bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What's in a name: the etymology of astrobiology
Authors: Lingam Manasvi , Loeb Abraham
Published: July 2020

Astrobiology has been gaining increasing scientific prominence and public attention as the search for life beyond Earth continues to make significant headway on multiple fronts. In view of these recent developments, the fascinating and dynamic etymology of astrobiology is elucidated, and thus shown to encompass a plethora of vivid characters drawn from different continents, religions, ideologies and centuries.
The development of a parent–child activity based on the principles of perceptual control theory
Authors: Churchman Anamaria , Mansell Warren , Tai Sara
Published: July 2020

Problems most frequently reported by young people in school counselling relate to family difficulties. During adolescence, conflict between parents and young people increases as young people move towards independence whilst still being reliant on parents. The quality of communication during this period has implications for young people’s well-being. The current study explored how the principles of perceptual control theory (PCT) could be used to develop a structured activity aimed at helping young people to talk to their parents about their goals and goal conflicts.

PCT proposes that individuals function well when they are able to control things that are important to them. Every individual has numerous goals/wants and if two or more are incompatible, conflict arises. The current study focused on supporting young people to explore conflict that might arise due to incompatible goals held by them and their parent. Six families (child and parent/carer) were recruited to try a goal-setting and monitoring activity. The activity was facilitated by a Method of Levels researcher over a 10-week period. There were two follow-up appointments at 2 and 4 months. Two families were retained for the entire study. On completion, four families provided qualitative feedback. On the basis of participants’ feedback, the activity was modified to incorporate discussions on incompatible goals. Two families piloted the modified activity and provided feedback. Both families completed the study. Results suggest that a parent–child activity using the principles of PCT is feasible and acceptable among parents and young people.

Key learning aims

(1)

To understand how the principles of PCT can be used to support young people in communicating with their parents.

(2)

To understand how talking about important goals/wants impacts young people and their parents.

(3)

To understand how the principles of PCT can be used to resolve parent–child conflict.
Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) germination and growth responses to light: implications for logging debris retention after forest harvesting
Authors: Harrington Timothy B.
Published: July 2020

Scotch broom [Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link] is a large nonnative, leguminous shrub that threatens native plant communities by rapidly invading recently disturbed sites, competing vigorously for soil water and nutrients, and imparting soil legacy effects that inhibit native plants. In the Pacific Northwest, logging debris retention after forest harvesting prevents or slows C. scoparius invasions. A series of studies were conducted to determine potential mechanisms by which logging debris modifies the light environment to limit germination and growth of C. scoparius. In laboratory studies, seed germination did not vary significantly (P > 0.05): (1) between presence and absence of light for several temperature regimes, (2) when exposed to red (660-nm wavelength) versus far-red (730-nm wavelength) light, and (3) across a range of red/far-red light (R/FR) ratios. These results indicate that modification of the light environment by logging debris or plant canopies has little or no influence on C. scoparius germination. In a study to simulate effects of variable mass of logging debris, “heavy” debris (2 kg m−2) caused biologically relevant reductions in photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and R/FR relative to conditions under “light” debris (1 kg m−2). Cytisus scoparius germination did not differ significantly between simulated heavy and light debris; however, values of seedling root and shoot biomass under heavy debris were 16% and 71% of those observed under light debris, respectively. These results indicate that heavy debris limits biomass of C. scoparius seedlings, particularly roots, by reducing both PPFD and R/FR, which increases seedling vulnerability to summer drought or other stressors. Retention of heavy logging debris after forest harvesting has potential application on sites likely to be invaded by C. scoparius, as well as those sites with seedbanks containing C. scoparius.
Entwicklung und psychometrische Qualität eines Instrumentes zur Messung von Planungskompetenzen angehender Lehrkräfte im Fach Sachunterricht
Authors: Kirsch Alexander
Published: July 2020

Zusammenfassung. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird die theoriegeleitete Entwicklung und Erprobung eines Instrumentes zur standardisierten Erfassung von Planungskompetenzen angehender Lehrkräfte im Fach Sachunterricht dokumentiert, auf dessen Grundlage das in Nordrhein-Westfalen 2015 als Teil des Masterstudiums implementierte Praxissemester hinsichtlich der damit intendierten Ausbildung von Planungsfähigkeiten evaluiert werden soll. Ausgehend von einem Rahmenmodell, das die Instrumententwicklung in vier zentrale Bereiche untergliedert, wird zunächst das theoretische Konstrukt sachunterrichtlicher Planungskompetenz in Form eines Kompetenzmodells konzeptualisiert. Auf Grundlage eines performanznahen Kompetenzverständnisses erfolgt die Operationalisierung in Form von Qualitätsstandards, durch die das Können der Probanden aus der schriftlichen Bearbeitung von Vignetten inhaltsanalytisch rekonstruiert werden kann. Ein Kodiermanual sichert die Objektivität und formuliert Regeln für die Vergabe von Punkten, durch die mithilfe des dichotomen Raschmodells die individuellen Kompetenzausprägungen geschätzt werden können. Zur Analyse der psychometrischen Qualität des entwickelten Instrumentes wurde eine Pilotierungsstudie mit 106 Studenten durchgeführt. Ein Vergleich konkurrierender Messmodelle mit Methoden der Item-Response-Theorie weist auf Vorteile einer eindimensionalen Modellierung der fokussierten Kompetenz hin. Die Ergebnisse einer durchgeführten Rasch-Analyse sowie die Betrachtung klassischer Kennwerte belegen zudem die Modellkonformität der entwickelten Qualitätsstandards als Items des Testinstrumentes und zeigen, dass die Messung sachunterrichtlicher Planungskompetenz durch das entwickelte Instrument grundsätzlich objektiv, reliabel und valide realisiert werden kann. Der praktische Nutzen des entwickelten Instrumentes für die angestrebte Wirksamkeitsanalyse des Praxissemesters, Möglichkeiten zur Weiterentwicklung sowie Limitationen werden abschließend zusammenfassend diskutiert.
Physically Interpretable Neural Networks for the Geosciences: Applications to Earth System Variability
Authors: Toms Benjamin A. , Barnes Elizabeth A. , Ebert‐Uphoff Imme
Published: July 2020

