bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Tear Immunoglobulins in a Small-Cohort of Keratoconus Patients
Authors: McKay Tina B. , Serjersen Henrik , Hjortdal Jesper , Zieske James D. , Karamichos Dimitrios
Published: June 2020

Keratoconus (KC) is classically considered a non-inflammatory condition caused by central corneal thinning that leads to astigmatism and reduced visual acuity. Previous studies have identified increased systemic levels of pro-inflammatory factors, including interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and matrix metalloproteinase-9, suggesting that KC may have an inflammatory component in at least a subset of patients. In this study, we evaluated the levels of different immunoglobulins (light and heavy chains) based on Ig α, Ig λ, Ig κ, Ig µ, and Ig heavy chain subunits in non-KC tears (n = 7 control individuals) and KC tears (n = 7 KC patients) using tandem-liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. The most abundant Ig heavy chains detected in both control individuals and KC patients were Ig α-1 and Ig α-2 likely correlating to the higher IgA levels reported in human tears. We identified significant differences in immunoglobulin κ-chain V-II levels in KC patients compared to control individuals with no significant difference in Ig κ/Ig λ ratios or heavy chain levels. Our study supports previous findings suggesting that KC possesses a systemic component that may contribute to the KC pathology. Further studies are required to define causality and establish a role for systemic immune system-dependent factors and pro-inflammatory processes in KC development or progression.
Tracing the evolution of nectin and nectin-like cell adhesion molecules
Authors: Duraivelan Kheerthana , Samanta Dibyendu
Published: June 2020

Nectin and nectin-like cell adhesion molecules (collectively referred as nectin family henceforth) are known to mediate cell-cell adhesion and related functions. While current literature suggests that nectins are prevalent in vertebrates, there are no in-depth analyses regarding the evolution of nectin family as a whole. In this work, we examine the evolutionary origin of the nectin family, using selected multicellular metazoans representing diverse clades whose whole genome sequencing data is available. Our results show that this family may have appeared earlier during metazoan evolution than previously believed. Systematic analyses indicate the order in which various members of nectin family seem to have evolved, with some nectin-like molecules appearing first, followed by the evolution of other members. Furthermore, we also found a few possible ancient homologues of nectins. While our study confirms the previous grouping of the nectin family into nectins and nectin-like molecules, it also shows poliovirus receptor (PVR/nectin-like-5) to possess characteristics that are intermediate between these two groups. Interestingly, except for PVR, the other nectins show surprising sequence conservations across species, suggesting evolutionary constraints due to critical roles played by these proteins.
Aldehyde-alcohol dehydrogenase undergoes structural transition to form extended spirosomes for substrate channeling
Authors: Kim Gijeong , Yang Jinsol , Jang Juwon , Choi Jin-Seok , Roe Andrew J. , Byron Olwyn , Seok Chaok , Song Ji-Joon
Published: June 2020

Aldehyde-alcohol dehydrogenase (AdhE) is an enzyme responsible for converting acetyl-CoA to ethanol via acetaldehyde using NADH. AdhE is composed of two catalytic domains of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and forms a spirosome architecture critical for AdhE activity. Here, we present the atomic resolution (3.43 Å) cryo-EM structure of AdhE spirosomes in an extended conformation. The cryo-EM structure shows that AdhE spirosomes undergo a structural transition from compact to extended forms, which may result from cofactor binding. This transition leads to access to a substrate channel between ALDH and ADH active sites. Furthermore, prevention of this structural transition by crosslinking hampers the activity of AdhE, suggesting that the structural transition is important for AdhE activity. This work provides a mechanistic understanding of the regulation mechanisms of AdhE activity via structural transition, and a platform to modulate AdhE activity for developing antibiotics and for facilitating biofuel production.
A novel solution-gated graphene transistor biosensor for ultrasensitive detection of trinucleotide repeats
Authors: Ge Zhiqi , Ma Mingyu , Chang Gang , Chen Meijun , He Hanping , Zhang Xiuhua , Wang Shengfu
Published: June 2020

A novel SGGT biosensor is constructed to achieve highly sensitive and selective sensing of GAA TNRs by integrating G-quadruplex enzymes.
Luminescent probes for hypochlorous acid in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Dong Shaoqing , Zhang Lijuan , Lin Yanjun , Ding Caifeng , Lu Chao
Published: June 2020

Recent advances in the detection of HClO/ClO−in vitro and in vivo using fluorescent, phosphorescent and chemiluminescent probes are reviewed.
A review on chemical and electrochemical methodologies for the sensing of biogenic amines
Authors: Kannan Sanjeev Kumar , Ambrose Bebin , Sudalaimani Sudalaimuthu , Pandiaraj Manickam , Giribabu Krishnan , Kathiresan Murugavel
Published: June 2020

Sensing of biogenic amines is important for packed/fermented foods. It reveals the quality of food being consumed.
Growth temperature-dependent phase evolution and photoactivities of sputtering-deposited crystalline Bi2O3 thin films
Authors: Liang Yuan-Chang , Chiang Kai-Jen
Published: June 2020

Crystalline Bi2O3 thin films were grown through radio-frequency magnetron sputtering deposition using a bismuth metal target in an Ar/O2 mixed atmosphere and in an Ar atmosphere with further post-annealing procedures in ambient air.
Dynamic behaviors of sedimenting colloidal gel materials: hydrodynamic interactions
Authors: Sui Jize
Published: June 2020

