bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of nanoliposomes by microfluidic mixing in herring-bone channel and the role of membrane fluidity in liposomes formation
Authors: Kotouček Jan , Hubatka František , Mašek Josef , Kulich Pavel , Velínská Kamila , Bezděková Jaroslava , Fojtíková Martina , Bartheldyová Eliška , Tomečková Andrea , Stráská Jana , Hrebík Dominik , Macaulay Stuart , Kratochvílová Irena , Raška Milan , Turánek Jaroslav
Published: March 2020

Introduction of microfluidic mixing technique opens a new door for preparation of the liposomes and lipid-based nanoparticles by on-chip technologies that are applicable in a laboratory and industrial scale. This study demonstrates the role of phospholipid bilayer fragment as the key intermediate in the mechanism of liposome formation by microfluidic mixing in the channel with “herring-bone” geometry used with the instrument NanoAssemblr. The fluidity of the lipid bilayer expressed as fluorescence anisotropy of the probe N,N,N-Trimethyl-4-(6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatrien-1-yl) was found to be the basic parameter affecting the final size of formed liposomes prepared by microfluidic mixing of an ethanol solution of lipids and water phase. Both saturated and unsaturated lipids together with various content of cholesterol were used for liposome preparation and it was demonstrated, that an increase in fluidity results in a decrease of liposome size as analyzed by DLS. Gadolinium chelating lipids were used to visualize the fine structure of liposomes and bilayer fragments by CryoTEM. Experimental data and theoretical calculations are in good accordance with the theory of lipid disc micelle vesiculation.
Optimization of Docetaxel Loading Conditions in Liposomes: proposing potential products for metastatic breast carcinoma chemotherapy
Authors: Vakili-Ghartavol Roghayyeh , Rezayat Seyed Mahdi , Faridi-Majidi Reza , Sadri Kayvan , Jaafari Mahmoud Reza
Published: March 2020

Docetaxel (DTX) was loaded in nanoliposomes based on a new remote loading method using mannitol and acetic acid as hydration buffer. DTX loading conditions were optimized, and the final formulations were prepared according to the best parameters which were HSPC/mPEG2000-DSPE/Chol (F1), HSPC/mPEG2000-DSPE/DPPG/Chol (F2), HSPC/mPEG2000-DSPE/DSPG/Chol (F3), at molar ratios of 85/5/10, 80/5/5/10, 80/5/5/10, respectively. DTX-liposomes were found of desired size (~115 nm) and homogeneity (PDI ≤ 0.2), high drug encapsulation efficacy (34–67%) and DTX concentration, and favorable stability. Passive loaded counterparts liposomes showed three times lower encapsulation efficacy compared to the remote loaded liposomes. The drug release of remote loaded liposomes in plasma 50% was significantly more controlled and less in comparison with their passive loaded counterparts (p < 0.0001). The IC50 values of formulations were determined on MCF-7, 4T1, TUBO, NIH/3T3 cell lines. The biodistribution of iodinated docetaxel as free or liposomal form exhibited significantly greater accumulation of DTX-liposomes in tumors than that of free docetaxel due to the EPR effect. In vivo experiment with BALB/c mice bearing 4T1 or TUBO breast carcinoma tumors also showed that DTX-liposomes could significantly delay tumor growth and prolonged the survival time in comparison with control and Taxotere groups at the similar dose of 8 mg/kg. F1 and F2 formulations were stable and showed good anti-tumor activity and merit further investigation.
WeiBI (web-based platform): Enriching integrated interaction network with increased coverage and functional proteins from genome-wide experimental OMICS data
Authors: Kaushik Aman Chandra , Mehmood Aamir , Dai Xiaofeng , Wei Dong-Qing
Published: March 2020

Many molecular system biology approaches recognize various interactions and functional associations of proteins that occur in cellular processing. Further understanding of the characterization technique reveals noteworthy information. These types of known and predicted interactions, gained through multiple resources, are thought to be important for experimental data to satisfy comprehensive and quality needs. The current work proposes the “WeiBI (WeiBiologicalInteractions)” database that clarifies direct and indirect partnerships associated with biological interactions. This database contains information concerning protein’s functional partnerships and interactions along with their integration into a statistical model that can be computationally predicted for humans. This novel approach in WeiBI version 1.0 collects information using an improved algorithm by transferring interactions between more than 115570 entries, allowing statistical analysis with the automated background for the given inputs for functional enrichment. This approach also allows the input of an entity’s list from a database along with the visualization of subsets as an interaction network and successful performance of the enrichment analysis for a gene set. This wisely improved algorithm is user-friendly, and its accessibility and higher accuracy make it the best database for exploring interactions among genomes’ network and reflects the importance of this study. The proposed server “WeiBI” is accessible at http://weislab.com/WeiDOCK/?page=PKPD.
Decoding of Pain Perception using EEG Signals for a Real-Time Reflex System in Prostheses: A Case Study
Authors: Tayeb Zied , Bose Rohit , Dragomir Andrei , Osborn Luke E. , Thakor Nitish V. , Cheng Gordon
Published: March 2020

