bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NONSTATIONARY LINEAR PROCESSES WITH INFINITE VARIANCE GARCH ERRORS
Authors: Zhang Rongmao , Chan Ngai Hang
Published: October 2020

Recently, Cavaliere, Georgiev, and Taylor (2018, Econometric Theory 34, 302–348) (CGT) considered the augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) test for a unit-root model with linear noise driven by i.i.d. infinite variance innovations and showed that ordinary least squares (OLS)-based ADF statistics have the same distribution as in Chan and Tran (1989, Econometric Theory 5, 354–362) for i.i.d. infinite variance noise. They also proposed an interesting question to extend their results to the case with infinite variance GARCH innovations as considered in Zhang, Sin, and Ling (2015, Stochastic Processes and their Applications 125, 482–512). This paper addresses this question. In particular, the limit distributions of the ADF for random walk models with short-memory linear noise driven by infinite variance GARCH innovations are studied. We show that when the tail index

$\alpha <2$
, the limit distributions are completely different from that of CGT and the estimator of the parameters of the lag terms used in the ADF regression is not consistent. This paper provides a broad treatment of unit-root models with linear GARCH noises, which encompasses the commonly entertained unit-root IGARCH model as a special case.
A CLOSER LOOK AT GRIT AND LANGUAGE MINDSET AS PREDICTORS OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACHIEVEMENT
Authors: Khajavy Gholam Hassan , MacIntyre Peter D. , Hariri Jamal
Published: October 2020

Learning a second/foreign language (L2) is a long process and L2 learners certainly will encounter setbacks and discouragements during this process. However, their reactions to these failures might be different based on their perceptions of L2 learning ability and their subsequent effort put into L2 learning. Based on this, the present study aimed at exploring two underresearched constructs within the field of applied linguistics, namely grit (continuous effort and interest for long-term goals) and language mindset (individuals’ perceptions of their language learning ability). We had five main aims: to examine (a) the factor structure of grit, (b) the factor structure of language mindset, (c) whether there are gender differences in grit or language mindset, (d) the relationships between language mindset and grittiness, and (e) the roles of grit and language mindset as predictors of L2 achievement. To address these aims, a total number of 1,178 university students who were taking general English courses took part in our study and completed the questionnaires. Results of confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the two-factor structure for both grit and language mindset fit the data better than the single-factor structure. We also tested several structural equation models and found that a growth language mindset weakly, but positively, predicted one component of grit (perseverance of effort, or POE), but not the other (consistency of interest, or COI). A fixed language mindset did not predict POE, but did negatively predict COI. Finally, only growth language mindset was a weak, positive predictor of L2 achievement. At the end, theoretical and pedagogical implications regarding the role of grit and language mindset in L2 learning are presented.
Toward a cyber-physical manufacturing metrology model for industry 4.0
Authors: Stojadinovic Slavenko M. , Majstorovic Vidosav D. , Durakbasa Numan M.
Published: October 2020

Industry 4.0 represents high-level methodologies for the development of new generation manufacturing metrology systems, which are more intelligent (smart), autonomous, flexible, high-productive, and self-adaptable. One of the systems capable of responding to these challenges is a cyber-physical manufacturing metrology system (CP2MS) with techniques of artificial intelligence (AI). In general, CP2MS systems generate Big data, horizontally by integration [coordinate measuring machines (CMMs)] and vertically by control. This paper presents a cyber-physical manufacturing metrology model (CP3M) for Industry 4.0 developed by applying AI techniques such as engineering ontology (EO), ant-colony optimization (ACO), and genetic algorithms (GAs). Particularly, the CP3M presents an intelligent approach of probe configuration and setup planning for inspection of prismatic measurement parts (PMPs) on a CMM. A set of possible PMP setups and probe configurations is reduced to optimal number using developed GA-based methodology. The major novelty is the development of a new CP3M capable of responding to the requirements of an Industry 4.0 concept such as intelligent, autonomous, and productive measuring systems. As such, they respond to one smart metrology requirement within the framework of Industry 4.0, referring to the optimal number of PMPs setups and for each setup defines the configurations of probes. The main contribution of the model is productivity increase of the measuring process through the reduction of the total measurement time, as well as the elimination of errors due to the human factor through intelligent planning of probe configuration and part setup. The experiment was successfully performed using a PMP specially designed and manufactured for the purpose.
Habitat modelling locates nesting areas of the Endangered Black-capped Petrel Pterodroma hasitata on Hispaniola and identifies habitat loss
Authors: SATGÉ YVAN G. , RUPP ERNST , BROWN ADAM , JODICE PATRICK G. R.
Published: October 2020

