bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
View-flipping effect reduction and reconstruction visualization enhancement for EPISM based holographic stereogram with optimized hogel size
Authors: Yan Xingpeng , Zhang Teng , Wang Chenqing , Liu Yunpeng , Wang Ziqiang , Wang Xi , Zhang Zhe , Lin Min , Jiang Xiaoyu
Published: August 2020

To reduce the view-flipping effect and enhance the viewing resolution, the modulation characteristics of the hogel based holographic stereogram is constructed and validated. The performance of the view-flipping effect is analyzed, and the results indicate that decreasing the size of hogel is beneficial to the reduction of the view flipping, however, which will result in significant diffraction effect which can degrade the reconstruction quality. Furthermore, a diffraction-limited imaging model of the hogel based holographic stereogram is established, where both the limited aperture of the hogel and the defocused aberration of the object point are introduced, and the effective resolvable size of the reconstructed image point is simulated. The theory shows that there is an optimal hogel size existed for the certain depth of scene. Both the numerical and optical experiments are implemented, and the results are well agreed with the theoretical prediction, which demonstrates that the view-flipping reduction and reconstruction visualization enhancement for EPISM based holographic stereogram can be achieved when the proper size of hogel is utilized.
Analysis of mass transport in ionic liquids: a rotating disk electrode approach
Authors: Giaccherini Andrea , Al Khatib Maher , Cinotti Serena , Piciollo Emanuele , Berretti Enrico , Giusti Paolo , Innocenti Massimo , Montegrossi Giordano , Lavacchi Alessandro
Published: August 2020

Ionic Liquids are a promising alternative to water electrolytes for the electrodeposition of metals. These solvents have a much larger electrochemical window than water that expands the potential of electrodeposition. However, mass transport in Ionic Liquids is slow. The slow mass transport dramatically affects the rate of reactions at the solid–liquid interface, hampering the exploitation of Ionic Liquids in high-throughput electrodeposition processes. In this paper, we clarify the origin of such poor mass transport in the diffusion–advection (convection) regime. To determine the extent and the dynamics of the convection boundary layers, we performed Rotating Disk Electrode (RDE) experiments on model reactions along with the finite element simulation. Both the experiments and the finite element modelling showed the occurrence of peaks in the RDE curves even at relatively high rotation rates (up to 2000 rpm). The peak in the RDE is the fingerprint of partial diffusion control that happens for the relative extent of the diffusion and convection boundary layers. In looking for a close match between the experiments and the simulations, we found that the ohmic drop plays a critical role and must be considered in the calculation to find the best match with the experimental data. In the end, we have shown that the combined approach consisting of RDE experiments and finite elements modelling providing a tool to unravel of the structure of the diffusion and convection boundary layers both in dynamic and stationary conditions.
Ecosystem-level carbon storage and its links to diversity, structural and environmental drivers in tropical forests of Western Ghats, India
Authors: Kothandaraman Subashree , Dar Javid Ahmad , Sundarapandian Somaiah , Dayanandan Selvadurai , Khan Mohammed Latif
Published: August 2020

Tropical forests are rich in biodiversity with great potential for carbon (C) storage. We estimated ecosystem-level C stock using data from 70 forest plots in three major forest types: tropical dry deciduous (TDD I and TDD II), tropical semi-evergreen (TSE I and TSE II) and tropical evergreen forests (TEF I, TEF II and TEF III) of Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, India. The average C stock in these forests was 336.8 Mg C/ha, of which 231.3, 3.0, 2.4, 15.2 and 84.9 Mg C/ha were stored in woody vegetation, understorey, litter, deadwood and soil respectively. The live vegetation, detritus and soil contributed 65.5%, 5.5% and 29% respectively to the total ecosystem-level C stock and distributed in forest types in the order: TEF III > TEF II > TEF I > TSE I > TDD II > TSE II > TDD I. The plant diversity, structural attributes and environmental factors showed significant positive correlations with C stocks and accounted for 6.7, 77.2 and 16% of variance. These findings indicate that the tropical forests in the Western Ghats store large amount of C, and resulting data are invaluable for planning and monitoring forest conservation and management programs to enhance C storage in tropical forests.
Diurnal expression of MRP4 in bone marrow cells underlies the dosing-time dependent changes in the oxaliplatin-induced myelotoxicity
Authors: Kato Mizuki , Tsurudome Yuya , Kanemitsu Takumi , Yasukochi Sai , Kanado Yuki , Ogino Takashi , Matsunaga Naoya , Koyanagi Satoru , Ohdo Shigehiro
Published: August 2020

The expression and function of some xenobiotic transporters varies according to the time of day, causing the dosing time-dependent changes in drug disposition and toxicity. Multidrug resistance-associated protein-4 (MRP4), an ATP­binding cassette (ABC) efflux transporter encoded by the Abcc4 gene, is highly expressed in bone marrow cells (BMCs) and protects them against xenobiotics, including chemotherapeutic drugs. In this study, we demonstrated that MRP4 was responsible for the extrusion of oxaliplatin (L-OHP), a platinum (Pt)-based chemotherapeutic drug, from BMCs of mice, and that the efflux transporter expression exhibited significant diurnal variation. Therefore, we investigated the relevance of the diurnal expression of MRP4 in BMCs for L-OHP-induced myelotoxicity in mice maintained under standardized light/dark cycle conditions. After intravenous injection of L-OHP, the Pt content in BMCs varied according to the injection time. Lower Pt accumulation in BMCs was detected in mice after injection of L-OHP at the mid-dark phase, during which the expression levels of MRP4 increased. Consistent with these observations, the myelotoxic effects of L-OHP were attenuated when mice were injected with L-OHP during the dark phase. This dosing schedule also alleviated the L-OHP-induced reduction of the peripheral white blood cell count. The present results suggest that the myelotoxicity of L-OHP is attenuated by optimizing the dosing schedule. Diurnal expression of MRP4 in BMCs is associated with the dosing time-dependent changes in L-OHP-induced myelotoxicity.
Extensive bacteriocin gene shuffling in the Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus equinus complex reveals gallocin D with activity against vancomycin resistant enterococci
Authors: Hill Daragh , O’Connor Paula M. , Altermann Eric , Day Li , Hill Colin , Stanton Catherine , Ross R. Paul
Published: August 2020

