bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microscale Spectroscopic Mapping of 2D Optical Materials
Authors: Dong Xingchen , Yetisen Ali K. , Köhler Michael H. , Dong Jie , Wang Shengjia , Jakobi Martin , Zhang Xiaoxing , Koch Alexander W.
Published: May 2019

2D materials have unique optical properties due to their ultrathin layered structures, and are emerging as promising materials for optoelectronic devices. To characterize and evaluate these properties, diffraction‐limited spectroscopic mapping, also known as microscale spectroscopic imaging, has been developed to provide abundant spatial and spectral information. The usefulness of microscale spectroscopic mapping for unique property study of 2D optical materials is addressed. Advances in both mature and growing microscale spectroscopic mapping setups and methods covering broad ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum are introduced. Different forms of graphene, molybdenum disulphide (MoS2), and black phosphorus, including intrinsic and engineered structures made by different methods, are selected as varied representatives of 2D optical materials from the perspective of bandgap and anisotropy. A detailed discussion of microscale spectroscopic images and their unique optical property findings, including spatial adsorption and emission, excitonic behavior, light sensitivity, and plasmonic effects, is then given to demonstrate the advantages of spectral mapping over conventional point spectroscopy. The analysis also provides a generic view of microscale spectroscopic mapping selection in 2D‐materials imaging. Furthermore, the challenges inherent in large‐scale spectral data processing are explored, and the utilization of deep learning is suggested for possible application in academica and industry.
Essential updates to the surgical treatment of biliary tract cancer
Authors: Matsukuma Satoshi , Tokumitsu Yukio , Shindo Yoshitaro , Matsui Hiroto , Nagano Hiroaki
Published: May 2019

Biliary tract cancer, which includes intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, extrahepatic bile duct cancer, gallbladder cancer, and ampullary cancer, is an intractable disease with a dismal prognosis. Prognosis is particularly poor in cases involving vessels or lymph nodes. Hepatobiliary pancreatic surgeons worldwide have consistently focused on improving surgical treatment, perioperative management, and chemotherapy to improve the outcomes of these diseases. There has been significant progress even in the last 2 years (2017 and 2018), such as promising findings reported by studies on the optimal extent of surgical treatment and multi‐institutional randomized controlled trials on adjuvant chemotherapy. We overview the current trends and advancements made in surgical treatment in 2017 and 2018.
Natural and anthropogenic drivers of foraging behaviour in bottlenose dolphins: Influence of shellfish aquaculture
Authors: Methion Séverine , Díaz López Bruno
Published: May 2019

In the coastal environment, marine mammals are exposed to one of the fastest growing food production sectors; namely, the shellfish farming industry. Identification of critical habitats, such as foraging grounds in highly human‐impacted areas, is essential to species conservation. Therefore, understanding the variables that influence a species' foraging behaviour is important for their conservation, especially for long‐lived mammals such as cetaceans.

The aims of this study were (a) to identify and quantify the environmental and anthropogenic drivers of wild bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) foraging behaviour, and (b) to investigate whether the shellfish farming industry influences the behaviour of this species.

Behavioural observations were conducted along the north‐western coast of Spain, an area affected by intensive human activities, particularly the shellfish aquaculture industry.

A multi‐modelling approach highlighted the importance of shellfish farm areas as a foraging ground for bottlenose dolphins. Dolphins were predicted to be more likely found foraging inside shellfish farm areas than outside (57% vs. 43%).

Variability in bottlenose dolphin behaviour is likely a result of the interactions of environmental and anthropogenic drivers with prey availability and the physiological needs of the dolphins. Although shellfish farm areas provide high prey density for dolphins, they can also pose threats in a number of ways (i.e. collisions with vessels, entanglement with ropes, habitat loss, noise and water pollution).

From a conservation perspective, aquaculture management should consider the presence of dolphins foraging and minimize the associated risks that this industry may pose to these coastal cetaceans.
Density Functional Theory Calculations Revealing Metal‐like Band Structures and Work Function Variation for Ultrathin Gallium Arsenide (111) Surface Layers
Authors: Tan Chih‐Shan , Huang Michael H.
Published: May 2019

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed on tunable numbers of gallium arsenide (100), (110), and (111) planes for their electron density of states (DOS) plots and the corresponding band diagrams. The GaAs (100) and (110) planes show the same semiconducting band structure with tunable plane layers and a band gap of 1.35 eV around the Fermi level. In contrast, metal‐like band structures are obtained with a continuous band structure around the Fermi level for 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8 layers of GaAs (111) planes. For 3, 6, and 9 GaAs (111) planes, the same semiconducting band structure as seen in the (100) and (110) planes returns. The results suggest the GaAs {111} face should be more electrically conductive than its {100} and {110} faces, due to the merged conduction band and valence band. GaAs (100) and (110) planes give a fixed work function, but the (111) planes have variable work function values that are smaller than that obtained for the (100) and (110) planes. Furthermore, bond length, bond geometry, and frontier orbital electron number and energy distribution show notable differences between the metal‐like and semiconducting plane cases, so the emergence of plane‐dependent electronic properties have quantum mechanical origin at the orbital level. GaAs should possess similar facet‐dependent electronic properties to those of Si and Ge.
Improved robust stability criteria for uncertain linear neutral‐type systems via novel Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional
Authors: Duan Xiaohui , Tang Fangping , Duan Wenyong
Published: May 2019

