bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An investigation of the long-range and local structure of sub-stoichiometric zirconium carbide sintered at different temperatures
Authors: Rana Dhan-sham B. K. , Solvas Eugenio Zapatas , Lee William E. , Farnan Ian
Published: February 2020

ZrC1−x(sub-stoichiometric zirconium carbide), a group IV transition metal carbide, is being considered for various high temperature applications. Departure from stoichiometry changes the thermo-physical response of the material. Reported thermo-physical properties exhibit, in some cases, a degree of scatter with one likely contributor to this being the uncertainty in the C/Zr ratio of the samples produced. Conventional, methods for assigning C/Zr to samples are determined either by nominal stochiometric ratios or combustion carbon analysis. In this study, a range of stoichiometries of hot-pressed ZrC1−xwere examined by SEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy and static13C NMR spectroscopy and used as a basis to correct the C/Zr. Graphite, amorphous, and ZrC1−xcarbon signatures are observed in the13C NMR spectra of samples and are determined to vary in intensity with sintering temperature and stoichiometry. In this study a method is outlined to quantify the stoichiometry of ZrC1−xand free carbon phases, providing an improvement over the sole use and reliance of widely adopted bulk carbon combustion analysis. We report significantly lower C/Zr values determined by13C NMR analysis compared with carbon analyser and nominal methods. Furthermore, the location of carbon disassociated from the ZrC1−xstructure is analysed using SEM and Raman spectroscopy.
Giant Endoplasmic Reticulum vesicles (GERVs), a novel model membrane tool
Authors: Grimmer Mona , Bacia Kirsten
Published: February 2020

Artificial giant vesicles have proven highly useful as membrane models in a large variety of biophysical and biochemical studies. They feature accessibility for manipulation and detection, but lack the compositional complexity needed to reconstitute complicated cellular processes. For the plasma membrane (PM), this gap was bridged by the establishment of giant PM vesicles (GPMVs). These native membranes have facilitated studies of protein and lipid diffusion, protein interactions, electrophysiology, fluorescence analysis of lateral domain formation and protein and lipid partitioning as well as mechanical membrane properties and remodeling. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is key to a plethora of biological processes in any eukaryotic cell. However, its intracellular location and dynamic and intricate tubular morphology makes it experimentally even less accessible than the PM. A model membrane, which will allow the afore-mentioned types of studies on GPMVs to be performed on ER membranes outside the cell, is therefore genuinely needed. Here, we introduce the formation of giant ER vesicles, termed GERVs, as a new tool for biochemistry and biophysics. To obtain GERVs, we have isolated ER membranes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and fused them by exploiting the atlastin-like fusion protein Sey1p. We demonstrate the production of GERVs and their utility for further studies.
Inhibition of Porphyromonas gulae and periodontal disease in dogs by a combination of clindamycin and interferon alpha
Authors: Nomura Ryota , Inaba Hiroaki , Yasuda Hidemi , Shirai Mitsuyuki , Kato Yukio , Murakami Masaru , Iwashita Naoki , Shirahata So , Yoshida Sho , Matayoshi Saaya , Yasuda Junya , Arai Nobuaki , Asai Fumitoshi , Matsumoto-Nakano Michiyo , Nakano Kazuhiko
Published: February 2020

Porphyromonas gulaeis a major periodontal pathogen in dogs, which can be transmitted to their owners. A major virulence factor ofP. gulaeconsists of a 41-kDa filamentous appendage (FimA) on the cell surface, which is classified into three genotypes: A, B, and C. Thus far, inhibition of periodontal disease in dogs remains difficult. The present study assessed the inhibitory effects of a combination of clindamycin and interferon alpha (IFN-α) formulation againstP. gulaeand periodontal disease. Growth ofP. gulaewas significantly inhibited by clindamycin; this inhibition had a greater effect on type CP. gulaethan on type A and B isolates. In contrast, the IFN-α formulation inhibited the expression of IL-1β and COX-2 elicited by type A and B isolates, but not that elicited by type C isolates. Furthermore, periodontal recovery was promoted by the administration of both clindamycin and IFN-α formulation to dogs undergoing periodontal treatment; moreover, this combined treatment reduced the number of FimA genotypes in oral specimens from treated dogs. These results suggest that a combination of clindamycin and IFN-α formulation inhibitP. gulaevirulence and thus may be effective for the prevention of periodontal disease induced byP. gulae.
Effect of bisphenol A on human neutrophils immunophenotype
Authors: Ratajczak-Wrona Wioletta , Rusak Małgorzata , Nowak Karolina , Dabrowska Milena , Radziwon Piotr , Jablonska Ewa
Published: February 2020

Neutrophils (PMN) play a key role in eliciting congenital immune response. These cells are equipped with specific receptors that are located on the surface of their cell membrane. These receptors produce various signals which in turn help in the effective functioning of PMN. The activity of these cells may be modified by factors of endo- and exogenous origin, including xenoestrogens such as bisphenol A (BPA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of BPA on the expression of CD11c, CD14, CD15, CD16, CD62L and CD284 compounds on the surface of neutrophils in women and men. The study material included PMN isolated from the whole blood. The cells were incubated in the presence of BPA and/or LPS. Flow cytometry technique was used to evaluate the expression of CD antigens. Studies of these receptors indicate that BPA, at a concentration corresponding to the serum level of this compound in healthy subjects as well as at higher doses, induces changes in the immunophenotype of PMN, which may lead to immunity disorders associated with the dysfunction of these cells. Moreover, the observed effects of xenoestrogen on the expression of CD11c, CD14, CD15, CD16, CD62L and CD284 differentiation markers on these cells are sex-independent.
The effects of electroporation buffer composition on cell viability and electro-transfection efficiency
Authors: Sherba Joseph J. , Hogquist Stephen , Lin Hao , Shan Jerry W. , Shreiber David I. , Zahn Jeffrey D.
Published: February 2020

