bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA-based artificial molecular signaling system that mimics basic elements of reception and response
Authors: Peng Ruizi , Xu Liujun , Wang Huijing , Lyu Yifan , Wang Dan , Bi Cheng , Cui Cheng , Fan Chunhai , Liu Qiaoling , Zhang Xiaobing , Tan Weihong
Published: February 2020

In order to maintain tissue homeostasis, cells communicate with the outside environment by receiving molecular signals, transmitting them, and responding accordingly with signaling pathways. Thus, one key challenge in engineering molecular signaling systems involves the design and construction of different modules into a rationally integrated system that mimics the cascade of molecular events. Herein, we rationally design a DNA-based artificial molecular signaling system that uses the confined microenvironment of a giant vesicle, derived from a living cell. This system consists of two main components. First, we build an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-driven DNA nanogatekeeper. Second, we encapsulate a signaling network in the biomimetic vesicle, consisting of distinct modules, able to sequentially initiate a series of downstream reactions playing the roles of reception, transduction and response. Operationally, in the presence of ATP, nanogatekeeper switches from the closed to open state. The open state then triggers the sequential activation of confined downstream signaling modules.
Asian dust-storm activity dominated by Chinese dynasty changes since 2000 BP
Authors: Chen Fahu , Chen Shengqian , Zhang Xu , Chen Jianhui , Wang Xin , Gowan Evan J. , Qiang Mingrui , Dong Guanghui , Wang Zongli , Li Yuecong , Xu Qinghai , Xu Yangyang , Smol John P. , Liu Jianbao
Published: February 2020

The Asian monsoon (AM) played an important role in the dynastic history of China, yet it remains unknown whether AM-mediated shifts in Chinese societies affect earth surface processes to the point of exceeding natural variability. Here, we present a dust storm intensity record dating back to the first unified dynasty of China (the Qin Dynasty, 221–207 B.C.E.). Marked increases in dust storm activity coincided with unified dynasties with large populations during strong AM periods. By contrast, reduced dust storm activity corresponded to decreased population sizes and periods of civil unrest, which was co-eval with a weakened AM. The strengthened AM may have facilitated the development of Chinese civilizations, destabilizing the topsoil and thereby increasing the dust storm frequency. Beginning at least 2000 years ago, human activities might have started to overtake natural climatic variability as the dominant controls of dust storm activity in eastern China.
Ultra-thermostable RNA nanoparticles for solubilizing and high-yield loading of paclitaxel for breast cancer therapy
Authors: Guo Sijin , Vieweger Mario , Zhang Kaiming , Yin Hongran , Wang Hongzhi , Li Xin , Li Shanshan , Hu Shuiying , Sparreboom Alex , Evers B. Mark , Dong Yizhou , Chiu Wah , Guo Peixuan
Published: February 2020

Paclitaxel is widely used in cancer treatments, but poor water-solubility and toxicity raise serious concerns. Here we report an RNA four-way junction nanoparticle with ultra-thermodynamic stability to solubilize and load paclitaxel for targeted cancer therapy. Each RNA nanoparticle covalently loads twenty-four paclitaxel molecules as a prodrug. The RNA-paclitaxel complex is structurally rigid and stable, demonstrated by the sub-nanometer resolution imaging of cryo-EM. Using RNA nanoparticles as carriers increases the water-solubility of paclitaxel by 32,000-fold. Intravenous injections of RNA-paclitaxel nanoparticles with specific cancer-targeting ligand dramatically inhibit breast cancer growth, with nearly undetectable toxicity and immune responses in mice. No fatalities are observed at a paclitaxel dose equal to the reported LD50. The use of ultra-thermostable RNA nanoparticles to deliver chemical prodrugs addresses issues with RNA unfolding and nanoparticle dissociation after high-density drug loading. This finding provides a stable nano-platform for chemo-drug delivery as well as an efficient method to solubilize hydrophobic drugs.
Managing energy infrastructure to decarbonize industrial parks in China
Authors: Guo Yang , Tian Jinping , Chen Lyujun
Published: February 2020

Industrial parks are flourishing globally and are mostly equipped with a shareable energy infrastructure, which has a long service lifetime and thus locks in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We conducted a two-phase study to decarbonize Chinese industrial parks by targeting energy infrastructure. Firstly, a high-resolution geodatabase of energy infrastructure in 1604 industrial parks was established. These energy infrastructures largely featured heavy coal dependence, small capacities, cogeneration of heat and power, and were young in age. Cumulative GHG emissions, during their remaining lifetime, will reach 46.2 Gt CO2 equivalent(eq.); comparable to  the 11% of the 1.5 °C global carbon budget. Secondly, a vintage stock model was developed by tailoring countermeasures for each unit and implementing a cost-benefit analysis and life cycle assessment. Total GHG mitigation potential was quantified as 8%~16% relative to the baseline scenario with positive economic benefits. The synergistic reductions in freshwater consumption, SO2 emissions, and NOx emissions will stand at rates of 34~39%, 24%~31% and 10%~14%, respectively.
Gene therapy conversion of striatal astrocytes into GABAergic neurons in mouse models of Huntington’s disease
Authors: Wu Zheng , Parry Matthew , Hou Xiao-Yi , Liu Min-Hui , Wang Hui , Cain Rachel , Pei Zi-Fei , Chen Yu-Chen , Guo Zi-Yuan , Abhijeet Sambangi , Chen Gong
Published: February 2020

