bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prefrontal haemodynamics based classification of inter‐individual working memory difference
Authors: De A.
Published: December 2020

This Letter illustrates prefrontal haemodynamics as a neurovascular basis of inter‐personal working memory differences. A functional near‐infrared spectroscopy with sampling frequency ∼2 Hz is used to record the blood oxyhaemoglobin and deoxyhaemoglobin signals from 19 subjects engaged in working memory task of encoding and retrieval of ten symbol‐meaning association learning. The individual difference in working memory performance is classified by supervised learning‐based linear discriminant analysis and ensemble classifiers. Prior to the classification approach, individual performance is labelled as high, moderate and low on the basis of the performance index. The spontaneous haemodynamic activity and task‐evoked responses are marked as background and foreground signals, respectively, which are scaled by means of stream‐independent and stream‐dependent models. The classifiers' performance shows that the stream‐dependent model‐based feature construction‐classification improves classification accuracy to a major extent compared to the stream‐independent model and no gain model. To understand the neurovascular basis of the inter‐individual performance difference, diffused voxel plots are constructed. The voxel plots showed that concurrent activation of orbitofrontal and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex could have a possible association with persons' higher working memory performance.
Dielectric behaviours of bio‐derived epoxy resins from cashew nutshell liquid
Authors: Mu Mulan , Vaughan Alun
Published: December 2020

In this study, four commercially available bio‐derived epoxy systems (extracted from cashew nutshell liquid) were prepared and characterised. The glass transition temperature (T
g), dielectric spectroscopy, DC conductivity and breakdown properties of these epoxy resins were studied. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) demonstrated that the T
g of the investigated systems ranged from 67 to 122°C. The DC conductivity was very low (<10−16 S cm−1) and comparable to the conventional dielectrics at room temperature (RT). However, all systems showed a strong temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity and exhibited sharp increase around their respective T
g. Arrhenius analysis led to activation energy, E
a, values around 1 eV; higher E
a values were observed in systems with a lower T
g. Dielectric spectroscopy revealed a flat and low response at temperature below T
g. However, both the real and imaginary permittivity increased with decreasing frequency at mid to low frequencies as the temperatures approached T
g. The variations of AC breakdown strength of all samples were not statistically significant, but the DC breakdown strength of sample 2503A + 2002B was higher than the others, which might be due to reduced charge transport in this system. The results indicate that novel bio‐derived epoxy systems from renewable sources are potential alternatives for traditional petroleum‐based epoxy systems in certain insulation applications.
Multiobjective approach in the treatment of cancer
Authors: Sabir Soukaina , Raissi Nadia , Serhani Mustapha
Published: December 2020

In this work we deal with a cancer problem involving the growth of tumor cells and their interaction with effector cells. The goal is to find an optimal control minimizing tumor cells density together with the amount of chemotherapy drugs and maximizing the density of effector cells. By invoking the multi-objective optimization we characterize optimal Pareto solutions and give simulation of Pareto front.
Blutzuckerselbstmessung – wie kann ein korrekter Wert erzielt werden?
Authors: Baumstark Annette , Jendrike Nina
Published: December 2020

Die Blutzuckerselbstmessung ist seit vielen Jahren ein wichtiger Bestandteil der Diabetestherapie. Die gemessenen Werte werden als Grundlage für Therapieentscheidungen herangezogen und sollten daher möglichst korrekt sein. In messtechnischer Hinsicht bedeutet dies, dass die eingesetzten Blutzuckermesssysteme eine hohe Genauigkeit benötigen. Anforderungen an die Genauigkeit sind in der Norm EN ISO 15197:2015 festgelegt. Abgesehen von der Qualität ist bei der Auswahl eines Blutzuckermesssystems auch die Berücksichtigung von möglichen Interferenten, die im Blut eines Patienten vorliegen können (z. B. bestimmte Medikamente) notwendig. Eine weitere wichtige Voraussetzung, um genaue Messwerte zu erzielen, ist die richtige Handhabung des Messsystems und die korrekte Durchführung der Messung.
Diagnostik des Gestationsdiabetes mellitus in der Praxis
Authors: Heinemann Lutz , Nagel-Reuper Christine , Adamczewski Heinke , Freckmann Guido
Published: December 2020

