bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early prediction of neoadjuvant chemotherapy response by exploiting a transfer learning approach on breast DCE-MRIs
Authors: Comes Maria Colomba , Fanizzi Annarita , Bove Samantha , Didonna Vittorio , Diotaiuti Sergio , La Forgia Daniele , Latorre Agnese , Martinelli Eugenio , Mencattini Arianna , Nardone Annalisa , Paradiso Angelo Virgilio , Ressa Cosmo Maurizio , Tamborra Pasquale , Lorusso Vito , Massafra Raffaella
Published: July 2021

The dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging plays a crucial role in evaluating the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) even since its early stage through the prediction of the final pathological complete response (pCR). In this study, we proposed a transfer learning approach to predict if a patient achieved pCR (pCR) or did not (non-pCR) by exploiting, separately or in combination, pre-treatment and early-treatment exams from I-SPY1 TRIAL public database. First, low-level features, i.e., related to local structure of the image, were automatically extracted by a pre-trained convolutional neural network (CNN) overcoming manual feature extraction. Next, an optimal set of most stable features was detected and then used to design an SVM classifier. A first subset of patients, called fine-tuning dataset (30 pCR; 78 non-pCR), was used to perform the optimal choice of features. A second subset not involved in the feature selection process was employed as an independent test (7 pCR; 19 non-pCR) to validate the model. By combining the optimal features extracted from both pre-treatment and early-treatment exams with some clinical features, i.e., ER, PgR, HER2 and molecular subtype, an accuracy of 91.4% and 92.3%, and an AUC value of 0.93 and 0.90, were returned on the fine-tuning dataset and the independent test, respectively. Overall, the low-level CNN features have an important role in the early evaluation of the NAC efficacy by predicting pCR. The proposed model represents a first effort towards the development of a clinical support tool for an early prediction of pCR to NAC.
Silvopastoral system is an alternative to improve animal welfare and productive performance in meat production systems
Authors: Lemes Amanda Prudêncio , Garcia Alexandre Rossetto , Pezzopane José Ricardo Macedo , Brandão Felipe Zandonadi , Watanabe Yeda Fumie , Cooke Reinaldo Fernandes , Sponchiado Mariana , de Paz Claudia Cristina Paro , Camplesi Annelise Carla , Binelli Mario , Gimenes Lindsay Unno
Published: July 2021

Climate change is a reality and global surface temperature is projected to rise substantially in the next 80 years. Agriculture practices will have to adapt to climate change, and also help to mitigate this effect using, among other strategies, forest conservation and management. Silvopastoral systems have been adopted in tropical climate livestock areas but their benefits on thermal comfort and reproductive performance of beef cows are not completely known. Therefore, our aims were to compare the microclimate of silvopastoral and intensive rotational unshaded grazing systems in different months and to evaluate physiological variables (Exp. 1 and 2), metabolism, and in vitro embryo production (Exp. 2) in crossbred beef females. Our hypothesis is that the silvopastoral system can improve the thermal comfort of beef heifers and cows and, consequently, also improve dry matter intake, body weight gain, and in vitro embryo production when compared to the unshaded rotational grazing system. In Exp 1, the silvopastoral system decreased body temperature and increased welfare and performance of heifers. In Exp. 2, the silvopastoral system enhanced the body weight but did not affect metabolism and the general reproductive performance, but increased the recovery rate of oocytes in primiparous cows.
A pilot metagenomic study reveals that community derived mobile phones are reservoirs of viable pathogenic microbes
Authors: Olsen Matthew , Nassar Rania , Senok Abiola , Albastaki Abdulla , Leggett John , Lohning Anna , Campos Mariana , Jones Peter , McKirdy Simon , Tajouri Lotti , Alghafri Rashed
Published: July 2021

There is increasing attention focussed on the risks associated with mobile phones possibly serving as ‘Trojan Horse’ fomites for microbial transmission in healthcare settings. However, little is reported on the presence of microbes on community derived mobile phones which in 2021, numbered in the billions in circulation with majority being used on a daily basis. Identify viable microbial organisms swabbed from smartphones on a university campus. Entire surfaces of 5 mobile phones were swabbed and examined for their microbial content using pre-agar-based growths followed by downstream DNA metagenomic next-generation sequencing analysis. All phones were contaminated with viable microbes. 173 bacteria, 8 fungi, 8 protists, 53 bacteriophages, 317 virulence factor genes and 41 distinct antibiotic resistant genes were identified. While this research represents a pilot study, the snapshot metagenomic analysis of samples collected from the surface of mobile phones has revealed the presence of a large population of viable microbes and an array of antimicrobial resistant factors. With billions of phones in circulation, these devices might be responsible for the rise of community acquired infections. These pilot results highlight the importance of public health authorities considering mobile phones as ‘Trojan Horse’ devices for microbial transmission and ensure appropriate decontamination campaigns are implemented.
Renal markers and risks of all cause and cardiovascular mortality from the Taichung community based cohort study
Authors: Lin Cheng-Chieh , Chen Ting-Yu , Li Chia-Ing , Liu Chiu-Shong , Lin Chih-Hsueh , Wang Mu-Cyun , Yang Shing-Yu , Li Tsai-Chung
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to explore the associations between renal-related and arterial stiffness biomarkers with all-cause and expanded cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in a general Taiwanese population. This prospective community-based cohort study included 4883 subjects aged ≥ 20 years who were followed up until December 31, 2016. Renal-related biomarkers consisted of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). Arterial stiffness biomarker consisted of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). The death status of the subjects was ascertained by matching information from death records with the identification number and date of birth of the subjects. Cox proportional hazard models with restricted cubic splines estimated the hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for all-cause mortality and expanded CVD mortality. During a mean 8.3 years of follow up, 456 deaths were recorded, 146 of which were due to expanded CVD mortality. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios of all-cause mortality was 1.53 (95% CI 1.21–1.94) for BUN (≥ 20 mg/dL vs. < 20 mg/dL), 1.57 (1.15–2.14) for eGFR (< 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2), 1.55 (1.25–1.92) for UACR (≥ 30 mg/g vs. < 30 mg/g), and 1.75 (1.14–2.67) for baPWV (≥ 1400 cm/s vs. < 1400 cm/s). The expanded CVD mortality was 1.89 (95% CI 1.30–2.73) for BUN (≥ 20 mg/dL vs. < 20 mg/dL), 2.28 (1.13–4.57) for eGFR (< 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2), 2.13 (1.52–2.99) for UACR (≥ 25 mg/g vs. < 25 mg/g), and 15.73 (2.14–115.61) for baPWV (≥ 1400 cm/s vs. < 1400 cm/s). High levels of BUN, UACR, and baPWV and low levels of eGFR showed high risks with all-cause and expanded CVD mortality. Our study provides insights into screening tests to target populations at high risk of premature death due to CVD.
Molecular detection and phylogenetic analyses of Anaplasma spp. in Haemaphysalis longicornis from goats in four provinces of China
Authors: Yan Yaqun , Wang Kunlun , Cui Yanyan , Zhou Yongchun , Zhao Shanshan , Zhang Yajun , Jian Fuchun , Wang Rongjun , Zhang Longxian , Ning Changshen
Published: July 2021

