bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Affinity-matured variants derived from nimotuzumab keep the original fine specificity and exhibit superior biological activity
Authors: Tundidor Yaima , Ponce Luis F. , Chao Lisset , Solozábal Joaquín , Hust Michael , Dübel Stefan , Rojas Gertrudis
Published: January 2020

Nimotuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody against the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor with a long history of therapeutic use, recognizing an epitope different from the ones targeted by other antibodies against the same antigen. It is also distinguished by much less toxicity resulting in a better safety profile, which has been attributed to its lower affinity compared to these other antibodies. Nevertheless, the ideal affinity window for optimizing the balance between anti-tumor activity and toxic effects has not been determined. In the current work, the paratope of the phage-displayed nimotuzumab Fab fragment was evolved in vitro to obtain affinity-matured variants. Soft-randomization of heavy chain variable region CDRs and phage selection resulted in mutated variants with improved binding ability. Two recombinant antibodies were constructed using these variable regions, which kept the original fine epitope specificity and showed moderate affinity increases against the target (3-4-fold). Such differences were translated into a greatly enhanced inhibitory capacity upon ligand-induced receptor phosphorylation on tumor cells. The new antibodies, named K4 and K5, are valuable tools to explore the role of affinity in nimotuzumab biological properties, and could be used for applications requiring a fine-tuning of the balance between binding to tumor cells and healthy tissues.
Electrical impedance as an indicator of microalgal cell health
Authors: Sui Jianye , Foflonker Fatima , Bhattacharya Debashish , Javanmard Mehdi
Published: January 2020

Separating specific cell phenotypes from a heterotypic mixture is a critical step in many research projects. Traditional methods usually require a large sample volume and a complex preparation process that may alter cell property during the sorting process. Here we present the use of electrical impedance as an indicator of cell health and for identifying specific microalgal phenotypes. We developed a microfluidic platform for measuring electrical impedance at different frequencies using the bacterium-sized green algaPicochlorumSE3. The cells were cultured under different salinity conditions and sampled at four different time points. Our results demonstrate the utility of electrical impedance as an indicator of cell phenotype by providing results that are consistent with known changes in cell size and physiology. Outliers in the cell data distribution are particularly useful because they represent phenotypes that have the ability to maintain size and/or membrane ionic permeability under prolonged salt stress. This suggests that our device can be used to identify and sort desired (e.g., experimentally evolved, mutant) cell phenotypes based on their electrical impedance properties.
Pterosaurs ate soft-bodied cephalopods (Coleoidea)
Authors: Hoffmann R. , Bestwick J. , Berndt G. , Berndt R. , Fuchs D. , Klug C.
Published: January 2020

Direct evidence of successful or failed predation is rare in the fossil record but essential for reconstructing extinct food webs. Here, we report the first evidence of a failed predation attempt by a pterosaur on a soft-bodied coleoid cephalopod. A perfectly preserved, fully grown soft-tissue specimen of the octobrachian coleoid Plesioteuthis subovata is associated with a tooth of the pterosaur Rhamphorhynchus muensteri from the Late Jurassic Solnhofen Archipelago. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals the pterosaur tooth is embedded in the now phosphatised cephalopod soft tissue, which makes a chance association highly improbable. According to its morphology, the tooth likely originates from the anterior to middle region of the upper or lower jaw of a large, osteologically mature individual. We propose the tooth became associated with the coleoid when the pterosaur attacked Plesioteuthis at or near the water surface. Thus, Rhamphorhynchus apparently fed on aquatic animals by grabbing prey whilst flying directly above, or floating upon (less likely), the water surface. It remains unclear whether the Plesioteuthis died from the pterosaur attack or survived for some time with the broken tooth lodged in its mantle. Sinking into oxygen depleted waters explains the exceptional soft tissue preservation.
Effect of Amoxicillin in combination with Imipenem-Relebactam against Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Lopeman Rose C. , Harrison James , Rathbone Daniel L. , Desai Maya , Lambert Peter A. , Cox Jonathan A. G.
Published: January 2020

Infections caused by Mycobacterium abscessus are increasing in prevalence in cystic fibrosis patients. This opportunistic pathogen′s intrinsic resistance to most antibiotics has perpetuated an urgent demand for new, more effective therapeutic interventions. Here we report a prospective advance in the treatment of M. abscessus infection; increasing the susceptibility of the organism to amoxicillin, by repurposing the β-lactamase inhibitor, relebactam, in combination with the front line M. abscessus drug imipenem. We establish by multiple in vitro methods that this combination works synergistically to inhibit M. abscessus. We also show the direct competitive inhibition of the M. abscessus β-lactamase, BlaMab, using a novel assay, which is validated kinetically using the nitrocefin reporter assay and in silico binding studies. Furthermore, we reverse the susceptibility by overexpressing BlaMab in M. abscessus, demonstrating relebactam-BlaMab target engagement. Finally, we highlight the in vitro efficacy of this combination against a panel of M. abscessus clinical isolates, revealing the therapeutic potential of the amoxicillin-imipenem-relebactam combination.
Removal of Refractory Dissolved Organic Carbon in the Amundsen Sea, Antarctica
Authors: Fang Ling , Lee SangHoon , Lee Shin-Ah , Hahm Doshik , Kim Guebuem , Druffel Ellen R. M. , Hwang Jeomshik
Published: January 2020

