bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor pH‐Responsive Albumin/Polyaniline Assemblies for Amplified Photoacoustic Imaging and Augmented Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Tian Qiwei , Li Yaping , Jiang Shanshan , An Lu , Lin Jiaomin , Wu Huixia , Huang Peng , Yang Shiping
Published: August 2019

Tumor‐microenvironment‐responsive theranostics have great potential for precision diagnosis and effective treatment of cancer. Polyaniline (PANI) is the first reported pH‐responsive organic photothermal agent and is widely used as a theranostic agent. However, tumor pH‐responsive PANI‐based theranostic agents are not explored, mainly because the conversion from the emeraldine base (EB) to emeraldine salt (ES) state of PANI requires pH < 4, which is lower than tumor acidic microenvironment. Herein, a tumor pH‐responsive PANI‐based theranostic agent is designed and prepared for amplified photoacoustic imaging guided augmented photothermal therapy (PTT), through intermolecular acid–base reactions between carboxyl groups of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and imine moieties of PANI. The albumin/PANI assemblies (BSA–PANI) can convert from the EB to ES state at pH < 7, accompanied by the absorbance redshift from visible to near‐infrared region. Both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that tumor acidic microenvironment can trigger both the photoacoustic imaging (PAI) signal amplification and the PTT efficacy enhancement of BSA–PANI assemblies. This work not only highlights that BSA–PANI assemblies overcome the limitation of low‐pH protonation, but also provides a facile assembly strategy for a tumor pH‐responsive PANI‐based nanoplatform for cancer theranostics.
Controllable Fabrication of Inhomogeneous Microcapsules for Triggered Release by Osmotic Pressure
Authors: Zhang Weixia , Qu Liangliang , Pei Hao , Qin Zhao , Didier Jonathan , Wu Zhengwei , Bobe Frank , Ingber Donald E. , Weitz David A.
Published: August 2019

Inhomogeneous microcapsules that can encapsulate various cargo for controlled release triggered by osmotic shock are designed and reported. The microcapsules are fabricated using a microfluidic approach and the inhomogeneity of shell thickness in the microcapsules can be controlled by tuning the flow rate ratio of the middle phase to the inner phase. This study demonstrates the swelling of these inhomogeneous microcapsules begins at the thinnest part of shell and eventually leads to rupture at the weak spot with a low osmotic pressure. Systematic studies indicate the rupture fraction of these microcapsules increases with increasing inhomogeneity, while the rupture osmotic pressure decreases linearly with increasing inhomogeneity. The inhomogeneous microcapsules are demonstrated to be impermeable to small probe molecules, which enables long‐term storage. Thus, these microcapsules can be used for long‐term storage of enzymes, which can be controllably released through osmotic shock without impairing their biological activity. The study provides a new approach to design effective carriers to encapsulate biomolecules and release them on‐demand upon applying osmotic shock.
A Novel Approach to High‐Performance Aliovalent‐Substituted Catalysts—2D Bimetallic MOF‐Derived CeCuOx Microsheets
Authors: Wang Qingyue , Li Zhimin , Bañares Miguel A. , Weng Lu‐Tao , Gu Qinfen , Price Jason , Han Wei , Yeung King Lun
Published: August 2019

Mixed transition metal oxides (MTMOs) have enormous potential applications in energy and environment. Their use as catalysts for the treatment of environmental pollution requires further enhancement in activity and stability. This work presents a new synthesis approach that is both convenient and effective in preparing binary metal oxide catalysts (CeCuOx) with excellent activity by achieving molecular‐level mixing to promote aliovalent substitution. It also allows a single, pure MTMO to be prepared for enhanced stability under reaction by using a bimetallic metal–organic framework (MOF) as the catalyst precursor. This approach also enables the direct manipulation of the shape and form of the MTMO catalyst by controlling the crystallization and growth of the MOF precursor. A 2D CeCuOx catalyst is investigated for the oxidation reactions of methanol, acetone, toluene, and o‐xylene. The catalyst can catalyze the complete reactions of these molecules into CO2 at temperatures below 200 °C, representing a significant improvement in performance. Furthermore, the catalyst can tolerate high moisture content without deactivation.
Construction of a Plasmonic Chip for Metabolic Analysis in Cervical Cancer Screening and Evaluation
Authors: Shu Weikang , Wang You , Liu Chao , Li Rongxin , Pei Congcong , Lou Weihua , Lin Sihan , Di Wen , Wan Jingjing
Published: August 2019

There is a high demand for high‐throughput in vitro metabolic analysis in clinical practice. However, current metabolic analysis of biofluids requires tedious sample pretreatment due to sample complexity and low molecular abundance. Herein, a plasmonic chip with Au nanoparticles deposited on a dopamine‐bubble layer is constructed for clinical metabolic fingerprints. The structural parameters of the designed chip are optimized in terms of surface roughness and Au content. The established chip enables fast, sensitive, and selective detection of small metabolites in human serum without any enrichment or purification. On‐chip serum fingerprints further allow for differentiation between women diagnosed with cervical cancer and control subjects, as well as the therapeutic evaluation for potential clinical monitoring. This work boosts the application of laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry in large‐scale clinical in vitro diagnosis.
Is It Appropriate to Use the Nafion Membrane in Electrocatalytic N2 Reduction?
Authors: Ren Yongwen , Yu Chang , Tan Xinyi , Han Xiaotong , Huang Hongling , Huang Huawei , Qiu Jieshan
Published: August 2019