Anaplasma species, which are distributed worldwide, are gram-negative obligate intracellular tick-borne bacteria that pose a threat to human and animal health. Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks play a vital role as vectors in the transmission of Anaplasma pathogens. However, the Anaplasma species carried by H. longicornis in China are yet to be characterized. In this study, 1074 H. longicornis specimens were collected from goats in four provinces of China from 2018 to 2019 and divided into 371 sample pools. All tick sample pools were examined for the presence of Anaplasma species via nested PCR amplification of 16S ribosomal RNA, major surface protein 4 (msp4), or citric acid synthase (gltA) genes, which were sequenced to determine the molecular and phylogenetic characteristics of the isolates. The overall Anaplasma spp-positive rate of H. longicornis was determined to be 26.68% (99/371). The percentage prevalence of A. phagocytophilum-like1, A. bovis, A. ovis, A. marginale, and A. capra were 1.08% (4/371), 13.21% (49/371), 13.21% (49/371), 1.35% (5/371), and 10.24% (38/371), respectively, and the co-infection rate of two or more types of Anaplasma was 6.47% (24/371). Phylogenetic analyses led to the classification of A. phagocytophilum into an A. phagocytophilum-like1 (Anaplasma sp. Japan) group. Anaplasma bovis sequences obtained in this study were 99.8–100% identical to those of an earlier strain isolated from a Chinese tick (GenBank accession no. KP314251). Anaplasma ovis sequences showed 99.3–99.6% identity to an A. ovis human strain identified from a Cypriot patient (GenBank accession no. FJ460443). Only one msp4 sequence of A. marginale was detected and was grouped with those of other A. marginale isolates, and these A. capra isolates obtained in this present study may be zoonotic. The detection and characterization of four Anaplasma species in H. longicornis in this study have added to the current knowledge of the parasite and provided data on multiple Anaplasma species with veterinary and medical significance from four provinces of China.
Biscogniauxia rosacearum the charcoal canker agent as a pathogen associated with grapevine trunk diseases in Zagros region of Iran
Authors: Bahmani Zeinab , Abdollahzadeh Jafar , Amini Jahanshir , Evidente Antonio
Published: July 2021

Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) are well-known and significant fungal diseases of Vitis vinifera with a worldwide distribution. During August to November 2016 in a survey to characterize fungi associated with grapevine trunk diseases in Kermanshah Province (west of Iran) vineyards, 286 fungal isolates were obtained. Based on morphology and DNA sequences data eight species were identified, of which Biscogniauxia rosacearum, Neoscytalidium hyalinum and Phaeoacremonium minimum were the most aggressive fungal pathogenic species characterized in this research. N. hyalinum was the most prevalent species. N. hyalinum and Ph. minimum have previously been reported from Vitis vinifera. Thus far, there are two records of Biscogniauxia mediterranea and Biscogniauxia capnodes on grapevine in the world with no data on pathology aspects. To our knowledge, it is the first time B. rosacearum is reported from grapevine across the globe. Pathogenicity test with three strains of B. rosacearum on 2-year-old potted grapevines confirmed the pathogenicity of B. rosacearum on grapevine. The proximity of vineyards to the oak trees in Zagros forests as one of the plant hosts of Biscogniauxia spp. further highlights the need for extensive studies on B. rosacearum as a new fungal pathogen.
Unsteady squeezing flow of Cu-Al2O3/water hybrid nanofluid in a horizontal channel with magnetic field
Authors: Khashi’ie Najiyah Safwa , Waini Iskandar , Arifin Norihan Md , Pop Ioan
Published: July 2021

The proficiency of hybrid nanofluid from Cu-Al2O3/water formation as the heat transfer coolant is numerically analyzed using the powerful and user-friendly interface bvp4c in the Matlab software. For that purpose, the Cu-Al2O3/water nanofluid flow between two parallel plates is examined where the lower plate can be deformed while the upper plate moves towards/away from the lower plate. Other considerable factors are the wall mass suction/injection and the magnetic field that applied on the lower plate. The reduced ordinary (similarity) differential equations are solved using the bvp4c application. The validation of this novel model is conducted by comparing a few of numerical values for the reduced case of viscous fluid. The results imply the potency of this heat transfer fluid which can enhance the heat transfer performance for both upper and lower plates approximately by 7.10% and 4.11%, respectively. An increase of squeezing parameter deteriorates the heat transfer coefficient by 4.28% (upper) and 5.35% (lower), accordingly. The rise of suction strength inflates the heat transfer at the lower plate while the presence of the magnetic field shows a reverse result.
An evolutionary perspective on kin care directed up the generations
Authors: Arnot Megan , Mace Ruth
Published: July 2021

