bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interannual Variability of Atmospheric Gravity Waves in the Martian Thermosphere: Effects of the 2018 Planet‐Encircling Dust Event
Authors: Leelavathi V. , Venkateswara Rao N. , Rao S. V. B.
Published: November 2020

We study the interannual variability of atmospheric gravity waves (GWs) in the Martian thermosphere and their relation to the background temperatures using Ar densities measured by Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer/Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN). The amplitudes and wavelengths of the GWs are extracted from the neutral density perturbations in the inbound segment of the MAVEN orbit. The GW amplitudes predominantly lie between 5% and 10% and are mostly less than 30% of the background densities. The horizontal wavelengths are between 50 km and 300 km with peak wavelengths of 100–130 km. GW amplitudes show a significant diurnal variation with larger amplitudes during nighttime and smaller amplitudes during daytime. In addition, the GW amplitudes negatively correlate with the background temperatures indicating the role of convective instability in the saturation of the GWs. Most importantly, the GW amplitudes are larger and the wavelengths are smaller when there was a planet‐encircling dust event in the Mars’ lower atmosphere during 2018. As a result, the typical diurnal variation of GW amplitudes is not apparent. During the lower atmospheric dust event, the GW amplitudes do not show any significant correlation with the background temperatures. It is proposed that the PEDE‐2018 led to changes in the circulation of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere, so that the modified circulation enhanced the upward propagation/reduced the filtering of GWs leading to their enhancement in the upper thermosphere.
Theoretical and practical training improves knowledge of the examination guidelines of the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Franz Steffen , Heutehaus Laura , Weinand Sina , Weidner Norbert , Rupp Rüdiger , Schuld Christian
Published: November 2020

Study design

Prospective pre–post study.

Objectives

International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) represents the most frequently used assessment to determine the level and severity of a spinal cord injury (SCI). The guidelines for ISNCSCI are complex and challenging. Knowledge of its correct execution needs to be imparted precisely. The aim of this study was to investigate whether hands-on instructional courses can increase the knowledge of the ISNCSCI examination guidelines.

Setting

European Multicenter Study about SCI.

Methods

Before and after the instructional courses, participants were asked to complete questionnaires. The set of questions covered the most important aspects of the examination guidelines. Attendees were asked to self-rate their occupation and experience in ISNCSCI.

Results

The comparison of pretest and posttest results of 164 attendees from 2014 to 2018 revealed an improvement of knowledge reflected by an increase of correct answers from 66 ± 17% before to 89 ± 11% after the course (p < 0.01). The improvement was not associated with occupation (p > 0.1). However, the correctness of pretest results differed concerning both the period of experience with ISNCSCI (p < 0.05) and the course language (p < 0.01), while the frequency of execution resulted in differences in the posttest (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Instructional courses substantially improve knowledge of the ISNCSCI examination guidelines. Differences in knowledge present before the course leveled off after the course. Comprehensive theoretical training is strongly recommended to ensure reliability and validity of ISNCSCI examinations in clinical routine and research. Albeit being practiced in the instructional courses, the benefit of hands-on training still needs to be systematically evaluated in future studies.
Discovery of a novel ferroptosis inducer-talaroconvolutin A—killing colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Xia Yong , Liu Shuzhi , Li Changlin , Ai Zhiying , Shen Wenzhi , Ren Wenqi , Yang Xiaolong
Published: November 2020

Ferropotsis is among the most important mechanisms of cancer suppression, which could be harnessed for cancer therapy. However, no natural small-molecule compounds with cancer inhibitory activity have been identified to date. In the present study, we reported the discovery of a novel ferroptosis inducer, talaroconvolutin A (TalaA), and the underlying molecular mechanism. We discovered that TalaA killed colorectal cancer cells in dose-dependent and time-dependent manners. Interestingly, TalaA did not induce apoptosis, but strongly triggered ferroptosis. Notably, TalaA was significantly more effective than erastin (a well-known ferroptosis inducer) in suppressing colorectal cancer cells via ferroptosis. We revealed a dual mechanism of TalaA’ action against cancer. On the one hand, TalaA considerably increased reactive oxygen species levels to a certain threshold, the exceeding of which induced ferroptosis. On the other hand, this compound downregulated the expression of the channel protein solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) but upregulated arachidonate lipoxygenase 3 (ALOXE3), promoting ferroptosis. Furthermore, in vivo experiments in mice evidenced that TalaA effectively suppressed the growth of xenografted colorectal cancer cells without obvious liver and kidney toxicities. The findings of this study indicated that TalaA could be a new potential powerful drug candidate for colorectal cancer therapy due to its outstanding ability to kill colorectal cancer cells via ferroptosis induction.
GARP promotes the proliferation and therapeutic resistance of bone sarcoma cancer cells through the activation of TGF-β
Authors: Carrillo-Gálvez Ana Belén , Quintero Juan Esteban , Rodríguez René , Menéndez Sofía T. , Victoria González M. , Blanco-Lorenzo Verónica , Allonca Eva , de Araújo Farias Virgínea , González-Correa Juan Elías , Erill-Sagalés Nadina , Martínez-Zubiaurre Iñigo , Hellevik Turid , Sánchez-Hernández Sabina , Muñoz Pilar , Zurita Federico , Martín Francisco , Rodríguez-Manzaneque Juan Carlos , Anderson Per
Published: November 2020

