bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pro-oncogenic, intra host viral quasispecies in Diffuse large B cell lymphoma patients with occult Hepatitis B Virus infection
Authors: Sinha Mahua , Sundar Keerthana , Premalata C. S. , Asati Vikas , Murali Alka , Bajpai Akhilesh Kumar , Davuluri Sravanthi , Acharya Kshitish K. , Lakshmaiah K. C. , Babu K. Govind , Jacob Linu A. , Nandan Dharam , Velayutham Dinesh , Datta Sibnarayan , Jayshree R. S.
Published: October 2019

Non Hodgkin lymphoma, predominantly Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) has been reported to have a significant association with Hepatitis B virus (HBV). We investigated the presence of different gene segments of HBV in plasma, B-cells and tumor tissues from DLBCL patients and explored the genetic variability of HBV within and across different compartments in a host using Next Generation Sequencing. Despite all 40 patients being HBV seronegative, 68% showed evidence of occult HBV. Sequencing of these gene segments revealed inter-compartment viral variants in 26% of them, each with at least one non-synonymous mutation. Between compartments, core gene variants revealed Arg94Leu, Glu86Arg and Ser41Thr while X gene variants revealed Phe73Val, Ala44Val, Ser146Ala and Ser147Pro. In tumor compartments per se, several mis-sense mutations were detected, notably the classic T1762A/A1764G mutation in the basal core promoter. In addition, a virus surface antigen mis-sense mutation resulting in M125T was detected in all the samples and could account for surface antigen negativity and occult HBV status. It would be interesting to further explore if a temporal accumulation of viral variants within a favored niche, like patients’ lymphocytes, could bestow survival advantage to the virus, and if certain pro-oncogenic HBV variants could drive lymphomagenesis in DLBCL.
Temperature Activated Dimensionality Crossover in the Nucleation of Quantum Dots by Droplet Epitaxy on GaAs(111)A Vicinal Substrates
Authors: Tuktamyshev Artur , Fedorov Alexey , Bietti Sergio , Tsukamoto Shiro , Sanguinetti Stefano
Published: October 2019

A temperature activated crossover between two nucleation regimes is observed in the behavior of Ga droplet nucleation on vicinal GaAs(111)A substrates with a miscut of 2° towards $$(\bar{1}\bar{1}2)$$
(

1
¯

1
¯

2
)
. At low temperature (<400 °C) the droplet density dependence on temperature and flux is compatible with droplet nucleation by two-dimensional diffusion. Increasing the temperature, a different regime is observed, whose scaling behavior is compatible with a reduction of the dimensionality of the nucleation regime from two to one dimension. We attribute such behavior to a presence of finite width terraces and a sizeable Ehrlich-Schwöbel barrier at the terrace edge, which hinders adatom diffusion in the direction perpendicular to the steps.
Morphological changes of the pancreas after pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Quesada Rita , Simón Clara , Radosevic Aleksandar , Poves Ignasi , Grande Luis , Burdío Fernando
Published: October 2019

The aim of this retrospective study was thus to evaluate postoperative morphological changes in the remnant pancreas after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) associated with postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Fifty-one patients subjected to PD were enrolled in the study and allocated into 2 groups according to the presence (n = 16) or absence of POPF (n = 35). A morphological evaluation of the pancreas was conducted for up to a 20 months follow-up on CT scans and compared between groups. No significant differences were observed in morphology between the groups at the different preoperative and PO intervals, regardless of the clinical relevance of the POPF or POPF grade. However, in the overall patient analysis we observed a significant reduction of the entire pancreas over time. In fact, thickness decreased 0.4 mm/month, length 1.2 mm/month and volume 1.17 cm3/month over the PO. The impact of age, POPF, type of anastomosis, surgical technique and PO follow-up (time) was evaluated in a multivariate analysis using the general linear model, but only PO follow-up had a significant influence on the final model (p < 0.001). A significant reduction on pancreatic parenchyma (thickness, length and volume) occurs after PD with no significant differences between patients with or without POPF.
SMRT sequencing of full-length transcriptome of seagrasses Zostera japonica
Authors: Chen Siting , Qiu Guanglong , Yang Mingliu
Published: October 2019

Seagrass meadows are among the four most productive marine ecosystems in the world. Zostera japonica (Z. japonica) is the most widely distributed species of seagrass in China. However, there is no reference genome or transcriptome available for Z. japonica, impeding progress in functional genomic and molecular ecology studies in this species. Temperature is the main factor that controls the distribution and growth of seagrass around the world, yet how seagrass responds to heat stress remains poorly understood due to the lack of genomic and transcriptomic data. In this study, we applied a combination of second- and third-generation sequencing technologies to sequence full-length transcriptomes of Z. japonica. In total, we obtained 58,134 uniform transcripts, which included 46,070 high-quality full-length transcript sequences. We identified 15,411 simple sequence repeats, 258 long non-coding RNAs and 28,038 open reading frames. Exposure to heat elicited a complex transcriptional response in genes involved in posttranslational modification, protein turnover and chaperones. Overall, our study provides the first large-scale full-length trascriptome in Zostera japonica, allowing for structural, functional and comparative genomics studies in this important seagrass species. Although previous studies have focused specifically on heat shock proteins, we found that examination of other heat stress related genes is important for studying response to heat stress in seagrass. This study provides a genetic resource for the discovery of genes related to heat stress tolerance in this species. Our transcriptome can be further utilized in future studies to understand the molecular adaptation to heat stress in Zostera japonica.
Transcriptome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Circular RNAs in Leaves of Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis) in Response to Calcium Deficiency-Induced Tip-burn
Authors: Wang Wuhong , Wang Jinglei , Wei Qingzhen , Li Biyuan , Zhong Xinmin , Hu Tianhua , Hu Haijiao , Bao Chonglai
Published: October 2019

