bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preclinical evaluation of a regimen combining chidamide and ABT-199 in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Chen Kai , Yang Qianying , Zha Jie , Deng Manman , Zhou Yong , Fu Guofeng , Bi Silei , Feng Liying , Xu-Monette Zijun Y. , Chen Xiao Lei , Fu Guo , Dai Yun , Young Ken H. , Xu Bing
Published: September 2020

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous myeloid neoplasm with poor clinical outcome, despite the great progress in treatment in recent years. The selective Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax (ABT-199) in combination therapy has been approved for the treatment of newly diagnosed AML patients who are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy, but resistance can be acquired through the upregulation of alternative antiapoptotic proteins. Here, we reported that a newly emerged histone deacetylase inhibitor, chidamide (CS055), at low-cytotoxicity dose enhanced the anti-AML activity of ABT-199, while sparing normal hematopoietic progenitor cells. Moreover, we also found that chidamide showed a superior resensitization effect than romidepsin in potentiation of ABT-199 lethality. Inhibition of multiple HDACs rather than some single component might be required. The combination therapy was also effective in primary AML blasts and stem/progenitor cells regardless of disease status and genetic aberrance, as well as in a patient-derived xenograft model carrying FLT3-ITD mutation. Mechanistically, CS055 promoted leukemia suppression through DNA double-strand break and altered unbalance of anti- and pro-apoptotic proteins (e.g., Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL downregulation, and Bim upregulation). Taken together, these results show the high therapeutic potential of ABT-199/CS055 combination in AML treatment, representing a potent and alternative salvage therapy for the treatment of relapsed and refractory patients with AML.
Alcohol-based highly conductive polymer for conformal nanocoatings on hydrophobic surfaces toward a highly sensitive and stable pressure sensor
Authors: Lee Jung Joon , Gandla Srinivas , Lim Byeongjae , Kang Sunju , Kim Sunyoung , Lee Sunjong , Kim Sunkook
Published: September 2020

Conformal and ultrathin coating of highly conductive PEDOT:PSS on hydrophobic uneven surfaces is essential for resistive-based pressure sensor applications. For this purpose, a water-based poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) solution was successfully exchanged to an organic solvent-based PEDOT:PSS solution without any aggregation or reduction in conductivity using the ultrafiltration method. Among various solvents, the ethanol (EtOH) solvent-exchanged PEDOT:PSS solution exhibited a contact angle of 34.67°, which is much lower than the value of 96.94° for the water-based PEDOT:PSS solution. The optimized EtOH-based PEDOT:PSS solution exhibited conformal and uniform coating, with ultrathin nanocoated films obtained on a hydrophobic pyramid polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface. The fabricated pressure sensor showed high performances, such as high sensitivity (−21 kPa−1 in the low pressure regime up to 100 Pa), mechanical stability (over 10,000 cycles without any failure or cracks) and a fast response time (90 ms). Finally, the proposed pressure sensor was successfully demonstrated as a human blood pulse rate sensor and a spatial pressure sensor array for practical applications. The solvent exchange process using ultrafiltration for these applications can be utilized as a universal technique for improving the coating property (wettability) of conducting polymers as well as various other materials.
Association of APOE e2 genotype with Alzheimer’s and non-Alzheimer’s neurodegenerative pathologies
Authors: Goldberg Terry E. , Huey Edward D. , Devanand D. P.
Published: September 2020

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene contains both the major common risk variant for late onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD), e4, and the major neuroprotective variant, e2. Here we examine the association of APOE e2 with multiple neurodegenerative pathologies, leveraging the NACC v. 10 database of 1557 brains that included 130 e2 carriers and 679 e4 carriers in order to examine potential neuroprotective effects. For AD-related pathologies of amyloid plaques and Braak stage, e2 had large and highly significant protective effects contrasted with e3/e3 and e4 carriers with odds ratios of about 0.50 for e3 contrasts and 0.10 for e4 contrasts. When we separately examined e2/e4 carriers, risk for AD pathologies was similar to that of e4 carriers, not e2 carriers. For multiple fronto-temporal lobar pathologies and tauopathies, e2 was not significantly associated with pathology. In sum, we found that e2 was associated with large but circumscribed protective effects.
The influence of soil age on ecosystem structure and function across biomes
Authors: Delgado-Baquerizo Manuel , Reich Peter B. , Bardgett Richard D. , Eldridge David J. , Lambers Hans , Wardle David A. , Reed Sasha C. , Plaza César , Png G. Kenny , Neuhauser Sigrid , Berhe Asmeret Asefaw , Hart Stephen C. , Hu Hang-Wei , He Ji-Zheng , Bastida Felipe , Abades Sebastián , Alfaro Fernando D. , Cutler Nick A. , Gallardo Antonio , García-Velázquez Laura , Hayes Patrick E. , Hseu Zeng-Yei , Pérez Cecilia A. , Santos Fernanda , Siebe Christina , Trivedi Pankaj , Sullivan Benjamin W. , Weber-Grullon Luis , Williams Mark A. , Fierer Noah
Published: September 2020

