bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repetitive DNA landscape in essential A and supernumerary B chromosomes of Festuca pratensis Huds
Authors: Ebrahimzadegan Rahman , Houben Andreas , Mirzaghaderi Ghader
Published: December 2019

Here, we characterized the basic properties of repetitive sequences in essential A and supernumerary B chromosomes of Festuca pratensis Huds. This was performed by comparative analysis of low-pass Illumina sequence reads of B chromosome lacking (−B) and B chromosome containing (+B) individuals of F. pratensis. 61% of the nuclear genome is composed of repetitive sequences. 43.1% of the genome are transposons of which DNA transposons and retrotransposons made up 2.3% and 40.8%, respectively. LTR retrotransposons are the most abundant mobile elements and contribute to 40.7% of the genome and divided into Ty3-gypsy and Ty1-copia super families with 32.97% and 7.78% of the genome, respectively. Eighteen different satellite repeats were identified making up 3.9% of the genome. Five satellite repeats were used as cytological markers for chromosome identification and genome analysis in the genus Festuca. Four satellite repeats were identified on B chromosomes among which Fp-Sat48 and Fp-Sat253 were specific to the B chromosome of F. pratensis.
Thermal and efficiency droop in InGaN/GaN light-emitting diodes: decoupling multiphysics effects using temperature-dependent RF measurements
Authors: Rashidi Arman , Monavarian Morteza , Aragon Andrew , Feezell Daniel
Published: December 2019

Multiphysics processes such as recombination dynamics in the active region, carrier injection and transport, and internal heating may contribute to thermal and efficiency droop in InGaN/GaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs). However, an unambiguous methodology and characterization technique to decouple these processes under electrical injection and determine their individual roles in droop phenomena is lacking. In this work, we investigate thermal and efficiency droop in electrically injected single-quantum-well InGaN/GaN LEDs by decoupling the inherent radiative efficiency, injection efficiency, carrier transport, and thermal effects using a comprehensive rate equation approach and a temperature-dependent pulsed-RF measurement technique. Determination of the inherent recombination rates in the quantum well confirms efficiency droop at high current densities is caused by a combination of strong non-radiative recombination (with temperature dependence consistent with indirect Auger) and saturation of the radiative rate. The overall reduction of efficiency at elevated temperatures (thermal droop) results from carriers shifting from the radiative process to the non-radiative processes. The rate equation approach and temperature-dependent pulsed-RF measurement technique unambiguously gives access to the true recombination dynamics in the QW and is a useful methodology to study efficiency issues in III-nitride LEDs.
Feasibility of improving vascular imaging in the presence of metallic stents using spectral photon counting CT and K-edge imaging
Authors: Sigovan Monica , Si-Mohamed Salim , Bar-Ness Daniel , Mitchell Julia , Langlois Jean-Baptiste , Coulon Philippe , Roessl Ewald , Blevis Ira , Rokni Michal , Rioufol Gilles , Douek Philippe , Boussel Loic
Published: December 2019

Correct visualization of the vascular lumen is impaired in standard computed tomography (CT) because of blooming artifacts, increase of apparent size, induced by metallic stents and vascular calcifications. Recently, due to the introduction of photon-counting detectors in the X-ray imaging field, a new prototype spectral photon-counting CT (SPCCT) based on a modified clinical CT system has been tested in a feasibility study for improving vascular lumen delineation and visualization of coronary stent architecture. Coronary stents of different metal composition were deployed inside plastic tubes containing hydroxyapatite spheres to simulate vascular calcifications and in the abdominal aorta of one New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit. Imaging was performed with an SPCCT prototype, a dual-energy CT system, and a conventional 64-channel CT system (B64). We found the apparent widths of the stents significantly smaller on SPCCT than on the other two systems in vitro (p < 0.01), thus closer to the true size. Consequently, the intra-stent lumen was significantly larger on SPCCT (p < 0.01). In conclusion, owing to the increased spatial resolution of SPCCT, improved lumen visualization and delineation of stent metallic mesh is possible compared to dual-energy and conventional CT.
The Prognostic Importance of CD20+ B lymphocytes in Colorectal Cancer and the Relation to Other Immune Cell subsets
Authors: Edin Sofia , Kaprio Tuomas , Hagström Jaana , Larsson Pär , Mustonen Harri , Böckelman Camilla , Strigård Karin , Gunnarsson Ulf , Haglund Caj , Palmqvist Richard
Published: December 2019

The anti-tumour immune response is critical to patient prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to investigate infiltration of B lymphocytes into CRC tumours, and their clinical relevance, prognostic value and relation to other immune cell subsets. We used multiplexed immunohistochemistry and multispectral imaging to assay the amount of infiltrating CD20+ B lymphocytes along with infiltration of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, FOXP3+ T regulatory cells, CD68+ macrophages and CD66b+ neutrophils, in 316 archival CRC tissue specimens. A higher density of infiltrating CD20+ B lymphocytes was associated with tumours of the right colon (P = 0.025) and of lower stages (P = 0.009). Furthermore, patients whose tumours were highly infiltrated by CD20+ B lymphocytes had a significantly improved disease-specific survival (HR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.28–0.73, P = 0.001), which remained significant in multivariable analysis. CD20+ B lymphocytes were highly and positively associated with CD8+ T lymphocytes (P < 0.001), and part of the prognostic role was found to be a cooperative effect between these lymphocyte subsets. Our results support a favourable prognostic value of tumour-infiltrating CD20+ B lymphocytes in CRC. Furthermore, a cooperative prognostic effect between CD20+ B lymphocytes and CD8+ T lymphocytes is suggested.
The effect of cold atmospheric plasma on diabetes-induced enzyme glycation, oxidative stress, and inflammation; in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Rezaeinezhad Alireza , Eslami Pegah , Mirmiranpour Hossein , Ghomi Hamid
Published: December 2019

