bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polygenic risk score, psychosocial environment and the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Østergaard Søren D. , Trabjerg Betina B. , Als Thomas D. , Climent Clara Albiñana , Privé Florian , Vilhjálmsson Bjarni Jóhann , Bækvad-Hansen Marie , Bybjerg-Grauholm Jonas , Hougaard David M. , Nordentoft Merete , Werge Thomas , Demontis Ditte , Mortensen Preben B. , Børglum Anders D. , Mors Ole , Agerbo Esben
Published: October 2020

The objective of the present study was to investigate whether the polygenic liability for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the psychosocial environment impact the risk of ADHD in interaction or independently of each other. We conducted a register- and biobank-based cohort study of 13,725 individuals with ADHD and 20,147 randomly drawn population-based controls. These 33,872 cohort members were genotyped on the Infinium PsychChip v1.0 array (Illumina). Subsequently, we calculated the polygenic risk score (PRS) for ADHD and extracted register data regarding the following risk factors pertaining to the psychosocial environment for each cohort member at the time of birth: maternal/paternal history of mental disorders, maternal/paternal education, maternal/paternal work status, and maternal/paternal income. We used logistic regression analyses to assess the main effects of the PRS for ADHD and the psychosocial environment on the risk of ADHD. Subsequently, we evaluated whether the effect of the PRS and the psychosocial environment act independently or in interaction upon the risk of ADHD. We found that ADHD was strongly associated with the PRS (odds ratio: 6.03, 95%CI: 4.74–7.70 for highest vs. lowest 2% liability). All risk factors pertaining to the psychosocial environment were associated with an increased risk of ADHD. These associations were only slightly attenuated after mutual adjustments. We found no statistically significant interaction between the polygenic liability and the psychosocial environment upon the risk of ADHD. In conclusion, we found main effects of both polygenic liability and risk factors pertaining to the psychosocial environment on the risk of ADHD—in the expected direction.
Epigenetic silencing of CDKN1A and CDKN2B by SNHG1 promotes the cell cycle, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition progression of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Bei , Li Ang , You Zhen , Xu Jingchang , Zhu Sha
Published: October 2020

Enhanced SNHG1 (small nucleolar RNA host gene 1) expression has been found to play a critical role in the initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with its detailed mechanism largely unknown. In this study, we show that SNHG1 promotes the HCC progression through epigenetically silencing CDKN1A and CDKN2B in the nucleus, and competing with CDK4 mRNA for binding miR-140-5p in the cytoplasm. Using bioinformatics analyses, we found hepatocarcinogenesis is particularly associated with dysregulated expression of SNHG1 and activation of the cell cycle pathway. SNHG1 was upregulated in HCC tissues and cells, and its knockdown significantly inhibited HCC cell cycle, growth, metastasis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) both in vitro and in vivo. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and RNA immunoprecipitation assays demonstrate that SNHG1 inhibit the transcription of CDKN1A and CDKN2B through enhancing EZH2 mediated-H3K27me3 in the promoter of CDKN1A and CDKN2B, thus resulting in the de-repression of the cell cycle. Dual-luciferase assay and RNA pulldown revealed that SNHG1 promotes the expression of CDK4 by competitively binding to miR-140-5p. In conclusion, we propose that SNHG1 formed a regulatory network to confer an oncogenic function in HCC and SNHG1 may serve as a potential target for HCC diagnosis and treatment.
Real-world data from a molecular tumor board demonstrates improved outcomes with a precision N-of-One strategy
Authors: Kato Shumei , Kim Ki Hwan , Lim Hyo Jeong , Boichard Amelie , Nikanjam Mina , Weihe Elizabeth , Kuo Dennis J. , Eskander Ramez N. , Goodman Aaron , Galanina Natalie , Fanta Paul T. , Schwab Richard B. , Shatsky Rebecca , Plaxe Steven C. , Sharabi Andrew , Stites Edward , Adashek Jacob J. , Okamura Ryosuke , Lee Suzanna , Lippman Scott M. , Sicklick Jason K. , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: October 2020

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) can identify novel cancer targets. However, interpreting the molecular findings and accessing drugs/clinical trials is challenging. Furthermore, many tumors show resistance to monotherapies. To implement a precision strategy, we initiated a multidisciplinary (basic/translational/clinical investigators, bioinformaticians, geneticists, and physicians from multiple specialties) molecular tumor board (MTB), which included a project manager to facilitate obtaining clinical-grade biomarkers (blood/tissue NGS, specific immunohistochemistry/RNA expression including for immune-biomarkers, per physician discretion) and medication-acquisition specialists/clinical trial coordinators/navigators to assist with medication access. The MTB comprehensively reviewed patient characteristics to develop N-of-One treatments implemented by the treating physician’s direction under the auspices of a master protocol. Overall, 265/429 therapy-evaluable patients (62%) were matched to ≥1 recommended drug. Eighty-six patients (20%) matched to all drugs recommended by MTB, including combinatorial approaches, while 38% received physician’s choice regimen, generally with unmatched approach/low degree of matching. Our results show that patients who receive MTB-recommended regimens (versus physician choice) have significantly longer progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and are better matched to therapy. High (≥50%) versus low (<50%) Matching Score therapy (roughly reflecting therapy matched to ≥50% versus <50% of alterations) independently correlates with longer PFS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.50–0.80;P < 0.001) and OS (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.50–0.90;P = 0.007) and higher stable disease ≥6 months/partial/complete remission rate (52.1% versus 30.4%P < 0.001) (all multivariate). In conclusion, patients who receive MTB-based therapy are better matched to their genomic alterations, and the degree of matching is an independent predictor of improved oncologic outcomes including survival.
Exploiting two-dimensional morphology of molybdenum oxycarbide to enable efficient catalytic dry reforming of methane
Authors: Kurlov Alexey , Deeva Evgeniya B. , Abdala Paula M. , Lebedev Dmitry , Tsoukalou Athanasia , Comas-Vives Aleix , Fedorov Alexey , Müller Christoph R.
Published: October 2020

