bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MiR-584-5p potentiates vincristine and radiation response by inducing spindle defects and DNA damage in medulloblastoma
Authors: Abdelfattah Nourhan , Rajamanickam Subapriya , Panneerdoss Subbarayalu , Timilsina Santosh , Yadav Pooja , Onyeagucha Benjamin C. , Garcia Michael , Vadlamudi Ratna , Chen Yidong , Brenner Andrew , Houghton Peter , Rao Manjeet K.
Published: October 2018

Despite improvements in overall survival, only a modest percentage of patients survives high-risk medulloblastoma. The devastating side effects of radiation and chemotherapy substantially reduce quality of life for surviving patients. Here, using genomic screens, we identified miR-584-5p as a potent therapeutic adjuvant that potentiates medulloblastoma to radiation and vincristine. MiR-584-5p inhibited medulloblastoma growth and prolonged survival of mice in pre-clinical tumor models. MiR-584-5p overexpression caused cell cycle arrest, DNA damage, and spindle defects in medulloblastoma cells. MiR-584-5p mediated its tumor suppressor and therapy-sensitizing effects by targeting HDAC1 and eIF4E3. MiR-584-5p overexpression or HDAC1/eIF4E3 silencing inhibited medulloblastoma stem cell self-renewal without affecting neural stem cell growth. In medulloblastoma patients, reduced expression of miR-584-5p correlated with increased levels of HDAC1/eIF4E3. These findings identify a previously undefined role for miR-584-5p/HDAC1/eIF4E3 in regulating DNA repair, microtubule dynamics, and stemness in medulloblastoma and set the stage for a new way to treat medulloblastoma using miR-584-5p.
Interactions between callose and cellulose revealed through the analysis of biopolymer mixtures
Authors: Abou-Saleh Radwa H. , Hernandez-Gomez Mercedes C. , Amsbury Sam , Paniagua Candelas , Bourdon Matthieu , Miyashima Shunsuke , Helariutta Ykä , Fuller Martin , Budtova Tatiana , Connell Simon D. , Ries Michael E. , Benitez-Alfonso Yoselin
Published: October 2018

The properties of (1,3)-β-glucans (i.e., callose) remain largely unknown despite their importance in plant development and defence. Here we use mixtures of (1,3)-β-glucan and cellulose, in ionic liquid solution and hydrogels, as proxies to understand the physico-mechanical properties of callose. We show that after callose addition the stiffness of cellulose hydrogels is reduced at a greater extent than predicted from the ideal mixing rule (i.e., the weighted average of the individual components’ properties). In contrast, yield behaviour after the elastic limit is more ductile in cellulose-callose hydrogels compared with sudden failure in 100% cellulose hydrogels. The viscoelastic behaviour and the diffusion of the ions in mixed ionic liquid solutions strongly indicate interactions between the polymers. Fourier-transform infrared analysis suggests that these interactions impact cellulose organisation in hydrogels and cell walls. We conclude that polymer interactions alter the properties of callose-cellulose mixtures beyond what it is expected by ideal mixing.
Induced-fit expansion and contraction of a self-assembled nanocube finely responding to neutral and anionic guests
Authors: Zhan Yi-Yang , Kojima Tatsuo , Nakamura Takashi , Takahashi Toshihiro , Takahashi Satoshi , Haketa Yohei , Shoji Yoshiaki , Maeda Hiromitsu , Fukushima Takanori , Hiraoka Shuichi
Published: October 2018

Induced-fit or conformational selection is of profound significance in biological regulation. Biological receptors alter their conformation to respond to the shape and electrostatic surfaces of guest molecules. Here we report a water-soluble artificial molecular host that can sensitively respond to the size, shape, and charged state of guest molecules. The molecular host, i.e. nanocube, is an assembled structure consisting of six gear-shaped amphiphiles (GSAs). This nanocube can expand or contract its size upon the encapsulation of neutral and anionic guest molecules with a volume ranging from 74 to 535 Å3 by induced-fit. The responding property of this nanocube, reminiscent of a feature of biological molecules, arises from the fact that the GSAs in the nanocubes are connected to each other only through the hydrophobic effect and very weak intermolecular interactions such as van der Waals and cation-π interactions.
In situ strain tuning of the metal-insulator-transition of Ca2RuO4 in angle-resolved photoemission experiments
Authors: Riccò S. , Kim M. , Tamai A. , McKeown Walker S. , Bruno F. Y. , Cucchi I. , Cappelli E. , Besnard C. , Kim T. K. , Dudin P. , Hoesch M. , Gutmann M. J. , Georges A. , Perry R. S. , Baumberger F.
Published: October 2018

Pressure plays a key role in the study of quantum materials. Its application in angle resolved photoemission (ARPES) studies, however, has so far been limited. Here, we report the evolution of the k-space electronic structure of bulk Ca2RuO4, lightly doped with Pr, under uniaxial strain. Using ultrathin plate-like crystals, we achieve uniaxial strain levels up to −4.1%, sufficient to suppress the insulating Mott phase and access the previously unexplored electronic structure of the metallic state at low temperature. ARPES experiments performed while tuning the uniaxial strain reveal that metallicity emerges from a marked redistribution of charge within the Ru t2g shell, accompanied by a sudden collapse of the spectral weight in the lower Hubbard band and the emergence of a well-defined Fermi surface which is devoid of pseudogaps. Our results highlight the profound roles of lattice energetics and of the multiorbital nature of Ca2RuO4 in this archetypal Mott transition and open new perspectives for spectroscopic measurements.
Management of transition dipoles in organic hole-transporting materials under solar irradiation for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Ok Song Ah , Jo Bonghyun , Somasundaram Sivaraman , Woo Hwi Je , Lee Dae Woon , Li Zijia , Kim Bong-Gi , Kim Jong H. , Song Young Jae , Ahn Tae Kyu , Park Sanghyuk , Park Hui Joon
Published: October 2018