The stability problem for the uncertain time‐varying delayed neutral‐type system is concerned in this paper. By introducing a novel Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional (LKF) related to a delay‐product‐type function and two delay‐dependent matrices, some new delay‐dependent robust stability sufficient conditions are derived, which are based on convex linear matrix inequality (LMI) framework. The sufficient conditions in this paper can reduce the conservativeness of some recent previous ones. In the end, some numerical examples, including a linear neutral‐type system, the partial element equivalent circuit and a general linear system, show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
miR‐885‐5p plays an accomplice role in liver cancer by instigating TIGAR expression via targeting its promoter
Authors: Zou Shubiao , Rao Yao , Chen Weicai
Published: May 2019

TIGAR (TP53‐induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator) is a p53‐inducible gene and its expression resulted in controlling metabolism and protection from apoptosis. Furthermore, TIGAR participated in promoting the pentose phosphate pathway and help in lowering intracellular reactive oxygen species. miR‐885‐5p has also been reported to be involved in liver tumorigenesis, but whether miR‐885‐5p has a regulatory effect on TIGAR expression is unknown. In this study, we found that their levels were correlated to each other and positively related to cell malignancy. Exogenous miR‐885‐5p induced TIGAR expression through a p53‐independent pathway. The promoter region of TIGAR harbors two tandem putative miR‐885‐5p target sites. Cotransfection of synthetic miR‐885 with TIGAR promoter reporter constructs significantly enhanced TIGAR promoter activity via binding with target sites. Furthermore, miR‐885‐5p and its precursor pre‐miR‐885 had the same stimulatory impact on TIGAR expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis further verified that increased miR‐885‐5p potentiated the accessibility of TIGAR promoter chromatin to transcriptional factors and facilitated TIGAR expression. miR‐885‐5p and its precursor both can interact mechanically with TIGAR promoter binding site and alter local chromatin structure, and subsequently upregulate TIGAR expression and participate in liver tumorigenesis.
Feedback for everybody? Exploring the relationship between students’ perceptions of feedback and students’ socioeconomic status
Authors: Sortkær Bent
Published: May 2019

In this article I describe teacher–student feedback as an active process shaped by both the teacher and the student and argue that feedback is influenced by students’ unique experiences and socialisation. Drawing on sociological theories on interaction and communication, I argue that the type and quality of the teacher–student feedback perceived by the student is influenced by the student's background. While many studies have shown that feedback is a key determinant for student learning and achievement, only a few have examined how feedback is perceived by students and if the perception is related to their socioeconomic status (SES). I use data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2012 in a multilevel regression model to examine differences in students’ perceptions of directive and facilitative feedback. The five Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden are used as cases. Regarding directive feedback, I find no relationship between this type of feedback and students’ SES. However, the results indicate that students with high SES perceive more facilitative feedback in Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden than students with low SES. These results indicate that students are not given equal opportunities to learn. I argue that this might create inequalities in the Nordic school systems. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Potential biomarker of fibroblast growth factor 21 in valproic acid‐treated livers
Authors: Xu Xiaoxiao , Guo Chao , Liang Xiaoliu , Li Rong , Chen Jian
Published: May 2019

Background

Valproic acid (VPA) is a clinical medicine primarily prescribed to control epileptic symptoms. VPA has potential side‐effects, such as hepatotoxicity. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a functional cytokine for metabolic regulation. In this article, we aimed to evaluate the possible clinical application of FGF21 in VPA‐treated livers in early undetected liver injury (EULI).

Methods

Methodologically, plasma samples of VPA‐treated epileptic patients were isolated for biochemical and high‐performance liquid chromatography tests. In addition, VPA‐dosed mice were subjected to determinations of serological parameters, key regulatory effectors and FGF21 expressions through biochemical analyses, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry stain, immunofluorescence stain, and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) test, respectively.

Results

The serological data suggested that VPA‐treated epileptic patients showed visibly elevated FGF21 contents in plasma samples. However, other diagnostic parameters showed inconspicuous changes. As revealed in animal study, VPA‐dosed mice exhibited undetected morphological alterations and hormonal changes in the liver, pancreas, and kidneys. Furthermore, serological parameters and key regulatory proteins in VPA‐dosed livers and controls showed inconspicuous changes. Interestingly, endogenous FGF21 expressions in VPA‐dosed mice were increased in sera. In further experiments, the findings showed that intracellular expressions of FGF21 mRNA and protein were upregulated in VPA‐dosed livers as revealed in RT‐PCR and immunoassay.

