bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: longitudinal analysis of predictors for postural control
Authors: Müller Jana , Kreutz Charlotte , Ringhof Steffen , Koeppel Maximilian , Kleindienst Nikolaus , Sam Georges , Schneeweiss Andreas , Wiskemann Joachim , Weiler Markus
Published: January 2021

Impaired postural control is often observed in response to neurotoxic chemotherapy. However, potential explanatory factors other than chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) have not been adequately considered to date due to primarily cross-sectional study designs. Our objective was to comprehensively analyze postural control during and after neurotoxic chemotherapy, and to identify potential CIPN-independent predictors for its impairment. Postural control and CIPN symptoms (EORTC QLQ-CIPN20) were longitudinally assessed before, during and three weeks after neurotoxic chemotherapy, and in three and six months follow-up examinations (N = 54). The influence of peripheral nerve function as determined by nerve conduction studies (NCS: compound motor action potentials (CMAP) and sensory action potentials (SNAP)), physical activity, and muscle strength on the change in postural control during and after chemotherapy was analyzed by multiple linear regression adjusted for age and body mass index. Postural control, CIPN signs/symptoms, and CMAP/SNAP amplitudes significantly deteriorated during chemotherapy (p < .01). During follow-up, patients recovered from postural instabilities (p < .01), whereas CIPN signs/symptoms and pathologic NCS findings persisted compared to baseline (p < .001). The regression model showed that low CMAP and high SNAP amplitudes at baseline predicted impairment of postural control during but not after chemotherapy. Hence, pre-therapeutically disturbed somatosensory inputs may induce adaptive processes that have compensatory effects and allow recovery of postural control while CIPN signs/symptoms and pathologic peripheral nerve function persist. Baseline NCS findings in cancer patients who receive neurotoxic chemotherapy thus might assist in delineating individual CIPN risk profiles more precisely to which specific exercise intervention programs could be tailor-made.
Comparison of deep and moderate neuromuscular blockade in microwave ablation of liver tumours: a randomized-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Loh Pui San , Yeong Chai Hong , Masohood Naeema S. , Sulaiman Norshazriman , Zaki Rafdzah Ahmad , Fabell Kamil , Abdullah Basri Johan Jeet
Published: January 2021

Microwave ablation (MWA) is gaining popularity for the treatment of small primary hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic lesions especially if patients are not candidates for surgical resection. Deep neuromuscular blockade (DMB) is perceived to improve surgical working conditions compared to moderate neuromuscular blockade (MMB) but no studies have examined the same benefits in MWA of liver tumours. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of DMB and MMB in MWA of liver tumours in terms of liver excursion, performance scores by the interventional radiologists and patients, requirements of additional muscle relaxants and complications. 50 patients were recruited and 45 patients (22 in MMB group, 23 in DMB group) completed the study. The mean liver excursion for the MMB group (1.42 ± 1.83 mm) was significantly higher than the DMB group (0.26 ± 0.38 mm) (p = 0.001). The mean Leiden-Surgical Rating Scale (L-SRS) rated by the two interventional radiologists were 4.5 ± 0.59 and 3.6 ± 0.85 for the DMB and MMB groups, respectively (p = 0.01). There was also statistically significant difference on patient satisfaction scores (0–10: Extremely Dissatisfied–Extremely Satisfied) between DMB (8.74 ± 1.1) and MMB (7.86 ± 1.25) groups (p = 0.01). 5 patients from MMB group and none from DMB group required bolus relaxant during the MWA procedure. Adverse events were also noted to be more severe in the MMB group. In conclusion, DMB significantly reduced liver excursion and movement leading to improved accuracy, safety and success in ablating liver tumour.
Circulating neurotrophins and hemostatic risk factors of atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease at baseline and during sympathetic challenge: the SABPA study
Authors: von Känel Roland , Hamer Mark , Wentzel Annemarie , Malan Leoné
Published: January 2021

Sympathetic activation may trigger acute coronary syndromes. We examined the relation between circulating neurotrophic factors and hemostatic risk factors of atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease at baseline and in response to acute mental stress to establish a brain–heart link. In 409 black and white South Africans, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and fibrinolytic measures were assessed at baseline. Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), S100 calcium-binding protein (S100B), von Willebrand factor (VWF), fibrinogen and D-dimer were assessed at baseline and 10 min after the Stroop test. Neurotrophins were regressed on hemostatic measures adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, cardiometabolic factors and health behaviors. Higher baseline BDNF was associated with greater stress-induced increase in fibrinogen (p = 0.003) and lower D-dimer increase (p = 0.016). Higher baseline S100B was significantly associated with higher baseline VWF (p = 0.031) and lower fibrinogen increase (p = 0.048). Lower baseline GDNF was associated with higher baseline VWF (p = 0.035) but lower VWF increase (p = 0.001). Greater GDNF (p = 0.006) and S100B (p = 0.042) increases were associated with lower VWF increase. All associations showed small-to-moderate effect sizes. Neurotrophins and fibrinolytic factors showed no significant associations. The findings support the existence of a peripheral neurothrophin-hemostasis interaction of small-to-moderate clinical relevance. The implications for atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease need further exploration.
Serum cytokine profiles in healthy nonhuman primates are blunted by sedation and demonstrate sexual dimorphism as detected by a validated multiplex immunoassay
Authors: Hocum Stone Laura , Oppler Scott Hunter , Nugent Julia L. , Gresch Sarah , Hering Bernhard J. , Murtaugh Michael P. , Hegstad-Davies Rebecca L. , Ramachandran Sabarinathan , Graham Melanie L.
Published: January 2021

