bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platform- and label-free detection of lead ions in environmental and laboratory samples using G-quadraplex probes by circular dichroism spectroscopy
Authors: Kim Raeyeong , Youn Young-Sang , Kang Misook , Kim Eunjoo
Published: November 2020

Guanine-rich quadruplex (G-QD) are formed by conversion of nucleotides with specific sequences by stabilization of positively charged K+ or Na+. These G-QD structures differentially absorb two-directional (right- and left-handed) circularly polarized light, which can discriminate the parallel or anti-parallel structures of G-QDs. In this study, G-QDs stabilized by Pb2+ were analyzed by a circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy to determine Pb2+ concentration in water samples. Thrombin aptamer (TBA), PS2.M, human telomeric DNA (HTG), AGRO 100, and telomeric related sequence (T2) were studied to verify their applicability as probes for platform- and label-free detection of Pb2+ in environmental as well as laboratory samples. Among these nucleotides, TBA and PS2.M exhibited higher binding constants for Pb2+, 1.20–2.04 × 106/M at and 4.58 × 104–1.09 × 105/M at 100 micromolar and 100 mM K+ concentration, respectively. They also exhibited excellent selectivity for Pb2+ than for Al3+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Fe3+, Co2+, and Cr2+. When Pb2+ was spiked into an effluent sample from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), its existence was detected by CD spectroscopy following a simple addition of TBA or PS2.M. By the addition of TBA and PS2.M, the Pb2+ signals were observed in effluent samples over 0.5 micromolar (100 ppb) concentration. Furthermore, PS2.M caused a Pb2+-specific absorption band in the effluent sample without spiking of Pb2+, and could be induced to G-QD structure by the background Pb2+ concentration in the effluent, 0.159 micromolar concentration (3.30 ppb). Taken together, we propose that TBA and PS2.M are applicable as platform- and label-free detection probes for monitoring Pb2+ in environmental samples such as discharged effluent from local WWTPs, using CD spectroscopy.
Relationship between oral health impacts and personality profiles among orthodontic patients treated with Invisalign clear aligners
Authors: Al Nazeh Abdullah A. , Alshahrani Ibrahim , Badran Serene A. , Almoammar Salem , Alshahrani Abdulaziz , Almomani Bashar A. , AL-Omiri Mahmoud K.
Published: November 2020

This within subject clinical experiment assessed oral health impacts before and after Invisalign orthodontic treatment and their relationships with personality characteristics. 50 patients (26 females and 24 males; mean age = 27.62 ± 8.25 years, SE = 1.17, 95% CI = 24.71–29.89 years) were assessed before and after treatment with Invisalign orthodontic treatment. Treatment clinical success was evaluated according defined clinical guidelines. Oral health impacts before and after Invisalign orthodontic treatment were measured via the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP). Personality features were measured via the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). Probability of α = .05 was utilized to identify significant findings. Females scored less OHIP scores after treatment (had less negative impacts) in comparison to baseline OHIP scores (t = 3.782, df = 25, P = .001, 95% CI of mean difference = 2.750–9.327). Among males, openness scores (R2 = .911, B = 5.235, 95% CI for B = 0.062–10.407, t = 2.601, P = .048) were able to predict OHIP scores before treatment; meanwhile, extraversion (R2 = .959, B = − 8.224, 95% CI for B = − 14.605–1.843, t = − 3.313, P = .021), openness (R2 = .959, B = 21.795, 95% CI for B = 10.737–32.853, t = 5.067, P = .004), and conscientiousness (R2 = .959, B = 10.293, 95% CI for B = 4.796–15.790, t = 4.813, P = .005) scores were useful to predict OHIP scores after treatment (R2 = .959, P < .05). NEO-FFI scores were not useful to predict OHIP scores before or after treatment among females (P > .05). These findings demonstrate that oral health impacts of Invisalign orthodontic treatment and personality profiles contribution to oral health impacts were different between genders.
Species, sex and geographic variation in chlamydial prevalence in abundant wild Australian parrots
Authors: Stokes Helena S. , Martens Johanne M. , Walder Ken , Segal Yonatan , Berg Mathew L. , Bennett Andrew T. D.
Published: November 2020

Chlamydia psittaci (order: Chlamydiales) is a globally distributed zoonotic bacterium that can cause potentially fatal disease in birds and humans. Parrots are a major host, yet prevalence and risk factors for infection in wild parrots are largely unknown. Additionally, recent research suggests there is a diverse range of novel Chlamydiales circulating in wildlife. We therefore sampled seven abundant parrot species in south-eastern Australia, taking cloacal swabs and serum from n = 132 wild adults. We determined C. psittaci and Chlamydiales prevalence and seroprevalence, and tested for host species, sex, geographical and seasonal differences, and temporal changes in individual infection status. Across all species, Chlamydiales prevalence was 39.8% (95% CI 31.6, 48.7), C. psittaci prevalence was 9.8% (95% CI 5.7, 16.3) and C. gallinacea prevalence was 0.8% (95% CI 0.1, 4.5). Other Chlamydiales species were not identified to species level. We identified two C. psittaci strains within the 6BC clade, which is highly virulent in humans. Seroprevalence was 37.0% (95% CI 28.5, 46.4). Host species (including crimson rosellas, galahs, sulphur-crested cockatoos and blue-winged parrots) differed in seroprevalence and Chlamydiales prevalence. Galahs had both highest Chlamydiales prevalence (54.8%) and seroprevalence (74.1%). Seroprevalence differed between sites, with a larger difference in males (range 20–63%) than females (29–44%). We reveal a higher chlamydial prevalence than previously reported in many wild parrots, with implications for potential reservoirs, and transmission risks to humans and other avian hosts.
Syndecan-3 regulates MSC adhesion, ERK and AKT signalling in vitro and its deletion enhances MSC efficacy in a model of inflammatory arthritis in vivo
Authors: Jones Fiona K. , Stefan Andrei , Kay Alasdair G. , Hyland Mairead , Morgan Rebecca , Forsyth Nicholas R. , Pisconti Addolorata , Kehoe Oksana
Published: November 2020

