bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of RGO-Y2O3 and RGO-Y2O3:Cr3+ nanocomposite sensor for dopamine
Authors: Shashikumara J. K. , Kalaburgi Bhimanagouda , Swamy B. E. Kumara , Nagabhushana H. , Sharma S. C. , Lalitha P.
Published: April 2021

The RGO-Y2O3 and RGO-Y2O3: Cr3+ (5 mol %) nanocomposite (NC) synthesized by hydrothermal technique. The structure and morphology of the synthesized NCs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Y2O3:Cr3+ displays spherical-shaped particles. Conversely, the surface of the RGO displays a wrinkly texture connecting with the existence of flexible and ultrathin graphene sheets. The photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra showed series of sharp peaks at 490, 591, and 687 nm which corresponding to 4F9/2 → 6H15/2, 4F9/2 → 6H13/2, and 4F9/2 → 6H11/2 transitions and lies in the blue, orange, and red region. The prepared NCs were used for the preparation of modified carbon paste electrodes (MCPE) in the electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA) at pH 7.4. Both modified electrodes provide a good current response towards voltammetric detection of DA. Doping is an effective method to improve the conductivity of Y2O3:Cr3+ and developed a method for the sensor used in analytical applications.
Nanopore sequencing reveals TACC2 locus complexity and diversity of isoforms transcribed from an intronic promoter
Authors: Ito Yosuke , Terao Yasuhisa , Noma Shohei , Tagami Michihira , Yoshida Emiko , Hayashizaki Yoshihide , Itoh Masayoshi , Kawaji Hideya
Published: April 2021

Gene expression is controlled at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. The TACC2 gene was known to be associated with tumors but the control of its expression is unclear. We have reported that activity of the intronic promoter p10 of TACC2 in primary lesion of endometrial cancer is indicative of lymph node metastasis among a low-risk patient group. Here, we analyze the intronic promoter derived isoforms in JHUEM-1 endometrial cancer cells, and primary tissues of endometrial cancers and normal endometrium. Full-length cDNA amplicons are produced by long-range PCR and subjected to nanopore sequencing followed by computational error correction. We identify 16 stable, 4 variable, and 9 rare exons including 3 novel exons validated independently. All variable and rare exons reside N-terminally of the TACC domain and contribute to isoform variety. We found 240 isoforms as high-confidence, supported by more than 20 reads. The large number of isoforms produced from one minor promoter indicates the post-transcriptional complexity coupled with transcription at the TACC2 locus in cancer and normal cells.
Simulation of a flash-flood event over the Adriatic Sea with a high-resolution atmosphere–ocean–wave coupled system
Authors: Ricchi Antonio , Bonaldo Davide , Cioni Guido , Carniel Sandro , Miglietta Mario Marcello
Published: April 2021

On the morning of September 26, 2007, a heavy precipitation event (HPE) affected the Venice lagoon and the neighbouring coastal zone of the Adriatic Sea, with 6-h accumulated rainfall summing up to about 360 mm in the area between the Venetian mainland, Padua and Chioggia. The event was triggered and maintained by the uplift over a convergence line between northeasterly flow from the Alps and southeasterly winds from the Adriatic Sea. Hindcast modelling experiments, using standalone atmospheric models, failed to capture the spatial distribution, maximum intensity and timing of the HPE. Here we analyze the event by means of an atmosphere-wave-ocean coupled numerical approach. The combined use of convection permitting models with grid spacing of 1 km, high-resolution sea surface temperature (SST) fields, and the consistent treatment of marine boundary layer fluxes in all the numerical model components are crucial to provide a realistic simulation of the event. Inaccurate representations of the SST affect the wind magnitude and, through this, the intensity, location and time evolution of the convergence zone, thus affecting the HPE prediction.
Interfacing aptamers, nanoparticles and graphene in a hierarchical structure for highly selective detection of biomolecules in OECT devices
Authors: Peruzzi Carlotta , Battistoni Silvia , Montesarchio Daniela , Cocuzza Matteo , Marasso Simone Luigi , Verna Alessio , Pasquardini Laura , Verucchi Roberto , Aversa Lucrezia , Erokhin Victor , D’Angelo Pasquale , Iannotta Salvatore
Published: April 2021

In several biomedical applications, the detection of biomarkers demands high sensitivity, selectivity and easy-to-use devices. Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) represent a promising class of devices combining a minimal invasiveness and good signal transduction. However, OECTs lack of intrinsic selectivity that should be implemented by specific approaches to make them well suitable for biomedical applications. Here, we report on a biosensor in which selectivity and a high sensitivity are achieved by interfacing, in an OECT architecture, a novel gate electrode based on aptamers, Au nanoparticles and graphene hierarchically organized to optimize the final response. The fabricated biosensor performs state of the art limit of detection monitoring biomolecules, such as thrombin-with a limit of detection in the picomolar range (≤ 5 pM) and a very good selectivity even in presence of supraphysiological concentrations of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA-1mM). These accomplishments are the final result of the gate hierarchic structure that reduces sterich indrance that could contrast the recognition events and minimizes false positive, because of the low affinity of graphene towards the physiological environment. Since our approach can be easily applied to a large variety of different biomarkers, we envisage a relevant potential for a large series of different biomedical applications.
Semi-automated classification of colonial Microcystis by FlowCAM imaging flow cytometry in mesocosm experiment reveals high heterogeneity during seasonal bloom
Authors: Mirasbekov Yersultan , Zhumakhanova Adina , Zhantuyakova Almira , Sarkytbayev Kuanysh , Malashenkov Dmitry V. , Baishulakova Assel , Dashkova Veronika , Davidson Thomas A. , Vorobjev Ivan A. , Jeppesen Erik , Barteneva Natasha S.
Published: April 2021

