bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resting-state fMRI data of awake dogs (Canis familiaris) via group-level independent component analysis reveal multiple, spatially distributed resting-state networks
Authors: Szabó Dóra , Czeibert Kálmán , Kettinger Ádám , Gácsi Márta , Andics Attila , Miklósi Ádám , Kubinyi Enikő
Published: October 2019

Resting-state networks are spatially distributed, functionally connected brain regions. Studying these networks gives us information about the large-scale functional organization of the brain and alternations in these networks are considered to play a role in a wide range of neurological conditions and aging. To describe resting-state networks in dogs, we measured 22 awake, unrestrained individuals of both sexes and carried out group-level spatial independent component analysis to explore whole-brain connectivity patterns. In this exploratory study, using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), we found several such networks: a network involving prefrontal, anterior cingulate, posterior cingulate and hippocampal regions; sensorimotor (SMN), auditory (AUD), frontal (FRO), cerebellar (CER) and striatal networks. The network containing posterior cingulate regions, similarly to Primates, but unlike previous studies in dogs, showed antero-posterior connectedness with involvement of hippocampal and lateral temporal regions. The results give insight into the resting-state networks of awake animals from a taxon beyond rodents through a non-invasive method.
Depletion of Mitochondrial DNA in Differentiated Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
Authors: Hu Xinqian , Calton Melissa A. , Tang Shibo , Vollrath Douglas
Published: October 2019

We investigated the effects of treating differentiated retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells with didanosine (ddI), which is associated with retinopathy in individuals with HIV/AIDS. We hypothesized that such treatment would cause depletion of mitochondrial DNA and provide insight into the consequences of degradation of RPE mitochondrial function in aging and disease. Treatment of differentiated ARPE-19 or human primary RPE cells with 200 µM ddI for 6–24 days was not cytotoxic but caused up to 60% depletion of mitochondrial DNA, and a similar reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential and NDUFA9 protein abundance. Mitochondrial DNA-depleted RPE cells demonstrated enhanced aerobic glycolysis by extracellular flux analysis, increased AMP kinase activation, reduced mTOR activity, and increased resistance to cell death in response to treatment with the oxidant, sodium iodate. We conclude that ddI-mediated mitochondrial DNA depletion promotes a glycolytic shift in differentiated RPE cells and enhances resistance to oxidative damage. Our use of ddI treatment to induce progressive depletion of mitochondrial DNA in differentiated human RPE cells should be widely applicable for other studies aimed at understanding RPE mitochondrial dysfunction in aging and disease.
Association of Vision-related Quality of Life with Visual Function in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Pondorfer Susanne G. , Terheyden Jan. H. , Heinemann Manuel , Wintergerst Maximilian W. M. , Holz Frank G. , Finger Robert P.
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study was to assess which visual function measures are most strongly associated with vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A cross-sectional study of subjects with early AMD (n = 10), intermediate AMD (n = 42) and late AMD (n = 38) was conducted. Subjects were interviewed with the Impact of Vision Impairment (IVI) questionnaire. Functional tests performed included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), low luminance visual acuity (LLVA), visual acuity measured with the Moorfields Acuity Charts (MAC), contrast sensitivity, reading speed, mesopic and dark-adapted microperimetry. The relationship between VRQoL and visual function was assessed with multiple regressions controlling for confounders. Rasch analysis demonstrated the validity of the IVI to assess VRQoL through three subscales: reading and accessing information, mobility and independence, and emotional well-being. Subjects with late AMD had significant lower IVI scores on all subscales compared with intermediate and early AMD (p < 0.011). In the overall cohort, IVI subscales were associated with BCVA, LLVA, MAC-VA and contrast sensitivity (all p < 0.001). Among the subgroup of early and intermediate AMD subjects, reading and mobility subscales were significantly associated with MAC-VA (p < 0.013). These results suggest that MAC-VA is a useful, patient-relevant measure of visual impairment in AMD.
Reflexive gaze following in common marmoset monkeys
Authors: Spadacenta Silvia , Dicke Peter W. , Thier Peter
Published: October 2019

The ability to extract the direction of the other’s gaze allows us to shift our attention to an object of interest to the other and to establish joint attention. By mapping one’s own intentions on the object of joint attention, humans develop a Theory of (the other’s) Mind (TOM), a functional sequence possibly disrupted in autism. Gaze following of both humans and old world monkeys is orchestrated by very similar cortical architectures, strongly suggesting homology. Also new world monkeys, a primate suborder that split from the old world monkey line about 35 million years ago, have complex social structures and one member of this group, the common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are known to follow human head-gaze. However, the question is if they use gaze following to establish joint attention with conspecifics. Here we show that this is indeed the case. In a free choice task, head-restrained marmosets prefer objects gazed at by a conspecific and, moreover, they exhibit considerably shorter choice reaction times for the same objects. These findings support the assumption of an evolutionarily old domain specific faculty shared within the primate order and they underline the potential value of marmosets in studies of normal and disturbed joint attention.
Human Sensation of Transcranial Electric Stimulation
Authors: Zeng Fan-Gang , Tran Phillip , Richardson Matthew , Sun Shuping , Xu Yuchen
Published: October 2019

