bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Halide lead perovskites for ionizing radiation detection
Authors: Wei Haotong , Huang Jinsong
Published: March 2019

Halide lead perovskites have attracted increasing attention in recent years for ionizing radiation detection due to their strong stopping power, defect-tolerance, large mobility-lifetime (μτ) product, tunable bandgap and simple single crystal growth from low-cost solution processes. In this review, we start with the requirement of material properties for high performance ionizing radiation detection based on direct detection mechanisms for applications in X-ray imaging and γ-ray energy spectroscopy. By comparing the performances of halide perovskites radiation detectors with current state-of-the-art ionizing radiation detectors, we show the promising features and challenges of halide perovskites as promising radiation detectors.
Hippocampal pattern separation supports reinforcement learning
Authors: Ballard Ian C. , Wagner Anthony D. , McClure Samuel M.
Published: March 2019

Animals rely on learned associations to make decisions. Associations can be based on relationships between object features (e.g., the three leaflets of poison ivy leaves) and outcomes (e.g., rash). More often, outcomes are linked to multidimensional states (e.g., poison ivy is green in summer but red in spring). Feature-based reinforcement learning fails when the values of individual features depend on the other features present. One solution is to assign value to multi-featural conjunctive representations. Here, we test if the hippocampus forms separable conjunctive representations that enables the learning of response contingencies for stimuli of the form: AB+, B−, AC−, C+. Pattern analyses on functional MRI data show the hippocampus forms conjunctive representations that are dissociable from feature components and that these representations, along with those of cortex, influence striatal prediction errors. Our results establish a novel role for hippocampal pattern separation and conjunctive representation in reinforcement learning.
Machine-learning reprogrammable metasurface imager
Authors: Li Lianlin , Ruan Hengxin , Liu Che , Li Ying , Shuang Ya , Alù Andrea , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Cui Tie Jun
Published: March 2019

Conventional microwave imagers usually require either time-consuming data acquisition, or complicated reconstruction algorithms for data post-processing, making them largely ineffective for complex in-situ sensing and monitoring. Here, we experimentally report a real-time digital-metasurface imager that can be trained in-situ to generate the radiation patterns required by machine-learning optimized measurement modes. This imager is electronically reprogrammed in real time to access the optimized solution for an entire data set, realizing storage and transfer of full-resolution raw data in dynamically varying scenes. High-accuracy image coding and recognition are demonstrated in situ for various image sets, including hand-written digits and through-wall body gestures, using a single physical hardware imager, reprogrammed in real time. Our electronically controlled metasurface imager opens new venues for intelligent surveillance, fast data acquisition and processing, imaging at various frequencies, and beyond.
Author Correction: Multi-centennial fluctuations of radionuclide production rates are modulated by the Earth’s magnetic field
Authors: Pavón-Carrasco F. J. , Gómez-Paccard M. , Campuzano S. A. , González-Rouco J. F. , Osete M. L.
Published: March 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Publisher Correction: Mental template matching is a potential cultural transmission mechanism for New Caledonian crow tool manufacturing traditions
Authors: Jelbert S. A. , Hosking R. J. , Taylor A. H. , Gray R. D.
Published: March 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Publisher Correction: Functionalization of gold-nanoparticles by the Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin C-terminus for tumor cell ablation using the gold nanoparticle-mediated laser perforation technique
Authors: Becker Annegret , Leskau Miriam , Schlingmann-Molina Barbara L. , Hohmeier Susanne C. , Alnajjar Suhayla , Murua Escobar Hugo , Ngezahayo Anaclet
Published: March 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Xist/Tsix expression dynamics during mouse peri-implantation development revealed by whole-mount 3D RNA-FISH
Authors: Shiura Hirosuke , Abe Kuniya
Published: March 2019

During peri-implantation development in mice, X chromosome inactivation (XCI) status changes dynamically. Here, we examined the expression of Xist and its antisense partner, Tsix, via whole-mount 3D RNA-FISH using strand-specific probes and evaluated XCI status. The results indicate that Xist expression disappears completely by embryonic day (E) 4.5 without Tsix activation in the ICM and that Xist re-expression occurs at E4.75 in some cells, suggesting that random XCI is already initiated in these cells. Intriguingly, epiblast cells exhibiting biallelic Xist expression were observed frequently (~15%) at E5.25 and E5.5. Immunostaining analysis of epigenetic modifications suggests that global change in epigenomic status occurs concomitantly with the transition from imprinted to random XCI. However, global upregulation of H3K27me3 modifications initiated earlier than other modifications, occurring specifically in ICM during progression of Xist erasure. Although both Xist expression and imprinted XCI are thought to be stable in the primitive endoderm/visceral endoderm and trophectoderm/extraembryonic ectoderm lineages, transient loss of Xist clouds was noted only in a subset of extraembryonic ectodermal cells, suggesting distinct features of Xist regulation among the three different embryonic tissue layers. These results will serve as a basis for future functional studies of XCI regulation in vivo.
Impact of Buffer Layer Process and Na on Shunt Paths of Monolithic Series-connected CIGSSe Thin Film Solar Cells
Authors: Bin Mo Chan , Park Se Jin , Bae Soohyun , Lim Mi-hwa , Nam Junggyu , Kim Dongseop , Yang JungYup , Suh Dongchul , Min Byoung Koun , Kim Donghwan , Kang Yoonmook , Kim Young-Su , Lee Hae-seok
Published: March 2019