A machine learning approach was employed to detect and quantifyMicrocystiscolonial morphospecies using FlowCAM-based imaging flow cytometry. The system was trained and tested using samples from a long-term mesocosm experiment (LMWE, Central Jutland, Denmark). The statistical validation of the classification approaches was performed using Hellinger distances, Bray–Curtis dissimilarity, and Kullback–Leibler divergence. The semi-automatic classification based on well-balanced training sets fromMicrocystisseasonal bloom provided a high level of intergeneric accuracy (96–100%) but relatively low intrageneric accuracy (67–78%). Our results provide a proof-of-concept of how machine learning approaches can be applied to analyze the colonial microalgae. This approach allowed to evaluateMicrocystisseasonal bloom in individual mesocosms with high level of temporal and spatial resolution. The observation that someMicrocystismorphotypes completely disappeared and re-appeared along the mesocosm experiment timeline supports the hypothesis of the main transition pathways of colonialMicrocystismorphoforms. We demonstrated that significant changes in the training sets with colonial images required for accurate classification ofMicrocystisspp. from time points differed by only two weeks due toMicrocystishigh phenotypic heterogeneity during the bloom. We conclude that automatic methods not only allow a performance level of human taxonomist, and thus be a valuable time-saving tool in the routine-like identification of colonial phytoplankton taxa, but also can be applied to increase temporal and spatial resolution of the study.
Cooperation across multiple game theoretical paradigms is increased by fear more than anger in selfish individuals
Authors: Chierchia G. , Parianen Lesemann F. H. , Snower D. , Singer T.
Published: April 2021

Cooperative decisions are well predicted by stable individual differences in social values but it remains unclear how they may be modulated by emotions such as fear and anger. Moving beyond specific decision paradigms, we used a suite of economic games and investigated how experimental inductions of fear or anger affect latent factors of decision making in individuals with selfish or prosocial value orientations. We found that, relative to experimentally induced anger, induced fear elicited higher scores on a cooperation factor, and that this effect was entirely driven by selfish participants. In fact, induced fear brought selfish individuals to cooperate similarly to prosocial individuals, possibly as a (selfish) mean to seek protection in others. These results suggest that two basic threat-related emotions, fear and anger, differentially affect a generalized form of cooperation and that this effect is buffered by prosocial value orientation.
The COVID-19 lab score: an accurate dynamic tool to predict in-hospital outcomes in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Antunez Muiños Pablo Jose , López Otero Diego , Amat-Santos Ignacio J. , López País Javier , Aparisi Alvaro , Cacho Antonio Carla E. , Catalá Pablo , González Ferrero Teba , Cabezón Gonzalo , Otero García Oscar , Gil José Francisco , Pérez Poza Marta , Candela Jordi , Rojas Gino , Jiménez Ramos Víctor , Veras Carlos , San Román J. Alberto , González-Juanatey José R.
Published: April 2021

Deterioration is sometimes unexpected in SARS-CoV2 infection. The aim of our study is to establish laboratory predictors of mortality in COVID-19 disease which can help to identify high risk patients. All patients admitted to hospital due to Covid-19 disease were included. Laboratory biomarkers that contributed with significant predictive value for predicting mortality to the clinical model were included. Cut-off points were established, and finally a risk score was built. 893 patients were included. Median age was 68.2 ± 15.2 years. 87(9.7%) were admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 72(8.1%) needed mechanical ventilation support. 171(19.1%) patients died. A Covid-19 Lab score ranging from 0 to 30 points was calculated on the basis of a multivariate logistic regression model in order to predict mortality with a weighted score that included haemoglobin, erythrocytes, leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, creatinine, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, procalcitonin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and D-dimer. Three groups were established. Low mortality risk group under 12 points, 12 to 18 were included as moderate risk, and high risk group were those with 19 or more points. Low risk group as reference, moderate and high patients showed mortality OR 4.75(CI95% 2.60–8.68) and 23.86(CI 95% 13.61–41.84), respectively. C-statistic was 0–85(0.82–0.88) and Hosmer–Lemeshow p-value 0.63. Covid-19 Lab score can very easily predict mortality in patients at any moment during admission secondary to SARS-CoV2 infection. It is a simple and dynamic score, and it can be very easily replicated. It could help physicians to identify high risk patients to foresee clinical deterioration.
Variation in the concentration and regional distribution of magnetic nanoparticles in human brains, with and without Alzheimer’s disease, from the UK
Authors: Hammond Jessica , Maher Barbara A. , Ahmed Imad A. M. , Allsop David
Published: April 2021

