bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A metal–organic framework based inner ear delivery system for the treatment of noise-induced hearing loss
Authors: Xu Xiaoxiang , Lin Kun , Wang Yanzhi , Xu Kai , Sun Yu , Yang Xiuping , Yang Minlan , He Zuhong , Zhang Ya , Zheng Haoquan , Chen Xiong
Published: July 2020

A novel zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-based system for methylprednisolone (MP) delivery in the inner ear was developed and exhibited good protection of mice from noise and low side effects.
Double neighbouring group participation for ultrafast exchange in phthalate monoester networks
Authors: Delahaye Maarten , Tanini Flaminia , Holloway Joshua O. , Winne Johan M. , Du Prez Filip E.
Published: July 2020

We introduce here the rapid transesterification of phthalate monoester-based covalent adaptable networks thanks to a double neighbouring group participation effect.
Dynamic polyurethane thermosets: tuning associative/dissociative behavior by catalyst selection
Authors: Elizalde Fermin , Aguirresarobe Robert H. , Gonzalez Alba , Sardon Haritz
Published: July 2020

Catalyst selection can tune the associative/dissociative dynamic behaviour of polyurethane themosets.
Engineering the crystal orientation of Na3V2(PO4)2F3@rGO microcuboids for advanced sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhu Lin , Zhang Qi , Sun Dan , Wang Qi , Weng Nana , Tang Yougen , Wang Haiyan
Published: July 2020

Na3V2(PO4)2F3@rGO can expose different crystal facets and exhibit excellent electrochemical performance via guiding the crystal growth orientation.
Highly efficient core–shell Ag@carbon dot modified TiO2 nanofibers for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and their SERS monitoring
Authors: Jin Jing , Song Wei , Zhang Ning , Li Linjia , Liu Hao , Yang Bai , Zhao Bing
Published: July 2020

The possible mechanism of enhanced photocatalytic performance of Ag@CDs–TiO2 hybrid NFs.
Compressive behavior and electronic properties of ammonia ice: a first-principles study
Authors: Yu Xueke , Jiang Xue , Su Yan , Zhao Jijun
Published: July 2020

We performed systematicab initiocalculations to explore the structures and electronic properties of ammonia ice by hydrostatic compression.
Optical optimization of double-side-textured monolithic perovskite–silicon tandem solar cells for improved light management
Authors: Subhan Fazal E. , Khan Aimal Daud , Khan Adnan Daud , Ullah Najeeb , Imran Muhammad , Noman Muhammad
Published: July 2020

Tandem configuration-containing perovskite and silicon solar cells are promising candidates for realizing a high power conversion efficiency of 30% at reasonable costs.
Ligand field-actuated redox-activity of acetylacetonate
Authors: Vinum Morten Gotthold , Voigt Laura , Hansen Steen H. , Bell Colby , Clark Kensha Marie , Larsen René Wugt , Pedersen Kasper S.
Published: July 2020

Tailoring the chemical surroundings of chromium(ii) allows reversible electron-transfer to the ubiquitous, purportedly redox-inactive acetylacetonate.
Organophotoredox/palladium dual catalytic decarboxylative Csp3–Csp3coupling of carboxylic acids and π-electrophiles
Authors: Cartwright Kaitie C. , Tunge Jon A.
Published: July 2020

A dual catalytic decarboxylative allylation and benzylation method for the construction of new C(sp3)–C(sp3) bonds between readily available carboxylic acids and functionally diverse carbonate electrophiles has been developed.
Recent advances in bio-orthogonal and dynamic crosslinking of biomimetic hydrogels
Authors: Arkenberg Matthew R. , Nguyen Han D. , Lin Chien-Chi
Published: July 2020

This review highlights recent advances in bio-orthogonal and dynamic hydrogels crosslinked by irreversible click chemistry, enzymatic reactions, and covalent-adaptable network.
Introduction to responsive materials for healthcare diagnostics
Authors: Urban Marek W.
Published: July 2020

Marek W. Urban introduces the Journal of Materials Chemistry B themed issue on responsive materials for healthcare diagnostics.
High-resolution organic field-effect transistors manufactured by electrohydrodynamic inkjet printing of doped electrodes
Authors: Zhang Jing , Geng Bowen , Duan Shuming , Huang Congcong , Xi Yue , Mu Qi , Chen Huipeng , Ren Xiaochen , Hu Wenping
Published: July 2020

A top-contact, sub-5 μm resolution OFET is realized using inkjet printed electrodes with different F4-TCNQ doping concentrations.
Statistical model for filamentary structures of molecular clouds
Authors: Robitaille J.-F. , Abdeldayem A. , Joncour I. , Moraux E. , Motte F. , Lesaffre P. , Khalil A.
Published: July 2020