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a debilitating and painful inflammatory autoimmune disease characterised by the accumulation of leukocytes in the synovium, cartilage destruction and bone erosion. The immunomodulatory effects of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been widely studied and the recent observations that syndecan-3 (SDC3) is selectively pro-inflammatory in the joint led us to hypothesise that SDC3 might play an important role in MSC biology. MSCs isolated from bone marrow of wild type and Sdc3−/− mice were used to assess immunophenotype, differentiation, adhesion and migration properties and cell signalling pathways. While both cell types show similar differentiation potential and forward scatter values, the cell complexity in wild type MSCs was significantly higher than in Sdc3−/− cells and was accompanied by lower spread surface area. Moreover, Sdc3−/− MSCs adhered more rapidly to collagen type I and showed a dramatic increase in AKT phosphorylation, accompanied by a decrease in ERK1/2 phosphorylation compared with control cells. In a mouse model of antigen-induced inflammatory arthritis, intraarticular injection of Sdc3−/− MSCs yielded enhanced efficacy compared to injection of wild type MSCs. In conclusion, our data suggest that syndecan-3 regulates MSC adhesion and efficacy in inflammatory arthritis, likely via induction of the AKT pathway.
Cross-sectional analysis of plasma and CSF metabolomic markers in Huntington’s disease for participants of varying functional disability: a pilot study
Authors: McGarry Andrew , Gaughan John , Hackmyer Cory , Lovett Jacqueline , Khadeer Mohammed , Shaikh Hamza , Pradhan Basant , Ferraro Thomas N. , Wainer Irving W. , Moaddel Ruin
Published: November 2020

Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative condition. While generally considered for its devastating neurological phenotype, disturbances in other organ systems and metabolic pathways outside the brain have attracted attention for possible relevance to HD pathology, potential as therapeutic targets, or use as biomarkers of progression. In addition, it is not established how metabolic changes in the HD brain correlate to progression across the full spectrum of early to late-stage disease. In this pilot study, we sought to explore the metabolic profile across manifest HD from early to advanced clinical staging through metabolomic analysis by mass spectrometry in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). With disease progression, we observed nominally significant increases in plasma arginine, citrulline, and glycine, with decreases in total and d-serine, cholesterol esters, diacylglycerides, triacylglycerides, phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, and sphingomyelins. In CSF, worsening disease was associated with nominally significant increases in NAD+, arginine, saturated long chain free fatty acids, diacylglycerides, triacylglycerides, and sphingomyelins. Notably, diacylglycerides and triacylglyceride species associated with clinical progression were different between plasma and CSF, suggesting different metabolic preferences for these compartments. Increasing NAD+ levels strongly correlating with disease progression was an unexpected finding. Our data suggest that defects in the urea cycle, glycine, and serine metabolism may be underrecognized in the progression HD pathology, and merit further study for possible therapeutic relevance.
Citizen science data reveals the need for keeping garden plant recommendations up-to-date to help pollinators
Authors: Anderson Helen B. , Robinson Annie , Siddharthan Advaith , Sharma Nirwan , Bostock Helen , Salisbury Andrew , Roberts Stuart , van der Wal René
Published: November 2020

Widespread concern over declines in pollinating insects has led to numerous recommendations of which “pollinator-friendly” plants to grow and help turn urban environments into valuable habitat for such important wildlife. Whilst communicated widely by organisations and readily taken up by gardeners, the provenance, accuracy, specificity and timeliness of such recommendations remain unclear. Here we use data (6429 records) gathered through a UK-wide citizen science programme (BeeWatch) to determine food plant use by the nations’ bumblebee species, and show that much of the plant use recorded does not reflect practitioner recommendations: correlation between the practitioners’ bumblebee-friendly plant list (376 plants compiled from 14 different sources) and BeeWatch records (334 plants) was low (r = 0.57), and only marginally higher than the correlation between BeeWatch records and the practitioners’ pollinator-friendly plant list (465 plants from 9 different sources; r = 0.52). We found pollinator-friendly plant lists to lack independence (correlation between practitioners’ bumblebee-friendly and pollinator-friendly lists: r = 0.75), appropriateness and precision, thus failing to recognise the non-binary nature of food-plant preference (bumblebees used many plants, but only in small quantities, e.g. lavender—the most popular plant in the BeeWatch database—constituted, at most, only 11% of records for any one bumblebee species) and stark differences therein among species and pollinator groups. We call for the provision and use of up-to-date dynamic planting recommendations driven by live (citizen science) data, with the possibility to specify pollinator species or group, to powerfully support transformative personal learning journeys and pollinator-friendly management of garden spaces.
Endothelial specific YY1 deletion restricts tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth
Authors: Liu Huan , Qiu Yikai , Pei Xiuying , Chitteti Ramamurthy , Steiner Rebbeca , Zhang Shuya , Jin Zheng Gen
Published: November 2020

