bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Energy-Dispersive X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy with an Inverse Compton Source
Authors: Huang Juanjuan , Günther Benedikt , Achterhold Klaus , Cui Yi-tao , Gleich Bernhard , Dierolf Martin , Pfeiffer Franz 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNovel compact x-ray sources based on inverse Compton scattering can generate brilliant hard x-rays in a laboratory setting. Their collimated intense beams with tunable well-defined x-ray energies make them well suited for x-ray spectroscopy techniques, which are typically carried out at large facilities. Here, we demonstrate a first x-ray absorption spectroscopy proof-of-principle experiment using an inverse Compton x-ray source with a flux of >1010 photons/s in <5% bandwidth. We measured x-ray absorption near edge structure and extended x-ray absorption fine structure at the silver K-edge (~25.5 keV) for a series of silver samples. We propose an energy-dispersive geometry specifically adapted to the x-ray beam properties of inverse Compton x-ray sources together with a fast concentration correction method that corrects sample inhomogeneities very effectively. The combination of our setup with the inverse Compton source generates x-ray absorption spectra with high energy resolution in exposure times down to one minute. Our results unravel the great benefit of inverse Compton scattering sources for x-ray absorption techniques in a laboratory environment, especially in the hard x-ray regime, which allows to probe absorption edges of high Z materials.
Reservoir characteristics and logging evaluation of gas−bearing mudstone in the south of North China Plain
Authors: Liu Liang , Pan Heping , Lin Zhenzhou , Zhang Shihui , Qin Zhen , Li Jianwei , Huang Guoshu , Wang Lei , Li Dong 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMudstone is very similar to shale except it lacks sheet bedding. Shale gas is widely concerned and successfully exploited commercially in the world, while gas-bearing mudstone is rarely paid attention. To evaluate the reservoir characteristics and exploitation potential of gas-bearing mudstone, a total of 127 mudstone samples from the Shanxi formation were tested by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), gas content, etc., and the qualitative identification and quantitative evaluation of gas-bearing mudstone reservoirs were performed on four wells using the logging curve overlay method and reservoir parameter calculation equations. The results showed that: (1) the average total gas content of core measurement is 1.81 m3/t, and the total content of brittle minerals is 44.2%, which confirms that mudstones can also have good gas content and fracturing performance; (2) logging evaluation the average thickness of gas-bearing mudstone is 55.7 m, the average total gas content is 1.6 m3/t, and the average brittleness index is 38.1%, which indicates that the mudstone of Shanxi formation in the study area is generally gas-bearing and widely distributed. All the results reveal that gas-bearing mudstone with block bedding has the same exploitation potential as shale with sheet bedding,which deserves more attention.
Evaluating and forecasting movement patterns of magnetically driven microbeads in complex geometries
Authors: Klingbeil Finn , Block Findan , Sajjad Umer , Holländer Rasmus B. , Deshpande Sughosh , McCord Jeffrey 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe manipulation of superparamagnetic microbeads for lab-on-a-chip applications relies on the steering of microbeads across an altering stray field landscape on top of soft magnetic parent structures. Using ab initio principles, we show three-dimensional simulations forecasting the controlled movement of microbeads. Simulated aspects of microbead behaviour include the looping and lifting of microbeads around a magnetic circular structure, the flexible bead movement along symmetrically distributed triangular structures, and the dragging of magnetic beads across an array of exchange biased magnetic microstripes. The unidirectional motion of microbeads across a string of oval elements is predicted by simulations and validated experimentally. Each of the simulations matches the experimental results, proving the robustness and accuracy of the applied numerical method. The computer experiments provide details on the particle motion not accessible by experiments. The simulation capabilities prove to be an essential part for the estimation of future lab-on-chip designs.