Circular RNA (circRNA) is a newly discovered non-coding RNA, which play significant roles in the function and transcriptional regulation of microRNA. To date, in Chinese cabbage, the functional characteristic of circRNAs in response to calcium deficiency-induced tip-burn have not been reported. In this study, 730 circRNAs were isolated from Chinese cabbage leaves, of which 23 and 22 were differentially expressed in different calcium deficiency stages compared with the control. Forty-six host genes of the differentially expressed circRNAs were identified, and one circRNA was found to act as miRNAs sponges. Based on the functional analysis of host genes and target mRNAs of the corresponding miRNAs, the identified circRNAs might participated in response to stimulus, electron carrier activity, ATPase activity, cell wall metabolism, transcription factors and plant hormone signal transduction. ABF2, a positive regulator of the abiotic stress response in the abscisic acid (ABA) pathway, may play a role in calcium deficiency tolerance through a circRNA regulatory pathway. Correspondingly, the concentration of ABA is also increased during the Ca2+ deficiency stress. Our results suggest that circRNAs participate in a broad range of biological processes and physiological functions in the response to calcium deficiency-induced tip-burn and provide a basis for further studies of the biological roles that circRNAs play in the plant stress response.
Establishment of a diabetes mellitus type 1 model in the common marmoset
Authors: Yuan Wenji , Fukuda Satsuki , Inoue Takashi , Okochi Hitoshi , Sasaki Erika , Shimoda Masayuki
Published: October 2019

Common marmosets have attracted considerable attention as a small standard primate model in biomedical research. However, no marmoset diabetes model is available. Here, we established a marmoset diabetes model via the combination of partial pancreatectomy and intravenous streptozotocin (STZ). A partial pancreatectomy was performed in 11 common marmosets and multiple STZ doses were intravenously administered. Diabetes was diagnosed upon sustained hyperglycaemia (nonfasting blood glucose level >200 mg/dl). Blood glucose and biochemistry were periodically assessed, in addition to glucose tolerance testing, continual blood glucose determination using a continuous glucose monitoring system, urine testing and histological evaluation. In 8 of the 11 animals (73%), diabetes mellitus was induced. The diabetic marmosets also showed abnormal intravenous and oral glucose tolerance test results. Blood glucose levels decreased in response to human insulin administration. The hyperglycaemic state was irreversible and persisted for more than 3 months, and the animals’ condition was manageable via daily insulin administration. Thus, diabetes can be successfully induced and maintained in the common marmoset via partial pancreatectomy and STZ administration. This protocol effectively generates a valuable animal model for studying disease pathogenesis, risk factors and therapeutic interventions, including islet transplantation.
Long-term efficacy of imatinib mesylate in patients with advanced Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor
Authors: Verspoor F. G. M. , Mastboom M. J. L. , Hannink G. , Maki R. G. , Wagner A. , Bompas E. , Desai J. , Italiano A. , Seddon B. M. , van der Graaf W. T. A. , Blay J.-Y. , Brahmi M. , Eberst L. , Stacchiotti S. , Mir O. , van de Sande M. A. J. , Gelderblom H. , Cassier P. A.
Published: October 2019

Tenosynovial giant cell tumors (TGCT), are rare colony stimulating factor-1(CSF-1)-driven proliferative disorders affecting joints. Diffuse-type TGCT often causes significant morbidity due to local recurrences necessitating multiple surgeries. Imatinib mesylate (IM) blocks the CSF-1 receptor. This study investigated the long term effects of IM in TGCT. We conducted an international multi-institutional retrospective study to assess the activity of IM: data was collected anonymously from individual patients with locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic TGCT. Sixty-two patients from 12 institutions across Europe, Australia and the United States were identified. Four patients with metastatic TGCT progressed rapidly on IM and were excluded for further analyses. Seventeen of 58 evaluable patients achieved complete response (CR) or partial response (PR). One- and five-year progression-free survival rates were 71% and 48%, respectively. Thirty-eight (66%) patients discontinued IM after a median of 7 (range 1–80) months. Reported adverse events in 45 (78%) patients were among other edema (48%) and fatigue (50%), mostly grade 1–2 (89%). Five patients experienced grade 3–4 toxicities. This study confirms, with additional follow-up, the efficacy of IM in TGCT. In responding cases we confirmed prolonged IM activity on TGCT symptoms even after discontinuation, but with high rates of treatment interruption and additional treatments.
Multiple air-bubble enhanced oil rupture on nanostructured cellulose fabric for easy-oil cleaning fouled in a dry state
Authors: Kim Min-Sung , Ko Tae-Jun , Kim Seong Jin , Lee Young-A. , Oh Kyu Hwan , Moon Myoung-Woon
Published: October 2019