The Black-capped Petrel or Diablotin Pterodroma hasitata has a fragmented and declining population estimated at c.1,000 breeding pairs. On land, the species nests underground in steep ravines with dense understorey vegetation. The only confirmed breeding sites are located in the mountain ranges of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, where habitat loss and degradation are continuing threats. Other nesting populations may still remain undiscovered but, to locate them, laborious in situ nest searches must be conducted over expansive geographical areas. To focus nest-search efforts more efficiently, we analysed the environmental characteristics of Black-capped Petrel nesting habitat and modeled suitable habitat on Hispaniola using openly available environmental datasets. We used a univariate generalized linear model to compare the habitat characteristics of active Black-capped Petrel nests sites with those of potentially available sites (i.e. random pseudo-absences). Elevation, distance to coast, and the influence of tree cover and density emerged as important environmental variables. We then applied multivariate generalized linear models to these environmental variables that showed a significant relationship with petrel nesting activity. We used the top performing model of habitat suitability model to create maps of predicted suitability for Hispaniola. In addition to areas of known petrel activity, the model identified possible nesting areas for Black-capped Petrels in habitats not previously considered suitable. Based on model results, we estimated the total area of predicted suitable nesting habitat for Black-capped Petrels on Hispaniola and found that forest loss due to hurricanes, forest fires, and encroachment from agriculture had severely decreased availability of predicted suitable habitat between 2000 and 2018.
An unusual case of a solitary cardiac myofibroma causing severe right ventricular outflow tract obstruction in an infant
Authors: Minocha Prashant K. , Chen Fei , Maleszewski Joseph J. , Ludomirsky Achiau , Mosca Ralph , Kumar T. K. Susheel
Published: October 2020

Cardiac tumours are relatively uncommon, particularly in children. Myofibroma is an extremely rare variety of cardiac tumour, which nearly always arises in the context of infantile myofibromatosis. Herein, we present a case of a solitary cardiac myofibroma causing right ventricular outflow tract obstruction in a 2-month-old male infant.
Food insecurity among people who inject drugs in Athens, Greece: a study in the context of ARISTOTLE programme
Authors: Sypsa Vana , Flounzi Eleni , Roussos Sotirios , Hatzakis Angelos , Benetou Vassiliki
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To measure the prevalence of food insecurity and explore related characteristics and behaviours among people who inject drugs (PWID).

Design:

Cross-sectional analysis of a community-based programme for HIV infection among PWID (ARISTOTLE programme). Food insecurity was measured by the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Computer-assisted interviews and blood samples were also collected.

Setting:

A fixed location in Athens Metropolitan Area, Greece, during 2012–2013.

Participants:

In total, 2834 unique participants with history of injecting drug use in the past 12 months were recruited over four respondent-driven sampling rounds (approximately 1400/round).

Results:

More than 50 % of PWID were severely or moderately food insecure across all rounds. PWID were more likely to be severely food insecure if they were older than 40 years [adjusted OR (aOR): 1·71, 95 % CI: 1·33–2·19], were women (aOR: 1·49, 95 % CI: 1·17–1·89), from Middle East countries (aOR v. from Greece: 1·80, 95 % CI: 1·04–3·11), had a lower educational level (primary or secondary school v. higher education; aOR: 1·54, 95 % CI: 1·29–1·84), had no current health insurance (aOR: 1·45, 95 % CI: 1·21–1·73), were homeless (aOR: 17·1, 95 % CI: 12·3–23·8) or were living with another drug user (aOR: 1·55, 95 % CI: 1·26–1·91) as compared with those living alone or with family/friends. HIV-infected PWID were more likely to be severely food insecure compared with uninfected (59·0 % v. 51·0 %, respectively, P = 0·002); however, this difference was attributed to the confounding effect of homelessness.

Conclusions:

Moderate/severe food insecurity was a significant problem, reaching > 50 % in this sample of PWID and closely related to socio-demographic characteristics and especially homelessness.
Deep learning-enabled triboelectric smart socks for IoT-based gait analysis and VR applications
Authors: Zhang Zixuan , He Tianyiyi , Zhu Minglu , Sun Zhongda , Shi Qiongfeng , Zhu Jianxiong , Dong Bowei , Yuce Mehmet Rasit , Lee Chengkuo
Published: October 2020

The era of artificial intelligence and internet of things is rapidly developed by recent advances in wearable electronics. Gait reveals sensory information in daily life containing personal information, regarding identification and healthcare. Current wearable electronics of gait analysis are mainly limited by high fabrication cost, operation energy consumption, or inferior analysis methods, which barely involve machine learning or implement nonoptimal models that require massive datasets for training. Herein, we developed low-cost triboelectric intelligent socks for harvesting waste energy from low-frequency body motions to transmit wireless sensory data. The sock equipped with self-powered functionality also can be used as wearable sensors to deliver information, regarding the identity, health status, and activity of the users. To further address the issue of ineffective analysis methods, an optimized deep learning model with an end-to-end structure on the socks signals for the gait analysis is proposed, which produces a 93.54% identification accuracy of 13 participants and detects five different human activities with 96.67% accuracy. Toward practical application, we map the physical signals collected through the socks in the virtual space to establish a digital human system for sports monitoring, healthcare, identification, and future smart home applications.
SynergyAge, a curated database for synergistic and antagonistic interactions of longevity-associated genes
Authors: Bunu Gabriela , Toren Dmitri , Ion Catalin-Florentin , Barardo Diogo , Sârghie Larisa , Grigore Laurentiu Gabriel , de Magalhães João Pedro , Fraifeld Vadim E. , Tacutu Robi
Published: October 2020