The electrocatalytic N2 reduction reaction (ENRR) to ammonia has attracted much attention due to the mild operating conditions, in which the Nafion membrane is generally adopted to separate the ammonia from the anode products. However, it has been mentioned that the Nafion membrane allows ammonia to pass through and traps the ammonia to some extent, but powerful confirmation experiments and effective solutions are still lacking. Herein, it is experimentally confirmed that the use of the Nafion membrane in the ENRR is inappropriate, based on the results that the ammonia can pass through the membrane, be adsorbed on the membrane, and interact with the membrane. This causes a measurement error and accelerates the membrane degradation process, which is unfavorable for ammonia quantification and the long‐term stability operation of the ENRR in practical application. Also, for the first time, a more accurate method to evaluate the activity of the ENRR electrocatalyst using a salt bridge to replace the Nafion membrane is presented.
Robust path‐following control based on trajectory linearization control for unmanned surface vehicle with uncertainty of model and actuator saturation
Authors: Qiu Bingbing , Wang Guofeng , Fan Yunsheng , Mu Dongdong , Sun Xiaojie
Published: August 2019

This article develops a novel path‐following control strategy for underactuated unmanned surface vehicle (USV) subject to unmodeled dynamics and unknown multiple disturbance. A practical robust path‐following controller is proposed using trajectory linearization control (TLC) technology, neural network, and auxiliary design system. First, the greatest advantage of this article is that the TLC technology is first introduced into the field of USV motion control, which provides a new direction for TLC technology research. Second, the underactuated model based on a transformation of the USV kinematics to Serret‐Frenet frame is simplified by introducing a nonlinear coordinate transformation. Meanwhile, to improve the robustness and reduce the computational complexity, radial basis function neural network is replaced by neural network with minimum learning parameter method to compensate for unmodeled dynamics and unknown multiple disturbance. In addition, an auxiliary dynamic system is used to reduce the risk of actuator saturation. The stability of the whole system was proved based on the Lyapunov criteria. Finally, the comparison results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed approach. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Evaluation of ecological restoration success in mining‐degraded lands
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Sneha , Maiti Subodh Kumar
Published: August 2019

This review article analyzes the importance of assessing the success of ecological restoration by using four indicators: assemblage of the plant and animal communities; enzyme activity; litter accumulation and decomposition; and the improvement of soil quality. These indicators can be used alone or in combinations. Even though the Society for Ecological Restoration International provided a primer containing nine attributes to use as standards for measuring ecological restoration, only three of these attributes could be easily applied due to their low costs and low time requirements. These three attributes include: diversity, vegetation structure, and ecological processes. This review article emphasizes that the criteria for the selection of the indicator species should be based upon: habitat types, abundance of species, ease of measuring, quantifying and interpreting the results, gradual enhancement with time and cost‐effectiveness, sensitivity, variability of response, size, residential status, and requirements of the area. Principal component analysis was applied to calculate the reclaimed mine soil quality index (RMSQI) and the forest soil quality index (FSQI) and the RMSQI value was compared with FSQI (optimum index value of reference ecosystem) to evaluate the restoration success. Available phosphorus, exchangeable magnesium, organic carbon, clay content, field moisture, available nitrogen, electrical conductivity, and pH are identified as the most influential parameters that regulate the health of reclaimed mine soil. Exchangeable calcium, magnesium, cation exchange capacity, sand, silt, clay content, field moisture, available phosphorus, and pH are the controlling properties for forest soil. The observed values of the above‐stated soil indicator properties were converted into a unitless score (0–1.00) and integrated into index calculations (RMSQI and FSQI). The contribution of each soil indicator properties on the calculated index was analyzed, which provides insight into the reason for the measured index. A higher RMSQI indicates better ecological restoration success. The calculated RMSQI was found to be 0.473 in the reclaimed dump, which is 6% lower than the reference ecosystem.
Ethics and social responsibility: A bibliometric study of document production based on Web of Science in the period of 2006 to 2016
Authors: Godoy Taís Pentiado , Martins‐Rodrigues Maria Carolina , da Rosa Luciana Aparecida Barbieri , Damke Luana Inês , Gomes Clandia Maffini
Published: August 2019

The objective of this work is to analyze the production of publications on the theme of ethics and social responsibility from 2006 to 2016 based on the scientific citation indexing service, the Web of Science (WOS), through a descriptive, quantitative, and bibliometric study. This study, which considered 2,610 documents, sought to identify the authors, the types of documents (books, book chapters, journal articles, and conference proceedings), the titles of the sources, the research areas, the year published, institutions with which authors were affiliated, languages in which the documents were published, and the countries of these publications. The greatest number of documents was published in the United States, with the overwhelming majority 93.43% of publications written in the English language. The source of the greatest number of documents was the Journal of Business Ethics, and the main research area was business economics. Researchers also observed that, in the 71 publications with the greatest number of citations referenced in the researched topic, the top three authors were Guido Palazzo, with 1,730 citations, Andreas Georg Scherer, with 1,352 citations, and Jeremy Moon with a total of 1,132 citations.
Eine verschärfte Fehlerabschätzung zum Extrapolationsverfahren von Adams
Authors: Weißinger Johannes
Published: August 2019

