bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IRE1 Alpha/XBP1 Axis Sustains Primary Effusion Lymphoma Cell Survival by Promoting Cytokine Release and STAT3 Activation
Authors: Gonnella Roberta , Gilardini Montani Maria Saveria , Guttieri Luisa , Romeo Maria Anele , Santarelli Roberta , Cirone Mara
Published: January 2021

Primary Effusion Lymphoma (PEL) is a highly aggressive B cell lymphoma associated with Kaposi’s Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV). It is characterized by a high level of basal Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress, Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) activation and constitutive phosphorylation of oncogenic pathways such as the Signal Transducer and activator of Transcription (STAT3). In this study, we found that the inositol requiring kinase (IRE) 1alpha/X-box binding protein (XBP1) axis of UPR plays a key role in the survival of PEL cells, while double stranded RNA-activated protein kinase-like ER kinase (PERK) and activating transcription factor (ATF) 6 slightly influence it, in correlation with the capacity of the IRE1alpha/XBP1 axis to induce the release of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and Vascular-Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Moreover, we found that IRE1alpha/XBP1 inhibition reduced STAT3 Tyr705 phosphorylation and induced a pro-survival autophagy in PEL cells. In conclusion, this study suggests that targeting the IRE1alpha/XBP1 axis represents a promising strategy against PEL cells and that the cytotoxic effect of this treatment may be potentiated by autophagy inhibition.
High Antiproliferative Activity of Hydroxythiopyridones over Hydroxypyridones and Their Organoruthenium Complexes
Authors: Shakil Md. Salman , Parveen Shahida , Rana Zohaib , Walsh Fearghal , Movassaghi Sanam , Söhnel Tilo , Azam Mayur , Shaheen Muhammad Ashraf , Jamieson Stephen M. F. , Hanif Muhammad , Rosengren Rhonda J. , Hartinger Christian G.
Published: January 2021

Hydroxypyr(id)ones are a pharmaceutically important class of compounds that have shown potential in diverse areas of drug discovery. We investigated the 3-hydroxy-4-pyridones 1a–1c and 3-hydroxy-4-thiopyridones 1d–1f as well as their Ru(η6-p-cymene)Cl complexes 2a–2f, and report here the molecular structures of 1b and 1d as determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. Detailed cell biological investigations revealed potent cytotoxic activity, in particular of the 3-hydroxy-4-thiopyridones 1d–1f, while the Ru complexes of both compound types were less potent, despite still showing antiproliferative activity in the low μM range. The compounds did not modulate the cell cycle distribution of cancer cells but were cytostatic in A549 and cytotoxic in NCI-H522 non-small lung cancer cells, among other effects on cancer cells.
Conventional, High-Resolution and Imaging Flow Cytometry: Benchmarking Performance in Characterisation of Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Botha Jaco , Pugsley Haley R. , Handberg Aase
Published: January 2021

Flow cytometry remains a commonly used methodology due to its ability to characterise multiple parameters on single particles in a high-throughput manner. In order to address limitations with lacking sensitivity of conventional flow cytometry to characterise extracellular vesicles (EVs), novel, highly sensitive platforms, such as high-resolution and imaging flow cytometers, have been developed. We provided comparative benchmarks of a conventional FACS Aria III, a high-resolution Apogee A60 Micro-PLUS and the ImageStream X Mk II imaging flow cytometry platform. Nanospheres were used to systematically characterise the abilities of each platform to detect and quantify populations with different sizes, refractive indices and fluorescence properties, and the repeatability in concentration determinations was reported for each population. We evaluated the ability of the three platforms to detect different EV phenotypes in blood plasma and the intra-day, inter-day and global variabilities in determining EV concentrations. By applying this or similar methodology to characterise methods, researchers would be able to make informed decisions on choice of platforms and thereby be able to match suitable flow cytometry platforms with projects based on the needs of each individual project. This would greatly contribute to improving the robustness and reproducibility of EV studies.
Water Sampling Module for Collecting and Concentrating Legionella pneumophila from Low-to-Medium Contaminated Environment
Authors: Moumanis Khalid , Sirbu Lilian , Hassen Walid Mohamed , Frost Eric , Carvalho Lydston Rodrigues de , Hiernaux Pierre , Dubowski Jan Jerzy
Published: January 2021

The detection of water contamination with Legionella pneumophila is of critical importance to manufacturers of water processing equipment and public health entities dealing with water networks and distribution systems. Detection methods based on polymerase chain reaction or biosensor technologies require preconcentration steps to achieve attractive sensitivity levels. Preconcentration must also be included in protocols of automated collection of water samples by systems designed for quasi-continuous monitoring of remotely located water reservoirs for the presence of L. pneumophila. We designed and characterized a water sampling module for filtration and backwashing intended for analysis of low-to-medium contaminated water, typically with L. pneumophila bacteria not exceeding 50 colony-forming units per milliliter. The concentration factors of 10× and 21× were achieved with 0.22 and 0.45 µm filters, respectively, for samples of bacteria prepared in clean saline solutions. However, a 5× concentration factor was achieved with 0.45 µm filters for a heavily contaminated or turbid water typical of some industrial water samples.
Perceptual Connectivity Influences Toddlers’ Attention to Known Objects and Subsequent Label Processing
Authors: Peters Ryan E. , Kueser Justin B. , Borovsky Arielle
Published: January 2021

