bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical and bonding properties of pristine montmorillonite reinforced epoxy asphalt bond coats
Authors: Sun Yifan , Han Xiaocheng , Su Wufeng , Gong Jie , Xi Zhonghua , Zhang Junsheng , Wang Qingjun , Xie Hongfeng
Published: April 2020

Epoxy asphalt bond coat (EABC) has been widely used as a bonding layer in the construction of orthotropic steel deck bridges. To withstand the vibration of the steel deck, EABC needs to have strong bonding strength. In present article, sodium montmorillonite (Mt) was used to reinforce the neat EABC. The morphology and properties of EABC/Mt nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Brookfield rotational viscometer, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, automatic adhesion tester, and universal testing machine. No intercalation structure formed in the EABC/Mt nanocomposites. Mt dispersed uniformly in the EABC matrix. The inclusion of Mt increased the viscosity of the neat EABC in the initial stage of chemical reaction. Whereas, in the later curing stage, the viscosity of the neat EABC was higher than those of EABC/Mt nanocomposites. The presence of Mt slightly reduced the glass transition temperature of the neat EABC. The damping performance of the neat EABC was improved with the inclusion of 1 wt% Mt. Mt had a marginal effect on the thermal stability of the neat EABC. The incorporation of Mt significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of the neat EABC. The tensile strength and toughness of the neat EABC increased by 30% and 26%, respectively, with the inclusion of 3 wt% Mt. The existence of Mt greatly enhanced adhesion strength of the neat EABC. The lap‐shear adhesion strength and pull‐off adhesion strength of the EABC nanocomposite with 5 wt% Mt were 33% and 29% higher than those of the neat EABC.
The effect of materials' rheology on process energy consumption and melt thermal quality in polymer extrusion
Authors: Abeykoon Chamil , Pérez Paula , Kelly Adrian L.
Published: April 2020

Polymer extrusion is an important but an energy intensive method of processing polymeric materials. The rapid increase in demand of polymeric products has forced manufactures to rethink their processing efficiencies to manufacture good quality products with low‐unit‐cost. Here, analyzing the operational conditions has become a key strategy to achieve both energy and thermal efficiencies simultaneously. This study aims to explore the effects of polymers' rheology on the energy consumption and melt thermal quality (ie, a thermally homogeneous melt flow in both radial and axil directions) of extruders. Six commodity grades of polymers (LDPE, LLDPE, PP, PET, PS, and PMMA) were processed at different conditions in two types of continuous screw extruders. Total power, motor power, and melt temperature profiles were analyzed in an industrial scale single‐screw extruder. Moreover, the active power (AP), mass throughput, torque, and power factor were measured in a laboratory scale twin‐screw extruder. The results confirmed that the specific energy consumption for both single and twin screw extruders tends to decrease with the processing speed. However, this action deteriorates the thermal stability of the melt regardless the nature of the polymer. Rheological characterization results showed that the viscosity of LDPE and PS exhibited a normal shear thinning behavior. However, PMMA presented a shear thickening behavior at moderate‐to‐high shear rates, indicating the possible formation of entanglements. Overall, the findings of this work confirm that the materials' rheology has an appreciable correlation with the energy consumption in polymer extrusion and also most of the findings are in agreement with the previously reported investigations. Therefore, further research should be useful for identifying possible correlations between key process parameters and hence to further understand the processing behavior for wide range of machines, polymers, and operating conditions.
Exogenous sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, a Jasmonic acid biosynthesis inhibitor, induced resistance to powdery mildew in wheat
Authors: Li Yinghui , Qiu Lina , Zhang Qiang , Zhuansun Xiangxi , Li Huifang , Chen Xin , Krugman Tamar , Sun Qixin , Xie Chaojie
Published: April 2020

Jasmonic acid (JA) is an important plant hormone associated with plant–pathogen defense. To study the role of JA in plant–fungal interactions, we applied a JA biosynthesis inhibitor, sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DIECA), on wheat leaves. Our results showed that application of 10 mM DIECA 0–2 days before inoculation effectively induced resistance to powdery mildew (Bgt) in wheat. Transcriptome analysis identified 364 up‐regulated and 68 down‐regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in DIECA‐treated leaves compared with water‐treated leaves. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of the DEGs revealed important GO terms and pathways, in particular, response to growth hormones, activity of glutathione metabolism (e.g., glutathione transferase activity), oxalate oxidase, and chitinase activity. Gene annotaion revealed that some pathogenesis‐related (PR) genes, such as PR1.1, PR1, PR10, PR4a, Chitinase 8, beta‐1,3‐glucanase, RPM1, RGA2, and HSP70, were induced by DIECA treatment. DIECA reduced JA and auxin (IAA) levels, while increased brassinosteroid, glutathione, and ROS lesions in wheat leaves, which corroborated with the transcriptional changes. Our results suggest that DIECA can be applied to increase plant immunity and reduce the severity of Bgt disease in wheat fields.
Long noncoding RNA Q associates with Sox2 and is involved in the maintenance of pluripotency in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Jing Ruiqi , Guo Xudong , Yang Yiwei , Chen Wen , Kang Jiuhong , Zhu Songcheng
Published: April 2020

