bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
US–OCTG (Korea): Legal Boundary of ‘Political’ Remedy
Authors: Ahn Dukgeun , Levy Philip I.
Published: April 2020

The United States – Anti-Dumping Measures on Certain Oil Country Tubular Goods from Korea (US–OCTG (Korea)) Panel decision concerned the latest in a long line of antidumping (AD) disputes about Oil Country Tubular Goods. It was notable for a broadly permissive approach by the Panel – on all major legal issues but one, the Panel sided with the United States over Korean objections. The case itself was also notable for the US reversal of a negative preliminary determination, something that had occurred in less than 1% of prior cases. Finally, the case was notable for unusual behaviour outside of the investigative process, including both vocal political complaints and a curious decision by Korea not to appeal. We discuss the legal determinations made by the Panel and offer a new interpretation of how to think about whether AD practices are justifiable. We also describe the broader diplomatic context in which Korea and the United States interacted and consider the implications if political pressures play an increased role in determining dispute outcomes.
Joint Trends in Flood Magnitudes and Spatial Extents Across Europe
Authors: Kemter Matthias , Merz Bruno , Marwan Norbert , Vorogushyn Sergiy , Blöschl Günter
Published: April 2020

The magnitudes of river floods in Europe have been observed to change, but their alignment with changes in the spatial coverage or extent of individual floods has not been clear. We analyze flood magnitudes and extents for 3,872 hydrometric stations across Europe over the past five decades and classify each flood based on antecedent weather conditions. We find positive correlations between flood magnitudes and extents for 95% of the stations. In central Europe and the British Isles, the association of increasing trends in magnitudes and extents is due to a magnitude‐extent correlation of precipitation and soil moisture along with a shift in the flood generating processes. The alignment of trends in flood magnitudes and extents highlights the increasing importance of transnational flood risk management.
Ultrafast response of harmonic modelocked THz lasers
Authors: Wang Feihu , Pistore Valentino , Riesch Michael , Nong Hanond , Vigneron Pierre-Baptiste , Colombelli Raffaele , Parillaud Olivier , Mangeney Juliette , Tignon Jerome , Jirauschek Christian , Dhillon Sukhdeep S.
Published: April 2020

The use of fundamental modelocking to generate short terahertz (THz) pulses and THz frequency combs from semiconductor lasers has become a routine affair, using quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) as a gain medium. However, unlike classic laser diodes, no demonstrations of harmonic modelocking, active or passive, have been shown in THz QCLs, where multiple pulses per round trip are generated when the laser is modulated at the harmonics of the cavity’s fundamental round-trip frequency. Here, using time-resolved THz techniques, we show for the first time harmonic injection and mode-locking in which THz QCLs are modulated at the harmonics of the round-trip frequency. We demonstrate the generation of the harmonic electrical beatnote within a QCL, its injection locking to an active modulation and its direct translation to harmonic pulse generation using the unique ultrafast nature of our approach. Finally, we show indications of self-starting harmonic emission, i.e., without external modulation, where the QCL operates exclusively on a harmonic (up to its 15th harmonic) of the round-trip frequency. This behaviour is supported by time-resolved simulations of induced gain and loss in the system and shows the importance of the electronic, as well as photonic, nature of QCLs. These results open up the prospect of passive harmonic modelocking and THz pulse generation, as well as the generation of low-noise microwave generation in the hundreds of GHz region.
Integrating multiple sources of ecological data to unveil macroscale species abundance
Authors: Fukaya Keiichi , Kusumoto Buntarou , Shiono Takayuki , Fujinuma Junichi , Kubota Yasuhiro
Published: April 2020

The pattern of species abundance, represented by the number of individuals per species within an ecological community, is one of the fundamental characteristics of biodiversity. However, despite their obvious significance in ecology and biogeography, there is still no clear understanding of these patterns at large spatial scales. Here, we develop a hierarchical modelling approach to estimate macroscale patterns of species abundance. Using this approach, estimates of absolute abundance of 1248 woody plant species at a 10-km-grid-square resolution over East Asian islands across subtropical to temperate biomes are obtained. We provide two examples of the basic and applied use of the estimated species abundance for (1) inference of macroevolutionary processes underpinning regional biodiversity patterns and (2) quantitative community-wide assessment of a national red list. These results highlight the potential of the elucidation of macroscale species abundance that has thus far been an inaccessible but critical property of biodiversity.
Superior colliculus modulates cortical coding of somatosensory information
Authors: Gharaei Saba , Honnuraiah Suraj , Arabzadeh Ehsan , Stuart Greg J.
Published: April 2020

The cortex modulates activity in superior colliculus via a direct projection. What is largely unknown is whether (and if so how) the superior colliculus modulates activity in the cortex. Here, we investigate this issue and show that optogenetic activation of superior colliculus changes the input–output relationship of neurons in somatosensory cortex, enhancing responses to low amplitude whisker deflections. While there is no direct pathway from superior colliculus to somatosensory cortex, we found that activation of superior colliculus drives spiking in the posterior medial (POm) nucleus of the thalamus via a powerful monosynaptic pathway. Furthermore, POm neurons receiving input from superior colliculus provide monosynaptic excitatory input to somatosensory cortex. Silencing POm abolished the capacity of superior colliculus to modulate cortical whisker responses. Our findings indicate that the superior colliculus, which plays a key role in attention, modulates sensory processing in somatosensory cortex via a powerful di-synaptic pathway through the thalamus.
Pooled CRISPRi screening of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp PCC 6803 for enhanced industrial phenotypes
Authors: Yao Lun , Shabestary Kiyan , Björk Sara M. , Asplund-Samuelsson Johannes , Joensson Haakan N. , Jahn Michael , Hudson Elton P.
Published: April 2020

