bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pooled clone collections by multiplexed CRISPR-Cas12a-assisted gene tagging in yeast
Authors: Buchmuller Benjamin C. , Herbst Konrad , Meurer Matthias , Kirrmaier Daniel , Sass Ehud , Levy Emmanuel D. , Knop Michael
Published: July 2019

Clone collections of modified strains (“libraries”) are a major resource for systematic studies with the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Construction of such libraries is time-consuming, costly and confined to the genetic background of a specific yeast strain. To overcome these limitations, we present CRISPR-Cas12a (Cpf1)-assisted tag library engineering (CASTLING) for multiplexed strain construction. CASTLING uses microarray-synthesized oligonucleotide pools and in vitro recombineering to program the genomic insertion of long DNA constructs via homologous recombination. One simple transformation yields pooled libraries with >90% of correctly tagged clones. Up to several hundred genes can be tagged in a single step and, on a genomic scale, approximately half of all genes are tagged with only ~10-fold oversampling. We report several parameters that affect tagging success and provide a quantitative targeted next-generation sequencing method to analyze such pooled collections. Thus, CASTLING unlocks avenues for increasing throughput in functional genomics and cell biology research.
Non-aromatic annulene-based aggregation-induced emission system via aromaticity reversal process
Authors: Zhao Zheng , Zheng Xiaoyan , Du Lili , Xiong Yu , He Wei , Gao Xiuxiu , Li Chunli , Liu Yingjie , Xu Bin , Zhang Jing , Song Fengyan , Yu Ying , Zhao Xueqian , Cai Yuanjing , He Xuewen , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Huang Xuhui , Lee Phillips David , Wang Hua , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: July 2019

Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) is a photophysical phenomenon correlated closely with the excited-state intramolecular motions. Although AIE has attracted increasing attention due to the significant applications in biomedical and optoelectronics, an in-depth understanding of the excited-state intramolecular motion has yet to be fully developed. Here we found the non-aromatic annulene derivative of cyclooctatetrathiophene shows typical AIE phenomenon in spite of its rotor-free structure. The underlying mechanism is investigated through photoluminescence spectra, time-resolved absorption spectra, theoretical calculations, circular dichroism as well as by pressure-dependent fluorescent spectra etc., which indicate that the aromaticity reversal from ground state to the excited state serves as a driving force for inducing the excited-state intramolecular vibration, leading to the AIE phenomenon. Therefore, aromaticity reversal is demonstrated as a reliable strategy to develop vibrational AIE systems. This work also provides a new viewpoint to understand the excited-state intramolecular motion behavior of lumiongens.
Flexible Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 solar cells with over 10% efficiency and methods of enlarging the cell area
Authors: Yang Kee-Jeong , Kim Sammi , Kim Se-Yun , Ahn Kwangseok , Son Dae-Ho , Kim Seung-Hyun , Lee Sang-Ju , Kim Young-Ill , Park Si-Nae , Sung Shi-Joon , Kim Dae-Hwan , Enkhbat Temujin , Kim JunHo , Jeon Chan-Wook , Kang Jin-Kyu
Published: July 2019

For kesterite copper zinc tin sulfide/selenide (CZTSSe) solar cells to enter the market, in addition to efficiency improvements, the technological capability to produce flexible and large-area modules with homogeneous properties is necessary. Here, we report a greater than 10% efficiency for a cell area of approximately 0.5 cm2 and a greater than 8% efficiency for a cell area larger than 2 cm2 of certified flexible CZTSSe solar cells. By designing a thin and multi-layered precursor structure, the formation of defects and defect clusters, particularly tin-related donor defects, is controlled, and the open circuit voltage value is enhanced. Using statistical analysis, we verify that the cell-to-cell and within-cell uniformity characteristics are improved. This study reports the highest efficiency so far for flexible CZTSSe solar cells with small and large areas. These results also present methods for improving the efficiency and enlarging the cell area.
Direct spinning and densification method for high-performance carbon nanotube fibers
Authors: Lee Jaegeun , Lee Dong-Myeong , Jung Yeonsu , Park Junbeom , Lee Hun Su , Kim Young-Kwan , Park Chong Rae , Jeong Hyeon Su , Kim Seung Min
Published: July 2019

Developing methods to assemble nanomaterials into macroscopic scaffolds is of critical significance at the current stage of nanotechnology. However, the complications of the fabrication methods impede the widespread usages of newly developed materials even with the superior properties in many cases. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of a highly-efficient and potentially-continuous fiber-spinning method to produce high-performance carbon nanotube (CNT) fiber (CNTF). The processing time is <1 min from synthesis of CNTs to fabrication of highly densified and aligned CNTFs. CNTFs that are fabricated by the developed spinning method are ultra-lightweight, strong (specific tensile strength = 4.08 ± 0.25 Ntex−1), stiff (specific tensile modulus = 187.5 ± 7.4 Ntex−1), electrically conductive (2,270 S m2kg−1), and highly flexible (knot efficiency = 48 ± 15%), so they are suitable for various high-value fabric-based applications.
A universal approach for the synthesis of two-dimensional binary compounds
Authors: Shivayogimath Abhay , Thomsen Joachim Dahl , Mackenzie David M. A. , Geisler Mathias , Stan Raluca-Maria , Holt Ann Julie , Bianchi Marco , Crovetto Andrea , Whelan Patrick R. , Carvalho Alexandra , Neto Antonio H. Castro , Hofmann Philip , Stenger Nicolas , Bøggild Peter , Booth Timothy J.
Published: July 2019