Within evolutionary sciences, care towards younger kin is well understood from an inclusive fitness framework, but why adults would care for older relatives has been less well researched. One existing model has argued that care directed towards elderly parents might be adaptive because of their benefits as carers themselves, with their help freeing up the middle generations’ energy which can then be invested into direct reproduction. However, in this model, elder care is more beneficial to fitness if the carer is fecund. To offer an initial test of this hypothesis, we look at caring behaviour relative to fecundity status in a contemporary dataset from the United Kingdom. If elder care is contingent on possible direct fitness benefits, we would expect women who are still menstruating to care more for their parents than women who can no longer reproduce. Based on this, we also predict that women who are physiologically post-reproductive would invest more in their grandchildren, through whom they can increase their inclusive fitness. After controlling for age and other relevant factors, we find that women who are still menstruating spend more time caring for their parents than those who are not, and the reverse is true when looking at time spent caring for grandchildren. These findings demonstrate that potential inclusive fitness outcomes influence how women allocate care up and down the generations.
Comparison of real-life data of abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Demirci Ayşe , Bilir Cemil , Gülbağcı Burcu , Hacıbekiroğlu İlhan , Bayoğlu İbrahim V. , Bilgetekin İrem , Koca Sinan , Çınkır Havva Y. , Akdeniz Nadiye , Gül Deniz , Varım Ceyhun , Demirci Umut , Öksüzoğlu Berna
Published: July 2021

To compare enzalutamide (E) and abiraterone acetate (AA) in terms of efficacy, survival and to characterize prognostic factors affecting survival in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients. A total of 250 patients treated with E or AA in 5 centers were included. The number of patients with no prostate specific antigen (PSA) decline was higher in the AA group than that in the E group, and the proportion of patients with a PSA decline of ≥ 50% was higher in the E group (p = 0.020). Radiological progression free survival (rPFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly longer in the E group when compared to that in the AA group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.027, respectively). In the E group, rPFS was significantly longer than that in the AA group in both pre- and post-docetaxel settings (p = 0.010 and p = 0.003, respectively). OS was similar in the pre-docetaxel setting; but in the post-docetaxel setting, E group had a significantly longer OS than the AA group (p = 0.021). In the multivariate analysis performed in the whole patient group, we found that good prognostic factors for rPFS were E treatment, being ≥ 75 years and a PSA decline of ≥ 50% while there was no factor affecting OS. With longer OS and PFS, E seems to be more suitable for mCRPC patients in the post-docetaxel setting than AA.
Activating transcription factor 4 mediates adaptation of human glioblastoma cells to hypoxia and temozolomide
Authors: Lorenz Nadja I. , Sittig Alina C. M. , Urban Hans , Luger Anna-Luisa , Engel Anna L. , Münch Christian , Steinbach Joachim P. , Ronellenfitsch Michael W.
Published: July 2021

The integrated stress response (ISR) is a central cellular adaptive program that is activated by diverse stressors including ER stress, hypoxia and nutrient deprivation to orchestrate responses via activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4). We hypothesized that ATF4 is essential for the adaptation of human glioblastoma (GB) cells to the conditions of the tumor microenvironment and is contributing to therapy resistance against chemotherapy. ATF4 induction in GB cells was modulated pharmacologically and genetically and investigated in the context of temozolomide treatment as well as glucose and oxygen deprivation. The relevance of the ISR was analyzed by cell death and metabolic measurements under conditions to approximate aspects of the GB microenvironment. ATF4 protein levels were induced by temozolomide treatment. In line, ATF4 gene suppressed GB cells (ATF4sh) displayed increased cell death and decreased survival after temozolomide treatment. Similar results were observed after treatment with the ISR inhibitor ISRIB. ATF4sh and ISRIB treated GB cells were sensitized to hypoxia-induced cell death. Our experimental study provides evidence for an important role of ATF4 for the adaptation of human GB cells to conditions of the tumor microenvironment characterized by low oxygen and nutrient availability and for the development of temozolomide resistance. Inhibiting the ISR in GB cells could therefore be a promising therapeutic approach.
Lipid metabolism of sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus in two contrasting natural habitats
Authors: Anedda Roberto , Siliani Silvia , Melis Riccardo , Loi Barbara , Baroli Maura
Published: July 2021