Sarcomas are mesenchymal cancers with poor prognosis, representing about 20% of all solid malignancies in children, adolescents, and young adults. Radio- and chemoresistance are common features of sarcomas warranting the search for novel prognostic and predictive markers. GARP/LRRC32 is a TGF-β-activating protein that promotes immune escape and dissemination in various cancers. However, if GARP affects the tumorigenicity and treatment resistance of sarcomas is not known. We show that GARP is expressed by human osteo-, chondro-, and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas and is associated with a significantly worse clinical prognosis. Silencing of GARP in bone sarcoma cell lines blocked their proliferation and induced apoptosis. In contrast, overexpression of GARP promoted their growth in vitro and in vivo and increased their resistance to DNA damage and cell death induced by etoposide, doxorubicin, and irradiation. Our data suggest that GARP could serve as a marker with therapeutic, prognostic, and predictive value in sarcoma. We propose that targeting GARP in bone sarcomas could reduce tumour burden while simultaneously improving the efficacy of chemo- and radiotherapy.
Targeting the CD146/Galectin-9 axis protects the integrity of the blood–brain barrier in experimental cerebral malaria
Authors: Duan Hongxia , Zhao Shuai , Xiang Jianquan , Ju Chenhui , Chen Xuehui , Gramaglia Irene , Yan Xiyun
Published: November 2020

Cerebral malaria (CM) is a life-threatening diffuse encephalopathy caused by Plasmodium falciparum, in which the destruction of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is the main cause of death. However, increasing evidence has shown that antimalarial drugs, the current treatment for CM, do little to protect against CM-induced BBB damage. Therefore, a means to alleviate BBB dysfunction would be a promising adjuvant therapy for CM. The adhesion molecule CD146 has been reported to be expressed in both endothelial cells and proinflammatory immune cells and mediates neuroinflammation. Here, we demonstrate that CD146 expressed on BBB endothelial cells but not immune cells is a novel therapeutic target in a mouse model of experimental cerebral malaria (eCM). Endothelial CD146 is upregulated during eCM development and facilitates the sequestration of infected red blood cells (RBCs) and/or proinflammatory lymphocytes in CNS blood vessels, thereby promoting the disruption of BBB integrity. Mechanistic studies showed that the interaction of CD146 and Galectin-9 contributes to the aggregation of infected RBCs and lymphocytes. Deletion of endothelial CD146 or treatment with the anti-CD146 antibody AA98 prevents severe signs of eCM, such as limb paralysis, brain vascular leakage, and death. In addition, AA98 combined with the antiparasitic drug artemether improved the cognition and memory of mice with eCM. Taken together, our findings suggest that endothelial CD146 is a novel and promising target in combination with antiparasitic drugs for future CM therapies.
Author Correction: Transcriptomic and cellular decoding of regional brain vulnerability to neurogenetic disorders
Authors: Seidlitz Jakob , Nadig Ajay , Liu Siyuan , Bethlehem Richard A. I. , Vértes Petra E. , Morgan Sarah E. , Váša František , Romero-Garcia Rafael , Lalonde François M. , Clasen Liv S. , Blumenthal Jonathan D. , Paquola Casey , Bernhardt Boris , Wagstyl Konrad , Polioudakis Damon , de la Torre-Ubieta Luis , Geschwind Daniel H. , Han Joan C. , Lee Nancy R. , Murphy Declan G. , Bullmore Edward T. , Raznahan Armin
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Ensemble dimensionality reduction and feature gene extraction for single-cell RNA-seq data
Authors: Sun Xiaoxiao , Liu Yiwen , An Lingling
Published: November 2020

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies allow researchers to uncover the biological states of a single cell at high resolution. For computational efficiency and easy visualization, dimensionality reduction is necessary to capture gene expression patterns in low-dimensional space. Here we propose an ensemble method for simultaneous dimensionality reduction and feature gene extraction (EDGE) of scRNA-seq data. Different from existing dimensionality reduction techniques, the proposed method implements an ensemble learning scheme that utilizes massive weak learners for an accurate similarity search. Based on the similarity matrix constructed by those weak learners, the low-dimensional embedding of the data is estimated and optimized through spectral embedding and stochastic gradient descent. Comprehensive simulation and empirical studies show that EDGE is well suited for searching for meaningful organization of cells, detecting rare cell types, and identifying essential feature genes associated with certain cell types.
Centennial response of Greenland’s three largest outlet glaciers
Authors: Khan Shfaqat A. , Bjørk Anders A. , Bamber Jonathan L. , Morlighem Mathieu , Bevis Michael , Kjær Kurt H. , Mouginot Jérémie , Løkkegaard Anja , Holland David M. , Aschwanden Andy , Zhang Bao , Helm Veit , Korsgaard Niels J. , Colgan William , Larsen Nicolaj K. , Liu Lin , Hansen Karina , Barletta Valentina , Dahl-Jensen Trine S. , Søndergaard Anne Sofie , Csatho Beata M. , Sasgen Ingo , Box Jason , Schenk Toni
Published: November 2020