Large intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) in ESCs may play an important role in the maintenance of pluripotency. The identification of stem cell-specific lincRNAs and their interacting partners will deepen our understanding of the maintenance of stem cell pluripotency. We identified a lincRNA, LincQ, which is specifically expressed in ESCs and is regulated by core pluripotent transcription factors. It was rapidly downregulated during the differentiation process. Knockdown of LincQ in ESCs led to differentiation, downregulation of pluripotency-related genes, and upregulation of differentiation-related genes. We found that exon 1 of LincQ can specifically bind to Sox2. The Soxp region in Sox2, rather than the high mobility group domain, is responsible for LincQ binding. Importantly, the interaction between LincQ and Sox2 is required for the maintenance of pluripotency in ESCs and the transcription of pluripotency genes. Esrrb and Tfcp2l1 are key downstream targets of LincQ and Sox2, since overexpression of Esrrb and Tfcp2l1 can restore the loss of ESC pluripotency that is induced by LincQ depletion. In summary, we found that LincQ specifically interacts with Sox2 and contributes to the maintenance of pluripotency, highlighting the critical role of lincRNA in the pluripotency regulatory network.
Observing once‐in‐a‐lifetime weather: the early snows of October 2008
Authors: Currie Ian
Published: April 2020

Snow lying in October at low levels in the UK is unusual even in Scotland, which is closer to the source of Arctic air necessary for its occurrence and with lower sea temperatures. Rarity increases further south, and for the southern Home Counties a single occurrence of lying snow was not reported in October during the twentieth century. As a consequence, the snow which fell in Surrey during the evening and into the night on 28 October 2008, establishing a snow cover, was the first such occasion in over 120 years. In places, snow lay for two days, during a period in which the month of October has shown significant warming.

I have been recording the weather instrumentally for nigh on 58 years. From 1979 until 2018 my observations were from Coulsdon (128m amsl) on the Surrey‐south London border, just south of Croydon. During this time I experienced some outstanding meteorological events, including the Great October storm of 1987. But there was one occurrence that has proved unique, namely the early snowfall of 28‐29 October 2008, which affected even central London. It took many observers by surprise though it was forecast but not quite so far south and was somewhat underreported by the media.
The L-shaped modification of the transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flap
Authors: Berner Juan Enrique , Henton John M. D. , Blackburn Adam
Published: April 2020

A variety of free tissue flaps have been described for autologous breast reconstruction. Although the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is most microsurgeons’ first choice, there is no consensus regarding which is the second-best alternative. The transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flap has gained popularity for cases where the abdomen is not a suitable donor site. This musculocutaneous flap has the advantage of an easy dissection, allowing the harvest of tissue from the medial thigh area with the patient supine. However, drawbacks include a tedious donor site closure and a limited amount of soft tissue that can be transferred. The authors hereby present a modification of the TUG flap, introducing an L-shaped skin paddle: the L-shaped upper gracilis (LUG) flap. This alternative allows harvesting extra tissue from the medial thigh, while providing an easier donor site closure with the patient supine. A prospective case series of 14 LUG flaps is presented. No flap failures or episodes of fat necrosis were encountered; only one developed a donor site seroma that settled after drainage. The LUG flap is a useful development of the TUG flap concept providing up to 50% more tissue than a standard TUG flap with an aesthetically pleasing donor site closure which is useful for cases in which abdominal flaps are not possible.

Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.
Epigenetic contribution to obesity
Authors: Ouni Meriem , Schürmann Annette
Published: April 2020

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic and contributes to global morbidity and mortality mediated via the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular (CVD) and other diseases. It is a consequence of an elevated caloric intake, a sedentary lifestyle and a genetic as well as an epigenetic predisposition. This review summarizes changes in DNA methylation and microRNAs identified in blood cells and different tissues in obese human and rodent models. It includes information on epigenetic alterations which occur in response to fat-enriched diets, exercise and metabolic surgery and discusses the potential of interventions to reverse epigenetic modifications.
Liver transplantation in elderly patients: what do we know at the beginning of 2020?
Authors: Dolnikov Shimon , Adam René , Cherqui Daniel , Allard Marc Antoine
Published: April 2020

An aging population has prompted us to evaluate the indications of liver transplantation (LT) in elderly patients more frequently. In this review, we summarize the short- and long-term results after LT in elderly patients and also discuss the criteria used to select patients and how recipient age can challenge current allocation systems. Briefly, the feasibility and early outcomes of LT in elderly patients compare favorably with those of younger patients. Although long-term survival is less than satisfactory, large-scale studies show that the transplant survival benefit is similar for elderly and younger patients. Therefore, age alone does not contraindicate LT; however, screening for cardiopulmonary comorbidities, and asymptomatic malignancies, evaluating nutritional status, and frailty, is crucial to ensure optimal results and avoid futile transplantation.
Stable Hg(II)-mediated base pairs with a phenanthroline-derived nucleobase surrogate in antiparallel-stranded DNA
Authors: Jash Biswarup , Müller Jens
Published: April 2020

