bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Language, Music, and Mind
Authors: Raffman Diana
Published: May 2020

The first cognitivist theory of the nature of ineffable, or verbally inexpressible, musical knowledge.

Taking a novel approach to a longstanding problem in the philosophy of art, Diana Raffman provides the first cognitivist theory of the nature of ineffable, or verbally inexpressible, musical knowledge. In the process she also sheds light on central issues in the theory of mind.

Raffman invokes recent theory in linguistics and cognitive psychology to provide an account of the content and etiology of musical knowledge that "can not be put into words." Within the framework of Lerdahl and Jackendoff's generative theory of music perception, she isolates three kinds of ineffability attending our conscious knowledge of music—access, feeling, and nuance ineffability—and shows how these arise.

Raffman makes a detailed comparison of linguistic and musical understanding, culminating in an attack on the traditional idea that human emotions constitute the meaning or semantic content of music. She compares her account of musical ineffability to several traditional approaches to the problem, particularly those of Nelson Goodman and Stanley Cavell. In the concluding chapter, Raffman explores a significant obstacle that her theory poses to Daniel Dennett's propositional theory of consciousness.

Bradford Books imprint
Logic as Grammar
Authors: Hornstein Norbert
Published: May 2020

How is the meaning of natural language interpreted? Taking as its point of departure the logical problem of natural language acquisition, this book elaborates a theory of meaning based on syntactical rather than semantical processes. Hornstein argues that the traditional neoFregean approach taken by Davidson, Barwise and Perry, and Montague, among others—an approach that makes use of semantical notions like "truth" and "reference"—should be replaced by a theory drawn from the syntactical vocabulary of generative grammar.

Surprisingly, the book points out that linguistic competence can be acquired despite the degeneracy, finiteness, and deficiency of the environmental stimulus, and it characterizes those innate aspects of the mind which enable a child to develop into a native speaker.

In eight chapters it investigates the issue of pronoun binding, relative quantifier scope, the treatment of definite descriptions, as well as more technical issues in current theoretical linguistics.

Bradford Books imprint
Intelligent classification of platelet aggregates by agonist type
Authors: Zhou Yuqi , Yasumoto Atsushi , Lei Cheng , Huang Chun-Jung , Kobayashi Hirofumi , Wu Yunzhao , Yan Sheng , Sun Chia-Wei , Yatomi Yutaka , Goda Keisuke
Published: May 2020

Platelets are anucleate cells in blood whose principal function is to stop bleeding by forming aggregates for hemostatic reactions. In addition to their participation in physiological hemostasis, platelet aggregates are also involved in pathological thrombosis and play an important role in inflammation, atherosclerosis, and cancer metastasis. The aggregation of platelets is elicited by various agonists, but these platelet aggregates have long been considered indistinguishable and impossible to classify. Here we present an intelligent method for classifying them by agonist type. It is based on a convolutional neural network trained by high-throughput imaging flow cytometry of blood cells to identify and differentiate subtle yet appreciable morphological features of platelet aggregates activated by different types of agonists. The method is a powerful tool for studying the underlying mechanism of platelet aggregation and is expected to open a window on an entirely new class of clinical diagnostics, pharmacometrics, and therapeutics.
Insights into herpesvirus assembly from the structure of the pUL7:pUL51 complex
Authors: Butt Benjamin G , Owen Danielle J , Jeffries Cy M , Ivanova Lyudmila , Hill Chris H , Houghton Jack W , Ahmed Md Firoz , Antrobus Robin , Svergun Dmitri I , Welch John J , Crump Colin M , Graham Stephen C
Published: May 2020

Herpesviruses acquire their membrane envelopes in the cytoplasm of infected cells via a molecular mechanism that remains unclear. Herpes simplex virus (HSV)−1 proteins pUL7 and pUL51 form a complex required for efficient virus envelopment. We show that interaction between homologues of pUL7 and pUL51 is conserved across human herpesviruses, as is their association with trans-Golgi membranes. We characterized the HSV-1 pUL7:pUL51 complex by solution scattering and chemical crosslinking, revealing a 1:2 complex that can form higher-order oligomers in solution, and we solved the crystal structure of the core pUL7:pUL51 heterodimer. While pUL7 adopts a previously-unseen compact fold, the helix-turn-helix conformation of pUL51 resembles the cellular endosomal complex required for transport (ESCRT)-III component CHMP4B and pUL51 forms ESCRT-III–like filaments, suggesting a direct role for pUL51 in promoting membrane scission during virus assembly. Our results provide a structural framework for understanding the role of the conserved pUL7:pUL51 complex in herpesvirus assembly.
Cohesin and condensin extrude DNA loops in a cell cycle-dependent manner
Authors: Golfier Stefan , Quail Thomas , Kimura Hiroshi , Brugués Jan
Published: May 2020

Loop extrusion by structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) complexes has been proposed as a mechanism to organize chromatin in interphase and metaphase. However, the requirements for chromatin organization in these cell cycle phases are different, and it is unknown whether loop extrusion dynamics and the complexes that extrude DNA also differ. Here, we used Xenopus egg extracts to reconstitute and image loop extrusion of single DNA molecules during the cell cycle. We show that loops form in both metaphase and interphase, but with distinct dynamic properties. Condensin extrudes DNA loops non-symmetrically in metaphase, whereas cohesin extrudes loops symmetrically in interphase. Our data show that loop extrusion is a general mechanism underlying DNA organization, with dynamic and structural properties that are biochemically regulated during the cell cycle.
Mechanics and kinetics of dynamic instability
Authors: Michaels Thomas CT , Feng Shuo , Liang Haiyi , Mahadevan L
Published: May 2020

