bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between the pig genome and its gut microbiota composition
Authors: Crespo-Piazuelo Daniel , Migura-Garcia Lourdes , Estellé Jordi , Criado-Mesas Lourdes , Revilla Manuel , Castelló Anna , Muñoz María , García-Casco Juan M. , Fernández Ana I. , Ballester Maria , Folch Josep M.
Published: June 2019

The gut microbiota has been evolving with its host along the time creating a symbiotic relationship. In this study, we assess the role of the host genome in the modulation of the microbiota composition in pigs. Gut microbiota compositions were estimated through sequencing the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene from rectal contents of 285 pigs. A total of 1,261 operational taxonomic units were obtained and grouped in 18 phyla and 101 genera.Firmicutes(45.36%) andBacteroidetes(37.47%) were the two major phyla obtained, whereas at genus levelPrevotella(7.03%) andTreponema(6.29%) were the most abundant. Pigs were also genotyped with a high-throughput method for 45,508 single nucleotide polymorphisms that covered the entire pig genome. Subsequently, genome-wide association studies were made among the genotypes of these pigs and their gut microbiota composition. A total of 52 single-nucleotide polymorphisms distributed in 17 regions along the pig genome were associated with the relative abundance of six genera;Akkermansia,CF231,Phascolarctobacterium,Prevotella,SMB53, andStreptococcus. Our results suggest 39 candidate genes that may be modulating the microbiota composition and manifest the association between host genome and gut microbiota in pigs.
Computational identification of protein-protein interactions in model plant proteomes
Authors: Ding Ziyun , Kihara Daisuke
Published: June 2019

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play essential roles in many biological processes. A PPI network provides crucial information on how biological pathways are structured and coordinated from individual protein functions. In the past two decades, large-scale PPI networks of a handful of organisms were determined by experimental techniques. However, these experimental methods are time-consuming, expensive, and are not easy to perform on new target organisms. Large-scale PPI data is particularly sparse in plant organisms. Here, we developed a computational approach for detecting PPIs trained and tested on known PPIs of Arabidopsis thaliana and applied to three plants, Arabidopsis thaliana, Glycine max (soybean), and Zea mays (maize) to discover new PPIs on a genome-scale. Our method considers a variety of features including protein sequences, gene co-expression, functional association, and phylogenetic profiles. This is the first work where a PPI prediction method was developed for is the first PPI prediction method applied on benchmark datasets of Arabidopsis. The method showed a high prediction accuracy of over 90% and very high precision of close to 1.0. We predicted 50,220 PPIs in Arabidopsis thaliana, 13,175,414 PPIs in corn, and 13,527,834 PPIs in soybean. Newly predicted PPIs were classified into three confidence levels according to the availability of existing supporting evidence and discussed. Predicted PPIs in the three plant genomes are made available for future reference.
Polymorphism Control of Layered MoTe2 through Two-Dimensional Solid-Phase Crystallization
Authors: Huang Jyun-Hong , Hsu Hao-Hua , Wang Ding , Lin Wei-Ting , Cheng Chun-Cheng , Lee Yao-Jen , Hou Tuo-Hung
Published: June 2019

Two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) exhibits an intriguing polymorphic nature, showing stable semiconducting 2H and metallic 1T′ phases at room temperature. Polymorphism in MoTe2 presents new opportunities in developing phase-change memory, high- performance transistors, and spintronic devices. However, it also poses challenges in synthesizing homogeneous MoTe2 with a precisely controlled phase. Recently, a new yet simple method using sputtering and 2D solid-phase crystallization (SPC) is proposed for synthesizing high-quality and large-area MoTe2. This study investigates the polymorphism control of MoTe2 synthesis using 2D SPC. The Te/Mo ratio and oxygen content in the as-sputtered films correlate strongly with the final phase and electrical properties of SPC MoTe2. Furthermore, the SPC thermal budget may be exploited for stabilizing a deterministic phase. The comprehensive experiments presented in this work demonstrate the versatile and precise controllability on the MoTe2 phase by using the simple 2D SPC technique.
Experimental reduction of host Plasmodium infection load affects mosquito survival
Authors: Gutiérrez-López Rafael , Martínez-de la Puente Josué , Gangoso Laura , Yan Jiayue , Soriguer Ramón , Figuerola Jordi
Published: June 2019

Plasmodium transmission success depends upon the trade-off between the use of host resources to favour parasite reproduction and the negative effects on host health, which can be mediated by infection intensity. Despite its potential influence on parasite dynamics, the effects of infection intensity on both, birds and vectors, and on Plasmodium transmission success are still poorly understood. Here, we experimentally reduced the Plasmodium load in naturally infected wild house sparrows with the antimalarial primaquine to assess the effects of intensity of infection in the vertebrate hosts on Plasmodium transmission to and by mosquitoes. We monitored the survival of Culex pipiens mosquitoes throughout the development of the parasite and the infection status of the mosquitoes by analysing the head-thorax and saliva at 13 days post-exposure to birds. The proportion of mosquitoes infected by Plasmodium and the presence of Plasmodium in saliva were not associated with the medication treatment of birds. However, the experimental treatment affected vector survival with mosquitoes fed on medicated birds showing a higher survival rate than those fed on control individuals. These results provide strong experimental evidence of the impact of parasite load of vertebrate hosts on the survival probability of malaria vectors.
Label-Free Flow Multiplex Biosensing via Photonic Crystal Surface Mode Detection
Authors: Petrova Irina , Konopsky Valery , Nabiev Igor , Sukhanova Alyona
Published: June 2019

