bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural correlates of reward processing: Functional dissociation of two components within the ventral striatum
Authors: Grill Filip , Nyberg Lars , Rieckmann Anna
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Rewarding and punishing stimuli elicit BOLD responses in the affective division of the striatum. The responses typically traverse from the affective to the associative division of the striatum, suggesting an involvement of associative processes during the modulation of stimuli valance. In this study, we hypothesized that fMRI responses to rewards versus punishments in a guessing card game can be disassociated into two functional component processes that reflect the convergence of limbic and associative functional networks in the ventral striatum.

Methods

We used fMRI data of 175 (92 female) subjects from the human connectome project´s gambling task, working memory task, and resting‐state scans. A reward > punish contrast identified a ventral striatum cluster from which voxelwise GLM parameter estimates were entered into a k‐means clustering algorithm. The k‐means analysis supported separating the cluster into two spatially distinct components. These components were used as seeds to investigate their functional connectivity profile. GLM parameter estimates were extracted and compared from the task contrasts reward > punish and 2‐back > 0‐back from two ROIs in the ventral striatum and one ROI in hippocampus.

Results

The analyses converged to show that a superior striatal component, coupled with the ventral attention and frontal control networks, was responsive to both a modulation of cognitive control in working memory and to rewards, whereas the most inferior part of the ventral striatum, coupled with the limbic and default mode networks including the hippocampus, was selectively responsive to rewards.

Conclusion

We show that the fMRI response to rewards in the ventral striatum reflects a mixture of component processes of reward. An inferior ventral striatal component and hippocampus are part of an intrinsically coupled network that responds to reward‐based processing during gambling. The more superior ventral striatal component is intrinsically coupled to networks involved with executive functioning and responded to both reward and cognitive control demands.
The lethality of non‐familial child abductions: Characteristics and outcomes of 565 incidents involving youth under the age of 18 years
Authors: Warren Janet I. , Reed James , Leviton April Celeste R. , Millspaugh Sara Byrd , Dietz Park , Grabowska Anita A. , Isom Adrienne N. , Shelton Joy Lynn E. , Lybert Kristen
Published: December 2020

Offender motivation for child abduction determines both the nature and final outcome of the abduction. Research has identified victim characteristics, offender characteristics, and sexual motivations as factors influencing child abduction and child abduction homicide. We examine 565 child abductions identified through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to determine the characteristics of victim, perpetrator, and crime and their influence on whether the child is murdered. Central to this research was the finding that 88.6% of the abductions involved a sexual motivation for the crime, and sexual motivation was significantly more likely when the victim was female and when the victim was post‐pubescent. Of 581 child victims for whom the outcome of the abduction was known, 281 (48.3%) were found alive and 300 (51.7%) were found dead or presumed dead. There was a significant interaction between motive for the crime and the final abduction outcome, with victims abducted for sexual purposes being at higher risk of being murdered.
Transferability of miRNA‐technology to bioprocessing: Influence of cultivation mode and media
Authors: Leroux Ann‐Cathrin , Bartels Elisabeth , Winter Luise , Mann Melanie , Otte Kerstin , Zehe Christoph
Published: December 2020

The biopharmaceutical industry strives for improvement of their production processes. In recent years, miRNAs have been shown to positively impact the production capacity of recombinant CHO cells, especially with regard to difficult to express proteins. Effective and reliable gene regulation of process relevant target genes by miRNAs is a prerequisite for integrating them into the toolbox of industrial cell engineering strategies. However, most studies rely on transient transfection of miRNA mimics; there is low standardization in evaluation of miRNA function and little knowledge on transferability of effects found during transient expression to stable expression during industry relevant fed‐batch cultivation. In order to provide more insight into this topic, we used the pcDNA6.2 vector for stable miRNA overexpression during batch and fed‐batch cultivation in CHO DG44 cells, optimized the vector, and compared the miRNA levels and effects with those achieved by transfection of miRNA mimics. We found that miR‐1 downregulated TWF1 mRNA in different recombinant CHO DG44 clones in a dose‐dependent manner during transient batch cultivation. Cells stably overexpressing miR‐1 also showed a TWF1 mRNA downregulation when cultivated in batch mode using in‐house medium 1. However, when the cells stably overexpressing miR‐1 were cultivated in fed‐batch mode using in‐house medium 2. Consequently, a change of cultivation mode and medium seems to have an impact on target gene regulation by miRNA. Taken together, our findings highlight the importance to standardize miRNA evaluations and test miRNAs in the final application environment.
Pyrene Tags for the Detection of Carbohydrates by Label‐Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation Mass Spectrometry**
Authors: Hauser Jacob R. , Bergström Edmund T. , Kulak Alexander N. , Warriner Stuart L. , Thomas‐Oates Jane , Bon Robin S.
Published: December 2020