Für das Adam'sche Verfahren zur Integration gewöhnlicher Differentialgleichungen r‐ter Ordnung sind zwei wesentlich verschiedene Fehlerabschätzungen bekannt ([1], [2]). Da die letztere zwar schärfer ist, aber eine gewisse Lücke enthält, wird nach dem Verfahren von [1] eine ähnlich scharfe Schranke wie in [2] hergeleitet.
New polyhedral and algorithmic results on greedoids
Authors: Szeszlér Dávid
Published: August 2019

We present various new results on greedoids. We prove a theorem that generalizes an equivalent formulation of Edmonds’ classic matroid polytope theorem to local forest greedoids—a class of greedoids that contains matroids as well as branching greedoids. We also describe an application of this theorem in the field of measuring the reliability of networks by game-theoretical tools. Finally, we prove new results on the optimality of the greedy algorithm on greedoids and correct some mistakes that have been present in the literature for almost 3 decades.
Localized Induction of Gene Expression in Embryonic Stem Cell Aggregates Using Holographic Optical Tweezers to Create Biochemical Gradients
Authors: Kirkham Glen R , Ware James , Upton Thomas , Allen Stephanie , Shakesheff Kevin M , Buttery Lee DK
Published: August 2019

Three-dimensional (3D) cell models that mimic the structure and function of native tissues are enabling more detailed study of physiological and pathological mechanisms in vitro. We have previously demonstrated the ability to build and manipulate 3D multicellular microscopic structures using holographic optical tweezers (HOTs). Here, we show the construction of a precisely patterned 3D microenvironment and biochemical gradient model consisting of mouse embryoid bodies (mEBs) and polymer microparticles loaded with retinoic acid (RA), embedded in a hydrogel. We demonstrate discrete, zonal expression of the RA-inducible protein Stra8 within mEBs in response to release of RA from polymer microparticles, corresponding directly to the defined 3D positioning of the microparticles using HOTs. These results demonstrate the ability of this technology to create chemical microgradients at definable length scales and to elicit, with fidelity and precision, specific biological responses. This technique can be used in the study of in vitro microenvironments to enable new insights on 3D cell models, their cellular assembly, and the delivery of drug or biochemical molecules for engineering and interrogation of functional and morphogenic responses.
Knocking tooling into shape
Authors: Nickels Liz
Published: August 2019

The industry for molding and tooling systems is moving in pace with end users’ requirements for more cost-effective materials and improved finishes. Liz Nickels discussed current developments with UK-based Scott Bader.
Ablehnung von Geschlossener Unterbringung in der Jugendhilfe
Authors: Waltereit Robert , Kühne Mieke , Waltereit Johanna , Roessner Veit
Published: August 2019

Zusammenfassung. Die Geschlossene Unterbringung in der Jugendhilfe (GU) ist seit Jahrzehnten ein kontroverses Thema in der Betreuung schwer verhaltensauffälliger Jugendlicher. Dabei wird zum einen eine nicht selten ideologische Debatte um die rechtliche und die ethische Zulässigkeit des Freiheitsentzuges geführt, zum anderen die Frage der geeigneten Versorgung von erheblich belasteten Jugendlichen mit Bindungstraumatisierungen, schwerer Störung des Sozialverhaltens und psychosozialer Desintegration diskutiert. Die unterschiedlichen Sichtweisen spiegeln sich auch darin wider, dass einige Bundesländer über Institutionen der GU verfügen, andere wiederum – insbesondere die neuen Bundesländer – nicht. Wir stellen hier zwei typisierte Fallkonstellationen aus dem Bundesland Sachsen vor, bei denen die Nichtverfügbarkeit von GU zu einer faktischen Verschiebung der Problematik in Kliniken der Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und -psychotherapie geführt hat. Anhand der Fallkonstellationen diskutieren wir schwerpunktmäßig, inwieweit es für GU einen konkreten Bedarf gibt und was zur Wirksamkeit von GU bekannt ist. Hieran schließt sich eine Reflexion des Spannungsfeldes zwischen Zwang und Autonomie an der Schnittstelle Jugendhilfe und Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und -psychotherapie an.
Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts With Machine Learning
Authors: Chapman W. E. , Subramanian A. C. , Delle Monache L. , Xie S. P. , Ralph F. M.
Published: August 2019

This study tests the utility of convolutional neural networks as a postprocessing framework for improving the National Center for Environmental Prediction's Global Forecast System's integrated vapor transport forecast field in the Eastern Pacific and western United States. Integrated vapor transport is the characteristic field of atmospheric rivers, which provide over 65% of yearly precipitation at some western U.S. locations. The method reduces full‐field root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) at forecast leads from 3 hr to seven days (9–17% reduction), while increasing correlation between observations and predictions (0.5–12% increase). This represents an approximately one‐ to two‐day lead time improvement in RMSE. Decomposing RMSE shows that random error and conditional biases are predominantly reduced. Systematic error is reduced up to five‐day forecast lead, but accounts for a smaller portion of RMSE. This work demonstrates convolutional neural networks potential to improve forecast skill out to seven days for precipitation events affecting the western United States.
Analysis of the Atmospheric Water Budget for Elucidating the Spatial Scale of Precipitation Changes Under Climate Change
Authors: Dagan Guy , Stier Philip , Watson‐Parris Duncan
Published: August 2019