Circulating cancer markers are metabolic products found in body fluids of cancer patients, which are specific for a certain type of malignant tumors. Cancer marker detection plays a key role in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and disease monitoring. The growing need for early cancer diagnosis requires quick and sensitive analytical approaches to detection of cancer markers. The approach based on the photonic crystal surface mode (PC SM) detection has been developed as a label-free high-precision biosensing technique. It allows real-time monitoring of molecular and cellular interactions using independent recording of the total internal reflection angle and the excitation angle of the PC surface wave. We used the PC SM technique for simultaneous detection of the ovarian cancer marker cancer antigen 125 and two breast cancer markers, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 and cancer antigen 15-3. The new assay is based on the real-time flow detection of specific interaction between the antigens and capture antibodies. Its particular advantage is the possibility of multichannel recording with the same chip, which can be used for multiplexed detection of several cancer markers in a single experiment. The developed approach demonstrates high specificity and sensitivity for detection of all three biomarkers.
Realization of p-type gallium nitride by magnesium ion implantation for vertical power devices
Authors: Shi Ya-Ting , Ren Fang-Fang , Xu Wei-Zong , Chen Xuanhu , Ye Jiandong , Li Li , Zhou Dong , Zhang Rong , Zheng Youdou , Tan Hark Hoe , Jagadish Chennupati , Lu Hai
Published: June 2019

Implementing selective-area p-type doping through ion implantation is the most attractive choice for the fabrication of GaN-based bipolar power and related devices. However, the low activation efficiency of magnesium (Mg) ions and the inevitable surface decomposition during high-temperature activation annealing process still limit the use of this technology for GaN-based devices. In this work, we demonstrate successful p-type doping of GaN using protective coatings during a Mg ion implantation and thermal activation process. The p-type conduction of GaN is evidenced by the positive Seebeck coefficient obtained during thermopower characterization. On this basis, a GaN p-i-n diode is fabricated, exhibiting distinct rectifying characteristics with a turn-on voltage of 3 V with an acceptable reverse breakdown voltage of 300 V. Electron beam induced current (EBIC) and electroluminescent (EL) results further confirm the formation of p-type region due to Mg ion implantation and subsequent thermal activation. This repeatable and uniform manufacturing process can be implemented in mass production of GaN devices for versatile power and optoelectronic applications.
Long-term impacts of rising sea temperature and sea level on shallow water coral communities over a ~40 year period
Authors: Brown B. E. , Dunne R. P. , Somerfield P. J. , Edwards A. J. , Simons W. J. F. , Phongsuwan N. , Putchim L. , Anderson L. , Naeije M. C.
Published: June 2019

Effects of combined rising sea temperature and increasing sea level on coral reefs, both factors associated with global warming, have rarely been addressed. In this ~40 y study of shallow reefs in the eastern Indian Ocean, we show that a rising relative sea level, currently estimated at ~11 mm y−1, has not only promoted coral cover but also has potential to limit damaging effects of thermally-induced bleaching. In 2010 the region experienced the most severe bleaching on record with corals subject to sea temperatures of >31 °C for 7 weeks. While the reef flats studied have a common aspect and are dominated by a similar suite of coral species, there was considerable spatial variation in their bleaching response which corresponded with reef-flat depth. Greatest loss of coral cover and community structure disruption occurred on the shallowest reef flats. Damage was less severe on the deepest reef flat where corals were subject to less aerial exposure, rapid flushing and longer submergence in turbid waters. Recovery of the most damaged sites took only ~8 y. While future trajectories of these resilient reefs will depend on sea-level anomalies, and frequency of extreme bleaching the positive role of rising sea level should not be under-estimated.
Tuning properties of biomimetic magnetic nanoparticles by combining magnetosome associated proteins
Authors: Peigneux Ana , Jabalera Ylenia , Vivas Ma Antonia Fernández , Casares Salvador , Azuaga Ana I. , Jimenez-Lopez Concepción
Published: June 2019

The role of magnetosome associated proteins on the in vitro synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles has gained interest, both to obtain a better understanding of the magnetosome biomineralization process and to be able to produce novel magnetosome-like biomimetic nanoparticles. Up to now, only one recombinant protein has been used at the time to in vitro form biomimetic magnetite precipitates, being that a scenario far enough from what probably occurs in the magnetosome. In the present study, both Mms6 and MamC from Magnetococcus marinus MC-1 have been used to in vitro form biomimetic magnetites. Our results show that MamC and Mms6 have different, but complementary, effects on in vitro magnetite nucleation and growth. MamC seems to control the kinetics of magnetite nucleation while Mms6 seems to preferably control the kinetics for crystal growth. Our results from the present study also indicate that it is possible to combine both proteins to tune the properties of the resulting biomimetic magnetites. In particular, by changing the relative ratio of these proteins, better faceted and/or larger magnetite crystals with, consequently, different magnetic moment per particle could be obtained. This study provides with tools to obtain new biomimetic nanoparticles with a potential utility for biotechnological applications.
The antifungal potential of (Z)-ligustilide and the protective effect of eugenol demonstrated by a chemometric approach
Authors: Rodrigues Alice M. S. , Eparvier Véronique , Odonne Guillaume , Amusant Nadine , Stien Didier , Houël Emeline
Published: June 2019

