bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tryptanthrin promotes keratinocyte and fibroblast responses in vitro after infection with Trichophyton benhamiae DSM6916
Authors: Hesse-Macabata Jana , Morgner Bianka , Elsner Peter , Hipler Uta-Christina , Wiegand Cornelia
Published: February 2020

Exceedingly virulent pathogens and growing antimicrobial resistances require new therapeutic approaches. The zoophilic dermatophyte Trichophyton benhamiae causes highly inflammatory, cutaneous fungal infections. Recently, it could be shown that the plant-derived alkaloid tryptanthrin (TRP) exhibits strong anti-microbial activities against yeasts and dermatophytes. The aim of this study was to analyse the bioactivity of TRP under infectious conditions using an in-vitro dermatophytosis model employing fibroblasts and keratinocytes infected with T. benhamiae DSM6916. Analyses comprised determination of cell viability, effects on the innate immune response including expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines as well as expression of various antimicrobial peptides (AMP), toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and proliferation marker MKI67. T. benhamiae caused severe inflammation in the cutaneous cell models. TRP almost fully prevented T. benhamiae-derived damage of dermal fibroblasts and substantially reduced it in epidermal keratinocytes. A distinct down-regulation of the expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines was observed. Further, TRP promoted AMP expression, especially of HBD2 and HBD3, in keratinocytes even without fungal presence. This study provides crucial evidence that TRP is not only a strong antifungal agent but also potentially modulates the innate immune response. This makes it interesting as a natural antimycotic drug for adjuvant treatment and prevention of fungal re-infection.
Comparative pharmacokinetics of osmotic-controlled and immediate-release Eperisone tablet formulation in healthy human subjects using a sensitive plasma LC-ESI-MS/MS method
Authors: Ahmed Kamran , Shoaib Muhammad Harris , Yousuf Rabia Ismail , Siddiqui Fahad , Qazi Faaiza , Iftikhar Javeria , Ahmed Farrukh Rafiq , Nasiri Muhammad Iqbal
Published: February 2020

To evaluate and compare the pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics of a newly developed oral osmotically controlled drug delivery system of Eperisone 150 mg tablets with Eperisone immediate release (IR) marketed tablet brand as a reference formulation. It was a single dose, two treatment, two sequence, randomized, crossover study, involving 12 healthy human subjects. A modified, sensitive LC-ESI-MS/MS method was developed and validated as per FDA guidelines for estimation of Eperisone in plasma using a simple extraction and quick protein precipitation method. Non-compartmental pharmacokinetic model was used for PK analysis. Results were statistically compared using logarithmically transformed data, where p > 0.05 was considered as non-significant with 90% CI limit of 0.8–1.25. The bio-analytical method used for estimating drug plasma concentration was found to be simple, selective, linear, accurate and precise with 0.01 ng/ml as limit of detection. The comparative PK analysis revealed an insignificant difference in AUC0-∞, AUC0-t, Vz/F, Cl/F and t1/2λz, whereas a significant difference in Cmax, Tmax and MTTs were found. The relative bioavailability of Eperisone osmotic tablet was 109.7%. The osmotic controlled release drug formulation was found to release Eperisone for an extended period with less inter individual fluctuation in pharmacokinetic variables.
RefDNN: a reference drug based neural network for more accurate prediction of anticancer drug resistance
Authors: Choi Jonghwan , Park Sanghyun , Ahn Jaegyoon
Published: February 2020

Cancer is one of the most difficult diseases to treat owing to the drug resistance of tumour cells. Recent studies have revealed that drug responses are closely associated with genomic alterations in cancer cells. Numerous state-of-the-art machine learning models have been developed for prediction of drug responses using various genomic data and diverse drug molecular information, but those methods are ineffective to predict drug response to untrained drugs and gene expression patterns, which is known as the cold-start problem. In this study, we present a novel deep neural network model, termed RefDNN, for improved prediction of drug resistance and identification of biomarkers related to drug response. RefDNN exploits a collection of drugs, called reference drugs, to learn representations for a high-dimensional gene expression vector and a molecular structure vector of a drug and predicts drug response labels using the reference drug-based representations. These calculations come from the observation that similar chemicals have similar effects. The proposed model not only outperformed existing computational prediction models in most comparative experiments, but also showed more robust prediction for untrained drugs and cancer types than traditional machine learning models. RefDNN exploits the ElasticNet regularization to deal with high-dimensional gene expression data, which allows identification of gene markers associated with drug resistance. Lastly, we described an application of RefDNN in exploring a new candidate drug for liver cancer. As the proposed model can guarantee good prediction of drug responses to untrained drugs for given gene expression patterns, it may be of potential benefit in drug repositioning and personalized medicine.
Pan-cancer analyses of human nuclear receptors reveal transcriptome diversity and prognostic value across cancer types
Authors: Parris Toshima Z.
Published: February 2020

The human nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily comprises 48 ligand-dependent transcription factors that play regulatory roles in physiology and pathophysiology. In cancer, NRs have long served as predictors of disease stratification, treatment response, and clinical outcome. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Pan-Cancer project provides a wealth of genetic data for a large number of human cancer types. Here, we examined NR transcriptional activity in 8,526 patient samples from 33 TCGA ‘Pan-Cancer’ diseases and 11 ‘Pan-Cancer’ organ systems using RNA sequencing data. The web-based Kaplan-Meier (KM) plotter tool was then used to evaluate the prognostic potential of NR gene expression in 21/33 cancer types. Although, most NRs were significantly underexpressed in cancer, NR expression (moderate to high expression levels) was predominantly restricted (46%) to specific tissues, particularly cancers representing gynecologic, urologic, and gastrointestinal ‘Pan-Cancer’ organ systems. Intriguingly, a relationship emerged between recurrent positive pairwise correlation of Class IV NRs in most cancers. NR expression was also revealed to play a profound effect on patient overall survival rates, with ≥5 prognostic NRs identified per cancer type. Taken together, these findings highlighted the complexity of NR transcriptional networks in cancer and identified novel therapeutic targets for specific cancer types.
Predation of young tortoises by ravens: the effect of habitat structure on tortoise detectability and abundance
Authors: Segura Amalia , Jimenez José , Acevedo Pelayo
Published: February 2020

