bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anharmonic Lattice Vibrations in Small‐Molecule Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Asher Maor , Angerer Daniel , Korobko Roman , Diskin‐Posner Yael , Egger David A. , Yaffe Omer
Published: January 2020

The intermolecular lattice vibrations in small‐molecule organic semiconductors have a strong impact on their functional properties. Existing models treat the lattice vibrations within the harmonic approximation. In this work, polarization‐orientation (PO) Raman measurements are used to monitor the temperature‐evolution of the symmetry of lattice vibrations in anthracene and pentacene single crystals. Combined with first‐principles calculations, it is shown that at 10 K, the lattice dynamics of the crystals are indeed harmonic. However, as the temperature is increased, specific lattice modes gradually lose their PO dependence and become more liquid‐like. This finding is indicative of a dynamic symmetry breaking of the crystal structure and shows clear evidence of the strongly anharmonic nature of these vibrations. Pentacene also shows an apparent phase transition between 80 and 150 K, indicated by a change in the vibrational symmetry of one of the lattice modes. These findings lay the groundwork for accurate predictions of the electronic properties of high‐mobility organic semiconductors at room temperature.
A Nanostrategy for Efficient Imaging‐Guided Antitumor Therapy through a Stimuli‐Responsive Branched Polymeric Prodrug
Authors: Cai Hao , Dai Xinghang , Wang Xiaoming , Tan Ping , Gu Lei , Luo Qiang , Zheng Xiuli , Li Zhiqian , Zhu Hongyan , Zhang Hu , Gu Zhongwei , Gong Qiyong , Luo Kui
Published: January 2020

A stimuli‐responsive polymeric prodrug‐based nanotheranostic system with imaging agents (cyanine5.5 and gadolinium‐chelates) and a therapeutic agent paclitaxel (PTX) is prepared via polymerization and conjugating chemistry. The branched polymeric PTX‐Gd‐based nanoparticles (BP‐PTX‐Gd NPs) demonstrate excellent biocompatibility, and high stability under physiological conditions, but they stimuli‐responsively degrade and release PTX rapidly in a tumor microenvironment. The in vitro behavior of NPs labeled with fluorescent dyes is effectively monitored, and the NPs display high cytotoxicity to 4T1 cells similar to free PTX by impairing the function of microtubules, downregulating anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐2, and upregulating the expression of Bax, cleaved caspase‐3, cleaved caspase‐9, cleaved‐PARP, and p53 proteins. Great improvement in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is demonstrated by these NPs, and MRI accurately maps the temporal change profile of the tumor volume after injection of NPs and the tumor treatment process is also closely correlated with the T1 values measured from MRI, demonstrating the capability of providing real‐time feedback to the chemotherapeutic treatment effectiveness. The imaging‐guided chemotherapy to the 4T1 tumor in the mice model achieves an excellent anti‐tumor effect. This stimuli‐responsive polymeric nano‐agent opens a new door for efficient breast cancer treatment under the guidance of fluorescence/MRI.
Significantly Improved Cyclability of Conversion‐Type Transition Metal Oxyfluoride Cathodes by Homologous Passivation Layer Reconstruction
Authors: Ju Licheng , Wang Guanzhi , Liang Kun , Wang Maoyu , Sterbinsky George E. , Feng Zhenxing , Yang Yang
Published: January 2020

Electrode stabilization by surface passivation has been explored as the most crucial step to develop long‐cycle lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). In this work, functionally graded materials consisting of “conversion‐type” iron‐doped nickel oxyfluoride (NiFeOF) cathode covered with a homologous passivation layer (HPL) are rationally designed for long‐cycle LIBs. The compact and fluorine‐rich HPL plays dual roles in suppressing the volume change of NiFeOF porous cathode and minimizing the dissolution of transition metals during LIBs cycling by forming a structure/composition gradient. The structure and composition of HPL reconstructs during lithiation/delithiation, buffering the volume change and trapping the dissolved transition metals. As a result, a high capacity of 175 mAh g−1 (equal to an outstanding volumetric capacity of 936 Ah L−1) with a greatly reduced capacity decay rate of 0.012% per cycle for 1000 cycles is achieved, which is superior to the NiFeOF porous film without HPL and commercially available NiF2‐FeF3 powders. The proposed chemical and structure reconstruction mechanism of HPL opens a new avenue for the novel materials development for long‐cycle LIBs.
High Efficiency Perovskite‐Silicon Tandem Solar Cells: Effect of Surface Coating versus Bulk Incorporation of 2D Perovskite
Authors: Duong The , Pham Huyen , Kho Teng Choon , Phang Pheng , Fong Kean Chern , Yan Di , Yin Yanting , Peng Jun , Mahmud Md Arafat , Gharibzadeh Saba , Nejand Bahram Abdollahi , Hossain Ihteaz M. , Khan Motiur Rahman , Mozaffari Naeimeh , Wu YiLiang , Shen Heping , Zheng Jianghui , Mai Haoxin , Liang Wensheng , Samundsett Chris , Stocks Matthew , McIntosh Keith , Andersson Gunther G. , Lemmer Uli , Richards Bryce S. , Paetzold Ulrich W. , Ho‐Ballie Anita , Liu Yun , Macdonald Daniel , Blakers Andrew , Wong‐Leung Jennifer , White Thomas , Weber Klaus , Catchpole Kylie
Published: January 2020

