bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uridine inhibits the stemness of intestinal stem cells in 3D intestinal organoids and mice
Authors: Liu Yi-Lin , Guo Song-Ge , Xie Chun-yan , Niu Kaimin , De Jonge Hugo , Wu Xin
Published: February 2020

The activity of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) is foremost in maintaining homeostasis and repair of intestines.
Optimized performance III-nitride-perovskite-based heterojunction photodetector via asymmetric electrode configuration
Authors: Mitra Somak , Muhammed Mufasila Mumthaz , Alwadai Norah , Almalawi Dhaifallah R. , Xin Bin , Pak Yusin , Roqan Iman S.
Published: February 2020

Enhanced perovskite/GaN-based broad-band photodetector is demonstrated by optimizing electrode configurations. The detection capability of the optimized perovskite/GaN structure was extended to UV range with fast response and high responsivity.
Augmented interaction of multivalent arginine coated gold nanoclusters with lipid membranes and cells
Authors: Porret Estelle , Fleury Jean-Baptiste , Sancey Lucie , Pezet Mylène , Coll Jean-Luc , Le Guével Xavier
Published: February 2020

A library of ultra-small red photoluminescent gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) were synthesized with an increasing amount of positive charges provided by the addition of mono-, di- or trivalent-glutathione modified arginine peptides.
Comparison of the oxidation of halogenated phenols in UV/PDS and UV/H2O2 advanced oxidation processes
Authors: Liu Junxin , Liu Yongze , Tian Yajun , Feng Li , Zhang Liqiu
Published: February 2020

The oxidation of halogenated phenols with different substitution positions in UV/PDS and UV/H2O2 processes was compared.
Catalysis with magnetically retrievable and recyclable nanoparticles layered with Pd(0) for C–C/C–O coupling in water
Authors: Sharma Alpesh K. , Joshi Hemant , Singh Ajai K.
Published: February 2020

Fe3O4@SiO2@SePh@Pd(0) (Pd, 1.96%) as the first example of NPs having a Pd(0) layer held by selenium can execute C–C/C–O coupling in 2–6 h (80 °C).
Two groups of copperII pyridine–triazole complexes with “open or close” pepper rings and their in vitro antitumor activities
Authors: Hong ZhaoGuo , Zheng Chu , Luo Bi , You Xin , Bian HeDong , Liang Hong , Chen ZhenFeng , Huang FuPing
Published: February 2020

The pepper ring-modified complexes (Group II, C4–C6) exhibited significant antitumor activity than veratrole-modified complexes (Group I, C1–C3) towards several cancer cells with IC50 ranging from 3.45 to 8.59 μM.
Construction of a simple crosslinking system and its influence on the poling efficiency and oriental stability of organic electro-optic materials
Authors: Liu Jialei , Huo Fuyang , He Wenqing
Published: February 2020

A new fluorinated polycarbonate was synthesized by solution polymerization of bisphenol AF, anthracen-9-ylmethyl-4,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)pentanoate with triphosgene.
Antioxidation of 2-phenylbenzofuran derivatives: structural-electronic effects and mechanisms
Authors: Thuy Phan Thi , Van Trang Nguyen , Son Ninh The
Published: February 2020

The plausible antioxidative mechanism of 2-phenylbenzofurans based on DFT calculation.
A new modification method for graphite felt electrodes in a MV/4-HO-TEMPO flow battery
Authors: Li Xinyu , Huang Chengde
Published: February 2020

Graphene felt electrodes modified with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) can greatly improve the performance of MV/ 4-HO-TEMPO flow battery.
Enhancing bio-oil quality and energy recovery by atmospheric hydrodeoxygenation of wheat straw pyrolysis vapors using Pt and Mo-based catalysts
Authors: Eschenbacher Andreas , Saraeian Alireza , Shanks Brent H. , Jensen Peter Arendt , Li Chengxin , Duus Jens Øllgaard , Hansen Asger Baltzer , Mentzel Uffe Vie , Henriksen Ulrik Birk , Ahrenfeldt Jesper , Jensen Anker Degn
Published: February 2020

Atmospheric hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of wheat straw fast pyrolysis vapors was studied as a promising route for the production of renewable liquid transportation fuels.
Toehold-regulated competitive assembly to accelerate the kinetics of graphene oxide-based biosensors
Authors: Du Huan , Chen Junbo , Zhang Jie , Zhou Rongxing , Yang Peng , Hou Xiandeng , Cheng Nansheng
Published: February 2020

With toehold-regulation, the kinetics of graphene oxide-based biosensors can be accelerated.
Chlorin e6 and polydopamine modified gold nanoflowers for combined photothermal and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Wu Fengren , Liu Yongjia , Wu Yan , Song Dianwen , Qian Jiwen , Zhu Bangshang
Published: February 2020

A nanoscale system (PDA-Ce6-GSH-AuNFs) for synergistic photothermal and photodynamic therapy was successfully prepared, which exhibited high tumour inhibition efficacy.
pH-Sensitive nanotheranostics for dual-modality imaging guided nanoenzyme catalysis therapy and phototherapy
Authors: Wang Sheng , Mao Jiaji , Liu Hong , Huang Shihui , Cai Jiali , Gui Wentao , Wu Jun , Xu Junyao , Shen Jun , Wang Zhiyong
Published: February 2020

