bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide analysis identifies molecular systems and 149 genetic loci associated with income
Authors: Hill W. David , Davies Neil M. , Ritchie Stuart J. , Skene Nathan G. , Bryois Julien , Bell Steven , Di Angelantonio Emanuele , Roberts David J. , Xueyi Shen , Davies Gail , Liewald David C. M. , Porteous David J. , Hayward Caroline , Butterworth Adam S. , McIntosh Andrew M. , Gale Catharine R. , Deary Ian J.
Published: December 2019

Socioeconomic position (SEP) is a multi-dimensional construct reflecting (and influencing) multiple socio-cultural, physical, and environmental factors. In a sample of 286,301 participants from UK Biobank, we identify 30 (29 previously unreported) independent-loci associated with income. Using a method to meta-analyze data from genetically-correlated traits, we identify an additional 120 income-associated loci. These loci show clear evidence of functionality, with transcriptional differences identified across multiple cortical tissues, and links to GABAergic and serotonergic neurotransmission. By combining our genome wide association study on income with data from eQTL studies and chromatin interactions, 24 genes are prioritized for follow up, 18 of which were previously associated with intelligence. We identify intelligence as one of the likely causal, partly-heritable phenotypes that might bridge the gap between molecular genetic inheritance and phenotypic consequence in terms of income differences. These results indicate that, in modern era Great Britain, genetic effects contribute towards some of the observed socioeconomic inequalities.
Task complexity interacts with state-space uncertainty in the arbitration between model-based and model-free learning
Authors: Kim Dongjae , Park Geon Yeong , O′Doherty John P. , Lee Sang Wan
Published: December 2019

It has previously been shown that the relative reliability of model-based and model-free reinforcement-learning (RL) systems plays a role in the allocation of behavioral control between them. However, the role of task complexity in the arbitration between these two strategies remains largely unknown. Here, using a combination of novel task design, computational modelling, and model-based fMRI analysis, we examined the role of task complexity alongside state-space uncertainty in the arbitration process. Participants tended to increase model-based RL control in response to increasing task complexity. However, they resorted to model-free RL when both uncertainty and task complexity were high, suggesting that these two variables interact during the arbitration process. Computational fMRI revealed that task complexity interacts with neural representations of the reliability of the two systems in the inferior prefrontal cortex.
A bacterial gene-drive system efficiently edits and inactivates a high copy number antibiotic resistance locus
Authors: Valderrama J. Andrés , Kulkarni Surashree S. , Nizet Victor , Bier Ethan
Published: December 2019

Gene-drive systems in diploid organisms bias the inheritance of one allele over another. CRISPR-based gene-drive expresses a guide RNA (gRNA) into the genome at the site where the gRNA directs Cas9-mediated cleavage. In the presence of Cas9, the gRNA cassette and any linked cargo sequences are copied via homology-directed repair (HDR) onto the homologous chromosome. Here, we develop an analogous CRISPR-based gene-drive system for the bacterium Escherichia coli that efficiently copies a gRNA cassette and adjacent cargo flanked with sequences homologous to the targeted gRNA/Cas9 cleavage site. This “pro-active” genetic system (Pro-AG) functionally inactivates an antibiotic resistance marker on a high copy number plasmid with ~ 100-fold greater efficiency than control CRISPR-based methods, suggesting an amplifying positive feedback loop due to increasing gRNA dosage. Pro-AG can likewise effectively edit large plasmids or single-copy genomic targets or introduce functional genes, foreshadowing potential applications to biotechnology or biomedicine.
Chaperone biomarkers of lifespan and penetrance track the dosages of many other proteins
Authors: Burnaevskiy Nikolay , Sands Bryan , Yun Soo , Tedesco Patricia M. , Johnson Thomas E. , Kaeberlein Matt , Brent Roger , Mendenhall Alexander
Published: December 2019

Many traits vary among isogenic individuals in homogeneous environments. In microbes, plants and animals, variation in the protein chaperone system affects many such traits. In the animal model C. elegans, the expression level of hsp-16.2 chaperone biomarkers correlates with or predicts the penetrance of mutations and lifespan after heat shock. But the physiological mechanisms causing cells to express different amounts of the biomarker were unknown. Here, we used an in vivo microscopy approach to dissect different contributions to cell-to-cell variation in hsp-16.2 expression in the intestines of young adult animals, which generate the most lifespan predicting signal. While we detected both cell autonomous intrinsic noise and signaling noise, we found both contributions were relatively unimportant. The major contributor to cell-to-cell variation in biomarker expression was general differences in protein dosage. The hsp-16.2 biomarker reveals states of high or low effective dosage for many genes.
PSPC1-interchanged interactions with PTK6 and β-catenin synergize oncogenic subcellular translocations and tumor progression
Authors: Lang Yaw-Dong , Chen Hsin-Yi , Ho Chun-Ming , Shih Jou-Ho , Hsu En-Chi , Shen Roger , Lee Yu-Ching , Chen Jyun-Wei , Wu Cheng-Yen , Yeh Hsi-Wen , Chen Ruey-Hwa , Jou Yuh-Shan
Published: December 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide due to metastasis. Paraspeckle component 1 (PSPC1) upregulation has been identified as an HCC pro-metastatic activator associated with poor patient prognosis, but with a lack of targeting strategy. Here, we report that PSPC1, a nuclear substrate of PTK6, sequesters PTK6 in the nucleus and loses its metastasis driving capability. Conversely, PSPC1 upregulation or PSPC1-Y523F mutation promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stemness, and metastasis via cytoplasmic translocation of active PTK6 and nuclear translocation of β-catenin, which interacts with PSPC1 to augment Wnt3a autocrine signaling. The aberrant nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of active PTK6/β-catenin is reversed by expressing the PSPC1 C-terminal interacting domain (PSPC1-CT131), thereby suppressing PSPC1/PTK6/β-catenin-activated metastasis to prolong the survival of HCC orthotopic mice. Thus, PSPC1 is the contextual determinant of the oncogenic switch of PTK6/β-catenin subcellular localizations, and PSPC1-CT131 functions as a dual inhibitor of PSPC1 and PTK6 with potential for improving cancer therapy.
Offline ventral subiculum-ventral striatum serial communication is required for spatial memory consolidation
Authors: Torromino G. , Autore L. , Khalil V. , Mastrorilli V. , Griguoli M. , Pignataro A. , Centofante E. , Biasini G. M. , De Turris V. , Ammassari-Teule M. , Rinaldi A. , Mele A.
Published: December 2019