In recent times, we have witnessed a push towards restoring sensory perception to upper-limb amputees, which includes the whole spectrum from gentle touch to noxious stimuli. These are essential components for body protection as well as for restoring the sense of embodiment. Notwithstanding the considerable advances that have been made in designing suitable sensors and restoring tactile perceptions, pain perception dynamics and its decoding using effective bio-markers, are still not fully understood. Here, using electroencephalography (EEG) recordings, we identified and validated a spatio-temporal signature of brain activity during innocuous, moderately more intense, and noxious stimulation of an amputee’s phantom limb using transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS). Based on the spatio-temporal EEG features, we developed a system for detecting pain perception and reaction in the brain, which successfully classified three different stimulation conditions with a test accuracy of 94.66%, and we investigated the cortical activity in response to sensory stimuli in these conditions. Our findings suggest that the noxious stimulation activates the pre-motor cortex with the highest activation shown in the central cortex (Cz electrode) between 450 ms and 750 ms post-stimulation, whereas the highest activation for the moderately intense stimulation was found in the parietal lobe (P2, P4, and P6 electrodes). Further, we localized the cortical sources and observed early strong activation of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) corresponding to the noxious stimulus condition. Moreover, activation of the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) was observed during the noxious sensation. Overall, although this is a single case study, this work presents a novel approach and a first attempt to analyze and classify neural activity when restoring sensory perception to amputees, which could chart a route ahead for designing a real-time pain reaction system in upper-limb prostheses.
3′-Sialyllactose prebiotics prevents skin inflammation via regulatory T cell differentiation in atopic dermatitis mouse models
Authors: Kang Li-Jung , Oh Eunjeong , Cho Chanmi , Kwon HoKeun , Lee Choong-Gu , Jeon Jimin , Lee Hyemi , Choi Sangil , Han Seong Jae , Nam Jiho , Song Chi-une , Jung Hyunho , Kim Hye Young , Park Eun-Jung , Choi Eun-Ju , Kim Jooyoung , Eyun Seong-il , Yang Siyoung
Published: March 2020

3′-Sialyllactose (3′-SL), a natural prebiotic, maintains immune homeostasis and exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects. Although regulatory T cells (Tregs) prevent excessive inflammation and maintain immune tolerance, the effect of 3′-SL on Treg regulation is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 3′-SL on Treg responses in atopic dermatitis (AD) pathogenesis. Oral administration of 3′-SL reduced AD-like symptoms such as ear, epidermal, and dermal thickness in repeated topical application of house dust mites (HDM) and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). 3′-SL inhibited IgE, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α secretion and markedly downregulated AD-related cytokines including IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and Tslp through regulation of NF-κB in ear tissue. Additionally, in vitro assessment of Treg differentiation revealed that 3′-SL directly induced TGF-β-mediated Treg differentiation. Furthermore, 3′-SL administration also ameliorated sensitization and elicitation of AD pathogenesis by suppressing mast cell infiltration and production of IgE and pro-inflammatory cytokines in mouse serum by mediating the Treg response. Furthermore, Bifidobacterium population was also increased by 3′-SL administration as prebiotics. Our data collectively show that 3′-SL has therapeutic effects against AD progression by inducing Treg differentiation, downregulating AD-related cytokines, and increasing the Bifidobacterium population.
Circadian rhythm impacts preclinical FDG-PET quantification in the brain, but not in xenograft tumors
Authors: Krueger Marcel A. , Calaminus Carsten , Schmitt Julia , Pichler Bernd J.
Published: March 2020

The inner clock of biological organisms plays a pivotal role and has strong effects on metabolic processes such as glucose consumption. Since the commonly used positron emission tomography (PET) tracer 18F-flourodeoxygucose (FDG) is a glucose analogue, it is not surprising that the FDG distribution in mice and humans has been shown to succumb to daily rhythms. In preclinical studies, the circadian rhythm of animals is often not considered, and studies are performed at different times of day. Only a few studies have analyzed the effect of the circadian rhythm on FDG uptake in mice, and none of these studies included human tumor xenografts. Therefore, it is not known how strongly a preclinical tumor study is influenced by the time of day. In this work, the effect of the circadian rhythm on FDG uptake in human tumor xenografts and other organs was analyzed. CD1 nu/nu mice were kept for three weeks under a 12 h light/12 h dark rhythm and then injected s.c. with PC3 or A431 tumor cells. When the tumors had reached an appropriate volume, FDG-PET scans were performed on different animal groups (n = 4–5) every 4 h over a time period from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. Tracer uptake in the tumors and in other organs was determined based on the PET scans and biodistribution studies. The standardized uptake value and %injected dose/cc of the tumors remained constant over the whole observed time period, and no statistically significant differences were determined according to the PET analysis. In the brain, we found a small but statistically significant increase from noon to 4 P.M., which led to a decrease in the tumor-to-brain ratio. No evidence for an effect of the circadian rhythm on FDG uptake could be found in subcutaneous tumors, however, in brain studies the circadian rhythm needs to be considered.
The relationship of human tissue microRNAs with those from body fluids
Authors: Cui Chunmei , Cui Qinghua
Published: March 2020