A theranostic nanosystem with a pH-sensitive structure showed charge conversion properties in the tumor acidic microenvironment. It could perform dual-modality imaging diagnosis and carry out catalysis therapy and phototherapy.
Comment on “Unprecedented 30 K hysteresis across switchable dielectric and magnetic properties in a bright luminescent organic–inorganic halide (CH6N3)2MnCl4” by A. Sen, D. Swain, T. N. Guru Row and A. Sundaresan, J. Mater. Chem. C, 2019, 7, 4838
Authors: Szafrański Marek
Published: February 2020

We show that the real thermodynamic parameters of the first-order phase transition in (CH6N3)2MnCl4 and the dielectric properties of this material are completely different from those reported by Sen et al.
Giant effect of spin–lattice coupling on the thermal transport in two-dimensional ferromagnetic CrI3
Authors: Qin Guangzhao , Wang Huimin , Zhang Lichuan , Qin Zhenzhen , Hu Ming
Published: February 2020

The thermal conductivity of monolayer CrI3 is enlarged more than two orders of magnitude by the spin–lattice coupling, which would be large enough for its applications in nanoelectronics and magnetic storage.
Rapid evaluation of gold nanoparticle–lipid membrane interactions using a lipid/polydiacetylene vesicle sensor
Authors: Gu Congcong , Geng Yingying , Zheng Feng , Rotello Vincent M.
Published: February 2020

Lipid/polydiacetylene vesicles serve as a sensor to rapidly measure the interactions between gold nanoparticles and lipid membranes. A colorimetric signal is generated upon membrane disturbance caused by gold nanoparticles.
Coordination disk-type nano-Saturn complexes
Authors: Zhan Shun-Ze , Li Jing-Hong , Zhang Guo-Hui , Li Ming-De , Sun Shanshan , Zheng Ji , Ning Guo-Hong , Li Mian , Kuang Dai-Bin , Wang Xu-Dong , Li Dan
Published: February 2020

Two coordination disk-type nano-Saturn complexes were assembled. The highest number of 30 C–H⋯π interactions induces the formation of the nano-Saturns. Different photoinduced charge/energy transfer mechanisms quench the luminescence of the disk.
A broadband ultraviolet light source using GaN quantum dots formed on hexagonal truncated pyramid structures
Authors: Cho Jong-Hoi , Lim Seung-Hyuk , Jang Min-Ho , Lee Chulwon , Yeo Hwan-Seop , Sim Young Chul , Kim Je-Hyung , Matta Samuel , Alloing Blandine , Leroux Mathieu , Park Seoung-Hwan , Brault Julien , Cho Yong-Hoon
Published: February 2020

Broadband ultraviolet solid-state light emitter has been demonstrated based on the combined structure of MOCVD grown microstructure and the MBE grown quantum dots, thanks to the strain inhomogeneity of the multi-facet semiconductor microstructure.
Diffractive dipolar coupling in non-Bravais plasmonic lattices
Authors: Becerril David , Vázquez Omar , Piccotti Diego , Sandoval Elizabeth Mendoza , Cesca Tiziana , Mattei Giovanni , Noguez Cecilia , Pirruccio Giuseppe
Published: February 2020

Honeycomb plasmonic lattices are characterized by a 2-particle unit cell. The difference between the intrasublattice and intersublattice coupling is distinctive of non-Bravais lattices. Although the two particles are identical the two types of coupling may be different.
Impact of metal crystallinity-related morphologies on the sensing performance of plasmonic nanohole arrays
Authors: Khan Mansoor Ali , Zhu Ying , Yao Yin , Zhang Pengfei , Agrawal Arti , Reece Peter J.
Published: February 2020

Low surface roughness and large metal grain sizes improve the sensitivity of a plasmonic nanohole array sensor.
Copper-catalyzed asymmetric dearomative alkynylation of isoquinolines
Authors: Kou Xun , Zhao Qingyang , Guan Zheng-Hui
Published: February 2020

Cu/(Ph-pybox)-catalyzed asymmetric dearomative alkynylation of isoquinolines has been developed, with high yields and enantioselectivities.
Syntheses of high molecular weight hydroxy functional copolymers by green and selective polycondensation methods
Authors: Yang Xin , Li Dexing , Song Chenggang , Shao Peiyuan , Wang Shiming , Wang Ziqing , Lv Yin , Wei Zhong
Published: February 2020

High molecular weight hydroxy functional copolymers have been synthesized by two-step polycondensation.
Methyl substitution for noncentrosymmetric stacking: a promising organic single crystal for highly efficient terahertz-wave generation
Authors: Shi Jingkai , He Yixin , Liang Fei , Zhang Xinyuan , Xu Degang , Yao Jiyong , Zhang Guochun , Hu Zhanggui , Yao Jianquan , Wu Yicheng
Published: February 2020

Acentric indolium-based OHI-T (C26H27NO4S) was obtained through rational design, and highly efficient terahertz-wave generation was realized using an OHI-T single crystal.
Helicopter Landing Trajectory Optimization after Tail Rotor Control Failure in Different Collective Pitch
Authors: Yan Xufei , Chen Renliang , Xin Ji
Published: February 2020

This paper studies helicopter optimal landing and control procedure after tail rotor control failure (TRCF) in different collective pitch. The optimal control problem of landing after tail rotor control failure was solved numerically by direct multiple shooting method and sequential quadratic programming. A sample helicopter optimal landing procedures after tail rotor control failure in large collective pitch and small collective pitch were investigated respectively. As can be seen from the results, when the tail rotor is stuck at large collective pitch, the tail rotor provides a large lateral force, which facilitates landing with small forward speed and descent rate in a large power state. The pilot can maintain stability of heading by side slipping. When the tail rotor is stuck at small collective pitch, the tail rotor provides a small lateral force, which is favorable for flying near economic speed, but difficult for a safe landing. A normal landing maneuver will cause a high yaw rate at touchdown, which is dangerous. Therefore, autorotation is preferred during touchdown because the landing is more secure with small yaw rate. The trajectory optimization method of helicopter safe landing after tail rotor control failure can provide a reference for flight test.
Fault Diagnosis and Compensation Strategy of BLDC Motor Drives with Hall Sensors
Authors: Zhang Xi , Lin Hui
Published: February 2020

