bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of sharp silicon hollow microneedles by deep-reactive ion etching towards minimally invasive diagnostics
Authors: Li Yan , Zhang Hang , Yang Ruifeng , Laffitte Yohan , Schmill Ulises , Hu Wenhan , Kaddoura Moufeed , Blondeel Eric J. M. , Cui Bo
Published: August 2019

Microneedle technologies have the potential for expanding the capabilities of wearable health monitoring from physiology to biochemistry. This paper presents the fabrication of silicon hollow microneedles by a deep-reactive ion etching (DRIE) process, with the aim of exploring the feasibility of microneedle-based in-vivo monitoring of biomarkers in skin fluid. Such devices shall have the ability to allow the sensing elements to be integrated either within the needle borehole or on the backside of the device, relying on capillary filling of the borehole with dermal interstitial fluid (ISF) for transporting clinically relevant biomarkers to the sensor sites. The modified DRIE process was utilized for the anisotropic etching of circular holes with diameters as small as 30 μm to a depth of >300 μm by enhancing ion bombardment to efficiently remove the fluorocarbon passivation polymer. Afterward, isotropic wet and/or dry etching was utilized to sharpen the needle due to faster etching at the pillar top, achieving tip radii as small as 5 μm. Such sharp microneedles have been demonstrated to be sufficiently robust to penetrate porcine skin without needing any aids such as an impact-insertion applicator, with the needles remaining mechanically intact after repetitive penetrations. The capillary filling of DRIE-etched through-wafer holes with water has also been demonstrated, showing the feasibility of use to transport the analyte to the target sites.
High resolution non-invasive intraocular pressure monitoring by use of graphene woven fabrics on contact lens
Authors: Zhang Yushi , Chen Yufeng , Man Tianxing , Huang Dong , Li Xiao , Zhu Hongwei , Li Zhihong
Published: August 2019

Monitoring intracorporal pressures are important for health care and diagnosis. In this work, a contact lens tonometer employing graphene woven fabrics (GWFs), which indicate great sensibility of resistance to strain, flexibility, stretchability, transparency, and biocompatibility, is proposed for real-time monitoring intraocular pressure (IOP) with high resolution. The mechanical properties of the device during the deformation were analyzed, and the sensitivity of the fabricated device was tested on a mimic human eyeball. In vitro experiments on porcine eyes were executed to test the effectiveness of the device. The change rate of resistance under different IOP was tested. Also, the relationship between the current changes and IOP variation when keeping the voltage constant for different devices was obtained. The contact lens tonometers with GWFs as high-resolution sensing element have shown a promising prospective to realize the low-cost disposable sensing contact lens with lower power.
Functional roles of ST8SIA3-mediated sialylation of striatal dopamine D2 and adenosine A2A receptors
Authors: Lin Chien-Yu , Lai Hsing-Lin , Chen Hui-Mei , Siew Jian-Jing , Hsiao Cheng-Te , Chang Hua-Chien , Liao Kuo-Shiang , Tsai Shih-Chieh , Wu Chung-Yi , Kitajima Ken , Sato Chihiro , Khoo Kay-Hooi , Chern Yijuang
Published: August 2019

Sialic acids are typically added to the end of glycoconjugates by sialyltransferases. Among the six ST8 α-N-acetyl-neuraminide α-2,8-sialyltransferases (ST8SIA) existing in adult brains, ST8SIA2 is a schizophrenia-associated gene. However, the in vivo substrates and physiological functions of most sialyltransferases are currently unknown. The ST8SIA3 is enriched in the striatum. Here, we showed that ablation of St8sia3 in mice (St8sia3-KO) led to fewer disialylated and trisialylated terminal glycotopes in the striatum of St8sia3-KO mice. Moreover, the apparent sizes of several striatum-enriched G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) (including the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) and dopamine D1/D2 receptors (D1R and D2R)) were smaller in St8sia3-KO mice than in WT mice. A sialidase treatment removed the differences in the sizes of these molecules between St8sia3-KO and WT mice, confirming the involvement of sialylation. Expression of ST8SIA3 in the striatum of St8sia3-KO mice using adeno-associated viruses normalized the sizes of these proteins, demonstrating a direct role of ST8SIA3. The lack of ST8SIA3-mediated sialylation altered the distribution of these proteins in lipid rafts and the interaction between D2R and A2AR. Locomotor activity assays revealed altered pharmacological responses of St8sia3-KO mice to drugs targeting these receptors and verified that a greater population of D2R formed heteromers with A2AR in the striatum of St8sia3-KO mice. Since the A2AR-D2R heteromer is an important drug target for several basal ganglia diseases (such as schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease), the present study not only reveals a crucial role for ST8SIA3 in striatal functions but also provides a new drug target for basal ganglia-related diseases.
Structure of a bound peptide phosphonate reveals the mechanism of nocardicin bifunctional thioesterase epimerase-hydrolase half-reactions
Authors: Patel Ketan D. , d’Andrea Felipe B. , Gaudelli Nicole M. , Buller Andrew R. , Townsend Craig A. , Gulick Andrew M.
Published: August 2019

Nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) underlie the biosynthesis of many natural products that have important medicinal utility. Protection of the NRPS peptide products from proteolysis is critical to these pathways and is often achieved by structural modification, principally the introduction of d-amino acid residues into the elongating peptide. These amino acids are generally formed in situ from their l-stereoisomers by epimerization domains or dual-function condensation/epimerization domains. In singular contrast, the thioesterase domain of nocardicin biosynthesis mediates both the effectively complete l- to d-epimerization of its C-terminal amino acid residue (≥100:1) and hydrolytic product release. We report herein high-resolution crystal structures of the nocardicin thioesterase domain in ligand-free form and reacted with a structurally precise fluorophosphonate substrate mimic that identify the complete peptide binding pocket to accommodate both stereoisomers. These structures combined with additional functional studies provide detailed mechanistic insight into this unique dual-function NRPS domain.
Highly active ruthenium metathesis catalysts enabling ring-opening metathesis polymerization of cyclopentadiene at low temperatures
Authors: Song Kitaek , Kim Kunsoon , Hong Daeun , Kim Jungwon , Heo Chae Eun , Kim Hugh I. , Hong Soon Hyeok
Published: August 2019

Development of versatile ruthenium olefin-metathesis catalysts with high activity, stability, and selectivity is a continuous challenge. Here we report highly controllable ruthenium catalysts using readily accessible and versatile N-vinylsulfonamides as carbene precursors. Catalyst initiation rates were controlled in a straightforward manner, from latent to fast initiating, through the facile modulation of the N-vinylsulfonamide ligands. Trifluoromethanesulfonamide-based catalysts initiated ultrarapidly even at temperatures as low as −60 °C and continuously propagated rapidly, enabling the enthalpically and entropically less-favored ring-opening metathesis polymerizations of low-strained functionalized cyclopentene derivatives, some of which are not accessible with previous olefin-metathesis catalysts. To our surprise, the developed catalysts facilitated the polymerization of cyclopentadiene (CPD), a feedstock that is easily and commonly obtainable through the steam cracking of naphtha, which has, to the best of our knowledge, not been previously achieved due to its low ring strain and facile dimerization even at low temperatures (below 0 °C).
A bioinspired optoelectronically engineered artificial neurorobotics device with sensorimotor functionalities
Authors: Karbalaei Akbari Mohammad , Zhuiykov Serge
Published: August 2019

Development of the next generation of bio- and nano-electronics is inseparably connected to the innovative concept of emulation and reproduction of biological sensorimotor systems and artificial neurobotics. Here, we report for the first time principally new artificial bioinspired optoelectronic sensorimotor system for the controlable immitation of opto-genetically engineered neurons in the biological motor system. The device is based on inorganic optical synapse (In-doped TiO2 nanofilm) assembled into a liquid metal (galinstan) actuator. The optoelectronic synapse generates polarised excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials to trigger the liquid metal droplet to vibrate and then mimic the expansion and contraction of biological fibre muscle. The low-energy consumption and precise modulation of electrical and mechanical outputs are the distinguished characteristics of fabricated sensorimotor system. This work is the underlying significant step towards the development of next generation of low-energy the internet of things for bioinspired neurorobotic and bioelectronic system.
Solid-state NMR spectroscopy based atomistic view of a membrane protein unfolding pathway
Authors: Xiao Peng , Bolton David , Munro Rachel A. , Brown Leonid S. , Ladizhansky Vladimir
Published: August 2019

Membrane protein folding, structure, and function strongly depend on a cell membrane environment, yet detailed characterization of folding within a lipid bilayer is challenging. Studies of reversible unfolding yield valuable information on the energetics of folding and on the hierarchy of interactions contributing to protein stability. Here, we devise a methodology that combines hydrogen-deuterium (H/D) exchange and solid-state NMR (SSNMR) to follow membrane protein unfolding in lipid membranes at atomic resolution through detecting changes in the protein water-accessible surface, and concurrently monitoring the reversibility of unfolding. We obtain atomistic description of the reversible part of a thermally induced unfolding pathway of a seven-helical photoreceptor. The pathway is visualized through SSNMR-detected snapshots of H/D exchange patterns as a function of temperature, revealing the unfolding intermediate and its stabilizing factors. Our approach is transferable to other membrane proteins, and opens additional ways to characterize their unfolding and stabilizing interactions with atomic resolution.
Corrosion-resistant carbide-reinforced martensitic steel by Cu modification
Authors: Zhang Chen , Yamanaka Kenta , Bian Huakang , Chiba Akihiko
Published: August 2019

Carbide-reinforced martensitic steels, known as high-speed steels (HSSs), have been used as tool materials in various industries because of their high hardness and wear resistance. Nonetheless, such steels show severe degradation when used in a corrosive environment because typical Cr2O3 films, which generally realise passivity in these alloys, do not often work effectively. Here, we demonstrate that the corrosion resistance of a high-carbon-containing Fe–Cr–W-based alloy in a sulfuric acid solution can be significantly improved by the addition of trace Cu. The enrichment of Cu at the surface of the alloy as corrosion proceeds is key to inhibiting further corrosion. A theoretical model for a micro corrosion cell, which should be applicable to any material employed under the same corrosion conditions in fields such as the chemical and energy industries, was developed to interpret the experimental observations.
The improved properties and microstructure of β-solidify TiAl alloys by boron addition and multi steps forging process
Authors: Xiao Shulong , Chen Yuyong , Li Mingao , Xu Lijuan , Tian Jing , Zhang Dongdong , Yang Jianhui
Published: August 2019