The two-dimensional morphology of molybdenum oxycarbide (2D-Mo2COx) nanosheets dispersed on silica is found vital for imparting high stability and catalytic activity in the dry reforming of methane. Here we report that owing to the maximized metal utilization, the specific activity of 2D-Mo2COx/SiO2 exceeds that of other Mo2C catalysts by ca. 3 orders of magnitude. 2D-Mo2COx is activated by CO2, yielding a surface oxygen coverage that is optimal for its catalytic performance and a Mo oxidation state of ca. +4. According to ab initio calculations, the DRM proceeds on Mo sites of the oxycarbide nanosheet with an oxygen coverage of 0.67 monolayer. Methane activation is the rate-limiting step, while the activation of CO2 and the C–O coupling to form CO are low energy steps. The deactivation of 2D-Mo2COx/SiO2 under DRM conditions can be avoided by tuning the contact time, thereby preventing unfavourable oxygen surface coverages.
Solid state chemistry for developing better metal-ion batteries
Authors: Abakumov Artem M. , Fedotov Stanislav S. , Antipov Evgeny V. , Tarascon Jean-Marie
Published: October 2020

Metal-ion batteries are key enablers in today’s transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy for a better planet with ingeniously designed materials being the technology driver. A central question remains how to wisely manipulate atoms to build attractive structural frameworks of better electrodes and electrolytes for the next generation of batteries. This review explains the underlying chemical principles and discusses progresses made in the rational design of electrodes/solid electrolytes by thoroughly exploiting the interplay between composition, crystal structure and electrochemical properties. We highlight the crucial role of advanced diffraction, imaging and spectroscopic characterization techniques coupled with solid state chemistry approaches for improving functionality of battery materials opening emergent directions for further studies.
Phylogenomic analysis sheds light on the evolutionary pathways towards acoustic communication in Orthoptera
Authors: Song Hojun , Béthoux Olivier , Shin Seunggwan , Donath Alexander , Letsch Harald , Liu Shanlin , McKenna Duane D. , Meng Guanliang , Misof Bernhard , Podsiadlowski Lars , Zhou Xin , Wipfler Benjamin , Simon Sabrina
Published: October 2020

Acoustic communication is enabled by the evolution of specialised hearing and sound producing organs. In this study, we performed a large-scale macroevolutionary study to understand how both hearing and sound production evolved and affected diversification in the insect order Orthoptera, which includes many familiar singing insects, such as crickets, katydids, and grasshoppers. Using phylogenomic data, we firmly establish phylogenetic relationships among the major lineages and divergence time estimates within Orthoptera, as well as the lineage-specific and dynamic patterns of evolution for hearing and sound producing organs. In the suborder Ensifera, we infer that forewing-based stridulation and tibial tympanal ears co-evolved, but in the suborder Caelifera, abdominal tympanal ears first evolved in a non-sexual context, and later co-opted for sexual signalling when sound producing organs evolved. However, we find little evidence that the evolution of hearing and sound producing organs increased diversification rates in those lineages with known acoustic communication.
A compendium of DNA-binding specificities of transcription factors in Pseudomonas syringae
Authors: Fan Ligang , Wang Tingting , Hua Canfeng , Sun Wenju , Li Xiaoyu , Grunwald Lucas , Liu Jingui , Wu Nan , Shao Xiaolong , Yin Yimeng , Yan Jian , Deng Xin
Published: October 2020

Pseudomonas syringae is a Gram-negative and model pathogenic bacterium that causes plant diseases worldwide. Here, we set out to identify binding motifs for all 301 annotated transcription factors (TFs) of P. syringae using HT-SELEX. We successfully identify binding motifs for 100 TFs. We map functional interactions between the TFs and their targets in virulence-associated pathways, and validate many of these interactions and functions using additional methods such as ChIP-seq, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), RT-qPCR, and reporter assays. Our work identifies 25 virulence-associated master regulators, 14 of which had not been characterized as TFs before.
Cryo-EM structure of a Ca2+-bound photosynthetic LH1-RC complex containing multiple αβ-polypeptides
Authors: Tani Kazutoshi , Kanno Ryo , Makino Yuki , Hall Malgorzata , Takenouchi Mizuki , Imanishi Michie , Yu Long-Jiang , Overmann Jörg , Madigan Michael T. , Kimura Yukihiro , Mizoguchi Akira , Humbel Bruno M. , Wang-Otomo Zheng-Yu
Published: October 2020

The light-harvesting-reaction center complex (LH1-RC) from the purple phototrophic bacterium Thiorhodovibrio strain 970 exhibits an LH1 absorption maximum at 960 nm, the most red-shifted absorption for any bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) a-containing species. Here we present a cryo-EM structure of the strain 970 LH1-RC complex at 2.82 Å resolution. The LH1 forms a closed ring structure composed of sixteen pairs of the αβ-polypeptides. Sixteen Ca ions are present in the LH1 C-terminal domain and are coordinated by residues from the αβ-polypeptides that are hydrogen-bonded to BChl a. The Ca2+-facilitated hydrogen-bonding network forms the structural basis of the unusual LH1 redshift. The structure also revealed the arrangement of multiple forms of α- and β-polypeptides in an individual LH1 ring. Such organization indicates a mechanism of interplay between the expression and assembly of the LH1 complex that is regulated through interactions with the RC subunits inside.
D-serine mitigates cell loss associated with temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Beesley Stephen , Sullenberger Thomas , Crotty Kathryn , Ailani Roshan , D’Orio Cameron , Evans Kimberly , Ogunkunle Emmanuel O. , Roper Michael G. , Kumar Sanjay S.
Published: October 2020

