bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring of tumor growth and vascularization with repetitive ultrasonography in the chicken chorioallantoic-membrane-assay
Authors: Eckrich Jonas , Kugler Philipp , Buhr Christoph Raphael , Ernst Benjamin Philipp , Mendler Simone , Baumgart Jan , Brieger Juergen , Wiesmann Nadine
Published: October 2020

The chorioallantoic-membrane (CAM)-assay is an established model for in vivo tumor research. Contrary to rodent-xenograft-models, the CAM-assay does not require breeding of immunodeficient strains due to native immunodeficiency. This allows xenografts to grow on the non-innervated CAM without pain or impairment for the embryo. Considering multidirectional tumor growth, limited monitoring capability of tumor size is the main methodological limitation of the CAM-assay for tumor research. Enclosure of the tumor by the radiopaque eggshell and the small structural size only allows monitoring from above and challenges established imaging techniques. We report the eligibility of ultrasonography for repetitive visualization of tumor growth and vascularization in the CAM-assay. After tumor ingrowth, ultrasonography was repetitively performed in ovo using a commercial ultrasonographic scanner. Finally, the tumor was excised and histologically analyzed. Tumor growth and angiogenesis were successfully monitored and findings in ultrasonographic imaging significantly correlated with results obtained in histological analysis. Ultrasonography is cost efficient and widely available. Tumor imaging in ovo enables the longitudinal monitoring of tumoral development, yet allowing high quantitative output due to the CAM-assays simple and cheap methodology. Thus, this methodological novelty improves reproducibility in the field of in vivo tumor experimentation emphasizing the CAM-assay as an alternative to rodent-xenograft-models.
A sciaenid swim bladder with long skinny fingers produces sound with an unusual frequency spectrum
Authors: Mok Hin-Kiu , Wu Shih-Chia , Sirisuary Soranuth , Fine Michael L.
Published: October 2020

Swim bladders in sciaenid fishes function in hearing in some and sound production in almost all species. Sciaenid swim bladders vary from simple carrot-shaped to two-chambered to possessing various diverticula. Diverticula that terminate close to the ears improve hearing. Other unusual diverticula heading in a caudal direction have not been studied. The fresh-water Asian speciesBoesemania microlepishas an unusual swim bladder with a slightly restricted anterior region and 6 long-slender caudally-directed diverticula bilaterally. We hypothesized that these diverticula modify sound spectra. Evening advertisement calls consist of a series of multicycle tonal pulses, but the fundamental frequency and first several harmonics are missing or attenuated, and peak frequencies are high, varying between < 1–2 kHz. The fundamental frequency is reflected in the pulse repetition rate and in ripples on the frequency spectrum but not in the number of cycles within a pulse. We suggest that diverticula function as Helmholz absorbers turning the swim bladder into a high-pass filter responsible for the absence of low frequencies typically present in sciaenid calls. Further, we hypothesize that the multicycle pulses are driven by the stretched aponeuroses (flat tendons that connect the sonic muscles to the swim bladder) in this and other sciaenids.
Hounsfield unit attenuation value can differentiate pyonephrosis from hydronephrosis and predict septic complications in patients with obstructive uropathy
Authors: Boeri Luca , Fulgheri Irene , Palmisano Franco , Lievore Elena , Lorusso Vito , Ripa Francesco , D’Amico Mario , Spinelli Matteo Giulio , Salonia Andrea , Carrafiello Gianpaolo , Montanari Emanuele
Published: October 2020

We aimed to assess the role of computerized tomography attenuation values (Hounsfield unit—HU) for differentiating pyonephrosis from hydronephrosis and for predicting postoperative infectious complications in patients with obstructive uropathy. We analysed data from 122 patients who underwent nephrostomy tube or ureteral catheter placement for obstructive uropathy. A radiologist drew the region of interest for quantitative measurement of the HU values in the hydronephrotic region of the affected kidney. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models tested the predictive value of HU determination in differentiating pyonephrosis from hydronephrosis and in predicting postoperative sepsis. A HU cut-off value of 6.3 could diagnose the presence of pyonephrosis with 71.6% sensitivity and 71.5% specificity (AUC 0.76; 95%CI: 0.66–0.85). At multivariable logistic regression analysis HU ≥ 6.3 (p ≤ 0.001) was independently associated with pyonephrosis. Patients who developed sepsis had higher HU values (p ≤ 0.001) than those without sepsis. A HU cut-off value of 7.3 could diagnose the presence of sepsis with 76.5% sensitivity and 74.3% specificity (AUC 0.79; 95%CI: 0.71–0.90). At multivariable logistic regression analysis, HU ≥ 7.3 (p ≤ 0.001) was independently associated with sepsis, after accounting for clinical and laboratory parameters. Measuring HU values of the fluid of the dilated collecting system may be useful to differentiate pyonephrosis from hydronephrosis and to predict septic complications in patients with obstructive uropathy.
Automated synthesis and preliminary evaluation of [18F]FDPA for cardiac inflammation imaging in rats after myocardial infarction
Authors: Mou Tiantian , Tian Jing , Tian Yi , Yun Mingkai , Li Junqi , Dong Wei , Lu Xia , Zhu Ziwei , Mi Hongzhi , Zhang Xiaoli , Li Xiang
Published: October 2020

