bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppression durations for facial expressions under breaking continuous flash suppression: effects of faces’ low-level image properties
Authors: Webb Abigail L. M. , Hibbard Paul B.
Published: October 2020

Perceptual biases for fearful facial expressions are observed across many studies. According to the low-level, visual-based account of these biases, fear expressions are advantaged in some way due to their image properties, such as low spatial frequency content. However, there is a degree of empirical disagreement regarding the range of spatial frequency information responsible for perceptual biases. Breaking continuous flash suppression (b. CFS) has explored these effects, showing similar biases for detecting fearful facial expressions. Recent findings from a b. CFS study highlight the role of high, rather than low spatial frequency content in determining faces’ visibility. The present study contributes to ongoing discussions regarding the efficacy of b. CFS, and shows that the visibility of facial expressions vary according to how they are normalised for physical contrast and spatially filtered. Findings show that physical contrast normalisation facilitates fear’s detectability under b. CFS more than when normalised for apparent contrast, and that this effect is most pronounced when faces are high frequency filtered. Moreover, normalising faces’ perceived contrast does not guarantee equality between expressions’ visibility under b. CFS. Findings have important implications for the use of contrast normalisation, particularly regarding the extent to which contrast normalisation facilitates fear bias effects.
CTRP-1 levels are related to insulin resistance in pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Deischinger Carola , Leitner Karoline , Baumgartner-Parzer Sabina , Bancher-Todesca Dagmar , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra , Harreiter Jürgen
Published: October 2020

Recent studies have shown higher levels of CTRP-1 (C1QTNF-related protein) in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to controls. We aimed at investigating CTRP-1 in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). CTRP-1 levels were investigated in 167 women (93 with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), 74 GDM) of a high-risk population for GDM. GDM was further divided into GDM subtypes depending on a predominant insulin sensitivity issue (GDM-IR) or secretion deficit (GDM-IS). Glucose tolerance was assessed with indices [Matsuda index, Stumvoll first phase index, insulin-secretion-sensitivity-index 2 (ISSI-2), area-under-the-curve (AUC) insulin, AUC glucose] derived from an oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) performed at < 21 and 24–28 weeks of gestation. In pregnancy, CTRP-1 levels of GDM (76.86 ± 37.81 ng/ml) and NGT (82.2 ± 35.34 ng/ml; p = 0.104) were similar. However, GDM-IR women (65.18 ± 42.18 ng/ml) had significantly lower CTRP-1 levels compared to GDM-IS (85.10 ± 28.14 ng/ml; p = 0.009) and NGT (p = 0.006). CTRP-1 levels correlated negatively with weight, AUC insulin, Stumvoll first phase index, bioavailable estradiol and positively with HbA1c, Matsuda Index and ISSI-2. A multiple regression analysis revealed bioavailable estradiol (β = − 0.280, p = 0.008) and HbA1c (β = 0.238; p = 0.018) as the main variables associated with CTRP-1 in GDM. Postpartum, waist and hip measurements were predictive of CRTP-1 levels instead. CTRP-1 levels were higher postpartum than during pregnancy (91.92 ± 47.27 vs.82.44 ± 38.99 ng/ml; p = 0.013). CTRP-1 is related to insulin resistance in pregnancy and might be a metabolic biomarker for insulin resistance in GDM. CTRP-1 levels were significantly lower during pregnancy than postpartum, probably due to rising insulin resistance during pregnancy.
Photothermal excitation efficiency enhancement of cantilevers by electron beam deposition of amorphous carbon thin films
Authors: Penedo Marcos , Yurtsever Ayhan , Miyazawa Keisuke , Furusho Hirotoshi , Ishii Kiyo-Aki , Fukuma Takeshi
Published: October 2020

In recent years, the atomic force microscope has proven to be a powerful tool for studying biological systems, mainly for its capability to measure in liquids with nanoscale resolution. Measuring tissues, cells or proteins in their physiological conditions gives us access to valuable information about their real ‘in vivo’ structure, dynamics and functionality which could then fuel disruptive medical and biological applications. The main problem faced by the atomic force microscope when working in liquid environments is the difficulty to generate clear cantilever resonance spectra, essential for stable operation and for high resolution imaging. Photothermal actuation overcomes this problem, as it generates clear resonance spectra free from spurious peaks. However, relatively high laser powers are required to achieve the desired cantilever oscillation amplitude, which could potentially damage biological samples. In this study, we demonstrate that the photothermal excitation efficiency can be enhanced by coating the cantilever with a thin amorphous carbon layer to increase the heat absorption from the laser, reducing the required excitation laser power and minimizing the damage to biological samples.
Transpapillary tissue sampling of biliary strictures: balloon dilatation prior to forceps biopsy improves sensitivity and accuracy
Authors: Pörner Daniel , Kaczmarek Dominik J. , Heling Dominik , Hausen Annekristin , Mohr Raphael , Hüneburg Robert , Matthaei Hanno , Glowka Tim R. , Manekeller Steffen , Fischer Hans-Peter , Toma Marieta , Nattermann Jacob , Strassburg Christian P. , Gonzalez-Carmona Maria A. , Weismüller Tobias J.
Published: October 2020

