bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of glucose exposure on bioenergetics and function in a cultured endothelial cell model and the implications for cardiovascular health in diabetes
Authors: Fiorello Maria Luisa , Treweeke Andrew T. , Macfarlane David P. , Megson Ian L.
Published: November 2020

Cardiovascular disease is the primary driver of morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes. Hyperglycaemia is implicated in driving endothelial dysfunction that might underpin the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This study was designed to determine the impact of chronic preconditioning of cells to hyperglycaemia and transient switching of cultured endothelial cells between hyper- and normo-glycaemic conditions on bioenergetic and functional parameters. Immortalised EA.hy926 endothelial cells were cultured through multiple passages under normoglycaemic (5.5 mM) or hyperglycaemic (25 mM) conditions. Cells were subsequently subjected (48 h) to continued normo- or hyperglycaemic exposure, or were switched to the alternative glycaemic condition, or to an intermediate glucose concentration (12.5 mM) and metabolic activity, together with key markers of function were measured. Cells habituated to hyperglycaemia were energetically quiescent. Functional activity, characterised by the measurement of nitric oxide, endothelin-1, tissue plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, was depressed by exposure to high glucose, with the reduction in nitric oxide production being the most notable. Function was more responsive to acute changes in extracellular glucose than were bioenergetic changes. We conclude that glucose is a key determinant of endothelial function. The study highlights the importance of chronic glucose exposure on cell phenotype and emphasises the need to pay close attention to glucose preconditioning in interpreting results under culture conditions.
Multifunctional rhodamine B appended ROMP derived fluorescent probe detects Al3+ and selectively labels lysosomes in live cells
Authors: Gandra Upendar Reddy , Courjaret Raphael , Machaca Khaled , Al-Hashimi Mohammed , Bazzi Hassan S.
Published: November 2020

There a few reports of rhodamine-based fluorescent sensors for selective detection of only Al3+, due to the challenge of identifying a suitable ligand for binding Al3+ ion. The use of fluorophore moieties appended to a polymer backbone for sensing applications is far from mature. Here, we report a new fluorescent probe/monomer 4 and its ROMP derived polymer P for specific detection of Al3+ ions. Both monomer 4 and its polymer P exhibit high selectivity toward only Al3+ with no interference from other metal ions, having a limit detection of 0.5 and 2.1 µM, respectively. The reversible recognition of monomer 4 and P for Al3+ was also proved in presence of Na2EDTA by both UV–Vis and fluorometric titration. The experimental data indicates the behavior of 4 and P toward Al3+ is pH independent in medium conditions. In addition, the switch-on luminescence response of 4 at acidic pH (0 < 5.0), allowed us to specifically stain lysosomes (pH ~ 4.5–5.0) in live cells.
Disparity of time-contrast curves generated by various types of power injectors used in magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Doppler Marcus , Moser Ewald , Klickovic Uros , Nasel Christian
Published: November 2020

The profiles of time-contrast (TC) -curves from popular MRI injectors derived at the injection site of the attached tube-line system were compared. Variations of TC-profiles were previously reported to potentially influence image quality in time critical MRI measurements. TC-curves from five injectors obtained during commonly used injection protocols were assessed according to representative quality criteria: (1) correlation strength between a fitted boxcar function and the TC-curve (cBCF) and (2) difference between true and expected injection time (dBIT). Additionally, the impact from technical injector properties: pump type, line volume, maximum injection power and type of contrast medium (CM) on the TC-profiles was evaluated. Injectors using a piston-syrinx (PS) mechanism for CM-injection performed significantly better than those working with a peristaltic roller pump (RP) technique. Besides injection mechanism, line filling volume showed a strong influence on the final TC-curves, where larger filling volumes induced worse cBCF- and dBIT-results. Therefore, to achieve an optimal bolus in clinical MRI use of a PS-injector seems recommendable. Besides their pump mechanism, RP-injectors appeared additionally hampered by their high volume line systems, pointing out an unfavourable coinicidence of these technical features in RP-injectors. This should be considered, particularly, in comparative or time-critical MRI-studies.
Association between mental health comorbidity and health outcomes in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Guerrero Fernández de Alba Inmaculada , Gimeno-Miguel Antonio , Poblador-Plou Beatriz , Gimeno-Feliu Luis Andrés , Ioakeim-Skoufa Ignatios , Rojo-Martínez Gemma , Forjaz Maria João , Prados-Torres Alexandra
Published: November 2020

