bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced immobilization of Prussian blue through hydrogel formation by polymerization of acrylic acid for radioactive cesium adsorption
Authors: Oh Daemin , Kim Bokseong , Kang Sungwon , Kim Youngsug , Yoo Sungjong , Kim Sol , Chung Yoonshun , Choung Sungwook , Han Jeonghee , Jung Sunghee , Kim Hyowon , Hwang Yuhoon
Published: November 2019

In this study, a hydrogel impregnated with powder activated carbon (PAC), MAA-PAC, was synthesized through the polymerization of acrylic acid (AA) and PB was immobilized using the carboxyl group of AA. In this process, an adsorbent with an enhancement of PB content and stability of immobilization was developed through the additional supply of Fe3+ ions by the layer by layer (LBL) assembly. XRD, FT-IR, SEM (EDS), TEM (EDS, mapping), and TG analyzes of the LBL and non-LBL groups were performed to confirm the change of PB content in the adsorbent as the LBL assembly was applied. The stability of PB immobilization was confirmed during the washing process after the synthesis of the adsorbent. When the LBL assembly process was applied as a PB immobilization strategy, the PB content in the adsorbent was improved and PB leakage was not observed during the washing process. The maximum adsorption (qm) for cesium in the MAA-PAC-PB LBL group that showed high PB content was 40.03 mg/g, and the adsorption isotherm was more suitable for the Langmuir model than the Freundlich model. The LBL group showed a high removal efficiency of 99.81% and a high DF value (525.88) for radioactive cesium (120 Bq/g). These results demonstrate the potential efficiency of the MAA-PAC-PB LBL group for the decontamination of radioactive cesium-contaminated water systems. Furthermore, it was verified that the LBL group of MAA-PAC-PB could be used as an adsorbent without an additional design of the existing water treatment facility. This can an economical decontamination method for removing radioactive cesium.
Assessment of residents’ total environmental exposure to heavy metals in China
Authors: Zhao Xiuge , Li Zhenglei , Wang Danlu , Li Ji , Zou Bin , Tao Yan , Lei Limin , Qiao Feiyang , Huang Ju
Published: November 2019

Heavy metal pollution in the air, water, and soil has attracted substantial interest recently; however, assessment of the total human environmental exposure remains limited. Therefore, determining the total human environmental exposure is imperative for the management and control of heavy metal pollution. This study assessed the total environmental exposure levels of heavy metals as well as the exposure contributions of air, water, and soil, focusing on Hg, Cd, As, Pb, and Cr. Data from 3,855 volunteers from the cities of Taiyuan, Dalian, Shanghai, Wuhan, Chengdu, and Lanzhou allowed for comparison of the exposures in urban and rural areas. The levels of total human environmental exposure of Hg, Cd, As, Pb, and Cr were 1.82 × 10−6 mg/(kg·d), 1.58 × 10−6 mg/(kg·d), 3.87 × 10−5 mg/(kg·d), 1.79 × 10−5 and 7.47 × 10−5 mg/(kg·d), respectively. There were regional, urban-rural, sex, and age differences in the levels of heavy metal exposure. Water pollution was determined to be the largest contributor to heavy metal exposure, accounting for 97.87%, 92.50%, 80.51%, 76.16% and 79.46% of the Hg, Cd, As, Pb, and Cr, followed by air and soil pollution. These results can provide data to inform environmental protection policies and identify the priority pollutants that can help identify and prevent health risks due to overexposure to these heavy metal pollutants.
Regional Patterns in Retinal Microvascular Network Geometry in Health and Disease
Authors: Popovic Natasa , Vujosevic Stela , Popovic Tomo
Published: November 2019

The study explores the regional differences in microvascular geometry between the optic disc (O) and the macular area (M) in health and disease. Skeletonized manually segmented vascular networks from 15 healthy, 15 retinas with diabetic retinopathy (DR), and 15 retinas with glaucoma from publicly available High-Resolution Fundus (HRF) image database were used. When visualized by a digital fundus camera, O has a substantial proportion of small arteries and larger arterioles, while M contains smaller arterioles at the periphery and avascular zone in the center. We hypothesized that in pathological conditions the vascular network remodelling patterns in these two regions may be different. The analysis of box-counting fractal dimension (Db), lacunarity (Λ), and microvascular density showed that in healthy retinas, Λ and vessel density were lower in the M compared to the O, while the Db did not change. In retinas with DR, the Db was the lowest in the M, which was different from all other groups. The vessel density followed this trend. Lacunarity was the highest in the O of DR group compared to all other groups. The results show that in DR various regions of retinal microvascular network remodel in a different manner and to different extent.
Neutrophil extracellular traps and monocyte subsets at the culprit lesion site of myocardial infarction patients
Authors: Mangold Andreas , Hofbauer Thomas M. , Ondracek Anna S. , Artner Tyler , Scherz Thomas , Speidl Walter S. , Krychtiuk Konstantin A. , Sadushi-Kolici Roela , Jakowitsch Johannes , Lang Irene M.
Published: November 2019

