bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multiple Length-Scales Nanoimprinting Approach on Nanocrystalline and Strongly Deformed CuZn30 Alloys
Authors: Braun Paul , Durst Karsten
Published: February 2020

Metallic Nanoimprinting is a new approach to form robust surface structures on metals at various length scales. The shape and size of the formed structures not only depends on the dimensions of the Nanoimprinting die but also the mechanical behaviour of the imprinted material and its microstructure. To characterise the Nanoimprinting process, a multi length-scale-approach was used by varying the cavities (widths between 20 nm and 2.76 µm) as well as the microstructure of the alloy. CuZn30 was used in different cold-worked and heat-treated conditions, with grain sizes from 100 nm up to 277 µm, thus, covering a wide range of hardening behaviours and grain size to cavity width ratios. Experimental results show that the work hardening behaviour as well as the subgrain or grain size have a major influence on the forming characteristics during Nanoimprinting and a nearly ideal plastic behaviour (no work hardening) leads to the largest extrusion heights. For materials with a pronounced work hardening, low extrusion heights were measured for all cavity widths. This work demonstrates the potential of a simple imprinting process to generate surface features on metallic materials with a width <300 nm and an aspect ratio >1.
Publisher Correction: New insight into the mechanisms of ectopic fat deposition improvement after bariatric surgery
Authors: Angelini Giulia , Castagneto Gissey Lidia , Corpo Giulia Del , Giordano Carla , Cerbelli Bruna , Severino Anna , Manco Melania , Basso Nicola , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Bornstein Stefan R. , Genco Alfredo , Mingrone Geltrude , Casella Giovanni
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Magnetometer with nitrogen-vacancy center in a bulk diamond for detecting magnetic nanoparticles in biomedical applications
Authors: Kuwahata Akihiro , Kitaizumi Takahiro , Saichi Kota , Sato Takumi , Igarashi Ryuji , Ohshima Takeshi , Masuyama Yuta , Iwasaki Takayuki , Hatano Mutsuko , Jelezko Fedor , Kusakabe Moriaki , Yatsui Takashi , Sekino Masaki
Published: February 2020

We developed a novel magnetometer that employs negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV−) centers in diamond, to detect the magnetic field generated by magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for biomedical applications. The compact probe system is integrated into a fiber-optics platform allowing for a compact design. To detect signals from the MNPs effectively, we demonstrated, for the first time, the application of an alternating current (AC) magnetic field generated by the excitation coil of several hundred microteslas for the magnetization of MNPs in diamond quantum sensing. In the lock-in detection system, the minimum detectable AC magnetic field (at a frequency of 1.025 kHz) was approximately 57.6 nT for one second measurement time. We were able to detect the micromolar concentration of MNPs at distances of a few millimeters. These results indicate that the magnetometer with the NV− centers can detect the tiny amounts of MNPs, thereby offering potential for future biomedical applications.
Scalable ultrafast epitaxy of large-grain and single-crystal II-VI semiconductors
Authors: Colegrove Eric , Albin David S. , Moutinho Helio R. , Amarasinghe Mahisha , Burst James M. , Metzger Wyatt K.
Published: February 2020

A general problem for semiconductor applications is that very slow deposition on expensive single-crystal substrates yields high crystalline quality with excellent electro-optical properties, but at prohibitive costs and throughput for many applications. In contrast, rapid deposition on inexpensive substrates or nanocrystalline films yields low costs, but comparatively inferior crystallinity, carrier transport, and recombination. Here, we present methods to deposit single-crystal material at rates 2–3 orders of magnitude faster than state-of-the-art epitaxy with low-cost methods without compromising crystalline or electro-optical quality. For example, single-crystal CdTe and CdZnTe films that would take several days to grow by molecular-beam epitaxy are deposited in 8 minutes by close-spaced sublimation, yet retain the same crystalline quality measured by X-ray diffraction rocking curves. The fast deposition is coupled with effective n- and p-type in-situ doping by In, P, and As. The epitaxy can be extended to nanocrystalline substrates. For example, we recrystallize thin CdTe films on glass to deposit large grains with low defect density. The results provide new research paths for photovoltaics, detectors, infrared imaging, flexible electronics, and other applications.
Trends and clinico-epidemiological features of human rabies cases in Bangladesh 2006–2018
Authors: Ghosh Sumon , Rana Md. Sohel , Islam Md. Kamrul , Chowdhury Sukanta , Haider Najmul , Kafi Mohammad Abdullah Heel , Ullah Sayed Mohammed , Shah Md. Rashed Ali , Jahan Afsana Akter , Mursalin Hasan Sayedul , Marma Aung Swi Prue , Ali S. M. Emran , Hossain Shohrab , Bhowmik Rajub , Debnath Nitish C. , Shamsuzzaman Abul Khair Mohammad , Ahmed Be-Nazir , Siddiqi Umme Ruman , Jhora Sanya Tahmina
Published: February 2020

