bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecosystem Metabolism and Carbon Balance in Chesapeake Bay: A 30‐Year Analysis Using a Coupled Hydrodynamic‐Biogeochemical Model
Authors: Shen Chunqi , Testa Jeremy M. , Ni Wenfei , Cai Wei‐Jun , Li Ming , Kemp W. Michael
Published: August 2019

The carbon cycle in estuarine environments is difficult to quantify because of substantial spatiotemporal heterogeneity in the sources, exchanges, and fates of carbon. We overcame these challenges with a multidecade numerical modeling analysis of seasonal, interannual, and decadal variability in net ecosystem metabolism (NEM) and associated carbon fluxes in Chesapeake Bay. Interannual variability in NEM along the estuarine axis indicated a clear spatial dependency of NEM on riverine discharge, with elevated flows causing increasing upper bay heterotrophy and increasing lower bay autotrophy during wet years. Our 30‐year simulation suggested the Chesapeake Bay is somewhat unique among estuaries in its tendency toward net autotrophy as a consequence of its extremely high nutrient to organic matter input ratio and large size. Budgets of three different carbon pools revealed that the entire Chesapeake Bay is a CO2 source to the atmosphere and organic carbon source to the open shelf, providing quantitative export estimates for interpretation of anthropogenic perturbations to the regional carbon flux.
Shape-memory effects in molecular crystals
Authors: Ahmed Ejaz , Karothu Durga Prasad , Warren Mark , Naumov Panče
Published: August 2019

Molecular crystals can be bent elastically by expansion or plastically by delamination into slabs that glide along slip planes. Here we report that upon bending, terephthalic acid crystals can undergo a mechanically induced phase transition without delamination and their overall crystal integrity is retained. Such plastically bent crystals act as bimorphs and their phase uniformity can be recovered thermally by taking the crystal over the phase transition temperature. This recovers the original straight shape and the crystal can be bent by a reverse thermal treatment, resulting in shape memory effects akin of those observed with some metal alloys and polymers. We anticipate that similar memory and restorative effects are common for other molecular crystals having metastable polymorphs. The results demonstrate the advantage of using intermolecular interactions to accomplish mechanically adaptive properties with organic solids that bridge the gap between mesophasic and inorganic materials in the materials property space.
Compartmentalization-induced phosphorescent emission enhancement and triplet energy transfer in aqueous medium
Authors: Li Zijian , Han Yifei , Wang Feng
Published: August 2019

Triplet energy transfer occurs frequently in natural photosynthetic organisms to protect against photo-oxidative stress. For artificial light-harvesting systems, several challenges need to be addressed to realize triplet energy transfer especially in aqueous medium. Specifically, the phosphors should be shielded from water and molecular oxygen, which facilitate to maintain intense emission intensity. Moreover, the donor‒acceptor phosphors should be organized in close proximity, yet simultaneously avoiding direct homo- and hetero-interactions to minimize the potential energy losses. Herein an effective strategy has been developed to meet these requirements, by employing a rod−coil amphiphile as the compartmentalized agent. It renders synergistic rigidifying and hydrophobic shielding effects, giving rise to enhanced phosphorescent emission of the platinum(II) complexes in aqueous environment. More importantly, the donor‒acceptor platinum(II) phosphors feature ordered spatial organization in the ternary co-assembled system, resulting in high light-harvesting efficiency. Therefore, the compartmentalization strategy represents an efficient approach toward color-tunable phosphorescent nanomaterials.
Planning for sustainable cities by estimating building occupancy with mobile phones
Authors: Barbour Edward , Davila Carlos Cerezo , Gupta Siddharth , Reinhart Christoph , Kaur Jasleen , González Marta C.
Published: August 2019

Accurate occupancy is crucial for planning for sustainable buildings. Using massive, passively-collected mobile phone data, we introduce a novel framework to estimate building occupancy at unprecedented scale. We show that, at urban-scale, occupancy differs widely from current estimates based on building types. For commercial buildings, we find typical occupancy rates are 5 times lower than current assumptions imply, while for residential buildings occupancy rates vary widely by neighborhood. Our mobile phone based occupancy estimates are integrated with a state-of-the-art urban building energy model to understand their impact on energy use predictions. Depending on the assumed relationship between occupancy and internal building loads, we find energy consumption which differs by +1% to −15% for residential buildings and by −4% to −21% for commercial buildings, compared to standard methods. This highlights a need for new occupancy-to-load models which can be applied at urban-scale to the diverse set of city building types.
Vapor-deposited zeolitic imidazolate frameworks as gap-filling ultra-low-k dielectrics
Authors: Krishtab Mikhail , Stassen Ivo , Stassin Timothée , Cruz Alexander John , Okudur Oguzhan Orkut , Armini Silvia , Wilson Chris , De Gendt Stefan , Ameloot Rob
Published: August 2019

The performance of modern chips is strongly related to the multi-layer interconnect structure that interfaces the semiconductor layer with the outside world. The resulting demand to continuously reduce the k-value of the dielectric in these interconnects creates multiple integration challenges and encourages the search for novel materials. Here we report a strategy for the integration of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as gap-filling low-k dielectrics in advanced on-chip interconnects. The method relies on the selective conversion of purpose-grown or native metal-oxide films on the metal interconnect lines into MOFs by exposure to organic linker vapor. The proposed strategy is validated for thin films of the zeolitic imidazolate frameworks ZIF-8 and ZIF-67, formed in 2-methylimidazole vapor from ALD ZnO and native CoOx, respectively. Both materials show a Young’s modulus and dielectric constant comparable to state-of-the-art porous organosilica dielectrics. Moreover, the fast nucleation and volume expansion accompanying the oxide-to-MOF conversion enable uniform growth and gap-filling of narrow trenches, as demonstrated for 45 nm half-pitch fork-fork capacitors.
A combined variational and diagrammatic quantum Monte Carlo approach to the many-electron problem
Authors: Chen Kun , Haule Kristjan
Published: August 2019