Huntington’s disease (HD) is caused by Huntingtin (Htt) gene mutation resulting in the loss of striatal GABAergic neurons and motor functional deficits. We report here an in vivo cell conversion technology to reprogram striatal astrocytes into GABAergic neurons in both R6/2 and YAC128 HD mouse models through AAV-mediated ectopic expression of NeuroD1 and Dlx2 transcription factors. We found that the astrocyte-to-neuron (AtN) conversion rate reached 80% in the striatum and >50% of the converted neurons were DARPP32+ medium spiny neurons. The striatal astrocyte-converted neurons showed action potentials and synaptic events, and projected their axons to the targeted globus pallidus and substantia nigra in a time-dependent manner. Behavioral analyses found that NeuroD1 and Dlx2-treated R6/2 mice showed a significant extension of life span and improvement of motor functions. This study demonstrates that in vivo AtN conversion may be a disease-modifying gene therapy to treat HD and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Publisher Correction: Direct electronetting of high-performance membranes based on self-assembled 2D nanoarchitectured networks
Authors: Zhang Shichao , Liu Hui , Tang Ning , Ge Jianlong , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Mass cytometry reveals cellular fingerprint associated with IgE+ peanut tolerance and allergy in early life
Authors: Neeland Melanie R. , Andorf Sandra , Manohar Monali , Dunham Diane , Lyu Shu-Chen , Dang Thanh D. , Peters Rachel L. , Perrett Kirsten P. , Tang Mimi L. K. , Saffery Richard , Koplin Jennifer J. , Nadeau Kari C.
Published: February 2020

IgE-mediated peanut allergic is common, often serious, and usually lifelong. Not all individuals who produce peanut-specific IgE will react upon consumption of peanut and can eat the food without adverse reactions, known as sensitized tolerance. Here, we employ high-dimensional mass cytometry to define the circulating immune cell signatures associated with sensitized tolerance and clinical allergy to peanut in the first year of life. Key features of clinical peanut allergic are increased frequency of activated B cells (CD19hiHLADRhi), overproduction of TNFα and increased frequency of peanut-specific memory CD4 T cells. Infants with sensitized tolerance display reduced frequency but hyper-responsive naive CD4 T cells and an increased frequency of plasmacytoid dendritic cells. This work demonstrates the utility and power of high-dimensional mass cytometry analysis to interrogate the cellular interactions that are associated with allergic sensitization and clinical food allergy in the first year of life.
Cerebellum-enriched protein INPP5A contributes to selective neuropathology in mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxias type 17
Authors: Liu Qiong , Huang Shanshan , Yin Peng , Yang Su , Zhang Jennifer , Jing Liang , Cheng Siying , Tang Beisha , Li Xiao-Jiang , Pan Yongcheng , Li Shihua
Published: February 2020

Spinocerebellar ataxias 17 (SCA17) is caused by polyglutamine (polyQ) expansion in the TATA box-binding protein (TBP). The selective neurodegeneration in the cerebellum in SCA17 raises the question of why ubiquitously expressed polyQ proteins can cause neurodegeneration in distinct brain regions in different polyQ diseases. By expressing mutant TBP in different brain regions in adult wild-type mice via stereotaxic injection of adeno-associated virus, we found that adult cerebellar neurons are particularly vulnerable to mutant TBP. In SCA17 knock-in mice, mutant TBP inhibits SP1-mediated gene transcription to down-regulate INPP5A, a protein that is highly abundant in the cerebellum. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of Inpp5a in the cerebellum of wild-type mice leads to Purkinje cell degeneration, and Inpp5a overexpression decreases inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) levels and ameliorates Purkinje cell degeneration in SCA17 knock-in mice. Our findings demonstrate the important contribution of a tissue-specific protein to the polyQ protein-mediated selective neuropathology.
A comparative genomics methodology reveals a widespread family of membrane-disrupting T6SS effectors
Authors: Fridman Chaya M. , Keppel Kinga , Gerlic Motti , Bosis Eran , Salomon Dor
Published: February 2020

Gram-negative bacteria deliver effectors via the type VI secretion system (T6SS) to outcompete their rivals. Each bacterial strain carries a different arsenal of effectors; the identities of many remain unknown. Here, we present an approach to identify T6SS effectors encoded in bacterial genomes of interest, without prior knowledge of the effectors’ domain content or genetic neighborhood. Our pipeline comprises a comparative genomics analysis followed by screening using a surrogate T6SS+ strain. Using this approach, we identify an antibacterial effector belonging to the T6SS1 of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, representing a widespread family of T6SS effectors sharing a C-terminal domain that we name Tme (Type VI membrane-disrupting effector). Tme effectors function in the periplasm where they intoxicate bacteria by disrupting membrane integrity. We believe our approach can be scaled up to identify additional T6SS effectors in various bacterial genera.
A toxin-antidote CRISPR gene drive system for regional population modification
Authors: Champer Jackson , Lee Esther , Yang Emily , Liu Chen , Clark Andrew G. , Messer Philipp W.
Published: February 2020

Engineered gene drives based on a homing mechanism could rapidly spread genetic alterations through a population. However, such drives face a major obstacle in the form of resistance against the drive. In addition, they are expected to be highly invasive. Here, we introduce the Toxin-Antidote Recessive Embryo (TARE) drive. It functions by disrupting a target gene, forming recessive lethal alleles, while rescuing drive-carrying individuals with a recoded version of the target. Modeling shows that such drives will have threshold-dependent invasion dynamics, spreading only when introduced above a fitness-dependent frequency. We demonstrate a TARE drive in Drosophila with 88-95% transmission by female heterozygotes. This drive was able to spread through a large cage population in just six generations following introduction at 24% frequency without any apparent evolution of resistance. Our results suggest that TARE drives constitute promising candidates for the development of effective, flexible, and regionally confinable drives for population modification.
Author Correction: A phenotypic and genomics approach in a multi-ethnic cohort to subtype systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Lanata Cristina M. , Paranjpe Ishan , Nititham Joanne , Taylor Kimberly E. , Gianfrancesco Milena , Paranjpe Manish , Andrews Shan , Chung Sharon A. , Rhead Brooke , Barcellos Lisa F. , Trupin Laura , Katz Patricia , Dall’Era Maria , Yazdany Jinoos , Sirota Marina , Criswell Lindsey A.
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
A multi-omics dataset of heat-shock response in the yeast RNA binding protein Mip6
Authors: Nuño-Cabanes Carme , Ugidos Manuel , Tarazona Sonia , Martín-Expósito Manuel , Ferrer Alberto , Rodríguez-Navarro Susana , Conesa Ana
Published: February 2020