Metal-mediated base pairs involving artificial nucleobases have emerged as a promising means for the site-specific functionalization of nucleic acids with metal ions. In this context, a GNA-appended (GNA: glycol nucleic acid) nucleoside analogue containing the artificial nucleobase 1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline (P) has already been applied successfully in a variety of homo- and heteroleptic metal-mediated base pairs, mainly involving Ag(I) ions. Herein, we report a thorough investigation of the Hg(II)-binding properties ofPwhen incorporated into antiparallel-stranded DNA duplexes. The artificial nucleobasePis able to form Hg(II)-mediated homoleptic base pairs of the typeP–Hg(II)–Pwith a [2 + 2] coordination environment. In addition, the heterolepticP–Hg(II)–Tpair was investigated. The addition of a stoichiometric amount of Hg(II) to a duplex comprising either aP:Ppair or aP:Tpair stabilizes the DNA duplex by 4.3 °C and 14.5 °C, respectively. TheP–Hg(II)–Tbase pair, hence, represents the most stabilizing non-organometallic Hg(II)-mediated base pair reported to date. The formation of the Hg(II)-mediated base pairs was investigated by means of temperature-dependent UV spectroscopy and CD spectroscopy.

Graphic abstract
Refractive index matching (RIM) of liquid and semi-solid materials to acrylic glass for optically measuring the mechanics in soft granular matter
Authors: Vulprecht Lennart , Gerstenberg Christoph , Rauh Cornelia
Published: April 2020

The main context of this research is the fluid mechanical analysis of stirred chunky fruit preparations, which are typically highly loaded suspensions (ca. 50%w/w) with particles susceptible to mechanical damage. Knowledge about the transport of such particles in fluid matrices is important in natural and technical processes and can be obtained using optical measurement techniques, e.g. Particle Image Velocimetry. Matching the refractive indices of the relevant material components, a way to ensure signal reliability, is difficult for highly concentrated dispersed systems. Material properties such as plasticity and elasticity of the solid phase and the rheological behaviour of the fluid must be met simultaneously. Fluid motion across the full range of the stirred volume and the immediate surroundings of the stirrer could not be observed without successful refractive index matching of acrylic glass, stirred liquid, and suspended particles. Using the presented materials, the mechanical firmness (but not the resistance against breaking) of soft granular matter can be mimicked. The movement of gel particles in suspensions, their resulting deformation and ultimately, the inflicted damage can be observed with optical methods. The rigidity of the gels may be varied to some extent with the concentrations of the respective hydrocolloids, which, at low concentrations, have no apparent effect on the refractive index. Introducing ethanol, thickeners or other components may yield more degrees of freedom in modelling their flow behaviour.

Graphic abstract
DSC study of hydration and water-holding behaviour of cultured in vitro mycelium and naturally grown fruiting bodies of freeze-dried Boletus badius, Agaricus bisporus and Cantharellus cibarius
Authors: Talik Przemysław , Piwowarczyk Joanna , Muszyńska Bożena , Hubicka Urszula
Published: April 2020

The aim of the study was to calculate the content of non-freezing water (NFW) as well as amount of water associated with the evaporation process (Nev) in the chosen species of fungi. The study focused on lyophilized in vitro mycelium and commonly cultivated mushrooms Agaricus bisporus, Boletus badius and Cantharellus cibarius. Both NFW and Nev were examined by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The above-mentioned types of water are important components of the state diagram that is a kind of functional graph helping in identifying food stability during storage and selecting suitable conditions of temperature and moisture content for processing. The content of non-freezing water in all examined samples ranged between 0.19 and 0.31 g g−1. The estimated amount of water associated with the evaporation process was found to be between 0.05 and 0.13 g g−1. The obtained results were variable and highly dependent on fungus species, origin (in vitro mycelium vs cultivated) and content of accumulated metals. The influence of these factors is discussed. In order to determine statistical significance, selected samples were measured at least 5 times; the relative standard of deviation (%RSD) did not exceed 4.45 of measured enthalpies. In the group of mycelium from in vitro cultures, the DSC method was used for the first time. The publication also compared the NFW and Nev values with those obtained for naturally grown fruiting bodies of the same species.
Advanced liver disease outcomes after hepatitis C eradication by human immunodeficiency virus infection in PITER cohort
Authors:   on behalf of PITER Collaborating Group, Quaranta Maria Giovanna , Ferrigno Luigina , Monti Monica , Filomia Roberto , Biliotti Elisa , Iannone Andrea , Migliorino Guglielmo , Coco Barbara , Morisco Filomena , Vinci Maria , D’Ambrosio Roberta , Chemello Liliana , Massari Marco , Ieluzzi Donatella , Russo Francesco Paolo , Blanc Pierluigi , Verucchi Gabriella , Puoti Massimo , Rumi Maria Grazia , Barbaro Francesco , Santantonio Teresa Antonia , Federico Alessandro , Chessa Luchino , Gentile Ivan , Zuin Massimo , Parruti Giustino , Morsica Giulia , Kondili Loreta A.
Published: April 2020

Background

Liver disease progression after Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) eradication following direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment in the real-life setting according to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) coinfection was evaluated.

Methods

Patients consecutively enrolled in PITER between April 2014 and June 2019 and with at least 12-weeks follow-up following treatment were analysed. Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate HIV coinfection and factors independently associated with liver disease outcomes following viral eradication in DAA treated patients with pre-treatment liver cirrhosis.