The hippocampal formation is considered essential for spatial navigation. In particular, subicular projections have been suggested to carry spatial information from the hippocampus to the ventral striatum. However, possible cross-structural communication between these two brain regions in memory formation has thus far been unknown. By selectively silencing the subiculum–ventral striatum pathway we found that its activity after learning is crucial for spatial memory consolidation and learning-induced plasticity. These results provide new insight into the neural circuits underlying memory consolidation and establish a critical role for off-line cross-regional communication between hippocampus and ventral striatum to promote the storage of complex information.
Recurrent PTPRT/JAK2 mutations in lung adenocarcinoma among African Americans
Authors: Mitchell Khadijah A. , Nichols Noah , Tang Wei , Walling Jennifer , Stevenson Holly , Pineda Marbin , Stefanescu Roxana , Edelman Daniel C. , Girvin Andrew T. , Zingone Adriana , Sinha Sanju , Bowman Elise , Rossi Emily L. , Arauz Rony F. , Jack Zhu Yuelin , Lack Justin , Weingartner Elizabeth , Waterfall Joshua J. , Pine Sharon R. , Simmons John , Meltzer Paul , Ryan Bríd M.
Published: December 2019

Reducing or eliminating persistent disparities in lung cancer incidence and survival has been challenging because our current understanding of lung cancer biology is derived primarily from populations of European descent. Here we show results from a targeted sequencing panel using NCI-MD Case Control Study patient samples and reveal a significantly higher prevalence of PTPRT and JAK2 mutations in lung adenocarcinomas among African Americans compared with European Americans. This increase in mutation frequency was validated with independent WES data from the NCI-MD Case Control Study and TCGA. We find that patients carrying these mutations have a concomitant increase in IL-6/STAT3 signaling and miR-21 expression. Together, these findings suggest the identification of these potentially actionable mutations could have clinical significance for targeted therapy and the enrollment of minority populations in clinical trials.
Comparative dataset of experimental and computational attributes of UV/vis absorption spectra
Authors: Beard Edward J. , Sivaraman Ganesh , Vázquez-Mayagoitia Álvaro , Vishwanath Venkatram , Cole Jacqueline M.
Published: December 2019

The ability to auto-generate databases of optical properties holds great prospects in data-driven materials discovery for optoelectronic applications. We present a cognate set of experimental and computational data that describes key features of optical absorption spectra. This includes an auto-generated database of 18,309 records of experimentally determined UV/vis absorption maxima,λmax, and associated extinction coefficients,ϵ, where present. This database was produced using the text-mining toolkit, ChemDataExtractor, on 402,034 scientific documents. High-throughput electronic-structure calculations using fast (simplified Tamm-Dancoff approach) and traditional (time-dependent) density functional theory were executed to predictλmaxand oscillation strengths,f(related to ϵ) for a subset of validated compounds. Paired quantities of these computational and experimental data show strong correlations inλmax,fandϵ, laying the path for reliablein silicocalculations of additional optical properties. The total dataset of 8,488 unique compounds and a subset of 5,380 compounds with experimental and computational data, are available in MongoDB, CSV and JSON formats. These can be queried using Python, R, Java, and MATLAB, for data-driven optoelectronic materials discovery.
Azithromycin combination therapy for community-acquired pneumonia: propensity score analysis
Authors: Ito Akihiro , Ishida Tadashi , Tachibana Hiromasa , Tokumasu Hironobu , Yamazaki Akio , Washio Yasuyoshi
Published: December 2019

Whether macrolide combination therapy reduces the mortality of patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) hospitalized in the non-intensive care unit (ICU) remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of adding azithromycin to β-lactam antibiotics for such patients. This prospective cohort study enrolled consecutive patients with CAP hospitalized in the non-ICU between October 2010 and November 2016. The 30-day mortality between β-lactam and azithromycin combination therapy and β-lactam monotherapy was compared in patients classified as mild to moderate and severe according to the CURB-65, Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI), and Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)/American Thoracic Society (ATS) criteria. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis was used to reduce biases. Based on the CURB-65 and PSI, combination therapy did not significantly reduce the 30-day mortality in either group (179 patients in the combination group, 952 in the monotherapy group). However, based on the IDSA/ATS criteria, combination therapy significantly reduced the 30-day mortality in patients with severe (odds ratio [OR] 0.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.007–0.57), but not non-severe pneumonia (OR 1.85, 95% CI 0.51–5.40); these results were similar after IPTW analysis. Azithromycin combination therapy significantly reduced the mortality of patients with severe CAP who met the IDSA/ATS criteria.
Adaptation of retinal ganglion cell function during flickering light in the mouse
Authors: Chou Tsung-Han , Toft-Nielsen Jonathon , Porciatti Vittorio
Published: December 2019

