bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple myeloma current treatment algorithms
Authors: Rajkumar S. Vincent , Kumar Shaji
Published: September 2020

The treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) continues to evolve rapidly with arrival of multiple new drugs, and emerging data from randomized trials to guide therapy. Along the disease course, the choice of specific therapy is affected by many variables including age, performance status, comorbidities, and eligibility for stem cell transplantation. In addition, another key variable that affects treatment strategy is risk stratification of patients into standard and high-risk MM. High-risk MM is defined by the presence of t(4;14), t(14;16), t(14;20), gain 1q, del(17p), or p53 mutation. In this paper, we provide algorithms for the treatment of newly diagnosed and relapsed MM based on the best available evidence. We have relied on data from randomized controlled trials whenever possible, and when appropriate trials to guide therapy are not available, our recommendations reflect best practices based on non-randomized data, and expert opinion. Each algorithm has been designed to facilitate easy decision-making for practicing clinicians. In all patients, clinical trials should be considered first, prior to resorting to the standard of care algorithms we outline.
Genome-wide association study reveals the genetic determinism of growth traits in a Gushi-Anka F2 chicken population
Authors: Zhang Yanhua , Wang Yuzhe , Li Yiyi , Wu Junfeng , Wang Xinlei , Bian Cheng , Tian Yadong , Sun Guirong , Han Ruili , Liu Xiaojun , Jiang Ruirui , Wang Yanbin , Li Guoxi , Li Wenting , Hu Xiaoxiang , Kang Xiangtao
Published: September 2020

Chicken growth traits are economically important, but the relevant genetic mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. Herein, we performed a genome-wide association study to identify the variants associated with growth traits. In total, 860 chickens from a Gushi-Anka F2resource population were phenotyped for 68 growth and carcass traits, and 768 samples were genotyped based on the genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) method. Finally, 734 chickens and 321,314 SNPs remained after quality control and removal of the sex chromosomes, and these data were used to carry out a GWAS analysis. A total of 470 significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for 43 of the 68 traits were detected and mapped on chromosomes (Chr) 1–6, -9, -10, -16, -18, -23, and -27. Of these, the significant SNPs in Chr1, -4, and -27 were found to be associated with more than 10 traits. Multiple traits shared significant SNPs, indicating that the same mutation in the region might have a large effect on multiple growth or carcass traits. Haplotype analysis revealed that SNPs within the candidate region of Chr1 presented a mosaic pattern. The significant SNPs and pathway enrichment analysis revealed that theMLNR,MED4,CAB39L,LDB2, andIGF2BP1genes could be putative candidate genes for growth and carcass traits. The findings of this study improve our understanding of the genetic mechanisms regulating chicken growth and carcass traits and provide a theoretical basis for chicken breeding programs.
Genome analysis of American minks reveals link of mutations in Ras-related protein-38 gene to Moyle brown coat phenotype
Authors: Manakhov Andrey D. , Mintseva Maria Yu. , Andreev Igor A. , Uralsky Lev I. , Andreeva Tatiana V. , Trapezov Oleg V. , Rogaev Evgeny I.
Published: September 2020

Over 35 fur colours have been described in American mink (Neovison vison), only six of which have been previously linked to specific genes. Moyle fur colour belongs to a wide group of brownish colours that are highly similar to each other, which complicates selection and breeding procedures. We performed whole genome sequencing for two American minks with Moyle (m/m) and Violet (a/a m/m /p/p) phenotypes. We identified two frame-shift mutations in the gene encoding Ras-related protein-38 (RAB38), which regulates the trafficking of tyrosinase-containing vesicles to maturing melanosomes. The results highlight the role of RAB38 in the biogenesis of melanosomes and melanin and the genetic mechanism contributing to hair colour variety and intensity. These data are also useful for tracking economically valuable fur traits in mink breeding programmes.
Development of fully automated and ultrasensitive assays for urinary adiponectin and their application as novel biomarkers for diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Watanabe Toshihiro , Fujimoto Yuki , Morimoto Aya , Nishiyama Mai , Kawai Akinori , Okada Seiki , Aiba Motohiro , Kawano Tomoharu , Kawahigashi Mina , Ishizu Masashi , Mori Hiroyasu , Matsuhisa Munehide , Hata Akiko , Funaki Makoto , Hashida Seiichi
Published: September 2020

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) are used to diagnose and classify the severity of chronic kidney disease. Total adiponectin (T-AN) and high molecular weight adiponectin (H-AN) assays were developed using the fully automated immunoassay system, HI-1000 and their significance over conventional biomarkers were investigated. The T-AN and H-AN assays had high reproducibility, good linearity, and sufficient sensitivity to detect trace amounts of adiponectin in the urine. Urine samples after gel filtration were analyzed for the presence of different molecular isoforms. Low molecular weight (LMW) forms and monomers were the major components (93%) of adiponectin in the urine from a diabetic patient with normoalbuminuria. Urine from a microalbuminuria patient contained both high molecular weight (HMW) (11%) and middle molecular weight (MMW) (28%) adiponectin, although the LMW level was still high (52%). The amount of HMW (32%) and MMW (42%) were more abundant than that of LMW (24%) in a diabetic patient with macroalbuminuria. T-AN (r = − 0.43) and H-AN (r = − 0.38) levels showed higher correlation with estimated GFR (eGFR) than UAER (r = − 0.23). Urinary levels of both T-AN and H-AN negatively correlated with renal function in diabetic patients and they may serve as new biomarkers for diabetic kidney disease.
Longitudinal effects of common carotid artery stenosis on ocular hemodynamics assessed using laser speckle flowgraphy in a rabbit model
Authors: Ismail Aishah , Chen Hui Cheng , Faye Ibrahima , Tang Tong Boon
Published: September 2020