The illuminated current-voltage characteristics of Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 (CIGSSe) thin film solar cells fabricated using two different buffer layer processes: chemical bath deposition (CBD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD) were investigated. The CIGSSe solar cell with the ALD buffer showed comparable conversion efficiency to the CIGSSe solar cell with CBD buffer but lower shunt resistance even though it showed lower point shunt defect density as measured in electroluminescence. The shunt paths were investigated in detail by capturing the high-resolution dark lock-in thermography images, resolving the shunt resistance contributions of the scribing patterns (P1, P3), and depth profiling of the constituent elements. It was found that the concentration of Na from the soda-lime glass substrate played a key role in controlling the shunt paths. In the ALD process, Na segregated at the surface of CIGSSe and contributed to the increase in the shunt current through P1 and P3, resulting in a reduction in the fill factor of the CIGSSe solar cells.
Retraction Note: β2-adrenoreceptor Inverse Agonist Down-regulates Muscarine Cholinergic Subtype-3 Receptor and Its Downstream Signal Pathways in Airway Smooth Muscle Cells in vitro
Authors: Luo Jian , Liu Yuan-hua , Luo Wei , Luo Zhu , Liu Chun-tao
Published: March 2019

This paper has been retracted at the request of the authors.
Impact of microscopic In fluctuations on the optical properties of InxGa1-xN blue light-emitting diodes assessed by low-energy X-ray fluorescence mapping using synchrotron radiation
Authors: Sakaki Atsushi , Funato Mitsuru , Miyano Munehiko , Okazaki Toshiyuki , Kawakami Yoichi
Published: March 2019

Among the III-nitride semiconductors, InxGa1-xN is a key material for visible optical devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), laser diodes, and solar cells. Light emission is achieved via electron-hole recombination within the InxGa1-xN layer. When InxGa1-xN-based blue LEDs were first commercialized, the high probability of electron-hole radiative recombination despite the presence of numerous threading dislocations was a mystery. Extensive studies have proposed that carrier localization in nanoscopic potential fluctuations due, for example, to the immiscibility between InN and GaN or random alloy fluctuations is a key mechanism for the high emission efficiency. In actual LED devices, not only nanoscopic potential fluctuations but also microscopic ones exist within the InxGa1-xN quantum well light-emitting layers. Herein we map the synchrotron radiation microbeam X-ray fluorescence of InxGa1-xN blue LEDs at a sub-micron level. To acquire weak signals of In, Ar, which is in the air and has a fluorescent X-ray energy similar to that of In, is evacuated from the sample chamber by He purge. As a result, we successfully visualize the spatial In distribution of InxGa1-xN layer nondestructively and present good agreement with optical properties. Additionally, we demonstrate that unlike nanoscopic fluctuations, microscopic In compositional fluctuations do not necessarily have positive effects on device performance. Appropriately controlling both nanoscopic and microscopic fluctuations at the same time is necessary to achieve supreme device performance.
Voltage readout from a piezoelectric intracochlear acoustic transducer implanted in a living guinea pig
Authors: Zhao Chuming , Knisely Katherine E. , Colesa Deborah J. , Pfingst Bryan E. , Raphael Yehoash , Grosh Karl
Published: March 2019

The ability to measure the voltage readout from a sensor implanted inside the living cochlea enables continuous monitoring of intracochlear acoustic pressure locally, which could improve cochlear implants. We developed a piezoelectric intracochlear acoustic transducer (PIAT) designed to sense the acoustic pressure while fully implanted inside a living guinea pig cochlea. The PIAT, fabricated using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) techniques, consisted of an array of four piezoelectric cantilevers with varying lengths to enhance sensitivity across a wide frequency bandwidth. Prior to implantation, benchtop tests were conducted to characterize the device performance in air and in water. When implanted in the cochlea of an anesthetized guinea pig, the in vivo voltage response from the PIAT was measured in response to 80–95 dB sound pressure level 1–14 kHz sinusoidal acoustic excitation at the entrance of the guinea pig’s ear canal. All sensed signals were above the noise floor and unaffected by crosstalk from the cochlear microphonic or external electrical interference. These results demonstrate that external acoustic stimulus can be sensed via the piezoelectric voltage response of the implanted MEMS transducer inside the living cochlea, providing key steps towards developing intracochlear acoustic sensors to replace external or subcutaneous microphones for auditory prosthetics.
Changes in adult sex ratio in wild bee communities are linked to urbanization
Authors: Fitch Gordon , Glaum Paul , Simao Maria-Carolina , Vaidya Chatura , Matthijs Jill , Iuliano Benjamin , Perfecto Ivette
Published: March 2019