Noninvasive transcranial electric stimulation is increasingly being used as an advantageous therapy alternative that may activate deep tissues while avoiding drug side-effects. However, not only is there limited evidence for activation of deep tissues by transcranial electric stimulation, its evoked human sensation is understudied and often dismissed as a placebo or secondary effect. By systematically characterizing the human sensation evoked by transcranial alternating-current stimulation, we observed not only stimulus frequency and electrode position dependencies specific for auditory and visual sensation but also a broader presence of somatic sensation ranging from touch and vibration to pain and pressure. We found generally monotonic input-output functions at suprathreshold levels, and often multiple types of sensation occurring simultaneously in response to the same electric stimulation. We further used a recording circuit embedded in a cochlear implant to directly and objectively measure the amount of transcranial electric stimulation reaching the auditory nerve, a deep intercranial target located in the densest bone of the skull. We found an optimal configuration using an ear canal electrode and low-frequency (<300 Hz) sinusoids that delivered maximally ~1% of the transcranial current to the auditory nerve, which was sufficient to produce sound sensation even in deafened ears. Our results suggest that frequency resonance due to neuronal intrinsic electric properties need to be explored for targeted deep brain stimulation and novel brain-computer interfaces.
Circulating microRNAs in Fabry Disease
Authors: Xiao Ke , Lu Dongchao , Hoepfner Jeannine , Santer Laura , Gupta Shashi , Pfanne Angelika , Thum Sabrina , Lenders Malte , Brand Eva , Nordbeck Peter , Thum Thomas
Published: October 2019

Fabry disease is an X-linked deficiency of the lysosomal hydrolase alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-Gal). This results in an accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (GL-3/Gb3) in a variety of cells with subsequent functional impairment. The continuous progress of FD often leads to decreased quality of life and premature death caused by multi-organic complications. The overall aim of our study was to determine the amount of circulating miRNAs in Fabry patients and to test whether ERT would alter the level of individual circulating miRNAs. We used miRNA sequencing by the HTG EdgeSeq System to identify the circulating miRNA pool from Fabry patients with and without enzyme replacement therapy (n = 6). In total, 296 miRNAs in serum of patients were identified. Among them 9 miRNAs were further evaluated in extra serum samples (n = 31) using real-time qPCR and 6 of them showed significant differential expression. The resulting miRNA pattern may help to better understand mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects of ERT and these new miRNA markers could help to estimate the efficacy of ERT or to identify Fabry patients with specific need for ERT.
Whole genome sequencing, analyses of drug resistance-conferring mutations, and correlation with transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis carrying katG-S315T in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Hang Nguyen Thi Le , Hijikata Minako , Maeda Shinji , Thuong Pham Huu , Ohashi Jun , Van Huan Hoang , Hoang Nguyen Phuong , Miyabayashi Akiko , Cuong Vu Cao , Seto Shintaro , Van Hung Nguyen , Keicho Naoto
Published: October 2019

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is a serious global problem, and pathogen factors involved in the transmission of isoniazid (INH)-resistant TB have not been fully investigated. We performed whole genome sequencing of 332 clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) isolates collected from patients newly diagnosed with smear-positive pulmonary TB in Hanoi, Vietnam. Using a bacterial genome-wide approach based on linear mixed models, we investigated the associations between 31-bp k-mers and clustered strains harboring katG-S315T, a major INH-resistance mutation in the present cohort and in the second panel previously published in South Africa. Five statistically significant genes, namely, PPE18/19, gid, emrB, Rv1588c, and pncA, were shared by the two panels. We further identified variants of the genes responsible for these k-mers, which are relevant to the spread of INH-resistant strains. Phylogenetic convergence test showed that variants relevant to PPE46/47-like chimeric genes were significantly associated with the same phenotype in Hanoi. The associations were further confirmed after adjustment for the confounders. These findings suggest that genomic variations of the pathogen facilitate the expansion of INH-resistance TB, at least in part, and our study provides a new insight into the mechanisms by which drug-resistant Mtb maintains fitness and spreads in Asia and Africa.
Scaling the interactive effects of attractive and repellent odours for insect search behaviour
Authors: Verschut Thomas A. , Carlsson Mikael A. , Hambäck Peter A.
Published: October 2019

Insects searching for resources are exposed to a complexity of mixed odours, often involving both attractant and repellent substances. Understanding how insects respond to this complexity of cues is crucial for understanding consumer-resource interactions, but also to develop novel tools to control harmful pests. To advance our understanding of insect responses to combinations of attractive and repellent odours, we formulated three qualitative hypotheses; the response-ratio hypothesis, the repellent-threshold hypothesis and the odour-modulation hypothesis. The hypotheses were tested by exposing Drosophila melanogaster in a wind tunnel to combinations of vinegar as attractant and four known repellents; benzaldehyde, 1-octen-3-ol, geosmin and phenol. The responses to benzaldehyde, 1-octen-3-ol and geosmin provided support for the response-ratio hypothesis, which assumes that the behavioural response depends on the ratio between attractants and repellents. The response to phenol, rather supported the repellent-threshold hypothesis, where aversion only occurs above a threshold concentration of the repellent due to overshadowing of the attractant. We hypothesize that the different responses may be connected to the localization of receptors, as receptors detecting phenol are located on the maxillary palps whereas receptors detecting the other odorants are located on the antennae.
The striatal-enriched protein Rhes is a critical modulator of cocaine-induced molecular and behavioral responses
Authors: Napolitano Francesco , De Rosa Arianna , Russo Rosita , Di Maio Anna , Garofalo Martina , Federici Mauro , Migliarini Sara , Ledonne Ada , Rizzo Francesca Romana , Avallone Luigi , Nuzzo Tommaso , Biagini Tommaso , Pasqualetti Massimo , Mercuri Nicola Biagio , Mazza Tommaso , Chambery Angela , Usiello Alessandro
Published: October 2019

