bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoantibodies to synapsin I sequestrate synapsin I and alter synaptic function
Authors: Rocchi Anna , Sacchetti Silvio , De Fusco Antonio , Giovedi Silvia , Parisi Barbara , Cesca Fabrizia , Höltje Markus , Ruprecht Klemens , Ahnert-Hilger Gudrun , Benfenati Fabio
Published: November 2019

Synapsin I is a phosphoprotein that coats the cytoplasmic side of synaptic vesicles and regulates their trafficking within nerve terminals. Autoantibodies against Syn I have been described in sera and cerebrospinal fluids of patients with numerous neurological diseases, including limbic encephalitis and clinically isolated syndrome; however, the effects and fate of autoantibodies in neurons are still unexplored. We found that in vitro exposure of primary hippocampal neurons to patient’s autoantibodies to SynI decreased the density of excitatory and inhibitory synapses and impaired both glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission. These effects were reproduced with a purified SynI antibody and completely absent in SynI knockout neurons. Autoantibodies to SynI are internalized by FcγII/III-mediated endocytosis, interact with endogenous SynI, and promote its sequestration and intracellular aggregation. Neurons exposed to human autoantibodies to SynI display a reduced density of SVs, mimicking the SynI loss-of-function phenotype. Our data indicate that autoantibodies to intracellular antigens such as SynI can reach and inactivate their targets and suggest that an antibody-mediated synaptic dysfunction may contribute to the evolution and progression of autoimmune-mediated neurological diseases positive for SynI autoantibodies.
Dendritic cells license regulatory B cells to produce IL-10 and mediate suppression of antigen-specific CD8 T cells
Authors: Boldison Joanne , Da Rosa Larissa Camargo , Davies Joanne , Wen Li , Wong F. Susan
Published: November 2019

Regulatory B cells (Bregs) suppress and reduce autoimmune pathology. However, given the variety of Breg subsets, the role of Bregs in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes is still unclear. Here, we dissect this fundamental mechanism. We show that natural protection from type 1 diabetes in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice is associated with increased numbers of IL-10-producing B cells, while development of type 1 diabetes in NOD mice occurs in animals with compromised IL-10 production by B cells. However, B cells from diabetic mice regain IL-10 function if activated by the innate immune receptor TLR4 and can suppress insulin-specific CD8 T cells in a dendritic cell (DC)-dependent, IL-10-mediated fashion. Suppression of CD8 T cells is reliant on B-cell contact with DCs. This cell contact results in deactivation of DCs, inducing a tolerogenic state, which in turn can regulate pathogenic CD8 T cells. Our findings emphasize the importance of DC–Breg interactions during the development of type 1 diabetes.
Tail state limited photocurrent collection of thick photoactive layers in organic solar cells
Authors: Wu Jiaying , Luke Joel , Lee Harrison Ka Hin , Shakya Tuladhar Pabitra , Cha Hyojung , Jang Soo-Young , Tsoi Wing Chung , Heeney Martin , Kang Hongkyu , Lee Kwanghee , Kirchartz Thomas , Kim Ji-Seon , Durrant James R.
Published: November 2019

We analyse organic solar cells with four different photoactive blends exhibiting differing dependencies of short-circuit current upon photoactive layer thickness. These blends and devices are analysed by transient optoelectronic techniques of carrier kinetics and densities, air photoemission spectroscopy of material energetics, Kelvin probe measurements of work function, Mott-Schottky analyses of apparent doping density and by device modelling. We conclude that, for the device series studied, the photocurrent loss with thick active layers is primarily associated with the accumulation of photo-generated charge carriers in intra-bandgap tail states. This charge accumulation screens the device internal electrical field, preventing efficient charge collection. Purification of one studied donor polymer is observed to reduce tail state distribution and density and increase the maximal photoactive thickness for efficient operation. Our work suggests that selecting organic photoactive layers with a narrow distribution of tail states is a key requirement for the fabrication of efficient, high photocurrent, thick organic solar cells.
Elevated aldosterone and blood pressure in a mouse model of familial hyperaldosteronism with ClC-2 mutation
Authors: Schewe Julia , Seidel Eric , Forslund Sofia , Marko Lajos , Peters Jörg , Muller Dominik N. , Fahlke Christoph , Stölting Gabriel , Scholl Ute
Published: November 2019

Gain-of-function mutations in the chloride channel ClC-2 were recently described as a cause of familial hyperaldosteronism type II (FH-II). Here, we report the generation of a mouse model carrying a missense mutation homologous to the most common FH-II-associated CLCN2 mutation. In these Clcn2R180Q/+ mice, adrenal morphology is normal, but Cyp11b2 expression and plasma aldosterone levels are elevated. Male Clcn2R180Q/+ mice have increased aldosterone:renin ratios as well as elevated blood pressure levels. The counterpart knockout model (Clcn2−/−), in contrast, requires elevated renin levels to maintain normal aldosterone levels. Adrenal slices of Clcn2R180Q/+ mice show increased calcium oscillatory activity. Together, our work provides a knockin mouse model with a mild form of primary aldosteronism, likely due to increased chloride efflux and depolarization. We demonstrate a role of ClC-2 in normal aldosterone production beyond the observed pathophysiology.
Adaptation is maintained by the parliament of genes
Authors: Scott Thomas W. , West Stuart A.
Published: November 2019

