bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison Between Fine Needle Aspiration and Core Needle Biopsy for the Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules: Effective Indications According to US Findings
Authors: Hahn Soo Yeon , Shin Jung Hee , Oh Young Lyun , Park Ko Woon , Lim Yaeji
Published: March 2020

Thyroid nodules are initially handled by fine needle aspiration (FNA). However, the stance of thyroid core needle biopsy (CNB) still is a challenge. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic performances and conclusive rates of FNA and CNB for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules and to define effective indications of CNB. This retrospective study enrolled 1,060 consecutive thyroid nodules in 1,037 patients who underwent FNA from January 2008 to May 2008, and 462 consecutive nodules in 453 patients who underwent CNB from January 2014 to December 2015 at our institution. Ultrasound (US) features were classified according to the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS) and Korean TIRADS (K-TIRADS). We compared diagnostic performances and conclusive rates between FNA and CNB groups. Propensity score matching was conducted to match FNA patients with CNB patients. After matching, the diagnostic performances for selecting surgical candidates and predicting malignancy were comparable between the two biopsy groups. Based on US findings, conclusive results were obtained significantly more in CNB than in FNA when thyroid nodules were classified as ACR TI-RADS or K-TIRADS category 4 and measured larger than 2 cm. Diagnostic performances between FNA and CNB were comparable. Superiority of CNB to FNA was found for thyroid nodules larger than 2 cm and classified as ACR TI-RADS or K-TIRADS category 4.
Electronic structure, thermodynamic stability and high-temperature sensing properties of Er-α-SiAlON ceramics
Authors: Kshetri Yuwaraj K. , Kamiyama Takashi , Torii Shuki , Jeong Sang Hoon , Kim Tae-Ho , Choi Heechae , Zhou Jun , Feng Yuan Ping , Lee Soo Wohn
Published: March 2020

α-SiAlON ceramics have been in use as engineering ceramics in the most arduous industrial environments such as molten metal handling, cutting tools, gas turbine engines, extrusion molds, thermocouple sheaths, protective cover for high-temperature sensors, etc., owing to their outstanding mechanical, thermal and chemical stability. Taking advantage of the intrinsic properties of α-SiAlONs, we investigate, in this paper, the possibility of using the Er-doped α-SiAlON (Er-α-SiAlON) ceramic as a high-temperature sensing material via its unique near-infrared to visible upconversion property. We first use neutron diffraction and density functional theory calculations to study the electronic structure and thermodynamic stability of Er-α-SiAlON. It is found that the interstitial doping of Er stabilizes the α-SiAlON structure via chemical bonds with O-atoms with N:O ratio of 5:2 in the seven-fold coordination sites of the Er3+ ion. Temperature-dependent upconversion emissions are then studied under 980 and 793 nm excitations over a temperature range of 298–1373 K and the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) technique has been employed to investigate the temperature sensing behavior. Temperature-dependent Raman behavior is also investigated. We demonstrate that using Er-α-SiAlON as a sensing material, the limit of temperature measurement via the FIR technique can be pushed well beyond 1200 K.
Finding cell-specific expression patterns in the early Ciona embryo with single-cell RNA-seq
Authors: Ilsley Garth R. , Suyama Ritsuko , Noda Takeshi , Satoh Nori , Luscombe Nicholas M.
Published: March 2020

Single-cell RNA-seq has been established as a reliable and accessible technique enabling new types of analyses, such as identifying cell types and studying spatial and temporal gene expression variation and change at single-cell resolution. Recently, single-cell RNA-seq has been applied to developing embryos, which offers great potential for finding and characterising genes controlling the course of development along with their expression patterns. In this study, we applied single-cell RNA-seq to the 16-cell stage of the Ciona embryo, a marine chordate and performed a computational search for cell-specific gene expression patterns. We recovered many known expression patterns from our single-cell RNA-seq data and despite extensive previous screens, we succeeded in finding new cell-specific patterns, which we validated by in situ and single-cell qPCR.
Giant renormalization of dopant impurity levels in 2D semiconductor MoS2
Authors: Hwang Jeongwoon , Zhang Chenxi , Kim Yong-Sung , Wallace Robert M. , Cho Kyeongjae
Published: March 2020

Substitutional doping in 2D semiconductor MoS2 was investigated by charge transition level (CTL) calculations for Nitrogen group (N, P, As, Sb) and Halogen group (F, Cl, Br, I) dopants at the S site of monolayer MoS2. Both n-type and p-type dopant levels are calculated to be deep mid-gap states (~1 eV from band edges) from DFT total energy-based CTL and separate DFT + GW calculations. The deep dopant levels result from the giant renormalization of hydrogen-like defect states by reduced dielectric screening in ultrathin 2D films. Theoretical analysis based on Keldysh formulation provides a consistent impurity binding energy of ~1 eV for dielectric thin films. These findings of intrinsic deep impurity levels in 2D semiconductors MoS2 may be applicable to diverse novel emerging device applications.
Jdp2-deficient granule cell progenitors in the cerebellum are resistant to ROS-mediated apoptosis through xCT/Slc7a11 activation
Authors: Ku Chia-Chen , Wuputra Kenly , Kato Kohsuke , Lin Wen-Hsin , Pan Jia-Bin , Tsai Shih-Chieh , Kuo Che-Jung , Lee Kan-Hung , Lee Yan-Liang , Lin Ying-Chu , Saito Shigeo , Noguchi Michiya , Nakamura Yukio , Miyoshi Hiroyuki , Eckner Richard , Nagata Kyosuke , Wu Deng-Chyang , Lin Chang-Shen , Yokoyama Kazunari K.
Published: March 2020