Cytokine profiling is a valuable tool for monitoring immune responses associated with disease and treatment. This study assessed the impact of sex and sedation on serum cytokines in healthy nonhuman primates (NHPs). Twenty-three cytokines were measured from serum using a bead-based multiplex assay. Assay validation for precision, sensitivity, recovery, linearity, and stability was performed. Samples from male and female cynomolgus and rhesus macaques either cooperating or sedated were compared. All cytokines except TNFα demonstrated acceptable sensitivity and precision, with variable recovery and linearity. IFNγ, IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12/23 (p40), IL-13, IL-15, MCP-1, TGFα, VEGF met acceptance criteria; G-CSF, IL-4, IL-10, MIP1α, sCD40L were marginal. Higher cytokine levels were observed in females and cytokine levels were blunted in sedated NHPs when compared to awake cooperating NHPs. Significant differences observed in cytokines related to sex, species, or imposed by handling highlight the importance of model design on translational relevance for clinical settings.
Inactivation efficacy of atmospheric air plasma and airborne acoustic ultrasound against bacterial biofilms
Authors: Patange Apurva D. , Simpson Jeremy C. , Curtin James F. , Burgess Catherine M. , Cullen P. J. , Tiwari Brijesh K.
Published: January 2021

Biofilms are complex microbial communities that present serious contamination risks to our environment and health. In this study, atmospheric air plasma and airborne acoustic ultrasound technology were applied to inactivate Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua biofilms. Both technologies were efficient in controlling, or completely inactivating, the target bacterial biofilms. Viability and metabolic assays, along with microscopy analysis, revealed that atmospheric air plasma and airborne acoustic ultrasound damaged both the bacterial biofilm cells and its structural integrity. Scanning electron microscopy images highlighted the disruption of the biofilms and pore formation in bacterial cells exposed to both the plasma and acoustic treatments. Elevated reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in bacterial cells treated with atmospheric air plasma, demonstrated their primary role in the observed bacterial inactivation process. Our findings provide potential antimicrobial strategies to combat bacterial biofilms in the food and healthcare sectors.
Delta/Theta band EEG activity shapes the rhythmic perceptual sampling of auditory scenes
Authors: Kubetschek Cora , Kayser Christoph
Published: January 2021

Many studies speak in favor of a rhythmic mode of listening, by which the encoding of acoustic information is structured by rhythmic neural processes at the time scale of about 1 to 4 Hz. Indeed, psychophysical data suggest that humans sample acoustic information in extended soundscapes not uniformly, but weigh the evidence at different moments for their perceptual decision at the time scale of about 2 Hz. We here test the critical prediction that such rhythmic perceptual sampling is directly related to the state of ongoing brain activity prior to the stimulus. Human participants judged the direction of frequency sweeps in 1.2 s long soundscapes while their EEG was recorded. We computed the perceptual weights attributed to different epochs within these soundscapes contingent on the phase or power of pre-stimulus EEG activity. This revealed a direct link between 4 Hz EEG phase and power prior to the stimulus and the phase of the rhythmic component of these perceptual weights. Hence, the temporal pattern by which the acoustic information is sampled over time for behavior is directly related to pre-stimulus brain activity in the delta/theta band. These results close a gap in the mechanistic picture linking ongoing delta band activity with their role in shaping the segmentation and perceptual influence of subsequent acoustic information.
Large diameter scleral lens benefits for Asians with intractable ocular surface diseases: a prospective, single-arm clinical trial
Authors: Moon Jayoon , Lee Sang-Mok , Hyon Joon Young , Kim Mee Kum , Oh Joo Youn , Choi Hyuk Jin
Published: January 2021

To report the efficacy and safety of large diameter scleral lenses and determine their suitability in Asian subjects with intractable ocular surface diseases. This prospective study enrolled intractable ocular surface diseases subjects with uncorrected visual acuity > counting finger but ≥ 0.3 logMAR and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥ 0.3 logMAR, to fit large diameter scleral lenses for 12 weeks. 21 eyes (13 subjects) consisting ten eyes (47.6%) with persistent epithelial defects, 6 (28.6%) with graft-versus-host disease, 4 (19.0%) with Stevens–Johnson syndrome and one (4.8%) with severe dry eye were ultimately enrolled. Primary outcome measures were the visual acuity, corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), and National Eye Institute 25-Item Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25). At week 12 with large diameter scleral lenses, BCVA improved from 0.77 logMAR to 0.27 logMAR (P < 0.001). High-grade corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining proportion decreased from 61.90 to 14.29% and 52.38 to 9.52%, respectively (P = 0.0036 and 0.0063, respectively). OSDI and NEI-VFQ-25 improved from 67.89 to 34.69 and 51.40 to 64.48, respectively (P < 0.001). No adverse effects were observed. In Asians with intractable ocular surface diseases, large diameter scleral lens improves visual acuity and alleviates signs and symptoms of ocular surface diseases without any significant complications.

