bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Colloidal crystal engineering with metal–organic framework nanoparticles and DNA
Authors: Wang Shunzhi , Park Sarah S. , Buru Cassandra T. , Lin Haixin , Chen Peng-Cheng , Roth Eric W. , Farha Omar K. , Mirkin Chad A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractColloidal crystal engineering with nucleic acid-modified nanoparticles is a powerful way for preparing 3D superlattices, which may be useful in many areas, including catalysis, sensing, and photonics. To date, the building blocks studied have been primarily based upon metals, metal oxides, chalcogenide semiconductors, and proteins. Here, we show that metal–organic framework nanoparticles (MOF NPs) densely functionalized with oligonucleotides can be programmed to crystallize into a diverse set of superlattices with well-defined crystal symmetries and compositions. Electron microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering characterization confirm the formation of single-component MOF superlattices, binary MOF–Au single crystals, and two-dimensional MOF nanorod assemblies. Importantly, DNA-modified porphyrinic MOF nanorods (PCN-222) were assembled into 2D superlattices and found to be catalytically active for the photooxidation of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES, a chemical warfare simulant of mustard gas). Taken together, these new materials and methods provide access to colloidal crystals that incorporate particles with the well-established designer properties of MOFs and, therefore, increase the scope of possibilities for colloidal crystal engineering with DNA.
The Ontario Climate Data Portal, a user-friendly portal of Ontario-specific climate projections
Authors: Zhu Huaiping , Liu Jinliang , Zhou Xiaolan , Chen Xiaoyu , Qiu Xin , Bello Richard L. , Deng Ziwang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAn easily accessible climate data portal,http://yorku.ca/ocdp, was developed and officially launched in 2018 to disseminate a super ensemble of high-resolution regional climate change projections for the province of Ontario, Canada. The spatial resolution is ~10 km × ~10 km and temporal resolution is one day, UTC. The data covers 120 years from 1981 to 2100. This user-friendly portal provides users with thousands of static and interactive maps, decadal variation trend lines, summary tables, reports and terabytes of bias-corrected downscaled data. The data portal was generated with an emphasis on interactive visualization of climate change information for researchers and the public to understand to what extent climate could change locally under different emission scenarios in the future. This paper presents an introduction to the portal structure and functions, the large extent of the datasets available and the data development methodology.
Transformations of superpositions by means of incoherent operations
Authors: Losada Marcelo , Bosyk Gustavo M. , Freytes Hector , Sergioli Giuseppe 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this paper we study how the coherence of a superposition of pure states is related with the coherence of its components. We consider two pure initial states and two pure final coherent states, such that the former ones cannot be transformed into the latter ones by means of incoherent transformations. In this situation, we analyze conditions for the existence of superpositions of the initial states that can be transformed into superpositions of the final states. In particular, we consider superpositions formed by quantum states belonging to orthogonal subspaces. By appealing to the majorization theory, we obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for such transformations to be possible. Finally, we provide some examples that illustrate the difference between the obtained conditions and the necessary criterion based on the relative entropy of coherence.
Three-State Majority-vote Model on Scale-Free Networks and the Unitary Relation for Critical Exponents
Authors: Vilela André L. M. , Zubillaga Bernardo J. , Wang Chao , Wang Minggang , Du Ruijin , Stanley H. Eugene 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe investigate the three-state majority-vote model for opinion dynamics on scale-free and regular networks. In this model, an individual selects an opinion equal to the opinion of the majority of its neighbors with probability 1 − q, and different to it with probability q. The parameter q is called the noise parameter of the model. We build a network of interactions where z neighbors are selected by each added site in the system, a preferential attachment network with degree distribution k−λ, where λ = 3 for a large number of nodes N. In this work, z is called the growth parameter. Using finite-size scaling analysis, we obtain that the critical exponents $$\beta /\bar{\nu }$$
β
/

ν
¯

and $$\gamma /\bar{\nu }$$
γ
/

ν
¯

associated with the magnetization and the susceptibility, respectively. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we calculate the critical noise parameter qc as a function of z for the scale-free networks and obtain the phase diagram of the model. We find that the critical exponents add up to unity when using a special volumetric scaling, regardless of the dimension of the network of interactions. We verify this result by obtaining the critical noise and the critical exponents for the two and three-state majority-vote model on cubic lattice networks.