Wild bees are indispensable pollinators, supporting global agricultural yield and angiosperm biodiversity. They are experiencing widespread declines, resulting from multiple interacting factors. The effects of urbanization, a major driver of ecological change, on bee populations are not well understood. Studies examining the aggregate response of wild bee abundance and diversity to urbanization tend to document minor changes. However, the use of aggregate metrics may mask trends in particular functional groups. We surveyed bee communities along an urban-to-rural gradient in SE Michigan, USA, and document a large change in observed sex ratio (OSR) along this gradient. OSR became more male biased as urbanization increased, mainly driven by a decline in medium and large bodied ground-nesting female bees. Nest site preference and body size mediated the effects of urbanization on OSR. Our results suggest that previously documented negative effects of urbanization on ground-nesting bees may underestimate the full impact of urbanization, and highlight the need for improved understanding of sex-based differences in the provision of pollination services by wild bees.
Behavioral Compensations and Neuronal Remodeling in a Rodent Model of Chronic Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Leimer Elizabeth M. , Gayoso Matthew G. , Jing Liufang , Tang Simon Y. , Gupta Munish C. , Setton Lori A.
Published: March 2019

Low back pain is associated with degeneration of the intervertebral disc, but specific mechanisms of pain generation in this pathology remain unknown. Sensory afferent nerve fiber growth into the intervertebral disc after injury-induced inflammation may contribute to discogenic pain. We describe a clinically relevant behavioral phenotype in a rodent model of chronic intervertebral disc degeneration which provides a means to map sensory neuron changes to a single affected lumbar intervertebral disc. Unilateral disc puncture of one lumbar intervertebral disc revealed a bilateral behavioral phenotype characterized by gait changes and decreased activity. Moreover, neurons extracted from the dorsal root ganglia in animals with intervertebral disc injury demonstrated altered TRPV1 activation in vitro independent of exogenous NGF administration. Finally, neuronal nuclear hypertrophy and elevated expression of p75NTR provide evidence of active adaptation of innervating sensory neurons in chronic intervertebral disc degeneration. Therefore, this model and findings provide the template for future studies to establish specific mechanisms of nociceptive pain in chronic intervertebral disc degeneration.
Comparison of convective heat transfer for Kagome and tetrahedral truss-cored lattice sandwich panels
Authors: Yang Guangmeng , Hou Chi , Zhao Meiying , Mao Wei
Published: March 2019

The aim of this paper is to make a thorough comparison between Kagome and tetrahedral truss-cored lattices both experimentally and numerically. Two titanium sandwich panels –one cored with the Kagome lattice and the other with the tetrahedral lattice –are manufactured by 3D printing technology. Comparisons of the thermal insulation, the inner flow pattern and the heat transfer between the two sandwich panels are completed subsequently according to the results from forced convective experiments and numerical simulation. Within the Reynolds number range of interest for this study, the Kagome lattice exhibits excellent heat dissipation compared with the tetrahedral lattice. In particular, when the cooling air flows in the direction OB of the two sandwich panels, the Kagome lattice provides an 8~37% higher overall Nusselt number for the sandwich panel compared to the tetrahedral lattice. The superiority of the Kagome lattice comes from a unique configuration in which the centre vertex acting as the vortex generator not only disturbs the primary flow but also induces more serious flow stagnation and separation. The complex fluid flow behaviours enhance heat transfer on both the endwalls and the trusses while causing a pressure drop that is almost two times higher than that of the tetrahedral lattice in the flow direction OB.
Increasing predation risk with light reduces speed, exploration and visit duration of invasive ship rats (Rattus rattus)
Authors: Farnworth Bridgette , Meitern Richard , Innes John , Waas Joseph R.
Published: March 2019

Exploiting predation cues to deter pests remains an untapped management tool for conservationists. We examined foraging and movement patterns of 20 wild ship rats (Rattus rattus) within a large, outdoor ‘U maze’ that was either illuminated or dark to assess if light (an indirect predation cue) could deter rodents from ecologically vulnerable locations. Light did not alter rats’ foraging behaviour (latency to approach seed tray, visits to seed tray, time per visit to seed tray, total foraging duration, foraging rate) within the experimental resource patch but three of seven movement behaviours were significantly impaired (53% fewer visits to the maze, 70% less exploration within the maze, 40% slower movement within the maze). The total time males spent exposed to illumination also declined by 45 minutes per night, unlike females. Individual visits tended to be longer under illumination, but the latency to visit and the latency to cross through the U maze were unaffected by illumination. Elevating predation risk with illumination may be a useful pest management technique for reducing ship rat activity, particularly in island ecosystems where controlling mammalian predators is paramount to preserving biodiversity.
Wrist morphology reveals substantial locomotor diversity among early catarrhines: an analysis of capitates from the early Miocene of Tinderet (Kenya)
Authors: Wuthrich Craig , MacLatchy Laura M. , Nengo Isaiah O.
Published: March 2019

Considerable taxonomic diversity has been recognised among early Miocene catarrhines (apes, Old World monkeys, and their extinct relatives). However, locomotor diversity within this group has eluded characterization, bolstering a narrative that nearly all early catarrhines shared a primitive locomotor repertoire resembling that of the well-described arboreal quadruped Ekembo heseloni. Here we describe and analyse seven catarrhine capitates from the Tinderet Miocene sequence of Kenya, dated to ~20 Ma. 3D morphometrics derived from these specimens and a sample of extant and fossil capitates are subjected to a series of multivariate comparisons, with results suggesting a variety of locomotor repertoires were present in this early Miocene setting. One of the fossil specimens is uniquely derived among early and middle Miocene capitates, representing the earliest known instance of great ape-like wrist morphology and supporting the presence of a behaviourally advanced ape at Songhor. We suggest Rangwapithecus as this catarrhine’s identity, and posit expression of derived, ape-like features as a criterion for distinguishing this taxon from Proconsul africanus. We also introduce a procedure for quantitative estimation of locomotor diversity and find the Tinderet sample to equal or exceed large extant catarrhine groups in this metric, demonstrating greater functional diversity among early catarrhines than previously recognised.
L1cam-mediated developmental processes of the nervous system are differentially regulated by proteolytic processing
Authors: Linneberg Cecilie , Toft Christian Liebst Frisk , Kjaer-Sorensen Kasper , Laursen Lisbeth S.
Published: March 2019

