bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Supersaturation in the Wake of Falling Hydrometeors: Implications for Cloud Invigoration and Ice Nucleation
Authors: Prabhakaran Prasanth , Kinney Gregory , Cantrell Will , Shaw Raymond A. , Bodenschatz Eberhard
Published: April 2020

Aerosol particles, cloud droplets, and ice crystals, coupled through the supersaturation field, play an important role in the buoyancy and life cycle of convective clouds. This letter reports laboratory observations of copious cloud droplets and ice crystals formed in the wake of a warm, falling water drop, which is a laboratory surrogate for a relatively warm hydrometeor in atmospheric clouds, such as a graupel particle in the wet growth regime. Aerosols were activated in the regions of very high supersaturation due to mixing in the wake. A mechanism is explored for attaining very high supersaturations capable of activating significant fractions of the interstitial aerosols within the lifetime of a convective cloud. The latent heat released from the activation of interstitial aerosols and subsequent growth may provide an additional source of buoyancy for cloud invigoration and may lead to larger concentrations of ice crystals.
Targeting triple-negative breast cancers with the Smac-mimetic birinapant
Authors: Lalaoui Najoua , Merino Delphine , Giner Goknur , Vaillant François , Chau Diep , Liu Lin , Kratina Tobias , Pal Bhupinder , Whittle James R. , Etemadi Nima , Berthelet Jean , Gräsel Julius , Hall Cathrine , Ritchie Matthew E. , Ernst Matthias , Smyth Gordon K. , Vaux David L. , Visvader Jane E. , Lindeman Geoffrey J. , Silke John
Published: April 2020

Smac mimetics target inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins, thereby suppressing their function to facilitate tumor cell death. Here we have evaluated the efficacy of the preclinical Smac-mimetic compound A and the clinical lead birinapant on breast cancer cells. Both exhibited potent in vitro activity in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, including those from patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Birinapant was further studied using in vivo PDX models of TNBC and estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. Birinapant exhibited single agent activity in all TNBC PDX models and augmented response to docetaxel, the latter through induction of TNF. Transcriptomic analysis of TCGA datasets revealed that genes encoding mediators of Smac-mimetic-induced cell death were expressed at higher levels in TNBC compared with ER+ breast cancer, resulting in a molecular signature associated with responsiveness to Smac mimetics. In addition, the cell death complex was preferentially formed in TNBCs versus ER+ cells in response to Smac mimetics. Taken together, our findings provide a rationale for prospectively selecting patients whose breast tumors contain a competent death receptor signaling pathway for the further evaluation of birinapant in the clinic.
Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells repair a Parkinson’s disease model by inducing autophagy
Authors: Chen Hong-Xu , Liang Fu-Chao , Gu Ping , Xu Bian-Ling , Xu Hong-Jun , Wang Wen-Ting , Hou Jia-Yang , Xie Dong-Xiao , Chai Xi-Qing , An Sheng-Jun
Published: April 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressively debilitating neurodegenerative condition that leads to motor and cognitive dysfunction. At present, clinical treatment can only improve symptoms, but cannot effectively protect dopaminergic neurons. Several reports have demonstrated that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs) afford neuroprotection, while their application is limited because of their uncontrollable differentiation and other reasons. Stem cells communicate with cells through secreted exosomes (Exos), the present study aimed to explore whether Exos secreted by hucMSCs could function instead of hucMSCs. hucMSCs were successfully isolated and characterized, and shown to contribute to 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-stimulated SH-SY5Y cell proliferation; hucMSC-derived Exos were also involved in this process. The Exos were purified and identified, and then labeled with PKH 26, it was found that the Exos could be efficiently taken up by SH-SY5Y cells after 12 h of incubation. Pretreatment with Exos promoted 6-OHDA-stimulated SH-SY5Y cells to proliferate and inhibited apoptosis by inducing autophagy. Furthermore, Exos reached the substantia nigra through the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in vivo, relieved apomorphine-induced asymmetric rotation, reduced substantia nigra dopaminergic neuron loss and apoptosis, and upregulated the level of dopamine in the striatum. These results demonstrate that hucMSCs-Exos have a treatment capability for PD and can traverse the BBB, indicating their potential for the effective treatment of PD.
Loss of tumor suppressor inositol polyphosphate 4-phosphatase type B impairs DNA double-strand break repair by destabilization of DNA tethering protein Rad50
Authors: Sun Yue , Ning Xuelian , Fan Jiankun , Hu Jiandong , Jiang Yanting , Hu Ziqi , Paulo Joao A. , Liu Jichao , Qiu Xiaohong , Xu Hui , Fu Songbin , Gygi Steven P. , Zhang Jinwei , Zhou Chunshui
Published: April 2020