Results

93 HIV/HCV coinfected and 1109 HCV monoinfected patients were evaluated during a median follow-up of 26.7 (range 6–44.6) and 24.6 (range 6.8–47.3) months, respectively. No difference in the cumulative HCC incidence and hepatic decompensation was observed between coinfected and monoinfected patients. Age (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 1.08; 95% CI 1.04–1.13), male sex (HR = 2.76; 95% CI 1.28–5.96), lower albumin levels (HR = 3.94; 95% CI 1.81–8.58), genotype 3 (HR = 5.05; 95% CI 1.75–14.57) and serum anti-HBc positivity (HR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.01–3.95) were independently associated with HCC incidence. Older age (HR = 1.03; 95% CI 1.00–1.07), male sex (HR = 2.13; 95% CI 1.06–4.26) and lower albumin levels (HR = 3.75; 95% CI 1.89–7.46) were independently associated with the appearance of a decompensating event after viral eradication.

Conclusion

Different demographic, clinical and genotype distribution between HIV coinfected vs those monoinfected, was observed in a representative cohort of HCV infected patients in Italy. Once liver cirrhosis is established the disease progression is decreased, but still persists regardless of viral eradication in both coinfected and monoinfected patients. In patients with cirrhosis, HIV coinfection was not associated with a higher probability of liver complications, after viral eradication.
Optimizing the separation factor along a directional well trajectory to minimize collision risk
Authors: Mansouri Vahid , Khosravanian Rasool , Wood David A. , Aadnøy Bernt Sigve
Published: April 2020

Optimizing the trajectory of directional wellbores is essential to minimize drilling costs and the impacts of potential drilling problems. It poses multi-objective optimization challenges. Well-design optimization models initially focus on wellbore-length minimization, but ideally also need to consider minimizing the surface torque during drilling and address, among other constraints, collision avoidance with offset wells. A novel trajectory-optimization model is described that computes the separation factor along the wellbore. It employs a genetic optimization algorithm with an objective function that maximizes the minimum separation factor along the entire length of a wellbore. Plausible well trajectories are identified within a feasible solution space defined by user-identified constraints. The simplicity and effectiveness of the proposed model are demonstrated using a case study involving real well data from the Reshadat oil field offshore southern Iran. In the case considered, a proposed well trajectory is identified as unsafe in terms of its minimum separation factor with an offset well and is re-planned with the proposed model to achieve a safer trajectory.
Novel Fiber Optic Current Transformer With New Phase Modulation Method
Authors: Qi Yuefeng , Wang Mingjun , Jiang Fengxian , Zhang Xin , Cong Bitong , Liu Yanyan
Published: April 2020

Based on the transverse electro-optic effect of lithium niobate crystal, combined with polarizers and Faraday rotator, this paper presents a collinear closed-loop fiber optic current transformer with spatial non-reciprocity modulation method, and the feasibility of the scheme is verified by both the theoretical and experimental evidences. The detection scheme avoids the limitation of the transition time of the sensing fiber coil on the phase modulation frequency, improves the sensitivity and stability of the system, and reduces the volume and cost of fiber optic current transformer. The sawtooth wave modulation scheme is adopted to realize phase bias modulation and feedback modulation through phase shift of sawtooth wave to achieve closed-loop detection effect, which enhances the signal to noise ratio and simplifies demodulation mode. The experimental results show that the current ratio errors measured at room temperature range from 1% to 120% of rated current meet the requirements of national standard GB/T 20840.8-2007 and reach the accuracy level of 0.2S. The temperature stability of the current transformer is also tested, and the ratio error measured at the rated current does not exceed ±0.2% in the range of -30 °C to 50 °C.
Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Neuromuscular Blockade: What Are the Recommendations in the USA and Other Countries?
Authors: Nemes Réka , Renew J. Ross
Published: April 2020

Purpose of Review

This review addresses various societal guidelines, standards, and consensus statements regarding optimal neuromuscular blockade management. We discuss the historical evolution of neuromuscular management as a means of identifying possible future trends.

Recent Findings

While a recent international panel of experts has called for abandoning clinical assessment and subjective evaluation using a peripheral nerve stimulator in favor of adopting quantitative monitoring, few anesthesia societies mandate similar practices at the moment.

The current status of neuromuscular monitoring in the world is still variable and unsatisfactory. Nevertheless, a positive trend can be observed in the anesthesia community to adopt and learn this neglected technique. The development of user-friendly monitoring devices should also help this process, but anesthesia national societies still need to do a lot to replace outdated and substandard practices.
Effect of Relative Compaction on Water Absorption and Gypsum Dissolution in Gypsum-Rich Clayey CBR Samples
Authors: Razouki Sabah S. , Kuttah Dina K.
Published: April 2020

