bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking synthesis and structure descriptors from a large collection of synthetic records of zeolite materials
Authors: Muraoka Koki , Sada Yuki , Miyazaki Daiki , Chaikittisilp Watcharop , Okubo Tatsuya
Published: October 2019

Correlating synthesis conditions and their consequences is a significant challenge, particularly for materials formed as metastable phases via kinetically controlled pathways, such as zeolites, owing to a lack of descriptors that effectively illustrate the synthesis protocols and their corresponding results. This study analyzes the synthetic records of zeolites compiled from the literature using machine learning techniques to rationalize physicochemical, structural, and heuristic insights to their chemistry. The synthesis descriptors extracted from the machine learning models are used to identify structure descriptors with the appropriate importance. A similarity network of crystal structures based on the structure descriptors shows the formation of communities populated by synthetically similar materials, including those outside the dataset. Crossover experiments based on previously overlooked structural similarities reveal the synthesis similarity of zeolites, confirming the synthesis–structure relationship. This approach is applicable to any system to rationalize empirical knowledge, populate synthesis records, and discover novel materials.
Drinking water vulnerability in less-populated communities in Texas to wastewater-derived contaminants
Authors: Nguyen Thuy T. , Westerhoff Paul K.
Published: October 2019

De facto potable reuse occurs when treated wastewater is discharged upstream of drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) and can lead to contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) occurring in potable water. Our prior research, focusing on larger communities that each serve >10,000 people across the USA, indicates that elevated de facto reuse (DFR) occurs in Texas, and thus we added to our model DWTPs serving smaller communities to understand their vulnerability to CECs. Here, we show that two-thirds of all surface water intakes in Texas were impacted by DFR at levels exceeding 90% during even mild droughts, and under average streamflow DFR levels range between 1 and 20%. DWTPs serving lower population communities (<10,000 people) have higher DFR levels, and fewer than 2% of these communities have advanced technologies (e.g., ozone, activated carbon) at DWTPs to remove CECs. Efforts to improve water quality in these less populated communities are an important priority. The model approach and results can be used to identify prioritization for monitoring and treatment of CECs, including in underserved communities, which normally lack knowledge of their impacts from DFR occurring within their watersheds.
Bioinspired supramolecular nanosheets of zinc chlorophyll assemblies
Authors: Shoji Sunao , Ogawa Tetsuya , Matsubara Shogo , Tamiaki Hitoshi
Published: October 2019

Two-dimensional sheet-like supramolecules have attracted much attention from the viewpoints of their potential application as functional (nano)materials due to unique physical and chemical properties. One of the supramolecular sheet-like nanostructures in nature is visible in the self-assemblies of bacteriochlorophyll-c–f pigments inside chlorosomes, which are major components in the antenna systems of photosynthetic green bacteria. Herein, we report artificial chlorosomal supramolecular nanosheets prepared by the self-assembly of a synthetic zinc 31-methoxy-chlorophyll derivative having amide and urea groups in the substituent at the 17-position. The semi-synthetic zinc chlorophyll derivative kinetically formed dimeric species and transformed into more thermodynamically stable chlorosomal J-aggregates in the solid state. The kinetically and thermodynamically formed self-assemblies had particle-like and sheet-like supramolecular nanostructures, respectively. The resulting nanosheets of biomimetic chlorosomal J-aggregates had flat surfaces and well-ordered supramolecular structures. The artificial sheet-like nanomaterial mimicking chlorosomal bacteriochlorophyll-c–f J-aggregates was first constructed by the model molecule, and is potentially useful for various applications including artificial light-harvesting antennas and photosyntheses.
Potential group B Streptococcus interspecies transmission between cattle and people in Colombian dairy farms
Authors: Cobo-Angel Claudia G. , Jaramillo-Jaramillo Ana S. , Palacio-Aguilera Monica , Jurado-Vargas Liliana , Calvo-Villegas Edwin A. , Ospina-Loaiza Diego A. , Rodriguez-Lecompte Juan C. , Sanchez Javier , Zadoks Ruth , Ceballos-Marquez Alejandro
Published: October 2019

Group BStreptococcus(GBS), is a leading cause of neonatal death and an emerging pathogen in adults. Additionally, GBS is a bovine pathogen causing intramammary infections. The likelihood of GBS interspecies transmission is largely unknown. We explored the potential transmission of GBS between cattle and people on dairy farms in Colombia and compared the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of isolates from both host species. Across 33 farms, throat swabs and rectal swabs were collected from 191 people, and rectal swabs and composite milk samples from 2092 cattle, yielding 60 human isolates and 301 bovine isolates. The majority (64%) of isolates belonged to shared sequence types (ST). Sequence type (ST) 1 was the most common strain in both host species, suggesting that interspecies transmission may be possible. Two members of the bovine-specific clonal complex 61/67 were detected in human samples (ST718 and ST1175), providing evidence for the lack of genuine species barriers. Apparent prevalence of penicillin resistance was surprisingly high in human and bovine isolates. Further investigation of this phenomenon is needed and could lead to modification of standard testing and treatment recommendations in human and veterinary medicine.
Transparent and Flexible Mayan-Pyramid-based Pressure Sensor using Facile-Transferred Indium tin Oxide for Bimodal Sensor Applications
Authors: Jung Minhyun , Vishwanath Sujaya Kumar , Kim Jihoon , Ko Dae-Kwan , Park Myung-Jin , Lim Soo-Chul , Jeon Sanghun
Published: October 2019