A novel forging process has been designed for better mechanical properties of Ti-43Al-6Nb-1Mo-1Cr-(0,0.6)B alloys in this paper. Multi step forging process could provide much finer microstructure, higher room-temperature strength, increased high-temperature strength and elongation with these alloys. The forged alloys without boron exhibit strength and elongation as 676.05 ± 11.37 MPa and 41.32 ± 1.38% at 800 °C, while the average grain size represents as 12.63 ± 3.77 μm. The forged alloys with 0.6 at.% B represent better mechanical properties than the forged alloys without boron, due to the refined microstructure with dispersive borides. Meanwhile, the detailed mechanism of increased strength and elongation caused by finer microstructure were concluded and discussed.
Photoswitchable Spasers with a Plasmonic Core and Photoswitchable Fluorescent Proteins
Authors: Harrington Walter N. , Novoselova Marina V. , Bratashov Daniil N. , Khlebtsov Boris N. , Gorin Dmitry A. , Galanzha Ekaterina I. , Zharov Vladimir P.
Published: August 2019

Photoswitchable fluorescent proteins (PFPs) that can change fluorescence color upon excitation have revolutionized many applications of light such as tracking protein movement, super-resolution imaging, identification of circulating cells, and optical data storage. Nevertheless, the relatively weak fluorescence of PFPs limits their applications in biomedical imaging due to strong tissue autofluorecence background. Conversely, plasmonic nanolasers, also called spasers, have demonstrated potential to generate super-bright stimulated emissions even inside single cells. Nevertheless, the development of photoswitchable spasers that can shift their stimulated emission color in response to light is challenging. Here, we introduce the novel concept of spasers using a PFP layer as the active medium surrounding a plasmonic core. The proof of principle was demonstrated by synthesizing a multilayer nanostructure on the surface of a spherical gold core, with a non-absorbing thin polymer shell and the PFP Dendra2 dispersed in the matrix of a biodegradable polymer. We have demonstrated photoswitching of spontaneous and stimulated emission in these spasers below and above the spasing threshold, respectively, at different spectral ranges. The plasmonic core of the spasers serves also as a photothermal (and potentially photoacoustic) contrast agent, allowing for photothermal imaging of the spasers. These results suggest that multimodal photoswitchable spasers could extend the traditional applications of spasers and PFPs in laser spectroscopy, multicolor cytometry, and theranostics with the potential to track, identify, and kill abnormal cells in circulation.
Author Correction: Adenovirus-mediated suppression of hypothalamic glucokinase affects feeding behavior
Authors: Uranga Romina María , Millán Carola , Barahona María José , Recabal Antonia , Salgado Magdiel , Martinez Fernando , Ordenes Patricio , Elizondo-Vega Roberto , Sepúlveda Fernando , Uribe Elena , García-Robles María de los Ángeles
Published: August 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Earth tectonics as seen by GOCE - Enhanced satellite gravity gradient imaging
Authors: Ebbing Jörg , Haas Peter , Ferraccioli Fausto , Pappa Folker , Szwillus Wolfgang , Bouman Johannes
Published: August 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Fingolimod-induced decrease in heart rate may predict subsequent decreasing degree of lymphocytes
Authors: Ikeda Tokunori , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Watari Mari , Ando Yukio
Published: August 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Endangered Atlantic Sturgeon in the New York Wind Energy Area: implications of future development in an offshore wind energy site
Authors: Ingram Evan Corey , Cerrato Robert M. , Dunton Keith J. , Frisk Michael G.
Published: August 2019

Imminent development of offshore wind farms on the outer continental shelf of the United States has led to significant concerns for marine wildlife. The scarcity of empirical data regarding fish species that may utilize development sites, further compounded by the novelty of the technology and inherent difficulty of conducting offshore research, make identification and assessment of potential stressors to species of concern problematic. However, there is broad potential to mitigate putatively negative impacts to seasonal migrants during the exploration and construction phases. The goal of this study was to establish baseline information on endangered Atlantic Sturgeon in the New York Wind Energy Area (NY WEA), a future offshore development site. Passive acoustic transceivers equipped with acoustic release mechanisms were used to monitor the movements of tagged fish in the NY WEA from November 2016 through February 2018 and resulted in detections of 181 unique individuals throughout the site. Detections were highly seasonal and peaked from November through January. Conversely, fish were relatively uncommon or entirely absent during the summer months (July–September). Generalized additive models indicated that predictable transitions between coastal and offshore habitat were associated with long-term environmental cues and localized estuarine conditions, specifically the interaction between photoperiod and river temperature. These insights into the ecology of marine-resident Atlantic Sturgeon are crucial for both defining monitoring parameters and guiding threat assessments in offshore waters and represent an important initial step towards quantitatively evaluating Atlantic Sturgeon at a scale relevant to future development.
Comprehensive in vitro characterization of PD-L1 small molecule inhibitors
Authors: Ganesan Aravindhan , Ahmed Marawan , Okoye Isobel , Arutyunova Elena , Babu Dinesh , Turnbull William L. , Kundu Joydeb Kumar , Shields Justin , Agopsowicz Katharine Cheryl , Xu Lai , Tabana Yasser , Srivastava Nutan , Zhang Guangzhi , Moon Tae Chul , Belovodskiy Alexandr , Hena Mostofa , Kandadai Appan Srinivas , Hosseini Seyedeh Nargess , Hitt Mary , Walker John , Smylie Michael , West Frederick G. , Siraki Arno G. , Lemieux M. Joanne , Elahi Shokrollah , Nieman James A. , Tyrrell D. Lorne , Houghton Michael , Barakat Khaled
Published: August 2019

