bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver-specific knockout of B cell lymphoma 6 suppresses progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice
Authors: Chikada Hiromi , Ida Kinuyo , Nishikawa Yuji , Inagaki Yutaka , Kamiya Akihide
Published: June 2020

The prevalence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) rapidly increases with metabolic disorders such as dyslipidaemia, high blood pressure, and hyperglycaemia. B cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl6), a transcriptional repressor, is essential for the formation of germinal centre B cells. In this study, we analysed the role of Bcl6 in NASH progression-associated pathological changes, such as hepatic lipid accumulation, liver fibrosis, and hepatocarcinogenesis. The roles of Bcl6 in NASH were analysed using liver-specific Bcl6 knockout (Bcl6-LKO) and control wild-type (WT) mice. The murine NASH model was established by feeding the mice with choline-deficient, L-amino-acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD). Feeding the WT mice with CDAHFD for 7 weeks induced the formation of histopathological features resembling human NASH, such as hepatic lipid accumulation, hepatocellular injury, and fibrosis. These histopathological changes were significantly attenuated in Bcl6-LKO mice. Additionally, feeding the male WT mice with CDAHFD for 38 weeks induced the formation of liver tumours, which was suppressed in Bcl6-LKO mice. These findings indicate that Bcl6 is involved in the progression of NASH and NASH-derived tumours.
A role of the Nse4 kleisin and Nse1/Nse3 KITE subunits in the ATPase cycle of SMC5/6
Authors: Vondrova Lucie , Kolesar Peter , Adamus Marek , Nociar Matej , Oliver Antony W. , Palecek Jan J.
Published: June 2020

The SMC (Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes) complexes are composed of SMC dimers, kleisin and kleisin-interacting (HAWK or KITE) subunits. Mutual interactions of these subunits constitute the basal architecture of the SMC complexes. In addition, binding of ATP molecules to the SMC subunits and their hydrolysis drive dynamics of these complexes. Here, we developed new systems to follow the interactions between SMC5/6 subunits and the relative stability of the complex. First, we show that the N-terminal domain of the Nse4 kleisin molecule binds to the SMC6 neck and bridges it to the SMC5 head. Second, binding of the Nse1 and Nse3 KITE proteins to the Nse4 linker increased stability of the ATP-free SMC5/6 complex. In contrast, binding of ATP to SMC5/6 containing KITE subunits significantly decreased its stability. Elongation of the Nse4 linker partially suppressed instability of the ATP-bound complex, suggesting that the binding of the KITE proteins to the Nse4 linker constrains its limited size. Our data suggest that the KITE proteins may shape the Nse4 linker to fit the ATP-free complex optimally and to facilitate opening of the complex upon ATP binding. This mechanism suggests an important role of the KITE subunits in the dynamics of the SMC5/6 complexes.
Heterogeneous Ice Nucleation by Graphene Nanoparticles
Authors: Joghataei Mohammad , Ostovari Fatemeh , Atabakhsh Samira , Tobeiha Nafiseh
Published: June 2020

Nanostructure, chemical composition and size distribution of aerosols have prime important effects on their efficiency in heterogeneous ice nucleation (HIN). The ice nucleation usually requires active sites in the aerosols in order to act as ice nuclei (IN). In this study, HIN and probable active sites of the graphene-graphene oxide nanoparticles (GGON), obtained from graphite oxide by low temperature thermal shock (LTTS), were investigated. Characteristics and size distribution of the GGON were identified using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and image processing of the results, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectra and X-ray diffraction (XRD) of their sheets. The FTIR spectra indicate stronger carbon-oxygen bonds in the samples obtained by LTTS. In addition, maximum size distribution of the GGON was ranged around 160–180 nm. After introducing these particles in the cloud chamber, HIN has occurred and ice crystals were formed. Size distribution of crystals were obtained from image processing of the plates, where covered by a thin layer of Formvar, showed the number of ice crystals in the GGON were increased as temperature increased from −20 °C to −10 °C. In addition, two possible mechanisms of asymmetry and deformation in ice crystals of the GGON were described.
Location biases in ecological research on Australian terrestrial reptiles
Authors: Piccolo Renee Louise , Warnken Jan , Chauvenet Alienor Louise Marie , Castley James Guy
Published: June 2020

Understanding geographical biases in ecological research is important for conservation, planning, prioritisation and management. However, conservation efforts may be limited by data availability and poor understanding of the nature of potential spatial bias. We conduct the first continent-wide analysis of spatial bias associated with Australian terrestrial reptile ecological research. To evaluate potential research deficiencies, we used Maxent modelling to predict the distributions of 646 reptile studies published from 1972 to 2017. Based on existing distributions of 1631 individual reptile study locations, reptile species richness, proximity to universities, human footprint and location of protected areas, we found the strongest predictor of reptile research locations was proximity to universities (40.8%). This was followed by species richness (22.9%) and human footprint (20.1%), while protected areas were the weakest predictor (16.2%). These results highlight that research effort is driven largely by accessibility and we consequently identify potential target areas for future research that can be optimised to ensure adequate representation of reptile communities.
Mothers who have given birth at an advanced age - health status before and after childbirth
Authors: Pettersson Malin Lindell , Nedstrand Elizabeth , Bladh Marie , Svanberg Agneta Skoog , Lampic Claudia , Sydsjö Gunilla
Published: June 2020