While recent research suggests that toddlers tend to learn word meanings with many “perceptual” features that are accessible to the toddler’s sensory perception, it is not clear whether and how building a lexicon with perceptual connectivity supports attention to and recognition of word meanings. We explore this question in 24–30-month-olds (N = 60) in relation to other individual differences, including age, vocabulary size, and tendencies to maintain focused attention. Participants’ looking to item pairs with high vs. low perceptual connectivity—defined as the number of words in a child’s lexicon sharing perceptual features with the item—was measured before and after target item labeling. Results revealed pre-labeling attention to known items is biased to both high- and low-connectivity items: first to high, and second, but more robustly, to low-connectivity items. Subsequent object–label processing was also facilitated for high-connectivity items, particularly for children with temperamental tendencies to maintain focused attention. This work provides the first empirical evidence that patterns of shared perceptual features within children’s known vocabularies influence both visual and lexical processing, highlighting the potential for a newfound set of developmental dependencies based on the perceptual/sensory structure of early vocabularies.
Optimising the Parameters of a Building Envelope in the East Mediterranean Saharan, Cool Climate Zone
Authors: Albatayneh Aiman
Published: January 2021

Enhancing the energy efficiency and environmental sustainability of buildings is a significant global aim. New construction regulations are, therefore, geared specifically towards low-emission and energy-efficient projects. However, there are numerous and typically competitive priorities, such as making the most of energy usage in residential buildings. This leads to the complex topic of multi-objective optimisation. The primary aim of this research was to reduce the energy consumed for heating and cooling loads in residential buildings in Ma’an City, which is located in the Jordanian Saharan Mediterranean, a cool climate zone. This was achieved by optimising various design variables (window to wall percent, ground floor construction, local shading type, infiltration rate (ac/h), glazing type, flat roof construction, natural ventilation rate, window blind type, window shading control schedule, partition construction, site orientation and external wall construction) of the building envelope. DesignBuilder software (version 6.1) was utilised to run a sensitivity analysis (SA) for 12 design variables to evaluate their influence on both heating and cooling loads simultaneously using a regression method. The variables were divided into two groups according to their importance and a genetic algorithm (GA) was then applied to both groups. The optimum solution selected for the high-importance variables was based on minimising the heating and cooling loads. The optimum solution selected for the low-importance variables was based on the lowest summation of the heating and cooling loads. Finally, a scenario was devised (using the combined design variables of the two solutions) and simulated. The results indicate that the total energy consumption was 1186.21 kWh/year, divided into 353.03 kWh/year for the cooling load and 833.18 kWh/year for the heating load. This was compared with 9969.38 kWh/year of energy, divided into 3878.37 kWh/year for the heating load and 6091.01 kWh/year for the cooling load for the baseline building. Thus, the amount of energy saved was 88.1%, 94.2% and 78.5% for total energy consumption, cooling load and heating load, respectively. However, implementing the modifications suggested by the optimisation of the low-importance variables was not cost-effective, especially the external wall construction and partition construction, and therefore these design variables can be neglected in future studies.
Use of Nondestructive Testing of Ultrasound and Artificial Neural Networks to Estimate Compressive Strength of Concrete
Authors: Silva Fernando A. N. , Delgado João M. P. Q. , Cavalcanti Rosely S. , Azevedo António C. , Guimarães Ana S. , Lima Antonio G. B.
Published: January 2021

The work presents the results of an experimental campaign carried out on concrete elements in order to investigate the potential of using artificial neural networks (ANNs) to estimate the compressive strength based on relevant parameters, such as the water–cement ratio, aggregate–cement ratio, age of testing, and percentage cement/metakaolin ratios (5% and 10%). We prepared 162 cylindrical concrete specimens with dimensions of 10 cm in diameter and 20 cm in height and 27 prismatic specimens with cross sections measuring 25 and 50 cm in length, with 9 different concrete mixture proportions. A longitudinal transducer with a frequency of 54 kHz was used to measure the ultrasonic velocities. An ANN model was developed, different ANN configurations were tested and compared to identify the best ANN model. Using this model, it was possible to assess the contribution of each input variable to the compressive strength of the tested concretes. The results indicate an excellent performance of the ANN model developed to predict compressive strength from the input parameters studied, with an average error less than 5%. Together, the water–cement ratio and the percentage of metakaolin were shown to be the most influential factors for the compressive strength value predicted by the developed ANN model.
Symmetrical Derivative of Anthrone as a Novel Receptor for Mercury Ions: Enhanced Performance of Modified Screen-Printed Electrode
Authors: Kaur Karamjeet , Mittal Susheel K. , Kumar SK Ashok , Kumar Ashwani , Kumar Subodh , Metters Jonathan P. , Banks Craig E.
Published: January 2021

