an operational tracer of reactivity. The premise was that, in the short term, both MnO2 and sand delay MB discoloration by avoiding the availability of free iron corrosion products (FeCPs). Results clearly demonstrate no monotonous increase in MB discoloration with increasing contact time. As a rule, the extent of MB discoloration is influenced by the diffusive transport of MB from the solution to the aggregates at the bottom of the vessels (test-tubes). The presence of MnOx and sand enabled the long-term generation of iron hydroxides for MB discoloration by adsorption and co-precipitation. Results clearly reveal the complexity of the Fe0/MnOx/sand system, while establishing that both MnOx and sand improve the efficiency of Fe0/H2O systems in the long-term. This study establishes the mechanisms of the promotion of water decontamination by amending Fe0-based systems with reactive MnOx.
One-step synthesis of nitrogen-grafted copper-gallic acid for enhanced methylene blue removal
Authors: Santoso Shella Permatasari , Bundjaja Vania , Angkawijaya Artik Elisa , Gunarto Chintya , Go Alchris Woo , Yuliana Maria , Tran-Nguyen Phuong Lan , Hsieh Chang-Wei , Ju Yi-Hsu 
Published: June 2021

AbstractNitrogen-grafting through the addition of glycine (Gly) was performed on a metal- phenolic network (MPN) of copper (Cu2+) and gallic acid (GA) to increase its adsorption capacity. Herein, we reported a one-step synthesis method of MPN, which was developed according to the metal–ligand complexation principle. The nitrogen grafted CuGA (Ng-CuGA) MPN was obtained by reacting Cu2+, GA, and Gly in an aqueous solution at a molar ratio of 1:1:1 and a pH of 8. Several physicochemical measurements, such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2sorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA), were done on Ng-CuGA to elucidate its characteristics. The analysis revealed that the Ng-CuGA has non-uniform spherical shaped morphology with a pore volume of 0.56 cc/g, a pore size of 23.25 nm, and thermal stability up to 205 °C. The applicational potential of the Ng-CuGA was determined based on its adsorption capacity against methylene blue (MB). The Ng-CuGA was able to adsorb 190.81 mg MB per g adsorbent at a pH of 6 and temperature of 30 °C, which is 1.53 times higher than the non-grafted CuGA. Detailed assessment of Ng-CuGA adsorption properties revealed their pH- and temperature-dependent nature. The adsorption capacity and affinity were found to decrease at a higher temperature, demonstrating the exothermic adsorption behavior.
3D assessment of a coral reef at Lalo Atoll reveals varying responses of habitat metrics following a catastrophic hurricane
Authors: Pascoe Kailey H. , Fukunaga Atsuko , Kosaki Randall K. , Burns John H. R. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractExtreme disturbances such as hurricanes can cause reductions in coral cover and three-dimensional (3D) structural complexity of coral reefs. We examined changes in structural complexity utilizing 3D reconstruction of a coral-reef site before and after Hurricane Walaka passed through Lalo of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. This event resulted in complete destruction of the coral-reef habitat, with dramatic changes in benthic cover from pre-hurricane tabulate coral to post-hurricane rubble. Rugosity and mean slope decreased after the hurricane, while structural complexity, captured by vector ruggedness measure (VRM), showed resolution-specific responses. This metric captured the structural complexity of rubble at a high raster resolution of 1 cm and that of tabulate coral at lower resolutions, resulting in decreases in mean VRM values at 2- and 4-cm resolutions but an increase at 1-cm resolution. Variability in profile and planform curvature was reduced after the hurricane due to a disappearance of extreme curvature values created by the tabulate coral after the hurricane. This study highlights the varying responses of habitat complexity metrics to the complete destruction of a coral reef and provides us with insights into how choices of habitat complexity metrics can affect quantitative assessments of 3D habitat structure.
Diagnosis of extracranial carotid stenosis by MRA of the brain
Authors: Wu Chia-Hung , Chen Shu-Ting , Chen Jung-Hsuan , Chung Chih-Ping , Luo Chao-Bao , Yuan Wei-Hsin , Chang Feng-Chi , Hu Han-Hwa 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSevere extracranial carotid stenosis (SECS) patients may present with nonspecific neurological symptoms that require intracranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and time-of-flight (TOF)-MR angiography (MRA) to exclude intracranial pathology. Recognition of SECS on intracranial TOF-MRA findings is beneficial to provide a prompt carotid imaging study and aggressive stroke prevention. Patients with SECS (January 2016 to May 2019) undergoing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) were included. Differences in normalized signal intensities (SRICA) and diameters (DICA) between bilateral petrous internal carotid arteries (ICAs) were calculated 1 cm from the orifice. A hypothesized criterion describing the opacification grades (GOPH) of bilateral ophthalmic arteries was proposed. We correlated SRICA (p = 0.041), DICA (p = 0.001) and GOPH (p = 0.012), with the severity of extracranial carotid stenosis on digital subtractive angiography (DSA) in the examined group (n = 113), and all showed statistical significance in predicting percentages of ICA stenosis. The results were further validated in another patient group with SECS after radiation therapy (n = 20; p = 0.704 between the actual and predicted stenosis grades). Our findings support the evaluation of the signal ratio and diameter of intracranial ICA on TOF-MRA to achieve early diagnosis and provide appropriate management of SECS.