Electroporation is an electro-physical, non-viral approach to perform DNA, RNA, and protein transfections of cells. Upon application of an electric field, the cell membrane is compromised, allowing the delivery of exogenous materials into cells. Cell viability and electro-transfection efficiency (eTE) are dependent on various experimental factors, including pulse waveform, vector concentration, cell type/density, and electroporation buffer properties. In this work, the effects of buffer composition on cell viability and eTE were systematically explored for plasmid DNA encoding green fluorescent protein following electroporation of 3T3 fibroblasts. A HEPES-based buffer was used in conjunction with various salts and sugars to modulate conductivity and osmolality, respectively. Pulse applications were chosen to maintain constant applied electrical energy (J) or total charge flux (C/m2). The energy of the pulse application primarily dictated cell viability, with Mg2+-based buffers expanding the reversible electroporation range. The enhancement of viability with Mg2+-based buffers led to the hypothesis that this enhancement is due to ATPase activation via re-establishing ionic homeostasis. We show preliminary evidence for this mechanism by demonstrating that the enhanced viability is eliminated by introducing lidocaine, an ATPase inhibitor. However, Mg2+ also hinders eTE compared to K+-based buffers. Collectively, the results demonstrate that the rational selection of pulsing conditions and buffer compositions are critical for the design of electroporation protocols to maximize viability and eTE.
Rational design of novel benzisoxazole derivatives with acetylcholinesterase inhibitory and serotoninergic 5-HT4 receptors activities for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Lalut Julien , Payan Hugo , Davis Audrey , Lecoutey Cédric , Legay Rémi , Sopkova-de Oliveira Santos Jana , Claeysen Sylvie , Dallemagne Patrick , Rochais Christophe
Published: February 2020

A rigidification strategy was applied to the preclinical candidate donecopride, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor possessing 5-HT4R agonist activity. Inspired by promising bioactive benzisoxazole compounds, we have conducted a pharmacomodulation study to generate a novel series of multitarget directed ligands. The chemical synthesis of the ligand was optimized and compounds were evaluated in vitro against each target and in cellulo. Structure-activity relationship was supported by docking analysis in human acetylcholinesterase binding site. Among the synthesized compounds, we have identified a novel hybrid 32a (3-[2-[1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-4-piperidyl]ethyl]-4-methoxy-1,2-benzoxazole) able to display nanomolar acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effects and nanomolar Ki for 5-HT4R.
Protective Effect of Statins on Pulmonary Hypertension in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: A Nationwide Retrospective, Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Wu Wen-Ting , Chen Chung-Yu
Published: February 2020

In Taiwan, patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are most common PH population (group 3). However, efficacy of medical treatments and optimal prevention methods in this group remain uncertain. Statins such as indirect RhoA/Rho-kinase inhibitors influence one of key signalling pathways that promote PH onset. In this study, we explored protective effects of statins against PH in COPD patients using database from Taiwan National Health Insurance programme from 2002 to 2017. The main outcome was the risk of PH. The Cox proportional-hazards model and the Fine and Gray model were used to adjust covariate and competing risks to estimate the subdistribution hazard ratios (sHRs). 553,617 newly diagnosed COPD patients were stratified by statin users (n = 41,168) and statin nonusers (n = 512,449). After 1:1 propensity score matching of statin users (n = 41,163), and 41,163 statin nonusers were included for outcome analysis. Statin users had a 22% lower risk of PH than nonusers (sHR: 0.78, 95% confidence interval: 0.65–0.94). During subgroup analysis, taking higher daily doses and for a longer duration displayed a more significantly reduced risk of PH (both P for trend <0.001). Statins may have a protective effect against PH that is dose- and time-dependent.
Electrophysiological and behavioural response of Philaenus spumarius to essential oils and aromatic plants
Authors: Ganassi Sonia , Cascone Pasquale , Domenico Carmela Di , Pistillo Marco , Formisano Giorgio , Giorgini Massimo , Grazioso Pasqualina , Germinara Giacinto S. , Cristofaro Antonio De , Guerrieri Emilio
Published: February 2020

The meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius, is a highly polyphagous widespread species, playing a major role in the transmission of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa subspecies pauca, the agent of the “Olive Quick Decline Syndrome”. Essential oils (EOs) are an important source of bio-active volatile compounds that could interfere with basic metabolic, biochemical, physiological, and behavioural functions of insects. Here, we report the electrophysiological and behavioural responses of adult P. spumarius towards some EOs and related plants. Electroantennographic tests demonstrated that the peripheral olfactory system of P. spumarius females and males perceives volatile organic compounds present in the EOs of Pelargonium graveolens, Cymbopogon nardus and Lavandula officinalis in a dose-dependent manner. In behavioral bioassays, evaluating the adult responses towards EOs and related plants, both at close (Y-tube) and long range (wind tunnel), males and females responded differently to the same odorant. Using EOs, a clear attraction was noted only for males towards lavender EO. Conversely, plants elicited responses that varied upon the plant species, testing device and adult sex. Both lavender and geranium repelled females at any distance range. On the contrary, males were attracted by geranium and repelled by citronella. Finally, at close distance, lavender and citronella were repellent for females and males, respectively. Our results contribute to the development of innovative tools and approaches, alternative to the use of synthetic pesticides, for the sustainable control of P. spumarius aiming to contrasting the expansion of X. fastidiosa.
The multidimensionality of Japanese kanji abilities
Authors: Otsuka Sadao , Murai Toshiya
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to identify the cognitive structures of kanji abilities in the Japanese general population and to examine age and cohort effects on them. From a large database of the most popular kanji exam in Japan, we analyzed high school graduation level data of 33,659 people in 2006 and 16,971 people in 2016. Confirmatory factor analyses validated the three-dimensional model of kanji abilities, including factors of reading, writing and semantic comprehension. Furthermore, the age effect on writing, and correlations between writing and semantic dimensions, were different between 2006 and 2016, suggesting reduced writing ability and stagnation in integrated mastery of kanji orthography and semantics in current-day Japanese adults. These findings provide the first evidence of the multidimensional nature of Japanese kanji abilities, and age/cohort differences in that dimensional structure. The importance of the habit of handwriting for literacy acquisition is discussed.
Cardiac injury modulates critical components of prostaglandin E2 signaling during zebrafish heart regeneration
Authors: FitzSimons MaryLynn , Beauchemin Megan , Smith Ashley M. , Stroh Erika G. , Kelpsch Daniel J. , Lamb Maureen C. , Tootle Tina L. , Yin Viravuth P.
Published: February 2020

The inability to effectively stimulate cardiomyocyte proliferation remains a principle barrier to regeneration in the adult human heart. A tightly regulated, acute inflammatory response mediated by a range of cell types is required to initiate regenerative processes. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a potent lipid signaling molecule induced by inflammation, has been shown to promote regeneration and cell proliferation; however, the dynamics of PGE2 signaling in the context of heart regeneration remain underexplored. Here, we employ the regeneration-competent zebrafish to characterize components of the PGE2 signaling circuit following cardiac injury. In the regenerating adult heart, we documented an increase in PGE2 levels, concurrent with upregulation of cox2a and ptges, two genes critical for PGE2 synthesis. Furthermore, we identified the epicardium as the most prominent site for cox2a expression, thereby suggesting a role for this tissue as an inflammatory mediator. Injury also drove the opposing expression of PGE2 receptors, upregulating pro-restorative ptger2a and downregulating the opposing receptor ptger3. Importantly, treatment with pharmacological inhibitors of Cox2 activity suppressed both production of PGE2, and the proliferation of cardiomyocytes. These results suggest that injury-induced PGE2 signaling is key to stimulating cardiomyocyte proliferation during regeneration.
Frequency of Switching Touching Mode Reflects Tactile Preference Judgment
Authors: Yokosaka Takumi , Inubushi Masanobu , Kuroki Scinob , Watanabe Junji
Published: February 2020

We can judge affective aspects of objects by actively exploring them with our hands. Previous studies have mainly focused on how the physical properties of an object’s surface affect tactile preference evaluations. However, despite the widely accepted notion that the participant’s strategy has a great impact on how they explore an object, there is a lack of investigations of hand motion during preference judgment and its impact on preference rating. This paper recruits the recurrence plot technique to illustrate the temporal dynamics of explorative hand motion. In an experiment, participants were asked to freely explore the surface of tactile stimuli and rate their tactile preference for them. The temporal dynamics of finger velocity and force were visualized and characterized by using recurrence quantification analysis. We found correlations between preference ratings and recurrence features that represent the temporal dynamics of explorative hand motion, in addition to correlations between preference ratings and conventional time-averaged features (e.g., averaged finger velocity). One unique feature that correlated with preference ratings was TREND, which represents to what extent similar motion patterns repeatedly occur. The results of a subsidiary analysis supported the possibility that the TREND difference can be interpreted as the frequency of switching touching modes (e.g., stroking and pushing motions). Taken together, these results suggest that participants tend to perform the same hand motion repeatedly for preferable objects, while they tend to combine different touching modes for less preferable objects. They also indicate that the recurrence plot scheme is a promising way to extract humans’ strategies for tactile exploration.
Modulation of in vitro Brain Endothelium by Mechanical Trauma: Structural and Functional Restoration by Poloxamer 188
Authors: Inyang Edidiong , Abhyankar Vinay , Chen Bo , Cho Michael
Published: February 2020

Brain injuries caused by an explosive blast or blunt force is typically presumed to associate with mechanical trauma to the brain tissue. Recent findings from our laboratory suggest that shockwaves produced by a blast can generate micron-sized bubbles in the tissue. The collapse of microbubbles (i.e., microcavitation) may induce a mechanical trauma and compromise the integrity of the blood-brain endothelium (BBE). To test our hypothesis, we engineered a BBE model to determine the effect of microbubbles on the structural and functional changes in the BBE. Using monolayers of mouse primary brain microvascular endothelial cells, the permeability coefficient was measured following simulated blast-induced microcavitation. This event down-regulated the expression of tight junction markers, disorganized the cell-cell junction, and increased permeability. Since poloxamers have been shown to rescue damaged cells, the cells were treated with the FDA-approved poloxamer 188 (P188). The results indicate P188 recovered the permeability, restored the tight junctions, and suppressed the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases. The biomimetic interface we developed appears to provide a systematic approach to replicate the structure and function of BBE, determine its alteration in response to traumatic brain injury, and test potential therapeutic treatments to repair the damaged brain endothelium.
H-Ferritin is essential for macrophages’ capacity to store or detoxify exogenously added iron
Authors: Mesquita Gonçalo , Silva Tânia , Gomes Ana C. , Oliveira Pedro F. , Alves Marco G. , Fernandes Rui , Almeida Agostinho A. , Moreira Ana C. , Gomes Maria Salomé
Published: February 2020