In a brushless DC motor drive system, two fault diagnosis methods were proposed in order to investigate the faults of Hall position sensors, and the corresponding compensation strategy was carried out. Firstly, the differences of Hall signal sequences during normal and fault situation of motor were analyzed, then a fault diagnosis method based on the characteristics of Hall signal sequences was proposed. In order to detect the faults of Hall position sensors in real time, a sliding mode-based super-twisting speed observer was established and combined with the Hall signal sequences. Under fault situations, the compensation controller was established, and a second-order speed prediction method was used to generate the compensation Hall signals of the faulty sensors. Finally, theoretical analysis and experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the present fault diagnosis methods and compensation strategy.
Recommendation Model for Trust Circle Mining Based on Users' Interest Fields
Authors: Bai Yun , Cai Wandong
Published: February 2020

A trust-based recommendation system recommends the resources needed for users by system rating data and users' trust relationship. In current relevant work, an over-generalized trust relationship is likely to be considered without exploiting the relationship between trust information and interest fields, affecting the precision and reliability of the recommendation. This research, therefore, proposes a users' interest-field-based trust circle model. Based on different interest fields, it exploits potential implicit trust relationships in separated layers. Besides, it conducts user rating by combining explicit trust relationships. This model not only considers the matching between trust information and fields, but also explores the implicit trust relationships between users do not revealed in specific fields, thus it is able to improve the precision and coverage of rating prediction. The experiments made with the Epinions data set proved that the recommendation model based on trust circle exploiting in users' interest fields proposed in this research, is able to effectively improve the precision and coverage of the recommendation rating prediction, compared with the traditional recommendation algorithm based on generalized trust relationship.
Parameter Generation for Hierarchical Scheduling Systems Based on Model Checking
Authors: Han Pujie , Zhai Zhengjun , Lu Yanhong , Li Yunxi
Published: February 2020

A parameter generation method based on model checking is proposed to tackle the parameter selection of hierarchical scheduling systems in Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) by combining the classical symbolic model checking and the Statistical Model Checking (SMC). It builds a generic timed automata network to describe the temporal behavior of hierarchical systems. A distributed genetic algorithm is adopted to search the optimum partition parameters with respect to processor utilization while guaranteeing the schedulability of the system, which is formulated as safety properties of symbolic model checking and hypothesis testing of SMC. Comparing with the widely-used response time analysis, the formal model of this method is more expressive to cover complex features. The application of SMC alleviates the "state space explosion" of classical model checking. Finally, the parameter generation experiments show that the present method is able to find the global optimum solutions in the parameter space.
Zuverlässigkeit von DRG-Routinedaten zur Analyse der Behandlungsergebnisse und Komplikationen im Rahmen der Schilddrüsenchirurgie. Ein kritischer Vergleich zwischen Krankenaktendaten und administrativen Routinedaten
Authors: Sahm Maik , Riegel Chrissanti , Mantke Anne , Reissig Kathrin , Hunger Richard , Mantke Rene
Published: February 2020

Hintergrund Die Qualitätssicherung in der Schilddrüsenchirurgie ist seit Langem Bestandteil des Handelns endokriner Chirurgen. Dabei wurden und werden überwiegend Register- und Studiendaten genutzt. Zunehmend kommen administrative Daten im Rahmen der Qualitätssicherung aus Routinedaten zur Auswertung. Ziel dieser Studie ist die Bestimmung der Reliabilität von Routinedaten zur Analyse von Behandlungsergebnissen und Komplikationen im Rahmen der Schilddrüsenchirurgie.

Patienten und Methode In einer Querschnittsstudie der Klinik wurden die Patientenaktendaten von 121 Patienten mit Schilddrüsenoperation eines Jahres mit den Qualitätssicherungsdaten aus Routinedaten (QSR) verglichen. Daraus wurde die Sensitivität, Spezifität und positive und negative prädiktive Werte (PPV/NPV) spezifischer Komplikationen ermittelt.

Ergebnisse In der Auswertung administrativer Daten wurden 40 spezifische Komplikationen identifiziert, dagegen 84 in der Auswertung der Patientenakten. Die Sensitivität für die Detektion der Komplikationen mit Routinedaten schwankte zwischen 31,3 und 60,0%. Die Spezifität reichte von 97,0 bis 100%. Der PPV betrug 0,77 – 1,0 und der NPV 0,56 – 1,0.

Schlussfolgerung Die QSR zur Schilddrüsenchirurgie zeigt Defizite in der Sensitivität bei einer hohen Spezifität. Um eine zuverlässige Qualitätsanalyse in der Klinik vorzunehmen oder in der Versorgungsforschung daraus Volume-Outcome-Analysen zu erstellen, ist eine Steigerung der Validität der Routinedaten erforderlich. Der Parameter Hypokalzämie weist die größten Limitationen für Analysen im QSR auf.
Cardiac Myxoma with Cerebral Metastases and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma: A Case Report and Review
Authors: Maas Jared A. , Menes Manuel , Siomin Vitaly
Published: February 2020

Background Cardiac myxomas, the most common primary cardiac tumors, are generally benign neoplasms. Primary cardiac lymphoma is a rare cardiac malignancy with a very poor prognosis. Here we present a case of a cardiac myxoma with cerebral metastases and chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) arising within the cerebral metastases.