Vaccinating dogs against rabies is an effective means of reducing human rabies. We subjected 1327 clinically diagnosed human rabies death and mass dog vaccination (MDV) data during 2006–2018 to quantify the impacts of MDV on human rabies incidence in Bangladesh and a subset of rabies death data (422) for clinico-epidemiological analysis. A positive and increasing trend of MDV (p = 0.01 and tau = 0.71) and a negative and declining trend (p < 0.001 and tau = −0.88) of human rabies cases (Correlation coefficient: −0.82) have been observed. Among 422 deaths, the majority (78%) of the victims sought treatment from traditional healers, and 12% received post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). The mean incubation period of rabies in cases with exposure sites on the head & neck (35 days) was shorter than the upper limb (mean = 64 days, p = 0.02) and lower limb (mean = 89 days, p < 0.01). MDV has been found to be effective for reducing human rabies cases in Bangladesh. Creating awareness among the animal bite victims to stop reliance on traditional healers rather seeking PEP, addressing the role of traditional healers through awareness education programme with respect to the treatment of dog bites, ensuring availability of PEP, and continuing to scale up MDV may help to prevent human rabies deaths.
Tension-type headache in the Emergency Department Diagnosis and misdiagnosis: The TEDDi study
Authors: García-Azorín D. , Farid-Zahran M. , Gutiérrez-Sánchez M. , González-García M. N. , Guerrero A. L. , Porta-Etessam J.
Published: February 2020

Headache is a common reason to visit the emergency department (ED). Tension-type headache (TTH) is the commonest headache. The diagnosis of TTH implies a mild condition, with no need for special tests. We evaluated the use of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) criteria for TTH in the ED. We performed a cross-sectional study including all ED patients with a definite TTH diagnosis in their discharge report for 2.5 years. We evaluated whether the ICHD criteria for TTH were referenced and met. We analysed discrepancies concerning anamnesis or prior history and reclassified patients. A total of 211 out of 2132 patients fulfilled the criteria (9.9%). Only five patients fulfilled TTH criteria. Criteria A-D were referenced in 60–84% of patients and met in 16–74% of these patients. Anamnesis was discrepant in 87.5% as was prior history in 20.8%. After re-reclassification, 21 patients fulfilled the criteria for TTH (five) or probable TTH (16). In 106 patients, another headache was diagnosed, with migraine in 40 (18.9%), secondary headache in 64 (30.3%), and a life-threatening disorder in 13 (6.1%). In our sample, TTH was overdiagnosed. Only a minority of patients fulfilled the ICHD criteria. Inconsistencies in prior medical history or anamnesis were frequent.
Orthogonal Representations of Object Shape and Category in Deep Convolutional Neural Networks and Human Visual Cortex
Authors: Zeman Astrid A. , Ritchie J. Brendan , Bracci Stefania , Op de Beeck Hans
Published: February 2020

Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are gaining traction as the benchmark model of visual object recognition, with performance now surpassing humans. While CNNs can accurately assign one image to potentially thousands of categories, network performance could be the result of layers that are tuned to represent the visual shape of objects, rather than object category, since both are often confounded in natural images. Using two stimulus sets that explicitly dissociate shape from category, we correlate these two types of information with each layer of multiple CNNs. We also compare CNN output with fMRI activation along the human visual ventral stream by correlating artificial with neural representations. We find that CNNs encode category information independently from shape, peaking at the final fully connected layer in all tested CNN architectures. Comparing CNNs with fMRI brain data, early visual cortex (V1) and early layers of CNNs encode shape information. Anterior ventral temporal cortex encodes category information, which correlates best with the final layer of CNNs. The interaction between shape and category that is found along the human visual ventral pathway is echoed in multiple deep networks. Our results suggest CNNs represent category information independently from shape, much like the human visual system.
Using null models to compare bacterial and microeukaryotic metacommunity assembly under shifting environmental conditions
Authors: Vass Máté , Székely Anna J. , Lindström Eva S. , Langenheder Silke
Published: February 2020

Temporal variations in microbial metacommunity structure and assembly processes in response to shifts in environmental conditions are poorly understood. Hence, we conducted a temporal field study by sampling rock pools in four-day intervals during a 5-week period that included strong changes in environmental conditions due to intensive rain. We characterized bacterial and microeukaryote communities by 16S and 18S rRNA gene sequencing, respectively. Using a suite of null model approaches (elements of metacommunity structure, Raup-Crick beta-diversity and quantitative process estimates) to assess dynamics in community assembly, we found that strong changes in environmental conditions induced small but significant temporal changes in assembly processes and triggered different responses in bacterial and microeukaryotic metacommunities, promoting distinct selection processes. Incidence-based approaches showed that the assemblies of both communities were mainly governed by stochastic processes. In contrast, abundance-based methods indicated the dominance of historical contingency and unmeasured factors in the case of bacteria and microeukaryotes, respectively. We distinguished these processes from dispersal-related processes using additional tests. Regardless of the applied null model, our study highlights that community assembly processes are not static, and the relative importance of different assembly processes can vary under different conditions and between different microbial groups.
Measurement-Based Quantum Correlations for Quantum Information Processing
Authors: Khalid Uman , ur Rehman Junaid , Shin Hyundong
Published: February 2020

Measurement-based quantum correlations (MbQCs) depend on how strongly an observer perturbs the unobserved system. This distinctive property differentiates MbQCs from traditional quantum correlations such as entanglement and discord. We utilize MbQCs to elucidate quantum information processing capabilities in quantum computation and quantum state discrimination. We show that MbQCs exist more generally than entanglement and discord in optimal assisted quantum state discrimination and in a deterministic quantum computation with a single qubit. We also propose an MbQC-based dimension witness and analyze it in different noisy and noiseless scenarios.
Ticagrelor Enhances Release of Anti-Hypoxic Cardiac Progenitor Cell-Derived Exosomes Through Increasing Cell Proliferation In Vitro
Authors: Casieri Valentina , Matteucci Marco , Pasanisi Emilio M. , Papa Angela , Barile Lucio , Fritsche-Danielson Regina , Lionetti Vincenzo
Published: February 2020

