bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Akt isoform-specific effects on thyroid cancer development and progression in a murine thyroid cancer model
Authors: Saji Motoyasu , Kim Caroline S. , Wang Chaojie , Zhang Xiaoli , Khanal Tilak , Coombes Kevin , La Perle Krista , Cheng Sheue-Yann , Tsichlis Philip N. , Ringel Matthew D.
Published: October 2020

The Akt family is comprised of three unique homologous proteins with isoform-specific effects, but isoform-specific in vivo data are limited in follicular thyroid cancer (FTC), a PI3 kinase-driven tumor. Prior studies demonstrated that PI3K/Akt signaling is important in thyroid hormone receptor βPV/PV knock-in (PV) mice that develop metastatic thyroid cancer that most closely resembles FTC. To determine the roles of Akt isoforms in this model we crossed Akt1−/−, Akt2−/−, and Akt3−/− mice with PV mice. Over 12 months, thyroid size was reduced for the Akt null crosses (p < 0.001). Thyroid cancer development and local invasion were delayed in only the PVPV-Akt1 knock out (KO) mice in association with increased apoptosis with no change in proliferation. Primary-cultured PVPV-Akt1KO thyrocytes uniquely displayed a reduced cell motility. In contrast, loss of any Akt isoform reduced lung metastasis while vascular invasion was reduced with Akt1 or 3 loss. Microarray of thyroid RNA displayed incomplete overlap between the Akt KO models. The most upregulated gene was the dendritic cell (DC) marker CD209a only in PVPV-Akt1KO thyroids. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated an increase in CD209a-expressing cells in the PVPV-Akt1KO thyroids. In summary, Akt isoforms exhibit common and differential functions that regulate local and metastatic progression in this model of thyroid cancer.
Disrupted white matter integrity and network connectivity are related to poor motor performance
Authors: Zhai Feifei , Liu Jie , Su Ning , Han Fei , Zhou Lixin , Ni Jun , Yao Ming , Zhang Shuyang , Jin Zhengyu , Cui Liying , Tian Feng , Zhu Yicheng
Published: October 2020

Motor impairment is common in the elderly population. Disrupted white matter tracts and the resultant loss of connectivity between cortical regions play an essential role in motor control. Using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), we investigated the effect of white matter microstructure on upper-extremity and lower-extremity motor function in a community-based sample. A total of 766 participants (57.3 ± 9.2 years) completed the assessment of motor performance, including 3-m walking speed, 5-repeat chair-stand time, 10-repeat hand pronation-supination time, and 10-repeat finger-tapping time. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and structural network connectivity parameters were calculated based on DTI. Lower FA and higher MD were associated with poor performance in walking, chair-stand, hand pronation-supination, and finger-tapping tests, independent of the presence of lacunes, white matter hyperintensities volume, and brain atrophy. Reduced network density, network strength, and global efficiency related to slower hand pronation-supination and finger-tapping, but not related to walking speed and chair-stand time. Disrupted white matter integrity and reduced cerebral network connectivity were associated with poor motor performance. Diffusion-based methods provide a more in-depth insight into the neural basis of motor dysfunction.
Spatiotemporal identification of druggable binding sites using deep learning
Authors: Kozlovskii Igor , Popov Petr
Published: October 2020

Identification of novel protein binding sites expands druggable genome and opens new opportunities for drug discovery. Generally, presence or absence of a binding site depends on the three-dimensional conformation of a protein, making binding site identification resemble the object detection problem in computer vision. Here we introduce a computational approach for the large-scale detection of protein binding sites, that considers protein conformations as 3D-images, binding sites as objects on these images to detect, and conformational ensembles of proteins as 3D-videos to analyze. BiteNet is suitable for spatiotemporal detection of hard-to-spot allosteric binding sites, as we showed for conformation-specific binding site of the epidermal growth factor receptor, oligomer-specific binding site of the ion channel, and binding site in G protein-coupled receptor. BiteNet outperforms state-of-the-art methods both in terms of accuracy and speed, taking about 1.5 minutes to analyze 1000 conformations of a protein with ~2000 atoms.
Understanding the interactions between the bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion and absorbed CO2 using X-ray diffraction analysis of a soft crystal surrogate
Authors: Zheng Xin , Fukuhara Katsuo , Hijikata Yuh , Pirillo Jenny , Sato Hiroyasu , Takahashi Kiyonori , Noro Shin-ichiro , Nakamura Takayoshi
Published: October 2020

The selective carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption properties of ionic liquids (ILs) are highly pertinent to the development of methods to capture CO2. Although it has been reported that fluorinated components give ILs enhanced CO2 solubilities, it has been challenging to gain a deep understanding of the interactions occurring between ILs and CO2. In this investigation, we have utilized the soft crystalline material [Cu(NTf2)2(bpp)2] (NTf2‒ = bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, bpp = 1,3-bis-(4-pyridyl)propane) as a surrogate for single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis to visualize interactions occurring between CO2 and NTf2‒, the fluorinated IL component that is responsible for high CO2 solubility. Analysis of the structure of a CO2-loaded crystal reveals that CO2 interacts with both fluorine and oxygen atoms of NTf2‒ anions in a trans rather than cis conformation about the S–N bond. Theoretical analysis of the structure of the CO2-loaded crystal indicates that dispersion and electrostatic interactions exist between CO2 and the framework. The overall results provide important insight into understanding and improving the CO2 absorption properties of ILs.
Development of wound healing scaffolds with precisely-triggered sequential release of therapeutic nanoparticles
Authors: Ahmad Tauseef , McGrath Sean , Sirafim Catherine , do Amaral Ronaldo J. F. C. , Soong Shin-Loong , Sitram Renuka , Turkistani Shifa'a , Santarella Francesco , Kearney Cathal J.
Published: October 2020