A clayey gypsiferous soil of CL group according to the Unified Soil Classification System was studied for the effect of relative compaction on water absorption and gypsum dissolution during long-term soaking. The soil has a gypsum content of about 33%. Two sets of soil samples were prepared at optimum moisture content of 11.75% of the modified Proctor compaction test. The first set received 100%, while the second received about 93.5% relative compaction with respect to modified Proctor. These samples were soaked for 4, 7, 15, 30, and 120 days under 40 lbs (178 N) surcharge load. The moisture content was determined at top, quarter points, midpoint, and bottom of each soil sample. The test results revealed that for each compaction effort, the moisture content along each soaked soil sample is not uniform and increased with increasing soaking period. This increase in moisture content is greater for soil samples compacted at the lower compaction effort. The moisture content at top of each soil sample is greater than at the bottom, and the least moisture content took place at the middle of the sample. The dissolution of gypsum, at the top of soil samples, was greater than that at the middle. A multiple regression equation was developed relating strongly the decrease in gypsum content along the clayey CBR samples, with compaction effort and increase in average moisture content along the samples due to soaking. Similarly, strong correlation was obtained from the multiple regression developed between absorbed water, soaking period, and compaction effort. The paper shows that the water absorption and gypsum dissolution decrease with increasing relative compaction as the soil becomes denser.
Users' experiences with chatbots: findings from a questionnaire study
Authors: Følstad Asbjørn , Brandtzaeg Petter Bae
Published: April 2020

For chatbots to be broadly adopted by users, it is critical that they are experienced as useful and pleasurable. While there is an emerging body of research concerning user uptake and use of chatbots, there is a lack of theoretically grounded studies detailing what constitutes good or poor chatbot user experiences. In this paper, we present findings from a questionnaire study involving more than 200 chatbot users who reported on episodes of chatbot use that they found particularly satisfactory or frustrating. The user reports were analysed with basis in theory on user experience, with particular concern for pragmatic and hedonic attributes. We found that pragmatic attributes such as efficient assistance (positive) and problems with interpretation (negative) were important elements in user reports of satisfactory and frustrating episodes. Hedonic attributes such as entertainment value (positive) and strange and rude responses (negative) were also frequently mentioned. Older participants tended to report on pragmatic attributes more often, whereas younger participants tended to report on hedonic attributes more often. Drawing on the findings, we propose four high-level lessons learnt that may benefit chatbot service providers, and we suggest relevant future research.
Two Aspects of Decadal ENSO Variability Modulating the Long‐Term Global Carbon Cycle
Authors: Park So‐Won , Kim Jin‐Soo , Kug Jong‐Seong , Stuecker Malte F. , Kim In‐Won , Williams Mathew
Published: April 2020

The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) drives variations in terrestrial carbon fluxes by affecting the terrestrial ecosystem via atmospheric teleconnections and thus plays an important role in interannual variability of the global carbon cycle. However, we lack such knowledge on decadal time scales, that is, how the carbon cycle can be affected by decadal variations of ENSO characteristics. Here we examine how, and by how much, decadal ENSO variability affects decadal variability of the global carbon cycle by analyzing a 1,801‐year preindustrial control simulation. We identify two different aspects, together explaining ~36% of the decadal variations in the global carbon cycle. First, climate variations induced by decadal ENSO‐like variability regulate terrestrial carbon flux and hence atmospheric CO2 on decadal time scales. Second, decadal changes in the asymmetrical response of the terrestrial ecosystem, resulting from decadal modulation of ENSO amplitude and asymmetry, rectify the background mean state, thereby generating decadal variability of land carbon fluxes.
Fast camera spatial characterization of photonic polarization entanglement
Authors: Ianzano Christopher , Svihra Peter , Flament Mael , Hardy Andrew , Cui Guodong , Nomerotski Andrei , Figueroa Eden
Published: April 2020

Scalable technologies to characterize the performance of quantum devices are crucial to creating large quantum networks and quantum processing units. Chief among the resources of quantum information processing is entanglement. Here we describe the full temporal and spatial characterization of polarization-entangled photons produced by Spontaneous Parametric Down Conversions using an intensified high-speed optical camera, Tpx3Cam. This novel technique allows for precise determination of Bell inequality parameters with minimal technical overhead, and for new characterization methods for the spatial distribution of entangled quantum information. The fast-optical camera could lead to multiple applications in Quantum Information Science, opening new perspectives for the scalability of quantum experiments.
The dynamics of actin network turnover is self-organized by a growth-depletion feedback
Authors: Bleicher P. , Sciortino A. , Bausch A. R.
Published: April 2020

The dynamics of actin networks is modulated by a machinery consisting of actin binding proteins that control the turnover of filaments in space and time. To study this complex orchestration, in vitro reconstitution approaches strive to project actin dynamics in ideal, minimal systems. To this extent we reconstitute a self-supplying, dense network of globally treadmilling filaments. In this system we analyze growth and intrinsic turnover by means of FRAP measurements and thereby demonstrate how the depletion of monomers and actin binding partners modulate the dynamics in active actin networks. The described effects occur only in dense networks, as single filament dynamics are unable to produce depletion effects to this extent. Furthermore, we demonstrate a synergistic relationship between the nucleators formin and Arp2/3 when branched networks and formin-induced networks are colocalized. As a result, the formin-enhanced filament turnover depletes cofilin at the surface and thus protects the dense, Arp2/3 polymerized network from debranching. Ultimately, these results may be key for understanding the maintenance of the two contradicting requirements of network stability and dynamics in cells.
Plant-based production of highly potent anti-HIV antibodies with engineered posttranslational modifications
Authors: Singh Advaita Acarya , Pooe Ofentse , Kwezi Lusisizwe , Lotter-Stark Therese , Stoychev Stoyan H. , Alexandra Kabamba , Gerber Isak , Bhiman Jinal N. , Vorster Juan , Pauly Michael , Zeitlin Larry , Whaley Kevin , Mach Lukas , Steinkellner Herta , Morris Lynn , Tsekoa Tsepo Lebiletsa , Chikwamba Rachel
Published: April 2020

Broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs) against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), such as CAP256-VRC26 are being developed for HIV prevention and treatment. These Abs carry a unique but crucial post-translational modification (PTM), namelyO-sulfated tyrosine in the heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) H3 loop. Several studies have demonstrated that plants are suitable hosts for the generation of highly active anti-HIV-1 antibodies with the potential to engineer PTMs. Here we report the expression and characterisation of CAP256-VRC26 bNAbs with posttranslational modifications (PTM). Two variants, CAP256-VRC26 (08 and 09) were expressed in glycoengineeredNicotiana benthamianaplants. Byin plantaco-expression of tyrosyl protein sulfotransferase 1, we installedO-sulfated tyrosine in CDR H3 of both bNAbs. These exhibited similar structural folding to the mammalian cell produced bNAbs, but non-sulfated versions showed loss of neutralisation breadth and potency. In contrast, tyrosine sulfated versions displayed equivalent neutralising activity to mammalian produced antibodies retaining exceptional potency against some subtype C viruses. Together, the data demonstrate the enormous potential of plant-based systems for multiple posttranslational engineering and production of fully active bNAbs for application in passive immunisation or as an alternative for current HIV/AIDS antiretroviral therapy regimens.
Alpha-tocopherol exerts protective function against the mucotoxicity of particulate matter in amphibian and human goblet cells
Authors: Yang Hee-Sun , Sim Hyo Jung , Cho Hanna , Bang Woo Young , Kim Ha Eun , Kwon Taeg Kyu , Kwon Taejoon , Park Tae Joo
Published: April 2020

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) in ambient air is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders and mortality. The cytotoxicity of PM is mainly due to the abnormal increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage cellular components such as DNA, RNA, and proteins. The correlation between PM exposure and human disorders, including mortality, is based on long-term exposure. In this study we have investigated acute responses of mucus-secreting goblet cells upon exposure to PM derived from a heavy diesel engine. To this end, we employed the mucociliary epithelium of amphibian embryos and human Calu-3 cells to examine PM mucotoxicity. Our data suggest that acute exposure to PM significantly impairs mucus secretion and results in the accumulation of mucus vesicles in the cytoplasm of goblet cells. RNA-seq analysis revealed that acute responses to PM exposure significantly altered gene expression patterns; however, known regulators of mucus production and the secretory pathway were not significantly altered. Interestingly, pretreatment with α-tocopherol nearly recovered the hyposecretion of mucus from both amphibian and human goblet cells. We believe this study demonstrates the mucotoxicity of PM and the protective function of α-tocopherol on mucotoxicity caused by acute PM exposure from heavy diesel engines.
The impact of ABCB1 gene polymorphism and its expression on non-small-cell lung cancer development, progression and therapy – preliminary report
Authors: Zawadzka Izabela , Jeleń Agnieszka , Pietrzak Jacek , Żebrowska-Nawrocka Marta , Michalska Katarzyna , Szmajda-Krygier Dagmara , Mirowski Marek , Łochowski Mariusz , Kozak Józef , Balcerczak Ewa
Published: April 2020

The ABCB1 gene belongs to ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes that has been previously implicated in cancer progression and drug response. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the SNP 3435 and the expression of the ABCB1 gene in lung cancer patients in the Polish population in comparison to clinicopathological parameters and treatment. 150 RNA and 47 DNA samples were isolated from 49 lung cancer cases including both tissue samples and blood taken from the same patients at three time points: diagnosis, 100 days and one year after the surgical intervention. Qualitative and real-time PCR analysis of expression were done, also genotyping by PCR-RFLP. Mutant homozygous TT and allele T are present statistically significantly more frequently in the group of patients with lung cancer. There is no difference with expression level in lung cancer tissue and blood sample taken from the same patients before surgical treatment. On the basis of blood samples analysis it was observed that the expression level of ABCB1 mRNA was growing in time. Higher levels were marked after 100 days and one year after the surgical intervention. The complementary pharmacological treatment induced higher expression levels of ABCB1. The presented data suggest an important role of ABCB1 in lung cancer, the increasing level of ABCB1 mRNA which can be connected with induction of multidrug resistance mechanism is also significant, that observation must be confirmed in further analysis.
Polydiacetylene hydrogel self-healing capacitive strain sensor
Authors: Rao V. Kesava , Shauloff Nitzan , Sui XiaoMeng , Wagner H. Daniel , Jelinek Raz
Published: April 2020

Highly sensitive and stretchable PDA–PAA–Cr3+ hydrogel capacitive strain sensor is fabricated and used to monitor mechanical deformation and human motion.
Analysis of a right isosceles triangular waveguide fed longitudinal slot antenna
Authors: Kakatkar S.S. , Deshmukh A.A , Ray K.P.
Published: April 2020

A right isosceles triangular waveguide fed longitudinal slot has been analysed in this Letter by employing the method of moments. The internal admittance has been evaluated by using the image technique to simplify the problem from that of a slot in a triangular waveguide wall to that of two slots in a square waveguide, one each in an adjacent wall. A triangular waveguide has been fabricated and measurements have been taken on slots cut in one of the two equal sides of the triangular waveguide. It has been shown that the theoretical results agree well with the measured results. The theory is useful in the design of triangular waveguide fed slot arrays.
Bandwidth‐enhanced four‐antenna MIMO system based on SIW cavity
Authors: Niu Bing‐Jian , Cao Yan‐Jie
Published: April 2020