Despite the widespread clinical use of cardioprotection by long-term direct antagonism of P2Y12 receptor, underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we identify how release of pro-survival exosomes from human cardiac-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells (hCPCs) is regulated by clinically relevant dose of ticagrelor (1 μM), an oral selective and reversible non-thienopyridine P2Y12 inhibitor. Ticagrelor-induced enhancement of exosome levels is related to increased mitotic activity of hCPCs. We show a drug-response threshold above which the effects on hCPCs are lost due to higher dose of ticagrelor and larger adenosine levels. While it is known that pan-Aurora kinase inhibitor halts cell proliferation through dephosphorylation of histone H3 residue Ser10, we demonstrate that it also prevents ticagrelor-induced effects on release of cardiac progenitor cell-derived exosomes delivering anti-apoptotic HSP70. Indeed, sustained pre-treatment of cardiomyocytes with exosomes released from explant-derived hCPCs exposed to low-dose ticagrelor attenuated hypoxia-induced apoptosis through acute phosphorylation of ERK42/44. Our data indicate that ticagrelor can be leveraged to modulate release of anti-hypoxic exosomes from resident hCPCs.
Effect of the nitrification inhibitor 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) on N-turnover, the N2O reductase-gene nosZ and N2O:N2 partitioning from agricultural soils
Authors: Friedl Johannes , Scheer Clemens , Rowlings David W. , Deltedesco Evi , Gorfer Markus , De Rosa Daniele , Grace Peter R. , Müller Christoph , Keiblinger Katharina M.
Published: February 2020

Nitrification inhibitors (NIs) have been shown to reduce emissions of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) from agricultural soils. However, their N2O reduction efficacy varies widely across different agro-ecosystems, and underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. To investigate effects of the NI 3,4-dimethylpyrazole-phosphate (DMPP) on N-turnover from a pasture and a horticultural soil, we combined the quantification of N2 and N2O emissions with 15N tracing analysis and the quantification of the N2O-reductase gene (nosZ) in a soil microcosm study. Nitrogen fertilization suppressed nosZ abundance in both soils, showing that high nitrate availability and the preferential reduction of nitrate over N2O is responsible for large pulses of N2O after the fertilization of agricultural soils. DMPP attenuated this effect only in the horticultural soil, reducing nitrification while increasing nosZ abundance. DMPP reduced N2O emissions from the horticultural soil by >50% but did not affect overall N2 + N2O losses, demonstrating the shift in the N2O:N2 ratio towards N2 as a key mechanism of N2O mitigation by NIs. Under non-limiting NO3− availability, the efficacy of NIs to mitigate N2O emissions therefore depends on their ability to reduce the suppression of the N2O reductase by high NO3− concentrations in the soil, enabling complete denitrification to N2.
The topology and robustness of two Dirac cones in S-graphene: A tight binding approach
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Arka , Datta Sujoy , Jana Debnarayan , Nath Subhadip , Uddin Md. Mohi
Published: February 2020

Present work reports an elegant method to address the emergence of two Dirac cones in a non-hexagonal graphene allotrope S-graphene (SG). We have availed nearest neighbour tight binding (NNTB) model to validate the existence of two Dirac cones reported from density functional theory (DFT) computations. Besides, the real space renormalization group (RSRG) scheme clearly reveals the key reason behind the emergence of two Dirac cones associated with the given topology. Furthermore, the robustness of these Dirac cones has been explored in terms of hopping parameters. As an important note, the Fermi velocity of the SG system (vF $$\simeq $$≃ c/80) is almost 3.75 times that of the graphene. It has been observed that the Dirac cones can be easily shifted along the symmetry lines without breaking the degeneracy. We have attained two different conditions based on the sole relations of hopping parameters and on-site energies to break the degeneracy. Further, in order to perceive the topological aspect of the system we have obtained the phase diagram and Chern number of Haldane model. This exact analytical method along with the supported DFT computation will be very effective in studying the intrinsic behaviour of the Dirac materials other than graphene.
Fingerprinting of Doppler audio signals from the common carotid artery
Authors: Müller Anna V. , Amigo José M. , Wichmann Nicoline R. , Witschas Frederik B. , McEvoy Fintan J.
Published: February 2020

Audio fingerprinting involves extraction of quantitative frequency descriptors that can be used for indexing, search and retrieval of audio signals in sound recognition software. We propose a similar approach with medical ultrasonographic Doppler audio signals. Power Doppler periodograms were generated from 84 ultrasonographic Doppler signals from the common carotid arteries in 22 dogs. Frequency features were extracted from each periodogram and included in a principal component analysis (PCA). From this 10 audio samples were pairwise classified as being either similar or dissimilar. These pairings were compared to a similar classification based on standard quantitative parameters used in medical ultrasound and to classification performed by a panel of listeners. The ranking of sound files according to degree of similarity differed between the frequency and conventional classification methods. The panel of listeners had an 88% agreement with the classification based on quantitative frequency features. These findings were significantly different from the score expected by chance (p < 0.001). The results indicate that the proposed frequency based classification has a perceptual relevance for human listeners and that the method is feasible. Audio fingerprinting of medical Doppler signals is potentially useful for indexing and search for similar and dissimilar audio samples in a dataset.
Step-wise elimination of α-mitochondrial nucleoids and mitochondrial structure as a basis for the strict uniparental inheritance in Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Nishimura Yoshiki , Shikanai Toshiharu , Kawamoto Susumu , Toh-e Akio
Published: February 2020

