bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical analysis of hemivariational inequalities in contact mechanics
Authors: Han Weimin , Sofonea Mircea
Published: June 2019

Contact phenomena arise in a variety of industrial process and engineering applications. For this reason, contact mechanics has attracted substantial attention from research communities. Mathematical problems from contact mechanics have been studied extensively for over half a century. Effort was initially focused on variational inequality formulations, and in the past ten years considerable effort has been devoted to contact problems in the form of hemivariational inequalities. This article surveys recent development in studies of hemivariational inequalities arising in contact mechanics. We focus on contact problems with elastic and viscoelastic materials, in the framework of linearized strain theory, with a particular emphasis on their numerical analysis. We begin by introducing three representative mathematical models which describe the contact between a deformable body in contact with a foundation, in static, history-dependent and dynamic cases. In weak formulations, the models we consider lead to various forms of hemivariational inequalities in which the unknown is either the displacement or the velocity field. Based on these examples, we introduce and study three abstract hemivariational inequalities for which we present existence and uniqueness results, together with convergence analysis and error estimates for numerical solutions. The results on the abstract hemivariational inequalities are general and can be applied to the study of a variety of problems in contact mechanics; in particular, they are applied to the three representative mathematical models. We present numerical simulation results giving numerical evidence on the theoretically predicted optimal convergence order; we also provide mechanical interpretations of simulation results.
Investment risk for long-term investors: risk measurement approaches: Considerations for pension funds and insurers
Authors: Hue B. , Jinks A. , Spain J. , Bora M. , Siew S.
Published: June 2019

The term ‘investment risk’ is often used loosely, and frequently confused with the notion of short-term price volatility, particularly for equity instruments. For the long-term investor, however, what is most apposite is the ability to meet future real cash flows as they become due. This paper addresses the concept of economic fundamentals of long-term investment, the objectives of long-term investors (and how these differ from those of short-term investors), the notion of real value shortfall risk, what is meant by an investor’s risk capacity (as opposed to risk appetite) and liquidity management considerations. Subsequently, some of the constraints and barriers to appropriate risk measurement and management are considered, in particular the regulatory and behavioural biases that are overlaid on fundamental asset/liability management. Various alternative approaches to measuring risk, and their appropriateness for purpose, are outlined, in the hope of further informing the discussion and thereby helping to accelerate productive change.
Crossing the boundaries of the home: a chronotopical analysis of the legal status of women's domestic work
Authors: Gordon-Bouvier Ellen
Published: June 2019

Women's domestic work is largely deemed to be a ‘labour of love’ and lacking any value outside the private family. This reflects an ‘ideology of domesticity’, whereby women's natural place is deemed to be in an imagined private sphere. In this paper, I examine the status of housework in the context of asserting property rights in the home upon relationship breakdown. Using Valverde's legal chronotope as a lens, I argue that the ideology of domesticity is not merely present in legal discourse, but also takes on material form through the spatiotemporal ordering of the home. Housework is spatially and temporally concealed behind the powerful veneer of the imagined ideal family home, with corresponding invisibility in the law. For domestic work to be acknowledged, the individual often has to demonstrate that her work transgresses boundaries between private and public. However, as I argue, this transgression is particularly difficult for women, who remain spatiotemporally anchored in the home.
The economic case for improving legal outcomes for accused persons with cognitive disability: an Australian study
Authors: McCausland Ruth , Reeve Rebecca , Gooding Piers
Published: June 2019

People with cognitive disabilities face specific forms of discrimination and disadvantage in the criminal justice system, including in legal proceedings. While unfitness-to-stand-trial provisions are intended to assist in avoiding unfair trials, in application, such laws can exacerbate disadvantage. A recent research project sought to increase the participation of accused persons with cognitive disabilities in legal proceedings by developing, implementing and evaluating a model in which disability support workers were embedded in legal services in three Australian jurisdictions. This paper details the findings of a cost–benefit analysis undertaken of that model compared with the common outcomes for accused persons with cognitive disability, including a finding of unfitness to stand trial. The analysis provides evidence of how a tailored programme intervention at a critical point can provide savings in police, courts and custody costs in addition to improving the timeliness and quality of outcomes for people with cognitive disabilities.
Occupy and the constitution of anarchy
Authors: KINNA RUTH , PRICHARD ALEX , SWANN THOMAS
Published: June 2019

This article provides the first comparative reading of the minutes of the General Assemblies of three iconic Occupy camps: Wall Street, Oakland and London. It challenges detractors who have labelled the Occupy Wall Street movement a flash-in-the-pan protest, and participant-advocates who characterised the movement anti-constitutional. Developing new research into anarchist constitutional theory, we construct a typology of anarchist constitutionalising to argue that the camps prefigured a constitutional order for a post-sovereign anarchist politics. We show that the constitutional politics of three key Occupy Wall Street camps had four main aspects: (i) declarative principles, preambles and documents; (ii) complex institutionalisation; (iii) varied democratic decision-making procedures; and (iv) explicit and implicit rule-making processes, premised on unique foundational norms. Each of these four was designed primarily to challenge and constrain different forms of global and local power, but they also provide a template for anarchistic constitutional forms that can be mimicked and linked up, as opposed to scaled up.
Nutzen molekularer Analysen beim Schilddrüsenkarzinom
Authors: Stadler Thomas M. , Morand Grégoire B. , Rupp Niels J. , Freiberger Sandra N. , Broglie Martina A.
Published: June 2019