The removal mechanism of refractory deep-ocean dissolved organic carbon (deep-DOC) is poorly understood. The Amundsen Sea Polynya (ASP) serves as a natural test basin for assessing the fate of deep-DOC when it is supplied with a large amount of fresh-DOC and exposed to strong solar radiation during the polynya opening in austral summer. We measured the radiocarbon content of DOC in the water column on the western Amundsen shelf. The radiocarbon content of DOC in the surface water of the ASP reflected higher primary production than in the region covered by sea ice. The radiocarbon measurements of DOC, taken two years apart in the ASP, were different, suggesting rapid cycling of DOC. The increase in DOC concentration was less than expected from the observed increase in radiocarbon content from those at the greatest depths. Based on a radiocarbon mass balance, we show that deep-DOC is consumed along with fresh-DOC in the ASP. Our observations imply that water circulation through the surface layer, where fresh-DOC is produced, may play an important role in global DOC cycling.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Wastewater by Molecularly Imprinted Ag2S-TiO2 with High-selectively
Authors: Liu Xian , Zhu Lei , Wang Xun , Meng Xide
Published: January 2020

The molecular imprinting technique is a new method for preparing molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with specific molecular recognition sites for individual target molecules. In this study, Ag2S-MIP-TiO2 nanocomposite was synthesized by a sol-gel-deposition method with ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate as an imprinting molecule. The obtained powder was characterized by XRD and other analytical methods. The results show that the obtained Ag2S-MIP-TiO2 nanocomposite demonstrates better catalytic performance than pure anatase TiO2. The degradation efficiency of ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate during 1.5 h of the photocatalytic reaction is 92.22%, which is 42% higher than pure TiO2. The selectivity factor for the treatment of ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate compared to phenol using Ag2S-MIP-TiO2 reached 3.571, which is 72% higher than pure TiO2.
Guided migration analyses at the single-clone level uncover cellular targets of interest in tumor-associated myeloid-derived suppressor cell populations
Authors: Duarte-Sanmiguel Silvia , Shukla Vasudha , Benner Brooke , Moore Jordan , Lemmerman Luke , Lawrence William , Panic Ana , Wang Shipeng , Idzkowski Nicholas , Guio-Vega Gina , Higuita-Castro Natalia , Ghadiali Samir , Carson William E. , Gallego-Perez Daniel
Published: January 2020

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are immune cells that exert immunosuppression within the tumor, protecting cancer cells from the host’s immune system and/or exogenous immunotherapies. While current research has been mostly focused in countering MDSC-driven immunosuppression, little is known about the mechanisms by which MDSCs disseminate/infiltrate cancerous tissue. This study looks into the use of microtextured surfaces, coupled with in vitro and in vivo cellular and molecular analysis tools, to videoscopically evaluate the dissemination patterns of MDSCs under structurally guided migration, at the single-cell level. MDSCs exhibited topographically driven migration, showing significant intra- and inter-population differences in motility, with velocities reaching ~40 μm h−1. Downstream analyses coupled with single-cell migration uncovered the presence of specific MDSC subpopulations with different degrees of tumor-infiltrating and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Granulocytic MDSCs showed a ~≥3-fold increase in maximum dissemination velocities and traveled distances, and a ~10-fold difference in the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers. Prolonged culture also revealed that purified subpopulations of MDSCs exhibit remarkable plasticity, with homogeneous/sorted subpopulations giving rise to heterogenous cultures that represented the entire hierarchy of MDSC phenotypes within 7 days. These studies point towards the granulocytic subtype as a potential cellular target of interest given their superior dissemination ability and enhanced anti-inflammatory activity.
Slow sand filtration of raw wastewater using biochar as an alternative filtration media
Authors: Kaetzl Korbinian , Lübken Manfred , Nettmann Edith , Krimmler Stefan , Wichern Marc
Published: January 2020

The efficiency of anaerobic biofilters (AnBF) as low-cost wastewater treatment systems was investigated. Miscanthus-biochar was used as filtration media and compared with sand as a common reference material. Raw sewage from a municipal wastewater treatment plant was stored in a sedimentation tank for two days to allow pre-settlement of wastewater particles. Subsequently, wastewater was treated by AnBFs at 22 °C room temperature at a hydraulic loading rate of 0.05 m∙h−1 with an empty bed contact time of 14.4 h and a mean organic loading rate of 509 ± 173 gCOD∙m−3∙d−1. Mean removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) of biochar filters was with 74 ± 18% significantly higher than of sand filters (61 ± 12%). In contrast to sand filters with a mean reduction of 1.18 ± 0.31 log-units, E. coli removal through biochar was with 1.35 ± 0.27 log-units significantly higher and increased with experimental time. Main removal took place within the schmutzdecke, a biologically active dirt layer that develops simultaneously on the surface of filter beds. Since the E. coli contamination of both filter materials was equal, the higher removal efficiency of biochar filters is probably a result of an improved biodegradation within deeper zones of the filter bed. Overall, performance of biochar filters was better or equal compared to sand and have thus demonstrated the suitability of Miscanthus-biochar as filter media for wastewater treatment.
Pathogenomics and Evolutionary Epidemiology of Multi-Drug Resistant Clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from Pretoria, South Africa
Authors: Mbelle Nontombi Marylucy , Feldman Charles , Sekyere John Osei , Maningi Nontuthuko Excellent , Modipane Lesedi , Essack Sabiha Yusuf
Published: January 2020

