bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of climate change and human influence in the distribution and range overlap between two widely distributed avian scavengers
Authors: SÁENZ-JIMÉNEZ FAUSTO , ROJAS-SOTO OCTAVIO , PÉREZ-TORRES JAIRO , MARTÍNEZ-MEYER ENRIQUE , SHEPPARD JAMES K.
Published: June 2020

Climate change can cause geographic displacement of the ecological niche of a species, so that similar species that previously did not coexist could begin to face new interactions. Such geographic displacement and increased competition can also be exacerbated by anthropic intervention. Until less than 100 years ago,Vultur gryphusandCoragyps atratusdid not coexist. Nowadays, possibly as a result of climate change, changes in the distributions of both species created areas where they are now sympatric. Through ecological niche modeling, we evaluated the possible effects that future scenarios of climate change and human influence would have on the distribution and sympatry between the two species. Our models predict that the current distribution ofV. gryphuswill be reduced between 18% and 24% by 2050 and between 21% and 32% by 2070. Additionally, they predict that the distribution ofC. atratuswill be reduced by 31–52% by the year 2050 and 15–60% by 2070. The two algorithms predict a reduction in the areas of sympatry. However, for the northern Andes the overlap between the two species will increase, reaching up to 70% in the year 2070. The distribution ofC. atratuswill move towards higher areas in the altitudinal gradient, and this will generate an increase in the current sympatry between both species. No clear trend was observed on the effect of human influences on the areas of overlap between the scenarios evaluated. The possible effects of climate change and anthropic intervention in future scenarios found in this study highlight the need to include these effects in future analyses and conservation programs ofV. gryphusand other threatened vultures.
United States – Countervailing Measures on Supercalendered Paper from Canada, DS505
Authors: Sohlberg Marcus
Published: June 2020

The dispute concerns a challenge by Canada of certain countervailing duty measures imposed by the United States on supercalendered paper from Canada. Canada brought multiple claims under the WTO Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM) Agreement, including a challenge of an alleged unwritten measure, pursuant to which the US Department of Commerce (USDOC) applies adverse facts available (AFA) to find countervailable subsidies in relation to unreported programs that were discovered during an investigation. In USDOC subsidy investigations, exporters are asked to report information on the use of specifically identified subsidy programs as well as whether they obtained any ‘other forms of assistance’ (OFA). It is the USDOC's conduct in applying AFA in relation to programs not reported under the OFA question that Canada challenged as an ongoing conduct (the OFA-AFA measure).
Broadband microstrip antennas with Cantor set fractal slots for vehicular communications
Authors: Ez-Zaki Fatima , Belahrach Hassan , Ghammaz Abdelilah
Published: June 2020

Vehicle-to-everything communications (V2X), whose main objective is to improve security and efficiency, are provided by ad hoc vehicle networks that allow communication between vehicles. In the current study, a hexagonal microstrip patch antenna has been developed to cover the navigational frequencies, WiMAX at 3.7 GHz and DSRC/IEEE802.11p at 5.9 GHz to meet the demands of various vehicular applications. The antenna design is based on Cantor fractal slot, partial ground plane, and inset feed which is directly fed through the microstrip line. The proposed antenna shields the frequency band from 3.22 to 6.5 GHz with VSWR$\lt$2 within all the frequency bands. The presented antenna can resonate well in the 5.85–5.95 GHz band assigned for DSRC/IEEE802.11p and 3.7 GHz assigned for LTE/V2X. Simulated antenna gain varies from 3.06 to 5.25 dB within the operated frequency range providing an omnidirectional simulated radiation pattern in the most azimuth plane. To prove the validity of the simulation results, the chosen antenna structure has been fabricated and tested using a vector network analyzer MS2630. The measurement shows good results, which make the antenna suitable for wireless applications of interest.
The relationship between iron metabolism, stress hormones, and insulin resistance in gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Feng Yan , Feng Qi , Lv Yuping , Song Xinna , Qu Hongmei , Chen Yangyang
Published: June 2020

Aim

To analyze the relationship between iron metabolism index and stress hormones, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

From January to November 2019, 75 patients with GDM were selected as GDM group, according to age of 1:1; 75 normal pregnant women were selected as Control group. Blood glucose, insulin, stress hormones such as cortisol, norepinephrine (NE), and epinephrine (E), and iron metabolism index such as serum iron, serum ferritin (SF), and transferrin saturation (TS) were measured. Insulin resistance was evaluated by homeostasis model insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between iron metabolism index and stress hormones, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress.

Results

The levels of NE, E, serum iron, SF, and TS saturation in the GDM group were higher than Control group (t = 3.82, 2.75, 3.14, 6.12, and 3.90, P < 0.05, <0.05, <0.05, <0.01, <0.01); HOMA-IR was higher in the GDM group (t = 4.92, P < 0.01); malondialdehyde (MDA) was higher, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) was lower than Control group (t = 5.25, 4.98, both P < 0.01). Epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol, and serum ferritin were positively correlated (r = 0.21, 0.17, and 0.21); epinephrine, cortisol, and transferrin were positively correlated (r = 0.12, 0.31). There was a positive correlation between HOMA-IR and SF and TS (r = 0.34, 0.34). MDA was positively correlated with SF and TS (r = 0.24, 0.29); SOD was negatively related to SF and TS (r = −0.12, −0.17).