Mankind is on the verge of a postantibiotic era. New concepts are needed in our battle to attenuate infectious diseases around the world and broad spectrum plant-inspired synergistic pharmaceutical preparations should find their place in the global fight against pathogenic microorganisms. To progress towards the discovery of potent antifungal agents against human pathologies, we embarked upon developing chemometric approach coupled with statistical design to unravel the origin of the anticandidal potential of a set of 66 essential oils (EOs). EOs were analyzed by GC-MS and tested against Candida albicans and C. parapsilosis (Minimal Inhibitory Concentration, MIC). An Orthogonal Partial Least Square (OPLS) analysis allowed us to identify six molecules presumably responsible for the anticandidal activity of the oils: (Z)-ligustilide, eugenol, eugenyl acetate, citral, thymol, and β-citronellol. These compounds were combined following a full factorial experimental design approach in order to optimize the anticandidal activity and selectivity index (SI = IC50(MRC5 cells)/MIC) through reconstituted mixtures. (Z)-Ligustilide and citral were the most active compounds, while (Z)-ligustilide and eugenol were the two main factors that most contributed to the increase of the SI. These two terpenes can, therefore, be used to construct bioinspired synergistic anticandidal mixtures.
Evaluation of Neurosecretome from Mesenchymal Stem Cells Encapsulated in Silk Fibroin Hydrogels
Authors: Martín-Martín Yolanda , Fernández-García Laura , Sanchez-Rebato Miguel H. , Marí-Buyé Núria , Rojo Francisco J. , Pérez-Rigueiro José , Ramos Milagros , Guinea Gustavo V. , Panetsos Fivos , González-Nieto Daniel
Published: June 2019

Physical and cognitive disabilities are hallmarks of a variety of neurological diseases. Stem cell-based therapies are promising solutions to neuroprotect and repair the injured brain and overcome the limited capacity of the central nervous system to recover from damage. It is widely accepted that most benefits of different exogenously transplanted stem cells rely on the secretion of different factors and biomolecules that modulate inflammation, cell death and repair processes in the damaged host tissue. However, few cells survive in cerebral tissue after transplantation, diminishing the therapeutic efficacy. As general rule, cell encapsulation in natural and artificial polymers increases the in vivo engraftment of the transplanted cells. However, we have ignored the consequences of such encapsulation on the secretory activity of these cells. In this study, we investigated the biological compatibility between silk fibroin hydrogels and stem cells of mesenchymal origin, a cell population that has gained increasing attention and popularity in regenerative medicine. Although the survival of mesenchymal stem cells was not affected inside hydrogels, this biomaterial format caused adhesion and proliferation deficits and impaired secretion of several angiogenic, chemoattractant and neurogenic factors while concurrently potentiating the anti-inflammatory capacity of this cell population through a massive release of TGF-Beta-1. Our results set a milestone for the exploration of engineering polymers to modulate the secretory activity of stem cell-based therapies for neurological disorders.
Human endometriotic lesion expression of the miR-144-3p/miR-451a cluster, its correlation with markers of cell survival and origin of lesion content
Authors: Nothnick Warren B. , Swan Kimberly , Flyckt Rebecca , Falcone Tommaso , Graham Amanda
Published: June 2019

Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition in which endometrial tissue grows in ectopic locations. Survival and growth of these ectopic lesions is associated with pain and infertility. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been postulated to play a role in the pathophysiology of the disease and we have previously demonstrated expression of miR-451 in human endometriotic lesion tissue. Here we report elevated expression of the miR-144-3p/miR-451a cluster in human endometriotic lesion tissue. Use of an endometriotic epithelial cell line (12Z) in which the miRNA processing enzyme, DROSHA, was knocked down resulted in an enrichment in the primary (pri) form of miR-144-3p but not that of pri-miR-451a. Using an experimental mouse model of endometriosis in which ectopic endometriotic lesions were deficient for both of these miRNAs revealed that miR-451a, but not miR-144-3p may be derived from exogenous sources such as the circulation/erythrocytes. Together, these data suggest that the miR-144-3p/miR-451a cluster is expressed in human endometriotic lesion tissue, the level of expression correlates with survival status of the lesion tissue and that miR-451a, but not miR-144-3p may be derived from exogenous sources such as erythrocytes.
Contrast of 83% in reflection measurements on a single quantum dot
Authors: Lochner Pia , Kurzmann Annika , Schott Rüdiger , Wieck Andreas D. , Ludwig Arne , Lorke Axel , Geller Martin
Published: June 2019

We report on a high optical contrast between the photon emission from a single self-assembled quantum dot (QD) and the back-scattered excitation laser light. In an optimized semiconductor heterostructure with an epitaxially grown gate, an optically-matched layer structure and a distributed Bragg reflector, a record value of 83% is obtained; with tilted laser excitation even 885%. This enables measurements on a single dot without lock-in technique or suppression of the laser background by cross-polarization. These findings open up the possibility to perform simultaneously time-resolved and polarization-dependent resonant optical spectroscopy on a single quantum dot.
Endocrine regulation of MFS2 by branchless controls phosphate excretion and stone formation in Drosophila renal tubules
Authors: Rose Emily , Lee Daniela , Xiao Emily , Zhao Wenzhen , Wee Mark , Cohen Jonathan , Bergwitz Clemens
Published: June 2019