Mixed‐dimensional perovskite solar cells combining 3D and 2D perovskites have recently attracted wide interest owing to improved device efficiency and stability. Yet, it remains unclear which method of combining 3D and 2D perovskites works best to obtain a mixed‐dimensional system with the advantages of both types. To address this, different strategies of combining 2D perovskites with a 3D perovskite are investigated, namely surface coating and bulk incorporation. It is found that through surface coating with different aliphatic alkylammonium bulky cations, a Ruddlesden–Popper “quasi‐2D” perovskite phase is formed on the surface of the 3D perovskite that passivates the surface defects and significantly improves the device performance. In contrast, incorporating those bulky cations into the bulk induces the formation of the pure 2D perovskite phase throughout the bulk of the 3D perovskite, which negatively affects the crystallinity and electronic structure of the 3D perovskite framework and reduces the device performance. Using the surface‐coating strategy with n‐butylammonium bromide to fabricate semitransparent perovskite cells and combining with silicon cells in four‐terminal tandem configuration, 27.7% tandem efficiency with interdigitated back contact silicon bottom cells (size‐unmatched) and 26.2% with passivated emitter with rear locally diffused silicon bottom cells is achieved in a 1 cm2 size‐matched tandem.
A High Energy Density Aqueous Battery Achieved by Dual Dissolution/Deposition Reactions Separated in Acid‐Alkaline Electrolyte
Authors: Liu Chang , Chi Xiaowei , Han Qi , Liu Yu
Published: January 2020

Aqueous batteries are facing big challenges in the context of low working voltages and energy density, which are dictated by the narrow electrochemical window of aqueous electrolytes and low specific capacities of traditional intercalation‐type electrodes, even though they usually represent high safety, low cost, and simple maintenance. For the first time, this work demonstrates a record high‐energy‐density (1503 Wh kg−1 calculated from the cathode active material) aqueous battery system that derives from a novel electrolyte design to expand the electrochemical window of electrolyte to 3 V and two high‐specific‐capacity electrode reactions. An acid‐alkaline dual electrolyte separated by an ion‐selective membrane enables two dissolution/deposition electrode redox reactions of MnO2/Mn2+ and Zn/Zn(OH)42− with theoretical specific capacities of 616 and 820 mAh g−1, respectively. The newly proposed Zn–Mn2+ aqueous battery shows a high Coulombic efficiency of 98.4% and cycling stability of 97.5% of discharge capacity retention for 1500 cycles. Furthermore, in the flow battery based on Zn–Mn2+ pairs, more excellent stability of 99.5% of discharge capacity retention for 6000 cycles is achieved due to greatly improved reversibility of the Zn anode. This work provides a new path for the development of novel aqueous batteries with high voltage and energy density.
Harvesting cover crops for biofuel and livestock production: Another ecosystem service?
Authors: Blanco‐Canqui Humberto , Ruis Sabrina J. , Proctor Christopher A. , Creech Cody F. , Drewnoski Mary E. , Redfearn Daren D.
Published: January 2020

Harvesting cover crops (CCs) for livestock and biofuel production can be an important ecosystem service from CCs, but this potential service has not been widely discussed. We reviewed the potential use of CCs for livestock or biofuel production, impacts of CC harvesting on soils and crops, the amount of harvestable CC biomass, and strategies to enhance CC biomass production. We searched literature in Web of Science using terms such as “cover crops,” “harvesting,” “soil properties,” and “crop yield,” among others, and found about 30 papers. The literature indicates that CC harvesting does not generally affect soil properties, crop yields, and weed suppression, although the studies are relatively few. Leaving 7.5‐10 cm of CC stubble after harvest could maintain soil ecosystem services. Cover crops produce 3.37 ± 2.96 Mg ha−1 (mean ± SD) of aboveground biomass and 1.33 ± 0.98 Mg ha−1 of belowground (root) biomass. Root biomass input, representing about 30% of the total CC biomass production, could be critical to the maintenance of soil services after CC harvest. The amount of harvestable biomass while maintaining soil services ranges from 1‐3 Mg ha−1 in semiarid regions and from 1‐6 Mg ha−1 in humid regions for high‐biomass‐producing CCs. Strategies to increase CC biomass production include planting CCs early and terminating late, adapting cropping systems by using earlier‐maturity group varieties, and using flexible cropping systems. Overall, CC harvesting appears feasible, but additional research on CC management and harvesting effects on ecosystem services is needed before harvesting CCs at large scales.
Natural variation on whole‐plant form in the wild is influenced by multivariate soil nutrient characteristics: natural selection acts on root traits
Authors: Murren Courtney J. , Alt Claudia H. S. , Kohler Clare , Sancho Gorka
Published: January 2020

Premise

In the complex soil nutrient environments of wild populations of annual plants, in general, low nutrient availability restricts growth and alters root–shoot relationships. However, our knowledge of natural selection on roots in field settings is limited. We sought to determine whether selection acts directly on root traits and to identify which components of the soil environment were potential agents of selection.

Methods

We studied wild native populations ofArabidopsis thalianaacross 4 years, measuring aboveground and belowground traits and analyzing soil nutrients. Using multivariate methods, we examined patterns of natural selection and identified soil attributes that contributed to whole‐plant form. In a common garden experiment at two field sites with contrasting soil texture, we examined patterns of selection on root and shoot traits.

Results

In wild populations, we uncovered selection for above‐ and belowground size and architectural traits. We detected variation through time and identified soil components that influenced fruit production. In the garden experiment, we detected a distinct positive selection for total root length at the site with greater water‐holding capacity and negative selection for measures of root architecture at the field site with reduced nutrient availability and water holding capacity.