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is known as the versatile tool in different biological, and medical applications. In this study, we investigated the effect of cold plasma on diabetes via in vitro and in vivo assessments. We performed the in vitro assay to evaluate the impact of CAP on glycated glutathione peroxidase (GPx) through enzyme activity measurement as a function index and far- and near-UV circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence analysis as structure indices. The result of in vitro assessment showed that the exposure of glycated GPx to plasma causes a considerable increase in enzyme activity up to 30%. Also, the evaluation of far- and near-UV CD and fluorescence analysis indicated a modification in the protein structure. According to obtained result from in vitro assessment, in vivo assay evaluated the effect of CAP on diabetic mice through analyzing of blood glucose level (BGL), advanced glycation end products (AGEs), antioxidant activity, oxidative stress biomarkers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), and inflammation factors including tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The result of in vivo experiment also showed a 20% increase in antioxidant activity. Also, the reduction in AGEs, oxidative stress biomarkers, and inflammatory cytokines concentrations was observed. The result of this study revealed that CAP could be useful in diabetes treatment and can be utilized as a complementary method for diabetes therapy.
Surgical outcomes of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy: analysis of age effect
Authors: Sung Jae Yun , Lee Yeon Hee , Kim Kyoung Nam , Kang Tae Seen , Lee Sung Bok
Published: December 2019

There is limited evidence in literature determining age effect on outcomes of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EDCR) in adult patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). We aimed to analyze the outcomes of EDCR according to age in primary acquired NLDO. A retrospective study was performed on consecutive adult patients and patients were divided into two age groups; group 1 (aged to 61 years) and group 2 (aged 62 to 89 years) based on the average value. The minimum required follow-up period was 6 months. A total of 441 EDCRs performed in 342 patients were enrolled. The anatomical success rate was not significantly different between the two groups (91.8% and 88.2%, P = 0.209). However, the functional success rate was significantly lower in the group 2 (85.1% and 76.9%; P = 0.036). Functional failure was associated with old age and a history of diabetes mellitus (P  = 0.024 and P  = 0.008). In subgroup analysis of patients with anatomical success but functionally failed EDCR, group 2 had significantly more comorbid conditions such as eyelid laxity (P = 0.026). In conclusion, the comorbid conditions which increase with age may affect functional outcome, especially eyelid laxity, careful preoperative examination of the eyelid and conjunctiva should be emphasized to lacrimal surgeons before performing EDCR.
Tumor sidedness influences prognostic impact of lymph node metastasis in colon cancer patients undergoing curative surgery
Authors: Lai Hsin-Wu , Wei James Cheng-Chung , Hung Hung-Chang , Lin Chun-Che
Published: December 2019

This study aimed to evaluate prognostic impacts of the number of lymph nodes (LNs) examined and LN ratio on cancer-specific mortality after surgery in patients with right-sided colon cancer (RCC) or left-sided colon cancer (LCC) using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Number of LNs examined and LN ratio were treated as categorical and/or continuous. Competing risks proportional hazards regressions adjusted by propensity score were performed. All included patients had stage I, II, or III disease, and 45.1% of them had RCC. RCC and LCC patients with high level of LNs examined had better prognosis after segmental resection or hemicolectomy. RCC and LCC patients with higher LN ratio had worse prognosis regardless of surgery. Survival benefit of having high level of LNs examined was observed in RCC patients with stage I, II, or III disease, but only in LCC patients with stage II disease. Both higher LN ratio and high level of LN were negative prognostic factors for cancer-specific mortality in stage III patients regardless of tumor sidedness. In conclusion, RCC patients in various conditions had worse or comparable prognosis compared to their LCC counterparts, which reflected the severity of LN metastasis.
Interannual to decadal variability within and across the major Eastern Boundary Upwelling Systems
Authors: Bonino Giulia , Di Lorenzo Emanuele , Masina Simona , Iovino Doroteaciro
Published: December 2019

