bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An axon-specific expression of HCN channels catalyzes fast action potential signaling in GABAergic interneurons
Authors: Roth Fabian C. , Hu Hua
Published: May 2020

During high-frequency network activities, fast-spiking, parvalbumin-expressing basket cells (PV+-BCs) generate barrages of fast synaptic inhibition to control the probability and precise timing of action potential (AP) initiation in principal neurons. Here we describe a subcellular specialization that contributes to the high speed of synaptic inhibition mediated by PV+-BCs. Mapping of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel distribution in rat hippocampal PV+-BCs with subcellular patch-clamp methods revealed that functional HCN channels are exclusively expressed in axons and completely absent from somata and dendrites. HCN channels not only enhance AP initiation during sustained high-frequency firing but also speed up the propagation of AP trains in PV+-BC axons by dynamically opposing the hyperpolarization produced by Na+-K+ ATPases. Since axonal AP signaling determines the timing of synaptic communication, the axon-specific expression of HCN channels represents a specialization for PV+-BCs to operate at high speed.
Mapping global carbon footprint in China
Authors: Yang Yuantao , Qu Shen , Cai Bofeng , Liang Sai , Wang Zhaohua , Wang Jinnan , Xu Ming
Published: May 2020

Developing localized climate mitigation strategies needs an understanding of how global consumption drives local carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions with a fine spatial resolution. There is no study that provides a spatially explicit mapping of global carbon footprint in China―the world’s largest CO2 emitter―simultaneously considering both international and interprovincial trade. Here we map CO2 emissions in China driven by global consumption in 2012 at a high spatial resolution (10 km × 10 km) using a detailed, firm-level emission inventory. Our results show that the carbon footprints of foreign regions in China are concentrated in key manufacturing hubs, including the Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta, and North China Plain. Approximately 1% of the land area holds 75% of the global carbon footprint in China. The carbon footprint hotspots in China identified are the key places in which collaborative mitigation efforts between China and downstream parties that drive those emissions.
A method for the generation of human stem cell-derived alpha cells
Authors: Peterson Quinn P. , Veres Adrian , Chen Lihua , Slama Michael Q. , Kenty Jennifer H. R. , Hassoun Shaimaa , Brown Matthew R. , Dou Haiqiang , Duffy Caden D. , Zhou Quan , Matveyenko Aleksey V. , Tyrberg Björn , Sörhede-Winzell Maria , Rorsman Patrik , Melton Douglas A.
Published: May 2020

The generation of pancreatic cell types from renewable cell sources holds promise for cell replacement therapies for diabetes. Although most effort has focused on generating pancreatic beta cells, considerable evidence indicates that glucagon secreting alpha cells are critically involved in disease progression and proper glucose control. Here we report on the generation of stem cell-derived human pancreatic alpha (SC-alpha) cells from pluripotent stem cells via a transient pre-alpha cell intermediate. These pre-alpha cells exhibit a transcriptional profile similar to mature alpha cells and although they produce proinsulin protein, they do not secrete significant amounts of processed insulin. Compound screening identified a protein kinase c activator that promotes maturation of pre-alpha cells into SC-alpha cells. The resulting SC-alpha cells do not express insulin, share an ultrastructure similar to cadaveric alpha cells, express and secrete glucagon in response to glucose and some glucagon secretagogues, and elevate blood glucose upon transplantation in mice.
An improved high-quality genome assembly and annotation of Tibetan hulless barley
Authors: Zeng Xingquan , Xu Tong , Ling Zhihao , Wang Yulin , Li Xiangfeng , Xu Shuqing , Xu Qijun , Zha Sang , Qimei Wangmu , Basang Yuzhen , Dunzhu Jiabu , Yu Mingzhai , Yuan Hongjun , Nyima Tashi
Published: May 2020

Hulless barley (Hordeum vulgareL. var.nudum) is a barley variety that has loose husk cover of the caryopses. Because of the ease in processing and edibility, hulless barley has been locally cultivated and used as human food. For example, in Tibetan Plateau, hulless barley is the staple food for human and essential livestock feed. Although the draft genome of hulless barley has been sequenced, the assembly remains fragmented. Here, we reported an improved high-quality assembly and annotation of the Tibetan hulless barley genome using more than 67X PacBio long-reads. The N50 contig length of the new assembly is at least more than 19 times larger than other available barley assemblies. The new genome assembly also showed high gene completeness and high collinearity of genome synteny with the previously reported barley genome. The new genome assembly and annotation will not only remove major hurdles in genetic analysis and breeding of hulless barley, but will also serve as a key resource for studying barley genomics and genetics.
Detecting CSSLs and yield QTLs with additive, epistatic and QTL×environment interaction effects from Oryza sativa × O. nivara IRGC81832 cross
Authors: Balakrishnan Divya , Surapaneni Malathi , Yadavalli Venkateswara Rao , Addanki Krishnam Raju , Mesapogu Sukumar , Beerelli Kavitha , Neelamraju Sarla
Published: May 2020

Chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) are useful tools for precise mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and the evaluation of gene action and interaction in inter-specific crosses. In this study, a set of 90 back cross lines at BC2F8generation derived from Swarna xOryza nivaraIRGC81832 was evaluated for yield traits under irrigated conditions in wet seasons of 3 consecutive years. We identified a set of 70 chromosome segment substitution lines, using genotyping data from 140 SSR markers covering 94.4% ofO. nivaragenome. Among these, 23 CSSLs were significantly different for 7 traits. 22 QTLs were detected for 11 traits with 6.51 to 46.77% phenotypic variation in 90 BILs. Three pleiotropic genomic regions associated with yield traits were mapped on chromosomes 1, 8 and 11. The marker interval RM206-RM144 at chromosome 11 was recurrently detected for various yield traits. Ten QTLs were identified consistently in the three consecutive years of testing. Seventeen pairs of significant epistatic QTLs (E-QTLs) were detected for days to flowering, days to maturity and plant height. Chromosome segments fromO. nivaracontributed trait enhancing alleles. The significantly improved lines and the stable QTLs identified in this study are valuable resource for gene discovery and yield improvement.
Mixing Patterns in Interdisciplinary Co-Authorship Networks at Multiple Scales
Authors: Feng Shihui , Kirkley Alec
Published: May 2020

There are inherent challenges to interdisciplinary research collaboration, such as bridging cognitive gaps and balancing transaction costs with collaborative benefits. This raises the question: Does interdisciplinary research collaboration necessarily result in disciplinary diversity among collaborators? We aim to explore this question by assessing collaborative preferences in interdisciplinary research at multiple scales through the examinination of disciplinary mixing patterns at the individual, dyadic, and team level in a coauthor network from the field of artificial intelligence in education, an emerging interdisciplinary area. Our key finding is that disciplinary diversity is reflected by diverse research experiences of individual researchers rather than diversity within pairs or groups of researchers. We also examine intergroup mixing by applying a novel approach to classify the active and non-active researchers in the collaboration network based on participation in multiple teams. We find a significant difference in indicators of academic performance and experience between the clusters of active and non-active researchers, suggesting intergroup mixing as a key factor in academic success. Our results shed light on the nature of team formation in interdisciplinary research, as well as highlight the importance of interdisciplinary training.
Study on Average Housing Prices in the Inland Capital Cities of China by Night-time Light Remote Sensing and Official Statistics Data
Authors: Li Chang , Zhu Heli , Ye Xinyue , Jiang Chang , Dong Jing , Wang Di , Wu Yijin
Published: May 2020

In this paper, the annually average Defense Meteorological Satellite Program-Operational Linescan System (DMSP/OLS) night-time light data is first proposed as a surrogate indicator to mine and forecast the average housing prices in the inland capital cities of China. First, based on the time-series analysis of individual cities, five regression models with gross error elimination are established between average night-time light intensity (ANLI) and average commercial residential housing price (ACRHP) adjusted by annual inflation rate or not from 2002 to 2013. Next, an optimal model is selected for predicting the ACRHPs in 2014 of these capital cities, and then verified by the interval estimation and corresponding official statistics. Finally, experimental results show that the quadratic polynomial regression is the optimal mining model for estimating the ACRHP without adjustments in most provincial capitals and the predicted ACRHP of these cities are almost in their interval estimations except for the overrated Chengdu and the underestimated Wuhan, while the adjusted ACRHP is all in prediction interval. Overall, this paper not only provides a novel insight into time-series ACRHP data mining based on time-series ANLI for capital city scale but also reveals the potentiality and mechanism of the comprehensive ANLI to characterize the complicated ACRHP. Besides, other factors influencing housing prices, such as the time-series lags of government policy, are tested and analysed in this paper.
Formation of an electrical coupling between differentiating cardiomyocytes
Authors: Slotvitsky M. M. , Tsvelaya V. A. , Podgurskaya A. D. , Agladze K. I.
Published: May 2020

Human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) serve as an indispensable platform for the study of human cardiovascular disease is human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). While the possibility of reproducing rare pathologies, patient-specific selection of drugs, and other issues concerning single cardiomyocytes have been well studied, little attention has been paid to the properties of the whole syncytium of CMs, in which both the functionality of individual cells and the distribution of electrophysiological connections between them are essential. The aim of this work is to directly study the ability of hiPSC-CMs to form a functional syncytium that can stably conduct an excitation wave. For that purpose, syncytium forming hiPSC-CMs were harvested and seeded (transferred) on a new substrate on different days of differentiation. The excitation conduction in a sample was characterized by the stability of the wavefront using optical mapping data. We found that the cells transferred before the 20th day of differentiation were able to organize a functional syncytium capable of further development and stable excitation conduction at high stimulation frequencies, while the cells transferred after 20 days did not form a homogeneous syncytium, and multiple instabilities of the propagating wavefront were observed with the possibility of reentry formation.
Spatial and temporal patterns of Lyme Neuroborreliosis on Funen, Denmark from 1995–2014
Authors: Andreasen Amalie Muus , Dehlendorff Petter Bart , Knudtzen Fredrikke Christie , Bødker Rene , Kjær Lene Jung , Skarphedinsson Sigurdur
Published: May 2020

In Europe, Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) is the most severe manifestation of Lyme borreliosis and has recently been added to the communicable disease surveillance list for EU/EEA by the European Commission. In Northern Europe, LNB is primarily caused by the spirochete Borrelia garinii and transmitted by the tick Ixodes ricinus. This Danish observational epidemiologic case-control study includes every identified LNB patient (n = 401) on Funen, Denmark, from 1995-2014. We display spatial and temporal LNB incidence variation, seasonal distribution of cases and local spatial case clustering. Seasonal patterns show LNB symptom-onset peaking in July and a significant seasonal difference in number of cases (p < 0.01). We found no significant change in seasonality patterns over time when dividing the study period into 5-year intervals. We identified a significant local geographical hot-spot of cases with a relative risk of 2.44 (p = 0.013). Analysis revealed a significantly shorter distance to nearest forest for cases compared with controls (p < 0.001). We present a novel map of the focal geographical distribution of LNB cases in a high endemic borreliosis area. Continued studies of case clustering in the epidemiology of LNB are of key importance in guiding intervention strategies.
Crossing the pond: genetic assignment detects lobster hybridisation
Authors: Ellis Charlie D. , Jenkins Tom L. , Svanberg Linda , Eriksson Susanne P. , Stevens Jamie R.
Published: May 2020