We propose a new statistical model that can reproduce the hierarchical nature of the ubiquitous filamentary structures of molecular clouds. This model is based on the multiplicative random cascade, which is designed to replicate the multifractal nature of intermittency in developed turbulence. We present a modified version of the multiplicative process where the spatial fluctuations as a function of scales are produced with the wavelet transforms of a fractional Brownian motion realisation. This simple approach produces naturally a log-normal distribution function and hierarchical coherent structures. Despite the highly contrasted aspect of these coherent structures against a smoother background, their Fourier power spectrum can be fitted by a single power law. As reported in previous works using the multiscale non-Gaussian segmentation (MnGSeg) technique, it is proven that the fit of a single power law reflects the inability of the Fourier power spectrum to detect the progressive non-Gaussian contributions that are at the origin of these structures across the inertial range of the power spectrum. The mutifractal nature of these coherent structures is discussed, and an extension of the MnGSeg technique is proposed to calculate the multifractal spectrum that is associated with them. Using directional wavelets, we show that filamentary structures can easily be produced without changing the general shape of the power spectrum. The cumulative effect of random multiplicative sequences succeeds in producing the general aspect of filamentary structures similar to those associated with star-forming regions. The filamentary structures are formed through the product of a large number of random-phase linear waves at different spatial wavelengths. Dynamically, this effect might be associated with the collection of compressive processes that occur in the interstellar medium.
Macroinvertebrate colonisation associated with native and invasive leaf litter decomposition
Authors: Mutshekwa Thendo , Cuthbert Ross N. , Wasserman Ryan J. , Murungweni Florence M. , Dalu Tatenda
Published: July 2020

Lake and reservoir ecosystems are regarded as heterotrophic detritus-based habitats which are dependent on both autochthonous and allochthonous organic matter for the majority of energy inputs. In particular, allochthonous detritus is in particular important for the trophic dynamics of microbial organisms, macroinvertebrates and benthic plants in freshwaters. Here, we assess macroinvertebrate colonisation, and quantify decomposition rates, of leaf litter from species of native and invasive plants in a small agricultural reservoir. Native fig Ficus sycomorus and silver cluster–leaf Terminalia sericea were compared to invasive tickberry Lantana camara and guava Psidium guajava, whereby macroinvertebrate colonisation was assessed over time. Leaf treatments had a significant, group-specific effect on abundances and composition among focal macroinvertebrates. Invasive leaves reduced Physidae and Oligochaeta abundances, yet Ostracoda were significantly more abundant in the presence of invasive P. guajava. Chironomidae relative abundances increased under invasive L. camara treatments, whilst differences among leaf treatment effects on Coenogrionidae abundances were not statistically clear. In turn, macroinvertebrate diversity did not differ significantly among plant treatment groups. The decomposition rate of the leaf litter demonstrated differences among the species, following a decreasing order of L. camara > F. sycomorus > T. sericea > P. guajava. The study results highlight that leaf litter species identity among invasive and native plants plays an important role in the colonisation of macroinvertebrates in small reservoirs, thereby differentially supporting aquatic environments and food webs. However, differences were not uniform across invader-native groupings. Nonetheless, certain invasive leaf litter decomposes faster than native litter, with possible implications for broader nutrient dynamics and subsequent community composition.
Exploring the time course of painful post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy: a pilot study
Authors: Sougoumarin Dharani , Omeish Nadine , Dieb Wisam , Moreau Nathan , Braud Adeline , Boucher Yves
Published: July 2020

Patients suffering from painful post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy (PTTN) often report circadian variations in pain. This pilot study aimed to assess the daily evolution of pain in patients fulfilling the following criteria: PTTN diagnosed based on ICHD-3 criteria; >18 years of age; no impairment in communication and signed informed consent. Primary study outcome was a self-declared quantitative assessment of pain intensity using an 11-point numerical scale (0–10) for 8 consecutive days. Impact on oral function and quality of life was also assessed, using psychometric questionnaires GOHAI and HADS. Eleven patients with PTTN were recruited (mean age: 66.1 ± 6.8 years old). Mean pain intensity was 3.6 ± 0.99. Mean pain intensity increased progressively and significantly during the day, from 1.8 ± 1.3 to 4.6 ± 2.3 (p < 0.0001). Mean HADS score was 7.8 ± 2.7. Mean GOHAI score was weak (35/60). In conclusion, PTTN seems to follow a circadian rhythm.
Skeletal involvement in children with Langerhans cell histiocytosis: healing, complications, and functional outcome
Authors: Abdelaal Ahmed H. K. , Sedky Mohamed , Gohar Seham , Zaki Iman , Salama Asmaa , Hassanain Omayma , El Ghoneimy Ahmed M.
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Skeletal involvement in children with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a common feature of the disease. Several options for the treatment of these skeletal lesions have been reported. We describe our experience in the treatment of skeletal involvement of LCH in this retrospective case series study, entailing anatomic distribution, pattern of healing, skeletal deformities, and functional outcome of skeletal LCH. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted for patients diagnosed with LCH and having skeletal lesions in the period between 2007 and 2015. Out of a total of 229 cases, 191 (83.4%) had skeletal involvement. Bone healing was divided into partial and complete based on the size of lesion and cortical changes in plain radiograph. Skeletal deformities were serially measured. Time to pain control, resumption of weight bearing, and the final functional status of the patient were reviewed. Results: The mean age at presentation was 4.4 years (3 m–14.8 y) and the mean follow-up period was 53.3 months (0.2–120.7). After screening of skeletal and extra-skeletal lesions, 59 patients (31%) had M-S (Multisystem) LCH and 132 (69%) had S-S (Single system) LCH. Unifocal bone lesions were found in 81 (42.5%) patients, and multifocal bone lesions in 110 patients (57.5%). Single or multiple bone lesions were found in the craniofacial bones in 152 patients (79.5%), femur in 19 patients, (10%), ribs in 18 patients (9.4%), spine in 15 patients (8.1%), pelvis in 14 patients (7.3%), scapula in 8 patients (4.1%), humerus in 6 (3.1%), clavicle in 6 patients (3.1%), tibia in 3 patients (1.5%), radius in 3 patients (1.5%), and the ulna in 2 patients (1%) patients. No lesions were found in the fibula, hand, or foot. Out of all skeletal lesions, 179 (93.7%) patients were treated either medically or conservatively and 12 patients (6.2%) were treated surgically. The mean time to complete healing was 5.2 months (2–12). Skeletal complications included: pathologic fractures (9 vertebra plana, 5 long bone, 1 iliac bone), deformities (9 thoracolumbar kyphosis, 2 cervical spine subluxations, 2 coxa vara deformity of the proximal femur and one flattening of iliac bone). Conclusion: Non-operative treatment can lead to adequate bone healing in few months period. Partial or complete remodeling of bone deformities can be observed without surgical correction. However, surgical intervention might be indicated when cervical spine affection may lead to instability and subsequent neurological affection. Functional impairment is rarely caused by skeletal lesions in LCH.
18F-sodium fluoride bone deposition quantitation with PET in Mice: Variation with age, sex, and circadian rhythm
Authors: Dorau-Rutke Viktoria , Huang Kai , Lukas Mathias , Schulze Marc O. , Rosner Christian , Gregor-Mamoudou Betina , Steffen Ingo G. , Brenner Winfried , Beindorff Nicola
Published: July 2020