Conclusions

Iron metabolism index is related to insulin resistance in GDM women. The change in iron metabolism may be involved in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes caused by stress- adaptive disorder.
Comparison of antibacterial effectiveness of three rotary file system with different geometry in infected root canals before and after instrumentation–a double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Siddique Riluwan , Nivedhitha Malli Sureshbabu , Ranjan Manish , Jacob Benoy , Solete Pradeep
Published: June 2020

Introduction

To compare the antibacterial effectiveness of three rotary file systems i.e., ProTaper Next, ProTaper Gold and XP-endo Shaper in root canals of teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis by using the real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Materials and methods

Root canals from single or multi-rooted teeth (straight canals) with necrotic pulps and asymptomatic apical periodontitis were instrumented using either ProTaper Next (n = 20), ProTaper Gold (n = 20) and XP-endo Shaper (n = 20) under irrigation with 3% sodium hypochlorite. Samples obtained before and after instrumentation were subjected to DNA extraction, amplification and quantitation of total amount of bacteria by using the real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Samples were taken before preparation (S1) were positive for presence of bacteria, with mean numbers of 9.94 × 107, 20.4 × 107 and 9.20 × 107 bacterial cells for the ProTaper Next, ProTaper Gold and XP-endo Shaper groups, respectively. After preparation (S2) with ProTaper Next, ProTaper Gold, and XP-endo Shaper, root canals still had bacteria with mean counts of 11.8 × 105, 87.2 × 105 and 4.52 × 105 bacterial cells, respectively. Both XP-endo Shaper (99.50%) and ProTaper Next (98.81%) were effective in reducing total bacterial count, and there was no statistically significant difference between them (P > 0.05). XP-endo Shaper succeeded in reducing total bacterial count than ProTaper Gold (95.72%) and there exists statistically significant difference between them (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

XP-endo Shaper was highly effective in reducing total bacterial count from root canals of teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis than ProTaper Gold. ProTaper Next also showed improved microbial reduction percentage as compared with ProTaper Gold.
Strategies and prospects of effective neural circuits reconstruction after spinal cord injury
Authors: Yang Biao , Zhang Feng , Cheng Feng , Ying Liwei , Wang Chenggui , Shi Kesi , Wang Jingkai , Xia Kaishun , Gong Zhe , Huang Xianpeng , Yu Cao , Li Fangcai , Liang Chengzhen , Chen Qixin
Published: June 2020

Due to the disconnection of surviving neural elements after spinal cord injury (SCI), such patients had to suffer irreversible loss of motor or sensory function, and thereafter enormous economic and emotional burdens were brought to society and family. Despite many strategies being dealing with SCI, there is still no effective regenerative therapy. To date, significant progress has been made in studies of SCI repair strategies, including gene regulation of neural regeneration, cell or cell-derived exosomes and growth factors transplantation, repair of biomaterials, and neural signal stimulation. The pathophysiology of SCI is complex and multifaceted, and its mechanisms and processes are incompletely understood. Thus, combinatorial therapies have been demonstrated to be more effective, and lead to better neural circuits reconstruction and functional recovery. Combinations of biomaterials, stem cells, growth factors, drugs, and exosomes have been widely developed. However, simply achieving axon regeneration will not spontaneously lead to meaningful functional recovery. Therefore, the formation and remodeling of functional neural circuits also depend on rehabilitation exercises, such as exercise training, electrical stimulation (ES) and Brain–Computer Interfaces (BCIs). In this review, we summarize the recent progress in biological and engineering strategies for reconstructing neural circuits and promoting functional recovery after SCI, and emphasize current challenges and future directions.
PIK3C3 regulates the expansion of liver CSCs and PIK3C3 inhibition counteracts liver cancer stem cell activity induced by PI3K inhibitor
Authors: Liu Fengchao , Wu Xiaoling , Qian Yanzhi , Jiang Xin , Wang Yiying , Gao Jian
Published: June 2020

The existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) accounts for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment resistance, relapse, and metastasis. Although the elimination of cancer stem cells is crucial for cancer treatment, strategies for their elimination are limited. Here, we report that a remarkable increase in PIK3C3 was detected in HCC tissues and liver CSCs. Upregulated PIK3C3 facilitated liver CSC expansion in HCC cells; RNA interference-mediated silencing of PIK3C3 had an opposite effect. Furthermore, PIK3C3 inhibition by inhibitors effectively eliminated liver CSCs and inhibited the growth of tumors in vivo. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is considered an important hallmark of cancer. One of our recent studies found that prolonged inhibition by inhibitors of class I PI3K induces liver CSCs expansion. To our surprise, PIK3C3 inhibition blocked the expansion of CSCs induced by PI3K inhibitor; moreover, treatment with the combination of PIK3C3 inhibitor and PI3K inhibitor in maximal suppresses the expansion of liver CSCs of tumors in mice. Mechanistically, inhibition of PIK3C3 inhibit the activation of SGK3, a CSCs promoter, induced by PI3K inhibitor. We also show that PIK3C3 inhibitor suppresses liver CSCs by activation of the AMP-activated kinase (AMPK). Although PIK3C3 plays a critical role in autophagy, we find that PIK3C3 regulates liver CSCs independent of the autophagy process. These findings uncover the effective suppression of liver CSCs by targeting PIK3C3, and targeting PIK3C3 in combination with PI3K inhibitor inhibits the expansion of liver CSCs efficiently, which is an attractive therapeutic regimen for the treatment of HCC.
Increased AT2R expression is induced by AT1R autoantibody via two axes, Klf-5/IRF-1 and circErbB4/miR-29a-5p, to promote VSMC migration
Authors: Sun Yan , Li Yang , Wang Meili , Yue Mingming , Bai Lina , Bian Jingwei , Hao Weiwei , Sun Jing , Zhang Suli , Liu Huirong
Published: June 2020