Conclusions

Patterns of natural selection on belowground traits varied through time, across field sites and experimental gardens. Simultaneous investigations of above‐ and belowground traits reveal trait functional relationships on which natural selection can act, highlighting the influence of edaphic features on evolutionary processes in wild annual plant populations.
The macronutrient composition of wild and cultivated plant foods of West African chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) inhabiting an anthropogenic landscape
Authors: Bryson‐Morrison Nicola , Beer Andy , Gaspard Soumah Aly , Matsuzawa Tetsuro , Humle Tatyana
Published: January 2020

Agricultural expansion encroaches on tropical forests and primates in such landscapes frequently incorporate crops into their diet. Understanding the nutritional drivers behind crop‐foraging can help inform conservation efforts to improve human‐primate coexistence. This study builds on existing knowledge of primate diets in anthropogenic landscapes by estimating the macronutrient content of 24 wild and 11 cultivated foods (90.5% of food intake) consumed by chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) at Bossou, Guinea, West Africa. We also compared the macronutrient composition of Bossou crops to published macronutrient measures of crops from Bulindi, Uganda, East Africa. The composition of wild fruits, leaves, and pith were consistent with previous reports for primate diets. Cultivated fruits were higher in carbohydrates and lower in insoluble fiber than wild fruits, while wild fruits were higher in protein. Macronutrient content of cultivated pith fell within the ranges of consumed wild pith. Oil palm food parts were relatively rich in carbohydrates, protein, lipids, and/or fermentable fiber, adding support for the nutritional importance of the oil palm for West African chimpanzees. We found no differences in the composition of cultivated fruits between Bossou and Bulindi, suggesting that macronutrient content alone does not explain differences in crop selection. Our results build on the current understanding of chimpanzee feeding ecology within forest‐agricultural mosaics and provide additional support for the assumption that crops offer primates energetic benefits over wild foods.
Secular decline in limb bone strength among South African Africans during the 19th and 20th centuries
Authors: Wallace Ian J. , Marsh D'Arcy , Otárola‐Castillo Erik , Billings Brendon K. , Mngomezulu Victor , Grine Frederick E.
Published: January 2020

Objectives

South African Africans have been reported to have experienced negative or null secular trends in stature and other measures of skeletal structure across the 19th and 20th centuries, presumably due to poor living conditions during a time of intensifying racial discrimination. Here, we investigate whether any secular trend is apparent in limb bone strength during the same period.

Materials and Methods

Cadaver‐derived skeletons (n = 221) were analyzed from female and male South African Africans who were born between 1839 and 1970, lived in and around Johannesburg, and died between 1925 and 1991 when they were 17–90 years of age. For each skeleton, a humerus and femur were scanned using computed tomography, and mid‐diaphyseal cross‐sectional geometric properties were calculated and scaled according to body size.

Results

In general linear mixed models accounting for sex, age at death, and skeletal element, year of birth was a significant (p < .05) negative predictor of size‐standardized mid‐diaphyseal cortical area (a proxy for resistance to axial loading) and polar moment of area (a proxy for resistance to bending and torsion), indicating a temporal trend toward diminishing limb bone strength. No significant interactions were detected between year of birth and age at death, suggesting that the decline in limb bone strength was mainly due to changes in skeletal maturation rather than severity of age‐related bone loss.

Discussion

Limb bone strength is thus potentially another feature of the skeletal biology of South African Africans that was compromised by poor living conditions during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Giant Emission Enhancement of Solid‐State Gold Nanoclusters by Surface Engineering
Authors: Yao Chuanhao , Xu Cong‐Qiao , Park In‐Hyeok , Zhao Meng , Zhu Ziyu , Li Jing , Hai Xiao , Fang Hanyan , Zhang Yong , Macam Gennevieve , Teng Jinghua , Li Lin , Xu Qing‐Hua , Chuang Feng‐Chuan , Lu Junpeng , Su Chenliang , Li Jun , Lu Jiong
Published: January 2020

Ligand‐induced surface restructuring with heteroatomic doping is used to precisely modify the surface of a prototypical [Au25(SR1)18]− cluster (1) while maintaining its icosahedral Au13 core for the synthesis of a new bimetallic [Au19Cd3(SR2)18]− cluster (2). Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies reveal that six bidentate Au2(SR1)3 motifs (L2) attached to the Au13 core of 1 were replaced by three quadridentate Au2Cd(SR2)6 motifs (L4) to create a bimetallic cluster 2. Experimental and theoretical results demonstrate a stronger electronic interaction between the surface motifs (Au2Cd(SR2)6) and the Au13 core, attributed to a more compact cluster structure and a larger energy gap of 2 compared to that of 1. These factors dramatically enhance the photoluminescence quantum efficiency and lifetime of crystal of the cluster 2. This work provides a new route for the design of a wide range of bimetallic/alloy metal nanoclusters with superior optoelectronic properties and functionality.
Behavior of alginate–gelatin blended gel with embedded macrovoids: Stress‐induced changes and the solute release characteristics
Authors: Banerjee Arindam , Ganguly Somenath
Published: January 2020

