bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data-science based analysis of perceptual spaces of odors in olfactory loss
Authors: Lötsch Jörn , Ultsch Alfred , Hähner Antje , Willgeroth Vivien , Bensafi Moustafa , Zaliani Andrea , Hummel Thomas
Published: May 2021

Diminished sense of smell impairs the quality of life but olfactorily disabled people are hardly considered in measures of disability inclusion. We aimed to stratify perceptual characteristics and odors according to the extent to which they are perceived differently with reduced sense of smell, as a possible basis for creating olfactory experiences that are enjoyed in a similar way by subjects with normal or impaired olfactory function. In 146 subjects with normal or reduced olfactory function, perceptual characteristics (edibility, intensity, irritation, temperature, familiarity, hedonics, painfulness) were tested for four sets of 10 different odors each. Data were analyzed with (i) a projection based on principal component analysis and (ii) the training of a machine-learning algorithm in a 1000-fold cross-validated setting to distinguish between olfactory diagnosis based on odor property ratings. Both analytical approaches identified perceived intensity and familiarity with the odor as discriminating characteristics between olfactory diagnoses, while evoked pain sensation and perceived temperature were not discriminating, followed by edibility. Two disjoint sets of odors were identified, i.e., d = 4 “discriminating odors” with respect to olfactory diagnosis, including cis-3-hexenol, methyl salicylate, 1-butanol and cineole, and d = 7 “non-discriminating odors”, including benzyl acetate, heptanal, 4-ethyl-octanoic acid, methional, isobutyric acid, 4-decanolide and p-cresol. Different weightings of the perceptual properties of odors with normal or reduced sense of smell indicate possibilities to create sensory experiences such as food, meals or scents that by emphasizing trigeminal perceptions can be enjoyed by both normosmic and hyposmic individuals.
A nanoparticle-mist deposition method: fabrication of high-performance ITO flexible thin films under atmospheric conditions
Authors: Suzuki Ryoko , Nishi Yasutaka , Matsubara Masaki , Muramatsu Atsushi , Kanie Kiyoshi
Published: May 2021

Indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films with low resistivity and high transparency in the visible light region have been prepared on flexible plastic films by a deposition method using water mist containing ITO nanoparticles (NPs) under atmospheric conditions. The ITO NP-mist was generated by ultrasonic irradiation of a water dispersion. Our developed protrusion-rich ITO NPs were applied as the ITO NPs. The ITO NPs show high dispersion stability in water without the use of any dispersant. Comparison investigations revealed that utilization of the ITO NPs played a critical role in fabricating high-performance ITO thin films on flexible films, and the resistivity reached 9.0 × 10−3 Ω cm. The system could be expected to provide promising advances in the development of a mild and sustainable fabrication procedure for ITO thin films under mild atmospheric conditions without the use of expensive vacuum production systems or harmful and environmentally undesirable chemicals.
Ultralight graphene oxide/polyvinyl alcohol aerogel for broadband and tuneable acoustic properties
Authors: Rapisarda Mario , Malfense Fierro Gian-Piero , Meo Michele
Published: May 2021

An ultralight graphene oxide (GO)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) aerogel (GPA) is proposed as a new class of acoustic materials with tuneable and broadband sound absorption and sound transmission losses. The interaction between GO sheets and PVA molecules is exploited in our environmentally friendly manufacturing process to fabricate aerogels with hierarchical and tuneable porosity embedded in a honeycomb scaffold. The aerogels possess an enhanced ability to dissipate sound energy, with an extremely low density of 2.10 kg m−3, one of the lowest values ever reported for acoustic materials. We have first experimentally evaluated and optimised the effects of composition and thickness on the acoustic properties, namely sound absorption and sound transmission losses. Subsequently, we have employed a semi-analytical approach to evaluate the effect of different processing times on acoustic properties and assessed the relationships between the acoustic and non-acoustic properties of the materials. Over the 400–2500 Hz range, the reported average sound absorption coefficients are as high as 0.79, while the average sound transmission losses can reach 15.8 dB. We envisage that our subwavelength thin and light aerogel-based materials will possess other functional properties such as fire resistance and EMI shielding, and will prove to be novel acoustic materials for advanced engineering applications.
Arylmethylene hydrazine derivatives containing 1,3-dimethylbarbituric moiety as novel urease inhibitors
Authors: Pedrood Keyvan , Azizian Homa , Montazer Mohammad Nazari , Mohammadi‐Khanaposhtani Maryam , Asgari Mohammad Sadegh , Asadi Mehdi , Bahadorikhalili Saeed , Rastegar Hossein , Larijani Bagher , Amanlou Massoud , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: May 2021