Global mean precipitation changes due to climate change were previously shown to be relatively small and well constrained by the energy budget. However, local precipitation changes can be much more significant. In this paper we propose that for large enough scales, for which the water budget is closed (precipitation [P] roughly equals evaporation [E]), changes in P approach the small global mean value. However, for smaller scales, for which P and E are not necessarily equal and convergence of water vapor still plays a role, changes in P could be much larger due to dynamical contributions. Using 40 years of two reanalysis data sets, 39 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models and additional numerical simulations, we identify the scale of transition in the importance of the different terms in the water budget to precipitation to be ~3,500–4,000 km and demonstrate its relation to the spatial scale of precipitation changes under climate change.
The Semidirect Effect of Combined Dust and Sea Salt Aerosols in a Multimodel Analysis
Authors: Amiri‐Farahani Anahita , Allen Robert J. , Li King‐Fai , Chu Jung‐Eun
Published: August 2019

To date, very few studies have focused on dust and sea salt cloud interactions, particularly the semidirect effect (SDE) that results from changes in column temperature and moisture. Here, we isolate the SDE using several climate models driven by semiempirical dust and sea salt direct radiative effects. The global annual mean SDE varies from 0.01 to 0.10 W/m2, with the bulk of the signal coming from an increase in shortwave radiation. This is consistent with decreases in low cloud over ocean due to cloud burn‐off and reductions in midlevel cloud over land due to atmospheric stabilization and decreased convection. Overall, longwave effects weaken the positive SDE but with opposing effects over land and sea. High cloud is reduced over land but enhanced over sea. We conclude that dust and sea salt likely exert a global mean warming effect through cloud rapid adjustments.
Mapping eGFR loci to the renal transcriptome and phenome in the VA Million Veteran Program
Authors: Hellwege Jacklyn N. , Velez Edwards Digna R. , Giri Ayush , Qiu Chengxiang , Park Jihwan , Torstenson Eric S. , Keaton Jacob M. , Wilson O. D. , Robinson-Cohen Cassianne , Chung Cecilia P. , Roumie Christianne L. , Klarin Derek , Damrauer Scott M. , DuVall Scott L. , Siew Edward , Akwo Elvis A. , Wuttke Matthias , Gorski Mathias , Li Man , Li Yong , Gaziano J. Michael , Wilson Peter W. F. , Tsao Philip S. , O’Donnell Christopher J. , Kovesdy Csaba P. , Pattaro Cristian , Köttgen Anna , Susztak Katalin , Edwards Todd L. , Hung Adriana M.
Published: August 2019

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), defined by low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), contributes to global morbidity and mortality. Here we conduct a transethnic Genome-Wide Association Study of eGFR in 280,722 participants of the Million Veteran Program (MVP), with replication in 765,289 participants from the Chronic Kidney Disease Genetics (CKDGen) Consortium. We identify 82 previously unreported variants, confirm 54 loci, and report interesting findings including association of the sickle cell allele of betaglobin among non-Hispanic blacks. Our transcriptome-wide association study of kidney function in healthy kidney tissue identifies 36 previously unreported and nine known genes, and maps gene expression to renal cell types. In a Phenome-Wide Association Study in 192,868 MVP participants using a weighted genetic score we detect associations with CKD stages and complications and kidney stones. This investigation reinterprets the genetic architecture of kidney function to identify the gene, tissue, and anatomical context of renal homeostasis and the clinical consequences of dysregulation.
Hierarchical self-assembly of organic heterostructure nanowires
Authors: Zhuo Ming-Peng , Wu Jun-Jie , Wang Xue-Dong , Tao Yi-Chen , Yuan Yi , Liao Liang-Sheng
Published: August 2019

Organic heterostructures (OHSs) integrating the intrinsic heterostructure characters as well as the organic semiconductor properties have attracted intensive attention in material chemistry. However, the precise bottom-up synthesis of OHSs is still challenging owing to the general occurrence of homogeneous-nucleation and the difficult manipulation of noncovalent interactions. Herein, we present the rational synthesis of the longitudinally/horizontally-epitaxial growth of one-dimensional OHSs including triblock and core/shell nanowires with quantitatively-manipulated microstructure via a hierarchical self-assembly method by regulating the noncovalent interactions: hydrogen bond (−15.66 kcal mol−1) > halogen bond (−4.90 kcal mol−1) > π-π interaction (−0.09 kcal mol−1). In the facet-selective epitaxial growth strategy, the lattice-matching and the surface-interface energy balance respectively facilitate the realization of triblock and core/shell heterostructures. This hierarchical self-assembly approach opens up avenues to the fine synthesis of OHSs. We foresee application possibilities in integrated optoelectronics, such as the nanoscale multiple input/out optical logic gate with high-fidelity signal.
Solvent-non-solvent rapid-injection for preparing nanostructured materials from micelles to hydrogels
Authors: Lang Chao , LaNasa Jacob A. , Utomo Nyalaliska , Xu Yifan , Nelson Melissa J. , Song Woochul , Hickner Michael A. , Colby Ralph H. , Kumar Manish , Hickey Robert J.
Published: August 2019

Due to their distinctive molecular architecture, ABA triblock copolymers will undergo specific self-assembly processes into various nanostructures upon introduction into a B-block selective solvent. Although much of the focus in ABA triblock copolymer self-assembly has been on equilibrium nanostructures, little attention has been paid to the guiding principles of nanostructure formation during non-equilibrium processing conditions. Here we report a universal and quantitative method for fabricating and controlling ABA triblock copolymer hierarchical structures using solvent-non-solvent rapid-injection processing. Plasmonic nanocomposite hydrogels containing gold nanoparticles and hierarchically-ordered hydrogels exhibiting structural color can be assembled within one minute using this rapid-injection technique. Surprisingly, the rapid-injection hydrogels display superior mechanical properties compared with those of conventional ABA hydrogels. This work will allow for translation into technologically relevant areas such as drug delivery, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and soft robotics, in which structure and mechanical property precision are essential.
Hybrid genome assembly and annotation of Danionella translucida
Authors: Kadobianskyi Mykola , Schulze Lisanne , Schuelke Markus , Judkewitz Benjamin
Published: August 2019

