bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual targeting of IGF-1R and ErbB3 as a potential therapeutic regimen for ovarian cancer
Authors: Camblin Adam J. , Tan Gege , Curley Michael D. , Yannatos Isabel , Iadevaia Sergio , Rimkunas Victoria , Mino-Kenudson Mari , Bloom Troy , Schoeberl Birgit , Drummond Daryl C. , Lugovskoy Alexey A. , Louis Chrystal U. , Askoxylakis Vasileios
Published: November 2019

Therapeutically targeting receptor tyrosine kinases has proven to be paramount to overcoming chemotherapy resistance in several cancer indications, improving patient outcomes. Insulin-Like Growth Factor Receptor 1 (IGF-1R) and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 3 (ErbB3) have been implicated as two such drivers of resistance, however their simultaneous role in ovarian cancer chemotherapy resistance remains poorly elucidated. The aim of this work is to determine the effects of dual IGF-1R/ErbB3 inhibition on ovarian cancer cell signaling, growth, and in vivo efficacy. Assessment of in vitro chemotherapy response across a panel of ovarian cancer cell lines revealed that increased IGF-1R cell surface expression correlates with decreased sensitivity to chemotherapy, and that growth induced by IGF-1R and ErbB3 ligands is blocked by the tetravalent bispecific antibody targeting IGF-1R and ErbB3, istiratumab. In vitro chemotherapy treatment increased ovarian cancer cell line capacity to activate prosurvival PI3K signaling in response to ligand, which could be prevented with istiratumab treatment. Furthermore, in vivo efficacy of standard of care chemotherapies using a xenograft model of ovarian cancer was potentiated with istiratumab. Our results suggest a role for IGF-1R and ErbB3 in driving chemotherapy resistance of ovarian cancer.
Small vertebrates running on uneven terrain: a biomechanical study of two differently specialised lacertid lizards
Authors: Druelle François , Goyens Jana , Vasilopoulou-Kampitsi Menelia , Aerts Peter
Published: November 2019

While running, small animals frequently encounter large terrain variations relative to their body size, therefore, terrain variations impose important functional demands on small animals. Nonetheless, we have previously observed in lizards that running specialists can maintain a surprisingly good running performance on very uneven terrains. The relatively large terrain variations are offset by their capacity for leg adjustability that ensures a ‘smooth ride’ of the centre of mass (CoM). The question as to how the effect of an uneven terrain on running performance and locomotor costs differs between species exhibiting diverse body build and locomotor specializations remains. We hypothesise that specialized runners with long hind limbs can cross uneven terrain more efficiently than specialized climbers with a dorso-ventrally flattened body and equally short fore and hind limbs. This study reports 3D kinematics using high-speed videos (325 Hz) to investigate leg adjustability and CoM movements in two lacertid lizards (Acanthodactylus boskianus, running specialist; Podarcis muralis, climbing specialist). We investigated these parameters while the animals were running on a level surface and over a custom-made uneven terrain. We analysed the CoM dynamics, we evaluated the fluctuations of the positive and negative mechanical energy, and we estimated the overall cost of transport. Firstly, the results reveal that the climbers ran at lower speeds on flat level terrain but had the same cost of transport as the runners. Secondly, contrary to the running specialists, the speed was lower and the energy expenditure higher in the climbing specialists while running on uneven terrain. While leg movements adjust to the substrates’ variations and enhance the stability of the CoM in the running specialist, this is not the case in the climbing specialist. Although their legs are kept more extended, the amplitude of movement does not change, resulting in an increase of the movement of the CoM and a decrease in locomotor efficiency. These results are discussed in light of the respective (micro-)habitat of these species and suggest that energy economy can also be an important factor for small vertebrates.
Multi-technique comparison of atherogenic and MCD NASH models highlights changes in sphingolipid metabolism
Authors: Montandon Sophie A. , Somm Emmanuel , Loizides-Mangold Ursula , de Vito Claudio , Dibner Charna , Jornayvaz François R.
Published: November 2019

Lipotoxicity is a key player in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a progressive subtype of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In the present study, we combine histological, transcriptional and lipidomic approaches to dissociate common and specific alterations induced by two classical dietary NASH models (atherogenic (ATH) and methionine/choline deficient (MCD) diet) in C57BL/6J male mice. Despite a similar degree of steatosis, MCD-fed mice showed more pronounced liver damage and a worsened pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic environment than ATH-fed mice. Regarding lipid metabolism, the ATH diet triggered hepatic counter regulatory mechanisms, while the MCD diet worsened liver lipid accumulation by a concomitant increase in lipid import and reduction in lipid export. Liver lipidomics revealed sphingolipid enrichment in both NASH models that was accompanied by an upregulation of the ceramide biosynthesis pathway and a significant rise in dihydroceramide levels. In contrast, the phospholipid composition was not substantially altered by the ATH diet, whereas the livers of MCD-fed mice presented a reduced phosphatidylcholine to phosphatidylethanolamine (PC/PE) ratio and a strong depletion in phospholipids containing the sum of 34–36 carbons in their fatty acid chains. Therefore, the assessment of liver damage at the histological and transcriptional level combined with a lipidomic analysis reveals sphingolipids as shared mediators in liver lipotoxicity and pathogenesis of NASH.
Biomechanical assessment of remote and postinfarction scar remodeling following myocardial infarction
Authors: Rusu Mihaela , Hilse Katrin , Schuh Alexander , Martin Lukas , Slabu Ioana , Stoppe Christian , Liehn Elisa A.
Published: November 2019

