bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep-learning-based image segmentation integrated with optical microscopy for automatically searching for two-dimensional materials
Authors: Masubuchi Satoru , Watanabe Eisuke , Seo Yuta , Okazaki Shota , Sasagawa Takao , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Machida Tomoki
Published: March 2020

Deep-learning algorithms enable precise image recognition based on high-dimensional hierarchical image features. Here, we report the development and implementation of a deep-learning-based image segmentation algorithm in an autonomous robotic system to search for two-dimensional (2D) materials. We trained the neural network based on Mask-RCNN on annotated optical microscope images of 2D materials (graphene, hBN, MoS2, and WTe2). The inference algorithm is run on a 1024 × 1024 px2optical microscope images for 200 ms, enabling the real-time detection of 2D materials. The detection process is robust against changes in the microscopy conditions, such as illumination and color balance, which obviates the parameter-tuning process required for conventional rule-based detection algorithms. Integrating the algorithm with a motorized optical microscope enables the automated searching and cataloging of 2D materials. This development will allow researchers to utilize a large number of 2D materials simply by exfoliating and running the automated searching process. To facilitate research, we make the training codes, dataset, and model weights publicly available.
The future of sleep health: a data-driven revolution in sleep science and medicine
Authors: Perez-Pozuelo Ignacio , Zhai Bing , Palotti Joao , Mall Raghvendra , Aupetit Michaël , Garcia-Gomez Juan M. , Taheri Shahrad , Guan Yu , Fernandez-Luque Luis
Published: March 2020

In recent years, there has been a significant expansion in the development and use of multi-modal sensors and technologies to monitor physical activity, sleep and circadian rhythms. These developments make accurate sleep monitoring at scale a possibility for the first time. Vast amounts of multi-sensor data are being generated with potential applications ranging from large-scale epidemiological research linking sleep patterns to disease, to wellness applications, including the sleep coaching of individuals with chronic conditions. However, in order to realise the full potential of these technologies for individuals, medicine and research, several significant challenges must be overcome. There are important outstanding questions regarding performance evaluation, as well as data storage, curation, processing, integration, modelling and interpretation. Here, we leverage expertise across neuroscience, clinical medicine, bioengineering, electrical engineering, epidemiology, computer science, mHealth and human–computer interaction to discuss the digitisation of sleep from a inter-disciplinary perspective. We introduce the state-of-the-art in sleep-monitoring technologies, and discuss the opportunities and challenges from data acquisition to the eventual application of insights in clinical and consumer settings. Further, we explore the strengths and limitations of current and emerging sensing methods with a particular focus on novel data-driven technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence.
Technical and imaging factors influencing performance of deep learning systems for diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Yip Michelle Y. T. , Lim Gilbert , Lim Zhan Wei , Nguyen Quang D. , Chong Crystal C. Y. , Yu Marco , Bellemo Valentina , Xie Yuchen , Lee Xin Qi , Hamzah Haslina , Ho Jinyi , Tan Tien-En , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Grzybowski Andrzej , Tan Gavin S. W. , Hsu Wynne , Lee Mong Li , Wong Tien Yin , Ting Daniel S. W.
Published: March 2020

Deep learning (DL) has been shown to be effective in developing diabetic retinopathy (DR) algorithms, possibly tackling financial and manpower challenges hindering implementation of DR screening. However, our systematic review of the literature reveals few studies studied the impact of different factors on these DL algorithms, that are important for clinical deployment in real-world settings. Using 455,491 retinal images, we evaluated two technical and three image-related factors in detection of referable DR. For technical factors, the performances of four DL models (VGGNet, ResNet, DenseNet, Ensemble) and two computational frameworks (Caffe, TensorFlow) were evaluated while for image-related factors, we evaluated image compression levels (reducing image size, 350, 300, 250, 200, 150 KB), number of fields (7-field, 2-field, 1-field) and media clarity (pseudophakic vs phakic). In detection of referable DR, four DL models showed comparable diagnostic performance (AUC 0.936-0.944). To develop the VGGNet model, two computational frameworks had similar AUC (0.936). The DL performance dropped when image size decreased below 250 KB (AUC 0.936, 0.900, p < 0.001). The DL performance performed better when there were increased number of fields (dataset 1: 2-field vs 1-field—AUC 0.936 vs 0.908, p < 0.001; dataset 2: 7-field vs 2-field vs 1-field, AUC 0.949 vs 0.911 vs 0.895). DL performed better in the pseudophakic than phakic eyes (AUC 0.918 vs 0.833, p < 0.001). Various image-related factors play more significant roles than technical factors in determining the diagnostic performance, suggesting the importance of having robust training and testing datasets for DL training and deployment in the real-world settings.
Length-scale dependence of protein hydration-shell density
Authors: Biswas Akash Deep , Barone Vincenzo , Amadei Andrea , Daidone Isabella
Published: March 2020

An increase in protein hydration-shell density relative to that of the bulk is observed (in the range of 4–14%) for all studied proteins and this density-increment, which decreases for decreasing protein size, is caused by the protein size only.
Enantioconvergent and enantiodivergent catalytic hydrogenation of isomeric olefins
Authors: Massaro Luca , Zheng Jia , Margarita Cristiana , Andersson Pher G.
Published: March 2020

In the asymmetric hydrogenation of olefins the enantiodivergent outcome is predominant. However, the less common enantioconvergent phenomenon affords significant practical advantages, such as the possibility to hydrogenate mixtures ofE/Zalkenes.
Particle size dependence of proton conduction in a cationic lanthanum phosphonate MOF
Authors: Levenson Daniel A. , Zhang Jinfeng , Gelfand Benjamin S. , Kammampata Sanoop P. , Thangadurai Venkataraman , Shimizu George K. H.
Published: March 2020