Streptococcus gallolyticus LL009 produces gallocin D, a narrow spectrum two component bacteriocin with potent activity against vancomycin-resistant enterococci. Gallocin D is distinct from gallocin A, a separate two component bacteriocin produced by S. gallolyticus. Although the gene clusters encoding gallocin A and gallocin D have a high degree of gene synteny, the structural genes are highly variable and appear to have undergone gene shuffling with other streptococcal species. Gallocin D was analysed in laboratory-based experiments. The mature peptides are 3,343 ± 1 Da and 3,019 ± 1 Da and could be readily synthesized and display activity against a vancomycin resistant Enterococcus strain EC300 with a MIC value of 1.56 µM. Importantly, these bacteriocins could contribute to the ability of S. gallolyticus to colonize the colon where they have been associated with colorectal cancer.
Effect of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters in Thai colorectal cancer patients treated with irinotecan-based chemotherapy
Authors: Atasilp Chalirmporn , Chansriwong Phichai , Sirachainan Ekaphop , Reungwetwattana Thanyanan , Sirilerttrakul Suwannee , Chamnanphon Monpat , Puangpetch Apichaya , Sukasem Chonlaphat
Published: August 2020

Genetic polymorphisms in drug metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters may affect irinotecan toxicity. Although genetic polymorphisms have been shown to influence the irinotecan toxicity, data are limited in Thai population. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the allele and genotype frequencies and the relationship between CYP3A4/5, DPYD, UGT1A1, ABCB1, and ABCC2 genetic variations and irinotecan-induced toxicity in Thai colorectal cancer patients. One hundred and thirty-two patients were genotyped, and the effect of genetic variations on irinotecan-induced toxicity was assessed in 66 patients who received irinotecan-based chemotherapy. Allele frequencies of ABCB1 c.1236C > T, ABCB1 c.3435C > T, ABCC2 c.3972C > T, ABCG2 c.421C > A, CYP3A4*1B, CYP3A4*18, CYP3A5*3, DPYD*5, UGT1A1*28, and UGT1A1*6 were 0.67, 0.43, 0.23, 0.27, 0.01, 0.02, 0.64, 0.19, 0.16, and 0.09, respectively. DPYD*2A and DPYD c.1774C > T variants were not detected in our study population. The ABCC2 c.3972C > T was significantly associated with grade 1–4 neutropenia (P < 0.012) at the first cycle. Patients carrying both UGT1A1*28 and *6 were significantly associated with severe neutropenia at the first (P < 0.001) and second (P = 0.017) cycles. In addition, patients carrying UG1A1*28 and *6 had significantly lower absolute neutrophil count (ANC) nadir at first (P < 0.001) and second (P = 0.001) cycles. This finding suggests that UGT1A1*28, *6, and ABCC2 c.3972C > T might be an important predictor for irinotecan-induced severe neutropenia.
Hand grip strength as a surrogate marker for postoperative changes in spinopelvic alignment in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Kwon Ji-Won , Lee Byung Ho , Sung Sahyun , Lee Soo-Bin , Park Moon-Soo , Cho Jun-Hee , Yang Jae-Ho , Lee Hwan-Mo , Moon Seong-Hwan
Published: August 2020

There are a few studies on the postoperative changes in sagittal alignment and corresponding factors, including hand grip strength (HGS) and muscle performance tests for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Thus, we aimed to determine whether HGS can be a surrogate marker for global sagittal alignment changes after decompression with fusion surgery for LSS. This retrospective observational study included 91 patients who underwent spine fusion surgery for LSS. Radiological spinopelvic parameters, including sagittal vertical axis (SVA), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence (PI), global tilt (GT), and T1 pelvic angle (T1PA), were analyzed preoperatively and 1 year after posterior decompression and fusion surgery. To assess muscle performance, the 6-m walk (SMT), timed up and go (TUGT), and sit-to-stand (STS) tests were conducted. The relationship between HGS and postoperative SVA was examined through multiple linear regression analysis. Additionally, the relationship between HGS and preoperative/postoperative radiologic spinopelvic parameters and muscle performance test results was analyzed through Pearson's correlation. HGS was significantly correlated with age, preoperative and postoperative SVA, and the muscle performance tests. Furthermore, HGS was a factor that can significantly influence postoperative SVA changes in multiple linear regression analyses. Therefore, HGS may be a good predictor of postoperative SVA change.
Analysis of Wilson disease mutations revealed that interactions between different ATP7B mutants modify their properties
Authors: Roy Shubhrajit , McCann Courtney J. , Ralle Martina , Ray Kunal , Ray Jharna , Lutsenko Svetlana , Jayakanthan Samuel
Published: August 2020

Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal-recessive disorder caused by mutations in the copper (Cu)-transporter ATP7B. Thus far, studies of WD mutations have been limited to analysis of ATP7B mutants in the homozygous states. However, the majority of WD patients are compound-heterozygous, and how different mutations on two alleles impact ATP7B properties is unclear. We characterized five mutations identified in Indian WD patients, first by expressing each alone and then by co-expressing two mutants with dissimilar properties. Mutations located in the regulatory domains of ATP7B—A595T, S1362A, and S1426I—do not affect ATP7B targeting to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) but reduce its Cu-transport activity. The S1362A mutation also inhibits Cu-dependent trafficking from the TGN. The G1061E and G1101R mutations, which are located within the ATP-binding domain, cause ATP7B retention in the endoplasmic reticulum, inhibit Cu-transport, and lower ATP7B protein abundance. Co-expression of the A595T and G1061E mutations, which mimics the compound-heterozygous state of some WD patients, revealed an interaction between these mutants that altered their intracellular localization and trafficking under both low and high Cu conditions. These findings highlight the need to study WD variants in both the homozygous and compound-heterozygous states to better understand the genotype–phenotype correlations and incomplete penetrance observed in WD.
Performance of a UV-A LED system for degradation of aflatoxins B1 and M1 in pure water: kinetics and cytotoxicity study
Authors: Stanley Judy , Patras Ankit , Pendyala Brahmaiah , Vergne Matthew J. , Bansode Rishipal R.
Published: August 2020

The efficacy of a UV-A light emitting diode system (LED) to reduce the concentrations of aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin M1 (AFB1, AFM1) in pure water was studied. This work investigates and reveals the kinetics and main mechanism(s) responsible for the destruction of aflatoxins in pure water and assesses the cytotoxicity in liver hepatocellular cells. Irradiation experiments were conducted using an LED system operating at 365 nm (monochromatic wave-length). Known concentrations of aflatoxins were spiked in water and irradiated at UV-A doses ranging from 0 to 1,200 mJ/cm2. The concentration of AFB1 and AFM1 was determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection. LC–MS/MS product ion scans were used to identify and semi-quantify degraded products of AFB1 and AFM1. It was observed that UV-A irradiation significantly reduced aflatoxins in pure water. In comparison to control, at dose of 1,200 mJ/cm2 UV-A irradiation reduced AFB1 and AFM1 concentrations by 70 ± 0.27 and 84 ± 1.95%, respectively. We hypothesize that the formation of reactive species initiated by UV-A light may have caused photolysis of AFB1 and AFM1 molecules in water. In cell culture studies, our results demonstrated that the increase of UV-A dosage decreased the aflatoxins-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells, and no significant aflatoxin-induced cytotoxicity was observed at UV-A dose of 1,200 mJ/cm2. Further results from this study will be used to compare aflatoxins detoxification kinetics and mechanisms involved in liquid foods such as milk and vegetable oils.
Internal tides can provide thermal refugia that will buffer some coral reefs from future global warming
Authors: Storlazzi Curt D. , Cheriton Olivia M. , van Hooidonk Ruben , Zhao Zhongxiang , Brainard Russell
Published: August 2020

Observations show ocean temperatures are rising due to climate change, resulting in a fivefold increase in the incidence of regional-scale coral bleaching events since the 1980s; analyses based on global climate models forecast bleaching will become an annual event for most of the world’s coral reefs within 30–50 yr. Internal waves at tidal frequencies can regularly flush reefs with cooler waters, buffering the thermal stress from rising sea-surface temperatures. Here we present the first global maps of the effects these processes have on bleaching projections for three IPCC-AR5 emissions scenarios. Incorporating semidiurnal temperature fluctuations into the projected water temperatures at depth creates a delay in the timing of annual severe bleaching ≥ 10 yr (≥ 20 yr) for 38% (9%), 15% (1%), and 1% (0%) of coral reef sites for the low, moderate, and high emission scenarios, respectively; regional averages can reach twice as high. These cooling effects are greatest later in twenty-first century for the moderate emission scenarios, and around the middle twenty-first century for the highest emission scenario. Our results demonstrate how these effects could delay bleaching for corals, providing thermal refugia. Identification of such areas could be a factor for the selection of coral reef marine protected areas.
Mass spectrometry imaging as a potential technique for diagnostic of Huanglongbing disease using fast and simple sample preparation
Authors: de Moraes Pontes João Guilherme , Vendramini Pedro Henrique , Fernandes Laura Soler , de Souza Fabricio Henrique , Pilau Eduardo Jorge , Eberlin Marcos Nogueira , Magnani Rodrigo Facchini , Wulff Nelson Arno , Fill Taicia Pacheco
Published: August 2020

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a disease of worldwide incidence that affects orange trees, among other commercial varieties, implicating in great losses to the citrus industry. The disease is transmitted through Diaphorina citri vector, which inoculates Candidatus Liberibacter spp. in the plant sap. HLB disease lead to blotchy mottle and fruit deformation, among other characteristic symptoms, which induce fruit drop and affect negatively the juice quality. Nowadays, the disease is controlled by eradication of sick, symptomatic plants, coupled with psyllid control. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the technique most used to diagnose the disease; however, this methodology involves high cost and extensive sample preparation. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) technique is a fast and easily handled sample analysis that, in the case of Huanglongbing allows the detection of increased concentration of metabolites associated to the disease, including quinic acid, phenylalanine, nobiletin and sucrose. The metabolites abieta-8,11,13-trien-18-oic acid, suggested by global natural product social molecular networking (GNPS) analysis, and 4-acetyl-1-methylcyclohexene showed a higher distribution in symptomatic leaves and have been directly associated to HLB disease. Desorption electrospray ionization coupled to mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) allows the rapid and efficient detection of biomarkers in sweet oranges infected with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus and can be developed into a real-time, fast-diagnostic technique.
De novo transcriptome assembly, functional annotation, and expression profiling of rye (Secale cereale L.) hybrids inoculated with ergot (Claviceps purpurea)
Authors: Mahmood Khalid , Orabi Jihad , Kristensen Peter Skov , Sarup Pernille , Jørgensen Lise Nistrup , Jahoor Ahmed
Published: August 2020