Aim The aim of this study was to establish a data base for normal 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) bone uptake as a function of age, sex and circadian rhythm in mice.

Methods In 12 female (F) and 12 male (M) C57BL/6N mice PET images were acquired 90 min after intravenous injection of 20 MBq 18F-NaF for 30 minutes. Each mouse was imaged in follow-up studies at 1, 3, 6, 13 and 21 months of age. In order to assess for physiologic changes related to circadian rhythm, animals were imaged during light (sleep phase) as well as during night conditions (awake phase). Bone uptake is described as the median percentage of the injected activity (%IA) and in relation to bone volume (%IA/ml).

Results A significant smaller bone volume was found in F (1.79 ml) compared to M (1.99 ml; p < 0.001). In sex-pooled data, highest bone uptake occurred at an age of 1 month (61.1 %IA, 44.5 %IA/ml) with a significant reduction (p < 0.001) at age 3 months (43.6 %IA, 23.6 %IA/ml), followed by an increase between 13 (47.3 %IA, 24.5 %IA/ml) and 21 months (52.2 %IA, 28.1 %IA/ml). F had a significantly higher total uptake (F 48.2 %IA, M 43.8 %IA; p = 0.026) as well as a higher uptake per ml bone tissue (F 27.0 %IA/ml; M 22.4 %IA/ml; p < 0.001). A significant impact of circadian rhythm was only found for F at ages of 3 and 6 months with a higher uptake during the sleep phase.

Conclusion Circadian rhythm had a significant impact on uptake only in F of 3 and 6 months. Regarding sex, F showed generally higher uptake rates than M. The highest uptake values were observed during bone growth at age 1 month in both sexes, a second uptake peak occurred in elderly F. Designing future bone uptake studies with M, attention must be paid to age only, while in F circadian rhythm and age must be taken into account.
Spleen Stiffness Measurements Predict the Risk of Hepatic Decompensation After Direct-Acting Antivirals in HCV Cirrhotic Patients
Authors: Dajti Elton , Ravaioli Federico , Colecchia Antonio , Marasco Giovanni , Bacchi Reggiani Maria Letizia , Colli Agostino , Alemanni Luigina Vanessa , Tamè Mariarosa , Andreone Pietro , Brillanti Stefano , Azzaroli Francesco , Mazzella Giuseppe , Festi Davide
Published: July 2020

Purpose Little evidence is available regarding the risk of hepatic decompensation (HD) after direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in patients with advanced chronic liver disease. Our aim was to assess the risk of decompensation and the prognostic role of noninvasive tests, such as liver (LSM) and spleen (SSM) stiffness measurements, in the prediction of decompensation after sustained virologic response (SVR) by DAAs.

Materials and Methods A cohort study involving 146 cirrhotic patients treated with DAAs in our tertiary center with LSM and SSM available both before and six months after treatment (SVR24). A historical cohort of 92 consecutive cirrhotic patients with active HCV was used as a control group. A propensity score inverse probability weighting method was used to account for differences between the groups. Time-dependent models for the prediction of decompensation were applied to account for changes in noninvasive tests after therapy.

Results The decompensation incidence in the DAA cohort was 7.07 (4.56–10.96) per 100 person-years (PYs), which was significantly lower than in the active HCV cohort. The DAA therapy was an independent protective factor for HD development (SHR: 0.071, 95 %-CI: 0.015–0.332). SSM ≥ 54 kPa was independently associated with decompensation despite SVR achievement (SHR: 4.169, 95 %-CI: 1.050–16.559), alongside with a history of decompensation (SHR: 7.956, 95 %-CI: 2.556–24.762). SSM reduction < 10 % also predicted the risk of decompensation after SVR24.