Women postpone childbirth to an age when morbidity is higher and fertility has decreased and yet the knowledge of mothers’ morbidity related to age remains scarce. Swedish national register data from the Medical Birth Register and National Patient Register was used to investigate the incidence of diseases listed in the International Classification of Diseases, version 10 (ICD-10) in women who gave birth 2007–8. The index group consisted of women 40 years of age or older (n = 8 203) were compared to a control group of women, younger than 40 years (n = 15 569) at childbirth. The period studied was five years before childbirth to five years after. The main outcome measures were incidence of disease diagnosed in specialized hospital care. Demographical data and use of assisted reproduction (ART) were adjusted for. The results showed that older women were more likely to be single; less frequently used tobacco; were educated on a higher level; had a higher BMI and more often had used ART to become pregnant. The older women showed a higher morbidity rate. In the diagnostic groups: Neoplasms, Blood and immune system, Eye and adnexa, Ear and mastoid, Circulatory, Digestive, Skin and subcutaneous tissue, Musculoskeletal and connective tissue, and Genitourinary. The results add to the body of knowledge of a number of specific risks faced by older mothers and may be used to identify preventive actions concerning fertility and morbidity both before and after childbirth.
Extraction of Cell-free Dna from An Embryo-culture Medium Using Micro-scale Bio-reagents on Ewod
Authors: Alias Anand Baby , Chiang Cheng-En , Huang Hong-Yuan , Lin Kai-Ti , Lu Pei-Jhen , Wang Yi-Wen , Wu Tzu-Hui , Jiang Pei-Shin , Chen Chien-An , Yao Da-Jeng
Published: June 2020

As scientific and technical knowledge advances, research on biomedical micro-electromechanical systems (bio-MEMS) is also developing towards lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices. A digital microfluidic (DMF) system specialized for an electrowetting- on-dielectric (EWOD) mechanism is a promising technique for such point-of-care systems. EWOD microfluidic biochemical analytical systems provide applications over a broad range in the lab-on-a-chip field. In this report, we treated extraction of cell-free DNA (cf-DNA) at a small concentration from a mouse embryo culture medium (2.5 days & 3.5 days) with electro-wetting on a dielectric (EWOD) platform using bio-reagents of micro-scale quantity. For such extraction, we modified a conventional method of genomic-DNA (g-DNA) extraction using magnetic beads (MB). To prove that extraction of cf-DNA with EWOD was accomplished, as trials we extracted designed-DNA (obtained from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (CGMH), Taiwan which shows properties similar to that of cf-DNA). Using that designed DNA, extraction with both conventional and EWOD methods has been performed; the mean percentage of extraction with both methods was calculated for a comparison. From the cycle threshold (Ct) results with a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR), the mean extraction percentages were obtained as 14.8 percent according to the conventional method and 23 percent with EWOD. These results show that DNA extraction with EWOD appears promising. The EWOD extraction involved voltage 100 V and frequency 2 kHz. From this analysis, we generated a protocol for an improved extraction percentage on a EWOD chip and performed cf-DNA extraction from an embryo-culture medium (KSOM medium) at 3.5 and 2.5 days. The mean weight obtained for EWOD-extracted cf-DNA is 0.33 fg from the 3.5-day sample and 31.95 fg from the 2.5-day sample. All these results will pave a new path towards a renowned lab-on-a-chip concept.
Validating a functional near-infrared spectroscopy diagnostic paradigm for Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Husain Syeda Fabeha , Yu Rongjun , Tang Tong-Boon , Tam Wilson W. , Tran Bach , Quek Travis T. , Hwang Shi-Hui , Chang Cheryl W. , Ho Cyrus S. , Ho Roger C.
Published: June 2020

Reduced haemodynamic response in the frontotemporal cortices of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) has been demonstrated using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Most notably, changes in cortical oxy-haemoglobin during a Japanese phonetic fluency task can differentiate psychiatric patients from healthy controls (HC). However, this paradigm has not been validated in the English language. Therefore, the present work aimed to distinguish patients with MDD from HCs, using haemodynamic response measured during an English letter fluency task. One hundred and five HCs and 105 patients with MDD took part in this study. NIRS signals during the verbal fluency task (VFT) was acquired using a 52-channel system, and changes in oxy-haemoglobin in the frontal and temporal regions were quantified. Depression severity, psychosocial functioning, pharmacotherapy and psychiatric history were noted. Patients with MDD had smaller changes in oxy-haemoglobin in the frontal and temporal cortices than HCs. In both regions of interest, oxy-haemoglobin was not associated with any of the clinical variables studied. 75.2% and 76.5% of patients with MDD were correctly classified using frontal and temporal region oxy-haemoglobin, respectively. Haemodynamic response measured by fNIRS during an English letter fluency task is a promising biomarker for MDD.
Clinical implementation of a wide-field electron arc technique with a scatterer for widespread Kaposi’s sarcoma in the distal extremities
Authors: Kim Sung-woo , Kim Changhwan , Cho Min-Seok , Noh Seonyeong , Lee Minsik , Jeong Chiyoung , Kwak Jungwon , Koh Minji , Song Si Yeol , Lee Sang-wook , Soh Jeongtae , Cho Seungryong , Cho Byungchul
Published: June 2020

A novel wide-field electron arc technique with a scatterer is implemented for widespread Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) in the distal extremities. Monte Carlo beam modeling for electron arc beams was established to achieve <2% deviation from the measurements, and used for dose calculation. MC-based electron arc plan was performed using CT images of a foot and leg mimicking phantom and compared with in-vivo measurement data. We enrolled one patient with recurrent KS on the lower extremities who had been treated with photon radiation therapy. The 4- and 6-MeV electron arc plans were created, and then compared to two photon plans: two opposite photon beam and volumetric modulated arc with bolus. Compared to the two photon techniques, the electron arc plans resulted in superior dose saving to normal organs beneath the skin region, although it shows inferior coverage and homogeneity for PTV. The electron arc treatment technique with scatterer was successfully implemented for the treatment of widespread KS in the distal extremities with lower radiation exposure to the normal organs beyond the skin lesions, which could be a treatment option for recurrent skin cancer in the extremities.
Author Correction: Effects of Compound Sand Barrier for Habitat Restoration on Sediment Grain-size Distribution in Ulan Buh Desert
Authors: Pan Xia , Wang Zhenyi , Gao Yong
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Retraction Note: Topological analysis of carbon and boron nitride nanotubes
Authors: Yousaf Awais , Alolaiyan Hanan , Nadeem Muhammad , Razaq Abdul
Published: June 2020

