bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Angular compounding for speckle reduction in optical coherence tomography using geometric image registration algorithm and digital focusing
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , Winetraub Yonatan , Yuan Edwin , Chan Warren H. , Aasi Sumaira Z. , Sarin Kavita Y. , Zohar Orr , de la Zerda Adam
Published: February 2020

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) suffers from speckle noise due to the high spatial coherence of the utilized light source, leading to significant reductions in image quality and diagnostic capabilities. In the past, angular compounding techniques have been applied to suppress speckle noise. However, existing image registration methods usually guarantee pure angular compounding only within a relatively small field of view in the focal region, but produce spatial averaging in the other regions, resulting in resolution loss and image blur. This work develops an image registration model to correctly localize the real-space location of every pixel in an OCT image, for all depths. The registered images captured at different angles are fused into a speckle-reduced composite image. Digital focusing, based on the convolution of the complex OCT images and the conjugate of the point spread function (PSF), is studied to further enhance lateral resolution and contrast. As demonstrated by experiments, angular compounding with our improved image registration techniques and digital focusing, can effectively suppress speckle noise, enhance resolution and contrast, and reveal fine structures in ex-vivo imaged tissue.
Quantifying the biochemical state of knee cartilage in response to running using T1rho magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Heckelman Lauren N. , Smith Wyatt A. R. , Riofrio Alexie D. , Vinson Emily N. , Collins Amber T. , Gwynn Olivia R. , Utturkar Gangadhar M. , Goode Adam P. , Spritzer Charles E. , DeFrate Louis E.
Published: February 2020

Roughly 20% of Americans run annually, yet how this exercise influences knee cartilage health is poorly understood. To address this question, quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to infer the biochemical state of cartilage. Specifically, T1rho relaxation times are inversely related to the proteoglycan concentration in cartilage. In this study, T1rho MRI was performed on the dominant knee of eight asymptomatic, male runners before, immediately after, and 24 hours after running 3 and 10 miles. Overall, (mean ± SEM) patellar, tibial, and femoral cartilage T1rho relaxation times significantly decreased immediately after running 3 (65 ± 3 ms to 62 ± 3 ms; p = 0.04) and 10 (69 ± 4 ms to 62 ± 3 ms; p < 0.001) miles. No significant differences between pre-exercise and recovery T1rho values were observed for either distance (3 mile: p = 0.8; 10 mile: p = 0.08). Percent decreases in T1rho relaxation times were significantly larger following 10 mile runs as compared to 3 mile runs (11 ± 1% vs. 4 ± 1%; p = 0.02). This data suggests that alterations to the relative proteoglycan concentration of knee cartilage due to water flow are mitigated within 24 hours of running up to 10 miles. This information may inform safe exercise and recovery protocols in asymptomatic male runners by characterizing running-induced changes in knee cartilage composition.
Creep and permeability evolution behavior of red sandstone containing a single fissure under a confining pressure of 30 MPa
Authors: Yang Sheng-Qi , Hu Bo
Published: February 2020

The long-term deformation and permeability evolution with time are key issues for geo-engineering applications such as radioactive waste disposal. Rock permeability concurrent with deformation is significantly influenced by cracking. This study investigated the creep-permeability evolution behavior of red sandstone specimens containing a single fissure under a confining pressure of 30 MPa. First, the effects of stress ratio (SR) and fissure dip angle on the creep behavior of rock were investigated. The more loading/unloading cyclic numbers, the larger the irrecoverable axial deformation. The instant elastic strains and visco-elastic strains linearly increased with SR for both the intact and fissured specimens, whereas the instant plastic strains showed different results. The visco-plastic strains nonlinearly increased. For fissured and intact specimens, the creep strains and the steady-state creep rates nonlinearly increased as SR increased. The instantaneous strains, instant elastic strains, and visco-elastic strains slightly varied when the fissure dip angle was less than 45° but notably decreased with increasing fissure dip angle beyond 45°. However, the fissure dip angle had no obvious effects on the plastic and creep strains. Damage (D) was defined using the ratio of non-elastic strains to the total strain. D increased approximately linearly with SR, but the fissure dip angle had no obvious influences. Subsequently, the long-term strength (LTS) of the red sandstone was determined using two different methods. The LTS first decreased when the fissure dip angle increased from 0 to 45° but increased with increasing dip angle. The triaxial and creep failure modes were mainly shear along anti-wing cracks for the fissured specimens but shear failure occurred for the intact specimen. Moreover, the permeability of the fissured red sandstone was governed by SR and deformation or time. During the multi-step loading/unloading creep process, the permeability first decreased and then had a sudden rise when tertiary creep occurred.
Adiposity and mortality in older Chinese: an 11-year follow-up of the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study
Authors: Jiang Chao Qiang , Xu Lin , Zhang Wei Sen , Jin Ya Li , Zhu Feng , Cheng Kar Keung , Lam Tai Hing
Published: February 2020

Previous studies on Chinese showed mixed results describing the relationship between obesity and mortality. The optimum levels of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) are inconsistent. In the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study, after excluding ever smokers and those with poor health, 19,405 Chinese (50+ years) recruited from 2003 to 2008 were followed-up until 2017. During an average follow-up of 11.5 (standard deviation = 2.3) years, 1,757 deaths were recorded. All-cause mortality showed a J-shaped association with BMI, with the lowest mortality risks at 22.5 kg/m2 for both men and women. In those with BMI ≥ 22.5 kg/m2, an increase of 5 kg/m2 was associated with 29% higher all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–1.46), 30% higher cancer mortality (1.30, 95% CI 1.08–1.57), and 37% higher cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality (1.37, 95% CI 1.13–1.67) after adjustment for potential confounders. In this first cohort study in one of the most economically developed cities in China, the lowest all-cause mortality was observed for a BMI of 22.5 kg/m2 in all participants, and a WC of 78 cm in men and 72 cm in women.
Probiotic properties of a phytase producing Pediococcus acidilactici strain SMVDUDB2 isolated from traditional fermented cheese product, Kalarei
Authors: Bhagat Deepali , Raina Neelu , Kumar Amit , Katoch Meenu , Khajuria Yugal , Slathia Parvez Singh , Sharma Preeti
Published: February 2020