Transparent and conducting flexible electrodes have been successfully developed over the last few decades due to their potential applications in optoelectronics. However, recent developments in smart electronics, such as a direct human-machine interface, health-monitoring devices, motion-tracking sensors, and artificially electronic skin also require materials with multifunctional properties such as transparency, flexibility and good portability. In such devices, there remains room to develop transparent and flexible devices such as pressure sensors or temperature sensors. Herein, we demonstrate a fully transparent and flexible bimodal sensor using indium tin oxide (ITO), which is embedded in a plastic substrate. For the proposed pressure sensor, the embedded ITO is detached from its Mayan-pyramid-structured silicon mold by an environmentally friendly method which utilizes water-soluble sacrificial layers. The Mayan-pyramid-based pressure sensor is capable of six different pressure sensations with excellent sensitivity in the range of 100 Pa-10 kPa, high endurance of 105 cycles, and good pulse detection and tactile sensing data processing capabilities through machine learning (ML) algorithms for different surface textures. A 5 × 5-pixel pressure-temperature-based bimodal sensor array with a zigzag-shaped ITO temperature sensor on top of it is also demonstrated without a noticeable interface effect. This work demonstrates the potential to develop transparent bimodal sensors that can be employed for electronic skin (E-skin) applications.
ADAM10 is Expressed by Ameloblasts, Cleaves the RELT TNF Receptor Extracellular Domain and Facilitates Enamel Development
Authors: Ikeda Atsushi , Shahid Shifa , Blumberg Benjamin R. , Suzuki Maiko , Bartlett John D.
Published: October 2019

MMP20 cleaves cadherins and may facilitate cell movement, however MMP20 is not known to cleave tight junction or desmosome proteins. Ameloblasts had not previously been screened for membrane anchored proteases that could contribute to cell movement. Here we performed a PCR screen for proteolyticlly active A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase (ADAM) family members. These proteinases are termed sheddases because they have a transmembrane domain and their catalytic domain on the cell surface can function to release anchored proteins. Significantly, ADAMs can be targeted to specific substrates on the cell membrane through their interaction with tetraspanins. Six ADAMs (ADAM8, 9, 10, 15, 17, 19) were expressed in mouse enamel organs. We show that Adam10 expression begins in the apical loop, continues through the secretory stage and abruptly ends at the transition stage when ameloblast migration ceases. ADAM10 cleaves cadherins and tight junction plus desmosome proteins and is well characterized for its role in cell movement. ADAM10 facilitated LS8 cell migration/invasion through a Matrigel coated membrane and we demonstrate that ADAM10, but not ADAM17 cleaves the RELT extracellular domain. This striking result is significant because RELT mutations cause amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) and this directly links ADAM10 to an important role in enamel development.
Fusion proteins with chromogenic and keratin binding modules
Authors: Tinoco Ana , Antunes Egipto , Martins Madalena , Gonçalves Filipa , Gomes Andreia C. , Silva Carla , Cavaco-Paulo Artur , Ribeiro Artur
Published: October 2019

The present research relates to a fusion protein comprising a chromogenic blue ultramarine protein (UM) bound to a keratin-based peptide (KP). The KP-UM fusion protein explores UM chromogenic nature together with KP affinity towards hair. For the first time a fusion protein with a chromogenic nature is explored as a hair coloring agent. The KP-UM protein colored overbleached hair, being the color dependent on the formulation polarity. The protein was able to bind to the hair cuticle and even to penetrate throughout the hair fibre. Molecular dynamics studies demonstrated that the interaction between the KP-UM protein and the hair was mediated by the KP sequence. All the formulations recovered the mechanical properties of overbleached hair and KP-UM proved to be safe when tested in human keratinocytes. Although based on a chromogenic non-fluorescent protein, the KP-UM protein presented a photoswitch phenomenon, changing from chromogenic to fluorescent depending on the wavelength selected for excitation. KP-UM protein shows the potential to be incorporated in new eco-friendly cosmetic formulations for hair coloration, decreasing the use of traditional dyes and reducing its environmental impact.
Head and Neck Cancer Detection in Digitized Whole-Slide Histology Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Halicek Martin , Shahedi Maysam , Little James V. , Chen Amy Y. , Myers Larry L. , Sumer Baran D. , Fei Baowei
Published: October 2019

Primary management for head and neck cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), involves surgical resection with negative cancer margins. Pathologists guide surgeons during these operations by detecting cancer in histology slides made from the excised tissue. In this study, 381 digitized, histological whole-slide images (WSI) from 156 patients with head and neck cancer were used to train, validate, and test an inception-v4 convolutional neural network. The proposed method is able to detect and localize primary head and neck SCC on WSI with an AUC of 0.916 for patients in the SCC testing group and 0.954 for patients in the thyroid carcinoma testing group. Moreover, the proposed method is able to diagnose WSI with cancer versus normal slides with an AUC of 0.944 and 0.995 for the SCC and thyroid carcinoma testing groups, respectively. For comparison, we tested the proposed, diagnostic method on an open-source dataset of WSI from sentinel lymph nodes with breast cancer metastases, CAMELYON 2016, to obtain patch-based cancer localization and slide-level cancer diagnoses. The experimental design yields a robust method with potential to help create a tool to increase efficiency and accuracy of pathologists detecting head and neck cancers in histological images.
Balanced cholinergic modulation of spinal locomotor circuits via M2 and M3 muscarinic receptors
Authors: Nascimento Filipe , Spindler Lennart R. B. , Miles Gareth B.
Published: October 2019