Die Zahl der Frauen, die an Gestationsdiabetes mellitus (GDM) erkranken, steigt in den letzten Jahren begünstigt durch ein höheres Alter und einen veränderten Lebensstil der Schwangeren beträchtlich an. Um akute sowie Langzeitfolgen für Mutter und Kind auf ein Minimum zu reduzieren, gilt es den GDM frühzeitig zu erkennen und entsprechend zu behandeln. Bereits in der Frühschwangerschaft (vor der 24. SSW) kann mittels einer Nüchtern-Glukosemessung oder durch die Messung des HbA1c-Wertes auf das Vorliegen eines GDM beziehungsweise eines bisher unerkannten Diabetes mellitus hin untersucht werden. Ab der 24. SSW muss nach der deutschen Mutterschaftsrichtlinie von 2012 zudem jeder Schwangeren, unabhängig vom Vorherrschen bestimmter Risikofaktoren für GDM, ein oraler Glukose-Challenge-Test (50-g-GCT) zum Screening auf Glukosestoffwechselstörungen und GDM angeboten werden. Fällt dieser Screeningtest pathologisch aus, erfolgt ein standardisierter oraler Glukosetoleranztest (75-g-oGTT), um den Verdacht auf GDM oder Diabetes mellitus zu bestätigen. Die sichere Diagnose des GDM hängt dabei nicht nur von der korrekten Durchführung des 75-g-oGTT ab, sondern vor allem auch von der richtigen (prä-)analytischen Handhabung der Blutproben.
High-intensity Interval Training Shock Microcycle Improves Running Performance but not Economy in Female Soccer Players
Authors: Dolci Filippo , Kilding Andrew E. , Spiteri Tania , Chivers Paola , Piggott Benjamin , Maiorana Andrew , Hart Nicolas
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of high-intensity interval training shock microcycles (HIITSM) on endurance, running economy and change of direction economy in female soccer players. Nineteen sub-elite female soccer players were randomised to two groups: HIITSM (10 HIIT sessions over 13 days) or HIITTRAD (4 HIIT sessions over 13 days) interventions. Endurance performance was evaluated through the 30–15 intermittent fitness test (30–15IFT); running economy over a 5-min treadmill run; and change of direction economy over two conditions: (1) 5-min 20m shuttle run, and (2) 5-min 10m shuttle run. HIITSM significantly improved 30–15IFT scores compared to baseline (+4.4%, p=0.009; d=0.96) and 30–15IFT scores relative to HIITTRAD (p=0.002; d=2.01). There was no significant interaction (group×time) for running economy and change of direction economy. Pre- to post- intervention there was a significant main time effect for blood lactate over 20m and 10m shuttle runs (p<0.001 and p=0.037, respectively), with large (d=0.93) and moderate (d=0.53) changes observed for the HIITSM over the two distances, respectively. HIITSM may be more effective than HIITTRAD to improve 30–15IFT over shorter training periods but may not affect running economy and change of direction economy.
Age-Dependent Anticoagulant Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation Patients with Intermediate Risk of Ischemic Stroke: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Choi Sun Young , Kim Moo Hyun , Lee Kwang Min , Cho Young-Rak , Park Jong Sung , Yun Sung-Cheol , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: December 2020

Background Although older age is one of the most important risk factors for stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF), it is unclear whether an age threshold exists for which oral anticoagulants (OACs) are beneficial for intermediate-risk AF patients. We sought to investigate the age-dependency of OAC for ischemic stroke in intermediate-risk AF patients.

Methods We enrolled 34,701 AF patients (males with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1 and females with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2) using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. The clinical endpoint was the occurrence of ischemic stroke and a composite outcome (ischemic stroke + major bleeding + all-cause death).

Results In AF patients aged ≥ 55 years, OAC therapy was associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke compared with non-OAC treatment in males (55–59 years: hazard ratio [HR] 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61–0.98, p = 0.038, 60–64 years: HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.61–0.96, p = 0.029, and 65–74 years: HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.49–0.84, p = 0.011) and females (55–59 years: HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.58–0.96, p = 0.027, 60–64 years: HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55–0.93, p = 0.017, and 65–74 years: HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51–0.87, p = 0.013). OAC was associated with a lower risk for the composite outcome compared with non-OAC for male and female patients aged ≥ 55 years.

Conclusion Age is an important determinant of ischemic stroke and composite outcome in intermediate-risk AF patients. The benefit of OAC therapy for these AF patients appears to have an age threshold (age ≥ 55 years).
Controllable Lewis Base Catalyzed Michael Addition of α-Amino­nitriles to Activated Alkenes: Facile Synthesis of Functionalized γ-Amino Acid Esters and γ-Lactams
Authors: Wei Zhong-Lin , Liao Wei-Wei , He Ze-Ying , Jang Ho-Chol , Teng Le-Sheng
Published: December 2020

A novel protocol for the synthesis of functionalized γ-amino acid esters and γ-lactams through a controllable Lewis base catalyzed Michael addition of α-aminonitriles to simple activated alkenes has been developed. The scope, versatility, and efficiency of the process were demonstrated.
Therapy of Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Evidence and Clinical Practice
Authors: Chai Nathan X. , Chapiro Julius
Published: December 2020

Intermediate-stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) represents a wide range of disease burden. Patients with different levels of liver function, tumor size, and number of lesions may all have intermediate-stage disease according to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system. Several minimally invasive image-guided locoregional therapies are available for the treatment of intermediate-stage HCC, including conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE), drug-eluting bead TACE (DEB-TACE), yttrium-90 radioembolization (Y-90 RE), thermal ablation, bland embolization, and combination therapy. Available clinical evidence points to cTACE as the current gold standard for the locoregional treatment of intermediate-stage HCC. DEB-TACE is at best non-inferior to cTACE in terms of survival benefit. Y-90 RE is a maturing therapy, and some institutions have adopted it as first-line therapy for intermediate-stage HCC. Thermal ablation combined with TACE may be used in select patients, while bland embolization has only limited evidence for its use. The combination of locoregional therapy with VEGF inhibitors or immune checkpoint inhibitors has also been explored. This article will examine in detail the clinical evidence supporting available locoregional treatment options for intermediate-stage HCC.
Interventional Treatment of Hepatic Metastases from Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Sutphin Patrick D. , Ganguli Suvranu
Published: December 2020