Gene expression is a biological process regulated at different molecular levels, including chromatin accessibility, transcription, and RNA maturation and transport. In addition, these regulatory mechanisms have strong links with cellular metabolism. Here we present a multi-omics dataset that captures different aspects of this multi-layered process in yeast. We obtained RNA-seq, metabolomics, and H4K12ac ChIP-seq data for wild-type and mip6Δ strains during a heat-shock time course. Mip6 is an RNA-binding protein that contributes to RNA export during environmental stress and is informative of the contribution of post-transcriptional regulation to control cellular adaptations to environmental changes. The experiment was performed in quadruplicate, and the different omics measurements were obtained from the same biological samples, which facilitates the integration and analysis of data using covariance-based methods. We validate our dataset by showing that ChIP-seq, RNA-seq and metabolomics signals recapitulate existing knowledge about the response of ribosomal genes and the contribution of trehalose metabolism to heat stress. Raw data, processed data and preprocessing scripts are made available.
A multi-scale model for determining the effects of pathophysiology and metabolic disorders on tumor growth
Authors: Nikmaneshi Mohammad Reza , Firoozabadi Bahar , Mozafari Aliasghar , Munn Lance L.
Published: February 2020

The search for efficient chemotherapy drugs and other anti-cancer treatments would benefit from a deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and its role in tumor progression. Because in vivo experimental methods are unable to isolate or control individual factors of the TME and in vitro models often do not include all the contributing factors, some questions are best addressed with systems biology mathematical models. In this work, we present a new fully-coupled, agent-based, multi-scale mathematical model of tumor growth, angiogenesis and metabolism that includes important aspects of the TME spanning subcellular-, cellular- and tissue-level scales. The mathematical model is computationally implemented for a three-dimensional TME, and a double hybrid continuous-discrete (DHCD) method is applied to solve the governing equations. The model recapitulates the distinct morphological and metabolic stages of a solid tumor, starting with an avascular tumor and progressing through angiogenesis and vascularized tumor growth. To examine the robustness of the model, we simulated normal and abnormal blood conditions, including hyperglycemia/hypoglycemia, hyperoxemia/hypoxemia, and hypercarbia/hypocarbia – conditions common in cancer patients. The results demonstrate that tumor progression is accelerated by hyperoxemia, hyperglycemia and hypercarbia but inhibited by hypoxemia and hypoglycemia; hypocarbia had no appreciable effect. Because of the importance of interstitial fluid flow in tumor physiology, we also examined the effects of hypo- or hypertension, and the impact of decreased hydraulic conductivity common in desmoplastic tumors. The simulations show that chemotherapy-increased blood pressure, or reduction of interstitial hydraulic conductivity increase tumor growth rate and contribute to tumor malignancy.
Perceptual mechanisms of social affiliation in zebrafish
Authors: Nunes Ana Rita , Carreira Leonor , Anbalagan Savani , Blechman Janna , Levkowitz Gil , Oliveira Rui F.
Published: February 2020

Social living animals need to recognize the presence of conspecifics in the environment in order to engage in adaptive social interactions. Social cues can be detected through different sensory modalities, including vision. Two main visual features can convey information about the presence of conspecifics: body form and biological motion (BM). Given the role that oxytocin plays in social behavior regulation across vertebrates, particularly in the salience and reward values of social stimuli, we hypothesized that it may also be involved in the modulation of perceptual mechanisms for conspecific detection. Here, using videoplaybacks, we assessed the role of conspecific form and BM in zebrafish social affiliation, and how oxytocin regulates the perception of these cues. We demonstrated that while each visual cue is important for social attraction, BM promotes a higher fish engagement than the static conspecific form alone. Moreover, using a mutant line for one of the two oxytocin receptors, we show that oxytocin signaling is involved in the regulation of BM detection but not conspecific form recognition. In summary, our results indicate that, apart from oxytocin role in the regulation of social behaviors through its effect on higher-order cognitive mechanisms, it may regulate social behavior by modulating very basic perceptual mechanisms underlying the detection of socially-relevant cues.
Initial interaction of citrate-coated iron oxide nanoparticles with the glycocalyx of THP-1 monocytes assessed by real-time magnetic particle spectroscopy and electron microscopy
Authors: Poller Wolfram C. , Löwa Norbert , Schleicher Moritz , Münster-Wandowski Agnieszka , Taupitz Matthias , Stangl Verena , Ludwig Antje , Wiekhorst Frank
Published: February 2020