Zusammenfassung. Im klinischen Alltag ist es eine Herausforderung, in einer steigenden Anzahl nachgewiesener Schilddrüsenknoten die therapiebedürftigen herauszufiltern. In den vergangenen Jahren hat sich ein Trend zur Deeskalation von Abklärung und Therapie gezeigt. Aktuelle Bestrebungen gehen dahin, Patienten mit wenig aggressiven Schilddrüsenkarzinomen einer aktiven Überwachung anstelle einer ablativen Therapie zu unterziehen, wobei dafür eine verlässliche Risikostratifizierung wichtig ist. Wissenschaftliche Fortschritte haben zu einem besseren Verständnis der molekularen Veränderungen bei Schilddrüsenneoplasien geführt. Welche Rolle die Mutationsanalyse in der Dignitätsbeurteilung von Schilddrüsenknoten als Ergänzung zur Zytologie sowie zur Risikoeinschätzung von differenzierten Schilddrüsenkarzinomen und damit zur Festlegung des notwendigen Therapieausmasses spielen kann, ist aktuell noch unklar.
Vimentin activation in early apoptotic cancer cells errands survival pathways during DNA damage inducer CPT treatment in colon carcinoma model
Authors: Chakraborty Souneek , Kumar Aviral , Faheem Mir Mohd , Katoch Archana , Kumar Anmol , Jamwal Vijay Lakshmi , Nayak Debasis , Golani Aparna , Rasool Reyaz Ur , Ahmad Syed Mudabir , Jose Jedy , Kumar Rakesh , Gandhi Sumit G , Dinesh Kumar Lekha , Goswami Anindya
Published: June 2019

Epithelial to mesenchymal transitions (EMT) is a preparatory process for cancer cells to attain motility and further metastasis to distant sites. Majority of DNA damaging drugs have shown to develop EMT as one of the major mechanisms to attain drug resistance. Here we sought to understand the resistance/survival instincts of cancer cells during initial phase of drug treatment. We provide a tangible evidence of stimulation of EMT factors in Apc knockout colorectal carcinoma model. Our results implied that CPT-treated Apc knockout cohorts depicted increased pro-invasive and pro-survival factors (Vimentin/pser38Vimentin & NFκB). Moreover, by cell sorting experiment, we have observed the expression of Vimentin in early apoptotic cells (AnnexinV positive) from 36 to 48 h of CPT treatment. We also observed the expression of chimeric Sec-AnnexinV-mvenus protein in migrated cells on transwell membrane recapitulating signatures of early apoptosis. Notably, induction of Vimentin-mediated signaling (by CPT) delayed apoptosis progression in cells conferring survival responses by modulating the promoter activity of NFκB. Furthermore, our results unveiled a novel link between Vimentin and ATM signaling, orchestrated via binding interaction between Vimentin and ATM kinase. Finally, we observed a significant alteration of crypt-villus morphology upon combination of DIM (EMT inhibitor) with CPT nullified the background EMT signals thus improving the efficacy of the DNA damaging agent. Thus, our findings revealed a resistance strategy of cancer cells within a very initial period of drug treatment by activating EMT program, which hinders the cancer cells to achieve later phases of apoptosis thus increasing the chances of early migration.
Berberine promotes the recruitment and activation of brown adipose tissue in mice and humans
Authors: Wu Lingyan , Xia Mingfeng , Duan Yanan , Zhang Lina , Jiang Haowen , Hu Xiaobei , Yan Hongmei , Zhang Yiqiu , Gu Yushen , Shi Hongcheng , Li Jia , Gao Xin , Li Jingya
Published: June 2019

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) dissipates metabolic energy and mediates non-shivering thermogenesis, thereby boosting energy expenditure. Increasing BAT mass and activity is expected to be a promising strategy for combating obesity; however, few medications effectively and safely recruit and activate BAT in humans. Berberine (BBR), a natural compound, is commonly used as a nonprescription drug to treat diarrhea. Here, we reported that 1-month BBR intervention increased BAT mass and activity, reduced body weight, and improved insulin sensitivity in mildly overweight patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Chronic BBR treatment promoted BAT development by stimulating the expression of brown adipogenic genes, enhanced BAT thermogenesis, and global energy expenditure in diet-induced obese mice and chow-fed lean mice, Consistently, BBR facilitated brown adipocyte differentiation in both mouse and human primary brown preadipocytes. We further found that BBR increased the transcription of PRDM16, a master regulator of brown/beige adipogenesis, by inducing the active DNA demethylation of PRDM16 promoter, which might be driven by the activation of AMPK and production of its downstream tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate α-Ketoglutarate. Moreover, chronic BBR administration had no impact on the BAT thermogenesis in adipose-specific AMPKa1 and AMPKa2 knockout mice. In summary, we found that BBR intervention promoted recruitment and activation of BAT and AMPK–PRDM16 axis was indispensable for the pro-BAT and pro-energy expenditure properties of BBR. Our findings suggest that BBR may be a promising drug for obesity and related metabolic disorders in humans partially through activating BAT.
Aquaporin 3 maintains the stemness of CD133+ hepatocellular carcinoma cells by activating STAT3
Authors: Wang Yawei , Wu Gang , Fu Xueyan , Xu Shaolin , Wang Tianlong , Zhang Qi , Yang Ye
Published: June 2019

