bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome and sequence determinants governing the expression of horizontally acquired DNA in bacteria
Authors: Gomes Antonio L C , Johns Nathan I , Yang Anthony , Velez-Cortes Florencia , Smillie Christopher S , Smith Mark B , Alm Eric J , Wang Harris H
Published: June 2020

While horizontal gene transfer is prevalent across the biosphere, the regulatory features that enable expression and functionalization of foreign DNA remain poorly understood. Here, we combine high-throughput promoter activity measurements and large-scale genomic analysis of regulatory regions to investigate the cross-compatibility of regulatory elements (REs) in bacteria. Functional characterization of thousands of natural REs in three distinct bacterial species revealed distinct expression patterns according to RE and recipient phylogeny. Host capacity to activate foreign promoters was proportional to their genomic GC content, while many low GC regulatory elements were both broadly active and had more transcription start sites across hosts. The difference in expression capabilities could be explained by the influence of the host GC content on the stringency of the AT-rich canonical σ70 motif necessary for transcription initiation. We further confirm the generalizability of this model and find widespread GC content adaptation of the σ70 motif in a set of 1,545 genomes from all major bacterial phyla. Our analysis identifies a key mechanism by which the strength of the AT-rich σ70 motif relative to a host’s genomic GC content governs the capacity for expression of acquired DNA. These findings shed light on regulatory adaptation in the context of evolving genomic composition.
Molecular mechanosensors in osteocytes
Authors: Qin Lei , Liu Wen , Cao Huiling , Xiao Guozhi
Published: June 2020

Osteocytes, the most abundant and long-lived cells in bone, are the master regulators of bone remodeling. In addition to their functions in endocrine regulation and calcium and phosphate metabolism, osteocytes are the major responsive cells in force adaptation due to mechanical stimulation. Mechanically induced bone formation and adaptation, disuse-induced bone loss and skeletal fragility are mediated by osteocytes, which sense local mechanical cues and respond to these cues in both direct and indirect ways. The mechanotransduction process in osteocytes is a complex but exquisite regulatory process between cells and their environment, between neighboring cells, and between different functional mechanosensors in individual cells. Over the past two decades, great efforts have focused on finding various mechanosensors in osteocytes that transmit extracellular mechanical signals into osteocytes and regulate responsive gene expression. The osteocyte cytoskeleton, dendritic processes, Integrin-based focal adhesions, connexin-based intercellular junctions, primary cilium, ion channels, and extracellular matrix are the major mechanosensors in osteocytes reported so far with evidence from both in vitro and in vitro studies. This review aims to give a systematic introduction to osteocyte mechanobiology, provide details of osteocyte mechanosensors, and discuss the roles of osteocyte mechanosensitive signaling pathways in the regulation of bone homeostasis.
Correction: Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomal miR-223 regulates neuronal cell apoptosis
Authors: Wei Hong , Xu Yuhao , Chen Qi , Chen Hui , Zhu Xiaolan , Li Yuefeng
Published: June 2020

The original version of this article did not acknowledge Yuefeng Li as a corresponding author. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the article.
Endogenously produced LG3/4/5-peptide protects testes against toxicant-induced injury
Authors: Li Linxi , Mao Baiping , Wu Siwen , Li Huitao , Lv Lixiu , Ge Renshan , Cheng C. Yan
Published: June 2020

Laminin-α2 chain is one of the major constituent proteins of the basement membrane in the mammalian testis. The laminin-type globular (LG) domains of LG3, 4 and 5 (LG3/4/5, an 80 kDa fragment) can be cleaved from laminin-α2 chain at the C-terminus via the action of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). This LG3/4/5 is a biologically active fragment, capable of modulating the Sertoli cell blood–testis barrier (BTB) function by tightening the barrier both in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of LG3/4/5 cloned into a mammalian expression vector pCI-neo in Sertoli cells in a Sertoli cell in vitro model with a functional BTB also protected Sertoli cells from cadmium chloride (CdCl2, an environmental toxicant) mediated cell injury. Importantly, overexpression of LG3/4/5 in the testis in vivo was found to block or rescue cadmium-induced BTB disruption and testis injury. LG3/4/5 was found to exert its BTB and spermatogenesis promoting effects through corrective spatiotemporal expression of actin- and MT-based regulatory proteins by maintaining the cytoskeletons in the testis, illustrating the therapeutic implication of this novel bioactive fragment.
Circular RNA circSLC25A16 contributes to the glycolysis of non-small-cell lung cancer through epigenetic modification
Authors: Shangguan Hong , Feng Hong , Lv Dongxiao , Wang Junfei , Tian Tian , Wang Xingwen
Published: June 2020

Growing evidence has highlighted the roles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), however, their roles in NSCLC glycolysis remains poorly understood. CircRNAs microarray profiles discovered a novel exon-derived circRNA, circSLC25A16 (hsa_circ_0018534), in NSCLC tissue samples. In NSCLC samples, high-expression of circSLC25A16 was associated with unfavorable prognosis. Cellular experiments revealed that circSLC25A16 accelerated the glycolysis and proliferation of NSCLC cells. Besides, circSLC25A16 knockdown repressed the in vivo growth by xenograft assays. RNA-fluorescence in situ hybridization (RNA-FISH) illustrated that circSLC25A16 and miR-488-3p were both located in cytoplasm. Mechanistic experiments demonstrated that circSLC25A16 interacts with miR-488-3p/HIF-1α, which activates lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) by facilitating its transcription. Collectively, present research reveals the crucial function of circSLC25A16 on NSCLC glycolysis through miR-488-3p/HIF-1α/LDHA, suggesting the underlying pathogenesis for NSCLC and providing a therapeutic strategy for precise treatment.
Bayesian reassessment of the epigenetic architecture of complex traits
Authors: Trejo Banos Daniel , McCartney Daniel L. , Patxot Marion , Anchieri Lucas , Battram Thomas , Christiansen Colette , Costeira Ricardo , Walker Rosie M. , Morris Stewart W. , Campbell Archie , Zhang Qian , Porteous David J. , McRae Allan F. , Wray Naomi R. , Visscher Peter M. , Haley Chris S. , Evans Kathryn L. , Deary Ian J. , McIntosh Andrew M. , Hemani Gibran , Bell Jordana T. , Marioni Riccardo E. , Robinson Matthew R.
Published: June 2020