Trial registration Korean Health Technology R&D Project, Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea (Project No. HI12C0015 (A120018)). Clinical Trials.gov, NCT04535388. Registered 18 August 2020—Retrospectively registered, http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04535388.
Phylogeography in an “oyster” shell provides first insights into the genetic structure of an extinct Ostrea edulis population
Authors: Hayer Sarah , Brandis Dirk , Immel Alexander , Susat Julian , Torres-Oliva Montserrat , Ewers-Saucedo Christine , Krause-Kyora Ben
Published: January 2021

The historical phylogeography of Ostrea edulis was successfully depicted in its native range for the first time using ancient DNA methods on dry shells from museum collections. This research reconstructed the historical population structure of the European flat oyster across Europe in the 1870s—including the now extinct population in the Wadden Sea. In total, four haplogroups were identified with one haplogroup having a patchy distribution from the North Sea to the Atlantic coast of France. This irregular distribution could be the result of translocations. The other three haplogroups are restricted to narrow geographic ranges, which may indicate adaptation to local environmental conditions or geographical barriers to gene flow. The phylogenetic reconstruction of the four haplogroups suggests the signatures of glacial refugia and postglacial expansion. The comparison with present-day O. edulis populations revealed a temporally stable population genetic pattern over the past 150 years despite large-scale translocations. This historical phylogeographic reconstruction was able to discover an autochthonous population in the German and Danish Wadden Sea in the late nineteenth century, where O. edulis is extinct today. The genetic distinctiveness of a now-extinct population hints at a connection between the genetic background of O. edulis in the Wadden Sea and for its absence until today.
Prevalence of celiac disease in low and high risk population in Asia–Pacific region: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ashtari Sara , Najafimehr Hadis , Pourhoseingholi Mohamad Amin , Rostami Kamran , Asadzadeh-Aghdaei Hamid , Rostami-Nejad Mohammad , Tavirani Mostafa Rezaei , Olfatifar Meysam , Makharia Govind K. , Zali Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2021

This systematic review and meta-analysis study was conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence of CD in low and high risk groups in this region. Following keywords were searched in the Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane database according to the MeSH terms; celiac disease, prevalence, high risk population and Asian-Pacific region. Prevalence studies published from January 1991 to March 2018 were selected. Prevalence of CD with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using STATA software, version 14. The pooled sero-prevalence of CD among low risk group in Asia–Pacific region was 1.2% (95% CI 0.8–1.7%) in 96,099 individuals based on positive anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-t-TG Ab) and/or anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA). The pooled prevalence of biopsy proven CD in Asia–Pacific among high and low risk groups was 4.3% (95% CI 3.3–5.5%) and 0.61% (95% CI 0.4–0.8%) in 10,719 and 70,344 subjects, respectively. In addition, the pooled sero-prevalence and prevalence of CD in general population was significantly higher in children compared with adults and it was significantly greater in female vs. male (P < 0.05). Our results suggest high risk individuals of CD are key group that should be specifically targeted for prevention and control measures, and screening may prove to have an optimal cost–benefit ratio.
Comparison of the surgical outcomes of free flap reconstruction for primary and recurrent head and neck cancers: a case-controlled propensity score-matched study of 1,791 free flap reconstructions
Authors: Chen Kuan-Hua , Kuo Spencer C. H. , Chien Peng-Chen , Hsieh Hsiao-Yun , Hsieh Ching-Hua
Published: January 2021

This study was designed to compare the outcome and analyze the operation-related risk factors in free flap reconstruction for patients with primary and recurrent head and neck cancers. A 1:1 propensity score-matched analysis of the microsurgery registry database of the hospital. The primary outcome of the free flap reconstruction had a higher failure rate in the recurrent group than the primary group (5.1% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.037). Among the 345 pairs in the matched study population, there were no significant differences between the primary and recurrent groups regarding the rate of total flap loss (3.5% vs. 5.5%, p = 0.27) and secondary outcomes. This study revealed that free flap reconstruction had a higher failure rate in the recurrent group than the primary group, but such a difference may be attributed by the different patient characteristics.
Local environmental variables are key drivers of ant taxonomic and functional beta-diversity in a Mediterranean dryland
Authors: Frasconi Wendt Clara , Ceia-Hasse Ana , Nunes Alice , Verble Robin , Santini Giacomo , Boieiro Mário , Branquinho Cristina
Published: January 2021

The decomposition of beta-diversity (β-diversity) into its replacement (βrepl) and richness (βrich) components in combination with a taxonomic and functional approach, may help to identify processes driving community composition along environmental gradients. We aimed to understand which abiotic and spatial variables influence ant β-diversity and identify which processes may drive ant β-diversity patterns in Mediterranean drylands by measuring the percentage of variation in ant taxonomic and functional β-diversity explained by local environmental, regional climatic and spatial variables. We found that taxonomic and functional replacement (βrepl) primarily drove patterns in overall β-diversity (βtot). Variation partitioning analysis showed that respectively 16.8%, 12.9% and 21.6% of taxonomic βtot, βrepland βrichvariation were mainly explained by local environmental variables. Local environmental variables were also the main determinants of functional β-diversity, explaining 20.4%, 17.9% and 23.2% of βtot, βrepland βrichvariation, respectively. Findings suggest that niche-based processes drive changes in ant β-diversity, as local environmental variables may act as environmental filters on species and trait composition. While we found that local environmental variables were important predictors of ant β-diversity, further analysis should address the contribution of other mechanisms, e.g. competitive exclusion and resource partitioning, on ant β-diversity.
Finite-difference based response surface methodology to optimize tailgate support systems in longwall coal mining
Authors: Mahdevari Satar , Hayati Mohammad
Published: January 2021

