bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When Sino-American Struggle Disrupts the Supply Chain: Licensing Intellectual Property in a Changing Trade Environment
Authors: Cohen Mark A. , Rogers Philip C.
Published: December 2020

Through legislative changes, tariff wars, and executive actions, the Trump Administration has injected a new urgency into international technology and supply chain management, particularly between the United States and China. Analytically, the situation invites a perspective that links practical/on-the-ground responses by commercial actors in the politics of technological competition between superpowers, i.e. a discussion that bridges the gap between policy and process. This article therefore approaches management of supply chain disruption in terms of a key security issue motivating recent changes to the trade environment: the protection of intellectual property. After reviewing critical policy developments and trade statistics, we draw upon data on IP-intensive industries from global patent offices, trade classifications for products made by these IP-intensive industries, and concordance data on patent classifications to illustrate the centrality of IP to extended supply chains. With these key relationships in mind, we outline specific opportunities that intellectual property licensing provides for managing supply chain linkages between the United States and China in the current geopolitical environment. Viewing intellectual property as both a driver of and a solution to trade difficulties highlights the sorts of cross-jurisdictional nuances that can better inform policy and business decisions alike in the broader international trade regime.
Design of elliptical-shaped reconfigurable patch antenna with shunt capacitive RF-MEMS switch for satellite applications
Authors: Sailaja Bokkisam Venkata Sai , Naik Ketavath Kumar
Published: December 2020

In this paper, non-uniform meandered line shunt capacitive RF-MEMS switch is presented at an elliptical patch etched with a split-ring resonator (SRR) for satellite communication applications. The non-uniform meander line shunt capacitive is a fixed-fixed type of RF-MEMS switch that is introduced in this model antenna. The proposed antenna design is resonated at 10.46 GHz with the return loss of −37.6 dB. The performance evolution of the proposed antenna design is evaluated with and without integrated RF-MEMS switch on the proposed antenna SRR. It is observed that the proposed model at the ON-state switch resonates at 10.57 GHz frequency with the return loss of −30 dB. Similarly, at the OFF-state switch, it resonates at 10.53 GHz frequency with the return loss of −43 dB. Al3N4 (aluminum nitride) is used for the switch as a dielectric material, hence the switch attains higher isolation. The actuation voltage of 7.9 V is required for the switch to actuate from ON to OFF state. The switch attains minimum insertion and return loss which is discussed in further sections. The proposed antenna is fabricated and tested by a vector network analyzer; there is a good agreement between the simulated and measured results.
A Qualitative Approach to Informing Mental Health Programming in Central African Republic
Authors: Patel Sita G. , Unanue Isabel , Crittenden Persephone , Kieschnick Dustin , Froming Karen , Brown Lisa M. , Ntakarutimana Florence , Bertrand Lazaret Alain , Dailami Mina S. , Froming William
Published: December 2020

The Central African Republic (CAR) is a country with a long history of violent conflict, extreme poverty, and little to no mental health infrastructure for a population with profound exposure to ongoing trauma. In 2015, 70% of the population was displaced internally or to surrounding countries, and 80% had witnessed violence. An empirical study of mental health in CAR found that 50% to 80% of the population reported clinically significant anxiety or depression. Such epidemiological data suggest extremely high levels of distress, yet more culturally relevant information is needed to better understand contextual responses to trauma, and associated mental health needs. To address this empirical gap, the present study engaged in a collaborative partnership with humanitarian organizations and local religious groups in CAR to conduct a series of focus groups with community members. Qualitative exploratory research methodology was used, as it can inform the development and delivery of intervention, and shape policy initiatives to increase mental health endeavors that promote healing from trauma. Focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed, and then coded, resulting in 3 primary themes: safety/disarmament and reestablishing education; traumatic experiences of physiological arousal and generalized distress; and subsequent idioms of distress and lack of mental health treatment or availability of services. These themes illustrate the importance of further developing and maintaining systems that provide safety, education, and mental and physical health care services to the general population in CAR. Ongoing conflict jeopardizes the formation of new systems, and investment in established systems that need improvements and resources. Without government and political support, these endeavors will continue to languish until peace and stability is widespread throughout the country.
Single cell analysis reveals distinct immune landscapes in transplant and primary sarcomas that determine response or resistance to immunotherapy
Authors: Wisdom Amy J. , Mowery Yvonne M. , Hong Cierra S. , Himes Jonathon E. , Nabet Barzin Y. , Qin Xiaodi , Zhang Dadong , Chen Lan , Fradin Hélène , Patel Rutulkumar , Bassil Alex M. , Muise Eric S. , King Daniel A. , Xu Eric S. , Carpenter David J. , Kent Collin L. , Smythe Kimberly S. , Williams Nerissa T. , Luo Lixia , Ma Yan , Alizadeh Ash A. , Owzar Kouros , Diehn Maximilian , Bradley Todd , Kirsch David G.
Published: December 2020