The nutritional challenge faced by the monogastric animals due to the chelation effects of phytic acid, fuel the research on bioprospecting of probiotics for phytase production. Pediococcus acidilactici SMVDUDB2 isolated from Kalarei, exhibited extracellular phytase activity of 5.583 U/mL after statistical optimization of fermentation conditions viz. peptone (1.27%); temperature (37 °C); pH (6.26) and maltose (1.43%). The phytase enzyme possessed optimum pH and temperature of 5.5 and 37 °C, respectively and was thermostable at 60 °C. The enzyme was purified 6.42 fold with a specific activity of 245.12 U/mg with hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The purified enzyme had Km and Vmax values of 0.385 mM and 4.965 μmol/min respectively, with sodium phytate as substrate. The strain depicted more than 80% survival rate at low pH (pH 2.0, 3.0), high bile salt concentration (0.3 and 0.5%), after gastrointestinal transit, highest hydrophobicity affinity with ethyl acetate (33.33 ± 0%), autoaggregation (77.68 ± 0.68%) as well as coaggregation (73.57 ± 0.47%) with Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 3160). The strain exhibited antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 121), Mycobacterium smegmatis (MTCC 994), Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 3160), Proteus vulgaris (MTCC 426), Escherichia coli (MTCC 1652) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (MTCC 1408). The amount of exopolysaccharide produced by the strain was 2 g/L. This strain having the capability of phytate degradation and possessing probiotic traits could find application in food and feed sectors.
Water filtration by burrowing sandprawns provides novel insights on endobenthic engineering and solutions for eutrophication
Authors: Venter Olivia , Pillay Deena , Prayag Kervin
Published: February 2020

Managing coastal ecosystems and preserving socio-ecological functioning require a comprehensive understanding of ecological services provided by resident organisms. Here, we provide novel information on water-filtration activities of endobenthic sandprawns (Callichirus kraussi), which are key ecosystem engineers in South African coasts. We demonstrate experimentally that benthic engineering by sandprawns reduces phytoplankton biomass by roughly 50%. Using long-term estuarine data, we demonstrate similar reductions in phytoplankton biomass (by roughly 70%) in sandprawn-dominated areas. Increased burrow wall chlorophyll-a relative to surface sediments that was evident in experiments suggests that pelagic filtration occurs through bi-directional water pumping and phytoplankton adsorption onto burrow walls. Our findings expand understanding of the ecological relevance of sandprawns and functionally similar organisms, the mechanisms by which they engineer ecosystems and their role in mediating coastal bentho-pelagic coupling. Our findings also highlight the potential for deposit-feeders to be used as nature-based solutions to counter coastal eutrophication.
Unhealthy behaviors and risk of uncontrolled hypertension among treated individuals-The CONSTANCES population-based study
Authors: Cherfan Michelle , Vallée Alexandre , Kab Sofiane , Salameh Pascale , Goldberg Marcel , Zins Marie , Blacher Jacques
Published: February 2020

From an epidemiological standpoint, quantifying the individual and the combined effect of lifestyle factors on uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) deserves further evaluation. We aimed to examine the individual and combined associations between unhealthy behaviors and uncontrolled hypertension among treated hypertensive adults. Cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from CONSTANCES, an ongoing French population-based cohort study. Uncontrolled BP was defined as mean systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or mean diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg. Unhealthy behaviors were considered as heavy alcohol consumption, low or medium adherence to dietary recommendations, sedentary physical activity level, and overweight. A total of 10,710 hypertensive treated volunteer participants were included and 56.1% had uncontrolled hypertension; of them, 2.0%, 24.5%, 54.0% and 19.5% exhibited 0, 1, 2 or ≥3 unhealthy behaviors respectively. In men, there was an increased odds of uncontrolled hypertension with heavy alcohol drinking compared to light-or-never (adjusted odds ratio 1.34, 95% CI 1.10–1.63), with low as well as with medium adherence to dietary recommendations compared to high (p < 0.05 for both), and with overweight or obesity compared to a normal body mass index (p ≤ 0.001 for both). In addition, men reporting a combination of ≥3 unhealthy behaviors compared to none, had an increased odds of hypertension of 1.67 (95% CI 1.09–2.53). Unhealthy behaviors described as, heavy alcohol consumption, non-adherence to dietary recommendations and overweight are associated with uncontrolled hypertension, at the individual and combined level, and particularly in men. Improvement of modifiable lifestyle factors could offer considerable benefits in the management of hypertension.
Judgments of effort exerted by others are influenced by received rewards
Authors: Rollwage Max , Pannach Franziska , Stinson Caedyn , Toelch Ulf , Kagan Igor , Pooresmaeili Arezoo
Published: February 2020