Particle size-dependent proton conduction is studied in a lanthanum(iii) metal–organic framework, PCMOF21-AcO [La2(H2L)1.5(AcO)3·(H2O)5.59], with a 3-D network linked by dicationic bis(dimethylphosphonato)bipiperidinium units.
Scalable microfluidic droplet on-demand generator for non-steady operation of droplet-based assays
Authors: Totlani Kartik , Hurkmans Jan-Willem , van Gulik Walter M. , Kreutzer Michiel T. , van Steijn Volkert
Published: March 2020

We developed a microfluidic droplet on-demand (DoD) generator that enables the production of droplets with a volume solely governed by the geometry of the generator for a range of operating conditions.
2D and 3D-QSAR, molecular docking and ADMET propertiesin silicostudies of azaaurones as antimalarial agents
Authors: Hadni Hanine , Elhallaoui Menana
Published: March 2020

Malaria persists as the most infectious vector-borne disease in the world.
Structure–property correlations of the nonlinear optical properties of a few bipodal D–π–A molecules – an experimental and theoretical approach
Authors: Vineetha P. K. , Aswathy A. , Shiju E. , Chandrasekharan K. , Manoj N.
Published: March 2020

The nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of a series of pyran based bipodal D–π–A molecules have been studied experimentally and theoretically.
Diversity of physical properties of bacterial extracellular membrane vesicles revealed through atomic force microscopy phase imaging
Authors: Kikuchi Yousuke , Obana Nozomu , Toyofuku Masanori , Kodera Noriyuki , Soma Takamitsu , Ando Toshio , Fukumori Yoshihiro , Nomura Nobuhiko , Taoka Azuma
Published: March 2020

This study provides a new methodology using phase imaging for quantitative single-vesicle physical characterization of extracellular bacterial membrane vesicles.
Anionic structural effect on the dissolution of arabinoxylan-rich hemicellulose in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium carboxylate-based ionic liquids
Authors: Xia Qi , Peng Hong , Yuan Lin , Hu Lifang , Zhang Yu , Ruan Roger
Published: March 2020

The exploration of a highly efficient and environment-friendly solvent for dissolving hemicellulose is significant.
Mg3N2-assisted one-pot synthesis of 1,3-disubstituted imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine
Authors: Patil Suhas G. , Jadhav Jagannath S. , Sankpal Sagar T.
Published: March 2020

A novel Mg3N2-assisted one-pot annulation strategy has been developed via cyclo-condensation reaction of 2-pyridyl ketones with alkyl glyoxylates or aldehydes, allowing the formation of imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines exclusively with an exellent yield.
3D printing of PEEK reactors for flow chemistry and continuous chemical processing
Authors: Harding Matthew J. , Brady Sarah , O'Connor Heather , Lopez-Rodriguez Rafael , Edwards Matthew D. , Tracy Saoirse , Dowling Denis , Gibson Geoff , Girard Kevin P. , Ferguson Steven
Published: March 2020

3D-printed parts in PEEK for flow chemistry and continuous processing produced using fused filament fabrication.
The fascinating supercapacitive performance of activated carbon electrodes with enhanced energy density in multifarious electrolytes
Authors: Karnan M. , Raj A. G. Karthick , Subramani K. , Santhoshkumar S. , Sathish M.
Published: March 2020

The effect of electrolytes on activated porous carbon was extensively studied using different electrolytes. A symmetric supercapacitor cell in redox additive electrolyte delivered a high energy (58.5 W h kg−1) and power density (9 kW kg−1).
Enzyme-free and triple-amplified electrochemical sensing of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine by three kinds of short pDNA-driven catalyzed hairpin assemblies followed by a hybridization chain reaction
Authors: Jia Li-Ping , Feng Zhe , Zhao Ruo-Nan , Ma Rong-Na , Zhang Wei , Shang Lei , Jia Wen-Li , Wang Huai-Sheng
Published: March 2020

A sensitive and enzyme-free electrochemical aptasensor based on a triple-amplification strategy was constructed for the detection of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine
Nonlinear organic–inorganic halide hybrids containing unprecedented linear [MIX2]− coordination units and quasi-two-dimensional lone pairs
Authors: Wu Qi , Liu Xian , Du Yeshuang , Teng Chunlin , Liang Fei
Published: March 2020

A first example of monovalent-metal-based hybrid halides [N(CH3)4]MCl2 (M = Ga+, In+) with zero-dimensional configuration containing unprecedented linear [GaCl2]/[InCl2] units have been designed and synthesized.
The mechanism of Mg2+conduction in ammine magnesium borohydride promoted by a neutral molecule
Authors: Yan Yigang , Dononelli Wilke , Jørgensen Mathias , Grinderslev Jakob B. , Lee Young-Su , Cho Young Whan , Černý Radovan , Hammer Bjørk , Jensen Torben R.
Published: March 2020

Light weight and cheap electrolytes with fast multi-valent ion conductivity can pave the way for future high-energy density solid-state batteries, beyond the lithium-ion battery.
Universal crossed beam imaging studies of polyatomic reaction dynamics
Authors: Li Hongwei , Suits Arthur G.
Published: March 2020

