bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 early detection for imbalanced or low number of data using a regularized cost-sensitive CapsNet
Authors: Javidi Malihe , Abbaasi Saeid , Naybandi Atashi Sara , Jampour Mahdi
Published: September 2021

With the presence of novel coronavirus disease at the end of 2019, several approaches were proposed to help physicians detect the disease, such as using deep learning to recognize lung involvement based on the pattern of pneumonia. These approaches rely on analyzing the CT images and exploring the COVID-19 pathologies in the lung. Most of the successful methods are based on the deep learning technique, which is state-of-the-art. Nevertheless, the big drawback of the deep approaches is their need for many samples, which is not always possible. This work proposes a combined deep architecture that benefits both employed architectures of DenseNet and CapsNet. To more generalize the deep model, we propose a regularization term with much fewer parameters. The network convergence significantly improved, especially when the number of training data is small. We also propose a novel Cost-sensitive loss function for imbalanced data that makes our model feasible for the condition with a limited number of positive data. Our novelties make our approach more intelligent and potent in real-world situations with imbalanced data, popular in hospitals. We analyzed our approach on two publicly available datasets, HUST and COVID-CT, with different protocols. In the first protocol of HUST, we followed the original paper setup and outperformed it. With the second protocol of HUST, we show our approach superiority concerning imbalanced data. Finally, with three different validations of the COVID-CT, we provide evaluations in the presence of a low number of data along with a comparison with state-of-the-art.
Genotoxicity of physical silver nanoparticles, produced by the HVAD method, for Chinchilla lanigera genome
Authors: Grzesiakowska Anna , Kasprowicz Marek Jan , Kuchta-Gładysz Marta , Rymuza Katarzyna , Szeleszczuk Olga
Published: September 2021

Each year, growing demand for silver nanoparticles (AgNP) contributes to the search for alternative methods of their production. Stable AgNP with antibacterial properties, low toxicity to the environment and living organisms are especially valued. In the study presented here, an attempt was made to assess the toxicity of two AgNP solutions produced using the HVAD method to the Chinchilla lanigera genome. The AgNO3 solution was the indicator and reference for the harmfulness of AgNP. The study was carried out in vitro on bone marrow cells isolated from Chinchilla lanigera bones. The genotoxicity was assessed by comet assay, following the treatment of cells with three silver solutions: unstable and sodium citrate-stabilized silver nanoparticles, as well as silver nitrate at three concentrations (5, 10 and 20 µg/L), after 3, 6 and 24 h. Based on the percentage of the DNA content in the comet tail and the tail moment, an increase in cell DNA integrity disruption was demonstrated in all tested variants: of solution, exposure time and concentration, compared to the control sample. A statistically significant correlation was determined between the level of induced DNA breaks and the concentration of the active solutions and the duration of their activity. A solution of silver nanoparticles stabilized with sodium citrate was shown to have the most harmful effect on bone marrow cells. Silver nitrate demonstrated a level of toxicity similar to these particles. Further studies are necessary to directly compare the genotoxic properties of AgNP produced using the HVAD method and the chemical method under the same conditions.
Shotgun-based proteomics of extracellular vesicles in Alzheimer’s disease reveals biomarkers involved in immunological and coagulation pathways
Authors: Nielsen Jonas Ellegaard , Honoré Bent , Vestergård Karsten , Maltesen Raluca Georgiana , Christiansen Gunna , Bøge Anna Uhd , Kristensen Søren Risom , Pedersen Shona
Published: September 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and without readily available clinical biomarkers. Blood-derived proteins are routinely used for diagnostics; however, comprehensive plasma profiling is challenging due to the dynamic range in protein concentrations. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can cross the blood–brain barrier and may provide a source for AD biomarkers. We investigated plasma-derived EV proteins for AD biomarkers from 10 AD patients, 10 Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) patients, and 9 healthy controls (Con) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The ultracentrifuged EVs were washed and confirmed according to the MISEV2018 guidelines. Some AD patients presented with highly elevated FXIIIA1 (log2 FC: 4.6, p-value: 0.005) and FXIIIB (log2 FC: 4.9, p-value: 0.018). A panel of proteins was identified discriminating Con from AD (AUC: 0.91, CI: 0.67–1.00) with ORM2 (AUC: 1.00, CI: 1.00–1.00), RBP4 (AUC: 0.99, CI: 0.95–1.00), and HYDIN (AUC: 0.89, CI: 0.72–1.00) were found especially relevant for AD. This indicates that EVs provide an easily accessible matrix for possible AD biomarkers. Some of the MCI patients, with similar protein profiles as the AD group, progressed to AD within a 2-year timespan.
Understanding adsorption geometry of organometallic molecules on graphite
Authors: Oh Seungtaek , Seo Jungyoon , Choi Giheon , Lee Hwa Sung
Published: September 2021