Angiogenesis is a physiological process for the formation of new blood vessels from the pre-existing vessels and it has a vital role in the survival and growth of neoplasms. During tumor angiogenesis, the activation of the gene transcriptions in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) plays an essential role in the promotion of EC proliferation, migration, and vascular network development. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying transcriptional regulation of EC and tumor angiogenesis remains to be fully elucidated. Here we report that the transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1) in ECs is critically involved in tumor angiogenesis. First, we utilized a tamoxifen-inducible EC-specific YY1 deficient mouse model and showed that YY1 deletion in ECs inhibited the tumor growth and tumor angiogenesis. Using the in vivo matrigel plug assay, we then found that EC-specific YY1 ablation inhibited growth factor-induced angiogenesis. Furthermore, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced EC migration was diminished in YY1-depleted human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Finally, a rescue experiment revealed that YY1-regulated BMP6 expression in ECs was involved in EC migration. Collectively, our results demonstrate that endothelial YY1 has a crucial role in tumor angiogenesis and suggest that targeting endothelial YY1 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
The frequency of follicular T helper cells differs in acute and chronic neuroinflammation
Authors: Baniahmad Adalie , Birkner Katharina , Görg Johanna , Loos Julia , Zipp Frauke , Wasser Beatrice , Bittner Stefan
Published: November 2020

Beyond the major role of T cells in the pathogenesis of the autoimmune neuroinflammatory disorder multiple sclerosis (MS), recent studies have highlighted the impact of B cells on pathogenic inflammatory processes. Follicular T helper cells (Tfh) are essential for the promotion of B cell-driven immune responses. However, their role in MS and its murine model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), is poorly investigated. A first step to achieving a better understanding of the contribution of Tfh cells to the disease is the consideration of Tfh cell localization in relation to genetic background and EAE induction method. Here, we investigated the Tfh cell distribution during disease progression in disease relevant organs in three different EAE models. An increase of Tfh frequency in the central nervous system (CNS) was observed during peak of C57BL/6 J EAE, paralleling chronic disease activity, whereas in relapsing–remitting SJL EAE mice Tfh cell frequencies were increased during remission. Furthermore, transferred Tfh-skewed cells polarized in vitro induced mild clinical symptoms in B6.Rag1−/− mice. We identified significantly higher levels of Tfh cells in the dura mater than in the CNS both in C57BL/6 and in SJL/J mice. Overall, our study emphasizes diverse, non-static roles of Tfh cells during autoimmune neuroinflammation.
Tactile display of softness on fingertip
Authors: Frediani Gabriele , Carpi Federico
Published: November 2020

Multi-sensory human–machine interfaces are currently challenged by the lack of effective, comfortable and affordable actuation technologies for wearable tactile displays of softness in virtual- or augmented-reality environments. They should provide fingertips with tactile feedback mimicking the tactual feeling perceived while touching soft objects, for applications like virtual reality-based training, tele-rehabilitation, tele-manipulation, tele-presence, etc. Displaying a virtual softness on a fingertip requires the application of quasi-static (non-vibratory) forces via a deformable surface, to control both the contact area and the indentation depth of the skin. The state of the art does not offer wearable devices that can combine simple structure, low weight, low size and electrically safe operation. As a result, wearable softness displays are still missing for real-life uses. Here, we present a technology based on fingertip-mounted small deformable chambers, which weight about 3 g and are pneumatically driven by a compact and cost-effective unit. Weighting less than 400 g, the driving unit is easily portable and can be digitally controlled to stimulate up to three fingertips independently. Psychophysical tests proved ability to generate useful perceptions, with a Just Noticeable Difference characterised by a Weber constant of 0.15. The system was made of off-the-shelf materials and components, without any special manufacturing process, and is fully disclosed, providing schematics and lists of components. This was aimed at making it easily and freely usable, so as to turn tactile displays of softness on fingertips into a technology ‘at fingertips’.
A high-precision and high-order error model for airborne distributed POS transfer alignment
Authors: Gu Bin , Ye Wen , Teng Zijie , Chen Hongmei , Wang Guochen
Published: November 2020

Distributed position and orientation systems (DPOSs) can provide abundant time-spatial information for interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) in airborne earth observation systems. However, some key error terms have not been taken into consideration in the traditional low-order error model, which suppresses the performance of the slave POS and further cannot meet the compensation precision of InSAR. To improve the compensation precision, a precise high-order error model with 45 dimensions was derived. Not only does it take into account the influence of scale factor errors and installation errors of the gyro and accelerometer, but it also makes use of random constants and a first-order Markov process model to describe the gyro drift and accelerometer bias. In addition, the flexure angle and its angular rate were added to the state variables of the transfer alignment model. Based on the model, a measurement equation for attitude errors that considers flexure was deduced. Then, a transfer alignment model based on the matching algorithm including position-velocity-attitude was designed. Finally, the proposed model was validated by simulated and real tests, and the experimental results show that its performance is obviously better than that of the traditional model.
Spin-polarized Weyl cones and giant anomalous Nernst effect in ferromagnetic Heusler films
Authors: Sumida Kazuki , Sakuraba Yuya , Masuda Keisuke , Kono Takashi , Kakoki Masaaki , Goto Kazuki , Zhou Weinan , Miyamoto Koji , Miura Yoshio , Okuda Taichi , Kimura Akio
Published: November 2020