The predation of young tortoise is considered a major cause of mortality for many tortoise species. The predation by common ravens has been identified as being responsible for significant decreases in tortoise populations. Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise hatchlings and juveniles in Maamora forest (Morocco) were studied in order to describe the size/age class predation of common ravens on young tortoises and infer the drivers of predation risk and population abundance. The results showed a high level of predation on young tortoises (<75 mm carapace length) attributed to ravens in areas with low vegetation cover, representing 100% of the cases of mortality (n = 147), but it was moderate in covered areas (n = 19), representing 12–27%. The population structure of living juveniles differed significantly between covered and uncovered areas, thus suggesting that raven predation might modify juvenile population structure. Finally, N-mixture models showed a positive relationship between (i) bare cover and tortoise detectability that is only evidenced when the plot is far from a perch and (ii) population abundance and shrub species-richness, being higher in uncovered areas. Our results improve the knowledge on predation and survival on this critical stage in life, which is crucial for the conservation of the Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise.
Cellular uptake of magnetic nanoparticles imaged and quantified by magnetic particle imaging
Authors: Paysen Hendrik , Loewa Norbert , Stach Anke , Wells James , Kosch Olaf , Twamley Shailey , Makowski Marcus R. , Schaeffter Tobias , Ludwig Antje , Wiekhorst Frank
Published: February 2020

Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is a non-invasive, non-ionizing imaging technique for the visualization and quantification of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The technique is especially suitable for cell imaging as it offers zero background contribution from the surrounding tissue, high sensitivity, and good spatial and temporal resolutions. Previous studies have demonstrated that the dynamic magnetic behaviour of MNPs changes during cellular binding and internalization. In this study, we demonstrate how this information is encoded in the MPI imaging signal. Through MPI imaging we are able to discriminate between free and cell-bound MNPs in reconstructed images. This technique was used to image and quantify the changes that occur in-vitro when free MNPs come into contact with cells and undergo cellular-uptake over time. The quantitative MPI results were verified by colorimetric measurements of the iron content. The results showed a mean relative difference between the MPI results and the reference method of 23.8% for the quantification of cell-bound MNPs. With this technique, the uptake of MNPs in cells can be imaged and quantified directly from the first MNP cell contact, providing information on the dynamics of cellular uptake.
Wetting Properties of Graphene Aerogels
Authors: De Nicola Francesco , Viola Ilenia , Tenuzzo Lorenzo Donato , Rasch Florian , Lohe Martin R. , Nia Ali Shaygan , Schütt Fabian , Feng Xinliang , Adelung Rainer , Lupi Stefano
Published: February 2020

Graphene hydrophobic coatings paved the way towards a new generation of optoelectronic and fluidic devices. Nevertheless, such hydrophobic thin films rely only on graphene non-polar surface, rather than taking advantage of its surface roughness. Furthermore, graphene is typically not self-standing. Differently, carbon aerogels have high porosity, large effective surface area due to their surface roughness, and very low mass density, which make them a promising candidate as a super-hydrophobic material for novel technological applications. However, despite a few works reporting the general super-hydrophobic and lipophilic behavior of the carbon aerogels, a detailed characterization of their wetting properties is still missing, to date. Here, the wetting properties of graphene aerogels are demonstrated in detail. Without any chemical functionalization or patterning of their surface, the samples exhibit a super-lipophilic state and a stationary super-hydrophobic state with a contact angle up to 150 ± 15° and low contact angle hysteresis  ≈ 15°, owing to the fakir effect. In addition, the adhesion force of the graphene aerogels in contact with the water droplets and their surface tension are evaluated. For instance, the unique wettability and enhanced liquid absorption of the graphene aerogels can be exploited for reducing contamination from oil spills and chemical leakage accidents.
The ventral peptidergic system of the adult ascidian Ciona robusta (Ciona intestinalis Type A) insights from a transgenic animal model
Authors: Osugi Tomohiro , Sasakura Yasunori , Satake Honoo
Published: February 2020

Ascidians are the sister group of vertebrates and occupy a critical position in explorations of the evolution of the endocrine and nervous systems of chordates. Here, we describe the complete ventral peptidergic system in adult transgenic Ciona robusta (Ciona intestinalis Type A) which expresses the Kaede reporter gene driven by the prohormone convertase 2 (PC2) gene promoter. Numerous PC2 promoter-driven fluorescent (Kaede-positive) non-neural cells were distributed in the blood sinus located at the anterior end of the pharynx, suggesting the acquisition of a peptidergic circulatory system in Ciona. Kaede-positive ciliated columnar cells, rounded cells, and tall ciliated cells were observed in the alimentary organs, including the endostyle, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and intestine, suggesting that digestive functions are regulated by multiple peptidergic systems. In the heart, Kaede-positive neurons were located in the ring-shaped plexus at both ends of the myocardium. Nerve fiber–like tracts ran along the raphe and appeared to be connected with the plexuses. Such unique structures suggest a role for the peptidergic system in cardiac function. Collectively, the present anatomic analysis revealed the major framework of the ventral peptidergic system of adult Ciona, which could facilitate investigations of peptidergic regulation of the pharynx, endostyle, alimentary tissues, and heart.
Evaluation of pulse wave transit time analysis for non-invasive cardiac output quantification in pregnant patients
Authors: Schneck Emmanuel , Drubel Pascal , Schürg Rainer , Markmann Melanie , Kohl Thomas , Henrich Michael , Sander Michael , Koch Christian
Published: February 2020