It is a highly nonlinear poromechanics phenomenon that colloidal gel materials that are exposed to a gravitational stress greater than their yield stress undergo elastic compression.
The formation of free ions and electrophoretic mobility of Ag and Au nanoparticles in n-hexadecane–chloroform mixtures at low concentrations of AOT
Authors: Bulavchenko Alexander I. , Shaparenko Nikita O. , Kompan’kov Nikolay B. , Popovetskiy Pavel S. , Demidova Marina G. , Arymbaeva Aida T.
Published: June 2020

The electrophoretic mobility of Ag and Au nanoparticles in n-hexadecane–chloroform mixtures was studied as a function of the chloroform content (from 0 to 100 vol%).
Boosting water oxidation activity by tuning the proton transfer process of cobalt phosphonates in neutral solution
Authors: Lv Jiangquan , Guan Xiangfeng , Yu Muxin , Li Xiaoyan , Yu Yunlong , Chen Dagui
Published: June 2020

We demonstrated that the ligand in cobalt phosphonate would benefit the proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) processes and the formation of high valence state Co(IV), making it an efficient water oxidation electrocatalyst in neutral conditions.
AFIR explorations of transition states of extended unsaturated systems: automatic location of ambimodal transition states
Authors: Ito Takuma , Harabuchi Yu , Maeda Satoshi
Published: June 2020

Based on the artificial force induced reaction (AFIR) method, we proposed a procedure to systematically explore ambimodal transition states (TSs) that cause the dynamical bifurcation.
Field-induced slow relaxation of magnetisation in two one-dimensional homometallic dysprosium(iii) complexes based on alpha- and beta-amino acids
Authors: Orts-Arroyo Marta , Castro Isabel , Lloret Francesc , Martínez-Lillo José
Published: June 2020

Two novel one-dimensional dysprosium(iii) complexes based on α-glycine (gly) and β-alanine (β-ala) amino acids have been synthesised and characterised structurally and magnetically. Both compounds exhibit field-induced slow relaxation of magnetisation.
Surface modification of aqueous miscible organic layered double hydroxides (AMO-LDHs)
Authors: Chen Chunping , Buffet Jean-Charles , O'Hare Dermot
Published: June 2020

Silane modification of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) plays an important role in controlling the surface hydrophobicity and improving the compatibility of LDHs dispersed in non-polar materials.
Cu2O nanoparticles sensitize TiO2/CdS nanowire arrays to prolong charge carrier lifetime and highly enhance unassisted photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation with 4.3% efficiency
Authors: Jiang Kangbo , Wang Wenzhong , Wang Jun , Zhu Tianyu , Yao Lizhen , Cheng Ying , Wang Yue , Liang Yujie , Fu Junli
Published: June 2020

Effective separation of charge carriers and substantial prolongation of charge carrier lifetime are two vital issues for a photoanode to achieve highly efficient photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen generation.
LIBS analysis of the ash content, volatile matter, and calorific value in coal by partial least squares regression based on ash classification
Authors: Zhang Wenhao , Zhuo Zhuang , Lu Peng , Tang Jing , Tang Hailong , Lu Jingqi , Xing Tao , Wang Yan
Published: June 2020

The accuracy of LIBS coal quality detection was improved after ash classification.
Temperature and magnetic dual responsive restricted access material for the extraction of malachite green from crucian and shrimp samples
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Feng Xiangzhi , Ma Yulong , Chen Tong , Ji Wenxin , Ma Xiaoxia , Chen Yang , Xu Hong
Published: June 2020

A restricted access material that does not need organic solvents during elution was prepared for the extraction of malachite green.
g-C3N4/γ-Fe2O3/TiO2/Pd: a new magnetically separable photocatalyst for visible-light-driven fluoride-free Hiyama and Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions at room temperature
Authors: Jahanshahi Roya , Khazaee Asma , Sobhani Sara , Sansano José Miguel
Published: June 2020

g-C3N4/γ-Fe2O3/TiO2/Pd is developed as a new magnetically separable photocatalyst for efficient fluoride-free Hiyama and Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions at room temperature under visible light irradiation.
Synthesis, characterization, aggregation-induced enhanced emission and solvatochromic behavior of dimethyl 4′-(diphenylamino)biphenyl-3,5-dicarboxylate: experimental and theoretical studies
Authors: Karaman Merve , Demir Nuriye , Bilgili Hakan , Yakali Gul , Gokpek Yenal , Demic Serafettin , Kaya Nusret , Can Mustafa
Published: June 2020

Red shift in the emission wavelength by 149 nm as a result of increased solvent polarity.
Guanidino-aryl derivatives: protonation and structure tuning for spectrophotometric recognition of ds-DNA and ds-RNA
Authors: Đud Mateja , Glasovac Zoran , Margetić Davor , Piantanida Ivo
Published: June 2020

Fine interplay between protonation of guanidine and size of Aryl controls DNA/RNA recognition and fluorimetric or CD response.
A green strategy toward the preparation of poly(vinyl chloride) nanocomposites reinforced with MnO2@layered double hydroxide nanohybrids as efficient UV shielding materials
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Naghdi Mina
Published: June 2020

This work deals with the insertion of the MnO2@LDH nanohybrid in the poly(vinyl chloride) to enhance its thermal, mechanical and UV-blocking features.
Anomalous detwinning in constrained Cu nanoparticles
Authors: Ge Mengke , Yuan Wenjuan , Wang Kai , He Jia , Xi Wei , Luo Jun
Published: June 2020