Climate variability and climate change in Eastern Boundary Upwelling Systems (EBUS) affect global marine ecosystems services. We use passive tracers in a global ocean model hindcast at eddy-permitting resolution to diagnose EBUS low-frequency variability over 1958–2015 period. The results highlight the uniqueness of each EBUS in terms of drivers and climate variability. The wind forcing and the thermocline depth, which are potentially competitive or complementary upwelling drivers under climate change, control EBUS low-frequency variability with different contributions. Moreover, Atlantic and Pacific upwelling systems are independent. In the Pacific, the only coherent variability between California and Humboldt Systems is associated with El Niño Southern Oscillation. The remaining low-frequency variance is partially explained by the North and South Pacific expressions of the Meridional Modes. In the Atlantic, coherent variability between Canary and Benguela Systems is associated with upwelling trends, which are not dynamically linked and represent different processes. In the Canary, a negative upwelling trend is connected to the Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation, while in the Benguela, a positive upwelling trend is forced by a global sea level pressure trend, which is consistent with the climate response to anthropogenic forcing. The residual variability is forced by localized offshore high sea level pressure variability.
Human β-defensin-3 reduces excessive autophagy in intestinal epithelial cells and in experimental necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Chen Liping , Lv Zhibao , Gao Zhimei , Ge Guijie , Wang Xueli , Zhou Junmei , Sheng Qingfeng
Published: December 2019

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a leading cause of mortality in preterm newborns. Intestinal barrier dysfunction is one key event in NEC pathogenesis. Human β-defensin-3 (hBD3), one member of cationic host defence peptides, was reported to reduce the development of necrotizing enterocolitis in a neonatal rat model. And autophagy was induced in the intestine of human and animals with NEC. We hypothesized that regulation of autophagy might play a critical role in hBD3-mediated protection against NEC injury. Autophagy activity was evaluated both in intestinal epithelial cells and in NEC models. Newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into four groups: Control + NS, Control + rapamycin, NEC + NS, and NEC + hBD3. Body weight, histological score, survival time, enterocyte migration and mucosal barrier were recorded. Our results showed that hBD3 pretreatment could effectively inhibit autophagy activity in cultured IEC-6 and Caco2 enterocytes, and CXCR4 might be involved in hBD3-mediated autophagy suppression. Moreover, hBD3-induced inhibition of autophagy significantly promoted the intestinal epithelial cell migration by wound healing assay and transwell migration assay. In the rat model of NEC, hBD3 could noticeably reduce the expression of autophagy-activated proteins, down-regulate the expression of inflammatory mediators, and promote the mucosal integrity. Our data suggest an additional role of hBD3-mediated protection against intestinal mucosal injury: inhibition of over-activated autophagy in enterocytes.
The high risk for type 2 diabetes among ethnic minority populations is not explained by low-grade inflammation
Authors: Muilwijk Mirthe , Nieuwdorp Max , Snijder Marieke B. , Hof Michel H. P. , Stronks Karien , van Valkengoed Irene G. M.
Published: December 2019

Our aim was to identify whether low-grade inflammation, reflected by C-reactive protein (CRP), explains the higher risk for incident type 2 diabetes (T2D) among ethnic minorities. We included 837 Dutch, 712 South-Asian Surinamese, 797 African Surinamese, 804 Ghanaian, 817 Turkish and 778 Moroccan origin participants of the HELIUS study (Amsterdam, the Netherlands). We used multiple linear regression to assess ethnic differences in CRP levels. We determined the association of CRP with T2D and the modifying effect of ethnicity by cox regression, and compared hazard ratios for the association between ethnicity and T2D before and after adjustment for CRP. CRP levels were higher in ethnic minority groups than in Dutch origin participants. CRP was associated with a higher T2D incidence, similarly across ethnic groups (overall HR per SD 1.38 [95% CI 1.14; 1.68]). However, the association was attenuated and no longer statistically significant after adjustment for adiposity measures (HR 1.11 [95% CI 0.90; 1.37]). CRP accounted for a very small part of the ethnic differences in T2D, but only in models unadjusted for adiposity. Low-grade inflammation does not substantially contribute to the higher risk of T2D among ethnic minority populations compared to the Dutch.
Dichotomic effects of clinically used drugs on tumor growth, bone remodeling and pain management
Authors: Barrière David André , Midavaine Élora , Doré-Savard Louis , Kirby Karyn , Tremblay Luc , Beaudoin Jean-François , Beaudet Nicolas , Longpré Jean-Michel , Lecomte Roger , Lepage Martin , Sarret Philippe
Published: December 2019

Improvements in the survival of breast cancer patients have led to the emergence of bone health and pain management as key aspects of patient’s quality of life. Here, we used a female rat MRMT-1 model of breast cancer-induced bone pain to compare the effects of three drugs used clinically morphine, nabilone and zoledronate on tumor progression, bone remodeling and pain relief. We found that chronic morphine reduced the mechanical hypersensitivity induced by the proliferation of the luminal B aggressive breast cancer cells in the tumor-bearing femur and prevented spinal neuronal and astrocyte activation. Using MTT cell viability assay and MRI coupled to 18FDG PET imaging followed by ex vivo 3D µCT, we further demonstrated that morphine did not directly exert tumor growth promoting or inhibiting effects on MRMT-1 cancer cells but induced detrimental effects on bone healing by disturbing the balance between bone formation and breakdown. In sharp contrast, both the FDA-approved bisphosphonate zoledronate and the synthetic cannabinoid nabilone prescribed as antiemetics to patients receiving chemotherapy were effective in limiting the osteolytic bone destruction, thus preserving the bone architecture. The protective effect of nabilone on bone metabolism was further accompanied by a direct inhibition of tumor growth. As opposed to zoledronate, nabilone was however not able to manage bone tumor-induced pain and reactive gliosis. Altogether, our results revealed that morphine, nabilone and zoledronate exert disparate effects on tumor growth, bone metabolism and pain control. These findings also support the use of nabilone as an adjuvant therapy for bone metastases.
Age-related positivity effect on behavioural responses of dogs to human vocalisations
Authors: Smit Iris , Szabo Dora , Kubinyi Enikő
Published: December 2019