American lobsters (Homarus americanus) imported live into Europe as a seafood commodity have occasionally been released or escaped into the wild, within the range of an allopatric congener, the European lobster (H. gammarus). In addition to disease and competition, introduced lobsters threaten native populations through hybridisation, but morphological discriminants used for species identification are unable to discern hybrids, so molecular methods are required. We tested an array of 79 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for their utility to distinguish 1,308 H. gammarus from 38 H. americanus and 30 hybrid offspring from an American female captured in Sweden. These loci provide powerful species assignment in Homarus, enabling the robust identification of hybrid and American individuals among a survey of European stock. Moreover, a subset panel of the 12 most powerful SNPs is sufficient to separate the two pure species, even when tissues have been cooked, and can detect the introduced component of hybrids. We conclude that these SNP loci can unambiguously identify hybrid lobsters that may be undetectable via basic morphology, and offer a valuable tool to investigate the prevalence of cryptic hybridisation in the wild. Such investigations are required to properly evaluate the potential for introgression of alien genes into European lobster populations.
Human microbiota-transplanted C57BL/6 mice and offspring display reduced establishment of key bacteria and reduced immune stimulation compared to mouse microbiota-transplantation
Authors: Lundberg Randi , Toft Martin F. , Metzdorff Stine B. , Hansen Camilla H. F. , Licht Tine R. , Bahl Martin I. , Hansen Axel K.
Published: May 2020

Transplantation of germ-free (GF) mice with microbiota from mice or humans stimulates the intestinal immune system in disparate ways. We transplanted a human microbiota into GF C57BL/6 mice and a murine C57BL/6 microbiota into GF C57BL/6 mice and Swiss-Webster (SW) mice. Mice were bred to produce an offspring generation. 56% of the Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) present in the human donor microbiota established in the recipient mice, whereas 81% of the C57BL/6 OTUs established in the recipient C57BL/6 and SW mice. Anti-inflammatory bacteria such as Faecalibacterium and Bifidobacterium from humans were not transferred to mice. Expression of immune-related intestinal genes was lower in human microbiota-mice and not different between parent and offspring generation. Expression of intestinal barrier-related genes was slightly higher in human microbiota-mice. Cytokines and chemokines measured in plasma were differentially present in human and mouse microbiota-mice. Minor differences in microbiota and gene expression were found between transplanted mice of different genetics. It is concluded that important immune-regulating bacteria are lost when transplanting microbiota from humans to C57BL/6 mice, and that the established human microbiota is a weak stimulator of the murine immune system. The results are important for study design considerations in microbiota transplantation studies involving immunological parameters.
Leptoria phrygia in Southern Taiwan shuffles and switches symbionts to resist thermal-induced bleaching
Authors: Huang Ya-Yi , Carballo-Bolaños Rodrigo , Kuo Chao-Yang , Keshavmurthy Shashank , Chen Chaolun A.
Published: May 2020

Symbiodiniaceae communities in some corals often shuffle or switch after severe bleaching events, one of the major threats to coral survival in a world with climate change. In this study we reciprocally transplanted five Leptoria phrygia colonies between two sites with significantly different temperature regimes and monitored them for 12 months. Our ITS2 amplicon deep sequencing demonstrated that L. phrygia acclimatized to maintain a strong and stable association with Durusdinium D17, D. trenchii, and D. glynnii, but also remained flexible and formed a short-term association with different Cladocopium. Most interestingly, two colonies shuffled between Durusdinium and Cladocopium without the occurrence of bleaching; one colony even switched its dominant Cladocopium after generic shuffling. Both dominant Cladocopium were originally rare with relative abundances as low as 0.024%. This is the first record of adult corals switching dominant symbiont without bleaching.
Immunoglobulins as Biomarkers for Gastrointestinal Nematodes Resistance in Small Ruminants: A systematic review
Authors: Aboshady H. M. , Stear M. J. , Johansson A. , Jonas E. , Bambou J. C.
Published: May 2020

The rise of anthelmintic resistance worldwide has led to the development of alternative control strategies for gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) infections, which are one of the main constraints on the health of grazing small ruminants. Presently, breeding schemes rely mainly on fecal egg count (FEC) measurements on infected animals which are time-consuming and requires expertise in parasitology. Identifying and understanding the role of immunoglobulins in the mechanisms of resistance could provide a more efficient and sustainable method of identifying nematode-resistant animals for selection. In this study we review the findings on immunoglobulin response to GIN in the literature published to date (june 2019) and discuss the potential to use immunoglobulins as biomarkers. The literature review revealed 41 studies which measured at least one immunoglobulin: 35 focused on lamb immune response (18 used non-naïve lambs) and 7 on yearlings. In this review we propose a conceptual model summarizing the role of immunoglobulins in resistance to GIN. We highlight the need for more carefully designed and documented studies to allow comparisons across different populations on the immunoglobulin response to GIN infection.
Effects of lifestyle modification in polycystic ovary syndrome compared to metformin only or metformin addition: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Chan Hee , Chon Seung Joo , Lee Seon Heui
Published: May 2020