Two of the most influential ideas developed by Richard Feynman are the Feynman diagram technique and his variational approach. Here we show that combining both, and introducing a diagrammatic quantum Monte Carlo method, results in a powerful and accurate solver to the generic solid state problem, in which a macroscopic number of electrons interact by the long range Coulomb repulsion. We apply it to the quintessential problem of solid state, the uniform electron gas, which is at the heart of the density functional theory success in describing real materials, yet it has not been adequately solved for over 90 years. Our method allows us to calculate numerically exact momentum and frequency resolved spin and charge response functions. This method can be applied to a number of moderately interacting electron systems, including models of realistic metallic and semiconducting solids.
Direct observation of a uniaxial stress-driven Lifshitz transition in Sr2RuO4
Authors: Sunko Veronika , Abarca Morales Edgar , Marković Igor , Barber Mark E. , Milosavljević Dijana , Mazzola Federico , Sokolov Dmitry A. , Kikugawa Naoki , Cacho Cephise , Dudin Pavel , Rosner Helge , Hicks Clifford W. , King Philip D. C. , Mackenzie Andrew P.
Published: August 2019

Pressure represents a clean tuning parameter for traversing the complex phase diagrams of interacting electron systems, and as such has proved of key importance in the study of quantum materials. Application of controlled uniaxial pressure has recently been shown to more than double the transition temperature of the unconventional superconductor Sr2RuO4, leading to a pronounced peak in Tc versus strain whose origin is still under active debate. Here we develop a simple and compact method to passively apply large uniaxial pressures in restricted sample environments, and utilise this to study the evolution of the electronic structure of Sr2RuO4 using angle-resolved photoemission. We directly visualise how uniaxial stress drives a Lifshitz transition of the γ-band Fermi surface, pointing to the key role of strain-tuning its associated van Hove singularity to the Fermi level in mediating the peak in Tc. Our measurements provide stringent constraints for theoretical models of the strain-tuned electronic structure evolution of Sr2RuO4. More generally, our experimental approach opens the door to future studies of strain-tuned phase transitions not only using photoemission but also other experimental techniques where large pressure cells or piezoelectric-based devices may be difficult to implement.
MRI-based 3D-printed surgical guides for breast cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Ko Beom Seok , Kim Namkug , Lee Jong Won , Kim Hee Jeong , Chung Il-Young , Kim Jisun , Lee Sae Byul , Son Byung Ho , Kim Hak Hee , Seo Joon Beom , Kim Sung-Bae , Gong Gyung-Yub , Kim Guk Bae , Lee Sangwook , Choi Seung Hyun , Ahn Sei Hyun
Published: August 2019

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most accurate technique for evaluating residual tumor after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. However, precise determination of the extent of dispersed residual tumor in the breast following treatment remains a difficult task. We hereby introduce three-dimensional (3D)-printed surgical guides for use in breast cancer patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery after receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We prospectively applied the 3D-printed surgical guides on breast cancer patients who underwent partial breast resection after receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Breasts and tumors were modeled in 3D by using pretreatment magnetic resonance images, and surgical guides were created by using a 3D printer to mark the primary tumor. Out of the five patients who participated in the study, all patients had clear resection margins, and two patients experienced complete pathological remission. There were no recurrences during the median follow-up period of 21.9 months. Thus, our newly-developed 3D-printed surgical guides were useful for accurately marking the extent of breast tumor based on pretreatment magnetic resonance images, which is important for designating the extent of surgery needed in patients who have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Distribution of psychological distress is stable in recent decades and follows an exponential pattern in the US population
Authors: Tomitaka Shinichiro , Kawasaki Yohei , Ide Kazuki , Akutagawa Maiko , Ono Yutaka , Furukawa Toshi A.
Published: August 2019

The prevalence of psychological distress is fairly stable in industrialised countries in recent decades, but the reasons for this stability remain unknown. To investigate the mechanisms underlying stability of psychological distress in the general population of the United States, we analysed the mathematical patterns of the distribution of psychological distress in recent decades. The present study utilised the Kessler psychological distress scale (K6) data from the 1997‒2017 United States National Health Interview Survey. We used overlap coefficients and graphical analysis to investigate the stability and mathematical patterns of the K6 distribution. Overlap coefficients and graphical analysis demonstrated that the distribution of K6 total scores was stable in the United States over the past two decades. Furthermore, the distributions of K6 total scores exhibited an exponential pattern, with the exception of the lower end of the distribution. These findings suggest that the lack of change in the prevalence of psychological distress over several decades is due to the stability of psychological distress distribution itself. Furthermore, the stability of the distribution of psychological distress over time may be linked to the exponential pattern of psychological distress distribution.
Double-walled iron oxide nanotubes via selective chemical etching and Kirkendall process
Authors: Azevedo João , Fernández-García M. P. , Magén César , Mendes Adélio , Araújo João P. , Sousa Célia T.
Published: August 2019

