bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self‐Powered Photodetector Based on p‐Type CuBi2O4 with Fermi Level Engineering
Authors: Wu Zewei , Zhang Zemin , Sun Mengdi , Tan Bing , Liu Bo , Han Weihua , Xie Erqing , Li Yingtao 
Published: November 2021

AbstractSi‐based photodetectors (PDs) have been widely used in human‐machine interaction systems due to their robust optoelectronic properties despite limitations of significant large leakage current. To overcome this drawback, a functional overlayer of p‐type CuBi2O4 (CBO) is deposited on the surface of n‐type Si to build a novel photodetector involving a p–n heterojunction. Such an n‐Si/p‐CBO photodetector shows an ultralow dark current ≈10−11 A with a high photosensitivity up to 1.69 × 104 at zero bias, a strong self‐powered characteristics with a photovoltage near 0.55 V, and a fast rise and decay time around 0.1 and 0.3 ms. With these advantages, the device shows great performance in the optical communication system. The thickness‐dependent performance indicates that the top layer acts as a light‐harvesting semiconductor to generate, separate, and transport photocarriers through the built‐in heterojunction. Band alignment analysis confirms this result and reveals the formation of a type‐II heterojunction at the interface of n‐Si and p‐CBO layers. This work demonstrates an effective strategy to reduce the leakage current and improves the responsivity, detectivity, and response speed of Si‐based self‐powered photodetectors.
Modulation of Chirality and Intensity of Circularly Polarized Luminescence Emitting from Cholesteric Liquid Crystals Triggered by Photoresponsive Molecular Motor
Authors: Bao Jinying , Lan Ruochen , Shen Chen , Huang Rui , Wang Zizheng , Hu Wei , Zhang Lanying , Yang Huai 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA chiral‐switchable device for circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) is fabricated based on dynamic superstructure of cholesteric liquid crystals (N*‐LC) doped with light‐driven molecular motor (MM), which achieves simultaneous modulation of chirality and intensity of CPL. Functional MM, designed with the modification of alkyl chains on the rotor, allows for advanced chemical isomerization to be driven with light. The selective reflection band due to the N*‐LC is shifted upon UV irradiation so that the reflection band moves toward the emissive band of the luminescence dyes, yielding CPL with opposite handedness and high dissymmetry factor values. The geometric changes of the motor during the rotary steps finally cause a remarkable reversible handedness inversion of the N*‐LC, which also leads switchable chirality of CPL. The dynamic N*‐LC cell bearing the light‐controlled selective reflection is useful for generating CPL from fluorescent materials and for allowing light chirality‐switching in CPL signals, which presents new possibilities for optoelectronic and photonics applications.
Impaired Mitochondrial Transcription Factor A Expression Promotes Mitochondrial Damage to Drive Fibroblast Activation and Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Trinh‐Minh Thuong , Tran‐Manh Cuong , Gießl Andreas , Bergmann Christina , Györfi Andrea‐Hermina , Schett Georg , Distler Jörg H. W. 
Published: November 2021

ObjectiveMitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) controls the transcription of core proteins required for mitochondrial homeostasis. This study was undertaken to investigate changes in TFAM expression in systemic sclerosis (SSc), to analyze mitochondrial function, and to evaluate the consequences for fibroblast activation.MethodsTFAM expression was analyzed by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. The effects of TFAM knockout were investigated in cultured fibroblasts and in murine models of bleomycin‐induced skin fibrosis, bleomycin‐induced lung fibrosis, and skin fibrosis induced by overexpression of constitutively active transforming growth factor β type I receptor (TGFβRΙ).ResultsTFAM expression was down‐regulated in fibroblasts in SSc skin and in cultured SSc fibroblasts. The down‐regulation of TFAM was associated with decreased mitochondrial number and accumulation of damaged mitochondria with release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), accumulation of deletions in mtDNA, metabolic alterations with impaired oxidative phosphorylation, and release of the mitokine GDF15. Normal fibroblasts subjected to long‐term, but not acute, exposure to TGFβ mimicked SSc fibroblasts, with down‐regulation of TFAM and accumulation of mitochondrial damage. Down‐regulation of TFAM promoted fibroblast activation with up‐regulation of fibrosis‐relevant Gene Ontology terms in RNA‐Seq, partially in a reactive oxygen species–dependent manner. Mice with fibroblast‐specific knockout of Tfam were prone to fibrotic tissue remodeling, with fibrotic responses even to NaCl instillation and enhanced sensitivity to bleomycin injection and overexpression of constitutively active TGFβRI. TFAM knockout fostered Smad3 signaling to promote fibroblast activation.ConclusionAlterations in the key mitochondrial transcription factor TFAM in response to prolonged activation of TGFβ and associated mitochondrial damage induce transcriptional programs that promote fibroblast‐to‐myofibroblast transition and drive tissue fibrosis.
