bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep-Learning-Based Segmentation of Small Extracellular Vesicles in Transmission Electron Microscopy Images
Authors: Gómez-de-Mariscal Estibaliz , Maška Martin , Kotrbová Anna , Pospíchalová Vendula , Matula Pavel , Muñoz-Barrutia Arrate
Published: September 2019

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are cell-derived vesicles of nanoscale size (~30–200 nm) that function as conveyors of information between cells, reflecting the cell of their origin and its physiological condition in their content. Valuable information on the shape and even on the composition of individual sEVs can be recorded using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Unfortunately, sample preparation for TEM image acquisition is a complex procedure, which often leads to noisy images and renders automatic quantification of sEVs an extremely difficult task. We present a completely deep-learning-based pipeline for the segmentation of sEVs in TEM images. Our method applies a residual convolutional neural network to obtain fine masks and use the Radon transform for splitting clustered sEVs. Using three manually annotated datasets that cover a natural variability typical for sEV studies, we show that the proposed method outperforms two different state-of-the-art approaches in terms of detection and segmentation performance. Furthermore, the diameter and roundness of the segmented vesicles are estimated with an error of less than 10%, which supports the high potential of our method in biological applications.
Mimicking in-vivo exposures to drug combinations in-vitro: anti-tuberculosis drugs in lung lesions and the hollow fiber model of infection
Authors: Kloprogge Frank , Hammond Robert , Kipper Karin , Gillespie Stephen H. , Della Pasqua Oscar
Published: September 2019

Here, we evaluate protocol requirements to mimic therapeutically relevant drug concentrations at the site of infection (i.e. lung lesion) in an in-vitro hollow fibre model of infection using pulmonary tuberculosis as a paradigm. Steady-state pharmacokinetic profiles in plasma, lung tissue and lung lesion homogenate were simulated for isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide and moxifloxacin. An R-shiny User Interface was developed to support conversion of in-vivo pharmacokinetic CMAX, TMAX and T1/2 estimates into pump settings. A monotherapy protocol mimicking isoniazid in lung lesion homogenate (isoniazid CMAX = 1,200 ng/ml, TMAX = 2.2 hr and T1/2 = 4.7 hr), and two combination therapy protocols including drugs with similar (isoniazid and rifampicin (CMAX = 400 ng/ml)) and different half-lives (isoniazid and pyrazinamide (CMAX = 28,900 ng/ml and T1/2 = 8.0 hr)) were implemented in a hollow-fiber system. Drug levels in the perfusate were analysed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric detection. Steady state pharmacokinetic profiles measured in the hollow fiber model were similar to the predicted in-vivo steady-state lung lesion homogenate pharmacokinetic profiles. The presented approach offers the possibility to use pharmacological data to study the effect of target tissue exposure for drug combinations. Integration with pharmacokinetics modelling principles through a web interface will provide access to a wider community interested in the evaluation of efficacy of anti-tubercular drugs.
Differential brain mechanisms during reading human vs. machine translated fiction and news texts
Authors: Lin Fa-Hsuan , Liu Yun-Fei , Lee Hsin-Ju , Chang Claire H. C. , Jaaskelainen Iiro P. , Yeh Jyh-Neng , Kuo Wen-Jui
Published: September 2019

Few neuroimaigng studies on reading comprehension have been conducted under natural reading settings. In this study, we showed texts presented in a natural way during functional MRI (fMRI) measurements to reveal brain areas sensitive to reading comprehension. Specifically, this paradigm independently manipulated two holistic features of article style: text genre and translation style, a qualitative index of how typical word choices and arrangements are made in daily use of the language. Specifically, articles from The New York Times (news) and Reader’s Digest (fiction) translated from English to Mandarin Chinese either by human experts or machine (Google Translate) were used to investigate the correlation of brain activity across participants during article reading. We found that bi-hemispheric visual cortex, precuneus, and occipito-parietal junction show significantly correlated hemodynamics across participants regardless of translation style and article genre. Compared to machine translation, reading human expert translation elicited more reliable fMRI signals across participants at precuneus, potentially because narrative representations and contents can be coherently presented over tens of seconds. We also found significantly stronger inter-subject correlated fMRI signals at temporal poles and fusiform gyri in fiction reading than in news reading. This may be attributed to more stable empathy processing across participants in fiction reading. The degree of stability of brain responses across subjects at extra-linguistic areas was found correlated with subjective rating on the text fluency. The functional connectivity between these areas was modulated by text genre and translation style. Taken together, our imaging results suggested stable and selective neural substrates associated with comprehending holistic features of written narratives.
Automated tracking and analysis of ant trajectories shows variation in forager exploration
Authors: Imirzian Natalie , Zhang Yizhe , Kurze Christoph , Loreto Raquel G. , Chen Danny Z. , Hughes David P.
Published: September 2019

Determining how ant colonies optimize foraging while mitigating pathogen and predator risks provides insight into how the ants have achieved ecological success. Ants must respond to changing resource conditions, but exploration comes at a cost of higher potential exposure to threats. Fungal infected cadavers surround the main foraging trails of the carpenter antCamponotus rufipes, offering a system to study how foragers behave given the persistent occurrence of disease threats. Studies on social insect foraging behavior typically require many hours of human labor due to the high density of individuals. To overcome this, we developed deep learning based computer vision algorithms to track foraging ants, frame-by-frame, from video footage shot under the natural conditions of a tropical forest floor at night. We found that most foragers walk in straight lines overlapping the same areas as other ants, but there is a subset of foragers with greater exploration. Consistency in walking behavior may protect most ants from infection, while foragers that explore unique portions of the trail may be more likely to encounter fungal spores implying a trade-off between resource discovery and risk avoidance.
Why we don’t always punish: Preferences for non-punitive responses to moral violations
Authors: Heffner Joseph , FeldmanHall Oriel
Published: September 2019