Cyanobacteria are model organisms for photosynthesis and are attractive for biotechnology applications. To aid investigation of genotype-phenotype relationships in cyanobacteria, we develop an inducible CRISPRi gene repression library in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, where we aim to target all genes for repression. We track the growth of all library members in multiple conditions and estimate gene fitness. The library reveals several clones with increased growth rates, and these have a common upregulation of genes related to cyclic electron flow. We challenge the library with 0.1 M L-lactate and find that repression of peroxiredoxin bcp2 increases growth rate by 49%. Transforming the library into an L-lactate-secreting Synechocystis strain and sorting top lactate producers enriches clones with sgRNAs targeting nutrient assimilation, central carbon metabolism, and cyclic electron flow. In many examples, productivity can be enhanced by repression of essential genes, which are difficult to access by transposon insertion.
Approaching the activity limit of CoSe2 for oxygen evolution via Fe doping and Co vacancy
Authors: Dou Yuhai , He Chun-Ting , Zhang Lei , Yin Huajie , Al-Mamun Mohammad , Ma Jianmin , Zhao Huijun
Published: April 2020

Electronic structure engineering lies at the heart of efficient catalyst design. Most previous studies, however, utilize only one technique to modulate the electronic structure, and therefore optimal electronic states are hard to be achieved. In this work, we incorporate both Fe dopants and Co vacancies into atomically thin CoSe2 nanobelts for /coxygen evolution catalysis, and the resulted CoSe2-DFe–VCo exhibits much higher catalytic activity than other defect-activated CoSe2 and previously reported FeCo compounds. Deep characterizations and theoretical calculations identify the most active center of Co2 site that is adjacent to the VCo-nearest surface Fe site. Fe doping and Co vacancy synergistically tune the electronic states of Co2 to a near-optimal value, resulting in greatly decreased binding energy of OH* (ΔEOH) without changing ΔEO, and consequently lowering the catalytic overpotential. The proper combination of multiple defect structures is promising to unlock the catalytic power of different catalysts for various electrochemical reactions.
Plasmapause surface wave oscillates the magnetosphere and diffuse aurora
Authors: He Fei , Guo Rui-Long , Dunn William R. , Yao Zhong-Hua , Zhang Hua-Sen , Hao Yi-Xin , Shi Quan-Qi , Rong Zhao-Jin , Liu Jiang , Tian An-Min , Zhang Xiao-Xin , Wei Yong , Zhang Yong-Liang , Zong Qiu-Gang , Pu Zu-Yin , Wan Wei-Xing
Published: April 2020

Energy circulation in geospace lies at the heart of space weather research. In the inner magnetosphere, the steep plasmapause boundary separates the cold dense plasmasphere, which corotates with the planet, from the hot ring current/plasma sheet outside. Theoretical studies suggested that plasmapause surface waves related to the sharp inhomogeneity exist and act as a source of geomagnetic pulsations, but direct evidence of the waves and their role in magnetospheric dynamics have not yet been detected. Here, we show direct observations of a plasmapause surface wave and its impacts during a geomagnetic storm using multi-satellite and ground-based measurements. The wave oscillates the plasmapause in the afternoon-dusk sector, triggers sawtooth auroral displays, and drives outward-propagating ultra-low frequency waves. We also show that the surface-wave-driven sawtooth auroras occurred in more than 90% of geomagnetic storms during 2014–2018, indicating that they are a systematic and crucial process in driving space energy dissipation.
Increasing ambient temperature progressively disassembles Arabidopsis phytochrome B from individual photobodies with distinct thermostabilities
Authors: Hahm Joseph , Kim Keunhwa , Qiu Yongjian , Chen Meng
Published: April 2020

Warm temperature is postulated to induce plant thermomorphogenesis through a signaling mechanism similar to shade, as both destabilize the active form of the photoreceptor and thermosensor phytochrome B (phyB). At the cellular level, shade antagonizes phyB signaling by triggering phyB disassembly from photobodies. Here we report temperature-dependent photobody localization of fluorescent protein-tagged phyB (phyB-FP) in the epidermal cells of Arabidopsis hypocotyl and cotyledon. Our results demonstrate that warm temperature elicits different photobody dynamics than those by shade. Increases in temperature from 12 °C to 27 °C incrementally reduce photobody number by stimulating phyB-FP disassembly from selective thermo-unstable photobodies. The thermostability of photobodies relies on phyB’s photosensory module. Surprisingly, elevated temperatures inflict opposite effects on phyB’s functions in the hypocotyl and cotyledon despite inducing similar photobody dynamics, indicative of tissue/organ-specific temperature signaling circuitry either downstream of photobody dynamics or independent of phyB. Our results thus provide direct cell biology evidence supporting an early temperature signaling mechanism via dynamic assembly/disassembly of individual photobodies possessing distinct thermostabilities.
Comprehensive sequence-to-function mapping of cofactor-dependent RNA catalysis in the glmS ribozyme
Authors: Andreasson Johan O. L. , Savinov Andrew , Block Steven M. , Greenleaf William J.
Published: April 2020