Collagen-glycosaminoglycan scaffolds are functionalized with alginate that responds to ultrasound by releasing nanoparticles on-demand for coordinated wound healing.
Sulfur resilient nickel based catalysts for steam reforming of jet fuel
Authors: Brady Casper , Pan Jian , Xu Bingjun
Published: October 2020

Next generation aeronautic solid oxide fuel cell systems require the development of sulfur resilient steam reforming catalysts. We show that simple Ni–Mn catalysts are substantially more stable than typical Ni catalysts.
Combining hydrogen bonding interactions with steric and electronic modifications for thermally robust α-diimine palladium catalysts toward ethylene (co)polymerization
Authors: Zheng Handou , Zhong Liu , Du Cheng , Du Wenbo , Cheung Chi Shing , Ruan Jingjing , Gao Haiyang
Published: October 2020

Thermally robust α-diimine palladium catalysts are highly active for ethylene (co)polymerization at high temperatures by steric and electronic modifications in combination with hydrogen bonding interactions.
Heat dissipation effects on the stability of planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Choi Kyoungwon , Lee Junwoo , Choi Hyuntae , Kim Guan-Woo , Kim Hong Il , Park Taiho
Published: October 2020

Highly stable planar perovskite solar cells without encapsulation were demonstrated by desirable heat dissipation and stable morphology of hole-transporting materials.
Ultra-high energy storage performance in lead-free multilayer ceramic capacitors via a multiscale optimization strategy
Authors: Zhao Peiyao , Cai Ziming , Chen Lingling , Wu Longwen , Huan Yu , Guo Limin , Li Longtu , Wang Hong , Wang Xiaohui
Published: October 2020

We proposed a universal multiscale optimization strategy (including atomic scale, grain scale and device scale) to improve the energy-storage performance of MLCCs.
Mechanism of zinc oxide nanoparticle entry into wheat seedling leaves
Authors: Zhu Jiahui , Li Jinfeng , Shen Yu , Liu Shiqi , Zeng Nengde , Zhan Xinhua , White Jason C. , Gardea-Torresdey Jorge , Xing Baoshan
Published: October 2020

Process of entry for ZnO NP uptake in wheat leaves.
Pathways to economic viability: a pilot scale and techno-economic assessment for algal bioremediation of challenging waste streams
Authors: Leflay Hannah , Okurowska Katarzyna , Pandhal Jagroop , Brown Solomon
Published: October 2020

A microalgal–bacterial consortium was used for pilot scale bioremediation of landfill leachate. A techno-economic analysis was conducted using experimental results to provide a pathway for economic viability.
Effect of particle size distribution on rheological properties of chocolate
Authors: Feichtinger Annika , Scholten Elke , Sala Guido
Published: October 2020

Particle size distribution and particle size ratio have an important effect on rheological properties of model chocolate samples, but also other factors like particle shape, surface roughness and hydrophilicity should be taken into account.
Role of particle aggregates in herbal medicine decoction showing they are not useless: considering Coptis chinensis decoction as an example
Authors: Wu Jingjing , Yang Ye , Yuan Xiuyan , Xu Huihui , Chen Qingqing , Ren Rongrong , Zhang Qingqing , Hou Ziyan , Jiao Fang , Yin Dengke
Published: October 2020

Particle aggregates in traditional medicine decoction have positive effects on the absorption of the active substances in the intestine, through polysaccharides-induced transport regulation.
Light-driven bimorph soft actuators: design, fabrication, and properties
Authors: Chen Yuanhao , Yang Jiajia , Zhang Xuan , Feng Yiyu , Zeng Hao , Wang Ling , Feng Wei
Published: October 2020

This review provides an account of the state-of-the-art light-driven bimorph soft actuators from their fundamentals to emerging applications, as well as new perspectives on the future scope, opportunities, and challenges.
Single molecule distribution of RhD binding epitopes on ultraflat erythrocyte ghosts
Authors: Stainer Sarah , Reisetbauer Sara , Ahiable Joan E. A. , Ebner Leon , Zhu Rong , Reindl Dagmar , Körmöczi Günther F. , Ebner Andreas
Published: October 2020

The Rh blood group system plays a key role in transfusion and organ transplant medicine. AFM-based recognition imaging on ulraflat erythrocyte ghost makes it possible to determine the molecular distribution of Rh epitopes over the entire erythrocyte.
A biopolymer-based and inflammation-responsive nanodrug for rheumatoid arthritis treatment via inhibiting JAK-STAT and JNK signalling pathways
Authors: Wang Ziqian , Zhan Chenyue , Zeng Fang , Wu Shuizhu
Published: October 2020

An inflammation-responsive nanodrug has been developed for RA therapy through releasing two inhibitors for regulating JAK-STAT and JNK pathways.
Human neuropeptide substance P self-assembles into semi-flexible nanotubes that can be manipulated for nanotechnology
Authors: Dharmadana Durga , Adamcik Jozef , Ryan Timothy M. , Appiah Danso Samuel , Chong Christopher J. H. , Conn Charlotte E. , Reynolds Nicholas P. , Mezzenga Raffaele , Valéry Céline
Published: October 2020