A translocator protein 18 kDa targeted radiotracer, N,N-diethyl-2-(2-(4-[18F]fluorophenyl)-5,7-dimethylpyrazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidin-3-yl) acetamide ([18F]FDPA), was automated synthetized and evaluated for cardiac inflammation imaging. Various reaction conditions for an automated synthesis were systematically optimized. MicroPET/CT imaging were performed on normal rats and rats with myocardial infarction (MI). Normalized SUV ratios of [18F]FDPA to [13N]NH3 (NSRs) in different regions were calculated to normalize the uptake of [18F]FDPA to perfusion. The amount of TBAOMs and the volume/proportion of water were crucial for synthesis. After optimization, the total synthesis time was 68 min. The non-decay corrected radiochemical yields (RCYs) and molar activities were 19.9 ± 1.7% and 169.7 ± 46.5 GBq/μmol, respectively. In normal rats, [18F]FDPA showed a high and stable cardiac uptake and fast clearance from other organs. In MI rats, NSRs in the peri-infarct and infarct regions, which were infiltrated with massive inflammatory cells revealed by pathology, were higher than that in the remote region (1.20 ± 0.01 and 1.08 ± 0.10 vs. 0.89 ± 0.05, respectively). [18F]FDPA was automated synthesized with high RCYs and molar activities. It showed a high uptake in inflammation regions and offered a wide time window for cardiac imaging, indicating it could be a potential cardiac inflammation imaging agent.
HIFα independent mechanisms in renal carcinoma cells modulate divergent outcomes in fibronectin assembly mediated by hypoxia and CoCl2
Authors: Magdaleno Carina , Dixon Leah , Rajasekaran Narendiran , Varadaraj Archana
Published: October 2020

Fibronectin (FN) is a core matrix protein that assembles to form a dynamic cellular scaffold, frequently perturbed during oncogenic transformation. Tumor hypoxia, characterized by low oxygen concentrations in the microenvironment of most solid tumors has been shown to accelerate FN assembly in fibroblasts and cancer-associated fibroblasts, cell types that produce abundant amounts of FN protein. Nevertheless, FN matrix regulation in epithelial cancer cells during hypoxia remains less well defined. In this study we investigate the assembly of the FN matrix during hypoxia in renal cancer epithelial cells, the cells of origin of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We show that hypoxia (1% O2) specifically increases matrix disassembly and increases migratory propensity in renal cancer cells. However, HIFα stabilization using hypoxia mimetics, does not recapitulate the effect of hypoxia on FN matrix reorganization or cell migration. Using a combination of knockdown and inhibitor-based approaches, our work characterizes the signaling events that mediate these two disparate changes on the matrix and explores its functional significance on chemotactic cell migration. Our study systematically reexamines the role of hypoxia mimetics as experimental substitutes for hypoxia and provides new findings on HIFα stabilization and the FN matrix in the context of renal cancer.
Detection of fossil-fuel CO2 plummet in China due to COVID-19 by observation at Hateruma
Authors: Tohjima Yasunori , Patra Prabir K. , Niwa Yosuke , Mukai Hitoshi , Sasakawa Motoki , Machida Toshinobu
Published: October 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic caused drastic reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, but due to its large atmospheric reservoir and long lifetime, no detectable signal has been observed in the atmospheric CO2 growth rate. Using the variabilities in CO2 (ΔCO2) and methane (ΔCH4) observed at Hateruma Island, Japan during 1997–2020, we show a traceable CO2 emission reduction in China during February–March 2020. The monitoring station at Hateruma Island observes the outflow of Chinese emissions during winter and spring. A systematic increase in the ΔCO2/ΔCH4 ratio, governed by synoptic wind variability, well corroborated the increase in China’s fossil-fuel CO2 (FFCO2) emissions during 1997–2019. However, the ΔCO2/ΔCH4 ratios showed significant decreases of 29 ± 11 and 16 ± 11 mol mol−1 in February and March 2020, respectively, relative to the 2011–2019 average of 131 ± 11 mol mol−1. By projecting these observed ΔCO2/ΔCH4 ratios on transport model simulations, we estimated reductions of 32 ± 12% and 19 ± 15% in the FFCO2 emissions in China for February and March 2020, respectively, compared to the expected emissions. Our data are consistent with the abrupt decrease in the economic activity in February, a slight recovery in March, and return to normal in April, which was calculated based on the COVID-19 lockdowns and mobility restriction datasets.
The association between birth by cesarean section and adolescent cardiorespiratory fitness in a cohort of 339,451 Swedish males
Authors: Ekstrom Lucas D. , Ahlqvist Viktor H. , Persson Margareta , Magnusson Cecilia , Berglind Daniel
Published: October 2020

