bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diverticula in Male Lycorea halia Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Danaini: Itunina)—Support Organs for Everted Hairpencils with Unique Ultrastructure
Authors: Gnatzy W , Fischer O W , Kiesel A , Vane-Wright R I , Boppré M
Published: December 2019

The involvement of the diverticula, a synapomorphy for Itunina, in protrusion and expansion of hairpencils by male Lycorea halia (Hübner, 1816) is demonstrated for the first time. They facilitate maintaining the haemolymph pressure necessary to keep the hairpencils everted. The diverticula are curved hook-like lobes, open to the body cavity and densely filled with tracheae and threads made by units of two staggered cells surrounding a central extracellular fibril bundle. Such complex structures, apparently metabolically active, have not been reported for insects previously and might indicate additional functions, but their functional role(s) remains a puzzle. When a male emerges from pupa, the diverticula are not yet formed; this happens only during the first protrusion of the hairpencils.
A systematic review of the provision and efficacy of patient and carer information and support (PCIS) interventions for patients with dementia and their informal carers
Authors: Miles L. , McCausland B. M. S. , Patel H. P. , Amin J. , Osman-Hicks V. C.
Published: December 2019

Background

The NHS dementia strategy identifies patient and carer information and support (PCIS) as a core component of gold-standard dementia care. This is the first systematic review of PCIS, performed to analyse the literature and evidence for these interventions.

Aims

To systematically review literature evaluating the effectiveness of the provision of PCIS for people with dementia and their informal carers, in inpatient and outpatient settings.

Methods

Searches of four online biomedical databases, accessed in September 2018. Studies were selected if they were: relating to people with dementia or their informal carers, based in inpatient or outpatient settings, published in English-language peer-reviewed journals no earlier than the year 2000 and assessed dementia-related information or social support interventions, by measuring qualitative or quantitative carer or patient-reported outcomes. Standardised data extraction and quality appraisal forms were used.

Results

7 of 43 full-text papers analysed were eligible for analysis. 3 papers were different arms of one original study. Trends were present in the quantitative results towards reduced patient and carer depression and anxiety and the themes in the qualitative analysis were in favour of the intervention.

Conclusions

The studies analysed were too heterogeneous in design, population and outcomes measured to make a conclusive opinion about the efficacy of these interventions. It is surprising that for such a common condition, a gold-standard evidence-based intervention and standardised delivery for provision of PCIS for people living with dementia in the UK does not exist. Further research is therefore vital.
A semi-analytical approach to the elastic loading behaviour of rough surfaces
Authors: Zhang Xiaogang , Zhang Yali , Jin Zhongmin
Published: December 2019

The elastic loading behaviour of rough surfaces is derived based on the physical understanding of the contact phenomena, where the pressure distribution is analytically obtained without any negative values or convergence problems, thus the evolution of the contact behaviour is obtained in a semi-analytical manner. Numerical results obtained by the proposed approach facilitate the understanding of the contact behaviour in the following aspects: 1) the ratio of contact area to load decreases with an increase in real contact area; 2) normal approach-load relationship is approximated by an exponential decay under relatively small loads and a linear decay under relatively large loads; and 3) average gap shows an exponential relationship with load only in moderate load range.
Sylfjellet: a new outcrop of the Paleogene Van Mijenfjorden Group in Svalbard
Authors: Jochmann Malte Michel , Augland Lars Eivind , Lenz Olaf , Bieg Gerd , Haugen Turid , Grundvåg Sten Andreas , Jelby Mads E. , Midtkandal Ivar , Dolezych Martina , Hjálmarsdóttir Hanna Rósa
Published: December 2019

A hitherto unrecognized Paleogene outcrop has been discovered at Sylfjellet, a mountain located at the northern side of Isfjorden, Svalbard. The strata, which cover an area of 0.8 km2, have until now been assigned to the Lower Cretaceous succession of the Adventdalen Group. In this study, the Sylfjellet site was studied in detail to provide an updated structural and sedimentological description of strata and lithostratigraphy. The age and burial history of the investigated succession were constrained by absolute (U/PB) and relative dating methods in addition to vitrinite reflectance analyses of coal seams. The results show a Paleogene age of the deposits, which is supported by the occurrence of an angiosperm pollen grain, plant macrofossils, and a tephra layer of early Selandian age (61.53 Ma). The 250 m-thick succession of Sylfjellet is assigned to the Firkanten, Basilika and Grumantbyen formations. This succession unconformably overlies the Lower Cretaceous Helvetiafjellet Formation. Sylfjellet is incorporated into the West Spitsbergen Fold-and-Thrust Belt and interpreted to be a fourth structural outlier of the Van Mijenfjorden Group. Vitrinite reflectance data indicate that at least 2000 m overburden has been eroded above the Sylfjellet coal seams, and that maximum burial of the strata predates folding and thrusting in the area.
Implementation of Time Temperature Indicators to Improve Temperature Monitoring and Support Dynamic Shelf Life in Meat Supply Chains
Authors: Albrecht Antonia , Ibald Rolf , Raab Verena , Reichstein Werner , Haarer Dietrich , Kreyenschmidt Judith
Published: December 2019