Conclusion The risk of decompensation was markedly reduced after DAA therapy, but it was not eliminated. Paired SSM values stratified the risk of decompensation after SVR better than other noninvasive tests.
kma Entscheider BLOG: Die Mär von der Rückkehr zum Arbeitgebermarkt
Authors: Camphausen Martin
Published: July 2020

Seit sich die Ausmaße von Corona auf den Arbeitsmarkt abzeichnen, hört man vielerorts immer häufiger davon, dass sich Deutschland zum Arbeitgebermarkt zurückentwickele.
Gesundheitswirtschaftskongress: Hamburger Branchentreffen – wichtiger denn je
Authors: Lohmann Heinz
Published: July 2020

Mitten in der Corona-Krise sind zahlreiche Kritiker und Skeptiker der Digitalisierung aus der Not heraus umgeschwenkt. Viele haben plötzlich wie selbstverständlich Telemedizin, Videokonsultation und viele andere digitale Lösungen selbst eingesetzt und durchaus auch schätzen gelernt. Jetzt geht es darum, diesen Stimmungswandel zur Basis deutlicher Digitalisierungsfortschritte zu machen.
Institutional quality, foreign direct investment, and economic development in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Adegboye Folasade Bosede , Osabohien Romanus , Olokoyo Felicia O. , Matthew Oluwatoyin , Adediran Oluwasogo
Published: July 2020

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is regarded as a critical determinant in the concept of development for Africa. However, institutional quality in the recipient countries is considered an essential factor that can be used to drive FDI flows inward. The study aims to establish the effect of institutions’ challenges on the FDI inflow and how it impacts on economic development for host selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The study employed pooled data for 30 SSA countries for the period within the years 2000 and 2018. The analysis method used was the fixed and random effect regression model utilized to estimate the effect of foreign capital on economic development with considerations for the quality of institutions for developing SSA sub-region of Africa. This study reveals that foreign capital inflow is crucial for economic development in the SSA sub-region of Africa. Quality of institutions as determining factors also affected the level of inflow of FDI to the host SSA sub-region, which resulted in the underutilization of domestic resources and hence abnormal development of domestic sector investment. The study recommends that the government of host SSA sub-region needs to consider the degree of institutional quality to encourage further FDI inflows. To afford the maximal benefit of FDI in the development of the host domestic sector and to guard the industry that foreign investment flows into carefully. It is expedient, thereby, that the domestic investment is enhanced to ensure that dependence on foreign capital inflow continues to decline as income increases. Until domestic investments are sufficient to generate advancement in technology and desired economic development for the selected countries, in the SSA sub-region.
Catalytically mediated epitaxy of 3D semiconductors on van der Waals substrates
Authors: Periwal Priyanka , Thomsen Joachim Dahl , Reidy Kate , Varnavides Georgios , Zakharov Dmitri N. , Gignac Lynne , Reuter Mark C. , Booth Timothy J. , Hofmann Stephan , Ross Frances M.
Published: July 2020

The formation of well-controlled interfaces between materials of different structure and bonding is a key requirement when developing new devices and functionalities. Of particular importance are epitaxial or low defect density interfaces between two-dimensional materials and three-dimensional semiconductors or metals, where an interfacial structure influences electrical conductivity in field effect and optoelectronic devices, charge transfer for spintronics and catalysis, and proximity-induced superconductivity. Epitaxy and hence well-defined interfacial structure has been demonstrated for several metals on van der Waals-bonded substrates. Semiconductor epitaxy on such substrates has been harder to control, for example during chemical vapor deposition of Si and Ge on graphene. Here, we demonstrate a catalytically mediated heteroepitaxy approach to achieve epitaxial growth of three-dimensional semiconductors such as Ge and Si on van der Waals-bonded materials such as graphene and hexagonal boron nitride. Epitaxy is “transferred” from the substrate to semiconductor nanocrystals via solid metal nanocrystals that readily align on the substrate and catalyze the formation of aligned nuclei of the semiconductor. In situ transmission electron microscopy allows us to elucidate the reaction pathway for this process and to show that solid metal nanocrystals can catalyze semiconductor growth at a significantly lower temperature than direct chemical vapor deposition or deposition mediated by liquid catalyst droplets. We discuss Ge and Si growth as a model system to explore the details of such hetero-interfacing and its applicability to a broader range of materials.
Theoretical maximum photogeneration efficiency and performance characterization of InxGa1−xN/Si tandem water-splitting photoelectrodes
Authors: Gaudy Yannick K. , Gačević Žarko , Haussener Sophia
Published: July 2020

