bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrojet-based delivery of footprint-free iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes into porcine myocardium
Authors: Weber Marbod , Fech Andreas , Jäger Luise , Steinle Heidrun , Bühler Louisa , Perl Regine Mariette , Martirosian Petros , Mehling Roman , Sonanini Dominik , Aicher Wilhelm K. , Nikolaou Konstantin , Schlensak Christian , Enderle Markus D. , Wendel Hans Peter , Linzenbold Walter , Avci-Adali Meltem 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe reprogramming of patient´s somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and the consecutive differentiation into cardiomyocytes enables new options for the treatment of infarcted myocardium. In this study, the applicability of a hydrojet-based method to deliver footprint-free iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes into the myocardium was analyzed. A new hydrojet system enabling a rapid and accurate change between high tissue penetration pressures and low cell injection pressures was developed. Iron oxide-coated microparticles were ex vivo injected into porcine hearts to establish the application parameters and the distribution was analyzed using magnetic resonance imaging. The influence of different hydrojet pressure settings on the viability of cardiomyocytes was analyzed. Subsequently, cardiomyocytes were delivered into the porcine myocardium and analyzed by an in vivo imaging system. The delivery of microparticles or cardiomyocytes into porcine myocardium resulted in a widespread three-dimensional distribution. In vitro, 7 days post-injection, only cardiomyocytes applied with a hydrojet pressure setting of E20 (79.57 ± 1.44%) showed a significantly reduced cell viability in comparison to the cells applied with 27G needle (98.35 ± 5.15%). Furthermore, significantly less undesired distribution of the cells via blood vessels was detected compared to 27G needle injection. This study demonstrated the applicability of the hydrojet-based method for the intramyocardial delivery of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes. The efficient delivery of cardiomyocytes into infarcted myocardium could significantly improve the regeneration.
Numerical treatment of radiative Nickel–Zinc ferrite-Ethylene glycol nanofluid flow past a curved surface with thermal stratification and slip conditions
Authors: Ramzan Muhammad , Gul Nosheen , Chung Jae Dong , Kadry Seifedine , Chu Yu-Ming 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe inadequate cooling capacity of the customary fluids forced the scientists to look for some alternatives that could fulfill the industry requirements. The inception of nanofluids has revolutionized the modern industry-oriented finished products. Nanofluids are the amalgamation of metallic nanoparticles and the usual fluids that possess a high heat transfer rate. Thus, meeting the cooling requirements of the engineering and industrial processes. Having such amazing traits of nanofluids in mind our aim here is to discuss the flow of nanofluid comprising Nickel–Zinc Ferrite and Ethylene glycol over a curved surface with heat transfer analysis. The heat equation contains nonlinear thermal radiation and heat generation/absorption effects. The envisioned mathematical model is supported by the slip and the thermal stratification boundary conditions. Apposite transformations are betrothed to obtain the system of ordinary differential equations from the governing system in curvilinear coordinates. A numerical solution is found by applying MATLAB build-in function bvp4c. The authentication of the proposed model is substantiated by comparing the results with published articles in limiting case. An excellent concurrence is seen in this case. The impacts of numerous physical parameters on Skin friction and Nusselt number and, on velocity and temperature are shown graphically. It is observed that heat generation/absorption has a significant impact on the heat transfer rate. It is also comprehended that velocity and temperature distributions have varied behaviors near and far away from the curve when the curvature is enhanced.
Serogroups of Dichelobacter nodosus, the cause of footrot in sheep, are randomly distributed across England
Authors: Prosser Naomi S. , Monaghan Emma M. , Green Laura E. , Purdy Kevin J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe present the largest and most representative study of the serological diversity ofDichelobacter nodosusin England.D. nodosuscauses footrot and is one of the top five globally important diseases of sheep. The commercial vaccine, containing nine serogroups, has low efficacy compared with bivalent vaccines. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence and distribution of serogroups ofD. nodosusin England to elucidate whether a bivalent vaccine could protect the national flock. Farmers from 164 flocks submitted eight interdigital swabs from eight, preferably diseased, sheep. All serogroups, A–I, were detected by PCR in 687/1150D. nodosuspositive swabs, with a prevalence of 2.6–69.3% of positive swabs per serogroup. There was a median of two serogroups per flock (range 0–6). Serogroups were randomly distributed between, but clustered within, flocks, with 50 combinations of serogroups across flocks. H and B were the most prevalent serogroups, present in > 60% of flocks separately but in only 27% flocks together. Consequently, a bivalent vaccine targeting these two serogroups would protect 27% of flocks fully (if only H and B present) and partially, if more serogroups were present in the flock. We conclude that one bivalent vaccine would not protect the national flock against footrot and, with 50 combinations of serogroups in flocks, flock-specific vaccines are necessary.
