bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of proptosis using computed tomography based three-dimensional reconstruction software in patients with Graves’ orbitopathy
Authors: Huh Jung , Park Sang Joon , Lee Jeong Kyu
Published: September 2020

The evaluation of proptosis is essential for the diagnosis of orbital disease. We have developed a computed tomography (CT)-based three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction software to measure the degree of proptosis. To verify clinical usefulness and reliability, the degree of proptosis was measured in 126 patients with Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) with 3D reconstruction software and compared with those obtained with Hertel exophthalmometer and CT. The proptosis values measured by 3D reconstruction software, CT, and Hertel exophthalmometer were closely related to each other, but showed significant differences (p < 0.001). In contrast, the amount of change in proptosis after orbital decompression were not different among the three measurements (p = 0.153). The intra-observer correlation coefficients of the 3D reconstruction software, CT, and Hertel exophthalmometer measurements were 0.997, 0.942, and 0.953, respectively. In patients with strabismus, the intra-observer correlation coefficient of CT and Hertel exophthalmometer decreased to 0.895 and 0.920, respectively, but the intra-observer correlation coefficient of the 3D reconstruction software did not change to 0.996. The inter-observer correlation coefficients of CT and 3D reconstruction software for three different ophthalmologists were 0.742 and 0.846, respectively. In conclusion, the measurement of proptosis by 3D reconstruction software seems to be a reliable method, especially in the presence of eyeball deviation.
Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex infection in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) using an interferon gamma release assay in a captive elephant herd
Authors: Songthammanuphap Songkiat , Puthong Songchan , Pongma Chitsuda , Buakeaw Anumart , Prammananan Therdsak , Warit Saradee , Tipkantha Wanlaya , Kaewkhunjob Erngsiri , Yindeeyoungyeon Wandee , Palaga Tanapat
Published: September 2020

Tuberculosis is highly contagious disease that can be transmitted between humans and animals. Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in captivity live in close contact with humans in many Asian countries. In this study, we developed an interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) for elephant TB detection using antigens from the MTB complex (MTBC) and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) as stimulating antigens (PPD, ESAT6, CFP10) to elicit a cell-mediated immune response (CMIR). The developed assay was applied to an elephant herd of more than 60 animals in Thailand, and the results were compared with those obtained through serological detection. IGRA has sufficient sensitivity for detecting elephant interferon gamma (eIFNγ) from specific antigen-stimulated PBMCs. Among 60 animals tested, 20 samples (33.3%) showed negative results for both MTBC and NTM infection. Eighteen samples (30%) showed positive responses against PPD from M. bovis and/or ESAT6 and CFP10, indicating MTBC infection. In contrast, only 15.6% showed seropositivity in a commercial serological test kit for elephant TB. The discrepancies between serological and CMIR highlight that the two methods may detect different stages of elephant TB. Therefore, employing both tests may enable them to complement each other in correctly identifying elephants that have been exposed to MTBC.
Characterization of basigin monoclonal antibodies for receptor-mediated drug delivery to the brain
Authors: Christensen Sarah Christine , Krogh Berit Olsen , Jensen Allan , Andersen Christian Brix Folsted , Christensen Søren , Nielsen Morten Schallburg
Published: September 2020

The brain uptake of biotherapeutics for brain diseases is hindered by the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB selectively regulates the transport of large molecules into the brain and thereby maintains brain homeostasis. Receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT) is one mechanism to deliver essential proteins into the brain parenchyma. Receptors expressed in the brain endothelial cells have been explored to ferry therapeutic antibodies across the BBB in bifunctional antibody formats. In this study, we generated and characterized monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) binding to the basigin receptor, which recently has been proposed as a target for RMT across the BBB. Antibody binding properties such as affinity have been demonstrated to be important factors for transcytosis capability and efficiency. Nevertheless, studies of basigin mAb properties' effect on RMT are limited. Here we characterize different basigin mAbs for their ability to associate with and subsequently internalize human brain endothelial cells. The mAbs were profiled to determine whether receptor binding epitope and affinity affected receptor-mediated uptake efficiency. By competitive epitope binning studies, basigin mAbs were categorized into five epitope bins. mAbs from three of the epitope bins demonstrated properties required for RMT candidates judged by binding characteristics and their superior level of internalization in human brain endothelial cells.
More frequent and widespread persistent compound drought and heat event observed in China
Authors: Yu Rong , Zhai Panmao
Published: September 2020

Compound drought and heat event (CDHE) causes severe impacts on agriculture, ecosystem, and human health. Based on daily maximum surface air temperature and meteorological drought composite index data in China, changing features of CDHEs in warm season from 1961 to 2018 is explored at a daily time scale based on a strict and objective definition in this study. Results reveal that CDHEs have occurred more frequently and widely in China, especially since the late 1990s. Notably, such changes are more obvious in Southwest China, eastern Northwest China, northern North China, and the coastal area of southeastern China. A prominent feature is that persistent CDHEs on a daily scale have increased significantly. To better understand climate change of compound extreme events, further studies on the physical mechanism, especially attribution analyses at a regional scale, are urgently needed.
Cell-free DNA concentration in patients with clinical or mammographic suspicion of breast cancer
Authors: Peled Michal , Agassi Ravit , Czeiger David , Ariad Samuel , Riff Reut , Rosenthal Maia , Lazarev Irena , Novack Victor , Yarza Shaked , Mizrakli Yuval , Douvdevani Amos
Published: September 2020