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is often accompanied by chronic diseases, including mental health problems. We aimed at studying mental health comorbidity prevalence in T2D patients and its association with T2D outcomes through a retrospective, observational study of individuals of the EpiChron Cohort (Aragón, Spain) with prevalent T2D in 2011 (n = 63,365). Participants were categorized as having or not mental health comorbidity (i.e., depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and/or substance use disorder). We performed logistic regression models, controlled for age, sex and comorbidities, to analyse the likelihood of 4-year mortality, 1-year all-cause hospitalization, T2D-hospitalization, and emergency room visit. Mental health comorbidity was observed in 19% of patients. Depression was the most frequent condition, especially in women (20.7% vs. 7.57%). Mortality risk was higher in patients with mental health comorbidity (odds ratio 1.24; 95% confidence interval 1.16–1.31), especially in those with substance use disorder (2.18; 1.84–2.57) and schizophrenia (1.82; 1.50–2.21). Mental health comorbidity also increased the likelihood of all-cause hospitalization (1.16; 1.10–1.23), T2D-hospitalization (1.51; 1.18–1.93) and emergency room visit (1.26; 1.21–1.32). These results suggest that T2D healthcare management should include specific strategies for the early detection and treatment of mental health problems to reduce its impact on health outcomes.
Author Correction: CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of Mct8 reveals a functional involvement of Mct8 in testis and sperm development in a rat
Authors: Bae Hee Sook , Jin Yun-Kyeong , Ham Sangwoo , Kim Hee Kyoung , Shin Hyejung , Cho Gyu-bon , Lee Kyu Jun , Lee Hohyeon , Kim Kyeong-Min , Koo Ok-Jae , Jang Goo , Lee Jung Min , Lee Jae Young
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
FGF21 signaling in glutamatergic neurons is required for weight loss associated with dietary protein dilution
Authors: Flippo Kyle H. , Jensen-Cody Sharon O. , Claflin Kristin E. , Potthoff Matthew J.
Published: November 2020

Alterations in macronutrient intake can have profound effects on energy intake and whole-body metabolism. For example, reducing protein intake increases energy expenditure, increases insulin sensitivity and decreases body weight in rodents. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) signaling in the brain is necessary for the metabolic effects of dietary protein restriction and has more recently been proposed to promote protein preference. However, the neuron populations through which FGF21 elicits these effects are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that deletion of β-klotho in glutamatergic, but not GABAergic, neurons abrogated the effects of dietary protein restriction on reducing body weight, but not on improving insulin sensitivity in both diet-induced obese and lean mice. Specifically, FGF21 signaling in glutamatergic neurons is necessary for protection against body weight gain and induction of UCP1 in adipose tissues associated with dietary protein restriction. However, β-klotho expression in glutamatergic neurons was dispensable for the effects of dietary protein restriction to increase insulin sensitivity. In addition, we report that FGF21 administration does not alter protein preference, but instead promotes the foraging of other macronutrients primarily by suppressing simple sugar consumption. This work provides important new insights into the neural substrates and mechanisms behind the endocrine control of metabolism during dietary protein dilution.
The role of isochrony in speech perception in noise
Authors: Aubanel Vincent , Schwartz Jean-Luc
Published: November 2020

The role of isochrony in speech—the hypothetical division of speech units into equal duration intervals—has been the subject of a long-standing debate. Current approaches in neurosciences have brought new perspectives in that debate through the theoretical framework of predictive coding and cortical oscillations. Here we assess the comparative roles of naturalness and isochrony in the intelligibility of speech in noise for French and English, two languages representative of two well-established contrastive rhythm classes. We show that both top-down predictions associated with the natural timing of speech and to a lesser extent bottom-up predictions associated with isochrony at a syllabic timescale improve intelligibility. We found a similar pattern of results for both languages, suggesting that temporal characterisation of speech from different rhythm classes could be unified around a single core speech unit, with neurophysiologically defined duration and linguistically anchored temporal location. Taken together, our results suggest that isochrony does not seem to be a main dimension of speech processing, but may be a consequence of neurobiological processing constraints, manifesting in behavioural performance and ultimately explaining why isochronous stimuli occupy a particular status in speech and human perception in general.
Ovarian follicular dynamics, progesterone concentrations, pregnancy rates and transcriptional patterns in Bos indicus females with a high or low antral follicle count
Authors: de Lima Marina Amaro , Morotti Fábio , Bayeux Bernardo Marcozzi , de Rezende Rômulo Germano , Botigelli Ramon Cesar , De Bem Tiago Henrique Camara , Fontes Patrícia Kubo , Nogueira Marcelo Fábio Gouveia , Meirelles Flávio Vieira , Baruselli Pietro Sampaio , da Silveira Juliano Coelho , Perecin Felipe , Seneda Marcelo Marcondes
Published: November 2020

We evaluated the effect of the antral follicle count (AFC) on ovarian follicular dynamics, pregnancy rates, progesterone concentrations, and transcriptional patterns of genes in Nelore cattle (Bos taurus indicus) after a timed artificial insemination (TAI) programme. Cows were separated based on the AFC, and those with a high AFC showed a larger (P < 0.0001) ovarian diameter and area than those with a very low AFC. Females with a very low AFC exhibited a larger (P < 0.01) diameter of the dominant follicle at TAI (13.6 ± 0.3 vs. 12.2 ± 0.4 mm) and a tendency (P = 0.06) to have different serum progesterone concentrations (2.9 ± 0.3 vs. 2.1 ± 0.3 ng/mL; on day 18, considering day 0 as the beginning of the synchronization protocol) than those with a high AFC. The pregnancy rate was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in animals with a very low (57.9%) and low (53.1%) AFC than in those with a high AFC (45.2%). The expression of genes related to intercellular communication, meiotic control, epigenetic modulation, cell division, follicular growth, cell maintenance, steroidogenesis and cellular stress response was assessed on day 5. In females with a low AFC, 8 and 21 genes in oocytes and cumulus cells, respectively, were upregulated (P < 0.05), while 3 and 6 genes in oocytes and cumulus cells, respectively, were downregulated. The results described here will help elucidate the differences in ovarian physiology and the reproductive success of Bos indicus females with a low or high AFC.
Network analysis of ballast-mediated species transfer reveals important introduction and dispersal patterns in the Arctic
Authors: Saebi Mandana , Xu Jian , Curasi Salvatore R. , Grey Erin K. , Chawla Nitesh V. , Lodge David M.
Published: November 2020

