bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A dichoptic feedback-based oculomotor training method to manipulate interocular alignment
Authors: Caoli Andrea , Sabatini Silvio P. , Gibaldi Agostino , Maiello Guido , Kosovicheva Anna , Bex Peter
Published: September 2020

Strabismus is a prevalent impairment of binocular alignment that is associated with a spectrum of perceptual deficits and social disadvantages. Current treatments for strabismus involve ocular alignment through surgical or optical methods and may include vision therapy exercises. In the present study, we explore the potential of real-time dichoptic visual feedback that may be used to quantify and manipulate interocular alignment. A gaze-contingent ring was presented independently to each eye of 11 normally-sighted observers as they fixated a target dot presented only to their dominant eye. Their task was to center the rings within 2° of the target for at least 1 s, with feedback provided by the sizes of the rings. By offsetting the ring in the non-dominant eye temporally or nasally, this task required convergence or divergence, respectively, of the non-dominant eye. Eight of 11 observers attained 5° asymmetric convergence and 3 of 11 attained 3° asymmetric divergence. The results suggest that real-time gaze-contingent feedback may be used to quantify and transiently simulate strabismus and holds promise as a method to augment existing therapies for oculomotor alignment disorders.
A novel universal primer pair for prokaryotes with improved performances for anammox containing communities
Authors: Mazzoli Lorenzo , Munz Giulio , Lotti Tommaso , Ramazzotti Matteo
Published: September 2020

Abundance profiling via 16S rRNA targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) is a common procedure to characterize mixtures of prokaryotic populations inhabiting an environment. Depending on the variable region/s addressed, different maps can be obtained due to their different information content. In this work, we focussed on wastewater microbial communities and we compared several recently developed universal primers that addressed regions V1-V3, V3-V4 and V4. They all proved to have good performance over a wide range of microbial phyla, but the phylum Planctomycetes was not optimally covered, especially for members of the Brocadiales family. Such bacteria are at the basis of the novel nitrogen removal strategy based on anammox process. To overcome this limitation we performed an extensive bioinformatic analysis that allowed the design of a primer (Pro341FB) that shows increased sensitivity for this specific phylum with respect to the previously proposed Pro341F primer. Upon validation using a 16S NGS survey on microbial communities from different wastewater treatment plant (activated sludge systems, anaerobic digesters, aerobic and anaerobic granules) we demonstrated that Pro341FB is able to reveal up to 5 times more members of the Candidatus Brocadiales family (plus many other previously under-covered prokaryotes) than Pro341F, without affecting its excellent previous coverage.
Kir3 channel blockade in the cerebellar cortex suppresses performance of classically conditioned Purkinje cell responses
Authors: Johansson Fredrik , Hesslow Germund
Published: September 2020

In the eyeblink conditioning paradigm, cerebellar Purkinje cells learn to respond to the conditional stimulus with an adaptively timed pause in its spontaneous firing. Evidence suggests that the pause is elicited by glutamate released from parallel fibers and acting on metabotropic receptors (mGluR7) which initiates a delayed-onset suppression of firing. We suggested that G protein activation of hyperpolarizing Kir3 channels (or ‘GIRK’, G protein-coupled inwardly-rectifying K+ channels) could be part of such a mechanism. Application of the Kir3 antagonist Tertiapin-LQ locally in the superficial layers of the cerebellar cortex in decerebrate ferrets suppressed normal performance of Purkinje cell pause responses to the conditional stimulus. Importantly, there was no detectable effect on spontaneous firing. These findings suggest that intact functioning of Kir3 channels in the cerebellar cortex is required for normal conditioned Purkinje cell responses.
Intrinsic electrophysiological properties predict variability in morphology and connectivity among striatal Parvalbumin-expressing Pthlh-cells
Authors: Bengtsson Gonzales Carolina , Hunt Steven , Munoz-Manchado Ana B. , McBain Chris J. , Hjerling-Leffler Jens
Published: September 2020

Determining the cellular content of the nervous system in terms of cell types and the rules of their connectivity represents a fundamental challenge to the neurosciences. The recent advent of high-throughput techniques, such as single-cell RNA-sequencing has allowed for greater resolution in the identification of cell types and/or states. Although most of the current neuronal classification schemes comprise discrete clusters, several recent studies have suggested that, perhaps especially, within the striatum, neuronal populations exist in continua, with regards to both their molecular and electrophysiological properties. Whether these continua are stable properties, established during development, or if they reflect acute differences in activity-dependent regulation of critical genes is currently unknown. We set out to determine whether gradient-like molecular differences in the recently described Pthlh-expressing inhibitory interneuron population, which contains the Pvalb-expressing cells, correlate with differences in morphological and connectivity properties. We show that morphology and long-range inputs correlate with a spatially organized molecular and electrophysiological gradient of Pthlh-interneurons, suggesting that the processing of different types of information (by distinct anatomical striatal regions) has different computational requirements.
Antifibrotic treatment improves clinical outcomes in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Kang Jieun , Han Minkyu , Song Jin Woo
Published: September 2020

In patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the effects of antifibrotic agents on the prognosis remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of antifibrotic treatment on the risks of mortality, hospitalisation, and acute exacerbation in real-world patients with IPF. A total of 1213 IPF patients (biopsy-proven cases: 405) were included in this retrospective study. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics between patients who received antifibrotic treatment and who did not. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to compare the risks of all-cause mortality, hospitalisation, acute exacerbation, and mortality following acute exacerbation between the two groups. From the 1213 patients, 474 matched pairs were generated. The mean age of the patients in the matched cohort was 65.8 years and 82.8% were men. The median follow-up duration was 27 months. Antifibrotic treatment significantly reduced the risks of mortality [hazard ratio (HR), 0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.48–0.72; p < 0.001], all-cause hospitalisation (HR 0.71), respiratory-related hospitalisation (HR 0.67), acute exacerbation (HR 0.69), and mortality after acute exacerbation (HR 0.60). Our results suggest that antifibrotic treatment may reduce the risks of all-cause mortality, hospitalisation, acute exacerbation, and mortality after acute exacerbation in patients with IPF.
Probing fibronectin adsorption on chemically defined surfaces by means of single molecule force microscopy
Authors: Liamas Evangelos , Black Richard A. , Mulheran Paul A. , Tampé Robert , Wieneke Ralph , Thomas Owen R. T. , Zhang Zhenyu J.
Published: September 2020

Atomic force microscope (AFM) based single molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) and a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) were respectively employed to probe interfacial characteristics of fibronectin fragment FNIII8–14 and full-length fibronectin (FN) on CH3–, OH–, COOH–, and NH2-terminated alkane-thiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). Force-distance curves acquired between hexahistidine-tagged FNIII8–14 immobilised on trisNTA-Ni2+ functionalized AFM cantilevers and the OH and COOH SAM surfaces were predominantly ‘loop-like’ (76% and 94% respectively), suggesting domain unfolding and preference for ‘end-on’ oriented binding, while those generated with NH2 and CH3 SAMs were largely ‘mixed type’ (81% and 86%, respectively) commensurate with unravelling and desorption, and ‘side-on’ binding. Time-dependent binding of FN to SAM-coated QCM crystals occurred in at least two phases: initial rapid coverage over the first 5 min; and variably diminishing adsorption thereafter (5–70 min). Loading profiles and the final hydrated surface concentrations reached (~ 950, ~ 1200, ~ 1400, ~ 1500 ng cm−2 for CH3, OH, COOH and NH2 SAMs) were consistent with: space-filling ‘side-on’ orientation and unfolding on CH3 SAM; greater numbers of FN molecules arranged ‘end-on’ on OH and especially COOH SAMs; and initial ‘side-on’ contact, followed by either (1) gradual tilting to a space-saving ‘end-on’ configuration, or (2) bi-/multi-layer adsorption on NH2 SAM.
Attaining functional levels of visual acuity after vitrectomy for retinal detachment secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Ricca Aaron , Boone Kiley , Boldt H. Culver , Gehrs Karen M. , Russell Stephen R. , Folk James C. , Zimmerman M. Bridget , Wilkinson Mark E. , Sohn Elliott H.
Published: September 2020

Most patients needing diabetic tractional retinal detachment (TRD) surgery are working-age adults that drive and participate in other vision-dependent activities of daily living. We sought to determine the proportion of patients that achieve functional visual acuity (VA) based on the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of ‘low vision’ (≤ 20/80) and US driving standards (≥ 20/40) after vitrectomy for diabetic TRD. In this 10-year retrospective review, consecutive patients who underwent primary vitrectomy for TRD from proliferative diabetic retinopathy were studied. 240 eyes in 203 patients met criteria for analysis (38 eyes were lost to follow up at 3 months; 68 at 12 months; 146 at 60 months). While most patients (nearly 80%) having TRD surgery had low vision pre-op, almost half attained VA that was > 20/80 five years post-op. Those most likely to achieve significant visual improvement (p < 0.0001) had concomitant vitreous hemorrhage pre-op. Only 6% of eyes met the US minimum driving standard before surgery based on VA compared to 28% after vitrectomy however this study did not examine visual fields which could warrant additional assessment depending on local requirements. In summary, significant gains in visual acuity are seen after vitrectomy for diabetic TRD that can result in functional improvement in activities of daily living.
Temporal and spatial variations in the frequency of compound hot, dry, and windy events in the central United States
Authors: Tavakol Ameneh , Rahmani Vahid , Harrington John
Published: September 2020

Simultaneous low humidity, high temperature, and high wind speeds disturb the water balance in plants, intensify evapotranspiration, and can ultimately lead to crop damage. In addition, these events have been linked to flash droughts and can play a critical role in the spread of human ignited wildfires. The spatial patterns and temporal changes of hot, dry, and windy events (HDWs) for two time periods, 1949 to 2018 (70-years) and 1969 to 2018 (50-years) were analyzed in the central United States. The highest frequencies of HDWs were observed at stations in western Kansas and west Texas. Annually, the highest number of events happened concurrently with the major heat waves and droughts in 1980 and 2011. Temporally, an overall decrease in the HDWs was significant in the eastern regions of North Dakota and South Dakota, and an upward trend was significant in Texas and the western part of the Great Plains. Significant trends in HDWs co-occurred more frequently with significant trends in extreme temperatures compared with low humidity or strong wind events. The results of this study provide valuable information on the location of places where HDWs are more likely to occur. The information provided could be used to improve water management strategies.
Ultrawide-angle and high-efficiency metalens in hexagonal arrangement
Authors: Fan Chun-Yuan , Lin Chia-Ping , Su Guo-Dung J.
Published: September 2020