Atom‐economic Approach to the Synthesis of α‐(Hetero)aryl‐substituted Furan Derivatives from Biomass
Authors: Romashov Leonid V. , Kozlov Kirill S. , Skorobogatko Matvey K. , Kostyukovich Alexander Y. , Ananikov Valentine P. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAn atom‐economic ring construction approach to the synthesis of α‐(hetero)arylfurans based on renewable furanic platform chemicals has been developed. Corresponding compounds have been prepared in good to excellent yields via [2+2+2] and [4+2] cycloaddition reactions using metal‐catalyzed or photoredox protocols. Easily available HMF‐based 2‐hydroxymethyl‐5‐ethynylfuran and 2‐hydroxymethyl‐5‐cyanofuran were used as starting materials. A synthetic route with an improved carbon economy factor has been implemented to achieve sustainability aim. The possible application of arylfurans as molecular conductors has been investigated by DFT calculations, which revealed excellent charge transfer properties. As a future perspective, integration of biomass processing strategy into manufacturing of molecular electronics was pointed out to achieve the aim of sustainability.
Behavioral control and changes in brain activity of honeybee during flapping
Authors: Ding Haojia , Zhao Jieliang , Yan Shaoze 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntroductionInsect cyborg is a kind of novel robot based on insect–machine interface and principles of neurobiology. The key idea is to stimulate live insects by specific stimuli; thus, the flight trajectory of insects could be controlled as anticipated. However, the neuroregulatory mechanism of insect flight has not been elucidated completely at present.MethodsTo explore the neuro‐mechanism of insect flight behaviors, a series of electrical stimulation was applied on the optic lobes of semi‐constrained honeybees. Times of flight initiation, flapping frequency, and duration were recorded by a high‐speed camera. In addition, flapping and steering initiation experiments of the cyborg honeybee were verified. Moreover, series of local field potential signals of optic lobes during flapping were collected, pre‐processed to remove baseline wander and DC components, then analyzed by power spectrum estimation.ResultsA quantitative optimization method and optimal stimulation parameters of flight initiation were presented. Stimulation results showed that the flapping duration differed greatly while the flapping frequency varied with little difference among different individuals. Moreover, there was always a fluctuation peak around 20–30 Hz in power spectral density (PSD) curves during flapping, distinguishing from calm state, which indicated some brain activity changes during flapping.ConclusionsOur study presented a range of relatively optimal electrical parameters to initiate honeybee flight behavior. Meanwhile, the regularity of flapping duration and flapping frequency under electrical stimulations with different parameters were given. The feasibility of controlling a honeybee's flight behavior by brain electrical stimulation was verified through the flapping and steering initiation experiment of honeybees under semi‐constrained state. PSD fluctuations reflected changes in brain activity during flapping and that those fluctuation characteristics at the specific frequency band could be sensitive determinants to distinguish whether the honeybee was flying or not, which benefits our understanding of honeybee's flapping behavior and furthers the study of honeybee cyborgs.