Macrophages are central cells both in the immune response and in iron homeostasis. Iron is both essential and potentially toxic. Therefore, iron acquisition, transport, storage, and release are tightly regulated, by several important proteins. Cytosolic ferritin is an iron storage protein composed of 24 subunits of either the L- or the H-type chains. H-ferritin differs from L-ferritin in the capacity to oxidize Fe2+ to Fe3+. In this work, we investigated the role played by H-ferritin in the macrophages’ ability to respond to immune stimuli and to deal with exogenously added iron. We used mice with a conditional deletion of the H-ferritin gene in the myeloid lineage to obtain bone marrow-derived macrophages. These macrophages had normal viability and gene expression under basal culture conditions. However, when treated with interferon-gamma and lipopolysaccharide they had a lower activation of Nitric Oxide Synthase 2. Furthermore, H-ferritin-deficient macrophages had a higher sensitivity to iron-induced toxicity. This sensitivity was associated with a lower intracellular iron accumulation but a higher production of reactive oxygen species. These data indicate that H-ferritin modulates macrophage response to immune stimuli and that it plays an essential role in protection against iron-induced oxidative stress and cell death.
A Novel Bilayer Wound Dressing Composed of a Dense Polyurethane/Propolis Membrane and a Biodegradable Polycaprolactone/Gelatin Nanofibrous Scaffold
Authors: Eskandarinia Asghar , Kefayat Amirhosein , Agheb Maria , Rafienia Mohammad , Amini Baghbadorani Moloud , Navid Sepehr , Ebrahimpour Karim , Khodabakhshi Darioush , Ghahremani Fatemeh
Published: February 2020

One-layer wound dressings cannot meet all the clinical needs due to their individual characteristics and shortcomings. Therefore, bilayer wound dressings which are composed of two layers with different properties have gained lots of attention. In the present study, polycaprolactone/gelatin (PCL/Gel) scaffold was electrospun on a dense membrane composed of polyurethane and ethanolic extract of propolis (PU/EEP). The PU/EEP membrane was used as the top layer to protect the wound area from external contamination and dehydration, while the PCL/Gel scaffold was used as the sublayer to facilitate cells’ adhesion and proliferation. The bilayer wound dressing was investigated regarding its microstructure, mechanical properties, surface wettability, anti-bacterial activity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and its efficacy in the animal wound model and histopathological analyzes. Scanning electron micrographs exhibited uniform morphology and bead-free structure of the PCL/Gel scaffold with average fibers’ diameter of 237.3 ± 65.1 nm. Significant anti-bacterial activity was observed against Staphylococcal aureus (5.4 ± 0.3 mm), Escherichia coli (1.9 ± 0.4 mm) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (1.0 ± 0.2 mm) according to inhibition zone test. The bilayer wound dressing exhibited high hydrophilicity (51.1 ± 4.9°), biodegradability, and biocompatibility. The bilayer wound dressing could significantly accelerate the wound closure and collagen deposition in the Wistar rats’ skin wound model. Taking together, the PU/EEP-PCL/Gel bilayer wound dressing can be a potential candidate for biomedical applications due to remarkable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, antibacterial features, and wound healing activities.
Evaluation of T1 relaxation time in prostate cancer and benign prostate tissue using a Modified Look-Locker inversion recovery sequence
Authors: Baur Alexander D. J. , Hansen Carla M. , Rogasch Julian , Posch Helena , Elezkurtaj Sefer , Maxeiner Andreas , Erb-Eigner Katharina , Makowski Marcus R.
Published: February 2020

Purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of T1 relaxation time (T1) for differentiating prostate cancer (PCa) from benign tissue as well as high- from low-grade PCa. Twenty-three patients with suspicion for PCa were included in this prospective study. 3 T MRI including a Modified Look-Locker inversion recovery sequence was acquired. Subsequent targeted and systematic prostate biopsy served as a reference standard. T1 and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value in PCa and reference regions without malignancy as well as high- and low-grade PCa were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. The performance of T1, ADC value, and a combination of both to differentiate PCa and reference regions was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. T1 and ADC value were lower in PCa compared to reference regions in the peripheral and transition zone (p < 0.001). ROC analysis revealed high AUCs for T1 (0.92; 95%-CI, 0.87–0.98) and ADC value (0.97; 95%-CI, 0.94 to 1.0) when differentiating PCa and reference regions. A combination of T1 and ADC value yielded an even higher AUC. The difference was statistically significant comparing it to the AUC for ADC value alone (p = 0.02). No significant differences were found between high- and low-grade PCa for T1 (p = 0.31) and ADC value (p = 0.8). T1 relaxation time differs significantly between PCa and benign prostate tissue with lower T1 in PCa. It could represent an imaging biomarker for PCa.
Production, extraction and characterization of Chlorella vulgaris soluble polysaccharides and their applications in AgNPs biosynthesis and biostimulation of plant growth
Authors: El-Naggar Noura El-Ahmady , Hussein Mervat H. , Shaaban-Dessuuki Sami A. , Dalal Shimaa R.
Published: February 2020

