bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing System for Well‐Based Monitoring Water Injection Tests—A Geomechanical Responses Perspective
Authors: Sun Yankun , Xue Ziqiu , Hashimoto Tsutomu , Lei Xinglin , Zhang Yi
Published: December 2019

In this study, distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) based on hybrid Brillouin‐Rayleigh backscattering is examined for the first time in well‐based monitoring distributed profiles of geomechanical deformation induced by water injection. Field water injection tests are conducted under different injection scenarios between an injection well (230 m, IW #2) and 5.5 m away from a fibered monitoring well (300 m, MW #1) by deploying cables behind the casing at Mobara, Japan. Effects of injection rate, pressure, and lithological heterogeneity on the geomechanical deformation are quantitatively monitored via a DFOS approach and indicate that induced strains significantly depend on injection rate and pressure. The results also indicate that DFOS results are reasonably consistent with simultaneous geophysical well logging data and corresponding numerical simulation. The extent of impacted areas and magnitude of near‐wellbore strains are explored to evaluate formation heterogeneity and fluid migration behaviors. The field testing of hybrid DFOS technology is expected to definitely advance elaborate monitoring and wider applications, such as CO2 geosequestration sites.
Nonreciprocal metasurface with space–time phase modulation
Authors: Guo Xuexue , Ding Yimin , Duan Yao , Ni Xingjie
Published: December 2019

Creating materials with time-variant properties is critical for breaking reciprocity that imposes fundamental limitations on wave propagation. However, it is challenging to realize efficient and ultrafast temporal modulation in a photonic system. Here, leveraging both spatial and temporal phase manipulation offered by an ultrathin nonlinear metasurface, we experimentally demonstrated nonreciprocal light reflection at wavelengths around 860 nm. The metasurface, with travelling-wave modulation upon nonlinear Kerr building blocks, creates spatial phase gradient and multi-terahertz temporal phase wobbling, which leads to unidirectional photonic transitions in both the momentum and energy spaces. We observed completely asymmetric reflections in forward and backward light propagations over a large bandwidth around 5.77 THz within a sub-wavelength interaction length of 150 nm. Our approach highlights a potential means for creating miniaturized and integratable nonreciprocal optical components.
Longitudinal transcriptome-wide gene expression analysis of sleep deprivation treatment shows involvement of circadian genes and immune pathways
Authors: Foo Jerome C. , Trautmann Nina , Sticht Carsten , Treutlein Jens , Frank Josef , Streit Fabian , Witt Stephanie H. , De La Torre Carolina , von Heydendorff Steffen Conrad , Sirignano Lea , Chen Junfang , Müller-Myhsok Bertram , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas , Witt Christian C. , Gilles Maria , Deuschle Michael , Rietschel Marcella
Published: December 2019

Therapeutic sleep deprivation (SD) rapidly induces robust, transient antidepressant effects in a large proportion of major mood disorder patients suffering from a depressive episode, but underlying biological factors remain poorly understood. Research suggests that these patients may have altered circadian molecular genetic ‘clocks’ and that SD functions through ‘resetting’ dysregulated genes; additional factors may be involved, warranting further investigation. Leveraging advances in microarray technology enabling the transcriptome-wide assessment of gene expression, this study aimed to examine gene expression changes accompanying SD and recovery sleep in patients suffering from an episode of depression. Patients (N = 78) and controls (N = 15) underwent SD, with blood taken at the same time of day before SD, after one night of SD and after recovery sleep. A transcriptome-wide gene-by-gene approach was used, with a targeted look also taken at circadian genes. Furthermore, gene set enrichment, and longitudinal gene set analyses including the time point after recovery sleep, were conducted. Circadian genes were significantly affected by SD, with patterns suggesting that molecular clocks of responders and non-responders, as well as patients and controls respond differently to chronobiologic stimuli. Notably, gene set analyses revealed a strong widespread effect of SD on pathways involved in immune function and inflammatory response, such as those involved in cytokine and especially in interleukin signalling. Longitudinal gene set analyses showed that in responders these pathways were upregulated after SD; in non-responders, little response was observed. Our findings emphasize the close relationship between circadian, immune and sleep systems and their link to etiology of depression at the transcriptomic level.
Electrodeposition of crystalline silicon films from silicon dioxide for low-cost photovoltaic applications
Authors: Zou Xingli , Ji Li , Ge Jianbang , Sadoway Donald R. , Yu Edward T. , Bard Allen J.
Published: December 2019

Crystalline-silicon solar cells have dominated the photovoltaics market for the past several decades. One of the long standing challenges is the large contribution of silicon wafer cost to the overall module cost. Here, we demonstrate a simple process for making high-purity solar-grade silicon films directly from silicon dioxide via a one-step electrodeposition process in molten salt for possible photovoltaic applications. High-purity silicon films can be deposited with tunable film thickness and doping type by varying the electrodeposition conditions. These electrodeposited silicon films show about 40 to 50% of photocurrent density of a commercial silicon wafer by photoelectrochemical measurements and the highest power conversion efficiency is 3.1% as a solar cell. Compared to the conventional manufacturing process for solar grade silicon wafer production, this approach greatly reduces the capital cost and energy consumption, providing a promising strategy for low-cost silicon solar cells production.
Distributed sensing of microseisms and teleseisms with submarine dark fibers
Authors: Williams Ethan F. , Fernández-Ruiz María R. , Magalhaes Regina , Vanthillo Roel , Zhan Zhongwen , González-Herráez Miguel , Martins Hugo F.
Published: December 2019

