bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asthma exacerbations and worsenings in patients aged 1–75 years with add-on tiotropium treatment
Authors: Mark FitzGerald J. , Hamelmann Eckard , Kerstjens Huib A. M. , Buhl Roland
Published: August 2020

This review explores the effect of tiotropium Respimat® add-on therapy on asthma exacerbations and worsenings, adverse events (AEs) related to exacerbations and symptoms and any effects on seasonality across the 10 UniTinA-asthma® clinical trials comprising over 6000 patients. When added on to inhaled corticosteroids ± additional therapies, tiotropium significantly reduced the risk of exacerbations and worsenings in adults with symptomatic severe asthma and provided a non-significant improvement in worsenings in adults with symptomatic moderate and mild asthma, which was significant for patients with moderate asthma receiving tiotropium 2.5 µg once daily vs. placebo. Trials in paediatric patients were not powered to assess exacerbations or worsenings, but when AEs related to asthma exacerbations and symptoms were grouped into a composite endpoint and pooled, tiotropium improved outcomes vs. placebo (rate ratio 0.76; 95% confidence interval 0.63, 0.93). The reduction in exacerbations with tiotropium is apparent across all patients during the observed seasonal peaks of these events.
Winter-spring temperature pattern is closely related to the onset of cambial reactivation in stems of the evergreen conifer Chamaecyparis pisifera
Authors: Rahman Md Hasnat , Kudo Kayo , Yamagishi Yusuke , Nakamura Yusuke , Nakaba Satoshi , Begum Shahanara , Nugroho Widyanto Dwi , Arakawa Izumi , Kitin Peter , Funada Ryo
Published: August 2020

Temperature is an important factor for the cambial growth in temperate trees. We investigated the way daily temperatures patterns (maximum, average and minimum) from late winter to early spring affected the timing of cambial reactivation and xylem differentiation in stems of the conifer Chamaecyparis pisifera. When the daily temperatures started to increase earlier from late winter to early spring, cambial reactivation occurred earlier. Cambium became active when it achieves the desired accumulated temperature above the threshold (cambial reactivation index; CRI) of 13 °C in 11 days in 2013 whereas 18 days in 2014. This difference in duration required for achieving accumulated temperature can be explained with the variations in the daily temperature patterns in 2013 and 2014. Our formula for calculation of CRI predicted the cambial reactivation in 2015. A hypothetical increase of 1–4 °C to the actual daily maximum temperatures of 2013 and 2014 shifted the timing of cambial reactivation and had different effects on cambial reactivation in the two consecutive years because of variations in the actual daily temperatures patterns. Thus, the specific annual pattern of accumulation of temperature from late winter to early spring is a critical factor in determining the timing of cambial reactivation in trees.
Modelling the linkage between influenza infection and cardiovascular events via thrombosis
Authors: McCarthy Zachary , Xu Shixin , Rahman Ashrafur , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Corrales-Medina Vicente F. , Lee Jason , Seet Bruce T. , Neame Dion , Thommes Edward , Heffernan Jane , Chit Ayman , Wu Jianhong
Published: August 2020

There is a heavy burden associated with influenza including all-cause hospitalization as well as severe cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory events. Influenza associated cardiac events have been linked to multiple biological pathways in a human host. To study the contribution of influenza virus infection to cardiovascular thrombotic events, we develop a dynamic model which incorporates some key elements of the host immune response, inflammatory response, and blood coagulation. We formulate these biological systems and integrate them into a cohesive modelling framework to show how blood clotting may be connected to influenza virus infection. With blood clot formation inside an artery resulting from influenza virus infection as the primary outcome of this integrated model, we demonstrate how blood clot severity may depend on circulating prothrombin levels. We also utilize our model to leverage clinical data to inform the threshold level of the inflammatory cytokine TNFα which initiates tissue factor induction and subsequent blood clotting. Our model provides a tool to explore how individual biological components contribute to blood clotting events in the presence of influenza infection, to identify individuals at risk of clotting based on their circulating prothrombin levels, and to guide the development of future vaccines to optimally interact with the immune system.
An appraisal of whole-room indirect calorimeters and a metabolic cart for measuring resting and active metabolic rates
Authors: Chen Shanshan , Scott Cory , Pearce Janina V. , Farrar Jared S. , Evans Ronald K. , Celi Francesco S.
Published: August 2020

Whole-room indirect calorimeters (WRICs) have traditionally been used for real-time resting metabolic rate (RMR) measurements, while metabolic rate (MR) during short-interval exercises has commonly been measured by metabolic carts (MCs). This study aims to investigate the feasibility of incorporating short-interval exercises into WRIC study protocols by comparing the performance of WRICs and an MC. We assessed the 40-min RMR of 15 subjects with 2-day repeats and the 10–15 min activity MR (AMR) of 14 subjects at three intensities, using a large WRIC, a small WRIC, and an MC. We evaluated the biases between the instruments and quantified sources of variation using variance component analysis. All three instruments showed good agreement for both RMR (maximum bias = 0.07 kcal/min) and AMR assessment (maximum bias = 0.53 kcal/min). Moreover, the majority of the variability was between-subject and between-intensity variation, whereas the types of instrument contributed only a small amount to total variation in RMR (2%) and AMR (0.2%) data. In Conclusion, the good reproducibility among the instruments indicates that they may be used interchangeably in well-designed studies. Overall, WRICs can serve as an accurate and versatile means of assessing MR, capable of integrating RMR and short-interval AMR assessments into a single protocol.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is associated with increased B cell responses to unrelated pathogens
Authors: Kimuda Simon G. , Andia-Biraro Irene , Sebina Ismail , Egesa Moses , Nalwoga Angela , Smith Steven G. , Bagaya Bernard S. , Levin Jonathan , Elliott Alison M. , Raynes John G. , Cose Stephen
Published: August 2020