To comprehensively investigate the adsorption geometries of organometallic molecules on graphene, Cp*Ru+ fragments as an organometallic molecule is bound on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite and imaged at atomic resolution using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl). Atomic resolution imaging through STM shows that the Cp*Ru+ fragments are localized above the hollow position of the hexagonal structure, and that the first graphene layer adsorbed with the fragments on the graphite redeveloped morphologically to minimize its geometric energy. For a better understanding of the adsorption site and molecular geometry, experimental results are compared with computed calculations for the graphene surface with Cp*Ru+ fragments. These calculations show the adsorption geometries of the fragment on the graphene surface and the relationship between the geometric energy and molecular configuration. Our results provide the chemical anchoring geometry of molecules on the graphene surface, thereby imparting the theoretical background necessary for controlling the various properties of graphene in the future.
Differential evolution-based optimization of corn stalks black liquor decolorization using active carbon and TiO2/UV
Authors: Nechita Mircea Teodor , Suditu Gabriel Dan , Puițel Adrian Cătălin , Drăgoi Elena Niculina
Published: September 2021

In this work, the active carbon adsorption and TiO2/UV decolorization of black liquor were studied through experimental analysis (planned using Design of Experiments), modelling and optimization (with Response Surface Method and Differential Evolution). The aim is to highlight the importance of optimization methods for increasing process efficiency. For active carbon adsorption, the considered process parameters were: quantity of active carbon, dilution, and contact time. For TiO2 promoted photochemical decolorization the process parameters were: TiO2 concentration, UV path length and irradiation time. The determined models had an R squared of 93.82% for active carbon adsorption and of 92.82% for TiO2/UV decolorization. The optimization of active carbon resulted in an improvement from 83.08% (corresponding to 50 g/L quantity of active carbon, 30 min contact time and 200 dilution) to 100% (corresponding to multiple combinations). The optimization of TiO2/UV decolorization indicated an increase of efficiency from 36.63% (corresponding to 1 g/L TiO2 concentration, 60 min irradiation time and 5 cm UV path length) to 46.83% (corresponding to 0.4 g/L TiO2 concentration, 59.99 min irradiation time and 2.85 cm UV path length). These results show that the experiments and the subsequent standard RSM optimization can be further improved, leading to better performance.
Customer demand-driven low-carbon vehicles combined strategy and route optimisation integrated decision
Authors: Liu Hanwen , Liu Xiaobing , Islam Sardar M. N. , Yu Xueqiao , Miao Qiqi , Chen Yapin , Lin Lin
Published: September 2021

With the optimal operating cost and optimal carbon emission target of the chemical logistics companies, a low-carbon routing optimisation with a multi-energy type vehicle combined problem is proposed by considering the concept of the logistics companies’ low-carbon behaviour. An integrated decision-making of multi-energy type vehicles combined strategy and route optimisation based on customer demand is presented, and an improved genetic algorithm is designed. A case study is then applied based on the data collected from the case research. The effectiveness of the improved genetic algorithm is tested. The two joint objectives of operating cost and carbon emission are examined through the cost analysis of environmental energy vehicles and traditional energy vehicles in different combination scenarios. The case analysis shows that a rational multi-energy type vehicle combination with route optimisation has a significant correlation with the operating cost and carbon emissions, while the environmental vehicle purchasing cost reduction and subsidy policy affect the operating cost.
Continuous biosorption of acid red 27 azo dye by Eichhornia crassipes leaves in a packed-bed column
Authors: Ramírez-Rodríguez Allan Eduardo , Morales-Barrera Liliana , Cristiani-Urbina Eliseo
Published: September 2021

In this work, the biosorption behavior of acid red 27 (AR27) dye using Eichhornia crassipes leaves (LECs) in a packed-bed column was investigated by varying relevant operational parameters and assessment of mathematical models. Results showed that the zero-charge point of LECs was 2.37 and that optima pH and volumetric flux of the influent solution for AR27 biosorption were 2.0 and $$56.5\ \hbox {L}/\hbox {m}^{2}\cdot \hbox {h}$$

56.5

L
/

m
2

·
h

, respectively. The maximum specific and volumetric biosorption capacities were observed at influent AR27 concentrations and with LEC bed heights ranging between 50 and 400 mg/L and 2 and 8 cm, respectively. It was also found that if LEC bed height was increased and volumetric flux and AR27 concentration of the influent solution decreased, service and saturation time increased. Modeling results revealed that the Thomas, bed depth service time, Yoon–Nelson, dose-response, and logistic models accurately described the dynamic performance of the packed-bed column in terms of pH, AR27 concentration, and volumetric flux of influent AR27 solution, as well as that of LEC bed height. The findings revealed that LECs exhibited remarkable potential for the biosorption of AR27 from aqueous solutions in a packed-bed column and could potentially be useful for the treatment of AR27-laden wastewater.
Effects of early energy intake on neonatal cerebral growth of preterm newborn: an observational study
Authors: Boscarino Giovanni , Di Chiara Maria , Cellitti Raffaella , De Nardo Maria Chiara , Conti Maria Giulia , Parisi Pasquale , Spalice Alberto , Di Mario Chiara , Ronchi Benedetta , Russo Alessia , De Luca Francesca , Pangallo Ida , Terrin Gianluca
Published: September 2021

