bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Graphene Nanoplatelet-Reinforced Al6061-T6 Composites Processed by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Khan Mahmood , Ud-Din Rafi , Wadood Abdul , Husain Syed Wilayat , Akhtar Shahid , Aune Ragnhild Elizabeth
Published: April 2020

Aluminium matrix composites with high specific strength are attracting attention for use in automobile and aerospace applications. Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were added in 0.1, 0.5, and 1 weight fractions to an Al6061 matrix. Spark plasma sintering was used with a combination of solution sonication and ball milling to disperse the GNPs in the Al6061 matrix. The evolution of the microstructure was studied using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The uniformity of the GNP distribution is discussed in light of selected ball milling parameters. Electron backscattered diffraction analysis was used to measure the grain size and misorientation. X-ray diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy revealed neat and clean interfaces between the matrix and GNPs. Hardness and tensile testing revealed a considerable increment in the strength of the final composite after addition of GNPs. Traces of GNP clusters were found in the 1 wt.% composite as well as premature failure at lower strain due to the insufficient load transfer capability of the Al6061-T6 matrix. An illustrative two-dimensional model was developed to explain the load transfer behavior and the deterioration of the mechanical properties.
Government Workers’ Stories about Professional Development in a Digitalized Working Life
Authors: Wallin Anna , Pylväs Laura , Nokelainen Petri
Published: April 2020

In this article, we explore workers’ stories about digitalization of work and professional development. The data (101 stories) were collected from 81 Finnish government workers through the method of empathy-based stories (MEBS). MEBS is a qualitative data collection method in which participants write short imaginary texts based on an introductory script (frame story) designed by the researcher. In this study, participants were presented with two frame stories in which they were asked to imagine why digitalization had either supported or hindered professional development. The stories were analyzed inductively using qualitative thematic analysis. The findings illustrate the double-edged nature of digitalization, as it may both support and hinder professional development and learning by changing work tasks, work practices and knowledge development and management. Overall, the stories revealed that the participants perceived that digitalization may support professional development and learning, especially by providing opportunities for job control in terms of flexibility, and new ways for knowledge development and management.
Effects of Potato Psyllid Vector Density and Time of Infection on Zebra Chip Disease Development after Harvest and during Storage
Authors: Wenninger Erik J. , Olsen Nora , Lojewski Jeffrey , Wharton Phillip , Dahan Jennifer , Rashed Arash , Karasev Alexander V.
Published: April 2020

“Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum” (Lso) (=“Candidatus Liberibacter psyllarous”) is an uncultured, phloem-limited bacterium that is associated with zebra chip disease (ZC) in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and transmitted by the potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc)). Vector density and timing of infection have been shown to affect ZC prevalence at harvest; however, little work has been done on disease development during storage. Here we confirm with field-cage trials that ZC prevalence at harvest was greater with increased time between inoculation and vine kill. Moreover, we show that with Pacific Northwest growing conditions, ZC can develop over time during storage. Plants inoculated 2 to 3 weeks before vine kill showed little or no ZC symptoms in tubers at harvest, but higher prevalence of symptoms after 3 months in storage. For plants inoculated at 4 to 5 weeks before vine kill, tubers exhibited notable symptoms at harvest, but still showed evidence of symptom development after storage. Plants inoculated within 1 week before vine kill exhibited little or no risk of ZC in tubers at harvest or after storage. Higher vector density tended to contribute to ZC prevalence, but was far less important than timing of infection. These results underscore the potential danger of underestimating ZC prevalence at harvest for tubers being stored long term, and suggest that plants at risk of Lso infection should be protected from potato psyllids until at least 2 weeks before vine kill.
The main role of energy sustainability indicators on the water management
Authors: Razmjoo Armin , Khalili Negar , Majidi Nezhad Meysam , Mokhtari Nima , Davarpanah Afshin
Published: April 2020

Without a doubt during human life, the role of water in our life is the most vital. Water is necessary for human survival and other kind of existing ecosystems. Due to the increasing population and climate change of the earth, human societies need freshwater sources and conservation more than ever before. According to these rapid changes in the importance of water sources, positive actions by the United Nations (UNs) are increasing around the world. Regarding the dramatic increase in energy demand, especially in the water industry, water management plays a significant role in this industry, especially for urban areas. Hence, water management can be useful as a practical and applicable method to achieve energy sustainability and prevent water waste. The main objective of this study is to investigate the four influential indexes, including policy, economy, environment, social and most important indicators that have an impact on water management based on energy sustainability. A new way to achieve energy sustainability using appropriate indicators for water management is crucial, thus correct selection and how to implement them is essential. The result of this study shows, if energy experts and policymakers have a proper strategy and appropriate actions, can improve the situation of water management for megacities and urban areas.
Small area estimation with mixed models: a review
Authors: Sugasawa Shonosuke , Kubokawa Tatsuya
Published: April 2020