Rapid dilation of retinal vessels in response to flickering light (functional hyperemia) is a well-known autoregulatory response driven by increased neural activity in the inner retina. Little is known about flicker-induced changes of activity of retinal neurons themselves. We non-invasively investigated flicker-induced changes of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function in common inbred mouse strains using the pattern electroretinogram (PERG), a sensitive measure of RGC function. Flicker was superimposed on the pattern stimulus at frequencies that did not generate measurable flicker-ERG and alter the PERG response. Transition from flicker at 101 Hz (control) to flicker at 11 Hz (test) at constant mean luminance induced a slow reduction of PERG amplitude to a minimum (39% loss in C57BL/6J mice and 52% loss in DBA/2J mice) 4–5 minutes after 11 Hz flicker onset, followed by a slow recovery to baseline over 20 minutes. Results demonstrate that the magnitude and temporal dynamics of RGC response induced by flicker at 11 Hz can be non-invasively assessed with PERG in the mouse. This allows investigating the functional phenotype of different mouse strains as well as pathological changes in glaucoma and optic nerve disease. The non-contact flicker-PERG method opens the possibility of combined assessment of neural and vascular response dynamics.
Influence of dust and sea-salt sandwich effect on precipitation chemistry over the Western Ghats during summer monsoon
Authors: Yang L. , Mukherjee S. , Pandithurai G. , Waghmare V. , Safai P. D.
Published: December 2019

Assessment of Sea Salt (SS) and Non-Sea Salt (NSS) aerosols in rainwater is important to understand the characterization of marine and continental aerosols and their source pathways. Sea salt quantification based on standard seawater ratios are primarily constrained with high uncertainty with its own limitations. Here, by the novelty of k-mean clustering and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) analysis, we segregate the air masses into two distinct clusters (oceanic and continental) during summer monsoon period signifying the complex intermingle of sources that act concomitantly. The rainwater composition during strong south-westerly wind regimes (cluster 2-oceanic) was profoundly linked with high sea salt and dust, whereas north-westerly low wind regimes (cluster 1-continental) showed an increase in SO42− and NO3−. However, SO42− abundance over NO3− in rain-water depicted its importance as a major acidifying ion at the region. The satellite-based observations indicate the presence of mid-tropospheric dust at the top (3–5 km) and marine sea salt at bottom acts as a “sandwich effect” for maritime clouds that leads to elevated Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, and Cl− in rainwater. This characteristic feature is unique as sea spray generation due to high surface winds and dust aloft is only seen during this period. Furthermore, four source factors (secondary inorganic aerosol, mixed dust & sea salt, biomass burning & fertilizer use, and calcium neutralization) derived from PMF analysis showed contribution from local activities as well as long-range transport as dominant sources for the rainwater species.
Synthesis and Characterization of Allyl Terpene Maleate Monomer
Authors: Gu Yan , Hummel Matthew , Muthukumarappan Kasiviswanathan , Zhao Zhendong , Gu Zhengrong
Published: December 2019

Terpenes and their derivatives are sustainable, renewable chemicals that can be used as a complementary hydrocarbon. The exceptions are fossil-based feedstocks and lignin-based feedstocks. A simple method has been found to prepare allyl terpene maleate monomer by substitution reaction at lower reaction temperatures. Using terpenes from turpentine, maleic anhydride and allyl chloride as reactants, the synthesized monomer, terpene-diallyl maleate adduct, was prepared by D-A addition, hydrolysis, and substitution reaction. The resultant monomer was characterized for the first time. The synthesized product will be a versatile monomer and a very important intermediate, having broad application prospects. The synthesized monomer will replace similar aromatic compounds in certain applications because of its low-toxicity and sustainability. The synthesized monomer with two terminal olefin structures has great free radical polymerization potential, according to its physical and chemical properties and exploratory experimentation.
MeinteR: A framework to prioritize DNA methylation aberrations based on conformational and cis-regulatory element enrichment
Authors: Malousi Andigoni , Kouidou Sofia , Tsagiopoulou Maria , Papakonstantinou Nikos , Bouras Emmanouil , Georgiou Elisavet , Tzimagiorgis Georgios , Stamatopoulos Kostas
Published: December 2019