The importance of soil age as an ecosystem driver across biomes remains largely unresolved. By combining a cross-biome global field survey, including data for 32 soil, plant, and microbial properties in 16 soil chronosequences, with a global meta-analysis, we show that soil age is a significant ecosystem driver, but only accounts for a relatively small proportion of the cross-biome variation in multiple ecosystem properties. Parent material, climate, vegetation and topography predict, collectively, 24 times more variation in ecosystem properties than soil age alone. Soil age is an important local-scale ecosystem driver; however, environmental context, rather than soil age, determines the rates and trajectories of ecosystem development in structure and function across biomes. Our work provides insights into the natural history of terrestrial ecosystems. We propose that, regardless of soil age, changes in the environmental context, such as those associated with global climatic and land-use changes, will have important long-term impacts on the structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems across biomes.
Global temperature modes shed light on the Holocene temperature conundrum
Authors: Bader Jürgen , Jungclaus Johann , Krivova Natalie , Lorenz Stephan , Maycock Amanda , Raddatz Thomas , Schmidt Hauke , Toohey Matthew , Wu Chi-Ju , Claussen Martin
Published: September 2020

Reconstructions of the global mean annual temperature evolution during the Holocene yield conflicting results. One temperature reconstruction shows global cooling during the late Holocene. The other reconstruction reveals global warming. Here we show that both a global warming mode and a cooling mode emerge when performing a spatio-temporal analysis of annual temperature variability during the Holocene using data from a transient climate model simulation. The warming mode is most pronounced in the tropics. The simulated cooling mode is determined by changes in the seasonal cycle of Arctic sea-ice that are forced by orbital variations and volcanic eruptions. The warming mode dominates in the mid-Holocene, whereas the cooling mode takes over in the late Holocene. The weighted sum of the two modes yields the simulated global temperature trend evolution. Our findings have strong implications for the interpretation of proxy data and the selection of proxy locations to compute global mean temperatures.
Cold spells in the Nordic Seas during the early Eocene Greenhouse
Authors: Vickers Madeleine L. , Lengger Sabine K. , Bernasconi Stefano M. , Thibault Nicolas , Schultz Bo Pagh , Fernandez Alvaro , Ullmann Clemens V. , McCormack Paul , Bjerrum Christian J. , Rasmussen Jan Audun , Hougård Iben Winther , Korte Christoph
Published: September 2020

The early Eocene (c. 56 - 48 million years ago) experienced some of the highest global temperatures in Earth’s history since the Mesozoic, with no polar ice. Reports of contradictory ice-rafted erratics and cold water glendonites in the higher latitudes have been largely dismissed due to ambiguity of the significance of these purported cold-climate indicators. Here we apply clumped isotope paleothermometry to a traditionally qualitative abiotic proxy, glendonite calcite, to generate quantitative temperature estimates for northern mid-latitude bottom waters. Our data show that the glendonites of the Danish Basin formed in waters below 5 °C, at water depths of <300 m. Such near-freezing temperatures have not previously been reconstructed from proxy data for anywhere on the early Eocene Earth, and these data therefore suggest that regionalised cool episodes punctuated the background warmth of the early Eocene, likely linked to eruptive phases of the North Atlantic Igneous Province.
A quantitative framework reveals ecological drivers of grassland microbial community assembly in response to warming
Authors: Ning Daliang , Yuan Mengting , Wu Linwei , Zhang Ya , Guo Xue , Zhou Xishu , Yang Yunfeng , Arkin Adam P. , Firestone Mary K. , Zhou Jizhong
Published: September 2020

Unraveling the drivers controlling community assembly is a central issue in ecology. Although it is generally accepted that selection, dispersal, diversification and drift are major community assembly processes, defining their relative importance is very challenging. Here, we present a framework to quantitatively infer community assembly mechanisms by phylogenetic bin-based null model analysis (iCAMP). iCAMP shows high accuracy (0.93–0.99), precision (0.80–0.94), sensitivity (0.82–0.94), and specificity (0.95–0.98) on simulated communities, which are 10–160% higher than those from the entire community-based approach. Application of iCAMP to grassland microbial communities in response to experimental warming reveals dominant roles of homogeneous selection (38%) and ‘drift’ (59%). Interestingly, warming decreases ‘drift’ over time, and enhances homogeneous selection which is primarily imposed on Bacillales. In addition, homogeneous selection has higher correlations with drought and plant productivity under warming than control. iCAMP provides an effective and robust tool to quantify microbial assembly processes, and should also be useful for plant and animal ecology.
Bending reliability of screen-printed vias for a flexible energy module
Authors: Kujala Manu , Kololuoma Terho , Keskinen Jari , Lupo Donald , Mäntysalo Matti , Kraft Thomas M.
Published: September 2020

The future of printed electronics involves advancements not only related to full system integration, but also lean process manufacturing. A critical aspect of this progress is developed in this study, which evaluates a highly flexible screen printed through-hole-via using silver microparticle inks, for applications in energy harvesting and storage modules. The printed vias’ fabrication and durability are evaluated by means of a double sided screen-printing method and repetitive (cyclic) bending tests. Vias, through 125-µm-thick PET foil, were laser cut (nominally 50, 100, 150, and 200 µm diameters) then filled, and simultaneously connected to adjacent vias by screen printing. To investigate the use of the printed via in a monolithic energy module, the vias were used for the fabrication of a flexible printed supercapacitor containing aqueous electrolyte and carbon electrodes. The results indicate that the lower viscosity silver ink (DuPont 5064H) fills the via less effectively than the higher viscosity ink (Asahi LS411AW), and as the via size increases (≥150 µm diameter) via walls are coated rather than filled. Conversely, the more viscous ink fills the via thoroughly and exhibited a 100% yield (1010 vias; 100 µm nominal via diameter) with the two-step direct screen-printing method. The 10-mm radius bending test showed no signs of via specific breakdown after 30,000 cycles. The results indicate that this via filling process is likely roll-to-roll compatible to enable multi-layered printed electronic devices.
Encoding scheme using quantum dots for single logical qubit information onto four-photon decoherence-free states
Authors: Heo Jino , Hong Changho , Kang Min-Sung , Yang Hyung-Jin
Published: September 2020