A new series of arylmethylene hydrazine derivatives bearing 1,3-dimethylbarbituric moiety 7a–o were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their in vitro urease inhibitory activity. All the title compounds displayed high anti-urease activity, with IC50 values in the range of 0.61 ± 0.06–4.56 ± 0.18 µM as compared to the two standard inhibitors hydroxyurea (IC50 = 100 ± 0.15 μM) and thiourea (IC50 = 23 ± 1.7 μM). Among the synthesized compounds, compound 7h with 2-nitro benzylidene group was found to be the most potent compound. Kinetic study of this compound revealed that it is a mix-mode inhibitor against urease. Evaluation of the interaction modes of the synthesized compounds in urease active site by molecular modeling revealed that that compounds with higher urease inhibitor activity (7h, 7m, 7c, 7l, 7i, and 7o, with IC50 of 0.61, 0.86, 1.2, 1.34, 1.33, 1.94 μM, respectively) could interact with higher number of residues, specially Arg609, Cys592 (as part of urease active site flap) and showed higher computed free energy, while compounds with lower urease activity (7f, 7n, 7g, and 7a with IC50 of 3.56, 4.56, 3.62 and 4.43 μM, respectively) and could not provide the proper interaction with Arg609, and Cys592 as the key interacting residues along with lower free binding energy. MD investigation revealed compound 7h interacted with Arg609 and Cys592 which are of the key residues at the root part of mobile flap covering the active site. Interacting with the mentioned residue for a significant amount of time, affects the flexibility of the mobile flap covering the active site and causes inhibition of the ureolytic activity. Furthermore, in silico physico-chemical study of compounds 7a–o predicted that all these compounds are drug-likeness with considerable orally availability.
Human delta like 1-expressing human mesenchymal stromal cells promote human T cell development and antigen-specific response in humanized NOD/SCID/IL-2R$$\upgamma $$null (NSG) mice
Authors: Kwon Do Hee , Park Jae Berm , Lee Joo Sang , Kim Sung Joo , Choi Bongkum , Lee Ki-Young
Published: May 2021

Human delta-like 1 (hDlk1) is known to be able to regulate cell fate decisions during hematopoiesis. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are known to exhibit potent immunomodulatory roles in a variety of diseases. Herein, we investigated in vivo functions of hDlk1-hMSCs and hDlk1+hMSCs in T cell development and T cell response to viral infection in humanized NOD/SCID/IL-2Rγnull (NSG) mice. Co-injection of hDlk1-hMSC with hCD34+ cord blood (CB) cells into the liver of NSG mice markedly suppressed the development of human T cells. In contrast, co-injection of hDlk1+hMSC with hCD34+ CB cells into the liver of NSG dramatically promoted the development of human T cells. Human T cells developed in humanized NSG mice represent markedly diverse, functionally active, TCR V$$\upbeta $$
β
usages, and the restriction to human MHC molecules. Upon challenge with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), EBV-specific hCD8+ T cells in humanized NSG mice were effectively mounted with phenotypically activated T cells presented as hCD45+hCD3+hCD8+hCD45RO+hHLA-DR+ T cells, suggesting that antigen-specific T cell response was induced in the humanized NSG mice. Taken together, our data suggest that the hDlk1-expressing MSCs can effectively promote the development of human T cells and immune response to exogenous antigen in humanized NSG mice. Thus, the humanized NSG model might have potential advantages for the development of therapeutics targeting infectious diseases in the future.
Probing an AI regression model for hand bone age determination using gradient-based saliency mapping
Authors: Wang Zhiyue J.
Published: May 2021

Understanding how a neural network makes decisions holds significant value for users. For this reason, gradient-based saliency mapping was tested on an artificial intelligence (AI) regression model for determining hand bone age from X-ray radiographs. The partial derivative (PD) of the inferred age with respect to input image intensity at each pixel served as a saliency marker to find sensitive areas contributing to the outcome. The mean of the absolute PD values was calculated for five anatomical regions of interest, and one hundred test images were evaluated with this procedure. The PD maps suggested that the AI model employed a holistic approach in determining hand bone age, with the wrist area being the most important at early ages. However, this importance decreased with increasing age. The middle section of the metacarpal bones was the least important area for bone age determination. The muscular region between the first and second metacarpal bones also exhibited high PD values but contained no bone age information, suggesting a region of vulnerability in age determination. An end-to-end gradient-based saliency map can be obtained from a black box regression AI model and provide insight into how the model makes decisions.
Visuospatial working memory dysfunction from tapping span test as a diagnostic tool for patients with mild posterior cortical atrophy
Authors: Funayama Michitaka , Takata Taketo , Nakagawa Yoshitaka , Sunagawa Kosaku , Nakajima Asuka , Kawashima Hiroaki , Mimura Masaru
Published: May 2021

Posterior cortical atrophy is a rare degenerative condition with prominent visuospatial dysfunction which commonly occurs between ages 50 and 65. A diagnosis of mild posterior cortical atrophy sometimes challenging and can be delayed because there are currently no established neuropsychological examination methods that can easily be used in clinical settings. In this study, we examined whether the tapping span test is a potential diagnostic tool for posterior cortical atrophy and what impairment the tapping span test is indicative of in this condition. Eight patients with mild posterior cortical atrophy were recruited. Age- and severity-matched individuals with amnesic Alzheimer’s disease (n = 9) were also recruited as a control group. The participants were subjected to the tapping span test and several visuospatial working memory tests. The results of the tapping span and visuospatial working memory tests were worse for the posterior cortical atrophy group when compared with the control group. The results from the tapping span tests were strongly correlated with those from the visuospatial working memory tests. The tapping span test is a simple and potentially useful diagnostic tool for patients with mild posterior cortical atrophy, as it reflects visuospatial working memory function.
X-ray fan beam coded aperture transmission and diffraction imaging for fast material analysis
Authors: Stryker Stefan , Greenberg Joel A. , McCall Shannon J. , Kapadia Anuj J.
Published: May 2021