Sea urchins Paracentrotus lividus were harvested monthly from April 2015 to March 2016 from two sites in Sardinia (Italy). The two sites, a Posidonia oceanica meadow and a rocky bottom habitat, were naturally characterized by different food sources and availability, being mainly populated by the sea grass Posidonia oceanica and the brown algae Halopteris scoparia, respectively. Total lipids showed a minimum during winter in mature gonads, and a maximum in the summer (recovery stage). Fatty acid (FA) profiles of gut contents and gonads differed from those of the most available food sources. Levels of C18:3 (n-3) (ALA) discriminated samples from the two sites. Despite the very low amounts of C20:5 (n-3) (EPA) and C20:4 (n-6) (ARA) in P. oceanica, the main FA in gonads and gut contents were EPA and ARA in both sites. Increase in green algae intake prior to gametogenesis, especially C. cylindracea, likely affected EPA and ARA levels in gonads. The results show that P. lividus is able to concentrate lipids in gut contents and also to selectively store EPA, ARA and their precursors ALA and 18:2 (n-6) (LA). Moreover, bioconversion of ALA to EPA and of LA to ARA in P. lividus is suggested.
Genetic ancestry inferred from autosomal and Y chromosome markers and HLA genotypes in Type 1 Diabetes from an admixed Brazilian population
Authors: Azulay Rossana Santiago de Sousa , Porto Luís Cristóvão , Silva Dayse Aparecida , Tavares Maria da Glória , Reis Roberta Maria Duailibe Ferreira , Nascimento Gilvan Cortês , Damianse Sabrina da Silva Pereira , Rocha Viviane Chaves de Carvalho , Magalhães Marcelo , Rodrigues Vandilson , Carvalho Paulo Ricardo Vilas Boas , Faria Manuel dos Santos , Gomes Marília Brito
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between genetic ancestry inferred from autosomal and Y chromosome markers and HLA genotypes in patients with Type 1 Diabetes from an admixed Brazilian population. Inference of autosomal ancestry; HLA-DRB1, -DQA1 and -DQB1 typifications; and Y chromosome analysis were performed. European autosomal ancestry was about 50%, followed by approximately 25% of African and Native American. The European Y chromosome was predominant. The HLA-DRB1*03 and DRB1*04 alleles presented risk association with T1D. When the Y chromosome was European, DRB1*03 and DRB1*04 homozygote and DRB1*03/DRB1*04 heterozygote genotypes were the most frequent. The results suggest that individuals from Maranhão have a European origin as their major component; and are patrilineal with greater frequency from the R1b haplogroup. The predominance of the HLA-DRB1*03 and DRB1*04 alleles conferring greater risk in our population and being more frequently related to the ancestry of the European Y chromosome suggests that in our population, the risk of T1D can be transmitted by European ancestors of our process miscegenation. However, the Y sample sizes of Africans and Native Americans were small, and further research should be conducted with large mixed sample sizes to clarify this possible association.
Large scale cytokine profiling uncovers elevated IL12-p70 and IL-17A in severe pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Wong Judith Ju Ming , Tan Herng Lee , Zhou Jieliang , Lee Jan Hau , Leong Jing Yao , Yeo Joo Guan , Lee Yie Hou
Published: July 2021

The specific cytokines that regulate pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) pathophysiology remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the respiratory cytokine profile in PARDS to identify the molecular signatures associated with severe disease. A multiplex suspension immunoassay was used to profile 45 cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. Cytokine concentrations were compared between severe and non-severe PARDS, and correlated with oxygenation index (OI). Partial least squares regression modelling and regression coefficient plots were used to identify a composite of key mediators that differentially segregated severe from non-severe disease. The mean (standard deviation) age and OI of this cohort was 5.2 (4.9) years and 17.8 (11.3), respectively. Early PARDS patients with severe disease exhibited a cytokine signature that was up-regulated for IL-12p70, IL-17A, MCP-1, IL-4, IL-1β, IL-6, MIP-1β, SCF, EGF and HGF. In particular, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, MCP-1, IP-10, IL-17A, IL-12p70) positively correlated with OI early in the disease. Whereas late PARDS was characterized by a differential lung cytokine signature consisting of both up-regulated (IL-8, IL-12p70, VEGF-D, IL-4, GM-CSF) and down-regulated (IL-1β, EGF, Eotaxin, IL-1RA, and PDGF-BB) profiles segregating non-severe and severe groups. This cytokine signature was associated with increased transcription, T cell activation and proliferation as well as activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway that underpin PARDS severity.
Correlation of image quality parameters with tube voltage in X-ray dark-field chest radiography: a phantom study
Authors: Sauter Andreas P. , Andrejewski Jana , Frank Manuela , Willer Konstantin , Herzen Julia , Meurer Felix , Fingerle Alexander A. , Makowski Markus R. , Pfeiffer Franz , Pfeiffer Daniela
Published: July 2021

Grating-based X-ray dark-field imaging is a novel imaging modality with enormous technical progress during the last years. It enables the detection of microstructure impairment as in the healthy lung a strong dark-field signal is present due to the high number of air-tissue interfaces. Using the experience from setups for animal imaging, first studies with a human cadaver could be performed recently. Subsequently, the first dark-field scanner for in-vivo chest imaging of humans was developed. In the current study, the optimal tube voltage for dark-field radiography of the thorax in this setup was examined using an anthropomorphic chest phantom. Tube voltages of 50–125 kVp were used while maintaining a constant dose-area-product. The resulting dark-field and attenuation radiographs were evaluated in a reader study as well as objectively in terms of contrast-to-noise ratio and signal strength. We found that the optimum tube voltage for dark-field imaging is 70 kVp as here the most favorable combination of image quality, signal strength, and sharpness is present. At this voltage, a high image quality was perceived in the reader study also for attenuation radiographs, which should be sufficient for routine imaging. The results of this study are fundamental for upcoming patient studies with living humans.
Dissolution kinetics of a sodium borosilicate glass in Tris buffer solutions: impact of Tris concentration and acid (HCl/HNO3) identity
Authors: Stone-Weiss Nicholas , Smith Nicholas J. , Youngman Randall E. , Pierce Eric M. , Goel Ashutosh
Published: July 2021

Borosilicate glass dissolution behavior in Tris-based buffer solutions was observed to be unimpacted by the acid identity, have an optimal Tris concentration of ∼0.1 M, and form Tris–boron complexes with temperature-dependent stability.
Co3O4 composite nano-fibers doped with Mn4+ prepared by the electro-spinning method and their electrochemical properties
Authors: Peng Dasong , Duan Lianwei , Wang Xiaodong , Ren Yanchao
Published: July 2021