In organic hole-transporting material (HTM)-based p−i−n planar perovskite solar cells, which have simple and low-temperature processibility feasible to flexible devices, the incident light has to pass through the HTM before reaching the perovskite layer. Therefore, photo-excited state of organic HTM could become important during the solar cell operation, but this feature has not usually been considered for the HTM design. Here, we prove that enhancing their property at their photo-excited states, especially their transition dipole moments, can be a methodology to develop high efficiency p−i−n perovskite solar cells. The organic HTMs are designed to have high transition dipole moments at the excited states and simultaneously to preserve those property during the solar cell operation by their extended lifetimes through the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer process, consequently reducing the charge recombination and improving extraction properties of devices. Their UV-filtering ability is also beneficial to enhance the photostability of devices.
Single-cell barcode analysis provides a rapid readout of cellular signaling pathways in clinical specimens
Authors: Giedt Randy J. , Pathania Divya , Carlson Jonathan C. T. , McFarland Philip J. , del Castillo Andres Fernandez , Juric Dejan , Weissleder Ralph
Published: October 2018

Serial tissue sampling has become essential in guiding modern targeted and personalized cancer treatments. An alternative to image guided core biopsies are fine needle aspirates (FNA) that yield cells rather than tissues but are much better tolerated and have lower complication rates. The efficient pathway analysis of such cells in the clinic has been difficult, time consuming and costly. Here we develop an antibody-DNA barcoding approach where harvested cells can be rapidly re-stained through the use of custom designed oligonucleotide-fluorophore conjugates. We show that this approach can be used to interrogate drug-relevant pathways in scant clinical samples. Using the PI3K/PTEN/CDK4/6 pathways in breast cancer as an example, we demonstrate how analysis can be performed in tandem with trial enrollment and can evaluate downstream signaling following therapeutic inhibition. This approach should allow more widespread use of scant single cell material in clinical samples.
Fluidity onset in graphene
Authors: Bandurin Denis A. , Shytov Andrey V. , Levitov Leonid S. , Kumar Roshan Krishna , Berdyugin Alexey I. , Ben Shalom Moshe , Grigorieva Irina V. , Geim Andre K. , Falkovich Gregory
Published: October 2018

Viscous electron fluids have emerged recently as a new paradigm of strongly-correlated electron transport in solids. Here we report on a direct observation of the transition to this long-sought-for state of matter in a high-mobility electron system in graphene. Unexpectedly, the electron flow is found to be interaction-dominated but non-hydrodynamic (quasiballistic) in a wide temperature range, showing signatures of viscous flows only at relatively high temperatures. The transition between the two regimes is characterized by a sharp maximum of negative resistance, probed in proximity to the current injector. The resistance decreases as the system goes deeper into the hydrodynamic regime. In a perfect darkness-before-daybreak manner, the interaction-dominated negative response is strongest at the transition to the quasiballistic regime. Our work provides the first demonstration of how the viscous fluid behavior emerges in an interacting electron system.
An assessment of prognostic immunity markers in breast cancer
Authors: Yang Benlong , Chou Jeff , Tao Yaozhong , Wu Dengbin , Wu Xinhong , Li Xueqing , Li Yan , Chu Yiwei , Tang Feng , Shi Yanxia , Ma Linlin , Zhou Tong , Kaufmann William , Carey Lisa A , Wu Jiong , Hu Zhiyuan
Published: October 2018

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and immunity gene signatures have been reported to be significantly prognostic in breast cancer but have not yet been applied for calculation of risk of recurrence in clinical assays. A compact set of 17 immunity genes was derived herein from an Affymetrix-derived gene expression dataset including 1951 patients (AFFY1951). The 17 immunity genes demonstrated significant prognostic stratification of estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer patients with high proliferation gene expression. Further analysis of blood and breast cancer single-cell RNA-seq datasets revealed that the 17 immunity genes were derived from TIL that were inactive in the blood and became active in tumor tissue. Expression of the 17 immunity genes was significantly (p < 2.2E-16, n = 91) correlated with TILs percentage on H&E in triple negative breast cancer. To demonstrate the impact of tumor immunity genes on prognosis, we built a Cox model to incorporate breast cancer subtypes, proliferation score and immunity score (72 gene panel) with significant prediction of outcomes (p < 0.0001, n = 1951). The 72 gene panel and its risk evaluation model were validated in two other published gene expression datasets including Illumina beads array data METABRIC (p < 0.0001, n = 1997) and whole transcriptomic mRNA-seq data TCGA (p = 0.00019, n = 996) and in our own targeted RNA-seq data TARGETSEQ (p < 0.0001, n = 303). Further examination of the 72 gene panel in single cell RNA-seq of tumors demonstrated tumor heterogeneity with more than two subtypes observed in each tumor. In conclusion, immunity gene expression was an important parameter for prognosis and should be incorporated into current multi-gene assays to improve assessment of risk of distant metastasis in breast cancer.
Clustering and climate associations of Kawasaki Disease in San Diego County suggest environmental triggers
Authors: Rypdal Martin , Rypdal Veronika , Burney Jennifer A. , Cayan Daniel , Bainto Emelia , Skochko Shannon , Tremoulet Adriana H. , Creamean Jessie , Shimizu Chisato , Kim Jihoon , Burns Jane C.
Published: October 2018