Small area estimation is recognized as an important tool for producing reliable estimates under limited sample information. This paper reviews techniques of small area estimation using mixed models, covering from basic to recently proposed advanced ones. We first introduce basic mixed models for small area estimation, and provide several methods for computing mean squared errors and confidence intervals which are important for measuring uncertainty of small area estimators. Then we provide reviews of recent development and techniques in small area estimation. This paper could be useful not only for researchers who are interested in details on the methodological research in small area estimation, but also for practitioners who might be interested in the application of the basic and new methods.
Temporal-Spatial Simulation of Landscape Variations Using Combined Model of Markov Chain and Automated Cell
Authors: Forozan Gholamzadeh , Elmi Mohammad Reza , Talebi Ali , Mokhtari Mohammad Hossein , Shojaei Saeed
Published: April 2020

Classification and preparation of land use map are the most commonly used methods in remote sensing data. Numerous advanced classification methods have been developed in a recent year. Among those methods, one can name support vector machine. Identifying land cover changes can play an important role in future decisions of regional managers. Therefore, the present study aimed at employing CA–Markov model to present a powerful but simple model for simulation and prediction of Yazd city. Accordingly, first, satellite images of 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2016 were classified by SVM method, and then land use maps of Yazd city were extracted. The results of the detection of changes indicated the expansion of residential areas and the reduction of dry land and vegetation during a 16-year period. Prediction of land use development in 2040 using CA–Markov model with a kappa coefficient of 84.43 shows the high accuracy of this model. Besides, the urban land use area shows 18,432 hectares increase in 2040 compared to 2010, while the area of dry land uses (− 15,570) rocky areas (− 186) and vegetation (− 2658) hectares decrease compared to 2010. Moreover, the results of CA–Markov model indicated the development of Yazd city by degradation of vegetation.
Ensuring equal citizenship for disabled people
Authors: Sépulchre Marie
Published: April 2020

While the rights of disabled people are widely recognised by governments around the world, the costs of disability measures seem to be a major barrier to their implementation. Disability research needs therefore to engage with the issue of costs in disability politics. Drawing upon citizenship theory, this article considers the salience of costs in the development of citizenship rights for various groups of citizens in a given socio-economic context. Moreover, it highlights the role of social movements in this development and their need to navigate the recognition-redistribution dilemma. The article proposes that the written claims of disability activists offer a rich empirical material to unpack the complexity of costs in disability politics in a given context. Focusing on the case of Sweden, the article examines 312 blog posts and 162 debate articles. Three different ways of referring to costs are discussed, as the analysis shows that the disability activists criticise, embrace and reframe the issue of costs in disability politics.
Is HUGO still the BOSS? Investigating the reciprocal effects of brand extensions on brand personality of luxury brands
Authors: Phau Ian , Matthiesen Insa-Mascha , Shimul Anwar Sadat
Published: April 2020

This research aims to empirically investigate positive and negative reciprocal effects of extensions on brand personality by varying levels of congruency and typicality, while controlling for the effects of motivation processing. A 2 (incongruent, congruent) × 2 (high typicality, low typicality) × 2 (high motivation, low motivation) research design was employed using two extension categories, namely watches and kidswear of the HUGO BOSS brand. The findings revealed brand personality dilution effects only. Specifically, brand personality dilution occurred in response to incongruent and congruent information. Further, contrary to schema theory, brand personality evaluations neither strictly followed the bookkeeping model in high-motivation conditions nor the subtyping model in low-motivation conditions in response to in-congruent information.
The spectrum of the mean curvature operator
Authors: Mihăilescu Mihai
Published: April 2020

We show that the spectrum of the relativistic mean curvature operator on a bounded domain Ω ⊂ ℝN (N ⩾ 1) having smooth boundary, subject to the homogeneous Dirichlet boundary condition, is exactly the interval (λ1(2), ∞), where λ1(2) stands for the principal frequency of the Laplace operator in Ω.
Prevalence and correlates of food insecurity in community-based individuals with severe mental illness receiving long-acting injectable antipsychotic treatment
Authors: Teasdale Scott B. , Morell Rachel , Lappin Julia M. , Curtis Jackie , Watkins Andrew , Ward Philip B.
Published: April 2020

People with severe mental illness (SMI) have numerous risk factors that may predispose them to food insecurity (FI); however, the prevalence of FI and its effects on health are under-researched in this population. The present study aimed to describe the prevalence of FI and its relationship to lifestyle factors in people with SMI. This cross-sectional study recruited people with SMI receiving long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic medication from community services at three sites in Sydney, Australia. Assessments were completed on physical health and lifestyle factors. χ2 Tests, independent-samples t tests and binary logistic regression analyses were calculated to examine relationships between lifestyle factors and FI. In total, 233 people completed the assessments: 154 were males (66 %), mean age 44·8 (sd 12·7) years, and the majority (70 %) had a diagnosis of schizophrenia. FI was present in 104 participants (45 %). People with FI were less likely to consume fruits (OR 0·42, 95 % CI 0·24, 0·74, P = 0·003), vegetables (OR 0·39, 95 % CI 0·22, 0·69, P = 0·001) and protein-based foods (OR 0·45, 95 % CI 0·25, 0·83, P = 0·011) at least once daily, engaged in less moderate to vigorous physical activity (min) (OR 0·997, 95 % CI 0·993, 1·000, P = 0·044), and were more likely to smoke (OR 1·89, 95 % CI 1·08, 3·32, P = 0·026). FI is highly prevalent among people with SMI receiving LAI antipsychotic medications. Food-insecure people with SMI engage in less healthy lifestyle behaviours, increasing the risk of future non-communicable disease.
The relationship between lifestyle components and dietary patterns
Authors: Gherasim Andreea , Arhire Lidia I. , Niță Otilia , Popa Alina D. , Graur Mariana , Mihalache Laura
Published: April 2020