Interaction with biological material can alter physicochemical parameters of magnetic nanoparticles and might thereby change their magnetic behavior with potentially important implications for various nanoparticle applications. Little is known about changes of the magnetic behavior that occur during the initial phase of cell binding and uptake. We investigate the magnetic behavior of very small superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles (VSOP) during initial contact with THP-1 monocytes. We combine real-time magnetic particle spectroscopy (MPS), a fast and sensitive method for specific detection of magnetic nanoparticles in biological specimen with high-pressure-freezing/freeze-substitution transmission electron microscopy (HPF/FS-TEM), enabling us to generate snapshots of the interaction of VSOP with the cellular glycocalyx. MPS reveals significant changes of the dynamic magnetic behavior within seconds after VSOP injection into monocyte suspensions that correlate with the formation of nanoparticle clusters in the glycocalyx. The combination of real-time MPS and HPF/FS-TEM provides an ideal platform to analyze magnetic behaviors of nanoparticles upon interaction with cells and tissues.
Identifying relationships between imaging phenotypes and lung cancer-related mutation status: EGFR and KRAS
Authors: Pinheiro Gil , Pereira Tania , Dias Catarina , Freitas Cláudia , Hespanhol Venceslau , Costa José Luis , Cunha António , Oliveira Hélder P.
Published: February 2020

EGFR and KRAS are the most frequently mutated genes in lung cancer, being active research topics in targeted therapy. The biopsy is the traditional method to genetically characterise a tumour. However, it is a risky procedure, painful for the patient, and, occasionally, the tumour might be inaccessible. This work aims to study and debate the nature of the relationships between imaging phenotypes and lung cancer-related mutation status. Until now, the literature has failed to point to new research directions, mainly consisting of results-oriented works in a field where there is still not enough available data to train clinically viable models. We intend to open a discussion about critical points and to present new possibilities for future radiogenomics studies. We conducted high-dimensional data visualisation and developed classifiers, which allowed us to analyse the results for EGFR and KRAS biological markers according to different combinations of input features. We show that EGFR mutation status might be correlated to CT scans imaging phenotypes; however, the same does not seem to hold for KRAS mutation status. Also, the experiments suggest that the best way to approach this problem is by combining nodule-related features with features from other lung structures.
Segmental Bioelectrical Impedance Spectroscopy to Monitor Fluid Status in Heart Failure
Authors: Zink Matthias Daniel , König Fabienne , Weyer Sören , Willmes Klaus , Leonhardt Steffen , Marx Nikolaus , Napp Andreas
Published: February 2020

Bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) measures body composition, including fluid status. Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is associated with fluid overload in different body compartments. This investigation aimed to evaluate the feasibility of measuring and monitoring fluid accumulation in patients with ADHF using BIS. The extracellular impedance as a surrogate marker for fluid accumulation was measured in 67 participants (25 healthy reference volunteers and 42 patients admitted with ADHF) using BIS in the “transthoracic”, “foot-to-foot”, “whole-body” and “hand-to-hand” segments. At baseline, BIS showed significantly lower extracellular resistance values for the “whole-body” (P < 0.001), “foot-to-foot” (P = 0.03), “hand-to-hand” (P < 0.001) and “transthoracic” (P = 0.014) segments in patients with ADHF than the reference cohort, revealing a specific pattern for peripheral, central and general fluid accumulation. The “foot-to-foot” (AUC = 0.8, P < 0.001) and “hand-to-hand” (AUC = 0.74, P = 0.04) segments indicated compartments of fluid accumulation with good prediction. During cardiac recompensation, BIS values changed significantly and were in line with routine parameters for monitoring ADHF. Mean bodyweight change per day correlated moderately to good with BIS values in the “whole-body” (r = −0.4), “foot-to-foot” (r = −0.8) and “transthoracic” (r = −0.4) segments. Based on our analysis, we conclude that measuring and monitoring fluid accumulation in ADHF using segmental BIS is feasible and correlates with clinical parameters during recompensation.
Synthesis, characterization, and crystallization behaviors of poly(D-lactic acid)-based triblock copolymer
Authors: Wu Yifan , Li Lingtong , Chen Shaopeng , Qin Jun , Chen Xiaolang , Zhou Dengfeng , Wu Hong
Published: February 2020

Poly(D-lactic acid) (PDLA) with different polyethylene glycol (PEG) segment synthesized PDLA-PEG-PDLA triblock copolymer through the ring-opening reaction ofD-LA and PEG will be used as a toughening modifier. The microstructure, crystal structures and crystallization behaviors of this triblock copolymer were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscopy (POM). The triblock copolymer is synthesized from the appearance of CH2stretching vibration peak at 2910 cm−1and C-O stretching vibration peak at 1200 cm−1from PEG in FTIR spectra. Moreover, the chemical shift that is about 3.6 ppm in1H NMR and 68.8ppm in13C NMR proves this matter. The results of XRD and DSC reveal that PDLA and PEG are crystallized separately, and are not fully compatible, and microphase separation has occurred in this triblock copolymer. PEG can induce the triblock copolymer to accelerate the rate of crystallization, allowing it to crystallize more completely in the same amount of time. When the molecular weight of PEG is 6000 or the ratio ofD-LA/PEG is 1/1, the crystallizability of PDLA-PEG-PDLA triblock copolymer is the best.
Subcellular proteomics combined with bioenergetic phenotyping reveals protein biomarkers of respiratory insufficiency in the setting of proofreading-deficient mitochondrial polymerase
Authors: McLaughlin Kelsey L. , Kew Kimberly A. , McClung Joseph M. , Fisher-Wellman Kelsey H.
Published: February 2020