Wide-angle optical systems play a vital role in imaging applications and have been researched for many years. In traditional lenses, attaining a wide field of view (FOV) by using a single optical component is difficult because these lenses have crucial aberrations. In this study, we developed a wide-angle metalens with a numerical aperture of 0.25 that provided a diffraction-limited FOV of over 170° for a wavelength of 532 nm without the need for image stitching or multiple lenses. The designed wide-angle metalens is free of aberration and polarization, and its full width of half maximum is close to the diffraction limit at all angles. Moreover, the metalens which is designed through a hexagonal arrangement exhibits higher focusing efficiency at all angles than most-seen square arrangement. The focusing efficiencies are as high as 82% at a normal incident and 45% at an incident of 85°. Compared with traditional optical components, the proposed metalens exhibits higher FOV and provides a more satisfactory image quality because of aberration correction. Because of the advantages of the proposed metalens, which are difficult to achieve for a traditional single lens, it has the potential to be applied in camera systems and virtual and augmented reality.
A novel setup for simultaneous two-photon functional imaging and precise spectral and spatial visual stimulation in Drosophila
Authors: Feord Rachael C. , Wardill Trevor J.
Published: September 2020

Motion vision has been extensively characterised in Drosophila melanogaster, but substantially less is known about how flies process colour, or how spectral information affects other visual modalities. To accurately dissect the components of the early visual system responsible for processing colour, we developed a versatile visual stimulation setup to probe combined spatial, temporal and spectral response properties. Using flies expressing neural activity indicators, we tracked visual responses in the medulla, the second visual neuropil, to a projected colour stimulus. The introduction of custom bandpass optical filters enables simultaneous two-photon imaging and visual stimulation over a large range of wavelengths without compromising the temporal stimulation rate. With monochromator-produced light, any spectral bandwidth and centre wavelength from 390 to 730 nm can be selected to produce a narrow spectral hue. A specialised screen material scatters each band of light across the visible spectrum equally at all locations of the screen, thus enabling presentation of spatially structured stimuli. We show layer-specific shifts of spectral response properties in the medulla correlating with projection regions of photoreceptor terminals.
Work functioning impairment in the course of pharmacotherapy treatment for depression
Authors: Nagata Tomohisa , Fujino Yoshihisa , Ohtani Makoto , Fujimoto Kenji , Nagata Masako , Kajiki Shigeyuki , Okawara Makoto , Mori Koji
Published: September 2020

This study investigated the association between the duration of pharmacotherapy treatment for depression, or discontinuation from treatment, and work functioning impairment. This was a retrospective cohort study examining 30,409 workers. Work functioning impairment was assessed using a questionnaire, and treatment status was assessed using medical claims data. Odds ratios (ORs) of workers with severe work functioning impairment compared with healthy workers (control group) were calculated using logistic regression analysis. Continuous medical treatment was associated with severely impaired work functioning regardless of treatment period [continuous medical treatment; 4 months <: OR = 3.2, 4 months ≥, 10 months <: OR = 2.6, 10 months ≥, 14 months <: OR = 2.3, 14 months ≥, 16 months <: OR = 2.3, which are all statistically significant (p < 0.05)]. Workers who initially received pharmacotherapy treatment but discontinued in < 11 months had a significantly higher OR (treatment discontinuation period; 3 months <: OR = 2.3, 3 months ≥, 8 months <; OR = 2.0, 8 months ≥, 11 months <; OR = 3.0), while those who discontinued at ≥ 11 months did not (OR = 1.4, 95% CI 0.6–3.5). The sensitivity analysis excluding participants with at least one psychiatric comorbidity other than depression did not change the final result. It is important for the occupational health practitioners and attending psychiatrists to follow up in cooperation with each other, paying attention to the decrease in work functioning in addition to the symptoms.
Outcome of multidisciplinary treatment of peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor
Authors: Liu Yidi , Yuan Yan , Zhang Fuquan , Hu Ke , Qiu Jie , Hou Xiaorong , Yan Junfang , Lian Xin , Sun Shuai , Liu Zhikai , Shen Jie
Published: September 2020

Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) constitute very rare and aggressive malignancies. To date, there are no standard guidelines for management of peripheral PNETs due to the paucity of cases arising in various body sites. Therapeutic approach is derived from Ewing sarcoma family, which currently remains multimodal. Our study retrospectively analyzed 86 PNET patients from February 1, 1998 to February 1, 2018 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital with an additional 75 patients from review of literature. The clinicopathologic and treatment plans associated with survival was investigated. Surgery, chemotherapy, female sex, small tumor size, no lymph node metastasis, R0 surgical resection, (vincristine + doxorubicin + cyclophosphamide)/(isophosphamide + etoposide) regimen, and more than 10 cycles of chemotherapy were associated with improved overall survival in univariate analysis. Surgery, more than 10 cycles of chemotherapy, and small tumor size were independent prognostic factors for higher overall survival. Our data indicates that multimodal therapy is the mainstay therapeutic approach for peripheral PNET.
Body size and tube voltage dependent corrections for Hounsfield Unit in medical X-ray computed tomography: theory and experiments
Authors: Zheng Xiaoming , Al-Hayek Yazan , Cummins Chris , Li Xiaotian , Nardi Laura , Albari Khaled , Evans James , Roworth Evan , Seaton Ty
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this work is to present a body size and tube voltage dependent correction scheme for the Hounsfield Unit, HU, in medical X-ray Computed Tomography imaging. Boltzmann photon transport equation was employed to study X-ray interaction with bulk water in CT imaging. Experimentally measured X-ray output in body of phantoms and attenuation cross sections of water were employed in the derivation of beam intensity in X-ray imaging. A Somatom Emotion CT scanner from Siemens and electron density phantoms from CIRS were employed to acquire CT images of different body sizes and different tissue materials located at different depths from body’s surface. Tube voltage and depth dependent effective attenuation of bulk water was found from theoretical analysis in agreement with measured size-specific correction factors for CTDIvol under different tube voltages. A size and tube voltage dependent correction scheme for the Hounsfield Unit is established. For the same tissue material, body size has much larger impact on the CT number variations than that of depth from the body surface in phantom measurements. Good results were achieved by applying the established correction scheme on the experimentally measured CT number variations under different tube voltages and body sizes.
Distinguish fatty acids impact survival, differentiation and cellular function of periodontal ligament fibroblasts
Authors: Symmank Judit , Chorus Martin , Appel Sophie , Marciniak Jana , Knaup Isabel , Bastian Asisa , Hennig Christoph-Ludwig , Döding Annika , Schulze-Späte Ulrike , Jacobs Collin , Wolf Michael
Published: September 2020