Linking epigenetic marks to clinical outcomes improves insight into molecular processes, disease prediction, and therapeutic target identification. Here, a statistical approach is presented to infer the epigenetic architecture of complex disease, determine the variation captured by epigenetic effects, and estimate phenotype-epigenetic probe associations jointly. Implicitly adjusting for probe correlations, data structure (cell-count or relatedness), and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker effects, improves association estimates and in 9,448 individuals, 75.7% (95% CI 71.70–79.3) of body mass index (BMI) variation and 45.6% (95% CI 37.3–51.9) of cigarette consumption variation was captured by whole blood methylation array data. Pathway-linked probes of blood cholesterol, lipid transport and sterol metabolism for BMI, and xenobiotic stimuli response for smoking, showed >1.5 times larger associations with >95% posterior inclusion probability. Prediction accuracy improved by 28.7% for BMI and 10.2% for smoking over a LASSO model, with age-, and tissue-specificity, implying associations are a phenotypic consequence rather than causal.
Publisher Correction: Deciphering photocarrier dynamics for tuneable high-performance perovskite-organic semiconductor heterojunction phototransistors
Authors: Lin Yen-Hung , Huang Wentao , Pattanasattayavong Pichaya , Lim Jongchul , Li Ruipeng , Sakai Nobuya , Panidi Julianna , Hong Min Ji , Ma Chun , Wei Nini , Wehbe Nimer , Fei Zhuping , Heeney Martin , Labram John G. , Anthopoulos Thomas D. , Snaith Henry J.
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Room temperature organic exciton–polariton condensate in a lattice
Authors: Dusel M. , Betzold S. , Egorov O. A. , Klembt S. , Ohmer J. , Fischer U. , Höfling S. , Schneider C.
Published: June 2020

Interacting Bosons in artificial lattices have emerged as a modern platform to explore collective manybody phenomena and exotic phases of matter as well as to enable advanced on-chip simulators. On chip, exciton–polaritons emerged as a promising system to implement and study bosonic non-linear systems in lattices, demanding cryogenic temperatures. We discuss an experiment conducted on a polaritonic lattice at ambient conditions: We utilize fluorescent proteins providing ultra-stable Frenkel excitons. Their soft nature allows for mechanically shaping them in the photonic lattice. We demonstrate controlled loading of the coherent condensate in distinct orbital lattice modes of different symmetries. Finally, we explore the self-localization of the condensate in a gap-state, driven by the interplay of effective interaction and negative effective mass in our lattice. We believe that this work establishes organic polaritons as a serious contender to the well-established GaAs platform for a wide range of applications relying on coherent Bosons in lattices.
Ocean and land forcing of the record-breaking Dust Bowl heatwaves across central United States
Authors: Cowan Tim , Hegerl Gabriele C. , Schurer Andrew , Tett Simon F. B. , Vautard Robert , Yiou Pascal , Jézéquel Aglaé , Otto Friederike E. L. , Harrington Luke J. , Ng Benjamin
Published: June 2020

The severe drought of the 1930s Dust Bowl decade coincided with record-breaking summer heatwaves that contributed to the socio-economic and ecological disaster over North America’s Great Plains. It remains unresolved to what extent these exceptional heatwaves, hotter than in historically forced coupled climate model simulations, were forced by sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and exacerbated through human-induced deterioration of land cover. Here we show, using an atmospheric-only model, that anomalously warm North Atlantic SSTs enhance heatwave activity through an association with drier spring conditions resulting from weaker moisture transport. Model devegetation simulations, that represent the wide-spread exposure of bare soil in the 1930s, suggest human activity fueled stronger and more frequent heatwaves through greater evaporative drying in the warmer months. This study highlights the potential for the amplification of naturally occurring extreme events like droughts by vegetation feedbacks to create more extreme heatwaves in a warmer world.
Coupling magnetic and plasmonic anisotropy in hybrid nanorods for mechanochromic responses
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Jin Jianbo , Yang Fan , Song Ningning , Yin Yadong
Published: June 2020

Mechanochromic response is of great importance in designing bionic robot systems and colorimetric devices. Unfortunately, compared to mimicking motions of natural creatures, fabricating mechanochromic systems with programmable colorimetric responses remains challenging. Herein, we report the development of unconventional mechanochromic films based on hybrid nanorods integrated with magnetic and plasmonic anisotropy. Magnetic-plasmonic hybrid nanorods have been synthesized through a unique space-confined seed-mediated process, which represents an open platform for preparing next-generation complex nanostructures. By coupling magnetic and plasmonic anisotropy, the plasmonic excitation of the hybrid nanorods could be collectively regulated using magnetic fields. It facilitates convenient incorporation of the hybrid nanorods into polymer films with a well-controlled orientation and enables sensitive colorimetric changes in response to linear and angular motions. The combination of unique synthesis and convenient magnetic alignment provides an advanced approach for designing programmable mechanochromic devices with the desired precision, flexibility, and scalability.
Evidence-based guidelines for managing patients with primary ER+ HER2− breast cancer deferred from surgery due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dowsett Mitch , Ellis Matthew J. , Dixon J. Michael , Gluz Oleg , Robertson John , Kates Ronald , Suman Vera J. , Turnbull Arran K. , Nitz Ulrike , Christgen Matthias , Kreipe Hans , Kuemmel Sherko , Bliss Judith M. , Barry Peter , Johnston Stephen R. , Jacobs Samuel A. , Ma Cynthia X. , Smith Ian E. , Harbeck Nadia
Published: June 2020