Antigens from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), have been shown to stimulate human B cell responses to unrelated recall antigens in vitro. However, it is not known whether natural M.tb infection or whether vaccination with, Mycobacterium bovis BCG, has a similar effect. This study investigated the effects of M.tb infection and BCG vaccination on B cell responses to heterologous pathogen recall antigens. Antibodies against several bacterial and viral pathogens were quantified by ELISA in 68 uninfected controls, 62 individuals with latent TB infection (LTBI) and 107 active pulmonary TB (APTB) cases, and 24 recently BCG-vaccinated adolescents and naive controls. Antibody avidity was investigated using surface plasmon resonance and B cell ELISPOTs were used to measure plasmablast and memory B cell responses (MBC) in APTB cases and healthy donor controls. APTB was associated with higher levels of antibodies to respiratory syncytial virus and measles virus, compared to uninfected controls. BCG vaccination did not alter levels of antibodies against heterologous pathogens. Tetanus toxoid (TT)-specific antibody avidity was increased in APTB cases in comparison to uninfected individuals and the ratio of TT-specific plasmablasts to MBCs in the APTB cases was 7:1. M.tb infection is associated with increased antibody responses to heterologous pathogens in human subjects.
Alpha-lipoic acid alters the antitumor effect of bortezomib in melanoma cells in vitro
Authors: Takács Angéla , Lajkó Eszter , Láng Orsolya , Istenes Ildikó , Kőhidai László
Published: August 2020

Bortezomib (BOZ) is a proteasome inhibitor chemotherapeutic agent utilized to treat multiple myeloma and recently offered to cure melanoma. Bortezomib-induced neuropathy is one of the dose-limiting side-effects, which can be treated with antioxidants (e.g. alpha-lipoic acid—ALA and Vitamin B1—vit B1). We hypothesized that these antioxidants may counteract the antitumor activity by disrupting the BOZ-induced pathways (e.g. proteasome inhibition or reactive oxygen species generation). The objectives were: (i) to verify the anti-proliferative effect of BOZ; (ii) to compare the influence of the antioxidants on the antitumor effect of BOZ in melanoma (A2058) and myeloma (U266) cells. At first, the reduction in the anti-proliferative effect of BOZ by ALA was proved in melanoma cells. Analysis of p53 phosphorylation and the cell cycle progression revealed that ALA failed to counteract these effects of BOZ. Nevertheless, a good correlation was found between the inhibition of the anti-proliferative effect, the anti-proteasome activity and the oxidative stress level after the co-treatment with 20 ng/mL BOZ + 100 μg/mL ALA. Downregulation of apoptotic proteins such as HO-1 and Claspin along with the inhibition of the cleavage of Caspase-3 indicated the proteomic background of the altered responsiveness of the melanoma cells exposed to BOZ + ALA. This phenomenon draws attention to the proper application of cancer supportive care to avoid possible interactions.
Stable retention of chloramphenicol-resistant mtDNA to rescue metabolically impaired cells
Authors: Dawson Emma R. , Patananan Alexander N. , Sercel Alexander J. , Teitell Michael A.
Published: August 2020

The permanent transfer of specific mtDNA sequences into mammalian cells could generate improved models of mtDNA disease and support future cell-based therapies. Previous studies documented multiple biochemical changes in recipient cells shortly after mtDNA transfer, but the long-term retention and function of transferred mtDNA remains unknown. Here, we evaluate mtDNA retention in new host cells using ‘MitoPunch’, a device that transfers isolated mitochondria into mouse and human cells. We show that newly introduced mtDNA is stably retained in mtDNA-deficient (ρ0) recipient cells following uridine-free selection, although exogenous mtDNA is lost from metabolically impaired, mtDNA-intact (ρ+) cells. We then introduced a second selective pressure by transferring chloramphenicol-resistant mitochondria into chloramphenicol-sensitive, metabolically impaired ρ+ mouse cybrid cells. Following double selection, recipient cells with mismatched nuclear (nDNA) and mitochondrial (mtDNA) genomes retained transferred mtDNA, which replaced the endogenous mutant mtDNA and improved cell respiration. However, recipient cells with matched mtDNA-nDNA failed to retain transferred mtDNA and sustained impaired respiration. Our results suggest that exogenous mtDNA retention in metabolically impaired ρ+ recipients depends on the degree of recipient mtDNA-nDNA co-evolution. Uncovering factors that stabilize exogenous mtDNA integration will improve our understanding of in vivo mitochondrial transfer and the interplay between mitochondrial and nuclear genomes.
Manipulation of phase slips in carbon-nanotube-templated niobium-nitride superconducting nanowires under microwave radiation
Authors: Kato Kota , Takagi Tasuku , Tanabe Takasumi , Moriyama Satoshi , Morita Yoshifumi , Maki Hideyuki
Published: August 2020