Mammography has a crucial role in the detection of breast cancer (BC), yet it is not limitation-free. We hypothesized that the combination of mammography and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) levels may better discriminate patients with cancer. This prospective study included 259 participants suspected with BC before biopsy. Blood samples were taken before biopsy and from some patients during and at the end of treatment. cfDNA blood levels were measured using our simple fluorescent assay. The primary outcome was the pathologic diagnosis of BC, and the secondary aims were to correlate cfDNA to severity, response to treatments, and outcome. Median cfDNA blood levels were similar in patients with positive and negative biopsy: 577 vs. 564 ng/ml (p = 0.98). A significant decrease in cfDNA blood level was noted after the following treatments: surgery, surgery and radiation, neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and surgery, and at the end of all treatments. To conclude, the cfDNA level could not be used in suspected patients to discriminate BC. Reduction of tumor burden by surgery and chemotherapy is associated with reduction of cfDNA levels. In a minority of patients, an increase in post-treatment cfDNA blood level may indicate the presence of a residual tumor and higher risk. Further outcome assessment for a longer period is suggested.
Electrochemical analysis of anionic analytes in weakly supported media using electron transfer promotion effect: a case study on nitrite
Authors: Khoshroo Alireza , Fattahi Ali
Published: September 2020

In this study, a simple technique was developed for the electrochemical detection of anionic analytes in weakly supported media. This was conducted by the use of electrochemical paper-based analytical devices (ePADs). A sensing platform was modified with nereistoxin and used to determine nitrite as a case study. The electrochemical response was improved due to the accelerated electron transfer between the sensing platform and the nitrite through the electrostatic interaction of the amino group of nereistoxin and the nitrite. The electrocatalytic current of the nitrite in the presence of nereistoxin was enhanced in the weakly supported media. By using nereistoxin as a signal enhancer, 97% of the electrochemical signal was obtained at the low ionic strength of the electrolyte, while less than 35% of this signal was obtained in the absence of nereistoxin. The limit of detection was as low as 20 nM using an ePAD. Generally, the proposed ePAD serves as a promising, efficient and low-cost device for sensing applications in weakly supported media.
Emission characteristics of ultrafine particles from bare and Al2O3 coated graphite for high temperature applications
Authors: Yadav S. K. , Shukla P. , Joshi Manish , Khan Arshad , Kaushik A. , Jha Ajit Kumar , Sapra B. K. , Singh R. S.
Published: September 2020

Owing to its exceptional properties at high temperature, graphite is used in several applications such as structural material and fuel block in high temperature nuclear reactors. Air ingress is one of the serious safety concerns in these reactors. Oxidation of graphite leading to increased porosity affects its mechanical strength and may lead to core collapse resulting in a severe accident. During such a scenario, generation of graphite particles could be the main hazard. Once generated, these particles often in fine and ultrafine sizes, may carry radioactivity to large distances and/or for long times. These particles owing to their higher surface to volume ratio possess an additional inhalation hazard. Ultrafine particles have the potential to enter into respiratory tract and cause damage to body organs. Coating of graphite components is preferred to reduce the oxidation induced damages at high temperatures. In the present work, effect of alumina (Al2O3) coating on the emission characteristics of particles from graphite under high temperature conditions has been investigated. Bare and Al2O3 coated graphite specimens were heated within a closed chamber at varying temperatures during these experiments. Temporal evolution of concentrations of gases (CO and CO2) and particles were measured. The results reveal that Al2O3 coating on the graphite delayed the oxidation behavior and the structure of graphite remained largely intact at high temperatures. A significant reduction in aerosol formation and CO emission was also noticed for the coated specimens.
Improved culture enrichment broth for isolation of Arcobacter-like species from the marine environment
Authors: Rahman Faiz Ur , Andree Karl B. , Salas-Massó Nuria , Fernandez-Tejedor Margarita , Sanjuan Anna , Figueras Maria J. , Furones M. Dolors
Published: September 2020

Arcobacter-like species are found associated with many matrices, including shellfish in marine environments. The culture media and conditions play a major role in the recovery of new Arcobacter-like species. This study was aimed to develop a culture media for isolation and enhanced growth of Arcobacter-like spp. from marine and shellfish matrices. For this purpose, 14 different Arcobacter-like spp. mostly isolated from shellfish, were grown in 24 different formulations of enrichment broths. The enrichment broths consisted of five main groups based on the organic contents (fresh oyster homogenate, lyophilized oyster either alone or in combination with other standard media), combined with artificial seawater (ASW) or 2.5% NaCl. Optical density (OD420nm) measurements after every 24 h were compared with the growth in control media (Arcobacter broth) in parallel. The mean and standard deviation were calculated for each species in each broth and statistical differences (p < 0.05) among broths were calculated by ANOVA. The results indicated that shellfish-associated Arcobacter-like species growth was significantly higher in Arcobacter broth + 50% ASW and the same media supplemented with lyophilized oysters. This is the first study to have used fresh or lyophilized oyster flesh in the enrichment broth for isolation of shellfish-associated Arcobacter-like spp.
Impact of fabrication errors and refractive index on multilevel diffractive lens performance
Authors: Banerji Sourangsu , Cooke Jacqueline , Sensale-Rodriguez Berardi
Published: September 2020