InxGa1−xN is a promising material for flexible and efficient water-splitting photoelectrodes since the bandgap is tunable by modifying the indium content. We investigate the potential of an InxGa1−xN/Si tandem used as a water-splitting photoelectrode. We predict a maximum theoretical photogeneration efficiency of 27% for InxGa1−xN/Si tandem photoelectrodes by computing electromagnetic wave propagation and absorption. This maximum is obtained for an indium content between 50% and 60% (i.e., a bandgap between 1.4 eV and 1.2 eV, respectively) and a film thickness between 280 nm and 560 nm. We then experimentally assess InxGa1−xN photoanodes with the indium content varying between 9.5% and 41.4%. A Mott–Schottky analysis indicates doping concentrations (which effectively represent defect density, given there was no intentional doping) above 8.1 × 1020 cm−3 (with a maximum doping concentration of 1.9 × 1022 cm−3 for an indium content of 9.5%) and flatband potentials between −0.33 VRHE for x = 9.5% and −0.06 VRHE for x = 33.3%. Photocurrent–voltage curves of InxGa1−xN photoanodes are measured in 1M H2SO4 and 1M Na2SO4, and the incident photon-to-current efficiency spectra in 1M Na2SO4. The incident photon-to-current efficiency spectra are used to computationally determine the diffusion length, the diffusion optical number, as well as surface recombination and transfer currents. A maximum diffusion length of 262 nm is obtained for an indium content of 23.5%, in part resulting from the relatively low doping concentration (9.8 × 1020 cm−3 at x = 23.5%). Nevertheless, the relatively high surface roughness (rms of 7.2 nm) and low flatband potential (−0.1 VRHE) at x = 23.5% cause high surface recombination and affect negatively the overall photoelectrode performance. Thus, the performance of InxGa1−xN photoelectrodes appears to be a tradeoff between surface recombination (affected by surface roughness and flatband potential) and diffusion length (affected by doping concentration/defect density). The performance improvements of the InxGa1−xN photoanodes are most likely achieved through modification of the doping concentration (defect density) and reduction of the surface recombination (e.g., by the deposition of a passivation layer and co-catalysts). The investigations of the ability to reach high performance by nanostructuring indicate that reasonable improvements through nanostructuring might be very challenging.
Numerical modeling of the sugarcane bagasse gasification in a fast fluidized bed reactor
Authors: Medeiros Marcelo Ricardo Queiroz , Cruz Manuel Ernani , Leiroz Albino José Kalab , Reinaldo Rafaela Frota , Verissimo Gabriel Lisbôa
Published: July 2020

This article presents results for Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) tests for sugarcane bagasse drying and devolatilization, for five experimental tests for the gasification of sugarcane pellets in a Circulating Fluidized Bed gasifier pilot plant and for a Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling to describe the sugarcane bagasse gasification process. Initially, TGA tests were conducted to obtain kinetic parameters to describe the drying and devolatilization of sugarcane bagasse pellets, providing activation energies for sugarcane bagasse drying and devolatilization. Experimental tests were conducted for a bed temperature of 850 °C, equivalence ratio ranging from 0.25 to 0.29 and for a steam-to-biomass mass flow ratio of 1.0 and 1.2. The kinetic parameters for drying and devolatilization obtained in the TGA tests and a stoichiometric equation proposed here for sugarcane bagasse devolatilization are employed in a CFD code together with kinetic correlations from the literature for the remaining reactions occurring during the gasification process. The conditions of the experimental tests are simulated using a methodology based on a 3D CFD Euler–Euler model to describe the multiphase, multi species, heat, and mass transfer phenomena. Three gasification models are investigated and the predicted syngas composition from numerical simulation is compared with experimental data values. The gasification model with the smallest deviation with respect to the experimental values is used to simulate the other experimental tests and to evaluate the axial behavior quantities of interest.
Combined experimental and theoretical study on the ultraviolet photodissociation dynamics of 1-bromo-2,6-difluorobenzene in 267 nm–234 nm
Authors: He Chao , Yin Rongrong , Hu Gaoming , Zhou Xueyao , Chen Yang , Zhao Dongfeng , Jiang Bin
Published: July 2020

Thanks to their specific molecular symmetry, aromatic molecules and their derivatives represent ideal model systems in understanding photo-induced chemistry of small molecules. Herein, ultraviolet photodissociation dynamics of the 1-bromo-2,6-difluorobenzene molecule has been visualized via imaging the recoiling velocity distributions of photofragments. The measured recoiling angular distributions of the Br(2P3/2) product vary significantly with the increasing photon energy, arguing against the simple bond-fission mechanism within the C2v symmetry. Ab initio calculations reveal that in addition to the C–Br bond cleavage, two additional internal molecular coordinates that break the molecular symmetry are likely involved. The Br out-of-plane bending opens a direct dissociation pathway on the S1-1A″ (S1-1ππ*) state, while the asymmetric C–F stretching significantly changes the orientation of the transition dipole moment. The present study sheds new light on the effect of symmetry breaking in the photodissociation dynamics of symmetric aryl halides, highlighting the multi-dimensional feature of excited state potential energy surfaces.
In vitro and ex vivo relaxometric properties of ethylene glycol coated gadolinium oxide nanoparticles for potential use as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Chaturvedi Anamika , Pranjali Pranjali , Meher Mukesh Kumar , Raj Ritu , Basak Madhuri , Singh Ranjan Kumar , Poluri Krishna Mohan , Kumar Dinesh , Guleria Anupam
Published: July 2020