Normal brain development depends on tight temporal and spatial regulation of connections between cells. Mutations in L1cam, a member of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily that mediate cell-cell contacts through homo- and heterophilic interactions, are associated with several developmental abnormalities of the nervous system, including mental retardation, limb spasticity, hydrocephalus, and corpus callosum aplasia. L1cam has been reported to be shed from the cell surface, but the significance of this during different phases of brain development is unknown. We here show that ADAM10-mediated shedding of L1cam is regulated by its fibronectin type III (FNIII) domains. Specifically, the third FNIII domain is important for maintaining a conformation where access to a membrane proximal cleavage site is restricted. To define the role of ADAM10/17/BACE1-mediated shedding of L1cam during brain development, we used a zebrafish model system. Knockdown of the zebrafish, l1camb, caused hydrocephalus, defects in axonal outgrowth, and myelination abnormalities. Rescue experiments with proteinase-resistant and soluble L1cam variants showed that proteolytic cleavage is not required for normal axonal outgrowth and development of the ventricular system. In contrast, metalloproteinase-mediated shedding is required for efficient myelination, and only specific fragments are able to mediate this stimulatory function of the shedded L1cam.
Synchrony and asynchrony between an epigenetic clock and developmental timing
Authors: Hoshino Akina , Horvath Steve , Sridhar Akshayalakshmi , Chitsazan Alex , Reh Thomas A.
Published: March 2019

Epigenetic changes have been used to estimate chronological age across the lifespan, and some studies suggest that epigenetic “aging” clocks may already operate in developing tissue. To better understand the relationship between developmental stage and epigenetic age, we utilized the highly regular sequence of development found in the mammalian neural retina and a well-established epigenetic aging clock based on DNA methylation. Our results demonstrate that the epigenetic age of fetal retina is highly correlated with chronological age. We further establish that epigenetic aging progresses normally in vitro, suggesting that epigenetic aging is a property of individual tissues. This correlation is also retained in stem cell-derived retinal organoids, but is accelerated in individuals with Down syndrome, a progeroid-like condition. Overall, our results suggest that epigenetic aging begins as early as a few weeks post-conception, in fetal tissues, and the mechanisms underlying the phenomenon of epigenetic aging might be studied in developing organs.
Induced high-temperature ferromagnetism by structural phase transitions in strained antiferromagnetic γ-Fe50Mn50 epitaxial films
Authors: Hwang Younghun , Choi Sungyoul , Choi Jeongyong , Cho Sunglae
Published: March 2019

Strain effects in epitaxial films can substantially enhance individual functional properties or induce properties which do not exist in corresponding bulk materials. The bcc α-Fe50Mn50 films are a ferromagnetic with a Curie temperature between 650 K and 750 K, which do not exist in nature can be manipulated through the tensile strain. In this study, γ-Fe50Mn50 epitaxial films grown on GaAs(001) using molecular beam epitaxy are found to structural transition from the face-centered-cubic (fcc, a = 0.327 nm) γ-phase to the body-centered-cubic (bcc, a = 0.889 nm) α-phase. For α-Fe50Mn50 epitaxial films, ferromagnetism is accompanied by structural phase transition due to the tensile strain induced by the differences of the thermal expansion between the film and the substrate. Moreover, by realizing in epitaxial films with fcc structure a tensile strain state, phase transitions were introduced Fe-Mn alloy system with bcc structure. These findings are of fundamental importance to understanding the mechanism of phase transition and properties of epitaxial CuAu-I type antiferromagnetic alloy thin films under strain.
Spike sorting with Gaussian mixture models
Authors: Souza Bryan C. , Lopes-dos-Santos Vítor , Bacelo João , Tort Adriano B. L.
Published: March 2019

