bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel 4-aminoquinazoline derivative, DHW-208, suppresses the growth of human breast cancer cells by targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Wang Shu , Zhang Yingshi , Ren Tianshu , Wu Qiong , Lu Hongyuan , Qin Xiaochun , Liu Yuyan , Ding Huaiwei , Zhao Qingchun
Published: June 2020

Breast cancer is one of the most frequent cancers among women worldwide. However, there is still no effective therapeutic strategy for advanced breast cancer that has metastasized. Aberrant activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is an essential step for the growth of human breast cancers. In our previous study, we designed and synthesized DHW-208 (2,4-difluoro-N-(5-(4-((1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)amino)quinazolin-6-yl)-2-methoxypyridin-3-yl)benzenesulfonamide) as a novel pan-PI3K inhibitor. This study aimed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of DHW-208 in breast cancer and investigate its underlying mechanism. We found that DHW-208 inhibited the growth, proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells. Moreover, DHW-208 induced breast cancer cell apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway and induced G0/G1 cell-cycle arrest. In vitro results show that DHW-208 is a dual inhibitor of PI3K and mTOR, and suppress the growth of human breast cancer cells by targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Consistent with the in vitro results, in vivo studies demonstrated that DHW-208 elicits an antitumor effect by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR-signaling pathway with a high degree of safety in breast cancer. Above all, we report for the first time that DHW-208 suppressed the growth of human breast cancer cells by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR-signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro. Our study may provide evidence for the use of DHW-208 as an effective, novel therapeutic candidate for the treatment of human breast cancers in clinical trials.
Correction: Generation of novel affibody molecules targeting the EBV LMP2A N-terminal domain with inhibiting effects on the proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells
Authors: Zhu Jinshun , Kamara Saidu , Cen Danwei , Tang Wanlin , Gu Meiping , Ci Xingyuan , Chen Jun , Wang Lude , Zhu Shanli , Jiang Pengfei , Chen Shao , Xue Xiangyang , Zhang Lifang
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
HSPG2 overexpression independently predicts poor survival in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Zhou Xiaojia , Liang Simin , Zhan Qian , Yang Li , Chi Jianxiang , Wang Li
Published: June 2020

Heparan sulfate proteoglycan 2 (HSPG2), also known as perlecan, is a large multi-domain extracellular matrix proteoglycan, which contributes to the invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis of solid tumor. However, very little is known about the effect of HSPG2 on acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This study aims to investigate the prognostic value of the HSPG2 gene in terms of overall survival and leukemia-free survival in patients with AML. Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) from 4 AML patients and 3 healthy controls were processed for RNA-Sequencing (RNA-seq). The mRNA expression level of HSPG2 in BMMCs and CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) obtained from enrolled participants and human leukemic cell lines was detected by RT-qPCR. Then the correlations between the expression of HSPG2 and a variety of important clinical parameters, such as median white blood cell (WBC) count and bone marrow (BM) blasts, were further analyzed. The expression level of HSPG2 was significantly upregulated in AML patients at the time of diagnosis, downregulated after complete remission and then elevated again at relapse. Moreover, HSPG2 expression was associated with median WBC count (P < 0.001), median hemoglobin (P = 0.02), median platelet count (P = 0.001), and BM blasts (P < 0.001) in AML patients. Patients with high HSPG2 expression had both worse overall survival (OS) (P = 0.001) and poorer leukemia-free survival (LFS) (P = 0.047). In the multivariate analysis model, HSPG2 was identified as an independent prognostic biomarker of AML. Taken together, these results indicate that HSPG2 overexpression was associated with poor prognosis in AML patients, and may be a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target of AML.
Deep learning image segmentation and extraction of blueberry fruit traits associated with harvestability and yield
Authors: Ni Xueping , Li Changying , Jiang Huanyu , Takeda Fumiomi
Published: June 2020

Fruit traits such as cluster compactness, fruit maturity, and berry number per clusters are important to blueberry breeders and producers for making informed decisions about genotype selection related to yield traits and harvestability as well as for plant management. The goal of this study was to develop a data processing pipeline to count berries, to measure maturity, and to evaluate compactness (cluster tightness) automatically using a deep learning image segmentation method for four southern highbush blueberry cultivars (‘Emerald’, ‘Farthing’, ‘Meadowlark’, and ‘Star’). An iterative annotation strategy was developed to label images that reduced the annotation time. A Mask R-CNN model was trained and tested to detect and segment individual blueberries with respect to maturity. The mean average precision for the validation and test dataset was 78.3% and 71.6% under 0.5 intersection over union (IOU) threshold, and the corresponding mask accuracy was 90.6% and 90.4%, respectively. Linear regression of the detected berry number and the ground truth showed anR2value of 0.886 with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.484. Analysis of the traits collected from the four cultivars indicated that ‘Star’ had the fewest berries per clusters, ‘Farthing’ had the least mature fruit in mid-April, ‘Farthing’ had the most compact clusters, and ‘Meadowlark’ had the loosest clusters. The deep learning image segmentation technique developed in this study is efficient for detecting and segmenting blueberry fruit, for extracting traits of interests related to machine harvestability, and for monitoring blueberry fruit development.
MdWRKY11 improves copper tolerance by directly promoting the expression of the copper transporter gene MdHMA5
Authors: Shi Kun , Liu Xuan , Zhu Yunpeng , Bai Yixue , Shan Dongqian , Zheng Xiaodong , Wang Lin , Zhang Haixia , Wang Chanyu , Yan Tianci , Zhou Fangfang , Hu Zehui , Sun Yanzhao , Guo Yan , Kong Jin
Published: June 2020