We conducted a narrative review on the interaction between dietary patterns with demographic and lifestyle variables in relation to health status assessment. The food pattern has the advantage of taking into account the correlations that may exist between foods or groups of foods, but also between nutrients. It is an alternative and complementary approach in analysing the relationship between nutrition and the risk of chronic diseases. For the determination of dietary patterns one can use indices/scores that evaluate the conformity of the diet with the nutrition guidelines or the established patterns (a prioriapproach). The methods more commonly used are based on exploratory data (a posteriori): cluster analysis and factor analysis. Dietary patterns may vary according to sex, socio-economic status, ethnicity, culture and other factors, but more, they may vary depending on different associations between these factors. The dietary pattern exerts its effects on health in a synergistic way or even in conjunction with other lifestyle factors, and we can therefore refer to a ‘pattern of lifestyle’.
The Other Legacy of Vienna 1900: The Ars Combinatoria of Friedl Dicker-Brandeis
Authors: Johnson Julie M.
Published: April 2020

This article positions multidisciplinary artist Friedl Dicker-Brandeis at the center of a web that spans Vienna 1900, the Weimar Bauhaus, and interwar Vienna. Using a network metaphor to read her work, she is understood here as specialist of the ars combinatoria, in which she recombines genre and media in unexpected ways. She translates the language of photograms into painting, ecclesiastical subject matter into a machine aesthetic, adds found objects to abstract paintings, and paints allegories and scenes of distortion in the idiom of New Objectivity, all the while designing stage sets, costumes, modular furniture, toys, and interiors. While she has been the subject of renewed attention, particularly in the design world, much of her fine art has yet to be assessed. She used the idioms of twentieth-century art movements in unusual contexts, some of these very brave: in interwar Vienna, where she created Dadaistic posters to warn of fascism, she was imprisoned and interrogated. Always politically engaged, her interdisciplinary and multimedia approach to art bridged the conceptual divide between the utopian and critical responses to war during the interwar years. Such engagement with both political strains of twentieth-century modernism is rare. After integrating the interdisciplinary lessons of Vienna and the Weimar Bauhaus into her life's work, she shared these lessons with children at Terezín.
‘Total trash’. Recorded music and the logic of waste
Authors: Roy Elodie A.
Published: April 2020

This article introduces three situated moments – or plateaux – in order to partially uncover the particular affinities between popular music and the ‘logic of waste’ in the Anthropocene Era, from early phonography to the present digital realm (with a focus on the UK, United States, and British India). The article starts with a ‘partial inventory’ of the Anthropocene, outlining the heuristic values of waste studies for research in popular music. The first plateau retraces the more historical links between popular music and waste, showing how waste (and the positive discourses surrounding it) became a defining element of the discourse and practices of early phonography. It aims to show how recorded sound participated in (and helped define, in an emblematic manner) a rapidly expanding ‘throwaway culture’ at the turn of the 20th century. The second plateau presents a more global panorama of the recording industry through a focus on shellac (a core, reversible substance of the early recording industry). Finally, the third plateau presents some insights into the ways in which popular music may ‘play’ and incorporate residual materialities in the contemporary ‘digital age’. I argue that the logic of waste defined both the space and pace of the early record industry, and continued to inform musical consumption across the 20th century – notably when toxic, non-recyclable synthetic materials (especially polyvinyl) were introduced.
Scales of sustain and decay: making music in deep time
Authors: Kohl Philipp
Published: April 2020

This article explores the relationship between the human time of music making and the temporal layers that pervade the natural resources of musical instruments. It therefore offers case studies on two of popular music's most common instruments, the electric guitar and the synthesiser, and their symbolic and material temporalities: guitar players’ quest for ‘infinite sustain’ from Santana to today's effects manufacturers and the ‘psychogeophysical’ approach by artist and theorist Martin Howse, who developed a synthesiser module using radioactive material in order to determine musical events by nuclear decay. While language uses metaphors of sustain and decay as figurative ways to express both musical and planetary dimensions, practices of music offer alternative ecologies of relating the seemingly unrelatable scales of deep time and musical time. If in the Anthropocene humankind becomes aware of its role as a geophysical force, thinking about making music in the Anthropocene requires an awareness for the temporalities involved in the materials at hand. Besides an ecological perspective, the article looks at various media (magazines, ads, and manuals) and thus positions economical mechanisms of the musical instrument manufacturing market as a small-scale experimental setting for larger-scale industrial processes.
Assessing functioning in adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome: psychometric properties and factor structure of the School and Social Adjustment Scale and the Physical Functioning Subscale of the SF36
Authors: Loades M.E. , Vitoratou S. , Rimes K.A. , Chalder T.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has a major impact on functioning. However, no validated measures of functioning for this population exist.

Aims:

We aimed to establish the psychometric properties of the 5-item School and Social Adjustment Scale (SSAS) and the 10-item Physical Functioning Subscale of the SF-36 in adolescents with CFS.

Method:

Measures were completed by adolescents with CFS (n = 121).