Modern systemic therapies provide a significant survival benefit in metastatic colorectal cancer. Despite these advances, the durability of response remains limited and nearly all patients progress on systemic treatment. Colorectal liver metastases (CLM) develop in approximately half of patients with metastatic disease and contribute to mortality in most patients. In selected patients, surgical resection of hepatic metastases prolongs survival, indicating the benefits of the targeted treatment of CLM through alternate means. Minimally invasive interventional treatments offer the promise of treating CLM in a wider range of patients than those eligible for surgical resection. Thermal ablation and intra-arterial therapies, including chemoembolization and radioembolization, are commonly used in the treatment of CLM. Each of these treatment modalities will be discussed in detail with an emphasis on the available clinical data for each interventional treatment for CLM.
Liver-Directed Therapy for Neuroendocrine Tumor Liver Metastases in the Era of Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy
Authors: Lehrman Evan D. , Fidelman Nicholas
Published: December 2020

Neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases are treated by a multidisciplinary cohort of physicians that work together to achieve optimal clinical results for their patients. This review addresses critical concepts in diagnosis and workup of such patients followed by medical, surgical, and liver-directed arterial and ablative therapies. Specific perioperative care for these patients is crucial in avoiding dreaded complications related to Carcinoid Crisis. The recent introduction of Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy as a therapeutic option has impacted some of the algorithms for timing and selection of arterial embolotherapies.
High Thrombin Generation after Acute Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack Is Associated with a Reduced Risk of Recurrence: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Lundström Annika , Änggårdh-Rooth Elisabeth , Mobarrez Fariborz , Thålin Charlotte , Gigante Bruna , Laska Ann Charlotte , Wallén Håkan
Published: December 2020

Thrombin is increasingly recognized to be of importance for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of thrombin generation variables in a cohort of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Thrombin generation potential measured by calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT) and prothrombin fragment F1 + 2 was determined in the acute and convalescent phases for a cohort of 190 patients with AIS/TIA. Microvesicle (MV)-induced thrombin generation potential was determined for a subset of patients using modified CAT. Primary outcome was a composite of fatal and nonfatal AIS or myocardial infarction as documented in Swedish registers during a total follow-up of 986 patient-years. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using Cox regression based on variable median split. Peak thrombin and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) above median in the acute phase were associated with a reduced risk of primary outcome after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, HR: 0.50 (0.27–0.92), p = 0.026 and HR: 0.53 (0.28–0.99), p = 0.048, respectively. F1 + 2 was lower in patients than in healthy controls but not associated with outcome. MV-induced peak thrombin above median in the acute phase was associated with recurrent AIS, unadjusted HR: 2.65 (1.03–6.44), p = 0.044. Contrary to expectation, high thrombin generation potential is associated with a reduced risk of recurrent ischemic event in patients with AIS/TIA. Low ETP/peak thrombin combined with high MV-induced peak thrombin can potentially identify patients at high risk of recurrence.
Eye to the Future in Adenomyosis Research
Authors: Halvorson Lisa M. , Giudice Linda C. , Stewart Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2020

Adenomyosis is a poorly understood and clinically underappreciated gynecologic disorder associated with substantial morbidity including dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, infertility, and poor pregnancy outcomes. Substantial gaps persist in our understanding of essentially all aspects of this disorder – epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. In this article, we summarize current thoughts on future directions in basic, translational, and clinical adenomyosis research.
Magnetocaloric effect and critical behavior of Ni1−xMnxCr2O4 (x = 0, 0.10, and 0.50) compounds
Authors: Borah Ritupan , Ravi S.
Published: December 2020

Single-phase polycrystalline samples of Ni1−xMnxCr2O4 (x = 0.0, 0.10, and 0.50) were prepared by the sol–gel route, and their structural, magnetic, and magnetocaloric properties and critical behavior were studied. Structural transformation from a tetragonal (I41/amd) to a cubic (Fd3¯m) phase is observed at room temperature due to the substitution of Jahn–Teller inactive Mn2+ ions. Mn substitution gives rise to a reduction in ferrimagnetic transition temperature. A significant increase in magnetic entropy change (−ΔSM) and relative cooling power (RCP) is observed upon Mn substitution. For x = 0.50, the estimated value of −ΔSM = 2.9 J kg−1 K−1 and the relative of cooling power RCP = 58.2 J kg−1 for an applied field of H = 9 T. The ferrimagnetic transition is studied by recording isothermal magnetization data in a close temperature interval in the vicinity of the transition for the maximum applied field up to 9 T. These data were analyzed based on a modified Arrot plot method. The estimated values of critical exponents do not fall under any specific critical state model and they are discussed in detail.
3D side-scattering imaging flow cytometer and convolutional neural network for label-free cell analysis
Authors: Tang Rui , Zhang Zunming , Chen Xinyu , Waller Lauren , Zhang Alex Ce , Chen Jiajie , Han Yuanyuan , An Cheolhong , Cho Sung Hwan , Lo Yu-Hwa
Published: December 2020