Chlorella vulgaris, like a wide range of other microalgae, are able to grow mixotrophically. This maximizes its growth and production of polysaccharides (PS). The extracted polysaccharides have a complex monosaccharide composition (fructose, maltose, lactose and glucose), sulphate (210.65 ± 10.5 mg g−1 PS), uronic acids (171.97 ± 5.7 mg g−1 PS), total protein content (32.99 ± 2.1 mg g−1 PS), and total carbohydrate (495.44 ± 8.4 mg g−1 PS). Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis of the extracted polysaccharides showed the presence of N–H, O–H, C–H, –CH3, >CH2, COO−1, S=O and the C=O functional groups. UV–Visible spectral analysis shows the presence of proteins, nucleic acids and chemical groups (ester, carbonyl, carboxyl and amine). Purified polysaccharides were light green in color and in a form of odorless powder. It was soluble in water but insoluble in other organic solvents. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrates that Chlorella vulgaris soluble polysaccharide is thermostable until 240°C and degradation occurs in three distinct phases. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed the characteristic exothermic transition of Chlorella vulgaris soluble polysaccharides with crystallization temperature peaks at 144.1°C, 162.3°C and 227.7°C. The X–ray diffractogram illustrated the semicrystalline nature of these polysaccharides. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) had been biosynthesized using a solution of Chlorella vulgaris soluble polysaccharides. The pale green color solution of soluble polysaccharides was turned brown when it was incubated for 24 hours with 100 mM silver nitrate in the dark, it showed peak maximum located at 430 nm. FT-IR analysis for the biosynthesized AgNPs reported the presence of carbonyl, –CH3, >CH2, C–H,–OH and –NH functional groups. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy show that AgNPs have spherical shape with an average particle size of 5.76. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis showed the dominance of silver. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were tested for its antimicrobial activity and have positive effects against Bacillus sp., Erwinia sp., Candida sp. Priming seeds of Triticum vulgare and Phaseolus vulgaris with polysaccharides solutions (3 and 5 mg mL−1) resulted in significant enhancement of seedling growth. Increased root length, leaf area, shoot length, photosynthetic pigments, protein content, carbohydrate content, fresh and dry biomass were observed, in addition these growth increments may be attributed to the increase of antioxidant activities.
Initial oxidation behavior of a single crystal superalloy during stress at 1150 °C
Authors: Ma Jinyao , Jiang Wenxiang , Wang Jin , Zhang Yuefei , Zhang Ze
Published: February 2020

Revealing the initial oxidation behavior of single crystal superalloys is significant for a better understanding of the oxidation mechanism of turbine blades during service condition. The purpose of current research was to observe the initial oxidation of a single crystal superalloy. In-situ oxidation experiment during only thermal exposure and thermal-stress pattern were carried out. The mechanism of nucleation and growth of oxide scale was discussed. Results showed that the oxide on the interface of γ/γ′ phase was constituted of Al2O3 precipitates and formed by external diffusion of Al atoms or ions. Loading stress enhanced the diffusion of Al atom causing high oxidation rate. A logarithmic model was proposed and fitted well with the oxidation process.
Effect of restricted dissolved oxygen on expression of Clostridium difficile toxin A subunit from E. coli
Authors: Sharma Ashish K. , Phue Jenie , Khatipov Emir , Dalal Nimish , Anderson Eric D. , Shiloach Joseph
Published: February 2020

The repeating unit of the C. difficile Toxin A (rARU, also known as CROPS [combined repetitive oligopeptides]) C-terminal region, was shown to elicit protective immunity against C. difficile and is under consideration as a possible vaccine against this pathogen. However, expression of recombinant rARU in E. coli using the standard vaccine production process was very low. Transcriptome and proteome analyses showed that at restricted dissolved oxygen (DO) the numbers of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was 2.5-times lower than those expressed at unrestricted oxygen. Additionally, a 7.4-times smaller number of ribosome formation genes (needed for translation) were down-regulated as compared with unrestricted DO. Higher rARU expression at restricted DO was associated with up-regulation of 24 heat shock chaperones involved in protein folding and with the up-regulation of the global regulator RNA chaperone hfq. Cellular stress response leading to down-regulation of transcription, translation, and energy generating pathways at unrestricted DO were associated with lower rARU expression. Investigation of the C. difficile DNA sequence revealed the presence of cell wall binding profiles, which based on structural similarity prediction by BLASTp, can possibly interact with cellular proteins of E. coli such as the transcriptional repressor ulaR, and the ankyrins repeat proteins. At restricted DO, rARU mRNA was 5-fold higher and the protein expression 27-fold higher compared with unrestricted DO. The report shows a strategy for improved production of C. difficile vaccine candidate in E. coli by using restricted DO growth. This strategy could improve the expression of recombinant proteins from anaerobic origin or those with cell wall binding profiles.
Auditory-induced body distortions in children and adults
Authors: Nava Elena , Tajadura-Jiménez Ana
Published: February 2020