Estimating invested effort is a core dimension for evaluating own and others’ actions, and views on the relationship between effort and rewards are deeply ingrained in various societal attitudes. Internal representations of effort, however, are inherently noisy, e.g. due to the variability of sensorimotor and visceral responses to physical exertion. The uncertainty in effort judgments is further aggravated when there is no direct access to the internal representations of exertion – such as when estimating the effort of another person. Bayesian cue integration suggests that this uncertainty can be resolved by incorporating additional cues that are predictive of effort, e.g. received rewards. We hypothesized that judgments about the effort spent on a task will be influenced by the magnitude of received rewards. Additionally, we surmised that such influence might further depend on individual beliefs regarding the relationship between hard work and prosperity, as exemplified by a conservative work ethic. To test these predictions, participants performed an effortful task interleaved with a partner and were informed about the obtained reward before rating either their own or the partner’s effort. We show that higher rewards led to higher estimations of exerted effort in self-judgments, and this effect was even more pronounced for other-judgments. In both types of judgment, computational modelling revealed that reward information and sensorimotor markers of exertion were combined in a Bayes-optimal manner in order to reduce uncertainty. Remarkably, the extent to which rewards influenced effort judgments was associated with conservative world-views, indicating links between this phenomenon and general beliefs about the relationship between effort and earnings in society.
Synthetic analogues of 2-oxo acids discriminate metabolic contribution of the 2-oxoglutarate and 2-oxoadipate dehydrogenases in mammalian cells and tissues
Authors: Artiukhov Artem V. , Grabarska Aneta , Gumbarewicz Ewelina , Aleshin Vasily A. , Kähne Thilo , Obata Toshihiro , Kazantsev Alexey V. , Lukashev Nikolay V. , Stepulak Andrzej , Fernie Alisdair R. , Bunik Victoria I.
Published: February 2020

The biological significance of the DHTKD1-encoded 2-oxoadipate dehydrogenase (OADH) remains obscure due to its catalytic redundancy with the ubiquitous OGDH-encoded 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH). In this work, metabolic contributions of OADH and OGDH are discriminated by exposure of cells/tissues with different DHTKD1 expression to the synthesized phosphonate analogues of homologous 2-oxodicarboxylates. The saccharopine pathway intermediates and phosphorylated sugars are abundant when cellular expressions of DHTKD1 and OGDH are comparable, while nicotinate and non-phosphorylated sugars are when DHTKD1 expression is order(s) of magnitude lower than that of OGDH. Using succinyl, glutaryl and adipoyl phosphonates on the enzyme preparations from tissues with varied DHTKD1 expression reveals the contributions of OADH and OGDH to oxidation of 2-oxoadipate and 2-oxoglutarate in vitro. In the phosphonates-treated cells with the high and low DHTKD1 expression, adipate or glutarate, correspondingly, are the most affected metabolites. The marker of fatty acid β-oxidation, adipate, is mostly decreased by the shorter, OGDH-preferring, phosphonate, in agreement with the known OGDH dependence of β-oxidation. The longest, OADH-preferring, phosphonate mostly affects the glutarate level. Coupled decreases in sugars and nicotinate upon the OADH inhibition link the perturbation in glucose homeostasis, known in OADH mutants, to the nicotinate-dependent NAD metabolism.
Evidence in the Japan Sea of microdolomite mineralization within gas hydrate microbiomes
Authors: Snyder Glen T. , Matsumoto Ryo , Suzuki Yohey , Kouduka Mariko , Kakizaki Yoshihiro , Zhang Naizhong , Tomaru Hitoshi , Sano Yuji , Takahata Naoto , Tanaka Kentaro , Bowden Stephen A. , Imajo Takumi
Published: February 2020

Over the past 15 years, massive gas hydrate deposits have been studied extensively in Joetsu Basin, Japan Sea, where they are associated primarily with active gas chimney structures. Our research documents the discovery of spheroidal microdolomite aggregates found in association with other impurities inside of these massive gas hydrates. The microdolomites are often conjoined and show dark internal cores occasionally hosting saline fluid inclusions. Bacteroidetes sp. are concentrated on the inner rims of microdolomite grains, where they degrade complex petroleum-macromolecules present as an impurity within yellow methane hydrate. These oils show increasing biodegradation with depth which is consistent with the microbial activity of Bacteroidetes. Further investigation of these microdolomites and their contents can potentially yield insight into the dynamics and microbial ecology of other hydrate localities. If microdolomites are indeed found to be ubiquitous in both present and fossil hydrate settings, the materials preserved within may provide valuable insights into an unusual microhabitat which could have once fostered ancient life.
Expression of Female Sex Hormone Receptors, Connective Tissue Growth Factor and HER2 in Gallbladder Cancer
Authors: Hryciuk Beata , Pęksa Rafał , Bieńkowski Michał , Szymanowski Bartosz , Radecka Barbara , Winnik Kamil , Żok Jolanta , Cichowska Natalia , Iliszko Mariola , Duchnowska Renata
Published: February 2020

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a highly malignant tumor with poorly understood etiology. An insight into phenotypic features of this malignancy may add to the knowledge of its carcinogenesis and pave the way to new therapeutic approaches. We assessed the expression of female sex hormone receptors (ERα, ERβ, PR), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and HER2 in GBC, and adjacent normal tissue (NT), and determined their prognostic impact. Immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of all biomarkers was performed in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens in 60 Caucasian GBC patients (51 women and 9 men). ERβ, cytoPR and CTGF expression were found in 89%, 27%, 91% of GBC, and in 63%, 87%, 100% of NT, respectively. No ERα expression was found in GBC and NT. Strong (3+) HER2 expression by IHC or HER2 amplification was seen in five GBC (10.4%). A positive correlation was found between HER2 and CTGF and ERβ expression in GBC and matched NT. In the multivariate analysis, patient age >70 years, tumor size and ERβ expression in GBC was highly predictive for OS (p = 0.003). The correlation between HER2, CTGF and ERβ expression in GBC and NT may indicate the interaction of these pathways in physiological processes and gallbladder pathology.
Kinship and reproductive condition correlate with affiliation patterns in female southern Australian bottlenose dolphins
Authors: Diaz-Aguirre Fernando , Parra Guido J. , Passadore Cecilia , Möller Luciana
Published: February 2020