The presence of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in the human brain was attributed until recently to endogenous formation; associated with a putative navigational sense, or with pathological mishandling of brain iron within senile plaques. Conversely, an exogenous, high-temperature source of brain MNPs has been newly identified, based on their variable sizes/concentrations, rounded shapes/surface crystallites, and co-association with non-physiological metals (e.g., platinum, cobalt). Here, we examined the concentration and regional distribution of brain magnetite/maghemite, by magnetic remanence measurements of 147 samples of fresh/frozen tissues, from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and pathologically-unremarkable brains (80–98 years at death) from the Manchester Brain Bank (MBB), UK. The magnetite/maghemite concentrations varied between individual cases, and different brain regions, with no significant difference between the AD and non-AD cases. Similarly, all the elderly MBB brains contain varying concentrations of non-physiological metals (e.g. lead, cerium), suggesting universal incursion of environmentally-sourced particles, likely across the geriatric blood–brain barrier (BBB). Cerebellar Manchester samples contained significantly lower (~ 9×) ferrimagnetic content compared with those from a young (29 years ave.), neurologically-damaged Mexico City cohort. Investigation of younger, variably-exposed cohorts, prior to loss of BBB integrity, seems essential to understand early brain impacts of exposure to exogenous magnetite/maghemite and other metal-rich pollution particles.
Characteristics of progressive temporal visual field defects in patients with myopia
Authors: Lee Jiyun , Park Chan Kee , Jung Kyoung In
Published: April 2021

Temporal visual field damage (VFD) is the common type of non-glaucomatous VF defects found in eyes with myopia. However, little is known about the factors associated with its progression. We investigated the characteristic of myopic eyes with progressive temporal VF defects. This retrospective, observational study included a total of 116 eyes: 39 eyes with temporal VFDs and an axial length greater than 24.5 mm, 77 eyes with typical glaucomatous VFDs who were followed up more than 5 years. VF progression was evaluated with Trend-based global progression analysis. In the temporal VFD group, the greater tilt ratios, the higher prevalence of β-zone peripapillary atrophy (β-PPA), the substantial increase in β-PPA were found, compared to the typical glaucomatous VFD groups (all P-values ≤ 0.001). The temporal VFD group had the slower progression than the typical glaucomatous VFD group on trend-based GPA (P = 0.047). In the multivariate linear regression analysis, the change of β-PPA area over years was related to temporal VFD progression (B, − 0.000088, P = 0.003). In conclusion, myopic eyes with the temporal VFD, which come with growing β-PPA area, should be monitored with extra caution.
Synthetic single cell RNA sequencing data from small pilot studies using deep generative models
Authors: Treppner Martin , Salas-Bastos Adrián , Hess Moritz , Lenz Stefan , Vogel Tanja , Binder Harald
Published: April 2021

Deep generative models, such as variational autoencoders (VAEs) or deep Boltzmann machines (DBMs), can generate an arbitrary number of synthetic observations after being trained on an initial set of samples. This has mainly been investigated for imaging data but could also be useful for single-cell transcriptomics (scRNA-seq). A small pilot study could be used for planning a full-scale experiment by investigating planned analysis strategies on synthetic data with different sample sizes. It is unclear whether synthetic observations generated based on a small scRNA-seq dataset reflect the properties relevant for subsequent data analysis steps. We specifically investigated two deep generative modeling approaches, VAEs and DBMs. First, we considered single-cell variational inference (scVI) in two variants, generating samples from the posterior distribution, the standard approach, or the prior distribution. Second, we propose single-cell deep Boltzmann machines (scDBMs). When considering the similarity of clustering results on synthetic data to ground-truth clustering, we find that the$$scVI_{posterior}$$scVIposteriorvariant resulted in high variability, most likely due to amplifying artifacts of small datasets. All approaches showed mixed results for cell types with different abundance by overrepresenting highly abundant cell types and missing less abundant cell types. With increasing pilot dataset sizes, the proportions of the cells in each cluster became more similar to that of ground-truth data. We also showed that all approaches learn the univariate distribution of most genes, but problems occurred with bimodality. Across all analyses, in comparing 10$$\times$$×Genomics and Smart-seq2 technologies, we could show that for 10$$\times$$×datasets, which have higher sparsity, it is more challenging to make inference from small to larger datasets. Overall, the results show that generative deep learning approaches might be valuable for supporting the design of scRNA-seq experiments.
Messenger RNA biomarkers of Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus infection in the whole blood of dairy calves
Authors: Johnston Dayle , Earley Bernadette , McCabe Matthew S. , Kim JaeWoo , Taylor Jeremy F. , Lemon Ken , Duffy Catherine , McMenamy Michael , Cosby S. Louise , Waters Sinead M.
Published: April 2021

Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV) is a primary viral cause of Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) in young calves, which is responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality. Infection with BRSV induces global gene expression changes in respiratory tissues. If these changes are observed in tissues which are more accessible in live animals, such as whole blood, they may be used as biomarkers for diagnosis of the disease. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to elucidate the whole blood transcriptomic response of dairy calves to an experimental challenge with BRSV. Calves (Holstein–Friesian) were either administered BRSV inoculate (103.5 TCID50/ml × 15 ml) (n = 12) or sterile phosphate buffered saline (n = 6). Clinical signs were scored daily and whole blood was collected in Tempus RNA tubes immediately prior to euthanasia, at day 7 post-challenge. RNA was extracted from blood and sequenced (150 bp paired-end). The sequence reads were aligned to the bovine reference genome (UMD3.1) and EdgeR was subsequently employed for differential gene expression analysis. Multidimensional scaling showed that samples from BRSV challenged and control calves segregated based on whole blood gene expression changes, despite the BRSV challenged calves only displaying mild clinical symptoms of the disease. There were 281 differentially expressed (DE) genes (p < 0.05, FDR < 0.1, fold change > 2) between the BRSV challenged and control calves. The top enriched KEGG pathways and gene ontology terms were associated with viral infection and included “Influenza A”, “defense response to virus”, “regulation of viral life cycle” and “innate immune response”. Highly DE genes involved in these pathways may be beneficial for the diagnosis of subclinical BRD from blood samples.
Comparative study of the environmental footprints of marinas on European Islands
Authors: Cruz-Pérez Noelia , Rodríguez-Martín Jesica , García Celso , Ioras Florin , Christofides Nicholas , Vieira Marco , Bruccoleri Manfredi , Santamarta Juan C.
Published: April 2021