While decades of research demonstrate that people punish unfair treatment, recent work illustrates that alternative, non-punitive responses may also be preferred. Across five studies (N = 1,010) we examine non-punitive methods for restoring justice. We find that in the wake of a fairness violation, compensation is preferred to punishment, and once maximal compensation is available, punishment is no longer the favored response. Furthermore, compensating the victim—as a method for restoring justice—also generalizes to judgments of more severe crimes: participants allocate more compensation to the victim as perceived severity of the crime increases. Why might someone refrain from punishing a perpetrator? We investigate one possible explanation, finding that punishment acts as a conduit for different moral signals depending on the social context in which it arises. When choosing partners for social exchange, there are stronger preferences for those who previously punished as third-party observers but not those who punished as victims. This is in part because third-parties are perceived as relatively more moral when they punish, while victims are not. Together, these findings demonstrate that non-punitive alternatives can act as effective avenues for restoring justice, while also highlighting that moral reputation hinges on whether punishment is enacted by victims or third-parties.
The Differences in the Characteristics of Insulin-producing Cells Using Human Adipose-tissue Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Subcutaneous and Visceral Tissues
Authors: Wada Yuma , Ikemoto Tetsuya , Morine Yuji , Imura Satoru , Saito Yu , Yamada Shinichiro , Shimada Mitsuo
Published: September 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of insulin producing cells (IPCs) differentiated from adipose-tissue derived stem cells (ADSCs) isolated from human subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues and identify ADSCs suitable for differentiation into efficient and functional IPCs. Subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues collected from four (4) patients who underwent digestive surgeries at The Tokushima University (000035546) were included in this study. The insulin secretion of the generated IPCs was investigated using surface markers by: fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis; cytokine release; proliferation ability of ADSCs; in vitro (glucose-stimulated insulin secretion: (GSIS) test/in vivo (transplantation into streptozotocin-induced diabetic nude mice). The less fat-related inflammatory cytokines secretions were observed (P < 0.05), and the proliferation ability was higher in the subcutaneous ADSCs (P < 0.05). Insulin expression and GISI were higher in the subcutaneous IPCs (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). The hyperglycaemic state of all mice that received IPCs from subcutaneous fat tissue converted into normo-glycaemia in thirty (30) days post-transplantation (4/4,100%). Transplanted IPCs were stained using anti-insulin and anti-human leukocyte antigen antibodies. The IPCs generated from the ADSCs freshly isolated from the human fat tissue had sufficient insulin secreting ability in vitro and in vivo.
Transcriptome analysis of Globodera pallida from the susceptible host Solanum tuberosum or the resistant plant Solanum sisymbriifolium
Authors: Kooliyottil Rinu , Dandurand Louise-Marie , Kuhl Joseph C. , Caplan Allan , Xiao Fangming , Mimee Benjamin , Lafond-Lapalme Joël
Published: September 2019

A transcriptome analysis of G. pallida juveniles collected from S. tuberosum or S. sisymbriifolium 24 h post infestation was performed to provide insights into the parasitic process of this nematode. A total of 41 G. pallida genes were found to be significantly differentially expressed when parasitizing the two plant species. Among this set, 12 were overexpressed when G. pallida was parasitizing S. tuberosum and 29 were overexpressed when parasitizing S. sisymbriifolium. Out of the 12 genes, three code for secretory proteins; one is homologous to effector gene Rbp-4, the second is an uncharacterized protein with a signal peptide sequence, and the third is an ortholog of a Globodera rostochiensis effector belonging to the 1106 effector family. Other overexpressed genes from G. pallida when parasitizing S. tuberosum were either unknown, associated with a stress or defense response, or associated with sex differentiation. Effector genes namely Eng-1, Cathepsin S-like cysteine protease, cellulase, and two unknown genes with secretory characteristics were over expressed when G. pallida was parasitizing S. sisymbriifolium relative to expression from S. tuberosum. Our findings provide insight into gene regulation of G. pallida while infecting either the trap crop S. sisymbriifolium or the susceptible host, S. tuberosum.
A role of eosinophils in mediating the anti-tumour effect of cryo-thermal treatment
Authors: Jia Shengguo , Li Wentao , Liu Ping , Xu Lisa X.
Published: September 2019