Crossed-beam imaging studies of polyatomic reactions show surprising dynamics not anticipated by extrapolation from smaller model systems.
Thermal activation of methane by MgO+: temperature dependent kinetics, reactive molecular dynamics simulations and statistical modeling
Authors: Sweeny Brendan C. , Pan Hanqing , Kassem Asmaa , Sawyer Jordan C. , Ard Shaun G. , Shuman Nicholas S. , Viggiano Albert A. , Brickel Sebastian , Unke Oliver T. , Upadhyay Meenu , Meuwly Markus
Published: March 2020

The kinetics methane activation (MgO+ + CH4) was studied experimentally and computationally by running and analyzing reactive atomistic simulations.
How the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill reshaped our understanding of crude oil photochemical weathering at sea: a past, present, and future perspective
Authors: Ward Collin P. , Overton Edward B.
Published: March 2020

A critical review of the diverse and consequential roles that photochemical weathering plays in oil spill science, with emphasis placed on how our understanding of these roles has been reshaped since the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill.
cis9,trans11, but nottrans10,cis12 CLA isomer, impairs intestinal epithelial barrier function in IPEC-J2 cells and mice through activation of GPR120-[Ca2+]iand the MLCK signaling pathway
Authors: Su Han , Zhao Weijie , Zhang Fenglin , Song Min , Liu Fangfang , Zheng Jisong , Ling Mingfa , Yang Xiaohua , Yang Qiang , He Haiwen , Chen Lin , Lai Xumin , Zhu Xiaotong , Wang Lina , Gao Ping , Shu Gang , Jiang Qingyan , Wang Songbo
Published: March 2020

In vitroandin vivostudies show that c9, t11-CLA, but not t10, c12-CLA isomer, impairs intestinal epithelial barrier function in IPEC-J2 cells and miceviaactivation of GPR120-[Ca2+]iand the MLCK pathway.
Reusable, homogeneous water soluble photoredox catalyzed oxidative dehydrogenation of N-heterocycles in a biphasic system: application to the synthesis of biologically active natural products
Authors: Srinath S. , Abinaya R. , Prasanth Arun , Mariappan M. , Sridhar R. , Baskar B.
Published: March 2020

Herein, a simple and efficient method for the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of tetrahydro-β-carbolines, indolines and (iso)quinolines is described using a reusable, homogeneous cobalt-phthalocyanine photoredox catalyst in a biphasic medium.
Rapid lipolytic oscillations in ex vivo adipose tissue explants revealed through microfluidic droplet sampling at high temporal resolution
Authors: Hu Juan , Li Xiangpeng , Judd Robert L. , Easley Christopher J.
Published: March 2020

High temporal resolution sampling and quantitative detection of glycerol secretion dynamics from adipose tissue using our automated, droplet-based microfluidic system.
Graphene quantum dot-decorated carbon electrodes for energy storage in vanadium redox flow batteries
Authors: Daugherty Michael C. , Gu Siyong , Aaron Doug S. , Kelly Ryan E. , Ashraf Gandomi Yasser , Hsieh Chien-Te
Published: March 2020

Nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) quantum dots are synthesized via a solid-phase microwave-assisted (SPMA) technique.
Utilization of metal–organic frameworks for the adsorptive removal of an aliphatic aldehyde mixture in the gas phase
Authors: Vikrant Kumar , Qu Yao , Szulejko Jan E. , Kumar Vanish , Vellingiri Kowsalya , Boukhvalov Danil W. , Kim Taejin , Kim Ki-Hyun
Published: March 2020

Considerable efforts have been undertaken in the domain of air quality management for the removal of hazardous volatile organic compounds, particularly carbonyl compounds (CCs).
Thermally activated charge transport in carbon atom chains
Authors: Liu Bo , Yokota Kazumichi , Komoto Yuki , Tsutsui Makusu , Taniguchi Masateru
Published: March 2020

The conductance of alkanedithiol molecular junctions increases under elevated temperatures due to the contributions of superexchange with inter-chain charge hopping.
Silver-catalyzed direct C–H oxidative carbamoylation of quinolines with oxamic acids
Authors: Yuan Jin-Wei , Chen Qian , Li Chuang , Zhu Jun-Liang , Yang Liang-Ru , Zhang Shou-Ren , Mao Pu , Xiao Yong-Mei , Qu Ling-Bo
Published: March 2020

A facile and highly efficient method has been successfully developed for the synthesis of 2-carbamoylated quinolines. The current reaction exhibits broad substrate scope, good functional group compatibility, and good to excellent yields.
Dual hydrogen-bond donor group-containing Zn-MOF for the highly effective coupling of CO2and epoxides under mild and solvent-free conditions
Authors: Gao Ziyu , Zhang Xiao , Xu Ping , Sun Jianmin
Published: March 2020

A novel 3D Zn3(L)3(H2L) MOF with dual hydrogen-bond donor (HBD) groups exhibited an efficient catalytic performance for the CO2cycloaddition with epoxides under 80 °C, 1.0 MPa and solvent-free conditions.
Restricted active space simulations of the metal L-edge X-ray absorption spectra and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering: revisiting [CoII/III(bpy)3]2+/3+complexes
Authors: Guo Meiyuan , Liu Xiaorui , He Rongxing
Published: March 2020

The metal L-edge spectra of cobalt compounds have been interpreted through restricted active space calculations.
Toward C2-nitrogenated chromones by copper-catalyzed β-C(sp2)–H N-heteroarylation of enaminones
Authors: Luo Tian , Wan Jie-Ping , Liu Yunyun
Published: March 2020