Ports have been key elements in Europe's economic development. This situation is even more relevant on islands, which are highly dependent on the maritime sector. Consequently, over the years, ports with diverse functionalities have been established both in mainland Europe and on its outlying islands. This article discusses the environmental impact of leisure marinas on European islands, especially as they are closely linked to economic development through tourism. The aim is to study the environmental impact of these infrastructures by determining the carbon and water footprints of marinas on European islands in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. The results obtained enable the authors to make recommendations in order to reduce the overall environmental footprint of marinas on islands, considering that these territories are much more vulnerable to climate change than mainland locations in Europe.
Polymer coated gold nanoshells for combinational photochemotherapy of pancreatic cancer with gemcitabine
Authors: Emamzadeh Mina , Pasparakis George
Published: April 2021

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies with limited therapeutic options and dismal prognosis. Gemcitabine is the front-line drug against pancreatic cancer however with limited improvement of therapeutic outcomes. In this study we envisaged the integration of GEM with gold nanoshells which constitute an interesting class of nanomaterials with excellent photothermal conversion properties. Nanoshells were coated with thiol-capped poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate polymers of different molecular weight via Au–S attachment. It was found that the molecular weight of the polymers affects the in vitro performance of the formulations; more importantly we demonstrate that the EC50 of nanoshell loaded GEM can be suppressed but fully restored and even improved upon laser irradiation. Our proposed nanoformulations outperformed the cytotoxicity of the parent drug and showed confined synergism under the tested in vitro conditions.
A long-term longitudinal study of the osteoarthritic changes to the temporomandibular joint evaluated using a novel three-dimensional superimposition method
Authors: Han Kyungjae , Kim Mun Cheol , Kim Youn Joong , Song Yunheon , Tae Ilho , Ryu Jae-Jun , Lee Dong-Yul , Jung Seok-Ki
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in individual condyles from 5 to 8 years in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis using 3-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (3D CBCT) reconstruction and superimposition. To assess the longitudinal TMJ changes, CBCT was performed at initial (T0) and final (T2) timepoints that were at least 5 years apart and at a middle (T1) timepoint. To improve the accuracy, we used a novel superimposition method that designated areas of coronoid process and mandibular body. The differences in the resorption and apposition amounts were calculated between each model via maximum surface distances. The greatest resorption and apposition observed were − 7.48 and 2.66 mm, respectively. Evaluation of the changes in each condyle showed that osteoarthritis leads to both resorption and apposition. Resorption was mainly observed in the superior region, while high apposition rates were observed (in decreasing order) in the posterior, lateral, and anterior regions. The medial parts showed greater apposition than the lateral parts in all regions. Our superimposition method reveals that both resorption and apposition were observed in condyles with TMJ osteoarthritis, and resorption/apposition patterns depend on the individual condyle and its sites.
Thermodynamic equilibrium theory revealing increased hysteresis in ferroelectric field-effect transistors with free charge accumulation
Authors: Bizindavyi Jasper , Verhulst Anne S. , Sorée Bart , Vandenberghe William G.
Published: April 2021

At the core of the theoretical framework of the ferroelectric field-effect transistor (FeFET) is the thermodynamic principle that one can determine the equilibrium behavior of ferroelectric (FERRO) systems using the appropriate thermodynamic potential. In literature, it is often implicitly assumed, without formal justification, that the Gibbs free energy is the appropriate potential and that the impact of free charge accumulation can be neglected. In this Article, we first formally demonstrate that the Grand Potential is the appropriate thermodynamic potential to analyze the equilibrium behavior of perfectly coherent and uniform FERRO-systems. We demonstrate that the Grand Potential only reduces to the Gibbs free energy for perfectly non-conductive FERRO-systems. Consequently, the Grand Potential is always required for free charge-conducting FERRO-systems. We demonstrate that free charge accumulation at the FERRO interface increases the hysteretic device characteristics. Lastly, a theoretical best-case upper limit for the interface defect density DFI is identified.
Amplified spontaneous emission from oligo(p-phenylenevinylene) derivatives
Authors: Mamada Masashi , Nakanotani Hajime , Adachi Chihaya
Published: April 2021

A series of oligo(p-phenylenevinylene) derivatives were fully characterized. Compounds with herringbone packing exhibited amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) thresholds as low as 7.2 μJ cm−2, while those with π-stacked structures did not show ASE.
About the mechanism of ultrasonically induced protein capsule formation
Authors: Doering Ulrike , Grigoriev Dmitry , Tapio Kosti , Rosencrantz Sophia , Rosencrantz Ruben R. , Bald Ilko , Böker Alexander
Published: April 2021