How inorganic phosphate (Pi) homeostasis is regulated in Drosophila is currently unknown. We here identify MFS2 as a key Pi transporter in fly renal (Malpighian) tubules. Consistent with its role in Pi excretion, we found that dietary Pi induces MFS2 expression. This results in the formation of Malpighian calcium-Pi stones, while RNAi-mediated knockdown of MFS2 increases blood (hemolymph) Pi and decreases formation of Malpighian tubule stones in flies cultured on high Pi medium. Conversely, microinjection of adults with the phosphaturic human hormone fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) induces tubule expression of MFS2 and decreases blood Pi. This action of FGF23 is blocked by genetic ablation of MFS2. Furthermore, genetic overexpression of the fly FGF branchless (bnl) in the tubules induces expression of MFS2 and increases Malpighian tubule stones suggesting that bnl is the endogenous phosphaturic hormone in adult flies. Finally, genetic ablation of MFS2 increased fly life span, suggesting that Malpighian tubule stones are a key element whereby high Pi diet reduces fly longevity previously reported by us. In conclusion, MFS2 mediates excretion of Pi in Drosophila, which is as in higher species under the hormonal control of FGF-signaling.
Eliciting Response Bias Within Forced Choice Tests to Detect Random Responders
Authors: Orthey Robin , Vrij Aldert , Meijer Ewout , Leal Sharon , Blank Hartmut
Published: June 2019

The Forced Choice Test (FCT) can be used to detect malingered loss of memory or sensory deficits. In this test, examinees are presented with two stimuli, one correct and one incorrect, in regards to a specific event or a perceptual discrimination task. The task is to select the correct answer alternative, or guess if it is unknown. Genuine impairment is associated with test scores that fall within chance performance. In contrast, malingered impairment is associated with purposeful avoidance of correct information, resulting in below chance performance. However, a substantial proportion of malingerers intentionally randomize their responses, and are missed by the test. Here we examine whether a ‘runs test’ and a ‘within test response ‘bias’ have diagnostic value to detect this intentional randomization. We instructed 73 examinees to malinger red/green blindness and subjected them to a FCT. For half of the examinees we manipulated the ambiguity between answer alternatives over the test trials in order to elicit a response bias. Compared to a sample of 10,000 cases of computer generated genuine performance, the runs test and response bias both detected malingered performance better than chance.
Wavelet-based analysis of ground deformation coupling satellite acquisitions (Sentinel-1, SMOS) and data from shallow and deep wells in Southwestern France
Authors: Burnol André , Aochi Hideo , Raucoules Daniel , Veloso Fernanda M. L. , Koudogbo Fifamè N. , Fumagalli Alfio , Chiquet Pierre , Maisons Christophe
Published: June 2019

Acquisitions of the Sentinel-1 satellite are processed and comprehensively analyzed to investigate the ground displacement during a three-year period above a double gas storage site (Lussagnet and Izaute) in Southwestern France. Despite quite low vertical displacements (between 4 and 8 mm) compared to the noise level, the cyclic motion reflects the seasonal variations due to charge and discharge during summer and winter periods, respectively. We can simulate the ground deformation at both storage sites by a simple mechanical model. However, ground movements of low-magnitude may be also induced by natural factors, such as the temperature or the soil moisture. Using a wavelet-based analysis, we show there is a soil expansion in the Lussagnet zone that contrasts both in phase and period with the seasonal deformation and that is linked to the surface soil moisture measured by the SMOS satellite. This other displacement is consistent with the water infiltration in the unsaturated zone followed by the swelling of a clay layer. This work reveals the combination of two different processes driving the ground displacement with the same order of magnitude (about 6 mm), namely the pressure variation of a deep gas reservoir and the swelling/shrinking of the shallow subsurface.
Arterial Spin Labeling and Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast-enhanced MR Imaging for evaluation of arteriovenous shunting and tumor hypoxia in glioblastoma
Authors: Nabavizadeh S. Ali , Akbari Hamed , Ware Jeffrey B. , Nasrallah MacLean , Guiry Samantha , Bagley Stephen J. , Desai Arati , Levy Scott , Sarchiapone Whitney , Prior Timothy , Detre John , Wolf Ronald L. , O’Rourke Donald M. , Brem Steven , Davatzikos Christos
Published: June 2019

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults and carries a dismal prognosis. Significant challenges in the care of patients with GBM include marked vascular heterogeneity and arteriovenous (AV) shunting, which results in tumor hypoxia and inadequate delivery of systemic treatments to reach tumor cells. In this study, we investigated the utility of different MR perfusion techniques to detect and quantify arteriovenous (AV) shunting and tumor hypoxia in patients with GBM. Macrovascular shunting was present in 33% of subjects, with the degree of shunting ranging from (37–60%) using arterial spin labeling perfusion. Among the dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced perfusion curve features, there were a strong negative correlation between hypoxia score, DSC perfusion curve recovery slope (r = −0.72, P = 0.018) and angle (r = −0.73, P = 0.015). The results of this study support the possibility of using arterial spin labeling and pattern analysis of dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced MR Imaging for evaluation of arteriovenous shunting and tumor hypoxia in glioblastoma.
First-principles calculations of the epsilon phase of solid oxygen
Authors: Anh Le The , Wada Masahiro , Fukui Hiroshi , Kawatsu Tsutomu , Iitaka Toshiaki
Published: June 2019