Case description A 62-year-old man, who presented with symptoms of multiple transient ischemic attacks, was found to have a left atrial myxoma. Twelve months after excision of the myxoma, the patient experienced a recurrence of neurologic symptoms. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple hemorrhagic masses. Craniotomy was performed to resect the lesions. Histopathologic examination confirmed cardiac myxoma metastases and a small lymphocytic infiltrate within the tumor consistent with CLL/SLL.

Conclusion Including the present case, there are 27 cases of cardiac myxoma cerebral metastases and 22 cases of lymphomas arising within myxomas. The present case is the first known instance of both entities in the same patient. There is no standard management for either cardiac myxoma metastases or lymphoma within a myxoma. For both diseases, surgical excision is the primary treatment modality, but postoperative chemotherapy and/or radiation have been attempted. Myxomas may create a chronic inflammatory state that could lead to the development of CLL/SLL.
Outcomes of Local Bone Graft and Fixation of Proximal Pole Scaphoid Nascent Nonunions and Nonunions
Authors: Shoji Kristin E. , Simeone F. Joseph , Ozkan Sezai , Mudgal Chaitanya S.
Published: February 2020

Background Fractures of the proximal pole of the scaphoid have an increased risk of nonunion due to its tenuous blood supply. The optimal treatment of proximal pole scaphoid nonunions remains controversial.

Objectives To review a single surgeon's experience with proximal pole scaphoid nascent nonunions (delayed unions) and nonunions that underwent surgical fixation with a cannulated headless compression screw and local autologous bone graft from the distal radius.

Patients and Methods After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, the electronic medical record of one tertiary care center was queried for patients with the diagnosis of “proximal pole scaphoid fractures” who underwent surgical fixation by a single surgeon over an 11-year period (2006–2017). Fifteen patients met initial query criteria; upon review of records, four patients were excluded due to the acute nature of the fracture, and one was excluded as surgical fixation included a vascularized bone graft.

Results The final study cohort consisted of 10 patients with a total of 10 proximal pole scaphoid nonunions. Almost all of the patients in this study were male (9/10 [90%]), and sporting activities were the most common mechanism of injury (8/10 [80%]). Volumetric measurements of the scaphoid fractures on computed tomography (CT) revealed that the mean total volume of the scaphoid was 2.4 ± 0.48 cm3 and the mean volume of the proximal pole fragment was 0.38 ± 0.15 cm3. Postoperative CT scans were performed at a mean of 12.4 weeks (range: 8–16 weeks), with seven (7/10 [70%]) showing signs of complete union and three (3/10 [30%]) demonstrating partial union. None of the patients required additional procedures and there were no complications.

Conclusions Our results suggest that proximal pole scaphoid fractures with delayed union and nonunion treated with surgical fixation and autologous local bone graft heal without the need for more complex vascularized procedures. The volume of the proximal pole fragment did not correlate with increased risk of ongoing nonunion after the index procedure.

Level of Evidence This is a Level IV, case series study.
Fertility Preservation Before Deployment: Oocyte and Sperm Freezing in Members of the Active Duty Military
Authors: Martini Anne E. , Doyle Joseph O.
Published: February 2020

Active duty military service and deployment has the potential to compromise fertility through combat-related genitourinary injury, gonadotoxic exposures, and physical separation from a partner. Despite a growing interest among the military community as well as promising efficacy and safety data, fertility preservation remains an uncovered benefit for active duty soldiers. In 2016, the Pentagon proposed a program that would cover oocyte and sperm cryopreservation for any member of the active duty military desiring its use. Regrettably, that funding was not secured and predeployment fertility preservation remains an out-of-pocket expense. Today, advocacy groups, non-for-profit organizations, and physicians remain vigilant in their attempts to drive another government initiative through Congress. While activism continues, it is important to stress the value of fertility preservation counseling in soldiers' predeployment preparation and military family planning.
Integrating health into the complex urban planning policy and decision-making context: a systems thinking analysis
Authors: Pineo Helen , Zimmermann Nici , Davies Michael
Published: February 2020

Public health practitioners produce urban health indicator (UHI) tools to inform built environment policy and decision-making, among other objectives. Indicator producers perceive UHI tools as an easily understandable form of evidence about the urban environment impact on health for policy-makers’ consumption. However, indicator producers often conceptualise policy-making as a rational and linear process, therefore underestimating the complex and contested nature of developing and implementing policy. This study investigates the health-promotion value of UHI tools in the complex urban planning policy and decision-making context. A thematic analysis was conducted following semi-structured interviews with 22 indicator producers and users in San Francisco, Melbourne and Sydney. The analysis was informed by collaborative rationality and systems theories and the results were used to develop causal loop diagrams (CLDs) of producers and users’ mental models. The preliminary CLDs were tested and improved through a participatory modelling workshop (six participants). A high-level CLD depicts users and producers’ shared mental model in which indicator development and use are embedded in policy development and application processes. In the cases analysed, creating and using UHI tools increased inter-sectoral relationships, which supported actors to better understand each other’s opportunities and constraints. These relationships spurred new advocates for health in diverse organisations, supporting health-in-all-policies and whole-of-society approaches. Constraints to health-promoting policy and implementation (such as those which are legal, political and economic in nature), were overcome through community involvement in UHI tools and advocacy effectiveness. A number of factors reduced the perceived relevance and authority of UHI tools, including: a high number of available indicators, lack of neighbourhood scale data and poor-quality data. In summary, UHI tools were a form of evidence that influenced local urban planning policy and decision-making when they were embedded in policy processes, networks and institutions. In contrast to the dominant policy impact model in the indicator literature, such evidence did not typically influence policy as an exogenous entity. Indicators had impact when they were embedded in local institutions and well-resourced over time, resulting in trusted relationships and collaborations among indicator producers and users. Further research is needed to explore other governance contexts and how UHI tools affect the power of different actors, particularly for under-represented communities.
Vibration energy harvesting with piezoelectric ceramics working in d33 mode by using a spring-mass-spring oscillator
Authors: Li Ying , Yin Dezheng , Cheng Xiangyang , Chen Jing , Zhou Anda , Ji Xunkai , Li Yingwei
Published: February 2020