Immunotherapy fails to cure most cancer patients. Preclinical studies indicate that radiotherapy synergizes with immunotherapy, promoting radiation-induced antitumor immunity. Most preclinical immunotherapy studies utilize transplant tumor models, which overestimate patient responses. Here, we show that transplant sarcomas are cured by PD-1 blockade and radiotherapy, but identical treatment fails in autochthonous sarcomas, which demonstrate immunoediting, decreased neoantigen expression, and tumor-specific immune tolerance. We characterize tumor-infiltrating immune cells from transplant and primary tumors, revealing striking differences in their immune landscapes. Although radiotherapy remodels myeloid cells in both models, only transplant tumors are enriched for activated CD8+ T cells. The immune microenvironment of primary murine sarcomas resembles most human sarcomas, while transplant sarcomas resemble the most inflamed human sarcomas. These results identify distinct microenvironments in murine sarcomas that coevolve with the immune system and suggest that patients with a sarcoma immune phenotype similar to transplant tumors may benefit most from PD-1 blockade and radiotherapy.
Readout and control of an endofullerene electronic spin
Authors: Pinto Dinesh , Paone Domenico , Kern Bastian , Dierker Tim , Wieczorek René , Singha Aparajita , Dasari Durga , Finkler Amit , Harneit Wolfgang , Wrachtrup Jörg , Kern Klaus
Published: December 2020

Atomic spins for quantum technologies need to be individually addressed and positioned with nanoscale precision. C60 fullerene cages offer a robust packaging for atomic spins, while allowing in-situ physical positioning at the nanoscale. However, achieving single-spin level readout and control of endofullerenes has so far remained elusive. In this work, we demonstrate electron paramagnetic resonance on an encapsulated nitrogen spin (14N@C60) within a C60 matrix using a single near-surface nitrogen vacancy (NV) center in diamond at 4.7 K. Exploiting the strong magnetic dipolar interaction between the NV and endofullerene electronic spins, we demonstrate radio-frequency pulse controlled Rabi oscillations and measure spin-echos on an encapsulated spin. Modeling the results using second-order perturbation theory reveals an enhanced hyperfine interaction and zero-field splitting, possibly caused by surface adsorption on diamond. These results demonstrate the first step towards controlling single endofullerenes, and possibly building large-scale endofullerene quantum machines, which can be scaled using standard positioning or self-assembly methods.
Analysis and prediction of the coronavirus disease epidemic in China based on an individual-based model
Authors: Guo Zuiyuan , Xiao Dan
Published: December 2020

We established a stochastic individual-based model and simulated the whole process of occurrence, development, and control of the coronavirus disease epidemic and the infectors and patients leaving Hubei Province before the traffic was closed in China. Additionally, the basic reproduction number (R0) and number of infectors and patients who left Hubei were estimated using the coordinate descent algorithm. The median R0 at the initial stage of the epidemic was 4.97 (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.82–5.17). Before the traffic lockdown was implemented in Hubei, 2000 (95% CI 1982–2030) infectors and patients had left Hubei and traveled throughout the country. The model estimated that if the government had taken prevention and control measures 1 day later, the cumulative number of laboratory-confirmed patients in the whole country would have increased by 32.1%. If the lockdown of Hubei was imposed 1 day in advance, the cumulative number of laboratory-confirmed patients in other provinces would have decreased by 7.7%. The stochastic model could fit the officially issued data well and simulate the evolution process of the epidemic. The intervention measurements nationwide have effectively curbed the human-to-human transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
Evaluation of HPV16 E7 expression in head and neck carcinoma cell lines and clinical specimens
Authors: Kitamura Koji , Nimura Keisuke , Ito Rie , Saga Kotaro , Inohara Hidenori , Kaneda Yasufumi
Published: December 2020

Human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 infection in the oropharynx is one of the major risk factors for oropharyngeal carcinoma. Although the HPV E6 and E7 proteins are known to have a role in head and neck carcinogenesis, whether their expression is maintained once the tumour has developed still remains unclear. We evaluated the expression of these proteins in HPV16-positive cancer cell lines and clinical oropharyngeal specimens. Two out of the four commercially available antibodies directed against the E7 protein could detect the E7 protein overexpressed in the 293FT cells, human embryonic kidney cells, although none of the four commercially available anti-E6 antibodies could detect the overexpressed E6 protein. Whereas HPV16-positive head and neck or cervical carcinoma cell lines expressed the E7 mRNA, the antibodies with an ability to detect the E7 protein could not detect it in western blotting in these HPV16-positive cell lines. In clinical specimens, E7 protein was partially detected in p16-positive area in p16-positive and HPV16 DNA-positive samples, but not in p16-negative and HPV DNA-negative or p16-positive and HPV DNA-negative samples. Consistent with these findings, the E7 protein was poorly translated from the endogenous structure of the E7 mRNA, although significant E7 mRNA expression was detected in these samples. Our findings indicate that E7 protein is partially expressed in p16-positive area in p16-positive and HPV16 DNA-positive clinical specimens.
Involvement of N-methylpurine DNA glycosylase in resistance to temozolomide in patient-derived glioma cells
Authors: Serrano-Heras Gemma , Castro-Robles Beatriz , Romero-Sánchez Carlos M. , Carrión Blanca , Barbella-Aponte Rosa , Sandoval Hernán , Segura Tomás
Published: December 2020