We designed an encoding scheme, using quantum dots (QDs), for single logical qubit information by encoding quantum information onto four-photon decoherence-free states to acquire immunity against collective decoherence. The designed scheme comprised of QDs, confined in single-sided cavities (QD-cavity systems), used for arbitrary quantum information, encoded onto four-photon decoherence-free states (logical qubits). For our scheme, which can generate the four-photon decoherence-free states, and can encode quantum information onto logical qubits, high efficiency and reliable performance of the interaction between the photons and QD-cavity systems is essential. Thus, through our analysis of the performance of QD-cavity systems under vacuum noise and sideband leakage, we demonstrate that the encoding scheme for single logical qubit information could be feasibly implemented.
Azobenzene-based sinusoidal surface topography drives focal adhesion confinement and guides collective migration of epithelial cells
Authors: Fedele Chiara , Mäntylä Elina , Belardi Brian , Hamkins-Indik Tiama , Cavalli Silvia , Netti Paolo A. , Fletcher Daniel A. , Nymark Soile , Priimagi Arri , Ihalainen Teemu O.
Published: September 2020

Surface topography is a key parameter in regulating the morphology and behavior of single cells. At multicellular level, coordinated cell displacements drive many biological events such as embryonic morphogenesis. However, the effect of surface topography on collective migration of epithelium has not been studied in detail. Mastering the connection between surface features and collective cellular behaviour is highly important for novel approaches in tissue engineering and repair. Herein, we used photopatterned microtopographies on azobenzene-containing materials and showed that smooth topographical cues with proper period and orientation can efficiently orchestrate cell alignment in growing epithelium. Furthermore, the experimental system allowed us to investigate how the orientation of the topographical features can alter the speed of wound closure in vitro. Our findings indicate that the extracellular microenvironment topography coordinates their focal adhesion distribution and alignment. These topographic cues are able to guide the collective migration of multicellular systems, even when cell–cell junctions are disrupted.
Rain-induced bioecological resuspension of radiocaesium in a polluted forest in Japan
Authors: Kita Kazuyuki , Igarashi Yasuhito , Kinase Takeshi , Hayashi Naho , Ishizuka Masahide , Adachi Kouji , Koitabashi Motoo , Sekiyama Tsuyoshi Thomas , Onda Yuichi
Published: September 2020

It is the conventional understanding that rain removes aerosols from the atmosphere. However, the question of whether rain plays a role in releasing aerosols to the atmosphere has recently been posed by several researchers. In the present study, we show additional evidence for rain-induced aerosol emissions in a forest environment: the occurrence of radiocaesium-bearing aerosols in a Japanese forest due to rain. We carried out general radioactive aerosol observations in a typical mountainous village area within the exclusion zone in Fukushima Prefecture to determine the impacts and major drivers of the resuspension of radiocaesium originating from the nuclear accident in March 2011. We also conducted sampling according to the weather (with and without rain conditions) in a forest to clarify the sources of atmospheric radiocaesium in the polluted forest. We found that rain induces an increase in radiocaesium in the air in forests. With further investigations, we confirmed that the fungal spore sources of resuspended radiocaesium seemed to differ between rainy weather and nonrainy weather. Larger fungal particles (possibly macroconidia) are emitted during rainy conditions than during nonrainy weather, suggesting that splash generation by rain droplets is the major mechanism of the suspension of radiocaesium-bearing mould-like fungi. The present findings indicate that radiocaesium could be used as a tracer in such research fields as forest ecology, meteorology, climatology, public health and agriculture, in which fungal spores have significance.
Adeno-associated virus-mediated gene delivery promotes S-phase entry-independent precise targeted integration in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Kohama Yasuaki , Higo Shuichiro , Masumura Yuki , Shiba Mikio , Kondo Takumi , Ishizu Takamaru , Higo Tomoaki , Nakamura Satoki , Kameda Satoshi , Tabata Tomoka , Inoue Hiroyuki , Motooka Daisuke , Okuzaki Daisuke , Takashima Seiji , Miyagawa Shigeru , Sawa Yoshiki , Hikoso Shungo , Sakata Yasushi
Published: September 2020

Post-mitotic cardiomyocytes have been considered to be non-permissive to precise targeted integration including homology-directed repair (HDR) after CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Here, we demonstrate that direct delivery of large amounts of transgene encoding guide RNA (gRNA) and repair template DNA via intra-ventricular injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV) promotes precise targeted genome replacement in adult murine cardiomyocytes expressing Cas9. Neither systemic injection of AAV nor direct injection of adenovirus promotes targeted integration, suggesting that high copy numbers of single-stranded transgenes are required in cardiomyocytes. Notably, AAV-mediated targeted integration in cardiomyocytes both in vitro and in vivo depends on the Fanconi anemia pathway, a key component of the single-strand template repair mechanism. In human cardiomyocytes differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells, AAV-mediated targeted integration fluorescently labeled Mlc2v protein after differentiation, independently of DNA synthesis, and enabled real-time detection of sarcomere contraction in monolayered beating cardiomyocytes. Our findings provide a wide range of applications for targeted genome replacement in non-dividing cardiomyocytes.
Pressure overload by suprarenal aortic constriction in mice leads to left ventricular hypertrophy without c-Kit expression in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Nicks Amy M. , Kesteven Scott H. , Li Ming , Wu Jianxin , Chan Andrea Y. , Naqvi Nawazish , Husain Ahsan , Feneley Michael P. , Smith Nicola J. , Iismaa Siiri E. , Graham Robert M.
Published: September 2020