It is known that many microRNAs (miRNAs) stably exist in various body fluids, however, the relationship of body fluids miRNAs (BF-miRNAs) with those from tissues (T-miRNAs) remains largely unclear but is important for understanding the potential of BF-miRNAs to be biomarkers of specific diseases. Here by analyzing miRNA expression data from 40 human healthy tissues and those from human body fluids, including plasma, serum, urine, bile, and feces, we revealed a positive correlation between BF-miRNAs and T-miRNAs. Moreover, plasma and serum have the most communication with pericardium, adipose, liver, and spleen. Urinary miRNAs show the highest correlation with kidney miRNAs. For fecal miRNAs, gastrointestinal tract (colon, ileum, jejunum, small intestine, stomach, proximal colon, duodenum, and distal colon) miRNAs show the strongest correlation. Moreover, miRNA set enrichment analysis revealed that highly expressed fecal miRNAs are mostly associated with gastric and colon cancers etc. Additionally, bile miRNAs from suspected cholangiocarcinoma patients show a positive correlation with the cholangiocarcinoma tumor tissue. Interestingly, the relationship of BF-miRNAs and T-miRNAs shows significant sex differences. Serum miRNAs showed higher correlation with T-miRNAs in males, whereas plasma miRNAs and urine miRNAs showed higher correlations with T-miRNAs in females. These findings together indicate a potential role of BF-miRNAs as biomarkers to monitor corresponding specific human diseases.
Characteristics of Hourly Extreme Precipitation along the Yangtze River Basin, China during Warm Season
Authors: Zhao Yong , Huang Anning , Kan Menyun , Dong Xinning , Yu Xiaojing , Wu Yang , Zhang Xindan , Cai Shuxin
Published: March 2020

Based on the hourly gauge-satellite merged precipitation data with the spatial resolution of 0.1° × 0.1° during 2008–2016, the characteristics of extreme precipitation (EP) diurnal cycle along the Yangtze River Basin (YRB) and their regional and sub-seasonal differences during warm season have been indicated and revealed in this study. Results show that the EP amount (EPA) over most lower reaches of YRB exhibits two diurnal peaks with one in late afternoon and the other in morning, while the EPA over most eastern Tibetan Plateau (the Sichuan Basin and the northern Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau) generally peaks during late afternoon to midnight (midnight to early morning). The afternoon (morning) EPA diurnal peaks over the areas east to 110°E is mainly resulted from the short (long) duration EP events. However, both the short and long duration EP events lead to the nocturnal diurnal peaks and eastward propagating features of EPA over the regions west to110°E. The EP events over the Sichuan Basin generally begin at midnight and mostly peak around 03:00-04:00 Beijing time, and they start earlier and end later with the duration time increased. However, the EP events with short (long) duration over the lower reaches of YRB frequently start and peak in afternoon (early morning) and typically end at around 18:00 (07:00-08:00) Beijing time, and they start later (earlier) and end later with the duration time increased. Meanwhile, the EP frequency (EPF) diurnal cycles over the lower reaches of YRB exhibit obvious sub-seasonal differences in warm season, which show only a morning peak in the pre-Meiyu period, two comparable peaks with one in afternoon and the other in morning during the Meiyu period, and a predominant afternoon peak and a secondary morning peak in the post-Meiyu period, respectively. While the EPF over Sichuan Basin characterized by only one dominant early morning peak during all periods of the warm season exhibits much smaller sub-seasonal differences in the diurnal phase relative to that over the lower reaches of YRB.
Dual use of electronic and conventional cigarettes is associated with higher cardiovascular risk factors in Korean men
Authors: Kim Choon-Young , Paek Yu-Jin , Seo Hong Gwan , Cheong Yoo Seock , Lee Cheol Min , Park Sang Min , Park Da Won , Lee Kiheon
Published: March 2020

Most smokers who use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) to stop smoking simultaneously use conventional cigarettes (dual users). We aimed to compare the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among dual users, cigarette-only smokers, and never smokers in Korean men. We used data acquired from Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013–2017) pertaining to 7,505 male participants aged 19 years or older. About 85% of e-cigarette users were dual users. Dual users had greater nicotine dependence and higher urinary cotinine levels than cigarette-only smokers. Dual users had more psychosocial and behavioural risk factors, including perceived high stress, depressive mood, high daily intake of energy, and obesity, than never smokers and cigarette-only smokers. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) was higher among dual users, and their multivariate-adjusted prevalence odds ratio for MetS was 2.79 (P < 0.001) compared with never smokers and 1.57 (P = 0.038) compared with cigarette-only smokers. Given that most e-cigarette users are dual users and dual users are more vulnerable to cardiovascular risk factors than cigarette-only smokers and never smokers, more active treatment for smoking cessation and intensive lifestyle interventions for dual users should be considered with priority.
Effects of prophylactic antibiotic-treatment on post-surgical recovery following intraperitoneal bio-logger implantation in rainbow trout
Authors: Hjelmstedt Per , Sundh Henrik , Brijs Jeroen , Ekström Andreas , Sundell Kristina Snuttan , Berg Charlotte , Sandblom Erik , Bowman Jennifer , Morgenroth Daniel , Gräns Albin
Published: March 2020

Bio-logging devices can provide unique insights on the life of freely moving animals. However, implanting these devices often requires invasive surgery that causes stress and physiological side-effects. While certain medications in connection to surgeries have therapeutic capacity, others may have aversive effects. Here, we hypothesized that the commonly prescribed prophylactic treatment with enrofloxacin would increase the physiological recovery rate and reduce the presence of systemic inflammation following the intraperitoneal implantation of a heart rate bio-logger in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). To assess post-surgical recovery, heart rate was recorded for 21 days in trout with or without enrofloxacin treatment. Contrary to our hypothesis, treated trout exhibited a prolonged recovery time and elevated resting heart rates during the first week of post-surgical recovery compared to untreated trout. In addition, an upregulated mRNA expression of TNFα in treated trout indicate a possible inflammatory response 21 days post-surgery. Interestingly, the experience level of the surgeon was observed to have a long-lasting impact on heart rate. In conclusion, our study showed no favorable effects of enrofloxacin treatment. Our findings highlight the importance of adequate post-surgical recovery times and surgical training with regards to improving the welfare of experimental animals and reliability of research outcomes.
Conjugation with carbon nanotubes improves the performance of mesoporous silicon as Li-ion battery anode
Authors: Ikonen Timo , Kalidas Nathiya , Lahtinen Katja , Isoniemi Tommi , Toppari J. Jussi , Vázquez Ester , Herrero-Chamorro M. Antonia , Fierro José Luis G. , Kallio Tanja , Lehto Vesa-Pekka
Published: March 2020