Social relationships in female mammals are usually determined by an interplay among genetic, endogenous, social and ecological factors that ultimately affect their lifetime reproductive success. However, few studies have attempted to control for, and integrate these factors, hampering our understanding of drivers underlying female sociality. Here, we used generalized affiliation indices, combined with social networks, reproductive condition, and genetic data to investigate drivers of associations in female southern Australian bottlenose dolphins. Our analysis is based on photo-identification and genetic data collected through systematic boat surveys over a two-year study period. Female dolphins formed preferred associations and social clusters which ranged from overlapping to discrete home ranges. Furthermore, matrilineal kinship and biparental relatedness, as well as reproductive condition, correlated with the strength of female affiliations. In addition, relatedness for both genetic markers was also higher within than between social clusters. The predictability of resources in their embayment environment, and the availability of same-sex relatives in the population, may have favoured the formation of social bonds between genetically related females and those in similar reproductive condition. This study highlights the importance of genetic, endogenous, social and ecological factors in determining female sociality in coastal dolphins.
Rapid localization of ureteral calculi in patients with renal colic by “ultrasonic ureteral crossing sign”
Authors: Xia Jianguo , Peng Junhong , Wang Gang , Zheng Tao , Xu Qi
Published: February 2020

In this study, the term “ultrasonic ureteral crossing sign” is defined, and the diagnostic accuracy of this sign in the rapid localization of ureteral calculi is assessed. Between January 2017 and June 2018, 535 patients underwent ultrasound examination for suspected ureteral calculi. The “ultrasonic ureteral crossing sign” was classified as either positive or negative and correlated with the location of ureteral calculi. Of the 451 patients who were ultimately diagnosed with ureteral calculi, 263 patients had a positive sign, of which 258 patients had distal ureteral calculi, and 188 patients had a negative sign, of which 164 patients had proximal ureteral calculi. Eighteen stones were located in the ureter across the iliac vessels. For patients with a positive “ultrasonic ureteral crossing sign”, we observed a 91% sensitivity, 97% specificity, 98% PPV, 87% NPV, and AUC of 0.94 for distal ureteral calculi. For patients with a negative “ultrasonic ureteral crossing sign”, we observed a 97% sensitivity, 91% specificity, 87% PPV, 98% NPV, and AUC of 0.94 for proximal ureteral calculi. The “ultrasonic ureteral crossing sign” was found to accurately predict the location of ureteral calculi, significantly improve the efficiency of ultrasound examination, and provide a useful basis for follow-up treatment.
Nanoremediation of As and metals polluted soils by means of graphene oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Baragaño Diego , Forján Rubén , Welte Lorena , Gallego José Luis R.
Published: February 2020

The capacity of graphene oxide nanoparticles (nGOx) to reduce or increase As and metals availability in polluted soils was compared with that of zero valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI). The nanomaterials used in this study were characterized by X-ray techniques, CHNS-O analysis, dynamic light scattering, and microscopy procedures such as atomic force microscopy. To assess the capacity of these materials to immobilize pollutants, field samples of two soils were treated with nZVI and nGOx at a range of doses (0.2%, 1% and 5%). Availability tests were then performed. nGOx effectively immobilized Cu, Pb and Cd, but mobilized As and P (even at low doses), in the latter case irrespective of the simultaneous presence of high concentrations of metals. In turn, nZVI promoted notable immobilization results for As and Pb, a poorer result for Cd, and an increased availability for Cu. Soil pH and EC have been slightly affected by nGOx. On the whole, nGOx emerges as a promising option for mobilization/immobilization strategies for soil nanoremediation when combined with other techniques such as phytoremediation.
Publisher Correction: Malaria predictions based on seasonal climate forecasts in South Africa: A time series distributed lag nonlinear model
Authors: Kim Yoonhee , Ratnam J. V. , Doi Takeshi , Morioka Yushi , Behera Swadhin , Tsuzuki Ataru , Minakawa Noboru , Sweijd Neville , Kruger Philip , Maharaj Rajendra , Imai Chisato Chrissy , Ng Chris Fook Sheng , Chung Yeonseung , Hashizume Masahiro
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Publisher Correction: A recombination bin-map identified a major QTL for resistance to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus in peanut (Arachis hypogaea)
Authors: Agarwal Gaurav , Clevenger Josh , Kale Sandip M. , Wang Hui , Pandey Manish K. , Choudhary Divya , Yuan Mei , Wang Xingjun , Culbreath Albert K. , Holbrook C. Corley , Liu Xin , Varshney Rajeev K. , Guo Baozhu
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Publisher Correction: Preconditioning the Initial State of Feeder-free Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Promotes Self-formation of Three-dimensional Retinal Tissue
Authors: Kuwahara Atsushi , Yamasaki Suguru , Mandai Michiko , Watari Kenji , Matsushita Keizo , Fujiwara Masayo , Hori Yoriko , Hiramine Yasushi , Nukaya Daiki , Iwata Miki , Kishino Akiyoshi , Takahashi Masayo , Sasai Yoshiki , Kimura Toru
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Mapping the optoelectronic property space of small aromatic molecules
Authors: Wilbraham Liam , Smajli Denisa , Heath-Apostolopoulos Isabelle , Zwijnenburg Martijn A.
Published: February 2020