Many patients with ER+ HER2− primary breast cancer are being deferred from surgery to neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NeoET) during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have collated data from multiple international trials of presurgical endocrine therapy in order to provide guidance on the identification of patients who may have insufficiently endocrine-sensitive tumors and should be prioritised for early surgery or neoadjuvant chemotherapy rather than NeoET during or in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic for safety or when surgical activity needs to be prioritized. For postmenopausal patients, our data provide strong support for the use of ER and PgR status at diagnosis for triaging of patients into three groups in which (taking into account clinical factors): (i) NeoET is likely to be inappropriate (Allred ER <6 or ER 6 and PgR <6) (ii) a biopsy for Ki67 analysis (on-treatment Ki67) could be considered after 2–4 weeks of NeoET (a: ER 7 or 8 and PgR <6 or b: ER 6 or 7 and PgR ≥6) or (iii) NeoET is an acceptable course of action (ER 8 and PgR ≥6). Cut-offs for percentage of cells positive are also given. For group (ii), a high early on-treatment level of Ki67 (>10%) indicates a higher priority for early surgery. Too few data were available for premenopausal patients to provide a similar treatment algorithm. These guidelines should be helpful for managing patients with early ER+ HER2− breast cancer during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis.
Redox mechanisms of conversion of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) by graphene oxide-polymer composite
Authors: Bandara P. C. , Peña-Bahamonde J. , Rodrigues D. F.
Published: June 2020

Alternative methods of aqueous chromium removal have been of great research interest in recent years as Cr (VI) is a highly toxic compound causing severe human health effects. To achieve better removal of Cr (VI), it is essential to understand the chemical reactions that lead to the successful removal of Cr species from the solution. Recent studies have demonstrated that graphene oxide (GO) based polymer beads cannot only adsorb Cr (VI) via electrostatic attractions but also reduce it to Cr (III), which is a much less toxic form of chromium. This conversion and the functional groups involved in this conversion, until now, were not elucidated. In the present study, we employed X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to investigate the conversion pathway of Cr (VI) to Cr (III) in graphene-based polymer beads. The results showed that alcoholic groups are converted to carboxylic groups while reducing Cr (VI) to Cr (III). The inclusion of GO in the polymer beads dramatically increased the potential of Cr (VI) uptake and conversion to Cr (III), indicating polymers and nanomaterials containing alcohol groups can remove and convert chromium in water. Other functional groups present in the polymer bead play an important role in adsorption but are not involved in the conversion of Cr (VI) to Cr (III).
Pattern contrast influences wariness in naïve predators towards aposematic patterns
Authors: Halpin C. G. , Penacchio O. , Lovell P. G. , Cuthill I. C. , Harris J. M. , Skelhorn J. , Rowe C.
Published: June 2020

An apparent and common feature of aposematic patterns is that they contain a high level of achromatic (luminance) contrast, for example, many warning signals combine black spots and stripes with a lighter colour such as yellow. However, the potential importance of achromatic contrast, as distinct from colour contrast, in reducing predation has been largely overlooked. Here, using domestic chicks as a model predator, we manipulated the degree of achromatic contrast in warning patterns to test if high luminance contrast in aposematic signals is important for deterring naïve predators. We found that the chicks were less likely to approach and eat prey with high contrast compared to low contrast patterns. These findings suggest that aposematic prey patterns with a high luminance contrast can benefit from increased survival through eliciting unlearned biases in naïve avian predators. Our work also highlights the importance of considering luminance contrast in future work investigating why aposematic patterns take the particular forms that they do.
Simple ammonium salts acting on sigma-1 receptors yield potential treatments for cancer and depression
Authors: Brimson James M. , Akula Kiran K. , Abbas Haider , Ferry David R. , Kulkarni Shrinivas K. , Russell Steven T. , Tisdale Michael J. , Tencomnao Tewin , Safrany Stephen T.
Published: June 2020

Sigma-1 and sigma-2 receptors are emerging therapeutic targets. We have identified that simple ammonium salts bind to these receptors and are effective in vivo. Radioligand binding assays were used to obtain structure-activity relationships of these salts. MTS assays were performed to determine their effect on growth in MCF7 and MDA-MB-486 cells. Anticancer properties were tested in NMRI mice transplanted with a fragment of mouse adenocarcinoma (MAC13). Antidepressant activity was tested using the forced-swim test and tail suspension tests. Dipentylammonium (Ki 43 nM), tripentylammonium (Ki 15 nM) and trihexylammonium (Ki 9 nM) showed high affinity for the sigma-1 receptor. Dioctanoylammonium had the highest affinity (K50 0.05 nM); this also showed the highest affinity for sigma-2 receptors (Ki 13 nM). Dipentylammonium was found to have antidepressant activity in vivo. Branched-chain ammonium salts showed lower affinity. Bis(2-ethylhexyl)ammonium (K50 29 µM), triisopentylammonium (K50 196 µM) and dioctanoylammonium showed a low Hill slope, and fitted a 2-site binding model for the sigma-1 receptor. We propose this two-site binding can be used to biochemically define a sigma-1 receptor antagonist. Bis(2-ethylhexyl)ammonium and triisopentylammonium were able to inhibit the growth of tumours in vivo. Cheap, simple ammonium salts act as sigma-1 receptor agonists and antagonists in vivo and require further investigation.
Donor impurity related optical and electronic properties of cylindrical GaAs-AlxGa1−x As quantum dots under tilted electric and magnetic fields
Authors: Heyn Christian , Duque C. A.
Published: June 2020