The mitochondrial mutator mouse is a well-established model of premature aging. In addition to accelerated aging, these mice develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at ~13 months of age, presumably due to overt mitochondrial dysfunction. Despite evidence of bioenergetic disruption within heart mitochondria, there is little information about the underlying changes to the mitochondrial proteome that either directly underly or predict respiratory insufficiency in mutator mice. Herein, nLC-MS/MS was used to interrogate the mitochondria-enriched proteome of heart and skeletal muscle of aged mutator mice. The mitochondrial proteome from heart tissue was then correlated with respiratory conductance data to identify protein biomarkers of respiratory insufficiency. The majority of downregulated proteins in mutator mitochondria were subunits of respiratory complexes I and IV, including both nuclear and mitochondrial-encoded proteins. Interestingly, the mitochondrial-encoded complex V subunits, were unchanged or upregulated in mutator mitochondria, suggesting a robustness to mtDNA mutation. Finally, the proteins most strongly correlated with respiratory conductance were PPM1K, NDUFB11, and C15orf61. These results suggest that mitochondrial mutator mice undergo a specific loss of mitochondrial complexes I and IV that limit their respiratory function independent of an upregulation of complex V. Additionally, the role of PPM1K in responding to mitochondrial stress warrants further exploration.
Early and Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Deformation in Essential Hypertension Patients by Using Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking
Authors: Liu Huina , Wang Jiajia , Pan Yukun , Ge Yinghui , Guo Zhiping , Zhao Shihua
Published: February 2020

The aims of the study were to identify subclinical global systolic function abnormalities and evaluate influencing factors associated with left ventricular (LV) strain parameters in hypertensive subjects using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging feature tracking (CMR-FT). The study enrolled 57 patients with essential hypertension (mean age: 43.04 ± 10.90 years; 35 males) and 26 healthy volunteers (mean age: 38.69 ± 10.44 years; 11 males) who underwent clinical evaluation and CMR examination. Compared with controls, hypertensive patients had significantly impaired myocardial strain values while ejection fraction (EF) did not differ. After multivariate regression analyses adjustment for confounders, the global radial strains (GRS) was independently associated with the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (β = −0.219, p = 0.009 and β = −0.224, p = 0.015, respectively; Adjusted R2 = 0.4); the global circumferential strains (GCS) was also independently associated with the MAP and LVMI (β = 0.084, p = 0.002 and β = 0.073, p = 0.01, respectively; Adjusted R2 = 0.439); the global longitudinal strains (GLS) was independently associated with the Age and MAP (β = 0.065, p = 0.021 and β = 0.077, p = 0.009, respectively; Adjusted R2 = 0.289). Myocardial strain can early detect the myocardial damage and may be an appropriate target for preventive strategies before abnormalities of EF.
The effect of sediment grain properties and porewater flow on microbial abundance and respiration in permeable sediments
Authors: Ahmerkamp Soeren , Marchant Hannah K , Peng Chao , Probandt David , Littmann Sten , Kuypers Marcel M. M. , Holtappels Moritz
Published: February 2020

Sandy sediments cover 50–60% of the continental shelves and are highly efficient bioreactors in which organic carbon is remineralized and inorganic nitrogen is reduced to N2. As such they seem to play an important role, buffering the open ocean from anthropogenic nitrogen inputs and likely remineralizing the vast amounts of organic matter formed in the highly productive surface waters. To date however, little is known about the interrelation between porewater transport, grain properties and microbial colonization and the consequences for remineralization rates in sandy sediments. To constrain the effect of theses factors on remineralization in silicate sands, we incubated North Sea sediments in flow-through reactors after separating into five different grain size fractions. Bulk sediment and sediment grain properties were measured along with microbial colonization and cell abundances, oxygen consumption and denitrification rates. Volumetric oxygen consumption ranged from 14 to 77 µmol O2 l−1 h−1 while nitrogen-loss via denitrification was between 3.7 and 8.4 µmol N l−1 h−1. Oxygen consumption and denitrification rates were linearly correlated to the microbial cell abundances, which ranged from 2.9 to 5.4·108 cells cm−3. We found, that cell abundance and consumption rates in sandy sediments are influenced (i) by the surface area available for microbial colonization and (ii) by the exposure of these surfaces to the solute-supplying porewater flow. While protective structures such as cracks and depressions promote microbial colonization, the oxygen demand is only met by good ventilation of these structures, which is supported by a high sphericity of the grains. Based on our results, spherical sand grains with small depressions, i.e. golf ball like structures, provide the optimal supporting mineral structure for microorganisms on continental shelves.
Mechanistic insights into the deleterious roles of Nasu-Hakola disease associated TREM2 variants
Authors: Dash Raju , Choi Ho Jin , Moon Il Soo
Published: February 2020

Recently, the critical roles played by genetic variants of TREM2 (Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells 2) in Alzheimer’s disease have been aggressively highlighted. However, few studies have focused on the deleterious roles of Nasu-Hakola disease (NHD) associated TREM2 variants. In order to get insights into the contributions made by these variants to neurodegeneration, we investigated the influences of four NHD associated TREM2 mutations (Y38C, W50C, T66M, and V126G) on loss-of-function, and followed this with in silico prediction and conventional molecular dynamics simulation. NHD mutations were predicted to be highly deleterious by eight different in silico bioinformatics tools and found to induce conformational changes by molecular dynamics simulation. As compared with the wild-type, the four variants produced substantial differences in the collective motions of loop regions, which not only promoted structural remodeling in the CDR2 (complementarity-determining region 2) loop but also in the CDR1 loop, by changing inter- and intra-loop hydrogen bonding networks. In addition, structural studies in a free energy landscape analysis showed that Y38, T66, and V126 are crucial for maintaining the structural features of CDR1 and CDR2 loops, and that mutations in these positions produced steric clashes and loss of ligand binding. These results showed the presence of mutations in the TREM2 ectodomain induced flexibility and caused structural alterations. Dynamical scenarios, as provided by the present study, may be critical to our understanding of the roles of these TREM2 mutations in neurodegenerative diseases.
Morphologic and electrophysiologic findings of retinal degeneration after intravitreal sodium iodate injection following vitrectomy in canines
Authors: Ahn So Min , Ahn Jungryul , Cha Seongkwang , Yun Cheolmin , Park Tae Kwann , Kim Young-Jin , Goo Yong Sook , Kim Seong-Woo
Published: February 2020