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) is widely used for the analysis of biomolecules. Label‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry (LALDI‐MS) is a matrix‐free variant of MALDI‐MS, in which only analytes covalently attached to a laser desorption/ionisation (LDI) enhancer are detected. LALDI‐MS has shown promise in overcoming the limitations of MALDI‐MS in terms of sample preparation and MS analysis. In this work, we have developed a series of pyrene‐based LDI reagents (LALDI tags) that can be used for labelling and LALDI‐MS analysis of reducing carbohydrates from complex (biological) samples without the need for additional chemical derivatisation or purification. We have systematically explored the suitability of four pyrene‐based LDI enhancers and three aldehyde‐reactive handles, optimised sample preparation, and demonstrated the use of LALDI tags for the detection of lactose. We have also exemplified the potential of LALDI tags for labelling carbohydrates in biological samples by direct detection of lactose in cow's milk. These results demonstrate that LALDI‐MS is a promising technique for the analysis of reducing carbohydrates in biological samples, and pave the way for the development of LALDI‐MS for glycomics and diagnostics.
TGF‐β acts as a dual regulator of COX‐2/PGE2 tumor promotion depending of its cross‐interaction with H‐Ras and Wnt/β‐catenin pathways in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: de Araújo Wallace M. , Tanaka Marcelo N. , Lima Pedro H. S. , de Moraes Cassio F. , Leve Fernanda , Bastos Lilian G. , Rocha Murilo R. , Robbs Bruno K. , Viola João P. B. , Morgado‐Diaz Jose A.
Published: December 2020

Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) plays a dual role acting as tumor promoter or suppressor. Along with cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and oncogenic Ras, this multifunctional cytokine is deregulated in colorectal cancer. Despite their individual abilities to promote tumor growth and invasion, the mechanisms of cross regulation between these pathways is still unclear. Here, we investigate the effects of TGF‐β, Ras oncogene and COX‐2 in the colorectal cancer context. We used colon adenocarcinoma cell line HT‐29 and Ras‐transformed IEC‐6 cells, both treated with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), TGF‐β or a combined treatment with these agents. We demonstrated that PGE2 alters the subcellular localization of E‐cadherin and β‐catenin and enhanced the tumorigenic potential in HT‐29 cells. This effect was inhibited by TGF‐β, indicating a tumor suppressor role. Conversely, in Ras‐transformed IEC‐6 cells, TGF‐β induced COX‐2 expression and increased invasiveness, acting as a tumor promoter. In IEC‐6 Ras‐transformed cells, TGF‐β increased nuclear β‐catenin and Wnt/β‐catenin activation, opposite to what was seen in the PGE2 and TGF‐β joint treatment in HT‐29 cells. Together, our findings show that TGF‐β increases COX‐2 levels and induces invasiveness cooperating with Ras in a Wnt/β‐catenin activation‐dependent manner. This shows TGF‐β dual regulation over COX‐2/PGE2 tumor promotion depending on the H‐Ras and Wnt/β‐catenin pathways activation status in intestinal cancer cells.
Conservative management of petrous apex abscess and Gradenigo's syndrome in a diabetic patient: Case report and literature review
Authors: Guimaraes Guilherme Correa , de Freitas Paola Piva , da Silva Vagner Antonio Rodrigues , Castilho Arthur Menino
Published: December 2020

The case reported evidences the possibility of nonsurgical treatment in patients with abscesses located in regions difficult to reach surgically due to surgical limitations or possible sequelae related to surgical procedure.
π–π Catalysis in Carbon Flatland—Flipping [8]Annulene on Graphene
Authors: Kroeger Asja A. , Karton Amir
Published: December 2020

Noncovalent interactions are an integral part of the modern catalysis toolbox. Although stronger noncovalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding are commonly the main driving force of catalysis, π–π interactions typically provide smaller additional stabilizations, for example, to afford selectivity enhancements. Here, it is shown computationally that pristine graphene flakes may efficiently catalyze the skeletal inversions of various benzannulated cyclooctatetraene derivatives, providing an example of a catalytic process driven solely by π–π stacking interactions. Hereby, the catalytic effect results from disproportionate shape complementarity between catalyst and transition structure compared with catalyst and reactant. An energy decomposition analysis reveals electrostatic and, especially with increasing system size, to a larger extent, dispersion interactions as the origin of stabilization.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed 1,4‐Aryl Migration/Desulfonylation Cascade: Synthesis of α‐Aryl Amides
Authors: Gillaizeau‐Simonian Nicolas , Barde Etienne , Guérinot Amandine , Cossy Janine
Published: December 2020

A cobalt‐catalyzed 1,4‐aryl migration/disulfonylation cascade applied to α‐bromo N‐sulfonyl amides was developed. The reaction was highly chemoselective, allowing the preparation of α‐aryl amides possessing a variety of functional groups. The method was used as the key step to synthesize an alkaloid, (±)‐deoxyeseroline. Mechanistic investigations suggest a radical process.
An insight into the formation of liquid bridge and its role on fracture capillary pressure during gravity drainage in fractured porous media
Authors: Harimi Behrouz , Masihi Mohsen , Ghazanfari Mohammad H.
Published: December 2020

