bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sources and origins of eolian dust to the Philippine Sea determined by major minerals and elemental geochemistry
Authors: Wang Wei , Xu Zhaokai , Li Tiegang , Wan Shiming , Cai Mingjiang , Chen Hongjin , Sun Rongtao , Lim Dhongil
Published: October 2019

We investigated the microscopic mineral characteristics of modern eolian dust particulates and the trace-element compositions of the siliciclastic fractions of these samples, collected from the Philippine Sea in 2014 and 2015, and conducted an air mass backwards trajectory analysis of dust particulates in the spring and winter of 2015, to better constrain the provenances and transport dynamics of dust delivered to this region. The microscopic minerals show obvious signatures of dust deposition and physical abrasion, indicating long-distance wind transport from the Asian deserts. The trace-element compositions (Zr–Th–Sc) display a binary mixture of eolian materials derived from the eastern Asian deserts and the central Asian deserts, which is similar to the result of the Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of modern sediment trap sediments collected on the Benham Rise in 2015. We demonstrate that modern dust sediments in the Philippine Sea primarily originate from the Ordos Desert (generally > 80%), while the contributions of the Taklimakan Desert and the Badain Jaran Desert are small. Eolian dust particulates raised from source regions are predominantly transported to the Philippine Sea by the East Asian winter monsoon, but not by the westerlies. In addition, our results indicate that increased precipitation in the source regions can result in relatively low dust fluxes in the Philippine Sea, and there is a period of 6–7 days for eolian dust originating from source areas to be delivered to the Philippine Sea.
QUOTIENT CATEGORIES OF n-ABELIAN CATEGORIES
Authors: ZHENG QILIAN , WEI JIAQUN
Published: October 2019

The notion of mutation pairs of subcategories in an n-abelian category is defined in this paper. Let ${\cal D} \subseteq {\cal Z}$ be subcategories of an n-abelian category ${\cal A}$. Then the quotient category ${\cal Z}/{\cal D}$ carries naturally an (n + 2) -angulated structure whenever $ ({\cal Z},{\cal Z}) $ forms a ${\cal D} \subseteq {\cal Z}$-mutation pair and ${\cal Z}$ is extension-closed. Moreover, we introduce strongly functorially finite subcategories of n-abelian categories and show that the corresponding quotient categories are one-sided (n + 2)-angulated categories. Finally, we study homological finiteness of subcategories in a mutation pair.
‘It's our pleasure, we count cars here’: an exploration of the ‘neighbourhood-based connections’ for people living alone with dementia
Authors: Odzakovic Elzana , Kullberg Agneta , Hellström Ingrid , Clark Andrew , Campbell Sarah , Manji Kainde , Rummery Kirstein , Keady John , Ward Richard
Published: October 2019

The extent of social isolation experienced by people living with dementia who reside in the community has been well acknowledged, yet little is known about how people living alone with dementia maintain neighbourhood-based connections. The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of people with dementia who live alone, focusing upon how they establish social networks and relationships in a neighbourhood context, and how they are supported to maintain this social context within everyday life. Multiple data collection methods were used including, semi-structured interviews, walking interviews, guided home tours and social network mapping, which were conducted with 14 community-dwelling people living alone with dementia (11 women and three men) situated across the three international study sites in England, Scotland and Sweden. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The analysis revealed four main themes: (a) making the effort to stay connected; (b) befriending by organisations and facilitated friendships; (c) the quiet neighbourhood atmosphere; and (d) changing social connections. The analysis suggests that people with dementia who live alone were active agents who took control to find and maintain relationships and social networks in the neighbourhood. Our findings indicate the need to raise awareness about this specific group in both policy and practice, and to find creative ways to help people connect through everyday activities and by spontaneous encounters in the neighbourhood.
A Factionalism Model for CCP Politics
Authors: Nathan Andrew J.
Published: October 2019

Until the Cultural Revolution, the predominant western view of
contemporary Chinese elite conflict was that it consisted of “discussion”
(t'ao-lun) within a basically consensual
Politburo among shifting “opinion groups” with no “organized force” behind
them. The purges and accusations which began in 1965 and apparently still
continue, have shaken this interpretation, and a number of scholars have
advanced new analyses - sometimes explicit, sometimes implicit, sometimes of
general application, sometimes applied only to a particular time span or
segment of the political system. Of these new views, perhaps the most
systematic - and at the same time the one which represents the least change
from the pre-Cultural Revolution “opinion group” model - is the “policy
making under Mao” interpretation, which sees conflict as essentially a
bureaucratic decision-making process dominated by Mao.
The Chinese View of Their Place in the World: An Historical
Perspective
Authors: Cranmer-Byng John
Published: October 2019

The object of this article is to examine changing Chinese attitudes to
their place in the world from a Chinese historical and intellectual
perspective, in order to provide a basis for anticipating developments in
the future attuned more to a Chinese than to a western point of view. The
question immediately arises whether such a perspective is in any way
relevant to the recent theory and practice of international relations in the
People's Republic of China, and what insights, if any, such a perspective
may provide for discussing the future. This is a controversial subject
concerned with the nature of cultural change, and the extent to which "
imprinting" from a long continuity of accepted social and cultural values
can psychologically condition people even after a decisive
break in that tradition appears to have occurred.
Introduction: New perspectives on diachronic syntax in North Germanic
Authors: Håkansson David , Petzell Erik Magnusson , Engdahl Elisabet
Published: October 2019