A consistent mechanism of protein microcapsule formation upon ultrasound treatment is proposed. The evidence for this mechanism is based on experimental data from SDS-PAGE, Raman spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering.
Revealing the true impact of interstitial and substitutional nitrogen doping in TiO2 on photoelectrochemical applications
Authors: Khan Sherdil , Lemes Ruwer Thais , Khan Niqab , Köche Ariadne , Lodge Rhys W. , Coelho-Júnior Horácio , Sommer Rubem L. , Leite Santos Marcos J. , Malfatti Célia F. , Bergmann Carlos P. , Fernandes Jesum Alves
Published: April 2021

A holistic approach to fully characterize the physical–chemical properties of N doped TiO2 and evaluate its true impact on photoelectrochemical applications.
Qualitative and quantitative recognition of chiral drugs based on terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Zefang , Peng Yan , Shi Chengjun , Wang Liping , Chen Xiaohong , Wu Wanwan , Wu Xu , Zhu Yiming , Zhang Jingchen , Cheng Guiliang , Zhuang Songlin
Published: April 2021

Our experimental steps and processing procedures.
One-pot fluorescent assay for sensitive detection of APOBEC3A activity
Authors: Wang Bingyao , Zhang Xiong , Wang Yafen , Chen Kun , Wang Fang , Weng Xiaocheng , Zhou Xiang
Published: April 2021

A one-pot fluorescence-based assay to quantitively detect APOBEC3A activity was developed.
Direct arylation polycondensation towards water/alcohol-soluble conjugated polymers as the electron transporting layers for organic solar cells
Authors: Lin Kaiwen , Yin Qingwu , Wang Zhenfeng , Xie Boming , Duan Chunhui , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: April 2021

Two water/alcohol soluble conjugated polymers (WSCPs), based on naphthalenediimide and amino-functionalized 3,4-(propylenedioxy)thiophene, were synthesized via direct arylation polycondensation (DArP).
Electrochemical energy storage devices working in extreme conditions
Authors: Chen Mingzhe , Zhang Yanyan , Xing Guichuan , Chou Shu-Lei , Tang Yuxin
Published: April 2021

This review provides key scientific points and critical barriers for electrochemical ESSs under various extreme conditions, and corresponding rational strategies and promising directions to maintain satisfactory performance.
Correction: Metal production requirements for rapid photovoltaics deployment
Authors: Kavlak Goksin , McNerney James , Jaffe Robert L. , Trancik Jessika E.
Published: April 2021

Correction for ‘Metal production requirements for rapid photovoltaics deployment’ by Goksin Kavlak et al., Energy Environ. Sci., 2015, 8, 1651–1659, DOI: 10.1039/C5EE00585J.
Effects of Limosilactobacillus fermentum CCFM1139 on experimental periodontitis in rats
Authors: Zhang Qiuxiang , Xu Wanqing , Xu Xianyin , Lu Wenwei , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei
Published: April 2021

L. fermentum CCFM1139 can decrease P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum colonizations in the oral cavity of rats, and regulate the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 in the periodontal tissue, and alveolar bone loss caused by periodontitis.
Zwitterionic compounds are less ecotoxic than their analogous ionic liquids
Authors: Jesus Fátima , Passos Helena , Ferreira Ana M. , Kuroda Kosuke , Pereira Joana Luísa , Gonçalves Fernando J. M. , Coutinho João A. P. , Ventura Sónia P. M.
Published: April 2021

Zwitterionic compounds are less ecotoxic than their analogous ionic liquids.
Promotion effects of PrPO4 for the hydrogenation transformation of biomass-derived compounds over Pr–Ni–P composites
Authors: Zhang Ya-Fang , Dai Ben , Zhao Dan , Zhang Di-Hui , Xu Meng-Xing , He Xiang-Hua , Chen Chao
Published: April 2021

Dramatic enhancements in both the product yield and reaction speed compared with Ni2P were achieved on PrPO4/Ni2P composites in virtue of the exclusive capability of PrPO4 to activate H2 for hydrogenation transformations of biomass derivatives.
Dual contrast agents for fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging: evaluation in a murine model of prostate cancer
Authors: Lesniak Wojciech G. , Wu Yixuan , Kang Jeeun , Boinapally Srikanth , Ray Banerjee Sangeeta , Lisok Ala , Jablonska Anna , Boctor Emad M. , Pomper Martin G.
Published: April 2021

PAMAM dendrimers can serve as scaffolds for dual contrast imagingin vivo. Here they target tumors expressing the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) for fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging.
Janus membrane with novel directional water transport capacity for efficient atmospheric water capture
Authors: Ren Baona , Pi Haohong , Zhao Xin , Hu Miaomiao , Zhang Xiuqin , Wang Rui , Wu Jing
Published: April 2021

Janus membrane with novel directional water transport capacity is fabricated by integrating in situ surface oxidation and electrospinning. It possesses excellent atmospheric water capture capacity and be successfully applied in plant cultivation.
Chestnut-like macro-acanthosphere triggered hemostasis: a featured mechanism based on puncturing red blood cells
Authors: Liu Yang , Yu Kun , Shang Songmin , Xie Ruiqi , Lu Fei , Bao Rong , Lan Guangqian , Hu Enling
Published: April 2021

