bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological levels of the PTEN-PI3K-AKT axis activity are required for maintenance of Burkitt lymphoma
Authors: Gehringer Franziska , Weissinger Stephanie Ellen , Möller Peter , Wirth Thomas , Ushmorov Alexey
Published: December 2019

In addition to oncogenic MYC translocations, Burkitt lymphoma (BL) depends on the germinal centre (GC) dark zone (DZ) B cell survival and proliferation programme, which is characterized by relatively low PI3K-AKT activity. Paradoxically, PI3K-AKT activation facilitates MYC-driven lymphomagenesis in mice, and it has been proposed that PI3K-AKT activation is essential for BL. Here we show that the PI3K-AKT activity in primary BLs and BL cell lines does not exceed that of human non-neoplastic tonsillar GC DZ B cells. BLs were not sensitive to AKT1 knockdown, which induced massive cell death in pAKThigh DLBCL cell lines. Likewise, BL cell lines show low sensitivity to pan-AKT inhibitors. Moreover, hyper-activation of the PI3K-AKT pathway by overexpression of a constitutively active version of AKT (myrAKT) or knockdown of PTEN repressed the growth of BL cell lines. This was associated with increased AKT phosphorylation, NF-κB activation, and downregulation of DZ genes including the proto-oncogene MYB and the DZ marker CXCR4. In contrast to GCB-DLBCL, PTEN overexpression was tolerated by BL cell lines. We conclude that the molecular mechanisms instrumental to guarantee the survival of normal DZ B cells, including the tight regulation of the PTEN-PI3K-AKT axis, also operate in the survival/proliferation of BL.
Rationally engineered 3D-dendritic cell-like morphologies of LDH nanostructures using graphene-based core–shell structures
Authors: Sarigamala Karthik Kiran , Shukla Shobha , Struck Alexander , Saxena Sumit
Published: December 2019

Functionalization of graphene-based materials using chemical moieties not only modify the electronic structure of the underlying graphene but also enable in limited enhancement of targeted properties. Surface modification of graphene-based materials using other nanostructures enhances the effective properties by minimally modifying the properties of pristine graphene backbone. In this pursuit, we have synthesized bio-inspired hierarchical nanostructures based on Ni–Co layered double hydroxide on reduced graphene oxide core–shells using template based wet chemical approach. The material synthesized have been characterized structurally and electrochemically. The fabricated dendritic morphology of the composite delivers a high specific capacity of 1056 Cg−1. A cost effective solid state hybrid supercapacitor device was also fabricated using the synthesized electrode material which shows excellent performance with high energy density and fast charging capability.
Molecular anatomy and pathogenic actions of Helicobacter pylori CagA that underpin gastric carcinogenesis
Authors: Takahashi-Kanemitsu Atsushi , Knight Christopher T. , Hatakeyama Masanori
Published: December 2019

Chronic infection withHelicobacter pylori cagA-positive strains is the strongest risk factor for gastric cancer. ThecagAgene product, CagA, is delivered into gastric epithelial cells via the bacterial type IV secretion system. Delivered CagA then undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation at the Glu-Pro-Ile-Tyr-Ala (EPIYA) motifs in its C-terminal region and acts as an oncogenic scaffold protein that physically interacts with multiple host signaling proteins in both tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent and -independent manners. Analysis of CagA using in vitro cultured gastric epithelial cells has indicated that the nonphysiological scaffolding actions of CagA cell-autonomously promote the malignant transformation of the cells by endowing the cells with multiple phenotypic cancer hallmarks: sustained proliferation, evasion of growth suppressors, invasiveness, resistance to cell death, and genomic instability. Transgenic expression of CagA in mice leads to in vivo oncogenic action of CagA without any overt inflammation. The in vivo oncogenic activity of CagA is further potentiated in the presence of chronic inflammation. SinceHelicobacter pyloriinfection triggers a proinflammatory response in host cells, a feedforward stimulation loop that augments the oncogenic actions of CagA and inflammation is created in CagA-injected gastric mucosa. Given thatHelicobacter pyloriis no longer colonized in established gastric cancer lesions, the multistep nature of gastric cancer development should include a “hit-and-run” process of CagA action. Thus, acquisition of genetic and epigenetic alterations that compensate for CagA-directed cancer hallmarks may be required for completion of the “hit-and-run” process of gastric carcinogenesis.
Chemical-genetic profiling reveals limited cross-resistance between antimicrobial peptides with different modes of action
Authors: Kintses Bálint , Jangir Pramod K. , Fekete Gergely , Számel Mónika , Méhi Orsolya , Spohn Réka , Daruka Lejla , Martins Ana , Hosseinnia Ali , Gagarinova Alla , Kim Sunyoung , Phanse Sadhna , Csörgő Bálint , Györkei Ádám , Ari Eszter , Lázár Viktória , Nagy István , Babu Mohan , Pál Csaba , Papp Balázs
Published: December 2019