Previous evidence pointed out a role for the striatal-enriched protein Rhes in modulating dopaminergic transmission. Based on the knowledge that cocaine induces both addiction and motor stimulation, through its ability to enhance dopaminergic signaling in the corpus striatum, we have now explored the involvement of Rhes in the effects associated with this psychostimulant. Our behavioral data showed that a lack of Rhes in knockout animals caused profound alterations in motor stimulation following cocaine exposure, eliciting a significant leftward shift in the dose-response curve and triggering a dramatic hyperactivity. We also found that Rhes modulated either short- or long-term motor sensitization induced by cocaine, since lack of this protein prevents both of them in mutants. Consistent with this in vivo observation, we found that lack of Rhes in mice caused a greater increase in striatal cocaine-dependent D1R/cAMP/PKA signaling, along with considerable enhancement of Arc, zif268, and Homer1 mRNA expression. We also documented that lack of Rhes in mice produced cocaine-related striatal alterations in proteomic profiling, with a differential expression of proteins clustering in calcium homeostasis and cytoskeletal protein binding categories. Despite dramatic striatal alterations associated to cocaine exposure, our data did not reveal any significant changes in midbrain dopaminergic neurons as a lack of Rhes did not affect: (i) DAT activity; (ii) D2R-dependent regulation of GIRK; and (iii) D2R-dependent regulation of dopamine release. Collectively, our results strengthen the view that Rhes acts as a pivotal physiological “molecular brake” for striatal dopaminergic system overactivation induced by psychostimulants, thus making this protein of interest in regulating the molecular mechanism underpinning cocaine-dependent motor stimulatory effects.
Five-Year-Old Children’s Working Memory Can Be Improved When Children Act On A Transparent Goal Cue
Authors: Fitamen Christophe , Blaye Agnès , Camos Valérie
Published: October 2019

Working memory is a key component of human cognition and its development throughout childhood a major predictor of cognitive development and school achievement. Noticeably, preschoolers exhibit poor performance in working memory tasks. The present study aimed at testing different means to improve working memory performance in preschoolers. To this aim, we tested the effect of abstract and transparent goal cues in a Brown-Peterson task performed by 4- and 5-year-old preschoolers. If the transparent goal cue helps to better maintain the instructions, it should lead to better memory performance. Moreover, preschoolers had to track, either visually or with their fingers, the goal cue during the retention interval. If the motor activity favors the active engagement of the children in the task, the finger tracking should lead to improvement in memory performance. Our findings were that 5-year-old children benefitted from a transparent goal cue when they acted on it, while 4-year-old children did not show any improvement. These results suggest that working memory performance can be improved in 5-year-old children when the task embeds elements that can scaffold the task goal.
A modular paper-and-plastic device for tuberculosis nucleic acid amplification testing in limited-resource settings
Authors: Kaur Navjot , Michael Joy S. , Toley Bhushan J.
Published: October 2019

We present a prototype for conducting rapid, inexpensive and point-of-care-compatible nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for tuberculosis (TB). The fluorescent isothermal paper-and-plastic NAAT (FLIPP-NAAT) uses paper-based loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for DNA detection. The cost of materials required to build a 12-test-zone device is $0.88 and the cost of reagents per reaction is $0.43. An inexpensive imaging platform enables filter-free fluorescence detection of amplified DNA using a cell-phone camera. FLIPP-NAAT can be operated by an untrained user and only requires a regular laboratory incubator as ancillary equipment. All reagents can be dry-stored in the device, facilitating storage and transportation without cold chains. The device design is modular and the assay demonstrated high specificity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), analytical sensitivity of the order of 10 copies of Mtb gDNA, and tolerance to complex samples. The clinical sensitivity and specificity of sputum-based FLIPP NAAT tests were 100% (zero false negatives) and 68.75% (five false positives), respectively (N = 30), using Xpert MTB/RIF assay as the reference standard. FLIPP-NAAT has the potential to provide affordable and accessible molecular diagnostics for TB in low- and middle-income countries, when used in conjunction with an appropriate sample preparation technique. Although demonstrated for the detection of TB, FLIPP-NAAT is a platform technology for amplification of any nucleic acid sequence.
Refractive error and biometrics of anterior segment of eyes of healthy young university students in Japan
Authors: Kato Kumiko , Kondo Mineo , Takeuchi Maki , Hirano Koji
Published: October 2019