Birth by cesarean section is increasing worldwide and associates with offspring morbidities capable of adversely impacting cardiorespiratory fitness later in life. Whether birth by cesarean section associates with lower levels of cardiorespiratory fitness later in life is unknown and is of interest to public health. Four Swedish national registers were linked to follow 339,451 singleton males, born between 1973–1987 until December 31 2005, for Watt-maximum achieved on a cycle ergometer test at conscription into the Swedish military. Main exposure was birth by cesarean section which was compared to vaginal birth. A sub-population of 45,999 males born between 1982–1987 was identified to explore differentiated associations between elective and non-elective cesarean section with Watt-maximum. Within-family analyses of 34,252 families with 70,632 biological male siblings, who conscripted during the study period, were performed to explore the role of familial confounding on Watt-maximum. Swedish males born by cesarean section achieved lower mean Watt-maximum (− 2.32 W, 95%C.I. − 2.90 to − 1.75) and displayed excess odds of low cardiorespiratory fitness (aOR = 1.08, 95%C.I. 1.05 to 1.11) at conscription in the eighteenth life-year compared to males born vaginally after adjusting for birth characteristics, maternal morbidities and parental socioeconomic position. In the sub-population, males born 1982–1987, there was a greater negative association of elective cesarean section with cardiorespiratory fitness (− 4.42 W, 95%C.I. − 6.27 to − 2.57, p < 0.001) than non-elective cesarean sections (− 1.96 W, 95%C.I. − 3.77 to − 0.16, p = 0.033) as compared to vaginal births. No associations between modes of cesarean delivery and cardiorespiratory fitness levels persisted in the within-family analyses where biological male siblings were compared whilst controlling for factors shared within families. Males born by cesarean section had lower levels of cardiorespiratory fitness eighteen years later compared to males born vaginally. These findings appear to be largely explained by factors of familial confounding.
Mechanoadaptive organization of stress fiber subtypes in epithelial cells under cyclic stretches and stretch release
Authors: Roshanzadeh Amir , Nguyen Tham Thi , Nguyen Khoa Dang , Kim Dong-Su , Lee Bong-Kee , Lee Dong-Weon , Kim Eung-Sam
Published: October 2020

Cyclic stretch applied to cells induces the reorganization of stress fibers. However, the correlation between the reorganization of stress fiber subtypes and strain-dependent responses of the cytoplasm and nucleus has remained unclear. Here, we investigated the dynamic involvement of stress fiber subtypes in the orientation and elongation of cyclically stretched epithelial cells. We applied uniaxial cyclic stretches at 5%, 10%, and 15% strains to cells followed by the release of the mechanical stretch. Dorsal, transverse arcs, and peripheral stress fibers were mainly involved in the cytoplasm responses whereas perinuclear cap fibers were associated with the reorientation and elongation of the nucleus. Dorsal stress fibers and transverse arcs rapidly responded within 15 min regardless of the strain magnitude to facilitate the subsequent changes in the orientation and elongation of the cytoplasm. The cyclic stretches induced the additional formation of perinuclear cap fibers and their increased number was almost maintained with a slight decline after 2-h-long stretch release. The slow formation and high stability of perinuclear cap fibers were linked to the slow reorientation kinetics and partial morphology recovery of nucleus in the presence or absence of cyclic stretches. The reorganization of stress fiber subtypes occurred in accordance with the reversible distribution of myosin II. These findings allowed us to propose a model for stretch-induced responses of the cytoplasm and nucleus in epithelial cells based on different mechanoadaptive properties of stress fiber subtypes.
Recurrent microbial keratitis and endogenous site Staphylococcus aureus colonisation
Authors: Somerville Tobi F. , Shankar Jayendra , Aldwinckle Sarah , Sueke Henri , Neal Timothy , Horsburgh Malcolm J. , Kaye Stephen B.
Published: October 2020

This study investigated Staphylococcus aureus carriage in patients with microbial keratitis (MK). 215 patients with MK, 60 healthy controls and 35 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were included. Corneal scrapes were collected from patients with MK. Conjunctival, nasal and throat swabs were collected from the non-MK groups on a single occasion and from the MK group at presentation and then at 6 and 12 weeks. Samples were processed using conventional diagnostic culture. 68 (31.6%) episodes of clinically suspected MK were classed as recurrent. Patients with recurrent MK had a higher isolation rate of S. aureus from their cornea than those with a single episode (p < 0.01) and a higher isolation rate of S. aureus from their conjunctiva compared to control participants, 20.6% (14/68) versus 3% (5/60) respectively (p = 0.01). Significantly more patients with recurrent MK (12/68, 17.6%) were found to have S. aureus isolated from both their conjunctiva and nose than those with a single episode of MK (7/147, 4.8% p = 0.002) and compared to patients in the control group (3/60, 5.0% p = 0.03). The results indicate that patients with recurrent MK have higher rates of carriage of S. aureus suggesting endogenous site colonisation as a possible source of recurrent infection.
Unilateral step training can drive faster learning of novel gait patterns
Authors: Song Christine N. , Stenum Jan , Leech Kristan A. , Keller Chloe K. , Roemmich Ryan T.
Published: October 2020

Humans are capable of learning many new walking patterns. People have learned to snowshoe up mountains, racewalk marathons, and march in precise synchrony. But what is required to learn a new walking pattern? Here, we demonstrate that people can learn new walking patterns without actually walking. Through a series of experiments, we observe that stepping with only one leg can facilitate learning of an entirely new walking pattern (i.e., split-belt treadmill walking). We find that the nervous system learns from the relative speed difference between the legs—whether or not both legs are moving—and can transfer this learning to novel gaits. We also show that locomotor learning requires active movement: observing another person adapt their gait did not result in significantly faster learning. These findings reveal that people can learn new walking patterns without bilateral gait training, as stepping with one leg can facilitate adaptive learning that transfers to novel gait patterns.
A randomized controlled trial of resistance and balance exercise for sarcopenic patients aged 80–99 years
Authors: Liang Yuxiang , Wang Renjie , Jiang Jiaojiao , Tan Lingling , Yang Ming
Published: October 2020