Pregnant patients undergoing minimally-invasive foetoscopic surgery for foetal spina bifida have a need to be subjected to advanced haemodynamic monitoring. This observational study compares cardiac output as measured by transpulmonary thermodilution monitoring with the results of non-invasive estimated continuous cardiac output monitoring. Transpulmonary thermodilution-based pulse contour analysis was performed for usual anaesthetic care, while non-invasive estimated continuous cardiac output monitoring data were additionally recorded. Thirty-five patients were enrolled, resulting in 199 measurement time points. Cardiac output measurements of the non-invasive estimated continuous cardiac output monitoring showed a weak correlation with the corresponding thermodilution measurements (correlation coefficient: 0.44, R2: 0.19; non-invasive estimated continuous cardiac output: 7.4 [6.2–8.1]; thermodilution cardiac output: 8.9 [7.8–9.8]; p ≤ 0.001), while cardiac index experienced no such correlation. Furthermore, neither stroke volume nor stroke volume index correlated with the corresponding thermodilution-based data. Even though non-invasive estimated continuous cardiac output monitoring consistently underestimated the corresponding thermodilution parameters, no trend analysis was achievable. Summarizing, we cannot suggest the use of non-invasive estimated continuous cardiac output monitoring as an alternative to transpulmonary thermodilution for cardiac output monitoring in pregnant patients undergoing minimally-invasive foetoscopic surgery for spina bifida.
Author Correction: Unfolding political attitudes through the face: facial expressions when reading emotion language of left- and right-wing political leaders
Authors: Fino Edita , Menegatti Michela , Avenanti Alessio , Rubini Monica
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Impact of refractive index increment on the determination of molecular weight of hyaluronic acid by muti-angle laser light-scattering technique
Authors: Han Ying , Li Dejie , Li Deqiang , Chen Wenwen , Mu Shu’e , Chen Yuqin , Chai Jinling
Published: February 2020

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is applied in a number of medical applications and HA of different molecular weight (Mw) are used in different pharmaceutical preparations. In determination of Mw by muti-angle laser light-scattering (MALS), refractive index increment (dn/dc) is an important parameter for accuracy. Herein, the influence of dn/dc on the Mw of HA in stroke-physiological saline solution is investigated by MALS in this work. Additionally, the Mw variation of HA in the manufacturing process of preparations is measured. It is shown that each HA sample corresponds to a specific value of dn/dc, which is varied from 1.38 to 1.74 L/g with the Mw increasing from 13.5 to 2840 kDa in solution. It is indicated by the results from both MALS approach and viscometry that appropriate dn/dc should be selected for Mw determination. In steam sterilization process of preparations at 121 °C, the Mw and conformation of HA can be accurately and rapidly determined by MALS. This work provides a precise method to determine the Mw of HA in the medical applications and preparation industries.
Biologically Aggressive Phenotype and Anti-cancer Immunity Counterbalance in Breast Cancer with High Mutation Rate
Authors: Takahashi Hideo , Asaoka Mariko , Yan Li , Rashid Omar M. , Oshi Masanori , Ishikawa Takashi , Nagahashi Masayuki , Takabe Kazuaki
Published: February 2020

While cancer cells gain aggressiveness by mutations, abundant mutations release neoantigens, attracting anti-cancer immune cells. We hypothesized that in breast cancer (BC), where mutation is less common, tumors with high mutation rates demonstrate aggressive phenotypes and attract immune cells simultaneously. High mutation rates were defined as the top 10% of the mutation rate, utilizing TCGA and METABRIC transcriptomic data. Mutation rate did not impact survival although high mutation BCs were associated with aggressive clinical features, such as more frequent in ER-negative tumors (p < 0.01), in triple-negative subtype (p = 0.03), and increased MKI-67 mRNA expression (p < 0.01) in both cohorts. Tumors with high mutation rates were associated with APOBEC3B and homologous recombination deficiency, increasing neoantigen loads (all p < 0.01). Cell proliferation and immune activity pathways were enriched in BCs with high mutation rates. Furthermore, there were higher lymphocytes and M1 macrophage infiltration in high mutation BCs. Additionally, T-cell receptor diversity, cytolytic activity score (CYT), and T-cell exhaustion marker expression were significantly elevated in BCs with high mutation rates (all p < 0.01), indicating strong immunogenicity. In conclusion, enhanced immunity due to neoantigens can be one of possible forces to counterbalance aggressiveness of a high mutation rate, resulting in similar survival rates to low mutation BCs.
Author Correction: A quantitative analysis of 3D-cell distribution in regenerative muscle-skeletal system with synchrotron X-ray computed microtomography
Authors: Tesařová Markéta , Mancini Lucia , Simon Andras , Adameyko Igor , Kaucká Markéta , Elewa Ahmed , Lanzafame Gabriele , Zhang Yi , Kalasová Dominika , Szarowská Bára , Zikmund Tomáš , Novotná Marie , Kaiser Jozef
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Impact of a bathing tradition on shared gut microbes among Japanese families
Authors: Odamaki Toshitaka , Bottacini Francesca , Mitsuyama Eri , Yoshida Keisuke , Kato Kumiko , Xiao Jin-zhong , van Sinderen Douwe
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Risk of End-Stage Renal Disease in Psoriatic Patients: Real-World Data from a Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Eun , Han Ju Hee , Bang Chul Hwan , Yoo Seung Ah , Han Kyung Do , Kim Ha-Na , Park Young Min , Lee Jun Young , Lee Ji Hyun
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Poor maternal nutritional status before and during pregnancy is associated with suspected child developmental delay in 2-year old Brazilian children
Authors: Neves Paulo A. R. , Gatica-Domínguez Giovanna , Santos Iná S. , Bertoldi Andréa D. , Domingues Marlos , Murray Joseph , Silveira Mariângela F.
Published: February 2020