Massively parallel, quantitative measurements of biomolecular activity across sequence space can greatly expand our understanding of RNA sequence-function relationships. We report the development of an RNA-array assay to perform such measurements and its application to a model RNA: the core glmS ribozyme riboswitch, which performs a ligand-dependent self-cleavage reaction. We measure the cleavage rates for all possible single and double mutants of this ribozyme across a series of ligand concentrations, determining kcat and KM values for active variants. These systematic measurements suggest that evolutionary conservation in the consensus sequence is driven by maintenance of the cleavage rate. Analysis of double-mutant rates and associated mutational interactions produces a structural and functional mapping of the ribozyme sequence, revealing the catalytic consequences of specific tertiary interactions, and allowing us to infer structural rearrangements that permit certain sequence variants to maintain activity.
Clb3-centered regulations are recurrent across distinct parameter regions in minimal autonomous cell cycle oscillator designs
Authors: Mondeel Thierry D. G. A. , Ivanov Oleksandr , Westerhoff Hans V. , Liebermeister Wolfram , Barberis Matteo
Published: April 2020

Some biological networks exhibit oscillations in their components to convert stimuli to time-dependent responses. The eukaryotic cell cycle is such a case, being governed by waves of cyclin-dependent kinase (cyclin/Cdk) activities that rise and fall with specific timing and guarantee its timely occurrence. Disruption of cyclin/Cdk oscillations could result in dysfunction through reduced cell division. Therefore, it is of interest to capture properties of network designs that exhibit robust oscillations. Here we show that a minimal yeast cell cycle network is able to oscillate autonomously, and that cyclin/Cdk-mediated positive feedback loops (PFLs) and Clb3-centered regulations sustain cyclin/Cdk oscillations, in known and hypothetical network designs. We propose that Clb3-mediated coordination of cyclin/Cdk waves reconciles checkpoint and oscillatory cell cycle models. Considering the evolutionary conservation of the cyclin/Cdk network across eukaryotes, we hypothesize that functional (“healthy”) phenotypes require the capacity to oscillate autonomously whereas dysfunctional (potentially “diseased”) phenotypes may lack this capacity.
Effective Removal of Levofloxacin from Pharmaceutical Wastewater Using Synthesized Zinc Oxid, Graphen Oxid Nanoparticles Compared with their Combination
Authors: El-Maraghy Christine M. , El-Borady Ola M. , El-Naem Omnia A.
Published: April 2020

The presence of antibiotic traces in the aquatic system due to the inefficient treatment of the pharmaceutical wastewater represented threats, such as bioaccumulation and antibiotic-resistance, to the environment and human health. Accordingly, for the first time, the current work utilized the photocatalytic degradation and the adsorption approach for Levofloxacin (LEVO) in pharmaceutical wastewater using new designed nano aspects. Therefore, spherical Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP) sized 17 nm and ultrathin sheet-like structure graphene oxide nanosheets (GONS) with layer thickness ~5 nm were fabricated separately or in a combination between them then characterized via Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transforms Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), absorption spectra (UV-Vis) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). Additionally, several parameters were investigated to evaluate the potential of the removal process, such as pH, the exposure time to UV radiation, the type and concentration of the nanoparticles (NPs) and the initial concentration of the drug using a mixed fractional factorial design. The most effective parameter for LEVO removal was the NPs type followed by the initial drug concentration. Furthermore, an RP-HPLC/UV method was developed and validated for measuring the percentage of removal for LEVO drug. The highest percentage removal for both 50 and 400 µg mL−1 LEVO was 99.2% and 99.6%, respectively, which was achieved using ZnONP/GONS combination at pH 9 ± 0.05 and UV light exposure time 120 min. In addition, the negative antibacterial activity of the treated wastewater sample confirmed the drug removal. The established protocol was successfully applied on wastewater samples collected from a pharmaceutical company that encouraged researchers to mainstream this design to be applied on other pharmaceutical wastewater drugs.
Hierarchical Cluster and Region of Interest Analyses Based on Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Human Brain Tumours
Authors: Hiratsuka Takuya , Arakawa Yoshiki , Yajima Yuka , Kakimoto Yu , Shima Keisuke , Yamazaki Yuzo , Ikegami Masahiro , Yamamoto Takushi , Fujiwake Hideshi , Fujimoto Koichi , Yamada Norishige , Tsuruyama Tatsuaki
Published: April 2020

Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) has been rarely used to examine specimens of human brain tumours. In the current study, high quality brain tumour samples were selected by tissue observation. Further, IMS analysis was combined with a new hierarchical cluster analysis (IMS-HCA) and region of interest analysis (IMS-ROI). IMS-HCA was successful in creating groups consisting of similar signal distribution images of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and related multiple proteins in primary brain tumours. This clustering data suggested the relation of GFAP and these identified proteins in the brain tumorigenesis. Also, high levels of histone proteins, haemoglobin subunit α, tubulins, and GFAP were identified in a metastatic brain tumour using IMS-ROI. Our results show that IMS-HCA and IMS-ROI are promising techniques for identifying biomarkers using brain tumour samples.
Streamlined selection of cancer antigens for vaccine development through integrative multi-omics and high-content cell imaging
Authors: Han Ki-Cheol , Park Daechan , Ju Shinyeong , Lee Young Eun , Heo Sun-Hee , Kim Young-Ae , Lee Ji Eun , Lee Yuna , Park Kyong Hwa , Park Se-Ho , Lee Hee Jin , Lee Cheolju , Jang Mihue
Published: April 2020

