bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coat-and-print patterning of silver nanowires for flexible and transparent electronics
Authors: Li Weiwei , Meredov Azat , Shamim Atif 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSilver nanowires (Ag NWs) possess excellent optoelectronic properties, which have led to many technology-focused applications of transparent and flexible electronics. Many of these applications require patterning of Ag NWs into desired shapes, for which mask-based and printing-based techniques have been developed and widely used. However, there are still several limitations associated to these techniques. These limitations, such as complicated patterning procedures, limited patterning area, and compromised optical transparency, hamper the efficient fabrication of high-performance Ag NW patterns. Here, we propose a coat-and-print approach for effectively patterning Ag NWs. We printed a polymer-based ink on the spin-coated Ag NW films. The ink acts as a protective layer to help remove excess Ag NWs from the substrate and then dissolves itself into an organic solvent. In this way, we can take advantage of both coating-based techniques (lead to Ag NWs with high transparency) and printing-based techniques (efficiently pattern diverse shapes). The resultant Ag NW patterns exhibit comparable conductivity (sheet resistance: 7.1 to 30 Ohm/sq) and transparency (transmittance: 84 to 95% at λ = 550 nm) to those made by conventional coating methods. In addition, the patterned Ag NWs exhibit robust mechanical stability and reliability, surviving extensive bending and peeling tests. Due to higher conductivity, efficient patterning ability and inherent transparency, this material system and application method is highly suitable for transparent and flexible electronics. As a proof of concept, this research demonstrates a wide-band antenna, operating in the mm-wave range that includes the 5G communication band. The proposed antenna exhibits a wide bandwidth of 26 GHz (from 17.9 GHz to 44 GHz), robust return loss under 1000 cyclic bending (bending radius of 3.5 mm), and decent transparency over the entire visible wavelength (86.8% transmittance at λ = 550 nm). This work’s promising results indicate that this method can be adapted for roll-to-roll manufacturing to efficiently produce patterned and optically transparent devices.
SMN complex member Gemin3 self-interacts and has a functional relationship with ALS-linked proteins TDP-43, FUS and Sod1
Authors: Cacciottolo Rebecca , Ciantar Joanna , Lanfranco Maia , Borg Rebecca M. , Vassallo Neville , Bordonné Rémy , Cauchi Ruben J. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe predominant motor neuron disease in infants and adults is spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), respectively. SMA is caused by insufficient levels of the Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein, which operates as part of the multiprotein SMN complex that includes the DEAD-box RNA helicase Gemin3/DDX20/DP103. C9orf72, SOD1, TDP-43 and FUS are ranked as the four major genes causing familial ALS. Accumulating evidence has revealed a surprising molecular overlap between SMA and ALS. Here, we ask the question of whether Drosophila can also be exploited to study shared pathogenic pathways. Focusing on motor behaviour, muscle mass and survival, we show that disruption of either TBPH/TDP-43 or Caz/FUS enhance defects associated with Gemin3 loss-of-function. Gemin3-associated neuromuscular junction overgrowth was however suppressed. Sod1 depletion had a modifying effect in late adulthood. We also show that Gemin3 self-interacts and Gem3ΔN, a helicase domain deletion mutant, retains the ability to interact with its wild-type counterpart. Importantly, mutant:wild-type dimers are favoured more than wild-type:wild-type dimers. In addition to reinforcing the link between SMA and ALS, further exploration of mechanistic overlaps is now possible in a genetically tractable model organism. Notably, Gemin3 can be elevated to a candidate for modifying motor neuron degeneration.
