bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A network meta-analysis of the dose–response effects of lurasidone on acute schizophrenia
Authors: Srisurapanont Manit , Suttajit Sirijit , Likhitsathian Surinporn , Maneeton Benchalak , Maneeton Narong
Published: March 2021

We compared the efficacy, safety, and acceptability of lurasidone at different doses to establish the dose–response relationships of lurasidone therapeutic and adverse effects in acute schizophrenia. Included trials were 4- to 16-week, fixed-dose, randomized controlled trials of lurasidone in adults with acute schizophrenia. Different doses of lurasidone, other antipsychotics, and placebo were considered as independent treatments. Apart from all-cause dropout rates, four therapeutic and four adverse outcomes were included in the frequentist network meta-analysis (NMA). Lurasidone 160, 120, 80, 40, and 20 mg/day were studied in ten trials of 3,366 adults with schizophrenia exacerbation. Lurasidone 160 mg/day reduced Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total scores significantly more than lurasidone 120, 80, 40, and 20 mg/day (mean differences = − 7.63, − 7.04, − 8.83, and − 12.25, respectively). All-cause dropout rates were significantly lower in participants receiving lurasidone 160 mg/day and 80 mg/day compared with those taking placebo. The half-maximal effective doses of lurasidone for PANSS total, PANSS positive, and MADRS score reductions were higher than 80 mg/day. The confidence of all NMA estimates was low or very low. Lurasidone 160 mg/day is currently the most efficacious and acceptable dose for acute schizophrenia. Its maximal effective doses may be higher than 160 mg/day.
Blockade of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-mediated cell–cell fusion using COVID-19 convalescent plasma
Authors: Wang Ling , Zhao Juan , Nguyen Lam N. T. , Adkins James L. , Schank Madison , Khanal Sushant , Nguyen Lam N. , Dang Xindi , Cao Dechao , Thakuri Bal Krishna Chand , Lu Zeyuan , Zhang Jinyu , Zhang Yi , Wu Xiao Y. , El Gazzar Mohamed , Ning Shunbin , Moorman Jonathan P. , Yao Zhi Q.
Published: March 2021

The recent COVID-19 pandemic poses a serious threat to global public health, thus there is an urgent need to define the molecular mechanisms involved in SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein-mediated virus entry that is essential for preventing and/or treating this emerging infectious disease. In this study, we examined the blocking activity of human COVID-19 convalescent plasma by cell–cell fusion assays using SARS-CoV-2-S-transfected 293 T as effector cells and ACE2-expressing 293 T as target cells. We demonstrate that the SARS-CoV-2 S protein exhibits a very high capacity for membrane fusion and is efficient in mediating virus fusion and entry into target cells. Importantly, we find that COVID-19 convalescent plasma with high titers of IgG neutralizing antibodies can block cell–cell fusion and virus entry by interfering with the SARS-CoV-2-S/ACE2 or SARS-CoV-S/ACE2 interactions. These findings suggest that COVID-19 convalescent plasma may not only inhibit SARS-CoV-2-S but also cross-neutralize SARS-CoV-S-mediated membrane fusion and virus entry, supporting its potential as a preventive and/or therapeutic agent against SARS-CoV-2 as well as other SARS-CoV infections.
Interferometric measurements of refractive index and dispersion at high pressure
Authors: Kim Yong-Jae , Celliers Peter M. , Eggert Jon H. , Lazicki Amy , Millot Marius
Published: March 2021

We describe a high precision interferometer system to measure the pressure dependence of the refractive index and its dispersion in the diamond anvil cell (DAC). The reflective Fabry–Perot fringe patterns created by both a white light and a monochromatic beam are recorded to determine both the sample thickness and its index at the laser wavelength and to characterize the dispersion in the visible range. Advances in sample preparation, optical setup, and data analysis enable us to achieve $$10^{-4}$$

10

-
4

random uncertainty, demonstrated with an air sample, a factor of five improvement over the best previous DAC measurement. New data on $${\text{H}}_{2}\text{O}$$

H
2

O

liquid water and ice VI up to 2.21 GPa at room temperature illustrate how higher precision measurements of the index and its optical dispersion open up new opportunities to reveal subtle changes in the electronic structure of water at high pressure.
Preliminary study on the influencing factors of shear wave elastography for peripheral nerves in healthy population
Authors: Tang Xinyi , Zhu Bihui , Tian Mei , Guo Ruiqian , Huang Songya , Tang Yuanjiao , Qiu Li
Published: March 2021

This study took shear wave elastography (SWE) technology to measure the shear wave velocity (SWV) of peripheral nerve in healthy population, which represents the stiffness of the peripheral nerves, and research whether these parameters (location, age, sex, body mass index (BMI), the thickness and cross-sectional area(CSA) of the nerve) would affect the stiffness of the peripheral nerves. 105 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. We recorded the genders and ages of these volunteers, measured height and weight, calculated BMI, measured nerve thickness and CSA using high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS), and then, we measured and compared the SWV of the right median nerve at the middle of the forearm and at the proximal entrance of the carpal tunnel. The SWV of the median nerve of the left side was measured to explore whether there exist differences of SWV in bilateral median nerve. Additionally, we also measured the SWV of the right tibial nerve at the ankle canal to test whether there is any difference in shear wave velocity between different peripheral nerves. This study found that there existed significant differences of SWV between different sites in one nerve and between different peripheral nerves. No significant difference was found in SWV between bilateral median nerves. Additionally, the SWV of peripheral nerves was associated with gender, while not associated with age or BMI. The mean SWV of the studied male volunteers in median nerve were significantly higher than those of female (p < 0.05). Peripheral nerve SWE measurement in healthy people is affected by different sites, different nerves and genders, and not associated with age, BMI, nerve thickness or CSA.
Antibody isotype diversity against SARS-CoV-2 is associated with differential serum neutralization capacities
Authors: Noval Maria G. , Kaczmarek Maria E. , Koide Akiko , Rodriguez-Rodriguez Bruno A. , Louie Ping , Tada Takuya , Hattori Takamitsu , Panchenko Tatyana , Romero Larizbeth A. , Teng Kai Wen , Bazley Andrew , de Vries Maren , Samanovic Marie I. , Weiser Jeffrey N. , Aifantis Ioannis , Cangiarella Joan , Mulligan Mark J. , Desvignes Ludovic , Dittmann Meike , Landau Nathaniel R. , Aguero-Rosenfeld Maria , Koide Shohei , Stapleford Kenneth A.
Published: March 2021

