bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decoding a highly mixed Kazakh genome
Authors: Seidualy Madina , Blazyte Asta , Jeon Sungwon , Bhak Youngjune , Jeon Yeonsu , Kim Jungeun , Eriksson Anders , Bolser Dan , Yoon Changhan , Manica Andrea , Lee Semin , Bhak Jong
Published: February 2020

We provide a Kazakh whole genome sequence (MJS) and analyses with the largest comparative Kazakh genomic data available to date. We found 102,240 novel SNVs and a high level of heterozygosity. ADMIXTURE analysis confirmed a significant proportion of variations in this individual coming from all continents except Africa and Oceania. A principal component analysis showed neighboring Kalmyk, Uzbek, and Kyrgyz populations to have the strongest resemblance to the MJS genome which reflects fairly recent Kazakh history. MJS’s mitochondrial haplogroup, J1c2, probably represents an early European and Near Eastern influence to Central Asia. This was also supported by the heterozygous SNPs associated with European phenotypic features and strikingly similar Kazakh ancestral composition inferred by ADMIXTURE. Admixture (f3) analysis showed that MJS’s genomic signature is best described as a cross between the Neolithic East Asian (Devil’s Gate1) and the Bronze Age European (Halberstadt_LBA1) components rather than a contemporary admixture.
Mitochondrial genome variation between different accessions of Matricaria chamomilla L. (Asteraceae) based on SNP mutation analysis
Authors: Ruzicka Joana , Novak Johannes
Published: February 2020

Matricaria chamomilla L. (chamomile, Asteraceae) (GRIN, The Plant List 2013) has a long history of usage in traditional herbal medicine and is still today amongst the most important medicinal plants. Despite this importance, genetic diversity of cultivated and wild germplasm of M. chamomilla was rarely investigated so far. The objective of this study was to estimate the mitochondrial (mt) diversity of various cultivated M. chamomilla genotypes by determining point mutations in the mt genome. 89 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) were identified in the next generation sequencing data of 33 genotypes from 11 di- and tetraploid chamomile accessions representing a sequence diversity of 0.32 SNPs/kb. Based on the SNP analysis 19 mitochondrial haplotypes (mitotypes) could be specified with genetic distances ranging between 0.011 and 0.851. The examined mt variability within the accessions was higher than expected; only one monomorphic accession (variety ‘Camoflora’) was identified. Diploid accessions exhibited with 1.9 mitotypes per accession a higher variability than tetraploid accessions with a ratio of 1.3. Although some of the mitotypes were distributed over different accessions, identical mitotypes within di- and tetraploid accessions could not be determined. Furthermore, the mitotypes did not correspond to the geographical origin of the accessions. Although not the whole mt genome could be assembled in this study, the substitutions identified represent a valuable tool for further investigations of maternal phylogenetic relationships within M. chamomilla.
Four Distinct Pathways to the Element Abundances in Solar Energetic Particles
Authors: Reames Donald V.
Published: February 2020

Based upon recent evidence from abundance patterns of chemical elements in solar energetic particles (SEPs), and, ironically, the belated inclusion of H and He, we can distinguish four basic SEP populations: (1) SEP1—pure “impulsive” SEPs are produced by magnetic reconnection in solar jets showing steep power-law enhancements of $1\leq Z \leq 56$1≤Z≤56 ions versus charge-to-mass ratio $A/Q$A/Q from a $\approx 3$≈3 MK plasma. (2) SEP2—ambient ions, mostly protons, plus SEP1 ions reaccelerated by the shock wave driven by the narrow coronal mass ejection (CME) from the same jet. (3) SEP3—a “gradual” SEP event is produced when a moderately fast, wide CME-driven shock wave barely accelerates ambient protons while preferentially accelerating accumulated remnant SEP1 ions from an active region fed by multiple jets. (4) SEP4—a gradual SEP event is produced when a very fast, wide CME-driven shock wave is completely dominated by ambient coronal seed population of 0.8–1.8 MK plasma usually producing a full power law vs. $A/Q$A/Q for $1\leq Z \leq 56$1≤Z≤56 ions. We begin with element abundances in the photosphere that are fractionated during transport up to the corona based upon their first ionization potential (FIP); this important “FIP effect” for SEPs provides our reference abundances and is different for SEPs from that for the solar wind. We then show evidence for each of the processes of acceleration, reacceleration, and transport that conspire to produce the four abundances patterns we distinguish.
Ten-year adherence to continuous positive airway pressure treatment in patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Tsuyumu Matsusato , Tsurumoto Tadao , Iimura Jiro , Nakajima Tsuneya , Kojima Hiromi
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the 10-year adherence to and identify the predictors of dropout from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the continuity, dropout, or other behaviors of 181 patients who initiated CPAP treatment at the Tokyo Dental College Ichikawa General Hospital from January 2003 to June 2005.

Results

Among a total of 181 patients, 56 (30.9%) dropped out of the treatment. Among the 125 patients who did not dropout, 54 continued CPAP treatment for > 10 years, 16 completed the treatment with OSA improvement, and 7 could not complete the treatment owing to unavoidable reasons such as death, dementia, hospitalization for serious illness, or migration to other countries. Further, 47 patients moved to another facility, whereas 1 patient purchased a CPAP device and stopped visiting our facility. Among the 56 patients who dropped out, approximately 50% of the patients dropped out within a year, and all dropped out within 76 months. Comparing demographics, OSA parameters, and CPAP parameters between the patients who did and did not drop out of the treatment, Cox regression analysis indicated that body mass index (BMI) and the first-month utilization rate were clinical variables that were independently associated with discontinuation of CPAP treatment.