This article makes a theoretical study of the optical and electronic properties in cylindrical GaAs-Alx Ga1−x As quantum dots in the presence of an arbitrarily located donor impurity and considering the simultaneous effects of tilted electric and magnetic fields. The studies are developed in the effective mass and parabolic band approximations. The solution of the Schrödinger equation is done through the finite element method considering tetrahedral meshes that can be adapted to regions where there are abrupt variations of the materials that make up the structure. Among the many results, reported for the first time in this article, we can mention: (i) the electronic spectrum, without and with shallow donor impurity, considering separate and combined effects of tilted electric and magnetic fields, (ii) the ground state binding energy as a function of the external electric and magnetic fields, their orientations concerning the axial axis of the quantum dot, and the impurity position, (iii) the squared reduced dipole matrix elements for impurity related inter-level optical transitions as a function of the tilted electric and magnetic fields and impurity position, and (iv) the optical absorption coefficient between the ground state and at least the first fifteen lowest excited states under tilted electric and magnetic fields and considering several impurity positions. From this study it can be concluded that the presence of tilted electric and magnetic fields and on-center or off-center shallow donor impurities, ostensibly enrich the optical and electronic properties of the system. It is observed that due to the rupture of the azimuthal symmetry of the cylindrical quantum dot, important modifications of the selection rules for inter-level transitions between states appear.
Dedicated core-on-anvil production of bladelet-like flakes in the Acheulean at Thomas Quarry I - L1 (Casablanca, Morocco)
Authors: Gallotti Rosalia , Mohib Abderrahim , Fernandes Paul , El Graoui Mohssine , Lefèvre David , Raynal Jean-Paul
Published: June 2020

The ability to produce large cutting tools (LCTs) is considered as the technological marker of the Acheulean and the indicator of a greater technological complexity compared to the previous Oldowan. Although Acheulean techno-complexes are also composed of a concurrent core-and-flake technology, the iconic handaxes have attracted more attention than any other lithic component. Consequently, little is known of the small and medium-sized flake productions (small flaking), especially starting from 1 Ma, when handaxe and cleaver manufacture becomes intensive and widespread across Africa, including the Atlantic coastal regions of Morocco. Research at Thomas Quarry I yielded a rich early Acheulean lithic assemblage, mainly composed of quartzite LCTs and small flaking, together with a small-sized flint production. Here, we report a particular aspect of this flint assemblage, i.e. a flint bladelet-like flake production. This process represents a discrete technical behaviour among those related to small flaking both in quartzite and flint: pebbles were flaked using the bipolar-on-anvil technique repeatedly employing a specific method to produce bladelet-like flakes. This production represents the oldest dated occurrence of bladelet-like technology in Africa and reveals technical competencies hitherto unknown for these periods, providing further elements for the techno-economic diversification of the African Acheulean.
The impact of capsaicinoids on APP processing in Alzheimer’s disease in SH-SY5Y cells
Authors: Grimm Marcus O. W. , Blümel Tamara , Lauer Anna A. , Janitschke Daniel , Stahlmann Christoph , Mett Janine , Haupenthal Viola J. , Miederer Anna-Maria , Niemeyer Barbara A. , Grimm Heike S. , Hartmann Tobias
Published: June 2020

The vanilloid capsaicin is a widely consumed spice, known for its burning and “hot” sensation through activation of TRPV1 ion-channels, but also known to decrease oxidative stress, inflammation and influence tau-pathology. Beside these positive effects, little is known about its effects on amyloid-precursor-protein (APP) processing leading to amyloid-β (Aβ), the major component of senile plaques. Treatment of neuroblastoma cells with capsaicinoids (24 hours, 10 µM) resulted in enhanced Aβ-production and reduced Aβ-degradation, leading to increased Aβ-levels. In detailed analysis of the amyloidogenic-pathway, both BACE1 gene-expression as well as protein-levels were found to be elevated, leading to increased β-secretase-activity. Additionally, γ-secretase gene-expression as well as activity was enhanced, accompanied by a shift of presenilin from non-raft to raft membrane-domains where amyloidogenic processing takes place. Furthermore, impaired Aβ-degradation in presence of capsaicinoids is dependent on the insulin-degrading-enzyme, one of the major Aβ-degrading-enzymes. Regarding Aβ-homeostasis, no differences were found between the major capsaicinoids, capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, and a mixture of naturally derived capsaicinoids; effects on Ca2+-homeostasis were ruled out. Our results show that in respect to Alzheimer’s disease, besides the known positive effects of capsaicinoids, pro-amyloidogenic properties also exist, enhancing Aβ-levels, likely restricting the potential use of capsaicinoids as therapeutic substances in Alzheimer’s disease.
The Influence of Oil leaking rate and Ocean Current Velocity on the Migration and Diffusion of Underwater Oil Spill
Authors: Ji Hong , Xu Manlin , Huang Weiqiu , Yang Ke
Published: June 2020