Animal models of pressure overload are valuable for understanding hypertensive heart disease. We characterised a surgical model of pressure overload-induced hypertrophy in C57BL/6J mice produced by suprarenal aortic constriction (SAC). Compared to sham controls, at one week post-SAC systolic blood pressure was significantly elevated and left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy was evident by a 50% increase in the LV weight-to-tibia length ratio due to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. As a result, LV end-diastolic wall thickness-to-chamber radius (h/R) ratio increased, consistent with the development of concentric hypertrophy. LV wall thickening was not sufficient to normalise LV wall stress, which also increased, resulting in LV systolic dysfunction with reductions in ejection fraction and fractional shortening, but no evidence of heart failure. Pathological LV remodelling was evident by the re-expression of fetal genes and coronary artery perivascular fibrosis, with ischaemia indicated by enhanced cardiomyocyte Hif1a expression. The expression of stem cell factor receptor, c-Kit, was low basally in cardiomyocytes and did not change following the development of robust hypertrophy, suggesting there is no role for cardiomyocyte c-Kit signalling in pathological LV remodelling following pressure overload.
Predicting bleeding risk in a Chinese immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) population: development and assessment of a new predictive nomogram
Authors: Wang Mingjing , Liu Weiyi , Xu Yonggang , Wang Hongzhi , Guo Xiaoqing , Ding Xiaoqing , Quan Richeng , Chen Haiyan , Zhu Shirong , Fan Teng , Li Yujin , Zhang Xuebin , Sun Yan , Hu Xiaomei
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study was to develop a model that could be used to forecast the bleeding risk of ITP based on proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors. One hundred ITP patients were recruited to build a new predictive nomogram, another eighty-eight ITP patients were enrolled as validation cohort, and data were collected from January 2016 to January 2019. Four demographic characteristics and fifteen clinical characteristics were taken into account. Eleven cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23, TNF-α and TGF-β) were used to study and the levels of them were detected by using a cytometric bead array (CBA) human inflammation kit. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model was used to optimize feature selection. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to build a new predictive nomogram based on the results of the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regress ion model. The application of C-index, ROC curve, calibration plot, and decision curve analyses were used to assess the discrimination, calibration, and clinical practicability of the predictive model. Bootstrapping validation was used for testing and verifying the predictive model. After feature selection, cytokines IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-23 and TGF-β were excluded, cytokines IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-22, TGF-β, the count of PLT and the length of time of ITP were used as predictive factors in the predictive nomogram. The model showed good discrimination with a C-index of 0.82 (95% confidence interval 0.73376–0.90 624) in training cohortn and 0.89 (95% CI 0.868, 0.902) in validation cohort, an AUC of 0.795 in training cohort, 0.94 in validation cohort and good calibration. A high C-index value of 0.66 was reached in the interval validation assessment. Decision curve analysis showed that the bleeding risk nomogram was clinically useful when intervention was decided at the possibility threshold of 16–84%. The bleeding risk model based on IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-22, TGF-β, the count of PLT and the length of time of ITP could be conveniently used to predict the bleeding risk of ITP.
Contrasting microbiota profiles observed in children carrying either Blastocystis spp. or the commensal amoebas Entamoeba coli or Endolimax nana
Authors: Alzate Juan F. , Toro-Londoño Miguel , Cabarcas Felipe , Garcia-Montoya Gisela , Galvan-Diaz Ana
Published: September 2020

Recent studies have shown how intestinal parasites can modulate gut microbiota. This observation is not surprising since the human intestinal lumen, like any other niche, is a battlefield of microbial competition, and Eukaryotes can affect bacterial populations. Intestinal pathogenic protist has been associated with reshaping the microbial community structure; however, the interactions between the colonic bacterial communities and parasites like Blastocystis spp., Entamoeba coli, and Endolimax nana have been poorly studied. In this work, we studied the distal intestinal bacterial microbiota of 49 children attending 7 public daycare centers in Medellin, Colombia, and compared the bacterial microbiota structure in the presence or absence of the protists Blastocystis spp., E. coli, and E. nana. Parasite colonization was associated with an increase in bacterial richness. Moreover, Blastocystis spp. presented a positive relationship with Prevotella, since this bacterium was selectively enriched in children carrying it. Remarkably, the E. coli colonized children showed a microbial profile that was closer to uninfected controls, although some bacterial taxa displayed to be enriched. This is the case for Akkermansia, which showed to be favored in E. coli colonized individuals, while notably reduced in the Blastocystis spp. parasitized group.
Correlation of T2* relaxation times of the retropatellar cartilage with tibial tuberosity–trochlea groove distance in professional soccer players
Authors: Maas Kai-Jonathan , Warncke M. , Behzadi C. , Welsch G. H. , Schoen G. , Kaul M. G. , Adam G. , Bannas P. , Henes F. O.
Published: September 2020

The tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove (TT–TG) distance is a radiographic measurement that is used to quantify malalignment of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) in cross-sectional imaging. There is an ongoing debate about the impact of the TT–TG-distance on lateral patellar instability and the initiating of cartilage degeneration. In this prospective study, the association of T2* relaxation times and TT–TG distances in professional soccer players was analyzed. 36 knees of 18 professional soccer players (age: 21 ± 2.8 years) were evaluated. Participants underwent knee MRI at 3 T. For qualitative image analysis, fat-saturated 2D PD-weighted Fast Spin Echo (FSE) and T1-weighted FSE sequences were used. For quantitative analysis, T2* measurements in 3D data acquisitions were performed. In a qualitative analysis there was no structural cartilage damage and no abnormalities of the patellar and trochlea shape. The highest T2* values (26.7 ± 5.9 ms) were observed in the central compartment of the patella. The mean TT–TG distance was 10 ± 4 mm (range 3–20 mm). There was no significant correlation between TT–TG distance and T2* relaxation times in all three compartments of the retropatellar cartilage. Our study shows that so long as patellar and trochlear morphology is normal, TT–TG distance alone does not affect the tissue structure of the retropatellar cartilage in professional soccer players.
Variation and conservation implications of the effectiveness of anti-bear interventions
Authors: Khorozyan Igor , Waltert Matthias
Published: September 2020

Human-bear conflicts triggered by nuisance behaviour in public places and damage to livestock, crops, beehives and trees are among the main threats to bear populations globally. The effectiveness of interventions used to minimize bear-caused damage is insufficiently known and comparative reviews are lacking. We conducted a meta-analysis of 77 cases from 48 publications and used the relative risk of damage to compare the effectiveness of non-invasive interventions, invasive management (translocations) and lethal control (shooting) against bears. We show that the most effective interventions are electric fences (95% confidence interval = 79.2–100% reduction in damage), calving control (100%) and livestock replacement (99.8%), but the latter two approaches were applied in only one case each and need more testing. Deterrents varied widely in their effectiveness (13.7–79.5%) and we recommend applying these during the peak periods of damage infliction. We found shooting (− 34.2 to 100%) to have a short-term positive effect with its effectiveness decreasing significantly and linearly over time. We did not find relationships between bear density and intervention effectiveness, possibly due to differences in spatial scales at which they were measured (large scales for densities and local fine scales for effectiveness). We appeal for more effectiveness studies and their scientific publishing in regard to under-represented conflict species and regions.
Ultrathin complex oxide nanomechanical resonators
Authors: Davidovikj D. , Groenendijk D. J. , Monteiro A. M. R. V. L. , Dijkhoff A. , Afanasiev D. , Šiškins M. , Lee M. , Huang Y. , van Heumen E. , van der Zant H. S. J. , Caviglia A. D. , Steeneken P. G.
Published: September 2020

Complex oxide thin films and heterostructures exhibit a variety of electronic phases, often controlled by the mechanical coupling between film and substrate. Recently it has become possible to isolate epitaxially grown single-crystalline layers of these materials, enabling the study of their properties in the absence of interface effects. In this work, we use this technique to create nanomechanical resonators made out of SrTiO3 and SrRuO3. Using laser interferometry, we successfully actuate and measure the motion of the nanodrum resonators. By measuring the temperature-dependent mechanical response of the SrTiO3 resonators, we observe signatures of a structural phase transition, which affects both the strain and mechanical dissipation in the resonators. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of integrating ultrathin complex oxide membranes for realizing nanoelectromechanical systems on arbitrary substrates and present a novel method of detecting structural phase transitions in these exotic materials.
P-doped nickel sulfide nanosheet arrays for alkaline overall water splitting
Authors: He Wenjun , Jia Dongbo , Cheng Jianing , Wang Fangqing , Zhang Liang , Li Ying , Liu Caichi , Hao Qiuyan , Zhao Jianling
Published: September 2020

Heazlewoodite, Ni3S2, is one of the most promising bifunctional electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media due to its metallic conductivity and low cost.
Highly sensitive multi-residue analysis of veterinary drugs including coccidiostats and anthelmintics in pond water using UHPLC-MS/MS: application to freshwater ponds in Flanders, Belgium
Authors: Goessens T. , Baere S. D. , Troyer N. D. , Deknock A. , Goethals P. , Lens L. , Pasmans F. , Croubels S.
Published: September 2020

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites formed by fungi growing on crops, which may end up in the aquatic environment through rainfall and surface runoff from (manure-amended) cropland, posing a potential environmental risk.
The development of a novel functional food: bioactive lipids in yogurts enriched withAurantiochytriumsp. biomass
Authors: Paulo M. C. , Marques J. , Cardoso C. , Coutinho J. , Gomes R. , Gomes-Bispo A. , Afonso C. , Bandarra N. M.
Published: September 2020

The microalgaAurantiochytriumsp. is particularly rich in DHA and could be used as a nutraceutical in the preparation of innovative functional yogurts, whose lipid composition and bioaccessibility must be assessed.
Formation of beef-like odorants from glutathione-enriched yeast extract via Maillard reaction
Authors: Raza Ali , Song Huanlu , Raza Junaid , Li Pei , Li Ku , Yao Juan
Published: September 2020