Double-walled oxide nanotube structures are interesting for a wide range of applications, from photocatalysis to drug delivery. In this work, a progressive oxidation method to fabricate double-walled nanotube structures is reported in detail. The approach is based on the electrodeposition of metallic iron nanowires, in porous alumina templates, followed by a selective chemical etching, nanoscale Kirkendall effect, a fast oxidation and out-diffusion of the metallic core structure during thermal annealing. To validate the formation mechanism of such core-shell structure, chemical composition and atomic structure were assessed. The resulting hematite nanotubes have a high degree of uniformity, along several microns, and a nanoscopic double-walled structure.
Analysis of head and neck carcinoma progression reveals novel and relevant stage-specific changes associated with immortalisation and malignancy
Authors: Veeramachaneni Ratna , Walker Thomas , Revil Timothée , Weck Antoine De , Badescu Dunarel , O’Sullivan James , Higgins Catherine , Elliott Louise , Liloglou Triantafillos , Risk Janet M. , Shaw Richard , Hampson Lynne , Hampson Ian , Dearden Simon , Woodwards Robert , Prime Stephen , Hunter Keith , Parkinson Eric Kenneth , Ragoussis Jiannis , Thakker Nalin
Published: August 2019

We report changes in the genomic landscape in the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas HNSCC from potentially premalignant lesions (PPOLS) to malignancy and lymph node metastases. Likely pathological mutations predominantly involved a relatively small set of genes reported previously (TP53, KMT2D, CDKN2A, PIK3CA, NOTCH1 and FAT1) but also other predicted cancer drivers (MGA, PABPC3, NR4A2, NCOR1 and MACF1). Notably, all these mutations arise early and are present in PPOLs. The most frequent genetic changes, which follow acquisition of immortality and loss of senescence, are of consistent somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) involving chromosomal regions enriched for genes in known and previously unreported cancer-related pathways. We mapped the evolution of SCNAs in HNSCC progression. One of the earliest SCNAs involved deletions of CSMD1 (8p23.2). CSMD1 deletions or promoter hypermethylation were present in all of the immortal PPOLs and occurred at high frequency in the immortal HNSCC cell lines. Modulation of CSMD1 in cell lines revealed significant suppression of proliferation and invasion by forced expression, and significant stimulation of invasion by knockdown of expression. Known cancer drivers NOTCH1, PPP6C, RAC1, EIF4G1, PIK3CA showed significant increase in frequency of SCNA in transition from PPOLs to HNSCC that correlated with their expression. In the later stages of progression, HNSCC with and without nodal metastases showed some clear differences including high copy number gains of CCND1, hsa-miR-548k and TP63 in the metastases group.
Ternary Organic Solar Cells Based on a Wide-Bandgap Polymer with Enhanced Power Conversion Efficiencies
Authors: Hwang Hyeongjin , Sin Dong Hun , Park Chaneui , Cho Kilwon
Published: August 2019

A low-bandgap acceptor (ITIC) was added to a binary system composed of a wide-bandgap polymer (PBT-OTT) and an acceptor (PC71BM) to increase the light harvesting efficiency of the associated organic solar cells (OSCs). A ternary blend OSC with an acceptor ratio of PC71BM:ITIC = 8:2 was found to exhibit a power conversion efficiency of 8.18%, which is 18% higher than that of the binary OSC without ITIC. This improvement is mainly due to the enhanced light absorption and optimized film morphology that result from ITIC addition. Furthermore, an energy level cascade forms in the blend that ensures efficient charge transfer, and bimolecular and trap-assisted recombination is suppressed. Thus the use of ternary blend systems provides an effective strategy for the development of efficient single-junction OSCs.
Sleep problems and depression among 237 023 community-dwelling adults in 46 low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Stickley Andrew , Leinsalu Mall , DeVylder Jordan E. , Inoue Yosuke , Koyanagi Ai
Published: August 2019

Sleep problems are considered a core symptom of depression. However, there is little information about the comorbidity of sleep problems and depression in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and whether sleep problems with depression confer additional risk for decrements in health compared to sleep problems alone. This study thus examined the association between sleep problems and depression and whether sleep problems with depression are associated with an increased risk for poorer health in 46 LMICs. Cross-sectional, community-based data from 237 023 adults aged ≥18 years from the World Health Survey (WHS) 2002–2004 were analyzed. Information on sleep problems (severe/extreme) and International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision depression/depression subtypes was collected. Multivariable logistic (binary and multinomial) and linear regression analyses were performed. Sleep problems were associated with subsyndromal depression (odds ratio [OR]: 2.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.84–2.70), brief depressive episode (OR = 2.48, 95% CI = 2.09–2.95) and depressive episode (OR = 3.61, 95% CI = 3.24–4.03). Sleep problems with depression (vs. sleep problems alone) conferred additional risk for anxiety, perceived stress and decrements in health in the domains of mobility, self-care, pain, cognition, and interpersonal activities. Clinicians should be aware that the co-occurrence of sleep problems and depression is associated with a variety of adverse health outcomes in LMICs. Detecting this co-occurrence may be important for treatment planning.
Arachidonic acid-derived hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids are positively associated with colon polyps in adult males: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Austin Pickens C. , Yin Zhe , Sordillo Lorraine M. , Fenton Jenifer I.
Published: August 2019