Real-time impairment of ocular blood flow (OBF) under common carotid artery stenosis (CCAS) has not been ascertained. We aimed to longitudinally assess the impact of CCAS on OBF using a rabbit model. About 75% stenosis was created by tying the common carotid artery with a plastic mandrel using a nylon suture. The plastic mandrel was gently removed, leaving a ligature. Neurological and behavioral assessments were recorded as the clinical indicator of stroke severity. With laser speckle flowgraphy, the pulse waveform parameters namely mean blur rate (MBR), blowout score (BOS), blowout time (BOT), rising rate, S1-area, falling rate (FR), S2-area, flow acceleration index (FAI), acceleration time index, resistive index (RI) and the difference between the maximum and minimum values of MBR (AC) were assessed in overall, vessel, and tissue regions of the optic nerve head (ONH). Longitudinally, BOS significantly increased until day 19 post-surgery, whereas FAI, RI, and AC significantly decreased. Beyond day 19, BOS, BOT, FR, FAI, RI, and AC significantly decreased. We defined two stages representing impaired vessel conditions, namely the vessel resistance phase, where BOS increases and FAI, RI, and AC decrease, and the vessel elasticity phase where BOS, BOT, FR, FAI, RI and AC decrease. These stages provide information about atherosclerosis, assessable non-invasively through the eye.
Chromosomal abnormalities and atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke incidence: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Cho Jun Hwan , Choi Eue-Keun , Moon In-Ki , Jung Jin- Hyung , Han Kyung-Do , Choi You-Jung , Park Jiesuck , Lee Euijae , Lee So- Ryoung , Cha Myung-Jin , Lim Woo-Hyun , Oh Seil
Published: September 2020

There is a paucity of information as to whether chromosomal abnormalities, including Down Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, and Klinefelter Syndrome, have an association with atrial fibrillation (AF) and ischemic stroke development. Data from 3660 patients with Down Syndrome, 2408 with Turner Syndrome, and 851 with Klinefelter Syndrome without a history of AF and ischemic stroke were collected from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (2007–2014). These patients were followed-up for new-onset AF and ischemic stroke. Age- and sex-matched control subjects (at a ratio of 1:10) were selected and compared with the patients with chromosomal abnormalities. Down Syndrome patients showed a higher incidence of AF and ischemic stroke than controls. Turner Syndrome and Klinefelter Syndrome patients showed a higher incidence of AF than did the control group, but not of stroke. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that three chromosomal abnormalities were independent risk factors for AF, and Down Syndrome was independently associated with the risk of stroke. In conclusion, Down Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, and Klinefelter Syndrome showed an increased risk of AF. Down Syndrome patients only showed an increased risk of stroke. Therefore, AF surveillance and active stroke prevention would be beneficial in patients with these chromosomal abnormalities.
Resveratrol stereoselectively affected (±)warfarin pharmacokinetics and enhanced the anticoagulation effect
Authors: Huang Tse-Yin , Yu Chung-Ping , Hsieh Yow-Wen , Lin Shiuan-Pey , Hou Yu-Chi
Published: September 2020

Resveratrol (RVT) has various beneficial bioactivities and popularly used as a dietary supplement. RVT showed inhibitions on CYP1A2/2C9/3A4, breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), and some conjugated metabolites of RVT also inhibited BCRP. (±)Warfarin, an anticoagulant for cardiovascular disease but with narrow therapeutic window, were substrates of CYP1A2/3A4(R-form), 2C9(S-form) and BCRP. We hypothesized that the concurrent use of RVT might affect the metabolism and excretion of warfarin. This study investigated the effect of RVT on the pharmacokinetics and anticoagulation effect of (±)warfarin. Rats were orally given (±)warfarin (0.2 mg/kg) without and with RVT (100 mg/kg) in a parallel design. The results showed that RVT significantly increased the AUC0−t of S-warfarin and international normalized ratio. Mechanism studies showed that both RVT and its serum metabolites (RSM) inhibited BCRP-mediated efflux of R- and S-warfarin. Moreover, RSM activated CYP1A2/3A4, but inhibited CYP2C9. In conclusion, concomitant intake of RVT increased the systemic exposure of warfarin and enhanced the anticoagulation effect mainly via inhibitions on BCRP and CYP2C9.
Structure-resistive property relationships in thin ferroelectric BaTiO$$_{3}$$ films
Authors: Andreeva N. V. , Petraru A. , Vilkov O. Yu. , Petukhov A. E.
Published: September 2020

A combined study of local structural, electric and ferroelectric properties of SrTiO$$_{3}$$