A bandwidth‐enhanced four‐antenna multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) system based on a substrate‐integrated‐waveguide (SIW) cavity is proposed. By etching two long rectangular slots on the top plane of the cavity, four quarter‐mode sub‐cavities with the same size are constructed and then individually fed by a coaxial port to form a four‐antenna MIMO system. Suitable port isolation is achieved by optimising the length and width of these slots. To enhance bandwidth, a pair of back‐to‐back L‐shaped slots is cut to split each sub‐cavity into three smaller parts. Three resonant modes are generated in these parts and merged into the operating band. A sample with the overall size of 0.58λ0 × 0.58λ0 × 0.02λ0 has been fabricated. Measured bandwidth is enhanced from 80 to 230 MHz and measured isolation is better than 15.0 dB. Owing to covering the band of 3.40–3.60 GHz, the proposed antenna system has potential applications for fifth‐generation communication.
Modified split‐source inverter with single‐phase dual power decoupling
Authors: Yin Changqing , Xin Zhen , Ding Wenlong , Loh Poh Chiang
Published: April 2020

Split‐source inverter (SSI) is a topology developed for flexibly stepping up and down its ac output voltage using only a standard inverter bridge. However, when configured as a single‐phase inverter, it is still burdened by common second‐order ripples. This study, therefore, proposes a modified SSI (MSSI) that can perform dual power decoupling. Unlike existing schemes, dual power decoupling makes use of both dc‐ and ac‐side capacitors for diverting second‐order ripples away from the dc source, which may be solar or other types of sources that do not work well with sizable ripples. Dual power decoupling, however, requires careful topological changes, before its effective realisation can be achieved with only a standard inverter bridge and a very small overall capacitance. Design of this capacitance and its comparison with passive decoupling have then been analysed, before testing the MSSI in experiments. Results obtained have verified the MSSI as an enhanced single‐phase inverter with both buck and boost abilities while using no extra switches.
Notes on the distribution of Caridina sulawesi, an endemic freshwater shrimp from Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Dwiyanto Diky , Farajallah Achmad , Annawaty Annawaty
Published: April 2020

Caridina sulawesi Cai and Ng, 2009, an endemic freshwater shrimp, has been described based on the type locality in Maros, South Sulawesi. Surprisingly, this species was reported from two rivers in Central Sulawesi. Here, we provided the data about ecological aspects and the recent distribution of the species on Sulawesi Island. The specimens were collected using a hand net in 2018 and 2019, from a small natural spring in Bobo and two creeks in Napu. Water temperature varied between 17 to 22°C. Our finding shows C. sulawesi inhabited almost all freshwater habitat exclude lake system, with high variation in elevation and water temperatures.
New record of Charybdis goaensis (Decapoda: Brachyura: Portunidae) in Indonesia
Authors: Hanim Nisfa , Wardiatno Yusli , Perwitasari Dyah , Suman Ali , Farajallah Achmad
Published: April 2020

The first report of Charybdis goaensis Padate, Rivonker, Anil, Sawant & Krishnamurthy, 2010 was from Goa, India in 2010 year. Its occurrence in Indonesia is the second report in the world. The samples were harvested by a fisherman in Sibolga city and Natal district-Mandailing Natal Regency, North Sumatera. We recorded three males and ten females of Charybdis goaensis, which consists of juveniles and ovigerous females. Both sampling locations are in one coastline in west coast Sumatera which faces directly to the Indian Ocean. We assumed that the dispersal of this species through the Indian Ocean is at their larval phase.
Diet enrichment and the reproductive season of captive Sunda Porcupine (Hystrix javanica F. Cuvier 1823)
Authors: Inayah Nurul , Sari Andri Permata , Farida Wartika Rosa , Nugroho Herjuno Ari , Handayani Tri Hadi , Amalia R. Lia Rahadian , Shidiq Fajrin
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to extend our current knowledge of Sunda porcupine reproductive biology with emphasis on environmental enrichment and the reproductive season. Tomato and bean sprout feeding able to increase sperm quantity, sperm motility, and viability, as well as increase FSH and estrogen hormone levels. Four pairs of captive Sunda porcupine were used. Two pairs (fed with fresh tomato and bean sprout, enrichment group) and two pairs as control. The birth rate of enrichment group higher (with twin litter per year) than that in control (only one litter per year). It indicated that tomato and bean sprout feeding affect the birth rate in Sunda porcupine. The recent study showed that captive Sunda porcupine births occurred throughout the year, with no more than 1-2 litter per year and are have no interbirth-interval. The birth peak of captive Sunda porcupine occurs between April to August. Biparental activities during birth occurred. However, the female spent 50% of the time with the newborn. There was no courtship behaviour throughout the first two or three months of life of the cub.
Chick growth and nutrient requirement during rearing period on eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus, Müller 1776)
Authors: Rachmatika Rini , Prijono Siti Nuramaliati , Sari Andri Permata , Suparno Suparno
Published: April 2020