Current guidelines for preterm newborns recommend high energy nutrition soon after birth in order to limit growth retardation. However, long-term effects of this nutritional approach are still debated, and it has been demonstrated that cerebral growth depends on protein intake in early life. A negative impact of early high energy intake by parenteral nutrition (PN) has been reported for patients in critically ill conditions, observed in intensive care unit. We aimed at evaluating the impact of energy intake on cerebral growth in preterm neonates early in life. We included preterm newborns with gestational age < 32 weeks or birth weight (BW) < 1500 g. Measurement of cerebral structures was performed by cranial Ultrasonography (cUS) between 3 and 7 days of life (DOL, T0) and at 28 DOL (T1). We evaluated the relation between energy intake and cerebral growth in the first 28 DOL. We observed in 109 preterm newborns a significant (p < 0.05) negative correlation between energy intake received by PN and right caudate head growth (r = − 0.243*) and a positive correlation between total energy intake and transverse cerebellum diameter (r = 0.254*). Multivariate analysis showed that energy intake administered by enteral nutrition (EN), independently increased growth of left caudate head (β = 0.227*) and height cerebellar vermis (β = 0.415*), while PN independently affected growth of both right and left caudate head (β = − 0.164* and β = − 0.228*, respectively) and cerebellum transverse diameter (β = − 0.849*). The route of energy administration may exert different effects on cerebral growth in early life. High energy intake administered through EN seems to be positively correlated to cerebral growth; conversely, PN energy intake results in a poorer cerebral growth evaluated with cUS.
Temperature and precipitation effects on the isotopic composition of global precipitation reveal long-term climate dynamics
Authors: Vystavna Y. , Matiatos I. , Wassenaar L. I.
Published: September 2021

Earth’s climate history is traced through the long-term covariance between the isotopic (δ18O) composition of archived meteoric waters (groundwater, ice cores) with air temperature (T) and amount of precipitation (P). To assess recent multi-decadal climatic changes, we analysed δ18O, T and P, and the relationships between these parameters at 20 stations having 60 years of continuous monthly isotopic records. Using nonparametric regressions and time series modelling we found significant linear and non-linear relationships for δ18O with T and P and showed that the δ18O dependency on these two parameters varied over decadal scales, thereby revealing complex relationships related to recycled moisture, large-scale convective processes and atmospheric-oceanic oscillations. Due to multiple factors controlling the δ18O composition of precipitation including P and T effects, we found that time-varying relationships between δ18O in precipitation P and T were better explained using the non-linear regressions. Our results affirmed that δ18O distributions in global precipitation are integrative indicators of climate dynamics whose patterns can be applied to better understand region-specific climatic changes in the present, past, and future.
High turn-over rates at the upper range limit and elevational source-sink dynamics in a widespread songbird
Authors: Grüebler Martin U. , von Hirschheydt Johann , Korner-Nievergelt Fränzi
Published: September 2021

The formation of an upper distributional range limit for species breeding along mountain slopes is often based on environmental gradients resulting in changing demographic rates towards high elevations. However, we still lack an empirical understanding of how the interplay of demographic parameters forms the upper range limit in highly mobile species. Here, we study apparent survival and within-study area dispersal over a 700 m elevational gradient in barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) by using 15 years of capture-mark-recapture data. Annual apparent survival of adult breeding birds decreased while breeding dispersal probability of adult females, but not males increased towards the upper range limit. Individuals at high elevations dispersed to farms situated at elevations lower than would be expected by random dispersal. These results suggest higher turn-over rates of breeding individuals at high elevations, an elevational increase in immigration and thus, within-population source-sink dynamics between low and high elevations. The formation of the upper range limit therefore is based on preference for low-elevation breeding sites and immigration to high elevations. Thus, shifts of the upper range limit are not only affected by changes in the quality of high-elevation habitats but also by factors affecting the number of immigrants produced at low elevations.
Venous puncture wound hemostasis results in a vaulted thrombus structured by locally nucleated platelet aggregates
Authors: Rhee Sung W. , Pokrovskaya Irina D. , Ball Kelly K. , Ling Kenny , Vedanaparti Yajnesh , Cohen Joshua , Cruz Denzel R. D. , Zhao Oliver S. , Aronova Maria A. , Zhang Guofeng , Kamykowski Jeffrey A. , Leapman Richard D. , Storrie Brian
Published: September 2021

Primary hemostasis results in a platelet-rich thrombus that has long been assumed to form a solid plug. Unexpectedly, our 3-dimensional (3D) electron microscopy of mouse jugular vein puncture wounds revealed that the resulting thrombi were structured about localized, nucleated platelet aggregates, pedestals and columns, that produced a vaulted thrombus capped by extravascular platelet adherence. Pedestal and column surfaces were lined by procoagulant platelets. Furthermore, early steps in thrombus assembly were sensitive to P2Y12 inhibition and late steps to thrombin inhibition. Based on these results, we propose a Cap and Build, puncture wound paradigm that should have translational implications for bleeding control and hemostasis.
Efficient production of vindoline from tabersonine by metabolically engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Liu Tengfei , Huang Ying , Jiang Lihong , Dong Chang , Gou Yuanwei , Lian Jiazhang
Published: September 2021

Vindoline is a plant derived monoterpene indole alkaloid (MIA) with potential therapeutic applications and more importantly serves as the precursor to vinblastine and vincristine. To obtain a yeast strain for high yield production of vindoline from tabersonine, multiple metabolic engineering strategies were employed via the CRISPR/Cas9 mediated multiplex genome integration technology in the present study. Through increasing and tuning the copy numbers of the pathway genes, pairing cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) with appropriate cytochrome P450 reductases (CPRs), engineering the microenvironment for functional expression of CYPs, enhancing cofactor supply, and optimizing fermentation conditions, the production of vindoline was increased to a final titer as high as ∼16.5 mg/L, which is more than 3,800,000-fold higher than the parent strain and the highest tabersonine to vindoline conversion yield ever reported. This work represents a key step of the engineering efforts to establish de novo biosynthetic pathways for vindoline, vinblastine, and vincristine.
Chemogenetic inactivation reveals the inhibitory control function of the prefronto-striatal pathway in the macaque brain
Authors: Oguchi Mineki , Tanaka Shingo , Pan Xiaochuan , Kikusui Takefumi , Moriya-Ito Keiko , Kato Shigeki , Kobayashi Kazuto , Sakagami Masamichi
Published: September 2021

The lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) has a strong monosynaptic connection with the caudate nucleus (CdN) of the striatum. Previous human MRI studies have suggested that this LPFC-CdN pathway plays an important role in inhibitory control and working memory. We aimed to validate the function of this pathway at a causal level by pathway-selective manipulation of neural activity in non-human primates. To this end, we trained macaque monkeys on a delayed oculomotor response task with reward asymmetry and expressed an inhibitory type of chemogenetic receptors selectively to LPFC neurons that project to the CdN. Ligand administration reduced the inhibitory control of impulsive behavior, as well as the task-related neuronal responses observed in the local field potentials from the LPFC and CdN. These results show that we successfully suppressed pathway-selective neural activity in the macaque brain, and the resulting behavioral changes suggest that the LPFC-CdN pathway is involved in inhibitory control.
Designing the collective non-local responses of metasurfaces
Authors: Capers James R. , Boyes Stephen J. , Hibbins Alastair P. , Horsley Simon A. R.
Published: September 2021

The ability to design the electromagnetic properties of materials to achieve any given wave scattering effect is key to many technologies, from communications to cloaking and biological imaging. Currently, common design methods either neglect degrees of freedom or are difficult to interpret. Here, we derive a simple and efficient method for designing wave–shaping materials composed of dipole scatterers, taking into account multiple scattering effects and both magnetic and electric polarizabilities. As an application of our theory, we design aperiodic metasurfaces that re-structure the radiation from a dipole emitter: (i) modifying of the near-field to provide a 4-fold enhancement in power emission; (ii) re-shaping the far-field radiation pattern to exhibit chosen directivity; and (iii) the design of a discrete Luneburg–like lens. Additionally, we develop a clear physical interpretation of the optimised structure, by extracting eigen-polarizabilities of the system, finding that a large eigen-polarizability corresponds to a large collective response of the scatterers.
Flexoelectric nanodomains in rare-earth iron garnet thin films under strain gradient
Authors: Yamahara Hiroyasu , Feng Bin , Seki Munetoshi , Adachi Masaki , Sarker Md Shamim , Takeda Takahito , Kobayashi Masaki , Ishikawa Ryo , Ikuhara Yuichi , Cho Yasuo , Tabata Hitoshi
Published: September 2021

Flexoelectricity is a universal property associated with dielectric materials, wherein they exhibit remanent polarization induced by strain gradient. Rare-earth iron garnets, R3Fe5O12, are ferrimagnetic insulators with useful magnetic properties. However, they are unlikely to show remanent dielectric polarization because of their centrosymmetric structure. Here, to induce flexoelectricity, we investigate various rare-earth iron-garnet thin films deposited on lattice-mismatched substrates. Atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy demonstrates the presence of 15 nm-thick strain gradients in Sm3Fe5O12 films between epitaxially strained tetragonal and relaxed cubic structures. Furthermore, negatively polarized nanodomains are imaged by scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy. It suggests a generation of flexoelectricity, where the polarization points down toward the substrate in the out-of-plane direction. X-ray magnetic circular dichroism demonstrates hysteresis with a large coercive field originating from the strain-gradient layer. We believe that our study will pave the way for achieving dielectric polarization even in nonpolar centrosymmetric materials by strain-gradient engineering.
Microplastics and nanoplastics barely enhance contaminant mobility in agricultural soils
Authors: Castan Stephanie , Henkel Charlotte , Hüffer Thorsten , Hofmann Thilo
Published: September 2021

Farmland soils are prone to contamination with micro- and nanoplastics through a variety of agricultural practices. Concerns are recurrently raised that micro- and nanoplastics act as vector for organic contaminants to deeper soil layers and endanger groundwater resources. Whether and to what extent micro- and nanoplastics facilitate the transport of organic contaminants in soil remains unclear. Here we calculated the ratio between transport and desorption time scales using two diffusion models for micro- and nanoplastics between 100 nm and 1 mm. To identify micro- and nanoplastics bound contaminant transport we evaluated diffusion and partitioning coefficients of prominent agrochemicals and additives and of frequently used polymers e.g., polyethylene and tire material. Our findings suggest that the desorption of most organic contaminants is too fast for micro- and nanoplastics to act as transport facilitators in soil. Contaminant transport enabled by microplastics was found to be relevant only for very hydrophobic contaminants (logKow>5) under preferential flow conditions. While micro- and nanoplastics might be a source of potentially harmful contaminants in farmland soils this study suggests that they do not considerably enhance contaminant mobility.
Palladium-catalysed imidoylative spirocyclization of 3-(2-isocyanoethyl)indoles
Authors: Tang Shi , Ding Shumin , Li Dan , Li Lianjie , Zhao Haixia , Chai Minxue , Wang Jian
Published: September 2021