Fields such as behavioural and evolutionary ecology are built on the assumption that natural selection leads to organisms that behave as if they are trying to maximise their fitness. However, there is considerable evidence for selfish genetic elements that change the behaviour of individuals to increase their own transmission. How can we reconcile this contradiction? Here we show that: (1) when selfish genetic elements have a greater impact at the individual level, they are more likely to be suppressed, and suppression spreads more quickly; (2) selection on selfish genetic elements leads them towards a greater impact at the individual level, making them more likely to be suppressed; (3) the majority interest within the genome generally prevails over ‘cabals’ of a few genes, irrespective of genome size, mutation rate and the sophistication of trait distorters. Overall, our results suggest that even when there is the potential for considerable genetic conflict, this will often have negligible impact at the individual level.
Formation and current-induced motion of synthetic antiferromagnetic skyrmion bubbles
Authors: Dohi Takaaki , DuttaGupta Samik , Fukami Shunsuke , Ohno Hideo
Published: November 2019

Skyrmion, a topologically-protected soliton, is known to emerge via electron spin in various magnetic materials. The magnetic skyrmion can be driven by low current density and has a potential to be stabilized in nanoscale, offering new directions of spintronics. However, there remain some fundamental issues in widely-studied ferromagnetic systems, which include a difficulty to realize stable ultrasmall skyrmions at room temperature, presence of the skyrmion Hall effect, and limitation of velocity owing to the topological charge. Here we show skyrmion bubbles in a synthetic antiferromagnetic coupled multilayer that are free from the above issues. Additive Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction and spin-orbit torque (SOT) of the tailored stack allow stable skyrmion bubbles at room temperature, significantly smaller threshold current density or higher speed for motion, and negligible skyrmion Hall effect, with a potential to be scaled down to nanometer dimensions. The results offer a promising pathway toward nanoscale and energy-efficient skyrmion-based devices.
A miRNA signature in endothelial cell-derived extracellular vesicles in tumor-bearing mice
Authors: McCann James V. , Liu Amber , Musante Luca , Erdbrügger Uta , Lannigan Joanne , Dudley Andrew C.
Published: November 2019

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play important roles in tumor progression by altering immune surveillance, promoting vascular dysfunction, and priming distant sites for organotropic metastases. The miRNA expression patterns in circulating EVs are important diagnostic tools in cancer. However, multiple cell types within the tumor microenvironment (TME) including cancer cells and stromal cells (e.g. immune cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, ECs) contribute to the pool of circulating EVs. Because EVs of different cellular origins have different functional properties, auditing the cargo derived from cell type-specific EVs in the TME is essential. Here, we demonstrate that a murine EC lineage-tracing model (Cdh5-CreERT2:ZSGreenl/s/l mice) can be used to isolate EC-derived extracellular vesicles (EC-EVs). We further show that purified ZSGreen+ EVs express expected EV markers, they are transferable to multiple recipient cells, and circulating EC-EVs from tumor-bearing mice harbor elevated levels of specific miRNAs (e.g. miR-30c, miR-126, miR-146a, and miR-125b) compared to non tumor-bearing counterparts. These results suggest that, in the tumor setting, ECs may systemically direct the function of heterotypic cell types either in the circulation or in different organ micro-environments via the cargo contained within their EVs.
Light propagation in inhomogeneous media, coupled quantum harmonic oscillators and phase transitions
Authors: Urzúa Alejandro R. , Ramos-Prieto Irán , Soto-Eguibar Francisco , Arrizón Víctor , Moya-Cessa Héctor M.
Published: November 2019

This contribution has two main purposes. First, using classical optics we show how to model two coupled quantum harmonic oscillators and two interacting quantized fields. Second, we present classical analogs of coupled harmonic oscillators that correspond to anisotropic quadratic graded indexed media in a rotated reference frame, and we use operator techniques, common to quantum mechanics, to solve the propagation of light through a particular type of graded indexed medium. Additionally, we show that the system presents phase transitions.
The analgesic effect of refeeding on acute and chronic inflammatory pain
Authors: Lee Jeong-Yun , Lee Grace J. , Lee Pa Reum , Won Chan Hee , Kim Doyun , Kang Youngnam , Oh Seog Bae
Published: November 2019

Pain is susceptible to various cognitive factors. Suppression of pain by hunger is well known, but the effect of food intake after fasting (i.e. refeeding) on pain remains unknown. In the present study, we examined whether inflammatory pain behavior is affected by 24 h fasting and 2 h refeeding. In formalin-induced acute inflammatory pain model, fasting suppressed pain behavior only in the second phase and the analgesic effect was also observed after refeeding. Furthermore, in Complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced chronic inflammatory pain model, both fasting and refeeding reduced spontaneous pain response. Refeeding with non-calorie agar produced an analgesic effect. Besides, intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of glucose after fasting, which mimics calorie recovery following refeeding, induced analgesic effect. Administration of opioid receptor antagonist (naloxone, i.p.) and cannabinoid receptor antagonist (SR 141716, i.p.) reversed fasting-induced analgesia, but did not affect refeeding-induced analgesia in acute inflammatory pain model. Taken together, our results show that refeeding produce analgesia in inflammatory pain condition, which is associated with eating behavior and calorie recovery effect.
Extracellular Microenvironmental Change by B16F10 Melanoma-derived Proteins Induces Cancer Stem-like Cell Properties from NIH3T3 Cells
Authors: Park Soon Yong , Lee Dong Gwang , Jo Ara , Choi Hyeongrok , Lee Joo Eon , Jeong Ae Jin , Leem Sun-Hee , Jun Woojin , Shim Sangin , Ye Sang-Kyu , Min Jeong-Ki , Chung Jin Woong
Published: November 2019

Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) can generate solid tumors through the properties of stem cells such as self-renewal and differentiation and they cause drug resistance, metastasis and recurrence. Therefore, establishing CSC lines is necessary to conduct various studies such as on the identification of CSC origin and specific targeted therapies. In this study, we stimulated NIH3T3 fibroblasts to exhibit the characteristics of CSCs using the whole protein lysates of B16F10 melanoma cells. As a result, we induced colony formation that displayed self-renewal and differentiation capacities through anchorage-independent culture and re-attached culture. Moreover, colonies showed drug resistance by being maintained in the G0/G1 state. Colonies expressed various CSC markers and displayed high-level drug efflux capacity. Additionally, colonies clearly demonstrated tumorigenic ability by forming a solid tumor in vivo. These results show that proteins of cancer cells could transform normal cells into CSCs by increasing expression of CSC markers. This study argues the tremendous importance of the extracellular microenvironmental effect on the generation of CSCs. It also provides a simple experimental method for deriving CSCs that could be based on the development of targeted therapy techniques.
Effect of Substrate Surface Roughening on the Capacitance and Cycling Stability of Ni(OH)2 Nanoarray Films
Authors: Pimsawat Adulphan , Tangtrakarn Apishok , Pimsawat Nutsupa , Daengsakul Sujittra
Published: November 2019

The effect of substrate surface roughening on the capacitance of Ni(OH)2/NiOOH nanowall array samples produced via chemical bath deposition for 2, 4, 6, 24 and 48 h on an as-received stainless steel substrate and the same substrate after sandblasting has been investigated. Symmetric cells were subjected to 120,000 charge-discharge cycles to access changes in their capacitance. Specific capacitances were derived from cyclic voltammetry and charge-discharge cycling under a three electrode setup. Substrate roughening significantly increases the capacitance of symmetric cells and film stability since film exfoliation does not occur to the same degree as on the as-received substrate. Interestingly, films deposited on a roughened substrate for 6, 24 and 48 h also exhibit self-recovery of capacitance, which could be related to an electrodissolution-electrodeposition effect. With the use of a roughened substrate, the thinnest film gives the highest specific capacitance, 1456 F g−1, whilst the thickest one shows the highest areal capacitance, 235 mF cm−2, after 20,000 cycles. These results reveal the promise of surface roughening toward increasing the capacitance and stability of Ni(OH)2/NiOOH films.
Publisher Correction: A new regulatory mechanism for Raf kinase activation, retinoic acid-bound Crabp1
Authors: Park Sung Wook , Nhieu Jennifer , Persaud Shawna D. , Miller Michelle C. , Xia Youlin , Lin Yi-Wei , Lin Yu-Lung , Kagechika Hiroyuki , Mayo Kevin H. , Wei Li-Na
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Transcription factor Znf2 coordinates with the chromatin remodeling SWI/SNF complex to regulate cryptococcal cellular differentiation
Authors: Lin Jianfeng , Zhao Youbao , Ferraro Aileen R. , Yang Ence , Lewis Zachary A. , Lin Xiaorong
Published: November 2019

Cellular differentiation is instructed by developmental regulators in coordination with chromatin remodeling complexes. Much information about their coordination comes from studies in the model ascomycetous yeasts. It is not clear, however, what kind of information that can be extrapolated to species of other phyla in Kingdom Fungi. In the basidiomycete Cryptococcus neoformans, the transcription factor Znf2 controls yeast-to-hypha differentiation. Through a forward genetic screen, we identified the basidiomycete-specific factor Brf1. We discovered Brf1 works together with Snf5 in the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex in concert with existent Znf2 to execute cellular differentiation. We demonstrated that SWI/SNF assists Znf2 in opening the promoter regions of hyphal specific genes, including the ZNF2 gene itself. This complex also supports Znf2 to fully associate with its target regions. Importantly, our findings revealed key differences in composition and biological function of the SWI/SNF complex in the two major phyla of Kingdom Fungi.
Straight, bendable and bent organic crystals
Authors: Yadava Khushboo , Qin Xian , Liu Xiaogang , Vittal Jagadese J.
Published: November 2019

Of the three different types of crystal morphologies oftrans-pab, the bent nature is attributed to the small amount ofcis-form in the packing oftrans-pab, while the elastic bending is due to anisotropic crystal packing.
Modular synthesis of pentaarylcyclopentadienyl Ru-based molecular machines via sequential Pd-catalysed cross couplings
Authors: Gisbert Yohan , Abid Seifallah , Bertrand Gaëlle , Saffon-Merceron Nathalie , Kammerer Claire , Rapenne Gwénaël
Published: November 2019

A dissymmetric piano-stool ruthenium(ii) complex as a key building block in the modular synthesis of molecular cogwheel and winch prototypes.
The phase structure and dielectric properties around a new type of phase boundary in a lead ytterbium niobite based solid solution
Authors: Bao Yizheng , Chen Xuefeng , Yan Shiguang , Cao Fei , Dong Xianlin , Wang Genshui
Published: November 2019

Structural, dielectric and ferroelectric properties are revealed around a new type of phase boundary: AFE (antiferroelectric)/RFE (relaxor ferroelectric) phase boundary.
Occurrence of N-nitrosamines and their precursors in Spanish drinking water treatment plants and distribution systems
Authors: Farré Maria José , Insa Sara , Lamb Aaron , Cojocariu Cristian , Gernjak Wolfgang
Published: November 2019