Understanding antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 is indispensable for the development of containment measures to overcome the current COVID-19 pandemic. Recent studies showed that serum from convalescent patients can display variable neutralization capacities. Still, it remains unclear whether there are specific signatures that can be used to predict neutralization. Here, we performed a detailed analysis of sera from a cohort of 101 recovered healthcare workers and we addressed their SARS-CoV-2 antibody response by ELISA against SARS-CoV-2 Spike receptor binding domain and nucleoprotein. Both ELISA methods detected sustained levels of serum IgG against both antigens. Yet, the majority of individuals from our cohort generated antibodies with low neutralization capacity and only 6% showed high neutralizing titers against both authentic SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Spike pseudotyped virus. Interestingly, higher neutralizing sera correlate with detection of -IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies against both antigens, while individuals with positive IgG alone showed poor neutralization response. These results suggest that having a broader repertoire of antibodies may contribute to more potent SARS-CoV-2 neutralization. Altogether, our work provides a cross sectional snapshot of the SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody response in recovered healthcare workers and provides preliminary evidence that possessing multiple antibody isotypes can play an important role in predicting SARS-CoV-2 neutralization.
Accurate prediction of birth implementing a statistical model through the determination of steroid hormones in saliva
Authors: Alonso Silvia , Cáceres Sara , Vélez Daniel , Sanz Luis , Silvan Gema , Illera Maria Jose , Illera Juan Carlos
Published: March 2021

Steroidal hormone interaction in pregnancy is crucial for adequate fetal evolution and preparation for childbirth and extrauterine life. Estrone sulphate, estriol, progesterone and cortisol play important roles in the initiation of labour mechanism at the start of contractions and cervical effacement. However, their interaction remains uncertain. Although several studies regarding the hormonal mechanism of labour have been reported, the prediction of date of birth remains a challenge. In this study, we present for the first time machine learning algorithms for the prediction of whether spontaneous labour will occur from week 37 onwards. Estrone sulphate, estriol, progesterone and cortisol were analysed in saliva samples collected from 106 pregnant women since week 34 by enzyme-immunoassay (EIA) techniques. We compared a random forest model with a traditional logistic regression over a dataset constructed with the values observed of these measures. We observed that the results, evaluated in terms of accuracy and area under the curve (AUC) metrics, are sensibly better in the random forest model. For this reason, we consider that machine learning methods contribute in an important way to the obstetric practice.
Poldip2 controls leukocyte infiltration into the ischemic brain by regulating focal adhesion kinase-mediated VCAM-1 induction
Authors: Eidson Lori N. , Gao Qingzeng , Qu Hongyan , Kikuchi Daniel S. , Campos Ana Carolina P. , Faidley Elizabeth A. , Sun Yu-Yo , Kuan Chia-Yi , Pagano Rosana L. , Lassègue Bernard , Tansey Malú G. , Griendling Kathy K. , Hernandes Marina S.
Published: March 2021

Stroke is a multiphasic process involving a direct ischemic brain injury which is then exacerbated by the influx of immune cells into the brain tissue. Activation of brain endothelial cells leads to the expression of adhesion molecules such vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) on endothelial cells, further increasing leukocyte recruitment. Polymerase δ-interacting protein 2 (Poldip2) promotes brain vascular inflammation and leukocyte recruitment via unknown mechanisms. This study aimed to define the role of Poldip2 in mediating vascular inflammation and leukocyte recruitment following cerebral ischemia. Cerebral ischemia was induced in Poldip2+/+ and Poldip2+/− mice and brains were isolated and processed for flow cytometry or RT-PCR. Cultured rat brain microvascular endothelial cells were used to investigate the effect of Poldip2 depletion on focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-mediated VCAM-1 induction. Poldip2 depletion in vivo attenuated the infiltration of myeloid cells, inflammatory monocytes/macrophages and decreased the induction of adhesion molecules. Focusing on VCAM-1, we demonstrated mechanistically that FAK activation was a critical intermediary in Poldip2-mediated VCAM-1 induction. In conclusion, Poldip2 is an important mediator of endothelial dysfunction and leukocyte recruitment. Thus, Poldip2 could be a therapeutic target to improve morbidity following ischemic stroke.
Author Correction: Efficient microbial colony growth dynamics quantification with ColTapp, an automated image analysis application
Authors: Bär Julian , Boumasmoud Mathilde , Kouyos Roger D. , Zinkernagel Annelies S. , Vulin Clément
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Comparative study between minimally invasive supraorbital craniotomy and pterional craniotomy for treating anterior circulation cerebral aneurysms in a low-resource setting
Authors: Fonseca Ricardo Brandão , Correia Alyne Oliveira , Vieira Raysa Siqueira , dos Santos José Erivaldo Fonseca , Alves-Neto Heverty Rocha , da Silva Vieira Anajara Ferraz , Belém Diego Ramon Ferreira , Tobias-Machado Marcos , Vidal Claudio Henrique Fernandes , Waisberg Jaques
Published: March 2021