Only a few of the vast range of potential two-dimensional materials (2D) have been isolated or synthesised to date. Typically, 2D materials are discovered by mechanically exfoliating naturally occurring bulk crystals to produce atomically thin layers, after which a material-specific vapour synthesis method must be developed to grow interesting candidates in a scalable manner. Here we show a general approach for synthesising thin layers of two-dimensional binary compounds. We apply the method to obtain high quality, epitaxial MoS2 films, and extend the principle to the synthesis of a wide range of other materials—both well-known and never-before isolated—including transition metal sulphides, selenides, tellurides, and nitrides. This approach greatly simplifies the synthesis of currently known materials, and provides a general framework for synthesising both predicted and unexpected new 2D compounds.
Bcl-2 Expression in Pericytes and Astrocytes Impacts Vascular Development and Homeostasis
Authors: Zaitoun Ismail S. , Wintheiser Catherine M. , Jamali Nasim , Wang Shoujian , Suscha Andrew , Darjatmoko Soesiawati R. , Schleck Katherine , Hanna Barbara A. , Lindner Volkhard , Sheibani Nader , Sorenson Christine M.
Published: July 2019

B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein is the founding member of a group of proteins known to modulate apoptosis. Its discovery set the stage for identification of family members with either pro- or anti-apoptotic properties. Expression of Bcl-2 plays an important role during angiogenesis by influencing not only vascular cell survival, but also migration and adhesion. Although apoptosis and migration are postulated to have roles during vascular remodeling and regression, the contribution of Bcl-2 continues to emerge. We previously noted that the impaired retinal vascularization and an inability to undergo pathologic neovascularization observed in mice globally lacking Bcl-2 did not occur when mice lacked the expression of Bcl-2 only in endothelial cells. To further examine the effect of Bcl-2 expression during vascularization of the retina, we assessed its contribution in pericytes or astrocytes by generating mice with a conditional Bcl-2 allele (Bcl-2Flox/Flox) and Pdgfrb-cre (Bcl-2PC mice) or Gfap-cre (Bcl-2AC mice). Bcl-2PC and Bcl-2AC mice demonstrated increased retinal vascular cell apoptosis, reduced numbers of pericytes and endothelial cells and fewer arteries and veins in the retina. Bcl-2PC mice also demonstrated delayed advancement of the superficial retinal vascular layer and aberrant vascularization of the deep vascular plexus and central retina. Although pathologic neovascularization in oxygen-induced ischemic retinopathy (OIR) was not affected by lack of expression of Bcl-2 in either pericytes or astrocytes, laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was significantly reduced in Bcl-2PC mice compared to littermate controls. Together these studies begin to reveal how cell autonomous modulation of apoptosis in vascular cells impacts development and homeostasis.
Changes in the composition and function of bacterial communities during vermicomposting may explain beneficial properties of vermicompost
Authors: Domínguez Jorge , Aira Manuel , Kolbe Allison R. , Gómez-Brandón María , Pérez-Losada Marcos
Published: July 2019

Vermicomposting is the process by which organic waste is broken down through the synergistic actions of earthworms and microbial communities. Although vermicomposting has been shown to effectively reduce organic biomass and generate high-quality fertilizer for plants, little is known about the bacterial communities that are involved in this decomposition process. Since optimization of vermicomposting for commercial use necessitates additional knowledge of the underlying biological processes, this study sought to characterize the bacterial succession involved in the vermicomposting of Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), a leguminous shrub that has become invasive around the world with consequences for the dynamics and productivity of the ecosystems they occupy. Scotch broom was processed in a pilot-scale vermireactor for 91 days with the earthworm species Eisenia andrei. Samples were taken at the initiation of vermicomposting, and days 14, 42 and 91, representing both active and mature stages of vermicomposting. Significant changes (P < 0.0001) in the bacterial community composition (richness and evenness) were observed throughout the process. Increases in taxonomic diversity were accompanied by increases in functional diversity of the bacterial community, including metabolic capacity, streptomycin and salicylic acid synthesis, and nitrification. These results highlight the role of bacterial succession during the vermicomposting process and provide evidence of microbial functions that may explain the beneficial effects of vermicompost on soil and plants.
Mechanisms underpinning the onset of seed coat impermeability and dormancy-break in Astragalus adsurgens
Authors: Jaganathan Ganesh K. , Li Jiajin , Biddick Matthew , Han Kang , Song Danping , Yang Yashu , Han Yingying , Liu Baolin
Published: July 2019