Interventional studies on genetic modulators of longevity have significantly changed gerontology. While available lifespan data are continually accumulating, further understanding of the aging process is still limited by the poor understanding of epistasis and of the non-linear interactions between multiple longevity-associated genes. Unfortunately, based on observations so far, there is no simple method to predict the cumulative impact of genes on lifespan. As a step towards applying predictive methods, but also to provide information for a guided design of epistasis lifespan experiments, we developed SynergyAge - a database containing genetic and lifespan data for animal models obtained through multiple longevity-modulating interventions. The studies included in SynergyAge focus on the lifespan of animal strains which are modified by at least two genetic interventions, with single gene mutants included as reference. SynergyAge, which is publicly available at www.synergyage.info, provides an easy to use web-platform for browsing, searching and filtering through the data, as well as a network-based interactive module for visualization and analysis.
Genome-wide identification of accessible chromatin regions in bumblebee by ATAC-seq
Authors: Zhao Xiaomeng , Su Long , Xu Weilin , Schaack Sarah , Sun Cheng
Published: October 2020

Bumblebees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) are important pollinating insects that play pivotal roles in crop production and natural ecosystem services. Although protein-coding genes in bumblebees have been extensively annotated, regulatory sequences of the genome, such as promoters and enhancers, have been poorly annotated. To achieve a comprehensive profile of accessible chromatin regions and provide clues for all possible regulatory elements in the bumblebee genome, we performed ATAC-seq (Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin with high-throughput sequencing) on Bombus terrestris samples derived from four developmental stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult, respectively. The ATAC-seq reads were mapped to the B. terrestris reference genome, and its accessible chromatin regions were identified and characterized using bioinformatic methods. We identified 36,390 chromatin accessible regions in total, including both shared and stage-specific chromatin accessible signals. Our study will provide an important resource, not only for uncovering regulatory elements in the bumblebee genome, but also for expanding our understanding of bumblebee biology throughout development.
Mesoscopic 3D imaging of pancreatic cancer and Langerhans islets based on tissue autofluorescence
Authors: Hahn Max , Nord Christoffer , Franklin Oskar , Alanentalo Tomas , Mettävainio Martin Isaksson , Morini Federico , Eriksson Maria , Korsgren Olle , Sund Malin , Ahlgren Ulf
Published: October 2020

The possibility to assess pancreatic anatomy with microscopic resolution in three dimensions (3D) would significantly add to pathological analyses of disease processes. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a bleak prognosis with over 90% of the patients dying within 5 years after diagnosis. Cure can be achieved by surgical resection, but the efficiency remains drearily low. Here we demonstrate a method that without prior immunohistochemical labelling provides insight into the 3D microenvironment and spread of PDAC and premalignant cysts in intact surgical biopsies. The method is based solely on the autofluorescent properties of the investigated tissues using optical projection tomography and/or light-sheet fluorescence microscopy. It does not interfere with subsequent histopathological analysis and may facilitate identification of tumor-free resection margins within hours. We further demonstrate how the developed approach can be used to assess individual volumes and numbers of the islets of Langerhans in unprecedently large biopsies of human pancreatic tissue, thus providing a new means by which remaining islet mass may be assessed in settings of diabetes. Generally, the method may provide a fast approach to provide new anatomical insight into pancreatic pathophysiology.
The spectral sensitivity of Drosophila photoreceptors
Authors: Sharkey Camilla R. , Blanco Jorge , Leibowitz Maya M. , Pinto-Benito Daniel , Wardill Trevor J.
Published: October 2020

Drosophila melanogasterhas long been a popular model insect species, due in large part to the availability of genetic tools and is fast becoming the model for insect colour vision. Key to understanding colour reception inDrosophilais in-depth knowledge of spectral inputs and downstream neural processing. While recent studies have sparked renewed interest in colour processing inDrosophila, photoreceptor spectral sensitivity measurements have yet to be carried out in vivo. We have fully characterised the spectral input to the motion and colour vision pathways, and directly measured the effects of spectral modulating factors, screening pigment density and carotenoid-based ocular pigments. All receptor sensitivities had significant shifts in spectral sensitivity compared to previous measurements. Notably, the spectral range of the Rh6 visual pigment is substantially broadened and its peak sensitivity is shifted by 92 nm from 508 to 600 nm. We show that this deviation can be explained by transmission of long wavelengths through the red screening pigment and by the presence of the blue-absorbing filter in the R7y receptors. Further, we tested direct interactions between inner and outer photoreceptors using selective recovery of activity in photoreceptor pairs.
Constraints on the jumping and prey-capture abilities of ant-mimicking spiders (Salticidae, Salticinae, Myrmarachne)
Authors: Hashimoto Yoshiaki , Endo Tomoji , Yamasaki Takeshi , Hyodo Fujio , Itioka Takao
Published: October 2020

Accurate morphological ant mimicry by Myrmarachne jumping spiders confers strong protective benefits against predators. However, it has been hypothesized that the slender and constricted ant-like appearance imposes costs on the hunting ability because their jumping power to capture prey is obtained from hydraulic pressure in their bodies. This hypothesis remains to be sufficiently investigated. We compared the jumping and prey-capture abilities of seven Myrmarachne species and non-myrmecomorphic salticids collected from tropical forests in Malaysian Borneo and northeastern Thailand. We found that the mimics had significantly reduced abilities compared with the non-mimics. The analysis using geometric morphometric techniques revealed that the reduced abilities were strongly associated with the morphological traits for ant mimicry and relatively lower abilities were found in Myrmarachne species with a more narrowed form. These results support the hypothesis that the jumping ability to capture prey is constrained by the morphological mimicry and provide a new insight into understanding the evolutionary costs of accurate mimicry.
Magnetic core-modified silver nanoparticles for ibuprofen removal: an emerging pollutant in waters
Authors: Vicente-Martínez Yesica , Caravaca Manuel , Soto-Meca Antonio , Solana-González Rubén
Published: October 2020