Self-propelled macro acanthospheres with rich sharp nanothorns are developed to puncture red blood cells, thus promoting the release of procoagulants contain in blood cell and enhancing the platelet activation for hemostasis.
Yolk–shell structured CoSe2/C nanospheres as multifunctional anode materials for both full/half sodium-ion and full/half potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Sun Xiuping , Zeng Suyuan , Man Ruxia , Wang Lu , Zhang Bo , Tian Fang , Qian Yitai , Xu Liqiang
Published: April 2021

Yolk–shell structured CoSe2/C as multifunctional anode materials show superior performances for both full/half sodium-ion and full/half potassium-ion batteries.
Air-gap embedded triboelectric nanogenerator via surface modification of non-contact layer using sandpapers
Authors: Kim Inkyum , Roh Hyeonhee , Choi Wontae , Kim Daewon
Published: April 2021

A method to enhance the electrical outputs of the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is proposed and theoretically/experimentally analyzed. The non-/contact surfaces of the air-gap embedded TENG are polished by the optimum grit number of sandpapers.
Key residues of the receptor binding domain in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 mediating the interactions with ACE2: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Yang Yanmei , Zhang Yunju , Qu Yuanyuan , Zhang Chao , Liu Xue-Wei , Zhao Mingwen , Mu Yuguang , Li Weifeng
Published: April 2021

The residues of RBD in SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein were classified by their contributions to the binding affinity with ACE2. These residues are potential targets to the design of SARS-CoV-2 drugs and identification of cross-active antibodies.
Three-dimensional microspheres constructed with MoS2 nanosheets supported on multiwalled carbon nanotubes for optimized sodium storage
Authors: Chen Lei , Shen Mao , Ren Shi-Bin , Chen Yu-Xiang , Li Wei , Han De-Man
Published: April 2021

Three-dimensional (3D) microspheres of MoS2 nanosheets grown on multiwalled carbon nanotubes are obtained via a simple one-pot hydrothermal method and achieve excellent sodium storage performance.
Development of a triazinedione-based dehydrative condensing reagent containing 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine as an acyl transfer catalyst
Authors: Liu Jie , Fujita Hikaru , Kitamura Masanori , Shimada Daichi , Kunishima Munetaka
Published: April 2021

Combination of the triazinedione core and 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) produced a powerful dehydrative condensing reagent for operationally simple esterification and amidation.
Iminophosphorane-mediated regioselective umpolung alkylation reaction of α-iminoesters
Authors: Yoshida Yasushi , Kukita Mayu , Omori Kazuki , Mino Takashi , Sakamoto Masami
Published: April 2021

The first regioselective umpolung alkylation of α-iminoesters with alkyl halides mediated by iminophosphorane has developed (up to 82% yield).
Gold nanoparticles conjugated with anti-CD133 monoclonal antibody and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapeutic agent as nanocarriers for cancer cell targeting
Authors: Mohd-Zahid Manali Haniti , Zulkifli Siti Nadiah , Che Abdullah Che Azurahanim , Lim JitKang , Fakurazi Sharida , Wong Kah Keng , Zakaria Andee Dzulkarnaen , Ismail Norzila , Uskoković Vuk , Mohamud Rohimah , Z. A Iskandar
Published: April 2021

5-FU-PEGylated AuNPs-CD133 is designed to improve specific targeting of 5-FU against colorectal cancer cells which abundantly express CD133.
Preparation, characterization serpentine-loaded hydroxyapatite and its simultaneous removal performance for fluoride, iron and manganese
Authors: Li Xilin , Yu Xiaowan , Liu Ling , Yang Jianlin , Liu Siyuan , Zhang Tianyi
Published: April 2021

A new adsorbent Srp/HAP for simultaneous removal of fluoride, iron and manganese was prepared, characterized and analyzed.
Biocompatible metal–organic frameworks for the storage and therapeutic delivery of hydrogen sulfide
Authors: Chen Faith E. , Mandel Ruth M. , Woods Joshua J. , Lee Jung-Hoon , Kim Jaehwan , Hsu Jesse H. , Fuentes-Rivera José J. , Wilson Justin J. , Milner Phillip J.
Published: April 2021

Metal–organic frameworks enable the delivery of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous gasotransmitter with potential therapeutic value for treating disorders such as ischemia-reperfusion injury.
How the biomimetic assembly of membrane receptors into multivalent domains is regulated by a small ligand
Authors: Grochmal Anna , Woods Ben , Milanesi Lilia , Perez-Soto Manuel , Tomas Salvador
Published: April 2021

In lipid vesicles near their membrane phase-transition temperature, the presence of a small, weakly binding ligand tips the balance for the assembly of multivalent receptor domains. We recapitulate this behaviour using a global binding-clustering model.
Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of uranium(vi) nitrides
Authors: Barluzzi Luciano , Hsueh Fang-Che , Scopelliti Rosario , Atkinson Benjamin E. , Kaltsoyannis Nikolas , Mazzanti Marinella
Published: April 2021

The first examples of molecular compounds containing the cyclic (U(vi)N)2 and (U(v)U(vi)N)2 cores were obtained by oxidation of the (U(v)U(v)N)2 analogue. Different bonding within these complexes yields different stability and reactivity with CO and H2.
Zinc-based electron transport materials for over 9.6%-efficient S-rich Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells
Authors: Zhao Yuqi , Li Chuang , Niu Jiabin , Zhi Zong , Chen Guilin , Gong Junbo , Li Jianmin , Xiao Xudong
Published: April 2021