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common type of drug-resistant epilepsy in adults, with an unknown etiology. A hallmark of TLE is the characteristic loss of layer 3 neurons in the medial entorhinal area (MEA) that underlies seizure development. One approach to intervention is preventing loss of these neurons through better understanding of underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Here, we show that both neurons and glia together give rise to the pathology that is mitigated by the amino acid D-serine whose levels are potentially diminished under epileptic conditions. Focal administration of D-serine to the MEA attenuates neuronal loss in this region thereby preventing epileptogenesis in an animal model of TLE. Additionally, treatment with D-serine reduces astrocyte counts in the MEA, alters their reactive status, and attenuates proliferation and/or infiltration of microglia to the region thereby curtailing the deleterious consequences of neuroinflammation. Given the paucity of compounds that reduce hyperexcitability and neuron loss, have anti-inflammatory properties, and are well tolerated by the brain, D-serine, an endogenous amino acid, offers new hope as a therapeutic agent for refractory TLE.
A defect-resistant Co–Ni superalloy for 3D printing
Authors: Murray Sean P. , Pusch Kira M. , Polonsky Andrew T. , Torbet Chris J. , Seward Gareth G. E. , Zhou Ning , Forsik Stéphane A. J. , Nandwana Peeyush , Kirka Michael M. , Dehoff Ryan R. , Slye William E. , Pollock Tresa M.
Published: October 2020

Additive manufacturing promises a major transformation of the production of high economic value metallic materials, enabling innovative, geometrically complex designs with minimal material waste. The overarching challenge is to design alloys that are compatible with the unique additive processing conditions while maintaining material properties sufficient for the challenging environments encountered in energy, space, and nuclear applications. Here we describe a class of high strength, defect-resistant 3D printable superalloys containing approximately equal parts of Co and Ni along with Al, Cr, Ta and W that possess strengths in excess of 1.1 GPa in as-printed and post-processed forms and tensile ductilities of greater than 13% at room temperature. These alloys are amenable to crack-free 3D printing via electron beam melting (EBM) with preheat as well as selective laser melting (SLM) with limited preheat. Alloy design principles are described along with the structure and properties of EBM and SLM CoNi-base materials.
Early prediction of disease progression in COVID-19 pneumonia patients with chest CT and clinical characteristics
Authors: Feng Zhichao , Yu Qizhi , Yao Shanhu , Luo Lei , Zhou Wenming , Mao Xiaowen , Li Jennifer , Duan Junhong , Yan Zhimin , Yang Min , Tan Hongpei , Ma Mengtian , Li Ting , Yi Dali , Mi Ze , Zhao Huafei , Jiang Yi , He Zhenhu , Li Huiling , Nie Wei , Liu Yin , Zhao Jing , Luo Muqing , Liu Xuanhui , Rong Pengfei , Wang Wei
Published: October 2020

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread to become a worldwide emergency. Early identification of patients at risk of progression may facilitate more individually aligned treatment plans and optimized utilization of medical resource. Here we conducted a multicenter retrospective study involving patients with moderate COVID-19 pneumonia to investigate the utility of chest computed tomography (CT) and clinical characteristics to risk-stratify the patients. Our results show that CT severity score is associated with inflammatory levels and that older age, higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and CT severity score on admission are independent risk factors for short-term progression. The nomogram based on these risk factors shows good calibration and discrimination in the derivation and validation cohorts. These findings have implications for predicting the progression risk of COVID-19 pneumonia patients at the time of admission. CT examination may help risk-stratification and guide the timing of admission.
Bacterial nanotubes as a manifestation of cell death
Authors: Pospíšil Jiří , Vítovská Dragana , Kofroňová Olga , Muchová Katarína , Šanderová Hana , Hubálek Martin , Šiková Michaela , Modrák Martin , Benada Oldřich , Barák Imrich , Krásný Libor
Published: October 2020

Bacterial nanotubes are membranous structures that have been reported to function as conduits between cells to exchange DNA, proteins, and nutrients. Here, we investigate the morphology and formation of bacterial nanotubes using Bacillus subtilis. We show that nanotube formation is associated with stress conditions, and is highly sensitive to the cells’ genetic background, growth phase, and sample preparation methods. Remarkably, nanotubes appear to be extruded exclusively from dying cells, likely as a result of biophysical forces. Their emergence is extremely fast, occurring within seconds by cannibalizing the cell membrane. Subsequent experiments reveal that cell-to-cell transfer of non-conjugative plasmids depends strictly on the competence system of the cell, and not on nanotube formation. Our study thus supports the notion that bacterial nanotubes are a post mortem phenomenon involved in cell disintegration, and are unlikely to be involved in cytoplasmic content exchange between live cells.
Regional impacts of electricity system transition in Central Europe until 2035
Authors: Sasse Jan-Philipp , Trutnevyte Evelina
Published: October 2020