The synthesis of C2-nitrogenated chromones has been performed via reactions of enaminones and nitrogen nucleophiles based on an unconventional β-C–H bond functionalization and a featured chromone annulation of enaminones.
Crystal structure, magneto-structural correlation, thermal and electrical studies of an imidazolium halometallate molten salt: (trimim)[FeCl4]
Authors: González-Izquierdo Palmerina , Fabelo Oscar , Beobide Garikoitz , Cano Israel , Ruiz de Larramendi Idoia , Vallcorba Oriol , Fernández Jesús Rodríguez , Fernández-Díaz María Teresa , de Pedro Imanol
Published: March 2020

We present a novel halometallate molten salt based on imidazolium cation with two structural transitions from 100 to 400 K which has been studied by X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques. Furthermore, the magnetic structure at low temperature and the ionic conductivity is also described.
Salt doping to improve thermoelectric power factor of organic nanocomposite thin films
Authors: Stevens Daniel L. , Gamage Geethal Amila , Ren Zhifeng , Grunlan Jaime C.
Published: March 2020

Thermoelectric power factor of a polymer nanocomposite film, deposited using layer-by-layer assembly, was increased by doping with KBr.
Access to N-unprotected 2-amide-substituted indoles from Ugi adducts via palladium-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization of o-iodoanilines bearing furan rings
Authors: Peng Hui , Jiang Kai , Zhen Guangjin , Wang Furong , Yin Biaolin
Published: March 2020

A variety of N-unprotected 2-amide-substituted indoles were synthesized from readily available furfural-based Ugi adducts in moderate to good yields via palladium-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization of o-iodoanilines bearing furan rings.
Hydrogenolysis of lignin-derived aryl ethers to monomers over a MOF-derived Ni/N–C catalyst
Authors: Si Xing-Gang , Zhao Yun-Peng , Song Qing-Lu , Cao Jing-Pei , Wang Rui-Yu , Wei Xian-Yong
Published: March 2020

A highly efficient Ni/N–C catalyst was synthesized by facile pyrolysis of a Ni-MOF, and its catalytic hydrogenolysis performance towards C–O bonds in lignin was evaluated in detail using diphenyl ether (DPE) as a model compound.
Automated generation of photochemical reaction data by transient flow experiments coupled with online HPLC analysis
Authors: Haas Christian P. , Biesenroth Simon , Buckenmaier Stephan , van de Goor Tom , Tallarek Ulrich
Published: March 2020

Competing homo- and crossdimerization reactions between coumarin and 1-methyl-2-quinolinone are investigated by transient continuous-flow experiments combined with online HPLC, enabling the generation and acquisition of large reaction data sets.
Perspectives on fracking from the sacrifice zone: young people's knowledge, beliefs and attitudes
Authors: Dunlop Lynda , Atkinson Lucy , Turkenburg-van Diepen Maria
Published: March 2020

Fracking is a controversial process that requires both chemical and political knowledge in order for young people to make informed decisions and hold industry and government to account. It does not appear in the English chemistry curriculum and little is known about young people's beliefs about fracking, nor of their attitudes towards it. In this study we focus on young people in schools or colleges within a 20 mile radius of the nearest urban area to a fracking site in England. An in-depth qualitative focus group study was used to investigate the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of 84 young people aged 16–19 in 4 schools and colleges. Young people reported knowledge about the process of fracking and to a lesser extent its social, economic and environmental impacts and associated regulation. Formal education was an important, if limited, source of information that tended to be trusted by young people. Negative and ambivalent attitudes towards fracking dominated, with the use of economic, environmental and social frames used by young people to inform their responses to fracking. Support for fracking hinged mainly upon energy supply and energy sovereignty. Fracking was opposed because of detrimental environmental and economic impacts, the impacts of associated protests and because of the political handling of decisions about fracking. The exclusion of young people, and the population of the area more broadly, from participation in decision-making has led to young people's disaffection with political processes and cynicism about the relationship between government and industry. The case of fracking demonstrates the importance of creating space for attention to political processes in chemistry education, and for engaging with young people about energy interventions in their community.
Trends in C–O and N–O bond scission on rutile oxides described using oxygen vacancy formation energies
Authors: Su Hai-Yan , Ma Xiufang , Sun Keju , Sun Chenghua , Xu Yongjun , Calle-Vallejo Federico
Published: March 2020

Oxygen vacancy formation energy is a simple and accurate descriptor for C–O and N–O bond scissions on 3d-rutile oxides.
Quasi-2D Co3O4 nanoflakes as an efficient gas sensor versus alcohol VOCs
Authors: Fedorov Fedor S. , Solomatin Maksim A. , Uhlemann Margitta , Oswald Steffen , Kolosov Dmitry A. , Morozov Anatolii , Varezhnikov Alexey S. , Ivanov Maksim A. , Grebenko Artem K. , Sommer Martin , Glukhova Olga E. , Nasibulin Albert G. , Sysoev Victor V.
Published: March 2020

Bottom-up synthesized quasi-2D Co3O4 nanoflakes demonstrate a remarkable chemiresistive response towards chemically akin alcohol vapors in a mixture with air.
Computational prediction of the thermoelectric performance of LaZnOPn (Pn = P, As)
Authors: Einhorn Maud , Williamson Benjamin A. D. , Scanlon David O.
Published: March 2020

State-of-the-art density functional theory is used to demonstrate that LaZnOP and LaZnOAs have great potential as earth-abundant p-type thermoelectric materials for high-temperature applications.
Preparation of Bi-based photocatalysts in the form of powdered particles and thin films: a review
Authors: Wu Xuelian , Toe Cui Ying , Su Chenliang , Ng Yun Hau , Amal Rose , Scott Jason
Published: March 2020