Alveolar bone (AB) remodeling is necessary for the adaption to mechanical stimuli occurring during mastication and orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Thereby, bone degradation and assembly are strongly regulated processes that can be altered in obese patients. Further, increased fatty acids (FA) serum levels affect bone remodeling cells and we, therefore, investigated whether they also influence the function of periodontal ligament fibroblast (PdLF). PdLF are a major cell type regulating the differentiation and function of osteoblasts and osteoclasts localized in the AB. We stimulated human PdLF (HPdLF) in vitro with palmitic (PA) or oleic acid (OA) and analyzed their metabolic activity, growth, survival and expression of osteogenic markers and calcium deposits. Our results emphasize that PA increased cell death of HPdLF, whereas OA induced their osteoblastic differentiation. Moreover, quantitative expression analysis of OPG and RANKL revealed altered levels in mechanically stimulated PA-treated HPdLF. Furthermore, osteoclasts stimulated with culture medium of mechanical stressed FA-treated HPdLF revealed significant changes in cell differentiation upon FA-treatment. For the first time, our results highlight a potential role of specific FA in the function of HPdLF-modulated AB remodeling and help to elucidate the complex interplay of bone metabolism, mechanical stimulation and obesity-induced alterations.
Topical ripasudil stimulates neuroprotection and axon regeneration in adult mice following optic nerve injury
Authors: Nishijima Euido , Namekata Kazuhiko , Kimura Atsuko , Guo Xiaoli , Harada Chikako , Noro Takahiko , Nakano Tadashi , Harada Takayuki
Published: September 2020

Optic nerve injury induces optic nerve degeneration and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death that lead to visual disturbance. In this study, we examined if topical ripasudil has therapeutic potential in adult mice after optic nerve crush (ONC). Topical ripasudil suppressed ONC-induced phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and ameliorated RGC death. In addition, topical ripasudil significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of collapsin response mediator protein 2 and cofilin, and promoted optic nerve regeneration. These results suggest that topical ripasudil promotes RGC protection and optic nerve regeneration by modulating multiple signaling pathways associated with neural cell death, microtubule assembly and actin polymerization.
Nutritional benefit of fungal spores for honey bee workers
Authors: Parish Jorgiane B. , Scott Eileen S. , Hogendoorn Katja
Published: September 2020

The collection of fungal spores by honey bees,Apis mellifera, can be classified as active or passive, the latter when spores are associated with pollen, nectar or honey dew. While low quality and shortage of pollen have been raised as hypotheses for fungal spore collection, the nutritional value of fungal spores for honey bees is poorly understood. Here we investigated the effect of consumption of fungal spores on survival, ovarian activation and the development of the hypopharyngeal glands (HPGs) in honey bee workers. Two pollen diets (Eucalyptussp. pollen and a multifloral pollen) supplemented or not with spores ofBotrytis cinerea,Cladosporiumsp. orColletotrichum acutatumwere used. Consumption of diets that contained fungal spores increased the longevity of honey bee workers but had no significant effect on the development of their HPGs and ovaries. This demonstrates that fungal spores may have nutritional value for honey bees and that the consumption of fungal spores may compensate for nutritional imbalances of poor-quality pollen diets.
Synthesis conditions influencing formation of MAPbBr3 perovskite nanoparticles prepared by the ligand-assisted precipitation method
Authors: Jancik Prochazkova Anna , Scharber Markus Clark , Yumusak Cigdem , Jančík Ján , Másilko Jiří , Brüggemann Oliver , Weiter Martin , Sariciftci Niyazi Serdar , Krajcovic Jozef , Salinas Yolanda , Kovalenko Alexander
Published: September 2020

This work reports on an optimized procedure to synthesize methylammonium bromide perovskite nanoparticles. The ligand-assisted precipitation synthetic pathway for preparing nanoparticles is a cost-effective and promising method due to its ease of scalability, affordable equipment requirements and convenient operational temperatures. Nevertheless, there are several parameters that influence the resulting optical properties of the final nanomaterials. Here, the influence of the choice of solvent system, capping agents, temperature during precipitation and ratios of precursor chemicals is described, among other factors. Moreover, the colloidal stability and stability of the precursor solution is studied. All of the above-mentioned parameters were observed to strongly affect the resulting optical properties of the colloidal solutions. Various solvents, dispersion media, and selection of capping agents affected the formation of the perovskite structure, and thus qualitative and quantitative optimization of the synthetic procedure conditions resulted in nanoparticles of different dimensions and optical properties. The emission maxima of the nanoparticles were in the 508–519 nm range due to quantum confinement, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. This detailed study allows the selection of the best optimal conditions when using the ligand-assisted precipitation method as a powerful tool to fine-tune nanostructured perovskite features targeted for specific applications.
Quantification of regional murine ozone-induced lung inflammation using [18F]F-FDG microPET/CT imaging
Authors: Aulakh G. K. , Kaur M. , Brown V. , Ekanayake S. , Khan B. , Fonge H.
Published: September 2020