Achieving current electricity sector targets in Central Europe (Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Poland and Switzerland) will redistribute regional benefits and burdens at sub-national level. Limiting emerging regional inequalities would foster the implementation success. We model one hundred scenarios of electricity generation, storage and transmission for 2035 in these countries for 650 regions and quantify associated regional impacts on system costs, employment, greenhouse gas and particulate matter emissions, and land use. We highlight tradeoffs among the scenarios that minimize system costs, maximize regional equality, and maximize renewable electricity generation. Here, we show that these three aims have vastly different implementation pathways as well as associated regional impacts and cannot be optimized simultaneously. Minimizing system costs leads to spatially-concentrated impacts. Maximizing regional equality of system costs has higher, but more evenly distributed impacts. Maximizing renewable electricity generation contributes to minimizing regional inequalities, although comes at higher costs and land use impacts.
Author Correction: Analysis of laser radiation using the Nonlinear Fourier transform
Authors: Sugavanam Srikanth , Kopae Morteza Kamalian , Peng Junsong , Prilepsky Jaroslaw E. , Turitsyn Sergei K.
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Identification of the phytobioactive Polygonum cuspidatum as an antiviral source for restricting dengue virus entry
Authors: Kuo Yu-Ting , Liu Ching-Hsuan , Li Jin-Wei , Lin Chien-Ju , Jassey Alagie , Wu Huey-Nan , Perng Guey Chuen , Yen Ming-Hong , Lin Liang-Tzung
Published: October 2020

Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-borne pathogen that is becoming a serious global threat, owing to its rising incidence in inter-tropical regions that yield over 50 million annual infections. There are currently no approved antiviral agents for the management of dengue, and recent shortcomings in its immunization called for immediate action to develop effective drugs with prophylactic ability to better manage its infection. In an attempt to discover novel antiviral sources, we identified the medicinal herb Polygonum cuspidatum (PC) as a bioactive botanical material against DENV infectivity. Specifically, the methanolic extract from PC rhizomes (PCME) potently inhibited DENV infection without causing significant cytotoxicity. Further examination on the viral life cycle demonstrated that PCME particularly targeted the initial stages of DENV infection, while pre- and post-infection treatments had no effect. More importantly, the PCME could efficiently inactivate DENV free virus particles and block the viral attachment and entry/fusion events without apparently influencing viral replication, egress, and cell-to-cell spread. The antiviral effect of PCME was also recapitulated in infection analysis using DENV pseudoparticles displaying viral structural proteins that mediate DENV particle entry. Besides, PCME treatment also inhibited direct DENV entry into several cell types relevant to its infection and reduced viral infectivity of other members of the Flaviviridae family, including the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Zika virus (ZIKV). Due to its potency against DENV entry, we suggest that the phytobioactive extract from PC is an excellent starting point as an antiviral source material for further development of therapeutic strategies in the prophylactic management of DENV infection.
Imitation in Angelman syndrome: the role of social engagement
Authors: Micheletti Serena , Vivanti Giacomo , Renzetti Stefano , Martelli Paola , Calza Stefano ,   “Imitation in Angelman” Study Group, Accorsi Patrizia , Alessandrini Anna , D’Adda Nicole , De Simone Micaela , Ferrari Laura , Foresti Valentina , Galli Jessica , Giordano Lucio , Scarano Elisa , Strobio Caterina , Fazzi Elisa
Published: October 2020

Individuals with Angelman syndrome (AS) are characterized by severe cognitive impairments alongside an enhanced drive for social engagement. As knowledge on imitation skills in this population is limited, we conducted the first controlled study of imitation in AS. We examined how 23 individuals with AS and 21 typically developing young children with similar mental age imitated novel actions in response to socially or non-socially engaging models, and in response to video-recorded versus live demonstrations of novel actions. Individuals with AS imitated as frequently and as accurately as typical young children in response to live demonstrations; but they imitated less frequently and less accurately in response to video-recorded demonstrations. Further, imitation was modulated by whether the demonstrator was socially engaging or emotionally neutral in the AS group, while this modulation was not present in the comparison group. Individuals with higher mental age imitated more frequently and more accurately across groups. Imitation performance in AS appears to be more modulated by the social context compared to typical infants and young children with similar mental age, possibly reflecting an enhanced drive for social engagement. A socially engaging instructional style might facilitate imitative learning in this population.
Rethinking swimming performance tests for bottom-dwelling fish: the case of European glass eel (Anguilla anguilla)
Authors: Vezza P. , Libardoni F. , Manes C. , Tsuzaki T. , Bertoldi W. , Kemp P. S.
Published: October 2020

Systematic experiments on European eel (Anguilla anguilla) in their juvenile, early life stage (glass eel), were conducted to provide new insights on the fish swimming performance and propose a framework of analysis to design swimming-performance experiments for bottom-dwelling fish. In particular, we coupled experimental and computational fluid dynamics techniques to: (i) accommodate glass eel burst-and-coast swimming mode and estimate the active swimming time (tac), not considering coast and drift periods, (ii) estimate near-bottom velocities (Ub) experienced by the fish, rather than using bulk averages (U), (iii) investigate water temperature (T) influence on swimming ability, and (iv) identify a functional relation between Ub, tac and T. Results showed that burst-and-coast swimming mode was increasingly adopted by glass eel, especially when U was higher than 0.3 ms-1. Using U rather than Ub led to an overestimation of the fish swimming performance from 18 to 32%, on average. Under the range of temperatures analyzed (from 8 to 18 °C), tac was strongly influenced and positively related to T. As a final result, we propose a general formula to link near-bottom velocity, water temperature and active swimming time which can be useful in ecological engineering applications and reads as $${\rm{U}}_{\rm{b}}=0.174\cdot \left({{\rm{t}}_{\rm{ac}}}^{-0.36}\cdot {\rm{T}}^{0.77}\right)$$