A comprehensive survey on preparation methods of powdered or thin-film Bi-based photocatalysts is provided, comparing he diverse approaches and their advantages and limitations in the context of photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical applications.
The potential of Kevlar aramid nanofiber composite membranes
Authors: Zhao Yan , Li Xin , Shen Jiangnan , Gao Congjie , Van der Bruggen Bart
Published: March 2020

Kevlar aramid nanofibers (KANFs) are a fascinating class of one-dimensional organic nanomaterials with high-performance and show high potential in preparation of membranes for separation and energy conversion.
Tuning the electronic properties of bilayer black phosphorene with the twist angle
Authors: Liu Nanshu , Zhang Junfeng , Zhou Si , Zhao Jijun
Published: March 2020

Two-dimensional (2D) twisted bilayer materials have displayed rich new physics, depending on the interlayer interaction mediated by the twist angle.
Multiple strategies towards high-efficiency white organic light-emitting diodes by the vacuum deposition method
Authors: Liu Hui , Liu Futong , Lu Ping
Published: March 2020

This review summarizes the progress in WOLEDs in recent years including all phosphorescent WOLEDs, hybrid WOLEDs, all fluorescence WOLEDs, doping-free WOLEDs, and single-emitter WOLEDs.
A robust SiC nanoarray blue-light photodetector
Authors: Zheng Jinju , Chong Haining , Wang Lin , Chen Shanliang , Yang Weiyou , Wei Guodong , Gao Fengmei
Published: March 2020

We report a robust SiC nanoarray blue-light photodetector with high sensitivity, fast response and excellent reproducibility.
A vitrified film of an anisometric europium(iii) β-diketonate complex with a low melting point as a reusable luminescent temperature probe with excellent sensitivity in the range of 270–370 K
Authors: Lapaev Dmitry V. , Nikiforov Victor G. , Lobkov Vladimir S. , Knyazev Andrey A. , Ziyatdinova Ruzanna M. , Galyametdinov Yury G.
Published: March 2020

Vitrified film of europium(iii) β-diketonate complex as reusable highly sensitive luminescent temperature probe suitable for long-term monitoring in range of 270–370 K.
Bright and efficient red emitting electroluminescent devices fabricated from ternary europium complexes
Authors: Khan Muhammad S. , Ilmi Rashid , Sun Weidong , Dutra José D. L. , Oliveira Willyan F. , Zhou Liang , Wong Wai-Yeung , Raithby Paul R.
Published: March 2020

[Eu(btfa)3DPEPO] and [Eu(nta)3DPEPO] are bright, red emitting complexes. They have been incorporated into single and double emitting layer electroluminescent devices.
An allosteric hot spot in the tandem-SH2 domain of ZAP-70 regulates T-cell signaling
Authors: Gangopadhyay Kaustav , Manna Bharat , Roy Swarnendu , Kumari Sunitha , Debnath Olivia , Chowdhury Subhankar , Ghosh Amit , Das Rahul
Published: March 2020

T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling is initiated by recruiting ZAP-70 to the cytosolic part of TCR. ZAP-70, a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, is composed of an N-terminal tandem SH2 (tSH2) domain connected to the C-terminal kinase domain. The ZAP-70 is recruited to the membrane through binding of tSH2 domain and the doubly phosphorylated ITAM motifs of CD3 chains in the TCR complex. Our results show that the tSH2 domain undergoes a biphasic structural transition while binding to the doubly phosphorylated ITAM-ζ1 peptide. The C-terminal SH2 domain binds first to the phosphotyrosine residue of ITAM peptide to form an encounter complex leading to subsequent binding of second phosphotyrosine residue to the N-SH2 domain. We decipher a network of noncovalent interactions that allosterically couple the two SH2 domains during binding to doubly phosphorylated ITAMs. Mutation in the allosteric network residues, for example, W165C, uncouples the formation of encounter complex to the subsequent ITAM binding thus explaining the altered recruitment of ZAP-70 to the plasma membrane causing autoimmune arthritis in mice. The proposed mechanism of allosteric coupling is unique to ZAP-70, which is fundamentally different from Syk, a close homolog of ZAP-70 expressed in B-cells.
MiR-148a inhibits oral squamous cell carcinoma progression through ERK/MAPK pathway via targeting IGF-IR
Authors: Jia Tingting , Ren Yipeng , Wang Fengze , Zhao Rui , Qiao Bo , Xing Lejun , Ou Long , Guo Bin
Published: March 2020

Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the functional roles and clinical significance of microRNA-148a (miR-148a) in the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods: Relative expression of miR-148a in OSCC cells and tissues were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Chi-square test was performed to estimate the relationship between miR-148a expression and clinical characteristics of OSCC patients. Cell transfection was carried out using Lipofectamine® 2000. Biological behaviors of tumor cells were detected using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and transwell assays. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay were used to identify the target genes of miR-148a. Protein expression was detected through Western blot analysis.

Results: MiR-148a expression was obviously decreased in OSCC tissues and cells, and such down-regulation was closely correlated with lymph node metastasis (P=0.027) and tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage (P=0.001) of OSCC patients. miR-148a overexpression could significantly impair OSCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro (P<0.05 for all). Insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) was a potential target of miR-148a. MiR-148a could inhibit ERK/MAPK signaling pathway through targeting IGF-IR.