Vascular remodeling can be caused by angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) autoantibody (AT1-AA), although the related mechanism remains unknown. Angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) plays multiple roles in vascular remodeling through cross-talk with AT1R in the cytoplasm. Here, we aimed to explore the role and mechanism of AT2R in AT1-AA-induced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration, which is a key event in vascular remodeling. In vitro and in vivo, we found that AT2R can promote VSMC migration in AT1-AA-induced vascular remodeling. Moreover, AT2R expression was upregulated via Klf-5/IRF-1-mediated transcriptional and circErbB4/miR-29a-5p-mediated posttranscriptional mechanisms in response to AT1-AA. Our data provide a molecular basis for AT1-AA-induced AT2R expression by transcription factors, namely, a circular RNA and a microRNA, and showed that AT2R participated in AT1-AA-induced VSMC migration during the development of vascular remodeling. AT2R may be a potential target for the treatment of AT1-AA-induced vascular diseases.
A PROTAC peptide induces durable β-catenin degradation and suppresses Wnt-dependent intestinal cancer
Authors: Liao Hongwei , Li Xiang , Zhao Lianzheng , Wang Yalong , Wang Xiaodan , Wu Ye , Zhou Xin , Fu Wei , Liu Lei , Hu Hong-Gang , Chen Ye-Guang
Published: June 2020

Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been associated with the onset and progression of many types of tumors and thus β-catenin represents one attractive intracellular target for cancer therapy. Based on the Axin-derived peptide that binds to β-catenin, two stapled peptides SAHPA1 and xStAx were reported to enhance or impair Wnt/β-catenin signaling, respectively. In this study, we designed PROTACs (proteolysis targeting chimeras) by coupling SAHPA1 or xStAx with the VHL ligand to achieve efficient β-catenin degradation. The obtained xStAx-VHLL sustained β-catenin degradation and manifested strong inhibition of Wnt signaling in cancer cells and in APC−/− organoids. Furthermore, xStAx-VHLL could effectively restrain tumor formation in BALB/C nude mice, and diminish the existing tumors in APCmin/+ mice. More importantly, xStAx-VHLL could potently inhibit the survival of colorectal cancer patient-derived organoids. These findings suggest that xStAx-VHLL exhibits the ability of cancer prevention and cure, highlighting the potential of β-catenin degrader PROTACs as a new class of promising anticancer agent.
Is HSPG2 a modifier gene for Marfan syndrome?
Authors: Gerdes Gyuricza Isabela , Barbosa de Souza Rodrigo , Farinha-Arcieri Luis Ernesto , Ribeiro Fernandes Gustavo , Veiga Pereira Lygia
Published: June 2020

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a connective tissue disease caused by variants in the FBN1 gene. Nevertheless, other genes influence the manifestations of the disease, characterized by high clinical variability even within families. We mapped modifier loci for cardiovascular and skeletal manifestations in the mg∆loxPneo mouse model for MFS and the synthenic loci in the human genome. Corroborating our findings, one of those loci was identified also as a modifier locus in MFS patients. Here, we investigate the HSPG2 gene, located in this region, as a candidate modifier gene for MFS. We show a correlation between Fbn1 and Hspg2 expression in spinal column and aorta in non-isogenic mg∆loxPneo mice. Moreover, we show that mice with severe phenotypes present lower expression of Hspg2 than those mildly affected. Thus, we propose that HSPG2 is a strong candidate modifier gene for MFS and its role in modulating disease severity should be investigated in patients.
Structure and dynamics of the ASB9 CUL-RING E3 Ligase
Authors: Lumpkin Ryan J. , Baker Richard W. , Leschziner Andres E. , Komives Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2020

The Cullin 5 (CUL5) Ring E3 ligase uses adaptors Elongins B and C (ELOB/C) to bind different SOCS-box-containing substrate receptors, determining the substrate specificity of the ligase. The 18-member ankyrin and SOCS box (ASB) family is the largest substrate receptor family. Here we report cryo-EM data for the substrate, creatine kinase (CKB) bound to ASB9-ELOB/C, and for full-length CUL5 bound to the RING protein, RBX2, which binds various E2s. To date, no full structures are available either for a substrate-bound ASB nor for CUL5. Hydrogen–deuterium exchange (HDX-MS) mapped onto a full structural model of the ligase revealed long-range allostery extending from the substrate through CUL5. We propose a revised allosteric mechanism for how CUL-E3 ligases function. ASB9 and CUL5 behave as rigid rods, connected through a hinge provided by ELOB/C transmitting long-range allosteric crosstalk from the substrate through CUL5 to the RBX2 flexible linker.
Author Correction: Chronic Kidney Disease Impairs Bone Defect Healing in Rats
Authors: Liu Weiqing , Kang Ning , Seriwatanachai Dutmanee , Dong Yuliang , Zhou Liyan , Lin Yunfeng , Ye Ling , Liang Xing , Yuan Quan
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Assessing the severity of psoriasis through multivariate analysis of optical images from non-lesional skin
Authors: Žurauskas Mantas , Barkalifa Ronit , Alex Aneesh , Marjanovic Marina , Spillman Darold R. , Mukherjee Prabuddha , Neitzel Craig D. , Lee Warren , Medler Jeremy , Arp Zane , Cleveland Matthew , Hood Steve , Boppart Stephen A.
Published: June 2020