Rapid climate change has wide-ranging implications for the Arctic region, including sea ice loss, increased geopolitical attention, and expanding economic activity resulting in a dramatic increase in shipping activity. As a result, the risk of harmful non-native marine species being introduced into this critical region will increase unless policy and management steps are implemented in response. Using data about shipping, ecoregions, and environmental conditions, we leverage network analysis and data mining techniques to assess, visualize, and project ballast water-mediated species introductions into the Arctic and dispersal of non-native species within the Arctic. We first identify high-risk connections between the Arctic and non-Arctic ports that could be sources of non-native species over 15 years (1997–2012) and observe the emergence of shipping hubs in the Arctic where the cumulative risk of non-native species introduction is increasing. We then consider how environmental conditions can constrain this Arctic introduction network for species with different physiological limits, thus providing a tool that will allow decision-makers to evaluate the relative risk of different shipping routes. Next, we focus on within-Arctic ballast-mediated species dispersal where we use higher-order network analysis to identify critical shipping routes that may facilitate species dispersal within the Arctic. The risk assessment and projection framework we propose could inform risk-based assessment and management of ship-borne invasive species in the Arctic.
Lufenuron induces reproductive toxicity and genotoxic effects in pregnant albino rats and their fetuses
Authors: Basal Wesam T. , Ahmed Abdel Rahman T. , Mahmoud Aya A. , Omar Amel R.
Published: November 2020

Insecticides and other agrochemicals have become indispensable components of the agricultural system to ensure a notable increase in crop yield and food production. As a natural consequence, chemical residues result in significantly increased contamination of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The present study evaluated the teratogenic, genotoxic, and oxidative stress effects of residual-level lufenuron exposure on pregnant rats during the organogenesis gestational period of both mother and fetus. The tested dams were divided into three groups; control (untreated), low-dose group (orally administered with 0.4 mg/kg lufenuron) and high-dose group (orally administered with 0.8 mg/kg lufenuron). The dams of the two treatment groups showed teratogenic abnormalities represented by the asymmetrical distribution of fetuses in both uterine horns, accompanied by observed resorption sites and intensive bleeding in the uterine horns, whereas their fetuses suffered from growth retardation, morphologic malformations, and skeletal deformations. Histologic examination of the liver and kidney tissues obtained from mothers and fetuses after lufenuron exposure revealed multiple histopathologic changes. DNA fragmentation and cell cycle perturbation were also detected in the liver cells of lufenuron-treated pregnant dams and their fetuses through comet assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Moreover, lufenuron-induced oxidative stress in the liver of mothers and fetuses was confirmed by the increased malondialdehyde levels and decreased levels of enzymatic antioxidants (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase). Taken together, it can be concluded that lufenuron has a great potential in exerting teratogenic, genotoxic, and oxidative stresses on pregnant rats and their fetuses upon chronic exposure to residual levels during the organogenesis gestational period. The obtained results in the present study imply that women and their fetuses may have the same risk.
Stereopsis and retinal microstructures following macular hole surgery
Authors: Okamoto Fumiki , Moriya Yuki , Sugiura Yoshimi , Murakami Tomoya , Morikawa Shohei , Hoshi Sujin , Hiraoka Takahiro , Oshika Tetsuro
Published: November 2020

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the changes in stereopsis in patients who underwent vitrectomy for macular hole (MH) and assess the relationship between stereopsis and retinal microstructures. Fifty-two patients who underwent successful vitrectomy for unilateral MH and 20 control participants were recruited. We examined stereopsis using the Titmus Stereo Test (TST) and TNO stereotest (TNO), optical coherence tomography, and best-corrected visual acuity measurements, preoperatively, and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. As a result, preoperative and postoperative 3, 6, and 12-month values of stereopsis assessed by TST (log) were 2.7, 2.2, 2.2, and 2.2, respectively. TNO (log) were 2.8, 2.5, 2.4, and 2.4, respectively. Stereopsis in MH after surgery was significantly worse than that in normal participants (p < 0.001). Preoperative TST significantly correlated with MH size and defect length of external limiting membrane (ELM). Postoperative TST demonstrated significant correlation with the preoperative ELM defect length, and postoperative TNO was associated with the preoperative interdigitation zone defect length. Vitrectomy for MH significantly improved stereopsis, although not to normal levels. The ELM defect lengths, which approximately correspond to TST circles, are prognostic factors for postoperative stereopsis by TST. The interdigitation zone defect length, similar in size to the TNO index, is a prognostic factor for postoperative stereopsis by TNO.
Distinct regional ontogeny and activation of tumor associated macrophages in human glioblastoma
Authors: Landry Alexander P. , Balas Michael , Alli Saira , Spears Julian , Zador Zsolt
Published: November 2020