The crystal, electronic and magnetic structures of solid oxygen in the epsilon phase have been investigated using the strongly constrained appropriately normed (SCAN) + rVV10 method and the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) + vdW-D + U method. The spin-polarized SCAN + rVV10 method with an 8-atom primitive unit cell provides lattice parameters consistent with the experimental results over the entire pressure range, including the epsilon-zeta structural phase transition at high pressure, but does not provide accurate values of the intermolecular distances d1 and d2 at low pressure. The agreement between the intermolecular distances and the experimental values is greatly improved when a 16-atom conventional unit cell is used. Therefore, the SCAN + rVV10 method with a 16-atom unit cell can be considered the most suitable model for the epsilon phase of solid oxygen. The spin-polarized SCAN + rVV10 model predicts a magnetic phase at low pressure. Since the lattice parameters of the predicted magnetic structure are consistent with the experimental lattice parameters measured at room temperature, our results may suggest that the epsilon phase is magnetic even at room temperature. The GGA + vdW-D + U (with an ad hoc value of Ueff = 2 eV at low pressure instead of the first-principles value of Ulreff ~ 9 eV) and hybrid functional methods provide similar results to the SCAN + rVV10 method; however, they do not provide reasonable values for the intermolecular distances.
The mediating effect of immune markers on the association between ambient air pollution and adult-onset asthma
Authors: Mostafavi Nahid , Jeong Ayoung , Vlaanderen Jelle , Imboden Medea , Vineis Paolo , Jarvis Debbie , Kogevinas Manolis , Probst-Hensch Nicole , Vermeulen Roel
Published: June 2019

We aim to investigate to what extent a set of immune markers mediate the association between air pollution and adult-onset asthma. We considered long-term exposure to multiple air pollution markers and a panel of 13 immune markers in peripheral blood samples collected from 140 adult cases and 199 controls using a nested-case control design. We tested associations between air pollutants and immune markers and adult-onset asthma using mixed-effects (logistic) regression models, adjusted for confounding variables. In order to evaluate a possible mediating effect of the full set of immune markers, we modelled the relationship between asthma and air pollution with a partial least square path model. We observed a strong positive association of IL-1RA [OR 1.37; 95% CI (1.09, 1.73)] with adult-onset asthma. Univariate models did not yield any association between air pollution and immune markers. However, mediation analyses indicated that 15% of the effect of air pollution on risk of adult-onset asthma was mediated through the immune system when considering all immune markers as a latent variable (path coefficient (β) = 0.09; 95% CI: (−0.02, 0.20)). This effect appeared to be stronger for allergic asthma (22%; β = 0.12; 95% CI: (−0.03, 0.27)) and overweight subjects (27%; β = 0.19; 95% CI: (−0.004, 0.38)). Our results provides supportive evidence for a mediating effect of the immune system in the association between air pollution and adult-onset asthma.
Community Composition and Year-round Abundance of Vector Species of Mosquitoes make Miami-Dade County, Florida a Receptive Gateway for Arbovirus entry to the United States
Authors: Wilke André B. B. , Vasquez Chalmers , Medina Johana , Carvajal Augusto , Petrie William , Beier John C.
Published: June 2019

Vector-borne diseases are a heavy burden to human-kind. Global warming and urbanization have a significant impact on vector-borne disease transmission, resulting in more severe outbreaks, and outbreaks in formerly non-endemic areas. Miami-Dade County, Florida was the most affected area in the continental United States during the 2016 Zika virus outbreak. Miami is an important gateway and has suitable conditions for mosquitoes year-round. Therefore, it was critical to establish and validate a surveillance system to guide and improve mosquito control operations. Here we assess two years of mosquito surveillance in Miami established after the 2016 Zika virus outbreak. Our results show that the most abundant mosquito species are either well adapted to urban environments or are adapting to it. The five most abundant species comprised 85% of all specimens collected, with four of them being primary vectors of arboviruses. Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus were found year-round throughout Miami regardless of urbanization level, vegetation, or socioeconomic variations. This study serves as a foundation for future efforts to improve mosquito surveillance and control operations.
The role of three-dimensionality and alveolar pressure in the distribution and amplification of alveolar stresses
Authors: Sarabia-Vallejos Mauricio A. , Zuñiga Matias , Hurtado Daniel E.
Published: June 2019

Alveolar stresses are fundamental to enable the respiration process in mammalians and have recently gained increasing attention due to their mechanobiological role in the pathogenesis and development of respiratory diseases. Despite the fundamental physiological role of stresses in the alveolar wall, the determination of alveolar stresses remains challenging, and our current knowledge is largely drawn from 2D studies that idealize the alveolar septal wall as a spring or a planar continuum. Here we study the 3D stress distribution in alveolar walls of normal lungs by combining ex-vivo micro-computed tomography and 3D finite-element analysis. Our results show that alveolar walls are subject to a fully 3D state of stresses rather than to a pure axial stress state. To understand the contributions of the different components and deformation modes, we decompose the stress tensor field into hydrostatic and deviatoric components, which are associated with isotropic and distortional stresses, respectively. Stress concentrations arise in localized regions of the alveolar microstructure, with magnitudes that can be up to 27 times the applied alveolar pressure. Interestingly, we show that the stress amplification factor strongly depends on the level of alveolar pressure, i.e, stresses do not scale proportional to the applied alveolar pressure. In addition, we show that 2D techniques to assess alveolar stresses consistently overestimate the stress magnitude in alveolar walls, particularly for lungs under high transpulmonary pressure. These findings take particular relevance in the study of stress-induced remodeling of the emphysematous lung and in ventilator-induced lung injury, where the relation between transpulmonary pressure and alveolar wall stress is key to understand mechanotransduction processes in pneumocytes.
A Universal Theoretical Framework in Material Characterization for Tailored Porous Surface Design
Authors: Burhan Muhammad , Shahzad Muhammad Wakil , Ng Kim Choon
Published: June 2019