3

/La$$_{0.7}$$

0.7

Sr$$_{0.3}$$

0.3

MnO$$_{3}$$

3

/BaTiO$$_{3}$$

3

heterostructures was performed by Piezoresponse Force Microscopy, tunneling Atomic Force Microscopy and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy in the temperature range 30–295 K. The direct correlation of film structure (epitaxial, nanocrystalline or polycrystalline) with local electric and ferroelectric properties was observed. For polycrystalline ferroelectric films the predominant polarization state is defined by the peculiarity of screening the built-in field by positively charged point defects. Based on Scanning Tunneling Spectroscopy results, it was found that a sequent voltage application provokes the modification of local resistive properties related to the redistribution of point defects in thin ferroelectric films. A qualitative analysis of acquired Piezoresponse Force Microscopy, tunneling Atomic Force Microscopy and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy images together with Scanning Tunneling Spectroscopy measurements enabled us to conclude that in the presence of structural defects the competing processes of electron injection, trap filling and the drift of positively charged point defects drives the change of resistive properties of thin films under applied electric field. In this paper, we propose a new approach based on Scanning Tunneling Microscopy/Spectroscopy under ultrahigh vacuum conditions to clarify the influence of point defects on local resistive properties of nanometer-thick ferroelectric films.
Strain-specific strategies of 2′-fucosyllactose, 3-fucosyllactose, and difucosyllactose assimilation by Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis Bi-26 and ATCC 15697
Authors: Zabel Bryan E. , Gerdes Svetlana , Evans Kara C. , Nedveck Derek , Singles Suzanne Koch , Volk Barbara , Budinoff Charles
Published: September 2020

Human milk provides essential nutrients for infant nutrition. A large proportion of human milk is composed of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), which are resistant to digestion by the infant. Instead, HMOs act as a bioactive and prebiotic enriching HMO-utilizing bacteria and cause systematic changes in the host. Several species ofBifidobacteriumhave been shown to utilize HMOs by conserved, as well as species-specific pathways, but less work has been done to study variation within species or sub-species.B. longumsubsp.infantisis a prevalent species in the breast-fed infant gut and the molecular mechanisms of HMO utilization for the type strainB. longumsubsp.infantisATCC 15697 (type strain) have been well characterized. We used growth, transcriptomic, and metabolite analysis to characterize key differences in the utilization of 2′FL, 3FL and DFL (FLs) betweenB. longumsubsp.infantisBi-26 (Bi-26) and the type strain. Bi-26 grows faster, produces unique metabolites, and has a distinct global gene transcription response to FLs compared to the type strain. Taken together the findings demonstrate major strain specific adaptations in Bi-26 to efficient utilization of FLs.
Infralimbic cortex controls fear memory generalization and susceptibility to extinction during consolidation
Authors: Bayer Hugo , Bertoglio Leandro Jose
Published: September 2020

Lesioning or inactivating the infralimbic (IL) subregion of the medial prefrontal cortex before acquisition produces more generalized and extinction-resistant fear memories. However, whether and how it modulates memory specificity and extinction susceptibility while consolidation takes place is still unknown. The present study aims to investigate these questions using muscimol-induced temporary inactivation and anisomycin-induced protein synthesis inhibition in the rat IL following contextual fear conditioning. Results indicate that the IL activity immediately after acquisition, but not six hours later, controls memory generalization over a week, regardless of its strength. Such IL function depends on the context-shock pairing since muscimol induced no changes in animals exposed to immediate shocks or the conditioning context only. Animals in which the IL was inactivated during consolidation extinguished similarly to controls within the session but were unable to recall the extinction memory the following day. Noteworthy, these post-acquisition IL inactivation-induced effects were not associated with changes in anxiety, as assessed in the elevated plus-maze test. Anisomycin results indicate that the IL protein synthesis during consolidation contributes more to producing extinction-sensitive fear memories than memory specificity. Collectively, present results provide evidence for the IL's role in controlling generalization and susceptibility to extinction during fear memory consolidation.
Urban resources limit pair coordination over offspring provisioning
Authors: Baldan Davide , Ouyang Jenny Q.
Published: September 2020

The amount of care parents provide to the offspring is complicated by an evolutionary conflict of interest (‘sexual conflict’) between the two parents. Recent theoretical models suggest that pair coordination of the provisioning may reduce this conflict and increase parent and offspring fitness. Despite empirical studies showing that pair coordination is common in avian species, it remains unclear how environmental and ecological conditions might promote or limit the ability of parents to coordinate care. We compared the level of pair coordination, measured as alternation and synchrony of the nest visits, of house wrens Troglodytes aedon pairs breeding in a rural (10 nests) and a suburban (9 nests) site and investigated how differences in parental behaviours were related to habitat composition, prey abundance and how they ultimately related to reproductive success. We found that parents alternated and synchronized their nest visits more in the rural site compared to the suburban one. The suburban site is characterized by a more fragmented habitat with more coniferous trees and less caterpillar availability. Offspring from the rural site were heavier at fledging than at the suburban site. Taken together, these results suggest that environmental conditions play an important role on the emergence of coordinated parental care and that considering environmental variables is pivotal to assess the fitness consequences of parental strategies.
Ambrisentan, an endothelin receptor type A-selective antagonist, inhibits cancer cell migration, invasion, and metastasis
Authors: Kappes Lucy , Amer Ruba L. , Sommerlatte Sabine , Bashir Ghada , Plattfaut Corinna , Gieseler Frank , Gemoll Timo , Busch Hauke , Altahrawi Abeer , Al-Sbiei Ashraf , Haneefa Shoja M. , Arafat Kholoud , Schimke Lena F. , Khawanky Nadia El , Schulze-Forster Kai , Heidecke Harald , Kerstein-Staehle Anja , Marschner Gabriele , Pitann Silke , Ochs Hans D. , Mueller Antje , Attoub Samir , Fernandez-Cabezudo Maria J. , Riemekasten Gabriela , al-Ramadi Basel K. , Cabral-Marques Otavio
Published: September 2020