Studying neuronal circuits at cellular resolution is very challenging in vertebrates due to the size and optical turbidity of their brains. Danionella translucida, a close relative of zebrafish, was recently introduced as a model organism for investigating neural network interactions in adult individuals. Danionella remains transparent throughout its life, has the smallest known vertebrate brain and possesses a rich repertoire of complex behaviours. Here we sequenced, assembled and annotated the Danionella translucida genome employing a hybrid Illumina/Nanopore read library as well as RNA-seq of embryonic, larval and adult mRNA. We achieved high assembly continuity using low-coverage long-read data and annotated a large fraction of the transcriptome. This dataset will pave the way for molecular research and targeted genetic manipulation of this novel model organism.
Impact of pre-existing disorder on radiation defect dynamics in Si
Authors: Wallace J. B. , Bayu Aji L. B. , Shao L. , Kucheyev S. O.
Published: August 2019

The effect of pre-existing lattice defects on radiation defect dynamics in solids remains unexplored. Here, we use a pulsed beam method to measure the time constant of defect relaxation for 500 keV Ar ion bombardment of Si at 100 °C with the following two representative types of pre- existing lattice disorder: (i) point defect clusters and (ii) so-called “clamshell” defects consisting of a high density of dislocations. Results show that point defect clusters slow down defect relaxation processes, while regions with dislocations exhibit faster defect interaction dynamics. These experimental observations demonstrate that the dynamic aspects of damage buildup, attributed to defect trapping-detrapping processes, can be controlled by defect engineering.
Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for Single Molecule Protein Detection
Authors: Almehmadi Lamyaa M. , Curley Stephanie M. , Tokranova Natalya A. , Tenenbaum Scott A. , Lednev Igor K.
Published: August 2019

A two-step process of protein detection at a single molecule level using SERS was developed as a proof-of-concept platform for medical diagnostics. First, a protein molecule was bound to a linker in the bulk solution and then this adduct was chemically reacted with the SERS substrate. Traut’s Reagent (TR) was used to thiolate Bovine serum albumin (BSA) in solution followed by chemical cross linking to a gold surface through a sulfhydryl group. A Glycine-TR adduct was used as a control sample to identify the protein contribution to the SER spectra. Gold SERS substrates were manufactured by electrochemical deposition. Solutions at an ultralow concentration were used for attaching the TR adducts to the SERS substrate. Samples showed the typical behavior of a single molecule SERS including spectral fluctuations, blinking and Raman signal being generated from only selected points on the substrate. The fluctuating SER spectra were examined using Principle Component Analysis. This unsupervised statistics allowed for the selecting of spectral contribution from protein moiety indicating that the method was capable of detecting a single protein molecule. Thus we have demonstrated, that the developed two-step methodology has the potential as a new platform for medical diagnostics.
Rice bran extract supplement improves sleep efficiency and sleep onset in adults with sleep disturbance: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, polysomnographic study
Authors: Um Min Young , Yang Hyejin , Han Jin Kyu , Kim Jin Young , Kang Seung Wan , Yoon Minseok , Kwon Sangoh , Cho Suengmok
Published: August 2019

We previously reported that rice bran extract supplement (RBS) administration to mice decreased sleep latency and induced non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep via inhibition of the histamine H1 receptor. Based on this, we performed the first clinical trial to investigate whether RBS would be beneficial to subjects with disturbed sleep. We performed a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, 2-week study. Fifty subjects with sleep disturbance were enrolled and received either RBS (1,000 mg/day) or placebo. Polysomnography was performed, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Fatigue Severity Scale were administered at the initiation and termination of the study. Compared with the placebo, RBS led to significant polysomnographic changes, including decreased sleep latency (adjusted, P = 0.047), increased total sleep time (P = 0.019), and improved sleep efficiency (P = 0.010). Additionally, the amount of stage 2 sleep significantly increased in the RBS group. When adjusted for caffeine intake, wakefulness after sleep onset, total wake time, and delta activity tended to decrease in the RBS group. RBS administration decreased ESS scores. There were no reported serious adverse events in both groups. RBS improved sleep in adults with sleep disturbance. Trial registration: WHO ICTRP, KCT0001893.
Single-Cell Quantification of mRNA Expression in The Human Brain
Authors: Jolly Sarah , Lang Verena , Koelzer Viktor Hendrik , Sala Frigerio Carlo , Magno Lorenza , Salinas Patricia C. , Whiting Paul , Palomer Ernest
Published: August 2019