DNA methylation studies have been reformed with the advent of single-base resolution arrays and bisulfite sequencing methods, enabling deeper investigation of methylation-mediated mechanisms. In addition to these advancements, numerous bioinformatics tools address important computational challenges, covering DNA methylation calling up to multi-modal interpretative analyses. However, contrary to the analytical frameworks that detect driver mutational signatures, the identification of putatively actionable epigenetic events remains an unmet need. The present work describes a novel computational framework, called MeinteR, that prioritizes critical DNA methylation events based on the following hypothesis: critical aberrations of DNA methylation more likely occur on a genomic substrate that is enriched in cis-acting regulatory elements with distinct structural characteristics, rather than in genomic “deserts”. In this context, the framework incorporates functional cis-elements, e.g. transcription factor binding sites, tentative splice sites, as well as conformational features, such as G-quadruplexes and palindromes, to identify critical epigenetic aberrations with potential implications on transcriptional regulation. The evaluation on multiple, public cancer datasets revealed significant associations between the highest-ranking loci with gene expression and known driver genes, enabling for the first time the computational identification of high impact epigenetic changes based on high-throughput DNA methylation data.
“D2 plus” lymphadenectomy is associated with improved survival in distal gastric cancer with clinical serosa invasion: a propensity score analysis
Authors: Liang Yuexiang , Cui Jingli , Cai Yaoqing , Liu Lijie , Zhou Jianghao , Li Qiang , Wu Junmei , He Donglei
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to elucidate the potential impact of “D2 plus” lymphadenectomy on the long-term survival of distal gastric cancer (GC) patients with clinical serosa invasion. A total of 394 distal GC patients with clinical serosa invasion who underwent at least standard D2 lymphadenectomy were enrolled. Patients were categorized into two groups according to the extent of lymphadenectomy: D2 group and “D2 plus” group. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for the differences in baseline characteristics. In the multivariate analysis for the whole study series, extent of lymphadenectomy was an independent prognostic factor for GC patients (P = 0.011). With the strata analysis, the significant prognostic differences between the two groups were only observed in patients at the IIIa-b or N1-3a stages. After matching, patients in “D2 plus” group still demonstrated a significantly higher 5-year overall survival rate than those in D2 group (55.3% versus 43.9%, P = 0.042). The common therapeutic value index of No. 12b, No. 12p, No. 14v and No. 13 LNs was 4.6, which was close to that of No. 5 LN station. In conclusion, “D2 plus” lymphadenectomy may be associated with improved overall survival in distal GC with clinical serosa invasion.
Fast and slow dynamics for classical and quantum walks on mean-field small world networks
Authors: Souza Andre M. C. , Andrade Roberto F. S.
Published: December 2019

This work investigates the dynamical properties of classical and quantum random walks on mean-field small-world (MFSW) networks in the continuous time version. The adopted formalism profits from the large number of exact mathematical properties of their adjacency and Laplacian matrices. Exact expressions for both transition probabilities in terms of Bessel functions are derived. Results are compared to numerical results obtained by working directly the Hamiltonian of the model. For the classical evolution, any infinitesimal amount of disorder causes an exponential decay to the asymptotic equilibrium state, in contrast to the polynomial behavior for the homogeneous case. The typical quantum oscillatory evolution has been characterized by local maxima. It indicates polynomial decay to equilibrium for any degree of disorder. The main finding of the work is the identification of a faster classical spreading as compared to the quantum counterpart. It stays in opposition to the well known diffusive and ballistic for, respectively, the classical and quantum spreading in the linear chain.
LINC00459 sponging miR-218 to elevate DKK3 inhibits proliferation and invasion in melanoma
Authors: Yang Yuhua , Xu Wenxian , Zheng Zhuojun , Cao Zhihai
Published: December 2019

The lncRNA biomarkers in melanoma remain to be further explored. The lncRNAs with different expression levels in melanoma tissue were identified by microarray analysis. To investigate the biological functions of target lncRNA, several in-vivo and in-vitro studies were performed. Potential mechanisms of competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) were predicted by using bioinformatics analysis and explored by western blot assay, fluorescence in situ hybridization assay, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) array, RNA pull-down analysis, AGO2-RIP assay, and dual-luciferase reporter assay. The results demonstrated decreased LINC00459 in melanoma cell lines and tissues. According to the in-vitro and in-vivo experiments, up-regulated LINC00459 had inhibitory effect on cell proliferation and invasion. Bioinformatics analyses suggested that miR-218 could be a direct target of LINC00459. In addition, miR-218 was proved to be able to directly target the dickkopf-related protein 3 (DKK3) gene. In conclusion, our analysis suggested that the LINC00459 could sponge miR-218 and increase the expression of DKK3 gene, thus inhibiting the invasion and proliferation of melanoma cells, which indicated that the LINC00459 could be an effective biomarker for melanoma and its potential as the therapeutic target.
Noninvasive measures of physiological stress are confounded by exposure
Authors: Lafferty Diana J. R. , Zimova Marketa , Clontz Lindsay , Hackländer Klaus , Mills L. Scott
Published: December 2019

Glucocorticoids and glucocorticoid metabolites are increasingly used to index physiological stress in wildlife. Although feces is often abundant and can be collected noninvasively, exposure to biotic and abiotic elements may influence fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations, leading to inaccurate conclusions regarding wildlife physiological stress. Using captive snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) and simulated environmental conditions, we evaluated how different realistic field conditions and temporal sampling constraints might influence FGM concentrations using an 11-oxoetiocholanolone-enzyme immunoassay. We quantified how fecal pellet age (i.e., 0–6 days), variable summer temperatures, and precipitation affected FGM concentrations. Fecal pellet age had a strong effect on FGM concentrations (βAge = 0.395, s.d. = 0.085; β2Age = −0.061, s.d. = 0.012), which were lowest at the beginning and end of our exposure period (e.g., meanday6 = 37.7 ng/mg) and typically highest in the middle (meanday3 = 51.8 ng/mg). The effect of fecal pellet age on FGM concentrations varied across treatments with warm-dry and cool-wet conditions resulting in more variable FGM concentrations relative to control samples. Given the confounding effects of exposure and environmental conditions, if fresh fecal pellet collection is not an option, we encourage researchers to develop a temporally consistent sampling protocol to ensure all samples are exposed to similar environmental conditions.
Ancient hybridization and mtDNA introgression behind current paternal leakage and heteroplasmy in hybrid zones
Authors: Mastrantonio Valentina , Urbanelli Sandra , Porretta Daniele
Published: December 2019