During dynamic instability, self-assembling microtubules (MTs) stochastically alternate between phases of growth and shrinkage. This process is driven by the presence of two distinct states of MT subunits, GTP- and GDP-bound tubulin dimers, that have different structural properties. Here, we use a combination of analysis and computer simulations to study the mechanical and kinetic regulation of dynamic instability in three-dimensional (3D) self-assembling MTs. Our model quantifies how the 3D structure and kinetics of the distinct states of tubulin dimers determine the mechanical stability of MTs. We further show that dynamic instability is influenced by the presence of quenched disorder in the state of the tubulin subunit as reflected in the fraction of non-hydrolysed tubulin. Our results connect the 3D geometry, kinetics and statistical mechanics of these tubular assemblies within a single framework, and may be applicable to other self-assembled systems where these same processes are at play.
Bmal1 integrates mitochondrial metabolism and macrophage activation
Authors: Alexander Ryan K , Liou Yae-Huei , Knudsen Nelson H , Starost Kyle A , Xu Chuanrui , Hyde Alexander L , Liu Sihao , Jacobi David , Liao Nan-Shih , Lee Chih-Hao
Published: May 2020

Metabolic pathways and inflammatory processes are under circadian regulation. Rhythmic immune cell recruitment is known to impact infection outcomes, but whether the circadian clock modulates immunometabolism remains unclear. We find that the molecular clock Bmal1 is induced by inflammatory stimulants, including Ifn-γ/lipopolysaccharide (M1) and tumor-conditioned medium, to maintain mitochondrial metabolism under metabolically stressed conditions in mouse macrophages. Upon M1 stimulation, myeloid-specific Bmal1 knockout (M-BKO) renders macrophages unable to sustain mitochondrial function, enhancing succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)-mediated mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species as well as Hif-1α-dependent metabolic reprogramming and inflammatory damage. In tumor-associated macrophages, aberrant Hif-1α activation and metabolic dysregulation by M-BKO contribute to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Consequently, M-BKO increases melanoma tumor burden, whereas administering the SDH inhibitor dimethyl malonate suppresses tumor growth. Therefore, Bmal1 functions as a metabolic checkpoint that integrates macrophage mitochondrial metabolism, redox homeostasis and effector functions. This Bmal1-Hif-1α regulatory loop may provide therapeutic opportunities for inflammatory diseases and immunotherapy.
IP3 mediated global Ca2+ signals arise through two temporally and spatially distinct modes of Ca2+ release
Authors: Lock Jeffrey T , Parker Ian
Published: May 2020

The ‘building-block’ model of inositol trisphosphate (IP3)-mediated Ca2+ liberation posits that cell-wide cytosolic Ca2+ signals arise through coordinated activation of localized Ca2+ puffs generated by stationary clusters of IP3 receptors (IP3Rs). Here, we revise this hypothesis, applying fluctuation analysis to resolve Ca2+ signals otherwise obscured during large Ca2+ elevations. We find the rising phase of global Ca2+ signals is punctuated by a flurry of puffs, which terminate before the peak by a mechanism involving partial ER Ca2+ depletion. The continuing rise in Ca2+, and persistence of global signals even when puffs are absent, reveal a second mode of spatiotemporally diffuse Ca2+ signaling. Puffs make only small, transient contributions to global Ca2+ signals, which are sustained by diffuse release of Ca2+ through a functionally distinct process. These two modes of IP3-mediated Ca2+ liberation have important implications for downstream signaling, imparting spatial and kinetic specificity to Ca2+-dependent effector functions and Ca2+ transport.
Tgfb3 collaborates with PP2A and notch signaling pathways to inhibit retina regeneration
Authors: Lee Mi-Sun , Wan Jin , Goldman Daniel
Published: May 2020

Neuronal degeneration in the zebrafish retina stimulates Müller glia (MG) to proliferate and generate multipotent progenitors for retinal repair. Controlling this proliferation is critical to successful regeneration. Previous studies reported that retinal injury stimulates pSmad3 signaling in injury-responsive MG. Contrary to these findings, we report pSmad3 expression is restricted to quiescent MG and suppressed in injury-responsive MG. Our data indicates that Tgfb3 is the ligand responsible for regulating pSmad3 expression. Remarkably, although overexpression of either Tgfb1b or Tgfb3 can stimulate pSmad3 expression in the injured retina, only Tgfb3 inhibits injury-dependent MG proliferation; suggesting the involvement of a non-canonical Tgfb signaling pathway. Furthermore, inhibition of Alk5, PP2A or Notch signaling rescues MG proliferation in Tgfb3 overexpressing zebrafish. Finally, we report that this Tgfb3 signaling pathway is active in zebrafish MG, but not those in mice, which may contribute to the different regenerative capabilities of MG from fish and mammals.
Ant collective cognition allows for efficient navigation through disordered environments
Authors: Gelblum Aviram , Fonio Ehud , Rodeh Yoav , Korman Amos , Feinerman Ofer
Published: May 2020