Kawasaki Disease (KD) is the most common cause of pediatric acquired heart disease, but its etiology remains unknown. We examined 1164 cases of KD treated at a regional children’s hospital in San Diego over a period of 15 years and uncovered novel structure to disease incidence. KD cases showed a well-defined seasonal variability, but also clustered temporally at much shorter time scales (days to weeks), and spatiotemporally on time scales of up to 10 days and spatial scales of 10–100 km. Temporal clusters of KD cases were associated with strongly significant regional-scale air temperature anomalies and consistent larger-scale atmospheric circulation patterns. Gene expression analysis further revealed a natural partitioning of KD patients into distinct groups based on their gene expression pattern, and that the different groups were associated with certain clinical characteristics that also exhibit temporal autocorrelation. Our data suggest that one or more environmental triggers exist, and that episodic exposures are modulated at least in part by regional weather conditions. We propose that characterization of the environmental factors that trigger KD in genetically susceptible children should focus on aerosols inhaled by patients who share common disease characteristics.
Type 2 diabetes and cognitive impairment in an older population with overweight or obesity and metabolic syndrome: baseline cross-sectional analysis of the PREDIMED-plus study
Authors: Mallorquí-Bagué Núria , Lozano-Madrid María , Toledo Estefanía , Corella Dolores , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Cuenca-Royo Aida , Vioque Jesús , Romaguera Dora , Martínez J. Alfredo , Wärnberg Julia , López-Miranda José , Estruch Ramón , Bueno-Cavanillas Aurora , Alonso-Gómez Ángel , Tur Josep A. , Tinahones Francisco J. , Serra-Majem Lluís , Martín Vicente , Lapetra José , Vázquez Clotilde , Pintó Xavier , Vidal Josep , Daimiel Lidia , Gaforio José J. , Matía Pilar , Ros Emilio , Granero Roser , Buil-Cosiales Pilar , Barragán Rocío , Bulló Mònica , Castañer Olga , García-de-la-Hera Manoli , Yáñez Aina M. , Abete Itziar , García-Ríos Antonio , Ruiz-Canela Miguel , Díaz-López Andrés , Jiménez-Murcia Susana , Martínez-González Miguel A. , De la Torre Rafael , Fernández-Aranda Fernando
Published: October 2018

This study cross-sectionally examines in the elderly population: (a) the association of type 2 diabetes with executive function (EF); (b) the effect of BMI on both type 2 diabetes and EF; (c) the association between glycaemia control and EF in type 2 diabetes. 6823 older individuals with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome participating in the PREDIMED-PLUS study, were assessed with a battery of cognitive tests and a medical interview. ANOVA showed a significantly worse performance on EF in type 2 diabetes vs. non-diabetic individuals. Two complementary models were displayed: (1) in the whole sample, the presence of type 2 diabetes, depressive symptoms and BMI had a direct negative effect on EF, while apnoea had an indirect negative effect; (2) in the diabetes subsample, higher illness duration was associated with worse performance in EF. Participants with type 2 diabetes and HbA1c<53 mmol/mol displayed better cognitive performance when compared to those with HbA1c≥53 mmol/mol. Our results provide a controlled comprehensive model that integrates relevant neuropsychological and physical variables in type 2 diabetes. The model suggests that, to improve treatment adherence and quality of life once diabetes has been diagnosed, cognitive decline prevention strategies need to be implemented while monitoring depressive symptoms, BMI and glycaemia control.
Co3O4-NP embedded mesoporous carbon rod with enhanced electrocatalytic conversion in lithium-sulfur battery
Authors: Wang Shaofeng , Hou Xianhua , Zhong Zeming , Shen Kaixiang , Zhang Guangzu , Yao Lingmin , Chen Fuming
Published: October 2018

Lithium-sulfur battery has been considered to be one of the promising alternatives to the traditional lithium-ion battery due to its high theoretical energy density and saving-cost. However, the sluggish reaction during the decomposition of lithium sulfide results in a low specific capacity and poor cycling stability. Herein Co3O4nano-particle embedded mesoporous carbon rod (Co3O4@MCR) was prepared through a template method to accommodate sulfur as cathode of lithium-sulfur battery. The resultant composite was characterized by Raman spectra, XRD, TEM, SEM, etc. The electrochemical investigation demonstrated that Co3O4@MCR composite exhibits enhanced electrocatalytic performance in lithium-sulfur battery, which was confirmed by cyclic voltammograms, galvanostatic charge-discharge testing, and study of sulfide oxidation using linear sweep voltammetry. With the current density of 0.2 A/g, the specific discharge capacity can be achieved up to more than 1000 mAh/g after 100 cycles. The enhanced electrocatalytic conversion from Co3O4@MCR leads to a low over-potential, fast lithium-ion kinetics and sulfide oxidation reaction.
Effect of over expressing protective antigen on global gene transcription in Bacillus anthracis BH500
Authors: Sharma Ashish K. , Leppla Stephen H. , Pomerantsev Andrei P. , Shiloach Joseph
Published: October 2018