Overuse of fungicides and fertilizers has resulted in copper (Cu) contamination of soils and toxic levels of Cu in apple fruits. To breed Cu-resistant apple (Malus domestica) cultivars, the underlying molecular mechanisms and key genes involved in Cu resistance must be identified. Here, we show that MdWRKY11 increases Cu tolerance by directly promoting the transcription of MdHMA5. MdHMA5 is a Cu transporter that may function in the storage of excess Cu in root cell walls and stems for Cu tolerance in apple. The transcription factor MdWRKY11 is highly induced by excess Cu. MdWRKY11 overexpression in transgenic apple enhanced Cu tolerance and decreased Cu accumulation. Apple calli transformed with an MdWRKY11-RNAi construct exhibited the opposite phenotype. Both an in vivo chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and an in vitro electrophoretic mobility shift assay indicated that MdWRKY11 binds to the promoter of MdHMA5. Furthermore, MdWRKY11 promoted MdHMA5 expression in transgenic apple plants, as revealed by quantitative PCR. Moreover, inhibition of MdWRKY11 expression by RNA interference led to a significant decrease in MdHMA5 transcription. Thus, MdWRKY11 directly regulates MdHMA5 transcription. Our work resulted in the identification of a novel MdWRKY11-MdHMA5 pathway that mediates Cu resistance in apple.
High-density genetic map construction and identification of loci controlling flower-type traits in Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × morifolium Ramat.)
Authors: Song Xuebin , Xu Yuhui , Gao Kang , Fan Guangxun , Zhang Fan , Deng Chengyan , Dai Silan , Huang He , Xin Huaigen , Li Yingying
Published: June 2020

Flower type is an important and extremely complicated trait of chrysanthemum. The corolla tube merged degree (CTMD) and the relative number of ray florets (RNRF) are the two key factors affecting chrysanthemum flower type. However, few reports have clarified the inheritance of these two complex traits, which limits directed breeding for flower-type improvement. In this study, 305 F1hybrids were obtained from two parents with obvious differences in CTMD and RNRF performance. Using specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technology, we constructed a high-density genetic linkage map with an average map distance of 0.76 cM. Three major QTLs controlling CTMD and four major QTLs underlying RNRF were repeatedly detected in the 2 years. Moreover, the synteny between the genetic map and other Compositae species was investigated, and weak collinearity was observed. In QTL regions with a high degree of genomic collinearity, eight annotated genes were probed in theHelianthus annuusL. andLactuca sativaL. var. ramosa Hort. genomes. Furthermore, 20 and 11 unigenes were identified via BLAST searches between the SNP markers of the QTL regions and theC. vestitumandC. lavandulifoliumtranscriptomes, respectively. These results lay a foundation for molecular marker-assisted breeding and candidate gene exploration in chrysanthemum without a reference assembly.
Cholangiocarcinoma 2020: the next horizon in mechanisms and management
Authors: Banales Jesus M. , Marin Jose J. G. , Lamarca Angela , Rodrigues Pedro M. , Khan Shahid A. , Roberts Lewis R. , Cardinale Vincenzo , Carpino Guido , Andersen Jesper B. , Braconi Chiara , Calvisi Diego F. , Perugorria Maria J. , Fabris Luca , Boulter Luke , Macias Rocio I. R. , Gaudio Eugenio , Alvaro Domenico , Gradilone Sergio A. , Strazzabosco Mario , Marzioni Marco , Coulouarn Cédric , Fouassier Laura , Raggi Chiara , Invernizzi Pietro , Mertens Joachim C. , Moncsek Anja , Ilyas Sumera I. , Heimbach Julie , Koerkamp Bas Groot , Bruix Jordi , Forner Alejandro , Bridgewater John , Valle Juan W. , Gores Gregory J.
Published: June 2020

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) includes a cluster of highly heterogeneous biliary malignant tumours that can arise at any point of the biliary tree. Their incidence is increasing globally, currently accounting for ~15% of all primary liver cancers and ~3% of gastrointestinal malignancies. The silent presentation of these tumours combined with their highly aggressive nature and refractoriness to chemotherapy contribute to their alarming mortality, representing ~2% of all cancer-related deaths worldwide yearly. The current diagnosis of CCA by non-invasive approaches is not accurate enough, and histological confirmation is necessary. Furthermore, the high heterogeneity of CCAs at the genomic, epigenetic and molecular levels severely compromises the efficacy of the available therapies. In the past decade, increasing efforts have been made to understand the complexity of these tumours and to develop new diagnostic tools and therapies that might help to improve patient outcomes. In this expert Consensus Statement, which is endorsed by the European Network for the Study of Cholangiocarcinoma, we aim to summarize and critically discuss the latest advances in CCA, mostly focusing on classification, cells of origin, genetic and epigenetic abnormalities, molecular alterations, biomarker discovery and treatments. Furthermore, the horizon of CCA for the next decade from 2020 onwards is highlighted.
A novel predicted model for hypertension based on a large cross-sectional study
Authors: Ren Zhigang , Rao Benchen , Xie Siqi , Li Ang , Wang Lijun , Cui Guangying , Li Tiantian , Yan Hang , Yu Zujiang , Ding Suying
Published: June 2020