Neural networks have become increasingly prevalent within the geosciences, although a common limitation of their usage has been a lack of methods to interpret what the networks learn and how they make decisions. As such, neural networks have often been used within the geosciences to most accurately identify a desired output given a set of inputs, with the interpretation of what the network learns used as a secondary metric to ensure the network is making the right decision for the right reason. Neural network interpretation techniques have become more advanced in recent years, however, and we therefore propose that the ultimate objective of using a neural network can also be the interpretation of what the network has learned rather than the output itself. We show that the interpretation of neural networks can enable the discovery of scientifically meaningful connections within geoscientific data. In particular, we use two methods for neural network interpretation called backward optimization and layerwise relevance propagation, both of which project the decision pathways of a network back onto the original input dimensions. To the best of our knowledge, LRP has not yet been applied to geoscientific research, and we believe it has great potential in this area. We show how these interpretation techniques can be used to reliably infer scientifically meaningful information from neural networks by applying them to common climate patterns. These results suggest that combining interpretable neural networks with novel scientific hypotheses will open the door to many new avenues in neural network‐related geoscience research.
Chicxulub Impact Crater Hosted a Long-Lived Hydrothermal System
Authors: Kornei Katherine
Published: July 2020

Chemical and mineralogical evidence of fluid flow—potentially conducive to microscopic life—was revealed in rock cores extracted from the crater’s “peak ring.”
A New Vision of Sustainability in Earth Science Education
Authors: Gilbert Lisa , Teasdale Rachel , Manduca Cathryn
Published: July 2020

Following the culmination of an ambitious Earth science education initiative, scientists and educators met to prioritize ways in which education about Earth can foster sustainable societies.
Drivers of Marine Heatwaves in the East China Sea and the South Yellow Sea in Three Consecutive Summers During 2016–2018
Authors: Gao Guandong , Marin Maxime , Feng Ming , Yin Baoshu , Yang Dezhou , Feng Xingru , Ding Yang , Song Dehai
Published: July 2020

In 3 consecutive years from 2016 to 2018, extreme ocean warming events, or marine heatwaves (MHWs), occurred during boreal summers in the East China Sea (ECS) and South Yellow Sea (SYS), which is unprecedented in the past four decades based on the satellite record. In this study, we used a high‐resolution hydrodynamic model based on Finite Volume Community Ocean Model (FVCOM) to simulate the evolution of these warming events. An upper ocean temperature budget (0–20 m) analysis based on the model results shows that the shortwave radiation and the ocean advection anomalies jointly contributed to the anomalous warming in the three successive summers (June–August) in the SYS and the north part of the ECS. In addition, the reduction of surface wind speeds during the 2016 and 2017 summers further weakened the vertical mixing, thereby enhancing the anomalous warming in the north part of the ECS adjacent to the SYS. During the three summers, the increases of shortwave radiation were closely related to the East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM) variability, which reduced the cloud cover in the ECS and SYS, whereas the advection anomalies were mostly associated with regional wind anomalies. In summer 2018, upper ocean heat was transported into the central trough of the SYS, accumulated in an anticyclonic eddy generated by the anomalous wind stress curls. Therefore, despite the primary driver of the MHWs is the EASM variation, regional processes are critical to driving the spatial pattern of the MHW intensity in the ECS and SYS.
A framework for assessing neuropsychiatric phenotypes by using smartphone-based location data
Authors: Jongs Niels , Jagesar Raj , van Haren Neeltje E. M. , Penninx Brenda W. J. H. , Reus Lianne , Visser Pieter J. , van der Wee Nic J. A. , Koning Ina M. , Arango Celso , Sommer Iris E. C. , Eijkemans Marinus J. C. , Vorstman Jacob A. , Kas Martien J.
Published: July 2020

The use of smartphone-based location data to quantify behavior longitudinally and passively is rapidly gaining traction in neuropsychiatric research. However, a standardized and validated preprocessing framework for deriving behavioral phenotypes from smartphone-based location data is currently lacking. Here, we present a preprocessing framework consisting of methods that are validated in the context of geospatial data. This framework aims to generate context-enriched location data by identifying stationary, non-stationary, and recurrent stationary states in movement patterns. Subsequently, this context-enriched data is used to derive a series of behavioral phenotypes that are related to movement. By using smartphone-based location data collected from 245 subjects, including patients with schizophrenia, we show that the proposed framework is effective and accurate in generating context-enriched location data. This data was subsequently used to derive behavioral readouts that were sensitive in detecting behavioral nuances related to schizophrenia and aging, such as the time spent at home and the number of unique places visited. Overall, our results indicate that the proposed framework reliably preprocesses raw smartphone-based location data in such a manner that relevant behavioral phenotypes of interest can be derived.
Impact of dual-layer solid-electrolyte interphase inhomogeneities on early-stage defect formation in Si electrodes
Authors: Chen Chunguang , Zhou Tao , Danilov Dmitri L. , Gao Lu , Benning Svenja , Schön Nino , Tardif Samuel , Simons Hugh , Hausen Florian , Schülli Tobias U. , Eichel R.-A. , Notten Peter H. L.
Published: July 2020