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are key effectors of the innate immune system and promising therapeutic agents. Yet, knowledge on how to design AMPs with minimal cross-resistance to human host-defense peptides remains limited. Here, we systematically assess the resistance determinants ofEscherichia coliagainst 15 different AMPs using chemical-genetics and compare to the cross-resistance spectra of laboratory-evolved AMP-resistant strains. Although generalizations about AMP resistance are common in the literature, we find that AMPs with different physicochemical properties and cellular targets vary considerably in their resistance determinants. As a consequence, cross-resistance is prevalent only between AMPs with similar modes of action. Finally, our screen reveals several genes that shape susceptibility to membrane- and intracellular-targeting AMPs in an antagonistic manner. We anticipate that chemical-genetic approaches could inform future efforts to minimize cross-resistance between therapeutic and human host AMPs.
ATAD5 promotes replication restart by regulating RAD51 and PCNA in response to replication stress
Authors: Park Su Hyung , Kang Nalae , Song Eunho , Wie Minwoo , Lee Eun A. , Hwang Sunyoung , Lee Deokjae , Ra Jae Sun , Park In Bae , Park Jieun , Kang Sukhyun , Park Jun Hong , Hohng Sungchul , Lee Kyoo-young , Myung Kyungjae
Published: December 2019

Maintaining stability of replication forks is important for genomic integrity. However, it is not clear how replisome proteins contribute to fork stability under replication stress. Here, we report that ATAD5, a PCNA unloader, plays multiple functions at stalled forks including promoting its restart. ATAD5 depletion increases genomic instability upon hydroxyurea treatment in cultured cells and mice. ATAD5 recruits RAD51 to stalled forks in an ATR kinase-dependent manner by hydroxyurea-enhanced protein-protein interactions and timely removes PCNA from stalled forks for RAD51 recruitment. Consistent with the role of RAD51 in fork regression, ATAD5 depletion inhibits slowdown of fork progression and native 5-bromo-2ʹ-deoxyuridine signal induced by hydroxyurea. Single-molecule FRET showed that PCNA itself acts as a mechanical barrier to fork regression. Consequently, DNA breaks required for fork restart are reduced by ATAD5 depletion. Collectively, our results suggest an important role of ATAD5 in maintaining genome integrity during replication stress.
The upper-airway microbiota and loss of asthma control among asthmatic children
Authors: Zhou Yanjiao , Jackson Daniel , Bacharier Leonard B. , Mauger David , Boushey Homer , Castro Mario , Durack Juliana , Huang Yvonne , Lemanske Robert F. , Storch Gregory A. , Weinstock George M. , Wylie Kristine , Covar Ronina , Fitzpatrick Anne M. , Phipatanakul Wanda , Robison Rachel G. , Beigelman Avraham
Published: December 2019

The airway microbiome has an important role in asthma pathophysiology. However, little is known on the relationships between the airway microbiome of asthmatic children, loss of asthma control, and severe exacerbations. Here we report that the microbiota’s dynamic patterns and compositions are related to asthma exacerbations. We collected nasal blow samples (n = 319) longitudinally during a clinical trial at 2 time-points within one year: randomization when asthma is under control, and at time of early loss of asthma control (yellow zone (YZ)). We report that participants whose microbiota was dominated by the commensal Corynebacterium + Dolosigranulum cluster at RD experience the lowest rates of YZs (p = 0.005) and have longer time to develop at least 2 episodes of YZ (p = 0.03). The airway microbiota have changed from randomization to YZ. A switch from the Corynebacterium + Dolosigranulum cluster at randomization to the Moraxella- cluster at YZ poses the highest risk of severe asthma exacerbation (p = 0.04). Corynebacterium’s relative abundance at YZ is inversely associated with severe exacerbation (p = 0.002).
Droplet Tn-Seq combines microfluidics with Tn-Seq for identifying complex single-cell phenotypes
Authors: Thibault Derek , Jensen Paul A. , Wood Stephen , Qabar Christine , Clark Stacie , Shainheit Mara G. , Isberg Ralph R. , van Opijnen Tim
Published: December 2019

While Tn-Seq is a powerful tool to determine genome-wide bacterial fitness in high-throughput, culturing transposon-mutant libraries in pools can mask community or other complex single-cell phenotypes. Droplet Tn-Seq (dTn-Seq) solves this problem by microfluidics facilitated encapsulation of individual transposon mutants into growth medium-in-oil droplets, thereby enabling isolated growth, free from the influence of the population. Here we describe and validate microfluidic chip design, production, encapsulation, and dTn-Seq sample preparation. We determine that 1–3% of mutants in Streptococcus pneumoniae have a different fitness when grown in isolation and show how dTn-Seq can help identify leads for gene function, including those involved in hyper-competence, processing of alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, sensitivity against the human leukocyte elastase and microcolony formation. Additionally, we show dTn-Seq compatibility with microscopy, FACS and investigations of bacterial cell-to-cell and bacteria-host cell interactions. dTn-Seq reduces costs and retains the advantages of Tn-Seq, while expanding the method’s original applicability.
The role of prefrontal cortex in the control of feature attention in area V4
Authors: Bichot Narcisse P. , Xu Rui , Ghadooshahy Azriel , Williams Michael L. , Desimone Robert
Published: December 2019

When searching for an object in a cluttered scene, we can use our memory of the target object features to guide our search, and the responses of neurons in multiple cortical visual areas are enhanced when their receptive field contains a stimulus sharing target object features. Here we tested the role of the ventral prearcuate region (VPA) of prefrontal cortex in the control of feature attention in cortical visual area V4. VPA was unilaterally inactivated in monkeys performing a free-viewing visual search for a target stimulus in an array of stimuli, impairing monkeys’ ability to find the target in the array in the affected hemifield, but leaving intact their ability to make saccades to targets presented alone. Simultaneous recordings in V4 revealed that the effects of feature attention on V4 responses were eliminated or greatly reduced while leaving the effects of spatial attention on responses intact. Altogether, the results suggest that feedback from VPA modulates processing in visual cortex during attention to object features.
Predicting quality and quantity of water used by urban households based on tap water service
Authors: Jeandron Aurelie , Cumming Oliver , Kapepula Lumami , Cousens Simon
Published: December 2019