Conclusion

The results of this study show that BMI and the first-month utilization rate of CPAP treatment are the predictors of the long-term adherence to this treatment.
Microplastics in freshwater fish from Central European lowland river (Widawa R., SW Poland)
Authors: Kuśmierek Natalia , Popiołek Marcin
Published: February 2020

In contrast to marine organisms, the presence of microplastics (MPs) in freshwater animals remains insufficiently studied. The aim of this study was to identify the occurrence of MPs in the digestive tracts of two fish species from a small lowland river (Widawa R., SW Poland). In total, 202 gudgeons and 187 roaches were collected, of which 54.5% and 53.9% had ingested MP-like particles, respectively. Feeding type and behaviour, sex and capture site (above or below the dam reservoir) did not affect the number of fish with MP-like particles.
Enhancing the Stability of Passive Film on 304 SS by Chemical Modification in Alkaline Phosphate–Molybdate Solutions
Authors: Pan Chengcheng , Song Yang , Jin Weixian , Qin Zhenbo , Song Shizhe , Hu Wenbin , Xia Da-Hai
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this work was to enhance the corrosion resistance of the passive film on 304 stainless steel (SS) by chemical modification in alkaline phosphate–molybdate solutions. The 304 SS was passivated in both phosphate and phosphate–molybdate mixed solutions to investigate the effect of molybdate on its corrosion resistance. The experimental results indicated that the passive film showed better corrosion resistance in Cl−-containing solutions after modification in phosphate–molybdate solutions than in phosphate-only solutions. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy analyses revealed that the passive film formed in phosphate–molybdate solutions contained Mo and P after modification, which is the reason for the enhanced corrosion resistance.
Correction to: PolyProc: A Modular Processing Pipeline for X-ray Diffraction Tomography
Authors: Kang Jiwoong , Lu Ning , Loo Issac , Senabulya Nancy , Shahani Ashwin J.
Published: February 2020

The article “PolyProc: A Modular Processing Pipeline for X-ray Diffraction Tomography” written by Jiwoong Kang, Ning Lu, Issac Loo, Nancy Senabulya, and Ashwin J. Shahani, was originally published Online First without Open Access.
Intergenerational transmission of socio‐economic status: The role of neighborhood effects
Authors: Ryabov Igor
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Little attention has been paid to the role of neighborhoods as a predictor of intergenerational transmission of socio‐economic status. This study uses a nationally representative, longitudinal sample from the United States to examine how neighborhoods impact racial/ethnic disparities in the intergenerational transmission of socio‐economic status.

Methods

The study sample is derived from Waves 1 and 4 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. The sample size comprises 13,738 participants (aged 15 at Wave 1; 51% female). Multilevel regression is used to predict racial/ethnic disparities in intergenerational transmission of socio‐economic status. Six neighborhood‐level indicators are regressed on the indicators of intergenerational transmission of education, income and occupational prestige, while controlling for a range of individual socio‐demographic variables.

Results

Results reveal that: (1) African‐American and Hispanic children are less likely to surpass their parents’ levels of education, income and occupational prestige than Asian‐Pacific Islander and non‐Hispanic white children; (2) these racial/ethnic differences in intergenerational transmission of socio‐economic status are attenuated but not fully explained by neighborhood‐level indicators; (3) all but one of the neighborhood‐level factors examined were significant in predicting the pace of intergenerational transmission of socio‐economic status.

Conclusions

The implication of these results is that policies aimed at reducing inequalities between residential neighborhoods are likely to beneficially affect all racial/ethnic groups but are not sufficient in reducing racial/ethnic disparities in intergenerational transmission of socio‐economic status.
Trapped in the imperial narrative? Some reflections on warfare and the provincial masses in Byzantium (600-1204)
Authors: Stouraitis Yannis
Published: February 2020

The experience of war of the common people in the medieval East Roman Empire is a topic related to hotly debated issues such as collective identification and attachments, or imperialism and ecumenical ideology. This paper attempts a bottom-up approach to the way warfare was perceived and experienced by provincial populations based on the analysis of selected evidence from the period between the seventh and the twelfth centuries. It goes without saying that the treatment of the topic here could not be exhaustive. My main goal was to problematize the relationship between the objectives of imperial military policies and the pragmatic needs of common provincials for protection of their well-being.
The Grammatical Introduction by Nikolaos Sofianos: manuscripts, date, and linguistic models
Authors: Lauxtermann Marc D.
Published: February 2020

This article deals with the first grammar of vernacular Greek, Nikolaos Sofianos’ Grammatical Introduction, and discusses its two manuscripts; it also offers a date for the grammar (after 1545; left unfinished in 1550) and identifies Theodoros Gazis as the principal linguistic model.
Population structure and genetic diversity ofMagnolia cubensissubsp.acunae(Magnoliaceae): effects of habitat fragmentation and implications for conservation
Authors: Hernández Majela , Palmarola Alejandro , Veltjen Emily , Asselman Pieter , Testé Ernesto , Larridon Isabel , Samain Marie-Stéphanie , González-Torres Luis R.
Published: February 2020