Severe environmental pollution and huge economic losses would be caused by submarine oil spill with the increasing development of petroleum energy in sea. In order to predict the law of migration of oil spill from submarine pipelines accurately, the volume of fluid (VOF) model and realizable k-ε turbulence model were employed to establish numerical simulation of submarine oil spill, and the experiments were used to verify the feasibility of the numerical models. Different oil leaking rate and ocean velocity were simulated in the study. The simulation results indicated that comparing with oil leaking rate (set vertical migration velocity, Uo), current velocity (set horizontal migration velocity, Uw) has a greater influence on the migration of the oil spilling; the actual vertical migration velocity (Uo1), actual horizontal migration velocity (Uw1) and R1 (the ratio of Uo1 and Uw1) are positively correlated with R (the ratio of Uo and Uw), and they both fluctuate within a small range no matter how large R is; when 20 ≤ R ≤ 150, R1 fits a linear fit curve with curve as R1 = 0.66932 + 0.00215 R, which can provide a theoretical reference to the recovery system of underwater pipeline oil spilling emergency.
3D MHD nonlinear radiative flow of CuO-MgO/methanol hybrid nanofluid beyond an irregular dimension surface with slip effect
Authors: Tlili Iskander , Nabwey Hossam A. , Samrat S. P. , Sandeep N.
Published: June 2020

The 3D MHD nonlinear radiative hybrid nanofluid flow across an irregular dimension sheet with slip effect is studied numerically. The hybrid nanofluid consists of copper oxide (CuO) and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles embedded in methanol or methyl alcohol (MA). The governing PDEs’ are altered as ODEs’ using similarities and numerical solutions are attained using shooting scheme. The role of corporal factors on the transport phenomenon is analyzed and reflected by plots and numerical interpretations. Simultaneous solutions presented for CuO-MA nanofluid and CuO-MgO/MA hybrid nanofluid. Results ascertain that the temperature and flow boundary layer thicknesses are not unique for the hybrid nanofluid and nanofluid. The heat transfer enactment of CuO-MA nanofluid is high when equated to CuO-MgO/MA hybrid nanofluid. This concludes that the CuO-MgO combination works as a good insulator.
Investigation on the Electrochemical Performances of Mn2O3 as a Potential Anode for Na-Ion Batteries
Authors: Yusoff Nor Fazila Mahamad , Idris Nurul Hayati , Din Muhamad Faiz Md. , Majid Siti Rohana , Harun Noor Aniza , Rahman Md. Mokhlesur
Published: June 2020

Currently, the development of the sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries has been accelerated to meet the energy demands of large-scale power applications. The difficulty of obtaining suitable electrode materials capable of storing large amount of Na-ion arises from the large radius of Na-ion that restricts its reversible capacity. Herein, Mn2O3powders are synthesised through the thermal conversion of MnCO3and reported for the first time as an anode for Na-ion batteries. The phase, morphology and charge/discharge characteristics of Mn2O3obtained are evaluated systematically. The cubic-like Mn2O3with particle sizes approximately 1.0–1.5 µm coupled with the formation of Mn2O3sub-units on its surface create a positive effect on the insertion/deinsertion of Na-ion. Mn2O3delivers a first discharge capacity of 544 mAh g−1and retains its capacity by 85% after 200 cycles at 100 mA g−1, demonstrating the excellent cyclability of the Mn2O3electrode. Therefore, this study provides a significant contribution towards exploring the potential of Mn2O3as a promising anode in the development of Na-ion batteries.
Clinical utility of early postoperative cardiac multidetector computed tomography after coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Kang Doo Kyoung , Lim Sang Hyun , Park Jin Sun , Sun Joo Sung , Ha Taeyang , Kim Tae Hee
Published: June 2020

We evaluated the clinical utility of early postoperative cardiac computed tomography (CT) for evaluating left ventricular (LV) function and predicting prognosis in patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Of the 205 patients who underwent CABG from March 2011 to December 2014, 136 underwent early postoperative cardiac CT (within 30 days after CABG) and were enrolled as the study population. The baseline and postoperative follow-up echocardiographic findings, major adverse cardiac events (MACE), and death were recorded for a follow-up period (mean, 5.9 ± 1.1 years). Functional cardiac CT parameters were compared to echocardiographic measurements. The associations between cardiac CT findings and functional recovery and prognosis were evaluated by logistic regression analyses. The LVEF measured via cardiac CT was significantly higher (56.2 ± 11.5% vs. 61.9 ± 12.9%; p = 0.0002) compared to those via early postoperative echocardiography, but the wall motion score index (WMSI) was not significantly different (1.23 ± 0.33 vs. 1.21 ± 0.28, p = 0.5041) between the two methods. During the follow-up period, 17 patients (12.5%) died and 40 (29.4%) developed MACE. Both the LVEF and WMSI measured with early postoperative echocardiography (p = 0.0202 and odds ratio [OR] = 5.0171, p = 0.0039, respectively), and cardiac CT (OR = 0.9625, p = 0.0091 and OR = 14.3605, p = 0.0001, respectively) predicted MACE OR = 0.9630, but only the WMSI, measured using cardiac CT, predicted all-cause death (OR = 10.6017, p = 0.0035). In CABG patients, LVEF and the WMSI measured with early postoperative cardiac CT were comparable with echocardiography and predicted the development of MACE and all-cause death.
Additive prognostic value of red cell distribution width over late gadolinium enhancement on CMR in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Yi Jeong-Eun , Lee Hye-Jeong , Kim Young Jin , Kim Yookyung , Joung Boyoung , Park Junbeom
Published: June 2020