Despite significant progress in improving access to safe water globally, inadequate access remains a major public health concern in low- and middle-income countries. We collected data on the bacterial quality of stored drinking water and the quantity of water used domestically from 416 households in Uvira, Democratic Republic of the Congo. An indicator of tap water availability was constructed using invoices from 3685 georeferenced piped water connections. We examined how well this indicator predicts the probability that a household’s stored drinking water is contaminated with Escherichia coli, and the total amount of water used at home daily, accounting for distance from alternative surface water sources. Probability of drinking water contamination is predicted with good discrimination overall, and very good discrimination for poorer households. More than 80% of the households are predicted to store contaminated drinking water in areas closest to the rivers and with the worst tap water service, where river water is also the most likely reported source of drinking water. A model including household composition predicts nearly two-thirds of the variability in the reported quantity of water used daily at home. Households located near surface water and with a poor tap water service indicator are more likely to use water directly at the source. Our results provide valuable information that supports an ongoing large-scale investment in water supply infrastructure in Uvira designed to reduce the high burden of cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases. This approach may be useful in other urban settings with limited water supply access.
Comparison of three models fitting the soil water retention curves in a degraded alpine meadow region
Authors: Pan Tao , Hou Shuai , Liu Yujie , Tan Qinghua
Published: December 2019

Soil water retention curve (SWRC) plays an important role in simulating soil water movement and assessing soil water holding capacity and availability. Comparison of fitness between different models to determine the best SWRC model of specific regions is required. In this study, three popular models, van Genuchten, Brooks Corey and Gardner model, were selected for comparing in a degraded alpine meadow region on the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Fitness, error distribution along with key parameters were compared. For each soil horizon, the soil moisture content at all soil water potentials decreased consistently with degradation, thereby integrally moving the SWRCs of all soil depths downward with degradation. The differences in SWRCs across various degradation degrees diminished along with soil depth and soil water potential. The Adj.r2 values of van Genuchten, Brooks Corey and Gardner models ranged in 0.971–0.995, 0.958–0.997, and 0.688–0.909, respectively. The van Genuchten and Brooks Corey models significantly (p < 0.05) outperformed the Gardner model, and have no significant differences in fitness. The fitness of all three models showed no significant changes with degradation. Regardless of degradation degree and soil depth, the fitting error of van Genuchten and Brooks Corey models was mainly distributed in the higher (from –100 hPa to –500 hPa) and lower (below –10000 hPa) potential sections. With regard to the parameters of van Genuchten and Brooks Corey models, the field capacity (θs), and permanent wilting moisture were highly coherent with Adj.r2 values of higher than 0.98, while the curve shape parameter (θr), and air entry pressure of the Brooks Corey model were much lower than those of the van Genuchten model with Adj.r2 values of lower than 0.91. The SWRCs with varying degrees of degradation are best fitted by both van Genuchten and Brooks Corey models but cannot be fitted by Gardner model. Soil water holding capacity decreased with degradation especially in the top soil (0 cm to 30 cm), but the curve shape of all SWRCs did not change significantly with degradation.
Vinculins interaction with talin is essential for mammary epithelial differentiation
Authors: Wang Pengbo , Wu Jian , Wood Amber , Jones Matthew , Pedley Robert , Li Weiping , Ross Robert S. , Ballestrem Christoph , Gilmore Andrew P. , Streuli Charles H.
Published: December 2019

Vinculin is an essential component of cell adhesion complexes, where it regulates the strength and stability of adhesions. Whilst the role of vinculin in cell motility is well established, it remains unclear how vinculin contributes to other aspects of tissue function. Here we examine the role of vinculin in mammary epithelial cell phenotype. In these cells, correct adhesion to the extracellular matrix is essential for both the formation of polarised secretory acini and for the transcription of tissue-specific milk protein genes. We show that vinculin, through its interaction with talin, controls milk protein gene expression. However, vinculin is not required for the formation of polarised acini. This work reveals new roles for vinculin that are central to cellular differentiation, and for the ability of cells to interpret their extracellular microenvironment.
Burn-related Collagen Conformational Changes in ex vivo Porcine Skin using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Ye Hanglin , Rahul  , Kruger Uwe , Wang Tianmeng , Shi Sufei , Norfleet Jack , De Suvranu
Published: December 2019

This study utilizes Raman spectroscopy to analyze the burn-induced collagen conformational changes in ex vivo porcine skin tissue. Raman spectra of wavenumbers 500–2000 cm−1 were measured for unburnt skin as well as four different burn conditions: (i) 200 °F for 10 s, (ii) 200 °F for the 30 s, (iii) 450 °F for 10 s and (iv) 450 °F for 30 s. The overall spectra reveal that protein and amino acids-related bands have manifested structural changes including the destruction of protein-related functional groups, and transformation from α-helical to disordered structures which are correlated with increasing burn severity. The deconvolution of the amide I region (1580–1720 cm−1) and the analysis of the sub-bands reveal a change of the secondary structure of the collagen from the α-like helix dominated to the β-aggregate dominated one. Such conformational changes may explain the softening of mechanical response in burnt tissues reported in the literature.
Assessing average somatic CAG repeat instability at the protein level
Authors: Aviolat Hubert , Pinto Ricardo Mouro , Godschall Elizabeth , Murtha Ryan , Richey Hannah E. , Sapp Ellen , Vodicka Petr , Wheeler Vanessa C. , Kegel-Gleason Kimberly B. , DiFiglia Marian
Published: December 2019