This special issue ofNordic Journal of Linguisticsis dedicated to diachronic generative syntax in the North Germanic languages. With the introduction of generative grammar in the late 1950s the historical perspective became less prominent within linguistics. Instead, contemporary language, normally represented by the researcher’s own intuitions, became the unmarked empirical basis within the generative field, although there were some early pioneering studies in generative historical syntax (e.g. Traugott 1972). It was not until the introduction of the Principles and Parameters theory in the 1990s that diachronic syntax emerged as an important domain of inquiry for generative linguists. Since then, the study of syntactic change has added a temporal dimension to the overall enterprise to better understand the nature of variation in human language.
The Induced Removal Lemma in Sparse Graphs
Authors: Sapir Shachar , Shapira Asaf
Published: October 2019

The induced removal lemma of Alon, Fischer, Krivelevich and Szegedy states that if an n-vertex graph G is ε-far from being induced H-free then G contains δH(ε) · nh induced copies of H. Improving upon the original proof, Conlon and Fox proved that 1/δH(ε)is at most a tower of height poly(1/ε), and asked if this bound can be further improved to a tower of height log(1/ε). In this paper we obtain such a bound for graphs G of density O(ε). We actually prove a more general result, which, as a special case, also gives a new proof of Fox’s bound for the (non-induced) removal lemma.
Lipid characterization of in vitro-produced bovine embryos with distinct kinetics of development
Authors: Annes Kelly , Sudano Mateus José , Belaz Katia Roberta A. , Tata Alessandra , Santos Vanessa Gonçalves , Fonseca Junior Aldcejam Martins da , dos Santos Érika Cristina , Eberlin Marcos Nogueira , Milazzotto Marcella Pecora
Published: October 2019

Human embryo studies have proposed the use of additional morphological evaluations related to the moment of the first cell divisions as relevant to embryo viability. Nevertheless, there are still not enough data available related to morphokinetic analysis and its relationship with lipid composition in embryos. Therefore, the aim of this study was to address the lipid profile of bovine embryos with different developmental kinetics: fast (four or more cells) and slow (two or three cells) at 40 h post-insemination (hpi), at three time points of in vitro culture (40, 112 and 186 hpi) and compare these to profiles of in vivo embryos. The lipid profiles of embryos were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry, which mainly detected pools of membrane lipids such as phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin. In addition to their structural function, these lipid classes have an important role in cell signalling, particularly regarding events such as stress and pregnancy. Different patterns of lipids in the fast and slow groups were revealed in all the analyzed stages. Also, differences between in vitro embryos were more pronounced at 112 hpi, a critical moment due to embryonic genome activation. At the blastocyst stage, in vitro-produced embryos, despite the kinetics, had a closer lipid profile when compared with in vivo blastocysts. In conclusion, the kinetics of development had a greater effect on the membrane lipid profiles throughout the embryo culture, especially at the 8–16-cell stage. The in vitro environment affects lipid composition and may compromise cell signalling and function in blastocysts.
The case for case–control studies in the field of suicide prevention
Authors: Pirkis Jane , Nicholas Angela , Gunnell David
Published: October 2019

Much of our knowledge about the risk factors for suicide comes from case–control studies that either use a psychological autopsy approach or are nested within large register-based cohort studies. We would argue that case–control studies are appropriate in the context of a rare outcome like suicide, but there are issues with using this design. Some of these issues are common in psychological autopsy studies and relate to the selection of controls (e.g. selection bias caused by the use of controls who have died by other causes, rather than live controls) and the reliance on interviewing informants (e.g. recall bias caused by the loved ones of cases having thought about the events leading up to the suicide in considerable detail). Register-based studies can overcome some of these problems because they draw upon contain information that is routinely collected for administrative purposes and gathered in the same way for cases and controls. However, they face issues that mean that psychological autopsy studies will still sometimes be the study design of choice for investigating risk factors for suicide. Some countries, particularly low and middle income countries, don't have sophisticated population-based registers. Even where they do exist, there will be variable of interest that are not captured by them (e.g. acute stressful life events that may immediately precede a suicide death), or not captured in a comprehensive way (e.g. suicide attempts and mental illness that do not result in hospital admissions). Future studies of risk factors should be designed to progress knowledge in the field and overcome the problems with the existing studies, particularly those using a case–control design. The priority should be pinning down the risk factors that are amenable to modification or mitigation through interventions that can successfully be rolled out at scale.
Resilience Dynamics of Urban Water Supply Security and Potential of Tipping Points
Authors: Krueger E. H. , Borchardt D. , Jawitz J. W. , Klammler H. , Yang S. , Zischg J. , Rao P. S. C.
Published: October 2019