Previous, we established a novel therapeutic approach to tumour of cryo-thermal therapy, which can induce durable anti-tumour memory immunity mediated by CD4+ T cell, and contribute to prolonged survival in B16F10 murine melanoma model and 4T1 murine mammary carcinoma. It has become apparent that innate immune cells are involved in the regulation of adaptive T cell immunity. Our previous studies revealed that cryo-thermal therapy induced M1 macrophage polarization and DCs maturation were required for the shaping of systemic long-lived T cell mediated anti-tumour memory immunity. Eosinophils are multifunctional innate effector cells and there is lack of knowledge on the role of eosinophils in cryo-thermal-induced anti-tumour immunity. This study revealed that cryo-thermal therapy activated eosinophils in spleen at early stage following the treatment. Furthermore, cryo-thermal-activated eosinophils exerted versatile immunologic regulation from innate immunity to anti-tumour adaptive immunity, such as M1 macrophage polarization, DCs maturation, differentiation of CD4-CTL subtypes and enhanced cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells. Our study indicated that the cryo-thermal-activated eosinophils was essential for the shaping of durable anti-tumour memory immunity. Thus, our results present a new concept for eosinophils mediated anti-tumour immunity after cryo-thermal therapy.
Increased fatty acyl saturation of phosphatidylinositol phosphates in prostate cancer progression
Authors: Koizumi Atsushi , Narita Shintaro , Nakanishi Hiroki , Ishikawa Masaki , Eguchi Satoshi , Kimura Hirotaka , Takasuga Shunsuke , Huang Mingguo , Inoue Takamitsu , Sasaki Junko , Yoshioka Toshiaki , Habuchi Tomonori , Sasaki Takehiko
Published: September 2019

Phosphoinositides (PIPs) participate in many cellular processes, including cancer progression; however, the metabolic features of PIPs associated with prostate cancer (PCa) are unknown. We investigated PIPs profiles in PTEN-deficient prostate cancer cell lines, human prostate tissues obtained from patients with PCa and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) specimens using mass spectrometry. In immortalized normal human prostate PNT1B cells, PTEN deficiency increased phosphatidylinositol tris-phosphate (PIP3) and decreased phosphatidylinositol mono- and bis-phosphate (PIP1 and PIP2), consistent with PTEN’s functional role as a PI(3,4,5)P3 3-phosphatase. In human prostate tissues, levels of total (sum of all acyl variants) phosphatidylinositol (PI) and PIP1 in PCa were significantly higher than in BPH, whereas PIP2 and PIP3 contents were significantly lower than in BPH. PCa patients had significantly higher proportion of PI, PIP1, and PIP2 with 0–2 double bonds in acyl chains than BPH patients. In subgroup analyses based on PCa aggressiveness, mean total levels of PI with 0–2 double bonds in acyl chains were significantly higher in patients with pathological stage T3 than in those with pathological stage T2. These data indicate that alteration of PIPs level and the saturation of acyl chains may be associated with the development and aggressiveness of prostate cancer, although it is unknown whether this alteration is causative.
Genotyping of circulating tumor DNA in cholangiocarcinoma reveals diagnostic and prognostic information
Authors: Ettrich T. J. , Schwerdel D. , Dolnik A. , Beuter F. , Blätte T. J. , Schmidt S. A. , Stanescu-Siegmund N. , Steinacker J. , Marienfeld R. , Kleger A. , Bullinger L. , Seufferlein T. , Berger A. W.
Published: September 2019

Diagnosis of Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is difficult, thus a noninvasive approach towards (i) assessing and (ii) monitoring the tumor-specific mutational profile is desirable to improve diagnosis and tailor treatment. Tumor tissue and corresponding ctDNA samples were collected from patients with CCA prior to and during chemotherapy and were subjected to deep sequencing of 15 genes frequently mutated in CCA. A set of ctDNA samples was also submitted for 710 gene oncopanel sequencing to identify progression signatures. The blood/tissue concordance was 74% overall and 92% for intrahepatic tumors only. Variant allele frequency (VAF) in ctDNA correlated with tumor load and in the group of intrahepatic CCA with PFS. 63% of therapy naive patients had their mutational profile changed during chemotherapy. A set of 76 potential progression driver genes was identified among 710 candidates. The molecular landscape of CCA is accessible via ctDNA. This could be helpful to facilitate diagnosis and personalize and adapt therapeutic strategies.
A smart friction control strategy enabled by CO2 absorption and desorption
Authors: Hua Jing , Björling Marcus , Grahn Mattias , Larsson Roland , Shi Yijun
Published: September 2019

Intelligent control of friction is an attractive but challenging topic and it has rarely been investigated for full size engineering applications. In this work, it is instigated if it would be possible to adjust friction by controlling viscosity in a lubricated contact. By exploiting the ability to adjust the viscosity of the switchable ionic liquids, 1,8-Diazabicyclo (5.4.0) undec-7-ene (DBU)/ glycerol mixture via the addition of CO2, the friction could be controlled in the elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) regime. The friction decreased with increasing the amount of CO2 to the lubricant and increased after partial releasing CO2. As CO2 was absorbed by the liquid, the viscosity of the liquid increased which resulted in that the film thickness increased. At the same time the pressure-viscosity coefficient decreased with the addition of CO2. When CO2 was released again the friction increased and it was thus possible to control friction by adding or removing CO2.
Remission in Crohn’s disease is accompanied by alterations in the gut microbiota and mucins production
Authors: Magro Daniéla Oliveira , Santos Andrey , Guadagnini Dioze , de Godoy Flavia Moreira , Silva Sylvia Helena Monteiro , Lemos Wilson José Fernandes , Vitulo Nicola , Torriani Sandra , Pinheiro Lilian Vital , Martinez Carlos Augusto Real , Saad Mario José Abdalla , Coy Claudio Saddy Rodrigues
Published: September 2019