An increasing interest in liver cancer stemness arises owing to its aggressive behavior and poor prognosis. CD133, a widely known liver cancer stem cell marker, plays critical roles in the maintenance of liver cancer stemness. Thus, exploring the regulatory mechanism of CD133 expression is significant. In the present study, we proved the carcinogenesis roles of aquaporin 3 (AQP3) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and demonstrated that AQP3 promotes the stem cell-like properties of hepatoma cells by regulating CD133 expression. In addition, AQP3 promoted the stimulation and nuclear translocation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) with a subsequent increase in the level of CD133 promoter-acetylated histone H3. This phenomenon accelerated CD133 transcription. Next, whether AQP3 acted as an oncogenic gene in HCC and maintained the stemness of CD133+ hepatoma cells were elucidated; also, a novel mechanism underlying the AQP3/STAT3/CD133 pathway in HCC was deduced.
Three-dimensional microenvironmental priming of human mesenchymal stem cells in hydrogels facilitates efficient and rapid retroviral gene transduction via accelerated cell cycle synchronization
Authors: Lee Yein , Arai Yoshie , Ahn Jinsung , Kim Deogil , Oh Seunghee , Kang Donyoung , Lee Hyungsuk , Moon James J. , Choi Bogyu , Lee Soo-Hong
Published: June 2019

There are numerous approaches to improve the low transduction efficiency of retroviral vectors in two-dimensional (2D) cell culture substrates. However, the effect of a three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment, which better mimics in vivo conditions, is unknown. Cytocompatible hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels are a good candidate to study this issue. Here, photocrosslinkable HA hydrogels with an elastic modulus of 1.0–2.7 kPa were successfully prepared by varying the degree of methacrylation in the HA backbone. Culturing human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) in a 3D microenvironment significantly reduces the amount of time required for retroviral gene transduction compared with the conventional 2D method and maintains a high transduction efficiency. This acceleration of retroviral gene transduction correlates with the rate of cell-cycle synchronization. hASCs cultured in a 3D microenvironment have a shorter G1 phase and total cell-cycle length than hASCs cultured using the conventional 2D method. This cell-cycle regulation is dependent on expression of cyclin D1. In summary, prior culturing of hASCs in a 3D microenvironment accelerates retroviral gene transduction by regulating cyclin D1 expression and accelerating cell-cycle synchronization. We conclude that priming via culturing in a 3D microenvironment facilitates efficient and rapid retroviral gene transduction of hASCs without inducing apoptosis.
Hydrogel-based delivery of Tat-fused protein Hsp70 protects dopaminergic cells in vitro and in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Tunesi Marta , Raimondi Ilaria , Russo Teresa , Colombo Laura , Micotti Edoardo , Brandi Edoardo , Cappelletti Pamela , Cigada Alberto , Negro Alessandro , Ambrosio Luigi , Forloni Gianluigi , Pollegioni Loredano , Gloria Antonio , Giordano Carmen , Albani Diego
Published: June 2019

Neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) have no effective therapies. However, many promising drugs are precluded from clinical trials because of their poor brain availability. The chaperone protein Hsp70 has been reported to be effective in PD models, but its brain targeting is challenging. We developed a novel brain Hsp70 delivery system using injectable, biocompatible, and biodegradable semi-interpenetrating polymer networks of collagen (COLL) and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (LMW HA) structured with gelatin particles. We produced human recombinant Hsp70-1A fused with the cell-penetrating peptide Tat (Tat-Hsp70) that was neuroprotective in vitro against the dopaminergic toxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). We assessed Tat-Hsp70 release from the selected COLL-LMW HA composites in vitro, observing a 95% release of loaded protein after 96 h. The release kinetics FITTED the Korsmeyer-Peppas model (regression coefficient 0.98) and the released Tat-Hsp70 remained neuroprotective for SH-SY5Y cells. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that COLL-LMW HA composites lasted at least 96 h at the brain level, and in vivo Tat-Hsp70 release studies indicated that hydrogel presence is pivotal for a spatially focused neuroprotective effect. In an in vivo model of dopaminergic degeneration, Tat-Hsp70-loaded composites conveyed neuroprotection at both the behavioral and dopaminergic neuronal levels against the striatal injection of 6-OHDA. After the injection of Tat-Hsp70-loaded composites, mice showed a transient inflammatory response, with a decrease in GFAP and CD11b immunostaining after 7 days. Our delivery system enabled the effective brain release of Tat-Hsp70 and is ready for further improvements.
Short contacts between chains enhancing luminescence quantum yields and carrier mobilities in conjugated copolymers
Authors: Thomas Tudor H. , Harkin David J. , Gillett Alexander J. , Lemaur Vincent , Nikolka Mark , Sadhanala Aditya , Richter Johannes M. , Armitage John , Chen Hu , McCulloch Iain , Menke S. Matthew , Olivier Yoann , Beljonne David , Sirringhaus Henning
Published: June 2019