Carbon nanotubes can be utilized in several ways to enhance the performance of silicon-based anodes. In the present work, thermally carbonized mesoporous silicon (TCPSi) microparticles and single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are conjugated to create a hybrid material that performs as the Li-ion battery anode better than the physical mixture of TCPSi and CNTs. It is found out that the way the conjugation is done has an essential role in the performance of the anode. The conjugation should be made between negatively charged TCPSi and positively charged CNTs. Based on the electrochemical experiments it is concluded that the positive charges, i.e., excess amine groups of the hybrid material interfere with the diffusion of the lithium cations and thus they should be removed from the anode. Through the saturation of the excess positive amine groups on the CNTs with succinic anhydride, the performance of the hybrid material is even further enhanced.
Occurrence and pathogenicity of Corinectria spp. – an emerging canker disease of Abies sibirica in Central Siberia
Authors: Pavlov Igor N. , Vasaitis Rimvydas , Litovka Yulia A. , Stenlid Jan , Jankovsky Libor , Timofeev Anton A. , Menkis Audrius
Published: March 2020

During recent years, a new disease of Siberian fir (A. sibirica) emerged in Central Siberia, exhibiting symptoms of stem/branch deformation, cambium necrosis, and dieback of branches and twigs, the causal agent remaining unknown. The aim was to identify agent of the disease and to investigate its pathogenicity toA. sibiricaand Norway spruce (Picea abies). Symptomatic tissues of fir were subjected to pure culture isolation of anticipated pathogen(s). Obtained isolates were subjected to molecular identification, phylogenetic analyses, and pathogenicity tests withA. sibiricasaplings, and seeds and seedlings ofA. sibiricaandP. abies. The study demonstrated that, (i) most commonly isolated fungus from canker wounds ofA. sibiricaexhibitedAcremonium-like anamorphs; (ii) phylogeny demonstrated that investigated fungi belong to genusCorinectria, but are genetically well separated from other worldwide knownCorinectriaspp.; (iii) one species of isolated fungi has the capacity to cause the disease and killA. sibiricasaplings and seedlings, but also seedlings ofP. abies. Guidelines for future research were defined in order to generate needed information on species description, its origin and ecology, and estimation of potential risks upon the eventual invasion of the pathogen to new geographic areas, in particular of Europe.
The Association of Pregnancy-induced Hypertension with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia – A Retrospective Study Based on the Korean Neonatal Network database
Authors: Shin Seung Hyun , Shin Seung Han , Kim Seh Hyun , Kim Yoo-Jin , Cho Hannah , Kim Ee-Kyung , Kim Han-Suk
Published: March 2020

The prevalence of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and preeclampsia (PE) are 5–10% and 2–4%, respectively. PIH might affect angiogenesis in preterm neonates, but its association with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains controversial. This study evaluated the association between PIH and BPD in very low-birth weight infants. We retrospectively analysed the maternal, perinatal, and neonatal data of preterm infants born before 30 weeks of gestation, selected from the nationwide registry of very low-birth weight infants, between January 2013 and December 2014. As a result, 1,624 infants without maternal PIH (gestational age: 27.3 ± 1.8 weeks) and 203 infants with maternal PIH (28.0 ± 1.4 weeks, p < 0.001) were included. Birth weight was higher in the non-PIH group, compared with the PIH group (1027.4 ± 250.2 vs. 876.4 ± 261.5 g, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that PIH was associated with BPD (adjusted OR 1.474, 95% confidence interval 1.025–2.121), after adjusting for confounders, including small-for-gestation age (SGA). The result of present study is consistent with the current concept of BPD as an early form of pulmonary vascular disease, for both PIH and BPD are attributed by abnormal vascular formation.
Temporal contrast effects in human speech perception are immune to selective attention
Authors: Bosker Hans Rutger , Sjerps Matthias J. , Reinisch Eva
Published: March 2020

Two fundamental properties of perception are selective attention and perceptual contrast, but how these two processes interact remains unknown. Does an attended stimulus history exert a larger contrastive influence on the perception of a following target than unattended stimuli? Dutch listeners categorized target sounds with a reduced prefix “ge-” marking tense (e.g., ambiguous between gegaan-gaan “gone-go”). In ‘single talker’ Experiments 1–2, participants perceived the reduced syllable (reporting gegaan) when the target was heard after a fast sentence, but not after a slow sentence (reporting gaan). In ‘selective attention’ Experiments 3–5, participants listened to two simultaneous sentences from two different talkers, followed by the same target sounds, with instructions to attend only one of the two talkers. Critically, the speech rates of attended and unattended talkers were found to equally influence target perception – even when participants could watch the attended talker speak. In fact, participants’ target perception in ‘selective attention’ Experiments 3–5 did not differ from participants who were explicitly instructed to divide their attention equally across the two talkers (Experiment 6). This suggests that contrast effects of speech rate are immune to selective attention, largely operating prior to attentional stream segregation in the auditory processing hierarchy.
VHS, US3 and UL13 viral tegument proteins are required for Herpes Simplex Virus-Induced modification of protein kinase R
Authors: Pennisi Rosamaria , Musarra-Pizzo Maria , Lei Zhixiang , Zhou Grace Guoying , Sciortino Maria Teresa
Published: March 2020