Voltammetric sensor using a symmetrical derivative of anthrone3 (1,7-diamino-3,9-dibutyl benzo[1,2,3-de:4,5,6-d’e’]diquinoline-2,8(3H,9H)-dione) (SPE-A) has been developed as a probe for Hg(II) ions. Performance of the probe as screen-printed electrode modified with the receptor (SPE-A) has been compared with anthrone3 in solution phase, using 1:1 water-acetonitrile solvent system. Anthrone3 displayed an electrochemically quasi-reversible nature in voltammograms with both the systems and is presented as a novel disposable voltammetric sensor for mercury ions. Upon interaction with cations, both the electrode systems showed sensitivity towards Hg2+ ions with a lower detection limit of 0.61 µM. The magnitude of the voltammetric current with the SPE-A exhibited three times the current obtained with a bare glassy carbon electrode (GC). Kinetic performance of the SPE-A electrode is better than the GC electrode. The morphological studies indicate reusability of the electrodes.
The Role of Adsorption in the Photocatalytic Decomposition of Dyes on APTES-Modified TiO2 Nanomaterials
Authors: Kusiak-Nejman Ewelina , Sienkiewicz Agnieszka , Wanag Agnieszka , Rokicka-Konieczna Paulina , Morawski Antoni W.
Published: January 2021

This work investigated for the first time the role of adsorption in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and Orange II dyes in the presence of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-modified TiO2 nanomaterials. It has been demonstrated that the decrease in adsorption has a detrimental effect on photocatalytic activity. APTES/TiO2 photocatalysts were successfully prepared by solvothermal modification of TiO2 in a pressure autoclave, followed by heat treatment in an inert gas atmosphere at the temperature range from 300 °C to 900 °C. It was observed that functionalization of TiO2 via APTES effectively suppressed the anatase-to-rutile phase transformation, as well as the growth of crystallites size during calcination, and reduction of specific surface area (APTES modification inhibits sintering of crystallites). The noted alterations in the adsorption properties, observed after the calcination, were generally related to changes in the surface characteristics, mainly surface charges expressed by the zeta potential. Positively charged surface enhances adsorption of anionic dye (Orange II), while negatively charged surface was better for adsorption of cationic dye (methylene blue). The adsorption process substantially affects the efficiency of the photocatalytic oxidation of both dyes. The methylene blue decomposition proceeded according to the pseudo-first and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, while the degradation of Orange II followed the zero, pseudo-first, and pseudo-second order kinetic models.
The Future of Regenerative Medicine: Cell Therapy Using Pluripotent Stem Cells and Acellular Therapies Based on Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Jarrige Margot , Frank Elie , Herardot Elise , Martineau Sabrina , Darle Annabelle , Benabides Manon , Domingues Sophie , Chose Olivier , Habeler Walter , Lorant Judith , Baldeschi Christine , Martinat Cécile , Monville Christelle , Morizur Lise , Ben M’Barek Karim
Published: January 2021

The rapid progress in the field of stem cell research has laid strong foundations for their use in regenerative medicine applications of injured or diseased tissues. Growing evidences indicate that some observed therapeutic outcomes of stem cell-based therapy are due to paracrine effects rather than long-term engraftment and survival of transplanted cells. Given their ability to cross biological barriers and mediate intercellular information transfer of bioactive molecules, extracellular vesicles are being explored as potential cell-free therapeutic agents. In this review, we first discuss the state of the art of regenerative medicine and its current limitations and challenges, with particular attention on pluripotent stem cell-derived products to repair organs like the eye, heart, skeletal muscle and skin. We then focus on emerging beneficial roles of extracellular vesicles to alleviate these pathological conditions and address hurdles and operational issues of this acellular strategy. Finally, we discuss future directions and examine how careful integration of different approaches presented in this review could help to potentiate therapeutic results in preclinical models and their good manufacturing practice (GMP) implementation for future clinical trials.
Spermatogonia Loss Correlates with LAMA 1 Expression in Human Prepubertal Testes Stored for Fertility Preservation
Authors: Kurek Magdalena , Åkesson Elisabet , Yoshihara Masahito , Oliver Elizabeth , Cui Yanhua , Becker Martin , Alves-Lopes João Pedro , Bjarnason Ragnar , Romerius Patrik , Sundin Mikael , Norén Nyström Ulrika , Langenskiöld Cecilia , Vogt Hartmut , Henningsohn Lars , Petersen Cecilia , Söder Olle , Guo Jingtao , Mitchell Rod T. , Jahnukainen Kirsi , Stukenborg Jan-Bernd
Published: January 2021

Fertility preservation for male childhood cancer survivors not yet capable of producing mature spermatozoa, relies on experimental approaches such as testicular explant culture. Although the first steps in somatic maturation can be observed in human testicular explant cultures, germ cell depletion is a common obstacle. Hence, understanding the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche environment and in particular, specific components such as the seminiferous basement membrane (BM) will allow progression of testicular explant cultures. Here, we revealed that the seminiferous BM is established from 6 weeks post conception with the expression of laminin alpha 1 (LAMA 1) and type IV collagen, which persist as key components throughout development. With prepubertal testicular explant culture we found that seminiferous LAMA 1 expression is disrupted and depleted with culture time correlating with germ cell loss. These findings highlight the importance of LAMA 1 for the human SSC niche and its sensitivity to culture conditions.
Cancer Stem Cells in Metastatic Head and Neck Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Express Components of the Renin-Angiotensin System
Authors: Siljee Sam , Buchanan Olivia , Brasch Helen D. , Bockett Nicholas , Patel Josie , Paterson Erin , Purdie Gordon L. , Davis Paul F. , Itinteang Tinte , Tan Swee T.
Published: January 2021