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disease that has an effect on approximately 10% of women of childbearing age. Although there is evidence regarding the role of lifestyle factors in the development of PCOS, the exact etiology remains unclear. Additionally, metformin is used in the treatment of PCOS but its role remains unclear. We compared the effects of lifestyle modification (LSM) + metformin and metformin alone on PCOS. We performed a systematic review by searching electronic databases for publications until December 2019. The primary endpoints were clinical outcomes, such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy rates, and the secondary endpoints were anthropometric, metabolic, and androgenic parameters. The meta-analysis revealed that there was no significant difference in the improvements in the menstrual cycles between LSM and metformin alone (weighted mean difference [MD] = 1.62) and between LSM + metformin and LSM (MD = 1.20). The pregnancy rates and body mass indices were not significantly different between LSM and metformin alone (MD = 1.44 and −0.11, respectively). LSM reduced insulin resistance (MD = −0.52) and increased serum levels of sex hormone-binding globulins (MD = 8.27) compared with metformin. Therefore, we suggest recommending lifestyle modifications actively to women with PCOS if they do not have indications for metformin.
Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging to differentiate hepatocellular carcinoma from intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Peng Juan , Zheng Jing , Yang Cui , Wang Ran , Zhou Yi , Tao Yun-Yun , Gong Xue-Qin , Wang Wei-Cheng , Zhang Xiao-Ming , Yang Lin
Published: May 2020

The present study aimed to explore the value of intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) in differentiating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). This study included 65 patients with malignant hepatic nodules (55 with HCC, 10 with ICC), and 17 control patients with normal livers. All patients underwent IVIM-DWI scans on a 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. The standard apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), pure diffusion coefficient (Dslow), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (Dfast), and perfusion fraction (f) were obtained. Differences in the parameters among the groups were analysed using one-way ANOVA, with p < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to compare the efficacy of each parameter in differentiating HCC from ICC. ADC, Dslow, Dfast, f significantly differed among the three groups. ADC and Dslow were significantly lower in the HCC group than in the ICC group, while Dfast was significantly higher in the HCC group than in the ICC group; f did not significantly differ between the HCC and ICC groups. When the cut-off values of ADC, Dslow, and Dfast were 1.27 × 10−3 mm2/s, 0.81 × 10−3 mm2/s, and 26.04 × 10−3 mm2/s, respectively, their diagnostic sensitivities for differentiating HCC from ICC were 98.18%, 58.18%, and 94.55%, their diagnostic specificities were 50.00%, 80.00%, and 80.00%, and their areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) were 0.687, 0.721, and 0.896, respectively. Dfast displayed the largest AUC value. IVIM-DWI can be used to differentiate HCC from ICC.
Aberrant expression of the COX2/PGE2 axis is induced by activation of the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway in BRAFV595E canine urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Yoshitake Ryohei , Saeki Kohei , Eto Shotaro , Shinada Masahiro , Nakano Rei , Sugiya Hiroshi , Endo Yoshifumi , Fujita Naoki , Nishimura Ryohei , Nakagawa Takayuki
Published: May 2020

Cancer-promoting inflammation is an important event in cancer development. Canine urothelial carcinoma (cUC) overexpresses prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and has a unique sensitivity to cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2)-inhibiting therapy. In addition, majority of cUC harbour BRAFV595E mutation. However, mechanisms underlying aberrant PGE2 production in BRAFV595E cUC patients remain unclear. Drug screening revealed that inhibition of RAF/MEK/ERK pathway, p38 and JNK pathway reduced PGE2 production in cUC cells. By pharmacological inhibition of the multiple components in the pathway, activation of the ERK MAPK pathway was shown to mediate overexpression of COX2 and production of PGE2 in BRAFV595E cUC cells. In silico gain-of-function analysis of the BRAF mutation also implicated involvement of mutation in the process. The positive association between ERK activation and COX2 expression was further validated in the clinical patients. Moreover, it was also suggested that p38 and JNK regulates PGE2 production independently of ERK pathway, possibly through COX2-dependent and COX1-/COX2- independent manner, respectively. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that activation of ERK induces production of PGE2 in BRAFV595E cUC cells, which is also independently regulated by p38 and JNK. With its unique vulnerability to COX-targeted therapy, BRAFV595E cUC may serve as a valuable model to study the tumour-promoting inflammation.
Monodisperse thiourea functionalized graphene oxide-based PtRu
nanocatalysts for alcohol oxidation
Authors: Kuyuldar Esra , Polat Su Selda , Burhan Hakan , Mustafov Sibel Demiroglu , Iyidogan Aysegul , Sen Fatih
Published: May 2020

Addressed herein, thiourea functionalized graphene oxide-based PtRu
nanocatalysts (PtRu@T/GO) has been synthesized and characterized by several
techniques and performed for methanol oxidation reactions as novel catalysts. In
this study, graphene oxide (GO) was functionalized with thiourea (T/GO) in order to
obtain monothiol functionalized graphene and increase the stability and activity of
the nanocatalysts. Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray
diffraction (XRD), TEM (transmission electron microscopy) and high-resolution
transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) were used for characterization of the
prepared nanocatalysts. The results obtained from these techniques showed that the
prepared nanocatalysts were in a highly crystalline form, well dispersed on T/GO,
very small in size and colloidally stable. The average size of the synthesized
nanocatalysts determined by TEM analysis was found to be 3.86 ± 0.59 nm. With HR-TEM
analysis, the atomic lattice fringes of the nanocatalysts were calculated to be
0.23 nm. After the full characterization of the prepared nanocatalysts, they were
tried for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and it was observed that 97.3% of
the initial performance was maintained even after 1000 cycles while exhibiting great
catalytic activity and stability with the help of T/GO. Thus, the arranged
nanocatalysts displayed great heterogeneous catalyst characteristics for the
methanol oxidation response.
Spintronic devices for energy-efficient data storage and energy harvesting
Authors: Puebla Jorge , Kim Junyeon , Kondou Kouta , Otani Yoshichika
Published: May 2020