The detwinning process in a 9 nm graphene-constrained Cu nanoparticle was investigated at 1009 °C viain situ HRTEM. Instead of the expected reverse glide of the twinning dislocations, two new twins were formed; the four twin zones rotated synergistically before vanishing.
Silicon oxycarbide-antimony nanocomposites for high-performance Li-ion battery anodes
Authors: Dubey Romain J.-C. , Sasikumar Pradeep Vallachira Warriam , Cerboni Noemi , Aebli Marcel , Krumeich Frank , Blugan Gurdial , Kravchyk Kostiantyn V. , Graule Thomas , Kovalenko Maksym V.
Published: June 2020

Homogeneously embedded Sb NPs in a SiOC with the size of 5–40 nm were synthesizedviathe pyrolysis of a preceramic polymer. SiOC/Sb exhibits high rate capability with a charge-storage capacity of 549 mAh g−1at a current density of 2232 mA g−1.
A facile approach to high-performance trifunctional electrocatalysts by substrate-enhanced electroless deposition of Pt/NiO/Ni on carbon nanotubes
Authors: Bian Yaru , Wang Hao , Gao Zhi , Hu Jintang , Liu Dong , Dai Liming
Published: June 2020

Trifunctional electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are crucial for many electrochemical devices.
Recent development in the synthesis of C-glycosides involving glycosyl radicals
Authors: Xu Lin-Yi , Fan Nai-Li , Hu Xiang-Guo
Published: June 2020

C-Glycosylation involving glycosyl radical intermediates is a particularly effective approach to access C-glycosides, which are core units of a great number of natural products, bioactive compounds and marketed drugs.
Sustainable alternative to bisphenol A epoxy resin: high-performance recyclable epoxy vitrimers derived from protocatechuic acid
Authors: Tao Yangqing , Fang Linxuan , Dai Menglu , Wang Caiyun , Sun Jing , Fang Qiang
Published: June 2020

A series of epoxy vitrimers were prepared based on protocatechuic acid, which showed better thermal and mechanical properties than commercial BPA-based epoxy resins. The vitrimers can be reprocessed in high efficiency and degraded in NaOH solution.
Autologous bone marrow cell transplantation in the treatment of HIV patients with compensated cirrhosis
Authors: Liu Baochi , Cheng Mingrong , Chen Xiaodong , Li Lei , Si Yanhui , Wang Shijia , Wang Ying , Shi Yufang
Published: June 2020

Liver stem cell therapy is a promising tool to improve decompensated liver cirrhosis (DLC). Especially in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the condition of the liver may be aggravated by antiretroviral therapy. A total of 21 patients diagnosed with DLC and HIV infection were divided into two groups as follows: those who received (combination therapy group, 14 patients) and those who did not receive (routine therapy group, 7 patients) bone marrow cell transplantation through the portal vein. Two patients died of surgery-related complications in the combination therapy group. The results showed that the survival rate was 85.7% in the combination therapy group after 2 years of follow-up, which was significantly higher than the 14.3% in the conventional therapy group (P<0.01). After treatment, the liver function score decreased significantly in the combination therapy group at 1 (t = 4.276, P = 0.000), 3 (t = 9.153, P = 0.000), and 12 (t = 13.536, P = 0.000) months, the levels of albumin were significantly increased, and the total bilirubin level and prothrombin time were significantly reduced or shortened as compared with the routine therapy group (P<0.05 or <0.01). The white blood cell count, hemoglobin, platelet count, and CD4+ and CD8+ levels were significantly higher in the combination therapy group at different time points as compared with the routine therapy group (P<0.05 or <0.01). In summary, the combination therapy is effective in HIV-infected patients with DLC and useful for the recovery of liver function and cellular immune function but may increase the risk of severe complications after surgery.
Sex-based differences in myocardial infarction-induced kidney damage following cigarette smoking exposure: more renal protection in premenopausal female mice
Authors: Habeichi Nada J. , Mroueh Ali , Kaplan Abdullah , Ghali Rana , Al-Awassi Hiam , Tannous Cynthia , Husari Ahmad , Jurjus Abdo , Altara Raffaele , Booz George W. , El-Yazbi Ahmed , Zouein Fouad A.
Published: June 2020

The impact of cigarette smoking (CS) on kidney homeostasis in the presence of myocardial infarction (MI) in both males and females remains poorly elucidated. C57BL6/J mice were exposed to 2 weeks of CS prior to MI induction followed by 1 week of CS exposure in order to investigate the impact of CS on kidney damage in the presence of MI. Cardiac hemodynamic analysis revealed a significant decrease in ejection fraction (EF) in CS-exposed MI male mice when compared with the relative female subjects, whereas cardiac output (CO) comparably decreased in CS-exposed MI mice of both sexes. Kidney structural alterations, including glomerular retraction, proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) cross-sectional area, and total renal fibrosis were more pronounced in CS-exposed MI male mice when compared with the relative female group. Although renal reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and glomerular DNA fragmentation significantly increased to the same extent in CS-exposed MI mice of both sexes, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) significantly increased in CS-exposed MI male mice, only. Metabolically, nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) and nicotinamide riboside-1 (NMRK-1) substantially increased in CS-exposed MI female mice only, whereas sirtuin (SIRT)-1 and SIRT-3 substantially decreased in CS-exposed MI male mice compared with their relative female group. Additionally, renal NAD levels significantly decreased only in CS-exposed MI male mice. In conclusion, MI female mice exhibited pronounced renal protection following CS when compared with the relative male groups.
LncRNA HOXA-AS2 promotes the progression of prostate cancer via targeting miR-509-3p/PBX3 axis
Authors: Xiao Shangwen , Song Bin
Published: June 2020

