bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-temperature optical properties of indium tin oxide thin-films
Authors: Kim Jiwoong , Shrestha Sujan , Souri Maryam , Connell John G. , Park Sungkyun , Seo Ambrose
Published: July 2020

Indium tin oxide (ITO) is one of the most widely used transparent conductors in optoelectronic device applications. We investigated the optical properties of ITO thin films at high temperatures up to 800 °C using spectroscopic ellipsometry. As temperature increases, amorphous ITO thin films undergo a phase transition at ~ 200 °C and develop polycrystalline phases with increased optical gap energies. The optical gap energies of both polycrystalline and epitaxial ITO thin films decrease with increasing temperature due to electron–phonon interactions. Depending on the background oxygen partial pressure, however, we observed that the optical gap energies exhibit reversible changes, implying that the oxidation and reduction processes occur vigorously due to the low oxidation and reduction potential energies of the ITO thin films at high temperatures. This result suggests that the electronic structure of ITO thin films strongly depends on temperature and oxygen partial pressure while they remain optically transparent, i.e., optical gap energies > 3.6 eV.
Relevance of temporal cores for epidemic spread in temporal networks
Authors: Ciaperoni Martino , Galimberti Edoardo , Bonchi Francesco , Cattuto Ciro , Gullo Francesco , Barrat Alain
Published: July 2020

Temporal networks are widely used to represent a vast diversity of systems, including in particular social interactions, and the spreading processes unfolding on top of them. The identification of structures playing important roles in such processes remains largely an open question, despite recent progresses in the case of static networks. Here, we consider as candidate structures the recently introduced concept of span-cores: the span-cores decompose a temporal network into subgraphs of controlled duration and increasing connectivity, generalizing the core-decomposition of static graphs. To assess the relevance of such structures, we explore the effectiveness of strategies aimed either at containing or maximizing the impact of a spread, based respectively on removing span-cores of high cohesiveness or duration to decrease the epidemic risk, or on seeding the process from such structures. The effectiveness of such strategies is assessed in a variety of empirical data sets and compared to baselines that use only static information on the centrality of nodes and static concepts of coreness, as well as to a baseline based on a temporal centrality measure. Our results show that the most stable and cohesive temporal cores play indeed an important role in epidemic processes on temporal networks, and that their nodes are likely to include influential spreaders.
Cognitive impairment and associated risk factors in older adult hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Luo Yang , Murray Anne M. , Guo Yi-Dan , Tian Ru , Ye Peng-Peng , Li Xin , Li Guo-Gang , Lu Fang-Ping , Ma Ying-Chun , Sun Yi , Wang Yu-Zhu , Xiao Yue-Fei , Zhang Qi-Meng , Zhao Xue-Feng , Zhao Hai-Dan , Chen Xiang-Mei
Published: July 2020

The clinical epidemiological features of cognitive impairment in Chinese older adult patients undergoing hemodialysis are not clear, we aimed to identify the extent and patterns of cognitive impairment among those patients. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 613 hemodialysis patients aged 50 to 80 from 11 centers in Beijing. A neuropsychological battery of 11 tests covering domains of attention/processing speed, executive function, memory, language, and visuospatial function was applied, patients were classified as none, mild, or major cognitive impairment according to the fifth version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria for cognitive impairment. Compared with Chinese population norms, 37.2% of the participants had mild cognitive impairment, 43.7% had major cognitive impairment. Memory and language were the most severe impaired domains in the mild cognitive impairment group, attention and visuospatial function domains were the most serious impaired domains in the major cognitive impairment group. Concomitant impairment across multiple cognitive domains was common. Factors associated with major cognitive impairment included age, education level, history of stroke and hypertension, dialysis vintage, and single-pool Kt/V. There is a high frequency of cognitive impairment in Chinese older adult hemodialysis patients, with varying severity and concomitant impairment across multiple domains.
Potential evolutionary impact of integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) and genomic islands in the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex
Authors: Gonçalves Osiel Silva , de Queiroz Marisa Vieira , Santana Mateus Ferreira
Published: July 2020

Ralstonia solanacearum, a soil-borne plant pathogen, encompasses a large number of strains known as R. solanacearum species complex (RSSC). Although it has been suggested that mobile genetic elements (MGEs) may play an important role in the RSSC genome, the evolutionary impact of these elements remains unknown. Here, we identified and analysed Integrative and Conjugative Elements (ICEs) and Genomic Islands (GIs) in the 121 genomes published for Ralstonia spp., including RSSC strains and three other non-plant pathogenic Ralstonia spp. Our results provided a dataset of 12 ICEs and 31 GIs distributed throughout Ralstonia spp. Four novel ICEs in RSSC were found. Some of these elements cover 5% of the host genome and carry accessory genes with a potential impact on the fitness and pathogenicity of RSSC. In addition, phylogenetic analysis revealed that these MGEs clustered to the same species, but there is evidence of strains from different countries that host the same element. Our results provide novel insight into the RSSC adaptation, opening new paths to a better understanding of how these elements affect this soil-borne plant pathogen.
Epidemiology and treatment of atrial fibrillation in patients with type 2 diabetes in the UK, 2001–2016
Authors: Alwafi Hassan , Wong Ian C. K. , Banerjee Amitava , Mongkhon Pajaree , Whittlesea Cate , Naser Abdallah Y. , Lau Wallis C. Y. , Wei Li
Published: July 2020

Patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence and treatment of AF in patients with T2DM, assess the impact of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) introduction on oral anticoagulant (OACs) prescribing rates, and factors associated with OAC initiations in patients with T2DM and AF. The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database (2001–2016), was used to examine the annual prevalence and treatment of AF in T2DM. The impact of DOACs introduction on OAC prescribing rates were investigated using interrupted time series analysis (ITS). Factors associated with OAC initiations were also identified using multivariate logistic regression. The prevalence of AF increased from 2.7 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 2.5–2.8] in 2001 to 5.0 (4.9–5.1) in 2016 per 100 persons. OACs prescribing within 30-days of AF diagnosis increased from 21.5% in 2001 to 56.8% in 2016. ITS analysis showed that OAC prescribing increased after DOAC introduction (P < 0.001), however, no immediate change was observed (P = 0.29). T2DM patients with AF, aged 60–79, male gender and BMI ≥ 25 were more likely to receive OAC, adjusted OR 1.3 (1.2–1.5) for aged 60–79, 1.3 (1.2–1.4) for male gender and 2.0 (1.9–2.2) for BMI ≥ 25, respectively. This study highlighted an increase in prevalence of AF in patients with T2DM during the study period. Further studies are warranted to investigate factors contributing to the underuse of OAC in patients with T2DM and AF.
β-hydroxybutyrate and hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 agonists activate the AKT, ERK and AMPK pathways, which are involved in bovine neutrophil chemotaxis
Authors: Carretta María D. , Barría Yonathan , Borquez Katherine , Urra Bárbara , Rivera Andrés , Alarcón Pablo , Hidalgo María A. , Burgos Rafael A.
Published: July 2020

Elevated plasma concentrations of the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), an endogenous agonist of the hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCA2), is associated with an increased incidence of inflammatory diseases during lactation in dairy cows. In the early stages of this pathology, an increase in neutrophil recruitment is observed; however, the role of BHB remains elusive. This study characterized the effect of BHB and synthetic agonists of the HCA2 receptor on bovine neutrophil chemotaxis and the signaling pathways involved in this process. We demonstrated that treatment with BHB concentrations between 1.2 and 10 mM and two full selective agonists of the HCA2 receptor, MK-1903 and nicotinic acid, increased bovine neutrophil chemotaxis. We also observed that BHB and HCA2 agonists induced calcium release and phosphorylation of AKT, ERK 1/2 and AMPKα. To evaluate the role of these pathways in bovine neutrophil chemotaxis, we used the pharmacological inhibitors BAPTA-AM, pertussis toxin, U73122, LY294002, U0126 and compound C. Our results suggest that these pathways are required for HCA2 agonist-induced bovine neutrophil chemotaxis in non-physiological condition. Concentrations around 1.4 mM of BHB after calving may exert a chemoattractant effect that is key during the onset of the inflammatory process associated with metabolic disorders in dairy cows.
Embossed Mie resonator arrays composed of compacted TiO2 nanoparticles for broadband anti-reflection in solar cells
Authors: Visser Dennis , Chen Ding Yuan , Désières Yohan , Ravishankar Ajith Padyana , Anand Srinivasan
Published: July 2020

Mie resonator arrays formed by embossing titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) from solution are investigated as optical coatings for anti-reflection applications. Compacted nanoparticle assemblies offer unique possibilities to tailor the effective refractive index (RI). Here, we demonstrate a simple table-top, low pressure, and low temperature method to fabricate structured optical coatings. TiO2 nanostructures in the form of nanodisks support Mie resonances in the visible wavelength spectrum and exhibit strong forward scattering into the high index substrates, making them suitable as broadband anti-reflection coatings for solar cells. TiO2 NP-based nanodisk arrays are designed, fabricated, and characterized regarding their anti-reflection properties on Si, GaAs, and InP substrates and solar cells. Detailed finite-difference time-domain simulations are performed to optimize the TiO2 NP-based Mie resonator arrays for the broadband anti-reflection as well as to explain the measured reflectance spectra. The solar-weighted reflectance is used as a figure of merit (FoM). TiO2 nanodisk arrays on Si show a FoM of ~ 7% in the 400–1,100 nm wavelength spectrum; similar values are obtained for GaAs and InP substrates. TiO2 nanodisk arrays embossed directly on prefabricated planar single-junction Si, GaAs, and InP solar cells result in an appreciable increase (~ 1.3 times) in the short-circuit current densities.
The complete chloroplast genome sequence of the medicinal plant Sophora tonkinensis
Authors: Wei Fan , Tang Danfeng , Wei Kunhua , Qin Fang , Li Linxuan , Lin Yang , Zhu Yanxia , Khan Aziz , Kashif Muhammad Haneef , Miao Jianhua
Published: July 2020

