bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diffusion kurtosis imaging and pathological comparison of early hypoxic–ischemic brain damage in newborn piglets
Authors: Xiao Juan , He Xiaoning , Tian Juan , Chen Honghai , Liu Jing , Yang Chao
Published: October 2020

To investigate the application value of magnetic resonance diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) in hypoxic–ischemic brain damage (HIBD) in newborn piglets and to compare imaging and pathological results. Of 36 piglets investigated, 18 were in the experimental group and 18 in the control group. The HIBD model was established in newborn piglets by ligating the bilateral common carotid arteries and placing them into hypoxic chamber. All piglets underwent conventional MRI and DKI scans at 3, 6, 9, 12, 16, and 24 h postoperatively. Mean kurtosis (MK) and mean diffusivity (MD) maps were constructed. Then, the lesions were examined using light and electron microscopy and compared with DKI images. The MD value of the lesion area gradually decreased and the MK value gradually increased in the experimental group with time. The lesion areas gradually expanded with time; MK lesions were smaller than MD lesions. Light microscopy revealed neuronal swelling in the MK- and MD-matched and mismatched regions. Electron microscopy demonstrated obvious mitochondrial swelling and autophagosomes in the MK- and MD-matched region but normal mitochondrial morphology or mild swelling in the mismatched region. DKI can accurately evaluate early ischemic–hypoxic brain injury in newborn piglets.
Endovascular model of ischemic stroke in swine guided by real-time MRI
Authors: Golubczyk D. , Kalkowski L. , Kwiatkowska J. , Zawadzki M. , Holak P. , Glodek J. , Milewska K. , Pomianowski A. , Janowski M. , Adamiak Z. , Walczak P. , Malysz-Cymborska I.
Published: October 2020

Modeling stroke in animals is essential for testing efficacy of new treatments; however, previous neuroprotective therapies, based on systemic delivery in rodents failed, exposing the need for model with improved clinical relevance. The purpose of this study was to develop endovascular approach for inducing ischemia in swine. To achieve that goal, we used intra-arterial administration of thrombin mixed with gadolinium and visualized the occlusion with real-time MRI. Placement of the microcatheter proximally to rete allowed trans-catheter perfusion of the ipsilateral hemisphere as visualized by contrast-enhanced perfusion MR scans. Dynamic T2*w MRI facilitated visualization of thrombin + Gd solution transiting through cerebral vasculature and persistent hyperintensities indicated occlusion. Area of trans-catheter perfusion dynamically quantified on representative slice before and after thrombin administration (22.20 ± 6.31 cm2 vs. 13.28 ± 4.71 cm2 respectively) indicated significantly reduced perfusion. ADC mapping showed evidence of ischemia as early as 27 min and follow-up T2w scans confirmed ischemic lesion (3.14 ± 1.41 cm2). Animals developed contralateral neurological deficits but were ambulatory. Our study has overcome long lasting challenge of inducing endovascular stroke model in pig. We were able to induce stroke using minimally invasive endovascular approach and observe in real-time formation of the thrombus, blockage of cerebral perfusion and eventually stroke lesion.
Actigraphic recording of motor activity in depressed inpatients: a novel computational approach to prediction of clinical course and hospital discharge
Authors: Peis Ignacio , López-Moríñigo Javier-David , Pérez-Rodríguez M. Mercedes , Barrigón Maria-Luisa , Ruiz-Gómez Marta , Artés-Rodríguez Antonio , Baca-García Enrique
Published: October 2020

Depressed patients present with motor activity abnormalities, which can be easily recorded using actigraphy. The extent to which actigraphically recorded motor activity may predict inpatient clinical course and hospital discharge remains unknown. Participants were recruited from the acute psychiatric inpatient ward at Hospital Rey Juan Carlos (Madrid, Spain). They wore miniature wrist wireless inertial sensors (actigraphs) throughout the admission. We modeled activity levels against the normalized length of admission—‘Progress Towards Discharge’ (PTD)—using a Hierarchical Generalized Linear Regression Model. The estimated date of hospital discharge based on early measures of motor activity and the actual hospital discharge date were compared by a Hierarchical Gaussian Process model. Twenty-three depressed patients (14 females, age: 50.17 ± 12.72 years) were recruited. Activity levels increased during the admission (mean slope of the linear function: 0.12 ± 0.13). For n = 18 inpatients (78.26%) hospitalised for at least 7 days, the mean error of Prediction of Hospital Discharge Date at day 7 was 0.231 ± 22.98 days (95% CI 14.222–14.684). These n = 18 patients were predicted to need, on average, 7 more days in hospital (for a total length of stay of 14 days) (PTD = 0.53). Motor activity increased during the admission in this sample of depressed patients and early patterns of actigraphically recorded activity allowed for accurate prediction of hospital discharge date.
Rejuvenation of mesenchymal stem cells by extracellular vesicles inhibits the elevation of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Khanh Vuong Cat , Yamashita Toshiharu , Ohneda Kinuko , Tokunaga Chiho , Kato Hideyuki , Osaka Motoo , Hiramatsu Yuji , Ohneda Osamu
Published: October 2020