Results:

For the Physical Functioning Subscale, a 2-factor solution provided a close fit to the data. Internal consistency was satisfactory. For the SSAS, a 1-factor solution provided an adequate fit to the data. The internal consistency was satisfactory. Inter-item and item-total correlations did not indicate any problematic items and functioning scores were moderately correlated with other measures of disability, providing evidence of construct validity.

Conclusion:

Both measures were found to be reliable and valid and provide brief measures for assessing these important outcomes. The Physical Functioning Subscale can be used as two subscales in adolescents with CFS.
MIXED EMOTIONS IN LIFE AND ART: ON HUME'S DIRECT PASSIONS
Authors: Coventry Angela M.
Published: April 2020

This article is about David Hume's account of mixed emotions. Hume on mixed emotions is connected with Sir Isaac Newton's optical experiments and subsequent invention of the colour wheel, as well as more recently to Robert Plutchik's colour wheel of emotions.
THE EMPATHY MACHINE: A THOUGHT EXPERIMENT
Authors: Groothuis Douglas
Published: April 2020

Empathy is an underexplored dimension of the moral life. What if we could enter a machine that let us feel another person's subjective life? What kind of effect would that have on our moral awareness? Since this cannot (yet) be done, I suggest several ways to increase empathy and deepen our moral sensitivities.
PHILOSONNETS
Authors: Kearns Stephen
Published: April 2020

Ten philosophical sonnets.
WORDS AND MEANINGS: LOCKE'S AND LEWIS CARROLL'S VIEWS ON THE NATURE OF MEANING CONVERGE AND DIVERGE
Authors: Moore Terrence
Published: April 2020

A comparison of Lewis Carroll and philosopher John Locke on meaning.
Diagnostic value of 18F-FDG-PET to predict the tumour immune status defined by tumoural PD-L1 and CD8+tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Togo Maria , Yokobori Takehiko , Shimizu Kimihiro , Handa Tadashi , Kaira Kyoichi , Sano Takaaki , Tsukagoshi Mariko , Higuchi Tetsuya , Yokoo Satoshi , Shirabe Ken , Oyama Tetsunari
Published: April 2020

Background

Lately, immune checkpoint proteins, such as programmed death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand-1 (PD-L1), have garnered attention as a new target in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Reportedly, fluoro-d-glucose (FDG)-uptake alteration by anti-PD-1 antibody treatment depicts the response in patients with lung cancer. This study aims to elucidate the correlations between tumour immune status, clinicopathological factors, 18F-FDG-uptake and cold tumour phenotypes as low PD-L1 expression/low CD8+tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in OSCC.

Methods

We performed immunohistochemical analysis of PD-L1, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 A (HIF-1A), glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1), CD8, E-cadherin and Ki-67 on 59 operable OSCC samples. We assessed the correlations between these factors and preoperative 18F-FDG-uptake, clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis.

Results

Low expression of PD-L1 in OSCC correlated with cancer aggressiveness, poor prognosis, high 18F-FDG-uptake with HIF-1A/GLUT1 and low E-cadherin expression and low CD8. Cold tumour phenotypes as low PD-L1 tumour cells and low stromal CD8 correlated with the poor prognosis, high 18F-FDG-uptake and E-cadherin suppression. Furthermore, the high level of preoperative 18F-FDG-uptake in OSCC was an independent predictor of the cold tumour immune status.

Conclusions

18F-FDG-uptake is an independent predictor of cold tumour in OSCC. 18F-FDG-PET imaging could be a promising diagnostic tool to estimate tumour immune status.
Generation of novel affibody molecules targeting the EBV LMP2A N-terminal domain with inhibiting effects on the proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells
Authors: Zhu Jinshun , Kamara Saidu , Cen Danwei , Tang Wanlin , Gu Meiping , Ci Xingyuan , Chen Jun , Wang Lude , Zhu Shanli , Jiang Pengfei , Chen Shao , Xue Xiangyang , Zhang Lifang
Published: April 2020

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) induced by latent infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) remains the most common head and neck cancer in Southeast Asia, especially in the southern part of China. It is well known that persistent expression of two EBV latent membrane proteins (LMP1/LMP2A) plays a key role in nasopharyngeal carcinogenesis. Therefore, the therapeutic approach of targeting the LMP1/LMP2A protein and subsequently blocking the LMP1/LMP2A-mediated signalling pathway has been considered for treating patients with NPC. Recently, affibody molecules, a new class of small (~6.5 kDa) affinity proteins, have been confirmed to be powerful generalisable tools for developing imaging or therapeutic agents by targeting specific molecules. In this study, three EBV LMP2A N-terminal domain-binding affibody molecules (ZLMP2A-N85, ZLMP2A-N110 and ZLMP2A-N252) were identified by screening a phage-displayed peptide library, and their high affinity and specificity for the EBV LMP2A N-terminal domain were confirmed by surface plasmon resonance (SPR), indirect immunofluorescence, co-immunoprecipitation and near-infrared small animal fluorescence imaging in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, affibody molecules targeting the EBV LMP2A N-terminal domain significantly reduced the viability of the EBV-positive cell lines C666-1, CNE-2Z and B95-8. Further investigations showed that affibody ZLMP2A-N110 could inhibit the phosphorylation of AKT, GSK-3β and β-catenin signalling proteins, leading to suppression of β-catenin nuclear translocation and subsequent inhibition of c-Myc oncogene expression, which may be responsible for the reduced viability of NPC-derived cell lines. In conclusion, our findings provide a strong evidence that three novel EBV LMP2A N-terminal domain-binding affibody molecules have great potential for utilisation and development as agents for both molecular imaging and targeted therapy of EBV-related NPC.
Are COPD self-management mobile applications effective? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shaw G. , Whelan M. E. , Armitage L. C. , Roberts N. , Farmer A. J.
Published: April 2020