The Jun dimerization protein 2 (Jdp2) is expressed predominantly in granule cell progenitors (GCPs) in the cerebellum, as was shown in Jdp2-promoter-Cre transgenic mice. Cerebellum of Jdp2-knockout (KO) mice contains lower number of Atoh-1 positive GCPs than WT. Primary cultures of GCPs from Jdp2-KO mice at postnatal day 5 were more resistant to apoptosis than GCPs from wild-type mice. In Jdp2-KO GCPs, the levels of both the glutamate‒cystine exchanger Sc7a11 and glutathione were increased; by contrast, the activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was decreased; these changes confer resistance to ROS-mediated apoptosis. In the absence of Jdp2, a complex of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1 (p21Cip1) and Nrf2 bound to antioxidant response elements of the Slc7a11 promoter and provide redox control to block ROS-mediated apoptosis. These findings suggest that an interplay between Jdp2, Nrf2, and p21Cip1 regulates the GCP apoptosis, which is one of critical events for normal development of the cerebellum.
Evaluation of bile salt hydrolase inhibitor efficacy for modulating host bile profile and physiology using a chicken model system
Authors: Geng Wenjing , Long Sarah L. , Chang Yun-Juan , Saxton Arnold M. , Joyce Susan A. , Lin Jun
Published: March 2020

Gut microbial enzymes, bile salt hydrolases (BSHs) are the gateway enzymes for bile acid (BA) modification in the gut. This activity is a promising target for developing innovative non-antibiotic growth promoters to enhance animal production and health. Compelling evidence has shown that inhibition of BSH activity should enhance weight gain by altering the BA pool, host signalling and lipid metabolism. We recently identified a panel of promising BSH inhibitors. Here, we address the potential of them as alternative, effective, non-antibiotic feed additives, for commercial application, to promote animal growth using a chicken model. In this study, thein vivoefficacy of three BSH inhibitors (caffeic acid phenethylester, riboflavin, carnosic acid) were evaluated. 7-day old chicks (10 birds/group) were either untreated or they received one of the specific BSH inhibitors (25 mg/kg body weight)viaoral gavage for 17 days. The chicks in treatment groups consistently displayed higher body weight gain than the untreated chicks. Metabolomic analysis demonstrated that BSH inhibitor treatment led to significant changes in both circulating and intestinal BA signatures in support of blunted intestinal BSH activity. Consistent with this finding, liver and intestinal tissue RNA-Seq analysis showed that carnosic acid treatment significantly altered expression of genes involved in lipid and bile acid metabolism. Taken together, this study validates microbial BSH activity inhibition as an alternative target and strategy to antibiotic treatment for animal growth promotion.
Exome sequencing identifies novel mutation signatures of UV radiation and trichostatin A in primary human keratinocytes
Authors: Shen Yao , Ha Wootae , Zeng Wangyong , Queen Dawn , Liu Liang
Published: March 2020

Canonical ultraviolet (UV) mutation type and spectra are traditionally defined by direct sequencing-based approaches to map mutations in a limited number of representative DNA elements. To obtain an unbiased view of genome wide UV mutation features, we performed whole exome-sequencing (WES) to profile single nucleotide substitutions in UVB-irradiated primary human keratinocytes. Cross comparison of UV mutation profiles under different UVB radiation conditions revealed that T > C transition was highly prevalent in addition to C > T transition. We also identified 5′-ACG-3′ as a common sequence motif of C > T transition. Furthermore, our analyses uncovered several recurring UV mutations following acute UVB radiation affecting multiple genes including HRNR, TRIOBP, KCNJ12, and KMT2C, which are frequently mutated in skin cancers, indicating their potential role as founding mutations in UV-induced skin tumorigenesis. Pretreatment with trichostatin A, a pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor that renders chromatin decondensation, significantly decreased the number of mutations in UVB-irradiated keratinocytes. Unexpectedly, we found trichostatin A to be a mutagen that caused DNA damage and mutagenesis at least partly through increased reactive oxidation. In summary, our study reveals new UV mutation features following acute UVB radiation and identifies novel UV mutation hotspots that may potentially represent founding driver mutations in skin cancer development.
Effects of the winter temperature regime on survival, body mass loss and post-winter starvation resistance in laboratory-reared and field-collected ladybirds
Authors: Knapp Michal , Řeřicha Michal
Published: March 2020

Ongoing climate change results in increasing temperatures throughout the seasons. The effects of climate change on insect performance are less studied during the winter season than during the growing season. Here, we investigated the effects of various winter temperature regimes (warm, normal and cold) on the winter performance of the invasive ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Winter survival, body mass loss and post-winter starvation resistance were measured for a laboratory-reared population as well as three populations collected from the field prior to overwintering. The warm winter regime increased the survival rate and body mass loss and reduced post-winter starvation resistance compared to those of the ladybirds in the cold winter regime. The effects of the temperature regime were qualitatively similar for the laboratory-reared and field-collected beetles; however, there were significant quantitative differences in all measured overwintering parameters between the laboratory-reared and field-collected populations. The winter survival of the laboratory-reared beetles was much lower than that of the field-collected beetles. The laboratory-reared beetles also lost a larger proportion of their body mass and had reduced post-winter starvation resistance. Winter survival was similar between the females and males, but compared to the males, the females lost a smaller proportion of their body mass and had better post-winter starvation resistance. The pre-overwintering body mass positively affected winter survival and post-winter starvation resistance in both the laboratory-reared and field-collected ladybirds. The significant differences between the laboratory-reared and field-collected individuals indicate that quantitative conclusions derived from studies investigating solely laboratory-reared individuals cannot be directly extrapolated to field situations.
Build-up functionalization of anti-EGFR × anti-CD3 bispecific diabodies by integrating high-affinity mutants and functional molecular formats
Authors: Asano Ryutaro , Hosokawa Katsuhiro , Taki Shintaro , Konno Shota , Shimomura Ippei , Ogata Hiromi , Okada Mai , Arai Kyoko , Onitsuka Masayoshi , Omasa Takeshi , Nakanishi Takeshi , Umetsu Mitsuo , Kumagai Izumi
Published: March 2020