This paper proposed a piezoelectric energy harvester based on a spring-mass-spring oscillator, of which the piezoelectrics operate in the d33 mode. Theoretical analysis reveals that the spring-mass-spring oscillator can not only generate a larger vibration than that of the ambient system but also buffer the force of possible accidental impact applied on the piezoelectric stacks. By using lead zirconate titanate (PZT-4) ceramics as model materials, we systematically characterized the performance of the energy harvester. Results show that at the resonance frequency, the harvester can output a satisfactory electric field. In addition, it has excellent fatigue resistance, e.g., under 9 g vibration acceleration for a long time about 12 h, the electric voltage output of the harvester nearly kept constant and only a slight fluctuation was observed.
The reference-probe model for a robust and optimal radical-pair-based magnetic compass sensor
Authors: Procopio Maria , Ritz Thorsten
Published: February 2020

Radical-pair reactions have been suggested to be sensitive to the direction of weak magnetic fields, thereby providing a mechanism for the magnetic compass in animals. Discovering the general principles that make radical pairs particularly sensitive to the direction of weak magnetic fields will be essential for designing bioinspired compass sensors and for advancing our understanding of the spin physics behind directional effects. The reference-probe model is a conceptual model introduced as a guide to identify radical-pair parameters for optimal directional effects. Radical pairs with probe character have been extensively shown to enhance directional sensitivity to weak magnetic fields, but investigations on the role of the reference radical are lacking. Here, we evaluate whether a radical has reference character and then study its relevance for optimal directional effects. We investigate a simple radical-pair model with one axially anisotropic hyperfine interaction using both analytical and numerical calculations. Analytical calculations result in a general expression of the radical-pair reaction yield, which in turn provides useful insights into directional effects. We further investigate the relevance of the reference character to robustness against variations of earth-strength magnetic fields and find that the reference character captures robust features as well. Extending this study to radical pairs with more hyperfine interactions, we discuss the interplay between reference character and optimal and robust directional effects in such more complex radical pairs.
A microchip microcontroller-based transducer controller for non-contact scanning probe microscopy with phase-locked loop, amplitude, and Q control
Authors: Chandrasekhar Venkat
Published: February 2020

An inexpensive yet versatile transducer controller for non-contact scanning probe microscopy (SPM) based on a PIC32 microcontroller from Microchip Technology, Inc is described. In addition to feedback control using the amplitude or phase of the signal from the non-contact transducer, the controller includes a phase-locked loop for frequency-shift feedback, as well as fixed-amplitude, quality factor (Q) control, and self-excitation modes. Apart from the input amplifiers, output buffers, and the Q-control circuit, all other functions of the controller are instantiated in software on the microchip, enabling rapid changes in operating parameters if needed. The controller communicates with a host personal computer via a simple serial connection. The controller has been tested with a quartz tuning-fork transducer but can be used with any oscillating non-contact transducer.
Dark plasmon modes for efficient hot electron generation in multilayers of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Hoeing Dominik , Schulz Florian , Mueller Niclas S. , Reich Stephanie , Lange Holger
Published: February 2020

The excitation of dark plasmons, i.e., coupled plasmon modes with a vanishing net dipole, is expected to favor Landau damping over radiative damping. Dark plasmon excitation might, therefore, lead to an increased absorption of energy within gold nanoparticles, resulting in a strong generation of hot electrons compared to the generation via bright plasmons. We performed transient-absorption spectroscopy on gold nanoparticle films to assess the initial electronic temperature before thermalization. We observe a significant increase in the electron–phonon coupling time when dark plasmon modes are excited in these films. The results indicate an efficient energy absorption due to the suppressed radiative decay of dark plasmon modes and a subsequent energy transformation into hot electrons.
Hydration properties of a protein at low and high pressures: Physics of pressure denaturation
Authors: Inoue Masao , Hayashi Tomohiko , Hikiri Simon , Ikeguchi Mitsunori , Kinoshita Masahiro
Published: February 2020

Using experimentally determined structures of ubiquitin at 1 and 3000 bar, we generate sufficiently large ensembles of model structures in the native and pressure-induced (denatured) states by means of molecular dynamics simulations with explicit water. We calculate the values of a free-energy function (FEF), which comprises the hydration free energy (HFE) and the intramolecular (conformational) energy and entropy, for the two states at 1 and 3000 bar. The HFE and the conformational entropy, respectively, are calculated using our statistical-mechanical method, which has recently been shown to be accurate, and the Boltzmann-quasi-harmonic method. The HFE is decomposed into a variety of physically insightful components. We show that the FEF of the native state is lower than that of the denatured state at 1 bar, whereas the opposite is true at 3000 bar, thus being successful in reproducing the pressure denaturation. We argue that the following two quantities of hydration play essential roles in the denaturation: the WASA-dependent term in the water-entropy loss upon cavity creation for accommodating the protein (WASA is the water-accessible surface area of the cavity) and the protein–water Lennard-Jones interaction energy. At a high pressure, the mitigation of the serious water crowding in the system is the most important, and the WASA needs to be sufficiently enlarged with the increase in the excluded-volume being kept as small as possible. The denatured structure thus induced is characterized by the water penetration into the protein interior. The pressure denaturation is accompanied by a significantly large gain of water entropy.
Progress, challenges, and perspective on metasurfaces for ambient radio frequency energy harvesting
Authors: Li Long , Zhang Xuanming , Song Chaoyun , Huang Yi
Published: February 2020