The formation of liquid bridges can maintain capillary continuity between matrix blocks during gas/oil gravity drainage in fractured reservoirs. A travelling oil drop draining into a fracture either forms a liquid bridge or breaks into detached drops. However, the different characteristics of a travelling drop during its elongation and required conditions for transformation into a liquid bridge are not well described in the published literature. In this work, a one‐dimensional model based on slender‐drop theory is employed that holds gravity, viscosity, and surface tension forces but ignores inertia. This model, together with Young‐Laplace equation, gives the fracture capillary pressure. Then, the effect of liquid influx rate, viscosity, surface tension, density difference, contact angle, and contact radius on the shape, critical (or maximum) volume, and length of travelling liquid drops is analyzed and compared with the results in the absence of flow (ie, pendant drops). Critical length is shown to be an increasing function of both liquid viscosity and the influx rate, but the effect of surface tension and density is somewhat case dependent. Furthermore, it is found that if fracture aperture is equal to or less than the critical length of a drop, the formed liquid bridge would be stable. Also, fracture capillary pressure is shown to be remarkable in thin fractures (apertures of less than 50 μm) with embedded liquid bridge. On the other hand, the suspended oil drops, even when reaching critical length, cannot provide considerable capillary pressure.
Eurasian water milfoil: Composition, recovery of phenolics and anthocyanins, and saccharification
Authors: Tonova Konstantza , Lazarova Madlena
Published: December 2020

Eurasian water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum; EWM) is an invasive aquatic weed that has spread worldwide but remains unstudied as a potential source of bioenergy and valuable chemicals. In this study, the composition of EWM biomass is characterized by determining the monosugar and lignin content, ash, and extractives. EWM extractives contain beneficial phenolic compounds, among them anthocyanin pigments. Following the biorefinery concept, a stepwise treatment of this aquatic plant was carried out toward integrating the extraction of phenolics with the saccharification of carbohydrates for viable biomass utilization. The recovery of phenolics and anthocyanin pigments was studied, in which different extracting compositions and conditions were applied. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was evaluated. Saccharification was carried out using autoclaving, followed by hydrolysis using common cellulase enzyme. Different media were studied. Under the best condition, the carbohydrates contained were hydrolyzed to reducing sugars, and the conversion rate to glucose reached 90%. The yield of glucose was 0.245 g g−1 dried plant. This study demonstrates the potential of EWM as a source of antioxidants comparable to some phenolics‐rich algae, and as a bioenergy resource comparable with other sugar‐rich macrophytes.
Burden of arrhythmia in hospitalized HIV patients
Authors: Abudan Anas A. , Vaidya Vaibhav R. , Tripathi Byomesh , Noseworthy Peter A. , DeSimone Daniel C. , Egbe Alexander , Arora Shilpkumar , Sridhar Haarini , DeSimone Christopher V. , Mulpuru Siva , Deshmukh Abhishek J.
Published: December 2020

Background

The improved life expectancy observed in patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has made age‐related cardiovascular complications, including arrhythmias, a growing health concern.

Hypothesis

We describe the temporal trends in frequency of various arrhythmias and assess impact of arrhythmias on hospitalized HIV patients using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS).

Methods

Data on HIV‐related hospitalizations from 2005 to 2014 were obtained from the NIS database using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD‐9) codes. Data was further subclassified into hospitalizations with associated arrhythmias and those without. Baseline demographics and comorbidities were determined. Outcomes including in‐hospital mortality, cost of care, and length of stay were extracted. SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) was utilized for analysis. A multivariable analysis was performed to identify predictors of arrhythmias among hospitalized HIV patients.

Results

Among 2 370 751 HIV‐related hospitalizations identified, the overall frequency of any arrhythmia was 3.01%. Atrial fibrillation (AF) was the most frequent arrhythmia (2110 per 100 000). The overall frequency of arrhythmias increased over time by 108%, primarily due to a 132% increase in AF. Arrhythmias are more frequent among older males, lowest income quartile, and nonelective admissions. Patients with arrhythmias had a higher in‐hospital mortality rate (9.6%). In‐hospital mortality among patients with arrhythmias decreased over time by 43.8%. The cost of care and length of stay associated with arrhythmia‐related hospitalizations were mostly unchanged.

Conclusions

Arrhythmias are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in hospitalized HIV patients. AF is the most frequent arrhythmia in hospitalized HIV patients.
Crystalloids in FNA specimens of salivary gland lesions: A retrospective study in a single large institute
Authors: Sun Tong , Faquin William C. , Torous Vanda F.
Published: December 2020

Background

Identifying crystalloids, which includes amylase and tyrosine crystalloids, is relatively uncommon in salivary gland fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. Although it has been suggested that the presence of crystalloids favors a benign process, the full significance has not been well established.

Methods

The authors performed a review of slides from all salivary gland FNA cases received in their laboratory from January 2017 to September 2019 to identify cases with crystalloids (screened cohort). In addition, the departmental archives were searched retrospectively for all salivary gland FNA cases that had specifically reported crystalloids. Cytologic findings as well as correlation with surgical pathology and clinical follow‐up were examined.