Efficient conjugated polymer optoelectronic devices benefit from concomitantly high luminescence and high charge carrier mobility. This is difficult to achieve, as interchain interactions, which are needed to ensure efficient charge transport, tend also to reduce radiative recombination and lead to solid-state quenching effects. Many studies detail strategies for reducing these interactions to increase luminescence, or modifying chain packing motifs to improve percolation charge transport; however achieving these properties together has proved elusive. Here, we show that properly designed amorphous donor-alt-acceptor conjugated polymers can circumvent this problem; combining a tuneable energy gap, fast radiative recombination rates and luminescence quantum efficiencies >15% with high carrier mobilities exceeding 2.4 cm2/Vs. We use photoluminescence from exciton states pinned to close-crossing points to study the interplay between mobility and luminescence. These materials show promise towards realising advanced optoelectronic devices based on conjugated polymers, including electrically-driven polymer lasers.
An integrative climate change vulnerability index for Arctic aviation and marine transportation
Authors: Debortoli Nathan S. , Clark Dylan G. , Ford James D. , Sayles Jesse S. , Diaconescu Emilia P.
Published: June 2019

Climate change vulnerability research methods are often divergent, drawing from siloed biophysical risk approaches or social-contextual frameworks, lacking methods for integrative approaches. This substantial gap has been noted by scientists, policymakers and communities, inhibiting decision-makers’ capacity to implement adaptation policies responsive to both physical risks and social sensitivities. Aiming to contribute to the growing literature on integrated vulnerability approaches, we conceptualize and translate new integrative theoretical insights of vulnerability research to a scalable quantitative method. Piloted through a climate change vulnerability index for aviation and marine sectors in the Canadian Arctic, this study demonstrates an avenue of applying vulnerability concepts to assess both biophysical and social components analyzing future changes with linked RCP climate projections. The iterative process we outline is transferable and adaptable across the circumpolar north, as well as other global regions and shows that transportation vulnerability varies across Inuit regions depending on modeled hazards and transportation infrastructures.
Kistamicin biosynthesis reveals the biosynthetic requirements for production of highly crosslinked glycopeptide antibiotics
Authors: Greule Anja , Izoré Thierry , Iftime Dumitrita , Tailhades Julien , Schoppet Melanie , Zhao Yongwei , Peschke Madeleine , Ahmed Iftekhar , Kulik Andreas , Adamek Martina , Goode Robert J. A. , Schittenhelm Ralf B. , Kaczmarski Joe A. , Jackson Colin J. , Ziemert Nadine , Krenske Elizabeth H. , De Voss James J. , Stegmann Evi , Cryle Max J.
Published: June 2019

Kistamicin is a divergent member of the glycopeptide antibiotics, a structurally complex class of important, clinically relevant antibiotics often used as the last resort against resistant bacteria. The extensively crosslinked structure of these antibiotics that is essential for their activity makes their chemical synthesis highly challenging and limits their production to bacterial fermentation. Kistamicin contains three crosslinks, including an unusual 15-membered A-O-B ring, despite the presence of only two Cytochrome P450 Oxy enzymes thought to catalyse formation of such crosslinks within the biosynthetic gene cluster. In this study, we characterise the kistamicin cyclisation pathway, showing that the two Oxy enzymes are responsible for these crosslinks within kistamicin and that they function through interactions with the X-domain, unique to glycopeptide antibiotic biosynthesis. We also show that the kistamicin OxyC enzyme is a promiscuous biocatalyst, able to install multiple crosslinks into peptides containing phenolic amino acids.
Robust elimination of genome-damaged cells safeguards against brain somatic aneuploidy following Knl1 deletion
Authors: Shi Lei , Qalieh Adel , Lam Mandy M. , Keil Jason M. , Kwan Kenneth Y.
Published: June 2019

The brain is a genomic mosaic shaped by cellular responses to genome damage. Here, we manipulate somatic genome stability by conditional Knl1 deletion from embryonic mouse brain. KNL1 mutations cause microcephaly and KNL1 mediates the spindle assembly checkpoint, a safeguard against chromosome missegregation and aneuploidy. We find that following Knl1 deletion, segregation errors in mitotic neural progenitor cells give rise to DNA damage on the missegregated chromosomes. This triggers rapid p53 activation and robust apoptotic and microglial phagocytic responses that extensively eliminate cells with somatic genome damage, thus causing microcephaly. By leaving only karyotypically normal progenitors to continue dividing, these mechanisms provide a second safeguard against brain somatic aneuploidy. Without Knl1 or p53-dependent safeguards, genome-damaged cells are not cleared, alleviating microcephaly, but paradoxically leading to total pre-weaning lethality. Thus, mitotic genome damage activates robust responses to eliminate somatic mutant cells, which if left unpurged, can impact brain and organismal fitness.
Large-scale brain modes reorganize between infant sleep states and carry prognostic information for preterms
Authors: Tokariev Anton , Roberts James A. , Zalesky Andrew , Zhao Xuelong , Vanhatalo Sampsa , Breakspear Michael , Cocchi Luca
Published: June 2019

Sleep architecture carries vital information about brain health across the lifespan. In particular, the ability to express distinct vigilance states is a key physiological marker of neurological wellbeing in the newborn infant although systems-level mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that the transition from quiet to active sleep in newborn infants is marked by a substantial reorganization of large-scale cortical activity and functional brain networks. This reorganization is attenuated in preterm infants and predicts visual performance at two years. We find a striking match between these empirical effects and a computational model of large-scale brain states which uncovers fundamental biophysical mechanisms not evident from inspection of the data. Active sleep is defined by reduced energy in a uniform mode of neural activity and increased energy in two more complex anteroposterior modes. Preterm-born infants show a deficit in this sleep-related reorganization of modal energy that carries novel prognostic information.
Adiponectin receptor PAQR-2 signaling senses low temperature to promote C. elegans longevity by regulating autophagy
Authors: Chen Yuan-Li , Tao Jun , Zhao Pei-Ji , Tang Wei , Xu Jian-Ping , Zhang Ke-Qin , Zou Cheng-Gang
Published: June 2019