The Greenland Ice Sheet is the largest land ice contributor to sea level rise. This will continue in the future but at an uncertain rate and observational estimates are limited to the last few decades. Understanding the long-term glacier response to external forcing is key to improving projections. Here we use historical photographs to calculate ice loss from 1880–2012 for Jakobshavn, Helheim, and Kangerlussuaq glacier. We estimate ice loss corresponding to a sea level rise of 8.1 ± 1.1 millimetres from these three glaciers. Projections of mass loss for these glaciers, using the worst-case scenario, Representative Concentration Pathways 8.5, suggest a sea level contribution of 9.1–14.9 mm by 2100. RCP8.5 implies an additional global temperature increase of 3.7 °C by 2100, approximately four times larger than that which has taken place since 1880. We infer that projections forced by RCP8.5 underestimate glacier mass loss which could exceed this worst-case scenario.
Engineered B cells expressing an anti-HIV antibody enable memory retention, isotype switching and clonal expansion
Authors: Nahmad Alessio D. , Raviv Yuval , Horovitz-Fried Miriam , Sofer Ilan , Akriv Tal , Nataf Daniel , Dotan Iris , Carmi Yaron , Burstein David , Wine Yariv , Benhar Itai , Barzel Adi
Published: November 2020

HIV viremia can be controlled by chronic antiretroviral therapy. As a potentially single-shot alternative, B cells engineered by CRISPR/Cas9 to express anti-HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) are capable of secreting high antibody titers. Here, we show that, upon immunization of mice, adoptively transferred engineered B cells home to germinal centers (GC) where they predominate over the endogenous response and differentiate into memory and plasma cells while undergoing class switch recombination (CSR). Immunization with a high affinity antigen increases accumulation in GCs and CSR rates. Boost immunization increases the rate of engineered B cells in GCs and antibody secretion, indicating memory retention. Finally, antibody sequences of engineered B cells in the spleen show patterns of clonal selection. Therefore, B cells can be engineered into what could be a living and evolving drug.
Molecular variation in a functionally divergent homolog of FCA regulates flowering time in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wang Yunhe , Tao Zhen , Wang Wanyi , Filiault Daniele , Qiu Chunhong , Wang Chuanhong , Wang Hui , Rehman Shamsur , Shi Jian , Zhang Yan , Li Peijin
Published: November 2020

The identification and functional characterization of natural variants in plants are essential for understanding phenotypic adaptation. Here we identify a molecular variation in At2g47310 that contributes to the natural variation in flowering time in Arabidopsis thaliana accessions. This gene, which we term SISTER of FCA (SSF), functions in an antagonistic manner to its close homolog FCA. Genome-wide association analysis screens two major haplotypes of SSF associated with the natural variation in FLC expression, and a single polymorphism, SSF-N414D, is identified as a main contributor. The SSF414N protein variant interacts more strongly with CUL1, a component of the E3 ubiquitination complex, than the SSF414D form, mediating differences in SSF protein degradation and FLC expression. FCA and SSF appear to have arisen through gene duplication after dicot-monocot divergence, with the SSF-N414D polymorphism emerging relatively recently within A. thaliana. This work provides a good example for deciphering the functional importance of natural polymorphisms in different organisms.
Structure of the human sodium leak channel NALCN in complex with FAM155A
Authors: Xie Jiongfang , Ke Meng , Xu Lizhen , Lin Shiyi , Huang Jin , Zhang Jiabei , Yang Fan , Wu Jianping , Yan Zhen
Published: November 2020

NALCN, a sodium leak channel expressed mainly in the central nervous system, is responsible for the resting Na+ permeability that controls neuronal excitability. Dysfunctions of the NALCN channelosome, NALCN with several auxiliary subunits, are associated with a variety of human diseases. Here, we report the cryo-EM structure of human NALCN in complex with FAM155A at an overall resolution of 3.1 angstroms. FAM155A forms extensive interactions with the extracellular loops of NALCN that may help stabilize NALCN in the membrane. A Na+ ion-binding site, reminiscent of a Ca2+ binding site in Cav channels, is identified in the unique EEKE selectivity filter. Despite its ‘leaky’ nature, the channel is closed and the intracellular gate is sealed by S6I, II-III linker and III-IV linker. Our study establishes the molecular basis of Na+ permeation and voltage sensitivity, and provides important clues to the mechanistic understanding of NALCN regulation and NALCN channelosome-related diseases.
Chromatin accessibility landscapes of skin cells in systemic sclerosis nominate dendritic cells in disease pathogenesis
Authors: Liu Qian , Zaba Lisa C. , Satpathy Ansuman T. , Longmire Michelle , Zhang Wen , Li Kun , Granja Jeffrey , Guo Chuang , Lin Jun , Li Rui , Tolentino Karen , Kania Gabriela , Distler Oliver , Fiorentino David , Chung Lorinda , Qu Kun , Chang Howard Y.
Published: November 2020

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a disease at the intersection of autoimmunity and fibrosis. However, the epigenetic regulation and the contributions of diverse cell types to SSc remain unclear. Here we survey, using ATAC-seq, the active DNA regulatory elements of eight types of primary cells in normal skin from healthy controls, as well as clinically affected and unaffected skin from SSc patients. We find that accessible DNA elements in skin-resident dendritic cells (DCs) exhibit the highest enrichment of SSc-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and predict the degrees of skin fibrosis in patients. DCs also have the greatest disease-associated changes in chromatin accessibility and the strongest alteration of cell–cell interactions in SSc lesions. Lastly, data from an independent cohort of patients with SSc confirm a significant increase of DCs in lesioned skin. Thus, the DCs epigenome links inherited susceptibility and clinically apparent fibrosis in SSc skin, and can be an important driver of SSc pathogenesis.
The epitaxy of 2D materials growth
Authors: Dong Jichen , Zhang Leining , Dai Xinyue , Ding Feng
Published: November 2020

