bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ventral pallidal GABAergic neurons control wakefulness associated with motivation through the ventral tegmental pathway
Authors: Li Ya-Dong , Luo Yan-Jia , Xu Wei , Ge Jing , Cherasse Yoan , Wang Yi-Qun , Lazarus Michael , Qu Wei-Min , Huang Zhi-Li
Published: October 2020

The ventral pallidum (VP) regulates motivation, drug addiction, and several behaviors that rely on heightened arousal. However, the role and underlying neural circuits of the VP in the control of wakefulness remain poorly understood. In the present study, we sought to elucidate the specific role of VP GABAergic neurons in controlling sleep–wake behaviors in mice. Fiber photometry revealed that the population activity of VP GABAergic neurons was increased during physiological transitions from non-rapid eye movement (non-REM, NREM) sleep to either wakefulness or REM sleep. Moreover, chemogenetic and optogenetic manipulations were leveraged to investigate a potential causal role of VP GABAergic neurons in initiating and/or maintaining arousal. In vivo optogenetic stimulation of VP GABAergic neurons innervating the ventral tegmental area (VTA) strongly promoted arousal via disinhibition of VTA dopaminergic neurons. Functional in vitro mapping revealed that VP GABAergic neurons, in principle, inhibited VTA GABAergic neurons but also inhibited VTA dopaminergic neurons. In addition, optogenetic stimulation of terminals of VP GABAergic neurons revealed that they promoted arousal by innervating the lateral hypothalamus, but not the mediodorsal thalamus or lateral habenula. The increased wakefulness chemogenetically evoked by VP GABAergic neuronal activation was completely abolished by pretreatment with dopaminergic D1 and D2/D3 receptor antagonists. Furthermore, activation of VP GABAergic neurons increased exploration time in both the open-field and light–dark box tests but did not modulate depression-like behaviors or food intake. Finally, chemogenetic inhibition of VP GABAergic neurons decreased arousal. Taken together, our findings indicate that VP GABAergic neurons are essential for arousal related to motivation.
Prognostic significance of pre-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with oropharyngeal cancer treated with radiotherapy
Authors: Ng Sweet Ping , Bahig Houda , Jethanandani Amit , Sturgis Erich M. , Johnson Faye M. , Elgohari Baher , Gunn G. Brandon , Ferrarotto Renata , Phan Jack , Rosenthal David I. , Frank Steven J. , Fuller Clifton D. , Garden Adam S.
Published: October 2020

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of pre-treatment NLR in patients with oropharyngeal cancer.

Methods

Patients who completed definitive radiotherapy (RT) for oropharyngeal cancer and had blood counts taken pre-RT from 2002 to 2013 were included. NLR was calculated as total neutrophil/lymphocytes. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted with linear and Cox regression methods. NLR was analysed posteriori and dichotomised on the discovered median.

Results

Eight hundred and forty-eight patients were analysed. The median pre-RT NLR was 3. Patients with NLR of <3 had improved overall survival (OS) than those with NLR ≥ 3 (5-year OS 85 vs 74%, p < 0.0001). OS differences remained significant when stratified according to HPV status (HPV-positive p = 0.011; HPV-negative p = 0.003). Freedom from any recurrence (FFR), locoregional control (LRC) and freedom of distant recurrence (FDR) were better in those with NLR < 3. The negative impact of elevated pre-RT NLR on OS (HR = 1.64, p = 0.001), FFR (HR = 1.6, p = 0.006) and LRC (HR = 1.8, p = 0.005) remained significant on multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

Pre-RT NLR is an independent prognostic factor in patients with oropharyngeal cancer regardless of HPV status. Patients with lower NLR had more favourable OS and disease control.
Long non-coding RNA CASC9 promotes gefitinib resistance in NSCLC by epigenetic repression of DUSP1
Authors: Chen Zhenyao , Chen Qinnan , Cheng Zhixiang , Gu Jingyao , Feng Wenyan , Lei Tianyao , Huang Jiali , Pu Jiaze , Chen Xin , Wang Zhaoxia
Published: October 2020

Resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), such as gefitinib, has greatly affected clinical outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to regulate tumorigenesis and cancer progression, but their contributions to NSCLC gefitinib resistance remain poorly understood. In this study, by analyzing the differentially expressed lncRNAs in gefitinib-resistant cells and gefitinib-sensitive cells in the National Institute of Health GEO dataset, we found that lncRNA CASC9 expression was upregulated, and this was also verified in resistant tissues. Gain and loss of function studies showed that CASC9 inhibition restored gefitinib sensitivity both in vitro and in vivo, whereas CASC9 overexpression promoted gefitinib resistance. Mechanistically, CASC9 repressed the tumor suppressor DUSP1 by recruiting histone methyltransferase EZH2, thereby increasing the resistance to gefitinib. Furthermore, ectopic expression of DUSP1 increased gefitinib sensitivity by inactivating the ERK pathway. Our results highlight the essential role of CASC9 in gefitinib resistance, suggesting that the CASC9/EZH2/DUSP1 axis might be a novel target for overcoming EGFR-TKI resistance in NSCLC.
Novel copper complex CTB regulates methionine cycle induced TERT hypomethylation to promote HCC cells senescence via mitochondrial SLC25A26
Authors: Jin Chun , Li Yujia , Su Ying , Guo Zijian , Wang Xiaoyong , Wang Shijun , Zhang Feng , Zhang Zili , Shao Jiangjuan , Zheng Shizhong
Published: October 2020