Weyl semimetals are characterized by the presence of massless band dispersion in momentum space. When a Weyl semimetal meets magnetism, large anomalous transport properties emerge as a consequence of its topological nature. Here, using in−situ spin- and angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy combined with ab initio calculations, we visualize the spin-polarized Weyl cone and flat-band surface states of ferromagnetic Co2MnGa films with full remanent magnetization. We demonstrate that the anomalous Hall and Nernst conductivities systematically grow when the magnetization-induced massive Weyl cone at a Lifshitz quantum critical point approaches the Fermi energy, until a high anomalous Nernst thermopower of  ~6.2 μVK−1 is realized at room temperature. Given this topological quantum state and full remanent magnetization, Co2MnGa films are promising for realizing high efficiency heat flux and magnetic field sensing devices operable at room temperature and zero-field.
Impact of native achiral ligands on the chirality of enantiopure cysteine stabilized CdSe nanocrystals
Authors: Shao Xiao , Wu Yue , Jiang Shuang , Li Bin , Zhang Tianyong , Yan Yong
Published: November 2020

The chirality of inorganic semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) was found to be sensitive to the native achiral ligands used in the synthesis of NCs.
Ratiometric fluorescence determination of alkaline phosphatase activity based on dual emission of bovine serum albumin-stabilized gold nanoclusters and the inner filter effect
Authors: Pu Li , Xia Mengfan , Sun Pengyue , Zhang Yaodong
Published: November 2020

Ratiometric fluorescence assay of alkaline phosphatase based on dual emission of bovine serum albumin-templated gold nanoclusters and inner filter effect.
Facile gas-phase hydrodeoxygenation of 2,5-dimethylfuran over bifunctional metal-acid catalyst Pt–Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40
Authors: Althikrallah Hanan , Kozhevnikova Elena F. , Kozhevnikov Ivan V.
Published: November 2020

2,5-Dimethylfuran is deoxygenated ton-hexane with 100% yield on a bifunctional Pt/C–Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40catalyst under very mild conditions (90 °C, 1 bar H2) in a one-step gas-phase process.
Fabrication of a dual-emittingRhB@Zn-1composite as a recyclable luminescent sensor for sensitive detection of nitrofuran antibiotics
Authors: Tu Qian-Qian , Ren Ling-Ling , Cheng Ai-Ling , Gao En-Qing
Published: November 2020

A novel dual-emittingRhB@Zn-1composite was fabricated by encapsulating RhB into the channels ofZn-1, which can serve as a recyclable sensor for sensitive and selective detection of nitrofuran antibioticsviathe luminescence quenching process.
Stabilizing photo-sensitive colchicine through rebalancing electron distribution of the reactive tropolone ring
Authors: Ma Xiaoyu , Zhu Bingqing , Yang Zeen , Jiang Yuhang , Mei Xuefeng
Published: November 2020

Photo-sensitive tropolone was stabilized by rebalancing the electron distribution of the reactive system.
The impact of chemical structure on the formation of the medium-range order and dynamical properties of selected antifungal APIs
Authors: Heczko Dawid , Jurkiewicz Karolina , Tarnacka Magdalena , Grelska Joanna , Wrzalik Roman , Kamiński Kamil , Paluch Marian , Kamińska Ewa
Published: November 2020

Small variations in the chemical structure affect the formation of the medium-range order and molecular dynamics in antifungal pharmaceuticals.
Recent progress in hot exciton materials for organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Xu Yuwei , Xu Pei , Hu Dehua , Ma Yuguang
Published: November 2020

The development process, molecular design principles, material systems, structure–property relationships and OLED applications of hot exciton materials are comprehensively summarized.
Understanding the promotional effect of 3d transition metals (Fe, Co, Cu) on Pd/TiO2 for H2-SCR
Authors: Hu Zhun , Zhang Tao , Li Dan , Yang Ralph T.
Published: November 2020

The addition of 3d transition metal (Fe, Co, Cu) oxides on Pd/TiO2 catalysts show that the formation of monodentate nitrates is the rate limiting step in the formation of NHx species, which is active intermediate for the enhancement of H2-SCR activities.
Site-exposed Ti3C2 MXene anchored in N-defect g-C3N4 heterostructure nanosheets for efficient photocatalytic N2 fixation
Authors: Sun Cong , Chen Zhiqiang , Cui Jian , Li Kang , Qu Hongxia , Xie Huifang , Zhong Qin
Published: November 2020