Genome instability is the fundamental hallmark of malignant tumors. Tumor suppressors often play a role in maintaining genome stability. Our previous genetic screen identified inositol polyphosphate 4-phosphatase type B (INPP4B), primarily hydrolyzing phosphatidylinositol 3, 4-disphosphate, is a potential tumor suppressor in lung cancer cells. How INPP4B regulates the genome stability of lung cancer cells is unclear. Here we report knockout of INPP4B in lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells by Crispr-Cas9 gene editing leads to sensitization to ionizing radiation (IR), PARP inhibitor olaparib and impaired DNA homologous recombination repair. Re-introduction of a Crispr-Cas9 resistant INPP4B gene in the INPP4B knockout cells partially restored their resistance to IR, indicating loss of INPP4B protein is relevant to the increased IR sensitivity. Furthermore, we showed ectopic expressed INPP4B in A549 cells responds to IR irradiation by redistribution from cytoplasm to nucleus and endogenous INPP4B protein interacts with Rad50, a crucial MRN complex component for tethering DNA double-strand breaks. Loss of INPP4B protein results in decreased stability of Rad50 in vivo, suggesting an unanticipated role of tumor suppressor INPP4B in maintaining genome integrity via facilitating Rad50 mediated DNA double-strand break repair. Taken together, our findings support a dual role of INPP4B in suppression of tumorigenesis by safeguarding genome stability, as well as inhibiting of PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling, and offer a new therapeutic strategy for personalized cancer treatment to patients with INPP4B defects or deficiency in the clinic.
Decreased ZNF750 promotes angiogenesis in a paracrine manner via activating DANCR/miR-4707-3p/FOXC2 axis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Bi Yanghui , Guo Shixing , Xu Xiaoqin , Kong Pengzhou , Cui Heyang , Yan Ting , Ma Yanchun , Cheng Yikun , Chen Yunqing , Liu Xue , Zhang Ling , Cheng Caixia , Xu Enwei , Qian Yu , Yang Jian , Song Bin , Li Hongyi , Wang Fang , Hu Xiaoling , Liu Xiangchen , Niu Xia , Zhai Yuanfang , Liu Jing , Li Yaoping , Cheng Xiaolong , Cui Yongping
Published: April 2020

ZNF750 is one novel significantly mutated gene identified in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) using next-generation sequencing. However, its clinically relevant and potential mechanisms have remained elusive. Using genomic sequencing of 612 ESCC patients, we analyzed the associations of ZNF750 mutations with clinicopathologic features and its prognostic value. We further investigated the function and underlying mechanism of ZNF750 in angiogenesis. The results showed ZNF750 mutations/deletions are significantly associated with malignant progression and poor prognosis of ESCC patients. Decreased ZNF750 in ESCC cells induces enhanced angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human arterial endothelial cells (HAECs), and the effect may be indirectly mediated by FOXC2. RNA-seq and ChIP shows lncRNA DANCR is a direct downstream target of ZNF750. Furtherly, knockdown ZNF750 evokes DANCR expression, which prevents miR-4707-3p to interact with FOXC2 as a microRNA sponge in a ceRNA manner, leading to enhanced FOXC2 signaling and angiogenesis. In contrast, ZNF750 expression reverses the effect. Our study reveals a novel mechanism of ZNF750, highlights a significance of ZNF750 as a metastatic and prognostic biomarker, and offers potential therapeutic targets for ESCC patients harboring ZNF750 mutations.
Analyzing the impact of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection on primary human macrophages by combined exploratory and targeted metabolomics
Authors: Vrieling Frank , Kostidis Sarantos , Spaink Herman P. , Haks Mariëlle C. , Mayboroda Oleg A. , Ottenhoff Tom H. M. , Joosten Simone A.
Published: April 2020

The pathogenic success of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is tightly linked to its ability to recalibrate host metabolic processes in infected host macrophages. Since changes in cellular metabolic intermediates or pathways also affect macrophage function in response to pathogens, we sought to analyse specific metabolic alterations induced by Mtb infection. Stimulation of macrophages with Mtb lysate or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced a relative increase in glycolysis versus oxidative phosphorylation. Cellular metabolomics revealed that Mtb infection induced a distinct metabolic profile compared to LPS in both M1 and M2 macrophages. Specifically, Mtb infection resulted in elevated intracellular levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), creatine, creatine phosphate and glutathione compared to uninfected control macrophages. Correspondingly, RNA-sequencing datasets showed altered gene expression of key metabolic enzymes involved in NAD+, creatine, glucose and glutamine metabolism (e.g NAMPT, SLC6A8, HK2) in Mtb-infected M2 macrophages. These findings demonstrate clear modulation of host macrophage metabolic pathways by Mtb infection.
HMGA1-pseudogene7 transgenic mice develop B cell lymphomas
Authors: De Martino Marco , De Biase Davide , Forzati Floriana , Credendino Sara Carmela , Palma Giuseppe , Barbieri Antonio , Arra Claudio , Paciello Orlando , Gaudio Eugenio , Ponzoni Maurilio , De Vita Gabriella , Chieffi Paolo , Bertoni Francesco , Fusco Alfredo , Esposito Francesco
Published: April 2020

We have recently identified and characterized two pseudogenes (HMGA1P6 and HMGA1P7) of the HMGA1 gene, which has a critical role in malignant cell transformation and cancer progression. HMGA1P6 and HMGAP17 act as microRNA decoy for HMGA1 and other cancer-related genes upregulating their protein levels. We have previously shown that they are upregulated in several human carcinomas, and their expression positively correlates with a poor prognosis and an advanced cancer stage. To evaluate in vivo oncogenic activity of HMGA1 pseudogenes, we have generated a HMGA1P7 transgenic mouse line overexpressing this pseudogene. By a mean age of 12 months, about 50% of the transgenic mice developed splenomegaly and accumulation of lymphoid cells in several body compartments. For these mice FACS and immunohistochemical analyses suggested the diagnosis of B-cell lymphoma that was further supported by clonality analyses and RNA expression profile of the pathological tissues of the HMGA1P7 transgenic tissues. Therefore, these results clearly demonstrate the oncogenic activity of HMGA1 pseudogenes in vivo.
Age-Period-Cohort Analysis of HIV Mortality in China: Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016
Authors: Gao Disi , Zou Zhiyong , Zhang Wenjing , Chen Tianqi , Cui Wenxin , Ma Yinghua
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term trends of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) mortality in China and its associations with age, period and birth cohort. We used HIV mortality data obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2016 and analysed the data with an age-period-cohort framework. Age effects indicate different risks of different outcomes at specific periods in life; period effects reflect population- wide exposure at a circumscribed point in time; and cohort effects generally reflect differences in risk across birth cohorts.Our results showed that the overall annual percentage change (net drift) of HIV mortality was 11.3% (95% CI: 11.0% to 11.6%) for males and 7.2% (95% CI: 7.0% to 7.5%) for females, and the annual percentage changes in each age group (local drift) were greater than 5% (p < 0.01 for all) in both sexes. In the same birth cohort, the risk of death from HIV increased with age in both sexes after controlling for period effects, and the risk for each five-year period was 1.98 for males and 1.57 for females compared to their previous life stage. Compared to the period of 2002–2006, the relative risk (RR) of HIV mortality in 2012–2016 increased by 56.1% in males and 3.7% in females, and compared to the 1955–1959 birth cohort, the cohort RRs increased markedly, by 82.9 times in males and 34.8 times in females. Considering the rapidly increasing risk of HIV mortality, Chinese policymakers should take immediate measures to target the key age group of 15–44 years in both sexes.
A Galactic centre gravitational-wave Messenger
Authors: Abramowicz Marek , Bejger Michał , Gourgoulhon Éric , Straub Odele
Published: April 2020