In this work we present a novel procedure for ibuprofen adsorption from waters employing magnetic core-modified silver nanoparticles. We demonstrate that 93% adsorption of ibuprofen is achieved in 45 min by means of a simple method, for neutral pH and room temperature, also using a low dose of adsorbent, equal to 7 mg in 500 µL of suspension. The characterization of the adsorbent, before and after adsorption, was carried out by means of field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, BET analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. It is worth pointing out that ibuprofen can be desorbed and the adsorbent can be reused, remaining unaltered for the first three cycles, and showing 89.3% adsorption efficiency after the third regeneration. A three-parameter model and the Langmuir isotherm characterize the kinetics and isotherm of adsorption.
Earliest fossils of giant-sized bony-toothed birds (Aves: Pelagornithidae) from the Eocene of Seymour Island, Antarctica
Authors: Kloess Peter A. , Poust Ashley W. , Stidham Thomas A.
Published: October 2020

While pelagornithid or ‘bony-toothed’ bird fossils representing multiple species are known from Antarctica, a new dentary fragment of a pelagornithid bird from the middle Eocene Submeseta Formation on Seymour Island, Antarctica represents a species with a body size on par with the largest known species in the clade. Measurements from the partial ‘toothed’ dentary point to a giant body size for the species, although the spacing among the pseudoteeth differs from that published for other pelagornithids. The discrepancy might suggest that previous techniques are not adequate for examination of incomplete material or that another factor such as phylogeny might impact size estimates and comparisons. Combined with a revised stratigraphic position in the early Eocene La Meseta Formation on Seymour Island for the largest pelagornithid tarsometatarsus known, these Antarctic fossils demonstrate the early evolution of giant body size in the clade (by ~ 50 Ma), and they likely represent not only the largest flying birds of the Eocene but also some of the largest volant birds that ever lived (with an estimated 5–6 m wingspan). Furthermore, the distribution of giant-sized pelagornithid fossils across more than 10 million years of Antarctic geological deposits points to a prolonged survival of giant-sized pelagornithids within the southern seas, and their success as a pelagic predatory component of marine and coastal ecosystems alongside early penguins.
Investigating the optimum size of nanoparticles for their delivery into the brain assisted by focused ultrasound-induced blood–brain barrier opening
Authors: Ohta Seiichi , Kikuchi Emi , Ishijima Ayumu , Azuma Takashi , Sakuma Ichiro , Ito Taichi
Published: October 2020

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) has hampered the efficiency of nanoparticle delivery into the brain via conventional strategies. The widening of BBB tight junctions via focused ultrasound (FUS) offers a promising approach for enhancing the delivery of nanoparticles into the brain. However, there is currently an insufficient understanding of how nanoparticles pass through the opened BBB gaps. Here we investigated the size-dependence of nanoparticle delivery into the brain assisted by FUS-induced BBB opening, using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of 3, 15, and 120 nm diameter. For 3- and 15-nm AuNPs, FUS exposure significantly increased permeation across an in vitro BBB model by up to 9.5 times, and the permeability was higher with smaller diameter. However, in vivo transcranial FUS exposure in mice demonstrated that smaller particles were not necessarily better for delivery into the brain. Medium-sized (15 nm) AuNPs showed the highest delivery efficiency (0.22% ID), compared with 3- and 120-nm particles. A computational model suggested that this optimum size was determined by the competition between their permeation through opened BBB gaps and their excretion from blood. Our results would greatly contribute to designing nanoparticles for their delivery into the brain for the treatment of central nervous system diseases.
Role of spin-glass behavior in the formation of exotic magnetic states in GdB6
Authors: Semeno A. V. , Anisimov M. A. , Bogach A. V. , Demishev S. V. , Gilmanov M. I. , Filipov V. B. , Shitsevalova N. Yu. , Glushkov V. V.
Published: October 2020

Randomness and frustration are believed to be two crucial criteria for the formation of spin glass state. However, the spin freezing occurs in some well-ordered crystals below the related temperature Tf due to the instability of each spin state, which induces the variation of either magnetic moment value or exchange energy. Here we explore the new mechanism of the in-site originated disorder in antiferromagnets Gd0.73La0.27B6 and GdB6, which is caused by the random mutual shifts of Gd3+ spins from the centrally symmetrical positions in the regular cubic lattice. The universal scaling of ESR linewidth temperature dependencies to the power law ΔH(T) ~ ((T − TD)/TD)α with α = − 1.1 ± 0.05 in the paramagnetic phase of both compounds demonstrates the identity of the origin of magnetic randomness. In Gd0.73La0.27B6 the resulting random spin configurations freeze at Tf ≈ 10.5 K where the maximum of magnetization is observed. Below Tf the splitting of ZFC and FC magnetization curves takes place as well as the magnetic state depends on the antecedent sample history. In the case of GdB6 the coherent displacement of Gd ions compete with these random shifts forming an antiferromagnetic (AFM) phase at TN = 15.5 K, which prevails over the spin freezing at Tf ≈ 13 K, expected from the ESR data. The observation of the hysteresis of the ESR spectrum in the AFM phase suggests that its properties may be determined by the competition of two types of AFM orders, which results in formation of stable magnetic domains with nonequivalent positions of AFM Gd pairs at T < 10 K.
A physiologic overview of the organ-specific transcriptome of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus
Authors: Tirloni Lucas , Braz Gloria , Nunes Rodrigo Dutra , Gandara Ana Caroline Paiva , Vieira Larissa Rezende , Assumpcao Teresa Cristina , Sabadin Gabriela Alves , da Silva Renato Martins , Guizzo Melina Garcia , Machado Josias Alves , Costa Evenilton Pessoa , Santos Daniele , Gomes Helga Fernandes , Moraes Jorge , dos Santos Mota Maria Beatriz , Mesquita Rafael Dias , de Souza Leite Milane , Alvarenga Patricia Hessab , Lara Flavio Alves , Seixas Adriana , da Fonseca Rodrigo Nunes , Fogaça Andrea C. , Logullo Carlos , Tanaka Aparecida Sadae , Daffre Sirlei , Oliveira Pedro L. , da Silva Vaz Itabajara , Ribeiro José M. C.
Published: October 2020

