bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling homeostasis mechanisms that set the target cell size
Authors: Vargas-Garcia Cesar A. , Björklund Mikael , Singh Abhyudai
Published: August 2020

How organisms maintain cell size homeostasis is a long-standing problem that remains unresolved, especially in multicellular organisms. Recent experiments in diverse animal cell types demonstrate that within a cell population, cellular proliferation is low for small and large cells, but high at intermediate sizes. Here we use mathematical models to explore size-control strategies that drive such a non-monotonic profile resulting in the proliferation capacity being maximized at a target cell size. Our analysis reveals that most models of size control yield proliferation capacities that vary monotonically with cell size, and non-monotonicity requires two key mechanisms: (1) the growth rate decreases with increasing size for excessively large cells; and (2) cell division occurs as per the Adder model (division is triggered upon adding a fixed size from birth), or a Sizer-Adder combination. Consistent with theory, Jurkat T cell growth rates increase with size for small cells, but decrease with size for large cells. In summary, our models show that regulation of both growth and cell-division timing is necessary for size control in animal cells, and this joint mechanism leads to a target cell size where cellular proliferation capacity is maximized.
Identification of heterogenous treatment response trajectories to anti-IL6 receptor treatment in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Blair J. P. M. , Bay-Jensen A.-C. , Tang M. H. , Frederiksen P. , Bager C. , Karsdal M. , Brunak S.
Published: August 2020

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease with fluctuating course of progression. Despite substantial improvement in treatments in recent years, treatment response is still not guaranteed. The aim of this study was to identify variation in Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) of RA patients in response to Tocilizumab, and to investigate both molecular and clinical factors influencing response. Clinical and biochemical data for 485 RA patients receiving Tocilizumab in combination with methotrexate were extracted from the LITHE phase III clinical study (NCT00106535), and post-hoc analysis conducted. Latent class mixed models were used to identify statistically distinct trajectories of DAS28 after the initiation of treatment. Biomarker measurements were then analysed cross-sectionally and temporally, to characterise patients by serological biomarkers and clinical factors. We identified three distinct trajectories of drug response: class 1 (n = 85, 17.5%), class 2 (n = 338, 69.7%) and class 3 (n = 62, 12.8%). All groups started with high DAS28 on average (DAS28 > 5.1). Class 1 showed the least reduction in DAS28, with significantly more patients seeking escape therapy (p < 0.001). Class 3 showed significantly higher rates of improvement in DAS28, with 58.1% achieving ACR response levels compared to 2.4% in class 1 (p < 0.0001). Biomarkers of inflammation, MMP-3, CRP, C1M, showed greater reduction in class 3 compared to the other classes. Identification of more homogenous patient sub-populations of drug response may allow for more targeted therapeutic treatment regimens and a better understanding of disease aetiology.
Experimental study on the engineering properties of expansive soil treated with Al13
Authors: She Jianbo , Lu Zheng , Duan Yahui , Yao Hailin , Liu Liang
Published: August 2020

This paper investigates the stabilization of expansive soil with hydroxy-aluminium (Al13) with Al/soil ratios of 0.10, 0.14, 0.18, 0.22 and 0.26 mmol/g. A series of laboratory tests were conducted to study the effects of Al13 on the mechanical properties of expansive soil, including Atterberg limits, grain size distribution, swell percent, swell pressure and unconsolidated-undrained (UU) triaxial strength. The results revealed that Al13 reduced the plasticity index, clay content and swelling potential and enhanced the shear strength of expansive soil. The minerals and micro-structural changes in the soil samples were also determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the stabilized soil showed a remarkable flocculated-agglomerated structure characterized by the densification of particle associations. The consistency of the changes in mechanical properties and micro-morphology indicated that expansive soil can be effectively improved with the use of Al13. Additionally, the optimum dosage of polynuclear hydroxy-Al (PHA) solution for stabilizing expansive soil was 0.18 mmol/g under the given properties of expansive soil and PHA utilized in this study.
Comparing methods for estimating leaf area index by multi-angular remote sensing in winter wheat
Authors: He Li , Ren Xingxu , Wang Yangyang , Liu Beicheng , Zhang Haiyan , Liu Wandai , Feng Wei , Guo Tiancai
Published: August 2020

The reflectance of wheat’s canopy exhibits angular sensitivity, which can influence the accuracy of different methods for its leaf area index (LAI) estimation through multi-angular remote sensing. The primary objective of this study was to assess and compare the ability of various methods for LAI estimation from 13 view zenith angles (VZAs). The four methods included: (1) common hyper-spectral vegetation indices (VIs), (2) optimal two-band combination VIs (i.e., VIs: normalized difference index, simple ratio index, and difference vegetation index), (3) back-propagation neural network (BPNN), and (4) partial least squares regression (PLSR). Our results demonstrated that the red-edge plays a key role in estimating LAI, in that the traditional VIs, optimal two-band VIs, and PLSR including the red-edge band all showed satisfactory performance, with coefficient of determination (R2) > 0.72 in the nadir direction. However, the estimation accuracy of LAI was not positively related with band number, and BPNN gave unsatisfactory results under a larger viewing angle, with R2 ≤ 0.60 for extreme angles. The predictive ability of all four methods declined with an increasing VZA, with reliable LAI estimation near the nadir direction. Importantly, by comparing the four methods, PLSR emerged as superior in both its estimation accuracy and angular insensitivity, with R2 = 0.83 in the nadir direction and ≥ 0.65 for extreme angles. For this reason, we highly recommend it be used with multi-angular remote sensing data, especially in agricultural applications.
Plants are visited by more pollinator species than pollination syndromes predicted in an oceanic island community
Authors: Wang Xiangping , Wen Meihong , Qian Xin , Pei Nancai , Zhang Dianxiang
Published: August 2020