Several studies reported a central role of the endothelin type A receptor (ETAR) in tumor progression leading to the formation of metastasis. Here, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor effects of the FDA-approved ETAR antagonist, Ambrisentan, which is currently used to treat patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. In vitro, Ambrisentan inhibited both spontaneous and induced migration/invasion capacity of different tumor cells (COLO-357 metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma, OvCar3 ovarian carcinoma, MDA-MB-231 breast adenocarcinoma, and HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia). Whole transcriptome analysis using RNAseq indicated Ambrisentan’s inhibitory effects on the whole transcriptome of resting and PAR2-activated COLO-357 cells, which tended to normalize to an unstimulated profile. Finally, in a pre-clinical murine model of metastatic breast cancer, treatment with Ambrisentan was effective in decreasing metastasis into the lungs and liver. Importantly, this was associated with a significant enhancement in animal survival. Taken together, our work suggests a new therapeutic application for Ambrisentan in the treatment of cancer metastasis.
A simple procedure for bacterial expression and purification of the fragile X protein family
Authors: Edwards Madison , Xu Mingzhi , Joseph Simpson
Published: September 2020

The fragile X protein family consists of three RNA-binding proteins involved in translational regulation. Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is well-studied, as its loss leads to fragile X syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder which is the most prevalent form of inherited mental retardation and the primary monogenetic cause of autism. Fragile X related proteins 1 and 2 (FXR1P and FXR2P) are autosomal paralogs of FMRP that are involved in promoting muscle development and neural development, respectively. There is great interest in studying this family of proteins, yet researchers have faced much difficulty in expressing and purifying the full-length versions of these proteins in sufficient quantities. We have developed a simple, rapid, and inexpensive procedure that allows for the recombinant expression and purification of full-length human FMRP, FXR1P, and FXR2P from Escherichia coli in high yields, free of protein and nucleic acid contamination. In order to assess the proteins’ function after purification, we confirmed their binding to pseudoknot and G-quadruplex forming RNAs as well as their ability to regulate translation in vitro.
Kava constituents exert selective anticancer effects in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells in vitro
Authors: Celentano Antonio , Yiannis Callisthenis , Paolini Rita , Zhang Pangzhen , Farah Camile S. , Cirillo Nicola , Yap Tami , McCullough Michael
Published: September 2020

Kava is a beverage made from the ground roots of the plant Piper Methysticum. Active compounds of Kava have previously been demonstrated to exert an antiproliferative effect through cell cycle arrest and promotion of apoptosis. Our aim was to investigate the in vitro effects of the main constituents derived from Kava on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) activity.
Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) was used to characterise the main constituents of two Kava preparations. Cell proliferation was assessed in two human OSCC cell lines (H400 and BICR56) and in normal oral keratinocytes (OKF6) treated with the identified Kava constituents, namely Flavokawain A (FKA), Flavokawain B (FKB), yangonin, kavain and methysticin using an MTS in vitro assay. Cell migration at 16 h was assessed using a Transwell migration assay. Cell invasion was measured at 22 h using a Matrigel assay. Cell adhesion was assessed at 90 min with a Cytoselect Adhesion assay. The two Kava preparations contained substantially different concentrations of the main chemical constituents. Treatment of malignant and normal oral keratinocyte cell lines with three of the identified constituents, 10 μg/ml FKA, 2.5 μg/ml FKB and 10 μg/ml yangonin, showed a significant reduction in cell proliferation in both H400 and BICR56 cancer cell lines but not in normal OKF6 cells. Remarkably, the same Kava constituents induced a significant reduction of OSCC cell migration and invasion. We have demonstrated, for the first time, that Kava constituents, FKA, FKB and yangonin have potential anticancer effects on OSCC. This highlights an avenue for further research of Kava constituents in the development of future cancer therapies to prevent and treat OSCC.
Re-evaluation of serum leptin and adiponectin concentrations normalized by body fat mass in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Chihara Kazuhisa , Hattori Naoki , Ichikawa Norihiro , Matsuda Takeshi , Saito Takanori
Published: September 2020

Leptin and adiponectin are produced mainly in adipocytes and classified as adipocytokines because of their possible involvement in inflammation and immunity. The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationships of these adipocytokines with the disease activities of RA. We examined leptin and adiponectin concentrations and inflammatory markers such as metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in 136 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (26 males and 110 females, 69.6 ± 9.3 years) and 78 controls (36 males and 42 females, 66.7 ± 15.0 years). Serum leptin and adiponectin concentrations correlated positively (r = 0.565, P < 0.001) and negatively (r = –0.331, P < 0.001) to the amount of body fat, respectively. Serum leptin and adiponectin concentrations normalized by body fat mass were significantly higher in RA than those in controls [leptin, 1.24 (median) ng/mL/kg fat in RA vs. 0.76 ng/mL/kg fat in controls; adiponectin, 0.74 μg/mL/kg fat in RA vs. 0.44 μg/mL/kg fat in controls]. Normalized adiponectin concentrations correlated positively not only to the degree of bone destruction in Steinbrocker classification but also to serum MMP-3 concentrations. Normalized leptin concentrations did not correlate to the degree of bone destruction. We conclude that adiponectin but not leptin may be involved in joint damage in RA.
Fe–N/C single-atom nanozyme-based colorimetric sensor array for discriminating multiple biological antioxidants
Authors: Jing Wenjie , Cui Xiangkun , Kong Fanbo , Wei Wei , Li Yunchao , Fan Louzhen , Li Xiaohong
Published: September 2020