Neuromodulation ensures that neural circuits produce output that is flexible whilst remaining within an optimal operational range. The neuromodulator acetylcholine is released during locomotion to regulate spinal motor circuits. However, the range of receptors and downstream mechanisms by which acetylcholine acts have yet to be fully elucidated. We therefore investigated metabotropic acetylcholine receptor-mediated modulation by using isolated spinal cord preparations from neonatal mice in which locomotor-related output can be induced pharmacologically. We report that M2 receptor blockade decreases the frequency and amplitude of locomotor-related activity, whilst reducing its variability. In contrast, M3 receptor blockade destabilizes locomotor-related bursting. Motoneuron recordings from spinal cord slices revealed that activation of M2 receptors induces an outward current, decreases rheobase, reduces the medium afterhyperpolarization, shortens spike duration and decreases synaptic inputs. In contrast, M3 receptor activation elicits an inward current, increases rheobase, extends action potential duration and increases synaptic inputs. Analysis of miniature postsynaptic currents support that M2 and M3 receptors modulate synaptic transmission via different mechanisms. In summary, we demonstrate that M2 and M3 receptors have opposing modulatory actions on locomotor circuit output, likely reflecting contrasting cellular mechanisms of action. Thus, intraspinal cholinergic systems mediate balanced, multimodal control of spinal motor output.
High-affinity Cu(I) chelator PSP-2 as potential anti-angiogenic agent
Authors: Heuberger Dorothea M. , Harankhedkar Shefali , Morgan Thomas , Wolint Petra , Calcagni Maurizio , Lai Barry , Fahrni Christoph J. , Buschmann Johanna
Published: October 2019

Copper is an essential trace metal that has been implicated in angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. As tumor growth relies on establishing a functional capillary network for blood supply, copper chelation therapy may hold promise as an anti-cancer strategy by suppressing angiogenesis. To test the anti-angiogenic effect of PSP-2, a recently developed high affinity Cu(I) chelator with low zeptomolar dissociation constant, we utilized the endothelial cancer cell line EAhy926 and assessed changes in cell migration, proliferation, and tube formation in Matrigel. In addition, sprouting was assessed by the chicken and sheep aortic ring assay, and vascular pattern formation was studied in the chorioallantoic membrane of chicken embryos (CAM assay). While incubation with PSP-2 resulted in selective depletion of cellular copper levels, cell migration was not affected and the proliferating activity was even slightly increased. Moreover, the endothelial tube formation assay revealed significant morphological changes in the presence of PSP-2, with thicker tubular walls and an overall decreased meshes area. Similarly, the aortic ring assay and CAM assay showed that PSP-2 evokes significantly longer sprouts with smaller angles at branching points. Altogether, PSP-2 exhibits significant bioactivity at concentrations as low as 5 μM, rendering it a promising anti-angiogenic agent. As EAhy926 cells exhibit both endothelial and tumorigenic properties, the anti-angiogenic effect of PSP-2 might potentially translate also into anti-cancer activity.
The functional ClpXP protease of Chlamydia trachomatis requires distinct clpP genes from separate genetic loci
Authors: Pan Stefan , Malik Imran T. , Thomy Dhana , Henrichfreise Beate , Sass Peter
Published: October 2019

Clp proteases play a central role in bacterial physiology and, for some bacterial species, are even essential for survival. Also due to their conservation among bacteria including important human pathogens, Clp proteases have recently attracted considerable attention as antibiotic targets. Here, we functionally reconstituted and characterized the ClpXP protease of Chlamydia trachomatis (ctClpXP), an obligate intracellular pathogen and the causative agent of widespread sexually transmitted diseases in humans. Our in vitro data show that ctClpXP is formed by a hetero-tetradecameric proteolytic core, composed of two distinct homologs of ClpP (ctClpP1 and ctClpP2), that associates with the unfoldase ctClpX via ctClpP2 for regulated protein degradation. Antibiotics of the ADEP class interfere with protease functions by both preventing the interaction of ctClpX with ctClpP1P2 and activating the otherwise dormant proteolytic core for unregulated proteolysis. Thus, our results reveal molecular insight into ctClpXP function, validating this protease as an antibacterial target.
VDAC1 is essential for neurite maintenance and the inhibition of its oligomerization protects spinal cord from demyelination and facilitates locomotor function recovery after spinal cord injury
Authors: Paschon Vera , Morena Beatriz Cintra , Correia Felipe Fernandes , Beltrame Giovanna Rossi , dos Santos Gustavo Bispo , Cristante Alexandre Fogaça , Kihara Alexandre Hiroaki
Published: October 2019

During the progression of the neurodegenerative process, mitochondria participates in several intercellular signaling pathways. Voltage-dependent anion-selective channel 1 (VDAC1) is a mitochondrial porin involved in the cellular metabolism and apoptosis intrinsic pathway in many neuropathological processes. In spinal cord injury (SCI), after the primary cell death, a secondary response that comprises the release of pro-inflammatory molecules triggers apoptosis, inflammation, and demyelination, often leading to the loss of motor functions. Here, we investigated the functional role of VDAC1 in the neurodegeneration triggered by SCI. We first determined that in vitro targeted ablation of VDAC1 by specific morpholino antisense nucleotides (MOs) clearly promotes neurite retraction, whereas a pharmacological blocker of VDAC1 oligomerization (4, 4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2, 2′-disulfonic acid, DIDS), does not cause this effect. We next determined that, after SCI, VDAC1 undergoes conformational changes, including oligomerization and N-terminal exposition, which are important steps in the triggering of apoptotic signaling. Considering this, we investigated the effects of DIDS in vivo application after SCI. Interestingly, blockade of VDAC1 oligomerization decreases the number of apoptotic cells without interfering in the neuroinflammatory response. DIDS attenuates the massive oligodendrocyte cell death, subserving undisputable motor function recovery. Taken together, our results suggest that the prevention of VDAC1 oligomerization might be beneficial for the clinical treatment of SCI.
Antileukemic activity of novel adenosine derivatives
Authors: Poczta Anastazja , Rogalska Aneta , Łukawska Małgorzata , Marczak Agnieszka
Published: October 2019