Related research has recognized the vital role of methionine cycle metabolism in cancers. However, the role and mechanism of methionine cycle metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma are still unknown. In this study, we found that [Cu(ttpy-tpp)Br2]Br (Referred to as CTB) could induce hepatocellular carcinoma cells senescence, which is a new copper complex synthesized by our research group. Interestingly, CTB induces senescence by inhibiting the methionine cycle metabolism of HCC cells. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of CTB on the methionine cycle depends on mitochondrial carrier protein SLC25A26, which was also required for CTB-induced HCC cells senescence. Importantly, we found that CTB-induced upregulation of SLC25A26 could cause abnormal methylation of TERT and inhibited TERT expression, which is considered to be an essential cause of cell senescence. The same results were also obtained in vivo, CTB inhibits the growth of subcutaneously implanted tumors in nude mice and promoted the expression of senescence markers in tumor tissues, and interference with SLC25A26 partially offset the antitumor effect of CTB.
Author Correction: Inhaled nitric oxide therapy in acute bronchiolitis: A multicenter randomized clinical trial
Authors: Goldbart Aviv , Golan-Tripto Inbal , Pillar Giora , Livnat-Levanon Galit , Efrati Ori , Spiegel Ronen , Lubetzky Ronit , Lavie Moran , Carmon Lior , Ghaffari Abdi , Nahum Amit
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: 1.2 MV/cm pulsed electric fields promote transthyretin aggregate degradation
Authors: Urabe Gen , Sato Takashi , Nakamura Gomaru , Kobashigawa Yoshihiro , Morioka Hiroshi , Katsuki Sunao
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Changes in patient subjective happiness and satisfaction with cataract surgery
Authors: Yotsukura Erisa , Ayaki Masahiko , Nezu Naohisa , Torii Hidemasa , Arai Hiroyuki , Sakatani Keiko , Tsubota Kazuo , Negishi Kazuno
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in patient subjective happiness and satisfaction with cataract surgery and evaluate the association between satisfaction and types of cataract. This study surveyed 247 participants (mean age, 67.9 years) and they completed questionnaires on their satisfaction with the surgery, the subjective happiness scale (SHS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) before and after surgery. The SHS increased postoperatively from 4.6 ± 0.7 to 4.8 ± 0.7 (P = 0.007) and 83.4% of patients were satisfied with the surgical results and the average satisfaction score was 4.2 out of a possible 5.0. Multiple regression analysis showed that patient satisfaction was significantly associated with the postoperative SHS (β = 0.380; P < 0.001), the postoperative PSQI (β = −0.041; P = 0.035) and the presence of a posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) (β = 0.277; P = 0.026). This study clarified that cataract surgery may improve both visual function and patient happiness and that patient satisfaction was affected by postoperative sleep quality and the disappearance of a PSC.
Vitality form expression in autism
Authors: Casartelli L. , Cesareo A. , Biffi E. , Campione G. C. , Villa L. , Molteni M. , Sinigaglia C.
Published: October 2020

The notion of “vitality form” has been coined by Daniel Stern to describe the basic features of action, which may reflect the mood or affective state of an agent. There is general consensus that vitality forms substantiate social interactions in children as well in adults. Previous studies have explored children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)’s ability in copying and recognizing the vitality forms of actions performed by others. In this paper we investigated, for the first time, how children with ASD express different vitality forms when acting themselves. We recorded the kinematics of ASD and typically developing (TD) children while performing three different types of action with two different vitality forms. There were two conditions. In the what condition we contrasted the three different types of action performed with a same vitality form, while in the how condition we contrasted the same type of action performed with two different vitality forms. The results showed a clear difference between ASD children and TD children in the how, but not in the what, condition. Indeed, while TD children distinguished the vitality forms to be expressed by mostly varying a specific spatiotemporal parameter (i.e. movement time), no significant variation in this parameter was found in ASD children. As they are not prone to express vitality forms as neurotypical individuals do, individuals with ASD’s interactions with neurotypical peers could therefore be difficult to achieve successfully, with cascading effects on their propensity to be tuned to their surrounding social world, or so we conjecture. If this conjecture would turn out to be correct, our findings could have promising implication for theoretical and clinical research in the context of ASD.
5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy can target aggressive adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma resistant to conventional chemotherapy
Authors: Sando Yasuhisa , Matsuoka Ken-ichi , Sumii Yuichi , Kondo Takumi , Ikegawa Shuntaro , Sugiura Hiroyuki , Nakamura Makoto , Iwamoto Miki , Meguri Yusuke , Asada Noboru , Ennishi Daisuke , Nishimori Hisakazu , Fujii Keiko , Fujii Nobuharu , Utsunomiya Atae , Oka Takashi , Maeda Yoshinobu
Published: October 2020