Chemotherapy for high-grade astrocytic tumors is mainly based on the use of temozolomide (TMZ), whose efficacy is limited by resistance mechanisms. Despite many investigations pointing to O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) as being responsible for tumor chemo-resistance, its expression does not predict an accurate response in most gliomas, suggesting that MGMT is not the only determinant of response to treatment. In this sense, several reports indicate that N-methylpurine-DNA-glycosylase (MPG) may be involved in that resistance. With that in mind, we evaluated for the first time the degree of resistance to TMZ treatment in 18 patient-derived glioma cells and its association with MGMT and MPG mRNA levels. Viability cell assays showed that TMZ treatment hardly caused growth inhibition in the patient-derived cells, even in high concentrations, indicating that all primary cultures were chemo-resistant. mRNA expression analyses showed that the TMZ-resistant phenotype displayed by cells is associated with an elevated expression of MPG to a greater extent than it is with transcript levels of MGMT. Our findings suggest that not only is MGMT implicated in resistance to TMZ but MPG, the first enzyme in base excision repair processing, is also involved, supporting its potential role as a target in anti-resistance chemotherapy for astrocytoma and glioblastoma.
Job loss and health threatening events modulate risk-taking behaviours in the Covid-19 emergency
Authors: Galandra Caterina , Cerami Chiara , Santi Gaia Chiara , Dodich Alessandra , Cappa Stefano F. , Vecchi Tomaso , Crespi Chiara
Published: December 2020

Covid-19 pandemic is exerting a tragic impact all around the world. First-person experience of life-threatening and stressful events can modify individuals’ risk perception, and, consequently, risk-taking behaviours. Here we investigated risk-taking profiles in 130 Italian residents, and compared healthcare to non-healthcare workers, during the lockdown phase. We ad hoc developed the “Covid-19 Risk Task”, including the classic monetary Holt-Laury Paired Lottery Task (Monetary Condition, MC) and two new ecological conditions exploring Covid-19 related risk-taking aptitudes in relation to different health (Health Status Condition, HsC) and employment (Employment Status Condition, EsC) outcomes. Results showed that, in the whole sample, individuals were more risk-averse in MC than in HsC and EsC. Moreover, a payoff increase produced a shift toward more risk-averse behaviours in MC, but not in HsC and EsC, where we found an opposite trend suggesting a more risk-loving behaviour. Finally, we found that healthcare workers were significantly less risk-averse compared to non-healthcare workers in EsC, but not in MC and HsC. These findings provided evidence of the possible effects of Covid-19 outbreak on risk-taking aptitudes. The negative impact on human choices and, consequently, on the whole world economy of this catastrophic life event must not be underestimated.
Comparing feedforward and recurrent neural network architectures with human behavior in artificial grammar learning
Authors: Alamia Andrea , Gauducheau Victor , Paisios Dimitri , VanRullen Rufin
Published: December 2020

In recent years artificial neural networks achieved performance close to or better than humans in several domains: tasks that were previously human prerogatives, such as language processing, have witnessed remarkable improvements in state of the art models. One advantage of this technological boost is to facilitate comparison between different neural networks and human performance, in order to deepen our understanding of human cognition. Here, we investigate which neural network architecture (feedforward vs. recurrent) matches human behavior in artificial grammar learning, a crucial aspect of language acquisition. Prior experimental studies proved that artificial grammars can be learnt by human subjects after little exposure and often without explicit knowledge of the underlying rules. We tested four grammars with different complexity levels both in humans and in feedforward and recurrent networks. Our results show that both architectures can “learn” (via error back-propagation) the grammars after the same number of training sequences as humans do, but recurrent networks perform closer to humans than feedforward ones, irrespective of the grammar complexity level. Moreover, similar to visual processing, in which feedforward and recurrent architectures have been related to unconscious and conscious processes, the difference in performance between architectures over ten regular grammars shows that simpler and more explicit grammars are better learnt by recurrent architectures, supporting the hypothesis that explicit learning is best modeled by recurrent networks, whereas feedforward networks supposedly capture the dynamics involved in implicit learning.
CO2 utilization as a soft oxidant for the synthesis of styrene from ethylbenzene over Co3O4 supported on magnesium aluminate spinel: role of spinel activation temperature
Authors: Madduluri Venkata Rao , Marella Ravi Kumar , Hanafiah Marlia M. , Lakkaboyana Sivarama Krishna , Suresh babu G.
Published: December 2020

Magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAl2O4) supported Co3O4 catalysts are synthesized and tested for the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of ethylbenzene using CO2 as a soft oxidant. The effect of spinel calcination temperature on the catalytic performance has been systematically investigated. With an increase in the activation temperature from 600 to 900 °C, the active presence of a single-phase MgAl2O4 spinel is observed. A catalyst series consisting of MgAl2O4 spinel with varying Co loadings (10–20 wt%) were prepared and systematically distinguished by ICP, XRD, BET, TPR, NH3-TPD, UV–Vis DRS, FT-IR, XPS, SEM, and TEM. Among the tested cobalt catalysts, 15Co/800MA sample derived by calcination of MgAl2O4 support at 800 °C exhibits the most excellent catalytic performance with the maximum ethylbenzene conversion (≥ 82%). Also, high yields of styrene (≥ 81%) could be consistently achieved on the same active catalyst. Further, the catalyst exhibited almost stable activity during 20 h time-on-stream with a slow decrease in the ethylbenzene conversion from 82 to 59%. However, the selectivity of styrene (98%) stayed almost constant during the reaction. Activation of the MgAl2O4 spinel at 800 °C facilitates a dramatic chemical homogeneity for the alignment of Co3O4 nanoparticles on the surface of the active catalyst. Moreover, the isolated Co3O4 clusters have a strong chemical/electronic interaction with the Mg2+ and Al3+ ions on the support perform a crucial role to achieve the maximum catalytic activity.
The neuroprotective effects of activated α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor against mutant copper–zinc superoxide dismutase 1-mediated toxicity
Authors: Ito Taisei , Inden Masatoshi , Ueda Tomoyuki , Asaka Yuta , Kurita Hisaka , Hozumi Isao
Published: December 2020