Impermeable seed coats, i.e. physical dormancy (PY) influence the germination ecology of plants from 18 angiosperm families. Astragalus adsurgens (Fabaceae; Papilinoidaae) is a perennial plant widespread in temperate regions that is thought to produce both permeable and impermeable seeds. Why seeds vary in the permeability of their coat, in addition to the mechanisms by which impermeable seeds break dormancy, are not completely understood. However, seeds are often consumed by herbivores; a phenomenon that might facilitate the germination of impermeable seeds. Here, we tested whether: (1) moisture content plays a significant role in the onset of seed coat impermeability (and therefore PY) at similar ranges reported for species from tropical ecosystems; and (2) the presence of impermeable coats offer any benefits for seed survival when consumed by animals. We tested these hypotheses using A. adsurgens seeds collected from Inner Mongolia, China. Freshly collected seeds with a moisture content of 9.7% were permeable to water and therefore not physically dormant. However, seeds became impermeable when dried below a threshold of 6.5% moisture content. Treating impermeable seeds with hydrochloric acid effectively broke dormancy. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that HCl treated seeds had a narrow opening in the hilum and extra-hilar regions, through which water entered. Seeds with impermeable coats survived significantly better than permeable seeds when consumed by cows. Irrespective of coat permeability, most seeds were egested between 12 and 24 h. In seeds that maintained dormancy after gut passage, this was broken by additional acid scarification. Overall results suggest that: (1) seed coat impermeability is induced by reduced moisture content; (2) imbibition primarily occurs at the hilum and extra-hilar region; and (3) impermeable seeds may benefit from endozoochory.
Birth weight and grip strength in young Swedish males: a longitudinal matched sibling analysis and across all body mass index ranges
Authors: Ahlqvist Viktor H. , Persson Margareta , Ortega Francisco B. , Tynelius Per , Magnusson Cecilia , Berglind Daniel
Published: July 2019

Low birth weight is associated with a lower grip strength later in life. However, associations between birth weight among infants born at-term and factors driving associations between birth weight and grip strength are largely unknown. A cohort of 144,369 young men born at-term, including 10,791 individuals who had at least one male sibling/s, were followed until conscription where they performed a grip strength test. We used linear and non-linear regression analyses in the full cohort, and fixed-effects regression analyses in the sibling cohort, to address confounding by factors that are shared between siblings. After adjustment, each unit increase in birth weight z-score was associated with increases of 17.7 (95% CI, 17.2–18.2) and 13.4 (10.1–16.6) newton grip strength, which converts to approximately 1.8 and 1.4 kilogram-force in the full and within-families cohorts, respectively. The associations did not vary with young adulthood BMI. Birth weight, within the at-term range, is robustly positively associated with grip strength in young adulthood among men across all BMI categories and associations appears to be mainly driven by factors that are not shared between siblings. These findings underline the importance of recognizing the influence of low birth weight, also within the at-term-range, on young adulthood muscle strength.
Effect of oophorosalpingo-hysterectomy on serum antioxidant enzymes in female dogs
Authors: Pech Linaloe Guadalupe Manzano , Caballero-Chacón Sara del Carmen , Guarner-Lans Verónica , Díaz-Díaz Eulises , Gómez Adrián Moreno , Pérez-Torres Israel
Published: July 2019

There are few studies evaluating the oxidant-antioxidant status after oophorosalpingohysterectomy (OSH) in female dogs. Here we determined the effect of OSH on antioxidant enzymes in serum, and quantified morphological changes in subcutaneous adipocytes. Lateral OSH was performed in 12 female dogs. The concentration of 17β-estradiol (17β-E2), the activities of extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD-ec), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR) were determined. Glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), carbonylation and vitamin C were measured in serum. Subcutaneous adipose tissue was obtained to determine morphological changes and cell number, under basal conditions and six months after OSH. The SOD-ec, GPx and GST activities increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05), LPO, carbonylation and GSSG also increased. GSH and vitamin C decreased (p = 0.03). 17β-E2 tended to decrease six months after OSH. Hypertrophy of subcutaneous adipocytes was observed after OSH from the first month and was accentuated after six months (p = 0.001). The results suggest that 17β-E2 decreases after OSH and alters the antioxidant enzyme activities in serum thus, redox balance is altered. These changes are associated with an increase in body weight and hypertrophy of subcutaneous adipose tissue.
Ordered mesoporous carbon in solid-phase microextraction for analysis of volatile organic compounds in water samples
Authors: Liu Bo , Hao Yaqiong , Wang Lixiao , Li Mengyun , Jiang Hui
Published: July 2019

An ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) film supported on graphite fiber was prepared by a dip-coating method combined with a solvent evaporation induced self-assembly (EISA) strategy.
Th@C1(11)-C86: an actinide encapsulated in an unexpected C86 fullerene cage
Authors: Wang Yaofeng , Morales-Martínez Roser , Cai Wenting , Zhuang Jiaxin , Yang Wei , Echegoyen Luis , Poblet Josep M. , Rodríguez-Fortea Antonio , Chen Ning
Published: July 2019

A novel actinide endohedral fullerene with an unexpected chiral cage, Th@C1(11)-C86, was synthesized and characterized.
Boron-based inorganic heterocyclic clusters: electronic structure, chemical bonding, aromaticity, and analogy to hydrocarbons
Authors: Feng Lin-Yan , Li Rui , Zhai Hua-Jin
Published: July 2019

Boron-based heterocyclic clusters feature rhombic/pentagonal o-bonds, inorganic benzenes, and chemical analogy to hydrocarbons and PAHs. One electron overturns the potential landscape in certain cases.
From deep blue to green emitting and ultralong fluorescent copper(i) halide complexes containing dimethylthiophene diphosphine and PPh3ligands
Authors: Wei Qiong , Zhang Rui , Liu Li , Zhong Xin-Xin , Wang Lei , Li Guang-Hua , Li Fa-Bao , Alamry Khalid A. , Zhao Yi
Published: July 2019

Emission color can be largely tuned from deep blue to green, by changing the solid state from crystal to film.
Excitation-induced tunable luminescence of luminomagnetic Dy and Ce co-doped ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Kalaiezhily R. K. , Asvini V. , Saravanan G. , Ravichandran K.
Published: July 2019