Aging induces numerous cellular disorders, such as the elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), in a number type of cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, the correlation of ROS and impaired healing abilities as well as whether or not the inhibition of elevating ROS results in the rejuvenation of elderly MSCs is unclear. The rejuvenation of aged MSCs has thus recently received attention in the field of regenerative medicine. Specifically, extracellular vesicles (EVs) act as a novel tool for stem cell rejuvenation due to their gene transfer ability with systemic effects and safety. In the present study, we examined the roles of aging-associated ROS in the function and rejuvenation of elderly MSCs by infant EVs. The data clearly showed that elderly MSCs exhibited the downregulation of superoxide dismutase (SOD)1 and SOD3, which resulted in the elevation of ROS and downregulation of the MEK/ERK pathways, which are involved in the impairment of the MSCs’ ability to decrease necrotic area in the skin flap model. Furthermore, treatment with the antioxidant Edaravone or co-overexpression of SOD1 and SOD3 rescued elderly MSCs from the elevation of ROS and cellular senescence, thereby improving their functions. Of note, infant MSC-derived EVs rejuvenated elderly MSCs by inhibiting ROS production and the acceleration of cellular senescence and promoting the proliferation and in vivo functions in both type 1 and type 2 diabetic mice.
On the (lack of) association between theory of mind and executive functions: a study in a non-clinical adult sample
Authors: Di Tella Marialaura , Ardito Rita B. , Dutto Federico , Adenzato Mauro
Published: October 2020

We investigated in a sample of non-clinical adults the association between Theory of Mind (ToM) and Executive Functions (EFs), that is the set of skills that allow people to control and modulate lower-level cognitive processes in order to produce appropriate behaviour. To this aim, we assessed both affective (i.e., understanding other people’s emotions and feelings) and cognitive (i.e., understanding others’ beliefs and intentions) ToM, as well four subcomponents of EFs, that is Updating, Shifting, Inhibition, and Access. The association between ToM and non-verbal fluid intelligence, verbal reasoning, and cognitive estimation abilities was also investigated. Eighty-one healthy participants were recruited, and a set of psychometrically validated tests was administered. Multiple regression analyses were run to assess significant predictors of ToM performance when potentially confounding predictors (sociodemographic variables) were controlled for. Results showed a lack of association between affective/cognitive ToM and EFs, whereas non-verbal fluid intelligence for cognitive ToM and verbal reasoning for affective ToM were found to be significant predictors of ToM performance. These results represent a contribution toward a deeper understanding of the ToM-EFs relationships and highlight the importance of broadening the analysis of these relationships to the role played by other domain-general functions in both affective and cognitive ToM.
Optoelectronic nose based on an origami paper sensor for selective detection of pesticide aerosols
Authors: Bordbar Mohammad Mahdi , Nguyen Tien-Anh , Tran Anh Quang , Bagheri Hasan
Published: October 2020

This study introduces an applicable colorimetric sensor array for the detection of pesticides in the vapor phase. The array consisted of six metal nanoparticles spotted on the piece of filter paper. 3D-origami pattern was used for the fabrication of a paper-based sensor to decrease the effect of the nanoparticles leaching after exposure to analytes. Exposure to pesticide aerosols caused changes in the color of the array due to the aggregation of nanoparticles. These changes provided selective responses to thion pesticides such as malathion, parathion, chlorpyrifos, and diazinon. The sensing assay could also differentiate between aliphatic and aromatic thions and discriminate amine-containing compounds from the other studied analytes. These finding results are clearly confirmed by both visual detection and multivariate statistical methods. The proposed sensor was successfully developed for the quantitative measurement of pesticide aerosols at a very low concentration. The limit of detection of this method determined for malathion, parathion, chlorpyrifos and diazinon were 58.0, 103.0, 81.0 and 117.0, respectively. Moreover, the array could be employed to simultaneously analyze four studied pesticides. The statistcal results confirmed that the method has high performance for concurrent detection of thions as a major air pollutant without the interference of other species.
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based DNA framework assembled split G-quadruplex nanodevices for microRNA sensing
Authors: Su Gaoxing , Zhu Min , Xu Mengting , Pan Jianbin , Zhou Yao , Zhou Hongyu , Zhang Wei S. , Tong Yanli , Yu Yanyan
Published: October 2020

DNA framework assembled split G4 nanodevice was fabricated to realize the microRNA imaging in living cells.
A simple and sensitive method for exosome detection based on steric hindrance-controlled signal amplification
Authors: Pan Yanhong , Wang Lei , Deng Ying , Wang Minghui , Peng Ying , Yang Jie , Li Genxi
Published: October 2020

A simple and sensitive method for exosome detection based on steric hindrance-controlled signal amplification.
Strain-driven surface reconstruction and cation segregation in layered Li(Ni1−x−yMnxCoy)O2 (NMC) cathode materials
Authors: Garcia Juan C. , Bareño Javier , Chen Guoying , Croy Jason R. , Iddir Hakim
Published: October 2020

Novel mechanism for surface-reconstruction stabilization on layered cathode oxides.
Experimental evidence of co-existence of equilibrium and nonequilibrium in two-glass-transition miscible mixtures
Authors: Jin Xiao , Guo Yuxing , Tu Wenkang , Feng Shidong , Liu Yingdan , Blochowicz Thomas , Wang Li-Min
Published: October 2020

Two glass-transitions have been observed in some miscible molecular mixtures with notable differences in geometry or chemistry of constituents. Ageing between the high and low glass transitions confirm the co-existence of nonequilibrium and equilibrium states in the regions.
Synthesis of a novel β-cyclodextrin-functionalized Fe3O4/BaMoO4:Dy3+ magnetic luminescent hybrid nanomaterial and its application as a drug carrier
Authors: Swain Sangita K. , Sahoo Anupam , Swain Sukanta K. , Tripathy S. K. , Phaomei G.
Published: October 2020