Sparse seismic instrumentation in the oceans limits our understanding of deep Earth dynamics and submarine earthquakes. Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), an emerging technology that converts optical fiber to seismic sensors, allows us to leverage pre-existing submarine telecommunication cables for seismic monitoring. Here we report observations of microseism, local surface gravity waves, and a teleseismic earthquake along a 4192-sensor ocean-bottom DAS array offshore Belgium. We observe in-situ how opposing groups of ocean surface gravity waves generate double-frequency seismic Scholte waves, as described by the Longuet-Higgins theory of microseism generation. We also extract P- and S-wave phases from the 2018-08-19 $${M}_{w}8.2$$Mw8.2 Fiji deep earthquake in the 0.01-1 Hz frequency band, though waveform fidelity is low at high frequencies. These results suggest significant potential of DAS in next-generation submarine seismic networks.
An extreme sea level indicator for the contiguous United States coastline
Authors: Rashid Md. Mamunur , Wahl Thomas , Chambers Don P. , Calafat Francisco M. , Sweet William V.
Published: December 2019

We develop an aggregated extreme sea level (ESL) indicator for the contiguous United States coastline, which is comprised of separate indicators for mean sea level (MSL) and storm surge climatology (SSC). We use water level data from tide gauges to estimate interannual to multi-decadal variability of MSL and SSC and identify coastline stretches where the observed changes are coherent. Both the MSL and SSC indicators show significant fluctuations. Indicators of the individual components are combined with multi-year tidal contributions into aggregated ESL indicators. The relative contribution of the different components varies considerably in time and space. Our results highlight the important role of interannual to multi-decadal variability in different sea level components in exacerbating, or reducing, the impacts of long-term MSL rise over time scales relevant for coastal planning and management. Regularly updating the proposed indicator will allow tracking changes in ESL posing a threat to many coastal communities, including the identification of periods where the likelihood of flooding is particularly large or small.
Expansion of the cassava brown streak pandemic in Uganda revealed by annual field survey data for 2004 to 2017
Authors: Alicai Titus , Szyniszewska Anna M. , Omongo Christopher A. , Abidrabo Phillip , Okao-Okuja Geoffrey , Baguma Yona , Ogwok Emmanuel , Kawuki Robert , Esuma Williams , Tairo Fred , Bua Anton , Legg James P. , Stutt Richard O. J. H. , Godding David , Sseruwagi Peter , Ndunguru Joseph , Gilligan Christopher A.
Published: December 2019

Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) is currently the most devastating cassava disease in eastern, central and southern Africa affecting a staple crop for over 700 million people on the continent. A major outbreak of CBSD in 2004 near Kampala rapidly spread across Uganda. In the following years, similar CBSD outbreaks were noted in countries across eastern and central Africa, and now the disease poses a threat to West Africa including Nigeria - the biggest cassava producer in the world. A comprehensive dataset with 7,627 locations, annually and consistently sampled between 2004 and 2017 was collated from historic paper and electronic records stored in Uganda. The survey comprises multiple variables including data for incidence and symptom severity of CBSD and abundance of the whitefly vector (Bemisia tabaci). This dataset provides a unique basis to characterize the epidemiology and dynamics of CBSD spread in order to inform disease surveillance and management. We also describe methods used to integrate and verify extensive field records for surveys typical of emerging epidemics in subsistence crops.
Characterization of a human liver reference material fit for proteomics applications
Authors: Davis W. Clay , Kilpatrick Lisa E. , Ellisor Debra L. , Neely Benjamin A.
Published: December 2019

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is creating new, economical, qualitative reference materials and data for proteomics comparisons, benchmarking and harmonization. Here we describe a large dataset from shotgun proteomic analysis of RM 8461 Human Liver for Proteomics, a reference material being developed. Consensus identifications using multiple search engines and sample preparations demonstrate a homogeneous and fit-for-purpose material that can be incorporated into automated or manual sample preparation workflows, with the resulting data used to directly assess complete sample-to-data workflows and provide harmonization and benchmarking between laboratories and techniques. Data are available via PRIDE with identifier PXD013608.
Repotrectinib (TPX-0005), effectively reduces growth of ALK driven neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Cervantes-Madrid Diana , Szydzik Joanna , Lind Dan Emil , Borenäs Marcus , Bemark Mats , Cui Jean , Palmer Ruth Helen , Hallberg Bengt
Published: December 2019