Cities are the drivers of socioeconomic innovation and are also forced to address the accelerating risk of failure in providing essential services such as water supply today and in the future. Here, we investigate the resilience of urban water supply security, which is defined in terms of the services that citizens receive. The resilience of services is determined by the availability and robustness of critical system elements or “capitals” (water resources, infrastructure, finances, management efficacy, and community adaptation). We translate quantitative information about this portfolio of capitals from seven contrasting cities on four continents into parameters of a coupled system dynamics model. Water services are disrupted by recurring stochastic shocks, and we simulate the dynamics of impact and recovery cycles. Resilience emerges under various constraints, expressed in terms of each city's capital portfolio. Systematic assessment of the parameter space produces the urban water resilience landscape, and we determine the position of each city along a continuous gradient from water insecure and nonresilient to secure and resilient systems. In several cities stochastic disturbance regimes challenge steady‐state conditions and drive system collapse. While water insecure and nonresilient cities risk being pushed into a poverty trap, cities which have developed excess capitals risk being trapped in rigidity and crossing a tipping point from high to low services and collapse. Where public services are insufficient, community adaptation improves water security and resilience to varying degrees. Our results highlight the need for resilience thinking in the governance of urban water systems under global change pressures.
Ground Echoes Observed by the Meteor Radar and High‐Speed Auroral Observations in the Substorm Growth Phase
Authors: Kozlovsky A. , Shalimov S. , Oyama S. , Hosokawa K. , Lester M. , Ogawa Y. , Hall C.
Published: October 2019

Multi‐instrument observations by a meteor radar (MR), auroral cameras, ionosondes, and ground magnetometers were made in Northern Europe at auroral latitudes (between 64° and 72° corrected geomagnetic latitude) at 22–24 magnetic local time in the substorm growth phase. The southward drifting growth phase auroral arc was associated with enhanced electron density up to 2⋅1012 m‐3 (corresponding to a plasma frequency, foEs of about 13 MHz) at about 110‐km altitude. Such an enhanced E layer electron density caused bending toward the ground of the MR radio waves transmitted at a frequency, fr, of 36.9 MHz and at low elevation (el. < 25°), such that the radar received ground echoes characterized by a near‐zero Doppler shift. The amplitude of the echoes was modulated at a frequency of a few hertz, and a similar modulation was found in the auroral luminosity at 427.8 nm near the location of the bending of MR radio waves. The modulation was due to irregular (random) fluctuations of auroral precipitation. Although such a few‐hertz variation of the auroral precipitation cannot produce more than 1% modulation of the ionospheric electron density, even such a small modulation can lead to 50% modulation of the MR ground scatter provided foEs ≈ fr sin (el.). The ionosonde and MR data provide evidence that this condition was satisfied in the present case. Due to a high‐frequency (>2 Hz) amplitude modulation of the ground scatter, the MR erroneously accepts such signals as echoes from meteor trails.
Tsunami Data Assimilation of Cabled Ocean Bottom Pressure Records for the 2015 Torishima Volcanic Tsunami Earthquake
Authors: Wang Y. , Satake K. , Sandanbata O. , Maeda T. , Su H.
Published: October 2019

Abnormal volcanic earthquakes occurring near the volcanic island of Torishima, south of Japan, sometimes generate relatively larger tsunamis compared to the seismic magnitudes. They have a non‐double‐couple focal mechanism known as compensated linear vector dipole. The unusual earthquake source mechanism poses difficulties in traditional tsunami forecasting method based on seismic parameters. Tsunami data assimilation, a method of tsunami forecast using offshore tsunami observation data and numerical model, avoids the complexities and uncertainties in the tsunami source estimation and makes a tsunami early warning at coastal points of interest. Along Nankai trough, many offshore bottom pressure gauges are installed, and the data are transmitted in real time through submarine cables. Previous synthetic experiments have demonstrated the capability of the data assimilation approach for tsunami forecasting. In this paper, we report the successful application of the tsunami data assimilation to the cabled ocean bottom pressure gauge data for the first time. We assimilated the tsunami data recorded on ocean bottom pressure gauges to retroactively forecast the tsunamis of the 2015 Torishima earthquake. Comparison of the forecasted and observed waveforms at two coastal tide gauges (Kushimoto and Tosashimizu) confirmed that our method could forecast the tsunami amplitude and arrival time accurately, merely based on offshore tsunami observations. We also investigated the relationship between the number of observational stations used for assimilation and the forecasting accuracy and determined which stations were more important in data assimilation.
Micro‐Seismic Monitoring of a Shear Fault Within a Floating Ice Plate
Authors: Lachaud Cédric , Marsan David , Montagnat Maurine , Weiss Jérôme , Moreau Ludovic , Gimbert Florent
Published: October 2019

The deformation of a circular fault in a thin floating ice plate imposed by a slow rotational displacement is investigated. Temporal changes in shear strength, as a proxy for the resistance of the fault as a whole, are monitored by the torque required to impose a constant displacement rate. Micro‐seismic monitoring is used to study the relationship between fault average resistance (torque) and micro‐ruptures. The size distribution of ruptures follows a power‐law scaling characterized by an unusually high exponent (b≃3), characteristic of a deformation driven by small ruptures. In strong contrast to the typical brittle dynamics of crustal faults, an 'apparently aseismic' deformation regime is observed in which small undetected seismic ruptures, below the detection level of the monitoring system, control the slip budget. Most (≃71%) of the detected ruptures are organized in bursts with highly similar waveforms, suggesting that these ruptures are only a passive by‐product of apparently aseismic slip events. The seismic signature of this deformation regime has strong similarities with crustal faulting in settings characterized by high temperature and with non‐volcanic tremors.
Interdecadal Changes in the Dominant Modes of the Interannual Variation of Spring Precipitation over China in the Mid‐1980s
Authors: Jia XiaoJing , You YuJia , Wu RenGuang , Yang Yiya
Published: October 2019