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging treatment for various solid cancers. We recently reported that tumor cell lines and patient specimens from adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) are susceptible to specific cell death by visible light exposure after a short-term culture with 5-aminolevulinic acid, indicating that extracorporeal photopheresis could eradicate hematological tumor cells circulating in peripheral blood. As a bridge from basic research to clinical trial of PDT for hematological malignancies, we here examined the efficacy of ALA-PDT on various lymphoid malignancies with circulating tumor cells in peripheral blood. We also examined the effects of ALA-PDT on tumor cells before and after conventional chemotherapy. With 16 primary blood samples from 13 patients, we demonstrated that PDT efficiently killed tumor cells without influencing normal lymphocytes in aggressive diseases such as acute ATL. Importantly, PDT could eradicate acute ATL cells remaining after standard chemotherapy or anti-CCR4 antibody, suggesting that PDT could work together with other conventional therapies in a complementary manner. The responses of PDT on indolent tumor cells were various but were clearly depending on accumulation of protoporphyrin IX, which indicates the possibility of biomarker-guided application of PDT. These findings provide important information for developing novel therapeutic strategy for hematological malignancies.
TAS0314, a novel multi-epitope long peptide vaccine, showed synergistic antitumor immunity with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in HLA-A*2402 mice
Authors: Tanaka Yuki , Wada Hiroshi , Goto Risa , Osada Toshihiro , Yamamura Keisuke , Fukaya Satoshi , Shimizu Atsushi , Okubo Mitsuru , Minamiguchi Kazuhisa , Ikizawa Koichi , Sasaki Eiji , Utsugi Teruhiro
Published: October 2020

Cancer peptide vaccines are a promising cancer immunotherapy that can induce cancer-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in tumors. However, recent clinical trials of cancer vaccines have revealed that the efficacy of the vaccines is limited. Targeting single antigens and vaccination with short peptides are partly the cause of the poor clinical outcomes. We synthesized a novel multi-epitope long peptide, TAS0314, which induced multiple epitope-specific CTLs in HLA knock-in mice. It also showed superior epitope-specific CTL induction and antitumor activity. We also established a combination treatment model of vaccination with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in HLA-A*2402 knock-in mice, and it showed a synergistic antitumor effect with TAS0314. Thus, our data indicated that TAS0314 treatment, especially in combination with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade, is a promising therapeutic candidate for cancer immunotherapy.
Author Correction: Au nanoparticles modified CuO nanowire electrode based non-enzymatic glucose detection with improved linearity
Authors: Mishra Ashwini Kumar , Jarwal Deepak Kumar , Mukherjee Bratindranath , Kumar Amit , Ratan Smrity , Tripathy Manas Ranjan , Jit Satyabrata
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Systematic evaluation of particle loss during handling in the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for eight different drug-coated balloons
Authors: Heinrich Andreas , Engler Martin S. , Güttler Felix V. , Matthäus Christian , Popp Jürgen , Teichgräber Ulf K.-M.
Published: October 2020

Paclitaxel drug coated balloons (DCBs) should provide optimal drug transfer exclusively to the target tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the particle loss by handling during angioplasty. A robotic arm was developed for systematic and reproducible drug abrasion experiments. The contact force on eight different commercially available DCB types was gradually increased, and high-resolution microscopic images of the deflated and inflated balloons were recorded. Three types of DCBs were classified: no abrasion of the drug in both statuses (deflated and inflated), significant abrasion only in the inflated status, and significant abrasion in both statuses. Quantitative measurements via image processing confirmed the qualitative classification and showed changes of the drug area between 2.25 and 45.73% (13.28 ± 14.29%) in the deflated status, and between 1.66 and 40.41% (21.43 ± 16.48%) in the inflated status. The structures and compositions of the DCBs are different, some are significantly more susceptible to drug loss. Particle loss by handling during angioplasty leads to different paclitaxel doses in the target regions for same DCB types. Susceptibility to involuntary drug loss may cause side effects, such as varying effective paclitaxel doses, which may explain variations in studies regarding the therapeutic outcome.
A practical method for multimodal registration and assessment of whole-brain disease burden using PET, MRI, and optical imaging
Authors: Scarpelli Matthew L. , Healey Debbie R. , Mehta Shwetal , Kodibagkar Vikram D. , Quarles Christopher C.
Published: October 2020

Many neurological diseases present with substantial genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity, making assessment of these diseases challenging. This has led to ineffective treatments, significant morbidity, and high mortality rates for patients with neurological diseases, including brain cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. Improved understanding of this heterogeneity is necessary if more effective treatments are to be developed. We describe a new method to measure phenotypic heterogeneity across the whole rodent brain at multiple spatial scales. The method involves co-registration and localized comparison of in vivo radiologic images (e.g. MRI, PET) with ex vivo optical reporter images (e.g. labeled cells, molecular targets, microvasculature) of optically cleared tissue slices. Ex vivo fluorescent images of optically cleared pathology slices are acquired with a preclinical in vivo optical imaging system across the entire rodent brain in under five minutes, making this methodology practical and feasible for most preclinical imaging labs. The methodology is applied in various examples demonstrating how it might be used to cross-validate and compare in vivo radiologic imaging with ex vivo optical imaging techniques for assessing hypoxia, microvasculature, and tumor growth.
Observation of crystallisation dynamics by crystal-structure-sensitive room-temperature phosphorescence from Au(I) complexes
Authors: Kuroda Yuki , Tamaru Masakazu , Nakasato Hitoya , Nakamura Kyosuke , Nakata Manami , Hisano Kyohei , Fujisawa Kaori , Tsutsumi Osamu
Published: October 2020