Genetic data on threatened plant populations can facilitate the development of adequate conservation strategies to reduce extinction risk. Such data are particularly important for species affected by habitat fragmentation such asMagnolia cubensissubsp.acunae, a Critically Endangered magnolia subspecies endemic to Cuba. Using genetic data from 67 individuals, we aimed to evaluate the effect of habitat fragmentation on two subpopulations in the Guamuhaya mountain range, in Topes de Collantes Protected Natural Landscape and Lomas de Banao Ecological Reserve. We characterize the structure and genetic diversity of these subpopulations, with the objective of managing their conservation more effectively. We used Landsat satellite images to determine land-cover types at the two locations and calculated indices of habitat fragmentation. For genetic analyses, we extracted DNA from the leaf tissue of individuals from the two subpopulations and used 11 microsatellite markers to genotype them. We calculated heterozygosity, allelic richness and theF-statistics, to evaluate genetic variability. The montane rainforest in Topes de Collantes was most affected by habitat fragmentation, with smaller patches of more irregular shapes, compared to submontane forest at this location and both montane and submontane forests in Lomas de Banao. Genetic diversity was higher in Topes de Collantes, but we found no genetic differentiation between subpopulations. Our findings suggest the two subpopulations can be considered a single evolutionary unit and conservation entity. We propose to use individuals from both subpopulations for reinforcement to increase the overall genetic diversity of the subspecies.
An outbreak of campylobacteriosis at a hotel in England: the ongoing risk due to consumption of chicken liver dishes
Authors: Wensley A. , Padfield S. , Hughes G. J.
Published: February 2020

Despite a sizeable evidence base for the risk of campylobacteriosis associated with eating chicken liver pâté, associated outbreaks continue to occur. In January 2017, six cases of campylobacteriosis reported having eaten a Christmas set-menu meal at the same hotel in North Yorkshire, England on the same day. A retrospective cohort study was undertaken to test the null hypothesis that consumption of individual food items was not associated with an increased risk of illness. There were 19 cases of campylobacteriosis linked to the outbreak; seven confirmed and 12 probable cases. Chicken liver pâté was the food item most strongly associated with illness (P < 0.001) with a corresponding high crude relative risk (12.95). This relationship was supported by multivariable analysis, sensitivity analyses and a clear dose–response relationship. Three cases reported an incubation period of <24 h, consistent with other outbreaks of campylobacteriosis associated with consumption of poultry liver. The findings were suggestive of a single point source exposure with a strong association between the consumption of chicken liver pâté and campylobacteriosis. This outbreak highlights that despite evidence that simple cooking techniques can ensure that all campylobacter are killed during cooking, outbreaks continue to occur. Public and professional awareness needs to be raised through a strategic communication plan to reduce the risk of further outbreaks of campylobacteriosis linked to incorrectly cooked chicken liver dishes.
Calling the cavalry: firm-level investment in the face of decentralized expropriation
Authors: Marques Israel , Levina Irina , Kazun Anton , Yakovlev Andrei
Published: February 2020

What characteristics of firms give them the confidence to invest in settings rife with expropriation by local officials? Empirically, firms in the developing world often face the threat of expropriation from local agents of the state rather than a centralized autocrat. Because policing local officials is costly, the state cannot easily credibly commit to doing so. This has negative consequences for investment. We argue that one solution is to allow firms to approach the state directly to ask for intervention. Not all firms are equally able to successfully get the attention of the state, however, so this mechanism only works for some. We develop an argument about the firm-level characteristics – large-scale employment, political connections, foreign ownership, and business association membership – that should make the central state more attentive to calls for help. Because firm with these characteristics are more likely to secure intervention against predatory bureaucrats, the latter are less likely to try to expropriate them. These firms' investment decisions should be less sensitive to local expropriation than other firms. We test this argument using data on cases of decentralized expropriation across Russia's regions and firm-level data from a cross-regional, large scale survey of Russian firms.
Composition of Magma and Characteristics of the Hydrothermal System of Newberry Volcano, Oregon, From Magnetotellurics
Authors: Bowles‐Martinez E. , Schultz A.
Published: February 2020

We use 3‐D magnetotellurics to improve our understanding of the structure and magma composition of Newberry Volcano in Oregon, USA. Newberry is a broad shield volcano with a summit caldera and strongly bimodal magmatism. Newberry has long been the subject of geothermal exploration research, but that work has focused on the volcano's west flank, leaving the caldera largely unstudied with geophysical methods until recently. Our modeling shows a relatively resistive magma reservoir of approximately 50 Ωm. Our work builds upon recent seismic models and petrological analysis to interpret Newberry's magma reservoir as a dry rhyolite with 8–11% partial melt, which matches the seismically determined melt fraction. Finding the conditions within the magma reservoir that allow the resistivity and seismic analysis to come to the same melt fraction helps us narrow down the magma temperature and composition. From this we infer a dry rhyolitic magma at 850 °C. We also image a prominent vertical conductive anomaly along the south rim below the vent that produced the most recent eruption. The anomaly extends from magma reservoir depths of 3 km to 1 km below the surface where it disperses into the caldera fill. We interpret this as the main conduit for magmatic fluids to reach Newberry's hydrothermal system. Other features that our model shows include higher conductivity along the caldera rim and a resistive older pluton on the west flank.
QBO Changes in CMIP6 Climate Projections
Authors: Butchart Neal , Anstey James A. , Kawatani Yoshio , Osprey Scott M. , Richter Jadwiga H. , Wu Tongwen
Published: February 2020