Assembly of Long‐Adapter Single‐Strand Oligonucleotide (LASSO) Probes for Massively Parallel Capture of Kilobase Size DNA Targets
Authors: Chkaiban Lamia , Tosi Lorenzo , Parekkadan Biju 
Published: November 2021

AbstractGenome DNA sequencing has become an affordable means to resolve questions about the genetic background of life. However, the biological functions of many DNA‐encoded sequences are still relatively unknown. A highly scalable and cost‐effective cloning method to select natural DNA targets from genomic templates is therefore urgently needed to enable rapid understanding of the biological products of genomes. One such method involves LASSO probes, which are long single‐stranded DNA oligonucleotides designed with a universal adapter that is used to link two sequences that are complementary to a genomic target of interest. Through a pooled assembly method, LASSOs can be made for multiplex DNA capture. Herein, we describe a robust, efficient method to assemble LASSO probe libraries using a Cre‐recombinase‐mediated reaction and a protocol for multiplex genome target capture. The starting components are a pre‐LASSO probe library comprising short DNA oligo pools designed in silico and an Escherichia coli plasmid (pLASSO) that incorporates the pre‐LASSO library. Through internal recombination of pLASSO with its inserts, a mature LASSO library in final configuration can be made with high purity. Assembly of a LASSO probe library takes 4 days, and target capture can be performed in a single day. With an exponentially growing list of new genomes available for investigation, this method can enable the rapid production of ORFeome libraries for high‐throughput screening to identify biological functions as a complementary approach to understand genome functional biology. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Assembly of LASSO probesSupport Protocol 1: Generation of pLASSO vectorsSupport Protocol 2: Preparation of pre‐LASSOsBasic Protocol 2: Massively parallel capture of large DNAs using LASSO probes
Characterization of Campylobacter jejuni–Neutrophil Interactions
Authors: Callahan Sean M. , Hancock Trevor J. , Johnson Jeremiah G. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractCampylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of bacterial‐derived gastroenteritis worldwide, infecting 96 million individuals annually. During infection, inflammation and tissue pathology occur in the lower gastrointestinal tract, including the recruitment of leukocytes. Neutrophils are the most abundant leukocyte in humans, and recruitment is associated with bacterial infections and the development of various inflammatory disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease. Neutrophils possess three main antibacterial functions: phagocytosis and degradation of microbes, degranulation to release antimicrobial proteins, and extrusion of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Because neutrophils are recruited to the site of C. jejuni infection and they are associated with damaging inflammation in other diseases, it is imperative to understand the immunopathology that occurs during C. jejuni infection and thoroughly study the neutrophil response to the pathogen. Detailed protocols for human and ferret neutrophil isolations, neutrophil gentamicin protection assay, neutrophil activation flow cytometry assay, NET induction and quantification, and neutrophil western blot analysis are included in this article. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Isolation of human and ferret neutrophilsBasic Protocol 2: Neutrophil gentamicin protection assayBasic Protocol 3: Neutrophil activation flow cytometry analysesBasic Protocol 4: Neutrophil extracellular trap induction and quantificationBasic Protocol 5: Western blot detection of neutrophil‐derived antimicrobial proteins
Module‐based design method using clocking scheme for quantum‐dot cellular automata
Authors: Deng Feifei , Xie Guangjun , Zhang Yongqiang , Chen Song 
Published: November 2021

AbstractQuantum‐dot cellular automata (QCA) is a field‐coupled nanotechnology with unique computing paradigms to be one of the strong alternatives to replace the traditional complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) in the future in theory. With the development of its fabrication technique and increasing circuit scale, the modular design method of QCA circuits is promoted, which consists at least of two connotations: designing appropriate modules for circuits and allocating applicable clock to circuits. In this paper, a module‐based design method using a clocking scheme (MCS) in QCA is proposed, which can be categorized into the modular design methodology. A complete module library for constructing circuits and a flexible clocking scheme for driving them are correspondingly proposed for the MCS method. Compared to previous design methods, its library includes not only active modules but also passive modules to connect active modules to construct circuits, so that more complex circuits can then be synthesized with them. After that, the efficient clocking scheme with fixed clock zones and signal propagation directions that is designed according to the characteristics of the proposed library solves the clock allocation problem in complex circuits. Full adder, multi‐bit adder, D flip‐flop, and multi‐bit D flip‐flop are taken as examples to illustrate the performances of the proposed MCS method in designing combinational and sequential circuits, respectively. The experimental results show that this method is more suitable for modular design in QCA in contrast to previous methods.