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Interaction of protocadherin-15 with the scaffold protein whirlin supports its anchoring of hair-bundle lateral links in cochlear hair cells
Authors: Michel Vincent , Pepermans Elise , Boutet de Monvel Jacques , England Patrick , Nouaille Sylvie , Aghaie Alain , Delhommel Florent , Wolff Nicolas , Perfettini Isabelle , Hardelin Jean-Pierre , Petit Christine , Bahloul Amel
Published: October 2020

The hair bundle of cochlear hair cells is the site of auditory mechanoelectrical transduction. It is formed by three rows of stiff microvilli-like protrusions of graduated heights, the short, middle-sized, and tall stereocilia. In developing and mature sensory hair cells, stereocilia are connected to each other by various types of fibrous links. Two unconventional cadherins, protocadherin-15 (PCDH15) and cadherin-23 (CDH23), form the tip-links, whose tension gates the hair cell mechanoelectrical transduction channels. These proteins also form transient lateral links connecting neighboring stereocilia during hair bundle morphogenesis. The proteins involved in anchoring these diverse links to the stereocilia dense actin cytoskeleton remain largely unknown. We show that the long isoform of whirlin (L-whirlin), a PDZ domain-containing submembrane scaffold protein, is present at the tips of the tall stereocilia in mature hair cells, together with PCDH15 isoforms CD1 and CD2; L-whirlin localization to the ankle-link region in developing hair bundles moreover depends on the presence of PCDH15-CD1 also localizing there. We further demonstrate that L-whirlin binds to PCDH15 and CDH23 with moderate-to-high affinities in vitro. From these results, we suggest that L-whirlin is part of the molecular complexes bridging PCDH15-, and possibly CDH23-containing lateral links to the cytoskeleton in immature and mature stereocilia.
Functional parcellation of the hippocampus by semi-supervised clustering of resting state fMRI data
Authors: Cheng Hewei , Zhu Hancan , Zheng Qiang , Liu Jie , He Guanghua
Published: October 2020

Many unsupervised methods are widely used for parcellating the brain. However, unsupervised methods aren’t able to integrate prior information, obtained from such as exiting functional neuroanatomy studies, to parcellate the brain, whereas the prior information guided semi-supervised method can generate more reliable brain parcellation. In this study, we propose a novel semi-supervised clustering method for parcellating the brain into spatially and functionally consistent parcels based on resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. Particularly, the prior supervised and spatial information is integrated into spectral clustering to achieve reliable brain parcellation. The proposed method has been validated in the hippocampus parcellation based on resting state fMRI data of 20 healthy adult subjects. The experimental results have demonstrated that the proposed method could successfully parcellate the hippocampus into head, body and tail parcels. The distinctive functional connectivity patterns of these parcels have further demonstrated the validity of the parcellation results. The effects of aging on the three hippocampus parcels’ functional connectivity were also explored across the healthy adult subjects. Compared with state-of-the-art methods, the proposed method had better performance on functional homogeneity. Furthermore, the proposed method had good test–retest reproducibility validated by parcellating the hippocampus based on three repeated resting state fMRI scans from 24 healthy adult subjects.
Early neurotransmission impairment in non-invasive Alzheimer Disease detection
Authors: Peña-Bautista Carmen , Torres-Cuevas Isabel , Baquero Miguel , Ferrer Inés , García Lorena , Vento Máximo , Cháfer-Pericás Consuelo
Published: October 2020

Alzheimer Disease (AD) is a pathology suffered by millions of people worldwide and it has a great social and economic impact. Previous studies reported a relationship between alterations in different amino acids and derivatives involved in neurotransmission systems and cognitive impairment. Therefore, in this study the neurotransmission impairment associated to early AD has been evaluated. For this purpose, different amino acids and derivatives were determined in saliva samples from AD patients and healthy subjects, by means of an analytical method based on chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Results showed statistically significant differences in salivary levels for the compounds myo-inositol, creatine and acetylcholine; and other compounds (myo-inositol, glutamine, creatine, acetylcholine) showed significant correlations with some cognitive tests scores. Therefore, these compounds were included in a multivariate analysis and the corresponding diagnosis model showed promising indices (AUC 0.806, sensitivity 61%, specificity 92%). In conclusion, some amino acids and derivatives involved in neurotransmission impairment could be potential biomarkers in early and non-invasive AD detection.
Glycosylation of Trypanosoma cruzi TcI antigen reveals recognition by chagasic sera
Authors: Murphy Niamh , Rooney Barrie , Bhattacharyya Tapan , Triana-Chavez Omar , Krueger Anja , Haslam Stuart M. , O’Rourke Victoria , Pańczuk Magdalena , Tsang Jemima , Bickford-Smith Jack , Gilman Robert H. , Tetteh Kevin , Drakeley Chris , Smales C. Mark , Miles Michael A.
Published: October 2020

Chagas disease is considered the most important parasitic disease in Latin America. The protozoan agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, comprises six genetic lineages, TcI-TcVI. Genotyping to link lineage(s) to severity of cardiomyopathy and gastrointestinal pathology is impeded by the sequestration and replication of T. cruzi in host tissues. We describe serology specific for TcI, the predominant lineage north of the Amazon, based on expression of recombinant trypomastigote small surface antigen (gTSSA-I) in the eukaryote Leishmania tarentolae, to allow realistic glycosylation and structure of the antigen. Sera from TcI-endemic regions recognised gTSSA-I (74/146; 50.7%), with no cross reaction with common components of gTSSA-II/V/VI recombinant antigen. Antigenicity was abolished by chemical (periodate) oxidation of gTSSA-I glycosylation but retained after heat-denaturation of conformation. Conversely, non-specific recognition of gTSSA-I by non-endemic malaria sera was abolished by heat-denaturation. TcI-specific serology facilitates investigation between lineage and diverse clinical presentations. Glycosylation cannot be ignored in the search for immunogenic antigens.
Lobar microbleeds are associated with cognitive impairment in patients with lacunar infarction
Authors: Nakamori Masahiro , Hosomi Naohisa , Tachiyama Keisuke , Kamimura Teppei , Matsushima Hayato , Hayashi Yuki , Imamura Eiji , Wakabayashi Shinichi , Maruyama Hirofumi
Published: October 2020