Protective antigen (PA) of Bacillus anthracis is being considered as a vaccine candidate against anthrax and its production has been explored in several heterologous host systems. Since the systems tested introduced adverse issues such as inclusion body formation and endotoxin contamination, the production from B. anthracis is considered as a preferred method. The present study examines the effect of PA expression on the metabolism of B. anthracis producing strain, BH500, by comparing it with a control strain carrying an empty plasmid. The strains were grown in a bioreactor and RNA-seq analysis of the producing and non-producing strain was conducted. Among the observed differences, the strain expressing rPA had increased transcription of sigL, the gene encoding RNA polymerase σ54, sigB, the general stress transcription factor gene and its regulators rsbW and rsbV, as well as the global regulatory repressor ctsR. There were also decreased expression of intracellular heat stress related genes such as groL, groES, hslO, dnaJ, and dnaK and increased expression of extracellular chaperons csaA and prsA2. Also, major central metabolism genes belonging to TCA, glycolysis, PPP, and amino acids biosynthesis were up-regulated in the PA-producing strain during the lag phase and down-regulated in the log and late-log phases, which was associated with decreased specific growth rates. The information obtained from this study may guide genetic modification of B. anthracis to improve PA production.
Stable Liposome in Cosmetic Platforms for Transdermal Folic acid delivery for fortification and treatment of micronutrient deficiencies
Authors: Kapoor Mudra Saurabh , D’Souza Anisha , Aibani Noorjahan , Nair Swathi Sivasankaran , Sandbhor Puja , kumari Durga , Banerjee Rinti
Published: October 2018

Oral folate fortification has been successful in many developed nations, however, developing countries still face low compliance and high incidence of folate deficiency associated with low birth weight infants and preterm deliveries. We report safe and efficient approach for transdermal systemic folate delivery using fluidising liposomes (120 ± 4 nm) stabilised within 3D matrix of naturally occurring cosmetic bases: Fuller’s earth and henna with room temperature stability. The proof of stratum corneum fluidisation was established ex-vivo by Langmuir-Blodgett film, FTIR and confocal imaging in rat skin. In-vivo topical application in rats showed 11-fold increase in plasma folate within 2 hr, confirming systemic delivery through skin. Efficacy study in folate deficient rats over 4 weeks showed significantly higher plasma levels compared to oral delivery with significant skin depot. Sub-acute toxicity studies in rats at 750-fold higher doses showed safety after 4 weeks daily application. Primary irritation patch test on 25 healthy human volunteers proved non-irritant nature of the nutricosmetics. The technology is first demonstration of transdermal folate fortification with nanosized liposome incorporated in cosmetics, without synthetic surfactants/ethanol or need of external energy. The platform technology opens the possibility of delivering multiple nutrients systemically through skin and can be scaled for affordable community fortification.
Bacillus megaterium adapts to acid stress condition through a network of genes: Insight from a genome-wide transcriptome analysis
Authors: Goswami Gunajit , Panda Debashis , Samanta Ramkrishna , Boro Robin Chandra , Modi Mahendra Kumar , Bujarbaruah Kamal Malla , Barooah Madhumita
Published: October 2018

RNA-seq analysis of B. megaterium exposed to pH 7.0 and pH 4.5 showed differential expression of 207 genes related to several processes. Among the 207 genes, 11 genes displayed increased transcription exclusively in pH 4.5. Exposure to pH 4.5 induced the expression of genes related to maintenance of cell integrity, pH homeostasis, alternative energy generation and modification of metabolic processes. Metabolic processes like pentose phosphate pathway, fatty acid biosynthesis, cysteine and methionine metabolism and synthesis of arginine and proline were remodeled during acid stress. Genes associated with oxidative stress and osmotic stress were up-regulated at pH 4.5 indicating a link between acid stress and other stresses. Acid stress also induced expression of genes that encoded general stress-responsive proteins as well as several hypothetical proteins. Our study indicates that a network of genes aid B. megaterium G18 to adapt and survive in acid stress condition.
Differential Assessment of Factor Xa Activity and Global Blood Coagulability Utilizing Novel Dielectric Coagulometry
Authors: Hamada Satomi , Hasegawa Yuki , Oono Ai , Suzuki Anna , Takahashi Naomi , Nishimura Takuro , Koyama Takatoshi , Hagihara Michio , Tohda Shuji , Furukawa Tetsushi , Hirao Kenzo , Sasano Tetsuo
Published: October 2018

An easy-to-use assessment for activated factor X (FXa) is lacking despite its pivotal role in the coagulation. Dielectric blood coagulometry (DBCM) was recently invented as a novel assessment tool for determining the whole blood coagulability by measuring the temporal change in the permittivity of blood. We previously reported that it could evaluate the global blood coagulability. This study aimed to apply the DBCM for assessing FXa activity and its inhibition by anticoagulants. We performed the DBCM analysis along with measurement of the FXa activity by a fluorometric assay in samples from healthy subjects, and identified a new index named maximum acceleration time (MAT) that had a correlation to the FXa activity. Next the DBCM analysis was performed using blood samples mixed with anticoagulants (unfractionated heparin, dalteparin, and edoxaban). Blood samples with three anticoagulants had different profiles of the temporal change in the permittivity, reflecting their different selectivity for FXa. We compared the MAT with the anti-FXa activity assay, and found that the prolongation of MAT was similarly correlated with the anti-FXa activity regardless of the type of anticoagulants. In conclusion, the DBCM has the possibility for evaluating the innate FXa activity and effect of anticoagulants focusing on their FXa inhibition.
Levels of Par-1 kinase determine the localization of Bruchpilot at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction synapses
Authors: Barber Kara R. , Hruska Martin , Bush Keegan M. , Martinez Jade A. , Fei Hong , Levitan Irwin B. , Dalva Matthew B. , Wairkar Yogesh P.
Published: October 2018