Human group coordination in a sensorimotor task with neuron-like decision-making
Authors: Schmid Gerrit , Braun Daniel A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe formation of cooperative groups of agents with limited information-processing capabilities to solve complex problems together is a fundamental building principle that cuts through multiple scales in biology from groups of cells to groups of humans. Here, we study an experimental paradigm where a group of humans is joined together to solve a common sensorimotor task that cannot be achieved by a single agent but relies on the cooperation of the group. In particular, each human acts as a neuron-like binary decision-maker that determines in each moment of time whether to be active or not. Inspired by the population vector method for movement decoding, each neuron-like decision-maker is assigned a preferred movement direction that the decision-maker is ignorant about. From the population vector reflecting the group activity, the movement of a cursor is determined, and the task for the group is to steer the cursor into a predefined target. As the preferred movement directions are unknown and players are not allowed to communicate, the group has to learn a control strategy on the fly from the shared visual feedback. Performance is analyzed by learning speed and accuracy, action synchronization, and group coherence. We study four different computational models of the observed behavior, including a perceptron model, a reinforcement learning model, a Bayesian inference model and a Thompson sampling model that efficiently approximates Bayes optimal behavior. The Bayes and especially the Thompson model excel in predicting the human group behavior compared to the other models, suggesting that internal models are crucial for adaptive coordination. We discuss benefits and limitations of our paradigm regarding a better understanding of distributed information processing.
Assessing the effect of current steering on the total electrical energy delivered and ambulation in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Hui Daphne , Murgai Aditya A. , Gilmore Greydon , Mohideen Shabna I. , Parrent Andrew G. , Jog Mandar S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractVertical current steering (vCS) divides current between multiple contacts, which reduces radial spread to fine-tune the electric field shape and improves neuroanatomical targeting. vCS may improve the variable responsiveness of Parkinsonian gait to conventional deep brain stimulation. We hypothesized that vCS elicits greater improvement in ambulation in Parkinson’s disease patients compared to conventional, single-contact stimulation. vCS was implemented with divisions of 70%/30% and 50%/50% and compared to single-contact stimulation with four therapeutic window amplitudes in current-controlled systems. Walking at a self-selected pace was evaluated in seven levodopa-responsive patients. Integrative measures of gait and stimulation parameters were assessed with the functional ambulation performance (FAP) score and total electrical energy delivered (TEED), respectively. A two-tailed Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test assessed the effect of each stimulation condition on FAP and TEED and compared regression slopes; further, a two-tailed Spearman test identified correlations. vCS significantly lowered the TEED (P < 0.0001); however, FAP scores were not different between conditions (P = 0.786). Compared to single-contact stimulation, vCS elicited higher FAP scores with lower TEED (P = 0.031). FAP and TEED were positively correlated in vCS (P = 2.000 × 10-5, r = 0.397) and single-contact stimulation (P = 0.034, r = 0.205). Therefore, vCS and single-contact stimulation improved ambulation similarly but vCS reduced the TEED and side-effects at higher amplitudes.