In this work, based on the electrospinning method, pure Co3O4, pure MnO2, and Co3O4 composite nano-fiber materials doped with different ratios of Mn4+ were prepared.
Constructing highly active Co sites in Prussian blue analogues for boosting electrocatalytic water oxidation
Authors: Zou Hanjun , Liu Xue , Wang Kaiwen , Duan Youyu , Wang Cong , Zhang Bin , Zhou Kai , Yu Danmei , Gan Li-Yong , Zhou Xiaoyuan
Published: July 2021

Upon the introduction of Zn2+, the sample transforms from a pure phase (CoFe-PBA) to a three-phase composite (CoFeZn-PBA), leading to a sharply increased Co3+/Co2+ ratio and an outstanding OER performance.
Mono-mercapto-functionalized pillar[5]arene: a host–guest complexation accelerated reversible redox dimerization
Authors: Jin Jianbing , Miao Jiarong , Cheng Chuyang
Published: July 2021

A mono-mercapto-functionalized pillar[5]arene and its dimer, capable of being reversibly interconverted, were successfully synthesized.
Stabilization of telomeric G-quadruplex by ligand binding increases susceptibility to S1 nuclease
Authors: Ishikawa Ryo , Yasuda Mizuho , Sasaki Shogo , Ma Yue , Nagasawa Kazuo , Tera Masayuki
Published: July 2021

The ligand binding to the telomeric G-quadruplex enhanced susceptibility to S1 nuclease through the base flipping.
TIPA-ligand-based luminescent Cd(ii) organic frameworks as an outstanding sensor for detecting Fe3+ in an aqueous medium
Authors: Ni Jian-Ling , Liang Yu , Shao Juan-Juan , Li Jun-Feng , Li Guang-Jun , Chen Li-Zhuang , Wang Fang-Ming
Published: July 2021

Two new Cd-based LMOFs (MOF-1 and MOF-2) were prepared with good photoluminescence properties. MOF-2 exhibits high sensitivity in detecting Fe3+ with a very large quenching coefficient of 27 027 M−1. It has potential application in the chemical sensing of CrO42− and Cr2O72−.
Transport coefficients of isotopic mixtures of noble gases based on ab initio potentials
Authors: Sharipov Felix , Benites Victor J.
Published: July 2021

The transport coefficients such as viscosity, thermal conductivity, diffusion and thermal diffusion of neon, argon, krypton, and xenon are computed for a wide range of temperatures taking into consideration their real isotopic compositions.
Kinetic study and molecular dynamics simulation of two novel mannose isomerases
Authors: Chen Qiuming , Wu Yanchang , Huang Zhaolin , Zhang Wenli
Published: July 2021

The enzymatic properties of two novel mannose isomerases were characterized. The binding manners of substrates in mannose isomerases were further studied using molecular dynamics simulation and binding free energy calculation.
Promoting superoxide generation in Bi2WO6 by less electronegative substitution for enhanced photocatalytic performance: an example of Te doping
Authors: Waehayee Anurak , Pongsawakul Chawit , Ngoipala Apinya , Phonsuksawang Praphaiphon , Jiamprasertboon Arreerat , Wannapaiboon Suttipong , Nakajima Hideki , Butburee Teera , Suthirakun Suwit , Siritanon Theeranun
Published: July 2021

Doping with elements with lower electronegativity, like Te, shifts the band potentials of Bi2WO6 to the point that superoxide radical generation is feasible. As a result, an optimum of 2.5 at% Te doping improves the activity of Bi2WO6 by 48 times.
Emerging Investigator Series: COVID-19 lockdown effects on aerosol particle size distributions in northern Italy
Authors: Shen Jiali , Bigi Alessandro , Marinoni Angela , Lampilahti Janne , Kontkanen Jenni , Ciarelli Giancarlo , Putaud Jean P. , Nieminen Tuomo , Kulmala Markku , Lehtipalo Katrianne , Bianchi Federico
Published: July 2021

Impact of lockdown measures on the air pollutants and particle number size distribution.
Medium band-gap non-fullerene acceptors based on a benzothiophene donor moiety enabling high-performance indoor organic photovoltaics
Authors: Li Xiaojun , Luo Siwei , Sun Huiliang , Sung Herman Ho-Yung , Yu Han , Liu Tao , Xiao Yiqun , Bai Fujin , Pan Mingao , Lu Xinhui , Williams Ian Duncan , Guo Xugang , Li Yongfang , Yan He
Published: July 2021

Via designing of medium band-gap non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) based on Y6, the indoor OPVs achieve the PCE of 25.1% at 1000 lux illumination. Furthermore, the results show that non-planar NFAs can also achieve outstanding performance.
Nanoparticle-infused-biodegradable-microneedles as drug-delivery systems: preparation and characterisation
Authors: Sully Rachel E. , Garelick Hemda , Loizidou Eriketi Z. , Podoleanu Adrian G. , Gubala Vladimir
Published: July 2021

For almost two decades, scientists have been exploring the use of nanoparticles as drug vesicles capable of protecting their cargo and deliver it to the target site while evading detection by the body.
Metabolically stable apelin-analogues, incorporating cyclohexylalanine and homoarginine, as potent apelin receptor activators
Authors: Fernandez Kleinberg X. , Fischer Conrad , Vu Jennie , Gheblawi Mahmoud , Wang Wang , Gottschalk Samantha , Iturrioz Xavier , Llorens-Cortés Catherine , Oudit Gavin Y. , Vederas John C.
Published: July 2021