Small aromatic molecules and their quinone derivatives find use in organic transistors, solar-cells, thermoelectrics, batteries and photocatalysts. These applications exploit the optoelectronic properties of these molecules and the ease by which such properties can be tuned by the introduction of heteroatoms and/or the addition of functional groups. We perform a high-throughput virtual screening using the xTB family of density functional tight-binding methods to map the optoelectronic property space of ~250,000 molecules. The large volume of data generated allows for a broad understanding of how the presence of heteroatoms and functional groups affect the ionisation potential, electron affinity and optical gap values of these molecular semiconductors, and how the structural features – on their own or in combination with one another – allow access to particular regions of the optoelectronic property space. Finally, we identify the apparent boundaries of the optoelectronic property space for these molecules: regions of property space that appear off limits for any small aromatic molecule.
Photoinduced interruption of interannular cooperativity for delivery of cationic guests in water
Authors: Pavlović Radoslav Z. , Border Sarah E. , Li Yiming , Li Xiaopeng , Badjić Jovica D.
Published: February 2020

Photoinduced decarboxylation of two hexaanionic baskets, surrounding a divalent cationic guest, reduced the interannular cooperativity (i.e. multivalency) holding the complex together to result in the release of guests.
Tripeptide-induced modulation of mesenchymal stem cell biomechanics stimulates proliferation and wound healing
Authors: Sharma Swati , Kulkarni Chirag , Kulkarni Manish M. , Ali Rafat , Porwal Konica , Chattopadhyay Naibedya , Tewari Deepshikha , Verma Sandeep
Published: February 2020

We demonstrate the ability of two tripeptides to promote proliferation and modulate the mechanical properties of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs).
A microfluidic study of synergic liquid–liquid extraction of rare earth elements
Authors: El Maangar Asmae , Theisen Johannes , Penisson Christophe , Zemb Thomas , Gabriel Jean-Christophe P.
Published: February 2020

A membrane based liquid–liquid extraction microfluidic device coupled with X-ray fluorescence enables the first quantification of free energies of transfer dependence for a complex mixture of rare earth elements and iron using synergic extractants.
Amorphous nickel–iron hydroxide films on nickel sulfide nanoparticles for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: He Wenjun , Ren Gang , Li Ying , Jia Dongbo , Li Shiyun , Cheng Jianing , Liu Caichi , Hao Qiuyan , Zhang Jun , Liu Hui
Published: February 2020

The development of earth-abundant and low-cost electrocatalysts with high performance toward the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays a key role in water splitting.
Cosolvent-free synthesis and characterisation of poly(phenyl-co-n-alkylsilsesquioxane) and poly(phenyl-co-vinylsilsesquioxane) glasses with low melting temperatures
Authors: Seto Ryosuke , Kanamura Kiyoshi , Yoshida Satoshi , Kajihara Koichi
Published: February 2020

Poly(phenylsilsesquioxane)s derived from acid-catalysed water–organotrimethoxysilane mixtures are hydrophilic and thermoplastic because of residual SiOH groups, disordered Si–O frameworks, and low average molar masses.
Novel insights into the charge storage mechanism in pseudocapacitive vanadium nitride thick films for high-performance on-chip micro-supercapacitors
Authors: Robert Kevin , Stiévenard Didier , Deresmes Dominique , Douard Camille , Iadecola Antonella , Troadec David , Simon Pardis , Nuns Nicolas , Marinova Maya , Huvé Marielle , Roussel Pascal , Brousse Thierry , Lethien Christophe
Published: February 2020

Unveiling the charge storage mechanism of vanadium nitride to defy the limits of on-chip micro-supercapacitors.
Lowering effects of fish oil supplementation on proinflammatory markers in hypertension: results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yang Bo , Ren Xiao-li , Li Zi-hao , Shi Mei-qi , Ding Fang , Su Kuan-Pin , Guo Xiao-juan , Li Duo
Published: February 2020

Reduced inflammation is one of the potential mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective efficacy of fish oil enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Understanding the driving forces of camptothecin interactions on the surface of nanocomposites based on graphene oxide decorated with silica nanoparticles
Authors: Fonseca Leandro C. , de Sousa Marcelo , Maia Djalma L. S. , Visani de Luna Luis , Alves Oswaldo L.
Published: February 2020

Novel nanocomposites based on graphene oxide decorated with mesoporous silica nanoparticles comprising adsorbed camptothecin antitumor drug and their drug release studies.
Defect engineering of 2D BiOCl nanosheets for photonic tumor ablation
Authors: Dai Chen , Hu Ruizhi , Wang Chunmei , Liu Zhuang , Zhang Shengjian , Yu Luodan , Chen Yu , Zhang Bo
Published: February 2020

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is an emerging technology as a noninvasive therapeutic modality for inducing photonic cancer hyperthermia.
On the divalent character of the Eu atoms in the ternary Zintl phases Eu5In2Pn6and Eu3MAs3(Pn = As–Bi; M = Al, Ga)
Authors: Radzieowski Mathis , Stegemann Frank , Klenner Steffen , Zhang Yuemei , Fokwa Boniface P. T. , Janka Oliver
Published: February 2020

Structural and property investigations of the five Zintl phases Eu5In2Pn6and Eu3MAs3(Pn = As–Bi; M = Al, Ga) including magnetic and121Sb and151Eu Mössbauer spectroscopic measurements.
Benzyl salicylate from the stems and stem barks of Cornus walteri as a nephroprotective agent against cisplatin-induced apoptotic cell death in LLC-PK1 cells
Authors: Lee Dahae , Lee Seoung Rak , Kang Ki Sung , Kim Ki Hyun
Published: February 2020

Benzyl salicylate from Cornus walteri can be a nephroprotective agent against cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis.
Synthesis, characterization and antifungal activities of eco-friendly palladium nanoparticles
Authors: Osonga Francis J. , Kalra Sanjay , Miller Roland M. , Isika Daniel , Sadik Omowunmi A.
Published: February 2020