This Article has been retracted.
Amino acid dependent formaldehyde metabolism in mammals
Authors: Pietzke Matthias , Burgos-Barragan Guillermo , Wit Niek , Tait-Mulder Jacqueline , Sumpton David , Mackay Gillian M. , Patel Ketan J. , Vazquez Alexei
Published: June 2020

Aldehyde dehydrogenase class 3, encoded by ADH5 in humans, catalyzes the glutathione dependent detoxification of formaldehyde. Here we show that ADH5 deficient cells turn over formaldehyde using alternative pathways starting from the reaction of formaldehyde with free amino acids. When mammalian cells are exposed to formaldehyde, the levels of the reaction products of formaldehyde with the amino acids cysteine and histidine - timonacic and spinacine - are increased. These reactions take place spontaneously and the formation of timonacic is reversible. The levels of timonacic are higher in the plasma of Adh5−/− mice relative to controls and they are further increased upon administration of methanol. We conclude that mammals possess pathways of cysteine and histidine dependent formaldehyde metabolism and that timonacic is a formaldehyde reservoir.
In vitro growth performance, antioxidant activity and cell surface physiological characteristics of Pediococcus pentosaceus R1 and Lactobacillus fermentum R6 stressed at different NaCl concentrations
Authors: Zhang Huan , Wang Qiang , Liu Haotian , Kong Baohua , Chen Qian
Published: June 2020

High NaCl concentrations resulted in cell surface damage, while appropriate NaCl concentrations improved the probiotic properties of P. pentosaceus R1 and L. fermentum R6.
Enhanced electrochemical performance of α-MoO3/graphene nanocomposites prepared by an in situ microwave irradiation technique for energy storage applications
Authors: Nagaraju P. , Arivanandhan M. , Alsalme A. , Alghamdi A. , Jayavel R.
Published: June 2020

Nanoparticles of α-molybdenum oxide (α-MoO3) are directly grown on graphene sheets using a surfactant-free facile one step ultrafast in situ microwave irradiation method.
An innovative blood plasma separation method for a paper-based analytical device using chitosan functionalization
Authors: Kim Dami , Kim SeJin , Kim Sanghyo
Published: June 2020

This study describes a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) for separating plasma from whole blood and measuring glucose concentration.
A hybrid system integrating xylose dehydrogenase and NAD+ coupled with PtNPs@MWCNTs composite for the real-time biosensing of xylose
Authors: Song Haiyan , Gao Guangheng , Ma Chunling , Li Yunjie , Shi Jianguo , Zhou Xigui , Zhu Zhiguang
Published: June 2020

A hybrid system comprising of polyethylene glycerol swing arm-tethered NAD+ and xylose dehydrogenase, coupled with platinum nanoparticles deposited on carbon nanotubes, was constructed for real-time sensing of xylose.
A label-free electrochemical DNA biosensor for kanamycin detection based on diblock DNA with poly-cytosine as a high affinity anchor on graphene oxide
Authors: He Xiaoyan , Han Huimin , Shi Wenyu , Dong Jiandi , Lu Xiong , Yang Wu , Lu Xiaoquan
Published: June 2020

A label-free electrochemical DNA biosensor based on diblock DNA with 15-mer of poly-cytosine (poly-C) was prepared, which could sensitively detect kanamycin with a detection limit of 0.0476 pM.
A de-waxing methodology for scanning probe microscopy
Authors: Al Jedani Safaa , Smith Caroline I. , Gunning Philip , Ellis Barnaby G. , Gardner Peter , Barrett Steve D. , Triantafyllou Asterios , Risk Janet M. , Weightman Peter
Published: June 2020

A de-waxing protocol that successfully removes paraffin from tissue microarray (TMA) cores of fixed tissue obtained from oral cancer is described.
Tunable room temperature phosphorescence and energy transfer in ratiometric co-crystals
Authors: Zhou Bo , Zhao Qihang , Tang Longchang , Yan Dongpeng
Published: June 2020

Color-tunable green and yellow room temperature phosphorescence is realized through a ratiometric co-crystal strategy.
Tin-oxychalcogenide supertetrahedral clusters maintained in a MTN zeolite-analog arrangement by coulombic interactions
Authors: Luo Ming-Bu , Huang Shan-Lin , Lai Heng-Dong , Zhang Jian , Lin Qipu
Published: June 2020

Reported are two tin-oxychalcogenides, composed of discrete T3-like [Sn10O8X16]8− (X = S/Se), which are arrayed in an MTN zeotype by electrostatic interactions with protonated amines.
Unique cellular interaction of macrophage-targeted liposomes potentiates anti-inflammatory activity
Authors: Toita Riki , Shimizu Eiko , Kang Jeong-Hun
Published: June 2020

The small-sized (<100 nm) PSLs served as a long-lasting immunosuppressive agent through preferential association with CD300a receptor, unlike larger PSLs.
Beryllium coordination chemistry and its implications on the understanding of metal induced immune responses
Authors: Buchner Magnus R.
Published: June 2020