Designing non-natural antibody formats is a practical method for developing highly functional next-generation antibody drugs, particularly for improving the therapeutic efficacy of cancer treatments. One approach is constructing bispecific antibodies (bsAbs). We previously reported a functional humanized bispecific diabody (bsDb) that targeted epidermal growth factor receptor and CD3 (hEx3-Db). We enhanced its cytotoxicity by constructing an Fc fusion protein and rearranging order of the V domain. In this study, we created an additional functional bsAb, by integrating the molecular formats of bsAb and high-affinity mutants previously isolated by phage display in the form of Fv. Introducing the high-affinity mutations into bsDbs successfully increased their affinities and enhanced their cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. However, there were some limitations to affinity maturation of bsDb by integrating high-affinity Fv mutants, particularly in Fc-fused bsDb with intrinsic high affinity, because of their bivalency. The tetramers fractionated from the bsDb mutant exhibited the highest in vitro growth inhibition among the small bsAbs and was comparable to the in vivo anti-tumor effects of Fc-fused bsDbs. This molecule shows cost-efficient bacterial production and high therapeutic potential.
Noise and spectral stability of deep-UV gas-filled fiber-based supercontinuum sources driven by ultrafast mid-IR pulses
Authors: Adamu Abubakar I. , Habib Md. Selim , Smith Callum R. , Antonio Lopez J. Enrique , Uhd Jepsen Peter , Amezcua-Correa Rodrigo , Bang Ole , Markos Christos
Published: March 2020

Deep-UV (DUV) supercontinuum (SC) sources based on gas-filled hollow-core fibers constitute perhaps the most viable solution towards ultrafast, compact, and tunable lasers in the UV spectral region, which can even also extend into the mid-infrared (IR). Noise and spectral stability of such broadband sources are key parameters that define their true potential and suitability towards real-world applications. In order to investigate the spectral stability and noise levels in these fiber-based DUV sources, we generate an SC spectrum that extends from 180 nm (through phase-matched dispersive waves - DWs) to 4 μm by pumping an argon-filled hollow-core anti-resonant fiber at a mid-IR wavelength of 2.45 μm. We characterize the long-term stability of the source over several days and the pulse-to-pulse relative intensity noise (RIN) of the DW at 275 nm. The results indicate no sign of spectral degradation over 110 hours, but the RIN of the DW pulses at 275 nm is found to be as high as 33.3%. Numerical simulations were carried out to investigate the spectral distribution of the RIN and the results confirm the experimental measurements and that the poor noise performance is due to the high RIN of the mid-IR pump laser, which was hitherto not considered in numerical modelling of these sources. The results presented herein provide an important step towards an understanding of the noise mechanism underlying such complex light-gas nonlinear interactions and demonstrate the need for pump laser stabilization.
Endovascular Mechanical Thrombectomy and On-Site Chemical Thrombolysis for Severe Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis
Authors: Liao Chih-Hsiang , Liao Nien-Chen , Chen Wen-Hsien , Chen Hung-Chieh , Shen Chiung-Chyi , Yang Shun-Fa , Tsuei Yuang-Seng
Published: March 2020

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare cause of cerebral infarction. Once patients survive the acute phase, long-term prognosis is generally satisfactory. CVST patients who harbored risk factors known for poor prognosis (e.g., deterioration of consciousness/neurological functions and seizures) were oftentimes unresponsive to systemic heparin treatment. The advantage of combined endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT) and on-site chemical thrombolysis (OCT) plus systemic heparin for CVST over the heparin treatment alone has not been proved. A retrospective study was conducted to analyze consecutive patients with CVST from 2005 to 2015. Patients having clinical improvement or stable disease after heparin treatment were in I/S group; patients having continuous deterioration of consciousness/neurological functions and refractory seizures (despite the use of multiple anti-epileptic drugs) after heparin treatment were in D group. EMT and OCT were indicated for patients in D group. Imaging studies and medical records were reviewed for statistical analysis. Safety issues included new-onset/progression of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) or procedure-related complications. Total thirty patients were included (I/S group = 16; D group = 14). In D group, the mean time frame from the start of heparin treatment to the endovascular treatment was 3.2 days. Compared with I/S group, all patients in D group had complete stenosis of the sinuses, with higher initial mRS, lower initial GCS, and more seizures (p = 0.006, 0.007, and 0.031, respectively), but no significant differences in the mRS at discharge (p = 0.504). Shorter length of thrombosis and lower initial mRS were associated with better outcomes (p = 0.009 and 0.003, respectively). Thrombosis involving the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) was associated with bad outcomes (p = 0.026). There were two patients (6.7%) with worsening symptomatic ICH, one in each group, managed surgically. The overall mortality of the study was 6.7% (2/30). Combined EMT and OCT after heparin treatment for severe CVST were reasonably safe, which might be considered as a salvage treatment in severe CVST patients who are unresponsive to heparin with heavy clot burden involving SSS in the acute phase. However, further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and validity.
Intact corticostriatal control of goal-directed action in Alcohol Use Disorder: a Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer and outcome-devaluation study
Authors: van Timmeren Tim , Quail Stephanie L. , Balleine Bernard W. , Geurts Dirk E. M. , Goudriaan Anna E. , van Holst Ruth J.
Published: March 2020