The pollination syndrome concept has provided powerful utility in understanding the evolution and adaptation of floral traits. However, the utility of this conception has been questioned on the grounds that flowers usually attract a broader spectrum of visitors than one might expect. Furthermore, the relationship between plant specialization and floral traits is poorly understood. Here, we examined the applicability of using the pollination syndrome to predict the pollinators of plants on Yongxing Island. We used the species-level specialization of pollination networks to compare the difference of plant ecological specialization among floral traits. The result of full model was not significant, indicating that floral traits did not affect the pollinator functional groups. The five floral traits explained only 22.5% of the pollinator’s visitation preference. Our results showed that plants were visited by more pollinator species than pollination syndromes predicted. Plants with restrictive flowers showed higher specialization than those with unrestrictive flowers, while other floral traits exhibited no significant effect on plant specialization. Generalized pollination system on oceanic island might influence the predictive accuracy of pollination syndromes and the relationship between floral traits and plant ecological specialization. Our findings highlighted the utility and limitations of pollination syndromes concept in oceanic island communities.
Exogenous proline induces regulation in 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) biosynthesis and quality characters in fragrant rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Luo Haowen , Zhang Tantan , Zheng Axiang , He Longxin , Lai Rifang , Liu Jinhai , Xing Pipeng , Tang Xiangru
Published: August 2020

Proline is one of the precursors of the biosynthesis of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) which is the key and characteristic volatile component of fragrant rice aroma. In order to study the effects of exogenous proline on 2-AP biosynthesis and other grain quality attributes in fragrant rice, two indica fragrant rice cultivars, “Meixiangzhan-2” and “Xiangyaxiangzhan”, and one japonica fragrant rice, “Yunjingyou”, were used in present study. At initial heading stage, proline solutions at 0 (CK), 0.10 (Pro1), 0.20 (Pro2) and 0.50 (Pro3) g L-1 were applied as foliar spray solution to fragrant rice plants. Compared with CK, Pro1, Pro2 and Pro3 treatments significantly increased the grain 2-AP content. The significant up-regulation effects due to proline treatments were observed in the contents of proline, △1-pyrrolidine-5-carboxylic acid (P5C) and △1-pyrroline which involved in 2-AP formation. Exogenous proline application also significantly decreased the grain γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content. Furthermore, proline treatments enhanced the activity of proline dehydrogenase (ProDH) as well as transcript level of gene PRODH. On the other hand, the transcript level of gene BADH2 and activity of betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH) decreased under proline treatments. Proline treatments (Pro2 and Pro3) also increased the grain protein content by 3.57–6.51%. Moreover, 32.03–34.25% lower chalky rice rate and 30.80–48.88% lower chalkiness were recorded in proline treatments (Pro2 and Pro3) for both Meixiangzhan and Xiangyaxiangzhan whilst for Yunjingyou, foliar application of proline had no significant effect on chalky rice rate and chalkiness. There was no remarkable difference observed in grain milled quality (brown rice rate, milled rice rate and head rice rate) and amylose content between CK and proline treatments. In conclusion, exogenous proline enhanced the 2-AP biosynthesis and promoted some grain quality characters of fragrant rice.
Fabricating THz spiral zone plate by high throughput femtosecond laser air filament direct writing
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Dai Zijie , Wang Yunfei , Chu Chunyue , Su Qiang , Kosareva Olga , Zhang Nan , Lin Lie , Liu Weiwei
Published: August 2020

The sixth-generation wireless communication will exploit the radio band with frequencies higher than 90 GHz, reaching terahertz (THz) band, to achieve huge signal bandwidths. However, the cost-effective fabrication methods of the key components in THz band, which can compromise large scale, high precision, and high efficiency, remain great challenges at present. In this work, we have developed a high throughput fabrication method based on the femtosecond laser filament direct writing. The ability of fabricating large-scale THz elements with high precision and fast speed has been demonstrated by fabricating 100 × 100 mm2 spiral zone plates (SZPs), which can convert the Gaussian THz beam into vortex beam. The performance of the obtained THz vortex beam is in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. The fabrication method reported here has promising applications in fabricating various kinds of THz elements on substrates with both flat and curved surfaces.
Thread-based isoelectric focusing coupled with desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Chen Liang , Cabot Joan M. , Sanz Rodriguez Estrella , Ghiasvand Alireza , Innis Peter C. , Paull Brett
Published: August 2020

Efficient ‘on-thread’ isoelectric focusing of proteins, with direct on-thread detection using desorption electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry.
Asymmetric acyl-Mannich reaction of isoquinolines with α-(diazomethyl)phosphonate and diazoacetate catalyzed by chiral Brønsted acids
Authors: Wu Wei , Wang Yan , Guo Jing , Cai Liu , Chen Yuan , Huang Yanmin , Peng Yungui
Published: August 2020

α-Diazo-β-isoquinoline derivatives were obtained in excellent yields and enantioselectivities by asymmetric acyl-Mannich reaction of (diazomethyl)phosphonate or diazoacetate with isoquinolines.
Cage occupancy of methane clathrate hydrates in the ternary H2O–NH3–CH4 system
Authors: Petuya Claire , Choukroun Mathieu , Vu Tuan H. , Desmedt Arnaud , Davies Ashley G. , Sotin Christophe
Published: August 2020

Suggested effect of NH3 on methane cage occupancy.
Synthesis of chiral pyrimidine-substituted diester D–A cyclopropanes via asymmetric cyclopropanation of phenyliodonium ylides
Authors: Wang Hai-Xia , Li Wen-Peng , Zhang Mi-Mi , Xie Ming-Sheng , Qu Gui-Rong , Guo Hai-Ming
Published: August 2020