While intensive efforts have been devoted to studying the nature of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI), little attention has been paid to understanding its role in the mechanical failures of electrodes. Here we unveil the impact of SEI inhomogeneities on early-stage defect formation in Si electrodes. Buried under the SEI, these early-stage defects are inaccessible by most surface-probing techniques. With operando full field diffraction X-ray microscopy, we observe the formation of these defects in real time and connect their origin to a heterogeneous degree of lithiation. This heterogeneous lithiation is further correlated to inhomogeneities in topography and lithium-ion mobility in both the inner- and outer-SEI, thanks to a combination of operando atomic force microscopy, electrochemical strain microscopy and sputter-etched X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Our multi-modal study bridges observations across the multi-level interfaces (Si/LixSi/inner-SEI/outer-SEI), thus offering novel insights into the impact of SEI homogeneities on the structural stability of Si-based lithium-ion batteries.
Publisher Correction: Glacial–interglacial Nd isotope variability of North Atlantic Deep Water modulated by North American ice sheet
Authors: Zhao Ning , Oppo Delia W. , Huang Kuo-Fang , Howe Jacob N. W. , Blusztajn Jerzy , Keigwin Lloyd D.
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Radioisotopes demonstrate changes in global atmospheric circulation possibly caused by global warming
Authors: Terzi Lucrezia , Wotawa Gerhard , Schoeppner Michael , Kalinowski Martin , Saey Paul R. J. , Steinmann Philipp , Luan Lan , Staten Paul W.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we present a new method to study global atmospheric processes and their changes during the last decade. A cosmogenic radionuclide measured at ground-level, beryllium-7, is utilized as a proxy to study atmospheric dynamics. Beryllium-7 has two advantages: First, this radionuclide, primarily created in the lower stratosphere, attaches to aerosols that are transported downwards to the troposphere and travel around the globe with the general atmospheric circulation. By monitoring these particles, we can provide a global, simple, and sustainable way to track processes such as multi-annual variation of the troposphere, tropopause heightening, position and speed of atmospheric interface zones, as well as the poleward movement and stalling patterns of jet streams. Second, beryllium-7 is a product of cosmic rays which are themselves directly linked to solar activity and the earth magnetic field. This study shows whether beryllium-7 observed concentration changes are correlated with such natural processes or independent of them. Our work confirms that major changes in the atmospheric circulation are currently ongoing, even though timeseries are too short to make climatological assessments. We provide solid evidence of significant and progressive changes of the global atmospheric circulation as well as modifications of tropopause heights over the past decade. As the last decade happened to be the warmest on record, this analysis also indicates that the observed changes are, at least to some extent, attributable to global warming.
Collective Dynamics of Model Pili-Based Twitcher-Mode Bacilliforms
Authors: Nagel Andrew M. , Greenberg Michael , Shendruk Tyler N. , de Haan Hendrick W.
Published: July 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, like many bacilliforms, are not limited only to swimming motility but rather possess many motility strategies. In particular, twitching-mode motility employs hair-like pili to transverse moist surfaces with a jittery irregular crawl. Twitching motility plays a critical role in redistributing cells on surfaces prior to and during colony formation. We combine molecular dynamics and rule-based simulations to study twitching-mode motility of model bacilliforms and show that there is a critical surface coverage fraction at which collective effects arise. Our simulations demonstrate dynamic clustering of twitcher-type bacteria with polydomains of local alignment that exhibit spontaneous correlated motions, similar to rafts in many bacterial communities.
Femtosecond laser produced periodic plasma in a colloidal crystal probed by XFEL radiation
Authors: Mukharamova Nastasia , Lazarev Sergey , Meijer Janne-Mieke , Gorobtsov Oleg Yu. , Singer Andrej , Chollet Matthieu , Bussmann Michael , Dzhigaev Dmitry , Feng Yiping , Garten Marco , Huebl Axel , Kluge Thomas , Kurta Ruslan P. , Lipp Vladimir , Santra Robin , Sikorski Marcin , Song Sanghoon , Williams Garth , Zhu Diling , Ziaja-Motyka Beata , Cowan Thomas E. , Petukhov Andrei V. , Vartanyants Ivan A.
Published: July 2020

With the rapid development of short-pulse intense laser sources, studies of matter under extreme irradiation conditions enter further unexplored regimes. In addition, an application of X-ray Free-Electron Lasers (XFELs) delivering intense femtosecond X-ray pulses, allows to investigate sample evolution in IR pump - X-ray probe experiments with an unprecedented time resolution. Here we present a detailed study of the periodic plasma created from the colloidal crystal. Both experimental data and theory modeling show that the periodicity in the sample survives to a large extent the extreme excitation and shock wave propagation inside the colloidal crystal. This feature enables probing the excited crystal, using the powerful Bragg peak analysis, in contrast to the conventional studies of dense plasma created from bulk samples for which probing with Bragg diffraction technique is not possible. X-ray diffraction measurements of excited colloidal crystals may then lead towards a better understanding of matter phase transitions under extreme irradiation conditions.
Historic changes in species composition for a globally unique bird community
Authors: Renner Swen C. , Bates Paul J. J.
Published: July 2020