Functional synaptic networks are compromised in many neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. While the mechanisms of axonal transport and localization of synaptic vesicles and mitochondria are relatively well studied, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate the localization of proteins that localize to active zones. Recent finding suggests that mechanisms involved in transporting proteins destined to active zones are distinct from those that transport synaptic vesicles or mitochondria. Here we report that localization of BRP-an essential active zone scaffolding protein in Drosophila, depends on the precise balance of neuronal Par-1 kinase. Disruption of Par-1 levels leads to excess accumulation of BRP in axons at the expense of BRP at active zones. Temporal analyses demonstrate that accumulation of BRP within axons precedes the loss of synaptic function and its depletion from the active zones. Mechanistically, we find that Par-1 co-localizes with BRP and is present in the same molecular complex, raising the possibility of a novel mechanism for selective localization of BRP-like active zone scaffolding proteins. Taken together, these data suggest an intriguing possibility that mislocalization of active zone proteins like BRP might be one of the earliest signs of synapse perturbation and perhaps, synaptic networks that precede many neurological disorders.
RNA-Seq transcriptomic profiling of primary murine microglia treated with LPS or LPS + IFNγ
Authors: Pulido-Salgado Marta , Vidal-Taboada Jose M. , Barriga Gerardo Garcia-Diaz , Solà Carme , Saura Josep
Published: October 2018

Microglia, the main resident immune cells in the CNS, are thought to participate in the pathogenesis of various neurological disorders. LPS and LPS + IFNγ are stimuli that are widely used to activate microglia. However, the transcriptomic profiles of microglia treated with LPS and LPS + IFNγ have not been properly compared. Here, we treated murine primary microglial cultures with LPS or LPS + IFNγ for 6 hours and then performed RNA-Sequencing. Gene expression patterns induced by the treatments were obtained by WGCNA and 11 different expression profiles were found, showing differential responses to LPS and LPS + IFNγ in many genes. Interestingly, a subset of genes involved in Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease were downregulated by both treatments. By DESeq analysis we found differentially upregulated and downregulated genes that confirmed LPS and LPS + IFNγ as inducers of microglial pro-inflammatory responses, but also highlighted their involvement in specific cell functions. In response to LPS, microglia tended to be more proliferative, pro-inflammatory and phagocytic; whereas LPS + IFNγ inhibited genes were involved in pain, cell division and, unexpectedly, production of some inflammatory mediators. In summary, this study provides a detailed description of the transcriptome of LPS- and LPS + IFNγ treated primary microglial cultures. It may be useful to determine whether these in vitro phenotypes resemble microglia in in vivo pathological conditions.
Highly efficient MoOx-free semitransparent perovskite cell for 4 T tandem application improving the efficiency of commercially-available Al-BSF silicon
Authors: Ramos F. Javier , Jutteau Sebastien , Posada Jorge , Bercegol Adrien , Rebai Amelle , Guillemot Thomas , Bodeux Romain , Schneider Nathanaelle , Loones Nicolas , Ory Daniel , Broussillou Cedric , Goaer Gilles , Lombez Laurent , Rousset Jean
Published: October 2018

In this work, the fabrication of MoOx-free semitransparent perovskite solar cells (PSC) with Power Conversion Efficiencies (PCE) up to 15.7% is reported. Firstly, opaque PSCs up to 19.7% were fabricated. Then, the rear metal contact was replaced by a highly transparent and conductive indium tin oxide (ITO) film, directly sputtered onto the hole selective layer, without any protective layer between Spiro-OMeTAD and rear ITO. To the best of our knowledge, this corresponds to the most efficient buffer layer-free semitransparent PSC ever reported. Using time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) technique on both sides of the semitransparent PSC, Spiro-OMeTAD/perovskite and perovskite/TiO2 interfaces were compared, confirming the great quality of Spiro-OMeTAD/perovskite interface, even after damage-less ITO sputtering, where degradation phenomena result less important than for perovskite/TiO2 one. Finally, a 4-terminal tandem was built combining semitransparent PSC with a commercially-available Aluminium Back Surface Field (Al-BSF) silicon wafer. That silicon wafer presents PCE = 19.52% (18.53% after being reduced to cell size), and 5.75% once filtered, to generate an overall 4 T tandem efficiency of 21.18% in combination with our champion large semitransparent PSC of 15.43%. It means an absolute increase of 1.66% over the original silicon wafer efficiency and a 2.65% over the cut Si cell.
Postmortem Interval and Diagnostic Performance of the Autopsy Methods
Authors: Hurtado Juan Carlos , Quintó Llorenç , Castillo Paola , Carrilho Carla , Fernandes Fabiola , Jordao Dercio , Lovane Lucilia , Navarro Mireia , Casas Isaac , Bene Rosa , Nhampossa Tacilta , Santos Ritchie Paula , Bandeira Sónia , Sambo Calvino , Chicamba Valeria , Mocumbi Sibone , Jaze Zara , Mabota Flora , Ismail Mamudo R. , Lorenzoni Cesaltina , Guisseve Assucena , Rakislova Natalia , Marimon Lorena , Castrejon Natalia , Sanz Ariadna , Cossa Anelsio , Mandomando Inacio , Munguambe Khátia , Maixenchs Maria , Muñoz-Almagro Carmen , Macete Eusebio , Alonso Pedro , Vila Jordi , Bassat Quique , Menéndez Clara , Martínez Miguel J. , Ordi Jaume
Published: October 2018