Exposed Ti sites with high activity and selectivity can efficiently accept photoinduced electrons from N-defects in g-C3N4 for photocatalytic N2 fixation.
The applications and prospects of hydrophobic metal–organic frameworks in catalysis
Authors: Liu Lin , Tao Zhi-Peng , Chi Hao-Ran , Wang Bing , Wang Shi-Ming , Han Zheng-Bo
Published: November 2020

These hydrophobic MOFs not only retain rich structural variety, highly crystalline frameworks, but also lower affinity toward water and boost hydrolytic stability. Hydrophobic MOFs catalysts showed unique advantages to various reactions.
Unravelling the interactions between nano-hydroxyapatite and the roots of phosphorus deficient barley plants
Authors: Szameitat Augusta E. , Sharma Anurag , Minutello Francesco , Pinna Andrea , Er-Rafik Meriem , Hansen Thomas H. , Persson Daniel P. , Andersen Birgit , Husted Søren
Published: November 2020

nHAP (mainly composed of Ca and P, but also spiked with Sr, V and Ce tracers) initially adheres to the surface of roots, before penetrating and dissolving in the plant.
Simple preparation method for Styrofoam–TiO2 composites and their photocatalytic application for dye oxidation and Cr(vi) reduction in industrial wastewater
Authors: Lee Youn-Jun , Lee Chang-Gu , Kang Jin-Kyu , Park Seong-Jik , Alvarez Pedro J. J.
Published: November 2020

This study investigates a simple method for the preparation of floating photocatalysts in which the surface of expanded polystyrene (EPS) is partially dissolved using a diluted solvent that contains TiO2 particles.
Multi-band terahertz superabsorbers based on perforated square-patch metamaterials
Authors: Wang Ben-Xin , He Yuanhao , Lou Pengcheng , Zhu Huaxin
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a multi-band terahertz superabsorber with a surface structure that consists of a square metallic patch with a very small rectangular hole whose area is only 3.94% of the square patch.
Highly efficient and antibacterial ion exchanger based on graphene oxide for removal of chromate and nitrate from water: synthesis, characterization and application
Authors: Shojaipour Maryam , Ghaemy Mousa
Published: November 2020

A novel recyclable antibacterial anion exchanger based on graphene oxide (GO) and quaternary ammonium chloride (TMSQA) as a crosslinker/ion exchanger was prepared and used for the removal of chromate and nitrate from water.
Triethylamine-methanol mediated selective removal of oxophenylacetyl ester in saccharides
Authors: Rasool Javeed Ur , Kumar Atul , Ali Asif , Ahmed Qazi Naveed
Published: November 2020

A highly selective, mild, and efficient method for the cleavage of oxophenylacetyl ester protected saccharides was developed using triethylamine in methanol at room temperature.
Synthesis and properties of block copolymers composed of norbornene/higher α-olefin gradient segments using ansa-fluorenylamidodimethyltitanium-[Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] catalyst system
Authors: Yuan Haobo , Kida Takumitsu , Tanaka Ryo , Cai Zhengguo , Nakayama Yuushou , Shiono Takeshi
Published: November 2020

A series of di- and triblock copolymers composed of gradient norbornene (NB)/α-olefin segments were synthesized by a (t-BuNSiMe2Flu)TiMe2-based catalyst and their physical and mechanical properties were investigated.
Recent research on the luminous mechanism, synthetic strategies, and applications of CuInS2 quantum dots
Authors: Long Zhiwei , Zhang Wenda , Tian Junhang , Chen Guantong , Liu Yuanhong , Liu Ronghui
Published: November 2020

We discuss the synthesis and luminescence mechanisms of CuInS2 QDs, the strategies to improve their luminous performance and their potential application in light-emitting devices, solar energy conversion, and the biomedical field.
Organic luminogens bearing alkyl substituents: design flexibility, adjustable molecular packing, and optimized performance
Authors: Fan Yuanyuan , Li Qianqian , Li Zhen
Published: November 2020

Recent progress in organic luminogens modified with alkyl groups and their corresponding emissive properties are summarized in this review, which can be depicted by the concept of Molecular Uniting Set Identified Characteristic (MUSIC).
Paeoniflorin ameliorates glycemic variability-induced oxidative stress and platelet activation in HUVECs and DM rats
Authors: Huang Ye , Wang Jing-Shang , Yang Lin , Yue Long , Zhang Lei , Zhang Yan-Hong , Song Ye-Wen , Li Dandan , Yang Zhixu
Published: November 2020

Glycemic variability (GV) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus (DM).
Reaction induced robust PdxBiy/SiC catalyst for the gas phase oxidation of monopolistic alcohols
Authors: Wang Pengwei , Xu Lijun , Zhu Jianming , Gao Kunqi , Zhang Yan , Wang Jifen
Published: November 2020

Reaction induced PdxBiy/SiC catalysts exhibit excellent catalytic activity and stability in the gas phase oxidation of monopolistic alcohols at a low temperature of 240 °C due to the formation of Pd0–Bi2O3 species.
Influence of the acid–base stoichiometry and residual water on the transport mechanism in a highly-Brønsted-acidic proton-conducting ionic liquid
Authors: Lin Jingjing , Korte Carsten
Published: November 2020

There is a transition between prevailing vehicular and cooperative transport mechanism in base-excess Brønsted-acidic proton-conducting ionic liquids depending on stoichiometry.
Selective oxidation of bio-based platform molecules and their conversion products over metal nanoparticle catalysts: a review
Authors: Timofeev Konstantin L. , Vodyankina Olga V.
Published: November 2020