Age-related changes in the brain can alter how emotions are processed. In humans, valence specific changes in attention and memory were reported with increasing age, i.e. older people are less attentive toward and experience fewer negative emotions, while processing of positive emotions remains intact. Little is yet known about this “positivity effect” in non-human animals. We tested young (n = 21, 1–5 years) and old (n = 19, >10 years) family dogs with positive (laugh), negative (cry), and neutral (hiccup, cough) human vocalisations and investigated age-related differences in their behavioural reactions. Only dogs with intact hearing were analysed and the selected sound samples were balanced regarding mean and fundamental frequencies between valence categories. Compared to young dogs, old individuals reacted slower only to the negative sounds and there was no significant difference in the duration of the reactions between groups. The selective response of the aged dogs to the sound stimuli suggests that the results cannot be explained by general cognitive and/or perceptual decline. and supports the presence of an age-related positivity effect in dogs, too. Similarities in emotional processing between humans and dogs may imply analogous changes in subcortical emotional processing in the canine brain during ageing.
Genome-scale CRISPR activation screen uncovers tumor-intrinsic modulators of CD3 bispecific antibody efficacy
Authors: Decker Corinne E. , Young Tara , Pasnikowski Elizabeth , Chiu Joyce , Song Hang , Wei Yi , Thurston Gavin , Daly Christopher
Published: December 2019

Bispecific antibodies (bsAb) that bridge tumor cells and CD3-positive effector T cells are being developed against many tumor cell targets. While tumor cell factors other than target expression level appear to play a role in determining the efficacy of CD3 bsAb, the identity of such factors remains largely unknown. Using a co-culture system of primary human T cells and B lymphoma cell lines, we demonstrate a range of sensitivities to CD20xCD3 bsAb that is independent of CD20 surface expression. To identify genes that modulate tumor cell sensitivity to CD3 bsAb, we employed a genome-scale CRISPR activation screen in a CD20xCD3-sensitive human B lymphoma cell line. Among the most highly enriched sgRNAs were those targeting genes with predicted effects on cell-cell adhesion, including sialophorin (SPN). Increased expression of SPN impeded tumor cell clustering with T cells, thereby limiting CD3 bsAb-mediated tumor cell lysis. This inhibitory effect of SPN appeared to be dependent on sialylated core 2 O-glycosylation of the protein. While SPN is not endogenously expressed in the majority of B cell lymphomas, it is highly expressed in acute myeloid leukemia. CRISPR-mediated SPN knockout in AML cell lines facilitated T cell-tumor cell clustering and enhanced CD3 bsAb-mediated AML cell lysis. In sum, our data establish that the cell cross-linking mechanism of CD3 bsAb is susceptible to subversion by anti-adhesive molecules expressed on the tumor cell surface. Further evaluation of anti-adhesive pathways may provide novel biomarkers of clinical response and enable the development of effective combination regimens for this promising therapeutic class.
Association between constitution, medical history, axiography and postural control in women aged between 21 to 30 years
Authors: Doerry C. , Fisch V. , Schamberger S. , Kopp S. , Erbe C. , Wanke E. M. , Groneberg D. A. , Ohlendorf D.
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to determine association between constitutional, medical history and axiographic parameters with postural control parameters. Overall, 106 healthy female subjects aged between 21 and 30 years were measured. Data collection was carried out by completing a questionnaire on constitutional parameters, illnesses, accidents and medical/orthodontic therapies, as well as by axio- and posturographic measurements. Data were analyzed using correlations, pair comparisons and group comparisons. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. The statistical evaluation showed significant correlations between sporting exercise and body sway in the sagittal direction (p ≤ 0.03), the BMI and the load on the forefoot/rear foot (p ≤ 0.01), the mouth opening and the load on the forefoot/rearfoot (p ≤ 0.01) and the presence of a deviation with the load on the left/right foot (p ≤ 0.01). The physical condition as well as the temporo-mandibular system are associated with the postural control in young women. Therefore, a holistic diagnosis and therapy will be supported by the present outcomes.
Soil mite communities (Acari: Mesostigmata, Oribatida) as bioindicators for environmental conditions from polluted soils
Authors: Manu Minodora , Honciuc Viorica , Neagoe Aurora , Băncilă Raluca Ioana , Iordache Virgil , Onete Marilena
Published: December 2019