Identification of tumor antigens that induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) is crucial for cancer-vaccine development. Despite their predictive ability, current algorithmic approaches and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-peptidomic analysis allow limited selectivity. Here, we optimized a method to rapidly screen and identify highly immunogenic epitopes that trigger CTL responses. We used a combined application of this method involving immune-specific signature analysis and HLA-associated peptidomics using samples from six patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in order to select immunogenic HLA epitopes forin vitrotesting. Additionally, we applied high-throughput imaging at the single-cell level in order to confirm the immunoreactivity of the selected peptides. The results indicated that this method enabled identification of promising CTL peptides capable of inducing antitumor immunity. This platform combining high-resolution computational analysis, HLA-peptidomics, and high-throughput immunogenicity testing allowed rapid and robust identification of highly immunogenic epitopes and represents a powerful technique for cancer-vaccine development.
Soil CO2 emission in response to organic amendments, temperature, and rainfall
Authors: Ray Ram L. , Griffin Richard W. , Fares Ali , Elhassan Almoutaz , Awal Ripendra , Woldesenbet Selamawit , Risch Eric
Published: April 2020

Vegetated land surfaces play an important role in determining the fate of carbon in the global carbon cycle. However, our understanding of the terrestrial biosphere on a global scale is subject to considerable uncertainty, especially concerning the impacts of climatic variables on the carbon cycle. Soil is a source and also a sink of CO2 exchange and helps in carbon sequestration. Agricultural management practices influence soil water dynamics, as well as carbon cycling by changing soil CO2 emission and uptake rates. The rate of soil CO2 emission varies for different crops and different organic amendments. The major goal of this study was to assess the impacts of the type and rate of organic amendment on soil CO2 emission in a collard greens crop grown in the southeast Texas environment. Thirty-six plots were developed to grow collard greens on Prairie View A&M University’s Research Farm. Three types of organic amendments (Chicken manure, Dairy manure, and Milorganite), at four levels of application (0, 168, 336, and 672 kg N/ha) were used and replicated three times. Each organic amendment type was applied to nine randomly selected plots. Three random plots were used as a control in each row. We measured daily soil CO2 emission for the first two weeks and every other day in a week during the experiment. We evaluated the effects of organic amendments and the application rates on soil CO2 emission for collard greens during two growing seasons. The results showed higher the application rates for each organic amendment, higher the CO2 emissions from the soil. The results also showed higher cumulative CO2 emissions for the soils amended with chicken manure and milorganite, but lowest for the soils amended with dairy manure. This field experiment and analyses help better understand the temporal and spatial variations of soil CO2 emission, and also help to develop best management practices to maximize carbon sequestration and to minimize soil CO2 emissions during the growth periods of collard greens under changing temperatures using different organic amendments, and application rates.
Digital DNA microarray generation on glass substrates
Authors: Wöhrle Johannes , Krämer Stefan D. , Meyer Philipp A. , Rath Christin , Hügle Matthias , Urban Gerald A. , Roth Günter
Published: April 2020

In this work we show how DNA microarrays can be produced batch wise on standard microscope slides in a fast, easy, reliable and cost-efficient way. Contrary to classical microarray generation, the microarrays are generated via digital solid phase PCR. We have developed a cavity-chip system made of a PDMS/aluminum composite which allows such a solid phase PCR in a scalable and easy to handle manner. For the proof of concept, a DNA pool composed of two different DNA species was used to show that digital PCR is possible in our chips. In addition, we demonstrate that DNA microarray generation can be realized with different laboratory equipment (slide cycler, manually in water baths and with an automated cartridge system). We generated multiple microarrays and analyzed over 13,000 different monoclonal DNA spots to show that there is no significant difference between the used equipment. To show the scalability of our system we also varied the size and number of the cavities located in the array region up to more than 30,000 cavities with a volume of less than 60 pL per cavity. With this method, we present a revolutionary tool for novel DNA microarrays. Together with new established label-free measurement systems, our technology has the potential to give DNA microarray applications a new boost.
Therapeutic outcomes of non-grafted and platelet concentrations-grafted transcrestal maxillary sinus elevation (TSFE): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Tianqi , Gulati Karan , Shen Ziyun , Han Pingping , Fan Zhen
Published: April 2020

To evaluate and compare the stability, quantity and quality of bone augmentation at maxillary sinus elevation sites by non-grafted transcrestal sinus floor elevation (TSFE) and platelet concentration grafted transcrestal sinus floor elevation (PC-TSFE). A complete literature search was performed up to April 2019. Clinical controlled trials, retrospective cohort studies, and prospective cohort studies were selected based on inclusion criteria. The clinical outcomes were implant survival rate (ISR), marginal/crestal bone loss (MBL/CBL) and endo-sinus bone gain (ESBG). Meta‐analysis was conducted on these 1-year based values. Furthermore, another meta-analysis on 1-year ISR value was conducted among studies with different residual bone heights (RBH) within the non-grafted TSFE group. A total of 18 studies were included: 13 in TSFE group and 5 in PC-TSFE group. No significant differences were displayed between the 1-year ISR of TSFE (97%, 95%CI = 0.96–0.99) and PC-TSFE group (99%, 95%CI = 0.97–1.00). Among the various studies with different RBH within TSFE group, no significant differences in 1-year ISR were displayed. The 1-year MBL/CBL value of PC-TSFE group (0.73 mm, 95%CI = 0.43–1.13 mm) did not show significant difference as compared to TSFE group (0.60 mm, 95%CI = 0.10–1.10 mm). Furthermore, no significant enhancement was observed on 1-year ESBG value on PC-TSFE group (3.51 mm, 95%CI = 2.31–4.71 mm) in comparison with the TSFE group (2.87 mm, 95%CI = 2.18m–3.55 mm). Grafting platelet concentrations around dental implants at TSFE sites did not significantly enhance the adjacent bone regeneration. Moreover, TSFE was shown to be a reliable therapeutic option for implant sites that need simultaneous maxillary sinus augmentation, even under limited RBH.
Rumor spreading model considering rumor credibility, correlation and crowd classification based on personality
Authors: Chen Xuelong , Wang Nan
Published: April 2020