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) constitute up to 50% of tumor bulk in glioblastoma (GBM) and play an important role in tumor maintenance and progression. The recently discovered differences between invading tumour periphery and hypoxic tumor core implies that macrophage biology is also distinct by location. This may provide further insight into the observed treatment resistance to immune modulation. We hypothesize that macrophage activation occurs through processes that are distinct in tumor periphery versus core. We therefore investigated regional differences in TAM recruitment and evolution in GBM by combining open source single cell and bulk gene expression data. We used single cell gene expression data from 4 glioblastomas (total of 3589 cells) and 122 total bulk samples obtained from 10 different patients. Cell identity, ontogeny (bone-marrow derived macrophages-BMDM vs microglia), and macrophage activation state were inferred using verified gene expression signatures. We captured the spectrum of immune states using cell trajectory analysis with pseudotime ordering. In keeping with previous studies, TAMs carrying BMDM identity were more abundant in tumor bulk while microglia-derived TAMs dominated the tumor periphery across all macrophage activation states including pre-activation. We note that core TAMs evolve towards a pro-inflammatory state and identify a subpopulation of cells based on a gene program exhibiting strong, opposing correlation with Programmed cell Death-1 (PD-1) signaling, which may correlate to their response to PD-1 inhibition. By contrast, peripheral TAMs evolve towards anti-inflammatory phenotype and contains a population of cells strongly associated with NFkB signaling. Our preliminary analysis suggests important regional differences in TAMs with regard to recruitment and evolution. We identify regionally distinct and potentially actionable cell subpopulations and advocate the need for a multi-targeted approach to GBM therapeutics.
Author Correction: New insights into microstructure of irradiated beryllium based on experiments and computer simulations
Authors: Klimenkov M. , Vladimirov P. , Jäntsch U. , Kuksenko V. , Rolli R. , Möslang A. , Zimber N.
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
A test of the lateral semicircular canal correlation to head posture, diet and other biological traits in “ungulate” mammals
Authors: Benoit J. , Legendre L. J. , Farke A. A. , Neenan J. M. , Mennecart B. , Costeur L. , Merigeaud S. , Manger P. R.
Published: November 2020

For over a century, researchers have assumed that the plane of the lateral semicircular canal of the inner ear lies parallel to the horizon when the head is at rest, and used this assumption to reconstruct head posture in extinct species. Although this hypothesis has been repeatedly questioned, it has never been tested on a large sample size and at a broad taxonomic scale in mammals. This study presents a comprehensive test of this hypothesis in over one hundred “ungulate” species. Using CT scanning and manual segmentation, the orientation of the skull was reconstructed as if the lateral semicircular canal of the bony labyrinth was aligned horizontally. This reconstructed cranial orientation was statistically compared to the actual head posture of the corresponding species using a dataset of 10,000 photographs and phylogenetic regression analysis. A statistically significant correlation between the reconstructed cranial orientation and head posture is found, although the plane of the lateral semicircular canal departs significantly from horizontal. We thus caution against the use of the lateral semicircular canal as a proxy to infer precisely the horizontal plane on dry skulls and in extinct species. Diet (browsing or grazing) and head-butting behaviour are significantly correlated to the orientation of the lateral semicircular canal, but not to the actual head posture. Head posture and the orientation of the lateral semicircular canal are both strongly correlated with phylogenetic history.
Improving stability of organometallic-halide perovskite solar cells using exfoliation two-dimensional molybdenum chalcogenides
Authors: Liang Meiying , Ali Adnan , Belaidi Abdelhak , Hossain Mohammad Istiaque , Ronan Oskar , Downing Clive , Tabet Nouar , Sanvito Stefano , EI-Mellouhi Fedwa , Nicolosi Valeria
Published: November 2020

Organometallic-halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are emerging as the most promising next generation solar cell devices. However, the stability is still the main bottleneck of their further development. Here, we introduce two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum chalcogenides (MoS2 and MoSe2) (MCs) nanoflakes as a buffer layer between perovskite layer and hole transport layer (HTL) to improve the stability of the organometallic-halide PSCs. 2D MCs are obtained via liquid-phase exfoliated (LPE) approach, and Glass/FTO/compact-TiO2/ mesoporous-TiO2/FA85MA15PbI85Br15/2D MCs/Spiro-OMeTAD/Au structured solar cell devices are designed and fabricated. In this system, 2D MCs act both as a protective layer and an additional HTL of PSCs. This kind of PSCs achieve a relatively high-power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.9%, along with a much longer lifetime stability compared to the standard PSCs. After 1 h, PCE of the PSC adding a 2D MCs buffer layer could maintain 93.1% of initial value, while the PCE of the standard PSC dropped dramatically to 78.2% of initial efficiency. Our results pave the way towards the implementation of 2D MCs nanoflakes as a material able to boost the shelf life of PSCs and further provide the opportunity to fabricate large-area PSCs in view of their commercialization.
Skyrmion lattice creep at ultra-low current densities
Authors: Luo Yongkang , Lin Shi-Zeng , Leroux Maxime , Wakeham Nicholas , Fobes David M. , Bauer Eric D. , Betts Jonathan B. , Thompson Joe D. , Migliori Albert , Janoschek Marc , Maiorov Boris
Published: November 2020