Sandwich ELISA-based methods use Abs that target the expanded polyglutamine (polyQ) tract to quantify mutant huntingtin (mHTT). Using Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) assay, the mHTT signal detected with MW1 Ab correlated with polyQ length and doubled with a difference of only 7 glutamine residues between equivalent amounts of purified mHTTexon1 proteins. Similar polyQ length-dependent effects on MSD signals were confirmed using endogenous full length mHTT from brains of Huntington’s disease (HD) knock-in (KI) mice. We used this avidity bias to devise a method to assess average CAG repeat instability at the protein level in a mixed population of HTT proteins present in tissues. Signal detected for average polyQ length quantification at the protein level by our method exhibited a strong correlation with average CAG repeat length at the genomic DNA level determined by PCR method in striatal tissue homogenates from HdhQ140 KI mice and in human HD postmortem cortex. This work establishes that CAG repeat instability in mutant HTT is reflected at the protein level.
Optimized Isolation of Extracellular Vesicles From Various Organic Sources Using Aqueous Two-Phase System
Authors: Kırbaş Oğuz Kaan , Bozkurt Batuhan Turhan , Asutay Ayla Burçin , Mat Beyza , Ozdemir Bihter , Öztürkoğlu Dilek , Ölmez Hülya , İşlek Zeynep , Şahin Fikrettin , Taşlı Pakize Neslihan
Published: December 2019

From biomarkers to drug carriers, Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are being used successfully in numerous applications. However, while the subject has been steadily rising in popularity, current methods of isolating EVs are lagging behind, incapable of isolating EVs at a high enough quantity or quality while also requiring expensive, specialized equipment. The “isolation problem” is one of the major obstacles in the field of EV research - and even more so for their potential, widespread use for clinical diagnosis and therapeutic applications. Aqueous Two-Phase Systems (ATPS) has been reported previously as a promising method for isolating EVs quickly and efficiently, and with little contaminants - however, this method has not seen widespread use. In this study, an ATPS-based isolation protocol is used to isolate small EVs from plant, cell culture, and parasite culture sources. Isolated EVs were characterized in surface markers, size, and morphological manner. Additionally, the capacity of ATPS-based EV isolation in removing different contaminants was shown by measuring protein, fatty acid, acid, and phenol red levels of the final isolate. In conclusion, we have shown that EVs originating from different biological sources can be isolated successfully in a cost-effective and user-friendly manner with the use of aqueous two-phase systems.
The pitfalls of biodiversity proxies: Differences in richness patterns of birds, trees and understudied diversity across Amazonia
Authors: Ritter Camila D. , Faurby Søren , Bennett Dominic J. , Naka Luciano N. , ter Steege Hans , Zizka Alexander , Haenel Quiterie , Nilsson R. Henrik , Antonelli Alexandre
Published: December 2019

Most knowledge on biodiversity derives from the study of charismatic macro-organisms, such as birds and trees. However, the diversity of micro-organisms constitutes the majority of all life forms on Earth. Here, we ask if the patterns of richness inferred for macro-organisms are similar for micro-organisms. For this, we barcoded samples of soil, litter and insects from four localities on a west-to-east transect across Amazonia. We quantified richness as Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) in those samples using three molecular markers. We then compared OTU richness with species richness of two relatively well-studied organism groups in Amazonia: trees and birds. We find that OTU richness shows a declining west-to-east diversity gradient that is in agreement with the species richness patterns documented here and previously for birds and trees. These results suggest that most taxonomic groups respond to the same overall diversity gradients at large spatial scales. However, our results show a different pattern of richness in relation to habitat types, suggesting that the idiosyncrasies of each taxonomic group and peculiarities of the local environment frequently override large-scale diversity gradients. Our findings caution against using the diversity distribution of one taxonomic group as an indication of patterns of richness across all groups.
Scalable collective Lamb shift of a 1D superconducting qubit array in front of a mirror
Authors: Lin Kuan-Ting , Hsu Ting , Lee Chen-Yu , Hoi Io-Chun , Lin Guin-Dar
Published: December 2019

We theoretically investigate resonant dipole-dipole interaction (RDDI) between artificial atoms in a 1D geometry, implemented by N transmon qubits coupled through a transmission line. Similar to the atomic cases, RDDI comes from exchange of virtual photons of the continuous modes, and causes the so-called collective Lamb shift (CLS). To probe the shift, we effectively set one end of the transmission line as a mirror, and examine the reflection spectrum of the probe field from the other end. Our calculation shows that when a qubit is placed at the node of the standing wave formed by the incident and reflected waves, even though it is considered to be decoupled from the field, it results in large energy splitting in the spectral profile of a resonant qubit located at an antinode. This directly implies the interplay of virtual photon processes and explicitly signals the CLS. We further derive a master equation to describe the system, which can take into account mismatch of participating qubits and dephasing effects. Our calculation also demonstrates the superradiant and subradiant nature of the atomic states, and how the CLS scales when more qubits are involved.
Ten–Second Electrophysiology: Evaluation of the 3DEP Platform for high-speed, high-accuracy cell analysis
Authors: Hoettges Kai F. , Henslee Erin A. , Torcal Serrano Ruth M. , Jabr Rita I. , Abdallat Rula G. , Beale Andrew D. , Waheed Abdul , Camelliti Patrizia , Fry Christopher H. , van der Veen Daan R. , Labeed Fatima H. , Hughes Michael P.
Published: December 2019