The study of rumor spreading or rumor controlling is important and necessary because rumors can cause serious negative effects on society. The process of rumor spreading is influenced by many factors. In this paper, we suggest that people with different personalities will behave differently after hearing rumors. Thus, we divide the population into two types: radical people and steady people. Furthermore, we suggest that the credibility of rumors and the correlation between rumors and people’s lives are important factors that will influence the spread of rumors. Based on these considerations, we propose the SEIsIrR model. We establish differential equations to describe the dynamics of the rumor spreading process in homogeneous and heterogeneous networks. Using the Jacobian matrix and next generation matrix, we obtain the spreading threshold of the SEIsIrR model and discuss the relationship of the spreading threshold between homogeneous networks and heterogeneous networks. We employ a real rumor dataset obtained from Twitter to verify the SEIsIrR model and perform numerical simulations in Watts-Strogatz (WS) networks and Barabasi-Albert (BA) networks to verify the obtained spreading thresholds and discuss the impacts of these factors on the rumor spreading process and the differences in the rumor spreading processes between WS networks and BA networks. The simulation results show that these factors influence the speed and range of rumor spreading.
Epidemics with mutating infectivity on small-world networks
Authors: Rüdiger Sten , Plietzsch Anton , Sagués Francesc , Sokolov Igor M. , Kurths Jürgen
Published: April 2020

Epidemics and evolution of many pathogens occur on similar timescales so that their dynamics are often entangled. Here, in a first step to study this problem theoretically, we analyze mutating pathogens spreading on simple SIR networks with grid-like connectivity. We have in mind the spatial aspect of epidemics, which often advance on transport links between hosts or groups of hosts such as cities or countries. We focus on the case of mutations that enhance an agent’s infection rate. We uncover that the small-world property, i.e., the presence of long-range connections, makes the network very vulnerable, supporting frequent supercritical mutations and bringing the network from disease extinction to full blown epidemic. For very large numbers of long-range links, however, the effect reverses and we find a reduced chance for large outbreaks. We study two cases, one with discrete number of mutational steps and one with a continuous genetic variable, and we analyze various scaling regimes. For the continuous case we derive a Fokker-Planck-like equation for the probability density and solve it for small numbers of shortcuts using the WKB approximation. Our analysis supports the claims that a potentiating mutation in the transmissibility might occur during an epidemic wave and not necessarily before its initiation.
The unique social sense of puerperium: Increased empathy and Schadenfreude in parents of newborns
Authors: Gómez-Carvajal Ana-María , Santamaría-García Hernando , García Adolfo M. , Valderrama Mario , Mejia Jhony , Santamaría-García Jose , Bernal Mateo , Silva Jaime , Ibáñez Agustín , Baez Sandra
Published: April 2020

Pregnancy and puerperium are typified by marked biobehavioral changes. These changes, which are traceable in both mothers and fathers, play an important role in parenthood and may modulate social cognition abilities. However, the latter effects remain notably unexplored in parents of newborns (PNs). To bridge this gap, we assessed empathy and social emotions (envy andSchadenfreude) in 55 PNs and 60 controls (childless healthy participants without a romantic relationship or sexual intercourse in the previous 48 hours). We used facial electromyography to detect physiological signatures of social emotion processing. Results revealed higher levels of affective empathy andSchadenfreudein PNs, the latter pattern being accompanied by increased activity of thecorrugator supperciliiregion. These effects were not explained by potential confounding variables (educational level, executive functioning, depression, stress levels, hours of sleep). Our novel findings suggest that PNs might show social cognition changes crucial for parental bonding and newborn care.
Mechanobiological regulation of placental trophoblast fusion and function through extracellular matrix rigidity
Authors: Ma Zhenwei , Sagrillo-Fagundes Lucas , Mok Stephanie , Vaillancourt Cathy , Moraes Christopher
Published: April 2020

The syncytiotrophoblast is a multinucleated layer that plays a critical role in regulating functions of the human placenta during pregnancy. Maintaining the syncytiotrophoblast layer relies on ongoing fusion of mononuclear cytotrophoblasts throughout pregnancy, and errors in this fusion process are associated with complications such as preeclampsia. While biochemical factors are known to drive fusion, the role of disease-specific extracellular biophysical cues remains undefined. Since substrate mechanics play a crucial role in several diseases, and preeclampsia is associated with placental stiffening, we hypothesize that trophoblast fusion is mechanically regulated by substrate stiffness. We developed stiffness-tunable polyacrylamide substrate formulations that match the linear elasticity of placental tissue in normal and disease conditions, and evaluated trophoblast morphology, fusion, and function on these surfaces. Our results demonstrate that morphology, fusion, and hormone release is mechanically-regulated via myosin-II; optimal on substrates that match healthy placental tissue stiffness; and dysregulated on disease-like and supraphysiologically-stiff substrates. We further demonstrate that stiff regions in heterogeneous substrates provide dominant physical cues that inhibit fusion, suggesting that even focal tissue stiffening limits widespread trophoblast fusion and tissue function. These results confirm that mechanical microenvironmental cues influence fusion in the placenta, provide critical information needed to engineer better in vitro models for placental disease, and may ultimately be used to develop novel mechanically-mediated therapeutic strategies to resolve fusion-related disorders during pregnancy.
Systematic review of the epidemiology of acne vulgaris
Authors: Heng Anna Hwee Sing , Chew Fook Tim
Published: April 2020