We investigated the expression of components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) by cancer stem cell (CSC) subpopulations in metastatic head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (mHNcSCC). Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated expression of prorenin receptor (PRR), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and angiotensin II receptor 2 (AT2R) in all cases and angiotensinogen in 14 cases; however, renin and ACE2 were not detected in any of the 20 mHNcSCC tissue samples. Western blotting showed protein expression of angiotensinogen in all six mHNcSCC tissue samples, but in none of the four mHNcSCC-derived primary cell lines, while PRR was detected in the four cell lines only. RT-qPCR confirmed transcripts of angiotensinogen, PRR, ACE, and angiotensin II receptor 1 (AT1R), but not renin or AT2R in all four mHNcSCC tissue samples and all four mHNcSCC-derived primary cell lines, while ACE2 was expressed in the tissue samples only. Double immunohistochemical staining on two of the mHNcSCC tissue samples showed expression of angiotensinogen by the SOX2+ CSCs within the tumor nests (TNs), and immunofluorescence showed expression of PRR and AT2R by the SOX2+ CSCs within the TNs and the peritumoral stroma (PTS). ACE was expressed on the endothelium of the tumor microvessels within the PTS. We demonstrated expression of angiotensinogen by CSCs within the TNs, PRR, and AT2R by the CSCs within the TNs and the PTS, in addition to ACE on the endothelium of tumor microvessels in mHNcSCC.
Chemosensors Comes of Age
Authors: Medintz Igor L.
Published: January 2021

It has now been just over eight years since I had the pleasure of introducing Chemosensors to the world [...]
Pain and Communication in Children with Cerebral Palsy: Influence on Parents’ Perception of Family Impact and Healthcare Satisfaction
Authors: Riquelme Inmaculada , Sabater-Gárriz Álvaro , Montoya Pedro
Published: January 2021

Cerebral palsy (CP) is an impacting chronic condition. Concomitant comorbidities such as pain and speech inability may further affect parents’ perception of the pathology impact in the family quality of life and the provided care. The objective of this cross-sectional descriptive correlational study was to compare parental reports on family impact and healthcare satisfaction in children with CP with and without chronic pain and with and without speech ability. Parents of 59 children with CP (age range = 4–18 years) completed several questions about pain and speech ability and two modules of the Pediatric Quality of Life Measurement Model: The PedsQLTM 2.0 Family Impact Module and the PedsQLTM Healthcare Satisfaction Generic Module. Our findings revealed that children’s pain slightly impacted family physical health, social health and worry. In children without pain, speech inability increased the perceived health impact. Parents’ healthcare satisfaction was barely affected by pain or speech inability, both increasing parents’ satisfaction in the professional technical skills and inclusion of family domains on the care plan. In conclusion, pain and speech inability in children with CP can impact family health but not healthcare satisfaction. Regular assessment and intervention in family health is essential for the design of family-centred programs for children with CP.
Difficulty in Writing Perceived by University Students: A Comparison of Inaccurate Writers with and without Diagnostic Certification
Authors: Malagoli Chiara , Zanobini Mirella , Chiorri Carlo , Bigozzi Lucia
Published: January 2021

Research has shown that academic success is strongly associated with positive academic self-efficacy beliefs and that individuals with learning disabilities (LDs) usually report a lower perception of competence than their peers in most learning domains. The aim of this study was two-fold: (1) To compare the performance of inaccurate writers who were not diagnosed with an LD with that of students who were diagnosed with an LD, in order to identify which tasks were the most challenging for individuals with LDs, and (2) to investigate whether inaccurate writers with and without a diagnosis differ in terms of self-perceived difficulties. Two groups were selected from a total sample of 639 students attending seven Italian universities: The first group included 48 participants (24 females) with scores on writing tasks below the 5th percentile, and the second included 51 participants (24 females) who were diagnosed with an LD. The results showed that the two groups significantly differed in the articulatory suppression condition tasks, but not in the standard condition tasks. When groups were matched for performance on writing tasks, students who were diagnosed with an LD reported significantly more perceived difficulties than students without an LD. The implications of these results in terms of the self-efficacy beliefs of students with an LD are discussed.
Climate Vulnerability and Adaptation Challenges in Szekszárd Wine Region, Hungary
Authors: Buzási Attila
Published: January 2021