Blending of gelatin to alginate promote cell–material interaction. However, the changes in diffusive and mechanical properties need to be ascertained. This study shows that the presence of two superposed polymer networks, where gelatin is not additionally crosslinked resulted in higher uptake and slower release of vitamin B12. In the presence of gelatin, the stress is found higher for the same level of compressive deformation, and the permeability of the pore fluid during expulsion under compressive stress is found significantly lower. Also, a large residual strain at the end of each cycle in case of cyclic compression is observed, when gelatin is present. A microfluidic device is used to introduce voids uniformly across the blended gel with an objective to increase compressibility, permeability (for faster equilibration of pore pressure), and uptake of bioactive species. The results showing lower permeability and higher uptake in the presence of gelatin are discussed.
Photoinitiated Thiol−Ene Reactions of Various 2,3‐Unsaturated O‐, C‐ S‐ and N‐Glycosides – Scope and Limitations Study
Authors: Kelemen Viktor , Csávás Magdolna , Hotzi Judit , Herczeg Mihály , Poonam  , Rathi Brijesh , Herczegh Pál , Jain Nidhi , Borbás Anikó
Published: January 2020

The photoinitiated thiol−ene addition reaction is a highly stereo‐ and regioselective, and environmentally friendly reaction proceeding under mild conditions, hence it is ideally suited for the synthesis of carbohydrate mimetics. A comprehensive study on UV‐light‐induced reactions of 2,3‐unsaturated O‐, C‐, S‐ and N‐glycosides with various thiols was performed. The effect of experimental parameters and structural variations of the alkenes and thiols on the efficacy and regio‐ and stereoselectivity of the reactions was systematically studied and optimized. The type of anomeric heteroatom was found to profoundly affect the reactivity of 2,3‐unsaturated sugars in the thiol−ene couplings. Hydrothiolation of 2,3‐dideoxy O‐glycosyl enosides efficiently produced the axially C2‐S‐substituted addition products with high to complete regioselectivity. Moderate efficacy and varying regio‐ and stereoselectivity were observed with 2,3‐unsaturated N‐glycosides and no addition occurred onto the endocyclic double bond of C‐glycosides. Upon hydrothiolation of 2,3‐unsaturated S‐glycosides, the addition of thiyl radicals was followed by elimination of the thiyl aglycone resulting in 3‐S‐substituted glycals.
Enhancing Ru(II)‐Catalysis with Visible‐Light‐Mediated Dye‐Sensitized TiO2 Photocatalysis for Oxidative C−H Olefination of Arene Carboxylic Acids at Room Temperature
Authors: Dana Suman , Dey Purusattam , Patil Siddappa A. , Baidya Mahiuddin
Published: January 2020

Erythrosine B sensitized TiO2 photocatalysis has been combined with Ru(II)‐catalysis to accomplish an oxidative olefination/annulation of benzoic acids with activated olefins under mild conditions that tolerates useful functionalities, such as halides, free hydroxy, acetamido, etc. The morphology of the photocatalyst is unaffected during the reaction and it can be reused. Mechanistic studies favor the involvement of a photo‐induced single electron transfer process.
Estimation in the Cox survival regression model with covariate measurement error and a changepoint
Authors: Agami Sarit , Zucker David M. , Spiegelman Donna
Published: January 2020

The Cox regression model is a popular model for analyzing the relationship between a covariate vector and a survival endpoint. The standard Cox model assumes a constant covariate effect across the entire covariate domain. However, in many epidemiological and other applications, the covariate of main interest is subject to a threshold effect: a change in the slope at a certain point within the covariate domain. Often, the covariate of interest is subject to some degree of measurement error. In this paper, we study measurement error correction in the case where the threshold is known. Several bias correction methods are examined: two versions of regression calibration (RC1 and RC2, the latter of which is new), two methods based on the induced relative risk under a rare event assumption (RR1 and RR2, the latter of which is new), a maximum pseudo‐partial likelihood estimator (MPPLE), and simulation‐extrapolation (SIMEX). We develop the theory, present simulations comparing the methods, and illustrate their use on data concerning the relationship between chronic air pollution exposure to particulate matter PM10 and fatal myocardial infarction (Nurses Health Study (NHS)), and on data concerning the effect of a subject's long‐term underlying systolic blood pressure level on the risk of cardiovascular disease death (Framingham Heart Study (FHS)). The simulations indicate that the best methods are RR2 and MPPLE.
Effect of Operational Parameters on the Degradation of Methylene Blue Using Visible Light Active BiVO4 Photocatalyst
Authors: Arumugam Malathi , Choi Myong Yong
Published: January 2020

Visible light active bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) nanoparticles were fabricated by the facile hydrothermal method. The crystal structure and formation of the prepared BiVO4 were examined by X‐ray diffraction and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The optical absorption property of BiVO4 was measured by ultraviolet–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the as‐prepared BiVO4 photocatalyst was assessed for the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation (VLI). About 91.9% degradation in 90 min was observed when BiVO4 was used as a photocatalyst. Furthermore, the effect of varying the experimental parameters such as the catalyst amount, pH, and dye concentration were studied. Finally, the possible mechanism for MB degradation is presented.
Successful brentuximab vedotin monotherapy against late relapse of classical Hodgkin lymphoma 6 years after first remission
Authors: Nagashima Kana , Kikuchi Shohei , Iyama Satoshi , Fujita Chisa , Goto Akari , Horiguchi Hiroto , Kobune Masayoshi
Published: January 2020

Brentuximab vedotin monotherapy for late‐relapse CHL is a promising therapeutic with sustained CR benefit and avoiding potential toxicities caused by aPBSCT/HDT.
A new approach for handling missing correlation values for meta‐analytic structural equation modeling: Corboundary R package
Authors: Ahn Soyeon , Abbamonte John M.
Published: January 2020