Neuroblastoma is the most commonly diagnosed extracranial tumor in the first year of life. Approximately 9% of neuroblastoma patients present germline or somatic aberrations in the gene encoding for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). This increases in high-risk neuroblastomas, which have a 14% frequency of ALK aberrations at the time of diagnosis and show increasing numbers at relapse. Abrogating ALK activity with kinase inhibitors is employed as clinical therapy in malignancies such as non-small cell lung cancer and has shown good results in pediatric inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors and anaplastic large cell lymphomas. A phase I clinical trial of the first generation ALK inhibitor, crizotinib, in neuroblastoma patients showed modest results and suggested that further investigation was needed. Continuous development of ALK inhibitors has resulted in the third generation inhibitor repotrectinib (TPX-0005), which targets the active kinase conformations of ALK, ROS1 and TRK receptors. In the present study we investigated the effects of repotrectinib in a neuroblastoma setting in vitro and in vivo. Neuroblastoma cell lines were treated with repotrectinib to investigate inhibition of ALK and to determine its effect on proliferation. PC12 cells transfected with different ALK mutant variants were used to study the efficacy of repotrectinib to block ALK activation/signaling. The in vivo effect of repotrectinib was also analyzed in a neuroblastoma xenograft model. Our results show that repotrectinib is capable of inhibiting signaling activity of a range of ALK mutant variants found in neuroblastoma patients and importantly it exhibits strong antitumor effects in a xenograft model of neuroblastoma.
Only vulnerable adults show change in chronic low-grade inflammation after contemplative mental training: evidence from a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Puhlmann Lara M. C. , Engert Veronika , Apostolakou Filia , Papassotiriou Ioannis , Chrousos George P. , Vrtička Pascal , Singer Tania
Published: December 2019

Growing evidence suggests that chronic low-grade inflammation can be reduced through mindfulness-based mental training interventions. However, these results are inconsistent and based on patient populations with heterogeneous conditions. Similar research in healthy adults is lacking. Moreover, common intervention protocols involve varying combinations of different contemplative practices, such that it remains unclear which types of training most effectively influence biomarkers of inflammation. The present study investigated the effect of three distinct 3-month training modules cultivating a) interoception and present-moment focus (Presence), b) socio-affective skills (Affect), or c) socio-cognitive skills (Perspective) on the inflammatory biomarkers interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in 298 healthy adults. We observed no group-level effect of training on either biomarker, but trend-level interactions of training type and participant sex. In additionally exploring the influence of participants’ baseline inflammation, a selective training effect emerged: Following the Presence module, participants with relatively higher inflammatory load showed stronger reduction in IL-6 on average, and in hs-CRP if they were male. Mindfulness- and attention-based mental practice thus appears most effective when targeting chronic low-grade inflammation in healthy adults, particularly in men. Overall, our data point to a floor effect in the reduction of inflammatory markers through contemplative mental training, suggesting that mental training may be less effective in improving basal biological health outcomes in healthy, low-stressed adults than in vulnerable populations.
Focused ultrasound enhanced intranasal delivery of brain derived neurotrophic factor produces neurorestorative effects in a Parkinson’s disease mouse model
Authors: Ji Robin , Smith Morgan , Niimi Yusuke , Karakatsani Maria E. , Murillo Maria F. , Jackson-Lewis Vernice , Przedborski Serge , Konofagou Elisa E.
Published: December 2019

Focused ultrasound-enhanced intranasal (IN + FUS) delivery is a noninvasive approach that utilizes the olfactory pathway to administer pharmacological agents directly to the brain, allowing for a more homogenous distribution in targeted locations compared to IN delivery alone. However, whether such a strategy has therapeutic values, especially in neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), remains to be established. Herein, we evaluated whether the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate limiting enzyme in dopamine catalysis, could be enhanced by IN + FUS delivery of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in a toxin-based PD mouse model. Mice were put on the subacute dosing regimen of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), producing bilateral degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway consistent with early-stage PD. MPTP mice then received BDNF intranasally followed by multiple unilateral FUS-induced blood-brain barrier (BBB) openings in the left basal ganglia for three consecutive weeks. Subsequently, mice were survived for two months and were evaluated morphologically and behaviorally to determine the integrity of their nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathways. Mice receiving IN + FUS had significantly increased TH immunoreactivity in the treated hemisphere compared to the untreated hemisphere while mice receiving only FUS-induced BBB opening or no treatment at all did not show any differences. Additionally, behavioral changes were only observed in the IN + FUS treated mice, indicating improved motor control function in the treated hemisphere. These findings demonstrate the robustness of the method and potential of IN + FUS for the delivery of bioactive factors for treatment of neurodegenerative disorder.
Complex couplings between joints, muscles and performance: the role of the wrist in grasping
Authors: Caumes Mathieu , Goislard de Monsabert Benjamin , Hauraix Hugo , Berton Eric , Vigouroux Laurent
Published: December 2019

The relationship between posture, muscle length properties and performance remains unclear, because of a lack of quantitative data. Studies on grasping tasks suggested that wrist position could favour the extrinsic finger flexor in regards to their length to maximise grip force performance. The present study aimed at providing quantitative evidence of the links between wrist posture, muscle capacities and grip capabilities. It combines experimental measurements and a musculoskeletal model including the force-length relationship of the four prime muscles used in grasping. Participants exerted their maximum grip force on a cylindrical dynamometer in four different wrist postures, including one freely chosen by participants (spontaneous). A musculoskeletal model computed the muscle force level and length from motion capture and muscle activation. Results revealed that participants exerted maximum grip force spontaneously, with a loss of force when using other postures. At muscle force and length level, grip force variation seems to be associated with all the muscles under study. This observation led to a first quantitative link between power grip, posture and muscle properties, which could provide more insight into neuromechanical interaction involved when grasping. The design of ergonomic devices could also benefit from this quantification of the relationship between wrist angle and muscle length properties.
DTI Study on Brain Structure and Cognitive Function in Patients with Chronic Mountain Sickness
Authors: Bao Haihua , Li Ruiyang , He Mingli , Kang Dongjie , Zhao Lili
Published: December 2019