Results

There were 664 cases in the screened cohort. Crystalloids were present in 37 cases (incidence, 5.6%). Amylase crystalloids were the most commonly identified (n = 28; 75%), followed by tyrosine crystalloids (n = 4; 11%), and collagenous crystalloids (n = 1; 3%). Four cases with crystalloids could not be further classified because of low quantity (n = 4; 11%). An additional 54 cases were identified in the 10‐year retrospective review. Diagnostic categorization for the total cohort (N = 91) was as follows: nondiagnostic, 30 cases (33%); nonneoplastic/benign, 42 cases (46%); neoplasm: benign, 10 cases (11%); and atypia of undetermined significance, 9 cases (10%). Twenty‐six cases had subsequent resection findings, including oncocytic cyst/cystadenoma in 8 cases (31%), chronic sialadenitis/ductal obstructive change in 7 cases (27%), pleomorphic adenoma in 5 cases (27%), developmental cyst in 3 cases (12%), lymphoepithelial cyst in 2 cases (8%), and Warthin tumor in 1 case (4%).

Conclusions

This cohort represents the largest FNA series of salivary gland crystalloids. All cases were associated with nonneoplastic or benign neoplastic lesions.
Multi‐swarm competitive swarm optimizer for large‐scale optimization by entropy‐assisted diversity measurement and management
Authors: Li Wuzhao , Guo Weian , Li Yongmei , Wang Lei , Wu Qidi
Published: December 2020

As a crucial factor, population diversity greatly affects performances of swarm intelligence algorithms. Especially, for large‐scale optimization problems (LSOPs), the searching space is huge and the number of local optima dramatically increases. Hence to well address LSOPs, a healthy population diversity is helpful to prevent a swarm from premature convergence. However, this is a big challenge to balance exploration and exploitation for swarm intelligence algorithms. To handle with this issue, in this paper, we design a novel algorithm structure for swarm update. In the proposed algorithm, a swarm is divided into several groups and conduct competition in each group where the loser will learn from the winner and meanwhile the winner does nothing in the corresponding iteration. For diversity measurement, we abandon the distance‐based measurement, but employ a frequency‐based measurement, namely entropy indicator, so that the diversity maintenance can be conducted with a different measurement of convergence situation. In this way, the diversity maintenance and convergence can be conducted simultaneously and independently. The benchmarks on the suite of LSOPs are employed to validate the performance of a proposed algorithm. By comparing several state‐of‐the‐art competitor algorithms, the results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is effective and competitive in dealing with LSOPs.
CRISPR/Cas9‐Based Genome Editing of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ADE2 Gene with Restriction‐Free Cloning and a Rapid BamHI Digest Readout
Authors: Sirois Allison R. , Pilotte Nils , Williams Steven A. , Saunders Lori J.
Published: December 2020

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR‐associated systems (CRISPR/Cas) are revolutionary tools for predictable and repeatable genome editing. In this article, the CRISPR/Cas9 system will be used to engineer the genome of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. As a model organism utilized across biological disciplines, efficient and tailorable methods for engineering the yeast genome are indispensable for a variety of research, educational, and commercial applications. The protocols described here incorporate a simple restriction‐free cloning strategy and digestion‐based screening method that can be readily and easily modified to suit user‐designed experimental needs. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Recombinant pCAS plasmid preparation

Basic Protocol 2: Barcode/editing fragment assembly

Basic Protocol 3: Gene editing by yeast co‐transformation

Alternate Protocol: Competent yeast preparation and transformation by a lithium acetate/single‐stranded carrier method
The effects of calcitonin on post‐orthodontic relapse in rats
Authors: Alnajar Hussein Abid Ali Muhsin , Al Groosh Dheaa H.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To determine the effects of systematic calcitonin administration on post‐orthodontic relapse in rat model.

Material and methods

This experimental animal model involved 36 male Wister rats. The maxillary right first molars were moved mesially, using a modified orthodontic appliance delivered 50 gm, for 14 days, retained for 4 days and left to relapse for 10 days. The study group was divided into three subgroups in which a single injection of calcitonin (20 IU/Kg), three injections of calcitonin (20 IU/Kg), each every other day, and normal saline were administered subcutaneously after orthodontic tooth movement has finished. The relapse ratio, histomorphometric analysis including osteoblasts, osteoclasts numbers and bone area and immunohistochemical analysis including the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa Β (RANK), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa Β ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were measured and assessed.

Results

The relapse ratio was significantly reduced in the three‐dose calcitonin group (28%) compared to the single dose calcitonin group (34%) and the control group (46%). This was accompanied by a nonsignificant increase in osteoblasts number and bone area in three‐dose calcitonin group and a nonsignificant reduction in osteoclast number. However, the immune histochemical expression of RANK, RANKL and OPG did not show statistically significant difference at the end of relapse period.