Antibiotic-resistantKlebsiella pneumoniaeis increasingly being implicated in invasive infections worldwide with high mortalities. Forty-two multidrug resistant (MDR)K. pneumoniaeisolates were collected over a 4-month period. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using Microscan. The evolutionary epidemiology, resistome, virulome and mobilome of the isolates were characterised using whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. All isolates contained theblaCTX-Mgene, whilst 41/42(97%) containedblaTEM, 36/42(86%) containedblaOXAand 35/42(83%) harbouredblaSHVgenes. Other resistance genes found includedblaLEN,aac(6′)-lb-cr,qnrA,qnrB,qnrS,oqxAB,aad,aph,dfr,sul1,sul2,fosA, andcatgenes. Fluoroquinolone and colistin resistance-conferring mutations inparC,gyrAB,pmrAB,phoPQ andkpnEF were identified. TheblaLENgene, rarely described worldwide, was identified in four isolates. The isolates comprised diverse sequence types, the most common being ST152 in 7/42(17%) isolates; clone-specific O and K capsule types were identified. Diverse virulence genes that were not clone-specific were identified in all but one isolate. IncF, IncH and IncI plasmid replicons and two novel integrons were present. TheblaCTX-M-15andblaTEM-1genes were bracketed by Tn3 transposons, ISEc9, a resolvase and IS91 insertion sequence. There were 20 gene cassettes in 14 different cassette arrays, with thedfrAandaadAgene cassettes being the most frequent. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the isolates were evolutionarily associated with strains from both South Africa and abroad. These findings depict the rich resistome, mobilome and virulome repertoire in clinicalK. pneumoniaestrains, which are mainly transmitted by clonal, multiclonal and horizontal means in South Africa.
Identification of a novel uterine leiomyoma GWAS locus in a Japanese population
Authors: Sakai Kensuke , Tanikawa Chizu , Hirasawa Akira , Chiyoda Tatsuyuki , Yamagami Wataru , Kataoka Fumio , Susumu Nobuyuki , Terao Chikashi , Kamatani Yoichiro , Takahashi Atsushi , Momozawa Yukihide , Hirata Makoto , Kubo Michiaki , Fuse Nobuo , Takai-Igarashi Takako , Shimizu Atsushi , Fukushima Akimune , Kadota Aya , Arisawa Kokichi , Ikezaki Hiroaki , Wakai Kenji , Yamaji Taiki , Sawada Norie , Iwasaki Motoki , Tsugane Shoichiro , Aoki Daisuke , Matsuda Koichi
Published: January 2020

Uterine leiomyoma is one of the most common gynaecologic benign tumours, but its genetic basis remains largely unknown. Six previous GWAS identified 33 genetic factors in total. Here, we performed a two-staged GWAS using 13,746 cases and 70,316 controls from the Japanese population, followed by a replication analysis using 3,483 cases and 4,795 controls. The analysis identified 9 significant loci, including a novel locus on 12q23.2 (rs17033114, P = 6.12 × 10−25 with an OR of 1.177 (1.141-1.213), LINC00485). Subgroup analysis indicated that 5 loci (3q26.2, 5p15.33, 10q24.33, 11p15.5, 13q14.11) exhibited a statistically significant effect among multiple leiomyomas, and 2 loci (3q26.2, 10q24.33) exhibited a significant effect among submucous leiomyomas. Pleiotropic analysis indicated that all 9 loci were associated with at least one proliferative disease, suggesting the role of these loci in the common neoplastic pathway. Furthermore, the risk T allele of rs2251795 (3q26.2) was associated with longer telomere length in both normal and tumour tissues. Our findings elucidated the significance of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of leiomyoma.
Author Correction: The Reaction of Dimerization by Itself Reduces the Noise Intensity of the Protein Monomer
Authors: Liu Feng-You , Lo Shih-Chiang , Shu Che-Chi
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Mud volcanoes and the presence of PAHs
Authors: Remizovschi Alexei , Carpa Rahela , Forray Ferenc L. , Chiriac Cecilia , Roba Carmen-Andreea , Beldean-Galea Simion , Andrei Adrian-Ștefan , Szekeres Edina , Baricz Andreea , Lupan Iulia , Rudi Knut , Coman Cristian
Published: January 2020

A mud volcano (MV) is a naturally hydrocarbon-spiked environment, as indicated by the presence of various quantities of PAHs and aromatic isotopic shifts in its sediments. Recurrent expulsion of various hydrocarbons consolidates the growth of hydrocarbonoclastic bacterial communities in the areas around MVs. In addition to the widely-known availability of biologically malleable alkanes, MVs can represent hotbeds of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as well - an aspect that has not been previously explored. This study measured the availability of highly recalcitrant PAHs and the isotopic signature of MV sediments both by GC-MS and δ13C analyses. Subsequently, this study highlighted both the occurrence and distribution of putative PAH-degrading bacterial OTUs using a metabarcoding technique. The putative hydrocarbonoclastic taxa incidence are the following: Enterobacteriaceae (31.5%), Methylobacteriaceae (19.9%), Bradyrhizobiaceae (16.9%), Oxalobacteraceae (10.2%), Comamonadaceae (7.6%) and Sphingomonadaceae (5.5%). Cumulatively, the results of this study indicate that MVs represent polyaromatic hydrocarbonoclastic hotbeds, as defined by both natural PAH input and high incidence of putative PAH-degrading bacterial OTUs.
Author Correction: Common neural value representations of hedonic and utilitarian products in the ventral striatum: An fMRI study
Authors: Motoki Kosuke , Sugiura Motoaki , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Sarcopenia index based on serum creatinine and cystatin C is associated with 3-year mortality in hospitalized older patients
Authors: Tang Tianjiao , Zhuo Yan , Xie Lingling , Wang Haozhong , Yang Ming
Published: January 2020