Associations between cognitive decline and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) have received increasing attention. An association between CMB distribution (deep or lobar) and cognitive decline has been reported, but these findings are controversial. We investigated the association between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, including CMBs, and cognitive function in patients with first-ever lacunar infarction. We retrospectively included consecutive patients admitted with first-ever lacunar infarction identified by MRI from July 1, 2011, to December 31, 2018. We excluded patients diagnosed with dementia, including strategic single-infarct dementia, before or after the onset of stroke. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was performed within 3 days of admission. We searched the records of 273 patients (age 72.0 ± 11.2 years, 95 females). The median MMSE score was 27 (interquartile range 25.5–29). In a univariate analysis, the MMSE score was associated with age, body mass index (BMI), education, dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease (CKD), periventricular hyperintensity, medial temporal atrophy, lobar CMBs, and mixed CMBs (p < 0.20). The lacunar infarction location was not associated with the MMSE score. In a multivariate analysis of these factors, lobar CMBs (p < 0.001) and mixed CMBs (p = 0.008) were independently associated with the MMSE score. Lobar CMBs were associated with cognitive impairment.
Vertically aligned nanostructured gold microtube assisted by polymer template with combination of wet phase inversion and Cu grid mask
Authors: Kim Soohyun , Jang Keon-Soo
Published: October 2020

Tubular architecture has been extensively exploited in diverse applications such as solar cells and sensors. However, the synthesis of microtubes with high aspect ratio using polymer templates has been rarely reported. In this study, we designed a facile avenue for the synthesis of well-aligned Au nanoparticle-agglomerate microtubes with an aspect ratio of ~ 30 using a hollow polyetherimide (PEI) template. The combination of wet phase inversion and use of a Cu grid mask enabled straightforward production of a hollow PEI template with vertically aligned tubular architecture. During wet-phase inversion, exchange between a solvent (N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone) and a non-solvent (water) occurred at the corners of the square mask cells rather than along their side, thereby producing pores at the corners due to geometrical and entropic factors. The hollow microtubes were comprised of agglomerated Au nanoparticles that coated the inner surfaces of the pores during an electroless plating process performed after wet-phase inversion. This finding is applicable to diverse applications such as sensors and catalysis.
The actual 5-year survivors of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma based on real-world data
Authors: Bengtsson Axel , Andersson Roland , Ansari Daniel
Published: October 2020

Survival data for pancreatic cancer are usually based on actuarial calculations and actual long-term survival rates are rarely reported. Here we use population-level data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program for patients with microscopically confirmed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma diagnosed from 1975 to 2011. A total of 84,275 patients with at least 5 years of follow-up were evaluated (follow-up cutoff date: December 31, 2016). Actual 5-year survival for pancreatic cancer increased from 0.9% in 1975 to 4.2% in 2011 in patients of all stages (p < 0.001), while in surgically resected patients, it rose from 1.5% to 17.4% (p < 0.001). In non-resected patients, the actual 5-year survival remained unchanged over the same time period (0.8% vs 0.9%; p = 0.121). Multivariable analysis of surgically resected patients diagnosed in the recent time era (2004–2011) showed that age, gender, grade, tumour size, TNM-stage and chemotherapy were significant independent predictors of actual 5-year survival, while age, grade and TNM-stage were significant independent predictors in non-resected patients. However, unfavourable clinicopathological factors did not preclude long-term survival. Collectively, our findings indicate that actual 5-year survival for pancreatic cancer is still below 5% despite improvement of survival for the subset of patients undergoing surgical resection.
Differential reperfusion patterns in retinal vascular plexuses following increase in intraocular pressure an OCT angiography study
Authors: Cheung Chui Ming Gemmy , Teo Kelvin Yi Chong , Tun Sai Bo Bo , Busoy Joanna Marie , Veluchamy Amutha Barathi , Spaide Richard F.
Published: October 2020

To describe patterns of reperfusion in the superficial vascular plexus (SVP), deep capillary plexus (DCP) and choriocapillaris (CC) as detected on optical coherence tomography (OCTA) in cynomogulus macaque monkey model following increase in intraocular pressure by an intravitreal injection. Animal imaging study. Two cynomogulus macaque monkeys. A 100 µL intravitreal injection (IVI) of saline was given in one eye of each monkey. Serial OCTA using a Zeiss Plex Elite 9000 was used to evaluate reperfusion patterns within the SCP, DCP, and CC. OCTA evidence of perfusion. Pulsation of the central retinal artery was detected after the intraocular pressure was elevated to 98 and ≥ 99 mmHg from IVI. Episodic flow within the SVP arterioles and venules and poor visualization of flow in capillaries was noted during the initial phase of elevated pressure. As the pressure declined, the flow signal within the DCP appeared initially as dots, which progressed laterally to loops which form capillary vortex configuration. Recovery of flow within the SVP and CC appeared sooner than in the DCP. At 40 min after the injection, well after the intraocular pressure normalized, the retinal and choriocapillaris vascular perfusion showed focal defects in every layer. Compared with pre-injection images, vessel density in the DCP was 68.8% and 78.6% of baseline in monkey 1 and monkey 2, respectively. In contrast vessel density in the SVP recovered to 84.2% and 88.9% of baseline. Increases in intraocular pressure from IVI have the potential to affect every layer of blood flow in the fundus. After nominal return of intraocular pressure, focal defects in flow persisted, which may result in longer term damage to the retina.
Subspecies-specific sequence detection for differentiation of Mycobacterium abscessus complex
Authors: Minias Alina , Żukowska Lidia , Lach Jakub , Jagielski Tomasz , Strapagiel Dominik , Kim Su-Young , Koh Won-Jung , Adam Heather , Bittner Ruth , Truden Sara , Žolnir-Dovč Manca , Dziadek Jarosław
Published: October 2020

Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABC) is a taxonomic group of rapidly growing, nontuberculous mycobacteria that are found as etiologic agents of various types of infections. They are considered as emerging human pathogens. MABC consists of 3 subspecies—M. abscessus subsp. bolletti, M. abscessus subsp. massiliense and M. abscessus subsp. abscessus. Here we present a novel method for subspecies differentiation of M. abscessus named Subspecies-Specific Sequence Detection (SSSD). This method is based on the presence of signature sequences present within the genomes of each subspecies of MABC. We tested this method against a virtual database of 1505 genome sequences of MABC. Further, we detected signature sequences of MABC in 45 microbiological samples through DNA hybridization. SSSD showed high levels of sensitivity and specificity for differentiation of subspecies of MABC, comparable to those obtained by rpoB sequence typing.
Dynamic mechanics of HK-2 cell reaction to HG stimulation studied by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Yang Fan , Wang Jiajia , Qu Kaige , Yang Xue , Liu Chuanzhi , Wang Ying , Song Zhengxun , Xu Hongmei , Chen Yujuan , Wang Zuobin
Published: October 2020

Dynamic mechanics HK-2 cells exposed to HG were investigated quantitatively by AFM for potential application in cell injury assessment.
Cryogen-free comprehensive heartcut multidimensional gas chromatography using a Deans switch for improved analysis of petrochemical products derived from palmitic acid oxidation
Authors: Thongdorn-Ae Nilobon , Nhujak Thumnoon , Janta Pannipa , Rueangthaweep Atitarn , Hinchiranan Napida , Kulsing Chadin
Published: October 2020

Comprehensive heartcut multidimensional gas chromatography was applied with example application for analysis of a sample obtained from palmitic acid oxidation in a Rancimat instrument.
CpCo(i) precatalysts for [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition reactions: synthesis and reactivity
Authors: Fischer Fabian , Pientka Tobias , Jiao Haijun , Spannenberg Anke , Hapke Marko
Published: October 2020

Synthesis of CpCo complexes containing olefins and phosphite/phosphoramidite ligands give access to a reactive class of precatalysts for cyclotrimerisation reactions.
Integration of metalloporphyrin into cationic covalent triazine frameworks for the synergistically enhanced chemical fixation of CO2
Authors: Wu Qiu-Jin , Mao Min-Jie , Chen Jian-Xin , Huang Yuan-Biao , Cao Rong
Published: October 2020

Cobalt porphyrin as a Lewis acidic site was integrated into imidazolium-functionalized porous cationic covalent triazine frameworks for the cooperatively enhanced catalysis CO2 cycloaddition to produce cyclic carbonates.
Impact of dietary fibers in infant formulas on gut microbiota and the intestinal immune barrier
Authors: Kong Chunli , Faas Marijke M. , de Vos Paul , Akkerman Renate
Published: October 2020

This review updates current knowledge on the structure-specific effects of human milk oligosaccharides and non-digestible carbohydrates in infant formula on the colonization of the infants gut by the microbiota as well as the composition and maturation of the gut immune barrier.
Effects of cyanidin 3-O-glucoside and hydrochlorothiazide on T-cell phenotypes and function in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Aloud Basma Milad , Petkau Jay C. , Yu Liping , McCallum Jason , Kirby Chris , Netticadan Thomas , Blewett Heather
Published: October 2020

The splenic T-cell functional deficits in spontaneously hypertensive rats are partially mitigated by cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, but worsened by hydrochlorothiazide.
Neuroprotective effects of soy isoflavones on chronic ethanol-induced dementia in male ICR mice
Authors: Lu Cong , Gao Rongjing , Lv Jingwei , Chen Ying , Li Shuying , Zhang Lijing , Zhang Nana , Wang Yongquan , Fan Bei , Liu Xinmin , Wang Fengzhong
Published: October 2020

Chronic ethanol intake can lead to cognitive deficit by reducing cholinergic function, inhibiting synaptic plasticity and causing neuron apoptosis. Soy isoflavones effectively improved the cognitive impairment induced by chronic ethanol exposure.
Probing cell membrane damage using a molecular rotor probe with membrane-to-nucleus translocation
Authors: Wang Kang-Nan , Qi Guobin , Chu Huiying , Chao Xi-Juan , Liu Liu-Yi , Li Guohui , Cao Qian , Mao Zong-Wan , Liu Bin
Published: October 2020

A molecular rotor probe TPAE2 was developed for dynamic and in situ monitoring of membrane damage using a membrane-to-nucleus translocation strategy.
Preserving the shape of silver nanocubes under corrosive environment by covering their edges and corners with iridium
Authors: Wang Peng , Ahn Jaewan , Gao Ruoqi , Qin Dong
Published: October 2020

The shape stability of Ag nanocubes can be greatly enhanced by decorating Ir atoms on their edges and corners.
Ionomic profiling of pericardial fluid in ischemic heart disease
Authors: Khan Noman , Hashmi Satwat , Siddiqui Amna Jabbar , Farooq Sabiha , Sami Shahid Ahmed , Basir Nageeb , Bokhari Syeda Saira , Sharif Hasanat , Junejo Sanaullah , Musharraf Syed Ghulam
Published: October 2020