The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to patients and health services is steadily increasing. Self-management supported by mobile device applications could improve outcomes for people with COPD. Our aim was to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of mobile health applications compared with usual care. A systematic review was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials. Outcomes of interest included exacerbations, physical function, and Quality of Life (QoL). Where possible, outcome data were pooled for meta-analyses. Of 1709 citations returned, 13 were eligible trials. Number of exacerbations, quality of life, physical function, dyspnea, physical activity, and self-efficacy were reported. Evidence for effectiveness was inconsistent between studies, and the pooled effect size for physical function and QoL was not significant. There was notable variation in outcome measures used across trials. Developing a standardized outcome-reporting framework for digital health interventions in COPD self-management may help standardize future research.
Author Correction: The association between physical activity and low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Alzahrani Hosam , Mackey Martin , Stamatakis Emmanuel , Zadro Joshua Robert , Shirley Debra
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Genome-Wide Analysis of MicroRNA-related Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in Mouse Genome
Authors: Omariba Gideon , Xu Fuyi , Wang Maochun , Li Kai , Zhou Yuxun , Xiao Junhua
Published: April 2020

MicroRNAs are widely referred to as gene expression regulators for different diseases. The integration between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and miRNAs has been associated with both human and animal diseases. In order to gain new insights on the effects of SNPs on miRNA and their related sequences, we steadily characterized a whole mouse genome miRNA related SNPs, analyzed their effects on the miRNA structural stability and target alteration. In this study, we collected 73643859 SNPs across the mouse genome, analyzed 1187 pre-miRNAs and 2027 mature miRNAs. Upon mapping the SNPs, 1700 of them were identified in 702 pre-miRNAs and 609 SNPs in mature miRNAs. We also discovered that SNP densities of the pre-miRNA and mature miRNAs are lower than the adjacent flanking regions. Also the flanking regions far away from miRNAs appeared to have higher SNP density. In addition, we also found that transitions were more frequent than transversions in miRNAs. Notably, 841 SNPs could change their corresponding miRNA’s secondary structure from stable to unstable. We also performed target gain and loss analysis of 163 miRNAs and our results showed that few miRNAs remained unchanged and many miRNAs from wild mice gained target site. These results outline the first case of SNP variations in the mouse whole genome scale. Those miRNAs with changes in structure or target could be of interest for further studies.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin modulates CXCL10 Expression through Histone Methylation in human decidua
Authors: Silasi Michelle , You Yuan , Simpson Samantha , Kaislasuo Janina , Pal Lubna , Guller Seth , Peng Gang , Ramhorst Rosanna , Grasso Esteban , Etemad Shervin , Durosier Sandy , Aldo Paulomi , Mor Gil
Published: April 2020

The process of implantation, trophoblast invasion and placentation demand continuous adaptation and modifications between the trophoblast (embryonic) and the decidua (maternal). Within the decidua, the maternal immune system undergoes continued changes, as the pregnancy progress, in terms of the cell population, phenotype and production of immune factors, cytokines and chemokines. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is one of the earliest hormones produced by the blastocyst and has potent immune modulatory effects, especially in relation to T cells. We hypothesized that trophoblast-derived hCG modulates the immune population present at the maternal fetal interface by modifying the cytokine profile produced by the stromal/decidual cells. Using in vitro models from decidual samples we demonstrate that hCG inhibits CXCL10 expression by inducing H3K27me3 histone methylation, which binds to Region 4 of the CXCL10 promoter, thereby suppressing its expression. hCG-induced histone methylation is mediated through EZH2, a functional member of the PRC2 complex. Regulation of CXCL10 expression has a major impact on the capacity of endometrial stromal cells to recruit CD8 cells. We demonstrate the existence of a cross talk between the placenta (hCG) and the decidua (CXCL10) in the control of immune cell recruitment. Alterations in this immune regulatory function, such as during infection, will have detrimental effects on the success of the pregnancy.
Response to change in the number of visual stimuli in zebrafish:A behavioural and molecular study
Authors: Messina Andrea , Potrich Davide , Schiona Ilaria , Sovrano Valeria Anna , Fraser Scott E. , Brennan Caroline H. , Vallortigara Giorgio
Published: April 2020