Inadequate pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain (GWG) have been associated with sub-optimal child development. We used data from the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study. Maternal anthropometry was extracted from antenatal/hospital records. BMI (kg/m2) and GWG (kg) adequacy were classified according to WHO and IOM, respectively. Development was evaluated using the INTER-NDA assessment tool for 3,776 children aged 24 months. Suspected developmental delay (SDD) was defined as <10th percentile. Associations between maternal exposures and child development were tested using linear and logistic regressions. Mediation for the association between BMI and child development through GWG was tested using G-formula. Sex differences were observed for all child development domains, except motor. Maternal pre-pregnancy underweight increased the odds of SDD in language (OR: 2.75; 95%CI: 1.30–5.80), motor (OR: 2.28; 95%CI: 1.20–4.33), and global (OR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.05–4.33) domains for girls; among boys, excessive GWG was associated with SDD in language (OR: 1.59; 95%CI: 1.13–2.24) and cognition (OR: 1.59; 95%CI: 1.15–2.22). Total GWG suppressed the association of pre-pregnancy BMI with percentiles of global development in the entire sample. Maternal underweight and excessive GWG were negatively associated with development of girls and boys, respectively. The association of pre-pregnancy BMI with global child development was not mediated by GWG, irrespective of child’s sex.
Publisher Correction: Effect of deuterium irradiation on graphite boronized in the NSTX-U tokamak
Authors: Bedoya F. , Allain J. P. , Dominguez-Gutierrez F. J. , Krstic P. S.
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Simultaneous detection of site-specific histone methylations and acetylation assisted by single template oriented molecularly imprinted polymers
Authors: Zhang Tianqi , Zhang Wen , Liu Liang , Chen Yun
Published: February 2020

A targeted proteomics assay combining single template oriented MIPs with LC-MS/MS for the simultaneous quantification of histone post-translational modification.
Development of a non-targeted high-coverage microbial metabolomics pretreatment method and its application to drug resistant Salmonella
Authors: Zhang YiYun , Ji Jian , Lan MengZhe , Wang TingWei , Sun XiuLan
Published: February 2020

We focused on 4 pretreatment steps: quenching, solvent extraction, cell disruption and derivatization. We compared the preprocessing methods by quantity, distribution among the five major classes, abundance, and reproducibility of the identifiable metabolites (>70% similarity).
Development of finasteride/PHBV@polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan reservoir-type microspheres as a potential embolic agent: from in vitro evaluation to animal study
Authors: Li Xiaohong , Ji Xiongfa , Chen Kun , Ullah Muhammad Wajid , Yuan Xi , Lei Zehua , Cao Jiameng , Xiao Jun , Yang Guang
Published: February 2020

Preparation of finasteride-loaded reservoir-type microspheres and investigation of their effectiveness in embolization.
Novel small-molecule fluorophores for in vivo NIR-IIa and NIR-IIb imaging
Authors: Li Qianqian , Ding Qihang , Li Yang , Zeng Xiaodong , Liu Yishen , Lu Siyu , Zhou Hui , Wang Xiaofei , Wu Junzhu , Meng Xianli , Deng Zixin , Xiao Yuling
Published: February 2020

A novel NIR-II small-molecule fluorophore HQL2 for in vivo NIR-IIa and NIR-IIb vascular and tumor vessel imaging.
Oxidation of an indole substrate by porphyrin iron(iii) superoxide: relevance to indoleamine and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenases
Authors: Sacramento Jireh Joy D. , Goldberg David P.
Published: February 2020

Reaction of FeIII(O2˙−)(TPP) with 2,3-dimethylindole at low temperature leads to the ring-cleaved, dioxygenated product,N-(2-acetyl-phenyl)-acetamide, analogous to TDO/IDO enzymes.
Tunable surface modification of a hematite photoanode by a Co(salen)-based cocatalyst for boosting photoelectrochemical performance
Authors: Wang Ruiling , Kuwahara Yasutaka , Mori Kohsuke , Bu Yuyu , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: February 2020

A water splitting photoanode composed of hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanorods modified with Co(salen) was proven to exhibit special photoelectrochemical oxygen evolution activity.
Highly flexible and active potassium-supported sepiolite paper catalysts for soot oxidation
Authors: Yu Gang , Ma Hongmei , Wang Jing , Qin Shengjian , Yang Zhigang , Li Yanting
Published: February 2020

Highly flexible and active potassium-supported sepiolite paper catalysts were fabricated via a facile wet paper-making method.
Recent progress with electrocatalysts for urea electrolysis in alkaline media for energy-saving hydrogen production
Authors: Sun Xiujuan , Ding Rui
Published: February 2020

Urea electrolysis is a promising energy-saving avenue for hydrogen production owing to the low cell voltage, wastewater remediation and abundant electrocatalysts.
Direct hydrothermal synthesis of amine-functionalized cubic hematite (C-Fe2O3) and sonochemical deposition of nanosized Au for its application as a visible-light photocatalyst
Authors: Jung Won-Sik , Park Soo-Hyeon , Kadam Abhijit Nanaso , Kim Hansang , Lee Sang-Wha
Published: February 2020