Based on the well-investigated OnVu™ TTI kinetics, models were developed to adjust the label to different food products and predict the discolouration process under dynamic temperature conditions. After the successful validation under laboratory conditions, the applicability of the time temperature indicator (TTI) as shelf life indicator was tested in a national poultry chain. The TTI accurately reflected the temperature fluctuations occurring under real chain conditions. Shelf life predictions based on the discolouration of the TTIs were in accordance with the microbial shelf life of the product. The models were integrated in an online software tool to check for the compliance of the cold chain and predict the remaining shelf life of the product. The implementation of TTI and the software result in a valuable tool to support the decision-making process in the cold chain. The application of flexible shelf life enables the reduction of food waste in the meat supply chain.
Anhedonia, screen time, and substance use in early adolescents: A longitudinal mediation analysis
Authors: Christodoulou Georgia , Majmundar Anuja , Chou Chih‐Ping , Pentz Mary Ann
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Screen time is associated with substance use risk among adolescents; however, less is known about the underlying factors that explain this association. Methods: This research examined anhedonia, a facet of depression noted by the reduced capacity to experience pleasure, as a mediating factor in the relationship between screen time (hours spent watching television, using internet, and/or playing video games outside of school) and substance use (alcohol and/or cigarettes). We used a longitudinal survey design among a sample of students aged 9–11 years in the 4th to 6th grades in Southern California, United States of America [N = 709 (354 males)]. Results: Structural equation modeling (SEM) findings revealed longitudinal mediation effects of anhedonia on the association between screen time and substance use, while controlling for baseline screen time, baseline individual and peer substance use, race/ethnicity, and gender. Moderation analysis based on a multiple‐group approach revealed that gender was not a significant moderator of this mediation pathway. Conclusions: Adolescents may become desensitized and exhibit a blunted response to hedonic effects from increased screen time. This may result in increased anhedonia and greater risk for substance use through the need to compensate for the reduced experience of rewards. These findings have implications for future school‐based substance use prevention and intervention programs.
GliomaDB: A Web Server for Integrating Glioma Omics Data and Interactive Analysis
Authors: Yang Yadong , Sui Yang , Xie Bingbing , Qu Hongzhu , Fang Xiangdong
Published: December 2019

Gliomas are one of the most common types of brain cancers. Numerous efforts have been devoted to studying the mechanisms of glioma genesis and identifying biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment. To help further investigations, we present a comprehensive database named GliomaDB. GliomaDB includes 21,086 samples from 4303 patients and integrates genomic, transcriptomic, epigenomic, clinical, and gene-drug association data regarding glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and low-grade glioma (LGG) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets (MSK-IMPACT), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and PharmGKB. GliomaDB offers a user-friendly interface for two main types of functionalities. The first comprises queries of (i) somatic mutations, (ii) gene expression, (iii) microRNA (miRNA) expression, and (iv) DNA methylation. In addition, queries can be executed at the gene, region, and base level. Second, GliomaDB allows users to perform survival analysis, coexpression network visualization, multi-omics data visualization, and targeted drug recommendations based on personalized variations. GliomaDB bridges the gap between glioma genomics big data and the delivery of integrated information for end users, thus enabling both researchers and clinicians to effectively use publicly available data and empowering the progression of precision medicine in glioma. GliomaDB is freely accessible at http://bigd.big.ac.cn/gliomaDB.
Brain Banks Spur New Frontiers in Neuropsychiatric Research and Strategies for Analysis and Validation
Authors: Wang Le , Xia Yan , Chen Yu , Dai Rujia , Qiu Wenying , Meng Qingtuan , Kuney Liz , Chen Chao
Published: December 2019

Neuropsychiatric disorders affect hundreds of millions of patients and families worldwide. To decode the molecular framework of these diseases, many studies use human postmortem brain samples. These studies reveal brain-specific genetic and epigenetic patterns via high-throughput sequencing technologies. Identifying best practices for the collection of postmortem brain samples, analyzing such large amounts of sequencing data, and interpreting these results are critical to advance neuropsychiatry. We provide an overview of human brain banks worldwide, including progress in China, highlighting some well-known projects using human postmortem brain samples to understand molecular regulation in both normal brains and those with neuropsychiatric disorders. Finally, we discuss future research strategies, as well as state-of-the-art statistical and experimental methods that are drawn upon brain bank resources to improve our understanding of the agents of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Recommendations for the Study of Vulvar Pain in Women, Part 1: Review of Assessment Tools
Authors: Rosen Natalie O. , Bergeron Sophie , Pukall Caroline F.
Published: December 2019

Introduction

The etiology and consequences of chronic vulvar pain are multidimensional, resulting in highly variable clinical presentations and no established treatment algorithm. Inconsistent use of measurement tools across studies is a significant barrier to drawing conclusions regarding etiology and treatment. In a companion paper, we review additional methodological challenges to the study of chronic vulvar pain and potential solutions.

Aim

To review and recommend assessment and measurement tools for vulvar pain and associated key outcomes.

Methods

The authors reviewed the scientific evidence related to measurement of vulvar pain and made decisions regarding recommendations via discussion and consensus.