The use of a Zn(O,S)/CdS bilayer ETL was demonstrated successfully in highly efficient (9.62%) Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells, addressing environmental concerns and photocurrent loss with significantly reduced usage of CdS.
Liquid-crystalline TADF materials based on substituted carbazoles and terephthalonitrile
Authors: Suleymanova Alfiya F. , Shafikov Marsel Z. , Whitwood Adrian C. , Czerwieniec Rafał , Bruce Duncan W.
Published: April 2021

Functionalising 2,5-di(N,N'-carbazolyl)terephthalonitrile or 2,3,5,6-tetra(N,N'-carbazolyl)terephthalonitrile on the carbazole moiety with alkoxy chains, gives a family of materials that show TADF response; two of them are also liquid crystalline.
Efficient hole transport layers based on cross-linked poly(N-vinylcarbazole) for high-performance perovskite photodetectors
Authors: He Lijuan , Wang Deyu , Zhao Yan , Zhang Yiqi , Wei Wei , Shen Liang
Published: April 2021

The cross-linked PVK doping with F4TCNQ demonstrated outstanding hole extraction and transport capability, has been successfully used in p–i–n perovskite photodetectors as an efficient hole transport layer (HTL).
Planar heterojunctions for reduced non-radiative open-circuit voltage loss and enhanced stability of organic solar cells
Authors: Li Yawen , Lin Yuze
Published: April 2021

Planar heterojunction organic solar cells exhibit lower trap density, higher electroluminescence efficiency, smaller non-radiative open-circuit voltage loss and better stability than bulk heterojunction counterparts.
The F1Fo-ATPase inhibitor, IF1, is a critical regulator of energy metabolism in cancer cells
Authors: Solaini Giancarlo , Sgarbi Gianluca , Baracca Alessandra
Published: April 2021

In the last two decades, IF1, the endogenous inhibitor of the mitochondrial F1Fo-ATPase (ATP synthase) has assumed greater and ever greater interest since it has been found to be overexpressed in many cancers. At present, several findings indicate that IF1 is capable of playing a central role in cancer cells by promoting metabolic reprogramming, proliferation and resistance to cell death. However, the mechanism(s) at the basis of this pro-oncogenic action of IF1 remains elusive. Here, we recall the main features of the mechanism of the action of IF1 when the ATP synthase works in reverse, and discuss the experimental evidence that support its relevance in cancer cells. In particular, a clear pro-oncogenic action of IF1 is to avoid wasting of ATP when cancer cells are exposed to anoxia or near anoxia conditions, therefore favoring cell survival and tumor growth. However, more recently, various papers have described IF1 as an inhibitor of the ATP synthase when it is working physiologically (i.e. synthethizing ATP), and therefore reprogramming cell metabolism to aerobic glycolysis. In contrast, other studies excluded IF1 as an inhibitor of ATP synthase under normoxia, providing the basis for a hot debate. This review focuses on the role of IF1 as a modulator of the ATP synthase in normoxic cancer cells with the awareness that the knowledge of the molecular action of IF1 on the ATP synthase is crucial in unravelling the molecular mechanism(s) responsible for the pro-oncogenic role of IF1 in cancer and in developing related anticancer strategies.
Effectiveness of Simulation Training on Graduate Audiology Students' Auditory Brainstem Response Testing Skills
Authors: Reed Amanda , Andre Alexandra , Ananthakrishnan Saradha , Korczak Peggy
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Simulation is a tool commonly used in the clinical training of students within the health professions fields, such as medicine and nursing. The effectiveness of simulation as a teaching technique has been extensively documented in numerous health care professions; however, little is known about the effectiveness of simulation techniques in audiology education. This study assesses the effectiveness of a simulation activity focused on auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing conducted with students of an applied doctoral program in audiology.

Method

Twelve 2nd year audiology graduate students enrolled in the auditory electrophysiology course at Towson University in Fall 2018 participated in this pre–post study. Over a 3-week period, each student (a) received didactic instruction in ABR testing, (b) underwent a presimulation exercise skills assessment, (c) participated in a simulation exercise, and (d) underwent a postsimulation exercise skills assessment.

Results

Significant improvements were observed in clinical skill level for the ABR tasks evaluated in terms of both accuracy and efficiency (time in seconds needed to complete the task). The tasks evaluated included skin preparation, identification of scalp electrode placement sites, and scalp electrode placement in a variety of configurations (single- and two-channel arrays, horizontal and vertical electrode montages). Benefits associated with simulation-based instruction varied by clinical skill as well as by student.

Conclusions

The data described in this study reinforce the need to incorporate simulation in audiology training programs, especially for complex clinical skills. It also emphasizes the need for additional research that can be useful in the design and implementation of simulation-based exercises.
Observations of distant comet C/2011 KP36 (Spacewatch): photometry, spectroscopy, and polarimetry
Authors: Ivanova Oleksandra , Rosenbush Vera , Luk’yanyk Igor , Kolokolova Ludmilla , Kleshchonok Valery , Kiselev Nikolai , Afanasiev Viktor , Renée Kirk Zachary
Published: April 2021

Aims. The main objective of our study is to obtain new observational results for the active long-period comet C/2011 KP36 (Spacewatch). This comet has unusual orbital properties and moves at distances larger than 5 au from the Sun.