With increased use of multivariate meta‐analysis in numerous disciplines, where structural relationships among multiple variables are examined, researchers often encounter a particular challenge due to missing information. The current research concerns missing correlations (rs) in the correlation matrix of m variables (Rm × m) and establish more informative and empirical prior distributions for missing rs in Rm × m. In particular, the method for deriving mathematically/analytically boundaries for missing rs in relation to other adjacent rs in Rm × m, while satisfying conditions for a valid Rm × m (i.e., a symmetric and positive semidefinite correlation matrix containing real numbers between −1 and 1) is first discussed. Then, a user‐defined R package for constructing the empirical distributions of boundaries for rs in Rm × m is demonstrated with an example. Furthermore, the applicability of constructing empirical boundaries for rs in Rm × m beyond multivariate meta‐analysis is discussed.
Identification of Lyve‐1 positive macrophages as resident cells in meninges of rats
Authors: Brezovakova Veronika , Jadhav Santosh
Published: January 2020

Meningeal immunity along with its associated lymphatic vasculatures is widely discussed recently. Lymphatic vessels in meninges drain interstitial fluid into the deep‐cervical lymph nodes. The vessels are composed of cells that express the cardinal marker for lymphatic endothelium—the lymphatic vessel hyaluronan receptor‐1 (Lyve‐1). However, studies also show the presence of nonendothelial Lyve‐1 expressing cells in certain tissues. Therefore, we were curious if nonendothelial Lyve‐1+ cells are also present in dura mater of meninges. We show that Lyve‐1+ endothelial cells are distributed adjacent to the blood vessels in the brain dura mater of rats. We did not observe any lymphatic vessels in spinal dura mater. Interestingly, we also observed isolated population of nonlymphatic Lyve‐1+ cells in both brain and spinal dura mater. Morphologically, the Lyve‐1+ cells were extensively pleomorphic, sometimes elongated or round. Surprisingly, the thoracolumbal meningeal Lyve‐1+ cells were predominantly round in morphology. Using endothelial specific marker VEGFR3 and macrophage markers CD68 and CD169, we observed that the isolated Lyve‐1+ cells lacked endothelial cell signature, but were either CD68+ or CD169+ macrophages. Moreover, we observed that the Lyve‐1+ cells colocalized with collagen fibers in the meninges, and some of Lyve‐1+ cells had intracellular collagen. The study for the first time demonstrates the presence of Lyve‐1 positive macrophages in the lymphatic and nonlymphatic regions in the meninges of rats.
Experimental verification of a hybrid multilevel inverter with voltage‐boosting ability
Authors: Shiva Naik Banavath , Suresh Yellasiri , Venkataramanaiah Jammala
Published: January 2020

A new nine‐level natural‐balanced boost hybrid multilevel inverter (BH‐MLI) is proposed in this paper. Each phase of the proposed BH‐MLI is designed with only 11 semiconductor switches and two electrolytic capacitors. Here, the capacitor voltages are balanced by utilizing the series‐parallel and natural balancing techniques effectively. Furthermore, the proposed circuit eradicates the multiple DC sources by introducing a single DC link for single‐ and three‐phase applications. The proposed topology can be easily extendible to obtain higher level output voltage waveform due to its modular‐switched capacitor cells (SCCs). Besides, the higher voltage level generation does not pose high‐voltage stress on any of the topology components, as the blocking voltage of all devices within the source voltage magnitude. Further, a quantitative comparison is conducted among the state‐of‐art switched‐capacitor multilevel inverter (SC‐MLIs) to highlight the superiority of the proposed configuration. Finally, the performance of the proposed BH‐MLI is experimentally validated with phase disposition‐pulse width modulation (PD‐PWM) and round control method at different modulation indices, load conditions.
Prenatal maternal hair cortisol concentrations are related to maternal prenatal emotion dysregulation but not neurodevelopmental or birth outcomes
Authors: Conradt Elisabeth , Shakiba Nila , Ostlund Brendan , Terrell Sarah , Kaliush Parisa , Shakib Julie H. , Crowell Sheila E.
Published: January 2020

Hair cortisol concentrations measured during pregnancy have emerged as a novel biomarker for prenatal stress exposure. However, associations between prenatal stress and distress, broadly defined, and hair cortisol concentrations during pregnancy are inconsistent. We examined relations among hair cortisol concentrations during the third trimester with (a) emotion dysregulation and (b) detailed measures of maternal prenatal stress. We also examined the predictive validity of maternal hair cortisol during pregnancy for adverse newborn health outcomes. Cortisol concentrations were derived from 6 cm of hair during the third trimester of pregnancy. Mothers reported on their emotion dysregulation and stress at this time. A standardized newborn neurobehavioral exam was conducted shortly after birth and newborn birth weight and gestational age were assessed from medical records. All hypotheses were preregistered on the Open Science Framework (osf.io/279ng). High levels of emotion dysregulation, but not stress, were predictive of high hair cortisol concentrations. Maternal prenatal BMI mediated the relation between maternal prenatal emotion dysregulation and hair cortisol concentrations. There was no association between hair cortisol and infant birth outcomes. This research supports the notion that transdiagnostic markers of psychopathology are important correlates of hair cortisol concentrations during pregnancy.
Anthropogenic disturbance drives dispersal syndromes, demography, and gene flow in amphibian populations
Authors: Cayuela Hugo , Besnard Aurélien , Cote Julien , Laporte Martin , Bonnaire Eric , Pichenot Julian , Schtickzelle Nicolas , Bellec Arnaud , Joly Pierre , Léna Jean‐Paul
Published: January 2020