Here, 1 mol% Dy,Ce co-doped ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized via combustion method and studied their structural, optical and magnetic properties.
[2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction and luminescent sensing of Fe3+ and Cr2O72− ions by a cadmium-based coordination polymer
Authors: Zhu Rong-Rong , Wang Tao , Yan Tong , Jia Lei , Xue Zhe , Zhou Jie , Du Lin , Zhao Qi-Hua
Published: July 2019

A cadmium-based coordination polymer can produce the corresponding photoproduct via [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction, and can detect both Fe3+ and Cr2O72− ions.
A sterically congested 1,2-diphosphino-1′-boryl-ferrocene: synthesis, characterization and coordination to platinum
Authors: Lerayer Emmanuel , Renaut Patrice , Roger Julien , Pirio Nadine , Cattey Hélène , Fleurat-Lessard Paul , Boudjelel Maxime , Massou Stéphane , Bouhadir Ghenwa , Bourissou Didier , Hierso Jean-Cyrille
Published: July 2019

A unique tritopic (P, P, B)-ferrocene ambiphile with antagonist functions directly attached to a metallocene backbone is described.
Two-dimensional transition metal carbide (Ti3C2Tx) as an efficient adsorbent to remove cesium (Cs+)
Authors: Khan Abdul Rehman , Husnain Syed M. , Shahzad Faisal , Mujtaba-ul-Hassan Syed , Mehmood Mazhar , Ahmad Jamil , Mehran Muhammad Taqi , Rahman Sohaila
Published: July 2019

Industrial utilization of nuclear resources greatly depends on the effective treatment of nuclear waste.
Versatile coordination behaviour of the chloro-tetrazine-picolylamine ligand: mixed-valence binuclear Cu(i)/Cu(ii) complexes
Authors: Stetsiuk Oleh , Petrusenko Svitlana R. , Sorace Lorenzo , Lupan Alexandru , Attia Amr A. A. , Kokozay Vladimir N. , El-Ghayoury Abdelkrim , Avarvari Narcis
Published: July 2019

Neutral mixed-valence binuclear Cu(i)/Cu(ii) complexes, containing the deprotonated chloro-picolylamine-tetrazine ligand, have been prepared and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and DFT calculations.
Electrochemical conversion of a bio-derivable hydroxy acid to a drop-in oxygenate diesel fuel
Authors: Meyers Jérôme , Mensah Joel B. , Holzhäuser F. Joschka , Omari Ahmad , Blesken Christian C. , Tiso Till , Palkovits Stefan , Blank Lars M. , Pischinger Stefan , Palkovits Regina
Published: July 2019

3-Hydroxy decanoic acid (3-HDA), derivable from glucose or xylose waste-streams, was successfully upgraded electrochemically into a drop-in oxygenate with promising fuel characteristics.
Selective hydrothermal reductions using geomimicry
Authors: Bockisch Christiana , Lorance Edward D. , Shaver Garrett , Williams Lynda B. , Hartnett Hilairy E. , Shock Everett L. , Gould Ian R.
Published: July 2019

Reduction of carbon–carbon π-bonds has been demonstrated using iron powder as the reductant and simple powdered nickel as the catalyst in water as the solvent at 250 °C and the saturated water vapor pressure, 40 bars.
Hybrid nanostructure of SiO2@Si with Au-nanoparticles for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Yang Huan , Li Ben Q. , Jiang Xinbing , Shao Jinyou
Published: July 2019

Hybrid resonance enhanced local electric field for Raman sensing.
Correction: A photoacoustic shockwave triggers the size shrinkage of nanoparticles to obviously improve tumor penetration and therapeutic efficacy
Authors: Chen Rong , Chen Qun , Qin Huan , Xing Da
Published: July 2019

Correction for ‘A photoacoustic shockwave triggers the size shrinkage of nanoparticles to obviously improve tumor penetration and therapeutic efficacy’ by Rong Chen et al., Nanoscale, 2019, 11, 1423–1436.
Combining enzymes and organometallic complexes: novel artificial metalloenzymes and hybrid systems for C–H activation chemistry
Authors: Perez-Rizquez Carlos , Rodriguez-Otero Alba , Palomo Jose M.
Published: July 2019

This review describes the advances in the design and application of novel artificial metalloenzymes in C–H activation reactions.
Membrane-specific spin trap, 5-dodecylcarbamoyl-5-N-dodecylacetamide-1-pyroline-N-oxide (diC12PO): theoretical, bioorthogonal fluorescence imaging and EPR studies
Authors: Headley Colwyn A. , Hoffman Claire N. , Freisen Juliana M. , Han Yongbin , Macklin Joseph M. , Zweier Jay L. , Rockenbauer Antal , Kuret Jeff , Villamena Frederick A.
Published: July 2019

Lipophilic spin trap, diC12PO, forms radical- and cyclo-adduct with implication as membrane antioxidant and for nitrone cellular visualization using bioorthogonal imaging approach, respectively.
Wide bandgap poly(meta-styrene) derivatives containing pendant carbazolyl groups as hosts for efficient solution-processed organic light emitting diodes
Authors: Hu Liwen , Liao Guangfu , Guo Ting , Gao Haiyang , Ying Lei , Cao Yong
Published: July 2019