In most sexual eukaryotes, mitochondrial (mt) DNA is uniparentally inherited, although the detailed mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain controversial. The most widely accepted explanations include the autophagic elimination of paternal mitochondria in the fertilized eggs and the active degradation of paternal mitochondrial DNA. To decode the precise program for the uniparental inheritance, we focused on Cryptococcus neoformans as a model system, in which mtDNA is inherited only from the a-parent, although gametes of a- and α-cells are of equal size and contribute equal amounts of mtDNA to the zygote. In this research, the process of preferential elimination of the mitochondria contributed by the α-parent (α-mitochondria) was studied by fluorescence microscopy and single cell analysis using optical tweezers, which revealed that α-mitochondria are preferentially reduced by the following three steps: (1) preferential reduction of α-mitochondrial (mt) nucleoids and α-mtDNA, (2) degradation of the α-mitochondrial structure and (3) proliferation of remaining mt nucleoids during the zygote development. Furthermore, AUTOPHAGY RELATED GENE (ATG) 8 and the gene encoding mitochondrial endonuclease G (NUC1) were disrupted, and the effects of their disruption on the uniparental inheritance were scrutinized. Disruption of ATG8 (ATG7) and NUC1 did not have severe effects on the uniparental inheritance, but microscopic examination revealed that α-mitochondria lacking mt nucleoids persisted in Δatg8 zygotes, indicating that autophagy is not critical for the uniparental inheritance per se but is responsible for the clearance of mitochondrial structures after the reduction of α-mt nucleoids.
Multipolar spatial electric field modulation for freeform electroactive hydrogel actuation
Authors: Choi Moon-Young , Shin Yerin , Lee Hu Seung , Kim So Yeon , Na Jun-Hee
Published: February 2020

Electroactive hydrogels that exhibit large deformation in response to an electric field have received significant attention as a potential actuating material for soft actuators and artificial muscle. However, their mechanical actuation has been limited in simple bending or folding due to uniform electric field modulation. To implement complex movements, a pre-program, such as a hinge and a multilayer pattern, is usually required for the actuator in advance. Here, we propose a reprogrammable actuating method and sophisticated manipulation by using multipolar three-dimensional electric field modulation without pre-program. Through the multipolar spatial electric field modulator, which controls the polarity/intensity of the electric field in three-dimensions, complex three-dimensional (3D) actuation of single hydrogels are achieved. Also, air bubbles generated during operation in the conventional horizontal configuration are not an issue in the proposed new vertical configuration. We demonstrate soft robotic actuators, including basic bending mechanics in terms of controllability and reliability, and several 3D shapes having positive and negative curvature can easily be achieved in a single sheet, paving the way for continuously reconfigurable materials.
Proteome-wide identification and functional analysis of ubiquitinated proteins in peach leaves
Authors: Song Yanbo , Shi Xiaojing , Zou Yanli , Guo Juanru , Huo Nan , Chen Shuangjian , Zhao Chengping , Li Hong , Wu Guoliang , Peng Yong
Published: February 2020

Ubiquitination is a critical post-translational modification machinery that governs a wide range of cellular functions by regulating protein homeostasis. Identification of ubiquitinated proteins and lysine residues can help researchers better understand the physiological roles of ubiquitin modification in different biological systems. In this study, we report the first comprehensive analysis of the peach ubiquitome by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based diglycine remnant affinity proteomics. Our systematic profiling revealed a total of 544 ubiquitination sites on a total of 352 protein substrates. Protein annotation and functional analysis suggested that ubiquitination is involved in modulating a variety of essential cellular and physiological processes in peach, including but not limited to carbon metabolism, histone assembly, translation and vesicular trafficking. Our results could facilitate future studies on how ubiquitination regulates the agricultural traits of different peach cultivars and other crop species.
The ELISA Detectability and Potency of Pegfilgrastim Decrease in Physiological Conditions: Key Roles for Aggregation and Individual Variability
Authors: Xie Tao , Fang Hui , Ouyang Weiming , Angart Phillip , Chiang Meng-Jung , Bhirde Ashwinkumar A. , Sheikh Faruk , Lynch Patrick , Shah Ankit B. , Patil Sharadrao M. , Chen Kang , Shen Meiyu , Agarabi Cyrus , Donnelly Raymond P. , Brorson Kurt , Schrieber Sarah J. , Howard Kristina E. , Rogstad Sarah M. , Frucht David M.
Published: February 2020

PEGylated recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (pegfilgrastim) is used clinically to accelerate immune reconstitution following chemotherapy and is being pursued for biosimilar development. One challenge to overcome in pegfilgrastim biosimilar development is establishing pharmacokinetic (PK) similarity, which is partly due to the degree of PK variability. We herein report that commercially available G-CSF and PEG ELISA detection kits have different capacities to detect pegfilgrastim aggregates that rapidly form in vitro in physiological conditions. These aggregates can be observed using SDS-PAGE, size-exclusion chromatography, dynamic light scattering, and real-time NMR analysis and are associated with decreased bioactivity as reflected by reduced drug-induced cellular proliferation and STAT3 phosphorylation. Furthermore, individual variability in the stability and detectability of pegfilgrastim in human sera is also observed. Pegfilgrastim levels display marked subject variability in sera from healthy donors incubated at 37 °C. The stability patterns of pegfilgrastim closely match the stability patterns of filgrastim, consistent with a key role for pegfilgrastim’s G-CSF moiety in driving formation of inactive aggregates. Taken together, our results indicate that individual variability and ELISA specificity for inactive aggregates are key factors to consider when designing and interpreting studies involving the measurement of serum pegfilgrastim concentrations.
In situ procedure for high-efficiency computational modeling of atrial fibrillation reflecting personal anatomy, fiber orientation, fibrosis, and electrophysiology
Authors: Lim Byounghyun , Kim Jaehyeok , Hwang Minki , Song Jun-Seop , Lee Jung Ki , Yu Hee-Tae , Kim Tae-Hoon , Uhm Jae-Sun , Joung Boyoung , Lee Moon-Hyung , Pak Hui-Nam
Published: February 2020