Conclusions

Taken together, these preliminary data reveal that functional FGF21 cytokine may serve as a potent predictor in VPA‐related EULI.
Application of ER Stress Biomarkers to Predict Formulated Monoclonal Antibody Stability
Authors: Talbot Natalie E. , Mead Emma J. , Davies Stephanie A. , Uddin Shahid , Smales C. Mark
Published: May 2019

For a therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb) to reach the clinic, the molecule must be produced at an appropriate yield and quality, then formulated to maintain efficacy and stability. The formation of subvisible particles (SVPs) can impact product stability and is monitored during formulation development; however, the potential of a mAb to form such species can be influenced throughout the whole bioprocess. The levels of intracellular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress perceived by Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines, the day of mAb harvest, and the relationship with subsequent product stability of two mAbs (denoted A and B), as determined by the SVP content after accelerated stability studies, are reported here. Here, it is shown that the propensity of mAb A to form SVPs can be predicted by transcript expression of biomarkers of cellular ER stress, heavy/light‐chain transcript and polypeptide amounts, and harvest day. Further, mAb A material harvested on day 9 of culture was more stable, in terms of SVP formation, than material harvested on day 13. These data suggest that ER stress perceived by CHO cells can reflect the stability of a mAb, and that biomarkers of such stress could help define culture harvest time as a tool to control SVP formation in formulated mAbs.
Using expert data to inform the use of research methods and representations to enhance biochemistry instruction and textbook design
Authors: Jeffery Kathleen A. , Pelaez Nancy J. , Anderson Trevor R.
Published: May 2019

Biochemistry textbooks often provide a disconnected, highly mathematical, and decontextualized treatment of thermodynamic and kinetic principles, which renders topics like protein folding difficult to teach. This is concerning given that graduates entering careers, like the pharmaceutical industry, must be able to apply such knowledge and related research methods to solve biochemistry research problems. Thus, it is essential that instructors have strategies to incorporate research methods and representations to help students understand the source of such scientific knowledge. Therefore, the goal of our work is to examine expert practice and use the findings to identify instructional strategies to incorporate more cutting‐edge research and authentic ways of knowing into science classrooms and textbooks. Toward this goal, we examined how four scientists explain protein folding and dynamics research, focusing on the interaction of spoken language and representations, including gesture. Our analysis indicates that experts employ multiple representations and research methods to communicate how evidence can be used to understand phenomena. In contrast, textbooks explain what is known but seldom use representations to explain how it is known. Based on our findings, we suggest implications for instruction, including the design of textbooks, as well as potential instructional strategies to incorporate discussion of experimental methods and interpretation of representations during classroom activities. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(5):513–531, 2019.
Organic Electrosynthesis: Applications in Complex Molecule Synthesis
Authors: Shatskiy Andrey , Lundberg Helena , Kärkäs Markus D.
Published: May 2019

Organic electrosynthesis is an enabling and sustainable technology, which constitutes a rapidly expanding field of research. Electrochemical approaches serve as convenient and green alternatives to stoichiometric and toxic chemical redox agents. Electrosynthesis constitutes a promising platform for harnessing the unique reactivity profiles of radical intermediates, expediting the development of new reaction manifolds. This Review highlights both anodic and cathodic methods for the construction of various kinds of complex molecules.
Beyond Oxides: Nitride as a Ligand in a Neutral IrIXNO3 Molecule Bearing a Transition Metal at High Oxidation State
Authors: Wolański Łukasz , Domański Mateusz , Grochala Wojciech , Szarek Paweł
Published: May 2019

Theoretical calculations utilizing relativistic ZORA Hamiltonian point to the conceivable existence of an IrNO3 molecule in C3v geometry. This minimum is shown to correspond to genuine nonavalent iridium nitride trioxide, which is a neutral analogue of cationic [IrO4]+ species detected recently. Despite the presence of nitride anion, the molecule is protected by substantial barriers exceeding 200 kJ mol−1 against transformations leading, for example, to global minimum (O=)2Ir−NO, which contains metal at a lower formal oxidation state.
Reaktions‐ und Verfahrenstechnik als Enabler elektrochemischer Technologien
Authors: Krewer Ulrike , Turek Thomas
Published: May 2019

No abstract.
The Use of Workplace Strengths and Proactive and Organizational Citizenship Behaviours: An Examination of the Mediating Role of Well‐Being
Authors: Belleville Karel , Dubreuil Philippe , Courcy François
Published: May 2019

Positive psychology suggests relying on workers' strengths to maintain balance between personal fulfillment and organizational goals. This article assesses whether the use of strengths in the workplace are associated with proactive behaviours and organizational citizenship behaviours (OCB) through the mediating role of well‐being. Data were collected from 142 French‐speaking Canadian professionals working in various non‐profit organizations. Results show that the use of strengths can predict some OCBs (notably mutual aid and civic virtue) as well as proactivity. Only the affective dimension of well‐being shows a mediation effect for mutual aid and proactivity. Theoretical contributions, implications for practitioners, limitations, and future research directions are also discussed.
The effect of treatment on patient‐reported distress after breast cancer diagnosis
Authors: Fayanju Oluwadamilola M. , Yenokyan Karine , Ren Yi , Goldstein Benjamin A. , Stashko Ilona , Power Steve , Thornton Madeline J. , Marcom P. Kelly , Hwang E. Shelley
Published: May 2019

Background

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer (DT) uses a 10‐point scale (in which 0 indicates no distress and 10 indicates extreme distress) to measure patient‐reported distress. In the current study, the authors sought to examine the relationship between treatment and NCCN DT scores in patients with breast cancer over time.