Sophora tonkinensis belongs to genus Sophora of the Fabaceae family. It is mainly distributed in the ridge and peak regions of limestone areas in western China and has high medicinal value and important ecological functions. Wild populations of S. tonkinensis are in danger and need urgent conservation. Furthermore, wild S. tonkinensis resources are very limited relative to the needs of the market, and many adulterants are present on the market. Therefore, a method for authenticating S. tonkinensis and its adulterants at the molecular level is needed. Chloroplast genomes are valuable sources of genetic markers for phylogenetic analyses, genetic diversity evaluation, and plant molecular identification. In this study, we report the complete chloroplast genome of S. tonkinensis. The circular complete chloroplast genome was 154,644 bp in length, containing an 85,810 bp long single-copy (LSC) region, an 18,321 bp short single-copy (SSC) region and two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 50,513 bp. The S. tonkinensis chloroplast genome comprised 129 genes, including 83 protein-coding genes, 38 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The structure, gene order and guanine and cytosine (GC) content of the S. tonkinensis chloroplast genome were similar to those of the Sophora alopecuroides and Sophora flavescens chloroplast genomes. A total of 1,760 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified in the chloroplast genome of S. tonkinensis, and most of them (93.1%) were mononucleotides. Moreover, the identified SSRs were mainly distributed in the LSC region, accounting for 60% of the total number of SSRs, while 316 (18%) and 383 (22%) were located in the SSC and IR regions, respectively. Only one complete copy of the rpl2 gene was present at the LSC/IRB boundary, while another copy was absent from the IRA region because of the incomplete structure caused by IR region expansion and contraction. The phylogenetic analysis placed S. tonkinensis in Papilionoideae, sister to S. flavescens, and the genera Sophora and Ammopiptanthus were closely related. The complete genome sequencing and chloroplast genome comparative analysis of S. tonkinensis and its closely related species presented in this paper will help formulate effective conservation and management strategies as well as molecular identification approaches for this important medicinal plant.
Mutation analysis, treatment and prenatal diagnosis of Chinese cases of methylmalonic acidemia
Authors: Zhang Chuan , Wang Xing , Hao Shengju , Zhang Qinghua , Zheng Lei , Zhou Bingbo , Liu Furong , Feng Xuan , Chen Xue , Ma Panpan , Chen Cuixia , Cao Zongfu , Ma Xu
Published: July 2020

Methylmalonic acidemia (MMA)-affected patients may have developmental, hematological, neurological, metabolic, ophthalmological, and dermatological clinically abnormal findings. This study aimed to identify mutations in 13 Chinese MMA cases. We provided genetic counseling, treatment, and prenatal diagnosis for the families with MMA. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was performed and the results were confirmed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Variant screening in probands was performed by targeted next-generation sequencing. Identified variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Of these 13 MMA cases, seven were isolated MMA, and among them, six were caused by variants in MMUT and one was caused by a variant in MCEE. The other six cases were MMA with homocystinuria, which was caused by variants in MMACHC. We found six novel variants in three MMA-causing genes as follows: c.2008G>A, c.301_302insTA, c.984delC, and c.319A>T of MMUT; c.445T>C of MMACHC; and c.296T>C of MCEE. We provided prenatal diagnosis for two families with MMA at their next pregnancy, and one family had a healthy newborn. In conclusion, our findings expand the spectrum of genotypes in MMA. Effective genetic counseling is required to allow awareness of the patients’ families that MMA disease is treatable and a good prognosis can be obtained.
Author Correction: Levonorgestrel correlates with less weight gain than other progestins during hormonal replacement therapy in Turner Syndrome patients
Authors: Mathez Andréia Latanza Gomes , Monteagudo Patrícia Teófilo , do Nascimento Verreschi Ieda Therezinha , Dias-da-Silva Magnus Régios
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Tuning surface topographies on biomaterials to control bacterial infection
Authors: Khalid Saud , Gao Ang , Wang Guomin , Chu Paul K. , Wang Huaiyu
Published: July 2020

Bacterial growth over biomaterials can be controlled by adjusting the size, shape and composition of their surface topography.
A review of anaerobic membrane bioreactors for municipal wastewater treatment with a focus on multicomponent biogas and membrane fouling control
Authors: Hu Yisong , Cheng Hui , Ji Jiayuan , Li Yu-You
Published: July 2020

Among the various anaerobic digestion technologies developed for wastewater treatment and resource recovery, the anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) stands out as a viable alternative to traditional processes.
Tuning protein delivery from different architectures of layer-by-layer assemblies on polymer films
Authors: Delechiave Giovanne , Naves Alliny F. , Kolanthai Elayaraja , da Silva Rubens A. , Vlasman Raphael C. , Petri Denise F. S. , Torresi Roberto M. , Catalani Luiz H.
Published: July 2020

An effective strategy for loading of proteins on a layer-by-layer construct to control release was proposed, while other attributes showed an intricate dependence on the protein total charge with complexation processes with both polyelectrolytes.
Role of inorganic nanoparticle degradation in cancer therapy
Authors: Maksoudian Christy , Saffarzadeh Neshat , Hesemans Evelien , Dekoning Nora , Buttiens Kiana , Soenen Stefaan J.
Published: July 2020

Nanomaterials are widely exploited for developing novel cancer therapies. Here, we discuss the potential of cancer-selective toxicity of metal oxide particle degradation.
Fluorescent polydopamine nanoparticles as a nanosensor for the sequential detection of mercury ions andl-ascorbic acid based on a coordination effect and redox reaction
Authors: Yang Yi-Xuan , Fang Yan-Zhao , Tian Jing-Xuan , Xiao Qiang , Kong Xiang-Juan
Published: July 2020

A novel fluorescence nanosensor using intrinsic fluorescent polydopamine nanoparticles as an effective signal reporter was constructed for simple, rapid and sequential detection of Hg2+ions andl-ascorbic acid based on a coordination effect and redox reaction.
Impact of N-substitution on structural, electronic, optical, and vibrational properties of a thiophene–phenylene co-oligomer
Authors: Trukhanov Vasiliy A. , Dominskiy Dmitry I. , Parashchuk Olga D. , Feldman Elizaveta V. , Surin Nikolay M. , Svidchenko Evgeniya A. , Skorotetcky Maxim S. , Borshchev Oleg V. , Paraschuk Dmitry Yu. , Sosorev Andrey Yu.
Published: July 2020