Main Outcome Measure

We assessed measurement tools for vulvar pain and related outcomes and considered advantages and disadvantages of their use.

Results

Empirically validated measurement tools are available and should be used uniformly across studies to support comparisons and pooling of results. There is, at times, a trade-off between advantages and disadvantages when selecting a particular tool, and researchers should be guided by their specific research aims, feasibility, and potential to gain further knowledge in the field. Researchers should incorporate a biopsychosocial assessment of vulvar pain and its consequences.

Clinical Implications

This review provides a comprehensive list of measurement tool recommendations for use in clinical research, and in some cases, clinical practice.

Strengths & Limitations

This expert review can guide study design and decision-making for those researching vulvar pain and its consequences. The review content and recommendations are based on expert knowledge of the literature rather than a formal systematic review.

Conclusion

A thorough consideration of vulvar pain assessment tools is essential for continued progress toward identifying factors involved in the development and maintenance of vulvar pain and developing empirically supported treatments.
Selective herbicides for control of hen’s eyes (Ardisia crenata) in forests and natural areas
Authors: Cristan Richard , Minogue Patrick J. , Enloe Stephen F. , Sellers Brent , Osiecka Anna
Published: December 2019

Hen’s eyes (Ardisia crenataSims) is a shade-tolerant invasive shrub displacing native understory in forests of the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States. Few studies have explored herbicide effectiveness onA. crenata, with foliar applications of triclopyr amine or triclopyr ester typically referenced as the standard treatments. This study evaluated efficacy of eight foliar herbicide treatments and a nontreated check at three locations at 12 mo after the first treatment (12MAT1) and 12 mo after the second treatment (12MAT2) on established (greater than 8-cm high) and seedling (less than 8-cm high)A. crenata. Treatments were four triclopyr formulations: amine, ester, choline, and acid (all at 4.04 kg ae ha−1); imazamox (1.12 and 2.24 kg ae ha−1); flumioxazin (0.43 kg ai ha−1); and triclopyr amine plus flumioxazin (4.04 + 0.43 kg ae ha−1). At 12MAT1, triclopyr ester, the high rate of imazamox, and triclopyr acid resulted in greater control of establishedA. crenatathan any other herbicide (68%, 66%, and 64%, respectively). At 12MAT2, all herbicides except flumioxazin resulted in some control ofA. crenata. Triclopyr ester, triclopyr acid, and the high rate of imazamox provided 95%, 93%, and 92% control, respectively. Triclopyr choline did not perform as well as the acid or ester formulations, and the tank mix of flumioxazin and triclopyr amine did not improve control over triclopyr amine alone. This study identified triclopyr acid and imazamox (2.24 kg ae ha−1) as new options forA. crenatacontrol and indicated variation in the performance among the four triclopyr formulations.
The Effect of Using the Flow Separator Blade to Increase the Uniformity of Flow in the Intake Manifold
Authors: Babadi M. Nazemi , Kheradmand S.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, an idea to make the flow uniform inside the manifolds of four and six cylinder engines without changing their main geometries is presented. In general the uniform distribution of air flow among the engine cylinders is very important. Non-uniform flow in the intake manifold outlets causes inadequate feeding of the cylinders, inappropriate combustion and reduces engine volumetric efficiency. So this matter is vital for improving engine performance. A flow guide blade is added into the manifold and uniformity of the air flow is studied in different regime using transient numerical simulations. The amount of air exited from each outlet and the effect of this blade on flow uniformity is investigated. The results showed that the blade has made the flow more uniform in the manifold outlets and it was also found that in the four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines the flow uniformity is increased by 67% and 75%, respectively. In other words, as the number of engine cylinders increase, the effect of using this blade increases.
Intrinsic functional connectivity, CSF biomarker profiles and their relation to cognitive function in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Matura Silke , Köhler Jan , Reif Andreas , Fusser Fabian , Karakaya Tarik , Scheibe Monika , Ehret Felix , Hartmann Daniel , Kang Jun-Suk , Mayer Christoph , Prvulovic David , Pantel Johannes
Published: December 2019

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) often precedes Alzheimer’s Dementia (AD), and in a high proportion of individuals affected by MCI, there are already neuropathological processes ongoing that become more evident when patients progress to AD. Accordingly, there is a need for reliable biomarkers to distinguish between normal aging and incipient AD. Recent research suggests that, in addition to established biomarkers such as CSF Aß42, total tau and hyperphosphorylated tau, resting state connectivity established by functional magnetic resonance imaging might also be a feasible biomarker for prodromal stages of AD. In order to explore this possibility, we investigated resting state functional connectivity as well as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker profiles in patients with MCI (n = 30; age 66.43 ± 7.06 years) and cognitively healthy controls (n = 38; age 66.89 ± 7.12 years). CSF Aß42, total tau and hyperphosphorylated tau concentrations were correlated with measures of cognitive performance (immediate and delayed recall, global cognition, processing speed). Moreover, MCI-related alterations in intrinsic functional connectivity within the default mode network were investigated using functional resting state MRI. As expected, MCI patients showed decreased CSF Aß42 and increased total tau concentrations. These alterations were associated with cognitive performance. However, there were no differences between MCI patients and cognitively healthy controls regarding intrinsic functional connectivity. In conclusion, our results indicate that CSF protein profiles seem to be more closely related to cognitive decline than alterations in resting state activity. Thus, resting state connectivity might not be a reliable biomarker for early stages of AD.
Real closed valued fields with analytic structure
Authors: Cubides Kovacsics Pablo , Haskell Deirdre
Published: December 2019