Monocrystalline Silicon Carbide Disk Resonators on Phononic Crystals with Ultra-Low Dissipation Bulk Acoustic Wave Modes
Authors: Hamelin Benoit , Yang Jeremy , Daruwalla Anosh , Wen Haoran , Ayazi Farrokh 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMicromechanical resonators with ultra-low energy dissipation are essential for a wide range of applications, such as navigation in GPS-denied environments. Routinely implemented in silicon (Si), their energy dissipation often reaches the quantum limits of Si, which can be surpassed by using materials with lower intrinsic loss. This paper explores dissipation limits in 4H monocrystalline silicon carbide-on-insulator (4H-SiCOI) mechanical resonators fabricated at wafer-level, and reports on ultra-high quality-factors (Q) in gyroscopic-mode disk resonators. The SiC disk resonators are anchored upon an acoustically-engineered Si substrate containing a phononic crystal which suppresses anchor loss and promises QANCHOR near 1 Billion by design. Operating deep in the adiabatic regime, the bulk acoustic wave (BAW) modes of solid SiC disks are mostly free of bulk thermoelastic damping. Capacitively-transduced SiC BAW disk resonators consistently display gyroscopic m = 3 modes with Q-factors above 2 Million (M) at 6.29 MHz, limited by surface TED due to microscale roughness along the disk sidewalls. The surface TED limit is revealed by optical measurements on a SiC disk, with nanoscale smooth sidewalls, exhibiting Q = 18 M at 5.3 MHz, corresponding to f · Q = 9 · 1013 Hz, a 5-fold improvement over the Akhiezer limit of Si. Our results pave the path for integrated SiC resonators and resonant gyroscopes with Q-factors beyond the reach of Si.
New endoscopic procedure for bladder wall closure: results from the porcine model
Authors: Oliveira Carlos , Barros Alexandre A. , Reis Rui L. , Correia-Pinto Jorge , Lima Estêvão 
Published: December 2019

AbstractUpper urinary tract urothelial carcinomas are usually managed by radical nephroureterectomy (RNU), often followed by intravesical chemotherapy to minimize recurrence. Open surgery is the gold standard procedure for RNU, but it associates with high morbidity, and it has been increasingly replaced by minimally invasive strategies, such as laparoscopy and endoscopy. Although effective, endoscopic ureteral excision leaves the bladder unsutured, increasing the risk of tumor spillage, and precluding the immediate administration of intravesical chemotherapy. Here we describe a new method to close the bladder wall after ureteral excision, using barbed sutures via the endoscopic access. Our results in 8 female pigs demonstrate that this method is effective to close the bladder wall. The procedure was completed in a median time of 24 min, and no adverse events were registered in the follow-up or at the three-week necropsy. This technique improves a previous approach described by our group because the device is more flexible and allows to tie the knots inside the bladder. Barbed sutures have been used in the clinical practice for other types of surgeries, and therefore this method can further be adapted to human patients with no safety concerns. Its use may allow to administer intravesical chemotherapy, which reduces tumor recurrence and improves patient outcomes.
Ion transporter gene expression is linked to the thermal sensitivity of calcification in the reef coral Stylophora pistillata
Authors: Bernardet C. , Tambutté E. , Techer N. , Tambutté S. , Venn A. A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCoral calcification underpins biodiverse reef ecosystems, but the physiology underlying the thermal sensitivity of corals to changing seawater temperatures remains unclear. Furthermore, light is also a key factor in modulating calcification rates, but a mechanistic understanding of how light interacts with temperature to affect coral calcification is lacking. Here, we characterized the thermal performance curve (TPC) of calcification of the wide-spread, model coral species Stylophora pistillata, and used gene expression analysis to investigate the role of ion transport mechanisms in thermally-driven declines in day and nighttime calcification. Focusing on genes linked to transport of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), calcium and H+, our study reveals a high degree of coherence between physiological responses (e.g. calcification and respiration) with distinct gene expression patterns to the different temperatures in day and night conditions. At low temperatures, calcification and gene expression linked to DIC transport processes were downregulated, but showed little response to light. By contrast, at elevated temperature, light had a positive effect on calcification and stimulated a more functionally diverse gene expression response of ion transporters. Overall, our findings highlight the role of mechanisms linked to DIC, calcium and H+ transport in the thermal sensitivity of coral calcification and how this sensitivity is influenced by light.