Recent studies have shown that body-representations can be altered by dynamic changes in sound. In the so-called “auditory Pinocchio illusion” participants feel their finger to be longer when the action of pulling their finger is paired with a rising pitch. Here, we investigated whether preschool children - an age group in which multisensory body-representations are still fine-tuning - are also sensitive to this illusion. In two studies, sixty adult and sixty child participants heard sounds rising or falling in pitch while the experimenter concurrently pulled or pressed their index finger on a vertical (Experiment 1) or horizontal axis (Experiment 2). Results showed that the illusion was subjected to axis and age: both adults and children reported their finger to be longer in Experiment 1, but not in Experiment 2. However, while in adults the feeling of finger elongation corresponded to a recalibration of the fingertip’s felt position upwards, this was not the case in children, who presented a dissociation between the feeling of finger elongation and the perceived fingertip position. Our results reveal that the ‘auditory Pinocchio illusion’ is constrained to the vertical dimension and suggest that multisensory interactions differently contribute to subjective feelings and sense of position depending on developmental stage.
Water quality attribution and simulation of non-point source pollution load flux in the Hulan River basin
Authors: Liu Yan , Li Hongyan , Cui Geng , Cao Yuqing
Published: February 2020

Surface water is the main source of irrigation and drinking water for rural communities by the Hulan River basin, an important grain-producing region in northeastern China. Understanding the spatial and temporal distribution of water quality and its driving forces is critical for sustainable development and the protection of water resources in the basin. Following sample collection and testing, the spatial distribution and driving forces of water quality were investigated using cluster analysis, hydrochemical feature partitioning, and Gibbs diagrams. The results demonstrated that the surface waters of the Hulan River Basin tend to be medium–weakly alkaline with a low degree of mineralization and water-rock interaction. Changes in topography and land use, confluence, application of pesticides and fertilizers, and the development of tourism were found to be important driving forces affecting the water quality of the basin. Non-point source pollution load fluxes of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) were simulated using the Soil Water and Assessment Tool. The simulation demonstrated that the non-point source pollution loading is low upstream and increases downstream. The distributions of N and P loading varied throughout the basin. The findings of this study provide information regarding the spatial distribution of water quality in the region and present a scientific basis for future pollution control.
Antiphospholipid Antibody Testing in a General Population Sample from the USA: An Administrative Database Study
Authors: Egiziano Giordano , Widdifield Jessica , Rahman Anisur , Vinet Evelyne , Moura Cristiano S. , Curtis Jeffrey R. , Bernatsky Sasha
Published: February 2020

We sought to characterized patterns of aPL testing in a large general population sample from the United States. Using Truven Health MarketScan laboratory data from 2010–2015 we identified individuals tested for lupus anticoagulant(LA), anti-cardiolipin (aCL), and anti-beta2-glycoprotein1(aGP1). Our research was approved by the McGill institutional review board (A04-M47-12B). We identified 33,456 individuals with at least one aPL test. Among these, only 6,391 (19%) had all three tests (LA, aCL, aGP1) performed. Confirmatory aPL testing was performed at least 12 weeks later in 77%, 45%, and 41% of initially positive LA, aCL, and aGP1, respectively. Of those re-tested after ≥12 weeks, only 255 (10.6%) were found to have a confirmatory positive aPL test. These findings highlight that aPL testing may often be incompletely performed. Further investigations will be required to better understand the low rate of a confirmatory positive aPL test ≥12 weeks after the initial test.
Temperature Effect on Stacking Fault Energy and Deformation Mechanisms in Titanium and Titanium-aluminium Alloy
Authors: Zhao Beikai , Huang Peng , Zhang Libo , Li Suzhi , Zhang Ze , Yu Qian
Published: February 2020

Alloying elements have great influence on mechanical properties of metals. Combining dislocation characterization andin-situtransmission electron microscope straining at ambient and liquid-nitrogen temperature in high-purity titanium and Ti-5at%Al, we investigated the modulation of Al on dislocation behaviours as temperature changed. It reveals that segregation of Al at edge dislocation cores in Ti-5at%Al generates strong obstacles, promoting room temperature cross-slips. However, the effect of Al on reducing stacking-fault energy (SFE) as decreasing temperature is significant. Consequently, the lower SFE in Ti-5at%Al results in ordinary planar dislocation slip while massive dislocation cross-slips occurred in Ti at liquid-nitrogen temperature.
Caretta caretta nesting activity on Akumal Beaches, Mexico
Authors: González J. M. , Anastácio R. , Lizárraga-Cubedo H. A. , Pereira M. J.
Published: February 2020

Mexico has made substantial contributions to marine turtle protection and conservation, especially since 1990. Several conservation projects entail monitoring efforts to recover nesting territories for marine turtles. The Sea Turtle Protection Program of Akumal, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, was created in 1993 and was developed by the Akumal Ecological Center. This paper provides the nesting ecology parameters for Caretta caretta over a protection period of 24 years (1995–2018). A well-defined nesting peak was observed in June, with a nesting success rate of 75.2 ± 23.0%. Nesting females showed a mean curved carapace length of 99.0 ± 5.6  cm. The mean clutch size was 108.6 ± 24.6 eggs, with variation among years. The mean incubation period was 57.2 ± 6.2 days. The hatching and emergence success rates were 87.2 ± 16.9% and 78.8 ± 24.4%, respectively. For the 926 tagged females that returned, the remigration interval peaked at 726 days, with a 12-day inter-nesting period. The results show not only the recovery of the nesting population over time but also a decrease in female size; we postulate that this decrease is due to the recruitment of young females, which has been increasingly pronounced since 2010. Hence, the Akumal rookery plays an important role in its corresponding regional management unit (Atlantic Northwest).
Diagnostic reference values for sarcopenia in Tibetans in China
Authors: Ye Liping , Wen Youfeng , Chen Ying , Yao Jie , Li Xin , Liu Yingying , Song Jia , Sun Zhengqi
Published: February 2020