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as crucial modulators during the development of diverse cancers. Although various types of lncRNAs in prostate cancer (PCa) have been explored, quantities of lncRNAs still wait to be exploited. The present study is to probe the functions and mechanism of lncRNA HOXA cluster antisense RNA 2 (HOXA-AS2) in PCa. In the present study, we discovered that HOXA-AS2 was highly expressed in PCa tissues and cells. HOXA-AS2 depletion obviously influenced cell proliferation, migration, invasion, as well as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression. In addition, miR-509-3p had low expression in PCa cells and inversely modulated by HOXA-AS2. Cutting down HOXA-AS2 expression was capable of up-regulating miR-509-3p expression. In addition, HOXA-AS2 served as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) through sponging miR-509-3p to release pre-B-cell leukemia homeobox 3 (PBX3) expression. The expression of PBX3 was noticeably high in tumor tissues. And PBX3 expression level was down-regulated markedly with the knockdown of HOXA-AS2. Rescue experiments certified the facilitated role of HOXA-AS2-miR-509-3p-PBX3 axis in regulating the progress of PCa. The present study may provide clues for exploration of novel therapeutic targets for PCa patients.
Towards video based collective motion analysis through shape tracking and matching
Authors: Pandey B. , Thakur S. , Joshi H. , Pradhanga A. , Akiyama Y. , Peethambaran J.
Published: June 2020

The term ‘collective’ is used to refer to a group of animals such as a flock of birds or a herd of elephants. Aggregate motions of such collectives often give rise to visually pleasing shapes and patterns (e.g. V‐shape formation of geese while they migrate from one place to another). While shapes of moving collectives are of great interest in many scientific studies, scant attention has been given to algorithmically extract and render these shapes via polygonal boundaries or graphs. In this Letter, the authors present a multi‐stage, proof of concept framework for tracking geometric shapes and extracting video frames containing a user defined shape of moving collectives, by employing a deep‐learning based object detection, well‐known alpha shapes and a modified shape context. They demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed framework on a couple of test videos and discuss its potential applications in a wider area.
Individual-based models under various time-scales
Authors: Velleret Aurélien
Published: June 2020

This article is a presentation of specific recent results describing scaling limits of individual- based models. Thanks to them, we wish to relate the time-scales typical of demographic dynamics and natural selection to the parameters of the individual-based models. Although these results are by no means exhaustive, both on the mathematical and the biological level, they complement each other. Indeed, they provide a viewpoint for many classical time-scales. Namely, they encompass the timescale typical of the life-expectancy of a single individual, the longer one wherein a population can be characterized through its demographic dynamics, and at least four interconnected ones wherein selection occurs. The limiting behavior is generally deterministic. Yet, since there are selective effects on randomness in the history of lineages, probability theory is shown to be a key factor in understanding the results. Besides, randomness can be maintained in the limiting dynamics, for instance to model rare mutations fixing in the population.
Lipoprotein(a): Behandlung eines unterschätzten kardiovaskulären Risikomarkers
Authors: Langhammer Romy , Laufs Ulrich
Published: June 2020

Auf der Suche nach weiteren behandelbaren kardiovaskulären Risikofaktoren rückte das Lipoprotein(a) – Lp(a) – in den letzten Jahren in den wissenschaftlichen Fokus. Lp(a) ist ein genetischer, unabhängiger und vermutlich kausaler Marker für Atherosklerose und kalzifizierende Aortenklappenstenose. Sein proatherogenes, prothrombotisches und proinflammatorisches Wirkprofil bedingt eine hohe Pathogenität. Die Definition einer Lp(a)-Hyperlipoproteinämie ist komplex, da verschiedene Messverfahren im Einsatz sind und Grenzwerte für pathologische Lp(a)-Serumkonzentrationen kontrovers diskutiert werden. Aktuell steht nur das invasive Verfahren der Lipoproteinapherese zur Verfügung, mit der Lp(a) moderat gesenkt werden kann. Die in der Phase III befindlichen Lp(a)RNA-Inhibitoren stellen einen wesentlich spezifischeren und potenteren Therapieansatz dar. Laufende randomisierte Endpunktstudien mit diesen Medikamenten werden erheblich zum Verständnis der pathophysiologischen Bedeutung
von Lp(a) unabhängig vom LDL-Cholesterin beitragen.
Effectiveness of combination endoscopic therapy for colonic anastomotic leaks
Authors: Thiruvengadam Nikhil R. , Hamerski Christopher , Nett Andrew , Bhat Yasser , Shah Janak , Bernabe Jona , Kane Steven , Binmoeller Kenneth , Watson Rabindra R.
Published: June 2020

Background Colonic anastomotic leaks are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Whereas small case series suggest that fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) are effective, no larger studies have examined the impact of combination endoscopic therapy on colonic anastomotic leaks.