Two dimensional (2D) materials consist of one to a few atomic layers, where the intra-layer atoms are chemically bonded and the atomic layers are weakly bonded. The high bonding anisotropicity in 2D materials make their growth on a substrate substantially different from the conventional thin film growth. Here, we proposed a general theoretical framework for the epitaxial growth of a 2D material on an arbitrary substrate. Our extensive density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the propagating edge of a 2D material tends to align along a high symmetry direction of the substrate and, as a conclusion, the interplay between the symmetries of the 2D material and the substrate plays a critical role in the epitaxial growth of the 2D material. Based on our results, we have outlined that orientational uniformity of 2D material islands on a substrate can be realized only if the symmetry group of the substrate is a subgroup of that of the 2D material. Our predictions are in perfect agreement with most experimental observations on 2D materials’ growth on various substrates known up to now. We believe that this general guideline will lead to the large-scale synthesis of wafer-scale single crystals of various 2D materials in the near future.
Uncertainty quantification and reduction in metal additive manufacturing
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Jiang Chen , Liu Pengwei , Yang Wenhua , Zhao Ying , Horstemeyer Mark F. , Chen Long-Qing , Hu Zhen , Chen Lei
Published: November 2020

Uncertainty quantification (UQ) in metal additive manufacturing (AM) has attracted tremendous interest in order to dramatically improve product reliability. Model-based UQ, which relies on the validity of a computational model, has been widely explored as a potential substitute for the time-consuming and expensive UQ solely based on experiments. However, its adoption in the practical AM process requires overcoming two main challenges: (1) the inaccurate knowledge of uncertainty sources and (2) the intrinsic uncertainty associated with the computational model. Here, we propose a data-driven framework to tackle these two challenges by combining high throughput physical/surrogate model simulations and the AM-Bench experimental data from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). We first construct a surrogate model, based on high throughput physical simulations, for predicting the three-dimensional (3D) melt pool geometry and its uncertainty with respect to AM parameters and uncertainty sources. We then employ a sequential Bayesian calibration method to perform experimental parameter calibration and model correction to significantly improve the validity of the 3D melt pool surrogate model. The application of the calibrated melt pool model to UQ of the porosity level, an important quality factor, of AM parts, demonstrates its potential use in AM quality control. The proposed UQ framework can be generally applicable to different AM processes, representing a significant advance toward physics-based quality control of AM products.
The role of chromium content in the long-term atmospheric corrosion process
Authors: Sun Baozhuang , Zuo Xiaomei , Cheng Xuequn , Li Xiaogang
Published: November 2020

The corrosion of alloy steels with different amounts of Cr was studied using electrochemical tests, wet–dry cycle corrosion, X-ray diffraction, and Kelvin probe force microscopy. The results show that the content of Cr is positively correlated with the corrosion resistance of bare steel, but the corrosion resistance of atmospheric corrosion does not show the same pattern. The atmospheric corrosion resistance of Cr-containing steel exhibits three different stages with the change of Cr element content. When the Cr content is in the range of 1–4%, the corrosion rate is high and does not change within the Cr content. As the Cr content was further increased from 4 to 7%, the corrosion rate exhibited a linear decrease and then drops rapidly when the Cr content reaches 8%. These three different corrosion rate stages are related to the influence of Cr content on Fe3O4 content in the rust layer.
Seasonal weather and climate prediction over area burned in grasslands of northeast China
Authors: Shabbir Ali Hassan , Zhang Jiquan , Groninger John W. , van Etten Eddie J. B. , Sarkodie Samuel Asumadu , Lutz James A. , Valencia Carlos F.
Published: November 2020

Grassland fire dynamics are subject to myriad climatic, biological, and anthropogenic drivers, thresholds, and feedbacks and therefore do not conform to assumptions of statistical stationarity. The presence of non-stationarity in time series data leads to ambiguous results that can misinform regional-level fire management strategies. This study employs non-stationarity in time series data among multiple variables and multiple intensities using dynamic simulations of autoregressive distributed lag models to elucidate key drivers of climate and ecological change on burned grasslands in Xilingol, China. We used unit root methods to select appropriate estimation methods for further analysis. Using the model estimations, we developed scenarios emulating the effects of instantaneous changes (i.e., shocks) of some significant variables on climate and ecological change. Changes in mean monthly wind speed and maximum temperature produce complex responses on area burned, directly, and through feedback relationships. Our framework addresses interactions among multiple drivers to explain fire and ecosystem responses in grasslands, and how these may be understood and prioritized in different empirical contexts needed to formulate effective fire management policies.
Accelerated MRI-predicted brain ageing and its associations with cardiometabolic and brain disorders
Authors: Kolbeinsson Arinbjörn , Filippi Sarah , Panagakis Yannis , Matthews Paul M. , Elliott Paul , Dehghan Abbas , Tzoulaki Ioanna
Published: November 2020