In this study, the leading empirical orthogonal function mode of the interannual variations of boreal spring (April–May) precipitation over China (SPC) is shown to shift from a mono‐sign distribution during 1964–1985 (P1), with the largest loading over southern China, to a north‐south dipole structure during 1986–2004 (P2), with the northern and southern poles centered over the Yangtze River and the Pearl River Delta, respectively. The results show that the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation(ENSO)‐related negative western tropical Pacific sea surface temperature anomalies persist longer from the previous winter into the following spring in P2 than in P1. The ENSO‐related western tropical Pacific anticyclone in spring is stronger and extends farther northeastward after the mid‐1980s. As a result, in P2, the moisture transport by anomalous southerly winds along the western flank of the western tropical Pacific anticyclone penetrates northward to central China, and moisture convergence and divergence are observed over the Yangtze River and southern China, respectively. The SPC‐related North Atlantic sea surface temperature anomalies (NAST) are stronger after the mid‐1980s than before the mid‐1980s, and the NAST‐related atmospheric wave train over the middle‐latitude Eurasian continent is more pronounced in P2 than in P1. Furthermore, to the east of 90°E, the downstream propagation pathway of the NAST‐related wave train turns southeastward, which may be caused by the weakened intensity of the meridional gradient of the potential vorticity over this region. The pronounced wave train‐related positive height anomalies over the western North Pacific favor a north‐south dipole structure in the SPC variation in P2.
Dynamically encircling an exceptional point in anti-parity-time symmetric systems: asymmetric mode switching for symmetry-broken modes
Authors: Zhang Xu-Lin , Jiang Tianshu , Chan C. T.
Published: October 2019

Dynamically encircling an exceptional point (EP) in parity-time (PT) symmetric waveguide systems exhibits interesting chiral dynamics that can be applied to asymmetric mode switching for symmetric and anti-symmetric modes. The counterpart symmetry-broken modes (i.e., each eigenmode is localized in one waveguide only), which are more useful for applications such as on-chip optical signal processing, exhibit only non-chiral dynamics and therefore cannot be used for asymmetric mode switching. Here, we solve this problem by resorting to anti-parity-time (anti-PT) symmetric systems and utilizing their unique topological structure, which is very different from that of PT-symmetric systems. We find that the dynamical encircling of an EP in anti-PT-symmetric systems with the starting point in the PT-broken phase results in chiral dynamics. As a result, symmetry-broken modes can be used for asymmetric mode switching, which is a phenomenon and application unique to anti-PT-symmetric systems. We perform experiments to demonstrate the new wave-manipulation scheme, which may pave the way towards designing on-chip optical systems with novel functionalities.
Integrative analysis reveals CRHBP inhibits renal cell carcinoma progression by regulating inflammation and apoptosis
Authors: Yang Kang , Xiao Yusha , Xu Tao , Yu Weimin , Ruan Yuan , Luo Pengcheng , Cheng Fan
Published: October 2019

Patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) usually develop drug resistance and have poor prognosis owing to its insensitive property. However, the underlying mechanisms of RCC are still unclear. We implemented an integrative analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. Three genes (CRHBP, RAB25 and PSAT1) were found to be potential biomarkers in ccRCC and validated by four independent cohorts. Then, ccRCC patients with a decreased expression of CRHBP in tumor tissues had significantly poor survival by TCGA ccRCC datasets and verified by clinical samples as well as RCC cell lines. Overexpression of CRHBP suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion as well as apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the results of western blot analysis showed the effects of CRHBP via upregulating NF-κB and p53-mediated mitochondria apoptotic pathway. Our results suggested that CRHBP may be an effective target to treat ccRCC patients.
Targeting PML in triple negative breast cancer elicits growth suppression and senescence
Authors: Arreal Leire , Piva Marco , Fernández Sonia , Revandkar Ajinkya , Schaub- Clerigué Ariane , Villanueva Josep , Zabala-Letona Amaia , Pujana Mikel , Astobiza Ianire , Cortazar Ana Rosa , Hermanova Ivana , Bozal-Basterra Laura , Arruabarrena-Aristorena Amaia , Crespo Jana R. , Valcarcel-Jimenez Lorea , Zúñiga-García Patricia , Canals Francesc , Torrano Veronica , Barrio Rosa , Sutherland James D. , Alimonti Andrea , Martin-Martin Natalia , Carracedo Arkaitz
Published: October 2019

Oncogene addiction postulates that the survival and growth of certain tumor cells is dependent upon the activity of one oncogene, despite their multiple genetic and epigenetic abnormalities. This phenomenon provides a foundation for molecular targeted therapy and a rationale for oncogene-based stratification. We have previously reported that the Promyelocytic Leukemia protein (PML) is upregulated in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and it regulates cancer-initiating cell function, thus suggesting that this protein can be therapeutically targeted in combination with PML-based stratification. However, the effects of PML perturbation on the bulk of tumor cells remained poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that TNBC cells are addicted to the expression of this nuclear protein. PML inhibition led to a remarkable growth arrest combined with features of senescence in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the growth arrest and senescence were associated to a decrease in MYC and PIM1 kinase levels, with the subsequent accumulation of CDKN1B (p27), a trigger of senescence. In line with this notion, we found that PML is associated to the promoter regions of MYC and PIM1, consistent with their direct correlation in breast cancer specimens. Altogether, our results provide a feasible explanation for the functional similarities of MYC, PIM1, and PML in TNBC and encourage further study of PML targeting strategies for the treatment of this breast cancer subtype.
Anionic redox reaction in layered NaCr2/3Ti1/3S2 through electron holes formation and dimerization of S–S
Authors: Wang Tian , Ren Guo-Xi , Shadike Zulipiya , Yue Ji-Li , Cao Ming-Hui , Zhang Jie-Nan , Chen Ming-Wei , Yang Xiao-Qing , Bak Seong-Min , Northrup Paul , Liu Pan , Liu Xiao-Song , Fu Zheng-Wen
Published: October 2019