Cyclohexylalanine- and homoarginine-substituted apelin analogues are demonstrated to be metabolically stable APJR agonistic peptides with hypotensive effect.
Carbon dots for cancer nanomedicine: a bright future
Authors: Bayda Samer , Amadio Emanuele , Cailotto Simone , Frión-Herrera Yahima , Perosa Alvise , Rizzolio Flavio
Published: July 2021

Carbon dots to fight cancer.
Cationic iridium complexes with an alkyl-linked bulky group at the cyclometalating ligand: synthesis, characterization, and suppression of phosphorescence concentration-quenching
Authors: Song Yongjun , Ren Hao , Meng Xianwen , He Lei
Published: July 2021

Cationic iridium complexes with a bulky 2,2-diphenylethyl group at the cyclometalating ligand show remarkably suppressed phosphorescence concentration-quenching.
Synthesis of model bacteriochlorophylls containing substituents of native rings A, C and E
Authors: Chung Duy T. M. , Tran Phuong Vy , Chau Nguyen Khiem , Wang Pengzhi , Lindsey Jonathan S.
Published: July 2021

An established route to the bacteriochlorophyll skeleton from two dihydrodipyrrin halves has been extended to accommodate several substituents characteristic of the native bacteriochlorophyll a.
H2O2 self-supplying degradable epitope imprinted polymers for targeted fluorescence imaging and chemodynamic therapy
Authors: Wang Hai-Yan , Su Zheng-Chen , He Xi-Wen , Li Wen-You , Zhang Yu-Kui
Published: July 2021

A biocompatible epitope imprinted polymer based on fluorescent calcium peroxide was used for targeted fluorescence imaging and H2O2 self-supply chemodynamic therapy.
Deep learning-based denoising for improved dose efficiency in EDX tomography of nanoparticles
Authors: Skorikov Alexander , Heyvaert Wouter , Albecht Wiebke , Pelt Daniël M. , Bals Sara
Published: July 2021

Denoising elemental maps of nanoparticles using an artificial neural network trained on simulated data allows for a drastic reduction in acquisition time and electron dose requirements for EDX tomography of nanoparticles.
Imogolite: a nanotubular aluminosilicate: synthesis, derivatives, analogues, and general and biological applications
Authors: Govan Joseph , Arancibia-Miranda Nicolas , Escudey Mauricio , Bonelli Barbara , Tasca Federico
Published: July 2021

Imogolite is an aluminosilicate of empirical formula (OH)3Al2O3–SiOH and hollow nanotube structure. It can be obtained from natural volcanic ash orviachemical synthesis. The inner and outer surfaces can be modified by various strategies.
In-plasma-catalysis for NOx degradation by Ti3+ self-doped TiO2−x/γ-Al2O3 catalyst and nonthermal plasma
Authors: Yang Xingdong , Qu Jiyan , Wang Linxi , Luo Jianhong
Published: July 2021

TiO2−x has a smaller forbidden band width, more abundant Ti3+ and oxygen vacancies, so as to obtain a better and more stable degradation effect of NOx in plasma-catalysis process.
Vanadium-doped sodium phosphomolybdate salts as catalysts in the terpene alcohols oxidation with hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Vilanculo Castelo Bandane , da Silva Márcio José , Rodrigues Alana Alves , Ferreira Sukarno Olavo , da Silva Rene Chagas
Published: July 2021

In this work, we have explored the catalytic activity of Keggin-type heteropolyanions PMo12−nVnO40(3+n)−(n= 0, 1, 2, or 3) in the form of sodium salts in green oxidation routes of terpene alcohols with hydrogen peroxide.
The effects of temperature shock on the treatment of high-concentration organic wastewater by an Fe0/GO-anaerobic system
Authors: Wang Xiangzhi , Lin Yecheng , Wang Longyu , Yang Da , Lan Huixia
Published: July 2021

Temperature changes are inevitable during the actual operation of anaerobic systems. Adding an Fe0/GO composite is shown to improve microbial activity and alleviate the adverse effects caused by temperature shock.
Control of dominant conduction orbitals by peripheral substituents in paddle-wheel diruthenium alkynyl molecular junctions
Authors: Ogawa Shiori , Chattopadhyay Swarup , Tanaka Yuya , Ohto Tatsuhiko , Tada Tomofumi , Tada Hirokazu , Fujii Shintaro , Nishino Tomoaki , Akita Munetaka
Published: July 2021

Dominant conduction orbitals of paddle-wheel organodiruthenium complexes can be facilely controlled by the substituents embedded in the amidinato ligands.
Photo-enhanced Seebeck effect of a highly conductive thermoelectric material
Authors: Yue Shizhong , Cheng Hanlin , He Hao , Guan Xin , Le Qiujian , Shu Xinyu , Shi Shu , Chen Jingsheng , Ouyang Jianyong
Published: July 2021

The Seebeck coefficient of the composites of PEDOT:PSS and TiO2nanoparticles can be greatly enhanced by exposure to UV light. This is attributed to the light-induced charge transfer from TiO2to PEDOT:PSS.
Self-assembled Au4Cu4/Au25 NCs@liposome tumor nanotheranostics with PT/fluorescence imaging-guided synergetic PTT/PDT
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Yang Ying , Wang Xueyan , Liu Xuan , Cheng Hanlong , Wang Peisan , Shen Yuhua , Xie Anjian , Zhu Manzhou
Published: July 2021

A cancer theranostic nanoplatform was successfully assembled by liposome co-loaded with oil-soluble Au4Cu4 and water-soluble Au25 nanoclusters, which presenting excellent performances with multi-imaging/phototherapy effects.
Combination of starvation therapy and Pt-NP based chemotherapy for synergistic cancer treatment
Authors: Yu Jie , He Xidong , Wang Zigui , Liu Sha , Hao Dengyuan , Li Xiaoyuan , Huang Yubin
Published: July 2021

GOx cuts off the energy supply of the tumor cells by converting glucose into gluconic acid and toxic H2O2. The acidic and oxidative environment promoted the conversion of Pt2+via Pt-NPs as well as Pt–DNA binding.
Diagnostic Accuracy of the AzBio Speech Recognition in Noise Test
Authors: Vermiglio Andrew J. , Leclerc Lauren , Thornton Meagan , Osborne Hannah , Bonilla Elizabeth , Fang Xiangming
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The goal of this study was to determine the ability of the AzBio speech recognition in noise (SRN) test to distinguish between groups of participants with and without a self-reported SRN disorder and a self-reported signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) loss.