The coordination chemistry of beryllium with ligands containing biologically relevant functional groups is discussed. The geometry, speciation and reactivity of these compounds, aids a better understanding of metal ion induced immune reactions.
Effects of BaCu(B2O5) additives on the crystal structures and dielectric properties of CaMgGeO4 ceramics for LTCC applications
Authors: Xiao En-Cai , Shi Feng , Fu Guangen , Ren Qi , Dou Gang , Lei Wen , Qi Ze-Ming
Published: June 2020

A CaMgGeO4 (CMG) ceramic with an olivine structure was fabricated by the traditional solid-phase reaction method; this material was dense at 1300 °C/6 h and exhibited excellent dielectric properties (εr = 6.83, Q × f = 125 432, f = 14.9 GHz).
Effect of crystallite size on the phase transition behavior of heterosite FePO4
Authors: Banday Azeem , Shahid Raza , Meena Sher Singh , Yusuf S. M. , Murugavel Sevi
Published: June 2020

The structural properties of heterosite FePO4 were found to exhibit crystallite size dependence below 50 nm; the change in the structural behavior with crystallite size is correlated with the change in the chemical bonding.
Following the unusual breathing behaviour of17O-enriched mixed-metal (Al,Ga)-MIL-53 using NMR crystallography
Authors: Rice Cameron M. , Davis Zachary H. , McKay David , Bignami Giulia P. M. , Chitac Ruxandra G. , Dawson Daniel M. , Morris Russell E. , Ashbrook Sharon E.
Published: June 2020

Mixed-metal (Al,Ga)-MIL-53 materials were synthesised and enriched in17O. An NMR crystallographic approach reveals the cation distribution on the atomic level, and the effect of this on the breathing behaviour of the framework.
Recent designer surfactants for catalysis in water
Authors: Lorenzetto Tommaso , Berton Giacomo , Fabris Fabrizio , Scarso Alessandro
Published: June 2020

Recent development of new designer surfactants further spurs the development of micellar catalysis in water for chemical transformations and catalysis, providing reliable alternatives to the employment of organic solvents.
An oriented built-in electric field induced by cobalt surface gradient diffused doping in MgIn2S4 for enhanced photocatalytic CH4 evolution
Authors: Zeng Chao , Zeng Qing , Dai Chunhui , Hu Yingmo
Published: June 2020

Co gradient doping in MgIn2S4 creates an oriented built-in electric field for efficiently extracting carriers from the inside to the surface.
The ditungsten decacarbonyl dianion
Authors: Ostrowski Joseph P. A. , Atkinson Benjamin E. , Doyle Laurence R. , Wooles Ashley J. , Kaltsoyannis Nikolas , Liddle Stephen T.
Published: June 2020

The D4h isomer of [(OC)5W–W(CO)5]2− is a gas-phase transition state that becomes a true minimum in the solid state.
Application of microfluidic technology in food processing
Authors: He Shan , Joseph Nikita , Feng Shilun , Jellicoe Matt , Raston Colin L.
Published: June 2020

Microfluidic technology is interdisciplinary with a diversity of applications including in food processing.
Eco-friendly organocatalyst- and reagent-controlled selective construction of diverse and multifunctionalized 2-hydroxybenzophenone frameworks for potent UV-A/B filters by cascade benzannulation
Authors: Akhtar Muhammad Saeed , Thombal Raju S. , Inductivo Tamargo Ramuel John , Yang Won-Guen , Kim Sung Hong , Lee Yong Rok
Published: June 2020

The organocatalyst- and reagent-controlled highly selective synthesis of diversely functionalized novel 2-hydroxybenzophenone frameworks for potent UV-A/B filters is developed.
Synthesis of a series of biodegradable poly(butylene carbonate-co-isophthalate) random copolymers derived from CO2-based comonomers for sustainable packaging
Authors: Paek Kwang Hyun , Im Sung Gap
Published: June 2020

Poly(butylene carbonate-co-isophthalate)s (PBCIs) are eco-friendly biodegradable plastics synthesized by using monomers derived from carbon dioxide (CO2).
Single-cell microfluidics facilitates the rapid quantification of antibiotic accumulation in Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Cama Jehangir , Voliotis Margaritis , Metz Jeremy , Smith Ashley , Iannucci Jari , Keyser Ulrich F. , Tsaneva-Atanasova Krasimira , Pagliara Stefano
Published: June 2020

A novel, rapid single-cell assay for quantifying antibiotic accumulation in Gram-negative bacteria reveals important insights about bacterial drug accumulation.
An integrated biomimetic array chip for high-throughput co-culture of liver and tumor microtissues for advanced anticancer bioactivity screening
Authors: Hou Yu , Ai Xiaoni , Zhao Lin , Gao Zhao , Wang Yujiang , Lu Yingyuang , Tu Pengfei , Jiang Yong
Published: June 2020

An integrated biomimetic array chip (iBAC) enables co-culture of three-dimensional (3D) liver and tumor microtissues for anticancer bioactivity screening at throughputs.
Isolated 2-hydroxypyrene and its dimer: a frequency- and time-resolved spectroscopic study
Authors: Schmitt Hans-Christian , Fischer Ingo , Ji Lei , Merz Julia , Marder Todd B. , Hoche Joscha , Röhr Merle I. S. , Mitric Roland
Published: June 2020

We investigated isolated 2-hydroxypyrene and its dimer in the gas phase by time- and frequency-resolved photoionisation with picosecond time-resolution.
A three-dimensional metal–organic framework with high performance of dual cation sensing synthesized via single-crystal transformation
Authors: Talha Khalid , Alamgir  , He Tao , Xie Lin-Hua , Wang Bin , Zhao Min-Jian , Zhang Yong-Zheng , Chen Qiang , Li Jian-Rong
Published: June 2020