To determine the parameters of the anterior segment of eyes that are significantly associated with the refractive error in healthy young Japanese university students. This was a cross-sectional observational study of 229 healthy Japanese university students (men: women,147:82) whose age ranged between 20 to 29 years. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify the factors that were significantly correlated with the refractive error. The independent variables included age, sex, axial length, anterior chamber depth, corneal diameter, curvature of anterior surface of cornea, and central corneal thickness. The mean refractive error (spherical equivalent) was −4.1 ± 2.7 diopters (D) with a range of −12.5 to +0.5 D, and the mean axial length was 25.4 ± 1.3 mm with a range of 22.4 to 29.0 mm. Pearson univariate correlation analysis found that the refractive error was significantly and negatively correlated with the axial length (R = −0.82, P < 0.001), deeper anterior chamber (R = −0.30, P < 0.001), and larger corneal diameter (R = −0.21, P = 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that the refractive error was significantly associated with a longer axial length (P < 0.001), a deeper anterior chamber (P < 0.001), and a flatter corneal curvature (P < 0.001).The biometric values of the anterior segment of the eyes should make the eye more hyperopic which would reduce the myopia-inducing lengthening of the axial length.
DNA methylation of antisense noncoding RNA in the INK locus (ANRIL) is associated with coronary artery disease in a Chinese population
Authors: Zhao Chen-Hui , Cao Hai-Tao , Zhang Jing , Jia Qiao-Wei , An Feng-Hui , Chen Zhao-Hong , Li Li-Hua , Wang Lian-Sheng , Ma Wen-Zhu , Yang Zhi-Jian , Jia En-Zhi
Published: October 2019

To explore the association between methylation of antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus (ANRIL) and coronary artery disease (CAD) development. Methylation levels of ANRIL in 100 subjects with CAD and 100 controls were quantitatively analyzed using Sequenom MassARRAY. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was used to identify novel pathways. Our analyses indicated that 7 to 8 CpG sites within the 2nd CpG island located upstream of ANRIL, also known as cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B – antisense 1 (CDKN2B-AS1), are hyper-methylated in CAD subjects compared to controls (p = 0.034). The 40th CpG site within the 2nd CpG island located upstream of CDKN2B-AS1 was methylated to a lesser extent in CAD subjects compared to controls (p = 0.045). Both Pearson and Spearman analyses indicated that methylation levels were significantly associated with total cholesterol (r = 0.204, p = 0.004), fasting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.165, p = 0.020), and fasting low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.265, p = 0.000). KEGG pathway analysis revealed a significant enrichment of genes associated with the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway. Among them, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBPβ) was identified as a key transcription factor that promotes expression of CDKN2B-AS1 through promotor interaction. DNA methylation of the ANRIL promoter was significantly associated with CAD development in our study. Our analyses suggest that C/EBPβ is a key transcription factor that promotes CDKN2B-AS1 expression by directly interacting with the gene promotor mediated by TNF signaling.
Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of brachial and femoral veins, and coagulation and lipid profiles in dogs following open splenectomy
Authors: Hussein Hussein Awad , Ibrahim Ahmed , Ali Marwa F. , Ahmed Ahmed F.
Published: October 2019

In dogs, splenectomy is mandatory as an emergency following splenic rupture with resultant hemoperitoneum and hypotensive shock. The present work aimed to evaluate the Doppler ultrasonographic parameters of brachial and femoral veins in splenectomized dogs and to investigate the effect of splenectomy on the coagulation and lipid profiles. A total number of 9 dogs underwent clinical, abdominal ultrasonographic and laboratory examinations prior to the surgical operation and kept for 60-day observation period post-splenectomy. Follow-up ultrasonography revealed no serious complications post-splenectomy. Both brachial and femoral veins were imaged medial to their corresponding arteries. Doppler ultrasonographic parameters of both veins showed no significant changes throughout the study period (P > 0.05). Haematological analysis revealed development of anemia, leukocytosis, and thrombocytosis in dogs post-splenectomy. Coagulation profile exhibited no significant variations in prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times (P > 0.05). In comparison with their baseline values, the mean concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides were significantly increased 30-day post-splenectomy. In conclusion, it may seem that open splenectomy has no influence on the Doppler ultrasonographic indices of brachial and femoral veins with no evidence of deep vein thrombosis in dogs. However, persistent leukocytosis and thrombocytosis, as well as altered lipid profile may increase the risk of vascular complications with the long run. Therefore, a further long-term study may be required.
Coupling logistic model tree and random subspace to predict the landslide susceptibility areas with considering the uncertainty of environmental features
Authors: Luo Xiangang , Lin Feikai , Chen Yihong , Zhu Shuang , Xu Zhanya , Huo Zhibin , Yu Mengliang , Peng Jing
Published: October 2019

Landslide disasters cause huge casualties and economic losses every year, how to accurately forecast the landslides has always been an important issue in geo-environment research. In this paper, a hybrid machine learning approach RSLMT is firstly proposed by coupling Random Subspace (RS) and Logistic Model Tree (LMT) for producing a landslide susceptibility map (LSM). With this method, the uncertainty introduced by input features is considered, the problem of overfitting is solved by reducing dimensions to increase the prediction rate of landslide occurrence. Moreover, the uncertainty of prediction will be deeply discussed with the rank probability score (RPS) series, which is an important evaluation of uncertainty but rarely used in LSM. Qingchuan county, China was taken as a study area. 12 landslide causal factors were selected and their contribution on landslide occurrence was evaluated by ReliefF method. In addition, Logistic Model Tree (LMT), Naive Bayes (NB) and Logistic Regression (LR) were researched for comparison. The results showed that RSLMT (AUC = 0.815) outperformed LMT (AUC = 0.805), NB (AUC = 0.771), LR (AUC = 0.785). LSM of Qingchuan county was produced using the novel model, it indicated that landslides tend to occur along with the fault belts and the middle-low mountain area that is strongly influenced by the large numbers of human engineering activities.
Solitary meat-eaters: solitary, carnivorous carnivorans exhibit the highest degree of sexual size dimorphism
Authors: Law Chris J.
Published: October 2019