Oriented immobilization of basic fibroblast growth factor: Bioengineered surface design for the expansion of human mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Shakya Ajay , Imado Eiji , Nguyen Phuong Kim , Matsuyama Tamamo , Horimoto Kotaro , Hirata Isao , Kato Koichi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractE. coli expressed recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) with histidine-tag (bFGF-His) was immobilized onto the surface of a glass plate modified with a Ni(II)-chelated alkanethiol monolayer. The immobilization is expected to take place through the coordination between Ni(II) and His-tag. The bFGF-immobilized surface was exposed to citrate buffer solution to refold in situ the surface-immobilized bFGF. The secondary structure of immobilized bFGF-His was analyzed by solid-phase circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Immortalized human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) were cultured on the bFGF-His-immobilized surface to examine their proliferation. CD spectroscopy revealed that the immobilized bFGF initially exhibited secondary structure rich in α-helix and that the spectrum was gradually transformed to exhibit the formation of β-strands upon exposure to citrate buffer solution, approaching to the spectrum of native bFGF. The rate of hMSC proliferation was 1.2-fold higher on the bFGF-immobilized surface treated with in situ citrate buffer, compared to the polystyrene surface. The immobilized bFGF-His treated in situ with citrate buffer solution seemed to be biologically active because its secondary structure approached its native state. This was well demonstrated by the cell culture experiments. From these results we conclude that immobilization of bFGF on the culture substrate serves to enhance proliferation of hMSCs.
Development and selection of low-level multi-drug resistance over an extended range of sub-inhibitory ciprofloxacin concentrations in Escherichia coli
Authors: Ching Carly , Zaman Muhammad H. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTo better combat bacterial antibiotic resistance, a growing global health threat, it is imperative to understand its drivers and underlying biological mechanisms. One potential driver of antibiotic resistance is exposure to sub-inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics. This occurs in both the environment and clinic, from agricultural contamination to incorrect dosing and usage of poor-quality medicines. To better understand this driver, we tested the effect of a broad range of ciprofloxacin concentrations on antibiotic resistance development in Escherichia coli. We observed the emergence of stable, low-level multi-drug resistance that was both time and concentration dependent. Furthermore, we identified a spectrum of single mutations in strains with resistant phenotypes, both previously described and novel. Low-level class-wide resistance, which often goes undetected in the clinic, may allow for bacterial survival and establishment of a reservoir for outbreaks of high-level antibiotic resistant infections.
Temporal Context affects interval timing at the perceptual level
Authors: Zimmermann Eckart , Cicchini Guido Marco 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThere is now ample evidence that when observers are asked to estimate features of an object they take into account recent stimulation history and blend the current sensory evidence with the recent stimulus intensity according to their reliability. Most of this evidence has been obtained via estimation or production paradigms both of which entail a conspicuous post-perceptual decision stage. So it is an unsolved question, as to whether the trace of previous stimulation contributes at the decision stage or as early as the perceptual stage. To this aim we focused on duration judgments, which typically exhibit strong central tendency effects and asked a duration comparison between two intervals, one of which characterized by high uncertainty. We found that the perceived duration of this interval regressed toward the average duration, demonstrating a genuine perceptual bias. Regression did not transfer between the visual and the auditory modality, indicating it is modality specific, but generalized across passively observed and actively produced intervals. These findings suggest that temporal central tendency effects modulate how long an interval appears to us and that integration of current sensory evidence can occur as early as in the sensory systems.