BUT-26, synthesized via a ligand exchange reaction, can detect trace amounts of Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions in aqueous solutions.
In situ speciation and spatial mapping of Zn products during pulsed laser ablation in liquids (PLAL) by combined synchrotron methods
Authors: Reich Stefan , Göttlicher Jörg , Ziefuss Anna , Streubel René , Letzel Alexander , Menzel Andreas , Mathon Olivier , Pascarelli Sakura , Baumbach Tilo , Zuber Marcus , Gökce Bilal , Barcikowski Stephan , Plech Anton
Published: June 2020

Material ejection in pulsed laser ablation in liquids is analysed by X-ray in situ methods to resolve particle formation and oxidation.
Evolution of short-range order in chemically and physically grown thin film bilayer structures for electronic applications
Authors: Dippel Ann-Christin , Gutowski Olof , Klemeyer Lars , Boettger Ulrich , Berg Fenja , Schneller Theodor , Hardtdegen Alexander , Aussen Stephan , Hoffmann-Eifert Susanne , Zimmermann Martin v.
Published: June 2020

The local atomic structure of two stacked thin films is probed by applying grazing incidence x-ray total scattering at variable incidence angle and resolving pair distribution functions for each individual layer.
A ratiometric photoacoustic imaging approach for semi-quantitative determination of aggregation efficiency in vivo
Authors: Peng Bo , Liu Xiu-Mei , Tseng Hsian-Rong , Li Li-Li , Wang Hao
Published: June 2020

We first proposed a ratiometric photoacoustic (PA) imaging approach for real-time semi-quantitative calculated aggregation efficiency in vivo. The designed probe with high contrast will used for pancreatic tumor bioimaging or operation navigation.
A thermally and electrically dual-tunable absorber based on Dirac semimetal and strontium titanate
Authors: Xiong Han , Shen Qi
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we proposed a bi-tunable terahertz (THz) metamaterial absorber based on bulk Dirac semimetal (BDS) and strontium titanate (STO).
Aminolytic upcycling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) wastes using a thermally-stable organocatalyst
Authors: Demarteau Jeremy , Olazabal Ion , Jehanno Coralie , Sardon Haritz
Published: June 2020

We report the potential of thermally stable acid-base mixtures for the upcycling of PET in the presence of amines.
Hydrogen sulfide-releasing micelles for promoting angiogenesis
Authors: Chen Jerry J. Y. , van der Vlies André J. , Hasegawa Urara
Published: June 2020

H2S-releasing polymeric micelles promote angiogenesis.
Synthesis, structural, and electronic properties of Sr1−xCaxPdAs
Authors: Redemann Benjamin W. Y. , Scudder Michael R. , Weber Daniel , Wang Yaxian , Windl Wolfgang , Goldberger Joshua E.
Published: June 2020

.This work maps out the structural and electronic phase diagram of Sr1-xCaxPdAs, a unique family of layered intermetallic honeycomb phases in which the PdAs layers distort away from ideal hexagonal symmetry.
Preparation of Bi2MoO6/Ti3C2 MXene heterojunction photocatalysts for fast tetracycline degradation and Cr(vi) reduction
Authors: Zhao Danxia , Cai Chun
Published: June 2020

The photocatalytic schematic and possible reaction mechanism for the Bi2MoO6/Ti3C2 system under visible light irradiation.
An aluminium fluorosensor for the early detection of micro-level alcoholate corrosion
Authors: Roy Snigdha , Das Sanju , Majumder Rini , Ray Ambarish , Parui Partha Pratim
Published: June 2020

The monitoring of aluminium alcoholate corrosion using a fluorescent probe operable in alcohol.
Folic acid-conjugated magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with quercetin: a theranostic approach for cancer management
Authors: Mishra Snehasis , Manna Krishnendu , Kayal Utpal , Saha Moumita , Chatterjee Sauvik , Chandra Debraj , Hara Michikazu , Datta Sriparna , Bhaumik Asim , Das Saha Krishna
Published: June 2020

pH-Sensitive quercetin/Fe3O4NPs loaded functionalized mesoporous SBA-15 fabricated for targeted drug delivery to colorectal carcinoma cells with high anti-carcinogenic efficacy.
Inhibitory effects of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) typical ligands againstE. colibeta-glucuronidase (GUS)
Authors: Xiao Ling , Chi Dehui , Sheng Guiju , Li Wenjuan , Lin Penghui , Liang Sicheng , Zhu Liangliang , Dong Peipei
Published: June 2020

Selectivity of ligand overlaps between UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) and β-glucuronidase (GUS).
High-throughput toxicity screening of novel azepanium and 3-methylpiperidinium ionic liquids
Authors: Tether Angela L. , Laverty Garry , Puga Alberto V. , Seddon Kenneth R. , Gilmore Brendan F. , Kelly Stephen A.
Published: June 2020

Ionic liquids have been employed as potentially environmentally friendly replacements for organic solvents, but have also been studied for their use in bioelectrochemical applications, such as bioenergy production, or in industrial biocatalysis.
Quantification of defects engineered in single layer MoS2
Authors: Aryeetey Frederick , Ignatova Tetyana , Aravamudhan Shyam
Published: June 2020

We report on controllably creating and quantifying atomic defects with varying sulfur vacancies using helium ion irradiation in MoS2.
Investigation of time–temperature dependency of heat capacity enhancement in molten salt nanofluids
Authors: Rizvi Syed Muhammad Mujtaba , El Far Baha , Nayfeh Yousof , Shin Donghyun
Published: June 2020