We study the manipulation of thermal/quantum phase slips (tPSs/qPSs) in ultra-thin niobium-nitride superconducting nanowires (scNW) grown on carbon-nanotube templates. These NWs exhibit resistive steps in current–voltage (I–V) characteristics, and the number of phase slip centers (PSCs) in an NW can be tuned by the NW length. Under microwave (MW) radiation, emergence of each single PSC can be precisely controlled by varying the MW power. For thin and short scNW, a dip structure between the qPS-dominated low-temperature region and the tPS-dominated high-temperature region were observed owing to anti-proximity effect by electrodes.
A highly efficient non-viral process for programming mesenchymal stem cells for gene directed enzyme prodrug cancer therapy
Authors: Ho Yoon Khei , Woo Jun Yung , Tu Geraldine Xue En , Deng Lih-Wen , Too Heng-Phon
Published: August 2020

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) driven gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy has emerged as a potential strategy for cancer treatment. The tumour-nesting properties of MSCs enable these vehicles to target tumours and metastases with effective therapies. A crucial step in engineering MSCs is the delivery of genetic material with low toxicity and high efficiency. Due to the low efficiency of current transfection methods, viral vectors are used widely to modify MSCs in preclinical and clinical studies. We show, for the first time, the high transfection efficiency (> 80%) of human adipose tissue derived-MSCs (AT-MSCs) using a cost-effective and off-the-shelf Polyethylenimine, in the presence of histone deacetylase 6 inhibitor and fusogenic lipids. Notably, the phenotypes of MSCs remained unchanged post-modification. AT-MSCs engineered with a fused transgene, yeast cytosine deaminase::uracil phosphoribosyltransferase (CDy::UPRT) displayed potent cytotoxic effects against breast, glioma, gastric cancer cells in vitro. The efficiency of eliminating gastric cell lines were effective even when using 7-day post-transfected AT-MSCs, indicative of the sustained expression and function of the therapeutic gene. In addition, significant inhibition of temozolomide resistant glioma tumour growth in vivo was observed with a single dose of therapeutic MSC. This study demonstrated an efficient non-viral modification process for MSC-based prodrug therapy.
Bats as putative Zaire ebolavirus reservoir hosts and their habitat suitability in Africa
Authors: Koch Lisa K. , Cunze Sarah , Kochmann Judith , Klimpel Sven
Published: August 2020

The genus Ebolavirus comprises some of the deadliest viruses for primates and humans and associated disease outbreaks are increasing in Africa. Different evidence suggests that bats are putative reservoir hosts and play a major role in the transmission cycle of these filoviruses. Thus, detailed knowledge about their distribution might improve risk estimations of where future disease outbreaks might occur. A MaxEnt niche modelling approach based on climatic variables and land cover was used to investigate the potential distribution of 9 bat species associated to the Zaire ebolavirus. This viral species has led to major Ebola outbreaks in Africa and is known for causing high mortalities. Modelling results suggest suitable areas mainly in the areas near the coasts of West Africa with extensions into Central Africa, where almost all of the 9 species studied find suitable habitat conditions. Previous spillover events and outbreak sites of the virus are covered by the modelled distribution of 3 bat species that have been tested positive for the virus not only using serology tests but also PCR methods. Modelling the habitat suitability of the bats is an important step that can benefit public information campaigns and may ultimately help control future outbreaks of the disease.
Trehalose ameliorates peritoneal fibrosis by promoting Snail degradation and inhibiting mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in mesothelial cells
Authors: Miyake Taito , Sakai Norihiko , Tamai Akira , Sato Koichi , Kamikawa Yasutaka , Miyagawa Taro , Ogura Hisayuki , Yamamura Yuta , Oshima Megumi , Nakagawa Shiori , Sagara Akihiro , Shinozaki Yasuyuki , Toyama Tadashi , Kitajima Shinji , Hara Akinori , Iwata Yasunori , Shimizu Miho , Furuichi Kengo , Kaneko Shuichi , Wada Takashi
Published: August 2020

Peritoneal fibrosis (PF) is a severe complication of peritoneal dialysis, but there are few effective therapies for it. Recent studies have revealed a new biological function of trehalose as an autophagy inducer. Thus far, there are few reports regarding the therapeutic effects of trehalose on fibrotic diseases. Therefore, we examined whether trehalose has anti-fibrotic effects on PF. PF was induced by intraperitoneal injection of chlorhexidine gluconate (CG). CG challenges induced the increase of peritoneal thickness, ColIα1mRNA expression and hydroxyproline content, all of which were significantly attenuated by trehalose. In addition, CG challenges induced a marked peritoneal accumulation of α-SMA+myofibroblasts that was reduced by trehalose. The number of Wt1+α-SMA+cells in the peritoneum increased following CG challenges, suggesting that a part of α-SMA+myofibroblasts were derived from peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs). The number of Wt1+α-SMA+cells was also suppressed by trehalose. Additionally, trehalose attenuated the increase of α-SMA and ColIα1mRNA expression induced by TGF-β1through Snail protein degradation, which was dependent on autophagy in PMCs. These results suggest that trehalose might be a novel therapeutic agent for PF through the induction of autophagy and the suppression of mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in PMCs.
In-plane anisotropic third-harmonic generation from germanium arsenide thin flakes
Authors: Sar Huseyin , Gao Jie , Yang Xiaodong
Published: August 2020