Magnetic skyrmions are well-suited for encoding information because they are nano-sized, topologically stable, and only require ultra-low critical current densities jc to depin from the underlying atomic lattice. Above jc skyrmions exhibit well-controlled motion, making them prime candidates for race-track memories. In thin films thermally-activated creep motion of isolated skyrmions was observed below jc as predicted by theory. Uncontrolled skyrmion motion is detrimental for race-track memories and is not fully understood. Notably, the creep of skyrmion lattices in bulk materials remains to be explored. Here we show using resonant ultrasound spectroscopy—a probe highly sensitive to the coupling between skyrmion and atomic lattices—that in the prototypical skyrmion lattice material MnSi depinning occurs at $${j}_{c}^{* }$$

j

c

*

that is only 4 percent of jc. Our experiments are in excellent agreement with Anderson-Kim theory for creep and allow us to reveal a new dynamic regime at ultra-low current densities characterized by thermally-activated skyrmion-lattice-creep with important consequences for applications.
Nonstationary stochastic simulation method for the risk assessment of water allocation
Authors: Chen Shu , Xu Jijun , Li Qingqing , Wang Yongqiang , Yuan Zhe , Wang Dong
Published: November 2020

It is the first time to consider the hydrological nonstationary in water allocation risk assessment.
Daidzein supplementation enhances embryo survival by improving hormones, antioxidant capacity, and metabolic profiles of amniotic fluid in sows
Authors: Xie Kunhong , Li Yan , Chen Daiwen , Yu Bing , Luo Yuheng , Mao Xiangbing , Huang Zhiqing , Yu Jie , Luo Junqiu , Zheng Ping , Yan Hui , He Jun
Published: November 2020

Daidzein (DAI) is a kind of natural isoflavonic phytoestrogen with estrogenic activity.
Ultrasonic–microwave assisted extraction of total triterpenoid acids from Corni Fructus and hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of the extract in mice
Authors: Han Binkai , Niu Dou , Wang Ting , An Shujing , Wang Yanzhen , Chen Xue , Bi Huailong , Xue Xiaochang , Kang Jiefang
Published: November 2020

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities and underlying mechanisms of total triterpenoid acids from Corni Fructus.
Optical magnetic lens: towards actively tunable terahertz optics
Authors: Shamuilov Georgii , Domina Katerina , Khardikov Vyacheslav , Nikitin Alexey Y. , Goryashko Vitaliy
Published: November 2020

2D materials immersed into a non-uniform, profiled magnetic field can focus THz light. This opens the door to novel magnetically-tunable 2D lenses for ultrafast applications.
Ultrathin-shell IrCo hollow nanospheres as highly efficient electrocatalysts towards the oxygen evolution reaction in acidic media
Authors: Zhu Jinhui , Wei Min , Meng Qinghao , Chen Zhenyu , Fan Yepeng , Hasan Syed Waqar , Zhang Xiaoran , Lyu Dandan , Tian Zhi Qun , Shen Pei Kang
Published: November 2020

IrCo hollow nanospheres featuring a novel structure with ultrathin continuous shells are synthesized and exhibit the outstanding oxygen evolution reaction performance.
The moveable “hot spots” effect in an Au nanoparticles–Au plate coupled system
Authors: Sun Ying , Zhang Chenjie , Yuan Yaxian , Xu Minmin , Yao Jianlin
Published: November 2020

The excitation line dependent transformation of the coupling mode from the “particle–particle” to the “particle–surface” mode was observed using an Au nanoparticles and plate coupled system.
Boosting gas separation performance and suppressing the physical aging of polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-1) by nanomaterial blending
Authors: Ahmad Mohd Zamidi , Castro-Muñoz Roberto , Budd Peter M.
Published: November 2020

The development of PIM-1 mixed matrix membranes using organic, inorganic and hybrid fillers towards the ideal gas separation enhancement.
Aminolysis induced functionalization of (RAFT) polymer-dithioester with thiols and disulfides
Authors: Hess Andreas , Schmidt Bernhard V. K. J. , Schlaad Helmut
Published: November 2020

Efficient exchange of the polymer-dithioester end group by aminolysis/functionalization with thiol or disulfide under ambient atmospheric conditions.
Early detection of metabolic changes in drug-induced steatosis using metabolomics approaches
Authors: Yong Helena Y , Larrouy-Maumus Gerald , Zloh Mire , Smyth Rosemary , Ataya Rayan , Benton Christopher M. , Munday Michael R.
Published: November 2020

Urinary metabolic profiling of tetracycline induced hepatic steatotic rats were investigated using1H nuclear magnetic resonance, 2D1H–1H total correlation spectroscopy and electrospray liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry based metabolomics.
Sorption capacity of seaweed-like sodium titanate mats for Co2+ removal
Authors: Kondo Yoshifumi , Goto Tomoyo , Sekino Tohru
Published: November 2020

The seaweed-like sodium titanate mat has a high Co2+ sorption capacity via the ion-exchange reaction due to its crystal structure, low crystallinity, and morphology.
Synthesis of a super-absorbent nanocomposite hydrogel based on vinyl hybrid silica nanospheres and its properties
Authors: Chen Mingyang , Shen Yong , Xu Lihui , Xiang Guanghong , Ni Zhewei
Published: November 2020

Superabsorbent polymers as soft materials that can absorb water have aroused great interest in the fields of agriculture and forestry.
Microwave assisted synthesis of negative-charge carbon dots with potential antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant bacteria
Authors: Kung Jung-Chang , Tseng I-Ting , Chien Chi-Sheng , Lin Sheng-Hui , Wang Chun-Chi , Shih Chi-Jen
Published: November 2020