We previously reported the feasibility and efficacy of a simulation-guided clinical catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in an in-silico AF model. We developed a highly efficient realistic AF model reflecting the patient endocardial voltage and local conduction and tested its clinical feasibility. We acquired > 500 endocardial bipolar electrograms during right atrial pacing at the beginning of the AF ablation procedures. Based on the clinical bipolar electrograms, we generated simulated voltage maps by applying fibrosis and local activation maps adjusted for the fiber orientation. The software’s accuracy (CUVIA2.5) was retrospectively tested in 17 patients and feasibility prospectively in 10 during clinical AF ablation. Results: We found excellent correlations between the clinical and simulated voltage maps (R = 0.933, p < 0.001) and clinical and virtual local conduction (R = 0.958, p < 0.001). The proportion of virtual local fibrosis was 15.4, 22.2, and 36.9% in the paroxysmal AF, persistent AF, and post-pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) states, respectively. The reconstructed virtual bipolar electrogram exhibited a relatively good similarities of morphology to the local clinical bipolar electrogram (R = 0.60 ± 0.08, p < 0.001). Feasibility testing revealed an in situ procedural computing time from the clinical data acquisition to wave-dynamics analyses of 48.2 ± 4.9 min. All virtual analyses were successfully achieved during clinical PVI procedures. We developed a highly efficient, realistic, in situ procedural simulation model reflective of individual anatomy, fiber orientation, fibrosis, and electrophysiology that can be applied during AF ablation.
Biological reaction control using topography regulation of nanostructured titanium
Authors: Shiozawa Mayuko , Takeuchi Haruka , Akiba Yosuke , Eguchi Kaori , Akiba Nami , Aoyagi Yujin , Nagasawa Masako , Kuwae Hiroyuki , Izumi Kenji , Uoshima Katsumi , Mizuno Jun
Published: February 2020

The micro- and nanosize surface topography of dental implants has been shown to affect the growth of surrounding cells. In this study, standardized and controlled periodic nanopatterns were fabricated with nanosized surface roughness on titanium substrates, and their influence on bone marrow stromal cells investigated. Cell proliferation assays revealed that the bare substrate with a 1.7 nm surface roughness has lower hydrophilicity but higher proliferation ability than that with a 0.6 nm surface roughness. Further, with the latter substrate, directional cell growth was observed for line and groove patterns with a width of 100 nm and a height of 50 or 100 nm, but not for those with a height of 10 or 25 nm. With the smooth substrate, time-lapse microscopic analyses showed that more than 80% of the bone marrow cells on the line and groove pattern with a height of 100 nm grew and divided along the lines. As the nanosized grain structure controls the cell proliferation rate and the nanosized line and groove structure (50–100 nm) controls cell migration, division, and growth orientation, these standardized nanosized titanium structures can be used to elucidate the mechanisms by which surface topography regulates tissue responses to biomaterials.
Bit type exerts an influence on self-controlled rein tension in unridden horses
Authors: Kau Silvio , Potz Isabella Katharina , Pospisil Katharina , Sellke Lina , Schramel Johannes Peter , Peham Christian
Published: February 2020

Bit configuration and acting rein forces play a crucial role in oral health and comfort of ridden horses. Although it is a big animal welfare issue, dynamic response of horses to different bits has yet not been thoroughly investigated. This convenience sample experimental study describes a model to overcome the almost uncontrollable influence of riders on rein tension and evaluates self-controlled maximum side rein tension of ten sound horses randomly bitted with a double-jointed (DJS) and a version of a Mullen mouth snaffle-bit under unridden conditions. Horses were exercised at walk and trot on a horizontal treadmill wearing custom made force-sensing resistors (FSR) equipped to side reins. FSR were synchronized with a camera-based motion analysis system providing information on amplitudes and temporal occurrence of self-controlled maximum side rein tensile forces during different phases of separated motion cycles. The DJS exhibited larger side rein tension, indicating higher bit contact. Constant temporal occurrence of monophasic maxima at walk and biphasic maxima at trot could be observed in both bits. Within the limitations of this study, application of FSR linked to side reins in unridden horses may provide a promising tool when studying subjective response of horses to different bits.
DJ-1 protects retinal pericytes against high glucose-induced oxidative stress through the Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Wanpeng , Zhao Han , Chen Baihua
Published: February 2020