A systematic review was conducted on epidemiology studies on acne obtained from a Web of Science search to study risk factors associated with acne presentation and severity. A strong association was observed between several risk factors – family history, age, BMI and skin type – and acne presentation or severity in multiple studies. The pooled odds ratio of 2.36 (95% CI 1.97–2.83) for overweight/obese BMI with reference to normal/underweight BMI and the pooled odds ratio of 2.91 (95% CI 2.58–3.28) for family history in parents with reference to no family history in parents demonstrate this strong association. In addition, a pooled odds ratio of 1.07 (95% CI 0.42–2.71) was obtained for sex (males with reference to females). However, the association between other factors, such as dietary factors and smoking, and acne presentation or severity was less clear, with inconsistent results between studies. Thus, further research is required to understand how these factors may influence the development and severity of acne. This study summarizes the potential factors that may affect the risk of acne presentation or severe acne and can help researchers and clinicians to understand the epidemiology of acne and severe acne. Furthermore, the findings can direct future acne research, with the hope of gaining insight into the pathophysiology of acne so as to develop effective acne treatments.
Effects of Trans, Trans-2,4-decadienal on the Ions Currents of Cardiomyocytes: Possible Mechanisms of Arrhythmogenesis Induced by Cooking-oil Fumes
Authors: Jhuo Shih-Jie , Liu I-Hsin , Tsai Wei-Chung , Lee Kun-Tai , Wu Bin-Nan , Lai Wen-Ter
Published: April 2020

Household air pollution has adverse effects on cardiovascular health. One of the major sources of household air pollutants is the combustion of cooking oils during cooking. Trans, trans-2,4-decadienal (tt-DDE) is a type of dienaldehyde that is present in a wide range of food and food products. It is a byproduct of the peroxidation of linoleic acid following the heating of oil during cooking. The mechanisms of the associations between household air pollution and cardiac arrhythmias are currently unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine effects of tt-DDE on the ion currents in H9c2 cells. The IK and ICa,L in H9c2 cells treated with and without tt-DDE were measured using the whole-cell patch clamp method. Expressions of Kv2.1 and Cav1.2 in H9c2 cells treated with and without tt-DDE were measured by western blot analysis. After the H9c2 cells had been exposed to tt-DDE, the IK and ICa,L were significantly decreased. The expression of Kv2.1, unlike that of Cav1.2, was also significantly decreased in these cells. These changes in IK and ICa,L that were induced by tt-DDE may help to explain the association between cardiac arrhythmogenesis and cooking-oil fumes.
First documentation of major Vip3Aa resistance alleles in field populations of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Texas, USA
Authors: Yang Fei , González José C. Santiago , Little Nathan , Reisig Dominic , Payne Gregory , Dos Santos Rafael Ferreira , Jurat-Fuentes Juan Luis , Kurtz Ryan , Kerns David L.
Published: April 2020

The corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea, is a major target pest of the insecticidal Vip3Aa protein used in pyramided transgenic Bt corn and cotton with Cry1 and Cry2 proteins in the U.S. The widespread resistance to Cry1 and Cry2 proteins in H. zea will challenge the long-term efficacy of Vip3Aa technology. Determining the frequency of resistant alleles to Vip3Aa in field populations of H. zea is critically important for resistance management. Here, we provided the first F2 screen study to estimate the resistance allele frequency for Vip3Aa in H. zea populations in Texas, U.S. In 2019, 128 H. zea neonates per isofamily for a total of 114 F2 families were screened with a diagnostic concentration of 3.0 μg/cm2 of Vip3Aa39 protein in diet-overlay bioassays. The F2 screen detected two families carrying a major Vip3Aa resistance allele. The estimated frequency of major resistance alleles against Vip3Aa39 in H. zea in Texas from this study was 0.0065 with a 95% CI of 0.0014–0.0157. A Vip3Aa-resistant strain (RR) derived from the F2 screen showed a high level of resistance to Vip3Aa39 protein, with a resistance ratio of >588.0-fold relative to a susceptible population (SS) based on diet-overlay bioassays. We provide the first documentation of a major resistance allele conferring high levels of Vip3Aa resistance in a field-derived strain of H. zea in the U.S. Data generated from this study contribute to development of management strategies for the sustainable use of the Vip3Aa technology to control H. zea in the U.S.
Counterfactual protocol within device independent framework and its insecurity
Authors: Kamaruddin Suhaili , Shaari Jesni Shamsul , Kolenderski Piotr
Published: April 2020

We consider the counterfactual protocol proposed in Phys. Rev. Lett., 103, 230501 (2009) within a device independent framework and show how its security can easily be compromised. Capitalising on the fact that the protocol is based on the use of a single photon entanglement phenomenon, we propose an equivalent protocol. It can be made secure within such a pessimistic framework against a supra-quantum Eve limited only by the no-signalling principle. The equivalence the protocol demonstrates the possibility of device independent framework for counterfactual quantum cryptography.
Double-click synthesis of polysiloxane third-order nonlinear optical polymers with donor–acceptor chromophores
Authors: Li Zhitao , Wang Dong , Ramella Daniele , Gao Hong , Cao Hui , Zhao Yuzhen , Miao Zongcheng , Yang Zhou , He Wanli
Published: April 2020

A series of third-order nonlinear polysiloxane polymer materials were prepared by thiol–ene click polymerization and [2 + 2] click chemistry. All the polymers exhibit good electron transfer capabilities and nonlinear optical properties.
Bead based facile assay for sensitive quantification of native state green fluorescent protein
Authors: Kim Jung Min , Seong Baik Lin , Lim Dong-Kwon
Published: April 2020