Significant uncertainties remain of how global change impacts on species richness, relative abundance and species composition. Recently, a discussion emerged on the importance of detecting and understanding long-term fluctuations in species composition and relative abundance and whether deterministic or non-deterministic factors can explain any temporal change. However, currently, one of the main impediments to providing answers to these questions is the relatively short time series of species diversity datasets. Many datasets are limited to 2 years and it is rare for a few decades of data to be available. In addition, long-term data typically has standardization issues from the past and/or the methods are not comparable. We address several of these uncertainties by investigating bird diversity in a globally important mountain ecosystem of the Hkakabo Razi Landscape in northern Myanmar. The study compares bird communities in two periods (pre-1940: 1900–1939 vs. post-2000: 2001–2006). Land-cover classes have been included to provide understanding of their potential role as drivers. While species richness did not change, species composition and relative abundance differed, indicating a significant species turn over and hence temporal change. Only 19.2% of bird species occurred during both periods. Land-cover model predictors explained part of the species richness variability but not relative abundance nor species composition changes. The temporal change is likely caused by minimal methodological differences and partially by land-cover.
Terabase-scale metagenome coassembly with MetaHipMer
Authors: Hofmeyr Steven , Egan Rob , Georganas Evangelos , Copeland Alex C. , Riley Robert , Clum Alicia , Eloe-Fadrosh Emiley , Roux Simon , Goltsman Eugene , Buluç Aydın , Rokhsar Daniel , Oliker Leonid , Yelick Katherine
Published: July 2020

Metagenome sequence datasets can contain terabytes of reads, too many to be coassembled together on a single shared-memory computer; consequently, they have only been assembled sample by sample (multiassembly) and combining the results is challenging. We can now perform coassembly of the largest datasets using MetaHipMer, a metagenome assembler designed to run on supercomputers and large clusters of compute nodes. We have reported on the implementation of MetaHipMer previously; in this paper we focus on analyzing the impact of very large coassembly. In particular, we show that coassembly recovers a larger genome fraction than multiassembly and enables the discovery of more complete genomes, with lower error rates, whereas multiassembly recovers more dominant strain variation. Being able to coassemble a large dataset does not preclude one from multiassembly; rather, having a fast, scalable metagenome assembler enables a user to more easily perform coassembly and multiassembly, and assemble both abundant, high strain variation genomes, and low-abundance, rare genomes. We present several assemblies of terabyte datasets that could never be coassembled before, demonstrating MetaHipMer’s scaling power. MetaHipMer is available for public use under an open source license and all datasets used in the paper are available for public download.
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells improve cognitive impairment in an Alzheimer’s disease model by increasing the expression of microRNA-146a in hippocampus
Authors: Nakano Masako , Kubota Kenta , Kobayashi Eiji , Chikenji Takako S. , Saito Yuki , Konari Naoto , Fujimiya Mineko
Published: July 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β and tau. We previously reported that administration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) ameliorates diabetes-induced cognitive impairment by transferring exosomes derived from these cells into astrocytes. Here, we show that intracerebroventricularly injected BM-MSCs improve cognitive impairment in AD model mice by ameliorating astrocytic inflammation as well as synaptogenesis. Although AD model mice showed an increase in NF-κB in the hippocampus, BM-MSC-treated AD model mice did not show this increase but showed an increase in levels of microRNA (miR)-146a in the hippocampus. Intracerebroventricularly injected BM-MSCs were attached to the choroid plexus in the lateral ventricle, and thus, BM-MSCs may secrete exosomes into the cerebrospinal fluid. In vitro experiments showed that exosomal miR-146a secreted from BM-MSCs was taken up into astrocytes, and an increased level of miR-146a and a decreased level of NF-κB were observed in astrocytes. Astrocytes are key cells for the formation of synapses, and thus, restoration of astrocytic function may have led to synaptogenesis and correction of cognitive impairment. The present study indicates that exosomal transfer of miR-146a is involved in the correction of cognitive impairment in AD model mice.
Feeding and food availability modulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor, an orexigen with metabolic roles in zebrafish
Authors: Blanco Ayelén Melisa , Bertucci Juan Ignacio , Hatef Azadeh , Unniappan Suraj
Published: July 2020

Emerging findings point to a role for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on feeding in mammals. However, its role on energy balance is unclear. Moreover, whether BDNF regulates energy homeostasis in non-mammals remain unknown. This research aimed to determine whether BDNF is a metabolic peptide in zebrafish. Our results demonstrate that BDNF mRNAs and protein, as well as mRNAs encoding its receptors trkb2, p75ntra and p75ntrb, are detectable in the zebrafish brain, foregut and liver. Intraperitoneal injection of BDNF increased food intake at 1, 2 and 6 h post-administration, and caused an upregulation of brain npy, agrp and orexin, foregut ghrelin, and hepatic leptin mRNAs, and a reduction in brain nucb2. Fasting for 7 days increased bdnf and p75ntrb mRNAs in the foregut, while decreased bdnf, trkb2, p75ntra and p75ntrb mRNAs in the brain and liver. Additionally, the expression of bdnf and its receptors increased preprandially, and decreased after a meal in the foregut and liver. Finally, we observed BDNF-induced changes in the expression and/or activity of enzymes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism in the liver. Overall, present results indicate that BDNF is a novel regulator of appetite and metabolism in fish, which is modulated by energy intake and food availability.
Domain-specific cues improve robustness of deep learning-based segmentation of CT volumes
Authors: Kloenne Marie , Niehaus Sebastian , Lampe Leonie , Merola Alberto , Reinelt Janis , Roeder Ingo , Scherf Nico
Published: July 2020