To investigate the association of the sarcopenia index (SI, serum creatinine value/cystatin C value × 100) with 3-year mortality and readmission among older inpatients, we reanalyzed a prospective study in the geriatric ward of a teaching hospital in western China. Older inpatients aged ≥ 60 years with normal kidney function were included. Survival status and readmission information were assessed annually during the 3-year follow-up. We applied Cox regression models to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of sarcopenia for predicting mortality and readmission. We included 248 participants (mean age: 81.2 ± 6.6 years). During the follow-up, 57 participants (23.9%) died, whereas 179 participants (75.2%) were readmitted at least one time. The SI was positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.214, p = 0.001), calf circumference (CC) (r = 0.253, p < 0.001), handgrip strength (r = 0.244, p < 0.001), and gait speed (r = 0.221, p < 0.001). A higher SI was independently associated with a lower risk of 3-year all-cause mortality after adjusting for potential confounders (HR per 1-SD = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.63–0.97). The SI was not significantly associated with readmission (HR per 1-SD = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.77–1.25). In conclusion, the SI is associated with 3-year all-cause mortality but not readmission in a study population of hospitalized older patients.
Unique natural killer cell subpopulations are associated with exacerbation risk in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Osterburg Andrew R. , Lach Laura , Panos Ralph J. , Borchers Michael T.
Published: January 2020

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide. COPD is frequently punctuated by acute exacerbations that are precipitated primarily by infections, which increase both morbidity and mortality and inflates healthcare costs. Despite the significance of exacerbations, little understanding of immune function in COPD exacerbations exists. Natural killer (NK) cells are important effectors of innate and adaptive immune responses to pathogens and NK cell function is altered in smokers and COPD. Using high-dimensional flow cytometry, we phenotyped peripheral blood NK cells from never smokers, smokers, and COPD patients and employed a non-supervised clustering algorithm to define and detect changes in NK cell populations. We identified greater than 1,000 unique NK cell subpopulations across patient groups and describe 13 altered NK populations in patients who experienced prior exacerbations. Based upon cluster sizes and associated fluorescence data, we generated a logistic regression model to predict patients with a history of exacerbations with high sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, highly enriched NK cell subpopulations implicated in the regression model exhibited enhanced effector functions as defined by in vitro cytotoxicity assays. These novel data reflect the effects of smoking and disease on peripheral blood NK cell phenotypes, provide insight into the potential immune pathophysiology of COPD exacerbations, and indicate that NK cell phenotyping may be a useful and biologically relevant marker to predict COPD exacerbations.
Author Correction: First Ornithomimid (Theropoda, Ornithomimosauria) from the Upper Cretaceous Djadokhta Formation of Tögrögiin Shiree, Mongolia
Authors: Chinzorig Tsogtbaatar , Kobayashi Yoshitsugu , Tsogtbaatar Khishigjav , Currie Philip J. , Watabe Mahito , Barsbold Rinchen
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Voltammetric detection of vitamin B1 (thiamine) in neutral solution at a glassy carbon electrode via in situ pH modulation
Authors: Wahyuni Wulan Tri , Putra Budi Riza , Marken Frank
Published: January 2020

Pretreatment of glassy carbon electrode at an appropriate negative potential provide hydroxide ion which contributes to the in situ pH modulation of the electrode for thiamine detection in neutral solution.
Fibre optic ratiometric fluorescence pH sensor for monitoring corrosion in concrete
Authors: Bartelmess Juergen , Zimmek David , Bartholmai Matthias , Strangfeld Christoph , Schäferling Michael
Published: January 2020

In this communication a novel concept for pH sensing is introduced which is specifically adapted to monitor carbonation induced corrosion in concrete structures.
A novel signal amplification strategy for highly specific and nonenzymatic isothermal electrochemiluminescence detection of tumour markers
Authors: Liu Yan , Guo Xin , Fan Zhijin , Liao Yuhui , Yu Ying , Guo Manli , Cao Yujuan , Zhu Debin
Published: January 2020

A signal amplification strategy for highly specific and nonenzymatic isothermal electrochemiluminescence detection of microRNA was developed. The limit of detection was as low as 4 fmol, which was superior to that for the reported linear DNA method.
Preclinical biological and physicochemical evaluation of two-photon engineered 3D biomimetic copolymer scaffolds for bone healing
Authors: Kampleitner Carina , Changi Katayoon , Felfel Reda M. , Scotchford Colin A. , Sottile Virginie , Kluger Rainer , Hoffmann Oskar , Grant David M. , Epstein Michelle M.
Published: January 2020

A major challenge in orthopedics is the repair of large non-union bone fractures.
An effective “precursor-transformation” route toward the high-yield synthesis of ZIF-8 tubes
Authors: Liu Ziyi , Wu Aiping , Yan Haijing , Su Danni , Jin Chengxu , Guo Hao , Wang Lei , Tian Chungui
Published: January 2020

A novel “precursor-transformation” route was developed for the high-yield synthesis of tube-like ZIF-8 (with around 0.6 g of ZIF-8/60 mL of solvent, the yield is over 90% based on Zn). The advantages of high yield, easy synthesis and a special tube-like morphology are largely favourable for the application of ZIF-8 based materials.
Unprecedented one-dimensional chain and two-dimensional network dysprosium(iii) single-molecule toroics with white-light emission
Authors: Zhong Li , Chen Wen-Bin , OuYang Zhi-Jian , Yang Meng , Zhang Yi-Quan , Gao Song , Schulze Michael , Wernsdorfer Wolfgang , Dong Wen
Published: January 2020

One-dimensional chain and two-dimensional network dysprosium(iii) single-molecule toroics with white-light emission bifunctional properties were reported.
Multicolour fluorescent “sulfide–sulfone” diarylethenes with high photo-fatigue resistance
Authors: Uno Kakishi , Bossi Mariano L. , Belov Vladimir N. , Irie Masahiro , Hell Stefan W.
Published: January 2020