Neutrophils release their chromatin into the extracellular space upon activation. These web-like structures are called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and have potent prothrombotic and proinflammatory properties. In ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), NETs correlate with increased infarct size. The interplay of neutrophils and monocytes impacts cardiac remodeling. Monocyte subsets are classified as classical, intermediate and non-classical monocytes. In the present study, in vitro stimulation with NETs led to an increase of intermediate monocytes and reduced expression of CX3CR1 in all subsets. Intermediate monocytes have been associated with poor outcome, while non-classical CX3CR1-positive monocytes could have reparative function after STEMI. We characterized monocyte subsets and NET markers at the culprit lesion site of STEMI patients (n = 91). NET surrogate markers were increased and correlated with larger infarct size and with fewer non-classical monocytes. Intermediate and especially non-classical monocytes were increased at the culprit site compared to the femoral site. Low CX3CR1 expression of monocytes correlated with high NET markers and increased infarct size. In this translational system, causality cannot be proven. However, our data suggest that NETs interfere with monocytic differentiation and receptor expression, presumably promoting a subset shift at the culprit lesion site. Reduced monocyte CX3CR1 expression may compromise myocardial salvage.
Physiochemical changes mediated by “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” in Asian citrus psyllids
Authors: Molki Banafsheh , Thi Ha Phuc , Mohamed Abdelrhman , Killiny Nabil , Gang David R. , Omsland Anders , Beyenal Haluk
Published: November 2019

Plant pathogenic bacteria interact with their insect host(s)/vector(s) at the cellular and molecular levels. This interaction may alter the physiology of their insect vector, which may also promote the growth and transmission of the bacterium. Here we studied the effect of “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” (“Ca. L. asiaticus”) on physiochemical conditions within its insect vector, the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), and whether these changes were beneficial for the pathogen. The local microenvironments inside ACPs were quantified using microelectrodes. The average hemolymph pH was significantly higher in infected ACPs (8.13 ± 0.21) than in “Ca. L. asiaticus”-free ACPs (7.29 ± 0.15). The average hemolymph oxygen tension was higher in “Ca. L. asiaticus”-free ACPs than in infected ACPs (67.13% ± 2.11% vs. 35.61% ± 1.26%). Oxygen tension reduction and pH increase were accompanied by “Ca. L. asiaticus” infection. Thus, oxygen tension of the hemolymph is an indicator of infection status, with pH affected by the severity of the infection.
The nucleus does not significantly affect the migratory trajectories of amoeba in two-dimensional environments
Authors: De la Fuente Ildefonso M. , Bringas Carlos , Malaina Iker , Regner Benjamin , Pérez-Samartín Alberto , Boyano María Dolores , Fedetz María , López José I. , Pérez-Yarza Gorka , Cortes Jesus M. , Sejnowski Terrence
Published: November 2019

For a wide range of cells, from bacteria to mammals, locomotion movements are a crucial systemic behavior for cellular life. Despite its importance in a plethora of fundamental physiological processes and human pathologies, how unicellular organisms efficiently regulate their locomotion system is an unresolved question. Here, to understand the dynamic characteristics of the locomotion movements and to quantitatively study the role of the nucleus in the migration of Amoeba proteus we have analyzed the movement trajectories of enucleated and non-enucleated amoebas on flat two-dimensional (2D) surfaces using advanced non-linear physical-mathematical tools and computational methods. Our analysis shows that both non-enucleated and enucleated amoebas display the same kind of dynamic migration structure characterized by highly organized data sequences, super-diffusion, non-trivial long-range positive correlations, persistent dynamics with trend-reinforcing behavior, and move-step fluctuations with scale invariant properties. Our results suggest that the presence of the nucleus does not significantly affect the locomotion of amoeba in 2D environments.
A novel hybridity model for TiO2-CuO/water hybrid nanofluid flow over a static/moving wedge or corner
Authors: Dinarvand Saeed , Rostami Mohammadreza Nademi , Pop Ioan
Published: November 2019

In this study, we are going to investigate semi-analytically the steady laminar incompressible two-dimensional boundary layer flow of a TiO2-CuO/water hybrid nanofluid over a static/moving wedge or corner that is called Falkner-Skan problem. A novel mass-based approach to one-phase hybrid nanofluid model that suggests both first and second nanoparticles as well as base fluid masses as the vital inputs to obtain the effective thermophysical properties of our hybrid nanofluid, has been presented. Other governing parameters are moving wedge/corner parameter (λ), Falkner-Skan power law parameter (m), shape factor parameter (n) and Prandtl number (Pr). The governing partial differential equations become dimensionless with help of similarity transformation method, so that we can solve them numerically using bvp4c built-in function by MATLAB. It is worthwhile to notice that, validation results exhibit an excellent agreement with already existing reports. Besides, it is shown that both hydrodynamic and thermal boundary layer thicknesses decrease with the second nanoparticle mass as well as Falkner-Skan power law parameter. Further, we understand our hybrid nanofluid has better thermal performance relative to its mono-nanofluid and base fluid, respectively. Moreover, a comparison between various values of nanoparticle shape factor and their effect on local heat transfer rate is presented. It is proven that the platelet shape of both particles (n1 = n2 = 5.7) leads to higher local Nusselt number in comparison with other shapes including sphere, brick and cylinder. Consequently, this algorithm can be applied to analyze the thermal performance of hybrid nanofluids in other different researches.
Interplay between integrins and PI4P5K Sktl is crucial for cell polarization and reepithelialisation during Drosophila wound healing
Authors: Park Si-Hyoung , Lee Chan-wool , Choe Kwang-Min
Published: November 2019