Machine learning has considerably improved medical image analysis in the past years. Although data-driven approaches are intrinsically adaptive and thus, generic, they often do not perform the same way on data from different imaging modalities. In particular computed tomography (CT) data poses many challenges to medical image segmentation based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs), mostly due to the broad dynamic range of intensities and the varying number of recorded slices of CT volumes. In this paper, we address these issues with a framework that adds domain-specific data preprocessing and augmentation to state-of-the-art CNN architectures. Our major focus is to stabilise the prediction performance over samples as a mandatory requirement for use in automated and semi-automated workflows in the clinical environment. To validate the architecture-independent effects of our approach we compare a neural architecture based on dilated convolutions for parallel multi-scale processing (a modified Mixed-Scale Dense Network: MS-D Net) to traditional scaling operations (a modified U-Net). Finally, we show that an ensemble model combines the strengths across different individual methods. Our framework is simple to implement into existing deep learning pipelines for CT analysis. It performs well on a range of tasks such as liver and kidney segmentation, without significant differences in prediction performance on strongly differing volume sizes and varying slice thickness. Thus our framework is an essential step towards performing robust segmentation of unknown real-world samples.
Immunosuppressive properties of cytochalasin B-induced membrane vesicles of mesenchymal stem cells: comparing with extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Gomzikova M. O. , Aimaletdinov A. M. , Bondar O. V. , Starostina I. G. , Gorshkova N. V. , Neustroeva O. A. , Kletukhina S. K. , Kurbangaleeva S. V. , Vorobev V. V. , Garanina E. E. , Persson J. L. , Jeyapalan J. , Mongan N. P. , Khaiboullina S. F. , Rizvanov A. A.
Published: July 2020

Extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a novel approach for regenerative and immunosuppressive therapy. Recently, cytochalasin B-induced microvesicles (CIMVs) were shown to be effective drug delivery mediators. However, little is known about their immunological properties. We propose that the immunophenotype and molecular composition of these vesicles could contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of CIMVs. To address this issue, CIMVs were generated from murine MSC (CIMVs-MSCs) and their cytokine content and surface marker expression determined. For the first time, we show that CIMVs-MSCs retain parental MSCs phenotype (Sca-1+, CD49e+, CD44+, CD45−). Also, CIMVs-MSCs contained a cytokine repertoire reflective of the parental MSCs, including IL-1β, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12(p40), IL-13, IL-17, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL11, G-CSF, GM-CSF and TNF-α. Next, we evaluated the immune-modulating properties of CIMVs-MSCs in vivo using standard preclinical tests. MSCs and CIMVs-MSCs reduced serum levels of anti-sheep red blood cell antibody and have limited effects on neutrophil and peritoneal macrophage activity. We compared the immunomodulatory effect of MSCs, CIMVs and EVs. We observed no immunosuppression in mice pretreated with natural EVs, whereas MSCs and CIMVs-MSCs suppressed antibody production in vivo. Additionally, we have investigated the biodistribution of CIMVs-MSCs in vivo and demonstrated that CIMVs-MSCs localized in liver, lung, brain, heart, spleen and kidneys 48 h after intravenous injection and can be detected 14 days after subcutaneous and intramuscular injection. Collectively our data demonstrates immunomodulatory efficacy of CIMVs and supports their further preclinical testing as an effective therapeutic delivery modality.
Avocado (Persea americana) pulp improves cardiovascular and autonomic recovery following submaximal running: a crossover, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Sousa Fernando H. , Valenti Vitor E. , Pereira Leticia C. , Bueno Rafaela R. , Prates Sara , Akimoto Amanda N. , Kaviani Mojtaba , Garner David M. , Amaral Joice A. T. , de Abreu Luiz Carlos
Published: July 2020

Previous studies have demonstrated that regular avocado consumption presents advantageous effects on cardiovascular system. However, little attention has been paid to the use of avocado as a dietary supplement, in particular, for individuals involved in physical exercise training. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of acute avocado pulp intake on cardiovascular and autonomic recovery subsequent to moderate exercise. Using a crossover, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial design, 16 healthy female adults underwent two protocols: Avocado pulp (600 mg in capsule) and placebo (600 mg starch in capsule). After the ingestion of Avocado pulp or placebo, the subjects were seated for 60 min at rest, followed by running on a treadmill at a submaximal level and then remained seated for 60 min during recovery from the exercise. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) [rMSSD, SD1, HF (ms2)] and skin conductance were evaluated before and during exercise, as well as during recovery. HR, systolic blood pressure, HRV and skin conductance recovered faster when subjects were given avocado pulp prior to exercise. In conclusion, avocado pulp improved cardiovascular and autonomic recovery after exercise, suggesting a reduced risk of cardiovascular events after exertion. The current results support the beneficial effects of ingestion of avocado prior to submaximal treadmill running.
Evaluation of enhanced recovery after surgery program components implemented in laparoscopic appendectomy: prospective randomized clinical study
Authors: Nechay Taras , Sazhin Alexander , Titkova Svetlana , Tyagunov Alexander , Anurov Mikhail , Melnikov-Makarchuk Kirill , Tyagunov Anton
Published: July 2020

Background

Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is a widely used surgical procedure. Patients often suffer from considerable postoperative pain and indigestion, which prolongs their in-hospital stay. Almost 10% of patients develop postoperative complications. The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program has proven its efficacy in elective surgery and could hypothetically improve LA outcomes. Currently, there is no ERAS program for LA.

