bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Textured ferroelectric ceramics with high electromechanical coupling factors over a broad temperature range
Authors: Yang Shuai , Li Jinglei , Liu Yao , Wang Mingwen , Qiao Liao , Gao Xiangyu , Chang Yunfei , Du Hongliang , Xu Zhuo , Zhang Shujun , Li Fei 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe figure-of-merits of ferroelectrics for transducer applications are their electromechanical coupling factor and the operable temperature range. Relaxor-PbTiO3ferroelectric crystals show a much improved electromechanical coupling factork33(88~93%) compared to their ceramic counterparts (65~78%) by taking advantage of the strong anisotropy of crystals. However, only a few relaxor-PbTiO3systems, for example Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3-Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3, can be grown into single crystals, whose operable temperature range is limited by their rhombohedral-tetragonal phase transition temperatures (Trt: 60~120 °C). Here, we develop a templated grain-growth approach to fabricate <001>-textured Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3-Pb(Sc1/2Nb1/2)O3-PbTiO3(PIN-PSN-PT) ceramics that contain a large amount of the refractory component Sc2O3, which has the ability to increase theTrtof the system. The highk33of 85~89% and the greatly increasedTrtof 160~200 °C are simultaneously achieved in the textured PIN-PSN-PT ceramics. The above merits will make textured PIN-PSN-PT ceramics an alternative to single crystals, benefiting the development of numerous advanced piezoelectric devices.
Lipid regulation of hERG1 channel function
Authors: Miranda Williams E. , Guo Jiqing , Mesa-Galloso Haydee , Corradi Valentina , Lees-Miller James P. , Tieleman D. Peter , Duff Henry J. , Noskov Sergei Yu. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe lipid regulation of mammalian ion channel function has emerged as a fundamental mechanism in the control of electrical signalling and transport specificity in various cell types. In this work, we combine molecular dynamics simulations, mutagenesis, and electrophysiology to provide mechanistic insights into how lipophilic molecules (ceramide-sphingolipid probe) alter gating kinetics and K+ currents of hERG1. We show that the sphingolipid probe induced a significant left shift of activation voltage, faster deactivation rates, and current blockade comparable to traditional hERG1 blockers. Microseconds-long MD simulations followed by experimental mutagenesis elucidated ceramide specific binding locations at the interface between the pore and voltage sensing domains. This region constitutes a unique crevice present in mammalian channels with a non-swapped topology. The combined experimental and simulation data provide evidence for ceramide-induced allosteric modulation of the channel by a conformational selection mechanism.
Global profiling of distinct cysteine redox forms reveals wide-ranging redox regulation in C. elegans
Authors: Meng Jin , Fu Ling , Liu Keke , Tian Caiping , Wu Ziyun , Jung Youngeun , Ferreira Renan B. , Carroll Kate S. , Blackwell T. Keith , Yang Jing 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPost-translational changes in the redox state of cysteine residues can rapidly and reversibly alter protein functions, thereby modulating biological processes. The nematode C. elegans is an ideal model organism for studying cysteine-mediated redox signaling at a network level. Here we present a comprehensive, quantitative, and site-specific profile of the intrinsic reactivity of the cysteinome in wild-type C. elegans. We also describe a global characterization of the C. elegans redoxome in which we measured changes in three major cysteine redox forms after H2O2 treatment. Our data revealed redox-sensitive events in translation, growth signaling, and stress response pathways, and identified redox-regulated cysteines that are important for signaling through the p38 MAP kinase (MAPK) pathway. Our in-depth proteomic dataset provides a molecular basis for understanding redox signaling in vivo, and will serve as a valuable and rich resource for the field of redox biology.