The cognitive abilities of biological organisms only make sense in the context of their environment. Here, we study longhorn crazy ant collective navigation skills within the context of a semi-natural, randomized environment. Mapping this biological setting into the ‘Ant-in-a-Labyrinth’ framework which studies physical transport through disordered media allows us to formulate precise links between the statistics of environmental challenges and the ants’ collective navigation abilities. We show that, in this environment, the ants use their numbers to collectively extend their sensing range. Although this extension is moderate, it nevertheless allows for extremely fast traversal times that overshadow known physical solutions to the ‘Ant-in-a-Labyrinth’ problem. To explain this large payoff, we use percolation theory and prove that whenever the labyrinth is solvable, a logarithmically small sensing range suffices for extreme speedup. Overall, our work demonstrates the potential advantages of group living and collective cognition in increasing a species’ habitable range.
Early language competence, but not general cognitive ability, predicts children’s recognition of emotion from facial and vocal cues
Authors: Griffiths Sarah , Goh Shaun Kok Yew , Norbury Courtenay Fraiser ,   the SCALES team
Published: May 2020

The ability to accurately identify and label emotions in the self and others is crucial for successful social interactions and good mental health. In the current study we tested the longitudinal relationship between early language skills and recognition of facial and vocal emotion cues in a representative UK population cohort with diverse language and cognitive skills (N = 369), including a large sample of children that met criteria for Developmental Language Disorder (DLD, N = 97). Language skills, but not non-verbal cognitive ability, at age 5–6 predicted emotion recognition at age 10–12. Children that met the criteria for DLD showed a large deficit in recognition of facial and vocal emotion cues. The results highlight the importance of language in supporting identification of emotions from non-verbal cues. Impairments in emotion identification may be one mechanism by which language disorder in early childhood predisposes children to later adverse social and mental health outcomes.
Spread of Corona Virus Disease (COVID – 19) from an Outbreak to Pandemic in the Year 2020
Authors: Ali Muhammad Ghafoor , Ahmad Muhammad Owais , Husain Saima Narjees
Published: May 2020

Aims: The COVID-19 is most recently discovered of the corona viruses which caused respiratory infections consisting of two large scale pandemics MERS & SARS and found to be zoonotic in origin. The disease started from Wuhan local seafood market in China and infected 2,761 people. The 2019-nCoV virus isolated from the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of critically ill patients and has shown it 96% identical to bat coronavirus and bearing same cell entry receptor angiotensin converting enzyme II (ACE2). Corona means crown in Latin and it look like a crown under a microscope. Corona virus disease is an infectious disease where most infected people suffered from mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment however older people and those with underlying medical problems develop serious illness and can be prevented by washing the hands or using an alcohol based rub and not touching the face. Outbreak is small but unusual; the epidemic is outbreak over a larger geographic area while pandemic spreads to multiple countries.

Methodology: The duration of review for spread of COVID-19 was between 31st December 2019 to 11th March 2020. The 31st December 2019 was the reporting of first case of Corona Virus (COVID-19) by the China while 11th March was declaration date of Pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO).A total of 70 papers consisting of research article, review papers and news reports has been studied and evaluated.

Results: China on 31 December 2019 first informed about COVID-19 and WHO declared on 11 March 2020 that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic. Scientists suspected that corona virus originated in a bat and before passing to human hopped to another animal. Thailand, Japan, USA, France, Australia, Germany, Italy and Spain reported their first case on 13, 16, 19, 24, 25, 27, 31 and 31 January 2020. In February the cases reported by Belgium, Egypt, Iran, Brazil, Pakistan, Netherland, England and Ireland on 4,14,19,25,26,27,28,29 while in March cases seen in Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Peru and Turkey on 2, 5, 6 and 10 respectively. WHO on 11 March 2020 assessed the outbreak as a pandemic with 114 affected countries.

Conclusions: The spread of disease as a pandemic occurred due to movement of carriers outside China. Strict quarantine needed to prevent spread of disease. The code of ethics for social distancing should be defined and strictly implemented. Selling, buying and eating of wildlife animals should be internationally banned.
Development and Evaluation of Low Cost Drip Filter
Authors: Kannan Balaji , Janani N. , Thangamani S. , Selvaperumal A.
Published: May 2020

Irrigation water is many a time contaminated with physical, chemical and biological impurities. Proper filtration is of paramount importance to prevent clogging in drip irrigation system thereby aiding in reduced maintenance of the micro irrigation system. This study was conducted on Development and Evaluation of Low cost filters in the Network project on “Engineering Interventions in Micro Irrigation Systems (MIS) for improving water productivity” under Consortia Research Platform on Farm Mechanization and Precision Farming during 2018 to 2020. The objectives of the study are to develop low cost filters and to test the developed system in the field for efficiency in terms of pressure drop throughout discharge and quality of output. It was observed that the discharge from the filter increases as the time increases. Pressure drop and head loss in the filter system increases with flow rate. Filtration efficiency is a percentage of sand particles divided by the TSS removed by the filter. Efficiency of the filter increased from 25% to 64% (double chamber filter) and 23% to 62% (single chamber filter) with flow range of 5 m3/h to 30 m3/h. As flow rate increases, soil particles retained and efficiency of the filter increased with increase in head loss. Filter materials and screen filter removed the sand particles effectively. Uniformity coefficient of 0.95 was observed in single chamber filter which is suitable for small farm application.
Selection Criteria for Identification of High Yielding Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes under Aerobic Cultivation
Authors: Rathod Ramya , Soundharya B. , Shahana Firdoz , Naik P. Jalender , Swathi Y.
Published: May 2020