Laundry wastewater treatment using a combination of sand filter, bio-char and teff straw media
Authors: Yaseen Zaher Mundher , Zigale Tibebu Tsegaye , Tiyasha  , D. Ravi Kumar , Salih Sinan Q. , Awasthi Suyash , Tung Tran Minh , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Bhagat Suraj Kumar 
Published: December 2019

AbstractNumerous researchers have expressed concern over the emerging water scarcity issues around the globe. Economic water scarcity is severe in the developing countries; thus, the use of inexpensive wastewater treatment strategies can help minimize this issue. An abundant amount of laundry wastewater (LWW) is generated daily and various wastewater treatment researches have been performed to achieve suitable techniques. This study addressed this issue by considering the economic perspective of the treatment technique through the selection of easily available materials. The proposed technique is a combination of locally available absorbent materials such as sand, biochar, and teff straw in a media. Biochar was prepared from eucalyptus wood, teff straw was derived from teff stem, and sand was obtained from indigenous crushed stones. In this study, the range of laundry wastewater flow rate was calculated as 6.23–17.58 m3/day; also studied were the efficiency of the media in terms of the removal percentage of contamination and the flux rate. The performances of biochar and teff straw were assessed based on the operation parameters and the percentage removal efficiency at different flux rates; the assessment showed 0.4 L/min flux rate to exhibit the maximum removal efficiency. Chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, and total alkalinity removal rate varied from 79% to ≥83%; total solids and total suspended solids showed 92% to ≥99% removal efficiency, while dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, pH, and electrical conductivity showed 22% to ≥62% removal efficiency. The optimum range of pH was evaluated between 5.8–7.1. The statistical analysis for finding the correlated matrix of laundry wastewater parameters showed the following correlations: COD (r = −0.84), TS (r = −0.83), and BOD (r = −0.81), while DO exhibited highest negative correlation. This study demonstrated the prospective of LWW treatment using inexpensive materials. The proposed treatment process involved low-cost materials and exhibited efficiency in the removal of contaminants; its operation is simple and can be reproduced in different scenarios.
The effect of intraoperative imaging on surgical navigation for laparoscopic liver resection surgery
Authors: Teatini Andrea , Pelanis Egidijus , Aghayan Davit L. , Kumar Rahul Prasanna , Palomar Rafael , Fretland Åsmund Avdem , Edwin Bjørn , Elle Ole Jakob 
Published: December 2019

AbstractConventional surgical navigation systems rely on preoperative imaging to provide guidance. In laparoscopic liver surgery, insufflation of the abdomen (pneumoperitoneum) can cause deformations on the liver, introducing inaccuracies in the correspondence between the preoperative images and the intraoperative reality. This study evaluates the improvements provided by intraoperative imaging for laparoscopic liver surgical navigation, when displayed as augmented reality (AR). Significant differences were found in terms of accuracy of the AR, in favor of intraoperative imaging. In addition, results showed an effect of user-induced error: image-to-patient registration based on annotations performed by clinicians caused 33% more inaccuracy as compared to image-to-patient registration algorithms that do not depend on user annotations. Hence, to achieve accurate surgical navigation for laparoscopic liver surgery, intraoperative imaging is recommendable to compensate for deformation. Moreover, user annotation errors may lead to inaccuracies in registration processes.
Scaling of species distribution explains the vast potential marine prokaryote diversity
Authors: Eguíluz Victor M. , Salazar Guillem , Fernández-Gracia Juan , Pearman John K. , Gasol Josep M. , Acinas Silvia G. , Sunagawa Shinichi , Irigoien Xabier , Duarte Carlos M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractGlobal ocean expeditions have provided minimum estimates of ocean’s prokaryote diversity, supported by apparent asymptotes in the number of prokaryotes with sampling effort, of about 40,000 species, representing <1% of the species cataloged in the Earth Microbiome Project, despite being the largest habitat in the biosphere. Here we demonstrate that the abundance of prokaryote OTUs follows a scaling that can be represented by a power-law distribution, and as a consequence, we demonstrate, mathematically and through simulations, that the asymptote of rarefaction curves is an apparent one, which is only reached with sample sizes approaching the entire ecosystem. We experimentally confirm these findings using exhaustive repeated sampling of a prokaryote community in the Red Sea and the exploration of global assessments of prokaryote diversity in the ocean. Our findings indicate that, far from having achieved a thorough sampling of prokaryote species abundance in the ocean, global expeditions provide just a start for this quest as the richness in the global ocean is much larger than estimated.