We developed and characterized a canine model of outer retinal degeneration induced by sodium iodate (SI) intravitreal injection after vitrectomy. In the preliminary study, we repeatedly injected SI intravitreally into the eyes of three canines to develop outer retinal degeneration two weeks after vitrectomy. Based on the preliminary study, a single dose of either 1.2 mg or 1.0 mg SI/0.05 mL was also injected (1.2 mg in n = 5 canines, 1.0 mg in n = 2 canines). Spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (OCT), electroretinography (ERG), and histological examinations were performed at baseline and following intravitreal injection. In the preliminary study, after a 0.5-mg SI injection and a 1.0-mg SI injection and after two 0.8-mg SI injections, retinal degeneration with retinal thinning was observed on OCT imaging. In the second study, after a single 1.0- or 1.2-mg SI injection, outer retinal degeneration was induced. All eyes showed diffuse outer retinal degeneration on OCT and a loss of both cone and rod responses in ERG. Histological examination also showed the loss of outer retinal layer. Intravitreally injected SI (1.0–1.2 mg) in a vitrectomized canine model induced outer retinal degeneration effectively, and could be evaluated through in vivo ophthalmic examination.
Author Correction: Comprehensive analysis of correlations among codon usage bias, gene expression, and substitution rate in Arachis duranensis and Arachis ipaënsis orthologs
Authors: Song Hui , Gao Hongjuan , Liu Jing , Tian Pei , Nan Zhibiao
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Applying Ultrashort Pulsed Direct Laser Interference Patterning for Functional Surfaces
Authors: Müller Daniel Wyn , Fox Tobias , Grützmacher Philipp G. , Suarez Sebastian , Mücklich Frank
Published: February 2020

Surface structures in the micro- and nanometre length scale exert a major influence on performance and functionality for many specialized applications in surface engineering. However, they are often limited to certain pattern scales and materials, depending on which processing technique is used. Likewise, the morphology of the topography is in complex relation to the utilized processing methodology. In this study, the generation of hierarchical surface structures in the micro- as well as the sub-micrometre scale was achieved on ceramic, polymer and metallic materials by utilizing Ultrashort Pulsed Direct Laser Interference Patterning (USP-DLIP). The morphologies of the generated patterns where examined in relation to the unique physical interaction of each material with ultrashort pulsed laser irradiation. In this context, the pattern formation on copper, CuZn37 brass and AISI 304 stainless steel was investigated in detail by means of a combination of experiment and simulation to understand the individual thermal interactions involved in USP-DLIP processing. Thereby, the pattern’s hierarchical topography could be tailored besides achieving higher process control in the production of patterns in the sub-µm range by USP-DLIP.
Author Correction: Transdermal delivery of nobiletin using ionic liquids
Authors: Hattori Tadashi , Tagawa Hiroki , Inai Makoto , Kan Toshiyuki , Kimura Shin-Ichiro , Itai Shigeru , Mitragotri Samir , Iwao Yasunori
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Controlling the emission frequency of graphene nanoribbon emitters based on spatially excited topological boundary states
Authors: Wu Xiaoyan , Wang Rulin , Liu Na , Zou Hao , Shao Bin , Shao Lei , Yam ChiYung
Published: February 2020

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) with atomically precise heterojunction interfaces are exploited as nanoscale light emitting devices with modulable emission frequencies.
New analytical tools for advanced mechanistic studies in catalysis: photoionization and photoelectron photoion coincidence spectroscopy
Authors: Hemberger Patrick , van Bokhoven Jeroen A. , Pérez-Ramírez Javier , Bodi Andras
Published: February 2020

How can we detect reactive and elusive intermediates in catalysis to unveil reaction mechanisms? In this mini review, we discuss novel photoionization tools to support this quest.
Discovery of the selenotantalate building block and its lanthanide derivatives: design, synthesis, and RhB decolorization properties
Authors: Wang Haiying , Sun Junjun , Ma Yachun , Li Chen , Li Nan , Ma Pengtao , Zhang Dongdi , Wang Guan , Wang Jingping , Niu Jingyang
Published: February 2020

Herein we present the first Se/Ta polyoxometalate and its lanthanide derivatives with good photocatalytic activity for the decolorization of RhB.
Effects of pH and electrolytes on the sheet-to-sheet aggregation mode of graphene oxide in aqueous solutions
Authors: Tang Huan , Zhang Shuyan , Huang Tinglin , Cui Fuyi , Xing Baoshan
Published: February 2020

Aggregation mode mediated by protonation and metal cations.
Validation of a novel direct-injection chemiluminescence-based method for N-nitrosamine analysis in advanced-treated recycled water, drinking water, and wastewater
Authors: Roback Shannon L. , Kodamatani Hitoshi , Fujioka Takahiro , Plumlee Megan H.
Published: February 2020

A novel method for N-nitrosamines analysis requiring significantly less time, labor and cost than standard methods is shown to have acceptable performance in multiple water matrices and yield similar results.
Anti-obesity effects of red seaweed, Plocamium telfairiae, in C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Lu Yu An , Lee Hyo Geun , Li Xining , Hyun Ji-Min , Kim Hyun-Soo , Kim Tae Hee , Kim Hye-Min , Lee Jeong Jun , Kang Min-Cheol , Jeon You-Jin
Published: February 2020