The importance of collagen remodeling following myocardial infarction (MI) is extensively investigated, but little is known on the biomechanical impact of fibrillar collagen on left ventricle post-MI. We aim to identify the significant effects of the biomechanics of types I, III, and V collagen on physio-pathological changes of murine hearts leading to heart failure. Immediately post-MI, heart reduces its function (EF = 40.94 ± 2.12%) while sarcomeres’ dimensions are unchanged. Strikingly, as determined by immunohistochemistry staining, type V collagen fraction significantly grows in remote and scar for sustaining de novo-types I and III collagen fibers’ assembly while hindering their enzymatic degradation. Thereafter, the compensatory heart function (EF = 63.04 ± 3.16%) associates with steady development of types I and III collagen in a stiff remote (12.79 ± 1.09 MPa) and scar (22.40 ± 1.08 MPa). In remote, the soft de novo-type III collagen uncoils preventing further expansion of elongated sarcomeres (2.7 ± 0.3 mm). Once the compensatory mechanisms are surpassed, the increased turnover of stiff type I collagen (>50%) lead to a pseudo-stable biomechanical regime of the heart (≅9 MPa) with reduced EF (50.55 ± 3.25%). These end-characteristics represent the common scenario evidenced in patients suffering from heart failure after MI. Our pre-clinical data advances the understanding of the cause of heart failure induced in patients with extended MI.
Characteristics of medial-lateral postural control while exposed to the external perturbation in step initiation
Authors: Lee Yun-Ju , Liang Jing Nong , Chen Bing , Aruin Alexander S.
Published: November 2019

Controllability of posture in the medial-lateral direction is critical for balance maintenance, particularly in step initiation. The objective of the current study was to examine  the effects of external perturbation and landing orientation on medial-lateral control stability in step initiation. Eleven young healthy participants stood on the force platform and waited for the instruction of taking a step while experiencing a pendulum perturbation applied at the lateral side of the right shoulder. Eight experimental conditions were conducted by two levels of step side (right or left), two levels of perturbation (with or without), and two levels of landing orientation (forward or diagonal). The center of pressure (COP), pelvic movements, and muscle activities were recorded and analyzed as the onset of COP and pelvic movement, the COP displacement, and cocontraction and reciprocal muscle activation pattern. The temporal events of COP and pelvic movement were not significantly different in all experimental conditions. However, COP and pelvic movement were significantly later in the diagonal condition. Most of the segments showed reciprocal muscle activation patterns in relation to the perturbation released time. Subsequently, all segments showed cocontraction muscle activation patterns, which was significantly affected by step side, perturbation, and orientation. The results suggest that how the CNS initiated a step was identical with the COP then pelvic movement. The outcome highlights the importance of external perturbation and foot landing orientation effects on postural adjustments, which may provide a different approach to help step initiation.
Linkage mapping of quantitative trait loci for fiber yield and its related traits in the population derived from cultivated ramie and wild B. nivea var. tenacissima
Authors: Zeng Zheng , Wang Yanzhou , Liu Chan , Yang Xiufeng , Wang Hengyun , Li Fu , Liu Touming
Published: November 2019

Ramie is an important natural fiber crop, and the fiber yield and its related traits are the most valuable traits in ramie production. However, the genetic basis for these traits is still poorly understood, which has dramatically hindered the breeding of high yield in this fiber crop. Herein, a high-density genetic map with 6,433 markers spanning 2476.5 cM was constructed using a population derived from two parents, cultivated ramie Zhongsizhu 1 (ZSZ1) and its wild progenitor B. nivea var. tenacissima (BNT). The fiber yield (FY) and its four related traits—stem diameter (SD) and length (SL), stem bark weight (BW) and thickness (BT)—were performed for quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis, resulting in a total of 47 QTLs identified. Forty QTLs were mapped into 12 genomic regions, thus forming 12 QTL clusters. Among 47 QTLs, there were 14 QTLs whose wild allele from BNT was beneficial. Interestingly, all QTLs in Cluster 10 displayed overdominance, indicating that the region of this cluster was likely heterotic loci. In addition, four fiber yield-related genes underwent positive selection were found either to fall into the FY-related QTL regions or to be near to the identified QTLs. The dissection of FY and FY-related traits not only improved our understanding to the genetic basis of these traits, but also provided new insights into the domestication of FY in ramie. The identification of many QTLs and the discovery of beneficial alleles from wild species provided a basis for the improvement of yield traits in ramie breeding.
Cytogenetic markers reveal a reinforcement of variation in the tension zone between chromosome races in the brachypterous grasshopper Podisma sapporensis Shir. on Hokkaido Island
Authors: Grzywacz Beata , Tatsuta Haruki , Bugrov Alexander G. , Warchałowska-Śliwa Elżbieta
Published: November 2019