Designing a suitable support system is of great importance in longwall mining to ensure the safe and stable working conditions over the entire life of the mine. In high-speed mechanized longwall mining, the most vulnerable zones to failure are roof strata in the vicinity of the tailgate roadway and T-junctions. Severe roof displacements are occurred in the tailgate roadway due to the high-stress concentrations around the exposed roof span. In this respect, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was utilized to optimize tailgate support systems in the Tabas longwall coal mine, northeast of Iran. The nine geomechanical parameters were obtained through the field and laboratory studies including density, uniaxial compressive strength, angle of internal friction, cohesion, shear strength, tensile strength, Young’s modulus, slake durability index, and rock mass rating. A design of experiment was developed through considering a Central Composite Design (CCD) on the independent variables. The 149 experiments are resulted based on the output of CCD, and were introduced to a software package of finite difference numerical method to calculate the maximum roof displacements (dmax) in each experiment as the response of design. Therefore, the geomechanical variables are merged and consolidated into a modified quadratic equation for prediction of thedmax. The proposed model was executed in four approaches of linear, two-factor interaction, quadratic, and cubic. The best squared correlation coefficient was obtained as 0.96. The prediction capability of the model was examined by testing on some unseen real data that were monitored at the mine. The proposed model appears to give a high goodness of fit with the accuracy of 0.90. These results indicate the accuracy and reliability of the developed model, which may be considered as a reliable tool for optimizing or redesigning the support systems in longwall tailgates. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to identify the key variables affecting thedmax, and to recognize their pairwise interaction effects. The key parameters influencing thedmaxare respectively found to be slake durability index, Young’s modulus, uniaxial compressive strength, and rock mass rating.
Optimizing spectral quality with quantum dots to enhance crop yield in controlled environments
Authors: Parrish Charles H. , Hebert Damon , Jackson Aaron , Ramasamy Karthik , McDaniel Hunter , Giacomelli Gene A. , Bergren Matthew R.
Published: January 2021

Bioregenerative life-support systems (BLSS) involving plants will be required to realize self-sustaining human settlements beyond Earth. To improve plant productivity in BLSS, the quality of the solar spectrum can be modified by lightweight, luminescent films. CuInS2/ZnS quantum dot (QD) films were used to down-convert ultraviolet/blue photons to red emissions centered at 600 and 660 nm, resulting in increased biomass accumulation in red romaine lettuce. All plant growth parameters, except for spectral quality, were uniform across three production environments. Lettuce grown under the 600 and 660 nm-emitting QD films respectively increased edible dry mass (13 and 9%), edible fresh mass (11% each), and total leaf area (8 and 13%) compared with under a control film containing no QDs. Spectral modifications by the luminescent QD films improved photosynthetic efficiency in lettuce and could enhance productivity in greenhouses on Earth, or in space where, further conversion is expected from greater availability of ultraviolet photons.
Microscopic origins of conductivity in molten salts unraveled by computer simulations
Authors: Walz Marie-Madeleine , van der Spoel David
Published: January 2021

Molten salts are crucial materials in energy applications, such as batteries, thermal energy storage systems or concentrated solar power plants. Still, the determination and interpretation of basic physico-chemical properties like ionic conductivity, mobilities and transference numbers cause debate. Here, we explore a method for determination of ionic electrical mobilities based on non-equilibrium computer simulations. Partial conductivities are then determined as a function of system composition and temperature from simulations of molten LiFαClβIγ (with α + β + γ = 1). High conductivity does not necessarily coincide with high Li+ mobility for molten LiFαClβIγ systems at a given temperature. In salt mixtures, the lighter anions on average drift along with Li+ towards the negative electrode when applying an electric field and only the heavier anions move towards the positive electrode. In conclusion, the microscopic origin of conductivity in molten salts is unraveled here based on accurate ionic electrical mobilities and an analysis of the local structure and kinetics of the materials.
Heparin modulates the cellular uptake of nanomedicines
Authors: Champanhac Carole , Haas Heinrich , Landfester Katharina , Mailänder Volker
Published: January 2021

The presence of heparin in a biological environment affects the cellular uptake extent of the positively charged liposomes but not the negatively charged liposomes.
Gaseous microenvironmental remodeling of tumors for enhanced photo-gas therapy and real-time tracking
Authors: He Yuchu , Cong Cong , Zhao Shuxian , Li Zhuo , Wang Desong , Gu Jianmin , Liu Lanxiang , Gao Dawei
Published: January 2021

We constructed a tumor/NIR light-responsive nanoplatform to generate O2 and NO for reprogramming the gaseous microenvironment of tumors and phototherapy.
Pilot scale reverse osmosis refinery wastewater treatment – a techno-economical and sustainability assessment
Authors: Bastos Pedro D. A. , Santos Maria António , Carvalho Pedro Jorge , Velizarov Svetlozar , Crespo João G.
Published: January 2021

Technologies for wastewater reclamation and water reuse within oil refineries have been gaining particular attention over the past decade due to legislative pressures associated with the efficient use of water resources and wastewater discharge.
The effect of Plantago major supplementation on leptin and VEGF-A serum levels, endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis in obese women – a randomised trial
Authors: Skrypnik Damian , Skrypnik Katarzyna , Pelczyńska Marta , Sobieska Magdalena , Tinkov Alexey A. , Suliburska Joanna , Bogdański Paweł
Published: January 2021

Plantago major oral supplementation increases serum leptin level and enhances leptin influence on VEGF serum level increase in obese women.
A multi-component reaction of electron-rich arenes, potassium metabisulfite, aldehydes and aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates
Authors: Huang Jiapian , Ding Feng , Chen Ziyi , Yang Gege , Wu Jie
Published: January 2021