Multilevel diffractive lenses (MDLs) have emerged as an alternative to both conventional diffractive optical elements (DOEs) and metalenses for applications ranging from imaging to holographic and immersive displays. Recent work has shown that by harnessing structural parametric optimization of DOEs, one can design MDLs to enable multiple functionalities like achromaticity, depth of focus, wide-angle imaging, etc. with great ease in fabrication. Therefore, it becomes critical to understand how fabrication errors still do affect the performance of MDLs and numerically evaluate the trade-off between efficiency and initial parameter selection, right at the onset of designing an MDL, i.e., even before putting it into fabrication. Here, we perform a statistical simulation-based study on MDLs (primarily operating in the THz regime) to analyse the impact of various fabrication imperfections (single and multiple) on the final structure as a function of the number of ring height levels. Furthermore, we also evaluate the performance of these same MDLs with the change in the refractive index of the constitutive material. We use focusing efficiency as the evaluation criterion in our numerical analysis; since it is the most fundamental property that can be used to compare and assess the performance of lenses (and MDLs) in general designed for any application with any specific functionality.
In situ elemental analyses of living biological specimens using ‘NanoSuit’ and EDS methods in FE-SEM
Authors: Takaku Yasuharu , Takehara Sayuri , Suzuki Chiaki , Suzuki Hiroshi , Shimomura Masatsugu , Hariyama Takahiko
Published: September 2020

Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) carried out alongside scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a common technique for elemental analysis. To investigate “wet” biological specimens, complex pre-treatments are required to stabilize them under the high vacuum conditions of high-resolution SEM. These often produce unwanted artifacts. We have previously reported that the polymerization of natural surface substances on organisms by the electron beam of the SEM setup or by plasma irradiation causes a nano-scale layer to form—called a “NanoSuit”—that can act as a barrier and keep organisms alive and hydrated in a field-emission SEM system. In the study reported herein, we examined the suitability of the NanoSuit method for elemental analyses of biological specimens by EDS. We compared experimental results for living Drosophila larvae and Aloe arborescens specimens prepared by the NanoSuit method and by conventional fixation. The NanoSuit method allowed accurate detection of the elemental compositions at high resolution. By contrast, specimens prepared by the conventional fixation method displayed additional EDS signals corresponding to the elements in the chemicals involved in the fixation process. Our results demonstrate that the NanoSuit method is useful for studying hydrous samples via EDS and SEM, particularly in biological sciences.
3-D electromagnetic radiative non-Newtonian nanofluid flow with Joule heating and higher-order reactions in porous materials
Authors: Alaidrous Amel A. , Eid Mohamed R.
Published: September 2020

The aim of this work is to discuss the effect ofmth-order reactions on the magnetic flow of hyperbolic tangent nanofluid through extending surface in a porous material with thermal radiation, several slips, Joule heating, and viscous dissipation. In order to convert non-linear partial differential governing equations into ordinary ones, a technique of similarity transformations has been implemented and then solved using the OHAM (optimal homotopy analytical method). The outcomes of novel effective parameters on the non-dimensional interesting physical quantities are established utilizing the tabular and pictorial outlines. After a comparison with previous literature studies, the results were finely compliant. The study explores that the reduced Nusselt number is diminished for the escalating values of radiation, porosity, and source (sink) parameters. It is found that the order of the chemical reactionm = 2 is dominant in concentration as well as mass transfer in both destructive and generative reactions. Whenm reinforces for a destructive reaction, mass transfer is reduced with 34.7% and is stabled afterη = 3. In the being of the destructive reaction and Joule heating, the nanofluid's temperature is enhanced.
Development of humanized mouse and rat models with full-thickness human skin and autologous immune cells
Authors: Agarwal Yash , Beatty Cole , Ho Sara , Thurlow Lance , Das Antu , Kelly Samantha , Castronova Isabella , Salunke Rajeev , Biradar Shivkumar , Yeshi Tseten , Richardson Anthony , Bility Moses
Published: September 2020

The human skin is a significant barrier for protection against pathogen transmission. Rodent models used to investigate human-specific pathogens that target the skin are generated by introducing human skin grafts to immunocompromised rodent strains. Infection-induced immunopathogenesis has been separately studied in humanized rodent models developed with human lymphoid tissue and hematopoietic stem cell transplants. Successful co-engraftment of human skin, autologous lymphoid tissues, and autologous immune cells in a rodent model has not yet been achieved, though it could provide a means of studying the human immune response to infection in the human skin. Here, we introduce the human Skin and Immune System (hSIS)-humanized NOD-scid IL2Rγnull (NSG) mouse and Sprague–Dawley-Rag2tm2hera Il2rγtm1hera (SRG) rat models, co-engrafted with human full-thickness fetal skin, autologous fetal lymphoid tissues, and autologous fetal liver-derived hematopoietic stem cells. hSIS-humanized rodents demonstrate the development of human full-thickness skin, along with autologous lymphoid tissues, and autologous immune cells. These models also support human skin infection following intradermal inoculation with community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The co-engraftment of these human skin and immune system components into a single humanized rodent model could provide a platform for studying human skin infections.
Ocean model resolution dependence of Caribbean sea-level projections
Authors: van Westen René M. , Dijkstra Henk A. , van der Boog Carine G. , Katsman Caroline A. , James Rebecca K. , Bouma Tjeerd J. , Kleptsova Olga , Klees Roland , Riva Riccardo E. M. , Slobbe D. Cornelis , Zijlema Marcel , Pietrzak Julie D.
Published: September 2020