The current data revolution has, in part, been enabled by decades of research into magnetism and spin phenomena. For example, milestones such as the observation of giant magnetoresistance, and the resulting development of the spin-valve read head, continue to motivate device research. However, the ever-growing need for higher data processing speeds and larger data storage capabilities has caused a significant increase in energy consumption and environmental concerns. Ongoing research and development in spintronics should therefore reduce energy consumption while increasing information processing capabilities. Here, we provide an overview of the current status of research and technology developments in data storage and spin-mediated energy harvesting in relation to energy-efficient technologies. We give our perspective on the advantages and outstanding issues for various data-storage concepts, and energy conversion mechanisms enabled by spin.
Efficient modulation of upconversion luminescence in NaErF4-based core–shell nanocrystals
Authors: Pan Tingting , Sun Liyuan , Gao Rongyao , Fu Limin , Ai Xi-Cheng , Zhang Jian-Ping
Published: May 2020

Efficient modulation of upconversion luminescence in heavily-doped core–shell nanocrystals by the tuning of [F]/[RE] ratio during synthesis.
Dynamical signatures from competing, nonadiabatic fragmentation pathways of S-nitrosothiophenol
Authors: Blackshaw K. Jacob , Marracci Marcus , Korb Robert T. , Quartey Naa-Kwarley , Ajmani Annalise K. , Hood David J. , Abelt Christopher J. , Ortega Belinda I. , Luong Kate , Petit Andrew S. , Kidwell Nathanael M.
Published: May 2020

A joint experiment-theory study of the UV photolysis of S-nitrosothiophenol reveals competing photodissociation pathways that produce NO in its spin–orbit ground state and thiophenoxy radical in either its ground or excited electronic state.
The importance of the composite mechanisms with two transition states in the F− + NH2I SN2 reaction
Authors: Li Yan , Li Yongfang , Wang Dunyou
Published: May 2020

The two-transition-state mechanisms, especially the double-inversion mechanism, make the largest contribution to the SN2 reactivity of the F− + NH2I reaction.
Synthesis of FeCo–N@N-doped carbon oxygen reduction catalysts via microwave-assisted ammoxidation
Authors: Kuo Hung-Chih , Liu Shou-Heng , Lin Yan-Gu , Chiang Chao-Lung , Tsang Daniel C. W.
Published: May 2020

A core–shell structured FeCo–N@N-doped carbon derived from biomass wastes (sugarcane and palm kernel shell) is facilely prepared by hydrothermal carbonization and NH3 microwave ammoxidation methods.
Hierarchical Z-scheme 1D/2D architecture with TiO2 nanowires decorated by MnO2 nanosheets for efficient adsorption and full spectrum photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants
Authors: Zhang Jiejing , Hu Yajie , Zheng Hong , Zhang Pengyi
Published: May 2020

A novel hierarchical 1D/2D TiO2/MnO2 composite shows superior adsorption, full spectrum photocatalytic activity and excellent stability for organic pollutant removal.
Catalytic production of 1,4-pentanediol from furfural in a fixed-bed system under mild conditions
Authors: Liu Qiaoyun , Qiao Botao , Liu Fei , Zhang Leilei , Su Yang , Wang Aiqin , Zhang Tao
Published: May 2020

A dual catalyst system composed of the Ru-FeOx/AC catalyst and the solid acid Amberlyst-15, for the direct transformation of furfural to 1,4-PeD with excellent stability and yield.
Picoliter agar droplet breakup in microfluidics meets microbiology application: numerical and experimental approaches
Authors: Khater Asmaa , Abdelrehim Osama , Mohammadi Mehdi , Azarmanesh Milad , Janmaleki Mohsen , Salahandish Razieh , Mohamad Abdulmajeed , Sanati-Nezhad Amir
Published: May 2020

Droplet microfluidics has provided lab-on-a-chip platforms with the capability of bacteria encapsulation in biomaterials, controlled culture environments, and live monitoring of growth and proliferation.
Localized surface plasmon resonance of Au/TiO2(110): substrate and size influence from in situ optical and structural investigation
Authors: Soldo-Olivier Y. , Abisset A. , Bailly A. , De Santis M. , Garaudée S. , Lacipière J. , Coati A. , Garreau Y. , Saint-Lager M.-C.
Published: May 2020

In situ experiments coupling GISAXS, SDRS and GIXRD allowed investigating the relationship between morphology, structure and plasmonic properties of Au nanoparticles (2–6 nm) during their growth on TiO2(111).
Interfacial reconstruction in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 thin films: giant low-field magnetoresistance
Authors: Sinha Umesh Kumar , Das Bibekananda , Padhan Prahallad
Published: May 2020