The cytogenetic characteristics of the grasshopper Podisma sapporensis (two races 2n = 23♂ X0/XX and 2n = 22♂ neo-XY/neo-XX) were analysed through fluorescence in situ hybridization with rDNA and telomeric DNA probes, C-banding, fluorochrome and silver staining. For the first time, samples from the neighbourhood of a hybrid population (i.e., Mikuni Pass population) were studied. Our results indicated a significant degree of chromosomal differentiation between P. sapporensis races when comparing the number and position of the rDNA sites, as well as the heterochromatin composition and distribution obtained by C-banding and DAPI/CMA3 staining. Telomeric signals were usually detected at the distal and/or subdistal position of the autosomes; however, some chromosome ends lacked signals, probably due to a low number of telomeric repeats. On the other hand, telomeric DNA sequences were found as interstitial telomeric repeats in some autosomes, which can trigger a variety of genome instability. B chromosomes were found in specimens belonging to both main races from nine out of 22 localities. Four types of X chromosomes in the X0/XX race were identified. It was concluded that the physical mapping of rDNA sequences and heterochromatin are useful as additional markers for understanding the phylogeographic patterns of cytogenetic differentiation in P. sapporensis populations.
Latitudinal Distributions and Controls of Bacterial Community Composition during the Summer of 2017 in Western Arctic Surface Waters (from the Bering Strait to the Chukchi Borderland)
Authors: Lee Jiyoung , Kang Sung-Ho , Yang Eun Jin , Macdonald Alison M. , Joo Hyoung Min , Park Junhyung , Kim Kwangmin , Lee Gi Seop , Kim Ju-Hyoung , Yoon Joo-Eun , Kim Seong-Su , Lim Jae-Hyun , Kim Il-Nam
Published: November 2019

The western Arctic Ocean is experiencing some of the most rapid environmental changes in the Arctic. However, little is known about the microbial community response to these changes. Employing observations from the summer of 2017, this study investigated latitudinal variations in bacterial community composition in surface waters between the Bering Strait and Chukchi Borderland and the factors driving the changes. Results indicate three distinctive communities. Southern Chukchi bacterial communities are associated with nutrient rich conditions, including genera such as Sulfitobacter, whereas the northern Chukchi bacterial community is dominated by SAR clades, Flavobacterium, Paraglaciecola, and Polaribacter genera associated with low nutrients and sea ice conditions. The frontal region, located on the boundary between the southern and northern Chukchi, is a transition zone with intermediate physical and biogeochemical properties; however, bacterial communities differed markedly from those found to the north and south. In the transition zone, Sphingomonas, with as yet undetermined ecological characteristics, are relatively abundant. Latitudinal distributions in bacterial community composition are mainly attributed to physical and biogeochemical characteristics, suggesting that these communities are susceptible to Arctic environmental changes. These findings provide a foundation to improve understanding of bacterial community variations in response to a rapidly changing Arctic Ocean.
Vapor Cannabis Exposure Promotes Genetic Plasticity in the Rat Hypothalamus
Authors: Brutman Julianna N. , Zhang Shuwen , Choi Pique , Zhang Yangzi , Stotts Meagan J. , Michal Jennifer , Jiang Zhihua , Davis Jon F.
Published: November 2019

It is well established that cannabis use promotes appetite. However, how cannabis interacts with the brain’s appetite center, the hypothalamus, to stimulate feeding behavior is unknown. A growing body of evidence indicates that the hypothalamic transcriptome programs energy balance. Here, we tested the hypothesis that cannabis targets alternative polyadenylation (APA) sites within hypothalamic transcripts to regulate transcriptomic function. To do this, we used a novel cannabis vapor exposure model to characterize feeding in adult male Long Evans rats and aligned this behavioral response with APA events using a Whole Transcriptome Termini Sequencing (WTTS-Seq) approach as well as functional RNA abundance measurements with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reactions. We found that vapor cannabis exposure promoted food intake in free-feeding and behaviorally sated rats, validating the appetite stimulating properties of cannabis. Our WTTS-Seq analysis mapped 59 unique cannabis-induced hypothalamic APAs that occurred primarily within exons on transcripts that regulate synaptic function, excitatory synaptic transmission, and dopamine signaling. Importantly, APA insertions regulated RNA abundance ofSlc6a3, the dopamine transporter, suggesting a novel genetic link for cannabis regulation of brain monoamine function. Collectively, these novel data indicate that a single cannabis exposure rapidly targets a key RNA processing mechanism linked to brain transcriptome function.
Author Correction: Binding of the protein ICln to α-integrin contributes to the activation of IClswell current
Authors: Schedlbauer Andreas , Tamma Grazia , Rodighiero Simona , Civello Davide Antonio , Tamplenizza Margherita , Ledolter Karin , Nofziger Charity , Patsch Wolfgang , Konrat Robert , Paulmichl Markus , Dossena Silvia
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: An ADAMTS Sol narae is required for cell survival in Drosophila
Authors: Tsogtbaatar Orkhon , Won Jong-Hoon , Kim Go-Woon , Han Jeong-Hoon , Bae Young-Kyung , Cho Kyung-Ok
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Publisher Correction: Innovative mouse model mimicking human-like features of spinal cord injury: efficacy of Docosahexaenoic acid on acute and chronic phases
Authors: Marinelli Sara , Vacca Valentina , De Angelis Federica , Pieroni Luisa , Orsini Tiziana , Parisi Chiara , Soligo Marzia , Protto Virginia , Manni Luigi , Guerrieri Roberto , Pavone Flaminia
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Characterization of Mucosal Dysbiosis of Early Colonic Neoplasia
Authors: Hong Bo-young , Ideta Takayasu , Lemos Bruno S. , Igarashi Yuichi , Tan Yuliana , DiSiena Michael , Mo Allen , Birk John W. , Forouhar Faripour , Devers Thomas J. , Weinstock George M. , Rosenberg Daniel W.
Published: November 2019

Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) are the earliest morphologically identifiable lesions in the colon that can be detected by high-definition chromoendoscopy with contrast dye spray. Although frequently associated with synchronous adenomas, their role in colorectal tumor development, particularly in the proximal colon, is still not clear. The goal of this study was to evaluate the profile of colon-adherent bacteria associated with proximal ACF and to investigate their relationship to the presence and subtype of synchronous polyps present throughout the colon. Forty-five subjects undergoing a screening or surveillance colonoscopy were included in this retrospective study. Bacterial cells adherent to the epithelia of ACF and normal mucosal biopsies were visualized by in situ hybridization within confocal tissue sections. ACF showed significantly greater heterogeneity in their bacterial microbiome profiles compared with normal mucosa. One of the bacterial community structures we characterized was strongly correlated with the presence of synchronous polyps. Finally, using DNA mass spectrometry to evaluate a panel of colorectal cancer hotspot mutations present in the ACF, we found that three APC gene mutations were positively associated with the presence of Instestinibacter sp., whereas KRAS mutations were positively correlated with Ruminococcus gnavus. This result indicates a potential relationship between specific colon-associated bacterial species and somatically acquired CRC-related mutations. Overall, our findings suggest that perturbations to the normal adherent mucosal flora may constitute a risk factor for early neoplasia, demonstrating the potential impact of mucosal dysbiosis on the tissue microenvironment and behavior of ACF that may facilitate their progression towards more advanced forms of neoplasia.
An unusual bird (Theropoda, Avialae) from the Early Cretaceous of Japan suggests complex evolutionary history of basal birds
Authors: Imai Takuya , Azuma Yoichi , Kawabe Soichiro , Shibata Masateru , Miyata Kazunori , Wang Min , Zhou Zhonghe
Published: November 2019

The Early Cretaceous basal birds were known largely from just two-dimensionally preserved specimens from north-eastern China (Jehol Biota), which has hindered our understanding of the early evolution of birds. Here, we present a three-dimensionally-preserved skeleton (FPDM-V-9769) of a basal bird from the Early Cretaceous of Fukui, central Japan. Unique features in the pygostyle and humerus allow the assignment of FPDM-V-9769 to a new taxon, Fukuipteryx prima. FPDM-V-9769 exhibits a set of features comparable to that of other basalmost birds including Archaeopteryx. Osteohistological analyses indicate that FPDM-V-9769 is subadult. Phylogenetic analyses resolve F. prima as a non-ornithothoracine avialan basal to Jeholornis and outgroup of the Pygostylia. This phylogenetic result may imply a complex evolutionary history of basal birds. To our knowledge, FPDM-V-9769 represents the first record of the Early Cretaceous non-ornithothoracine avialan outside of the Jehol Biota and increases our understanding of their diversity and distribution during the time.
Topological DNA-binding of structural maintenance of chromosomes-like RecN promotes DNA double-strand break repair in Escherichia coli
Authors: Keyamura Kenji , Hishida Takashi
Published: November 2019

Bacterial RecN, closely related to the structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) family of proteins, functions in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by homologous recombination. Here we show that the purified Escherichia coli RecN protein topologically loads onto both single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) that has a preference for ssDNA. RecN topologically bound to dsDNA slides off the end of linear dsDNA, but this is prevented by RecA nucleoprotein filaments on ssDNA, thereby allowing RecN to translocate to DSBs. Furthermore, we found that, once RecN is recruited onto ssDNA, it can topologically capture a second dsDNA substrate in an ATP-dependent manner, suggesting a role in synapsis. Indeed, RecN stimulates RecA-mediated D-loop formation and subsequent strand exchange activities. Our findings provide mechanistic insights into the recruitment of RecN to DSBs and sister chromatid interactions by RecN, both of which function in RecA-mediated DSB repair.
Sizing complex networks
Authors: Zamora-López Gorka , Brasselet Romain
Published: November 2019

Among the many features of natural and man-made complex networks the small-world phenomenon is a relevant and popular one. But, how small is a small-world network and how does it compare to others? Despite its importance, a reliable and comparable quantification of the average pathlength of networks has remained an open challenge over the years. Here, we uncover the upper (ultra-long (UL)) and the lower (ultra-short (US)) limits for the pathlength and efficiency of networks. These results allow us to frame their length under a natural reference and to provide a synoptic representation, without the need to rely on the choice for a null-model (e.g., random graphs or ring lattices). Application to empirical examples of three categories (neural, social and transportation) shows that, while most real networks display a pathlength comparable to that of random graphs, when contrasted against the boundaries, only the cortical connectomes prove to be ultra-short.
Ultralow-intensity near infrared light synchronously activated collaborative chemo/photothermal/photodynamic therapy
Authors: Han Renlu , Tang Keqi , Hou Yafei , Yu Jiancheng , Wang Chenlu , Wang You
Published: November 2019

An ultralow-intensity 808 nm NIR light with 0.25 W cm−2 synchronously activated collaborative Chemo/Photothermal/Photodynamic therapy system was developed.
Highly stereoselective synthesis of aryl/heteroaryl-C-nucleosides via the merger of photoredox and nickel catalysis
Authors: Ma Yingying , Liu Shihui , Xi Yifan , Li Hongrui , Yang Kai , Cheng Zhihao , Wang Wei , Zhang Yongqiang
Published: November 2019

A photoredox/nickel dual-catalyzed decarboxylative cross-coupling reaction of anomeric ribosyl/deoxyribosyl acids with aryl/heteroaryl bromides has been developed.
Construction of a triple sequential junction for efficient separation of photogenerated charges in photocatalysis
Authors: Li Chun , Yang Xia , Chen Xuebing , Liu Jifa , Zhang Jing , Wang Fangfang , Li Rengui , Qu Yang , Jing Liqiang
Published: November 2019