Nutrition is an important aspect of the successful breeding of wild birds in captivity. This research aims to find out nestling growth of Eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus, Müller 1776) by parent-reared and nutrient requirement during rearing season. This research used a pair of Eclectus parrot with a male chick at first and fifth clutch, and female chick at the second, third, and fourth clutch. This research was conducted from July 2016 to June 2018. The bodyweight of chick was measured every week and feed intake was observed since the age of one week until the chick can eat independently. Feed was provided ad libitum and cafeteria. The chick was the altricial type. Feathers began to cover all bodies at weeks 9. Fledging time was approximately at weeks 10-11. Chick could be separated from its parents at 20 weeks of age. Feed intake tends to be increased along with the increasing age of chick. Eclectus favorites feed is sunflower seed. Nutrient consumption when rearing male chick is more than rearing the female chick.
The fast computation of eddy current distribution and probe response in homogenized composite material based on semi-analytical approach
Authors: Chebbi Houssem , Prémel Denis
Published: April 2020

Due to the excessive use of composites in the industrial field, many numerical modeling approaches dedicated to the characterization of such complex material by means of Non Destructive Testing Techniques were developed. In this paper, we present a numerical model dedicated to simulate the inspection of unidirectional Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer using Eddy Current technique for detecting fiber disorientation. A semi-analytical model based on a modal approach is developed for the fast computation of quasi-static field induced by an arbitrary 3D Eddy Current probe in the material. Because of the high anisotropy and strong heterogeneity of such material, a prior phase of homogenization is assumed and the material is then considered as homogeneously anisotropic. The modal approach consists in resolving Maxwell’s equations in the Fourier domain. Therefore, the electromagnetic field is expressed as a sum of eigen-modes. To take into account the wave propagation through the multilayered structure and boundary conditions at each separating interface, a stable and recursive scattering matrix algorithm has been implemented. The impedance of the probe is computed analytically using Auld’s formula in orders to identify the main orientation of the fibers in the inspected zone. For numerical validation, simulated data provided by the model are compared to finite element data.
Intermediäre Uveitis bei Erwachsenen und Kindern – Update
Authors: Walscheid Karoline , Heiligenhaus Arnd
Published: April 2020

Im Vergleich zu Volkserkrankungen ist die intermediäre Uveitis eine seltene Entität. Ein Ausschluss assoziierter Erkrankungen (in Mitteleuropa vorwiegend in Form einer Sarkoidose oder multiplen Sklerose) sollte bereits bei Erstmanifestation erfolgen. Eine Therapie ist bei Auftreten ausgeprägter Entzündungsaktivität oder visusmindernder Komplikationen indiziert und umfasst primär systemische oder lokale Kortikosteroide sowie ggf. im weiteren Verlauf eine steroidsparende systemische Therapie mit DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs).
Fifteen Years of Scientific Investigation into Main Groups and Transition Metal Coordination Chemistry with Allan White
Authors: Pettinari Claudio , Tombesi Alessia , Marchetti Fabio , Di Nicola Corrado , Pettinari Riccardo
Published: April 2020

The outcomes of the investigations on the structures and reactivity of a massive number of main group and transition metal complexes containing different families of ligands are reviewed. All the data result from the scientific collaboration between the research groups of Claudio Pettinari and Allan White which lasted fifteen years.
Structural and kinetic basis for the regulation and potentiation of Hsp104 function
Authors: Ye Xiang , Lin JiaBei , Mayne Leland , Shorter James , Englander S. Walter
Published: April 2020

Significance

Cryo-electron microscopy now shows what many massive protein molecular machines look like. What is needed is a methodology that can probe into the machinery under working conditions. This work demonstrates the ability of hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry to provide detailed structural, biophysical, and functional information on the hexameric 0.6-MDa AAA+ Hsp104 protein in its various static nucleotide-bound states and during functional cycling at near amino acid resolution.
Analysis of APOBEC-induced mutations in yeast strains with low levels of replicative DNA polymerases
Authors: Sui Yang , Qi Lei , Zhang Ke , Saini Natalie , Klimczak Leszek J. , Sakofsky Cynthia J. , Gordenin Dmitry A. , Petes Thomas D. , Zheng Dao-Qiong
Published: April 2020

Yeast strains with low levels of the replicative DNA polymerases (alpha, delta, and epsilon) have high levels of chromosome deletions, duplications, and translocations. By examining the patterns of mutations induced in strains with low levels of DNA polymerase by the human protein APOBEC3B (a protein that deaminates cytosine in single-stranded DNA), we show dramatically elevated amounts of single-stranded DNA relative to a wild-type strain. During DNA replication, one strand (defined as the leading strand) is replicated processively by DNA polymerase epsilon and the other (the lagging strand) is replicated as short fragments initiated by DNA polymerase alpha and extended by DNA polymerase delta. In the low DNA polymerase alpha and delta strains, the APOBEC-induced mutations are concentrated on the lagging-strand template, whereas in the low DNA polymerase epsilon strain, mutations occur on the leading- and lagging-strand templates with similar frequencies. In addition, for most genes, the transcribed strand is mutagenized more frequently than the nontranscribed strand. Lastly, some of the APOBEC-induced clusters in strains with low levels of DNA polymerase alpha or delta are greater than 10 kb in length.