A facile method for the quantification of native state protein is strongly required to accurately determine the amount of expressed protein of interest.
Volatile organic compound gas sensors based on methylammonium lead iodide perovskite operating at room temperature
Authors: Nur'aini Anafi , Oh Ilwhan
Published: April 2020

At room temperature, conductivity of methylammonium lead iodide perovskite was increased in the presence of volatile organic compound (VOC) gas, which was interpreted in the context of charge trap passivation mechanism.
A unique polymersome covered by loop-cluster polyamine corona
Authors: Wang Wen-Li , Jin Ren-Hua
Published: April 2020

The comb with teeth of amphiphilic block copolymer possessing hydrophilic polyethyleneimine (inside) and hydrophobic poly(2-phenyl-2-oxazoline) (outside) self-assembled into extremely stable loop-cluster covered polymersome with very thin vesicular wall (ca. 3 nm).
Facile and efficient preparation of high-quality black phosphorus quantum dot films for sensing applications
Authors: Zhao Yan , Huang Jie , Zhang Ran , Yan Yinzhou , Zhang Yongzhe
Published: April 2020

In this study, black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) are synthesized by improved ultrasonic-assisted liquid exfoliation.
A caged E3 ligase ligand for PROTAC-mediated protein degradation with light
Authors: Kounde Cyrille S. , Shchepinova Maria M. , Saunders Charlie N. , Muelbaier Marcel , Rackham Mark D. , Harling John D. , Tate Edward W.
Published: April 2020

Caging of a widely used Von Hippel Lindau E3 ligase ligand for targeted protein degradation with PROTACs allows light-activated proteolysis.
High hole mobility in room temperature discotic liquid crystalline tetrathienoanthracenes
Authors: Bala Indu , De Joydip , Gupta Santosh Prasad , Singh Harpreet , Pandey Upendra Kumar , Pal Santanu Kumar
Published: April 2020

Tetrathienoanthracene (TTA), a new discotic core fragment, is explored that shows a remarkably high hole mobility (μh) of 4.22 cm2 V−1 s−1 at room temperature when used in space-charge limited current (SCLC) devices.
A new application of Krafft point concept: an ultraviolet-shielded surfactant switchable window
Authors: Liu Yihan , Guo Yiyi , Zhang Zhuo , Huang Zhaohui , Qi Ping , Cui Jiwei , Song Aixin , Hao Jingcheng
Published: April 2020

We report thermo-responsive gels of polyacrylamide (PAAm) with ionic surfactants in mixed water and ethylene glycol (W–EG) solvents as smart windows to solubilize ultraviolet absorbents for UV shielding materials.
Nitrogen and atomic Ni co-doped carbon material for sodium ion storage
Authors: Lv Yiju , He Qian , He Xiaohui , Wang Yongqing , Yi Jin , Ji Hongbing
Published: April 2020

Atomic Ni pillared nitrogen-doped graphite material was prepared for sodium storage showing excellent rate and cycle performance.
Correction: Directed evolution of gold nanoparticle delivery to cells
Authors: Li Na , Larson Timothy , Nguyen Hong H. , Sokolov Konstantin V. , Ellington Andrew D.
Published: April 2020

Correction for ‘Directed evolution of gold nanoparticle delivery to cells’ by Na Li et al., Chem. Commun., 2010, 46, 392–394.
Synthesis and photophysics of new pyridyl end-capped 3D-dithia[3.3]paracyclophane-based Janus tectons: surface-confined self-assembly of their model pedestal on HOPG
Authors: Auffray M. , Charra F. , Sosa Vargas L. , Mathevet F. , Attias A.-J. , Kreher D.
Published: April 2020

Once synthesized, these new tectons demonstrated both ionic and coordination bonding. Surprisingly, P forms a quasi-square self-assembly independently of the underlying HOPG lattice.
An anthracene-pendant ruthenium(ii) complex conjugated to a biotin anchor, an essential handle for photo-induced anti-cancer activity
Authors: Oliveira Geângela de Fátima Sousa , Gouveia Florencio Sousa , Pinheiro Aryane de Azevedo , do Nascimento Neto Luiz Gonzaga , de Vasconcelos Mayron Alves , Teixeira Edson Holanda , Gondim Ana Claudia Silva , Lopes Luiz Gonzaga de França , de Carvalho Idalina Maria Moreira , Sousa Eduardo Henrique Silva
Published: April 2020

Efficient avidin binding and selective cancer cell response upon light irradiation of an enhanced ROS photogenerator biotinylated ruthenium complex.
Density functional theory study on the donating strength of donor systems in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Divya Velayudhan V. , Suresh Cherumuttathu H.
Published: April 2020

Donating strength of typically used donors in dye-sensitized solar cells.
CVD growth of large-area InS atomic layers and device applications
Authors: Tu Chien-Liang , Lin Kuang-I , Pu Jiang , Chung Tsai-Fu , Hsiao Chien-Nan , Huang An-Ci , Yang Jer-Ren , Takenobu Taishi , Chen Chang-Hsiao
Published: April 2020

Indium sulfide (InS) atomic layers made by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) are synthesized onto a mica substrate, producing a highly crystalline, large-area, and atomically thin-film InS flakes.
Large-area cavity-enhanced 3D chiral metamaterials based on the angle-dependent deposition technique
Authors: Tang Chaodong , Chen Feiliang , Du Jinglei , Hou Yidong
Published: April 2020