Different N-nitrosamines and their precursors were analyzed, with a highly sensitive new analytical method, across water treatment plants and distribution systems from Spain. Additional to NDMA, we suggest to include NDEA in monitoring programs.
Flame-made amorphous solid acids with tunable acidity for the aqueous conversion of glucose to levulinic acid
Authors: Beh Gein Khai , Wang Chang Ting , Kim Kyungduk , Qu Jiangtao , Cairney Julie , Ng Yun Hau , An Alicia Kyoungjin , Ryoo Ryong , Urakawa Atsushi , Teoh Wey Yang
Published: November 2019

Composition-tunable mixed Brønsted/Lewis acids on silica-alumina and silica-alumina-phosphate prepared by the rapid flame spray pyrolysis produce exceptionally high glucose-to-levulinic acid yield, twice that of commercial ZSM-5 and Zeolite X.
Bio-assembly of CdSxSe1−x quantum dots in ryegrass
Authors: Tian Li-Jiao , Zhou Nan-Qing , Yu Lin-Hui , Zhu Ting-Ting , Li Wen-Wei , An Peng-Fei , Ma Jing-Yuan , Xiang Cheng-Bin
Published: November 2019

CdSxSe1−x quantum dots were self-assembled in Lolium perenne; the content and composition varied in different tissues: higher Cd–S/Cd–Se ratios were identified in stems and leaves than in roots.
Blood platelet enrichment in mass-producible surface acoustic wave (SAW) driven microfluidic chips
Authors: Richard Cynthia , Fakhfouri Armaghan , Colditz Melanie , Striggow Friedrich , Kronstein-Wiedemann Romy , Tonn Torsten , Medina-Sánchez Mariana , Schmidt Oliver G. , Gemming Thomas , Winkler Andreas
Published: November 2019

SAW-based acoustofluidic blood platelet separation at 2.7 × 104 cells per s throughput in a comprehensively analysed and numerical simulated, wafer-scale manufactured device.
Lipid mechanisms in hallmarks of cancer
Authors: Molendijk J. , Robinson H. , Djuric Z. , Hill M. M.
Published: November 2019

Obesity is associated with 14 types of cancers, with specific lipids contributing to each hallmark of cancer.
The effect of ZnO/ZnSe core/shell nanorod arrays photoelectrodes on PbS quantum dot sensitized solar cell performance
Authors: Kamruzzaman M.
Published: November 2019

ZnO nanorod (NR) based inorganic quantum dot sensitized solar cells have gained tremendous attention for use in next generation solar cells.
Plasma driven nano-morphological changes and photovoltaic performance in dye sensitized 2D-layered dual oxy-sulfide phase WS2 films
Authors: Gopakumar Gopika , Nair Shantikumar V. , Shanmugam Mariyappan
Published: November 2019

The presence of a dual oxy-sulfide phase and its effects on photovoltaic performance were observed in dye sensitized 2D layered WS2 films.
Electrocatalytic glycerol oxidation enabled by surface plasmon polariton-induced hot carriers in Kretschmann configuration
Authors: Chung Kyungwha , Zhu Xingzhong , Zhuo Xiaolu , Jang Yu Jin , Choi Chi Hun , Lee June Sang , Kim Seung-hoon , Kim Minju , Kim Kiheung , Kim Donghyun , Ham Hyung Chul , Baba Akira , Wang Jianfang , Kim Dong Ha
Published: November 2019

Surface plasmon polariton-induced hot carriers facilitate glycerol electro-oxidation.
Temperature-induced nanostructural evolution of hydrogen-rich voids in amorphous silicon: a first-principles study
Authors: Biswas Parthapratim , Paudel Durga , Atta-Fynn Raymond , Elliott Stephen R.
Published: November 2019

The paper presents an ab initio study of temperature-induced nanostructural evolution of hydrogen-rich voids in amorphous silicon.
High-quality epitaxial wurtzite structured InAs nanosheets grown in MBE
Authors: Sun Qiang , Gao Han , Zhang Xutao , Yao Xiaomei , Xu Shengduo , Zheng Kun , Chen Pingping , Lu Wei , Zou Jin
Published: November 2019

High-quality epitaxial wurtzite structured InAs nanosheets have been grown using Au catalysts in MBE.
Efficient as-cast thick film small-molecule organic solar cell with less fluorination on the donor
Authors: Wang Kai , Song Xin , Guo Xiao , Wang Yunhao , Lai Xue , Meng Fei , Du Mengzhen , Fan Dongyu , Zhang Ren , Li Gongqiang , Kyaw Aung Ko Ko , Wang Jianpu , Huang Wei , Baran Derya
Published: November 2019

Less fluorination, better performance! Devices based on DI3T-1F:PC71BM and DI3T-2F:PC71BM are fabricated for thick-film small molecule-solar cells (SMSCs). Indeed, the devices based on DI3T-1F the devices based on DI3T-1F show a better tolerance to thickness, giving PCE of 8.33% with ∼150 nm, and 5.43% with ∼300 nm, which are 14% and 50% higher than those of DI3T-2F, respectively.
Programmable dynamic covalent nanoparticle building blocks with complementary reactivity
Authors: Marro Nicolas , della Sala Flavio , Kay Euan R.
Published: November 2019