The challenges encountered in performing minimally invasive approaches, such as supraorbital minicraniotomy (SOMC), in services without adequate equipment are rarely reported in the literature. This study analyzes the viability of SOMC in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms, using exactly the same resources as pterional craniotomy (PC). The results of these two techniques are compared. 35 patients underwent SOMC, compared to 50 patients underwent CP (100 aneurysms in total), using the same microsurgical instruments. The following variables were compared: operative time, angiographic cure, length of intensive care unit stay during the post-operative period, surgical complications, length of hospital stay after surgery until hospital discharge, intraoperative aneurysm rupture, aesthetic satisfaction with the scar, and neurological status at discharge. SOMC had a significantly shorter operative time in relation to PC (213.9 ± 11.09 min and 268.6 ± 15.44 min, respectively) (p = 0.0081).With respect to the cosmetic parameters assessed by the Visual Analog Scale, the average for SOMC was 94.12 ± 1.92 points, and the average for PC was 83.57 ± 4.75 points (p = 0.036). SOMC was as effective as PC in relation to successful aneurysm clipping (p = 0.77). The SOMC technique did not show advantages over PC in any other variable. Even in a general neurosurgery service lacking a specific structure for minimally invasive surgeries, SOMC was feasible and effective for treating intracranial aneurysms, using the same set of microsurgical instruments used for PC, obtaining better results in operating time and cosmetic satisfaction.
Stable isotope and chemical inhibition analyses suggested the existence of a non-mevalonate-like pathway in the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Dissook Sivamoke , Kuzuyama Tomohisa , Nishimoto Yuri , Kitani Shigeru , Putri Sastia , Fukusaki Eiichiro
Published: March 2021

Methyl erythritol phosphate (MEP) is the metabolite found in the MEP pathway for isoprenoid biosynthesis, which is known to be utilized by plants, algae, and bacteria. In this study, an unprecedented observation was found in the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica, in which one of the chromatographic peaks was annotated as MEP when cultivated in the nitrogen limiting condition. This finding raised an interesting hypothesis of whether Y. lipolytica utilizes the MEP pathway for isoprenoid biosynthesis or not, because there is no report of yeast harboring the MEP pathway. Three independent approaches were used to investigate the existence of the MEP pathway in Y. lipolytica; the spiking of the authentic standard, the MEP pathway inhibitor, and the 13C labeling incorporation analysis. The study suggested that the mevalonate and MEP pathways co-exist in Y. lipolytica and the nitrogen limiting condition triggers the utilization of the MEP pathway in Y. lipolytica.
Using mobile phone data to examine weather impacts on recreational ecosystem services in an urban protected area
Authors: Jaung Wanggi , Carrasco L. Roman
Published: March 2021

Mobile phone big data can offer new opportunities for identifying weather impacts on recreational ecosystem services in protected areas. This could be useful to assess how climate change could affect recreational ecosystem services. To explore these opportunities, we utilize mobile phone data and examine impacts of tropical weather (temperature, rainfall, and wind) and holidays on visitor numbers and stay time in an urban protected area in Singapore. These impacts were analyzed by visitors’ home regions and ethnic groups as well. The study results showed that rising temperatures below 31.7 °C had positive impacts on visitor numbers, in contrast to the common perception that cooler temperatures would be always preferred for outdoor activities in a tropical region. Meanwhile, these rising temperatures reduced visitor stay time in the protected area. Rain and wind had limited impacts on visitors. Compared to the weather variables, holidays had bigger impacts on visitors, particularly the Chinese group and those visitors living not close to the protected area. The study results highlight several advantages of mobile phone data application to analyzing weather impacts on public use of urban protected areas.
Ultrasound-irradiated synthesis of 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane-modified hydroxyapatite derived from fish-scale residues followed by ultrasound-assisted organic dyes removal
Authors: Sricharoen Phitchan , Kongsri Supalak , Kukusamude Chunyapuk , Areerob Yonrapach , Nuengmatcha Prawit , Chanthai Saksit , Limchoowong Nunticha
Published: March 2021

We report a novel method for the synthesis of 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane-modified hydroxyapatite (FHAP-SH) derived from fish-scale residues by using ultrasound irradiation. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used for the FHAP-SH characterization. Then, the organic dye adsorption on the FHAP-SH was monitored through an ultrasound process. After the dye removal optimization, significant improvements were observed in the maximum adsorption capacities for Congo Red (CR, 500 mg g−1), Coomassie Brilliant Blue G 250 (CB, 235 mg g−1), and Malachite Green (MG, 625 mg g−1). The adsorption behaviors of these dyes were fitted by using the Langmuir isotherm model with a high coefficient of determination values ranging from 0.9985 to 0.9969. The adsorption of the three dyes onto FHAP-SH was an endothermic process based on the adsorption thermodynamics model, while the adsorption kinetics analysis of the dyes presented a good alignment with the pseudo-second-order kinetics. The FHAP-SH exhibits a remarkably high adsorption capacity, is inexpensive, and fulfills the ecofriendly requirements of dye wastewater treatment, especially in the textile industry.
de novo transcriptomic profiling of differentially expressed genes in grass halophyte Urochondra setulosa under high salinity
Authors: Mann Anita , Kumar Naresh , Kumar Ashwani , Lata Charu , Kumar Arvind , Meena Babu Lal , Mishra Dwijesh , Grover Monendra , Gaba Sonam , Parameswaran C. , Mantri Nitin
Published: March 2021