The present study investigated the effect of cladribine (CLA) and six of its derivatives containing a formamidine group at position 6 (CLA-FDM, CLA-FPAZ, CLA-FPIR, CLA-FPIP, CLA-FHEX, and CLA-FMOR) on acute promyelocytic, lymphoblastic, and acute monocytic leukemia cells. The role of ATR kinase in deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) activation in response to DNA damage was assessed. The presence of DNA lesions was assessed by measurement phosphorylation of H2AX and by using the alkaline comet assay with proteinase K post-treatment following assessment of the cell cycle. Apoptotic events such as alterations in intracellular calcium concentration, caspase-3/7 activity and increased sub-G1 cell population were measured. CLA derivatives were highly effective against leukemic cells, showing high cytotoxicity, causing DNA fragmentation, and inducing DNA-protein cross-links in leukemic cells. CLA-FMOR showed the highest efficacy. CLA derivatives increased the levels of intracellular calcium ions, caspase-3/7 and the percentage of sub-G1 apoptotic cells and blocked cells in the S phase of the cell cycle to a greater extent than free CLA. The selective ATR inhibitor VE-821 significantly suppressed the increase in dCK activity and decreased basal dCK activity. The present results suggested that ATR kinase controls dCK activity in response to synthetic CLA derivatives.
Earth-Gravity Congruent Motion Facilitates Ocular Control for Pursuit of Parabolic Trajectories
Authors: Jörges Björn , López-Moliner Joan
Published: October 2019

There is evidence that humans rely on an earth gravity (9.81 m/s²) prior for a series of tasks involving perception and action, the reason being that gravity helps predict future positions of moving objects. Eye-movements in turn are partially guided by predictions about observed motion. Thus, the question arises whether knowledge about gravity is also used to guide eye-movements: If humans rely on a representation of earth gravity for the control of eye movements, earth-gravity-congruent motion should elicit improved visual pursuit. In a pre-registered experiment, we presented participants (n = 10) with parabolic motion governed by six different gravities (−1/0.7/0.85/1/1.15/1.3 g), two initial vertical velocities and two initial horizontal velocities in a 3D environment. Participants were instructed to follow the target with their eyes. We tracked their gaze and computed the visual gain (velocity of the eyes divided by velocity of the target) as proxy for the quality of pursuit. An LMM analysis with gravity condition as fixed effect and intercepts varying per subject showed that the gain was lower for −1 g than for 1 g (by −0.13, SE = 0.005). This model was significantly better than a null model without gravity as fixed effect (p < 0.001), supporting our hypothesis. A comparison of 1 g and the remaining gravity conditions revealed that 1.15 g (by 0.043, SE = 0.005) and 1.3 g (by 0.065, SE = 0.005) were associated with lower gains, while 0.7 g (by 0.054, SE = 0.005) and 0.85 g (by 0.029, SE = 0.005) were associated with higher gains. This model was again significantly better than a null model (p < 0.001), contradicting our hypothesis. Post-hoc analyses reveal that confounds in the 0.7/0.85/1/1.15/1.3 g condition may be responsible for these contradicting results. Despite these discrepancies, our data thus provide some support for the hypothesis that internalized knowledge about earth gravity guides eye movements.
Speckleplethysmographic (SPG) Estimation of Heart Rate Variability During an Orthostatic Challenge
Authors: Dunn Cody E. , Monroe Derek C. , Crouzet Christian , Hicks James W. , Choi Bernard
Published: October 2019

Heart rate variability (HRV) provides insight into cardiovascular health and autonomic function. Electrocardiography (ECG) provides gold standard HRV measurements but is inconvenient for continuous acquisition when monitored from the extremities. Optical techniques such as photoplethysmography (PPG), often found in health and wellness trackers for heart rate measurements, have been used to estimate HRV peripherally but decline in accuracy during increased physical stress. Speckleplethysmography (SPG) is a recently introduced optical technique that provides benefits over PPG, such as increased signal amplitude and reduced susceptibility to temperature-induced vasoconstriction. In this research, we compare SPG and PPG to ECG for estimation of HRV during an orthostatic challenge performed by 17 subjects. We find that SPG estimations of HRV are highly correlated to ECG HRV for both time and frequency domain parameters and provide increased accuracy over PPG estimations of HRV. The results suggest SPG measurements are a viable alternative for HRV estimation when ECG measurements are impractical.
Combining ddPCR and environmental DNA to improve detection capabilities of a critically endangered freshwater invertebrate
Authors: Mauvisseau Quentin , Davy-Bowker John , Bulling Mark , Brys Rein , Neyrinck Sabrina , Troth Christopher , Sweet Michael
Published: October 2019

Isogenus nubecula is a critically endangered Plecoptera species. Considered extinct in the UK, I. nubecula was recently rediscovered (in one location of the River Dee, Wales), after 22 years of absence. In a similar way to many other species of Perlodidae, I. nubecula could be utilised as a bio-indicator, for assessing water quality and health status of a given freshwater system. However, conventional monitoring of invertebrates via kick-sampling, is invasive and expensive (time consuming). Further, such methods require a high level of taxonomic expertise. Here, we compared the traditional kick-sampling method with the use of eDNA detection using qPCR and ddPCR-analyses. In spring 2018, we sampled eDNA from twelve locations on the River Dee. I. nubecula was detected using kick-sampling in five of these locations, three locations using both eDNA detection and kick-sampling and one location using eDNA detection alone – resulting in a total of six known and distinct populations of this critically endangered species. Interestingly, despite the eDNA assay being validated in vitro and in silico, and results indicating high sensitivity, qPCR analysis of the eDNA samples proved to be ineffective. In contrast, ddPCR analyses resulted in a clear detection of I. nubecula at four locations suggesting that inhibition most likely explains the large discrepancy between the obtained qPCR and ddPCR results. It is therefore important to explore inhibition effects on any new eDNA assay. We also highlight that ddPCR may well be the best option for the detection of aquatic organisms which are either rare or likely to shed low levels of eDNA into their environment.
Explicit and implicit monitoring in neurodegeneration and stroke
Authors: Garcia-Cordero Indira , Sedeño Lucas , Babino Andrés , Dottori Martín , Melloni Margherita , Martorell Caro Miguel , Sigman Mariano , Herrera Eduar , Manes Facundo , García Adolfo M. , Ibáñez Agustín
Published: October 2019