Rye is used as food, feed, and for bioenergy production and remain an essential grain crop for cool temperate zones in marginal soils. Ergot is known to cause severe problems in cross-pollinated rye by contamination of harvested grains. The molecular response of the underlying mechanisms of this disease is still poorly understood due to the complex infection pattern. RNA sequencing can provide astonishing details about the transcriptional landscape, hence we employed a transcriptomic approach to identify genes in the underlying mechanism of ergot infection in rye. In this study, we generated de novo assemblies from twelve biological samples of two rye hybrids with identified contrasting phenotypic responses to ergot infection. The final transcriptome of ergot susceptible (DH372) and moderately ergot resistant (Helltop) hybrids contain 208,690 and 192,116 contigs, respectively. By applying the BUSCO pipeline, we confirmed that these transcriptome assemblies contain more than 90% of gene representation of the available orthologue groups atVirdiplantae odb10. We employed a de novo assembled and the draft reference genome of rye to count the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two hybrids with and without inoculation. The gene expression comparisons revealed that 228 genes were linked to ergot infection in both hybrids. The genome ontology enrichment analysis of DEGs associated them with metabolic processes, hydrolase activity, pectinesterase activity, cell wall modification, pollen development and pollen wall assembly. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis of DEGs linked them to cell wall modification and pectinesterase activity. These results suggest that a combination of different pathways, particularly cell wall modification and pectinesterase activity contribute to the underlying mechanism that might lead to resistance against ergot in rye. Our results may pave the way to select genetic material to improve resistance against ergot through better understanding of the mechanism of ergot infection at molecular level. Furthermore, the sequence data and de novo assemblies are valuable as scientific resources for future studies in rye.
Associations of childhood experiences with event-related potentials in adults with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Okazaki Kosuke , Ota Toyosaku , Makinodan Manabu , Kishimoto Naoko , Yamamuro Kazuhiko , Ishida Rio , Takahashi Masato , Yasuda Yuka , Hashimoto Ryota , Iida Junzo , Kishimoto Toshifumi
Published: August 2020

Childhood maltreatment is defined as experiencing of physical, emotional and sexual abuse and neglect in childhood. Maltreatment in childhood leads to substantial psychosocial problems later in life in the general population. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a higher risk of experiencing stressful and traumatic events, such as maltreatment, during childhood. Although childhood maltreatment reportedly leads to psychosocial problems in adults with ASD, the biological associations between childhood experiences and brain function in this population remain understudied. Here, we evaluated the relationships between childhood experiences and event-related potential (ERP) components during the auditory odd-ball task in adults with ASD (N = 21) and typically developed (TD) individuals (N = 22). We found that the higher the severity of sexual abuse, the larger the amplitude of P300 at Fz, Cz, C3, and C4 in individuals with ASD. Conversely, the severity of child maltreatment was associated with P300 latency at Cz and C3 in TD individuals. Moreover, full IQ was significantly associated with the MMN amplitude at Fz, Cz, C3, and C4 in TD individuals. These findings provide the first evidence that ERPs could be used to study the impacts childhood experiences on the brain of individuals with ASD and that childhood sexual abuse has salient impacts on brain function in this population.
Modelling water levels of northwestern India in response to improved irrigation use efficiency
Authors: Shekhar Shashank , Kumar Suman , Densmore A. L. , van Dijk W. M. , Sinha Rajiv , Kumar Manoranjan , Joshi Suneel Kumar , Rai Shive Prakash , Kumar Dewashish
Published: August 2020

The groundwater crisis in northwestern India is the result of over-exploitation of groundwater resources for irrigation. The Government of India has targeted a 20 percent improvement in irrigation groundwater use efficiency. In this perspective, and using a regional-scale calibrated and validated three-dimensional groundwater flow model, this article provides the first forecasts of water levels in the study area up to the year 2028, both with and without this improvement in use efficiency. Future water levels without any mitigation efforts are anticipated to decline by up to 2.8 m/year in some areas. A simulation with a 20 percent reduction in groundwater abstraction shows spatially varied aquifer responses. Tangible results are visible in a decade, and the water-level decline rates decrease by 36–67 percent in over-exploited areas. Although increasing irrigation use efficiency provides tangible benefits, an integrated approach to agricultural water management practice that incorporates use efficiency along with other measures like water-efficient cropping patterns and rainwater harvesting may yield better results in a shorter period.
Environmentally controlled magnetic nano-tweezer for living cells and extracellular matrices
Authors: Aermes Christian , Hayn Alexander , Fischer Tony , Mierke Claudia Tanja
Published: August 2020