Elevated red cell distribution width (RDW) and late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR) are both poor prognostic factors. This study examined the relationship between RDW and LGE-CMR characteristics in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NICM), and investigated whether the additive prognostic value of RDW as an integrative systemic factor over LGE-CMR exists or not. A total of consecutive 378 patients who underwent CMR at two general hospitals in South Korea were retrospectively analyzed. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death, hospitalizations due to worsening heart failure and major arrhythmic events. During a mean follow-up period of 40.8 months, 151 (39.9%) patients experienced primary endpoints. The RDW value was significantly higher in patients with LGE than in those without LGE (13.7 ± 1.5% vs. 13.3 ± 1.4%, p = 0.034), but it was not associated with the extent or distribution patterns of the LGE. Addition of RDW into the model with clinical risk factors and LGE-CMR characteristics led to a significant improvement in the prediction of worse outcomes (χ2 increased from 73 to 82; p = 0.023). RDW could provide incremental predictive value for adverse clinical events beyond LGE-CMR data in NICM patients.
Predictions of potential geographical distribution of Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama) in China under climate change scenarios
Authors: Wang Rulin , Yang Hua , Wang Mingtian , Zhang Zhe , Huang Tingting , Wen Gang , Li Qing
Published: June 2020

Climate change significantly affects geographic distribution of plants pests and diseases worldwide. Understanding the influence of future climate change on the suitable areas of Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama) in our country and taking timely countermeasures are crucial for improving the effectiveness of control of pest. Based on the occurrence points of D. citri and the selected environmental variables, the potential suitable areas of this pest under climate change scenarios in China were predicted by using MaxEnt and GIS tools. Our results showed that the higly suitable area were mainly located in Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian, Southern Zhejiang, Southern Jiangxi, Eastern Hunan, Southwestern Guizhou, and the area was 43.7 × 104 km2. Areas of moderate and low suitability were centered on areas of high suitability and radiate to the North successively, with an area of 59.28 × 104 km2 and 93.46 × 104 km2 respectively. From current to 2070 s, the areas of the highly suitable areas will increase, and the geometric center of the highly and total suitable areas will move to north under three climate change scenarios.
Cilostazol restores autophagy flux in bafilomycin A1-treated, cultured cortical astrocytes through lysosomal reacidification: roles of PKA, zinc and metallothionein 3
Authors: Kim Ha Na , Seo Bo-Ra , Kim Hyunjin , Koh Jae-Young
Published: June 2020

Cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor, reduces the amyloid-beta (Aβ) burden in mouse models of Alzheimer disease by as yet unidentified mechanisms. In the present study, we examined the possibility that cilostazol ameliorates lysosomal dysfunction. Astrocytes treated with bafilomycin A1 (BafA1) exhibited markedly reduced DND-189 and acridine orange (AO) fluorescence, indicating reduced lysosomal acidity. In both cases, BafA1-induced alkalization was reversed by addition of cilostazol, dibutyryl cAMP or forskolin. All three agents significantly increased free zinc levels in lysosomes, and addition of the zinc chelator TPEN abrogated lysosomal reacidification. These treatments did not raise free zinc levels or reverse BafA1-mediated lysosomal alkalization in metallothionein 3 (Mt3)-null astrocytes, indicating that the increases in zinc in astrocytes were derived mainly from Mt3. Lastly, in FITC-Aβ-treated astrocytes, cilostazol reversed lysosomal alkalization, increased cathepsin D activity, and reduced Aβ accumulation in astrocytes. Cilostazol also reduced mHtt aggregate formation in GFP-mHttQ74–expressing astrocytes. Collectively, our results present the novel finding that cAMP/PKA can overcome the v-ATPase blocking effect of BafA1 in a zinc- and Mt3-dependent manner.
Author Correction: TGF-β1-induced HSP47 regulates extracellular matrix accumulation via Smad2/3 signaling pathways in nasal fibroblasts
Authors: Kim Hae-Ji , Park Joo-Hoo , Shin Jae-Min , Yang Hyun-Woo , Lee Heung-Man , Park Il-Ho
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Complex transformations of hard-magnetic soft beams by designing residual magnetic flux density
Authors: Chen Wei , Yan Zhi , Wang Lin
Published: June 2020

An initially straight hard-magnetic soft beam (HMSB) under magnetic actuation can deform into specific configurations by designing the distribution of residual magnetic flux density.
Fabrication of an ultra-sensitive para-nitrophenol sensor based on facile Zn-doped Er2O3 nanocomposites via an electrochemical approach
Authors: Rahman Mohammed M. , Sheikh Tahir Ali , Asiri Abdullah M. , Alamry K. A. , Hasnat M. A.
Published: June 2020

Semiconductor doped Zn-doped Er2O3 nano-composite materials were prepared via a wet-chemical technique in a single-step at alkaline pH to develop a selective and sensitive para-nitrophenol capturing electrochemical probe for environmental remediation.
MOF-derived hollow NiCo2O4 nanowires as stable Li-ion battery anodes
Authors: Chu Kainian , Li Zhiqiang , Xu Shikai , Yao Ge , Xu Yang , Niu Ping , Zheng Fangcai
Published: June 2020

Binary metal oxides with high theoretical specific capacities and power densities are promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries but their poor cycling stability and huge volume expansion limit their extensive application in practical electrode materials.
Octahedral copper(ii)-diimine complexes of triethylenetetramine: effect of stereochemical fluxionality and ligand hydrophobicity on CuII/CuIredox, DNA binding and cleavage, cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing ability
Authors: Sharma Mitu , Ganeshpandian Mani , Majumder Munmi , Tamilarasan Ajaykamal , Sharma Mukesh , Mukhopadhyay Rupak , Islam Nashreen S. , Palaniandavar Mallayan
Published: June 2020