Sea-level rise poses severe threats to coastal and low-lying regions around the world, by exacerbating coastal erosion and flooding. Adequate sea-level projections over the next decades are important for both decision making and for the development of successful adaptation strategies in these coastal and low-lying regions to climate change. Ocean components of climate models used in the most recent sea-level projections do not explicitly resolve ocean mesoscale processes. Only a few effects of these mesoscale processes are represented in these models, which leads to errors in the simulated properties of the ocean circulation that affect sea-level projections. Using the Caribbean Sea as an example region, we demonstrate a strong dependence of future sea-level change on ocean model resolution in simulations with a global climate model. The results indicate that, at least for the Caribbean Sea, adequate regional projections of sea-level change can only be obtained with ocean models which capture mesoscale processes.
Moderate static magnetic fields enhance antitumor CD8+ T cell function by promoting mitochondrial respiration
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyan , Liu Yan , Cao Xianxia , Liu Haifeng , Sun Ao , Shen Hao , Zhao Jingyao , Li Ronghong , Wu Ligang , Fang Zhicai , Wang Hui , Zhai Qiwei
Published: September 2020

With the discovery of magnetoreceptor mechanisms in animals, it materialized the novel applications of controlling cell and animal behaviors using magnetic fields. T cells have shown to be sensitive to magnetic fields. Here, we reported that exposure to moderate SMFs (static magnetic fields) led to increased granule and cytokine secretion as well as ATP production and mitochondrial respiration from CD8+ T cells. These effects were inhibited by knocking down the Uqcrb and Ndufs6 genes of mitochondrial respiratory chain, whose transcriptions were regulated by candidate magnetoreceptor genes Isca1 and Cry1/Cry2. SMF exposure also promoted CD8+ T cell granule and cytokine secretion and repressed tumor growth in vivo. SMFs enhanced CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity, and the adoptive transfer into tumor-bearing mice resulted in enhanced antitumor effects. Collectively, our study suggests that moderate SMFs enhance CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity by promoting mitochondrial respiration and promoted the antitumor function of CD8+ T cells.
Imaging reconstruction comparison of different ghost imaging algorithms
Authors: Liu Hong-Chao
Published: September 2020

As an indirect and computational imaging approach, imaging reconstruction efficiency is critical for ghost imaging (GI). Here, we compare different GI algorithms, including logarithmic GI and exponential GI we proposed, by numerically analysing their imaging reconstruction efficiency and error tolerance. Simulation results show that compressive GI algorithm has the highest reconstruction efficiency due to its global optimization property. Error tolerance studies further manifest that compressive GI and exponential GI are sensitive to the error ratio. By replacing the bucket input of compressive GI with different bucket object signal functions, we integrate compressive GI with other GI algorithms and discuss their imaging efficiency. With the combination between the differential GI (or normalized GI) and compressive GI, both reconstruction efficiency and error tolerance will present the best performance. Moreover, an optical encryption is proposed by combining logarithmic GI, exponential GI and compressive GI, which can enhance the encryption security based on GI principle.
SMOC2, an intestinal stem cell marker, is an independent prognostic marker associated with better survival in colorectal cancers
Authors: Jang Bo Gun , Kim Hye Sung , Bae Jeong Mo , Kim Woo Ho , Kim Heung Up , Kang Gyeong Hoon
Published: September 2020

We aimed to investigate the expression profile of SPARC-related modular calcium-binding protein 2 (SMOC2) during colorectal cancer (CRC) progression and assess its prognostic impact in CRC patients. In our study, we showed that SMOC2 transcript level was higher in CRC samples than in normal mucosa (P = 0.017); this level was not associated with candidate cancer stem cell markers (CD44, CD166, CD133, and CD24) or intestinal stem cell markers (LGR5, ASCL2, and EPHB2) except for OLFM4 (P = 0.04). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that SMOC2-positive cells were confined to the crypt bases in the normal intestinal mucosa, hyperplastic polyps, and sessile serrated adenomas, whereas traditional serrated adenomas and conventional adenomas exhibited focal or diffuse distribution patterns. In total, 28% of 591 CRCs were positive for SMOC2, but SMOC2 positivity had negative correlations with lymphatic invasion (P = 0.002), venous invasion (P = 0.002), and tumor stage (P < 0.001). However, a positive association with nuclear β-catenin expression was seen. Furthermore, while upregulated SMOC2 expression was maintained during the adenoma-carcinoma transition, it decreased in cancer cells at the invasive front but did not decline further during lymph node metastasis. SMOC2 positivity showed no correlations with molecular abnormalities, including microsatellite instability, CpG island methylator phenotype, and mutations of KRAS and BRAF. In addition, we showed comprehensively that SMOC2 positivity is an independent prognostic marker for better clinical outcomes in a large cohort of CRC patients (P = 0.006). In vitro studies also demonstrated that induced SMOC2 expression in DLD1 cells exerts a suppressive role in tumor growth as well as in migration, colony, and sphere formation abilities. Taken together, our results suggest SMOC2 as a candidate tumor suppressor in CRC progression.
Author Correction: Her9/Hes4 is required for retinal photoreceptor development, maintenance, and survival
Authors: Coomer Cagney E. , Wilson Stephen G. , Titialii-Torres Kayla F. , Bills Jessica D. , Krueger Laura A. , Petersen Rebecca A. , Turnbaugh Evelyn M. , Janesch Eden L. , Morris Ann C.
Published: September 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Characterisation of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) expression in breast cancer cells and effect of drug treatment using targeted nanoparticles and SERS
Authors: Kapara Anastasia , Brunton Valerie G. , Graham Duncan , Faulds Karen
Published: September 2020