In this study, the time–temperature dependency of heat capacity enhancement in molten salt nanofluids was studied experimentally.
Enhancing the performance of blue quantum-dot light-emitting diodes through the incorporation of polyethylene glycol to passivate ZnO as an electron transport layer
Authors: Sun Jun-hao , Huang Jia-hui , Lan Xu-yan , Zhang Feng-chun , Zhao Ling-zhi , Zhang Yong
Published: June 2020

Highly efficient blue quantum-dot light-emitting diodes have been realized by blending PEG into ZnO nanoparticles as an electron transport layer due to regulating charge balance and passivating the surface defect states of ZnO nanoparticles.
Polyimide aerogels with novel bimodal micro and nano porous structure assembly for airborne nano filtering applications
Authors: Mosanenzadeh Shahriar Ghaffari , Saadatnia Zia , Karamikamkar Solmaz , Park Chul B. , Naguib Hani E.
Published: June 2020

Aerogels have presented a very high potential to be utilized as airborne nanoparticles' filtration media due to their nanoscale pore size and extremely high porosity.
A novel artificial intelligence protocol to investigate potential leads for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Chen Zhi-Dong , Zhao Lu , Chen Hsin-Yi , Gong Jia-Ning , Chen Xu , Chen Calvin Yu-Chian
Published: June 2020

Three candicates gained by a novel artificial intelligence protocol for Parkinson's disease (PD).
New withanolides from Physalis minima and their cytotoxicity against A375 human melanoma cells
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhang Bingyang , Guang Chenxi , Jiang Benke , He Xinya , Cao Shijie , Ding Liqin , Kang Ning , Chen Lixia , Qiu Feng
Published: June 2020

The new withanolides physaminilide A–G (1–7), and two artificial withanolides (8–9) were isolated from Physalis minima. Compounds 2, 5 and 8 exhibited significant cytotoxicity towards human tumor cells.
Biomineralized metal–organic framework nanoparticles enable a primer exchange reaction-based DNA machine to work in living cells for imaging and gene therapy
Authors: Zhang Juan , He Mengyun , Nie Cunpeng , He Manman , Pan Qingshan , Liu Chang , Hu Yanlei , Chen Tingting , Chu Xia
Published: June 2020

Sensitive tumor imaging and precise tumor therapy play critical roles in cancer combat.
A COF-based nanoplatform for highly efficient cancer diagnosis, photodynamic therapy and prognosis
Authors: Gao Peng , Wang Mengzhen , Chen Yuanyuan , Pan Wei , Zhou Ping , Wan Xiuyan , Li Na , Tang Bo
Published: June 2020

A covalent organic framework-based nanoplatform has been developed for cancer imaging, photodynamic therapy, and prognosis.
Multidimensional characterization of the conical intersection seam in the normal mode space
Authors: Lee Heesung , Kim So-Yeon , Kim Sang Kyu
Published: June 2020

Multidimensional conical intersection seam has been characterized by utilizing the dynamic resonances in the nonadiabatic transition probability experimentally observed in the predissociation of thioanisole isotopomers.
Endowing TADF luminophors with AIE properties through adjusting flexible dendrons for highly efficient solution-processed nondoped OLEDs
Authors: Liu Dan , Wei Jing Yi , Tian Wen Wen , Jiang Wei , Sun Yue Ming , Zhao Zheng , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: June 2020

Construction of core–dendron TADF emitters systematically: changing the behaviour of chromophores from aggregation-caused quenching to aggregation induced emission to develop high-performance fully solution-processed nondoped OLEDs.
Carbon-based antiviral nanomaterials: graphene, C-dots, and fullerenes. A perspective
Authors: Innocenzi Plinio , Stagi Luigi
Published: June 2020

The appearance of new and lethal viruses and their potential threat urgently requires innovative antiviral systems.
Membrane determinants for the passive translocation of analytes through droplet interface bilayers
Authors: Faugeras Vincent , Duclos Olivier , Bazile Didier , Thiam Abdou Rachid
Published: June 2020

Identifying droplet interface bilayer conditions reproducing the permeability of cell membranes to small molecules.
Development of mechanical properties of regenerated cellulose beads during drying as investigated by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Li Hailong , Mystek Katarzyna , Wågberg Lars , Pettersson Torbjörn
Published: June 2020

We probe the elastic modulus of cellulose gel beads during drying by indentation with atomic force microscopy.
Organic polymeric filler-amorphized poly(ethylene oxide) electrolyte enables all-solid-state lithium–metal batteries operating at 35 °C
Authors: Wang Gulian , Zhu Xingyu , Rashid Arif , Hu Zhongli , Sun Pengfei , Zhang Qiaobao , Zhang Li
Published: June 2020

Hydrolyzed polymaleic anhydride-amorphized poly (ethylene oxide) electrolyte enables all-solid-state Li/LiFePO4 full cells operating at 35 °C with high safety.
Cobalt-doping in hierarchical Ni3S2 nanorod arrays enables high areal capacitance
Authors: Chen Qiang , Jin Jialun , Kou Zongkui , Jiang Jiangmin , Fu Yulu , Liu Ziang , Zhou Liang , Mai Liqiang
Published: June 2020

Cobalt-doped Ni3S2 nanorod arrays have been prepared via a hydrothermal method. As a free-standing electrode, the Co-Ni3S2 demonstrates ultrahigh areal capacitance, affording the Co-Ni3S2//FeOOH hybrid supercapacitor a high energy density.
A flexible self-charging sodium-ion full battery for self-powered wearable electronics
Authors: Zhou Dan , Yang Taotao , Yang Jiaqi , Fan Li-zhen
Published: June 2020