The magnetic tweezer technique has become a versatile tool for unfolding or folding of individual molecules, mainly DNA. In addition to single molecule analysis, the magnetic tweezer can be used to analyze the mechanical properties of cells and extracellular matrices. We have established a magnetic tweezer that is capable of measuring the linear and non-linear viscoelastic behavior of a wide range of soft matter in precisely controlled environmental conditions, such as temperature, CO2and humidity. The magnetic tweezer presented in this study is suitable to detect specific differences in the mechanical properties of different cell lines, such as human breast cancer cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts, as well as collagen matrices of distinct concentrations in the presence and absence of fibronectin crosslinks. The precise calibration and control mechanism employed in the presented magnetic tweezer setup provides the ability to apply physiological force up to 5 nN on 4.5 µm superparamagnetic beads coated with fibronectin and coupled to the cells or collagen matrices. These measurements reveal specific local linear and non-linear viscoelastic behavior of the investigated samples. The viscoelastic response of cells and collagen matrices to the force application is best described by a weak power law behavior. Our results demonstrate that the stress stiffening response and the fluidization of cells is cell type specific and varies largely between differently invasive and aggressive cancer cells. Finally, we showed that the viscoelastic behavior of collagen matrices with and without fibronectin crosslinks measured by the magnetic tweezer can be related to the microstructure of these matrices.
A comparative analysis of artificial neural networks and wavelet hybrid approaches to long-term toxic heavy metal prediction
Authors: Li Peifeng , Hua Pei , Gui Dongwei , Niu Jie , Pei Peng , Zhang Jin , Krebs Peter
Published: August 2020

The occurrence of toxic metals in the aquatic environment is as caused by a variety of contaminations which makes difficulty in the concentration prediction. In this study, conventional methods of back-propagation neural network (BPNN) and nonlinear autoregressive network with exogenous inputs (NARX) were applied as benchmark models. Explanatory variables of Fe, pH, electrical conductivity, water temperature, river flow, nitrate nitrogen, and dissolved oxygen were used as different input combinations to forecast the long-term concentrations of As, Pb, and Zn. The wavelet transformation was applied to decompose the time series data, and then was integrated with conventional methods (as WNN and WNARX). The modelling performances of the hybrid models of WNN and WNARX were compared with the conventional models. All the given models were trained, validated, and tested by an 18-year data set and demonstrated based on the simulation results of a 2-year data set. Results revealed that the given models showed general good performances for the long-term prediction of the toxic metals of As, Pb, and Zn. The wavelet transform could enhance the long-term concentration predictions. However, it is not necessarily useful for each metal prediction. Therefore, different models with different inputs should be used for different metals predictions to achieve the best predictions.
Inverse gas chromatography in the examination of adhesion between tooth hard tissues and restorative dental materials
Authors: Buchwald Zuzanna , Czarnecka Beata , Voelkel Adam
Published: August 2020

The adhesion is a crucial issue in the bonding of dental restorative materials to tooth hard tissues. A strong and durable bond between artificial and natural materials is responsible for the success of the restoration in the oral cavity; therefore it has to be thoroughly examined before new restorative material is introduced to the market and used clinically. Among all methods used to examine bonding strength, most of them require a large number of healthy teeth to be conducted. In this paper, the bond strength between tooth hard tissues (dentin and enamel) and an exemplary restorative composite was examined with the non-conventional method, i.e. inverse gas chromatography. Dentin and enamel from bovine teeth were separated and subjected to the standard preparation procedure using the 3-component etch-and-rinse commercial bonding system. Tissues, as well as commercial restorative composite, were examined using inverse gas chromatography. The work of adhesion between dentin/enamel and composite was calculated. Obtained results were compared with the values of shear bond strength of six configurations, i.e. etched dentin/enamel-composite, primed dentin/enamel-composite, and bonded dentin/enamel-composite. All obtained results proved that there is a correlation between the values describing bond strength obtained from inverse gas chromatography and direct mechanical tests (shear bond strength tests). It proves that inverse gas chromatography is a powerful perspective tool for the examination of bond strength between tooth hard tissues and potential dental materials without using a large number of health tooth tissues.
Development of an intravital imaging system for the synovial tissue reveals the dynamics of CTLA-4 Ig in vivo
Authors: Hasegawa Tetsuo , Kikuta Junichi , Sudo Takao , Yamashita Erika , Seno Shigeto , Takeuchi Tsutomu , Ishii Masaru
Published: August 2020

There have been many attempts to visualize the inflamed joints using multiphoton microscopy. However, due to the hypervascular and multilayered structure of the inflamed synovium, intravital imaging of the deep synovial tissue has been difficult. Here, we established original intravital imaging systems to visualize synovial tissue and pathological osteoclasts at the pannus–bone interface using multiphoton microscopy. Combined with fluorescence-labeling of CTLA-4 Ig, a biological agent used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, we identified that CTLA-4 Ig was distributed predominantly within the inflamed synovium and bound to CX3CR1+macrophages and CD140a+fibroblasts 6 h after injection, but not to mature osteoclasts. Intravital imaging of blood and lymphatic vessels in the inflamed synovium further showed that extravasated CTLA-4 Ig was immediately drained through lymphatic vessels under acute arthritic conditions, but the drainage activity was retarded under chronic conditions. These results indicate that this intravital synovial imaging system can serve as a platform for exploring the dynamics of immune cells, osteoclasts, and biological agents within the synovial microenvironment in vivo.
Expanding cancer predisposition genes with ultra-rare cancer-exclusive human variations
Authors: Rasnic Roni , Linial Nathan , Linial Michal
Published: August 2020