RNA analysis at the cellular resolution in the human brain is challenging. Here, we describe an optimised approach for detecting single RNA transcripts in a cell-type specific manner in frozen human brain tissue using multiplexed fluorescent RNAscope probes. We developed a new robust analytical approach for RNAscope quantification. Our method shows that low RNA integrity does not significantly affect RNAscope signal, recapitulates bulk RNA analysis and provides spatial context to transcriptomic analysis of human post-mortem brain at single-cell resolution. In summary, our optimised method allows the usage of frozen human samples from brain banks to perform quantitative RNAscope analysis.
Magnetic properties of six-legged spin-1 nanotube in presence of a longitudinal applied field
Authors: ElMaddahi Zakaria , El Hafidi Moulay Youssef , El Hafidi Mohamed
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we investigate the magnetic behavior of a single-walled hexagonal spin-1 Ising nanotube by using the effective field theory (EFT) with correlations and the differential operator technique (DOT). The system consists of six long legs distributed parallel to each other on a hexagonal basis. Within each chain, spin sites are regularly  positioned and magnetically coupled through a J// exchange interaction along the chains and J⊥ between adjacent chains. Key equations of magnetization, susceptibility and critical temperatures are established, numerically resolved and carefully analyzed for some selected exchange couplings and various applied magnetic fields. In addition to the phase diagram, interesting phenomena are  noted, particularly for opposite exchange interactions where magnetization plateaus and frustration are discovered.
Enhanced dechlorination and biodegradation of 2-chloroaniline by a 2-aminoanthraquinone-graphene oxide composite under anaerobic conditions
Authors: Lu Hong , Zhang Tiantian , Zhou Yang , Zhou Jiti , Wang Jing , Wang Xiaolei
Published: August 2019

The effect of a 2-aminoanthraquinone-graphene oxide (AQ-GO) composite on the anaerobic dechlorination and degradation of chloroanilines by an enriched bacterial consortium was investigated. The results showed that the maximal degradation efficiency of 20 mg/L 2-chloroaniline (2-CA) reached 91.4% at a dose of 20 mg/L AQ-GO in 30 d. Moreover, the pseudo-first-order rate constant of 2-CA degradation in the AQ-GO-mediated system was 2.9-fold higher than those in AQ- and GO-mediated systems alone. During this process, a synergetic effect between AQ and GO was observed, which was attributed to the increased intracellular and extracellular electron transfer pathways. GC-MS analysis showed that 2-CA could be degraded to hexanoic acid and ultimately mineralized to CO2. Illumina MiSeq sequencing revealed that additional AQ-GO significantly increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes. Further analysis showed that the populations of the genera Oscillospira, unclassified Lactobacillales, unclassified Veillonellaceae and Ruminococcus exhibited positive correlations with the rate constant of 2-CA degradation and the dehydrogenase activity of bacterial consortium. These findings indicated that AQ-GO promoted the enrichment of functional bacteria and increased the bacterial activity, resulting in the enhanced dechlorination and degradation of 2-chloroaniline.
Regioselective intramolecular Markovnikov and anti-Markovnikov hydrofunctionalization of alkenes via photoredox catalysis
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Man Yunquan , Xiang Yanan , Wang Kaiye , Li Na , Tang Bo
Published: August 2019

Highly regioselective Markovnikov and anti-Markovnikov hydrofunctionalization of alkenes was successfully realized via photoredox catalysis by introducing a urea group and fine tuning hydrogen atom transfer catalysts.
Modelling vibrational relaxation in complex molecular systems
Authors: Amadei Andrea , Aschi Massimiliano
Published: August 2019

A theoretical–computational method, based on the explicit solution of the time-dependent Schroedinger equation is proposed for treating the quantum vibrational relaxation of a chromophore embedded in a complex atomic-molecular environment.
A kinetic model for ozone uptake by solutions and aqueous particles containing I−and Br−, including seawater and sea-salt aerosol
Authors: Moreno Carolina , Baeza-Romero María Teresa
Published: August 2019

The heterogeneous interactions of gaseous ozone (O3) with seawater and with sea-salt aerosols are known to generate volatile halogen species, which, in turn, lead to further destruction of O3. Cl−acts as a catalyst in the surface reactions X−+ O3.
Magnetism and hybrid improper ferroelectricity in LaMO3/YMO3superlattices
Authors: Zhou Pengxia , Lu Shuaihua , Li Chuanfu , Zhong Chonggui , Zhao Zhiyun , Qu Lihua , Min Yi , Dong Zhengchao , Zhang Na , Liu Jun-Ming
Published: August 2019

Using first-principles calculations, we investigate the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of perovskite LaMO3/YMO3superlattices (M = Cr, Mn, Co and Ni).
The use of ion-selective membranes to study cation transport in hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites
Authors: Smith Emily C. , Ellis Christie L. C. , Javaid Hamza , Arden Blaise G. , Venkataraman D.
Published: August 2019

Using ion-selective impedance spectroscopy to study cation transport in hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites.
Enhanced photocatalytic activity and charge transfer of a TiO2/BiVO4 nanostructured composite
Authors: Yu Qiaonan , Li Guoqiang , Zhang Feng
Published: August 2019

The electron transfer from BiVO4 to TiO2 and the enhancement of ˙O2− radical generation after TiO2 deposition.
NO2 and natural organic matter affect both soot aggregation behavior and sorption of S-metolachlor
Authors: Sigmund Gabriel , Castan Stephanie , Wabnitz Christopher , Bakkour Rani , Hüffer Thorsten , Hofmann Thilo , Elsner Martin
Published: August 2019

Transformation of soot with NO2 and interactions with NOM decreased the soot surface charge, size and sorption affinity for organic contaminants.
MnOx–CeO2@TiO2 core–shell composites for low temperature SCR of NOx
Authors: Ma Dingren , Yang Liu , Huang Bingjie , Wang Liting , Wang Xiao , Sheng Zhongyi , Dong Fan
Published: August 2019