Comparison of intradialytic versus home-based exercise programs on physical functioning, physical activity level, adherence, and health-related quality of life: pilot study
Authors: Ortega-Pérez de Villar Lucía , Martínez-Olmos Francisco José , Pérez-Domínguez Francisco de Borja , Benavent-Caballer Vicent , Montañez-Aguilera Francisco Javier , Mercer Tom , Segura-Ortí Eva 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntradialytic exercise (ID) programs are effective and safe for hemodialysis (HD) patients to avoid functional deterioration. However, exercise is not routinely undertaken in most HD units, and we do not know if home-based (HB) programs are as effective as ID programs. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 16 weeks of ID exercise versus a HB exercise program for HD patients. A total of 46 patients were randomly assigned to the ID group (n = 24) or HB group (n = 22). They completed a 16-week combined exercise program 3 times/week. We measured physical activity level, physical functioning, depression level, and health-related quality of life at baseline and after 16 weeks. A significant time effect was found in both groups for the physical activity level (p = 0.012). There was also a significant group–time interaction effect for the one-leg standing test (OLST) (p = 0.049) and a significant time effect for the Short Physical Performance Battery (p = 0.013), timed up-and-go test (p = 0.005), sit-to-stand-10 (p = 0.027), right and left hand handgrip (p = 0.044, p < 0.001), one-heel left leg raise (p = 0.019), and 6-minute walking (p = 0.006), depression (p = 0.017). HRQoL remained unchanged. There was no difference between the two interventions on the tested outcomes (besides OLST). Both interventions were associated with positive changes of the physical activity levels and physical function.
Comparative analysis of MACROD1, MACROD2 and TARG1 expression, localisation and interactome
Authors: Žaja R. , Aydin G. , Lippok B. E. , Feederle R. , Lüscher B. , Feijs K.L.H. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe posttranslational modification ADP-ribosylation is involved in many cellular processes, with distinct roles for poly- and mono(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PAR- and MARylation, respectively). Reversibility of intracellular MARylation was demonstrated with the discovery of MACROD1, MACROD2 and TARG1, three macrodomain-containing enzymes capable of reversing MARylation of proteins and RNA. While the three enzymes have identical activities in vitro, their roles in cells are unclear and published data are partially contradictory, possibly due to a lack of validated reagents. We developed monoclonal antibodies to study these proteins and analysed their tissue distribution and intracellular localisation. MACROD1 is most prevalent in mitochondria of skeletal muscle, MACROD2 localises to nucleo- and cytoplasm and is found so far only in neuroblastoma cells, whereas the more ubiquitously expressed TARG1 is present in nucleoplasm, nucleolus and stress granules. Loss of MACROD1 or loss of TARG1 leads to disruption of mitochondrial or nucleolar morphology, respectively, hinting at their importance for these organelles. To start elucidating the underlying mechanisms, we have mapped their interactomes using BioID. The cellular localisation of interactors supports the mitochondrial, nucleolar and stress granule localisation of MACROD1 and TARG1, respectively. Gene ontology analysis suggests an involvement of MACROD1 and TARG1 in RNA metabolism in their respective compartments. The detailed description of the hydrolases’ expression, localisation and interactome presented here provides a solid basis for future work addressing their physiological function in more detail.
Histopathological lesions and exposure to Plasmodium falciparum infections in the placenta increases the risk of preeclampsia among pregnant women
Authors: Obiri Dorotheah , Erskine Isaac Joe , Oduro Daniel , Kusi Kwadwo Asamoah , Amponsah Jones , Gyan Ben Adu , Adu-Bonsaffoh Kwame , Ofori Michael Fokuo 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPreeclampsia (PE) is a placental disorder with different phenotypic presentations. In malaria-endemic regions, high incidence of PE is reported, with debilitating foeto-maternal effects, particularly among primigravid women. However, the relationship between placental pathology and Plasmodium falciparum infection in the placenta with PE is underexplored. Placentas from 134 pregnant women were examined after delivery for pathological lesions and placental malaria (PM). They comprised of 69 women without PE (non-PE group) and 65 women diagnosed with PE (PE group). The presence of placental pathology increased the risk of PE, with particular reference to syncytial knots. Placental malaria was 64 (48.1%) and 21 (15.8%) respectively for active and past infections and these proportions were significantly higher in the PE group compared to the non-PE group. Further multivariate analyses showed placental pathology (adjusted (aOR) 3.0, 95% CI = 1.2–7.5), active PM (aOR 6.7, 95% CI = 2.3–19.1), past PM (aOR 12.4, 95% CI = 3.0–51.0) and primigravidity (aOR 6.6, 95% CI 2.4–18.2) to be associated with PE. Our findings suggest that placental histological changes and PM are independent risk factors for PE particularly in primigravida. These findings might improve the management of PE in malaria-endemic regions.