We compared a mixed exercise program (i.e., balance exercise plus resistance exercise) with resistance exercise in a single-blind, randomized controlled trial in a post-acute care unit. In total, 60 sarcopenic patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group (12-week mixed exercise) and a control group (12-week resistance exercise). The primary outcomes were the change of the Barthel Index and the number of fallers. The intervention group showed a mean increase of 9.5 points on the Barthel Index (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.9–15.1), while the control group showed a mean increase of 6.3 points (95% CI 2.3–10.4). The mixed exercise program provided a significant benefit over resistance exercise (adjusted mean difference of the change of Barthel Index: 6.8 points; 95% CI 1.4–12.1). The number of fallers was 13.3% and 23.3% in the intervention and control groups, respectively, but the difference was not significant (risk ratio (RR) 0.89, 95% CI 0.69–1.13, p = 0.506). In conclusion, compared with resistance exercise, the mixed exercise program appears to further improve the activities of daily living and physical performance in our study population. Under the monitoring of experienced physiotherapists, both exercise programs are feasible and safe for this population.
Serratia marcescens-derived fluorescent carbon dots as a platform toward multi-mode bioimaging and detection of p-nitrophenol
Authors: Ding Yafang , Tan Wenzhang , Zheng Xiaodan , Ji Xiuling , Song Pengfei , Bao Limei , Zhang Chunting , Shang Junjie , Qin Kunhao , Wei Yunlin
Published: October 2020

Schematic of the synthetic route for fluorescent CDs-KMR3 and applications in the bioimaging of multiple species and detection for p-NP.
The functionalization of gold nanoparticles as a novel platform for the highly efficient electrochemical detection of silver ions
Authors: Xiao Zhourui , Meng Han , Qin Xuefei , Sang Xueqing , Zhang Yun , Yuan Yali
Published: October 2020

A novel platform was constructed by the functionalization of gold nanoparticles for the highly efficient electrochemical detection of silver ions.
ZIF-C for targeted RNA interference and CRISPR/Cas9 based gene editing in prostate cancer
Authors: Poddar Arpita , Pyreddy Suneela , Carraro Francesco , Dhakal Sudip , Rassell Andrea , Field Matthew R. , Reddy T. Srinivasa , Falcaro Paolo , Doherty Cara M. , Shukla Ravi
Published: October 2020

Metal–organic-frameworks for gene therapy in prostate cancer – ZIF-C based delivery of RNA interference and CRISPR/Cas9 causes host gene expression knockdown. Coating with a green tea phytochemical enhances uptake and increases cancer cytotoxicity.
Organocatalytic and enantioselective [4+2] cyclization between hydroxymaleimides and ortho-hydroxyphenyl para-quinone methide-selective preparation of chiral hemiketals
Authors: Xiang Min , Li Chen-Yi , Song Xiang-Jia , Zou Ying , Huang Zhi-Cheng , Li Xia , Tian Fang , Wang Li-Xin
Published: October 2020

A highly effective and enantioselective organocatalytic [4+2] cyclization has been disclosed, and a series of new chiral hemiketals containing chromane and succinimide frameworks have been firstly prepared in excellent results with 100% atom efficacy.
Surface chemistry effects on work function, ionization potential and electronic affinity of Si(100), Ge(100) surfaces and SiGe heterostructures
Authors: Marri Ivan , Amato Michele , Bertocchi Matteo , Ferretti Andrea , Varsano Daniele , Ossicini Stefano
Published: October 2020

Surface chemistry effects are calculated within the many body perturbation theory for Si(100), Ge(100) and SiGe surfaces.
Supramolecular chiroptical switches
Authors: Zhang Li , Wang Han-Xiao , Li Shuai , Liu Minghua
Published: October 2020

Recent progress in chiroptical switches including on/off, amplification, and inversion of the chiral signals such as ECD and CPL in supramolecular assemblies is shown.
Galvanic synthesis of AgPd bimetallic catalysts from Ag clusters dispersed in a silica matrix
Authors: Sudheeshkumar V. , Alyari Maryam , Gangishetty Mahesh , Scott Robert W. J.
Published: October 2020

AgPd bimetallic clusters dispersed in a silica matrix were made by a top down synthetic strategy and used as selective hydrogenation catalysts.
SelectiveN-formylation/N-methylation of amines andN-formylation of amides and carbamates with carbon dioxide and hydrosilanes: promotion of the basic counter anions of the zinc catalyst
Authors: Zhang Qiao , Lin Xiao-Tao , Fukaya Norihisa , Fujitani Tadahiro , Sato Kazuhiko , Choi Jun-Chul
Published: October 2020

A Zn(OAc)2catalyst bearing the 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) ligand was efficient in theN-formylation of organic amine derivatives (e.g., amines, amides, and carbamates) using carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrosilanes.
Enabling high-throughput single-animal gene-expression studies with molecular and micro-scale technologies
Authors: Wan Jason , Lu Hang
Published: October 2020

How can microfluidics address the significant limitations to the current tools that measure gene expression in single-animal studies?
Effect of degradation products of iron-bioresorbable implants on the physiological behavior of macrophages in vitro
Authors: Fagali Natalia S , Madrid Marcos A , Pérez Maceda Blanca T , López Fernández María E , Lozano Puerto Rosa M , Fernández Lorenzo de Mele Mónica
Published: October 2020