Ozone (O3) is a highly potent and reactive air pollutant. It has been linked to acute and chronic respiratory diseases in humans by inducing inflammation. Our studies have found evidence that 0.05 ppm of O3, within the threshold of air quality standards, is capable of inducing acute lung injury. This study was undertaken to examine O3-induced lung damage using [18F]F-FDG (2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose) microPET/CT in wild-type mice. [18F]F-FDG is a known PET tracer for inflammation. Sequential [18F]F-FDG microPET/CT was performed at baseline (i.e. before O3 exposure), immediately (0 h), at 24 h and at 28 h following 2 h of 0.05 ppm O3 exposure. The images were quantified to determine O3 induced spatial standard uptake ratio of [18F]F-FDG in relation to lung tissue density and compared with baseline values. Immediately after O3 exposure, we detected a 72.21 ± 0.79% increase in lung [18F]F-FDG uptake ratio when compared to baseline measures. At 24 h post-O3 exposure, the [18F]F-FDG uptake becomes highly variable (S.D. in [18F]F-FDG = 5.174 × 10–4 units) with a 42.54 ± 0.33% increase in lung [18F]F-FDG compared to baseline. At 28 h time-point, [18F]F-FDG uptake ratio was similar to baseline values. However, the pattern of [18F]F-FDG distribution varied and was interspersed with zones of minimal uptake. Our microPET/CT imaging protocol can quantify and identify atypical regional lung uptake of [18F]F-FDG to understand the lung response to O3 exposure.
Ultra-low-loss tunable piezoelectric-actuated metasurfaces achieving 360° or 180° dynamic phase shift at millimeter-waves
Authors: Vassos Evangelos , Churm James , Feresidis Alexandros
Published: September 2020

Phase shifting metasurfaces typically consist of an ordered metallic geometry that is patterned onto a dielectric substrate and incorporate active devices or materials that enable dynamic tuning. Existing methods at mm-wave and submillimeter bands typically suffer from high losses, which are predominantly produced by the inherent limitations of the tuning elements or materials. This report presents a new, ultra-low-loss and phase-tunable, reflection type metasurface design, which outperforms previously reported technologies in terms of phase shifting and loss. The proposed technique utilizes a variable air cavity, formed between a periodic array and a ground plane, which is controlled by means of a piezoelectric actuator. Two metasurface designs are presented and experimentally tested. Firstly, a square patch element metasurface that is capable of achieving a continuous 180° phase shift across a wide bandwidth, between 35 and 65 GHz. Also presented is a double-cross element metasurface that provides full 360° phase control between 57 and 62 GHz. The variable air cavity is controlled by means of a piezoelectric actuator that supports and varies the height of a ground plane, providing highly accurate, millisecond, displacement. Unlike conventional tuning methods, the tuning mechanism, in this case the moving ground plane, introduces no additional sources of loss and enables an average loss performance of 1 dB. Full-wave simulations are presented and experimentally validated with measurements of both metasurface prototypes. The proposed approach is scalable from microwave up to THz frequencies, due to the electro-mechanical and low loss nature of the tuning.
Dissociated leg muscle atrophy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease: the ‘split-leg’ sign
Authors: Min Young Gi , Choi Seok-Jin , Hong Yoon-Ho , Kim Sung-Min , Shin Je-Young , Sung Jung-Joon
Published: September 2020

Disproportionate muscle atrophy is a distinct phenomenon in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); however, preferentially affected leg muscles remain unknown. We aimed to identify this split-leg phenomenon in ALS and determine its pathophysiology. Patients with ALS (n = 143), progressive muscular atrophy (PMA, n = 36), and age-matched healthy controls (HC, n = 53) were retrospectively identified from our motor neuron disease registry. We analyzed their disease duration, onset region, ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised Scores, and results of neurological examination. Compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of the extensor digitorum brevis (EDB), abductor hallucis (AH), and tibialis anterior (TA) were reviewed. Defined by CMAPEDB/CMAPAH(SIEDB) and CMAPTA/CMAPAH(SITA), respectively, the values of split-leg indices (SI) were compared between these groups. SIEDBwas significantly reduced in ALS (p < 0.0001) and PMA (p < 0.0001) compared to the healthy controls (HCs). SITAreduction was more prominent in PMA (p < 0.05 vs. ALS, p < 0.01 vs. HC), but was not significant in ALS compared to the HCs. SI was found to be significantly decreased with clinical lower motor neuron signs (SIEDB), while was rather increased with clinical upper motor neuron signs (SITA). Compared to the AH, TA and EDB are more severely affected in ALS and PMA patients. Our findings help to elucidate the pathophysiology of split-leg phenomenon.
Dimethyl 3,3′-dithiobispropionimidate-functionalized diatomaceous earth particles for efficient biomolecule separation
Authors: Jang Yoon Ok , Noh Geun Su , Liu Huifang , Koo Bonhan , Qiao Zhen , Shin Yong
Published: September 2020

The early diagnosis and monitoring of cancers are key factors in effective cancer treatment. Particularly, the separation of biomolecules is an essential step for both diagnostic and analytical purposes. However, the current techniques used to isolate biomolecules are intensive, laborious, and require multiple instruments as well as repeated sample preparations to separate each biomolecule. Thus, an efficient separation system that can simultaneously separate biomolecules from scarce samples is highly desirable. Hence, in this study, we developed a biosilica-based syringe filtration system for the efficient separation of biomolecules from cancer samples using amine-modified diatomaceous earth (AD) with dimethyl 3,3′-dithiobispropionimidate (DTBP). The syringe filter can be an efficient and rapid tool for use in various procedures without complex instruments. The DTBP-based AD system was combined with the syringe filter system for nucleic acid and protein separation from various cancer cells. We demonstrated the efficacy of the DTBP-based AD in a single-filter system for the efficient separation of DNA and proteins within 40 min. This DTBP-based AD syringe filter system showed good rapidity, efficiency, and affordability in the separation of biomolecules from single samples for the early diagnosis and clinical analysis of cancers.
Metagenomic analysis of human-biting cat fleas in urban northeastern United States of America reveals an emerging zoonotic pathogen
Authors: Ferreira Francisco C. , Fonseca Dina M. , Hamilton George , Price Dana
Published: September 2020