Brain structure in later life reflects both influences of intrinsic aging and those of lifestyle, environment and disease. We developed a deep neural network model trained on brain MRI scans of healthy people to predict “healthy” brain age. Brain regions most informative for the prediction included the cerebellum, hippocampus, amygdala and insular cortex. We then applied this model to data from an independent group of people not stratified for health. A phenome-wide association analysis of over 1,410 traits in the UK Biobank with differences between the predicted and chronological ages for the second group identified significant associations with over 40 traits including diseases (e.g., type I and type II diabetes), disease risk factors (e.g., increased diastolic blood pressure and body mass index), and poorer cognitive function. These observations highlight relationships between brain and systemic health and have implications for understanding contributions of the latter to late life dementia risk.
The κ-statistics approach to epidemiology
Authors: Kaniadakis Giorgio , Baldi Mauro M. , Deisboeck Thomas S. , Grisolia Giulia , Hristopulos Dionissios T. , Scarfone Antonio M. , Sparavigna Amelia , Wada Tatsuaki , Lucia Umberto
Published: November 2020

A great variety of complex physical, natural and artificial systems are governed by statistical distributions, which often follow a standard exponential function in the bulk, while their tail obeys the Pareto power law. The recently introduced$$\kappa $$κ-statistics framework predicts distribution functions with this feature. A growing number of applications in different fields of investigation are beginning to prove the relevance and effectiveness of$$\kappa $$κ-statistics in fitting empirical data. In this paper, we use$$\kappa $$κ-statistics to formulate a statistical approach for epidemiological analysis. We validate the theoretical results by fitting the derived$$\kappa $$κ-Weibull distributions with data from the plague pandemic of 1417 in Florence as well as data from the COVID-19 pandemic in China over the entire cycle that concludes in April 16, 2020. As further validation of the proposed approach we present a more systematic analysis of COVID-19 data from countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain and United Kingdom, obtaining very good agreement between theoretical predictions and empirical observations. For these countries we also study the entire first cycle of the pandemic which extends until the end of July 2020. The fact that both the data of the Florence plague and those of the Covid-19 pandemic are successfully described by the same theoretical model, even though the two events are caused by different diseases and they are separated by more than 600 years, is evidence that the$$\kappa $$κ-Weibull model has universal features.
Changes in the diversity and composition of gut microbiota in pigeon squabs infected with Trichomonas gallinae
Authors: Ji Feng , Zhang Dongyan , Shao Yuxin , Yu Xiaohan , Liu Xiaoyong , Shan Dacong , Wang Zheng
Published: November 2020

Pigeons, as the only altricial birds in poultry, are the primary Trichomonas gallinae (T. gallinae) host. To study the effects of T. gallinae infection on gut microbiota, we compared the microbiota diversity and composition in gastrointestinal (GI) tracts of pigeons at the age of 14 and 21 day with different degrees of T. gallinae infection. Thirty-six nestling pigeons were divided into three groups: the healthy group, low-grade and high-grade trichomonosis group. Then, the crop, small intestine and rectum contents were obtained for sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene V3–V4 hypervariable region. The results showed that the microbiota diversity was higher in crop than in small intestine and rectum, and the abundance of Lactobacillus genus was dominant in small intestine and rectum of healthy pigeons at 21 days. T. gallinae infection decreased the microbiota richness in crop at 14 days. The abundance of the Firmicutes phylum and Lactobacillus genus in small intestine of birds at 21 days were decreased by infection, however the abundances of Proteobacteria phylum and Enterococcus, Atopobium, Roseburia, Aeriscardovia and Peptostreptococcus genus increased. The above results indicated that crop had the highest microbiota diversity among GI tract of pigeons, and the gut microbiota diversity and composition of pigeon squabs were altered by T. gallinae infection.
Utilization of Cladophora glomerata extract nanoparticles as eco-nematicide and enhancing the defense responses of tomato plants infected by Meloidogyne javanica
Authors: Ghareeb Rehab Y. , Alfy Hanan , Fahmy Antwan A. , Ali Hayssam M. , Abdelsalam Nader R.
Published: November 2020

Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) is an important vegetable crop that belongs to the family Solanaceae. Root-knot nematodes reflect the highly critical economically damaging genera of phytoparasitic nematodes on tomato plants. In this study, the eco-nematicide activity of freshwater green macroalga Cladophora glomerata aqueous extract and their synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) against root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne javanica was investigated on tomato plants. The formation and chemical structure of Ag-NPs was examined. The aqueous extract from C. glomerata was applied against the root-knot nematodes besides the biosynthesized green silver nanoparticles with 100, 75, 50, and 25% (S, S/2, S/3, S/4) concentrations. To investigate the plant response toward the Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles (GSNPs) treatment, expression profiling of Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase (PAL), Poly Phenol Oxidase (PPO), and Peroxidase (POX) in tomato were examined using Quantitative Real-Time PCR (Q-PCR). The results indicated that GSNPs from C. glomerata exhibited the highest eco-nematicide activity in the laboratory bioassay on egg hatchability and juveniles (J2S) mortality of M. javanica compared with the chemical commercial nematicide Rugby 60%. Also, results showed a significant reduction in galls number, egg masses, females per root system/plant, and mortality of juveniles. The results of PAL and PPO enzyme expression for the control plants remained relatively stable, while the plant inoculated with nematode M. javanica as well as the activity of genes in scope was increased from 14 to 28 Days after Nematode Inoculation (DANI). These activities were improved in inoculated plants and treated with C. glomerata extract and their green syntheses of Ag-NPs and the other plants treated with Rugby 60% (4 mL/L). The greatest activities of the three enzymes were evident after 14 days after the nematode inoculation. It can be concluded that the green synthesized nanoparticles using C. glomerata could be used as potent nematicides against M. javanica which induces the immune system to defend against nematode infection.
Serum neurofilament light chain withstands delayed freezing and repeated thawing
Authors: Altmann Patrick , Leutmezer Fritz , Zach Heidemarie , Wurm Raphael , Stattmann Miranda , Ponleitner Markus , Petzold Axel , Zetterberg Henrik , Berger Thomas , Rommer Paulus , Bsteh Gabriel
Published: November 2020

Serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) and its ability to expose axonal damage in neurologic disorders have solicited a considerable amount of attention in blood biomarker research. Hence, with the proliferation of high-throughput assay technology, there is an imminent need to study the pre-analytical stability of this biomarker. We recruited 20 patients with common neurological diagnoses and 10 controls (i.e. patients without structural neurological disease). We investigated whether a variation in pre-analytical variables (delayed freezing up to 24 h and repeated thawing/freezing for up to three cycles) affects the measured sNfL concentrations using state of the art Simoa technology. Advanced statistical methods were applied to expose any relevant changes in sNfL concentration due to different storing and processing conditions. We found that sNfL concentrations remained stable when samples were frozen within 24 h (mean absolute difference 0.2 pg/ml; intraindividual variation below 0.1%). Repeated thawing and re-freezing up to three times did not change measured sNfL concentration significantly, either (mean absolute difference 0.7 pg/ml; intraindividual variation below 0.2%). We conclude that the soluble sNfL concentration is unaffected at 4–8 °C when samples are frozen within 24 h and single aliquots can be used up to three times. These observations should be considered for planning future studies.
Influence of lignin content in cellulose pulp on paper durability
Authors: Małachowska Edyta , Dubowik Marcin , Boruszewski Piotr , Łojewska Joanna , Przybysz Piotr
Published: November 2020

Paper degradation on a macroscopic scale is characterised primarily by yellowing, an increase in brittleness, and other destructive changes caused by the hydrolysis of glycoside bonds and oxidation reactions. Until now, lignin has been believed to cause these changes. However, contemporary analysis has not confirmed this assumption and has attributed low paper resistance to ageing with acidification owing to the production in acid environments that involve aluminium sulfate. In view of the common belief this manuscript presents studies on the accelerated ageing of papers with different lignin contents that are produced in neutral environments. To achieve the objective, artificially aged papers under conditions of increased humidity and temperature were investigated using chromatographic (SEC) and spectroscopic (FTIR and UV–Vis spectroscopy) techniques. Mechanical tests were used to determine the decrease in tensile properties of the samples. We observed no effects of the lignin content on the ageing rate of paper produced at neutral pH. This work also reveals the extent to which spectroscopic methods are useful for studying the papers containing lignin.
Impact of continuity of care on cardiovascular disease risk among newly-diagnosed hypertension patients
Authors: Choi Daein , Choi Seulggie , Kim Hyunho , Kim Kyuwoong , Kim Nakhyun , Ko Ahryoung , Kim Kyae Hyung , Son Joung Sik , Yun Jae Moon , Kim Yoon , Park Sang Min
Published: November 2020

Several previous studies have noted benefits of maintaining continuity of care (COC), including improved patient compliance, decreased health care cost, and decreased incidence of hospitalization. However, the association of COC in hypertension patients with subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is yet unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of COC on CVD risk among newly-diagnosed hypertension patients. We conducted a cohort with a study population consisted of 244,187 newly-diagnosed hypertension patients in 2004 from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. The participants were then divided into approximate quartiles of COC index, and followed from 1 January 2007 until 31 December 2017. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CVD risk according to quartiles. Compared to patients within the lowest quartile of COC index, those within the highest quartile of COC index had reduced risk for CVD (aHR 0.76, 95% confidence interval; CI 0.73–0.79), CHD (aHR 0.66, 95% CI 0.62–0.69) and stroke (aHR 0.84, 95% CI 0.80–0.88). COC among hypertension patients was associated with improved medication compliance and reduced risk of stroke and CVD. The importance of maintaining COC should be emphasized to reduce the risk of CVD among hypertension patients.
A symmoriiform from the Late Devonian of Morocco demonstrates a derived jaw function in ancient chondrichthyans
Authors: Frey Linda , Coates Michael I. , Tietjen Kristen , Rücklin Martin , Klug Christian
Published: November 2020