Conclusion: MiR-148a plays an anti-tumor role in OSCC and inhibits OSCC progression through suppressing ERK/MAPK pathway via targeting IGF-IR.
miR-96-5p enhances cell proliferation and invasion via targeted regulation of ZDHHC5 in gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Baolong , Liu Xianrong , Meng Xiangtao
Published: March 2020

Objective: To explore the biological function and mechanism of miR-96-5p in gastric cancer.

Methods: The expression of differently expressed microRNAs (DEMs) related to gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) prognosis was identified in GAC tumor samples and adjacent normal samples by qRT-PCR. A target gene miR-96-5p was selected using TargetScan, miRTarBase, miRDB databases. The combination of miR-96-5p and ZDHHC5 was verified by luciferase receptor assay. To further study the function and mechanism of miR-96-5p, we treated MGC-803 cells with miR-96-5p inhibitor and si-ZDHHC5, then detected cell viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion ability, as well as the expression of ZDHHC5, Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, and COX-2 by Western blot.

Results: Compared with adjacent normal samples, the levels of miR-96-5p, miR-222-5p, and miR-652-5p were remarkably increased, while miR-125-5p, miR-145-3p, and miR-379-3p were significantly reduced in GAC tumor samples (P<0.01), which were consistent with bioinformatics analysis. Furthermore, ZDHHC5 was defined as a direct target gene of miR-96-5p. miR-96-5p silence significantly reduced cell viability, increased cell apoptosis, and suppressed cell migration and invasion, as well as inhibited the expression of Bcl-2 and COX-2 and promoted Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 level in MGC-803 cells (P<0.01). Notably, ZDHHC5 silence reversed the inhibiting effects of miR-96-5p on MGC-803 cells growth and metastasis

Conclusion: Our findings identified six microRNAs (miRNAs; miR-96-5p, miR-222-5p, miR-652-5p, miR-125-5p, miR-145-3p, and miR-379-3p) related to GAC prognosis, and suggested that down-regulated miR-96-5p might inhibit tumor cell growth and metastasis via increasing ZDHHC5 expression enhance MGC-803 cell apoptosis, as well as decrease MGC-803 cell metastasis.
Sleep Supports Memory and Learning: Implications for Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology
Authors: Morrow Emily L. , Duff Melissa C.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This tutorial aims to draw attention to the interactions among memory, sleep, and therapy potential and to increase awareness and knowledge in the field of speech-language pathology of the potential impact of sleep as a mediating or moderating factor in promoting therapeutic outcome.

Method

We highlight key findings from the literature on the cognitive neuroscience of memory, the neurophysiology of sleep, how sleep supports memory, and how sleep disruption affects memory and learning abilities in populations commonly served in speech-language pathology.

Results

Research increasingly points to the critical importance of sleep quality and quantity to memory and learning, and sleep disruption is linked to deficits in functional cognition that may limit our clients' ability to benefit from speech pathology interventions.

Conclusions

As a field dedicated to promoting memory, learning, and relearning through our interventions, any systemic factors that affect these abilities demand our attention. Although speech-language pathologists do not treat sleep disturbance, we play a critical role in recognizing the signs and symptoms of sleep disturbance and making appropriate referrals, as undiagnosed and untreated sleep disturbance can have serious impacts on success in therapeutic contexts. By considering how related factors affect memory and learning, we have the opportunity to take a whole client approach to maximizing our clients' therapy potential and functional progress.
“Did I Say
Cherry
?” Error Patterns on a Blocked Cyclic Naming Task for Bilingual Children With and Without Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: McMillen Stephanie , Griffin Zenzi M. , Peña Elizabeth D. , Bedore Lisa M. , Oppenheim Gary M.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Using a blocked cyclic picture-naming task, we compared accuracy and error patterns across languages for Spanish–English bilingual children with and without developmental language disorder (DLD).

Method

Pictured stimuli were manipulated for semantic similarity across two (Same and Mixed) category contexts. Children's productions were scored off-line for accuracy, error frequency, and error type.

Results

Typically developing children were more accurate and produced fewer errors than their peers with DLD; however, this was moderated by task language and semantic context. Children were generally more accurate when naming pictures in English compared to Spanish and in the Mixed-category context compared to the Same-category context. Analyses of error types further showed that children with less English language exposure specifically produced more nonresponses in English than in Spanish. Children with DLD produced more of each error type than their typically developing peers, particularly in Spanish.

Conclusions

Regardless of language ability, bilingual children demonstrated greater difficulty with lexical retrieval for pictured items in the semantically related context than in the unrelated context. However, bilingual children with DLD produced more errors of all types than is typical for children developing more than one language. Their greater error rates are not secondary to limited second language exposure but instead reflect deficits inherent to the nature of language impairment. Results from this study are discussed using a framework of semantic constraint, where we propose that because bilingual children with DLD have impoverished semantic networks, and this knowledge insufficiently constrains activation for lexical selection, thereby increasing error production.
Tidal tails of open star clusters as probes to early gas expulsion
Authors: Dinnbier František , Kroupa Pavel
Published: March 2020

Aims.We study the formation and evolution of the tidal tail released from a young star Pleiades-like cluster, due to expulsion of primordial gas in a realistic gravitational field of the Galaxy. The tidal tails (as well as clusters) are integrated from their embedded phase for 300 Myr. We vary star formation efficiencies (SFEs) from 33% to 100% and the timescales of gas expulsion as free parameters, and provide predictions for the morphology and kinematics of the evolved tail for each of the models. The resulting tail properties are intended for comparison with anticipatedGaiaobservations in order to constrain the poorly understood early conditions during the gas phase and gas expulsion.