Phase 6 of the Coupled‐Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) is the first in which a significant number of models include a well‐resolved stratosphere. Changes in equatorial stratospheric variability in historical and Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) scenario simulations are investigated in 10 models with realistic quasi‐biennial oscillations (QBO). All project a weakening of the QBO throughout the stratosphere for SSP370 and SSP585 scenarios and for 1960 to 2010. The weakening is strongest in the lower stratosphere, ranging from
% to
 % to
% per decade at 50 hPa for SSP585, SSP370, and historical simulations, respectively. At 20 hPa a weakening of both westward and eastward phases contributes though the weakening eastward phase is only seen in 7 of the 10 models. Similar robust weakening occurs for the temperature QBO, but only from 30 hPa upward. In both scenarios the QBO period decreases in 7 of the 10 models.
Long‐term Impacts of Permafrost Thaw on Carbon Storage in Peatlands: Deep Losses Offset by Surficial Accumulation
Authors: Heffernan Liam , Estop‐Aragonés Cristian , Knorr Klaus‐Holger , Talbot Julie , Olefeldt David
Published: February 2020

Peatlands in northern permafrost regions store a significant proportion of global soil carbon. Recent warming is accelerating peatland permafrost thaw and thermokarst collapse, exposing previously frozen peat to microbial decomposition and potential mineralization into greenhouse gases. Here, we show from a site in the sporadic‐discontinuous permafrost zone of western Canada that thermokarst collapse leads to neither large losses nor gains following thaw, as deep carbon losses are offset by surficial accumulation. We collected peat cores along two thaw chronosequences, from peat plateau, through young (~30 years since thaw), intermediate (~70 years), and mature (~200 years) thermokarst bog locations. Macrofossil and 14C analysis showed synchronicity of peatland development until recent thaw, with wetland initiation ~8,500 cal yr BP followed by succession through peatland stages prior to permafrost aggradation ~1,800 cal yr BP. Analysis and modeling of soil carbon stocks indicated 8.7 ± 12.4 kg C m−2 of carbon accumulated prior to thaw was lost in ~200 years post‐thaw. Despite these losses, there was no observed increase in peat humification as assessed by Fourier transform infrared and C:N ratios. Rapid peat accumulation post‐thaw (9.8 ± 1.6 kg C m−2 over 200 years) offset deeper losses. Our approach constrains the net carbon balance to be between uptake of 27.3 g C m−2 yr−1 and loss of 106.6 g C m−2 yr−1 over 200 years post‐thaw. While our approach cannot determine whether thermokarst bogs in the sporadic‐discontinuous permafrost zone act as long‐term carbon sinks or sources post‐thaw, our study better constrains post‐thaw C losses and gains.
Changes in Antecedent Soil Moisture Modulate Flood Seasonality in a Changing Climate
Authors: Wasko Conrad , Nathan Rory , Peel Murray C.
Published: February 2020

Due to difficulties in identifying a climate change signal in flood magnitude, it has been suggested that shifts in flood timing, that is, the day of annual streamflow maxima, may be detectable. Here, we use high‐quality streamflow, largely free of snowmelt, from 221 catchments across Australia to investigate the influence of shifts in soil moisture and rainfall timing on annual streamflow maxima timing. In tropical areas we find that flood timing is strongly linked to the timing of both rainfall and soil moisture annual maxima. However, in southern Australia flood timing is more correlated with soil moisture maxima than rainfall maxima. The link between flood, soil moisture, and rainfall timing is confounded by event severity: For less extreme events flood timing is more likely to correspond to soil moisture timing, whereas rainfall timing becomes increasingly important as flood severity increases. Using circular regression to investigate nonstationarity, we find that flood timing is shifting to earlier in the year in the tropics and later in the year in the southwest of the continent, consistent with changes in mean and extreme rainfall and shifts in soil moisture timing due to tropical expansion. In southeast Australia, there is evidence that the mechanisms controlling flood seasonality are changing with a reversal of trends post Millennium Drought. Overall, changes in soil moisture timing, compared to changes in rainfall timing, are found to have a greater influence on changes in annual maxima streamflow flood timing.
Amplification of Duffy binding protein-encoding gene allows Plasmodium vivax to evade host anti-DBP humoral immunity
Authors: Popovici Jean , Roesch Camille , Carias Lenore L. , Khim Nimol , Kim Saorin , Vantaux Amelie , Mueller Ivo , Chitnis Chetan E. , King Christopher L. , Witkowski Benoit
Published: February 2020

Antigenic variation, the capacity to produce a range of variable antigens, is a well-described strategy of Plasmodium and other parasites to evade host immunity. Here, we show that gene amplification is an additional evasion mechanism used by Plasmodium vivax to escape humoral immunity targeting PvDBP, the key ligand involved in reticulocyte invasion. PvDBP gene amplification leads to increased mRNA levels and protects P. vivax in vitro against invasion inhibitory human monoclonal antibodies targeting a conserved binding domain of DBP. Patient samples suggest that parasites with increased pvdbp copy number are able to infect individuals with naturally acquired antibodies highly blocking the binding of PvDBP to the Duffy receptor. These results show that gene copy number variation affect the parasite’s ability to evade anti-PvDBP humoral immunity.
Topoisomerase 1 cleavage complex enables pattern recognition and inflammation during senescence
Authors: Zhao Bo , Liu Pingyu , Fukumoto Takeshi , Nacarelli Timothy , Fatkhutdinov Nail , Wu Shuai , Lin Jianhuang , Aird Katherine M. , Tang Hsin-Yao , Liu Qin , Speicher David W. , Zhang Rugang
Published: February 2020