Evidence for and against deformed wing virus spillover from honey bees to bumble bees: a reverse genetic analysis
Authors: Gusachenko Olesya N. , Woodford Luke , Balbirnie-Cumming Katharin , Ryabov Eugene V. , Evans David J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDeformed wing virus (DWV) is a persistent pathogen of European honey bees and the major contributor to overwintering colony losses. The prevalence of DWV in honey bees has led to significant concerns about spillover of the virus to other pollinating species. Bumble bees are both a major group of wild and commercially-reared pollinators. Several studies have reported pathogen spillover of DWV from honey bees to bumble bees, but evidence of a sustained viral infection characterized by virus replication and accumulation has yet to be demonstrated. Here we investigate the infectivity and transmission of DWV in bumble bees using the buff-tailed bumble bee Bombus terrestris as a model. We apply a reverse genetics approach combined with controlled laboratory conditions to detect and monitor DWV infection. A novel reverse genetics system for three representative DWV variants, including the two master variants of DWV—type A and B—was used. Our results directly confirm DWV replication in bumble bees but also demonstrate striking resistance to infection by certain transmission routes. Bumble bees may support DWV replication but it is not clear how infection could occur under natural environmental conditions.
ROCK inhibitor combined with Ca2+ controls the myosin II activation and optimizes human nasal epithelial cell sheets
Authors: Kasai Yoshiyuki , Morino Tsunetaro , Mori Eri , Yamamoto Kazuhisa , Kojima Hiromi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe proliferation and differentiation of cultured epithelial cells may be modified by Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibition and extracellular Ca2+ concentration. However, it was not known whether a combination would influence the behavior of cultured epithelial cells through changes in the phosphorylation of non-muscle myosin light chain II (MLC). Here we show that the combination of ROCK inhibition with Ca2+ elevation regulated the phosphorylation of MLC and improved both cell expansion and cell–cell adhesion during the culture of human nasal mucosal epithelial cell sheets. During explant culture, Ca2+ enhanced the adhesion of nasal mucosal tissue, while ROCK inhibition downregulated MLC phosphorylation and promoted cell proliferation. During cell sheet culture, an elevation of extracellular Ca2+ promoted MLC phosphorylation and formation of cell–cell junctions, allowing the harvesting of cell sheets without collapse. Moreover, an in vitro grafting assay revealed that ROCK inhibition increased the expansion of cell sheets three-fold (an effect maintained when Ca2+ was also elevated), implying better wound healing potential. We suggest that combining ROCK inhibition with elevation of Ca2+ could facilitate the fabrication of many types of cell graft.
Multi-wave-mixing-induced nonlinear modulation of diffraction peaks in an opto-atomic grating
Authors: Dutta Bibhas Kumar , Panchadhyayee Pradipta , Bayal Indranil , Mahapatra Prasanta Kumar , Das Nityananda 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe propose an atomic model in close-loop configuration, which exhibits controllable symmetric and asymmetric evolution of significantly enhanced diffraction peaks of the weak probe beam in an opto-atomic grating at far-field regime. Such results are obtained by the linear and nonlinear modulation of the intensities of the diffraction peaks as a result of multi-wave-mixing-induced modification of spatially modulated coherence in a closed four-level atomic system. Novelty of the results lies in predicting the diffraction pattern with uniform peak height due to the dominance of the amplitude part of the grating-transfer-function at the condition of exact atom-field resonance, which is unique to the present model. Efficacy of the present scheme is to apply it in producing nonlinear light generated by four-wave-mixing-induced control of spatially modulated coherence effect. The work also finds its importance for its applicability in the field of all-optical devices.