Ten rice genotypes were evaluated to study the genetic variability, correlation and path analysis under aerobic conditions for selection of high yielding genotypes. The experiment is carried out in RCBD with 3 replications and the data is analysed in SPAR 2.0, Past 4.01 and OPSTAT for variability, correlation and path analysis respectively. The phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were high for the number of productive tillers per plant, the number of filled grains per panicle, 1000-grain weight, biological yield and grain yield indicating the possibility of genetic improvement through direct selection for these traits. The magnitude of difference between PCV and GCV was less for the traits indicating little influence of environment. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for the number of productive tillers per plant, the number of filled grains per panicle, 1000-grain weight, spikelet fertility, biological yield and grain yield indicating a preponderance of additive gene action, which provide excellent scope for further improvement by selection. Significant positive association of grain yield with number of productive tillers per plant, panicle length, number of filled grains per panicle, 1000-grain weight, spikelet fertility and biological yield was observed. Path analysis revealed the traits, number of filled grains per panicle exerted highest positive direct effect on grain yield followed by 1000-gain weight and number of productive tillers per plant. Thus, these traits which contribute to the grain yield under aerobic condition could be exploited for further breeding programme.
Evaluation of Cytotoxic Profile of Some Chalcone Derivatives with Antimalarial Properties
Authors: Dable Marius Trésor , Ouattara Mahama , Adjogoua Edgard Valéry , Tano Konan Dominique , Koffi Akissi Jeanne , Cynthia Nkoua Badzi , Yavo William
Published: May 2020

Malaria continues to kill thousands of people worldwide. People South of the Sahara are paying the heaviest price for this epidemic. In addition, the resistance of Plasmodium falciparum which spreads to artemisinin derivatives becomes worrying. To respond to this emergency, the search for new molecules effective against the parasite is essential. Otherwise, chalcones have shown their potential as an effective pharmaceutical agent in numerous studies. However, despite their mainly antiparasitic efficacy, several compounds have been shown to be cytotoxic. This study aimed to assess the cytotoxic profile of chalcone derivatives. Cytotoxicity tests were carried out according to the method described by Taylor and collaborators on Vero cells. The 96-well plates were used in carrying out this study, 100 µl of the compounds were added with concentrations ranging from 7.5 to 1000 µg/ml in DMEM. The results obtained report three compounds derivatives (Chal_B14, Chal_B17 & Chal_SCA03) no-cytotoxic with LDH product values between 129 - 132.5 U/L and ATP ranging from 8.55 to 13.6 RLU. The IC50s for no-cytotoxic compounds ranged from 102 to 236 µM. On the other hand, the cytotoxic compounds had IC50s of less than 30 µM.

The results of this study show that the derivatives Chal_B14, Chal_B17 & Chal_SCA03 are candidate compounds with a view to finding new molecules.
Effect of Methanol Extract of Unripe Carica papaya Pulp on Lipid Profile and Liver Function of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Ogbonna Henry N. , Nwankpa Ugonna D. , Aloh Godwin S. , Ibeh Raymond C.
Published: May 2020

Background: Carica papaya is commonly used in the treatment of various diseases like constipation, piles, hypertension and malaria. The ameliorative effect of Carica papaya on alloxan-induced diabetic rats has been suggested by several studies.

Aim: The present study aims to investigate the effect of methanolic extract of unripe Carica papaya pulp on the lipid profile and liver biomarkers of a diabetic rat.

Materials and Methods: After acclimatization, thirty-two (32) animals were randomly classified into 8 groups (4 rats per group). The different test (extract) groups received in addition to normal diet ad libitum, dosages of 200, 400, 600 and 1000 mg/kg/day of the Carica papaya extract. The normal and negative control groups received a normal diet, while the positive control was given oral treatment with 6 mg/65 kg/day of glibenclamide as well as the normal diet. After 28 successive days of treatment, all the experimental rats were sacrificed by ocular puncture and the serum used in the evaluation of body lipids, liver function parameters and biochemical indexes.

Results: The administration of the unripe Carica papaya extract resulted in a dose-dependent and significant decrease (p<0.05) in serum albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein, and in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level.  There was, however, a significant increase in High-density lipoprotein (HDL) level for 400-1000 mg/kg extract groups. The result also showed a reduced cholesterol level at an extract dose of 1000 mg/kg/day.

Conclusion: The ameliorative properties of the unripe pulp of Carica Papayaon biochemical parameters of a diabetic rat, as shown from the result could be indicative that unripe Carica papaya can be valuable in the management of diabetes mellitus and other complications that may arise.
Effect of Circuit Training on the Cardiovascular Endurance and Quality of Life: Findings from an Apparently Healthy Female Adult Population
Authors: Ikenna Uchenwoke Chigozie , Ngozichi Onuoha Gift , Ijeoma Ilo , Ijeoma Nwadilibe , Ifeanyichukwu Neboh , Martin Ogbueche Chukwudi
Published: May 2020

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a 6-week circuit training on the cardiovascular endurance and quality of life of an apparently healthy adult female population.