The aggregation behaviour of Au(I) complexes in condensed phases can affect their emission properties. Herein, aggregation-induced room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) is observed from the crystals of trinuclear Au(I) complexes. The RTP is highly sensitive to the crystal structure, with a slight difference in the alkyl side chains causing not only a change in the crystal structure but also a shift in the RTP maximum. Furthermore, in nanocrystals, reversible RTP colour changes are induced by phase transitions between crystal polymorphs during crystal growth from solution or the pulverisation of bulk crystals. The colour change mechanism is discussed in terms of intermolecular interactions in the crystal structure of the luminescent aggregates. The results suggest that the behaviour in nanocrystals may differ from that in bulk crystals. These insights will advance the fundamental understanding of crystallisation mechanisms and may aid in the discovery of new materials properties for solids with nano- to micrometre sizes.
Historically-based run-time bias corrections substantially improve model projections of 100 years of future climate change
Authors: Krinner Gerhard , Kharin Viatcheslav , Roehrig Romain , Scinocca John , Codron Francis
Published: October 2020

Climate models and/or their output are usually bias-corrected for climate impact studies. The underlying assumption of these corrections is that climate biases are essentially stationary between historical and future climate states. Under very strong climate change, the validity of this assumption is uncertain, so the practical benefit of bias corrections remains an open question. Here, this issue is addressed in the context of bias correcting the climate models themselves. Employing the ARPEGE, LMDZ and CanAM4 atmospheric models, we undertook experiments in which one centre’s atmospheric model takes another centre’s coupled model as observations during the historical period, to define the bias correction, and as the reference under future projections of strong climate change, to evaluate its impact. This allows testing of the stationarity assumption directly from the historical through future periods for three different models. These experiments provide evidence for the validity of the new bias-corrected model approach. In particular, temperature, wind and pressure biases are reduced by 40–60% and, with few exceptions, more than 50% of the improvement obtained over the historical period is on average preserved after 100 years of strong climate change. Below 3 °C global average surface temperature increase, these corrections globally retain 80% of their benefit.
Mechanism of hydrogen storage on Fe3B
Authors: Ding Zhao , Li Hao , Yan Ge , Yang Weijie , Gao Zhengyang , Ma Wenhui , Shaw Leon
Published: October 2020

The mechanism of hydrogen storage on Fe3B provides a guideline for the experimental investigation of Fe-based hydrogen storage materials.
g-C3N4/TiO2 composite microspheres: in situ growth and high visible light catalytic activity
Authors: Hu Kangkai , E Lei , Hu Chaoyang , Zhao Dan , Zhu Mengyao , Wang Jingze , Zhao Wei
Published: October 2020

The g-C3N4/TiO2 heterojunction, possessing a 3D flower-like self-assembled morphology, realizing excellent visible-light photocatalytic properties, is a photocatalyst for wastewater treatment or a photoanode for photoelectrochemical water splitting.
Crystallization-induced room-temperature phosphorescence in fumaramides
Authors: Nitti Andrea , Botta Chiara , Forni Alessandra , Cariati Elena , Lucenti Elena , Pasini Dario
Published: October 2020

Novel fumaramides exhibit room-temperature phosphorescence in the solid state once molecular design and positioning of the carbonyl and bromine atoms allow for the formation of strong intermolecular halogen bonding interactions.
Enhanced thermoelectric properties of (015) plane-oriented n-type Bi2Se0.5Te2.5 films with wide temperature range stability
Authors: Cao Lili , Gao Hongli , Miao Min
Published: October 2020

Enhanced thermoelectric properties with wide temperature range stability are achieved through a facile post-annealing process.
The solid-state in situ construction of Cu2O/CuO heterostructures with adjustable phase compositions to promote CO oxidation activity
Authors: Liu Baolin , Li Yizhao , Wang Kun , Cao Yali
Published: October 2020

Cu2O/CuO heterojunctions were fabricated via in situ solid-state technology. Tuning the ratio of reactants enables optimization of the components of the Cu2O/CuO heterostructures and their catalytic activities for CO oxidation.
A parametric two-mode vibronic model of a dimeric mixed-valence cell for molecular quantum cellular automata and computationalab initioverification
Authors: Palii Andrew , Aldoshin Sergey , Zilberg Shmuel , Tsukerblat Boris
Published: October 2020

Here we propose a two-mode vibronic model of a molecular cell for quantum cellular automata. The interconnection between the parametric approach and ab initio evaluations for the cation-radical of tetramethyleneethane molecule is established.
Reaction-field electrostatics in molecular dynamics simulations: development of a conservative scheme compatible with an atomic cutoff
Authors: Kubincová Alžbeta , Riniker Sereina , Hünenberger Philippe H.
Published: October 2020

Shifting and switching schemes are developed to enable strict energy conservation in molecular dynamics simulations relying on reaction-field electrostatic (as well as Lennard-Jones) interactions with an atom-based cutoff truncation.
Ionic liquid lubricants: when chemistry meets tribology
Authors: Cai Meirong , Yu Qiangliang , Liu Weimin , Zhou Feng
Published: October 2020