It is estimated that up to 10% of cancer incidents are attributed to inherited genetic alterations. Despite extensive research, there are still gaps in our understanding of genetic predisposition to cancer. It was theorized that ultra-rare variants partially account for the missing heritable component. We harness the UK BioBank dataset of ~ 500,000 individuals, 14% of which were diagnosed with cancer, to detect ultra-rare, possibly high-penetrance cancer predisposition variants. We report on 115 cancer-exclusive ultra-rare variations and nominate 26 variants with additional independent evidence as cancer predisposition variants. We conclude that population cohorts are valuable source for expanding the collection of novel cancer predisposition genes.
Cross-talk between airway and gut microbiome links to IgE responses to house dust mites in childhood airway allergies
Authors: Chiu Chih-Yung , Chan Yi-Ling , Tsai Ming-Han , Wang Chia-Jung , Chiang Meng-Han , Chiu Chun-Che , Su Shih-Chi
Published: August 2020

A connection between airway and gut microbiota related to allergen exposure in childhood allergies was not well addressed. We aimed to identify the microbiota alterations in the airway and gut related to mite-specific IgE responses in young children with airway allergies. This study enrolled 60 children, including 38 mite-sensitized children (20 rhinitis and 18 asthma), and 22 non-mite-sensitized healthy controls. Microbiome composition analysis of the throat swab and stool samples was performed using bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing. An integrative analysis of the airway and stool microbial profiling associated with IgE reactions in childhood allergic rhinitis and asthma was examined. The Chao1 and Shannon indices in the airway were significantly lower than those in the stool. Additionally, an inverse association of the airway microbial diversity with house dust mite (HDM) sensitization and allergic airway diseases was noted. Fecal IgE levels were positively correlated with the serum Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus- and Dermatophagoides farinae-specific IgE levels. Airway Leptotrichia spp. related to asthma were strongly correlated with fecal Dorea and Ruminococcus spp., which were inversely associated with fecal IgE levels and risk of allergic rhinitis. Moreover, four airway genera, Campylobacter, Selenomonas, Tannerella, and Atopobium, were negatively correlated with both serum mite-specific and fecal IgE levels. Among them, the airway Selenomonas and Atopobium spp. were positively correlated with stool Blautia and Dorea spp. related to asthma and allergic rhinitis, respectively. In conclusion, airway microbial dysbiosis in response to HDM and its cross-talk with the gut microbial community is related to allergic airway diseases in early childhood.
Effects of stellate ganglion block on postoperative trigeminal neuropathy after dental surgery: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Sago Teppei , Takahashi Osamu , Ogawa Mika , Kawabata Kazune , Matsukawa Ibuki , Shiiba Shunji
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of stellate ganglion block (SGB) on postoperative trigeminal neuropathy (TNP) after dental surgery. This was a retrospective study based on the medical records of all patients with postoperative TNP at Kyushu Dental University Hospital from 2014 to 2019. Patients were divided into the SGB group (received SGB) and non-SGB group (did not receive SGB). We evaluated the severity of TNP at 3 months after surgery and the incidence rate of abnormal sensations. Abnormal sensations were counted using patients’ reports of uncomfortable symptoms during the treatment, including dysaesthesia, allodynia, and hyperalgesia. A propensity score (PS) matching analysis was performed to evaluate these data. After PS matching, amongst others, the force equivalent values of the Semmes–Weinstein test at 3-months post-treatment were significantly lower in the SGB group than in the non-SGB group (2.00 ± 0.44 vs 2.30 ± 0.48; p < 0.05). In addition, after PS matching, the incidence rate of abnormal sensations during the treatment was significantly lower in the SGB group than in the non-SGB group (10 cases [4.7%] vs 22 cases [10.3%]; p < 0.05). Collectively, the findings support that SGB may improve the recovery from postoperative TNP and reduce the incidence rate of abnormal sensations after dental surgery.
Detecting shielded explosives by coupling prompt gamma neutron activation analysis and deep neural networks
Authors: Hossny K. , Hossny Ahmad Hany , Magdi S. , Soliman Abdelfattah Y. , Hossny Mohammed
Published: August 2020

Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis is a nuclear-based technique that can be used in explosives detection. It relies on bombarding unknown samples with neutrons emitted from a neutron source. These neutrons interact with the sample nuclei emitting the gamma spectrum with peaks at specific energies, which are considered a fingerprint for the sample composition. Analyzing these peaks heights will give information about the unknown sample material composition. Shielding the sample from gamma rays or neutrons will affect the gamma spectrum obtained to be analyzed, providing a false indication about the sample constituents, especially when the shield is unknown. Here we show how using deep neural networks can solve the shielding drawback associated with the prompt gamma neutron activation analysis technique in explosives detection. We found that the introduced end-to-end framework was capable of differentiating between explosive and non-explosive hydrocarbons with accuracy of 95% for the previously included explosives in the model development data set. It was also, capable of generalizing with accuracy 80% over the explosives which were not included in the model development data set. Our results show that coupling prompt gamma neutron activation analysis with deep neural networks has a good potential for high accuracy explosives detection regardless of the shield presence.
Minimal unlinking pathways as geodesics in knot polynomial space
Authors: Liu Xin , Ricca Renzo L. , Li Xin-Fei
Published: August 2020

Physical knots observed in various contexts – from DNA biology to vortex dynamics and condensed matter physics – are found to undergo topological simplification through iterated recombination of knot strands following a common, qualitative pattern that bears remarkable similarities across fields. Here, by interpreting evolutionary processes as geodesic flows in a suitably defined knot polynomial space, we show that a new measure of topological complexity allows accurate quantification of the probability of decay pathways by selecting the optimal unlinking pathways. We also show that these optimal pathways are captured by a logarithmic best-fit curve related to the distribution of minimum energy states of tight knots. This preliminary approach shows great potential for establishing new relations between topological simplification pathways and energy cascade processes in nature.
Phenotype-related drug sensitivity analysis of single CTCs for medicine evaluation
Authors: Pei Haimeng , Yu Mei , Dong Defang , Wang Yiguo , Li Qingling , Li Lu , Tang Bo
Published: August 2020