The distinct interaction of adsorbate-adsorbent pair is attributed to the characteristics of heterogeneous surface and structure of porous materials. In material science, the porous structure is modified in response to certain applications. Backed by the chemical recipes, such conventional approach rely on the material characterization techniques to verify the resultant porous structure and its interaction with the adsorbate molecules. Such a practice is best assisted by a theoretical approach that can pre-define the required heterogeneous structure of porous surfaces and its role in selective adsorbate-adsorbent interaction, to facilitate material scientists for the synthesis of only those energy sites which can enhance or tailor its responses for a certain application or target. It has been reported here that the understanding of porous structure in terms of energy sites and their distribution, which controls the adsorbate-adsorbent interaction, is the key for porous surface engineering. Understanding of such porous surface characteristics empower the scientists to alter kinetics and thermodynamics of material according to the ‘sweet spots’ of an application. Therefore, a theoretical framework, to express the energy sites and their distribution over the porous heterogeneous surface, is demonstrated here as a prerequisite criterion for porous material development and characterization.
Freestanding flexible, pure and composite form of reduced graphene oxide paper for ammonia vapor sensing
Authors: Selvakumar D. , Sivaram H. , Alsalme A. , Alghamdi A. , Jayavel R.
Published: June 2019

Metal oxides based graphene nanocomposites were used for ammonia vapour sensing. The self-assembly process was adopted to prepare freestanding flexible pure rGO, CeO2-rGO and SnO2-rGO composite papers. The structural studies confirmed the formation of rGO composite papers. The ammonia vapor sensing was demonstrated using an impedance analyzer at different humidity levels as well as concentration. The CeO2-rGO composite paper achieved a sensitivity of 51.70 ± 1.2%, which was higher than that of pure rGO and SnO2-rGO composite paper. Both the surfaces (top and bottom) of the papers are active in efficiently sensing ammonia, which makes the present work unique. The results reveal that metal oxide/rGO papers can be effectively utilized in real time sensor application.
Morphometric signals of population decline in diademed sifakas occupying degraded rainforest habitat in Madagascar
Authors: Irwin Mitchell T. , Samonds Karen E. , Raharison Jean-Luc , Junge Randall E. , Mahefarisoa Karine Lalaina , Rasambainarivo Fidisoa , Godfrey Laurie R. , Glander Kenneth E.
Published: June 2019

Anthropogenic habitat change can have varied impacts on primates, including both negative and positive outcomes. Even when behavioural shifts are seen, they may reflect decreased health, or simply behavioural flexibility; understanding this distinction is important for conservation efforts. This study examines habitat-related variation in adult and immature morphometrics among diademed sifakas (Propithecus diadema). We collected morphometric data from sifakas at Tsinjoarivo, Madagascar (19 years, 188 captures, 113 individuals). Captures spanned 12 groups, five within continuous forest (“CONT”), and seven in degraded fragments (“FRAG”) where sifakas have lower nutritional intakes. Few consistent differences were found between CONT and FRAG groups. However, using home range quality as a covariate rather than a CONT/FRAG dichotomy revealed a threshold: the two FRAG groups in the lowest-quality habitat showed low adult mass and condition (wasting), and low immature mass and length (stunting). Though less-disturbed fragments apparently provide viable habitat, we suggest the sifakas in the most challenging habitats cannot evolve fast enough to keep up with such rapid habitat change. We suggest other long-lived organisms will show similar morphometric “warning signs” (wasting in adults, stunting in immatures); selected morphometric variables can thus be useful at gauging vulnerability of populations in the face of anthropogenic change.
Redox-Active Ferrocene grafted on H-Terminated Si(111): Electrochemical Characterization of the Charge Transport Mechanism and Dynamics
Authors: Fontanesi Claudio , Como Enrico Da , Vanossi Davide , Montecchi Monica , Cannio Maria , Mondal Prakash Chandra , Giurlani Walter , Innocenti Massimo , Pasquali Luca
Published: June 2019

Electroactive self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) bearing a ferrocene (Fc) redox couple were chemically assembled on H-terminated semiconducting degenerate-doped n-type Si(111) substrate. This allows to create a Si(111)|organic-spacer|Fc hybrid interface, where the ferrocene moiety is covalently immobilized on the silicon, via two alkyl molecular spacers of different length. Organic monolayer formation was probed by Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements, which were also used to estimate thickness and surface assembled monolayer (SAM) surface coverage. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements allowed to ascertain surface morphology and roughness. The single electron transfer process, between the ferrocene redox probe and the Si electrode surface, was probed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements. CVs recorded at different scan rates, in the 10 to 500 mV s−1 range, allowed to determine peak-to-peak separation, half-wave potential, and charge-transfer rate constant (KET). The experimental findings suggest that the electron transfer is a one electron quasi-reversible process. The present demonstration of surface engineering of functional redox-active organometallic molecule can be efficient in the field of molecular electronics, surface-base redox chemistry, opto-electronic applications.
Development of an effervescent reaction-enhanced microextraction method for preconcentration/extraction of trace estrogens in milk using a reduced graphene oxide-assisted ionic liquid-based nanofluid
Authors: Chu Fangyu , Gao Ming , Wang Huili , Li Jieyi , Zheng Zhaoxi , Wang Xuedong , Zhang Zhanen
Published: June 2019