Deficits in instrumental, goal-directed control, combined with the influence of drug-associated Pavlovian-conditioned stimuli, are thought to influence the development and maintenance of addiction. However, direct evidence has mainly come from animal studies. We sought to establish whether alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by behavioral or neurobiological deficits in (i) the integration of Pavlovian and instrumental values and (ii) goal-directed control; and (iii) whether duration or severity of AUD is associated with such deficits. The influence of cues predicting food rewards on instrumental action was assessed in a Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer (PIT) test, measuring both specific and general PIT, and goal-directed behavior in an outcome-devaluation test. Brain activity was measured using functional MRI in 38 abstinent individuals with AUD and 22 matched healthy control individuals (HCs). We found significant specific and general PIT and outcome-devaluation effects across groups indicating goal-directed control, mediated by distinct corticostriatal signals, but no significant differences between individuals with AUD and healthy controls. Bayesian analyses provided substantial-to-strong evidence for the absence of group differences for these effects, or any relationship with duration or severity of AUD. These results suggest intact ability to integrate action-outcome associations on specific and general PIT and goal-directed learning in AUD during abstinence.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants over MFe2O4 (M = Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) Nanoparticles at Neutral pH
Authors: Gupta Nishesh Kumar , Ghaffari Yasaman , Kim Suho , Bae Jiyeol , Kim Kwang Soo , Saifuddin Md
Published: March 2020

In this study, we report a surfactant-mediated synthesis of ferrites (MFe2O4: M = Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) using the co-precipitation-oxidation method. The band gap calculated from UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectra were found in the range of 1.11–1.81 eV. These ferrite nanocatalysts were studied for the photocatalytic degradation of multiple organic dyes in a 32 W UV-C/H2O2 system. All the four ferrites showed an excellent dye degradation rate in the range of 2.065–2.417 min−1 at neutral pH. In the optimized condition, NiF was found to degrade 89%, 92%, 93%, and 78% of methylene blue, methyl orange, bromo green, and methyl red, respectively within 1 min of UV-irradiation. A 40% TOC removal was recorded after 5 min of degradation reaction, which increased to 60% after 50 min. Mechanism elucidated by scavenger studies and fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that •OH and holes were the primary reactive radicals responsible for the degradation process. Ferrite photocatalysts showed an insignificant performance loss in seven consecutive cycles. The photocatalyst was found efficient in the presence of a high concentration of salts. Thus, it was concluded that these photocatalysts are highly suitable for the remediation of dye-contaminated wastewater.
Proteogenomic analysis of granulocyte macrophage colony- stimulating factor autoantibodies in the blood of a patient with autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
Authors: Hashimoto Atsushi , Takeuchi Shiho , Kajita Ryo , Yamagata Akira , Kakui Ryota , Tanaka Takahiro , Nakata Koh
Published: March 2020

Recently, attempts to reveal the structures of autoantibodies comprehensively using improved proteogenomics technology, have become popular. This technology identifies peptides in highly purified antibodies by using an Orbitrap device to compare spectra from liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry against a cDNA database obtained through next-generation sequencing. In this study, we first analyzed granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) autoantibodies in a patient with autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, using the trapped ion mobility spectrometry coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight (TIMS-TOF) instrument. The TIMS-TOF instrument identified peptides that partially matched sequences in up to 156 out of 162 cDNA clones. Complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) was fully and partially detected in nine and 132 clones, respectively. Moreover, we confirmed one unique framework region 4 (FR4) and at least three unique across CDR3 to FR4 peptides via de novo peptide sequencing. This new technology may thus permit the comprehensive identification of autoantibody structure.
Publisher Correction: First experimental evaluation of the alpha efficiency in coarse-grained quartz for ESR dating purposes: implications for dose rate evaluation
Authors: Bartz Melanie , Arnold Lee J. , Spooner Nigel A. , Demuro Martina , Campaña Isidoro , Rixhon Gilles , Brückner Helmut , Duval Mathieu
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Polymer Blend Systems With an Added Solvent
Authors: Maguire Shawn M. , Chung Hyun-Joong , Composto Russell J.
Published: March 2020

Bijels formed by the phase separation of polymer blends are described. After introducing applications of polymer nanocomposites formed from bijels, the fundamental thermodynamic and dynamic properties are reviewed. Because they underpin the formation of bijels and thin-film stability, the principles of spinodal decomposition, wetting and dewetting are described. These principles are applied to understand bijel formation, phase evolution and dewetting in poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(styrene-ran-acrylonitrile) blends containing poly(methyl methacrylate)-grafted silica nanoparticles. The parameters that determine whether nanoparticles preferentially locate at the interface are described. Advances in numerical simulations help interpret experimental observations and guide future studies aimed at developing new functional bijel structures, with applications ranging from three-dimensional printing to membrane-based separations.
Bijel Systems Based on the Phase Separation of Biological Macromolecules
Authors: Murray B. S. , Ettelaie R.
Published: March 2020