The early and definitive diagnosis of malignant bile duct stenoses is essential for a timely and adequate therapy. However, tissue sampling with transpapillary brush cytology (BC) or forceps biopsy (FB) remains challenging. With this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of different tissue sampling modalities (BC, FB without/after previous balloon dilatation). Standardized database research identified all patients, who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with BC and/or FB for indeterminate bile duct stenosis between January 2010 and April 2018 and with a definitive diagnosis. 218 patients were enrolled (149 cases with malignant and 69 with benign disease). FB had a significant higher sensitivity than BC (43% vs. 16%, p < 0.01). Prior balloon dilatation of the stenosis improved the sensitivity of FB from 41 to 71% (p = 0.03), the NPV from 36 to 81% (p < 0.01) and the accuracy from 55 to 87% (p < 0.01). The complication rates did not differ significantly between the modalities. In our center FB turned out to be the diagnostically more effective procedure. Balloon dilatation of the stenosis before FB had a significant diagnostic benefit and was not associated with a higher complication rate.
Metamorphosis-related changes in the free fatty acid profiles of Sarcophaga (Liopygia) argyrostoma (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830)
Authors: Kaczmarek Agata , Wrońska Anna Katarzyna , Kazek Michalina , Boguś Mieczysława Irena
Published: October 2020

The flies of the Sarcophagidae, widespread throughout the temperate zone, are of great significance in Medicine, Veterinary science, Forensics and Entomotoxicology. Lipids are important elements of cell and organelle membranes and a source of energy for embryogenesis, metamorphosis and flight. Cuticular lipids protect from desiccation and act as recognition cues for species, nest mates and castes, and are a source of various pheromones. The free fatty acid (FFA) profile of cuticular and internal extracts of Sarcophaga (Liopygia) argyrostoma (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830) larvae, pupae and adults was determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The larvae, pupae and adults contained FFAs from C5:0 to C28:0. The extracts differed quantitatively and qualitatively from each other: C18:1 > C16:1 > C16:0 > C18:0 predominated in the cuticular and internal extracts from the larvae and adults, while 18:1 > C16:0 > C16:1 > C18:0 predominated in the pupae. The FFA profile of the cuticle varies considerably between each development stage: C23:0 and C25:0 are only present in larvae, C28:0 in the pupal cuticle, and C12:1 and C18:3 in internal extracts from adults. The mechanisms underlying this diversity are discussed herein.
Personal identifiability of user tracking data during observation of 360-degree VR video
Authors: Miller Mark Roman , Herrera Fernanda , Jun Hanseul , Landay James A. , Bailenson Jeremy N.
Published: October 2020

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that is gaining traction in the consumer market. With it comes an unprecedented ability to track body motions. These body motions are diagnostic of personal identity, medical conditions, and mental states. Previous work has focused on the identifiability of body motions in idealized situations in which some action is chosen by the study designer. In contrast, our work tests the identifiability of users under typical VR viewing circumstances, with no specially designed identifying task. Out of a pool of 511 participants, the system identifies 95% of users correctly when trained on less than 5 min of tracking data per person. We argue these results show nonverbal data should be understood by the public and by researchers as personally identifying data.
Statin use is associated with lower disease severity in COVID-19 infection
Authors: Tan Wilnard Y. T. , Young Barnaby E. , Lye David Chien , Chew Daniel E. K. , Dalan Rinkoo
Published: October 2020

We aim to study the association of hyperlipidemia and statin use with COVID-19 severity. We analysed a retrospective cohort of 717 patients admitted to a tertiary centre in Singapore for COVID-19 infection. Clinical outcomes of interest were oxygen saturation ≤ 94% requiring supplemental oxygen, intensive-care unit (ICU) admission, invasive mechanical-ventilation and death. Patients on long term dyslipidaemia medications (statins, fibrates or ezetimibe) were considered to have dyslipidaemia. Logistic regression models were used to study the association between dyslipidaemia and clinical outcomes adjusted for age, gender and ethnicity. Statin treatment effect was determined, in a nested case–control design, through logistic treatment models with 1:3 propensity matching for age, gender and ethnicity. All statistical tests were two-sided, and statistical significance was taken as p < 0.05. One hundred fifty-six (21.8%) patients had dyslipidaemia and 97% of these were on statins. Logistic treatment models showed a lower chance of ICU admission for statin users when compared to non-statin users (ATET: Coeff (risk difference): − 0.12 (− 0.23, − 0.01); p = 0.028). There were no other significant differences in other outcomes. Statin use was independently associated with lower ICU admission. This supports current practice to continue prescription of statins in COVID-19 patients.
Different storage times and their effect on the bending load to failure testing of murine bone tissue
Authors: Tiefenboeck Thomas M. , Payr Stephan , Bajenov Olga , Dangl Theresia , Koch Thomas , Komjati Micha , Sarahrudi Kambiz
Published: October 2020

Cryopreservation is a well-established method for bone storage. However, the ideal timing of mechanical testing after sacrificing the experimental animals is still under discussion and of significant importance to the presentation of accurate results. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate and compare different cryopreservation durations to native murine bone and whether there was an influence on mechanical bone testing. For this study the tibias of 57 female C57BL/6 mice—18-weeks of age—were harvested and randomly allocated to one of four groups with varying storage times: (1) frozen at −80 °C for 3 months, (2) frozen at −80 °C for 6 months, (3) frozen at −80 °C for 12 months and (4) native group. The native group was immediately tested after harvesting. The comparison of the mean strength and load to failure rates demonstrated a significant difference between the storage groups compared to the native control (p = 0.007). However, there was no difference in the strength and the load to failure values of bones of all storage groups when compared against each other. Once cryopreservation at −80 °C is performed, no differences of mechanical bone properties are seen up to 12 months of storage. When actual in vivo data is of close interest, immediate testing should be considered and is preferred. If comparison of groups is required and long-time storage is necessary, cryopreservation seems to be an accurate method at present.
SHIFT: speedy histological-to-immunofluorescent translation of a tumor signature enabled by deep learning
Authors: Burlingame Erik A. , McDonnell Mary , Schau Geoffrey F. , Thibault Guillaume , Lanciault Christian , Morgan Terry , Johnson Brett E. , Corless Christopher , Gray Joe W. , Chang Young Hwan
Published: October 2020