The shape of extracellularly recorded action potentials is a product of several variables, such as the biophysical and anatomical properties of the neuron and the relative position of the electrode. This allows isolating spikes of different neurons recorded in the same channel into clusters based on waveform features. However, correctly classifying spike waveforms into their underlying neuronal sources remains a challenge. This process, called spike sorting, typically consists of two steps: (1) extracting relevant waveform features (e.g., height, width), and (2) clustering them into non-overlapping groups believed to correspond to different neurons. In this study, we explored the performance of Gaussian mixture models (GMMs) in these two steps. We extracted relevant features using a combination of common techniques (e.g., principal components, wavelets) and GMM fitting parameters (e.g., Gaussian distances). Then, we developed an approach to perform unsupervised clustering using GMMs, estimating cluster properties in a data-driven way. We found the proposed GMM-based framework outperforms previously established methods in simulated and real extracellular recordings. We also discuss potentially better techniques for feature extraction than the widely used principal components. Finally, we provide a friendly graphical user interface to run our algorithm, which allows manual adjustments.
Rare Pathogenic Variants Predispose to Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Pelusi Serena , Baselli Guido , Pietrelli Alessandro , Dongiovanni Paola , Donati Benedetta , McCain Misti Vanette , Meroni Marica , Fracanzani Anna Ludovica , Romagnoli Renato , Petta Salvatore , Grieco Antonio , Miele Luca , Soardo Giorgio , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Fargion Silvia , Aghemo Alessio , D’Ambrosio Roberta , Xing Chao , Romeo Stefano , De Francesco Raffaele , Reeves Helen Louise , Valenti Luca Vittorio Carlo
Published: March 2019

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a rising cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We examined whether inherited pathogenic variants in candidate genes (n = 181) were enriched in patients with NAFLD-HCC. To this end, we resequenced peripheral blood DNA of 142 NAFLD-HCC, 59 NAFLD with advanced fibrosis, and 50 controls, and considered 404 healthy individuals from 1000 G. Pathogenic variants were defined according to ClinVar, likely pathogenic as rare variants predicted to alter protein activity. In NAFLD-HCC patients, we detected an enrichment in pathogenic (p = 0.024), and likely pathogenic variants (p = 1.9*10−6), particularly in APOB (p = 0.047). APOB variants were associated with lower circulating triglycerides and higher HDL cholesterol (p < 0.01). A genetic risk score predicted NAFLD-HCC (OR 4.96, 3.29–7.55; p = 5.1*10−16), outperforming the diagnostic accuracy of common genetic risk variants, and of clinical risk factors (p < 0.05). In conclusion, rare pathogenic variants in genes involved in liver disease and cancer predisposition are associated with NAFLD-HCC development.
Elaboration Benefits Source Memory Encoding Through Centrality Change
Authors: Amlien Inge K. , Sneve Markus H. , Vidal-Piñeiro Didac , Walhovd Kristine B. , Fjell Anders M.
Published: March 2019

Variations in levels of processing affect memory encoding and subsequent retrieval performance, but it is unknown how processing depth affects communication patterns within the network of interconnected brain regions involved in episodic memory encoding. In 113 healthy adults scanned with functional MRI, we used graph theory to calculate centrality indices representing the brain regions’ relative importance in the memory network. We tested how communication patterns in 42 brain regions involved in episodic memory encoding changed as a function of processing depth, and how these changes were related to episodic memory ability. Centrality changes in right middle frontal gyrus, right inferior parietal lobule and left superior frontal gyrus were positively related to semantic elaboration during encoding. In the same regions, centrality during successful episodic memory encoding was related to performance on the episodic memory task, indicating that these centrality changes reflect processes that support memory encoding through deep elaborative processing. Similar analyses were performed for congruent trials, i.e. events that fit into existing knowledge structures, but no relationship between centrality changes and congruity were found. The results demonstrate that while elaboration and congruity have similar beneficial effects on source memory performance, the cortical signatures of these processes are probably not identical.
TGR5 activation ameliorates hyperglycemia-induced cardiac hypertrophy in H9c2 cells
Authors: Cheng Kai-Chun , Chang Wei-Ting , Kuo Feng Yu , Chen Zhih-Cherng , Li Yingxiao , Cheng Juei-Tang
Published: March 2019

Left ventricular hypertrophy is an independent risk factor in diabetic patients. TGR5 is shown to express in hearts, but its functional role in diabetes-induced cardiac hypertrophy remained unclear. The current study investigated the role of TGR5 on high glucose-induced hypertrophy of H9C2 cells. After incubation with a high level of glucose, H9C2 cells showed hypertrophic responses. Activation of TGR5 by lithocholic acid (LCA) ameliorated cell hypertrophy and enhanced SERCA2a and phosphorylated phospholamban (PLN) expression in H9C2 cells. Triamterene inhibited these effects at an effective dose to block TGR5. However, LCA failed to modify the free radical elevation induced by high-glucose in the H9c2 cells. Moreover, PKA inhibitors, but not an Epac blocker, markedly improved hyperglycemia-induced hypertrophy and attenuated the increased SERCA2a expression by LCA; it also attenuated the phosphorylated PLN and SERCA2a protein expression levels in high glucose-treated H9C2 cells. In conclusion, TGR5 activation stimulated protein kinase A (PKA) to enhance PLN phosphorylation, which activated SERCA2a to remove Ca2+ from cytosol to sarcoplasmic reticulum in addition to the reduction of calcineurin/NFAT pathway signaling to ameliorate the hyperglycemia-induced cardiac hypertrophy shown in cardiomyocytes. TGR5 may service as a new target in the control of diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Single-Shot Multi-Frame Imaging of Cylindrical Shock Waves in a Multi-Layered Assembly
Authors: Dresselhaus-Cooper Leora , Gorfain Joshua E. , Key Chris T. , Ofori-Okai Benjamin K. , Ali Suzanne J. , Martynowych Dmitro J. , Gleason Arianna , Kooi Steven , Nelson Keith A.
Published: March 2019