An infestation of cat fleas in a research center led to the detection of two genotypes of Ctenocephalides felis biting humans in New Jersey, USA. The rarer flea genotype had an 83% incidence of Rickettsia asembonensis, a recently described bacterium closely related to R. felis, a known human pathogen. A metagenomics analysis developed in under a week recovered the entire R. asembonensis genome at high coverage and matched it to identical or almost identical (> 99% similarity) strains reported worldwide. Our study exposes the potential of cat fleas as vectors of human pathogens in crowded northeastern U.S, cities and suburbs where free-ranging cats are abundant. Furthermore, it demonstrates the power of metagenomics to glean large amounts of comparative data regarding both emerging vectors and their pathogens.
Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oils obtained from leaves and flowers of Salvia hydrangea DC. ex Benth.
Authors: Ghavam Mansureh , Manca Maria Letizia , Manconi Maria , Bacchetta Gianluigi
Published: September 2020

The majority of essential oils obtained from vascular plants have been demonstrated to be effective in treating fungal and bacterial infections. Among others, Salvia hydrangea is an endemic half-shrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family that has been widely used from ancient times in Iranian traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to compare the composition and antimicrobial properties of essential oils obtained from leaves or flowers of this plant, collected from the Daran region of Iran during June 2018. The oils were obtained using Clevenger apparatus, their composition was evaluated by means of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and the antimicrobial properties were assayed by measuring inhibition halos, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The yield of leaf oil was ~ 0.25% and that of flower oil was ~ 0.28%. Oil composition was affected by the part of the plants used: the most abundant bioactives contained in leaf essential oil were (+)-spathulenol (16.07%), 1,8-cineole (13.96%), trans-caryophyllene (9.58%), β-pinene (8.91%) and β-eudesmol (5.33%) and those in flower essential oil were caryophyllene oxide (35.47%), 1,8-cineole (9.54%), trans-caryophyllene (6.36%), β-eudesmol (4.11%), caryophyllenol-II (3.46%) and camphor (3.33%). Both the oils showed a significant inhibitory and lethal effect on the Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC ~ 16 µg/mL), Shigella dysenteriae and Klebsiella pneumoniae (MIC ~ 62 µg/mL). Therefore, the essential oils obtained from both leaves and flowers of S. hydrangea may have potential application as bactericidal agents against some bacteria.
Co-upgrading of biomass and plastic volatiles via metal-modified HZSM-5 coupled with NTP: deterioration and in situ recovery of the catalyst
Authors: Fan Yongsheng , Hou Guangxi , Xiong Yonglian , Chen Chuanjie , Zhao Weidong
Published: September 2020

Deterioration and in situ recovery of metal-modified HZSM-5 involved in co-upgrading of biomass and plastic volatiles are reported by employing NTP.
Photocatalytic materials and light-driven continuous processes to remove emerging pharmaceutical pollutants from water and selectively close the carbon cycle
Authors: Vilé Gianvito
Published: September 2020

Past and present technologies for wastewater purification and future research directions are critically discussed in this review.
Tunable NIR-II emitting silver chalcogenide quantum dots using thio/selenourea precursors: preparation of an MRI/NIR-II multimodal imaging agent
Authors: Bhardwaj Karishma , Pradhan Sajan , Basel Siddhant , Clarke Mitchell , Brito Beatriz , Thapa Surakcha , Roy Pankaj , Borthakur Sukanya , Saikia Lakshi , Shankar Amit , Stasiuk Graeme J. , Pariyar Anand , Tamang Sudarsan
Published: September 2020

Precursor-controlled synthesis of silver chalcogenide quantum dots with tunable fluorescence in the second near-infrared window.
Widely contrasting outcomes from the use of tris(pentafluorophenyl)bismuth or pentafluorophenylsilver as oxidants in the reactions of lanthanoid metals with N,N′-diarylformamidines
Authors: Guo Zhifang , Blair Victoria L. , Deacon Glen B. , Junk Peter C.
Published: September 2020

Reactions of lanthanoid metals with Bi(C6F5)3 or AgC6F5 and two widely disparate formamidines, have been investigated.
Facile solution synthesis of Bi3+/Yb3+ ions co-doped Cs2Na0.6Ag0.4InCl6 double perovskites with near-infrared emission
Authors: Zhang Guodong , Wei Yi , Dang Peipei , Xiao Hui , Liu Dongjie , Li Xinke , Cheng Ziyong , Lin Jun
Published: September 2020

A facile solution synthesis method was developed to produce Cs2Na0.6Ag0.4InCl6:Bi,Yb with a visible emission (400–800 nm) and an NIR emission, which originates from STEs-to-Yb3+ energy transfer.
Expression of interfacial Seebeck coefficient through grain boundary engineering with multi-layer graphene nanoplatelets
Authors: Lin Yue , Wood Maxwell , Imasato Kazuki , Kuo Jimmy Jiahong , Lam David , Mortazavi Anna N. , Slade Tyler J. , Hodge Stephen A. , Xi Kai , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. , Clarke David R. , Hersam Mark C. , Snyder G. Jeffrey
Published: September 2020