The MnOx–CeO2@TiO2 catalyst presents excellent NH3-SCR activity and the TiO2 shell is responsible for the good SO2 tolerance.
Efficient electrochemical determination of p-aminophenol using a novel tricomponent graphene-based nanocomposite
Authors: Singh Manorama , Sahu Anjumala , Mahata Suhasini , Singh Puneet K. , Rai Vijai K. , Rai Ankita
Published: August 2019

Design and synthesis of a gold nanoparticle@dithiooxamide functionalized graphene (AuNP@DFG) nanocomposite is reported herein, which is employed for the electrochemical determination of p-aminophenol successfully.
Directed evolution of artificial repeat proteins as habit modifiers for the morphosynthesis of (111)-terminated gold nanocrystals
Authors: Prasad Janak , Viollet Sébastien , Gurunatha Kargal L. , Urvoas Agathe , Fournier Agathe C. , Valerio-Lepiniec Marie , Marcelot Cécile , Baris Bulent , Minard Philippe , Dujardin Erik
Published: August 2019

Artificial repeat proteins are selected by directed evolution for their high chemical affinity for gold and structural selectivity for (111) facets. The proteins chaperone the growth of (111)-terminated nanocrystals and form a functional shell.
Flexible all-in-one zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wang Qingrong , Bi Songshan , Yao Minjie , Wan Fang , Niu Zhiqiang
Published: August 2019

Flexible all-in-one ZIBs exhibit excellent physical flexibility and stable electrochemical performance under different mechanical deformations.
Cobalt-catalyzed hydroxymethylarylation of terpenes with formaldehyde and arenes
Authors: Yang Jun , Ji Ding-Wei , Hu Yan-Cheng , Min Xiang-Ting , Zhou Xiangge , Chen Qing-An
Published: August 2019

A cobalt(iii)-catalyzed C–H activation strategy has been developed to facilitate hydroxymethylarylation of terpenes with formaldehyde and arenes with high chemo- and regio-selectivities.
Particle-mesh two-dimensional pattern reverse Monte Carlo analysis on filled-gels during uniaxial expansion
Authors: Haita Katsumi
Published: August 2019

A particle-mesh-based two-dimensional pattern reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) analysis method (PM-2DpRMC) is proposed for analyzing two-dimensional small-angle-scattering (2D-SAS) patterns. The validities of this PM-2DpRMC method were confirmed.
Crack growth-driven wettability transition on carbon black/polybutadiene nanocomposite coatings via stretching
Authors: Ren Meng , Hu Xin , Li Yongsheng , Shao Hong , Jiang Peng , Zeng Wenwen , Wang Cong , Tang Changyu
Published: August 2019

A Wenzel-to-Cassie transition on polymer nanocomposite coatings is achieved by formation of crack-induced hierarchical structures via stretching.
Structure and thermodynamics of mixed polymeric micelles with crystalline cores: tuning properties via co-assembly
Authors: König Nico , Willner Lutz , Lund Reidar
Published: August 2019

We investigate micelles formed by mixtures of n-alkyl-poly(ethylene oxide) block copolymers, Cn-PEO, with different alkyl block lengths in aqueous solution.
Improved cycling stability in high-capacity Li-rich vanadium containing disordered rock salt oxyfluoride cathodes
Authors: Baur Christian , Källquist Ida , Chable Johann , Chang Jin Hyun , Johnsen Rune E. , Ruiz-Zepeda Francisco , Ateba Mba Jean-Marcel , Naylor Andrew J. , Garcia-Lastra Juan Maria , Vegge Tejs , Klein Franziska , Schür Annika R. , Norby Poul , Edström Kristina , Hahlin Maria , Fichtner Maximilian
Published: August 2019

Lithium-rich transition metal disordered rock salt (DRS) oxyfluorides have the potential to lessen one large bottleneck for lithium ion batteries by improving the cathode capacity.
Flares of accretion activity of the 20 Myr old UXOR RZ Psc
Authors: Potravnov I. S. , Grinin V. P. , Serebriakova N. A.
Published: August 2019

We discuss a revision of accretion activity and kinematics of the enigmatic isolated UX Ori type star RZ Psc. Previously, RZ Psc was known to possess only spectroscopic signatures of outflow in the low-excitation lines of alkali metals. The archival high-resolution spectra reveal a short-lived episode of magnetospheric accretion in the system observed via inverse P Cyg profiles at the Hα and Ca II 8542 Å lines. The simultaneous presence of accretion and outflow signatures at Ca II 8542 Å is suggestive of an accretion-driven origin of the RZ Psc wind. We argue that RZ Psc experiences matter ejection via the magnetic propeller mechanism but variable accretion episodes allow it to sometimes move in the magnetospheric accretion regime. The presence of the weak accretion in the system is also supported by the radiation of the hot accretion spot on the stellar surface observed spectroscopically at the deep photometric minimum of the star. The Galactic motion of RZ Psc calculated with new Gaia DR2 astrometric data suggests possible membership in Cas-Tau OB association with an age of t = 20−5+3 Myr.
Ensemble age inversions for large spectroscopic surveys
Authors: Mints Alexey , Hekker Saskia , Minchev Ivan
Published: August 2019

Context. Galactic astrophysics is now in the process of building a multi-dimensional map of the Galaxy. For such a map, stellar ages are an essential ingredient. Ages are measured only indirectly however, by comparing observational data with models. It is often difficult to provide a single age value for a given star, as several non-overlapping solutions are possible.