There is growing evidence that anthropogenic landscapes can strongly influence the evolution of dispersal, particularly through fragmentation, and may drive organisms into an evolutionary trap by suppressing dispersal. However, the influence on dispersal evolution of anthropogenic variation in habitat patch turnover has so far been largely overlooked. In this study, we examined how human‐driven variation in patch persistence affects dispersal rates and distances, determines dispersal‐related phenotypic specialization, and drives neutral genetic structure in spatially structured populations. We addressed this issue in an amphibian, Bombina variegata, using an integrative approach combining capture–recapture modeling, demographic simulation, common garden experiments, and population genetics. B. variegata reproduces in small ponds that occur either in habitat patches that are persistent (i.e., several decades or more), located in riverine environments with negligible human activity, or in patches that are highly temporary (i.e., a few years), created by logging operations in intensively harvested woodland. Our capture–recapture models revealed that natal and breeding dispersal rates and distances were drastically higher in spatially structured populations (SSPs) in logging environments than in riverine SSPs. Population simulations additionally showed that dispersal costs and benefits drive the fate of logging SSPs, which cannot persist without dispersal. The common garden experiments revealed that toadlets reared in laboratory conditions have morphological and behavioral specialization that depends on their habitat of origin. Toadlets from logging SSPs were found to have higher boldness and exploration propensity than those from riverine SSPs, indicating transgenerationally transmitted dispersal syndromes. We also found contrasting patterns of neutral genetic diversity and gene flow in riverine and logging SSPs, with genetic diversity and effective population size considerably higher in logging than in riverine SSPs. In parallel, intrapatch inbreeding and relatedness levels were lower in logging SSPs. Controlling for the effect of genetic drift and landscape connectivity, gene flow was found to be higher in logging than in riverine SSPs. Taken together, these results indicate that anthropogenic variation in habitat patch turnover may have an effect at least as important as landscape fragmentation on dispersal evolution and the long‐term viability and genetic structure of wild populations.
Toward Validation of Toxicological Interpretation of Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films in Marine Waters Impacted by Copper
Authors: Strivens Jonathan , Hayman Nicholas , Rosen Gunther , Myers-Pigg Allison
Published: January 2020

Determination of the median effective concentration (EC50) of Cu on Mytilus galloprovincialis larvae by diffusive gradient in thin films (DGT) has been shown to effectively reduce the need to consider dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration and quality. A standard toxicity test protocol was used to validate previously modeled protective effects, afforded to highly sensitive marine larvae by ligand competition, in 5 diverse site waters. The results demonstrate significant narrowing of M. galloprovincialis toxicological endpoints, where EC50s ranged from 3.74 to 6.67 μg/L as CDGT Cu versus 8.76 to 26.8 μg/L as dissolved Cu (CuDISS) over a DOC range of 0.74 to 3.11 mg/L; Strongylocentrotus purpuratus EC50s were 10.5 to 19.3 μg/L as CDGT Cu versus 22.7 to 67.1 μg/L as CuDISS over the same DOC range. The quality of DOC was characterized by fluorescence excitation and emission matrices. The results indicate that the heterogeneity of competing Cu binding ligands, in common marine waters, minimizes the need for class determinations toward explaining the degree of protection. Using conservative assumptions, an M. galloprovincialis CDGT Cu EC50 of 3.7 µg/L and corresponding criterion maximum concentration CDGT Cu of 1.8 µg/L, for universal application by regulatory compliance-monitoring programs, are proposed as a superior approach toward both integration of dynamic water quality over effective exposure periods and quantification of biologically relevant trace Cu speciation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:873–881. © 2020 SETAC
Index options open interest and stock market returns
Authors: Seo Sung Won , Byun Suk Joon , Kim Jun Sik
Published: January 2020

This study finds that the growth of index options open interest has a significant relation with future stock market returns. We propose a theoretical model that considers hedgers and informed traders in the options market and suggests that hedgers fully utilize options according to their expectations of future stock returns. The empirical results show that the growth of out‐of‐the‐money call options open interest is significantly related with future stock market returns. These findings provide supporting evidence for our theoretical model.
Short and long TNF‐alpha exposure recapitulates canonical astrogliosis events in human‐induced pluripotent stem cells‐derived astrocytes
Authors: Trindade Pablo , Loiola Erick Correia , Gasparotto Juciano , Ribeiro Camila Tiefensee , Cardozo Pablo Leal , Devalle Sylvie , Salerno José Alexandre , Ornelas Isis Moraes , Ledur Pitia Flores , Ribeiro Fabiola Mara , Ventura Ana Lucia Marques , Moreira José Claudio Fonseca , Gelain Daniel Pens , Porciúncula Lisiane Oliveira , Rehen Stevens Kastrup
Published: January 2020

Astrogliosis comprises a variety of changes in astrocytes that occur in a context‐specific manner, triggered by temporally diverse signaling events that vary with the nature and severity of brain insults. However, most mechanisms underlying astrogliosis were described using animals, which fail to reproduce some aspects of human astroglial signaling. Here, we report an in vitro model to study astrogliosis using human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)‐derived astrocytes which replicate temporally intertwined aspects of reactive astrocytes in vivo. We analyzed the time course of astrogliosis by measuring nuclear translocation of NF‐kB, production of cytokines, changes in morphology and function of iPSC‐derived astrocytes exposed to TNF‐α. We observed NF‐kB p65 subunit nuclear translocation and increased gene expression of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α in the first hours following TNF‐α stimulation. After 24 hr, conditioned media from iPSC‐derived astrocytes exposed to TNF‐α exhibited increased secretion of inflammation‐related cytokines. After 5 days, TNF‐α‐stimulated cells presented a typical phenotype of astrogliosis such as increased immunolabeling of Vimentin and GFAP and nuclei with elongated shape and shrinkage. Moreover, ~50% decrease in aspartate uptake was observed during the time course of astrogliosis with no evident cell damage, suggesting astroglial dysfunction. Together, our results indicate that human iPSC‐derived astrocytes reproduce canonical events associated with astrogliosis in a time dependent fashion. The approach described here may contribute to a better understanding of mechanisms governing human astrogliosis with potential applicability as a platform to uncover novel biomarkers and drug targets to prevent or mitigate astrogliosis associated with human brain disorders.
Can your house keep you out of a nursing home?
Authors: Diepstraten Maaike , Douven Rudy , Wouterse Bram
Published: January 2020