Two novel wide bandgap poly(meta-styrene) derivatives as hosts for solution-processed organic light emitting diodes were synthesized via free-radical polymerization.
A novel strategy for realizing high nitrogen doping in Fe3C-embedded nitrogen and phosphorus-co-doped porous carbon nanowires: efficient oxygen reduction reaction catalysis in acidic electrolytes
Authors: Li Mian , Liu Yang , Han Lina , Xiao Jie , Zeng Xiaoyuan , Zhang Chengxu , Xu Mingli , Dong Peng , Zhang Yingjie
Published: July 2019

A novel methodology for powerfully boosting the N doping amounts (9.26 at%) in three-dimensional (3D) Fe3C-embedded N and P-co-doped porous carbon hybrid nanowires (i.e.Fe3C@NP-PCFs) and promoting the ORR catalytic activity in acidic electrolyte.
Botulinum toxin type A interrupts autophagic flux of submandibular gland
Authors: Xie Shang , Xu Hui , Shan Xiao-Feng , Cai Zhi-Gang
Published: July 2019

Botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) is a neurotoxic protein produced by Clostridium botulinum. Our previous studies demonstrated that BTXA inhibits the secretory function of submandibular gland (SMG) and changes its structure. Several studies reported that SMG damage and repair often occur with autophagy in the rat. However, no studies reported whether secretory inhibition and structural changes of SMG after BTXA injection is related with autophagy. The present study was carried out to explore the association between BTXA injection and autophagy in rat SMG. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression and distribution of light chain 3 (LC3) in rat SMG. MTS was used to detect the toxicity of BTXA on rat SMG-C6 cell line. GFP-LC3 and Lyso-Tracker Red fluorescence probe were used to assess the levels of autophagosomes and lysosome fusion and the effect of BTXA on autophagic flux in SMG-C6. Western blotting and immunofluorescence results showed that BTXA temporarily increased autophagosomes in rat SMG. MTS results showed that BTXA exerted its toxicity on SMG-C6 in a dose-dependent manner. BTXA increased the number of autophagosomes in SMG-C6; however, most autophagosomes did not colocalize with lysosome. Therefore, we presume that BTXA can change autophagic flux of SMG cells, the mechanism of which might relate with BTXA’s disturbing autophagosome-lysosome fusion.
MicroRNA-222 promotes drug resistance to doxorubicin in breast cancer via regulation of miR-222/bim pathway
Authors: Dai Hong , Xu Ling-yun , Qian Qi , Zhu Qiu-wei , Chen Wei-xian
Published: July 2019

Resistance to doxorubicin (DOX) is the most common clinical problem in breast cancer therapy, and the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be investigated. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) exhibit important regulatory functions in various malignant tumors including breast cancer. The aim of the present study was to find the relationship between miR-222 and DOX resistance. We found that miR-222 was highly expressed in patients’ serum and DOX-resistant cell line MCF-7-R and that miR-222 could promote proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. Our results also showed that inhibition of miR-222 in MCF-7-R significantly increased Bcl-2 interacting mediator (Bim) expression both in mRNA and protein levels by using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. MTT and flow cytometry suggested that lower expressed miR-222 enhanced apoptosis and decreased IC50 of MCF-7-R cells. Conversely, in MCF-7 cells transfected with miR-222 mimics, up-regulation of miR-222 was associated with decreased Bim level accompanied by less apoptosis and higher IC50. Moreover, miR-222 inhibitors reversed DOX resistance via miR-222-Bim-caspase pathway. Collectively, these data first elucidated that miR-222 could function as an oncogene and was able to reduce the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to DOX through miR-222-Bim-caspase pathway, which provided a potential target to increase DOX sensitivity in clinical breast cancer treatment.
On the optimal importance process for piecewise deterministic Markov process
Authors: Chraibi H. , Dutfoy A. , Galtier T. , Garnier J.
Published: July 2019

In order to assess the reliability of a complex industrial system by simulation, and in reasonable time, variance reduction methods such as importance sampling can be used. We propose an adaptation of this method for a class of multi-component dynamical systems which are modeled by piecewise deterministic Markovian processes (PDMP). We show how to adapt the importance sampling method to PDMP, by introducing a reference measure on the trajectory space. This reference measure makes it possible to identify the admissible importance processes. Then we derive the characteristics of an optimal importance process, and present a convenient and explicit way to build an importance process based on theses characteristics. A simulation study compares our importance sampling method to the crude Monte-Carlo method on a three-component systems. The variance reduction obtained in the simulation study is quite spectacular.
The age-related changes and sex difference in master swimming performance
Authors: Knechtle Beat , Barbosa Tiago M. , Nikolaidis Pantelis Theo
Published: July 2019

Master athletes have been widely used to examine the age-induced decline of human performance. However, so far very limited reviews are available consolidating the age-related differences in master swimming performance. The aim of the present review was to summarize existing knowledge about the age-related changes in three modalities of swimming performance (i.e., pool-swimming, open-water swimming and swim split in triathlons of different distances). In addition, the paradigm of freestyle swimming records from 50 to 1500 m was used to examine age-related differences and sex difference in performance for age groups 25–29 to 100–104 years. For this example of master freestyle swimmers, the sex difference was smaller in the longer events and increased significantly after the age of ∼70 years. In summary, master athletes competing in swimming as single discipline (i.e., pool-swimming and open-water) and in triathlon (i.e., swim split as first discipline) improved their performances across calendar years. The age-related performance decline in swimming seems to be specific to the discipline, the sex and the length of the swimming event.
Involvement of the L-arginine/Nitric Oxide/Cyclic GMP/KATP Channel Pathway and PPARγ Receptors in the Peripheral Antinociceptive Effect of Carbamazepine
Authors: Ghorbanzadeh Behnam , Kheirandish Vahid , Mansouri Mohammad Taghi
Published: July 2019