The degradation of bioresorbable metals in vivo changes the physicochemical properties in the environment of an implant, such as a stent in the artery wall, and may induce the alteration of the functions of the surrounding cells. The Fe-degradation, from bioresorbable stents, is a particularly intricate process because it leads to the release of soluble (SDP) and insoluble degradation products (IDP) of varied composition. Macrophages are involved in the resorption of the exogenous agents coming from degradation of these materials. In the present work an Fe0 ring, made with a pure Fe wire, in contact with macrophage cell cultures was used to simulate the behaviour of a biodegradable Fe-based implant in a biological environment. Non-invasive time-lapse optical microscopy was applied to obtain images of macrophages exposed to Fe-degradation products, without using staining to avoid distortions and artefacts. It was noticed that as metal degraded, the IDP formed in situ accumulated close to the Fe0 ring. In this zone, the macrophages showed a dynamic process of uptake of dark Fe-containing products, confirmed by SEM-EDX. These macrophages showed alterations in the morphology and decrease in the motility and viability. The inability of the macrophages to move and to degrade the engulfed products caused a long persistence of IDP in the zone closest to the metal. The deleterious effects of IDP accumulated close to the ring, were significantly worse than those observed in the experiments made with (1) concentrated salt solutions (Fe3+ salt 3 mM), with the same amount of precipitates but uniformly distributed in the well, and (2) diluted salt solutions (Fe3+ salt 1 mM) with mainly soluble species. The results were confirmed by standard staining protocols that revealed dead cells close to the Fe0 ring and oxidative stress in cells exposed to both soluble and insoluble species.
Trapping of two mononuclear silyl platinum(ii)/palladium(ii) complexes and a unique dinuclear bis(μ2-disilene)(silyl)nickel(ii) complex
Authors: Song Hao , Zhang Sen-Yu , Gu Peng-Fei , Wu Hua-Yu , Wang Zi-Kun , Wang Shi , Wang Zheng , Gu Yu-Yang , Li Yong-Hua
Published: October 2020

Two rare mononuclear bis(silyl)platinum(ii)/palladium(ii) intermediates and an unprecedented dinuclear bis(μ2-disilene)(silyl)nickel(ii) complex have been trapped and prepared.
High cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of platinum(ii) complexes bearing the 4-acridinol ligand
Authors: Shao Tai-Ming , Wei Zu-Zhuang , Luo Xiao-Ling , Qin Qi-Pin , Tan Ming-Xiong , Zeng Jia-Jing , Liang Chun-Jie , Liang Hong
Published: October 2020

4-Acridinol platinum(ii) complex PtA induces SK-OV-3/DDP cell apoptosis that is mediated by the mitochondrial dysfunction pathway.
Two-dimensional bimetallic CoFe selenite via metal-ion assisted self-assembly for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhou Ling-Li , Pan Dong-Sheng , Guo Zheng-Han , Song Jun-Ling
Published: October 2020

A 2D CoFe selenite crystals was used as an efficient OER catalyst, which was obtained in a high yield via a simple metal-ion self-assembly strategy under hydrothermal condition.
Natural products as modulators of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors (RORs)
Authors: Ladurner Angela , Schwarz Patrik F. , Dirsch Verena M.
Published: October 2020

This review provides a comprehensive overview of natural product ligands of RAR-related orphan receptors (RORs).
Systemic delivery of aptamer–drug conjugates for cancer therapy using enzymatically generated self-assembled DNA nanoparticles
Authors: Tran Binh Thanh , Kim Junghyun , Ahn Dae-Ro
Published: October 2020

Aptamer–drug conjugates (ApDCs) are promising anticancer therapeutics with cancer cell specificity.
A ROS-scavenging multifunctional nanoparticle for combinational therapy of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Tong Yuna , Zhang Lijuan , Gong Rong , Shi Jianyou , Zhong Lei , Duan Xingmei , Zhu Yuxuan
Published: October 2020

A renoprotective activity hollow mesoporous silica nanocomposite (HMSN) particle doped with trace cerium oxide has been constructed, which not only has the ability to prevent ROS-associated DN pathogenesis but also has high drug loading capacity.
I2-Promoted [4 + 2] cycloaddition of in situ generated azoalkenes with enaminones: facile and efficient synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridazines and pyridazines
Authors: Feng Jiajun , He Tiantong , Xie Yuxing , Yu Yang , Baell Jonathan B. , Huang Fei
Published: October 2020

The switch in selectivity for the synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridazines and pyridazines is attributed to the judicious choice of different reaction temperatures.
Bi32Cd3P10O76: a new congruently melting nonlinear optical crystal with a large SHG response and a wide transparent region
Authors: Wang Jiankang , Xiong Binkai , Wu Hongping , Yu Hongwei , Hu Zhanggui , Wang Jiyang , Wu Yicheng
Published: October 2020

Large size single crystal Bi32Cd3P10O76 with a large SHG response (4 × KDP) and a wide transmission range covering 0.36–4.9 μm.
Nitrogen and oxygen tailoring of a solid carbon active site for two-electron selectivity electrocatalysis
Authors: Shao Hongyang , Zhuang Quan , Gao Hongda , Wang Yin , Ji Lei , Wang Xia , Zhang Tingting , Duan Limei , Bai Jie , Niu Zhiqiang , Liu Jinghai
Published: October 2020

The second nearest C atoms of pyridinic N were predicted to be an active site for 2e− ORR using DFT calculations, and were experimentally demonstrated to possess a tailoring function of a pyridinic N structure and O dopants on carbon materials.
Diverse physical functionalities of rare-earth hexacyanidometallate frameworks and their molecular analogues
Authors: Zakrzewski Jakub J. , Liberka Michal , Zychowicz Mikolaj , Chorazy Szymon
Published: October 2020

The combination of rare-earth metal complexes and hexacyanidometallates of transition metals is a fruitful pathway for achieving functional materials exhibiting a wide scope of mechanical, magnetic, optical, and electrochemical properties.
17O NMR spectroscopy-assisted in vitro bioactivity studies of the intermediates formed via Na2S and RSNO cross-linking reactions
Authors: Zhu Xingyu , Gao Yin
Published: October 2020