Wine producers face several challenges regarding climate change, which will affect this industry both in the present and the future. Vulnerability assessments are at the forefront of current climate research, therefore, the present paper has two main aims. First, to assess two components of climate vulnerability regarding the Szekszárd wine region, Hungary; second, to collect and analyze adaptation farming techniques in terms of environmental sustainability aspects. Exposure analyses revealed that the study area will face several challenges regarding intensive drought periods in the future. Sensitivity indicators show the climate-related characteristics of the most popular grapevines and their relatively high level of susceptibility regarding changing climatic patterns. Since both external and intrinsic factors of vulnerability show deteriorating trends, the development of adaptation actions is needed. Adaptation interventions often provide unsustainable solutions or entail maladaptation issues, therefore, an environmental-focused sustainability assessment of collected interventions was performed to avoid long-term negative path dependencies. The applied evaluation methodology pointed out that nature-based adaptation actions are preferred in comparison to using additional machines or resource-intensive solutions. This study can fill the scientific gap by analyzing this wine region for the first time, via performing an ex-ante lock-in analysis of available and widely used adaptation interventions in the viticulture sector.
TEOS-Based Superhydrophobic Coating for the Protection of Stone-Built Cultural Heritage
Authors: Adamopoulos Fotios G. , Vouvoudi Evangelia C. , Pavlidou Eleni , Achilias Dimitris S. , Karapanagiotis Ioannis
Published: January 2021

Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) is extensively used in the conservation of stone-built cultural heritage, which is often subjected to water-induced degradation processes. The goal of this study was to produce and study a TEOS-based material with the ability to repel liquid water. A sol solution of TEOS and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane (FAS) was prepared and deposited on marble. The static contact angles (CAs) of water drops on the coated marble surface were >170° and the sliding angles (SA) were <5°, suggesting that superhydrophobicity and water repellency were achieved on the surface of the synthesized TEOS-based coating. FTIR and SEM-EDS were employed to characterize the produced coating. The latter offered good protection against water penetration by capillarity, reducing the breathability of marble only by a small extent and with practically no effect on its aesthetic appearance. The durability of the coating was evaluated through various tests that provided very promising results. Finally, the versatility of the method was demonstrated as the TEOS-based coating was successfully deposited onto glass, brass, wood, silicon, paper and silk, which obtained extreme wetting properties.
Rhamnolipids from Pseudomonas aeruginosa Rn19a Modifies the Biofilm Formation over a Borosilicate Surface by Clinical Isolates
Authors: Carrazco-Palafox Jair , Rivera-Chavira Blanca Estela , Adame-Gallegos Jaime Raúl , Rodríguez-Valdez Luz María , Orrantia-Borunda Erasmo , Nevárez-Moorillón Guadalupe Virginia
Published: January 2021

Microbial cells are reversibly associated with surfaces in the form of biofilms. Adhesion is the mechanism used by the microorganisms to bind to a surface initially; no biofilm is formed without the initial adhesion. The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of the rhamnolipids of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Rn19a in inhibiting the biofilms formed by the clinical isolates Escherichia coli I5, Pseudomonas aeruginosa E26, Enterococcus faecalis I27 on borosilicate coupons inside a Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reactor. The isolate E26 (P. aeruginosa) did not show an adverse effect on biofilm formation by the rhamnolipid presence and showed normal growth in all the conditions tested (dynamic and static growth). The Enterococcus faecalis I27 isolate decreased its biofilm formation ability in 2.2 log CFU/cm2 in static conditions by the addition of rhamnolipids and 3.0 log units in dynamic conditions. Finally, the E. coli I5 isolate was more susceptible to the influence of the borosilicate coupon covered with rhamnolipids. E5 reduced its biofilm formation capacity by 3.0 log CFU/cm2 units at static conditions by the rhamnolipid addition and 6.0 log units at dynamic conditions. Biofilm formation was also observed by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. In summary, the application of rhamnolipids may be useful to prevent the initial adhesion of bacteria to borosilicate surfaces. At a minimum, rhamnolipids effectively inhibit or diminish adhesion to surfaces by biofilm-forming isolates that do not belong to the genus Pseudomonas.
Durable Soft Mold for Imprinting of High-Adhesive Resin
Authors: Lee Jihoon , Lee Sung Ho , Kwak Moon Kyu
Published: January 2021

A variety of polymer resins have been used to fabricate micro/nano structures via imprint lithography. In addition, with an interest in productivity, there is an increasing demand for the study of the process of easily demolding a cured resin from a mold for continuous fabrication of micro/nanostructures applying imprint lithography to the roll-type equipment. Among these polymer resins, Norland optical adhesive (NOA) in particular is widely used to fabricate micro/nano structure-based functional surfaces because of its shape memory characteristics, biocompatibility, and great optical characteristics. However, the cured NOA is originally used as an epoxy-based adhesive with its high adhesion. NOA has many advantages as a UV-curable adhesive, but as a resin in the imprint process, such adhesion brings a limitation. This high adhesion of cured NOA causes defects in the mold during the demolding process, so it is difficult to apply it to the continuous fabrication process. Here, we present a durable polyurethane acrylate (PUA) soft mold capable of clean demolding of an epoxy-based polymer resin having high adhesion by depositing metal on a surface. Au and Ni were deposited to a thickness of 100 Å by using an E-beam evaporator. To verify the surface characteristics, each metal-deposited soft mold was compared with the previously used soft mold by measuring the contact angle and calculating surface energy. To test a performance of our soft mold, we imprinted nanoline pattern with NOA as a resin using metal-deposited soft mold in roll to roll (R2R) process for more than 240 replications for 90 min of operation time. It is expected that this study can be used for mass production of pattern with epoxy-based patterns required in many fields.
Effects of In Situ Graphitic Nanocarbon Coatings on Cycling Performance of Silicon-Flake-Based Anode of Lithium Ion Battery
Authors: Tzeng Yonhua , Huang Wei-Chih , Jhan Cheng-Ying , Wu Yi-Hsuan
Published: January 2021