Patients with psoriasis represent a heterogeneous population with individualized disease expression. Psoriasis can be monitored through gold standard histopathology of biopsy specimens that are painful and permanently scar. A common associated measure is the use of non-invasive assessment of the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) or similarly derived clinical assessment based scores. However, heterogeneous manifestations of the disease lead to specific PASI scores being poorly reproducible and not easily associated with clinical severity, complicating the efforts to monitor the disease. To address this issue, we developed a methodology for non-invasive automated assessment of the severity of psoriasis using optical imaging. Our analysis shows that two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging permits the identification of biomarkers present in both lesional and non-lesional skin that correlate with psoriasis severity. This ability to measure changes in lesional and healthy-appearing skin provides a new pathway for independent monitoring of both the localized and systemic effects of the disease. Non-invasive optical imaging was conducted on lesions and non-lesional (pseudo-control) skin of 33 subjects diagnosed with psoriasis, lesional skin of 7 subjects diagnosed with eczema, and healthy skin of 18 control subjects. Statistical feature extraction was combined with principal component analysis to analyze pairs of two-photon fluorescence lifetime images of stratum basale and stratum granulosum layers of skin. We found that psoriasis is associated with biochemical and structural changes in non-lesional skin that can be assessed using clinically available two-photon fluorescence lifetime microscopy systems.
Role of Superoxide Reductase FA796 in Oxidative Stress Resistance in Filifactor alocis
Authors: Mishra Arunima , Aja Ezinne , Fletcher Hansel M
Published: June 2020

Filifactor alocis, a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium, is now a proposed diagnostic indicator of periodontal disease. Because the stress response of this bacterium to the oxidative environment of the periodontal pocket may impact its pathogenicity, an understanding of its oxidative stress resistance strategy is vital. Interrogation of the F. alocis genome identified the HMPREF0389_00796 gene that encodes for a putative superoxide reductase (SOR) enzyme. SORs are non-heme, iron-containing enzymes that can catalyze the reduction of superoxide radicals to hydrogen peroxide and are important in the protection against oxidative stress. In this study, we have functionally characterized the putative SOR (FA796) from F. alocis ATCC 35896. The recombinant FA796 protein, which is predicted to be a homotetramer of the 1Fe-SOR class, can reduce superoxide radicals. F. alocis FLL141 (∆FA796::ermF) was significantly more sensitive to oxygen/air exposure compared to the parent strain. Sensitivity correlated with the level of intracellular superoxide radicals. Additionally, the FA796-defective mutant had increased sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide-induced stress, was inhibited in its ability to form biofilm and had reduced survival in epithelial cells. Collectively, these results suggest that the F. alocis SOR protein is a key enzymatic scavenger of superoxide radicals and protects the bacterium from oxidative stress conditions.
Protection and immune modulation of activated human vaginal epithelial cells by Aurea helianthus extract
Authors: Park Yoonjin , Lee Kyunghwa , Lee Chayul , Song Ahran , Kim Jinkwan , Kim Boyong , Lee SeungGwan
Published: June 2020

Aurea helianthus extract is associated with various properties including anti-melanogenesis, anti-oxidation, tumorigenic suppression, and immunoregulation; however, the mechanism by which it executes the immunomodulation of human vaginal epithelial cells (HVECs) remains elusive. We established three immunological functions of the extract. First, it mediated tumorigenic suppression in HVECs. Expression of cytokeratin 8, cancer antigen-125, and vimentin was dramatically downregulated in HVECs exposed to the extract under oxidative and fungal stresses. Second, the extract activated dendritic cells and macrophages. On exposing progenitor dendritic cells to the extract, the number of CD304+ cells increased by 40%; further, under oxidative and fungal stresses, this number was approximately 1.8 and 1.3 times lower, respectively, compared to that in the stressed cells. In monocytic differentiation, the number of dendritic cells and macrophages increased 9 and 6 times, respectively, compared to that in the control. Additionally, the extract enhanced and recovered polarisation by approximately 1.5 and 2 times, respectively, than that under stressed conditions. Third, the phagocytic activity of macrophages, against HPV16, 18, and 33 peptides, was enhanced by 12–35 times compared with that under stressed conditions. Thus, A. helianthus extract is a strong stimulator of the immune system and tumorigenic suppression under stress conditions.
Activation of cortical M1 muscarinic receptors and related intracellular signaling is necessary for reactivation-induced object memory updating
Authors: Jardine Kristen H. , Wideman Cassidy E. , MacGregor Chelsea , Sgarbossa Cassandra , Orr Dean , Mitchnick Krista A. , Winters Boyer D.
Published: June 2020

Reactivated long-term memories can become labile and sensitive to modification. Memories in this destabilized state can be weakened or strengthened, but there is limited research characterizing the mechanisms underlying retrieval-induced qualitative updates (i.e., information integration). We have previously implicated cholinergic transmission in object memory destabilization. Here we present a novel rodent paradigm developed to assess the role of this cholinergic mechanism in qualitative object memory updating. The post-reactivation object memory modification (PROMM) task exposes rats to contextual information following object memory reactivation. Subsequent object exploratory performance suggests that the contextual information is integrated with the original memory in a reactivation- and time-dependent manner. This effect is blocked by interference with M1 muscarinic receptors and several downstream signals in perirhinal cortex. These findings therefore demonstrate a hitherto unacknowledged cognitive function for acetylcholine with important implications for understanding the dynamic nature of long-term memory storage in the normal and aging brain.
Population dynamics of threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout in Summit Lake, Nevada
Authors: Simmons James B. , Campbell Teresa , Jerde Christopher L. , Chandra Sudeep , Cowan William , Hogan Zeb , Saenz Jessica , Shoemaker Kevin
Published: June 2020