Methods

The authors included women aged ≥18 years who were diagnosed with stage 0 to stage IV breast cancer (according to the seventh edition of the American Joint Commission on Cancer staging system) at a 3‐hospital health system from January 2014 to July 2016. Linear mixed effects models adjusted for covariates including stage of disease, race/ethnicity, insurance, and treatment sequence (neoadjuvant vs adjuvant) were used to estimate adjusted mean changes in the DT score (MSCs) per week for patients undergoing lumpectomy, mastectomy only, and mastectomy with reconstruction (MR).

Results

The authors analyzed 12,569 encounters for 1029 unique patients (median score, 4; median follow‐up, 67 weeks). Patients treated with MR (118 patients) were younger and more likely to be married, white, and privately insured compared with patients undergoing lumpectomy (620 patients) and mastectomy only (291 patients) (all P < .01). After adjusting for covariates, distress scores were found to decline significantly across all 3 surgical cohorts, with patients undergoing MR found to have both the most preoperative distress and the greatest decline in distress prior to surgery (MSC/week: ‐0.073 for MR vs ‐0.031 for lumpectomy vs ‐0.033 for mastectomy only; P = .001). Neoadjuvant therapy was associated with a longitudinal decline in distress for patients treated with lumpectomy (‐1.023) and mastectomy only (‐0.964). Over time, ductal carcinoma in situ (‐0.503) and black race (‐1.198) were found to be associated with declining distress among patients treated with lumpectomy and MR, respectively, whereas divorced patients who were treated with mastectomy only (0.948) and single patients treated with lumpectomy (0.476) experienced increased distress (all P < .05).

Conclusions

When examined longitudinally in consecutive patients, the NCCN DT can provide patient‐reported data to inform expectations and guide targeted support for patients with breast cancer.
On‐Surface Activation of Trimethylsilyl‐Terminated Alkynes on Coinage Metal Surfaces
Authors: Zhang Liding , Zhang Yi‐Qi , Chen Zhi , Lin Tao , Paszkiewicz Mateusz , Hellwig Raphael , Huang Tianjiao , Ruben Mario , Barth Johannes V. , Klappenberger Florian
Published: May 2019

The controlled attachment of protecting groups combined with the ability to selectively abstract them is central to organic synthesis. The trimethylsilyl (TMS) functional group is a popular protecting group in solution. However, insights on its activation behavior under ultra‐high vacuum (UHV) and surface‐confined conditions are scarce. Here we investigate a series of TMS‐protected alkyne precursors via scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) regarding their compatibility with organic molecular beam epitaxy (OMBE) and their potential deprotection on various coinage metal surfaces. After in‐situ evaporation on the substrates held in UHV at room temperature, we find that all molecules arrived and adsorbed as intact units forming ordered supramolecular aggregates stabilized by non‐covalent interactions. Thus, TMS‐functionalized alkyne precursors with weights up to 1100 atomic mass units are stable against OMBE evaporation in UHV. Furthermore, the TMS activation through thermal annealing is investigated with STM and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). We observe that deprotection starts to occur between 400 K and 500 K on the copper and gold surfaces, respectively. In contrast, on silver surfaces, the TMS‐alkyne bond remains stable up to temperatures where molecular desorption sets in (≈600 K). Hence, TMS functional groups can be utilized as leaving groups on copper and gold surfaces while they serve as protecting groups on silver surfaces.
Improving the Power‐Conversion Efficiency through Alloying in Common Anion CdZnX (X=S, Se) Nanocrystal Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Maiti Sourav , Anand Pranav , Azlan Farazuddin , Dana Jayanta , Ghosh Hirendra N.
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we have investigated the possibility of utilizing CdZnS and CdZnSe alloy nanocrystals (NCs) as sensitizers in quantum‐dot solar cells (QDSCs). The alloy NCs were synthesized by a high‐temperature hot injection method and subsequently characterized through high photoluminescence quantum yield, along with larger size compared to binary NCs. Femtosecond transient absorption measurements revealed long‐lived charge carriers in the alloy structure due to more structural rigidity and less defect states. Finally, the solar‐cell efficiencies of the CdZnS (CdZnSe) NCs were found to be 3.05 % (3.69 %) as compared to 1.23 % (3.12 %) efficiencies for CdS (CdSe) NCs. Thus, common anion ternary NCs have been successfully utilized for solar‐cell assembly and can be helpful for constructing tandem solar cells to harvest the high‐energy portion of solar radiation.
Hydrogen Diffusion Guided Design of Pt‐Based Alloys for Inhibition of Butadiene Over‐Hydrogenation
Authors: Hu Chaoquan , Sun Jiahan , Wang Dongjie , Peng Mi , Shao Mingyuan , Zhu Qingshan , Ma Ding
Published: May 2019