Electrical correlates of the physiological state of a cell, such as membrane conductance and capacitance, as well as cytoplasm conductivity, contain vital information about cellular function, ion transport across the membrane, and propagation of electrical signals. They are, however, difficult to measure; gold-standard techniques are typically unable to measure more than a few cells per day, making widespread adoption difficult and limiting statistical reproducibility. We have developed a dielectrophoretic platform using a disposable 3D electrode geometry that accurately (r2 > 0.99) measures mean electrical properties of populations of ~20,000 cells, by taking parallel ensemble measurements of cells at 20 frequencies up to 45 MHz, in (typically) ten seconds. This allows acquisition of ultra-high-resolution (100-point) DEP spectra in under two minutes. Data acquired from a wide range of cells – from platelets to large cardiac cells - benchmark well with patch-clamp-data. These advantages are collectively demonstrated in a longitudinal (same-animal) study of rapidly-changing phenomena such as ultradian (2–3 hour) rhythmicity in whole blood samples of the common vole (Microtus arvalis), taken from 10 µl tail-nick blood samples and avoiding sacrifice of the animal that is typically required in these studies.
Schisandrin A protects intestinal epithelial cells from deoxynivalenol-induced cytotoxicity, oxidative damage and inflammation
Authors: Wan Murphy L. Y. , Turner Paul C. , Co Vanessa A. , Wang M. F. , Amiri Khaled M. A. , El-Nezami Hani
Published: December 2019

Extensive research has revealed the association of continued oxidative stress with chronic inflammation, which could subsequently affect many different chronic diseases. The mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) frequently contaminates cereals crops worldwide, and are a public health concern since DON ingestion may result in persistent intestinal inflammation. There has also been considerable attention over the potential of DON to provoke oxidative stress. In this study, the cytoprotective effect of Schisandrin A (Sch A), one of the most abundant active dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans in the fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill (also known as Chinese magnolia-vine), was investigated in HT-29 cells against DON-induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and inflammation. Sch A appeared to protect against DON-induced cytotoxicity in HT-29 cells, and significantly lessened the DON-stimulated intracellular reactive oxygen species and nitrogen oxidative species production. Furthermore, Sch A lowered DON-induced catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase antioxidant enzyme activities but maintains glutathione S transferase activity and glutathione levels. Mechanistic studies suggest that Sch A reduced DON-induced oxidative stress by down-regulating heme oxygenase-1 expression via nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 signalling pathway. In addition, Sch A decreased the DON-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression and prostaglandin E2 production and pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 8 expression and secretion. This may be mediated by preventing DON-induced translocation of nuclear factor-κB, as well as activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases pathways. In the light of these findings, we concluded that Sch A exerted a cytoprotective role in DON-induced toxicity in vitro, and it would be valuable to examine in vivo effects.
Global Corticospinal Excitability as Assessed in A Non-Exercised Upper Limb Muscle Compared Between Concentric and Eccentric Modes of Leg Cycling
Authors: Walsh Joel A. , Stapley Paul J. , Shemmell Jonathan B. H. , Lepers Romuald , McAndrew Darryl J.
Published: December 2019

This study investigated the effects of eccentric (ECC) and concentric (CON) semi-recumbent leg cycling on global corticospinal excitability (CSE), assessed through the activity of a non-exercised hand muscle. Thirteen healthy male adults completed two 30-min bouts of moderate intensity ECC and CON recumbent cycling on separate days. Power output (POutput), heart rate (HR) and cadence were monitored during cycling. Global CSE was assessed using transcranial magnetic stimulation to elicit motor-evoked potentials (MEP) in the right first dorsal interosseous muscle before (‘Pre’), interleaved (at 10 and 20 mins, t10 and t20, respectively), immediately after (post, P0), and 30-min post exercise (P30). Participants briefly stopped pedalling (no more than 60 s) while stimulation was applied at the t10 and t20 time-points of cycling. Mean POutput, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) did not differ between ECC and CON cycling and HR was significantly lower during ECC cycling (P = 0.01). Group mean MEP amplitudes were not significantly different between ECC and CON cycling at P0, t10, t20, and P30 and CON (at P > 0.05). Individual participant ratios of POutput and MEP amplitude showed large variability across the two modes of cycling, as did changes in slope of stimulus-response curves. These results suggest that compared to ‘Pre’ values, group mean CSE is not significantly affected by low-moderate intensity leg cycling in both modes. However, POutput and CSE show wide inter-participant variability which has implications for individual neural responses to CON and ECC cycling and rates of adaptation to a novel (ECC) mode. The study of CSE should therefore be analysed for each participant individually in relation to relevant physiological variables and account for familiarisation to semi-recumbent ECC leg cycling.
A dual-channel self-calibrating multi-parameter sensor for lung cancer-related exhaled marker rapid identification
Authors: Xu Yonghong , Jiang Jihong , Bu Huimin , Zhu Pengcheng , Jiang Jiebang , Wu Yejiao , Li Rongpeng
Published: December 2019

Lung cancer remains the leading cancer killer worldwide.
Monitoring the effect of therapeutic doses of gamma irradiation on medulloblastoma by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Surmacki Jakub Maciej
Published: December 2019

The effect of therapeutic doses of gamma irradiation on medulloblastoma can be determined by Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence imaging.
Hierarchically structured hydrogels utilizing multifunctional assembling peptides for 3D cell culture
Authors: Hilderbrand Amber M. , Ford Eden M. , Guo Chen , Sloppy Jennifer D. , Kloxin April M.
Published: December 2019