Ionic liquids demonstrate sufficient design versatility as a type of model lubricant to meet the requirements of mechanical engineering.
Quantitative temporally and spatially resolved X-ray fluorescence microprobe characterization of the manganese dissolution-deposition mechanism in aqueous Zn/α-MnO2 batteries
Authors: Wu Daren , Housel Lisa M. , Kim Sung Joo , Sadique Nahian , Quilty Calvin D. , Wu Lijun , Tappero Ryan , Nicholas Sarah L. , Ehrlich Steven , Zhu Yimei , Marschilok Amy C. , Takeuchi Esther S. , Bock David C. , Takeuchi Kenneth J.
Published: October 2020

Operando, spatiotemporal resolved synchrotron X-ray fluorescence mapping measurements on a custom aqueous Zn/α-MnO2 cell provided direct, quantitative evidence of a Mn dissolution-deposition faradaic mechanism that governs the electrochemistry.
Self-assembled albumin decorated MoS2 aggregates and photo-stimuli induced geometrical switching for enhanced theranostics applications
Authors: Narashimhan Ramana Lakshmi , Mudakavi Rajeev J. , Raichur Ashok M.
Published: October 2020

2D materials such as graphene oxide and molybdenum sulfide exhibit certain properties such as photoluminescence, photothermal and photodynamic effects that have potential in diagnosing and treating cancer.
In silico and in vitro analysis of FAK/MMP signaling axis inhibition by VO-clioquinol in 2D and 3D human osteosarcoma cancer cells
Authors: Balsa Lucia M , Quispe Patricia , Baran Enrique J , Lavecchia Martin J , León Ignacio E
Published: October 2020

The study of novel mechanisms of action of vanadium compounds is critical to elucidating the role and importance of these kinds of compounds as antitumor and antimetastatic agents. This work deals with in silico and in vitro studies of one clioquinol oxidovanadium(iv) complex [VO(clioquinol)2], VO(CQ)2, and its regulation of FAK. In particular, we focus on elucidating the relationship of the FAK inhibition, MMP activity and antimetastatic effects of the complex in human bone cancer cells.
Optimisation of the thermoelectric efficiency of zirconium trisulphide monolayers through unixial and biaxial strain
Authors: Saiz Fernan , Carrete Jesús , Rurali Riccardo
Published: October 2020

The goal of this work is to investigate the influence of mechanical deformation on the electronic and thermoelectric properties of ZrS3 monolayers.
A transfer learning approach for improved classification of carbon nanomaterials from TEM images
Authors: Luo Qixiang , Holm Elizabeth A. , Wang Chen
Published: October 2020

A machine learning framework was developed to classify complex carbon nanostructures from TEM images.
Solvent induced mononuclear and dinuclear mixed ligand Cu(ii) complex: structural diversity, supramolecular packing polymorphism and molecular docking studies
Authors: Mahesha  , Hema M. K. , Karthik C. S. , Pampa K. J. , Mallu P. , Lokanath N. K.
Published: October 2020

Phenolate bridged dinuclear and solvent induced mononuclear supramolecular isomers of Cu(ii) complex have been reported to explore the structural diversity and their antibacterial activity supported by molecular docking studies.
Insensitive energetic compounds: alkaline earth metal salts of 5,5′-dinitramino-3,3′-methylene-1H-1,2,4-bistriazolate
Authors: Wang Yanna , Yang Xiaoming , Hu Jie , Li Haibo , Li Zhimin , Zhang Tonglai
Published: October 2020

Three insensitive energetic alkaline earth metal salts based on 5,5′-dinitramino-3,3′-methylene-1H-1,2,4-bistriazolate were synthesized. All the salts exhibit explosive properties comparable to TNT, and are suggested as potential energetic materials.
Ligand exchange processes between molybdenum and zinc additives in lubricants: evidence from NMR (1H, 13C, 31P) and HPLC-MS analysis
Authors: Kiw Yu Min , Schaeffer Philippe , Adam Pierre , Thiébaut Benoît , Boyer Chantal , Papin Géraldine
Published: October 2020

First direct molecular evidence of ligand exchange between Mo and Zn complexes from lubricants.
Directly embedded Ni3S2/Co9S8@S-doped carbon nanofiber networks as a free-standing anode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: He Zizhou , Guo Hui , LaCoste Jed D. , Cook Ryan A. , Hussey Blake , Zhang Xu , Gang Daniel Dianchen , Hao Ji , Chen Liang , Cooke Peter , Yan Hui , Fei Ling
Published: October 2020

A facile electrospinning strategy to simultaneously and in situ generate Co9S8 and Ni3S2 nanoparticles within S-doped carbon nanofiber matrix as free-standing anode materials for LIBs.
A model for 3D deformation and reconstruction of contractile microtissues
Authors: Kim Jaemin , Mailand Erik , Ang Ida , Sakar Mahmut Selman , Bouklas Nikolaos
Published: October 2020

The combination of high-throughput three-dimensional (3D) culture systems and experimentally-validated computational models accelerate the study of cell-ECM interactions and tissue-scale deformation.
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii swimming in the Plateau borders of 2D foams
Authors: Tainio Oskar , Sohrabi Fereshteh , Janarek Nikodem , Koivisto Juha , Puisto Antti , Viitanen Leevi , Timonen Jaakko V. I. , Alava Mikko
Published: October 2020

