bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Porous ZnO/rGO Nanosheet‐Based NO2 Gas Sensor with High Sensitivity and ppb‐Level Detection Limit at Room Temperature
Authors: Chen Ziwei , Guo Haojie , Zhang Fusheng , Li Xiaowen , Yu Jiabing , Chen Xianping 
Published: November 2021

AbstractHigh‐performance gas sensors are highly desirable for environmental monitoring, clinical medicine, and industrial production. Herein, a gas sensor with excellent sensing response at room temperature is presented based on zinc oxide/reduced graphene oxide (ZnO/rGO) composites. The ZnO/rGO composites with various contents of rGO and the pure ZnO are successfully fabricated by a facile hydrothermal method. Particularly, the ZnO/rGO sensor with 1.5 mL of the rGO exhibits highest sensing response in a wide range from 5 ppb to 10 ppm NO2 concentration and its response arrives at 13.46 when exposed to 2 ppm NO2 at room temperature. Furthermore, ZnO/rGO sensors show short response time (2 ppm, 26 s) and recovery time (2 ppm, 164 s) at room temperature. The proposed ZnO/rGO sensors present high sensitivity, excellent reproducibility, and stability. In addition, the density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the increased electrical conductivity under exposure of NO2 gas are attributed to the numerous reactive sites and carrier mobility of rGO. These results demonstrate that ZnO/rGO gas sensor has huge potential for applications in industrial and environmental monitoring.
Nanosecond Laser Switching of Phase‐Change Random Metasurfaces with Tunable ON‐State
Authors: Alvarez‐Alegria Miguel , Siegel Jan , Garcia‐Pardo Marina , Cabello Fatima , Toudert Johann , Haro‐Poniatowski Emmanuel , Serna Rosalia 
Published: November 2021

AbstractRandom metasurfaces based on disordered phase‐change nanostructures with broadband ultraviolet–visible plasmonic properties are fantastic platforms for the development of active photonic components due to their versatility. Here optical ON–OFF switching upon nanosecond laser irradiation of Bi‐based random metasurfaces is demonstrated profiting from the solid–liquid phase transition of the Bi nanostructures. The fast switching time is revealed by using single‐pulse real‐time reflectivity measurements with sub‐nanosecond temporal resolution. A sudden reflectivity decrease is observed upon laser excitation, triggered by heating and melting of the embedded Bi nanostructures of the metasurface. This transient state of low reflectivity remains constant until the Bi solidifies upon cooling, recovering the initial reflectivity level, and showing full reversibility of the process. The duration of this ON‐state, defined by characteristic low reflectivity values, can be tuned from 10 to >700 ns by adjusting the nanostructure components of the metasurface and laser fluence. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that this ON–OFF switch process is repeatable for more than 100 000 times without observable degradation of the metasurface. These results pave the way for the development of a new generation of fast, robust, and integrable nanophotonic switching devices.
Synthesis of Organoselenium Compounds with Elemental Selenium
Authors: Ma Yang‐Tong , Liu Miao‐Chang , Zhou Yun‐Bing , Wu Hua‐Yue 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn the recent decade, growing efforts have been devoted to employing elemental selenium as a selenium source in organic synthesis. In contrast to unstable, smelly, and toxic previous selenium reagents, elemental selenium is readily available, cheap, bench‐stable, and easy to handle. This review will mainly focus on the strategies for the activation of elemental selenium and the synthesis of organoselenium compounds including monoselenides, diselenides, selenium‐containing heterocycles and so on.magnified image
A Thermostat‐Consistent Fully Coupled Molecular Dynamics–Generalized Fluctuating Hydrodynamics Model for Non‐Equilibrium Flows
Authors: Liu Xinjian , Korotkin Ivan , Rao Zhonghao , Karabasov Sergey 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe thermostat‐consistent fully coupled molecular dynamics–generalized fluctuating hydrodynamics method is developed for non‐equilibrium water flow simulations. The model allows for strong coupling between the atomistic and the continuum hydrodynamics representations of water and shows an improved stability in comparison with the previous formulations of similar multiscale methods. Numerical results are demonstrated for a periodic nano‐scale Poiseuille flow problem with SPC/E water. The computed time‐averaged velocity profiles are compared with the analytical solution, and the thermal velocity fluctuations are well reproduced in comparison with the equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation. Several options to account for the long‐range electrostatics interactions available in GROMACS are incorporated in the model and compared. It is demonstrated that the suggested non‐equilibrium multiscale model is a factor of 4 to 18 faster in comparison with the standard all‐atom equilibrium molecular dynamics model for the same computational domain size.