Oxidative stress has been associated with the etipathogenesis of Diabetic retinopathy (DR). Studies have shown that DJ-1 plays an important role in regulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and resistance to oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. This study aimed to investigate whether DJ-1 upregulates oxidative stress and prevents damage to retinal capillary pericytes by increasing antioxidant capacity through the Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. Nrf2 is a redox-sensitive transcription factor that encode antioxidant enzymes and phase II metabolic enzymes, activation of Nrf2 functions is one of the critical defensive mechanisms against oxidative stress in many tissues. Our results showed after DJ-1 overexpression, apoptosis of rat retinal pericytes (RRPs) decreased, the ratio of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) to BCL2-Associated X Protein (BAX) increased, the production of ROS decreased, and the protein expression and activity of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD, also called SOD2) and catalase (CAT) increased. DJ-1 overexpression activated Nrf2 expression, however, after Nrf2 silencing, apoptosis of RRPs increased, the ratio of Bcl-2 to BAX decreased, the production of ROS increased, the protein expression of MnSOD and CAT decreased, and the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NADP(H) quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) and modifier subunit (GCLM) decreased. These data suggest that enhancement of the Nrf2 pathway is a potential protective strategy for the treatment of DR. Therefore, DJ-1 may prevent high glucose-induced oxidative stress and RRPs apoptosis through the Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby preventing the early onset and progression of DR.
Blastocyst hatching site is regularly distributed and does not influence foetal development in mice
Authors: Liu Shu-Jun , Sun Jia-Bo , Hao Xin , Han Zhe , Wen Xin , Wang Xing-Yue , Zhou Cheng-Jie , Liang Cheng-Guang
Published: February 2020

Hatching out from the zona pellucida (ZP) is a crucial step for blastocyst implantation and development. However, it is still unknown whether the location of the hatching site relative to the inner cell mass (ICM) affects embryo implantation and foetal development. Here, we classified hatching blastocysts into three categories, 0° ≤ θ ≤ 30°, 30° < θ ≤ 60°, and 60° < θ ≤ 90°, in which θ is determined based on the relative position of the hatching site to the arc midpoint of the ICM. Non-surgical embryo transfer (NSET) devices were employed to evaluate blastocyst implantation and embryo development. Of 1,827 hatching blastocysts, 43.84%, 30.60%, and 21.67% were categorized as 30° < θ ≤ 60°, 0° ≤ θ ≤ 30°, and 60° < θ ≤ 90°, respectively. Embryos with different hatching sites showed no distinct differences in blastocyst implantation; surrogate female pregnancy; embryo development to term; litter size, or offspring survival, gender, or body weight. Our results indicate that mouse blastocyst hatching site is not randomly distributed. Embryo implantation and development are not correlated with the blastocyst hatching site in mice. Thus, assessment of the blastocyst hatching site should not be recommended to evaluate mouse blastocyst implantation and developmental potential.
The scaffold protein IQGAP1 is crucial for extravasation and metastasis
Authors: Hebert Jess D. , Tian Chenxi , Lamar John M. , Rickelt Steffen , Abbruzzese Genevieve , Liu Xiaotie , Hynes Richard O.
Published: February 2020

IQGAP1 is a scaffold protein involved in a range of cellular activities, including migration, invasion, adhesion and proliferation. It is also oncogenic in a variety of cancers, promoting primary tumor growth and invasiveness. However, the role of IQGAP1 in tumor progression and metastasis remains unclear. In this study, we use both knockdown and knockout of IQGAP1 to investigate its role in the metastatic cascade of both melanoma and breast cancer cells in vivo. We find that reduction of IQGAP1 expression decreases the formation of both spontaneous and experimental metastases, without limiting primary or metastatic tumor growth. Furthermore, IQGAP1 knockout significantly inhibits extravasation of tumor cells from circulation, possibly involving invadopodial function. By expressing mutant forms of IQGAP1 in a knockout context, we also determine that IQGAP1’s pro-metastatic functions are dependent on multiple domains and functions. These data demonstrate that IQGAP1 is crucial for metastasis in vivo through regulation of extravasation and suggest that it may represent a valid therapeutic target for inhibiting metastasis.
Wide Dynamic Range, Angle-Sensing, Long-Wave Infrared Detector Using Nano-Antenna Arrays
Authors: Mohammadi Elham , Ghaffari Mohammad , Behdad Nader
Published: February 2020

We present a new technique for designing angle-sensing, long-wave infrared (LWIR) detectors. Angle detection in the proposed detector is achieved by measuring the ratio of the absorbed power in two closely-spaced, directive infrared antennas. Each directive LWIR antenna is in the form of a three-element Yagi-Uda array sharing a common reflector element with its neighbor. The structure of each antenna is optimized to act both as the collector of the infrared energy from the desired direction and as a distributed bolometer that senses the received radiation. The resistivity of each bolometer-antenna changes as a function of the absorbed power by the antenna. This change of resistance is sensed by biasing each antenna with a constant DC voltage and measuring the change of current passing through the antenna. Following this approach, by measuring the ratio of the resistance change in the two antennas, the angle of arrival of the LWIR signal can be determined. We present the design, fabrication, and measurement results of an angle-sensing detector optimized to operate at the wavelength of λ = 10.6 μm. The proposed detector has subwavelength dimensions occupying an aperture having dimensions of approximately 0.6 λ0 × 0.4λ0. The response of the detector was measured and shows the angle sensing dynamic range of 22 dB within the field of view of ±60°.
Brain Differences Associated with Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors: A Meta-Analysis of Neuroimaging Studies
Authors: Huang Xieyining , Rootes-Murdy Kelly , Bastidas Diana M. , Nee Derek E. , Franklin Joseph C.
Published: February 2020