Method

Fifty-four native English-speaking young adults with normal pure-tone thresholds (≤ 25 dB HL, 0.25–6.0 kHz) participated. Individuals who reported hearing difficulty in a noisy restaurant (Reference Standard 1) were placed in the SRN disorder group. SNR loss groups were created based on the self-report of the ability to hear Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) sentences in steady-state speech-shaped noise, four-talker babble, and 20-talker babble in a controlled listening environment (Reference Standard 2). Participants with HINT thresholds poorer than or equal to the median were assigned to the SNR loss group.

Results

The area under the curve from the receiver operating characteristics curves revealed that the AzBio test was not a significant predictor of an SRN disorder, or an SNR loss using the steady-state noise Reference Standard 2 condition. However, the AzBio was a significant predictor of an SNR loss using the four-talker babble and 20-talker babble Reference Standard 2 conditions (
p
< .05). The AzBio was a significant predictor of an SNR loss when using the average HINT thresholds across the three Reference Standard 2 masker conditions (area under the curve = .79,
p
= .001).

Conclusions

The AzBio test was not a significant predictor of a self-reported SRN disorder or a self-reported SNR loss in steady-state noise. However, it was a significant predictor of a self-reported SNR loss in babble noise and the average across all noise conditions. A battery of reference standard tests with a range of maskers in a controlled listening environment is recommended for diagnostic accuracy evaluations of SRN tests.
Variable gain switching exact differential observer‐based compensation control for servo system with backlash
Authors: Sun Guofa , Xu Yaming , Wang Yan , Wang Gang
Published: July 2021

This paper proposes a novel variable gain switching exact differential observer (SEDO) to deal with the state estimation of mechanical servo system with unknown backlash. In order to compensate unknown non‐linear backlash accurately, a switching backlash torque mathematic model is constructed to describe the input–output relationships of backlash. Then, based on the switching backlash torque mathematic model, a novel SEDO with variable gain strategy is implemented to compensate the influence of backlash and estimate system states accurately in terms of the change of real operation conditions. Moreover, the designed controller further alleviates the computational burden by conducting a feedforward compensation strategy, part of which is shared by the observer. It is proven that all the signals in the closed‐loop system are bounded, observation error and tracking error are convergent to a small compact set of the origin. Two simulations and two different motor servo test rigs are established to further illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
KText: Arbitrary shape text detection using modified K‐Means
Authors: Qi Zhuo , Chen Wenyi , Sun Xiaofei , Sun Wangqian , Yang Hui
Published: July 2021

Text detection methods based on grouping characters have emerged and have achieved promising performance. Nevertheless, previous methods that grouped characters by learning the relation of adjacent characters or used the heuristic clustering method with a handcrafted feature are unsuitable for dense, curved, or long texts. An effective manner of grouping characters is proposed by introducing K‐Means that is modified by the law of universal gravitation, an outlier detection mechanism and sufficient context information. Based on that, corresponding text detector is presented, named the Text Detector, based on modified K‐Means (KText), which can generate the bounding boundary of word‐level texts with an arbitrary shape. In the experimental stage, two novel stratagems are presented to replenish character‐level annotations to several datasets that provide only word‐level annotations. To evaluate the effectiveness of the method, experiments are carried out on three benchmarks, ICDAR2013, ICDAR2015 and Total‐Text, which contain horizontal, oriented and curved text. The results show that KText performs more competently than most state‐of‐the‐art text detectors when handling dense texts with an arbitrary shape.
Polarimetric dynamic vision sensor p(DVS) neural network architecture for motion classification
Authors: Nowak Martin , Beninati Anthony , Douard Nicolas , Puran Alec , Barnes Charles , Kerwick Alexandros , K Giakos George
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study is to introduce efficient bio‐inspired vision architectures, integrating human cognition capabilities, such as computation and memory emulating neurons and synapses, together with polarization of light properties, that would ultimately revolutionize and give rise to the next‐generation highly efficient augmented intelligence vision systems. The system consists of a polarimetric dynamic vision sensor) and a spinning wheel, whose motion is externally modulated and controlled by means of a signal generator, varying its motion pattern and speed, respectively. A neural network has been designed to classify different object speeds and motion patterns. The neural network utilizes a limited number of events within a given time window, instead of full‐frame images; as well as two classifiers, which practically take a single input and independently classify both its speed and motion pattern. As a result, both high computational efficiency and motion classification accuracy are achieved.
The ionization fraction in OMC-2 and OMC-3
Authors: Salas P. , Rugel M. R. , Emig K. L. , Kauffmann J. , Menten K. M. , Wyrowski F. , Tielens A. G. G. M.
Published: July 2021

Context. The electron density (ne−) plays an important role in setting the chemistry and physics of the interstellar medium. However, measurements of ne− in neutral clouds have been directly obtained only toward a few lines of sight or they rely on indirect determinations.