Compact, photochromic, reversible and fluorescent: blue and red emission from the “open” and “closed” forms (see picture) and up to 20 000 cycles in organic solvents without exclusion of air–oxygen.
Folding control of a non-natural glycopeptide using saccharide-coded structural information for polypeptides
Authors: Ishido Yuki , Kanbayashi Naoya , Fujii Naoka , Okamura Taka-aki , Haino Takeharu , Onitsuka Kiyotaka
Published: January 2020

We synthesized “glyco-arylopeptides”, whose folding structure significantly changes depending on the kind of saccharide in their side chain. The saccharide moiety interacts with the main chainviahydrogen bonding, and the non-natural polypeptides form two well-defined architectures—(P)-31- and (M)-41-helices—depending on the length of the saccharide chains and even the configuration of a single stereo-genic center in the epimers.
Changing the shape and optical properties of CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals with hydrohalic acids using a room-temperature synthesis process
Authors: Qu Rui , Zou Leideng , Qi Xiaofei , Liu Cheng , Zhao Wu , Yan Junfeng , Zhang Zhiyong , Wu Yunlong
Published: January 2020

The shape, size, and optical properties of the CsPbBr3 nanocrystals could be tuned by the addition of various hydrohalic acids.
X-ray CT observation and characterization of water transformation in heavy objects
Authors: Takeya Satoshi , Muraoka Michihiro , Muromachi Sanehiro , Hyodo Kazuyuki , Yoneyama Akio
Published: January 2020

Nondestructive observations and characterization of low-density materials composed of low-Z elements, such as water or its related substances, are essential for materials and life sciences.
Energy landscape of Au13: a global view of structure transformation
Authors: Li Xiao-Tian , Xu Shao-Gang , Yang Xiao-Bao , Zhao Yu-Jun
Published: January 2020

A visual energy landscape map based on quantum mechanics energy calculations and an advanced description of inter-configuration distance.
A sixteen-valence-electron carbon-group 13 family with global penta-atomic planar tetracoordinate carbon: an ionic strategy
Authors: Zheng Hai-feng , Xu Jing , Ding Yi-hong
Published: January 2020

Utilizing an ionic strategy, 9 global minimum (GM) and 2 quasi-GM 16ve-ptC species have been obtained from the carbon-group 13 family CXaYbZcKd (X, Y, Z, K = Al/Ga/In/Tl; 0 ≤ a, b, c, d ≤ 4, a + b + c + d = 4).
Association of phthalate exposure with precocious and delayed pubertal timing in girls and boys: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Golestanzadeh Mohsen , Riahi Roya , Kelishadi Roya
Published: January 2020

Herein, recent studies were evaluated to obtain regulation results in relation to puberty status and phthalate exposure in children.
A more pronounced effect of type III resistant starch vs. type II resistant starch on ameliorating hyperlipidemia in high fat diet-fed mice is associated with its supramolecular structural characteristics
Authors: Xu Jiangbin , Ma Zhen , Li Xiaoping , Liu Liu , Hu Xinzhong
Published: January 2020

The anti-obesity effects of two categories of lentil resistant starch (RS) including RS2 and RS3 on mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity and the supramolecular structure-in vivo physiological functionality relationship of RS were investigated.
The anti-diabetic effect of eightLagerstroemia speciosaleaf extracts based on the contents of ellagitannins and ellagic acid derivatives
Authors: Guo Sen , Ren Xiameng , He Kan , Chen Xiaozhuo , Zhang Shanshan , Roller Marc , Zheng Bolin , Zheng Qunyi , Ho Chi-Tang , Bai Naisheng
Published: January 2020

Anti-diabetic effects of eight extracts from leaves ofL. speciosausing different manufacturing processes based on the contents of active ellagitannins and inhibitory ellagic acid derivatives.
Selective hydrodeoxygenation of lignin phenols to alcohols in the aqueous phase over a hierarchical Nb2O5-supported Ni catalyst
Authors: Song Wenjing , He Yanyan , Lai Sitong , Lai Weikun , Yi Xiaodong , Yang Weimin , Jiang Xingmao
Published: January 2020

Lignin-derived phenols can be highly selectively converted to alcohols in the aqueous phase over hierarchical Ni/Nb2O5 assembled from Nb2O5 nanoplates.
Enzymatic one-pot synthesis of renewable and biodegradable surfactants in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2)
Authors: d'Almeida Gameiro Mariana , Goddard Amy , Taresco Vincenzo , Howdle Steven M.
Published: January 2020

We exploit enzymatic catalysis in supercritical carbon dioxide to create novel, linear and degradable amphiphilic polymers that can act as surfactants.
High-precision cerium isotope analysis by thermal ionization mass spectrometry using the Ce+ technique
Authors: Shao Xuepeng , Bu Wenting , Fan Yichen , Long Kaiming , Yang Hongmei , Tang Lei , Cheng Changming , Liu Xuemei , Hao Fanhua
Published: January 2020

A new method is presented for high-precision measurement of cerium isotope ratios in geological samples by TIMS with the Ce+ technique.
Molecular engineering of D–A–D conjugated small molecule nanoparticles for high performance NIR-II photothermal therapy
Authors: Shao Wei , Wei Qiaolin , Wang Shuaifei , Li Fangyuan , Wu Jiahe , Ren Jiafeng , Cao Fangyi , Liao Hongwei , Gao Jianqing , Zhou Min , Ling Daishun
Published: January 2020