Compared with conventional fluorescence biomarker labeling, the classification of cell types based on their stain-free morphological characteristics enables the discovery of a new biological insight and simplifies the traditional cell analysis workflow. Most artificial intelligence aided image-based cell analysis methods primarily use transmitted bright-field images or holographic images. Here, we present the first study of the convolutional neural network (CNN) analysis on three-dimensional (3D) side-scattering cell images out of a unique 3D imaging flow cytometer study. Human cancer cell lines and leukocyte classifications were performed to investigate the information carried by the spatial distribution of side-scattering imaging of single cells. We achieved a balanced accuracy of 98.8% for cancer cell line classification and 92.3% for leukocyte classification. The results demonstrate that the side-scattering signals can not only produce general information about cell granularity following the common belief but also carry rich information about the properties and functions of cells, which can be uncovered by the availability of a side-scattering imaging flow cytometer and the application of CNN. Thereby, we have opened up a new avenue for cell phenotype analysis in biomedical and clinical research.
A compact filtered x-ray diode array spectrometer for the National Ignition Facility: SENTINEL
Authors: Kemp G. E. , May M. J. , MacNeil L. P. , Allen F. V. , Brown C. G. , Christensen K. S. , Dutra E. C. , Esquivel C. A. , Martinez A. N. , Fisher J. H. , Blue B. E.
Published: December 2020

Sentinel is a 16-channel, filtered x-ray diode array spectrometer that has been developed to measure ∼1 keV–20 keV x-ray emission generated by the National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser. Unlike the large, fixed-port versions of this diagnostic that currently exist on the NIF (known as Dante), Sentinel is a Diagnostic Instrument Manipulator compatible such that it can be fielded along the polar or equatorial lines-of-sight—an essential new capability for characterizing the often anisotropic x-ray emission from laser-driven sources. We present the diagnostic design along with preliminary diode calibrations and performance results. The novel, small-form-factor x-ray diode design allows for ≳5×–25× increased channel areal density over that of Dante, simultaneously enabling improved diagnostic robustness and fidelity of spectral reconstructions. While the Sentinel diagnostic is anticipated to improve line-of-sight spectral characterization of x-ray sources for a wide variety of programs on the NIF, the compact and portable design is also attractive to small- and mid-scale facilities with limited diagnostic real estate.
Paschen curves and current–voltage characteristics of large-area short glow discharge with different electrode structures
Authors: Lyu Xingbao , Yuan Chengxun , Avtaeva Svetlana , Kudryavtsev Anatoly , Yao Jingfeng , Zhou Zhongxiang , Wang Xiaoou
Published: December 2020

In this work, the Paschen curves and current–voltage characteristics of three large-area short glow discharge structures with grid and solid plate electrodes are studied. The study of the Paschen's curves reveals that Paschen's law is broken for all three investigated electrode structures. It is shown that the experimentally measured Paschen curves are well approximated with a modified Paschen's law. A comparison of the current–voltage characteristics of the short glow discharge in the three types of electrode structures reveals that the use of grid electrodes allows for the increase in the discharge current. The effects of the electrode gap, which were varied from 1 mm to 7 mm, on the Paschen curves and current–voltage characteristics of short glow discharges are also investigated.
Phase control of the transmission in cavity magnomechanical system with magnon driving
Authors: Li Xiyun , Yang Wen-Xing , Shui Tao , Li Ling , Wang Xin , Wu Zhen
Published: December 2020

We investigate the coherent control of the transmission spectrum in a cavity magnetomechanical system consisting of microwave photon, magnon, and phonon modes, where the microwave cavity is driven by a strong pump field and a weak probe field, and the magnon is driven by a weak microwave source. Different from a single transparency window in the absence of the phonon–magnon interaction, two transparency windows and three absorption dips can be observed in the presence of the phonon–magnon interaction, which originates from the joint interaction of phonon–magnon and photon–magnon. In addition, two absorption dips located at both sides of the central absorption dip can be modulated asymmetrically into amplification and absorption by varying the magnetic field amplitude of the magnon driving field. Interestingly enough, the relative phase of applied fields could have profound effects on both the transmission spectrum and the group delay of the output field by choosing the appropriate magnetic field amplitude of the magnon driving field. The transmission group delay can be switched between positive to negative and vice versa by adjusting the relative phase between the applied fields. The present results illustrate the potential to utilize the relative phase for controlling the microwave signal in the cavity magnomechanical system, as well as guidance in the design of information transduction and quantum sensing.
Rapid screening of alloy elements to improve the elastic properties of dilute Pt-based alloys: High-throughput first-principles calculations and modeling
Authors: Zhou Yunxuan , Yu Wei , Chong Xiaoyu , Wei Yan , Hu Changyi , Zhang Aimin , Feng Jing
Published: December 2020