Cyclic cGMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a pattern recognition cytosolic DNA sensor that is essential for cellular senescence. cGAS promotes inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) through recognizing cytoplasmic chromatin during senescence. cGAS-mediated inflammation is essential for the antitumor effects of immune checkpoint blockade. However, the mechanism by which cGAS recognizes cytoplasmic chromatin is unknown. Here we show that topoisomerase 1-DNA covalent cleavage complex (TOP1cc) is both necessary and sufficient for cGAS-mediated cytoplasmic chromatin recognition and SASP during senescence. TOP1cc localizes to cytoplasmic chromatin and TOP1 interacts with cGAS to enhance the binding of cGAS to DNA. Retention of TOP1cc to cytoplasmic chromatin depends on its stabilization by the chromatin architecture protein HMGB2. Functionally, the HMGB2-TOP1cc-cGAS axis determines the response of orthotopically transplanted ex vivo therapy-induced senescent cells to immune checkpoint blockade in vivo. Together, these findings establish a HMGB2-TOP1cc-cGAS axis that enables cytoplasmic chromatin recognition and response to immune checkpoint blockade.
Primary cell wall inspired micro containers as a step towards a synthetic plant cell
Authors: Paulraj T. , Wennmalm S. , Wieland D.C.F. , Riazanova A. V. , Dėdinaitė A. , Günther Pomorski T. , Cárdenas M. , Svagan A. J.
Published: February 2020

The structural integrity of living plant cells heavily relies on the plant cell wall containing a nanofibrous cellulose skeleton. Hence, if synthetic plant cells consist of such a cell wall, they would allow for manipulation into more complex synthetic plant structures. Herein, we have overcome the fundamental difficulties associated with assembling lipid vesicles with cellulosic nanofibers (CNFs). We prepare plantosomes with an outer shell of CNF and pectin, and beneath this, a thin layer of lipids (oleic acid and phospholipids) that surrounds a water core. By exploiting the phase behavior of the lipids, regulated by pH and Mg2+ ions, we form vesicle-crowded interiors that change the outer dimension of the plantosomes, mimicking the expansion in real plant cells during, e.g., growth. The internal pressure enables growth of lipid tubules through the plantosome cell wall, which paves the way to the development of hierarchical plant structures and advanced synthetic plant cell mimics.
An organic/inorganic electrode-based hydronium-ion battery
Authors: Guo Zhaowei , Huang Jianhang , Dong Xiaoli , Xia Yongyao , Yan Lei , Wang Zhuo , Wang Yonggang
Published: February 2020

Hydronium-ion batteries are regarded as one of the most promising energy technologies as next-generation power sources, benefiting from their cost effectivity and sustainability merits. Herein, we propose a hydronium-ion battery which is based on an organic pyrene-4,5,9,10-tetraone anode and an inorganic MnO2@graphite felt cathode in an acid electrolyte. Its operation involves a quinone/hydroquinone redox reaction on anode and a MnO2/Mn2+ conversion reaction on cathode, in parallel with the transfer of H3O+ between two electrodes. The distinct operation mechanism affords this hydronium-ion battery an energy density up to 132.6 Wh kg−1 and a supercapacitor-comparable power density of 30.8 kW kg−1, along with a long-term cycling life over 5000 cycles. Furthermore, surprisingly, this hydronium-ion battery works well even with a frozen electrolyte under −40 °C, and superior rate performance and cycle stability remain at −70 °C.
A molecular switch regulating transcriptional repression and activation of PPARγ
Authors: Shang Jinsai , Mosure Sarah A. , Zheng Jie , Brust Richard , Bass Jared , Nichols Ashley , Solt Laura A. , Griffin Patrick R. , Kojetin Douglas J.
Published: February 2020

Nuclear receptor (NR) transcription factors use a conserved activation function-2 (AF-2) helix 12 mechanism for agonist-induced coactivator interaction and NR transcriptional activation. In contrast, ligand-induced corepressor-dependent NR repression appears to occur through structurally diverse mechanisms. We report two crystal structures of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in an inverse agonist/corepressor-bound transcriptionally repressive conformation. Helix 12 is displaced from the solvent-exposed active conformation and occupies the orthosteric ligand-binding pocket enabled by a conformational change that doubles the pocket volume. Paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) NMR and chemical crosslinking mass spectrometry confirm the repressive helix 12 conformation. PRE NMR also defines the mechanism of action of the corepressor-selective inverse agonist T0070907, and reveals that apo-helix 12 exchanges between transcriptionally active and repressive conformations—supporting a fundamental hypothesis in the NR field that helix 12 exchanges between transcriptionally active and repressive conformations.
Environmental enrichment ameliorates perinatal brain injury and promotes functional white matter recovery
Authors: Forbes Thomas A. , Goldstein Evan Z. , Dupree Jeffrey L. , Jablonska Beata , Scafidi Joseph , Adams Katrina L. , Imamura Yuka , Hashimoto-Torii Kazue , Gallo Vittorio
Published: February 2020

Hypoxic damage to the developing brain due to preterm birth causes many anatomical changes, including damage to the periventricular white matter. This results in the loss of glial cells, significant disruptions in myelination, and thereby cognitive and behavioral disabilities seen throughout life. Encouragingly, these neurological morbidities can be improved by environmental factors; however, the underlying cellular mechanisms remain unknown. We found that early and continuous environmental enrichment selectively enhances endogenous repair of the developing white matter by promoting oligodendroglial maturation, myelination, and functional recovery after perinatal brain injury. These effects require increased exposure to socialization, physical activity, and cognitive enhancement of surroundings—a complete enriched environment. Using RNA-sequencing, we identified oligodendroglial-specific responses to hypoxic brain injury, and uncovered molecular mechanisms involved in enrichment-induced recovery. Together, these results indicate that myelin plasticity induced by modulation of the neonatal environment can be targeted as a therapeutic strategy for preterm birth.
Ag(I) ions working as a hole-transfer mediator in photoelectrocatalytic water oxidation on WO3 film
Authors: Jeon Tae Hwa , Monllor–Satoca Damián , Moon Gun–hee , Kim Wooyul , Kim Hyoung–il , Bahnemann Detlef W. , Park Hyunwoong , Choi Wonyong
Published: February 2020