Spatially-resolved molecular profiling by immunostaining tissue sections is a key feature in cancer diagnosis, subtyping, and treatment, where it complements routine histopathological evaluation by clarifying tumor phenotypes. In this work, we present a deep learning-based method called speedy histological-to-immunofluorescent translation (SHIFT) which takes histologic images of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained tissue as input, then in near-real time returns inferred virtual immunofluorescence (IF) images that estimate the underlying distribution of the tumor cell marker pan-cytokeratin (panCK). To build a dataset suitable for learning this task, we developed a serial staining protocol which allows IF and H&E images from the same tissue to be spatially registered. We show that deep learning-extracted morphological feature representations of histological images can guide representative sample selection, which improved SHIFT generalizability in a small but heterogenous set of human pancreatic cancer samples. With validation in larger cohorts, SHIFT could serve as an efficient preliminary, auxiliary, or substitute for panCK IF by delivering virtual panCK IF images for a fraction of the cost and in a fraction of the time required by traditional IF.
Magmatic history of the Oldest Toba Tuff inferred from zircon U–Pb geochronology
Authors: Ito Hisatoshi
Published: October 2020

The magmatic history of the Oldest Toba Tuff (OTT), the second largest in volume after the Youngest Toba Tuff (YTT), northern Sumatra, Indonesia, was investigated using U–Pb zircon dating by LA-ICP-MS. Zircon dates obtained from surface and interior sections yielded ages of 0.84 ± 0.03 Ma and 0.97 ± 0.03 Ma, respectively. The youngest OTT zircon ages were in accordance with the 40Ar/39Ar eruption age of ~ 0.8 Ma, whereas the oldest zircon dates were ~ 1.20 Ma. Therefore, the distribution of zircon U–Pb ages is interpreted to reflect protracted zircon crystallization, suggesting that the estimated 800–2,300 km3 of OTT magma accumulated and evolved for at least 400,000 years prior to eruption. This result is comparable to the volume and timescales of YTT magmatism. The similarities of both magmatic duration and geochemistry between OTT and YTT may indicate that they are similar in size and that the caldera collapse that generated OTT might be much larger previously interpreted.
Lubricant-infused directly engraved nano-microstructures for mechanically durable endoscope lens with anti-biofouling and anti-fogging properties
Authors: Lee Yeontaek , Chung Yong-Woo , Park Jaeho , Park Kijun , Seo Youngmin , Hong Seung-No , Lee Seung Hoon , Jeon Hojeong , Seo Jungmok
Published: October 2020

While a clear operating field during endoscopy is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective surgery, fogging or biofouling of the lens can cause loss of visibility during these procedures. Conventional cleaning methods such as the use of an irrigation unit, anti-fogging surfactant, or particle-based porous coatings infused with lubricants have been used but proven insufficient to prevent loss of visibility. Herein, a mechanically robust anti-fogging and anti-biofouling endoscope lens was developed by forming a lubricant-infused directly engraved nano-/micro-structured surface (LIDENS) on the lens. This structure was directly engraved onto the lens via line-by-line ablation with a femtosecond laser. This directly engraved nano/microstructure provides LIDENS lenses with superior mechanical robustness compared to lenses with conventional particle-based coatings, enabling the maintenance of clear visibility throughout typical procedures. The LIDENS lens was chemically modified with a fluorinated self-assembled monolayer (F-SAM) followed by infusion of medical-grade perfluorocarbon lubricants. This provides the lens with high transparency (> 70%) along with superior and long-lasting repellency towards various liquids. This excellent liquid repellency was also shown to be maintained during blood dipping, spraying, and droplet condensation experiments. We believe that endoscopic lenses with the LIDENS offer excellent benefits to endoscopic surgery by securing clear visibility for stable operation.
CHD7 promotes neural progenitor differentiation in embryonic stem cells via altered chromatin accessibility and nascent gene expression
Authors: Yao Hui , Hannum Douglas F. , Zhai Yiwen , Hill Sophie F. , Albanus Ricardo D.’Oliveira , Lou Wenjia , Skidmore Jennifer M. , Sanchez Gilson , Saiakhova Alina , Bielas Stephanie L. , Scacheri Peter , Ljungman Mats , Parker Stephen C. J. , Martin Donna M.
Published: October 2020