This study aimed to demonstrate the anti-obesity effect of Plocamium telfairiae (PT), a red seaweed.
Direct and rapid multi-element analysis of wine samples in their natural liquid state by laser ablation ICPMS
Authors: Liao Xiuhong , Luo Tao , Zhang Shenghua , Zhang Wen , Zong Keqing , Liu Yongsheng , Hu Zhaochu
Published: February 2020

This study presents for the first time laser ablation ICP-MS for direct multi-element analysis of wine samples without any pretreatment process.
Innovative approach for the production of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanosheets through highly efficient photocatalytic water splitting into hydrogen using metal organic framework (MOF)-nano TiO2 matrices as novel catalysts
Authors: Mohamed Rasha S. , Al Kahlawy Amal A. , El Naggar Ahmed M.A. , Gobara Heba M.
Published: February 2020

Novel photocatalyst for water conversion into pure hydrogen and carbon nanotubes as new advances in the process of water splitting.
Salt-assisted size-controlled synthesis and luminescence studies of single phase CaWO4:Dy3+: an insight into its morphological evolution, energy transfer and colour evaluation
Authors: Ningombam Goutam Singh , Khundrakpam Nehru Singh , Thiyam David Singh , Ningthoujam Raghumani Singh , Singh Nongmaithem Rajmuhon
Published: February 2020

The size of the particles of CaWO4:Dy3+ increases with the addition of NH4Cl/KCl electrolyte and enhances its luminescence.
A solvent- and catalyst-free tandem reaction: synthesis, and photophysical and biological applications of isoindoloquinazolinones
Authors: Bera Anirban , Ali Sk Asraf , Manna Susanta Kumar , Ikbal Mohammed , Misra Sandip , Saha Amit , Samanta Shubhankar
Published: February 2020

An easy green synthetic approach for fused isoindoloquinazolinones has been developed under neat reaction (yields up to 91%) conditions.
A promising photocatalyst for water-splitting reactions with a stable sandwiched P4O2/black phosphorus heterostructure and high solar-to-hydrogen efficiency
Authors: Lu Baichuan , Zheng Xiaoyan , Li Zesheng
Published: February 2020

The O-1-P system (product of three-layer oxidized black phosphorus) with high stability could be a great candidate as a photocatalyst for full water splitting, which has ultrahigh solar-to-hydrogen efficiency 22.77%.
LingZhi oligopeptides amino acid sequence analysis and anticancer potency evaluation
Authors: Liu Jie , Wang Huailing , Luo Qiang , Qiu Shuqi , He Zhendan , Liu Zhigang , Yang Liteng , Liu Xiaoyu , Sun Xizhuo
Published: February 2020

The LingZhi (Ganoderma lucidum) has been used as a therapeutic agent for decades, but the antitumor potency of LingZhi oligopeptides (LZOs) was not well explored. In current study, ten novel LZOs were amino acid sequence identified and anticancer potency evaluated.
Therapeutic lipid-coated hybrid nanoparticles against bacterial infections
Authors: Jiang Lai , Lee Hiang Wee , Loo Say Chye Joachim
Published: February 2020

Lipid-coated hybrid nanoparticles are next-generation core–shell structured nanodelivery systems, which improve the loading capabilities of therapeutics and can improve therapeutic delivery, especially for targeting biofilm-based and intracellular bacterial infections.
The synthesis of brominated-boron-doped PAHs by alkyne 1,1-bromoboration: mechanistic and functionalisation studies
Authors: Yuan K. , Kahan R. J. , Si C. , Williams A. , Kirschner S. , Uzelac M. , Zysman-Colman E. , Ingleson M. J.
Published: February 2020

The synthesis of a range of brominated-Bn-containing (n = 1, 2) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is achieved simply by reacting BBr3 with appropriately substituted alkynes via a bromoboration/electrophilic C–H borylation sequence.
In situ self-assembled Ag–Fe3O4 nanoclusters in exosomes for cancer diagnosis
Authors: Tayyaba  , Rehman Fawad Ur , Shaikh Sana , Tanziela  , Semcheddine Farouk , Du Tianyu , Jiang Hui , Wang Xuemei
Published: February 2020

We have utilized HepG2 cancer cells for the in situ biosynthesis of silver and iron oxide nanoclusters. The self-assembled nanoclusters loaded on exosomes could be utilized to bioimage cancer through fluorescence imaging.
Improved conductivity of carbonized polyimide by CO2laser graphitization
Authors: Biswas Ratul Kumar , Farid Nazar , O’Connor Gerard , Scully Patricia
Published: February 2020

Direct laser writing (DLW) is a fast and cost-effective technique for printing conductive structures on flexible substrates such as polyimide (PI) by the conversion of insulative PI to conductive carbon.
Label-free analytical performances of a peptide-based QCM biosensor for trypsin
Authors: Dong Zong-Mu , Cheng Lu , Zhang Ping , Zhao Guang-Chao
Published: February 2020

Peptide chains that can be specifically hydrolyzed by trypsin were synthesized and fabricated with Au NPs-MCA on a QCM electrode for the sensitive quantification of trypsin in a complex matrix.
Surface chemistry and growth mechanism of highly oriented, single crystalline Nb-doped TiO2 nanorods
Authors: Mokhtar S. M. , Ahmad M. K. , Harish S. , Hamed N. K. A. , Shimomura M.
Published: February 2020

The effect of the Nb doping on morphological changes in TiO2 nanorods by hydrothermal growth and its enhanced carrier transport were investigated. The nanorod diameter, film thickness, nucleation density, and photocurrent are discussed.
Tuning the electronic structures of monolayer triphosphides MP3 (M = Sn and Ge) for CO2 electroreduction through interface engineering: a theoretical prediction
Authors: Wang Zhongxu , Zhao Jingxiang
Published: February 2020