In chronic mountain sickness (CMS) patients, the structure of the brain, memory and cognition are often irreversibly damaged by chronic hypoxia due to red blood cell overcompensation, elevated haemoglobin and blood stasis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate this damage using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and to study the correlations among the fractional anisotropy (FA),the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, the severity index of CMS and the simple Mental State Examination (MMSE) score in CMS patients. A total of 17 patients with CMS and 15 healthy controls were recruited for conventional brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and DTI scans, and ADC images were reconstructed along with FA and FA colour maps. The FA and ADC values of the selected regions of interest (ROIs) were measured and compared. The FA and ADC values were also compared with the haemoglobin (Hb) and MMSE scores. CMS patients are prone to intracranial ischaemia, infarction and haemorrhage. Multiple structural changes occur in the brain of CMS patients, and these changes are related to the severity of the disease and cognitive function variation. The white matter fibre bundles of CMS patients showed no obvious damage, except in the ischaemic site.
Nature of novel criticality in ternary transition-metal oxides
Authors: Abdulvagidov Shapiullah B. , Djabrailov Shamil Z. , Abdulvagidov Belal Sh.
Published: December 2019

There are the chains of transition-metal cations alternating with the anions of oxygen in ternary transition-metal oxides. When a p-orbital of the oxygen connects the half-filled and empty d-orbitals of adjacent transition-metal cations, double-exchange ferromagnetism takes place. Although double exchange has been well explored, the nature of novel criticality, induced by it, is yet not uncovered. We explored the magnetic-field scaling in the heat capacity of a Sm0.55Sr0.45MnO3 manganite, one of the best ternary transition-metal oxides as it is completely ferromagnetic, and found novel criticality - unordinary critical exponents which are the consequence of coherence of Coulomb lattice distortion and ferromagnetism. The coherence is caused by the trinity of the mass, the charge and the spin of an electron. When the d and p orbitals overlaps, it quickly walks from one site to the another due its lightest mass. And due to its electric charge, it equalizes the valences of the transition-metal cations in the chains and so diminishes the Coulomb lattice distortion. At last, its spin forces magnetic moments of transition-metal cations to ferromagnetically arrange. The disappearance of Coulomb distortions widens the overlap and lowers the elastic lattice energy, so that not only the spin of an electron, but also its electric charge strengthens ferromagnetism. That nonlinear effect strengthens the critical behaviour and critical exponents come off any known universality classes. Thus, the symbiotic coherence of annihilating Coulomb distortions and arising ferromagnetism is a reason of the novel criticality.
One-step synthesis of gold and silver non-spherical nanoparticles mediated by Eosin Methylene Blue agar
Authors: Lomelí-Rosales Diego Alberto , Zamudio-Ojeda Adalberto , Cortes-Llamas Sara Angélica , Velázquez-Juárez Gilberto
Published: December 2019

Nowadays, there are several approaches reported to accomplish the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles by using bacterial and fungi supernatants or by-products generated by these microorganisms. Therefore, agars as solely reductive regents have started to be used in order to obtain metal nanoparticles. This paper shows the results of the synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles with different morphology, mainly triangular and truncated triangular, using Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar as reducing agent. To control the reaction process, the necessary activation energy for the reducer was provided by three different techniques: microwave radiation, using a domestic microwave oven, ultraviolet radiation, and heating on a conventional plate. The evolution of the reduction process and stability of the samples was performed by ultraviolet visible spectroscopy. Morphology was carefully analyzed using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A one step synthesis for gold and silver nanoparticles was optimized with an eco-friendly and economic process.
Phenol adsorption on high microporous activated carbons prepared from oily sludge: equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Mojoudi N. , Mirghaffari N. , Soleimani M. , Shariatmadari H. , Belver C. , Bedia J.
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study was the preparation, characterization and application of high-performance activated carbons (ACs) derived from oily sludge through chemical activation by KOH. The produced ACs were characterized using iodine number, N2 adsorption-desorption, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The activated carbon prepared under optimum conditions showed a predominantly microporous structure with a BET surface area of 2263 m2 g−1, a total pore volume of 1.37 cm3 g−1 and a micro pore volume of 1.004 cm3 g−1. The kinetics and equilibrium adsorption data of phenol fitted well to the pseudo second order model (R2 = 0.99) and Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.99), respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity based on the Langmuir model (434 mg g−1) with a relatively fast adsorption rate (equilibrium time of 30 min) was achieved under an optimum pH value of 6.0. Thermodynamic parameters were negative and showed that adsorption of phenol onto the activated carbon was feasible, spontaneous and exothermic. Desorption of phenol from the adsorbent using 0.1 M NaOH was about 87.8% in the first adsorption/desorption cycle and did not decrease significantly after three cycles. Overall, the synthesized activated carbon from oily sludge could be a promising adsorbent for the removal of phenol from polluted water.
Diagnostic and clinical utility of whole genome sequencing in a cohort of undiagnosed Chinese families with rare diseases
Authors: Liu Hong-Yan , Zhou Liyuan , Zheng Meng-Yue , Huang Jia , Wan Shu , Zhu Aiying , Zhang Mingjie , Dong Anliang , Hou Ling , Li Jia , Xu Haiming , Lu Bingjian , Lu Weiguo , Liu Pengyuan , Lu Yan
Published: December 2019