Synthetic multifunctional assembling peptides were designed to mimic the structure of collagen and allow independent control of hydrogel mechanical and biochemical properties through covalent crosslinking, enabling long-term in vitro 3D cell culture.
The effect of Mn on the performance of MCF-supported highly dispersed iron catalysts for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis
Authors: Huang Siyuan , Liu Chengchao , Chen Yao , Hong Jingping , Zhao Yanxi , Zhang Yuhua , Li Jinlin
Published: December 2019

MCF supported iron catalysts with high loading (30%) and high dispersion were prepared. The Mn promoter influenced the reducibility and carbonization of supported iron catalysts. Higher C5+ selectivity was achieved by appropriate Mn promotion.
Sulfur vacancy-tailored NiCo2S4 nanosheet arrays for the hydrogen evolution reaction at all pH values
Authors: Guo Xiaoliang , Liu Zhiming , Liu Fang , Zhang Jun , Zheng Lekai , Hu Yongchuan , Mao Jing , Liu Hui , Xue Yanming , Tang Chengchun
Published: December 2019

Sulfur vacancy-tailored NiCo2S4 nanosheet arrays as efficient electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction at all pH values.
An atomic insight into BiOBr/La2Ti2O7 p–n heterojunctions: interfacial charge transfer pathway and photocatalysis mechanism
Authors: Wu Huizhong , Chen Ruimin , Wang Hong , Cui Wen , Li Jieyuan , Wang Jiadong , Yuan Chaowei , Zhuo Lin , Zhang Yuxin , Dong Fan
Published: December 2019

Mechanisms of the enhancement photocatalytic activity of p–n heterojunction BiOBr/La2Ti2O7 and photocatalytic NO oxidation are proposed.
Solid state characterization of oxidized actinides co-crystallized with uranyl nitrate hexahydrate
Authors: Einkauf Jeffrey D. , Burns Jonathan D.
Published: December 2019

Characterization of the penta- and hexavalent dioxo cations of NpO2+, NpO22+, PuO22+, and AmO22+ has been carried out by diffuse reflectance UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy, with the first observations of NpO2+, NpO22+, and AmO22+ in the solid state.
The effect of regular consumption of lupin-containing foods on glycaemic control and blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ward Natalie C. , Mori Trevor A. , Beilin Lawrence J. , Johnson Stuart , Williams Carolyn , Gan Seng Khee , Puddey Ian B. , Woodman Richard , Phillips Michael , Connolly Emma , Hodgson Jonathan M.
Published: December 2019

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by high glucose and insulin resistance.
Broad-spectrum antitumor properties of Withaferin A: a proteomic perspective
Authors: Dom Martin , Vanden Berghe Wim , Van Ostade Xaveer
Published: December 2019

A review discussing the broad-spectrum antitumor properties of the natural steroid Withaferin A based on the binding with its true cancer protein targets: a defined stress dependent and stress independent mode of action.
Scaffold-hopping as a strategy to address metabolic liabilities of aromatic compounds
Authors: Lazzara Phillip R. , Moore Terry W.
Published: December 2019

Mitigating oxidative drug metabolism is an important component of lead optimization. This review focuses on scaffold-hopping strategies used in the recent medicinal chemistry literature to address metabolic liabilities of aromatic compounds.
Meridianin D analogues possess antibiofilm activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Brackett Sara M. , Cox Karlie E. , Barlock Samantha L. , Huggins William M. , Ackart David F. , Bassaraba Randall J. , Melander Roberta J. , Melander Christian
Published: December 2019

This study identifies analogues of the natural product meridianin D that display increased ability to inhibit and disperse Mycobacterium smegmatis biofilms.
Discovery of isoxazolyl-based inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum cGMP-dependent protein kinase
Authors: Mahmood Shams Ul , Cheng Huimin , Tummalapalli Sreedhar R. , Chakrasali Ramappa , Yadav Bheemanaboina Rammohan R. , Kreiss Tamara , Chojnowski Agnieska , Eck Tyler , Siekierka John J. , Rotella David P.
Published: December 2019

The cGMP-dependent protein kinase in Plasmodium falciparum (PfPKG) plays multiple roles in the life cycle of the parasite.
NiMn compound nanosheets for electrocatalytic water oxidation: effects of atomic structures and oxidation states
Authors: Chen Zhuwen , Wang Zheng , Cai Rongming , Xie Yangshan , Yu Jun , Long Xia , Yang Bo , Yang Shihe
Published: December 2019

Layered Mn-compounds with abundant catalytic active sites and fast charge transfer properties exhibit advanced OER performances.
ortho-Substituted lipidated Brartemicin derivative shows promising Mincle-mediated adjuvant activity
Authors: Foster Amy J. , Kodar Kristel , Timmer Mattie S. M. , Stocker Bridget L.
Published: December 2019

Structure activity relationship studies of lipidated Brartemicin analogues have revealed the potent adjuvant activity ofortho-substituted Brartemicin analogue5a, which was better than that ofp-OC18(5c) and C18dMeBrar (4).
A new tandem synthesis of bis(β,β′-dialkoxy carbonyl) compounds by oxidative cleavage of aziridines under metal-free conditions
Authors: Samanta Satyajit , Santra Sougata , Chatterjee Rana , Majee Adinath
Published: December 2019

One-pot synthesis of bis(β,β′-dialkoxy carbonyl) derivatives has been reported by the oxidative cleavage of aziridines.
RAFT coupling chemistry: a general approach for post-functionalizing molecularly imprinted polymers synthesized by radical polymerization
Authors: Montagna Valentina , Haupt Karsten , Gonzato Carlo
Published: December 2019