Hybridization between heterospecific individuals has been documented as playing a direct role in promoting paternal leakage and mitochondrial heteroplasmy in both natural populations and laboratory conditions, by relaxing the egg-sperm recognition mechanisms. Here, we tested the hypothesis that hybridization can lead to mtDNA heteroplasmy also indirectly via mtDNA introgression. By using a phylogenetic approach, we showed in two reproductively isolated beetle species, Ochthebius quadricollis and O. urbanelliae, that past mtDNA introgression occurred between them in sympatric populations. Then, by developing a multiplex allele-specific PCR assay, we showed the presence of heteroplasmic individuals and argue that their origin was through paternal leakage following mating between mtDNA-introgressed and pure conspecific individuals. Our results highlight that mtDNA introgression can contribute to promote paternal leakage, generating genetic novelty in a way that has been overlooked to date. Furthermore, they highlight that the frequency and distribution of mtDNA heteroplasmy can be deeply underestimated in natural populations, as i) the commonly used PCR-Sanger sequencing approach can fail to detect mitochondrial heteroplasmy, and ii) specific studies aimed at searching for it in populations where mtDNA-introgressed and pure individuals co-occur remain scarce, despite the fact that mtDNA introgression has been widely documented in several taxa and populations.
Multi-omics analysis of multiple missions to space reveal a theme of lipid dysregulation in mouse liver
Authors: Beheshti Afshin , Chakravarty Kaushik , Fogle Homer , Fazelinia Hossein , Silveira Willian A. da , Boyko Valery , Polo San-Huei Lai , Saravia-Butler Amanda M. , Hardiman Gary , Taylor Deanne , Galazka Jonathan M. , Costes Sylvain V.
Published: December 2019

Spaceflight has several detrimental effects on the physiology of astronauts, many of which are recapitulated in rodent models. Mouse studies performed on the Space Shuttle showed disruption of lipid metabolism in liver. However, given that these animals were not sacrificed on-orbit and instead returned live to earth, it is unclear if these disruptions were solely induced by space stressors (e.g. microgravity, space radiation) or in part explained by the stress of return to Earth. In this work we analyzed three liver datasets from two different strains of mice (C57BL/6 (Jackson) & BALB/c (Taconic)) flown aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Notably, these animals were sacrificed on-orbit and exposed to varying spaceflight durations (i.e. 21, 37, and 42 days vs 13 days for the Shuttle mice). Oil Red O (ORO) staining showed abnormal lipid accumulation in all space-flown mice compared to ground controls regardless of strain or exposure duration. Similarly, transcriptomic analysis by RNA-sequencing revealed several pathways that were affected in both strains related to increased lipid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, lipid and fatty acid processing, lipid catabolic processing, and lipid localization. In addition, key upstream regulators were predicted to be commonly regulated across all conditions including Glucagon (GCG) and Insulin (INS). Moreover, quantitative proteomic analysis showed that a number of lipid related proteins were changed in the livers during spaceflight. Taken together, these data indicate that activation of lipotoxic pathways are the result of space stressors alone and this activation occurs in various genetic backgrounds during spaceflight exposures of weeks to months. If similar responses occur in humans, a prolonged change of these pathways may result in the development of liver disease and should be investigated further.
Progress toward the development of a microchip electrophoresis separation-based sensor with electrochemical detection for on-line in vivo monitoring of catecholamines
Authors: Gunawardhana Shamal M. , Bulgakova Galina A. , Barybin Anton M. , Thomas Sara R. , Lunte Susan M.
Published: December 2019

Development of an easily fabricated MD–ME–EC set up for continuous on-line in vivo monitoring of neuroactive compounds in rat brain including dopamine.
Opposite responses of normal hepatocytes and hepatocellular carcinoma cells to substrate viscoelasticity
Authors: Mandal Kalpana , Gong Ze , Rylander Alexis , Shenoy Vivek B. , Janmey Paul A.
Published: December 2019

Viscosity plays a critical role in cell morphology, dynamics and cell-substrate interaction.
Improved osseointegration with rhBMP-2 intraoperatively loaded in a specifically designed 3D-printed porous Ti6Al4V vertebral implant
Authors: Zhang Teng , Wei Qingguang , Fan Daoyang , Liu Xiaoguang , Li Weishi , Song Chunli , Tian Yun , Cai Hong , Zheng Yufeng , Liu Zhongjun
Published: December 2019

3D-printed porous implant can be easily inserted using a rhBMP-2 tablet during surgery for an ideal rhBMP-2 release and osseointegration.
A thin hydrogel barrier linked onto cell surface sialic acids through covalent bonds induces cancer cell deathin vivo
Authors: Ono Kimika , Sanada Yuka , Kimura Yuka , Aoyama Seika , Ueda Natsumi , Katayama Tokitaka , Nagahama Koji
Published: December 2019

A novel technique to form a thin hydrogel barrier on aberrantly expressed sialic acid residues on cancer cell surfaces was developed.
A self-assembled DNA tetrahedron as a carrier for in vivo liver-specific delivery of siRNA
Authors: Kim Kyoung-Ran , Jegal Hyun , Kim Junghyun , Ahn Dae-Ro
Published: December 2019