Previous studies have demonstrated that patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) in remission do not exhibit an improvement in gut microbiota composition, which might trigger relapses. The present study investigated the dysbiosis and mucins production in CD patients during remission. We performed an analytical cross-sectional single center study, which recruited 18 CD patients and 18 healthy controls (CG) residing in the same home, meaning that all of the participants experienced the same environmental factors, with similar hygiene status, diet, pollution and other common lifestyle characteristics that may influence the composition of the gut microbiota. When compared to healthy controls, the CD patients exhibited lower microbial α-diversity (p = 0.047), a greater abundance of the Proteobacteria phylum (p = 0.037) and a reduction in the Deltaproteobacteria class (p = 0.0006). There was also a reduction in the Akkermansia (p = 0.002) and Oscillospira (p = 0.024) genera and in the proportion of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (p = 0.01). Additionally, CD patients in remission presented increased neutral (p = 0.001) and acid mucin (p = 0.002) concentrations. The reductions in the proportions of Oscollospira and Akkermansia genera, sulfate-reducing bacteria and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, observed in the CD group, may account for the increased mucins production observed in these patients.
Observation of spin–orbit coupling induced Weyl points in a two-electron double quantum dot
Authors: Scherübl Zoltán , Pályi András , Frank György , Lukács István Endre , Fülöp Gergő , Fülöp Bálint , Nygård Jesper , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Zaránd Gergely , Csonka Szabolcs
Published: September 2019

Recent years have brought an explosion of activities in the research of topological aspects of condensed-matter systems. Topological phases of matter are accompanied by protected surface states or exotic degenerate excitations such as Majorana modes or Haldane’s localized spinons. Topologically protected degeneracies can, however, also appear in the bulk. An intriguing example is provided by Weyl semimetals, where topologically protected electronic band degeneracies and exotic surface states emerge even in the absence of interactions. Here we demonstrate experimentally and theoretically that Weyl degeneracies appear naturally in an interacting quantum dot system, for specific values of the external magnetic field. These magnetic Weyl points are robust against spin–orbit coupling unavoidably present in most quantum dot devices. Our transport experiments through an InAs double-dot device placed in magnetic field reveal the presence of a pair of Weyl points, exhibiting a robust ground-state degeneracy and a corresponding protected Kondo effect.
Label-free and ratiometric detection of microRNA based on target-induced catalytic hairpin assembly and two fluorescent dyes
Authors: Ji Danyang , Mou Xi , Kwok Chun Kit
Published: September 2019

Based on target-induced catalytic hairpin assembly and two fluorescent dyes, we have developed a new label-free and ratiometric detection method for microRNAs.
Stereochemical diversity in pyrrolidine synthesis by catalytic asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides
Authors: Adrio Javier , Carretero Juan C.
Published: September 2019

The aim of this feature article is to show the stereochemical versatility of the metal-catalyzed asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides.
Linear array of cesium atoms assisted by uracil molecules on Au(111)
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Ding Yuanqi , Li Donglin , Xie Lei , Xu Wei
Published: September 2019

A series of metal–organic U + Cs structures are achieved in which the Cs cations tend to form linear arrays.
Spin-crossover iron(ii) complex showing thermal hysteresis around room temperature with symmetry breaking and an unusually highT(LIESST) of 120 K
Authors: García-López Víctor , Palacios-Corella Mario , Cardona-Serra Salvador , Clemente-León Miguel , Coronado Eugenio
Published: September 2019

The Fe(ii) complex of 4′,4′′ carboxylic acid disubstituted dipyrazolylpyridine shows spin-crossover around room temperature and the LIESST effect withT(LIESST) of 120 K.
Li@C60 endohedral fullerene as a supraatomic dopant for C60 electron-transporting layers promoting the efficiency of perovskite solar cells
Authors: Ueno Hiroshi , Jeon Il , Lin Hao-sheng , Thote Abhishek , Nakagawa Takafumi , Okada Hiroshi , Izawa Seiichiro , Hiramoto Masahiro , Daiguji Hirofumi , Maruyama Shigeo , Matsuo Yutaka
Published: September 2019

C60:Li@C60 hybrid n-type semiconducting films were first fabricated.
CO(NH2)2·NH4Cl: an ultraviolet birefringent material with conjugated CO groups
Authors: Wang Ya , Han Jian , Tudi Abudukadi , Zhang Zhizhong , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: September 2019

The CO groups in CO(NH2)2·NH4Cl form rectangles which are parallel to theacplane, and the arrangement leads to the large birefringence of the title compound.
Ion speciation: a key for the understanding of the solution properties of ionic liquid mixtures
Authors: Kurnia Kiki Adi , Fernandes Ana M. , Pinho Simão P. , Coutinho João A. P.
Published: September 2019

Unexpected ion speciation of ionic liquid mixtures in aqueous solution is the key to ionic liquids’ solution properties.
Reversible low-temperature redox activity and selective oxidation catalysis derived from the concerted activation of multiple metal species on Cr and Rh-incorporated ceria catalysts
Authors: Ikemoto Satoru , Huang Xiubing , Muratsugu Satoshi , Nagase Shoko , Koitaya Takanori , Matsui Hirosuke , Yokota Gen-ichi , Sudoh Takatoshi , Hashimoto Ayako , Tan Yuanyuan , Yamamoto Susumu , Tang Jiayi , Matsuda Iwao , Yoshinobu Jun , Yokoyama Toshihiko , Kusaka Shinpei , Matsuda Ryotaro , Tada Mizuki
Published: September 2019

The low-temperature redox activity of Cr and Rh-incorporated ceria catalyst was derived from the concerted activation of all three metal species.
Facilely fabricating mesoporous nanocrystalline Ce–Zr solid solution supported CuO-based catalysts with advanced low-temperature activity toward CO oxidation
Authors: Cui Yan , Xu Leilei , Chen Mindong , Lian Xinbo , Wu Cai-e , Yang Bo , Miao Zhichao , Wang Fagen , Hu Xun
Published: September 2019

