bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The identity, ecology and distribution ofPolypyrenula(Ascomycota: Dothideomycetes): a new member ofTrypetheliaceaerevealed by molecular and anatomical data
Authors: Miranda-González Ricardo , Aptroot André , Lücking Robert , Flakus Adam , Barcenas-Peña Alejandrina , Herrera-Campos María de los Ángeles
Published: March 2020

New collections are reported of the monospecific genusPolypyrenula, an apparently extinct and doubtfully lichenized fungus, typically classified in thePyrenulaceae. Anatomical studies reveal that it is facultatively lichenized. The structure of its hamathecium suggests affinities with Dothideomycetes rather than Eurotiomycetes. Molecular analysis using nuLSU and mtSSU markers demonstrates for the first time its inclusion inTrypetheliaceae, outside the core genera as part of the early diverging lineages in this family. The known distribution ofPolypyrenulais extended to Mexico and South America, new information on its phorophyte associations is provided, and the namePolypyrenula sexlocularisis reinstated as the correct name for this species.
The legitimate expectation of regulatory stability under the Energy Charter Treaty
Authors: Zannoni Diego
Published: March 2020

One of the main catalysts for the shift towards renewable energies has been the practice of support schemes in a key number of EU member states. Some of these states have since withdrawn or revoked much of their original support, which has resulted in investment treaty arbitrations being filed against them under the Energy Charter Treaty. Arguably, a balance should be found between investors’ legitimate expectations concerning the stability of the legal framework and the host states’ right to adapt regulations to new needs. This can be achieved by clarifying and delimiting the principle of fair and equitable treatment, and by encapsulating it in a more precise set of rules. Due to its open character, this principle could otherwise become too intrusive a standard of judicial review for the exercise of sovereign power by host states. It could be diluted into a rhetorical framework inviting uncertainty and subjective judgment. While the focus of this article is on energy, the concern for legal stability equally applies to all those sectors where large upfront investments are required, which can only be recouped in the long run.
RECOVERING THE BOUNDARY PATH SPACE OF A TOPOLOGICAL GRAPH USING POINTLESS TOPOLOGY
Authors: DE CASTRO GILLES G.
Published: March 2020

First, we generalize the definition of a locally compact topology given by Paterson and Welch for a sequence of locally compact spaces to the case where the underlying spaces are $T_{1}$ and sober. We then consider a certain semilattice of basic open sets for this topology on the space of all paths on a graph and impose relations motivated by the definitions of graph C*-algebra in order to recover the boundary path space of a graph. This is done using techniques of pointless topology. Finally, we generalize the results to the case of topological graphs.
The Global Teleconnection Signature of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation and Its Modulation by the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation
Authors: Toms Benjamin A. , Barnes Elizabeth A. , Maloney Eric D. , van den Heever Susan C.
Published: March 2020

Recent research has suggested that the tropical and extratropical character of the Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO) depends on the state of the stratospheric quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO). With this in mind, we use both reanalysis and a global climate model (CESM2‐WACCM) to analyze the global character of upper tropospheric‐lower stratospheric geopotential height anomalies connected with the MJO and quantify dependencies of these teleconnections on the state of the QBO. We find that the global teleconnection signature of the MJO depends upon the state of the QBO. Globally, within reanalysis the fraction of 20‐ to 90‐day 250‐hPa geopotential height variance linked to the MJO is largest during boreal winter and summer for easterly QBO phases and smallest during westerly QBO phases of boreal winter. The difference between QBO phases is mostly driven by changes in the tropical signature of the MJO, although during boreal winter the Northern Hemispheric teleconnections are particularly more prominent during easterly QBO phases. Otherwise, the QBO modulation of extratropical MJO teleconnections is mainly realized through changes in the locations of the teleconnections. A QBO‐MJO relationship is also apparent within CESM2‐WACCM but is weaker than that observed. This extratropical modulation implies that the regions that benefit from increased subseasonal predictability due to the MJO may also change as a function of the QBO. In a broader sense, these findings emphasize that knowledge of the tropical stratospheric state, particularly as it relates to the QBO, is important for understanding the connections between the MJO and the extratropics.
MdATG18a overexpression improves basal thermotolerance in transgenic apple by decreasing damage to chloroplasts
Authors: Huo Liuqing , Sun Xun , Guo Zijian , Jia Xin , Che Runmin , Sun Yiming , Zhu Yanfei , Wang Ping , Gong Xiaoqing , Ma Fengwang
Published: March 2020

