bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stiffness Variable Polymers Comprising Phase‐Changing Side‐Chains: Material Syntheses and Application Explorations
Authors: Gao Meng , Meng Yuan , Shen Claire , Pei Qibing 
Published: February 2022

AbstractStiffness variable materials have been applied in a variety of engineering fields that require adaptation, automatic modulation, and morphing because of their unique property to switch between a rigid, load‐bearing state and a soft, compliant state. Stiffness variable polymers comprising phase‐changing side‐chains (s‐SVPs) have densely grafted, highly crystallizable long alkyl side‐chains in a crosslinked network. Such a bottlebrush network‐like structure gives rise to rigidity modulation as a result of the reversible crystallization and melting of the side chains. The corresponding modulus changes can be more than 1000‐fold within a narrow temperature span, from ≈102 MPa to ≈102 kPa or lower. Other important properties of the s‐SVP, such as stretchability, optical transmittance, and adhesion, can also be altered. This work reviews the underlying molecular mechanisms in the s‐SVP's, discusses the material's structure–property relationship, and summarizes important applications explored so far, including reversible shape transformation, bistable electromechanical transduction, optical modulation, and reversible adhesion.
pH‐Responsive Polymer Nanoparticles for Efficient Delivery of Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein With or Without Donor DNA
Authors: Xie Ruosen , Wang Xiuxiu , Wang Yuyuan , Ye Mingzhou , Zhao Yi , Yandell Brian S. , Gong Shaoqin 
Published: February 2022

AbstractClustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) may offer new therapeutics for genetic diseases through gene disruption via nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) or gene correction via homology‐directed repair (HDR). However, clinical translation of CRISPR technology is limited by the lack of safe and efficient delivery systems. Here, facilely fabricated pH‐responsive polymer nanoparticles capable of safely and efficiently delivering Cas9 ribonucleoprotein alone (termed NHEJ‐NP, diameter = 29.4 nm), or together with donor DNA (termed HDR‐NP, diameter = 33.3 nm) are reported. Moreover, intravenously, intratracheally, and intramuscularly injected NHEJ‐NP induces efficient gene editing in mouse liver, lung, and skeletal muscle, respectively. Intramuscularly injected HDR‐NP also leads to muscle strength recovery in a Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse model. NHEJ‐NP and HDR‐NP possess many desirable properties including high payload loading content, small and uniform sizes, high editing efficiency, good biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and ease of production, storage, and transport, making them great interest for various genome editing applications with clinical potentials.
Spiked Nanostructures Disrupt Fungal Biofilm and Impart Increased Sensitivity to Antifungal Treatment
Authors: Hayles Andrew , Bright Richard , Wood Jonathan , Palms Dennis , Zilm Peter , Brown Toby , Barker Dan , Vasilev Krasimir 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThere is a globally increasing demand for medically implanted devices, partly spurred by an aging population. In parallel, there is a proportionate increase in implant associated infection. Much focus has been directed toward the development of techniques to fabricate nanostructured antimicrobial biomaterials to mitigate infection. The present study investigates the interaction of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans with an antimicrobial surface bearing nanoscale protrusions. C. albicans cells were observed to be affected by cell wall stress, which impeded its ability to switch to a hyphal phenotype. There are significant differences in the expression of C. albicans virulence‐associated genes between the untreated and nanostructured surfaces. To determine whether the observed inhibition of C. albicans would also sensitize it to antifungal drugs, a culture is established for 3 days on the nanostructured surface before being treated with the antifungal drug amphotericin B. The drug was able to kill all cells on the nanostructured surface at sub‐clinical concentrations, while remaining ineffective against cultures grown on a smooth control surface. These findings may eventually prove to be impactful in the clinic, as clinicians may be able to reduce antifungal drug dosages and minimize the effects of drug associated toxicity.