Ag(I) is commonly employed as an electron scavenger to promote water oxidation. In addition to its straightforward role as an electron acceptor, Ag(I) can also capture holes to generate the high-valent silver species. Herein, we demonstrate photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) water oxidation and concurrent dioxygen evolution by the silver redox cycle where Ag(I) acts as a hole-transfer mediator. Ag(I) enhances the PEC performance of WO3 electrodes at 1.23 V vs. RHE with increasing O2 evolution, while forming Ag(II) complexes (AgIINO3+). Upon turning off both light and potential bias, the photocurrent immediately drops to zero, whereas O2 evolution continues over ~10 h with gradual bleaching of the colored complexes. This phenomenon is observed neither in the Ag(I)-free PEC reactions nor in the photocatalytic (i.e., bias-free) reactions with Ag(I). This study finds that the role of Ag(I) is not limited as an electron scavenger and calls for more thorough studies on the effect of Ag(I).
Author Correction: Prophylactic potential of cytolethal distending toxin B (CdtB) subunit of typhoid toxin against Typhoid fever
Authors: Thakur Reena , Pathania Preeti , Kaur Navneet , Joshi Vattan , Kondepudi Kanthi Kiran , Suri Chander Raman , Rishi Praveen
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Building block and rapid synthesis of catecholamines-inorganic nanoflowers with their peroxidase-mimicking and antimicrobial activities
Authors: Celik Cagla , Ildiz Nilay , Ocsoy Ismail
Published: February 2020

Protein incorporated flower-shaped hybrid nanostructures have received highly considerable attention due to their greatly enhanced catalytic activities and stabilities. Up to date, proteins, enzymes (mostly considered as proteins), and amino acids (as the building blocks of peptides and proteins) have been used as organic components of the hybrid nanoflowers. Herein, we present a rational strategy to rapidly form catecholamines (dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine)-copper ion (Cu2+) incorporated nanoflowers (cNFs) mostly in 3 hours and show their peroxidase-mimic catalytic, dye degradation and antimicrobial activities through Fenton-like reaction mechanism. We systematically studied effects of experimental parameters including catecholamine concentrations, reaction time and reaction pH values, on formation of the cNFs. We also explained that norepinephrine nanoflower (neNF) with its porous structure, high surface area, polar surface property behaves as an efficient Fenton agent by exhibiting highly much catalytic activities compared to dopamine nanoflower (dNF) and epinephrine nanoflower (epNF). We claim that the NFs formed using nonprotein molecules can be used in designing new generation nanobiocatalytics, antimicrobial agents, nanobiosensors and pharmaceutical products.
Sexual communication of Spodoptera frugiperda from West Africa: Adaptation of an invasive species and implications for pest management
Authors: Haenniger Sabine , Goergen Georg , Akinbuluma Mobolade Dele , Kunert Maritta , Heckel David G. , Unbehend Melanie
Published: February 2020

The pest species Spodoptera frugiperda, which is native to North and South America, has invaded Africa in 2016. The species consists of two strains, the corn-strain and rice-strain, which differ in their sexual communication. When we investigated populations from Benin and Nigeria, consisting of corn-strain and rice-corn-hybrid descendants, we found no strain-specific sexual communication differences. Both genotypes exhibited the same pheromone composition, consisting of around 97% (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9–14:Ac), 2% (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate (Z7–12:Ac), and 1% (Z)-9-dodecenyl acetate (Z9–12:Ac), they had similar electrophysiological responses, and all mated around three hours into scotophase. However, we found geographic variation between African and American populations. The sex pheromone of African corn-strain and hybrid descendant females was similar to American rice-strain females and showed higher percentages of the male-attracting minor component Z7–12:Ac. In addition, African males exhibited the highest antennal sensitivity towards Z7–12:Ac, while American males showed highest sensitivity towards the major pheromone component Z9–14:Ac. Increasing the production of and response to the critical minor component Z7–12:Ac may reduce communication interference with other African Spodoptera species that share the same major pheromone component. The implications of our results on pheromone-based pest management strategies are discussed.
The detection of honey bee (Apis mellifera)-associated viruses in ants
Authors: Payne Alexandria N. , Shepherd Tonya F. , Rangel Juliana
Published: February 2020

Interspecies virus transmission involving economically important pollinators, including honey bees (Apis mellifera), has recently sparked research interests regarding pollinator health. Given that ants are common pests within apiaries in the southern U.S., the goals of this study were to (1) survey ants found within or near managed honey bee colonies, (2) document what interactions are occurring between ant pests and managed honey bees, and 3) determine if any of six commonly occurring honey bee-associated viruses were present in ants collected from within or far from apiaries. Ants belonging to 14 genera were observed interacting with managed honey bee colonies in multiple ways, most commonly by robbing sugar resources from within hives. We detected at least one virus in 89% of the ant samples collected from apiary sites (n = 57) and in 15% of ant samples collected at non-apiary sites (n = 20). We found that none of these ant samples tested positive for the replication of Deformed wing virus, Black queen cell virus, or Israeli acute paralysis virus, however. Future studies looking at possible virus transmission between ants and bees could determine whether ants can be considered mechanical vectors of honey bee-associated viruses, making them a potential threat to pollinator health.
Polymer/Graphene oxide nanocomposite thin film for NO2 sensor: An in situ investigation of electronic, morphological, structural, and spectroscopic properties
Authors: Sahu Praveen Kumar , Pandey Rajiv K. , Dwivedi R. , Mishra V. N. , Prakash R.
Published: February 2020