CHARGE syndrome, a rare multiple congenital anomaly condition, is caused by haploinsufficiency of the chromatin remodeling protein gene CHD7 (Chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 7). Brain abnormalities and intellectual disability are commonly observed in individuals with CHARGE, and neuronal differentiation is reduced in CHARGE patient-derived iPSCs and conditional knockout mouse brains. However, the mechanisms of CHD7 function in nervous system development are not well understood. In this study, we asked whether CHD7 promotes gene transcription in neural progenitor cells via changes in chromatin accessibility. We used Chd7 null embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived from Chd7 mutant mouse blastocysts as a tool to investigate roles of CHD7 in neuronal and glial differentiation. Loss of Chd7 significantly reduced neuronal and glial differentiation. Sholl analysis showed that loss of Chd7 impaired neuronal complexity and neurite length in differentiated neurons. Genome-wide studies demonstrated that loss of Chd7 leads to modified chromatin accessibility (ATAC-seq) and differential nascent expression (Bru-Seq) of neural-specific genes. These results suggest that CHD7 acts preferentially to alter chromatin accessibility of key genes during the transition of NPCs to neurons to promote differentiation. Our results form a basis for understanding the cell stage-specific roles for CHD7-mediated chromatin remodeling during cell lineage acquisition.
Significance of inflammatory indexes in atezolizumab monotherapy outcomes in previously treated non-small-cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Katayama Yuki , Yamada Tadaaki , Chihara Yusuke , Tanaka Satomi , Tanimura Keiko , Okura Naoko , Hirose Kazuki , Uda Sayaka , Shiotsu Shinsuke , Hirai Soichi , Hiranuma Osamu , Harada Taishi , Shimamoto Takayuki , Iwasaku Masahiro , Kaneko Yoshiko , Uchino Junji , Takeda Takayuki , Takayama Koichi
Published: October 2020

Cancer immunotherapy, including atezolizumab monotherapy, is a promising alternative strategy for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Several inflammatory indices have been reported as potential biomarkers regarding the effectiveness of various treatments. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of atezolizumab monotherapy using baseline inflammatory markers in NSCLC patients. We retrospectively enrolled 81 NSCLC patients who received atezolizumab monotherapy at six different medical institutions in Japan. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the impact of the clinical variables, including inflammatory indexes, on clinical outcomes. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 60 days and 252 days, respectively. The objective response rate was 7.4%, and the disease control rate was 54.3%. Patients with high neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), low lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), and/or high platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), at baseline, demonstrated substantially shorter PFS and OS compared to those with a low NLR, high LMR, and/or low PLR. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that a high baseline NLR was substantially associated with short PFS and short OS. Our retrospective observations suggest that inflammatory indices may be a potential negative prognostic factor of atezolizumab monotherapy outcomes in NSCLC patients.
microRNAs involved in the control of toxicity on locomotion behavior induced by simulated microgravity stress in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Sun Lingmei , Li Wenjie , Li Dan , Wang Dayong
Published: October 2020

microRNAs (miRNAs) post-transcriptionally regulate the expression of targeted genes. We here systematically identify miRNAs in response to simulated microgravity based on both expressions and functional analysis in Caenorhabditis elegans. After simulated microgravity treatment, we observed that 19 miRNAs (16 down-regulated and 3 up-regulated) were dysregulated. Among these dysregulated miRNAs, let-7, mir-54, mir-67, mir-85, mir-252, mir-354, mir-789, mir-2208, and mir-5592 were required for the toxicity induction of simulated microgravity in suppressing locomotion behavior. In nematodes, alteration in expressions of let-7, mir-67, mir-85, mir-252, mir-354, mir-789, mir-2208, and mir-5592 mediated a protective response to simulated microgravity, whereas alteration in mir-54 expression mediated the toxicity induction of simulated microgravity. Moreover, among these candidate miRNAs, let-7 regulated the toxicity of simulated microgravity by targeting and suppressing SKN-1/Nrf protein. In the intestine, a signaling cascade of SKN-1/Nrf-GST-4/GST-5/GST-7 required for the control of oxidative stress was identified to act downstream of let-7 to regulate the toxicity of simulated microgravity. Our data demonstrated the crucial function of miRNAs in regulating the toxicity of simulated microgravity stress in organisms. Moreover, our results further provided an important molecular basis for epigenetic control of toxicity of simulated microgravity.
Identifying the cause of thermal droop in GaInN-based LEDs by carrier- and thermo-dynamics analysis
Authors: Han Dong-Pyo , Lee Gyeong Won , Min Sangjin , Shin Dong-Soo , Shim Jong-In , Iwaya Motoaki , Takeuchi Tetsuya , Kamiyama Satoshi , Akasaki Isamu
Published: October 2020

This study aims to elucidate the carrier dynamics behind thermal droop in GaInN-based blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) by separating multiple physical factors. To this end, first, we study the differential carrier lifetimes (DCLs) by measuring the impedance of a sample LED under given driving-current conditions over a very wide operating temperature range of 300 K–500 K. The measured DCLs are decoupled into radiative carrier lifetime (τR) and nonradiative carrier lifetime (τNR), via utilization of the experimental DCL data, and then very carefully investigated as a function of driving current over a wide range of operating temperatures. Next, to understand the measurement results of temperature-dependent τR and τNR characteristics, thermodynamic analysis is conducted, which enables to look deeply into the temperature-dependent behavior of the carriers. On the basis of the results, we reveal that thermal droop is originated by the complex dynamics of multiple closely interrelated physical factors instead of a single physical factor. In particular, we discuss the inherent cause of accelerated thermal droop with elevated temperature.
Disordered metabolism in mice lacking irisin
Authors: Luo Yunyao , Qiao Xiaoyong , Ma Yaxian , Deng Hongxia , Xu Charles C. , Xu Liangzhi
Published: October 2020