Dysplasia andPNH‐type cells in bone marrow aspirates of myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Westers Theresia M. , Alhan Canan , Visser‐Wisselaar Heleen A. , Chitu Dana A. , van de Loosdrecht Arjan A. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundFlow cytometry is increasingly applied in cytopenic patients suspected for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Analysis includes evaluation of antigen expression patterns in granulocytes of which, for example, partial lack of CD16 may indicate dysplasia, but presence of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)‐type cells should be considered. However, diagnostic bone marrow (BM) samples hamper PNH analysis because immature stages in the granulo‐/monocytic compartment lack expression of certain glycophosphatidyl‐inositol‐anchored proteins. In this prospective study, we evaluated the presence of PNH‐type cells in BM next to aberrancies from routine MDS immunophenotyping.MethodsWe combined antibodies defining maturation trajectories with FLAER. Validation of the designed method against routine PNH analysis and parallel analysis of BM and blood samples revealed similar results (granulocytes: Wilcoxonp = 0.25 andp = 0.82, respectively). We analyzed BM samples from 134 MDS, 17 chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, 15 aplastic anemia (AA), 1 PNH, 51 non‐clonal cytopenic controls, and 12 normal controls.ResultsMost AA/PNH‐BM samples showed clear PNH clones: median 1.1% (0%–35%); CD16 loss on mature neutrophils paralleled PNH‐clone sizes. In MDS‐BM, only 3.7% of cases showed ≥0.1% PNH‐type cells, whereas partial CD16 loss was more frequent and abundant.ConclusionsOur findings confirm that dysplastic features in MDS‐BM may point to presence of PNH‐type cells, though only few cases displayed FLAER‐negative cells. We showed that identification of these cells in the granulocyte compartment of BM specimen is feasible, but—according to international guidelines—results need to be confirmed in peripheral blood.
An efficient and robust hybrid metaheuristic method to solve a hierarchical bi‐level protection‐interdiction problem on real healthcare system
Authors: Khanduzi Raheleh , Rastegar Abdolmotalleb 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis article describes a bi‐level mixed‐integer quadratic problem on a healthcare network in which a defender protects clinics, hospitals, and medical centers concerning a given defensive budget for minimizing the transportation costs, and also the assignment of patients based on their initial capacity before and after interdiction operations. On the other hand, the attacker's subproblem involves the solution of an interdiction hierarchical problem with a total budget constraint on the disruption of the clinic, hospital, or medical center and the remaining capacity such that the total postattack costs are maximized. This problem is modeled as a bi‐level problem and the attacker and defender play a Stackelberg equilibrium strategy. An effective and fast hybrid approach of a genetic algorithm (GA), a simulated annealing (SA), and an exact algorithm was presented to solve the model. A realistic case study in the healthcare network is proposed to show the application of the new mathematical model and the effectiveness of the presented approach. The results are analyzed in comparison with GA and SA. Computational results indicate the superiority of hybrid algorithm against GA and SA based on accuracy and running time.