Summit Lake, Nevada (USA) is the last high-desert terminal lake to have a native self-sustaining population of threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi). From spring 2015 to fall 2017, we quantified adult abundance and survival and the total annual spawning run. Abundance and survival were estimated with mark-recapture using PIT tags, and the annual spawning run was estimated with PIT tag detections and counts of spawners. Adult abundance fluctuated from 830 (95% CI 559–1248) to 1085 (95% CI 747–1614), with no overall temporal trend, as a decrease in male abundance was generally offset by an equal increase in female abundance. Estimated mean adult survival was 0.51 (95% CI 0.44–0.58). The spawning run increased from 645 (2015) to 868 (2016), but then decreased slightly to 824 (2017, mean = 789 ± 118). Female spawners increased in 2016 but decreased slightly in 2017, whereas male spawners decreased each year. In addition, the proportion of adults that spawned each year increased overall. Our study suggests that the adult population remained stable although most of the study period included the recent, severe regional drought in the western United States (2012–2016).
Polygenic analysis of the effect of common and low-frequency genetic variants on serum uric acid levels in Korean individuals
Authors: Cho Sung Kweon , Kim Beomsu , Myung Woojae , Chang Yoosoo , Ryu Seungho , Kim Han-Na , Kim Hyung-Lae , Kuo Po-Hsiu , Winkler Cheryl A. , Won Hong-Hee
Published: June 2020

Increased serum uric acid (SUA) levels cause gout and are associated with multiple diseases, including chronic kidney disease. Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified more than 180 loci that contribute to SUA levels. Here, we investigated genetic determinants of SUA level in the Korean population. We conducted a GWAS for SUA in 6,881 Korean individuals, calculated polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for common variants, and validated the association of low-frequency variants and PRS with SUA levels in 3,194 individuals. We identified two low-frequency and six common independent variants associated with SUA. Despite the overall similar effect sizes of variants in Korean and European populations, the proportion of variance for SUA levels explained by the variants was greater in the Korean population. A rare, nonsense variant SLC22A12 p.W258X showed the most significant association with reduced SUA levels, and PRSs of common variants associated with SUA levels were significant in multiple Korean cohorts. Interestingly, an East Asian-specific missense variant (rs671) in ALDH2 displayed a significant association on chromosome 12 with the SUA level. Further genetic epidemiological studies on SUA are needed in ethnically diverse cohorts to investigate rare or low-frequency variants and determine the influence of genetic and environmental factors on SUA.
Impact-induced amino acid formation on Hadean Earth and Noachian Mars
Authors: Takeuchi Yuto , Furukawa Yoshihiro , Kobayashi Takamichi , Sekine Toshimori , Terada Naoki , Kakegawa Takeshi
Published: June 2020

Abiotic synthesis of biomolecules is an essential step for the chemical origin of life. Many attempts have succeeded in synthesizing biomolecules, including amino acids and nucleobases (e.g., via spark discharge, impact shock, and hydrothermal heating), from reduced compounds that may have been limited in their availabilities on Hadean Earth and Noachian Mars. On the other hand, formation of amino-acids and nucleobases from CO2 and N2 (i.e., the most abundant C and N sources on Earth during the Hadean) has been limited via spark discharge. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis of amino acids by laboratory impact-induced reactions among simple inorganic mixtures: Fe, Ni, Mg2SiO4, H2O, CO2, and N2, by coupling the reduction of CO2, N2, and H2O with the oxidation of metallic Fe and Ni. These chemical processes simulated the possible reactions at impacts of Fe-bearing meteorites/asteroids on oceans with a CO2 and N2 atmosphere. The results indicate that hypervelocity impact was a source of amino acids on the Earth during the Hadean and potentially on Mars during the Noachian. Amino acids formed during such events could more readily polymerize in the next step of the chemical evolution, as impact events locally form amino acids at the impact sites.
The neovascularization effect of dedifferentiated fat cells
Authors: Watanabe Hirofumi , Goto Shumpei , Kato Reona , Komiyama Shogo , Nagaoka Yuki , Kazama Tomohiko , Yamamoto Chii , Li Yuxin , Konuma Noriyoshi , Hagikura Kazuhiro , Matsumoto Taro
Published: June 2020

Mature adipocyte-derived dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells can be prepared efficiently and with minimal invasiveness to the donor. They can be utilized as a source of transplanted cells during therapy. Although the transplantation of DFAT cells into an ischemic tissue enhances angiogenesis and increases vascular flow, there is little information regarding the mechanism of the therapeutic angiogenesis. To further study this, mice ischemic hindlimb model was used. It was confirmed that in comparison with the adipose derived stem cells and fibroblasts, the transplantation of DFAT cells led to a significant improvement in the blood flow and increased mature blood vessel density. The ability of DFAT cells to secrete angiogenic factors in hypoxic conditions and upon co-culture with vascular endothelial cells was then examined. Furthermore, we examined the possibility that DFAT cells differentiating into pericytes. The therapeutic angiogenic effects of DFAT cells were observed by the secretion of angiogenic factors and pericyte differentiation by transforming growth factor β1 signalling via Smad2/3. DFAT cells can be prepared with minimal invasiveness and high efficiency and are expected to become a source of transplanted cells in the future of angiogenic cell therapy.
Spatial relationship between land-use/land-cover change and land surface temperature in the Dongting Lake area, China
Authors: Tan Jie , Yu De , Li Qiang , Tan Xuelan , Zhou Weijun
Published: June 2020