An anthropic ecosystem from Romania was investigated from acarological, vegetation and chemical point of view. The community structures of two groups of mites were studied (Acari: Mesostigmata, Oribatida) from a tailing pond, using transect method, in correlation with concentrations of heavy metals (As, Cu, Pb, Ni, Mn and Zn), with abiotic factors (altitude, aspect, soil temperature, soil humidity, soil pH) and biotic factor (vegetation coverage). Taking into account the mite communities, in total, 30 mite species were identified, with 1009 individuals and 18 immatures (10 species with 59 individuals, 5 immatures of Mesostigmata and 20 species with 950 individuals, 13 immatures of Oribatida). The investigated habitats from the tailing pond were grouped in five transects, with different degree of pollution, based on total metal loads. Taking into account of the connection between mites communities, abiotic factors and heavy metals, each transect were characterized through specific relationship. Using multivariate statistical analysis, we revealed that the occurrence of some Oribatida species was strongly correlated with vegetation coverage, soil pH and soil humidity, though concentrations of Cu, As, Mn, Ni and Zn also had an influence. Pb and Zn concentrations were shown to influence the occurrence of Mesostigmata mites. The heterogeneity of mites species richness at 2 m2scale was correlated with a metric related to the heterogeneity of heavy metals at the same scale.
Characterization of a Novel Simian Sapelovirus Isolated from a Cynomolgus Monkey using PLC/PRF/5 Cells
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Kataoka Michiyo , Doan Hai Yen , Ami Yasushi , Suzaki Yuriko , Takeda Naokazu , Muramatsu Masamichi , Li Tian-Cheng
Published: December 2019

We isolated a novel simian sapelovirus (SSV), Cam13, from fecal specimen of a cynomolgus monkey by using PLC/PRF/5 cells. The SSV infection of the cells induced an extensive cytopathic effect. Two types of virus particles with identical diameter (~32 nm) but different densities (1.348 g/cm3 and 1.295 g/cm3) were observed in the cell culture supernatants. The RNA genome of Cam13 possesses 8,155 nucleotides and a poly(A) tail, and it has a typical sapelovirus genome organization consisting of a 5’ terminal untranslated region, a large open reading frame (ORF), and a 3’ terminal untranslated region. The ORF encodes a single polyprotein that is subsequently processed into a leader protein (L), four structural proteins (VP1, VP2, VP3, and VP4) and seven functional proteins (2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D). We confirmed that 293 T, HepG2/C3A, Hep2C, Huh7 and primary cynomolgus monkey kidney cells were susceptible to SSV infection. In contrast, PK-15, Vero, Vero E6, RD-A, A549, and primary green monkey kidney cells were not susceptible to SSV infection. We established an ELISA for the detection of IgG antibodies against SSV by using the virus particles as the antigen. A total of 327 serum samples from cynomolgus monkeys and 61 serum samples from Japanese monkeys were examined, and the positive rates were 88.4% and 18%, respectively. These results demonstrated that SSV infection occurred frequently in the monkeys. Since Cam13 shared 76.54%–79.52% nucleotide sequence identities with other known SSVs, and constellated in a separate lineage in the phylogeny based on the entire genome sequence, we propose that Cam13 is a new genotype of the simian sapelovirus species.
Efficient large amplitude primary resonance in in-extensional nanocapacitors: Nonlinear mean curvature component
Authors: Rahmanian Sasan , Hosseini-Hashemi Shahrokh , SoltanRezaee Masoud
Published: December 2019

In general, the impact of geometric nonlinearity, which arises from geometric relationships governing the motion of constituent particles of elastic mediums, becomes critically important while the system operates under large deformations. In this case, the influence of different physics governing the system dynamics might be coupled with the impact of geometric nonlinearity. Here, for the first time, the non-zero component of the mean curvature tensor is nonlinearly expressed in terms of the middle-axis curvature of a cantilevered beam. To this aim, the concept of local displacement field together with inextensibility condition are employed. A nanowire-based capacitor is assumed to be excited by the electrostatic load that is composed of both DC and AC voltages. The main concern is on the case, in which it is necessary to polarize the electrodes with large amplitude voltages. Other physics, including surface strain energy, size-dependency, and dispersion force are modeled to predict the system response more accurately. Hamilton’s principle is used to establish the motion equation, and the Galerkin method is applied to exploit a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Implementing a combination of shooting and arc-length continuation scheme, the frequency and force-displacement behaviors of the capacitor are captured near its primary resonance. The coupled effects of the nonlinear impact factor, surface elasticity and size parameters on the bifurcation point’s loci and dynamic pull-in instability are studied.
Transdermal delivery of nobiletin using ionic liquids
Authors: Hattori Tadashi , Tagawa Hiroki , Inai Makoto , Kan Toshiyuki , Kimura Shin-ichiro , Itai Shigeru , Mitragotri Samir , Iwao Yasunori
Published: December 2019

Nobiletin (NOB), a flavonoid, has extremely low water solubility and low oral bioavailability; however, despite these problems, various physiological effects have been investigated in vitro. In the present study, we investigated the transdermal delivery of NOB using choline and geranic acid (CAGE), which is a biocompatible material that has been reported to be a promising transdermal delivery approach. The feasibility was evaluated by a set of in vitro and in vivo tests. A solubility evaluation demonstrated that CAGE induced excellent solubility of NOB induced by multipoint hydrogen bonding between NOB and CAGE. In vitro transdermal tests using a Franz diffusion cell showed that CAGE was effective in enhancing transdermal absorption of NOB, compared to other penetration enhancers. Subsequent in vivo tests demonstrated that CAGE significantly improved area under the concentration-time curve of NOB in vivo and NOB/CAGE sample showed 20-times higher bioavailability than oral administration of NOB crystal. Furthermore, NOB/CAGE sample also showed significant drops of the blood glucose level in rats derived from hypoglycemic activity of NOB. Thus, transdermal administration of NOB using CAGE was shown to be feasible, which indicates that the use of CAGE may be adapted for other flavonoids that also show both low water solubility and low permeability.
Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Natural Rubber Nanocomposite for Anthropomorphic Prosthetic Foot Purpose
Authors: Medupin Rasaq Olawale , Abubakre Oladiran Kamardeen , Abdulkareem Ambali Saka , Muriana Rasheed Aremu , Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu
Published: December 2019