The Palaeozoic record of chondrichthyans (sharks, rays, chimaeras, extinct relatives) and thus our knowledge of their anatomy and functional morphology is poor because of their predominantly cartilaginous skeletons. Here, we report a previously undescribed symmoriiform shark,Ferromirum oukherbouchi, from the Late Devonian of the Anti-Atlas. Computed tomography scanning reveals the undeformed shape of the jaws and hyoid arch, which are of a kind often used to represent primitive conditions for jawed vertebrates. Of critical importance, these closely fitting cartilages preclude the repeatedly hypothesized presence of a complete gill between mandibular and hyoid arches. We show that the jaw articulation is specialized and drives mandibular rotation outward when the mouth opens, and inward upon closure. The resultant eversion and inversion of the lower dentition presents a greater number of teeth to prey through the bite-cycle. This suggests an increased functional and ecomorphological disparity among chondrichthyans preceding and surviving the end-Devonian extinctions.
Introduction to Chemical Probes
Authors: Wagner Bridget K.
Published: November 2020

There has historically been interchangeable use of the terms “small molecule”, “tool”, “lead” and “probe”, leading to ambiguity around the criteria for defining each term. Increasing work over the last two decades has helped clarify these terms. Recognition of the high bar for developing high-quality chemical probes has led to multiple calls to action for the chemical biology community to collaborate on probe generation. This introduction to chemical probes discusses the use, definition and discovery of chemical probes and describes resources with which to find high-quality probes for use in research.
Chemical Probes for Kinases
Authors: Lu Xiaoyun , Smaill Jeff B. , Ding Ke
Published: November 2020

Chemical probes that function through inhibition of kinase signalling represent a promising approach for the discovery of targeted therapeutics. The majority of developed kinase chemical probes are characterized as ATP competitive (type I and II), allosteric (type III and IV) and irreversible inhibitors. This chapter reviews representative chemical probes for some kinases and highlights the unique binding modes for each type. Additionally, chemical probes with new binding modes, including binding to the extracellular domain and proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), are also addressed.
Chemical Probes to Control RNA Function
Authors: François-Moutal Liberty , Miranda Victor , Sandino Michael , Khanna May
Published: November 2020

Although traditional methods for drug discovery follow a protein-centric view, emerging studies on the importance of RNA have shed light on the need for a new category of therapeutics: RNA-targeted molecules. Their dysregulation has been associated with many different types of diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, illuminating the need to study chemical intervention that focuses on RNA. This new class of therapeutics would rely on targeting higher order RNA structures such as pseudoknots, triple helices and stem-loops to affect all levels of RNA regulations. Recent studies have demonstrated the feasibility of developing unique and specific RNA-targeting compounds translatable into therapeutics. This can happen through modulation of target genes or by targeting new classes of non-coding RNAs including a class of non-coding RNAs that are directly translated. Most methods currently developed to target RNA rely on high-throughput screening of chemical libraries. This chapter describes methods currently in use for targeting RNA and advocates greater use of in silico methods for developing such chemical entities.
A wearable fluidic collection patch and ion chromatography method for sweat electrolyte monitoring during exercise
Authors: Steijlen Annemarijn S. M. , Bastemeijer Jeroen , Groen Pim , Jansen Kaspar M. B. , French Patrick J. , Bossche Andre
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a method to continuously collect and reliably measure sweat analyte concentrations during exercise.
Gold/Lewis acid catalyzed oxidative cyclization involving activation of nitriles
Authors: Wang Ali , Xie Xin , Zhang Chunli , Liu Yuanhong
Published: November 2020

A dual gold/Lewis acid-catalyzed oxidative cyclization of alkyne–nitriles with water or alcohol allows a facile synthesis of functionalized isoquinolin-1(2H)-ones and 1-alkoxy-isoquinolines.
Magnetic structure and uniaxial negative thermal expansion in antiferromagnetic CrSb
Authors: Yuan Jibao , Song Yuzhu , Xing Xianran , Chen Jun
Published: November 2020

The sharp decrease of Cr magnetic moment causes an anisotropic negative thermal expansion behavior in antiferromagnetic intermetallic CrSb.
pH-Responsive colorimetric, emission and redox switches based on Ru(ii)–terpyridine complexes
Authors: Pal Poulami , Ganguly Tanusree , Das Soumi , Baitalik Sujoy
Published: November 2020

Ru(ii)–Terpyridine complexes exhibit pH-responsive colorimetric, emission and redox switching behaviours.
Super-stable, solvent-resistant and uniform lignin nanorods and nanospheres with a high yield in a mild and facile process
Authors: Jiang Weikun , Liu Shuyun , Wu Chaojun , Liu Yu , Yang Guihua , Ni Yonghao
Published: November 2020

The advantages of lignin nanomaterials include controllable morphology, excellent uniformity and dispersibility, super-long stability in various organic solvents, and a green and facile preparation process.
Palladium-catalyzed synthesis of 4-cyclohexylmorpholines from reductive coupling of aryl ethers and lignin model compounds with morpholines
Authors: Zheng Bingxiao , Song Jinliang , Wu Haihong , Han Shitao , Zhai Jianxin , Zhang Kaili , Wu Wei , Xu Caiyun , He Mingyuan , Han Buxing
Published: November 2020

4-Cyclohexylmorpholines could be efficiently synthesized from reductive coupling of aryl ethers (including the typical lignin model compounds) with morpholines over Pd/C without using any acidic additives.
Monolithic hydrogel nanowells-in-microwells enabling simultaneous single cell secretion and phenotype analysis
Authors: Choi Jane Ru , Lee Jeong Hyun , Xu Alec , Matthews Kerryn , Xie Shuyong , Duffy Simon P. , Ma Hongshen
Published: November 2020