In this paper, wireless power transfer (WPT) and energy harvesting (EH) technologies are reviewed in detail, and the application of metamaterials and metasurfaces for WPT and EH is discussed. Specifically, we focus on the metasurfaces for ambient radio frequency energy harvesting (AEH) in recent advances, comments, existing challenges, and future directions. The performance of metasurface- and antenna-based AEH systems is compared. The metasurfaces not only enable the efficient operation of the AEH system but also extend the potential function to various kinds of energy harvesting devices, which is influential progress of ambient electromagnetic energy harvesting.
Raman spectra of Si nanocrystals under high pressure: Metallization and solid state amorphization
Authors: Ovsyuk N. N. , Lyapin S. G.
Published: February 2020

We have observed and identified two crystalline peaks at ∼270 cm−1 and ∼400 cm−1 in nanocrystalline silicon during both compression and decompression. We attribute the first peak to the orthorhombic Imma phase (Si-XI) and the second one to the TO mode of the silicon metallic β-Sn phase (Si-II). Also, in the process of decompression, we observed a first-order-like transition from a highly coordinated metallic crystalline β-Sn phase to the normal tetrahedral LDA phase of the amorphous semiconductor. When the pressure is completely relieved, the powder regains its initial crystalline structure, which suggests that the amorphous phase has retained some structural features of the parent crystalline phase.
Rotational energy harvester powers devices using human motions
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: February 2020

Typically, low frequencies and irregular motions have made it difficult to harvest energy from human movements.
Aciphylla glacialis mortality, growth and frost resistance: a field warming experiment
Authors: Geange Sonya R. , Holloway-Phillips Meisha-Marika , Briceño Veronica F. , Nicotra Adrienne B.
Published: February 2020

Decreasing snow depth and earlier snowmelt in alpine regions are expected to expose plants to a greater range of thermal extremes. Thus, paradoxically, in addition to increasing mean temperatures, aseasonal frost is likely to emerge as a major determinant of plant survival and development under a warming climate. Through the use of open top chambers, we assessed the effects of simulated warming on seedlings of the alpine herb Aciphylla glacialis (F.Muell.) Benth, sourced from provenances that vary in thermal characteristics. We hypothesised that seedlings grown at elevated temperature would have reduced survival and lower freezing resistance, but that individuals that did survive would show increased growth. Further, we hypothesised that seedlings sourced from the lower-elevation sites, where temperatures are more variable, would exhibit lower mortality at warmed conditions than those from sites with narrower thermal ranges. Warmed conditions significantly increased seedling mortality but those that survived grew slightly taller than their ambient counterparts, with no impact on leaf production or photosynthetic efficiency. Although the warming treatment did not influence temperature minimums, which would have allowed us to assess the impact of aseasonal frosts, there was no effect on freezing resistance. Contrary to our expectations, there was little evidence of variation among provenances. Our results indicate that a warmer climate with more extreme events may lead to a reduction in seedling establishment and survival; however, seedlings that do survive and establish are unlikely to express any lingering detrimental effects.
Developmental responses of chia (Salvia hispanica) to variations in thermo-photoperiod: impact on subcomponents of grain yield
Authors: Brandán Jimena Pérez , Curti Ramiro N. , Acreche Martin M.
Published: February 2020

Effect of thermo-photoperiod conditions on pre-flowering phasic development, number of unfolded leaves, verticillaster dry weight at flowering (VDWFL) and grain yield were evaluated for chia (Salvia hispanica L.). The objectives of this study were to: (i) characterise the pre-flowering response of chia to thermo-photoperiod conditions during and pre- and post-inductive subphases; and (ii) determine the relationships between the duration of pre-flowering subphases, the VDWFL and grain yield. Sowing-date experiments were conducted during three consecutive growing seasons with two chia genotypes under non-stressed conditions. Responses to thermo-photoperiod conditions were characterised by fitting a bi-linear model. All pre-flowering subphases showed a quantitative short-day response with a decrease in sensitivity to photoperiod in the later post-inductive subphase. The duration of the pre-inductive subphase was associated with the number of accumulated unfolded leaves, whereas the durations of the post-inductive subphases were not determined by the number of accumulated unfolded leaves. Higher VDWFL was achieved when durations of the pre-flowering subphases increased. In addition, increases in the VDWFL explained most of the variation in grain yield along the thermo-photoperiod conditions. Accordingly, this study suggests that developmental responses of chia and their relationships with VDWFL and grain yield should be taken into account for grain-yield improvement of this orphan crop.
Population-based RNA profiling in Add Health finds social disparities in inflammatory and antiviral gene regulation to emerge by young adulthood
Authors: Cole Steven W. , Shanahan Michael J. , Gaydosh Lauren , Harris Kathleen Mullan
Published: February 2020