Nanostructured cellulose fabric with an air-bubble-enhanced anti-oil fouling property is introduced for quick oil-cleaning by water even with the surface fouled by oil before water contact under a dry state. It is very challenging to recover the super-hydrophilicity because once the surface is oil-fouled, it is hard to be re-wetted by water. Anti-oil-fouling under a dry state was realized through two main features of the nanostructured, porous fabric: a low solid fraction with high-aspect-ratio nanostructures significantly increasing the retracting forces, and trapped multiscale air bubbles increasing the buoyancy and backpressure for an oil-layer rupture. The nanostructures were formed on cellulose-based rayon microfibers through selective etching with oxygen plasma, forming a nanoscale open-pore structure. Viscous crude oil fouled on a fabric under a dry state was cleaned by immersion into water owing to a higher water affinity of the rayon material and low solid fraction of the high-aspect-ratio nanostructures. Air bubbles trapped in dry porous fibers and nanostructures promote oil detachment from the fouled sites. The macroscale bubbles add buoyancy on top of the oil droplets, enhancing the oil receding at the oil-water-solid interface, whereas the relatively smaller microscale bubbles induce a backpressure underneath the oil droplets. The oil-proofing fabric was used for protecting underwater conductive sensors, allowing a robot fish to swim freely in oily water.
Altering social cue perception impacts honey bee aggression with minimal impacts on aggression-related brain gene expression
Authors: Harrison James W. , Palmer Joseph H. , Rittschof Clare C.
Published: October 2019

Gene expression changes resulting from social interactions may give rise to long term behavioral change, or simply reflect the activity of neural circuitry associated with behavioral expression. In honey bees, social cues broadly modulate aggressive behavior and brain gene expression. Previous studies suggest that expression changes are limited to contexts in which social cues give rise to stable, relatively long-term changes in behavior. Here we use a traditional beekeeping approach that inhibits aggression, smoke exposure, to deprive individuals of aggression-inducing olfactory cues and evaluate whether behavioral changes occur in absence of expression variation in a set of four biomarker genes (drat, cyp6g1/2, GB53860, inos) associated with aggression in previous studies. We also evaluate two markers of a brain hypoxic response (hif1α, hsf) to determine whether smoke induces molecular changes at all. We find that bees with blocked sensory perception as a result of smoke exposure show a strong, temporary inhibition of aggression relative to bees allowed to perceive normal social cues. However, blocking sensory perception had minimal impacts on aggression-relevant gene expression, althought it did induce a hypoxic molecular response in the brain. Results suggest that certain genes differentiate social cue-induced changes in aggression from long-term modulation of this phenotype.
Esters of terpene alcohols as highly potent, reversible, and low toxic skin penetration enhancers
Authors: Kopečná Monika , Macháček Miloslav , Nováčková Anna , Paraskevopoulos Georgios , Roh Jaroslav , Vávrová Kateřina
Published: October 2019

Skin penetration/permeation enhancers are compounds that improve (trans)dermal drug delivery. We designed hybrid terpene-amino acid enhancers by conjugating natural terpenes (citronellol, geraniol, nerol, farnesol, linalool, perillyl alcohol, menthol, borneol, carveol) or cinnamyl alcohol with 6-(dimethylamino)hexanoic acid through a biodegradable ester linker. The compounds were screened for their ability to increase the delivery of theophylline and hydrocortisone through and into human skin ex vivo. The citronellyl, bornyl and cinnamyl esters showed exceptional permeation-enhancing properties (enhancement ratios up to 82) while having low cellular toxicities. The barrier function of enhancer-treated skin (assessed by transepidermal water loss and electrical impedance) recovered within 24 h. Infrared spectroscopy suggested that these esters fluidized the stratum corneum lipids. Furthermore, the citronellyl ester increased the epidermal concentration of topically applied cidofovir, which is a potent antiviral and anticancer drug, by 15-fold. In conclusion, citronellyl 6-(dimethylamino)hexanoate is an outstanding enhancer with an advantageous combination of properties, which may improve the delivery of drugs that have a limited ability to cross biological barriers.
Structural complexity governs seagrass acclimatization to depth with relevant consequences for meadow production, macrophyte diversity and habitat carbon storage capacity
Authors: Enríquez Susana , Olivé Irene , Cayabyab Napo , Hedley John D.
Published: October 2019

Analyses of the integrated seagrass response to depth support the previously documented low plasticity and consistent shade-adapted leaf physiology of a habitat-builder that dominates well-illuminated reef environments. Two structural responses, “canopy-opening” and “below-ground-mass-depletion”, govern the photoacclimatory response and facilitate, respectively, light penetration within the canopy and functional adjustments in whole-plant carbon balances. Conversely, “canopy-closing” may also explain dense canopies formed close to the waterline, as they provide shade and photoprotection to a susceptible leaf physiology under high-light. Canopy light attenuation is primarily regulated by the leaf area index (LAI), which is governed by changes in shoot size and density. Shoot density diminishes non-linearly with depth, while shoot size increases to a maximum followed by a decline. The initial increase in shoot size, which resembles a self-thinning response, increases LAI and meadow production in shallow depths. These seagrass structural adjustments have relevant ecological implications. Canopy-thinning allows macrophyte diversity to increase with depth, while seagrass production and carbon storage diminish exponentially, and are maximal only in a shallow coastal fringe. The results support the universality of plant self-thinning, from phytoplankton to complex canopies, likely the consequence of simple physical laws related to light limitation and pigment self-shading within photosynthetic structures and communities.
BMP signaling mediates glioma stem cell quiescence and confers treatment resistance in glioblastoma
Authors: Sachdeva Rohit , Wu Megan , Johnson Kevin , Kim Hyunsoo , Celebre Angela , Shahzad Uswa , Graham Maya Srikanth , Kessler John A. , Chuang Jeffrey H. , Karamchandani Jason , Bredel Markus , Verhaak Roel , Das Sunit
Published: October 2019