Beef-like odorants were generated from the thermal treatment of glutathione enriched yeast extract with partial addition of cysteine and ribose, and the optimal Maillard reaction conditions were obtained.
Design of functionally cooperating systems and application towards self-propulsive mini-generators
Authors: Cheng Mengjiao , Zhang Lina , Shi Feng
Published: September 2020

Progress of ‘functionally cooperating systems’ is reviewed with emphasis on self-propulsion including design of material systems for applications in mini-generators based on horizontal/vertical motions, self-assembly, and directed transportation.
Optimizing the central steric hindrance of cross-linkable hole transport materials for achieving highly efficient RGB QLEDs
Authors: Zhao Wenchao , Xie Liming , Yi Yuan-Qiu-Qiang , Chen Xiaolian , Hu Jianfeng , Su Wenming , Cui Zheng
Published: September 2020

Cross-linking strategies of hole transport materials (HTMs) have been widely investigated and used in various optoelectronic devices, mainly owing to their excellent solvent resistance and thermal stability.
One pot synthesis of trifluoromethyl aryl sulfoxides by trifluoromethylthiolation of arenes and subsequent oxidation with hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Horvat Monika , Kodrič Gregor , Jereb Marjan , Iskra Jernej
Published: September 2020

Hydrogen peroxide was used for selective oxidation of various aryl trifluoromethyl sulfides.
Impact of drying/wetting conditions on the binding characteristics of Cu(ii) and Cd(ii) with sediment dissolved organic matter
Authors: Zhou Mi , Li Zhongwu , Huang Mei , Ding Xiang , Wen Jiajun , Wang Lei
Published: September 2020

The biogeochemical processing of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in bottomland sediment under drying/wetting conditions regulates the environmental behavior of heavy metals.
Kinetic investigation of the hydrolysis of uranium hexafluoride gas
Authors: Richards Jason M. , Martin Leigh R. , Fugate Glenn A. , Cheng Meng-Dawn
Published: September 2020

Direct observation of the hydrolysis reaction kinetics of gaseous UF6have been measured under low-pressure conditions.
Mechanistic understanding of humin formation in the conversion of glucose and fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in [BMIM]Cl ionic liquid
Authors: Xu Zhanwei , Yang Yiwen , Yan Peifang , Xia Zhi , Liu Xuebin , Zhang Z. Conrad
Published: September 2020

This study provided a new mechanistic understanding of humin formation during 5-HMF production from hexose in ionic liquids.
The electronic structures and magnetic properties of mixed-valence Fe-based metal–organic VNU-15 frameworks: a theoretical study from linear response DFT+U calculations
Authors: Dang Diem Thi-Xuan , Dong Hieu Cao , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki , Kuo Jer-Lai , Nguyen-Manh Duc
Published: September 2020

The effects of DMA+ cation orientation on the electronic structures and magnetic properties of the metal–organic framework VNU-15 are investigated, and VNU-15 is proved to be a prospective material for photocatalytic applications.
Totally green cellulose conversion into bio-oil and cellulose citrate using molten citric acid in an open system: synthesis, characterization and computational investigation of reaction mechanisms
Authors: Romeo Isabella , Olivito Fabrizio , Tursi Antonio , Algieri Vincenzo , Beneduci Amerigo , Chidichimo Giuseppe , Maiuolo Loredana , Sicilia Emilia , De Nino Antonio
Published: September 2020

Innovative and efficient conversion of cellulose in furan-based bio-oil and cellulose citrate.
Cylindrical macrocyclic compounds synthesized by connecting two bowl-shaped calix[3]aramide moieties: structures and chiroptical properties
Authors: Sakagami Ryoko , Saito Yuuki , Mori Ryuichi , Satake Misa , Okayasu Misaki , Kikkawa Shoko , Hikawa Hidemasa , Azumaya Isao
Published: September 2020

Chiral macrocyclic compounds whose absolute configurations were derived from the amide bond direction were synthesized by homo coupling of meta-calix[3]aramide derivatives.
Disorder in Ho2Ti2−xZrxO7: pyrochlore to defect fluorite solid solution series
Authors: Drey Devon L. , O'Quinn Eric C. , Subramani Tamilarasan , Lilova Kristina , Baldinozzi Gianguido , Gussev Igor M. , Fuentes Antonio F. , Neuefeind Joerg C. , Everett Michelle , Sprouster David , Navrotsky Alexandra , Ewing Rodney C. , Lang Maik
Published: September 2020

Combined neutron and X-ray total scattering with calorimetric measurements of the solid solution series Ho2Ti2−xZrxO7 reveals a complex order–disorder transition across short, intermediate, and long length scales induced by chemical substitution.
Preparation of dendritic carboranyl glycoconjugates as potential anticancer therapeutics
Authors: Swain Biswa Ranjan , Mahanta Chandra Sekhara , Jena Bibhuti Bhusan , Beriha Swaraj Kumar , Nayak Bismita , Satapathy Rashmirekha , Dash Barada P.
Published: September 2020

o-Carborane-appended glycoconjugates containing multiple glucose and galactose moieties are found to be more cytotoxic towards cancer cells than normal cells.
Chemo-selective cross reaction of two enals via carbene-catalyzed dual activation
Authors: Peng Xiaolin , Xu Jun , Li Tingting , Chi Yonggui Robin , Jin Zhichao
Published: September 2020