Living phototactic algae cells swim in foam films with adjusted speeds controlled by the fluidic channel width.
Effects of carboxyl-terminal methylation on holoenzyme function of the PP2A subfamily
Authors: Nasa Isha , Kettenbach Arminja N.
Published: October 2020

Phosphoprotein Phosphatases (PPPs) are enzymes highly conserved from yeast and human and catalyze the majority of the serine and threonine dephosphorylation in cells. To achieve substrate specificity and selectivity, PPPs form multimeric holoenzymes consisting of catalytic, structural/scaffolding, and regulatory subunits. For the Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A)-subfamily of PPPs, holoenzyme assembly is at least in part regulated by an unusual carboxyl-terminal methyl-esterification, commonly referred to as ‘methylation’. Carboxyl-terminal methylation is catalyzed by Leucine carboxyl methyltransferase-1 (LCMT1) that utilizes S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM) as the methyl donor and removed by protein phosphatase methylesterase 1 (PME1). For PP2A, methylation dictates regulatory subunit selection and thereby downstream phosphorylation signaling. Intriguingly, there are four families of PP2A regulatory subunits, each exhibiting different levels of methylation sensitivity. Thus, changes in PP2A methylation stoichiometry alters the complement of PP2A holoenzymes in cells and creates distinct modes of kinase opposition. Importantly, selective inactivation of PP2A signaling through the deregulation of methylation is observed in several diseases, most prominently Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this review, we focus on how carboxyl-terminal methylation of the PP2A subfamily (PP2A, PP4, and PP6) regulates holoenzyme function and thereby phosphorylation signaling, with an emphasis on AD.
Emerging aspects in the regulation of ferroptosis
Authors: Nehring Helene , Meierjohann Svenja , Friedmann Angeli Jose Pedro
Published: October 2020

Lipid peroxidation has been associated with a wide array of (patho)physiological conditions. Remarkably, in the last few years, a novel cell death modality termed ferroptosis was recognized as a process initiated by iron-dependent oxidation of lipids. The sensitivity to ferroptosis is determined by the activity of antioxidant systems working on the repair of oxidized phospholipids and also metabolic pathways controlling the availability of substrates susceptible to lipid peroxidation. Non-enzymatic antioxidants such as vitamin E, which has long been acknowledged as an efficient inhibitor of lipid peroxidation, play an important and often neglected role in subverting ferroptosis. Recent works dissecting the mechanisms that determine ferroptosis sensitivity have provided further insights into the contribution of alternative metabolic pathways able to suppress lipid peroxidation. Specifically, the role of ubiquinone and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) has been brought forth, with the identification of specific enzymatic systems responsible for their regeneration, as critical factors suppressing ferroptosis. Therefore, in the present manuscript, we address these emerging concepts and propose that the characterization of these antioxidant repair mechanisms will not only open a new understanding of disease conditions where ferroptosis plays a role but also offer opportunities to identify and sensitize cells to ferroptosis in the context of cancer treatment.
Extracellular vesicles and the extracellular matrix: a new paradigm or old news?
Authors: Lewin Samuel , Hunt Stuart , Lambert Daniel W.
Published: October 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EV) are implicated in a variety of functions affecting the extracellular matrix (ECM), including matrix degradation, cross-linking of matrix proteins and matrix calcification. These processes are important in many physiological contexts such as angiogenesis and wound healing, and dysregulation of ECM homeostasis contributes to a wide range of diseases including fibrosis, cancer and arthritis. Most studies of EV have focussed on their roles in cell:cell communication, but EV can exist as integral components of the ECM. By far the most well-characterised ECM-resident EV are matrix vesicles (MV) in bone, but the broader role of EV in the ECM is not well understood. This review will explore what is known of the roles of EV in the ECM and will also highlight the similarities and differences between MV and other EV.
Encrypted subblock design aided OFDM with all index modulation
Authors: Lu Xinjin , Shi Yuxin , Li Wei , Lei Jing
Published: October 2020

In recent years, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing with index modulation (OFDM‐IM) has been proposed due to its extra diversity gain. Specially, OFDM with all index modulation (OFDM‐AIM) was proposed, which removed symbol bits and enhanced the diversity order compared to typical OFDM. However, the security issue of OFDM‐AIM has not been given full attention. This paper proposes an encrypted subblock design aided OFDM with all index modulation (ESD‐OFDMAIM) scheme to enhance physical layer security. Firstly, an encryption process of subblock design was put forward, which creates a random look‐up table and thus the mapping rule of ESD‐OFDM‐AIM between information bits and subblock realisations becomes random and time varying. Moreover, the scrambling and rotation encryption based on chaotic sequences from channel state information is utilised to prevent the eavesdropper from stealing the information via wireless channel. For eavesdroppers, parameters of ESD‐OFDM‐AIM such as spectral efficiency (SE), constellation points and the length of look‐up table are concealed by the encryption. Finally, analyses of attack models and the information entropy of constellations are also provided to measure the security of ESD‐OFDM‐AIM. Simulation results show that ESD‐OFDM‐AIM can effectively improve the system security without the affecting bit error rate performance.
Multi‐view hand gesture recognition via pareto optimal front
Authors: Sun Jin , Zhang Zhe , Yang Liutao , Zheng Jiping
Published: October 2020