Evidence has shown that a variety of vertebrates, including fish, can discriminate collections of visual items on the basis of their numerousness using an evolutionarily conserved system for approximating numerical magnitude (the so-called Approximate Number System, ANS). Here we combine a habituation/dishabituation behavioural task with molecular biology assays to start investigating the neural bases of the ANS in zebrafish. Separate groups of zebrafish underwent a habituation phase with a set of 3 or 9 small red dots, associated with a food reward. The dots changed in size, position and density from trial to trial but maintained their numerousness, and the overall areas of the stimuli was kept constant. During the subsequent dishabituation test, zebrafish faced a change (i) in number (from 3 to 9 or vice versa with the same overall surface), or (ii) in shape (with the same overall surface and number), or (iii) in size (with the same shape and number). A control group of zebrafish was shown the same stimuli as during the habituation. RT-qPCR revealed that the telencephalon and thalamus were characterized by the most consistent modulation of the expression of the immediate early genes c-fos and egr-1 upon change in numerousness; in contrast, the retina and optic tectum responded mainly to changes in stimulus size.
Sputtering-deposited amorphous SrVOx-based memristor for use in neuromorphic computing
Authors: Lee Tae-Ju , Kim Su-Kyung , Seong Tae-Yeon
Published: April 2020

The development of brain-inspired neuromorphic computing, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, is of considerable importance because of the rapid growth in hardware and software capacities, which allows for the efficient handling of big data. Devices for neuromorphic computing must satisfy basic requirements such as multilevel states, high operating speeds, low energy consumption, and sufficient endurance, retention and linearity. In this study, inorganic perovskite-type amorphous strontium vanadate (a-SrVOx: a-SVO) synthesized at room temperature is utilized to produce a high-performance memristor that demonstrates nonvolatile multilevel resistive switching and synaptic characteristics. Analysis of the electrical characteristics indicates that the a-SVO memristor illustrates typical bipolar resistive switching behavior. Multilevel resistance states are also observed in the off-to-on and on-to-off transition processes. The retention resistance of the a-SVO memristor is shown to not significantly change for a period of 2 × 104 s. The conduction mechanism operating within the Ag/a-SVO/Pt memristor is ascribed to the formation of Ag-based filaments. Nonlinear neural network simulations are also conducted to evaluate the synaptic behavior. These results demonstrate that a-SVO-based memristors hold great promise for use in high-performance neuromorphic computing devices.
Comparative analyses of error handling strategies for next-generation sequencing in precision medicine
Authors: F. Löchel Hannah , Heider Dominik
Published: April 2020

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers the opportunity to sequence millions and billions of DNA sequences in a short period, leading to novel applications in personalized medicine, such as cancer diagnostics or antiviral therapy. Nevertheless, sequencing technologies have different error rates, which occur during the sequencing process. If the NGS data is used for diagnostics, these sequences with errors are typically neglected or a worst-case scenario is assumed. In the current study, we focused on the impact of ambiguous bases on therapy recommendations for Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1) patients. Concretely, we analyzed the treatment recommendation with entry blockers based on prediction models for co-receptor tropism. We compared three different error handling strategies that have been used in the literature, namely (i) neglection, (ii) worst-case assumption, and (iii) deconvolution with a majority vote. We could show that for two or more ambiguous positions per sequence a reliable prediction is generally no longer possible. Moreover, also the position of ambiguity plays a crucial role. Thus, we analyzed the error probability distributions of existing sequencing technologies, e.g., Illumina MiSeq or PacBio, with respect to the aforementioned error handling strategies and it turned out that neglection outperforms the other strategies in the case where no systematic errors are present. In other cases, the deconvolution strategy with the majority vote should be preferred.
Highly Stable and Flexible Memristive Devices Based on Polyvinylpyrrolidone: WS2 Quantum Dots
Authors: An Haoqun , Lee Yong Hun , Lee Jeong Heon , Wu Chaoxing , Koo Bon Min , Kim Tae Whan
Published: April 2020

Tungsten disulfide (WS2) quantum dots (QDs) embedded in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) based flexible memristive devices were prepared, and those devices exhibited typical bistable electrical switching and remarkable nonvolatile memristive behaviors. Maximum electricity ON/OFF ratio obtained from the current–voltage (I-V) curves of the device is close to 104. The set voltage of the device is +0.7 V, which effectively reduced the energy consumption. The retention times extracted from data for the devices were as large as 1 × 104 s, which points to these devices having nonvolatile characteristics. Moreover, the highly flexible characteristics of the devices were demonstrated by bending the devices. The carrier transport mechanisms were explained by fitting the I-V curves, and possible operating mechanisms of the devices can be described based on the electron trapping and detrapping processes. WS2 QDs uniformly dispersed in pure transparent N, N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) were obtained by using ultrasonication and a hydrothermal process in this work.
Computational Insights on the Electrocatalytic Behavior of [Cp*Rh] Molecular Catalysts Immobilized on Graphene for Heterogeneous Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Bani-Yaseen Abdulilah Dawoud , Elbashier Elkhansa
Published: April 2020