We coated graphitic nanocarbons by thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on silicon flakes recycled from the waste of silicon wafer manufacturing processes as an active material for the anode of lithium ion battery (LIB). Ferrocene contains both iron catalyst and carbon, while camphor serves as an additional carbon source. Water vapor promotes catalytic growth of nanocarbons, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon fibers (CFs), and carbon films made of graphitic carbon nanoparticles, at temperatures ranging from 650 to 850 °C. The container of silicon flakes rotates for uniform coatings on silicon flakes of about 100 nm thick and 800–1000 nm in lateral dimensions. Due to short CVD time, besides CNTs and CFs, surfaces of silicon flakes deposit with high-density graphitic nanoparticles, especially at a low temperature of 650 °C. Nanocarbon coatings were characterized by SEM, EDX, ESCA, and Raman spectroscopy. Half-cells were characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and retention of capacity in discharge/charge cycling. Silicon-flake-based anode with nanocarbon coatings at both 650 and 850 °C exhibited capacity retention of 2000 mAh/g after 100 cycles at 0.1 C, without needing any conductivity enhancement material such as Super P.
Optimization of Thickness Uniformity Distribution on a Large-Aperture Concave Reflective Mirror and Shadow Mask Design in a Planetary Rotation System
Authors: Wang Gang , Bai Yunli , Zhao Jing , Wang Li , Zhang Jiyou , Zhou Yuming
Published: January 2021

Improving the spatial resolution of remote sensing satellites has long been a challenge in the field of optical designing. Although the use of large-aperture reflective mirrors significantly improves the resolution of optical systems, controlling the film thickness uniformity remains an issue. The planetary rotation system (PRS) has received significant attention owing to the excellent uniformity of the coating applied to the large-aperture reflective mirror. However, the development of the PRS remains hindered by a lack of research on its properties and the design method of the shadow mask. To address this, we performed a theoretical analysis of the distribution of film thickness and uniformity in the PRS, which is impacted by parameters of geometric configuration in the vacuum chamber. We present a film thickness expression based on Knudsen’s law and the geometric configuration of the vacuum chamber that incorporates an additional shading function. Moreover, the variation of uniformity in the standard and counter PRSs was elucidated by changing the location of the evaporation source. Finally, a fixed-position shadow mask, which was obtained by theoretical design, allows the nonuniformity of the concave reflective mirror (with a 700 mm aperture) to reduce from 2.43% to 0.7%, highlighting the importance of initial shape design.
Hardware–Software Co-Design for Decimal Multiplication
Authors: Mian Riaz-ul-haque , Shintani Michihiro , Inoue Michiko
Published: January 2021

Decimal arithmetic using software is slow for very large-scale applications. On the other hand, when hardware is employed, extra area overhead is required. A balanced strategy can overcome both issues. Our proposed methods are compliant with the IEEE 754-2008 standard for decimal floating-point arithmetic and combinations of software and hardware. In our methods, software with some area-efficient decimal component (hardware) is used to design the multiplication process. Analysis in a RISC-V-based integrated co-design evaluation framework reveals that the proposed methods provide several Pareto points for decimal multiplication solutions. The total execution process is sped up by 1.43× to 2.37× compared with a full software solution. In addition, 7–97% less hardware is required compared with an area-efficient full hardware solution.
The Relationship between Subjective Symptoms and Quality of Life in Conjunctivochalasis Patients
Authors: Komuro Aoi , Yokoi Norihiko , Kato Hiroaki , Sonomura Yukiko , Sotozono Chie , Kinoshita Shigeru
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in subjective symptoms between patients with conjunctivochalasis (CCh) and dry eye (DE), and examine the relationship between subjective symptoms and quality of life (QOL). In 75 eyes of 75 CCh patients and 122 eyes of 122 DE patients, 12 subjective symptoms classified into four groups depending on the mechanisms associated with symptoms (ITF: instability of tear film, IF: increased friction, R: reflex, and DTC: delayed tear clearance) were evaluated by use of a visual analogue scale (VAS). Fifteen items related to DE symptoms and their influence on daily life were evaluated by use of the dry eye-related quality-of-life score (DEQS) questionnaire, with overall degree of QOL impairment calculated as a QOL score. The correlation between the Total VAS score and QOL score were evaluated. Between the CCh and DE patients, significant differences in subjective symptoms were found in eye dryness, pain, tearing sensitivity to light, and heavy eyelids, while tearing was higher in CCh. A significant strong correlation was found between QOL score and Total VAS score, ITF, and IF in CCh patients. The QOL of CCh patients is strongly determined by decreased tear-film stability and increased friction during blinking.
COVID-19 Impact on Diagnostic Innovations: Emerging Trends and Implications
Authors: Oyewole Anne O. , Barrass Lucy , Robertson Emily G. , Woltmann James , O’Keefe Hannah , Sarpal Harsimran , Dangova Kim , Richmond Catherine , Craig Dawn
Published: January 2021