Regulation of Adipocyte Differentiation by METTL4, a 6 mA Methylase
Authors: Zhang Zhenxi , Hou Yingzi , Wang Yao , Gao Tao , Ma Ziyue , Yang Ying , Zhang Pei , Yi Fan , Zhan Jun , Zhang Hongquan , Du Quan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAs one of the most abundant DNA methylation form in prokaryotes, N6-methyladenine nucleotide (6 mA) was however only recently identified in eukaryotic genomes. To explore the implications of N6-adenine methylation in adipogenesis, genomic N6-adenine methylation was examined across adipocyte differentiation stages of 3T3-L1 cells. When the N6-adenine methylation profiles were analyzed and compared with the levels of gene expression, a positive correlation between the density of promoter 6 mA and gene expression level was uncovered. By means of in vitro methylation and gene knockdown assay, METTL4, a homologue of Drosophila methylase CG14906 and C. elegans methylase DAMT-1, was demonstrated to be a mammalian N6-adenine methylase that functions in adipogenesis. Knockdown of Mettl4 led to altered adipocyte differentiation, shown by defective gene regulation and impaired lipid production. We also found that the effects of N6-adenine methylation on lipid production involved the regulation of INSR signaling pathway, which promotes glucose up-taking and lipid production in the terminal differentiation stage.
Ongoing formation of felsic lower crustal channel by relamination in Zagros collision zone revealed from regional tomography
Authors: Talebi Amir , Koulakov Ivan , Moradi Ali , Rahimi Habib , Gerya Taras 
Published: May 2020

AbstractComplex interaction of rheologically contrasting layers within the lithosphere during the collision of continental plates leads to active faulting, which represents a serious hazard to the population and infrastructure. One of the collision scenarios presumes the existence of a middle-lower crustal channel composed of subducted silicic upper crustal rocks, which is thought to exist in the Tibetan-Himalayan system. Based on the results of seismic tomography, we argue that a similar mechanism of crustal channeling takes place beneath the Zagros mountain system in southwestern Iran. The 3D seismic velocity model reveals an inverted crustal architecture of the collision zone, in which the low-velocity felsic (granitic and sedimentary) upper crustal rocks of the Arabian plate form a seismically inactive lower crustal channel below the higher-velocity mafic (basaltic) middle-upper crustal layer of the Iranian crust. Based on existing numerical models, we suggest that the formation of the felsic channel is likely governed by separation (delamination) of the weak felsic upper crust of the subducting Arabian lithosphere and its ductile underplating under rheologically stronger upper-middle crust of the Iranian plate.
Effects of thermal annealing on localization and strain in core/multishell GaAs/GaNAs/GaAs nanowires
Authors: Balagula Roman M. , Jansson Mattias , Yukimune Mitsuki , Stehr Jan E. , Ishikawa Fumitaro , Chen Weimin M. , Buyanova Irina A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCore/shell nanowire (NW) heterostructures based on III-V semiconductors and related alloys are attractive for optoelectronic and photonic applications owing to the ability to modify their electronic structure via bandgap and strain engineering. Post-growth thermal annealing of such NWs is often involved during device fabrication and can also be used to improve their optical and transport properties. However, effects of such annealing on alloy disorder and strain in core/shell NWs are not fully understood. In this work we investigate these effects in novel core/shell/shell GaAs/GaNAs/GaAs NWs grown by molecular beam epitaxy on (111) Si substrates. By employing polarization-resolved photoluminescence measurements, we show that annealing (i) improves overall alloy uniformity due to suppressed long-range fluctuations in the N composition; (ii) reduces local strain within N clusters acting as quantum dot emitters; and (iii) leads to partial relaxation of the global strain caused by the lattice mismatch between GaNAs and GaAs. Our results, therefore, underline applicability of such treatment for improving optical quality of NWs from highly-mismatched alloys. They also call for caution when using ex-situ annealing in strain-engineered NW heterostructures.