Properties of the organic semiconductors can be finely tuned via changes in their molecular structure.
Carbonylative Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling by immobilized Ni@Pd NPs supported on carbon nanotubes
Authors: Nan Liu , Yalan Cai , Jixiang Li , Dujuan Ouyang , Wenhui Duan , Rouhi Jalal , Mustapha Mazli
Published: July 2020

In this study, a novel carbon nanotube (CNT) based nanocatalyst (Ni@Pd/CNT) was synthesized by modifying CNTs using Ni@Pd core–shell nanoparticles (NPs).
Enhanced functional DNA biosensor for distance-based read-by-eye quantification of various analytes based on starch-hydrolysis-adjusted wettability change in paper devices
Authors: Chen Yijing , Zhang Lang , Huang Jinkun , Deng Zihao , Yuan Yali , Zou Jianmei , Nie Jinfang , Zhang Yun
Published: July 2020

A functional DNA sensor was initially developed for the distance-measuring quantification of various analytes based on the starch-hydrolysis-adjusted wettability change of paper.
Rhizovagine A, an unusual dibenzo-α-pyrone alkaloid from the endophytic fungus Rhizopycnis vagum Nitaf22
Authors: Wang Ali , Zhao Siji , Gu Gan , Xu Dan , Zhang Xuping , Lai Daowan , Zhou Ligang
Published: July 2020

Rhizovagine A (1), a dibenzo-α-pyrone alkaloid with a 5/5/6/6/6 fused pentacyclic skeleton and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, was isolated from the endophytic fungus Rhizopycnis vagum Nitaf22.
A theoretical study of the hydrolysis mechanism of A-234; the suspected novichok agent in the Skripal attack
Authors: Imrit Yadhav A. , Bhakhoa Hanusha , Sergeieva Tetiana , Danés Sergi , Savoo Nandini , Elzagheid Mohamed I. , Rhyman Lydia , Andrada Diego M. , Ramasami Ponnadurai
Published: July 2020

A theoretical study of the hydrolysis mechanism of A-234 [EtO–P(O)(F)–NC(Me)–N(Et)2]; the suspected novichok agent in the Skripal attack.
Structural, mechanical, dielectric properties and magnetic interactions in Dy3+-substituted Co–Cu–Zn nanoferrites
Authors: Kadam R. H. , Borade R. B. , Mane M. L. , Mane D. R. , Batoo K. M. , Shirsath Sagar E.
Published: July 2020

Improvement in various properties of Co–Cu–Zn ferrite upon Dy substitution.
Mechanochemical synthesis of glycine oligomers in a virtual rotational diamond anvil cell
Authors: Steele Brad A. , Goldman Nir , Kuo I-Feng W. , Kroonblawd Matthew P.
Published: July 2020

Compressive shearing forces can induce mechanochemical oligomerization reactions in glycine.
Diazaphosphinyl radical-catalyzed deoxygenation of α-carboxy ketones: a new protocol for chemo-selective C–O bond scission via mechanism regulation
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Yang Jin-Dong , Cheng Jin-Pei
Published: July 2020

Diazaphosphinyl radical-catalyzed chemo-selective deoxygenation of α-carboxy ketones with pinacolborane was achieved through the mechanism switch from direct to stepwise hydride transfer of diazaphosphinane.
Simultaneously boosting the conjugation, brightness and solubility of organic fluorophores by using AIEgens
Authors: Qi Ji , Duan Xingchen , Cai Yuanjing , Jia Shaorui , Chen Chao , Zhao Zheng , Li Ying , Peng Hui-Qing , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Ding Dan , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: July 2020

AIEgens are exploited to simultaneously extend the conjugation, boost the brightness, and increase the solubility of organic near-infrared fluorophores, representing a new strategy for developing high-performance emitters for biomedical imaging.
Ion-molecule reactions catalyzed by a single gold atom
Authors: Yang Shengfu , Wu Hong , Luo Qiquan , Al Hindawi Aula M. , Sitorus Berlian , Ellis Andrew M. , Yang Jinlong
Published: July 2020

Single Au atoms within van der Waals complexes are found to serve as catalysts in ionisation-induced chemistry for the first time.
A precious-metal-free Fe-intercalated carbon nitride porous-network with enhanced activity for the oxygen reduction reaction and methanol-tolerant oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Yousaf Ammar Bin , Monnier John R. , Weidner John W. , Hassan Mohammad K. , Zaidi Syed Javaid , Kasak Peter
Published: July 2020

The economical cost of the catalyst material has remained a challenging task in traditional fuel cells (FCs) and in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs).
Annexin A4 trimers are recruited by high membrane curvatures in giant plasma membrane vesicles
Authors: Florentsen Christoffer Dam , Kamp-Sonne Alexander , Moreno-Pescador Guillermo , Pezeshkian Weria , Hakami Zanjani Ali Asghar , Khandelia Himanshu , Nylandsted Jesper , Bendix Poul Martin
Published: July 2020

Protein structure and curvature sensing for annexin A4 trimers are coupled. These findings may provide new insight for the mechanisms underlying plasma membrane repair.
Tellurium-impregnated P-doped porous carbon nanosheets as both cathode and anode for an ultrastable hybrid aqueous energy storage
Authors: Wu Xu , Zhang Huanhuan , Zhai Zi-Bo , Xu Jing , Huang Ke-Jing
Published: July 2020

Tellurium confined in P-doped porous carbon nanosheets was proved to be superior as cathode and anode materials in an alkaline system.
Controlled colloidal metal nanoparticles and nanoclusters: recent applications as cocatalysts for improving photocatalytic water-splitting activity
Authors: Kawawaki Tokuhisa , Mori Yutaro , Wakamatsu Kosuke , Ozaki Shuhei , Kawachi Masanobu , Hossain Sakiat , Negishi Yuichi
Published: July 2020