Alloying Pt with other metals is an effective strategy to tune its performance towards selective hydrogenation reactions. Herein, we have demonstrated a process to screen Pt‐based alloys for inhibition of butadiene over‐hydrogenation with a model comprising isolated single atoms (ISA) embedded into Pt(111). DFT calculations reveal that the diffusion energy barrier of H co‐adsorbed with 1‐butene is a key parameter for the screening. The output from the ISA model was validated by testing several typical Pt‐based alloys towards butadiene hydrogenation. Furthermore, an unexpected higher selectivity to cis‐2‐butene compared to the trans isomer and 1‐butene over the PtZn alloy was explored employing the ISA model.
Reassessment of the Mechanisms of Thermal C−H Bond Activation of Methane by Cationic Magnesium Oxides: A Critical Evaluation of the Suitability of Different Density Functionals
Authors: Tian Tian , Sun Xiaoli , Weiske Thomas , Cai Yuxi , Geng Caiyun , Li Jilai , Schwarz Helmut
Published: May 2019

The mechanisms of the thermal reactions of the two iconic magnesium oxide cations MgO.+ and Mg2O2.+ with methane have been re‐evaluated at the CCSD(T)/CBS//CCSD/def2‐TZVP level of theory. For the reaction of MgO.+ with CH4, only the classical hydrogen‐atom transfer (HAT) was found; in contrast, for the Mg2O2.+/CH4 couple, both HAT and proton‐coupled electron‐transfer (PCET) exist as mechanistic variants. In order to evaluate the suitability of density functional theory (DFT) methods, the reactions were computed by using 27 density functionals. The results obtained demonstrate that the various DFT methods often deliver rather different results for both geometric and energetic features. As to the prediction of the apparent barriers, pure functionals give the largest mean absolute errors. BMK, ωB97XD, and the double‐hybrid functional mPW2PLYP were confirmed to come closest to the results provided by CCSD(T)/CBS. Thus, mechanistic conclusions based on a single DFT method should be viewed with great caution. In summary, this study may assist in the selection of a suitable quantum chemical method to unravel the mechanistic details of C−H bond activation by charged metal oxides.
Computing the Ultrafast and Radiationless Electronic Excited State Decay of Cytosine and 5‐methyl‐cytosine Cations: Uncovering the Role of Dynamic Electron Correlation
Authors: Segarra‐Martí Javier , Tran Thierry , Bearpark Michael J.
Published: May 2019

Photoionisation in DNA, i. e. the process of photoinduced electron removal from the chromophoric species – the nucleobases – leading to their cationic form, has been scarcely studied despite being considered to be responsible for significant damaging instances in our genetic material. In this contribution we theoretically characterise the electronic ground and excited state decay pathways of cationic DNA nucleobase cytosine+ and its epigenetic derivative 5‐methyl‐cytosine+, including the effects of dynamic electron correlation on energies and geometries of minima and conical intersections. We do this by comparing the results of XMS‐CASPT2 calculations with CASSCF estimates and we find some significant differences between the results of these two methods. In particular, including dynamic electron correlation is found to significantly reduce the barrier to access the
conical intersection. We find notable similarities in both cytosine and 5‐methyl‐cytosine cations, and accessible conical intersections in the vicinity of the Franck‐Condon region are found. This points towards an ultrafast depopulation of their electronic excited states. Moreover, the shape of the ground state potential energy surface strongly directs the decaying excited state population towards the cationic ground state minimum on ultrafast timescales, preventing photo‐fragmentation and thus explaining their photostability. To better compare our calculations with the available experimental data we compute the UV (ground and excited state) and IR absorptions.
Unique Calibrators Derived from Fluorescence‐Activated Nanoparticle Sorting for Flow Cytometric Size Estimation of Artificial Vesicles: Possibilities and Limitations
Authors: Simonsen Jens B. , Larsen Jannik B. , Hempel Casper , Eng Niklas , Fossum Anna , Andresen Thomas L.
Published: May 2019

The use of high‐throughput flow cytometry to characterize nanoparticles has received increased interest in recent years. However, to fully realize the potential of flow cytometry for the characterization of nanometer‐sized objects, suitable calibrators for size estimation must be developed and the sensitivity of conventional flow cytometers has to be advanced. Based on the scattered signal, silica and plastic beads have often been used as flow cytometric size calibrators to evaluate the size of extracellular vesicles and artificial vesicles (liposomes). However, several studies have shown that these beads are unable to accurately correlate scatter intensity to vesicle size. In this work, we present a novel method to estimate the size of individual liposomes in flow cytometry based on liposomal size calibrators prepared by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS), here coined fluorescence‐activated nanoparticle sorting (FANS). These calibration liposomes exhibit sizes, structures, and refractive indexes identical to the particles being studied and thus can serve as unique calibrators. First, a sample of polydisperse fluorophore‐labeled unilamellar liposomes was prepared and analyzed by flow cytometry. Next, different fractions of the polydisperse liposomes were FANS‐sorted according to their fluorescence intensity. Thereafter, we employed nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) to evaluate the liposome sizes of the FANS‐sorted liposome fractions. Finally, we correlated the flow cytometric readouts (side scatter and fluorescence intensity) of the FANS‐sorted liposome fractions with their corresponding size obtained by NTA. This procedure enabled us to translate the liposome fluorescence intensity to the liposome size in nanometers for all detected individual liposomes. We validated the size distribution of our polydisperse liposome sample obtained from flow cytometry in combination with our FANS‐calibrators against standard methods for sizing nanoparticles, including NTA and cryo‐transmission electron microscopy. This work also highlights the limitation of using the flow cytometric side scattering readout to determine the size of small (30–300 nm) artificial vesicles. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Design of a lightweight and anonymous authenticated key agreement protocol for wireless body area networks
Authors: Ostad‐Sharif Arezou , Nikooghadam Morteza , Abbasinezhad‐Mood Dariush
Published: May 2019