In this chapter the aim is to focus on bijels where the two phases are aqueous solutions of biological macromolecules and the nature and types of particle that can maintain this bijel state, by adsorbing to the water–water (W/W) interface. Confusion concerning different terminologies in this area is discussed, such as the distinctions between true bijels, W/W emulsions, aqueous two-phase systems, sheared gels, interpenetrating polymer networks, Pickering and Mickering emulsions. We distinguish true biopolymer-based bijels as bicontinuous biopolymer solution phases where the bicontinuous structure is stabilized by the immobilization of particulate material at the interface between these two phases. It turns out that, so far, there seem to be few examples of such systems and, by reviewing the thermodynamic origins of biopolymer phase separation and the interactions of particles with such systems, we indicate several reasons why this might be the case. Primarily, these include the extremely low W/W interfacial tensions and therefore the need for large enough particles to adsorb to the interfaces. Added to this are the difficulties of maintaining particles that are neutrally wetting with regard to each phase, so that the particle contact angle is close to 90°, since biopolymers have strong tendencies to interact with all types of particle surface. Nevertheless, there do appear to be some possibilities of forming biopolymer phase-separated bijels, using particles such as inert inorganic solids, microgels, stable emulsion droplets or even microbial cells. These may lead to some fascinating new materials and applications.
Efficient Processing Pathways to Create High Interface Materials
Authors: Schaller R. , Hoffmann M. , Bayles A. V. , van Hooghten R. , Meijer H. , Tervoort T. , Vermant J.
Published: March 2020

Whereas physical chemistry and phase separation of the constituents can be used to direct the organization of multiphase materials, processing flows could be an alternative to create intricate multiphase structures. Generating interfaces on the bulk scale through traditional batch- or continuous-mixing processes is, however, energy and material intensive, and offers poor control. Here, we discuss an alternative based on interface creation using laminar flow in specific static mixers that force immiscible streams through splitting and recombination elements, which multiplies the layers per unit volume in a fractal manner and maximizes the area of interfacial contact. These techniques have mainly been used for polymeric systems so far, but the notion of hierarchical and fractal processing can be extended to other classes of soft materials. Increasingly thin multilayered liquid structures are remarkably stable, leading to very small droplets when they finally break up, thus opening a possible route towards energy-efficient emulsification, as will be discussed at the end of this chapter.
Understanding the enhanced photoelectrochemical water oxidation over Ti-doped α-Fe2O3 electrodes by electrochemical reduction pretreatment
Authors: Zhang Shufeng , Zhang Zhao , Leng Wenhua
Published: March 2020

This study quantitatively reveals the mechanism of the enhanced photoelectrochemical water oxidation over Ti-doped α-Fe2O3 electrodes by electrochemical reduction pretreatment.
Equilibria and mesomerism/valence tautomerism of group 4 metallocene complexes
Authors: Rosenthal Uwe
Published: March 2020

Priority of equilibrium: reactivity of unusual group 4 metallocene complexes is best explained by the equilibrium and only additionally by the mesomerism/valence tautomerism. The equilibrium predominates the empirically found experimental results.
Naturally derived nano- and micro-drug delivery vehicles: halloysite, vaterite and nanocellulose
Authors: Vikulina Anna , Voronin Denis , Fakhrullin Rawil , Vinokurov Vladimir , Volodkin Dmitry
Published: March 2020

We discuss prospects for halloysite nanotubes, vaterite crystals and nanocellulose to enter the market of biomaterials for drug delivery and tissue engineering, and their potential for economically viable production from abundant natural sources.
Microwave-assisted synthesis and characterization of iron oxide microfibers
Authors: Bica Ioan , Anitas Eugen Mircea , Choi Hyoung Jin , Sfirloaga Paula
Published: March 2020

Iron oxide microfibers are synthesized from iron pentacarbonyl, silicone oil and carbonyl iron microparticles in a microwave field.
An alternative approach for the preparation of a core–shell bimetallic central metal–organic framework as a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography stationary phase
Authors: Si Tiantian , Wang Licheng , Lu Xiaofeng , Liang Xiaojing , Wang Shuai , Guo Yong
Published: March 2020

A new type of core–shell composite material was prepared and applied as a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) stationary phase.
A rapid and colorimetric biosensor based on GR-5 DNAzyme and self-replicating catalyzed hairpin assembly for lead detection
Authors: Wang Fang , Dai Jianyuan , Shi Hongli , Luo Xiaoqian , Xiao Lan , Zhou Cuisong , Guo Yong , Xiao Dan
Published: March 2020

A rapid and colorimetric biosensor for Pb2+detection has been constructed on the basis of Pb2+-dependent GR-5 DNAzyme and the self-replicating catalyzed hairpin assembly (SRCHA) reaction.
Perylenediimides as more than just non-fullerene acceptors: versatile components in organic, hybrid and perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zink-Lorre Nathalie , Font-Sanchis Enrique , Sastre-Santos Ángela , Fernández-Lázaro Fernando
Published: March 2020

The most recent advances in the incorporation of perylenediimides in photovoltaic devices are highlighted.
The intercalation of 1,10-phenanthroline into layered NiPS3via iron dopant seeding
Authors: Ma Xiaoping , Zhang Lu , Xu Chengchao , Dong Qingxin , Walton Richard I. , Li Zian , Shi Honglong , Chen Genfu , Hu Jiangping , Li Jianqi , Yang Huaxin
Published: March 2020