Herein, we developed a novel effervescent reaction-enhanced microextraction method for preconcentration/extraction of trace estrogens in milk samples.
Carbohydrate microarray-based analysis of specific interactions between saccharides from algin and influenza A viral hemagglutinin
Authors: Liu Chanjuan , Li Chao , Li Guoyun , Yu Guangli
Published: June 2019

A reliable and sensitive carbohydrate microarray-based method was developed to provide a promising platform for carbohydrate-based drug discovery.
Efficient oxygen evolution on mesoporous IrOx nanosheets
Authors: Jiang Bo , Kim Jeonghun , Guo Yanna , Wu Kevin C. W. , Alshehri Saad M. , Ahamad Tansir , Alhokbany Norah , Henzie Joel , Yamachi Yusuke
Published: June 2019

Amorphous iridium oxide (IrOx) is a promising catalyst that has high activity in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) over a broad range of pH values.
A new millifluidic-based gastrointestinal platform to evaluate the effect of simulated dietary methylglyoxal intakes
Authors: Colombo Raffaella , Paolillo Mayra , Papetti Adele
Published: June 2019

The search for new in vitro modular bioreactors to simulate flow-mediated transport and absorption of chemical substances is a very important issue in toxicology and in drug and bioactive delivery research.
Derivatives of a new heterocyclic system – pyrano[3,4-c][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridines: synthesis, docking analysis and neurotropic activity
Authors: Paronikyan Ervand G. , Petrou Anthi , Fesatidou Maria , Geronikaki Athina , Dashyan Shushanik Sh. , Mamyan Suren S. , Paronikyan Ruzanna G. , Nazaryan Ivetta M. , Hakopyan Hasmik H.
Published: June 2019

8-Hydrazino derivatives of pyrano[3,4-c]pyridines and derivatives of new heterocyclic system 3-thioxopyrano[3,4-c][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridines were synthesized and evaluated for their neurotropic activity. The most active compound in all tests appeared to be 5g.
Boron nitride: a promising material for proton exchange membranes for energy applications
Authors: Yadav Vikrant , Kulshrestha Vaibhav
Published: June 2019

Boron nitride (BN) is an exciting material and has drawn the attention of researchers for the last decade due to its surprising properties, including large surface area, thermomechanical stability, and high chemical resistance.
The mechanistic role of a support–catalyst interface in electrocatalytic water reduction by Co3O4 supported nanocarbon florets
Authors: Saha Jayeeta , Ball Ranadeb , Sah Ananya , Kalyani Vishwanath , Subramaniam Chandramouli
Published: June 2019

Mechanistic insights from operando Raman spectroelectrochemistry establishes that synergistic support–catalyst interactions is vital for rational design of electrocatalytic systems to achieve efficient hydrogen generation in alkaline medium.
Si nanoparticle clusters in hollow carbon capsules (SNC@C) as lithium battery anodes: toward high initial coulombic efficiency
Authors: Kim Tae Jin , Yoon Jeong Hoon , Yi Gi-Ra , Yoo Pil J.
Published: June 2019

Clustered Si@C core–shell-structured particles are synthesized using an organic/inorganic emulsion polymerization process and utilized as a high performance anode material for Li-ion batteries with highly improved initial Coulombic efficiency.
Uniaxial strain induced topological phase transition in bismuth–tellurohalide–graphene heterostructures
Authors: Tajkov Zoltán , Visontai Dávid , Oroszlány László , Koltai János
Published: June 2019

We explore the electronic structure and topological phase diagram of heterostructures formed of graphene and ternary bismuth tellurohalide layers.
Functional group engineering in naphthalimides: a conceptual insight to fine-tune the supramolecular self-assembly and condensed state luminescence
Authors: Meher Niranjan , Iyer Parameswar Krishnan
Published: June 2019

A simple synthetic tweak of functional group engineering has been unveiled to fine-tune the supramolecular self-assembly and condensed state photophysical properties in small molecular system with effective control on ACQ/AIEE regulation.
Active template rotaxane synthesis through the Ni-catalyzed cross-coupling of alkylzinc reagents with redox-active esters
Authors: Echavarren Javier , Gall Malcolm A. Y. , Haertsch Adrian , Leigh David A. , Marcos Vanesa , Tetlow Daniel J.
Published: June 2019

The Ni-catalyzed C(sp3)–C(sp3) cross-coupling of redox-active esters and organozinc reagents is used for the active template synthesis of ‘impossible’ rotaxanes.
Effector responsive hydroformylation catalysis
Authors: Bai Shao-Tao , Sinha Vivek , Kluwer Alexander M. , Linnebank Pim R. , Abiri Zohar , Dydio Paweł , Lutz Martin , de Bruin Bas , Reek Joost N. H.
Published: June 2019