A multi-component reaction of electron-rich arenes, potassium metabisulfite, aldehydes and aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates under mild conditions is reported, leading to a range of (arylsulfonyl)methylbenzenes in moderate to good yields.
Synthesis of fully asymmetric diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives
Authors: Sharma Lisa , Bronstein Hugo
Published: January 2021

Diaryl-diketopyrrolopyrroles (DPP) are a widely studied class of chromophore that possesses unique properties which have been of great interest for use in conjugated polymers and as small molecules in optoelectronic devices.
Red wine-inspired tannic acid–KH561 copolymer: its adhesive properties and its application in wound healing
Authors: Chen Chen , Yang Xiao , Li Shu-jing , Ma Feng-jun , Yan Xiao , Ma Yu-ning , Ma Yu-xia , Ma Qing-hai , Gao Shu-zhong , Huang Xiao-jun
Published: January 2021

Inspired by the coating properties of red wine on various surfaces, tannic acid hardened KH561 (TA561) copolymer was fabricated for wound dressings. The synthetic route was facile, robust and the related raw material was low-cost.
Phonon spectrum and thermoelectric properties of square/octagon structure of bismuth monolayer
Authors: Wu C. Y. , Li X. L. , Han J. C. , Gong H. R. , Zhou S. F.
Published: January 2021

First-principles calculation and Boltzmann transport theory have been combined to comparatively investigate the electronic structure, phonon spectrum, and thermoelectric properties of square/octagon (s/o)-bismuth monolayer.
Open simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of l-lactic acid by complete utilization of sweet sorghum stalk: a water-saving process
Authors: Wang Yong , Huo Kai , Gao Lijuan , Zhao Guoqun , Wang Bin , Liu Jinlong
Published: January 2021

Sweet sorghum stalk was completely used for l-lactic acid biosynthesis based on combined hydrolysis with saving 83.22% water.
Design of ZIF-based hybrid nanoparticles with hyaluronic acid-augmented ROS behavior for dual-modality PA/NIR-II FL imaging
Authors: Qu Botao , Han Yahong , Li Juan , Wang Qian , Zhao Bingyu , Peng Xiaoyang , Zhang Ruiping
Published: January 2021

We have obtained ZIF-8–IR820–MnPc–HA nanoparticles with hyaluronic acid-augmented ROS behavior for dual-modality PA/NIR-II FL imagingin vivo.
Rapid iodine capture from radioactive wastewater by green and low-cost biomass waste derived porous silicon–carbon composite
Authors: Qu Guiyang , Han Ying , Qi Junjun , Xing Xinyue , Hou Minjie , Sun Yang , Wang Xing , Sun Guangwei
Published: January 2021

The effective and safe capture and storage of radioactive iodine (129I or131I) are of significant importance during nuclear waste storage and nuclear energy generation.
The spirobichroman-based polyimides with different side groups: from structure–property relationships to chain packing and gas transport performance
Authors: Wang Shuli , Tong Xiaohua , Wang Chunbo , Han Xiaocui , Jin Sizhuo , Wang Daming , Yao Jianan , Chen Chunhai
Published: January 2021

Effect of substituents on the dihedral angle and chain packing plays a critical role in the enhancement in the gas separation performance of polymer membranes.
Unraveling the catalytic mechanisms of H2 production with thiosemicarbazone nickel complexes
Authors: Barrozo Alexandre , Orio Maylis
Published: January 2021

The reaction mechanism of nickel thiosemicarbazone complexes, a new class of redox-active catalysts for H2 evolution, is investigated by the means of DFT methods.
Preparation of carbon nanofibrous mats encapsulating zero-valent Fe nanoparticles as Fe reservoir for removal of organic pollutants
Authors: Jiang Hao , Li Yaomin , Su Zhengnan , Zhang Tiantian , Meng Lihui , Hu Yanru , Wan Jiangling , Xiong Guoxi , Wu Qingzhi
Published: January 2021

Zero-valent iron nanoparticles (ZVI NPs) encapsulated in single-axial and co-axial carbon nanofibers can be used for environmental remediation at different situations.
Screening of highly effective mixed natural antioxidants to improve the oxidative stability of microalgal DHA-rich oil
Authors: Yin Fengwei , Sun Xiaolong , Zheng Weilong , Luo Xi , Zhang Yingying , Yin Longfei , Jia Qiang , Fu Yongqian
Published: January 2021

Antioxidants with synergistic effect were screened and optimized by RSM. The final natural antioxidant mixture can be actually applied in micrialgal DHA-rich oil, helping to enhance the antioxidant ability of DHA oil and extend its shelf life.
Combination of system biology to probe the anti-viral activity of andrographolide and its derivative against COVID-19
Authors: Khanal Pukar , Dey Yadu Nandan , Patil Rajesh , Chikhale Rupesh , Wanjari Manish M. , Gurav Shailendra S. , Patil B. M. , Srivastava Bhavana , Gaidhani Sudesh N.
Published: January 2021

The present study aimed to investigate the binding affinity of andrographolide and its derivativei.e.14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide with targets related to COVID-19 and their probable role in regulating multiple pathways in COVID-19 infection.
Steric scattering of rod-like swimmers in low Reynolds number environments
Authors: Hoeger Kentaro , Ursell Tristan
Published: January 2021