Targeted nanoparticles combined with surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) are used to characterise the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) expression levels in breast cancer cells and the effect that SERD drug treatment has on these expression levels.
Nanostructured flower-shaped CuCo2S4 as a Pt-free counter-electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Baptayev Bakhytzhan , Mustazheb Dias , Abilova Zhamilya , Balanay Mannix P.
Published: September 2020

Low-temperature ternary CuCo2S4 counter electrodes demonstrated better electrocatalytic activity and stability than Pt electrodes.
A NiRhS fuel cell catalyst – lessons from hydrogenase
Authors: Ogo Seiji , Ando Tatsuya , Minh Le Tu Thi , Mori Yuki , Matsumoto Takahiro , Yatabe Takeshi , Yoon Ki-Seok , Sato Yukio , Hibino Takashi , Kaneko Kenji
Published: September 2020

Novel dry-distilled catalysts based on Rh, Ni and S were developed via a Ni(μ-S)2Rh organometallic [NiFe]hydrogenase mimic.
Metal-free spirocyclization of N-arylpropiolamides with glyoxylic acids: access to complex azaspiro-fused tricycles
Authors: Nair Akshay M. , Shinde Anand H. , Kumar Shreemoyee , Volla Chandra M. R.
Published: September 2020

An efficient K2S2O8-mediated oxidative cascade spirocyclization of N-arylpropiolamides with aryl glyoxylic acids was demonstrated for constructing azaspiro[4,5]-trienones and complex azaspiro-fused architectures.
Ionic-liquid assisted architecture of amorphous nanoporous zinc-rich carbon-based microstars for lithium storage
Authors: Wang Zhuangzhuang , Chen Peng , Liu Weilin , Xu Lingsong , Meng Fancheng , Wei Xiangfeng , Liu Jiehua
Published: September 2020

Amorphous Zn–N–C based microstars, which are synthesized using an ionic liquid-assisted method, exhibit excellent performance for lithium storage due to their unique interfacial and structural features.
Exploiting hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) in Lewis and Brønsted acid-catalyzed reactions
Authors: Pozhydaiev Valentyn , Power Martin , Gandon Vincent , Moran Joseph , Lebœuf David
Published: September 2020

Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) is a solvent with unique properties that has recently gained attention for promoting a wide range of challenging chemical reactions.
Synthesis of P-chiral phosphine compounds by palladium-catalyzed C–P coupling reactions
Authors: Wang Cuiying , Yue Chang-Duo , Yuan Jia , Zheng Jia-Lian , Zhang Ying , Yu Hong , Chen Jian , Meng Sixuan , Yu Yang , Yu Guang-Ao , Che Chi-Ming
Published: September 2020

An efficient C–P coupling reactions of enantiopure tert-butylmethylphosphine-boranes with aryl and heteroaryl halides is developed by using Pd(OAc)2/dppf as a catalyst, affording a series of P-chiral phosphines (up to 99% ee).
Correction: Metallosupramolecules of pillar[5]-bis-trithiacrown including a mercury(ii) iodide ion-triplet complex
Authors: Shin Mingyeong , Seo Sujin , Park In-Hyeok , Lee Eunji , Habata Yoichi , Lee Shim Sung
Published: September 2020

Correction for ‘Metallosupramolecules of pillar[5]-bis-trithiacrown including a mercury(ii) iodide ion-triplet complex’ by Mingyeong Shin et al., Chem. Commun., 2020, DOI: 10.1039/d0cc03902k.
Structural features of proton-conducting metal organic and covalent organic frameworks
Authors: Jhariat Pampa , Kumari Priyanka , Panda Tamas
Published: September 2020

Proton conductivity in MOFs and COFs have been attracted due to their applicability as electrolytes in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. A short overview with recent updates on the structural features of MOFs and COFs for proton conduction are presented here.
Triplet–triplet annihilation based near infrared to visible molecular photon upconversion
Authors: Bharmoria Pankaj , Bildirir Hakan , Moth-Poulsen Kasper
Published: September 2020

This review delineates the developments in triplet–triplet annihilation based NIR to Vis molecular photon upconversion including recent progress in conceptual design, applications, existing challenges, possible future directions and opportunities.
Food safety monitoring of the pesticide phenthoate using a smartphone-assisted paper-based sensor with bimetallic Cu@Ag core–shell nanoparticles
Authors: Shrivas Kamlesh , Monisha  , Patel Sanyukta , Thakur Santosh Singh , Shankar Ravi
Published: September 2020

Smartphone-assisted paper-based sensor impregnated with citrate capped Cu@Ag core–shell NPs for selective determination of phenthoate pesticide in water and food samples is demonstrated.
Magnetic polymerizable surfactants: thermotropic liquid crystal behaviors and construction of nanostructured films
Authors: Huang Zhaohui , Yi Mengjiao , Liu Yihan , Qi Ping , Song Aixin , Hao Jingcheng
Published: September 2020