A triple sequential junction providing a continuous charge separation and transfer channel was successfully fabricated by rational combining the anatase/rutile TiO2 heterophase and rutile/rutile TiO2 homophase junctions.
Investigation of the rhodium-catalyzed hydroboration of NHC-boranes: the role of alkene coordination and the origin of enantioselectivity
Authors: Nava Paola , Toure Momar , Abdou Mohamed Amel , Parrain Jean-Luc , Chuzel Olivier
Published: November 2019

The mechanism of the intramolecular enantioselective rhodium(i)-catalyzed hydroboration of NHC-boranes is investigated by experiments and calculations, using Density Functional Theory and Random Phase Approximation methods.
Electrochemomechanics of lithium dendrite growth
Authors: Jana Aniruddha , Woo Sang Inn , Vikrant K. S. N. , García R. Edwin
Published: November 2019

The work demonstrates the electrochemomechanical driving forces, equilibrium, and large deformation kinetics for lithium dendrite growth.
Interactive influence of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and electrolytes on the colloidal stability of silver nanoparticles
Authors: Fernando Ishara , Lu Dan , Zhou Yan
Published: November 2019

The colloidal stability of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was evaluated using time-resolved dynamic light scattering, electrophoretic mobility and dissolved Ag concentration in the presence of electrolytes and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS).
Acerola polysaccharides ameliorate high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through reduction of lipogenesis and improvement of mitochondrial functions in mice
Authors: Hu Yuanyuan , Yin Fawen , Liu Zhongyuan , Xie Hongkai , Xu Yunsheng , Zhou Dayong , Zhu Beiwei
Published: November 2019

Acerola polysaccharides ameliorate HFD-induced NAFLD by inhibiting lipogenesis, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and promoting the mitochondrial function in C57BL/6 mice.
The role of metal ion binding in the antioxidant mechanisms of reduced and oxidized glutathione in metal-mediated oxidative DNA damage
Authors: Eteshola Elias O U , Haupt Devin A , Koos Stephen I , Siemer Lee A , Morris Daniel L
Published: November 2019

The antioxidant activity of glutathione in its reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) forms against metal-mediated oxidative DNA damage was studied by monitoring production of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) from calf-thymus DNA. GSH and GSSG were combined with Fe(ii) and Cu(ii) before and after addition of DNA to investigate the role of metal coordination in the antioxidant mechanism. The antioxidant behavior of GSH and GSSG was also compared to the known radical scavenger DMSO. GSH and GSSG lower oxidative DNA damage for Fe(ii) and Cu(ii) reactions. GSH only exhibited appreciable antioxidant behavior when combined with Fe(ii) prior to adding DNA, and GSH and GSSG were slightly more effective against Cu(ii)-mediated damage when combined with Cu(ii) prior to adding DNA. Raman spectra of GSH in the presence of Cu(ii) indicate that Cu(ii) oxidizes GSH and raises the possibility that the antioxidant activity of GSH against Cu(ii) reactions may be attributed to its ability to form GSSG. No evidence of GSH oxidation in the presence of Fe(ii) was observed. The fluorescent probe dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) shows that the presence of GSH (for Cu(ii) reactions) and GSSG (for Fe(ii) and Cu(ii) reactions) lowers levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in bulk solution. Overall, the results suggest that the mechanism of antioxidant activity for GSH and GSSG against Fe(ii) and Cu(ii)-mediated oxidative damage involves metal coordination, and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) studies of the Cu(ii)–GSSG system show an enthalpically favored complexation reaction with an apparent 1 : 1 stoichiometry.
A substrate-free Mo2C-based electrocatalyst by facile glucose-blowing for efficient hydrogen production
Authors: Li Xiao , Hu Xiao-Li , Wang Xin-Long , Pan Qing Qing , Liu Lei , Su Zhong-Min
Published: November 2019

A catalyst Gb-Mo2C@PC, in which molybdenum carbides nanoparticles embedded into the 3D self-supported porous graphene shells, was reported. Gb-Mo2C@PC exhibits good HER performance in basic and acid electrolyte.
Screening two dimensional materials for the transportation and delivery of diverse genetic materials
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Titas Kumar , Datta Ayan
Published: November 2019

Classical molecular dynamics simulation was employed for the benchmarking of h2D-C2N, graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) toward the adsorption, preservation and targeting of various classes of nucleic acids and the delivery phenomena was theoretically modelled.
An energy band compactable B-rGO/PbTiO3 p–n junction: a highly dynamic and durable photocatalyst for enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution
Authors: Paramanik Lekha , Reddy K. Hemalata , Parida K. M.
Published: November 2019

Efficient hydrogen evolution is achieved over a B-rGO/PbTiO3 p–n heterojunction with an energy conversion efficiency of 19.28%.
MicroRNAs and long noncoding RNAs: new regulators in cell fate determination of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Wu Zixiang , Liang Shujing , Kuai Wenyu , Hu Lifang , Qian Airong
Published: November 2019

The recent advances of miRNAs and lncRNAs in determining the cell fate of MSCs.
Surface-assembled non-noble metal nanoscale Ni-colloidal thin-films as efficient electrocatalysts for water oxidation
Authors: Babar Noor-Ul-Ain , Saddiqa Ayesha , Nisar Laraib , Gilani Syeda Robina , Joya Khurram Saleem
Published: November 2019

Highly applied and accessible electrocatalytic system derived from simple Ni-colloids has been explored to facilely derive kinetically sluggish water oxidation reaction. Ni-catalysts also present well-balanced kinetics of OER and high durability.
Isomerization enabling near-infrared electron acceptors
Authors: Luo Jiasi , Wang Yang , Liu Bin , Wu Ziang , Zhang Yujie , Tang Yumin , Chen Peng , Liao Qiaogan , Woo Han Young , Guo Xugang
Published: November 2019