An NHC-catalyzed dual activation of two different enals is disclosed with both covalent and non-covalent activation pathways involved.
Cancer cell-selective modulation of mitochondrial respiration and metabolism by potent organogold(iii) dithiocarbamates
Authors: Mertens Randall T. , Parkin Sean , Awuah Samuel G.
Published: September 2020

Modulating mitochondrial metabolism is a fruitful arena to target metabolic diseases and cancer. Here, we demonstrate that organometallic gold compounds inhibit mitochondrial OXPHOS to selectively kill aggressive TNBC cancer cells.
15% enhancement of the photocurrent at the maximum power point of a thin film solar cell
Authors: Shekhar Himanshu , Tessler Nir
Published: September 2020

A modulation doped region placed away from the charge generation region reduces recombination loss by enhancing the charge extraction.
Isothermal titration calorimetry: practical approaches and current applications in soft matter
Authors: Archer William R. , Schulz Michael D.
Published: September 2020

Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) elucidates the thermodynamic profile (ΔH, ΔS, ΔG, Ka, and stoichiometry) of binding and dissociation reactions in solution.
Recent advances in phase, size, and morphology-oriented nanostructured nickel phosphide for overall water splitting
Authors: Ray Asheli , Sultana Sabiha , Paramanik Lekha , Parida K. M.
Published: September 2020

Nanostructured nickel phosphide-based catalysts having different sizes, phases, and morphology towards electrocatalytic, photocatalytic, and photoelectrocatalytic water splitting.
Electron affinity regulation on ultrathin manganese oxide nanosheets toward ultra-stable pseudocapacitance
Authors: Xiao Kang , Zhao Shen-Long , Cao Meizhi , Zhang Liang , Li Nan , Liu Zhao-Qing
Published: September 2020

Ultrastable pseudocapacitance performance of manganese dioxide is demonstrated by non-equilibrium F substituting.
The ultralong-term comparison of osteogenic behavior of three scaffolds with different matrices and degradability between one and two years
Authors: Huang Jinhui , Wei Jiawei , Jin Shue , Zou Qin , Li Jidong , Zuo Yi , Li Yubao
Published: September 2020

The study reveals that a stable scaffold integrity, favorable matrix molecular characteristics and hydrophilicity, may be more important for long-term osteogenesis besides the pore structure, rather than the pursuit of fast scaffold degradation.
The Development of an Internet-Based Decision Coaching Guide to Encourage Audiology Care: The Results of a Participatory Design Approach
Authors: Burden Rebecca S. , Galloway Laura N. , Rothpletz Ann M. , Glasheen Keira A. , Preminger Jill E.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the research described here is to create a theoretically based, interactive online program to motivate adults with untreated hearing loss to seek audiology care. We describe the results of the participatory design (PD) approach used to increase uptake and adherence to the Internet-based program.

Method

Using information gathered from field experts (
n
= 7), a program outline was generated by the study team. In keeping with PD principles, multiple focus groups and panels consisting of persons with hearing loss (
n
= 26), frequent communication partners (
n
= 6), audiologists (
n
= 9), and other area experts (
n
= 16) revised and expanded both content and design of the program in an iterative fashion.

Results

The proposed program was modified multiple times based on the input of stakeholders throughout the PD process. In particular, the scope of the program shifted from focusing on self-management strategies to decision coaching regarding the choice to visit an audiologist. Other specific program content and activities were modified based on stakeholder input.

Conclusions

The program evolved dramatically through the influence and input of multiple stakeholders as a result of the implementation of PD principles.
An Automated Speech-in-Noise Test for Remote Testing: Development and Preliminary Evaluation
Authors: Paglialonga Alessia , Polo Edoardo Maria , Zanet Marco , Rocco Giulia , van Waterschoot Toon , Barbieri Riccardo
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a novel, automated speech-in-noise test viable for widespread in situ and remote screening.

Method

Vowel–consonant–vowel sounds in a multiple-choice consonant discrimination task were used. Recordings from a professional male native English speaker were used. A novel adaptive staircase procedure was developed, based on the estimated intelligibility of stimuli rather than on theoretical binomial models. Test performance was assessed in a population of 26 young adults (YAs) with normal hearing and in 72 unscreened adults (UAs), including native and nonnative English listeners.

Results

The proposed test provided accurate estimates of the speech recognition threshold (SRT) compared to a conventional adaptive procedure. Consistent outcomes were observed in YAs in test/retest and in controlled/uncontrolled conditions and in UAs in native and nonnative listeners. The SRT increased with increasing age, hearing loss, and self-reported hearing handicap in UAs. Test duration was similar in YAs and UAs irrespective of age and hearing loss. The test–retest repeatability of SRTs was high (Pearson correlation coefficient = .84), and the pass/fail outcomes of the test were reliable in repeated measures (Cohen's κ = .8). The test was accurate in identifying ears with pure-tone thresholds > 25 dB HL (accuracy = 0.82).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the viability of the proposed test in subjects of varying language in terms of accuracy, reliability, and short test time. Further research is needed to validate the test in a larger population across a wider range of languages and hearing loss and to identify optimal classification criteria for screening purposes.
Rationale, Theoretical Underpinnings, and Design of HEAR-aware: Providing Adults With Hearing Loss With Tailored Support to Self-Manage Their Hearing Problems via a Smartphone App, as an Alternative to Hearing Aids
Authors: Pronk Marieke , Besser Jana , Smits Cas , Feenstra-Kikken Vanessa , van Beek Hans , Polleunis Conny , Kramer Sophia E.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

An alarming two thirds of adults aged 50 years or over with hearing impairment who could benefit from hearing aids do not own any, leaving these adults with no support to self-manage their hearing problems. In the HEAR-aware project, it is hypothesized that self-management can be facilitated via a smartphone app if its educational content is tailored to a person's dynamic stage of readiness to take action on their hearing (stage of change) and to a person's dynamic acoustical situations (as measured via a wearable microphone) and associated challenges (as captured via ecological momentary assessment). As such, the HEAR-aware app would be an ecological momentary intervention. This research note describes the rationale and theoretical underpinnings of the app, as well as the rationale for planning a series of studies to develop and evaluate it.