Two polymerizable surfactants, 3-undecylene-1-vinylimidazolium bromide (C11VIMBr) and 3-dodecyl-1-vinylimidazolium bromide (C12VIMBr), were chosen to prepare magnetic surfactant monomers by introducing Mn2+, Gd3+ and Ho3+.
Charge effects at nano-bio interfaces: a model of charged gold nanoclusters on amylin fibrillation
Authors: Tang Xintong , Gao Guanbin , Zhang Ting , Li Jianhang , Yu Meng , He Meng , Sun Taolei
Published: September 2020

Gold Nanocluster (AuNCs) with positive or negative charged ligands could inhibit or accelerate amylin fibrillation at Nano-bio interfaces, respectively.
Tissue-specific oxidative stress and element distribution after oral exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles in rats
Authors: Chen Zhangjian , Zheng Pai , Han Shuo , Zhang Jiahe , Li Zejun , Zhou Shupei , Jia Guang
Published: September 2020

The present study found that orally ingested TiO2 NPs induced tissue specific oxidative stress and imbalance of elements.
Correction: tert-Butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) mediated oxidative cross-dehydrogenative coupling of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones with 4-hydroxycoumarins, 4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-pyrone and 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone under metal-free conditions
Authors: Sharma Suraj , Dutta Nibedita Baruah , Bhuyan Mayurakhi , Das Babulal , Baishya Gakul
Published: September 2020

Correction for ‘tert-Butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) mediated oxidative cross-dehydrogenative coupling of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones with 4-hydroxycoumarins, 4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-pyrone and 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone under metal-free conditions’ by Suraj Sharma et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2020, 18, 6537–6548, DOI: 10.1039/D0OB01304H.
Cu(ii)-alginate-based superporous hydrogel catalyst for click chemistry azide–alkyne cycloaddition type reactions in water
Authors: Bahsis Lahoucine , Ablouh El-Houssaine , Anane Hafid , Taourirte Moha , Julve Miguel , Stiriba Salah-Eddine
Published: September 2020

The Cu(ii)-alginate-based superporous hydrogel was prepared and used as a heterogenous catalyst in the regioselective click of 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles by CuAAC reactions.
Free-energy landscape of polymer-crystal polymorphism
Authors: Liu Chan , Brandenburg Jan Gerit , Valsson Omar , Kremer Kurt , Bereau Tristan
Published: September 2020

Free-energy landscape of crystallized syndiotactic-polystyrene polymorphism from quantum-mechanical calculations and coarse-grained simulations.
Flexible crystalline β-Ga2O3solar-blind photodetectors
Authors: Lai Junyu , Hasan Md Nazmul , Swinnich Edward , Tang Zhao , Shin Sang-Ho , Kim Munho , Zhang Peihong , Seo Jung-Hun
Published: September 2020

This paper reports the demonstration of β-Ga2O3nanomembrane (NM) based flexible photodetectors (PDs) and their optoelectrical properties under bending conditions.
The recombinant anti-TNF-α fusion protein ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis by the protective role of autophagy
Authors: Chen Xiaole , Nie Kaimei , Zhang Xin , Tan Shuangyu , Zheng Qingmei , Wang Yaduan , Chen Xiaofeng , Tang Zhiyu , Liu Rui , Yan Mengru , Liu Zhiwei , Lin Jianbo , Xu Jianhua , Zhang Nanwen , Wang He , Yang Juhua
Published: September 2020

The currently used anti-cytokine therapeutic antibodies cannot selectively neutralize pathogenic cytokine signaling that cause collateral damage to protective signaling cascades carrying the potential for unwanted side effects. The variable domains of heavy-chain only antibodies (HCAbs) discovered in Camelidae are stable and display to be fully functional in antigen-binding against variable targets, which seem to be attractive candidates for the next-generation biologic drug study. The purpose of our study was to establish a simple prokaryotic expression system for large-scale expression, purification, and refolding of the recombinant anti-tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) fusion protein (FVH1-1) from inclusion bodies. Over 95% purity of the recombinant anti-TNF-α fusion proteins was obtained by just one purification step in our developed prokaryotic expression system, while the results of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) established the high-efficiency potent binding ability of FVH1-1 to human TNF-α. The counteraction of TNF-α cytotoxic effect experiment on the mouse fibroblast fibrosarcoma cell line (L929) confirmed that the expressed FVH1-1 were able to selectively and highly combine with human recombinant TNF-α (hTNF-α) in vitro. Western blot results showed that FVH1-1 can inhibit the activation of caspase-9 and PARP, which are the apoptotic signaling pathway proteins activated by hTNF-α. Meanwhile, lysosome autophagy signaling pathways stimulated by hTNF-α were inhibited by FVH1-1, which down-regulated the expression of LC3II/LC3I and up-regulated the expression of P62, indicating that the autophagy linked with TNF-α-induced apoptosis in response to rheumatoid arthritis. The results of the AIA rat model experiment presented that FVH1-1 can reduce the degree of joint swelling and inflammatory factors to a certain extent in vivo.
Identification and validation of a prognostic index based on a metabolic-genomic landscape analysis of ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhang Qun-feng , Li Yu-kun , Chen Chang-ye , Zhang Xiao-di , Cao Lu , Quan Fei-fei , Zeng Xin , Wang Juan , Liu Jue
Published: September 2020

Purpose: Tumour metabolism has become a novel factor targeted by personalised cancer drugs. This research evaluated the prognostic significance of metabolism-related genes (MRGs) in ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OSC).