Sarcopenia is an age-associated disease characterized by loss of muscle mass and function, but the diagnostic cutoff values remain controversial. To investigate the diagnostic cutoff values and incidence of sarcopenia in a plateau population, the limb skeletal muscle mass, gait speed and grip strength of 2318 Tibetan adults were measured according to the criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. We found that the diagnostic reference values for sarcopenia in the high-altitude population were significantly lower than those in the plain population, and the incidences of sarcopenia in the high-altitude population over 60 years old were 17.2% in men and 36.0% in women, which were significantly higher than those in the plain population. Our study proposes reference values for the diagnosis of sarcopenia in Tibet. We suggest that the cutoff value for sarcopenia in the plateau population should be established based on altitude. Hypoxia may be an important risk factor for sarcopenia.
Muscle oxygen dynamics in elite climbers during finger-hang tests at varying intensities
Authors: Feldmann Andri M. , Erlacher Daniel , Pfister Sandro , Lehmann Remo
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to measure muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) dynamics during a climbing specific task until failure in varying conditions. Our prediction was that SmO2 should be a good marker to predict task failure. Eleven elite level climbers performed a finger-hang test on a 23 mm wooden rung under four different weighted conditions, 1. body weight (BW), 2. body weight +20% (BW +20), 3. body weight −20% (BW −20) and 4. body weight −40% (BW −40), maintaining half crimp grip until voluntary exhaustion. During each trial SmO2 and time to task failure (TTF) were measured. TTF was then compared to the minimally attainable value of SmO2 (SmO2min) and time to SmO2min (TTmin). There is a considerable degree of agreement between attainable SmO2min at high intensity conditions (MBW = 21.6% ± 6.4; MBW+20 = 24.0% ± 7.0; MBW−20 = 23.0% ± 7.3). Bland-Altman plot with an a priori set equivalency interval of ±5% indicate that these conditions are statistically not different (MBW-BW + 20 = −2.4%, 95% CI [1.4, −6.2]; MBW−Bw−20 = −1.3, 95% CI [2.5, −5.1]). The fourth and lowest intensity condition (MBW −40 = 32.4% ± 8.8) was statistically different and not equivalent (MBW-BW −40 = −8.8%, 95% CI [−5.0, −12.6]). The same agreement was found between TTF and TTmin for the high intensity conditions plotted via Bland-Altman. While the rate with which oxygen was extracted and utilised changed with the conditions, the attainable SmO2min remained constant at high intensity conditions and was related to TTF.
Analysis of defensive secretion of a milkweed bug Lygaeus equestris by 1D GC-MS and GC×GC-MS: sex differences and host-plant effect
Authors: Havlikova Martina , Bosakova Tereza , Petschenka Georg , Cabala Radomir , Exnerova Alice , Bosakova Zuzana
Published: February 2020

The composition of defensive secretion produced by metathoracic scent glands was analysed in males and females of the milkweed bugLygaeus equestris(Heteroptera) using gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (GC-MS). The bugs were raised either on cardenolide-containingAdonis vernalisor on control sunflower seeds in order to determine whether the possibility to sequester cardenolides from their host plants would affect the composition of defensive scent-gland secretion. Profiles of the composition of defensive secretions of males and females raised on sunflower were closely similar, with predominant presence of (E)-2-octenal, (E)-2-octen-1-ol, decanal and 3-octen-1-ol acetate. The secretion of bugs raised onA. vernaliswas more sexually dimorphic, and some chemicals e.g. (E,E)-2,4-hexadienyl acetate and 2-phenylethyl acetate were dominant in males, but absent in females. Compared to bugs from sunflower, the scent-gland secretion of bugs raised onA. vernaliswas characterized by lower overall intensity of the peaks obtained for detected chemicals and by absence of some chemicals that have supposedly antipredatory function ((E)-2-hexenal, (E)-4-oxo-hex-2-enal, 2,4-octadienal). The results suggest that there might be a trade-off between the sequestration of defensive chemicals from host plants and their synthesis in metathoracic scent-glands.
68Ga-labeled PSMA-11 (68Ga-isoPROtrace-11) synthesized with ready to use kit: normal biodistribution and uptake characteristics of tumour lesions
Authors: Kurash Marina Muchnik , Gill Ronit , Khairulin Maria , Harbosh Hanan , Keidar Zohar
Published: February 2020