A highly enantioselective synthesis of pyrimidine-substituted diester D–A cyclopropanes via cyclopropanation of N1-vinylpyrimidines with phenyliodonium ylides is reported.
Chemically triggered crosslinking with bioorthogonal cyclopropenones
Authors: Row R. David , Nguyen Sean S. , Ferreira Andrew J. , Prescher Jennifer A.
Published: August 2020

Bioorthogonal cyclopropenones can be chemically triggered to crosslink interacting biomolecules.
Isolated diatomic Zn–Fe in N-doped carbon for electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction to ammonia
Authors: Zhang Le , Fan Guilan , Xu Wence , Yu Meng , Wang Lei , Yan Zhenhua , Cheng Fangyi
Published: August 2020

Diatomic Zn–Fe anchored on N-doped carbon exhibits high electrocatalytic performance for ambient nitrogen reduction.
Metal–organic framework based nanozymes: promising materials for biochemical analysis
Authors: Niu Xiangheng , Li Xin , Lyu Zhaoyuan , Pan Jianming , Ding Shichao , Ruan Xiaofan , Zhu Wenlei , Du Dan , Lin Yuehe
Published: August 2020

Metal–organic frameworks with enzyme-like catalytic features (MOF nanozymes) exhibit great promise in detecting various analytes with amplified signal outputs.
Blue-emitting NH4+-doped MAPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots with near unity quantum yield and super stability
Authors: Deng Jidong , Xun Jiao , Qin Youcheng , Li Ming , He Rongxing
Published: August 2020

NH4+-doped blue-emitting perovskite MA1−x(NH4)xPbBr3 QDs with high PLQYs (99.79%) and excellent stability due to the binding effects of NH4+.
An efficient [3+2] annulation for the asymmetric synthesis of densely-functionalized pyrrolidinones and γ-butenolides
Authors: Qian Hui , Sun Song , Zhao Wanxiang , Sun Jianwei
Published: August 2020

Disclosed here is a new [3+2] annulation of siloxy alkynes that provides robust access to highly enantioenriched, densely-substituted pyrrolidinones and γ-butenolides, whose direct synthesis remains challenging.
Mg–Mg bond polarization induced by a superbulky β-diketiminate ligand
Authors: Rösch Bastian , Gentner Thomas Xaver , Eyselein Jonathan , Friedrich Alexander , Langer Jens , Harder Sjoerd
Published: August 2020

Increasing the steric pressure in a low-valent β-diketiminate Mg(i) did not lead to radical formation but gave Mg–N bond cleavage and formation of an asymmetrically substituted Mg–Mg complex.
Polar crystalline phases of PVDF induced by interaction with functionalized boron nitride nanosheets
Authors: Guo Fuhai , Zhao Jian , Li Feixiang , Kong Deyu , Guo Hongge , Wang Xin , Hu Haiqing , Zong Lingbo , Xu Junting
Published: August 2020

The PVDF/OH-BNNS nanocomposites mainly form a non-polar phase, while polar crystalline phases are the majority in the PVDF/NH2-BNNS nanocomposites.
Photophysical and spectroscopic features of 3,4-dihydro-β-carbolines: a combined experimental and theoretical approach
Authors: Villarruel Fernando D. , Denofrio M. Paula , Erra-Balsells Rosa , Wolcan Ezequiel , Cabrerizo Franco M.
Published: August 2020

The spectroscopic and photophysical properties of 3,4-dihydro-β-carboline alkaloids in aqueous were revisited. Absorbing and emitting species present in aqueous solution in the entire pH range were reassigned by DFT calculations.
Franck–Condon simulations of transition-state spectra for the OH + H2O and OD + D2O reactions
Authors: Sugiura Yutaro , Takayanagi Toshiyuki
Published: August 2020

Quantum wave packet calculations in reduced dimensions were performed to analyze the experimentally measured transition-state spectra of the OH + H2O and OD + D2O hydrogen exchange reactions.
A hydrogen/oxygen hybrid biofuel cell comprising an electrocatalytically active nanoflower/laccase-based biocathode
Authors: Lee Joseph Yoon Young , Elouarzaki Kamal , Sabharwal Harshjyot Singh , Fisher Adrian C. , Lee Jong-Min
Published: August 2020

Enzymatic fuel cells (EFCs) are one of the promising next-generation energy conversion systems.
Influence of the nanoparticle size on hydrogen release and side product formation in liquid organic hydrogen carrier systems with supported platinum catalysts
Authors: Auer Franziska , Hupfer Alexander , Bösmann Andreas , Szesni Normen , Wasserscheidpeter Peter
Published: August 2020

The performance of an alumina supported Pt catalyst in the hydrogen release from perhydro-dibenzyltoluene is strongly depending on the mean Pt nanoparticle size.
NiMOF-derived oxygen vacancy rich NiO with excellent capacitance and ORR/OER activities as a cathode material for Zn-based hybrid batteries
Authors: Xu Dandan , Huang Qianqian , Xu Xinxin , Sang Xiaoguang
Published: August 2020

Oxygen vacancy rich NiO is synthesized from NiMOF, which possesses excellent capacitance and ORR/OER activities. It serves as a cathode material in Zn-based hybrid batteries.
Magnetic In–Pd catalysts for nitrate degradation
Authors: Guo Sujin , Powell Camilah D. , Villagrán Dino , Wong Michael S.
Published: August 2020