Efficient access to spiroindoline derivatives through palladium-catalysed dearomative spirocyclization of 3-(2-isocyanoethyl)indoles has been developed.
Combining artificial intelligence and physics-based modeling to directly assess atomic site stabilities: from sub-nanometer clusters to extended surfaces
Authors: Lamoureux Philomena Schlexer , Choksi Tej S. , Streibel Verena , Abild-Pedersen Frank
Published: September 2021

We use artificial intelligence methods to instantaneously predict the stability of atomic sites in nanoparticles having a wide range of sizes, shapes, and compositions.
Morphological design strategies to tailor out-of-plane charge transport in conjugated polymer systems for device applications
Authors: Wenderott J. K. , Dong Ban Xuan , Green Peter F.
Published: September 2021

The transport of charge carriers throughout an active conjugated polymer (CP) host, characterized by a heterogeneous morphology of locally varying degrees of order and disorder, profoundly influences the performance of CP-based electronic devices.
Insights on peptide topology in the computational design of protein ligands: the example of lysozyme binding peptides
Authors: Cantarutti Cristina , Vargas M. Cristina , Dongmo Foumthuim Cedrix J. , Dumoulin Mireille , La Manna Sara , Marasco Daniela , Santambrogio Carlo , Grandori Rita , Scoles Giacinto , Soler Miguel A. , Corazza Alessandra , Fortuna Sara
Published: September 2021

We compared the ability of in silico generated linear and cyclic peptides to target different binding sites on lysozyme. Results demonstrated that cyclic peptides are optimal for solvent exposed sites, while both topologies can target its pocket.
Understanding charge storage in Nb2CTx MXene as an anode material for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Cheng Renfei , Hu Tao , Wang Zuohua , Yang Jinxing , Dai Ruqiao , Wang Weizhen , Cui Cong , Liang Yan , Zhang Chao , Li Cuiyu , Wang Hailong , Lu Hongxia , Yang Zhiqing , Zhang Hongwang , Wang Xiaohui
Published: September 2021

Multilayered Nb2CTx MXene with dominant –O functional groups stores charge at the expense of changes in the oxidation states of both transition metals Nb and O, showing a near zero-strain feature upon (de)lithiation.
Elastically flexible molecular crystals
Authors: Thompson Amy J. , Chamorro Orué Analia I. , Nair Akshay Jayamohanan , Price Jason R. , McMurtrie John , Clegg Jack K.
Published: September 2021

A critical review of the current understanding of elastically flexible molecular crystals is presented. A set of criteria are proposed to define an elastically flexible crystal, so that these materials may find applications among future technologies.
Nanoscale interfacial engineering enables highly stable and efficient perovskite photovoltaics
Authors: Krishna Anurag , Zhang Hong , Zhou Zhiwen , Gallet Thibaut , Dankl Mathias , Ouellette Olivier , Eickemeyer Felix T. , Fu Fan , Sanchez Sandy , Mensi Mounir , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Rothlisberger Ursula , Manjunatha Reddy G. N. , Redinger Alex , Grätzel Michael , Hagfeldt Anders
Published: September 2021

The molecular level interface engineering with a multifunctional ligand 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid suppresses interfacial ion diffusion and inhibits I2 formation, which leads to high operational stability with T80 of 3570 h along with PCE of 23.4%.
Synthetic cellular communication-based screening for strains with improved 3-hydroxypropionic acid secretion
Authors: Kim Seungjin , Jin Si Hyung , Lim Hyun Gyu , Lee Byungjin , Kim Jaesung , Yang Jina , Seo Sang Woo , Lee Chang-Soo , Jung Gyoo Yeol
Published: September 2021

Cellular communication-based screening for strains with improved secretion.
Influence of the surrounding medium on the luminescence-based thermometric properties of single Yb3+/Er3+codoped yttria nanocrystals
Authors: Galindo Jefferson Augusto Oliveira , Pessoa Allison Rodrigo , Amaral Anderson Monteiro , Menezes Leonardo de Souza
Published: September 2021

5 individual Yb3+/Er3+codoped yttria nanocrystals were characterized as luminescent nanothermometers when embedded in 3 environments (air, water, and ethylene glycol). The methods discussed are suitable for contactless on-site calibration.
A peptide-functionalised dendronised polymer for selective transfection in human liver cancer cells
Authors: Chopra Meenu , Sgro Agustin , Norret Marck , Blancafort Pilar , Iyer K. Swaminathan , Evans Cameron W.
Published: September 2021

A dendronised polymer functionalised with SP94 targeting peptide achieves highly selective transient transfection of liver cancer cells over normal non-transformed hepatocytes.
The high thermal stabilizing capability of noble metals (Pd and Au) supported by SBA-15 and the impact on CO oxidation
Authors: Murthy Palle Ramana , Zhang Jing-Cai , Li Wei-Zhen
Published: September 2021

Precious metal nanoparticles (NPs) are attractive for use in the field of catalysis because of their precisely controlled sizes and shapes.
Graphene, an epoch-making material in RFID technology: a detailed overview
Authors: Yao Yongfang , Chakraborty Sayan , Dhar Abhishek , Sangani Chetan B. , Duan Yongtao , Pansuriya Bhavesh R. , Vekariya Rohit L.
Published: September 2021