An isomerization method is utilized to yield a novel near-infrared nonfullerene acceptor DTA-IC-M which shows a remarkable absorption redshift of ∼170 nm compared to its isomer, leading to a narrow bandgap of 1.35 eV.
Study on photoelectric characteristics of monolayer WS2 films
Authors: Wang Lin , Wang Wenyan , Wang Quan , Chi Xiaochun , Kang Zhihui , Zhou Qiang , Pan Lingyun , Zhang Hanzhuang , Wang Yinghui
Published: November 2019

It is important to determine the time-dependent evolution of the excited monolayer WS2, which will provide a basis for the reasonable design of optoelectronic devices based on two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides.
Serum Raman spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool in patients with Huntington's disease
Authors: Huefner Anna , Kuan Wei-Li , Mason Sarah L. , Mahajan Sumeet , Barker Roger A.
Published: November 2019

Huntington's disease is an inherited fatal progressive neurodegenerative disorder. A possible new Raman ‘spectral’ biomarker was identified that uses a tiny drop of patients' blood serum; thus can have immense diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
Kinetically controlled Ag+-coordinated chiral supramolecular polymerization accompanying a helical inversion
Authors: Choi Heekyoung , Heo Sojeong , Lee Seonae , Kim Ka Young , Lim Jong Hyeon , Jung Sung Ho , Lee Shim Sung , Miyake Hiroyuki , Lee Jin Yong , Jung Jong Hwa
Published: November 2019

The nanoparticles were transformed into the supramolecular polymer as the thermodynamic product, involving a helical inversion from left-handed to right-handed helicity.
Influenza as a molecular walker
Authors: Hamming P. H. (Erik) , Overeem Nico J. , Huskens Jurriaan
Published: November 2019

The neuraminidase on the surface of influenza viruses make the virus a receptor-cleaving molecular walker, similar to molecular spiders.
X-ray absorption spectroscopy of Ba- and Cs-promoted Ru/mesoporous carbon catalysts for long-term ammonia synthesis under intermittent operation conditions
Authors: Nishi Masayasu , Chen Shih-Yuan , Takagi Hideyuki
Published: November 2019

The active sites of Ba- and Cs-promoted Ru/mesoporous carbons were examined by advanced techniques, especially X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and correlated to their activities in long-term ammonia synthesis under intermittent operation conditions.
Poly(sodium acrylate) hydrogels: synthesis of various network architectures, local molecular dynamics, salt partitioning, desalination and simulation
Authors: Arens Lukas , Barther Dennis , Landsgesell Jonas , Holm Christian , Wilhelm Manfred
Published: November 2019

The effect of network architecture on salt partitioning between gel and supernatant phases is investgated and used to desalinate NaCl solutions.
From nanomelting to nanobeads: nanostructured SbxBi1−x alloys anchored in three-dimensional carbon frameworks as a high-performance anode for potassium-ion batteries
Authors: He Xiao-Dong , Liao Jia-Ying , Wang Shuo , Wang Jun-Ru , Liu Ze-Hua , Ding Xiang , Hu Qiao , Wen Zhao-Yin , Chen Chun-Hua
Published: November 2019

A modified Pechini sol–gel method was developed to synthesize three-dimensional pomegranate-like SbxBi1−x@C composites as anode materials for advanced potassium-ion batteries.
Ultrathin bismuth nanosheets as an efficient polysulfide catalyst for high performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Xu Hongfei , Yang Shubin , Li Bin
Published: November 2019

Ultrathin polycrystalline bismuth (2D-Bi) nanosheets is developed as the multifunctional electrocatalyst for polysulfide conversion. And an in-depth understanding of the distinctive electrocatalysis mechanism of 2D-Bi is revealed by steady-state and dynamic electrochemical methods.
Sub-5 nm palladium nanoparticlesin situembedded in N-doped carbon nanoframes: facile synthesis, excellent sinter resistance and electrocatalytic properties
Authors: Jiang Xian , Wang Jiaxin , Huang Tan , Fu Gengtao , Tang Yawen , Qiu Xiaoyu , Zhou Jiancheng , Lee Jong-Min
Published: November 2019

N-carbon nanoframes embedded with sub-5 nm Pd nanoparticles are prepared through a 1-naphthylamine-driven pyrolysis strategy and exhibit excellent bifunctional electrocatalytic performance.
Correction: Ni nanoparticle-decorated-MnO2 nanodendrites as highly selective and efficient catalysts for CO2 electroreduction
Authors: He Xu-Jun , Feng Jin-Xian , Ren Qian , Li Gao-Ren
Published: November 2019

Correction for ‘Ni nanoparticle-decorated-MnO2 nanodendrites as highly selective and efficient catalysts for CO2 electroreduction’ by Xu-Jun He et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2018, 6, 19438–19444.
Antibacterial silver-doped phosphate-based glasses prepared by coacervation
Authors: Kyffin Benjamin A. , Foroutan Farzad , Raja Farah N. S. , Martin Richard A. , Pickup David M. , Taylor Spencer E. , Carta Daniela
Published: November 2019

Herein we report synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity of bioresorbable silver-doped polyphosphate glasses, produced via the coacervation method.
Mapping the mechanical and electrical properties of commercial silicone elastomer formulations for stretchable transducers
Authors: Vaicekauskaite Justina , Mazurek Piotr , Vudayagiri Sindhu , Skov Anne Ladegaard
Published: November 2019