Phosphatidylinositol(4,5)-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] regulates cell adhesion and actin dynamics during cell migration. PI(4,5)P2 binds various components of the cell adhesion machinery, but how these processes affect migration of the epithelial cell sheet is not well understood. Here, we report that PI(4,5)P2 and Sktl, the kinase that converts PI4P to PI(4,5)P2, are both localized to the rear side of cells during wound healing of the Drosophila larval epidermis. The Sktl localization requires JNK pathway activation and integrins, but not PVR. The sktl knockdown epidermis displays strong defects in would closure, reminiscent of the JNK-depleted epidermis, and shows severe disruption of cell polarity, as determined by myosin II localization. Sktl and βPS integrin colocalize at the rear side of cells forming the trailing edge during wound healing and the two are inter-dependent in that the absence of one severely disrupts the rear localization of the other. These results strongly suggest that the JNK pathway regulates the rear localization of Sktl and integrins and the interplay between Sktl and integrins sets up cell polarity, which is crucial for reepithelialisation during wound healing.
Patellar tendon morphology in trans-tibial amputees utilizing a prosthesis with a patellar-tendon-bearing feature
Authors: Ho Kai-Yu , Harty Michelle , Kellogg Jessica , Teter Kelly , Lee Szu-Ping , Chang Yu-Jen , Bashford Gregory
Published: November 2019

A patellar-tendon-bearing (PTB) bar is a common design feature used in the socket of trans-tibial prostheses to place load on the pressure-tolerant tissue. As the patellar tendon in the residual limb is subjected to the perpendicular compressive force not commonly experienced in normal tendons, it is possible for tendon degeneration to occur over time. The purpose of this study was to compare patellar tendon morphology and neovascularity between the residual and intact limbs in trans-tibial amputees and healthy controls. Fifteen unilateral trans-tibial amputees who utilized a prosthesis with a PTB feature and 15 age- and sex- matched controls participated. Sonography was performed at the proximal, mid-, and distal portions of each patellar tendon. One-way ANOVAs were conducted to compare thickness and collagen fiber organization and a chi-square analysis was used to compare the presence of neovascularity between the three tendon groups. Compared to healthy controls, both tendons in the amputees exhibited increased thickness at the mid- and distal portions and a higher degree of collagen fiber disorganization. Furthermore, neovascularity was more common in the tendon of the residual limb. Our results suggest that the use of a prosthesis with a PTB feature contributes to morphological changes in bilateral patellar tendons.
Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Patients with Breast Cancer Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Provides Early Prediction of Pathological Response – A Prospective Study
Authors: Pereira Nara P. , Curi Carla , Osório Cynthia A. B. T. , Marques Elvira F. , Makdissi Fabiana B. , Pinker Katja , Bitencourt Almir G. V.
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the capacity of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) for early prediction of pathological response in breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT). This prospective unicentric study evaluated 62 patients who underwent NCT. MRI was performed prior to the start of treatment (MR1), after the first NCT cycle (MR2), and upon completion of NCT (MR3). Pathological response was used as the gold-standard. Patients’ median age was 45.5 years and the median tumor size was 40 mm. Twenty-four (38.7%) tumors presented complete pathological response (pCR). The percent increase in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value between MR1 and MR2 was higher in the pCR group (p < 0.001). When the minimum increase in ADC between MR1 and MR2 was set at 25%, sensitivity was 83%, specificity was 84%, positive predictive value was 77%, negative predictive value was 89%, and accuracy was 84% for an early prediction of pCR to NCT. Meanwhile, there were no significant changes in major tumor dimensions between MR1 and MR2. In conclusion, an increase in ADC after the first cycle of NCT correlates well with pCR after the chemotherapy in our cohort, precedes reduction in tumor size on conventional MRI, and may therefore be used as an early predictor of treatment response.
Long-distance transmission of pathogenic Vibrio species by migratory waterbirds: a potential threat to the public health
Authors: Fu Songzhe , Hao Jingwei , Yang Qian , Lan Ruiting , Wang Yi , Ye Shigen , Liu Ying , Li Ruijun
Published: November 2019

A potential mechanism for the global distribution of waterborne pathogens is through carriage by the migratory waterbirds. However, this mode of transmission has yet been confirmed epidemiologically. Here, we conducted whole genome sequencing of Vibrio spp. collected from waterbirds, sediments, and mollusks in the estuary of the Liaohe River in China to investigate this transmission mode. We found that a V. parahaemolyticus strain isolated from a waterbird was clonally related to the other V. parahaemolyticus strains obtained from the sediments and mollusks, and three V. mimicus strains isolated from bird feces were genomically related to those found in the mollusks and upstream groundwater, suggesting that the bird-carried Vibrio strains were acquired through the direct predation of the local mollusks. Surprisingly, two bird-carried V. parahaemolyticus strains belonging to the same clone were identified in Panjin and Shanghai, which are over 1,150 km apart, and another two were found at two locations 50 km apart, further supporting that waterbirds are capable of carrying and disseminating these pathogens over long distances. Our results provide the first evidence of direct transmission from mollusks to waterbirds and confirm that waterbirds act as disseminating vehicles of waterborne pathogens. Effective surveillance of migratory waterbirds along their routes will be valuable for predicting future epidemics of infectious diseases.
Reconstruction of fish allergenicity from the content and structural traits of the component β-parvalbumin isoforms
Authors: Pérez-Tavarez Raquel , Carrera Mónica , Pedrosa María , Quirce Santiago , Rodríguez-Pérez Rosa , Gasset María
Published: November 2019