Many researchers claim that graphene, a specially studied carbon allotrope, has a single layer of atoms organized in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice.
Dearomatization reaction of β-naphthols with disulfurating reagents
Authors: Zhang Shan-Shan , Xue Jiahui , Gu Qing , Jiang Xuefeng , You Shu-Li
Published: September 2021

TsOH-catalyzed intermolecular dearomatization reactions of β-naphthols with electrophilic disulfurating reagents were developed, affording β-naphthalenones in up to 94% yield.
The recent development of donepezil structure-based hybrids as potential multifunctional anti-Alzheimer's agents: highlights from 2010 to 2020
Authors: Kareem Rzgar Tawfeeq , Abedinifar Fahimeh , Mahmood Evan Abdolkareem , Ebadi Abdol Ghaffar , Rajabi Fatemeh , Vessally Esmail
Published: September 2021

This review highlights recent examples of multi-target-directed ligands (MTDLs) based on donepezil structure modification from 2010 onwards.
Halogen-containing heteroaromatic carbenes of the 1,2,4-triazole series and their transformations
Authors: Glinyanaya Nataliya V. , Rayenko Gennady F. , Korotkikh Nikolai I. , Rusanov Eduard B. , Ryabitsky Alexey B. , Shvaika Oles P.
Published: September 2021

A series of new stable halogenated carbenes, 1-tert-butyl-3,4-diaryl-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidenes, has been synthesized.
Effect of flame retardants on mechanical and thermal properties of bio-based polyurethane rigid foams
Authors: Gong Qirui , Qin Liangyu , Yang Liangmin , Liang Keke , Wang Niangui
Published: September 2021

A vegetable oil-based polyurethane rigid foam containing a phosphorus–nitrogen dualflame retardant system was prepared, and the foam exhibited not only excellent flame retardant properties but also good mechanical properties.
The C36 Laves phase in diblock polymer melts
Authors: Magruder Benjamin R. , Dorfman Kevin D.
Published: September 2021

As a spherical micelle packing structure in diblock polymer melts, the C36 Laves phase is a near-perfect energetic intermediate between the C14 and C15 Laves phases, a direct result of the structural similarities between the packings.
Touch-sensing fabric encapsulated with hydrogel for human–computer interaction
Authors: Xu Ruidong , Qu Lijun , Tian Mingwei
Published: September 2021

Flexible touch-sensing devices have attracted extensive attention in wearable electronics and human–machine interaction.
Materials design of sodium chloride solid electrolytes Na3MCl6 for all-solid-state sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Park Dongsu , Kim Kwangnam , Chun Gin Hyung , Wood Brandon C. , Shim Joon Hyung , Yu Seungho
Published: September 2021

A materials design strategy for sodium chloride solid electrolytes was developed through systematic assessment of the phase stability, electrochemical stability, and transport properties of novel Na3MCl6.
Rare earth orthoniobate photochromics with self-activated upconversion emissions for high-performance optical storage applications
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Guo Lingju , Sun Haiqin , Peng Dengfeng , Zou Hua , Sun Ningning , Zhang Qiwei , Hao Xihong
Published: September 2021

Novel self-activated upconversion photochromics exhibit high-performance optical storage properties.
High-performance cement/SWCNT thermoelectric nanocomposites and a structural thermoelectric generator device towards large-scale thermal energy harvesting
Authors: Vareli Ioanna , Tzounis Lazaros , Tsirka Kyriaki , Kavvadias Ioannis E. , Tsongas Konstantinos , Liebscher Marco , Elenas Anaxagoras , Gergidis Leonidas N. , Barkoula Nektaria-Marianthi , Paipetis Alkiviadis S.
Published: September 2021

For the first time, the thermoelectric properties of cement/single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) nanocomposites with over 3, 7, 14 and 28 days of hydration are reported, while a thermoelectric generator device (TEG) is fabricated utilising the material with the highest achieved power factor (PF).
Enhancing the efficiency and ambient stability of perovskite solar cells via a multifunctional trap passivation molecule
Authors: Hossain Maimur , Arunagirinathan Rahul Narasimhan , Garai Rabindranath , Gupta Ritesh Kant , Iyer Parameswar Krishnan
Published: September 2021

The photovoltaic performance and ambient stability of perovskite solar cells were enhanced significantly through trap passivation by incorporation of a multifunctional additive molecule, 5-fluoropyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (FPD).
Long non-coding RNAs associated with infection and vaccine-induced immunity
Authors: Lüscher-Dias Thomaz , Conceição Izabela Mamede , Schuch Viviane , Maracaja-Coutinho Vinicius , Amaral Paulo P. , Nakaya Helder I.
Published: September 2021