Soil salinity is one of the major limiting factors for crop productivity across the world. Halophytes have recently been a source of attraction for exploring the survival and tolerance mechanisms at extreme saline conditions. Urochondra setulosa is one of the obligate grass halophyte that can survive in up to 1000 mM NaCl. The de novo transcriptome of Urochondra leaves at different salt concentrations of 300–500 mM NaCl was generated on Illumina HiSeq. Approximately 352.78 million high quality reads with an average contig length of 1259 bp were assembled de novo. A total of 120,231 unigenes were identified. On an average, 65% unigenes were functionally annotated to known proteins. Approximately 35% unigenes were specific to Urochondra. Differential expression revealed significant enrichment (P < 0.05) of transcription factors, transporters and metabolites suggesting the transcriptional regulation of ion homeostasis and signalling at high salt concentrations in this grass. Also, about 143 unigenes were biologically related to salt stress responsive genes. Randomly selected genes of important pathways were validated for functional characterization. This study provides useful information to understand the gene regulation at extremely saline levels. The study offers the first comprehensive evaluation of Urochondra setulosa leaf transcriptome. Examining non-model organisms that can survive in harsh environment can provide novel insights into the stress coping mechanisms which can be useful to develop improved agricultural crops.
Editorial Expression of Concern: Exposure to Magnetic Field Non-Ionizing Radiation and the Risk of Miscarriage: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li De-Kun , Chen Hong , Ferber Jeannette R. , Odouli Roxana , Quesenberry Charles
Published: March 2021

Editor's Note: an editorial expression of Concern for this article
has been published and is available at https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-85479-w
TEM and EELS characterization of Ni–Fe layered double hydroxide decompositions caused by electron beam irradiation
Authors: Hobbs Christopher , Downing Clive , Jaskaniec Sonia , Nicolosi Valeria
Published: March 2021

Electron irradiation of Ni–Fe layered double hydroxides (LDHs) was investigated in the transmission electron microscope (TEM). The initial structure possessed a flat hexagonal morphology made up of crystalline domains with a well-defined hexagonal crystal structure. The Ni–Fe LDHs were susceptible to significant structural decompositions during electron irradiation. The generation of pores and crystallographic breakdown of the LDH routinely occurred. In addition, a compositional change was established by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). During 300 kV irradiation, a pre-peak evolution in the oxygen K edge highlighted a transition to metal oxide species. In parallel, nitrogen K edge attenuation demonstrated interlayer mass-losses. It was found that TEM conditions profoundly affected the decomposition behaviours. At lower acceleration voltages, an increased dehydration rate of the LDH cationic layers is observed during irradiaton. Moreover, in situ specimen cooling revealed the retention of interlayer nitrates. An emphasis on the dehydroxylation processes and anionic mass-loss facilitation is discussed.
Assessing the quality of mobile applications in chronic disease management: a scoping review
Authors: Agarwal Payal , Gordon Dara , Griffith Janessa , Kithulegoda Natasha , Witteman Holly O. , Sacha Bhatia R. , Kushniruk Andre W. , Borycki Elizabeth M. , Lamothe Lise , Springall Elena , Shaw James
Published: March 2021

While there has been a rapid growth of digital health apps to support chronic diseases, clear standards on how to best evaluate the quality of these evolving tools are absent. This scoping review aims to synthesize the emerging field of mobile health app quality assessment by reviewing criteria used by previous studies to assess the quality of mobile apps for chronic disease management. A literature review was conducted in September 2017 for published studies that use a set of quality criteria to directly evaluate two or more patient-facing apps supporting promote chronic disease management. This resulted in 8182 citations which were reviewed by research team members, resulting in 65 articles for inclusion. An inductive coding schema to synthesize the quality criteria utilized by included articles was developed, with 40 unique quality criteria identified. Of the 43 (66%) articles that reported resources used to support criteria selection, 19 (29%) used clinical guidelines, and 10 (15%) used behavior change theory. The most commonly used criteria included the presence of user engagement or behavior change functions (97%, n = 63) and technical features of the app such as customizability (20%, n = 13, while Usability was assessed by 24 studies (36.9%). This study highlights the significant variation in quality criteria employed for the assessment of mobile health apps. Future methods for app evaluation will benefit from approaches that leverage the best evidence regarding the clinical impact and behavior change mechanisms while more directly reflecting patient needs when evaluating the quality of apps.
Defective internal allosteric network imparts dysfunctional ATP/substrate-binding cooperativity in oncogenic chimera of protein kinase A
Authors: Olivieri Cristina , Walker Caitlin , Karamafrooz Adak , Wang Yingjie , Manu V. S. , Porcelli Fernando , Blumenthal Donald K. , Thomas David D. , Bernlohr David A. , Simon Sanford M. , Taylor Susan S. , Veglia Gianluigi
Published: March 2021