Weight loss in Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies: Impact on mortality and hospitalization by dementia subtype
Authors: Soysal Pinar , Tan Semen Gokce , Rogowska Marianna , Jawad Sana , Smith Lee , Veronese Nicola , Tsiptsios Dimitrios , Tsamakis Konstantinos , Stewart Robert , Mueller Christoph 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectivesLoss of weight is associated with cognitive decline as well as several adverse outcomes in dementia. The aim of this study was to assess whether weight loss is associated with mortality and hospitalization in dementia subtypes.MethodsA cohort of 11,607 patients with dementia in Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VD), or dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) was assembled from a large dementia care health records database in Southeast London. A natural language processing algorithm was developed to established whether loss of weight was recorded around the time of dementia diagnosis. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to examine the associations of reported weight loss with mortality and emergency hospitalization.ResultsWeight loss around the time of dementia was recorded in 25.5% of the whole sample and was most common in patients with DLB. A weight loss‐related increased risk for mortality was detected after adjustment for confounders (Hazard ratio (HR):1.07; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.02–1.15) and in patients with AD (HR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.04–1.20), but not in DLB and VD. Weight loss was associated with a significantly increased emergency hospitalization risk (HR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.08–1.20) and in all three subtypes.ConclusionsWhile there were associations with increased hospitalization risk for all three subtype diagnoses, weight loss was only associated with increased mortality in AD. Weight loss should be considered as an accompanying symptom in dementia and interventions should be considered to ameliorate risk of adverse outcomes.
Physicochemical and biological properties of new tricalcium silicate‐based repair material doped with fluoride ions and zirconium oxide as radiopacifier
Authors: Campi Lívia Bueno , Torres Fernanda Ferrari Esteves , Rodrigues Elisandra Márcia , Guerreiro‐Tanomaru Juliane Maria , Tanomaru‐Filho Mário 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis study evaluated the physicochemical and biological properties of novel reparative materials composed of pure tricalcium silicate (Ca3SiO5), Ca3SiO5 doped with fluoride ions (Ca3SiO5‐F) and their association with ZrO2 (Ca3SiO5 + ZrO2, Ca3SiO5‐F + ZrO2), in comparison with Biodentine (BIO). Setting time radiopacity, pH, solubility, and dimensional change were evaluated based on ISO 6876 Standard. Volumetric change and flow/filling were assessed by microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT). Biological properties were evaluated by the MTT assay 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide), Neutral Red (NR), cell migration, alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), and Alizarin Red Staining (ARS) assays. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA, Tukey, or Bonferroni tests (α = .05). Ca3SiO5‐F + ZrO2 had higher radiopacity, shorter setting time, and lower solubility and volumetric loss than BIO (p < .05). Ca3SiO5‐F + ZrO2 had flow and filling capacity similar to BIO (p > .05). All the cements evaluated had an alkaline pH. Ca3SiO5‐F + ZrO2 demonstrated cell viability similar to negative control (p > .05), increase in ALP activity in 7 days, mineralized nodule production in 21 days and repair capacity according to cell migration. In conclusion, Ca3SiO5‐F + ZrO2 had adequate setting time, radiopacity, solubility, and dimensional change. This material presented low volumetric change besides flow and filling capacity in micro‐CT assessment. In addition, Ca3SiO5‐F + ZrO2 was biocompatible and bioactive, suggesting its use as reparative material.
Shifts in UNAIDS ethics guidance and implications for ethics review of preventive HIV vaccine trials
Authors: Slack Catherine , Ndebele Paul , Allen Mary , Salzwedel Jessica 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntroductionA major change in the ethics framework for preventive HIV vaccine trials worldwide is the release of the UNAIDS 2021 ethical considerations in HIV prevention trials. This new guidance comes at an exciting time when there are multiple HIV vaccine efficacy trials in the field. Research Ethics Committees (RECs) or Institutional Review Boards are a most likely audience for these guidelines. Our objective is to highlight shifts in ethics recommendations from the earlier 2012 UNAIDS guidance.DiscussionWe review recommendations related to four key issues, namely standard of prevention, post‐trial access to safe and effective vaccines, enrolment of adolescents and enrolment of pregnant women. We outline implications and make recommendations for the ethics review process, including suggested lines of inquiry by RECs and responses by applicants.ConclusionsThere have been several shifts in the UNAIDS ethics guidance with implications for HIV vaccine researchers submitting applications for initial ethics review or re‐certification, and for RECs conducting such reviews. This review may assist RECs in a more efficient and consistent application of ethics recommendations. However, additional tools and training may further help stakeholders comply with new UNAIDS ethics recommendations during protocol development and ethics review.