High temperature is an abiotic stress factor that threatens plant growth and development. Autophagy in response to heat stress involves the selective removal of heat-induced protein complexes. Previously, we showed that a crucial autophagy protein from apple, MdATG18a, has a positive effect on drought tolerance. In the present study, we treated transgenic apple (Malus domestica) plants overexpressing MdATG18a with high temperature and found that autophagy protected them from heat stress. Overexpression of MdATG18a in apple enhanced antioxidase activity and contributed to the production of increased beneficial antioxidants under heat stress. Transgenic apple plants exhibited higher photosynthetic capacity, as shown by the rate of CO2 assimilation, the maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII), the effective quantum yield, and the electron transport rates in photosystems I and II (PSI and PSII, respectively). We also detected elevated autophagic activity and reduced damage to chloroplasts in transgenic plants compared to WT plants. In addition, the transcriptional activities of several HSP genes were increased in transgenic apple plants. In summary, we propose that autophagy plays a critical role in basal thermotolerance in apple, primarily through a combination of enhanced antioxidant activity and reduced chloroplast damage.
A temporal gene expression map of Chrysanthemum leaves infected with Alternaria alternata reveals different stages of defense mechanisms
Authors: Liu Ye , Xin Jingjing , Liu Lina , Song Aiping , Guan Zhiyong , Fang Weimin , Chen Fadi
Published: March 2020

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) black spot disease (CBS) poses a major threat to Chrysanthemum cultivation owing to suitable climate conditions and current lack of resistant cultivars for greenhouse cultivation. In this study, we identified a number of genes that respond to Alternaria alternata infection in resistant and susceptible Chrysanthemum cultivars. Based on RNA sequencing technology and a weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), we constructed a model to elucidate the response of Chrysanthemum leaves to A. alternata infection at different stages and compared the mapped response of the resistant cultivar ‘Jinba’ to that of the susceptible cultivar ‘Zaoyihong’. In the early stage of infection, when lesions had not yet formed, abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA) and EDS1-mediated resistance played important roles in the Chrysanthemum defense system. With the formation of necrotic lesions, ethylene (ET) metabolism and the Ca2+ signal transduction pathway strongly responded to A. alternata infection. During the late stage, when necrotic lesions continued to expand, members of the multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) gene family were highly expressed, and their products may be involved in defense against A. alternata invasion by exporting toxins produced by the pathogen, which plays important roles in the pathogenicity of A. alternata. Furthermore, the function of hub genes was verified by qPCR and transgenic assays. The identification of hub genes at different stages, the comparison of hub genes between the two cultivars and the highly expressed genes in the resistant cultivar ‘Jinba’ provide a theoretical basis for breeding cultivars resistant to CBS.
Evolution and roles of cytokinin genes in angiosperms 2: Do ancient CKXs play housekeeping roles while non-ancient CKXs play regulatory roles?
Authors: Wang Xiaojing , Ding Jing , Lin Shanshan , Liu Decai , Gu Tingting , Wu Han , Trigiano Robert N. , McAvoy Richard , Huang Jinling , Li Yi
Published: March 2020

Cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKX) is a key enzyme responsible for the degradation of endogenous cytokinins. However, the origins and roles of CKX genes in angiosperm evolution remain unclear. Based on comprehensive bioinformatic and transgenic plant analyses, we demonstrate that the CKXs of land plants most likely originated from an ancient chlamydial endosymbiont during primary endosymbiosis. We refer to the CKXs retaining evolutionarily ancient characteristics as “ancient CKXs” and those that have expanded and functionally diverged in angiosperms as “non-ancient CKXs”. We show that the expression of some non-ancient CKXs is rapidly inducible within 15 min upon the dehydration of Arabidopsis, while the ancient CKX (AtCKX7) is not drought responsive. Tobacco plants overexpressing a non-ancient CKX display improved oxidative and drought tolerance and root growth. Previous mutant studies have shown that non-ancient CKXs regulate organ development, particularly that of flowers. Furthermore, ancient CKXs preferentially degrade cis-zeatin (cZ)-type cytokinins, while non-ancient CKXs preferentially target N6-(Δ2-isopentenyl) adenines (iPs) and trans-zeatins (tZs). Based on the results of this work, an accompanying study (Wang et al. 10.1038/s41438-019-0211-x) and previous studies, we hypothesize that non-ancient CKXs and their preferred substrates of iP/tZ-type cytokinins regulate angiosperm organ development and environmental stress responses, while ancient CKXs and their preferred substrates of cZs play a housekeeping role, which echoes the conclusions and hypothesis described in the accompanying report (Wang, X. et al. Evolution and roles of cytokinin genes in angiosperms 1: Doancient IPTs play housekeeping while non-ancient IPTs play regulatory roles? Hortic Res7, (2020). 10.1038/s41438-019-0211-x).
Identification and distribution of a single nucleotide polymorphism responsible for the catechin content in tea plants
Authors: Jiang Chen-Kai , Ma Jian-Qiang , Liu Yu-Fei , Chen Jie-Dan , Ni De-Jiang , Chen Liang
Published: March 2020