Most fish-allergic patients have anti-β-parvalbumin (β-PV) immunoglobulin E (IgE), which cross-reacts among fish species with variable clinical effects. Although the β-PV load is considered a determinant for allergenicity, fish species express distinct β-PV isoforms with unknown pathogenic contributions. To identify the role various parameters play in allergenicity, we have takenGadus morhuaandScomber japonicusmodels, determined their β-PV isoform composition and analyzed the interaction of the IgE from fish-allergic patient sera with these different conformations. We found that each fish species contains a major and a minor isoform, with the total PV content four times higher inGadus morhuathan inScomber japonicus. The isoforms showing the best IgE recognition displayed protease-sensitive globular folds, and if forming amyloids, they were not immunoreactive. Of the isoforms displaying stable globular folds, one was not recognized by IgE under any of the conditions, and the other formed highly immunoreactive amyloids. The results showed thatGadus morhuamuscles are equipped with an isoform combination and content that ensures the IgE recognition of all PV folds, whereas the allergenic load ofScomber japonicusis under the control of proteolysis. We conclude that the consideration of isoform properties and content may improve the explanation of fish species allergenicity differences.
Evidence of Cardiovascular Calcification and Fibrosis in Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum Mouse Models Subjected to DOCA-Salt Hypertension
Authors: Omarjee Loukman , Roy Charlotte , Leboeuf Christophe , Favre Julie , Henrion Daniel , Mahe Guillaume , Leftheriotis Georges , Martin Ludovic , Janin Anne , Kauffenstein Gilles
Published: November 2019

Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum (PXE) is a rare disorder characterized by fragmentation and progressive calcification of elastic fibres in connective tissues. Although arterial hypertension (AHT) has been reported in PXE patients, its impact on pathological manifestations has as yet been unexplored. We investigated the consequences of experimental AHT on Abcc6−/− PXE mouse models. Experimental AHT was induced by deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA-salt) in uni-nephrectomised mice. Blood pressure (BP) and vascular reactivity were monitored using tail-cuff plethysmography and myography respectively. Calcium content and fibrosis were assessed using colorimetry, Von Kossa and Sirius red staining respectively. The gene expression implicated in vascular biology was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. DOCA-salt induced a matching rise in BP in Abcc6−/− and WT mice. Aortic ring contraction and relaxation in vitro were comparable. Calcium accumulated in the hearts of hypertensive Abcc6−/− mice along with significant fibrosis in the myocardium and aorta by contrast with the WT mice. In hypertensive Abcc6−/− mouse aortas, these results were corroborated by gene expression patterns favouring calcification, fibrosis and extracellular matrix remodelling. Abcc6 loss-of-function is associated with greater cardiovascular calcification and fibrosis in mice subjected to DOCA-Salt hypertension. These results suggest likely cardiovascular deterioration in PXE patients with AHT, necessitating diligent BP monitoring.
Gastric cancer depends on aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1 for fatty acid oxidation
Authors: Lee Jae-Seon , Kim Seung Hwa , Lee Soohyun , Kang Joon Hee , Lee Seon-Hyeong , Cheong Jae-Ho , Kim Soo-Youl
Published: November 2019

The major source of ATP in cancer cells remains unclear. Here, we examined energy metabolism in gastric cancer cells and found increased fatty acid oxidation and increased expression of ALDH3A1. Metabolic analysis showed that lipid peroxidation by reactive oxygen species led to spontaneous production of 4-hydroxynonenal, which was converted to fatty acids with NADH production by ALDH3A1, resulting in further fatty acid oxidation. Inhibition of ALDH3A1 by knock down using siRNA of ALDH3A1 resulted in significantly reduced ATP production by cancer cells, leading to apoptosis. Oxidative phosphorylation by mitochondria in gastric cancer cells was driven by NADH supplied via fatty acid oxidation. Therefore, blockade of ALDH3A1 together with mitochondrial complex I using gossypol and phenformin led to significant therapeutic effects in a preclinical gastric cancer model.
Ruxolitinib binding to human serum albumin: bioinformatics, biochemical and functional characterization in JAK2V617F+ cell models
Authors: De Marinis Elisabetta , Ceccherelli Alessia , Quattrocchi Alberto , Leboffe Loris , Polticelli Fabio , Nervi Clara , Ascenzi Paolo
Published: November 2019

Ruxolitinib is a type I JAK inhibitor approved by FDA for targeted therapy of Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), all characterized by mutations activating the JAK2/STAT signaling pathway. Treatment with ruxolitinib improves constitutional symptoms and splenomegaly. However, patients can become resistant to treatment and chronic therapy has only a mild effect on molecular/pathologic remissions. Drugs interaction with plasma proteins, i.e. human serum albumin (HSA), is an important factor affecting the intensity and duration of their pharmacological actions. Here, the ruxolitinib recognition by the fatty acid binding sites (FAs) 1, 6, 7, and 9 of HSA has been investigated from the bioinformatics, biochemical and/or biological viewpoints. Docking simulations indicate that ruxolitinib binds to multiple sites of HSA. Ruxolitinib binds to the FA1 and FA7 sites of HSA with high affinity (Kr = 3.1 μM and 4.6 μM, respectively, at pH 7.3 and 37.0 °C). Moreover, HSA selectively blocks, in a dose dependent manner, the cytotoxic activity of ruxolitinib in JAK2V617F+ cellular models for MPN, in vitro. Furthermore this event is accompanied by changes in the cell cycle, p27Kip1 and cyclin D3 levels, and JAK/STAT signaling. Given the high plasma concentration of HSA, ruxolitinib trapping may be relevant in vivo.
Characterize the switching performance of a superconducting nanowire cryotron for reading superconducting nanowire single photon detectors
Authors: Zheng Kai , Zhao Qing-Yuan , Kong Ling-Dong , Chen Shi , Lu Hai-Yang-Bo , Tu Xue-Cou , Zhang La-Bao , Jia Xiao-Qing , Chen Jian , Kang Lin , Wu Pei-Heng
Published: November 2019