Signal profiling of the β1AR reveals coupling to novel signalling pathways and distinct phenotypic responses mediated by β1AR and β2AR
Authors: Lukasheva Viktoriya , Devost Dominic , Le Gouill Christian , Namkung Yoon , Martin Ryan D. , Longpré Jean-Michel , Amraei Mohammad , Shinjo Yuji , Hogue Mireille , Lagacé Monique , Breton Billy , Aoki Junken , Tanny Jason C. , Laporte Stéphane A. , Pineyro Graciela , Inoue Asuka , Bouvier Michel , Hébert Terence E. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA comprehensive understanding of signalling downstream of GPCRs requires a broad approach to capture novel signalling modalities in addition to established pathways. Here, using an array of sixteen validated BRET-based biosensors, we analyzed the ability of seven different β-adrenergic ligands to engage five distinct signalling pathways downstream of the β1-adrenergic receptor (β1AR). In addition to generating signalling signatures and capturing functional selectivity for the different ligands toward these pathways, we also revealed coupling to signalling pathways that have not previously been ascribed to the βAR. These include coupling to Gzand G12pathways. The signalling cascade linking the β1AR to calcium mobilization was also characterized using a combination of BRET-based biosensors and CRISPR-engineered HEK 293 cells lacking the Gαs subunit or with pharmacological or genetically engineered pathway inhibitors. We show that both Gsand G12are required for the full calcium response. Our work highlights the power of combining signal profiling with genome editing approaches to capture the full complement of GPCR signalling activities in a given cell type and to probe their underlying mechanisms.
Oxygen-evolution reaction by nickel/nickel oxide interface in the presence of ferrate(VI)
Authors: Ali Akbari Mohammad Saleh , Bagheri Robabeh , Song Zhenlun , Najafpour Mohammad Mahdi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this study, we investigate the effect of K2FeO4, as a new and soluble Fe salt at alkaline conditions, on oxygen-evolution reaction (OER) of Ni oxide. Both oxidation and reduction peaks for Ni in the presence and absence of Fe are linearly changed by (scan rate)1/2. Immediately after the interaction of [FeO4]2- with the surface of the electrode, a significant increase in OER is observed. This could be indicative of the fact that either the [FeO4]2- on the surface of Ni oxide is directly involved in OER, or, it is important to activate Ni oxide toward OER. Due to the change in the Ni(II)/(III) peak, it is hypothesized that Fe impurity in KOH or electrochemical cell has different effects at the potential range. At low potential, [FeO4]2− is reduced on the surface of the electrode, and thus, is significantly adsorbed on the electrode. Finally, oxygen-evolution measurements of K2FeO4 and Ni2O3 are investigated under chemical conditions. K2FeO4 is not stable in the presence of Ni(II) oxide, and OER is observed in a KOH solution (pH ≈ 13).
Recombinant spider silk protein eADF4(C16)-RGD coatings are suitable for cardiac tissue engineering
Authors: Kramer Johannes P. M. , Aigner Tamara B. , Petzold Jana , Roshanbinfar Kaveh , Scheibel Thomas , Engel Felix B. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCardiac tissue engineering is a promising approach to treat cardiovascular diseases, which are a major socio-economic burden worldwide. An optimal material for cardiac tissue engineering, allowing cardiomyocyte attachment and exhibiting proper immunocompatibility, biocompatibility and mechanical characteristics, has not yet emerged. An additional challenge is to develop a fabrication method that enables the generation of proper hierarchical structures and constructs with a high density of cardiomyocytes for optimal contractility. Thus, there is a focus on identifying suitable materials for cardiac tissue engineering. Here, we investigated the interaction of neonatal rat heart cells with engineered spider silk protein (eADF4(C16)) tagged with the tripeptide arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid cell adhesion motif RGD, which can be used as coating, but can also be 3D printed. Cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells attached well to eADF4(C16)-RGD coatings, which did not induce hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes, but allowed response to hypertrophic as well as proliferative stimuli. Furthermore, Kymograph and MUSCLEMOTION analyses showed proper cardiomyocyte beating characteristics on spider silk coatings, and cardiomyocytes formed compact cell aggregates, exhibiting markedly higher speed of contraction than cardiomyocyte mono-layers on fibronectin. The results suggest that eADF4(C16)-RGD is a promising material for cardiac tissue engineering.