Despite advances in therapy, glioblastoma remains an incurable disease with a dismal prognosis. Recent studies have implicated cancer stem cells within glioblastoma (glioma stem cells, GSCs) as mediators of therapeutic resistance and tumor progression. In this study, we investigated the role of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, which has been found to play an integral role in the maintenance of stem cell homeostasis within multiple stem cell systems, as a mediator of stem-like cells in glioblastoma. We find that BMP and TGF-β signaling define divergent molecular and functional identities in glioblastoma, and mark relatively quiescent and proliferative GSCs, respectively. Treatment of GSCs with BMP inhibits cell proliferation, but does not abrogate their stem-ness, as measured by self-renewal and tumorigencity. Further, BMP pathway activation confers relative resistance to radiation and temozolomide chemotherapy. Our findings define a quiescent cancer stem cell population in glioblastoma that may be a cellular reservoir for tumor recurrence following cytotoxic therapy.
On Modeling Ensemble Transport of Metal Reducing Motile Bacteria
Authors: Yang Xueke , Parashar Rishi , Sund Nicole L. , Plymale Andrew E. , Scheibe Timothy D. , Hu Dehong , Kelly Ryan T.
Published: October 2019

Many metal reducing bacteria are motile with their run-and-tumble behavior exhibiting series of flights and waiting-time spanning multiple orders of magnitude. While several models of bacterial processes do not consider their ensemble motion, some models treat motility using an advection diffusion equation (ADE). In this study, Geobacter and Pelosinus, two metal reducing species, are used in micromodel experiments for study of their motility characteristics. Trajectories of individual cells on the order of several seconds to few minutes in duration are analyzed to provide information on (1) the length of runs, and (2) time needed to complete a run (waiting or residence time). A Continuous Time Random Walk (CTRW) model to predict ensemble breakthrough plots is developed based on the motility statistics. The results of the CTRW model and an ADE model are compared with the real breakthrough plots obtained directly from the trajectories. The ADE model is shown to be insufficient, whereas a coupled CTRW model is found to be good at predicting breakthroughs at short distances and at early times, but not at late time and long distances. The inadequacies of the simple CTRW model can possibly be improved by accounting for correlation in run length and waiting time.
Sexual and genotypic variation in terpene quantitative and qualitative profiles in the dioecious shrub Baccharis salicifolia
Authors: Moreira Xoaquín , Abdala-Roberts Luis , Nell Colleen S. , Vázquez-González Carla , Pratt Jessica D. , Keefover-Ring Ken , Mooney Kailen A.
Published: October 2019

Terpenoids are secondary metabolites produced in most plant tissues and are often considered toxic or repellent to plant enemies. Previous work has typically reported on intra-specific variation in terpene profiles, but the effects of plant sex, an important axis of genetic variation, have been less studied for chemical defences in general, and terpenes in particular. In a prior study, we found strong genetic variation (but not sexual dimorphism) in terpene amounts in leaves of the dioecious shrub Baccharis salicifolia. Here we build on these findings and provide a more in-depth analysis of terpene chemistry on these same plants from an experiment consisting of a common garden with male (N = 19) and female (N = 20) genotypes sourced from a single population. Our goal in the present study was to investigate quantitative and qualitative differences in terpene profiles associated with plant sex and genotypic variation. For this, we quantified leaf mono- and sesquiterpene amount, richness, and diversity (quantitative profile), as well as the composition of compounds (qualitative profile). We found no evidence of sexual dimorphism in monoterpene or sesquiterpene profiles. We did, however, find significant genotypic variation in amount, diversity, and composition of monoterpenes, but no effects on sesquiterpenes. These findings indicated that genotypic variation in terpene profiles largely surpassed variation due to sexual dimorphism for the studied population of this species.
An improved neuroanatomical model of the default-mode network reconciles previous neuroimaging and neuropathological findings
Authors: Alves Pedro Nascimento , Foulon Chris , Karolis Vyacheslav , Bzdok Danilo , Margulies Daniel S. , Volle Emmanuelle , Thiebaut de Schotten Michel
Published: October 2019

The brain is constituted of multiple networks of functionally correlated brain areas, out of which the default-mode network (DMN) is the largest. Most existing research into the DMN has taken a corticocentric approach. Despite its resemblance with the unitary model of the limbic system, the contribution of subcortical structures to the DMN may be underappreciated. Here, we propose a more comprehensive neuroanatomical model of the DMN including subcortical structures such as the basal forebrain, cholinergic nuclei, anterior and mediodorsal thalamic nuclei. Additionally, tractography of diffusion-weighted imaging was employed to explore the structural connectivity, which revealed that the thalamus and basal forebrain are of central importance for the functioning of the DMN. The contribution of these neurochemically diverse brain nuclei reconciles previous neuroimaging with neuropathological findings in diseased brains and offers the potential for identifying a conserved homologue of the DMN in other mammalian species.
Tailoring thermal conduction in anatase TiO2
Authors: Mettan X. , Jaćimović J. , Barišić O. S. , Pisoni A. , Batistić I. , Horváth E. , Brown S. , Rossi L. , Szirmai P. , Farkas B. , Berger H. , Forró L.
Published: October 2019