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective and progressive loss of motor neurons. Although many drugs have entered clinical trials, few have shown effectiveness in the treatment of ALS. Other studies have shown that the stimulation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) can have neuroprotective effects in some models of neurodegenerative disease, as well as prevent glutamate-induced motor neuronal death. However, the effect of α7 nAChR agonists on ALS-associated mutant copper–zinc superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) aggregates in motor neurons remains unclear. In the present study, we examined whether α7 nAChR activation had a neuroprotective effect against SOD1G85R-induced toxicity in a cellular model for ALS. We found that α7 nAChR activation by PNU282987, a selective agonist of α7 nAChR, exhibited significant neuroprotective effects against SOD1G85R-induced toxicity via the reduction of intracellular protein aggregates. This reduction also correlated with the activation of autophagy through the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)–mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. Furthermore, the activation of α7 nAChRs was found to increase the biogenesis of lysosomes by inducing translocation of the transcription factor EB (TFEB) into the nucleus. These results support the therapeutic potential of α7 nAChR activation in diseases that are characterized by SOD1G85R aggregates, such as ALS.
The effect of changes in cardiovascular activity on corneal biomechanics and pulsation in rabbits
Authors: Antończyk Agnieszka , Kubiak-Nowak Dominika , Borawski Wojciech , Kiełbowicz Zdzisław , Danielewska Monika E.
Published: December 2020

The aim was to assess the relationships between cardiovascular activity, corneal pulse characteristics, and corneal biomechanics in rabbits. Seventeen rabbits were randomly assigned to one of two anesthetic regimens to induce differences in arterial blood pressure and heart rate. Experimental protocol included measuring blood flow parameters in the ophthalmic artery by color Doppler imaging, corneal biomechanical parameters using a non-contact tonometer Corvis ST, and the corneal pulse (CP) signal using a non-contact ultrasonic technique. Statistically significantly lower mean values of normalized amplitudes of higher CP harmonics and changes in eight of the twelve corneal biomechanical parameters were observed in the rabbit group with lower arterial blood pressure and higher heart rate, intraocular pressure, and resistive index. The results of partial correlations showed that the CP signal energy and amplitude of its first harmonic correlate with the resistive index, diastolic and mean arterial pressures, whereas no statistically significant correlation was found between any of the CP parameters and intraocular pressure. Our pilot study indicates, for the first time, that non-contact and continuous measuring of corneal pulse allows indirectly assessing changes in cardiovascular activity when the confounding effect of intraocular pressure is eliminated.
Syllable-first rather than letter-first to improve phonemic awareness
Authors: Vazeux Maria , Doignon-Camus Nadège , Bosse Marie-Line , Mahé Gwendoline , Guo Teng , Zagar Daniel
Published: December 2020

The present study investigates the nature of the spelling-to-sound correspondences taught to enhance phonemic awareness in prereaders. The main assumption in the literature is that learning the alphabetic code through letter-to-phoneme correspondences is the best way to improve phonemic awareness. The alternative syllabic bridge hypothesis, based on the saliency and early availability of syllables, assumes that learning to associate letters to phonological syllables enables phoneme units to be the mirror of the letters and to become accessible, thereby developing phonemic awareness of prereaders. A total of 222 French-speaking prereaders took part in a 4-session learning program based on correspondences either between letters and syllables (letters-to-syllable group) or between letters and phonemes (letter-to-phoneme group), and the fifth last session on coding and decoding. Our results showed a greater increase in phonemic awareness in the letters-to-syllable group than in the letter-to-phoneme group. The present study suggests that teaching prereaders letters-to-syllable correspondences is a key to successful reading.
Lipid yield from the diatom Porosira glacialis is determined by solvent choice and number of extractions, independent of cell disruption
Authors: Svenning Jon Brage , Dalheim Lars , Vasskog Terje , Matricon Lucie , Vang Birthe , Olsen Ragnar Ludvig
Published: December 2020

Cell wall disruption is necessary to maximize lipid extraction yields in conventional species of mass-cultivated microalgae. This study investigated the effect of sonication, solvent choice and number of extractions on the lipid yield, lipid class composition and fatty acid composition of the diatom Porosira glacialis. For comparison, the diatom Odontella aurita and green alga Chlorella vulgaris were included in the study. Sonication effectively disrupted P. glacialis cells, but did not increase the total lipid yield compared to physical stirring (mixing). In all three microalgae, the content of membrane-associated glyco- and phosopholipids in the extracted lipids was strongly dependent on the solvent polarity. A second extraction resulted in higher yields from the microalgae only when polar solvents were used. In conclusion, choice of solvent and number of extractions were the main factors that determined lipid yield and lipid class composition in P. glacialis.
Multiple random phosphorylations in clock proteins provide long delays and switches
Authors: Upadhyay Abhishek , Marzoll Daniela , Diernfellner Axel , Brunner Michael , Herzel Hanspeter
Published: December 2020