We used laser micropatterning to fabricate monolithic hydrogel nanowells in standard microwell plates for simultaneous single cell secretion and phenotype analysis.
A prototype for catalytic removal of formaldehyde and CO in a compact air cleaner powered by portable electricity
Authors: Zhang Yexin , Mei Xueyi , Wang Jiao , Chen Chunlin , Zhu Xingbao , Zhang Gongjun , Zhang Jian
Published: November 2020

A prototype of a compact air cleaner powered by portable electricity was developed, which exhibited higher performance to eliminate formaldehyde and CO than the traditional thermal heating way.
Controlling the optical properties of boron subphthalocyanines and their analogues
Authors: Dowds Mathias , Nielsen Mogens Brøndsted
Published: November 2020

This review summarizes how optical properties of cone-shaped subphthalocyanine chromophores can be tuned by substituents at axial and peripheral positions.
Exploring the anion chemical space of Ln2OF2−xClxH2 (Ln = Y, La, Gd): a model of electroelastic material with high mechanical sensitivity and energy harvesting
Authors: Strugovshchikov Evgenii , Pishtshev Aleksandr
Published: November 2020

The focus of our research was to design a novel inorganic material that would combine enhanced compressibility with high piezoelectric constants.
Surface defect-abundant one-dimensional graphitic carbon nitride nanorods boost photocatalytic nitrogen fixation
Authors: Hao Derek , Liu Chuangwei , Xu Xiaoxue , Kianinia Mehran , Aharonovich Igor , Bai Xiaojuan , Liu Xiaoqing , Chen Zhijie , Wei Wei , Jia Guohua , Ni Bing-Jie
Published: November 2020

Defective g-C3N4 nanorods enable to boots the adsorption and cleavage of N2 molecules to achieve higher photocatalytic nitrogen fixation performance.
Theoretical study on reaction mechanism of phosphate-catalysed N–S acyl transfer of N-sulfanylethylanilide (SEAlide)
Authors: Shigenaga Akira
Published: November 2020

Reaction mechanisms of phosphate-catalyzed N–S acyl transfer of N-sulfanylethylanilide (SEAlide) were elucidated by DFT calculations and NCI analyses.
One-step synthesis of polyethyleneimine-coated magnetite nanoparticles and their structural, magnetic and power absorption study
Authors: Félix Lizbet León , Rodriguez Martínez Marco Antonio , Pacheco Salazar David Gregorio , Huamani Coaquira José Antonio
Published: November 2020

Magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) are especially interesting for several biomedical applications due to their chemical surface, especially for targeted cancer imaging and therapeutics.
Correction: Highly efficient, all-solution-processed, flexible white quantum dot light-emitting diodes
Authors: Shen Piaoyang , Li Xiaomin , Cao Fan , Ding Xingwei , Yang Xuyong
Published: November 2020

Correction for ‘Highly efficient, all-solution-processed, flexible white quantum dot light-emitting diodes’ by Piaoyang Shen et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2018, 6, 9642–9648, DOI: 10.1039/C8TC03155J.
Morphological and molecular characterization of Aspiculuris tetraptera (nematoda: Heteroxynematidae) from Mus musculus (rodentia: Muridae) in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Omer Sawsan A. , Alghamdi Jawaher M. , Alrajeh Albandary H. , Aldamigh Mashael , Mohammed Osama B.
Published: November 2020

Aspiculuris tetraptera a pinworm of mice, is an important parasite in institutions with mice colonies for both research and teaching purposes. Infection with this parasite has impact on biomedical research. This is likely due to the availability of the parasite’s eggs in the environment, therefore can easily be transmitted and infection is generally asymptomatic. No information regarding the prevalence, morphology or phylogeny is available on A. tetraptera from Saudi Arabia. A group of 50 laboratory mice were investigated for the presence of A. tetraptera. Worms were described morphologically and molecular characterization was attempted using 18S rRNA and Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I genes. The prevalence of A. tetraptera infestation in the laboratory mice examined was found to be 46%. Morphological description indicated that the worms belong to A. tetraptera and this was confirmed by molecular characterization. Both regions studied have shown that the worm under investigation grouped with A. tetraptera. 18S rDNA sequences obtained in the present study showed high identity with sequences from A. tetraptera while Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I gene (COI) sequences showed intraspecific variation resulted into two haplotypes from the isolates in the present study. A. tetraptera was recorded for the first time from Saudi Arabia. Molecular characterization has shown, based on the COI sequences, that the Saudi isolates of A. tetraptera are distinct.
Endothelial pulsatile shear stress is a backstop for COVID-19
Authors: Sackner Marvin A. , Adams Jose A.
Published: November 2020

There has not been any means to inhibit replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the rapid, deadly spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and an effective, safe, tested across diverse populations vaccine still requires extensive investigation. This review deals with the repurpose of a wellness technology initially fabricated for combating physical inactivity by increasing muscular activity. Its action increases pulsatile shear stress (PSS) to the endothelium such that the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) and other mediators are increased throughout the body. In vitro evidence indicates that NO inhibits SARS-CoV-2 virus replication but there are no publications of NO delivery to the virus in vivo. It will be shown that increased PSS has potential in vivo to exert anti-viral properties of NO as well as to benefit endothelial manifestations of COVID-19 thereby serving as a safe and effective backstop.