By using UV-Vis, 15N NMR and 17O NMR spectroscopy techniques, we characterized the intermediates (SSNO− and SNO−) obtained from RSNO and Na2S cross-linking reaction. We found that SSNO− could serve as NO reservoir in cell culture experiments.
Corrosion behavior and mechanism of ductile iron with different degrees of deterioration of cement mortar lining in reclaimed water pipelines
Authors: Liu Yunhui , Tian Yimei , Zhang Rufang , Guo Hao , Zhao Weigao , Huang Jianjun
Published: October 2020

The influence of the degradation degree of cement mortar lining on the corrosion of the ductile iron pipe in reclaimed water.
A facile synthesis of hierarchically porous carbon derived from serum albumin by a generated-templating method for efficient oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Cai Xiaobin , Li Hanyu , Guo Xinliang , Qiu Fangcheng , Liu Ronghai , Zheng Xin
Published: October 2020

A high-performance Fe–N–HPC electrocatalyst derived from bovine blood.
Intramolecular Friedel–Crafts alkylation with a silylium-ion-activated cyclopropyl group: formation of tricyclic ring systems from benzyl-substituted vinylcyclopropanes and hydrosilanes
Authors: He Tao , Wang Guoqiang , Long Peng-Wei , Kemper Sebastian , Irran Elisabeth , Klare Hendrik F. T. , Oestreich Martin
Published: October 2020

Downstream to alkene hydrosilylation, the opening of the cyclopropane ring in benzyl-substituted VCPs is interlinked with an SEAr of the aryl group.
Viscosity of cohesive granular flows
Authors: Macaulay Matthew , Rognon Pierre
Published: October 2020

Cohesion affects the microstructural mechanisms of momentum transport in granular flows, yielding a phase diagram that unifies several flowing regimes.
Improving Outcomes for Hospitalized Patients Pre- and Post-COVID-19
Authors: Hurtig Richard R. , Alper Rebecca , Altschuler Tami , Gendreau Sarah , Gormley Jessica , Marshall Sarah , Santiago Rachel , Scibilia Stephanie
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Barriers to effective patient–provider communication increase the risk that a patient will experience a hospital-acquired condition (HAC) that will negatively impact the patient's health outcomes. Providing patients with communication tools can significantly reduce the risks of experiencing HACs. This article describes how barriers to effective patient–provider communication can impact patient outcomes and reports on the incidence of HACs in patients who received assistive technology to address barriers to patient–provider communication. This topic is of critical relevance, as the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased the number of patients who face communication barriers and the accompanying challenges encountered by their health care providers.

Method/Approach

The researchers compared the number of expected HACs based on previously obtained data to the number of HACs reported among patients who received an assistive technology intervention. Additionally, the impact of COVID-19 on patient–provider communication was discussed through the provision of case descriptions from frontline speech-language pathologists who have worked in COVID-19 intensive care units.

Results

The patients who received the assistive technology intervention had a significantly lower incidence of HACs than what would be expected in hospital settings. Clinicians working directly with patients with COVID-19 identified suggestions on how both patients and providers can address the barriers to effective patient–provider communication.

Conclusion

A key to better patient outcomes and lower health care costs will require making the provision of communication tools part of the standard of care for all patients facing barriers to communication.
Tribological performance of ionic liquid‐lubricated carbon brush/collector ring current‐carrying friction system
Authors: Fu Yang , Qin Hongling , Xu Xiang , Zhang Xiaolong , Guo Zhiguang
Published: October 2020

The lubricity and anti‐wear ability of ionic liquids (ILs) were studied by a current‐carrying friction test on IL‐lubricated carbon brushes. The results indicated that the conductivity and wear resistance of different ILs are different, and may vary for different carbon brushes. The E468e carbon brush was found to be more sensitive to IL lubrication than D172 carbon brush. Importantly, an analysis of the wear surfaces of the D172 and E468e carbon brushes revealed that, due to the different materials of the two carbon brushes and the composition of the IL, the lubrication effect on the carbon brushes was different. The viscosity of the IL will affect its wettability on the carbon brush surface. The better the wettability, the easier the movement of ions on the surface, which makes it easier to form a conductive physical adsorption film. Therefore, in practice, a better IL must be selected by considering the wettability of IL and carbon brushes.
Injectable hydrogels for anti‐tumour treatment: a review
Authors: He Huan , Xie Chaoming , Lu Xiong
Published: October 2020

Injectable hydrogels have become the material of choice for the treatment of solid tumours based on their advantages in loading anti‐tumour materials. This study reviews the main scientific research achievements on anti‐tumour injectable hydrogels in recent years. The gel‐forming mechanism of anti‐tumour injectable hydrogels was listed, and the advantages and difficulties of each gel‐forming mechanism were summarised. In addition, several current anti‐tumour methods based on injectable hydrogels were discussed, including chemotherapy, hyperthermia‐based therapy, catalytic therapy and immune therapy, as well as the integration of diagnosis and treatment to monitor the progress of cancer treatment. The anti‐tumour mechanism and the advantages and disadvantages of various tumour treatments were analysed. Finally, the future development trend of injectable hydrogels for anti‐tumour therapy was discussed.
BitMix: data augmentation for image steganalysis
Authors: Yu I.‐J. , Ahn W. , Nam S.‐H. , Lee H.‐K.
Published: October 2020