Diagnostic testing remains the backbone of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response, supporting containment efforts to mitigate the outbreak. The severity of this crisis and increasing capacity issues associated with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based testing, accelerated the development of diagnostic solutions to meet demands for mass testing. The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Innovation Observatory is the national horizon scanning organization in England. Since March, the Innovation Observatory has applied advanced horizon scanning methodologies and tools to compile a diagnostic landscape, based upon data captured for molecular (MDx) and immunological (IDx) based diagnostics (commercialized/in development), for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. In total we identified and tracked 1608 diagnostics, produced by 1045 developers across 54 countries. Our dataset shows the speed and scale in which diagnostics were produced and provides insights into key periods of development and shifts in trends between MDx and IDx solutions as the pandemic progressed. Stakeholders worldwide required timely and detailed intelligence to respond to major challenges, including testing capacity and regulatory issues. Our intelligence assisted UK stakeholders with assessing priorities and mitigation options throughout the pandemic. Here we present the global evolution of diagnostic innovations devised to meet changing needs, their regulation and trends across geographical regions, providing invaluable insights into the complexity of the COVID-19 phenomena.
Chest Imaging of Patients with Sarcoidosis and SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Current Evidence and Clinical Perspectives
Authors: Tana Claudio , Mantini Cesare , Cipollone Francesco , Giamberardino Maria Adele
Published: January 2021

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the world in the last months, leading to a serious global emergency related to a novel coronavirus infection that affects both sexes of all ages ubiquitously. Advanced age, cardiovascular comorbidity, and viral load have been hypothesized as some of the risk factors for severity, but their role in patients affected with other diseases, in particular immune disorders, such as sarcoidosis, and the specific interaction between these two diseases remains unclear. The two conditions might share similar imaging findings but have distinctive features that are here described. The recent development of complex imaging softwares, called deep learning techniques, opens new scenarios for the diagnosis and management.
Analysis of the Territorial Efficiency of European Funds as an Instrument to Reduce Labor Gender Differences
Authors: Blanco Miguel , Bares Lydia , Hrynevych Oksana , Ferasso Marcos
Published: January 2021

Gender equality has been one of the goals of the European Union since 1957. Article 157 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union authorizes the European Parliament and the Council to adopt all those measures that guarantee the application of the principle of equality opportunities and equal treatment for men and women in employment and occupation matters. The main goal of this article was to determine whether the use of European Funds by Eurozone countries has made it possible to reduce labor differences in gender matters. To this end, the efficiency levels of the Funds are analyzed in two different periods, 2007 to 2013 and 2014 to 2020. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), a methodology frequently used by researchers in efficiency analyses, was applied. Among the main conclusions obtained are that the efficiency levels from the period 2014 to 2020 have been higher than that obtained in the previous period, but there are significant and persistent differences over time in the levels of gender efficiency between the different countries of the Eurozone.
Electronic Devices for Stress Detection in Academic Contexts during Confinement Because of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Durán-Acevedo Cristhian Manuel , Carrillo-Gómez Jeniffer Katerine , Albarracín-Rojas Camilo Andrés
Published: January 2021

This article studies the development and implementation of different electronic devices for measuring signals during stress situations, specifically in academic contexts in a student group of the Engineering Department at the University of Pamplona (Colombia). For the research’s development, devices for measuring physiological signals were used through a Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), the electrical response of the heart by using an electrocardiogram (ECG), the electrical activity produced by the upper trapezius muscle (EMG), and the development of an electronic nose system (E-nose) as a pilot study for the detection and identification of the Volatile Organic Compounds profiles emitted by the skin. The data gathering was taken during an online test (during the COVID-19 Pandemic), in which the aim was to measure the student’s stress state and then during the relaxation state after the exam period. Two algorithms were used for the data process, such as Linear Discriminant Analysis and Support Vector Machine through the Python software for the classification and differentiation of the assessment, achieving 100% of classification through GSR, 90% with the E-nose system proposed, 90% with the EMG system, and 88% success by using ECG, respectively.
History Erase Effect of Real Memristors
Authors: Shen Yiran , Wang Guangyi
Published: January 2021