Methods

A modified ERAS (mERAS) protocol was studied in a prospective, randomized nonblinded clinical trial. The mERAS group consisted of 50 patients; the control group, of 54 patients. The mERAS protocol included a patient information brochure; minimizing drain use; local anesthesia; low-pressure pneumoperitoneum; early mobilization and oral diet. The primary outcome was postoperative length of stay (pLOS).

Results

Modified protocol reduced median pLOS to 1.25 days vs 2 days in the controls (p < 0.0001). Twenty-one (42%) mERAS patients and 4 (7.4%) controls were discharged within 24 h (p < 0.001) after surgery; 0 readmissions were reported. Postoperative pain intensity assessed on the visual analogue scale was significantly lower in the mERAS group [mERAS vs control 0 h, 2 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h after surgery: 2.33 ± 2.12 vs 4.19 ± 2.08 (p < 0.0001), 2.27 ± 1.91 vs 4.02 ± 1.89 (p < 0.0001), 2.28 ± 1.98 vs 3.70 ± 1.57 (p = 0.0001), 1.98 ± 1.72 vs 3.43 ± 1.54 (p < 0.0001) and 1.80 ± 1.74 vs 3.00 ± 1.27 (p = 0.032), respectively)]. The severity of shoulder and neck pain was lower but its incidence was similar. Peristalsis recovery was achieved earlier in the study group (median (min–max))—mERAS 7 (2–34) h vs control 11 (3–43) h; p = 0.009) but did not affect the time of the first flatus 23 (2–72) h vs 29 (6–70) h, respectively; p = 0.499).

Conclusions

The modified ERAS program for LA has advantages over the traditional approach.

Registration

This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03754777 (27/11/2018).
Incidence and impact of extra-pulmonary organ failures on hospital mortality in acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Zhuang Yi , Zhou Ying , Qiu Xiaohua , Xiao Yonglong , Cai Hourong , Dai Jinghong
Published: July 2020

To evaluate hospital mortality and associated risk factors for acute exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AEIPF). Emphases were put on incidence and impact of extra-pulmonary organ failures. Patients diagnosed with AEIPF from July 2014 to September 2018 were enrolled. Clinical data were collected. Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) and simplified acute physiological score II (SAPS II) were calculated. Extra-pulmonary organ failures were diagnosed upon criteria of sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA). Forty-five patients with AEIPF were included. Eighteen patients (40.0%) developed extra-pulmonary organ failures, and 25 patients (55.6%) died during hospitalization. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.001), SAPS II (p = 0.004), SOFA (p = 0.001) were higher, whereas arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2)/ fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2) (p = 0.001) was lower in non-survivors than survivors. More non-survivors developed extra-pulmonary organ failures than survivors (p = 0.002). After adjustment, elevated serum CRP (OR 1.038, p = 0.049) and extra-pulmonary organ failure (OR 13.126, p = 0.016) were independent predictors of hospital mortality in AEIPF. AEIPF had high hospital mortality and occurrence of extra-pulmonary organ failure was common. Elevated serum CRP and extra-pulmonary organ failure had predictive values for mortality.
An in vitro methodology for discovering broadly-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Ahmadi Shirin , Pucca Manuela B. , Jürgensen Jonas A. , Janke Rahel , Ledsgaard Line , Schoof Erwin M. , Sørensen Christoffer V. , Çalışkan Figen , Laustsen Andreas H.
Published: July 2020

Broadly-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies are of high therapeutic utility against infectious diseases caused by bacteria and viruses, as well as different types of intoxications. Snakebite envenoming is one such debilitating pathology, which is currently treated with polyclonal antibodies derived from immunized animals. For the development of novel envenoming therapies based on monoclonal antibodies with improved therapeutic benefits, new discovery approaches for broadly-neutralizing antibodies are needed. Here, we present a methodology based on phage display technology and a cross-panning strategy that enables the selection of cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies that can broadly neutralize toxins from different snake species. This simple in vitro methodology is immediately useful for the development of broadly-neutralizing (polyvalent) recombinant antivenoms with broad species coverage, but may also find application in the development of broadly-neutralizing antibodies against bacterial, viral, and parasitic agents that are known for evading therapy via resistance mechanisms and antigen variation.
The effect of social media on well-being differs from adolescent to adolescent
Authors: Beyens Ine , Pouwels J. Loes , van Driel Irene I. , Keijsers Loes , Valkenburg Patti M.
Published: July 2020

The question whether social media use benefits or undermines adolescents’ well-being is an important societal concern. Previous empirical studies have mostly established across-the-board effects among (sub)populations of adolescents. As a result, it is still an open question whether the effects are unique for each individual adolescent. We sampled adolescents’ experiences six times per day for one week to quantify differences in their susceptibility to the effects of social media on their momentary affective well-being. Rigorous analyses of 2,155 real-time assessments showed that the association between social media use and affective well-being differs strongly across adolescents: While 44% did not feel better or worse after passive social media use, 46% felt better, and 10% felt worse. Our results imply that person-specific effects can no longer be ignored in research, as well as in prevention and intervention programs.
Conservation and divergence in NaChBac and NaV1.7 pharmacology reveals novel drug interaction mechanisms
Authors: Zhu Wandi , Li Tianbo , Silva Jonathan R. , Chen Jun
Published: July 2020