Irisin is a product of fibronectin type III domain-containing protein (Fndc5) and is involved in the regulation of adipokine secretion and the differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. In this study, we aimed to determine whether irisin lacking affects glucose/lipid and bone metabolism. We knocked out the Fndc5 gene to generate irisin-lacking mice. Remarkable, irisin lacking was related to poor ‘browning response’, with a bigger size of the intraperitoneal white adipose cell and decreased a number of brown adipose cells in brown adipose of interscapular tissue. The irisin lacking mice had hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance, reduced HDL-cholesterol level, increased LDL-cholesterol level, and decreased insulin sensitivity. The lacking of irisin was associated with reduced bone strength and bone mass in mice. The increased number of osteoclasts and higher expression of RANKL indicated increased bone resorption in irisin lacking mice. The level of IL-6 and TNF-α also increased in irisin lacking mice. The results showed that irisin lacking was related to decreased ‘browning response’, glucose/lipid metabolic derangement, and reduced bone mass with increased bone resorption. Further studies are needed to confirm these initial observations and explore the mechanisms underlying the effects of irisin on glucose/lipid and bone metabolism.
Optical observation of needles in upward lightning flashes
Authors: Saba Marcelo M. F. , de Paiva Amanda R. , Concollato Luke C. , Warner Tom A. , Schumann Carina
Published: October 2020

Why lightning sometimes has multiple discharges to ground is an unanswered question. Recently, the observation of small plasma structures on positive leaders re-ignited the search. These small plasma structures were observed as pulsing radio sources along the positive leader length and were named “needles”. Needles may be the missing link in explaining why lightning flickers with multiple discharges, but this requires further confirmation. In this work we present the first optical observations of these intriguing plasma structures. Our high-speed videos show needles blinking in slow motion in a sequential mode. We show that they are formed at unsuccessful leader branches, are as bright as the lightning leaders, and report several other optical characteristics.
Rapid genomic characterization of SARS-CoV-2 viruses from clinical specimens using nanopore sequencing
Authors: Li Jun , Wang Haoqiu , Mao Lingfeng , Yu Hua , Yu Xinfen , Sun Zhou , Qian Xin , Cheng Shi , Chen Shuchang , Chen Junfang , Pan Jingcao , Shi Jueliang , Wang Xuchu
Published: October 2020

The novel SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has swiftly spread worldwide. The rapid genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 strains has become a helpful tool for better understanding the genomic characteristics and origin of the virus. To obtain virus whole-genome sequences directly from clinical specimens, we performed nanopore sequencing using a modified ARTIC protocol in a portable nanopore sequencer and validated a routine 8-h workflow and a 5-h rapid pipeline. We conducted some optimization to improve the genome sequencing workflow. The sensitivity of the workflow was also tested by serially diluting RNA from clinical samples. The optimized pipeline was finally applied to obtain the whole genomes of 29 clinical specimens collected in Hangzhou from January to March 2020. In the 29 obtained complete genomes of SARS-CoV-2, 33 variations were identified and analyzed. The genomic variations and phylogenetic analysis hinted at multiple sources and different transmission patterns during the COVID-19 epidemic in Hangzhou, China. In conclusion, the genomic characteristics and origin of the virus can be quickly determined by nanopore sequencing following our workflows.
Power balance and efficiency of metasurface antennas
Authors: Bodehou Modeste , González-Ovejero David , Craeye Christophe , Maci Stefano , Huynen Isabelle , Martini Enrica
Published: October 2020

This paper presents two methods for the efficient evaluation of the power balance in circular metasurface (MTS) antennas implementing arbitrary modulated surface impedances on a grounded dielectric slab. Both methods assume the surface current in the homogenized MTS to be known. The first technique relies on the surface current expansion with Fourier-Bessel basis functions (FBBF) and proceeds by integration of the Poynting vector on a closed surface. The second method is based on the evaluation of the residue of the electric field spectrum at the surface-wave (SW) pole, and is demonstrated by using a current expansion in Gaussian ring basis functions (GRBF). The surface current expansions can be directly obtained either by analyzing the antenna with a Method of Moments (MoM) tool for homogenized MTSs based on FBBF or GRBF, or derived by a projection process. From there, the power contributions, namely the total power delivered by the feed, the radiated power, the SW power, and the Ohmic power losses in the dielectric are computed. Several efficiency metrics are presented and discussed: tapering efficiency, conversion efficiency, loss factor, and diffraction factor. Since the MTS apertures at hand are leaky-wave (LW) antennas, the designer must find a compromise between the aperture efficiency and the conversion efficiency. This requires accurate and fast computational techniques for the efficiency. The present paper demonstrates for the first time that the efficiency of MTS antenna devices can be accurately evaluated in a few minutes. The compromise that should be made during the design process between the tapering efficiency and the conversion efficiency is highlighted. The impact on the efficiency of isotropic versus anisotropic MTS, uniform versus non-uniform modulation index, is analyzed. An excellent agreement is obtained between both approaches, commercial software, and experimental data.
Biological Activities of Curcuminoids
Authors: Mishra Ritu , Gupta Anil K.
Published: October 2020