We demonstrate single-shot multi-frame imaging of quasi-2D cylindrically converging shock waves as they propagate through a multi-layer target sample assembly. We visualize the shock with sequences of up to 16 images, using a Fabry-Perot cavity to generate a pulse train that can be used in various imaging configurations. We employ multi-frame shadowgraph and dark-field imaging to measure the amplitude and phase of the light transmitted through the shocked target. Single-shot multi-frame imaging tracks geometric distortion and additional features in our images that were not previously resolvable in this experimental geometry. Analysis of our images, in combination with simulations, shows that the additional image features are formed by a coupled wave structure resulting from interface effects in our targets. This technique presents a new capability for tabletop imaging of shock waves that can be extended to experiments at large-scale facilities.
Experimental Microwave Scattering in Polygonal Billiards
Authors: Carmo R. B. do , Aguiar F. M. de
Published: March 2019

Fluctuations in the one-port scattering and normalized impedance matrices in three polygonal and one chaotic time-reversal invariant microwave billiards are experimentally investigated, in several levels of coupling and absorption, at room temperature and at 77 K. The observed distributions of reflection coefficient, phase of the scattering matrix, resistance and reactance exhibit no fingerprint of a given geometry. At low frequencies, the results are consistent with earlier theoretical models by López, Mello and Seligman and by Zheng, Antonsen and Ott, who independently predicted that the scattering fluctuations might be the same for the Wigner and Poisson level spacing distributions in the lossless cavity. The uniqueness of the observed scattering statistics at higher absorption levels is discussed with respect to inherent limitations posed by the experimental technique.
Carrier Transport and Recombination Mechanism in Blue Phosphorescent Organic Light-Emitting Diode with Hosts Consisting of Cabazole- and Triazole-Moiety
Authors: Cheng Tian-You , Lee Jiun-Haw , Chen Chia-Hsun , Chen Po-Hsun , Wang Po-Sheng , Lin Chuan-En , Lin Bo-Yen , Lan Yi-Hsin , Hsieh Yu-Hsuan , Huang Jau-Jiun , Lu Hsiu-Feng , Chao Ito , Leung Man-kit , Chiu Tien-Lung , Lin Chi-Feng
Published: March 2019

In this study, we demonstrated a blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diode (BPOLED) based on a host with two carbazole and one trizole (2CbzTAZ) moiety, 9,9′-(2-(4,5-diphenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)-1,3-phenylene)bis(9H-carbazole), that exhibits bipolar transport characteristics. Compared with the devices with a carbazole host (N,N’-dicarbazolyl-3,5-benzene, (mCP)), triazole host (3-(biphenyl-4-yl)-5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole, (TAZ)), or a physical mixture of mCP:TAZ, which exhibit hole, electron, and bipolar transport characteristics, respectively, the BPOLED with the bipolar 2CbzTAZ host exhibited the lowest driving voltage (6.55 V at 10 mA/cm2), the highest efficiencies (maximum current efficiency of 52.25 cd/A and external quantum efficiency of 23.89%), and the lowest efficiency roll-off, when doped with bis[2-(4,6-difluorophenyl)pyridinato-C2,N](picolinato)iridium(III) (FIrpic) as blue phosphor. From analyses of light leakage of the emission spectra of electroluminescence, transient electroluminescence, and partially doped OLEDs, it was found that the recombination zone was well confined inside the emitting layer and the recombination rate was most efficient in a 2CbzTAZ-based OLED. For the other cases using mCP, TAZ, and mCP:TAZ as hosts, electrons and holes transported with different routes that resulted in carrier accumulation on different organic molecules and lowered the recombination rate.
Movement of environmental threats modifies the relevance of the defensive eye-blink in a spatially-tuned manner
Authors: Somervail R. , Bufacchi R. J. , Guo Y. , Kilintari M. , Novembre G. , Swapp D. , Steed A. , Iannetti G. D.
Published: March 2019

Subcortical reflexive motor responses are under continuous cortical control to produce the most effective behaviour. For example, the excitability of brainstem circuitry subserving the defensive hand-blink reflex (HBR), a response elicited by intense somatosensory stimuli to the wrist, depends on a number of properties of the eliciting stimulus. These include face-hand proximity, which has allowed the description of an HBR response field around the face (commonly referred to as a defensive peripersonal space, DPPS), as well as stimulus movement and probability of stimulus occurrence. However, the effect of stimulus-independent movements of objects in the environment has not been explored. Here we used virtual reality to test whether and how the HBR-derived DPPS is affected by the presence and movement of threatening objects in the environment. In two experiments conducted on 40 healthy volunteers, we observed that threatening arrows flying towards the participant result in DPPS expansion, an effect directionally-tuned towards the source of the arrows. These results indicate that the excitability of brainstem circuitry subserving the HBR is continuously adjusted, taking into account the movement of environmental objects. Such adjustments fit in a framework where the relevance of defensive actions is continually evaluated, to maximise their survival value.
Self-rated health and the risk of incident type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cohort study
Authors: Noh Jin-Won , Chang Yoosoo , Park Minsun , Kwon Young Dae , Ryu Seungho
Published: March 2019