Enhanced emotional and motor responses to live versus videotaped dynamic facial expressions
Authors: Hsu Chun-Ting , Sato Wataru , Yoshikawa Sakiko 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFacial expression is an integral aspect of non-verbal communication of affective information. Earlier psychological studies have reported that the presentation of prerecorded photographs or videos of emotional facial expressions automatically elicits divergent responses, such as emotions and facial mimicry. However, such highly controlled experimental procedures may lack the vividness of real-life social interactions. This study incorporated a live image relay system that delivered models’ real-time performance of positive (smiling) and negative (frowning) dynamic facial expressions or their prerecorded videos to participants. We measured subjective ratings of valence and arousal and facial electromyography (EMG) activity in the zygomaticus major and corrugator supercilii muscles. Subjective ratings showed that the live facial expressions were rated to elicit higher valence and more arousing than the corresponding videos for positive emotion conditions. Facial EMG data showed that compared with the video, live facial expressions more effectively elicited facial muscular activity congruent with the models’ positive facial expressions. The findings indicate that emotional facial expressions in live social interactions are more evocative of emotional reactions and facial mimicry than earlier experimental data have suggested.
Hot electron energy relaxation time in vanadium nitride superconducting film structures under THz and IR radiation
Authors: Pentin Ivan , Vakhtomin Yury , Seleznev Vitaly , Smirnov Konstantin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe paper presents the experimental results of studying the dynamics of electron energy relaxation in structures made of thin (d ≈ 6 nm) disordered superconducting vanadium nitride (VN) films converted to a resistive state by high-frequency radiation and transport current. Under conditions of quasi-equilibrium superconductivity and temperature range close to critical (~ Tc), a direct measurement of the energy relaxation time of electrons by the beats method arising from two monochromatic sources with close frequencies radiation in sub-THz region (ω ≈ 0.140 THz) and sources in the IR region (ω ≈ 193 THz) was conducted. The measured time of energy relaxation of electrons in the studied VN structures upon heating of THz and IR radiation completely coincided and amounted to (2.6–2.7) ns. The studied response of VN structures to IR (ω ≈ 193 THz) picosecond laser pulses also allowed us to estimate the energy relaxation time in VN structures, which was ~ 2.8 ns and is in good agreement with the result obtained by the mixing method. Also, we present the experimentally measured volt-watt responsivity (S~) within the frequency range ω ≈ (0.3–6) THz VN HEB detector. The estimated values of noise equivalent power (NEP) for VN HEB and its minimum energy level (δE) reached NEP@1MHz ≈ 6.3 × 10–14 W/√Hz and δE ≈ 8.1 × 10–18 J, respectively.
Anisotropic transport induced by DC electrical current bias near the critical current
Authors: Shin Junghyun , Park Sungyu , Kim Eunseong 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe investigated the transport characteristics of a square shape superconducting Ta thin film under DC electrical current bias along the diagonal direction. The resistance parallel (R∥) and perpendicular (R⊥) to the DC current, IDC, is measured with various magnetic fields. R∥ and R⊥ show contrasting dependence on IDC. First, the critical current of R∥ is smaller than that of R⊥. Second, R⊥ shows an unexpected reduction at current bias where R∥ shows a rapid increase near the transition from a flux flow state to a normal state. The intriguing anisotropic transport characteristics can be understood by the inhomogeneous current density profile over the square sample. Diagonal DC current induces an anisotropic current density profile where the current density is high near the biasing electrode and low at the center of the sample. Accordingly, the electrical transport in the perpendicular direction could remain less affected even near the critical current of R∥, which leads to the higher critical current in R⊥. Complicated conduction profile may also allow the anomalous reduction in the R⊥ before finally shifting to the normal state.
Aqueous ionic effect on electrochemical breakdown of Si-dielectric–electrolyte interface
Authors: Yun Jeongse , Lee Jae Gyeong , Oh Kyungbae , Kang Kisuk , Chung Taek Dong 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe breakdown of thin dielectric films (SiO2, Si3N4, HfO2) immersed in aqueous electrolyte was investigated. The current and the kinetics of dielectric breakdown caused by large cathodic electric field applied across the dielectric layer reveal the electrochemical nature of dielectric materials. Electrolytes play a huge role in the established dielectric-electrolyte interface with respect to the overall electrical behavior of the system. Although aqueous cations are considered as spectator ions in most electrochemical systems, in dielectric interfaces the current–potential characteristics depend on the type of cation. Computer simulation based on density functional theory and molecular dynamics showed cations affect the dielectric strength. The responses of various dielectric films to solution components provide invaluable information for dielectric-incorporated electrochemical systems.