Scalable superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SNSPDs) arrays require cryogenic digital circuits for multiplexing the output detection pulses. Among existing superconducting digital devices, superconducting nanowire cryotron (nTron) is a three-terminal device with an ultra-compact size, which is promising for large scale monolithic integration. In this report, in order to evaluate the potential and possibility of using nTrons for reading and digitizing SNSPD signals, we characterized the grey zone, speed, timing jitter and power dissipation of a proper designed nTron. With a DC bias on the gate, the nTron can be triggered by a few μA high and nanoseconds wide input signal, showing the nTron was capable of reading an SNSPD pulse at the same signal level. The timing jitter depended on the input signal level. For a 20 μA high and 5 ns wide input pulse, the timing jitter was 33.3 ps, while a typical SNSPD’s jitter was around 50 ps. With removing the serial inductors and operating it in an AC bias mode. The nTron was demonstrated to be operated at a clock frequency of 615.4 MHz, which was faster than the maximum counting rate of a typical SNSPD. In additional, with a 50 Ω bias resistor and biased at 17.6 μA, the nTron had a total power dissipation of 19.7 nW. Although RSFQ circuits are faster than nTrons, for reading SNSPD or other detector arrays that demands less operation speed, our results suggest a digital circuit made from nTrons could be another promising alternative.
Area-level and individual correlates of active transportation among adults in Germany: A population-based multilevel study
Authors: Finger J. D. , Varnaccia G. , Gabrys L. , Hoebel J. , Kroll L. E. , Krug S. , Manz K. , Baumeister S. E. , Mensink G. B. M. , Lange C. , Leitzmann M. F.
Published: November 2019

This study aimed at estimating the prevalence in adults of complying with the aerobic physical activity (PA) recommendation through transportation-related walking and cycling. Furthermore, potential determinants of transportation-related PA recommendation compliance were investigated. 10,872 men and 13,144 women aged 18 years or older participated in the cross-sectional ‘German Health Update 2014/15 – EHIS’ in Germany. Transportation-related walking and cycling were assessed using the European Health Interview Survey-Physical Activity Questionnaire. Three outcome indicators were constructed: walking, cycling, and total active transportation (≥600 metabolic equivalent, MET-min/week). Associations were analyzed using multilevel regression analysis. Forty-two percent of men and 39% of women achieved ≥600 MET-min/week with total active transportation. The corresponding percentages for walking were 27% and 28% and for cycling 17% and 13%, respectively. Higher population density, older age, lower income, higher work-related and leisure-time PA, not being obese, and better self-perceived health were positively associated with transportation-related walking and cycling and total active transportation among both men and women. The promotion of walking and cycling among inactive people has great potential to increase PA in the general adult population and to comply with PA recommendations. Several correlates of active transportation were identified which should be considered when planning public health policies and interventions.
Correlation between Nuclear Morphology and Adipogenic Differentiation: Application of a Combined Experimental and Computational Modeling Approach
Authors: McColloch Andrew , Rabiei Manoochehr , Rabbani Parisa , Bowling Alan , Cho Michael
Published: November 2019

Stem cells undergo drastic morphological alterations during differentiation. While extensive studies have been performed to examine the cytoskeletal remodeling, there is a growing interest to determine the morphological, structural and functional changes of the nucleus. The current study is therefore aimed at quantifying the extent of remodeling of the nuclear morphology of human mesenchymal stem cells during biochemically-induced adipogenic differentiation. Results show the size of nuclei decreased exponentially over time as the lipid accumulation is up-regulated. Increases in the lipid accumulation appear to lag the nuclear reorganization, suggesting the nuclear deformation is a prerequisite to adipocyte maturation. Furthermore, the lamin A/C expression was increased and redistributed to the nuclear periphery along with a subsequent increase in the nuclear aspect ratio. To further assess the role of the nucleus, a nuclear morphology with a high aspect ratio was achieved using microcontact-printed substrate. The cells with an elongated nuclear shape did not efficiently undergo adipogenesis, suggesting the cellular and nuclear processes associated with stem cell differentiation at the early stage of adipogenesis cause a change in the nuclear morphology and cannot be abrogated by the morphological cues. In addition, a novel computational biomechanical model was generated to simulate the nuclear shape change during differentiation and predict the forces acting upon the nucleus. This effort led to the development of computational scaling approach to simulate the experimentally observed adipogenic differentiation processes over 15 days in less than 1.5 hours.
Author Correction: Quasi-Periodic Patterns of Neural Activity improve Classification of Alzheimer’s Disease in Mice
Authors: Belloy Michaël E. , Shah Disha , Abbas Anzar , Kashyap Amrit , Roßner Steffen , Van der Linden Annemie , Keilholz Shella D. , Keliris Georgios A. , Verhoye Marleen
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Giant power factors in p- and n-type large-area graphene films on a flexible plastic substrate
Authors: Kanahashi Kaito , Ishihara Masatou , Hasegawa Masataka , Ohta Hiromichi , Takenobu Taishi
Published: November 2019