A bidentate ligand with an integrated anion receptor forms dimeric rhodium complexes that become monomeric upon binding acetate guest, which is the basis for effector responsive hydroformylation catalysis.
Neutral-pH overall water splitting catalyzed efficiently by a hollow and porous structured ternary nickel sulfoselenide electrocatalyst
Authors: Zeng Lingyou , Sun Kaian , Chen Yanju , Liu Zhi , Chen Yinjuan , Pan Yuan , Zhao Ruiyu , Liu Yunqi , Liu Chenguang
Published: June 2019

A hollow and porous structured nickel sulfoselenide catalyst was developed as a new type of bifunctional electrocatalyst for neutral-pH water splitting.
PLCE1 promotes myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury in H/R H9c2 cells and I/R rats by promoting inflammation
Authors: Li WenHua , Li Yong , Chu Ying , Wu WeiMin , Yu QiuHua , Zhu XiaoBo , Wang Qiang
Published: June 2019

Myocardial ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major contributor to the morbidity and mortality associated with coronary artery disease. How to ensure the recovery of blood supply to ischemic myocardial tissue while avoiding or reducing I/R injury remains a critical problem in clinical practice. In the present study, we examined the function of phospholipase C ϵ-1 (PLCE1) by an H9c2 H/R (H/R, hypoxia–reoxygenation) model and a rat myocardial I/R injury model. The expression of PLCE1 and its effect on I/R injury-induced inflammatory response as well as its possible underlying mechanism were investigated. Our results have shown that PLCE1 was progressively increased along with the increase in hypoxia time in the H/R H9c2 and HL-1 cells. In myocardial I/R rats, PLCE1 presented a low expression level in the sham group, however, it was increased sharply in the I/R group. Overexpression of PLCE1 promoted the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1α, and decreased the expression of IL-10. Knockdown of PLCE1 decreased the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1α, and increased the expression of IL-10. Furthermore, overexpression of PLCE1 increased the phosphorylation of p38, ERK1/2, and nuclear factor-κ B (NF-κB) P65 while knockdown of PLCE1 inhibited their phosphorylation. In conclusion, the present study provided evidence that PLCE1 was up-regulated in H/R H9c2 cell and I/R rat. Overexpression of PLCE1 promoted the inflammatoion via activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway.
Internet-Based Audiological Interventions: An Update for Clinicians
Authors: Beukes Eldré W. , Manchaiah Vinaya
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Advancements in digital and computing technologies have created opportunities for innovations in the provision of health care remotely. The aim of this article is to provide audiological professionals with a summary of literature regarding existing audiological Internet-based interventions (IBIs). The specific objectives are to (a) provide an overview of the range of audiological IBIs for adults with hearing loss, balance disorders, and tinnitus; (b) identify the features included in these IBIs and possible benefits; and (c) identify difficulties and challenges regarding the implementation and use of audiological IBIs.

Method

Relevant articles were identified through literature review conducted in the PubMed database and gray literature. The relevant information from these sources, such as the type of intervention and main outcomes, were summarized.

Results

A range of IBIs were identified, with the majority addressing tinnitus distress. Those for hearing loss have been applied at different stages of the patient journey. Unguided IBIs for vestibular difficulties included self-help for Ménière's disease and vestibular rehabilitation. Most tinnitus IBIs provided cognitive behavioral therapy. Overall, IBIs showed benefits in terms of outcome and accessibility. Barriers include uncertainties surrounding cost-effectiveness, optimal level of support, and improving intervention compliance.

Conclusions

Telehealth applications are expanding in audiology, and IBIs have been developed to provide auditory rehabilitation, vestibular rehabilitation, and tinnitus interventions. IBIs have the potential to offer accessible and affordable services. More work is required to further develop these interventions and optimize outcomes.
Design and voltage regulation of inductively coupled wireless power transfer circuits with an intermediate coil
Authors: Oh Kwang‐Kyo
Published: June 2019

An inductively coupled wireless power transfer (WPT) circuit consisting of the transmitter, the receiver, and an additional intermediate coil is studied. It is assumed that the intermediate coil is located coplanar with the transmitter coil. Although it has been known that the intermediate coil serves as a power repeater, its effect on the three‐coil WPT circuit characteristics has not been thoroughly investigated. Accordingly, this study analyses how the intermediate coil affects the voltage transfer function and the input impedance of the WPT circuit. Based on the analysis result, design considerations are presented and output voltage regulation via operation frequency adjustment is discussed. A design example for the three‐coil WPT circuit is presented and the simulation and experimental results are provided.
Thyristor‐based modular multilevel converter‐HVDC systems with current interruption capability
Authors: Wang Qingsong , Deng Fujin , Liu Chengkai , Heng Qian , Chen Zhe
Published: June 2019

The modular multilevel converter (MMC) is an attractive option for high‐voltage direct‐current (HVDC) transmission applications. The dc line short‐circuit fault is one of the key challenges for the HVDC system. In this study, a thyristor‐based MMC with current interruption capability is proposed, where the IGBT with anti‐parallel thyristor is employed to realise current interruption with the advantages of the simple circuit configuration and less number of power electronic devices. Also, the protection scheme for the thyristor‐based MMC HVDC system under dc lines short‐circuit faults is also proposed, where the fault current can be quickly interrupted by the thyristor‐based MMC. The proposed thyristor‐based MMC HVDC system is not necessary to be disconnected with the ac grid during the dc‐line fault, where the MMC can continue operating and can be used for reactive power regulation before the fault is cleared, and therefore improves the system performance. The simulation and experimental studies are conducted, and the results verify the effectiveness of the proposed thyristor‐based MMC and control scheme.