We show quantifier elimination theorems for real closed valued fields with separated analytic structure and overconvergent analytic structure in their natural one-sorted languages and deduce that such structures are weakly o-minimal. We also provide a short proof that algebraically closed valued fields with separated analytic structure (in any rank) are C-minimal.
Impact of mechanical ventilation on the daily costs of ICU care: a systematic review and meta regression
Authors: Kaier Klaus , Heister Thomas , Motschall Edith , Hehn Philip , Bluhmki Tobias , Wolkewitz Martin
Published: December 2019

The impact of mechanical ventilation on the daily costs of intensive care unit (ICU) care is largely unknown. We thus conducted a systematic search for studies measuring the daily costs of ICU stays for general populations of adults (age ≥18 years) and the added costs of mechanical ventilation. The relative increase in the daily costs was estimated using random effects meta regression. The results of the analyses were applied to a recent study calculating the excess length-of-stay associated with ICU-acquired (ventilator-associated) pneumonia, a major complication of mechanical ventilation. The search identified five eligible studies including a total of 54 766 patients and ~238 037 patient days in the ICU. Overall, mechanical ventilation was associated with a 25.8% (95% CI 4.7%–51.2%) increase in the daily costs of ICU care. A combination of these estimates with standardised unit costs results in approximate daily costs of a single ventilated ICU day of €1654 and €1580 in France and Germany, respectively. Mechanical ventilation is a major driver of ICU costs and should be taken into account when measuring the financial burden of adverse events in ICU settings.
All‐Sky Interferometric Meteor Radar Observations of Zonal Structure and Drifts of Low‐Latitude Ionospheric E Region Irregularities
Authors: Wang Ye , Li Guozhu , Ning Baiqi , Yang Sipeng , Sun Wenjie , Yu You
Published: December 2019

All‐sky interferometric meteor radar has been operated worldwide for the measurements of neutral winds in the mesopause region. In this paper, we employ an all‐sky meteor radar and an ionospheric radar, which are situated at Ledong (18.4°N,109°E) and Sanya (18.3°N,109.6°E), respectively, and both have the interferometry capability, to study the zonal structure and drifts of ionospheric E region irregularities producing continuous and quasiperiodic echoes. We use the collocated optical meteor observations to calibrate the radar system phase offsets for interferometry measurements. A good correspondence between the irregularity measurements from both radars was found. The observations show that the quasiperiodic striations with both negative and positive slopes in radar range‐time‐intensity maps were produced by spatially separated irregularity structures, which drift through the radar field of view. The continuous echoes were due to irregularities generated locally. Specifically, comparing with ionospheric radar, all‐sky meteor radar has a much wider field of view that can provide E region irregularity information over a large zonal region of more than 300 km. It is suggested that all‐sky meteor radar provides a capability to probe ionospheric E region irregularities and to trace their movements.
Ultraslow Spreading and Volcanism at the Eastern End of Gakkel Ridge, Arctic Ocean
Authors: Jokat Wilfried , O'Connor John , Hauff Folkmar , Koppers Anthony A.P. , Miggins Dan P.
Published: December 2019

Ultraslow spreading ridges are poorly understood plate boundaries consisting of magmatic and amagmatic segments that expose mostly mantle peridotite and only traces of basalt and gabbro. The slowest part of the global spreading system is represented by the eastern Gakkel Ridge in the Central Arctic Ocean, where crustal accretion is characterized by extreme focusing of melt to discrete magmatic centers. Close to its eastern tip lies the unusual 5,310‐m‐deep Gakkel Ridge Deep (GRD) with limited sediment infill, which is in strong contrast to the broader sediment‐filled rift valleys to the east and west. Here, we report an 40Ar/39Ar age of 3.65 ± 0.01 Ma for a pillow basalt from a seamount located on the rim the GRD, confirming ultraslow spreading rates of ~7 mm/year close to the Laptev Sea as suggested from aeromagnetic data. Its geochemistry points to an alkaline lava, attributed to partial melting of a source that underwent prior geochemical enrichment. We note that the GRD extracts compositionally similar melts as the sparsely magmatic zone further west but at much slower spreading velocities of only ~6−7 mm/year, indicating the widespread occurrence of similarly fertile mantle in the High Arctic. This enriched source differs from subcontinental lithospheric mantle that influences magmatism along the Western Volcanic Zone (Goldstein et al., 2008, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature06919) and is similar to metasomatized mantle, shown to influence melt genesis along the Eastern Volcanic Zone.
Wet‐Snow Metamorphism Drives the Transition From Preferential to Matrix Flow in Snow
Authors: Hirashima Hiroyuki , Avanzi Francesco , Wever Nander
Published: December 2019