This meta-analysis aims to evaluate whether the extant literature justifies any definitive conclusions about whether and how SITBs may be associated with brain differences. A total of 77 papers (N = 4,903) published through January 1, 2019 that compared individuals with and without SITBs were included, resulting in 882 coordinates. A pooled meta-analysis assessing for general risk for SITBs indicated a lack of convergence on structural differences. When all types of control groups were considered, functional differences in the left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), right amygdala, left hippocampus, and right thalamus were significant using multi-level kernel density analysis (pcorrected < 0.05) but nonsignificant using activation-likelihood estimation. These results suggest that a propensity for internally-oriented, emotional processing coupled with under-active pain processing could potentially underlie SITBs, but additional research is needed to test this possibility. Separate analyses for types of SITBs suggested that the brain differences associated with deliberate self-harm were consistent with the overall findings. Checkered moderator effects were detected. Overall, the meta-analytic evidence was not robust. More studies are needed to reach definitive conclusions about whether SITBs are associated with brain differences.
Super-enhancer function and its application in cancer targeted therapy
Authors: Tang Faqing , Yang Zongbei , Tan Yuan , Li Yuejin
Published: February 2020

Recently, super-enhancers (SEs) have been identified as a unique type of transcriptional regulation involved in cancer development. SEs exhibit a size, high transcription factor density, and strong binding to the transcriptional machinery compared with typical enhancers. SEs play an essential role in cell growth, differentiation, and disease initiation and progression including tumorigenesis. In particular, cancer-specific SEs have been proven to be key oncogenic drivers types of tumor cells. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that cancer-specific SEs can mediate the dysregulation of signaling pathways and promote cancer cell growth. Additionally, therapeutic strategies directly targeting SE components, for example, by disrupting SE structure or inhibiting SE cofactors, have shown a good curative effect on various cancers.
Stacked hexagonal prism of Ag@Ni-MOF-1 as functionalized SERS platform through rational integration of catalytic synthesis of dopamine-quinone at physiological pH with a biomimetic route
Authors: Yang Zongchao , Liu Tao , Wang Wen , Zhang Limin
Published: February 2020

A stacked hexagonal prism, Ag@Ni-MOF-1, was developed as an integrated SERS platform not only forin situcatalyzingin situsynthesis of DA-quinone at physiological pH, but for establishing an approach for specific determination of Cys in brain.
Photocatalytic and electrocatalytic hydrogen production using nickel complexes supported by hemilabile and non-innocent ligands
Authors: Inoue Satoshi , Yan Yin-Nan , Yamanishi Katsunori , Kataoka Yusuke , Kawamoto Tatsuya
Published: February 2020

Square-planar Ni complexes with non-innocent ligands generated by one-electron reduction of octahedral Ni(ii) complexes with Schiff base ligands exhibited excellent catalytic activities via proton-coupled electron transfer for the H2 evolution reaction.
Enhanced conductivity of water at the electrified air–water interface: a DFT-MD characterization
Authors: Creazzo Fabrizio , Pezzotti Simone , Bougueroua Sana , Serva Alessandra , Sponer Jiri , Saija Franz , Cassone Giuseppe , Gaigeot Marie-Pierre
Published: February 2020

DFT-based molecular dynamics simulations of the electrified air–liquid water interface are presented, where a homogeneous field is applied parallel to the surface plane (i.e. parallel to the 2D-HBonded-Network/2DN).
Unexpected sintering of small supported Ni2P under real feed conditions
Authors: Du Yi , Wooler Bradley , Kliewer Chris , Miseo Sabato , Soled Stuart
Published: February 2020

2 nm well dispersed supported nickel phosphides have been made using hypophosphorous acid in the presence of organic components.
Appraisal of calcium ferrites as cathodes for calcium rechargeable batteries: DFT, synthesis, characterization and electrochemistry of Ca4Fe9O17
Authors: Black Ashley P. , Torres Arturo , Frontera Carlos , Palacín M. Rosa , Arroyo-de Dompablo M. Elena
Published: February 2020

Ca4Fe9O17 shows appealing characteristics as a cathode for Ca batteries. A novel synthesis approach is reported and hints of electrochemical activity are observed.
Photoactivated silicon–oxygen and silicon–nitrogen heterodehydrocoupling with a commercially available iron compound
Authors: Reuter Matthew B. , Cibuzar Michael P. , Hammerton James , Waterman Rory
Published: February 2020

A commercially available iron readily engages in catalytic Si–O and Si–N bond formation under visible light irradiation.
Sources and sinks of chloromethane in a salt marsh ecosystem: constraints from concentration and stable isotope measurements of laboratory incubation experiments
Authors: Keppler Frank , Röhling Amelie Ninja , Jaeger Nicole , Schroll Moritz , Hartmann Simon Christoph , Greule Markus
Published: February 2020

Chloromethane (CH3Cl) is the most abundant long-lived chlorinated organic compound in the atmosphere and contributes significantly to natural stratospheric ozone depletion.
Promotional effects of ascorbic acid on the low-temperature catalytic activity of selective catalytic oxidation of ammonia over Pt/SA: effect of Pt0 content
Authors: Liu Jingying , Lin Qingjin , Liu Shuang , Xu Shuhao , Xu Haidi , Chen Yaoqiang
Published: February 2020

The amount of Pt species was increased by the addition of ascorbic acid to the Pt/SiAl catalyst, which shifted the temperature of the NH3-SCO reaction between NH3 and O2 to a lower temperature.
Natural allosteric modulators and their biological targets: molecular signatures and mechanisms
Authors: Bruder Marjorie , Polo Gina , Trivella Daniela B. B.
Published: February 2020