We examine the impact of the accessibility of an older individual's house on her use of nursing home care. We link administrative data on the accessibility of all houses in the Netherlands to data on long‐term care use of all older persons from 2011 to 2014. We find that older people living in more accessible houses are less likely to use nursing home care. The effects increase with age and are largest for individuals aged 90 or older. The effects are stronger for people with physical limitations than for persons with cognitive problems. We also provide suggestive evidence that older people living in more accessible houses substitute nursing home care by home care.
Cause‐specific mortality after diagnosis of cancer among HIV‐positive patients: A collaborative analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Trickey Adam , May Margaret T. , Gill M. John , Grabar Sophie , Vehreschild Janne , Wit Ferdinand W.N.M. , Bonnet Fabrice , Cavassini Matthias , Abgrall Sophie , Berenguer Juan , Wyen Christoph , Reiss Peter , Grabmeier‐Pfistershammer Katharina , Guest Jodie L. , Shepherd Leah , Teira Ramon , d'Arminio Monforte Antonella , del Amo Julia , Justice Amy , Costagliola Dominique , Sterne Jonathan A.C.
Published: January 2020

People living with HIV (PLHIV) are more likely than the general population to develop AIDS‐defining malignancies (ADMs) and several non‐ADMs (NADMs). Information is lacking on survival outcomes and cause‐specific mortality after cancer diagnosis among PLHIV. We investigated causes of death within 5 years of cancer diagnosis in PLHIV enrolled in European and North American HIV cohorts starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) 1996–2015, aged ≥16 years, and subsequently diagnosed with cancer. Cancers were grouped: ADMs, viral NADMs and nonviral NADMs. We calculated cause‐specific mortality rates (MR) after diagnosis of specific cancers and compared 5‐year survival with the UK and France general populations. Among 83,856 PLHIV there were 4,436 cancer diagnoses. Of 603 deaths after ADM diagnosis, 292 (48%) were due to an ADM. There were 467/847 (55%) and 74/189 (39%) deaths that were due to an NADM after nonviral and viral NADM diagnoses, respectively. MR were higher for diagnoses between 1996 and 2005 versus 2006–2015: ADMs 102 (95% CI 92–113) per 1,000 years versus 88 (78–100), viral NADMs 134 (106–169) versus 111 (93–133) and nonviral NADMs 264 (232–300) versus 226 (206–248). Estimated 5‐year survival for PLHIV diagnosed with liver (29% [19–39%]), lung (18% [13–23%]) and cervical (75% [63–84%]) cancer was similar to general populations. Survival after Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis was lower in PLHIV (75% [67–81%]). Among ART‐treated PLHIV diagnosed with cancer, MR and causes of death varied by cancer type, with mortality highest for liver and lung cancers. Deaths within 5 years of NADM diagnoses were more likely to be from cancer than AIDS.
Becoming an Author: Engaging High School Students in Disciplinary Practices
Authors: García‐Verdugo Lorvic , López‐Bonilla Guadalupe
Published: January 2020

It is generally considered that students who want to become scientists engage in scientific practices as university students, particularly when pursuing postgraduate studies. However, schools and teachers can help students participate in authentic scientific and disciplinary practices, such as data sampling and analysis, in high school. The authors explore the case of a Mexican high school student whose experience in becoming a published scientific author was afforded through the synergy of different factors, such as a specific school’s curriculum, a teacher’s pedagogy based on his real experience as a scientist, and an institutional context that favors scientific endeavors. The findings are discussed based on Moje’s framework of common disciplinary practices and Knorr‐Cetina’s definition of habitual and epistemic practices.
Tcf3‐activated lncRNA Gas5 regulates newborn mouse cardiomyocyte apoptosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Su Dongsheng , Ju Yansong , Han Wei , Yang Yanhua , Wang Fengyun , Wang Tong , Tang Jianmin
Published: January 2020

Diabetic cardiomyopathy can cause cardiac dysfunction and eventually lead to heart failure and sudden death. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) Gas5 has been reported to play a function in cardiomyocyte. Here we studied the function of Gas5 on newborn mouse cardiomyocyte (NMC) apoptosis to detect its molecular mechanism. High‐glucose treatment was implemented to induce the apoptosis of NMC in this study. And terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling assay, JC‐1 assay, and flow cytometry analysis were conducted to know about the apoptosis of NMC when Gas5 and Tcf3 were silenced. Meanwhile, RNA pull‐down assay and luciferase reporter assay were conducted to verify the binding of RNAs. Finally, rescue assay was implemented to evaluate the influence on apoptosis situation affected by competing endogenous RNA pathways. Tcf3 was found to bind to the Gas5 promoter to activate the expression of Gas5. Meanwhile, Gas5 and Tcf3 were both found to promote the apoptosis of NMC. Also, mmu‐miR‐320‐3p could bind to Gas5 and Tcf3. Moreover, the Gas5/miR‐320‐3p/Tcf3 pathway was found to modulate the apoptosis of NMC. In conclusion, Tcf3‐activated lncRNA Gas5 regulates NMC apoptosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Stromal‐epithelial interactions in prostate cancer: Overexpression of PAGE4 in stromal cells inhibits the invasive ability of epithelial cells
Authors: Fu Shui , Liu Tao , Lv Chengcheng , Fu Cheng , Zeng Ruoheng , Kakehi Yoshiyuki , Kulkarni Prakash , Getzenberg Robert H. , Zeng Yu
Published: January 2020