The use of anion redox reactions is gaining interest for increasing rechargeable capacities in alkaline ion batteries. Although anion redox coupling of S2− and (S2)2− through dimerization of S–S in sulfides have been studied and reported, an anion redox process through electron hole formation has not been investigated to the best of our knowledge. Here, we report an O3-NaCr2/3Ti1/3S2 cathode that delivers a high reversible capacity of ~186 mAh g−1 (0.95 Na) based on the cation and anion redox process. Various charge compensation mechanisms of the sulfur anionic redox process in layered NaCr2/3Ti1/3S2, which occur through the formation of disulfide-like species, the precipitation of elemental sulfur, S–S dimerization, and especially through the formation of electron holes, are investigated. Direct structural evidence for formation of electron holes and (S2)n− species with shortened S–S distances is obtained. These results provide valuable information for the development of materials based on the anionic redox reaction.
Green light powered molecular state motor enabling eight-shaped unidirectional rotation
Authors: Gerwien Aaron , Mayer Peter , Dube Henry
Published: October 2019

Molecular motors convert external energy into directional motions at the nano-scales. To date unidirectional circular rotations and linear motions have been realized but more complex directional trajectories remain unexplored on the molecular level. In this work we present a molecular motor powered by green light allowing to produce an eight-shaped geometry change during its unidirectional rotation around the central molecular axis. Motor motion proceeds in four different steps, which alternate between light powered double bond isomerizations and thermal hula-twist isomerizations. The result is a fixed sequence of populating four different isomers in a fully unidirectional trajectory possessing one crossing point. This motor system opens up unexplored avenues for the construction and mechanisms of molecular machines and will therefore not only significantly expand the toolbox of responsive molecular devices but also enable very different applications in the field of miniaturized technology than currently possible.
The sequencing and de novo assembly of the Larimichthys crocea genome using PacBio and Hi-C technologies
Authors: Chen Baohua , Zhou Zhixiong , Ke Qiaozhen , Wu Yidi , Bai Huaqiang , Pu Fei , Xu Peng
Published: October 2019

Larimichthys crocea is an endemic marine fish in East Asia that belongs to Sciaenidae in Perciformes. L. crocea has now been recognized as an “iconic” marine fish species in China because not only is it a popular food fish in China, it is a representative victim of overfishing and still provides high value fish products supported by the modern large-scale mariculture industry. Here, we report a chromosome-level reference genome of L. crocea generated by employing the PacBio single molecule sequencing technique (SMRT) and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) technologies. The genome sequences were assembled into 1,591 contigs with a total length of 723.86 Mb and a contig N50 length of 2.83 Mb. After chromosome-level scaffolding, 24 scaffolds were constructed with a total length of 668.67 Mb (92.48% of the total length). Genome annotation identified 23,657 protein-coding genes and 7262 ncRNAs. This highly accurate, chromosome-level reference genome of L. crocea provides an essential genome resource to support the development of genome-scale selective breeding and restocking strategies of L. crocea.
Improved de-inking of inkjet-printed paper using environmentally friendly atmospheric pressure low temperature plasma for paper recycling
Authors: Mauchauffé Rodolphe , Lee Seung Jun , Han Isaac , Kim Sang Hyeong , Moon Se Youn
Published: October 2019

Nowadays, due to environmental pollution and natural energy consumption caused by waste paper, many researches are being conducted on the reuse of printed-paper. To recycle the paper, de-inking has to be performed. In this article, in order to reduce the use of the commonly used de-inking chemicals, the effect of an atmospheric pressure helium plasma treatment on the de-inking enhancement of printed-paper is studied. Through colorimeter and UV-visible spectrometer measurements the plasma treatment is shown to speed up the de-inking. While SEM observations and FTIR measurements suggest that the paper quality is retained upon plasma treatment, the increase of surface hydrophilicity measured by water contact angle measurements, compared to non-treated paper, is believed to enhance the fiber swelling of the paper and lead to a faster ink removal.
Aquatic ecosystem health assessment of a typical sub-basin of the Liao River based on entropy weights and a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method
Authors: Chen Jiabo , Wang Yanjie , Li Fayun , Liu Zicheng
Published: October 2019