Wireless body area networks (WBANs) are a network designed to gather critical information about the physical conditions of patients and to exchange this information. WBANs are prone to attacks, more than other networks, because of their mobility and the public channel they use. Therefore, mutual authentication and privacy protection are critical for WBANs to prevent attackers from accessing confidential information of patients and executing undetectable physical attacks. In addition, in the authentication and key agreement process, messages should be transferred anonymously such that they are not linkable. In this paper, we first indicate that one of the most recently introduced authentication protocol is vulnerable to the wrong session key agreement attack and desynchronization attack. Second, we propose a lightweight authentication and key agreement protocol, which can withstand the well‐known attacks and provide the anonymity feature. Eventually, we analyze the security of our proposed protocol using both Automated Validation of Internet Security Protocols and Applications (AVISPA) and random oracle model and compare its performance with the related works. The results demonstrate the superiority of our proposed protocol in comparison with the other protocols.
Error rates in wildlife image classification
Authors: Gooliaff TJ , Hodges Karen E.
Published: May 2019

We address the comments made by Thornton et al. (Ecology and Evolution, 2019) in response to our recent article on measuring the agreement among experts in classifying camera images of bobcats and Canada lynx.
Temperature Dependence of Electrochemical Degradation in LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2/Li4Ti5O12 Cells
Authors: Björklund Erik , Naylor Andrew J. , Brant William , Brandell Daniel , Younesi Reza , Edström Kristina
Published: May 2019

Aging mechanisms in lithium‐ion batteries are dependent on the operational temperature, but the detailed mechanisms on what processes take place at what temperatures are still lacking. The electrochemical performance and capacity fading of the common cell chemistry LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 (NMC)/Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) pouch cells are studied at temperatures 10, 30, and 55 °C. The full cells are cycled with a moderate upper cutoff potential of 4.3 V versus Li+/Li. The electrode interfaces are characterized postmortem using photoelectron spectroscopy techniques (soft X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy [SOXPES], hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy [HAXPES], and X‐ray absorption near edge structure [XANES]). Stable cycling at 30 °C is explained by electrolyte reduction forming a stabilizing interphase, thereby preventing further degradation. This initial reaction, between LTO and the electrolyte, seems to be beneficial for the NMC–LTO full cell. At 55 °C, continuous electrolyte reduction and capacity fading are observed. It leads to the formation of a thicker surface layer of organic species on the LTO surface than at 30 °C, contributing to an increased voltage hysteresis. At 10 °C, large cell‐resistances are observed, caused by poor electrolyte conductivity in combination with a relatively thicker and LixPFy‐rich surface layer on LTO, which limit the capacity.
Case study on vibration health risk and comfort levels in loading crane trucks
Authors: Picoral Filho José Gilberto , Fedatto Neto Mário , Quintas Juan Pablo Raggio , Gomes Herbert Martins
Published: May 2019

According to a survey published by the Brazilian National Transportation Confederation, recently, the Brazilian truck fleet has been increasing about 84.3%, accounting to, in 2016, a total value of 2 684 227 vehicles. Despite this growth, the quality of the road network did not increase proportionally to the necessary infrastructure for agricultural production flow. This work aims to infer, by the analysis of occupational exposure, the vibration levels acting on truck drivers, analyzing the vibrational degree for health risk and comfort levels. The whole‐body vibration (WBV) in trucks of different models and capacities, at some speeds and pavement types, are evaluated using a portable vibration analyzer with triaxial accelerometers. The daily exposure to vibration A(8) is evaluated and compared with the occupational exposure limits defined by a National Regulation Standard, with measurement procedures defined by an Occupational Hygiene Standard, and level requirements defined by an International ISO Standard. It is concluded that the degree of comfort is higher for heavier vehicles with large wheelbase. Relative to the health risk conditions, the study arrives at the same conclusion; the degree of risk increases as the vehicle' speed and pavement's longitudinal irregularity increase. Regarding human exposure to vibration, the vehicles in their actual working situations presented a vibration scenario where the exposure limits are exceeded, resulting in unhealthy working conditions.
Quality improvement of health systems in an epidemic context: A framework based on lessons from the Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa
Authors: Brugnara Lucia , Pervilhac Cyril , Kohler François , Dramé Mohamed Lamine , Sax Sylvia , Marx Michael
Published: May 2019