Catechins are the predominant products in tea plants and have essential functions for both plants and humans. Several genes encoding the enzymes regulating catechin biosynthesis have been identified, and the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) resulting in nonsynonymous mutations within these genes can be used to establish a functional link to catechin content. Therefore, the transcriptomes of two parents and four filial offspring were sequenced using next-generation sequencing technology and aligned to the reference genome to enable SNP mining. Subsequently, 176 tea plant accessions were genotyped based on candidate SNPs using kompetitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (KASP). The catechin contents of these samples were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was subsequently performed to determine the relationship between genotypes and catechin content. As a result of these efforts, a SNP within the chalcone synthase (CHS) gene was shown to be functionally associated with catechin content. Furthermore, the geographical and interspecific distribution of this SNP was investigated. Collectively, these results will contribute to the early evaluation of tea plants and serve as a rapid tool for accelerating targeted efforts in tea breeding.
UGT74AF3 enzymes specifically catalyze the glucosylation of 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethylfuran-3(2H)-one, an important volatile compound in Camellia sinensis
Authors: Chen Yongxian , Guo Xiangyang , Gao Ting , Zhang Na , Wan Xiaochun , Schwab Wilfried , Song Chuankui
Published: March 2020

4-Hydroxy-2,5-dimethylfuran-3(2H)-one (HDMF) is an important odorant in some fruits, and is proposed to play a crucial role in the caramel-like notes of some teas. However, its biosynthesis and metabolism in tea plants are still unknown. Here, HDMF glucoside was unambiguously identified as a native metabolite in tea plants. A novel glucosyltransferase UGT74AF3a and its allelic protein UGT74AF3b specifically catalyzed the glucosylation of HDMF and the commercially important structural homologues 2 (or 5)-ethyl-4-hydroxy-5 (or 2)-methylfuran-3(2H)-one (EHMF) and 4-hydroxy-5-methylfuran-3(2H)-one (HMF) to their corresponding β-D-glucosides. Site-directed mutagenesis of UGT74AF3b to introduce a single A456V mutation resulted in improved HDMF and EHMF glucosylation activity and affected the sugar donor preference compared with that of the wild-type control enzyme. The accumulation of HDMF glucoside was consistent with the transcript levels of UGT74AF3 in different tea cultivars. In addition, transient UGT74AF3a overexpression in tobacco significantly increased the HDMF glucoside contents, and downregulation of UGT74AF3 transcripts in tea leaves significantly reduced the concentration of HDMF glucoside compared with the levels in the controls. The identification of HDMF glucoside in the tea plant and the discovery of a novel-specific UDP-glucose:HDMF glucosyltransferase in tea plants provide the foundation for improvement of tea flavor and the biotechnological production of HDMF glucoside.
QTL mapping and identification of SNP-haplotypes affecting yield components of Theobroma cacao L.
Authors: Fernandes Luciel dos Santos , Correa Fábio M. , Ingram Keith T. , de Almeida Alex-Alan Furtado , Royaert Stefan
Published: March 2020

Cacao is a crop of global relevance that faces constant demands for improved bean yield. However, little is known about the genomic regions controlling the crop yield and genes involved in cacao bean filling. Hence, to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with cacao yield and bean filling, we performed a QTL mapping in a segregating mapping population comprising 459 trees of a cross between ‘TSH 1188’ and ‘CCN 51’. All variables showed considerable phenotypic variation and had moderate to high heritability values. We identified 24 QTLs using a genetic linkage map that contains 3526 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Haplotype analysis at the significant QTL region on chromosome IV pointed to the alleles from the maternal parent, ‘TSH 1188’, as the ones that affect the cacao yield components the most. The recombination events identified within these QTL regions allowed us to identify candidate genes that may take part in the different steps of pod growth and bean filling. Such candidate genes seem to play a significant role in the source-to-sink transport of sugars and amino acids, and lipid metabolism, such as fatty acid production. The SNP markers mapped in our study are now being used to select potential high-yielding cacao varieties through marker-assisted selection in our existing cacao-breeding experiments.
Genome-wide association studies for inflorescence type and remontancy in Hydrangea macrophylla
Authors: Wu Xingbo , Alexander Lisa W.
Published: March 2020