A new ‘seeding’ approach for the intercalation of protonated 1,10-phenanthroline into layered NiPS3 by using dopants as reaction active sites is proposed.
Visible-light-induced photoxidation-Povarov cascade reaction: synthesis of 2-arylquinoline through alcohol and N-benzylanilines under mild conditions via Ag/g-C3N4 nanometric semiconductor catalyst
Authors: Wang Peng , Wang Xiaowen , Niu Xiyu , Zhu Li , Yao Xiaoquan
Published: March 2020

Ag/g-C3N4 nanometric semiconductor catalyzed cascade reaction for the synthesis of 2-arylquinoline through alcohol and N-benzylanilines under visible light irradiation.
Quaternary phase diagrams as a tool for ionic cocrystallization: the case of a solid solution between a racemic and enantiopure ionic cocrystal
Authors: Song Lixing , Leng Fucheng , Robeyns Koen , Leyssens Tom
Published: March 2020

Quaternary phase diagram of ionic cocrystals with solid solution formation is generated and dissolution surface is depicted clearly by contour lines.
Ectoine interaction with DNA: influence on ultraviolet radiation damage
Authors: Hahn Marc Benjamin , Smales Glen J. , Seitz Harald , Solomun Tihomir , Sturm Heinz
Published: March 2020

Ectoine is a small zwitterionic osmolyte and compatible solute, which interacts with DNA and modifies ultraviolet radiation damage to DNA.
Facile sulfolane-modified resins for enhanced dimethoxymethane carbonylation
Authors: Yao Jie , Shi Lei , Deng Wenjie , Fan Jiaqi , Wang Yan , Gao Weizhe , Zhang Dongxi , Zhu Wenliang , Liu Zhongmin
Published: March 2020

A simple resin modification method for 50 h DMM carbonylation with a high STY of 3.15 mmolMMAc (gcat h)−1 and 100% MMAc selectivity.
Trihaloisocyanuric acids in ethanol: an eco-friendly system for the regioselective halogenation of imidazo-heteroarenes
Authors: Neto José S. S. , Balaguez Renata A. , Franco Marcelo S. , de Sá Machado Victor C. , Saba Sumbal , Rafique Jamal , Galetto Fábio Z. , Braga Antonio L.
Published: March 2020

Herein, we describe an efficient, rapid and benign protocol for the direct C(sp2)–H bond halogenation (Cl, Br, I) of 2-arylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines using trihaloisocyanuric acids in ethanol.
Synthesis of chiral iron-based ionic liquids: modelling stable hybrid materials
Authors: Martin Carmen , Cano Israel , Scé Fabio , Pérez-Aguirre Rubén , Gimbert-Suriñach Carolina , Lopez-Cornejo Pilar , de Pedro Imanol
Published: March 2020

A simple method to prepare asymmetric ionic liquids combining the optical, magnetic and Lewis acidic properties of [FeX4]− anions with the chirality of imidazolium cations.
Narrow-band polymer dots with pronounced fluorescence fluctuations for dual-color super-resolution imaging
Authors: Liu Zhihe , Liu Jie , Zhang Zhe , Sun Zezhou , Shao Xuyang , Guo Jintong , Xi Lei , Yuan Zhen , Zhang Xuanjun , Chiu Daniel T. , Wu Changfeng
Published: March 2020

Narrow-band polymer dots are developed for high-order SOFI nanoscopy, yielding a resolution of ∼61 nm in subcellular imaging.
Synergetic effect in rolling GaIn alloy droplets enables ultralow temperature growth of silicon nanowires at 70 °C on plastics
Authors: Ma Haiguang , Xu Jun , Chen Kunji , Yu Linwei
Published: March 2020

Ultralow temperature growth of silicon nanowires (SiNWs) directly upon cheap plastics is highly desirable for building high performance soft logics and sensors based on mature Si technology.
An alternative approach to the synthesis of the three fragments of anachelin H
Authors: Garzón-Posse Fabián , Prunet Joëlle , Gamba-Sánchez Diego
Published: March 2020

The synthesis of the fully protected peptide, polyketide and alkaloid fragments of anachelin H is presented, using an alternative approach to previously reported synthesis and based on naturally occurring amino acids as sources of asymmetry.
The silver catalyzed direct C–H functionalization of quinones with dialkyl amides
Authors: Pandaram Sakthivel , T. P. Adarsh Krishna , Ilangovan Andivelu
Published: March 2020

A novel and efficient strategy for the direct C–H amidoalkylation of quinones via a radical pathway has been achieved using readily available alkyl amides and an AgNO3-TBHP catalyst system. This is the first ever example of the synthesis of novel amidoquinone derivatives.
A highly stretchable strain sensor based on CNT/graphene/fullerene-SEBS
Authors: Pan Shirui , Pei Zhen , Jing Zhu , Song Jianqiao , Zhang Wendong , Zhang Qiang , Sang Shengbo
Published: March 2020

Recently, highly stretchable strain sensors have attracted considerable attention. Identifying alternatives to sensitive unit materials and flexible substrates is critical in the fabrication of sensors.
An Na-modified Fe@C core–shell catalyst for the enhanced production of gasoline-range hydrocarbons via Fischer–Tropsch synthesis
Authors: Ma Guangyuan , Xu Yanfei , Wang Jie , Bai Jingyang , Du Yixiong , Zhang Jianli , Ding Mingyue
Published: March 2020