A newly introduced two-dimensional (2D) layered germanium arsenide (GeAs) has attracted growing interest due to its promising highly in-plane anisotropic crystal structure and electronic properties for photonic and optoelectronic applications. The potential of 2D layered GeAs for many applications such as anisotropic photodetection, electronics, superconductivity and thermoelectricity is being investigated in recent studies. However, the intrinsic nonlinear optical properties of 2D layered GeAs have not been explored yet. Here, thickness- and incident polarization-dependent in-plane anisotropic third-harmonic generation (THG) from the mechanically exfoliated thin GeAs flakes is reported. Furthermore, the effect of the flake thickness on the THG conversion efficiency is shown to find the optimal thickness range for high conversion efficiency. The polarization state of the emitted THG signal is also analyzed by measuring the Stokes parameters with different polarization states of the pump beam to demonstrate the capability of controlling the intensity and polarization of TH emission. Our results will create new opportunities for advancing anisotropic optical devices used for future photonic integration, optical communication and optical information processing.
Application of Pedimap: a pedigree visualization tool to facilitate the decisioning of rice breeding in Sri Lanka
Authors: Rathnayake Rasika , Sahibdeen Shehan , Udawela Kapila , Weebadde Cholani , Weerakoon Wijayasiri , Sooriyapathirana Suneth
Published: August 2020

The development of rice cultivars with desirable traits is essential. The decision-making is a crucial step in rice breeding programs. Breeders can make efficient and pragmatic decisions if an organized pedigree visualization platform is available for the accessions and cultivars in rice breeding germplasm. In the present study, the available data of all the rice varieties released by Rice Research and Development Institute, Sri Lanka, and the related landraces and genotypes were arranged in Pedimap, a pedigree visualization tool. Pedimap can showcase pedigree relationships, phenotypic, and molecular data. The identity by descent probabilities were calculated using FlexQTL software and included in the Pedimap database. The parentage selection based on the variations of phenotypic traits, selection of marker alleles for molecular breeding, and detection of the founders of genetic effects can be swiftly conducted using Pedimap. However, the power of harnessing the value of Pedimap for making breeding decisions relies on the availability of data for the traits, markers, and genomic sequences. Thus, it is imperative to characterize the breeding germplasms using standard phenomic and genomic characterization procedures such as the assessment of before organized into Pedimap. Thereby, the worldwide breeding programs can benefit from each other to produce improved varieties to meet global challenges.
Abundance and nuclear antigen reactivity of intestinal and fecal Immunoglobulin A in lupus-prone mice at younger ages correlate with the onset of eventual systemic autoimmunity
Authors: Sun Wei , Gudi Radhika R. , Johnson Benjamin M. , Vasu Chenthamarakshan
Published: August 2020

Our recent studies, using (SWRxNZB)F1 (SNF1) mice, showed a potential contribution of the gut microbiota and pro-inflammatory immune responses of the gut mucosa to systemic autoimmunity in lupus. Here, using this mouse model, we determined the abundance and the nAg reactivity of IgA antibody produced in the intestine under lupus susceptibility. Intestinal lymphoid tissues from SNF1 mice, females particularly, showed significantly higher frequencies of nAg (dsDNA and nucleohistone) reactive IgA producing B cells compared to B6 females. Most importantly, younger age fecal IgA -abundance and -nAg reactivity of lupus-prone mice showed a positive correlation with eventual systemic autoimmunity and proteinuria onset. Depletion of gut microbiota in SNF1 mice resulted in the diminished production of IgA in the intestine and the nAg reactivity of these antibodies. Overall, these observations show that fecal IgA features, nuclear antigen reactivity particularly, at preclinical stages/in at-risk subjects could be predictive of autoimmune progression.
Kinetics of oxygen uptake during unassisted breathing trials in prolonged mechanical ventilation: a prospective pilot study
Authors: Lee I-Hsien , Kuo Yao-Wen , Lin Feng-Ching , Wu Chang-Wei , Jerng Jih-Shuin , Kuo Ping-Hung , Cheng Jui-Chen , Chien Ying-Chun , Huang Chun-Kai , Wu Huey-Dong
Published: August 2020

Few studies have investigated the measurement of oxygen uptake ($${\dot{\text{V}}}$$

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O2) in tracheostomized patients undergoing unassisted breathing trials (UBTs) for liberation from mechanical ventilation (MV). Using an open-circuit, breath-to-breath method, we continuously measured $${\dot{\text{V}}}$$

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O2 and relevant parameters during 120-min UBTs via a T-tube in 49 tracheostomized patients with prolonged MV, and calculated mean values in the first and last 5-min periods. Forty-one (84%) patients successfully completed the UBTs. The median $${\dot{\text{V}}}$$

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O2 increased significantly (from 235.8 to 298.2 ml/min; P = 0.025) in the failure group, but there was no significant change in the success group (from 223.1 to 221.6 ml/min; P = 0.505). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, an increase in $${\dot{\text{V}}}$$

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O2 > 17% from the beginning period (odds ratio [OR] 0.084; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.012–0.600; P = 0.014) and a peak inspiratory pressure greater than − 30 cmH2O (OR 11.083; 95% CI 1.117–109.944; P = 0.04) were significantly associated with the success of 120-min UBT. A refined prediction model combining heart rate, energy expenditure, end-tidal CO2 and oxygen equivalent showed a modest increase in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.788 (P = 0.578) and lower Akaike information criterion score of 41.83 compared to the traditional prediction model including heart rate and respiratory rate for achieving 48 h of unassisted breathing. Our findings show the potential of monitoring $${\dot{\text{V}}}$$

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O2 in the final phase of weaning in tracheostomized patients with prolonged MV.
Two potential equilibrium states in long-term soil respiration activity of dry grasslands are maintained by local topographic features
Authors: Fóti Szilvia , Balogh János , Gecse Bernadett , Pintér Krisztina , Papp Marianna , Koncz Péter , Kardos Levente , Mónok Dávid , Nagy Zoltán
Published: August 2020