Platinum (Pt)-based dilute solid solutions are an important category of high-temperature alloys and bond coatings. In this study, the effects of 33 alloying elements on the mechanical and electronic properties of dilute Pt-based solid solutions are systematically investigated under atom relaxation and full relaxation using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. The negative mixing enthalpy of Pt-dilute solid solutions means that the solubility of the solute elements in the Pt-based dilute alloys is energetically favorable at 0 K. Niobium, rhenium, and scandium are promising candidate elements for increasing the hardness and ductility of dilute Pt-based solid solutions. In addition, the electronic basis for the mechanical properties of Pt-dilute solid solutions is investigated in terms of the electronic density and mean bond population. The results demonstrate that the Pt–X bond lengths are shorter than the Pt–Pt bond length, resulting in greater hardness. Moreover, the model for the composition dependent elastic properties is built based on the CALPHAD approach, which will be used to the Pt-based multiphase alloys in the future. As certain alloying elements improve the hardness and ductility of Pt, this research expands our knowledge of the mechanism of dilute Pt-based solid solutions and provides a basis for next-generation superalloys or bond coatings at higher temperatures.
Investigation of magnetic noise from conductive shields in the 10–300 kHz frequency range
Authors: Savukov Igor , Kim Young Jin
Published: December 2020

We present experimental and theoretical investigations of magnetic noise originating from radio-frequency (RF) conductive shields of flat geometry in the inductance-dominated impedance regime below 300 kHz. The measurement is based on a Q-factor determination of a coil that provides a sufficient sensitivity, placed at the position where the shield magnetic noise is measured. The theory is based on calculations of magnetic field and inductance of one or a few flat rings that emulate a conductive shield. The theoretical model is found to be in close agreement with experimental data. It can be used to predict the magnetic noise of a conductive shield with different thicknesses, conductivities, and temperatures at different distances for a wide range of frequencies. Although the model can be generalized for a more arbitrary shield geometry, in its presented form, it can be applied to the magnetic noise predictions when the shield surface curvature is not large. One important conclusion is that the RF conductive shield can generate the magnetic noise much lower than femtotesla, and, thus, it can be used in many precision experiments targeting minute high-frequency magnetic signals, such as detection of magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear quadrupole resonance signals and search for axion dark matter.
Thermoelectric properties of oil fly ash-derived carbon nanotubes coated with polypyrrole
Authors: Salah Numan , Alhebshi Nuha A. , Salah Yousef N. , Alshareef Husam N. , Koumoto Kunihito
Published: December 2020

Oil fly ash has been reported to be suitable for producing low-cost carbon nanotubes (CNTs). These CNTs exhibit zigzag curved walls with an almost bamboo-like structure. Owing to this structure, these CNTs exhibit very low thermal conductivity as compared to other graphitic carbon materials. They also exhibit relatively low electrical conductivity. However, they exhibit a Seebeck coefficient comparable to that of commercially available CNTs. Therefore, it is of great importance to evaluate the thermoelectric (TE) properties of oil fly ash-derived CNTs. In this study, the TE properties of oil fly ash-derived CNTs were investigated. The CNTs were further coated with polypyrrole (PPy) to enhance their TE performance. PPy was used for the modification because of its attractive TE properties and its suitability as a binder for CNTs. The PPy coating significantly enhanced the electrical conductivity of the CNTs from ∼500 to ∼1300 S/m at room temperature. A small increase in the Seebeck coefficient was also observed. The power factor value increased from 0.1 to 0.6 μW/m K2. At 440 K, the power factor value was 1.4 μW/m K2. The thermal conductivity of the CNTs (∼1 W/m K) decreased significantly by a factor of 10 after the modification with PPy. The power generation characteristics of a single leg module made up of the p-type coated CNTs were investigated under real-time conditions in air. The results demonstrated the potential of the oil fly ash-derived CNTs coated with PPy for applications as TE materials.
Inhibition of GCK-IV kinases dissociates cell death and axon regeneration in CNS neurons
Authors: Patel Amit K. , Broyer Risa M. , Lee Cassidy D. , Lu Tianlun , Louie Mikaela J. , La Torre Anna , Al-Ali Hassan , Vu Mai T. , Mitchell Katherine L. , Wahlin Karl J. , Berlinicke Cynthia A. , Jaskula-Ranga Vinod , Hu Yang , Duan Xin , Vilar Santiago , Bixby John L. , Weinreb Robert N. , Lemmon Vance P. , Zack Donald J. , Welsbie Derek S.
Published: December 2020

Significance

Axonal injury plays a major role in many neurodegenerative diseases. The dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) signaling pathway is a key regulator of axonal injury-induced neuronal cell death; however, DLK also has an important role in promoting axonal outgrowth. Therefore, inhibiting DLK as a therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases is limited to a neuroprotective outcome without axon regeneration, prohibiting restoration of function. In fact, there are currently no strategies that provide long-term neuroprotection and axonal regeneration after injury. Here, we identified the germinal cell kinase four (GCK-IV) family of kinases as targets to maximize neuroprotection while promoting axon regeneration, making it an attractive therapeutic approach for a subset of neurodegenerative diseases.
Adipocytes promote breast tumorigenesis through TAZ-dependent secretion of Resistin
Authors: Gao Yuhao , Chen Xiaosong , He Qing , Gimple Ryan C. , Liao Yajin , Wang Liang , Wu Rong , Xie Qi , Rich Jeremy N. , Shen Kunwei , Yuan Zengqiang
Published: December 2020