In order to explain the poorly understood transition between preferential and matrix flow in snow, we compared observations from a cold‐laboratory experiment with predictions from a multidimensional water transport snow model. We found a good agreement between the modeled and observed evolution of grain size distributions if two or three dimensions are considered by the model, which validates existing theories of snow grain growth. Furthermore, the model reproduced the spatial migration of preferential flow paths with time and a progressive homogenization of snow wetness and structure only if grain growth was simulated. Spatially varying grain growth thus drives the transition from a preferential flow to a matrix flow regime. This transition is faster when grain size and density are lower, or infiltration rates are higher. This explains why preferential flow is more persistent in firn than in snow.
Enhancement of Impact Heating in Pressure‐Strengthened Rocks in Oblique Impacts
Authors: Wakita S. , Genda H. , Kurosawa K. , Davison T. M.
Published: December 2019

Shock‐induced metamorphism in meteorites informs us about the collisional environment and history of our solar system. Recently, the importance of material strength in impact heating was reported from head‐on impact simulations. Here, we perform three‐dimensional oblique impact simulations and confirm the additional heating due to material strength for oblique impacts. Despite a large difference in the peak pressure at the impact point at a given impact velocity, we find that the heated mass for an oblique impact is nearly the same as that for a head‐on impact. Thus, our results differ from the previous finding that the heated mass decreases as the impact becomes more oblique and show that the additional shear heating is more effective for oblique impacts than for head‐on impacts. This also indicates that material ejected during oblique impact tends to experience lower shock pressures but higher temperatures.
Time‐Varying Contribution of Internal Dynamics to Wintertime Land Temperature Trends Over the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Gong Hainan , Wang Lin , Chen Wen , Wu Renguang
Published: December 2019

Understanding the contribution of internal dynamics to recently observed land temperature trends is a challenge. In particular, the time‐varying contributions of internal dynamics to these changes are poorly understood. Here, we apply a “dynamical adjustment” method to quantitatively estimate the time‐varying contribution of the internal dynamics to the wintertime land surface air temperature (SAT) trends over the Northern Hemisphere (NH) during 1961–2018. The observed wintertime land SAT trends over the NH are strongly influenced by internal dynamical processes, especially over the Eurasian continent. The internal dynamically induced SAT trends contribute more than 60%, 40%, and 70% of total warming during the first 30 years of 1961–1990 over the NH, North America, and Eurasian continent, respectively. These ratios decrease to about 20% with the extension of time period to 1961–2018. The time‐varying contributions of internal dynamics analogs to the multidecadal fluctuations of the Arctic Oscillation.
Geochemical Evidence for Hydration and Dehydration of Crustal Rocks During Continental Rifting
Authors: He Qiang , Zhang Shao‐Bing , Zheng Yong‐Fei , Xia Qiong‐Xia , Rubatto Daniela
Published: December 2019

To understand the temporal sequence of geological processes such as magmatism, water‐rock interaction, and metamorphism in fossil continental rifts, a combined study of petrography, mineral geochemistry, in situ garnet O isotopes, in situ zircon U‐Pb ages and O isotopes, and pseudosection calculations was conducted for metagranites from a Neoproterozoic continental rift generated during the Rodinia breakup. The results provide insights into the operation of hydration and dehydration during continental rifting. In the metagranites from the northern margin of South China, three types of garnet (Garnet‐I to ‐III) are distinguished. They were sequentially produced by hydrothermal alteration, metamorphic dehydration, and fluid metasomatism. All of these garnets show negative δ18O values of −19.3‰ to −14.5‰, in contrast to mantle‐like δ18O values for magmatic zircon. The extremely negative δ18O values of hydrothermal Garnet‐I require infiltration of the continental deglacial meltwater during the continental rifting, and before that zircon crystallized from normal δ18O magmas. Once the rocks were hydrothermally altered, the extreme 18O depletion was retained in all later products such as metamorphic Garnet‐II and metasomatic Garnet‐III. Pseudosection calculations indicate that the metamorphic dehydration occurred at 1.0–3.0 kbar and 630–690 °C during a reheating stage, corresponding to high thermal gradients of >60 °C/km. The high‐temperature/low‐pressure metamorphic rocks produced by such high thermal gradients are indicative of the continental rift setting. The mineral geochemistry records not only the temporal sequence of rift magmatism, water‐rock interaction, and rift metamorphism but also the evolution of temperature and water action in the crust during the continental rifting.
The Role and Mechanism of SIRT1 in Resveratrol-regulated Osteoblast Autophagy in Osteoporosis Rats
Authors: Yang Xuhao , Jiang Tianlong , Wang Yu , Guo Lei
Published: December 2019