Different from the static (power-off) nonvolatile property of a memristor, the history erase effect of a memristor is a dynamic characteristic, which means that under the excitation of switching or different signals, the memristor can forget its initial value and reach a unique stable state. The stable state is determined only by the excitation signal and has nothing to do with its initial state. The history erase effect is a desired effect in memristor applications such as memory. It can simplify the complexity of the writing circuit and improve the storage speed. If the memristor’s response depends on the initial state, a state reset operation is required before each writing operation. Therefore, it is of great theoretical and practical significance to judge whether the memristor has a history erase effect. Based on the study of the history erase effect of real memristors, this paper focuses on the history erase effect of a Hewlett-Packard (HP) TiO2 memristor and the Self-Directed Channel (SDC) memristor of Knowm Company. The DC and AC responses of the HP TiO2 memristor are given, and it is pointed out that there is no AC history erase effect. However, considering the parasitic memcapacitance effect, it is found that it has the effect. Based on the theoretical model of the SDC memristor, its history erase properties with and without considering parasitic effects are studied. It should be noted that this study method can be useful for other materials such as Al2O3 and MoS2.
UWB-Printed Rectangular-Based Monopole Antenna for Biological Tissue Analysis
Authors: Martínez-Lozano Andrea , Blanco-Angulo Carolina , García-Martínez Héctor , Gutiérrez-Mazón Roberto , Torregrosa-Penalva Germán , Ávila-Navarro Ernesto , Sabater-Navarro José María
Published: January 2021

This paper presents the design of a printed step-type monopole antenna for biological tissue analysis and medical imaging applications in the microwave frequency range. The design starts from a very simple and widely known rectangular monopole antenna, and different modifications to the antenna geometry are made in order to increase the bandwidth. The antenna dimensions are optimized by means of a parametric analysis of each dimension using a 3-D electromagnetic simulator based on the finite element method. The optimized antenna, with final dimensions of 40 × 36 mm2, is manufactured onto a low-cost FR4 (fiber glass epoxy) substrate. The characteristics of the antenna have been measured inside an anechoic chamber, obtaining an omnidirectional radiation pattern and a working frequency range between 2.7 GHz and 11.4 GHz, which covers the UWB frequencies and enables the use of the antenna in medical imaging applications. Finally, the behaviour of four of these antennas located around a realistic breast model, made with biocompatible materials, has been analysed with the electromagnetic simulator, obtaining good results and demonstrating the usefulness of the designed antenna in the proposed application.
Investigation of the Carrier Movement through the Tunneling Junction in the InGaP/GaAs Dual Junction Solar Cell Using the Electrically and Optically Biased Photoreflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: SaeidNahaei Sanam , Jo Hyun-Jun , Lee Sang Jo , Kim Jong Su , Lee Sang Jun , Kim Yeongho
Published: January 2021

For examining the carrier movements through tunnel junction, electrically and optically-biased photoreflectance spectroscopy (EBPR and OBPR) were used to investigate the internal electric field in the InGaP/GaAs dual junction solar cell at room temperature. At InGaP and GaAs, the strength of p-n junction electric fields (Fpn) was perturbed by the external DC bias voltage and CW light intensity for EBPR and OBPR experiments, respectively. Moreover, the Fpn was evaluated using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the Franz—Keldysh oscillation from PR spectra. In the EBPR, the electric field decreased by increasing the DC bias voltage, which also decreased the potential barrier. In OBPR, when incident CW light is absorbed by the top cell, the decrement of the Fpn in the GaAs cell indicates that the photogenerated carriers are accumulated near the p-n junction. Photogenerated carriers in InGaP can pass through the tunnel junction, and the PR results show the contribution of the modification of the electric field by the photogenerated carriers in each cell. We suggest that PR spectroscopy with optical-bias and electrical-bias could be analyzed using the information of the photogenerated carrier passed through the tunnel junction.
Using Sentinel-2 Images to Map the Populus euphratica Distribution Based on the Spectral Difference Acquired at the Key Phenological Stage
Authors: Li Hao , Shi Qingdong , Wan Yanbo , Shi Haobo , Imin Bilal
Published: January 2021

Populus euphratica is an important tree species in desert ecosystems. The protection and restoration of natural Populus euphratica forests requires accurate positioning information. The use of Sentinel-2 images to map the Populus euphratica distribution at a large scale faces challenges associated with discriminating between Populus euphratica and Tamarix chinensis. To address this problem, this study selected the Daliyabuyi Oasis in the hinterland of the Taklimakan Desert as the study site and sought to distinguish Populus euphratica from Tamarix chinensis. First, we determined the peak spectral difference period (optimal time window) between Populus euphratica and Tamarix chinensis within monthly Sentinel-2 time-series images. Then, an appropriate vegetation index was selected to represent the spectral difference between Populus euphratica and Tamarix chinensis within the key phenological stage. Finally, the maximum entropy method was used to automatically determine the threshold to map the Populus euphratica distribution. The results indicated that the period from 22 April to 1 May was the optimal time window for mapping the Populus euphratica distribution in the Daliyabuyi Oasis. The combination of the inverted red-edge chlorophyll index (IRECI) and the maximum entropy method can effectively distinguish Populus euphratica from Tamarix chinensis. The user’s accuracy of the Populus euphratica distribution extraction from single-data Sentinel-2 images acquired within the optimal time window was 0.83, the producer’s accuracy was 0.72, and the F1-score was 0.77. This study verified the feasibility of mapping Populus euphratica distribution based on Sentinel-2 images, and analyzed the validity of exploiting spectral differences within the key phenological stage from a single-data image to distinguish between the two species. The results can be used to extract the distribution of Populus euphratica and serve as an auxiliary variable for other plant classification methods, providing a reference for the extraction and classification of desert plants.