Oxylipids are potent lipid mediators associated with inflammation-induced colon carcinomas and colon tumor survival. Therefore, oxylipid profiles may be useful as novel biomarkers of colon polyp presence. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between plasma non-esterified oxylipids and the presence of colon polyps. A total of 123 Caucasian men, ages 48 to 65, were categorized into three groups: those with no polyps, those with one or more hyperplastic polyps, and those with one or more adenomas. Plasma non-esterified oxylipids were analyzed using solid phase extraction and quantified using a targeted HPLC tandem mass spectrometric analysis. Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA with Dunn’s test for multiple comparison and generalized linear models to adjust for confounding factors such as age, anthropometrics, and smoking status. In general, monohydroxy omega-6-derived oxylipids were significantly increased in those with polyps. Concentrations of 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) and 11-HETE were significantly higher in those with hyperplastic polyps and adenomas compared to those with no polyps. Arachidonic acid-derived HETEs were significantly associated with colon polyp types, even after adjusting for age, smoking, and body mass index or waist circumference in regression models. Since many of these oxylipids are formed through oxygenation by lipoxygenases (i.e., 5-, 12-, and 15-HETE, and 15- hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid [HETrE]) or auto-oxidative reactions (i.e., 11-HETE), this may indicate that lipoxygenase activity and lipid peroxidation are increased in those with colon polyps. In addition, since oxylipids such as 5-, 12-, and 15-HETE are signaling molecules involved in inflammation regulation, these oxylipids may have important functions in inflammation-associated polyp presence. Future studies should be performed in a larger cohorts to investigate if these oxylipids are useful as potential biomarkers of colon polyps.
Optimal timing of initiating continuous renal replacement therapy in septic shock patients with acute kidney injury
Authors: Yoon Bo Ra , Leem Ah Young , Park Moo Suk , Kim Young Sam , Chung Kyung Soo
Published: August 2019

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with septic shock is associated with high mortality, but the appropriate timing for initiating continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is controversial. We retrospectively enrolled 158 septic shock patients with AKI in the medical intensive care unit (ICU) from July 2016 to April 2018. The time from AKI onset to CRRT initiation was compared according to ICU mortality using Cox proportional hazard, receiver operating characteristic, and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. At the time of ICU discharge, the mortality rate was 50.6% (n = 80). It took longer to initiate CRRT in non-survivors than in survivors (hazard ratio 1.009; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.003–1.014; P = 0.002). The cut-off time from AKI onset to CRRT initiation for ICU mortality was 16.5 hours (area under the curve 0.786; 95% CI 0.716–0.856; P < 0.001). The cumulative mortality rate was significantly higher in patients in whom CRRT was initiated beyond 16.5 hours after AKI onset than in those in whom CCRT was initiated within 16.5 hours (log-rank test, P < 0.001). Several clinical situations must be considered to determine the optimal timing of CRRT initiation in these patients. Close observation and CRRT initiation within 16.5 hours after AKI onset may help improve survival.
Evaluating different extraction solvents for GC-MS based metabolomic analysis of the fecal metabolome of adult and baby giant pandas
Authors: Yang Yang , Yin Yanqiang , Chen Xuyang , Chen Chang , Xia Yinyin , Qi Hongbo , Baker Philip N. , Zhang Hua , Han Ting-Li
Published: August 2019

The gut microbiome plays a fundamental role in host health and the fecal metabolome can be analysed to assess microbial activity and can be used as an intermediate phenotype monitoring the host-microbiome relationship. However, there is no established extraction protocol to study the fecal metabolome of giant pandas. The aim of this research is to optimize extraction of the fecal metabolome from adult and baby pandas for high throughput metabolomics analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Fecal samples were collected from eight adult pandas and a pair of twin baby pandas. Six different extraction solvents were investigated and evaluated for their reproducibility, metabolite coverage, and extraction efficiency, particularly in relation to the biochemical compound classes such as amino acids, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates, fatty acids, secondary metabolites, and vitamin and cofactors. Our GC-MS results demonstrated that the extraction solvents with isopropanol: acetonitrile: water (3:2:2 ratio) and 80% methanol were the most appropriate for studying the fecal metabolome of adult and baby giant pandas respectively. These extraction solvents can be used in future study protocols for the analysis of the fecal metabolome in giant pandas.
A normalized template matching method for improving spike detection in extracellular voltage recordings
Authors: Laboy-Juárez Keven J. , Ahn Seoiyoung , Feldman Daniel E.
Published: August 2019

Spike sorting is the process of detecting and clustering action potential waveforms of putative single neurons from extracellular voltage recordings. Typically, spike detection uses a fixed voltage threshold and shadow period, but this approach often misses spikes during high firing rate epochs or noisy conditions. We developed a simple, data-driven spike detection method using a scaled form of template matching, based on the sliding cosine similarity between the extracellular voltage signal and mean spike waveforms of candidate single units. Performance was tested in whisker somatosensory cortex (S1) of anesthetized mice in vivo. The method consistently detected whisker-evoked spikes that were missed by the standard fixed threshold. Detection was improved most for spikes evoked by strong stimuli (40–70% increase), improved less for weaker stimuli, and unchanged for spontaneous spiking. This represents improved detection during spatiotemporally dense spiking, and yielded sharper sensory tuning estimates. We also benchmarked performance using computationally generated voltage data. Template matching detected ~85–90% of spikes compared to ~70% for the standard fixed threshold method, and was more tolerant to high firing rates and simulated recording noise. Thus, a simple template matching approach substantially improves detection of single-unit spiking for cortical physiology.
Joint and separate exposure to alcohol and ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol produced distinct effects on glucose and insulin homeostasis in male rats
Authors: Nelson Nnamdi G. , Weingarten Michael J. , Law Wen Xuan , Sangiamo Daniel T. , Liang Nu-Chu
Published: August 2019