Development of a unilateral ureteral obstruction model in cynomolgus monkeys
Authors: Huang Linghong , Ni Jia , Duncan Tanika , Song Zhizhan , Johnson Timothy S. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) has a high global prevalence and large unmet need. Central to developing new CKD therapies are in vivo models in CKD. However, next‐generation antibody, protein, and gene therapies are highly specific, meaning some do not cross‐react with rodent targets. This complicates preclinical development, as established in vivo rodent models cannot be utilized unless tool therapeutics are also developed. Tool compounds can be difficult to develop and, if available, typically have different epitopes, sequences, and/or altered affinity, making it unclear how efficacious the lead therapeutic may be, or what dosing regimen to investigate. To address this, we aimed to develop a nonhuman primate model of CKD.MethodsIn vivo rodent unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) models kidney fibrosis and is commonly used due to its rapidity, consistency, and ease. We describe translation of this model to the cynomolgus monkey, specifically optimizing the model duration to allow adequate time for assessment of novel therapeutics prior to the fibrotic plateau.ResultsWe demonstrated that disease developed more slowly in cynomolgus monkeys than in rodents post‐UUO, with advanced fibrosis developing by 6 weeks. The tubulointerstitial fibrosis in cynomolgus monkeys was more consistent with human obstructive disease than in rodents, having a more aggressive tubular basement expansion and a higher fibroblast infiltration. The fibrosis was also associated with increased transglutaminase activity, consistent with that seen in patients with CKD.ConclusionThis cynomolgus monkey UUO model can be used to test potential human‐specific therapeutics in kidney fibrosis.
Closed cranial window rodent model for investigating hemodynamic response to elevated intracranial pressure
Authors: Oberdier Matt T. , Antaki James F. , Kharlamov Alexander , Jones Stephen C. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundElevated intracranial pressure (ICP) occurs in several physiological and pathological conditions, yet long‐term sequellae are not common, which implies that blood flow is preserved above ischemic thresholds.MethodsThis pilot study sought to confirm this hypothesis using a closed cranial window model in a rat in which ICP was elevated to 120 mmHg for 12 min, and superficial cortical perfusion was measured by laser Doppler flowmetry and laser speckle flowmetry.ResultsFollowing a transient increase, cortical blood flow decreased to between 25% and 75% of baseline. These levels correspond to disrupted metabolism and decreased protein synthesis but did not exceed thresholds for electrical signaling or membrane integrity. This may partially explain how some episodes of elevated ICP remain benign.ConclusionThe closed cranial window model provides a platform for prospective study of physiologic responses to artificially elevated ICP during neurosurgery to promote hemostasis.
Porous graphene/poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanofibers for pressure sensing
Authors: Abolhasani Mohammad Mahdi , Azimi Sara , Mousavi Masoud , Anwar Saleem , Hassanpour Amiri Morteza , Shirvanimoghaddam Kamyar , Naebe Minoo , Michels Jasper , Asadi Kamal 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPiezoelectric polymers have emerged as promising materials for application in pressure sensing devices in particular for wearable applications, where inorganic piezoelectric materials can face limitations due to their brittleness. One of the bottlenecks for the adaptation of piezoelectric polymers is their relatively weak piezoelectric voltage coefficient. Hence there have been numerous efforts to improve the performance of the comprising devices by making composites of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), or through making porous PVDF films, or by nanostructuring. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of porous nanofibers with graphene/PVDF composites and investigate the suitability of the fiber for motion sensing. The nanofibers are fabricated by electrospinning from the solution phase. Guided by an experimentally validated phase diagram for PVDF/solvent/non‐solvent ternary system, porous graphene/PVDF nanofibers with different porosities and pore morphologies have been produced through solidifying the fibers in the binodal or spinodal regions of the phase diagram. It is found that only by solidifying the composite fibers in the spinodal region, graphene loading of 0.1 wt% promotes the formation of the electroactive phase substantially, and the resulting fibers exhibit enhanced piezoelectric output. It is further shown that the comprising sensors are biocompatible and show high sensitivity to body motion.