A toolkit of two complementary dynamic covalent nanoparticles enables programmable and reversible nanoparticle functionalization and construction of adaptive binary assemblies.
Comparison of bulk and microfluidic methods to monitor the phase behaviour of nanoparticles during digestion of lipid-based drug formulations using in situ X-ray scattering
Authors: Hong Linda , Sesen Muhsincan , Hawley Adrian , Neild Adrian , Spicer Patrick T. , Boyd Ben J.
Published: November 2019

Microfluidics affords more control over transformations than current setups to monitor the digestion of lipid-based formulations with X-ray scattering techniques.
Less defective graphene aerogel and its application in microwave-assisted biomass pyrolysis to prepare H2-rich gas
Authors: Liu Wenlu , Jiang Haibin , Zhang Xiaohong , Zhao Yating , Sun Shuqi , Qiao Jinliang
Published: November 2019

A graphene aerogel with few defects was designed and prepared as a microwave heating material for pyrolyzing biomass into H2-rich gas.
Fusion or non-fusion of quasi-two-dimensional fused perylene diimide acceptors: the importance of molecular geometry for fullerene-free organic solar cells
Authors: Yin Yuli , Zheng Zhi , Chen Daoyuan , Liu Ming , Zhang Jianqi , Guo Fengyun , Gao Shiyong , Zhao Liancheng , Zhang Yong
Published: November 2019

Two small molecular electron acceptors (BT–FPDI and fBT–FPDI) with quasi-2D FPDI units were designed and synthesized for efficient fullerene-free organic solar cells (OSCs), and provide a new insight into the regulation of the molecular geometry.
Anti-breast cancer activity of resveratrol encapsulated in liposomes
Authors: Zhao Y. N. , Cao Y. N. , Sun J. , Liang Z. , Wu Q. , Cui S. H. , Zhi D. F. , Guo S. T. , Zhen Y. H. , Zhang S. B.
Published: November 2019

RES encapsulated in tri-peptide liposome led to obvious apoptosis of tumor cells and great inhibition of tumors at low doses, and significantly decreased the toxicity of RES to mice.
The association of AGO1 (rs595961G>A, rs636832A>G) and AGO2 (rs11996715C>A, rs2292779C>G, rs4961280C>A) polymorphisms and risk of recurrent implantation failure
Authors: Ryu Chang Soo , Kim Young Ran , Kim Jung Oh , An Hui Jeong , Cho Sung Hwan , Ahn Eun Hee , Kim Ji Hyang , Lee Woo Sik , Kim Nam Keun
Published: November 2019

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is a common reproductive clinical condition treated by fertility specialists at in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics. Several factors affect embryo implantation including the age of the female, the quality of embryos and the sperm, genetics, immunologic factors. Here, we investigated the association of Argonaute 1 (AGO1) and Argonaute 2 (AGO2) polymorphisms and RIF. We collected blood samples from 167 patients with RIF and 211 controls. Genetic polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) – restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and real-time PCR. We found that the AGO2 rs4961280C>A polymorphism (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.984; P = 0.023) was significantly associated with RIF. Furthermore, in RIF patients with three or more consecutive implantation failure, the AGO2 rs4961280C>A CA genotype (AOR = 2.133; P = 0.013) and dominant model (AOR = 2.272; P = 0.006) were both significantly associated with prevalence of RIF. An analysis of variance revealed that patients with the AGO2 rs2292779C>G genotypes (CC: 6.52 ± 2.55; CG: 7.46 ± 3.02; GG: 8.42 ± 2.74; P = 0.044) and the dominant model (CC: 6.52 ± 2.55; CG+GG: 7.70 ± 2.97; P = 0.029) exhibited significantly increased white blood cell levels. Furthermore, patients with the AGO1 rs595961G>A dominant model (GG: 36.81 ± 8.69; GA+AA: 31.58 ± 9.17; P = 0.006) and the AGO2 rs4961280C>A recessive model (CC+CA: 35.42 ± 8.77; AA: 22.00 ± 4.24; P = 0.035) exhibited a significantly decreased number of CD4+ helper T cells. Our study showed that AGO1 and AGO2 polymorphisms are associated with the prevalence of RIF. Hence, the results suggest that variations in AGO1 and AGO2 genotypes may be useful clinical biomarkers for the development and prognosis of RIF.
Harnessing targeted DNA methylation and demethylation using dCas9
Authors: Pflueger Christian , Swain Tessa , Lister Ryan
Published: November 2019

DNA methylation is an essential DNA modification that plays a crucial role in genome regulation during differentiation and development, and is disrupted in a range of disease states. The recent development of CRISPR/catalytically dead CRISPR/Cas9 (dCas9)-based targeted DNA methylation editing tools has enabled new insights into the roles and functional relevance of this modification, including its importance at regulatory regions and the role of aberrant methylation in various diseases. However, while these tools are advancing our ability to understand and manipulate this regulatory layer of the genome, they still possess a variety of limitations in efficacy, implementation, and targeting specificity. Effective targeted DNA methylation editing will continue to advance our fundamental understanding of the role of this modification in different genomic and cellular contexts, and further improvements may enable more accurate disease modeling and possible future treatments. In this review, we discuss strategies, considerations, and future directions for targeted DNA methylation editing.
Artificial Intelligence and global health: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Singh Jerome Amir
Published: November 2019