Cannabis and alcohol co-use is common, and the trend may increase further given the current popularity of cannabis legalization. However, the metabolic consequences of such co-use are unclear. Here, we investigated how co-administration of alcohol and ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis, affects body weight and visceral adiposity, and glucose and insulin homeostasis in rats. For 16 consecutive days during adolescence, male rats drank saccharin or alcohol after receiving subcutaneous oil or THC injections in Experiment 1 and voluntarily consumed alcohol, THC edible, or both drugs in Experiment 2. Experiment 1 showed that following abstinence, drug co-exposure reduced visceral fat and the amount of insulin required to clear glucose during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). In Experiment 2, rats received a high-fat diet (HFD) after 3-week abstinence. Although adolescent drug use did not interact with the HFD to worsen hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia during an OGTT, HFD-fed rats that co-used alcohol and THC had the lowest insulin levels 75 min after an insulin injection, suggesting an altered rate of insulin secretion and degradation. These results suggest that THC and alcohol co-exposure can distinctly alter the physiology of glucose and insulin homeostasis in a rodent model.
A facile route to synthesize CdSe/ZnS thick-shell quantum dots with precisely controlled green emission properties: towards QDs based LED applications
Authors: Hao Junjie , Liu Haochen , Miao Jun , Lu Rui , Zhou Ziming , Zhao Bingxin , Xie Bin , Cheng Jiaji , Wang Kai , Delville Marie-Helene
Published: August 2019

In recent, the quantum yield (QY) and stability of green quantum dots (QDs) have been significantly improved. However, most of the progresses were achieved by using alloyed QDs, and the control of green emission QDs still remains challenging. Herein, we report a novel method for synthesizing thick-shell structure quantum dots (TSQDs) with saturated green-emitting where tri-n-octylphosphine (TOP) was used as both ligand and solvent to extract the redundant ions from the QDs surface and remove the lattice imperfections before any surface inorganic layer-by-layer coating. The as-prepared TSQDs demonstrate enhanced luminescent properties including high QY reaching up to 75%, full width at half maximum (FWHM) remaining close to 26 nm and tunable precise emission properties (532 nm), which can be utilized to perform 91% of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Recommendation BT. 2020 (Rec. 2020) for high definition and color gamut displays.
Contactin 1 modulates pegylated arginase resistance in small cell lung cancer through induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Xu Shi , Lam Sze-Kwan , Cheng Paul Ning-Man , Ho James Chung-Man
Published: August 2019

Drug resistance is a major hurdle in the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Previously we demonstrated the potential anticancer effect of pegylated arginase BCT-100 in SCLC cell lines and xenograft models. To facilitate future clinical application of BCT-100 in SCLC treatment, we elucidated the potential mechanisms that underlie acquired drug resistance to BCT-100. H446 and H526 SCLC cells were serially cultured in stepwise increasing concentrations of BCT-100 until stable BCT-100-resistant cell lines emerged (H446-BR and H526-BR). Compared with parent cells, H446-BR and H526-BR displayed stronger migration ability, anoikis resistance and EMT progression. Gene chip assay was employed to select three potential targets (CDH17, CNTN-1 and IGF2BP1). Silencing CNTN-1 rather than CDH17 or IGF2BP1 in H446-BR and H526-BR cells re-sensitized resistant cells to BCT-100 treatment and attenuated the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype. The AKT signaling pathway was activated in H446-BR and H526-BR cells accompanied by EMT progression, and AKT inhibitor LY294002 reversed the EMT progression in resistant cells.
Graphene perfect absorber of ultra-wide bandwidth based on wavelength-insensitive phase matching in prism coupling
Authors: Lee Sangjun , Heo Hyungjun , Kim Sangin
Published: August 2019

We proposed perfect absorbers of ultra-wide bandwidths based on prism coupling with wavelength-insensitive phase matching, which consists of three dielectric layers (Prism-Cavity-Air) with monolayer graphene embedded in the cavity layer. Due to inherent material dispersion of the dielectric layers, with the proper choice of the incidence angle and the cavity thickness, the proposed perfect absorbers can satisfy the phase matching condition over a wide wavelength range, inducing enormous enhancement of the absorption bandwidth. The requirement on the material dispersions of the prism and the cavity layer for the wavelength-insensitive phase matching over a wavelength range of the interest has been derived, and it has been demonstrated that the various kinds of materials can meet the requirement. Our theoretical investigation with the transfer matrix method (TMM) has revealed that a 99% absorption bandwidth of ~300 nm with perfect absorption at λ  = 1.51 μm can be achieved when BK7 and PDMS are used as the prism and the cavity layer, respectively, which is ~7 times wider than the conceptual design based on the non-dispersive materials. The full width at half maximum of our designed perfect absorber is larger than 1.5 μm.
A systematic review of studies utilizing hair glucocorticoids as a measure of stress suggests the marker is more appropriate for quantifying short-term stressors
Authors: Kalliokoski Otto , Jellestad Finn K. , Murison Robert
Published: August 2019