Exploring the Sodium‐Storage Mechanism of Nanosized Disodium Rhodizonate as the Anode Active Material
Authors: Hao Zhiqiang , Dimov Nikolay , Nishio Akira , Sakamoto Ryo , Okada Shigeto 
Published: February 2022

AbstractNanosized disodium rhodizonate (Na2C6O6, NCO) prepared by antisolvent crystallization is tested as an organic anode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). A reversible capacity of 230 mAh g−1 combined with an excellent capacity retention of ≈85% after 1000 cycles versus Na/Na+ is demonstrated in a NaPF6‐DME electrolyte. Such a promising electrochemical performance is achieved by the synergy of the NCO particle nanosizing, and the formation of a thin, but stable and Na+‐permeable solid electrolyte interface layer that builds‐up readily in the NaPF6‐1,2‐dimethoxyethane electrolyte. The feasibility of the nanosized NCO anode for SIBs is also confirmed in a full sodium‐ion cell versus Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode, and the discharge potential is as high as 2.0 V suggesting a promising energy density.
Under‐Oil Autonomously Regulated Oxygen Microenvironments: A Goldilocks Principle‐Based Approach for Microscale Cell Culture
Authors: Li Chao , Humayun Mouhita , Walker Glenn M. , Park Keon Young , Connors Bryce , Feng Jun , Pellitteri Hahn Molly C. , Scarlett Cameron O. , Li Jiayi , Feng Yanbo , Clark Ryan L. , Hefti Hunter , Schrope Jonathan , Venturelli Ophelia S. , Beebe David J. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractOxygen levels in vivo are autonomously regulated by a supply–demand balance, which can be altered in disease states. However, the oxygen levels of in vitro cell culture systems, particularly microscale cell culture, are typically dominated by either supply or demand. Further, the oxygen microenvironment in these systems is rarely monitored or reported. Here, a method to establish and dynamically monitor autonomously regulated oxygen microenvironments (AROM) using an oil overlay in an open microscale cell culture system is presented. Using this method, the oxygen microenvironment is dynamically regulated via the supply–demand balance of the system. Numerical simulation and experimental validation of oxygen transport within multi‐liquid‐phase, microscale culture systems involving a variety of cell types, including mammalian, fungal, and bacterial cells are presented. Finally, AROM is applied to establish a coculture between cells with disparate oxygen demands—primary intestinal epithelial cells (oxygen consuming) and Bacteroides uniformis (an anaerobic species prevalent in the human gut).
Electronic Localization Derived Excellent Stability of Li Metal Anode with Ultrathin Alloy
Authors: He Danqi , Cui Wenjun , Liao Xiaobin , Xie Xianfei , Mao Mingheng , Sang Xiahan , Zhai Pengcheng , Zhao Yan , Huang Yunhui , Zhao Wenyu 
Published: February 2022

AbstractLithium metal is an ideal anode for next‐generation high‐energy‐density batteries. However, lithium dendrite growth has impeded its commercial application. Herein, fabricating Li‐based ultrathin alloys with electronic localization and high surface work function via depositing Bi, Al, or Au metals on the surface of copper foil for in situ alloying with lithium is proposed. It is discovered that the electronic localization can induce self‐smoothing effect of Li ions, as a result, significantly suppressing the growth of dendritic lithium. Meanwhile, the high surface work function can effectively alleviate side reactions between the electrolyte and lithium. With the as‐obtained ultrathin alloys as anodes, excellent cycling performance is achieved. The half cells run stably after more than 120 cycles under high capacity of 4 mAh cm−2. The S||Bi/Cu‐Li full cell delivers a specific capacity of 736 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles. This work provides a new strategy for fabricating long‐life and high‐capacity lithium batteries.