Monitoring is a complex multidimensional neurocognitive phenomenon. Patients with fronto-insular stroke (FIS), behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) show a lack of self-awareness, insight, and self-monitoring, which translate into anosognosia and daily behavioural impairments. Notably, they also present damage in key monitoring areas. While neuroscientific research on this domain has accrued in recent years, no previous study has compared monitoring performance across these brain diseases and none has applied a multiple lesion model approach combined with neuroimaging analysis. Here, we evaluated explicit and implicit monitoring in patients with focal stoke (FIS) and two types of dementia (bvFTD and AD) presenting damage in key monitoring areas. Participants performed a visual perception task and provided two types of report: confidence (explicit judgment of trust about their performance) and wagering (implicit reports which consisted in betting on their accuracy in the perceptual task). Then, damaged areas were analyzed via structural MRI to identify associations with potential behavioral deficits. In AD, inadequate confidence judgments were accompanied by poor wagering performance, demonstrating explicit and implicit monitoring impairments. By contrast, disorders of implicit monitoring in FIS and bvFTD patients occurred in the context of accurate confidence reports, suggesting a reduced ability to turn self-knowledge into appropriate wagering conducts. MRI analysis showed that ventromedial compromise was related to overconfidence, whereas fronto-temporo-insular damage was associated with excessive wagering. Therefore, joint assessment of explicit and implicit monitoring could favor a better differentiation of neurological profiles (frontal damage vs AD) and eventually contribute to delineating clinical interventions.
Broadband Microwave Absorption by Logarithmic Spiral Metasurface
Authors: Wang Shubo , Hou Bo , Chan Che Ting
Published: October 2019

Metamaterials have enabled the design of electromagnetic wave absorbers with unprecedented performance. Conventional metamaterial absorbers usually employ multiple structure components in one unit cell to achieve broadband absorption. Here, a simple metasurface microwave absorber is proposed that has one metal-backed logarithmic spiral resonator as the unit cell. It can absorb >95% of normally incident microwave energy within the frequency range of 6 GHz–37 GHz as a result of the scale invariant geometry and the Fabry-Perot-type resonances of the resonator. The thickness of the metasurface is 5 mm and approaches the Rozanov limit of an optimal absorber. The physics underlying the broadband absorption is discussed. A comparison with Archimedean spiral metasurface is conducted to uncover the crucial role of scale invariance. The study opens a new direction of electromagnetic wave absorption by employing the scale invariance of Maxwell equations and may also be applied to the absorption of other classical waves such as sound.
Comparison of combined compression and surgery with high ligation-endovenous laser ablation-foam sclerotherapy with compression alone for active venous leg ulcers
Authors: Liu Xiaochun , Zheng Guofu , Ye Bo , Chen Weiqing , Xie Hailiang , Zhang Teng
Published: October 2019

We aimed to assess the ulcer healing time and recurrence rates after treatment with compression therapy (CT) with or without high ligation-endovenous laser ablation-foam sclerotherapy (HL-EVLA-FS) in people with active venous leg ulcers (VLUs). A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 350 patients with active VLUs treated by compression with or without HL-EVLA-FS in our hospital from 2013 to 2017. The primary outcome was the ulcer healing time; secondary outcomes were the 12-month recurrence rates, the relationship between recurrence and venous reflux, and the complications of the two treatments. In total, 193 patients (200 limbs) underwent compression plus HL-EVLA-FS, and 157 patients (177 limbs) underwent CT alone. The ulcer healing time was shorter in the compression plus HL-EVLA-FS group than in the CT alone group (Hazard Ratio [HR] for ulcer healing, 1.845 [95% CI, 1.474–2.309], P = 0.0001). The 12-month ulcer recurrence rates were significantly reduced in the compression plus HL-EVLA-FS group (HR for ulcer recurrence, 0.418 [95% CI, 0.258–0.677], P = 0.0001). Calf perforator vein reflux (CPVR) and isolated superficial venous reflux (ISVR) were risk factors for ulcer recurrence. The combined operation with CT resulted in faster healing of VLUs, a lower ulcer recurrence rate and lower VCSS values after intervention than CT alone.
Preoperative Somatostatin Analogues in Patients with Newly-diagnosed Acromegaly: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Comparative Studies
Authors: Yang Chengxian , Li Ge , Jiang Shenzhong , Bao Xinjie , Wang Renzhi
Published: October 2019