Our existence in the Universe resulted from a rare combination of circumstances. The same must hold for any highly developed extraterrestrial civilisation, and if they have ever existed in the Milky Way, they would likely be scattered over large distances in space and time. However, all technologically advanced species must be aware of the unique property of the galactic centre: it hosts Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*), the closest supermassive black hole to anyone in the Galaxy. A civilisation with sufficient technical know-how may have placed material in orbit around Sgr A* for research, energy extraction, and communication purposes. In either case, its orbital motion will necessarily be a source of gravitational waves. We show that a Jupiter-mass probe on the retrograde innermost stable circular orbit around Sgr A* emits, depending on the black hole spin, at a frequency of fGW = 0.63–1.07 mHz and with a power of PGW = 2.7 × 1036–2.0 × 1037 erg/s. We discuss that the energy output of a single star is sufficient to stabilise the location of an orbiting probe for a billion years against gravitational wave induced orbital decay. Placing and sustaining a device near Sgr A* is therefore astrophysically possible. Such a probe will emit an unambiguously artificial continuous gravitational wave signal that is observable with LISA-type detectors.
Superconducting-Gap Anisotropy of Iron Pnictides Investigated via Combinatorial Microwave Measurements
Authors: Okada Tatsunori , Imai Yoshinori , Kitagawa Kentaro , Matsubayashi Kazuyuki , Nakajima Masamichi , Iyo Akira , Uwatoko Yoshiya , Eisaki Hiroshi , Maeda Atsutaka
Published: April 2020

One of the most significant issues for superconductivity is clarifying the momentum-dependent superconducting gap Δ($${\boldsymbol{k}}$$k), which is closely related to the pairing mechanism. To elucidate the gap structure, it is essential to investigate Δ($${\boldsymbol{k}}$$k) in as many different physical quantities as possible and to crosscheck the results obtained in different methods with each other. In this paper, we report a combinatorial investigation of the superfluid density and the flux-flow resistivity of iron-pnictide superconductors; LiFeAs and BaFe2(As1−xPx)2 (x = 0.3, 0.45). We evaluated Δ($${\boldsymbol{k}}$$k) by fitting these two-independent quantities with a two-band model simultaneously. The obtained Δ($${\boldsymbol{k}}$$k) are consistent with the results observed in angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and scanning-tunneling spectroscopy (STS) studies. We believe our approach is a powerful method for investigating Δ($${\boldsymbol{k}}$$k) because it does not require a sample with clean surface unlike ARPES and STS experiments, or a rotational magnetic-field system for direct measurements of the angular dependence of thermodynamic quantities.
Role of OPRM1, clinical and anthropometric variants in neonatal pain reduction
Authors: Erbi Ilaria , Ciantelli Massimiliano , Farinella Riccardo , Tuoni Cristina , Gentiluomo Manuel , Moscuzza Francesca , Rizzato Cosmeri , Bedini Alice , Faraoni Maddalena , Giusfredi Stefano , Tavanti Arianna , Ghirri Paolo , Campa Daniele
Published: April 2020

An increased awareness on neonatal pain-associated complications has led to the development of pain scales adequate to assess the level of pain experienced by newborns such as the ABC score. A commonly used analgesic procedure is to administer a 33% oral dextrose solution to newborns prior to the painful intervention. Although this procedure is very successful, not in all subjects it reaches complete efficacy. A possible explanation for the different response to the treatment could be genetic variability. We have investigated the genetic variability of the OPRM1 gene in 1077 newborns in relation to non-pharmacologic pain relief treatment. We observed that the procedure was successful in 966 individuals and there was no association between the genotypes and the analgesic efficacy when comparing individuals that had an ABC score = 0 and ABC score >0. However, considering only the individuals with ABC score>0, we found that the homozygous carriers of the G allele of the missense variant SNP rs1799971 (A118G) showed an interesting association with higher ABC score. We also observed that individuals fed with formula milk were more likely to not respond to the analgesic treatment compared to those that had been breastfed.
Diversity of mycorrhizal Tulasnella associated with epiphytic and rupicolous orchids from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, including four new species
Authors: Freitas Emiliane Fernanda Silva , da Silva Meiriele , Cruz Everaldo da Silva , Mangaravite Erica , Bocayuva Melissa Faust , Veloso Tomás Gomes Reis , Selosse Marc-André , Kasuya Maria Catarina Megumi
Published: April 2020