The synergistic effect between CuO and mesoporous Ce–Zr solid solution greatly enhanced the advanced low-temperature catalytic activity toward CO oxidation.
Biotoxicity of degradable carbon dots towards microalgae Chlorella vulgaris
Authors: Zhang Mengling , Wang Huibo , Liu Peipei , Song Yuxiang , Huang Hui , Shao Mingwang , Liu Yang , Li Hao , Kang Zhenhui
Published: September 2019

The CDs inhibit the growth of Chlorella vulgaris through triggering oxidative stress, decreasing the Rubisco activity and inhibiting the transcription of photosynthesis-related genes.
Drag controlled formation of polymeric colloids with optical traps
Authors: Lasnoy Erel , Wagner Omer , Edri Eitan , Shpaisman Hagay
Published: September 2019

An optically based assembly line approach that allows continuous and automated formation of colloids with on-demand dimensions inside microfluidic channels is presented.
A sandwich-type tetrakis(phthalocyaninato) europium–cadmium quadruple-decker complex: structural, spectroscopic, OFET, and gas sensing properties
Authors: Lu Guang , Kong Xia , Wang Hailong , Chen Yuxiang , Wei Chuangyu , Chen Yanli , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: September 2019

A new tetrakis(phthalocyaninato) europium(iii)–cadmium(ii) quadruple-decker complex {[Pc(SC6H13)8]Eu[Pc(SC6H13)8]Cd[Pc(SC6H13)8]Eu[Pc(SC6H13)8]} (1) has been designed, synthesized, and characterized.
Hydrogen plasma-treated MoSe2 nanosheets enhance the efficiency and stability of organic photovoltaics
Authors: Wang Hao-Cheng , Lin Yu-Che , Chen Chung-Hao , Huang Chi-Hsien , Chang Bin , Liu Yi-Ling , Cheng Hao-Wen , Tsao Cheng-Si , Wei Kung-Hwa
Published: September 2019

This paper reports the effect on the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of photovoltaic devices after incorporating hydrogenated two-dimensional (2D) MoSe2 nanosheets into the organic photovoltaics (OPV).
An easily accessible isospiropyran switch
Authors: Neal Taylor A. , Neal Jennifer F. , Eippert Allyson B. , Moore Curtis , Allen Heather C. , Badjić Jovica D.
Published: September 2019

A distinct, modular and switchable isospiropyran can now be prepared in a single step from abundant starting materials. This discovery opens an avenue for developing novel dynamic materials with unique responsive and switchable characteristics.
Tensile properties of polymer nanowires fabricated via two-photon lithography
Authors: Ladner Ian S. , Cullinan Michael A. , Saha Sourabh K.
Published: September 2019

Previously unmeasurable mechanical properties of additively manufactured polymer nanowires were measured using custom-built MEMS sensors to characterize the process–property relationship.
Anisotropic nanocomposite films of hydroxypropylcellulose and graphene oxide with multi-responsiveness
Authors: Ying Zhimin , Lin Xiao Ying , Du Cong , Zheng Si Yu , Wu Zi Liang , Zheng Qiang
Published: September 2019

Nanocomposite films fabricated by blade-coating possess anisotropic mechanical properties and multi-responsiveness to external stimuli, affording potential applications as sensors and actuators.
Research on the thermal conductivity and dielectric properties of AlN and BN co-filled addition-cure liquid silicone rubber composites
Authors: Ou Zhenzhen , Gao Feng , Zhao Huaijun , Dang Shumeng , Zhu Lingjian
Published: September 2019

The present work aims at studying the thermal and dielectric properties of addition-cure liquid silicone rubber (ALSR) matrix composites using boron nitride (BN) and aluminum nitride (AlN) as a hybrid thermal conductive filler.
Natural rubber latex foam with particulate fillers for carbon dioxide adsorption and regeneration
Authors: Panploo Krittaya , Chalermsinsuwan Benjapon , Poompradub Sirilux
Published: September 2019

To reduce the carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in the atmosphere, natural rubber (NR) was developed as a rubber foam for CO2 adsorption.
Automated solvent vapor annealing with nanometer scale control of film swelling for block copolymer thin films
Authors: Hulkkonen Hanna , Salminen Turkka , Niemi Tapio
Published: September 2019

A computer-controlled solvent annealing method for BCP self-assembly was developed in this work. With optimized film swelling, the annealing time is drastically reduced and self-assembly of high-molecular weight BCPs is achieved in minutes.
Monocrystalline perovskite wafers/thin films for photovoltaic and transistor applications
Authors: Wang Kai , Wu Congcong , Hou Yuchen , Yang Dong , Priya Shashank
Published: September 2019

This review summarizes the edge-cutting area of the “monocrystalline perovskite wafer/thin film” and their intimate applications in photovoltaics and transistors.
Micropatterning and defect engineering of colloidal photonic crystals via laser direct writing
Authors: Wang Shuangshuang , Ding Tao
Published: September 2019

Micropatterns and point defects can be generated in polystyrene/SiO2 colloidal photonic crystal films via laser (CW, 446 nm) direct writing.
Role and regulation of class-C flavodiiron proteins in photosynthetic organisms
Authors: Alboresi Alessandro , Storti Mattia , Cendron Laura , Morosinotto Tomas
Published: September 2019