Voltage-gated Na+ (NaV) channels regulate homeostasis in bacteria and control membrane electrical excitability in mammals. Compared to their mammalian counterparts, bacterial NaV channels possess a simpler, fourfold symmetric structure and have facilitated studies of the structural basis of channel gating. However, the pharmacology of bacterial NaV remains largely unexplored. Here we systematically screened 39 NaV modulators on a bacterial channel (NaChBac) and characterized a selection of compounds on NaChBac and a mammalian channel (human NaV1.7). We found that while many compounds interact with both channels, they exhibit distinct functional effects. For example, the local anesthetics ambroxol and lidocaine block both NaV1.7 and NaChBac but affect activation and inactivation of the two channels to different extents. The voltage-sensing domain targeting toxin BDS-I increases NaV1.7 but decreases NaChBac peak currents. The pore binding toxins aconitine and veratridine block peak currents of NaV1.7 and shift activation (aconitine) and inactivation (veratridine) respectively. In NaChBac, they block the peak current by binding to the pore residue F224. Nonetheless, aconitine has no effect on activation or inactivation, while veratridine only modulates activation of NaChBac. The conservation and divergence in the pharmacology of bacterial and mammalian NaV channels provide insights into the molecular basis of channel gating and will facilitate organism-specific drug discovery.
The effect of commercial functional food with probiotics on microorganisms from early carious lesions
Authors: Angarita-Díaz María del Pilar , Arias Johanna C. , Bedoya-Correa Claudia , Cepeda María J. , Arboleda María F. , Chacón Juan M. , Leal Yenny
Published: July 2020

Caries rates in school-age children are still high enough to be the cause of serious concern for health systems in different countries. The biotechnology strategies studied to decrease these rates include the consumption of probiotics—available via a variety of functional foods obtainable on the market—that are able to inhibit bacteria associated with this disease. In this vein, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of these foods on the growth of microorganisms in early carious lesions in children aged between 6 and 12. In the first phase, an agar well diffusion method was applied to selected foods, available in supermarkets, which contain probiotics that have already been shown to inhibit Streptococcusmutans (ATCC 25175), and to lower the pH in liquid culture media. In a second phase, these foods (n = 4) were examined in terms of their ability to inhibit the microorganisms in contact with early carious lesions in children and to reduce the pH of mixed cultures combined with the food. The results revealed that, of the foods tested, three inhibit the growth of microorganisms in carious lesions and, at the same time, lower the pH of the culture by more than 2.5 units. The food with the highest inhibitory capacity (14 mm, IQR 13–14) showed a similar effect among patients (P > 0.05), which together with the fact that its sugar concentration is less than 10%, makes it an ideal candidate for clinical study.
Author Correction: Incompatible Coulomb hamiltonian extensions
Authors: Abramovici G.
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
High-throughput screening of organic reactions in microdroplets using desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS): hardware and software implementation
Authors: Sobreira Tiago Jose P. , Avramova Larisa , Szilagyi Botond , Logsdon David L. , Loren Bradley P. , Jaman Zinia , Hilger Ryan T. , Hosler Richard S. , Ferreira Christina R. , Koswara Andy , Thompson David H. , Cooks R. Graham , Nagy Zoltan K.
Published: July 2020

Implementation of a novel method for high-throughput screening of reactions in microdroplets. The reaction and analysis steps are performed simultaneously using desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) at a rate of up to 1 reaction mixture per second.
Non-oxidative dehydrogenation of isobutane over supported vanadium oxide: nature of the active sites and coke formation
Authors: Rodriguez-Gomez Alberto , Chowdhury Abhishek Dutta , Caglayan Mustafa , Bau Jeremy A. , Abou-Hamad Edy , Gascon Jorge
Published: July 2020

We combine Raman spectroscopy, EPR, XPS, temperature programmed reduction, XRD, 51V MAS ssNMR, TEM and N2-physisorption to unravel structure–activity relationships during the non-oxidative dehydrogenation of isobutane over a V based catalyst.
Exploring resource recovery potentials for the aerobic granular sludge process by mass and energy balances – energy, biopolymer and phosphorous recovery from municipal wastewater
Authors: Kehrein Philipp , van Loosdrecht Mark , Osseweijer Patricia , Posada John
Published: July 2020

Mass and energy balances are an excellent tool to explore the integration of resource recovery technologies into wastewater treatment processes and reveal recoverable resource quantities and occurring trade-offs at an early process design stage.
Transition metal-tetracyanoquinodimethane monolayers as single-atom catalysts for the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction
Authors: Ying Yiran , Fan Ke , Luo Xin , Qiao Jinli , Huang Haitao
Published: July 2020

Single Sc/Ti atoms supported on TCNQ monolayers have been explored as outstanding electrocatalysts for nitrogen reduction.
Giant magnetoelectric effect in perpendicularly magnetized Pt/Co/Ta ultrathin films on a ferroelectric substrate
Authors: Chen Aitian , Huang Haoliang , Wen Yan , Liu Wenyi , Zhang Senfu , Kosel Jürgen , Sun Weideng , Zhao Yonggang , Lu Yalin , Zhang Xi-Xiang
Published: July 2020