To further obtain insights into the Rhipicephalus microplus transcriptome, we used RNA-seq to carry out a study of expression in (i) embryos; (ii) ovaries from partially and fully engorged females; (iii) salivary glands from partially engorged females; (iv) fat body from partially and fully engorged females; and (v) digestive cells from partially, and (vi) fully engorged females. We obtained > 500 million Illumina reads which were assembled de novo, producing > 190,000 contigs, identifying 18,857 coding sequences (CDS). Reads from each library were mapped back into the assembled transcriptome giving a view of gene expression in different tissues. Transcriptomic expression and pathway analysis showed that several genes related in blood digestion and host-parasite interaction were overexpressed in digestive cells compared with other tissues. Furthermore, essential genes for the cell development and embryogenesis were overexpressed in ovaries. Taken altogether, these data offer novel insights into the physiology of production and role of saliva, blood digestion, energy metabolism, and development with submission of 10,932 novel tissue/cell specific CDS to the NCBI database for this important tick species.
Interannual variability in the lipid and fatty acid profiles of east Australia-migrating humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) across a 10-year timeline
Authors: Groß Jasmin , Virtue Patti , Nichols Peter D. , Eisenmann Pascale , Waugh Courtney A. , Bengtson Nash Susan
Published: October 2020

Southern hemisphere humpback whales are classified as high-fidelity Antarctic krill consumers and as such are vulnerable to variability and long-term changes in krill biomass. Evidence of heterogeneous feeding patterns of east coast of Australia migrating humpback whales has been observed, warranting a comprehensive assessment of interannual variability in their diet. We examined the lipid and fatty acid profiles of individuals of the east coast of Australia migrating stock sampled between 2008 and 2018. The use of live-sampled blubber biopsies showed that fatty acid profiles varied significantly among all years. The two trophic indicator fatty acids for Antarctic krill, 20:5ω3 and 22:6ω3 remained largely unchanged across the 10-year period, suggesting that Antarctic krill is the principal prey item. A distance-based linear model showed that 33% of the total variation in fatty acid profiles was explained by environmental variables and climate indices. Most of the variation was explained by the Southern Annular Mode (23.7%). The high degree of variability observed in this study was unexpected for a species that is thought to feed primarily on one prey item. We propose that the observed variability likely arises from changes in the diet of Antarctic krill rather than changes in the whale’s diet.
Osteogenic potential of human adipose derived stem cells (hASCs) seeded on titanium trabecular spinal cages
Authors: Caliogna Laura , Bina Valentina , Botta Laura , Benazzo Francesco Maria , Medetti Marta , Maestretti Gianluca , Mosconi Mario , Cofano Fabio , Tartara Fulvio , Gastaldi Giulia
Published: October 2020

Spine degenerative conditions are becoming increasingly prevalent, affecting about 5.7% of the population in Europe, resulting in a significant reduction of life’s quality. Up to now, many materials have been used in manufacturing cage implants, used as graft substitutes, to achieve immediate and long-term spinal fixation. Particularly, titanium and its alloys are emerging as valuable candidates to develop new types of cages. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) seeded on trabecular titanium cages. ASCs adhered, proliferated and produced an abundant extracellular matrix during the 3 weeks of culture. In the presence of osteogenic medium, ASCs differentiated into osteoblast-like cells: the expression of typical bone genes, as well as the alkaline phosphatase activity, was statistically higher than in controls. Furthermore, the dispersive spectrometry microanalysis showed a marked increase of calcium level in cells grown in osteogenic medium. Plus, our preliminary data about osteoinduction suggest that this titanium implant has the potential to induce the ASCs to produce a secretome able to trigger a shift in the ASCs phenotype, possibly towards the osteogenic differentiation, as illustrated by the qRT-PCR and ALP biochemical assay results. The trabecular porous organization of these cages is rather similar to the cancellous bone structure, thus allowing the bone matrix to colonize it efficiently; for these reasons we can conclude that the architecture of this cage may play a role in modulating the osteoinductive capabilities of the implant, thus encouraging its engagement in in vivo studies for the treatment of spinal deformities and diseases.
Association between Ménière’s disease and thyroid diseases: a nested case–control study
Authors: Kim So Young , Song Young Shin , Wee Jee Hye , Min Chanyang , Yoo Dae Myoung , Choi Hyo Geun
Published: October 2020