River ecosystem health assessments provide the foundation for river ecological protection and integrated management. To evaluate the aquatic ecosystem health of the Fan River basin, benthic macroinvertebrate indices (the Multimeric Macroinvertebrates Index Flanders (MMIF) and Family Biotic Index (FBI)), a habitat index (the river habitat quality Index (RHQI)) and a water quality index (the Improved Water Pollution Index (IWPI)) were selected. The entropy weighting method was used to calculate the RHQI and IWPI. A fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method was used to evaluate the aquatic ecosystem health. The evaluation results indicated that the aquatic ecosystem health of the Fan River basin was better in 2018 than in 2011, which respectively belonged to the ends of the 11th and 12th Five-Year Plans of the Major Science and Technology Programs for Water Pollution Control and Treatment in China. The proportions of sampling stations with good, moderate and poor grades in 2011 were 50.0%, 40.0% and 10.0%, respectively, and in 2018, the proportions of stations with excellent, good and moderate grades were 20.0%, 50.0% and 30.0%, respectively. A correlation analysis showed that the RHQI was significantly correlated with the MMIF, FBI and IWPI. The riparian land use pattern was an important factor that influenced changes in the aquatic ecosystem health grade. Of the water quality parameters, total phosphorous (TP) and potassium bichromate index (COD) were the main factors that affected the characteristics of benthic macroinvertebrates and the aquatic ecosystem health.
Effect of Water Avoidance Stress on serum and urinary NGF levels in rats: diagnostic and therapeutic implications for BPS/IC patients
Authors: Dias Bruno , Serrão Paula , Cruz Francisco , Charrua Ana
Published: October 2019

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is thought to play a key role in chronic pain felt by bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) patients by activating its high affinity receptor tropomyosin-related kinase subtype A (Trk A). Whether this pathway is also involved in the aggravation of pain sensation during stress events was here investigated. The levels of plasmatic NGF were increased in rats submitted to Water Avoidance Stress test (WAS), compared to controls. The administration of the alpha1A adrenoceptors blocker silodosin prevented the increase of plasmatic NGF. Urinary NGF levels were also moderately increased in animals submitted to WAS. WAS increased pain behaviour score, lowered abdominal mechanical pain threshold and increase voiding bladder reflex activity. These changes were prevented by the administration of TrkA antagonist GW441756. These findings prompt the use of plasmatic NGF as diagnosis tool for chronic visceral painful conditions and opens therapeutic opportunities for TrkA receptors antagonist/NGF sequestration.
Overexpressing the HD-Zip class II transcription factor EcHB1 from Eucalyptus camaldulensis increased the leaf photosynthesis and drought tolerance of Eucalyptus
Authors: Sasaki Keisuke , Ida Yuuki , Kitajima Sakihito , Kawazu Tetsu , Hibino Takashi , Hanba Yuko T.
Published: October 2019

Alteration in the leaf mesophyll anatomy by genetic modification is potentially a promising tool for improving the physiological functions of trees by improving leaf photosynthesis. Homeodomain leucine zipper (HD-Zip) transcription factors are candidates for anatomical alterations of leaves through modification of cell multiplication, differentiation, and expansion. Full-length cDNA encoding a Eucalyptus camaldulensis HD-Zip class II transcription factor (EcHB1) was over-expressed in vivo in the hybrid Eucalyptus GUT5 generated from Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus urophylla. Overexpression of EcHB1 induced significant modification in the mesophyll anatomy of Eucalyptus with enhancements in the number of cells and chloroplasts on a leaf-area basis. The leaf-area-based photosynthesis of Eucalyptus was improved in the EcHB1-overexpression lines, which was due to both enhanced CO2 diffusion into chloroplasts and increased photosynthetic biochemical functions through increased number of chloroplasts per unit leaf area. Additionally, overexpression of EcHB1 suppressed defoliation and thus improved the growth of Eucalyptus trees under drought stress, which was a result of reduced water loss from trees due to the reduction in leaf area with no changes in stomatal morphology. These results gave us new insights into the role of the HD-Zip II gene.
Reducing EphA4 before disease onset does not affect survival in a mouse model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Rué Laura , Timmers Mieke , Lenaerts Annette , Smolders Silke , Poppe Lindsay , de Boer Antina , Van Den Bosch Ludo , Van Damme Philip , Robberecht Wim , Lemmens Robin
Published: October 2019

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons resulting in severe neurological symptoms. Previous findings of our lab suggested that the axonal guidance tyrosine-kinase receptor EphA4 is an ALS disease-modifying gene. Reduction of EphA4 from developmental stages onwards rescued a motor neuron phenotype in zebrafish, and heterozygous deletion before birth in the SOD1G93Amouse model of ALS resulted in improved survival. Here, we aimed to gain more insights in the cell-specific role of decreasing EphA4 expression in addition to timing and amount of EphA4 reduction. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of lowering EphA4 later in life, we ubiquitously reduced EphA4 levels to 50% in SOD1G93Amice at 60 days of age, which did not modify disease parameters. Even further lowering EphA4 levels ubiquitously or in neurons, did not improve disease onset or survival. These findings suggest that lowering EphA4 as target in ALS may suffer from a complex therapeutic time window. In addition, the complexity of the Eph-ephrin signalling system may also possibly limit the therapeutic potential of such an approach in ALS. We suggest here that a specific EphA4 knockdown in adulthood may have a limited therapeutic potential for ALS.
The effect of high glucose on lipid metabolism in the human placenta
Authors: Hulme Charlotte H. , Nicolaou Anna , Murphy Sharon A. , Heazell Alexander E. P. , Myers Jenny E. , Westwood Melissa
Published: October 2019