Quantitating glucocorticoids (GCs) in hairs is a popular method for assessing chronic stress in studies of humans and animals alike. The cause-and-effect relationship between stress and elevated GC levels in hairs, sampled weeks later, is however hard to prove. This systematic review evaluated the evidence supporting hair glucocorticoids (hGCs) as a biomarker of stress. Only a relatively small number of controlled studies employing hGC analyses have been published, and the quality of the evidence is compromised by unchecked sources of bias. Subjects exposed to stress mostly demonstrate elevated levels of hGCs, and these concentrations correlate significantly with GC concentrations in serum, saliva and feces. This supports hGCs as a biomarker of stress, but the dataset provided no evidence that hGCs are a marker of stress outside of the immediate past. Only in cases where the stressor persisted at the time of hair sampling could a clear link between stress and hGCs be established.
Bacillus megaterium SF185 spores exert protective effects against oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Mazzoli Arianna , Donadio Giuliana , Lanzilli Mariamichela , Saggese Anella , Guarino Andrea Maria , Rivetti Miriam , Crescenzo Raffaella , Ricca Ezio , Ferrandino Ida , Iossa Susanna , Pollice Alessandra , Isticato Rachele
Published: August 2019

Endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) are by-products of the aerobic metabolism of cells and have an important signalling role as secondary messengers in various physiological processes, including cell growth and development. However, the excessive production of ROS, as well as the exposure to exogenous ROS, can cause protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation and DNA damages leading to cell injuries. ROS accumulation has been associated to the development of health disorders such as neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. We report that spores of strain SF185, a human isolate of Bacillus megaterium, have antioxidant activity on Caco-2 cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide and on a murine model of dextran sodium sulfate-induced oxidative stress. In both model systems spores exert a protective state due to their scavenging action: on cells, spores reduce the amount of intracellular ROS, while in vivo the pre-treatment with spores protects mice from the chemically-induced damages. Overall, our results suggest that treatment with SF185 spores prevents or reduces the damages caused by oxidative stress. The human origin of SF185, its strong antioxidant activity, and its protective effects led to propose the spore of this strain as a new probiotic for gut health.
Lateral hypothalamic fast-spiking parvalbumin neurons modulate nociception through connections in the periaqueductal gray area
Authors: Siemian Justin N. , Borja Cara B. , Sarsfield Sarah , Kisner Alexandre , Aponte Yeka
Published: August 2019

A pivotal role of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) in regulating appetitive and reward-related behaviors has been evident for decades. However, the contributions of LH circuits to other survival behaviors have been less explored. Here we examine how lateral hypothalamic neurons that express the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin (PVALB; LHPV neurons), a small cluster of neurons within the LH glutamatergic circuitry, modulate nociception in mice. We find that photostimulation of LHPV neurons suppresses nociception to an acute, noxious thermal stimulus, whereas photoinhibition potentiates thermal nociception. Moreover, we demonstrate that LHPV axons form functional excitatory synapses on neurons in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG), and photostimulation of these axons mediates antinociception to both thermal and chemical visceral noxious stimuli. Interestingly, this antinociceptive effect appears to occur independently of opioidergic mechanisms, as antagonism of μ-opioid receptors with systemically-administered naltrexone does not abolish the antinociception evoked by activation of this LHPV→vlPAG pathway. This study directly implicates LHPV neurons in modulating nociception, thus expanding the repertoire of survival behaviors regulated by LH circuits.
Prevalence and complete genome of bovine norovirus with novel VP1 genotype in calves in China
Authors: Wang Yuelin , Yue Hua , Tang Cheng
Published: August 2019

Bovine norovirus (BNoV) is a diarrhea-causing pathogen of calves. In this study, 211 diarrheic fecal samples were collected from 25 farms across six provinces in China, between November 2017 and September 2018. 20.4% of the samples were detected as BNoV-positive by RT-PCR. Phylogenetic analyses based on RdRp, VP1, and VP2 fragments revealed these BNoV strains had unique evolutionary characteristics. The complete genome of strain Bo/BET–17/18/CH was successfully sequenced. It was 7321 nucleotides (nt) in length, shared 79.4–80.9% nt identity with all five BNoV genomes, clustered on a separate branch of the phylogenetic tree, suggesting that strain Bo/BET–17/18/CH could represent a novel BNoV strain. Two interesting characteristics were found in the genome: (i) the VP1 sequence differed greatly from known BNoV VP1 sequences; (ii) a recombination event is predicted within the ORF1–ORF2 overlap. Moreover 16.3% (7/43) of the BNoV were identified as the novel VP1 genotype, which were distributed on four farms across two provinces, indicating that the novel VP1 genotype strain has spread. To our knowledge, this is first description of the molecular and genomic characteristics of BNoV in China. These findings extend our understanding of the genetic evolution and epidemics of BNoV.
An anti-inflammatory phenotype in visceral adipose tissue of old lean mice, augmented by exercise
Authors: Ziegler A. K. , Damgaard A. , Mackey A. L. , Schjerling P. , Magnusson P. , Olesen A. T. , Kjaer M. , Scheele C.
Published: August 2019