Cubic-shaped hematite (C-Fe2O3) functionalized with amine groups was directly prepared via one-pot hydrothermal reaction of Fe3+ with 1,12-diaminododecane (DA-12) in aqueous solution (50% ethanol).
Ionic-caged heterometallic bismuth–platinum complex exhibiting electrocatalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Yoshida Takefumi , Ahsan Habib Md. , Zhang Hai-Tao , Izuogu David Chukwuma , Abe Hitoshi , Ohtsu Hiroyoshi , Yamaguchi Tadashi , Breedlove Brian K. , Thom Alex J. W. , Yamashita Masahiro
Published: February 2020

Heterometallic bismuth–platinum complex has strong Bi–Pt bond and ionic cage surrounding Bi ion and exhibits electrocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Influence of sodium pyrophosphate on the physicochemical and gelling properties of myofibrillar proteins under hydroxyl radical-induced oxidative stress
Authors: Cao Yungang , Ma Wenhui , Wang Jiankang , Zhang Shuhua , Wang Zhenyu , Zhao Jing , Fan Xin , Zhang Dequan
Published: February 2020

Sodium pyrophosphate (PP) addition changed the rheological behavior and improved the gelling properties of oxidative stressed myofibrillar proteins (MP).
An overview of NRL's NAUTILUS: a combination SIMS-AMS for spatially resolved trace isotope analysis
Authors: Groopman Evan E. , Willingham David G. , Fahey Albert J. , Grabowski Kenneth S.
Published: February 2020

We present a description of the capabilities and performance of the NAval Ultra-Trace Isotope Laboratory's Universal Spectrometer (NAUTILUS) at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, a combination SIMS-AMS for trace, in situ analyses.
SiO2/Ta2O5 heterojunction ECM memristors: physical nature of their low voltage operation with high stability and uniformity
Authors: Guo Xiangyu , Wang Qi , Lv Xiaowei , Yang Huiyong , Sun Kai , Yang Dongliang , Zhang Haitao , Hasegawa Tsuyoshi , He Deyan
Published: February 2020

Forming-free, uniform and reliable memristors are fabricated using the SiO2/Ta2O5 bi-layer structure. The effects of the growth, shape and dissolved degree of conductive filaments on the stability of the device are elucidated.
Dehydrocoupling – an alternative approach to functionalizing germanium nanoparticle surfaces
Authors: Hossain Md Asjad , Javadi Morteza , Yu Haoyang , Thiessen Alyxandra N. , Ikpo Nduka , Oliynyk Anton O. , Veinot Jonathan G. C.
Published: February 2020

Schematic representation of dehydrocoupling of H-GeNPs with alkylsilanes, and Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) line scan of alkylsilane passivated GeNPs showing Si on the surface and Ge in the core.
Facile synthesis of poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) block copolymers with “more-activated” monomers by using photoinduced successive RAFT polymerization
Authors: Wang Yingjie , Wang Mengqi , Bai Liangjiu , Zhang Lifen , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: February 2020

Well-defined PNVP block copolymers with more-activated monomers were synthesized by a single RAFT polymerization method under irradiation with visible light at room temperature.
A Rh(iii)-catalyzed regioselective intermolecular oxa-Pauson–Khand reaction of alkynes, arylboronic acids and CO to form butenolides
Authors: Zhao Mi-Na , Zhang Ying , Ge Ning , Yu Le , Wang Shun , Ren Zhi-Hui , Guan Zheng-Hui
Published: February 2020

A Rh(iii)-catalyzed regioselective intermolecular oxa-Pauson–Khand reaction of arylboronic acids, alkynes and CO for the synthesis of butenolides has been developed.
Finely crafted quasi-core–shell gadolinium/layered double hydroxide hybrids for switching on/off bimodal CT/MRI contrasting nanodiagnostic platforms
Authors: Jung Sang-Yong , Gwak Gyeong-Hyeon , Park Jin Kuen , Oh Jae-Min
Published: February 2020

Quasi core–shell structure of LDH platetes and Gd(OH)3 nanorods were synthesized to control water approach to Gd(OH)3 depending on pH.
The effects of different factors on the removal mechanism of Pb(ii) by biochar-supported carbon nanotube composites
Authors: Yang Yuewei , Sun Fengfei , Li Jing , Chen Junfeng , Tang Meizhen
Published: February 2020

In this study, biochar and biochar-supported nanocomposites were prepared through the slow pyrolysis of chestnut shells pre-treated with CNTs, and the effects of different factors on the sorption of Pb(ii) on biochar samples were investigated.
Methanol to aromatics: isolated zinc phosphate groups on HZSM-5 zeolite enhance BTX selectivity and catalytic stability
Authors: Qiao Jian , Wang Jianqiang , Frenkel Anatoly I. , Teng Jiawei , Chen Xiqiang , Xiao Jingxian , Zhang Tiezhu , Wang Zhendong , Yuan Zhiqing , Yang Weimin
Published: February 2020

HZSM-5 zeolite combined with unique zinc and phosphorus species, yields excellent selectivity (∼85%) to BTX (benzene, toluene, xylenes) in aromatic products.
Fluorescent characteristics of dissolved organic matter released from biochar and paddy soil incorporated with biochar
Authors: Gao Jiakai , Shi Zhaoyong , Wu Haiming , Lv Jialong
Published: February 2020