Methods Our retrospective cohort study reviewed 51 patients undergoing endoscopic therapy for colonic anastomotic leaks between 2011 and 2018. Patients receiving combination therapy involving FCSEMS plus local closure (n = 24) were compared with patients receiving FCSEMS alone (n = 18) or endoscopic suturing alone (n = 9). The primary outcomes were technical and clinical success (resolution of leak, removal of percutaneous drains, avoidance of surgical reoperation, and reversal of temporary diversion).

Results Clinical success was achieved in 55 % of patients. Clinical success was achieved in 18/24 patients (75 %) with combination therapy compared with 6/18 patients receiving FCSEMS alone (33 %, adjusted risk ratio [RR] 2.16, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.10 – 4.24; P = 0.02) and 4 /9 patients undergoing endoscopic suturing alone (44 %, RR 1.91, 95 %CI 0.84 – 4.31; P = 0.10). Stent migration occurred in 40 % of patients.

Conclusions This large series demonstrates that combination therapy was associated with a higher rate of clinical success, and future prospective studies are warranted.
Total Synthesis of Phyllanemblinin B
Authors: Wakamori Shinnosuke , Matsumoto Shintaro , Nishii Kentaro , Tanaka Takashi , Yamada Hidetoshi
Published: June 2020

A total synthesis was developed of phyllanemblinin B, a natural ellagitannin containing 1-O-galloyl and 2,4-O-hexahydroxydiphenoyl groups on a d-glucose scaffold. The use of a μ-hydroxo copper(II) complex resulted in a completely stereoselective oxidative coupling of the galloyl groups on the open-chain glucose moiety and facilitated the first total synthesis of phyllanemblinin B.
Ultrasound-Promoted and Base-Mediated Regioselective Bromination of Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with Pyridinium Tribromide
Authors: Gui Qing-Wen , Jiang Hongmei , Guo Dingyi , Zhang Yixin , Shen Qin-Peng , Tang Shiyun , You Junheng , Huo Yi , Wang Huixian
Published: June 2020

By using pyridinium tribromide as the bromo source, an efficient­ and practical protocol for the synthesis of C3-brominated imidazo­[1,2-a]pyridines through ultrasound-promoted and Na2CO3-mediated regioselective bromination of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines has been developed. This method effectively avoids the use of metal catalysts and harsh reaction conditions, and shows attractive characteristics such as operational simplicity, broad substrate scope with good to excellent yields, ease of scale-up and high energy efficiency.
Ultrasonographic Transabdominal Measurement of Uterine Cervical Length for the Prediction of a Midtrimester Short Cervix
Authors: Guerby Paul , Beaudoin Annie , Marcoux Geneviève , Girard Mario , Pasquier Jean-Charles , Bujold Emmanuel
Published: June 2020

Objective This study was aimed to estimate the value of transabdominal (TA) ultrasound measurement of cervical length (CL), as an alternative of transvaginal (TV) ultrasound, for universal screening of short cervix in the midtrimester.

Study Design We conducted a prospective cohort study of nulliparous women with singleton pregnancy at 20 to 24 weeks of gestation. All participants underwent TA ultrasound followed by TV ultrasound with acquisitions of images and videos of the uterine cervix. A second sonographer, blinded to the participants' data and pregnancy outcomes, measured the CL using TA and TV images and videos. Pearson's correlation test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed.

Results A total of 805 participants were recruited, including 780 (97%) where TA CL measurement was feasible. We observed a strong correlation of CL between TA and TV (correlation coefficient: 0.57; p < 0.0001) with a mean TA measurement being 4 mm (95% confidence interval [CI]: −6 to 14 mm) below the mean TV measurement (mean of differences: 5 ± 4 mm). We observed that a TA CL <30 mm was highly predictive of a short cervix defined as a TV CL ≤25 mm (area under the ROC curve: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.95–0.99; p < 0.0001) with a sensitivity of 100% and a false-positive rate of 22%.

Conclusion Universal short cervix screening in nulliparous women could be performed using TA ultrasound, which could allow the avoidance of TV ultrasound in more than three quarter of women. In low-risk population, TV ultrasound could be reserved to women with TA CL <30 mm.

Key Points
Catalysis by platinum and palladium species confined in the bulk of glass fibre materials
Authors: Bal’zhinimaev Bair S.
Published: June 2020

The results of studies on the application of silicate glass fibre materials in catalysis are summarized and analyzed. Despite the very low noble metal content, catalysts based on these materials showed exceptionally high activities and selectivities in some catalytic reactions. This is due to specificity of the glassy state, which makes it possible, first, to confine highly dispersed palladium and platinum species in the bulk of glass fibres and, second, selectively absorb polar molecules, thus excluding the undesirable reactions involving non-polar molecules. The size dependences of the complete oxidation of propane and selective hydrogenation of acetylene, the nature of the structure sensitivity of these reactions and the reaction mechanisms are discussed. Ways for improving glass fibre catalyst performance are proposed and examples of the successful application of Pt/glass fibre catalysts for purification of industrial gases from volatile organic compounds are given.