Herein we describe a straightforward protocol for the surface functionalization of free-radically synthesized imprinted nanoparticles via polymer grafting.
A step forward in the development of superoxide dismutase mimetic nanozymes: the effect of the charge of the surface on antioxidant activity
Authors: Martínez-Camarena Álvaro , Llinares José M. , Domenech-Carbó Antonio , Alarcón Javier , García-España Enrique
Published: December 2019

Binuclear Cu2+ complexes of a pyridinophane polyamine ligand grafted to boehmite nanoparticles show a remarkable increase in SOD activity, which can be ascribed to the positive ζ-potential of the nanoparticles.
Co2+ detection, cell imaging, and temperature sensing based on excitation-independent green-fluorescent N-doped carbon dots
Authors: Shi Lihong , Chang Dan , Zhang Guomei , Zhang Caihong , Zhang Yan , Dong Chuan , Chu Lanling , Shuang Shaomin
Published: December 2019

Green-fluorescent N-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) have been successfully fabricated using hydrothermal treatment of tyrosine and urea.
N-Directed fluorination of unactivated Csp3–H bonds
Authors: Pinter Emily N. , Bingham Jenna E. , AbuSalim Deyaa I. , Cook Silas P.
Published: December 2019

By converting primary amines to adamantoyl-based fluoroamides, site-selective C–H fluorination proceeds under the influence of a simple iron catalyst in 20 minutes.
Co9S8 integrated into nitrogen/sulfur dual-doped carbon nanofibers as an efficient oxygen bifunctional electrocatalyst for Zn–air batteries
Authors: Zheng Weiwei , Lv Jiangquan , Zhang Huabin , Zhang Hai-Xia , Zhang Jian
Published: December 2019

Co9S8/NSC nanofibers obtained by an electrospinning method with subsequent thermal annealing can be used as an oxygen bifunctional electrocatalyst for Zn–air batteries.
Simple sugars shape giant vesicles into multispheres with many membrane necks
Authors: Bhatia Tripta , Christ Simon , Steinkühler Jan , Dimova Rumiana , Lipowsky Reinhard
Published: December 2019

A lipid vesicle exposed to an interior sucrose and an exterior glucose solution can attain a variety of multispherical shapes with different numbers of large and small spheres. For each shape, all spheres are connected by narrow membrane necks.
Viscoelasticity in associating oligomers and polymers: experimental test of the bond lifetime renormalization model
Authors: Ge Sirui , Tress Martin , Xing Kunyue , Cao Peng-Fei , Saito Tomonori , Sokolov Alexei P.
Published: December 2019

Recently found deviations of the association bond lifetime and the mechanical relaxation in associating polymers contradict past theories while the bond lifetime renormalization provides a quantitative explanation.
Active rotational dynamics of a self-diffusiophoretic colloidal motor
Authors: Reigh Shang Yik , Huang Mu-Jie , Löwen Hartmut , Lauga Eric , Kapral Raymond
Published: December 2019

The dynamics of a spherical chemically-powered synthetic colloidal motor that operates by a self-diffusiophoretic mechanism and has a catalytic domain of arbitrary shape is studied using both continuum theory and particle-based simulations.
Influence of Ti3+ defect-type on heterogeneous photocatalytic H2 evolution activity of TiO2
Authors: Mohajernia Shiva , Andryskova Pavlina , Zoppellaro Giorgio , Hejazi Seyedsina , Kment Stepan , Zboril Radek , Schmidt Jochen , Schmuki Patrik
Published: December 2019

Surface exposed Ti3+ and lattice embedded Ti3+ in an optimum ratio is the determining factor for optimized photocatalytic H2 evolution.
Carbon nanotube yarn based thermoelectric textiles for harvesting thermal energy and powering electronics
Authors: Zheng Yuanyuan , Zhang Qihao , Jin Wenlong , Jing Yuanyuan , Chen Xinyi , Han Xue , Bao Qinye , Liu Yanping , Wang Xinhou , Wang Shiren , Qiu Yiping , Di Chong-an , Zhang Kun
Published: December 2019

We explore the fabric structural effect of thermoelectric textiles on power generation and achieve high power density for practical applications.
Amorphous Ti(iv)-modified flower-like ZnIn2S4 microspheres with enhanced hydrogen evolution photocatalytic activity and simultaneous wastewater purification
Authors: Ma Ge , Shang Chaoqun , Jin Mingliang , Shui Lingling , Meng Qingguo , Zhang Yongguang , Zhang Zhang , Liao Hua , Li Ming , Chen Zhihong , Yuan Mingzhe , Wang Xin , Wang Chuanyi , Zhou Guofu
Published: December 2019

In this work, a series of Ti(iv)/ZnIn2S4 composite photocatalysts were demonstrated by a facile two-step method.
The effects of varying depth in cosmic shear surveys
Authors: Heydenreich Sven , Schneider Peter , Hildebrandt Hendrik , Asgari Marika , Heymans Catherine , Joachimi Benjamin , Kuijken Konrad , Lin Chieh-An , Tröster Tilman , van den Busch Jan Luca
Published: December 2019

We present a semi-analytic model for the shear two-point correlation function of a cosmic shear survey with non-uniform depth. Ground-based surveys are subject to depth variations that primarily arise through varying atmospheric conditions. For a survey like the Kilo-Degree Survey (KiDS), we find that the measured depth variation increases the amplitude of the observed shear correlation function at the level of a few percent out to degree-scales, relative to the assumed uniform-depth case. The impact on the inferred cosmological parameters is shown to be insignificant for a KiDS-like survey. For next-generation cosmic shear experiments, however, we conclude that variable depth should be accounted for.
Estimation of maximum loads of residential electricity users
Authors: Bielecki Siawomir
Published: December 2019