We aimed to evaluate the association between self-rated health (SRH) and the risk of incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). This cohort study consisted of 250,805 Korean men and women without T2D at baseline. SRH was assessed at baseline with a self-administered structured questionnaire. Incident T2D was defined as fasting serum glucose ≥126 mg/dL, HbA1C ≥6.5%, or use of medication for T2D during follow-up. After adjustment for possible confounders including age, center, year of screening exam, smoking status, alcohol intake, physical activity, education level, total calorie intake, body mass index, sleep duration, depressive symptoms, family history of diabetes, history of hypertension, and history of cardiovascular disease, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for incident T2D comparing good, fair, and poor or very poor SRH to very good SRH were 1.20 (0.98–1.48), 1.63 (1.33–1.98), and 1.83 (1.47–2.27), respectively. These associations were consistently observed in clinically relevant subgroups. Fair or poorer SRH was independently and positively associated with the development of T2D in a large-scale cohort study of apparently healthy Korean adults, indicating that SRH is a predictor of metabolic health. Physicians involved in diabetes screening and management should routinely consider SRH when evaluating T2D risk as well as overall health.
Proteomic changes in oocytes after in vitro maturation in lipotoxic conditions are different from those in cumulus cells
Authors: Marei Waleed F. A. , Van Raemdonck Geert , Baggerman Geert , Bols Peter E. J. , Leroy Jo L. M. R.
Published: March 2019

Maternal lipolytic metabolic disorders result in a lipotoxic microenvironment in the ovarian follicular fluid (FF) which deteriorates oocyte quality. Although cellular stress response mechanisms are well defined in somatic cells, they remain largely unexplored in oocytes, which have distinct organelle structure and nuclear transcription patterns. Here we used shotgun proteomic analyses to study cellular responses of bovine oocytes and cumulus cells (CCs) after in vitro maturation under lipotoxic conditions; in the presence of pathophysiological palmitic acid (PA) concentration as a model. Differentially regulated proteins (DRPs) were mainly localized in the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and nuclei of CCs and oocytes, however the DRPs and their direction of change were cell-type specific. Proteomic changes in PA-exposed CCs were predominantly pro-apoptotic unfolded protein responses (UPRs), mitochondrial and metabolic dysfunctions, and apoptotic pathways. This was also functionally confirmed. Interestingly, although the oocytes were enclosed by CCs during PA exposure, elevated cellular stress levels were also evident. However, pro-survival UPRs, redox regulatory and compensatory metabolic mechanisms were prominent despite evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and reduced subsequent embryo development. The data provides a unique insight that enriches the understanding of the cellular stress responses in metabolically-compromised oocytes and forms a fundamental base to identify new targets for fertility treatments as discussed within.
Microplastic deposition velocity in streams follows patterns for naturally occurring allochthonous particles
Authors: Hoellein Timothy J. , Shogren Arial J. , Tank Jennifer L. , Risteca Paul , Kelly John J.
Published: March 2019

Accumulation of plastic litter is accelerating worldwide. Rivers are a source of microplastic (i.e., particles <5 mm) to oceans, but few measurements of microplastic retention in rivers exist. We adapted spiraling metrics used to measure particulate organic matter transport to quantify microplastic deposition using an outdoor experimental stream. We conducted replicated pulse releases of three common microplastics: polypropylene pellets, polystyrene fragments, and acrylic fibers, repeating measurements using particles with and without biofilms. Depositional velocity (vdep; mm/s) patterns followed expectations based on density and biofilm ‘stickiness’, where vdep was highest for fragments, intermediate for fibers, and lowest for pellets, with biofilm colonization generally increasing vdep. Comparing microplastic vdep to values for natural particles (e.g., fine and coarse particulate organic matter) showed that particle diameter was positively related to vdep and negatively related to the ratio of vdep to settling velocity (i.e., sinking rate in standing water). Thus, microplastic vdep in rivers can be quantified with the same methods and follows the same patterns as natural particles. These data are the first measurements of microplastic deposition in rivers, and directly inform models of microplastic transport at the landscape scale, making a key contribution to research on the global ecology of plastic waste.
Unravelling paralogous gene expression dynamics during three-spined stickleback embryogenesis
Authors: Kaitetzidou Elisavet , Katsiadaki Ioanna , Lagnel Jacques , Antonopoulou Efthimia , Sarropoulou Elena
Published: March 2019

Development requires the implementation of a plethora of molecular mechanisms, involving a large set of genes to ensure proper cell differentiation, morphogenesis of tissues and organs as well as the growth of the organism. Genome duplication and resulting paralogs are considered to provide the raw genetic materials important for new adaptation opportunities and boosting evolutionary innovation. The present study investigated paralogous genes, involved in three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) development. Therefore, the transcriptomes of five early stages comprising developmental leaps were explored. Obtained expression profiles reflected the embryo’s needs at different stages. Early stages, such as the morula stage comprised transcripts mainly involved in energy requirements while later stages were mostly associated with GO terms relevant to organ development and morphogenesis. The generated transcriptome profiles were further explored for differential expression of known and new paralogous genes. Special attention was given to hox genes, with hoxa13a being of particular interest and to pigmentation genes where itgb1, involved in the melanophore development, displayed a complementary expression pattern throughout studied stages. Knowledge obtained by untangling specific paralogous gene functions during development might not only significantly contribute to the understanding of teleost ontogenesis but might also shed light on paralogous gene evolution.
Insecticidal activity of Vanillosmopsis arborea essential oil and of its major constituent α-bisabolol against Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Moura Eridiane da Silva , Faroni Lêda Rita D’ Antonino , Zanuncio José Cola , Heleno Fernanda Fernandes , Prates Lucas Henrique Figueiredo
Published: March 2019