X-ray transmission imaging has been used in a variety of applications for high-resolution measurements based on shape and density. Similarly, X-ray diffraction (XRD) imaging has been used widely for molecular structure-based identification of materials. Combining these X-ray methods has the potential to provide high-resolution material identification, exceeding the capabilities of either modality alone. However, XRD imaging methods have been limited in application by their long measurement times and poor spatial resolution, which has generally precluded combined, rapid measurements of X-ray transmission and diffraction. In this work, we present a novel X-ray fan beam coded aperture transmission and diffraction imaging system, developed using commercially available components, for rapid and accurate non-destructive imaging of industrial and biomedical specimens. The imaging system uses a 160 kV Bremsstrahlung X-ray source while achieving a spatial resolution of ≈ 1 × 1 mm2 and a spectral accuracy of > 95% with only 15 s exposures per 150 mm fan beam slice. Applications of this technology are reported in geological imaging, pharmaceutical inspection, and medical diagnosis. The performance of the imaging system indicates improved material differentiation relative to transmission imaging alone at scan times suitable for a variety of industrial and biomedical applications.
Comparison of electrochemical impedance spectra for electrolyte-supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs)
Authors: Sumi Hirofumi , Shimada Hiroyuki , Yamaguchi Yuki , Mizutani Yasunobu , Okuyama Yuji , Amezawa Koji
Published: May 2021

Protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) are expected to achieve high power generation efficiency at intermediate temperature around 400–600 °C. In the present work, the distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis was investigated in order to deconvolute the anode and cathode polarization resistances for PCFCs supported on yttria-doped barium cerate (BCY) electrolyte in comparison with solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) supported on scandia-stabilized zirconia (ScSZ) electrolyte. Four DRT peaks were detected from the impedance spectra measured at 700 °C excluding the gas diffusion process for ScSZ and BCY. The DRT peaks at 5 × 102–1 × 104 Hz and 1 × 100–2 × 102 Hz were related to the hydrogen oxidation reaction at the anode and the oxygen reduction reaction at the cathode, respectively, for both cells. The DRT peak at 2 × 101–1 × 103 Hz depended on the hydrogen concentration at the anode for ScSZ, while it was dependent on the oxygen concentration at the cathode for BCY. Compared to ScSZ, steam was produced at the opposite electrode in the case of BCY, which enhanced the cathode polarization resistance for PCFCs.
Regulatory role of the intestinal microbiota in the immune response against Giardia
Authors: Maertens B. , Gagnaire A. , Paerewijck O. , De Bosscher K. , Geldhof P.
Published: May 2021

Giardia duodenalis is one of the most commonly found intestinal parasites in mammalian hosts. Infections can generally be cleared by mounting an adequate protective immune response that is orchestrated through IL-17A. This study was aimed to investigate if and how the intestinal microbiome affects the protective Th17 response against Giardia by analysing and comparing the immune response following a G. muris and G. duodenalis infection in antibiotic treated and untreated mice. Depletion of the intestinal flora by antibiotic treatment had a severe effect on the infection dynamics of both Giardia species. Not only duration of infection was affected, but also the parasite burden increased significantly. Markers associated with a protective immune response, such as IL-17A and mannose binding lectin 2 were still significantly upregulated following infection in the antibiotic-treated mice, despite the lack of protection. On the other hand, the antibiotic treatment significantly decreased the level of IgA in the intestinal lumen by affecting its transporter and by reducing the number of IgA+ B-cells at the Peyer’s patches. Furthermore, the depletion of the gut microbiota by antibiotics also significantly lowered the intestinal motility. The combination of these factors likely results in a decreased clearance of the parasite from the intestinal tract.
DNA methylation changes during long-term in vitro cell culture are caused by epigenetic drift
Authors: Franzen Julia , Georgomanolis Theodoros , Selich Anton , Kuo Chao-Chung , Stöger Reinhard , Brant Lilija , Mulabdić Melita Sara , Fernandez-Rebollo Eduardo , Grezella Clara , Ostrowska Alina , Begemann Matthias , Nikolić Miloš , Rath Björn , Ho Anthony D. , Rothe Michael , Schambach Axel , Papantonis Argyris , Wagner Wolfgang
Published: May 2021

Culture expansion of primary cells evokes highly reproducible DNA methylation (DNAm) changes. We have identified CG dinucleotides (CpGs) that become continuously hyper- or hypomethylated during long-term culture of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and other cell types. Bisulfite barcoded amplicon sequencing (BBA-seq) demonstrated that DNAm patterns of neighboring CpGs become more complex without evidence of continuous pattern development and without association to oligoclonal subpopulations. Circularized chromatin conformation capture (4C) revealed reproducible changes in nuclear organization between early and late passages, while there was no enriched interaction with other genomic regions that also harbor culture-associated DNAm changes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation of CTCF did not show significant differences during long-term culture of MSCs, however culture-associated hypermethylation was enriched at CTCF binding sites and hypomethylated CpGs were devoid of CTCF. Taken together, our results support the notion that DNAm changes during culture-expansion are not directly regulated by a targeted mechanism but rather resemble epigenetic drift.
Plasmonic and label-free real-time quantitative PCR for point-of-care diagnostics
Authors: Mohammadyousef Padideh , Paliouras Miltiadis , Trifiro Mark A. , Kirk Andrew G.
Published: May 2021

Plasmonic-driven PCR is achieved by a VCSEL with real-time amplicon generation provided by label-free UV monitoring. This miniature device provides high amplification efficiency and rapid sample analysis to allow for point-of-care testing.
Eco-friendly synthesis of chromeno[4,3-b]chromenes with a new photosensitized WO3/ZnO@NH2-EY nanocatalyst
Authors: Jalili Zahra , Tayebee Reza , Zonoz Farrokhzad M.
Published: May 2021