68Ga-PSMA-11, the radiotracer of choice for imaging of prostate cancer (PCa), may be produced with several radiolabeling techniques. Current study aimed to analyze various imaging parameters of the cold kit methodology produced 68Ga-PSMA-11 (68Ga-isoPROtrace-11) and to compare the results to available data in literature. Eighty 68Ga-PSMA-11 positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scans were evaluated. 68Ga-isoPROtrace-11 for all the studies was produced by the room temperature cold kit methodology using a lyophilized ready-to-use vial. Normal biodistribution of the tracer was recorded by measuring mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) and compared to the available published data. Pathological tracer uptake was measured using SUVmax in prostate gland (48 patients), lymph nodes (22 patients), bones (20 patients) and soft tissues (6 patients). Average tumour-to-background and tumour-to-liver contrast ratios were calculated. The data of 80 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT scans were analyzed. Radiochemical purity of the tracer was 91% or more. The highest normal tissue uptake value of 68Ga-isoPROtrace-11 was found in the kidneys (average SUVmean 41.7), followed by the parotid (average SUVmean 14.5) and submandibular glands (average SUVmean 13.02). Normal prostate tissue showed low tracer uptake (average SUVmean 2.4). The biodistribution of 68Ga-isoPROtrace-11 in normal tissues was found to be similar to other published results. Pathological uptake (average SUVmax ± standard deviation) in prostate gland was 11.3 ± 7.5, in lymph node metastases 14.6 ± 13.7, in bones 15.9 ± 15.9 and 24.2 ± 16.4 in soft tissues. Average tumour uptake of 68Ga-isoPROtrace-11 in prostate was 11.3, in lymph node metastases 14.6, in bone metastases 15.9 and in soft tissue metastases 24.2. Average tumour-to-liver and tumour-to-mediastinal blood pool ratios were 2.7 and 13.54 respectively. This study presents biodistribution data of 68Ga-isoPROtrace-11 in a large PCa patient subset, showing clinical applicability of the tracer. Using cold kit technology may enable a high quality and easy labeling process.
Author Correction: Application of biosurfactant from Bacillus subtilis C9 for controlling cladoceran grazers in algal cultivation systems
Authors: Yun Jin-Ho , Cho Dae-Hyun , Lee Bongsoo , Kim Hee-Sik , Chang Yong Keun
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: 420,000 year assessment of fault leakage rates shows geological carbon storage is secure
Authors: Miocic Johannes M. , Gilfillan Stuart M. V. , Frank Norbert , Schroeder-Ritzrau Andrea , Burnside Neil M. , Haszeldine R. Stuart
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
The effect of solvent polarity and macromolecular crowding on the viscosity sensitivity of a molecular rotor BODIPY-C10
Authors: Polita Artūras , Toliautas Stepas , Žvirblis Rokas , Vyšniauskas Aurimas
Published: February 2020

Viscosity is the key parameter of many biological systems such as live cells. It can be conveniently measured with ‘molecular rotors’ – fluorescent sensors of microviscosity. Here, we investigate one of the most applied molecular rotors BODIPY-C10.
State-to-state photodissociation dynamics of CO2 around 108 nm: the O(1S) atom channel
Authors: Zhou Jiami , Luo Zijie , Yang Jiayue , Chang Yao , Zhang Zhiguo , Yu Yong , Li Qinming , Cheng Gongkui , Chen Zhichao , He Zhigang , Che Li , Yu Shengrui , Wu Guorong , Yuan Kaijun , Yang Xueming
Published: February 2020

We report here the state-to-state photodissociation dynamical characteristics of the O(1S) + CO(X1Σ+) channel at a series of photolysis wavelengths from 107.37 to 108.84 nm.
Improved ion-exchange column chromatography for Cu purification from high-Na matrices and isotopic analysis by MC-ICPMS
Authors: Kidder James Andrew , Voinot Alexandre , Sullivan Kaj Vaughan , Chipley Donald , Valentino Marissa , Layton-Matthews Daniel , Leybourne Matthew
Published: February 2020

Measurements of Cu isotopes from low concentration and high salinity matrices require high recovery and purity prior to measurement. A new automated two-stage chromatographic procedure yields highly pure Cu separations, low procedure blanks and much-improved reproducibility.
A computational study on boron dipyromethene ancillary acceptor-based dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Kandregula Ganapathi Rao , Mandal Sudip , Prince Gollapalli , Yadav Satyesh Kumar , Ramanujam Kothandaraman
Published: February 2020

A series of (D-π)2–An–A based organic dyes containing a boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) moiety as an ancillary acceptor (An) derivative were chosen, and the effect of donor moieties (diarylamine, carbazole, azepine, and dibenzazepine) was investigated to understand their photophysical and photoelectrochemical properties by employing density functional theory.
Lanthanide clusters as highly efficient catalysts regarding carbon dioxide activation
Authors: Hou Wei , Wang Gang , Wu Xiaojing , Sun Shuoyi , Zhao Chunyang , Liu Wei-Sheng , Pan Fuxing
Published: February 2020

Lanthanide clusters display a wide substrate scope and high catalytic activity for the insertion of CO2 into epoxides to form cyclic carbonates.
Structural analysis of α-zirconium phosphate/cerium phosphate/graphene oxide nanocomposites with flame-retardant properties in polyvinyl alcohol
Authors: Leng Qian , Li Junyi , Wang Yuhua
Published: February 2020

A ternary nanocomposite was developed, which exhibits novel synergistic flame-retardant effect with APP-containing PVA.
An unorthodox metal-free synthesis of dihydro-6H-quinoline-5-ones in ethanol/water using a non-nucleophilic base and their cytotoxic studies on human cancer cell line
Authors: Kundu Arijit , Bhattacharyya Bhaswati , Dhara Kaliprasanna , Paul Subhabrata , Majumder Indira , Kundu Rita
Published: February 2020

One-pot metal-free catalysed green methodology for dihydro-6H-quinoline-5-ones and their biological activities in HeLa cells.
RNAi nanotherapy for fibrosis: highly durable knockdown of CTGF/CCN-2 using siRNA-DegradaBALL (LEM-S401) to treat skin fibrotic diseases
Authors: Kang Seounghun , Kim Jun , Ahn Minchul , Kim Jungho , Heo Myeong-Gang , Min Dal-Hee , Won Cheolhee
Published: February 2020

LEM-S401, siRNA against CTGF with DegradaBALL, could be a highly potent RNAi therapeutics for skin fibrotic diseases by inducing long lasting knockdown of CTGF with lower dosage and fewer injections.