The higher operating temperature of metal oxide and air instability of organic based NO2 sensor causes extremely urgent for development of a reliable low cost sensor to detect NO2 at room temperature. Therefore, we present a fabrication of large area Polymer/GO nano hybrid thin film for polymer thin film transistors (PTFTs) based NO2 sensors assisted via facile method named ‘spreading-solidifying (SS) method’, grown over air/liquid interface and successive investigation of effect of NO2 on film via several characterizations. The PTFTs sensor has demonstrated swift and high response towards low concentration of NO2 gas with air stability and provided real time non-invasive type NO2 sensor. Herein, we are reporting the nanohybrid PBTTT/GO composite based PTFT sensor with good repeatability and sensor response for low concentration NO2. The thin film grown via SS technique has reported very good adsorption/desorption of target analyte having response/recovery time of 75 s/523 s for 10 ppm concentration of NO2 gas. It has been observed that % change in drain current (sensor response) saturated with increasing concentration of NO2. The transient analysis demonstrates the fast sensor response and recovery time. Furthermore, in order to understand the insight of high performance of sensor, effect of NO2 on nanohybrid film and sensing mechanism, an in situ investigations was conducted via multiple technique viz. spectral, electronic, structural, and morphological characterization. Finally, the performance of sensor and the site of adsorption of NO2 at polymer chains were argued using schematic diagram. This work shows the simple fabrication process for mass production, low cost and room temperature operated gas sensors for monitoring the real-time environment conditions and gives an insight about the sensing mechanism adsorption site of NO2.
The anti-inflammatory potential of cefazolin as common gamma chain cytokine inhibitor
Authors: Żyżyńska-Granica Barbara , Trzaskowski Bartosz , Dutkiewicz Małgorzata , Zegrocka-Stendel Oliwia , Machcińska Maja , Bocian Katarzyna , Kowalewska Magdalena , Koziak Katarzyna
Published: February 2020

A continuing quest for specific inhibitors of proinflammatory cytokines brings promise for effective therapies designed for inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Cefazolin, a safe, first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, has been recently shown to specifically interact with interleukin 15 (IL-15) receptor subunit α (IL-15Rα) and to inhibit IL-15-dependent TNF-α and IL-17 synthesis. The aim of this study was to elucidate cefazolin activity against IL-2, IL-4, IL-15 and IL-21, i.e. four cytokines sharing the common cytokine receptor γ chain (γc). In silico, molecular docking unveiled two potential cefazolin binding sites within the IL-2/IL-15Rβ subunit and two within the γc subunit. In vitro, cefazolin decreased proliferation of PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) following IL-2, IL-4 and IL-15 stimulation, reduced production of IFN-γ, IL-17 and TNF-α in IL-2- and IL-15-treated PBMC and in IL-15 stimulated natural killer (NK) cells, attenuated IL-4-dependent expression of CD11c in monocyte-derived dendritic cells and suppressed phosphorylation of JAK3 in response to IL-2 and IL-15 in PBMC, to IL-4 in TF-1 (erythroleukemic cell line) and to IL-21 in NK-92 (NK cell line). The results of the study suggest that cefazolin may exert inhibitory activity against all of the γc receptor-dependent cytokines, i.e. IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-15 and IL-21.
Quantifying lipofuscin in retinal pigment epithelium in vivo by visible-light optical coherence tomography-based multimodal imaging
Authors: Nafar Zahra , Wen Rong , Guan Ziqiang , Li Yiwen , Jiao Shuliang
Published: February 2020

Lipofuscin in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is the major source of fundus autofluorescence (FAF). A technical challenge to accurately quantify the FAF intensities, thus the lipofuscin concentration, is to compensate the light attenuation of RPE melanin. We developed the VIS-OCT-FAF technology to accomplish optical coherence tomography (OCT) and FAF simultaneously with a single broadband visible light source. We demonstrated that light attenuation by RPE melanin can be assessed and corrected using the depth-resolved OCT signals. FAF images from albino and pigmented rats showed that without compensation, FAF signals from pigmented rats are lower than that from albinos. After compensation, however, FAF signals from pigmented rats are higher. This finding is supported by measurements of lipofuscin fluorophore A2E in the RPE using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) showing that compensated FAF intensities correlate linearly with A2E contents. The present work represents an important step toward accurately assessing RPE lipofuscin concentrations by FAF.
Author Correction: Halszkaraptor escuilliei and the evolution of the paravian bauplan
Authors: Brownstein Chase D.
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Coordinated mapping of Li+ flux and electron transfer reactivity during solid-electrolyte interphase formation at a graphene electrode
Authors: Gossage Zachary T. , Hui Jingshu , Sarbapalli Dipobrato , Rodríguez-López Joaquín
Published: February 2020

Mapping correlated ion and electron transfer reactivity as a passivating battery interphase evolves.
Room-temperature conversion of Cu2−xSe to CuAgSe nanoparticles to enhance the photocatalytic performance of their composites with TiO2
Authors: Gahlot Sweta , Dappozze Frederic , Singh Deobrat , Ahuja Rajeev , Cardenas Luis , Burel Laurence , Amans David , Guillard Chantal , Mishra Shashank
Published: February 2020