Stereochemical fluxionality of octahedral [Cu(trien)(diimine)]2+complexes determines the CuII/CuIredox potential, DNA binding affinity, ROS generation, cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing ability.
Photochromic and luminescent switchable iodoargentate hybrids directed by solvated lanthanide cations
Authors: Hao Pengfei , Wang Weipin , Shen Junju , Fu Yunlong
Published: June 2020

A series of photochromic and luminescent switchable iodoargentate hybrids have been constructed by using solvated lanthanide cations as SDAs.
Sky-blue-emitting cationic iridium complexes with carbazole-type counter-anions and their use for efficient solution-processed organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Yu Renyou , Wang Pei , Meng Xianwen , He Lei
Published: June 2020

Cationic iridium complexes with carbazole-type counter-anions show enhanced performances compared to those with PF6− counter-anions in OLEDs.
Machine-learning interatomic potentials enable first-principles multiscale modeling of lattice thermal conductivity in graphene/borophene heterostructures
Authors: Mortazavi Bohayra , Podryabinkin Evgeny V. , Roche Stephan , Rabczuk Timon , Zhuang Xiaoying , Shapeev Alexander V.
Published: June 2020

We highlight that machine-learning interatomic potentials trained over short AIMD trajectories enable first-principles multiscale modeling, bridging DFT level accuracy to the continuum level and empowering the study of complex/novel nanostructures.
Facile in situ formation of a ternary 3D ZnIn2S4–MoS2 microsphere/1D CdS nanorod heterostructure for high-efficiency visible-light photocatalytic H2 production
Authors: Wang Lan , Zhou Hanghang , Zhang Hongzhong , Song Yali , Zhang Huan , Luo Lingkun , Yang Yifan , Bai Shiqi , Wang Yue , Liu Shuaixia
Published: June 2020

A novel ternary 3D ZnIn2S4–MoS2 microsphere/1D CdS nanorod (ZIS/MoS2/CdS) photocatalyst was created to achieve excellent photocatalytic H2 evolution under visible light irradiation.
Bi-functional sterically hindered phenol lipid-based delivery systems as potential multi-target agents against Alzheimer's disease via an intranasal route
Authors: Burilova Evgenia A. , Pashirova Tatiana N. , Zueva Irina V. , Gibadullina Elmira M. , Lushchekina Sofya V. , Sapunova Anastasia S. , Kayumova Ramilya M. , Rogov Alexey M. , Evtjugin Vladimir G. , Sudakov Igor A. , Vyshtakalyuk Alexandra B. , Voloshina Alexandra D. , Bukharov Sergey. V. , Burilov Alexander R. , Petrov Konstantin A. , Zakharova Lucia Ya. , Sinyashin Oleg G.
Published: June 2020

New lipid-based nanomaterials based on sterically hindered phenols were developed as potential drugs against Alzheimer's disease via intranasal administration.
Copper(ii)-catalyzed stereoselective 1,2-addition vs. Ferrier glycosylation of “armed” and “disarmed” glycal donors
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Reddy Thurpu Raghavender , Gurawa Aakanksha , Kashyap Sudhir
Published: June 2020

The thermodynamic–kinetic switch model enables the selective activation of the enol–ether moiety in “armed” and “disarmed” glycal donors leading to syn-diastereoselective direct addition or an allylic rearrangement.
Superhydrophobic magnetic core–shell mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles with dendritic architecture for oil–water separation
Authors: Wang Baixian , Wei Yingzhen , Wang Qifei , Di Jiancheng , Miao Shiding , Yu Jihong
Published: June 2020

Superhydrophobic dendritic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles with magnetic cores were fabricated, realizing the efficient adsorption of oils from oil-in-water emulsions.
Good's buffers have various affinities to gold nanoparticles regulating fluorescent and colorimetric DNA sensing
Authors: Jimmy Huang Po-Jung , Yang Jeffy , Chong Kellie , Ma Qianyi , Li Miao , Zhang Fang , Moon Woohyun J. , Zhang Guomei , Liu Juewen
Published: June 2020

Aside from maintaining pH, Good's buffers can be adsorbed on gold nanoparticles with different affinities, affecting the stability and its fluorescent and colorimetric sensing performance.
Time dependent fracture of soft materials: linear versus nonlinear viscoelasticity
Authors: Guo Jingyi , Zehnder Alan T. , Creton Costantino , Hui Chung-Yuen
Published: June 2020

Nonlinear viscoelasticity introduces an additional length scale in crack problems, giving a physical estimate for the size of the dissipative zone.
Theory of droplet ripening in stiffness gradients
Authors: Vidal-Henriquez Estefania , Zwicker David
Published: June 2020

We present a numerical and analytical analysis of elastic ripening, where droplets embedded in an elastic matrix are biased towards softer regions.
Three-dimensional structures and symmetry breaking in viscoelastic cross-channel flow
Authors: Qin Boyang , Ran Ranjiangshang , Salipante Paul F. , Hudson Steven D. , Arratia Paulo E.
Published: June 2020

Using holographic particle tracking, we report the three-dimensional flow structure organizing the viscoelastic instability in cross-channel flow.
Droplet impacts onto soft solids entrap more air
Authors: Langley Kenneth R. , Castrejón-Pita Alfonso A. , Thoroddsen Sigurdur T.
Published: June 2020