WO3/ZnO@NH2-EY is disclosed in the preparation of chromenes under air in the presence of a green LED. ˙O2−, OH˙, and h+ are proposed as reactive species and hot filtration test assured stability and reusability of the nanocatalyst.
Epitaxial LaMnO3 films with remarkably fast oxygen transport properties at low temperature
Authors: Rodriguez-Lamas Raquel , Pirovano Caroline , Stangl Alexander , Pla Dolors , Jónsson Ragnar , Rapenne Laetitia , Sarigiannidou Eirini , Nuns Nicolas , Roussel Hervé , Chaix-Pluchery Odette , Boudard Michel , Jiménez Carmen , Vannier Rose-Noëlle , Burriel Mónica
Published: May 2021

Unexpectedly high oxygen diffusion coefficients were measured for LaMnO3 at 500 °C, below its phase transition temperature, and in the range of interest for its potential use in micro Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (μ-SOFCs).
An electrochemiluminescence aptasensor for diethylstilbestrol assay based on resonance energy transfer between Ag3PO4-Cu-MOF(ii) and silver nanoparticles
Authors: Su Chang , Song Qingyuan , Jiang Ding , Dong Chunping , Shan Xueling , Chen Zhidong
Published: May 2021

A novel electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptasensor based on resonance energy transfer between Ag3PO4-Cu-MOF(ii) and silver nanoparticles for the determination of diethylstilbestrol.
Recent developments in highly basic N-heterocyclic iminato ligands in actinide chemistry
Authors: Revathi Shanmugam , Raja Preethi , Saha Sayantani , Eisen Moris S. , Ghatak Tapas
Published: May 2021

Recent findings in the chemistry of light actinide metal ions with N-heterocyclic iminato moieties as supporting ligands are described in the current review article. The emphasis is on the catalytic applicability of actinide complexes for oxygen containing substrates.
Two-photon fluorescence and MR bio-imaging of endogenous H2O2 in the tumor microenvironment using a dual-mode nanoprobe
Authors: Zhong Hongmei , Yu Shengrong , Li Bingqian , He Kangdi , Li Dian , Wang Xiao , Wu Yong-Xiang
Published: May 2021

The dual-mode bio-imaging nanoprobe, TP-CQDs@MnO2, has been developed for the TP fluorescence and MR imaging of endogenous H2O2 in the TME; it achieved high selectivity, a great signal-to-noise ratio, a limit of detection of 1.425 pM for H2O2, and a two-photon tissue penetration depth of 280 μm.
Synthetic approaches for accessing rare-earth analogues of UiO-66
Authors: Donnarumma P. Rafael , Frojmovic Sahara , Marino Paola , Bicalho Hudson A. , Titi Hatem M. , Howarth Ashlee J.
Published: May 2021

A series of rare-earth based UiO-66 analogues is synthesised through different approaches with the aid of two different solvents.
Vinylogous hydrazone strategy for the organocatalytic alkylation of heteroaromatic derivatives
Authors: Łukasik Beata , Kowalska Justyna , Frankowski Sebastian , Albrecht Łukasz
Published: May 2021

A new umpolung approach for the asymmetric Friedel–Crafts-type alkylation of electron-poor heteroaromatic systems has been developed. It is based on the vinylogous reactivity of hydrazones derived from heteroaromatic aldehydes.
A water-soluble naphthalenediimide-containing hexacationic cage
Authors: Fang Shuai , Li Errui , Zhu Dingsheng , Wu Guangcheng , Zhang Qinhao , Lin Chuhao , Huang Feihe , Li Hao
Published: May 2021

A one-pot synthesized cage was obtained without further purification. It accommodates guests in different manners and absorbs I2 in the solid state.
Radical-mediated sulfonyl alkynylation, allylation, and cyanation of propellane
Authors: Wu Zhen , Xu Yaohui , Zhang Huihui , Wu Xinxin , Zhu Chen
Published: May 2021

Disclosed herein is an efficient and practical preparation of sulfonyl alkynyl/allyl/cyano-substituted BCP derivatives through a novel radical-mediated difunctionalization of propellane.
ACE2 glycans preferentially interact with SARS-CoV-2 over SARS-CoV
Authors: Acharya Atanu , Lynch Diane L. , Pavlova Anna , Pang Yui Tik , Gumbart James C.
Published: May 2021

We report a distinct difference in the interactions of the glycans of the host-cell receptor, ACE2, with SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV S-protein receptor-binding domains (RBDs).
Co-crystal of Ti4Ni2 and Ti8Ni4 clusters with enhanced photochemical properties
Authors: Wang Chao , Lu Yong Jun , Rao Ming Yang , Chen Ning , Wang Shou Juan , Kong Fan Gong
Published: May 2021

A heterometallic cluster with co-crystal arrangement, {Ti8Ni4+ Ti4Ni2}, which exhibits enhanced photocurrent response and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity, has been synthesized.
Structural modulation of phenothiazine and coumarin based derivatives for high performance dye sensitized solar cells: a theoretical study
Authors: Ahmed Shahnaz , Bora Smiti Rani , Chutia Tridip , Kalita Dhruba Jyoti
Published: May 2021

A series of dyes with the D–π–A architecture has been designed and studied for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
Kinetics of CH2OO and syn-CH3CHOO reaction with acrolein
Authors: Zhou Xiaohu , Chen Yang , Liu Yiqiang , Li Xinyong , Dong Wenrui , Yang Xueming
Published: May 2021

The rate coefficients of CH2OO/syn-CH3CHOO + CH2CHCHO reactions were studied at temperatures and pressures in the range of 283–318 K and 5–200 Torr.
Hole doping and chemical pressure effects on the strong coupling superconductor PdTe
Authors: Chen Li , Ide Ando , Jeschke Harald O. , Kobayashi Kaya
Published: May 2021