It is now widely recognized that carcinoma‐associated fibroblasts which are believed to be myofibroblasts, promote the transformation of prostate epithelial cells to cancer cells, enhance their proliferation and invasiveness, and induce the acquisition of resistance to cancer therapy and immune evasiveness. Prostate‐associated gene 4 (PAGE4) is an intrinsically disordered protein that is remarkably prostate‐specific. PAGE4 is also a stress‐response protein that functions as a transcriptional regulator and is upregulated in early‐stage prostate cancer (PCa) and its precursor lesions. However, PAGE4 is downregulated in high‐grade PCa and metastatic disease. Here, we show that PAGE4 is highly expressed in the stromal cells surrounding the cancer‐adjacent “normal” glands and low‐grade PCa lesions but not in lesions proximal to high‐grade PCa. Overexpression of PAGE4 in a stromal cell line inhibits the migration and invasion of PCa epithelial cells in multiple coculture systems. PAGE4 overexpression also inhibits the downregulation of E‐cadherin in PCa epithelial cells when cocultured with stromal cells. Furthermore, signaling via tumor necrosis factor‐α and transforming growth factor‐β pathways is decreased in the stromal cells overexpressing PAGE4 suggesting that PAGE4 appears to play a protective role against disease progression by perturbing interactions between epithelial cells and stromal cells in PCa. Taken together, these findings support previous observations that upregulation of PAGE4 in PCa correlates with a better prognosis and highlight PAGE4 as a novel therapeutic target for early‐stage “low‐risk” disease.
Following the evolution of excited states along photochemical reaction pathways
Authors: Campetella Marco , Sanz García Juan
Published: January 2020

Analyzing the behavior of potential energy surfaces (PESs) of diabatic excited states (ESs) becomes of crucial importance for a complete understanding of complex photochemical reactions. Since the definition of a compact representation for the transition density matrix, the use of the natural transition orbitals (NTOs) has become a routine practice in time‐dependent density functional theory calculations. Their popularity has remarkably grown due to its simple orbital description of electronic excitations. Indeed, very recently, we have presented a new formalism used for the optimization of ESs by tracking the state of interest computing the NTO's overlap between consecutive steps of the procedure. In this new contribution, we generalize the use of this NTO's overlap‐based state‐tracking formalism for the analysis of all the desired diabatic states along any chemical reaction pathway. Determining the PES of the different diabatic states has been automatized by developing an extension of our recently presented algorithm, the so‐called SDNTO: “Steepest Descent minimization using NTOs.” This automatized overlap‐based procedure allows an agile and convenient analysis of the evolution of the ESs avoiding the intrinsic ambiguity of visualizing orbitals or comparing physical observables. The analysis of two photochemical reactions of the same nature with different PES landscapes perfectly illustrates the utility of this new tool.
Inhibition of miR‐155 in MCF‐7 breast cancer cell line by gold nanoparticles functionalized with antagomir and AS1411 aptamer
Authors: Kardani Arefeh , Yaghoobi Hajar , Alibakhshi Abbas , Khatami Mehrdad
Published: January 2020

MicroRNAs are key factors for many biological functions. These regulatory molecules affect various gene networks and involve the subsequent signaling pathways. Therefore, disrupting the expression of these molecules is associated with multiple anomalies in the cells and body. One of the most important related abnormalities is the incidence of cancer. Thus, targeting microRNAs (miRNAs) is an effective approach for cancer gene therapy. Various factors are used for this purpose, including the antagomir nucleotide structure. There are some obstacles in the delivery of nucleotide therapeutics to the target cells, however, the use of nanoparticles could partly overcome these defeciencies. On the other hand, targeted delivery of antagomirs using aptamers, reduces nonspecific effects on nontarget cells. Considering the above, in this study, we designed and fabricated a nanocarrier composed of gold nanoparticles (GNPs), antagomir‐155, and nucleolin specific aptamer for breast cancer study and therapy. Here, GNPs were synthesized using citrate reduction and were modified by polyA sequences, AS1411 aptamer, and antagomir‐155. Attachment of molecules were confirmed using gel electrophoresis, atomic force microscopy imaging and electrochemical test. The specific entry of modified nanoparticles was investigated by fluorescence microscopy. The efficacy of modified nanoparticles was evaluated using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q‐PCR) for miR‐155 and its target gene. Efficient and specific delivery of AuNP–Apt–anti‐miR‐155 to target cells was confirmed in comparison with the control cell. The q‐PCR analysis showed not only a significant decrease in mir‐155 levels but also an elevated TP53INP1 mRNA, direct target of miR‐155. The proposed structure inhibits proliferation and stimulates apoptosis by increasing the expression of TP53INP1. Our results suggest that AuNP–Apt–anti‐miR‐155 could be a promising nano constructor for breast cancer treatment.