To replicate, spread and persist in the host environment, viruses have evolved several immunological escape mechanisms via the action of specific viral proteins. The model “host shut off” adopted by virion host shut off (VHS) protein of Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) represents an immune evasion mechanism which affects the best-characterized component of the innate immunological response, protein kinase R (PKR). However, up to now, the real mechanism employed by VHS to control PKR is still unknown. In this paper, we implement and extend our previous findings reporting that wild-type HSV-1 is able to control PKR, whereas a VHS mutant virus (R2621) clearly induces an accumulation of phosphorylated PKR in several cell types in a VHS-RNase activity-dependent manner. Furthermore, we demonstrate for the first time a new PKR-regulatory mechanism based on the involvement of Us3 and UL13 tegument viral proteins. The combined approach of transfection and infection assay was useful to discover the new role of both viral proteins in the immunological escape and demonstrate that Us3 and UL13 control the accumulation of the phosphorylated form (ph-PKR). Lastly, since protein kinases are tightly regulated by phosphorylation events and, at the same time, phosphorylate other proteins by inducing post-translational modifications, the interplay between Us3 and VHS during HSV-1 infection has been investigated. Interestingly, we found that VHS protein accumulates at higher molecular weight following Us3 transfection, suggesting an Us3-mediated phosphorylation of VHS. These findings reveal a new intriguing interplay between viral proteins during HSV-1 infection involved in the regulation of the PKR-mediated immune response.
Potential Impact of Targeted HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Uptake Among Male Sex Workers
Authors: Goedel William C. , Mimiaga Matthew J. , King Maximilian R. F. , Safren Steven A. , Mayer Kenneth H. , Chan Philip A. , Marshall Brandon D. L. , Biello Katie B.
Published: March 2020

Little is known about the potential population-level impact of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among cisgender male sex workers (MSWs), a high-risk subset of cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM). Using an agent-based model, we simulated HIV transmission among cisgender MSM in Rhode Island to determine the impacts of PrEP implementation where cisgender MSWs were equally (“standard expansion”) or five times as likely (“focused expansion”) to initiate PrEP compared to other cisgender MSM. Without PrEP, the model predicted 920 new HIV infections over a decade, or an average incidence of 0.39 per 100 person-years. In a focused expansion scenario where 15% of at-risk cisgender MSM used PrEP, the total number of new HIV infections was reduced by 58.1% at a cost of $57,180 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. Focused expansion of PrEP use among cisgender MSWs may be an efficient and cost-effective strategy for reducing HIV incidence in the broader population of cisgender MSM.
Electrical transport properties in group-V elemental ultrathin 2D layers
Authors: Wu Zehan , Hao Jianhua
Published: March 2020

After the breakthrough of the study on the two-dimensional (2D) layered phosphorus, group-V elemental ultrathin 2D layers have captured considerable attentions in recent years on account of their unique and promising electrical transport properties, including semiconductor features with direct and desirable energy band structures, outstanding carrier mobilities, controllable and tunable characteristics under applied strain, electric and magnetic fields, highly anisotropic phenomena along both in-plane and out-plane directions, topological transmission states, and negative Poisson’s ratio. Accordingly, a number of investigations on this family of 2D materials have been conducting rapidly, while initiating great potential and new opportunities on the nanoscale science and applications in optoelectronic, magneto-electronics, thermo-electronic, ferroelectric, topological spintronics, and so on. Herein, a specific review is provided with systematical summarizations and refinements on the recent advances of the electrical transport in group-V elemental ultrathin 2D layers from the blossoming field of research, while comprehensive discussion and some recommendations are put forward, with an expectation of broadening and deepening understanding of the family of 2D layers. Lastly, we provide critical motivation and challenge for future explorations in this promising territory.
A fully planar solar pumped laser based on a luminescent solar collector
Authors: Masuda Taizo , Iyoda Mitsuhiro , Yasumatsu Yuta , Dottermusch Stephan , Howard Ian A. , Richards Bryce S. , Bisson Jean-Francois , Endo Masamori
Published: March 2020

A solar-pumped laser (SPL) that converts sunlight directly into a coherent and intense laser beam generally requires a large concentrating lens and precise solar tracking, thereby limiting its potential utility. Here, we demonstrate a fully-planar SPL without a lens or solar tracking. A Nd3+-doped silica fiber is coiled into a cylindrical chamber filled with a sensitizer solution, which acts as a luminescent solar collector. The body of the chamber is highly reflective while the top window is a dichroic mirror that transmits incoming sunlight and traps the fluorescence emitted by the sensitizer. The laser-oscillation threshold was reached at a natural sunlight illumination of 60% on the top window. Calculations indicated that a solar-to-laser power-conversion efficiency could eventually reach 8%. Such an SPL has potential applications in long-term renewable-energy storage or decentralised power supplies for electric vehicles and Internet-of-Things devices.
Tailor-engineered plasmonic single-lattices: harnessing localized surface plasmon resonances for visible-NIR light-enhanced photocatalysis
Authors: Lim Siew Yee , Law Cheryl Suwen , Bertó-Roselló Francesc , Liu Lina , Markovic Marijana , Ferré-Borrull Josep , Abell Andrew D. , Voelcker Nicolas H. , Marsal Lluís F. , Santos Abel
Published: March 2020