The regulation of photosynthesis is crucial to efficiently support the assimilation of carbon dioxide and to prevent photodamage. One key regulatory mechanism is the pseudo-cyclic electron flow (PCEF) mediated by class-C flavodiiron proteins (FLVs). These enzymes use electrons coming from Photosystem I (PSI) to reduce oxygen to water, preventing over-reduction in the acceptor side of PSI. FLVs are widely distributed among organisms performing oxygenic photosynthesis and they have been shown to be fundamental in many different conditions such as fluctuating light, sulfur deprivation and plant submersion. Moreover, since FLVs reduce oxygen they can help controlling the redox status of the cell and maintaining the microoxic environment essential for processes such as nitrogen fixation in cyanobacteria. Despite these important roles identified in various species, the genes encoding for FLV proteins have been lost in angiosperms where their activity could have been at least partially compensated by a more efficient cyclic electron flow (CEF). The present work reviews the information emerged on FLV function, analyzing recent structural data that suggest FLV could be regulated through a conformational change.
Insulin and β-adrenergic receptors mediate lipolytic and anti-lipolytic signalling that is not altered by type 2 diabetes in human adipocytes
Authors: Jönsson Cecilia , Castor Batista Ana P. , Kjølhede Preben , Strålfors Peter
Published: September 2019

Control of fatty acid storage and release in adipose tissue is fundamental in energy homeostasis and the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. We here take the whole signalling network into account to identify how insulin and β-adrenergic stimulation in concert controls lipolysis in mature subcutaneous adipocytes obtained from non-diabetic and, in parallel, type 2 diabetic women. We report that, and show how, the anti-lipolytic effect of insulin can be fully explained by protein kinase B (PKB/Akt)-dependent activation of the phosphodiesterase PDE3B. Through the same PKB-dependent pathway β-adrenergic receptor signalling, via cAMP and PI3Kα, is anti-lipolytic and inhibits its own stimulation of lipolysis by 50%. Through this pathway both insulin and β-adrenergic signalling control phosphorylation of FOXO1. The dose–response of lipolysis is bell-shaped, such that insulin is anti-lipolytic at low concentrations, but at higher concentrations of insulin lipolysis was increasingly restored due to inhibition of PDE3B. The control of lipolysis was not altered in adipocytes from diabetic individuals. However, the release of fatty acids was increased by 50% in diabetes due to reduced reesterification of lipolytically liberated fatty acids. In conclusion, our results reveal mechanisms of control by insulin and β-adrenergic stimulation — in human adipocytes — that define a network of checks and balances ensuring robust control to secure uninterrupted supply of fatty acids without reaching concentrations that put cellular integrity at risk. Moreover, our results define how selective insulin resistance leave lipolytic control by insulin unaltered in diabetes, while the fatty acid release is substantially increased.
Multi-particle collisions in microgravity: Coefficient of restitution and sticking threshold for systems of mm-sized particles
Authors: Brisset J. , Miletich T. , Metzger J. , Rascon A. , Dove A. , Colwell J.
Published: September 2019

Context. The current model of planet formation lacks a good understanding of the growth of dust particles inside the protoplanetary disk beyond mm sizes. A similar collisional regime exists in dense planetary rings. In order to investigate the low-velocity collisions between this type of particles, the NanoRocks experiment was flown on the International Space Station (ISS) between September 2014 and March 2016. We present the results of this experiment.

Aims. The objectives of our data analysis are the quantification of the damping of energy in systems of multiple particles in the 0.1–1 mm size range while they are in the bouncing regime, and the study of the formation of clusters through sticking collisions between particles.

Methods. We developed statistical methods for the analysis of the large quantity of collision data collected by the experiment. We measured the average motion of particles, the moment of clustering, and the cluster size formed. In addition, we ran simple numerical simulations in order to validate our measurements.

Results. We computed the average coefficient of restitution (COR) of collisions and find values ranging from 0.55 for systems including a population of fine grains to 0.94 for systems of denser particles. We also measured the sticking threshold velocities and find values around 1 cm s−1, consistent with the current dust collision models based on independently collected experimental data.

Conclusions. Our findings have the following implications that can be useful for the simulation of particles in PPDs and planetary rings: (1) The average COR of collisions between same-sized free-floating particles at low speeds (<2 cm s−1) is not dependent on the collision velocity; (2) The simplified approach of using a constant COR value will accurately reproduce the average behavior of a particle system during collisional cooling; (3) At speeds below 5 mm s−1, the influence of particle rotation becomes apparent on the collision behavior; (4) Current dust collision models predicting sticking thresholds are robust.
Modeling of a high performance bandgap graded Pb-free HTM-free perovskite solar cell
Authors: Jalalian Davoud , Ghadimi Abbas , Kiani Azadeh
Published: September 2019

In this study, a lead-free nontoxic and hole transport material (HTM)-free perovskite solar cell (PSC) with a novel configuration of glass/FTO/ZnO/CH3NH3SnI3−xBrx/back contact has been modeled and optimized by a solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS). The bandgap of CH3NH3SnI3−xBrx absorber is tuned in the range of 1.3 eV to 2.15 eV by variation of the Br doping content. To make a comparison, an optimized Pb-based PSC is also modeled. By optimizing the parameters, power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.30%, open circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.02 V, short circuit current density (Jsc) of 22.23 mA/cm2, and fill factor (FF) of 0.72 were obtained. As compare to the reports available in the literature, these results show much improvement and can provide guidelines for production of economic and environmentally friendly PSCs with further efficiency enhancement.
Re-establishment of medical and healthcare systems for nuclear emergency workers based on the lessons learned from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident
Authors: Yasui S.
Published: September 2019