Blockade of the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) interaction has emerged as a powerful strategy in cancer immunotherapy. Recently, there have been enormous efforts to develop potent PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. In particular, Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) and Aurigene Discovery Technologies have individually disclosed several promising PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, whose detailed experimental data are not publicly disclosed. In this work, we report the rigorous and systematic in vitro characterization of a selected set of potent PD-1/PD-L1 macrocyclic peptide (BMSpep-57) and small-molecule inhibitors (BMS-103, BMS-142) from BMS and a peptidomimetic small-molecule inhibitor from Aurigene (Aurigene-1) using a series of biochemical and cell-based assays. Our results confirm that BMS-103 and BMS-142 are strongly active in biochemical assays; however, their acute cytotoxicity greatly compromised their immunological activity. On the other hand, Aurigene-1 did not show any activity in both biochemical and immunological assays. Furthermore, we also report the discovery of a small-molecule immune modulator, whose mode-of-action is not clear; however, it exhibits favorable drug-like properties and strong immunological activity. We hope that the results presented here will be useful in guiding the development of next-generation PD-1/PD-L1 small molecule inhibitors.
Modelling of substrate access and substrate binding to cephalosporin acylases
Authors: Ferrario Valerio , Fischer Mona , Zhu Yushan , Pleiss Jürgen
Published: August 2019

Semisynthetic cephalosporins are widely used antibiotics currently produced by different chemical steps under harsh conditions, which results in a considerable amount of toxic waste. Biocatalytic synthesis by the cephalosporin acylase from Pseudomonas sp. strain N176 is a promising alternative. Despite intensive engineering of the enzyme, the catalytic activity is still too low for a commercially viable process. To identify the bottlenecks which limit the success of protein engineering efforts, a series of MD simulations was performed to study for two acylase variants (WT, M6) the access of the substrate cephalosporin C from the bulk to the active site and the stability of the enzyme-substrate complex. In both variants, cephalosporin C was binding to a non-productive substrate binding site (E86α, S369β, S460β) at the entrance to the binding pocket, preventing substrate access. A second non-productive binding site (G372β, W376β, L457β) was identified within the binding pocket, which competes with the active site for substrate binding. Noteworthy, substrate binding to the protein surface followed a Langmuir model resulting in binding constants K = 7.4 and 9.2 mM for WT and M6, respectively, which were similar to the experimentally determined Michaelis constants KM = 11.0 and 8.1 mM, respectively.
Pharmacologically reversible, loss of function mutations in the TM2 and TM4 inner pore helices of TREK-1 K2P channels
Authors: Al-Moubarak Ehab , Veale Emma L. , Mathie Alistair
Published: August 2019

A better understanding of the gating of TREK two pore domain potassium (K2P) channels and their activation by compounds such as the negatively charged activator, flufenamic acid (FFA) is critical in the search for more potent and selective activators of these channels. Currents through wild-type and mutated human K2P channels expressed in tsA201 cells were measured using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in the presence and absence of FFA. Mutation of the TM2.6 residue of TREK-1 to a phenylalanine (G171F) and a similar mutation of TM4.6 (A286F) substantially reduced current through TREK-1 channels. In complementary experiments, replacing the natural F residues at the equivalent position in TRESK channels, significantly enhanced current. Known, gain of function mutations of TREK-1 (G137I, Y284A) recovered current through these mutated channels. This reduction in current could be also be reversed pharmacologically, by FFA. However, an appropriate length MTS (MethaneThioSulfonate) cross-linking reagent (MTS14) restricted the activation of TREK-1_A286C channels by repeated application of FFA. This suggests that the cross-linker stabilises the channel in a conformation which blunts FFA activation. Pharmacologically reversible mutations of TREK channels will help to clarify the importance of these channels in pathophysiological conditions such as pain and depression.
Characterization of Hailey-Hailey Disease-mutants in presence and absence of wild type SPCA1 using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as model organism
Authors: Muncanovic Daniel , Justesen Mette Heberg , Preisler Sarah Spruce , Pedersen Per Amstrup
Published: August 2019

Hailey-Hailey disease is an autosomal genetic disease caused by mutations in one of the two ATP2C1 alleles encoding the secretory pathway Ca2+/Mn2+-ATPase, hSPCA1. The disease almost exclusively affects epidermis, where it mainly results in acantholysis of the suprabasal layers. The etiology of the disease is complex and not well understood. We applied a yeast based complementation system to characterize fourteen disease-causing ATP2C1 missense mutations in presence or absence of wild type ATP2C1 or ATP2A2, encoding SERCA2. In our yeast model system, mutations in ATP2C1 affected Mn2+ transport more than Ca2+ transport as twelve out of fourteen mutations were unable to complement Mn2+ sensitivity while thirteen out of fourteen to some extent complemented the high Ca2+requirement. Nine out of fourteen mutations conferred a cold sensitive complementation capacity. In absence of a wild type ATP2C1 allele, twelve out of fourteen mutations induced an unfolded protein response indicating that in vivo folding of hSPCA1 is sensitive to disease causing amino acid substitutions and four of the fourteen mutations caused the hSPCA1 protein to accumulate in the vacuolar membrane. Co-expression of either wild type ATP2C1 or ATP2A2 prevented induction of the unfolded protein response and hSPCA1 mis-localization.
RNA modulates aggregation of the recombinant mammalian prion protein by direct interaction
Authors: Kovachev Petar Stefanov , Gomes Mariana P. B. , Cordeiro Yraima , Ferreira Natália C. , Valadão Leticia P. Felix , Ascari Lucas M. , Rangel Luciana P. , Silva Jerson L. , Sanyal Suparna
Published: August 2019