Highly efficient NIR-II photothermal therapy is enabled by molecularly engineered conjugated small molecule nanoparticles.
Tetraphenylethylene-functionalized hexaphenylbenzene with unique conformation-driven selectivity for gas chromatographic separations
Authors: Yang Yinhui , Qi Meiling , Wang Jinliang
Published: January 2020

Tetraphenylethylene-functionalized hexaphenylbenzene composed of a neat aromatic hydrocarbon with unique conformation-driven selectivity for gas chromatographic separations.
Synthesis of lead-free Cs3Sb2Br9 perovskite alternative nanocrystals with enhanced photocatalytic CO2 reduction activity
Authors: Lu Chang , Itanze Dominique S. , Aragon Alexander G. , Ma Xiao , Li Hui , Ucer Kamil B. , Hewitt Corey , Carroll David L. , Williams Richard T. , Qiu Yejun , Geyer Scott M.
Published: January 2020

High purity synthesis yields Cs3Sb2Br9 nanocrystals exhibiting 10-fold higher CO2 reduction activity then CsPbBr3 due to exposure of active site.
Under-oil self-driven and directional transport of water on a femtosecond laser-processed superhydrophilic geometry-gradient structure
Authors: Wu Junrui , Yin Kai , Li Ming , Wu Zhipeng , Xiao Si , Wang Hua , Duan Ji-An , He Jun
Published: January 2020

We report a simple, flexible and substrate-independent method for pumpless under-oil directional transport of water.
Ion specific fluorescence modulation of polyvinyl alcohol-boronate matrices
Authors: Jacobs Brian P. , Townsend Jacob , Vogiatzis Konstantinos D. , Brantley Johnathan N.
Published: January 2020

Borylated polymers are emerging as valuable chemosensors that can report analyte binding through an array of responses. Condensing aryl boronic acids onto polyvinyl alcohol affords fluorescent polymers that can detect and extract borophilic anions.
Recent developments on oximes to improve the blood brain barrier penetration for the treatment of organophosphorus poisoning: a review
Authors: Faiz Norrrahim Mohd Nor , Idayu Abdul Razak Mas Amira , Ahmad Shah Noor Aisyah , Kasim Herdawati , Wan Yusoff Wan Yusmawati , Halim Norhana Abdul , Mohd Nor Siti Aminah , Jamal Siti Hasnawati , Ong Keat Khim , Zin Wan Yunus Wan Md , Knight Victor Feizal , Mohd Kasim Noor Azilah
Published: January 2020

Organophosphorus (OP) compounds are highly toxic synthetic compounds which have been used as pesticides and developed as warfare nerve agents.
Atomistic structure generation of covalent triazine-based polymers by molecular simulation
Authors: Song Ce , Hu Fangyuan , Meng Zhaoliang , Li Shengming , Shao Wenlong , Zhang Tianpeng , Liu Siyang , Jian Xigao
Published: January 2020

A well-established modelling approach to construct and predict the structures of amorphous covalent triazine-based polymers is proposed.
Continuous flow synthesis of the URAT1 inhibitor lesinurad
Authors: Damião Mariana C. F. C. B. , Marçon Henrique M. , Pastre Julio Cezar
Published: January 2020

A 5-steps continuous flow synthesis of lesinurad is provided and delivers this API in 68% overall yield.
A bromine and chlorine concurrently functionalized end group for benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]diselenophene-based non-fluorinated acceptors: a new hybrid strategy to balance the crystallinity and miscibility of blend films for enabling highly efficient polymer solar cells
Authors: Wan Shi-Sheng , Xu Xiaopeng , Jiang Zhao , Yuan Jian , Mahmood Asif , Yuan Gui-Zhou , Liu Kai-Kai , Ma Wei , Peng Qiang , Wang Jin-Liang
Published: January 2020

The hybrid IC functionalizedBDSe-2(BrCl):PM7-based PSCs exhibit the impressive PCE of 14.54%, which is the highest value in hybrid IC-functionalized acceptor-based binary organic solar cells.
Two-dimensional perovskites as sensitive strain sensors
Authors: Xia Mengling , Yuan Jun-Hui , Luo Jiajun , Pan Weicheng , Wu Haodi , Chen Qi , Xue Kan-Hao , Miao Xiangshui , Niu Guangda , Tang Jiang
Published: January 2020

A high gauge factor (141) under small strains (0.16–0.4%) was achieved through two-dimensional perovskite-based strain sensors.
Ratiometric fluorescence method for ctDNA analysis based on the construction of a DNA four-way junction
Authors: Liu Guangxing , Ma Xiaoyi , Tang Yuguo , Miao Peng
Published: January 2020

A DNA four-way junction architecture is constructed for the ratiometric fluorescence detection of circulating tumor DNA.
Photoinduced synthesis of 2-sulfonylacetonitriles with the insertion of sulfur dioxide under ultraviolet irradiation
Authors: Zhou Kaida , Liu Jin-Biao , Xie Wenlin , Ye Shengqing , Wu Jie
Published: January 2020

Metal-free insertion of sulfur dioxide with aryl/alkyl iodides and 3-azido-2-methylbut-3-en-2-ol under ultraviolet irradiation at room temperature is achieved, giving rise to 2-sulfonylacetonitriles in moderate to good yields.
Colloidal synthesis of porous red phosphorus nanoparticles as a metal-free electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Chan Cheng-Ying , Chang Chao-Hung , Tuan Hsing-Yu
Published: January 2020