Thermal conductivity (κ) plays an essential role in functional devices. It is advantageous to design materials where one can tune κ in a wide range according to its function: single-crystals and nanowires of anatase polymorph of titanium dioxide, broadly used in applications ranging from photovoltaics, reflective coatings to memristors, have been synthesized in large quantities. Here we identify a new, strong diffusion mechanism of heat by polaronic structures due to oxygen vacancies, which considerably influences both the absolute value and the temperature dependence of κ. The additional decrease of κ is achieved in anatase nanowires organized into foam, where porosity and the quasi-one-dimensional size-effect dramatically hinder the propagation of heat, resulting in an extremely low κ = 0.014 W/Km at room-temperature. Doping this anatase foam could herald promising applications, in particular in thermoelectricity.
Ligand targeting and peptide functionalized polymers as non-viral carriers for gene therapy
Authors: Muhammad Khan , Zhao Jing , Ullah Ihsan , Guo Jintang , Ren Xiang-kui , Feng Yakai
Published: October 2019

Ligand targeting and peptide functionalized polymers serve as gene carriers for efficient gene delivery.
Plant rhizosphere, soil microenvironment, and functional genes in the nitrogen removal process of bioretention
Authors: Chen Tao , Liu Yunpeng , Zhang Ben , Sun Lihua
Published: October 2019

The coupling effect of plant, soil, and microbes in bioretention provides conditions conductive for nitrogen (N) removal via nitrification, accretion, denitrification, and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA).
Comparison of qPCR and amplicon sequencing based methods for fecal source tracking in a mixed land use estuarine watershed
Authors: Phelan Sarah , Soni Disha , Morales Medina William R. , Fahrenfeld N. L.
Published: October 2019

Fecal indicator bacteria are commonly used to evaluate water quality and make decisions on designating and restricting use.
Integrated metabolomic and proteomics profiling reveals the promotion of Lactobacillus reuteri LR1 on amino acid metabolism in the gut–liver axis of weaned pigs
Authors: Yi Hongbo , Yang Guangda , Xiong Yunxia , Wu Qiwen , Xiao Hao , Wen Xiaolu , Yang Xuefen , Wang Li , Jiang Zongyong
Published: October 2019

L. reuteri LR1 enhanced amino acid metabolism in the gut–liver axis of weaned pigs.
Altered triglyceride and phospholipid metabolism predates the diagnosis of gestational diabetes in obese pregnancy
Authors: Furse Samuel , White Sara L. , Meek Claire L. , Jenkins Benjamin , Petry Clive J. , Vieira Matias C. , Ozanne Susan E. , Dunger David B. , Poston Lucilla , Koulman Albert
Published: October 2019

Gestational diabetes (GDM), a common pregnancy complication associated with obesity and long-term health risks, is usually diagnosed at approximately 28 weeks of gestation.
Pressure-induced SERS enhancement in a MoS2/Au/R6G system by a two-step charge transfer process
Authors: Sun Huanhuan , Yao Mingguang , Song Yanping , Zhu Luyao , Dong Jiajun , Liu Ran , Li Peng , Zhao Bing , Liu Bingbing
Published: October 2019

The PI-SERS signals of R6G molecules on a MoS2/Au substrate are enhanced at 2.39 GPa by a two-step charge transfer process.
Tailoring chemoenzymatic oxidation via in situ peracids
Authors: Re Rebecca N. , Proessdorf Johanna C. , La Clair James J. , Subileau Maeva , Burkart Michael D.
Published: October 2019

Epoxidation chemistry often suffers from the challenging handling of peracids and thus requires in situ preparation.
Paper-based microfluidic devices based on 3D network polymer hydrogel for the determination of glucose in human whole blood
Authors: He Rong-Yu , Tseng Hsin-Yi , Lee Hsia-An , Liu Yu-Ci , Koshevoy Igor O. , Pan Sheng-Wei , Ho Mei-Lin
Published: October 2019

In this study, optical microfluidic paper analytical devices (μPADs) for glucose detection from whole blood samples with a small sample volume (2 μL) have been developed on a single paper.
Motion of droplets into hydrophobic parallel plates
Authors: Bian Xiongheng , Huang Haibo , Chen Liguo
Published: October 2019

A simple and effective ratchet-like strategy is introduced to transfer droplets. We creatively put forward that the asymmetric change of the contact angle induced by the asymmetric structure is the fundamental cause of this kind of motion.
Dynamic security assessment and the countermeasures analysis of land ecology in Henan province from 2007 to 2017
Authors: Su Yongbo
Published: October 2019

It is an important issue to objectively assess the land ecology.
A facile heterogeneous system for persulfate activation by CuFe2O4 under LED light irradiation
Authors: Zhong Xin , Ye Xiao-Yu , Wu Di , Zhang Kai-Xin , Huang Wei
Published: October 2019