Methods.The simulations are performed with the codeNBODY6 including a realistic external gravitational potential of the Galaxy, and an analytical approximation for the natal gaseous potential.

Results.Assuming that the Pleiades formed with rapid gas expulsion and an SFE of ≈30%, the current Pleiades are surrounded by a rich tail extending from ≈150 to ≈350 pc from the cluster and containing 0.7× to 2.7× the number of stars in the present-day cluster. If the Pleiades formed with an SFE close to 100%, then the tail is shorter (≲90 pc) and substantially poorer with only ≈0.02× the number of present-day cluster stars. If the Pleiades formed with an SFE of ≈30%, but the gas expulsion was adiabatic, the tail signatures are indistinguishable from the case of the model with 100% SFE. The mass function of the tail stars is close to that of the canonical mass function for the clusters including primordial gas, but it is slightly depleted of stars more massive than ≈1 M⊙for the cluster with 100% SFE, a difference that is not likely to be observed. The model takes into account the estimated contamination due to the field stars and the Hyades-Pleiades stream, which constitutes a more limiting factor than the accuracy of theGaiameasurements.
Lithium-rotation connection in the newly discovered young stellar stream Psc–Eri (Meingast 1)
Authors: Arancibia-Silva J. , Bouvier J. , Bayo A. , Galli P. A. B. , Brandner W. , Bouy H. , Barrado D.
Published: March 2020

Context. As a fragile element, lithium is a sensitive probe of physical processes occurring in stellar interiors.

Aims. We aim to investigate the relationship between lithium abundance and rotation rate in low-mass members of the newly discovered 125 Myr-old Psc–Eri stellar stream.

Methods. We obtained high-resolution optical spectra and measured the equivalent width of the 607.8 nm LiI line for 40 members of the Psc–Eri stream, whose rotational periods have been previously derived.

Results. We show that a tight correlation exists between the lithium content and rotation rate among the late-G to early-K-type stars of the Psc–Eri stream. Fast rotators are systematically Li rich, while slow rotators are Li depleted. This trend mimics that previously reported for the similar age Pleiades cluster.

Conclusions. The lithium-rotation connection thus seems to be universal over a restricted effective temperature range for low-mass stars at or close to the zero-age main sequence, and does not depend on environmental conditions.
X-ray quasi-periodic eruptions from the galactic nucleus of RX J1301.9+2747
Authors: Giustini Margherita , Miniutti Giovanni , Saxton Richard D.
Published: March 2020

Following the recent discovery of X-ray quasi-periodic eruptions (QPEs) coming from the nucleus of the galaxy GSN 069, here we report on the detection of QPEs in the active galaxy named RX J1301.9+2747. QPEs are rapid and recurrent increases of the X-ray count-rate by more than one order of magnitude with respect to a stable quiescent level. During a XMM-Newton observation lasting 48 ks that was performed on 30 and 31 May 2019, three strong QPEs lasting about half an hour each were detected in the light curves of RX J1301.9+2747. The first two QPEs are separated by a longer recurrence time (about 20 ks) compared to the second and third (about 13 ks). This pattern is consistent with the alternating long-short recurrence times of the GSN 069 QPEs, although the difference between the consecutive recurrence times is significantly smaller in GSN 069. Longer X-ray observations will better clarify the temporal pattern of the QPEs in RX J1301.9+2747 and will allow a detailed comparison with GSN 069 to be performed. The X-ray spectral properties of QPEs in the two sources are remarkably similar, with QPEs representing fast transitions from a relatively cold and likely disk-dominated state to a state that is characterized by a warmer emission similar to the so-called soft X-ray excess, a component that is almost ubiquitously seen in the X-ray spectra of unobscured, radiatively efficient active galaxies. Previous X-ray observations of RX J1301.9+2747 in 2000 and 2009 strongly suggest that QPEs have been present for at least the past 18.5 yr. The detection of QPEs from a second galactic nucleus after GSN 069 rules out contamination by a Galactic source in both cases, such that QPEs ought to be considered a novel extragalactic phenomenon associated with accreting supermassive black holes.
Impact of activated sludge bulking and foaming on the quality of Kuwait’s irrigation water
Authors: Abusam Abdallah , Mydlarczyk Andrzej , Al-Salamain Fadila , Ahmed Moh
Published: March 2020

Treated municipal wastewater produced in Kuwait is used mainly in agricultural and landscape irrigations. However, there are strong doubts that severe sludge bulking and foaming problems, particularly during winter seasons, may render this water unsuitable for irrigation purposes. To assess the impact of these problems on the quality of irrigation water in Kuwait, samples of secondary and tertiary effluents and sludge-mixed liquor were collected weekly from two wastewater treatment plants for nine months. Routine wastewater quality parameters were then determined for the collected influent and effluent samples. Further, dominant filamentous bacteria in the sludge-mixed liquor samples collected from the aeration tanks were also identified and quantified using a molecular method called Vermicon Identification Technology (VIT). Obtained results of the effluents’ qualities were then statistically analyzed and compared to Kuwait’s irrigation water standards. Statistical results indicated that secondary effluents were greatly impacted by sludge bulking and foaming problems, while tertiary effluents were slightly affected. This finding highlights the importance of having tertiary treatment units in plants to encounter sludge bulking and foaming problems.
Study on the diversity of denitrification bacteria treating with wastewater by using PPGC filler on SBMBBR at low temperature
Authors: Fu Jinxiang , Zhang Zhe , Zhu Jinghai
Published: March 2020