This research is motivated by the desire to restore the quality of life to amputees. The study uses multi-walled carbon nanotube (WMCNT) reinforced natural rubber (NR) polymer nanocomposite (PNC) for prosthetic foot application. The compound formulation was carried out in accordance to a modified procedure described by Hemkaew et al. Mixing of the ingredients during vulcanisation was performed according to ASTM D-3182 standard on an open two-roll mill. The various compositions of the nanocomposites (NCs) were cured at a temperature of 150 ± 2 °C and a pressure of 0.2 MPa for 10 minutes in an electrically heated hydraulic press. Mechanical investigation revealed that NR/MWCNT-3 exhibited the highest capacity to withstand tensile and dynamic loading (449.79 MPa). It also showed superior filler distribution and hence improved crystallinity and cross-link. Water absorption test indicated that NR/MWCNT-3 offers optimum dimensional stability at ambient conditions. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermogravimetry (TGA/DTG) showed degradation peaks at 305 °C and 290 °C respectively with temperature range within which the NCs degraded lying between 250 °C and 600 °C. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed that filler incorporation results in higher storage and loss moduli (2000–7500 MPa and 500–1413 MPa respectively). Tan δ curves proved that NR/MWCNT-3 has the highest capacity to dissipate energy through segmental motion. Furthermore, microstructure examination confirmed good filler/matrix adhesion as NR/MWCNT-3 indicated improved interaction; hence higher strength (6.02 MPa) of the NC. Better wear resistance ability can also be reported of the newly developed than existing prosthetic material. It can be deduced that the formulated nanocomposite from MWCNTs for reinforced natural rubber is suitable for the development of the anthropomorphic prosthetic foot.
Pair housing makes calves more optimistic
Authors: Bučková Katarína , Špinka Marek , Hintze Sara
Published: December 2019

Individual housing of dairy calves is common farm practice, but has negative effects on calf welfare. A compromise between practice and welfare may be housing calves in pairs. We compared learning performances and affective states as assessed in a judgement bias task of individually housed and pair-housed calves. Twenty-two calves from each housing treatment were trained on a spatial Go/No-go task with active trial initiation to discriminate between the location of a teat-bucket signalling either reward (positive location) or non-reward (negative location). We compared the number of trials to learn the operant task (OT) for the trial initiation and to finish the subsequent discrimination task (DT). Ten pair-housed and ten individually housed calves were then tested for their responses to ambiguous stimuli positioned in-between the positive and negative locations. Housing did not affect learning speed (OT: F1,35 = 0.39, P = 0.54; DT: F1,19  = 0.15, P = 0.70), but pair-housed calves responded more positively to ambiguous cues than individually housed calves (χ21 = 6.79, P = 0.009), indicating more positive affective states. This is the first study to demonstrate that pair housing improves the affective aspect of calf welfare when compared to individual housing.
A strong CD8+ T cell-stimulating supramolecular hydrogel
Authors: Li Xinxin , Wang Youzhi , Wang Siwan , Liang Chunhui , Pu Guojuan , Chen Yaoxia , Wang Ling , Xu Huae , Shi Yang , Yang Zhimou
Published: December 2019

The development of molecules with immune stimulatory properties is crucial for cancer immunotherapy.
Mechanistic modeling of spontaneous penetration of carbon nanocones into membrane vesicles
Authors: Wang Shuo , Li Xuejin , Gong Xiaobo , Liang Haojun
Published: December 2019

Truncated carbon nanocones with a length comparable to the thickness of a vesicle membrane can self-insert into the membrane and cause cell-related toxicity.
Interfacial charge modulation: carbon quantum dot implanted carbon nitride double-deck nanoframes for robust visible-light photocatalytic tetracycline degradation
Authors: Li Yuan-Yuan , Si Yuan , Zhou Bing-Xin , Huang Tao , Huang Wei-Qing , Hu Wangyu , Pan Anlian , Fan Xiaoxing , Huang Gui-Fang
Published: December 2019

The controllable CQD embedded CN nanoframes possessed two kinds of heterogeneous interfaces within seamlessly stitched micro-area two-dimensional in-plane and out-of-plane domains.
Nanocluster growth via “graft-onto”: effects on geometric structures and optical properties
Authors: Kang Xi , Jin Shan , Xiong Lin , Wei Xiao , Zhou Manman , Qin Chenwanli , Pei Yong , Wang Shuxin , Zhu Manzhou
Published: December 2019

The concept of “graft-onto” has been exploited to facilitate nanocluster growth from Pt1Ag28 to Pt1Ag31.
Energy harvesters based on fluorinated ethylene propylene unipolar ferroelectrets with negative charges
Authors: Ma Xingchen , Zhang Xiaoqing , Sessler Gerhard M. , Chen Li , Yang Xiaoya , Dai Ying , He Pengfei
Published: December 2019