The bibliography includes 175 references.
Perimidines: a unique π-amphoteric heteroaromatic system
Authors: Pozharskii Alexander F. , Gulevskaya Anna V. , Claramunt Rosa M. , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José
Published: June 2020

Data on the physicochemical characteristics, theoretical calculations, reactivity and synthetic methods for perimidines are summarized. Although perimidine and some of its simple 2-substituted derivatives were obtained by Sachs back in 1909, their chemistry and key physical properties remained unknown until the early 1970s. Subsequent studies revealed many fundamental features of the perimidine system, previously not encountered in the heterocyclic series. The first comprehensive review on perimidines was published forty years ago. The period that has passed since 1980 led to the emergence of new directions and trends. Several hundred new publications have appeared, the generalization of which has become the main purpose of this article. This primarily concerns the obtaining of highly nucleophilic and stable perimidine carbenes, new methods of electrophilic substitution and oxidation, establishment of a close relationship between perimidines and proton sponges, and modern theoretical calculations. Based on perimidines, many different polycondensed systems have been obtained. Applied research has developed especially rapidly in recent years. Many new compounds based on perimidines related to chemosensors, analytical reagents, dyes, metal catalysts, electronic devices, nanotechnology, and medical chemistry have been proposed. Some information under review is presented as Supplementary Materials. It contains six tables, which include data on the basicity constants of perimidines, details of some synthetic methods for perimidines and fused analogs and also a list of biological activities of perimidines.

The bibliography includes 387 references.
Soil–air partitioning of volatile organic compounds into soils with high water content
Authors: Ahn Jeonghyeon , Rao Guiying , Mamun Mustafa , Vejerano Eric P.
Published: June 2020

Environmental contextAssessing environmental and human health impacts of chemical spills relies on information about how chemicals move across multiple environments. We measured volatile contaminants in the air above soil saturated with water to provide estimates of air concentrations of selected chemicals released to soil from an oil refinery in Texas during Hurricane Harvey. Estimated concentrations were below recommended exposure limits, even in a worst-case scenario.
AbstractThe emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from soil into air is affected by soil moisture dynamics, soil temperature, solar irradiance and carbon availability. The high amount of water in soil can modify its properties, which changes how VOCs interact. We conducted a comprehensive measurement of the soil–air partition coefficient (KSA) of VOCs into water-saturated soil with both low and high water contents for polar, weakly polar and nonpolar VOCs into a mineral soil (S-clay) and soil containing a high amount of organic matter (S-om) under a water-saturated condition. Partitioning of non-polar substituted aromatics (1,2-dichlorobenzene and toluene) was sensitive to the organic matter content in water-saturated soil. 1,2-Dichlorobenzene and toluene had higher affinities to S-om than to S-clay at all investigated water contents because of their strong interaction with the organic matter in soil. KSA decreased with elevated water content only for non-polar substituted aromatic VOCs. Less hydrophobic VOCs (benzene and trichloroethylene) exhibited similar partitioning into both soils by sorbing onto the air-water interface and dissolving in soil water, while the organic matter did not affect partitioning. The weakly polar and polar VOCs (methyl tert-butyl ether and 1-butanol) showed similar partitioning into both soils by dissolving in soil water while sorption to the organic matter was significant only at high soil water contents. KSA of VOCs on soil with high organic matter content correlated strongly with psat and Koa, but not on mineral soil. Estimates of the air concentrations for a subset of VOCs released from one refinery during Hurricane Harvey in 2017 in Harris County, Texas were lower than the recommended exposure limits, even under a worst-case scenario.
A continuously scanning separate-crystal single-photon x-ray interferometer
Authors: Andreas B , Kuetgens U
Published: June 2020

The feasibility of a new design and measurement concept of a combined optical and x-ray interferometer (COXI) is demonstrated here. Mechanical noise in the x-ray interferometer can be cancelled efficiently with fast and synchronous detection of the optical interferometer phase and x-ray counts. The scan-length requirement of the decadic step method of conventional COXI setups is reduced by more than one order of magnitude due to the correlation between single-photon interference events. The actual scan length of the shown setup is limited to 4 µm. It is estimated that a future update will enable us to measure the lattice parameter of 28Si, at least with the targeted relative statistical reproducibility of 3 × 10−9.
Time-resolved open-circuit conductive atomic force microscopy for direct electromechanical characterisation
Authors: Calahorra Yonatan , Kim Wonjong , Vukajlovic-Plestina Jelena , Fontcuberta i Morral Anna , Kar-Narayan Sohini
Published: June 2020

Studying nanomaterial piezoelectricity and triboelectricity is attractive for energy and sensing applications. However, quantitative characterisation of electromechanical effects in nanomaterials is challenging due to practical limitations and possible combination of effects, resulting in contradicting reports at times. When it comes to piezoelectricity at the nanoscale, piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) is the default characterisation tool. In PFM the converse piezoelectric effect is measured - the conversion from electrical signal to mechanical response. However, there is an underlying desire to measure the direct piezoelectric effect - conversion of mechanical deformation to an electrical signal. This corresponds to energy harvesting and sensing. Here we present time-resolved open-circuit conductive atomic force microscopy (cAFM) as a new methodology to carry out direct electromechanical characterisation. We show, both theoretically and experimentally, that the standard short-circuit cAFM mode is inadequate for piezoelectric characterisation, and that resulting measurements are governed by competing mechanisms. We apply the new methodology to nanowires of GaAs, an important semiconductor, with relatively low piezoelectric coefficients. The results suggest that time-resolved operation distinguishes between triboelectric and piezoelectric signals, and that by measuring the open-circuit voltage rather than short-circuit current, the new methodology allows quantitative characterisation of the vertical piezoelectric coefficient. The result for GaAs nanowires, ∼ 1–3 pm V−1, is in good agreement with existing knowledge and theory. This method represents a significant advance in understanding the coexistence of different electromechanical effects, and in quantitative piezoelectric nanoscale characterisation. The easy implementation will enable better understanding of electromechanics at the nanoscale.
The magnetic asymmetry effect in geometrically asymmetric capacitively coupled radio frequency discharges operated in Ar/O2
Authors: Oberberg M , Berger B , Buschheuer M , Engel D , Wölfel C , Eremin D , Lunze J , Brinkmann R P , Awakowicz P , Schulze J
Published: June 2020