Superconducting transition temperature Tc shows a dependence on an angle formed between Te–Pd–Te in a PdTe6 octahedron (inset).
X-ray stability and degradation mechanism of lead halide perovskites and lead halides
Authors: Svanström Sebastian , García Fernández Alberto , Sloboda Tamara , Jacobsson T. Jesper , Rensmo Håkan , Cappel Ute B.
Published: May 2021

The degradation of lead halides perovskites under X-ray irradiation follows different pathways and has different kinetics depending on if the radiolysis of the organic cation or the lead halide cage is dominant.
Application-specific thermodynamic favorability zones for direct air capture of carbon dioxide
Authors: Petersen Haley A. , Luca Oana R.
Published: May 2021

This work maps thermodynamic favorability zones for the capture of carbon dioxide from air.
Sustainable electrode material for high-energy supercapacitor: biomass-derived graphene-like porous carbon with three-dimensional hierarchically ordered ion highways
Authors: Karaman Ceren , Karaman Onur , Atar Necip , Yola Mehmet Lütfi
Published: May 2021

Graphene-like porous carbon with fine-tuned 3D ion highways was synthesized from orange-peel wastes. The obtained energy and power density values are comparable to those of commercial high-performance supercapacitors as well as lead-acid and nickel-metal hybrid batteries.
Routes involving no free C2 in a DFT-computed mechanistic model for the reported room-temperature chemical synthesis of C2
Authors: Rzepa Henry S.
Published: May 2021

DFT and coupled cluster calculations indicate a suggested unimolecular mechanism for the production and trapping of the theoretically interesting free diatomic species C2 from an iodonium-ylid precursor is less likely than bimolecular 1,1- and 1,2-substitution modes involving no free C2.
Electrophilicity in heterogeneous catalysis: role of surface and sub-surface modification
Authors: Burange Anand S. , Ahmad Awais , Luque Rafael
Published: May 2021

Surface and sub-surface modification can play a significant role in improving the catalytic activity in designed systems.
Changes in neighborhood air quality after idling of an urban oil production site
Authors: Johnston Jill E. , Okorn Kristen , Van Horne Yoshira Ornelas , Jimenez Amanda
Published: May 2021

Near urban oil and gas production sites, residents may face poorer air quality due to the oil and gas activities which may pose adverse health and environmental risks to fenceline communities.
Improved determination of technologically critical elements in sediment digests by ICP-MS/MS using N2O as a reaction gas
Authors: Klein Ole , Zimmermann Tristan , Pröfrock Daniel
Published: May 2021

The multi element ICP-MS/MS method to analyze technologically critical elements (TCEs) in sediment digests using N2O as a reaction gas.
Mechanisms and inhibitors of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase
Authors: Iyamu Iredia D. , Huang Rong
Published: May 2021

Recent advances in the substrate recognition, kinetic mechanisms, and the development of inhibitors for nicotinamide N-methyltransferase.
A mimotope attached to an ITIM–SHP-1 interaction inhibitory peptide boosts immune response and efficacy
Authors: Roy Koushik , Roy Syamal , Roy Siddhartha
Published: May 2021

Conformationally-constrained antigen is more immunogenic and attenuation of inhibitory Fc receptor by ITIM mimicking peptide enhance antibody production to a defined peptide antigen.
Exploring the 3D structure and defects of a self-assembled gold mesocrystal by coherent X-ray diffraction imaging
Authors: Carnis Jerome , Kirner Felizitas , Lapkin Dmitry , Sturm Sebastian , Kim Young Yong , Baburin Igor A. , Khubbutdinov Ruslan , Ignatenko Alexandr , Iashina Ekaterina , Mistonov Alexander , Steegemans Tristan , Wieck Thomas , Gemming Thomas , Lubk Axel , Lazarev Sergey , Sprung Michael , Vartanyants Ivan A. , Sturm Elena V.
Published: May 2021

Using coherent X-ray diffraction imaging, the structure of the self-assembled gold mesocrystal was determined with the resolution sufficient to resolve its structural heterogeneity, including defects and local deviations of lattice parameters.
Kinetic and deuterium isotope analyses of ammonia electrochemical synthesis
Authors: Li Chien-I. , Matsuo Hiroki , Otomo Junichiro
Published: May 2021

Electrochemical promotion of ammonia formation is mainly governed by surface reaction with N2 and H2 in the cathode.
Visual detection of heart failure associated MiRNA with DSN enzyme-based recycling amplification strategy
Authors: You Zhenfei , Yang Zeping , Chen Yu , Zhang Lei
Published: May 2021

MicroRNA 21 (miRNA-21) is reported to be closely associated with the development of heart failure, cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy, which could be a promising biomarker for the early-diagnosis of heart failure.
The synthesis of nanocarbon-poly(ricinoleic acid) composite as a lubricant additive with improved dispersity and anti-wear properties
Authors: Guan Shuzhe , Liu Xuanchi , Eli Wumanjiang
Published: May 2021

Synthesis of nanocarbon-poly(ricinoleic acid) composite as a lubricant additive with improved dispersity and anti-wear properties.
Probing protein dissociation from gold nanoparticles and the influence of temperature from the protein corona formation mechanism
Authors: Li Meifeng , Zhang Xiaoning , Li Sining , Shao Xiaoqing , Chen Huixian , Lv Lei , Huang Xiaowen
Published: May 2021