Turmeric, a rhizomatous herb, contains curcuminoids and essential oil, which are two major classes of secondary metabolites. These compounds are largely responsible for the pharmacological effects of turmeric. The three major curcuminoids are curcumin, demethoxycurcumin (DMC), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC). Curcumin is the most abundant curcuminoid present in turmeric rhizomes followed by demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. The curcuminoids' mixture, which we get on a commercial scale, contains 78% curcumin, 18% DMC and 4% BDMC. A brief account of the chemical compositions and natural analogues of turmeric has been discussed in this chapter. The composition of turmeric and natural analogues, their antioxidant activities and pharmacological activities are also presented in this chapter.
A dramatic conformational effect of multifunctional zwitterions on zeolite crystallization
Authors: Dong Lei , Zhai Dong , Chen Zhuwen , Zheng Guangchao , Wang Yanding , Hong Mei , Yang Shihe
Published: October 2020

Carnitine functions as a mesoporogen in LTA zeolite synthesis whereas acetylcarnitine acts as a crystal growth modifier. Experimental and theoretical studies reveal a remarkable effect of molecular conformation on the roles of organic functional groups during zeolite crystallization.
Ambiphilicity of a mononuclear cobalt(iii) superoxo complex
Authors: Chen Ting-Yi , Ho Po-Hsun , Spyra Can-Jerome , Meyer Franc , Bill Eckhard , Ye Shengfa , Lee Way-Zen
Published: October 2020

Addition of HOTf to a mixture of CoIII(BDPP)(O2˙) (1) and Cp*2Fe produced H2O2 in high yield implying formation of CoIII(BDPP)(OOH) (3), and reaction of Sc(OTf)3 with the same mixture gave a peroxo-bridged CoIII/ScIII5.
Black garlic melanoidins prevent obesity, reduce serum LPS levels and modulate the gut microbiota composition in high-fat diet-induced obese C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Wu Jianfu , Liu Yanan , Dou Zishan , Wu Tao , Liu Rui , Sui Wenjie , Jin Yan , Zhang Min
Published: October 2020

Black garlic MLDs fermented in the colon, produced SCFAs and modulated gut microbiota composition, thereby protected against hepatic lipid accumulation, insulin resistance, and inflammation partly.
Ferroelectricity and phase transitions in In2Se3 van der Waals material
Authors: Soleimani Maryam , Pourfath Mahdi
Published: October 2020

Van der Waals layered α-In2Se3 has shown out-of-plane ferroelectricity down to the bilayer and monolayer thicknesses at room temperature that can be switched by an applied electric field.
Integrated nano-architectured photocatalysts for photochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Shit Subhash Chandra , Shown Indrajit , Paul Ratul , Chen Kuei-Hsien , Mondal John , Chen Li-Chyong
Published: October 2020

Recent advances in nanotechnology, especially the development of integrated nanostructured materials, have offered unprecedented opportunities for photocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Advanced nanomaterials for hypoxia tumor therapy: challenges and solutions
Authors: Sundaram Aravindkumar , Peng Ling , Chai Luxiao , Xie Zhongjian , Ponraj Joice Sophia , Wang Xiangjiang , Wang Guiqing , Zhang Bin , Nie Guohui , Xie Ni , Rajesh Kumar Manavalan , Zhang Han
Published: October 2020

This article provides brief summary about advances of nanotechnology and nanostructures in hypoxia tumor therapy including hypoxia overcoming strategies and developments. The potential challenges and solutions for future research are also discussed.
A single bottom facet outperforms random multifacets in a nanoparticle-on-metallic-mirror system
Authors: Devaraj Vasanthan , Lee Jong-Min , Adhikari Samir , Kim Minjun , Lee Donghan , Oh Jin-Woo
Published: October 2020

Highly efficient nanoparticle-on-metallic-mirror (NPOM) systems with a large gap size exhibiting good plasmonic enhancement are desirable for numerous practical applications.
Anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and COVID-19 protease inhibitory activities of phytochemicals from the Jordanian hawksbeard: identification, structure–activity relationships, molecular modeling and impact on its folk medicinal uses
Authors: Ebada Sherif S. , Al-Jawabri Nariman A. , Youssef Fadia S. , El-Kashef Dina H. , Knedel Tim-Oliver , Albohy Amgad , Korinek Michal , Hwang Tsong-Long , Chen Bing-Hung , Lin Guan-Hua , Lin Chia-Yi , Aldalaien Sa'ed M. , Disi Ahmad M. , Janiak Christoph , Proksch Peter
Published: October 2020

On Wednesday 11th March, 2020, the world health organization (WHO) announced novel coronavirus (COVID-19, also called SARS-CoV-2) as a pandemic.
The design and synthesis of high efficiency adsorption materials for 1,3-propanediol: physical and chemical structure regulation
Authors: Zheng Kexin , Jiang Long , Yu Shitao , Xian Mo , Song Zhanqian , Liu Shiwei , Xu Chao
Published: October 2020

Chemically modified materials efficiently captured 1,3-propanediol via the specific affinity between boronic acid and diol.
Attempted characterisation of phenanthrene-4,5-quinone and electrochemical synthesis of violanthrone-16,17-quinone. How does the stability of bay quinones correlate with structural and electronic parameters?
Authors: Wilkinson Dylan , Cioncoloni Giacomo , Symes Mark D. , Bucher Götz
Published: October 2020

Bay quinones have the carbonyl oxygen atoms in the bay region of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. This study presents cyclic voltammetry and computational work helping to understand when bay quinones can be expected to be isolable, and when not.
Photo-induced self-catalysis of nano-Bi2MoO6 for solar energy harvesting and charge storage
Authors: Si Jiangju , Guo Changmeng , Liu Haojie , Li Weiwei , Guo Xiaowei , Bai Peidong , Liu Yanghong , Chen Gairong , Sun Ningbo
Published: October 2020