Ubiquitome analysis reveals the involvement of lysine ubiquitination in the spermatogenesis process of adult buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) testis
Authors: Huang Yu-lin , Zhang Peng-fei , Hou Zhen , Fu Qiang , Li Ming-xing , Huang De-lun , Deng Ting-xian , Lu Yang-qing , Liang Xian-wei , Zhang Ming 
Published: May 2020

AbstractProtein ubiquitination, a major and conserved post-translational modification, is known to play a critical regulatory role in many biological processes in eukaryotes. Although several ubiquitinated proteins have been found in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) testis in our previous studies, large-scale profiling of buffalo testis ubiquitome has not been reported to date. In the present study, we first identified a global profiling of lysine ubiquitination of adult buffalo testis using a highly sensitive LC-MS/MS coupled with immune-affinity enrichment of ubiquitinated peptides. In total, 422 lysine ubiquitination sites were identified in 262 proteins in adult buffalo testis tissue. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the ubiquitinated proteins are involved in a variety of biological processes and diverse subcellular localizations. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and protein interaction network analysis indicated that proteasome, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and gap junction pathways are modulated by protein ubiquitination in testis. Besides, 44 ubiquitinated proteins may involve in spermatogenesis according to the SpermatogenesisOnline database, of which, the ubiquitination of HSPA2 and UCHL1 were confirmed by Immunoprecipitation (IP)/Western blot analysis. Taken together, these data provide a global view of ubiquitome in buffalo testis for the first time, and serve as an important resource for exploring the physiological role especially spermatogenesis of lysine ubiquitination in testis in mammals.
NR2F2-AS1 accelerates cell proliferation through regulating miR-4429/MBD1 axis in cervical cancer
Authors: Liu Dan , Huang Kejin , Wang Tiaojiao , Zhang Xufeng , Liu Wentao , Yue Xiaolong , Wu Jin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the most frequent malignant tumors in female. Increasing studies have demonstrated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a key role in the development of multiple cancers. Although some studies have confirmed that lncRNA NR2F2 antisense RNA 1 (NR2F2-AS1) is a pro-cancer gene in many cancers, the molecular mechanism of NR2F2-AS1 in cervical cancer has not been completely elucidated. In the present study, our results revealed that NR2F2-AS1 expression was up-regulated in cervical cancer tissues and cells, notably in patients with advanced cervical cancer. NR2F2-AS1 accelerated progression of cervical cancer by facilitating cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT process, but inhibiting cell apoptosis. Moreover, NR2F2-AS1 acted as a molecular sponge of miR-4429 and methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 1 (MBD1) was a downstream target of miR-4429 in cervical cancer. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between miR-4429 expression and NR2F2-AS1 or MBD1 expression in tumor tissues. Rescue experiments confirmed that MBD1 overexpression partly rescued NR2F2-AS1 knockdown-mediated inhibition of progression in cervical cancer. To sum up, these results suggested the potential mechanism of NR2F2-AS1 in cervical cancer and revealed that NR2F2-AS1 exerted its carcinogenic effect via regulating miR-4429/MBD1 axis, indicating a promising insight into the therapeutic target of cervical cancer.
Comparison of the Effects of Two Cochlear Implant Fine Structure Coding Strategies on Speech Perception
Authors: Müller Verena , Klünter Heinz Dieter , Fürstenberg Dirk , Walger Martin , Lang-Roth Ruth 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the effect of upgrading from the fine structure processing (FSP) coding strategy to the novel fine structure strategy “FS4” in adults in adults with cochlear implants manufactured by MED-EL GmbH (Innsbruck, Austria).

Method
A crossover, double-blinded study was conducted for 12 weeks. Twelve adult participants were randomly assigned to two groups. During the first 6-week test interval, one group continued to use their everyday FSP strategy, whereas the other group was upgraded to the FS4 strategy. In the second 6-week interval, the two groups switched coding strategies. Speech perception was measured at the end of each test interval with the Oldenburg Sentence Test and the Göttingen Sentence Test. Participants completed the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale at the end of each test interval and a simple preference test at the end of the study.

Results
There was no significant difference in speech perception test results obtained with the Oldenburg Sentence Test and the Göttingen Sentence Test, neither in quiet nor in noise. Participants' Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale self-evaluation and preference test results showed that the two coding strategies had similar effects on their hearing perception. No clear preference for either of the strategies was found.