Postmortem studies, including the complete diagnostic autopsy (CDA) and the minimally invasive autopsy (MIA), an innovative approach to post-mortem sampling and cause of death investigation, are commonly performed within 24 hours after death because the quality of the tissues deteriorates over time. This short timeframe may hamper the feasibility of the procedure. In this study, we compared the diagnostic performance of the two postmortem procedures when carried out earlier and later than 24 hours after death, as well as the impact of increasing postmortem intervals (PMIs) on the results of the microbiological tests in a series of 282 coupled MIA/CDA procedures performed at the Maputo Central Hospital in Mozambique between 2013 and 2015. 214 procedures were conducted within 24 hours of death (early autopsies), and 68 after 24 hours of death (late autopsies). No significant differences were observed in the number of non-conclusive diagnoses (2/214 [1%] vs. 1/68 [1%] p = 0.5645 for the CDA; 27/214 [13%] vs. 5/68 [7%] p = 0.2332 for the MIA). However, increasing PMIs were associated with a raise in the number of bacteria identified (rate: 1.014 per hour [95%CI: 1.002–1.026]; p = 0.0228). This increase was mainly due to rising numbers of bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family and Pseudomonas genus strains. Thus, performing MIA or CDA more than 24 hours after death can still render reliable diagnostic results, not only for non-infectious conditions but also for many infectious diseases, although, the contribution of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas spp. as etiological agents of infections leading to death may be overestimated.
Targeting Adults for Supplementary Immunization Activities of Measles Control in Central China: A Mathematical Modelling Study
Authors: Chong Ka Chun , Zhang Chi , Jia Katherine Min , Zee Benny Chung Ying , Luo Tongyong , Wang Lei , Tam Greta Chun Huen , Sun Riyang , Wang Maggie Haitian , Guan Xuhua
Published: October 2018

Routine immunizations and supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) have significantly improved measles control over the past two decades in China. Progress towards eliminating measles currently faces multiple challenges as the infection age increases, and adult-targeted SIA strategies are being considered. This study developed an age-stratified susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered model using a recently published contact matrix to depict measles transmissions between individuals in seven age groups. Hubei, a high measles-incidence province in central China, was the selected setting. The baseline scenario was calibrated by fitting with the 2012–2015 age-stratified incidence data. SIAs targeting multiple age groups were simulated. Adult-targeted (>29 years) two-year SIA cycles produced the greatest annual incidence rate decrease, reducing incidences by half over a long timespan with 90% coverage levels. Incidences could remain below 10/100,000 until 2030 if SIAs were provided to individuals ≥6 years old with at least 50% coverage. These findings will help officials prioritize supplementary vaccination strategies. Public health officials in China should consider adult-to-adult transmissions and provide adult-targeted SIAs. Although officials have reported approximately 90% SIA coverage in the past, SIAs for the adult population should be provided on shorter intervals, particularly for the aging population with decreased immunity.
In situ measurements of micronutrient dynamics in open seawater show that complex dissociation rates may limit diatom growth
Authors: Baeyens Willy , Gao Yue , Davison William , Galceran Josep , Leermakers Martine , Puy Jaume , Superville Pierre-Jean , Beguery Laurent
Published: October 2018

In this firstin situstudy of the dynamic availability of phytoplankton micronutrients, a SeaExplorer glider was combined with Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films and deployed in the Mediterranean Sea. On the basis of their labile metal complex pools, we discovered that Fe and Co can be potentially limiting and Cu co-limiting to diatom growth, contrary to the generally accepted view that phosphorus (phosphate) is the growth limiting element in the Mediterranean Sea. For flagellates and picoplankton, phosphorus remains the main element limiting growth. Ourin situmeasurements showed that organic complexes of Fe and Cu (>98% of total dissolved concentration), dissociate slower than inorganic complexes of Co, Cd and Ni (>99% of total dissolved concentration being free ions and inorganic complexes). This strengthens the potential growth limiting effect of Fe and Cu versus phosphate, which is present as a free ion and, thus, directly available for plankton.
The indispensable contribution of s38 protein to ovarian-eggshell morphogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Velentzas Athanassios D. , Velentzas Panagiotis D. , Katarachia Stamatia A. , Anagnostopoulos Athanasios K. , Sagioglou Niki E. , Thanou Eleni V. , Tsioka Maria M. , Mpakou Vassiliki E. , Kollia Zoe , Gavriil Vassilios E. , Papassideri Issidora S. , Tsangaris George Th. , Cefalas Alkiviadis-Constantinos , Sarantopoulou Evangelia , Stravopodis Dimitrios J.
Published: October 2018

Drosophila chorion represents a remarkable model system for the in vivo study of complex extracellular-matrix architectures. For its organization and structure, s38 protein is considered as a component of major importance, since it is synthesized and secreted during early choriogenesis. However, there is no evidence that proves its essential, or redundant, role in chorion biogenesis. Hence, we show that targeted downregulation of s38 protein, specifically in the ovarian follicle-cell compartment, via employment of an RNAi-mediated strategy, causes generation of diverse dysmorphic phenotypes, regarding eggshell’s regionally and radially specialized structures. Downregulation of s38 protein severely impairs fly’s fertility and is unable to be compensated by the s36 homologous family member, thus unveiling s38 protein’s essential contribution to chorion’s assembly and function. Altogether, s38 acts as a key skeletal protein being critically implicated in the patterning establishment of a highly structured tripartite endochorion. Furthermore, it seems that s38 loss may sensitize choriogenesis to stochastic variation in its coordination and timing.
Monitoring paddy productivity in North Korea employing geostationary satellite images integrated with GRAMI-rice model
Authors: Yeom Jong-min , Jeong Seungtaek , Jeong Gwanyong , Ng Chi Tim , Deo Ravinesh C. , Ko Jonghan
Published: October 2018