Herein, a flexible self-charging sodium-ion full battery was creatively fabricated. The device shows high efficiency of energy collection, conversion and self-charging, which provide a promising potential toward sustainable wearable electronics.
High-aspect-ratio water-dispersed gold nanowires incorporated within gelatin methacrylate hydrogels for constructing cardiac tissuesin vitro
Authors: Li Xiao-Pei , Qu Kai-Yun , Zhang Feng , Jiang Han-Ning , Zhang Ning , Nihad Cheraga , Liu Chao-Ming , Wu Kai-Hong , Wang Xiao-Wei , Huang Ning-Ping
Published: June 2020

The prepared high-aspect-ratio water-dispersed gold nanowires are incorporated into GeIMA hydrogels for cardiomyocyte culture and micro-cardiac tissue formation.
Supramolecular magnetonanohybrids for multimodal targeted therapy of triple-negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Mansur Alexandra A. P. , Mansur Herman S. , Leonel Alice G. , Carvalho Isadora C. , Lage Manuela C. G. , Carvalho Sandhra M. , Krambrock Klaus , Lobato Zelia I. P.
Published: June 2020

All-in-one nanosoldier on a targeted mission: killing the triple-negative breast cancer cell enemy.
Liquid phase transmission electron microscopy with flow and temperature control
Authors: van Omme J. Tijn , Wu Hanglong , Sun Hongyu , Beker Anne France , Lemang Mathilde , Spruit Ronald G. , Maddala Sai P. , Rakowski Alexander , Friedrich Heiner , Patterson Joseph P. , Pérez Garza H. Hugo
Published: June 2020

A complete system for liquid phase TEM experiments at elevated temperatures with controlled on-chip flow.
Organic small molecule-based RRAM for data storage and neuromorphic computing
Authors: Mu Boyuan , Hsu Hsiao-Hsuan , Kuo Chi-Ching , Han Su-Ting , Zhou Ye
Published: June 2020

Recent state-of-the-art developments related to organic small molecules for resistive random-access memory devices has been emphasized.
Ferroelasticity, domain structures and phase symmetries in organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite methylammonium lead chloride
Authors: Bari Maryam , Bokov Alexei A. , Ye Zuo-Guang
Published: June 2020

Polarized light microscopic images of CH3NH3PbCl3 crystals revealing the cubic – orthorhombic (OS) – orthorhombic (OP) phase sequence on cooling, the ferroelastic domain structures and the absence of ferroelectricity.
Dielectric dispersion and superior thermal characteristics in isotope-enriched hexagonal boron nitride thin films: evaluation as thermally self-dissipating dielectrics for GaN transistors
Authors: Chng Soon Siang , Zhu Minmin , Du Zehui , Wang Xizu , Whiteside Matthew , Ng Zhi Kai , Shakerzadeh Maziar , Tsang Siu Hon , Teo Edwin Hang Tong
Published: June 2020

The isotope-enriched h-BN films exhibited a dielectrics dispersion with low dielectric loss, below 1.3%. Their optical band gaps depend on isotopic composition (5.54 to 5.79 eV). Thermal conductivity of pure B10/11N are enhanced by around 231%.
Twofold advantage of gas bubbling for the advanced solvothermal preparation of efficient YAG:Ce nanophosphors
Authors: Cantarano Alexandra , Testemale Denis , Nobre Sonia de Sousa , Potdevin Audrey , Bruyère Rémy , Barbara Aude , Hazemann Jean-Louis , Ibanez Alain , Dantelle Géraldine
Published: June 2020

Gas bubbles modify the nucleation, crystallinity and Ce oxidation state of YAG nanocrystals: towards very high photoluminescence yields.
Transition of wide-band gap semiconductor h-BN(BN)/P heterostructure via single-atom-embedding
Authors: Miyazato Itsuki , Hussain Tanveer , Takahashi Keisuke
Published: June 2020

The band gaps in boron nitride/phosphorene (h-BN/P) heterostructures are investigated by single-atom-embedding via first principles calculations. The modified heterostructures are potential optoelectronic materials with tunable band gaps.
Celebration of the 20th anniversary of aggregation-induced emission with research highlights from Royal Society of Chemistry journals
Authors: Song Fengyan , Liu Bin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: June 2020

Fengyan Song, Bin Liu and Ben Zhong Tang introduce the celebration of the 20th anniversary of aggregation-induced emission with research highlights from Royal Society of Chemistry journals.
Artesunate inhibits osteoclastogenesis through the miR-503/RANK axis
Authors: Huang Ming-Zhi , Zhuang Yong , Ning Xu , Zhang Hao , Shen Zhi-Min , Shang Xian-Wen
Published: June 2020

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease that is characterized by decreased bone density and strength due to excessive loss of bone protein and mineral content, which can be induced by increased osteoclast activity. Developing agents targeting osteoclast activation is considered to be the most effective method to reverse bone destruction and alleviate the pain caused by osteoporosis. MTT assay was conducted to detect the cell viability after artesunate treatment of RAW264.7 cells. TRACP staining and pit formation assays were performed to examine the TRACP-positive cells and pit-forming activity of osteoclasts. qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to assess the mRNA and protein expression levels of the osteoclastogenesis-related genes NFATc1, TRAP, and cathepsin k. The protein levels of RANK, p-Akt, p-p38, and p-ERK were examined by Western blotting. Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to determine whether miR-503 targeted RANK directly. Artesunate inhibited TRACP-positive cells and the pit-forming activity of osteoclasts. However, artesunate increased the expression of miR-503. Artesunate suppressed osteoclastogenesis-related gene expression and RANKL-induced activation of MAPKs and the AKT pathway. In addition, miR-503 inhibited RANK expression by directly targeting RANK during osteoclast differentiation. Artesunate inhibited osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast functions in vitro by regulating the miR-503/RANK axis and suppressing the MAPK and AKT pathways, which resulted in decreased expression of osteoclastogenesis-related markers.
TRIF/miR-34a mediates aldosterone-induced cardiac inflammation and remodeling
Authors: Li Shaojun , Cao Wei , Wang Bai , Zhan Enbo , Xu Jian , Li Shufeng
Published: June 2020