This study reports on the thermoelectric properties of large-area graphene films grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods. Using the electric double layer gating technique, both the continuous doping of hole or electron carriers and modulation of the Fermi energy are achieved, leading to wide-range control of the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity. Consequently, the maximum power factors of the CVD-grown large-area graphene films are 6.93 and 3.29 mW m–1 K–2 for p- and n-type carrier doping, respectively. These results are the best values among large-scale flexible materials, such as organic conducting polymers and carbon nanotubes, suggesting that CVD-grown large-area graphene films have potential for thermoelectric applications.
MLi2Ti6O14 (M = Sr, Ba, and Pb): new cathode materials for magnesium–lithium hybrid batteries
Authors: Zhu Caixia , Tang Yakun , Liu Lang , Li Xiaohui , Gao Yang , Gao Shasha , NuLi Yanna
Published: November 2019

MLi2Ti6O14 (M = Sr, Ba, and Pb) were synthesized, for the first time, by a facile sol–gel method, followed by calcination and showed good electrochemical performance as cathodes for magnesium–lithium hybrid batteries.
Highly efficient MoIV3⋯SbIII cluster frustrated Lewis pair hydrogenation
Authors: Yu Fang , Xu Li
Published: November 2019

A new concept of a cluster frustrated Lewis pair (CFLP) featuring extensive cooperative effects both within Lewis acidic/basic cluster components and between Lewis cluster partners has been proposed.
Heterostructure NaGdF4:Yb,Er anchored on MIL-101 for promoting photoelectronic response and photocatalytic activity
Authors: Lv Baize , Jiao Jiqing , Liu Yi , Liu Lihua , Zhang Jiyun , Li Yao , Wang Jiuxing , Tang Jianguo
Published: November 2019

Fabrication of heterostructure MIL-101/NaGdF4:Yb,Er for tuning the fluorescence and improving the photocatalytic activity of the composites.
Synthesis and biological profiling of parthenolide ether analogs
Authors: Freund Robert R. A. , Gobrecht Philipp , Moser Pascal , Fischer Dietmar , Arndt Hans-Dieter
Published: November 2019

Cyclic ether derivatives of parthenolide were synthesized by using two cyclization strategies, relying on 2-(silyloxy) allylboration. Characterization for tubulin carboxypeptidase inhibition generated new insights into structure–activity relationships.
A rhodium-catalysed three-component reaction to access C1-substituted tetrahydroisoquinolines
Authors: Zhang Dan , Liu Junwen , Kang Zhenghui , Qiu Huang , Hu Wenhao
Published: November 2019

A three-component reaction involving the trapping of ammonium ylides with C,N-cyclic azomethine imines has been developed, providing easy access to multifunctionalized tetrahydroisoquinolines.
A stimuli responsive triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion system and its application as a ratiometric sensor for Fe3+ions
Authors: Chen Shuoran , Chen Fuming , Han Pengju , Ye Changqing , Huang Suqin , Xu Lei , Wang Xiaomei , Song Yanlin
Published: November 2019

A ratiometric fluorescent sensor for detection of Fe3+is achieved based on a triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC) system with a responsive annihilator.
Development of a selective and sensitive colour reagent for gold and silver ions and its application to desktop scanner analysis
Authors: Mohamed Ashraf A. , Mahmoud Eslam H. A. , Khalil Mostafa M. H.
Published: November 2019

Desktop scanners can be favorable alternatives to sophisticated spectrophotometers for the assessment of analytes in complex real samples.
A facile approach to prepare crosslinked polysulfone-based anion exchange membranes with enhanced alkali resistance and dimensional stability
Authors: Wang Chao , Pan Nengxiu , Jiang Yuliang , Liao Junbin , Sotto Arcadio , Ruan Huimin , Gao Congjie , Shen Jiangnan
Published: November 2019

Novel anion exchange membranes with enhanced ion exchange capacity, dimensional stability and alkali stability were prepared by a facile synthesis method.
DABCO bond cleavage for the synthesis of piperazine derivatives
Authors: Halimehjani Azim Ziyaei , Badali Elham
Published: November 2019

The applications of DABCO (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) in the synthesis of piperazine derivatives including biologically active compounds via C–N bond cleavage are investigated in this review.
A uniform few-layered carbon coating derived from self-assembled carboxylate monolayers capable of promoting the rate properties and durability of commercial TiO2
Authors: Huang Meng , Zhu Hui-Ling , Qi Yong-Xin , Lun Ning , Bai Yu-Jun
Published: November 2019

The uniform and thin carbon-coating formed on c-TiO2 particles by virtue of the high-affinity adsorption of TiO2 for carboxyl groups results in superior rate and cycling performance.
Towards the complete synthetic O-antigen of Vibrio cholerae O1, serotype inaba: improved synthesis of the conjugation-ready upstream terminal hexasaccharide determinant
Authors: Mukherjee Mana Mohan , Xu Peng , Stevens Edwin D. , Kováč Pavol
Published: November 2019

Improved synthesis of the conjugation-ready upstream terminal hexasaccharide determinant has been described with special reference to the stereoselectivity refinement.
Diffusion and flow in complex liquids
Authors: Makuch Karol , Hołyst Robert , Kalwarczyk Tomasz , Garstecki Piotr , Brady John F.
Published: November 2019