Photo-induced self-catalytic redox reaction of nano Bi2MoO6 for solar energy harvesting and pseudo-capacitance charge storage.
Fabrication of tough, anisotropic, chemical-crosslinker-free poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibrous cryogels via electrospinning
Authors: Nagakawa Yoshiyasu , Kato Mikiya , Suye Shin-ichiro , Fujita Satoshi
Published: October 2020

Fabrication of tough, anisotropic, and chemical crosslinker-free nanofibrous cryogels made from poly(vinyl alcohol) and glycerol via electrospinning in conjunction with freeze-thawing treatment which would be favorable for medical applications.
Homogeneous and heterogeneous molecular catalysts for electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide
Authors: Abdinejad Maryam , Hossain M. Nur , Kraatz Heinz-Bernhard
Published: October 2020

Electroreduction of CO2 to CO using molecular catalysis.
H2/CO2 separations in multicomponent metal-adeninate MOFs with multiple chemically distinct pore environments
Authors: Schulte Zachary M. , Kwon Yeon Hye , Han Yi , Liu Chong , Li Lin , Yang Yahui , Jarvi Austin Gamble , Saxena Sunil , Veser Götz , Johnson J. Karl , Rosi Nathaniel L.
Published: October 2020

Tailorable multicomponent MOFs and MOF membranes for efficient H2/CO2 separation.
Hydrodynamic interactions in squirmer dumbbells: active stress-induced alignment and locomotion
Authors: Clopés Judit , Gompper Gerhard , Winkler Roland G.
Published: October 2020

Mesoscale hydrodynamics simulations of active squirmer dumbbells reveal strong effects of thermal fluctuations, and pusher- or puller-type propulsion, on their dynamics, with random, ballistic, and circling motion, and large differences in mobility.
Tailoring defect chemistry at interfaces for promoted oxygen reduction reaction kinetics
Authors: Kim Seo Ju , Koo Ja Yang , Mun Taeeun , Choi Mingi , Lee Wonyoung
Published: October 2020

Engineering the defect chemistry at the interface between the electrolyte and the electrode is crucial to facilitate oxygen reduction reaction, thereby improve the electrochemical performance of intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells.
Correction: Two-dimensional semiconducting covalent organic nanosheets for highly sensitive and stable NO2 sensing under humid conditions
Authors: Ko Woo Chul , Kim Min-Sung , Kwon Yong Jung , Jeong Jeehun , Kim Won Rae , Choi Hyeunseok , Park Jin Kuen , Jeong Young Kyu
Published: October 2020

Correction for ‘Two-dimensional semiconducting covalent organic nanosheets for highly sensitive and stable NO2 sensing under humid conditions’ by Woo Chul Ko et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020, 8, 19246–19253, DOI: 10.1039/D0TA07066A.
An electron-deficiency-based framework for NIR-II fluorescence probes
Authors: Gao Jinzhu , Wang Rongchen , Zhu Tianli , Tan Jiahui , Gu Xianfeng , Zhao Chunchang
Published: October 2020

Increasing the electron withdrawing ability of substituents in monochlorinated BODIPY could vary the emission from the NIR-I to NIR-II region together with enhanced response rate, indicative of a promising approach for activatable NIR-II probes.
An ultrasensitive and highly compressive piezoresistive sensor based on a biopolyol-reinforced polyurethane sponge coated with silver nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes/cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Yan Qiming , Xie Weidi , Zhou Meng , Fu Heqing
Published: October 2020

A wearable, lightweight and wide-range detecting piezoresistive sensor is highly desired for the development of the flexible electronics industry.
Development of the English Listening and Reading Computerized Revised Token Test Into Cantonese: Validity, Reliability, and Sensitivity/Specificity in People With Aphasia and Healthy Controls
Authors: Bakhtiar Mehdi , Wong Min Ney , Tsui Emily Ka Yin , McNeil Malcolm R.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study reports the psychometric development of the Cantonese versions of the English Computerized Revised Token Test (CRTT) for persons with aphasia (PWAs) and healthy controls (HCs).

Method

The English CRTT was translated into standard Chinese for the Reading–Word Fade version (CRTT-R-WF-Cantonese) and into formal Cantonese for the Listening version (CRTT-L-Cantonese). Thirty-two adult native Cantonese PWAs and 42 HCs were tested on both versions of CRTT-Cantonese tests and on the Cantonese Aphasia Battery to measure the construct and concurrent validity of CRTT-Cantonese tests. The HCs were retested on both versions of the CRTT-Cantonese tests, whereas the PWAs were randomly assigned for retesting on either version to measure the test–retest reliability.

Results

A two-way, Group × Modality, repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed significantly lower scores for the PWA group than the HC group for both reading and listening. Other comparisons were not significant. A high and significant correlation was found between the CRTT-R-WF-Cantonese and the CRTT-L-Cantonese in PWAs, and 87% of the PWAs showed nonsignificantly different performance across the CRTT-Cantonese tests based on the Revised Standardized Difference Test. The CRTT-R-WF-Cantonese provided better aphasia diagnostic sensitivity (100%) and specificity (83.30%) values than the CRTT-L-Cantonese. Pearson correlation coefficients revealed significant moderate correlations between the Cantonese Aphasia Battery scores and the CRTT-Cantonese tests in PWAs, supporting adequate concurrent validity. Intraclass correlation coefficient showed high test–retest reliability (between .82 and .96,p< .001) for both CRTT-Cantonese tests for both groups.