Tribological properties of graphene oxide and polyethylene glycol composites under dry friction and oil lubrication conditions
Authors: Li Chengzhi , Xu Guangshen , Wang Lisha , Li Jianhui , Lu Hailin 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn the low speed and heavy load of large machinery rotation or sliding parts, the application of copper base ink plate is very extensive. In this study, the graphene oxide‐polyethylene glycol (GO‐PEG) thin films were prepared on the surface of steel plates by gradient heating, and we simulated the friction and wear state of the solid material when it was brought to the metal surface. And the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray energy spectrum analysis, Raman spectroscopy (Raman), and thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterize the structure and properties. The tribological results show that the GO‐PEG composite film prepared by gradient temperature rise method has good lubrication effect. The addition of GO greatly enhances the mechanical properties of the composite films. Compared with the single GO film, the friction coefficient is reduced by 50% and the wear rate is reduced by 85%. The unique characteristics of PEG solved the accumulation phenomenon caused by the strong van der Waals force between GO, then the PEG adhered on GO surfaces caused good lubrication effect. At the same time, the composite film has a broad application prospect in the working environment with little oil and no oil.
Improving the flame retardancy of intumescent flame retardant/high‐density polyethylene composites using surfactant‐modified montmorillonite clay
Authors: Khanal Santosh , Lu Yunhua , Dang Li , Xu Shiai 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe use of layered nanomaterials in combination with intumescent flame retardant (IFR) provides an excellent means of preparing high‐performance flame retardant composites. In this study, montmorillonite (MMT) was modified with two different surfactants, namely dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (DTAB) and tetraphenyl phosphonium bromide (TPB), and then combined with IFR to prepare high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) composites. The effects of modified MMT (P‐MMT and A‐MMT) on the thermal and flame retardant properties and char formation of HD/IFR/P‐MMT and HD/IFR/A‐MMT composites were studied. The results show that the peak heat release rate (PHRR) of HD/IFR/P‐MMT and HD/IFR/A‐MMT composites is reduced by 20.4% and 14.1% compared to HD/IFR composite, respectively, suggesting that P‐MMT is more effective than A‐MMT in improving PHRR. The use of P‐MMT and A‐MMT contributes to the formation of compact char residues with a graphitic structure that can act as a barrier to heat, oxygen and other combustible volatiles and thus enhances the flame retardant properties. However, A‐MMT produces no significant increase in tensile strength at a low loading, while P‐MMT produces a slight increase in tensile strength compared to the composite containing only IFR.
Scoping review: The use of augmented reality in clinical anatomical education and its assessment tools
Authors: McBain Kimberly A. , Habib Rami , Laggis George , Quaiattini Andrea , M. Ventura Nicole , Noel Geoffroy P. J. C. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this review was to identify the different augmented reality (AR) modalities used to teach anatomy to students, health professional trainees, and surgeons, and to examine the assessment tools used to evaluate the performance of various AR modalities. A scoping review of four databases was performed using variations of: (1) AR, (2) medical or anatomical teaching/education/training, and (3) anatomy or radiology or cadaver. Scientific articles were identified and screened for the inclusion and exclusion criteria as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses with extension for scoping reviews guidelines. Virtual reality was an exclusion criterion. From this scoping review, data were extracted from a total of 54 articles and the following four AR modalities were identified: head‐mounted display, projection, instrument and screen, and mobile device. The usability, feasibility, and acceptability of these AR modalities were evaluated using a variety of quantitative and qualitative assessment tools. Within more recent years of AR integration into anatomy education, the assessment of visuospatial ability, cognitive load, time on task, and increasing academic achievement outcomes are variables of interest, which continue to warrant more exploration. Sufficiently powered studies using validated assessment tools must be conducted to better understand the role of AR in anatomical education.