Liver-targeted DNA tetrahedron was employed as the carrier for liver-specific delivery of siRNA. Liver delivery of siRNA targeting ApoB1 mRNA, which is involved with hypercholesterolemia, lowered the blood lipid level.
Water-soluble titanium-polyoxomolybdate with external μ3 bridging oxygen coordination on a lacunary Keggin structure
Authors: Xu Ming , Wang Ting , Li Fengyan , Xu Wenjuan , Zheng Yue , Xu Lin
Published: December 2019

The first water-soluble titanium-containing polyoxomolybdate was synthesized and structurally characterized, showing photocatalytic activity in benzaldehyde oxidation.
Enhancing magnetic hardness by sonication assisted synthesis of heterometallic carbonato spin-glass Na[Ni(H2O)4Ru2(CO3)4]·3H2O
Authors: Li Jing-Yu , Tian Yu-Chen , Feng Li-Na , Zhou Zi-Qin , Wang Lin-Lin , Yang Jian-Hui , Liu Bin
Published: December 2019

Sonication assisted synthesis of Na[Ni(H2O)4Ru2(CO3)4]·3H2O promotes its magnetic hardness affected by crystal defect generation.
Solvent-controlled divergent annulation of ynones and (iso)quinoline N-oxides: of 3-((iso)quinolin-1-yl)-4H-chromen-4-ones and 13H-isoquinolino[2,1-a]quinolin-13-ones
Authors: Yang Wan-Wan , Chen Lu-Lu , Chen Pei , Ye Ya-Fang , Wang Yan-Bo , Zhang Xiao
Published: December 2019

An effective annulation of ynones and (iso)quinoline N-oxides was developed to divergently prepare 3-((iso)quinolin-1-yl)-4H-chromen-4-ones and 13H-isoquinolino[2,1-a]quinolin-13-ones under transition-metal-free conditions.
Unexpected electron spin density on the axial methionine ligand in CuA suggests its involvement in electron pathways
Authors: Morgada Marcos N. , Llases María-Eugenia , Giannini Estefanía , Castro María-Ana , Alzari Pedro M. , Murgida Daniel H. , Lisa María-Natalia , Vila Alejandro J.
Published: December 2019

The presence of unpaired electron spin density in the axial ligand of the CuA site suggest a new description of the electronic structure of this metal site that supports the feasibility of previously neglected electron transfer pathways.
Structure and sum-frequency generation spectra of water on uncharged Q4 silica surfaces: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Smirnov Konstantin S.
Published: December 2019

Molecular dynamics simulations shed light on the relationship between the structure and sum-frequency generation vibrational spectrum of water on uncharged Q4 surfaces of different affinity for water.
Designing aromatic heterocyclic superacids in terms of Brønsted and Lewis perspectives
Authors: Parida Rakesh , Nambiar Sachin Ramesh , Reddy G. Naaresh , Giri Santanab
Published: December 2019

First principles calculations demonstrate heterocyclic superhalogens as building blocks for aromatic superacids and Lewis super acids.
Importance of self-interaction-error removal in density functional calculations on water cluster anions
Authors: Vargas Jorge , Ufondu Peter , Baruah Tunna , Yamamoto Yoh , Jackson Koblar A. , Zope Rajendra R.
Published: December 2019

Removing self-interaction errors in density functional approximations results in significantly improved vertical detachment energies of water anions and is essential for obtaining orbital energies consistent with electron binding energies.
Regulation of surface plasmon resonance and oxygen vacancy defects in chlorine doped Bi–BiO2−x for imidacloprid photocatalytic degradation
Authors: Yang Bin , Ma Zhiyuan , Li Qian , Liu Xinghuan , Liu Zhiqing , Yang Wenda , Guo Xuhong , Jia Xin
Published: December 2019

In this work, chlorine doped Bi–BiO2−x (Cl–Bi–BiO2−x) was prepared by a one-step solvothermal method using sodium bismuthate (NaBiO3·2H2O) as a Bi source without the addition of a surfactant.
A Pd NP-confined novel covalent organic polymer for catalytic applications
Authors: Yadav Deepika , Awasthi Satish Kumar
Published: December 2019

A novel unsymmetrical covalent organic polymer was synthesized via nucleophilic substitution reaction of 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine with p-amino phenol.
Extending the pressure sensing range of porous polypyrrole with multiscale microstructures
Authors: Li Yunxia , Jiang Changjun , Han Weihua
Published: December 2019

A light-weight and flexible porous composite with multiscale microstructures has been prepared for potential application in piezoresistive sensors.
Hollow porous prismatic graphitic carbon nitride with nitrogen vacancies and oxygen doping: a high-performance visible light-driven catalyst for nitrogen fixation
Authors: Huang Ting , Pan Shugang , Shi Lingling , Yu Aiping , Wang Xin , Fu Yongsheng
Published: December 2019

Hollow porous prismatic graphitic carbon nitride with nitrogen vacancies and oxygen doping was successfully constructed via a facile two-step strategy of a low-temperature hydrothermal method followed by a subsequent calcination process.
Nanoscale engineering of porous Fe-doped Pd nanosheet assemblies for efficient methanol and ethanol electrocatalyses
Authors: Xu Hui , Shang Hongyuan , Wang Cheng , Jin Liujun , Chen Chunyan , Du Yukou
Published: December 2019