Theory predicts that self-sustained oscillations require robust delays and nonlinearities (ultrasensitivity). Delayed negative feedback loops with switch-like inhibition of transcription constitute the core of eukaryotic circadian clocks. The kinetics of core clock proteins such as PER2 in mammals and FRQ in Neurospora crassa is governed by multiple phosphorylations. We investigate how multiple, slow and random phosphorylations control delay and molecular switches. We model phosphorylations of intrinsically disordered clock proteins (IDPs) using conceptual models of sequential and distributive phosphorylations. Our models help to understand the underlying mechanisms leading to delays and ultrasensitivity. The model shows temporal and steady state switches for the free kinase and the phosphoprotein. We show that random phosphorylations and sequestration mechanisms allow high Hill coefficients required for self-sustained oscillations.
The long non coding RNA H19 as a biomarker for breast cancer diagnosis in Lebanese women
Authors: Elias-Rizk Tamina , El Hajj Joelle , Segal-Bendirdjian Evelyne , Hilal George
Published: December 2020

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Minimally invasive percutaneous image-guided biopsies are the current cornerstone in the diagnosis of breast lesions detected on mammography/ultrasonography/MRI or palpable clinically. However, apparently benign breast disease seen on benign biopsies is a limiting factor for diagnosis and a risk factor of breast cancer especially in the high-risk category patients. Hypothesizing that molecular changes often occur before morphological variations, the levels of the LncRNA H19 were measured in anonymous tissues obtained from 79 women’s image guided breast biopsies, and correlated with cancer progression and aggressiveness. Using a double-blinded approach, H19 might be attributed an interesting role of a more sensitive biomarker in core breast biopsies, independently of the radiological/clinical classification and distant from the clinical management. We established different thresholds for H19 levels in normal versus proliferative, versus malignant tissues. Additionnally, H19 could act as an intra-group risk marker categorizing the biopsies in normal versus benign, versus precancerous breast tissue, and as a prognostic factor in cancerous lesions discriminating aggressive versus nonaggressive lesions. Our study suggests that the lncRNA H19 could be a potential marker for breast cancer diagnosis, prognosis and risk management.
Effect of IL-34 on T helper 17 cell proliferation and IL-17 secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Li Xin , Lei Yimeng , Gao Ziyu , Zhang Bei , Xia Liping , Lu Jing , Shen Hui
Published: December 2020

Interleukin (IL)-34 is a new pro-inflammatory cytokine with elevated expression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Our previous study showed that the frequency of T helper 17 (Th17) cells was also elevated in RA patients. Our study aimed to determine the effects of IL-34 on the proliferation, transcription factor expression and cytokine secretion of different subgroups of CD4 + T cells [Th1, Th2, Th17 and regulatory T (Treg) cells] in RA patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from the peripheral blood of 10 RA patients and stimulated with different concentrations of recombinant human (rh) IL-34 (0, 25, 50 and 100 ng/ml). Flow cytometry was used to determine the frequencies of the 4 subgroups of CD4 + T cells. Reverse transcription-PCR, western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of transcription factors and cytokines. As a result, the frequency of Th17 cells was obviously increased under IL-34 stimulation. Moreover, the expression of the transcription factor retinoic acid-related orphan receptor (ROR-γt) and secretion of IL-17 by PBMCs were increased by stimulation with IL-34. However, there were no effects of IL-34 on transcription factors or cytokine secretion in Th1, Th2 and Treg cells. In conclusion, IL-34 can improve the proliferation of Th17 cells and expression of IL-17 in RA patients.
Molecular patterns of isolated tubulitis differ from tubulitis with interstitial inflammation in early indication biopsies of kidney allografts
Authors: Hruba Petra , Madill-Thomsen Katelynn , Mackova Martina , Klema Jiri , Maluskova Jana , Voska Ludek , Parikova Alena , Slatinska Janka , Halloran Philip F. , Viklicky Ondrej
Published: December 2020

The Banff 2019 kidney allograft pathology update excluded isolated tubulitis without interstitial inflammation (ISO-T) from the category of borderline (suspicious) for acute T cell-mediated rejection due to its proposed benign clinical outcome. In this study, we explored the molecular assessment of ISO-T. ISO-T or interstitial inflammation with tubulitis (I + T) was diagnosed in indication biopsies within the first 14 postoperative days. The molecular phenotype of ISO-T was compared to I + T either by using RNA sequencing (n = 16) or by Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System (MMDx, n = 51). RNA sequencing showed lower expression of genes related to interferon-y (p = 1.5 *10–16), cytokine signaling (p = 2.1 *10–20) and inflammatory response (p = 1.0*10–13) in the ISO-T group than in I + T group. Transcripts with increased expression in the I + T group overlapped significantly with previously described pathogenesis-based transcript sets associated with cytotoxic and effector T cell transcripts, and with T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR). MMDx classified 25/32 (78%) ISO-T biopsies and 12/19 (63%) I + T biopsies as no-rejection. ISO-T had significantly lower MMDx scores for interstitial inflammation (p = 0.014), tubulitis (p = 0.035) and TCMR (p = 0.016) compared to I + T. Fewer molecular signals of inflammation in isolated tubulitis suggest that this is also a benign phenotype on a molecular level.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-in of alligator cathelicidin gene in a non-coding region of channel catfish genome
Authors: Simora Rhoda Mae C. , Xing De , Bangs Max R. , Wang Wenwen , Ma Xiaoli , Su Baofeng , Khan Mohd G. Q. , Qin Zhenkui , Lu Cuiyu , Alston Veronica , Hettiarachchi Darshika , Johnson Andrew , Li Shangjia , Coogan Michael , Gurbatow Jeremy , Terhune Jeffery S. , Wang Xu , Dunham Rex A.
Published: December 2020