Inflorescence type and remontancy are two valuable traits in bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophyllaL.) and both are recessively inherited. Molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) can greatly reduce the time necessary to breed cultivars with desired traits. In this study, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using 5803 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was performed using a panel of 82 bigleaf hydrangea cultivars. One SNP locus (Hy_CAPS_Inflo) associated with inflorescence type was identified with general linear model (GLM) and mixed linear model (MLM) methods that explained 65.5% and 36.1% of the phenotypic variations, respectively. Twenty-three SNPs associated with remontancy were detected in GLM whereas no SNP was detected in MLM. The SNP locus (Hy_CAPS_Inflo) was converted to a cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) marker that showed absolute identification accuracy (100%) of inflorescence type in a validation panel consisting of eighteenH. macrophyllacultivars. The SNP was investigated in 341 F1progenies using genotyping by sequencing (GBS) and co-segregated with inflorescence type (χ2 = 0.12;P = 0.73). The SNP was subsequently used for breeding selection using kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) technology. Future directions for the use of genomics and MAS in hydrangea breeding improvement are discussed. The results presented in this study provide insights for further research on understanding genetic mechanisms behind inflorescence type and remontancy inH. macrophylla. The CAPS and KASP markers developed here will be immediately useful for applying MAS to accelerate breeding improvement in hydrangea.
Enhanced heat tolerance of viral-infected aphids leads to niche expansion and reduced interspecific competition
Authors: Porras Mitzy F. , Navas Carlos A. , Marden James H. , Mescher Mark C. , De Moraes Consuelo M. , Pincebourde Sylvain , Sandoval-Mojica Andrés , Raygoza-Garay Juan A. , Holguin German A. , Rajotte Edwin G. , Carlo Tomás A.
Published: March 2020

Vector-borne pathogens are known to alter the phenotypes of their primary hosts and vectors, with implications for disease transmission as well as ecology. Here we show that a plant virus, barley yellow dwarf virus, increases the surface temperature of infected host plants (by an average of 2 °C), while also significantly enhancing the thermal tolerance of its aphid vectorRhopalosiphum padi (by 8 °C). This enhanced thermal tolerance, which was associated with differential upregulation of three heat-shock protein genes, allowed aphids to occupy higher and warmer regions of infected host plants when displaced from cooler regions by competition with a larger aphid species,R. maidis. Infection thereby led to an expansion of the fundamental niche of the vector. These findings show that virus effects on the thermal biology of hosts and vectors can influence their interactions with one another and with other, non-vector organisms.
Differential DNA methylation of vocal and facial anatomy genes in modern humans
Authors: Gokhman David , Nissim-Rafinia Malka , Agranat-Tamir Lily , Housman Genevieve , García-Pérez Raquel , Lizano Esther , Cheronet Olivia , Mallick Swapan , Nieves-Colón Maria A. , Li Heng , Alpaslan-Roodenberg Songül , Novak Mario , Gu Hongcang , Osinski Jason M. , Ferrando-Bernal Manuel , Gelabert Pere , Lipende Iddi , Mjungu Deus , Kondova Ivanela , Bontrop Ronald , Kullmer Ottmar , Weber Gerhard , Shahar Tal , Dvir-Ginzberg Mona , Faerman Marina , Quillen Ellen E. , Meissner Alexander , Lahav Yonatan , Kandel Leonid , Liebergall Meir , Prada María E. , Vidal Julio M. , Gronostajski Richard M. , Stone Anne C. , Yakir Benjamin , Lalueza-Fox Carles , Pinhasi Ron , Reich David , Marques-Bonet Tomas , Meshorer Eran , Carmel Liran
Published: March 2020

Changes in potential regulatory elements are thought to be key drivers of phenotypic divergence. However, identifying changes to regulatory elements that underlie human-specific traits has proven very challenging. Here, we use 63 reconstructed and experimentally measured DNA methylation maps of ancient and present-day humans, as well as of six chimpanzees, to detect differentially methylated regions that likely emerged in modern humans after the split from Neanderthals and Denisovans. We show that genes associated with face and vocal tract anatomy went through particularly extensive methylation changes. Specifically, we identify widespread hypermethylation in a network of face- and voice-associated genes (SOX9, ACAN, COL2A1, NFIX and XYLT1). We propose that these repression patterns appeared after the split from Neanderthals and Denisovans, and that they might have played a key role in shaping the modern human face and vocal tract.
Escherichia coli adhesion portion FimH functions as an adjuvant for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Wei , Xu Li , Park Hae-Bin , Hwang Juyoung , Kwak Minseok , Lee Peter C. W. , Liang Guang , Zhang Xiaoyan , Xu Jianqing , Jin Jun-O
Published: March 2020