Aiming at the problem of the low removal efficiency of biological nitrogen-removing of low temperature waste-water, using Polyurethane Porous Gel Carrier (PPGC)-SBMBBR treated low temperature sewage, in compared with conventional SBR,and viaing Miseq high-throughput sequencing technology in analysis of the differences of microbial diversity and abundance of structure on the two reactors of activated sludge, revealed dominant nitrogen-removing bacterium improving the treatment efficiency of low temperature sewage. The results shows that the removal efficiency of the effluent nitrogen and the sludge sedimentation rate of (PPGC)-SBMBBR reactor are significantly improved under the water temperature (6.5±1℃). Adding the filler can contribute to improvement of bacterial diversity and relative abundance of nitrification and denitrification bacterium in the activated sludge system. The main relative abundance of ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB),nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB),anaerobic denitrifying bacteria, and aerobic denitrifying bacteria in (PPGC)-SBMBBR(R2) are significantly better than SBR (R1),and the R2 reactor can independently enrich the nitrifying bacteria and the aerobic denitrifying bacteria, such as Nitrospira, Hydrogens, Pseudomonas, and Zoogloea. The total relative abundance of dominant and nitrifying denitrifying bacterium increases from 28.65% of R1 to 60.23% of R2, providing a microbiological reference for improving the efficiency of biological nitrogen removal in low temperature waste-water.
Characteristics of iron oxide rust prepared by peracetic acid and its removal of heavy metals in water
Authors: Jung Sunyu , Park Soon-Ho
Published: March 2020

Fe2O3 is an especially promising material for water purification as it shows high heavy metal adsorption capacity. However, the high cost of commercial Fe2O3 makes it difficult to be widely used in developing countries. Herein, we probe the heavy metal removal performance of iron oxide rust. Rust was grown on iron nails in a controlled manner using peracetic acid (CH3CO3H), a safe and environment-friendly oxidizer. Arsenic was selected as an example of a heavy metal contaminant in this study. XRD and EDS analysis revealed that the iron oxide prepared with peracetic acid was nearly amorphous Fe2O3. Amorphous iron oxide is reported to show higher reactivity than crystalline iron oxide. The BET specific surface area of prepared Fe2O3 is 71 m2/g, which is larger than that of commercial Fe2O3, and the average pore diameter is 73 Å. Oxidized nails are highly effective for removing heavy metals: about 90% of 1ppm arsenic in water was removed at the residence time of 20 minutes, and the removal rate of 90% is maintained after 10 back-to-back arsenic removal experiments at the same residence time. Iron oxide prepared in this study can remove, per 1 cm2, up to 0.114 mg of arsenic.
Detection of waterborne bacteria using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Mohammad Khan Farhan , Sridhar Smriti , Gupta Rajiv
Published: March 2020

The detection of waterborne bacteria is crucial to prevent health risks. Current research uses soft computing techniques based on Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) for the detection of bacterial pollution in water. The limitation of only relying on sensor-based water quality analysis for detection can be prone to human errors. Hence, there is a need to automate the process of real-time bacterial monitoring for minimizing the error, as mentioned above. To address this issue, we implement an automated process of water-borne bacterial detection using a hybrid technique called Adaptive Neuro-fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), that integrates the advantage of learning in an ANN and a set of fuzzy if-then rules with appropriate membership functions. The experimental data as the input to the ANFIS model is obtained from the open-sourced dataset of government of India data platform, having 1992 experimental laboratory results from the years 2003-2014. We have included the following water quality parameters: Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), pH, Electrical conductivity, Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) as the significant factors in the detection and existence of bacteria. The membership function changes automatically with every iteration during training of the system. The goal of the study is to compare the results obtained from the three membership functions of ANFIS- Triangle, Trapezoidal, and Bell-shaped with 35 = 243 fuzzy set rules. The results show that ANFIS with generalized bell-shaped membership function is best with its average error 0.00619 at epoch 100.
Prediction of capital cost of ro based desalination plants using machine learning approach
Authors: Ibrahim Kizhisseri Mohamed , Mostafa Mohamed Mohamad , Hamouda Mohamed A.
Published: March 2020

This paper presents a neural network tool for predicting the capital cost of desalination plants based on reverse osmosis technology. A multi-layer feedforward neural network with back propagation learning method is used to model the investment cost of RO plants. The model is developed using the data sets of 1806 RO plants of capacity at least 1000 m3/day, which involved training, testing and validation. The model used six inputs that included both categorical and numerical data elements, namely: plant location, plant capacity, project award year, raw water salinity, plant types, and project financing type. The output is the capital cost of the RO plants planned. This prediction model can be used by governments, investors or other stakeholders in desalination industry to make a reasonable estimate of investment costs of upcoming RO plant projects.
New promises AI brings into circular economy accelerated product design: a review on supporting literature
Authors: Ghoreishi Malahat , Happonen Ari
Published: March 2020

Promoting and applying circular strategies in the product planning stage by industrial designers have significant environmental impacts. Product design has an enormous influence on sustainable ecology. Huge amounts of data analysis in designing circular products as well as reducing human biases in testing and prototyping are the main reasons for urging digital technologies in industries. Digitalization assets in ecodesign in collaboration with humans and as a complement for human skills. This study found the circular design tools and strategies which can help organizations in their product designs and the way artificial intelligence enhances product circularity. Real-time data transformation and analysis ability can help in massive data analysis which is less time consuming and less energy consumption is needed. In addition, rapid prototyping and fast testing will reduce the waste in design process. Furthermore, AI transfers precise data and information on materials and products’ availability, condition, and accessibility which makes easy monitoring and enables remote maintenance as well as reuse, remanufacturing and repair opportunities.