The Dongting Lake area (China) is a climate change-sensitive and ecologically fragile area and plays a crucial role in the regulation of the regional climate. In recent decades, rapid social and economic development has led to increased land use/land cover (LULC) changes in the Dongting Lake area, which affect the surface energy balance and hydrological processes. Its contemporary variability under climate change remains highly uncertain. Therefore, we retrieved the Land surface temperature (LST) from the Landsat 7 data and explored its relationship with the LULC types. The results showed that LST is significantly affected by surface type. LST varied significantly across LULC types, with higher LSTs in built-up land, reed beach land, forest land, and paddy fields than in water bodies, mud beaches, marshlands, and riparian forests. Water bodies play an important regulatory role in reducing LST and mitigating thermal effects on the ground. The winter LST in the study area increased by approximately 3.5 °C, which may be related to the decrease in the area of Dongting Lake water bodies, water fields and reed flats after the Three Gorges Reservoir was impounded. Compared with the relationship between the NDVI, DEM, and distance from the water body, the negative correlation between the NDMI and LST was stronger and more stable and had the greatest effect on LST. These insights improve the understanding of the land change consequences on the temporal dynamics of LST.
Change of rhizospheric bacterial community of the ancient wild tea along elevational gradients in Ailao mountain, China
Authors: Zi Haiyun , Jiang Yonglei , Cheng Xiaomao , Li Wanting , Huang Xiaoxia
Published: June 2020

The rhizospheric microbial community is one of the major environmental factors affecting the distribution and fitness of plants. Ancient wild tea plants are rare genetic resource distributed in Southwest China. In this study, we investigated that rhizospheric bacterial communities of ancient wild tea plants along the elevational gradients (2050, 2200, 2350 and 2500 m) in QianJiaZhai Reserve of Ailao Mountains. According to the Illumina MiSeq sequencing of 16 S rRNA gene amplicons,Proteobacteria,AcidobacteriaandActinobacteriawere the dominant phyla with the relative abundance 43.12%, 21.61% and 14.84%, respectively. TheVariibacterwas the most dominant genus in rhizosphere of ancient wild tea plant. Phylogenetic null modeling analysis suggested that rhizospheric bacterial communities of ancient wild tea plants were more phylogenetically clustered than expected by chance. The bacterial community at 2050 m was unique with the highest alpha diversity, tend to cluster the nearest taxon and simple co-occurrence network structure. The unique bacterial community was correlated to multiple soil factors, and the content soil ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) was the key factor affecting the diversity and distribution of bacterial community along the elevational gradients. This study provided the necessary basic information for the protection of ancient tea trees and cultivation of tea plants.
Author Correction: Changes in Infant and Neonatal Mortality and Associated Factors in Eight Cohorts from Three Brazilian Cities
Authors: Carvalho Carolina A. , da Silva Antônio A. M. , Victora César , Goldani Marcelo , Bettiol Heloísa , Thomaz Erika Barbara Abreu Fonseca , Barros Fernando , Horta Bernardo L. , Menezes Ana , Cardoso Viviane , Cavalli Ricardo Carvalho , Santos Iná , Batista Rosângela F. L. , Simões Vanda Maria , Barbieri Marco , Barros Aluisio
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Precision Targeted Ablation of Fine Neurovascular Structures In Vivo Using Dual-mode Ultrasound Arrays
Authors: Aravalli Rajagopal N. , Helden Dusty Van , Liu Dalong , O’Brien Parker , Aldiabat Hasan , Tăbăran Alexandru-Flaviu , O’Sullivan M. Gerard , Clark H. Brent , Osborn John W. , Ebbini Emad S.
Published: June 2020

Carotid bodies (CBs) are chemoreceptors that monitor and register changes in the blood, including the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH, and regulate breathing. Enhanced activity of CBs was shown to correlate with a significant elevation in the blood pressure of patients with hypertension. CB removal or denervation were previously shown to reduce hypertension. Here we demonstrate the feasibility of a dual-mode ultrasound array (DMUA) system to safely ablate the CB in vivo in a spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) model of hypertension. DMUA imaging was used for guiding and monitoring focused ultrasound (FUS) energy delivered to the target region. In particular, 3D imaging was used to identify the carotid bifurcation for targeting the CBs. Intermittent, high frame rate imaging during image-guided FUS (IgFUS) delivery was used for monitoring the lesion formation. DMUA imaging provided feedback for closed-loop control (CLC) of the lesion formation process to avoid overexposure. The procedure was tolerated well in over 100 SHR and normotensive rats that received unilateral and bilateral treatments. The measured mean arterial pressure (MAP) exhibited measurable deviation from baseline 2–4 weeks post IgFUS treatment. The results suggest that the direct unilateral FUS treatment of the CB might be sufficient to reduce the blood pressure in hypertensive rats and justify further investigation in large animals and eventually in human patients.
Author Correction: Memristive synapses connect brain and silicon spiking neurons
Authors: Serb Alexantrou , Corna Andrea , George Richard , Khiat Ali , Rocchi Federico , Reato Marco , Maschietto Marta , Mayr Christian , Indiveri Giacomo , Vassanelli Stefano , Prodromakis Themistoklis
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Integral approach to biomacromolecular structure by analytical-ultracentrifugation and small-angle scattering
Authors: Morishima Ken , Okuda Aya , Inoue Rintaro , Sato Nobuhiro , Miyamoto Yosuke , Urade Reiko , Yagi-Utsumi Maho , Kato Koichi , Hirano Rina , Kujirai Tomoya , Kurumizaka Hitoshi , Sugiyama Masaaki
Published: June 2020

Currently, a sample for small-angle scattering (SAS) is usually highly purified and looks monodispersed: The Guinier plot of its SAS intensity shows a fine straight line. However, it could include the slight aggregates which make the experimental SAS profile different from the monodispersed one. A concerted method with analytical-ultracentrifugation (AUC) and SAS, named as AUC-SAS, offers the precise scattering intensity of a concerned biomacromolecule in solution even with aggregates as well that of a complex under an association-dissociation equilibrium. AUC-SAS overcomes an aggregation problem which has been an obstacle for SAS analysis and, furthermore, has a potential to lead to a structural analysis for a general multi-component system.
Multifractality of light in photonic arrays based on algebraic number theory
Authors: Sgrignuoli Fabrizio , Gorsky Sean , Britton Wesley A. , Zhang Ran , Riboli Francesco , Dal Negro Luca
Published: June 2020