In this study, the removal performance for rhodamine B (RB) by persulfate (PS) activated by the CuFe2O4 catalyst in a heterogeneous catalytic system under LED light irradiation was investigated.
Induced growth of quasi-free-standing graphene on SiC substrates
Authors: Liu Zhenxing , Su Zhen , Li Qingbo , Sun Li , Zhang Xue , Yang Zhiyuan , Liu Xizheng , Li Yingxian , Li Yanlu , Yu Fapeng , Zhao Xian
Published: October 2019

Quasi-free-standing graphene on a SiC substrate was directly prepared by using the induced graphene growth method.
A hierarchical NiCo2S4 honeycomb/NiCo2S4 nanosheet core–shell structure for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Beka Lemu Girma , Li Xin , Wang Xiaoli , Han Chuanyu , Liu Weihua
Published: October 2019

3D core–shell structure with excellent electronic and ionic transport, leading to faster kinetics and higher utilization of active material obtained.
Conductivity and giant permittivity study of Zn0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 spinel ferrite as a function of frequency and temperature
Authors: Hajlaoui Mohsen Elain , Dhahri Radhia , Hnainia Nessrine , Benchaabane Aida , Dhahri Essebti , Khirouni Kamel
Published: October 2019

Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 was prepared by the solid state reaction route at different temperatures.
Dual-doped hierarchical porous carbon derived from biomass for advanced supercapacitors and lithium ion batteries
Authors: Fan Wenjie , Zhang Hao , Wang Huanlei , Zhao Xiaochen , Sun Shijiao , Shi Jing , Huang Minghua , Liu Wei , Zheng Yulong , Li Ping
Published: October 2019

Nettle leaf derived nitrogen and oxygen dual-doped porous carbons exhibit great potential as anodes for high performance supercapacitors and lithium ion batteries.
Mono and co-immobilization of imidazolium ionic liquids on silica: effects of the substituted groups on the adsorption behavior of 2,4-dinitrophenol
Authors: Wang Zhike , Ge Honglian , Wang Xueyuan , Ye Cunling , Fan Shunli
Published: October 2019

Ionic liquid modified silicas with high adsorption capacity for phenols prompt us to deeply explore the contribution of interactions between the adsorbent and adsorbate, with a particular focus on hydrophobicity, π–π, electrostatic and acid–base interactions.
K0.36(H2O)yWS2: a new layered compound for reversible hydrated potassium ion intercalation in aqueous electrolyte
Authors: Mao Yuanlv , Xie Miao , Zhao Wei , Yuan Kaidi , Fang Yuqiang , Huang Fuqiang
Published: October 2019

This work reports the synthesis of a new quasi two-dimensional layered compound, K0.36(H2O)yWS2, for aqueous potassium ion storage.
Highly flexible and sensitive temperature sensors based on Ti3C2Tx (MXene) for electronic skin
Authors: Cao Zherui , Yang Yina , Zheng Yinghui , Wu Wei , Xu Fangfang , Wang Ranran , Sun Jing
Published: October 2019

Ti3C2Tx based flexible temperature sensors exhibit a tunable high performance and realize proximity and illumination detection for electronic skin.
Balancing the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient by controlled interfacial doping towards high performance benzothienobenzothiophene-based organic thermoelectric materials
Authors: Tan Jingjuan , Chen Zhanhua , Wang Dagang , Qin Shihui , Xiao Xu , Xie Dongsheng , Liu Danqing , Wang Lei
Published: October 2019

A generally applicable strategy of balancing the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient for high-performance organic thermoelectric composites by controlled interfacial doping.
Direct 3D printing of a tough hydrogel incorporated with carbon nanotubes for bone regeneration
Authors: Cui Haomin , Yu Yaling , Li Xiaokeng , Sun Ziyang , Ruan Jihao , Wu Ziliang , Qian Jin , Yin Jun
Published: October 2019

The emerging three-dimensional (3D) printing technique has shown prominent advantages to fabricate hydrogel-based tissue scaffolds for the regeneration of bone defects.
pH-Responsive polyelectrolyte coated gadolinium oxide-doped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Gd2O3@MSNs) for synergistic drug delivery and magnetic resonance imaging enhancement
Authors: He Kewu , Li Jiajia , Shen Yuxian , Yu Yongqiang
Published: October 2019

Theranostic platforms that combine therapeutic and imaging modalities have received increasing interest.
Constructing spraying-processed complementary smart windows via electrochromic materials with hierarchical nanostructures
Authors: Hu Fei , Yan Bin , Ren Erhui , Gu Yingchun , Lin Shaojian , Ye Lanlin , Chen Sheng , Zeng Hongbo
Published: October 2019

An ultra-stable complementary electrochromic device is fabricated with hierarchical porous nanostructured halloysite nanotubes@inherently conducting polymer films.
Single excitable dual emissive novel luminescent pigment to generate advanced security features for anti-counterfeiting applications
Authors: Gangwar Amit Kumar , Kanika Kanika , Kedawat Garima , Papanai Girija Shankar , Gupta Bipin Kumar
Published: October 2019

A novel concept for a single excitable dual emissive luminescent pigment has been demonstrated, which emit red and green colors with the single excitation wavelength of a 254 nm UV lamp switched ON and after switched OFF, respectively.
Self-assembly of coordination polymers on plasmonic surfaces for computer vision decodable, unclonable and colorful security labels
Authors: Han Fei , Liu Yang , Li Fushan , Lu Yongfeng , Cheng Hongrui , Lin Yuting , Zhao Tiesong , Ng Soon Hock , Bach Udo , Zheng Yuanhui
Published: October 2019