Recent studies have proposed that nucleic acids act as potential cofactors for protein aggregation and prionogenesis. By means of sedimentation, transmission electron microscopy, circular dichroism, static and dynamic light scattering, we have studied how RNA can influence the aggregation of the murine recombinant prion protein (rPrP). We find that RNA, independent of its sequence, source and size, modulates rPrP aggregation in a bimodal fashion, affecting both the extent and the rate of rPrP aggregation in a concentration dependent manner. Analogous to RNA-induced liquid-liquid phase transitions observed for other proteins implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, high protein to RNA ratios stimulate rPrP aggregation, while low ratios suppress it. However, the latter scenario also promotes formation of soluble oligomeric aggregates capable of seeding de novo rPrP aggregation. Furthermore, RNA co-aggregates with rPrP and thereby gains partial protection from RNase digestion. Our results also indicate that rPrP interacts with the RNAs with its N-terminus. In summary, this study elucidates the proposed adjuvant role of RNA in prion protein aggregation and propagation, and thus advocates an auxiliary role of the nucleic acids in protein aggregation in general.
Long-range vortex transfer in superconducting nanowires
Authors: Córdoba Rosa , Orús Pablo , Jelić Željko L. , Sesé Javier , Ibarra Manuel Ricardo , Guillamón Isabel , Vieira Sebastián , Palacios Juan José , Suderow Hermann , Milosević Milorad V. , De Teresa José María
Published: August 2019

Under high-enough values of perpendicularly-applied magnetic field and current, a type-II superconductor presents a finite resistance caused by the vortex motion driven by the Lorentz force. To recover the dissipation-free conduction state, strategies for minimizing vortex motion have been intensely studied in the last decades. However, the non-local vortex motion, arising in areas depleted of current, has been scarcely investigated despite its potential application for logic devices. Here, we propose a route to transfer vortices carried by non-local motion through long distances (up to 10 micrometers) in 50 nm-wide superconducting WC nanowires grown by Ga+ Focused Ion Beam Induced Deposition. A giant non-local electrical resistance of 36 Ω has been measured at 2 K in 3 μm-long nanowires, which is 40 times higher than signals reported for wider wires of other superconductors. This giant effect is accounted for by the existence of a strong edge confinement potential that hampers transversal vortex displacements, allowing the long-range coherent displacement of a single vortex row along the superconducting channel. Experimental results are in good agreement with numerical simulations of vortex dynamics based on the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equations. Our results pave the way for future developments on information technologies built upon single vortex manipulation in nano-superconductors.
Utilizing polarization-selective mode shaping by chalcogenide thin film to enhance the performance of graphene-based integrated optical devices
Authors: Nikbakht Hamed , Latifi Hamid , Parsanasab Gholam-Mohammad , Taghavi Majid , Riyahi Maryam
Published: August 2019

High refractive index (RI) thin films are capable of pulling waveguide mode profiles towards themselves. In this study, it is shown that by applying high RI coatings with specific thicknesses on the side of optical waveguides, significantly different mode profiles for orthogonal polarizations can be achieved. This phenomenon, that we call it polarization-selective mode shaping, can be extensively used in the enhancement of polarization-dependent integrated optical devices. As an illustrating application, a tri-layer structure consisting of poly(methyl methacrylate)/graphene/chalcogenide on a side-polished fiber is designed to realize an extremely high extinction ratio polarizer. This structure changes the mode profiles in a way that the attenuation of TE mode is maximized, while the power carried by the TM mode remains relatively constant. Simulations and experimental characterizations confirm that polarization-selective mode shaping coordinates four loss mechanisms to maximize the extinction ratio and minimize the insertion loss of the polarizer. The fabricated polarizer is examined in the O, C, and L telecommunication frequency bands. This configuration achieves the high extinction ratio of 51.3 dB and its maximum insertion loss in the tested wavelengths is 1.79 dB. The proposed polarizer has been compared with other state-of-the-art polarizers in the conclusion section which shows its superiority.
Physical multimorbidity and subjective cognitive complaints among adults in the United Kingdom: a cross-sectional community-based study
Authors: Jacob Louis , Haro Josep Maria , Koyanagi Ai
Published: August 2019