Methodology: This study adopted a pre and post-test experimental design. A total of 60 adult females who were randomly selected into experimental group and control group participated in the study. The variables for this study were obtained using a proforma which contained the anthropometric parameters, respiratory rate, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, maximum oxygen consumption, partial oxygen saturation, hip circumference and waist-hip ratio. The stations of exercises used included jumping lunges, curtsy lunges, torso rotation, knee raise claps, abdominal twist or knee combo, kick raise. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and paired t-test. Continuous variables were reported in tables as mean± Standard deviation (SD).

Results: Findings from the study showed that there was a significant difference (P<.05) in partial oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, mean atrial pressure, maximal oxygen consumed, and heart rate. No significant effect was found in the domains of the quality of life of the experimental group.

Conclusion: Circuit training has positive effects towards improvement of cardiovascular endurance and maintenance of functional quality of life (QOL). It is therefore necessary for circuit training to be encouraged as a strategy that can be used among young female adults.
Crystal structures of the sheeppox virus encoded inhibitor of apoptosis SPPV14 bound to the proapoptotic BH3 peptides Hrk and Bax
Authors: Suraweera Chathura D. , Burton Denis R. , Hinds Mark G. , Kvansakul Marc
Published: May 2020

Programmed death of infected cells is used by multicellular organisms to counter viral infections. Sheeppox virus encodes for SPPV14, a potent inhibitor of Bcl‐2‐mediated apoptosis. We reveal the structural basis of apoptosis inhibition by determining crystal structures of SPPV14 bound to BH3 motifs of proapoptotic Bax and Hrk. The structures show that SPPV14 engages BH3 peptides using the canonical ligand‐binding groove. Unexpectedly, Arg84 from SPPV14 forms an ionic interaction with the conserved Asp in the BH3 motif in a manner that replaces the canonical ionic interaction seen in almost all host Bcl‐2:BH3 motif complexes. These results reveal the flexibility of virus‐encoded Bcl‐2 proteins to mimic key interactions from endogenous host signalling pathways to retain BH3 binding and prosurvival functionality.
Long non‐coding NR2F1‐AS1 is associated with tumor recurrence in estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancers
Authors: Sanchez Calle Anna , Yamamoto Tomofumi , Kawamura Yumi , Hironaka‐Mitsuhashi Ai , Ono Makiko , Tsuda Hitoshi , Shimomura Akihiko , Tamura Kenji , Takeshita Fumitaka , Ochiya Takahiro , Yamamoto Yusuke
Published: May 2020

The tenacity of late recurrence of estrogen receptor (ER)‐positive breast cancer remains a major clinical issue to overcome. The administration of endocrine therapies within the first 5 years substantially minimizes the risk of relapse; however, some tumors reappear 10–20 years after the initial diagnosis. Accumulating evidence has strengthened the notion that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are associated with cancer in various respects. Because lncRNAs may display high tissue/cell specificity, we hypothesized this might provide new insights to tumor recurrence. By comparing transcriptome profiles of 24 clinical primary tumors obtained from patients who developed distant metastases and patients with no signs of recurrence, we identified lncRNA NR2F1‐AS1 whose expression was associated with tumor recurrence. We revealed the relationship between NR2F1‐AS1 and the hormone receptor expressions in ER‐positive breast cancer cells. Gain of function of NR2F1‐AS1 steered cancer cells into quiescence‐like state by the upregulation of dormancy inducers and pluripotency markers, and activates representative events of the metastatic cascade. Our findings implicated NR2F1‐AS1 in the dynamics of tumor recurrence in ER‐positive breast cancers and introduce a new biomarker that holds a therapeutic potential, providing favorable prospects to be translated into the clinical field.
Immunoglobulin G1 Antibodies Against Phosphorylcholine Are Associated With Protection in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Atherosclerosis: Potential Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Thiagarajan D. , Fiskesund R. , Frostegård A. , Steen J. , Rahman M. , Vikström M. , Lundström S. , Frostegård J.
Published: May 2020

Objective

Immunoglobulin M antibodies against phosphorylcholine (anti‐PCs) may be protective in atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We study immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) and immunoglobulin G2 (IgG2) anti‐PCs, with a focus on atherosclerosis and SLE.

Methods

We determined anti‐PCs by using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 116 patients with SLE and 110 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. For functional studies, we used three in‐house–generated, fully human monoclonal IgG1 anti‐PCs (A01, D05, and E01). Apoptosis was induced in Jurkat T cells and preincubated with A01, D05, E01, or IgG1 isotype control, and effects on efferocytosis by human macrophages were studied. Anti‐PC peptide/protein characterization was determined using a proteomics de novo sequencing approach.

Results

IgG1, but not IgG2, anti‐PC levels were higher among patients with SLE (P = 0.02). IgG1 anti‐PCs were negatively associated with Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) damage index and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores (odds ratio [OR]: 2.978 [confidence interval (CI): 0.876‐10.098] and OR: 5.108 [CI 1.3‐20.067], respectively) and negatively associated with CVD, atherosclerotic plaques, and echolucent plaques (potentially vulnerable plaques), but the association for the two former was not significant after controlling for confounders. D05 had a maximum effect on macrophage efferocytosis efficiency, followed by A01 and E01. The monoclonal antibodies showed differential binding specificity to PC and PC‐associated neoepitopes. A peptide analysis showed a difference in the complementarity‐determining region 3 of the three IgG1 anti‐PC clones that are crucial for recognition of PC on apoptotic cell surfaces and other neoepitopes.