Diffusion of a probe in complex liquids and length scale dependent viscosity.
Localizing genesis in polydomain liquid crystal elastomers
Authors: Fowler Hayden E. , Donovan Brian R. , McCracken Joselle M. , López Jiménez Francisco , White Timothy J.
Published: November 2019

Programming genesis in polydomain liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) is a differentiated approach to prepare monolithic material compositions with localized, omnidirectional deformation.
Flat band potential determination: avoiding the pitfalls
Authors: Hankin Anna , Bedoya-Lora Franky E. , Alexander John C. , Regoutz Anna , Kelsall Geoff H.
Published: November 2019

Re-examination of methodologies used for flat band potential determination to help avoid misleading results from the Mott–Schottky approximation.
Advances in polyarylethers: opening new opportunities
Authors: Wang Lixin , Zhang Yugen
Published: November 2019

High performance engineering thermoplastics are being extended to high-dimensional porous materials and sustainable biomass-driven materials.
High efficiency color-temperature tunable organic light-emitting diode
Authors: Shih Sheng-Hsu , Jou Jwo-Huei , Chavhan Sudam D. , Su Tsung-Hao , Yuan Chih-Hsien , Wen Jia-Wei , Chen Pin-Ren , Tung Fu-Ching , Tasi Yung-Cheng
Published: November 2019

Rhythmic lighting with varying color-temperature and brightness like that of diurnal sunlight has now been recognized to be extremely crucial to human health.
Review of optical fibre sensors for electrical equipment characteristic state parameters detection
Authors: Chen Weigen , Wang Jianxin , Wan Fu , Wang Pinyi
Published: November 2019

Optical fibre sensing technology is a powerful method for long‐term reliable sensing in harsh environments, which means it is particularly suitable for the detection of electrical equipment characteristic state parameters, including characteristic gases, abnormal vibration, ultrasonic produced by partial discharge, and abnormal temperature rise. This paper reviews several individual optical fibre sensors for different state parameters detection, discusses the advantages, limitations and possible improvement methods, and finally presents the most promising optical fibre sensor for each state parameter.
Characteristic mode analysis applied to reduce the mutual coupling of a four‐element patch MIMO antenna using a defected ground structure
Authors: Fritz‐Andrade Erik , Perez‐Miguel Angel , Gomez‐Villanueva Ricardo , Jardon‐Aguilar Hildeberto
Published: November 2019

A multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) microstrip patch antenna array of four elements is proposed to cover the 5.8 GHz WLAN band. The characteristic mode analysis is carried out to design a defected ground structure that improves the MIMO performance without impacting negatively the radiation characteristics of the four‐element array. Simulations and measurements demonstrate that the implemented prototype reaches a maximum mutual coupling of −32 dB and a gain‐per‐element of 5.3 dB with good MIMO attributes, surpassing many other proposals in the antenna literature: maximum envelope correlation coefficient of 0.0001, diversity gain very close to 10 dB, capacity loss near to 0.0023 bps/Hz at the resonant frequency, multiplexing efficiency of 0.935, and a total active reflection coefficient weakly dependent on the excitation phases. The presented design is proposed for operation on the IEEE 802.11a/n standard.
Analysis and design of a multi‐channel constant current LED driver based on DC current bus distributed power system structure
Authors: Zu Aqian , Luo Quanming , Huang Jian , He Qingqing , Sun Pengju , Du Xiong
Published: November 2019

The colourful light emitting diode (LED) strings require the corresponding driver to achieve independent control of each output current in the applications of RGB mixed colour LED lighting, LED projection etc. For this purpose, a multi‐channel constant current LED driver based on DC current bus distributed power system structure is proposed and analysed here, which is composed of a source converter and several load converters as needed. The source converter adopts the flyback converter to realise power factor correction, electrical isolation, and the load converter adopts the current‐type buck converter to realise independent control of the corresponding output current. A 60 W experimental prototype for 42.8 V/0.35 A, 40 V/0.5 A, 35.7 V/0.7 A three outputs with the universal input voltages 90–264 V is designed and implemented, and the experimental results are presented to verify the correctness of the theory analysis.
Energy management and control strategy for DC microgrid based on DMPPT technique
Authors: Zhou Guohua , Tian Qingxin , Leng Minrui , Fan Xianyan , Bi Qiang
Published: November 2019

In a conventional photovoltaic (PV) DC microgrid system, mismatches among the PV modules due to partial shading will cause power loss. The distributed maximum power point tracking (DMPPT) can effectively solve the mismatch problem and achieve high‐efficiency power output. This study proposes a maximum power range estimation method based on the DMPPT technique, which can provide guidance for designing parameters. Moreover, in order to realise seamless switching between different operation modes and ensure the stability of the DC microgrid, this study proposes a modified energy management and control strategy based on the hierarchical method. Simulation and experiment results indicate that the proposed control strategy for the DC microgrid based on the DMPPT technique can switch flexibly among different operation modes of the system, with a variation of environmental conditions and battery states, ensuring the stable bus voltage as well as safe operation.
Hybrid full‐bridge converter with wide output voltage for high‐power applications
Authors: Zhao Qinglin , Liu Wei , Wang Deyu , Li Kunlun , Wang Yujie
Published: November 2019