The 200 Å thick La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 film grown on (001) oriented LaAlO3 at 300 mT field exhibits 60% MR, which decreases with an increase in the La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 film thickness due to a decrease in the non-collinear Mn ion spins near the interface.
Research on the controllable degradation of N-methylamido and dialkylamino substituted at the 5th position of the benzene ring in chlorsulfuron in acidic soil
Authors: Meng Fan-Fei , Wu Lei , Gu Yu-Cheng , Zhou Sha , Li Yong-Hong , Chen Ming-Gui , Zhou Shaa , Zhao Yang-Yang , Ma Yi , Li Zheng-Ming
Published: May 2020

These results will provide valuable information to discover tailored SU with controllable degradation properties to meet the needs of individual crops.
Enhanced methane gas storage in the form of hydrates: role of the confined water molecules in silica powders
Authors: Prasad Pinnelli S. R. , Kiran Burla Sai , Sowjanya Kandadai
Published: May 2020

Rapid and efficient methane hydrate conversions by utilising the water molecules confined in intra- and inter-granular space of silica powders.
Nitrogen-doped RuS2 nanoparticles containing in situ reduced Ru as an efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution
Authors: Xu Yan , Gao Xiaoping , Zhang Jingyan , Gao Daqiang
Published: May 2020

The reasonable design that N-doping and in situ reduced Ru metal enhances the performance of N-RuS2/Ru for HER.
Synthesis of heteroatom-containing pyrrolidine derivatives based on Ti(O-iPr)4 and EtMgBr-catalyzed carbocyclization of allylpropargyl amines with Et2Zn
Authors: Kadikova Rita N. , Ramazanov Ilfir R. , Gabdullin Azat M. , Mozgovoj Oleg S. , Dzhemilev Usein M.
Published: May 2020

The Ti(O-iPr)4 and EtMgBr-catalyzed regio and stereoselective carbocyclization of N-allyl-substituted 2-alkynylamines with Et2Zn, followed by deuterolysis or hydrolysis, affords the corresponding methylenepyrrolidine derivatives in high yields.
Effect of Zn doping on phase transition and electronic structures of Heusler-type Pd2Cr-based alloys: from normal to all-d-metal Heusler
Authors: Wang Xiaotian , Wu Mengxin , Yang Tie , Khenata Rabah
Published: May 2020

By first-principles calculations, for Heusler alloys Pd2CrZ (Z = Al, Ga, In, Tl, Si, Sn, P, As, Sb, Bi, Se, Te, Zn), the effect of Zn doping on their phase transition and electronic structure has been studied in this work.
Ni stabilized rock-salt structured CoO; Co1−xNixO: tuning of eg electrons to develop a novel OER catalyst
Authors: Mondal Rakesh , Ratnawat Himanshu , Kumar Sarvesh , Kumar Anil , Singh Preetam
Published: May 2020

Incorporation of Ni into CoO lattices helps to stabilize the rock salt structure and modulate the eg electrons to develop superior OER and ORR electrocatalysts.
Effect of new carbonyl cyanide aromatic hydrazones on biofilm inhibition against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Lu Xueer , Zhang Ziwen , Xu Yingying , Lu Jun , Tang Wenjian , Zhang Jing
Published: May 2020

2e and 2j with strong p-NO2 and p-CF3 at phenyl ring had the lowest MICs against S. aureus and MRSA. 2e displayed unaided or synergistic efficacy against MRSA, especially combined with ofloxacin. EM revealed that 2e destroys biofilms and cell membranes.
Al–Sc dual-doped LiGe2(PO4)3 – a NASICON-type solid electrolyte with improved ionic conductivity
Authors: Nikodimos Yosef , Tsai Meng-Che , Abrha Ljalem Hadush , Weldeyohannis Haile Hisho , Chiu Shuo-Feng , Bezabh Hailemariam Kassa , Shitaw Kassie Nigus , Fenta Fekadu Wubatu , Wu She-Huang , Su Wei-Nien , Yang Chun-Chen , Hwang Bing Joe
Published: May 2020

A cell with doped LPS – Li1.5Al0.33Sc0.17Ge1.5(PO4)3 shows improved conductivity and a capacity retention of 83.6% for more than 80 cycles.
In situconfinement of Pt within three-dimensional MoO2@porous carbon for efficient hydrogen evolution
Authors: Jiang Yimin , Yang Miao , Qu Meijiao , Wang Yi , Yang Zhouchunyu , Feng Qingliang , Deng Xia , Shen Wei , Li Ming , He Rongxing
Published: May 2020

Pt nanoparticles, polarized by MoO2and confined within porous carbon, act as a promising alternative to Pt/C for hydrogen evolution.
Catalyst design strategies for stable electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction
Authors: Choi Woong , Won Da Hye , Hwang Yun Jeong
Published: May 2020

For practical applications, the deactivation processes of electrocatalysts in electrochemical CO2 reduction reactions have to be addressed by studying recent advances such as exclusion of metal impurity effect, periodic electrochemical activation and active nanocatalyst design.
Nitrogen-doped phosphorene for electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis
Authors: Xu Guangrui , Li Hao , Bati Abdulaziz S. R. , Bat-Erdene Munkhjargal , Nine Md J. , Losic Dusan , Chen Yu , Shapter Joseph G. , Batmunkh Munkhbayar , Ma Tianyi
Published: May 2020

A facile and efficient strategy to produce nitrogen-doped (N-doped) phosphorene nanosheets that can be used as an efficient metal-free catalyst for electrochemical ammonia synthesis under ambient conditions is presented.
The circadian clock genePER2enhances chemotherapeutic efficacy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma when combined with a targeted nanosystem
Authors: Hou Li , Li Hailiang , Wang Haiyan , Ma Dede , Liu Jing , Ma Liqiong , Wang Zhihua , Yang Zhihua , Wang Faxuan , Xia Hechun
Published: May 2020