The genus Tulasnella often forms mycorrhizas with orchids and has worldwide distribution. Species of this genus are associated with a wide range of orchids, including endangered hosts. Initially, species identification relied mostly on morphological features and few cultures were preserved for later phylogenetic comparisons. In this study, a total of 50 Tulasnella isolates were collected from their natural sites in Minas Gerais, Brazil, cultured, and subjected to a phylogenetic analysis based on alignments of sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA. Our results, based on phylogeny, integrated with nucleotide divergence and morphology, revealed the diversity of isolated Tulasnella species, which included four new species, namely, Tulasnella brigadeiroensis, Tulasnella hadrolaeliae, Tulasnella orchidis and Tulasnella zygopetali. The conservation of these species is important due to their association with endangered orchid hosts and endemic features in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.
English Football Players are not as Bad at Kicking Penalties as Commonly Assumed
Authors: Brinkschulte Michel , Furley Philip , Memmert Daniel
Published: April 2020

The previous performance of the English men’s national football team in penalty shootouts has led to the widespread stereotype that English football players are particularly bad at scoring penalties. Research has proposed possible reasons behind this alleged “penalty curse”. When looking at these reasons, the question arises if English football players per se have trouble scoring penalty kicks. Therefore, we analyzed the performance of a large sample of penalty takers during all World- and European Championships (N = 696) and, additionally, in some of the highest European leagues over a ten-year period (N = 4,708). The results reveal no significant differences between the success rates (on average between 71–79%, depending on the type of penalty kick and on the type of competition) of penalty takers from different nations. Therefore, we conclude that English players perform as well as players from other nations and that poor performance in penalties lay beyond the factor nationality.
Preparation of porous materials by selective enzymatic degradation: effect of in vitro degradation and in vivo compatibility
Authors: Shi Ke , Ma Qinqin , Su Tingting , Wang Zhanyong
Published: April 2020

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) were melt-blended and formed into a film by hot press forming. The film was selectively degraded by cutinase and proteinase K to form a porous material. The porous materials were characterized with respect to their pore morphology, pore size, porosity and hydrophilicity. The porous materials were investigated in vitro degradation and in vivo compatibility. The results show that the pore size of the prepared porous materials could be controlled by the proportion of PBS and the degradation time. When the PBS composition of PBS/PLA blends was changed from 40 wt% to 50 wt%, the mean pore diameter of the porous materials significantly increased from 6.91 µm to 120 µm, the porosity improved from 81.52% to 96.90%, and the contact angle decreased from 81.08° to 46.56°. In vitro degradation suggests that the PBS-based porous materials have a good corrosion resistance but the PLA-based porous materials have degradability in simulated body fluid. Subcutaneous implantation of the porous materials did not cause intense inflammatory response, which revealed good compatibility. The results of hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining assays demonstrated that the porous materials promote chondrocyte production. Porous materials have great potential in preparing implants for tissue engineering applications.
De novo damaging variants associated with congenital heart diseases contribute to the connectome
Authors: Ji Weizhen , Ferdman Dina , Copel Joshua , Scheinost Dustin , Shabanova Veronika , Brueckner Martina , Khokha Mustafa K. , Ment Laura R.
Published: April 2020

Congenital heart disease (CHD) survivors are at risk for neurodevelopmental disability (NDD), and recent studies identify genes associated with both disorders, suggesting that NDD in CHD survivors may be of genetic origin. Genes contributing to neurogenesis, dendritic development and synaptogenesis organize neural elements into networks known as the connectome. We hypothesized that NDD in CHD may be attributable to genes altering both neural connectivity and cardiac patterning. To assess the contribution of de novo variants (DNVs) in connectome genes, we annotated 229 published NDD genes for connectome status and analyzed data from 3,684 CHD subjects and 1,789 controls for connectome gene mutations. CHD cases had more protein truncating and deleterious missense DNVs among connectome genes compared to controls (OR = 5.08, 95%CI:2.81–9.20, Fisher’s exact test P = 6.30E-11). When removing three known syndromic CHD genes, the findings remained significant (OR = 3.69, 95%CI:2.02–6.73, Fisher’s exact test P = 1.06E-06). In CHD subjects, the top 12 NDD genes with damaging DNVs that met statistical significance after Bonferroni correction (PTPN11, CHD7, CHD4, KMT2A, NOTCH1, ADNP, SMAD2, KDM5B, NSD2, FOXP1, MED13L, DYRK1A; one-tailed binomial test P ≤ 4.08E-05) contributed to the connectome. These data suggest that NDD in CHD patients may be attributable to genes that alter both cardiac patterning and the connectome.
Assessing TEG6S reliability between devices and across multiple time points: A prospective thromboelastography validation study
Authors: Lloyd-Donald Patryck , Churilov Leonid , Cheong Brandon , Bellomo Rinaldo , McCall Peter R. , Mårtensson Johan , Glassford Neil , Weinberg Laurence
Published: April 2020