A one-pot synthesized Fe@C core–shell catalyst with a sodium promoter exhibited high gasoline-range product selectivity with high FTS activity.
Guided-formation of a favorable interface for stabilizing Na metal solid-state batteries
Authors: Yang Jiayi , Gao Zhonghui , Ferber Thimo , Zhang Haifeng , Guhl Conrad , Yang Liting , Li Yuyu , Deng Zhi , Liu Porun , Cheng Chuanwei , Che Renchao , Jaegermann Wolfram , RenéHausbrand  , Huang Yunhui
Published: March 2020

The sodium (Na) anode suffers severe interfacial resistance and dendrite issues in a classic NASICON-type Na3Zr2Si2PO12 (NZSP) electrolyte, resulting in poor electrochemical performance for solid-state Na metal batteries.
“Watson–Crick GC”-inspired supramolecular nanodrug of methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil for tumor microenvironment-activatable self-recognizing synergistic chemotherapy
Authors: Chen Meijin , Chen Shiduan , Zhu Fukai , Wang Fanfan , Tian Haina , Fan Zhongxiong , Ke Sunkui , Hou Zhenqing , Li Yang
Published: March 2020

The “Watson–Crick G≡C”-inspired carrier-free nanodrug have excellent tumor microenvironment-triggered active self-targeting ability and enhanced synergistic chemotherapeutic effects.
Phospholipid-stabilized CuxAg1−xInSe2 nanocrystals as luminophores: fabrication, optical properties, and biological application
Authors: Hu Jinhang , Song Jiangluqi , Tang Zhishu , Li Huan , Chen Lin , Zhou Rui
Published: March 2020

A novel phospholipid-decorated CuxAg1−xInSe2 nanoprobe was fabricated for fast fluorescence imaging of cancer cells and cancer stem cells. A mechanism to understand the PL origin of CuxAg1−xInSe2 nanocrystals was proposed.
Mechanisms of allergen-specific immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis and food allergies
Authors: Lam Hiu Yan , Tergaonkar Vinay , Ahn Kwang Seok
Published: March 2020

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is currently the only potential treatment for allergies including allergic rhinitis (AR) and food allergies (FA) that can modify the underlying course of the diseases. Although AIT has been performed for over a century, the precise and detailed mechanism for AIT is still unclear. Previous clinical trials have reported that successful AIT induces the reinstatement of tolerance against the specific allergen. In this review, we aim to provide an updated summary of the knowledge on the underlying mechanisms of IgE-mediated AR and FA as well as the immunological changes observed after AIT and discuss on how better understanding of these can lead to possible identification of biomarkers and novel strategies for AIT.
Readability Following Cultural and Linguistic Adaptations of an Internet-Based Intervention for Tinnitus for Use in the United States
Authors: Beukes Eldré W. , Fagelson Marc , Aronson Elizabeth Parks , Munoz Maria F. , Andersson Gerhard , Manchaiah Vinaya
Published: March 2020

Purpose

An Internet-based tinnitus intervention for use in the United States could improve the provision of tinnitus-related services. Although clinical trials of such interventions were completed in Europe, the United Kingdom, and Australia, their suitability for adults with tinnitus in the United States is yet to be established. The aim of this study was to improve the cultural and linguistic suitability, and lower the readability level, of an existing program for tinnitus to ensure its suitability for U.S. English- and Spanish-speaking populations.

Method

Guidelines for adaptation were followed and involved four phases: (a) cultural adaptations, as interventions targeted at specific cultures have been shown to improve outcomes; (b) creating Spanish materials to improve access of the materials to the large Spanish-speaking population in the United States; (c) professional review of the materials for acceptability as an intervention tool for a U.S. population; and (d) literacy-level adjustments to make the content accessible to those with lower levels of health literacy skills.

Results

Cultural adaptations were made by using word substitutions, changing examples, and modifying the spelling of certain words. The materials were then translated into Spanish and cross-checked. Professional review ensured suitability of the chapters. Literacy-level adjustments ensured all chapters were within the guidelines for readability grade levels below the sixth-grade level.

Conclusions

The previously developed tinnitus materials were revised to adhere to best practice guidelines and ensure cultural suitability for adults with tinnitus in the United States. As it is also available in Spanish, members of the large Hispanic community also have access to the intervention in their first language. Further studies should determine whether these changes improve patients' self-efficacy, engagement, and motivation to complete the intervention.
Dysphagia Management in Schools: A Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists
Authors: Felicetti Catherine , Richardson Kelly , Mansolillo Angela
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To date, few studies have examined school-based pediatric feeding and swallowing practices across the United States. This study aims to (a) identify barriers to feeding and swallowing service provision in an educational setting and (b) identify the types of service suggested by school-based speech-language pathologists in response to a fictional case study.

Method

School-based speech-language pathologists and clinical fellows were invited to participate in a 15-min web-based survey. The survey questions addressed demographic and vocational information and perceived barriers to service provision. Survey respondents were also asked to develop a treatment plan in response to a fictional case study. In total, 200 anonymous survey responses were coded and analyzed using qualitative analysis methods.

Results

A number of barriers to practice were identified, which include academic and/or clinical preparedness and concerns related to the educational relevance of service. Analysis of the case study results indicated a wide range of treatment plans. The most common type of direct intervention suggested was an oral motor exercise regime, followed by diet modifications, and the implementation of safe swallow strategies.