Substance P neuropeptide is here reported to self-assemble into well-defined semi-flexible nanotubes.
Fine-tuning of polariton energies in a tailored plasmon cavity and J-aggregates hybrid system
Authors: Liang Kun , Guo Jiaqi , Huang Yuming , Yu Li
Published: October 2020

The fine-tuning of hybrid polariton states in a Au@Ag nanorod and J-aggregate strong coupling system by adjacent dielectric environment regulation is revealed.
Spin hall nano-oscillators based on two-dimensional Fe3GeTe2 magnetic materials
Authors: Li Rongxin , Yu Ziyang , Zhang Zhenhua , Shao Yan , Wang Xiangxiang , Finocchio Giovanni , Lu Zhihong , Xiong Rui , Zeng Zhongming
Published: October 2020

Schematic of the 1000 nm × 700 nm FGT/Pt SHNO with 120 nm nanoconstriction and Microwave emission performance of 8-layers FGT/Pt shows 12 GHz mA-1 current tunability.
Development of a novel oxidative stress-amplifying nanocomposite capable of supplying intratumoral H2O2 and O2 for enhanced chemodynamic therapy and radiotherapy in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models
Authors: Suo Meng , Liu Zeming , Tang Wenxue , Guo Jiancheng , Jiang Wei , Liu Ying , Duo Yanhong
Published: October 2020

Radiotherapy (RT) is a potent approach to cancer treatment, but the tumor microenvironment (TME) in solid tumors is often highly hypoxic and contains high levels of antioxidant enzymes, thereby reducing the RT efficacy.
Electrodeposition of Ni3Se2/MoSex as a bifunctional electrocatalyst towards highly-efficient overall water splitting
Authors: Tian Yifan , Xue Xinying , Gu Yu , Yang Zhaoxi , Hong Guo , Wang Chundong
Published: October 2020

Electrochemically splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen plays a significant role in the commercialization of hydrogen energy as well as fuel cells, but it remains a challenge to design and fabricate low-cost and high-efficiency electrocatalysts.
Acenes beyond organic electronics: sensing of singlet oxygen and stimuli-responsive materials
Authors: Brega Valentina , Yan Yu , Thomas Samuel W.
Published: October 2020

Although they are often detrimental in organic electronics, the cycloaddition reactions of acenes, especially with singlet oxygen, are useful in a range of responsive materials.
Catalytic amide base system generated in situ for 1,3-diene formation from allylbenzenes and carbonyls
Authors: Shigeno Masanori , Kajima Akihisa , Nakaji Kunihito , Nozawa-Kumada Kanako , Kondo Yoshinori
Published: October 2020

The amide base generated in situ from tetramethylammonium fluoride (TMAF) and N(TMS)3 catalyzes the synthesis of 1,3-diene from an allylbenzene and carbonyl compound.
Ultrasound-mediated delivery of RGD-conjugated nanobubbles loaded with fingolimod and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles: targeting hepatocellular carcinoma and enhancing magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Guo Xin-Min , Chen Jia-Lin , Zeng Bao-Hui , Lai Ji-Chuang , Lin Cui-Yan , Lai Mei-Yan
Published: October 2020

Nanobubbles (NBs) are considered to be a new generation of ultrasound-responsive nanocarriers that can effectively target tumors, accurately release multi-drugs at desired locations, as well as simultaneously perform diagnosis and treatment.
A pair of 2D chiral Ag(i) enantiomers with dual chiral elements: syntheses, structures, and photoluminescent and chiroptical properties
Authors: Cui Minghui , Wang Ai-Ling , Liu Yingfan , Xiao Hongping , Li Fengcai , Zhou Liming , Fang Shaoming , Li Xi-Li
Published: October 2020

2D chiral Ag(i) enantiomeric pair display intense emissions both in the solid state and in solution with very different emission features and mechanisms.
Analysis of Xinjiang asphaltenes using high precision spectroscopy
Authors: Qiyong Xiong , Wyclif Kiyingi , Jingjun Pan , Xiong Ruiying , Deng Weibing , Zhang Shiling , Guo Jixiang , Yang Yuqi
Published: October 2020

Asphaltenes are known for causing flow assurance problems in numerous oil fields.
Tuning the physical properties of ultrathin transition-metal dichalcogenides via strain engineering
Authors: Yan Yalan , Ding Shuang , Wu Xiaonan , Zhu Jian , Feng Dengman , Yang Xiaodong , Li Fangfei
Published: October 2020

Transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have become one of the recent frontiers and focuses in two-dimensional (2D) materials fields thanks to their superior electronic, optical, and photoelectric properties.
Confinement of a Au–N-heterocyclic carbene in a Pd6L12 metal–organic cage
Authors: Zeng Lihua , Sun Shujian , Wei Zhang-Wen , Xin Yu , Liu Liping , Zhang Jianyong
Published: October 2020

A Au(i)–NHC-edged Pd6L12 molecular cage is assembled from a Au(i)–NHC-based bipyridyl bent ligand and Pd2+.
U2N@Ih(7)-C80: fullerene cage encapsulating an unsymmetrical U(iv)NU(v) cluster
Authors: Li Xiaomeng , Roselló Yannick , Yao Yang-Rong , Zhuang Jiaxin , Zhang Xingxing , Rodríguez-Fortea Antonio , de Graaf Coen , Echegoyen Luis , Poblet Josep M. , Chen Ning
Published: October 2020