Nano-encapsulated Escherichia coli Divisome Anchor ZipA, and in Complex with FtsZ
Authors: Lee Sarah C. , Collins Richard , Lin Yu-pin , Jamshad Mohammed , Broughton Claire , Harris Sarah A. , Hanson Benjamin S , Tognoloni Cecilia , Parslow Rosemary A. , Terry Ann E. , Rodger Alison , Smith Corinne J. , Edler Karen J. , Ford Robert , Roper David I. , Dafforn Timothy R. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe E. coli membrane protein ZipA, binds to the tubulin homologue FtsZ, in the early stage of cell division. We isolated ZipA in a Styrene Maleic Acid lipid particle (SMALP) preserving its position and integrity with native E. coli membrane lipids. Direct binding of ZipA to FtsZ is demonstrated, including FtsZ fibre bundles decorated with ZipA. Using Cryo-Electron Microscopy, small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering, we determine the encapsulated-ZipA structure in isolation, and in complex with FtsZ to a resolution of 1.6 nm. Three regions can be identified from the structure which correspond to, SMALP encapsulated membrane and ZipA transmembrane helix, a separate short compact tether, and ZipA globular head which binds FtsZ. The complex extends 12 nm from the membrane in a compact structure, supported by mesoscale modelling techniques, measuring the movement and stiffness of the regions within ZipA provides molecular scale analysis and visualisation of the early divisome.
A multi-genotype therapeutic human papillomavirus vaccine elicits potent T cell responses to conserved regions of early proteins
Authors: Hancock Gemma , Blight Joshua , Lopez-Camacho Cesar , Kopycinski Jakub , Pocock Mamatha , Byrne Wendy , Price Michael J. , Kemlo Phillip , Evans Ranoromanana Ionitiana , Bloss Angela , Saunders Kathryn , Kirton Richard , Andersson Monique , Hellner Karin , Reyes-Sandoval Arturo , Dorrell Lucy 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDespite an efficacious prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine there is still a considerable global burden of HPV-related disease. Therapeutic vaccines that could prevent cancers in at-risk women are urgently needed. Most candidate therapeutic vaccines have focused on two high-risk (hr) HPV genotypes, 16 and 18, and two viral targets, E6 and E7, which may limit global coverage and efficacy. We designed the synthetic gene ‘5GHPV3′ by selecting conserved regions from each of the six early proteins and generating consensus sequences to represent five hrHPV genotypes. 5GHPV3 was delivered by plasmid DNA, chimpanzee adenovirus (ChAdOx1) and modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vectors in prime-boost regimens to mice. ChAdOx1-5GHPV3 / MVA-5GHPV3 induced higher magnitude and more durable HPV-specific T cell responses than other regimens. Vaccine-induced T cells were polyfunctional and persisted at high frequencies for at least six weeks. Importantly, HPV-specific effector CD8 + T cells were detected in the cervix following systemic administration of ChAdOx1-5GHPV3 / MVA-5GHPV3 and increased in frequency over time, indicating continued trafficking of T cells to the cervix. Finally, T cells specific for 5GHPV3 encoded antigens were detected by IFN-γ Elispot in women with current or past hrHPV infections, confirming the presence of epitopes relevant to natural immune control.
Nanoparticle Contrast-enhanced T1-Mapping Enables Estimation of Placental Fractional Blood Volume in a Pregnant Mouse Model
Authors: Badachhape Andrew A. , Devkota Laxman , Stupin Igor V. , Sarkar Poonam , Srivastava Mayank , Tanifum Eric A. , Fox Karin A. , Yallampalli Chandrasekhar , Annapragada Ananth V. , Ghaghada Ketan B. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractNon-invasive methods for estimating placental fractional blood volume (FBV) are of great interest for characterization of vascular perfusion in placentae during pregnancy to identify placental insufficiency that may be indicative of local ischemia or fetal growth restriction (FGR). Nanoparticle contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) may enable direct placental FBV estimation and may provide a reliable, 3D alternative to assess maternal-side placental perfusion. In this pre-clinical study, we investigated if placental FBV at 14, 16, and 18 days of gestation could be estimated through contrast-enhanced MRI using a long circulating blood-pool liposomal gadolinium contrast agent that does not penetrate the placental barrier. Placental FBV estimates of 0.47 ± 0.06 (E14.5), 0.50 ± 0.04 (E16.5), and 0.52 ± 0.04 (E18.5) were found through fitting pre-contrast and post-contrast T1 values in placental tissue using a variable flip angle method. MRI-derived placental FBV was validated against nanoparticle contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) derived placental FBV, where signal is directly proportional to the concentration of iodine contrast agent. The results demonstrate successful estimation of the placental FBV, with values statistically indistinguishable from the CT derived values.