A hybrid full‐bridge converter that consists of a secondary‐side phase‐shift full‐bridge converter (SPS‐FBC) and a full‐bridge LLC converter is proposed in this study. The wide zero‐voltage switching (ZVS) range of the primary switches can be achieved and the series inductor of the SPS‐FBC converter does not need to be specially designed to help achieving the soft switching operation with a set of shared high frequency inverter circuits. The dual outputs of the proposed hybrid converter are connected in series, reducing the voltage stress of the power device in the secondary side. The whole dc‐output voltage can be regulated by primary‐side phase‐shift and secondary‐side phase‐shift dual‐mode control scheme within the desired voltage range, by which the two output voltages are regulated independently and free from cross‐regulation. Therefore, the proposed converter is suitable for high voltage, high power and wide output voltage range applications. The working principle and steady‐state characteristics of the proposed converter are presented and verified in experiment of a 3 kW prototype. The experimental results show that the proposed converter maintains high efficiency throughout the voltage range, and the peak efficiency is 97.43%.
Investigating the nature of the link between magnetic field orientation and proton temperature in the solar wind
Authors: D’Amicis R. , De Marco R. , Bruno R. , Perrone D.
Published: November 2019

Solar wind fluctuations are a mixture of propagating disturbances and advected structures that transfer into the interplanetary space the complicated magnetic topology present at the basis of the corona. The large-scale interplanetary magnetic field introduces a preferential direction in the solar wind, which is particularly relevant for both the propagation of the fluctuations and their anisotropy and for the topology of the structures advected by the wind. This paper focusses on a particular link observed between angular displacements of the local magnetic field orientation from the radial direction and values of the proton temperature. In particular, we find that observations byHeliosandWindshow a positive correlation between proton temperature and magnetic field orientation. This is especially true within Alfvénic wind characterized by large-amplitude fluctuations of the background field orientation. Moreover, in the case ofWind, we found a robust dependence of the perpendicular component of the proton temperature on the magnetic field angular displacement. We interpret this signature as possibly due to a physical mechanism related to the proton cyclotron resonance. Finally, by simulating the sampling procedure of the proton velocity distribution function (VDF) of an electrostatic analyzer, we show that the observed temperature anisotropy is not due to instrumental effects.
Circumbinary exoplanets and brown dwarfs with the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna
Authors: Danielski C. , Korol V. , Tamanini N. , Rossi E. M.
Published: November 2019

Aims. We explore the prospects for the detection of giant circumbinary exoplanets and brown dwarfs (BDs) orbiting Galactic double white dwarfs (DWDs) binaries with the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA).

Methods. By assuming an occurrence rate of 50%, motivated by white dwarf pollution observations, we built a Galactic synthetic population of P-type giant exoplanets and BDs orbiting DWDs. We carried this out by injecting different sub-stellar populations, with various mass and orbital separation characteristics, into the DWD population used in the LISA mission proposal. We then performed a Fisher matrix analysis to measure how many of these three-body systems show a periodic Doppler-shifted gravitational wave perturbation detectable by LISA.

Results. We report the number of circumbinary planets (CBPs) and BDs that can be detected by LISA for various combinations of mass and semi-major axis distributions. We identify pessimistic and optimistic scenarios corresponding, respectively, to 3 and 83 (14 and 2218) detections of CBPs (BDs), observed during the length of the nominal LISA mission. These detections are distributed all over the Galaxy following the underlying DWD distribution, and they are biased towards DWDs with higher LISA signal-to-noise ratio and shorter orbital period. Finally, we show that if LISA were to be extended for four more years, the number of systems detected will be more than doubled in both the optimistic and pessimistic scenarios.

Conclusions. Our results present promising prospects for the detection of post-main sequence exoplanets and BDs, showing that gravitational waves can prove the existence of these populations over the totality of the Milky Way. Detections by LISA will deepen our knowledge on the life of exoplanets subsequent to the most extreme evolution phases of their hosts, clarifying whether new phases of planetary formation take place later in the life of the stars. Such a method is strongly complementary to electromagnetic studies within the solar region and opens a window into the investigation of planets and BDs everywhere in the entire Galaxy, and possibly even in nearby galaxies in the Local Group.
CFD and Experimental Analysis of Phase Change Material Behaviour Encapsulated in Internally Finned Spherical Capsule
Authors: Kumaresan G. , Santosh R. , Revanth H. , Raju G. , Bhattacharyya S.
Published: November 2019

Phase change material (PCM) based Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system is a proven technology to store/release a large amount of energy as latent heat during the phase transition process. In spite of the advantages, a major weakness with PCMs is their low thermal conductivity in both solid and liquid phases which seriously affects the heat transfer rate. Over the past two decades various efforts have taken place to enhance the heat transfer rate during the melting/solidification process of phase change material (PCM) encapsulated in various shape of containers. However, very few attempts have been made on accounting the heat transfer augmentation in internally finned spherical capsule. In the present study, CFD analysis is carried out to explore and report the effect of fin orientation on heat transfer enhancement of a paraffin PCM filled in an internally finned spherical capsule. Keeping the same surface area of fin but oriented differently (orthogonal and circumferential) in spherical capsule is undertaken for the computational analysis. In addition, spherical capsule with no fin configuration is alsoconsidered in the present analysis to compare with finned configuration results. The CFD results showed that the orthogonally finned spherical capsule resulted in appreciable reduction in total time takenfor complete melting/solidification process than the circumferential fin and no fin configuration. Thesame computational study is performed experimentally in order to validate the CFD results.