Study Designs

After a preparatory phase, Study 1 includes qualitative group interviews to assess user needs. Next, a creative session will be held, in which all stakeholders involved will work toward a specified version of the app. Subsequently, prototypes of the app will be developed and pilot-tested (Pilot Studies 2A and 2B). Users' usage and ratings (usability and quality indicators) of the app's elements will be examined and processed in the app. Lastly, the effectiveness of the app's final version will be examined in a randomized controlled trial (Study 3).

Discussion

The project's merits and challenges will be discussed.
Effects of short-term exposure to different salinity levels onMyriophyllum spicatumandCeratophyllum demersumand suitability of biomarkers to evaluate macrophyte responses to salinity stress
Authors: Senavirathna Mudalige Don Hiranya Jayasanka , Wijesinghe Nilnuwani Ashika , Liu Zhaozhi , Fujino Takeshi
Published: September 2020

Sea-level rise caused by global warming is leading to increased freshwater salinization, which causes significant stress on aquatic ecosystems and species, including macrophytes. To form a better understanding of the responses of macrophytes to salinity stress, we assessed biochemical, pigmentation and growth responses ofMyriophyllum spicatumL. andCeratophyllum demersumL. exposed to different salinity levels (0, 1.5, 2.5, 5.0, and 10 ppt). For both species, elongation rates decreased, and levels of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyllaand chlorophyllb) increased at higher salinities (5 ppt and 10 ppt). Anthocyanin and H2O2concentrations increased inM. spicatumbut decreased inC. demersumwith the increase in salinity. The activities of antioxidant enzymes (guaiacol peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase) were different between two species and fluctuated along the salinity gradient.M. spicatumandC. demersumexhibit species-specific salinity sensitivities, reaching different physiological statuses at each salinity level. Elongation rates were significantly correlated with several biochemical parameters in a species-specific manner. These correlations can be used in evaluating the expected responses of these two species to salinity changes. The species-specific responses of most parameters measured in the present study suggests the inapplicability of common biochemical responses across species.
Automatic detection of colorectal neoplasia in wireless colon capsule endoscopic images using a deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Yamada Atsuo , Niikura Ryota , Otani Keita , Aoki Tomonori , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: September 2020

Background Although colorectal neoplasms are the most common abnormalities found in colon capsule endoscopy (CCE), no computer-aided detection method is yet available. We developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system that uses deep learning to automatically detect such lesions in CCE images.

Methods We trained a deep convolutional neural network system based on a Single Shot MultiBox Detector using 15 933 CCE images of colorectal neoplasms, such as polyps and cancers. We assessed performance by calculating areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves, along with sensitivities, specificities, and accuracies, using an independent test set of 4784 images, including 1850 images of colorectal neoplasms and 2934 normal colon images.

Results The area under the curve for detection of colorectal neoplasia by the AI model was 0.902. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 79.0 %, 87.0 %, and 83.9 %, respectively, at a probability cutoff of 0.348.

Conclusions We developed and validated a new AI-based system that automatically detects colorectal neoplasms in CCE images.
Propeller Flaps for Reconstruction around the Foot and Ankle
Authors: Teo Tiew Chong
Published: September 2020

The propeller flap challenges conventional wisdom for the safe raising of flaps. Its unique design is based on a belief that a sizeable fasciocutaneous flap can be perfused by only a single perforator. What is more remarkable is the concept that this cleanly dissected pedicle can continue to safely perfuse the flap even when it is twisted 180 degrees. Clearly, meticulous technique is essential and the key points in raising this flap and its versatility for reconstruction of defects around the foot and ankle are discussed in this article.
Transition of Care for Adolescent and Young Adult Patients on Dietary Therapy for Epilepsy
Authors: Seaborg Kristin , Faltersack Kelly , Felton Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2020

Ketogenic diets are high-fat, low-carbohydrate diets designed to alter metabolism, induce nutritional ketosis, and reduce seizures in patients with epilepsy. In the past 15 to 20 years, the diets have been refined, gaining momentum in the treatment of resistant epilepsy. As ketogenic diets have gained popularity for treatment of pediatric epilepsies, an increasing number of adolescents treated with dietary therapy are approaching the age of transitioning their care to adult providers. Transition of care for this vulnerable population brings unique challenges posed by a paucity of adult providers who prescribe ketogenic diets, a lack of adult nutritionists trained in dietary therapy for epilepsy, and reluctance of pediatric patients to transition care. In this article, we will discuss the rationale for establishing transition protocols for young adult patients with epilepsy and present guidelines for transition of care for patients treated with dietary therapy for epilepsy.