A magnetic luminescent hybrid nanoparticle Fe3O4/BaMoO4:Dy3+ (MLHNP) was successfully synthesized by the co-precipitation method using ethylene glycol.
Magneto-structural studies of an unusual [MnIIIMnIIGdIII(OR)4]4− partial cubane from 2,2′-bis-p-tBu-calix[4]arene
Authors: Coletta Marco , Sanz Sergio , Cutler Daniel J. , Teat Simon J. , Gagnon Kevin J. , Singh Mukesh K. , Brechin Euan K. , Dalgarno Scott J.
Published: October 2020

A co-ligand guides the formation of an unusual bis-calix[4]arene-supported cluster with a unique triangular MnIIIMnIIGdIII core.
Surface polaron states on single-crystal rutile TiO2 nanorod arrays enhancing charge separation and transfer
Authors: Yang Qimeng , Zhu Heng , Hou Yanghui , Liu Duanduan , Tang Huang , Liu Depei , Zhang Weining , Yan Shicheng , Zou Zhigang
Published: October 2020

Polaron states on single-crystal TiO2 photoanodes provide an important electron transfer pathway at the electrode–electrolyte interface.
Lanthanide functionalized MOF thin films as effective luminescent materials and chemical sensors for ammonia
Authors: Ma Wan-Peng , Yan Bing
Published: October 2020

A series of Lanthanide functionalized MOF thin films on Al2O3 are fabricated using designed linkers, whose unique luminescence performance is shown to be a sensitive probe toward ammonia.
Controllable synthesis of CoFeMo layered double hydroxide nanoarrays for promoting the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Ding Yangyang , Du Xiaoqiang , Zhang Xiaoshuang
Published: October 2020

The CoFeMo LDH/NF material displays superior OER performance with small overpotentials of only 240 and 350 mV at 100 and 500 mA cm−2 in an alkaline medium.
Homoleptic cerium tris(dialkylamido)imidophosphorane guanidinate complexes
Authors: Aguirre Quintana Luis M. , Jiang Ningxin , Bacsa John , La Pierre Henry S.
Published: October 2020

The synthesis of a tris(piperdino)imidophosphorane N,N′-dicyclohexylguanidinate ligand and its Ce3+ and Ce4+ tris-homoleptic compounds is reported.
Solar water splitting exceeding 10% efficiencyvialow-cost Sb2Se3photocathodes coupled with semitransparent perovskite photovoltaics
Authors: Yang Wooseok , Park Jaemin , Kwon Hyeok-Chan , Hutter Oliver S. , Phillips Laurie J. , Tan Jeiwan , Lee Hyungsoo , Lee Junwoo , Tilley S. David , Major Jonathan D. , Moon Jooho
Published: October 2020

Judicious balancing of photon utilization between semitransparent nanopillar perovskite solar cells and multilayer Sb2Se3photocathodes enables high efficiency water splitting with good stability.
Dietary riboflavin deficiency induces genomic instability of esophageal squamous cells that is associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis in rats
Authors: Pan Feng , Xu Xin , Zhang Ling-Li , Luo Hong-Jun , Chen Ye , Long Lin , Wang Xuan , Zhuang Pei-Tong , Li En-Min , Xu Li-Yan
Published: October 2020

Dietary riboflavin deficiency promotes carcinogen NMBA-induced esophageal tumorigenesis and is associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis in rats. Reduction of xenobiotic biodegradation and genomic instability may be the involved potential mechanisms.
Regulation of wheat germ polysaccharides in the immune response of mice from newborn to adulthood associated with intestinal microbiota
Authors: Yun Liyuan , Li Wen , Liu Yanan , Wu Tao , Zhang Min
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of wheat germ polysaccharides (WGPs), which are indigestible carbohydrate fibers, on mice in early life, and the changes leading to long-lasting consequences.
Integrative transcriptomics and metabolomics explore the mechanism of kaempferol on improving nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Lu Yifei , Shao Mingmei , Xiang Hongjiao , Zheng Peiyong , Wu Tao , Ji Guang
Published: October 2020

By integration analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics, Kaempferol was found to improve non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice probably through regulating energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and inflammation-related pathways.
Analytical performance of the Conical torch in inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy operating methanol and 1-propanol solutions
Authors: Grindlay Guillermo , Alavi Sina , Mostaghimi Javad
Published: October 2020

Conical torch allows direct analysis of pure and hydro-alcoholic solutions of methanol and 1-propanol in ICPOES.
A novel microfluidic device integrating focus-separation speed reduction design and trap arrays for high-throughput capture of circulating tumor cells
Authors: Lu Chunyang , Xu Jian , Han Jintao , Li Xiao , Xue Ningtao , Li Jinsong , Wu Wenhua , Sun Xinlei , Wang Yugang , Ouyang Qi , Yang Gen , Luo Chunxiong
Published: October 2020

We combined streamline-based speed reduction design and trap arrays, achieving high efficiency and high throughput CTC capture from blood.
Atomic-scale structure and chemical sensing application of ultrasmall size-selected Pt nanoparticles supported on SnO2
Authors: Steinhauer Stephan , Lackner Eva , Sosada-Ludwikowska Florentyna , Singh Vidyadhar , Krainer Johanna , Wimmer-Teubenbacher Robert , Grammatikopoulos Panagiotis , Köck Anton , Sowwan Mukhles
Published: October 2020