Energy harvesting devices can convert energy from various ambient sources (that are usually ignored) into electricity to power portable electronic devices and wireless sensor networks. Such devices have stimulated extensive interest in recent years. For the current study, we succeeded in designing and fabricating a new type of energy harvester using high performance unipolar ferroelectrets made from fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), consisting of a negatively charged and a noncharged wave-shaped FEP layer. Such materials are resistant to elevated temperatures owing to the thermally stable negative charges in this material. They also exhibit great stretchability due to the symmetric wave-shaped structure. By using a variety of test frequencies, seismic masses, external resistances, and wave-shaped FEP films with different surface potentials, we systematically investigated the energy harvesting performance of these devices. Typically, wave-shaped films with a material thickness of 12.5 μm and a maximum total thickness of the wavy structure (including the air thickness) of about 160 µm were employed. When charged to a surface potential of −500 V and operated with a seismic mass of 3 g fixed on the center of the band shaped unipolar ferroelectret sample, a power of 355 µW for an input acceleration of 1 g (g is the gravity of the Earth) was delivered to the optimal load resistance at the resonance frequency of 22 Hz. The relatively large power generated is due to the sizeable elasticity of the wave-shaped FEP film and the amplification of the force acting on the film in the specifically designed device.
Electrically tunable miniaturized band-stop frequency selective surface on engineered substrate with embedded permalloy patterns
Authors: Ge Jinqun , Wang Guoan
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a miniaturized and electrically tunable band-stop frequency selective surface (FSS) with magneto-dielectric engineered substrate which has high and electrically tunable effective permeability. The perspective magneto-dielectric substrate is implemented with multiple layers of 100 nm thick patterned Permalloy (Py) thin film embedded in Roger RT/Duriod 5880 substrate, and each Py thin film layer consists of an array of 15μm×20μm Py patterns with 10 μm gaps among them to suppress the magnetic loss. The tunability of effective permeability for the proposed substrate is achieved by the static magnetic field produced from the applied DC current through the patterned gold bias lines beneath Py patterns. The engineered substrate has been implemented and studied, results show that the substrate embedded with a single layer of patterned Py has an equivalent permeability of 1.14 with tunability of 3.3%, and the substrate embedded with ten layers of patterned Py has an increased equivalent permeability of 2.398 and tunability of 15.8%. A magnetic FSS is designed on the implemented engineered substrate to demonstrate the efficacy of miniaturization and tunability. Compared to non-magnetic FSS on normal dielectric substrate, the size of the designed FSS has been reduced by 16.02%, and the operating frequency of the proposed FSS is continuously tunable from 2.450GHz to 2.672GHz with DC current.
Use of AC Faraday rotation as a complementary technique in material characterization
Authors: Syed Maarij , Monarch John , Li Wei , Fried Nathaniel
Published: December 2019

Magnetic measurements like Hall Effect, etc. have a long history of providing useful information related to material characterization. Here, we study glasses using a very sensitive AC Faraday rotation (FR) setup to show that magneto-optic techniques can also be utilized to study types of samples that are not necessarily known for their magnetic response. Samples included in this study are widely used in technological and research applications ranging from microscopy to solar cell applications. The experimental setup employs a stabilized He-Ne lase (633 nm) along with AC magnetic field that enables lock-in detection. We investigate a series of glass samples that include borosilicate glass (BSG) and quartz subjected to UV treatment and glass with transparent conducting oxide films (TCO). The TCO samples include the more widely used Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) and the relatively newer Fluorine doped Tin Oxide films, usually referred to as FTO. Various other measurements like absorbance, four-point probe, and ellipsometry have been conducted on these samples as well. We mention the results of these measurements in conjunction with FR measurements, where needed. This work is focused on reporting novel results. A much more comprehensive manuscript is under preparation that explores the deeper connections between FR and the above-mentioned measurements.
Intensity enhancement of ferromagnetic resonance modes in exchange coupled magnetic multilayers
Authors: Franco A F
Published: December 2019

In this work, the ferromagnetic resonance characteristics of a NiFeCu/Non-magnetic(NM)/NiFe/NM/CoFe/NM/Co multilayer is studied from a theoretical point of view, and comparisons with the ferromagnetic resonance of a NiFe/NM/CoFe magnetic bilayer are presented. It is found that the resonance modes of the multilayer tend to be more intense than those of the bilayer for several combinations of applied field and interlayer exchange coupling. Furthermore, rules governing the individual layer contributions to the resonance modes of a exchanged coupled magnetic multilayer are presented, which would apply to any number of layers. These results open the possibility to tailor the resonance frequencies of the multilayer structure by either engineering the interlayer exchange coupling or by applying a perpendicular magnetic field for multiband high frequency magnetic devices.
Bifurcation and chaos characteristics of hysteresis vibration system of giant magnetostrictive actuator*
Authors: Yan Hong-Bo , Gao Hong , Yang Gao-Wei , Hao Hong-Bo , Niu Yu , Liu Pei
Published: December 2019