While navigating natural environments, interactions with cell-size solid objects alter paths of swimming microbes. We characterized such ‘scattering’ from synthetic objects of controlled surface curvature. A sterics-only model agrees well with the data.
Dipole–dipole interactions control the interfacial rheological response of cyclodextrin/surfactant solutions
Authors: Romero-Arias J. Roberto , S. Luviano Alberto , Costas Miguel , Hernández-Machado Aurora , Barrio Rafael A.
Published: January 2021

A recent surface rheological study has shown that aqueous solutions of α-cyclodextrin (αCD) with anionic surfactants (S) display a remarkable viscoelasticity at the liquid/air interface, which has not been observed in similar systems.
Coarse-grained simulation of the self-assembly of lipid vesicles concomitantly with novel block copolymers with multiple tails
Authors: Kantardjiev Alexander
Published: January 2021

We carried out a series of coarse-grained molecular dynamics liposome-copolymer simulations with varying extent of copolymer concentration in an attempt to understand the effect of copolymer structure and concentration on vesicle self-assembly and stability.
Development of the computational antibiotic screening platform (CLASP) to aid in the discovery of new antibiotics
Authors: Dai Yinghui , Ma Huilin , Wu Meishan , Welsch Tory Alane , Vora Soor Rajiv , Ren Dacheng , Nangia Shikha
Published: January 2021

The CLASP is a freely-distributed script for screening potential drug molecules through bacterial outer membrane porins. The automated scripts provide comprehensive thermodynamic and kinetic output data within a few hours of wall-clock time.
Electron shuttle in the MOF derived TiO2/CuO heterojunction boosts light driven hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zhang Yunbo , Hu Wenhui , Wang Denan , Reinhart Benjamin J. , Huang Jier
Published: January 2021

The mixed-phase MOF derived TiO2/CuO heterostructure demonstrates exceptional photocatalytic activity due to effective electron shuttling by TiO2 (<150 fs).
Heterojunction TiO2@TiOF2 nanosheets as superior anode materials for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Guan Shoujie , Fan Qinglu , Shen Zhichuan , Zhao Yuling , Sun Yang , Shi Zhicong
Published: January 2021

Heterojunction nanosheets prepared by the HF-assisted hydrothermal synthesis method are composed of TiOF2 and TiO2.
Design of oriented mesoporous silica films for guiding protein adsorption states
Authors: Chai Yadong , Maruko Yuri , Liu Zizhen , Tagaya Motohiro
Published: January 2021

The highly-oriented cylindrical mesoporous silica films were synthesized on the rubbing-treated polyimide, and effectively adsorbed the mesoscale biomolecules such as proteins and guided to be their anisotropic adsorption shapes.
Highly dispersed MoSx nanodot-modified TiO2 photocatalysts: vitamin C-mediated synthesis and improved H2 evolution activity
Authors: He Jiangyuan , Zhong Wei , Xu Ying , Fan Jiajie , Yu Huogen , Yu Jiaguo
Published: January 2021

Highly dispersed MoSx nanodots are loaded on the TiO2 surface via a thin-layered carbon supporter to attain a significantly boosted photocatalytic H2-evolution performance by applying a vitamin C-mediated method.
Structure-reactivity studies on hypervalent square-pyramidal dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]phospholes
Authors: Asok Nayanthara , Gaffen Joshua R. , Pradhan Ekadashi , Zeng Tao , Baumgartner Thomas
Published: January 2021

Reaction of dithienophospholes with quinones provides hypervalent phosphorus species with square-pyramidal geometry and promising reactivity.
Retraction: Knockdown of TMPRSS11D inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: January 2021

Retraction of ‘Knockdown of TMPRSS11D inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells’ by Kun Yan et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 21591–21600, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA02482D.
Cellular UAV‐to‐device communications: Joint trajectory, speed, and power optimisation
Authors: Liu Yaqin , Wu Fanyi , Wu Jianjun
Published: January 2021

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are envisioned to provide a variety of sensing applications in the cellular systems, which is known as the cellular Internet of UAVs. This paper considers a cellular Internet of UAVs, in which the sensory data collected by UAVs can be transmitted to the base station by cellular communications, or to the corresponding mobile devices directly by overlaying UAV‐to‐device communications. The authors first propose a joint sensing and transmission protocol to schedule UAV sensing and transmission, and then investigate the energy utility (EU) maximisation problem by jointly optimising the trajectory, speed, and transmit power of UAVs in the system. As this problem is non‐convex and difficult to be solved, the authors decouple it into three subproblems , i.e. trajectory optimisation subproblem, speed optimisation subproblem, and transmit power optimisation subproblem. Then, the authors propose a joint trajectory, speed, and transmit power optimisation algorithm to obtain the suboptimal solution of the original problem. Simulation results show that the authors' proposed algorithm can efficiently improve the EU in the system as compared with other benchmark schemes.
Capacity value evaluation of wind farms considering the correlation between wind power output and load
Authors: Cai Jilin , Xu Qingshan
Published: January 2021