Porous PdFe nanosheet assemblies with a geometric structure tuning from PdFe hollow nanospheres, PdFe nanocages, to PdFe nanoplates were fabricated as efficient electrocatalysts for MORs and EORs.
Prediction of Acid Red 138 solubility in supercritical CO2 with water co-solvent
Authors: Ye Fang , Zhao Yuping , Mao Zhiping , Zheng Laijiu , Zheng Huanda , Ke Huizhen
Published: December 2019

The solubilities of Acid Red 138 were measured in supercritical CO2 with water as a co-solvent to determine the influence of water.
Hybrid analytical-numerical approach for investigation of differential effects in normal and cancer cells under electroporation
Authors: Aslam Muhammad Awais , Riaz Kashif , Mahmood Muhammad Qasim , Zubair Muhammad
Published: December 2019

Hybrid analytical-numerical approach to calculate cellular potential encapsulated by semi-circular electrodes to investigate differential effects of normal and cancer cells under electroporation.
Cu@Au(Ag)/Pt nanocomposite as peroxidase mimic and application of Cu@Au/Pt in colorimetric detection of glucose and l-cysteine
Authors: Jiang Cuifeng , Wei Xiaoxiu , Bao Shuai , Tu Huajian , Wang Wei
Published: December 2019

Cu@Au(Ag)/Pt nanocomposite possess good peroxidase-like activity and can be used for detection of glucose and l-cysteine.
Palladium nanoparticles decorated into a biguanidine modified-KIT-5 mesoporous structure: a recoverable nanocatalyst for ultrasound-assisted Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling
Authors: Veisi Hojat , Mirzaei Amin , Mohammadi Pourya
Published: December 2019

In the current research work, a new KIT-5-biguanidine-Pd(0) catalyst was prepared and applied to ultrasound-assisted Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions using ultrasound waves at ambient temperature.
PFOM fillers embedded PVDF/cellulose dual-layered membranes with hydrophobic–hydrophilic channels for desalination via direct contact membrane distillation process
Authors: Arumugham Thanigaivelan , Kaleekkal Noel Jacob , Rana Dipak , Sathiyanarayanan Kulathu Iyer
Published: December 2019

In this research work, novel perfluorooctanoic acid-modified melamine (PFOM) was synthesized as a hydrophobic filler using a facile one-pot synthesis.
Copper chloride as a conversion-type positive electrode for rechargeable aluminum batteries
Authors: Chiku Masanobu , Kunisawa Takeshi , Higuchi Eiji , Inoue Hiroshi
Published: December 2019

Copper chloride (CuCl2) was investigated for the first time as conversion-type positive electrode material in a rechargeable Al battery.
Directional molecular sliding movement in peptide hydrogels accelerates cell proliferation
Authors: Song Shuxin , Wang Jingyu , Cheng Zhifei , Yang Zhimou , Shi Linqi , Yu Zhilin
Published: December 2019

Dynamic peptide hydrogels undergoing directional domain sliding movement upon release of covalent constraint accelerate cell proliferation through a mechanotransduction pathway.
Facile new approach to high sulfur-content materials and preparation of sulfur–lignin copolymers
Authors: Karunarathna Menisha S. , Tennyson Andrew G. , Smith Rhett C.
Published: December 2019

Chlorolignin can be copolymerized with sulfur in different ratios to form durable, recyclable materials.
Facile in situ solution synthesis of SnSe/rGO nanocomposites with enhanced thermoelectric performance
Authors: Huang Lisi , Lu Jianzhang , Ma Duowen , Ma Chunmiao , Zhang Bin , Wang Hengyang , Wang Guoyu , Gregory Duncan H. , Zhou Xiaoyuan , Han Guang
Published: December 2019

SnSe/rGO nanocomposites can be synthesised in situ via a facile solution method; once sintered, the lattice thermal conductivity and ZT of the composites are significantly reduced and enhanced respectively compared to SnSe itself.
Short Communication: The Belly–Tendon Derivation Yields Superior Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential Amplitudes in a Normal Pediatric Sample
Authors: Bilodeau Megan , Jacobson Gary P. , Roberts Richard A. , Hatton Kelsey
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the investigation was to determine whether the “belly–tendon” electrode derivation produced ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMPs) in children that were superior to those recorded with the infraorbital–chin electrode derivation.

Method

This was a prospective observational study using a sample of convenience at a tertiary care medical center. Subjects were 13 children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. We compared the latency of the N1 wave and the N1–P1 peak-to-peak amplitude for the belly–tendon electrode derivation to the infraorbital–chin electrode derivation.

Results

The belly–tendon electrode derivation was associated with superior N1–P1 amplitudes compared to the infraorbital–chin electrode derivation. However, the large amplitude was also associated with greater variability compared to the infraorbital–chin derivation. There were no significant electrode derivation–based differences in N1 latency. Additionally, there was no predictable relationship between age and oVEMP amplitude.