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays a critical part in many processes of the ecological environment due to its mobility and reactivity in the soil and water interface.
Novel amphiphilic graft block azobenzene-containing copolymer with polypeptide block: synthesis, self-assembly and photo-responsive behavior
Authors: He Xiaohua , Wu Jianxiang , Gao Chunyan
Published: February 2020

Giant vesicles (micrometer size) were prepared from novel amphiphilic graft block azobenzene-containing copolymer with polypeptide block synthesized via a combination of ATRP, ROP and click reaction.
Novel mesoporous bismuth oxyiodide single-crystal nanosheets with enhanced catalytic activity
Authors: Liu Hang , Cai Jian , Luo Man , Chen Chang , Hu Pei
Published: February 2020

A simple one-step approach was employed to fabricate novel BiOI nanosheets and mesoporous Bi4O5I2 single-crystal nanosheets with enhanced catalytic activity.
TinyPols: a family of water-soluble binitroxides tailored for dynamic nuclear polarization enhanced NMR spectroscopy at 18.8 and 21.1 T
Authors: Lund Alicia , Casano Gilles , Menzildjian Georges , Kaushik Monu , Stevanato Gabriele , Yulikov Maxim , Jabbour Ribal , Wisser Dorothea , Renom-Carrasco Marc , Thieuleux Chloé , Bernada Florian , Karoui Hakim , Siri Didier , Rosay Melanie , Sergeyev Ivan V. , Gajan David , Lelli Moreno , Emsley Lyndon , Ouari Olivier , Lesage Anne
Published: February 2020

TinyPol binitroxides provide significantly higher DNP enhancement factors for solid-state NMR spectroscopy at high magnetic fields than today's reference radical AMPUPol.
An ultrahighly permeable-selective nanofiltration membrane mediated by anin situformed interlayer
Authors: Hao Yufan , Li Quan , He Benqiao , Liao Bo , Li Xianhui , Hu Mengyang , Ji Yanhong , Cui Zhenyu , Younas Mohammad , Li Jianxin
Published: February 2020

An interlayer isin situformed to regulate the morphologies and thickness of the polyamide layer during a chitosan assisted interfacial polymerization. The resulted NF membrane exhibits an ultrahigh permeability without compromising on selectivity.
Boosting bifunctional electrocatalytic activity in S and N co-doped carbon nanosheets for high-efficiency Zn–air batteries
Authors: Guo Yibo , Yao Sai , Gao Longxue , Chen An , Jiao Menggai , Cui Huijuan , Zhou Zhen
Published: February 2020

The synergistic effect of N and S endows S and N-codoped carbon nanosheets excellent bifunctional catalytic activity in Zn–air batteries.
Great improvement in the performance and lifetime of a fuel cell using a highly dense, well-ordered, and cone-shaped Nafion array
Authors: Ning Fandi , Bai Chuang , Qin Jiaqi , Song Yujiang , Zhang Ting , Chen Jiafan , Wei Jun , Lu Guanbin , Wang Huihui , Li Yali , Gu Junnan , Shen Yangbin , Cui Yi , Huang Yunjie , Zhou Xiaochun
Published: February 2020

Great improvement in a fuel cell was achieved by constructing three fast pathways using a highly dense, well-ordered, and cone-shaped Nafion array.
A perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride and aniline-assembled supramolecular nanomaterial with multi-color electrochemiluminescence for a highly sensitive label-free immunoassay
Authors: Zhang Wei , Song Yue , Wang Yunyun , He Shuijian , Shang Lei , Ma Rongna , Jia Liping , Wang Huaisheng
Published: February 2020

A novel multi-color ECL nanomaterial assembled from 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) and aniline (An) was used for highly sensitive label-free CEA detection.
Substituted hydroxyapatite coatings of bone implants
Authors: Arcos Daniel , Vallet-Regí María
Published: February 2020

This review is a comprehensive overview and analysis of the most important advances in the field of substituted hydroxyapatite coatings.
Photomechanical molecular crystals and nanowire assemblies based on the [2+2] photodimerization of a phenylbutadiene derivative
Authors: Tong Fei , Xu Wenwen , Guo Tianyi , Lui Brandon F. , Hayward Ryan C. , Palffy-Muhoray Peter , Al-Kaysi Rabih O. , Bardeen Christopher J.
Published: February 2020

Crystalline (E)-4-fluoro-cinnamaldehyde malononitrile undergoes a [2+2] photocycloaddition, leading to a robust photomechanical response and improved force generation by nanowire ceramic composites.
Chiral Au22(SR)17−: a new ligand-binding strategy for structural prediction of thiolate-protected gold nanocluster
Authors: Xu Wen Wu , Lin Dongdong , Fu Jie , Zhao Wenhui , Duan Xiangmei , Zeng Xiao Cheng
Published: February 2020

A new chiral Au22(SR)17− structure is predicted by redistributing the Au–S “staple” motifs on the Au10 core of crystallized Au21(SR)15.
Aminocarboxylic acids related to aspergillomarasmine A (AMA) and ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinic acid (EDDS) are strong zinc-binders and inhibitors of the metallo-beta-lactamase NDM-1
Authors: Tehrani Kamaleddin H. M. E. , Fu Haigen , Brüchle Nora C. , Mashayekhi Vida , Prats Luján Alejandro , van Haren Matthijs J. , Poelarends Gerrit J. , Martin Nathaniel I.
Published: February 2020