In response to the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) temporarily increased emergency dose limits from 100 to 250 mSv from March 14 to December 16, 2011, but there were many problems in medical and health care systems. Based on the lessons learned, in 2015, the MHLW deliberated for radiation protection and medical and health care systems to prepare for future nuclear emergencies. The paper aims to describe and share the experience gained in the process of setting medical and healthcare systems. The paper outlines the issues of: (a) on-site medical and health care systems; (b) health care during emergency work and; (c) long-term health care. For the deliberation, the MHLW had to find the way to keep a balance between the protection of the emergency workers and the prompt implementation of crisis response. The MHLW built a consensus among stakeholders by providing lifetime healthcare systems as compensation for the radiation health risks and by enhancing preparedness to eliminate confusion and disorder and improve the level of protection against health risks. The experience gained shows that acceptance of the health risks due to radiation exposure needs not only a scientific basis, but also social acceptance.
Verformt – Handskoliose bei Kindern und Erwachsenen
Authors: Fischer Marion
Published: September 2019

Sind Gelenke geschwollen, überwärmt und schmerzen, hat ein Patient häufig rheumatoide Arthritis. Dabei sind oft die Handgelenke betroffen. Sowohl die juvenile Form als auch die rheumatoide Arthritis bei Erwachsenen können zu Fehlstellungen führen. Diese entstehen und äußern sich allerdings unterschiedlich.
Intertester-Reliabilität und Kriteriumsvalidität bei der
Bestimmung der Haut- und Bindegewebewiderstände im physiologischen
Gewebe
Authors: Koller Thomas
Published: September 2019

Bei der Nachbehandlung von Verletzungen und daraus resultierenden
Bewegungseinschränkungen im Bereich des muskuloskelettalen Bewegungsapparates
ist die wundheilungsadaptierte Dosierung von größter Bedeutung. Voraussetzung
dafür sind sowohl das Erkennen der Bindegewebewiderstände als auch deren
Objektivierung. Nur so lassen sich die Überdosierung und eine daraus folgende
erneute Entzündungsphase vermeiden.

Diese Pilotstudie erzielte gute Resultate bezüglich der Intertester-Reliabiliät
beim Erkennen der Widerständen im physiologischen Haut- und Bindegewebe. Die
Kriteriumsvalidität des verwendeten Messinstruments bleibt interpretierbar.
DBU-Catalyzed Inter- and Intramolecular Double Michael Addition of Donor–Acceptor Chromone-Pyrazolone/Benzofuranone Synthons: Access to Spiro-Pyrazolone/Benzofuranone-Hexahydroxanthone Hybrids
Authors: Wei Qi Di , Yao Yi-Ming , Chang Shun-Qin , Yang Wu-De , Tian Min-Yi , Liu Xiong-Li , Zhou Ying
Published: September 2019

A DBU-catalyzed inter- and intramolecular double Michael addition of donor–acceptor chromone-pyrazolone/benzofuranone synthons and 3-methyl-4-nitro-5-alkenylisoxazoles has been established, which constructed structurally diverse spiro-pyrazolone/benzofuranone-hexahydroxanthone hybrids bearing five consecutive stereocenters in good yields (up to 91%) with high diastereoselectivities (up to >20:1 dr). Moreover, this strategy further expanded the synthetic potential of bifunctional donor–acceptor chromones, and demonstrated great potential for applications in medicinal chemistry.
Synthesis of 13C-Labeled Steroids
Authors: Dénès Fabrice , Farard Julien , Lebreton Jacques
Published: September 2019

Due to the wide spectrum of biological activities of steroids, the detection and quantification of steroidal residues in various biological materials are crucial for drug development, doping prevention, and environmental protection. In addition, the analytical technique of stable isotopic dilution (SID) by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) requires 13C-labeled steroids as standards to provide accurate and reproducible steroid quantification. In this context, the synthesis of 13C-labeled steroids is reviewed. The approaches based on partial synthesis starting from commercially available steroids have been, by far, the most commonly employed strategy.

1 Introduction

2 Hemisynthesis of 13C3-Labeled Steroids via Partial Degradation of the A Ring

2.1 Degradation of the A Ring to an Enol Lactone

2.1.1 Introduction of 13C Atom(s) via Claisen Condensation: Turner’s Strategy

2.1.2 Introduction of 13C Atom(s) with 13C-Labeled 5-(Diethylphosphono)pentan-2-one Ethylene Ketal Based on the Fujimoto–Belleau Reaction

2.2 Degradation of the A Ring and Introduction of 13C Atom(s) with [13C3]-1-(Triphenylphosphoranylidene)propan-2-one

3 Construction of the A Ring from an α,β-Unsaturated Ketone with 13C-Labeled 1-Iodo-3,3-(ethylenedioxy)butane as Electrophile

4 Construction of the A and B rings: Stork’s Strategy

5 Hemisynthesis with Introduction of 13C Atom(s) in the C17 Side Chain

6 Conclusion
Base-Mediated 1,6-Aza-Michael Addition of Heterocyclic Amines and Amides to para-Quinone Methides Leading to Meclizine-, Hydroxyzine- and Cetirizine-like Architectures
Authors: Roy Deblina , Panda Gautam
Published: September 2019