An aberrant fusion of the DNAJB1 and PRKACA genes generates a chimeric protein kinase (PKA-CDNAJB1) in which the J-domain of the heat shock protein 40 is fused to the catalytic α subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA-C). Deceivingly, this chimeric construct appears to be fully functional, as it phosphorylates canonical substrates, forms holoenzymes, responds to cAMP activation, and recognizes the endogenous inhibitor PKI. Nonetheless, PKA-CDNAJB1 has been recognized as the primary driver of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma and is implicated in other neoplasms for which the molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here we determined the chimera’s allosteric response to nucleotide and pseudo-substrate binding. We found that the fusion of the dynamic J-domain to PKA-C disrupts the internal allosteric network, causing dramatic attenuation of the nucleotide/PKI binding cooperativity. Our findings suggest that the reduced allosteric cooperativity exhibited by PKA-CDNAJB1 alters specific recognitions and interactions between substrates and regulatory partners contributing to dysregulation.
Localized temporal co-delivery of interleukin 10 and decorin genes using amediated by collagen-based biphasic scaffold modulates the expression of TGF-β1/β2 in a rabbit ear hypertrophic scarring model
Authors: McArdle Ciarstan , Abbah Sunny Akogwu , Bhowmick Sirsendu , Collin Estelle , Pandit Abhay
Published: March 2021

The study shows that although pIL-10/pDCN therapy are individually able to suppress TGF-β1/β2, only the combined overexpression of both transgenes was efficacious in suppressing TGF-β1/β2 and concurrently sustaining the upregulation of TGF-β3.
Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of cinnamic acid derivatives and flavonoids after oral administration of Brazilian green propolis in humans
Authors: Yamaga Masayuki , Tani Hiroko , Nishikawa Miyu , Fukaya Keisuke , Ikushiro Shin-ichi , Murota Kaeko
Published: March 2021

Phenolic glucuronides of artepillin C and drupanin were identified as the major metabolites in plasma after ingestion of Brazilian green propolis.
Graphene oxide fibers by microfluidics assembly: a strategy for structural and dimensional control
Authors: Rocha Jaqueline F. , Hostert Leandro , Bejarano Martha Lucia M. , Cardoso Roberta M. , Santos Matheus D. , Maroneze Camila M. , Gongora-Rubio Mario R. , Silva Cecilia de Carvalho Castro
Published: March 2021

Graphene oxide (GO) microfibers with controlled and homogeneous shapes and tunable diameters were fabricated using the 3 dimensional (3D) hydrodynamic focusing concept on a microfluidic device.
Recent advances in the synthesis and reactivity of quinoxaline
Authors: Yashwantrao Gauravi , Saha Satyajit
Published: March 2021

Quinoxalines are observed in several bioactive molecules and have been widely employed in designing molecules for DSSC's, optoelectronics, and sensing applications. Therefore, developing newer synthetic routes as well as novel ways for their functionalization is apparent.
Occurrence of disinfectant-resistant bacteria in a fresh-cut vegetables processing facility and their role in protecting Salmonella enteritidis
Authors: Xu Jing-Guo , Meng Jiao , Bao Wen-Jing , Kang Jia-Mu , Chen Jing-Yu , Han Bei-Zhong
Published: March 2021

The occurrence of disinfectant-resistant bacteria in a fresh-cut vegetables processing facility was observed, and Bacillus paramycoides B5 enhanced S. enteritidis survival under NaClO treatment.
Highly sensitive and rapid responding humidity sensors based on silver catalyzed Ag2S–TiO2 quantum dots prepared by SILAR
Authors: Deng Zu-Yin , Chiang Ping-Chang , Chen Kuen-Lin , Chen Jau-Han , Wu Chiu-Hsien
Published: March 2021

Ag2S@TiO2 films was made as humidity sensors by SILAR method. The heterojunction and nano-silver improve the electrons transfer and increase the response and reaction rate. It also provides high gas selectivity to avoid effect of air pollution.
A molecular design towards sulfonyl aza-BODIPY based NIR fluorescent and colorimetric probe for selective cysteine detection
Authors: Pham Thanh Chung , Choi Yeonghwan , Bae Chaeeon , Tran Cong So , Kim Dongwon , Jung Ok-Sang , Kang Yong-Cheol , Seo SungYong , Kim Hyun Sung , Yun Hwayoung , Zhou Xin , Lee Songyi
Published: March 2021

A new fluorescent and colorimetric probe based-on sulfonyl aza-BODIPY (BDP-1–3) are designed and synthesized for selective cysteine detection.
Modeling the air pollutant concentration near a cement plant co-processing wastes
Authors: Yang Zhenzhou , Gao Xingmin , Hu Weike
Published: March 2021

In this study, we conducted full life-cycle studies on pollutants in a cement plant co-processing hazardous waste (HW) via the combined use of thermodynamic equilibrium calculations and the American Meteorological Society/Environmental Protection Regulatory Model.
Judd–Ofelt parameters and X-ray irradiation results of MNb2O6:Eu3+ (M = Sr, Cd, Ni) phosphors synthesized via a molten salt method
Authors: İlhan Mustafa , Ekmekçi Mete Kaan , Keskin İlker Çetin
Published: March 2021

SEM micrographs and PL–RL emissions of MNb2O6: Eu3+ (M = Sr, Cd, Ni) phosphors.
Automatic discovery of photoisomerization mechanisms with nanosecond machine learning photodynamics simulations
Authors: Li Jingbai , Reiser Patrick , Boswell Benjamin R. , Eberhard André , Burns Noah Z. , Friederich Pascal , Lopez Steven A.
Published: March 2021

Photochemical reactions are widely used by academia and industry to construct complex molecular architecturesviamechanisms that are often inaccessible by other means.
Understanding the role of fluorination in the mechanistic nature of the water splitting process catalyzed by cobalt tris-(2-pyridylmethyl)amine complexes
Authors: Gorantla Koteswara Rao , Mallik Bhabani S.
Published: March 2021