Conclusions

Systemic administration of three doses of calcitonin may minimize the relapse ratio in experimentally moved rat molars.
Large seasonal variation of soil respiration in a secondary tropical moist forest in Puerto Rico
Authors: Gutiérrez del Arroyo Omar , Wood Tana E.
Published: December 2020

Tropical forests are the largest contributors to global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere via soil respiration (Rs). As such, identifying the main controls on Rs in tropical forests is essential for accurately projecting the consequences of ongoing and future global environmental changes to the global C cycle. We measured hourly Rs in a secondary tropical moist forest in Puerto Rico over a 3‐year period to (a) quantify the magnitude of Rs and (b) identify the role of climatic, substrate, and nutrient controls on the seasonality of Rs. Across 3 years of measurements, mean Rs was 7.16 ± 0.02 μmol CO2 m‐2 s‐1 (or 2,710 g C m‐2 year‐1) and showed significant seasonal variation. Despite small month‐to‐month variation in temperature (~4°C), we found significant positive relationships between daily and monthly Rs with both air and soil temperature, highlighting the importance of temperature as a driver of Rs even in warm ecosystems, such as tropical forests. We also found a significant parabolic relationship between mean daily volumetric soil moisture and mean daily Rs, with an optimal moisture value of 0.34 m3 m‐3. Given the relatively consistent climate at this site, the large range in mean monthly Rs (~7 μmol CO2 m‐2 s‐1) was surprising and suggests that even small changes in climate can have large implications for ecosystem respiration. The strong positive relationship of Rs with temperature at monthly timescales particularly stands out, as moisture is usually considered a stronger control of Rs in tropical forests that already experience warm temperatures year‐round. Moreover, our results revealed the strong seasonality of Rs in tropical moist forests, which given its high magnitude, can represent a significant contribution to the seasonal patterns of atmospheric (CO2) globally.
Stocktaking the environmental coverage of a continental ecosystem observation network
Authors: Guerin Greg R. , Williams Kristen J. , Sparrow Ben , Lowe Andrew J.
Published: December 2020

Field‐based sampling of terrestrial habitats at continental scales is required to build ecosystem observation networks. A key challenge for detecting change in ecosystem composition, structure, and function within these observatories is to obtain a representative sample of habitats. Representative sampling across a continent contributes to ecological validity when analyzing spatially distributed data. However, field resources are limited, and actual representativeness may differ markedly from theoretical expectations. Here, we report a post hoc evaluation of the coverage of environmental gradients as a surrogate for ecological representativeness by a continental‐scale survey undertaken by the Australian Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN). TERN’s surveillance program maintains a network of ecosystem observation plots initially established in the rangelands through a stratification method (clustering of bioregions by environment) and application of the Ausplots survey methodology. Subsequent site selection comprised gap‐filling and opportunistic sampling. We confirmed that environmental coverage was a good surrogate for ecological representativeness. The cumulative sampling of environments and plant species composition over time were strongly correlated (based on mean multivariate dispersion; r = 0.93). We compared environmental sampling of Ausplots to 100,000 background points and a set of retrospective (virtual) sampling schemes: systematic grid, simple random, stratified random, and generalized random‐tessellation stratified (GRTS). Differences were assessed according to sampling densities along environmental gradients, and multivariate dispersion. Ausplots outperformed systematic grid, simple random, and GRTS in coverage of environmental space (Tukey HSD of mean dispersion, P < 0.001). GRTS site selection obtained similar coverage to Ausplots when employing the same bioregional stratification. Stratification by climatic zones generated the highest environmental coverage (P < 0.001), although resulting sampling densities over‐represented mesic coastal habitats. The Ausplots bioregional stratification implemented under practical constraints represented complex environments well, compared to statistically oriented or spatially even samples. Potential statistical power also depends on replication, unbiased site selection, and accuracy of field measurements relative to the magnitude of change. Consistent with previous studies, our stocktake analysis confirmed that environmental, rather than spatial, stratification is required to maximize ecological coverage across continental ecosystem observation networks, and the approach to establishing TERN Ausplots was robust. We recommend targeted gap‐filling to complete sampling.
Ultra Compact Nanoporous Platinum Coating Improves Neural Recording
Authors: Bae Je Hyun , Kim Kayeon , Han Donghoon , Chung Taek Dong
Published: December 2020

Neural electrodes are key tools for achieving a successful brain‐computer interface and the electrodes should be small to minimize damage to neural tissue and obtain good spatial selectivity such as single unit recording. Here we show conventional platinum/tungsten neural probes can be coated with nanoporous Pt. Thanks to nanoporous Pt with the extremely small and uniform pores, L2‐ePt, the electrode impedance could be reduced by more than 2 orders of magnitude while the apparent area was almost the same. L2‐ePt coating enhanced neuronal recording of local field potential in monkeys, leading to facilitating implanted electrical devices in the nervous system.
Implementing a digital infrastructure for the lab using a central laboratory server and the SiLA2 communication standard
Authors: Porr Marc , Lange Ferdinand , Marquard Daniel , Niemeyer Laura , Lindner Patrick , Scheper Thomas , Beutel Sascha
Published: December 2020

In this report, a fully integrated solution for laboratory digitization is presented. The approach presents a flexible and complete integration method for the digitally assisted workflow. The worker in the laboratory performs procedures in direct interaction with the digitized infrastructure that guides through the process and aids while performing tasks. The digital transformation of the laboratory starts with standardized integration of both new and “smart” lab devices, as well as legacy devices through a hardware gateway module. The open source Standardization in Lab Automation 2 standard is used for device communication. A central lab server channels all device communication and keeps a database record of every measurement, task and result generated or used in the lab. It acts as a central entry point for process management. This backbone enables a process control system to guide the worker through the lab process and provide additional assistance, like results of automated calculations or safety information. The description of the infrastructure and architecture is followed by a practical example on how to implement a digitized workflow. This approach is highly useful for – but not limited to – the biotechnological laboratory and has the potential to increase productivity in both industry and research for example by enabling automated documentation.
Chemical composition tuning induced variable and enhanced dielectric properties of polycrystalline Ga2‐2xWxO3 ceramics
Authors: Zade Vishal B. , Rajkumar Mohan R. , Broner Ron , Ramana Chintalapalle V.
Published: December 2020