Osteoporosis is widely regarded as one of the typical aging-related diseases due to the impairment of bone remodeling. The silent information regulator of transcription1 (SIRT1) is a vital regulator of cell survival and life-span. SIRT1 has been shown to be activated by resveratrol treatment, and also has been proved to prevent aging-related diseases such as osteoporosis. However, the role of SIRT1 about autophagy or mitophagy of osteoblasts in resveratrol-regulated osteoporotic rats remains unclear. This study seeks to investigate the role of SIRT1 about autophagy or mitophagy in osteoblasts through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in resveratrol-regulated osteoporotic rats. The vivo experiment results have revealed that resveratrol treatment significantly improved bone quality and reduced the levels of serum alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin in osteoporotic rats. Moreover, Western bolt analysis showed that expression of SIRT1, LC3, and Beclin-1 in osteoblasts increased, while p-AKT and p-mTOR were downregulated in osteoporosis rats with high dose resveratrol treatment. On the other hand, resveratrol treatment increased the SIRT1 activity, LC3 and Beclin-1 mRNA expression in the dexamethasone (DEX)-treated osteoblasts. More mitophagosomes were observed in the DEX-treated osteoblasts with resveratrol. Meanwhile, the TOM20, Hsp60, p-Akt and p-mTOR activities were decreased in the DEX-treated osteoblasts with resveratrol. Resveratrol treatment did not change the p-p38 and p-JNK activities in the osteoblasts. These results revealed that resveratrol treatment protected osteoblasts in osteoporosis rats by enhancing mitophagy by mediating SIRT1 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
The spatiotemporal organization of episodic memory and its disruption in a neurodevelopmental disorder
Authors: Mastrogiuseppe Marilina , Bertelsen Natasha , Bedeschi Maria Francesca , Lee Sang Ah
Published: December 2019

Recent theories of episodic memory (EM) posit that the hippocampus provides a spatiotemporal framework necessary for representing events. If such theories hold true, then does the development of EM in children depend on the ability to first bind spatial and temporal information? And does this ability rely, at least in part, on normal hippocampal function? We investigated the development of EM in children 2–8 years of age (Study 1) and its impairment in Williams Syndrome, a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by visuospatial deficits and irregular hippocampal function, (Study 2) by implementing a nonverbal object-placement task that dissociates the what, where, and when components of EM. Consistent with the spatiotemporal-framework view of hippocampal EM, our results indicate that the binding of where and when in memory emerges earliest in development, around the age of 3, and is specifically impaired in WS. Space-time binding both preceded and was critical to full EM (what + where + when), and the successful association of objects to spatial locations seemed to mediate this developmental process.
The driving mechanisms of the carbon cycle perturbations in the late Pliensbachian (Early Jurassic)
Authors: De Lena Luis F. , Taylor David , Guex Jean , Bartolini Annachiara , Adatte Thierry , van Acken David , Spangenberg Jorge E. , Samankassou Elias , Vennemann Torsten , Schaltegger Urs
Published: December 2019

The Early Jurassic (late Pliensbachian to early Toarcian) was a period marked by extinctions, climate fluctuations, and oceanic anoxia. Although the causes of the early Toarcian Oceanic Anoxia Event (OAE) have been fairly well studied, the events that lead to the Toarcian OAE, i.e. the events in the late Pliensbachian, have not been well constrained. Scenarios of the driving mechanism of biotic and environmental changes of the late Pliensbachian have ranged from LIP volcanism (the Karoo-Ferrar LIP), ocean stagnation, and changing ocean circulation, to orbital forcing. The temporal relationship between the Karoo LIP and the late Pliensbachian (Kunae-Carlottense ammonite Zones) are investigated in an effort to evaluate a causal relationship. We present the first absolute timescale on the Kunae and Carlottense Zones based on precise high-precision U-Pb geochronology, and additional geochemical proxies, for a range of environmental proxies such as bulk organic carbon isotope compositions, Hg concentration, and Hg/TOC ratios, and Re-Os isotopes to further explore their causal relationship. The data presented here show that causality between the Karoo LIP and the late Pliensbachian events cannot be maintained.
Single Photon Randomness based on a Defect Center in Diamond
Authors: Chen Xing , Greiner Johannes N. , Wrachtrup Jörg , Gerhardt Ilja
Published: December 2019

The prototype of a quantum random number generator is a single photon which impinges onto a beam splitter and is then detected by single photon detectors at one of the two output paths. Prior to detection, the photon is in a quantum mechanical superposition state of the two possible outcomes with –ideally– equal amplitudes until its position is determined by measurement. When the two output modes are observed by a single photon detector, the generated clicks can be interpreted as ones and zeros – and a raw random bit stream is obtained. Here we implement such a random bit generator based on single photons from a defect center in diamond. We investigate the single photon emission of the defect center by an anti-bunching measurement. This certifies the “quantumness” of the supplied photonic input state, while the random “decision” is still based on the vacuum fluctuations at the open port of the beam-splitter. Technical limitations, such as intensity fluctuations, mechanical drift, and bias are discussed. A number of ways to suppress such unwanted effects, and an a priori entropy estimation are presented. The single photon nature allows for a characterization of the non-classicality of the source, and allows to determine a background fraction. Due to the NV-center’s superior stability and optical properties, we can operate the generator under ambient conditions around the clock. We present a true 24/7 operation of the implemented random bit generator.
Slot-Waveguide Silicon Nitride Organic Hybrid Distributed Feedback Laser
Authors: Vogelbacher Florian , Sagmeister Martin , Kraft Jochen , Zhou Xue , Huang Jinhua , Li Mingzhu , Jiang Ke-Jian , Song Yanlin , Unterrainer Karl , Hainberger Rainer
Published: December 2019