Visceral adipose tissue is an immunogenic tissue, which turns detrimental during obesity by activation of proinflammatory macrophages. During aging, chronic inflammation increases proportional to visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass and associates with escalating morbidity and mortality. Here, we utilize a mouse model to investigate the inflammatory status of visceral adipose tissue in lean aging mice and assess the effects of exercise training interventions. We randomized adult (11 months; n = 21) and old (23 months; n = 27) mice to resistance training (RT) or endurance training (ET), or to a sedentary control group (S). Strikingly, we observed an anti-inflammatory phenotype in the old mice, consisting of higher accumulation of M2 macrophages and IL-10 expression, compared to the adult mice. In concordance, old mice also had less VAT mass and smaller adipocytes compared to adult mice. In both age groups, exercise training enhanced the anti-inflammatory phenotype and increased PGC1-α mRNA expression. Intriguingly, the brown adipose tissue marker UCP1 was modestly higher in old mice, while remained unchanged by the intervention. In conclusion, in the absence of obesity, visceral adipose tissue possesses a pronounced anti-inflammatory phenotype during aging which is further enhanced by exercise.
ShadowR: a novel chromoprotein with reduced non-specific binding and improved expression in living cells
Authors: Murakoshi Hideji , Horiuchi Hiroshi , Kosugi Takahiro , Onda Maki , Sato Aiko , Koga Nobuyasu , Nabekura Junichi
Published: August 2019

Here we developed an orange light-absorbing chromoprotein named ShadowR as a novel acceptor for performing fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy-based Förster resonance energy transfer (FLIM-FRET) measurement in living cells. ShadowR was generated by replacing hydrophobic amino acids located at the surface of the chromoprotein Ultramarine with hydrophilic amino acids in order to reduce non-specific interactions with cytosolic proteins. Similar to Ultramarine, ShadowR shows high absorption capacity and no fluorescence. However, it exhibits reduced non-specific binding to cytosolic proteins and is highly expressed in HeLa cells. Using tandem constructs and a LOVTRAP system, we showed that ShadowR can be used as a FRET acceptor in combination with donor mRuby2 or mScarlet in HeLa cells. Thus, ShadowR is a useful, novel FLIM-FRET acceptor.
Fabrication of dual-template molecularly imprinted mesoporous silica for simultaneous rapid and efficient detection of bisphenol A and diethylstilbestrol in environmental water samples
Authors: Tian Mengjie , Yu Kai , Li Leyan , Wang Yafei , Guo Liping , Zhang Zulei , Lu Yixia , Li Lei
Published: August 2019

DMIMS showed an ordered mesoporous structure, favorable thermal stability, and good accessibility and achieved simultaneous rapid and efficient detection of BPA and DES in environmental water samples.
An anti-influenza virus activity-calibrated chemical standardization approach for quality evaluation of indigo naturalis
Authors: Zhang Ting , Huang Hao-zhou , Xu Run-chun , Wang Jia-bo , Yang Ming , Cao Jun-han , Zhang Yi , Zhang Ding-kun , Han Li
Published: August 2019

The quality evaluation of herbal medicine is the basis of its clinical application and industrial development.
A fluorescent biosensor for highly specific and ultrasensitive detection of adenosine triphosphate based on ligation-triggered branched rolling circle amplification
Authors: Jiang Hongxin , Han Guimei , Xu Yaping , Li Junxing , Liu Xiaowei , Kong Deming
Published: August 2019

A fluorescent sensing strategy for ultrasensitive and highly selective detection of ATP was presented by taking advantage of the exponential amplification capability of BRCA and the extreme specificity of T4 DNA ligase toward ATP.
An aminoglycoside antibiotic inhibits both lipid-induced and solution-phase fibrillation of α-synuclein in vitro
Authors: Mahapatra Anindita , Sarkar Sukanya , Biswas Subhash Chandra , Chattopadhyay Krishnananda
Published: August 2019

The aminoglycoside antibiotic kanamycin inhibits fibrillation of α-synuclein both in solution and in contact with lipid-membranes, forming amorphous/off-pathway aggregates instead.
Catalytic carboboration of dienylboronate for stereoselective synthesis of (E)-γ′,δ-bisboryl-anti-homoallylic alcohols
Authors: Gao Shang , Chen Ming
Published: August 2019

A Cu-catalyzed stereoselective carboboration of dienylboronate for the synthesis of (E)-γ′,δ-bisboryl-anti-homoallylic alcohols was developed.
Cuprous binding promotes interaction of copper transport protein hCTR1 with cell membranes
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhu Yang , Hu Hongze , Cheng Lanjun , Liu Manman , Ma Guolin , Yuan Siming , Cui Peixin , Liu Yangzhong
Published: August 2019

Cu(i) binding promotes the interaction of hCTR1 with cell membranes, which could initiate the cellular uptake of copper ions.
Transition metal-free hydrodefluorination of acid fluorides and organofluorines by Ph3GeH promoted by catalytic [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4]
Authors: Hayatifar Ardalan , Borrego Alejandro , Bosek David , Czarnecki Matthew , Derocher Gabriel , Kuplicki Adam , Lytle Erik , Padilla Jonas , Paroly Charles , Tubay Gillian , Vyletel Jackson , Weinert Charles S.
Published: August 2019

The germylium cation [Ph3Ge]+converts aryl and aliphatic acid fluorides directly to their corresponding aldehydes. Hydrodefluorination of organofluorine compounds by [Ph3Ge]+was also observed.
Molecular dynamics simulations of shock loading of nearly fully dense granular Ni–Al composites
Authors: Xiong Yongnan , Li Xiaofan , Xiao Shifang , Deng Huiqiu , Huang Bowen , Zhu Wenjun , Hu Wangyu
Published: August 2019

We used molecular dynamics simulations to study the shock propagation, inhomogeneous deformation, and initiation of the chemical reaction characteristics of nearly fully dense reactive Ni–Al composites.
The synergy of different solid-state techniques to elucidate the supramolecular assembly of two 1H-benzotriazole polymorphs
Authors: Quesada-Moreno María Mar , Avilés-Moreno Juan Ramón , López-González Juan Jesús , Zúñiga Fco. Javier , María Dolores Santa , Claramunt Rosa M. , Reviriego Felipe , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José
Published: August 2019