Elastomers for fabricating soft and stretchable transducers require high elongation at break, high dielectric permittivity, high breakdown strength and low leakage current. We map blends of commercial silicones to find optimum compositions.
Metal particle-free inks for printed flexible electronics
Authors: Yang Wendong , List-Kratochvil Emil J. W. , Wang Changhai
Published: November 2019

The development of metal particle-free inks is reviewed, with particular attention on their formulation, patterning and post-processing techniques.
Averting robo-bees: why free-flying robotic bees are a bad idea
Authors: Gleadow Roslyn , Hanan Jim , Dorin Alan
Published: November 2019

Food security and the sustainability of native ecosystems depends on plant-insect interactions in countless ways. Recently reported rapid and immense declines in insect numbers due to climate change, the use of pesticides and herbicides, the introduction of agricultural monocultures, and the destruction of insect native habitat, are all potential contributors to this grave situation. Some researchers are working towards a future where natural insect pollinators might be replaced with free-flying robotic bees, an ecologically problematic proposal. We argue instead that creating environments that are friendly to bees and exploring the use of other species for pollination and bio-control, particularly in non-European countries, are more ecologically sound approaches. The computer simulation of insect-plant interactions is a far more measured application of technology that may assist in managing, or averting, ‘Insect Armageddon' from both practical and ethical viewpoints.
Epistemic architecture: steering the public perception of the messy problem of antibiotic resistance
Authors: Nijsingh Niels , van Bergen Anne
Published: November 2019

In this perspective, we discuss non-experts’ beliefs about the complex and ‘messy' problem of antibiotic resistance (ABR). First, we explain what we mean by complex and messy problems and why ABR fits that description. We then suggest that the attitudes of non-experts are particularly relevant to these problems. This gives rise to social epistemic risks; risks that involve the collective and social aspects of the formation of epistemic attitudes. Steering these epistemic attitudes as a way of handling these risks can take the form of creating what we call ‘epistemic architecture’. That is, a planned design of the structure within which the formation of epistemic attitudes takes place. This entails risks of its own, which leads us to conclude that there is an important responsibility for experts to take these social epistemic risks into account when communicating on messy problems, such as ABR.
Fast and systematic approach for adjusting ROCOF relay used in islanding detection of SDG
Authors: Ahmadzadeh‐Shooshtari Babak , Hamedani Golshan Mohamad Esmail , Rezaei‐Zare Afshin
Published: November 2019

Frequency‐based relays, commonly used for islanding detection of synchronous distributed generation (SDG), may either have large non‐detection zones (NDZs) or wrongly operate for non‐islanding disturbances unless they are efficiently adjusted. Trial and error simulation‐based methods, employing application region (AR) and/or power imbalance AR (PIAR), are presented in the literature to adjust these relays for quick islanding detection without false trips. However, the associated settings are not optimal and finding them is time‐consuming. In this study, an approach utilising particle swarm optimisation algorithm is proposed to adjust a rate of change of frequency (ROCOF) relay, one of the most effective relays in SDG islanding detection. The proposed approach needs a set of analytical formulas for determining the ROCOF relay performance curve and NDZ as well as AR and PIAR. These formulas are developed to be employed in the relay adjustment. By applying the developed analytical formulas to the optimisation‐based approach, the ROCOF relay is adjusted fast and systematically. It is shown that while the performance of the relay adjusted by the proposed approach is close to the one with setting obtained by corresponding trial and error‐based method, the latter is much more time‐consuming than the former.
Non‐linear integral higher‐order sliding mode controller design for islanded operations of T‐type three‐phase inverter‐interfaced distributed energy resources
Authors: Barzegar‐Kalashani Mostafa , Tousi Behrouz , Mahmud Md Apel , Farhadi‐Kangarlu Mohammad
Published: November 2019

This study presents a non‐linear integral higher‐order sliding mode controller (I‐HOSMC) design approach to ensure islanded operations of T‐type three‐phase inverters which are interfaced with distributed energy resources (DERs). The main control objective is to ensure the desired voltage level during islanded operations of DERs. The proposed controller is designed to provide robustness against external disturbances and reduce chattering while guaranteeing the overall stability of the system. The performance of the proposed controller is analysed under different balanced and unbalanced loading conditions by considering both linear and non‐linear loads. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed I‐HOSMC as compared to different existing standard sliding mode controllers and other control strategies.
Balancing control of neutral‐point voltage for three‐level T‐type inverter based on hybrid variable virtual space vector
Authors: Zhou Jiancheng , Cheng Shanmei , Hu Zhenyu , Liu Jiang
Published: November 2019

A three‐level T‐type inverter has higher efficiency and lower output voltage harmonics compared with the traditional two‐level inverter. However, neutral‐point voltage fluctuation and common‐mode voltage (CMV) can negatively affect the performance of the three‐level T‐type inverter. This study proposes a novel hybrid variable virtual space vector (HV2SV) strategy to mitigate this problem. Based on the virtual space vector scheme, new variable virtual small and medium vectors are reconstructed with the principle that the change of neutral‐point charge of each virtual vector in a switching period is zero, and the adjustment factor is further added to the virtual vector to achieve the balance of the neutral‐point voltage. At the same time, the vectors with a large CMV are eliminated to ensure that the CMV is minimised. Therefore, the HV2SV has excellent neutral‐point voltage balance control capability and common‐voltage suppression at both high‐ and low‐modulation ratios. Theoretical analysis, simulations, and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed strategy for full modulation ratios.
The potential therapeutic effect for melatonin and mesenchymal stem cells on hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Mohamed Yasser , Basyony Mohamed A. , El-Desouki Nabila I. , Abdo Walied S. , El-Magd Mohammed A.
Published: November 2019

Background/aim: Herein, we investigated the potential therapeutic effect of Melatonin (Mel) and/or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on rat model of HCC.