The conversion of bio-renewable raw materials into valuable products (biofuels, bifunctional carbonyls/carboxyls) that serve as the basis for biopolymers, has become one of the most important areas in the development of novel hybrid catalysts.
Economically-feasible production of a nylon monomer using RANEY® catalysts
Authors: Lee Younghyun , Park Hoyoung , Han Jeehoon , Lee Jechan
Published: November 2020

This research was aimed at developing an economically-feasible process to produce a value-added chemical used to synthesize nylon, hexamethylenediamine (HMDA), by hydrogenating adiponitrile (ADN) using an inexpensive catalyst such as RANEY® Ni or RANEY® Co.
Sustainable materials for off-grid battery applications: advances, challenges and prospects
Authors: Navalpotro Paula , Castillo-Martínez Elizabeth , Carretero-González Javier
Published: November 2020

Sustainable and accessible energy? Green materials and batteries. We review the latest ecological materials and technologies for off-grid battery applications.
Molecular dynamics and crystallization in polymers based on ethylene glycol methacrylates (EGMAs) with melt memory characteristics: from linear oligomers to comb-like polymers
Authors: Vassiliadou Olga , Chrysostomou Varvara , Pispas Stergios , Klonos Panagiotis A. , Kyritsis Apostolos
Published: November 2020

Synthesis, crystallization, and molecular dynamics investigation on oligo-ethylene glycol methacrylate (OEGMA) of short and long chains, in the linear and nanostructured comb-like forms.
Deep learning for characterizing the self-assembly of three-dimensional colloidal systems
Authors: O’Leary Jared , Mao Runfang , Pretti Evan J. , Paulson Joel A. , Mittal Jeetain , Mesbah Ali
Published: November 2020

Creating a systematic framework to characterize the structural states of colloidal self-assembly systems is crucial for unraveling the fundamental understanding of these systems' stochastic and non-linear behavior.
Vaccine implants: current status and recent advancements
Authors: Bobbala Sharan , Hook Sarah
Published: November 2020

Implants have long been used in the field of drug delivery as controlled release vehicles and are now being investigated as single-shot vaccine technologies. Implants have shown great promise, minimizing the need for multiple immunizations while stimulating potent immune responses with reduced doses of vaccine. Synchronous release of vaccine components from implants over an appropriate period of time is important in order to avoid issues including immune tolerance, sequestration or deletion. Traditionally, implants require surgical implantation and removal, which can be a barrier to their widespread use. Degradable and in situ implants are now being developed that can be administered using minimally invasive subcutaneous or intramuscular injection techniques. Injectable hydrogels remain the most commonly studied approach for sustained vaccine delivery due to their ease of administration and tunable degradation properties. Despite exciting advancements in the field of vaccine implants, few technologies have progressed to clinical trials. To increase the likelihood of clinical translation of vaccine implants, strategic testing of disease-relevant antigens in appropriate species is essential. In this review, the significance of vaccine implants and the different types of implants being developed to deliver vaccines are discussed.
Cognition and Cognitive Screeners in Audiological Management
Authors: Gottschalk Karah , Olson Anne
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Cognition is essential to communication, yet this topic is often neglected in discussions with aging patients in most clinical settings. Audiologists, however, represent a crucial role in assisting primary care physicians in the prevention of overlooking early signs of dementia. Audiologists can be viewed as the gatekeepers to an older adult's cognitive care due to more face-to-face time with patients and conversations that focus around communication. Therefore, it is important for audiologists to be familiar with the essential elements of cognition as well as how to screen for cognitive impairment. There are a number of cognitive screeners available for clinical use in audiology settings, with each screener having its own benefits and drawbacks. This clinical focus article discusses both of these concepts with the intent of increasing the appreciation of the complexity of cognition and its role in audiological management.

Conclusions

Cognitive screeners provide useful insight into understanding issues that our aging patients are experiencing. While there are benefits and downfalls to all cognitive screeners, each audiology practice has to determine which screening best fits their practice. By discussing cognition and utilizing cognitive screeners in practice, audiologists may be better able to meet their patient's needs and improve patient outcomes in relation to communication and overall health.
Impact of DFIG‐based wind turbine's fault current on distance relay during symmetrical faults
Authors: Chang Yuanzhu , Hu Jiabing , Song Guobing , Kong Xiangping , Yuan Yubo
Published: November 2020

As a new highly penetrated power source of modern power systems, doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)‐based wind turbine (WT) has a different fault current contribution when compared with a synchronous generator. DFIG‐based WT's fault current has significant impacts on distance relay's performances and may result in maloperation. In this study, the impacts of DFIG‐based WT's fault current on the dynamic performances of two typical distance protection elements, mho and polarisation, are studied in terms of EMTP simulations and fault current expressions in symmetrical fault scenarios. It is discovered that the zone‐1 distance relays of the lines connecting to DFIG‐based wind power plants tend to overreach. Also, the following analysis indicates that the transient components of DFIG‐based WT's fault current and the phasor estimation unit are the underlying reasons. With those understanding, this study is expected to help design new setting methods and for distance protection in power systems integrating wind power plants to prevent this kind of possible overreach.
Runaway blue main-sequence stars at high Galactic latitudes
Authors: Raddi Roberto , Irrgang Andreas , Heber Ulrich , Schneider David , Kreuzer Simon
Published: November 2020

Context. The ESA Gaia mission is a remarkable tool for stellar population analysis through its accurate Hertzsprung–Russell diagram. Its precise astrometry has propelled detailed kinematic studies of the Milky Way and the identification of high-velocity outliers.