Facile Synthesis of Porous Polymer Using Biomass Polyphenol Source for Highly Efficient Separation of Cs+ from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Chen Shangqing , Hu Jiayin , Guo Yafei , Deng Tianlong 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this work, a series of polyphenol porous polymers were derived from biomass polyphenols via a facile azo-coupling method. The structure and morphologies of the polymer were characterized by BET, TEM, SEM, XRD, TGA and FT-IR techniques. Batch experiments demonstrated their potentialities for adsorptive separation of Cs+ from aqueous solution. Among them, porous polymers prepared with gallic acid as starting material (GAPP) could adsorb Cs+ at wide pH value range effectively, and the optimal adsorption capacity was up to 163.6 mg/g, placing it at top material for Cs+ adsorption. GAPP exhibited significantly high adsorption performance toward Cs+ compared to Na+ and K+, making it possible in selective removal of Cs+ from ground water in presence of co-existing competitive ions. Moreover, the Cs-laden GAPP could be facilely eluted and reused in consecutive adsorption-desorption processes. As a result, we hope this work could provide ideas about the potential utilization of biomass polyphenol in environmental remediation.
Tear Glucose Measurement by Reflectance Spectrum of a Nanoparticle Embedded Contact Lens
Authors: Kim Sooyeon , Jeon Hee-Jae , Park Sijin , Lee Dong Yun , Chung Euiheon 
Published: May 2020

AbstractGlucose level is a primary indicator in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes mellitus. According to the correlation between glucose concentration in blood and tears, measuring tear glucose can be an alternative to traditional strips test for blood glucose. Thus, measuring tear glucose levels could provide noninvasive monitoring of blood glucose. As a biocompatible biosensor, a nanoparticle embedded contact lens (NECL) is developed which is composed of glucose oxidase and cerium oxide (III). Using spectroscopy, we found the detectable changes in reflection spectrum of contact lenses with respect to the glucose concentration, and developed correlation curve of the reflection spectrum with known glucose level. Furthermore, we assessed tear glucose level and compared blood glucose level with the diabetic mouse model to evaluate this approach. Our algorithm for regular monitoring of glucose using contact lens biosensor may lead to noninvasive monitoring of tear glucose level. NECL may provide simple and noninvasive glucose monitoring based on the spectral changes in contact lens biosensor.
A facile approach to hydrophilic oxidized fullerenes and their derivatives as cytotoxic agents and supports for nanobiocatalytic systems
Authors: Zygouri Panagiota , Spyrou Konstantinos , Mitsari Efstratia , Barrio María , Macovez Roberto , Patila Michaela , Stamatis Haralambos , Verginadis Ioannis I. , Velalopoulou Anastasia P. , Evangelou Angelos M. , Sideratou Zili , Gournis Dimitrios , Rudolf Petra 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA facile, environment-friendly, versatile and reproducible approach to the successful oxidation of fullerenes (oxC60) and the formation of highly hydrophilic fullerene derivatives is introduced. This synthesis relies on the widely known Staudenmaier’s method for the oxidation of graphite, to produce both epoxy and hydroxy groups on the surface of fullerenes (C60) and thereby improve the solubility of the fullerene in polar solvents (e.g. water). The presence of epoxy groups allows for further functionalization via nucleophilic substitution reactions to generate new fullerene derivatives, which can potentially lead to a wealth of applications in the areas of medicine, biology, and composite materials. In order to justify the potential of oxidized C60 derivatives for bio-applications, we investigated their cytotoxicity in vitro as well as their utilization as support in biocatalysis applications, taking the immobilization of laccase for the decolorization of synthetic industrial dyes as a trial case.