We report the mechanism of the oxygen evolution reaction catalyzed by [(CoV(TPA-αF3)(O))]3+ (TPA = tris-(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) and [(CoV(TPA-αF3)(O)OH)]2+ complexes for the formation of an oxygen–oxygen bond and the role of fluorination with the help of DFT calculations.
Two-dimensional layered double hydroxides as a platform for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution
Authors: Yu Jie , Yu Feng , Yuen Muk-Fung , Wang Chundong
Published: March 2021

The Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) plays an essential role in hydrogen productionviawater splitting, metal–air secondary batteries, and artificial photosynthesis.
Cucurbit[8]uril-based supramolecular hydrogels for biomedical applications
Authors: Wang Zeyu , Shui Mingju , Wyman Ian W. , Zhang Qing-Wen , Wang Ruibing
Published: March 2021

This review summarizes the hydrogels fabricated via cucurbit[8]uril mediated crosslinking of polymers reported during the past decade, and discuss their design principles and various biomedical applications.
N-Aryl glycines as versatile initiators for various polymerizations
Authors: Lai H. , Zhu D. , Peng X. , Zhang J. , Lalevée J. , Xiao P.
Published: March 2021

N-(1-Pyrenyl)glycine can act as a versatile initiator for various polymerizations.
Impact of side reactions on molar mass distribution, unsaturation level and branching density in solution free radical polymerization of n-butyl acrylate under well-defined lab-scale reactor conditions
Authors: Edeleva Mariya , Marien Yoshi W. , Van Steenberge Paul H. M. , D'hooge Dagmar R.
Published: March 2021

The paper describes the influence of side reactions in isothermal solution free-radical polymerization of n-butyl acrylate accounting for chain-length dependent diffusional limitations on termination.
A novel hemocompatible core@shell nanosystem for selective targeting and apoptosis induction in cancer cells
Authors: Aragoneses-Cazorla Guillermo , Serrano-Lopez Juana , Martinez-Alfonzo Ines , Vallet-Regí María , González Blanca , Luque-Garcia Jose L.
Published: March 2021

Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of transferrin-decorated mesoporous silica-coated silver nanoparticles as a novel hemocompatible core@shell nanosystem for selective targeting and apoptosis induction in cancer cells.
Ion-biosorption induced core–shell Fe2P@carbon nanoparticles decorated on N, P co-doped carbon materials for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Jiang Min , Fan Wei , Zhu Anquan , Tan Pengfei , Xie Jianping , Pan Jun
Published: March 2021

This work employs bacteria as precursors and induces a cost-effective biosorption strategy to obtain Fe2P@carbon nanoparticles decorated on N and P co-doped carbon (Fe2P@CNPs/NPC) materials.
Non-equilibrium thermal annealing of a polymer blend in bilayer settings for complex micro/nano-patterning
Authors: Pandey Ankur , Murmu Kaniska , Gooh Pattader Partho Sarathi
Published: March 2021

Fast morphological evolution of polymer blend dictated by underlying polymer thin film upon rapid thermal annealing at high temperature.
7-Alkoxy-appended coumarin derivatives: synthesis, photo-physical properties, aggregation behaviours and current–voltage (I–V) characteristic studies on thin films
Authors: Rudra Paul Abhijit , Dey Bapi , Suklabaidya Sudip , Hussain Syed Arshad , Majumdar Swapan
Published: March 2021

In this article, we demonstrate the design, synthesis and physico-chemical characteristics, including electrical switching behaviours of long alkoxy-appended coumarin carboxylate/carboxylic acid in thin films.
New protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors from fungus Aspergillus gorakhpurensis F07ZB1707
Authors: Ji Yannan , Zhou Qiqi , Liu Guosheng , Zhu Tianhui , Wang Yufang , Fu Yan , Li Yeying , Li Ruolan , Zhang Xuexia , Dong Mei , Sauriol Françoise , Gu Yucheng , Shi Qingwen , Lu Xinhua , Ni Zhiyu
Published: March 2021

Twelve novel metabolites were isolated from Aspergillus gorakhpurensis F07ZB1707. Aspergorakhin A (1) showed selective activities against PTP1B and SHP1 over TCPTP with IC50 values of 0.57, 1.19, and 22.97 μM, respectively.
Versatile small molecule kinase assay through real-time, ratiometric fluorescence changes based on a pyrene-DPA-Zn2+ complex
Authors: Kim Jihoon , Oh Jinyoung , Han Min Su
Published: March 2021

A versatile assay system that can be trace both phosphorylation and dephosphorylation by small molecule kinase is demonstrated, and can be applied regardless of substrate diversity.
Ancillary ligand modulated stereoselective self-assembly of triple-stranded Eu(iii) helicate featuring circularly polarized luminescence
Authors: Yao Zhiwei , Zhou Yanyan , Gao Ting , Yan Pengfei , Li Hongfeng
Published: March 2021

Chiral ancillary ligands (R/S-BINAPO) modulated the stereoselective self-assembly of lanthanide helicates, which presented strong CPL with |glum| values up to 0.112 and high luminescence quantum yield up to 34%.
Boosting PLA melt strength by controlling the chirality of co-monomer incorporation
Authors: Narmon An Sofie , Dewaele Annelies , Bruyninckx Kevin , Sels Bert F. , Van Puyvelde Peter , Dusselier Michiel
Published: March 2021