Rare diseases are usually chronically debilitating or even life-threatening with diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in current clinical practice. It has been estimated that 80% of rare diseases are genetic in origin, and thus genome sequencing-based diagnosis offers a promising alternative for rare-disease management. In this study, 79 individuals from 16 independent families were performed for whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in an effort to identify the causative mutations for 16 distinct rare diseases that are largely clinically intractable. Comprehensive analysis of variations, including simple nucleotide variants (SNVs), copy-number variations (CNVs), and structural variations (SVs), was implemented using the WGS data. A flexible analysis pipeline that allowed a certain degree of misclassification of disease status was developed to facilitate the identification of causative variants. As a result, disease-causing variants were identified in 10 of the 16 investigated diseases, yielding a diagnostic rate of 62.5%. Additionally, new potentially pathogenic variants were discovered for two disorders, including IGF2/INS-IGF2 in mitochondrial disease and FBN3 in Klippel–Trenaunay–Weber syndrome. Our WGS analysis not only detected a CNV associated with 3p deletion syndrome but also captured a simple sequence repeat (SSR) variation associated with Machado–Joseph disease. To our knowledge, this is the first time the clinical WGS analysis of short-read sequences has been used successfully to identify a causative SSR variation that perfectly segregates with a repeat expansion disorder. After the WGS analysis, we confirmed the initial diagnosis for three of 10 established disorders and modified or corrected the initial diagnosis for the remaining seven disorders. In summary, clinical WGS is a powerful tool for the diagnosis of rare diseases, and its diagnostic clarity at molecular levels offers important benefits for the participating families.
Association between localised retinal nerve fibre layer defects and cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Shin Joo Youn , Lee Jonghyun , Lee Chan Joo , Park Sungha , Byeon Suk Ho
Published: December 2019

Localised retinal nerve fibre layer defects (RNFLDs) are reported to indicate the degree of glaucomatous damage but can also be sequelae of retinal vascular insufficiency as a result of systemic vascular factors. We investigated the association between RNFLDs and cardiovascular risk factors. RNFLDs were detected in 440 (29.2%) of 1508 subjects. The presence of RNFLDs was associated with higher HbA1c (odds ratio [OR] 1.289, p < 0.001), higher 24-h mean systolic blood pressure (SBP; OR 1.013, p < 0.005), and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; OR 0.995, p < 0.005). An increasing number of RNFLDs was correlated with higher SBP (r = 0.186, p < 0.001), higher HbA1c (r = 0.128, p < 0.010), lower eGFR (r = −0.112, p < 0.020), and younger age (r = −0.303, p < 0.001). Subjects with RNFLDs had a higher predicted 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease than did those without RNFLDs (9.7% vs 7.9%, p = 0.008 in middle-aged subjects, 25.6% vs 23.2%, p = 0.040 in older subjects). In conclusion, RNFLDs are associated with SBP, eGFR, and HbA1c. Concomitant cardiovascular risk factors should be considered when evaluating patients with localised RNFLDs.
A de novo EGR2 variant, c.1232A > G p.Asp411Gly, causes severe early-onset Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy Type 3 (Dejerine-Sottas Neuropathy)
Authors: Grosz Bianca R. , Golovchenko Natasha B. , Ellis Melina , Kumar Kishore , Nicholson Garth A. , Antonellis Anthony , Kennerson Marina L.
Published: December 2019

EGR2 (early growth response 2) is a crucial transcription factor for the myelination of the peripheral nervous system. Mutations in EGR2 are reported to cause a heterogenous spectrum of peripheral neuropathy with wide variation in both severity and age of onset, including demyelinating and axonal forms of Charcot-Marie Tooth (CMT) neuropathy, Dejerine-Sottas neuropathy (DSN/CMT3), and congenital hypomyelinating neuropathy (CHN/CMT4E). Here we report a sporadic de novo EGR2 variant, c.1232A > G (NM_000399.5), causing a missense p.Asp411Gly substitution and discovered through whole-exome sequencing (WES) of the proband. The resultant phenotype is severe demyelinating DSN with onset at two years of age, confirmed through nerve biopsy and electrophysiological examination. In silico analyses showed that the Asp411 residue is evolutionarily conserved, and the p.Asp411Gly variant was predicted to be deleterious by multiple in silico analyses. A luciferase-based reporter assay confirmed the reduced ability of p.Asp411Gly EGR2 to activate a PMP22 (peripheral myelin protein 22) enhancer element compared to wild-type EGR2. This study adds further support to the heterogeneity of EGR2-related peripheral neuropathies and provides strong functional evidence for the pathogenicity of the p.Asp411Gly EGR2 variant.
Improvement of Commercially Valuable Traits of Industrial Crops by Application of Carbon-based Nanomaterials
Authors: Pandey Kamal , Anas Muhammad , Hicks Victoria K. , Green Micah J. , Khodakovskaya Mariya V.
Published: December 2019

Carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs) have great potential as a powerful tool to improve plant productivity. Here, we investigated the biological effects of graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on fiber-producing species (cotton, Gossypium hirsutum) and ornamental species (vinca, Catharanthus roseus). The exposure of seeds to CNTs or graphene led to the activation of early seed germination in Catharanthus and overall higher germination in cotton and Catharanthus seeds. The application of CBNs resulted in higher root and shoot growth of young seedlings of both tested species. Cultivation of Catharanthus plants in soil supplemented with CBNs resulted in the stimulation of plant reproductive system by inducing early flower development along with higher flower production. Catharanthus plants cultivated in CNTs or graphene supplemented soil accelerated total flower production by 37 and 58%, respectively. Additionally, CBNs reduced the toxic effects caused by NaCl. Long-term application of CBNs to crops cultivated under salt stress conditions improved the desired phenotypical traits of Catharanthus (higher flower number and leaf number) and cotton (increased fiber biomass) compared to untreated plants of both species cultivated at the same stress condition. The drought stress experiments revealed that introduction of CBNs to matured Catharanthus plant increased the plant survival with no symptoms of leaf wilting as compared to untreated Catharanthus growing in water deficit conditions.
Rhubarb-Evoke Mucus Secretion through Aggregation and Degranulation of Mast Cell in the Colon of Rat: In vivo and ex vivo studies
Authors: Wu Di , Xue Xiaowei , Gao Chenchen , Liu Yuehong , Wang Tiantian , Li Lisheng , Tong Xuehong , Li Feng , Xu Jingdong
Published: December 2019

Rhubarb is commonly used to treat constipation in China for its function of promoting intestinal movement and optimum water content in feces. However, its mechanism of mucus secretion is vague. The aim of the study is to investigate the role of mast cells and enteric neurons in rhubarb extract (RE)-induced mucus secretion in the rat colon. Immunofluorescence was used to detect histamine receptors. Western blotting and 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) were applied to explore the content changes of mast cells activation. The changes in colonic goblet cells (GCs) were determined by means of PAS/AB staining. An intestinal perfusion system with a Bradford protein assay kit was directly to estimate in vitro secretion. And the cytokines were investigated with ELISA. The longitudinal aspect of this study indicate that the number and water content of faecal pellets were enhanced after the administration of different doses of RE accompanied by mast cells accumulated and increased the content of interferon (IFN) -γ or decreased the levels of interleukin (IL) −10 at doses of 3 and 6 g/kg. Pretreatment with ketotifen, mast cell stabilizer, had partially inhibited on RE-induced mucus secretion. Furthermore, RE induced the release of acetylcholine and mucin-2 in the colonic tissue and the histamine levels from the faeces. The results suggest that RE induced colonic mucus secretion involves mast cell activation and some cytokine.
Habitat filtering shapes the differential structure of microbial communities in the Xilingol grassland
Authors: Yang Jie , Wang Yanfen , Cui Xiaoyong , Xue Kai , Zhang Yiming , Yu Zhisheng
Published: December 2019

The spatial variability of microorganisms in grasslands can provide important insights regarding the biogeographic patterns of microbial communities. However, information regarding the degree of overlap and partitions of microbial communities across different habitats in grasslands is limited. This study investigated the microbial communities in three distinct habitats from Xilingol steppe grassland, i.e. animal excrement, phyllosphere, and soil samples, by Illumina MiSeq sequencing. All microbial community structures, i.e. for bacteria, archaea, and fungi, were significantly distinguished according to habitat. A high number of unique microorganisms but few coexisting microorganisms were detected, suggesting that the structure of microbial communities was mainly regulated by species selection and niche differentiation. However, the sequences of those limited coexisting microorganisms among the three different habitats accounted for over 60% of the total sequences, indicating their ability to adapt to variable environments. In addition, the biotic interactions among microorganisms based on a co-occurrence network analysis highlighted the importance of Microvirga, Blastococcus, RB41, Nitrospira, and four norank members of bacteria in connecting the different microbiomes. Collectively, the microbial communities in the Xilingol steppe grassland presented strong habitat preferences with a certain degree of dispersal and colonization potential to new habitats along the animal excrement- phyllosphere-soil gradient. This study provides the first detailed comparison of microbial communities in different habitats in a single grassland, and offers new insights into the biogeographic patterns of the microbial assemblages in grasslands.
Quantitative Phase Imaging Using Digital Holographic Microscopy Reliably Assesses Morphology and Reflects Elastic Properties of Fibrotic Intestinal Tissue
Authors: Bokemeyer Arne , Tepasse Phil Robin , Quill Lena , Lenz Philipp , Rijcken Emile , Vieth Michael , Ding Nik , Ketelhut Steffi , Rieder Florian , Kemper Björn , Bettenworth Dominik
Published: December 2019