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers unprecedented opportunities and challenges for humanity. If AI can be positioned and leveraged correctly, it can rapidly accelerate progress on achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG #3: ‘Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages’. Achieving this goal could have a transformative impact on global health. An ethical, transparent and responsible approach to AI development will result in AI translating data into contextually relevant knowledge, conclusions, and impactful actions.
Time‐domain single‐ended fault location method that does not need remote‐end system information
Authors: Zhang Chenhao , Song Guobing , Yang Liming , Sun Zhongyu
Published: November 2019

This study presents a single‐ended fault location method that does not need the information of the remote‐end system. As the foundation of the proposed method, the fault location equations under different fault types are derived based on the fault loops. The fault distance, fault impedance, and equivalent resistance and inductance of the remote‐end system are considered as the unknowns of the fault location equation. Then the equation can be solved using the Gauss‐Newton method, by which the four unknowns can be obtained. Therefore, the proposed method is not sensitive to the fault impedance and the system parameters. A two‐terminal 500 kV ac transmission line test system is built in PSCAD to verify the proposed method. Numerous simulation data of faults of different fault distances, fault impedances, and fault types verify the accuracy and robustness of the proposed method. The proposed method is a time‐domain method that can locate the fault using 5 ms data after the faults.
Generalised dq‐dynamic phasor modelling of a STATCOM connected to a grid for stability analysis
Authors: Abojlala Khaled , Asad Grain , Ahmed Khaled , Holliday Derrick , Xu Lie
Published: November 2019

The synchronous d‐q based small‐signal stability using the eigenvalue analysis and impedance methods is widely employed to assess system stability. Generally, the harmonics are ignored in the stability analysis, and such assumption may lead to inaccuracies in the stability predictions, particularly, in harmonic‐polluted ac grids. Typically, the harmonic state‐space method (HSS) facilitates stability studies of linear time‐periodic systems, which considers the impact of harmonics. The use of the d‐q dynamic phasor state space and impedance methods offer significant advantages over the HSS counterpart, as they reduce system order, suitable for studying control systems, retain coupling between harmonics, and simplify the stability study under unbalanced conditions. This study extends dynamic phasor modelling for studying stability of modern power systems that include power converters. It is shown that the proposed methods reproduce the typical response of STATCOM at the fundamental frequency, as well as, in the presence of significant low‐order harmonics, using both eigenvalues and impedance analysis. Quantitative validations of the proposed extended models against synchronous dq small‐signal models confirm their validity.
Exploitation of MOSFET‐based AC switches in capacitive impedance matching networks in inductive wireless power transfer systems
Authors: Alexandru Cristina A. , Zhu Dibin
Published: November 2019

This study investigates the exploitation of MOSFET‐based AC switches in capacitive impedance matching networks (IMNs) for inductive wireless power transfer (WPT). The IMN optimum capacitance has been chosen for a 200 kHz resonant frequency. The activation of the tuning capacitor on the tuning branch is achieved with the use of MOSFET AC switches in order for the WPT system to achieve maximum power transfer efficiency. The MOSFET AC switch is modelled as an internal parasitic resistor and capacitor connected in parallel. A WPT analytical model is developed to study the effects of the MOSFET's parasitic elements on the WPT system's efficiency and is verified experimentally. Various MOSFET switches and relays have been implemented as the IMN switching elements and compared when tested under the same conditions. It is concluded that MOSFET AC switches which have low on‐resistances and small parasitic capacitances are desirable as they have a smaller impact on efficiency. Additionally, parasitic capacitances of MOSFET AC switches need careful consideration for different resonant frequencies as they can affect the overall IMN tuning capacitance especially when they are turned off. Comparing to commonly used relay switches, MOSFET‐based AC switches have similar switching performance but are significantly smaller in size.
Space vector modulation based switching schemes for high frequency link matrix rectifier in discontinuous conduction mode
Authors: Lan Dongdong , Kumar Sahoo Sanjib , Srinivasan Dipti
Published: November 2019

A high‐frequency link matrix rectifier with a pure capacitive output filter has the advantages of reduced converter size and clamped voltage over the rectifier diode. However, when the converter operates in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM), there is high input current distortion. The distortion has to be compensated such that the total harmonic distortion (THD) does not exceed 5%. The straightforward way of reducing distortion is by designing the switching scheme. In this study, switching schemes based on space vector modulation have been studied to improve the input current quality in DCM. Several existing switching schemes and newly proposed switching schemes have been analysed and compared. A 600 W laboratory prototype has been built to verify the effect of switching schemes over input current quality. The experimental results show that the input current THD can be greatly reduced by applying proper switching scheme.
Coupled inductor‐based DC–DC converter with high voltage conversion ratio and smooth input current
Authors: Samuel Vijay Joseph , Keerthi Gna , Mahalingam Prabhakar
Published: November 2019

In this study, a coupled inductor (CI)‐based high step‐up DC–DC converter is presented. The proposed topology is developed from a primitive quadratic boost converter (QBC) structure. A two‐phase interleaved QBC structure is obtained by employing multi‐winding CIs instead of discrete inductors as the energy storage magnetic element. The voltage gain is further extended by using (i) voltage lift capacitor, (ii) CIs and (iii) voltage multiplier cells. Consequently, the voltage stress on the main switches is reduced to 18.9% of the output voltage. Moreover, interleaving mechanism helps in achieving a smooth input current profile; the input current ripple is only 4.59% of the total input current magnitude. To validate the proposed concept, 18 V/380 V, 150 W prototype converter is constructed and experimented. Under experimentation, the converter delivers the required power to the load at 95% full‐load efficiency. Further, under closed‐loop condition, the output voltage from the converter is regulated to the required standard value of 380 V DC.
Relaxation characteristics of ion jet formed across the short air gap in the cone–sphere electrode under positive polarity DC voltage
Authors: Wang Ping , Song Jingxuan , Wang Xinyu , Lü Fangcheng , Geng Jianghai
Published: November 2019