In this research, negative-charge carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized in one-step using a microwave and found to have potential antibacterial ability against multi-drug resistant bacteria.
Enhanced stability and nitrogen removal efficiency of Klebsiella sp. entrapped in chitosan beads applied in the domestic sewage system
Authors: Zhao Ruojin , Cui Zhiwen , Pan Biwen , Li Yiyi , Chen Yinyan , Qu Jin , Jin Peng , Zheng Zhanwang
Published: November 2020

Although numerous denitrifying bacteria have been isolated and characterized, their capacity is seriously compromised by traditional inoculant addition and environmental stress in open bioreactors for wastewater treatment.
Observation of glucose-6-phosphate anomeric exchange in real-time using dDNP hyperpolarised NMR
Authors: Uppala Sivaranjan , Gamliel Ayelet , Sapir Gal , Sosna Jacob , Gomori J. Moshe , Katz-Brull Rachel
Published: November 2020

A hyperpolarised-NMR acquisition approach that is sensitive to the process of glucose-6-phosphate anomerization is presented.
Synthesis and electronic properties of pyridine end-capped cyclopentadithiophene-vinylene oligomers
Authors: Guijarro Fernando G. , Medina Rivero Samara , Gunasekaran Suman , Arretxea Iratxe , Ponce Ortiz Rocío , Caballero Rubén , Cruz Pilar de la , Langa Fernando , Venkataraman Latha , Casado Juan
Published: November 2020

A series of four oligomers of cyclopentadithiophene-vinylenes end capped with pyridine groups was prepared and their optical and electronic properties studied.
Microstructural study of epoxy-based thermosets prepared by “classical” and cationic frontal polymerization
Authors: Švajdlenková Helena , Kleinová Angela , Šauša Ondrej , Rusnák Jaroslav , Dung Tran Anh , Koch Thomas , Knaack Patrick
Published: November 2020

Epoxides prepared by cationic frontal polymerization have a greater reduced void fraction than “classically” cured samples revealing free-volume consequences of waves.
Correction: Application of soot discharged from the combustion of marine gas oil as an anode material for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Baek Hyun-Min , Kim Dae-Yeong , Lee Won-Ju , Kang Jun
Published: November 2020

Correction for ‘Application of soot discharged from the combustion of marine gas oil as an anode material for lithium ion batteries’ by Hyun-Min Baek et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 36478–36484.
Thermo- and light-triggered reversible interconversion of dysprosium–anthracene complexes and their responsive optical, magnetic and dielectric properties
Authors: Huang Xin-Da , Wen Ge-Hua , Bao Song-Song , Jia Jia-Ge , Zheng Li-Min
Published: November 2020

[DyIII(SCN)3(depma)2(4-hpy)2] (1) shows reversible thermo-induced phase transition associated with thermochromism and dielectric anomaly and photo-induced dimerization with synergistic switching of luminescence, magnetic and dielectric properties.
Integrating hydrogen production with anodic selective oxidation of sulfides over a CoFe layered double hydroxide electrode
Authors: Ma Lina , Zhou Hua , Xu Ming , Hao Peipei , Kong Xianggui , Duan Haohong
Published: November 2020

Replacing anodic OER with selective sulfide oxidation produces sulfoxide-related pharmaceutical compounds over a CoFe-LDH catalyst with enhanced HER, providing a sustainable protocol for valuable pharmaceuticals synthesis without external oxidants.
Manganese-based oxygen evolution catalysts boosting stable solar-driven water splitting: MnSe as an intermetallic phase
Authors: Sun Mao , Gao Rui-Ting , Liu Xianhu , Gao Rui , Wang Lei
Published: November 2020

An efficient Mn-based (oxy)hydroxide catalyst was formed through MnSe as an intermetallic phase, and applied to BiVO4 boosting solar-driven water splitting. This new strategy could help develop more stable Mn-based oxygen evolution catalysts in photoelectrochemical systems.
Human serum albumin templated MnO2nanosheets as an efficient biomimetic oxidase for biomolecule sensing
Authors: Ge Jia , Yu Jian-Hua , Yang Hongfen , Yang Dan , Cai Ren
Published: November 2020

A colorimetric method for facile sensing of acid phosphatase activity based on HSA templated MnO2nanosheets as an efficient biomimetic oxidase.
Highly efficient and thermally stable Sb2Se3 solar cells based on a hexagonal CdS buffer layer by environmentally friendly interface optimization
Authors: Guo Huafei , Jia Xuguang , Hadke Shreyash H. , Zhang Jiayi , Wang Wei , Ma Changhao , Qiu Jianhua , Yuan Ningyi , Wong Lydia H. , Ding Jianning
Published: November 2020

A hexagonal CdS film is used to increase the quality and improve the spectral response of Sb2Se3 solar cells deposited by the RTE method. A 7.35% efficiency of Sb2Se3 solar cells has been obtained based on the hexagonal CdS film.
Development and validation of a nomogram to predict synchronous lung metastases in patients with ovarian cancer: a large cohort study
Authors: Yuan Yufei , Guo Fanfan , Wang Ruoran , Zhang Yidan , Bai Guiqin
Published: November 2020

Purpose: Lung metastasis is an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. We developed and validated a nomogram to predict the risk of synchronous lung metastases in newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients.