A method of capacity value evaluation for wind farms considering the correlation between wind power and load is presented. The paper starts with defining the metric of capacity value called capacity credit, and its basic evaluation process. Then the core part of capacity credit evaluation, which is the reliability assessment of power systems, is focused on. In this core part, two limitations of the frequently used cross entropy based importance sampling method are analysed. To solve the problems, an improved method is proposed by using truncated Gaussian mixture model as the proposal distribution of the cross entropy based importance sampling methods. This improved method is adopted to speed up the reliability assessment of composite power systems in the capacity credit evaluation. Finally, several numerical tests are designed and performed on the IEEE‐RTS 79 and IEEE‐RTS 96 test systems. The results show that the improved method is faster than traditional cross entropy based importance sampling methods when assessing the reliability of power system. Besides, the efficiency of the improved method is almost impervious to the correlation of load and wind power output, which ensures its applicability in different scenarios.
Efficient radar detection of weak manoeuvring targets using a coarse‐to‐fine strategy
Authors: Liu Shengheng , Zhang Hongchi , Shan Tao , Huang Yongming
Published: January 2021

Detection of weak manoeuvring targets has always been an important yet challenging task for radar signal processing. One primary reason is that target variable motions within a coherent processing interval generate energy migrations across multiple resolution bins, which severely deteriorate the parameter estimation performance. The problem is compounded by an increasingly complex surveillance environment, as well as more affordable and pervasive than ever small targets such as drones. In this work, a coarse‐to‐fine strategy for the detection of weak manoeuvring targets is designed. First, a coarse estimation of the chirp parameter in an extended unambiguous range using a novel coprime segmented discrete polynomial‐phase transform is coherently integrated and derived. Sparse fractional Fourier transform is then employed to refine the coarse estimation at a significantly reduced computational complexity. The proposed scheme achieves an efficient and reliable weak target detection, while requires no a priori knowledge on the motion parameters, which is verified by the simulation results.
The complex interplay between tidal inertial waves and zonal flows in differentially rotating stellar and planetary convective regions
Authors: Astoul Aurélie , Park Junho , Mathis Stéphane , Baruteau Clément , Gallet Florian
Published: January 2021

Context.Quantifying tidal interactions in close-in two-body systems is of prime interest since they have a crucial impact on the architecture and the rotational history of the bodies. Various studies have shown that the dissipation of tides in either body is very sensitive to its structure and to its dynamics. Furthermore, solar-like stars and giant gaseous planets in our Solar System experience differential rotation in their outer convective envelopes. In this respect, numerical simulations of tidal interactions in these objects have shown that the propagation and dissipation properties of tidally excited inertial waves can be strongly modified in the presence of differential rotation.

Aims.In particular, tidal inertial waves may strongly interact with zonal flows at the so-called co-rotation resonances, where the wave’s Doppler-shifted frequency is cancelled out. The energy dissipation at such resonances could deeply modify the orbital and spin evolutions of tidally interacting systems. In this context, we aim to provide a deep physical understanding of the dynamics of tidal waves at co-rotation resonances in the presence of differential rotation profiles that are typical of low-mass stars and giant planets.

Methods.In this work, we have developed an analytical local model of an inclined shearing box that describes a small patch of the differentially rotating convective zone of a star or a planet. We investigate the propagation and the transmission of free inertial waves at co-rotation, and more generally at critical levels, which are singularities in the governing wave differential equation. Through the construction of an invariant called the wave action flux, we identify different regimes of wave transmission at critical levels, which are confirmed with a one-dimensional three-layer numerical model.

Results.We find that inertial waves can be fully transmitted, strongly damped, or even amplified after crossing a critical level. The occurrence of these regimes depends on the assumed profile of differential rotation, on the nature as well as the latitude of the critical level, and on wave parameters such as the inertial frequency and the longitudinal and vertical wavenumbers. Waves can thus either deposit their action flux in the fluid when damped at critical levels, or they can extract action flux from the fluid when amplified at critical levels. Both situations can lead to significant angular momentum exchange between the tidally interacting bodies.
A possible far-ultraviolet flux-dependent core mass function in NGC 6357
Authors: Brand J. , Giannetti A. , Massi F. , Wouterloot J. G. A. , Verdirame C.
Published: January 2021

Context.NGC 6357 is a galactic star-forming complex (d~ 1.7 kpc) composed of several HIIregions, a few young stellar clusters, and giant molecular clouds. In particular, the HIIregions G353.2+0.9, G353.1+0.6, and G353.2+0.7 are associated with three young clusters; the most prominent of these, Pismis 24, contains some of the most massive stars known.

Aims.We aim to derive the properties of the densest compact gas structures (cores) in the region as well as the effects of an intense far-ultraviolet (FUV) radiation field on their global properties.

Methods.We mapped the NGC 6357 region at 450 and 850 μm with SCUBA-2 and in the CO(3–2) line with HARP at the JCMT. We also made use of theHerschelHi-GAL data at 70 and 160 μm. We used the algorithm Gaussclumps to retrieve the compact cores embedded in the diffuse sub-millimetre emission and constructed their spectral energy distribution from 70 to 850 μm, from which we derived mass and temperature. We divided the observed area into an ‘active’ region (i.e. the eastern half, which is exposed to the FUV radiation from the more massive members of the three clusters) and a ‘quiescent’ region (i.e. the western half, which is less affected by FUV radiation). We compared the core mass functions and the temperature distributions in the two areas to look for any differences that could be due to the different levels of FUV radiation.