Neutral sphingomyelinase 2 regulates inflammatory responses in monocytes/macrophages induced by TNF-α
Authors: Al-Rashed Fatema , Ahmad Zunair , Thomas Reeby , Melhem Motasem , Snider Ashley J. , Obeid Lina M. , Al-Mulla Fahd , Hannun Yusuf A. , Ahmad Rasheed 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObesity is associated with elevated levels of TNF-α and proinflammatory CD11c monocytes/macrophages. TNF-α mediated dysregulation in the plasticity of monocytes/macrophages is concomitant with pathogenesis of several inflammatory diseases, including metabolic syndrome, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Since neutral sphingomyelinase-2 (nSMase2: SMPD3) is a key enzyme for ceramide production involved in inflammation, we investigated whether nSMase2 contributed to the inflammatory changes in the monocytes/macrophages induced by TNF-α. In this study, we demonstrate that the disruption of nSMase activity in monocytes/macrophages either by chemical inhibitor GW4869 or small interfering RNA (siRNA) against SMPD3 results in defects in the TNF-α mediated expression of CD11c. Furthermore, blockage of nSMase in monocytes/macrophages inhibited the secretion of inflammatory mediators IL-1β and MCP-1. In contrast, inhibition of acid SMase (aSMase) activity did not attenuate CD11c expression or secretion of IL-1β and MCP-1. TNF-α-induced phosphorylation of JNK, p38 and NF-κB was also attenuated by the inhibition of nSMase2. Moreover, NF-kB/AP-1 activity was blocked by the inhibition of nSMase2. SMPD3 was elevated in PBMCs from obese individuals and positively corelated with TNF-α gene expression. These findings indicate that nSMase2 acts, at least in part, as a master switch in the TNF-α mediated inflammatory responses in monocytes/macrophages.
Design and bio-inspired optimization of direct contact membrane distillation for desalination based on constructal law
Authors: Keshavarzzadeh Amir H. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAt the present study, a one-dimensional model for the flat sheet direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) for desalination purposes is proposed. Flows and membrane properties have been estimated by appropriate temperature-dependent correlations. Results show that the numerical model is in a very good agreement with experimental data at various feed temperatures, flow rates and concentrations. A constructal design is investigated for DCMD to assess how constructal law can improve the DCMD performance. With the same thermal efficiency of 93.5%, constructal design improves the water mass flux by 37.5% in comparison with the conventional DCMD design. Also, an evolutionary-based optimization algorithm is employed to increase the efficiency of the constructal and conventional design. The Pareto frontier of the constructal and conventional design is compared with each other and the correlations between design variables are investigated. Overall, the present study demonstrates how constructal law can increase the performance of energy systems with a simple modification.
Steered molecular dynamic simulations reveal Marfan syndrome mutations disrupt fibrillin-1 cbEGF domain mechanosensitive calcium binding
Authors: Haller Stephen J. , Roitberg Adrian E. , Dudley Andrew T. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMarfan syndrome (MFS) is a highly variable genetic connective tissue disorder caused by mutations in the calcium binding extracellular matrix glycoprotein fibrillin-1. Patients with the most severe form of MFS (neonatal MFS; nMFS) tend to have mutations that cluster in an internal region of fibrillin-1 called the neonatal region. This region is predominantly composed of eight calcium-binding epidermal growth factor-like (cbEGF) domains, each of which binds one calcium ion and is stabilized by three highly conserved disulfide bonds. Crucially, calcium plays a fundamental role in stabilizing cbEGF domains. Perturbed calcium binding caused by cbEGF domain mutations is thus thought to be a central driver of MFS pathophysiology. Using steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations, we demonstrate that cbEGF domain calcium binding decreases under mechanical stress (i.e. cbEGF domains are mechanosensitive). We further demonstrate the disulfide bonds in cbEGF domains uniquely orchestrate protein unfolding by showing that MFS disulfide bond mutations markedly disrupt normal mechanosensitive calcium binding dynamics. These results point to a potential mechanosensitive mechanism for fibrillin-1 in regulating extracellular transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) bioavailability and microfibril integrity. Such mechanosensitive “smart” features may represent novel mechanisms for mechanical hemostasis regulation in extracellular matrix that are pathologically activated in MFS.