Significance

Adipocytes are the most abundant and perhaps most active components of the tumor microenvironment in obese individuals that potentiate breast tumorigenesis through secretory mechanisms. The modulation of adipocytes can be novel therapy targets for breast cancer. Here, we revealed a specific upregulation of adipocytic TAZ through the FFA/PPARγ axis in diet-induced adiposity. Adipocytic TAZ knockdown or deficiency in mice inhibits adipocyte-induced breast cancer proliferation and stemness through impaired expression and secretion of Resistin. Immunostaining in triple-negative breast cancer samples showed that higher adipocytic TAZ/Resistin expression associates with higher clinical stages and poorer survival, demonstrating promising therapeutic targets.
Widespread occurrence of the droplet state of proteins in the human proteome
Authors: Hardenberg Maarten , Horvath Attila , Ambrus Viktor , Fuxreiter Monika , Vendruscolo Michele
Published: December 2020

Significance

Liquid–liquid phase separation of proteins results in biomolecular condensates, which contribute to the organization of cellular matter into membraneless organelles. It is still unclear, however, whether these condensates represent a common state of proteins. Here, based on biophysical principles driving phase separation, we report a proteome-wide ranking of proteins according to their propensity to condensate into a droplet state. We analyze two mechanisms for droplet formation—driver proteins can spontaneously phase separate, while client proteins require additional components. We conclude that the droplet state, as the native and amyloid states, is a fundamental state of proteins, with most proteins expected to be capable of undergoing liquid–liquid phase separation via either of these two mechanisms.
Structure, self-assembly, and properties of a truncated reflectin variant
Authors: Umerani Mehran J. , Pratakshya Preeta , Chatterjee Atrouli , Cerna Sanchez Juana A. , Kim Ho Shin , Ilc Gregor , Kovačič Matic , Magnan Christophe , Marmiroli Benedetta , Sartori Barbara , Kwansa Albert L. , Orins Helen , Bartlett Andrew W. , Leung Erica M. , Feng Zhijing , Naughton Kyle L. , Norton-Baker Brenna , Phan Long , Long James , Allevato Alex , Leal-Cruz Jessica E. , Lin Qiyin , Baldi Pierre , Bernstorff Sigrid , Plavec Janez , Yingling Yaroslava G. , Gorodetsky Alon A.
Published: December 2020

Significance

The investigation of protein-based materials has provided a better understanding of living systems and has led to the development of ubiquitous modern technologies. Within this context, unique cephalopod proteins called reflectins have exhibited promise for biophotonics and bioelectronics applications, but the exploration of reflectins as materials has been hindered by an incomplete understanding of their structures and properties. Here, we resolve the molecular-level structure of a model reflectin variant, establish a straightforward approach to controlling the assembly of this protein, and describe a correlation between its structural characteristics and light-manipulating properties. Taken together, our findings advance current understanding of reflectin-based materials, provide insight into the color-changing capabilities of cephalopods, and afford new opportunities in biochemistry, cellular biology, bioengineering, and optics.
A hydromorphic reevaluation of the forgotten river civilizations of Central Asia
Authors: Toonen Willem H. J. , Macklin Mark G. , Dawkes Giles , Durcan Julie A. , Leman Max , Nikolayev Yevgeniy , Yegorov Alexandr
Published: December 2020

Significance

Our paper challenges the long-held view that the fall of Central Asia’s river civilizations was determined by warfare and the destruction of irrigation infrastructure during the Mongol invasion. An integration of radiometric dating of long-term river dynamics in the region with irrigation canal abandonment shows that periods of cultural decline correlate with drier conditions during multicentennial length periods when the North Atlantic Oscillation had mostly positive index values. There is no evidence that large-scale destruction of irrigation systems occurred during the Arab or Mongol invasion specifically. A more nuanced interpretation identifies chronic environmental challenges to floodwater farming over the last two millennia, punctuated by multicentennial-length periods with favorable hydromorphic and hydroclimatological conditions that enabled irrigation agriculturists to flourish.
Actin-ring segment switching drives nonadhesive gap closure
Authors: Wei Qiong , Shi Xuechen , Zhao Tiankai , Cai Pingqiang , Chen Tianwu , Zhang Yao , Huang Changjin , Yang Jian , Chen Xiaodong , Zhang Sulin
Published: December 2020

Significance

Gap closure to eliminate physical discontinuities and restore tissue integrity is a fundamental process in normal development and repair of damaged tissues and organs. Here, we report a previously unexplored gap-closure mechanism by which cell proliferation, collective cell migration, large-scale intercellular actin-network remodeling, and purse-string contraction act in a highly coordinated manner to restore the gap. In distinct contrast to the classical purse-string contraction mechanism, this mechanism involves intercellular switching of actin-cable segments at the gap front, which effectively empowers the actin cable for gap closure. Our study highlights the principles of wound healing driven by the close reciprocity between mechanics and cellular remodeling and might inspire mechanobiological intervention strategies for embryogenesis, tissue repair, antimetastasis, and plastic surgery.
Divergence of Arctic shrub growth associated with sea ice decline
Authors: Buchwal Agata , Sullivan Patrick F. , Macias-Fauria Marc , Post Eric , Myers-Smith Isla H. , Stroeve Julienne C. , Blok Daan , Tape Ken D. , Forbes Bruce C. , Ropars Pascale , Lévesque Esther , Elberling Bo , Angers-Blondin Sandra , Boyle Joseph S. , Boudreau Stéphane , Boulanger-Lapointe Noémie , Gamm Cassandra , Hallinger Martin , Rachlewicz Grzegorz , Young Amanda , Zetterberg Pentti , Welker Jeffrey M.
Published: December 2020