Pharmacological rescue in patient iPSC and mouse models with a rare DISC1 mutation
Authors: Kim Nam-Shik , Wen Zhexing , Liu Jing , Zhou Ying , Guo Ziyuan , Xu Chongchong , Lin Yu-Ting , Yoon Ki-Jun , Park Junhyun , Cho Michelle , Kim Minji , Wang Xinyuan , Yu Huimei , Sakamuru Srilatha , Christian Kimberly M. , Hsu Kuei-sen , Xia Menghang , Li Weidong , Ross Christopher A. , Margolis Russell L. , Lu Xin-Yun , Song Hongjun , Ming Guo-li 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe previously identified a causal link between a rare patient mutation in DISC1 (disrupted-in-schizophrenia 1) and synaptic deficits in cortical neurons differentiated from isogenic patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Here we find that transcripts related to phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) signaling are significantly elevated in human cortical neurons differentiated from iPSCs with the DISC1 mutation and that inhibition of PDE4 or activation of the cAMP signaling pathway functionally rescues synaptic deficits. We further generated a knock-in mouse line harboring the same patient mutation in the Disc1 gene. Heterozygous Disc1 mutant mice exhibit elevated levels of PDE4s and synaptic abnormalities in the brain, and social and cognitive behavioral deficits. Pharmacological inhibition of the PDE4 signaling pathway rescues these synaptic, social and cognitive behavioral abnormalities. Our study shows that patient-derived isogenic iPSC and humanized mouse disease models are integral and complementary for translational studies with a better understanding of underlying molecular mechanisms.
Momentarily trapped exciton polaron in two-dimensional lead halide perovskites
Authors: Tao Weijian , Zhang Chi , Zhou Qiaohui , Zhao Yida , Zhu Haiming 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTwo-dimensional (2D) lead halide perovskites with distinct excitonic feature have shown exciting potential for optoelectronic applications. Compared to their three-dimensional counterparts with large polaron character, how the interplay between long- and short- range exciton-phonon interaction due to polar and soft lattice define the excitons in 2D perovskites is yet to be revealed. Here, we seek to understand the nature of excitons in 2D CsPbBr3 perovskites by static and time-resolved spectroscopy which is further rationalized with Urbach-Martienssen rule. We show quantitatively an intermediate exciton-phonon coupling in 2D CsPbBr3 where exciton polarons are momentarily self-trapped by lattice vibrations. The 0.25 ps ultrafast interconversion between free and self-trapped exciton polaron with a barrier of ~ 34 meV gives rise to intrinsic asymmetric photoluminescence with a low energy tail at room temperature. This study reveals a complex and dynamic picture of exciton polarons in 2D perovskites and emphasizes the importance to regulate exciton-phonon coupling.
Practical verification protocols for analog quantum simulators
Authors: Shaffer Ryan , Megidish Eli , Broz Joseph , Chen Wei-Ting , Häffner Hartmut 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAnalog quantum simulation is expected to be a significant application of near-term quantum devices. Verification of these devices without comparison to known simulation results will be an important task as the system size grows beyond the regime that can be simulated classically. We introduce a set of experimentally-motivated verification protocols for analog quantum simulators, discussing their sensitivity to a variety of error sources and their scalability to larger system sizes. We demonstrate these protocols experimentally using a two-qubit trapped-ion analog quantum simulator and numerically using models of up to five qubits.
The quantum Hall effect in the absence of disorder
Authors: Kim Kyung-Su , Kivelson Steven A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIt is widely held that disorder is essential to the existence of a finite interval of magnetic field in which the Hall conductance is quantized, i.e., for the existence of “plateaus” in the quantum Hall effect. Here, we show that the existence of a quasi-particle Wigner crystal (QPWC) results in the persistence of plateaus of finite extent even in the limit of vanishing disorder. Several experimentally detectable features that characterize the behavior in the zero disorder limit are also explored.