A platform material composed of 2D gold (Au) nanodot plasmonic single-lattices (Au-nD-PSLs) featuring tailor-engineered geometric features for visible-NIR light-driven enhanced photocatalysis is presented.
A study on the mechanism of oxidized quinoline removal from acid solutions based on persulfate–iron systems
Authors: Zhang Zhichun , Yue Xiuping , Duan Yanqing , Rao Zhu
Published: March 2020

Quinoline (Qu) and its derivatives have been widely regarded as hazardous pollutants in the world because of their acute toxicity to humans and animals, and potential carcinogenic risks.
Peptidomimetics prepared by tail-to-side chain one component peptide stapling inhibit Alzheimer's amyloid-β fibrillogenesis
Authors: Kalita Sujan , Kalita Sourav , Paul Ashim , Sarkar Amar , Mandal Bhubaneswar
Published: March 2020

Tail to side-chain stapled peptides inhibit fibrillogenesis of Alzheimer's amyloid β peptide by facilitating off-pathway aggregation.
Programmable patterns in a DNA-based reaction–diffusion system
Authors: Chen Sifang , Seelig Georg
Published: March 2020

We report programmable reaction–diffusion patterns in DNA-based hydrogels, simulated and designedin silicousing chemical reaction networks.
A self-template approach to synthesize multicore–shell Bi@N-doped carbon nanosheets with interior void space for high-rate and ultrastable potassium storage
Authors: Shi Xiuling , Zhang Jianshuo , Yao Qianqian , Wang Rui , Wu Hefeng , Zhao Yi , Guan Lunhui
Published: March 2020

Multicore–shell Bi@N–C nanosheets enable high-rate and ultrastable K+ storage.
Growth dynamics and photoresponse of the Wadsley phase V6O13 crystals
Authors: Zeng Wen , Fu Xiaoguo , Yu Li , Shi Tingting , Liu Pengyi , Xu Jianbin , Chen Jian , Qiulan Chen , Wang Xiaomu , Xie Weiguang
Published: March 2020

The mechanism and dynamics of V6O13 crystal growth were systematically studied. The photoresponse performance of V6O13 optoelectronic devices from visible light to long-wave infrared region was studied, and the photoresponse mechanism was discussed.
Analysis of amino acid enantiomers from aged fingerprints
Authors: van Helmond Ward , Weening Maarten , Vleer Vonne , de Puit Marcel
Published: March 2020

The use of the enantiomeric ratio of D/L-serine in fingerprints could pose as interesting target for age estimation techniques.
NMR-based plasma metabonomics in hyperlipidemia mice
Authors: Li Yun , Zhao Xiu-ju
Published: March 2020

Hyperlipidemia dynamics need to be elucidated.
Highly efficient and selective photocatalytic CO2 reduction based on water-soluble CdS QDs modified by the mixed ligands in one pot
Authors: Wang Hong-Yan , Hu Rong , Lei You-Jia , Jia Zhi-Yu , Hu Gui-Lin , Li Cheng-Bo , Gu Quan
Published: March 2020

The noble metal-free photocatalysts with good water solubility, high efficiency and high selectivity to promote CO2 conversion.
Narrow band red emitting europium complexes and their application in smart white LEDs and vapoluminescent sensors
Authors: Devi Rachna , Vaidyanathan Sivakumar
Published: March 2020

The synthesized molecular Eu-complex based hybrid white LED showed superior color rendering index. In addition, the complex also showed on-off-on luminescence with exposure to acid–base vapours.
A high-efficiency ammonia-responsive solar evaporator
Authors: Xing Jingjing , Tong Jintao , Liu Ye , Guo Yutong , Zhuge Lanjian , Zhang Dafeng , Duan Ruomeng , Song Bo , Zhao Yu , Dong Bin
Published: March 2020

We report a highly efficient solar evaporator based on the TiO2NP and PPyNP composite with ammonia responsiveness.
Luminescent metal–organic frameworks (LMOFs) as potential probes for the recognition of cationic water pollutants
Authors: Samanta Partha , Let Sumanta , Mandal Writakshi , Dutta Subhajit , Ghosh Sujit K.
Published: March 2020

This review aims to provide an overview regarding the development of luminescent metal–organic frameworks (LMOFs) based sensory materials for the detection of cationic inorganic and organic water pollutants.
The pressing-induced formation of a large-area supramolecular film for oil capture
Authors: Wang Wenkai , Xie Mengqi , Jin Hongjun , Zhi Wanwan , Liu Kaerdun , Ma Cheng , Liao Peilong , Huang Jianbin , Yan Yun
Published: March 2020

A rejuvenable large-area polyelectrolyte–surfactant supramolecular film formed by applying pressure can be used in a recyclable manner to rapidly capture spilled oil.
Extracellular histones play a pathogenic role in primary graft dysfunction after human lung transplantation
Authors: Jin Yang , Sun Meng , Lv Xin , Wang Xingan , Jiang Gening , Chen Chang , Wen Zongmei
Published: March 2020

Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) causes early mortality and late graft failure after lung transplantation.
Spin relaxation induced by interfacial effects in n-GaN/MgO/Co spin injectors
Authors: Liu Xingchen , Tang Ning , Fang Chi , Wan Caihua , Zhang Shixiong , Zhang Xiaoyue , Guan Hongming , Zhang Yunfan , Qian Xuan , Ji Yang , Ge Weikun , Han Xiufeng , Shen Bo
Published: March 2020