An expeditious, cost-effective synthetic methodology for a wide range of nitrogen-containing unsymmetrical trisubstituted methanes (TRSMs) is reported. The synthesis involves base-mediated 1,6-conjugate addition of heterocyclic amines and amides to substituted para-quinone methides, giving the unsymmetrical TRSMs in moderate to very good yields (up to 83%) in one pot. The low cost, mild temperature, high atom economy and yields, easy scale-up and broad substrate scope are some of the salient features of this protocol. Further, the methodology could be extended for the synthesis of meclizine-, ­hydroxyzine- and cetirizine-like molecules. The structure of one such compound, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-((4-chlorophenyl)(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)phenol, was determined by single crystal X-ray analysis.
Syntheses of Pyrazine-, Quinoxaline-, and Imidazole-Fused Pyrroline Nitroxides
Authors: Isbera Mostafa , Bognár Balázs , Gulyás-Fekete Gergely , Kish Krisztina , Kálai Tamás
Published: September 2019

A synthesis of a new diamagnetic synthon, 1-methoxy-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidine-3,4-dione, was developed. Condensation of this compound with aliphatic or aromatic 1,2-diamines followed by deprotection yielded pyrroline nitroxide-fused pyrazines, pteridines, or quinoxalines, demonstrated on 7 examples in 15–39% overall yield over 2 or 3 steps. Reaction of the diamagnetic 1,2-diketone with an aldehyde and ammonium acetate produced a pyrrolo[3,4-d]imidazole scaffold in the Debus–Radziszewski reaction.
Early Management of Acute Spinal Cord Injury—Part I: Initial Injury to Surgery
Authors: Sacino Amanda , Rosenblatt Kathryn
Published: September 2019

Acute spinal cord injury is a devastating event associated with substantial morbidity worldwide. The pathophysiology of spinal cord injury involves the initial mechanical trauma and the subsequent inflammatory response, which may worsen the severity of neurologic dysfunction. Interventions have been studied to reduce the extent of primary injury to the spinal cord through preventive measures and to mitigate secondary insult through early specialized care. Management, therefore, is multifold, interdisciplinary, and begins immediately at the time of injury. It includes the trauma triage, acute management of the circulatory and respiratory systems, and definitive treatment, mainly with surgical decompression and stabilization.
Microscopic derivation of coarse-grained, energy-conserving generalized Langevin dynamics
Authors: Izvekov Sergei
Published: September 2019

Properly simulating nonequilibrium phenomena such as thermal transport and shock wave propagation in complex condensed matter systems require the conservation of system’s internal energy. This precludes the application of the coarse-grained (CG) generalized Langevin equation (GLE) dynamics due to the presence of dissipative interactions. Attempts to address this issue have been pursued both phenomenologically and from entropy-based first principles for dissipative particle dynamics (DPD, a Markovian variant of the CG GLE dynamics) by introducing an energy conserving extension of DPD (DPD-E). We present here a rigorous microscopic derivation of two energy conserving variants of the CG GLE dynamics by extending the CG equations of motion to include the GLE for certain internal energy observables of the microscopic system. We consider two choices of such observables: the total internal energy and a set of internal energies of the CG particles. The derivation is performed using the Mori-Zwanzig projection operator method in the Heisenberg picture for time evolution of thermodynamic expectations and the recently introduced interpretation of the Zwanzig projection operator [S. Izvekov, J. Chem. Phys. 146(12), 124109 (2017)] which allows an exact calculation of the memory and projected terms. We begin with equilibrium conditions and show that the GLE dynamics for the internal energy observables is purely dissipative. Our extension of the GLE dynamics to quasiequilibrium conditions (necessary to observe heat transport) is based on the generalized canonical ensemble approach and transport equation using the nonequilibrium statistical operator (NSO) method. We derive closed microscopic expressions for conductive heat transfer coefficients in the limit of neglecting dissipation in heat transfer and in the lowest order of deviation from equilibrium. After employing the Markov approximation, we compare the equations of motion to the published DPD-E equations. Our equations contain additional energy transfer terms not reported in the previous works. Additionally, we show that, despite neglecting dissipative processes in heat transport, the heat transfer coefficients and random force are related in a way reminiscent of the fluctuation-dissipation relation. The formalism presented here is sufficiently general for the rigorous formulation of the GLE dynamics for arbitrary microscopic phase space observables as well as sampling different microscopic ensembles in CG simulations.
Thermochemical characterization of Zr/Fe2O3 pyrotechnic mixture under natural aging conditions
Authors: Han Byung Heon , Kim Yoocheon , Jang Seung-gyo , Yoo Jeayong , Yoh Jack J.
Published: September 2019

This study investigated the aging characteristics of naturally aged primer that uses zirconium (Zr) as a metallic fuel and iron oxide (Fe2O3) as an oxidizer. Naturally aged samples showed a significant reduction in heat of reaction and an increase in activation energy compared to thermally aged samples. The aging processes of a Zr/Fe2O3 pyrotechnic mixture were proposed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. X-ray powder diffraction experiments verified the proposed processes and further confirmed that natural aging promotes the formation of thermally stable monoclinic ZrO2. The oxygen diffusion depth into the Zr surface layer and ZrO2 layer thickness were measured by transmission electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and fast Fourier transform. The exposure to seasonal humidity during natural aging affected both Zr and Fe2O3 and, in turn, made the mixture more difficult-to-ignite, resulting in the following effects: decrease in heat of reaction, formation of reaction products, and crystal structure growth in the direction of reducing reactivity.