Although sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is widespread across the animal tree of life, the underlying evolutionary processes that influence this phenomenon remains elusive and difficult to tease apart. In this study, I examined how social system (as a proxy for sexual selection) and diet (as a proxy for natural selection) influenced the evolution of SSD in terrestrial carnivorans (Carnivora; Mammalia). Using phylogenetic comparative methods, I found that are territorial solitary and carnivorous carnivorans exhibited selection towards increased degree of male-biased SSD compared to other carnivorans with alternative social systems and diets. I also found the absence of Rensch’s rule across most carnivoran clades, suggestion a relaxation of the influences of sexual selection on SSD. These results together suggest that sexual selection and niche divergence together are important processes influencing the evolution of male-biased SSD in extant terrestrial carnivorans.
Cryo-Gel embedding compound for renal biopsy biobanking
Authors: Snijders Malou L. H. , Zajec Marina , Walter Laurens A. J. , de Louw Remco M. A. A. , Oomen Monique H. A. , Arshad Shazia , van den Bosch Thierry P. P. , Dekker Lennard J. M. , Doukas Michail , Luider Theo M. , Riegman Peter H. J. , van Kemenade Folkert J. , Clahsen-van Groningen Marian C.
Published: October 2019

Optimal preservation and biobanking of renal tissue is vital for good diagnostics and subsequent research. Optimal cutting temperature (OCT) compound is a commonly used embedding medium for freezing tissue samples. However, due to interfering polymers in OCT, analysis as mass spectrometry (MS) is difficult. We investigated if the replacement of OCT with Cryo-Gel as embedding compound for renal biopsies would enable proteomics and not disturb other common techniques used in tissue diagnostics and research. For the present study, fresh renal samples were snap-frozen using Cryo-Gel, OCT and without embedding compound and evaluated using different techniques. In addition, tissue samples from normal spleen, skin, liver and colon were analyzed. Cryo-Gel embedded tissues showed good morphological preservation and no interference in immunohistochemical or immunofluorescent investigations. The quality of extracted RNA and DNA was good. The number of proteins identified using MS was similar between Cryo-Gel embedded samples, samples without embedding compound and OCT embedded samples. However, polymers in the OCT disturbed the signal in the MS, while this was not observed in the Cryo-Gel embedded samples. We conclude that embedding of renal biopsies in Cryo-Gel is an excellent and preferable alternative for OCT compound for both diagnostic and research purposes, especially in those cases where proteomic analysis might be necessary.
Moderate strain induced indirect bandgap and conduction electrons in MoS2 single layers
Authors: Pető János , Dobrik Gergely , Kukucska Gergő , Vancsó Péter , Koós Antal A. , Koltai János , Nemes-Incze Péter , Hwang Chanyong , Tapasztó Levente
Published: October 2019

MoS2 single layers are valued for their sizeable direct bandgap at the heart of the envisaged electronic and optoelectronic applications. Here we experimentally demonstrate that moderate strain values (~2%) can already trigger an indirect bandgap transition and induce a finite charge carrier density in 2D MoS2 layers. A conclusive proof of the direct-to-indirect bandgap transition is provided by directly comparing the electronic and optical bandgaps of strained MoS2 single layers obtained from tunneling spectroscopy and photoluminescence measurements of MoS2 nanobubbles. Upon 2% biaxial tensile strain, the electronic gap becomes significantly smaller (1.45 ± 0.15 eV) than the optical direct gap (1.73 ± 0.1 eV), clearly evidencing a strain-induced direct to indirect bandgap transition. Moreover, the Fermi level can shift inside the conduction band already in moderately strained (~2%) MoS2 single layers conferring them a metallic character.
Development and validation of deep learning algorithms for scoliosis screening using back images
Authors: Yang Junlin , Zhang Kai , Fan Hengwei , Huang Zifang , Xiang Yifan , Yang Jingfan , He Lin , Zhang Lei , Yang Yahan , Li Ruiyang , Zhu Yi , Chen Chuan , Liu Fan , Yang Haoqing , Deng Yaolong , Tan Weiqing , Deng Nali , Yu Xuexiang , Xuan Xiaoling , Xie Xiaofeng , Liu Xiyang , Lin Haotian
Published: October 2019

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common spinal disorder in adolescents with a prevalence of 0.5–5.2% worldwide. The traditional methods for scoliosis screening are easily accessible but require unnecessary referrals and radiography exposure due to their low positive predictive values. The application of deep learning algorithms has the potential to reduce unnecessary referrals and costs in scoliosis screening. Here, we developed and validated deep learning algorithms for automated scoliosis screening using unclothed back images. The accuracies of the algorithms were superior to those of human specialists in detecting scoliosis, detecting cases with a curve ≥20°, and severity grading for both binary classifications and the four-class classification. Our approach can be potentially applied in routine scoliosis screening and periodic follow-ups of pretreatment cases without radiation exposure.
Dynamic control of neurochemical release with ultrasonically-sensitive nanoshell-tethered liposomes
Authors: Mackay Sean M. , Myint David Mo Aung , Easingwood Richard A. , Hegh Dylan Y. , Wickens Jeffery R. , Hyland Brian I. , Jameson Guy N. L. , Reynolds John N. J. , Tan Eng Wui
Published: October 2019