Aldosterone, as a major product of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), determines multiple pathophysiological processes in cardiovascular diseases. The excess inflammatory response is one of the key profiles in aldosterone-mediated cardiac remodeling. However, the potential mechanisms of aldosterone/inflammatory signaling were still not fully disclosed. The present study aimed to investigate whether TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (Trif) participated in the aldosterone-induced cardiac remodeling, and to explore potential molecular mechanisms. Trif knockout mice and their littermates were osmotically administrated with aldosterone (50 μg/kg per day) for 21 and 42 days. The cardiac structural analysis, functional parameters, and mitochondrial function were measured. Aldosterone dose- or time-dependently increased the levels of TRIF in primary mouse cardiomyocytes or mouse heart tissues. Trif deficiency protected against aldosterone-induced cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis and dysfunction. Moreover, Trif deficiency also suppressed aldosterone-induced cardiac inflammatory response and mitochondrial injuries. Mechanistically, overexpression of cardiac microRNAs (miR)-34a reversed the cardiac benefits of Trif deficiency in aldosterone-treated mice. Taken together, Trif/miR-34a axis could provide a novel molecular mechanism for explaining aldosterone-induced cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis and functional disorders.
Music Training for Children With Sensorineural Hearing Loss Improves Speech-in-Noise Perception
Authors: Lo Chi Yhun , Looi Valerie , Thompson William Forde , McMahon Catherine M.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

A growing body of evidence suggests that long-term music training provides benefits to auditory abilities for typical-hearing adults and children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how music training may provide perceptual benefits (such as speech-in-noise, spectral resolution, and prosody) for children with hearing loss.

Method

Fourteen children aged 6–9 years with prelingual sensorineural hearing loss using bilateral cochlear implants, bilateral hearing aids, or bimodal configuration participated in a 12-week music training program, with nine participants completing the full testing requirements of the music training. Activities included weekly group-based music therapy and take-home music apps three times a week. The design was a pseudorandomized, longitudinal study (half the cohort was wait-listed, initially serving as a passive control group prior to music training). The test battery consisted of tasks related to music perception, music appreciation, and speech perception. As a comparison, 16 age-matched children with typical hearing also completed this test battery, but without participation in the music training.

Results

There were no changes for any outcomes for the passive control group. After music training, perception of speech-in-noise, question/statement prosody, musical timbre, and spectral resolution improved significantly, as did measures of music appreciation. There were no benefits for emotional prosody or pitch perception.

Conclusion

The findings suggest even a modest amount of music training has benefits for music and speech outcomes. These preliminary results provide further evidence that music training is a suitable complementary means of habilitation to improve the outcomes for children with hearing loss.
Performance analysis of MIMO‐based CR–NOMA communication systems
Authors: Thakur Prabhat , Singh Ghanshyam
Published: June 2020

This paper has collectively exploited cognitive radio (CR), non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) and multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO) communication systems in order to propose a spectral‐and interference‐efficient framework which is named as MIMO‐based CR–NOMA communication system. The proposed framework is analysed for the uplink and downlink scenarios. Further, the closed‐form expressions for throughput at each user due to the number of transmitting‐and receiving‐antennas are derived numerically for the downlink‐and uplink‐scenarios. In addition to this, the total/sum throughput for different frameworks such as CR–NOMA, CR–MIMO and MIMO‐based CR–NOMA systems is derived for both the downlink and uplink scenarios. Moreover, in order to satisfy the interference constraints at the primary user due to cell‐edge/far‐user [cognitive user (CU)‐4] transmission in the uplink scenario, a new metric known as interference efficiency is derived. Furthermore, the proposed frameworks are simulated for downlink and uplink scenarios and the relationship between throughput of cell‐centred/near‐user (CU‐1) and CU‐4 are presented. Moreover, the total throughput for different frameworks and interference efficiency is also illustrated with the simulation results. The simulation results reveal that the proposed MIMO‐based CR–NOMA system outperforms the existing MIMO–NOMA, CR–NOMA and CR–OMA systems in terms of the CUs' individual throughput, total throughput and interference efficiency of the system.
Fault‐tolerant with load balancing scheduling in a fog‐based IoT application
Authors: Sharif Ahmad , Nickray Mohsen , Shahidinejad Ali
Published: June 2020

Fog computing (FC) with a distributed architecture plays an essential role in Internet‐of‐Things (IoT). This paradigm utilises the processing abilities of Fog devices (FDs) and decreases latency. The large volume of data and its process in IoT can cause network failures. Researchers tend to consider communication reliability to reduce fault effects and achieve high performance. Fault tolerance becomes a necessary matter to enhance the reliability of the Fog. Notably, fault tolerance studies have been performed mostly on the Cloud system. To counter this issue, the authors propose a novel fault‐tolerant scheduling algorithm of modules in FC and optimise it. The main idea of this approach is a classification method for different modules alongside of computing the energy consumption of all FDs and finding minimal FDs' energy consumption. To distribute modules between FDs, they present an energy‐efficient checkpointing and load balancing technique based on the Bayesian classification and call it by ECLB. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated by comparing it with the state‐of‐the‐art algorithms in terms of delay, energy consumption, execution cost, network usage, and total executed modules. Analysis and simulation results indicate that the authors' methods are efficient and superior to others.