Convolutional neural networks for image steganalysis demonstrate better performances with employing concepts from high‐level vision tasks. The major employed concept is to use data augmentation to avoid overfitting due to limited data. To augment data without damaging the message embedding, only rotating multiples of or horizontally flipping are used in steganalysis, which generates eight fixed results from one sample. To overcome this limitation, the authors propose BitMix, a data augmentation method for spatial image steganalysis. BitMix mixes a cover and stego image pair by swapping the random patch and generates an embedding adaptive label with the ratio of the number of pixels modified in the swapped patch to those in the cover–stego pair. The authors explore optimal hyperparameters, the ratio of applying BitMix in the mini‐batch, and the size of the bounding box for swapping patch. The results reveal that using BitMix improves the performance of spatial image steganalysis and better than other data augmentation methods.
Ferrite‐based room temperature negative temperature coefficient printed thermistors
Authors: McGhee J.R. , Sagu J.S. , Southee D.J. , Evans P.S.A. , Wijayantha K.G.U.
Published: October 2020

Two screen printing inks were developed for the low‐temperature fabrication of printed and flexible thick film negative temperature coefficient thermistors able to operate at room temperature. The first of the two screen printing inks developed utilised cobalt ferrite (CoFe2 O4 ) as the temperature sensing material with the second ink incorporating manganese ferrite (MnFe2 O4 ). These were then screen printed onto lithographically printed silver interdigitated electrodes with a 200 µm track and gap using a synthetic paper (Teslin) as the substrate. The inks required a 10 min curing step at 80°C. Pre‐annealing of the ferrite powders before ink formulation enabled the avoidance of high‐temperature processing post‐fabrication typically required in industrial thermistor production. The printed thermistors were tested at a controlled constant humidity between 15 and 50°C. Both materials demonstrated typical natural logarithmic responses with high linearity and sensitivity.
Online identification of time‐varying delay systems under relaxed input conditions
Authors: Hu Yifei , Wu Jinbo , Zeng Chenghao
Published: October 2020

Identification of time delay is a prerequisite for the realisation of control compensation. The existing researches generally assume that the system input should be monotonic, which is unsuitable for online identification due to system saturation. To solve this problem, relaxed input conditions are developed in this Letter. Then a modified least‐square algorithm with forgetting factors, which has a strong ability in tracking time‐varying delays, is presented. Meanwhile, two extra terms whose design parameters are adjusted online according to the input condition are added into the covariance update law to guarantee the boundedness and robustness of the algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method and the reasonableness of the developed input conditions.
Frequency‐domain versus time‐domain imaging for photonics‐based broadband radar
Authors: Sun Guanqun , Zhang Fangzheng , Pan Shilong , Ye Xingwei
Published: October 2020

Photonics‐based radar enables a large operation bandwidth that is particularly favourable for high‐resolution synthetic aperture imaging. However, how to implement fast and high‐accuracy imaging with photonics‐based broadband radar is still an open question. In this Letter, the performance of photonics‐based inverse synthetic aperture radar imaging with frequency‐domain and time‐domain algorithms are experimentally investigated and compared. The results show that, frequency‐domain range–Doppler algorithm has fast imaging capability, but the image suffers from defocusing and distortions. Although migration compensation techniques can be applied to improve the imaging accuracy, the imaging speed is significantly reduced. On the other hand, using time‐domain back‐projection (BP) algorithm can achieve well‐focused images, and the imaging speed can be enhanced with fast BP methods. Therefore, the time‐domain imaging method is found to be the best choice for fast and high‐accuracy synthetic aperture imaging with photonics‐based broadband radars.
Analytical transmission line model for complex dielectric constant measurement of thin substrates using T‐resonator method
Authors: Zahedi Amir , Boroumand Farhad A. , Aliakbrian Hadi
Published: October 2020

This work presents a new analytical transmission line model for microstrip T‐resonator dielectric constant measurement method in order to simplify the extraction of the complex dielectric permittivity of the substrate and increase its accuracy. The proposed new formula, which is based on the T‐matrix equivalent circuit of the structure, is only dependent on the propagation and attenuation constants of the stub line. Two new formulas to determine the end effect of open‐ended stub and the propagation constant parameters are also presented. As an example, a T‐resonator is implemented on a 31 mil RO4003C substrate, and it is simulated and measured S‐parameter results in the range of 1 MHz–8 GHz are used to calculate a complex dielectric constant of the substrate at each resonance frequency. A full‐wave simulation is also used to confirm the accuracy of the proposed model. The comparison between the simulated and the measured S‐parameters demonstrates a relative error of <1% over the frequency range.
Searching for intergalactic star forming regions in Stephan’s Quintet with SITELLE
Authors: Duarte Puertas S. , Vilchez J. M. , Iglesias-Páramo J. , Drissen L. , Kehrig C. , Martin T. , Pérez-Montero E. , Arroyo-Polonio A.
Published: October 2020