Magnetic catalysts offer the possibility of rapidly eliminating nitrate oxyanions, a ubiquitous drinking water contaminant, without generating a secondary waste stream.
Polyoxometalate-based metal–organic framework-derived bimetallic hybrid materials for upgraded electrochemical reduction of nitrogen
Authors: Wang Xinming , Feng Zemin , Xiao Boxin , Zhao Jingxiang , Ma Huiyuan , Tian Yu , Pang Haijun , Tan Lichao
Published: August 2020

The core–shell structure of the Fe1.89Mo4.11O7/FeS2@C hybrid material exhibits high-efficiency electrocatalytic NRR activity and stability under ambient conditions.
Sulfite modification of platinum nanoparticles modulates electrocatalytic formic acid oxidation activity
Authors: Liu Moxuan , Zhang Shumeng , Zhang Zhixue , Liu Zhaojun , Liu Kai , Gao Chuanbo
Published: August 2020

A facile post-synthetic modification of commercial Pt catalysts by sulfite leads to significantly enhanced formic acid oxidation activity.
Photoredox-catalyzed dicarbofunctionalization of styrenes with amines and CO2: a convenient access to γ-amino acids
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yi Yaping , Wu Zhong-Qian , Chen Chao , Xi Chanjuan
Published: August 2020

Visible-light-mediated regioselective carbocarboxylation of styrenes using CO2 and amines to generate important γ-amino acids has been realized by photocatalysis.
Ammonia borane enabled upgrading of biomass derivatives at room temperature
Authors: Zhao Wenfeng , Meier Sebastian , Yang Song , Riisager Anders
Published: August 2020

An efficient catalyst-free system composed of ammonia borane in water or alcohol was developed to selectively convert biomass-derived feedstock into four value-added products under extremely mild conditions.
A multinebulization technique for the determination of trace metals in a marine biota sample by on-line isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (OID-ICP-MS)
Authors: García Miriam , Aguirre Miguel Ángel , Vassileva Emilia , Canals Antonio
Published: August 2020

The efficient mixing between the sample and the spike solutions takes place at the inner cavity of the multinebulizer tip.
Advanced pillared designs for two-dimensional materials in electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Chen Chong , Li Nian-Wu , Wang Bao , Yuan Shuai , Yu Le
Published: August 2020

2D materials with pillared designs have shown great enhancement in specific capacity/capacitance and rate performance. In this study, we highlight the recent progress in 2D materials with pillared designs in lithium-ion storage and beyond.
Preparation and catalytic performance of a novel organometallic CoH/Hβ catalyst forn-hexane isomerization
Authors: Zhang Mei , Wang Congcong , Zhang Chao , Cai Tingting , Zhu Lijun , Xia Daohong
Published: August 2020

A novel organometallic catalyst CoH/Hβ was synthesized and directly provided hydrogenation/dehydrogenation effects in the isomerization ofn-hexane.
A pH and UCST thermo-responsive tri-block copolymer (PAA-b-PDMA-b-P(AM-co-AN)) with micellization and gelatinization in aqueous media for drug release
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Chen Yan , Huang Mingjun , Ling Yi , Yang Liming , Zhao Guochen , Chen Jie
Published: August 2020

A brand new pH and thermo-responsive amphiphilic ABC triblock copolymer of poly(acrylic acid)-block-poly(N,N-dimethyl acrylamide)-block-poly(acrylamide-co-acrylonitrile) (PAA-b-PDMA-b-P(AM-co-AN)) was applied as drug carrier systems.
Modification of polyurethane sponge with waste compact disc-derived activated carbon and its application in organic solvents/oil sorption
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Behranvand Vajiheh
Published: August 2020

Polyurethane@activated carbon derived from waste compact disc sponge demonstrated comparable or even better sorption capacity contrasted with other polyurethane-based composites.
Magnesium hydroxide–supported ruthenium as an efficient and stable catalyst for glycerol-selective hydrogenolysis without addition of base and acid additives
Authors: Liu Jun , Ruan Luna , Liao Jianhua , Pei An , Yang Kai , Zhu Lihua , Chen Bing Hui
Published: August 2020

Ru/Mg(OH)2(S) exhibited high catalytic activity and selectivity to 1,2-propanediol for glycerol hydrogenolysis without any base and acid additives.
Fabrication of mesoporous carbon supported Ni–Mo catalysts for the enhanced conversion of glucose to ethylene glycol
Authors: Kirali Arun Arunima , Sreekantan Sreejith , Marimuthu Banu
Published: August 2020

Catalyst composition with 3% Ni and 15% Mo exhibited the highest glucose conversion (100%) and EG yield (63.2%). Synergistic interaction between Ni and acidic sites over Mo is responsible for the selective activity of 3% Ni-15% Mo/MC catalyst.
Luminescent EuIIIand TbIIIbimetallic complexes of N,N′-heterocyclic bases and tolfenamic acid: structures, photophysical aspects and biological activity
Authors: Abbas Zafar , Singh Prerana , Dasari Srikanth , Sivakumar Sri , Patra Ashis K.
Published: August 2020

The isostructural bimetallic luminescent EuIIIand TbIIIdimers containing N,N′-heterocyclic bases and tolfenamic acid as a bridging ligands were evaluated for their structures, cellular imaging capability and photocytotoxicity.
Stabilization of cyclic water tetramers and dimers in the crystal host of 2D coordination networks: electrical conductivity and dielectric studies
Authors: Dutta Basudeb , Ghosh Sourav Ranjan , Ray Apurba , Jana Srikanta , Sinha Chittaranjan , Das Sachindranath , Jana Atish Dipankar , Mir Mohammad Hedayetullah
Published: August 2020