Conclusion

IgG1 anti‐PCs are negatively associated with disease activity and disease damage in SLE, but the negative association with CVD is also dependent on confounding risk factors. One potential underlying mechanism could be increased clearance of dead cells.
Lentivirus Manufacturing Process for Primary T‐Cell Biofactory Production
Authors: Radhakrishnan Harikrishnan , Javitz Harold S. , Bhatnagar Parijat
Published: May 2020

A process for maximizing the titer of lentivirus particles, deemed to be a necessity for transducing primary cells, is developed. Lentivirus particles, with a set of transgenes encoding an artificial cell‐signaling pathway, are used to transform primary T cells as vectors for calibrated synthesis of desired proteins in situ, that is, T‐cell biofactory cells. The process is also used to generate primary T cells expressing antigen‐specific chimeric antigen receptors, that is, CAR T cells. The two differently engineered primary T cells are expanded and validated for their respective functions, that is, calibrated synthesis of desired proteins upon engaging the target cells, which is specific for the T‐cell biofactory cells, and cytolysis of the target cells common to both types of cells. The process is compliant with current Good Manufacturing Practices and can be used to support the scale‐up for clinical translation.
MXene‐Based Fibers, Yarns, and Fabrics for Wearable Energy Storage Devices
Authors: Levitt Ariana , Zhang Jizhen , Dion Genevieve , Gogotsi Yury , Razal Joselito M.
Published: May 2020

Textile devices have benefited from the discovery of new conductive materials and innovations in textile device design. These devices include textile‐based supercapacitors (TSCs), encompassing fiber, yarn, and fabric supercapacitors, which have demonstrated practical value in powering wearable devices. Recent review articles have highlighted the limited energy density of TSCs as an important challenge, demanding new electrode materials with higher electronic conductivity and theoretical capacitance than present materials. Ti3C2Tx, a member of the MXene family, is known for its metallic conductivity and high volumetric capacitance in acidic electrolytes due to its pseudocapacitive behavior. Driven by these excellent properties, recent literature has reported promising integration methods of Ti3C2Tx into TSCs with significantly improved areal and volumetric capacitance compared with non‐MXene‐based TSCs. Furthermore, knitted MXene‐based TSCs demonstrated practical application of wearable energy storage devices in textiles. Herein, the techniques used to produce MXene‐based fibers, yarns, and fabrics and the progress in architecture design and performance metrics are highlighted. Challenges regarding the introduction of this new material into fiber/yarn/fabric architectures are discussed, which will inform the development of textile‐based devices beyond energy storage applications. Opportunities surrounding the development of MXene‐based fibers with tunable mechanical, electrical, and electrochemical properties are proposed, which will be the direction of future research efforts.
2D Titanium Carbide (Ti3C2Tx) in Accommodating Intraocular Lens Design
Authors: Ward Emma J. , Lacey Joseph , Crua Cyril , Dymond Marcus K. , Maleski Kathleen , Hantanasirisakul Kanit , Gogotsi Yury , Sandeman Susan
Published: May 2020

While intraocular lenses (IOL) are used to restore visual acuity in cataract patients, they are limited in their development as no clinically available lens can effectively mimic the accommodative function of the eye's natural lens. The optoelectronic properties of 2D transition metal carbides and/or nitrides (MXenes), including high electronic conductivity, optical transparency, flexibility, biocompatibility, and hydrophilicity, suggest potential use within an accommodating IOL. This study investigates the use of Ti3C2Tx (MXene) as a transparent, conductive electrode to allow changes in optical power. Ti3C2Tx is synthesized and spin‐coated on hydrophobic acrylate IOLs, achieving a sheet resistance ranging from 0.2–1.0 kΩ sq−1 with 50–80% transmittance in the visible region. Human lens epithelial and monocytic cells show no cytotoxic nor inflammatory response to the coated lenses. An adjustable focus test cell is fabricated using a liquid crystal (LC) layer sandwiched between Ti3C2Tx coatings on a solid support. Molecular reorientation of the LC layer, through an applied electric field, results in changes in optical power as objects viewed through the test cell appeared in and out of focus. This study is the first step toward the use of Ti3C2Tx within an accommodative IOL design through demonstration of reversible, controlled, adjustable focus.
Enhancement of the Magnetic Coupling in Exfoliated CrCl3Crystals Observed by Low‐Temperature Magnetic Force Microscopy and X‐ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism
Authors: Serri Michele , Cucinotta Giuseppe , Poggini Lorenzo , Serrano Giulia , Sainctavit Philippe , Strychalska‐Nowak Judyta , Politano Antonio , Bonaccorso Francesco , Caneschi Andrea , Cava Robert J. , Sessoli Roberta , Ottaviano Luca , Klimczuk Tomasz , Pellegrini Vittorio , Mannini Matteo
Published: May 2020