Surfactant-free CuAgSe–TiO2 composites show an improved photocatalysis as compared to Cu2−xSe–TiO2 composites or TiO2 alone.
In silico modelling, identification of crucial molecular fingerprints, and prediction of new possible substrates of human organic cationic transporters 1 and 2
Authors: Baidya Anurag T. K. , Ghosh Kalyan , Amin Sk. Abdul , Adhikari Nilanjan , Nirmal Jayabalan , Jha Tarun , Gayen Shovanlal
Published: February 2020

The cation membrane transporters are crucial to regulate movement of foreign molecules within the body. The present study found out structural fingerprints within molecules to be recognized as substrate/non-substrate against these transporters.
Controllable photodeposition of nickel phosphide cocatalysts on cadmium sulfide nanosheets for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance
Authors: Gai Qixiao , Ren Shoutian , Zheng Xiaochun , Liu Wenjun , Dong Quanli , Gao Renxi
Published: February 2020

As efficient cocatalysts in photocatalytic processes, transition metal phosphides are usually synthesized in harsh and tedious conditions. So to achieve their simple and controllable loading on photocatalyst surface is especially valuable.
Plasmon-enhanced nonlinear nanofocusing of gold nanoprisms drivenviaan ultrafast azimuthal vector beam
Authors: Zhang Wending , Zhang Lu , Lu Fanfan , Bai Donghui , Xue Tianyang , Meng Chao , Liu Min , Mao Dong , Gao Feng , Mei Ting
Published: February 2020

We present the plasmon-enhanced nonlinear nanofocusing of a gold (Au) nanoprism array substrate (ANAS) drivenviaan ultrafast azimuthal vector beam (AVB).
High Tm poly(L-lactide)s via REP or ROPPOC of l-lactide
Authors: Kricheldorf Hans R. , Weidner Steffen M. , Meyer Andreas
Published: February 2020

A new kind of high melting (HTm) pol(l-lactide) was discovered when cyclic poly(l-lactide)s were prepared by ring-expansion polymerization with cyclic tin catalysts at 130–160 °C in bulk.
Chiral N,N′-dioxide/Mg(OTf)2 complex-catalyzed asymmetric [2,3]-rearrangement of in situ generated ammonium salts
Authors: Lin Qianchi , Hu Bowen , Xu Xi , Dong Shunxi , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: February 2020

The Lewis acid catalyzed asymmetric [2,3]-rearrangement of quaternary ammonium ylides formed in situ from glycine pyrazoleamides and allyl bromides.
Template-guided selection of RNA ligands using imine-based dynamic combinatorial chemistry
Authors: Umuhire Juru Aline , Cai Zhengguo , Jan Adina , Hargrove Amanda E.
Published: February 2020

This study establishes the applicability of imine-based dynamic combinatorial chemistry to discover non-covalent ligands for RNA targets.
Isolation of singlet carbene derived 2-arsa-1,3-butadiene radical cations and dications
Authors: Sharma Mahendra K. , Blomeyer Sebastian , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans-Georg , Hinz Alexander , van Gastel Maurice , Ghadwal Rajendra S.
Published: February 2020

Sequential one-electron oxidation of 2-arsa-1,3-butadienes 2 with GaCl3 leads to the formation of the radical cations 3 and dications 4 as crystalline solids.
Large scale synthesis of single-chain/colloid Janus nanoparticles with tunable composition
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Chen Xi , Lang Fengzheng , Yang Liping , Qiu Dong , Yang Zhenzhong
Published: February 2020

A general method is proposed to large scale synthesize tadpole-like single-chain Janus nanoparticles with a tunable head composition.
Hydrogen-bonded metallosupramolecular helices composed of a nona-protonated spherical RhIII4ZnII4 cluster with twelve carboxylate arms
Authors: Yamashita Ukyo , Yoshinari Nobuto , Sodkhomkhum Rapheepraew , Meundaeng Natthaya , Konno Takumi
Published: February 2020

Anion-controlled formation of hydrogen-bonded metallosupramolecular helices from a RhIII4ZnII4 polycarboxylate is reported.
Coordinated regulation on critical physiochemical performances activated from mixed tetrahedral anionic ligands in new series of Sr6A4M4S16 (A = Ag, Cu; M = Ge, Sn) nonlinear optical materials
Authors: Yang Ya , Song Miao , Zhang Jie , Gao Lihua , Wu Xiaowen , Wu Kui
Published: February 2020

Coordinated regulation on physiochemical performances activated from mixed anionic ligands in a new series of IR NLO materials was systematically investigated.
Constructing BaLi2Ti6O14@C nanofibers with a low carbon content as high-performance anode materials for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Chao , Li Xing , Liu Yuzhou , Gao Nan , Xin Xing
Published: February 2020

In this work, BaLi2Ti6O14 nanofibers coated by a thin carbon layer were rationally designed and synthesized by a controlled electrospinning process and a simple annealing process.
Engineering interfacial structures to accelerate hydrogen evolution efficiency of MoS2 over a wide pH range
Authors: Li Shasha , Sirisomboonchai Suchada , An Xiaowei , Ma Xuli , Li Peng , Ling Lixia , Hao Xiaogang , Abudula Abuliti , Guan Guoqing
Published: February 2020

A flower-like CoS2@MoS2 electrocatalyst with a 3D heterostructure grown on carbon paper was fabricated for the efficient catalysis of the hydrogen evolution reaction over a wide pH range.