Palladium is a versatile catalyst, but the synthesis of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) is usually attained at a high temperature in the range of 160 °C to 200 °C using toxic reducing agents such as sodium borohydride.
Mechanical and physicochemical behavior of a 3D hydrogel scaffold during cell growth and proliferation
Authors: Rivero Rebeca E. , Capella Virginia , Cecilia Liaudat A. , Bosch Pablo , Barbero Cesar A. , Rodríguez Nancy , Rivarola Claudia R.
Published: February 2020

3D cell scaffold based on macroporous PNIPAM is cytocompatible and preserves the cell viability for more than 75 culture days.
Regioselective, one-pot, multi-component, green synthesis of substituted benzo[c]pyrazolo[2,7]naphthyridines
Authors: Ashraf Abida , Shafiq Zahid , Mahmood Khalid , Yaqub Muhammad , Rauf Waqar
Published: February 2020

An efficient and environmentally benign synthetic protocol has been developed for the synthesis of benzo[c]pyrazolo[2,7]naphthyridine derivatives through regioselective multi-component “on-water” reaction of isatin, malononitrile and 3-aminopyrazole.
Visible light driven photo-reduction of Cu2+ to Cu2O to Cu in water for photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Cao Shuang , Wang Chuan-Jun , Wang Guo-Qiang , Chen Yong , Lv Xiao-Jun , Fu Wen-Fu
Published: February 2020

A visible-light-driven system for photoreduction of Cu(ii) to Cu2O to Cu(0) and identification of Cu(0) as the active catalyst for hydrogen production.
Additive manufacturing of SiBCN/Si3N4w composites from preceramic polymers by digital light processing
Authors: Li Shan , Zhang Yubei , Zhao Tong , Han Weijian , Duan Wenyan , Wang Li , Dou Rui , Wang Gong
Published: February 2020

SiBCN/Si3N4w components with high mechanical properties were manufactured using DLP 3D-printing technology.
Dihydronaphthofurans: synthetic strategies and applications
Authors: Olyaei Abolfazl , Sadeghpour Mahdieh
Published: February 2020

Dihydronaphthofurans (DHNs) are an important class of arene ring-fused furans which are widely found in many natural and non-natural products and drug candidates with relevant biological and pharmacological activities.
A novel cerium(iii)–isatin Schiff base complex: spectrofluorometric and DFT studies and application as a kidney biomarker for ultrasensitive detection of human creatinine
Authors: Sheta Sheta M. , Akl Magda A. , Saad Heba E. , El-Gharkawy El-Sayed R. H.
Published: February 2020

A novel and promising Schiff base and Ce(iii)-complex were synthesized and fully characterized. A novel creatinine optical biosensor based on Ce(iii)-complex and could be a promising analytical tool and as a promising kidney biomarker.
Effects of a forming process on the properties and structure of RANEY®-Ni catalysts for the hydrogenation of 1,4-butenediol
Authors: Gao Xianlong , Mo Wenlong , Ma Fengyun , Noritatsu Tsubaki , Wu Hongli , Fan Xing
Published: February 2020

Xianlong Gao's paper focuses on the effects of a forming process on the catalytic hydrogenation of 1,4-butenediol (BED) to produce 1,4-butanediol (BDO). The evaluation results showed that the RNAA catalyst showed excellent hydrogenation performance.
The development of an artificial neural network – genetic algorithm model (ANN-GA) for the adsorption and photocatalysis of methylene blue on a novel sulfur–nitrogen co-doped Fe2O3 nanostructure surface
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Kakhki Roya , Mohammadpoor Mojtaba , Faridi Reza , Bahadori Mehdi
Published: February 2020

In this research an S-N doped Fe2O3 nanostructure is synthesized and its adsorption ability and photocatalytic activity were evaluated. The optimum experimental conditions were obtained and an ANN-GA model was proposed for predicting experimental values.
A review on strategies for the fabrication of graphene fibres with graphene oxide
Authors: Yin Fei , Hu Jianchen , Hong Zhenglin , Wang Hui , Liu Gang , Shen Jun , Wang Hsing-Lin , Zhang Ke-Qin
Published: February 2020

The commonly used strategies for the fabrication of graphene fibres via graphene oxide are systematically reviewed.
Ligand-controlled cobalt-catalyzed regiodivergent hydroboration of aryl,alkyl-disubstituted internal allenes
Authors: Wu Caizhi , Ge Shaozhong
Published: February 2020

The first cobalt-catalyzed stereoselective regiodivergent hydroboration of internal allenes to access synthetically versatile (Z)-alkenylboronate compounds was effectively achieved with two cobalt catalysts through ligand control.
An overview of Cu-based heterogeneous electrocatalysts for CO2reduction
Authors: Zhao Jian , Xue Song , Barber James , Zhou Yiwei , Meng Jie , Ke Xuebin
Published: February 2020

A tutorial guide and detailed summary of CO2reduction with Cu-based heterogeneous electrocatalysts for newcomers to the field.
A review of phosphorus and phosphides as anode materials for advanced sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Chang Guoliang , Zhao Yufeng , Dong Li , Wilkinson David P. , Zhang Lei , Shao Qinsi , Yan Wei , Sun Xueliang (Andy) , Zhang Jiujun
Published: February 2020

A comprehensive summary of phosphorus and metal/nonmetal phosphides and corresponding composites as anodes for sodium-ion batteries.
Purely organic 4HCB single crystals exhibiting high hole mobility for direct detection of ultralow-dose X-radiation
Authors: Zhao Dou , Xu Meng , Xiao Bao , Zhang Binbin , Yan Lei , Zeng Guoqiang , Dubois Alain , Sellin Paul , Jie Wanqi , Xu Yadong
Published: February 2020