Temperature is a key factor for determining the lifespan of both poikilotherms and homeotherms. It is believed that animals live longer at lower body temperatures. However, the precise mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, we report that autophagy serves as a boost mechanism for longevity at low temperature in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The adiponectin receptor AdipoR2 homolog PAQR-2 signaling detects temperature drop and augments the biosynthesis of two ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, γ-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid. These two polyunsaturated fatty acids in turn initiate autophagy in the epidermis, delaying an age-dependent decline in collagen contents, and extending the lifespan. Our findings reveal that the adiponectin receptor PAQR-2 signaling acts as a regulator linking low temperature with autophagy to extend lifespan, and suggest that such a mechanism may be evolutionally conserved among diverse organisms.
Cryo-electron microscopy structure of an archaeal ribonuclease P holoenzyme
Authors: Wan Futang , Wang Qianmin , Tan Jing , Tan Ming , Chen Juan , Shi Shaohua , Lan Pengfei , Wu Jian , Lei Ming
Published: June 2019

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is an essential ribozyme responsible for tRNA 5′ maturation. Here we report the cryo-EM structures of Methanocaldococcus jannaschii (Mja) RNase P holoenzyme alone and in complex with a tRNA substrate at resolutions of 4.6 Å and 4.3 Å, respectively. The structures reveal that the subunits of MjaRNase P are strung together to organize the holoenzyme in a dimeric conformation required for efficient catalysis. The structures also show that archaeal RNase P is a functional chimera of bacterial and eukaryal RNase Ps that possesses bacterial-like two RNA-based anchors and a eukaryal-like protein-aided stabilization mechanism. The 3′-RCCA sequence of tRNA, which is a key recognition element for bacterial RNase P, is dispensable for tRNA recognition by MjaRNase P. The overall organization of MjaRNase P, particularly within the active site, is similar to those of bacterial and eukaryal RNase Ps, suggesting a universal catalytic mechanism for all RNase Ps.
Materials informatics for the screening of multi-principal elements and high-entropy alloys
Authors: Rickman J. M. , Chan H. M. , Harmer M. P. , Smeltzer J. A. , Marvel C. J. , Roy A. , Balasubramanian G.
Published: June 2019

The field of multi-principal element or (single-phase) high-entropy (HE) alloys has recently seen exponential growth as these systems represent a paradigm shift in alloy development, in some cases exhibiting unexpected structures and superior mechanical properties. However, the identification of promising HE alloys presents a daunting challenge given the associated vastness of the chemistry/composition space. We describe here a supervised learning strategy for the efficient screening of HE alloys that combines two complementary tools, namely: (1) a multiple regression analysis and its generalization, a canonical-correlation analysis (CCA) and (2) a genetic algorithm (GA) with a CCA-inspired fitness function. These tools permit the identification of promising multi-principal element alloys. We implement this procedure using a database for which mechanical property information exists and highlight new alloys having high hardnesses. Our methodology is validated by comparing predicted hardnesses with alloys fabricated by arc-melting, identifying alloys having very high measured hardnesses.
Embedding laser generated nanocrystals in BiVO4 photoanode for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Jian Jie , Xu Youxun , Yang Xiaokun , Liu Wei , Fu Maosen , Yu Huiwu , Xu Fei , Feng Fan , Jia Lichao , Friedrich Dennis , van de Krol Roel , Wang Hongqiang
Published: June 2019

Addressing the intrinsic charge transport limitation of metal oxides has been of significance for pursuing viable PEC water splitting photoelectrodes. Growing a photoelectrode with conductive nanoobjects embedded in the matrix is promising for enhanced charge transport but remains a challenge technically. We herein show a strategy of embedding laser generated nanocrystals in BiVO4 photoanode matrix, which achieves photocurrent densities of up to 5.15 mA cm−2 at 1.23 VRHE (from original 4.01 mA cm−2) for a single photoanode configuration, and 6.22 mA cm−2 at 1.23 VRHE for a dual configuration. The enhanced performance by such embedding is found universal owing to the typical features of laser synthesis and processing of colloids (LSPC) for producing ligand free nanocrystals in desired solvents. This study provides an alternative to address the slow bulk charge transport that bothers most metal oxides, and thus is significant for boosting their PEC water splitting performance.
Tailoring sodium intercalation in graphite for high energy and power sodium ion batteries
Authors: Xu Zheng-Long , Yoon Gabin , Park Kyu-Young , Park Hyeokjun , Tamwattana Orapa , Joo Kim Sung , Seong Won Mo , Kang Kisuk
Published: June 2019

Co-intercalation reactions make graphite as promising anodes for sodium ion batteries, however, the high redox potentials significantly lower the energy density. Herein, we investigate the factors that influence the co-intercalation potential of graphite and find that the tuning of the voltage as large as 0.38 V is achievable by adjusting the relative stability of ternary graphite intercalation compounds and the solvent activity in electrolytes. The feasibility of graphite anode in sodium ion batteries is confirmed in conjunction with Na1.5VPO4.8F0.7 cathodes by using the optimal electrolyte. The sodium ion battery delivers an improved voltage of 3.1 V, a high power density of 3863 W kg−1both electrodes, negligible temperature dependency of energy/power densities and an extremely low capacity fading rate of 0.007% per cycle over 1000 cycles, which are among the best thus far reported for sodium ion full cells, making it a competitive choice in large-scale energy storage systems.
Sustainable and recyclable super engineering thermoplastic from biorenewable monomer
Authors: Park Seul-A , Jeon Hyeonyeol , Kim Hyungjun , Shin Sung-Ho , Choy Seunghwan , Hwang Dong Soo , Koo Jun Mo , Jegal Jonggeon , Hwang Sung Yeon , Park Jeyoung , Oh Dongyeop X.
Published: June 2019