The TEG6S is a novel haemostasis analyser utilising resonance technology. It offers potentially greater coagulation information and ease of use, however has not been independently validated in a clinical setting. We aimed to determine if the TEG6S is reliable between devices and across time points. We performed a prospective observational study with ethical approval. For interdevice reliability, we performed simultaneous analysis on two TEG6S devices on 25 adult ICU patients. For time point reliability, we performed repeated sampling across five different time points on 15 adult participants. Blood was collected with informed consent, or as standard care, before four-channel citrated kaolin analysis. We observed almost perfect interdevice reliability across all TEG parameters. The Lin’s concordance correlation coefficients (95% CI, major axis regression slope, intercept) were R-time: 0.96 (0.92–0.99, 0.88, 0.57); K-time: 0.93 (0.87–0.98, 1.07, 0.00); Alpha Angle: 0.87 (0.78–0.96, 1.20, −14.10); Maximum Amplitude: 0.99 (0.98–0.99, 1.02, −1.38); Clot Lysis: 0.89 (0.82–0.97, 1.20, 0.07). Additionally, we observed moderate-to-high reliability across time points. Demonstrating almost perfect agreement across different devices and moderate-to-high reliability across multiple time points, suggests the TEG6S platform can be used with haemostatic accuracy and generalisability. This has potentially significant implications for clinical practice and multi-site research programs.
New applanation tonometer for myopic patients after laser refractive surgery
Authors: Iglesias María , Yebra Francisco , Kudsieh Bachar , Laiseca Andrea , Santos Cristina , Nadal Jeroni , Barraquer Rafael , Casaroli-Marano Ricardo P.
Published: April 2020

This study assesses the agreement between intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements taken with the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) and a new experimental applanation tonometer with a convexly shaped apex (CT) after laser myopic refractive surgery. Two different CT radii (CT1 and CT2) were designed with a finite element analyser, and a prospective double masked study on 102 eyes from 102 patients was carried out. A Bland-Altman plot and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated to assess the agreement between GAT measurements and the measurements of both CT1 and CT2 before and after myopic laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK; n = 73) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK; n = 29). We evaluated a subset of two subgroups (n = 36 each) for intra and inter-observer (IA/IE) error. From the whole cohort, the best IOP agreement was observed between GATpre and CT1post surgery: 16.09 ± 2.92 vs 16.42 ± 2.87 (p < 0.001); ICC = 0.675 (95% CI: 0.554–0.768). In the analysis of LASIK vs PRK, GATpre and CT1post showed the highest agreement, although LASIK measurements were more accurate than PRK, as the ICC = 0.718 (95% CI: 0.594–0.812) and ICC = 0.578 (95% CI: 0.182–0.795) respectively. Excellent agreement was observed for IA/IE, and there was an ICC > 0.8 (95% CI) in all cases. CT1 proved more accurate in the LASIK subgroup. In conclusion, our new version of GAT could be used with post-surgery LASIK patients as a more accurate measurement device compared to the current reference tonometer.
Ultrafast Photofragmentation of Ln(hfac)3 with a Proposed Mechanism for forming High Mass Fluorinated Products
Authors: Chen Jiangchao , Xing Xi , Rey-de-Castro Roberto , Rabitz Herschel
Published: April 2020

The photo-induced dissociative-ionization of lanthanide complexes Ln(hfac)3 (Ln = Pr, Er, Yb) is studied using intense ultrafast transform limited (TL) and linearly chirped laser pulses in a time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry setup. Various fluorine and Ln-containing high-mass fragments were observed in this experiment, including the molecular parent ion, which have not been seen with previous studies relying on relatively long-duration laser pulses (i.e., ns or longer). These new high-mass observations provide important formerly missing information for deducing a set of photo-fragmentation mechanistic pathways for Ln(hfac)3. An overall ultrafast control mechanism is proposed by combining insights from earlier studies and the fragments observed in this research to result in three main distinct photo-fragmentation processes: (a) ligand-metal charge transfer, (b) CF3 elimination, and (c) C-C bond rotation processes. We conclude that ultrafast dissociative-ionization could be a promising technique for generating high-mass fragments for potential use in material science applications.
Apoptotic and predictive factors by Bax, Caspases 3/9, Bcl-2, p53 and Ki-67 in prostate cancer after 12 Gy single-dose
Authors: Pisani Carla , Ramella Martina , Boldorini Renzo , Loi Gianfranco , Billia Michele , Boccafoschi Francesca , Volpe Alessandro , Krengli Marco
Published: April 2020

Radio-induced apoptosis is mediated by the activation of tumor protein p53, Bax and caspases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the early activation of this pathway in men receiving in vivo irradiation immediately before radical prostatectomy for locally advanced prostate cancer. We also investigated cell proliferation index (Ki-67), proto-oncogene (p53) and anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2) levels as potential predictive factors. We selected a homogeneous sample of 20 patients with locally advanced prostate cancer and candidate to radical prostatectomy. To assess the apoptotic pathways, Bax, is studied through immunofluorescence assay, before and after 12 Gy single dose intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) to the prostate, on bioptic samples and on surgical specimens. Moreover, before and after IORT, Bcl-2, p53, and Ki-67 were also detected through immunohistochemistry. A count of positive Bax spots for immunofluorescence was performed on tumor cells, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), and healthy tissue areas before and after IORT. We also analyzed Caspases 3 and 9 expressions after IORT. Before IORT, Bcl-2 mean value in neoplastic cells was 2.23% ± 1.95, mean Ki-67 in neoplastic area was 4.5% ± 3.8, and p53 was 22.5% ± 6.8. After IORT, Bcl-2 mean value in neoplastic cells was 8.85 ± 8.92%, Ki-67 in neoplastic area was 7.8 ± 6.09%, and p53 was 24.9 ± 26.4%. After the irradiation, healthy areas expressed significantly lower levels of Bax (2.81 ± 1.69%) with respect to neoplastic cells (p < 0.0001), while in PIN areas, Bax positive cells were significantly more present than in neoplastic areas (p = 0.0001). At statistical analysis, it was observed that cancer cells with Ki-67 ≥ 8% had a trend toward greater expression of Bax (p = 0.0641). We observed an increase of Bcl-2 expression after IORT in neoplastic areas (p = 0.0041). Biopsy specimens with p53 ≥ 18% and Ki-67 ≥ 8% had worse post-operative staging with extracapsular invasion (p = 0.04 for both parameters) and nodal positivity (p = 0.04 for p53 and p = 0.0001 at pathology for ki-67). No correlation between IORT and Caspases activation was noted. In conclusion, after 12 Gy IORT, Bax was overexpressed in tumor and PIN cells. Pre-operative Ki-67 and p53 definition could be used in future studies to predict patients with worse pathological stage, while Bcl-2 activation after IORT might be a predictive factor for loco-regional failure.
Variation of 4 MV X-ray dose rate strongly impacts biological response both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Ben Kacem M. , Benadjaoud M. A. , Dos Santos M. , Soysouvanh F. , Buard  V. , Tarlet G. , Le Guen B. , François A. , Guipaud O. , Milliat F. , Paget  V.
Published: April 2020