The association of thyroid disease and Ménière’s disease would suggest that both are autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to investigate the relation of goiter, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune thyroiditis with Ménière’s disease. The Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort data from 2002 through 2015 were used. The 8183 adult patients with Ménière’s disease were 1:4 matched with the 32,732 individuals of the control group for age, sex, income, and region of residence. The previous histories of thyroid disorders including goiter, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, and hyperthyroidism were investigated using conditional logistic regression analyses. Subgroup analyses were conducted, including for age and sex. Smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, Charlson Comorbidity Index, histories of benign paroxysmal vertigo, vestibular neuronitis, other peripheral vertigo, thyroid cancer, and levothyroxine medication were adjusted in the models. The histories of goiter (5.7% vs. 4.2%), hypothyroidism (4.7% vs. 3.6%), thyroiditis (2.1% vs. 1.6%), hyperthyroidism (3.6% vs. 2.5%), and autoimmune thyroiditis (0.99% vs. 0.67%) were higher in the Meniere’s disease group than in the control group (all P < 0.05). The histories of goiter, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism were associated with Ménière’s disease (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.19 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–1.36] for goiter, 1.21 [95% CI 1.02–1.44] for hypothyroidism, and 1.27 [95% CI 1.09–1.49] for hyperthyroidism, each of P < 0.05). In subgroup analyses, hypothyroidism was associated with Ménière’s disease in < 65-year-old women. Hyperthyroidism was related with Ménière’s disease in women overall. Thyroid diseases of goiter, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism were associated with Ménière’s disease.
Optimization of T4 phage engineering via CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Duong Michelle M. , Carmody Caitlin M. , Ma Qinqin , Peters Joseph E. , Nugen Sam R.
Published: October 2020

A major limitation hindering the widespread use of synthetic phages in medical and industrial settings is the lack of an efficient phage-engineering platform. Classical T4 phage engineering and several newly proposed methods are often inefficient and time consuming and consequently, only able to produce an inconsistent range of genomic editing rates between 0.03–3%. Here, we review and present new understandings of the CRISPR/Cas9 assisted genome engineering technique that significantly improves the genomic editing rate of T4 phages. Our results indicate that crRNAs selection is a major rate limiting factor in T4 phage engineering via CRISPR/Cas9. We were able to achieve an editing rate of > 99% for multiple genes that functionalizes the phages for further applications. We envision that this improved phage-engineering platform will accelerate the fields of individualized phage therapy, biocontrol, and rapid diagnostics.
Inhibition of MUC1 exerts cell-cycle arrest and telomerase suppression in glioblastoma cells
Authors: Kim Sojin , Seo Youngbeom , Chowdhury Tamrin , Yu Hyeon Jong , Lee Chae Eun , Kim Kyung-Min , Kang Ho , Kim Hak Jae , Park Soo-Ji , Kim Kyoungmi , Park Chul-Kee
Published: October 2020

Mucin 1 (MUC1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein involved in tumorigenesis of diverse cancers. However, the role of MUC1 in glioblastoma (GBM) has not yet been fully explored. In this study, the anticancer mechanism of MUC1 suppression in GBM was investigated. The expression level of MUC1 was analyzed in human glioma and paired normal brain tissues. MUC1 was overexpressed in GBM and was negatively associated with overall survival. Moreover, we silenced MUC1 to investigate its effect in GBM cell lines and found that knockdown of MUC1 inhibited cell proliferation and resulted in cell cycle arrest at G1 phase. MUC1 silencing decreased the phosphorylation of RB1 and increased the expression of CDKN1B. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that a series of genes related to cell cycle, telomere maintenance and transforming growth factor Beta (TGF-β) signaling in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) were influenced by MUC1 knockdown. Notably, the reduced TERT expression levels combined with impaired telomerase activity and the switching of telomere maintenance mechanism to alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) were observed after MUC1 knockdown. Our results support the role of MUC1 in oncological process in GBM which can be developed as a therapeutic target for cell cycle control and telomere maintenance mechanism.
Establishment and application of a novel method based on single nucleotide polymorphism analysis for detecting β-globin gene cluster deletions
Authors: Hu Siqi , Zhan Wenli , Wang Jicheng , Xie Jia , Zhou Weiping , Yang Xiaohan , Zeng Yukun , Hu Tingting , Duan Lei , Chen Keyi , Du Li , Yin Aihua , Luo Mingyong
Published: October 2020

β-Globin gene mutations reduce or terminate the production of beta globin chains, of which approximately 10% are large deletions within the β-globin gene cluster. Because gene deletion leads to loss of heterozygosity at single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), a novel method for detecting β-globin gene cluster deletions based on SNP heterozygosity analysis was established in this study. The location range of SNPs was selected according to the breakpoint of β-globin gene cluster deletions. SNPs were screened using bioinformatics analysis and population sequencing data. A novel method which enables genotyping of multiplex SNPs based on tetra-primer ARMS-PCR was designed and optimized. Forty clinical samples were tested in parallel by this method and MLPA to verify the performance of this method for detecting β-globin gene cluster deletion. Six informative SNPs were obtained, achieving heterozygote coverage of 93.3% in normal individuals. Genotyping of six SNPs were successfully integrated into two multiplex tetra-primer ARMS-PCR reactions. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the method for detecting β-globin gene cluster deletion were 100%, 96.30%, 92.86%, and 100%, respectively. This is a simple, cost-effective and novel method for detecting β-globin gene cluster deletions, which may be suitable for use in combination with MLPA for thalassemia molecular testing.
Introduction
Authors: Long Yi-Tao
Published: October 2020