We report on the tunable and enhanced dielectric properties of tungsten (W) incorporated gallium oxide (Ga2O3) polycrystalline electroceramics for energy and power electronic device applications. The W‐incorporated Ga2O3 (Ga2−2xWxO3, 0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.20; GWO) compounds were synthesized by the high‐temperature solid‐state chemical reaction method by varying the W‐content. The fundamental aspects of the dielectric properties in correlation with the crystal structure, phase, and microstructure of the GWO polycrystalline compounds has been investigated in detail. A detailed study performed ascertains the W‐induced changes in the dielectric constant, loss tangent (tan δ) and ac conductivity. It was found that the dielectric constant increases with addition of W in the system as a function of temperature (25°C‐500°C). Frequency dependence (102‐106 Hz) of the dielectric constant follows the modified Debye model with a relaxation time of ∼20 to 90 μs and a spreading factor of 0.39 to 0.65. The dielectric constant of GWO is temperature independent almost until ∼300°C, and then increases rapidly in the range of 300°C to 500°C. W‐induced enhancement in the dielectric constant of GWO is fully evident in the frequency and temperature dependent dielectric studies. The frequency and temperature dependent tan δ reveals the typical behavior of relaxation loses in GWO. Small polaron hopping mechanism is evident in the frequency dependent electrical transport properties of GWO. The remarkable effect of W‐incorporation on the dielectric and electrical transport properties of Ga2O3 is explained by a two‐layer heterogeneous model consisting of thick grains separated by very thin grain boundaries along with the formation of a Ga2O3‐WO3 composite was able to account for the observed temperature and frequency dependent electrical properties in GWO. The results demonstrate that the structure, electrical and dielectric properties can be tailored by tuning W‐content in the GWO compounds.
Designing the future atomic electrocatalyst for efficient energy systems
Authors: Sun Mingzi , Wu Tong , Huang Bolong
Published: December 2020

Following the fast development of electrocatalysts, atomic catalysts have surely become the most frontier research topic in energy supply systems. In varied electrochemical reactions, they have displayed untapped potential for practical applications due to the exceptional performances in both electroactivity and selectivity, ultra‐high metal utilization, and flexible substrates. Besides the conventional experimental synthesis strategies and characterization techniques, advanced theoretical calculations and even machine learning algorithms have been introduced to understand and predict the electrocatalysis performances of novel atomic catalysts, supplying the insightful knowledge for the future rational design and synthesis of the atomic catalyst with the desired properties. Therefore, this review will highlight the recent advance achievements in atomic catalysts regarding the atomic catalyst synthesis and applications, covering the mainstream electrochemical process in energy applications. Meanwhile, we also summarize the application of advanced theoretical explorations as valuable references for future electrocatalyst design. Moreover, we will summarize the existing challenges for the practical applications and the prospects of present atomic catalysts.
Structural characterization of LaCoO3 perovskite nanoparticles synthesized by sol–gel autocombustion method
Authors: Sadabadi Hamed , Allahkaram Saeed Reza , Kordijazi Amir , Akbarzadeh Omid , Rohatgi Pradeep K.
Published: December 2020

Nanostructure perovskites such as LaMO3 (where M = transition metal such as Mn, Co, Ni, and Fe) have captured attention in materials science fields due to their promising catalytic properties. In this study, the LaCoO3 perovskite nanoparticles were synthesized by a two‐step route via the sol–gel autocombustion method. In this method, lanthanum nitrate and cobalt nitrate were used as metals sources, after dissolving in distilled water. PVP was used as a surfactant, while urea and glycine were applied as fuel. The sol was formed at the stirring stage at 60°C, and then continued to gelation through water evaporation at 90°C, to end up in the autocombustion state. The product of combustion was washed, centrifuged three times, and heat‐treated at 600°C for 2 h. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), and particle size analyzer. Characterization results show that nanoparticles were synthesized in a narrow size range, below 100 nm, with perovskite structure using sol–gel autocombustion method; these particles were spherical in shape and without visible porosity on the surface. The purity and crystalline size of nanoparticles were studied through XRD analysis indicating that variation in these parameters depends on the fuel and fuel‐to‐oxidizer ratio, as impurities decreased by increasing the fuel ratio, for both glycine and urea. In addition, using glycine is demonstrated to result in better purity as compared with urea as fuel.
Influence of microalloying elements (Ti, Nb) and nitrogen concentrations on precipitation of pipeline steels—A thermodynamic approach
Authors: Aminorroaya Yamini Sima
Published: December 2020