This review introduces the importance of controlled colloidal NPs/NCs in research on water-splitting photocatalysis by summarizing the existing research.
Ionic conductive and photocatalytic properties of cementitious materials: calcium silicate hydrate and calcium aluminoferrite
Authors: Nagao Masahiro , Kobayashi Kazuyo , Jin Yongcheng , Maruyama Ippei , Hibino Takashi
Published: July 2020

Ion conductivity of C-S-H and photocatalytic activity of C4AF for the stability of concrete structures and the functionality of concrete surfaces.
Chemical design and synthesis of superior single-atom electrocatalysts via in situ polymerization
Authors: Xu Haomin , Xi Shibo , Li Jing , Liu Shikai , Lyu Pin , Yu Wei , Sun Tao , Qi Dong-Chen , He Qian , Xiao Hai , Lin Ming , Wu Jishan , Zhang Jia , Lu Jiong
Published: July 2020

A novel in situ polymerization approach is developed for the synthesis of well-defined FeN4-based single-atom catalysts (SACs) on carbon nanotubes with superior catalytic activity in the ORR and Zn–oxygen batteries.
Molecular-level electrochemical doping for fine discrimination of volatile organic compounds in organic chemiresistors
Authors: Kwon Sooncheol , Pak Yusin , Kim Bongseong , Park Byoungwook , Kim Jehan , Kim Geunjin , Jo Yong-Ryun , Limbu Saurav , Stewart Katherine , Kim Hyeonghun , Kim Bong-Joong , Jang Soo-Young , Kang Hongkyu , Min Jung-Wook , Kim Ji-Seon , Jung Gun Young , Lee Kwanghee
Published: July 2020

A blend of π-CPs and a solid-state ionic liquid provides an enlarged interfacial area at the molecular scale, thereby enabling two-terminal organic chemiresistors (TOCs) with fine discriminatory abilities for sub-ppm-level VOCs at room temperature.
Metal fluorophosphate polyanionic insertion hosts as efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution and reduction reactions
Authors: Sharma Lalit , Bothra Neha , Rai Rajeev Kumar , Pati Swapan , Barpanda Prabeer
Published: July 2020

An alkali metal fluorophosphate (Na2MPO4F) family of battery insertion materials exhibit bifunctional electrocatalytic activities, with Na2CoPO4F acting as the best candidate.
Insights into the synergistic effect of multi-walled carbon nanotube decorated Mo-doped CoP2 hybrid electrocatalysts toward efficient and durable overall water splitting
Authors: Wang Aijian , Chen Xiaodong , Cheng Laixiang , Shen Xiaoliang , Zhu Weihua , Li Longhua , Pang Jingyu
Published: July 2020

In this work, a series of MoxCo1−xP2/MWCNT (x = 0.25, 0.29 and 0.33) composite electrocatalysts have been designed and successfully fabricated, and their utility as remarkable, active and stable electrocatalysts is reported for the first time.
Vertical nanowire array-based biosensors: device design strategies and biomedical applications
Authors: Li Xiangling , Mo Jingshan , Fang Jiaru , Xu Dongxin , Yang Cheng , Zhang Meng , Li Hongbo , Xie Xi , Hu Ning , Liu Fanmao
Published: July 2020

We review the recent progress of vertical nanowire (VNW) array-based biosensors for the effective collection of biomedical information at the molecular level, extracellular level, and intracellular level.
Multimodal spectroscopic investigation of the conformation and local environment of biomolecules at an electrified interface
Authors: Moonitz Sasha A. , Shepard Noah , Noriega Rodrigo
Published: July 2020

A combination of mid-infrared plasmons and time-resolved fluorescence are used to probe biomolecules at a buried electrochemically active interface.
A biostable, anti-fouling zwitterionic polyurethane-urea based on PDMS for use in blood-contacting medical devices
Authors: Kim Seungil , Ye Sang-ho , Adamo Arianna , Orizondo Ryan A. , Jo Jaehyuk , Cho Sung Kwon , Wagner William R.
Published: July 2020

Development and processing of a biostable, anti-fouling zwitterionic polyurethane-urea based on PDMS for blood-contacting medical devices.
A near-infrared light-triggered shape-memory polymer for long-time fluorescence imaging in deep tissues
Authors: Chu Chengzhen , Xiang Zhen , Wang Jiao , Xie Hui , Xiang Tao , Zhou Shaobing
Published: July 2020

Implanting a stent in the body through a minimally invasive operation and tracking its location in real-time is still a challenge.
FeMn layered double hydroxides: an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for real-time tracking of cysteine in whole blood and dopamine in biological samples
Authors: Annalakshmi Muthaiah , Kumaravel Sakthivel , Chen Shen-Ming , Chen Tse-Wei
Published: July 2020

A peculiar clock-regulated design of FeMn-LDHs (FMH) with specific physiochemical attributes has been developed and used for highly sensitive detection of cysteine (CySH) and dopamine (DA).
Constructing stable phenalenyl-based neutral radicals: a theoretical study
Authors: Li Ping , Wang Shuang , Wang Zijie , Zheng Chao , Tang Yuting , Yang Qingqing , Chen Runfeng , Huang Wei
Published: July 2020

A systematic study of phenalenyl-based radicals is carried out theoretically to elucidate the structure–property relationship for designing stable organic radicals.
Partial substitution of the CdS buffer layer with interplay of fullerenes in kesterite solar cells
Authors: Payno David , Sánchez Yudania , Blázquez Oriol , Giraldo Sergio , Salado Manuel , Kazim Samrana , Saucedo Edgardo , Ahmad Shahzada
Published: July 2020