Fe–C/N single-atom nanozyme with oxidase-like activity was applied to constructed a triple-channel colorimetric sensor array for discriminating l-Cys, GSH, UA, AA and MT.
Multiplexable fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) probes for Abl and Src-family kinases
Authors: Jena Sampreeti , Damayanti Nur P. , Tan Jackie , Pratt Erica D. , Irudayaraj Joseph M. K. , Parker Laurie L.
Published: September 2020

Here we describe development of cell-penetrating peptide substrates for fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) of Abl and Src-family kinase activities, applied to mapping single cell and subcellular dynamics of multiple kinases in live cells.
Computational analysis of the far infrared spectral region of various deuterated varieties of ethylene glycol
Authors: Boussessi Rahma , Senent María Luisa
Published: September 2020

The FIR spectrum of three deuterated isotopologues of ethylene glycol are studied using highly correlated ab initio methods, VPT2 theory and a variational procedure of reduced dimensionality.
Physicochemical characterisation of novel tetrabutylammonium aryltrifluoroborate ionic liquids
Authors: Brown Stuart J. , Drummond Calum J. , Marchand Jessica , Marcuccio Sebastian M. , Stockton Kieran P. , Greaves Tamar L.
Published: September 2020

Developing structure–property relationships for meta and para substituted tetrabutylammonium aryltrifluoroborate ionic liquids.
Molecular recognition at the air–water interface: nanoarchitectonic design and physicochemical understanding
Authors: Ariga Katsuhiko
Published: September 2020

Significant enhancements of binding constants for molecular recognition are observed at the air–water interface, which would be related to molecular recognition in biomolecular systems.
Geometry, induced magnetism and modified electronic behaviors for magnetic atom adsorption on antimonene nanotubes
Authors: He X. , Fan Z. Q. , Zhang Z. H.
Published: September 2020

The detailed first-principles calculations show that TM adsorption can imprint versatile magnetism into antimonene nanotubes. A significant carrier polarity and spin polarity of mobility as well as the magneto-electric material property are found.
Electromagnetic control of spin ordered Mn3 qubits: a density functional study
Authors: Hooshmand Zahra , Pederson Mark R.
Published: September 2020

As expected from experiment, the [Mn3O(O2CMe)dpd3/2]2 dimer exists in an S = 12 ferromagnetic state. However the monomeric building blocks regardless of termination, are found in antiferromagnetic state with unusual local moments (S = 1).
Pd supported on mixed metal oxide as an efficient catalyst for the reductive amination of bio-derived acetol to 2-methylpiperazine
Authors: Mazarío Jaime , Raad Zaher , Concepción Patricia , Cerdá-Moreno Cristina , Domine Marcelo E.
Published: September 2020

Efficient synthesis of 2-methylpiperazine via reductive cyclo-amination of acetol with ethylenediamine over Pd supported on Ti–Al–O and Ti–Zr–O catalysts.
Selectivity boost in partial hydrogenation of acetylene via atomic dispersion of platinum over ceria
Authors: Bolarinwa Ayodele Olumide , Vinati Simone , Barborini Emanuele , Boddapati Loukya , El Hajraoui Khalil , Kröhnert Jutta , Deepak Francis Leonard , Trunschke Annette , Kolen'ko Yury V.
Published: September 2020

High-throughput flame spray pyrolysis affords a low-loading Pt catalyst supported on cerium oxide, which is an excellent material for selective C2H2 semihydrogenation at 180 °C, with near-complete conversion and high selectivity towards C2H4 (87.1%).
An in situ cross-linked 1D/3D perovskite heterostructure improves the stability of hybrid perovskite solar cells for over 3000 h operation
Authors: Yang Ning , Zhu Cheng , Chen Yihua , Zai Huachao , Wang Chenyue , Wang Xi , Wang Hao , Ma Sai , Gao Ziyan , Wang Xueyun , Hong Jiawang , Bai Yang , Zhou Huanping , Cui Bin-Bin , Chen Qi
Published: September 2020

An in situ cross-linked 1D/3D perovskite heterostructure achieved a perovskite solar cell with a 21.19% PCE and operational stability over 3000 hours.
Dietary flavone from the Tetrastigma hemsleyanum vine triggers human lung adenocarcinoma apoptosis via autophagy
Authors: Li Yonglu , Feng Xinyu , Zhang Yiru , Wang Yaxuan , Yu Xin , Jia Ruoyi , Yu Ting , Zheng Xiaodong , Chu Qiang
Published: September 2020

A mouse, a cancer-combating winner, is giving his speech about his experience in conquering cancer. He excitedly introduces that TVF, flavones derived from Tetrastigma hemsleyanum vine, effectively achieved tumor ablation.
TCD, a triterpenoid isolated from wild bitter gourd, reduces synaptosomal release of glutamate and protects against kainic acid-induced neuronal death
Authors: Hsu Szu Kai , Hung Chi Feng , Yang Hsiao Ching , Weng Jing Ru , Wang Su Jane
Published: September 2020

3β,7β,25-Trihydroxycucurbita-5,23(E)-dien-19-al (TCD) is a triterpenoid isolated from wild bitter gourd that is a common tropical vegetable with neuroprotective effects.
A first-principles study on potential chelation agents and indicators of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wang Bryan , Luo Xuan
Published: September 2020

Human-serum transferrin is involved in the transportation of aluminum across the blood–brain barrier.
How heat controls fracture: the thermodynamics of creeping and avalanching cracks
Authors: Vincent-Dospital Tom , Toussaint Renaud , Santucci Stéphane , Vanel Loïc , Bonamy Daniel , Hattali Lamine , Cochard Alain , Flekkøy Eirik G. , Måløy Knut Jørgen
Published: September 2020