Uniform porous red phosphorus nanoparticles (P-RPNPs) were synthesized via a one-pot hot injection approach for use as metal-free electrocatalysts in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
Retraction: Synthesis of deuterated isopentyl pyrophosphates for chemo-enzymatic labelling methods: GC-EI-MS based 1,2-hydride shift in epicedrol biosynthesis
Authors: Said Madhukar S. , Navale Govinda R. , Gajbhiye Jayant M. , Shinde Sandip S.
Published: January 2020

Retraction of ‘Synthesis of deuterated isopentyl pyrophosphates for chemo-enzymatic labelling methods: GC-EI-MS based 1,2-hydride shift in epicedrol biosynthesis’ by Madhukar S. Said et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 28258–28261.
Applying Artificial Neural Networks In Construction
Authors: Doroshenko Anna
Published: January 2020

Currently, artificial neural networks (ANN) are used to solve the following complex problems: pattern recognition, speech recognition, complex forecasts and others. The main applications of ANN are decision making, pattern recognition, optimization, forecasting, data analysis. This paper presents an overview of applications of ANN in construction industry, including energy efficiency and energy consumption, structural analysis, construction materials, smart city and BIM technologies, structural design and optimization, application forecasting, construction engineering and soil mechanics.
Common Design Problems and Optimization Measures for Flat Slab Floor Structures
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Zhang Haoyu
Published: January 2020

Compared with the traditional beam-slab structure, the flat slab floor structure has the advantages of simple load transmission path, beautiful appearance and outstanding economic benefits. It is widely used in the roof design of residential underground garages. In recent years, there have been many roof collapse accidents of underground garage in China. This makes the safety of the beamless floor become a hot topic. As a common structural form, the flat slab floor structure has the advantages of cost saving and convenient construction, but the potential risk factors for continuous collapse are more complicated than the traditional structure. Therefore, the study of the mechanical behaviour of the flat slab floor structure is very important. The article points out some common problems in the design of flat slab floor, and proposes many optimization and improvement measures, such as considering unbalanced bending moments and construction conditions, improving design methods, adding structural measures, etc.
Research on Environmental Monitoring System Based on Microservices and Data Mining
Authors: Liu Yu , Huang Junge , Lu Ningqi
Published: January 2020

The monitoring systems of various industries have various types and different structures. There are problems of “data chimney” and “information islands”[1]. Monitoring data is difficult to be effectively utilized and cannot provide reliable data information to support for environmental security[2]. In this end, an environment monitoring system based on micro-service architecture is designed. The information management and automatic monitoring business systems are unified into a flexible, robust and efficient system platform to adapt to the big data analysis and the mining applications. Using Hadoop to build environment monitoring big data platform, distributed storage, selective extraction and efficient calculation of the massive environment monitoring data can be achieved. By integrating the detection and monitoring data of the ecological environment and in-depth mining it, a neural network model is established to automatically identify potential safety hazards and recommend corresponding treatment measures, so to assist in the comprehensive research and scientific decision-making of environmental safety and promote intelligent management of safety.
Effect of light quality on the cultivation of chlorella pyrenoidosa
Authors: Guo Hancheng , Fang Zhiguo
Published: January 2020

Effect of light quality, including red light, blue light, white light, red and blue mixing light with 8:1, 8:2 and 8:3, on the growth characteristics and metabolite accumulation of chlorella pyrenoidosa was conducted based on light emitting diode (LED). Results showed that chlorella pyrenoidosa grew best under blue light, and the optical density, specific growth rate and biomass of chlorella pyrenoidosa was about 2.4, 0.10 d-1and 6.4 g·L-1, respectively, while the optical density of chlorella pyrenoidosa was between 1.0 and 1.7, specific growth rate was between 0.06-0.10 d-1and biomass was between 2.7 and 3.8 g·L-1under other light quality after 30 days of cultivation. The optical density, specific growth rate and biomass of chlorella pyrenoidosa was approximately 2.05 times, 1.33 times and 2.06 times under blue light than red light, respectively. Moreover, Red and blue mixing light was conducive to the synthesis of chlorophyll a and carotenoids of chlorella pyrenoidosa, and blue light could promote the synthesis of chlorophyll b. Chlorophyll a and carotenoids content of chlorella pyrenoidosa was 13.5 mg·g-1and 5.8 mg·g-1respectively under red and blue mixing light with 8:1, while it was 8.4 mg·g-1and 3.6 mg·g-1respectively under blue light. Red and blue mixing light was more conducive to protein and total lipid content per dry cell of chlorella pyrenoidosa. Protein and total lipid content was 489.3 mg·g-1and 311.2 mg·g-1under red and blue mixing light with 8:3, while it was 400.9 mg·g-1and 231.9 mg·g-1respectively under blue light.
Simulation and experimental study of phase change cooling and heating wall radiation air conditioning system
Authors: Chunxue Gao , Songlin Wu , Junqian Lang , Qiuxin Liu
Published: January 2020

This paper presents a case study of phase change cooling and heating wall radiant (PC-CHWR) air conditioning system application in an energy-saving renovation project in a laboratory in Wuhan, Hubei province in China. To test the thermal performance of the system, the PHOENICS software was utilized to simulate and analyse the indoor thermal environment in the laboratory under both winter and summer operating conditions. In addition, field experiments were also conducted under winter operation condition. By comparing the results between numerical simulation and field experiment, it is found that thermal performance of the PC-CHWR air conditioning system evaluated by these two evaluation methods are quite match. Moreover, the results also show that the PC-CHWR system can meet the cooling and heating load of the building within the acceptable range.
Application of Resistivity Method for Mining Tailings Site Selection in Karst Regions
Authors: Ali Mosaad , Sun Shulin , Qian Wei , Bohari Abdou Dodo , Claire Dusabemariya , Zhang Yan
Published: January 2020