Expression of energy filtering to boost thermoelectric performance through grain boundary engineering utilising graphene.
Polyphenols and health
Authors: Croft Kevin D. , Fraga Cesar G.
Published: September 2020

Kevin Croft and Cesar Fraga introduce the Food & Function themed collection for the International Conference on Polyphenols and Health (ICPH2019).
Highly purified extracellular vesicles from human cardiomyocytes demonstrate preferential uptake by human endothelial cells
Authors: Zwi-Dantsis Limor , Winter Charles W. , Kauscher Ulrike , Ferrini Arianna , Wang Brian , Whittaker Thomas E. , Hood Steve R. , Terracciano Cesare M. , Stevens Molly M.
Published: September 2020

Highly purified EVs isolated from human cardiomyocytes show differential uptake in cardiac cell types.
Low loss waveguiding and slow light modes in coupled subwavelength silicon Mie resonators
Authors: Ding Lu , Yu Ye Feng , Morits Dmitry , Yu Mingbin , Ang Thomas Y. L. , Chu Hong-Son , Thor Lim Soon , Png Ching Eng , Paniagua-Dominguez Ramon , Kuznetsov Arseniy I.
Published: September 2020

Coupled subwavelength silicon Mie resonators have shown the low loss waveguiding and slow light behavior.
In situ growth of CeO2 on g-C3N4 nanosheets toward a spherical g-C3N4/CeO2 nanozyme with enhanced peroxidase-like catalysis: a selective colorimetric analysis strategy for mercury(ii )
Authors: Zhao Xiaoting , Li Shuai , Yu Xiaoxue , Gang Ruotong , Wang Hua
Published: September 2020

CeO2 was grown on g-C3N4 nanosheets toward a g-C3N4/CeO2 nanozyme with enhanced peroxidase-like catalysis for the selective colorimetric analysis of mercury(ii).
Minimizing two-dimensional Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheet loading in carbon-free silicon anodes
Authors: Sarang Kasturi T. , Zhao Xiaofei , Holta Dustin , Radovic Miladin , Green Micah J. , Oh Eun-Suok , Lutkenhaus Jodie L.
Published: September 2020

Replacing hydrophobic carbon with a minimal amount of highly conductive and hydrophilic Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets increases the total capacity of the silicon electrode.
The role of carbon dots – derived underlayer in hematite photoanodes
Authors: Guo Qian , Luo Hui , Zhang Jifang , Ruan Qiushi , Prakash Periasamy Arun , Fang Yuanxing , Xie Zailai , Li Xuanhua , Wang Xinchen , Tang Junwang , Briscoe Joe , Titirici Magdalena , Jorge Ana Belen
Published: September 2020

We developed a carbon underlayer from low-cost carbon dots between FTO and hematite photoanodes. The bulk and interfacial charge transfer dynamics of hematite are greatly improved, leading to a remarkable enhancement in the photocurrent response.
How the combination of PhIO and I2 provides a species responsible for conducting organic reactions through radical mechanisms
Authors: Farshadfar Kaveh , Gouranourimi Ali , Ariafard Alireza
Published: September 2020

This contribution provides an answer to the long-standing question of how organic radicals are produced by the PhIO/I2 system and how the ensuing radicals are oxidized by the same system to yield the organic products.
Synthesis and properties of chiral fluorescent helicene-BODIPY conjugates
Authors: Moneva Lorente Pau , Wallabregue Antoine , Zinna Francesco , Besnard Céline , Di Bari Lorenzo , Lacour Jérôme
Published: September 2020

A series of chiral fluorescent helicene-BODIPY conjugates was prepared by the regioselective formylation of aza[4]helicene precursors and then an efficient one-pot two-step BODIPY synthesis (13 examples, 28–82%).
Synthesis and immunomodulatory activity of the sulfated tetrasaccharide motif of type B ulvanobiuronic acid 3-sulfate
Authors: Zhang Liangliang , Wang Xiaotong , Hua Qingting , Wang Junchang , Liu Jianwen , Yang You
Published: September 2020

The first chemical synthesis and preliminary immunomodulatory evaluation of the unique sulfated tetrasaccharide motif of B3S are achieved.
Generation and reaction of alkyl radicals in open reaction vessels
Authors: Tatunashvili Elene , McErlean Christopher S. P.
Published: September 2020

An operationally simple process to transform alkyl iodides into reactive alkyl radicals is described.
Photo-cleavable perfluoroalkylated copolymers for tailoring quantum dot thin films
Authors: Son Jongchan , Roh Heebum , Shin Han Young , Park Keun-Woo , Park Chunhee , Park Hanbit , Lee Changhee , Kwak Jeonghun , Jung Byung Jun , Lee Jin-Kyun
Published: September 2020

We report the synthesis, operating mechanism, and application of a copolymer that reveals increasing solubility in fluorous solvents by photolysis.
A fluorescent sensor for intracellular Zn2+ based on cylindrical molecular brushes of poly(2-oxazoline) through ion-induced emission
Authors: Chen Shanshan , Sun Tingting , Xie Zhigang , Dong Dewen , Zhang Ning
Published: September 2020

Poly(2-oxazoline) molecular brushes bearing enaminitrile receptors in the side chain ends exhibit good biocompatibility, excellent fluorescent selectivity for Zn2+, and possibility in detecting intracellular Zn2+.
Metathesis polymerization of monomers containing two diphenylacetylene units: synthesis and properties of poly(diphenylacetylene)s bearing diphenylacetylene units on the side chain
Authors: Sakaguchi Toshikazu , Shimada Hikaru , Hashimoto Tamotsu
Published: September 2020