One of the major barriers for a widespread commercial uptake of silicon nitride photonic integrated circuits for cost-sensitive applications is the lack of low-cost monolithically integrated laser light sources directly emitting into single-mode waveguides. In this work, we demonstrate an optically pumped organic solid-state slot-waveguide distributed feedback laser designed for a silicon nitride organic hybrid photonic platform. Pulsed optical excitation of the gain medium is achieved by a 450 nm laser diode. The optical feedback for lasing is based on a second-order laterally coupled Bragg grating with a slot-waveguide core. Optimized material gain properties of the organic dye together with the increased modal gain of the laser mode arising from the improved overlap of the slot-waveguide geometry with the gain material enable single-mode lasing at a wavelength of 600 nm. The straightforward integration and operation with a blue laser diode leads to a cost-effective coherent light source for photonic integrated devices.
Dipyridamole-loaded 3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds stimulate pediatric bone regeneration in vivo without disruption of craniofacial growth through facial maturity
Authors: Wang Maxime M. , Flores Roberto L. , Witek Lukasz , Torroni Andrea , Ibrahim Amel , Wang Zhong , Liss Hannah A. , Cronstein Bruce N. , Lopez Christopher D. , Maliha Samantha G. , Coelho Paulo G.
Published: December 2019

This study investigates a comprehensive model of bone regeneration capacity of dypiridamole-loaded 3D-printed bioceramic (DIPY-3DPBC) scaffolds composed of 100% beta-tricalcium phosphate (β –TCP) in an immature rabbit model through the time of facial maturity. The efficacy of this construct was compared to autologous bone graft, the clinical standard of care in pediatric craniofacial reconstruction, with attention paid to volume of regenerated bone by 3D reconstruction, histologic and mechanical properties of regenerated bone, and long-term safety regarding potential craniofacial growth restriction. Additionally, long-term degradation of scaffold constructs was evaluated. At 24 weeks in vivo, DIPY-3DPBC scaffolds demonstrated volumetrically significant osteogenic regeneration of calvarial and alveolar defects comparable to autogenous bone graft with favorable biodegradation of the bioactive ceramic component in vivo. Characterization of regenerated bone reveals osteogenesis of organized, vascularized bone with histologic and mechanical characteristics comparable to native bone. Radiographic and histologic analyses were consistent with patent craniofacial sutures. Lastly, through application of 3D morphometric facial surface analysis, our results support that DIPY-3DPBC scaffolds do not cause premature closure of sutures and preserve normal craniofacial growth. Based on this novel evaluation model, this DIPY-3DPBC scaffold strategy is a promising candidate as a safe, efficacious pediatric bone tissue engineering strategy.
Mechanistic correlation between water infiltration and framework hydrophilicity in MFI zeolites
Authors: Fasano Matteo , Bevilacqua Alessio , Chiavazzo Eliodoro , Humplik Thomas , Asinari Pietro
Published: December 2019

Hydrophobic zeolites are nanoporous materials that are attracting an increasing interest, especially for catalysis, desalination, energy storage and biomedical applications. Nevertheless, a more profound understanding and control of water infiltration in their nanopores is still desirable to rationally design zeolite-based materials with tailored properties. In this work, both atomistic simulations and previous experimental data are employed to investigate water infiltration in hydrophobic MFI zeolites with different concentration of hydrophilic defects. Results show that limited concentrations of defects (e.g. 1%) induce a change in the shape of infiltration isotherms (from type-V to type-I), which denotes a sharp passage from typical hydrophobic to hydrophilic behavior. A correlation parametrized on both energy and geometric characteristics of the zeolite (infiltration model) is then adopted to interpolate the infiltration isotherms data by means of a limited number of physically-meaningful parameters. Finally, the infiltration model is combined with the water-zeolite interaction energy computed by simulations to correlate the water intrusion mechanism with the atomistic details of the zeolite crystal, such as defects concentration, distribution and hydrophilicity. The suggested methodology may allow a faster (more than one order of magnitude) and more systematic preliminary computational screening of innovative zeolite-based materials for energy storage, desalination and biomedical purposes.
Dual orexin receptor antagonist induces changes in core body temperature in rats after exercise
Authors: Martin Tristan , Dauvilliers Yves , Koumar Ouma-Chandrou , Bouet Valentine , Freret Thomas , Besnard Stéphane , Dauphin François , Bessot Nicolas
Published: December 2019