Environmental and health concerns force the search for sustainable super engineering plastics (SEPs) that utilise bio-derived cyclic monomers, e.g. isosorbide instead of restricted petrochemicals. However, previously reported bio-derived thermosets or thermoplastics rarely offer thermal/mechanical properties, scalability, or recycling that match those of petrochemical SEPs. Here we use a phase transfer catalyst to synthesise an isosorbide-based polymer with a high molecular weight >100 kg mol−1, which is reproducible at a 1-kg-scale production. It is transparent and solvent/melt-processible for recycling, with a glass transition temperature of 212 °C, a tensile strength of 78 MPa, and a thermal expansion coefficient of 23.8 ppm K−1. Such a performance combination has not been reported before for bio-based thermoplastics, petrochemical SEPs, or thermosets. Interestingly, quantum chemical simulations show the alicyclic bicyclic ring structure of isosorbide imposes stronger geometric restraint to polymer chain than the aromatic group of bisphenol-A.
Hypoxia-enhanced Blood-Brain Barrier Chip recapitulates human barrier function and shuttling of drugs and antibodies
Authors: Park Tae-Eun , Mustafaoglu Nur , Herland Anna , Hasselkus Ryan , Mannix Robert , FitzGerald Edward A. , Prantil-Baun Rachelle , Watters Alexander , Henry Olivier , Benz Maximilian , Sanchez Henry , McCrea Heather J. , Goumnerova Liliana Christova , Song Hannah W. , Palecek Sean P. , Shusta Eric , Ingber Donald E.
Published: June 2019

The high selectivity of the human blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricts delivery of many pharmaceuticals and therapeutic antibodies to the central nervous system. Here, we describe an in vitro microfluidic organ-on-a-chip BBB model lined by induced pluripotent stem cell-derived human brain microvascular endothelium interfaced with primary human brain astrocytes and pericytes that recapitulates the high level of barrier function of the in vivo human BBB for at least one week in culture. The endothelium expresses high levels of tight junction proteins and functional efflux pumps, and it displays selective transcytosis of peptides and antibodies previously observed in vivo. Increased barrier functionality was accomplished using a developmentally-inspired induction protocol that includes a period of differentiation under hypoxic conditions. This enhanced BBB Chip may therefore represent a new in vitro tool for development and validation of delivery systems that transport drugs and therapeutic antibodies across the human BBB.
Ab initio nonrigid X-ray nanotomography
Authors: Odstrcil Michal , Holler Mirko , Raabe Jörg , Sepe Alessandro , Sheng Xiaoyuan , Vignolini Silvia , Schroer Christian G. , Guizar-Sicairos Manuel
Published: June 2019

Reaching the full potential of X-ray nanotomography, in particular for biological samples, is limited by many factors, of which one of the most serious is radiation damage. Although sample deformation caused by radiation damage can be partly mitigated by cryogenic protection, it is still present in these conditions and, as we exemplify here using a specimen extracted from scales of theCyphochilusbeetle, it will pose a limit to the achievable imaging resolution. We demonstrate a generalized tomographic model, which optimally follows the sample morphological changes and attempts to recover the original sample structure close to the ideal, damage-free reconstruction. Whereas our demonstration was performed using ptychographic X-ray tomography, the method can be adopted for any tomographic imaging modality. Our application demonstrates improved reconstruction quality of radiation-sensitive samples, which will be of increasing relevance with the higher brightness of 4th generation synchrotron sources.
Uniform shape monodisperse single chain nanocrystals by living aqueous catalytic polymerization
Authors: Schnitte Manuel , Staiger Anne , Casper Larissa A. , Mecking Stefan
Published: June 2019

The preparation of polymer nanoparticles with a uniform size and shape, beyond spheres, is an unresolved problem. Here we report a living aqueous catalytic polymerization, resulting in particles grown by a single active site and composed of a single ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) chain. The control on a molecular level (Mw/Mn = 1.1–1.2) and at the same time on a particle level (PDI < 0.05) together with the immediate deposition of the growing chain on the growing nanocrystal results in a distinct evolution of the particle morphology over time. These uniform nanocrystals are obtained as concentrated aqueous dispersions of > 10 wt-% (N ≈ 1019 particles L−1) polymer content. Key to this robust procedure to single chain nanoparticles are long-lived water-stable Ni(II) catalysts that do not undergo any chain transfer. These findings are a relevant step towards polymer materials based on nanoparticle assembly.
Secure quantum remote state preparation of squeezed microwave states
Authors: Pogorzalek S. , Fedorov K. G. , Xu M. , Parra-Rodriguez A. , Sanz M. , Fischer M. , Xie E. , Inomata K. , Nakamura Y. , Solano E. , Marx A. , Deppe F. , Gross R.
Published: June 2019