Our goal was to examine the association between physical multimorbidity and subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) using UK nationally representative cross-sectional community-based data, and to quantify the extent to which a broad range of mainly psychological and behavioral factors explain this relationship. Data from the 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey were analyzed [N = 7399 adults, mean (SD) age 46.3 (18.6) years, 48.6% men]. Multimorbidity was defined as ≥2 physical diseases. SCC included two different cognitive constructs: subjective concentration and memory complaints. Multivariable logistic regression and mediation analyses were conducted. Multimorbidity was associated with higher prevalence of subjective concentration (30.7% vs. 17.3%) and memory complaints (42.8% vs. 22.9%) compared to no multimorbidity. In the regression model adjusted for sociodemographics, multimorbidity was associated with subjective concentration (OR = 2.58; 95% CI = 2.25–2.96) and memory complaints (OR = 2.34; 95% CI = 2.08–2.62). Sleep problems, stressful life events and any anxiety disorder explained 21–23%, 20–22% and 14–15% of the multimorbidity-SCC association, respectively. Multimorbidity and SCC are highly co-morbid. The utility of SCC screening in identifying individuals at high risk for future cognitive decline among individuals with multimorbidity should be assessed.
Interference-free Detection of Lipid-laden Atherosclerotic Plaques by 3D Co-registration of Frequency-Domain Differential Photoacoustic and Ultrasound Radar Imaging
Authors: Choi Sung Soo Sean , Lashkari Bahman , Mandelis Andreas , Weyers Jill J. , Boyes Aaron , Foster Stuart F. , Alves-Kotzev Natasha , Courtney Brian
Published: August 2019

As lipid composition of atherosclerotic plaques is considered to be one of the primary indicators for plaque vulnerability, a diagnostic modality that can sensitively evaluate their necrotic core is highly desirable in atherosclerosis imaging. In this regard, intravascular photoacoustic (IVPA) imaging is an emerging plaque detection modality that provides lipid-specific chemical information of arterial walls. Within the near-infrared window, a 1210-nm optical source is usually chosen for IVPA applications because lipid exhibits a strong absorption peak at that wavelength. However, other arterial tissues also show some degree of absorption near 1210 nm and generate undesirable interfering PA signals. In this study, a novel wavelength-modulated Intravascular Differential Photoacoustic Radar (IV-DPAR) modality was introduced as an interference-free detection technique for a more accurate and reliable diagnosis of plaque progression. By using two low-power continuous-wave laser diodes in a differential manner, IV-DPAR could efficiently suppress undesirable absorptions and system noise, while dramatically improving system sensitivity and specificity to cholesterol, the primary ingredient of plaque necrotic core. When co-registered with intravascular ultrasound imaging, IV-DPAR could sensitively locate and characterize the lipid contents of plaques in human atherosclerotic arteries, regardless of their size and depth.
The clinical value and safety of ECG-gated dipyridamole myocardial perfusion imaging in patients with aortic stenosis
Authors: Liu Fang-Shin , Wang Shan-Ying , Shiau Yu-Chien , Wu Yen-Wen
Published: August 2019

The role of vasodilator myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) for aortic stenosis (AS) is controversial due to safety and accuracy concerns. In addition, its utility after aortic valve (AV) interventions remains unclear. Patients with AS who underwent thallium-201-gated dipyridamole MPI using a cadmium-zinc-telluride camera were retrospectively reviewed and divided into three groups: mild AS, moderate-to-severe AS, and prior AV interventions. Patients with coronary artery disease with ≥50% stenosis, severe arrhythmia, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40%, left bundle branch block or no follow-up were excluded. Relationships between the severity of AS, clinical characteristics, hemodynamic response, serious adverse events (SAE) and MPI parameters were analyzed. None of the 47 patients had SAE, including significant hypotension or LVEF reduction. The moderate-to-severe AS group had higher summed stress scores (SSSs) and depressed LVEF than the mild AS group, however there were no differences after AV interventions. SSS was positively correlated with AV mean pressure gradient, post-stress lung-heart ratio (LHRs), and post-stress end-diastolic volume (EDVs) (P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, LHRs and EDVs were independent contributors to SSS. Dipyridamole-induced ischemia and LV dysfunction is common, and dipyridamole stress could be a safe diagnostic tool in evaluation and follow-up in patients with AS.
Identification of pathways that regulate circadian rhythms using a larval zebrafish small molecule screen
Authors: Mosser Eric A. , Chiu Cindy N. , Tamai T. Katherine , Hirota Tsuyoshi , Li Suna , Hui May , Wang Amy , Singh Chanpreet , Giovanni Andrew , Kay Steve A. , Prober David A.
Published: August 2019

The circadian clock ensures that behavioral and physiological processes occur at appropriate times during the 24-hour day/night cycle, and is regulated at both the cellular and organismal levels. To identify pathways acting on intact animals, we performed a small molecule screen using a luminescent reporter of molecular circadian rhythms in zebrafish larvae. We identified both known and novel pathways that affect circadian period, amplitude and phase. Several drugs identified in the screen did not affect circadian rhythms in cultured cells derived from luminescent reporter embryos or in established zebrafish and mammalian cell lines, suggesting they act via mechanisms absent in cell culture. Strikingly, using drugs that promote or inhibit inflammation, as well as a mutant that lacks microglia, we found that inflammatory state affects circadian amplitude. These results demonstrate a benefit of performing drug screens using intact animals and provide novel targets for treating circadian rhythm disorders.
Effects of deep neuromuscular blockade on the stress response during laparoscopic gastrectomy Randomized controlled trials
Authors: Koo Bon-Wook , Oh Ah-Young , Ryu Jung-Hee , Lee Yea-Ji , Han Ji-Won , Nam Sun-Woo , Park Do-Jung , Seo Kwang-Suk
Published: August 2019