A novel actinide cluster, UNU, is stabilized inside a C80 fullerene cage. The U(iv)NU(v) cluster features two UN bonds with uneven bond distances of 2.058(3) Å and 1.943(3) Å, leading to an unsymmetrical structure.
Ligand-mediated formation of Cu/metal oxide hybrid nanocrystals with tunable number of interfaces
Authors: Varandili Seyedeh Behnaz , Stoian Dragos , Vavra Jan , Pankhurst James , Buonsanti Raffaella
Published: October 2020

We report on the formation of Cu/metal oxide hybrid nanocrystals with a tunable number of interfaces between the two domains. We demonstrate that the organic ligands employed during the synthesis play a key role in regulating the final configuration.
Fluorescent probes for in vitro and in vivo quantification of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Ye Sen , Hu Jun Jacob , Zhao Qian Angela , Yang Dan
Published: October 2020

New class of H2O2 probes, HKPerox-Red and HKPerox-Ratio, were developed for quantitative measurement of H2O2 generated in multiple disease models using bio-imaging, flow cytometry, and in vitro assays in an ultra-sensitive and selective manner.
Real-time analysis of methylalumoxane formation
Authors: Joshi Anuj , Zijlstra Harmen S. , Liles Elena , Concepcion Carina , Linnolahti Mikko , McIndoe J. Scott
Published: October 2020

The activator methylaluminoxane is made by hydrolysis of trimethylaluminum. Analysis using ESI-MS reveals rapid formation of small oligomers is followed by slower aggregation to the larger precursors most capable of releasing [Me2Al]+.
The site-selectivity and mechanism of Pd-catalyzed C(sp2)–H arylation of simple arenes
Authors: Kim Daeun , Choi Geunho , Kim Weonjeong , Kim Dongwook , Kang Youn K. , Hong Soon Hyeok
Published: October 2020

The transmetalation step, not the C–H activation step, is suggested as the selectivity-determining step in Pd-catalyzed C–H arylation of simple arenes.
Yolk–shell structured FeS/MoS2@nitrogen-doped carbon nanocubes with sufficient internal void space as an ultrastable anode for potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Chu Jianhua , Yu Qiyao , Han Kun , Xing Lidong , Gu Chao , Li Ying , Bao Yanping , Wang Wei (Alex)
Published: October 2020

A yolk–shell structured FeS/MoS2@nitrogen-doped carbon nanocubes with sufficient internal void space are in situ constructed as an advanced anode for potassium-ion batteries.
Scalable upcycling of thermoplastic polyolefins into vitrimers through transesterification
Authors: Kar Goutam Prasanna , Saed Mohand Osman , Terentjev Eugene Michael
Published: October 2020

Converting commodity structural thermoplastics into dynamically crosslinked vitrimers.
Wearable super-adsorptive fibrous equipment in situ grafted with porous organic polymers for carcinogenic fumigant defense and detoxification
Authors: Tang Peixin , Ji Bolin , Sun Gang
Published: October 2020

SAFE-cotton is fabricated through in situ synthesis of nucleophilic porous organic polymers on cotton for fumigant adsorption, detoxification, and colorimetric warning.
Deposited structure design of epoxy composites with excellent electromagnetic interference shielding performance and balanced mechanical properties
Authors: Lian Qingsong , Xu Weijie , Li Yan , Chen Hongfeng , Duan Hongji , Wang Zhi , An Dong , Zhao Guizhe , Liu Yaqing
Published: October 2020

Preparation of the T-ZnO/Ag/EP composites via the MISP method and their excellent EMI shielding performance and relatively high mechanical properties.
Emerging piezochromism in lead free alkaline earth chalcogenide perovskite AZrS3 (A = Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba) under pressure
Authors: Majumdar Arnab , Adeleke Adebayo A. , Chakraborty Sudip , Ahuja Rajeev
Published: October 2020

Hydrostatic pressure is an effective tool that can give rise to novel crystal structures and physical properties.
Self-assembled non-volatile micro memory arrays of molecular ferroelectrics
Authors: Cai Yichen , Zaheer Muhammad , Jin Wei , Wang Jiao , Shan Yabing , Nie Qingmiao , Wang Wenchong , Yan Mengge , Tian Bobo , Cong Chunxiao , Qiu Zhi-Jun , Liu Ran , Zheng Lirong , Hu Laigui
Published: October 2020

Micro non-volatile memory arrays of molecular ferroelectrics with small driving voltages are self-assembled by using a solution process.
Cognitive Flexibility for Semantic and Perceptual Information in Developmental Stuttering
Authors: Anderson Julie D. , Wagovich Stacy A. , Ofoe Levi
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine cognitive flexibility for semantic and perceptual information in preschool children who stutter (CWS) and who do not stutter (CWNS).

Method

Participants were 44 CWS and 44 CWNS between the ages of 3;0 and 5;11 (years;months). Cognitive flexibility was measured using semantic and perceptual categorization tasks. In each task, children were required to match a target object with two different semantic or perceptual associates. Main dependent variables were reaction time and accuracy.

Results

The accuracy with which CWS and CWNS shifted between one semantic and perceptual representation to another was similar, but the CWS did so significantly more slowly. Both groups of children had more difficulty switching between perceptual representations than semantic ones.

Conclusion

CWS are less efficient (slower), though not less accurate, than CWNS in their ability to switch between different representations in both the verbal and nonverbal domains.
Speechreading Ability Is Related to Phonological Awareness and Single-Word Reading in Both Deaf and Hearing Children
Authors: Buchanan-Worster Elizabeth , MacSweeney Mairéad , Pimperton Hannah , Kyle Fiona , Harris Margaret , Beedie Indie , Ralph-Lewis Amelia , Hulme Charles
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Speechreading (lipreading) is a correlate of reading ability in both deaf and hearing children. We investigated whether the relationship between speechreading and single-word reading is mediated by phonological awareness in deaf and hearing children.