Natural allosteric modulators reported over the last decade are reviewed on a chemical and mechanistic basis, emphasising the importance of natural products as probes for future allosteric drugs.
Ferroelectric Rashba semiconductors, AgBiP2X6 (X = S, Se and Te), with valley polarization: an avenue towards electric and nonvolatile control of spintronic devices
Authors: Zhou Baozeng
Published: February 2020

Coexistence of Rashba-type spin splitting (in-plane spin direction) and band splitting at the K/K′ valleys (out-of-plane spin direction) makes the FRS AgBiP2Te6 monolayer a promising candidate for 2D spin FET and spin/valley Hall effect devices.
Reaction behaviour of arylamines with nitroalkenes in the presence of bismuth(iii) triflate: an easy access to 2,3-dialkylquinolines
Authors: Ali Saghir , Gattu Radhakrishna , Singh Varun , Mondal Santa , Khan Abu T. , Dubey Gurudutt , Bharatam P. V.
Published: February 2020

We report the reaction behaviour of arylamines with nitroalkenes in the presence of bismuth(iii) triflate (10 mol%) and diacetoxyiodobenzene (10 mol%).
Development and validation of a headspace needle-trap method for rapid quantitative estimation of butylated hydroxytoluene from cosmetics by hand-portable GC-MS
Authors: Ghosh Chiranjit , Singh Varoon , Grandy Jonathan , Pawliszyn Janusz
Published: February 2020

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is widely used as a stable and inexpensive antioxidant in skin care products.
Thermochemistry of cation disordered Li ion battery cathode materials, (M′ = Nb and Ta, M′′ = Mn and Fe)
Authors: Subramani Tamilarasan , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: February 2020

Enthalpies of formation from oxides (ΔHf,ox) of novel disordered Li1+xTaxFe1−2xO2 and reported (M′′ = Mn3+ and Fe3+).
Hollow Au@TiO2 porous electrospun nanofibers for catalytic applications
Authors: Kumar Labeesh , Singh Sajan , Horechyy Andriy , Formanek Petr , Hübner René , Albrecht Victoria , Weißpflog Janek , Schwarz Simona , Puneet Puhup , Nandan Bhanu
Published: February 2020

Catalytically active porous and hollow titania nanofibers encapsulating gold nanoparticles were fabricated using a combination of sol–gel chemistry and coaxial electrospinning technique.
Exploration of production of C14 and C15 bacillomycin D homologues with enzymatic hydrolysis from maize straws using fed-batch fermentation by Bacillus subtilis NS-174
Authors: Qian Shiquan , Li Xuejin , Sun Lu , Shen Yuanyuan , Ren Qingyi , Diao Enjie , Lu Zhaoxin
Published: February 2020

A strain with strong antifungal activity, Bacillus subtilis NS-174, was identified and the antifungal compounds were purified and structurally analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS).
Determining the role of oxygen vacancies in the photoelectrocatalytic performance of WO3 for water oxidation
Authors: Corby Sacha , Francàs Laia , Kafizas Andreas , Durrant James R.
Published: February 2020

A medium concentration of oxygen vacancies (VO ≈ 2%) is critical to the performance of WO3 photoanodes for solar water oxidation, enhancing charge separation and reducing recombination across all timescales examined.
Integrating ZnCo2O4submicro/nanospheres with CoxSeynanosheets for the oxygen evolution reaction and zinc–air batteries
Authors: Mai Zequn , Duan Wentao , Wang Kai , Tang Zhenghua , Chen Shaowei
Published: February 2020

A facile approach is developed to prepare ZnCo2O4/CoxSeycomposites, where the synergistic effect significantly boosted the OER and ZAB performance.
Calcium-loaded hydrophilic hypercrosslinked polymers for extremely high defluoridation capacity via multiple uptake mechanisms
Authors: Robshaw Thomas J. , James Alex M. , Hammond Deborah B. , Reynolds Jake , Dawson Robert , Ogden Mark D.
Published: February 2020

The first metallated hypercrosslinked polymers have been synthesised, characterised and found to have remarkable capacity for uptake of fluoride ions.
PdAg nanoparticles and aminopolymer confined within mesoporous hollow carbon spheres as an efficient catalyst for hydrogenation of CO2 to formate
Authors: Yang Guoxiang , Kuwahara Yasutaka , Masuda Shinya , Mori Kohsuke , Louis Catherine , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: February 2020

PdAg alloy nanoparticles and aminopolymer dispersed in hollow structured carbon catalysts exhibit high activity and stability for CO2 hydrogenation.
Dynamic evolution of a hydroxylated layer in ruthenium phosphide electrocatalysts for an alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Kim Jae-Chan , Lee Chan Woo , Kim Dong-Wan
Published: February 2020

Highly electroactive ruthenium phosphide nanofiber catalysts with different Ru/P ratios demonstrate near zero overpotentials for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction.
Fluorinated solid additives enable high efficiency non-fullerene organic solar cells
Authors: Cai Jinlong , Wang Hui , Zhang Xue , Li Wei , Li Donghui , Mao Yuchao , Du Baocai , Chen Mengxue , Zhuang Yuan , Liu Dan , Qin Hua-Li , Zhao Yan , Smith Joel A. , Kilbride Rachel C. , Parnell Andrew J. , Jones Richard A. L. , Lidzey David G. , Wang Tao
Published: February 2020

Fluorinated solid additives have been designed to increase the π–π stacking of non-fullerene acceptor BTP-4F, leading to increased efficiency from 15.2% to 16.5% of PBDB-T-2F:BTP-4F binary solar cells with excellent stability.