Maintaining deep neuromuscular block during surgery improves surgical space conditions. However, its effects on patient outcomes have not been well documented. We examined whether maintaining deep neuromuscular blockade during surgery could decrease the stress response compared to moderate neuromuscular blockade. Patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrectomy were randomly allocated to either the moderate (train-of-four counts of 1–2) or deep (post-tetanic counts of 1–2) neuromuscular blockade group. The primary outcome variable was the postoperative blood level of interleukin-6, and the secondary outcome variables were intraoperative or postoperative blood levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-8, and C-reactive protein. A total of 96 patients were recruited and 88 (44 in each group) were included in the analyses. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β measured at the end of surgery, interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 measured at 2 h postoperatively, and C-reactive protein measured at 48 h postoperatively were all significantly increased compared to the preoperative values, but there were no differences between the moderate and deep neuromuscular block groups. We found no differences in surgical stress response measured using determining levels of interleukin-6 and other mediators released between the moderate and deep neuromuscular blockade groups in patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrectomy.
Selective and Preferential Separation of Rhodium (III) from Palladium (II) and Platinum (IV) Using a m-Phenylene Diamine-Containing Precipitant
Authors: Matsumoto Kazuya , Yamakawa Sumito , Haga Kazutoshi , Ishibashi Katsuyuki , Jikei Mitsutoshi , Shibayama Atsushi
Published: August 2019

Although Rh is an industrially important and the most expensive platinum group metal (PGM), the selective and preferential separation of Rh from PGM mixtures still remains as a big challenge. In this work, the separation of Rh (III) from Pd (II) and Pt (IV) in a hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution was studied using am-phenylene diamine-containing precipitant (m-PDA). At high HCl concentrations (6.0–8.0 M), most of the Rh (III) (>90%) was precipitated, and Pd (II) and Pt (IV) were hardly precipitated (<5%). On the other hand, over 85% of Pd (II) and Pt (IV) precipitated along with small amount of Rh (III) (<25%) at low HCl concentrations (1.0–2.0 M). As a consequence,m-PDAenabled selective and preferential precipitation of Rh (III) at high HCl concentrations. XPS and TG analyses revealed that the Rh-containing precipitate is an ion-pair complex composed of one [RhCl6]3−anion and threem-PDAcations. The Rh desorption from the precipitate as well as the recovery ofm-PDAwas successfully achieved using an NH4OH solution. This method is a promising practical approach to Rh recovery.
Amorphous/Nanocrystalline Carbonized Hydrochars with Isomeric Heterogeneous Interfacial Polarizations for High-performance Microwave Absorption
Authors: Qi Yujie , Wei Dongchao , Shi Gui-Mei , Zhang Mu , Qi Yang
Published: August 2019

Carbon allotropes and their derivatives have exhibited superior performances for microwave absorption ascribed to their dielectric attenuation capacity raised from the multiple dipolar configurations. Such characteristics could be achieved by constructing diverse micro/nanoscale architectures, incorporating vacancies and heteroatoms, and composing with heterogeneous components. Alternatively, we herein present a facile approach for the synthesis of carbonized hydrochars, which are composed of dispersed ultrafine nanocrystallines graphite and amorphous matrix. Such a isomeric construction has a high-density interfaces, accompanied with significant interfacial polarizations, leading to the improvement of microwave absorbing capabilities. For carbonized hydrochars, the RLmin value can reach −40.36 dB, and corresponding effective bandwidth is 2 GHz. This work provides a concept for designing microwave absorption materials based on isomeric heterogeneous interfacial polarizations in single-element systems.
Strong optical absorption of a metallic film to induce a lensing effect in the visible region
Authors: Jiang An-Qing , Zang Kai-Yan , Hu Er-Tao , Tu Hua-Tian , Xu Lei , Ren Wen-Shuai , Yoshie Osamu , Lee Young-Pak , Zheng Yu-Xiang , Wang Song-You , Zhao Hai-Bin , Guo Jun-Peng , Wang C. Z. , Ho K. M. , Lynch David. W. , Chen Liang-Yao
Published: August 2019

In this work, the two-dimensional profile of the light transmission through a prism-like metallic film sample of Au was measured at a wavelength of 632.8 nm in the visible intraband transition region to verify that, beyond the possible mechanisms of overcoming the diffraction limit, a strongly nonuniform optical absorption path length of the light traveling in the metal could induce a lensing effect, thereby narrowing the image of an object. A set of prism-like Au samples with different angles was prepared and experimentally investigated. Due to the nonuniform paths of the light traveling in the Au samples, lens-effect-like phenomena were clearly observed that reduced the imaged size of the beam spot with decreasing light intensity. The experimental measurements presented in the work may provide new insight to better understand the light propagation behavior at a metal/dielectric interface.
Correction: New light on an old debate: does the RCN–PtCl2 bond include any back-donation? RCN ← PtCl2 backbonding vs. the IR νCN blue-shift dichotomy in organonitriles–platinum(ii) complexes. A thorough density functional theory – energy decomposition analysis study
Authors: Casella Girolamo , Guerra Célia Fonseca , Carlotto Silvia , Sgarbossa Paolo , Bertani Roberta , Casarin Maurizio
Published: August 2019

Correction for ‘New light on an old debate: does the RCN–PtCl2 bond include any back-donation? RCN ← PtCl2 backbonding vs. the IR νCN blue-shift dichotomy in organonitriles–platinum(ii) complexes. A thorough density functional theory – energy decomposition analysis study’ by Girolamo Casella et al., Dalton Trans., 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c9dt02440a.
Identification of cancer prognosis-associated lncRNAs based on the miRNA-TF co-regulatory motifs and dosage sensitivity
Authors: Zhu Yinling , Dong Siyao , Zhu Yanjiao , Zhao Yichuan , Xu Yan
Published: August 2019