Construction of Zn(ii)-based 2D coordination polymers for selective recognition of water tetramers and dimers in crystal hosts and their exploitation in electrical studies.
An electrochemical sensing platform amplified with a Au@Ag nanoparticle-decorated three-dimensional N-doped graphene aerogel for ultrasensitive determination of baicalein
Authors: Niu Xueliang , Zhang Weili , Huang Yan , Wang Likai , Li Zhongfang , Sun Wei
Published: August 2020

A novel electrochemical method for highly sensitive determination of baicalein was developed with Au@Ag/3DNGA as signal amplifier.
Elucidating the mechanism of the surface functionalization dependent neurotoxicity of graphene family nanomaterials
Authors: Guo Zhiling , Zhang Peng , Chetwynd Andrew J. , Xie Heidi Qunhui , Valsami-Jones Eugenia , Zhao Bin , Lynch Iseult
Published: August 2020

Differentially functionalized graphene caused different neurotoxicities. G-COOH, G-OH, and RGO induced more severe acute toxicity than G-NH2, while G-NH2 caused more persistent toxicity and more disturbance of the cellular metabolism.
Self-supported CdSe nanowire/nanosheet photoanodes on cadmium foilvia in situhydrothermal transformation of CdSe(en)0.5complex nanostructures
Authors: Mahadik Mahadeo A. , Chae Weon-Sik , Cho Min , Jang Jum Suk
Published: August 2020

Self-supported Cd(OH)2/CdSe NS photoanodes preparedvia in situhydrothermal transformation approach display 7.6 times higher photocurrent than that of CdSe(en)0.5. The role of Cd(OH)2during PEC transformation is extensively proposed.
Microfluidic device for coupling isotachophoretic sample focusing with nanopore single-molecule sensing
Authors: Spitzberg Joshua D. , van Kooten Xander F. , Bercovici Moran , Meller Amit
Published: August 2020

Electrokinetic focusing of analytes to a solid-state nanopore enhances the translocation event rate, enabling rapid nanopore sensing at low analyte concentrations.
Spectral shift, electronic coupling and exciton delocalization in nanocrystal dimers: insights from all-atom electronic structure computations
Authors: Coden Maurizio , De Checchi Pietro , Fresch Barbara
Published: August 2020

The electronic structure of dimers of CdSe clusters manifests exciton delocalization. Modulation of inter-cluster interaction from weak to strong electronic coupling is demonstrated by changing the bridging ligand.
Correction: Two-dimensional nanocoating-enabled orthopedic implants for bimodal therapeutic applications
Authors: Wang Song , Duan Chunyan , Yang Weizhong , Gao Xiangyu , Shi Jiacheng , Kang Jianping , Deng Yi , Shi Xiao-Lei , Chen Zhi-Gang
Published: August 2020

Correction for ‘Two-dimensional nanocoating-enabled orthopedic implants for bimodal therapeutic applications’ by Song Wang et al., Nanoscale, 2020, 12, 11936–11946, DOI: 10.1039/D0NR02327B.
Tandem Prins cyclization for the synthesis of indole fused spiro-1,4-diazocane scaffolds
Authors: Rapelli Chandrashekhar , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Subba Reddy B. V.
Published: August 2020

A tandem Prins strategy has been developed for the first time to produce a novel class of spiro-1,4-diazocane derivatives by the condensation of indole tethered γ-hydroxyolefin with aldehydes using BF3·OEt2 at −40 °C in dichloromethane.
Highly diastereoselective synthesis of 3-methylenetetrahydropyrans by palladium-catalyzed oxa-[4 + 2] cycloaddition of 2-alkenylbenzothiazoles
Authors: Song Xiaoxiao , Xu Lei , Ni Qijian
Published: August 2020

A highly diastereoselective synthesis of 3-methylenetetrahydropyrans via palladium-catalyzed oxa-[4 + 2] cycloaddition of 2-alkenylbenzothiazoles with allyl carbonates bearing a nucleophilic alcohol side chain is described.
Revisiting the role of acids and hydrogen bond acceptors in enamine formation
Authors: Lu Zhichao , Hammond Gerald B. , Xu Bo
Published: August 2020

A systematic investigation into the effects of acids and hydrogen bond acceptors on the reaction rates and equilibria of enamine formation is reported.
Rapid access to 3-indolyl-1-trifluoromethyl-isobenzofurans by hybrid use of Lewis/Brønsted acid catalysts
Authors: Hoshino Daiki , Mori Keiji
Published: August 2020

Expeditious synthesis of 3-indolyl-1-trifluoromethyl-isobenzofurans via [1,4]-hydride shift/cyclization/intermolecular nucleophilic addition reaction sequence.
Lewis acid-surfactant complex catalyzed polymerization in aqueous dispersed media: cationic or radical polymerization?
Authors: Destephen Aurélie , Lezama Luis , Ballard Nicholas
Published: August 2020

Evidence is presented that shows Lewis acid-surfactant complex catalyzed polymerization proceeds via a radical, not a cationic, mechanism.
Recent developments in electrochemical sensors for detecting hydrazine with different modified electrodes
Authors: Tajik Somayeh , Beitollahi Hadi , Mohammadi Sayed Zia , Azimzadeh Mostafa , Zhang Kaiqiang , Van Le Quyet , Yamauchi Yusuke , Jang Ho Won , Shokouhimehr Mohammadreza
Published: August 2020

The detection of hydrazine (HZ) is an important application in analytical chemistry.
Hydrogenation of crude and purified d-glucosone generated by enzymatic oxidation of d-glucose
Authors: Lassfolk Robert , Aho Atte , Murzin Dmitry Yu. , Leino Reko
Published: August 2020