Due to the heterogeneous and variable drug sensitivity of tumor cells, real-time monitoring of a patient's drug response is desirable for implementing personalized and dynamic therapy.
Paper-based analytical devices for colorimetric detection of S. aureus and E. coli and their antibiotic resistant strains in milk
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Awan Fazli Rabbi , Khan Qaiser Mahmood , Ngamsom Bongkot , Pamme Nicole
Published: August 2020

We investigate paper microfluidic devices for detection of pathogenic bacteria and their sensitivity towards β-lactamase and Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases (ESBLs) in milk samples to enable appropriate prescription of antibiotics for mastitis.
Low resolution Raman: the impact of spectral resolution on limit of detection and imaging speed in hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Wang Xianli , Hu Chuanzhen , Chu Kaiqin , Smith Zachary J.
Published: August 2020

Low-resolution Raman provides a simple approach to improve the SNR of hyperspectral images, particularly for consumer grade, noisy detectors.
Protecting-group-free synthesis of hydroxyesters from amino alcohols
Authors: Reynard Guillaume , Joseph-Valcin Eve-Marline , Lebel Hélène
Published: August 2020

The synthesis of hydroxyesters from carboxylic acids and unprotected amino alcohols in both continuous flow and batch processes is reported.
Synthesis, characterization and use of benzothioxanthene imide based dimers
Authors: Andrés Castán José María , Dalinot Clément , Dayneko Sergey , Abad Galan Laura , Simón Marqués Pablo , Alévêque Olivier , Allain Magali , Maury Olivier , Favereau Ludovic , Blanchard Philippe , Welch Gregory C. , Cabanetos Clément
Published: August 2020

The synthesis of benzothioxanthene imide based dimers and their first use in light emitting devices are reported herein.
A straightforward synthesis of a new family of molecules: 2,5,8-trialkoxyheptazines. Application to photoredox catalyzed transformations
Authors: Le Tuan , Galmiche Laurent , Masson Géraldine , Allain Clémence , Audebert Pierre
Published: August 2020

We have prepared several 2,5,8-trialkoxyheptazines starting from the soluble precursor 2,5,8-tris(3,5-diethylpyrazolyl)-heptazine.
Controllable and directional growth of Er:Lu2O3 single crystals by the edge-defined film-fed technique
Authors: Yin Yanru , Wang Guiji , Jia Zhitai , Mu Wenxiang , Fu Xiuwei , Zhang Jian , Tao Xutang
Published: August 2020

The sesquioxide Lu2O3 single crystal, with high quality and optical homogeneity, has been grown controllably with an oriented seed by EFG method for the first time. The EFG method is promoted to an extremely high temperature of 2450 °C.
2D lanthanide coordination polymers constructed from a semi-rigid tricarboxylic acid ligand: crystal structure, luminescence sensing and color tuning
Authors: Liang Guang-Ming , Wang Shuang , Xu Mei-yu , Chen Hai-Lin , Liang Guang-Yuan , Gui Liu-Cheng , Wang Xiu-Jian
Published: August 2020

Three lanthanide polymers {[Ln(TMCA)(DEF)(H2O)]·(CH3CN)}n (Ln = Eu 1; Tb 2; Gd 3; H3TMCA = 4′,4′,4′-[(trimethylamino)]-tris[(1,1′-biphenyl)-2-carboxylic acid]) were synthesized under solvothermal conditions.
Halogen-bonded cocrystals of donepezil with perfluorinated diiodobenzenes
Authors: Nemec Vinko , Vitasović Toni , Cinčić Dominik
Published: August 2020

Donepezil, an active pharmaceutical ingredient with several different acceptor sites for halogen bonding has successfully been cocrystallized with two perfluorinated halogen bond donors.
Correlation between structural and optical characteristics of conjugated copolymers differing by a Si bridge atom
Authors: Bassi Maiara de Jesus , Benatto Leandro , Wouk Luana , Holakoei Soheila , Oliveira Camilla Karla , Rocco Maria Luiza M. , Roman Lucimara Stolz
Published: August 2020

The influence of the heavy atom on the electrical properties and organic photovoltaic devices.
Large-scale comparison of 3d and 4d transition metal complexes illuminates the reduced effect of exchange on second-row spin-state energetics
Authors: Nandy Aditya , Chu Daniel B. K. , Harper Daniel R. , Duan Chenru , Arunachalam Naveen , Cytter Yael , Kulik Heather J.
Published: August 2020

The origin of distinct 3d vs. 4d transition metal complex sensitivity to exchange is explored over a large data set.
Low Ca2+ concentration doping enhances the mechanical properties and ionic conductivity of Na3PS4 superionic conductors based on first-principles
Authors: Huang Bowen , Zhang Junbo , Shi Yutao , Lu Xiaodong , Zhang Jingjing , Chen Bingbing , Zhou Jianqiu , Cai Rui
Published: August 2020

A doping strategy to improve the electrochemical and mechanical properties of solid electrolytes.
Development of core–shell structured Mo2C@BN as novel microwave catalysts for highly effective direct decomposition of H2S into H2 and S at low temperature
Authors: Zhu Jun , Xu Wentao , Chen Jianan , Gan Zhaowang , Wang Xianyou , Zhou Jicheng
Published: August 2020

Direct decomposition of hydrogen sulfide is an attractive approach for producing COx-free H2 and S from a toxic and abundant waste gas.
Cu2O polyhedra for aryl alkyne homocoupling reactions
Authors: Madasu Mahesh , Huang Michael H.
Published: August 2020