Many natural patterns and shapes, such as meandering coastlines, clouds, or turbulent flows, exhibit a characteristic complexity that is mathematically described by fractal geometry. Here, we extend the reach of fractal concepts in photonics by experimentally demonstrating multifractality of light in arrays of dielectric nanoparticles that are based on fundamental structures of algebraic number theory. Specifically, we engineered novel deterministic photonic platforms based on the aperiodic distributions of primes and irreducible elements in complex quadratic and quaternions rings. Our findings stimulate fundamental questions on the nature of transport and localization of wave excitations in deterministic media with multi-scale fluctuations beyond what is possible in traditional fractal systems. Moreover, our approach establishes structure–property relationships that can readily be transferred to planar semiconductor electronics and to artificial atomic lattices, enabling the exploration of novel quantum phases and many-body effects.
Upgrading of marine (fish and crustaceans) biowaste for high added-value molecules and bio(nano)-materials
Authors: Maschmeyer Thomas , Luque Rafael , Selva Maurizio
Published: June 2020

Fish biowaste is in the order of dozens of million tons per year, representing a resource of an extraordinary chemical richness, which is certainly worth valorising.
Carbon–fluorine bond cleavage mediated by metalloenzymes
Authors: Wang Yifan , Liu Aimin
Published: June 2020

Organic fluorochemicals are widely distributed in the environment, causing ecological and health concerns. However, defluorination is a challenging process. This article summarizes the defluorination mechanisms learned from metal-containing enzymes.
Recent advances in the shaping of metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Liu Xiao-Min , Xie Lin-Hua , Wu Yufeng
Published: June 2020

In this review, the recent advances in the shaping of MOFs are overviewed, and some promising strategies recently developed are highlighted, including templated shaping, self-shaping, shaping on substrates, and shaping with sacrificial materials.
Simultaneous quantification of peroxidase and ascorbic acid in biosamples with an automatic system based on a Fe(iii)/methylthymol blue-carbon dot simulative enzyme
Authors: Zhao Yang , Li Qiao-Jing , Li Yong-Sheng , Gao Xiu-Feng
Published: June 2020

Simultaneous and automatic quantification of peroxidase and ascorbic acid based on one reaction system and application of a carbon dot simulative enzyme.
Influence of interfering co-appearing container peaks on the accuracy of direct quantitative Raman measurement of a sample in a plastic container
Authors: Lee Yoonjeong , Duy Pham Khac , Sriphong Lawan , Kaewnopparat Nattha , Chung Hoeil
Published: June 2020

For direct Raman measurement of a sample in a plastic container, axially perpendicular offset (APO) scheme able to suppress container information with minimal loss of housed sample features enabled accurate determination of sample concentration.
Trisubstituted geminal diazaalkene derived transient 1,2-carbodications
Authors: Mandal Debdeep , Stein Felix , Chandra Shubhadeep , Neuman Nicolás I. , Sarkar Pallavi , Das Shubhajit , Kundu Abhinanda , Sarkar Arighna , Rawat Hemant , Pati Swapan K. , Chandrasekhar Vadapalli , Sarkar Biprajit , Jana Anukul
Published: June 2020

2-Pyrrolidinyl appended trisubstituted geminal diazaalkenes were used for the synthesis of intramolecular base-stabilized dications under 2-e oxidation.
Luminescent ionic liquid formed from a melted rhenium(v) cluster
Authors: Yanagisawa Junichi , Hiraoka Tomoaki , Kobayashi Fumiya , Saito Daisuke , Yoshida Masaki , Kato Masako , Takeiri Fumitaka , Kobayashi Genki , Ohba Masaaki , Lindoy Leonard F. , Ohtani Ryo , Hayami Shinya
Published: June 2020

Luminescent ionic liquids are formed by the melting of tetranuclear rhenium(v) clusters.
A bioinspired microreactor with interfacial regulation for maximizing selectivity in a catalytic reaction
Authors: Han Chenhui , Xu Haolan , Waclawik Eric R. , Li Xin-Hao , Xu Jingsan
Published: June 2020

A cell-inspired microreactor can modulate the phase-oriented transport of reagents at interfaces, affording a powerful tool to optimize reaction selectivity.
Efficient sampling of high-energy states by machine learning force fields
Authors: Plazinski Wojciech , Plazinska Anita , Brzyska Agnieszka
Published: June 2020

A method extending the range of applicability of machine-learning force fields is proposed. It relies on biased subsampling of the high-energy states described by the predefined coordinate(s).
VTST and RPMD kinetics study of the nine-body X + C2H6 (X ≡ H, Cl, F) reactions based on analytical potential energy surfaces
Authors: Espinosa-Garcia Joaquin , Garcia-Chamorro Moises , Corchado Jose C. , Bhowmick Somnath , Suleimanov Yury V.
Published: June 2020

The X + C2H6 (X ≡ H, Cl, F) reaction rate constant has been calculated within a wide temperature range (189–2000 K) using variational transition state theory with multidimensional tunnelling and ring polymer molecular dynamics methods.
On-surface chemical reactions characterised by ultra-high resolution scanning probe microscopy
Authors: Sweetman Adam , Champness Neil R. , Saywell Alex
Published: June 2020

The impact of high resolution scanning probe microscopy on imaging individual molecules with intramolecular resolution is reviewed.
Enhancement of photocatalytic NO removal activity of g-C3N4 by modification with illite particles
Authors: Li Xin , Dong Guohui , Guo Fengjiao , Zhu Pengfei , Huang Yu , Wang Chuanyi
Published: June 2020