Purely organic 4HCB single crystals show a capability of directly detecting 241Am 5.49 MeV α particles and X-ray imaging under low-dose rate (below 50 μGyair s−1) exposure conditions.
Microstructural and photoconversion efficiency enhancement of compact films of lead-free perovskite derivative Rb3Sb2I9
Authors: Li Fengzhu , Wang Yan , Xia Kai , Hoye Robert L. Z. , Pecunia Vincenzo
Published: February 2020

The microstructural enhancement of Rb3Sb2I9 compact films leads to a photoconversion efficiency boost up to 65.4%.
Design and electro-optic investigations of de Vries chiral smectic liquid crystals for exhibiting broad temperature ranges of SmA* and SmC* phases and fast electro-optic switching
Authors: Swaminathan V. , Panov V. P. , Panov A. , Rodriguez-Lojo D. , Stevenson P. J. , Gorecka E. , Vij Jagdish K.
Published: February 2020

Two new ferroelectric liquid crystalline compounds using 5-phenyl-pyrimidine core terminated by achiral trisiloxane chain, and chiral (S) alkyl chain on the opposite ends of their respective mesogens are designed with better characteristics of switching speed and broader temperature range.
Interference of pH buffer with Pb2+-peripheral domain interactions: obstacle or opportunity?
Authors: Katti Sachin , Igumenova Tatyana I
Published: February 2020

Pb2+ is a xenobiotic metal ion that competes for Ca2+-binding sites in proteins. Using the peripheral Ca2+-sensing domains of Syt1, we show that the chelating pH buffer Bis–Tris enables identification and functional characterization of high-affinity Pb2+ sites that are likely to be targeted by bioavailable Pb2+.
Nanolipogels as a cell-mimicking platform for controlled release of biomacromolecules
Authors: Cao Ye , Wong Yee Shan , Ben Mabrouk Amira , Anita Vincent , Jie Liew Melvin Wen , Tan Yang Fei , Venkatraman Subbu S.
Published: February 2020

We present studies of protein (insulin) efflux rates from nano-sized core–shell systems with a gelled core and a lipid bilayer (nanolipogels).
Synthesis of water-dispersible, plate-like perovskites and their core–shell nanocrystals
Authors: Minakawa Muneharu , Imura Yoshiro , Kawai Takeshi
Published: February 2020

Water-dispersible, plate-like perovskite nanocrystals were prepared using a long-chain amidoamine derivative (C18AA) and perovskite@Pt or Au core–shell nanocrystals were synthesized using the plate-like perovskite nanocrystals as seeds.
Photoluminescent polymer hydrogels with stimuli-responsiveness constructed from Eu-containing polyoxometalate and imidazolium zwitterions
Authors: Liang Liwen , Sun Na , Yu Yang , Ren Shujing , Wu Aoli , Zheng Liqiang
Published: February 2020

Inorganic–organic co-assembly of anionic polyoxometalates (POMs) with zwitterions provides a facile way to fabricate functional soft materials.
Performance optimisation of indoor SVD‐based MIMO‐OFDM optical wireless communication systems
Authors: Panta Jariya , Saengudomlert Poompat , Sterckx Karel L. , Pham Anh T.
Published: February 2020

The performance of multiple‐input and multiple‐output (MIMO) flip‐orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (flip‐OFDM) for indoor optical wireless communications (OWCs) is studied here. To improve the system performance in terms of the bit error rate (BER), the singular value decomposition (SVD)‐based MIMO technique is applied together with the bit loading technique. The authors, especially, focus on optimising the BER performance of SVD‐based MIMO‐OFDM OWC systems under the impact of the OFDM symbol design, the configuration of MIMO transmitters, the required data rates, the available bandwidth, and the angular diversity based on tilting receiver photo detectors (PDs). The system BER expressions are analytically derived and verified to be accurate through comparison with simulation results. The authors find that the 9 × 4‐MIMO system is the optimal configuration in terms of a large coverage of low BER regions and low computational complexity for the 5 m × 5 m room. In addition, polar angle tilting of PDs can effectively improve the BER performance. Finally, in case of light dimming control with a low total transmit optical power, the system can benefit from a high multiplexing gain with a large tilting polar angle, as indicated by improved condition numbers of MIMO channel matrices.
Three planets transiting the evolved star EPIC 249893012: a hot 8.8-M⊕ super-Earth and two warm 14.7 and 10.2-M⊕ sub-Neptunes
Authors: Hidalgo D. , Pallé E. , Alonso R. , Gandolfi D. , Fridlund M. , Nowak G. , Luque R. , Hirano T. , Justesen A. B. , Cochran W. D. , Barragán O. , Spina L. , Rodler F. , Albrecht S. , Anderson D. , Amado P. , Bryant E. , Caballero J. A. , Cabrera J. , Csizmadia Sz. , Dai F. , De Leon J. , Deeg H. J. , Eigmuller Ph. , Endl M. , Erikson A. , Esposito M. , Figueira P. , Georgieva I. , Grziwa S. , Guenther E. , Hatzes A. P. , Hjorth M. , Hoeijmakers H. J. , Kabath P. , Korth J. , Kuzuhara M. , Lafarga M. , Lampon M. , Leão I. C. , Livingston J. , Mathur S. , Montañes-Rodriguez P. , Morales J. C. , Murgas F. , Nagel E. , Narita N. , Nielsen L. D. , Patzold M. , Persson C. M. , Prieto-Arranz J. , Quirrenbach A. , Rauer H. , Redfield S. , Reiners A. , Ribas I. , Smith A. M. S. , Šubjak J. , Van Eylen V. , Wilson P. A.
Published: February 2020