Hypertension is a global public health issue and leading risk for death and disability. It is urgent to search novel methods predicting hypertension. Herein, we chose 73158 samples of physical examiners in central China from June 2008 to June 2018. After strict exclusion processes, 33570 participants with hypertension and 35410 healthy controls were included. We randomly chose 70% samples as the train set and the remaining 30% as the test set. Clinical parameters including age, gender, height, weight, body mass index, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, and creatinine were significantly increased, while high-density lipoprotein was decreased in the hypertension group versus controls. Nine optimal markers were identified by a logistic regression model, and achieved AUC value of 76.52% in the train set and 75.81% in the test set for hypertension. In conclusions, this study is the first to establish predicted models for hypertension using the logistic regression model in Central China, which provide risk factors and novel prediction method to predict and prevent hypertension.
A novel Borrelia species, intermediate between Lyme disease and relapsing fever groups, in neotropical passerine-associated ticks
Authors: Binetruy Florian , Garnier Stéphane , Boulanger Nathalie , Talagrand-Reboul Émilie , Loire Etienne , Faivre Bruno , Noël Valérie , Buysse Marie , Duron Olivier
Published: June 2020

Lyme disease (LD) and relapsing fevers (RF) are vector-borne diseases caused by bacteria of the Borrelia genus. Here, we report on the widespread infection by a non-described Borrelia species in passerine-associated ticks in tropical rainforests of French Guiana, South America. This novel Borrelia species is common in two tick species, Amblyomma longirostre and A. geayi, which feed on a broad variety of neotropical mammal and bird species, including migratory species moving to North America. The novel Borrelia species is divergent from the LD and RF species, and is more closely related to the reptile- and echidna-associated Borrelia group that was recently described. Genome sequencing showed that this novel Borrelia sp. has a relatively small genome consisting of a 0.9-Mb-large chromosome and an additional 0.3 Mb dispersed on plasmids. It harbors an RF-like genomic organization but with a unique mixture of LD- and RF-specific genes, including genes used by RF Borrelia for the multiphasic antigen-switching system and a number of immune-reactive protein genes used for the diagnosis of LD. Overall, our data indicate that this novel Borrelia is an intermediate taxon between the LD and RF species that may impact a large host spectrum, including American mammals. The designation “Candidatus Borrelia mahuryensis” is proposed for this species.
A Salt Tolerance Evaluation Method for Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) at the Seed Germination Stage
Authors: Li Wenhui , Zhang Huizhen , Zeng Youling , Xiang Lijun , Lei Zhonghua , Huang Qixiu , Li Tianye , Shen Fei , Cheng Quan
Published: June 2020

Salinity is a major abiotic stress that affects plant growth and development and leads to crop yield loss. Many crop species are more sensitive to salinity stress at the seed germination stage than at other developmental stages. Some studies have shown that sunflower is tolerant to salinity to a certain degree. However, no systematic screening data for sunflower germplasms are available for salinity stress. In this study, 552 sunflower germplasms with different genetic backgrounds were evaluated for salt tolerance. Among them, 30 and 53 sunflower germplasms were identified as highly salt-tolerant and salt-tolerant germplasms, respectively, while 80 and 23 were grouped as salt-sensitive and highly salt-sensitive materials, respectively. Of all the traits tested, the germination index and the germination vigor index were the two most reliable traits, showing the highest correlation with salt tolerance during the seed germination stage of sunflower. Thus, a highly efficient and reliable method for evaluating salinity tolerance of sunflower seed germination was established. These results provided a good foundation for studying salt-tolerance mechanisms and breeding highly salt-tolerant sunflower cultivars.
Genome-wide high-throughput screening of interactive bacterial metabolite in the algal population using Escherichia coli K-12 Keio collection
Authors: Heo Jina , Cho Kichul , Kim Urim , Cho Dae-Hyun , Ko Sora , Tran Quynh-Giao , Lee Yong Jae , Ryu Choong-Min , Kim Hee-Sik
Published: June 2020

Algae-bacteria interaction is one of the main factors underlying the formation of harmful algal blooms (HABs). The aim of this study was to develop a genome-wide high-throughput screening method to identify HAB-influenced specific interactive bacterial metabolites using a comprehensive collection of gene-disrupted E. coli K-12 mutants (Keio collection). The screening revealed that a total of 80 gene knockout mutants in E. coli K-12 resulted in an approximately 1.5-fold increase in algal growth relative to that in wild-type E. coli. Five bacterial genes (lpxL, lpxM, kdsC, kdsD, gmhB) involved in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (or lipooligosaccharide, LOS) biosynthesis were identified from the screen. Relatively lower levels of LPS were detected in these bacteria compared to that in the wild-type. Moreover, the concentration-dependent decrease in microalgal growth after synthetic LPS supplementation indicated that LPS inhibits algal growth. LPS supplementation increased the 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescence, as well as the levels of lipid peroxidation-mediated malondialdehyde formation, in a concentration-dependent manner, indicating that oxidative stress can result from LPS supplementation. Furthermore, supplementation with LPS also remarkably reduced the growth of diverse bloom-forming dinoflagellates and green algae. Our findings indicate that the Keio collection-based high-throughput in vitro screening is an effective approach for the identification of interactive bacterial metabolites and related genes.
Advent of extreme events in predator populations
Authors: Chaurasia Sudhanshu Shekhar , Verma Umesh Kumar , Sinha Sudeshna
Published: June 2020