4aα (chiral) and 4aβ (achiral) polymorphs of 1H-benzotriazole are studied by X-ray crystallography, SSNMR, IR, Raman, VCD, and quantum chemical calculations. The absolute configuration of the supramolecular structure of 4aα polymorph is determined.
Molecular dynamics simulation studies of the structure and antifouling performance of a gradient polyamide membrane
Authors: Li Ke , Li Shanlong , Liu Lifen , Huang Wei , Wang Yuling , Yu Chunyang , Zhou Yongfeng
Published: August 2019

The structure and the antifouling performance of the first gradient polyamide layer model are systematically disclosed using molecular dynamics simulations.
Polyphenols and the glycaemic index of legume pasta
Authors: Turco Imma , Bacchetti Tiziana , Morresi Camilla , Padalino Lucia , Ferretti Gianna
Published: August 2019

Products obtained using 100% legume flours (pea, red lentil, chickpea, grass pea) contain elevated levels of healthy functional components and have a low glycaemic index.
Cleavage of lignin C–O bonds over a heterogeneous rhenium catalyst through hydrogen transfer reactions
Authors: Zhang Bo , Qi Zaojuan , Li Xinxin , Ji Jianwei , Zhang Leilei , Wang Hua , Liu Xiaoyan , Li Changzhi
Published: August 2019

ReOx/AC exhibits high catalytic activity and selectivity for the C–O bond cleavage of lignin via hydrogen transfer reactions in isopropanol.
Device for whole genome sequencing single circulating tumor cells from whole blood
Authors: Li Ren , Jia Fei , Zhang Weikai , Shi Fanghao , Fang Zhiguo , Zhao Hong , Hu Zhiyuan , Wei Zewen
Published: August 2019

To sequence single circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from whole blood, a microfluidic chip was developed to perform blood filtering/CTC enrichment/CTC sorting and in situ MDA for whole genome sequencing.
Cobalt/titanium nitride@N-doped carbon hybrids for enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution and supercapacitance
Authors: Zhu Qing , Yao Lingmin , Tong Rui , Liu Dong , Ng Kar Wei , Pan Hui
Published: August 2019

Hybridizing engineering: the electrocatalytic HER and supercapacitor activities of TiN can be significantly enhanced by hybridizing the optimal content of metallic cobalt.
Both magnetic relaxation and luminescence of Zn2Dy2 cluster complexes regulated by the bis-imine chain in Schiff base ligands
Authors: Liu Cai-Ming , Zhang De-Qing , Zhang Yi-Quan , Li Miao , Zhu Dao-Ben
Published: August 2019

The bis-imine bridge in Schiff base ligands has effects on the magnetic relaxation and luminescence of two Zn2Dy2 cluster complexes.
Construction of a novel DNA-based comparator and its application in intelligent analysis
Authors: Huang Dan , Guo Chen , Miao Jiarong , Zhang Yi , Lin Xiao , Chen Die , Yang Shu , Yang Qianfan , Tang Yalin
Published: August 2019

A novel and general DNA-based comparator that can directly weigh the predominant bacterium in a complex biological matrix precisely was constructed.
Sequential and one-pot post-polymerization modification reactions of thiolactone-containing polymer brushes
Authors: Reese Cassandra M. , Thompson Brittany J. , Logan Phillip K. , Stafford Christopher M. , Blanton Michael , Patton Derek L.
Published: August 2019

Polymer brushes carrying pendent thiolactone functional groups were explored for the design of multifunctional homopolymer brush architectures using sequential and one-pot postpolymerization strategies.
Nucleus-localized platinum(ii)–triphenylamine complexes as potent photodynamic anticancer agents
Authors: Zhong Yi-Fang , Zhang Hang , Mu Ge , Liu Wen-Ting , Cao Qian , Tan Cai-Ping , Ji Liang-Nian , Mao Zong-Wan
Published: August 2019

The para-position coordinated platinum–triphenylamine conjugates exhibited much better PDT anticancer activity than their meta-position coordinated isomers.
Electronic, optical and thermoelectric properties of Fe2ZrP compound determined via first-principles calculations
Authors: Pakizeh Esmaeil , Jalilian Jaafar , Mohammadi Mahnaz
Published: August 2019

In this study, based on the density functional theory and semi-classical Boltzmann transport theory, we investigated the structural, thermoelectric, optical and phononic properties of the Fe2ZrP compound.
Saturated oxygen and nitrogen heterocycles via oxidative coupling of alkyltrifluoroborates with alkenols, alkenoic acids and protected alkenylamines
Authors: Shikora Jonathan M. , Um Chanchamnan , Khoder Zainab M. , Chemler Sherry R.
Published: August 2019

The oxidative coupling of alkyltrifluoroborates with heteroatom-tethered vinylarenes leads to a broad range of saturated oxygen and nitrogen heterocycles.
A macrocyclic oligofuran: synthesis, solid state structure and electronic properties
Authors: Mulay Sandip V. , Dishi Or , Fang Yuan , Niazi Muhammad R. , Shimon Linda J. W. , Perepichka Dmitrii F. , Gidron Ori
Published: August 2019

The first π-conjugated macrocyclic system with an oligofuran backbone display planar conformation and forms large π-aggregates, in contrast to the twisted conformation of small macrocyclic oligothiophenes.