Soil respiration of grasslands is spatio-temporally variable reflecting the changing biological activities of the soil. In our study we analysed how the long-term soil respiration activities of dry grasslands would perform in terms of resistance and resilience. We also investigated how terrain features are responsible for response stability. We conducted a 7-year-long spatial study in a Hungarian dry grassland, measuring soil respiration (Rs), soil temperature (Ts) and soil water content (SWC) along 15 measuring campaigns in 80 × 60 m grids and soil organic carbon content in 6 of the occasions. Two proxy variables were introduced to grasp the overall Rs activity, as well as its temporal stability: average rankRs, the temporal average Rs rank of a measuring position from the campaigns revealed the persistent spatial pattern of Rs, while rangeRs, the range of ranks of the positions from the campaigns described the amplitude of the Rs response in time, referring to the response stability in terms of resistance or resilience. We formulated a hypothetic concept of a two-state equilibrium to describe the performance of the long-term Rs activity: Rs activity with smaller rangeRs, that is both the lower elevation positions with larger rankRs (“state I”) and the higher elevation positions with smaller rankRs (“state II”) correspond to an equilibrium state with several terrain attributes being responsible for the equilibrium responses. Majority of the measuring positions was belonging to none of these equilibrium states. These positions showed higher rangeRs for medium rankRs, suggesting resilience (not resistance) as a major strategy for this ecosystem.
Perspectives of DCDR-GERS in the analysis of amino acids
Authors: Ranc Václav , Chaloupková Zuzana
Published: August 2020

Graphene-enhanced Raman scattering (GERS) has attracted increasing attention from many scientists in recent years as a novel and potentially strong analytical technique since its discovery in 2010.
Simple and reliable determination of Zn and some additional elements in seminal plasma samples by using total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Marguí Eva , Dumić Jerka , Queralt Ignasi , Baković Lada , Jablan Jasna
Published: August 2020

Trace elements are essential for the normal spermatogenesis of mammals and play a critical role in sperm quality and pathological processese.g.inflammation..
Facile preparation of polymer-grafted ZIF-8-modified magnetic nanospheres for effective identification and capture of phosphorylated and glycosylated peptides
Authors: Yi Linhua , Yan Yinghua , Tang Keqi , Ding Chuan-Fan
Published: August 2020

As a member of MOFs, Zn-MOFs (ZIF-8) are seldom used in phosphopeptide enrichment because ZIF-8 is soluble in acid solutions.
Adsorption and dehydrogenation of C2–C6n-alkanes over a Pt catalyst: a theoretical study on the size effects of alkane molecules and Pt substrates
Authors: Ding Xuefei , Zhu Houyu , Ren Hao , Liu Dongyuan , Yu Zehua , Shi Naiyou , Guo Wenyue
Published: August 2020

Linear relationships were identified for the adsorption and dehydrogenation of C2–C6n-alkanes on the Pt(111) surface and Pt55 cluster.
Rice husk based nanocellulose scaffolds for highly efficient removal of heavy metal ions from contaminated water
Authors: Zhan Chengbo , Sharma Priyanka R. , He Hongrui , Sharma Sunil K. , McCauley-Pearl Alexis , Wang Ruifu , Hsiao Benjamin S.
Published: August 2020

Nanocellulose scaffolds derived from rice husks could efficiently remove heavy metal ions from contaminated water.
Salinomycin nanocrystals for colorectal cancer treatment through inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Wang Zhongyuan , Feng Tao , Zhou Liang , Jiang Dawei , Zhang Yifan , He Gang , Lin Jing , Huang Peng , Lu Desheng
Published: August 2020

Salinomycin nanocrystals (SAL NCs) exhibited enhanced cellular internalization and tumor tissue accumulation for colorectal cancer treatment through the inhibitory effect on Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
The lightest solid meets the lightest gas: an overview of carbon aerogels and their composites for hydrogen related applications
Authors: Yu Sheng , Song Shaolei , Li Rong , Fang Baizeng
Published: August 2020

Carbon aerogels and their composites with various morphologies and compositions explored for representative hydrogen-related applications are reviewed.
l- and rac-lactide polymerisation using scandium and aluminium permethylindenyl complexes
Authors: Diteepeng Nichabhat , Wilson Isobel A. P. , Buffet Jean-Charles , Turner Zoë R. , O'Hare Dermot
Published: August 2020

Scandium and aluminium constrained geometry permethylindenyl complexes are reported and their lactide polymerisation study discussed.
MOF-assisted synthesis of octahedral carbon-supported PtCu nanoalloy catalysts for an efficient hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhang Chengtian , Wang Pengyan , Li Wenqiang , Zhang Zhiwei , Zhu Jiawei , Pu Zonghua , Zhao Yufeng , Mu Shichun
Published: August 2020

Herein, octahedral carbon-supported PtCu nanoalloys were synthesized as a novel catalyst by an MOF-assisted method and exhibited remarkable hydrogen evolution reaction activity and durability in both acidic and basic solutions.
2,3-Thienoimide-ended oligothiophenes as ambipolar semiconductors for multifunctional single-layer light-emitting transistors
Authors: Prosa Mario , Moschetto Salvatore , Benvenuti Emilia , Zambianchi Massimo , Muccini Michele , Melucci Manuela , Toffanin Stefano
Published: August 2020

In view of developing multifunctional OLETs, 2,3-thienoimide-ended oligothiophenes are proposed as ideal candidates to effectively ensure good ambipolar field-effect mobility, self-assembly capability and high luminescence in solid state.
Degradation of mitochondrial alternative oxidase in the appendices of Arum maculatum
Authors: Ito Kikukatsu , Ogata Takafumi , Seito Takanari , Umekawa Yui , Kakizaki Yusuke , Osada Hiroshi , Moore Anthony L.
Published: August 2020