Whereas an RBE > 1 is described for very low-energy X-ray beams (in the range of 25–50 kV), there is a consensus that the RBE of X-rays (from 0.1 to 3 MeV) is equal to 1, whatever the energy or dose rate of the beam. Comparisons of X-ray beam dose rates are scarce even though these beams are widely used in medical diagnosis or radiotherapy. By using two dose rates (0.63 and 2.5 Gy.min−1) of high-energy X-rays on normal endothelial cells (HUVECs), we have studied the clonogenic assay, but also viability/mortality, cell cycle analysis and measured cellular senescence by flow cytometry, and have performed gene analysis on custom arrays. In order to consolidate these data, we performed localized irradiation of exteriorized small intestine at 0.63 and 2.5 Gy.min−1. Interestingly,in vivovalidation has shown a significantly higher loss of weight at the higher dose when irradiating to 19 Gy a small fragment of exteriorized small intestine of C57Bl6J mice. Nevertheless, no significant differences were observed in lesioned scores between the two dose rates, while bordering epithelium staining indicated twofold greater severe damage at 2.5 Gy.min−1compared to 0.63 Gy.min−1at one week post-irradiation. Taken together, these experiments systematically show that the relative biological effectiveness of photons is different from 1 when varying the dose rate of high-energy X-rays. Moreover, these results strongly suggest that, in support of clonogenic assay, multiparametric analysis should be considered to provide an accurate evaluation of the outcome of irradiated cells.
Seed-mediated Electrochemically Developed Au Nanostructures with Boosted Sensing Properties: An Implication for Non-enzymatic Glucose Detection
Authors: Siampour Hossein , Abbasian Sara , Moshaii Ahmad , Omidfar Kobra , Sedghi Mosslim , Naderi-Manesh Hossein
Published: April 2020

A new approach has been developed to improve sensing performances of electrochemically grown Au nanostructures (AuNSs) based on the pre-seeding of the electrode. The pre-seeding modification is simply carried out by vacuum thermal deposition of 5 nm thin film of Au on the substrate followed by thermal annealing at 500 °C. The electrochemical growth of AuNSs on the pre-seeded substrates leads to impressive electrochemical responses of the electrode owing to the seeding modification. The dependence of the morphology and the electrochemical properties of the AuNSs on various deposition potentials and times have been investigated. For the positive potentials, the pre-seeding leads to the growth of porous and hole-possess networks of AuNSs on the surface. For the negative potentials, AuNSs with carved stone ball shapes are produced. The superior electrode was achieved from AuNSs developed at 0.1 V for 900 s with pre-seeding modification. The sensing properties of the superior electrode toward glucose detection show a high sensitivity of 184.9 µA mM−1cm−2, with a remarkable detection limit of 0.32 µM and a wide range of linearity. The excellent selectivity and reproducibility of the sensors propose the current approach as a large-scale production route for non-enzymatic glucose detection.
Agarose-based structured optical fibre
Authors: Fujiwara Eric , Cabral Thiago D. , Sato Miko , Oku Hiromasa , Cordeiro Cristiano M. B.
Published: April 2020

Biocompatible and resorbable optical fibres emerge as promising technologies for in vivo applications like imaging, light delivery for phototherapy and optogenetics, and localised drug-delivery, as well as for biochemical sensing, wherein the probe can be implanted and then completely absorbed by the organism. Biodegradable waveguides based on glasses, hydrogels, and silk have been reported, but most of these devices rely on complex fabrication procedures. In this sense, this paper proposes a novel structured optical fibre made of agarose, a transparent, edible material used in culture media and tissue engineering. The fibre is obtained by pouring food-grade agar into a mould with stacked rods, forming a solid core surrounded by air holes in which the refractive index and fibre geometry can be tailored by choosing the agarose solution composition and mould design, respectively. Besides exhibiting practical transmittance at 633 nm in relation to other hydrogel waveguides, the fibre is also validated for chemical sensing either by detecting volume changes due to agar swelling/dehydration or modulating the transmitted light by inserting fluids into the air holes. Therefore, the proposed agarose-based structured optical fibre is an easy-to-fabricate, versatile technology with possible applications for medical imaging and in vivo biochemical sensing.
Synthesis, optoelectronic properties and applications of halide perovskites
Authors: Chouhan Lata , Ghimire Sushant , Subrahmanyam Challapalli , Miyasaka Tsutomu , Biju Vasudevanpillai
Published: April 2020