Fast fractures and the brittleness of matter are explained by statistical physics and by thousands of degrees hot rupture fronts, the blackbody radiation of which elucidates fractoluminescence.
Experimental and theoretical determination of physical properties of Sm2Bi2Fe4O12ferromagnetic semiconductors
Authors: Cuervo Farfán Javier A. , Deluque Toro Críspulo E. , Parra Vargas Carlos A. , Landínez Téllez David A. , Roa-Rojas Jairo
Published: September 2020

Polycrystalline samples of Sm2Bi2Fe4O12were produced by the standard solid state reaction method.
Ferroelectric-like organic–inorganic interfaces
Authors: Yang Linlin , Guo Jianxin , Li Jian , Yan Jun , Ge Kunpeng , Jiang Jiayue , Li Han , Flavel Benjamin S. , Liu Baoting , Chen Jianhui
Published: September 2020

Ferroelectricity is observed to occur at the interface between two non-ferroelectric materials, a polymer and silicon.
Non‐enzymatic electrochemical detection of dopamine in blood serum based on porous nitrogen‐doped graphene/Fe3O4 nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Yichi , Sheng Weiqin , Wu Jun , Xu Junming , Song Kaixin
Published: September 2020

Fe3O4 with different shapes are reported herein to modify the glassy carbon electrode and then they are used to detect dopamine (DA), a member of the catecholamine and phenethylamine families. Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, differential pulse voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry are all chosen to characterise the sensor's performance to DA. Under the optimal conditions, the modified sensor (N‐rGO/Fe3O4 NRs/GCE) had some good performance, followed as short response time (∼3 s), wide linear range (0.2–176 μM), low detection limit (0.05 μM, S/N = 2), good stability and reproducibility. The fabricated DA biosensor was further investigated for DA determination in human blood serum, suggesting its great potential in biological samples.
Phoebe’s differentiated interior from refined shape analysis
Authors: Rambaux N. , Castillo-Rogez J. C.
Published: September 2020

Context.Phoebe is an irregular satellite of Saturn, and its origin, from either between the orbits of the giant planets or the Kuiper Belt, is still uncertain. The extent of differentiation of its interior can potentially help inform its formation location because it is mainly determined by heat from 26-aluminum. The internal structure is reflected in the shape, assuming the body is relaxed to hydrostatic equilibrium. Although previous data analysis indicates Phoebe is close to hydrostatic equilibrium, its heavily cratered surface makes it difficult to tease out its low-order shape characteristics.

Aims.This paper aims to extract Phoebe’s global shape from the observations returned by the Cassini mission for comparison with uniform and stratified interior models under the assumption of hydrostatic equilibrium.

Methods.The global shape is derived from fitting spherical harmonics and keeping only the low-degree harmonics that represent the shape underneath the heavily cratered surface. The hydrostatic theoretical model for shape interpretation is based on the Clairaut equation developed to the third order (although the second order is sufficient in this case).

Results.We show that Phoebe is differentiated with a mantle density between 1900 and 2400 kg m−3. The presence of a porous surface layer further restricts the fit with the observed shape. This result confirms the earlier suggestion that Phoebe accreted with sufficient 26-aluminium to drive at least partial differentiation, favoring an origin with C-type asteroids.
The Los Alamos fission yield evaluation pipeline
Authors: Mumpower M. R. , Verriere M. , Lovell A. E. , Kawano T. , Stetcu I. , Talou P.
Published: September 2020

The nuclear data team at Los Alamos National Laboratory has undertaken a campaign to construct new fission yield evaluation. Significant advances have been made on a number of fronts. Nuclear potential energy surfaces can now be generated with the newly developed MicMac code based off the Finite Range Liquid-Drop Model (FRLDM). This model can be incorporated into the Los Alamos de-excitation framework codes BeOH and CGMF to perform modeling of prompt, independent (IFY) and cumulative (CFY) fission yields that take into account prompt and beta-delayed neutrons and photons consistent with decay data. This is in stark contrast to what exists in evaluated nuclear data libraries today, where only a few incident energy points are used with limited physical insights and no consistency between IFY, CFY and decay data. We highlight the latest progress with application of neutron-induced fission of 235 U and 239 Pu.
Efficacy of Metformin and Chemotherapeutic Agents on the Inhibition of Colony Formation and Shh/Gli1 Pathway: Metformin/Docetaxel Versus Metformin/5-Fluorouracil
Authors: Fatehi-Agdam Maryam , Vatankhah Mohammad Amin , Panahizadeh Reza , Jeddi Farhad , Najafzadeh Nowruz
Published: September 2020

Background Gastric cancer is a common gastrointestinal cancer characterized by poor prognosis and chemoresistance. Docetaxel and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are frequently used for the treatment of gastric cancer. Despite their potent anti-cancer effects, chemoresistance occurs in metastatic gastric cancer. Metformin, a popular anti-diabetic drug, has been proven to have potent anticancer effects on gastrointestinal cancers. Here, we aim to improve this chemotherapy agents’ efficacy by pretreatment with metformin.

Methods The AGS gastric cancer cell line were pretreated with three different sub-toxic concentration of metformin and then treated with various concentrations of 5-FU and docetaxel.

The anticancer effects of the combination of metformin with the chemotherapy agents were determined using clonogenic assay and DAPi staining. We used real-time PCR to evaluate Gli1, Gli2, and TWIST1 mRNA expression levels in the gastric cancer cells. Also, the expression of the Shh protein was assessed using immunocytochemistry.