The interface-related spin relaxation in n-GaN/MgO/Co was investigated by both electrical Hanle effect and time resolved Kerr rotation spectrum.
Precisely tuning the longitudinal localized surface plasmon resonance of gold nanorods via additive-regulated overgrowth
Authors: Wang Suyan , Lin Qinlu , Xu Weizhen , An Qingxiao , Zhou Rongju , Yu Cheng-Ju , Xu Dong , Yuan Zhiqin
Published: March 2020

An additive-regulated overgrowth strategy for preparing gold nanorods with precise longitudinal localized surface plasmon resonance is proposed.
Recent advancements in synthetic methodologies of 3-substituted phthalides and their application in the total synthesis of biologically active natural products
Authors: Awasthi Amardeep , Singh Mandeep , Rathee Garima , Chandra Ramesh
Published: March 2020

We have provided contextual information on the chemistry of 3-substituted phthalides and their significance in natural product synthesis.
Effects of cinnamaldehyde combined with ultrahigh pressure treatment on the flavor of refrigeratedParalichthys olivaceusfillets
Authors: Xu Yongxia , Yin Yiming , Zhao Honglei , Li Qiuying , Yi Shumin , Li Xuepeng , Li Jianrong
Published: March 2020

The combined effects of cinnamaldehyde (CA) and ultrahigh pressure (UP) treatment on the flavor of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) fillets during storage at 4 °C for 20 days were investigated.
Boosting basic-peptide separation through dynamic electrostatic-repulsion reversed-phase (d-ERRP) liquid chromatography
Authors: Mazzoccanti Giulia , Manetto Simone , Bassan Michele , Foschini Alberto , Orlandin Andrea , Ricci Antonio , Cabri Walter , Ismail Omar H. , Catani Martina , Cavazzini Alberto , Gasparrini Francesco
Published: March 2020

A simple and effective chromatographic method has allowed unprecedented resolution of basic peptide and their related impurities, including the very challenging epimeric isobaric ones.
Massive red shift of Ce3+in Y3Al5O12incorporating super-high content of Ce
Authors: Nakamura Hitomi , Shinozaki Kenji , Okumura Toyoki , Nomura Katsuhiro , Akai Tomoko
Published: March 2020

In light emitting diodes, Y3Al5O12:Ce (YAG:Ce) is used as a yellow phosphor in combination with blue LEDs but lacks a red component in emission.
Effect of polyethylene glycol on crystal growth and photocatalytic activity of anatase TiO2single crystals
Authors: Dong Yeshuo , Meng Fanjun
Published: March 2020

Anatase TiO2crystals with different structures were synthesized. Experiments on the effect of polyethylene glycol show that the low molecular weight PEG (PEG400) can accelerate crystal differentiation and relieve the agglomeration of crystals.
Peculiar bond characters of fivefold coordinated octet compound crystals
Authors: Sun An-An , Gao Shang-Peng , Gu Gong
Published: March 2020

A refreshed view of chemical bonds in solids unveils unusual bonding in fivefold coordinated bulk crystals of octet compounds: out-of-plane cation–anion chain bonding via overlapping pz orbitals replaces in-plane π bonding of the isolated monolayer.
A regioselectively 1,1′,3,3′-tetrazincated ferrocene complex displaying core and peripheral reactivity
Authors: Honeyman Gordon W. , Armstrong David R. , Clegg William , Hevia Eva , Kennedy Alan R. , McLellan Ross , Orr Samantha A. , Parkinson John A. , Ramsay Donna L. , Robertson Stuart D. , Towie Stephen , Mulvey Robert E.
Published: March 2020

A tetrazincated ferrocene complex displays divergent basicity towards aromatic substrates through either its core or peripheral ligands.
A yolk–shell structured metal–organic framework with encapsulated iron-porphyrin and its derived bimetallic nitrogen-doped porous carbon for an efficient oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Zhang Chaochao , Yang Hao , Zhong Dan , Xu Yang , Wang Yanzhi , Yuan Qi , Liang Zuozhong , Wang Bin , Zhang Wei , Zheng Haoquan , Cheng Tao , Cao Rui
Published: March 2020

A yolk–shell structured metal–organic framework (MOF) with encapsulated 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinatoiron (FeTPP) in a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-L-ZIF-8 is reported.
Effect of grain size on electrochemical performance and kinetics of Co3O4 electrode materials
Authors: Hao Jiaxin , Wu Wenjie , Wang Qiao , Yan De , Liu Guohan , Peng Shanglong
Published: March 2020

Co3O4 has attracted extensive attention as an electrode material for pseudocapacitors due to its simple preparation process and high theoretical capacity (3560 F g−1).
Nanoengineering multifunctional hybrid interfaces using adhesive glycogen nanoparticles
Authors: Pacchin Tomanin Pietro , Zhou Jiajing , Amodio Alessia , Cimino Rita , Glab Agata , Cavalieri Francesca , Caruso Frank
Published: March 2020

Amphiphilic phytoglycogen nanoparticles are used as building blocks for engineering multifunctional hybrid films with catalytic and sensing properties.
CTRP3 ameliorates cerulein-induced severe acute pancreatitis in mice via SIRT1/NF-κB/p53 axis
Authors: Lv Chunyang , He Yuan , Wei Mingli , Xu Guiyun , Chen Chuang , Xu Zhen , Ding Zhilong
Published: March 2020