By integrating dosage sensitivity and motif regulation data, we established a framework and identified a total of 33 cancer prognosis-associated lncRNAs.
Radiative cooling of solar cells: opto-electro-thermal physics and modeling
Authors: An Yidan , Sheng Chunxiang , Li Xiaofeng
Published: August 2019

Comprehensive multidimensional opto-electro-thermal (OET) modeling of a radiative cooling system for solar cells (SCs) and the effect of temperature on the performance of SCs.
Epigallocatechin gallate prevents senescence by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation in WI-38 human embryonic fibroblasts
Authors: Zhang Qiao , Wu Yuqing , Guan Yue , Ling Fan , Li Ying , Niu Yucun
Published: August 2019

Increased levels of oxidative stress and inflammation are the underlying mechanisms behind the aging process and age-related diseases.
Niclosamide encapsulated polymeric nanocarriers for targeted cancer therapy
Authors: Jain Nishant Kumar , R. S. Prabhuraj , Bavya M. C. , Prasad Rajendra , Bandyopadhyaya Rajdip , Naidu V. G. M. , Srivastava Rohit
Published: August 2019

Localized binding of nanoparticulate formulation, actively targeting the receptors present on the cell surface.
Interactions between marmatite and bornite during the oxidative dissolution process in abiotic and biotic systems
Authors: Zhang Yanjun , Zhao Hongbo , Zhang Yisheng , Qian Lu , Zhang Luyuan , Meng Xiaoyu , Lv Xin , Abhilash Abhilash , Janjua Hussnain Ahned , Qiu Guanzhou
Published: August 2019

Interactions between marmatite and bornite during the oxidative dissolution process in abiotic and biotic systems.
Trajectory of fine particles removal with diffusiophoresis and thermophoresis in a gas–liquid cross-flow array
Authors: Zheng Zhijian , Chen Zhong , Xiong Guoxuan , Zhu Jiahua
Published: August 2019

A gas–liquid cross flow array system can significantly improve PM2.5 removal efficiency without additional energy input.
Low temperature synthesis and characterization of single phase multi-component fluorite oxide nanoparticle sols
Authors: Anandkumar Mariappan , Bhattacharya Saswata , Deshpande Atul Suresh
Published: August 2019

Fully crystalline single phase multi-component fluorite oxide (Gd0.2La0.2Y0.2Hf0.2Zr0.2O2 and Gd0.2La0.2Ce0.2Hf0.2Zr0.2O2) nanoparticle sols were synthesized at low temperature (≤80 °C) by co-precipitation followed by peptization in acidic medium.
Enhanced photoelectrochemical performance of LaFeO3 photocathode with Au buffer layer
Authors: Wang Peipei , He Yanfang , Mi Yan , Zhu Jianfei , Zhang Faling , Liu Yuan , Yang Ying , Chen Mingming , Cao Dawei
Published: August 2019

Au/LFO obtained by facile magnetron sputtering and sol–gel process presents a remarkable improvement in photocurrent up to −19.60 μA cm−2.
Evolution of the phases and the polishing performance of ceria-based compounds synthesized by a facile calcination method
Authors: Pei Wenli , Zhao Dong , Chen Xianghui , Wang Xiaoyang , Yang Xingbo , Wang Jianjun , Li Zhijie , Zhou Lihu
Published: August 2019

Ceria-based compounds with additions of La and F (CLF compounds) were prepared by using industrial-grade fluorinated lanthanum cerium carbonate as a precursor via a facile calcination method.
Polydopamine/ZnO electron transport layers enhance charge extraction in inverted non-fullerene organic solar cells
Authors: Ahmad Nafees , Zhang Xuning , Yang Shuo , Zhang Dongyang , Wang Jianqiu , Zafar Saud uz , Li Yanxun , Zhang Yuan , Hussain Sabir , Cheng Zhihai , Kumaresan Anbu , Zhou Huiqiong
Published: August 2019

The cathode interlayer plays a key role in the photovoltaic performance in organic solar cells.
Perceptual Characteristics of Consonant Production in Apraxia of Speech and Aphasia
Authors: Bislick Lauren , Hula William D.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This retrospective analysis examined group differences in error rate across 4 contextual variables (clusters vs. singletons, syllable position, number of syllables, and articulatory phonetic features) in adults with apraxia of speech (AOS) and adults with aphasia only. Group differences in the distribution of error type across contextual variables were also examined.

Method

Ten individuals with acquired AOS and aphasia and 11 individuals with aphasia participated in this study. In the context of a 2-group experimental design, the influence of 4 contextual variables on error rate and error type distribution was examined via repetition of 29 multisyllabic words. Error rates were analyzed using Bayesian methods, whereas distribution of error type was examined via descriptive statistics.

Results

There were 4 findings of robust differences between the 2 groups. These differences were found for syllable position, number of syllables, manner of articulation, and voicing. Group differences were less robust for clusters versus singletons and place of articulation. Results of error type distribution show a high proportion of distortion and substitution errors in speakers with AOS and a high proportion of substitution and omission errors in speakers with aphasia.

Conclusion

Findings add to the continued effort to improve the understanding and assessment of AOS and aphasia. Several contextual variables more consistently influenced breakdown in participants with AOS compared to participants with aphasia and should be considered during the diagnostic process.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.9701690