The subject matter of coefficient factors is not a frequent object of analysis in the scientific literature. However, because of the use of this term in engineering tasks and because of the constantly changing manner of energy use (resulting from the dissemination of new appliances), there is a need for current analysis and possible revision of the approach based on coefficient factors. The aim of the paper is to compare currently recommended values of this coefficient in the task of estimating the peak output of installations on the example of standards applied in Poland. On the basis of smart metering data and statistical methods, coefficient factors for residential consumers supplied from the municipal distribution network were determined. The results were compared with the currently applied values in accordance with the industry standard issued by the Association of Polish Electrical Engineers (standard N SEP-E-002).
Experimental and numerical tip leakage flow visualization in the LP turbine labyrinth seal
Authors: Bochon Krzysztof , Wrόblewski Włodzimierz , Szymański Artur , Majkut Mirosiaw , Strozik Michał , Marugi Krzysztof
Published: December 2019

The subject of this publication is the identification of basic flow parameters and flow structures in the seal experimentally and compare them with CFD results. A straight-through seal with two leaning fins and smooth or honeycomb land was analysed. The sealing concept is characteristic for the tip seal of the last stage of an aircraft low-pressure turbine. Due to the limitations of the test rig the analyses presented here were conducted on a highly simplified, stationary model of the seal itself, with an axial inflow and no curvature in the circumferential direction. The characteristics of the discharge coefficient as a function of the pressure ratio for different clearances and the pressure distribution along the seal, for different pressure ratios are presented. In addition, an attempt was made to visualize the flow using the schlieren technique. The main idea of application schlieren photography was to observe the vortex and separation structures occurring during the flow through the labyrinth seal, which is the major source of pressure losses. CFD calculations were carried out using the Ansys CFX commercial code.
Pump cavitation in feed water systems - remedies
Authors: Karaśkiewicz Krzysztof
Published: December 2019

The Net Positive Suction Head incipient is a multiple of the Net Positive Suction Head Required in centrifugal pumps. With limited static heads of the feedwater systems, the suction impellers of the feed pumps work in cavitation. The article discusses the ways to deal with the problem of cavitation in such systems.
Evaluation of electricity generation subsystem of Power-to-Gas-to-Power unit using gas expander and heat recovery steam generator
Authors: Katla Daria , Bartela Łukasz , Skorek-Osikowska Anna
Published: December 2019

In the last years, the European energy policy has required to increase the share of renewable energy sources in the national energy systems. It is important to diversify the energy system not to bring about a global crisis resulting from the fundamental lack of electricity. Unfortunately renewable sources are unstable and generate several problems during integration with the power grid. The solution is to store additional energy produced from renewable sources. In this way, energy can be used when there is a need. The paper discusses the study of the Power-to-Gas-to-Power installation using electrolysis and methanation processes at the energy storage stage and gas expanders during energy discharges. In addition, a part of the Heat Recovery Steam Generation installation has been implemented. The purpose of the work was to determine the impact of a given Heat Recovery Steam Generation installation on the efficiency of the entire installation and flue gas temperature at the outlet from Heat Recovery Steam Generator.
Thermodynamic analysis of the Compressed Air Energy Storage system coupled with the Underground Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Hyrzyński Rafał , Ziółkowski Paweł , Gotzman Sylwia , Kraszewski Bartosz , Badur Janusz
Published: December 2019

Improvement of flexibility is one of the key challenges for the transformation of the Polish Power System aiming at a high share of renewable energy in electricity generation. Flexible and dispatchable power plants will contribute to this ongoing transformation process as they compensate for fluctuations in electricity generation from renewable energy sources such as wind and photovoltaics. In this context, CAES storage tanks are currently the only alternative to storage facilities using pumped-storage hydroelectricity due to the possibility of obtaining the appropriate energy capacity of the storage facility. However, a relative disadvantage of these plants is the heat loss caused by the cooling of the air after compression. The basic elements of the CAES warehouse are: an air compression station, a compressed air reservoir that is also a storage facility (in the existing solutions, these are underground caverns), an expansion station with combustion chambers and gas turbines, and a generator. A key aspect of CAES is the optimal configuration of the thermodynamic cycle. In this paper, the situation of cooperation between the current conventional power plants and wind farms is first analysed, and then, based on thermodynamic models, the process of storing thermal and electrical energy in the CAES system coupled with heat recovery after the gas turbine is analysed. A solution with a ground heat exchanger was also proposed, as the soil, due to its properties, may serve as a thermal energy storage. The paper also analyzes the discharge of the heat storage based on CFD approaches. The ground can be charged during the cooling down of the compressed air. On the other hand, thermal energy was recovered when water flowing to the heat customers was heated. On the basis of non-stationary calculations, the heat stream received from the underground thermal energy storage was estimated.
Applications of distributed opto-electronic sensing technologies in geotechnical engineering monitoring
Authors: Zhao Maocai , Kudryavtsev Sergey , Bugunov Semen , Shemyakin Vyacheslav , Bugunova Yuliya
Published: December 2019

This paper summarizes the application status of distributed optical fiber sensing technology in the main fields of geotechnical engineering monitoring in China and Far Eastern Russia, including pile foundation engineering, foundation pit engineering, slope engineering, tunnel and bridge engineering monitoring.