Optimizing the diagnostic workflow for acute lymphoblastic leukemia by optical genome mapping
Authors: Rack Katrina , De Bie Jolien , Ameye Geneviève , Gielen Olga , Demeyer Sofie , Cools Jan , De Keersmaecker Kim , Vermeesch Joris R. , Maertens Johan , Segers Heidi , Michaux Lucienne , Dewaele Barbara 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAcute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignancy that can be subdivided into distinct entities based on clinical, immunophenotypic and genomic features, including mutations, structural variants (SVs), and copy number alterations (CNA). Chromosome banding analysis (CBA) and Fluorescent In‐Situ Hybridization (FISH) together with Multiple Ligation‐dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA), array and PCR‐based methods form the backbone of routine diagnostics. This approach is labor‐intensive, time‐consuming and costly. New molecular technologies now exist that can detect SVs and CNAs in one test. Here we apply one such technology, optical genome mapping (OGM), to the diagnostic work‐up of 41 ALL cases. Compared to our standard testing pathway, OGM identified all recurrent CNAs and SVs as well as additional recurrent SVs and the resulting fusion genes. Based on the genomic profile obtained by OGM, 32 patients could be assigned to one of the major cytogenetic risk groups compared to 23 with the standard approach. The latter identified 24/34 recurrent chromosomal abnormalities, while OGM identified 33/34, misinterpreting only 1 case with low hypodiploidy. The results of MLPA were concordant in 100% of cases. Overall, there was excellent concordance between the results. OGM increased the detection rate and cytogenetic resolution, and abrogated the need for cascade testing, resulting in reduced turnaround times. OGM also provided opportunities for better patient stratification and accurate treatment options. However, for comprehensive cytogenomic testing, OGM still needs to be complemented with CBA or SNP‐array to detect ploidy changes and with BCR::ABL1 FISH to assign patients as soon as possible to targeted therapy.
Multiple‐Qubit CkUm Logic Gates of Rydberg Atoms via Optimized Geometric Quantum Operations
Authors: Li Meng , Li Jing‐Yang , Guo Fu‐Qiang , Zhu Xiao‐Yu , Liang Erjun , Zhang Shou , Yan Lei‐Lei , Feng Mang , Su Shi‐Lei 
Published: February 2022

AbstractMultiple‐qubit logic gates, as an essential part of quantum logic gates, have wide practical application in quantum computation. Here, a scheme to directly construct a multiple‐qubit logic gate , in which k control atoms apply an universal operation U on each of m target qubits in the Rydberg atom system is proposed. The scheme, based on Rydberg blockade and geometric quantum operations as well as optimized control theory, can greatly reduce the qubit number and the operation steps, improving the speed and robustness of the gating compared to the conventional multiple‐qubit gates consisting of single‐ and two‐qubit gates. Taking the C2U2 gate as an example, the performance of the proposal is numerically evaluated in terms of the fidelity of the quantum gate as well as the robustness against the static systematic errors and spontaneous emission. This work may provide a significative reference for constructing universal multiple‐qubit logic gates in future Rydberg atom experiments.
Characterization, theoretical computation, DNA‐binding, molecular docking, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities of new metal complexes of (E)‐1‐([1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl]diazenyl)naphthalen‐2‐ol
Authors: El‐Sayed Yusif S. , Gaber Mohammed , Fahmy Rowaida M. , Fathallah Shaimaa 
Published: February 2022

AbstractComplexes of (E)‐1‐([1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl]diazenyl)naphthalen‐2‐ol with manganese (II), cobalt (II), nickel (II), and zinc (II) have been constructed. Elemental analyses, molar conductance, magnetic moment measurements, spectral (IR, 1H, 13C NMR, EI‐mass, and UV–Vis), XRD, and thermal studies have all been used to determine the structure of complexes. Except for Ni (II), which has a tetrahedral geometry, the results demonstrated that all complexes have octahedral geometry. The molecular mechanic calculations used in the hyper chem. 8.03 molecular modeling program were used to determine the potential structures of metal complexes. To confirm the geometrical geometries of the investigated metal complexes, the bond lengths, bond angles, LUMO, HOMO, and dipole moments of the listed complexes were determined. At varied heating rates, the thermal analysis (TG) measurements are also investigated. Different integral equations were used to compute the kinetic and thermodynamic characteristics of the thermal degradation processes. UV–Vis absorption titration was used to study the complexes' DNA binding mechanisms. The results revealed that the complexes attach to DNA in either intercalative or non‐intercalative manner. Azodye and its metal complexes were tested in vitro against Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), fungi (Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, and Mucor), and yeast (Malassezia furfur). The azodye and its metal chelates have shown potent antioxidant activities. The molecular docking analysis has been tested with Topoisomerase II protein code: 4CHT model.