Chaotic motion and quasi-periodic motion are two common forms of instability in the giant magnetostrictive actuator (GMA). Therefore, in the present study we intend to investigate the influences of the system damping coefficient, system stiffness coefficient, disc spring cubic stiffness factor, and the excitation force and frequency on the output stability and the hysteresis vibration of the GMA. In this regard, the nonlinear piezomagnetic equation, Jiles–Atherton hysteresis model, quadratic domain rotation model, and the GMA structural dynamics are used to establish the mathematical model of the hysteresis vibration system of the GMA. Moreover, the multi-scale method and the singularity theory are used to determine the co-dimensional two-bifurcation characteristics of the system. Then, the output response of the system is simulated to determine the variation range of each parameter when chaos is imposed. Finally, the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method is used to obtain the time domain waveform, phase portrait and Poincaré mapping diagrams of the system. Subsequently, the obtained three graphs are analyzed. The obtained results show that when the system output is stable, the variation range of each parameter can be determined. Moreover, the stability interval of system damping coefficient, system stiffness coefficient, and the coefficient of the cubic stiffness term of the disc spring are obtained. Furthermore, the stability interval of the exciting force and the excitation frequency are determined.
Avalanching patterns of irregular sand particles in continual discrete flow*
Authors: Han Ren , Zhang Yu-Feng , Li Ran , Chen Quan , Feng Jing-Yu , Kong Ping
Published: December 2019

We investigate the flow patterns of irregular sand particles under avalanching mode in a rotating drum by using the spatial filtering velocimetry technique. By exploring the variations of velocity distribution of granular flow, we find a type of avalanching pattern of irregular sand particles which is similar to that of spherical particles flow. Due to the fact that the initial position of avalanche in this pattern locates at the middle of the drum and the avalanche propagates toward the edge area gradually, we named it as mid-to-edge avalanching pattern. Furthermore, we find another avalanching pattern which slumps from the edge and propagates toward the opposite edge of the flow surface, named as edge-to-edge pattern. By analyzing the temporal and spatial characteristics of these two types of avalanching patterns, we discover that these two types of avalanche patterns are caused by that the avalanching particles constantly perturb the axial adjacent particles. Thus, the particles on the flow surface are involved in avalanching sequentially in order of the axial distance from the initial position.
Simplicial SIS model in scale-free uniform hypergraph
Authors: Jhun Bukyoung , Jo Minjae , Kahng B
Published: December 2019

The hypergraph offers a platform to study structural properties emerging from more complicated and higher-order than pairwise interactions among constituents and dynamical behavior such as the spread of information or disease. Recently, a simplicial contagion problem was introduced and considered using a simplicial susceptible-infected-susceptible (SIS) model. Although recent studies have investigated random hypergraphs with a Poisson-type facet degree distribution, hypergraphs in the real world can have a power-law type of facet degree distribution. Here, we consider the SIS contagion problem on scale-free uniform hypergraphs and find that a continuous or hybrid epidemic transition occurs when the hub effect is dominant or weak, respectively. We determine the critical exponents analytically and numerically. We discuss the underlying mechanism of the hybrid epidemic transition.
Chemical pressure induced substantial negative exchange bias on zero field cooled nanocrystalline LaFeO3
Authors: Rao T Lakshmana , Pradhan M K , Chakravarty Sujay , Dash S
Published: December 2019

We report a distinctly different zero feld cooled negative exchange bias(EB) effect in Ni doped LaFeO3 nanoparticle where the EB field is both temperature and concentration dependent. Nanoparticles of Ni substituted LaFeO3 is prepared by a sol-gel process. The broadening of diffraction peaks with Ni is due to the combined effect of octahedral distortion and reduction in particle size while rulling out any structural phase change. A substantial EB is acquired below spin reorientation transitions which further reduces with higher chemical pressure of Ni. EB field is found to be ∼5.71 kOe at 5 K, revealing a large value compared to similar zero field cooled EB systems. A simple model is proposed based on tunable shell-core magnetic phases to explain these unique EB effects. Present study also aimed to explore the spin and oxidation state of Fe vis a vis magnetic ordering in LaFeO3 together with consequence of Ni doping.
Division of Parent Care Among Adult Children
Authors: Lin I-Fen , Wolf Douglas A
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Many older adults rely on their children’s support to sustain community residence. Although filial norms encourage adult children to help their parents, not every child provides parent care in times of need. The majority of prior studies have adopted an individualistic perspective to examine factors associated with individual children’s caregiving behavior. This study complements previous work by using the family systems perspective to understand how caregiving responsibilities are allocated among children in the family and how the pattern of care division evolves over time.

Method

Data came from seven rounds of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2011–2017), in which community-dwelling respondents were asked about all of their children and which children provided them with care. Multilevel models were estimated to examine how caregiving responsibilities were distributed among children and how the children’s caregiving efforts responded to changes in their parents’ frailty.

Results

About three quarters of older adults reported receiving help from only one child, and the average of monthly care hours was about 50 at baseline. As parents’ frailty increased, the proportion of children providing parents rose and the allocation of parent-care hours became more equal.

Discussion

This study underscores the importance of using the family systems perspective to better understand adult children’s caregiving behavior. Although just one adult child providing care is the most common caregiving arrangement initially, adult children tend to work with their siblings to support parents’ aging in place as parents’ need for care increases.