Significance

Two defining features of climate change in the Arctic are the rapid decline of sea ice and “shrubification” of the tundra. While previous studies have inferred warming-related linkages between the two, these have been limited to a few locations. Our Pan-Arctic analysis of shrub growth chronologies reveals two important insights. Tundra shrub growth dynamics are associated with sea ice decline throughout the Arctic; however, while shrubs from most locations increased their growth, more than one-third showed evidence of declining growth in response to warming and drying associated with sea ice loss. These results highlight pronounced growth response heterogeneity across the tundra biome that will have important implications for tundra productivity and vegetation–climate feedback.
Similarity in functional brain connectivity at rest predicts interpersonal closeness in the social network of an entire village
Authors: Hyon Ryan , Youm Yoosik , Kim Junsol , Chey Jeanyung , Kwak Seyul , Parkinson Carolyn
Published: December 2020

Significance

In what ways are we similar to our friends? Here, we characterized the social network of residents of a remote village, a subset of whom contributed personality and neuroimaging data. We demonstrate that similarity in individuals’ resting-state functional connectomes predicts individuals’ proximity in their real-world social network, even when controlling for demographic characteristics and self-reported personality traits. Our results suggest that patterns of functional brain activity during rest encode latent similarities (e.g., in terms of how people think and behave) that are associated with friendship. Taken together, integrating neuroimaging and social network analysis can offer novel insights into how the brain shapes or is shaped by the social networks that it inhabits.
Disturbed glucose and pyruvate metabolism in glaucoma with neuroprotection by pyruvate or rapamycin
Authors: Harder Jeffrey M. , Guymer Chelsea , Wood John P. M. , Daskalaki Evangelia , Chidlow Glyn , Zhang Chi , Balasubramanian Revathi , Cardozo Brynn H. , Foxworth Nicole E. , Deering Kelly E. , Ouellette Tionna B. , Montgomery Christa , Wheelock Craig E. , Casson Robert J. , Williams Pete A. , John Simon W. M.
Published: December 2020

Significance

Age-related bioenergetic insufficiency increases the vulnerability of retinal ganglion cells to intraocular pressure during glaucoma pathogenesis. This paper addresses these relationships and provides a deeper understanding of this common neurodegeneration. We demonstrate an intraocular pressure-dependent decline in retinal pyruvate levels coupled to dysregulated glucose metabolism, and detected mTOR activation at the mechanistic nexus of neurodegeneration and metabolism. Supporting this, oral supplementation of pyruvate or mTOR inhibition by rapamycin strongly protects from neurodegeneration. Bioenergetic enhancement thus provides a readily clinically translatable strategy for neurodegenerative disease. This study provides important avenues for neuroprotection against glaucoma by targeting key metabolic pathways that may be mirrored in other neurodegenerative diseases in which metabolic dysregulation may play a key role.
Typology of coding patterns and frequency effects of antipassives
Authors: Seržant Ilja A. , Janic Katarzyna Maria , Dermaku Darja , Ben Dror Oneg
Published: December 2020

Frequency asymmetries within a minimal grammatical domain create offline associations that languages tend to exploit for a more efficient encoding. We explore cross-linguistic coding patterns of antipassives. We first argue that antipassive markers tend to have properties of derivational markers. Secondly, we show that antipassives are considerably rarer than the basic transitive constructions. The lower frequency correlates with the length of coding: antipassives tend to be coded with longer forms than basic transitive verbs. Thirdly, we explore frequency associations of different lexical input types and find that it is the rare input types that tend to select the antipassive, if the marking is differential, while the frequent ones correlate with the unmarked verb (A-lability). We, furthermore, show that the rarer argument types and argument scenarios correlate stronger with antipassives than the more frequent argument types and scenarios.
Molecular ecology of plant-microbial interactions during invasions: progress and challenges.
Authors: le Roux Johannes J.
Published: December 2020

Microbes are omnipresent, yet their interactions with invasive plants remain understudied. This is surprising, given the importance of microbes in plant community ecology and their influence on plant performance in new environments. Recent advances in molecular genetic approaches have opened the door to studying this unseen majority in great detail and to understand how they fit into ecological interaction networks. Molecular approaches allow rapid assessments of microbial diversity at reasonable cost while providing both taxonomic and evolutionary information. Here I discuss how these approaches have contributed to a better understanding of plant-microbial interactions in the context of biological invasions. By drawing insights from various case studies, I illustrate how next-generation sequencing (DNA barcoding) has revolutionized the way we understand such interactions. Tight-knit and coevolved mutualist (e.g. mycorrhizal) and antagonist (e.g. pathogen) interactions appear particularly promising to understand the structure and function of invasive plant-microbial interaction networks, the impacts of invasive plants on native networks and the vulnerability of native networks to infiltration by non-native species. I also discuss novel ways in which molecular data can aid the study of invasive plant-microbial interactions, such as incorporating phylogenetic data into network analyses to better understand the role of evolutionary history in network dynamics and how such dynamics respond to plant invasions. DNA barcoding of microbes also presents unique challenges to the study of network ecology, such as uncertainty in the legitimacy and efficiency of interactions. Future research should incorporate overall plant-associated microbial communities (microbiomes) into interaction networks to better understand the role microbes play during plant invasions.
Understanding the interaction in functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube/polyaniline composite by impedance study at low temperature
Authors: Maity Krishna Prasad , Patra Ananya , Prasad V
Published: December 2020