Diabetes mellitus (DM) during pregnancy can result in fetal overgrowth, likely due to placental dysfunction, which has health consequences for the infant. Here we test our prediction from previous work using a placental cell line that high glucose concentrations affect placental lipid metabolism. Placentas from women with type 1 (n = 13), type 2 (n = 6) or gestational (n = 12) DM, BMI-matched to mothers without DM (n = 18), were analysed for lipase and fatty acid transport proteins and fatty acid and triglyceride content. Explants from uncomplicated pregnancies (n = 6) cultured in physiological or high glucose were similarly analysed. High glucose levels did not alter placental lipase or transporter expression or the profile and abundance of fatty acids, but triglyceride levels were higher (p < 0.05), suggesting reduced β- oxidation. DM did not affect placental protein expression or fatty acid profile. Triglyceride levels of placentas from mothers with pre-existing DM were similar to controls, but higher in obese women with gestational DM. Maternal hyperglycemia may not affect placental fatty acid uptake and transport. However, placental β-oxidation is affected by high glucose and reduced in a subset of women with DM. Abnormal placental lipid metabolism could contribute to increased maternal-fetal lipid transfer and excess fetal growth in some DM pregnancies.
The difference in cortical activation pattern for complex motor skills: A functional near- infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Lee Seung Hyun , Jin Sang Hyeon , An Jinung
Published: October 2019

The human brain is lateralized to dominant or non-dominant hemispheres, and controlled through large-scale neural networks between correlated cortical regions. Recently, many neuroimaging studies have been conducted to examine the origin of brain lateralization, but this is still unclear. In this study, we examined the differences in brain activation in subjects according to dominant and non-dominant hands while using chopsticks. Fifteen healthy right-handed subjects were recruited to perform tasks which included transferring almonds using stainless steel chopsticks. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to acquire the hemodynamic response over the primary sensory-motor cortex (SM1), premotor area (PMC), supplementary motor area (SMA), and frontal cortex. We measured the concentrations of oxy-hemoglobin and deoxy-hemoglobin induced during the use of chopsticks with dominant and non-dominant hands. While using the dominant hand, brain activation was observed on the contralateral side. While using the non-dominant hand, brain activation was observed on the ipsilateral side as well as the contralateral side. These results demonstrate dominance and functional asymmetry of the cerebral hemisphere.
The Human Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 2 Ion Channel Modulates ROS Through Nrf2
Authors: Bao Lei , Festa Fernanda , Freet Christopher S. , Lee John P. , Hirschler-Laszkiewicz Iwona M. , Chen Shu-jen , Keefer Kerry A. , Wang Hong-Gang , Patterson Andrew D. , Cheung Joseph Y. , Miller Barbara A.
Published: October 2019

Transient receptor potential melastatin channel subfamily member 2 (TRPM2) has an essential role in protecting cell viability through modulation of oxidative stress. TRPM2 is highly expressed in cancer. When TRPM2 is inhibited, mitochondria are dysfunctional, ROS levels are increased, and cell viability is reduced. Here, the importance of NF-E2-related factor (Nrf2) in TRPM2-mediated suppression of oxidant stress was explored. In TRPM2 depleted cells, antioxidant cofactors glutathione, NADPH, and NADH were significantly reduced. Cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of Nrf2 and of IQGAP1, a modulator of Nrf2 stability regulated by intracellular calcium, were decreased. Antioxidant enzymes transcriptionally regulated by Nrf2 and involved in GSH, NADPH, and NADH generation were significantly lower including PRX1 and PRX3, GPX4, GSTP1, GCLC, and MTHFD2. The glutamine pathway leading to GSH production was suppressed, and ATP and GTP levels were impaired. Reconstitution with wild type TRPM2 or Nrf2, but not TRPM2 pore mutant E960D, rescued expression of enzymes downstream of Nrf2 and restored GSH and GTP. Cell viability, ROS, NADPH, NADH, and ATP levels were fully rescued by TRPM2 and partially by Nrf2. These data show that TRPM2 maintains cell survival following oxidative stress through modulation of antioxidant pathways and cofactors regulated by Nrf2.
Assessment of seasonal variation of diet composition in rodents using DNA barcoding and Real-Time PCR
Authors: Dell’Agnello Filippo , Natali Chiara , Bertolino Sandro , Fattorini Lorenzo , Fedele Ettore , Foggi Bruno , Martini Matilde , Pisani Caterina , Riga Francesco , Sgarlata Antonio , Ciofi Claudio , Zaccaroni Marco
Published: October 2019

The study of animal diet and feeding behaviour is a fundamental tool for the illustration of the ecological role of species in the ecosystem. However, size and quality of food intake samples make it hard for researchers to describe the diet composition of many small species. In our study, we exploited genomic tools for the analysis of the diet composition of the Savi’s pine vole (Microtus savii) using DNA barcoding and qPCR techniques for the identification of ingested plant species retrieved from stomach contents. In contrast with previous studies, we found that, despite being a fossorial species, the Savi’s pine vole is a selective feeder that undergoes intense superficial activity in search for food. In addition, our study shows that with a a priori knowledge of the candidate plant species included in animal diet, qPCR is a powerful tool to assess presence/absence, frequency of occurrence and electivity of ingested species. We conclude that this approach offers new opportunities to implement the analysis of food selection in small animals, thereby revealing a detailed picture of plant-animal interactions.
Soluble immune markers in the different phases of chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Wiegand Steffen B. , Beggel Bastian , Wranke Anika , Aliabadi Elmira , Jaroszewicz Jerzy , Xu Cheng-Jian , Li Yang , Manns Michael P. , Lengauer Thomas , Wedemeyer Heiner , Kraft Anke R. M. , Falk Christine S. , Cornberg Markus
Published: October 2019