Materials and Methods: Female mature rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 10/group): normal (Nor), HCC group intraperitoneally injected with 200 mg/kg DEN, and 3 treated groups; HCC + Mel (Mel) group given Mel intraperitoneally 20 mg/kg, twice a week, HCC + MSCs (MSCs) group intravenously injected by 1 × 106 cells, and HCC + MSCs (Mel +MSCs) group.

Results: Rats in HCC group showed most deteriorated effect in form of increased mortality and relative liver weight, elevated serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, AFP and GGT in addition to increased pre-neoplastic nodules in liver tissues. Liver tissues of HCC group also exhibited lower level of apoptosis as indicated by decreased DNA fragmentation and expression of p53 caspase 9 and caspase 3 genes and increased PCNA immunoreactivity. Moreover, in this group the expression of IL6 and TGFβ1 genes was significantly upregulated. All these deleterious effects induced by DEN were reversed after administration of Mel and/ or MSCs with best improvement for the combined group (MSCs + Mel).

Conclusions: These findings reveal a better therapeutic effect for MSCs when given with Mel and we attribute this beneficial effect, at least in part, to triggering apoptosis and targeting inflammation in HCC. Therefore, combined treatment with Mel and MSCs is recommended to enhance the therapeutic potential against HCC.
Application of multiphysics model order reduction to doppler/neutronic feedback
Authors: German Peter , Ragusa Jean C. , Fiorina Carlo
Published: November 2019

In this paper, a proper orthogonal decomposition based reduced-order model is presented for parametrized multiphysics computations. Our application physics is Doppler feedback in a simplified model of the molten salt fast reactor concept. The reduced model is created using the method of snapshots where the offline training set is obtained by exercising a full-order model created with the OpenFOAM based multiphysics solver, GeN-Foam. The steady state models solve the multi-group diffusion k-eigenvalue equations with moving precursors together with the energy equation. A fixed velocity field is assumed throughout the computations, hence the momentum and continuity equations are not solved. The discrete empirical interpolation method is used for the efficient coupling of the ROM solvers, while the input parameter space is surveyed using the improved distributed latin hypercube sampling algorithm.
A generalized fuzzy cost efficiency model
Authors: Aghayi Nazila , Salehpour Samira
Published: November 2019

The concept of cost efficiency has become tremendously popular in data envelopment analysis (DEA) as it serves to assess a decision-making unit (DMU) in terms of producing minimum-cost outputs. A large variety of precise and imprecise models have been put forward to measure cost efficiency for the DMUs which have a role in constructing the production possibility set; yet, there’s not an extensive literature on the cost efficiency (CE) measurement for sample DMUs (SDMUs). In an effort to remedy the shortcomings of current models, herein is introduced a generalized cost efficiency model that is capable of operating in a fuzzy environment-involving different types of fuzzy numbers-while preserving the Farrell’s decomposition of cost efficiency. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, the present paper is the first to measure cost efficiency by using vectors. Ultimately, a useful example is provided to confirm the applicability of the proposed methods.
Strahlenexposition bei der Herstellung von Radiopharmaka im nuklearmedizinischen Routinelabor, gemessen mit optisch stimulierten Lumineszenzdetektoren (OSL)
Authors: Wunderlich Gerd , Freudenberg Robert , Hartmann Holger , Herrling Petra , Kotzerke Jörg
Published: November 2019

Ziel Vor dem Hintergrund der neuen Strahlenschutzverordnung (StrlSchV) ist es sinnvoll, sich erneut einen Überblick über die Strahlenexposition des Personals bei Radiopharmakaherstellungen im radiopharmazeutischen Labor zu verschaffen. Dabei soll die Strahlenexposition im Bereich der Herstellung und Anwendung von Radiopharmaka erfasst werden, um Tätigkeiten mit hoher Exposition zu identifizieren und Arbeitsabläufe zu optimieren. In der Klinik und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin am Universitätsklinikum an der TU Dresden wurden dazu Messungen mit optisch stimulierten Lumineszenzdosimetern (OSL) durchgeführt.

Material und Methode Es wurden lichtgeschützte OSL-Dosimeter auf die Fingerkuppen von Daumen, Zeigefinger und Mittelfinger beider Hände und auf der Stirn platziert. Jedes OSL-Dosimeter war zuvor kalibriert worden. Untersucht wurde die Teilkörperexposition der Hände im Präparationslabor bei: 99mTc-Präparationen im Routinebetrieb, Aufziehen von Spritzen zur Radiosynoviorthese und von 90Y-Sirtex-Partikeln sowie Herstellung von 177Lu- und 68Ga-Präparaten.

Ergebnisse Es zeigte sich, dass die 99mTc-Präparationen zu einer relativ hohen Exposition führen aufgrund der Zahl der Präparationen und der Zahl an aufgezogenen Spritzen. Das Aufziehen der RSO-Spritzen führt in Abhängigkeit von der Zahl der zu füllenden Spritzen ebenfalls zu nennenswerter Handbelastung. Im Gegensatz dazu ist das Aufziehen der Sirtex-Partikel wenig belastend. Die Strahlenexposition bei 177Lu- und 68Ga-Präparationen hängt insbesondere vom Handling bei der Herstellung, der Verwendung von Modulen und der Art der Qualitätskontrolle ab. Bei der Ermittlung der Augenlinsenexposition wurden mit einer Ausnahme unkritische 0,02 mGy oder weniger gemessen.