Aims. We aim at recovering the underlying log(age) distribution from the measured log(age) probability density function for an arbitrary set of stars.

Methods. We build an age inversion method, namely we represent the measured log(age) probability density function as a weighted sum of probability density functions of mono-age populations. Weights in that sum give the underlying log(age) distribution. Mono-age populations are simulated so that the distribution of stars on the log g-[Fe/H] plane is close to that of the observed sample.

Results. We tested the age inversion method on simulated data, demonstrating that it is capable of properly recovering the true log(age) distribution for a large (N > 103) sample of stars. The method was further applied to large public spectroscopic surveys. For RAVE-on, LAMOST and APOGEE we also applied age inversion to mono-metallicity samples, successfully recovering age–metallicity trends present in higher-precision APOGEE data and chemical evolution models.

Conclusions. We conclude that applying an age inversion method as presented in this work is necessary to recover the underlying age distribution of a large (N > 103) set of stars. These age distributions can be used to explore age–metallicity relations, for instance.
Asymptotic stability of the exact boundary controllability of nodal profile for quasilinear hyperbolic systems
Authors: Wang Libin , Wang Ke
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we consider the asymptotic stability of the exact boundary controllability of nodal profile for quasilinear hyperbolic systems. We will prove that if the nodal profile and the given boundary function possess an exponential or polynomial decaying property, then the boundary control function and the solution to the corresponding mixed initial-boundary value problem will possess the same decaying property.
Do alpine macroinvertebrates recover differently in lakes and rivers after alien fish eradication?
Authors: Tiberti Rocco , Brighenti Stefano
Published: August 2019

Introduced fish can have detrimental effects on native biota inhabiting alpine freshwaters with the extent of their impact depending on variables such as habitat features. The present study aims to compare the recovery of macroinvertebrate communities following a fish eradication campaign in a mountain lake (Lake Dres, 2087 m a.s.l., Western Italian Alps) and its inflowing and outflowing streams. All fish were removed using mechanical methods, not producing side-effects for macroinvertebrates. During eradication, the lake community, which had previously been greatly affected, rapidly recovered to levels typical of never-stocked lakes. Stream communities, however, were apparently not impacted by fish populations and remained relatively stable, proving their greater capacity to withstand fish presence. The abundance of spatial refugia and invertebrate recruitment (via birth or immigration) can explain the observed stability in stream communities. Drifting macroinvertebrates are often called into question to explain the resistance of stream communities as they can partially offset predation via benthic recruitment, but our results show that stream resistance can be high even where drift is low,i.e., in the outflowing stream.
Exponentially convergent non overlapping domain decomposition methods for the Helmholtz equation
Authors: Collino Francis , Joly Patrick , Lecouvez Matthieu
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we develop in a general framework a non overlapping Domain Decomposition Method that is proven to be well-posed and converges exponentially fast, provided that specific transmission operators are used. These operators are necessarily non local and we provide a class of such operators in the form of integral operators. To reduce the numerical cost of these integral operators, we show that a truncation process can be applied that preserves all the properties leading to an exponentially fast convergent method. A modal analysis is performed on a separable geometry to illustrate the theoretical properties of the method and we exhibit an optimization process to further reduce the convergence rate of the algorithm.
Facial fibromatosis: benign and aggressive, yet treatable!
Authors: Rodrigues Gabriel , Sanjeev Ballal Devesh , Pai Kantilatha , Carnelio Sunitha , Singhal Vikas , Akhtar Shakeel
Published: August 2019

Fibromatosis or desmoid tumors are locally aggressive neoplasms that have a propensity for local invasion and recurrence. The mainstay of treatment is excision with negative margins and the role of radiotherapy is controversial. Desmoids arising in the head and neck area are rare and pose a dilemma to the surgeon due to large number of vital structures that preclude resection with wide margins. This leads to a high incidence of recurrence. We present a case of a 24-year-old male who presented with an asymptomatic left sided facial swelling causing cosmetic deformity. A subcutaneous lipoma/fibroma/neuroma was suspected and a fine needle aspiration done was inconclusive. Computed tomography revealed a subcutaneous swelling that was excised. Histopathology revealed it to be a desmoid tumor. At the end of 4-year-follow-up, he has no local recurrence.
La transdisciplinarité en pratique. Les collaborations entre chercheurs et gestionnaires d’espaces naturels protégés
Authors: Arpin Isabelle , Ronsin Gaëlle , Aubertie Sarah , Collin Arnaud , Landrieu Gilles , Le Bastard Anne-Marie
Published: August 2019

Les collaborations scientifiques et notamment transdisciplinaires sont en plein essor. Une enquête nationale a été réalisée pour documenter les collaborations entre chercheurs et gestionnaires d’espaces naturels protégés, à partir des réponses et témoignages des intéressés. Elle a été suivie de rencontres nationales qui visaient à approfondir ses résultats et à dégager des recommandations concrètes pour favoriser des collaborations jugées satisfaisantes par les deux parties. Ce travail montre que les collaborations constituent des processus dynamiques diversifiés et complexes qui s’inscrivent dans une pluralité de cadres et de modèles, et qu’elles sont influencées par des facteurs structurels, institutionnels et personnels. Le rôle d’autres acteurs dans ces collaborations et la situation particulière des sciences humaines et sociales ainsi que des jeunes chercheurs restent parmi les points à approfondir.