Generalized discrete decoupling and control of MIMO systems
Authors: Pandey Sumit Kumar , Dey Jayati , Banerjee Subrata 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis paper proposes an efficient discrete‐time decoupling algorithm for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) systems having strong coupling between inputs and outputs. A design method for discrete decouplers is proposed to eliminate the cross‐coupling effects present in MIMO systems. The proposed decoupling technique is based on relative gain array (RGA) approach of MIMO system. In order to perform closed‐loop control, individual discrete‐time PID controllers are designed based on Kharitonov theorem for each of the SISO control loops of the resulting decoupled MIMO system. The closed‐loop performance of the MIMO system under consideration is investigated in simulation and in real time which illustrate that the proposed decoupling algorithm satisfactorily nullifies the interaction between the inputs and outputs. The control scheme exhibits perfect tracking of the reference commands even in presence of disturbances. Twin rotor MIMO system (TRMS) is considered as the real‐time example to validate the proposed method. Further, the performance of the compensated TRMS system is analyzed in frequency domain in presence of common actuator nonlinearities dead zone and saturation together. The performances of the controllers are found to be efficient even in presence of actuator nonlinearities.
Dynamic modelling of N2O emissions from a full‐scale granular sludge partial nitritation‐anammox reactor
Authors: Wan Xinyu , Volcke Eveline I.P. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPartial nitration‐anammox is a resource‐efficient pathway for nitrogen removal from wastewater. However, the advantages of this nitrogen removal technology may be counter‐acted by the emission of N2O, a potent greenhouse gas. In this study, mathematical modelling was applied to analyse N2O formation and emission dynamics and to develop N2O mitigation strategies for a one‐stage partial nitritation‐anammox granular sludge reactor. Dynamic model calibration for such a full‐scale reactor was performed, applying a one‐dimensional biofilm model and including several N2O formation pathways. Simultaneous calibration of liquid phase concentrations and N2O emissions leads to improved model fit compared to their consecutive calibration. The model could quantitatively predict the average N2O emissions and qualitatively characterize the N2O dynamics, adjusting only seven parameter values. The model was validated with N2O data from an independent data set at different aeration conditions. Nitrifier nitrification was identified as the dominating N2O formation pathway. Off‐gas recirculation as a potential N2O emission reduction strategy was tested by simulation and showed indeed some improvement, be it at the cost of higher aeration energy consumption.
Classification of the popliteofibular ligament
Authors: Olewnik Łukasz , Gonera Bartosz , Kurtys Konrad , Zielinska Nicol , Ruzik Kacper , Aragonés Paloma , Sanudo Jose Ramón , Danowska‐Klonowska Dominika , LaPrade Robert F. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to characterize the morphological variations in the distal attachment of the popliteofibular ligament (PFL) and create an accurate classification for use in planning surgical procedures in this area and in evaluating radiological imaging. One hundred and thirty‐seven lower limbs of body donors fixed in 10% formalin solution were examined for the presence and course of the PFL. The PFL was present in 88.3% of cases. We propose the following three‐fold classification: type I (72.3%), the most common type, characterized by the attachment onto the apex of the head of the fibula, type II (8.7%), characterized by a bifurcation, with the dominant band inserting on the anterior slope of the styloid process of the fibula and the smaller band onto the posterior surface of the styloid process of the fibula and type III (7.3%), characterized by a double PFL: the first PFL (main) originated from the popliteus tendon and inserted onto the anterior slope of the styloid process of the fibula, while the second originated from the musculotendinous junction of the popliteus muscle and inserted on the posterior surface of the styloid process of the fibula. The PFL was characterized by high morphological variation, as reflected in our proposed classification. This variation may present clinical and biomechanical issues for both medical personnel and researchers. Our proposed classification may be valuable for clinicians who evaluate and perform surgical procedures within the knee joint area.