Methods: MRGs in 379 women surviving OSC were obtained using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Then, several biomedical computational algorithms were employed to identify eight hub prognostic MRGs that were significantly relevant to OSC survival. These eight genes have important clinical significance and prognostic value in OSC. Subsequently, a prognostic index was constructed. Drug sensitivity analysis was used to screen the key genes in eight MRGs. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining confirmed the expression levels of key genes and their correlations with clinical parameters and prognosis for patients.

Results: A total of 701 differentially expressed MRGs were confirmed in women with OSC by the TCGA database. The random walking with restart (RWR) algorithm and the univariate Cox and lasso regression analyses indicated a prognostic signature based on eight MRGs (i.e., ENPP1, FH, CYP2E1, HPGDS, ADCY9, NDUFA5, ADH1B and PYGB), which performed moderately well in prognostic predictions. Drug sensitivity analysis indicated that PYGB played a key role in the progression of OSC. Also, IHC staining confirmed that PYGB has a close correlation with clinical parameters and poor prognosis in OSC.

Conclusion: The results of the present study may help to establish a foundation for future research attempting to predict the prognosis of OSC patients and to characterise OSC metabolism.
Metabolomics reveals the impact of Type 2 diabetes on local muscle and vascular responses to ischemic stress
Authors: Beckman Joshua A. , Hu Jiun-Ruey , Huang Shi , Farber-Eger Eric , Wells Quinn S. , Wang Thomas J. , Gerszten Robert E. , Ferguson Jane F.
Published: September 2020

Objective: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) reduces exercise capacity, but the mechanisms are incompletely understood. We probed the impact of ischemic stress on skeletal muscle metabolite signatures and T2DM-related vascular dysfunction. Methods: we recruited 38 subjects (18 healthy, 20 T2DM), placed an antecubital intravenous catheter, and performed ipsilateral brachial artery reactivity testing. Blood samples for plasma metabolite profiling were obtained at baseline and immediately upon cuff release after 5 min of ischemia. Brachial artery diameter was measured at baseline and 1 min after cuff release. Results: as expected, flow-mediated vasodilation was attenuated in subjects with T2DM (P<0.01). We confirmed known T2DM-associated baseline differences in plasma metabolites, including homocysteine, dimethylguanidino valeric acid and β-alanine (all P<0.05). Ischemia-induced metabolite changes that differed between groups included 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (healthy: −27%; DM +14%), orotic acid (healthy: +5%; DM −7%), trimethylamine-N-oxide (healthy: −51%; DM +0.2%), and glyoxylic acid (healthy: +19%; DM −6%) (all P<0.05). Levels of serine, betaine, β-aminoisobutyric acid and anthranilic acid were associated with vessel diameter at baseline, but only in T2DM (all P<0.05). Metabolite responses to ischemia were significantly associated with vasodilation extent, but primarily observed in T2DM, and included enrichment in phospholipid metabolism (P<0.05). Conclusions: our study highlights impairments in muscle and vascular signaling at rest and during ischemic stress in T2DM. While metabolites change in both healthy and T2DM subjects in response to ischemia, the relationship between muscle metabolism and vascular function is modified in T2DM, suggesting that dysregulated muscle metabolism in T2DM may have direct effects on vascular function.
Distributed adaptive observer‐based output formation‐containment control for heterogeneous multi‐agent systems with unknown inputs
Authors: Zhang Ya , Wen Yaoyao , Chen Guoxi , Chen Yang‐Yang
Published: September 2020

Here, the authors study the distributed time‐varying output formation‐containment control of heterogeneous multi‐agent systems, where multiple targets have heterogeneous dynamics and unknown inputs. A distributed adaptive observer‐based output formation‐containment controller is proposed. Firstly, consensus‐based adaptive finite impulse response filters are established to estimate the unknown inputs and states of the targets. Then, by constructing an augmented system with the centre of the targets' outputs as its output and using the observers, an output regulation‐based formation‐containment controller is developed to make agents encircle the targets with certain formation. Finally, a simulation example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Updated PSO optimised fuzzy‐PI controlled buck type multi‐phase inverter‐based PMSM drive with an over‐current protection scheme
Authors: Sain Chiranjit , Banerjee Atanu , Kumar Biswas Pabitra , Sudhakar Babu Thanikanti , Dragicevic Tomislav
Published: September 2020

This study confers a novel approach towards fuzzy‐PI (proportional–integral) controlled pulse width modulation (PWM) controlled permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drive operated through a conventional voltage source inverter (VSI) supplemented with buck‐converter fed current source inverter (CSI). It is observed that in a PWM controlled VSI, output voltage and current obtained contains certain harmonic distortion. A buck‐converter fed CSI is capable of minimising the voltage and current ripples prominently even with the application of PWM. Thereby, in this study, an economic, as well as robust design procedure for the buck converter, fed CSI is proposed. Moreover, a particle swarm optimisation (PSO) mechanism is introduced to optimise the performance of the proposed fuzzy logic controller. Additionally, an over‐current protection scheme of the PMSM motor is proposed. The performance of a PMSM drive is analysed in MATLAB/SIMULINK platform. Furthermore, the proposed concept is tested and verified in a real‐time test‐bench developed in the laboratory. Finally, from the performed test conditions, it can be confirmed that the proposed current control strategy of the drive system shows excellent performance in various operating conditions and can be employed in light‐weight electric vehicles.
Modelling and analysis of the effects of cutting of core laminations in electric machines
Authors: Alatawneh Natheer , Saleem Aroba , Rahman Tanvir , Lowther David A. , Chromik Richard
Published: September 2020