Computational cost‐ineffectiveness and ambiguity due to self‐occlusion are bottlenecks of vision‐based hand gesture recognition. In this study, the authors address these issues by proposing a novel multi‐view hand gesture recognition method based on Pareto optimal front. They first present an oriented gradient local binary pattern operator to generate a groupwise gesture feature data set for multi‐view hand gesture images. Then they take hand gesture recognition over multi‐view hand images as a multi‐query image retrieval problem and Pareto optimal front is constructed based on the dissimilarities between the testing images and sample images. The gesture corresponding to the point with the shortest distance to the origin on the Pareto optimal front is the final recognised result. Extensive experiments verify the accuracy and efficiency of their Pareto optimal font‐based method.
Effective mutual coupling estimation and calibration for conformal arrays based on pattern perturbation
Authors: Zhang Xiaowen , Liao Guisheng , Yang Zhiwei , Zou Xintong , Chen Ying
Published: October 2020

Processing conformal array signal is sensitive to antenna patterns on horizontal (H) and vertical (V) planes while mutual coupling (MC) impacts distinctly on them. Many existing MC calibration algorithms ignore that and thus lose their efficacy. In this study, MC is modelled as distortions of H and V patterns. The direction‐dependent and slowly varied properties indicate that MC can be estimated via sampling in the interested spatial range and calibrated. A novel MC estimation and calibration algorithm for all kinds of conformal arrays is proposed based on it. The process requires the use of three signals with diverse sets of polarisation emitted by a known calibrated source in each sampling direction. The selection of diverse polarisations is analysed in terms of optimisation and practical application. Simulations exhibit the potentialities of the proposed algorithm regarding the precision of MC estimation and the efficiency of calibration. It shows that significant superiority influences greatly in the analysis of conformal arrays.
Modeling perceived externalization of a static, lateral sound image
Authors: Li Song , Baumgartner Robert , Peissig Jürgen
Published: October 2020

Perceived externalization is a relevant feature to create an immersive acoustic environment with headphone reproduction. In the present study, listener-specific acoustic transfer characteristics for an azimuth angle of 90° were modified to investigate the role of monaural spectral cues, interaural level differences (ILDs), and temporal fluctuations of ILDs on perceived externalization in anechoic and reverberant environments. Listeners’ ratings suggested that each acoustic cue was important for perceived externalization. If only one correct acoustic cue remained in the ear signals, the sound image could not be perceived as fully externalized. Reverberation did reduce but not eliminate the influences of monaural spectral and ILD cues on perceived externalization. Additionally, the spectral details of the ipsilateral ear signal were more important for perceived externalization than those in the contralateral ear signal. A computational model was proposed to quantify those relationships and predict externalization ratings by comparing the acoustic cues extracted from the target (modified) and template (non-processed) binaural signals after several auditory processing steps. The accuracy of predicted externalization ratings was higher than 90% under all experimental conditions.
Structural, thermal and dielectric properties of Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)1‑x TixO3 ceramics at morphotropic phase boundary
Authors: Alaoui-Belghiti Amine , Tabbai Yassine , Rkhis Mourad , Laasri Said , Lifi Houda , Laghzizil Abdelaziz , Strzałkowski Karol , Hajjaji Abdelowahed
Published: October 2020

Ceramics arising from Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)1‑x TixO3 with composition near the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) were prepared by the modified solid-state reaction method. The synthesized ceramics were characterized, and then the operating principles of pyroelectric and piezoelectric harvesters are reviewed. In addition, the dielectric behavior is measured to determine the dielectric constant and losses at different temperatures and frequencies. The typical behavior of a ferroelectric relaxer was observed by adding the PbTiO3 phase. The thermal properties are also analyzed by PPE calorimetry, presaging a one-dimensional heat-flow process. As a result, the dielectric and thermal behaviors of the as-prepared ceramics as well as their thermal stability are intimately linked to the PbTiO3 addition to PbMgl/3Nb2/3O3 phase. These materials exhibit good physical performances, which makes them promising candidates for pyroelectric micro-generators (PEG), cooling systems and infrared applications.
The effect of fly ash and granulated blast furnace slag on slip and tensile adhesion strength of tile adhesives mortars
Authors: Wieczorek Michał
Published: October 2020

In the formulations of adhesive mortars for tiles almost exclusively CEM I Portland cements are used. Practically no CEM II - CEM V cements with additives are used, although they are often produced with strength classes 32.5 R and some even 42.5R. Relationship between strengths of tile adhesives in which cement was partially replaced with fly ash and granulated blast furnace slag was studied. A fly ash was used in three different replacement levels from 5% to 25% by weight of either cement. The tensile adhesion were determined at 28 and 90 days after various conditioning conditions of the samples. The influence on the flexibility of mortars was also assessed. In small substitution levels, fly ash replacement increased the tensile adhesion strength. The results indicate that the optimal amount of fly ash and granulated blast furnace slag additive replacing a given amount of cement allows to obtain adhesive mortars for tiles with high functional parameters.
The analysis of cracking risk by shrinkage restraint of an alkali-activated slag mortar
Authors: Rifai Farah , Darquennes Aveline , Stefan Lavinia , Muzeau Benoist , Benboudjema Farid
Published: October 2020