SnO2-based chemoresistive sensors integrated in complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor technology were functionalized with ultrasmall Pt nanoparticles, resulting in carbon monoxide sensing properties with minimized humidity interference.
Nanobodies against the metal binding domains of ATP7B as tools to study copper transport in the cell
Authors: Uhlemann Eva-Maria E , Yu Corey H , Patry Jaala , Dolgova Natalia , Lutsenko Svetlana , Muyldermans Serge , Dmitriev Oleg Y
Published: October 2020

Nanobodies are genetically engineered single domain antibodies derived from the unusual heavy-chain only antibodies found in llamas and camels. The small size of the nanobodies and flexible selection schemes make them uniquely versatile tools for protein biochemistry and cell biology. We have developed a panel of nanobodies against the metal binding domains of the human copper transporter ATP7B, a multidomain membrane protein with a complex regulation of enzymatic activity and intracellular localization. To enable the use of the nanobodies as tools to investigate copper transport in the cell, we characterized their binding sites and affinity by isothermal titration calorimetry and NMR. We have identified nanobodies against each of the first four metal binding domains of ATP7B, with a wide affinity range, as evidenced by dissociation constants from below 10−9 to 10−6 M. We found both the inhibitory and activating nanobodies among those tested. The diverse properties of the nanobodies make the panel useful for the structural studies of ATP7B, immunoaffinity purification of the protein, modulation of its activity in the cell, protein dynamics studies, and as mimics of copper chaperone ATOX1, the natural interaction partner of ATP7B.
Is nickel phosphide an efficient catalyst for the oxygen-evolution reaction at low overpotentials?
Authors: Valizadeh Amirreza , Najafpour Mohammad Mahdi
Published: October 2020

At low overpotentials, the oxygen-evolution reaction by Ni2P in the presence of Fe ions was investigated.
Zeolite-based catalytic micromotors for enhanced biological and chemical water remediation
Authors: Abedini Fatemeh , Hosseini H. R. Madaah
Published: October 2020

The novel zeolite-based micromotors showed rapid and safe elimination of bacteria in a very short time and removed heavy metals efficiently.
In situ electrochemistry inside a TEM with controlled mass transport
Authors: Beker Anne France , Sun Hongyu , Lemang Mathilde , van Omme J. Tijn , Spruit Ronald G. , Bremmer Marien , Basak Shibabrata , Pérez Garza H. Hugo
Published: October 2020

Mass transport and electric potential control in liquid TEM allows reaction kinetics control and linking the morphology and chemistry at the nanoscale.
The dance of the nanobubbles: detecting acoustic backscatter from sub-micron bubbles using ultra-high frequency acoustic microscopy
Authors: Moore Michael J. , Bodera Filip , Hernandez Christopher , Shirazi Niloufar , Abenojar Eric , Exner Agata A. , Kolios Michael C.
Published: October 2020

Detection of the motion of individual nanobubbles and microbubbles in an agarose gel using an ultra-high frequency acoustic microscope.
Different spin axis orientation and large antiferromagnetic domains in Fe-doped NiO/Ru(0001) epitaxial films
Authors: Mandziak Anna , Soria Guiomar D. , Prieto José Emilio , Foerster Michael , de la Figuera Juan , Aballe Lucia
Published: October 2020

We present a spatially resolved X-ray magnetic dichroism study of high-quality, in situ grown nickel oxide films.
Role of defects in carbon materials during metal-free formic acid dehydrogenation
Authors: Barlocco Ilaria , Capelli Sofia , Lu Xiuyuan , Tumiati Simone , Dimitratos Nikolaos , Roldan Alberto , Villa Alberto
Published: October 2020

A combination of experiments and Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrated that the single vacancies present on the graphitic layers are the only active sites for FA dehydrogenation.
Nanocomposite antimicrobials prevent bacterial growth through the enzyme-like activity of Bi-doped cerium dioxide (Ce1−xBixO2−δ)
Authors: Frerichs Hajo , Pütz Eva , Pfitzner Felix , Reich Tobias , Gazanis Athanasios , Panthöfer Martin , Hartmann Jens , Jegel Olga , Heermann Ralf , Tremel Wolfgang
Published: October 2020

Ce1−xBixO2−δis an active halogenation catalyst with maximum activity forx≈ 0.2 due to the effects of zeta-potential and BET surface area. Ce1−xBixO2−δ/polyethersulfone nanocomposites block bacterial biofilm formation of Gram-negative bacteria.
Broadband Tamm plasmon-enhanced planar hot-electron photodetector
Authors: Wang Jiaying , Zhu Yisong , Wang Wenhao , Li Yunze , Gao Rui , Yu Peng , Xu Hongxing , Wang Zhiming
Published: October 2020

We propose a planar hot-electron photodetector based on broadband Tamm plasmon resonance with a full width at half maximum of 240.2 nm, promising for broadband hot electron photodetection.
A medium-firm drug-candidate library of cryptand-like structures on T7 phage: design and selection of a strong binder for Hsp90
Authors: Mochizuki Kazuto , Matsukura Lisa , Ito Yuji , Miyashita Naoyuki , Taki Masumi
Published: October 2020

We designed and synthesized a library of cryptand-like structures on the T7 phage; a strong binder for a cancer-related protein was selected from the library.
Integrating abiotic chemical catalysis and enzymatic catalysis in living cells
Authors: Adamson Christopher , Kanai Motomu
Published: October 2020