Cu2O rhombic dodecahedra display good catalytic activities toward diverse aryl alkyne homocoupling reactions.
Pd catalysts supported on dual-pore monolithic silica beads for chemoselective hydrogenation under batch and flow reaction conditions
Authors: Yamada Tsuyoshi , Ogawa Aya , Masuda Hayato , Teranishi Wataru , Fujii Akiko , Park Kwihwan , Ashikari Yosuke , Tomiyasu Noriyuki , Ichikawa Tomohiro , Miyamoto Riichi , Bai Hongzhi , Matsuyama Kiyoshi , Nagaki Aiichiro , Sajiki Hironao
Published: August 2020

Two different types of palladium catalysts supported on dual-pore monolithic silica beads [5% Pd/SM and 0.25% Pd/SM(sc)] for chemoselective hydrogenation were developed.
Supercapacitor behaviour of manganese dioxide decorated mesoporous silica synthesized by a rapid sol–gel inverse micelle method
Authors: Pal Ananya , Das Trisha , Ghosh Susanta , Nandi Mahasweta
Published: August 2020

A new type of mesoporous silica with high surface area and large pore volume has been synthesised employing a rapid sol–gel based inverse micelle method, and the electrochemically active metal center, manganese, has been incorporated into it.
A water-soluble bithiophene with increased photoluminescence efficiency and metal recognition ability
Authors: Delgado-Pinar Estefanía , Pineiro Marta , Sérgio Seixas de Melo J.
Published: August 2020

A water soluble and highly fluorescent bithiophene was obtained. The excited state behavior is fully characterized and with tert-butylsulfonamide derivatization the recognition of Cu(ii) and Hg(ii) with high selectivity was observed.
X-ray pair distribution function analysis and electrical and electrochemical properties of cerium doped Li5La3Nb2O12 garnet solid-state electrolyte
Authors: Dong Bo , Stockham Mark P. , Chater Philip A. , Slater Peter R.
Published: August 2020

Ce doping in Li5La3Nb2O12 leads to a large increase in conductivity and a reduction in the interfacial resistance in contact with Li metal.
INSIGHTS into the structures adopted by titanocalix[6 and 8]arenes and their use in the ring opening polymerization of cyclic esters
Authors: Santoro Orlando , Elsegood Mark R. J. , Bedwell Elizabeth V. , Pryce Jake A. , Redshaw Carl
Published: August 2020

Interaction of p-tert-butylcalix[n]arenes (n = 6, 8) with [TiX4] (X = F, Cl, Br, I) afforded 11 novel compounds with interesting structural features. The catalytic activity of these species in the ROP of cyclic esters was tested.
Theoretical exploration of the photophysical properties of two-component RuII–porphyrin dyes as promising assemblies for a combined antitumor effect
Authors: Alberto Marta Erminia , Mazzone Gloria , Regina Claudia , Russo Nino , Sicilia Emilia
Published: August 2020

A DFT and TDDFT investigation sheds light on the photophysical properties of a two-component RuII–porphyrin assembly proposed for a synergistically combined antitumor effect.
Mg storage properties of hollow copper selenide nanocubes
Authors: Shen Jingwei , Chen Dong , Cao Shun-an , Li Ting , Luo Wei , Xu Fei
Published: August 2020

Hollow copper selenide is used as cathode for rechargeable Mg batteries. Hollow structure accommodates the volume change of magnesiation/demagnesiation and favors solid-state Mg2+ diffusion, thus enhances the cyclability and kinetic performance.
Ultrafine NiFe clusters anchored on N-doped carbon as bifunctional electrocatalysts for efficient water and urea oxidation
Authors: Zhang Jingfang , Xing Fei , Zhang Hongjuan , Huang Yi
Published: August 2020

NiFe nanoclusters decorated on N-doped carbon were synthesized as efficient electrocatalysts towards both oxygen evolution reaction and urea oxidation reaction.
Synthesis and structures of diaryloxystannylenes and -plumbylenes embedded in 1,3-diethers of thiacalix[4]arene
Authors: Kuriki Ryunosuke , Kuwabara Takuya , Ishii Youichi
Published: August 2020

Monomeric stannylenes and plumbylenes embedded in 1,3-diethers of thiacalix[4]arene, whose structures are highly dependent on the substituents on the phenolic oxygen atoms, have been synthesized.
Syntheses, structures, and photocatalytic properties of open-framework Ag–Sn–S compounds
Authors: Li Yanhua , Song Xuedan , Liu Yan , Guo Yongkang , Sun Yu , Ji Min , You Zhonglu , An Yonglin
Published: August 2020

Four open-framework Ag–Sn–S compounds have been synthesized and these compounds display better photocatalytic activities than thiostannate K2Sn2S5.
Impact of diffusion methods and metal cations on photochromic three-component D–A hybrid heterostructures
Authors: You Ming-Hua , Li Meng-Hua , Liu Jing-Yan , Lin Mei-Jin
Published: August 2020

Four three-component D–A hybrid heterostructures have been obtained and the impacts of metal cations contained and diffusion methods used on their structures as well as photochromic properties have been discussed.
An environmentally friendly route for beneficiation of rare earth-bearing minerals by Pickering emulsification: adjusting the interfacial and formulation parameters
Authors: Avazpour Rahi , Latifi Mohammad , Chaouki Jamal , Fradette Louis
Published: August 2020

A proper process formulation for cleaner separation of rare earth minerals through Pickering emulsification: an alternative to flotation.