We report the usage of organic materials as n-type layers in kesterite-based thin film solar cell for the partial substitution of the CdS buffer layer.
3D printing of magnetic parts by laser powder bed fusion of iron oxide nanoparticle functionalized polyamide powders
Authors: Hupfeld Tim , Salamon Soma , Landers Joachim , Sommereyns Alexander , Doñate-Buendía Carlos , Schmidt Jochen , Wende Heiko , Schmidt Michael , Barcikowski Stephan , Gökce Bilal
Published: July 2020

The development of new feedstock materials is a central prerequisite for advances in Additive Manufacturing and can be achieved by colloidal additivation with well-dispersed laser-generated nanoparticles.
Quantitative characterization of interface stress using a nanoindentation technique for high performance flexible electronics
Authors: Wang Xiumei , Zhang Guocheng , Yang Huihuang , Liu Yaqian , Chen Shaomin , Lin Zhixian , Chen Huipeng , Guo Tailiang
Published: July 2020

A simple method was introduced to precisely characterize the interface stress of flexible OFETs using nanoindentation. The interface stress could be tuned by controlling the interface adhesion energy between layers, via controlling the film formation process.
Liquid phase exfoliation of bismuth nanosheets for flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors with high energy density
Authors: Yang Bingchao , Li Xiangjun , Cheng Yong , Duan Shuai , Zhao Bo , Yi Wencai , Wang Chao , Sun Hairui , Wang Zhixiu , Gu Dapeng , Chen Suwen , Liu Xiaobing
Published: July 2020

Two-dimensional (2D) layered bismuth (Bi) with a thickness-dependent direct bandgap (0–0.55 eV) has attracted ever-increasing research interest in electronics, energy storage and conversion devices.
NLRP3 receptor contributes to protection against experimental antigen-mediated cholangitis
Authors: González Marisol Ibet , Vannan Danielle , Eksteen Bertus , Reyes José Luis
Published: July 2020

Inflammatory diseases of the bile ducts like primary sclerosing colangitis (PSC) are characterized by a robust cellular response targeting the biliary epithelium leading to chronic inflammation and fibrosis. Driving fibro-inflammatory diseases, NOD-like receptors such as NLRP3 have been identified as a central component to immune-mediated pathology. However, to date the role of NLRP3 in biliary diseases has been poorly explored. Here, we addressed the role of NLRP3 in the OVAbil mouse model of antigen-mediated cholangitis. As obesity continues to spread worldwide, we also evaluated the NLRP3 response in experimental cholangitis after high-fat diet exposure. We compared the extent of histopathological liver damage between OVAbil and OVAbilxNLRP3−/− mice after either a standard chow or a high-fat diet. Infiltrating immune cells were characterized by flow cytometry and levels of cytokines, chemokines and liver enzymes in blood samples were analyzed at the end of the experiment. We observed a more severe histopathological phenotype of cholangitis in absence of NLRP3, characterized by loss of bile ducts and larger inflammatory foci and higher levels of IL- 6 and CXCL10 as compared with NLRP3 sufficient mice. This phenotype was further exaggerated in the context of obesity, where cholangitis induced in NLRP3-deficient obese mice resulted in further exacerbated histopathology and increased levels of IL-13 and TNFα, suggesting a diet-specific profile. The absence of NLRP3 caused a supressed IL-17 response. In summary, our data suggest that activation of NLRP3 attenuates this antigen-mediated OVAbil model of cholangitis.
Construction of a novel prognostic-predicting model correlated to ovarian cancer
Authors: Tang Weichun , Li Jie , Chang Xinxia , Jia Lizhou , Tang Qi , Wang Ying , Zheng Yanli , Sun Lizhou , Feng Zhenqing
Published: July 2020

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most lethal gynecological cancers worldwide. The pathogenesis of the disease and outcomes prediction of OC patients remain largely unclear. The present study aimed to explore the key genes and biological pathways in ovarian carcinoma development, as well as construct a prognostic model to predict patients’ overall survival (OS).

Results: We identified 164 up-regulated and 80 down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with OC. Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment showed DEGs mainly correlated with spindle microtubes. For Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, cell cycle was mostly enriched for the DEGs. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network yielded 238 nodes and 1284 edges. Top three modules and ten hub genes were further filtered and analyzed. Three candidiate drugs targeting for therapy were also selected. Thirteen OS-related genes were selected and an eight-mRNA model was present to stratify patients into high- and low-risk groups with significantly different survival.

Conclusions: The identified DEGs and biological pathways may provide new perspective on the pathogenesis and treatments of OC. The identified eight-mRNA signature has significant clinical implication for outcome prediction and tailored therapy guidance for OC patients.
Validation of the Yale Swallow Protocol in Post-Acute Care: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Multirater Study
Authors: Ward Matthew , Skelley-Ashford Michelle , Brown Karen , Ashford John , Suiter Debra
Published: July 2020

Purpose

A systematic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders relies heavily on valid and reliable screening protocols that provide clinicians with clear and objective information. The Yale Swallow Protocol (YSP) has been shown to be a useful, valid, and reliable screening tool for aspiration risk in the acute care setting. However, the YSP was not validated for use in post-acute care. This study evaluated the clinical utility of the YSP in the post-acute care setting.

Method

This prospective, double-blind, multirater study included a referred sample of 240 individuals, with varying medical diagnoses, who completed the YSP and an endoscopic evaluation of swallowing.