We review hybrid systems of abiotic catalysis and enzymatic catalysis, which function in living cells. This research direction will stimulate multidisciplinary fields, including complex molecule synthesis, energy production, and life science.
Total chemical synthesis of the phosphorylated p62 UBA domain reveals that Ser407Pi but not Ser403Pi enhances ubiquitin binding
Authors: Xu Ling , Zhang Yan , Li Yi-Ming , Lu Xian-Fu
Published: October 2020

Based on total chemical synthesis we prepared four types of phosphorylated p62 UBAs and found that phosphorylation at S407 but not at S403 enhanced the binding affinity between UBA and Ub.
The persistence of primary school students’ initial ideas about acids and bases in the mental models of adults
Authors: Bučková Alena , Prokša Miroslav
Published: October 2020

The paper describes our research aimed to verify the durability of pupils' initial ideas and concepts on the issue of acids and bases. First, we mapped their existence among primary school pupils and then compared them with the ideas of secondary and university educated adults. It has been confirmed that some initial ideas are very lasting and are also reflected in the understanding of acids and bases in adults. By comparing these results we identified which initial ideas were overcome by education and which persisted.
Over one century after discovery: pyrylium salt chemistry emerging as a powerful approach for the construction of complex macrocycles and metallo-supramolecules
Authors: Li Yiming , Wang Heng , Li Xiaopeng
Published: October 2020

This perspective summarizes the representative efforts of synthesizing and self-assembling large, complex architectures using pyrylium salt chemistry.
Synthesis, crystal structure and charge transport characteristics of stable peri-tetracene analogues
Authors: Mamada Masashi , Nakamura Ryota , Adachi Chihaya
Published: October 2020

Highly stable peri-tetracene analogues with a high degree of singlet biradical character were synthesized in a very simple route, and their crystal structures and semiconducting properties were investigated.
Efficient cleavage of tertiary amide bonds via radical–polar crossover using a copper(ii) bromide/Selectfluor hybrid system
Authors: Wang Zhe , Matsumoto Akira , Maruoka Keiji
Published: October 2020

A novel approach for the efficient cleavage of the amide bonds in tertiary amides is reported.
Correction: Tubularenes
Authors: Mirzaei Saber , Castro Edison , Sánchez Raúl Hernández
Published: October 2020

Correction for ‘Tubularenes’ by Saber Mirzaei et al., Chem. Sci., 2020, 11, 8089–8094, DOI: 10.1039/d0sc03384g.
Fast photothermal poly(NIPAM-co-β-cyclodextrin) supramolecular hydrogel with self-healing through host–guest interaction for intelligent light-controlled switches
Authors: Gao Qiaofeng , Hu Jing , Shi Jianmin , Wu Wenwei , Debeli Dereje Kebebew , Pan Pengju , Shan Guorong
Published: October 2020

A graphene oxide/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-β-cyclodextrin) (GO/poly(NIPAM-co-β-CD)) hydrogel has been synthesized through host–guest interaction between β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and the isopropyl group of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM).
Impairment of cell adhesion and migration by inhibition of protein disulphide isomerases in three breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Young Henry S. , McGowan Lucy M. , Jepson Katy A. , Adams Josephine C.
Published: October 2020

Protein disulphide isomerase A3 (PDIA3) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident disulphide isomerase and oxidoreductase with known substrates that include some extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. PDIA3 is up-regulated in invasive breast cancers and correlates in a mouse orthotopic xenograft model with breast cancer metastasis to bone. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms remain unclear. Here we investigated the function of protein disulphide isomerases in attachment, spreading and migration of three human breast cancer lines representative of luminal (MCF-7) or basal (MDA-MB-231 and HCC1937) tumour phenotypes. Pharmacological inhibition by 16F16 decreased initial cell spreading more effectively than inhibition by PACMA-31. Cells displayed diminished cortical F-actin projections, stress fibres and focal adhesions. Cell migration was reduced in a quantified ‘scratch wound’ assay. To examine whether these effects might result from alterations to secreted proteins in the absence of functional PDIA3, adhesion and migration were quantified in the above cells exposed to media conditioned by wildtype (WT) or Pdia3−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). The conditioned medium (CM) of Pdia3−/− MEFs was less effective in promoting cell spreading and F-actin organisation or supporting ‘scratch wound’ closure. Similarly, ECM prepared from HCC1937 cells after 16F16 inhibition was less effective than control ECM to support spreading of untreated HCC1937 cells. Overall, these results advance the concept that protein disulphide isomerases including PDIA3 drive the production of secreted proteins that promote a microenvironment favourable to breast cancer cell adhesion and motility, characteristics that are integral to tumour invasion and metastasis. Inhibition of PDIA3 or related isomerases may have potential for anti-metastatic therapies.
Biosynthesis of lanthionine-constrained agonists of G protein-coupled receptors
Authors: Moll Gert N. , Kuipers Anneke , Rink Rick , Bosma Tjibbe , de Vries Louwe , Namsolleck Pawel
Published: October 2020