A protein corona changes protein's structure and characteristics, hindering their identification in situ. Dissociation is an important solution to identify their composition.
Rational structural modification of the isatin scaffold to develop new and potent antimicrobial agents targeting bacterial peptidoglycan glycosyltransferase
Authors: Wang Yong , Liang Zhiguang , Zheng Yuanyuan , Leung Alan Siu-Lun , Yan Siu-Cheong , So Pui-Kin , Leung Yun-Chung , Wong Wing-Leung , Wong Kwok-Yin
Published: May 2021

Isatin-based small molecules targeting bacterial peptidoglycan glycosyltransferase are potent antimicrobial agents againstS. aureus,E. coliand methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusstrains.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of biotin-conjugated Portulaca oleracea polysaccharides
Authors: Han Qianqian , Huang Lirong , Luo Qiang , Wang Ying , Wu Mingliang , Sun Shixin , Zhang Hongmei , Wang Yanqing
Published: May 2021

Biotin grafted onto Portulaca oleracea polysaccharides (Bio-POP) was successfully prepared by the esterification reaction. Bio-POP conjugates had an obvious effect on the proliferation of A549 cells and induced A549 cells to exhibit immune activity.
Semisynthetic ‘designer’ p53 sheds light on a phosphorylation–acetylation relay
Authors: Margiola Sofia , Gerecht Karola , Müller Manuel M.
Published: May 2021

‘Designer’ p53: semi-synthesis of the tumor suppressor protein p53vianative chemical ligation enablesin vitrostructure–activity studies to reveal how this master regulator of cell fate is itself regulated by phosphorylation.
Playing with the weakest supramolecular interactions in a 3D crystalline hexakis[60]fullerene induces control over hydrogenation selectivity
Authors: Fernandez-Bartolome Estefania , Gamonal Arturo , Santos José , Khodabakhshi Saeed , Rodríguez-Sánchez Eider , Sañudo E. Carolina , Martín Nazario , Sánchez Costa José
Published: May 2021

Weak forces play an essential role in chemistry. Controlling these supramolecular interactions will contribute to the creation dynamic absorbent materials with a variety of technological applications as chemosensors and environmental remediation.
Helix-mediated over 1 nm-range chirality recognition by ligand-to-ligand interactions of dinuclear helicates
Authors: Suko Natsumi , Itamoto Hideki , Okayasu Yoshinori , Okura Naoya , Yuasa Junpei
Published: May 2021

Long-range chirality recognition between the two chiral guest ligands can be tuned based on the helix distances (dLn–Ln = 11.5 and 14.0 Å) of bis-diketonate bridged dinuclear lanthanide complexes (2Th and 3Th, respectively).
A NiN3-embedded MoS2monolayer as a promising electrocatalyst with high activity for the oxygen evolution reaction: a computational study
Authors: Li Xinyi , Jiao Dongxu , Liang Yanyu , Zhao Jingxiang
Published: May 2021

A NiN3moiety embedded two-dimensional MoS2monolayer exhibits high stability and superior catalytic activity toward the oxygen evolution reaction with a low overpotential of 0.45 V.
Confinement size determines the architecture of Ran-induced microtubule networks
Authors: Gai Ya , Cook Brian , Setru Sagar , Stone Howard A. , Petry Sabine
Published: May 2021

By using microfluidics to encapsulate mitotic extracts, we show that both microtubule nucleation and physical confinement play critical roles in determining the spatial organization of the microtubule cytoskeleton.
Equilibrium organization, conformation, and dynamics of two polymers under box-like confinement
Authors: Polson James M. , Rehel Desiree A.
Published: May 2021

Computer simulations reveal the effects of crowding and confinement on the organization and dynamics of a system of two polymers in a box-like nanocavity.
Mask-painting symmetrical micro-supercapacitors based on scalable, pore size adjustable, N-doped hierarchical porous carbon
Authors: Zhu Shijin , Göbel Michael , Formanek Petr , Simon Frank , Sommer Michael , Choudhury Soumyadip
Published: May 2021

N-doped hierarchical porous carbon with an ultrahigh specific surface area was synthesized by a stepwise pore forming process. Stable electrochemical performance and rate capability were achieved in microsupercapacitors in shunt and tandem models.
Recent progress in self-healing polymers and hydrogels based on reversible dynamic B–O bonds: boronic/boronate esters, borax, and benzoxaborole
Authors: Cho Seungwan , Hwang Sung Yeon , Oh Dongyeop X. , Park Jeyoung
Published: May 2021

Reversible boronic ester-based polymers/hydrogels achieve cutting-edge biomedical applications including drug delivery, adhesion, bioimplants, healthcare monitoring by self-healing, injectability, biocompatibility, multi-responsiveness to stimuli.
pH-dependent hydrogen evolution using spatially confined ruthenium on hollow N-doped carbon nanocages as a Mott–Schottky catalyst
Authors: Sarkar Bidushi , Das Debanjan , Nanda Karuna Kar
Published: May 2021

We demonstrate Ru nanoparticles confined on a N-doped hollow carbon matrix as a wide pH hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst. The formation of a Mott–Schottky heterojunction at the strongly coupled Ru/N-doped C interface enhances the catalysis.
Fabrication and design of new redox active azure A/3D graphene aerogel and conductive trypan blue–nickel MOF nanosheet array electrodes for an asymmetric supercapattery
Authors: Renani Tahereh Sadeghian , Khoshfetrat Seyyed Mehdi , Arjomandi Jalal , Shi Hu , Khazalpour Sadegh
Published: May 2021

Great efforts have been made to design and fabricate low-cost, high efficiency advanced electrode materials for energy storage devices such as batteries and high-performance supercapacitors.
A metal–organic framework derived electrical insulating–conductive double-layer configuration for stable lithium metal anodes
Authors: Man Jianzong , Liu Wenlong , Zhang Haibang , Liu Kun , Cui Yongfu , Yin Jinpeng , Wang Xinyu , Sun Juncai
Published: May 2021