Nanopore electrochemistry refers to the promising measurement science based on elaborate pore structures that offer a well-defined geometric confined space to adopt and characterize single entities including single cells, single particles, and even single molecules by electrochemical technology. The electrochemical confined effect within the nanopore displays the ability to achieve single entity discrimination by focusing electron, photon, ion and magnetic fields into a small area. It converts the intrinsic properties of single entities into visible electrochemical read-outs with ultra-high temporal-spatial resolution. Therefore, the nanopore technology permits the possibility to resolve the transient signals for further revealing the single biomolecules dynamics. Nanopore electrochemistry has been applied in biophysics, chemical biology, disease diagnostics and other advanced disciplines by pushing the detecting limitation to molecular scale. In this book, we summarize the nanopore electrochemistry from the following three main areas. First, a nanopore-based single biomolecule sensing interface with chemical group precision is described in detail, including the design, instrumentation and advanced application. Then, the solid-state nanopore is summarized along with its fabrication process and application. Last, the glass nanopipette is introduced since it enables the monitoring of biomolecule interactions and the electron-transfer process in single living cells with high resolution and negligible cell damage. With the advent of advanced measurement mechanisms, instrumentation and data algorithms, the electrochemically confined nanopore is undoubtedly an exciting and promising field. We expect the next avenue for the wide application of nanopore electrochemistry in a variety of disciplines, leading us to explore the new chemistry at a much smaller scale.
Fundamentals of Biological Nanopore Electrochemistry
Authors: Ying Yi-Lun , Wang Jiajun , Wu Xue-Yuan , Long Yi-Tao
Published: October 2020

In this chapter, we focus on the fundamental techniques and knowledge of biological nanopore electrochemistry. First, we introduce the design and assembly of a nanopore-based single biomolecule interface; these biomolecules are adapted from nature and perfectly confine the single analyte molecule into its lumen volume. Thanks to modern biochemical engineering, each amino acid that composes the nanopore can be fine-tuned for a specific sensing purpose. Finally, as a biomimicking system, an artificial cellular membrane is constructed for nanopore sensing with high robustness as well as less fluidity.
A Confined Nanopipette: From Fundamental to Application
Authors: Yu Ru-Jia , Hu Yong-Xu , Lu Si-Min , Xu Su-Wen , Lin Yao , Ying Yi-Lun , Long Yi-Tao
Published: October 2020

Nanopipettes are emerging as an effective technique for confined electrochemical sensing since they can be easily fabricated in a common wet chemical laboratory. The sensing performance of a nanopipette is greatly dependent on the small sharp tip, including its geometry, orifice size, taper length, pipette angle and even the surface properties. Compared with traditional protein and solid-state nanopores, nanopipettes own the nanopore located at the very tip of a centimetre length capillary. Its narrow shaft adjacent to the orifice provides a promising confined space in nanopipette-based electrochemical sensing. Accordingly, the fabrication of nanopipettes with the desired geometry and pore size is of fundamental importance in nanopipette-based sensing, as is detailed functionalization and characterization. In this chapter, we introduce the general preparation and modification of nanopipette, and further summarize the broad applications in electrochemistry, biochemistry, nanochemistry and other fields.
Instrumentation and Data Algorithm for Single Molecule Sensing
Authors: Wang Jiajun , Ying Yi-Lun , Long Yi-Tao
Published: October 2020

In this chapter, we highlight the necessity of designing a nanopore sensing system for recording ultra-low and ultra-fast current events, and the latest progress in evaluating the transient information of single entities at high throughput. For the sake of single molecule sensitivity, the nanopore electrochemistry instrumentation shows the fundamental importance for acquiring a high signal-to-noise ratio, typically achieved by high bandwidth recording (>100 kHz). Under such conditions, more data processing methods, including machine learning algorithms, have been developed to handle large sets of data points from each single molecule event to distinguish useful intermediates. It should be noted that the low current recording instrumentation and the data analysis method for nanopore detection discussed here is also generally applicable to other nanointerface electrochemical measurement techniques involved in nanoelectrode measurements and single entity collisions. The future developments in advanced semiconductor techniques and the intelligent big data algorithm would be a breakthrough for the current nanopore electrochemistry in a wide range of applications.
3D encapsulation and inflammatory licensing of mesenchymal stromal cells alter the expression of common reference genes used in real-time RT-qPCR
Authors: Gonzalez-Pujana Ainhoa , de Lázaro Irene , Vining Kyle H. , Santos-Vizcaino Edorta , Igartua Manoli , Hernandez Rosa Maria , Mooney David J.
Published: October 2020

Strategies employed to promote the immunomodulatory capacity of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) alter the expression of calibrator reference genes, introducing significant errors in the assessment of the therapeutic potential of MSCs.
Pore engineering of graphene aerogels for vanadium redox flow batteries
Authors: Yang Yang , Ma Wenji , Zhang Tong , Ye Dingding , Chen Rong , Zhu Xun
Published: October 2020

The microscopic morphologies of cross-coupled porous graphene aerogels are successfully regulated via the NaNO3-template pore engineering strategy to deliver a high specific capacity in vanadium redox flow batteries.
Photodissociation dynamics of methyl iodide probed using femtosecond extreme ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Warne Emily M. , Downes-Ward Briony , Woodhouse Joanne , Parkes Michael A. , Springate Emma , Pearcy Philip A. J. , Zhang Yu , Karras Gabriel , Wyatt Adam S. , Chapman Richard T. , Minns Russell S.
Published: October 2020