A CALculation of PHase Diagrams (CALPHAD) approach was used to study the precipitation of nitrides and carbonitrides in pipeline steels, aligned with new developments of complex chemical compositions and thermomechanical processing of High Strength Low Alloyed (HSLA) Steels. This is in response to growing demand for improved mechanical and chemical properties, manufacturing flexibility and reduced production cost. The calculated results indicated that the precipitation temperatures of nitrides in Ti‐Nb microalloyed steels increased by titanium concentration, while the niobium concentration significantly increased the precipitation temperature of niobium carbonitrides. Carbonitride precipitates formed at much lower temperatures (∼100 K) in low carbon steels (<0.03 wt%) than the high carbon steels (>0.1 wt%), suggesting precipitates larger in size. This is in good agreement with independent experimental data from the literatures, where austenite grain growth was studied in similar steel compositions. Although the dissolution and growth of precipitates are controlled kinetically, these results proved that the thermodynamic calculation can efficiently predict compositions and sequence of precipitation in chemically complex systems, guiding more accurate designs of experiments to identify critical temperatures of grain coarsening during reheating, recrystallisation during hot rolling, and transformation during cooling. This can minimize the number of tests required to obtain optimum chemical compositions and heat treatment procedures.
Effects of conditioning criteria for ground motion selection on the probabilistic seismic responses of reinforced concrete buildings
Authors: Ghotbi Abdoul R. , Taciroglu Ertugrul
Published: December 2020

Ground motion selection is arguably the most crucial step in performance‐based seismic design and risk assessment, as it bears the highest level of uncertainty that needs to be propagated through the calculations. The presently typical approach to capture this uncertainty in predicted structural responses is to use a suite of ground motions that match a uniform‐hazard response spectrum. This study examines the downstream effects of ground motion selection made through a variety of conditioning criteria based on one, two, or average of more‐than‐two intensity measures, and also with respect to different earthquake characteristics. Ductile and nonductile reinforced concrete moment frames with varying heights are used as model problems in detailed parametric studies. A risk‐based approach is adopted to develop a point‐of‐comparison reference demand. Seismic responses obtained using different ground motion suites compiled using three different conditioning criteria are then compared against this reference to determine the extent to which the selected ground motion suites can capture various critical structural responses.
Dying neurons conduct repair processes in the injured brain through osteopontin expression in cooperation with infiltrated blood monocytes
Authors: An Jiawei , Yang Haijie , Yang Esther , Chung Sooyoung , Kim Dae‐Yong , Jou Ilo , Park Sang Myun , Kim Byung Gon , Chwae Yong‐Joon , Joe Eun‐Hye
Published: December 2020

The brain has an intrinsic capacity to repair injury, but the specific mechanisms are largely unknown. In this study, we found that, despite their incipient death, damaged neurons play a key repair role with the help of monocytes infiltrated from blood. Monocytes phagocytosed damaged and/or dying neurons that expressed osteopontin (OPN), with possible subsequent activation of their inflammasome pathway, resulting in pyroptosis. During this process, monocytes released CD63‐positive exosome‐like vesicles containing OPN. Importantly, following the exosome‐like vesicles, neuron and astrocyte processes elongated toward the injury core. In addition, exosomes prepared from the injured brain contained OPN, and enhanced neurite outgrowth of cultured neurons in an OPN‐dependent manner. Thus, our results introduce the concept that neurons in the injured brain that are destined to die perceive the stressful condition and begin the regeneration processes through induction of OPN, ultimately executing the repair process with the help of monocytes recruited from the circulation.
The effects of postmortem delay on mouse and human microglia gene expression
Authors: Heng Yang , Dubbelaar Marissa L. , Marie Suely K. N. , Boddeke Erik W. G. M. , Eggen Bart J. L.
Published: December 2020

Microglia are specialized macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS) and first to react to pathogens or injury. Over the last decade, transcriptional profiling of microglia significantly contributed to our understanding of their functions. In the case of human CNS samples, either potential CNS pathology in the case of surgery samples, or a postmortem delay (PMD) due to the time needed for tissue access and collection, are potential factors that affect gene expression profiles. To determine the effect of PMD on the microglia transcriptome, we first analyzed mouse microglia, where genotype, antemortem conditions and PMD can be controlled. Microglia were isolated from mice after different PMDs (0, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hr) using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS). The number of viable microglia significantly decreased with increasing PMD, but even after a 12 hr PMD, high‐quality RNA could be obtained. PMD had very limited effect on mouse microglia gene expression, only 50 genes were differentially expressed between different PMDs. These genes were related to mitochondrial, ribosomal, and protein binding functions. In human microglia transcriptomes we previously generated, 31 of the 50 PMD‐associated mouse genes had human homologs, and their relative expression was also affected by PMD. This study provides a set of genes that shows relative expression changes in relation to PMD, both in mouse and human microglia. Although the gene expression changes detected are subtle, these genes need to be accounted for when analyzing microglia transcriptomes generated from samples with variable PMDs.
Are cryptocurrencies connected to gold? A wavelet‐based quantile‐in‐quantile approach
Authors: Kumah Seyram Pearl , Mensah Jones Odei
Published: December 2020