Results

Sensitivity for the YSP was 95.4%, specificity was 66.9%, positive predictive value was 77.6%, and negative predictive value was 92.4%.

Conclusions

The data from this prospective study appear to support the use of the YSP in post-acute care due to the ability to use the protocol on virtually all patients—regardless of diagnosis—and its high sensitivity and negative predictive value.
Der Offene Dialog und seine Anwendung in Deutschland
Authors: von Peter Sebastian , Heumann Kolja , Kuhlmann Mira , Aderhold Volkmar
Published: July 2020

Der Ansatz des Offenen Dialogs sieht die sofortige Hilfe in schweren psychischen Krisen und den regelhaften Einbezug aller wichtigen Bezugspersonen von Beginn an vor und lässt sich daher auch in das Feld der systemischen Therapieformen einordnen. Zudem bezieht sich der Offene Dialog auf grundlegende psychotherapeutische Prinzipien, die einen sinnstiftenden und gemeinsamen Prozess des allmählichen Verstehens ins Zentrum stellen, wodurch der Einsatz von Medikamenten häufig überflüssig oder verkürzt wird. Nach welchen Prinzipien das Arbeiten des Offenen Dialogs organisiert wird und wie er in Deutschland umgesetzt wird, lesen Sie in unserem CNE Schwerpunkt.
In Vitro Closure Times (PFA-100) Are Different Between Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis
Authors: Gokalp Cenk , Karadag Fatma Keklik , Braunisch Matthias Christoph , Schmaderer Christoph , Gunay Emrah , Kiper Hatice Demet , Tobu Mahmut , Ustün Celalettin , Demirci Meltem Sezis , Ozkahya Mehmet
Published: July 2020

Introduction Platelet dysfunction is not uncommon in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Type of renal replacement therapy may have an effect on platelet functions, which has not been well investigated. We evaluated in vitro closure time (CT) differences between peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients using platelet function analyzer (PFA-100)and observed a significant difference between these renal replacement therapies.

Methods Patients with ESRD undergoing PD (n = 24) or HD (n = 23) for more than 6 months were included. Blood samples for collagen/epinephrine (Col/EPI) and collagen/adenosine diphosphate (Col/ADP) measurements were obtained before HD at a mid-week session for HD patients and at an outpatient control time for PD patients.

Results Three of 24 (12.5%) PD patients and 16 of 23 (69.5%) HD patients had prolonged PFA-100 Col/EPI, p< 0.001. Likewise, 4.2% of PD patients and 87.0% of HD patients had prolonged PFA-100 Col/ADP, p< 0.001. Moreover, the median times of PFA-Col/EPI and PFA-100 Col/ADP were significantly lower in PD patients compared with those of HD patients (p< 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the type of renal replacement was a risk factor for both elevated PFA-100 Col/ADP and PFA-100 Col/EPI after adjusted for platelets, hematocrit, and urea (p< 0.001).

Conclusions The type of renal replacement therapy may have an effect on in vitro CTs; therefore, studies including more patients with long-term follow-up are needed to investigate if the difference has any impact on clinical outcomes.
A dynamic calibration method of free-field pressure sensor based on Hopkinson bar
Authors: Liang Wen , Chen Rong , Zhang Yuwu
Published: July 2020

This paper presents a dynamic calibration method for the dynamic sensitivity coefficient of a free-field pressure sensor working in liquid. In this method, an oil-filled auxiliary tool has been designed and the free-field pressure sensor sealed in the tool was loaded by a Hopkinson bar that could generate a stress wave with known amplitude. The strain signal of the Hopkinson bar and the output signal of the sensor were collected and processed based on the Hopkinson experimental principle and the dynamic sensitivity coefficient of the sensor was calibrated. A calibrated PCB W138A10 pressure sensor was re-calibrated and its dynamic sensitivity coefficient was obtained. Compared with the parameters from the calibration certificate of this sensor, this experimental result is reliable. This method can obtain the more accurate result and can be widely used in the dynamic calibration of free-field pressure sensors that work in liquid.
Controllable negative thermal expansion in NaZn13-type La(Fe, Co, Al)13 compounds
Authors: Sun Wentao , Zhang Hua , Li Wen , Huang Rongjin , Zhao Yuqiang , Wang Wei , Li Laifeng
Published: July 2020

Control of negative thermal expansion (NTE) is of great importance for various applications of NTE materials. Here, we report an effective way to control both the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and NTE temperature-window in NaZn13-type La(Fe, Co, Al)13 compounds by Al and Co substitutions. Experiments show that the average CTE decreases with the increase in Al content. Besides, the NTE temperature-window shifts toward higher temperature due to Co doping. Further studies of magnetic characterizations reveal that the CTE is strongly correlated with the square of the spontaneous magnetization Ms2(T). Moreover, the NTE temperature-window is influenced by the density of 3d electrons at the Fermi level and the FeI–FeII magnetic exchange interactions. This effective way demonstrated in this work to achieve controllable NTE indicates the potentials in practical applications for NTE materials.
Effects of modified SWCNT on the mechanical and thermal properties of PLA/PHB bio-composites
Authors: Liu A. Ruoling , Xu B. Zixuan , Chen C. Chaoxin , Huang D. Yicong , Liang E. Weijie , Ge F. Xin , Ge G. Jianfang
Published: July 2020