The immune system responds to infection or vaccination through a dynamic and complex process that involves several molecular and cellular factors. Among these factors, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as significant players in all areas of biology, particularly in immunology. Most of the mammalian genome is transcribed in a highly regulated manner, generating a diversity of lncRNAs that impact the differentiation and activation of immune cells and affect innate and adaptive immunity. Here, we have reviewed the range of functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs in response to infectious disease, including pathogen recognition, interferon (IFN) response, and inflammation. We describe examples of lncRNAs exploited by pathogenic agents during infection, which indicate that lncRNAs are a fundamental part of the arms race between hosts and pathogens. We also discuss lncRNAs potentially implicated in vaccine-induced immunity and present examples of lncRNAs associated with the antibody response of subjects receiving Influenza or Yellow Fever vaccines. Elucidating the widespread involvement of lncRNAs in the immune system will improve our understanding of the factors affecting immune response to different pathogenic agents, to better prevent and treat disease.
Glucocerebrosidase dysfunction in neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Brooker Sarah M. , Krainc Dimitri
Published: September 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD) and related neurodegenerative disorders, termed the synucleinopathies, are characterized pathologically by the accumulation of protein aggregates containing α-synuclein (aSyn), resulting in progressive neuronal loss. There is considerable need for the development of neuroprotective strategies to halt or slow disease progression in these disorders. To this end, evaluation of genetic mutations associated with the synucleinopathies has helped to elucidate crucial mechanisms of disease pathogenesis, revealing key roles for lysosomal and mitochondrial dysfunction. The GBA1 gene, which encodes the lysosomal hydrolase β-glucocerebrosidase (GCase) is the most common genetic risk factor for PD and is also linked to other neurodegenerative disorders including dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Additionally, homozygous mutations in GBA1 are associated with the rare lysosomal storage disorder, Gaucher's disease (GD). In this review, we discuss the current knowledge in the field regarding the diverse roles of GCase in neurons and the multifactorial effects of loss of GCase enzymatic activity. Importantly, GCase has been shown to have a bidirectional relationship with aSyn, resulting in a pathogenic feedback loop that can lead to progressive aSyn accumulation. Alterations in GCase activity have furthermore been linked to multiple distinct pathways involved in neurodegeneration, and therefore GCase has emerged as a promising target for therapeutic drug development for PD and related neurodegenerative disorders, particularly DLB.
A Systematic Review of Expressive and Receptive Prosody in People With Dementia
Authors: Oh Chorong , Morris Richard J. , Wang Xianhui
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This review was designed to provide a systematic overview of prosody in people with a primary diagnosis of dementia (PwD) and evaluate the potential use of prosodic features for diagnosis of dementia.

Method

A systematic search of five databases was conducted using Medical Subject Headings and keywords. Studies included in the review were evaluated for their methodological quality using the modified Joanna Briggs Institute checklist.

Results

A total of 14 articles were identified as being relevant for this review. Among the 14 articles, the methodological quality ranged, with eight rated as weak, four rated as moderate, and two rated as strong. Ten of the 14 articles had people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) as participants, and the remaining four had people with frontotemporal dementia as participants. Four articles focused on receptive prosody, another six focused on expressive prosody, and the remaining four articles were investigations into both. The 14 articles presented inconsistent findings, and various tasks were used to measure prosodic features in PwD in the articles. Prosody was studied as a diagnostic tool for dementia in four of the articles, all of which were based on expressive prosody in individuals with AD. Among the four articles, three proposed the use of automatic speech analysis for diagnosis of AD.

Conclusions

This review demonstrates that prosody in PwD is an underinvestigated area. In particular, it was concerning that most articles were of weak methodological quality. Nevertheless, it was found that prosody may be a potential diagnostic tool for assessing dementia. More studies that replicate the existing studies and those with stronger methodology are needed to confirm that receptive and/or expressive prosody can be used for dementia diagnosis.
HVDC grids stability improvement by direct current power system stabilizer
Authors: Azizi Neda , Moradi CheshmehBeigi Hassan , Rouzbehi Kumars
Published: September 2021

High‐voltage direct current breaker is among the essential components of high‐voltage direct current grids. Such a breaker generally needs a direct current reactor to reduce the fault currents rate. However, direct current reactors have destructive effects on the multi‐terminal high‐voltage direct current grid dynamic stability, and in such a system, despite the variety of controllers, the system dynamics are highly sensitive to the operating point. Therefore, additional damping control will be needed. This paper proposes a modification to be applied to the traditional droop controller of high‐voltage direct current grids to cope with the influence of these large reactors, improving the direct voltage stability and decreasing power variations in the transient events by introducing a direct current power system stabilizer. The proposed method for direct voltage control has been investigated through the analytical model of the system. Stability improvement has been studied following the application of the proposed method by investigating zeros, poles, and frequency response analysis. Moreover, a method is proposed for optimal design and optimal placement of direct current power system stabilizer. The system analysis and time‐domain simulations demonstrate a decent damping improvement attained by the proposed method. All simulations and analytical studies are conducted on Cigré DCS3 test high‐voltage direct current grid in MATLAB/Simulink.
Extremely weak CO emission in IZw 18
Authors: Zhou Luwenjia , Shi Yong , Zhang Zhi-Yu , Wang Junzhi
Published: September 2021

Local metal-poor galaxies are ideal analogues of primordial galaxies with the interstellar medium (ISM) barely being enriched with metals. However, it is unclear whether carbon monoxide remains a good tracer and coolant of molecular gas at low metallicity. Based on the observation with the upgraded Northern Extended Millimeter Array, we report a marginal detection of CO J = 2–1 emission in IZw18, pushing the detection limit down to L′CO(2-1) = 3.99 × 103 K km s−1 pc−2, which is at least 40 times lower than previous studies. As one of the most metal-poor galaxies, IZw18 shows extremely low CO content despite its vigorous star formation activity. Such low CO content relative to its infrared luminosity, star formation rate, and [C II] luminosity, compared with other galaxies, indicates a significant change in the ISM properties at a few percent of the Solar metallicity. In particular, the high [C II] luminosity relative to CO implies a larger molecular reservoir than the CO emitter in IZw18. We also obtain an upper limit of the 1.3 mm continuum, which excludes a sub-millimetre excess in IZw18.
Refined fundamental parameters of Canopus from combined near-IR interferometry and spectral energy distribution
Authors: Domiciano de Souza A. , Zorec J. , Millour F. , Le Bouquin J.-B. , Spang A. , Vakili F.
Published: September 2021

Context. Canopus, the brightest and closest yellow supergiant to our Solar System, offers a unique laboratory for understanding the physics of evolved massive stars.