Method

In two separate studies, 66 deaf children and 138 hearing children, aged 5–8 years old, were assessed on measures of speechreading, phonological awareness, and single-word reading. We assessed the concurrent relationships between latent variables measuring speechreading, phonological awareness, and single-word reading.

Results

In both deaf and hearing children, there was a strong relationship between speechreading and single-word reading, which was fully mediated by phonological awareness.

Conclusions

These results are consistent with ideas from previous studies that visual speech information contributes to the development of phonological representations in both deaf and hearing children, which, in turn, support learning to read. Future longitudinal and training studies are required to establish whether these relationships reflect causal effects.
Distributed optimisation approach to least‐squares solution of Sylvester equations
Authors: Deng Wen , Zeng Xianlin , Hong Yiguang
Published: October 2020

In this study, the authors design distributed algorithms for solving the Sylvester equation in the sense of least squares over a multi‐agent network. In the problem setup, every agent in the interconnected system only has local information of some columns or rows of data matrices A, B and C, and exchanges information among neighbour agents. They propose algorithms with mainly focusing on a specific partition case, whose designs can be easily generalised to other partitions. Three distributed continuous‐time algorithms aim at two cases for seeking a least‐squares/regularisation solution from the viewpoint of optimisation. Due to the equivalence between an equilibrium point of each system under discussion and an optimal solution to the corresponding optimisation problem, the authors make use of semi‐stability theory and methods in convex optimisation to prove convergence theorems of proposed algorithms that arrive at a least‐squares/regularisation solution.
Optimal fractional‐order controller design using direct synthesis method
Authors: Yumuk Erhan , Güzelkaya Müjde , Eksin İbrahim
Published: October 2020

In this study, an optimal fractional‐order controller is proposed for a type of fractional‐order model utilising the direct synthesis method. In that respect, the fractional counterpart of the second‐order integer transfer function is selected as a closed‐loop reference transfer function. The stability region of the fractional‐order closed‐loop reference transfer function is given via a theorem and related lemmas. Considering that a unity feedback loop is used, the parameters of the fractional‐order closed‐loop reference transfer function are specified based on the integral square error performance index within the specified stability region using a genetic algorithm. The time‐domain characteristics of the optimal fractional‐order closed‐loop reference transfer function are compared with those of the optimal second‐order integer closed‐loop reference transfer function. The fractional‐ and integer‐order controllers that are designed based on optimal closed‐loop reference transfer functions are implemented on a real‐time system. The performance of the fractional‐order controller outperforms that of the integer counterpart on the integral square error criterion. Moreover, the simulation and practical results are consistent with each other.
Retracted: Effect of PI controllers’ parameters on machine–network interaction of grid‐connected PMSG system
Authors: Habib Arslan , Julián Aristizábal Andrés , Arshad Adeel
Published: October 2020

The publisher is retracting this article, ‘Effect of PI controllers’ parameters on machine‐network interaction of grid‐connected PMSG system’, IET Gener. Trams. Distrib., 2019, 10, (13), pp. 4677–4684, doi: 10.1049/iet‐gtd.2018.5679. The paper has been retracted due to concerns over the authorship.
Galactic cirri in deep optical imaging
Authors: Román Javier , Trujillo Ignacio , Montes Mireia
Published: October 2020

The ubiquitous presence of Galactic cirri in deep optical images represents a major obstacle to study the low surface brightness features of extragalactic sources. To address this issue, we have explored the optical properties of cirri usingg,r,i, andzbands in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Stripe82 region. Using state-of-the-art, custom made, image processing techniques, including the modeling and removal of the instrumental scattered light produced by the stars, we managed to isolate the optical diffuse emission by the cirri, allowing their photometric characterization. We find that their optical colors are driven by the dust column density: The cirri become redder as their 100μm emission increases. Remarkably, the optical colors of the Galactic cirri differ significantly from those of extragalactic sources, with a characteristic bluerr-icolor for a giveng-r, allowing one to detect these by using a simple color relation. Our results show the high potential of deep multi-band optical photometry, on its own, identifying the presence of cirri at a higher spatial resolution than those provided by far-infrared observations. The combination of very deep data and multi-band photometry (as the one produced by LSST andEuclid) would make it possible to build dust maps of unprecedented quality.
Consignment stock policy in an integrated vendor-buyer model for deteriorating item with stock dependent demand under buyer’s space limitation
Authors: Sen Nabin , Bardhan Sudarshan , Giri Bibhas Chandra
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a single-vendor single-buyer integrated inventory model for a deteriorating item with consignment stock policy is developed, assuming that the market demand is stock dependent and there is space limitation on the buyer’s storage capacity. Both equal and unequal shipments from the vendor to the buyer are considered. The effects of the buyer’s space capacity on the average cost, shipment size, and production batch are studied through numerical example. It is deduced that production rate is the key factor to determine whether to use equal or unequal shipment strategy. Sensitivity analysis is carried out to establish the robustness of the solutions of the models developed.
Is Lugol necessary for endoscopic resection of esophageal squamous cell neoplasia?
Authors: Costa-Santos Maria Pia , Ferreira Alexandre Oliveira , Mouradides Christina , Pérez-Cuadrado-Robles Enrique , Yeung Ralph , Garcés-Duran Rodrigo , Snauwaert Christophe , Dano Hélène , Piessevaux Hubert , Deprez Pierre H.
Published: October 2020

Background and study aims Recent evidence suggests that lugol chromoendoscopy (LCE) and narrow-band imaging (NBI) have comparable sensitivity for detection of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, LCE is time-consuming and associated with side effects. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of NBI and LCE in defining resection margins of esophageal SCC.