Biochemical remission after transsphenoidal surgery is still unsatisfied in acromegaly patients with macroadenomas, especially with invasive macroadenomas. Concerning the impact of preoperative somatostatin analogues (SSAs) on surgical outcomes, previous studies with limited cases reported conflicting results. To assess current evidence of preoperative medical treatment, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies. A literature search was conducted in Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Five randomized controlled trials (RCT) and seven non-RCT comparative studies were included. These studies mainly focused on pituitary macroadenomas though a small number of microadenoma cases were included. For safety, preoperative SSAs were not associated with elevated risks of postoperative complications. With respect to efficacy, the short-term cure rate was improved by preoperative SSAs, but the long-term cure rate showed no significant improvement. For invasive macroadenomas, the short-term cure rate was also improved, but the long-term results were not evaluable in clinical practice because adjuvant therapy was generally required. In conclusion, preoperative SSAs are safe in patients with acromegaly, and the favorable impact on surgical results is restricted to the short-term cure rate in macroadenomas and invasive macroadenomas. Further well-designed RCTs to examine long-term results are awaited to update the finding of this meta-analysis.
Proteomic characterization of primary cultured myocytes in a fish model at different myogenesis stages
Authors: Millan-Cubillo Antonio F. , Martin-Perez Miguel , Ibarz Antoni , Fernandez-Borras Jaume , Gutiérrez Joaquim , Blasco Josefina
Published: October 2019

Myogenesis is a complex two-phase process of proliferation and differentiation, which seems to be greatly conserved in vertebrates. For the first time in fish, we identify the changes that occur in the proteome during this process in a gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) myocyte primary cell culture (on days 4, 8 and 12), using 2-D gel electrophoresis and LC-MS/MS. A significant increase of myogenin expression at day 8 marked the transition from proliferation to differentiation. Of the 898 spots in the proteome analysis, the 25 protein spots overexpressed on day 4 and the 15 protein spots overexpressed on day 8 indicate the end of proliferation and the beginning of differentiation, respectively. Proliferation was characterized by enrichment of proteins involved in actin cytoskeleton remodelling and in cellular metabolic processes (transcription, ubiquitination, response to stress and glucose metabolism). During differentiation, 41 proteins were overexpressed and 51 underexpressed; many of them related to biosynthetic processes (RNA and protein synthesis and folding, and pentose pathways), terminal myotube formation and muscle contraction. The main cellular processes of both phases of muscle development in fish are similar with those observed in mammals but extended in time, allowing sequential studies of myogenesis.
A perylenediimide based ‘on-off’ chemosensor for the detection of nucleoside triphosphates: an efficient ensemble for monitoring alkaline phosphatase activity
Authors: Mittal Lalit Singh , Sharma Poonam , Kaur Navdeep , Singh Prabhpreet
Published: October 2019

Cationic perylenediimide (BAB-PDI) showed fluorescence sensing toward nucleoside polyphosphates (GTP, LOD = 19.3 nM) in an aqueous medium. A BAB-PDI + GTP ensemble could be used to monitor the activity of alkaline phosphatase enzyme.
A rapid tag-free identification of Escherichia coli antibiotic-resistant isolates using Raman scattering
Authors: Kim Soogeun , Lee Seung Ho , Kim Young Jin , Lee Hee Joo , Choi Samjin
Published: October 2019

A SERS-based tag-free identification method has high potential for rapidly subtyping clinically relevant quinolone-resistant E. coli antibiotic-resistant isolates.
Synthesis, structural characterisation, and cytotoxicity studies of Bi, W, and Mo containing homo- and hetero-bimetallic polyoxometalates
Authors: Senevirathna Dimuthu C. , Werrett Melissa V. , Kubeil Manja , Stephan Holger , Andrews Philip C.
Published: October 2019

High nuclearity, water soluble polyoxometalates composed of high Z number metals W, Mo and Bi demonstrate low toxicity to human carcinoma and healthy embryonic cells and their potential as radiosensitisers.
Cerium–carbon dative interactions supported by carbodiphosphorane
Authors: Su Wei , Pan Sudip , Sun Xiong , Zhao Lili , Frenking Gernot , Zhu Congqing
Published: October 2019

The first example of a molecule with two dative bonds between carbone and a rare-earth element was investigated by a joint experimental and theoretical study.
Modeling the electrical double layer to understand the reaction environment in a CO2electrocatalytic system
Authors: Bohra Divya , Chaudhry Jehanzeb H. , Burdyny Thomas , Pidko Evgeny A. , Smith Wilson A.
Published: October 2019

Electrical double layer defines the reaction environment by influencing transport of CO2, local pH, electrical field strength and solvent polarization.
Issues and opportunities facing aqueous zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Tang Boya , Shan Lutong , Liang Shuquan , Zhou Jiang
Published: October 2019

We retrospect recent advances in rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries system and the facing challenges of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Importantly, some concerns and feasible solutions for achieving practical aqueous zinc-ion batteries are discussed in detail.
A deep learning based dynamic COD prediction model for urban sewage
Authors: Wang Zifei , Man Yi , Hu Yusha , Li Jigeng , Hong Mengna , Cui Peizhe
Published: October 2019

An influent COD prediction model based on the CNN-LSTM deep learning algorithm is proposed as the basis of aeration control in WWTPs.
Dietary salicylates in herbs and spices
Authors: Gajewska Danuta , Kęszycka Paulina Katarzyna , Szkop Michał
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study was to determine dietary salicylate content in selected culinary herbs and spices, using the RP-HPLC method with fluorescence detection.
Regulation effects of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalisLinn.) on hepatic lipid metabolism in OA induced NAFLD rats
Authors: Wang Si-Jian , Chen Qian , Liu Meng-Yang , Yu Hai-Yang , Xu Jing-Qi , Wu Jia-Qi , Zhang Yi , Wang Tao
Published: October 2019

This paper first demonstrated that rosemary has an effective function to regulate lipid metabolism through the AMPK/SREBP1c signaling pathwayin vivoandin vitro.
Hydrophobic ion pairing: encapsulating small molecules, peptides, and proteins into nanocarriers
Authors: Ristroph Kurt D. , Prud'homme Robert K.
Published: October 2019