Melt strength improvements of PLA by co-polymerizing lactide with co-monomers of opposite chirality were discovered. Stronger melts can translate in less plastic usage, paving the way towards more sustainable bioplastics with broader applicability.
Hierarchical micro- and mesoporous metal–organic framework-based magnetic nanospheres for the nontargeted analysis of chemical hazards in vegetables
Authors: Jin Yushen , Qi Yan , Tang Chu , Shao Bing
Published: March 2021

H-MOF6@Fe3O4 nanospheres for complete removal of phytochromes through size selectivity to realize nontargeted analysis of chemical hazards in vegetables.
Taming the challenges of activity and selectivity in the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction using graphdiyne-supported double-atom catalysts
Authors: Xu Yongkang , Cai Zhewei , Du Pan , Zhou Jiaxing , Pan Yonghui , Wu Ping , Cai Chenxin
Published: March 2021

Constructing graphdiyne-supported transition metal double-atom catalysts to address the challenges of activity and selectivity in the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction.
Advanced research trends in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Kokkonen Mikko , Talebi Parisa , Zhou Jin , Asgari Somayyeh , Soomro Sohail Ahmed , Elsehrawy Farid , Halme Janne , Ahmad Shahzada , Hagfeldt Anders , Hashmi Syed Ghufran
Published: March 2021

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are an efficient photovoltaic technology for powering electronic applications such as wireless sensors with indoor light.
An organic microlaser based on an aggregation-induced emission fluorophore for tensile strain sensing
Authors: Guo Xiaoping , Zhen Shijie , Ouyang Tianchang , Zhou Shangxiong , Pan Qiwen , Yang Dandan , Chen Jianhao , Dong Guoping , Zhao Zujin , Qiu Jianrong , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: March 2021

An organic microlaser based on a kind of innovative AIE fluorophore TPA-BDTO was fabricated by self-assembly method, and could be used for axial tensile strain sensing with high sensitivity and high resolution.
Coexistence of intrinsic piezoelectricity and nontrivial band topology in monolayer InXO (X = Se and Te)
Authors: Guo San-Dong , Mu Wen-Qi , Zhu Yu-Tong , Wang Shao-Qing , Wang Guang-Zhao
Published: March 2021

Intrinsic piezoelectricity and nontrivial band topology can coexist in monolayer InXO (X = Se and Te), and tensile strain can enhance the piezoelectricity.
Speech Treatment Effects on Narrative Intelligibility in French-Speaking Children With Dysarthria
Authors: Moya-Galé Gemma , Keller Bryan , Escorial Sergio , Levy Erika S.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study examined the effects of Speech Intelligibility Treatment (SIT) on intelligibility and naturalness of narrative speech produced by francophone children with dysarthria due to cerebral palsy.

Method

Ten francophone children with dysarthria were randomized to one of two treatments, SIT or Hand–Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremities, a physical therapy (PT) treatment. Both treatments were conducted in a camp setting and were comparable in dosage. The children were recorded pre- and posttreatment producing a story narrative. Intelligibility was measured by means of 60 blinded listeners' orthographic transcription accuracy (percentage of words transcribed correctly). The listeners also rated the children's naturalness on a visual analogue scale.

Results

A significant pre- to posttreatment increase in intelligibility was found for the SIT group, but not for the PT group, with great individual variability observed among the children. No significant changes were found for naturalness ratings or sound pressure level in the SIT group or the PT group posttreatment. Articulation rate increased in both treatment groups, although not differentially across treatments.

Conclusions

Findings from this first treatment study on intelligibility in francophone children with dysarthria suggest that SIT shows promise for increasing narrative intelligibility in this population. Acoustic contributors to the increased intelligibility remain to be explored further.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14161943
Tracking the Costs of Clear and Loud Speech: Interactions Between Speech Motor Control and Concurrent Visuomotor Tracking
Authors: Whitfield Jason A. , Holdosh Serena R. , Kriegel Zoe , Sullivan Lauren E. , Fullenkamp Adam M.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Prior work has demonstrated that competing tasks impact habitual speech production. The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the extent to which clear and loud speech are affected by concurrent performance of an attention-demanding task.

Method

Speech kinematics and acoustics were collected while participants spoke using habitual, loud, and clear speech styles. The styles were performed in isolation and while performing a secondary tracking task.

Results

Compared to the habitual style, speakers exhibited expected increases in lip aperture range of motion and speech intensity for the clear and loud styles. During concurrent visuomotor tracking, there was a decrease in lip aperture range of motion and speech intensity for the habitual style. Tracking performance during habitual speech did not differ from single-task tracking. For loud and clear speech, speakers retained the gains in speech intensity and range of motion, respectively, while concurrently tracking. A reduction in tracking performance was observed during concurrent loud and clear speech, compared to tracking alone.

Conclusions

These data suggest that loud and clear speech may help to mitigate motor interference associated with concurrent performance of an attention-demanding task. Additionally, reductions in tracking accuracy observed during concurrent loud and clear speech may suggest that these higher effort speaking styles require greater attentional resources than habitual speech.
Association Between Gray Matter Volume Variations and Energy Utilization in the Brain: Implications for Developmental Stuttering
Authors: Boley Nathaniel , Patil Sanath , Garnett Emily O. , Li Hua , Chugani Diane C. , Chang Soo-Eun , Chow Ho Ming
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The biological mechanisms underlying developmental stuttering remain unclear. In a previous investigation, we showed that there is significant spatial correspondence between regional gray matter structural anomalies and the expression of genes linked to energy metabolism. In the current study, we sought to further examine the relationship between structural anomalies in the brain in children with persistent stuttering and brain regional energy metabolism.