Aminocarboxylic acid analogues of aspergillomarasmine A (AMA) and ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinic acid (EDDS) were preparedviaa robust chemoenzymatic approach. These compounds display potent inhibition of the bacterial resistance enzyme NDM-1.
Correction: Understanding of binding energy calibration in XPS of lanthanum oxide by in situ treatment
Authors: Li Jerry Pui Ho , Zhou Xiaohong , Pang Yaoqi , Zhu Liang , Vovk Evgeny I. , Cong Linna , van Bavel Alexander P. , Li Shenggang , Yang Yong
Published: February 2020

Correction for ‘Understanding of binding energy calibration in XPS of lanthanum oxide by in situ treatment’ by Jerry Pui Ho Li et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2019, 21, 22351–22358.
Correction: Synthesis of DABCO-based ionic liquid functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as a novel sorbent for the determination of cephalosporins in milk samples by dispersive solid-phase extraction followed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Sahebi Hamed , Konoz Elaheh , Ezabadi Ali
Published: February 2020

Correction for ‘Synthesis of DABCO-based ionic liquid functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as a novel sorbent for the determination of cephalosporins in milk samples by dispersive solid-phase extraction followed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry’ by Hamed Sahebi et al., New J. Chem., 2019, 43, 13554–13570.
Direct access to vicinally functionalized and N-trifluoroacetylated (bicyclic)ketopiperazines using a readily affordable N-heterocyclic anhydride
Authors: Moreno Antonio , Beng Timothy K.
Published: February 2020

An efficient and scalable annulation between a novel N-trifluoroacetyl anhydride and several reactive partners, which affords carbo-substituted ketopiperazines, is described.
Direct synthesis of cyclic lipopeptides using intramolecular native chemical ligation and thiol–ene CLipPA chemistry
Authors: Yim Victor V. , Kavianinia Iman , Cameron Alan J. , Harris Paul W. R. , Brimble Margaret A.
Published: February 2020

Cyclic lipopeptides are often challenging synthetic targets. A synthetic approach is presented that employs cyclisation by intramolecular native chemical ligation (NCL) and a thiol–ene “CLipPA” reaction to afford S-lipidated analogues of iturin A.
Light-induced spherical to dumbbell-like morphology transition of coumarin-functionalized latex nanoparticles by a [2π + 2π] cycloaddition reaction: a fast and facile strategy to anisotropic geometry
Authors: Abdollahi Amin , Roghani-Mamaqani Hossein , Herizchi Ata , Alidaei-Sharif Hossein , Enayati Amirhossein , Sajedi-Amin Sanaz
Published: February 2020

Light-induced morphology transition of the functionalized spherical nanoparticles to anisotropic structures was achieved by dimerization of the surface coumarin molecules, which resulted in decreasing fluorescence intensities of coumarin moieties.
Effects of WO3 and SiO2 doping on CeO2–TiO2 catalysts for selective catalytic reduction of NO with ammonia
Authors: Fan Rongrong , Li Zhaoqiang , Wang Yan , Zhang Cheng , Wang Yu , Ding Zhiyong , Guo Xin , Wang Rong
Published: February 2020

A series of CeO2–WO3/TiO2–SiO2 catalysts were prepared for SCR of NOx with NH3, and the effect of WO3 and SiO2 doping on the activity and stability of the catalysts were discussed.
Photoresponsive chain collapse in a flexo–rigid functional copolymer to modulate the self-healing behaviour
Authors: Joseph Jojo P. , Miglani Chirag , Singh Ashmeet , Gupta Deepika , Pal Asish
Published: February 2020

Phototriggered self-healing system with the interconversion of autonomic and non-autonomic self-healing pathways through the control of chain collapse in functional single-chain polymers.
SGHs for 3D local surface description
Authors: Ao Sheng , Guo Yulan , Gu Shangtai , Tian Jindong , Li Dong
Published: February 2020

This study proposes a distinctive and robust spatial and geometric histograms (SGHs) feature descriptor for three‐dimensional (3D) local surface description. The authors also introduce a new local reference frame for the generation of their SGH descriptor. To fully describe a local surface, the SGH descriptor considers both spatial distribution and geometrical characteristics in its underlying support region. To encode neighbourhood information, the SGH descriptor is constructed using histogram statistics with spatial partition and interpolation strategies. The performance of the SGH descriptor was rigorously tested on six public datasets for applications of both 3D object recognition and registration. Compared to eight state‐of‐the‐art descriptors, experimental results show that SGH achieves the best performance on noise‐free data. It also produces the best results even under different nuisances. The promising descriptiveness and robustness of their SGH descriptor have been fully demonstrated.
The optical luminosity function of LOFAR radio-selected quasars at 1.4 ≤z≤ 5.0 in the NDWFS-Boötes field
Authors: Retana-Montenegro E. , Röttgering H. J. A.
Published: February 2020