The heterogeneous metal-based molecular electrocatalyst can typically exhibit attractive features compared to its homogeneous analogue including recoverability and durability. As such, it is necessary to evaluate the electrocatalytic behavior of heterogenized molecular catalysts of interest toward gaining insights concerning the retainability of such behaviors while benefiting from heterogenization. In this work, we examined computationally the electrochemical properties of nanographene-based heterogenized molecular complexes of Rhodium. We assessed, as well, the electrocatalytic behavior of the heterogenized molecular catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Two electrochemical pathways were examined, namely one- and two-electron electrochemical reduction pathways. Interestingly, it is computationally demonstrated that [RhIII(Cp*)(phen)Cl]+-Gr can exhibit redox and electrocatalytic properties for HER that are comparable to its homogeneous analogue via a two-electron reduction pathway. On the other hand, the one-electron reduction pathway is notably found to be less favorable kinetically and thermodynamically. Furthermore, molecular insights are provided with respect to the HER employing molecular orbitals analyses and mechanistic aspects. Importantly, our findings may provide insights toward designing more efficient graphene-based molecular heterogeneous electrocatalysts for more efficient energy production.
Improved performance of small molecule organic solar cells by incorporation of a glancing angle deposited donor layer
Authors: Jiang Qi , Xing Yingjie
Published: April 2020

Improving the photovoltaic performance directly by innovative device architectures contributes much progress in the field of organic solar cells. Photovoltaic device using different kinds of heterojunction with the given set of organic semiconductors paves the way to a better understanding of the working mechanism of organic heterojunction. Here, we report on the fabrication of a new device structure without employing extra material. A thin film of the donor material (chloroaluminum phthalocyanine (ClAlPc)) is inserted between ClAlPc:C60 bulk heterojunction (BHJ) and C60 layer by glancing angle deposition. A ClAlPc/C60 planar heterojunction co-exists with ClAlPc:C60 BHJ simultaneously in this device. Higher efficiency is obtained with this novel device structure. The effects of this additional ClAlPc layer on open-circuit voltage and fill factor in photovoltaic cells are studied. This work provides a new route to improve the device performance of organic solar cells.
A thermo-responsive, self-assembling biointerface for on demand release of surface-immobilised proteins
Authors: Saccardo Angela , Soloviev Mikhail , Ferrari Enrico
Published: April 2020

Engineering of the neuronal SNARE proteins yields chimeric bio-materials that reversibly assemble and disassemble at set temperatures.
Viscoelastic properties of a thioether-based heliconical twist–bend nematogen
Authors: Zhou Junchen , Tang Wentao , Arakawa Yuki , Tsuji Hideto , Aya Satoshi
Published: April 2020

The manuscript presents quantitative measurements on fundamental viscoelastic properties in the twist–bend nematic phase as well as in the nematic phase, formed by achiral molecules.
Potential risks of antibiotic resistant bacteria and genes in bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soils
Authors: Cunningham Colin J. , Kuyukina Maria S. , Ivshina Irena B. , Konev Alexandr I. , Peshkur Tatyana A. , Knapp Charles W.
Published: April 2020

The problems associated with potential risks of antibiotic resistance spreading during bioremediation of oil-contaminated soil are discussed. Careful selection of bacterial strains and pretreatment of organic wastes used as fertilizers are suggested.
Characterization of aerosolized particles from nanoclay-enabled composites during manipulation processes
Authors: Lee Eun Gyung , Cena Lorenzo , Kwon Jiwoon , Afshari Ali , Park HaeDong , Casuccio Gary , Bunker Kristin , Lersch Traci , Gall Ashley , Pham Huy , Wagner Alixandra , Agarwal Sushant , Dinu Cerasela Zoica , Gupta Rakesh , Friend Sherri A. , Stueckle Todd A.
Published: April 2020

Manufacturing, processing, use, and disposal of nanoclay-enabled composites potentially lead to the release of nanoclay particles from the polymer matrix in which they are embedded; however, exposures to airborne particles are poorly understood.
In situ assembly of a graphene oxide quantum dot-based thin-film nanocomposite supported on de-mixed blends for desalination through forward osmosis
Authors: Maiti Subhasish , Samantaray Paresh Kumar , Bose Suryasarathi
Published: April 2020

Enhanced forward osmosis desalination and dye rejection achieved via a unique thin-film composite membrane designed using polyamide–GQD framework on hierarchically arranged porous membrane derived from de-mixed blends of PVDF/PMMA.
Photoinduced intersystem crossing in DNA oxidative lesions and epigenetic intermediates
Authors: Francés-Monerris Antonio , Lineros-Rosa Mauricio , Miranda Miguel Angel , Lhiaubet-Vallet Virginie , Monari Antonio
Published: April 2020

The propensity of 5-formyluracil and 5-formylcytosine,i.e.oxidative lesions and epigenetic intermediates, in acting as intrinsic DNA photosensitizers is unraveled by using a combination of molecular modeling, simulation and spectroscopy.
A multipedal DNA walker for amplified detection of tumor exosomes
Authors: Miao Peng , Tang Yuguo
Published: April 2020

A novel electrochemical biosensor for exosomes is proposed based on a multipedal DNA walking strategy. A limit of detection down to 6/μL is obtained with excellent selectivity.
Electron paramagnetic resonance and microstructural insights into the thermal behavior of simonkolleite nanoplatelets
Authors: Rostas Arpad Mihai , Kuncser Andrei Cristian , Ghica Daniela , Palici Alexandra , Maraloiu Valentin Adrian , Vlaicu Ioana Dorina
Published: April 2020