The conformation with which natural agonistic peptides interact with G protein-coupled receptor(s) (GPCR(s)) partly results from intramolecular interactions such as hydrogen bridges or is induced by ligand–receptor interactions. The conformational freedom of a peptide can be constrained by intramolecular cross-links. Conformational constraints enhance the receptor specificity, may lead to biased activity and confer proteolytic resistance to peptidic GPCR agonists. Chemical synthesis allows to introduce a variety of cross-links into a peptide and is suitable for bulk production of relatively simple lead peptides. Lanthionines are thioether bridged alanines of which the two alanines can be introduced at different distances in chosen positions in a peptide. Thioether bridges are much more stable than disulfide bridges. Biosynthesis of lanthionine-constrained peptides exploiting engineered Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria that contain lanthionine-introducing enzymes constitutes a convenient method for discovery of lanthionine-stabilized GPCR agonists. The presence of an N-terminal leader peptide enables dehydratases to dehydrate serines and threonines in the peptide of interest after which a cyclase can couple the formed dehydroamino acids to cysteines forming (methyl)lanthionines. The leader peptide also guides the export of the formed lanthionine-containing precursor peptide out of Gram-positive bacteria via a lanthipeptide transporter. An engineered cleavage site in the C-terminus of the leader peptide allows to cleave off the leader peptide yielding the modified peptide of interest. Lanthipeptide GPCR agonists are an emerging class of therapeutics of which a few examples have demonstrated high efficacy in animal models of a variety of diseases. One lanthipeptide GPCR agonist has successfully passed clinical Phase Ia.
Generalised switching protocol of energy harvesting for enhancing the security of AF multi‐antenna relaying systems
Authors: Zhang Ying , Jiang Xue‐Qin , Hou Jia , Bai EnJian , Peng Yuyang , Wang Hui‐Ming
Published: October 2020

In this study, the authors propose a generalisedswitching protocol (GSP) for increasing the flexibility of energy harvesting (EH) protocol and enhancing the security of amplify‐and‐forward (AF) multi‐antenna relaying system. The proposed GSP‐based relaying [generalised switching relaying (GSR)] system is established with target node assisted interference and EH technologies. In phase I, while the source transmits certain signal to the relay, the destination transmits an artificial noise to interfere the passive eavesdropper. In this phase, the relay harvests energy from the two nodes. In phase II, the relay node processes the two different received signals, which are from the source and destination, then AF them by utilising the harvested energy. The authors also derive a new analytical formula for the proposed protocol on ergodic secrecy capacity. The effect of the number of relay antennas N, the source transmitted power , the destination transmitted power and EH efficiency factors and on ergodic secrecy capacity are investigated. The simulation results show that as N, , , and increase, the ergodic secrecy capacity of GSR system increases accordingly. Moreover, the GSR protocol can provide higher ergodic secrecy capacity than both time switching relaying and powersplitting relaying protocols.
PolarSig: An efficient digital signature based on polar codes
Authors: Forghani Pouyan , Koochak Shooshtari Masoumeh , Aref Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2020

Code‐based digital signatures suffer from two main drawbacks: large public key size and slow signature generation. Large public key size is inherent in almost all the code‐based cryptosystems and other post‐quantum alternatives; however, slow signature generation is due to their specific structure. Most of the current code‐based signature schemes are constructed based on Courtois, Finiasz, and Sendrier (CFS) signature. CFS uses a counter to produce decodable syndromes or the complete decoding technique that imposes some extra computational cost to the signing algorithm for many choices of codes. In this study, the authors propose an efficient digital signature, PolarSig, which can reduce both public key size and signing time simultaneously. PolarSig uses some specific instances of polar codes that enable us to decode every random syndrome. Moreover, they apply puncturing and randomised omitting of frozen bits to protect the authors’ scheme from commonplace attacks targeting former cryptosystems based on polar codes. Besides, they prove that their signature is existentially unforgeable under a chosen message attack secure in the random oracle model.
Outage performance analysis of relay‐aided non‐orthogonal multiple access networks with energy harvesting schemes
Authors: Nguyen Hong T. , Nguyen Nam‐Phong , Nguyen Tien‐Hoa , Nguyen Chuyen T.
Published: October 2020

In this study, the performance of wirelessly powered relay‐aided non‐orthogonal multiple access networks is investigated in terms of outage probability. Specifically, two relay selection strategies, i.e. two‐stage relay selection (TRS) and maximum energy harvesting relay selection (MEHS), and two energy harvesting scenarios, i.e. time switching (TS) and power splitting (PS) are considered. In each setup, outage probabilities' analytical expressions and their asymptotics are derived. Monte‐Carlo simulations are also carried out to verify the correctness of the analysis. The results show that regardless of relay selection and energy harvesting strategies, increasing transmit power can improve the proposed system performance. However, TRS can achieve a full diversity order, while MEHS has a unit diversity order. Besides, the results recommend parameter selections of PS and TS coefficients for optimal performance in term of outage probability.
Developing a dynamic utilisation scheme for exclusive bus lanes on urban expressways: an enhanced CTM‐based approach versus a microsimulation‐based approach
Authors: Zheng Fangfang , Chen Jinbiao , Wang Heng , Liu Henry , Liu Xiaobo
Published: October 2020

In the current practice of bus rapid transit (BRT) system, under‐utilized exclusive bus lanes (EBL) could negatively impact the system efficiency, particularly when traffic congestion occurs on regular vehicle lanes during peak period. In this paper, we propose an EBL sharing scheme to dynamically control the usage of the EBL by regular vehicles based on connected vehicle technologies without disturbing normal operation of the BRT system. An enhanced cell transmission model (CTM)‐based approach and a simulation‐based approach are proposed to model the traffic dynamics of a BRT section currently running in Chengdu, China. The optimal entry/exit proportion of regular vehicles are derived by minimizing total car delay on both the EBL and regular lanes given fixed bus service. The performance of the proposed dynamic sharing control scheme is evaluated under‐saturated and over‐saturated conditions. The sensitivity of the BRT service frequency and the average bus waiting time on the performance of the control scheme is also analysed. The results show that when traffic becomes over‐saturated, delays on regular lanes can be significantly reduced by allowing optimized proportion of regular vehicles to use the EBL. However, it is unnecessary to use the EBL where traffic demand on regular lanes is low.
Adaptive non‐linear coordinated optimal dynamic platoon control of connected autonomous distributed electric vehicles on curved roads
Authors: Guo Jinghua , Jingyao Wang , Li Keqiang , Luo Yugong
Published: October 2020