Methods: Data of ovarian cancer patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Final Results (SEER) database between 2010 and 2015 were retrospectively collected. The model nomogram was built on the basis of logistic regression. The consistency index (C-index) was used to evaluate the discernment of the synchronous lung metastasis nomogram. Calibration plots were drawn to analyze the consistency between the observed probability and predicted probability of synchronous lung metastases. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate overall survival rate, and influencing factors were included in multivariate Cox regression analysis (P<0.05) to determine the independent prognostic factors of synchronous lung metastases.

Results: Overall, 16059 eligible patients were randomly divided into training (n=11242) and validation cohorts (n=4817). AJCC T, N stage, bone metastases, brain metastases, and liver metastases were evaluated as predictors of synchronous lung metastases. Finally, a nomogram was constructed. The nomogram based on independent predictors was calibrated and showed good discriminative ability. Mixed histological types, chemotherapy, and primary site surgery were factors affecting the overall survival of patients with synchronous lung metastases.

Conclusion: The clinical prediction model has high accuracy and can be used to predict lung metastasis risk in newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients, which can guide the treatment of patients with synchronous lung metastases.
Network traffic control for multi‐homed end‐hosts via SDN
Authors: Al‐Najjar Anees , Khan Furqan Hameed , Portmann Marius
Published: November 2020

Software‐defined networking (SDN) is an emerging technology of efficiently controlling and managing computer networks, such as in data centres, wide‐area networks, as well as in ubiquitous communication. In this study, the authors explore the idea of embedding the SDN components, represented by SDN controller and virtual switch, in end‐hosts to improve network performance. In particular, the authors consider load balancing across multiple network interfaces on end‐hosts with different link capacity scenarios. The authors have explored and implemented different SDN‐based load‐balancing approaches based on OpenFlow software switches, and have demonstrated the feasibility and the potential of this approach. The proposed system has been evaluated with MultiPath transmission control protocol (MPTCP). The proposed results demonstrated the potential of applying the SDN concepts on multi‐homed devices resulting in an increase in achieved throughput of 55% compared to the legacy single network approach and 10% compared to the MPTCP.
Formal verification of ontology transformation for distribution network information model based on meta‐model theory
Authors: Qin Boya , Liu Dong , Lu Yiming
Published: November 2020

This study presents a formal description and verification method of the ontology transformation process of the distribution network information model based on the meta‐model theory. By defining the dynamic change structures and model mapping constraints of the ontology transformation process of distribution network, a formalised specification for describing the key attributes of model updating and model mapping processes was constructed. The model updating and model mapping instances were specified using model checking verification tool SPIN. The method fundamentally guarantees the standardisation and reliability of the model ontology transformation process achieved by the meta‐model.
Symmetrical three‐phase seven‐level E‐type inverter for PV systems: design and operation
Authors: di Benedetto Marco , Lidozzi Alessandro , Solero Luca , Crescimbini Fabio , Grbović Petar J.
Published: November 2020

Solar photovoltaic (PV) is one of the most favourable renewable energy types today, the use of which has grown throughout the world, and much more is expected in the future due to the continuous price drop. It is important to further develop renewable systems to generate green energy, which results in the reduction of air pollution and in enabling a future sustainable society for the next generation of people. Accordingly, new topologies of the multilevel converter have been proposed and investigated for PV applications to achieve high efficiency and high‐power density. This study presents the analysis and design of the symmetrical three‐phase E‐type inverter (S‐3Φ7L E‐type). The proposed topology is directly derived from the T‐type converter and exhibits seven voltage levels at the output offering interesting performance in terms of power semiconductors current and voltage stress. The hardware design process of the converter has been carried out to enhance the efficiency conversion. Finally, theoretical results are carefully verified by testing the converter prototype, featuring a peak efficiency of 99%.
Shedding light on the formation mechanism of shell galaxy NGC 474 with MUSE
Authors: Fensch Jérémy , Duc Pierre-Alain , Lim Sungsoon , Emsellem Éric , Bílek Michal , Durrell Patrick , Liu Chengze , Peng Éric , Smith Rory
Published: November 2020

Stellar shells around galaxies could provide precious insights into their assembly history. However, their formation mechanism remains poorly empirically constrained, regarding in particular the type of galaxy collisions at their origin. We present MUSE at VLT data of the most prominent outer shell of NGC 474, to constrain its formation history. The stellar shell spectrum is clearly detected, with a signal-to-noise ratio of ∼65 pix−1. We used a full spectral fitting method to determine the line-of-sight velocity and the age and metallicity of the shell and associated point-like sources within the MUSE field of view. We detect six globular cluster (GC) candidates and eight planetary nebula (PN) candidates that are all kinematically associated with the stellar shell. We show that the shell has an intermediate metallicity, [M/H] = −0.83−0.12+0.12, and a possible α-enrichment, [α/Fe] ∼ 0.3. Assuming the material of the shell comes from a lower mass companion, and that the latter had no initial metallicity gradient, such a stellar metallicity would constrain the mass of the progenitor at around 7.4 × 108 M⊙, implying a merger mass ratio of about 1:100. However, our census of PNe and earlier photometry of the shell would suggest a much higher ratio, around 1:20. Given the uncertainties, this difference is only significant at the ≃1σ level. We discuss the characteristics of the progenitor, and in particular whether the progenitor could also be composed of stars from the low-metallicity outskirts of a more massive galaxy. Ultimately, the presented data do not allow us to put a firm constraint on the progenitor mass. We show that at least two GC candidates possibly associated with the shell are quite young, with ages below 1.5 Gyr. We also note the presence of a young (∼1 Gyr) stellar population in the center of NGC 474. The two may have resulted from the same event.
Research on the Location Choice of Chinese Enterprises’ Overseas Investment under the Motivation for Seeking natural resources in Host Country
Authors: Wang Yuting
Published: November 2020