Alkali-activated slag (AAS) binders show in general larger autogeneous shrinkage strains than ordinary Portland cement (OPC) based binders. However, AAS can be a relevant alternative to OPC, if, for example low hydration heat release and fine pores, are required. This study proposes an evaluation of the advantage of using AAS materials in small-sized or massive structures with regard to cracking risk by autogeneous shrinkage and thermal strains. A cracking risk index is calculated; this risk is defined as the ratio between stress generated by full restraint and tensile strength. All required experimental data were investigated in an OPC and AAS mortar, these are: heat release, autogeneous shrinkage, Young’s modulus, tensile strength and basic creep evolutions. The material parameters of a rate-dependent model developed in 1D were then identified. Numerical simulations were then performed for different thicknesses in full-restraint conditions. These show that, as expected, basic creep is a very important material parameter to assess. Indeed, basic creep enables the significant reduction of the generated stresses. Besides, it is found that the more the structure is large (and sensitive to cracking by risk by thermal strain), the more the AAS material is becoming appropriate compared to the OPC material.
Drying Shrinkage and Cracking Tendency of Concrete Pavement Mixtures with Variable Packing Densities of Aggregates and Paste Contents
Authors: Olek Jan , Rudy Adam
Published: October 2020

Excessive drying shrinkage, and associated cracking, can lead to serious durability problem in concrete pavements and bridges. In the course of this study, the magnitude of drying shrinkage and cracking potential was evaluated for several concrete pavement mixtures as a function of packing density of the aggregate and paste contents. The results indicated that both, the shrinkage and the cracking potential depend on the volume of voids between aggregate particles (packing density), paste content of concrete mixture, and the paste-aggregate void saturation ratio.
The particularities of near-critical flows formation in open channels
Authors: Riabenko Oleksandr , Kliukha Oksana , Tumoshchuk Volodymyr , Halych Oksana
Published: October 2020

This article considers the current problems of near-critical flows. It provides short characteristics of each phenomenon and describes the cases of near-critical flow formation during the operation of the different hydraulic structures. Each of the considered phenomena has a number of characteristic features which distinguish them from the usual subcritical and supercritical flows with smooth or slowly varied movement. Such properties include the wave-like or roller nature of free-surface curves, the presence of a streamline inclination and curvature, and also a non-hydrostatic pressure distribution in depth mainly in the vertical cross-section of these phenomena. Therefore, during mathematical and numerical simulations at the designing stage of hydraulic structures it is necessary to take into account the additional parameters which characterise the particularities of near-critical flows. In cases in which these moments are neglected, there are many cases of accidents and damage being caused to structures which are operated in conditions of near-critical flow formation. An objective of this work is to provide a detailed analysis of the particularities of near-critical flows and show their negative consequences on hydraulic structures. The article presents the results of the mathematical and hydraulic simulation of wavelike near-critical flows and a comparison of the full-scale measurement and a mathematical model of translation waves.
Coupled Electromagnetic and Thermal Analysis of Electric Machines
Authors: Mendes Gabriel , Ferreira Ângela , Miotto Ednei
Published: October 2020

This paper deals with the design process of electric machines, proposing a design flowchart which couples the electromagnetic and thermal models of the machine, assisted by finite element techniques. The optimization of an electrical machine, in terms of the energy efficiency and cost reduction requirements, benefits from the coupling design of the electromagnetic and thermal models. It allows the maximization of the current density and, consequently, the torque/power density within thermal limits of the active materials. The proposed coupled electromagneticthermal analysis is demonstrated using a single-phase transformer of 1 kVA. Finite element analysis is carried out via ANSYS Workbench, using Maxwell 3D for the electromagnetic design, with resistive and iron losses directly coupled to a steady-state thermal simulation, in order to determine the temperature rise which, in turn, returns to electromagnetic model for material properties update.
Ameloblastoma of the mandible: analysis of radiographic and histopathological features
Authors: Ranchod Sanjay , Titinchi Fadi , Behardien Nashreen , Morkel Jean
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Ameloblastoma is the most common benign tumour of odontogenic origin in Africa and presents five times more in the mandible than the maxilla. The presentation of ameloblastoma in the mandible is unique due to its anatomical variation and hence the aim of this study was to analyse the radiographic and histopathological features of ameloblastoma involving the mandible. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive study of all histopathologically diagnosed ameloblastoma of the mandible over a period of 45 years. Patient demographics, radiographic and histopathological features were recorded and compared to previous studies. Results: A total of 148 lesions were included. The male to female ratio was nearly equal (1.05:1). The majority of patients were below 50 years of age (83.77%) and were black African (58.8%). The posterior region was the most affected site with majority of lesions presenting with multilocular appearance (68.24%) and root resorption (66.38%). Histologically, conventional ameloblastoma was the most common variant (48.65%). Conclusions: Mandibular ameloblastoma had a higher predilection for black African patients with higher prevalence of mixed density lesions when compared to previous studies. The size of lesions in this sample was considerably larger than those reported in previous studies. In addition, lesions in this sample also exhibited marked cortical expansion as well as root resorption.