CRISPR/Cas9-based gene knockout in animal cells, particularly in teleosts, has proven to be very efficient with regards to mutation rates, but the precise insertion of exogenous DNA or gene knock-in via the homology-directed repair (HDR) pathway has seldom been achieved outside of the model organisms. Here, we succeeded in integrating with high efficiency an exogenous alligator cathelicidin gene into a targeted non-coding region of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) chromosome 1 using two different donor templates (synthesized linear dsDNA and cloned plasmid DNA constructs). We also tested two different promoters for driving the gene, zebrafish ubiquitin promoter and common carp β-actin promoter, harboring a 250-bp homologous region flanking both sides of the genomic target locus. Integration rates were found higher in dead fry than in live fingerlings, indicating either off-target effects or pleiotropic effects. Furthermore, low levels of mosaicism were detected in the tissues of P1individuals harboring the transgene, and high transgene expression was observed in the blood of some P1fish. This can be an indication of the localization of cathelicidin in neutrophils and macrophage granules as also observed in most antimicrobial peptides. This study marks the first use of CRISPR/Cas9 HDR for gene integration in channel catfish and may contribute to the generation of a more efficient system for precise gene integration in catfish and other aquaculture species, and the development of gene-edited, disease-resistant fish.
DNA aptamer-based rolling circle amplification product as a novel immunological adjuvant
Authors: Al-Ogaili Adil S. , Liyanage Rohana , Lay Jack O. , Jiang Tieshan , Vuong Christine N. , Agrawal Shilpi , Kumar Thallapuranam Krishnaswamy Suresh , Berghman Luc R. , Hargis Billy M. , Kwon Young Min
Published: December 2020

Several agonists to CD40 have shown to induce acquired immune responses. Here, we developed and evaluated the rolling circle amplification (RCA) products that are based on anti-CD40 DNA aptamers as a novel vaccine adjuvant. First, we developed DNA aptamers with specific binding affinity to chicken CD40 extra domain (chCD40ED). Next, we prepared the RCA products that consist of these aptamers to increase the spanning space and overall binding affinity to chCD40ED. Using 8 DNA aptamer candidates, 4 aptamer-based RCA products (aptamer RCAs) were generated, each consisting of two distinct aptamers. We demonstrated that all 4 aptamer RCAs significantly induced the signal transduction in chicken HD11 macrophage cell line (p < 0.05). Finally, we conjugated one of the aptamer RCAs (Aptamer RCA II) to M2e epitope peptide of influenza virus as a model hapten, and the immune complex was injected to chickens. Aptamer RCA II stimulated anti-M2e IgG antibody production to the level significantly higher as compared to the control (M2e epitope alone; p < 0.05). The results of our work suggest that aptamer RCA is a novel platform to boost the efficacy of vaccines, which might find broad applications to other antigens beyond M2e epitope evaluated in this study using chicken infection model.
Screening for pancreatic lipase natural modulators by capillary electrophoresis hyphenated to spectrophotometric and conductometric dual detection
Authors: Al Hamoui Dit Banni Ghassan , Nasreddine Rouba , Fayad Syntia , Cao-Ngoc Phu , Rossi Jean-Christophe , Leclercq Laurent , Cottet Hervé , Marchal Axel , Nehmé Reine
Published: December 2020

Modulation of pancreatic lipase monitored by online and offline CE-UV/C4D assays.
Preparation and chromatographic evaluation of the hydrophilic interaction chromatography stationary phase based on nucleosides or nucleotides
Authors: Tang Tingfeng , Guo Dandan , Huang Shaohua
Published: December 2020

A series of novel stationary phases based on nucleosides or nucleotides were successfully synthesized and displayed excellent selectivity and efficient retention in HILIC mode.
An octahedral polyoxomolybdate–organic molecular cage
Authors: Wang Xin-Ying , Chen Wei-Chao , Shao Kui-Zhan , Wang Xin-Long , Zhao Liang , Su Zhong-Min
Published: December 2020

An unprecedented Mo–organic molecular cage built from interesting {MoVI2O5} SBUs and BTC ligands, which has been successfully synthesized and systematically characterized, presents the first example of an isopolyoxomolybdate–organic molecular cage.
Wash-free 3D imaging and detection of glioma with a novel neuropotential targeted AIE probe
Authors: Wu Junyong , Bi Anyao , Zheng Fan , Huang Shuai , Li Yongjiang , Ding Jipeng , Xiang Daxiong , Zeng Wenbin
Published: December 2020