A liquid drop impacting onto a soft solid will entrap more air in the central air disc than an equivalent drop impacting onto a rigid surface.
Active targeting nano-scale bubbles enhanced ultrasound cavitation chemotherapy in Y1 receptor-overexpressed breast cancer
Authors: Qian Xuechen , Wang Yinjie , Xu Youfeng , Ma Ling , Xue Nianyu , Jiang Zhenqi , Cao Yi , Akakuru Ozioma Udochukwu , Li Juan , Zhang Shengmin , Wu Aiguo
Published: June 2020

Y1 receptor ligand-modified nanobubbles could target breast cancer cells and improve therapeutic efficacy with reduced side effects under ultrasound irradiation during chemotherapy.
Devising novel methods for the controlled synthesis with morphology and size control of scintillator materials
Authors: Hurley Nathaniel , Moretti Federico , Yan Hanfei , Bourret-Courchesne Edith , Chu Yong S. , Wong Stanislaus S.
Published: June 2020

Nanoscale scintillators represent an important class of materials underlying the functioning of high resolution, high ‘light yield’ radiation detection equipment, applicable for medicine in addition to security and environmental monitoring.
Copper oxide hierarchical morphology derived from MOF precursors for enhancing ethanol vapor sensing performance
Authors: Wang Sha , Gao Zhimin , Song Guoshuai , Yu Yantao , He Wenxiu , Li Linlin , Wang Tieqiang , Fan Fuqiang , Li Yunong , Zhang Liying , Zhang Xuemin , Fu Yu , Qi Wei
Published: June 2020

The structure–function relationship of CuO hierarchical morphologies in gas sensing has been revealed.
The SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin suppresses lipid synthesis and interleukin-1 beta in ApoE deficient mice
Authors: Day Emily A. , Ford Rebecca J. , Lu Jessie H. , Lu Rachel , Lundenberg Lucie , Desjardins Eric M. , Green Alex E. , Lally James S.V. , Schertzer Jonathan D. , Steinberg Gregory R.
Published: June 2020

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors such as canagliflozin lower blood glucose and reduce cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes through mechanisms that are not fully understood. Canagliflozin has been shown to increase the activity of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a metabolic energy sensor important for increasing fatty acid oxidation and energy expenditure and suppressing lipogenesis and inflammation, but whether AMPK activation is important for mediating some of the beneficial metabolic effects of canagliflozin has not been determined. We, therefore, evaluated the effects of canagliflozin in female ApoE−/− and ApoE−/−AMPK β1−/− mice fed a western diet. Canagliflozin increased fatty acid oxidation and energy expenditure and lowered adiposity, blood glucose and the respiratory exchange ratio independently of AMPK β1. Canagliflozin also suppressed liver lipid synthesis and the expression of ATP-citrate lyase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase and sterol response element-binding protein 1c independently of AMPK β1. Canagliflozin lowered circulating IL-1β and studies in bone marrow-derived macrophages indicated that in contrast with the metabolic adaptations, this effect required AMPK β1. Canagliflozin had no effect on the size of atherosclerotic plaques in either ApoE−/− and ApoE−/−AMPK β1−/− mice. Future studies investigating whether reductions in liver lipid synthesis and macrophage IL-1β are important for the cardioprotective effects of canagliflozin warrant further investigation.
MIR22HG regulates miR-486/PTEN axis in bladder cancer to promote cell proliferation
Authors: Tang Qisheng , Jiang Xue , Ma Shanjin , Wang Lei , Li Ruixiao , Ma Jianjun
Published: June 2020

The tumor suppressive role of MIR22HG has been studied in several types of cancer. We analyzed the TCGA dataset and found the down-regulation of MIR22HG in bladder cancer (BC). Bioinformatics analysis predicted the interaction between MIR22HG and miR-486. The direct interaction between MIR22HG and miR-486 was also confirmed by dual luciferase assay. However, overexpression of these two factors did not significantly affect the expression of each other. Interestingly, overexpression of MIR22HG led to up-regulated phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), which is a target of miR-486. In cell proliferation assay, overexpression of MIR22HG and PTEN led to decreased rates of BC cell proliferation. Moreover, overexpression of miR-486 played an opposite role and attenuated the effects of overexpression of MIR22HG and PTEN. Therefore, MIR22HG regulates miR-486/PTEN axis to promote cell proliferation in BC.
To study the effect of oxygen carrying capacity on expressed changes of erythrocyte membrane protein in different storage times
Authors: Wang Huan , Wei Han-Wei , Shen Hua-Chun , Li Zhen-Zhou , Cheng Yong , Duan Li-Shuang , Yin Lei , Yu Jun , Guo Jian-Rong
Published: June 2020

Erythrocyte membrane is crucial to maintain the stability of erythrocyte structure. The membrane protein on the surface of erythrocyte membrane enables erythrocyte to have plasticity and pass through the microcirculation without being blocked or destroyed. Decreased deformability of erythrocyte membrane protein will lead to a series of pathological and physiological changes such as tissue and organ ischemia and hypoxia. Therefore, this research collected 30 cases of healthy blood donors, and explored erythrocyte stored at different times relating indicators including effective oxygen uptake (Q), P50, 2,3-DPG, Na+-k+-ATP. Erythrocyte morphology was observed by electron microscopy. Western blot and immunofluorescence assay were used to detect membrane protein EPB41, S1P, GLTP, SPPL2A expression changes of erythrocyte. To explore the effective carry oxygen capacity of erythrocyte at different storage time resulting in the expression change of erythrocyte surface membrane protein.