Magnetic crystals formed by 2D layers interacting by weak van der Waals forces are currently a hot research topic. When these crystals are thinned to nanometric size, they can manifest strikingly different magnetic behavior compared to the bulk form. This can be the result of, for example, quantum electronic confinement effects, the presence of defects, or pinning of the crystallographic structure in metastable phases induced by the exfoliation process. In this work, an investigation of the magnetism of micromechanically cleaved CrCl3flakes with thickness >10 nm is performed. These flakes are characterized by superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry, surface‐sensitive X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism, and spatially resolved magnetic force microscopy. The results highlight an enhancement of the CrCl3antiferromagnetic interlayer interaction that appears to be independent of the flake size when the thickness is tens of nanometers. The estimated exchange field is 9 kOe, representing an increase of ≈900% compared to the one of the bulk crystals. This effect can be attributed to the pinning of the high‐temperature monoclinic structure, as recently suggested by polarized Raman spectroscopy investigations in thin (8–35 nm) CrCl3flakes.
Asymmetric Electron Acceptors for High‐Efficiency and Low‐Energy‐Loss Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Li Shuixing , Zhan Lingling , Jin Yingzhi , Zhou Guanqing , Lau Tsz‐Ki , Qin Ran , Shi Minmin , Li Chang‐Zhi , Zhu Haiming , Lu Xinhui , Zhang Fengling , Chen Hongzheng
Published: May 2020

Low energy loss and efficient charge separation under small driving forces are the prerequisites for realizing high power conversion efficiency (PCE) in organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Here, a new molecular design of nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) is proposed to address above two issues simultaneously by introducing asymmetric terminals. Two NFAs, BTP‐S1 and BTP‐S2, are constructed by introducing halogenated indandione (A1) and 3‐dicyanomethylene‐1‐indanone (A2) as two different conjugated terminals on the central fused core (D), wherein they share the same backbone as well‐known NFA Y6, but at different terminals. Such asymmetric NFAs with A1‐D‐A2 structure exhibit superior photovoltaic properties when blended with polymer donor PM6. Energy loss analysis reveals that asymmetric molecule BTP‐S2 with six chlorine atoms attached at the terminals enables the corresponding devices to give an outstanding electroluminescence quantum efficiency of 2.3 × 10−2%, one order of magnitude higher than devices based on symmetric Y6 (4.4 × 10−3%), thus significantly lowering the nonradiative loss and energy loss of the corresponding devices. Besides, asymmetric BTP‐S1 and BTP‐S2 with multiple halogen atoms at the terminals exhibit fast hole transfer to the donor PM6. As a result, OPVs based on the PM6:BTP‐S2 blend realize a PCE of 16.37%, higher than that (15.79%) of PM6:Y6‐based OPVs. A further optimization of the ternary blend (PM6:Y6:BTP‐S2) results in a best PCE of 17.43%, which is among the highest efficiencies for single‐junction OPVs. This work provides an effective approach to simultaneously lower the energy loss and promote the charge separation of OPVs by molecular design strategy.
A Generalized Surface Chalcogenation Strategy for Boosting the Electrochemical N2 Fixation of Metal Nanocrystals
Authors: Yang Chengyong , Huang Bolong , Bai Shuxing , Feng Yonggang , Shao Qi , Huang Xiaoqing
Published: May 2020

Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is a promising process relative to energy‐intensive Haber–Bosch process. While conventional electrocatalysts underperform with sluggish paths, achieving dissociation of N2 brings the key challenge for enhancing NRR. This study proposes an effective surface chalcogenation strategy to improve the NRR performance of pristine metal nanocrystals (NCs). Surprisingly, the NH3 yield and Faraday efficiency (FE) (175.6 ± 23.6 mg h–1 g–1Rh and 13.3 ± 0.4%) of Rh‐Se NCs is significantly enhanced by 16 and 15 times, respectively. Detailed investigations show that the superior activity and high FE are attributed to the effect of surface chalcogenation, which not only can decrease the apparent activation energy, but also inhibit the occurrence of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) process. Theoretical calculations reveal that the strong interface strain effect within core@shell system induces a critical redox inversion, resulting in a rather low valence state of Rh and Se surface sites. Such strong correlation indicates an efficient electron‐transfer minimizing NRR barrier. Significantly, the surface chalcogenation strategy is general, which can extend to create other NRR metal electrocatalysts with enhanced performance. This strategy open a new avenue for future NH3 production for breakthrough in the bottleneck of NRR.
Colossal Granular Lithium Deposits Enabled by the Grain‐Coarsening Effect for High‐Efficiency Lithium Metal Full Batteries
Authors: Zhang Weidong , Wu Qiang , Huang Jinxin , Fan Lei , Shen Zeyu , He Yi , Feng Qi , Zhu Guannan , Lu Yingying
Published: May 2020

The low Coulombic efficiency of the lithium metal anode is recognized as the real bottleneck to practical high‐efficiency lithium metal batteries with limited Li excess. The grain size and microstructure of deposited lithium strongly influences the lithium plating/stripping efficiency. Here, a solubilizer‐mediated carbonate electrolyte that can realize grain coarsening of lithium deposits (>20 µm in width) with oriented columnar morphology, which is in sharp contrast with conventional nanoscale dendrite‐like lithium deposits in carbonate electrolytes, is reported. It exhibits improved Li Coulombic efficiency to 98.14% at a high capacity of 3 mAh cm−2 over 150 cycles, because the colossal lithium deposition with minimal tortuosity can maintain the bulk Li with continuous electron conducting pathway during the stripping process, thus enabling efficient Li utilization. Li/NMC811 full batteries, composed of thin Li anode (45 µm) and a high‐capacity NMC811 cathode (16.7 mg cm−2), can achieve at least 12 times longer lifespan (200 cycles).
Microfluidic Synthesis of Luminescent and Plasmonic Nanoparticles: Fast, Efficient, and Data‐Rich
Authors: Nette Julia , Howes Philip D. , deMello Andrew J.
Published: May 2020