Hypothalamic orexin neurons are involved in various physiological functions, including thermoregulation. The orexinergic system has been considered as a potent mediator of the exercise response. The present study describes how the antagonization of the orexinergic system by a dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA) modifies the thermoregulatory process during exercise. Core Body Temperature (CBT) and Spontaneous Locomotor Activity (SLA) of 12 male Wistar rats were recorded after either oral administration of DORA (30 mg/kg or 60 mg/kg) or placebo solution, both at rest and in exercise conditions with treadmill running. DORA ingestion decreased SLA for 8 hours (p < 0.001) and CBT for 4 hours (p < 0.01). CBT (°C) response was independent of SLA. The CBT level decreased from the beginning to the end of exercise when orexin receptors were antagonized, with a dose-dependent response (39.09 ± 0.36 and 38.88 ± 0.28 for 30 and 60 mg/kg; p < 0.001) compared to placebo (39.29 ± 0.31; p < 0.001). CBT increased during exercise was also blunted after DORA administration, but without dose effects of DORA. In conclusion, our results favor the role of orexin in the thermoregulation under stress related to exercise conditions.
Thermoelectric microscopy of magnetic skyrmions
Authors: Iguchi Ryo , Kasai Shinya , Koshikawa Kazushige , Chinone Norimichi , Suzuki Shinsuke , Uchida Ken-ichi
Published: December 2019

The magnetic skyrmion is a nanoscale topological object characterized by the winding of magnetic moments, appearing in magnetic materials with broken inversion symmetry. Because of its low current threshold for driving the skyrmion motion, they have been intensely studied toward novel storage applications by using electron-beam, X-ray, and visible light microscopies. Here, we demonstrate another imaging method for skyrmions by using spin-caloritronic phenomena, that is, the spin Seebeck and anomalous Nernst effects, as a probe of magnetic texture. We scanned a focused heating spot on a Hall-cross shaped MgO/CoFeB/Ta/W multilayer film and mapped the magnitude as well as the direction of the resultant thermoelectric current due to the spin-caloritronic phenomena. Our experimental and calculation reveal that the characteristic patterns in the thermoelectric signal distribution reflect the skyrmions’ magnetic texture. The thermoelectric microscopy will be a complementary and useful imaging technique for the development of skyrmion devices owing to the unique symmetry of the spin-caloritronic phenomena.
Effect of energy transfer on the optical properties of surface-passivated perovskite films with CdSe/ZnS quantum dots
Authors: Cho Il-Wook , Ryu Mee-Yi
Published: December 2019

Surface passivation is an effective method to protect the surfaces and improve the luminescence properties of perovskite (PS) films. CdSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dots (QDs) have been employed for surface passivation of PS films because of their size-dependent tunable bandgaps. Herein, the energy transfer (ET) behavior of CH3NH3PbI2Br PS films covered with CdSe/ZnS QDs (QD/PS hybrid structures) is characterized by using photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved PL spectroscopy. The PL decay time and the integrated PL intensity of the QD/PS hybrid structure increase compared with those of the bare PS films, owing to ET from the QDs to the PS and reduced charge traps. The ET efficiency increases from ~7% to 63% for the QD/PS hybrid structure when the core diameter of the QDs decreases from 6.5 to 2.7 nm, respectively. This can be explained by the charge transfer rate enhancement due to the control of energy level alignment of QDs. These results allow us to understand fundamental mechanisms such as ET from QDs to PS films as a function of the size of the QD.
Deep learning enables pathologist-like scoring of NASH models
Authors: Heinemann Fabian , Birk Gerald , Stierstorfer Birgit
Published: December 2019

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the progressive form of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are diseases of major importance with a high unmet medical need. Efficacy studies on novel compounds to treat NAFLD/NASH using disease models are frequently evaluated using established histological feature scores on ballooning, inflammation, steatosis and fibrosis. These features are assessed by a trained pathologist using microscopy and assigned discrete scores. We demonstrate how to automate these scores with convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Whole slide images of stained liver sections are analyzed using two different scales with four CNNs, each specialized for one of four histopathological features. A continuous value is obtained to quantify the extent of each feature, which can be used directly to provide a high resolution readout. In addition, the continuous values can be mapped to obtain the established discrete pathologist-like scores. The automated deep learning-based scores show good agreement with the trainer - a human pathologist.
High resolution and sensitivity gamma camera with active septa. A first Monte Carlo study
Authors: Ilisie Victor , Moliner Laura , Oliver Sandra , Sánchez Filomeno , González Antonio J. , Seimetz Michael , Rodríguez-Álvarez Maria J. , Benlloch Jose Maria
Published: December 2019

Gamma cameras are of great interest due to their high potential in the field of Nuclear Medicine Imaging. They allow for an early diagnosis of reduced size tumors, and also for a wide variety of preclinical studies with the aim of designing more effective treatments against cancer. In this work we propose a significantly improved multi-pinhole collimator gamma camera and perform a first Monte Carlo analysis of its characteristics. Maintaining the configuration of a multi-pinhole collimator with a high degree of overlapping (thus with a high sensitivity), we add a new element, an active septa, that besides acting as a collimator, is able to measure the impact coordinates of the incident photon. This way one is able to unambiguously identify through which pinhole any gamma ray passes before being detected. The result is a high sensitivity and resolution multi-pinhole gamma camera with an arbitrarily large field of view. As a consequence, the final reconstructed image does not suffer from the undesired artifacts or truncation associated to the multiplexing phenomenon. In this study we focus on the development of a system able to visualize in 3D tumors, nodes and metastasis in real time in the operating room with very low dose. We also briefly analyse and propose a novel design for a Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography system.