Cyanide-resistant alternative oxidase (AOX) is a nuclear-encoded quinol oxidase located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Although the quality control of AOX proteins is expected to have a role in elevated respiration in mitochondria, it remains unclear whether thermogenic plants possess molecular mechanisms for the mitochondrial degradation of AOX. To better understand the mechanism of AOX turnover in mitochondria, we performed a series of in organello AOX degradation assays using mitochondria from various stages of the appendices of Arum maculatum. Our analyses clearly indicated that AOX proteins at certain stages in the appendices are degraded at 30°C, which is close to the maximum appendix temperature observed during thermogenesis. Interestingly, such temperature-dependent protease activities were specifically inhibited by E-64, a cysteine protease inhibitor. Moreover, purification and subsequent nano LC–MS/MS analyses of E-64-sensitive and DCG-04-labeled active mitochondrial protease revealed an ∼30 kDa protein with an identical partial peptide sequence to the cysteine protease 1-like protein from Phoenix dactylifera. Our data collectively suggest that AOX is a potential target for temperature-dependent E-64-sensitive cysteine protease in the appendices of A. maculatum. A possible retrograde signalling cascade mediated by specific degradation of AOX proteins and its physiological significance are discussed.
Impulsive wave excitation by rapidly changing granules
Authors: Kwak Hannah , Chae Jongchul , Madjarska Maria S. , Cho Kyuhyoun , Song Donguk
Published: August 2020

It is not yet fully understood how magnetohydrodynamic waves in the interior and atmosphere of the Sun are excited. Traditionally, turbulent convection in the interior is considered to be the source of wave excitation in the quiet Sun. Over the last few decades, acoustic events observed in the intergranular lanes in the photosphere have emerged as a strong candidate for a wave excitation source. Here we report our observations of wave excitation by a new type of event: rapidly changing granules. Our observations were carried out with the Fast Imaging Solar Spectrograph in the Hα and Ca II 8542 Å lines and the TiO 7057 Å broadband filter imager of the 1.6 m Goode Solar Telescope at the Big Bear Solar Observatory. We identify granules in the internetwork region that undergo rapid dynamic changes such as collapse (event 1), fragmentation (event 2), or submergence (event 3). In the photospheric images, these granules become significantly darker than neighboring granules. Following the granules’ rapid changes, transient oscillations are detected in the photospheric and chromospheric layers. In the case of event 1, the dominant period of the oscillations is close to 4.2 min in the photosphere and 3.8 min in the chromosphere. Moreover, in the Ca II–0.5 Å raster image, we observe repetitive brightenings in the location of the rapidly changing granules that are considered the manifestation of shock waves. Based on our results, we suggest that dynamic changes of granules can generate upward-propagating acoustic waves in the quiet Sun that ultimately develop into shocks.
Stresserleben bei Autismus
Authors: Rudolph Reinhard
Published: August 2020

Im Vergleich zur neurotypischen Normalbevölkerung scheinen autistische Menschen sehr viel häufiger unter Stress zu leiden und es scheint ihnen schwerer zu fallen, entsprechende Bewältigungsstrategien zu entwickeln. In diesem Beitrag soll gezeigt werden, welche autismustypischen Stressfaktoren es gibt und inwieweit autistische Verhaltensmerkmale als Reaktionsweisen auf Stresserleben verstanden werden können.
Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen und ihre Bedeutung in der Psychotherapie Erwachsener
Authors: Riedel Andreas , Tebartz van Elst Ludger , Clausen Jens Jürgen
Published: August 2020

Autismus ist derzeit – medial betrachtet – ein durchaus „modisches“ Phänomen: Dokumentationen, Bücher und Filme zum Thema werden jedes Jahr mehr, und Fernsehserien und Kinofilme „schmücken“ sich immer häufiger mit „Quotenautisten“. Insofern kann durchaus der Eindruck aufkommen, dass es sich bei Autismus um eine Modediagnose handelt, die ebenso schnell wieder verschwinden wird wie sie aufkam. Für PsychotherapeutInnen liegt damit die Folgerung nicht fern, dass man das Thema getrost ignorieren sollte. Diesen Fehlschluss zu widerlegen, ist zentrales Anliegen dieses Artikels.
Entzündungen des muskuloskelettalen Systems bei Kindern und Jugendlichen
Authors: Körber Friederike , Semler Oliver , Heneweer Carola
Published: August 2020

Das muskuloskelettale System unterliegt im Verlauf des Wachstums wie kaum ein anderes Organsystem einem hohen Wandel. Entsprechend unterscheiden sich Entzündungen in Ausdehnung und Verlauf bei Kindern und Jugendlichen nicht nur von denen bei erwachsenen Patienten, sondern verändern sich auch während der Adoleszenz.
The Treatment of Facial Asymmetry with Botulinum Toxin: Current Concepts, Guidelines, and Future Trends
Authors: Heydenrych Izolda
Published: August 2020

This article will describe facial asymmetry secondary to facial nerve paralysis (FNP), and review current concepts, guidelines, and future trends. Despite the increasing use of botulinum toxin (BoNTA) in treating FNP, ideal dosage, timing, and additional therapies are not unequivocally established. Facial asymmetry significantly impacts quality of life (QOL) by strongly affecting self-perception and social interactions; injectables may mediate great clinical improvement. This article provides practical guidelines for the use of BoNTA and provides schemes for accurate assessment and documentation. A systematic, stepwise approach is recommended with methodical assessment, meticulous placement, conservative dosage, and careful follow-up. Future trends include the potential use of newly developed toxins, muscle modification with fillers, improved imaging techniques, and targeted QOL studies. Hopefully, a growing number of aesthetic injectors may become technically proficient and join multidisciplinary teams for managing FNP.
Facial Feminization Surgery: A Review of 220 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Telang Parag Shashank
Published: August 2020

Background Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is a combination of facial bony and soft tissue surgeries designed to modify and convert a masculine face to feminine. One’s face plays a very central role in gender incongruence and FFS helps patients overcome this. There are prominent differences between the male and the female facial anatomy (bony and soft tissue) which can be surgically altered to change the visual perception of the face.