Conclusions

Information gained in this study may be used to support policies and protocols related to the assessment and treatment of pediatric feeding and swallowing impairment in school settings.
Relay denoising mapping approach design and performance analysis for heterogeneous physical‐layer network coding with high‐order modulation
Authors: Chen Sixuan , Zou Weixia , Zhou Zheng , Cui Mingyang
Published: March 2020

In recent years, considerable studies have been devoted to physical‐layer network coding (PLNC) in a two‐way relay channel (TWRC) network with the symmetric channel. However, it may not be appropriate for the asymmetric channel in which the source‐to‐relay channels are not equally strong and the two sources may utilise different modulation. In this study, the authors studied the heterogeneous PLNC design in the asymmetric TWRC network with high‐order modulation and proposed a relay denoising mapping approach to reduce the decoding error probability. Firstly, they put forward a cluster maximisation algorithm to enlarge one cluster by sucking the neighbour points, which satisfy the exclusive law. Then, based on this algorithm, they designed the heuristic nearest‐neighbour denoising mapping (HNDM) approach. The HNDM algorithm divides the nearest neighbour superimposed constellation points into the same cluster as far as possible. Points in the same cluster are coded into a new symbol by a specific mapping that achieves a many‐to‐one mapping. Performance results are provided in terms of symbol error rate. Under diversity channel conditions, the performances of 16‐quadrature amplitude modulator (16‐QAM)‐8‐phase‐shift keying and 16‐QAM‐quadrature phase‐shift keying are evaluated.
Low‐complexity companding function design for PAPR reduction in OFDM systems
Authors: Xing Zhitong , Liu Kaiming , Liu Yuanan
Published: March 2020

In this study, the authors have proposed a low complexity companding function for peak‐to‐average‐power ratio (PAPR) reduction in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems. This function transforms the signals into a probability density function with a cumulative distribution function an anti‐trigonometric function. By carefully choosing the transform parameters, the bit error rate (BER) performance can be improved significantly during the reduction of PAPR. In addition, the proposed companding function offers design flexibility. Simulation results show that for the same PAPR performance, the proposed companding scheme can offer better BER performance. For example, upon assigning BER = 10−4 in an additive white Gaussian noise channel without a solid‐state power amplifier, the minimum required bit energy to noise power spectral ratio (Eb/No) for the proposed companding scheme with c = 0 and A = 1.414 is 11 dB. It is 5, 4.2, and 3 dB lower than exponential companding function, root‐based μ‐law companding function, and amplitude limiting companding schemes, respectively. Also, their PAPR performance is the same.
Seven‐level boosting active neutral point clamped inverter using cross‐connected switched capacitor cells
Authors: Jagabar Sathik M. , Sandeep N. , Almakhles Dhafer , Bhatnagar Kaustubh , Yang Yongheng , Blaabjerg Frede
Published: March 2020

In this study, an active neutral point clamped‐type boosting switched‐capacitor multilevel inverter (SCMLI) with self‐voltage balancing capability is proposed. In the proposed topology, a novel switched capacitor cell is used, which has eight switches and two diodes. The presented topology has reduced power component count with self‐boosting and balancing abilities. The distinctive features of the proposed topology are highlighted and benchmarked against other recent 7L‐SCMLI topologies. To validate the feasibility of the proposed topology, experimental tests are performed on a 1 kW prototype hardware setup.
Fluorescence enhanced detection of water in organic solvents by one‐pot synthesis of orange‐red emissive polymer carbon dots based on 1,8‐naphthalenediol
Authors: Yang Meiling , Liu Mingwang , Wu Zipeng , He Yu , Ge Yili , Song Gongwu , Zhou Jiangang
Published: March 2020

A facile method for fabricating polymer carbon dots (PCDs) with characteristic dual‐emission at 570 and 620 nm by 1,8‐naphthalenediol in n‐propanol solvents was designed. The synthesised PCDs possessed fluorescence enhancement performance toward the water in organic solvents. Based on this peculiar phenomenon, a highly efficient fluorescent probe for water detection in organic solvents such as N,N‐dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide and n‐propanol was established with a wide detection range from 0 to 50%. The probe can also be utilised to determine water content in other organic solvents. The practical application was explored by studying the response of PCDs toward the water in various spirit samples. This method may offer a new way of detecting water in organic solvents by PCDs.
Preparation of CuO@PPy hybrid nanomaterials as high cyclic stability anode of lithium‐ion battery
Authors: Feng Lili , Zhang Wei , Wang Rui , Xu Linan , Li Dongzhi , Xiao Congli , Zhang Yinyin
Published: March 2020

Over the recent 20 years, numerous researches have focused on the lithium‐ion batteries anodes of MOx 3d‐metal oxides which have a high specific capacity. For example, the specific capacity of CuO material as an anode is ∼670 mAh g−1. Unfortunately, serious capacity degradation limits their promising applicability. To improve cyclic stability, PPy is covered on CuO surface to prepare CuO@PPy core–shell hybrid materials by chemical polymerisation. Pyrrole amount plays an important role on control the PPy shell thickness. After PPy coating, the lithium‐ion battery cycling stability and coulombic efficiency have been improved greatly, and CP‐5 sample has the best cyclic stability and coulombic efficiency. The capacity retention of bare CuO is only 27.9% after 200 cycles. By contrast, the capacity retention of CP‐5 sample is ∼100%. The flexible conducting polymers shell (PPy) lead to improved cyclic stability. These results give a strategy to solve MOx 3d‐metal oxide capacity degradation as Lithium‐ion batteries anode.