Selective metathesis polymerization provided highly emissive, gas-permeable, and thermally stable poly(diphenylacetylene)s possessing diphenylacetylene units on the side chain.
An aptasensor for the label-free detection of thrombin based on turn-on fluorescent DNA-templated Cu/Ag nanoclusters
Authors: Zhang Baozhu , Wei Chunying
Published: September 2020

A highly sensitive thrombin aptasensor was constructed based on the alteration of the aptamer conformation induced by the target recognition and the turn-on fluorescence due to the proximity of two darkish DNA-templated copper/silver nanoclusters (DNA-Cu/Ag NCs).
Tailoring nanoscale polarization patterns and transport properties in ferroelectric tunnel junctions by octahedral tilts in electrodes
Authors: Li Hongfang , Chen Weijin , Zheng Yue
Published: September 2020

This work evaluated the role of octahedral tilts in SrRuO3 electrodes for BaTiO3/CaTiO3 FTJs combined with interface engineering.
Crystal structure, spectroscopic measurement, optical properties, thermal studies and biological activities of a new hybrid material containing iodide anions of bismuth(iii)
Authors: Ben Ali Saida , Feki Amal , Ferretti Valeria , Nasri Moncef , Belhouchet Mohamed
Published: September 2020

A novel halogenobismuthate(iii) organic–inorganic hybrid material named bis(4,4′-diammoniumdiphenylsulfone) hexadecaiodotetrabismuthate(iii) tetrahydrate, (C12H14N2O2S)2[Bi4I16]·4H2O, has been prepared by slow evaporation at room temperature.
Ag@TiO2NPs/PU composite fabric with special wettability for separating various water–oil emulsions
Authors: Zhang Ming , Liang Daxin , Jiang Wei , Shi Junyou
Published: September 2020

In present study, two types of Ag@TiO2NPs/PU composite fabrics with superwetting and antimicrobial properties were fabricated, which serve as the separating membrane for the fine reclaim of water or oil from their emulsion mixtures successfully.
Boosting the electrochemical properties of carbon materials as bipolar electrodes by introducing oxygen functional groups
Authors: Zhang Yaxiong , Liu Ying , Bai Yunfei , Liu Yupeng , Xie Erqing
Published: September 2020

Carbon materials with effective oxygen functional groups as positive and negative electrodes and their special energy storage mechanism.
Cascade reaction engineering on zirconia-supported mesoporous MFI zeolites with tunable Lewis–Brønsted acid sites: a case of the one-pot conversion of furfural to γ-valerolactone
Authors: Kim Kyung Duk , Kim Jaeheon , Teoh Wey Yang , Kim Jeong-Chul , Huang Jun , Ryoo Ryong
Published: September 2020

The highly mesoporous ZrO2[Al]MFI-NS with close proximity of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites exhibited the one-pot conversion of furfural to γ-valerolactone (GVL) and achieved a high yield of 83% GVL.
A non-metal route to realize the bio-based polyester of poly(hexylene succinate): preparation conditions, side-reactions and mechanism in sulfonic acid-functionalized Brønsted acidic ionic liquids
Authors: Wei Chenyang , Liu Zhengping , Tan Hongwei , Huang Liyan , Li Jun
Published: September 2020

Biobased poly(hexylene succinate) synthesized in sulfonic acid-functionalized Brönsted acidic ionic liquids was monitored by 1H NMR spectra and DFT calculations.
Instant and quantitative epoxidation of styrene under ambient conditions over a nickel(ii)dibenzotetramethyltetraaza[14]annulene complex immobilized on amino-functionalized SBA-15
Authors: Abboud Mohamed , Al-Zaqri Nabil , Sahlabji Taher , Eissa Murad , Mubarak Ahmed T. , Bel-Hadj-Tahar Radhouane , Alsalme Ali , Alharthi Fahad A. , Alsyahi Amjad , Hamdy Mohamed S.
Published: September 2020

Immediate and quantitative epoxidation of styrene under ambient conditions catalyzed by new nanocatalyst obtained by immobilizing nickel(ii)dibenzotetramethyltetraaza[14]annulene in amino-functionalized SBA-15.
Trapping of different stages of BaTiO3reduction with LiH
Authors: Guo Hua , Jaworski Aleksander , Ma Zili , Slabon Adam , Bacsik Zoltan , Nedumkandathil Reji , Häussermann Ulrich
Published: September 2020

Different forms of reduced BaTiO3, which include oxyhydride BaTiO2.9H0.1and O-deficient BaTiO2.9−xH0.1□x, were obtained from reactions with LiH at various temperatures.
Decarbonylative ether dissection by iridium pincer complexes
Authors: Yoo Changho , Dodge Henry M. , Farquhar Alexandra H. , Gardner Kristen E. , Miller Alexander J. M.
Published: September 2020

A unique chain-rupturing transformation that converts an ether functionality into two hydrocarbyl units and carbon monoxide is reported.
Foldable semi-ladder polymers: novel aggregation behavior and high-performance solution-processed organic light-emitting transistors
Authors: Yuan Dafei , Awais Mohammad A. , Sharapov Valerii , Liu Xunshan , Neshchadin Andriy , Chen Wei , Bera Mrinal , Yu Luping
Published: September 2020

Coiled foldamers with intramolecular H-aggregation in semi-ladder copolymers lead towards the highest EQE of 6.9% in solution-processed multi-layer OLETs.
f-Element silicon and heavy tetrel chemistry
Authors: Réant Benjamin L. L. , Liddle Stephen T. , Mills David P.
Published: September 2020

In this perspective we review the molecular chemistry of f-element silicon and heavy tetrel complexes.