Based on SITELLE spectroscopy data, we studied the ionised gas emission for the 175 Hα emission regions in the Stephan’s Quintet (SQ). In this paper we perform a detailed analysis of the star formation rate (SFR), oxygen abundance, and nitrogen-to-oxygen abundance ratio (N/O) of the SQ regions, with the intention of exploring the provenance and evolution of this complex structure. According to the BPT diagram, we found 91 HII, 17 composite, and 7 active galactic nucleus-like regions in SQ. Several regions are compatible with fast shocks models without a precursor for solar metallicity and low density (n  =  0.1 cm−3), with velocities in the range of 175–300 km s−1. We derived the total SFR in SQ (log(SFR/M⊙ yr−1 = 0.496)). Twenty-eight percent of the total SFR in SQ comes from starburst A, while 9% is in starburst B, and 45% comes from the regions with a radial velocity lower than 6160 km s−1. For this reason, we assume that the material prior to the collision with the new intruder does not show a high SFR, and therefore SQ was apparently quenched. When considering the integrated SFR for the whole SQ and the new intruder, we found that both zones have a SFR consistent with those obtained in the SDSS star-forming galaxies. At least two chemically different gas components cohabit in SQ where, on average, the regions with high radial velocities (v >  6160 km s−1) have lower values of oxygen abundance and N/O than those with low radial velocities (v ≤ 6160 km s−1). The values found for the line ratios considered in this study, as well as in the oxygen abundance and N/O for the southern debris region and the northernmost tidal tail, are compatible with regions belonging to the outer part of the galaxies. We highlight the presence of inner-outer variation for metallicity and some emission line ratios along the new intruder strands and the young tidal tail south strand. Finally, the SQ Hα regions are outside the galaxies because the interactions have dispersed the gas to the peripheral zones.
Action recognition and control of mechanical simulated arm: electromyographic signal detection
Authors: Lv Genlai
Published: October 2020

Electromyography (EMG) signal contains a large amount of human motion information, which can be used to classify human actions. In this study, based on the detection of surface electromyography (sEMG) signal, three actions were designed, the sEMG signal was collected by the EMG acquisition system. Four feature values, including root-mean-square value, average absolute value (MAV), wavelength, and Zero crossing point, were extracted from the signal. Then these values were taken as the input of Back-Propagation neural network (BPNN) to recognize different actions, thereby realizing the real-time control of mechanical simulated arm. The experiment found that the training time of the BPNN method designed in this study was short, 11.36 s, and the average recognition accuracy rate reached 92.2%. In the real-time control experiment of mechanical simulated arm, the recognition accuracy of different actions reached more than 90%, and the running time was short. The experimental results verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method and make some contributions to the efficient control of the mechanical simulation arm.
Using Price Gaps for Hedging Prices and Making Financial Decisions
Authors: Badura Peter
Published: October 2020

Price gaps in assets pricing are relatively rare. Gaps arise at the moment when the open price of a new period opens significantly lower or higher than the close price of the previous period. The aim of this paper is to find out how often gaps are created in the prices of a selected underlying asset and how they can be used for improving the corporate financial situation. The object of our examination was a soybeans oil commodity traded on the e-CBOT futures market while the subject of the research were the price gaps themselves, the frequency of their occurrence and the likelihood of their closing. Data were analyzed over a period of 30 years. The fact that it is more likely than unlikely that the price will return and close the gap has been confirmed. The larger the price gap was, the longer it was necessary to wait for it to close. However, as for trading, it was also possible to take advantage of the low probability that the price gap would be closed - to set up a suitable stop loss order.
Circular economy as a way of sustainable production and consumption
Authors: Boorová Brigita
Published: October 2020

The paper deals with a circular economy as a way of sustainable production and consumption. The introductory part describes the basic features of circular and linear economics as well as their differences. The linear economy is based on the principle of "exploit - produce – discard". The aim of the circular economy is to preserve the value of products and materials for as long as possible, to minimize waste and to conserve natural resources. The paper presents examples of good practice of business entities and self-governments whose activities are in accordance with the principles of the circular economy.
How leverage can improve performance
Authors: Kmeťko Miroslav , Hyránek Eduard
Published: October 2020

One of the best-known Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAP/M) provides us with a methodology for measuring the relationship between the risk premium and the impact of leverage on expected returns. However, this model is not used only to value the cost of capital but also to evaluate the performance of managed portfolios. We will test how the expected return changes in percent by changing the debt-equity ratio and the tax rate based on following assumptions: market return 7%, risk-free rate of return 1% and beta 1.2. These assumptions will be constant and we will change the debt-equity ratio and tax rate. Based on these results, it is clear that the change in profitability varies, in relation to the change of the DE ratio by one tenth. As for changes I n tax rates, changes in expected profitability are not entirely in direct proportion to these changes.
Strategic planning for creative enterprises
Authors: Kovalev Andrej
Published: October 2020

Strategic Vision and a clear definition of Business Success are vital elements of strategic planning for all creative businesses and cultural enterprises. A Vision sets out the aspirations for the future of a creative business or cultural enterprise. This Strategic Vision is the ‘dream’ of the future, a picture painted in words, which is intended to inspire people by appealing to the heart as well as the head. One of the leader’s main functions is to inspire people towards a vision. This is ‘Inspirational Leadership’. A Strategic Vision must be a Shared Vision, embraced by everyone in the business or organisation - not only the leader, the senior management team and key staff.
Cash Concentration and Liquidity Policy
Authors: Kubranová Magdaléna
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this article is to present how to create an effective payment and collection policy in the corporation. The paper shows defining characteristics and analyses of chosen aspects of corporate payment and collection policy which are the important field in corporate liquidity policy. The rules on payment terms are one of the key factors which are controlled in most contracts involved in businesses. A key treasury task is to collect and concentrate incoming cash as quickly as possible, so that it is made available for operational and investment purposes. The methods used in the solving the problem include analysing the current solution in liquidity policy when many organizations have a large number of highly dispersed locations that collect or disburse cash. This article uses a combination of qualitative and deductive methods. A comprehensive analysis of liquidity policy is also related to cover the details of how to create such a forecast, the reliability of the source information used within it, and how to improve the document about liquidity policy on an ongoing basis.