Results Here, we found that metformin sensitized the gastric cancer cells to chemotherapy. The combination treatments were more effective in reducing the number of cancer colonies compared to 5-FU or docetaxel alone. The combination of metformin with 5-FU or docetaxel significantly reduced the number of cells expressing the Shh protein compared to the 5-FU alone or docetaxel alone. Interestingly, we found that the combination of metformin with docetaxel significantly down-regulated the mRNA levels of Gli1, Gli2, and TWIST1 in the AGS gastric cancer cell line compared to docetaxel alone.

Conclusion Overall, our data strongly support an important role for metformin as an enhancer of the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents against gastric cancer.
Cerebellopontine Angle Epidermoid Cysts: Surgical Treatment Outcome
Authors: Refaat Mohamed I. , Abdallah Omar Y.
Published: September 2020

Background  Epidermoid cysts (ECs)are an uncommon slowly growing congenital lesions. The cerebellopontine angle (CPA) is the most common site. Surgical management for these lesions remains challenging due to the high-adherence of the cyst capsule to the surrounding structures and its tendency to present with invasion of multiple cisterns.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome of surgically treated ECs in the CPA region.

Materials and Methods This is a retrospective study conducted on patients presenting with symptomatic CPA ECs. Clinical outcome was assessed in terms of improving or worsening of the presenting symptoms. Radiological outcome was assessed by comparing the tumor size, brainstem, and cerebellar compression in the preoperative and postoperative images.

Results In this study, 18 patients were included. All cases were operated upon by microsurgical evacuation of the cyst contents and excision of the nonadherent parts of the capsule. On admission, cranial nerve symptoms predominated. Improvement or resolution of preoperative deficits was seen in 15 patients. Preoperative symptoms worsened in two and new postoperative symptoms occurred in one patient. Seven patients needed additional ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt in the same setting due to the presence of hydrocephalus. During the follow-up period, symptomatic recurrence occurred in one patient, while asymptomatic recurrence occurred in one patient.

Conclusion Surgical management of CPA ECs, leaving remnants of the capsule on cranial nerves and brain stem can be considered as a relatively safe surgical procedure with a good clinical outcome and low-recurrence risks.
Morphological structure can escape reduction effects from mass admixture of second language speakers
Authors: Widmer Manuel , Jenny Mathias , Behr Wolfgang , Bickel Balthasar
Published: September 2020

Morphological complexity is expected to decrease under mass admixture from adult second language speakers. While this has been chiefly shown for morphological richness, an unresolved question is whether the effect extends to aspects of morphological boundedness. Here we report a case study of Sino-Tibetan verbs, contrasting verbal expressions of two languages with very large (Chinese, Burmese) and of two languages with very small (Bunan, Chintang) numbers of second language speakers. We find that while the amount of second language speakers accounts for differences in the range and number of inflectional categories (degrees of synthesis), it does not affect the way in which morphological constituents are bound together, reflecting fortification through a mix of diachronically stable and universally preferred patterns. This calls for theoretical models that narrow down the range of changes that are driven by second language speaker admixture, and for extensive empirical testing on a global scale.
Superconductivity in twisted multilayer graphene: A smoking gun in recent condensed matter physics*
Authors: Chu Yonghuan , Zhu Fangduo , Wen Lingzhi , Chen Wanying , Chen Qiaoni , Ma Tianxing
Published: September 2020

We review the recent discoveries of exotic phenomena in graphene, especially superconductivity. It has been theoretically suggested for more than one decade that superconductivity may emerge in doped graphene-based materials. For single-layer pristine graphene, there are theoretical predictions that spin-singlet d + id pairing superconductivity is present when the filling is around the Dirac point. If the Fermi level is doped to the Van Hove singularity where the density of states diverges, then unconventional superconductivity with other pairing symmetry would appear. However, the experimental perspective was a bit disappointing. Despite extensive experimental efforts, superconductivity was not found in monolayer graphene. Recently, unconventional superconductivity was found in magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene. Superconductivity was also found in ABC stacked trilayer graphene and other systems. In this article, we review the unique properties of superconducting states in graphene, experimentally controlling the superconductivity in twisted bilayer graphene, as well as a gate-tunable Mott insulator, and the superconductivity in trilayer graphene. These discoveries have attracted the attention of a large number of physicists. The study of the electronic correlated states in twisted multilayer graphene serves as a smoking gun in recent condensed matter physics.
Investigation of the magnetoresistance in EuS/Nb:SrTiO3 junction*
Authors: Lu Jia , Gan Yu-Lin , Lei Yun-Lin , Yan Lei , Ding Hong
Published: September 2020

EuS is one of typical ferromagnetic semiconductor using as spin filter in spintronic devices, and the doped one could be a good spin injector. Herein, we fabricate a spin-functional tunnel junction by epitaxially growing the ferromagnetic EuS film on Nb-doped SrTiO3. The improvement of Curie temperature up to 35 K is associated with indirect exchange through additional charge carriers at the interface of EuS/Nb:STO junction. Its magnetic field controlled current–voltage curves indicate the large magnetoresistance (MR) effect in EuS barriers as a highly spin-polarized injector. The negative MR is up to 60% in 10-nm EuS/Nb:STO at 4 T and 30 K. The MR is enhanced with increasing thickness of EuS barrier. The large negative MR effect over a wide temperature range makes this junction into a potential candidate for spintronic devices.
Atomistic simulations on adhesive contact of single crystal Cu and wear behavior of Cu–Zn alloy*
Authors: Ye You-Jun , Qin Le , Li Jing , Liu Lin , Wu Ling-Kang
Published: September 2020