Results.We retrieved 686 dense cores, 411 in the active region and 275 in the quiescent region, with an estimated mass completeness limit of ~5M⊙. We also attempted to select a sample of pre-stellar cores based on cross-correlation with 70 μm emission and red WISE point sources, which unfortunately is biased due to distance, emission at 70 μm from the dust on the surface of the cores that is heated by the FUV radiation, and saturation in the WISE bands. Most of the cores above the mass completeness limit are likely to be gravitationally bound. The fraction of gas in dense cores is very low, 1.4%. We found a mass-size relation log(M∕M⊙) ~a× log(D∕arcsec), withain the range 2.0–2.4, depending on the precise selection of the sample. The temperature distributions in the two sub-regions are clearly different, peaking at ~25 K in the quiescent region and at ~35 K in the active region. The core mass functions are different as well, at a 2σlevel, consistent with a Salpeter initial mass function in the quiescent region and flatter than that in the active region. The dense cores lying close to the HIIregions are consistent with pre-existing cores being gradually engulfed by a photon dominated region and photoevaporating. A comparison of the obtained distribution of core masses with those derived from simulations of cloud-cloud collisions yields no conclusive evidence of ongoing cloud-cloud collisions.

Conclusions.We attribute the different global properties of dense cores in the two sub-regions to the influence of the FUV radiation field.
The VANDELS ESO public spectroscopic survey
Authors: Garilli B. , McLure R. , Pentericci L. , Franzetti P. , Gargiulo A. , Carnall A. , Cucciati O. , Iovino A. , Amorin R. , Bolzonella M. , Bongiorno A. , Castellano M. , Cimatti A. , Cirasuolo M. , Cullen F. , Dunlop J. , Elbaz D. , Finkelstein S. , Fontana A. , Fontanot F. , Fumana M. , Guaita L. , Hartley W. , Jarvis M. , Juneau S. , Maccagni D. , McLeod D. , Nandra K. , Pompei E. , Pozzetti L. , Scodeggio M. , Talia M. , Calabrò A. , Cresci G. , Fynbo J. P. U. , Hathi N. P. , Hibon P. , Koekemoer A. M. , Magliocchetti M. , Salvato M. , Vietri G. , Zamorani G. , Almaini O. , Balestra I. , Bardelli S. , Begley R. , Brammer G. , Bell E. F. , Bowler R. A. A. , Brusa M. , Buitrago F. , Caputi C. , Cassata P. , Charlot S. , Citro A. , Cristiani S. , Curtis-Lake E. , Dickinson M. , Fazio G. , Ferguson H. C. , Fiore F. , Franco M. , Georgakakis A. , Giavalisco M. , Grazian A. , Hamadouche M. , Jung I. , Kim S. , Khusanova Y. , Le Fèvre O. , Longhetti M. , Lotz J. , Mannucci F. , Maltby D. , Matsuoka K. , Mendez-Hernandez H. , Mendez-Abreu J. , Mignoli M. , Moresco M. , Nonino M. , Pannella M. , Papovich C. , Popesso P. , Roberts-Borsani G. , Rosario D. J. , Saldana-Lopez A. , Santini P. , Saxena A. , Schaerer D. , Schreiber C. , Stark D. , Tasca L. A. M. , Thomas R. , Vanzella E. , Wild V. , Williams C. , Zucca E.
Published: January 2021

VANDELS is an ESO Public Spectroscopic Survey designed to build a sample of high-signal-to-noise ratio, medium-resolution spectra of galaxies at redshifts between 1 and 6.5. Here we present the final Public Data Release of the VANDELS Survey, comprising 2087 redshift measurements. We provide a detailed description of sample selection, observations, and data reduction procedures. The final catalogue reaches a target selection completeness of 40% at iAB = 25. The high signal-to-noise ratio of the spectra (above 7 in 80% of the spectra) and the dispersion of 2.5 Å allowed us to measure redshifts with high precision, the redshift measurement success rate reaching almost 100%. Together with the redshift catalogue and the reduced spectra, we also provide optical mid-infrared photometry and physical parameters derived through fitting the spectral energy distribution. The observed galaxy sample comprises both passive and star forming galaxies covering a stellar mass range of 8.3 < Log(M*/M⊙) < 11.7.
Stripping and Excavating Control Technology of Spontaneous Combustion Area in Shallow Buried Coal Seam
Authors: Xin-hai Zhang , Kai Wang , Kai Dou , Jing-wen Li
Published: January 2021

The article expounds the principle, steps and results of detecting the fire source by the magnetic method. Based on the determination of the fire source range, by analyzing the actual situation of the shallow coal seam, comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the three different treatment methods and the applicable situation, a stripping is proposed. The law governs the fire zone and applies it in the governance zone. The results show that the magnetic detection technology has high detection accuracy and fast efficiency, and the stripping method has good fire extinguishing effect in the fire area, high safety, large amount of residual coal recovery, and is suitable for shallow buried fire sources. The study provides a scientific basis for fire detection, treatment, coal resource recovery, environmental protection and economic development in open-pit mine fire areas.
Synthesis of PTFE based Air Cathode for Metal Air Battery
Authors: Seo Sangwon , Jang Kwangyeop , Park Jongwoo , Kim Dongjin
Published: January 2021

A large number of researchers devotes deep study to reducing the contact resistance and improving the durability of air cathode. Air cathode consists of gas diffusion layer, current collector and catalytic layers. The network structure (gas diffusion layer, GDL) of Air cathode plays an important role in metal-air battery. This GDL makes the air-cathode semi-permiable. It means that H2O does not pass through GDL layer but O2 moleecules can pass the layer. For that reason, the optimization of sintering condition is very important process in manufacturing Air cathode. This article is about the dependence of discharge property of magnesium air-battery to its sinter-ability. Thus in order to observe any changes in the discharge property, sinter-ability, a cost-effective method was designed in the air cathode production.