Intestinal strictures are a frequent complication in patients with Crohn’s Disease (CD) and the presence of fibrosis within strictures impacts the therapeutic treatment approach. Here, we evaluate quantitative phase imaging (QPI) using digital holographic microscopy (DHM) for the evaluation of fibrosis within CD strictures. 30 full thickness resection specimens were obtained from non-stenotic and stenotic tissue areas of 15 CD patients. Cryostat sections were analyzed by DHM to measure the spatial distribution of the refractive index (RI) to quantify tissue density. Complementary, histopathological evaluation of H&E staining and immunofluorescence (IF) targeting fibrosis markers served as the gold standard. Moreover, tissue stiffness was evaluated by elastography. RI values assessed by DHM were significantly higher in stenotic compared to non-stenotic tissue areas (p < 0.001). Histopathological analysis using H&E staining and IF confirmed the elevated expression of fibrosis markers in stenotic compared to non-stenotic tissue (all p < 0.001). The RI retrieved by DHM strongly correlated with the amount of fibrosis as determined by IF (p < 0.001; R2 = 0.48). Furthermore, elastography detected a significantly higher tissue stiffness in stenotic as compared to non-stenotic tissue sections (p < 0.001). In conclusion, QPI using DHM accurately assesses fibrotic properties of CD-associated strictures and may improve the characterization of CD strictures.
A Trojan horse biomimetic delivery strategy using mesenchymal stem cells for PDT/PTT therapy against lung melanoma metastasis
Authors: Ouyang Xumei , Wang Xiaoling , Kraatz Heinz-Bernhard , Ahmadi Soha , Gao Jianqing , Lv Yuanyuan , Sun Xiaoyi , Huang Yongzhuo
Published: December 2019

A cell-based biomimetic delivery system characterized by its “Trojan horse” property is developed, in which the PDA-Ce6 nanoparticles were loaded in the MSCs for tumor-targeted delivery and combination PDT/PTT for retarding lung melanoma metastasis.
Correction: Enantioselective iridium catalyzed α-alkylation of azlactones by a tandem asymmetric allylic alkylation/aza-Cope rearrangement
Authors: Bai Xue-Dan , Zhang Qing-Feng , He Ying
Published: December 2019

Correction for ‘Enantioselective iridium catalyzed α-alkylation of azlactones by a tandem asymmetric allylic alkylation/aza-Cope rearrangement’ by Xue-Dan Bai et al., Chem. Commun., 2019, 55, 5547–5550.
Ethane aromatization and evolution of carbon deposits over nanosized and microsized Zn/ZSM-5 catalysts
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wu Shide , Xu Xia , Jiang Heqing
Published: December 2019

Nanosized Zn/HZSM-5 facilitated the faster escape of light aromatics from zeolite channels and exhibited higher product yield and improved stability.
Carbon dioxide binding in supercooled water nanofilms on nanominerals
Authors: Yeşilbaş Merve , Song Xiaowei , Boily Jean-François
Published: December 2019

Moist CO2-bearing air flowing in Earth's terrestrial environments and now warming cryosphere can be captured by thin nanometric water films supported by mineral nanoparticles.
Harnessing platelets as functional vectors for contrast enhanced ultrasound imaging and fluorescence imaging
Authors: Gao Chuang , Bhattarai Pravin , Zhou Yiming , Zhang Nisi , Hameed Sadaf , Yue Xiuli , Zhao Bo
Published: December 2019

The recent progress in the development of highly biocompatible nanoplatforms mostly encompasses the use of biological excipients such as red blood cells, cancer cell membranes, and also platelets.
A theoretical study of the radical scavenging activity of natural stilbenes
Authors: Vo Quan V. , Cam Nam Pham , Bay Mai Van , Minh Thong Nguyen , Hieu Le Trung , Mechler Adam
Published: December 2019

Oxidative stress is implicated in aging and aging-related diseases, including cancer.
Morphodynamics of a dense particulate medium under radial explosion
Authors: Xue Kun , Han Panpan , Du Kaiyuan , Gan Yixiang , Wang Ziwei , Bai Chunhua
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we investigate the initiation and growth of instability patterns arising from the shock loaded internal surfaces of granular rings confined in a Hele-Shaw cell using both experimental and numerical approaches.
The lncRNAs RP1-261G23.7, RP11-69E11.4 and SATB2-AS1 are a novel clinical signature for predicting recurrent osteosarcoma
Authors: Ying Tang , Dong Jin-ling , Yuan Cen , Li Peng , Guo Qingshan
Published: December 2019

Background: Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy in children and adolescents. In order to find factors related to its recurrence, and thus improve recovery prospects, a powerful clinical signature is needed. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are essential in osteosarcoma processes and development, and here we report significant lncRNAs to aid in earlier diagnosis of osteosarcoma.

Methods: A univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and a multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to analyze osteosarcoma patients’ lncRNA expression data from the Therapeutically Applicable Research To Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET), a public database.