Atomistic simulations are carried out to investigate the nano-indentation of single crystal Cu and the sliding of the Cu–Zn alloy. As the contact zone is extended due to adhesive interaction between the contact atoms, the contact area on a nanoscale is redefined. A comparison of contact area and contact force between molecular dynamics (MD) and contact theory based on Greenwood–Williamson (GW) model is made. Lower roughness causes the adhesive interaction to weaken, showing the better consistency between the calculated results by MD and those from the theoretical model. The simulations of the sliding show that the substrate wear decreases with the mol% of Zn increasing, due to the fact that the diffusion movements of Zn atoms in substrate are blocked during the sliding because of the hexagonal close packed (hcp) structure of Zn.
Effect of non-condensable gas on a collapsing cavitation bubble near solid wall investigated by multicomponent thermal MRT-LBM*
Authors: Yang Yu , Shan Ming-Lei , Han Qing-Bang , Kan Xue-Fen
Published: September 2020

A multicomponent thermal multi-relaxation-time (MRT) lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is presented to study collapsing cavitation bubble. The simulation results satisfy Laplace law and the adiabatic law, and are consistent with the numerical solution of the Rayleigh–Plesset equation. To study the effects of the non-condensable gas inside bubble on collapsing cavitation bubble, a numerical model of single spherical bubble near a solid wall is established. The temperature and pressure evolution of the two-component two-phase flow are well captured. In addition, the collapse process of the cavitation bubble is discussed elaborately by setting the volume fractions of the gas and vapor to be the only variables. The results show that the non-condensable gas in the bubble significantly affects the pressure field, temperature field evolution, collapse velocity, and profile of the bubble. The distinction of the pressure and temperature on the wall after the second collapse becomes more obvious as the non-condensable gas concentration increases.
Realization of ultralow power phase locking by optimizing Q factor of resonant photodetector*
Authors: Wang Jin-Rong , Zhang Hong-Yu , Zhao Zi-Lin , Zheng Yao-Hui
Published: September 2020

We design and construct a resonant photodetector (RPD) with a Q factor of 320.83 at the resonant frequency of 38.5 MHz on the basis of a theoretical analysis. Compared with the existing RPD under the same conditions, the signal-to-noise-ratio of the error signal is increased by 15 dB and the minimum operation power is reduced from −55 dBm to −70 dBm. By comparing the standard deviations of the stability curves, we confirm that the RPD has a dramatic improvement on ultralow power extraction. In virtue of the RPD, we have completed the demonstration of channel multiplexing quantum communication.
Novel traveling wave solutions and stability analysis of perturbed Kaup-Newell Schrödinger dynamical model and its applications*
Authors: Qian Xiaoyong , Lu Dianchen , Arshad Muhammad , Shehzad Khurrem
Published: September 2020

We study the traveling wave and other solutions of the perturbed Kaup–Newell Schrödinger dynamical equation that signifies long waves parallel to the magnetic field. The wave solutions such as bright-dark (solitons), solitary waves, periodic and other wave solutions of the perturbed Kaup–Newell Schrödinger equation in mathematical physics are achieved by utilizing two mathematical techniques, namely, the extended F-expansion technique and the proposed exp(–ϕ(ζ))-expansion technique. This dynamical model describes propagation of pluses in optical fibers and can be observed as a special case of the generalized higher order nonlinear Schrödinger equation. In engineering and applied physics, these wave results have key applications. Graphically, the structures of some solutions are presented by giving specific values to parameters. By using modulation instability analysis, the stability of the model is tested, which shows that the model is stable and the solutions are exact. These techniques can be fruitfully employed to further sculpt models that arise in mathematical physics.
Design of CMOS active pixels based on finger-shaped PPD
Authors: Li Feng , Wang Ruishuo , Han Liqiang , Xu Jiangtao
Published: September 2020

To improve the full-well capacity and linear dynamic range of CMOS image sensor, a special finger-shaped pinned photodiode (PPD) is designed. In terms of process, the first N-type ion implantation of the PPD N buried layer is extended under the transfer gate, thereby increasing the PPD capacitance. Based on TCAD simulation, the width and spacing of PPD were precisely adjusted. A high full-well capacity pixel design with a pixel size of 6 × 6 μm2 is realized based on the 0.18 μm CMOS process. The simulation results indicate that the pixel with the above structure and process has a depletion depth of 2.8 μm and a charge transfer efficiency of 100%. The measurement results of the test chip show that the full-well capacity can reach 68650e–. Compared with the conventional structure, the proposed PPD structure can effectively improve the full well capacity of the pixel.
Suppression of oxygen and carbon impurity deposition in the thermal system of Czochralski monocrystalline silicon
Authors: Zhang Jing , Liu Ding , Pan Yani
Published: September 2020

When preparing large monocrystalline silicon materials, severe carbon etching and silicide deposition often occur to the thermal system. Therefore, a suppression method that optimizes the upper insulation structure has been proposed. Assisted by the finite element method, we calculated temperature distribution and carbon deposition of heater and heat shield, made the rule of silicide and temperature distributing in the system, and we explained the formation of impurity deposition. Our results show that the optimized thermal system reduces carbon etching loss on heat components. The lowered pressure of the furnace brings a rapid decrease of silicide deposition. The increase of the argon flow rate effectively inhibits CO and back diffusion. The simulated results agree well with the experiment observations, validating the effectiveness of the proposed method.