An electrical insulating–conductive double-layer configuration is designed to simultaneously realize low volume expansion and dendrite-free lithium metal anodes.
Recent near-infrared light-activated nanomedicine toward precision cancer therapy
Authors: Luan Xiaowei , Pan Yongchun , Gao Yanfeng , Song Yujun
Published: May 2021

This review summarizes the recent developments in different NIR-based nanomedicine for cancer therapy.
Molecular conformational transition of chiral conjugated enantiomers dominated by Wallach's rule
Authors: Yu Meng-Na , Li Yin-Xiang , Xu Man , Lin Jin-Yi , Gu Jia-Bin , Sun Ning- , Lin Dong-Qing , Wang Yong-Xia , Xie Ling-Hai , Huang Wei
Published: May 2021

Comparison of racemic and homochiral analogues reveals that the racemic compounds appear to crystallize easily upon external thermal annealing and show more stable morphology.
Bi2WO6 lead-free ferroelectrics: microstructure design, polar behavior and photovoltaic performance
Authors: He Xiang , Chen Chen , Gong Yunyun , Zeng Huarong , Yi Zhiguo
Published: May 2021

Bi2WO6 lead-free ceramics with randomly oriented polyhedron grains (R-BWO) and textured plate-like grains (T-BWO) were prepared by controlling the precursor morphology in combination with sintering method optimization.
The role of balanced dual charge generation pathways in ternary organic solar cells
Authors: Chen Zewen , Chen Hongzhu , Feng Chuang , Wang Xiaojing , He Zhicai , Cao Yong
Published: May 2021

Balanced photoinduced electron transfer (PET) and photoinduced hole transfer (PHT) processes is achieved in ternary OSCs as a result of the improved phase morphology and crystallization of the active layer and the formation of the “acceptor alloys”.
Oligoene and cyanine features of tetracyano quinoidal oligothiophenes
Authors: Moles Quintero Sergio , Zafra José Luis , Yamamoto Keitaro , Aso Yoshio , Ie Yutaka , Casado Juan
Published: May 2021

The π-electronic space between even-electron oligoenes and odd-electron cyanines is covered by the neutral and anion redox states of tetracyano quinoidal oligothiophenes enlightening them with versatile structure–function properties.
Detection of polyamines by an extended gate-type organic transistor functionalized with a carboxylate attached 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivative
Authors: Asano Koichiro , Sasaki Yui , Zhou Qi , Mitobe Riho , Tang Wei , Lyu Xiaojun , Kamiko Masao , Tanaka Hikaru , Yamagami Akari , Hagiya Kazutake , Minami Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2021

An extended-gate-type organic transistor functionalized with a carboxylate attached 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivative (TMT) allowed multi-polyamine discrimination based on a competitive assay among the TMT-based monolayer, copper(ii) ions, and polyamines.
Maternal intermittent fasting during pregnancy induces fetal growth restriction and down-regulated placental system A amino acid transport in the rat
Authors: Alkhalefah Alaa , Dunn Warwick B. , Allwood James W. , Parry Kate L. , Houghton Franchesca D. , Ashton Nick , Glazier Jocelyn D.
Published: May 2021

During Ramadan, many pregnant Muslim women fast between dawn and sunset. Although the impacts of prolonged maternal intermittent fasting (IF) on fetal growth and placental function are under-researched, reported effects include reduced placental weight and birth weight. In the present study, pregnant Wistar rats were used to model repeated cycles of IF on fetal development and placental function and to examine sex-specific effects. In the IF group, food was withdrawn daily from 17:00 to 09:00 over 21 days of gestation, while the control group received food ad libitum. Both groups had free water access. IF dams consumed less food, had significantly reduced weight compared with controls, with reduced plasma glucose and amino acids. Both fetal sexes were significantly lighter in the IF group with reduced fetal plasma amino acids. Placental weights and morphology were unchanged. The profile of placental metabolites was altered in the IF group with sex-specific responses evident. Transplacental flux of 14C-methylaminoisobutyric acid (14C-MeAIB), a system A amino acid transporter substrate, was significantly reduced in both fetal sexes in the IF group. Sodium-dependent 14C-MeAIB uptake into isolated placental plasma membrane vesicles was unchanged. The gene expression of system A transporter Slc38a1, Slc38a2 and Slc38a4 was up-regulated in IF male placentas only. No changes were observed in placental SNAT1 and SNAT2 protein expression. Maternal IF results in detrimental impacts on maternal physiology and fetal development with changes in the placental and fetal metabolite profiles. Reduced placental system A transporter activity may be responsible for fetal growth restriction in both sexes.
Effects of Verb Network Strengthening Treatment on Sound-Level and Speech Production Errors in Individuals With Aphasia and Acquired Apraxia of Speech
Authors: Nealon Kate C. , Edmonds Lisa A.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This retrospective pilot study investigated whether sound-level and speech production errors decreased in confrontation naming following Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST) for four participants with acquired apraxia of speech (A-AOS) and aphasia for whom lexical retrieval was previously reported. Specifically, we investigated a potential increase in correct number of syllables per word and posttreatment changes across three domains of speech: segmental production, fluency, and prosody. It was hypothesized that treatment shown to increase lexical retrieval in persons with aphasia and A-AOS could potentially facilitate a reduction in sound-level and speech production errors consistent with dual diagnoses of A-AOS and aphasia.