The unique surface plasmon resonance of hollow gold nanoshells can be used to achieve drug release from liposomes upon laser stimulation, and adapted to mimic the intricate dynamics of neurotransmission ex vivo in brain preparations. However, to induce a physiological response in vivo requires the degree of temporal precision afforded by laser stimulation, but with a greater depth of penetration through tissue. Here we report that the attachment of hollow gold nanoshells to the surface of robust liposomes results in a construct that is highly sensitive to ultrasonic stimulation. The resulting construct can be remotely triggered by low intensity, therapeutic ultrasound. To our knowledge, this is the first example of nanoparticle-liposome system that can be activated by both laser and acoustic stimulation. The system is capable of encapsulating the neurochemical dopamine, and repeatedly releasing small amounts on-demand in a circulating environment, allowing for precise spatiotemporal control over the release profile.
Label-free detection of nosocomial bacteria using a nanophotonic interferometric biosensor
Authors: Maldonado Jesús , Estévez M.-Carmen , Fernández-Gavela Adrián , González-López Juan José , González-Guerrero Ana Belén , Lechuga Laura M.
Published: October 2019

Two methodologies using a BiMW biosensor have been developed for the fast, sensitive detection of P. aeruginosa and MRSA bacteria.
Rapid characterization of organic UV filters and their photoproducts in sunscreens by thermal desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for the photostability study
Authors: Cho Yi-Tzu , Su Hung , Huang I-Ching , Lai Ching-Yu , Tsai You-Da
Published: October 2019

UV filters and their photoproducts in sunscreen formulations are directly characterized by TD-ESI/MS. This is a highly viable strategy to study the photostability of highly complex and diverse sunscreen formulations in the market.
A dithiocarbamate-based H2O2-responsive prodrug for combinational chemotherapy and oxidative stress amplification therapy
Authors: Pan Qingqing , Zhang Boya , Peng Xinyu , Wan Shiyu , Luo Kui , Gao Wenxia , Pu Yuji , He Bin
Published: October 2019

A H2O2-responsive dithiocarbamate-based prodrug was designed for combinational cancer therapy, showing superior anticancer efficacy and biostability to disulfiram.
Hydrolytic zinc metallopeptides using a computational multi-state design approach
Authors: Carvalho Henrique F. , Branco Ricardo J. F. , Leite Fábio A. S. , Matzapetakis Manolis , Roque A. Cecília A. , Iranzo Olga
Published: October 2019

Combination of multi-state design and long-timescale conformational dynamics as a powerful strategy to obtain metalloenzymes.
Developing substrate-based small molecule fluorescent probes for super-resolution fluorescent imaging of various membrane transporters
Authors: Wu Qiang , Cai Mingjun , Gao Jing , Zhao Tan , Xu Haijiao , Yan Qiuyan , Jing Yingying , Shi Yan , Kang Chuanqing , Liu Yi , Liang Feng , Chen Junling , Wang Hongda
Published: October 2019

Glucose-based probes and tyrosine-based probes as novel small molecule fluorescent probes are synthesized for super-resolution fluorescent imaging of glucose transporters and tyrosine transporters on cellular membranes.
The design, synthesis and order-enhanced emission of luminescent liquid crystalline polymers based on a “jacketing” effect
Authors: Zhu Ji-Chun , Guan Yan , Luo Zhi-Wang , Li Zhen-Xing , Huang Hui-Hong , Wang Ping , Shen Zhihao , Xie He-Lou
Published: October 2019

Two resultant luminescent liquid crystalline polymers (LLCPs) show higher emissive efficiency and the polymers form more ordered structures after thermal annealing, which means that an improvement in ordering can enhance emission.
Synthesis of hyperbranched polyolefins and polyethylenesviaADMET of monomers bearing non-selective olefins
Authors: Ren Ning , Zhu Xinyuan
Published: October 2019

The synthesis of hyperbranched polyolefins and polyethylenesvianon-selective olefin metathesis of monomers with three identical terminal olefins was realized.
Visible-light-mediated difluoromethylphosphonation of alkenes for the synthesis of CF2P-containing heterocycles
Authors: Yang Qiang , Lin Qing-Qing , Xing Hou-Ying , Zhao Zhi-Gang
Published: October 2019

Novel synthesis of CF2P-containing heterocycles has been developed via visible-light-mediated nucleophilic cyclization of unsaturated carboxylic acids, alcohol and sulfonamides.
Detoxification of DON by photocatalytic degradation and quality evaluation of wheat
Authors: Wu Shijia , Wang Fang , Li Qian , Zhou You , He Chuxian , Duan Nuo
Published: October 2019

Detoxification of DON by upconversion nanoparticles@TiO2 composite-based photocatalytic degradation and quality evaluation of wheat.
Hydrogel-matrix encapsulated Nitinol actuation with self-cooling mechanism
Authors: Sivaperuman Kalairaj Manivannan , Banerjee Hritwick , Lim Chwee Ming , Chen Po-Yen , Ren Hongliang
Published: October 2019

We encapsulate Nitinol shape-memory-alloy wire in a hydrogel-matrix to fabricate a lightweight (≈1 g), self-cooling actuator (HENA) for soft robots.
Biomaterial-based microstructures fabricated by two-photon polymerization microfabrication technology
Authors: Wang Xiaoying , Wei Zhenping , Baysah Charles Zuwu , Zheng Meiling , Xing Jinfeng
Published: October 2019