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have widely demonstrated their applicability in many biomedical applications including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hyperthermia, and drug delivery. However, the effectiveness of MNPs can be limited for in vivo applications due to their hydrophobic surfaces leading to nanoparticle agglomeration and thus requires appropriate surface modification to enhance colloidal stability. Glycols are widely used coating material for surface modifications of MNPs to improve their physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. The present work reports the preparation of two different sized ethylene glycol coated gadolinium oxide nanoparticles (EG@Gd2O3 NPs) using two different synthesis approaches and their applicability as contrast agents in MRI. Thermo-gravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the successful coating of ethylene glycol on the surface of NPs. We found that independent of the size of NPs, the globular shaped EG@Gd2O3 NPs exhibited similar crystal structures, magnetic properties, and cellular cytotoxicity behavior. However, a significant impact of size on MRI contrast enhancement properties was seen. It was revealed that the relaxivity of EG@Gd2O3 NPs increases with a decrease in particle size. Small sized EG@Gd2O3 NPs (∼12 nm) exhibited a high specific in vitro and ex vivo longitudinal relaxivity of 3.7 and 1.5 mM−1 s−1, respectively, thus clearly elucidating the potential of these NPs for use as local contrast enhancement agents. The present study gives insights into the intrinsic dependence of magnetic resonance contrast effects of NPs on particle size and surface coating layer mass ratio and thus demonstrates the development of efficient magnetic nanoparticles based contrast agents by fine tuning of particle size and surface properties.
Unexpected rheological behavior of solutions of aromatic polyamide in transient physical states
Authors: Malkin A. Ya. , Kulichikhin V. G. , Polyakova M. Yu. , Zuev K. V. , Govorov V. A.
Published: July 2020

The subject of this study was an aromatic polyamide in dimethylacetamide/LiCl solutions in a concentration range from 0.5 vol. % – 5 vol. %. Dilute and semi-dilute solutions of this polymer demonstrate a complex of unexpected time- and temperature-dependent rheological effects under shearing in a heating–cooling cycle. In a static state, all systems under study are transparent solutions and no temperature-dependent thermal or visual effects are observed. However, superposition of shearing radically changes the situation. Heating up to 100 °C–140 °C leads to the phase separation with the coexistence of the amorphous and LC phases. On cooling of low-concentrated solutions, a decrease in the temperature leads to a several-times increase in the viscosity, and the subsequent viscosity decrease takes place at further temperature decrease. Both changes are kinetic effects. The first one is treated as an order-to-disorder transition. The decrease in viscosity is accompanied by a heat release, which reflects the reverse process of the disorder-to-order state transition. The isothermal viscosity decline in time is described by the Maxwell relaxation law with temperature-independent relaxation time. Hence, this is a non-temperature-activated process. At higher concentrations, strong temperature thixotropic behavior with much lower viscosity values on cooling, in comparison with the heating, is characteristic of these solutions due to their tendency for undercooling. The shear-induced transition, conjugated with the heat excess, was observed in semi-dilute solutions at the same temperature similar to that observed for dilute solutions. So during cooling under shearing, the solutions under study display a rather unusual phenomenon of a first-order transition. This type of phenomenon has not been described before. The phase transitions become quite evident in the polarized light. The observed kinetic effects in transient physical states are discussed on the basis of the concept of delayed and latent structure and phase transitions, including the formation of the LC state, which are initiated by the shearing.
Fast heart rate extraction using CW Doppler radar with interpolated discrete Fourier transform algorithm
Authors: Yang Zi-Kai , Shi Heping , Zhao Sheng , Huang Xiang-Dong , Guan Zhiwei
Published: July 2020

Doppler radar-based fast heart rate (HR) extraction has great application potential in stress and emotion recognition, anxiety treatments, etc. However, fast extraction of HR is still a great challenge for the vital sign detection applying the traditional discrete Fourier transform (DFT) method based on a continuous-wave (CW) Doppler radar sensor. When applying traditional DFT to the baseband signal analysis, the spectrum resolution will become insufficient if the time window is less than 10 s. In this paper, an interpolated DFT algorithm based on a poly-item cosine window is introduced to achieve fast extraction of HR with only 3 s data length. In addition, the leakage and grid effect phenomenon is presented to show the defects caused by the traditional DFT method. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, simulations are performed and experiments are executed using a 10-GHz CW Doppler radar sensor platform. Compared with the traditional DFT method, the interpolated DFT method reduces the average HR error from 8.48% to 1.87% based on the Hanning window and from 8.48% to 1.45% based on the rectangular window.
Decoupling vibration and electron energy dependencies in the photoelectron circular dichroism of a terpene, 3-carene
Authors: Ganjitabar Hassan , Garcia Gustavo A. , Nahon Laurent , Powis Ivan
Published: July 2020

A fresh perspective on the interaction of electron and nuclear motions in photon induced dynamical processes can be provided by the coupling of photoelectron angular distributions and cation vibrational states in the photoionization of chiral molecules using circularly polarized radiation. The chiral contributions, manifesting as a forward–backward asymmetry in the photoemission, can be assessed using Photoelectron Circular Dichroism (PECD), which has revealed an enhanced vibrational influence exerted on the outgoing photoelectron. In this paper, we investigate the PECD of a rigid chiral monoterpene, 3-carene, using single-photon vacuum ultraviolet ionization by polarized synchrotron radiation and selecting energies from the ionization threshold up to 19.0 eV. By judicious choice of these photon energies, two factors that influence PECD asymmetry values, electron kinetic energy and ion vibrational level, can be effectively isolated, allowing a clear demonstration of the very marked vibrational effects. A slow photoelectron spectrum is used to examine the vibrational structure of the isolated outermost valence (HOMO) photoelectron band, and peak assignments are made with the aid of a Franck–Condon simulation. Together, these provide an estimate of the adiabatic ionization energy as 8.385 eV. The reported chiral asymmetry from the randomly oriented 3-carene enantiomers reaches a maximum of over 21%. Theoretical PECD calculations, made both for the fixed equilibrium molecular geometry and also modeling selected normal mode vibration effects, are presented to provide further insight.
Patient-centred method to evaluate the spatial accessibility of primary health care in a case study in Shanghai
Authors: Xiong Xuechen , Luo Li
Published: July 2020