Investigation on the hydrogenation of both chromatographically purified and crude d-glucosone directly from its enzymatic production process to yield d-fructose.
Z-scheme BiVO4/Ag/Ag2S composites with enhanced photocatalytic efficiency under visible light
Authors: Liu Yi , Chen Jiajia , Zhang Jinfeng , Tang Zhongliang , Li Haibin , Yuan Jian
Published: August 2020

The Z-scheme BiVO4/Ag/Ag2S photocatalyst was fabricated via a two-step route.
Unraveling the relationship between exposed surfaces and the photocatalytic activity of Ag3PO4: an in-depth theoretical investigation
Authors: Lipsky Felipe , Lacerda Luis Henrique da Silveira , de Lazaro Sérgio Ricardo , Longo Elson , Andrés Juan , San-Miguel Miguel Angel
Published: August 2020

Over the years, the possibility of using solar radiation in photocatalysis or photodegradation processes has attracted remarkable interest from scientists around the world.
Correlations of the physicochemical properties of organosolv lignins from Broussonetia papyrifera with their antioxidant activities
Authors: Yao Lan , Xiong Long , Yoo Chang Geun , Dong Chengyu , Meng Xianzhi , Dai Jun , Ragauskas Arthur J. , Yang Chunlei , Yu Jun , Yang Haitao , Chen Xiong
Published: August 2020

To understand the influence of lignin characteristics on their antioxidant activities, lignins were isolated from Broussonetia papyrifera by organosolv pretreatment at different temperatures.
Active microfluidic transport in two-dimensional handlebodies
Authors: Hardoüin Jérôme , Laurent Justine , Lopez-Leon Teresa , Ignés-Mullol Jordi , Sagués Francesc
Published: August 2020

An active nematic confined in microfluidic annuli features symmetry breaking, synchronization or frustration depending on the channel topology.
Low molecular weight self-assembling peptide-based materials for cell culture, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, anticancer, drug delivery, bioimaging and 3D bioprinting applications
Authors: Das Apurba K. , Gavel Pramod K.
Published: August 2020

This article emphasizes on the rational design and development of self-assembling peptide-based materials for cell culture, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, wound healing, drug delivery, bioimaging and 3D bioprinting applications.
Recovery of the self-cleaning property of silicon elastomers utilizing the concept of reversible coordination bonds
Authors: Shan Yuxing , Zhou Zhi , Bai Haoming , Wang Ting , Liu Lili , Zhao Xiuli , Huang Yawen
Published: August 2020

Stretchable elastomers with superhydrophobic surfaces and self-cleaning abilities are fabricated for use in wearable electronics.
Cellulose nanocrystals for gelation and percolation-induced reinforcement of a photocurable poly(vinyl alcohol) derivative
Authors: Corder Ria D. , Adhikari Prajesh , Burroughs Michael C. , Rojas Orlando J. , Khan Saad A.
Published: August 2020

We examine how cellulose nanocrystals affect the rheology of a photoactive poly(vinyl alcohol) derivative before, during, and after photocrosslinking.
Electrochemical dealloying as a tool to tune the porosity, composition and catalytic activity of nanomaterials
Authors: Rurainsky Christian , Manjón Alba Garzón , Hiege Felix , Chen Yen-Ting , Scheu Christina , Tschulik Kristina
Published: August 2020

Electrochemical dealloying is presented as a versatile tool to fine-tune the properties and activity of electrocatalysts.
Enhancing cycling stability of tungsten oxide supercapacitor electrodesviaa boron cluster-based molecular cross-linking approach
Authors: Jung Dahee , Muni Mit , Marin Gustavo , Ramachandran Roshini , El-Kady Maher F. , Balandin Tanya , Kaner Richard B. , Spokoyny Alexander M.
Published: August 2020

A boron-rich hybrid tungsten oxide material with enhanced cycling stability, up to 4000 cycles compared to that of pristine tungsten oxide.
Fc-Elabela fusion protein attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced kidney injury in mice
Authors: Xu Feng , Zhou Huifen , Wu Man , Zhang Hong , Zhang Yixian , Zhao Qingbin , Brown Robert , Gong Da-Wei , Miao Lining
Published: August 2020

Endotoxemia-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical condition that lacks effective treatments. Elabela (ELA) is a recently discovered kidney peptide hormone, encoded by the gene apela, and has been reported to improve cardio-renal outcomes in sepsis. However, ELA is a small peptide and is largely unsuitable for clinical use because of its short in vivo half-life. In the present study, we evaluated the potential renoprotective effects of a long-acting constant fragment (Fc)-ELA fusion protein in liposaccharide (LPS)-induced AKI in mice. LPS administration in mice for 5 days greatly lowered the gene expression of apela and impaired kidney function, as evidenced by elevated serum creatinine and the ratio of urine protein to creatinine. In addition, renal inflammation and macrophage infiltration were apparent in LPS-challenged mice. Treatment with the Fc-ELA fusion protein partially restored apela expression and attenuated the kidney inflammation. Moreover, LPS treatment induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis in kidney HK-2 cells as well as in the mouse kidney, which were mitigated by ELA or Fc-ELA treatment. Finally, we found that ELA promoted the survival of HK-2 cells treated with LPS, and this action was abolished by LY204002, a PI3K/Akt inhibitor. Collectively, we have demonstrated that the Fc-ELA fusion protein has significant renoprotective activities against LPS-induced AKI in mice.
LncRNA VPS9D1-AS1 promotes cell proliferation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia through modulating GPX1 expression by miR-491-5p and miR-214-3p evasion
Authors: Xiao Shishan , Xu Na , Ding Qian , Huang Shengwen , Zha Yan , Zhu Hongqian
Published: August 2020