Humic acid (HA) was first loaded on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and then the HA-loaded SWCNTs (FSWCNTs) were further incorporated into polylactic acid/poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PLA/PHB) composites (with a weight ratio of 60/40) to synthesize the FSWCNT/PLA/PHB blend, which is designed to prepare a fully biodegradable film. Further research to assess the morphological, mechanical, barrier, and hydrophobic properties of blends was carried out. HA was successfully attached to SWCNTs by investigating the microstructure of FSWCNTs and SWCNTs. Meanwhile, the samples showed two different melting peaks, which demonstrates that the blend was immiscible. Interestingly, the crystallization of PHB was gradually accelerated by increasing the content of FSWCNTs. The blend also exhibited an effect on the oxygen barrier. Most importantly, a small amount of the FSWCNT could greatly improve the ductility of the FSWCNT/PLA/PHB composite, with the maximum tensile strength increased by 236% and the elongation at break improved by 790%. Additionally, the tensile strength, compatibility, thermal stability, and barrier abilities of the films were improved for an FSWCNT content within the range of 0.1 wt. %–0.2 wt. %. From this study, it can be observed that PLA/PHB blended with small portions of FSWCNTs may further expand the application of environmentally friendly resources to diverse applications such as flexible films, agricultural films, and so on.
Growth of high quality (In,Ga)N films on O-face ZnO substrates by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Khan Kamruzzaman , Biswas Mahitosh , Ahmadi Elaheh
Published: July 2020

Epitaxial growth of (In,Ga)N films on O-face ZnO substrates was studied via plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Atomically smooth GaN films, showing step edges, were grown at low temperatures to suppress the interfacial reaction between nitrides and the ZnO substrate at elevated temperatures using metal-enhanced epitaxy. High-quality growth of ∼300 nm-thick (In,Ga)N films with the In content varying from 11% to 23% was demonstrated using ∼2 monolayer-thick low temperature GaN as the buffer layer. A clear redshift in (In,Ga)N photoluminescence was observed by decreasing the substrate temperature. For the first time, we achieved an atomically smooth surface on 300 nm-thick GaN grown on ZnO, showing step edges. The surface morphology, however, eventually degraded after exposure to the ambient due to strain, which was perhaps facilitated by the formation of an oxide layer. These results are promising for optoelectronics and electronics applications since the eventual degradation of the surface morphology can be mitigated via strain engineering or surface passivation.
The effect of ignition protocol on the spread rate of grass fires: a comment on the conclusions of Sutherland et al. (2020)
Authors: Cruz Miguel G. , Sullivan Andrew L. , Bessell Rachel , Gould James S.
Published: July 2020

Sutherland et al. (2020) used simulations from a physics-based numerical fire behaviour model to investigate the effect of the ignition protocol (namely length, direction and rate of ignition) on the spread rates measured in experimental fires. They concluded that the methods used by Cruz et al. (2015) were inadequate as the fires were not spreading at the pseudo-steady state when rate of spread measurements were made, thereby raising questions about the validity of several published experimental and modelling results. Fire spread measurement data from three different outdoor experimental burning studies conducted in grass fuels are used to show that, contrary to the claims of Sutherland et al. (2020), the fire behaviour data collected in Cruz et al. (2015) were from fires spreading in the pseudo-steady-state regime and thus are compatible with data from larger experimental plots. A discussion is presented addressing why Sutherland et al. (2020) simulations were unable to replicate real-world data.
A Tale of four measures of pragmatic knowledge in an EFL institutional context
Authors: Mohammad Hosseinpur Rasoul , Bagheri Nevisi Reza , Lowni Abdolreza
Published: July 2020

The upsurge of interest in L2 pragmatics studies has coincided with a growing interest in pragmatic assessment.
Employing the most efficient measure of pragmatics has led many researchers to examine the existing measures to pinpoint the most
useful ones. This study was an attempt to compare and contrast Written Discourse Completion Task (WDCT), Oral Discourse Completion
Task (ODCT), and Role-play with Natural methodology in an EFL institutional context to see which measure approximated Natural
methodology. To this end, data (requests) were collected from 27 intermediate–level Iranian EFL learners in a natural classroom
institutional context over 15 weeks, and then the WDCTs, ODCTs, and Role-plays with the same contextual features were selected to
elicit the intended data. The participants’ requests were transcribed and analyzed in terms of Schauer’s (2009) request head act strategy taxonomy and its internal and external modification devices. The results of
Binominal tests indicated that, in spite of some minor similarities, none of the elicitation measures could approximate the
natural data. The participants’ employment of direct, non-conventionally indirect request strategies, and internal and external
modification devices were more conspicuous in the WDCTs, ODCTs, and Role-plays than those in the Natural methodology. The study
implies that data collection methods should be selected based on researchers’ objectives and research questions.
Exploring lexical bundles in recent published papers in the field of applied linguistics
Authors: Nasrabady Peyman , Elahi Shirvan Majid , Ehsan Golparvar Seyed
Published: July 2020

Multiword units can contribute significantly to the fluency of linguistic production. Lexical bundles, as a type of multiword units, are sequences of three or more words used with high frequency in natural discourse. Primary studies regarding the introduction of structural and functional classifications of lexical bundles have been followed by other researchers to compare them across disciplines based on the primary classifications. However, no comprehensive study has been conducted to explore and investigate the structural as well as the functional characteristics of the lexical bundles in research articles in the field of applied linguistics. This study aimed at exploring lexical bundles used in a substantial number of academic papers published in this specific field through different journals since 2008 to identify all the lexical bundles and to capture all the possible structural and functional characteristics they express. To achieve this, a corpus of papers published in the field of applied linguistics was complied and investigated. A considerable number of lexical bundles identified were similar to those previously found in the literature while a reasonable number of them expressed new structural and functional characteristics. The study concludes with theoretical as well as some pedagogical implications of the findings.