Is the avatar scared? Pupil as a perceptual cue
Authors: Dong Yuzhu , Jörg Sophie , Jain Eakta 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe importance of eyes for virtual characters stems from the intrinsic social cues in a person's eyes. While previous work on computer generated eyes has considered realism and naturalness, there has been little investigation into how details in the eye animation impact the perception of an avatar's internal emotional state. We present three large scale experiments (N≈500) that investigate the extent to which viewers can identify if an avatar is scared. We find that participants can identify a scared avatar with accuracy using cues in the eyes including pupil size variation, gaze, and blinks. Because eye trackers return pupil diameter in addition to gaze, our experiments inform practitioners that animating the pupil correctly will add expressiveness to a virtual avatar with negligible additional cost. These findings also have implications for creating expressive eyes in intelligent conversational agents and social robots.
Case report of open appendectomy in treating acute perforated appendicitis with necrotizing fasciitis of the abdominal wall: A rare complication of a common disease
Authors: Rakhsha Mohsen , Hosseinzadeh Rezvan , Hosseinzadeh Dariush , Behnamfar Morteza , Kazemi Kataneh 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAcute appendicitis can be associated with uncommon complications such as necrotizing fasciitis. We present a case of a 37‐year‐old woman referred to our hospital with a 1‐week history of significant weakness, anorexia, and mild abdominal pain. According to laboratory and radiographic data, the patient was diagnosed with perforated appendicitis and gangrene.
Impact of COVID‐19 on the Renewable Energy Sector and Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Olabi Valentina , Wilberforce Tabbi , Elsaid Khaled , Sayed Enas Taha , Abdelkareem Mohammad Ali 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis review explores the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the renewable energy (RE) sector, especially in countries with the highest RE capacities, e.g., the USA, China, India, and the EU. It highlights stimulus packages put in place by governments worldwide and their sustainability to cushion the RE sector. Commissioning of RE projects has stalled due to lack of funding allocation and interruptions in the supply of equipment and components due to lockdown measures. Despite the need to fund COVID‐19 vaccination programs and other related health services, the world must not neglect other sectors of the economy, creating more problems, such as worsening the climate change situation in the long run. This review aims to present the information needed to sustain future energy during the COVID‐19 global pandemic.
Improved Preparation of Cu/Zn‐Based Catalysts by Well‐Defined Conditions of Co‐Precipitation and Aging
Authors: Guse David , Polierer Sabrina , Wild Stefan , Pitter Stephan , Kind Matthias 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn order to enable science‐ and knowledge‐based adaptation of catalyst materials to new demands, e.g., methanol synthesis from CO2, a modified method to prepare Cu/Zn‐based catalysts based on the strict consecutive execution of co‐precipitation and aging is investigated. By successfully stabilizing the initial co‐precipitate, two mixing regimes are revealed: regarding slow mixing, the particle size of the co‐precipitate decreases with increasing volume flow. By contrast, co‐precipitation is no longer influenced by mixing for sufficiently high volume flows. While aging can be accelerated by forming smaller aggregates in the co‐precipitation, the final state is found to be defined by thermodynamic equilibrium alone. Furthermore, the microstructure of the final catalyst was influenced and the performance in direct dimethyl ether synthesis was improved by adjusting the mixing in the co‐precipitation. We believe that the approach could be scaled‐up to industrial production rates and, hence, is promising to make methanol synthesis from CO2 more effective and sustainable.