Quality improvement (QI) in health generally focuses on the provision of health services with the aim of improving service delivery. Yet QI can be applied not only to health services but also to health systems overall. This is of growing relevance considering that due to deficiencies in health systems, the main countries affected by Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa (2014–2016) were insufficiently prepared for the epidemic, and according to the WHO, epidemics are increasingly becoming a threat to global health. Our objective is to analyze QI constraints in health systems during that EVD epidemic and to propose a practical framework for QI in health systems for epidemics in developing countries. We applied a framework analysis using experiences shared at the “Second International Quality Forum” organized by the University of Heidelberg and partners in July 2015 and information gathered from a systematic literature review. Empirical results revealed multiple deficiencies in the health systems. We systemized these shortfalls as well as the QI measures taken as a response during the epidemic. On the basis of these findings, we identified six specific “priority intervention areas,” which ultimately resulted in the synthesis of a practical QI framework. We deem that this framework that integrates the priority intervention areas with the WHO building blocks is suitable to improve, monitor, and evaluate health system performance in epidemic contexts in developing countries.
RasGRP1 is a target for VEGF to induce angiogenesis and involved in the endothelial‐protective effects of metformin under high glucose in HUVECs
Authors: Xu Jing , Liu Miao , Yu Muqiao , Shen Jiayi , Zhou Jiecan , Hu Jinglei , Zhou Yong , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2019

Impaired angiogenesis in endothelial cells is a hallmark of diabetes vascular complications. Ras guanine‐releasing protein 1 (RasGRP1) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Ras, and its role in endothelial angiogenesis has not been investigated. Given the importance of Ras in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐induced angiogenesis, we hypothesized that RasGRP1 may be a critical pathway downstream of VEGF and involved in endothelial angiogenesis. Furthermore, we investigate whether RasGRP1‐dependent VEGF signaling was downregulated under high glucose conditions mimicking diabetes and required for the endothelial protective action of metformin in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs were transfected with either RasGRP1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) or pEnter‐RasGRP1 plasmid to down‐ and upregulate RasGRP1 expression before different treatments, such as added VEGF or not, exposed to high glucose (35 mM) or normal glucose (5 mM) in the presence or absence of metformin. Expression of VEGF, RasGRP1, and their signaling targets were analyzed by Western blot; migration and tube formation were detected by transwell chamber assay and Matrigel angiogenesis assay, respectively. Knockdown of RasGRP1 significantly attenuated VEGF‐induced migration and tube formation activities of HUVECs and activation of AKT pathway. The expression of VEGF, RasGRP1, and AKT phosphorylation was downregulated in HUVECs exposed to high glucose compared with normal glucose, whereas metformin upregulated the RasGRP1‐dependent VEGF signaling and ameliorates the impaired angiogenesis caused by high glucose. RasGRP1 is involved in the VEGF‐induced angiogenesis and the pro‐angiogenesis effects of metformin under hyperglycemia. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 71(9):1391–1400, 2019
Age-Related Changes in the Mechanical Regulation of Bone Healing Are Explained by Altered Cellular Mechanoresponse
Authors: Borgiani Edoardo , Figge Christine , Kruck Bettina , Willie Bettina M , Duda Georg N , Checa Sara
Published: May 2019

Increasing age is associated with a reduced bone regeneration potential and increased risk of morbidities and mortality. A reduced bone formation response to mechanical loading has been shown with aging, and it remains unknown if the interplay between aging and mechanical stimuli during regeneration is similar to adaptation. We used a combined in vivo/in silico approach to investigate age-related alterations in the mechanical regulation of bone healing and identified the relative impact of altered cellular function on tissue patterns during the regenerative cascade. To modulate the mechanical environment, femoral osteotomies in adult and elderly mice were stabilized using either a rigid or a semirigid external fixator, and the course of healing was evaluated using histomorphometric and micro-CT analyses at 7, 14, and 21 days post-surgery. Computer models were developed to investigate the influence of the local mechanical environment within the callus on tissue formation patterns. The models aimed to identify the key processes at the cellular level that alter the mechanical regulation of healing with aging. Fifteen age-related biological alterations were investigated on two levels (adult and elderly) with a design of experiments setup. We show a reduced response to changes in fixation stability with age, which could be explained by reduced cellular mechanoresponse, simulated as alteration of the ranges of mechanical stimuli driving mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. Cellular mechanoresponse has been so far widely ignored as a therapeutic target in aged patients. Our data hint to mechanotherapeutics as a potential treatment to enhance bone healing in the elderly. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Transcranial color‐coded sonography may indirectly reveal an intracranial meningioma
Authors: Bartolini Emanuele , Filippi Andria , Cafforio Gianfranco
Published: May 2019

Meningiomas are extra‐axial tumors with a long‐standing indolent clinical course. Sphenoid wing meningiomas may slowly grow, spreading toward the orbitofrontal and temporal regions as well as encasing the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Herein, we report the incidental finding of a sphenoid wing meningioma compressing the MCA in a patient who undergone a transcranial sonography study for recurrent speech disorders. We illustrate the associated sonographic “red flags” which should prompt to suspect an underlying compressive space‐occupying lesion.
WiFi‐controlled portable atomic force microscope
Authors: Wang Yingda , You Qingyang , Zhang Ziyao , Chen Jiajun , Zhang Haijun
Published: May 2019