To meet the growing demands of staple crops with a strategy to develop amicable strategic measures that support efficient North Korean relief policies, it is a desirable task to accurately simulate the yield of paddy (Oryza sativa), an important Asian food commodity. We aim to address this with a grid-based crop simulation model integrated with satellite imagery that enables us to monitor the crop productivity of North Korea. Vegetation Indices (VIs), solar insolation, and air temperature data are thus obtained from the Communication Ocean and Meteorological Satellite (COMS), including the reanalysis data of the Korea Local Analysis and Prediction System (KLAPS). Paddy productivities for North Korea are projected based on the bidirectional reflectance distribution function-adjusted VIs and the solar insolation using the grid GRAMI-rice model. The model is calibrated on a 500-m grid paddy field in Cheorwon, and the model simulation performance accuracy is verified for Cheorwon and Paju, located at the borders of North Korea using four years of data from 2011 to 2014. Our results show that the paddy yields are reproduced reasonably accurately within a statistically significant range of accuracy, in comparison with observation data in Cheorwon (p = 0.183), Paju (p = 0.075), and NK (p = 0.101) according to a statistical t-test procedure. We advocate that incorporating a crop model with satellite images for crop yield simulations can be utilised as a reliable estimation technique for the monitoring of crop productivity, particularly in unapproachable, data-sparse regions not only in North Korea, but globally, where estimations of paddy productivity can assist in planning of agricultural activities that support regionally amicable food security strategies.
Association of short-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution and mortality: effect modification by oxidant gases
Authors: Lavigne Eric , Burnett Richard T. , Weichenthal Scott
Published: October 2018

Short term changes in exposure to outdoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations are associated with an increased risk of mortality. However, less is known about how oxidant gases may modify the acute health effects of PM2.5. Our objective was to investigate whether associations between acute exposure to PM2.5 and mortality were modified by the oxidant gases O3 and NO2 using their redox-weighted average (Ox). We conducted a multi-city case-crossover study in 24 cities across Canada between 1998–2011 including 1,179,491 nonaccidental mortality events. Interquartile increases in lag-0 and 3-day mean PM2.5 and Ox concentrations were each associated with small increases in nonaccidental and cardiovascular mortality. In stratified analyses, associations between PM2.5 and nonaccidental and cardiovascular mortality tended to be greatest in the highest tertile of Ox with a significant interaction observed between lag 0 PM2.5 and 3-day mean Ox (interaction p-value = 0.04). There was no evidence of effect modification by Ox in the relationship between PM2.5 and respiratory mortality. Overall, the relationship between short-term changes in outdoor PM2.5 and nonaccidental mortality may be greater when oxidant gas concentrations are also elevated. In some regions, reductions in oxidant gas concentrations may also reduce the acute health impacts of PM2.5.
Hypertension and physical activity in middle-aged and older adults in China
Authors: You Yinghui , Teng Wenjie , Wang Jincai , Ma Guifeng , Ma Anning , Wang Junjie , Liu Pengtao
Published: October 2018

There are few studies examining the association between levels of physical activity and hypertension in middle-aged and older adults in China. Data were drawn from the Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (using four-stage stratified probability-proportional-to-size sampling), involving 7113 individuals aged 45 years and older from 28 provinces of China. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 130 mm Hg, or diastolic BP ≥ 80 mm Hg, or self-reported use of anti-hypertensive medications. The awareness, treatment, and control among hypertensive participants were 53.12%, 43.37%, and 10.03%, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension was 56.12% among all the participants, higher in main city zones (58.68%) than villages (55.52%) and other areas (55.78%, p < 0.0001). Participants who were overweight (BMI ≥ 24: AOR 4.08, 95% CI 3.21–5.20, P < 0.0001; BMI ≥ 28: 10.03, 7.56–13.31, P < 0.0001), and drinking more than once a month (1.28, 1.12–1.46, P < 0.0001) were more likely to have hypertension. The decision tree model was established to analyze the importance of different levels of physical activity on hypertension prevention. Participants who usually participated in moderate-to-vigorous activity for more than 10 minutes (vigorous: 0.82, 0.73–0.91, P = 0.0004; moderate: 0.83, 0.75–0.92, P = 0.0006) were less likely to have hypertension. The results of the decision tree showed that the vigorous physical activity seemed to be more important than moderate and light activity to induce beneficial effects on prevention of hypertension. The strength of our study is in using the decision tree to clearly rank the importance of those key factors affecting hypertension.
Augmented liver inflammation in a microsomal prostaglandin E synthase 1 (mPGES-1)-deficient diet-induced mouse NASH model
Authors: Henkel Janin , Coleman Charles Dominic , Schraplau Anne , Jöhrens Korinna , Weiss Thomas Siegfried , Jonas Wenke , Schürmann Annette , Püschel Gerhard Paul
Published: October 2018

In a subset of patients, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is complicated by cell death and inflammation resulting in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which may progress to fibrosis and subsequent organ failure. Apart from cytokines, prostaglandins, in particular prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), play a pivotal role during inflammatory processes. Expression of the key enzymes of PGE2 synthesis, cyclooxygenase 2 and microsomal PGE synthase 1 (mPGES-1), was increased in human NASH livers in comparison to controls and correlated with the NASH activity score. Both enzymes were also induced in NASH-diet-fed wild-type mice, resulting in an increase in hepatic PGE2 concentration that was completely abrogated in mPGES-1-deficient mice. PGE2 is known to inhibit TNF-α synthesis in macrophages. A strong infiltration of monocyte-derived macrophages was observed in NASH-diet-fed mice, which was accompanied with an increase in hepatic TNF-α expression. Due to the impaired PGE2 production, TNF-α expression increased much more in livers of mPGES-1-deficient mice or in the peritoneal macrophages of these mice. The increased levels of TNF-α resulted in an enhanced IL-1β production, primarily in hepatocytes, and augmented hepatocyte apoptosis. In conclusion, attenuation of PGE2 production by mPGES-1 ablation enhanced the TNF-α-triggered inflammatory response and hepatocyte apoptosis in diet-induced NASH.
Synthesis, design and sensing applications of nanostructured ceria-based materials
Authors: Raza Naqvi Sayed Tayyab , Shirinfar Bahareh , Majeed Saadat , Najam-ul-Haq Muhammad , Hussain Dilshad , Iqbal Tanyia , Ahmed Nisar
Published: October 2018