Hydrophobic ion pairing has emerged as a method to modulate the solubility of charged hydrophilic molecules ranging in class from small molecules to large enzymes. Here we review the application of hydrophobic ion pairing for encapsulating charged hydrophilic molecules into nanocarriers.
Biomacromolecular charge chirality detected using chiral plasmonic nanostructures
Authors: Rodier Marion , Keijzer Chantal , Milner Joel , Karimullah Affar S. , Roszak Aleksander W. , Barron Laurence D. , Gadegaard Nikolaj , Lapthorn Adrian J. , Kadodwala Malcolm
Published: October 2019

The charge distributions of solvent exposed surfaces of complex biomolecules such has proteins are unique fingerprints.
Nanomechanical elasticity and fracture studies of lithium phosphate (LPO) and lithium tantalate (LTO) solid-state electrolytes
Authors: Amirmaleki Maedeh , Cao Changhong , Wang Biqiong , Zhao Yang , Cui Teng , Tam Jason , Sun Xueliang , Sun Yu , Filleter Tobin
Published: October 2019

Nanomechanical behavior of ALD prepared solid-state electrolytes studied by an AFM deflection technique to emulate mechanical deformation at the nanoscale.
A nanopillar array on black titanium prepared by reactive ion etching augments cardiomyogenic commitment of stem cells
Authors: Das Ghosh Lopamudra , Hasan Jafar , Jain Aditi , Sundaresan Nagalingam R. , Chatterjee Kaushik
Published: October 2019

The array highly efficiently promotes cardiomyogenic commitment of stem cellsviaintegrin-mediated signalling compared to the smooth surface and is a potential platform forex vivodifferentiation of stem cells for cell therapy in cardiac tissue repair and regeneration.
MOF-derived two-dimensional N-doped carbon nanosheets coupled with Co–Fe–P–Se as efficient bifunctional OER/ORR catalysts
Authors: Wu Hengbo , Wang Jie , Yan Ji , Wu Zexing , Jin Wei
Published: October 2019

Co–Fe–P–Se nanoparticles supported on 2D nitrogen-doped carbon coupled with a 3D nanostructure are obtained under the assistance of MOF, which present excellent catalytic performances for OER, ORR and rechargeable Zn–air batteries.
Simulation of tuning graphene plasmonic behaviors by ferroelectric domains for self-driven infrared photodetector applications
Authors: Guo Junxiong , Liu Yu , Lin Yuan , Tian Yu , Zhang Jinxing , Gong Tianxun , Cheng Tiedong , Huang Wen , Zhang Xiaosheng
Published: October 2019

We propose a graphene plasmonic infrared photodetector tuned by ferroelectric domains and investigate the interfacial effect using the finite element method.
Nanoparticles binding to lipid membranes: from vesicle-based gels to vesicle tubulation and destruction
Authors: Zuraw-Weston Sarah , Wood Derek A. , Torres Ian K. , Lee YiWei , Wang Li-Sheng , Jiang Ziwen , Lázaro Guillermo R. , Wang ShiYu , Rodal Avital A. , Hagan Michael F. , Rotello Vincent M. , Dinsmore Anthony D.
Published: October 2019

Tuning the strength of binding between nanoparticles and lipid membranes controls the membrane deformation process, leading to a new form of closed-cell gel or to a remarkable vesicle-inversion and destruction process.
Tailoring metal-dielectric nanocomposite materials with ultrashort laser pulses for dichroic color control
Authors: Sharma N. , Destouches N. , Florian C. , Serna R. , Siegel J.
Published: October 2019

Hybrid nanostructure written by ultrafast laser pulses with horizontal polarization, featuring scan speed-dependent nanograting orientations and spectral transmission anisotropy.
Graphene oxide–polysulfone filters for tap water purification, obtained by fast microwave oven treatment
Authors: Kovtun Alessandro , Zambianchi Massimo , Bettini Cristian , Liscio Andrea , Gazzano Massimo , Corticelli Franco , Treossi Emanuele , Navacchia Maria Luisa , Palermo Vincenzo , Melucci Manuela
Published: October 2019

A novel approach to combine graphene oxide (GO) sheets with commercial polysulfone (PSU) granules for improved removal of organic contaminants from water is described.
Towards low-loss telecom-wavelength photonic devices by designing GaBixAs1−x/GaAs core–shell nanowires
Authors: Usman Muhammad
Published: October 2019

Million-atom atomistic simulations propose custom-designed GaBixAs1−x/GaAs core–shell nanowires with the possibility of myriad applications in nanoelectronic and nanophotonic technologies.
Effect of AlGaN undershell on the cathodoluminescence properties of coaxial GaInN/GaN multiple-quantum-shells nanowires
Authors: Lu Weifang , Sone Naoki , Goto Nanami , Iida Kazuyoshi , Suzuki Atsushi , Han Dong-Pyo , Iwaya Motoaki , Tekeuchi Tetsuya , Kamiyama Satoshi , Akasaki Isamu
Published: October 2019

An impressive enhancement of cathodoluminescence was achieved in coaxial GaInN/GaN multiple-quantum-shells nanowires by employing an AlGaN undershell for trapping point defects.
Memristive plasticity in artificial electrical synapses via geometrically reconfigurable, gramicidin-doped biomembranes
Authors: Koner Subhadeep , Najem Joseph S. , Hasan Md Sakib , Sarles Stephen A.
Published: October 2019