The modification of illite particles could enhance the photocatalytic NO removal activity of g-C3N4.
Total organic halogen (TOX) species formation at different locations in drinking water distribution systems
Authors: Kim Daekyun , Kanan Amer , Sharma Naushita , Westerhoff Paul , Karanfil Tanju
Published: June 2020

TOCl, TOBr and TOI concentrations were quantified quarterly at 11 US drinking water treatment plants and distribution systems.
Lactobacillus casei improves depression-like behavior in chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced rats by the BDNF-TrkB signal pathway and the intestinal microbiota
Authors: Gu Fang , Wu Yanyan , Liu Ying , Dou Mei , Jiang Yushan , Liang Hui
Published: June 2020

L. casei improves depression-like behavior in stress-induced rats by the BDNF-TrkB signal pathway and the intestinal microbiota.
One-pot synthesis of 2-hydroxymethylindolesviaphotoredox-catalyzed ketyl–ynamide coupling/1,3-allylic alcohol transposition
Authors: Wang Ze-Shu , Chen Yang-Bo , Wang Kun , Xu Zhou , Ye Long-Wu
Published: June 2020

An efficient photoredox-catalyzed ketyl–ynamide coupling of alkyl sulfonyl substituted ynamides followed by 1,3-allylic alcohol transposition in one-pot has been developed, affording 2-hydroxymethylindoles in generally moderate to good yields.
Differently fluorescence-labelled dibenzodiazepinone-type muscarinic acetylcholine receptor ligands with high M2R affinity
Authors: Gruber Corinna G. , Pegoli Andrea , Müller Christoph , Grätz Lukas , She Xueke , Keller Max
Published: June 2020

New fluorescent molecular tools for the muscarinic acetylcholine M2 receptor, bearing various fluorescent dyes, showed high M2 receptor affinity in flow cytometric saturation binding studies at CHO–hM2R cells (pKd > 8.3).
Bridging bio-nano interactions with photoactive biohybrid energy systems
Authors: Harris Alexander W. , Cha Jennifer N.
Published: June 2020

Understanding how proteins interface with synthetic nanomaterials has become increasingly important for a range of applications from nanomedicine to fuel generation.
Synergistic computational and experimental discovery of novel magnetic materials
Authors: Balasubramanian Balamurugan , Sakurai Masahiro , Wang Cai-Zhuang , Xu Xiaoshan , Ho Kai-Ming , Chelikowsky James R. , Sellmyer David J.
Published: June 2020

We review recent results on discoveries of new magnetic compounds by combining experiments, adaptive genetic algorithm searches, and advanced electronic-structure computational methods.
2D pn junctions driven out-of-equilibrium
Authors: Chaves Ferney A. , Feijoo Pedro C. , Jiménez David
Published: June 2020

The electrostatics, electronic transport, and expected radio-frequency performances of 2D lateral pn junctions driven out-of-equilibrium have been theoretically investigated.
Erbium anchored iminodiacetic acid (IDA) functionalized CoFe2O4nano particles: an efficient magnetically isolable nanocomposite for the facile synthesis of 1,8-naphthyridines
Authors: Tamoradi Taiebeh , Daraie Mansoureh , Heravi Majid M. , Karmakar Bikash
Published: June 2020

We report a novel magnetic catalyst for the synthesis of biologically important compounds.
Serendipitous isolation of a triazinone-based air stable organic radical: synthesis, crystal structure, and computation
Authors: Madhu Vedichi , Kanakati Arun Kumar , Das Samar K.
Published: June 2020

Here we report the synthesis, isolation, and characterization of a dication salt, namely 4,6-bis(4,4′-bipyridinium)-1,3,5-triazin-2-one {12+(PF6)22−·2H2O1(PF6)2·2H2O}, and its radical cation salt, namely 4,6-bis(4,4′-bipyridinium)-1,3,5-triazin-2-one (1+˙PF6−1˙PF6).
Solvothermally-derived MoO3-benzotriazole hybrid structures for nanocontainer depot systems
Authors: Logvinovich Alexander S. , Sviridova Tatyana V. , Konstantinova Elizaveta A. , Kokorin Alexander I. , Sviridov Dmitry V.
Published: June 2020

Layered MoO3 containing intercalated benzotriazole (up to 40 mol%) shows much promise as a container system for corrosion protection.
Cadmium metavanadate mixed oxide nanorods for the chemiresistive detection of methane molecules
Authors: Mounasamy Veena , Mani Ganesh Kumar , Ponnusamy Dhivya , Tsuchiya Kazuyoshi , Reshma P. R. , Prasad Arun K. , Madanagurusamy Sridharan
Published: June 2020

An energy band diagram of the V2O5–CdO thin film and illustration of the methane (CH4) gas sensing mechanism with band bending.
Intrinsic flame retardant phosphonate-based vitrimers as a recyclable alternative for commodity polymers in composite materials
Authors: Markwart Jens C. , Battig Alexander , Urbaniak Tobias , Haag Katharina , Koschek Katharina , Schartel Bernhard , Wurm Frederik R.
Published: June 2020

Vitrimers are a promising alternative to conventional composite materials as they can be recycled and reshaped but still need additives. Herein, intrinsic flame-retardant phosphorus-containing vitrimers are presented, which were used in composites.
Thermal quenching properties of narrow-band blue-emitting MBe2(PO4)2:Eu2+(M = Ca, Sr) phosphors towards backlight display applications
Authors: Hu Tao , Gao Yan , Ji Xiaohong , Xia Zhiguo , Zhang Qinyuan
Published: June 2020

Narrow-band blue-emitting MBe2(PO4)2:Eu2+(M = Ca, Sr) phosphors were developedviaselection of an ordered host with confined doping sites.