Vigna unguiculata, one of the most important legumes, mainly in underdeveloped countries, is susceptible to post-harvest losses in storage by Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius, 1775) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). The work evaluated the toxicity, inhibition of oviposition, instantaneous rate of population growth (ri) and the development of fumigated C. maculatus with the essential oil of Vanillosmopsis arborea and its major constituent, α-bisabolol. The experimental units consisted of 0.8 L flasks treated with concentrations of 1.2–11.2 μL L−1of air of the essential oil of V. arborea or its major constituent applied to disks of filter paper. α-Bisabolol was quantified as 409.33 mL L−1 of the essential oil. The development rate of C. maculatus was evaluated by daily adult counts. Oviposition was evaluated at lethal concentrations (LC50, LC25, LC10 and LC1). The LC50 and LC95 of the essential oil of V. arborea and α-bisabolol were 5.23 and 12.97 μL L−1 of air and 2.47 and 8.82 μL L−1 of air, respectively. At some concentrations, the α-bisabolol was more toxic to males than to females of the insect. Increased concentrations of the essential oil reduced the ri, rate of development, oviposition, and number of eggs of C. maculatus and therefore have potential for pest control.
Highly efficient eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 5 M HCl at elevated temperatures: experimental & molecular dynamics study
Authors: El-Haddad Muhsen A. M. , Bahgat Radwan A. , Sliem Mostafa H. , Hassan Walid M. I. , Abdullah Aboubakr M.
Published: March 2019

Laurhydrazide N′-propan-3-one was used as an eco-friendly inhibitor for the corrosion of mild steel in 5 M HCl at elevated temperatures. Various electrochemical techniques and surface characterization methods were utilized in this study. In addition, the kinetics and thermodynamic parameters were calculated and discussed. Furthermore, a geometry optimization of LHP was performed and the time-dependent density functional theory was utilized to calculate the electronic absorption spectra. Finally, frequency calculations were, also, performed on the optimized geometry.
Systems Genetics of Hepatic Metabolome Reveals Octopamine as a Target for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Treatment
Authors: Brial Francois , Le Lay Aurélie , Hedjazi Lyamine , Tsang Tsz , Fearnside Jane F. , Otto Georg W. , Alzaid Fawaz , Wilder Steven P. , Venteclef Nicolas , Cazier Jean-Baptiste , Nicholson Jeremy K. , Day Chris , Burt Alastair D. , Gut Ivo G. , Lathrop Mark , Dumas Marc-Emmanuel , Gauguier Dominique
Published: March 2019

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is often associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. To disentangle etiological relationships between these conditions and identify genetically-determined metabolites involved in NAFLD processes, we mapped 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomic and disease-related phenotypes in a mouse F2 cross derived from strains showing resistance (BALB/c) and increased susceptibility (129S6) to these diseases. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes identified diet responsive QTLs in F2 mice fed control or high fat diet (HFD). In HFD fed F2 mice we mapped on chromosome 18 a QTL regulating liver micro- and macrovesicular steatosis and inflammation, independently from glucose intolerance and adiposity, which was linked to chromosome 4. Linkage analysis of liver metabolomic profiling data identified a QTL for octopamine, which co-localised with the QTL for liver histopathology in the cross. Functional relationship between these two QTLs was validated in vivo in mice chronically treated with octopamine, which exhibited reduction in liver histopathology and metabolic benefits, underlining its role as a mechanistic biomarker of fatty liver with potential therapeutic applications.
Comparative analysis of toxicity reduction of wastewater in twelve industrial park wastewater treatment plants based on battery of toxicity assays
Authors: Yu Yue , Wu Bing , Jiang Linmiao , Zhang Xu-Xiang , Ren Hong-Qiang , Li Mei
Published: March 2019

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in industrial parks provide centralized treatment for industrial and domestic wastewater. However, the information on toxicity reduction of wastewater and its correlation with treatment process in industrial park is limited. This study compared the toxicity reduction of wastewater in 12 industrial park WWTPs based on battery of toxicity assays. Nine toxic endpoints involving microorganism, phytoplankton, zooplankton, plant and human cell lines were applied. All the influents of WWTPs induced high toxicities, which were significantly reduced after the treatments from 7 of the studied WWTPs. However, the effluents of five WWTPs induced higher toxicity in one or more toxic endpoints compared to the influents. This study also found that most of anaerobic-anoxic-oxic (A2/O)-based processes had good removal efficiency of wastewater toxicity, while the sequencing batch reactor (SBR)-based processes had the lowest removal efficiency. Moreover, low correlation coefficients were obtained among all toxic endpoints, indicating that battery of toxicity assays was necessary to completely characterize the toxicity and risk of wastewater in industrial parks. This study shed new lights to the toxicity reduction of wastewater and its correlation with treatment process, which is very useful for the design, management and operation of WWTPs in industrial parks.