Combined analysis of gestational diabetes and maternal weight status from pre-pregnancy through post-delivery in future development of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chen Ling-Wei , Soh Shu E , Tint Mya-Thway , Loy See Ling , Yap Fabian , Tan Kok Hian , Lee Yung Seng , Shek Lynette Pei-Chi , Godfrey Keith M. , Gluckman Peter D. , Eriksson Johan G. , Chong Yap-Seng , Chan Shiao-Yng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe examined the associations of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and women’s weight status from pre-pregnancy through post-delivery with the risk of developing dysglycaemia [impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and type 2 diabetes (T2D)] 4–6 years post-delivery. Using Poisson regression with confounder adjustments, we assessed associations of standard categorisations of prospectively ascertained pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity (OWOB), gestational weight gain (GWG) and substantial post-delivery weight retention (PDWR) with post-delivery dysglycaemia (n = 692). Women with GDM had a higher risk of later T2D [relative risk (95% CI) 12.07 (4.55, 32.02)] and dysglycaemia [3.02 (2.19, 4.16)] compared with non-GDM women. Independent of GDM, women with pre-pregnancy OWOB also had a higher risk of post-delivery dysglycaemia. Women with GDM who were OWOB pre-pregnancy and had subsequent PDWR (≥ 5 kg) had 2.38 times (1.29, 4.41) the risk of post-delivery dysglycaemia compared with pre-pregnancy lean GDM women without PDWR. No consistent associations were observed between GWG and later dysglycaemia risk. In conclusion, women with GDM have a higher risk of T2D 4–6 years after the index pregnancy. Pre-pregnancy OWOB and PDWR exacerbate the risk of post-delivery dysglycaemia. Weight management during preconception and post-delivery represent early windows of opportunity for improving long-term health, especially in those with GDM.
LINC00665 promotes the progression of acute myeloid leukemia by regulating the miR-4458/DOCK1 pathway
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Wang Yan , Pang Sulei , Li Xiaojie , Wang Panpan , Ma Ruojin , Ma Yunyun , Song Chunge 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to explore the role of LINC00665, miR-4458 and DOCK1 and their interactions in the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The relative expression of LINC00665, miR-4458 and DOCK1 in AML samples was measured using qRT-PCR, and the protein level of DOCK1 in AML cell lines was examined using western blot. CCK8, BrdU, transwell, cell adhesion, and caspase-3 activity assays were carried out to evaluate the viability, proliferation, migration, adhesion, and apoptosis of AML cells, respectively. Luciferase reporter, RIP, and RNA pull-down assays were also performed to confirm the target relationship among LINC00665, miR-4458 and DOCK1. Findings revealed that LINC00665 and DOCK1 were aberrantly overexpressed in AML tissues and that the expression of miR-4458 was low in AML tissues. Silencing LINC00665 or DOCK1 presented significant restriction to the proliferation, migration and adhesion of AML cells. Apart from that, it was found that inhibiting miR-4458 could enhance the proliferation, migration and adhesion of AML cells but suppress the apoptosis of AML cells. Experimental results also indicated that LINC00665 exerted its positive function on AML cells by sponging miR-4458 and that miR-4458 influenced the progression of AML cells by targeting DOCK1 directly. Overall, this finding not only provided a novel molecular pathway for the diagnosis and treatment of AML but also showed that LINC00665 could enhance the progression of AML by regulating the miR-4458/DOCK1 pathway.
Quantitative conversion of biomass in giant DNA virus infection
Authors: Kördel Mikael , Svenda Martin , Reddy Hemanth K. N. , Fogelqvist Emelie , Arsana Komang G. Y. , Hamawandi Bejan , Toprak Muhammet S. , Hertz Hans M. , Sellberg Jonas A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBioconversion of organic materials is the foundation of many applications in chemical engineering, microbiology and biochemistry. Herein, we introduce a new methodology to quantitatively determine conversion of biomass in viral infections while simultaneously imaging morphological changes of the host cell. As proof of concept, the viral replication of an unidentified giant DNA virus and the cellular response of an amoebal host are studied using soft X-ray microscopy, titration dilution measurements and thermal gravimetric analysis. We find that virions produced inside the cell are visible from 18 h post infection and their numbers increase gradually to a burst size of 280–660 virions. Due to the large size of the virion and its strong X-ray absorption contrast, we estimate that the burst size corresponds to a conversion of 6–12% of carbonaceous biomass from amoebal host to virus. The occurrence of virion production correlates with the appearance of a possible viral factory and morphological changes in the phagosomes and contractile vacuole complex of the amoeba, whereas the nucleus and nucleolus appear unaffected throughout most of the replication cycle.