A schematic representation ofPER2overexpression combined with FURH-PFH-NPs that enhances synergistic chemotherapeutic efficacy in NPC.
Ag@S-nitrosothiol core–shell nanoparticles for chemo and photothermal synergistic tumor targeted therapy
Authors: Liu Tuanwei , Li Xiao , Wang Jilan , Zhang Ping , Huang Xiaoying , Zhang Zhide , Guo Dian-Shun , Yang Xinlin
Published: May 2020

Core–shell nanoparticles for synergistic tumor targeted therapy based on photothermal therapy (PTT) and nitric oxide (NO) based chemotherapy were described.
Regulating active layer thickness and morphology for high performance hot-casted polymer solar cells
Authors: Gupta Ritesh Kant , Garai Rabindranath , Afroz Mohammad Adil , Iyer Parameswar Krishnan
Published: May 2020

Fabrication of high performance polymer solar cells through the hot-casting technique, which modulates the thickness and roughness of the active layer and also the carrier mobility of the solar cell devices.
Additive-controlled synthesis of monodisperse single crystalline gold nanoparticles: interplay of shape and surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Kirner Felizitas , Potapov Pavel , Schultz Johannes , Geppert Jessica , Müller Magdalena , González-Rubio Guillermo , Sturm Sebastian , Lubk Axel , Sturm Elena
Published: May 2020

The developed three-step synthesis of plasmonic gold nanoparticles allows outstanding control over their growth kinetic, size and habit.
A Sensory Stimulation Protocol to Modulate Cough Sensitivity: A Randomized Controlled Trial Safety Study
Authors: Wallace Emma , Guiu Hernandez Esther , Epton Michael , Ploen Laura , Huckabee Maggie-Lee , Macrae Phoebe
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a sensory stimulation protocol that was designed to modulate citric acid cough thresholds as a potential treatment for silent aspiration.

Method

Healthy adults (n= 24) were randomly assigned to one of three sensory stimulation groups: (a) high-intensity ultrasonically nebulized distilled water (UNDW) inhalations (1.6 ml/min); (b) low-intensity UNDW inhalations (0.5 ml/min); and (3) control, 0.9% saline inhalations (1.6 ml/min). Sensory stimulation was delivered once a day, for 4 consecutive days. Citric acid cough thresholds were determined at baseline, Day 3, and Day 5 to evaluate changes in cough sensitivity. Spirometry was undertaken before, during, and after each sensory stimulation session to monitor for bronchoconstriction.

Results

No participant showed evidence of bronchoconstriction during the sensory stimulation protocol. There was an interaction effect between day and group on suppressed cough thresholds, χ2(4) = 11.32,p= .02. When compared to the control group, there was a decrease in citric acid cough thresholds across Days 1–5 in the high-intensity (−1.8 doubling concentrations, 95% confidence interval [−2.88, −0.72],p= .01) and low-intensity (−1.3 doubling concentrations, 95% confidence interval [−2.4, −0.2],p= .03) UNDW inhalation groups, representing a sensitization effect of UNDW inhalations on cough sensitivity.

Conclusions

The UNDW sensory stimulation protocol was safe in healthy adults. The findings provide preliminary evidence that UNDW inhalations sensitize laryngeal afferents related to citric acid–induced cough induction. The therapeutic potential of the UNDW sensory stimulation protocol will be explored in patients with reduced cough sensitivity who are at risk of silent aspiration and aspiration pneumonia.

Plain Language Summary

This study explored the safety and efficacy of a sensory stimulation protocol that was designed to modulate cough sensitivity as a potential treatment for silent aspiration. The study revealed that inhalations of nebulized distilled water were safe and increased cough sensitivity, when compared to control saline inhalations.
Measurement of Pharyngeal Residue From Lateral View Videofluoroscopic Images
Authors: Steele Catriona M. , Peladeau-Pigeon Melanie , Nagy Ahmed , Waito Ashley A.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The field lacks consensus about preferred metrics for capturing pharyngeal residue on videofluoroscopy. We explored four different methods, namely, the visuoperceptual Eisenhuber scale and three pixel-based methods: (a) residue area divided by vallecular or pyriform sinus spatial housing (“%-Full”), (b) the Normalized Residue Ratio Scale, and (c) residue area divided by a cervical spine scalar (%(C2–4)
2
).

Method

This study involved retrospective analysis of an existing data set of videofluoroscopies performed in 305 adults referred on the basis of suspected dysphagia, who swallowed 15 boluses each (six thin and three each of mildly, moderately, and extremely thick 20% w/v barium). The rest frame at the end of the initial swallow of each bolus was identified. Duplicate measures of pharyngeal residue were made independently by trained raters; interrater reliability was calculated prior to discrepancy resolution. Frequency distributions and descriptive statistics were calculated for all measures. Kendall's τ
b
tests explored associations between Eisenhuber scale scores and pixel-based measures, that is, %-Full and %(C2–4)
2
. Cross-tabulations compared Eisenhuber scale scores to 25% increments of the %-Full measure. Spearman rank correlations evaluated relationships between the %-Full and %(C2–4)
2
measures.