Previous studies in low pressure magnetized capacitively coupled radio frequency (RF) plasmas operated in argon with optimized geometric reactor symmetry have shown that the magnetic asymmetry effect (MAE) allows to control the particle flux energy distributions at the electrodes, the plasma symmetry, and the DC self-bias voltage by tuning the magnetron-like magnetic field adjacent to one electrode (Oberberg et al 2019 Plasma Sources Sci. Technol.
28 115021; Oberberg et al 2018 Plasma Sources Sci. Technol.
27 105018). In this way non-linear electron resonance heating (NERH) induced via the self-excitation of the plasma series resonance (PSR) was also found to be controllable. Such plasma sources are frequently used for reactive RF magnetron sputtering, but the discharge conditions used for such applications are significantly different compared to those studied previously. A high DC self-bias voltage (generated via a geometric reactor asymmetry) is required to realize a sufficiently high ion bombardment energy at the target electrode and a reactive gas must be added to deposit ceramic compound layers. Thus in this work, the MAE is investigated experimentally in a geometrically asymmetric capacitively coupled RF discharge driven at 13.56 MHz and operated in mixtures of argon and oxygen. The DC self-bias, the symmetry parameter, the time resolved RF current, the plasma density, and the mean ion energy at the grounded electrode are measured as a function of the driving voltage amplitude and the magnetic field at the powered electrode. Results obtained in pure argon discharges are compared to measurements performed in argon with reactive gas admixture. The results reveal a dominance of the geometrical over the magnetic asymmetry. The DC self-bias voltage as well as the symmetry parameter are found to be only weakly influenced by a change of the magnetic field compared to previous results obtained in a geometrically more symmetric reactor. Nevertheless, the magnetic field is found to provide the opportunity to control NERH magnetically also in geometrically asymmetric reactors. Adding oxygen does not alter these discharge properties significantly compared to a pure argon discharge.
Precursor magneto-sonic solitons in a plasma from a moving charge bunch
Authors: Kumar Atul , Sen Abhijit
Published: June 2020

The nature of fore-wake excitations created by a charge bunch moving in a magnetized plasma is investigated using particle-in-cell simulations. Our studies establish for the first time the existence of precursor magneto-sonic solitons traveling ahead of a moving charge bunch. The nature of these excitations and the conditions governing their existence are delineated. We also confirm earlier molecular dynamic and fluid simulation results related to electrostatic precursor solitons obtained in the absence of a magnetic field. The electromagnetic precursors could have interesting practical applications such as in the interpretation of observed nonlinear structures during the interaction of the solar wind with the Earth and the Moon and may also serve as useful tracking signatures of charged space debris traveling in the ionosphere.
A hybrid Body-Machine Interface integrating signals from muscles and motions
Authors: Rizzoglio Fabio , Pierella Camilla , De Santis Dalia , Mussa-Ivaldi Ferdinando , Casadio Maura
Published: June 2020

Objective. Body-Machine Interfaces (BoMIs) establish a way to operate a variety of devices, allowing their users to extend the limits of their motor abilities by exploiting the redundancy of muscles and motions that remain available after spinal cord injury or stroke. Here, we considered the integration of two types of signals, motion signals derived from inertial measurement units (IMUs) and muscle activities recorded with electromyography (EMG), both contributing to the operation of the BoMI. Approach. A direct combination of IMU and EMG signals might result in inefficient control due to the differences in their nature. Accordingly, we used a nonlinear-regression-based approach to predict IMU from EMG signals, after which the predicted and actual IMU signals were combined into a hybrid control signal. The goal of this approach was to provide users with the possibility to switch seamlessly between movement and EMG control, using the BoMI as a tool for promoting the engagement of selected muscles. We tested the interface in three control modalities, EMG-only, IMU-only and hybrid, in a cohort of 15 unimpaired participants. Participants practiced reaching movements by guiding a computer cursor over a set of targets. Main results. We found that the proposed hybrid control led to comparable performance to IMU-based control and significantly outperformed the EMG-only control. Results also indicated that hybrid cursor control was predominantly influenced by EMG signals. Significance. We concluded that combining EMG with IMU signals could be an efficient way to target muscle activations while overcoming the limitations of an EMG-only control.
Understanding physical settings of street vendors in Surakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Kesumasari D
Published: June 2020

This study discussed the physical settings of street vendors in Surakarta and how they affected customers’ comfortability. Methods used were observation, place centered mapping, photo documentations, and informal interviews. Analysis was done qualitatively until a conclusion was obtained. Results of the study were types of prepared-food street vendors in Surakarta, namely: warung tenda, angkringan, street food carts (unmodified and modified carts), and unmovable stalls (semi-permanent and permanent stalls). Street vendor’s physical settings influenced customers’ physical and social comfortability. Physical comfortability was derived from street vendors’ location which usually under shade trees, consumer area was in open area, and not covered by tarps, has cool temperature, customers can sit comfortably, and customers can sit lesehan. Social comfortability was obtained when customers have a space to socialize; regardless the space was physically narrow. Factors related to social comfortability are the seller’s hospitality; customers can have a chat for hours, and low price food. In urban scale, it is hoped that this research can help the municipal government in formulating better policies related to street vendor management, specifically in developing clusters of street vendors (Shelter PKL).
Reinforcing identity: Bringing the new face of Malioboro Historic Place, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Widyastuti D T
Published: June 2020