We study the dynamics of a ring of patches with vegetation–prey–predator populations, coupled through interactions of the Lotka–Volterra type. We find that the system yields aperiodic, recurrent and rare explosive bursts of predator density in a few isolated spatial patches from time to time. Further, the global predator biomass also exhibits sudden uncorrelated occurrences of large deviations from the mean as the coupled system evolves. The maximum value of the predator population in a patch, as well as the maximum value of the predator biomass, increases with coupling strength. These trends are further corroborated by fits to Generalized Extreme Value distributions, where the location and scale factor of the distribution increases markedly with coupling strength, indicating the crucial role of coupling interactions in the generation of extreme events. These results indicate how occurrences of extremely large predator populations can emerge in coupled population dynamics, and in a more general context they suggest a generic class of deterministic nonlinear systems that can naturally exhibit extreme events
Role of endothelial microvesicles released by p-cresol on endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Guerrero Fatima , Carmona Andres , Obrero Teresa , Jiménez Maria Jose , Soriano Sagrario , Moreno Juan Antonio , Martín-Malo Alejandro , Aljama Pedro
Published: June 2020

Protein bound uremic toxins, such as p-cresol, cannot be effectively removed by conventional dialysis techniques and are accumulated in plasma, thus contributing to progression of both chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Pathological effects of uremic toxins include activation of inflammatory response, endothelial dysfunction and release of endothelial microvesicles. To date, the role of p-cresol in endothelial microvesicles formation has not been analyzed. The aim of the present study was evaluate the effects of endothelial microvesicles released by p-cresol (PcEMV) on endothelial dysfunction. An in vitro model of endothelial damage mediated by p-cresol was proposed to evaluate the functional effect of PcEMV on the endothelial repair process carried out by endothelial cells and microRNA (miRNA) that could be involved in this process. We observed that p-cresol induced a greater release of microvesicles in endothelial cells. These microvesicles altered regenerative capacity of endothelial cells, decreasing their capacity for cell migration and their potential to form vascular structures in vitro. Moreover, we observed increased cellular senescence and a deregulation of miRNA-146b-5p and miRNA-223-3p expression in endothelial cells treated with endothelial microvesicles released by p-cresol. In summary our data show that microvesicles generated in endothelial cells treated with p-cresol (PcEMV) interfere with the endothelial repair process by decreasing the migratory capacity, the ability to form new vessels and increasing the senescence of mature endothelial cells. These alterations could be mediated by the upregulation of miRNA-146b-5p and miRNA-223-3p.
Uncovering transport, deposition and impact of radionuclides released after the early spring 2020 wildfires in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone
Authors: Evangeliou Nikolaos , Eckhardt Sabine
Published: June 2020

In the beginning of April 2020, large fires that started in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) established after the Chernobyl accident in 1986 caused media and public concerns about the health impact from the resuspended radioactivity. In this paper, the emissions of previously deposited radionuclides from these fires are assessed and their dispersion and impact on the population is examined relying on the most recent data on radioactive contamination and emission factors combined with satellite observations. About 341 GBq of 137Cs, 51 GBq of 90Sr, 2 GBq of 238Pu, 33 MBq of 239Pu, 66 MBq of 240Pu and 504 MBq of 241Am were released in 1st–22nd April 2020 or about 1,000,000,000 times lower than the original accident in 1986 and mostly distributed in Central and East Europe. The large size of biomass burning particles carrying radionuclides prevents long-range transport as confirmed by concentrations reported in Europe. The highest cumulative effective doses (> 15 μSv) were calculated for firefighters and the population living in the CEZ, while doses were much lower in Kiev (2–5 μSv) and negligible in Belarus, Russia and Europe. All doses are radiologically insignificant and no health impact on the European population is expected from the April 2020 fires.
Gamma oryzanol impairs alcohol-induced anxiety-like behavior in mice via upregulation of central monoamines associated with Bdnf and Il-1β signaling
Authors: Akter Salina , Uddin Kazi Rasel , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Lyu Yijin , Shibata Shigenobu
Published: June 2020

Adolescent alcohol exposure may increase anxiety-like behaviors by altering central monoaminergic functions and other important neuronal pathways. The present study was designed to investigate the anxiolytic effect of 0.5% γ-oryzanol (GORZ) and its neurochemical and molecular mechanisms under chronic 10% ethanol consumption. Five-week-old ICR male mice received either control (14% casein, AIN 93 M) or GORZ (14% casein, AIN 93 M + 0.5% GORZ) diets in this study. We showed that GORZ could potentially attenuate alcohol-induced anxiety-like behaviors by significantly improving the main behavioral parameters measured by the elevated plus maze test. Moreover, GORZ treatment significantly restored the alcohol-induced downregulation of 5-hydroxytryptophan and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid in the hippocampus and improved homovanillic acid levels in the cerebral cortex. Furthermore, a recovery increase in the level of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol both in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex supported the anxiolytic effect of GORZ. The significant elevation and reduction in the hippocampus of relative mRNA levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and interleukin 1β, respectively, also showed the neuroprotective role of GORZ in ethanol-induced anxiety. Altogether, these results suggest that 0.5% GORZ is a promising neuroprotective drug candidate with potential anxiolytic, neurogenic, and anti-neuroinflammatory properties for treating adolescent alcohol exposure.
Transcriptomic analysis of the mechanisms of alleviating renal interstitial fibrosis using the traditional Chinese medicine Kangxianling in a rat model
Authors: Jiang Yufeng , Zhu Yaohan , Zhen Timing , Li Jie , Xing Kaichen , He Liqun , Zhu Sibo
Published: June 2020

Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is currently recognized as a crucial mechanism of the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Kangxianling (KXL, anti-fibrin) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been proven to significantly reduce the levels of ECM deposition and inhibit renal fibrosis.
To characterize the mechanisms and drug targets of KXL, we established a RIF rat model and treated the rats with KXL and losartan. Histological analyses validated the establishment of the RIF model and the treatment effect of KXL. Multiple levels of transcriptomic datasets were generated using lncRNA, mRNA and microRNA sequencing of kidney tissues. Functional annotations and pathway analyses were performed to unravel the therapeutic mechanisms.
A multi-level transcriptomic regulatory network was built to illustrate the core factors in fibrosis pathogenesis and therapeutic regulation. KXL and losartan significantly reduced the progression of RIF, and a better therapeutic effect was shown with higher concentrations of KXL. According to the cluster analysis results of the RNA-seq data, the normal control (NC) and high concentration of KXL (HK) treatment groups were the closest in terms of differentially expressed genes. The WNT, TGF-β and MAPK pathways were enriched and dominated the pathogenesis and therapy of RIF. miR-15b, miR-21, and miR-6216 were upregulated and miR-107 was downregulated in the fibrosis model. These small RNAs were shown to play critical roles in the regulation of the above fibrosis-related genes and could be inhibited by KXL treatment. Finally, based on the lncRNA datasets, we constructed a mRNA-lncRNA-miRNA coexpression ceRNA network, which identified key regulatory factors in the pathogenesis of kidney fibrosis and therapeutic mechanisms of KXL. Our work revealed the potential mechanism of the Chinese medicine Kangxianling in inhibiting renal interstitial fibrosis and supported the clinical use of KXL in the treatment of kidney fibrosis.
Clinical outcomes of topography-guided femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis after multifocal intraocular lens implantation
Authors: Shin Eunhae , Yoo Young-Sik , Choi Sung-Ho , Han Sun-Hyup , Lim Dong Hui , Yoon Gil-Joong , Chung Tae-Young
Published: June 2020

This retrospective study is to evaluate refractive and visual outcomes of topography-guided femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (TGL) for correcting corneal high-order aberrations (HoA) after multifocal intraocular lens (mIOL) implantation. Twenty-eight eyes of 28 patients with both corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) under 20/25 and subjective visual discomfort at 3 months after mIOL implantation were included in the study. TGL was performed to correct corneal HoA. Visual acuity, manifest refraction, and corneal HoA were measured 3 months after TGL. CDVA was improved in 22 (78.57%) of 28 eyes after TGL. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (0.12 ± 0.16 logMAR) and uncorrected near visual acuity (0.081 ± 0.16 logMAR) were better than those before TGL (P < 0.001). Residual refractive astigmatism showed no difference compared to that before TGL. Root mean square (RMS) of HoA (P = 0.012), spherical aberration (P = 0.013), and RMS of coma (P = 0.001) were reduced relative to those before TGL. Amount of improvement in CDVA was correlated with amount of reduced coma RMS (R = 0.524; P = 0.005) and spherical aberration (R = 0.443; P = 0.021). TGL showed to improve both refractive and visual outcomes in patients with mIOL implantation by correcting corneal HoA.
Innovative multifunctional hybrid photoelectrode design based on a ternary heterojunction with super-enhanced efficiency for artificial photosynthesis
Authors: dos Santos Wayler S. , Carmo Éder J. , Mendez-González Yanela , Nascimento Lucas L. , Patrocínio Antônio O. T. , Guo Ruyan , Bhalla Amar S. , M’Peko Jean-Claude , Guerra José D. S.
Published: June 2020

Electrochemical cells for direct conversion of solar energy to electricity (or hydrogen) are one of the most sustainable solutions to meet the increasing worldwide energy demands. In this report, a novel and highly-efficient ternary heterojunction-structured Bi4O7/Bi3.33(VO4)2O2/Bi46V8O89photoelectrode is presented. It is demonstrated that the combination of an inversion layer, induced by holes (or electrons) at the interface of the semiconducting Bi3.33(VO4)2O2and Bi46V8O89components, and the rectifying contact between the Bi4O7and Bi3.33(VO4)2O2phases acting afterward as a conventionalp–njunction, creates an adjustable virtualp–n–porn–p–njunction due to self-polarization in the ion-conducting Bi46V8O89constituent. This design approach led to anodic and cathodic photocurrent densities of + 38.41 mA cm–2(+ 0.76 VRHE) and– 2.48 mA cm–2(0 VRHE), respectively. Accordingly, first, this heterojunction can be used either as photoanode or as photocathode with great performance for artificial photosynthesis, noting, second, that the anodic response reveals exceptionally high: more than 300% superior to excellent values previously reported in the literature.
Author Correction: A pragmatic randomized waitlist-controlled effectiveness and cost-effectiveness trial of digital interventions for depression and anxiety
Authors: Richards Derek , Enrique Angel , Eilert Nora , Franklin Matthew , Palacios Jorge , Duffy Daniel , Earley Caroline , Chapman Judith , Jell Grace , Sollesse Sarah , Timulak Ladislav
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Ciprofloxacin conjugated to diphenyltin(iv): a novel formulation with enhanced antimicrobial activity
Authors: Chrysouli M. P. , Banti C. N. , Kourkoumelis N. , Moushi E. E. , Tasiopoulos A. J. , Douvalis A. , Papachristodoulou C. , Hatzidimitriou A. G. , Bakas T. , Hadjikakou S. K.
Published: June 2020