An artificial electrical synapse that mimics the structure, transport properties, and plasticity of biological electrical synapses exhibits voltage-controlled memristance by exploiting reconfigurable membrane geometry.
Facile synthesis of N-1,2,4-oxadiazole substituted sulfoximines from N-cyano sulfoximines
Authors: M. L. Chenna Reddy , Nawaz Khan Fazlur Rahman , Saravanan Vadivelu
Published: October 2019

A divergent approach with a wide substrate scope has been successfully developed for the synthesis of N-1,2,4-oxadiazole tethered sulfoximines starting from N-cyano sulfoximines.
Phosphonium ylide catalysis: a divergent diastereoselective approach to synthesize cyclic ketene acetals [thia(zolidines/zinanes)] from β-ketothioamides and dihaloalkanes
Authors: Ansari Monish Arbaz , Yadav Dhananjay , Soni Sonam , Singh Maya Shankar
Published: October 2019

Phosphonium ylides are being reported here as a catalyst for the formation of thiazolidines and 1,3-thiazinanes from β-ketothioamides with dihaloalkanesvia[3 + 2] and [3 + 3] annulations under metal-free conditions.
Development of a quantum chemical descriptor expressing aromatic/quinoidal character for designing narrow-bandgap π-conjugated polymers
Authors: Hayashi Yoshihiro , Kawauchi Susumu
Published: October 2019

Guidance for designing narrow-bandgap copolymers was established by developing a chemical descriptor (QSE) that considers only the monomer and linking sites.
Visible light induced radical coupling reactions for the synthesis of conventional polycondensates
Authors: Nakipoglu Busra , Yilmaz Gorkem , Yagci Yusuf
Published: October 2019

We herein report a facile visible light induced synthetic method for preparing a series of conventional polycondensates, namely polyesters, polyurethanes and polyamides.
Liquid-phase bottom-up synthesis of graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Yoon Ki-Young , Dong Guangbin
Published: October 2019

This review summarises the development of bottom-up synthesis of graphene nanoribbons in liquid phase and provides views on challenges in the field and the future outlook.
Design and performance study of high efficiency/low efficiency roll-off/high CRI hybrid WOLEDs based on aggregation-induced emission materials as fluorescent emitters
Authors: Xu Zeng , Gu Jiabao , Huang Jian , Lin Chengwei , Li Yuanzhao , Yang Dezhi , Qiao Xianfeng , Qin Anjun , Zhao Zujin , Tang Ben Zhong , Ma Dongge
Published: October 2019

AIEgens TPB-AC and CP-BP-PXZ are used as non-doped blue and green layers, and Ir(dmppr-mp)2(divm) doped TCTA is used as red layer to construct high-performance hybrid WOLEDs.
Clavipines A–C, antiproliferative meroterpenoids with a fused azepine skeleton from the basidiomycete Clitocybe clavipes
Authors: Sun Zhaocui , Zhu Nailiang , Zhou Man , Huo Xiaowei , Wu Haifeng , Tian Yu , Yang Junshan , Ma Guoxu , Yang Yan-Long , Xu Xudong
Published: October 2019

Three novel meroterpenoids, clavipines A–C (1–3), possessing a benzoquinone fused to an azepine ring and a ten-membered carbocycle with α,β-epoxy/unsaturated-γ-lactone, were isolated from the basidiomycete Clitocybe clavipes.
The effect of oxidant species on direct, non-syngas conversion of methane to methanol over an FePO4 catalyst material
Authors: Dasireddy Venkata D. B. C. , Hanzel Darko , Bharuth-Ram Krish , Likozar Blaž
Published: October 2019

The effect of the phase transformation of a FePO4 catalyst material from the tridymite-like (tdm) FePO4 to the α-domain (α-Fe3(P2O7)2) during the direct selective oxidation of methane to methanol was studied using oxidant species O2, H2O and N2O.
Surface modification of an aramid fiber via grafting epichlorohydrin assisted by supercritical CO2
Authors: Ding Xiaoma , Kong Haijuan , Qiao Mengmeng , Zhang Luwei , Yu Muhuo
Published: October 2019

In this article, the surface modification of AF with epichlorohydrin assisted by supercritical CO2 was investigated in order to improve the interface combination property between an aramid fiber and an epoxy resin matrix.
Pseudocapacitance electrode and asymmetric supercapacitor based on biomass juglone/activated carbon composites
Authors: He Xin , Chen Qian , Mao Xiling , Liu Weichen , Zhou Yujiu , Yang Wenyao , Yang Yajie , Xu Jianhua
Published: October 2019

A strategy for transforming abandoned walnut peel to excellent pseudocapacitance material. The activated carbon reshapes and anchors the juglone, which combined the EDLC and pseudocapacitance to achieve high electrochemical performance.
Mesoporous PbO nanoparticle-catalyzed synthesis of arylbenzodioxy xanthenedione scaffolds under solvent-free conditions in a ball mill
Authors: Lambat Trimurti L. , Chaudhary Ratiram G. , Abdala Ahmed A. , Mishra Raghvendra Kumar , H. Mahmood Sami , Banerjee Subhash
Published: October 2019

An efficient one-pot multicomponent protocol was developed for the synthesis of arylbenzodioxy xanthenedione scaffolds using mesoporous PbO nanoparticles as reusable catalyst under solvent-free ball milling conditions.
A simple sensor based on 1,8-naphthalimide with large Stokes shift for detection of hypochlorous acid in living cells
Authors: Jiao Chunpeng , Liu Yuanyuan , Lu Wenjuan , Zhang Pingping , Ma Xia , Wang Yanfeng
Published: October 2019

Probe 1shows excellent selectivity to HOCl among different ions including common ROS, high sensitivity, high fluorescence quantum yield (Φ= 0.93), low detection limit (0.237 μM) and successfully used for the detection of HOCl in cells.