Patients and methods This was a retrospective observational cohort study of patients with esophageal SCC and dysplasia who underwent en-bloc resection between 1999 and 2017 at the Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels. Two groups were defined: 1) inspection with NBI only; and 2) inspection with LCE (with or without NBI). The primary endpoint was complete lateral resection rate. Multivariate regression was used to adjust for potential confounders.

Results A total of 102 patients with 132 lesions were included. Lesions were inspected with LCE in 52 % (n = 68) and with NBI only in 48 % (n = 64). Lesions 0-IIa were more frequent in the NBI group (37 %) and 0-IIb (60 %) in LCE. Lesion location, size, and histology and resection technique (endoscopic submucosal dissection in 122/132 cases, 92 %) were similar between the groups. The rate of complete lateral resection for invasive carcinoma was 90 % in LCE group and 94 % in NBI group (P = 0.498) and 65 % and 67 % (P = 0.813), respectively, for dysplasia complete lateral resection. These results remained non-significant after adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusions Mucosal inspection and delineation of tumors with lugol chromoendoscopy before endoscopic resection of esophageal squamous cell lesions was not associated with increased complete lateral resection rate when compared to NBI.
A Task-Specific Ionic-Liquid-Mediated Solvent-Free Protocol for Direct Access to Dimethyl Acetal Protected Benzimidazole 2-Carboxaldehydes
Authors: Majumdar Swapan , Deb Barnali , Chakraborty Ankita , Hossain Jewel
Published: October 2020

A robust and straightforward protocol has been developed for the synthesis of a diverse array of dimethyl acetal protected benz­imidazole-2-carboxaldehydes by reacting various 2-amino aniline derivatives with methyl 4,4-dimethoxy-3-oxobutanoate using the task-specific­ imidazolium ionic liquid (HBIm·TFA) as a promoter for N-C/C-N annulation processes. The present protocol offers several advantages over existing protocols, such as single-step process, short reaction times, very mild reaction conditions, high yields, ease of purification, recovery and reusability of the catalyst, and scale-up of the reaction.
The Impact of Hypernatremia in Preterm Infants on Neurodevelopmental Outcome at 18 Months of Corrected Age
Authors: Howell Heather B. , Lin Matthew , Zaccario Michele , Kazmi Sadaf , Sklamberg Felice , Santaniello Nicholas , Wachtel Elena
Published: October 2020

Objective The study objective was to assess the correlation between hypernatremia during the first week of life and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 months of corrected age in premature infants.

Study Design A retrospective observational study of preterm infants born at less than 32 weeks of gestation who had a neurodevelopmental assessment with the Bayley scales of infant and toddler development III at 18 ± 6 months of corrected age. Serum sodium levels from birth through 7 days of life were collected. The study cohort was divided into two groups: infants with a peak serum sodium of >145 mmol/L (hypernatremia group) and infants with a peak serum sodium level of <145 mmol/L (no hypernatremia group). Prenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal hospital course and neurodevelopmental data at 18 ± 6 months were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the correlation between neonatal hypernatremia and neurodevelopment with adjustment for selected population characteristics.

Results Eighty-eight preterm infants with complete neurodevelopmental outcome data at 18 ± 6 months of corrected gestational age were included in the study. Thirty-five neonates were in the hypernatremia group and 53 were in the no hypernatremia group. Maternal and neonatal characteristics were similar between the two groups except that the hypernatremia group had a significantly lower average birth weight and gestational age. Comparison of the mean neurodevelopmental scores between the two groups showed that patients in the hypernatremia group as compared with those in the no hypernatremia group had significantly lower neurodevelopmental scaled scores in the fine motor domain (p = 0.01). This difference remained significant (p = 0.03, odds ratio [OR] = 0.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6–0.97) when adjusted for birth weight and gestational age.

Conclusion Preterm infants born at less than 32 weeks of gestation with hypernatremia in the first week of life have lower fine motor scores at 18 months of corrected age.

Key Points
Role of Religious Practices in the Spread and Mitigation of COVID-19
Authors: Sandhu Simarpreet V. , Sandhu Hardas S.
Published: October 2020

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a global pandemic on March 11, 2020 which engulfed the world like wild fire in less than 2 months. It has played havoc with the lives of people restricting their movement, confining them to their homes for months, devastating the economy, and causing psychological issues in some of them. In the unprecedented threat of the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating impact on communities and nations across the globe, religious leaders and faith-based organizations may play a crucial role in saving lives and mitigating the spread of the disease. Religious leaders and faith-based organizations are primary source of support, comfort, guidance, direct health care and social service, for the communities they serve and people who have staunch belief in them. Most of the religious-minded people visit their places of worship frequently and often join the congregations on special occasions, making them vulnerable to any infectious disease prevailing at that time. Ensuring awareness and dispelling pseudoscientific practices is a necessity for such communities in India to contain and control the coronavirus infection, as it presents unique threat owing to the geographical vastness and the complexity of its cultural and religious diversity, beliefs, and practices coexisting with poor social indicators in this country. A study was conducted to understand the role of religious practices in the spread and mitigation of COVID-19.
Birthweight and Chemotherapy Exposure in Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer during Pregnancy
Authors: Freret Taylor S. , Exman Pedro , Mayer Erica L. , Little Sarah E. , Economy Katherine E.
Published: October 2020

Objective Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in pregnancy and is commonly treated with chemotherapy. To date, studies examining effects of chemotherapy during pregnancy on fetal growth have yielded conflicting results, and most are limited by small sample sizes or are nonspecific with respect to cytotoxic regimen or type of cancer treated. We sought to evaluate the effect of chemotherapy for breast cancer in pregnancy on birthweight and small for gestational age infants.

Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of 74 women diagnosed with pathologically confirmed breast cancer during pregnancy between 1997 and 2018 at one of three academic medical centers, who had a singleton birth with known birthweight. Forty-nine received chemotherapy and 25 did not receive chemotherapy. Linear regression modeling was used to compare birthweight (by gestational age and sex-specific z-score) by chemotherapy exposure. Subanalyses of specific chemotherapy regimen and duration of chemotherapy exposure were also performed. Placental, neonatal, and maternal outcomes were also analyzed by chemotherapy exposure.

Results In the adjusted model, chemotherapy exposure was associated with lower birthweight (Δ z-score = −0.49, p = 0.03), but similar rates of small for gestational age (defined as birthweight <10th percentile for gestational age) infants (8.2 vs. 8.0%, p = 1.0; Fisher's exact test). Each additional week of chemotherapy (Δ z-score = −0.05, p = 0.03) was associated with decreased birthweight, although no association was found with specific chemotherapy regimen. Chemotherapy exposure was associated with lower median placental weight percentile by gestational age (9th vs. 75th, p < 0.05). Secondary maternal outcomes were similar between the group that did and did not receive chemotherapy.

Conclusion Chemotherapy for breast cancer in pregnancy in this cohort is associated with lower birthweight but no difference in the rate of small for gestational age infants.

Key Points
Future challenges for photovoltaic manufacturing at the terawatt level
Authors: Verlinden P. J.
Published: October 2020

To meet the target set by the Paris agreement in 2015 to keep the Earth average temperature rise to less than 2 °C (or even 1.5 °C), the best choice is to transition the energy economy to 100% renewable energy using solar photovoltaic energy (PV), playing a central role along with wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energy, to power directly or indirectly all sectors of the economy. The development of a large global energy storage capacity and the production of green hydrogen or other synthetic fuels by renewable energy will be critical. The estimated needed global PV generating capacity will be about 70 TW by 2050. The PV industry needs to rapidly grow its production capacity to about 3 TW p.a. to reach this objective. The industry has demonstrated that it is capable to grow at a very high rate and to continuously reduce the cost of manufacturing. There are no challenges related to the technology, manufacturing cost, or sustainability, except for the consumption of silver, which needs to be reduced by at least a factor of 4, and the recycling of material used in the PV system, which needs to be dramatically improved. The deployment of PV systems must be accelerated to reach a fast growth (>25%) until at least 2032 to avoid a major market downturn in 2050.
A gold nanodot array imprinting process based on solid-state dewetting for efficient oxide-free photovoltaic devices
Authors: Cho Jae Sang , Jang Woongsik , Park Keum Hwan , Wang Dong Hwan
Published: October 2020

We report the development of an efficient imprinting process for the formation of metal (Au) nanodot arrays using a square-patterned medium substrate. Solid-state dewetting is induced by differences in the surface energy of the metal film and the interface energy between the substrate and the metal film. Thus, uniform metal nanodot arrays were transferred to the desired substrate by controlling the interfacial surface free energy between the metal film and the substrate. Optical extinction measurements showed an intense extinction peak at 550 nm, corresponding to the simulated result. Imprinting of the Au-nanodot arrays on the substrate enhanced the light trapping function and supported the electrical properties of a polymer electrode. In addition, the combination of a transparent conducting oxide-free device with the Au-nanodot arrays and a polymer electrode resulted in enhanced performance. This can be attributed to the fact that the Au-nanodot arrays allowed higher charge extraction, as confirmed by electrical analyses. Finally, a next-generation approach of imprinting metal nanodot arrays was introduced through the controlled solid-state dewetting mechanism in a specific area, which can be applicable not only in the development of optoelectronic devices but also in semiconductor processes requiring metal nanostructures.
Bi-functional meta-device with full energy utilization in co- and cross-polarization fields
Authors: Yuan Yueyi , Chen Shouqian , Ratni Badreddine , Wu Qun , Ding Xumin , Burokur Shah Nawaz , Zhang Kuang
Published: October 2020

In high contrast to traditional geometric meta-surfaces, which can only operate on the cross-polarized field, we propose a bi-functional meta-device with full energy utilization in both co- and cross-polarized fields. In this paper, co-polarized refraction and cross-polarized focusing are integrated in one single meta-surface by taking advantage of compound propagation and geometric phases. A multi-layer element structure with various geometric degrees of freedom is designed to realize simultaneous and independent phase modulation of both co- and cross-polarized transmitted waves. The derived criterion is verified in the microwave region, and the proof-of-concept experiments indicate that the proposed meta-surface can have distinct functionalities with orthogonal polarizations in the transmitted field with a specific circularly polarized illumination. This scheme for bi-functional meta-surface construction provides an effective method to manipulate both co- and cross-polarized output fields simultaneously, which can extremely enhance the modulation efficiency of output energy. Different output wavefronts can be conveniently switched by filtering only the polarization state of the output end, simplifying the operational complexity of the bi-functional meta-system. This criterion paves the way for flexible manipulation of electromagnetic waves with a higher degree of freedom and facilitates a larger diversity of applications across the whole frequency spectrum.
Topological epidemic model: Theoretical insight into underlying networks
Authors: Hirata Yoshito
Published: October 2020