The stereoisomer Δ-cis-[Ph2Sn(CIP)2] (CIPTIN) was obtained from ciprofloxacin and DPTC. CIPTIN exhibits stronger activity than that of ciprofloxacin against Gram positive or negative bacteria.
Commercial whey products promote intestinal barrier function with glycomacropeptide enhanced activity in downregulating bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced inflammation in vitro
Authors: Arbizu Shirley , Chew Boon , Mertens-Talcott Susanne U. , Noratto Giuliana
Published: June 2020

Commercial whey products promote healthy gut by upregulating barrier function related molecules with glycomacropeptide (GMP) having enhanced activity in protecting colon cells against inflammation.
Effect of coconut oil on weight loss and metabolic parameters in men with obesity: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Vogel Christine Érika , Crovesy Louise , Rosado Eliane Lopes , Soares-Mota Márcia
Published: June 2020

Coconut oil appears to help in weight loss and improve metabolic parameters associated with obesity.
Boosted carrier mobility and enhanced thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline Na0.03Sn0.97Se by liquid-phase hot deformation
Authors: Sun Hao , Tan Chang , Tan Xiaojian , Wang Hongxiang , Yin Yinong , Song Yuexin , Liu Guo-Qiang , Noudem Jacques G. , Jiang Quanguo , Zhang Jianfeng , Huang Huajie , Jiang Jun
Published: June 2020

An unconventional liquid-phase hot deformation technique was used to prepare Sn0.97Na0.03Se thermoelectric materials, leading to high orientation with good thermoelectric properties.
Aromadendrin: a dual amyloid promoter to accelerate fibrillization and reduce cytotoxicity of both amyloid-β and hIAPP
Authors: Zhang Yanxian , Zhang Dong , Tang Yijing , Ren Baiping , Liu Fufeng , Xu Lijian , Chang Yung , Zheng Jie
Published: June 2020

Aromadendrin, as a protective amyloid promoter, is discovered to simultaneously promote the aggregation of Aβ and hIAPP peptides and reduce the amyloid-induced cytotoxicity.
A novel 3D-printed centrifugal ultrafiltration method reveals in vivo glycation of human serum albumin decreases its binding affinity for zinc
Authors: Jacobs Monica J , Pinger Cody W , Castiaux Andre D , Maloney Konnor J , Spence Dana M
Published: June 2020

Plasma proteins are covalently modified in vivo by the high-glucose conditions in the bloodstreams of people with diabetes, resulting in changes to both structure and function. Human Serum Albumin (HSA) functions as a carrier-protein in the bloodstream, binding various ligands and tightly regulating their bioavailability. HSA is known to react with glucose via the Maillard reaction, causing adverse effects on its ability to bind and deliver certain ligands, such as metals. Here, the binding between in vivo glycated HSA and zinc (Zn2+) was determined using a novel centrifugal ultrafiltration method that was developed using a 3D-printed device. This method is rapid (90 minutes), capable of high-throughput measurements (24 samples), low-cost (<$1.00 USD per device) and requires lower sample volumes (200 μL) compared to other binding techniques. This device was used to determine an equilibrium dissociation constant between Zn2+ and a commercially obtained normal HSA (nHSA) with a glycation level of 11.5% (Kd = 2.1 (±0.5) × 10−7 M). A glycated fraction of the nHSA sample was enriched (gHSA, 65.5%) and isolated using boronate-affinity chromatography, and found to have a 2.3-fold decrease in Zn2+ binding-affinity (Kd = 4.8 (±0.8) × 10−7 M) when compared to the nHSA sample. The level of glycation of HSA in control plasma (13.0% ± 0.8, n = 3 donors) and plasma from people with diabetes (26.9% ± 6.6, n = 5 donors) was assessed using mass spectrometry. Furthermore, HSA was isolated from plasma obtained in-house from a person with type 1 diabetes and found to have a glycation level of 24.1% and Kd = 3.3 (± 0.5) × 10−7 M for Zn2+, revealing a 1.5-fold decrease in binding affinity compared to nHSA. These findings suggest that increased levels of glycated HSA result in reduced binding to Zn2+, which may have implications in complications associated with diabetes.
(2-Ketulosonyl)onate 2,3-O-thionocarbonate donors for the synthesis of KO and KDO α-glycosides and a one-pot glycosylation method for 2-keto acid donors
Authors: Mong Kwok-Kong Tony , Pradhan Tapan Kumar , Chiu Cheng-Hsin , Hung Wei-Cheng , Chen Chao-Ju , Wang Yi-Fang
Published: June 2020

Bifunctional (2-ketulosonyl)onate thionocarbonates are effective donors for the synthesis of KO and KDO α-glycosides with perfect control in stereoselectivity.
CoSe2/Co nanoheteroparticles embedded in Co, N co-doped carbon nanopolyhedra/nanotubes as an efficient oxygen bifunctional electrocatalyst for Zn–air batteries
Authors: Zou Jizhao , Luo Qi , Wu Hongliang , Liu Shiyu , Lan Tongbin , Yao Yuechao , Sial Muhammad Aurang Zeb Gul , Zhao Fenglin , Zhang Qi , Zeng Xierong
Published: June 2020