An unclonable, colorful, and computer vision decodable anti-counterfeiting label is fabricated by self-assembly of coordination polymers on plasmonic surfaces. The physics behind the colors on the security label is surface plasmon enhanced optical interference.
Self-assembly of luminescent 42-metal lanthanide nanowheels with sensing properties towards metal ions and nitro explosives
Authors: Shi Dongliang , Yang Xiaoping , Chen Hongfen , Ma Yanan , Schipper Desmond , Jones Richard A.
Published: October 2019

Two 42-metal lanthanide nanowheels [Ln42L14(OH)28(OAc)84] (Ln = Yb (1), Sm (2)) with a NIR luminescent response towards metal ions and nitro explosives were constructed.
Diketopyrrolopyrrole-based small molecules for solution-processed n-channel organic thin film transistors
Authors: Zhou Qian , Jiang Yu , Du Tian , Wang Zhongli , Liang Ziqi , Han Yang , Deng Yunfeng , Tian Hongkun , Geng Yanhou
Published: October 2019

n-Type small molecules exhibit a highly reliable mobility of up to 1.05 cm2 V−1 s−1 in solution-processed organic thin film transistors.
Biogenic Aspergillus tubingensis silver nanoparticles’ in vitro effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells, normal human fibroblasts, HEPG2, and Galleria mellonella
Authors: Ottoni Cristiane Angélica , Maria Durvanei Augusto , Gonçalves Priscila Jane Romano de Oliveira , de Araújo Welington Luiz , de Souza Ana Olívia
Published: October 2019

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely incorporated into different hygiene, personal care, and healthcare products. However, few studies have been undertaken to determine the effects of biogenic AgNPs on human health. The effect of biosynthesized AgNPs using the fungus Aspergillus tubingensis culture was evaluated on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), normal human fibroblasts (FN1), human hepatoma cells (HEPG2) and a Galleria mellonella model. HUVECs were more susceptible to biogenic AgNPs than normal fibroblasts FN1 and intense cytotoxicity was observed only for very high concentrations at and above 2.5 μM for both cells. Normal human fibroblasts FN1 exposed to AgNPs for 24 h showed viability of 98.83 ± 8.40% and 94.86 ± 5.50% for 1.25 and 2.5 μM, respectively. At 5 and 10 μM, related to the control, an increase in cell viability was observed being 112.66 ± 9.94% and 117.86 ± 8.86%, respectively. Similar results were obtained for treatment for 48 and 72 h. At 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 μM of AgNPs, at 24 h, HUVECs showed 51.34 ± 7.47%, 27.01 ± 5.77%, 26.00 ± 3.03% and 27.64 ± 5.85% of viability, respectively. No alteration in cell distribution among different cycle phases was observed after HUVEC and normal fibroblast FN1 exposure to AgNPs from 0.01 to 1 μM for 24, 48 and 72 h. Based on the clonogenic assay, nanoparticles successfully inhibited HEPG2 cell proliferation when exposed to concentrations up to 1 μM. In addition to that, AgNPs did not induce senescence and no morphological alteration was observed by scanning electron microscopy on the endothelial cells. In the larvae of the wax moth, Galleria mellonella, a model for toxicity, AgNPs showed no significant effects, which corroborates to the safety of their use in mammalian cells. These results demonstrate that the use of A. tubingensis AgNPs is a promising biotechnological approach and these AgNPs can be applied in several biomedical situations.
Meeting the Best Practice for Hearing Aid Verification in Children: Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Amri Nur Azyani , Quar Tian Kar , Chong Foong Yen
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This study examined the current pediatric amplification practice with an emphasis on hearing aid verification using probe microphone measurement (PMM), among audiologists in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Frequency of practice, access to PMM system, practiced protocols, barriers, and perception toward the benefits of PMM were identified through a survey.

Method

A questionnaire was distributed to and filled in by the audiologists who provided pediatric amplification service in Klang Valley, Malaysia. One hundred eight (N =108) audiologists, composed of 90.3% women and 9.7% men (age range: 23–48 years), participated in the survey.

Results

PMM was not a clinical routine practiced by a majority of the audiologists, despite its recognition as the best clinical practice that should be incorporated into protocols for fitting hearing aids in children. Variations in practice existed warranting further steps to improve the current practice for children with hearing impairment. The lack of access to PMM equipment was 1 major barrier for the audiologists to practice real-ear verification. Practitioners' characteristics such as time constraints, low confidence, and knowledge levels were also identified as barriers that impede the uptake of the evidence-based practice.