Carbamazepine has been shown to exert analgesic effects in clinical and experimental pain situation. This study was conducted to evaluate its potential peripheral antinociceptive effects and the possible involvement of L-arginine/NO/cGMP/KATP channel pathway and PPARγ receptors in an animal model of pain. The antinociceptive effect induced by intraplantar administration of carbamazepine (100–1 000 μg/paw) was assessed using the formalin test in rats. To evaluate the involvement of L-arginine/NO/cGMP/KATP channel pathway in the antinociceptive action of carbamazepine, rats were pre-treated intraplantarlly with L-arginine (a nitric oxide precursor, 100 and 200 μg/paw), L-NAME (NOS inhibitor, 50 and 100 μg/paw), methylene blue (guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, 100 and 200 μg/paw), glibenclamide (KATP channel blocker, 100 and 200 μg/paw), and diazoxide (400 μg/paw). Moreover, to investigate the possible involvement of PPARγ receptors, pioglitazone (10 μg/paw; a PPARγ agonist) alone or in combination with GW9662 (3 μg/paw; a PPARγ antagonist) were pre-treated with carbamazepine. The local ipsilateral, but not contralateral, administration of carbamazepine into the hind paw produced dose-related analgesia during both early and late phases of formalin test. Moreover, pre-treatment with L-NAME, methylene blue, and glibenclamide dose-dependently prevented carbamazepine (300 μg/paw)-induced antinociception in both phases of the test. In addition, administration of L-arginine and diazoxide before the sub-effective dose of carbamazepine (100 μg/paw) produced an antinociceptive effect. Also, antinociception induced by carbamazepine plus pioglitazone (10 μg/paw) was blocked by GW-9662 in both phases of the test. In conclusion, carbamazepine induced a peripheral antinociceptive effect through PPARγ receptors and L-arginine/NO/cGMP/KATP channel pathway, with potential for a new topical analgesic drug.
Spontaneous Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Related Cortisol and Immunologic Alterations: Impact on Patients' Health-related Quality of Life
Authors: Ridwan Sami , Greschus Susanne , Boström Jan , Barrera Julio , Esche Jonas , Zur Bernd , Klingmüller Dietrich , Boström Azize
Published: July 2019

Objective To highlight the impact of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) on surviving patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with respect to cortisol and interleukin (IL)-6 alterations and also to identify possible clinical predictors for a better HRQoL.

Methods Fifty surviving patients treated in our hospital for aneurysmal SAH in a 2-year period with sufficient HRQoL data were enrolled. A good clinical outcome was represented by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0 to 2. The patient's HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form health survey questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Daily Fatigue Impact Scale at 6 and 12 months. The results were analyzed regarding possible correlation to 24-hour urinary free cortisol, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid IL-6 levels.

Results A reduction of HRQoL in up to 35% of survivors was observed at 6 months and in a high proportion of patients (47.2%) with an assumable good outcome (mRS 0–2). Reduced HRQoL in survivors was found in terms of SF-36 (34.9%), depression (26.8%), and fatigue (14%) at 6 months and 18.4%, 39.4%, and 18.9% at 12 months, respectively. Improvement was recorded at 12 months, mainly in SF-36. Early elevated 24-hour urinary free cortisol and IL-6 levels showed a significant positive impact on HRQoL.

Conclusions Early cortisol and IL-6 levels may predict patients' HRQoL after SAH. Twelve months after SAH, a considerable percentage of patients with a presumably good outcome (mRS 0–2) had a lower HRQoL compared with the general population. Implementing corresponding tests at discharge and 12-month follow-up is recommended.
Cardiac Arrest in Patients with Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Ridwan Sami , Kristof Rudolf
Published: July 2019

Background Poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), in particular Hunt and Hess (H&H) grade 5 SAH, still has a high case-fatality rate. Recent studies regarding the clinical outcome of such patients and the influence of comorbidities, especially cardiac arrest (CA) requiring additional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), on the outcome of these patients are scant. Our primary objective was to assess the outcome of SAH H&H grade 5 patients and the influence of additional CA and requirement for CPR.

Methods All patients with spontaneous aneurysmal SAH H&H grade 5 admitted to our hospital from 2001 to 2010 were enrolled in the study. Data were extracted from the hospital's clinical records and electronic database. The patients' clinical outcome at time of discharge was represented by the Glasgow Outcome Score and modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The influence of CA and additional CPR on patient outcome was analyzed.

Results Of 80 SAH H&H grade 5 patients (median age 55 years), 21 patients (median age 50 years) experienced CA and received additional CPR. Mortality in SAH H&H grade 5 patients was 85% with CA and 68% without CA (p = 0.158). Overall, 22 of 59 patients with no CA survived, 4 with a good clinical outcome (mRS 0–3). Of the 21 with CA, only 3 survived, none with a good outcome (mRS 4–5). Due to the small subgroup surviving additional CA, a statistical difference could not be found between the groups. Aneurysm occlusion (p < 0.001) and aneurysm of the posterior circulation (p = 0.010) resulted in a more favorable clinical outcome.