Accurate measurement of relationship between assets is sensitive to different market conditions in different horizons and has implications for portfolio optimization. Cryptocurrencies are new category of assets that can reduce the risk of well‐diversified portfolio including gold. The paper explores the connections between seven cryptocurrencies and gold at bear (bull) markets across time to uncover the hedging properties of cryptocurrencies for gold investors. Wavelet technique was used to decompose the daily return series of the assets into short‐, medium‐ and long‐term frequencies. Quantile regression (QR) and quantile‐in‐quantile regression (QQR) were applied on the decomposed series to establish the association between the assets over 19 quantiles (τ = 0.05 to 0.95). QR results show all cryptocurrencies as hedges for gold regardless of market regime in the medium to long‐terms. QQR results depict inverse association at bear market but positive association at bull market across time suggesting hedging possibilities at bear markets. Our study provides precise information to investors, regulators and policy makers on risk mitigating strategies for extreme gold market fluctuations across time and market states.
The Janus view: Do market participants looking into the past impact foreign exchange volatility?
Authors: Roy Trivedi Smita
Published: December 2020

Do market participants look into the past whilst framing the trading decisions today? Microstructure theory shows that participants increase bid‐ask spreads in response to macroeconomic news to account for asymmetric information and inventory costs. However, the role of perceptions or biases of the market participants in influencing the bid‐ask spread has been largely overlooked. This paper incorporates the role of ‘Recurrence bias’ in influencing trading decisions and therefore market volatility. Empirically, the model is tested using high‐frequency exchange rate data and time‐stamped news data on Indian rupee, which has seen sharp volatility in the period under study. Logit and GARCH analysis shows that volatility is positively linked to ‘Recurrence Bias’, which arises from the ‘availability of mental models’ to traders, created by past response of exchange rate to unexpected component of news.
Automatic imaging of Drosophila embryos with light sheet fluorescence microscopy on chip
Authors: Memeo Roberto , Paiè Petra , Sala Federico , Castriotta Michele , Guercio Chiara , Vaccari Thomas , Osellame Roberto , Bassi Andrea , Bragheri Francesca
Published: December 2020

We present a microscope on chip for automated imaging of Drosophila embryos by light sheet fluorescence microscopy. This integrated device, constituted by both optical and microfluidic components, allows the automatic acquisition of a 3D stack of images for specimens diluted in a liquid suspension. The device has been fully optimized to address the challenges related to the specimens under investigation. Indeed, the thickness and the high ellipticity of Drosophila embryos can degrade the image quality. In this regard, optical and fluidic optimization has been carried out to implement dual‐sided illumination and automatic sample orientation. In addition, we highlight the dual color investigation capabilities of this device, by processing two sample populations encoding different fluorescent proteins. This work was made possible by the versatility of the used fabrication technique, femtosecond laser micromachining, which allows straightforward fabrication of both optical and fluidic components in glass substrates.
Variation of the optical properties with size and composition of small, isolated CdxSey+ clusters
Authors: Jäger Marc , Schäfer Rolf
Published: December 2020

Global energy minimum structures and optoelectronic properties are presented for isolated CdxSey+ clusters with x + y ≤ 26. The compositional‐ and size‐dependent variation of optical, electronic and geometric properties is systematically studied within the framework of ground state and time‐dependent density functional theory. The applied methods are justified by benchmarks with experimental data. It is shown that the optical gap can be tuned by more than 2 eV by only changing the composition for a fixed number of atoms. The stoichiometric species reveal an unexpected size‐dependent behavior in comparison to larger colloidal CdSe quantum dots, that is, a redshift of the optical gap was observed with decreasing cluster size in contrast to predictions by quantum‐size effects. This unexpected result is discussed in detail taking the positive charge of the clusters into account.
Retracted: A porous Co(II)‐containing metal–organic framework: Selective CO2 capture and clinical nursing values on the myocardial infarction by regulating the mi‐RNA16 expression
Authors: Zhang Yan , Lv Lian‐Shuang , Li Wen‐Jing , Zhang Yue , Lu Ning , Han Xia
Published: December 2020

In the present research, a porous metal–organic framework (MOF) has been synthesized via utilizing 2‐amino[1,1:3,1‐terphenyl]‐4,4,5‐tricarboxylic acid, the amino‐functionalized ligand as the raw material under the solvothermal conditions, and its chemical formula is {[Co3(OH)(ATTCA)2(H2O)]·C2H6NH2·4DMF·H2O} (1). At 273 K, activated MOF (1a) reflects highly selective adsorption of CO2 over CH4 (11.7) and N2 (292.5) and strong CO2‐skeleton interaction. It is significant that the exposure of water vapor does not influence the several carbon dioxide cycles on absorption and release and/or surface area, indicating porous structures have the latent capacity of long‐term use in the wet conditions. In biological research, its therapeutic activity on the myocardial infarction was assessed, and at the same time, the detailed mechanism was investigated. Firstly, real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) method was conducted to determine the mi‐RNA16 expression levels in the cardiomyocytes. Then, the expression level of the target protein of the mi‐RNA16, XOSC was evaluated with western blotting assay. Furthermore, molecular docking simulation shows that the carboxyl function groups are the origin of the biological activity, which could form multiple binding interactions to the protein.