Utility of diffusion tensor imaging for guiding the treatment of lumbar disc herniation by percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Cui Hao , Liu Zhipeng , Sun Yapeng , Zhang Fei , Sun Yingcai , Zhang Wei 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for guiding the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) by percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED). We collected the clinical data of a total of 19 patients: 10 with unilateral S1 nerve root injury, 6 with unilateral L5 nerve root injury, and 3 with unilateral L5 and S1 nerve root injury. All patients underwent DTI before surgery, 3 days post-surgery, 30 days post-surgery, and 90 days post-surgery. The comparison of the fractional anisotropy (FA) values of compressed lateral nerve roots before surgery and 3, 30, and 90 days post-surgery demonstrated the recovery of nerve roots to be a dynamic process. A significant difference was found in the FA values between compressed lateral nerve roots preoperatively and normal lateral nerve roots before surgery, 3 days post-surgery and 30 days post-surgery (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in FA values between compressed lateral nerve roots and normal ones 90 days post-surgery (p > 0.05). DTI can be used for the accurate diagnosis of LDH, as well as for postoperative evaluation and prognosis, and it is thus useful for the selection of surgical timing.
Major sources and monthly variations in the release of land-derived marine debris from the Greater Jakarta area, Indonesia
Authors: Cordova Muhammad Reza , Nurhati Intan Suci 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAs marine debris becomes increasingly prevalent and induces cascading impacts on marine ecosystems, monitoring of land-derived debris is key for identifying effective mitigation strategies. Indonesia plays a pivotal role in reducing land-derived debris into the oceans considering its extensive coastline, large population and high waste production. We present the first marine debris monitoring data from Indonesia’s capital, the Greater Jakarta area, by characterizing major sources and monthly variations of debris release at nine river outlets into Jakarta Bay between June 2015-June 2016. Our data show plastics as the most common debris entering Jakarta Bay representing 59% (abundance) or 37% (weight) of the total collected debris. Styrofoam was dominating among plastic debris, highlighting the urgency of reducing plastic and styrofoam uses. Higher debris releases during the rainy season (December-February) highlight the need to intensify river clean-up activities. We estimated an average daily debris release of 97,098 ± 28,932 items or 23 ± 7.10 tons into Jakarta Bay with considerably lower inputs from the capital compared to its neighboring municipalities. Within the plastics category, field monitoring data yield a daily plastic debris release of 8.32 ± 2.44 tons from the Greater Jakarta area, which is 8–16 times less than global-scale model estimates.
Evaluation of the dual mTOR/PI3K inhibitors Gedatolisib (PF-05212384) and PF-04691502 against ovarian cancer xenograft models
Authors: Langdon Simon P. , Kay Charlene , Um In Hwa , Dodds Michael , Muir Morwenna , Sellar Grant , Kan Julie , Gourley Charlie , Harrison David J. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis study investigated the antitumour effects of two dual mTOR/PI3K inhibitors, gedatolisib (WYE-129587/PKI-587/PF-05212384) and PF-04691502 against a panel of six human patient derived ovarian cancer xenograft models. Both dual mTOR/PI3K inhibitors demonstrated antitumour activity against all xenografts tested. The compounds produced tumour stasis during the treatment period and upon cessation of treatment, tumours re-grew. In several models, there was an initial rapid reduction of tumour volume over the first week of treatment before tumour stasis. No toxicity was observed during treatment. Biomarker studies were conducted in two xenograft models; phospho-S6 (Ser235/236) expression (as a readout of mTOR activity) was reduced over the treatment period in the responding xenograft but expression increased to control (no treatment) levels on cessation of treatment. Phospho-AKT (Ser473) expression (as a readout of PI3K) was inhibited by both drugs but less markedly so than phospho-S6 expression. Initial tumour volume reduction on treatment and regrowth rate after treatment cessation was associated with phospho-S6/total S6 expression ratio. Both drugs produced apoptosis but minimally influenced markers of proliferation (Ki67, phospho-histone H3). These results indicate that mTOR/PI3K inhibition can produce broad spectrum tumour growth stasis in ovarian cancer xenograft models during continuous chronic treatment and this is associated with apoptosis.