Conclusions

The implementation of PMM in clinical practice remains a challenge to the audiology profession. A knowledge-transfer approach that takes into consideration the barriers and involves effective collaboration or engagement between the knowledge providers and potential stakeholders is required to promote the clinical application of evidence-based best practice.
High power density technologies for large generators and motors for marine applications with focus on electrical insulation challenges
Authors: Ghassemi Mona
Published: October 2019

High power density generators and motors are envisaged in modern all‐electric ships where electrical power for both propulsion and service loads is provided through a common electrical platform known as an integrated power system. Three recent high‐power density technologies for generators and motors proposed for marine applications are reviewed, and the author focuses on their electrical insulation challenges. These technologies are high‐frequency (high‐speed) generators (200–400 Hz), superconducting generators, and novel insulation materials and systems. For high‐speed generators, high loss in magnetic materials may shorten its insulation life. Thus, these generators should be designed to be cooled by water instead of air. For superconducting generators, the most significant concern is the integrity of the insulation system over the large thermal excursion whenever the system is cycled between room temperature and operating temperature. In novel insulation materials and systems section: (i) using mica paper tapes containing boron nitride filler in the binding resin of the glass backing insulation, developed by Toshiba and Von Roll, resulted in a 15% increase in the MVA of generators for the same slot dimensions and operating temperatures, (ii) GE developed an enhanced polyethylene glycol terephthalate‐mica tape having superior voltage‐endurance characteristics, (iii) Isovolta has introduced a mica paper tape using a flat glass fibre backing material, called Powerfab, rather than the more common woven structure, leading to a 15% reduced mica tape, and (iv) adding novel nanocomposites as fillers to ground wall insulation, introduced by Siemens, is a promising technique towards more high power density designs. Furthermore, accelerated aging of insulation systems especially those in electrical rotating machines exposed to voltage pluses with high slew rates up to hundreds of kV/μs and high‐repetition rates ranging from hundreds of kHz to MHz is discussed. These voltage pulses are generated by wide bandgap‐based converters envisaged in the medium voltage DC architecture for future U.S. naval ships.
Research on automatic location and recognition of insulators in substation based on YOLOv3
Authors: Liu Yunpeng , Ji Xinxin , Pei Shaotong , Ma Ziru , Zhang Gonghao , Lin Ying , Chen Yufeng
Published: October 2019

With the development of a smart grid, the automatic location of power equipment is becoming a trend. In this study, a method for automatic location identification and diagnosis of external power insulation equipment based on YOLOv3 is proposed. This deep learning algorithm is used to extract the characteristics of image data under the visible light channel of the insulator. It learns and trains the collected data to realise the rapid location identification and frame selection of the external insulation equipment and extract discharge characteristics of the target box under the ultraviolet channel. According to the number of photons and the spot area information, the operating status of the equipment is determined. The results show that the YOLOv3 algorithm with a training rate of 0.005 achieved a fast convergence of the location recognition model. The average recognition accuracy was 88.7% and the average detection time was 0.0182 s. The combination of visible light path insulator target recognition and ultraviolet light path diagnosis can realise a lean and intelligent diagnosis of power equipment. This method had good real‐time performance, accuracy, and robustness to the background. It provides a new concept for intelligent diagnosis and location analysis of power equipment.
Global 3D radiation-hydrodynamic simulations of gas accretion: Opacity-dependent growth of Saturn-mass planets
Authors: Schulik M. , Johansen A. , Bitsch B. , Lega E.
Published: October 2019

The full spatial structure and temporal evolution of the accretion flow into the envelopes of growing gas giants in their nascent discs is only accessible in simulations. Such simulations are constrained in their approach of computing the formation of gas giants by dimensionality, resolution, consideration of self-gravity, energy treatment and the adopted opacity law. Our study explores how a number of these parameters affect the measured accretion rate of a Saturn-mass planet. We present a global 3D radiative hydrodynamics framework using the FARGOCA-code. The planet is represented by a gravitational potential with a smoothing length at the location of the planet. No mass or energy sink is used; instead luminosity and gas accretion rates are self-consistently computed. We find that the gravitational smoothing length must be resolved by at least ten grid cells to obtain converged measurements of the gas accretion rates. Secondly, we find gas accretion rates into planetary envelopes that are compatible with previous studies, and continue to explain those via the structure of our planetary envelopes and their luminosities. Our measured gas accretion rates are formally in the stage of Kelvin–Helmholtz contraction due to the modest entropy loss that can be obtained over the simulation timescale, but our accretion rates are compatible with those expected during late run-away accretion. Our detailed simulations of the gas flow into the envelope of a Saturn-mass planet provide a framework for understanding the general problem of gas accretion during planet formation and highlight circulation features that develop inside the planetary envelopes. Those circulation features feedback into the envelope energetics and can have further implications for transporting dust into the inner regions of the envelope.
Genetic analysis of populations of brown trout (Salmo truttaL.) from the Romanian Carpathians
Authors: Popa Gina-Oana , Dudu Andreea , Bănăduc Doru , Curtean-Bănăduc Angela , Burcea Alexandru , Ureche Dorel , Nechifor Ramona , Georgescu Sergiu Emil , Costache Marieta
Published: October 2019

The Carpathian Mountains are one of the most complex orogenetic areas of Europe, with unique fauna, including the brown trout (Salmo trutta). In this study we performed population genetic analysis of 12 differentS. truttapopulations using two types of molecular markers: nine microsatellites and mitochondrial D-loop sequences. The following working hypothesis was considered: the Romanian Carpathians and their surrounding lowlands can be key relief units based on which theS. truttagenetic diversity, spread, distribution, connectivity, relative isolation and genetic divergence can be at least partially explained. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the majority of sequences were grouped in the Danubian clade. The high haplotype diversity of the 12 analyzed brown trout populations can be explained by the high nucleotide diversity. The microsatellite analysis revealed an inbreeding event for all the loci and for the populations analyzed. The Romanian Carpathians' shape and geographic orientation play a zoogeographical key role driving force in respect to theS. truttapopulations.