Conclusions

Results support that the validly translated CRTT-R-WF-Cantonese and CRTT-L-Cantonese tests significantly differentiate the reading and listening comprehension of PWAs from HCs and provides acceptable concurrent validity and high test–retest reliability for both tests. Furthermore, favorable PWA versus HC sensitivity and specificity cutoff scores are presented for both CRTT-Cantonese listening and reading tests.
Two‐stage memetic algorithm for blind equalisation in direct‐sequence/code‐division multiple‐access systems
Authors: San‐José‐Revuelta Luis M. , Casaseca‐de‐la‐Higuera Pablo
Published: October 2020

This study proposes a novel memetic algorithm (MA) for the blind equalisation of digital multiuser channels with direct‐sequence/code‐division multiple‐access sharing scheme. Equalisation involves two different tasks, the estimation of (i) channel response and (ii) transmitted data. The corresponding channel model is first analysed and then the MA is developed for this specific communication system. Convergence, population diversity and near–far resistance have been analysed. Numerical experiments include comparative results with traditional multiuser detectors as well as with other nature‐inspired approaches. The proposed receiver is proved to allow higher transmission rates over existing channels while supporting stronger interferences as well as fading and time‐variant effects. Required computation requisites are kept moderate in most of the cases. The proposed MA saves 80% of computation time with respect to a standard genetic algorithm and about 15% with respect to a similar two‐stage MA, while keeping a statistically significant higher performance. Besides, complexity increases only by a factor of 5, when the number of active users doubles, instead of found for the optimum maximum likelihood algorithm. The proposed method also exhibits high near–far resistance and achieves accurate channel response estimates, becoming an interesting and viable alternative to so far proposed methods.
Energy efficient discontinuous reception strategy in LTE and beyond using an adaptive packet queuing technique
Authors: Rahmani Bahram , Ghavidel Aghdam Mohammad Reza , Abdolee Reza
Published: October 2020

The next generation of mobile communication systems is being developed for high‐bandwidth mobile networks to accommodate applications with high data rates and low delay requirements such as voice over internet protocol, video streaming, cyber‐physical systems and gaming. These applications consume a considerable amount of energy and hence drain the user equipment (UE) battery quickly. Long‐term evolution (LTE)/LTE‐advanced has adopted a discontinuous reception (DRX) mechanism to improve the energy efficiency of the UE. DRX allows UEs to monitor the physical downlink control channel in a discontinuous manner when there is no downlink traffic to reduce energy consumption. However, DRX results in higher latency due to its sleep cycle. In this study, the authors present a new scheme that improves energy efficiency in UE while maintaining an average packet delay around a permissible delay threshold. Numerical analysis and system simulation show that this scheme can achieve a significant power saving.
Distributed M‐ary hypothesis testing for decision fusion in multiple‐input multiple‐output wireless sensor networks
Authors: Jamoos Ali , Abuawwad Rushdi
Published: October 2020

In this study, the authors study binary decision fusion over a shared Rayleigh fading channel with multiple antennas at the decision fusion centre (DFC) in wireless sensor networks. Three fusion rules are derived for the DFC in the case of distributed M‐ary hypothesis testing, where M is the number of hypothesis to be classified. Namely, the optimum maximum a posteriori (MAP) rule, the augmented quadratic discriminant analysis (A‐QDA) rule and MAP observation bound. A comparative simulation study is carried out between the proposed fusion rules in‐terms of detection performance and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, where several parameters are taken into account such as the number of antennas, number of local detectors, number of hypothesis and signal‐to‐noise ratio. Simulation results show that the optimum (MAP) rule has better detection performance than A‐QDA rule. In addition, increasing the number of antennas will improve the detection performance up to a saturation level, while increasing the number of the hypothesis will deteriorate the detection performance.
Turbulence mitigation in a 28 GHz radio‐over‐free‐space optics link using an integrated Mach–Zehnder interferometer and a diversity combining receiver
Authors: Nguyen Dong‐Nhat , Bohata Jan , Zvanovec Stanislav , Nguyen Lim , Ghassemlooy Zabih
Published: October 2020

The authors propose an integrated Mach–Zehnder interferometer and diversity combining receiver to mitigate the atmospheric turbulence‐induced fading in a millimetre‐wave (mmW) radio‐over‐free‐space optics (RoFSO) link. They use a carrier frequency of 28 GHz as recommended for the fifth‐generation wireless access networks and consider two optical mmW signal generation schemes, namely double‐sideband (DSB) and single‐sideband (SSB). In direct detection (DD)‐based RoFSO, the link performance is limited by atmospheric turbulence. They show that the proposed Rx can overcome this detrimental effect, which is verified by investigation of a 10 Gb/s 16‐quadrature amplitude modulation orthogonal frequency‐division‐multiplexing signal at 28 GHz over a 1 km free‐space optics link under weak and strong turbulence regimes. For the DSB scenario, the proposed Rx offers improved error vector magnitudes of about 0.8 and 5.7%, and modulation error ratios of 1.3 and 4.9 dB under weak and strong turbulence regimes, respectively, compared with the DD receiver (DD Rx). For the SSB scenario under weak turbulence, the proposed Rx achieves a 4 dB improvement in the receiver sensitivity and four orders of magnitude enhancement in the bit error rate over the DD Rx. The proposed Rx can be integrated on a single chip for further cost reduction.