Schematic illustration of a self-assembled nanoprobe (TPIG-NP) to exert imaging of glioma.
A multiaxial molecular ferroelectric with record highTCdesigned by intermolecular interaction modulation
Authors: Li Jun-Yi , Xu Qiu-Ling , Ye Si-Yu , Tong Liang , Chen Xiang , Chen Li-Zhuang
Published: December 2020

Through precise and ingenious molecular modification, we successfully obtained a multiaxial ferroelectric, [FEtDabco]ZnI3(N-fluoroethyl-N′-ZnI3-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octonium), with a blindingly high Curie temperature (TC) of 540 K, which is promising for applications under extreme thermal conditions.
Polymer-induced polymorphism in a Zn-based metal organic framework
Authors: Westendorff Karl S. , Paolucci Chris , Giri Gaurav
Published: December 2020

Proposed mechanism for the observed polymer-induced polymorphism. PEO polymer chains bind competitively between ZIF-8 and ZIF-L Zn nodes to alter the development of prenucleation clusters and induce the formation of ZIF-8.
A strategy for predicting the crystal structure of energetic N-oxides based on molecular similarity and electrostatic matching
Authors: Liu Yingzhe , Cao Yilin , Lai Weipeng , Yu Tao , Ma Yiding , Ge Zhongxue
Published: December 2020

A strategy for crystal structure prediction of high energy materials was proposed based on “homologous crystals”.
A chemically consistent rate constant for the reaction of nitrogen dioxide with the oxygen atom
Authors: Li Yan , Javoy Sandra , Mevel Remy , Xu Xuefei
Published: December 2020

In the present study, a chemically consistent rate constant for the reaction between nitrogen dioxide and the oxygen atom has been obtained by combining low-temperature experimental data from the literature and new high-temperature quantum chemical calculations.
Graphene oxide as a pesticide carrier for enhancing fungicide activity against Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Hu Pengtong , Zhu Li , Zheng Feng , Lai Jingyun , Xu Hanhong , Jia Jinliang
Published: December 2020

GO can cause the cell damage by cutting cell wall and oxidative stress, and the drug absorbed on the surface of GO were released precisely.
Advances in self-powered chemical sensingviaa triboelectric nanogenerator
Authors: Huang Congxi , Chen Guorui , Nashalian Ardo , Chen Jun
Published: December 2020

Self-powered chemical sensingviatriboelectric nanogenerators is an emerging approach to continuous detection and analysis of chemical molecules on the human body and the surroundings.
Correction: A ROS-scavenging multifunctional nanoparticle for combinational therapy of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Tong Yuna , Zhang Lijuan , Gong Rong , Shi Jianyou , Zhong Lei , Duan Xingmei , Zhu Yuxuan
Published: December 2020

Correction for ‘A ROS-scavenging multifunctional nanoparticle for combinational therapy of diabetic nephropathy’ by Yuna Tong et al., Nanoscale, 2020, DOI: 10.1039/d0nr06098d.
Correction: Dependence of the fluorination intercalation of graphene toward high-quality fluorinated graphene formation
Authors: Fan Kun , Fu Jiemin , Liu Xikui , Liu Yang , Lai Wenchuan , Liu Xiangyang , Wang Xu
Published: December 2020

Correction for ‘Dependence of the fluorination intercalation of graphene toward high-quality fluorinated graphene formation’ by Kun Fan et al., Chem. Sci., 2019, 10, 5546–5555, DOI: 10.1039/C9SC00975B.
Prospects of fibrinolytic proteases of bacteria from sea cucumber fermentation products as antithrombotic agent
Authors: Fuad Hayatun , Hidayati Nur , Darmawati Sri , Munandar Hendra , Rahmawati Sulistyaningtyas Ayu , Nurrahman Nurrahman , Rahman Ernanto Aditya , Seswita Zilda Dewi , Widjanarka Widjanarka , Norma Ethica Stalis
Published: December 2020

Cardiovascular disease is among the largest contributors of premature mortality in the world caused by inflammation of blood vessels. The abnormalities provoke thrombus formation or thrombosis blocking blood vessels leading to strokes, heart attacks and coronary artery diseases. Increasing percentage of cardiovascular cases and deaths due to thrombosis has attracted researchers to look for newer thrombolysis agents. Commonly used drugs to treat thrombosis has been limited due to various side effects. Therefore, the search for sources of safer and cheaper fibrinolytic enzymes for handling thrombolysis continues. This study aimed to evaluate potentials of fibrinolytic protease of bacteria isolated from fermented seafood (sea cucumber) products as antithrombotic agents. Information was initially gathered from scientific publications identified using web-based tools including PubMed (National Center for Biotechnology Information), Science Direct (Scopus) and Web of Science (Thomson Reuters) using combinations of search terms including “fibrinolytic enzyme protease”, “endopeptidase”, “fermented food”, “sea cucumber”, “thrombolysis therapy,” “thrombolytic agent,” “fibrinolytic bacteria,” “fibrinolysis,” “protease producing bacteria,” “fibrin degradation,” “holothurians,” etc. We also searched for these terms in national and international organization technical reports and databases. This literature review reveals the prospects of fibrinolytic protease enzymes from bacteria from fermented seafood, particularly sea cucumber as novel antithrombotic agents.
Transition to biodegradable composites as a method for solving environmental problems
Authors: Sabirova Gulnaz , Safin Ruslan , Mukhametzyanov Shamil , Galyavetdinov Nour
Published: December 2020