Alterations in messenger RNAs (mRNAs) of protein-coding genes can influence the malignant behaviors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells. According to the prediction from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we discovered that glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) was up-regulated in acute myeloid leukemia (LAML) tissues, which pushed us to explore the feasible role and its related modulatory mechanism of GPX1 in ALL. In this research, we first proved the high expression of GPX1 in ALL cells compared with normal cells. Functional assays further revealed that the proliferation was obstructed and the apoptosis was facilitated in ALL cells with silenced GPX1. Then, both miR-491-5p and miR-214-3p that were down-regulated in ALL cells were affirmed to target GPX1. Subsequently, VPS9D1 antisense RNA 1 (VPS9D1-AS1) was recognized as the upstream regulator of miR-491-5p-miR-214-3p/GPX1 axis in a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) model. Importantly, we proved that VPS9D1-AS1 served as a tumor promoter in ALL through elevating GPX1. In conclusion, VPS9D1-AS1 contributed to ALL cell proliferation through miR-491-5p-miR-214-3p/GPX1 axis, hinting an optional choice for the treatment of ALL.
Association between ALMS 1 variants and early-onset coronary artery disease: a case–control study in Chinese population
Authors: Zhang Shao-Yan , Xuan Chao , Wang Yi , Zhang Shao-Qiang , Li Hui , He Guo-Wei , Tian Qing-Wu
Published: August 2020

Background: Genome-wide linkage analysis revealed the polymorphism of rs6748040 and glutamic acid repeat are potential pathogenic factors of early-onset myocardial infarction (MI). The present study was designed to investigate the associations of Alström syndrome 1 (ALMS 1) gene in Chinese populations with early-onset coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods: The two variants of the ALMS 1 gene were genotyped in 1252 early-onset CAD patients and 1378 controls using PCR, followed by Sml I restriction enzyme digestion or direct sequencing of the PCR product. The associations were estimated using the odds ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results: A significant association between the ALMS 1 G/A variant and the risk of early-onset MI was detected in G vs.A (OR = 1.371, 95% CI: 1.183–1.589), GG vs. AA (OR = 2.037, 95% CI: 1.408–2.948), dominant genetic model (OR = 1.794, 95% CI: 1.254–2.567), and recessive genetic model (OR = 1.421, 95% CI: 1.177–1.716). 14 glutamic acid repeat (A14) is risk factor for early-onset MI (OR = 1.605, 95% CI: 1.313–1.962) and 17 glutamic acid repeat (A17) is protective factor for the disease (OR = 0.684, 95% CI: 0.601–0.827). These associations were not detected in early-onset CAD patients.

Conclusions: Our findings indicated that G/A variant (rs6748040) and glutamic acid repeat polymorphism of the ALMS 1 gene associated with the risk of early-onset MI in the Chinese population.
miR-20a-5p is enriched in hypoxia-derived tubular exosomes and protects against acute tubular injury
Authors: Yu Wenjuan , Zeng Honghui , Chen Junzhe , Fu Sha , Huang Qiuyan , Xu Yanchun , Xu Anping , Lan Hui-yao , Tang Ying
Published: August 2020

Exosomes have been shown to effectively regulate the biological functions of target cells. Here, we investigated the protective effect and mechanism of hypoxia-induced renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs)-derived exosomes on acute tubular injury. We found that in vitro hypoxia-induced tubular exosomes (Hy-EXOs) were protective in acute tubular injury by promoting TECs proliferation and improving mitochondrial functions. By using exosome miRNA sequencing, we identified miR-20a-5p was abundant and was a key mechanism for the protective effect of Hy-EXOs on tubular injury as up-regulation of miR-20a-5p enhanced but down-regulation of miR-20a-5p inhibited the protective effect of Hy-EXOs on tubular injury under hypoxia conditions. Further study in a mouse model of ischemia–reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury (IRI-AKI) also confirmed this notion as pre-treating mice with the miR-20a-5p agomir 48 h prior to AKI induction was capable of inhibiting IRI-AKI by lowering serum levels of creatinine and urea nitrogen, and attenuating the severity of tubular necrosis, F4/80(+) macrophages infiltration and vascular rarefaction. Mechanistically, the protective effect of miR-20a-5p on acute kidney injury (AKI) was associated with inhibition of TECs mitochondrial injury and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, miR-20a-5p is enriched in hypoxia-derived tubular exosomes and protects against acute tubular injury. Results from the present study also reveal that miR-20a-5p may represent as a novel therapy for AKI.
Comparison of Auditory, Language, Memory, and Attention Abilities in Children With and Without Listening Difficulties
Authors: Magimairaj Beula M. , Nagaraj Naveen K. , Sergeev Alexander V. , Benafield Natalie J.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

School-age children with and without parent-reported listening difficulties (LiD) were compared on auditory processing, language, memory, and attention abilities. The objective was to extend what is known so far in the literature about children with LiD by using multiple measures and selective novel measures across the above areas.

Design

Twenty-six children who were reported by their parents as having LiD and 26 age-matched typically developing children completed clinical tests of auditory processing and multiple measures of language, attention, and memory. All children had normal-range pure-tone hearing thresholds bilaterally. Group differences were examined.

Results

In addition to significantly poorer speech-perception-in-noise scores, children with LiD had reduced speed and accuracy of word retrieval from long-term memory, poorer short-term memory, sentence recall, and inferencing ability. Statistically significant group differences were of moderate effect size; however, standard test scores of children with LiD were not clinically poor. No statistically significant group differences were observed in attention, working memory capacity, vocabulary, and nonverbal IQ.