Method

High-resolution structural MRI scans were acquired from 26 persistent stuttering and 44 typically developing children. Voxel-based morphometry was used to quantify the between-group gray matter volume (GMV) differences across the whole brain. Group differences in GMV were then compared with published values for the pattern of glucose metabolism measured via F18fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the brains of 29 healthy volunteers using positron emission tomography.

Results

A significant positive correlation between GMV differences and F18fluorodeoxyglucose uptake was found in the left hemisphere (ρ = .36,p< .01), where speech-motor and language processing are typically localized. No such correlation was observed in the right hemisphere (ρ = .05,p= .70).

Conclusions

Corroborating our previous gene expression studies, the results of the current study suggest a potential connection between energy metabolism and stuttering. Brain regions with high energy utilization may be particularly vulnerable to anatomical changes associated with stuttering. Such changes may be further exacerbated when there are sharp increases in brain energy utilization, which coincides with the developmental period of rapid speech/language acquisition and the onset of stuttering during childhood.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14110454
A quantum‐inspired cuckoo co‐evolutionary algorithm for no‐wait flow shop scheduling
Authors: Zhu Haihong , Luo Ning , Li Xiaoping
Published: March 2021

No‐wait flow shop scheduling problems (NWFSPs) are widespread in practical applications. The authors propose a quantum‐inspired cuckoo co‐evolutionary algorithm for the NWFSP to minimize the makespan. There are three algorithm components: quantum solution construction, quantum population evolution, and an improved neighbourhood local search. They generate initial solutions, search solutions, and improve solution qualities, respectively. Parameters of the proposed algorithm are calibrated statistically. The proposal with calibrated parameters is compared with three existing algorithms on Reeves and Taillard benchmark instances with middle scales. Experimental results show that the proposal outperforms the compared algorithms.
Optimization of goods relocation in urban store networks with an incentive strategy
Authors: Silvestri Bartolomeo , Roccotelli Michele , Iavaniglio Raffaello Pio , Ranieri Luigi
Published: March 2021

Nowadays, goods are relocated daily among urban fashion stores by van or truck. This relocation activity generates externalities in urban areas that cause deterioration in the quality of life of their citizens. Innovative strategies based on a sharing approach promise solutions to reduce the use of heavy, polluting vehicles and therefore the related externalities in urban areas. The authors aim to optimise the relocation activity of city fashion stores through a customer‐involved incentive mechanism. The method provides store shopping vouchers to loyal customers as a reward for package delivery from one shop to another. If no customers agree to participate in the delivery game, company relocation staff will perform the delivery service. The benefit of the proposed delivery game is twofold—it increases customer loyalty and reduces the externalities produced by heavy vehicles moving through the city. To this end, two integer linear programming problems are formalised to optimise goods relocation activity with package deliveries (1) by company staff only and (2) by loyal customers in an incentive game. A simulation case study is presented to show the application of the methodology in fashion stores.
Binaural sound source localization based on weighted template matching
Authors: Liu Hong , Sun Yongheng , Yang Ge , Chen Yang
Published: March 2021

In robot binaural sound source localization (SSL), locating the direction of the sound source accurately in the shortest time is important. It refers to the algorithm complexity, but even more to the shortest duration of the required signal. A novel binaural SSL method based on feature and frequency weighting is proposed. More specifically, in the training stage, the direction‐related interaural cross‐correlation function(CCF) and interaural intensity difference(IID) in each frequency band are calculated under noiseless conditions, which are considered the templates. In the testing stage, first the cosine similarities between the CCF and IID of the test signal and templates are calculated in all features and frequency bands. Then, the direction likelihood can be obtained by weighting the similarities. Finally, the direction with maximum likelihood is specified as the direction of the sound source. Experiments were carried out on CIPIC dataset subject 003 with different noises in the noisex‐92 dataset and demonstrated that the method can accurately locate the sound source with a short signal duration.
GW190814 follow-up with the optical telescope MeerLICHT
Authors: de Wet S. , Groot P. J. , Bloemen S. , Le Poole R. , Klein-Wolt M. , Körding E. , McBride V. , Paterson K. , Pieterse D. L. A. , Vreeswijk P. M. , Woudt P.
Published: March 2021

Context. The Advanced LIGO and Virgo gravitational wave observatories detected a signal on 2019 August 14 during their third observing run, named GW190814. A large number of electromagnetic facilities conducted follow-up campaigns in the search for a possible counterpart to the gravitational wave event, which was made especially promising given the early source classification of a neutron star-black hole merger.

Aims. We present the results of the GW follow-up campaign taken with the wide-field optical telescope MeerLICHT, located at the South African Astronomical Observatory Sutherland site. We use our results to constrain possible kilonova models.

Methods. The MeerLICHT telescope observed more than 95% of the probability localisation each night for over a week in three optical bands (u, q, i) with our initial observations beginning almost two hours after the GW detection. We describe the search for new transients in MeerLICHT data and investigate how our limiting magnitudes can be used to constrain an AT2017gfo-like kilonova.

Results. A single new transient was found in our analysis of MeerLICHT data, which we exclude from being the electromagnetic counterpart to GW190814 owing to the existence of a spatially unresolved source at the coordinates of the transient in archival data. Using our limiting magnitudes, the confidence with which we can exclude the presence of an AT2017gfo-like kilonova at the distance of GW190814 was low (< 10−4).