Halide perovskites have emerged as a class of most promising and cost-effective semiconductor materials for next generation photoluminescent, electroluminescent and photovoltaic devices.
A novel strategy for rhodamine B-based fluorescent probes with a selective glutathione response for bioimaging in living cells
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Xiong Wei , He Xiaojun , Qi Xiaoliang , Ding Feng , Shen Jianliang
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to overcome the reported shortcomings of the glutathione (GSH) detection of rhodamine-based fluorescent probes, such as poor selectivity to thiol groups and reversible unstable covalent binding with the thiol groups.
Guanine anchoring: a strategy for specific targeting of a G-quadruplex using short PNA, LNA and DNA molecules
Authors: Tan Derrick Jing Yang , Das Poulomi , Winnerdy Fernaldo Richtia , Lim Kah Wai , Phan Anh Tuân
Published: April 2020

A sequence-guided guanine-anchoring strategy was developed for specific G-quadruplex targeting.
Smart azobenzene-containing tubular polymersomes: fabrication and multiple morphological tuning
Authors: Li Lishan , Cui Songbo , Hu An , Zhang Wei , Li Yiwen , Zhou Nianchen , Zhang Zhengbiao , Zhu Xiulin
Published: April 2020

Several kinds of novel azobenzene-containing tubular polymersomes were fabricated via self-assembly, and their shape could be tuned precisely by changing the chemical structure, self-assembly condition and external stimuli.
B(C6F5)3- and HB(C6F5)2-mediated transformations of isothiocyanates
Authors: Fischer Malte , Schmidtmann Marc
Published: April 2020

Reactions involving isothiocyanates and RB(C6F5)2 (R = H, C6F5) are described, leading to novel types of B,N,C,S-containing compounds and heterocycles.
Synthesis and investigation of alkaline energetic coordination polymers based on 1,2,3-triazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid for green component of pyrotechnics
Authors: Yang Zhen-Li , Qin Jian , Yang Jun-Qing , Sindiskii V. P. , Zhang Jian-Guo
Published: April 2020

The ligand 1,2,3-triazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid was incorporated into alkaline metal to form coordination polymers, which displayed specific emission colors in their combustion, making them have potential applications as green agents of pyrotechnic.
On-surface synthesis of extended linear graphyne molecular wires by protecting the alkynyl group
Authors: Sedona Francesco , Fakhrabadi Mir Masoud Seyyed , Carlotto Silvia , Mohebbi Elaheh , De Boni Francesco , Casalini Stefano , Casarin Maurizio , Sambi Mauro
Published: April 2020

In this paper we report on the use of an Ullmann-like aryl halide homocoupling reaction to obtain long Graphyne Molecular Wires (GY MWs) organized in dense, ordered arrays.
Catalytic C–C coupling of diazo compounds with arylboronic acids: using surface modified sewage sludge as catalyst
Authors: Zhang Zhipeng , Yu Yang , Xie Yuxing , Hughes Timothy , Xu Jun , Huang Fei , Huang He
Published: April 2020

A green, mild and efficient synthesis of diarylmethines using sewage sludge-derived carbonaceous materials (SW) by perchloric acid catalyzed coupling reactions between diazo compounds and arylboronic acids was developed.
Oligoaniline-functionalized polysiloxane/Prussian blue composite towards bifunctional electrochromic supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Jia Xiaoteng , Zhu Meihua , Liu Xincai , Chao Danming
Published: April 2020

We report the preparation of a novel oligoaniline-functionalized polysiloxane/Prussian blue composite, which exhibits improved electrochromic properties and approving supercapacitor performance featuring charge storage indicating functionalization.
A new electrochemical sensor for the detection of fentanyl lethal drug by a screen-printed carbon electrode modified with the open-ended channels of Zn(ii)-MOF
Authors: Naghian Ebrahim , Marzi Khosrowshahi Elnaz , Sohouli Esmail , Ahmadi Farhad , Rahimi-Nasrabadi Mehdi , Safarifard Vahid
Published: April 2020

An electrochemical fentanyl sensor based on modified screen-printed carbon electrode by Zn(ii)-MOF.
First-principles study of the surface reactions of aminosilane precursors over WO3(001) during atomic layer deposition of SiO2
Authors: Lee Kyungtae , Shim Youngseon
Published: April 2020

Energy diagram of reaction pathways for decomposition of different aminosilane precursors on a WO3 (001) surface.
Bone marrow fat: friend or foe in people with diabetes mellitus?
Authors: Santopaolo Marianna , Gu Yue , Spinetti Gaia , Madeddu Paolo
Published: April 2020

Global trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity put the adipocyte in the focus of huge medical interest. This review highlights a new topic in adipose tissue biology, namely the emerging pathogenic role of fat accumulation in bone marrow (BM). Specifically, we summarize current knowledge about the origin and function of BM adipose tissue (BMAT), provide evidence for the association of excess BMAT with diabetes and related cardiovascular complications, and discuss potential therapeutic approaches to correct BMAT dysfunction. There is still a significant uncertainty about the origins and function of BMAT, although several subpopulations of stromal cells have been suggested to have an adipogenic propensity. BM adipocytes are higly plastic and have a distinctive capacity to secrete adipokines that exert local and endocrine functions. BM adiposity is abundant in elderly people and has therefore been interpreted as a component of the whole-body ageing process. BM senescence and BMAT accumulation has been also reported in patients and animal models with Type 2 diabetes, being more pronounced in those with ischaemic complications. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for excess and altered function of BMAT could lead to new treatments able to preserve whole-body homeostasis.
NNLO QED contribution to the µe → µe elastic scattering
Authors: Ronca Jonathan
Published: April 2020