Widespread Torix Rickettsia in New Zealand amphipods and the use of blocking primers to rescue host COI sequences
Authors: Park Eunji , Poulin Robert 
Published: October 2020

AbstractEndosymbionts and intracellular parasites are common in arthropod hosts. As a consequence, (co)amplification of untargeted bacterial sequences has been occasionally reported as a common problem in DNA barcoding. While identifying amphipod species with universal COI primers, we unexpectedly detected rickettsial endosymbionts belonging to the Torix group. To map the distribution and diversity of Rickettsia species among amphipod hosts, we conducted a nationwide molecular screening of seven families of New Zealand freshwater amphipods. In addition to uncovering a diversity of Torix Rickettsia species across multiple amphipod populations from three different families, our research indicates that: (1) detecting Torix Rickettsia with universal primers is not uncommon, (2) obtaining ‘Rickettsia COI sequences’ from many host individuals is highly likely when a population is infected, and (3) obtaining ‘host COI’ may not be possible with a conventional PCR if an individual is infected. Because Rickettsia COI is highly conserved across diverse host taxa, we were able to design blocking primers that can be used in a wide range of host species infected with Torix Rickettsia. We propose the use of blocking primers to circumvent problems caused by unwanted amplification of Rickettsia and to obtain targeted host COI sequences for DNA barcoding, population genetics, and phylogeographic studies.
Rab35 and its effectors promote formation of tunneling nanotubes in neuronal cells
Authors: Bhat Shaarvari , Ljubojevic Nina , Zhu Seng , Fukuda Mitsunori , Echard Arnaud , Zurzolo Chiara 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are F-actin rich structures that connect distant cells, allowing the transport of many cellular components, including vesicles, organelles and molecules. Rab GTPases are the major regulators of vesicle trafficking and also participate in actin cytoskeleton remodelling, therefore, we examined their role in TNTs. Rab35 functions with several proteins that are involved in vesicle trafficking such as ACAP2, MICAL-L1, ARF6 and EHD1, which are known to be involved in neurite outgrowth. Here we show that Rab35 promotes TNT formation and TNT-mediated vesicle transfer in a neuronal cell line. Furthermore, our data indicates that Rab35-GTP, ACAP2, ARF6-GDP and EHD1 act in a cascade mechanism to promote TNT formation. Interestingly, MICAL-L1 overexpression, shown to be necessary for the action of Rab35 on neurite outgrowth, showed no effect on TNTs, indicating that TNT formation and neurite outgrowth may be processed through similar but not identical pathways, further supporting the unique identity of these cellular protrusions.
Numerical simulation of the dynamic distribution characteristics of the stress, strain and energy of coal mass under impact loads
Authors: Zhu Hongqing , Fang Shuhao , Zhang Yilong , Wu Yan , Guo Jinlin , Li Feng 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTo research the dynamic response characteristics of coal mass under impact loads, based on LS-DYNA software, rigid body bars are simulated to impact coal mass under different speed conditions, and the dynamic distribution characteristics of the stress, strain and energy of coal mass are analyzed. The results demonstrate that (1) the peaks of the axial and radial stresses and strain on the central axis and the radial line obey the power function distribution; at the same position, the axial and the radial stress peaks are close, and the axial strain peak is from much larger than the radial strain peak to close to. (2) The axial and radial stresses generate tensile stresses in the axial and radial propagation directions, respectively, and the coal mass is prone to damage under tensile stress. (3) When the speed is large, the axial stress–strain curve is similar to that of the dynamic load experiment. The axial stress peak, axial strain peak, critical effective stress, critical time and secant modulus have a linear relationship with the velocity. (4) When the dynamic load is large, most of the energy is in the form of kinetic energy, and the total energy loss also increases.