Quantum communication protocols based on nonclassical correlations can be more efficient than known classical methods and offer intrinsic security over direct state transfer. In particular, remote state preparation aims at the creation of a desired and known quantum state at a remote location using classical communication and quantum entanglement. We present an experimental realization of deterministic continuous-variable remote state preparation in the microwave regime over a distance of 35 cm. By employing propagating two-mode squeezed microwave states and feedforward, we achieve the remote preparation of squeezed states with up to 1.6 dB of squeezing below the vacuum level. Finally, security of remote state preparation is investigated by using the concept of the one-time pad and measuring the von Neumann entropies. We find nearly identical values for the entropy of the remotely prepared state and the respective conditional entropy given the classically communicated information and, thus, demonstrate close-to-perfect security.
Atomic-scale mapping of hydrophobic layers on graphene and few-layer MoS2 and WSe2 in water
Authors: Uhlig Manuel R. , Martin-Jimenez Daniel , Garcia Ricardo
Published: June 2019

The structure and the role of the interfacial water in mediating the interactions of extended hydrophobic surfaces are not well understood. Two-dimensional materials provide a variety of large and atomically flat hydrophobic surfaces to facilitate our understanding of hydrophobic interactions. The angstrom resolution capabilities of three-dimensional AFM are exploited to image the interfacial water organization on graphene, few-layer MoS2 and few-layer WSe2. Those interfaces are characterized by the existence of a 2 nm thick region above the solid surface where the liquid density oscillates. The distances between adjacent layers for graphene, few-layer MoS2 and WSe2 are ~0.50 nm. This value is larger than the one predicted and measured for water density oscillations (~0.30 nm). The experiments indicate that on extended hydrophobic surfaces water molecules are expelled from the vicinity of the surface and replaced by several molecular-size hydrophobic layers.
Transcriptome profiles of three Muscat table grape cultivars to dissect the mechanism of terpene biosynthesis
Authors: Sun Lei , Zhu Baoqing , Zhang Xuanyin , Zhang Guojun , Yan Ailing , Wang Huiling , Wang Xiaoyue , Xu Haiying
Published: June 2019

Vitis viniferais widely grown worldwide for making wine and for use as table grapes. Of the existing cultivars, some have a floral and fruity flavour, referred to as a Muscat flavour. It is well-documented that this flavour originates from a series of terpene compounds, but the mechanism of terpene content differences among the Muscat-type cultivars remains unclear. Transcript and terpene metabolite profiles were integrated to elucidate the molecular mechanism of this phenomenon. In this research, three genotypes with different aromatic strengths were investigated by RNA sequencing. A total of 27 fruit samples from three biological replicates were sequenced on Illumina HiSeq2000 at three stages, corresponding to the veraison; berries had intermediate Brix value and were harvest-ripe. After quality assessment and data clearance, a total of 254.18 Gb of data with more than 97% Q20 bases were obtained, approximately 9.41 Gb data were generated per sample. These results will provide a valuable dataset for the discovery of the mechanism of terpene biosynthesis.
Publisher Correction: Probing tumor microenvironment in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma during chemoradiation and adjuvant temozolomide with functional MRI
Authors: Ly K. Ina , Vakulenko-Lagun Bella , Emblem Kyrre E. , Ou Yangming , Da Xiao , Betensky Rebecca A. , Kalpathy-Cramer Jayashree , Duda Dan G. , Jain Rakesh K. , Chi Andrew S. , Plotkin Scott R. , Batchelor Tracy T. , Sorensen Gregory , Rosen Bruce R. , Gerstner Elizabeth R.
Published: June 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
The ion channels and transporters gene expression profile indicates a shift in excitability and metabolisms during malignant progression of Follicular Lymphoma
Authors: Magi Alberto , Masselli Marika , Sala Cesare , Guerriero Angela , Laise Pasquale , Puccini Benedetta , Rigacci Luigi , Breschi Carla , Crociani Olivia , Pillozzi Serena , Arcangeli Annarosa
Published: June 2019

The definition of the gene expression profile of genes encoding Ion Channels and Transporters (ICT-GEP) represents a novel and attracting aspect in cancer. We determined the ICT-GEP of Follicular Lymphoma (FL), and compared it with that of the more aggressive Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). cDNA microarray data were collected both from patients enrolled for this study, and from public datasets. In FL the ICT-GEP indicated the overexpression of both the K+ channel encoding gene KCNN4, and SLC2A1, which encodes the Glut1 glucose transporter. SLC2A1 turned out to represent the hub of a functional network, connecting channels and transporters in FL. Relapsed FL patients were characterised by 38 differentially expressed ICT genes, among which ATP9A, SLC2A1 and KCNN4 were under-expressed, indicating a down-regulation of both excitability and glycolysis. A completely different profile of K+ channel encoding genes emerged in DLBCL accompanied by the over-expression of the fatty acid transporter-encoding gene SLC27A1 as well as of the metabolism regulator NCoR1. This indicates a change in excitability and a shift towards an oxidative metabolism in DLBCL. Overall, the ICT-GEP may contribute to identifying novel lymphoma biomarkers related to excitability and metabolic pathways, with particular relevance for drug resistant, relapsed FL.
Antigenicity and immune correlate assessment of seven Plasmodium falciparum antigens in a longitudinal infant cohort from northern Ghana
Authors: Kusi Kwadwo Asamoah , Aguiar Joao , Kumordjie Selassie , Aggor Felix , Bolton Jessica , Renner Andrea , Kyei-Baafour Eric , Puplampu Naiki , Belmonte Maria , Dodoo Daniel , Gyan Ben Adu , Ofori Michael Fokuo , Oduro Abraham Rex , Atuguba Frank , Koram Kwadwo Ansah , Adams Nehkonti , Letizia Andrew , Villasante Eileen , Sedegah Martha
Published: June 2019