Significance

Health in later life and longevity vary substantially across sociodemographic groups, but the biological mechanisms of these disparities remain poorly understood. We conducted a transcriptome profiling study of inflammatory and antiviral gene activity in a large, nationally representative and ethnically diverse sample of young adults and found that sociodemographic variations in the activity of these molecular pathways emerge by young adulthood—well before they manifest as late-life chronic illness. Inflammation related to biobehavioral factors (BMI, smoking), interferons related to individual characteristics (sex, race/ethnicity), and transcription factor and immune-cell activation showed additional links to social context (family poverty, geographic region). These data suggest that interventions early in life may address the predisease physiological disparities that manifest as late-life health disparities.
Early Last Interglacial ocean warming drove substantial ice mass loss from Antarctica
Authors: Turney Chris S. M. , Fogwill Christopher J. , Golledge Nicholas R. , McKay Nicholas P. , van Sebille Erik , Jones Richard T. , Etheridge David , Rubino Mauro , Thornton David P. , Davies Siwan M. , Ramsey Christopher Bronk , Thomas Zoë A. , Bird Michael I. , Munksgaard Niels C. , Kohno Mika , Woodward John , Winter Kate , Weyrich Laura S. , Rootes Camilla M. , Millman Helen , Albert Paul G. , Rivera Andres , van Ommen Tas , Curran Mark , Moy Andrew , Rahmstorf Stefan , Kawamura Kenji , Hillenbrand Claus-Dieter , Weber Michael E. , Manning Christina J. , Young Jennifer , Cooper Alan
Published: February 2020

The future response of the Antarctic ice sheet to rising temperatures remains highly uncertain. A useful period for assessing the sensitivity of Antarctica to warming is the Last Interglacial (LIG) (129 to 116 ky), which experienced warmer polar temperatures and higher global mean sea level (GMSL) (+6 to 9 m) relative to present day. LIG sea level cannot be fully explained by Greenland Ice Sheet melt (∼2 m), ocean thermal expansion, and melting mountain glaciers (∼1 m), suggesting substantial Antarctic mass loss was initiated by warming of Southern Ocean waters, resulting from a weakening Atlantic meridional overturning circulation in response to North Atlantic surface freshening. Here, we report a blue-ice record of ice sheet and environmental change from the Weddell Sea Embayment at the periphery of the marine-based West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS), which is underlain by major methane hydrate reserves. Constrained by a widespread volcanic horizon and supported by ancient microbial DNA analyses, we provide evidence for substantial mass loss across the Weddell Sea Embayment during the LIG, most likely driven by ocean warming and associated with destabilization of subglacial hydrates. Ice sheet modeling supports this interpretation and suggests that millennial-scale warming of the Southern Ocean could have triggered a multimeter rise in global sea levels. Our data indicate that Antarctica is highly vulnerable to projected increases in ocean temperatures and may drive ice–climate feedbacks that further amplify warming.
IGLV3-21
*
01

is an inherited risk factor for CLL through the acquisition of a single-point mutation enabling autonomous BCR signaling
Authors: Maity Palash C. , Bilal Mayas , Koning Marvyn T. , Young Marc , van Bergen Cornelis A. M. , Renna Valerio , Nicolò Antonella , Datta Moumita , Gentner-Göbel Eva , Barendse Rob S. , Somers Sebastiaan F. , de Groen Ruben A. L. , Vermaat Joost S. P. , Steinbrecher Daniela , Schneider Christof , Tausch Eugen , Bittolo Tamara , Bomben Riccardo , Mazzarello Andrea Nicola , del Poeta Giovanni , Kroes Wilma G. M. , van Wezel J. Tom , Imkeller Katharina , Busse Christian E. , Degano Massimo , Bakchoul Tamam , Schulz Axel Ronald , Mei Henrik , Ghia Paolo , Kotta Konstantia , Stamatopoulos Kostas , Wardemann Hedda , Zucchetto Antonella , Chiorazzi Nicholas , Gattei Valter , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Veelken Hendrik , Jumaa Hassan
Published: February 2020

Significance

CLL is characterized by autonomous B cell receptor (BCR) signaling. CLL subsets are empirically defined by sequence similarities of the BCR heavy chain. However, in the unfavorable subset 2, an acquired mutation (termed R110) in the light chain stimulates autonomous BCR signaling. This study demonstrates that the oncogenic R110 mutation dictates the unfavorable prognosis and is not restricted to the conventional subset 2. Interestingly, carriers of a particular light-chain allele (

IGLV3-21
*
01

) are predisposed to develop CLL because this allele enables autonomous BCR signaling by R110 as a single-point mutation. Monoclonal antibodies permit convenient screening for R110-expressing CLL, showing that it is the largest immunologically defined CLL subset and an example of functional rather than empirical CLL subclassification.
miR-196b-5p–mediated downregulation of TSPAN12 and GATA6 promotes tumor progression in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Liang Guang , Meng Wei , Huang Xiangjie , Zhu Wangyu , Yin Changtian , Wang Canwei , Fassan Matteo , Yu Yun , Kudo Masahisa , Xiao Sisi , Zhao Chengguang , Zou Peng , Wang Yumin , Li Xiaokun , Croce Carlo M. , Cui Ri
Published: February 2020