Aims. We aim at quantitatively exploring a large space of fundamental parameters of Canopus based on the combined analysis of its spectral energy distribution (SED) and optical-IR long baseline interferometry.

Methods. We use the most recent high resolution near-IR data from the VLTI focal beam combiners PIONIER (H and K bands) and AMBER (K band), together with precise spectrophotometric measures that cover the SED of Canopus, from the UV to the IR, taken from ground and space observatories.

Results. The accurate and precise PIONIER data allowed us to simultaneously measure the angular diameter and the limb darkening (LD) profile using different analytical laws. We found that the power-law LD, being also in agreement with predictions from stellar atmosphere models, reproduces the interferometric data well. For this model we measured an angular diameter of 7.184 ± 0.0017 ± 0.029 mas and an LD coefficient of 0.1438 ± 0.0015, which are respectively ≳5 and ~15−25 more precise than in our previous A&A paper on Canopus from 2008. From a dedicated analysis of the interferometric data, we also provide new constraints on the putative presence of weak surface inhomogeneities. Additionally, we analyzed the SED in a innovative way by simultaneously fitting the reddening-related parameters and the stellar effective temperature and gravity. We find that a model based on two effective temperatures is much better at reproducing the whole SED, from which we derived several parameters, including a new bolometric flux estimate: fbol = (59.22 ± 2.45) × 10−6 erg cm−2 s−1. We were also able to estimate the stellar mass from these measurements, and it is shown to be in agreement with additional predictions from evolutionary models, from which we inferred the age of Canopus as well.

Conclusions. The Canopus angular diameter and LD measured in this work with PIONIER are the most precise to date, with a direct impact on several related fundamental parameters. Moreover, thanks to our joint analysis, we were able to determine a set of fundamental parameters that simultaneously reproduces both high-precision interferometric data and a good quality SED and, at the same time, agrees with stellar evolution models. This refined set of fundamental parameters constitutes a careful balance between the different methodologies used, providing invaluable observationally based constraints to models of stellar structure and evolution, which still present difficulties in simulating stars such as Canopus in detail.
The Type II supernova SN 2020jfo in M 61, implications for progenitor system, and explosion dynamics
Authors: Sollerman J. , Yang S. , Schulze S. , Strotjohann N. L. , Jerkstrand A. , Van Dyk S. D. , Kool E. C. , Barbarino C. , Brink T. G. , Bruch R. , De K. , Filippenko A. V. , Fremling C. , Patra K. C. , Perley D. , Yan L. , Yang Y. , Andreoni I. , Campbell R. , Coughlin M. , Kasliwal M. , Kim Y.-L. , Rigault M. , Shin K. , Tzanidakis A. , Ashley M. C. B. , Moore A. M. , Travouillon T.
Published: September 2021

We present the discovery and extensive follow-up observations of SN 2020jfo, a Type IIP supernova (SN) in the nearby (14.5 Mpc) galaxy M 61. Optical light curves (LCs) and spectra from the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF), complemented with data from Swift/UVOT and near-infrared photometry is presented. These were used to model the 350-day duration bolometric light curve, which exhibits a relatively short (∼65 days) plateau. This implies a moderate ejecta mass (∼5 M⊙) at the time of explosion, whereas the deduced amount of ejected radioactive nickel is ∼0.025 M⊙. An extensive series of spectroscopy is presented, including spectropolarimetric observations. The nebular spectra are dominated by Hα, but also reveal emission lines from oxygen and calcium. Comparisons to synthetic nebular spectra indicate an initial progenitor mass of ∼12 M⊙. We also note the presence of stable nickel in the nebular spectrum, and SN 2020jfo joins a small group of SNe that have inferred super-solar Ni/Fe ratios. Several years of prediscovery data were examined, but no signs of precursor activity were found. Pre-explosion Hubble Space Telescope imaging reveals a probable progenitor star, detected only in the reddest band (MF814W ≈ −5.8) and it is fainter than expected for stars in the 10−15 M⊙ range. There is thus some tension between the LC analysis, the nebular spectral modeling, and the pre-explosion imaging. To compare and contrast, we present two additional core-collapse SNe monitored by the ZTF, which also have nebular Hα-dominated spectra. This illustrates how the absence or presence of an interaction with circumstellar material (CSM) affect both the LCs and in particular the nebular spectra. Type II SN 2020amv has a LC powered by CSM interaction, in particular after ∼40 days when the LC is bumpy and slowly evolving. The late-time spectra show strong Hα emission with a structure suggesting emission from a thin, dense shell. The evolution of the complex three-horn line profile is reminiscent of that observed for SN 1998S. Finally, SN 2020jfv has a poorly constrained early-time LC, but it is of interest because of the transition from a hydrogen-poor Type IIb to a Type IIn, where the nebular spectrum after the light-curve rebrightening is dominated by Hα, although with an intermediate line width.