Conclusions Patients with SAH H&H grade 5 do survive and in 5% of cases even with a good outcome. Surviving an additional CA resulted in a less favorable outcome without statistical significance. Thus SAH H&H grade 5 patients with or without CA and additional CPR should not be excluded from appropriate neurosurgical treatment.
Viral Surveillance of Children with Acute Respiratory Infection in Two Main Hospitals in Northern Jordan, Irbid, during Winter of 2016
Authors: Awad Samah , Khader Yousef , Mansi Moa'th , Yusef Dawood , Alawadin Salah , Qudah Walaa , Khasawneh Ruba
Published: July 2019

Acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Data regarding the etiology of acute respiratory infection (ARI) is scarce in developing countries. The aim of this study was to identify the viral etiology of ARI/ALRI in hospitalized children and factors associated with increased length of stay (LoS) and severe disease presentation in Northern Jordan. This was a prospective viral surveillance study using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in children younger than 5 years admitted with ARI to two main hospitals in Northern Jordan during the winter of 2016. Nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained and tested for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other viruses. Demographic and clinical characteristics of RSV-positive patients were compared with those of RSV-negative patients. There were 479 patients hospitalized with ARI. Their mean age (standard deviation) was 10.4 (11.6) months. 53.9% tested positive for at least one virus, with RSV being the most commonly detected virus (34%). Compared with RSV-negative patients, RSV-positive patients were younger, more likely to have chronic lung disease, and more likely to present with cough, rhinorrhea, difficulty in breathing, retraction, flaring, grunting, wheezing, and a higher respiratory rate. Prematurity, presence of a chronic illness, oxygen saturation < 90%, and atelectasis and consolidation on chest X-rays were significantly associated with an increased mean LoS. Patients with a history of prematurity had higher risk of severe disease (odds ratio = 2.6; 95% confidence interval: 1.5, 4.7; p = 0.001). Compared with patients 6 months old and younger, patients aged 6.1 to 12 months were less likely to have severe disease. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV)-positive ALRI was associated with increased odds of severe disease. Viruses are recognized as etiological agent of ARI/ALRI-associated morbidity in developing countries that need more attention and implementation of targeted strategies for prevention and detection. HMPV can be a cause of severe ALRI.
The effects of Hong Kong L2 English speakers’ phonological features on listeners’ cognitive and affective perceptions
Authors: Chen Hsueh Chu , Wang Qian
Published: July 2019

This study explores the most perceivable phonological features of Hong Kong (HK) L2 English speakers and how they affect the perception of HK L2 English speech from the perspective of both native and non-native English listeners. Conversational interviews were conducted to collect speech data from 20 HK speakers of English and 10 native speakers of English in the United Kingdom. Phonological features of 20 HK speakers of English were analyzed at both segmental and suprasegmental levels. Forty listeners with different language backgrounds were recruited to listen and rate the speech samples of the 20 HK speakers of English in terms of the cognitive perception of foreign accentedness and comprehensibility and affective perception of likability and acceptability. This study identifies the phonological variables that contribute significantly to listeners’ perception of accentedness, comprehensibility, likability, acceptability, and overall impression of HK speakers’ English speech.
Diffuse messages as aggression and violence in political discourse
Authors: Kuße Holger
Published: July 2019

Diffuse messages are characterized by an unclear axiological and/or illocutionary orientation. If this diffuseness is used to mislead addressees and to domineer over someone by misleading him or her, then the diffuse message can be seen as an act of aggression and linguistic violence. Diffuse messages are a rhetorical practice which can often be observed in authoritarian and totalitarian contexts, where they are used to wield power over the interlocutor. Examples are given from Russian political discourse from the early periods of the Soviet Union up until now.
More than keywords
Authors: Cvrček Václav , Fidler Masako U.
Published: July 2019

The interpretation of a text usually starts with finding what is striking. Keyword analysis is a widely used corpus linguistic method that helps identify words as possible carriers of prominent topics in a text. It identifies words with significantly higher relative frequency in a target text when compared with a reference corpus. However, as our analysis of the Russian opinion portal Sputnik Czech Republic reveals, examining keywords alone does not produce an explicit account of discourse ideology in a text. Focusing predominantly on the image of Russia reflected in Sputnik, this study not only demonstrates the importance of a multi-level, quantitative approach to text, but also the importance of discourse functions of morphosyntactic units.
Basque question particles
Authors: Trotzke Andreas , Monforte Sergio
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we focus on the syntax of question particles in Basque and provide an account that draws new parallels between the syntactic behavior of discourse particles in Basque and some recent findings that have been reported for the German language, perhaps the most studied language of all when it comes to discourse particles. In particular, after having argued for a syntactic perspective on discourse particles for German, we deal with Basque particles in bothwh-questions and polar questions. Forwh-questions, we provide evidence for the claim that the particleoteoccupies an IP/TP-internal particle position and, when attaching to awh-element, can serve to form emphatic questions of the type that have also been observed in German. In the context of polar questions, we demonstrate that there are two distinct positions for discourse particles in central and eastern dialects of Basque: one inside the IP/TP-domain and one in the left periphery of the clause. Again, we indicate relevant cross-linguistic parallels, thereby dealing with Basque discourse particles from the perspective of a cross-linguistic syntax of particle elements.
Effect of grain boundary migration in Cu–Cr–Zr–Ti manufactured using different casting processes
Authors: Gong Liukui , Peng Huaichao , Wan Xiangyang , Chen Huiming , Xie Weibin , Wang Hang , Yang Bin
Published: July 2019