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may follow four different consecutive phases, which are defined by virology as well as biochemical markers and differ in terms of prognosis and need for antiviral treatment. Currently, host responses reflected by immune markers are not considered in this definition. We aimed to study soluble immune markers and their distribution in different phases of chronic HBV infection. In this cross-sectional retrospective study, we investigated a panel of 14 soluble immune markers (SIM) including CXCL10 in 333 patients with chronic HBV infection. In a small cohort of HBeAg positive patients we analyzed SIM before and after HBeAg seroconversion and compared seroconverters to patients with unknown outcome. Significant differences were documented in the levels of several SIM between the four phases of chronic HBV infection. The most pronounced difference among all investigated SIM was observed for CXCL10 concentrations with highest levels in patients with hepatitis. TGF-β and IL-17 revealed different levels between HBeAg negative patients. HBeAg positive patients with HBeAg seroconversion presented higher amounts of IL-12 before seroconversion compared to HBeAg positive patients with unknown follow up. SIM such as CXCL10 but also IL-12, TGF-β and IL-17 may be useful markers to further characterize the phase of chronic HBV infection.
An SDS-PAGE based proteomic approach for N-terminome profiling
Authors: Kaushal Prashant , Kwon Yumi , Ju Shinyeong , Lee Cheolju
Published: October 2019

Schematic diagram of the SDS-PAGE based N-termini enrichment (GelNrich) workflow.
Quantitative detection of procalcitonin using an electrochemical immunosensor based on MoO3/Au@rGO nanocomposites
Authors: Liu Jianqiao , Quan Li , Yu Xuelian , Wang Lin
Published: October 2019

In this work, a sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of procalcitonin (PCT) is constructed layer-by-layer with a novel label based on MoO3/Au@rGO nanocomposites.
UHPLC-MS/MS determination of oleandrin in blood and tissues of dairy cattle poisoned by oleander (Nerium oleander)
Authors: Gosetti Fabio , Nebbia Carlo , Ceci Luigi , Carelli Grazia , Marengo Emilio
Published: October 2019

Fast oleandrin determination in cow blood, serum, heart and liver tissues after oleander poisoning by UHPLC-MS/MS.
Combining sol–gel and microfluidics processes for the synthesis of protein-containing hybrid microgels
Authors: Tourné-Péteilh Corine , Robin Baptiste , Lions Mathieu , Martinez Jean , Mehdi Ahmad , Subra Gilles , Devoisselle J. M.
Published: October 2019

Biocompatible encapsulation of proteins in hybrid microgels of a silylated hydrogel, focused on soft procedures and cross-linking conditions.
Achieving 59% faradaic efficiency of the N2 electroreduction reaction in an aqueous Zn–N2 battery by facilely regulating the surface mass transport on metallic copper
Authors: Du Cheng , Gao Yijing , Wang Jianguo , Chen Wei
Published: October 2019

By controlling Cu nanoparticle layer thickness, the faradaic efficiency of the NRR can be enhanced to 59% in a Zn–N2 aqueous battery.
Light-activated drug release from prodrug nanoassemblies by structure destruction
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Shujuan , Huang Yulan , Chen Yuwen , Wu Wenbi , Liu Yu , Zhang Jing , Feng Yue , Jiang Xian , Gou Maling
Published: October 2019

Multiple thioether-inserted lipophilic prodrugs co-assembled into FRET nanoaggregates for light-activated drug release by structure destruction.
Construction of a two-photon fluorescent probe for ratiometric imaging of hypochlorous acid in alcohol-induced liver injury
Authors: Lou Yan , Wang Caixia , Chi Siyu , Li Songjiao , Mao Zhiqiang , Liu Zhihong
Published: October 2019

A ratiometric two-photon fluorescent probe for HClO was deliberately constructed to reveal the generation of HClO in alcohol-induced liver injury.
Photocatalytic hydroacylation of trifluoromethyl alkenes
Authors: Fan Pei , Zhang Chang , Lan Yun , Lin Zhiyang , Zhang Linchuan , Wang Chuan
Published: October 2019

A TBADT-catalyzed hydroacylation of trifluoromethyl alkenesviaacyl C–H activation of aldehydes is presented.
A new tool for validating theoretically derived anisotropic displacement parameters with experiment: directionality of prolate displacement ellipsoids
Authors: Mroz D. , George J. , Kremer M. , Wang R. , Englert U. , Dronskowski R.
Published: October 2019

How well do anisotropic displacement parameters from theory match experiment? The orientation of prolate ellipsoids contributes to the answer!
High-quality Ge-rich SiGe thin films epitaxially grown on Si at low temperature by a two-step approach
Authors: Tao Ke , Wang Jin , Jiang Shuai , Jia Rui , Jin Zhi , Liu Xinyu
Published: October 2019

A two-step growth approach including seed layer epitaxy, post-annealing, and bulk layer epitaxy was proposed to deposit high quality Ge-rich Si1−xGex epilayer directly on Si substrate by reactive thermal CVD (RTCVD) at low temperature (350 °C).
Strain engineering of the electronic and transport properties of monolayer tellurenyne
Authors: Qi Liujian , Gao Wang , Jiang Qing
Published: October 2019

The tunable electronic and transport properties of tellurenyne make tellurenyne promising for flexible applications in electronics and spintronics.