CoSe2/Co nanoheteroparticles embedded within hierarchically porous Co, N co-doped carbon nanopolyhedra/nanotubes (CoSe2/Co@NC-CNTs) made by hybrid Zn/Co zeolitic imidazole framework, through facile controlled carbonization and selenization procedures.
Iron-doped cobalt phosphate 1D amorphous ultrathin nanowires as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for water oxidation
Authors: Zhang Jifu , Tan Xueling , Wang Wei , Cao Lixin , Dong Bohua
Published: June 2020

Amorphous Fe-doped Co3(PO4)21D ultrathin nanowires manifest exceptional electrocatalytic performance owing to the synergistic interaction of 1D nanowire morphology, amorphous structure and Fe doping.
Increased hydrogen partial pressure suppresses and reverses hydrogen evolution during Pd catalysed electrolysis of CO2
Authors: Blom Martijn J. W. , van Swaaij Wim P. M. , Mul Guido , Kersten Sascha R. A.
Published: June 2020

Control over selectivity towards HCOO− rather than H2 is acquired by using elevated pressure of hydrogen during CO2 electrolysis.
Moving forward with isoprostanes, neuroprostanes and phytoprostanes: where are we now?
Authors: Ahmed Omar S. , Galano Jean-Marie , Pavlickova Tereza , Revol-Cavalier Johanna , Vigor Claire , Lee Jetty Chung-Yung , Oger Camille , Durand Thierry
Published: June 2020

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential components in eukaryotic cell membrane. They take part in the regulation of cell signalling pathways and act as precursors in inflammatory metabolism. Beside these, PUFAs auto-oxidize through free radical initiated mechanism and release key products that have various physiological functions. These products surfaced in the early nineties and were classified as prostaglandin isomers or isoprostanes, neuroprostanes and phytoprostanes. Although these molecules are considered robust biomarkers of oxidative damage in diseases, they also contain biological activities in humans. Conceptual progress in the last 3 years has added more understanding about the importance of these molecules in different fields. In this chapter, a brief overview of the past 30 years and the recent scope of these molecules, including their biological activities, biosynthetic pathways and analytical approaches are discussed.
The Emotional Verbal Fluency Task: A Close Examination of Verbal Productivity and Lexical-Semantic Properties
Authors: Lam Boji P. W. , Marquardt Thomas P.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Emotional verbal fluency (Emo-VF) has the potential to expand neuropsychological assessment by providing information about affective memory retrieval. The usability of Emo-VF is limited, however, by significant variations in task administration and the lack of information about Emo-VF responses. This study investigated verbal productivity and the lexical-semantic properties of responses on positive and negative Emo-VF tasks. Comparing Emo-VF to non–Emo-VF tasks used regularly in neuropsychological assessment provided additional information about the basic characteristics of Emo-VF tasks.

Method

Twenty-five adult native speakers provided verbal responses to three Emo-VF (“happy,” “sad,” “negative emotions”) and two non–Emo-VF categories (“animals,” “things people do”). Verbal productivity was measured at the word and syllable levels. Multiple large-scale data corpora were used to estimate the lexical-semantic properties of the verbal responses.

Results

There was a robust positivity bias in verbal productivity within Emo-VF tasks. Emo-VF tasks tended to elicit longer words than “animals” and “things people do,” which might impact the results of verbal productivity analyses, especially in comparisons with “things people do.” Within Emo-VF tasks, negative Emo-VF elicited words from a wider range of valence than positive Emo-VF tasks. Similarities (e.g., word length and complexity) and differences (e.g., concreteness, age of acquisition) were found between positive and negative Emo-VF tasks.

Conclusions

The study provided information about the basic characteristics of Emo-VF tasks, which included evidence for a robust positivity bias, suggestions for analyses of verbal productivity (e.g., consideration of word length), and lexical-semantic properties associated with positive and negative Emo-VF tasks using corpora data.
Coupled inductors design of the bidirectional non‐inverting buck–boost converter for high‐voltage applications
Authors: González‐Castaño Catalina , Restrepo Carlos , Giral Roberto , García‐Amoros Jordi , Vidal‐Idiarte Enric , Calvente Javier
Published: June 2020

This work analyses the effects on the efficiency of the winding‐to‐winding capacitance of the coupled‐inductor of the bidirectional non‐inverting buck–boost converter in high‐voltage applications. This converter presents many advantages that make it suitable for low‐voltage hard‐switching photovoltaic and fuel cell hybrid systems. However, experimental results obtained using the previously reported procedure to implement the coupled inductors show low‐efficiency in high‐voltage applications. A different implementation procedure of the coupled inductors, with lower winding‐to‐winding capacitance, is proposed. High‐efficiency experimental results from a 400 V 1.6 kW prototype have been achieved over a wide operating voltage range, thanks to the use of SiC devices and the modified coupled inductors, confirming in this way its good potential as a building block also in high‐voltage wide‐gain‐range applications.
Thai amber: insights into early diatom history?
Authors: Girard Vincent , Saint Martin Simona , Buffetaut Eric , Saint Martin Jean-Paul , Néraudeau Didier , Peyrot Daniel , Roghi Guido , Ragazzi Eugenio , Suteethorn Varavudh
Published: June 2020