We report the discovery of a new planetary system with three transiting planets, one super-Earth and two sub-Neptunes, that orbit EPIC 249893012, a G8 IV-V evolved star (M⋆ = 1.05 ± 0.05 M⊙, R⋆ = 1.71 ± 0.04 R⊙, Teff = 5430 ± 85 K). The star is just leaving the main sequence. We combined K2 photometry with IRCS adaptive-optics imaging and HARPS, HARPS-N, and CARMENES high-precision radial velocity measurements to confirm the planetary system, determine the stellar parameters, and measure radii, masses, and densities of the three planets. With an orbital period of 3.5949−0.0007+0.0007 days, a mass of 8.75−1.08+1.09 M⊕, and a radius of 1.95−0.08+0.09 R⊕, the inner planet b is compatible with nickel-iron core and a silicate mantle (ρb = 6.39−1.04+1.19 g cm−3). Planets c and d with orbital periods of 15.624−0.001+0.001 and 35.747−0.005+0.005 days, respectively, have masses and radii of 14.67−1.89+1,84 M⊕ and 3.67−0.14+0.17 R⊕ and 10.18−2.42+2.46 M⊕ and 3.94−0.12+0.13 R⊕, respectively, yielding a mean density of 1.62−0.29+0.30 and 0.91−0.23+0.25 g cm−3, respectively. The radius of planet b lies in the transition region between rocky and gaseous planets, but its density is consistent with a rocky composition. Its semimajor axis and the corresponding photoevaporation levels to which the planet has been exposed might explain its measured density today. In contrast, the densities and semimajor axes of planets c and d suggest a very thick atmosphere. The singularity of this system, which orbits a slightly evolved star that is just leaving the main sequence, makes it a good candidate for a deeper study from a dynamical point of view.
Probabilistic fibre-to-target assignment algorithm for multi-object spectroscopic surveys
Authors: Tempel E. , Norberg P. , Tuvikene T. , Bensby T. , Chiappini C. , Christlieb N. , Cioni M.-R. L. , Comparat J. , Davies L. J. M. , Guiglion G. , Koch A. , Kordopatis G. , Krumpe M. , Loveday J. , Merloni A. , Micheva G. , Minchev I. , Roukema B. F. , Sorce J. G. , Starkenburg E. , Storm J. , Swann E. , Thi W. F. , Traven G. , de Jong R. S.
Published: February 2020

Context. Several new multi-object spectrographs are currently planned or under construction that are capable of observing thousands of Galactic and extragalactic objects simultaneously.

Aims. In this paper we present a probabilistic fibre-to-target assignment algorithm that takes spectrograph targeting constraints into account and is capable of dealing with multiple concurrent surveys. We present this algorithm using the 4-m Multi-Object Spectroscopic Telescope (4MOST) as an example.

Methods. The key idea of the proposed algorithm is to assign probabilities to fibre-target pairs. The assignment of probabilities takes the fibre positioner’s capabilities and constraints into account. Additionally, these probabilities include requirements from surveys and take the required exposure time, number density variation, and angular clustering of targets across each survey into account. The main advantage of a probabilistic approach is that it allows for accurate and easy computation of the target selection function for the different surveys, which involves determining the probability of observing a target, given an input catalogue.

Results. The probabilistic fibre-to-target assignment allows us to achieve maximally uniform completeness within a single field of view. The proposed algorithm maximises the fraction of successfully observed targets whilst minimising the selection bias as a function of exposure time. In the case of several concurrent surveys, the algorithm maximally satisfies the scientific requirements of each survey and no specific survey is penalised or prioritised.

Conclusions. The algorithm presented is a proposed solution for the 4MOST project that allows for an unbiased targeting of many simultaneous surveys. With some modifications, the algorithm may also be applied to other multi-object spectroscopic surveys.
Bimodal distribution of the solar wind at 1 AU
Authors: Larrodera C. , Cid C.
Published: February 2020

Aims.Here we aim to separate the two main contributions of slow and fast solar wind that appear at 1 AU.

Methods.The bi-Gaussian function is proposed as the probability distribution function of the two main components of the solar wind. The positions of the peaks of every simple Gaussian curve are associated with the typical values of every contribution to solar wind. We used the entire data set from the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) mission in an analysis of the data set as a whole and as yearly series. Solar cycle dependence is considered to provide more accurate results for the typical values of the different parameters.

Results.The distribution of the solar wind at 1 AU is clearly bimodal, not only for velocity, but also for proton density, temperature and magnetic field. New typical values for the main parameters of the slow and fast components of the solar wind at 1 AU are proposed.
Inverted-heterostructure based device of CH3NH3PbBr3 for Schottky photodiode
Authors: Chaudhary Jyoti , Gautam Ruchita , Choudhary Shaily , Verma Ajay Singh
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we have presented a device {FTO (Fluorine-doped tin Oxide)/TiO2/hybrid perovskite/Spiro-OMeTAD/Al} of photoconductive material CH3NH3PbBr3 for the photovoltaic applications. TiO2 has been used as an electron transport layer, which plays the vital role of extracting electrons, transporting electrons, blocking holes and also aligned the perfect energy match with CH3NH3PbBr3. The current–voltage (I–V) characteristics of the fabricated device have been analyzed to evaluate the various diode parameters and understand the charge transport properties. We have analyzed of space charge limited conduction (SCLC) region to evaluate the charge carrier mobility and the calculated value was 1.59 × 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1. The mobility of carrier may also be extract by I–V characteristics with 0–10 V (charge transport graph). The current level in the device increases considerably under light excitation. Furthermore, impedance spectroscopy analysis has been performed to identify the internal circuit parameters of the photoconductive device.