The current global malaria control and elimination agenda requires development of additional effective disease intervention tools. Discovery and characterization of relevant parasite antigens is important for the development of new diagnostics and transmission monitoring tools and for subunit vaccine development. This study assessed the natural antibody response profile of seven novel Plasmodium falciparum pre-erythrocytic antigens and their potential association with protection against clinical malaria. Antigen-specific antibody levels in plasma collected at six time points from a longitudinal cohort of one-to-five year old children resident in a seasonal malaria transmission area of northern Ghana were assessed by ELISA. Antibody levels were compared between parasite-positive and parasite-negative individuals and the association of antibody levels with malaria risk assessed using a regression model. Plasma antibody levels against five of the seven antigens were significantly higher in parasite-positive children compared to parasite-negative children, especially during low transmission periods. None of the antigen-specific antibodies showed an association with protection against clinical malaria. The study identified five of the seven antigens as markers of exposure to malaria, and these will have relevance for the development of disease diagnostic and monitoring tools. The vaccine potential of these antigens requires further assessment.
Patient-specific Computational Hemodynamic Analysis for Interrupted Aortic Arch in an Adult: Implications for Aortic Dissection Initiation
Authors: Peng Liqing , Qiu Yue , Yang Zhigang , Yuan Ding , Dai Chenzhong , Li Da , Jiang Yi , Zheng Tinghui
Published: June 2019

The guideline for the treatment of interrupted aortic arch (IAA) in adults has not been established although most centers tend to propose surgery. There is no clear evidence for the preferred selection of surgical repair versus conservatively medical treatment for the uncertain effects of both treatments. However, reports of sporadic aortic dissection (AD) of descending aorta (DAo) in IAA in adults before surgery drew our attention. It is quite perplexing because there seems to be no risk factors for the development of AD at DAo such as long-term uncontrolled hypertension, atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysm or genetic disorder. In this paper, we carried out the numerical investigation on the hemodynamics in a patient-specific IAA model, which was reconstructed from computed tomography images. Hemodynamic parameters including the flow pattern, pressure distribution, and wall shear stress (WSS) indicators were obtained. The simulation revealed that the jet flows from the collateral arteries (CAs) induced risk hemodynamic forces on the lumen wall including high time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS), high pressure and rapid change of WSS direction throughout the cardiac cycle. Moreover, it is found that only a jet flow which circumferentially washes out the aortic wall might cause tears on the wall. It is concluded that the specific geometrical features of the extensive major CAs might result in the risky hemodynamics leading to the initiation and development of AD in this particular IAA patient. CFD analysis in IAA can provide a clinical reference, and the results should be further studied in depth in the future.
Genetic Diversity and Demographic History of Globe Skimmers (Odonata: Libellulidae) in China Based on Microsatellite and Mitochondrial DNA Markers
Authors: Cao Ling-zhen , Wu Kong-ming
Published: June 2019

To analyze genetic characters of migratory dragonflies, we used 10 microsatellite markers and a partial sequence of the mitochondrial gene Cytb to investigate genetic diversity and demographic history among 19 populations of P. flavescens in eastern the monsoon region of China. In a Bayesian clustering analysis of the microsatellite data, three distinct clades were present, and each population consisted of a mixture of individuals from the three clusters. An AMOVA of the data from both the microsatellite loci and Cytb revealed that genetic variation was mainly within each population. For the 543 individuals from the 19 regions, 77 unique haplotypes were obtained by DnaSP 4.0, and a median-joining network showed no obvious geographical pattern and displayed high gene flow and minimal population genetic structure among the 19 populations. According to a Mantel test, there was no significant association between genetic distance and geographic distribution and no isolation by distance. Mismatch distribution and neutrality tests showed no demographic expansion for the 19 populations. Microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA data suggested there was high gene flow and low differentiation among the populations. These results will help provide valuable information to study the migratory route of insects, especially important agricultural pests.
A 30 Gb/s PAM4 underwater wireless laser transmission system with optical beam reducer/expander
Authors: Tsai Wen-Shing , Lu Hai-Han , Wu Hsiao-Wen , Su Chung-Wei , Huang Yong-Cheng
Published: June 2019

We have, so far as we know, proposed and demonstrated the first 30 Gb/s four-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM4) underwater wireless laser transmission (UWLT) system with an optical beam reducer/expander over 12.5-m piped underwater channel/2.5-m high-turbidity harbour underwater channel. In piped underwater links, the performances of PAM4 UWLT systems get better with beam reduction given a small amount of light absorbed by the piped water. In highly turbid harbour underwater links, the performances of PAM4 UWLT systems get better with beam expansion given a large amount of scattered light received by the optical receiver. The effect of high-turbidity harbour water that induces scattering angle (beam divergence) on beam diameter is analyzed and optimised to enhance the transmission performances. This proposed PAM4 UWLT system, which uses an optical beam reducer/expander, provides a practical choice for high transmission capacity and considerably develops clarity and high-turbidity scenarios. It presents promising features for affording a high-transmission-rate underwater optical wireless transmission and opening an access to accelerate wide applications of UWLT systems.