Cerium-based materials possess redox properties due to the presence of dual valence states of Ce3+ and Ce4+.
Single board computing system for automated colorimetric analysis on low-cost analytical devices
Authors: Boehle Katherine E. , Doan Erin , Henry Sadie , Beveridge J. Ross , Pallickara Sangmi L. , Henry Charles S.
Published: October 2018

Colorimetric detection, while a user-friendly and easily implemented method of analysis on low-cost analytical devices, often suffers from subjectivity by the device user.
Low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) triggered drug release from cetuximab-conjugated phase-changeable nanoparticles for precision theranostics against anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yang , Sui Guoqing , Teng Dengke , Wang Qimeihui , Qu Jia , Zhu Lingyu , Ran Haitao , Wang Zhigang , Jin Chunxiang , Wang Hui
Published: October 2018

This study provides an efficient theranostic strategy for concurrent targeted ultrasound molecular imaging and effective synergistic antitumor therapy.
An innovative peptide with high affinity to GPC3 for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Qi , Han Zhihao , Tao Ji , Zhao Menglu , Zhang Wancun , Li Ping , Tang Liping , Gu Yueqing
Published: October 2018

An innovative Glypican-3 targeting peptide with high affinity, good stability, and low immunogenicity for HCC detection.
ZIF-8@polyoxometalate derived Si-doped ZnWO4@ZnO nanocapsules with open-shaped structures for efficient visible light photocatalysis
Authors: Ran Jingyu , Xiao Lihua , Wang Wei , Jia Shaoyi , Zhang Jihua
Published: October 2018

In this work, we report silicon doped ZnWO4@ZnO nanocapsules with open-shaped structures obtained by a facile encapsulation–calcination strategy derived from ZIF-8 and polyoxometalates.
Carbocation catalysed ring closing aldehyde–olefin metathesis
Authors: Ni Shengjun , Franzén Johan
Published: October 2018

4-Phenylphenyl-diphenylmethylium tetrafluoroborate catalyses a rare high yielding intramolecular aldehyde–olefin metathesis of enals under mild reaction conditions and low catalyst loading.
Palladium-catalyzed olefination of aryl/alkyl halides with trimethylsilyldiazomethane via carbene migratory insertion
Authors: Mu Qiu-Chao , Wang Xing-Ben , Ye Fei , Sun Yu-Li , Bai Xing-Feng , Chen Jing , Xia Chun-Gu , Xu Li-Wen
Published: October 2018

One-pot formation of (E)-vinyl silanes and (E)-silyl-substituted α, β-unsaturated amides could be completed easily via palladium carbene migratory insertion in good yields and high chemoselectivity.
Pelargonidin-3-O-rutinoside as a novel α-glucosidase inhibitor for improving postprandial hyperglycemia
Authors: Xu Yang , Xie Lianghua , Xie Jiahong , Liu Yu , Chen Wei
Published: October 2018

Pg3R, a natural anthocyanin from strawberry, is identified as a novel α-glucosidase inhibitor and the SAR was systematically illustrated.
Mn(ii)-catalysed alkylation of methylene ketones with alcohols: direct access to functionalised branched products
Authors: Kabadwal Lalit Mohan , Das Jagadish , Banerjee Debasis
Published: October 2018

Manganese-catalysed alkylation of methylene ketones with alcohols is reported. This catalytic protocol enables the transformation in up to 84% yield and generates water as the byproduct.
Luminescence and thermal stability enhancement by matrix luminescence center dispersion in Sc(V, P)O4: Dy3+ nano/submicron phosphors
Authors: Han Lili , Zhu Dongcheng , Wang Yujiang , Jiang Fan , Yang Xiyan , Wang Shuo , Zhao Juan , Ci Zhipeng , Wang Chengwei
Published: October 2018

We report on the luminescence and thermal stability enhancement by the matrix luminescence center dispersion.
Wavelength-selective photoisomerisation of nitric oxide and nitrite in a rhodium complex
Authors: Schaniel D. , Bendeif E.-E. , Woike T. , Böttcher H.-C. , Pillet S.
Published: October 2018

Photoinduced linkage isomers (PLIs) of NO and NO2− are selectively generated by an appropriate choice of irradiation wavelength at low temperature within the same molecular complex [Rh(NO)(NO2)2(But2PH)2].
Unraveling doping induced anatase–rutile phase transition in TiO2 using electron, X-ray and gamma-ray as spectroscopic probes
Authors: Banerjee D. , Gupta Santosh K. , Patra N. , Raja Sk Wasim , Pathak N. , Bhattacharyya D. , Pujari P. K. , Thakare S. V. , Jha S. N.
Published: October 2018

The present work reports the microscopic details of anatase (A) to rutile (R) phase transformation in a Mn-doped TiO2 system.
First-principle atomistic thermodynamic study on the early-stage corrosion of NiCr alloy under fluoride salt environment
Authors: Yin Ya-Ru , Ren Cui-Lan , Han Han , Dai Jian-Xing , Wang Hao , Huai Ping , Zhu Zhi-Yuan
Published: October 2018

The atomic morphology change in the NiCr alloy surface induced by fluorine-chemisorption was investigated by the ab initio atomistic thermodynamic method to elucidate early-stage corrosion processes of nickel-based alloys in strong oxidizing environment.
How robust is the metallicity of two dimensional gallium?
Authors: Metin Dani Z. , Hammerschmidt Lukas , Gaston Nicola
Published: October 2018

Atomically thin gallium layers have recently been experimentally produced via solid–melt exfoliation, and show promise as robustly metallic 2D materials for electronic applications.