This article proposes to develop a WiFi‐controlled portable atomic force microscope (AFM). The AFM consists of a horizontal probe, controlling circuits, digital to analog (D/A) and analog to digital (A/D) interfaces, a microcomputer (Raspberry Pi, RPi), and a laptop. The proposed AFM uses a pocket‐size power supply to drive the controlling circuits, the D/A and A/D interfaces, as well as the RPi that constructs network hotspots and generates scanning signals. With special design and integration of the whole system, both of the AFM probe and electronic controlling system are portable. At a distance of 50 m from the proposed AFM, experiments in the constant height mode and the constant force mode are conducted to evaluate its performance. The results show that this WiFi‐controlled AFM has a maximum scan range of 3.6 × 3.6 μm2 with nanometer order resolution. Meanwhile, it achieves satisfactory image contrast, stability, and repeatability. Compared with conventional AFMs, the AFM proposed in this paper no longer relies on commercial AC mains supply or high‐voltage DC power supply, and realizes WiFi‐controlled AFM scanning and imaging in 50 m or farther without wire or network cable connection to a laptop or a desktop computer. Given credits to these features, WiFi‐controlled AFMs are expected to own a wider range of application, especially in isolated environments, outdoor researches, or even fieldwork investigations.
The diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism by an integrative “multi‐omics” approach: A perspective encompassing genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics
Authors: Stenton Sarah L. , Kremer Laura S. , Kopajtich Robert , Ludwig Christina , Prokisch Holger
Published: May 2019

Given the rapidly decreasing cost and increasing speed and accessibility of massively parallel technologies, the integration of comprehensive genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data into a “multi‐omics” diagnostic pipeline is within reach. Even though genomic analysis has the capability to reveal all possible perturbations in our genetic code, analysis typically reaches a diagnosis in just 35% of cases, with a diagnostic gap arising due to limitations in prioritization and interpretation of detected variants. Here we review the utility of complementing genetic data with transcriptomic data and give a perspective for the introduction of proteomics into the diagnostic pipeline. Together these methodologies enable comprehensive capture of the functional consequence of variants, unobtainable by the analysis of each methodology in isolation. This facilitates functional annotation and reprioritization of candidate genes and variants—a promising approach to shed light on the underlying molecular cause of a patient's disease, increasing diagnostic rate, and allowing actionability in clinical practice.
Fat, fight, and beyond: The multiple roles of lipid droplets in infections and inflammation
Authors: Pereira-Dutra Filipe S , Teixeira Livia , de Souza Costa Maria Fernanda , Bozza Patrícia T
Published: May 2019

Increased accumulation of cytoplasmic lipid droplets (LDs) in host nonadipose cells is commonly observed in response to numerous infectious diseases, including bacterial, parasite, and fungal infections. LDs are lipid-enriched, dynamic organelles composed of a core of neutral lipids surrounded by a monolayer of phospholipids associated with a diverse array of proteins that are cell and stimulus regulated. Far beyond being simply a deposit of neutral lipids, LDs have come to be seen as an essential platform for various cellular processes, including metabolic regulation, cell signaling, and the immune response. LD participation in the immune response occurs as sites for compartmentalization of several immunometabolic signaling pathways, production of inflammatory lipid mediators, and regulation of antigen presentation. Infection-driven LD biogenesis is a complexly regulated process that involves innate immune receptors, transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation, increased lipid uptake, and new lipid synthesis. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that intracellular pathogens are able to exploit LDs as an energy source, a replication site, and/or a mechanism of immune response evasion. Nevertheless, LDs can also act in favor of the host as part of the immune and inflammatory response to pathogens. Here, we review recent findings that explored the new roles of LDs in the context of host-pathogen interactions.
Impact of differences in the decaying phase of El Niño on South and East Asia summer monsoon in CMIP5 models
Authors: Srinivas Gangiredla , Chowdary Jasti S. , Gnanaseelan Chellappan , Parekh Anant , Dandi Ramu , Prasad Koneru Venkata Siva Rama , Naidu Chennu Venkata
Published: May 2019

The present study examined the ability of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) models in representing the differences in decaying phases of El Niño and their impact on south Asia and east Asia monsoon during June and July (JJ), the early summer monsoon months. El Niño decay is classified into three categories, based on the timing of decay with respect to the summer season after the peak phase of El Niño. Analysis suggests that many CMIP5 models are able to capture the differences in the decaying phase of El Niño. Observed rainfall anomalies are positive over most parts of south and east Asia regions during the early decay (ED) years mainly due to anomalous Tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) Sea Surface Temperature (SST) warming and La Niña like forcing from the eastern Pacific. Most models show significant skill in capturing the positive rainfall anomalies over south Asia and TIO SST warming in ED years. However, many models have failed to represent east Asian rainfall anomalies due to weak Western North Pacific (WNP) anticyclone and its association with El Niño‐Southern Oscillation. In case of mid‐decay (MD) years, observed rainfall anomalies over south Asia is negative especially in the monsoon trough region and positive over east Asian region. Low‐level divergence induced by anomalous WNP anticyclone extending to head Bay of Bengal and Gangetic Plain region in MD years caused low rainfall over south Asia. These features are however not well organized in many CMIP5 models. In no decay (ND) years, the rainfall anomalies over south and east Asia regions are negative in almost all the CMIP5 models, which is consistent with the observations. This study highlights the importance of proper representation of differences in the decaying phase of El Niño and associated teleconnections in CMIP5 models.