A novel adaptive coordinated platoon control of connected autonomous distributed electric vehicles (CADEVs) on curved roads is proposed to increase traffic security. The nonlinear vehicle dynamic model that can precisely reflect the driving behaviours of CADEVs on curved roads is deduced by the Newton–Euler method. Owing to the fact that CADEVs have the strong coupled, uncertain non‐linear and over‐actuated features, a novel disturbance observer‐based adaptive coordinated optimal dynamic platoon control strategy is presented to supervise the lateral and longitudinal coupled motions of CADEVs on curved roads, in which the switching gains of backstepping sliding mode control term are precisely adjusted by the neural‐network technique, and the uniform ultimate boundedness of closed‐loop high‐level control system is guaranteed through the Lyapunov stability theory. Then, a sequential quadratic programming (SQP) tire distributor is the basic component of the low‐level control law, which can realise the dynamic control distribution of over‐actuated tire actuators of CADEVs. Finally, the results manifest the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive coordinated platoon control strategy.
A novel framework for studying the impact of binding energy distributions on the chemistry of dust grains
Authors: Grassi T. , Bovino S. , Caselli P. , Bovolenta G. , Vogt-Geisse S. , Ercolano B.
Published: October 2020

The evaporation of molecules from dust grains is crucial to understanding some key aspects of the star- and the planet-formation processes. During the heating phase, the presence of young protostellar objects induces molecules to evaporate from the dust surface into the gas phase, enhancing its chemical complexity. Similarly, in circumstellar discs, the position of the so-called snow lines is determined by evaporation, with important consequences for the formation of planets. The amount of molecules that are desorbed depends on the interaction between the species and the grain surface, which is controlled by the binding energy. Recent theoretical and experimental works point towards a distribution of values for this parameter instead of the single value often employed in astrochemical models.We present a new “multi-binding energy” framework to assess the effects that a distribution of binding energies has on the amount of species bound to the grains. We find that the efficiency of the surface chemistry is significantly influenced by this process, with crucial consequences on the theoretical estimates of the desorbed species.
Spectral characterisation of 14 V-type candidate asteroids from the MOVIS catalogue
Authors: Matlovič Pavol , de Leon Julia , Medeiros Hissa , Popescu Marcel , Rizos Juan Luis , Mansour Jad-Alexandru
Published: October 2020

Most of the currently known basaltic (V-type) asteroids are believed to be past or present members of the Vesta dynamical family. The rising discoveries of V-type asteroids that are not linked to the Vesta family dynamically suggest that a number of major basaltic bodies may have been present during the early stages of the solar system. Using the near-infrared (NIR) colour data in the Moving Objects from VISTA Survey (MOVIS) catalogue, a list of 477 V-type candidates was compiled, with more than half of them outside the Vesta family. In this work, we aim to provide a spectral analysis of 14 V-type candidates of various dynamical types. The computed visible and NIR spectral parameters are used to investigate evidence of space-weathering or mineralogical differences from the expected basaltic composition. Based on the analysis of their visible spectra, we confirm 11 new V-type asteroids: six low-i asteroids – (3188) Jekabsons, (3331) Kvistaberg, (4693) Drummond, (7223) Dolgorukij, (9007) James Bond, and (29733) 1999 BA4; along with four inner-other asteroids – (5524) Lecacheux, (19983) 1990 DW, (51742) 2001 KE55, and (90023) 2003 BD13; as well as one fugitive – (2275) Cuitlahuac. Additionally, we analysed three peculiar outer main belt V-type candidates based on their visible + NIR spectra. We confirm the diogenite-like composition of (2452) Lyot. The spectrum of asteroid (7302) is not consistent with a basaltic composition and likely reflects an S-type body. The spectrum of (14390) 1990 QP10is similar to a V-type but it shows unique spectral features that suggest a peculiar composition. Overall, our results demonstrate the efficiency of the MOVIS catalogue in identifying V-type objects, with a success rate of over 85%. The identification of V-types in the inner main-belt is more likely due to the presence of the Vesta family and other nearby asteroids that had escaped from the family. In the middle and outer main belt, where the amount of data is more limited, the proportion of false positives increases.
On minimizers of an anisotropic liquid drop model
Authors: Misiats Oleksandr , Topaloglu Ihsan
Published: October 2020

We consider a variant of Gamow’s liquid drop model with an anisotropic surface energy. Under suitable regularity and ellipticity assumptions on the surface tension, Wulff shapes are minimizers in this problem if and only if the surface energy is isotropic. We show that for smooth anisotropies, in the small nonlocality regime, minimizers converge to the Wulff shape inC1-norm and quantify the rate of convergence. We also obtain a quantitative expansion of the energy of any minimizer around the energy of a Wulff shape yielding a geometric stability result. For certain crystalline surface tensions we can determine the global minimizer and obtain its exact energy expansion in terms of the nonlocality parameter.
Effect of limestone powder on strength and permeability of cementitious mortars
Authors: Lin Wei-Ting , Cheng An , Černý Robert
Published: October 2020