Conclusions

Mild signal-to-noise ratio loss, as reflected by the group mean of children with LiD, supported the children's functional listening problems. In addition, children's relative weakness in select areas of language performance, short-term memory, and long-term memory lexical retrieval speed and accuracy added to previous research on evidence-based areas that need to be evaluated in children with LiD who almost always have heterogenous profiles. Importantly, the functional difficulties faced by children with LiD in relation to their test results indicated, to some extent, that commonly used assessments may not be adequately capturing the children's listening challenges.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12808607
Remote testing architecture for synchrophasor‐based remedial action schemes
Authors: Nie Zhijie , Qin Chuan , Kundu Pratim , Srivastava Anurag K.
Published: August 2020

A wide range of remedial action schemes (RAS) have been developed and deployed in field to take automated control actions to maintain system reliability and stability during adverse system conditions. According to the regulatory standards from North American Electricity Reliability Corporation (NERC), RAS applications deployed in field and their functionalities are required to be tested periodically. To do testing for the RAS, regular process that requires taking critical components offline is usually labor‐intensive and time‐consuming, especially for complex applications utilizing multiple measurement units and controllers from different substations. To overcome these challenges, this paper presents a remote testing architecture for remedial action schemes. Our proposed remote testing architecture is capable of accessing test signal generators, phasor measurement units (PMUs), RAS control units from multiple substations, managing tests for both centralized and distributed implementations of RAS. To address the effectiveness of the remote testing architecture, this paper presents the minimal wind curtailment applications with detailed alternative formulations of optimization models for RAS and highlights performance of the proposed remote testing of RAS. Simulation results for an IEEE standard test system and representative industry test cases demonstrate effective performance of the developed RAS testing mechanism.
Observed binary populations reflect the Galactic history
Authors: Vos J. , Bobrick A. , Vučković M.
Published: August 2020

Context. Wide hot subdwarf B (sdB) binaries with main-sequence companions are outcomes of stable mass transfer from evolved red giants. The orbits of these binaries show a strong correlation between their orbital periods and mass ratios. The origins of this correlation have, so far, been lacking a conclusive explanation.

Aims. We aim to find a binary evolution model which can explain the observed correlation.

Methods. Radii of evolved red giants, and hence the resulting orbital periods, strongly depend on their metallicity. We performed a small but statistically significant binary population synthesis study with the binary stellar evolution code MESA. We used a standard model for binary mass loss and a standard metallicity history of the Galaxy. The resulting sdB systems were selected based on the same criteria as was used in observations and then compared with the observed population.

Results. We have achieved an excellent match to the observed period-mass ratio correlation without explicitly fine-tuning any parameters. Furthermore, our models produce a very good match to the observed period-metallicity correlation. We predict several new correlations, which link the observed sdB binaries to their progenitors, and a correlation between the orbital period, metallicity, and core mass for subdwarfs and young low-mass helium white dwarfs. We also predict that sdB binaries have distinct orbital properties depending on whether they formed in the Galactic bulge, thin or thick disc, or the halo.

Conclusions. We demonstrate, for the first time, how the metallicity history of the Milky Way is imprinted in the properties of the observed post-mass transfer binaries. We show that Galactic chemical evolution is an important factor in binary population studies of interacting systems containing at least one evolved low-mass (Minit <  1.6 M⊙) component. Finally, we provide an observationally supported model of mass transfer from low-mass red giants onto main-sequence stars.
Synthetic observations of spiral arm tracers of a simulated Milky Way analog
Authors: Reissl S. , Stil J. M. , Chen E. , Treß R. G. , Sormani M. C. , Smith R. J. , Klessen R. S. , Buick M. , Glover S. C. O. , Shanahan R. , Lemmer S. J. , Soler J. D. , Beuther H. , Urquhart J. S. , Anderson L. D. , Menten K. M. , Brunthaler A. , Ragan S. , Rugel M. R.
Published: August 2020

Context.The Faraday rotation measure (RM) is often used to study the magnetic field strength and orientation within the ionized medium of the Milky Way. Recent observations indicate an RM magnitude in the spiral arms that exceeds the commonly assumed range. This raises the question of how and under what conditions spiral arms create such strong Faraday rotation.

Aims.We investigate the effect of spiral arms on Galactic Faraday rotation through shock compression of the interstellar medium. It has recently been suggested that the Sagittarius spiral arm creates a strong peak in Faraday rotation where the line of sight is tangent to the arm, and that enhanced Faraday rotation follows along side lines which intersect the arm. Here our aim is to understand the physical conditions that may give rise to this effect and the role of viewing geometry.

Methods.We apply a magnetohydrodynamic simulation of the multi-phase interstellar medium in a Milky Way-type spiral galaxy disk in combination with radiative transfer in order to evaluate different tracers of spiral arm structures. For observers embedded in the disk, dust intensity, synchrotron emission, and the kinematics of molecular gas observations are derived to identify which spiral arm tangents are observable. Faraday rotation measures are calculated through the disk and evaluated in the context of different observer positions. The observer’s perspectives are related to the parameters of the local bubbles surrounding the observer and their contribution to the total Faraday rotation measure along the line of sight.

Results.We reproduce a scattering of tangent points for the different tracers of about 6° per spiral arm similar to the Milky Way. For the RM, the model shows that compression of the interstellar medium and associated amplification of the magnetic field in spiral arms enhances Faraday rotation by a few hundred rad m−2in addition to the mean contribution of the disk. The arm–interarm contrast in Faraday rotation per unit distance along the line of sight is approximately ~10 in the inner Galaxy, fading to ~2 in the outer Galaxy in tandem with the waning contrast of other tracers of spiral arms. We identify a shark fin pattern in the RM Milky Way observations and in the synthetic data that is characteristic for a galaxy with spiral arms.