In environmental matters, one of the most pressing problems is the efficient disposal of polymeric materials that have a negative impact on the ecology of soils and oceans. A necessary condition for the sustainable development of industrial production and processing of polymer products is the transition to polymer materials based on renewable plant raw materials, in particular polylactides, polyhydroalkanates, etc. However, the technology for the production of these types of polymers is seriously inferior to synthetic polymers in the field of energy engineering. In this regard, research in the field of creating composite materials by introducing wood filler is currently particularly relevant. This research covers the results of stress-strain behavior of wood filled polylactic wood powder composite materials thermally modified by high temperatures ranged from 200 to 240 °С. Wood impact strength dependence is defined and static bending and composite density dependence on wood filler quantity and the temperature of its thermal modification is also established. It was specified that with the increasing of filler densification and its thermal treatment, the wood impact strength and composite density is decreasing, while with the reduced content of binding, the thermal modification of 200 °С has a positive impact on bending elastic coefficient. The conducted research allows identifying rational areas of use of composite materials as an effective factor in managing natural resources.
Influence of hydroelectric power station on flood situation and modeling of hydrological characteristics
Authors: Grebnev Yaroslav , Moskalev Alexander , Vershkov Anatoly
Published: December 2020

The paper presents the results of modelling the process of flooding the territories of settlements during the rise of flood water in view of the hydrological and climatic characteristics of the Yenisey River. The effectiveness of the model, which takes into account many factors, has been assessed in the course of rising flood water on the Yenisey River in 2020.
Importance and Qualitative Requirements of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Therapy Planning in Rectal Cancer – Interdisciplinary Recommendations of AIO, ARO, ACO and the German Radiological Society
Authors: Attenberger Ulrike Irmgard , Clasen Stephan , Ghadimi Michael , Grosse Ulrich , Antoch Gerald , Schreyer Andreas G. , Wessling Johannes , Hausmann Daniel , Piso Pompiliu , Plodeck Verena , Stintzing Sebastian , Rödel Claus Michael , Hofheinz Ralf Dieter
Published: December 2020

Due to its excellent intrinsic soft tissue contrast, magnetic resonance imaging allows excellent visualization and anatomical separation of therapy-relevant risk structures such as the mesorectal fascia, local lymph nodes, and vascular structures in patients with rectal carcinoma. This makes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) a valuable evaluation method for further therapeutic stratification. In particular, MRI is indispensable for the decision to refrain from neoadjuvant therapy and to choose a primary surgical approach. In addition to the oncologically generally relevant T-, N-, and M-criteria, two further parameters are included: the extramural vascular infiltration and the circumferential resection margin. Due to the significant impact of MRI on further therapeutic decision-making, standardized MR image quality is considered essential.

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Thermal transport in nanoporous holey silicon membranes investigated with optically induced transient thermal gratings
Authors: Duncan Ryan A. , Romano Giuseppe , Sledzinska Marianna , Maznev Alexei A. , Péraud Jean-Philippe M. , Hellman Olle , Sotomayor Torres Clivia M. , Nelson Keith A.
Published: December 2020

In this study, we use transient thermal gratings—a non-contact, laser-based thermal metrology technique with intrinsically high accuracy—to investigate room-temperature phonon-mediated thermal transport in two nanoporous holey silicon membranes with limiting dimensions of 120 nm and 250 nm, respectively. We compare the experimental results with ab initio calculations of phonon-mediated thermal transport according to the phonon Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) using two different computational techniques. We find that the calculations conducted within the Casimir framework, i.e., based on the BTE with the bulk phonon dispersion and diffuse scattering from surfaces, are in quantitative agreement with the experimental data and thus conclude that this framework is adequate for describing phonon-mediated thermal transport in silicon nanostructures with feature sizes of the order of 100 nm.
A 3D simulation comparison of carrier transport in green and blue c-plane multi-quantum well nitride light emitting diodes
Authors: Lheureux Guillaume , Lynsky Cheyenne , Wu Yuh-Renn , Speck James S. , Weisbuch Claude
Published: December 2020

Until recently, the electrical efficiency of green nitride light-emitting diodes (LEDs) was considerably lower than that of blue LEDs. This is particularly surprising as one would expect a reduced forward voltage with increasing emission wavelength. In this paper, we theoretically investigated the impact of the number of quantum wells on the forward voltage of III-nitride LEDs with x = 0.15 (blue) and x = 0.24 (green) InxGa1–xN QWs. The simulated dependence of current density (J) on applied diode bias (V) shows a significant increase of 1.9 V in the forward voltage between one and five quantum well (QW) c-plane green LED structures. Artificially turning off the polarization fields in the simulation does not entirely suppress this effect. Due to the large band offsets in the green LED multiple QW stack, simulations indicate a sequential band filling of the QW sequence. This mechanism should not be limited to c-plane LEDs and could also be present in nonpolar or semipolar devices.
Nanoparticles can induce microemulsions with tunable properties
Authors: Ishimaru Matthew
Published: December 2020

Spontaneous emulsification driven by nanoparticle surfactants could yield host of customizable microemulsions.
Studies of small protein fragments are not representative of full amyloid fibrils
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: December 2020

Comparisons of the behavior of amyloid fibrils in different environments suggest short fragments do not act in the same way as their larger counterparts.