Grain boundary migration in different casting processes directly affects the grain size of the ingot, which affects the mechanical properties of the alloy. In this study, Cu–Cr–Zr–Ti rods are manufactured using upward continuous casting and casting-extrusion processes followed by drawing. It is found that the strength of the upward continuous casting rods is 621 MPa, greater than that of the casting-extrusion rods 571 MPa, which is a result of different microstructure evolution during solution treatment. Calculations of the driving force and resistance of grain boundary migration were performed to explain the observations.
Cycling with Low Saddle Height is Related to Increased Knee Adduction Moments in Healthy Recreational Cyclists
Authors: Wang Yong , Liang Leichao , Wang Donghai , Tang Yunqi , Wu Xie , Li Li , Liu Yu
Published: July 2019

Bicycle saddle height configurations have been shown to affect knee joint biomechanics. Research suggests that an excessively low saddle height may lead to Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, which is thought to be caused by the knee adduction moment during cycling. However, how saddle heights affect frontal plane knee biomechanics was not clear. We aimed to compare different saddle heights on frontal plane knee biomechanics during cycling. Twenty healthy young recreational cyclists (23.4 ± 0.5 years) performed 3 min of cycling at four different saddle heights (Medium [25° knee flexion angle], Preferred [a height chosen by cyclists], Low [Preferred + 15°], High [Preferred ‐ 15°] measured at the bottom‐dead‐center). Cycling workload and cadence were set at 60 w and 60 RPM, respectively, since our project was focused on rehabilitation. A motion analysis system and a custom instrumented pedal were used to collect three‐dimensional kinematics d (200 Hz) and pedal reaction force (1000 Hz). Results showed that, compared with other saddle heights, Low saddle height produced greater adduction knee moments (11.9 ± 1.9 Nm, P < 0.05), a longer duration (0.15 ± 0.01 s, P < 0.05), larger knee flexion (58.5 ± 2.6°, P < 0.05) and larger abduction angles (−4.5 ± 0.8°, P < 0.05). We showed that Low saddle height resulted in increased knee adduction moments with longer duration. In contrast, High saddle height reduced both knee moments and time duration. The results suggest that increased saddle heights may provide a safe and efficient cycling strategy for healthy young recreational cyclists.
Ghost imaging with engineered quantum states by Hong–Ou–Mandel interference
Authors: Bornman Nicholas , Prabhakar Shashi , Vallés Adam , Leach Jonathan , Forbes Andrew
Published: July 2019

Traditional ghost imaging experiments exploit position correlations between correlated states of light. These correlations occur directly in spontaneous parametric down-conversion, and in such a scenario, the two-photon state usually used for ghost imaging is symmetric. Here we perform ghost imaging using an anti-symmetric state, engineering the two-photon state symmetry by means of Hong–Ou–Mandel interference. We use both symmetric and anti-symmetric states and show that the ghost imaging setup configuration results in object-image rotations depending on the state selected. Further, the object and imaging arms employ spatial light modulators for the all-digital control of the projections, being able to dynamically change the measuring technique and the spatial properties of the states under study. Finally, we provide a detailed theory that explains the reported observations.
Bounds on nonlocal correlations in the presence of signaling and their application to topological zero modes
Authors: Carmi Avishy , Herasymenko Yaroslav , Cohen Eliahu , Snizhko Kyrylo
Published: July 2019

Bell’s theorem renders quantum correlations distinct from those of any local-realistic model. Although being stronger than classical correlations, quantum correlations are limited by the Tsirelson bound. This bound, however, applies for Hermitian, commutative operators corresponding to non-signaling observables in Alice’s and Bob’s spacelike-separated labs. As an attempt to explore theories beyond quantum mechanics and analyze the uniqueness of the latter, we examine in this work the extent of non-local correlations when relaxing these fundamental assumptions, which allows for theories with non-local signaling. We prove that, somewhat surprisingly, the Tsirelson bound in the Bell–Clauser–Horne–Shimony–Holt scenario, and similarly other related bounds on non-local correlations, remain effective as long as we maintain the Hilbert space structure of the theory. Furthermore, in the case of Hermitian observables we find novel relations between non-locality, local correlations, and signaling. We demonstrate that such non-local signaling theories are naturally simulated by quantum systems of parafermionic zero modes. We numerically study the derived bounds in parafermionic systems, confirming the bounds’ validity yet finding a drastic difference between correlations of ‘signaling’ and ‘non-signaling’ sets of observables. We also propose an experimental procedure for measuring the relevant correlations.
Probing multiple-frequency atom-photon interactions with ultracold atoms
Authors: Luksch K , Bentine E , Barker A J , Sunami S , Harte T L , Yuen B , Foot C J
Published: July 2019

We dress atoms with multiple-radiofrequency (RF) fields and investigate the spectrum of transitions driven by an additional probe field. A complete theoretical description of this rich spectrum is presented, in which we find allowed transitions and determine their amplitudes using the resolvent formalism. Experimentally, we observe transitions up to sixth order in the probe field using RF spectroscopy of Bose–Einstein condensates trapped in single- and multiple-RF-dressed potentials. We find excellent agreement between theory and experiment, including the prediction and verification of previously unobserved transitions, even in the single-RF case.