Conclusion

As shown previously in adults, the belly–tendon electrode derivation produces significantly larger oVEMP amplitudes compared to the infraorbital–chin electrode derivation.
Reverse engineering methodology as a way of steam turbine blades designing for Loviisa Nuclear Power
Authors: Bondyra Radosław , Dominiczak Krzysztof , Matuszak Jacek
Published: December 2019

This article concerns a reverse engineering-based design process of last stage blade (LSB) for other original equipment manufacturer (oOEM). For Loviisa Power Plant (Finland) GE designed and delivered a set of oOEM LSBs to be fit into existing low pressure (LP) turbine module steam path. Although cost competitiveness is a one of major selection criterion for steam turbine spare parts components supplier, diversification of suppliers is also a strategic for power plant owner. Considered here is a process of reengineering of oOEM LSB and all relevant challenges related to this process especially management of geometry deviations between reverse-engineered and oOEM blade. In this article, there are a design steps described taken to qualify reverse-engineered design. Moreover, a manufacturing process of the LSB is shown.
Experimental investigation of PWR accident scenarios at the PKL test facility
Authors: Bryk Rafał , Dennhardt Lars , Schollenberger Simon
Published: December 2019

PKL is the only test facility in Europe that replicates the entire primary side and the most important parts of the secondary side of western-type Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) in the scale of 1:1 in heights. It is also worldwide the only test facility with 4 identical reactor coolant loops arranged symmetrically around the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) for simulation of nonsymmetrical boundary conditions between the reactor loops. Thermal-hydraulic phenomena observed in PWRs are simulated in the PKL test facility for over 40 years. The analyses carried out in these years encompass a large spectrum of accident scenario simulations and corresponding cool-down procedures. The overall goal of the PKL experiments is to show that under accident conditions - even for extreme and highly unlikely assumptions as additional loss of safety systems - the core cooling can be maintained or re-established by automatic or operator- performed procedures and that a severe accident e.g. a core melt-down can be avoided under all circumstances. Another goal of the tests performed in the PKL facility is the provision of data for validation of thermal-hydraulic system codes. This paper presents recent modifications of the PKL facility, applied in order to adapt the facility to the latest western-type designs currently built in the world. The paper discusses also important results obtained in the last years.
Hazards associated with syngas storage
Authors: Stolecka Katarzyna , Rusin Andrzej
Published: December 2019

Energy needs of many countries are largely covered by energy obtained from fossil fuels. This in turn involves environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The growing environmental awareness and the need to prevent climate changes mean that clean energy and alternative energy sources are still a significant research issue. One of the most important technologies for efficient and low-carbon energy generation is the gasification process and synthesis gas production. Worldwide, there are now more than 270 such installations. More installations are under construction. Syngas is a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Depending on the feedstock, it can also contain smaller amounts of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen. The gasification process consists of four stages: syngas production, storage, transport and utilization, e.g. as fuel. Because syngas is mainly composed of flammable and toxic gases, in the event of an uncontrolled release into the atmosphere these processes may pose a potential hazard to humans and the environment. The paper presents the results of analyses related to hazards resulting from an uncontrolled release of gas at the stage of the gas storage, before it is transported or finally used. Hazard scenarios are presented and the probability of their occurrence as well as the consequences for humans and the environment are determined.
Preheating procedure for fast start-up of a steam turbine from a cold state
Authors: Kosman Wojciech , Rusin Andrzej
Published: December 2019

The paper describes a procedure that allows to start up a steam turbine in a significantly shorter period. The procedure is developed for start-ups that begin from a cold state, when the temperature of the parts of the turbine is close to the ambient temperature. The pre-heating rises the parts temperature before the actual start-up begins. It changes the thermal state of the turbine and causes smaller maximal stress during the initial period of the start-up. The procedure involves a pre-heating of the turbine with a hot air generated in an electric heater. The paper describes the requirements of the process. It presents the possible configurations of the flow in the turbine and the analysis of the thermal and the strength state of the turbine during the pre-heating.
Various inlet spiral geometries in 1MW steam turbine
Authors: Koprowski Arkadiusz , Gotowski Dominik , Rządkowski Romuald , Szczepanik Ryszard
Published: December 2019

In small turbines, inlets can be designed using an inlet spiral. This paper analyses the efficiency of eight turbine variants, including seven with three stator and rotor blades and inlet spirals of various geometries, and one variant with a spiral, three stages and an outlet. This involves a 3D steady viscous flow using ANSYS CFX. The analysis shows that the spiral has a considerable influence on turbine efficiency.
Optimization of Curtis stage in 1 MW steam turbine
Authors: Koprowski Arkadiusz , Rządkowski Romuald
Published: December 2019

When operating at 3000 rpm, small turbines do not require a gear box and the generator does not require complex electronic software. This paper analyses the various geometries of the Curtis stage, comprising two rotor and stator blades with and without an outlet, from the efficiency point of view. Presented are 3D steady viscous flows. The results were compared with the performance of an axial turbine.
New blade tip-timing system for measuring rotor blade vibration of steam and gas turbines
Authors: Kowaleczko Piotr , Rządkowski Romuald , Kubitz Leszek , Troka Paweł , Kowaleczko Paweł , Szczepanik Ryszard
Published: December 2019

One of the crucial issues regarding turbine maintenance is registering blade vibrations. These vibrations can cause serious damage to the engine. Turbine blade vibrations were measured during nominal speed as well as during run up and run down. A new, low cost Blade Tip Timing (BTT) is presented in this paper. It composes of two main modules: the FPGA unit and PC unit. The system is based on the TerasIC DE0-CV development board controlled by the Cyclone V 5CEBA4F23C7 chip. Units communicate via an Ethernet interface. The system measures a signal for every revolution as well as up to three signals coming from independent rotor blade sensors. The PC unit records these data in .csv files. The system can be adapted to process the signals of additional sensors. The measurements of the 1st stage compressor blade vibrations in an SO-3 engine prove that the system works correctly, with no data loss during transmission between system units, and compares well with other measurement systems as well as numerical results.