Results

Complete data were available for 3,545 boluses: 37% displayed pharyngeal residue (thin, 36%; mildly thick, 41%; moderately thick, 35%; extremely thick, 34%). Eisenhuber scale scores showed modest positive associations with pixel-based measures but inaccurately estimated residue severity when compared to %-Full measures with errors in 20.6% of vallecular ratings and 14.2% of pyriform sinus ratings. Strong correlations (
p
< .001) were seen between the %-Full and %(C2–4)
2
measures, but the %-Full measures showed inflation when spatial housing area was small.

Conclusions

Generally good correspondence was seen across different methods of measuring pharyngeal residue. Pixel-based measurement using an anatomical reference scalar, for example, (C2–4)
2
is recommended for valid, reliable, and precise measurement.
Intelligent learning approach for UHF partial discharge localisation in air‐insulated substations
Authors: Zheng Quanfu , Luo Lingen , Song Hui , Sheng Gehao , Jiang Xiuchen
Published: May 2020

To achieve comprehensive insulation deterioration motoring of power equipment and early fault warning in air‐insulated substations, a data‐driven partial discharge (PD) source localisation method employing noisy ultra‐high frequency (UHF) received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and particle filter is proposed in this study. Compared with the existing UHF time‐difference‐based techniques, UHF wireless sensor arrays and RSSI‐based methods provide an economical and high‐adaptability solution. However, owing to the multi‐pathing and shadowing effects, UHF signal attenuation cannot be modelled. Therefore, a Kalman filter was employed to smoothen the RSSI signal. Furthermore, a semi‐parametric regression model is proposed to achieve a more accurate relationship between the RSSI and the transmission distance. Finally, in contrast to traditional localisation algorithms directly based on the RSSI ranging model, a particle filter was used to achieve higher accuracy. It predicted the best distribution of the position of PD by learning and considering all the system states of the previous moment. The laboratory test was performed within an area of 6 m × 6 m, and the results demonstrate that the mean PD source localisation error was 1.16 m, which gives a potential application for the identification of power equipment with insulation deterioration in a substation, while the accuracy is still needed to be verified further by field tests.
Manufacturing resources coordination organisation and tasks allocation approach inspired by the endocrine regulation principle
Authors: Gu Wenbin , Tang Dunbing , Zheng Kun
Published: May 2020

To solve the manufacturing resources coordination and tasks allocation problem in dynamic manufacturing environments, a mathematical model, aiming to minimise tardiness penalties and reduce manufacturing cost, is established. Considering the influences of the emergency in the manufacturing system, a novel task allocation approach, based on the hormone regulation principle, is proposed. This proposed approach is characterised by high efficiency, low communication, and fine robustness. The experimental results verify that this coordination approach not only can reduce processing costs effectively in a static environment but also has a good control performance against disturbances in a dynamic environment.
Robustness of continuous non‐smooth finite‐time Lyapunov control for two‐level quantum systems
Authors: Kuang Sen , Guan Xiaoke
Published: May 2020

The robustness of continuous non‐smooth Lyapunov control for two‐level quantum systems with uncertainties in the Hamiltonians is analysed in this study. The authors first transform a perturbed two‐level system into a real‐variable system by expressing the quantum state in terms of its complex exponential and then present two theorems to describe the behaviour of solutions of the perturbed system after a certain finite time by combining the Lyapunov and converse Lyapunov finite‐time stability theorems with the homogeneity theory. Numerical simulation experiments on a spin‐ particle system show the effectiveness of the results obtained in this study.
Probing the Folding of Peptide–Polymer Conjugates Using the π-Dimerization of Viologen End-Groups
Authors: Otter Ronja , Besenius Pol
Published: May 2020

The synthesis of a foldable viologen-functionalized peptide–polymer conjugate is presented. The ABA-type triblock conjugate with a PEG polymer was capped with a FHFHF pentapeptide sequence and further modified with a viologen building block at both chain ends. The pH-responsive peptide domains fold into an intermediate structure inducing close proximity of the viologen units, which upon a reduction step form π-dimers of the radical cation. Overall the intramolecular folding and intermolecular self-assembly process leads to the formation of supramolecular nanorods. Mixing of viologen-peptide–polymer conjugates with unfunctionalized conjugates leads to crosslinking of the nanorods and hydrogels with a tunable content of viologen end groups. π-Dimerization in the gels induces a deep purple color, which is used as an optical probe to monitor the diffusion of molecular oxygen through the hydrogel matrix.
Citizen science in the social sciences and humanities: the power of interdisciplinarity
Authors: Tauginienė Loreta , Butkevičienė Eglė , Vohland Katrin , Heinisch Barbara , Daskolia Maria , Suškevičs Monika , Portela Manuel , Balázs Bálint , Prūse Baiba
Published: May 2020

Citizen science evolved through multiple disciplinary manifestations into a new field of study and a participatory method of enquiry. While most citizen science projects take place within problem-focused natural sciences, social sciences and humanities help understanding the human dimension and open a broad methodological spectrum for enriching scientific research with new approaches and for boosting public participation. In this paper, we use a meta-synthesis approach to explore how citizen science is practised in the so far less addressed social sciences and humanities by focusing on the role of the citizens, the goals and approaches of the projects, the tasks in which citizens are engaged and their gains across projects of diverse disciplinary background. Our findings indicate that social sciences are gaining more acknowledgment within interdisciplinary citizen science projects by addressing ‘wicked’ problems of human behaviour and agency, while humanities are in quest of a better-defined locus in citizen science. We conclude that social sciences and humanities still face considerable barriers to infiltrate citizen science; the payoffs are substantial and already rewarding for several subfields in social sciences and humanities.