Aims. Motivated by the historical identification of runaway main-sequence (MS) stars of an early spectral type at high Galactic latitudes, we test the capability of Gaia at identifying new such stars.

Methods. We selected ≈2300 sources with Gaia magnitudes of GBP − GRP ≤ 0.05, which are compatible with the colors of low-extinction MS stars that are earlier than a mid-A spectral type, and obtained low-resolution optical spectroscopy for 48 such stars. By performing detailed photometric and spectroscopic analyses, we derived their atmospheric and physical parameters (effective temperature, surface gravity, radial velocity, interstellar reddening, spectrophotometric distance, mass, radius, luminosity, and age). The comparison between spectrophotometric and parallax-based distances enabled us to disentangle the MS candidates from older blue horizontal branch (BHB) candidates.

Results. We identify 12 runaway MS candidates, with masses between 2 and 6 M⊙. Their trajectories were traced back to the Galactic disk in order to identify their most recent Galactic plane crossings and the corresponding flight times. All 12 candidates are ejected from the Galactic disk within 2 to 16.5 kpc from the Galactic center and possess flight times that are shorter than their evolutionary ages, which is compatible with a runaway hypothesis. Three MS candidates have ejection velocities exceeding 450 km s−1, thus, they appear to challenge the canonical ejection scenarios for late B-type stars. The fastest star of our sample also has a non-negligible Galactic escape probability if its MS nature can be confirmed. We identify 27 BHB candidates, and the two hottest stars in our sample are rare low-mass stars of late O- and early B-types, evolving towards the white dwarf cooling sequence.

Conclusions. The combination of Gaia parallaxes and proper motions can lead to the efficient selection of runaway blue MS candidates up to 10 kpc away from the Sun. High resolution spectra are needed to confirm the MS status, via precise measurements of projected rotational velocities and chemical compositions.
Higher-order statistics of shear field via a machine learning approach
Authors: Parroni Carolina , Tollet Édouard , Cardone Vincenzo F. , Maoli Roberto , Scaramella Roberto
Published: November 2020

Context.The unprecedented amount and the excellent quality of lensing data expected from upcoming ground and space-based surveys present a great opportunity for shedding light on questions that remain unanswered with regard to our universe and the validity of the standard ΛCDM cosmological model. The development of new techniques that are capable of exploiting the vast quantity of data provided by future observations, in the most effective way possible, is of great importance.

Aims.This is the reason we chose to investigate the development of a new method for treating weak-lensing higher-order statistics, which are known to break the degeneracy among cosmological parameters thanks to their capacity to probe non-Gaussian properties of the shear field. In particular, the proposed method applies directly to the observed quantity, namely, the noisy galaxy ellipticity.

Methods.We produced simulated lensing maps with different sets of cosmological parameters and used them to measure higher-order moments, Minkowski functionals, Betti numbers, and other statistics related to graph theory. This allowed us to construct datasets with a range of sizes, levels of precision, and smoothing. We then applied several machine learning algorithms to determine which method best predicts the actual cosmological parameters associated with each simulation.

Results.The most optimal model turned out to be a simple multidimensional linear regression. We use this model to compare the results coming from the different datasets and find that we can measure, with a good level of accuracy, the majority of the parameters considered in this study. We also investigated the relation between each higher-order estimator and the different cosmological parameters for several signal-to-noise thresholds and redshifts bins.

Conclusions.Given the promising results we obtained, we consider this approach a valuable resource that is worthy of further development.
The LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey Deep Fields
Authors: Smith D. J. B. , Haskell P. , Gürkan G. , Best P. N. , Hardcastle M. J. , Kondapally R. , Williams W. , Duncan K. J. , Cochrane R. K. , McCheyne I. , Röttgering H. J. A. , Sabater J. , Shimwell T. W. , Tasse C. , Bonato M. , Bondi M. , Jarvis M. J. , Leslie S. K. , Prandoni I. , Wang L.
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we investigate the relationship between 150 MHz luminosity and the star-formation rate – the SFR-L150 MHzrelation – using 150 MHz measurements for a near-infrared selected sample of 118 517z< 1 galaxies. New radio survey data offer compelling advantages over previous generation surveys for studying star formation in galaxies, including huge increases in sensitivity, survey speed, and resolution, while remaining impervious to extinction. The LOFAR Surveys Key Science Project is transforming our understanding of the low-frequency radio sky, with the 150 MHz data over the European Large Area Infrared Space Observatory Survey-North 1 field reaching an rms sensitivity of 20μJy beam−1over 10 deg2at 6 arcsec resolution. All of the galaxies studied have SFR and stellar mass estimates that were derived from energy balance spectral energy distribution fitting using redshifts and aperture-matched forced photometry from the LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey (LoTSS) Deep Fields data release. The impact of active galactic nuclei (AGN) is minimised by leveraging the deep ancillary data in the LoTSS data release, alongside median-likelihood methods that we demonstrate are resistant to AGN contamination. We find a linear and non-evolving SFR-L150 MHzrelation, apparently consistent with expectations based on calorimetric arguments, down to the lowest SFRs < 0.01M⊙yr−1. However, we also recover compelling evidence for stellar mass dependence in line with previous work on this topic, in the sense that higher mass galaxies have a larger 150 MHz luminosity at a given SFR, suggesting that the overall agreement with calorimetric arguments may be a coincidence. We conclude that, in the absence of AGN, 150 MHz observations can be used to measure accurate galaxy SFRs out toz= 1 at least, but it is necessary to account for stellar mass in the estimation in order to obtain 150 MHz-derived SFRs accurate to better than 0.5 dex. Our best-fit relation is log10(L150 MHz ∕W Hz−1) = (0.90 ± 0.01)log10(ψ∕M⊙yr−1) + (0.33 ± 0.04)log10(M∕1010M⊙) + 22.22 ± 0.02.
Assessing building energy efficiency with the help of specific heat demand characteristics: boreal regions of Russia case study
Authors: Junussova Lyazzat , Zhuikov Andrey , Matiushenko Anatoly , Chicherin Stanislav , Ilicheva Anna
Published: November 2020