Method

Naming responses from four participants with aphasia and A-AOS who previously participated in VNeST studies were investigated for correct number of syllables per word and measures of segmental speech, fluency, and prosody.

Results

Significant gains in at least one measure of speech production were reported for three of the participants. One participant demonstrated decreased segmental speech errors, two showed significant reduction on syllable segmentation, and two demonstrated a significant reduction on false starts and pauses. Significant gains in production of correct number of syllables were limited to one participant, and one participant did not demonstrate increased accuracy on any measure of speech production.

Conclusions

While speech production errors consistent with motor speech impairment cannot always be definitively distinguished from the confound of aphasia, two participants produced significantly decreased segmentation of syllables, a characteristic unique to A-AOS. The sound-level and speech production changes recorded may be attributed to a combination of interacting motor and language processes and resource allocation. In addition, specific components of VNeST may have contributed to speech production changes. Future work will focus on a prospective study of effects of language therapy (e.g., VNeST) on measures of speech production with investigation beyond the single-word level.
Depth map super‐resolution via shape‐adaptive non‐local regression and direction‐based local smoothness
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Chen Honggang , Ren Chao , Zhu Ce
Published: May 2021

In this letter, a novel single depth map super‐resolution algorithm is proposed, which combines the non‐local prior and local smoothness prior. Unlike the color‐guided methods, the proposed method does not need a corresponding color image to aid the depth map super‐resolution. To explore the non‐local self‐similarity in the depth map, a shape‐adaptive adjusted non‐local regression is constructed using the shape‐adaptive similar patch groups. This prior can make full use of the non‐local information of the depth map and alleviate the effect of irrelevant pixels. To construct different local structures, the direction‐based local smoothness prior to model the different directional information is proposed, which can preserve the different structures in the depth map. Compared with the state‐of‐the‐art methods, experimental results indicate that the proposed approach can achieve better reconstruction performance.
Value‐stack aggregator optimal planning considering disparate DERs technologies
Authors: Mohamed Amr A. , Sabillon Carlos , Golriz Ali , Venkatesh Bala
Published: May 2021

Federal energy regulatory commission (FERC) Order #2222 prescribes that distributed energy resources (DERs) with 100 kW or more capacity in aggregate should be allowed to participate in organized electricity markets. Most aggregation is via a combination of disparate DER technologies such as solar, wind, storage, electric vehicles, and smart load units. Another stumbling block to enabling participation of DERs in organized electricity markets is the energy limitation. However, there is a lack of aggregator models in the literature that gainfully allow aggregation of disparate DER technologies that are energy limited. To address this shortcoming, we proposed a disparate DER aggregator (DDA) planning model here, that overcomes energy limitation of DERs. The DDA planning model considers multiple revenue streams of (1) capacity credits; (2) energy revenues; and (3) ancillary services revenues. The proposed DDA planning model enables disparate DER technologies to collate and provide a firm power capacity and participate in the market capacity auction and receive capacity credits. This comprehensive DDA planning model considers the dynamic/temporary aggregations with other facilities through peer‐to‐peer (P2P) trade, and maximization of the net present value (NPV) revenues over the planning horizon. The developed model is tested on sample and practical large‐scale case studies. Additional sensitivity analyses are performed, demonstrating the favourable performance and the business potential of the developed DDA planning model.
Remote sensing image super‐resolution based on convolutional blind denoising adaptive dense connection
Authors: Yang Xin , Xie Tangxin , Guo Yingqing , Zhou Dake
Published: May 2021

The current super‐resolution (SR) deep network is mainly applied to the common image and pays little attention to the image with noise. The remote sensing image contains much noise, so that the SR reconstruction effect is not satisfactory. Therefore, a convolution blind denoising adaptive dense connection SR (CBD‐ADCSR) network for the remote sensing image is proposed in this paper. The whole model is divided into a convolution blind denoising (CBD) network for denoising and an ADCSR network for reconstruction. Firstly, the components of the network are given in detail and are analysed. Secondly, a data set making method is designed combining motion blur, defocusing blur and Gaussian noise, which is used to generate low‐resolution image data sets with complex degradation for the model training. Finally, through the detailed comparative experiment, it is proved that the reconstruction effect of the CBD‐ADCSR model is better than that of the most state‐of‐the‐art algorithms in objective criteria. In addition, compared with the original ADCSR network, CBD‐ADCSR has a stronger ability for noise suppression.
An improved algorithm using weighted guided coefficient and union self‐adaptive image enhancement for single image haze removal
Authors: Zhou Guangbin , He Lifeng , Qi Yong , Yang Meimei , Zhao Xiao , Chao Yuyan
Published: May 2021

The visibility of outdoor images is usually significantly degraded by haze. Existing dehazing algorithms, such as dark channel prior (DCP) and colour attenuation prior (CAP), have made great progress and are highly effective. However, they all suffer from the problems of dark distortion and detailed information loss. This paper proposes an improved algorithm for single‐image haze removal based on dark channel prior with weighted guided coefficient and union self‐adaptive image enhancement. First, a weighted guided coefficient method with sampling based on guided image filtering is proposed to refine the transmission map efficiently. Second, the k‐means clustering method is adopted to calibrate the original image into bright and non‐bright colour areas and form a transmission constraint matrix. The constraint matrix is then marked by connected‐component labelling, and small bright regions are eliminated to form an atmospheric light constraint matrix, which can suppress the halo effect and optimize the atmospheric light. Finally, an adaptive linear contrast enhancement algorithm with a union score is proposed to optimize restored images. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can overcome the problems of image distortion and detailed information loss and is more efficient than conventional dehazing algorithms.