Conclusions
Speech perception test results and the participants' level of satisfaction were similar for the two FS coding strategies. Despite differences in the presentation of temporal fine structure between FSP and FS4, a clear benefit of the newer FS4 strategy could not be shown.
Fault diagnosis of the bushing infrared images based on mask R‐CNN and improved PCNN joint algorithm
Authors: Jiang Jun , Bie Yifan , Li Jiansheng , Yang Xiaoping , Ma Guoming , Lu Yuncai , Zhang Chaohai 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBushings are served as an important component of the power transformers; it's of great significance to keep the bushings in good insulation condition. The infrared images of the bushing are proposed to diagnose the fault with the combination of image segmentation and deep learning, including object detection, fault region extraction, and fault diagnosis. By building an object detection system with the frame of Mask Region convolutional neural network (CNN), the bushing frame can be exactly extracted. To distinguish the fault region of bushings and the background, a simple linear iterative clustering‐based pulse coupled neural network is proposed to improve the fault region segmentation performance. Then, two infrared image feature parameters, the relative position and area, are explored to classify fault type effectively based on the K‐means cluster technique. With the proposed joint algorithm on bushing infrared images, the accuracy reaches 98%, compared with 44% by the conventional CNN classification method. The integrated algorithm provides a feasible and advantageous solution for the field application of bushing image‐based diagnosis.
Protection schemes using resistive‐type superconducting fault current limiters with mechanical DC circuit breakers in MMC‐MTDC grids
Authors: Xiang Bin , Luo Jinhui , Gao Lei , Wang Jianhua , Geng Yingsan , Liu Zhiyuan , Ding Tao 
Published: May 2020

The cooperative characteristics of resistive superconducting fault current limiters (R‐SFCLs) and DC circuit breakers (DCCBs) have been investigated with regard to the fault clearing in modular multilevel converter (MMC)‐based multiterminal direct current (MTDC) grids. However, research is lacking in complete protection solutions that combine R‐SFCLs and mechanical DCCBs while considering the backup protection and the effect of R‐SFCLs on the fault characteristics of MMCs. This study investigates a fault current breaking scheme that includes primary and backup protection. Moreover, the fault characteristics of MMCs with R‐SFCLs are analysed, and the fault transient process is divided into three stages. Then two fault current limiting schemes with R‐SFCLs located at the converter output or the line are proposed. These two protection schemes are applied to the DC test system, verified and compared. The results show that in both schemes, the size of the designed R‐SFCL should be generally a few tens of Ω. These R‐SFCLs maintain the converters unblocked until the primary breakers or backup breakers interrupt the fault currents, and the M‐DCCBs are only required to break several kA currents. After a fault occurs, the system will restore within 200 ms for primary protection or 250 ms for backup protection.
Beruf oder Liebhaberei?
Authors: Sell Michael 
Published: May 2020

SummaryVerursacht eine Heilpraktikerpraxis wiederholt Verluste, die sich steuermindernd durch Verrechnung mit anderen Einkünften (zum Beispiel nichtselbstständige Arbeit oder Kapitaleinkünfte) auswirken, kann das Finanzamt unter bestimmen Voraussetzungen Liebhaberei unterstellen und nachträglich die steuerliche Anerkennung versagen. Eine kostenintensive Prüfungsvorbereitung sowie betriebswirtschaftliches Planen und Handeln bekräftigen die Gewinnerzielungsabsicht als zentrales steuerrechtliches Kriterium. Auf Verluste in Folgejahren müssen erkennbare betriebliche Anpassungen etwa durch Kosteneinsparungen und, wenn weiterhin kein Gewinn zu erwarten ist, die Praxisaufgabe folgen. Obwohl es keine absoluten Fristen gibt, steigt mit der Anzahl verlustbringender Jahre der Begründungszwang für die Gewinnerzielungsabsicht.