The impedance, modulus spectroscopy and dielectric properties of polyaniline (PANI) and composite with multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) of different degrees of functionalization are studied from 300 to 4.2 K in the frequency range 40 Hz–5 MHz. At low temperature (T

⩽

100 K), grain and grain boundary relaxation peaks are observed in PANI. In composites, MWCNT forms a network between less and highly conducting grains, increases dc conductivity, and shows no relaxation peak at low temperature. The chemical functionalization of MWCNT increases the polar interaction between MWCNT and PANI, shifts the relaxation peaks towards lower frequency and slows the relaxation process. The relaxation process is manifested as non-Debye type and it tends towards Debye type with increasing temperature in functionalized muti-walled carbon nanotube (fMWCNT) PANI composites, and explained by Bergman’s theory. The relaxation barrier energy at the interface of fMWCNT and PANI increases with increasing degree of functionalization which is the effect of enhanced interfacial (Maxwell Wagner–Sillars) polarization. In MWCNT composite, the real part of dielectric constant shows high negative value below 10 K at lower frequency (

<

950 Hz) and it becomes positive due to functionalization of MWCNT. An additional crossover from positive to negative occurs in both MWCNT and fMWCNT, PANI composite above temperature 60 K and frequency 500 Hz. This crossover shifts towards higher temperature and frequency with increasing degree of functionalization. The negative value and crossover of dielectric constant are explained by Drude–Sommerfeld model.
A comparative study of electrochemical cells for in situ x-ray spectroscopies in the soft and tender x-ray range
Authors: Velasco-Vélez Juan-Jesús , Falling Lorenz J , Bernsmeier Denis , Sear Michael J , Clark Pip C J , Chan Ting-Shan , Stotz Eugen , Hävecker Michael , Kraehnert Ralph , Knop-Gericke Axel , Chuang Cheng-Hao , Starr David E , Favaro Marco , Mom Rik V
Published: December 2020

In situ x-ray spectroscopies offer a powerful way to understand the electronic structure of the electrode–electrolyte interface under operating conditions. However, most x-ray techniques require vacuum, making it necessary to design spectro-electrochemical cells with a delicate interface to the wet electrochemical environment. The design of the cell often dictates what measurements can be done and which electrochemical processes can be studied. Hence, it is important to pick the right spectro-electrochemical cell for the process of interest. To facilitate this choice, and to highlight the challenges in cell design, we critically review four recent, successful cell designs. Using several case studies, we investigate the opportunities and limitations that arise in practical experiments.
Lateral photovoltaic effect based on novel materials and external modulations
Authors: Qiao Shuang , Liang Baolai , Liu Jihong , Fu Guangsheng , Wang Shufang
Published: December 2020

With the development of nanoengineering and nanotechnology, numerous emerging materials and constructions are being presented in optoelectronics to challenge traditional photoelectric effects and detecting techniques, and are inspiring innovation and growth in photoelectric research fields. Recently, due to its unique working mechanism, the lateral photovoltaic effect (LPE) has been identified as an indispensable and effective method of studying the properties of novel materials and also shows promising application in position sensors and photodetection. This article will present a comprehensive review of the recent progress on the LPE in novel materials, including metal nanomaterials, oxide semiconductors, organic semiconductors, two-dimensional layered materials, and perovskites. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the LPE is also very sensitive to different constructions or external modulations and can be substantially tuned by changing the structure or morphology of materials, adding external fields, and utilizing plasmon resonance. This summary may provide a comprehensive picture regarding the recent achievements of the LPE in novel materials and external modulations. Finally, we also present a discussion of the challenges and potential trends of the LPE in the near future.
Operando attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy for water splitting
Authors: Bieberle-Hütter A , Bronneberg A C , George K , van de Sanden M C M
Published: December 2020

Operando attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy is discussed in this paper for water splitting application. The first part of the paper focuses on the discussion of the opportunities and challenges of this method for the characterization of the solid-liquid interface in water splitting. The second part of the paper focuses on recent results and future perspectives. We present stable and robust operando ATR-FTIR measurements using low temperature processing of hematite and a set-up where the functional thin film is integrated on the ATR crystal. We find increased absorbance as a function of applied potential at wavenumber values of 1000 cm−1–900 cm−1 and relate this to changes in the surface species during water oxidation. We argue that this approach has the potential to be developed to a routine method for the characterization of interfaces in water splitting. Such ATR-FTIR data is of crucial importance for the validation of models in microkinetic modeling. We show some recent results of microkinetic modeling of the hematite–electrolyte interface and explain how a combination of operando ATR-FTIR measurements and microkinetic modeling enables the identification of the reaction mechanism in water splitting. We discuss how this combined approach will enable designing of tailored catalysts and accelerating their development in the future.