Methods The author presents the method used at his center for treating 220 patients of gender incongruence requesting FFS from June 2016 to June 2019. The alterations to known methods of forehead contouring, hairline lowering, and jaw shave adopted by his team are discussed. He also presents the logic of performing the entire FFS in two stages at an interval of 7 to 10 days.

Results A total of 220 cases of FFS are presented, along with surgical details of techniques used, the sequence and staging of procedures performed, and the results obtained. A two-staged approach to FFS is proposed to maximize the recovery and minimize complications and promote faster healing. Different methods of forehead contouring are also explained in detail.

Conclusions FFS is a very rewarding surgery for the plastic surgeon and has high patient satisfaction rate. With proper training in craniomaxillofacial and soft tissue surgery, it is possible for the plastic surgeon to be the main team leader for this procedure. A two-stage approach is highly recommended.
Excitation energies from thermally assisted-occupation density functional theory: Theory and computational implementation
Authors: Yeh Shu-Hao , Manjanath Aaditya , Cheng Yuan-Chung , Chai Jeng-Da , Hsu Chao-Ping
Published: August 2020

The time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) has been broadly used to investigate the excited-state properties of various molecular systems. However, the current TDDFT heavily relies on outcomes from the corresponding ground-state DFT calculations, which may be prone to errors due to the lack of proper treatment in the non-dynamical correlation effects. Recently, thermally assisted-occupation DFT (TAO-DFT) [J.-D. Chai, J. Chem. Phys. 136, 154104 (2012)], a DFT with fractional orbital occupations, was proposed, explicitly incorporating the non-dynamical correlation effects in the ground-state calculations with low computational complexity. In this work, we develop TDTAO-DFT, which is a TD, linear-response theory for excited states within the framework of TAO-DFT. With tests on the excited states of H2, the first triplet excited state (13Σu+) was described well, with non-imaginary excitation energies. TDTAO-DFT also yields zero singlet–triplet gap in the dissociation limit for the ground singlet (11Σg+) and the first triplet state (13Σu+). In addition, as compared to traditional TDDFT, the overall excited-state potential energy surfaces obtained from TDTAO-DFT are generally improved and better agree with results from the equation-of-motion coupled-cluster singles and doubles.
Influence of a hyperbaric environment on laser welding
Authors: Kim Meeri
Published: August 2020

Experiments in a high-pressure vessel reveal the mechanisms behind a marked reduction in welding depth, including an increased shielding effect of plasmas on laser energy.
Pressure induced lattice expansion and phonon softening in layered ReS2
Authors: Saha Pinku , Ghosh Bishnupada , Mazumder Aritra , Glazyrin Konstantin , Dev Mukherjee Goutam
Published: August 2020

We report high pressure x-ray diffraction and systematic Raman measurements on a ReS2 sample, which is mechanically exfoliated from a single crystal. A few new Bragg peaks are observed to emerge above 6 GPa indicating a structural transition from distorted 1T to distorted 1T′ in a triclinic structure. The same is corroborated by the appearance of new Raman modes in the same pressure range. Softening of the Raman modes corresponding to Re atom vibrations is observed in the distorted 1T′ phase in the pressure range of 15–25 GPa. In the same pressure range, the anomalous change in the volume is found to be induced by the lattice expansion. The volume expansion is related to the sliding of layers leading to octahedral distortion and an increase in octahedral volume. The sample is found to be very incompressible above 25 GPa with respect to below 15 GPa data. The same is also reflected in the Raman mode shifts with pressure.
Current-induced out-of-plane effective magnetic field in antiferromagnet/heavy metal/ferromagnet/heavy metal multilayer
Authors: Li Yucai , Liang Jinghua , Yang Hongxin , Zheng Houzhi , Wang Kaiyou
Published: August 2020

We report that the electrical current induced an out-of-plane effective field in an antiferromagnet/heavy metal/ferromagnet/heavy metal (CoOx/Pt/Co/Pt) multilayer, which could change the magnetic hysteresis loop shift. The bottom CoOx layer can not only generate a bias field but also affect the interfacial Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction. The superposition of the bias field and current-induced effective field could influence nucleation and propagation of the domain wall. Our demonstration and understanding could pave the way for manipulating the magnetization electrically.
Photoelectron distribution on sunlit surface of the Moon: A formalism
Authors: Mishra S. K.
Published: August 2020