Large area and high performance chiral metamaterials, together with the cavity-enhanced scheme, have been experimentally demonstrated for practical applications.
Spin crossover in Fe(triazole)–Pt nanoparticle self-assembly structured at the sub-5 nm scale
Authors: Usmani Suhail , Mikolasek Mirko , Gillet Angélique , Sanchez Costa José , Rigoulet Mathilde , Chaudret Bruno , Bousseksou Azzedine , Lassalle-Kaiser Benedikt , Demont Phillipe , Molnár Gábor , Salmon Lionel , Carrey Julian , Tricard Simon
Published: April 2020

Spin crossover is unambiguously demonstrated by magnetic and electrical measurements in ordered self-assemblies of ultra-small platinum nanoparticles with coordination polymers.
Poly(hydroxy acids) derived from the self-condensation of hydroxy acids: from polymerization to end-of-life options
Authors: Gabirondo Elena , Sangroniz Ainara , Etxeberria Agustin , Torres-Giner Sergio , Sardon Haritz
Published: April 2020

Poly(hydroxy acids) derived from the self-condensation of hydroxy acid are biodegradable and can be fully recycled in a Circular Economy approach.
Theoretical design of bis-azole derivatives for energetic compounds
Authors: Pu Keyu , Wang Linyuan , Liu Jian , Zhong Kai
Published: April 2020

Bis-azole derivatives are a new class of energetic materials with features that include high nitrogen content, high heat of formation (HOF), high detonation performance and insensitivity to external stimuli.
The observation of supercapacitor effects on PEMFC–supercapacitor hybridization performance through voltage degradation and electrochemical processes
Authors: Yeetsorn Rungsima , Maiket Yaowaret , Kaewmanee Wattana
Published: April 2020

The in-house fuel cell test station.
The improved performance and mechanism of solution-processed blue PhOLEDs based on double electron transport layers
Authors: Liu Zijian , Zheng WeiYe , Wei Peng , Xu Zheng , Song Dandan , Qiao Bo , Zhao Suling
Published: April 2020

The performance is improved in solution-processed blue phosphorescent organic light emitting diodes (PhOLEDs) by adopting double electron transport layers (ETL) strategy.
Synthesis of homo- and hetero-metallic cobalt and zinc nano oxide particles by a calcination process using coordination compounds: their characterization, DFT calculations and capacitance behavioural study
Authors: Tabassum Sartaj , Usman Mohammad , Al-Lohedan Hamad A. , Abdullah Mahmood M. S. , Ghanem Mohamed A. , Al-Sharif Merfat S. , Ali Mohd Sajid
Published: April 2020

Pictorial depiction of appropriately sized homo and hetero nanocrystals of Co3O4and ZnO·Co3O4and the optimized structures of [Co3O4]4[ZnO]4DMSO adduct.
Cu–Ag alloy for engineering properties and applications based on the LSPR of metal nanoparticles
Authors: Jian Chao-chao , Zhang Jianqi , Ma Xiangchao
Published: April 2020

Alloying Ag with Cu can effectively improve the generation rates of high-energy hot carriers.
A highly emissive AIE-active luminophore exhibiting deep-red to near-infrared piezochromism and high-quality lasing
Authors: Lv Chunyan , Liu Wangwang , Luo Qing , Yi Haiyan , Yu Huakang , Yang Zhongmin , Zou Bo , Zhang Yujian
Published: April 2020

A HLCT-type luminophore is prepared with bright deep-red fluorescence, showing high-performance piezochromism and lasing.
Phenylalanine dimer assembly structure as the basic building block of an amyloid like photoluminescent nanofibril network
Authors: Singh Prabhjot , Wangoo Nishima , Sharma Rohit K.
Published: April 2020

Self-assembled phenylalanine dimer as the basic supramolecular structure of β-amyloid like photoluminescent nanofibrils.
In situ study of the film formation mechanism of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells: controlling the solvate phase using an additive system
Authors: Lee Sehyun , Tang Ming-Chung , Munir Rahim , Barrit Dounya , Kim Yeon-Ju , Kang Rira , Yun Jin-Mun , Smilgies Detlef-M. , Amassian Aram , Kim Dong-Yu
Published: April 2020

The role of the additive and solvate phases in the direct formation of perovskite crystals was revealed by in situ analysis during spin-coating condition.
Two-dimensional transition metal carbide and nitride (MXene) derived quantum dots (QDs): synthesis, properties, applications and prospects
Authors: Shao Binbin , Liu Zhifeng , Zeng Guangming , Wang Han , Liang Qinghua , He Qingyun , Cheng Min , Zhou Chengyun , Jiang Longbo , Song Biao
Published: April 2020

Recent progress of MXene QDs, including their synthesis, properties, applications, and their future perspectives and challenges.
Photoactivated transition metal dichalcogenides to boost electron extraction for all-inorganic tri-brominated planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhou Qingwei , Du Jian , Duan Jialong , Wang Yudi , Yang Xiya , Duan Yanyan , Tang Qunwei
Published: April 2020

The band-energy structure, electron mobility and electronic trap states of the electron-transporting layer (ETL) are critical for perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
Extraordinarily long diffusion length in PM6:Y6 organic solar cells
Authors: Tokmoldin Nurlan , Hosseini Seyed Mehrdad , Raoufi Meysam , Phuong Le Quang , Sandberg Oskar J. , Guan Huilan , Zou Yingping , Neher Dieter , Shoaee Safa
Published: April 2020

Simulated energy band diagrams of thin and thick PM6:Y6 devices.