Quantitative methodology investigating medical resource accessibility does not incorporate patients’ feelings about the adequacy and fairness of primary health care (PHC). In this study we quantified the spatial accessibility of PHC from the patient perspective. The main obstacles regarding access to PHC services are: (1) distance from the medical facility; and (2) waiting times after reaching the facility. The total time cost to access PHC is calculated as the sum of the time cost to access the PHC facility and the time cost waiting to receive health care; the total time cost was used in this study to reflect the potential spatial accessibility (i.e. probable entry into the healthcare system) of PHC. In Shanghai, it took residents approximately 13min to reach the nearest primary care facility, with an approximate 23min wait time after arriving at the facility. Thus, the spatial accessibility of PHC in Shanghai is approximately 36min. The method of assessing the spatial accessibility of PHC from the perspective of patients is more explanatory and easier to interpret. In the case of Shanghai, the regional accessibility of PHC is much better than its regional availability. Relevant managers should focus on increasing the resource supply capacity of existing facilities providing primary care in the suburbs of Shanghai.
The strategies and tactics of fighting against precarisation of work: a comparative study of precarious workers’ struggles in two South African municipalities
Authors: Ntuli Lawrence
Published: July 2020

This article compares the tactics and strategies used by precarious workers who fought through the union and those who engaged in struggle without being led by the trade union. Even though both groups fought separately and used different form of organisations, they used almost identical tactics and strategies. Most importantly, both groups of workers believed that only through a trade union could they win better pay and conditions. This article draws on data sourced from primary (interviews) and secondary sources.
In vivo identification of apoptotic and extracellular vesicle‐bound live cells using image‐based deep learning
Authors: Kranich Jan , Chlis Nikolaos‐Kosmas , Rausch Lisa , Latha Ashretha , Schifferer Martina , Kurz Tilman , Foltyn‐Arfa Kia Agnieszka , Simons Mikael , Theis Fabian J. , Brocker Thomas
Published: July 2020

The in vivo detection of dead cells remains a major challenge due to technical hurdles. Here, we present a novel method, where injection of fluorescent milk fat globule‐EGF factor 8 protein (MFG‐E8) in vivo combined with imaging flow cytometry and deep learning allows the identification of dead cells based on their surface exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) and other image parameters. A convolutional autoencoder (CAE) was trained on defined pictures and successfully used to identify apoptotic cells in vivo. However, unexpectedly, these analyses also revealed that the great majority of PS+ cells were not apoptotic, but rather live cells associated with PS+ extracellular vesicles (EVs). During acute viral infection apoptotic cells increased slightly, while up to 30% of lymphocytes were decorated with PS+ EVs of antigen‐presenting cell (APC) exosomal origin. The combination of recombinant fluorescent MFG‐E8 and the CAE‐method will greatly facilitate analyses of cell death and EVs in vivo.
Holistic identification and assessment of environmental risks of arable land use in two grain producing areas of China
Authors: Yin Guanyi , Lin Zhulu , Jiang Xilong , Sun Jin , Qiu Menglong
Published: July 2020

Taking two typical grain producing areas of southern (Dongting Lake Region) and northern China (Shandong Province) as examples, this study used fault tree analysis and parametric estimation to provide a comparative analysis for environmental risks of intensive arable land use. The results show that (1) in the risks of eutrophication, toxicity, soil structure, greenhouse effect and air pollution, the greenhouse effect was the most prominent with the highest discharge; (2) the Dongting Lake Region discharged less pollutants annually than did Shandong Province, while surpassing Shandong in cumulative pollutant discharge in 2007-2018; (3) the spatial distribution of environmental risk in the Dongting Lake Region was mostly concentrated in the northern area, whereas that in Shandong Province displayed a scattered pattern; (4) in the Dongting Lake Region, Yueyang, Changde, and Yiyang were high environmental risk cities in 2007-2018, whereas in Shandong Province, Zaozhuang, Heze, Liaocheng, and Dezhou exhibited higher comprehensive environmental risk indexes in 2007-2008, while Rizhao replaced them in 2018. The results indicated that ago-production material use must be controlled, reasonable zoning for areas posing environmental risks must be employed and cities with high environmental risk must be dynamically monitored to prevent the intensification of environmental risks of arable land use.
TANGLED1 mediates microtubule interactions that may promote division plane positioning in maize
Authors: Martinez Pablo , Dixit Ram , Balkunde Rachappa S. , Zhang Antonia , O’Leary Seán E. , Brakke Kenneth A. , Rasmussen Carolyn G.
Published: July 2020