Metals are essential cofactors that play a crucial role in heart function at the cell and tissue level.
First-principles study on the effects of N and Al doping on the mechanical properties and electronic structures of TiC
Authors: Cao Zhinan , Jin Na , Ye Jinwen , Du Xu , Liu Ying
Published: October 2020

First-principles calculations are carried out by DFT within the CASTEP plane wave code to investigate the mechanical properties and electronic structure of N and Al doped TiC.
A single-ion conducting covalent organic framework for aqueous rechargeable Zn-ion batteries
Authors: Park Sodam , Kristanto Imanuel , Jung Gwan Yeong , Ahn David B. , Jeong Kihun , Kwak Sang Kyu , Lee Sang-Young
Published: October 2020

A zinc sulfonated covalent organic framework is presented as a new single-ion conducting electrolyte for aqueous rechargeable Zn-ion batteries.
Data enhanced Hammett-equation: reaction barriers in chemical space
Authors: Bragato Marco , von Rudorff Guido Falk , von Lilienfeld O. Anatole
Published: October 2020

We generalize Hammett's original approach to predict potential energies of activation in non aromatic molecular scaffolds with multiple substituents.
Cmme-SnS: a two-dimensional tin sulfide nanosheet
Authors: Ram Babu , Mizuseki Hiroshi
Published: October 2020

The great success of graphene has triggered an enormous amount of interest in the search for new 2D materials.
Fundamental interplay between phase-transition kinetics and thermodynamics of manganese-based sodium layered oxides during cationic and anionic redox
Authors: Kim Hyungjun , Lee Jaewoon , Kim Myungkyu , Koo Sojung , Cho Maenghyo , Kim Duho
Published: October 2020

Interplay between the phase-stability and -transition kinetics toward high-energy density with stable cyclability in Mn-based layered oxides for advanced SIBs.
Janus wood membranes for autonomous water transport and fog collection
Authors: Ding Yong , Tu Kunkun , Burgert Ingo , Keplinger Tobias
Published: October 2020

Mechanically robust and renewable Janus wood membranes with capability for autonomous water transport show excellent fog-capturing efficiency.
A solar-electro-thermal evaporation system with high water-production based on a facile integrated evaporator
Authors: Ma Jiaxiang , Han Yu , Xu Ying , Zhang Tao , Zhang Jingjing , Qi Dianpeng , Liu Dongmei , Wang Wei
Published: October 2020

An integrated photo-electro-thermal evaporation system uses a simple preparation process successfully achieves the improvement of water production rate in the day and continuous water evaporation at night.
Hierarchical Cu2S@NiCo-LDH double-shelled nanotube arrays with enhanced electrochemical performance for hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Yuan Ze , Wang Haiyan , Shen Junling , Ye Pengcheng , Ning Jiqiang , Zhong Yijun , Hu Yong
Published: October 2020

Hierarchical Cu2S@NiCo-LDH double-shelled nanotube arrays (Cu2S@NiCo-LDH DSNAs) are prepared by a multi-step approach, and the fabricated Cu2S@NiCo-LDH DSNAs//NPC hybrid supercapacitor exhibits a high energy density and remarkable rate capability.
Ultrathin carbon nanosheets for highly efficient capacitive K-ion and Zn-ion storage
Authors: Zhang Yamin , Wang Zhongpu , Li Deping , Sun Qing , Lai Kangrong , Li Kaikai , Yuan Qunhui , Liu Xingjun , Ci Lijie
Published: October 2020

Through an in situ self-template method, ultrathin hierarchically porous carbon nanosheets are facilely prepared, delivering superior capacitive K-ion and Z-ion storage.
Stable surface construction of the Ni-rich LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cathode material for high performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Yu , Tan Chunlei , Wei Shaomei , Cui Lisan , Fan Xiaoping , Pan Qichang , Lai Feiyan , Zheng Fenghua , Wang Hongqiang , Li Qingyu
Published: October 2020

LixNi1−yFeyO2&NiFe2O4in situ surface modified NCM cathode materials have been successfully fabricated and utilized as high performance lithium-ion cathode materials.
Triethanolamine-assisted photodeposition of non-crystalline CuxP nanodots for boosting photocatalytic H2 evolution of TiO2
Authors: Xu Jiachao , Zhong Wei , Yu Huogen , Hong Xuekun , Fan Jiajie , Yu Jiaguo
Published: October 2020

Ultra-small non-crystalline CuxP nanodots as an efficient H2-evolution cocatalyst were coupled on the TiO2 surface to greatly improve its photocatalytic H2-evolution activity via a simple triethanolamine-assisted photodeposition strategy.
Stable puckered C2N2 nanosheet with giant anisotropic hole carrier mobility: insights from first-principles
Authors: Wang Yanli , Ding Yi
Published: October 2020

Based on black-phosphorus-like nitrogen, we propose a puckered carbon nitride with an ultrahigh hole mobility and remarkable anisotropic behavior.
Unraveling the impact of different thermal quenching routes on the luminescence efficiency of the Y3Al5O12:Ce3+phosphor for white light emitting diodes
Authors: Lin Yuan-Chih , Bettinelli Marco , Sharma Suchinder K. , Redlich Britta , Speghini Adolfo , Karlsson Maths
Published: October 2020

Ratio of the radiative and nonradiative transition rates of YAG:Ce3+phosphor, affected by mode-selective vibrational excitation with an IR laser.