Although there are various models of epidemic diseases, there are a few individual-based models that can guide susceptible individuals on how they should behave in a pandemic without its appropriate treatment. Such a model would be ideal for the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Thus, here, we propose a topological model of an epidemic disease, which can take into account various types of interventions through a time-dependent contact network. Based on this model, we show that there is a maximum allowed number of persons one can see each day for each person so that we can suppress the epidemic spread. Reducing the number of persons to see for the hub persons is a key countermeasure for the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Magnetic flux modulation with electric controlled permeability for magnetoresistive sensor
Authors: Che Yulu , Hu Jiafei , Pan Long , Li Peisen , Pan Mengchun , Chen Dixiang , Sun Kun , Zhang Xinmiao , Du Qingfa , Yu Yang , Hu Yueguo , Ji Minhui , Yang Lan , Peng Junping , Qiu Weicheng , Zhang Qi
Published: October 2020

Owing to the attractive advantages of the simple preparation process, convenient frequency adjustment, and stable mechanical structure, magnetic flux modulation with electric controlled permeability exhibits a better performance in the reduction of 1/f noise for magnetoresistive (MR) sensors than other schemes of magnetic flux modulation. However, the magnetic flux electric modulation (MFEM) has not been experimentally verified. In this work, a prototype of the MFEM structure was established by preparing an FeGaB film on a Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)0.7O3–PbTi0.3O3 substrate, and the modulation structure was integrated into an MR sensor. A test system was built to evaluate the modulation efficiency of the MFEM structure, and the results showed that the modulation efficiency reached 9.8% with an applied electric field of 2 kV/cm at a frequency of 10 010 Hz. Meanwhile, experiments were carried out to study the effects of driving electric fields’ amplitude and frequency on modulation efficiency, and it was revealed that the modulation efficiency could be further improved by increasing the amplitude of driving voltage and reducing the thickness of the ferroelectric layer.
Interfacial optimization of quantum dot and silica hybrid nanocomposite for simultaneous enhancement of fluorescence retention and stability
Authors: Xie Hongxing , Chen Enguo , Ye Yun , Xu Sheng , Guo Tailiang
Published: October 2020

We have demonstrated an improved quantum dot (QD) and silica hybrid nanocomposite by interfacial optimization for simultaneous enhancement of fluorescence retention and stability. This nanocomposite was synthesized by using silica spheres as cores, adsorbing gradient alloy QDs (GA-QDs) as the first shell, and then coating a silica layer as the other outmost shell (termed SiO2-GA-QD-SiO2). The retaining ratio of pristine fluorescence intensity after silica coating was found to be significantly improved by the QDs' shell interfacial optimization due to the suppression of surface defects. The mechanism of the QDs' surface trap states capturing the excitons before and after silica coating was analyzed in detail. The results show that the optimized SiO2-GA-QD-SiO2 nanocomposite provides the highest resulting fluorescence intensity of 70%, which is 62% and 33% higher than those of the other two conventional structures. Photoluminescent liquid crystal display backlight samples were prepared with this hybrid nanocomposite to show the robustness against high temperature and humid environment. Even when immersed in water and heated to 80 °C, the backlight samples still retained 85% of the initial fluorescence, which was 40% higher than that with bare GA-QDs. High fluorescence and long-term stability highlight the potential of using this nanocomposite in displays or lighting applications.
Durable strategies for perovskite photovoltaics
Authors: Dong Chong , Wang Zhao-Kui , Liao Liang-Sheng
Published: October 2020

Perovskite solar cells have experienced a flying enhancement in their efficiency, which presents great potentiality in the photovoltaic industry. However, perovskite (PVSK) degradation is a serious problem for viable and sustainable commercialization. Apart from the intrinsic structural instability, PVSK materials are apt to be influenced by the environment including electrical and chemical situations, moisture and oxygen, and light and heat. Here, we discuss the corrosion mechanisms under these various factors. Moreover, the keynote is focused on the PVSK film and its contiguous layers to organize corresponding feasible approaches on improving the PVSK photovoltaic lifespan. It is hopeful to pave the way for the PVSK photovoltaic manufacture with long-term stability in diverse aspects.
Transcorrelated density matrix renormalization group
Authors: Baiardi Alberto , Reiher Markus
Published: October 2020

We introduce the transcorrelated Density Matrix Renormalization Group (tcDMRG) theory for the efficient approximation of the energy for strongly correlated systems. tcDMRG encodes the wave function as a product of a fixed Jastrow or Gutzwiller correlator and a matrix product state. The latter is optimized by applying the imaginary-time variant of time-dependent (TD) DMRG to the non-Hermitian transcorrelated Hamiltonian. We demonstrate the efficiency of tcDMRG with the example of the two-dimensional Fermi–Hubbard Hamiltonian, a notoriously difficult target for the DMRG algorithm, for different sizes, occupation numbers, and interaction strengths. We demonstrate fast energy convergence of tcDMRG, which indicates that tcDMRG could increase the efficiency of standard DMRG beyond quasi-monodimensional systems and provides a generally powerful approach toward the dynamic correlation problem of DMRG.