We present an estimate of the optical luminosity function (OLF) of LOFAR radio-selected quasars (RSQs) at 1.4 <  z <  5.0 in the 9.3 deg2NOAO Deep Wide-field survey (NDWFS) of the Boötes field. The selection was based on optical and mid-infrared photometry used to train three different machine learning (ML) algorithms (Random forest, SVM, Bootstrap aggregation). Objects taken as quasars by the ML algorithms are required to be detected at ≥5σsignificance in deep radio maps to be classified as candidate quasars. The optical imaging came from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the Pan-STARRS1 3πsurvey; mid-infrared photometry was taken from theSpitzerDeep, Wide-Field Survey; and radio data was obtained from deep LOFAR imaging of the NDWFS-Boötes field. The requirement of a 5σLOFAR detection allowed us to reduce the stellar contamination in our sample by two orders of magnitude. The sample comprises 130 objects, including both photometrically selected candidate quasars (47) and spectroscopically confirmed quasars (83). The spectral energy distributions calculated using deep photometry available for the NDWFS-Boötes field confirm the validity of the photometrically selected quasars using the ML algorithms as robust candidate quasars. The depth of our LOFAR observations allowed us to detect the radio-emission of quasars that would be otherwise classified as radio-quiet. Around 65% of the quasars in the sample are fainter thanM1450 = −24.0, a regime where the OLF of quasars selected through their radio emission, has not been investigated in detail. It has been demonstrated that in cases where mid-infrared wedge-based AGN selection is not possible due to a lack of appropriate data, the selection of quasars using ML algorithms trained with optical and infrared photometry in combination with LOFAR data provides an excellent approach for obtaining samples of quasars. The OLF of RSQs can be described by pure luminosity evolution atz <  2.4, and a combined luminosity and density evolution atz >  2.4. The faint-end slope,α, becomes steeper with increasing redshift. This trend is consistent with previous studies of faint quasars (M1450 ≤ −22.0). We demonstrate that RSQs show an evolution that is very similar to that exhibited by faint quasars. By comparing the spatial density of RSQs with that of the total (radio-detected plus radio-undetected) faint quasar population at similar redshifts, we find that RSQs may compose up to ∼20% of the whole faint quasar population. This fraction, within uncertainties, is constant with redshift. Finally, we discuss how the compactness of the RSQs radio-morphologies and their steep spectral indices could provide valuable insights into how quasar and radio activity are triggered in these systems.
The molar mass of a new enriched silicon crystal: maintaining the realization and dissemination of the kilogram and mole in the new SI
Authors: Pramann Axel , Rienitz Olaf
Published: February 2020

The local distribution of the isotopic composition and molar mass M of a new silicon crystal (Si28-24Pr11) highly enriched in the 28Si isotope is reported, with focus on the experimental methods as well as on the associated uncertainties. The crystal was used in 2018 for the production of two additional silicon spheres for the realization and verification of the Avogadro constant NA using the “X-ray-crystal-density (XRCD) method” which is a primary method for the dissemination of the revised SI units mole and kilogram. 17 subsamples have been investigated (from five different axial and in several radial positions) by isotope ratio mass spectrometry using a multicollector-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS). The average molar mass of the crystal is M = 27.976 933 787(77) g/mol with a relative combined uncertainty uc,rel(M) = 2.7 × 10−9. The mean amount-of-substance fraction of 28Si is x(28Si) = 0.999 993 104 (66) mol/mol indicating that this crystal has the highest enrichment in this isotope which has ever been used for the determination of NA. No local variations in M and x(iSi) (i = 28, 29, and 30) could be identified due to material properties. The results are compared with those from two previous enriched crystals.
Experimental set-up and the associated model for squeal analysis
Authors: Duboc Martin , Magnier Vincent , Brunel Jean-François , Dufrénoy Philippe
Published: February 2020

Brake squeal is commonly defined at frequency upper than 1000 Hz and occurs if the system has a very high amplitude mechanical vibration with sound pressure level above 120 dB. Many studies are devoted to this problem and many of recent ones show that contact conditions and friction material behavior have a major influence on squeal occurrence. To investigate this aspect, an experimental set-up has been developed in this study. It is based on a simplified system in order to focus on the influence of the material in the one hand and surface conditions in the other hand. In this paper, the design of the pin-on-disc is described and an analytical model is also presented in order to understand the dynamic behavior of the system. Macroscopic aspects are investigated by varying the pin geometry. The results show clearly the influence of the variation of the contact length size on squeal occurrence. Comparison with the model shows good agreement and exhibit the necessity of considering an improved model of the friction material behavior. This study also gives information on the comprehension of squeal mechanisms.
Determination of erosion equation factors of AISI1020 by experimental data
Authors: Akhondizadeh Mehdi , Afkhami Nader
Published: February 2020

Erosive wear is material removal due to the impingement of granular flow. In the present work, the effects of influencing parameters including flow velocity, incidence angle and grain size on erosive behavior of AISI1020 subjected to a flow of SiC particles has been investigated by employing an erosion wear test machine. The experiments have been performed at the different values of impact angle, flow velocity and particle size. Two tests have been performed for every set of conditions and the average of them has been presented. Results showed that the erosive wear maximizes at the impact angles of 30° and 45°. The flow of small particles resulted in more wear contrast to the large particles. Results also indicated that the influence of flow velocity was higher than the influence of impact angle and particle size. It means that minimizing the flow velocity results in more efficient results to reduce erosion. Moreover, the experimental data were used to determine appropriate coefficients for using in an erosion equation given by literature. New factors gave erosion evaluations which had appropriate accordance with the experimental data.
Beijing 2022 between urban renovation and Olympic sporting legacy: the case of Shougang
Authors: Deng Huishu , Mancini Marta , Zhang Li , Bonino Michele
Published: February 2020

Among urban redevelopment projects, the regeneration of industrial brownfields has become an important issue in North America, Europe and, more recently, China. At the same time, the influence of short-term mega events, such as the Olympic Games, on host cities transformations has been growing throughout the decades. Thus, planning and integrating long-term brownfields regeneration with the Olympic legacy provide numerous potentials. This paper presents a theoretical study of the Olympic event as catalyst of urban transformations and, specifically, of brownfields redevelopment. The early bidding phase should become the starting point to embed the Olympic tangible and intangible legacies into long-term objectives of urban renewal and sport and health enhancement. Shougang District, future location of the Big Air venue of Beijing Winter Olympic Games 2022, with its significant industrial heritage, is introduced as case study to present the on-going practice of architectural design, plan and management. The comprehensive development of a long-term Olympic legacy is developed along with the attention to urban renovation and social progress.