The thermal decomposition process of simonkolleite, at 500 °C was monitored by EPR and electron microscopy. The experimental data indicate that after an 1 h at 500 °C, three morphologies can be observed from the thermal decomposition of ZHC.
Graphdiyne coordinated transition metals as single-atom catalysts for nitrogen fixation
Authors: Feng Zhen , Tang Yanan , Chen Weiguang , Li Yi , Li Renyi , Ma Yaqiang , Dai Xianqi
Published: April 2020

2D graphdiyne is a superior candidate for dispersing single transition metal atoms, which can be used as SACs for nitrogen fixation.
Degradation of the transition metal@Pt core–shell nanoparticle catalyst: a DFT study
Authors: Li Lu , Ma Hong xin , Jian Xiao dong , Qian Ping , Su Yan jing
Published: April 2020

Electrocatalysts in acidic media face the issues of inactivation and degradation with complex thermodynamic processes.
Lithium salt/amide-based deep eutectic electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries: electrochemical, thermal and computational study
Authors: Ogawa Hideyuki , Mori Hideharu
Published: April 2020

The eutectic effect of a Li-salt and an amide is caused by the interaction between Li+ and CO of the amide. The reduction resistance of the amide is improved by substituting N–H with N–CH3.
Highly microporous SbPO4/BCx hybrid anodes for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Huiqi , Gou Li , Jing Weifeng , An Duo , Li Ying , Wang Mei , Li Ning , Hu Shengliang , He Yan-Bing
Published: April 2020

An easy route was developed to fabricate a highly microporous SbPO4/BCx hybrid anode for high-performance sodium-ion batteries.
Three-component synthesis of 1,4-benzothiazines via iodide-catalyzed aerobic C–H sulfuration with elemental sulfur
Authors: Jiang Jingjing , Tuo Xiaolong , Fu Zhuquan , Huang Huawen , Deng Guo-Jun
Published: April 2020

Five to Six: Beyond the well-established thiazole formation from elemental sulfur, this method provides the first access to the corresponding six-membered N,S-heterocyclic products via direct functionalization of multiple C–H bonds.
Multiphosphorylated peptides: importance, synthetic strategies, and applications for studying biological mechanisms
Authors: Samarasimhareddy Mamidi , Mayer Guy , Hurevich Mattan , Friedler Assaf
Published: April 2020

Advances in the synthesis of multiphosphorylated peptides and peptide libraries: tools for studying the effects of phosphorylation patterns on protein function and regulation.
Mechanical bonds and dynamic covalent bonds
Authors: Wu Jishan , Stoddart J. Fraser
Published: April 2020

Jishan Wu and Fraser Stoddart introduce the Materials Chemistry Frontiers themed collection on mechanical bonds and dynamic covalent bonds.
Multitask prediction of site selectivity in aromatic C–H functionalization reactions
Authors: Struble Thomas J. , Coley Connor W. , Jensen Klavs F.
Published: April 2020

Aromatic C–H functionalization reactions are an important part of the synthetic chemistry toolbox.
Facile synthesis of C60-nano materials and their application in high-performance water splitting electrocatalysis
Authors: Fernandez-Delgado Olivia , Puente-Santiago Alain R. , Cano Manuel , Giner-Casares Juan J. , Metta-Magaña Alejandro J. , Echegoyen Luis
Published: April 2020

Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of crystalline C60 nanomaterials and their applications as bifunctional water splitting catalysts.
Reply to the comment on “Rivalry in Bacillus subtilis colonies: enemy or family?”
Authors: Paul Rajorshi , Ghosh Tanushree , Tang Tian , Kumar Aloke
Published: April 2020

Sibling Bacillus subtilis colony merging phenomenon at the microscopic length scale has revealed interesting dynamics which depends on the strain and the composition of the growth medium.
Photothermally induced in situ double emulsion separation by a carbon nanotube/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) modified membrane with superwetting properties
Authors: Qu Ruixiang , Li Xiangyu , Zhang Weifeng , Liu Yanan , Zhai Huajun , Wei Yen , Feng Lin
Published: April 2020

In situ double emulsion separation was realized using a photothermal responsive carbon nanotube/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) coated poly(vinylidene fluoride) membrane.
Overcoming the biological barriers in the tumor microenvironment for improving drug delivery and efficacy
Authors: Zhou Yang , Chen Xianchun , Cao Jun , Gao Huile
Published: April 2020

The strategies and obstacles for overcoming the barriers in the tumor microenvironment are presented.
An acceptor–donor–acceptor type non-fullerene acceptor with an asymmetric backbone for high performance organic solar cells
Authors: Jiao Cancan , Guo Ziqi , Sun Binqiao , Yi Yuan-qiu-qiang , Meng Lingxian , Wan Xiangjian , Zhang Mingtao , Zhang Hongtao , Li Chenxi , Chen Yongsheng
Published: April 2020

An acceptor molecule with an asymmetric backbone, CC10, has been designed, which achieved a power conversion efficiency of 11.78%.
Polyamorphism in K2Sb8Se13 for multi-level phase-change memory
Authors: Xu Meng , Qiao Chong , Xue Kan-Hao , Tong Hao , Cheng Xiaomin , Wang Songyou , Wang Cai-Zhuang , Ho Kai-Ming , Xu Ming , Miao Xiangshui
Published: April 2020

A novel phase-change material K2Sb8Se13 with two amorphous phases was thoroughly investigated for multi-state data storage.