The origin of the diatoms still remains enigmatic. Their fossil record is scarce until the Late Cretaceous and great divergences exist between molecular data and the earliest fossil evidence. While molecular data indicate an origin during the Triassic or Early Jurassic, early fossil evidence is only from the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous. The discovery of diatoms in French mid-Cretaceous amber by the end of the 2000s already suggested a potential bias in the diatom fossil record as it made older many diatom lineages, the record of which hitherto began at the end of the Cretaceous. The Jurassic/Early Cretaceous fossil record of diatoms is extremely sparse and any new occurrence is important for retracing the evolutionary, palaeogeographical and palaeoenvironmental history of diatoms. Thai amber has yielded a new diatom specimen that has been attributed to the genus Hemiaulus. Fossil assemblages and sedimentological data indicate that Thai amber and its Hemiaulus specimen are Late Jurassic in age. This discovery represents the oldest hitherto known specimen of Hemiaulus and so extends the fossil record of the bipolar diatoms and of the genus Hemiaulus by several dozens of millions of years and brings closer the fossil evidence and molecular data (that estimated an origin of the bipolar diatoms about 150 Ma ago). It reinforces the hypothesis of a pre-Cretaceous fossil diatom records and also supports an origin of the diatoms in shallow coastal environments.
Moisture performance of a new thermal insulation composite for interior application
Authors: Rode Carsten , Friis Naja Kastrup , Pedersen Christian , Feldt Jensen Nickolaj
Published: June 2020

The paper introduces prototypes of a new composite insulation product for interior application. The product consists of a standard mineral fibre insulation batt, which is wrapped in a combination of a thin fabric of moisture absorbing, capillary active material and vapour retarding membranes. The insulation composite has been tested with small samples in a laboratory setup and in an outdoor field test on a full-scale brick wall, and has so far shown promising results in comparison with other products. The paper describes the new insulation composite and the initial moisture tests that have been made with its constituents as well as results from the laboratory and field tests of its ability to prevent moisture accumulation.
NIR reflective pigments to mitigate the urban heat islands effect (UHIE)
Authors: Rosati Andrea , Fedel Michele , Rossi Stefano
Published: June 2020

For building applications, coatings are needed in order to obtain an attractive appearance and protection against the outdoor environments. Buildings are responsible for consumption of cooling energy. Cool coatings applied over buildings surface provide an effective solution for passive cooling of building indoors and influencing local outdoor microclimate, mitigating urban heat islands effect (UHIE). Cool coatings have to resistant to weathering and ageing. For this reason, we developed near infrared (NIR) reflective pigments with the aim to add in binder and obtaining a cool coating. A series of pigments displaying YIn0.9Mn0.1O3–ZnO stoichiometry was synthesized by sol-gel route. The dried gel precursor was calcined at different temperatures for 2h (650°C, 800°C and 850°C) to observe the formation of a light brown pigment and two different blue shades. Precursors and calcined final pigments were characterized by using physicochemical analyses. The colour of pigments was studied using CIE-2004 L*a*b* colorimetric method. The cooling effect of pigments and their thermal stability were confirmed by NIR reflectance measurements and TGA respectively.
Lightweight timber-framed wall and impact of ventilated cladding on the possibility of reducing summer overheating in Central Europe
Authors: Juras Peter
Published: June 2020

The climate change creates specific problems in the countries, where it was not so hot during the summer periods in the past. In the area of building envelopes, use of more environmental friendly materials comes to the foreground. Having still more strictly requirements in the thermal protection of buildings, use of lightweight wooden walls is increasing. The ratio between load carrying and insulating parts changed. This is also the advantage of timber framed walls. These walls have also some negatives, or create some problems, such as low thermal capacity. In the Central Europe, the indoor summer overheating started to be a serious problem. In this paper, impact of ventilated cladding on the timber frame wooden wall will be analyzed. One composition, with east and south orientation were evaluated. This wall is a part of the experimental measurement, compared with another ETICS type of outdoor finishing layer. Impact of the ventilated air cavity behind the cladding on the thermal regime of the wall is stated.
Design optimization of a building attached sunspace through experimental monitoring and dynamic modelling
Authors: Guasco Martina , Orlanno Martina , Piccardo Chiara , Giachetta Andrea , Dodoo Ambrose
Published: June 2020

In Europe, buildings are responsible for 40% of the energy consumption and 36% of the CO2 emissions. Space heating largely contributes to these energy and climate impacts. Passive solar heating systems, as sunspaces, can contribute to increase solar heat gains, reducing space heating energy demand and the related use of fossil fuels. Careful design and local climatic considerations are essential to optimize the performance of sunspaces. In this study experimental field monitoring, dynamic modelling and steady-state methods are applied to analyse the thermal behaviour of an attached sunspace in an Italian existing building, as well as its potential contribution to the building’s energy balance. Design modifications for improved thermal performance of the sunspace are investigated. The results show overall agreement between the dynamic modellings and experimental monitoring of the sunspace and indicate that the sunspace’s indoor air temperature and hence solar energy gains are significantly increased with the design modifications, in contrast to the existing configuration. Maximum temperatures between 44 and 48 °C were observed for the existing and a modified alternative of the analysed sunspace. The dynamic simulation model and design modifications presented in this study can serve as basis for assessment and optimal configurations of sunspaces in their design stage.