Experimental measurements of electrical machine performances reveal a significant difference between simulations and measurements. It is known that the manufacturing processes of machines, particularly, the cutting of core laminations adversely affects material properties. The current techniques for considering the effects of cutting lack accuracy, computation efficiency and applicability for finite element (FE) software. This study proposes a method to model the variation in the magnetic properties of electrical steel due to cutting based on a non‐equal multi‐slice technique. In this work, the method has been validated and implemented on a FE permanent magnet synchronous motor model. Also, the proposed method has been compared with the single‐layer method.
Design and fabrication of an outer rotor permanent magnet synchronous generator with fractional winding for micro‐wind turbines
Authors: Mamur Hayati , Şahin Cihan , Karaçor Mevlüt , Bhuiyan Mohammad Ruhul Amin
Published: September 2020

Permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSGs) have been widely used in micro‐wind turbines (MWTs) for direct‐drive applications. The generating maximum power from the PMSGs used in the MWTs is desired. However, cogging torque (CT) and design form of the PMSGs prevent this. Therefore, various methods are applied to reduce the CT of PMSGs in the literature. Some of them are inapplicable and some are the ones that cause power loss. In this study, to overcome the expressed causes, a new design, fabrication, and application of an outer rotor PMSG with fractional winding having a slot–pole combination technique for MWTs have been suggested, designed, and implemented on an MWT. As a result of the new design combination of ±1 or ±2 between the numbers of stator slot (N S) and the number of pole‐pairs (2p), the ratio of the CT value to the nominal torque value in the new prototyped outer rotor PMSG was found as 6.25%. Finally, the operating power can generate 1029 W through the prototype PMSG with fractional winding having a slot–pole combination technique integrated into the direct‐drive MWT system.
Risk evaluation system of navigation security based on coupled wind and wave model: a case of study of Qiongzhou strait
Authors: Xu Sudong , Ma Mengdi , Yin Kai , Tang Shuang
Published: September 2020

With the development of water transport, there is a rapid increase in maritime traffic density. Therefore, navigation security should be given adequate attention. In this study, a risk evaluation system combining wind field model, wave model and standards of risk grades was proposed and applied in the Qiongzhou Strait (QS), China. Based on meteorological data, a wind filed model was established by Fujita–Takahashi formula and was verified using observed data set of typical typhoon process. Then, a simulation wave nearshore wave model which was used to simulate the significant wave height (SWH) was established with bathymetry data. In addition, through the analysis of the types and quantities of wrecks and ships in the research area, the typical ship was selected and classified by tonnage. Combining the as low as reasonably practicable with wind speed and SWH, the risk evaluation system for navigation security was proposed. Applications on QS showed that the system could provide an hourly reference of risk grades to water traffic safety early warning. Also, the conclusions of this study could serve as recommendations for Maritime Administration to manage navigation safety.
Gain‐scheduling control of dynamic lateral lane change for automated and connected vehicles based on the multipoint preview
Authors: Nie Zhigen , Li Zhongliang , Wang Wanqiong , Zhao Weiqiang , Lian Yufeng , Outbib Rachid
Published: September 2020

Dynamic lateral lane change (DLLC) control of automated and connected vehicles (ACVs) is challenging because of the time‐varying and complex properties of the traffic environment. This study proposes a DLLC control strategy combining dynamic trajectory planning and tracking. According to the real‐time longitudinal accelerations and velocities of multiple surrounding vehicles, as well as the real‐time states of the ACVs, the safe trajectory reference of DLLC is obtained by solving a case‐dependent constrained optimisation problem. The lane changing efficiency, vehicle stability and passenger comfort are considered jointly in the trajectory planning. Then, the dynamic trajectory reference is tracked through a gain‐scheduling control algorithm combining previewed trajectory feed‐forward and ACVs states feedback. Gain‐scheduling control algorithm based on a linear time‐varying form is utilised to achieve the precise control of the different velocities and improve the real‐time ability of the algorithm. The proposed strategy is tested through software and hardware‐in‐loop experiments, and in different test scenarios. The results of simulations and experiments show that the proposed control strategy can achieve a satisfactory performance of DLLC. The lane changing efficiency, safety, passenger comfort and vehicle stability are verified in complex traffic environments.
Adaptive controller based on grid impedance estimation for stable operation of grid‐connected inverters under weak grid conditions
Authors: Temiz Hakan , Keysan Ozan , Demirok Erhan
Published: September 2020

An electric grid having high impedance seen from the connection point is considered as a weak grid and it adversely affects the system stability of grid‐tied voltage source inverters in renewable power devices. In this study, an adaptive controller is proposed by configuring the settling time of the phase‐locked loop based on the estimated grid impedance. Pseudorandom binary sequence injection and Fourier techniques are carried out for grid impedance estimation. Impedance‐based stability analysis is performed for a predetermined steady‐state operation point. The proposed method is verified by a 300‐kVA inverter prototype for wide‐range grid impedance varying from 0.3 to 3 mH.