When data on certain variables is not available for the construction of a building, generalized models are used to assess their heat consumption. However, buildings and their associated substations in the district heating (DH) network of a city have pretty different parameters. Therefore, an error up to 30% is achieved and moreover that type of assessing results into illogical conclusions. To deal with it, the feasibility and validity of the heat demand characteristics should be verified by a handheld thermal camera at the ground level. The primary way is to improve overall DH system efficiency by reducing distribution losses and ensuring correct supply and return temperatures, other ways are related to reduction of heat losses at a demand side.
Effective development of innovative technologies as a method for increasing labor productivity in industry
Authors: Dragunov Andrei , Shenshinov Yuri
Published: November 2020

This article is devoted to the study of issues of increasing the efficiency and productivity of labor in industrial enterprises in the context of the use of innovation. We have proven a direct relationship between innovation and labor productivity. The main postulate is made in the article that the more invested in innovative technologies, the higher labor productivity. Moreover, a new indicator has been introduced - the innovative activity of personnel, which shows the share of human resources employed in innovative processes.
Formation of organizational and economic mechanisms for innovative development of service sector industries: russian and foreign experience
Authors: Krastev Viliyan , Pyankova Svetlana , Ergunova Olga
Published: November 2020

The article determines the concepts of “service” and “innovation”. The article touches upon organizational and economic mechanisms for the innovative development of service sector industries offered by Russian and foreign scientists, in particular in the following spheres: transport, telecommunications, wholesale and retail trade, credit and finance, insurance, consumer services, cultural and recreational services, social services - education, healthcare, and other social services. Methodological recommendations proposed by Russian scientists for the study and implementation of innovations at enterprises in the service sector are combined and consolidated. A methodological approach to the innovative development of the service sector is proposed. In contrast to existing methodologies, the author’s approach takes into account the following stages: coordination of the strategy with the population of the territory and budgeting, analysis of the “failures” in the innovative development of service industries and budget creation based on the “failure-project-target approach”. Moreover, when applying the above mentioned author’s approach, “state failures” are also taken into account, project activities are developed with the greatest efficiency and there is a close connection between activities and targets. Also, the author proposes in the article innovative measures taken into account when developing a strategy for innovative development of services industries.
Scenario model of reproduction of the financial potential of institutional sectors as a tool for forecasting the economic sustainability of regional systems
Authors: Naumov Ilya
Published: November 2020

The paper presents a methodological approach to the formation of a scenario model of reproduction of the financial potential of the main institutional sectors of the economy, which include financial corporations (banks, insurance organizations, non-state pension funds and other investment companies), non-financial corporations (enterprises of various types of economic activity), government sector, households and foreign institutions. This model characterizes the multifaceted processes of transferring investment resources between sectors. It allows to establish the patterns of their reproduction during periods of recession and economic recovery, as well as to form predictive scenarios for the reproduction of the investment potential of the sectors and assess their impact on the dynamics of the economic stability of the territory.
Russian industry innovative activity in the process of transition to the digital economy: trends, threats and opportunities
Authors: Pasmurtseva Natalya
Published: November 2020

The current changes in the economy made up by the transition to the sixth technological order and the development of the “Fourth industrial revolution” concept, are impossible without the innovative technologies development and implementation. In these circumstances it becomes highly important for the industrial enterprises to implement innovative solutions via the use of modern information and communication technologies. This article reveals the problems of the Russian Federation industrial enterprises innovation implementation in the course of transition to the digital economy. The analysis of the innovation activity indicators and the assessment of the software and information and communication technologies use by the Russian Federation industrial production organizations in 2017-2019 were made according to the Federal State Statistics Service data. From the research results the author identifies positive and negative trends in the innovative industrial development in Russia, and identifies the threats to the industrial production innovative solutions implementation and possible ways to minimize them. For this research the author used such methods as: comparative and logical analysis, system approach, graph and table scientific research methods.