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a common and life-threatening clinical acute abdominal disease. C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 3 (CTRP3), a novel paralog of adiponectin, has been identified as a crucial regulator in multiple types of inflammatory disorders. However, the biological role of CTRP3 in SAP remains poorly understood. The present study aimed to characterize the role of CTRP3 in SAP and illuminate the potential mechanisms involved. In the current study, SAP mouse models were induced by seven hourly intraperitoneal injection of cerulein (50 μg/kg) and an immediate intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (10 mg/kg) after the last cerulein administration. Histological examination and serological analysis demonstrated that SAP mouse models were successfully established. Herein, we found that CTRP3 expression was significantly decreased in the pancreatic tissues of SAP mice compared with normal control mice. Furthermore, we explored the effects of CTRP3 rescue in SAP mice and discovered that CTRP3 overexpression attenuated pathological lesions, inhibited inflammatory mediator release and repressed acinar cell apoptosis. Notably, mechanistic studies revealed that CTRP3 overexpression suppressed NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and p53 acetylation to alleviate cerulein-induced SAP in mouse models through activation of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent protein deacetylase. Collectively, our data indicate that CTRP3 may exert its protective effects in SAP mice via regulation of SIRT1-mediated NF-κB and p53 signaling pathways, implying a promising therapeutic strategy against SAP.
Effects of circulating extracellular microvesicles from spinal cord-injured adults on endothelial cell function
Authors: Brewster L. Madden , Coombs Geoff B. , Garcia Vinicius P. , Hijmans Jamie G. , DeSouza Noah M. , Stockelman Kelly A. , Barak Otto F. , Mijacika Tanja , Dujic Zeljko , Greiner Jared J. , Phillips Aaron A. , Ainslie Philip N. , DeSouza Christopher A.
Published: March 2020

People with spinal cord injury (SCI) have three- to four-fold greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared with those without SCI. Although circulating extracellular microvesicles are key effectors of vascular health and disease, how their functional phenotype might be altered with SCI is unknown. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of microvesicles isolated from SCI adults on endothelial cell inflammation and oxidative stress as well as endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) activation and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) expression. Eighteen young and middle-aged adults were studied: 10 uninjured (7M/3F; age: 39 ± 3 years) and 8 cervical level spinal cord injured (SCI; 7M/1F; 46 ± 4 years; cervical injury: C3: n=1; C5: n=4; C6: n=3). Circulating microvesicles were isolated, enumerated and collected from plasma by flow cytometry. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured and treated with microvesicles from either the uninjured or SCI adults. Microvesicles from SCI adults did not affect cellular markers or mediators of inflammation and oxidative stress. However, microvesicles from the SCI adults significantly blunted eNOS activation, NO bioavailability and t-PA production. Intercellular expression of phosphorylated eNOS at Ser1177 and Thr495 sites, specifically, were ∼65% lower and ∼85% higher, respectively, in cells treated with microvesicles from SCI compared with uninjured adults. Decreased eNOS activity and NO production as well as impaired t-PA bioavailability renders the vascular endothelium highly susceptible to atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Thus, circulating microvesicles may contribute to the increased risk of vascular disease and thrombotic events associated with SCI.
HEEL: A new clustering method to improve wireless sensor network lifetime
Authors: Seyyedabbasi Amir , Dogan Gulustan , Kiani Farzad
Published: March 2020

In wireless sensor networks, some resources such as memory and energy are limited. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in improving network lifetime. Node energy plays an important role in the network lifetime. Along with this remarkable growth in wireless sensor networks, however, there is an increasing concern over network lifetime. The principal purpose of this study is to develop an understanding of the effects of other parameters on selecting a cluster head. The methodological approach taken in this study is a mixed methodology typically based on the node's energy. The authors have operated four parameters to select the cluster head: Node energy, the energy of the node's neighbours, number of hops and number of links to neighbours. Each of these parameters has an impact in selecting the cluster head. They accurately observed hop size, energy of each sensor node, average energy of sensor neighbours, links to sensor nodes (HEEL) has better improvements in comparison of Node ranked Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (Nr‐LEACH), Modified Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (ModLEACH), Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy‐B (LEACH‐B), Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH), Power‐Efficient Gathering in Sensor Information System (PEGASIS), energy‐aware clustering scheme with transmission power control for sensor networks (EACLE) and hybrid energy efficient distributed clustering (HEED) algorithms in possible case of network lifetime and throughput.
NGC 6397: The metallicity trend along the isochrone revisited
Authors: Jain Rashi , Prugniel Philippe , Martins Lucimara , Lançon Ariane
Published: March 2020

Context. Recent work has used spectra of ∼5000 stars in NGC 6397 that were extracted from a MUSE mosaic to determine the atmospheric parameters for these stars by fitting the spectra against the Göttingen Spectral Library. A significant change in metallicity between the turn off and the red giant branch was found and was discussed as a possible manifestation of predicted effects of atomic diffusion. However, the small amplitude of the effect and inconsistency with earlier measurements call for more attention before this result is interpreted. Systematic effects due to the interpolation or to the synthetic spectra cannot be ruled out at this level of precision.

Aims. We reanalyze the data with : the ELODIE and MILES reference libraries in order to assess the robustness of the result. These empirical libraries have a finer metallicity coverage down to approximately the cluster metalicity turn-off.

Methods. We used the ULySS full-spectrum fitting package, together with the library interpolators to remeasure the three atmospheric parameters effective temperature, surface gravity, and [Fe/H] metallicity.

Results. We find a very low [Fe/H] dispersion along the isochrone (0.07 dex), consistent with our error estimate (0.05 dex). However, the [Fe/H] trend is not reproducible. This shows that the data have the potential to reveal patterns of the magnitude of the expected physical effects, but the analysis methods need to be refined to cull systematic effects that currently dominate the patterns.