Results: A lncRNA signature consisting of three lncRNAs (RP1-261G23.7, RP11-69E11.4 and SATB2-AS1) was selected. The signature was used to sort patients into high-risk and low-risk groups with meaningful recurrence rates (median recurrence time 16.80 vs. >128.22 months, log-rank test, P<0.001) in the training group, and predictive ability was validated in a test dataset (median 16.32 vs. >143.80 months, log-rank test, P=0.006). A multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the significant lncRNA was an independent prognostic factor for osteosarcoma patients. Functional analysis suggests that these lncRNAs were related to the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, the Wnt signaling pathway, and the G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathway, all of which have various, important roles in osteosarcoma development. The significant 3-lncRNA set could be a novel prediction biomarker that could aid in treatment and also predict the likelihood of recurrence of osteosarcoma in patients.
Quantifying the Effects of Background Speech Babble on Preschool Children's Novel Word Learning in a Multisession Paradigm: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Avivi-Reich Meital , Roberts Megan Y. , Grieco-Calub Tina M.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This study tested the effects of background speech babble on novel word learning in preschool children with a multisession paradigm.

Method

Eight 3-year-old children were exposed to a total of 8 novel word–object pairs across 2 story books presented digitally. Each story contained 4 novel consonant–vowel–consonant nonwords. Children were exposed to both stories, one in quiet and one in the presence of 4-talker babble presented at 0-dB signal-to-noise ratio. After each story, children's learning was tested with a referent selection task and a verbal recall (naming) task. Children were exposed to and tested on the novel word–object pairs on 5 separate days within a 2-week span.

Results

A significant main effect of session was found for both referent selection and verbal recall. There was also a significant main effect of exposure condition on referent selection performance, with more referents correctly selected for word–object pairs that were presented in quiet compared to pairs presented in speech babble. Finally, children's verbal recall of novel words was statistically better than baseline performance (i.e., 0%) on Sessions 3–5 for words exposed in quiet, but only on Session 5 for words exposed in speech babble.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that background speech babble at 0-dB signal-to-noise ratio disrupts novel word learning in preschool-age children. As a result, children may need more time and more exposures of a novel word before they can recognize or verbally recall it.
Comparison of stator winding connections in multiphase drives under healthy operation and with one open converter leg
Authors: Yepes Alejandro G. , Doval‐Gandoy Jesús , Baneira Fernando , Toliyat Hamid A.
Published: December 2019

Multiphase machines with symmetrical windings offer various stator winding configurations (SWCs). It is known that, for a given five‐phase machine, the pentagon SWC implies, compared with star, smaller voltage rating and greater current rating of the converter. For healthy conditions, the stator copper loss (SCL) and maximum achievable torque (MAT) are almost identical for both SWCs, provided such converter‐rating adjustments and negligible circulating currents. Regarding the operation of five‐phase machines under open converter leg (especially common fault), the pentagon SWC attains lower SCL (for given torque) and larger MAT than star. However, it is unknown if these characteristics hold (and to which extent) for other phase numbers and SWCs. This study compares for multiple phase numbers the SWCs in terms of converter rating, MAT and SCL, under healthy operation and with an open converter leg. Most importantly, it is shown that, for phase numbers higher than five (the case previously studied), the improvement in performance (especially postfault MAT) by resorting to SWCs other than star can be much larger than for five phases, and it is thus of considerable interest. The most convenient alternatives (often different from the five‐phase case) are established. Experimental results with two multiphase drives are included.
Supercapacitor/battery hybrid energy storage unit for brushless DC motor operation
Authors: Shi Tingna , Lu Haitian , Cao Yanfei , Li Xinmin , Xia Changliang
Published: December 2019

In this study, a supercapacitor (SC)/battery hybrid energy storage unit (HESU) is designed with battery, SC and metal–oxide–semiconductor field‐effect transistors. Combined with the operation of brushless DC motor (BLDCM) and the output mode of the proposed HESU, the vector combinations that are suitable for different operation states of the BLDCM are analysed. By using reasonable vector combinations, the HESU can utilise the SC to store the regenerative energy from BLDCM during the braking process and assist the battery to power the motor during the acceleration process. Also, the designed HESU can achieve high‐voltage output by connecting the SC and battery in series, to suppress the commutation torque ripple of BLDCM in the motoring state. Finally, the correctness of the theoretical analysis and the feasibility of the proposed method are verified by the experiment results.
Simplified algorithm for assessment equivalent circuit parameters of induction motors
Authors: Rajput Shailendra , Bender Emmanuel , Averbukh Moshe
Published: December 2019

Induction or asynchronous AC motors are widely used in the electromechanical industries. However, the selection of an appropriate motor for specific drive applications represents a non‐trivial task. The most effective and universally accepted method is to use equivalent T‐circuit for this purpose. Parameter determination of equivalent circuit should be done relatively fast and accurately. This article describes a novel and simplified method for the estimation of equivalent circuit parameters, which is exclusively based on the manufacturer's datasheet. The proposed method is based on the synergetic interaction between the numerical and analytical dimensionless approach using the Thevenin theorem. Initially, rated motor parameters and unknown variables of the equivalent circuit are combined into dimensionless expressions using the Thevenin approach. This method is simple, original, and useful to prevent instability in the numerical solution. Importantly, the high convergence of a solution and relatively fast calculation of parameters reveals the significant novelty of the proposed method. This method provides accurate and sustainable results for a wide range of low voltage asynchronous motors with different rotational velocities, torque, and power range from a few to hundreds of kilowatts. The proposed method is validated by the application of three types of asynchronous AC motors.