An analytical formulation describing the characteristic energy distribution of photoelectrons over the sunlit regolith of the Moon has been presented. In deriving the distribution function, Fowler's approach based on fermionic lattice electrons for photoemission has been coupled with observed solar spectra, photoelectric quantum yield, and latitude dependent surface temperature. It is noticed that the dominant contribution in the photoelectron distribution function comes from extreme ultraviolet photons (3 eV–300 eV) of the solar spectra. The analysis also illustrates that the photoelectron distribution for the observed solar spectra is significantly different from the spectrum based on Planck's radiation law. In results, the photoelectron distribution is found to be a significant function of the lunar surface potential—the photoelectron distribution in the steady state considerably differs from that of the uncharged surface. In calculations, the variation in the photoelectron distribution function with the lunar latitude, quantum yield, and work function of the surface material has been parametrically analyzed, and it is found to be sensitive to the constituent parameters.
Impact of the resistive switching effects in ZnMgO electron transport layer on the aging characteristics of quantum dot light-emitting diodes
Authors: Ding Shihao , Wu Zhenghui , Qu Xiangwei , Tang Haodong , Wang Kai , Xu Bing , Sun Xiao Wei
Published: August 2020

The phenomenon of positive aging has been frequently reported in quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs). However, the root cause for this phenomenon remains illusive. On the other hand, the commonly used electron transport material in QLEDs, ZnMgO, has been extensively studied as a resistive switching material. In this work, we found that the ZnMgO nano-particle film used in QLEDs showed a clear resistive switching effect. It is, thus, reasonable to relate the resistive switching mechanism of ZnMgO to the aging characteristics of QLED devices. We found that during the first stage of QLED aging, the efficiency of the QLED was improved due to the migration of off-lattice ions and formation of conductive filaments in the ZnMgO layer. Subsequently, as active oxygen ions migrated to the interface between quantum dots and ZnMgO, the barrier for electron transport increased due to the oxidation of quantum dots. At the same time, the conductive filaments were gradually fused due to the continuous external electric field. As a result, the performance of QLED devices continuously deteriorated.
Enhanced positive and negative exchange bias in FeF2/Ni with dusted interfaces
Authors: Montoya I. , Torres F. , Redondo C. , Kiwi M. , Schuller Ivan K. , Morales R.
Published: August 2020

An enhanced exchange bias was found in FeF2/Ni interfaces by inserting dusting of Pd and Cu atoms. We have used an ultrathin wedge to investigate systematically the effect of a discontinuous nonmagnetic spacer between the antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic layers. Negative and positive exchange biases are symmetric and maximized for less than two angstroms of the nonmagnetic layer. Moreover, the dusting reduces the field cooling threshold to switch between the negative and the positive exchange bias. This finding demonstrates that nonmagnetic dusted layers can improve the interfacial exchange energy density in antiferromagnetic/ferromagnetic heterostructures and modify the bulk antiferromagnetic domain structure. Other dusting materials such as Ag, Ti, V, and SiO2 showed no enhancement in FeF2/Ni bilayers, which indicates the atomic sensitivity of this effect.
Anomalous and topological Hall effect in Cu doped Sb2Te3 topological insulator
Authors: Singh Abhishek , Gangwar Vinod K. , Shahi Prashant , Pal Debarati , Singh Rahul , Kumar Shiv , Singh S. , Gupta S. K. , Kumar Sudhir , Cheng Jinguang , Chatterjee Sandip
Published: August 2020

The magneto-transport and magnetization measurements of Sb1.90Cu0.10Te3 were performed by varying both temperature and the magnetic field. The induced antiferromagnetic ordering with Cu doping and the observed quantum oscillation in it indicate that magnetization in Sb1.90Cu0.10Te3 is the bulk property. The non-linearity in Hall data suggests the existence of anomalous and topological Hall effects. Moreover, the electronic band structure calculation supports the existence of Cu spin texture.
Investigating the relationship between comprehensibility and social evaluation
Authors: Vaughn Charlotte , Whitty Aubrey
Published: August 2020

The processing fluency hypothesis proposes that listeners’ perceived difficulty processing the speech of L2 speakers
(called comprehensibility/processing fluency) leads them to downgrade those speakers socially. In this
paper, we investigate this relationship, focusing on context-specificity. L1-English listeners provided comprehensibility and social
evaluation ratings of L1-Korean speakers speaking English, while an orthographic depiction of the speech either appeared alongside the audio
or did not, a manipulation aiming to affect comprehensibility. Varying orthography between subjects, Experiment 1 found that orthography
resulted in greater comprehensibility, but not more positive social evaluations. Experiment 2 manipulated orthography within subjects,
varying context: orthography trials were presented first or last. Comprehensibility and social evaluation ratings were related only when
orthography was first, suggesting a conditional, asymmetrical relationship where listeners more readily downgrade than upgrade the same
speaker when orthography changes. Our results highlight the context-dependent nature of these constructs, limiting the generalizability of
the processing fluency hypothesis.
Presenting self and aligning as a team through narratives of victimhood among Kazakh-speaking village neighbors
Authors: Kulbayeva Aisulu
Published: August 2020

This study illustrates how personal narratives of victimized self serve two Kazakh-speaking village neighbors to accomplish self-presentation during a mealtime interaction. Integrating Goffman’s (1959) theorization of self-presentation with narrative positioning (Bamberg, 1997; Schiffrin, 1996) and Muslim cultural practices (e.g., Al Zidjaly, 2006), this study conceptualizes mealtime conversations as frontstage and examines two victimhood narratives after providing the sequential overview of the twelve narratives occurred in the interaction. The analysis illustrates how linguistic construction of agentive and epistemic selves of the narrators position them as victims (whose personal items are stolen) in relation to other neighbors (who do the act of stealing) in the story world. This juxtaposition of “I” vs. “Others” in the story world allows the neighbor-tellers to present an idealized self (morally superior neighbors) and function as a team by getting lower hand and aligning with one another against a third party (morally wrong neighbors) in the interaction.