COVID-19: a simple statistical model for predicting intensive care unit load in exponential phases of the disease
Authors: Ritter Matthias , Ott Derek V. M. , Paul Friedemann , Haynes John-Dylan , Ritter Kerstin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOne major bottleneck in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is the limited number of critical care beds. Due to the dynamic development of infections and the time lag between when patients are infected and when a proportion of them enters an intensive care unit (ICU), the need for future intensive care can easily be underestimated. To infer future ICU load from reported infections, we suggest a simple statistical model that (1) accounts for time lags and (2) allows for making predictions depending on different future growth of infections. We have evaluated our model for three heavily affected regions in Europe, namely Berlin (Germany), Lombardy (Italy), and Madrid (Spain). Before extensive containment measures made an impact, we first estimate the region-specific model parameters, namely ICU rate, time lag between infection, and ICU admission as well as length of stay in ICU. Whereas for Berlin, an ICU rate of 6%, a time lag of 6 days, and a stay of 12 days in ICU provide the best fit of the data, for Lombardy and Madrid the ICU rate was higher (18% and 15%) and the time lag (0 and 3 days) and the stay in ICU (3 and 8 days) shorter. The region-specific models are then used to predict future ICU load assuming either a continued exponential phase with varying growth rates (0–15%) or linear growth. By keeping the growth rates flexible, this model allows for taking into account the potential effect of diverse containment measures. Thus, the model can help to predict a potential exceedance of ICU capacity depending on future growth. A sensitivity analysis for an extended time period shows that the proposed model is particularly useful for exponential phases of the disease.
Habitat generalist species constrain the diversity of mimicry rings in heterogeneous habitats
Authors: Birskis-Barros Irina , Freitas André V. L. , Guimarães Paulo R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHow evolution creates and maintains trait patterns in species-rich communities is still an unsolved topic in evolutionary ecology. One classical example of community-level pattern is the unexpected coexistence of different mimicry rings, each of which is a group of mimetic species with the same warning signal. The coexistence of different mimicry rings in a community seems paradoxical because selection among unpalatable species should favor convergence to a single warning pattern. We combined mathematical modeling based on network theory and numerical simulations to explore how different types of selection, such as mimetic and environmental selections, and habitat use by mimetic species influence the formation of coexisting rings. We show that when habitat and mimicry are strong sources of selection, the formation of multiple rings takes longer due to conflicting selective pressures. Moreover, habitat generalist species decrease the distinctiveness of different mimicry rings’ patterns and a few habitat generalist species can generate a “small-world effect”, preventing the formation of multiple mimicry rings. These results may explain why the coexistence of mimicry rings is more common in groups of animals that tend towards habitat specialism, such as butterflies.
Clustering of cardio-metabolic risk factors and pre-diabetes among U.S. adolescents
Authors: Liu Chibo , Wu Susu , Pan Xiao 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFew studies have assessed the association between clustering of cardio-metabolic risk factors (CMRFs) and pre-diabetes in children or adolescents. We aimed to examine the association between clustering of CMRFs and pre-diabetes among U.S. adolescents. Data were available for 5,633 U.S. adolescents aged 12–19 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 1999–2014. Pre-diabetes was defined as impaired fasting glucose (IFG) (fasting plasma glucose 100–125 mg/dL), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (2-h plasma glucose 140–199 mg/dL) or elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (HbA1c 5.7–6.4%). The individual CMRFs considered in the present study were as follows: waist-to-height ratio, blood pressure, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. CMRFs were defined based on the modified National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) criteria or the modified International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between clustering of CMRFs and pre-diabetes with adjustment for potential covariates. Among 5633 adolescents, 11.4% had IFG, 4.7% had IGT, 4.5% had elevated HbA1c and 16.1% had pre-diabetes. Compared with adolescents with no CMRFs, the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for pre-diabetes across the clustering of CMRFs (i.e., 1, 2, 3, and 4) were 1.32 (1.03–1.68), 2.07 (1.55–2.76), 2.52 (1.69–3.76), and 5.41 (3.14–9.32), respectively, based on the modified NCEP criteria. The corresponding ORs with 95% CIs were 1.16 (0.89–1.51), 1.78 (1.35–2.36), 3.07 (1.89–4.98) and 12.20 (3.93–37.89), respectively, based on the modified IDF criteria. The present study suggests that the clustering of CMRFs is associated with increased pre-diabetes among U.S. adolescents. It might be necessary for effective strategies and measures targeting adolescents with clustering of CMRFs, including those with less than 3 risk factors.