Two-photon polymerization (TPP) microfabrication technology can freely prepare micro/nano structures with different morphologies and high accuracy for micro/nanophotonics, micro-electromechanical systems, microfluidics, tissue engineering and drug delivery.
Inherent mechanical properties of bilayer germanene coupled by covalent bonding
Authors: Arshee Mahmuda Raakib , Adnan Saqeeb , Motalab Mohammad , Bose Pritom
Published: October 2019

Presence of interlayer bonds in bi-layer germanene results in a distinct fracture mechanism in tensile loading and direction dependent periodic behavior in shear loading.
Magnetic properties of on-surface synthesized single-ion molecular magnets
Authors: Diller Katharina , Singha Aparajita , Pivetta Marina , Wäckerlin Christian , Hellwig Raphael , Verdini Alberto , Cossaro Albano , Floreano Luca , Vélez-Fort Emilio , Dreiser Jan , Rusponi Stefano , Brune Harald
Published: October 2019

We perform on-surface synthesis of single-ion molecular magnets on an Ag(111) surface and characterize their morphology, chemistry, and magnetism.
Catalyst- and solvent-freeipso-hydroxylation of arylboronic acids to phenols
Authors: Yang Xiufang , Jiang Xulu , Wang Weitao , Yang Qi , Ma Yangmin , Wang Kuan
Published: October 2019

A catalyst-free method for the hydroxylation of arylboronic acids to form the corresponding phenols with sodium perborate as the oxidant was developed using water as the solvent or solvent free condition.
Engineering a CsPbBr3-based nanocomposite for efficient photocatalytic CO2reduction: improved charge separation concomitant with increased activity sites
Authors: Guo Xiao-Xuan , Tang Shang-Feng , Mu Yan-Fei , Wu Li-Yuan , Dong Guang-Xing , Zhang Min
Published: October 2019

We have constructed a cost-effective CsPbBr3@TiO-CN composite for photocatalytic CO2reduction with water as the electron source.
A new anti-biofilm strategy of enabling arbitrary surfaces of materials and devices with robust bacterial anti-adhesion via a spraying modified microsphere method
Authors: Hu Jietao , Lin Jing , Zhang Yayu , Lin Zekai , Qiao Zhiwei , Liu Zili , Yang Wei , Liu Xiaoguo , Dong Mengyao , Guo Zhanhu
Published: October 2019

Despite adopting diverse strategies and fabrication methods to prevent biofilm formation, the existing sophisticated fabrication methods for sole wettable or smart surfaces and their unsatisfactory anti-adhesive durability need to be improved for their practical applications.
Transdermal delivery of therapeutics through dissolvable gelatin/sucrose films coated on PEGDA microneedle arrays with improved skin permeability
Authors: Gao Ya , Hou Mengmeng , Yang Ruihao , Zhang Lei , Xu Zhigang , Kang Yuejun , Xue Peng
Published: October 2019

Microneedles are primarily designed for enhancing transdermal drug delivery in a minimally invasive manner.
Metal ion-induced chemiluminescence recovery for highly intensive chemiluminescence bifunctionalized polydopamine nanospheres
Authors: Liu Yating , Shen Wen , Cui Hua
Published: October 2019

Co2+ induced chemiluminescence recovery was observed, resulting in highly intensive chemiluminescence bifunctionalized polydopamine nanospheres via a facile strategy.
Design and verification of FBG strain gauge
Authors: Wang Zhinan , Hua Shihai , Wang Dajian , Xu Wenjun , Yang Sujun
Published: October 2019

Compared with the traditional electrical resistance strain gauge, the fibre Bragg grating (FBG) is a new material that can be used to produce the strain sensor, which has many advantages such as convenient installation, low temperature drifting, less signal interference and higher transmitted quality. In this study, FBG sensor system configuration, design principle, numerical simulation and loading tests for the FBG strain gauge are expatiated extensively. At the last, one‐axial and three‐axial strain gauges are produced and some conclusions have been put forward. So the FBG strain gauge can meet the precision of the structure monitoring and replace the traditional sensors.
Parallel wideband digital up‐conversion architecture with efficiency
Authors: Liu Tao , Tian Shulin , Guo Lianping
Published: October 2019

Owing to the limited processing speed of current digital signal processing devices, digital generated signal frequency and bandwidth based on digital up‐conversion technique has long been a bottleneck. Interpolation on the baseband signal puts great pressure on the following filtering and mixing operation. In this study, an efficient parallel architecture is presented, which moves the interpolation behind the filtering and mixing, and adopts parallel numerically controlled oscillator (NCO) arrays and poly‐phase low‐pass filter arrays to achieve the anticipated orthogonal mixing signal and prototype filter. Parallel NCO decomposition principle and mathematical derivation are elaborated, and realisation of the poly‐phase filter arrays is also discussed. The proposed post‐interpolation architecture can effectively relieve the filtering and mixing pressure including operation rate and computational complexity, which will benefit the hardware implementation. In the end, verification test of signal up‐conversion with 400 MHz bandwidth is launched to certify the architecture validity.
Fault analysis of industrial robots based on self‐organised critical theory
Authors: Qi Yuming , Liu Hexing , Xie Bing , Deng Sanpeng
Published: October 2019