Methods. We carried out extensive observations of comet C/2011 KP36 (Spacewatch) at the 6-m BTA telescope of the Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences with the focal reducer SCORPIO-2. We obtained quasi-simultaneous long-slit spectra in the visible, as well as photometric and linear polarimetric images with the g-sdss and r-sdss filters on November 25, 2016 when the heliocentric and geocentric distances of the comet were 5.06 au and 4.47 au, respectively. We modeled the behavior of the color and polarization in the coma, considering the dust as an ensemble of polydisperse nonspherical particles.

Results. Two strong jet-like structures in solar and antisolar directions and two short and narrow jet features in the perpendicular direction were revealed in the coma. Our simulations showed that the latter two jets originated from the same active area. We determined the orientation of the rotation axis of the nucleus and the position of three active areas. High activity of the comet was characterized by Afρ values of 1065 ± 11 cm in the g-sdss filter and 1264 ± 17 cm in the r-sdss filter. The comet was found to be rich in CO+, while there was no clear detection of CN, C3, C2, and N2+. The dust color g–r varies over the coma from about 0.2m to 0.7m, and the linear polarization degree from about −1% to −6% at the phase angle 9.6°. The color of the nucleus of comet C/2011 KP36 (Spacewatch) is ultrared, B – R = 1.9m ± 0.3m.

Conclusions. The high variability of the observed characteristics over the coma of comet C/2011 KP36 (Spacewatch) indicates significant and variable activity of the nucleus with, probably, numerous small active areas. Together with the three identified large active areas, they are characterized by different combinations of water ice, CO2 ice, and refractory dust and sizes of their particles, which are in the micron-size range.
TDCOSMO
Authors: Chen Geoff C.-F. , Fassnacht Christopher D. , Suyu Sherry H. , Yıldırım Akın , Komatsu Eiichiro , Luis Bernal José
Published: April 2021

Time-delay cosmography with gravitationally lensed quasars plays an important role in anchoring the absolute distance scale and hence measuring the Hubble constant, H0, independent of traditional distance ladder methodology. A current potential limitation of time-delay distance measurements is the mass-sheet transformation (MST), which leaves the lensed imaging unchanged but changes the distance measurements and the derived value of H0. In this work we show that the standard method of addressing the MST in time-delay cosmography, through a combination of high-resolution imaging and the measurement of the stellar velocity dispersion of the lensing galaxy, depends on the assumption that the ratio, Ds/Dds, of angular diameter distances to the background quasar and between the lensing galaxy and the quasar can be constrained. This is typically achieved through the assumption of a particular cosmological model. Previous work (TDCOSMO IV) addressed the mass-sheet degeneracy and derived H0 under the assumption of the ΛCDM model. In this paper we show that the mass-sheet degeneracy can be broken without relying on a specific cosmological model by combining lensing with relative distance indicators such as supernovae Type Ia and baryon acoustic oscillations, which constrain the shape of the expansion history and hence Ds/Dds. With this approach, we demonstrate that the mass-sheet degeneracy can be constrained in a cosmological model-independent way. Hence model-independent distance measurements in time-delay cosmography under MSTs can be obtained.
Maximum helium content of multiple populations in the globular cluster NGC 6752
Authors: Martins F. , Chantereau W. , Charbonnel C.
Published: April 2021

Context. Multiple populations in globular clusters are usually explained by the formation of stars out of material with a chemical composition that is polluted to different degrees by the ejecta of short-lived, massive stars. But the nature of the “polluters” remains elusive. Different types of stars have been proposed to account for the observed chemical patterns of multiple populations. Among other things, these differ by the amount of helium they spread in the surrounding medium.

Aims. In this study we investigate whether the present-day photometric method used to infer the helium content of multiple populations indeed gives the true value or underestimates it by missing very He-rich, but rare stars. This check is important to discriminate between the different polluter scenarios. We focus on the specific case of NGC 6752.

Methods. We compute atmosphere models and synthetic spectra along isochrones produced for this cluster for a very broad range of He abundances covering the predictions of the different scenarios, including the extreme case of the fast-rotating massive star (FRMS) scenario. We use the same abundances in isochrones and atmosphere models to ensure consistency. We calculate synthetic photometry in HST filters best suited to study the helium content. We subsequently build synthetic clusters with various distributions of stars. We finally determine the maximum helium mass fraction of these synthetic clusters using a method similar to that applied to observational data. In particular, we select nonpolluted and very He-rich stars from the so-called chromosome map.

Results. We re-determine the maximum helium mass fraction Y in NGC 6752, and find a value consistent with published results. We build toy models of clusters with various distributions of multiple populations and ensure that we are able to recover the input maximum Y. We then build synthetic clusters with the populations predicted by the FRMS scenario and find that while we slightly underestimate the maximum Y value, we are still able to detect stars much more He-rich than the current observed maximum Y. This result still holds even in synthetic clusters that contain less He-rich stars than predicted by the FRMS scenario. It is easier to determine the maximum Y on main sequence stars than on red giant branch stars, but qualitatively the results are unaffected by the sample choice.

Conclusions. We show that in NGC 6752 it is unlikely that stars more He-rich than the current observational limit of about 0.3 (in mass fraction) are present.