Supramolecular assemblies of carbon nanocoils and tetraphenylporphyrin derivatives for sensing of catechol and hydroquinone in aqueous solution
Authors: Bukhari Syeda Aqsa Batool , Nasir Habib , Pan Lujun , Tasawar Mehroz , Sohail Manzar , Shahbaz Muhammad , Gul Fareha , Sitara Effat 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNon-enzymatic electrochemical detection of catechol (CC) and hydroquinone (HQ), the xenobiotic pollutants, was carried out at the surface of novel carbon nanocoils/zinc-tetraphenylporphyrin (CNCs/Zn-TPP) nanocomposite supported on glassy carbon electrode. The synergistic effect of chemoresponsive activity of Zn-TPP and a large surface area and electron transfer ability of CNCs lead to efficient detection of CC and HQ. The nanocomposite was characterized by using FT-IR, UV/vis. spectrophotometer, SEM and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used for the electrochemical studies. CNCs/Zn-TPP/GCE nanosensor displayed a limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ) and sensitivity for catechol as 0.9 µM, 3.1 µM and 0.48 µA µM−1 cm−2, respectively in a concentration range of 25–1500 µM. Similarly, a linear trend in the concentration of hydroquinone detection was observed between 25 and 1500 µM with an LOD, LOQ and sensitivity of 1.5 µM, 5.1 µM and 0.35 µA µM−1 cm−2, respectively. DPV of binary mixture pictured well resolved peaks with anodic peak potential difference, ∆Epa(CC-HQ),of 110 mV showing efficient sensing of CC and HQ. The developed nanosensor exhibits stability for up to 30 days, better selectivity and good repeatability for eight measurements (4.5% for CC and 5.4% for HQ).
Targeted peripheral focused ultrasound stimulation attenuates obesity-induced metabolic and inflammatory dysfunctions
Authors: Huerta Tomás S. , Devarajan Alex , Tsaava Tea , Rishi Arvind , Cotero Victoria , Puleo Christopher , Ashe Jeffrey , Coleman Thomas R. , Chang Eric H. , Tracey Kevin J. , Chavan Sangeeta S. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObesity, a growing health concern, is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Chronic low-grade inflammation is implicated in obesity-driven metabolic complications. Peripheral focused ultrasound stimulation (pFUS) is an emerging non-invasive technology that modulates inflammation. Here, we reasoned that focused ultrasound stimulation of the liver may alleviate obesity-related inflammation and other comorbidities. After 8 weeks on a high-fat high-carbohydrate “Western” diet, C57BL/6J mice were subjected to either sham stimulation or focused ultrasound stimulation at the porta hepatis. Daily liver-focused ultrasound stimulation for 8 weeks significantly decreased body weight, circulating lipids and mitigated dysregulation of adipokines. In addition, liver-focused ultrasound stimulation significantly reduced hepatic cytokine levels and leukocyte infiltration. Our findings demonstrate the efficacy of hepatic focused ultrasound for alleviating obesity and obesity-associated complications in mice. These findings suggest a previously unrecognized potential of hepatic focused ultrasound as a possible novel noninvasive approach in the context of obesity.
Composite of bentonite and cyclodextrin as an efficient catalyst for promoting chemical transformations in aqueous media
Authors: Koohestani Fatemeh , Sadjadi Samahe , Heravi Majid 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCombining the encapsulating capability of cyclodextrin and instinctive features of bentonite clay, a versatile metal free catalyst has been developed that could promote various chemical reactions such as Knoevenagel condensation, synthesis of xanthan and octahydroquinazolinones in aqueous media under ultrasonic irradiation. To prepare the catalyst, bentonite was Cl-functionalized and then reacted with isatin and guanidine successively to furnish amino functionalized bentonite. The latter then reacted with tosylated cyclodextrin. The resultant catalytic composite was characterized via XRD, SEM, EDS, BET, elemental mapping analysis, TGA and FTIR. The catalytic activity tests approved excellent activity of the catalyst as well as broad substrate scope. Notably, the catalyst could be simply recovered and reused for several reaction runs. Moreover, the activity of the composite was superior to that of its components.