The microtubule cytoskeleton serves as a dynamic structural framework for mitosis in eukaryotic cells. TANGLED1 (TAN1) is a microtubule-binding protein that localizes to the division site and mitotic microtubules and plays a critical role in division plane orientation in plants. Here, in vitro experiments demonstrate that TAN1 directly binds microtubules, mediating microtubule zippering or end-on microtubule interactions, depending on their contact angle. Maize tan1 mutant cells improperly position the preprophase band (PPB), which predicts the future division site. However, cell shape–based modeling indicates that PPB positioning defects are likely a consequence of abnormal cell shapes and not due to TAN1 absence. In telophase, colocalization of growing microtubules ends from the phragmoplast with TAN1 at the division site suggests that TAN1 interacts with microtubule tips end-on. Together, our results suggest that TAN1 contributes to microtubule organization to ensure proper division plane orientation.
Intersection of TKS5 and FGD1/CDC42 signaling cascades directs the formation of invadopodia
Authors: Zagryazhskaya-Masson Anna , Monteiro Pedro , Macé Anne-Sophie , Castagnino Alessia , Ferrari Robin , Infante Elvira , Duperray-Susini Aléria , Dingli Florent , Lanyi Arpad , Loew Damarys , Génot Elisabeth , Chavrier Philippe
Published: July 2020

Tumor cells exposed to a physiological matrix of type I collagen fibers form elongated collagenolytic invadopodia, which differ from dotty-like invadopodia forming on the gelatin substratum model. The related scaffold proteins, TKS5 and TKS4, are key components of the mechanism of invadopodia assembly. The molecular events through which TKS proteins direct collagenolytic invadopodia formation are poorly defined. Using coimmunoprecipitation experiments, identification of bound proteins by mass spectrometry, and in vitro pull-down experiments, we found an interaction between TKS5 and FGD1, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the Rho-GTPase CDC42, which is known for its role in the assembly of invadopodial actin core structure. A novel cell polarity network is uncovered comprising TKS5, FGD1, and CDC42, directing invadopodia formation and the polarization of MT1-MMP recycling compartments, required for invadopodia activity and invasion in a 3D collagen matrix. Additionally, our data unveil distinct signaling pathways involved in collagenolytic invadopodia formation downstream of TKS4 or TKS5 in breast cancer cells.
Building the lipid droplet assembly complex
Authors: Goodman Joel M.
Published: July 2020

In this issue, Choudhary et al. (2020. J. Cell Biol.https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201910177) address the nature of the ER subdomain from which lipid droplets emanate and how several assembly proteins interact. Their data indicate that seipin/Nem1 marks these sites and provide a detailed working model for assembling the protein complex.
NK cell receptor NKG2D enforces proinflammatory features and pathogenicity of Th1 and Th17 cells
Authors: Babic Marina , Dimitropoulos Christoforos , Hammer Quirin , Stehle Christina , Heinrich Frederik , Sarsenbayeva Assel , Eisele Almut , Durek Pawel , Mashreghi Mir-Farzin , Lisnic Berislav , Van Snick Jacques , Löhning Max , Fillatreau Simon , Withers David R. , Gagliani Nicola , Huber Samuel , Flavell Richard A. , Polic Bojan , Romagnani Chiara
Published: July 2020

NKG2D is a danger sensor expressed on different subsets of innate and adaptive lymphocytes. Despite its established role as a potent activator of the immune system, NKG2D-driven regulation of CD4+ T helper (Th) cell–mediated immunity remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that NKG2D modulates Th1 and proinflammatory T-bet+ Th17 cell effector functions in vitro and in vivo. In particular, NKG2D promotes higher production of proinflammatory cytokines by Th1 and T-bet+ Th17 cells and reinforces their transcription of type 1 signature genes, including Tbx21. Conditional deletion of NKG2D in T cells impairs the ability of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells to promote inflammation in vivo during antigen-induced arthritis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, indicating that NKG2D is an important target for the amelioration of Th1- and Th17-mediated chronic inflammatory diseases.
Small-cavity chamber dose response in megavoltage photon beams coupled to magnetic fields
Authors: Cervantes Yunuen , Billas Ilias , Shipley David , Duane Simon , Bouchard Hugo
Published: July 2020

In MRgRT, dosimetry measurements are performed in the presence of magnetic fields. For high-resolution measurements, small-cavity ionization chambers are required. While Monte Carlo simulations are essential to determine dosimetry correction factors, models of small-chambers require careful validation with experimental measurements. The aim of this study is to characterize small-cavity chamber response coupled to magnetic fields. Small-cavity chambers (PTW31010, PTW31016, PTW31021 and PTW3022) are irradiated by a 6 MV photon beam for 9 magnetic field strengths between -1.5 T and +1.5 T. The chamber axis is orientated either parallel or perpendicular to the irradiation beam, with the magnetic field always perpendicular to the beam. MC simulations are performed in EGSnrc. The sensitive volume of the chambers is reduced to account for the inefficiency adjacent to the guard electrode (dead volume) based on COMSOL calculations of electric potentials. The magnetic field affects the chamber response by up to 4.1% and 4.5% in the parallel and perpendicular orientations, respectively, compared to no magnetic field. The maximal difference in dose response between experiments and simulations is up to 6.1% and 4.5% for parallel and perpendicular orientation, respectively. When the dead volume is removed, which accounts for the 15%-23% of the nominal volume, the difference, in most cases, is within the stated uncertainties. Nevertheless, for a particular chamber, the reduced nominal volume barely improved the agreement between the experimental and calculated relative response (4.53% to 4.13%). This disagreement may be due to the imperfect chamber geometry model, as was found from microCT images. A detailed uncertainty analysis is presented. The characterization of small-cavity ion chamber response coupled to magnetic fields is complex. Small differences between real and model chamber geometry that normally would be insignificant become an issue in the presence of magnetic fields. Accurate characterization of the nominal volume is essential for small-cavity ion chamber modelling.