By DFT computations, SnP3 and GeP3 monolayers were identified as hopeful electrocatalysts with high-efficiency and high-selectivity for CO2 reduction by interface engineering with graphene, which is ascribed to the charge transfer at the interface.
Toward an understanding of electronic excitation energies beyond the molecular orbital picture
Authors: Kimber Patrick , Plasser Felix
Published: February 2020

Can we gain an intuitive understanding of excitation energies beyond the molecular picture?
Porous manganese oxides synthesized with natural products at room temperature: a superior humidity-tolerant catalyst for ozone decomposition
Authors: Li Lianxin , Zhang Pengyi , Cao Ranran
Published: February 2020

Porous cerium-doped manganese oxides have been facilely synthesized with dopamine and exhibit prominent activity and humidity tolerance for O3 decomposition.
Unraveling the effects on lithium-ion cathode performance by cation doping M–Li2CuO2 solid solution samples (M = Mn, Fe and Ni)
Authors: Martínez-Cruz M. A. , Yañez-Aulestia A. , Ramos-Sánchez G. , Oliver-Tolentino M. , Vera M. , Pfeiffer H. , Ramírez-Rosales D. , González I.
Published: February 2020

Manganese partial substitution reveals a drastic improvement in the electrochemical stability of Li2CuO2 during the charge/discharge processes, this is attributed to the increase in the superexchange interaction between copper sites and manganese.
Reagent controlled stereoselective synthesis of teichoic acid α-(1,2)-glucans
Authors: Wang Liming , Berni Francesca , Enotarpi Jacopo , Overkleeft Hermen S. , van der Marel Gijs , Codée Jeroen D. C.
Published: February 2020

Additive controlled glycosylation reactions are used for the construction of α-(1,2)-glucosidic linkages, such as those featuring in E. faecalis lipoteichoic acid.
Emulsion copolymerization of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) with perfluoromethyl vinyl ether (PMVE)
Authors: Reis da Cunha Fernando , Davidovich Irina , Talmon Yeshayahu , Ameduri Bruno
Published: February 2020

The radical emulsion copolymerization of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) with perfluoromethyl vinyl ether (PMVE), initiated by potassium persulfate in the presence or absence of a surfactant is presented.
Fast-response/stable Ni–Bi cells achieved using hollowed-out Bi@carbon nanospheres: a preferred electricity storage choice to couple with clean energy harvesting
Authors: Yao Jiajia , Li Linpo , Li Ning , Jiang Jian , Wang Yanlong , Zhu Jianhui
Published: February 2020

Fast-response/stable Ni–Bi cells achieved by hollowing-out Bi@carbon nanospheres are an improved electricity storage choice to couple with green energy harvesting.
Detection of four phenolic oestrogens by a novel electrochemical immunosensor based on a hexestrol monoclonal antibody
Authors: Zhao Guo-zheng , Wei Meng , Wang Ya-juan , Wang Xiu-wen , Zhao Hu , Shen Jian , Zhao Bo
Published: February 2020

A novel HEX monoclonal antibody/MACA/nanogold electrochemical immunosensor was constructed to detect four phenolic oestrogens by a nanosized effect, layer by layer self-assembly and antigen–antibody specific immune technology.
A design of flow electrolysis cell for ‘Home’ fabrication
Authors: Folgueiras-Amador Ana A. , Teuten Alex E. , Pletcher Derek , Brown Richard C. D.
Published: February 2020

Optimising the performance of a simple electrolysis flow cell design in recycle mode; application to selective anodic and cathodic electrosyntheses.
Humidity-resistive, elastic, transparent ion gel and its use in a wearable, strain-sensing device
Authors: Son Young Jun , Bae Jin Woo , Lee Ho Jung , Bae Seonghyun , Baik Seunghyun , Chun Kyoung-Yong , Han Chang-Soo
Published: February 2020

Novel hydrogel shows highly elastic, conductive, tough, transparent, humidity-resistive property which is useful for the wearable strain-sensing device.
Evolution of lithium ordering with (de)-lithiation in β-LiVOPO4: insights through solid-state NMR and first principles DFT calculations
Authors: Britto Sylvia , Seymour Ieuan D. , Halat David M. , Hidalgo Marc F. V. , Siu Carrie , Reeves Philip J. , Zhou Hui , Chernova Natasha A. , Whittingham M. Stanley , Grey Clare P.
Published: February 2020

Solid-state NMR combined with DFT calculations are used to characterise metastable phases formed during (electro)chemical lithiation of β-(Li)VOPO4.
Recent advances in doping engineering of black phosphorus
Authors: Hu Haiguo , Shi Zhe , Khan Karim , Cao Rui , Liang Weiyuan , Tareen Ayesha Khan , Zhang Ye , Huang Weichun , Guo Zhinan , Luo Xiaoling , Zhang Han
Published: February 2020

Black phosphorus (BP), as a typical layered two-dimensional (2D) material, has attracted tremendous attention due to its high carrier mobility, unique in-plane anisotropic structure and tunable direct bandgap.
Tumor-mediated shape-transformable nanogels with pH/redox/enzymatic-sensitivity for anticancer therapy
Authors: Zhou Dong , Liu Sainan , Hu Yongjun , Yang Shiwei , Zhao Bing , Zheng Kaikai , Zhang Yuhong , He Peixin , Mo Guoyan , Li Yulin
Published: February 2020

Tumor-mediated shape-cleavable nanogels can release drug-carrying ultrasmall nanovesicles through tumor tissue depth, which together with their pH/redox/enzymatic-multistimulative drug release smartness results in a synergistic antitumor efficacy.