The research into the development of discharge under positive polarity voltage across the short air gap is of great significance to improve insulation of electrical equipment. By establishing a photoelectric joint detection system, this study observed phenomena in short air gaps before, and the period of breakdown. By utilising a photomultiplier tube and a Rogowski coil, the optical and current signals were obtained. Moreover, through z‐type Schlieren system and high‐speed digital camera, relaxation images of ion jet formed across cone–sphere electrodes were obtained. Through comparison and analysis, the discharge of short air gap was divided into three stages: initial corona, strong corona and streamer breakdown. On the basis of this, the relationship between optical and current signals was compared by assessing characteristics of the ion jet in each stage. Also, the relaxation characteristics of an ion jet were analysed. The results showed that ion jets appeared in the initial corona stage, while relaxation channel of the ion jet was formed and the channel fluctuated in the strong corona stage. In the streamer breakdown stage, the process of expansion, constant fluctuation and breakdown appeared; the amplitudes of corona current signals and optical signals in these three stages constantly increased.
Investigation on space charge and charge trap characteristics of Al–epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Chillu Naresh , Jayaganthan Rengaswamy , Nageshwar Rao Burjupati , Danikas Michael , Tanaka Toshikatsu , Sarathi Ramanujam
Published: November 2019

Optimised quantity of nano‐aluminium (Al) filler mixed with epoxy resin using percolation threshold criteria was adapted to fabricate nanocomposite with desired space‐charge and charge‐trap properties. Surface potential variation due to charge deposition on to the insulating material under transient voltages was investigated, and it showed the improved decay rate with reduced trap depth for the nanocomposites with nanofillers addition in the range between 0.5 and 5 wt%. Threshold electric field calculated based on space‐charge density variation by pulsed electroacoustic measurement was found to be between 7–9 kV/mm and maximum electric field calculated through polarity reversal test is about 9 kV/mm, for 5 wt% (for the optimised value of nanofiller) epoxy nano‐Al composites.
Inverse synthetic aperture radar imaging using complex‐value deep neural network
Authors: Hu ChangYu , Wang Ling , Li Ze , Sun Lingling , Loffeld Otmar
Published: November 2019

As compared with traditional ISAR imaging methods, the compressive sensing (CS)‐based imaging methods can obtain high‐quality images using much less under‐sampled data. However, the availability or appropriateness of the sparse representation of the target scene and the relatively low computational efficiency of image reconstruction algorithms limit the performance and application of the CS‐based ISAR imaging methods. In recent years, the deep learning technology has been applied in many fields and achieved outstanding performance in image classification, image reconstruction etc. DL implements the tasks using the deep neural network (DNN), which composes multiple hidden layers and non‐linear activation layer. In this study, a novel ISAR imaging method that uses a complex‐value deep neural network (CV‐DNN) to perform the image formation using under‐sampled data is proposed. The CV‐DNN architecture can extract and exploit the sparse feature of the target image extremely well by multilayer non‐linear processing. The experimental results show that the proposed CV‐DNN‐based ISAR imaging method can provide better shape reconstruction of target with less data than state‐of‐the‐art CS reconstruction algorithms and improve the imaging efficiency obviously.
Joint parameter estimation employing coherent passive MIMO radar
Authors: Wang Liming , He Qian , Blum Rick S. , Li Huiyong
Published: November 2019

Passive multiple‐input multiple‐output radar is studied for the problem of joint estimation of target location and velocity. A general case is considered, where the signals of opportunity may be non‐orthogonal and the clutter‐plus‐noise may be correlated. The maximum likelihood estimate is provided and the Cramer‐Rao bound is derived. The authors show the performance gain obtained from coherent processing and analyse the performance variation induced by the effects of signal non‐orthogonality and the correlation of the clutter‐plus‐noise components.
Relationship of different optimal criteria in radar waveform design
Authors: Zhang Xiaowen , Gao Yesheng , Liu Xingzhao
Published: November 2019

The relationship of different optimal waveform design criteria in signal‐dependent interference, as well as additive channel noise for stochastic extended target, is investigated here. Within constraints on waveform energy and bandwidth, the optimal waveform design based on the signal‐to‐interference plus noise ratio criterion, probability of detection criterion, and mutual information criterion are modelled. Afterwards, the relationship of these criteria is presented. Simulations are conducted to illustrate that under the same bandwidth and energy constraints, the three criteria lead to the similar optimal waveform. The energy of optimal waveform can be distributed in some narrow bands where target power is large and interference power is small.
Broadband X-ray observations of four gamma-ray narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies
Authors: Berton M. , Braito V. , Mathur S. , Foschini L. , Piconcelli E. , Chen S. , Pogge R. W.
Published: November 2019

Narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies (NLS1s) is one of the few classes of active galactic nuclei harboring powerful relativistic jets and detected inγ-rays. NLS1s are well-known X-ray sources. While in non-jetted sources the origin of this X-ray emission may be a hot corona surrounding the accretion disk, in jetted objects, especially beamed ones, the contribution of corona and relativistic jet is difficult to disentangle without a proper sampling of the hard X-ray emission. For this reason, we observed withNuSTARthe first four NLS1s detected at high energyγ-rays. These data, along withXMM-NewtonandSwift/XRT observations, confirmed that X-rays originate both in the jet and in the accretion disk corona. Time variability in hard X-rays furthermore suggests that, as observed in flat-spectrum radio quasars, the dissipation region during flares could change its position from source to source, and it can be located both inside and outside the broad-line region. We find that jetted NLS1s, and other blazars as well, seem not to follow the classical fundamental plane of black hole (BH) activity, which therefore should be used as a BH mass estimator in blazars with extreme care only. Our results strengthen the idea according to whichγ-NLS1s are smaller and younger version of flat-spectrum radio quasars, in which both a Seyfert and a blazar component co-exist.
Immunohistochemical expression of P53, Ki-67, and CD34 in psoriasis and psoriasiform dermatitis
Authors: Ramezani Mazaher , Shamshiri Atefeh , Zavattaro Elisa , Khazaei Sedigheh , Rezaei Mansour , Mahmoodi Rozhano , Sadeghi Masoud
Published: November 2019

Background: Psoriasis is the prime example of psoriasiform tissue pattern and should be differentiated from other psoriasiform dermatoses both clinically and histopathologically.

Aim: To evaluate immunohistochemical expression of P53, Ki-67, and CD34 in psoriasis and psoriasiform dermatitis for diagnostic purposes.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was performed on the paraffin blocks of 60 psoriasis and 31 psoriasiform dermatitis patients between 2014 and 2017. The selected formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from each biopsy specimen were cut into 4-micron sections. Initial sections were stained by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Primary antihuman antibodies against P53, Ki-67, and CD34 were applied. Positive control samples for biomarkers were received from former strongly positive samples of papillary endothelial hyperplasia, high grade lymphoma, and breast ductal carcinoma for CD34, Ki-67, and P53, respectively.

Results: Out of 60 psoriasis patients, 56.7% were men, with the mean age of 36.8 years. From 31 psoriasiform patients, 45.2% were men, with the mean age of 37.5 years. Both groups were matched in terms of sex and age. The mean staining of three markers was more significant in psoriasiform dermatitis than psoriasis.

Conclusion: In spite of some other researches, the present study showed expression of P53, Ki-67, and CD34 biomarkers were significantly higher in psoriasiform dermatitis than psoriasis.
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis and interstitial pneumonitis: a case report of the west of Iran
Authors: Ramezani Mazaher , Aminparast Zahra , Sadeghi Masoud
Published: November 2019

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare disease with autosomal recessive inheritance. Herein, a 20-year-old lady referred to the hospital with a dry cough for two years. The chest X-ray findings were bilateral reticulonodular opacities in both lungs and honeycomb appearance suspicious for miliary tuberculosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A wedge biopsy of lung showed that there were several intraalveolar laminated concretions in the pathology report compatible with pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis and interstitial infiltration of lymphocytes and neutrophils compatible with interstitial pneumonitis. PAM is a rare progressive disease with the production of microliths in pulmonary alveoli. The pathologist, radiologist, and clinician should be familiar with this entity for diagnosis and appropriate management. The family of the patient especially siblings must be evaluated for earlier diagnosis.
Influence of molten salt-(FLiNaK) thermophysical properties on a heated tube using CFD RANS turbulence modeling of an experimental testbed
Authors: Freile Ramiro , Kimber Mark
Published: November 2019

In a liquid fuel molten salt reactor (MSR) a key factor to consider upon its design is the strong coupling between different physics present such as neutronics, thermo-mechanics and thermal-hydraulics. Focusing in the thermal-hydraulics aspect, it is required that the heat transfer is well characterized. For this purpose, turbulent models used for FLiNaK flow must be valid, and its thermophysical properties must be accurately described. In the literature, there are several expressions for each material property, with differences that can be significant. The goal of this study is to demonstrate and quantify the impact that the uncertainty in thermophysical properties has on key metrics of thermal hydraulic importance for MSRs, in particular on the heat transfer coefficient. In order to achieve this, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using the RANS k-ω SST model were compared to published experiment data on molten salt. Various correlations for FLiNaK’s material properties were used. It was observed that the uncertainty in FLiNaK’s thermophysical properties lead to a significant variance in the heat coefficient. Motivated by this, additional CFD simulations were done to obtain sensitivity coefficients for each thermophysical property. With this information, the effect of the variation of each one of the material properties on the heat transfer coefficient was quantified performing a one factor at a time approach (OAT). The results of this sensitivity analysis showed that the most critical thermophysical properties of FLiNaK towards the determination of the heat transfer coefficient are the viscosity and the thermal conductivity. More specifically the dimensionless sensitivity coefficient, which is defined as the percent variation of the heat transfer with respect to the percent variation of the respective property, was −0.51 and 0.67 respectively. According to the different correlations, the maximum percent variations for these properties is 18% and 26% respectively, which yields a variation in the predicted heat transfer coefficient as high as 9% and 17% for the viscosity and thermal conductivity, respectively. It was also demonstrated that the Nusselt number trends found from the simulations were captured much better using the Sieder Tate correlation than the Dittus Boelter correlation. Future work accommodating additional turbulence models and higher fidelity physics will help to determine whether the Sieder Tate expression truly captures the physics of interest or whether the agreement seen in the current work is simply reflective of the single turbulence model employed.