Femtosecond pump–probe photoelectron spectroscopy measurements using an extreme ultraviolet probe have been made on the photodissociation dynamics of UV (269 nm) excited CH3I.
Rotational spectra of van der Waals complexes: pyrrole–Ne and pyrrole–Ne2
Authors: Peña Isabel , Cabezas Carlos
Published: October 2020

Rotational spectra of van der Waals complexes pyrrole–Ne and pyrrole–Ne2have been investigated by chirped pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy in the 2–8 GHz frequency region.
Development of a multifunctional graphene/Fe-loaded polyester textile: robust electrical and catalytic properties
Authors: Morshed Mohammad Neaz , Asadi Miankafshe Milad , Persson Nils-Krister , Behary Nemeshwaree , Nierstrasz Vincent A.
Published: October 2020

A graphene/Fe loaded polyester fabric (PET) with robust electrical and catalytic properties has been successfully developed for the first time via a simple coating-incorporation method using hyperbranched poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer as the binder.
An antioxidative galactomannan extracted from ChineseSesbania cannabinaenhances immune activation of macrophage cells
Authors: Li Rui , Zhu Chongyang , Bian Xiaojia , Jia Xin , Tang Ning , Cheng Yongqiang
Published: October 2020

In the present study, the antioxidant activities and immunostimulatory ability of a polysaccharide extracted from ChineseSesbania cannabina, which was identified to be a galactomannan in our previous study, were investigated.
How electrospray potentials can disrupt droplet microfluidics and how to prevent this
Authors: Peretzki Andrea J. , Schmidt Sabine , Flachowsky Elias , Das Anish , Gerhardt Renata F. , Belder Detlev
Published: October 2020

By shielding the micro droplets from the electrospray potential, negative influences on the droplet formation and movement can be prevented.
Bias dependent variability of low-frequency noise in single-layer graphene FETs
Authors: Mavredakis Nikolaos , Cortadella Ramon Garcia , Illa Xavi , Schaefer Nathan , Calia Andrea Bonaccini , Anton-Guimerà-Brunet  , Garrido Jose A. , Jiménez David
Published: October 2020

Low-frequency noise variability is for the first time examined in single-layer graphene transistors while an analytical compact model demonstrating an outstanding performance is proposed.
The interaction of supramolecular anticancer drug amphiphiles with phospholipid membranes
Authors: Tang Phu K. , Manandhar Anjela , Hu William , Kang Myungshim , Loverde Sharon M.
Published: October 2020

Molecular dynamics simulations probe drug delivery vehicle-membrane interaction.
Improvement of the interfacial contact between zinc oxide and a mixed cation perovskite using carbon nanotubes for ambient-air-processed perovskite solar cells
Authors: Mohammed Mustafa K. A. , Dehghanipour Masoud , Younis Umer , Shalan Ahmed Esmail , Sakthivel P. , Ravi G. , Bhoite Pravin H. , Pospisil Jan
Published: October 2020

(a) The sandwich structure of the planar device based on the ZnO ETL and fully-processed in ambient air. (b) Significant improvement in the current density of the PSCs after using 1D carbon nanotubes in the ZnO ETLs.
Y2(Te4O10)(SO4): a new sulfate tellurite with a unique Te4O10 polyanion and large birefringence
Authors: Li Peng-Fei , Hu Chun-Li , Kong Fang , Ying Shao-Ming , Mao Jiang-Gao
Published: October 2020

Y2(Te4O10)(SO4), featuring a unique (Te4O10)4− polyanion, exhibits a large birefringence (0.124@1064), wide energy band gap (4.1 eV) and high thermal stability (>700 °C), which make it a potential birefringent material.
Two-dimensional fence-like Co-doped NiSe2/C nanosheets as an anode for half/full sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Fan Siwei , Li Guangda , Liu Jianyu
Published: October 2020

Two-dimensional fence-like Co-NiSe2/C nanosheets are fabricated by a facile solvothermal method and followed a selenization strategy. It displays excellent long-term cycle life, rate capability and full cell performance when used as anode for SIBs.
Portable environment-signal detection biosensors with cell-free synthetic biosystems
Authors: Lin Xiaomei , Li Yuting , Li Zhixia , Hua Rui , Xing Yuyang , Lu Yuan
Published: October 2020

By embedding the regulated genetic circuits and cell-free systems onto a paper, a portable in vitro biosensing platform has been established.
Unpredicted photocatalytic activity of clinoptilolite–mordenite natural zeolite
Authors: Alvarez-Aguiñaga Edith A. , Elizalde-González María P. , Sabinas-Hernández Sergio A.
Published: October 2020

Clinoptilolite + mordenite are self-photocatalytic in the decomposition of caffeine under UV-irradiation because endogenous iron originates photoinduced species and intermediates are confined in zeolite nanopores.
Chirality dependent inverse-melting and re-entrant gelation in α-cyclodextrin/1-phenylethylamine mixtures
Authors: Shapira Reut , Katalan Sapir , Edrei Rachel , Eichen Yoav
Published: October 2020

Solutions of α-cyclodextrin in chiral 1-phenylethylamine display abnormal phase transitions. Depending on supramolecular diastereomeric interactions, inverse-melting and re-entrant gels are formed.