Disposal of mining wastes (tailings) is one of the most severe issues related to groundwater contamination. Therefore, a properly selected disposal site helps to prevent the leakage of dissolved materials in the tailings to groundwater, especially in the karstic area. Where the karstic environment is one of the challenges facing groundwater environmental and engineering issues, for instance, groundwater exploration, vulnerability assessment, and hazard estimation. In this study, the resistivity method with a high-resolution surface data survey was carried out to investigate the pond location selection for mining tailings disposal at El Mochito mine site, northwest Honduras. The results of the two-dimensional (2-D) inversion for sixteen surveyed lines revealed that many low resistivity zones. These zones are related to water/clay-bearing zones that are structurally weak. From lines 8-12, the limestone underneath the surface is the most compact, and this is the best location in the survey area for tailings pond construction. The resistivity method has provided insight into the subsurface information and locating hydraulically conductive zones, so it can be useful for selecting the site of mining tailings.
Local Scour of Bridge Pier Sited on a Multi-Layered Sedimentary Bed in Rivers
Authors: Yue Shaolin , Zhou Huan , Zhu Wenlong , Zhang Minxi
Published: January 2020

The riverbeds or sea beds are usually composed of multi-layers of sediments. The scour around bridge piers sited on such beds is vital to the bridge safety, but is still very difficult to be predicated as its complicated interaction between the flow and bed layers. A simple model is proposed in this study for calculating the local scour maximum depth around bridge piers sited on multi-layer of sedimentary bed, which is based on HEC-18 formula revised by Richardson and Davis (2001) and the formula of the repose angle of sediment particles proposed by Cheng (1993). This model considers the particle sorting when the scour proceeds. An application of the model into the local scour depth of Guopan bridge pier sited on the Weihe River bed in Baoji city of China preliminarily demonstrates its reliability to calculate the local scour maximum depth around bridge piers sited on multi-layer of sedimentary bed.
Tetrabromobisphenol A adsorption by active carbon: influential factors and kinetics
Authors: Su Xiaoli , Wang Mingming , Yang Songwen , Sun Feiyun , Dong Jiaju , Rong Yiping , Zhang Bin , Hong Desong
Published: January 2020

Frequency detection and environmental risk of Tetrabromobisphenol A （TBBPA）in aqueous system attracted many concerns. Nevertheless, mutual interactions between TBBPA and natural or synthetic chemical materials has not be clearly revealed. In this study, influential factors, adsorption behavior and mutual dynamism of active carbon (AC) and TBBPA were comprehensively explored. It was found that chemical sorption efficiency of AC reached more than 90%. The adsorption behavior can be depicted by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, whose kinetic could be well described by pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The chemisorption of AC is mainly single molecular layer mode for TBBPA adsorption, during which presence of SO42-, HCO3- and humic acid significantly inhibited TBBPA sorption capability. Proper temperature and pH promoted the adsorption efficiency of TBBPA. The obtained results demonstrated that AC adsorption is one feasible and effective technique for enhanced treatment technique for TBBPA containing wastewater.
Modification of sulfide by Te in Y1Cr13 free-cutting stainless steel
Authors: Wu Xiangyu , Wu Liang-pin , Xie Jian-bo , Shen Ping , Fu Jian-xun
Published: January 2020

Te is an alloy element which is capable of improving the morphology of sulfide in free-cutting steel. In this paper, the effect of modification and mechanism of action of Te on sulfide was studied by addition of various Te masses to the Y1Cr13 free-cutting stainless steel. The results revealed that the typical sulfide in Y1Cr13 was MnS, and when Te content exceeded 170 ppm, it was transformed into a solid solution and precipitated as MnTe in Te–Mn–S solution. The solid solution of Te in MnS coarsened MnS and improved its hardness. The precipitated MnTe enveloped MnS and absorbed the rolling stress in high temperature. Both forms of Te improved the morphology of MnS, promoted the transition from type II to type I and III as the Te content increased. The effect of the modification was good, and it was mainly ascribed to the precipitation of MnTe.
Anaerobic Threshold Biophysical Characterisation of the Four Swimming
Techniques
Authors: Carvalho Diogo Duarte , Soares Susana , Zacca Rodrigo , Sousa João , Marinho Daniel Almeida , Silva António José , Vilas-Boas João Paulo , Fernandes Ricardo J.
Published: January 2020

The anaerobic threshold (AnT) seems to be not only a physiologic boundary but
also a transition after which swimmers technique changes, modifying their
biomechanical behaviour. We expanded the AnT concept to a biophysical construct
in the four conventional swimming techniques. Seventy-two elite swimmers
performed a 5×200 m incremental protocol in their preferred
swimming technique (with a 0.05 m·s−1
increase and a 30 s interval between steps). A capillary blood samples
were collected from the fingertip and stroke rate (SR) and length (SL)
determined for the assessment of [La], SR and SL vs. velocity inflexion points
(using the interception of a pair of linear and exponential regression curves).
The [La] values at the AnT were 3.3±1.0, 3.9±1.1, 2.9±1
.34 and 4.5±1.4 mmol·l−1
(mean±SD) for front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly, and
its corresponding velocity correlated highly with those at SR and SL inflection
points (r=0.91–0.99, p<0.001). The agreement analyses
confirmed that AnT represents a biophysical boundary in the four competitive
swimming techniques and can be determined individually using [La] and/or
SR/SL. Blood lactate increase speed can help characterise
swimmers’ anaerobic behaviour after AnT and between competitive swimming
techniques.