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for over 80% of lung cancer cases. The RNA binding protein, QKI, belongs to the STAR family and plays tumor-suppressive functions in NSCLC. QKI-5 is a major isoform of QKIs and is predominantly expressed in NSCLC. However, the underlying mechanisms of QKI-5 in NSCLC progression remain unclear. We found that QKI-5 regulated microRNA (miRNA), miR-196b-5p, and its expression was significantly up-regulated in NSCLC tissues. Up-regulated miR-196b-5p promotes lung cancer cell migration, proliferation, and cell cycle through directly targeting the tumor suppressors, GATA6 and TSPAN12. Both GATA6 and TSPAN12 expressions were down-regulated in NSCLC patient tissue samples and were negatively correlated with miR-196b-5p expression. Mouse xenograft models demonstrated that miR-196b-5p functions as a potent onco-miRNA, whereas TSPAN12 functions as a tumor suppressor in NSCLC in vivo. QKI-5 bound to miR-196b-5p and influenced its stability, resulting in up-regulated miR-196b-5p expression in NSCLC. Further analysis showed that hypomethylation in the promoter region enhanced miR-196b-5p expression in NSCLC. Our findings indicate that QKI-5 may exhibit novel anticancer mechanisms by regulating miRNA in NSCLC, and targeting the QKI5∼miR-196b-5p∼GATA6/TSPAN12 pathway may enable effectively treating some NSCLCs.
Brain and behavioral alterations in subjects with social anxiety dominated by empathic embarrassment
Authors: Tei Shisei , Kauppi Jukka-Pekka , Jankowski Kathryn F. , Fujino Junya , Monti Ricardo P. , Tohka Jussi , Abe Nobuhito , Murai Toshiya , Takahashi Hidehiko , Hari Riitta
Published: February 2020

Social-anxiety disorder involves a fear of embarrassing oneself in the presence of others. Taijin-kyofusho (TKS), a subtype common in East Asia, additionally includes a fear of embarrassing others. TKS individuals are hypersensitive to others’ feelings and worry that their physical or behavioral defects humiliate others. To explore the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms, we compared TKS ratings with questionnaire-based empathic disposition, cognitive flexibility (set-shifting), and empathy-associated brain activity in 23 Japanese adults. During 3-tesla functional MRI, subjects watched video clips of badly singing people who expressed either authentic embarrassment (EMBAR) or hubristic pride (PRIDE). We expected the EMBAR singers to embarrass the viewers via emotion-sharing involving affective empathy (affEMP), and the PRIDE singers to embarrass via perspective-taking involving cognitive empathy (cogEMP). During affEMP (EMBAR > PRIDE), TKS scores correlated positively with dispositional affEMP (personal-distress dimension) and with amygdala activity. During cogEMP (EMBAR < PRIDE), TKS scores correlated negatively with cognitive flexibility and with activity of the posterior superior temporal sulcus/temporoparietal junction (pSTS/TPJ). Intersubject correlation analysis implied stronger involvement of the anterior insula, inferior frontal gyrus, and premotor cortex during affEMP than cogEMP and stronger involvement of the medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and pSTS/TPJ during cogEMP than affEMP. During cogEMP, the whole-brain functional connectivity was weaker the higher the TKS scores. The observed imbalance between affEMP and cogEMP, and the disruption of functional brain connectivity, likely deteriorate cognitive processing during embarrassing situations in persons who suffer from other-oriented social anxiety dominated by empathic embarrassment.
Synaptotagmin-7 is a key factor for bipolar-like behavioral abnormalities in mice
Authors: Shen Wei , Wang Qiu-Wen , Liu Yao-Nan , Marchetto Maria C. , Linker Sara , Lu Si-Yao , Chen Yun , Liu Chuihong , Guo Chongye , Xing Zhikai , Shi Wei , Kelsoe John R. , Alda Martin , Wang Hongwei , Zhong Yi , Sui Sen-Fang , Zhao Mei , Yang Yiming , Mi Shuangli , Cao Liping , Gage Fred H. , Yao Jun
Published: February 2020

Significance

The key molecular mechanisms underlying the etiology of bipolar disorder (BD) have remained enigmatic. As BD patients often show comorbidity with insulin/glucose metabolic syndrome, we hypothesized that the central and peripheral abnormalities might share some identical molecular mechanism. Through investigating the expression of insulin/synapse dual functioning genes in patient induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons and their effects on mouse behaviors, as well as testing the mRNA level in BD patient plasma samples, we demonstrated that Syt7 is likely a key factor involved in neuropsychiatric-like behaviors. Our work helps explain the molecular mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of BD.
Structural analysis of a trimeric assembly of the mitochondrial dynamin-like GTPase Mgm1
Authors: Yan Liming , Qi Yuanbo , Ricketson Derek , Li Lei , Subramanian Kelly , Zhao Jinghua , Yu Caiting , Wu Lijie , Sarsam Reta , Wong Melissa , Lou Zhiyong , Rao Zihe , Nunnari Jodi , Hu Junjie
Published: February 2020

The fusion of inner mitochondrial membranes requires dynamin-like GTPases, Mgm1 in yeast and OPA1 in mammals, but how they mediate membrane fusion is poorly understood. Here, we determined the crystal structure of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
short Mgm1 (s-Mgm1) in complex with GDP. It revealed an N-terminal GTPase (G) domain followed by two helix bundles (HB1 and HB2) and a unique C-terminal lipid-interacting stalk (LIS). Dimers can form through antiparallel HB interactions. Head-to-tail trimers are built by intermolecular interactions between the G domain and HB2-LIS. Biochemical and in vivo analyses support the idea that the assembly interfaces observed here are native and critical for Mgm1 function. We also found that s-Mgm1 interacts with negatively charged lipids via both the G domain and LIS. Based on these observations, we propose that membrane targeting via the G domain and LIS facilitates the in cis assembly of Mgm1, potentially generating a highly curved membrane tip to allow inner membrane fusion.