This study investigated the mechanical properties and durability of mortar specimens containing various quantities of waste limestone powder (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% of the weight of cement). The mechanical properties were evaluated in terms of flowability, compressive strength, and splitting tensile strength. Permeability was evaluated in terms of resistivity, absorption, and rapid chloride penetration (total charge- passed). Test results revealed that replacing 10% of the cement with limestone powder improves both mechanical performance and durability. However, reducing the cement content reduced the availability of hydration products to fill the pores in the microstructure. The hydration product of limestone powder was mainly calcium hydroxide, which undermines the development of strength in the paste. Nonetheless, our results indicate that waste limestone powder is suitable for the partial replacement of cement.
The influence of microstructure on mechanical properties of 3D printable geopolymer composites
Authors: Korniejenko Kinga , Miernik Krzysztof , Lin Wei-Ting , Castel Arnaud
Published: October 2020

The additive manufacturing technologies are fast-developing industrial sector and, potentially, a ground-breaking technology. They have many advantages such as the saving of resources and energy efficiency. However, the full exploitation of 3D printing technology for ceramic materials is currently limited; a lot of research is being conducted in this area. A promising solution seems to be geopolymers, but its application requires a better understanding of the behaviour this group of materials. This article analyses the influence of microstructure on mechanical properties whilst taking the production method into consideration. The paper is based on comparative analysis – the investigation is focused on the influence of material structure on the mechanical properties and fracture mechanism of these kinds of composites, including those reinforced with different kind of fibres. As a raw material for the matrix, fly ash from the Skawina coal power plant (located in: Skawina, Lesser Poland, Poland) was used. The investigation was made by SEM analysis. The results show that the microstructural analysis did not sufficiently explain the underlying reasons for the observed differences in the mechanical properties of the composites.
The Fly-Ash Based Geopolymer Composites as an Innovative Material for Circular
Authors: Łach Michał , Grela Agnieszka , Kozub Barbara , Korniejenko Kinga , Azzopardi Brian
Published: October 2020

A circular economy is the answer to the problem of wasting raw materials and increasing environmental pollution. It is based on the effective use of materials - from extraction, through use, to the way of managing waste. Analyzing the impact of particular industries on the production of pollution, it can be concluded that the construction is one of such industries. In order to reduce the negative impact of the construction on the environment resulting from energy consumption and large amounts of generated waste, various researches are carried out on modern and innovative materials production solutions. One of the possibilities is a production technology based on the alkaline-activated compositions and geopolymers. The advantage of this technology is that it has a much lower carbon footprint compared to the traditional production methods used in construction - during the synthesis of geopolymers the emission of CO2 is 4-8 times lower and also the energy consumption is reduced up to 2-3 times. This article shows the possibility of using the industrial and mining waste for creating new eco-friendly materials – geopolymers. The paper presents the results of studies on geopolymer composites reinforced with addition of 1% by weight of different types of natural fibers i.e.: short hemp fibres, raw flax fibres (shortened), long flax fibres (stannous) and linseed cotonin. The paper showed that geopolymer composites can be successfully produced with the addition of natural fibres (often waste) and have good strength parameters even after long-term use.
Properties of geopolymers from conventional fly ash activated at increased temperature with sodium hydroxide containing glass powder obtained from the recycling of waste glass
Authors: Janowska-Renkas Elżbieta , Kaliciak Agnieszka
Published: October 2020

This paper presents test results of the physical and mechanical properties of geopolymers based on conventional fly ash activated at increased temperature with sodium hydroxide, containing glass powder obtained from the recycling of waste glass.

Tests were performed on mortars of a geopolymer binder containing glass powder of various levels of fineness, at quantities ranging from 5 to 95% of the mass of the conventional fly ash. The properties of the geopolymer binder with and without the content of glass powder were determined on the basis of the heat of hydration. The suitability of the application of glass powder in geopolymers was confirmed by results of testing the following parameters using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and analysis of micro areas (EDS) in geopolymer materials: particle size distribution, density, porosity, X-ray diffraction (XRD). Testing of the compressive strength of the geopolymer mortars was performed after: 1, 7, 14 and 28 days of curing in air-dry conditions. Results of microstructure tests confirm that the glass powder coming from recycled waste glass in presence of the geopolymer binder undergoes reactions of alkaline activation at increased temperature, the products of which are zeolite minerals and sodium silicate gel. On the basis of test results of physical and mechanical properties of the geopolymers, it was proven that the content of glass powder had a beneficial effect on the utility parameters of the obtained material. The aforementioned research confirms the possibility of using waste glass for the production of geopolymer materials applied in the construction industry.
Efficiency of night ventilation in limiting the overheating of passive sports hall
Authors: Dudzińska Anna , Kisilewicz Tomasz
Published: October 2020

It is especially difficult to provide optimal microclimatic conditions in sports facilities during summer time. The internal heat gains and an airtight building insulation, combined with high external temperature can easily lead to overheating and upsetting of the body's thermal balance. This article focuses primarily on the effect of natural night ventilation on the thermal comfort in a passive sports hall building. Based on experimental studies of thermal conditions in the hall, a simulation model was made using the Design Builder program. Through simulation analysis, the program considered thermal conditions that arise in various scenarios of natural and mechanical ventilation. Results presented in this article show that the natural ventilation at night in a large volume building is the most effective and the easiest way to reduce overheating in summer.