Aims. We use carbon radio recombination lines and the far-infrared lines of C+ to directly measure ne− and the gas temperature in the envelope of the integral shaped filament (ISF) in the Orion A molecular cloud.

Methods. We observed the C102α (6109.901 MHz) and C109α (5011.420 MHz) carbon radio recombination lines (CRRLs) using the Effelsberg 100 m telescope at ≈2′ resolution toward five positions in OMC-2 and OMC-3. Since the CRRLs have similar line properties, we averaged them to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the spectra. We compared the intensities of the averaged CRRLs, and the 158 μm-[CII] and [13CII] lines to the predictions of a homogeneous model for the C+/C interface in the envelope of a molecular cloud and from this comparison we determined the electron density, temperature and C+ column density of the gas.

Results. We detect the CRRLs toward four positions, where their velocity (vLSR ≈ 11 km s−1) and widths (σv ≈ 1 km s−1) confirms that they trace the envelope of the ISF. Toward two positions we detect the CRRLs, and the 158 μm-[CII] and [13CII] lines with a signal-to-noise ratio ≥5, and we find ne− = 0.65 ± 0.12 cm−3 and 0.95 ± 0.02 cm−3, which corresponds to a gas density nH ≈ 5 × 103 cm−3 and a thermal pressure of pth ≈ 4 × 105 K cm−3. We also constrained the ionization fraction in the denser portions of the molecular cloud using the HCN(1–0) and C2H(1–0) lines to x(e−) ≤ 3 × 10−6.

Conclusions. The derived electron densities and ionization fraction imply that x(e−) drops by a factor ≥100 between the C+ layer and the regions probed by HCN(1–0). This suggests that electron collisional excitation does not play a significant role in setting the excitation of HCN(1–0) toward the region studied, as it is responsible for only ≈10% of the observed emission.
Study of resistance of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene to mechanochemical and radiation exposure
Authors: Khassenova Kamila M. , Vosmerikov Sergey V.
Published: July 2021

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene is a promising composite material to protect against ionizing radiation. The effect of mechanical activation and radiation exposure on the polymer structure has been studied. Mechanical activation of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene was carried out for 30 s, 1, and 2 min in a high-energy water-cooled planetary ball mill AGO-2, followed by its further investigation using X-ray diffraction, X-ray crystallography, IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and differentialscanning calorimetry.
Optimization of the obtaining temperature of powder composite material B4C – ZrB2 by the boron carbide method
Authors: Gudyma Tatiana S. , Krutskii Yuriy L. , Uvarov Nikolay F. , Aparnev Aleksandr I.
Published: July 2021

Boron carbide is characterized by a unique combination of low density (2.52 g/cm3), high hardness (up to 40 GPa), chemical inertness, the high melting point (2450 °C); for these reasons, the ceramics based on this compound have found application in a number of areas of state-of-the-art technologies. However, it is difficult to obtain dense B4C-based ceramics because of a low value of the self-diffusion coefficient, low plastic deformation of this compound, and high sliding resistance between its grains. The use of modifying additives of transition metal diborides appears to be a promising approach to improving the operational characteristics of B4C-based ceramics. They tend to activate the sintering process by means of activation energy reduction, which leads to a decrease in a grain size, an increase in density, strength, and fracture strength of sintered compositions. Zirconium diboride is often used for this purpose. The objective of the work is to study the changes occurring in the charge of boron carbide, zirconium dioxide and carbon when it is heated to determine the temperature of the complete reagents transformation into B4C –ZrB2 composite mixture.
A maximum density electrical insulating composite based on radiation-polymerized copolymer of isodecyl methacrylate and benzyl methacrylate with W
Authors: Antonov Ilya , Tolochko Boris , Varand Alexandr , Mikhailenko Mikhail , Eltsov Ilya , Bryazgin Alexandr , Smirnov Eugene
Published: July 2021

Polymerization was carried out using the method of radiation initiation, for which benzyl methacrylate (BzMA) and isodecyl methacrylate (IDMA) were treated with a beam of accelerated electrons. It is shown that to obtain highly filled compositions, the most suitable method is the alternation of heating-cooling cycles with the gradual introduction of material particles. Tungsten composites were obtained with a calculated density in the range from 3 to 6.8 g / cm3. The absence of percolation conductivity in coatings with tungsten was found. Peel adhesion of the composite coating to the surface was 1 ± 0.3·10-1 MPa with volume fraction of tungsten more than 30%.
Carbothermal and boron carbide reduction of oxides of some transition metals
Authors: Krutskii Yuriy L. , Krutskaya Tatiana M. , Gudyma Tatiana S. , Gerasimov Konstantin B. , Khabirov Roman R. , Mass Anna V.
Published: July 2021

The study presents a possible mechanism to produce carbides and diborides of transition metals, such as titanium, vanadium, chromium and zirconium. The carbothermal synthesis of transition metal carbides has defined the direct dependence between the thermodynamic stability of oxides and the temperature range of the reduction onset (the stronger the oxide, the higher the value of the temperature is). It reaches 2000-2100, 1500-1600, 1300-1400 and 2100-2200°C for such carbides as TiC, VC0,88, Cr3C2 and ZrC respectively. The same dependence has not been found for the diborides of these metals. Optimum synthesis temperatures for all these compounds lie in the range of 1600-1700 °C. This viable method to produce transition metal carbides consists in the transfer of vaporous higher and lower oxides. Diborides preparation involves the transfer of oxides and boron vapors onto the surface of the carbon material with the subsequent chemical interaction. In the case of carbide-boron reduction of zirconium oxide in excess of boron carbide, the reaction product will be a composite material (B4C – ZrB2). The ceramics based on this composite possesses high performance properties.