Using the Clinical Global Impression scale to assess social communication change in minimally verbal children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Toolan Christina , Holbrook Alison , Schlink Andrew , Shire Stephanie , Brady Nancy , Kasari Connie 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAssessing improvements in social communication behaviors in minimally verbal children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often challenging. The Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI) is a 7‐point scale that has been adapted so that clinicians can easily and quickly rate social communication behaviors. The current study evaluated the CGI‐Improvement (CGI‐I) subscale as a measure of social communication change in minimally verbal children with ASD. The sample included 54 minimally verbal school‐age children with ASD enrolled in a social communication intervention trial. CGIs were rated by interventionists and the study coordinator at baseline and at Week 6 of intervention, and were compared to scores on the Communication Complexity Scale (CCS). Results indicated that CGI ratings corresponded with CCS scores at baseline and Week 6. Children who were rated as more severe on social communication at baseline demonstrated lower complexity of communication compared to those who were rated as less severe. Those who demonstrated fast response to intervention at Week 6 showed greater improvement in their joint attention than those who were slower responders. These results provide support for the utility and validity of the CGI‐I as a measure of social communication change in minimally verbal children. This study tested the CGI, a clinician rating scale, with a group of children with ASD with limited language who received intervention to improve social interactions and communication. Children's CGI ratings were comparable to other assessments in measuring social communication. The CGI may be a useful tool for those interested in quickly and easily tracking changes in children's social communication over the course of treatment.Lay summaryThis study tested the Clinical Global Impression (CGI), a clinician rating scale, with a group of children with ASD with limited language who received intervention to improve social interactions and communication. Children's CGI ratings were comparable to other assessments in measuring social communication. The CGI may be a useful tool for those interested in quickly and easily tracking changes in children's social communication over the course of treatment.
Spinel Type Mn−Co Oxide Coated Carbon Fibers as Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Zinc‐Air Batteries
Authors: Abedi Zahra , Leistenschneider Desirée , Chen Weixing , Ivey Douglas G. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMn−Co mixed oxide nanoparticles were coated onto carbon fibers (CFs) derived from asphaltene through a facile coating process. Homemade gas diffusion layers (GDLs) were prepared with the coated CFs to be employed as air electrodes and bifunctional oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts for Zn‐air batteries (ZAB). The Mn−Co oxide was identified as a cubic spinel phase (MnCo2O4) by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The composite air electrode showed excellent catalytic activity towards ORR/OER, outperforming the benchmark Pt‐RuO2 catalyst in both half‐cell and full‐cell configurations with discharge/charge efficiencies of 63.7 % and 60.0 % at 10 and 20 mA cm−2, respectively. After 200 cycles (100 h) at 10 mA cm−2 the final efficiency of the composite electrode (58.9 %) was still superior to that of Pt−Ru (43.2 %).
Key criteria for engineering mycotoxin binding aptamers via computational simulations: Aflatoxin B1 as a case study
Authors: Mousivand Maryam , Bagherzadeh Kowsar , Anfossi Laura , Javan‐Nikkhah Mohammad 
Published: November 2021

AbstractDue to the difficulties in monoclonal antibody production specific to mycotoxins, aptameric probes have been considered as suitable alternatives. The low efficiency of the SELEX procedure in screening high affinity aptamers for binding mycotoxins as small molecules can be significantly improved through computational techniques. Previously, we designed five new aptamers to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) based on a known aptamer sequence (Patent: PCT/CA2010/001 292, Apt1) through a genetic algorithm‐based in silico maturation strategy and experimentally measured their affinity to the target toxin. Here, integrated molecular dynamic simulation (MDs) studies with molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM‐PBSA) analysis to clarify the binding modes, critical interacting nucleic bases and energy component contributions in the six AFB1‐binding aptamers. The aptamer F20, which was selected in the first work, showed the best free binding energy and complex stability compared to other aptamers. The trajectory analysis revealed that AFB1 recognized F20 through the groove binding mode along with precise shape complementarity. The MD simulation results revealed that dynamic water intermediate interactions also play a key role in promoting complex stability. According to the MM‐PBSA calculations, van der Waals contacts were identified as dominant energy components in all complexes. Interestingly, a high consistency is observed between the experimentally obtained binding affinities of the six aptamers with their free energy solvation. The computational findings, confirmed via previous experiments, highlighted the binding modes, the dynamic hydration of complex components and the total free interacting energy as the crucial criteria in discovering high functional aptameric probes.