Since the “Belt and Road” initiative was put forward in 2013, China’s overseas investment has achieved rapid development. As a country with high energy consumption, China’s demand for the host country’s natural resources such as iron ore and fuel is increasing. The impact of motivation for seeking natural resources on the location choice of Chinese enterprises’ overseas investment has also received extensive attention. This paper selects the overseas investment records of Chinese companies in 40 countries from 2007 to 2017 as a sample. And this paper uses the conditional logit model to explore the impact of the host country’s natural resources on the location choice of Chinese enterprises’ overseas investment with different ownerships under the “Belt and Road” initiative. The study found that the natural resource endowment of the host country has a significant positive impact on the location choice of Chinese enterprises’ overseas investment. And it has a stronger promotion effect on the overseas investment of Chinese state-owned enterprises. The “Belt and Road” initiative has significantly improved the role of the host country’s natural resource endowment in the location choice of China’s non-state-owned enterprises’ overseas investment.
Application of geo-statistics in calculation of a uranium deposit
Authors: Yun BAI , PengFei ZHU , Jing ZHU , WeiHao KONG , XiaoCui LI , Ke CAO , Lu SUN , LinYing LIU
Published: November 2020

Based on the 3DMine three-dimensional mining software, a geological database model of the Changpai area is established, and a three-dimensional model of the ore body is established based on the principle and geological understanding of the circle. We carried out sample combination by a geological database model to process ore bodies of erratic high grades. We also stablished a block model, and used single assignment and ordinary Kriging method to assign value to the block model, used attribute visualization to intuitively reflect the distribution law of the ore grade in a three-dimensional space, and the block report can quickly estimate the grade, volume, ore quantity, etc., of which the results are more accurate. The common Kriging method has obvious advantages in valuation, and it is worthy for further promotion in the estimation of uranium reserves.
Investigation and Analysis on the Concept and Behavior Characteristics of Eating Game in Mainland China
Authors: Wang Linhai , Zhang Wenqi , Du Yuexi , Wang Zuogong
Published: November 2020

COVID-19 and SARS are two major infectious diseases that broke out in mainland China in the 21st century. Wild animals are hosts of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV. But in many areas of mainland China, there are traditional customs of eating game. Through online questionnaire survey, this paper finds that there are still many defects in the cognition, attitude, consumption habits and behaviors of Chinese mainland residents to game. Moreover, there are significant differences in cognition, attitude, consumption habits and behavior characteristics of game among residents of different genders, occupations and income levels in mainland China. It is important to point out that the civil servants and high-income groups of China show more deficiencies in the above aspects. In view of the problems found in the investigation, this paper puts forward relevant suggestions to prevent the risk of infectious diseases caused by eating game in mainland China.
Research of “double desserts” seismic prediction method for tight sandstone - Taking Linxing block on the east edge of Ordos Basin as an example
Authors: junlin Zhang , huan Wan , yumin Liu , yumei He , hao Zhang , shengqin Peng
Published: November 2020

The determination of the sweet spot of tight sandstone reservoir is the primary problem in the exploration and development of tight sandstone reservoir. Practice has proved that the prediction of reservoir spatial pore characteristics, thickness distribution and oil and gas potential (i.e. geological sweet spot) of tight sandstone reservoir can not meet the demand of exploration and development of tight sandstone reservoir. In view of the requirements of tight sandstone fracturing engineering, it is also necessary to analyze the engineering field of the reservoir. In this paper, based on seismic data preprocessing and petrophysical analysis, thin reservoir quantitative characterization and AVO fluid prediction are used to evaluate the tight reservoir. At the same time, combining with the fracture analysis method of FMI imaging logging, pre stack fracture description and brittleness prediction, the “engineering sweet spot” prediction is carried out. Finally, the multi-attribute RGB digital fusion visualization research method is used to comprehensively evaluate the tight reservoir. The practice shows that the research method has guiding significance for the exploration and development of tight reservoir.
Experimental Study of Brazilian Tensile Strength of Concrete Under Static Loads
Authors: Li Rui , Liu Lei , Zhang Zhihua , An Huaming
Published: November 2020

Concrete is one of the most significant materials in modern society. It is widely used in many projects. Thus it is essential to study the strength and the failure patterns of this material. As well known, the compressive strength is much higher than the tensile strength for concrete. Thus, it is easy to fail due to the tensile strength for concrete. Thus, this paper focuses on the study of the tensile strength of the concrete and its failure patterns. Three types of concretes are made for studying the tensile strengths and the failure patterns of the concretes. Then the Brazilian tensile strength test method is employed in this study. The mythology of calculating tensile strength by the Brazilian tensile strength test method is introduced. Many discs are made for the tests. The Rock mechanics testing machine is used to excavate pressure on the top and bottom of the disc. It is concluded that the failure of the disc is along the vertical diameter between the top and bottom plates contacting the dis. The tensile failure is not obviously influenced by the ratios of the materials while the tensile strength is significantly influenced by the ratios of the concrete. The damage index of concrete is also proposed to describe the capabilities of resisting failure.