Industrial robots, as a structurally sophisticated mechatronics system, have a high cost of routine maintenance and repair. Repairs after fault require the corresponding manpower and material resources, and have hysteresis. If the fault can be predicted in a timely and accurate manner, the maintenance process can be carried out in advance, and the hidden dangers can be eliminated to fundamentally solve the fault problem. Based on the self‐organised critical theory (SOC theory), this article draws lessons from its self‐organisation evolution model and uses the self‐organised criticality of industrial robot fault to establish an autoregressive moving average model (ARMA model) for industrial robots. According to the analysis of residual value and the explanation for the faults of industrial robots, find ways and means to prevent and reduce faults.
Research on remote state monitoring and intelligent maintenance system of CNC machine tools
Authors: Zuo Yunbo , Wang Hongjun , Wu Guoxin , Gu Yuhai , Qiao Wensheng
Published: October 2019

In order to improve the operation reliability of high‐grade computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools and reduce the maintenance time of failures, the remote state monitoring and intelligent maintenance system for CNC machine tools was proposed. Through collecting the basic information of equipment, maintenance information, and the information of the vibration, temperature, main current and power of the machine tool based on soft‐bus technology, the system analysed the real‐time state data, got the reliability parameters, extracted the fault features and established the maintenance knowledge base. Combining the dynamic monitoring data and static data, the system evaluated the key parts of machine tools. By the fault knowledge base, the system analysed the reason for failure and recommended the maintenance method. With the function modules, the system can improve the intelligent maintenance level of CNC machine tools and improve the using efficiency of machine tools.
Early warning method of the deterioration tendency of wind power transmission system
Authors: Xu Xiaoli , Zuo Yunbo , Liu Xiuli , Ma Chao , Gu Yuhai , Jiang Zhanglei
Published: October 2019

In view of the stability and safe service of the transmission system of the wind turbine, the trend early warning method for the stability deterioration of the electromechanical system is proposed and the level of the predictive maintenance of the complex electromechanical system is improved. It includes: establishing the dynamic model of wind power transmission system, revealing the evolution law of the system stability deterioration, putting forward the signal processing method of the weak detection information, extracting the fault features decoupling with energy and constructing the early warning methods of the system stability deterioration trend. The research results can be applied to the safety monitoring and fault warning of the wind turbine. It is beneficial to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the equipment and realise the prediction maintenance, improve the operation and management level of the equipment, reduce the economic loss caused by the failure and promote the utilisation and development of green energy.
NURBS interpolation for tangential point tracing grinding of eccentric shaft
Authors: Li Zhonggang , Han Qiushi , Peng Baoying , Li Qiguang , Zuo Yunbo
Published: October 2019

The sine eccentric shaft is one of the most important parts for industrial robot RV reducer, and its machining quality has immediate effect on the overall device performance. The eccentric shaft X‐C linkage grinding model is built based on the tangential point tracing machining principle, and the method of calculating the roundness error for eccentric circle grinding is proposed here. The research is performed on non‐uniform rational B‐spline (NURBS) interpolation for the coordinates’ densification of eccentric shaft X‐C linkage grinding, and the algorithm process is put forward. The process of eccentric grinding is simulated and analysed by wheel inversion envelope method. The results show that the eccentric tangent point tracking model proposed is correct. Compared with the linear interpolation, NURBS interpolation can remarkably improve the accuracy of eccentric shaft tangent point tracking grinding.
Fault‐tolerant method for anti‐SEU of embedded system based on dual‐core processor
Authors: Cui Xiuhai , Gao Qi , Wang Ruichao , Liu Li , Liang Jun , Peng Yu
Published: October 2019

The development of space applications based on commercial system on chip (SOC) FPGA devices has become an important direction for the development of aerospace technology, but single event upsets (SEUs) in space is a difficult problem for commercial SOC FPGAs for space applications. This article presents an anti‐anti method for ARM processors in SOC FPGA. This method makes full use of the hardware resources of dual‐core ARM in SoC FPGA and improves the system's anti‐SEU capability through dual‐core mutual‐check and recovery mechanisms. At the same time, the data stream and control flow fault tolerant are used to improve the anti‐SEU capability within the processor. Error detection and correction (EDAC) and triple modular redundancy (TMR) are used to improve anti‐SEU capability of the data flow. A two‐level watchdog and ARM exception handling are used to achieve the anti‐SEU capability of the control flow. Experimental results show that the two‐level fault‐tolerance mechanism proposed here improves the system's anti‐SEU capability without adding additional hardware resources. This method is currently carrying out satellite‐borne ground application verification.
Rotating machinery fault diagnosis based on improver resonance sparse decomposition
Authors: Yang Wei , Wang Hongjun
Published: October 2019

Fault diagnosis of rotating machinery plays an important role for the reliability and safety of modern industrial systems, and it is challenging to detect the weak character signal in the noisy background. This article presents an improved resonance sparse decomposition method for fault diagnosis of rolling bearings. The PSO algorithm is used to optimise the quality factor of the resonance sparse decomposition, which can overcome the deficiency caused by the manual given quality factor in the traditional resonance sparse decomposition method and achieve the effective separation of resonance components. An envelope analysis of the low‐resonance decomposition including the major fault components was performed to extract the fault feature frequency. Based on this, the two decomposition methods are applied to the fault diagnosis of the inner and outer rings of the bearing, respectively. The experimental results show that the improved resonance sparse decomposition method can reduce the interference components when extracting the frequency of fault features and improve the accuracy of fault diagnosis.