The significant character of architecture for the majority places in the world will shape unique identity of place. Malioboro Street is a main commercial, historic and cultural corridor in the historic city of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. For couple of years, because of the modern development and economic reasons, the unique characters of buildings in Malioboro was going to fade away, covered mostly by commercial signboard, and some others had a different appearance from street walls pattern. This paper aims to examine to what extent the changes in the character of Malioboro street facades before and after the interference from the local government and how far the commercial signboard ‘hides’ the uniqueness of the building facades before and after the government initiatives was published. A qualitative method is carried out to examine to what extent the modernity and commercial interests influence the continuity of typical building facades in Malioboro Street. This method attempts to measure the degree of continuity in facade of significant buildings through calculation of the coverage percentage and placement of commercial signboard. The result shows there are significant positive change in bringing back the identity of Malioboro regarding the type, size, and placement of building façade commercial signboard.
Daylight performance of horizontal light pipe with egg-crate reflector in the tropics
Authors: Elsiana F , Soehartono F , Kristanto L
Published: June 2020

Horizontal Light Pipe (HLP) is one of a light transport system that can guide daylight deeper into building interiors. Improvement of HLP’s light distribution by installing an egg-crate reflector at its opening distribution was conducted. The study’s aim was to evaluate and explain the daylight performance of HLP with an egg-crate reflector at office space in the tropics. Experiment with physical scaled model 1:5 was used as a research method. Illuminance value, Daylight Factor (DF), uniformity ratio and diversity of illuminance of an office space lit by side window (base case) were compared to the office space lit by side window and HLP with an egg-crate reflector (case), simultaneously with daylighting standards. The results showed that HLP with egg-crate reflector improved daylight level and distribution. Improvement of DF and illuminance level were in the range of 16.6 % to 56.6 %. The uniformity ratio of the base case was in the range of 0.35 to 0.45, while in the case was in the range of 0.48 to 0.66. The diversity of illuminance of the base case at a low altitude of the sun (15:00) exceeded 5:1 while in the case was kept lower than 5:1 at all the measurement time.
Kalanganyar River, Sidoarjo Regency, Indonesia as a natural urban catalyst, living place or society pest
Authors: Mutia F , Elviana E , Yunisya A N
Published: June 2020

River as a water source became the most important part of Nusantara’s Architecture. Unfortunately, Kalanganyar River, Sidoarjo Regency, Indonesia has become a scapegoat for serious urban problems. Regarding the potentials as an urban catalyst, the function of the river varies, as a junk-space although in many parts of it, is a centre of life. This research is qualitative research with phenomenology approach. Character appraisal was conducted to analyze non-physical aspects. The physical aspects then analyzed through a walkthrough analysis. The results showed that as an urban catalyst, Kalanganyar River did enhance their surroundings to be more livable and giving a characteristic of the coastal area. The utilization of natural potential in the form of water banks is the main focus of coastal architectural characteristics. The rapid development until now should make the Government should reb thinking again about the regulations how far it can save the nature of the river.
Development of the solar-energized foodstuff drying system for urban communities
Authors: Susanto H , Setyobudi R H , Chan Y , Nur S M , Yandri E , Burlakovs J , Asbanu H , Nugroho Y A , Jani Y
Published: June 2020

Urban in Indonesia, is no longer limited as a center of community settlement. Now the city also functions as a center of government, a central hierarchy, and a center of economic growth. As a logical consequence of the role of cities as a center of growth and economy, urban contributions to national economic growth are increasing. To overcome this problem, a portable conveyor of solar-energized drying system was designed. With the portable conveyor of solar-energized drying system, the dryer will be easily moved and flexible to use. The advantage of portable conveyor of solar-energized drying system is the drying process could be done continuously with a little human power. Therefore, this portable conveyor of solar-energized drying system is designed to use renewable energy sources. To examine the portable conveyor of solar-energized drying system, the foodstuff was used for a testing of ingredients. The portable conveyor of solar-energized drying system testing show that the amount of water content in the foodstuff reduced, the drying rate accelerate. In addition, the amount of heat energy needed for the drying process also reduced. Hence process of drying foodstuff more efficienct.
Violation factors of the building coverage ratio: A study in Trimulyo Genuk, Semarang, Indonesia
Authors: Khadiyanto P , Soetomo S , Hadi S P
Published: June 2020

Excessive Building Coverage Ratio (BCR) defined as shutting of land that is supposed to be exposed, may have a significant impact on water infiltration, eventually leading to a higher risk of both drought and flooding. The objective of this research is to find the causative factors of violated BCR in a highly flood-prone area. Using a cross-tabulation method, the cause of the violation of the BCR divided by external and internal factors. External factors, such as the absence of sanctions, large area of land owned and less understanding on what BCR is, had a negative correlation with violations. On the other hand, internal factors, such as income, household enterprises, and household size, had a positive correlation with BCR violations. The conclusion of this study that there have been insufficient propagation to the public about the BCR, resulting in most people being indifferent to, or unaware of, the disadvantages and dangers arising from the violation thereof.