CRISPRa/i with Adaptive Single Guide Assisted Regulation DNA (ASGARD) mediated control of Chlorella sorokiniana to enhance lipid and protein production
Authors: Lin Jia‐Yi , Lin Way‐Rong , Ng I‐Son 
Published: November 2021

AbstractChlorella species are indispensable microalgae for biorefinery but are hardly in DNA manipulation due to the high guanine‐cytosine (GC) contents of DNA. In this study, we established a new approach via 20 guanines for sgRNA design, which is annotated as “Adaptive Single Guide Assisted Regulation DNA (ASGARD)” and coupling with CRISPR interference associated dCas9 system to overcome the difficulties. At first, C. sorokiniana was predominate as its faster growth rate when compared to C. vulgaris and C. variabilis in the culture using Tris‐acetate‐phosphate (TAP) medium. Among all the genetic transformants, gene regulation via CRISPRa‐VP64 (CRISPRa) enhanced the protein contents up to 60% (w/w) of dry cell weight, where the highest concentration was 570 mg L‐1. Meanwhile, CRISPRi‐KRAB (CRISPRi) with ASGARD increased protein content to 65% and lipid formed in the range of 150–250 mg L‐1. From the transcriptome analysis, we deciphered 468 genes down‐regulated and 313 genes up‐regulated via CRISPRi, while less difference existed in CRISPRa. This novel design and technology reveal a high potential of gene‐regulating approach to other species for the biorefinery and bio‐industry.
Retracted: Corporate sustainability amidst environmental change: Efficiency versus resilience
Authors: Song Hee‐Chan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis study compares resilience‐based organizing with efficiency‐based organizing and argues that the former can significantly improve the sustainability of firms in the midst of environmental changes. Based on the comparison, I claim that resilience‐based organizing exhibits paradoxical properties of change and stability and suggest that balancing this paradox pushes firms to self‐organize during environmental changes while protecting their core business functioning. Specifically, drawing upon systems ecologist's perspective on resilience, this study describes the self‐adaptive process that helps firms manage the trade‐off between change and stability. I then elaborate how resilience‐based organizing ensures the establishment of processes that are integral to the achievement of long‐term outcomes and adaptability, which is relatively obscured in efficiency‐based organizing.
How does it pay to be circular in production processes? Eco‐innovativeness and green jobs as moderators of a cost‐efficiency advantage in European small and medium enterprises
Authors: Darmandieu Aurore , Garcés‐Ayerbe Concepción , Renucci Antoine , Rivera‐Torres Pilar 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis study investigates whether circularity in production processes generates a reduction of firms' production costs and the conditions that determine the intensity of this reduction. It explores the role of two moderators for this cost‐efficiency advantage to emerge, namely, eco‐innovativeness (investments dedicated to the adequate implementation of circular practices in current production processes) and green jobs (human resources dedicated to circular practices). Using data on 13,117 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from the Flash Eurobarometer 2017, a cluster analysis revealed that there is a gradual path towards Circular Economy among European SMEs, with the implementation of increasingly more circular practices. Four ordered probit models confirmed that a higher level of circularity in processes achieved by European SMEs is related to a reduction in their production costs. Moreover, eco‐innovativeness positively moderates this relation. In contrast, the relative share of green jobs in SMEs' workforce mitigates the impact of circularity on production costs. In practice, by engaging in circularity, SMEs can contribute to the United Nations goals for Sustainable Development while reducing production costs; although the level of this reduction depends on how circularity is implemented.