We present the current status of the Next-to-Next-to-Leading Order QED contribution to theµescattering. Particular focus is given to the techniques involved to tackle the virtual amplitude and their automatic implementation. Renormalization of the amplitude will be also discuss in details.
Lattice calculation of the hadronic leading order contribution to the muon g − 2
Authors: Wittig Hartmut , Gérardin Antoine , Cè Marco , von Hippel Georg , Hörz Ben , Meyer Harvey B. , Miura Kohtaroh , Mohler Daniel , Ottnad Konstantin , Risch Andreas , San José Teseo , Wilhelm Jonas
Published: April 2020

The persistent discrepancy of about 3.5 standard deviations between the experimental measurement and the Standard Model prediction for the muon anomalous magnetic moment, aµ, is one of the most promising hints for the possible existence of new physics. Here we report on our lattice QCD calculation of the hadronic vacuum polarisation contribution $ a_\mu ^{{\rm{hvp}}} $, based on gauge ensembles with Nf = 2 + 1 flavours of O(a) improved Wilson quarks. We address the conceptual and numerical challenges that one encounters along the way to a sub-percent determination of the hadronic vacuum polarisation contribution. The current status of lattice calculations of $ a_\mu ^{{\rm{hvp}}} $ is presented by performing a detailed comparison with the results from other groups.
Does Quality Matter? A Study on Customer Expectation in Motorcycle Repair Provider in Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Harjanti Dhyah , Karlison Theodore Edbert , Ali Shahzad
Published: April 2020

Motorcycle has become a common vehicle in Indonesia due to its flexibility to drive around in various geographical terrain. The number of motorcycle purchases in Indonesia is increasing annually, along with the repair services and spare part selling. Abundant repair service providers create fierce competition among themselves, so many providers maintain their service quality in order to retain their customer. The aim of this research is to investigate the impact of service quality and relationship quality to customer satisfaction in motorcycle repair providers. This research is using the quantitative approach, in which the data are collected by questionnaires distributed to samples of populations. The population is the customers who have purchased repair services and spare parts for their motorcycle, and the number of samples is 100 respondents. The data are analyzed with a SmartPLS software, and the results show a positive significant impact from service quality to customer satisfaction, a positive significant impact from service quality to relationship quality, and a positive impact from relationship quality to customer satisfaction. Therefore, for the long term competitive advantage, motorcycle repair service providers have to consider their service quality and relationship quality to retain their customers.
Assoziierte Lungenerkrankung bei Patienten mit einer systemischen juvenilen Arthritis
Authors: Hospach Toni
Published: April 2020

In den letzten Jahren wurde bei Patienten mit einer systemischen juvenilen Arthritis (sJIA) zunehmend eine assoziierte Lungenerkrankung (LD) beschrieben. In der vorliegenden Arbeit trugen Schulert et al. die Daten von 18 Patienten zusammen.
Perspektiven der orthopädischen Schmerztherapie
Authors: Casser Hans-Raimund
Published: April 2020

Muskuloskelettale Schmerzen dominieren chronische Beschwerdebilder. Sie stellen damit auch eine große Herausforderung für den Orthopäden und Unfallchirurgen dar. Dabei steht der Rückenschmerz im Vordergrund. Allein die Problematik der Definition und Differenzialdiagnostik des Rückenschmerzes verlangt eine hohe Kompetenz des Behandlers. Interdisziplinäre multimodale Schmerztherapie und multimodale Komplexbehandlungen sind evidenzbasierte Behandlungsformen chronischer muskuloskelettaler Schmerzen und Funktionsstörungen und werden zunehmend erfolgreich in orthopädisch-unfallchirurgischen Kliniken eingesetzt.
Die SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie und ein Suizidversuch bei wahnhafter Störung
Authors: Weise Judith , Schomerus Georg , Speerforck Sven
Published: April 2020

Die SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie führte bei einer Mitte 60-jährigen Patientin zu vermehrten Symptomen einer bisher undiagnostizierten wahnhaften Störung und schließlich zu einem Suizidversuch. Aufgrund der Pandemie mit spür- und sichtbaren gesellschaftlichen Veränderungen können Menschen mit bislang subklinischen psychotischen Erkrankungen erstmals mit psychiatrischen Versorgungsangeboten in Kontakt kommen. Trotz fehlender Krankheitseinsicht und Ablehnung einer medikamentösen Therapie gelangen ein therapeutischer Beziehungsaufbau sowie eine tragfähige Vermittlung in ambulante Behandlungsangebote.
Validity and Reliability of the Thai Version of the Thyroid-Related Patient-Reported Outcome—A Thyroid-specific Quality of Life Questionnaire
Authors: Piromchai Patorn , Chaiudomsom Supachat , Wijakkanalan Pattaramon , Watt Torquil
Published: April 2020

Introduction The Thyroid-Related Patient-Reported Outcome (ThyPRO) is a new thyroid-specific quality of life patient-reported outcome measure for benign thyroid disorders.

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the face validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability of the Thai version of the ThyPRO (ThyPROth).

Methods The translation of the ThyPRO questionnaire was performed using double forward translation, reconciliation, single backward translation, and cognitive debriefing, followed by a panel review. Five thyroid patients evaluated the face validity. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability were evaluated in 30 patients with thyroid diseases.

Results The overall validity score was 3.75 (range 0–4). The Cronbach α coefficient ranged from 0.76 to 0.95, with a total coefficient of 0.97 (95% CI 0.962–0.959), indicating excellent internal consistency. The test-retest reliability coefficient ranged from 0.70 to 0.97. All values were 0.70 and above. The total reliability coefficient was 0.86 (95% CI 0.724–0.932), indicating excellent reliability.

Conclusion The ThyPROth was found to be valid and to exhibit good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The questionnaire is ready for implementation in the assessment of health-related quality of life in Thai patients with benign thyroid diseases.