Microfluidic approaches to nanomaterial synthesis provide an effective means of making high quality products, with exquisite control over electronic, optical, and structural properties. Furthermore, microfluidic reactors integrating analytics and real‐time reaction control have recently emerged as powerful tools in automating materials exploration and reaction parameter mapping, with a rapidity and efficiency that is inaccessible to traditional flask‐based methods. Herein, the recent innovations in the microfluidic synthesis of photonic nanoparticles, whose varied luminescent and plasmonic properties have found great application in the biomedical and optoelectronic sciences, are presented. Special attention is placed on the achievements and promise of microfluidic approaches in automated multidimensional reaction parameter screening employing in situ optical characterization. In an extended outlook, the future of the field is explored, looking toward the integration of smart control systems and machine learning algorithms, and demonstrating how maximal positive impact can be achieved. Far from degrading or replacing the ingenuity of the experimentalist, these tools will provide new powers of exploration, augmenting the discovery process. Further, through automation and miniaturization, it is expected that such approaches will fulfill the moral imperative of maximizing the benefit derived from the natural resources consumed in conducting research.
A General Approach of Adjusting the Surface‐Free Energy of the Interfacial Layer for High‐Performance Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Alharbi Njud S. , Wang Chenyun , Alsaadi Fawaz E. , Rabah Samar O. , Tan Zhan'ao
Published: May 2020

For organic solar cells, the different surface‐free energies (SFE) of donors and acceptors leads to inhomogeneous distribution at the upper and bottom surfaces of the photoactive layer. Undesired distribution of donors and acceptors is unfavorable for charge collection. Adjusting the SFE of the underlying interfacial layer can effectively change the distribution of donors and acceptors within the photoactive layer. Herein, Nafion, a perfluorinated polymer containing the fluorocarbon backbone and perfluorovinyl ether branch with sulfonic acid end groups, is introduced to adjust the SFE of poly‐(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly‐(styrenesulphonicacid) (PEDOT:PSS). The work‐function change of the PEDOT:PSS before and after doping with Nafion is explored by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. The contact angles of water and diiodomethane on the PEDOT:PSS and PEDOT:PSS‐Nafion are measured and their SFE are calculated from the Owens formula. Interfacial layer induced phase separation is investigated by energy‐dispersive spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The device resistance and carrier lifetime are investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and intensity‐modulated photovoltage spectroscopy. By accurately adjusting the ratio of Nafion to PEDOT:PSS, the optimized device with PBDB‐TCL:IT‐4F achieves the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.12% and the device based on PEDOT:PSS‐Nafion with PBDB‐TF:Y6 achieves the PCE of 16.31%.
Theoretical Study of Interfacial and Electronic Properties of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides and Organic Molecules Based van der Waals Heterostructures
Authors: Habib Mohammad Rezwan , Wang Weijia , Khan Afzal , Khan Yahya , Obaidulla Sk Md , Pi Xiaodong , Xu Mingsheng
Published: May 2020

Heterostructures built from 2D materials and organic semiconductors offer a unique platform for addressing many fundamental physics and construction of functional devices. Interfaces play a crucial role in tailoring the heterostructure properties. Here, density functional theory computations are performed to explore the interfacial properties of heterostructures made of group VI transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD) and organic molecules such as perylene tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) and pentacene. First principle calculations predict that the organic pentacene layer exhibits covalent interfacing with MoSe2 and WSe2, while the interface of other studied TMD/organic heterostructures form van der Waals (vdW) interfaces. Owing to the different molecular geometry of PTCDA and pentacene in their respective heterostructures, the work function can be modulated of the order of 1.0 eV in comparison with pure monolayer MX2 in MX2/pentacene (M = Mo, W; X = S, Se) heterostructures, while the change of work function in MX2/PTCDA (M = Mo, W; X = S, Se) is negligible (order of 0.1 eV) in comparison with pure monolayer MX2. This study will be helpful to design high‐performance optoelectronic devices based on TMDs and organic semiconductors.
Over 20% Efficient and Stable Non‐Fullerene‐Based Ternary Bulk‐Heterojunction Organic Solar Cell with WS2 Hole‐Transport Layer and Graded Refractive Index Antireflection Coating
Authors: Ram Kiran Sreedhar , Singh Jai
Published: May 2020

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of a ternary organic solar cell (TOSC) with an active layer consisting of PBDB‐T‐2F and two non‐fullerene materials Y6 and SF(BR)4 is simulated. Tungsten disulphide (WS2) is used as the hole transport layer (HTL) to reduce the contact resistance between the active layer and anode which enhances the internal quantum efficiency to 91.7%. It is found that the use of a highly absorbing non‐fullerene small molecule acceptor, SF(BR)4, enhances the absorption as well as improves the stability. Finally, the incorporation of the graded refractive index coating, in the form of moth‐eye shaped nanostructures, on the top of glass reduces the reflection losses and enhances the transmission coefficient from 0.88 to 0.94. Thus, the TOSC simulated here, of the structure moth‐eye‐AR/glass/ITO/WS2/PBDB‐T‐2F:Y6:SF(BR)4/PFN‐Br/Al, produces a PCE of 20.87%. The results presented in this paper are expected to provide useful guidance for fabricating highly efficient and stable hybrid bulk‐heterojunction solar cells.