We demonstrate a giant magnetoelectric effect in perpendicularly magnetized Pt/Co/Ta ultrathin films on a ferroelectric substrate.
Prediction of two-dimensional antiferromagnetic ferroelasticity in an AgF2 monolayer
Authors: Xu Xilong , Ma Yandong , Zhang Ting , Lei Chengan , Huang Baibiao , Dai Ying
Published: July 2020

Single-layer AgF2 is investigated as a multiferroic material with ferroelasticity and magnetism. A strain-driven 120° variant switching is achieved in AgF2 monolayer.
Multifunctional zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 for real-time monitoring ATP fluctuation in mitochondria during photodynamic therapy
Authors: Wang Ke , Qian Manping , Qi Honglan , Gao Qiang , Zhang Chengxiao
Published: July 2020

An ATP-responsive and fluorescent Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) is synthesized for real-time monitoring mitochondrial ATP fluctuation in living cells during photodynamic therapy.
Rapid preparation of ultra-fine and well-dispersed SnO2 nanoparticles via a double hydrolysis reaction for lithium storage
Authors: Zhou Yulin , Wang Fang , Jin Xiujuan , Yang Jiao , Du Kai , Feng Ting , Lei Jianfei
Published: July 2020

Sub-6 nm particles well-dispersed in carbon networks are prepared and the strategy sheds fresh light on the design of ultra-fine particles.
A method to measure the denatured proteins in the corona of nanoparticles based on the specific adsorption of Hsp90ab1
Authors: Liu Shang , Jiang Xinbang , Tian Xuejiao , Wang Zhenzhen , Xing Zhen , Chen Jiahui , Zhang Junfeng , Wang Chunming , Dong Lei
Published: July 2020

The specific adsorption of Hsp90ab1 is exploited to assess the protein denaturation in the biological corona of nanoparticles.
Ligand accommodation causes the anti-centrosymmetric structure of Au13Cu4 clusters with near-infrared emission
Authors: Anumula Rajini , Reber Arthur C. , An Pan , Cui Chaonan , Guo Mengdi , Wu Haiming , Luo Zhixun , Khanna Shiv. N.
Published: July 2020

We synthesized an [Au13Cu4(PPh3)4(SPy)8]+ nanocluster co-capped by phosphine and thiolate ligands.
Near-infrared-emitting CIZSe/CIZS/ZnS colloidal heteronanonail structures
Authors: Bai Xue , Purcell-Milton Finn , Gun'ko Yurii K.
Published: July 2020

Unique fluorescent CIZSe/CIZS/ZnS core/shell/shell heteronanonail (HNN) structures have been synthesized using CIZSe/CIZS seeds. Au-CIZSe/CIZS/ZnS nanocomposites have also been prepared by depositing Au nanoparticles on the HNN structure.
All-inorganic copper(i)-based ternary metal halides: promising materials toward optoelectronics
Authors: Guo Zhihang , Li Junzi , Pan Ruikun , Cheng Jiaji , Chen Rui , He Tingchao
Published: July 2020

This article reviews the recent development of all-inorganic low-dimensional copper(i)-based ternary metal halides by introducing their various synthesis methods, crystal structures, properties and their optoelectronic applications.
Novel clickable and fluorescent poly(siloxane amine)s for reusable adhesives and reprocessable elastomers
Authors: Zhou Jie , Wang Linlin , Li Lei , Feng Shengyu
Published: July 2020

A series of clickable and fluorescent poly(siloxane amine)s were firstly reported and used as dynamic adhesives and elastomers.
High pressure: a feasible tool for the synthesis of unprecedented inorganic compounds
Authors: Wang Xuerong , Liu Xiaoyang
Published: July 2020

After a simple classification of inorganic materials synthesized at high-temperature and high-pressure, this tutorial reviews the important research results in the field of high-temperature and high-pressure inorganic synthesis in the past 5 years.
In-plane polarization induced by the hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking of functionalized PDI supramolecules for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants
Authors: Li Haiyan , Wang Cong , Bai Xiaojuan , Wang Xuyu , Sun Boxuan , Li Di , Zhao Liangchen , Zong Ruilong , Hao Derek
Published: July 2020

A sustainable visible-light-driven and efficient photodegradation system was developed via integrating a polarized electric field with novel functionalized PDI supramolecules.
Synthesis of polysubstituted quinolines through promoter-regulated selective annulation and C–C bond cleavage from 2-styrylanilines and β-keto esters
Authors: Xu Hui , Yu Fei , Huang Ronglu , Weng Mingyue , Chen Hong , Zhang Ze
Published: July 2020

I2 and Mn(OAc)3 regulated annulation of 2-styrylanilines and β-keto esters is accomplished for chemoselective synthesis of 2-alkylquinolines and quinoline-2-carboxylates.
Surface modification of highly hydrophobic polyester fabric coated with octadecylamine-functionalized graphene nanosheets
Authors: Achagri Ghizlane , Essamlali Younes , Amadine Othmane , Majdoub Mohamed , Chakir Achraf , Zahouily Mohamed
Published: July 2020

This study focuses on the design of highly hydrophobic polyester fabrics (PET) coated with organophilic graphene nanosheets (G-ODA) through a simple, cost-effective and scalable coating method.