Induction of antigen-specific immune activation by the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) is a strategy used for cancer immunotherapy. In this study, we find that FimH, which is an Escherichia coli adhesion portion, induces toll-like receptor 4-dependent and myeloid differentiation protein 2-independent DC maturation in mice in vivo. A combined treatment regimen with FimH and antigen promotes antigen-specific immune activation, including proliferation of T cells, production of IFN-γ and TNF-α, and infiltration of effector T cells into tumors, which consequently inhibits tumor growth in mice in vivo against melanoma and carcinoma. In addition, combined therapeutic treatment of anti-PD-L1 antibodies and FimH treatment efficiently inhibits CT26 tumor growth in BALB/c mice. Finally, FimH promotes human peripheral blood DC activation and syngeneic T-cell proliferation and activation. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that FimH can be a useful adjuvant for cancer immunotherapy.
Molecular dynamics simulation of graphene sinking during chemical vapor deposition growth on semi-molten Cu substrate
Authors: Xu Ziwei , Zhao Guanghui , Qiu Lu , Zhang Xiuyun , Qiao Guanjun , Ding Feng
Published: March 2020

Copper foil is the most promising catalyst for the synthesis of large-area, high-quality monolayer graphene. Experimentally, it has been found that the Cu substrate is semi-molten at graphene growth temperatures. In this study, based on a self-developed C–Cu empirical potential and density functional theory (DFT) methods, we performed systematic molecular dynamics simulations to explore the stability of graphene nanostructures, i.e., carbon nanoclusters and graphene nanoribbons, on semi-molten Cu substrates. Many atomic details observed in the classical MD simulations agree well with those seen in DFT-MD simulations, confirming the high accuracy of the C–Cu potential. Depending on the size of the graphene island, two different sunken-modes are observed: (i) graphene island sinks into the first layer of the metal substrate and (ii) many metal atoms surround the graphene island. Further study reveals that the sinking graphene leads to the unidirectional alignment and seamless stitching of the graphene islands, which explains the growth of large single-crystal graphene on Cu foil. This study deepens our physical insights into the CVD growth of graphene on semi-molten Cu substrate with multiple experimental mysteries well explained and provides theoretic references for the controlled synthesis of large-area single-crystalline monolayer graphene.
Bio-inspired flexible artificial synapses for pain perception and nerve injuries
Authors: Lu Qifeng , Sun Fuqin , Liu Lin , Li Lianhui , Hao Mingming , Wang Zihao , Zhang Ting
Published: March 2020

Imitation of the perception system of living creatures is of great importance for the construction of artificial nerves and intelligent human-machine interfaces. However, a prominent challenge is to emulate the functions of the biological synapse, which is the basic building block of the neural system. Here, inspired by the pain perception mechanism of the living creatures, a flexible double-layer memristor was constructed, with 90% semiconducting single-wall carbon nanotubes (s-SWCNTs) covered by LiClO4doped polyoxyethylene oxide (PEO: LiClO4) as the channel materials. The carriers (protons and Li+) from PEO: LiClO4imitated the functions of Na+and K+in biological systems. A potentiation of the post-synaptic signal was observed with mild stimuli, while the post-synaptic signal was inhibited with severe stimuli with a pulse voltage larger than 1.4 V in this research. These behaviors resemble the sensation of pain, neuroprotection, and possible injuries to the neural system. To explore the underlying mechanism of the phenomenon, the fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectrum, and current (IV) sweep were carried out. It was inferred that the observed results are attributable to the interaction between carriers in PEO: LiClO4and functional groups and defects in the s-SWCNTs. The enhanced channel current results from the fulfillment of the traps by the carriers, and the suppression of the current is due to the intercalation of Li+in the s-SWCNTs. This flexible artificial synapse opens a new avenue for the construction of biocompatible electronic devices towards artificial intelligence systems.
Topography dependence of the metamagnetic phase transition in FeRh thin films
Authors: Warren J. L. , Barton C. W. , Bull C. , Thomson T.
Published: March 2020

The equiatomic alloy FeRh is of great scientific and technological interest due its highly unusual first-order antiferromagnetic (AF) to ferromagnetic (FM) phase transition. Here we report an exploration of the interplay between topography and phase evolution with a comprehensive magnetic force microscopy study of nominal 50 nm thick FeRh thin films and subtractively patterned wires of width 0.2 µm–2 µm. In continuous films where the surface morphology had not been optimised for smoothness, the topographical variation was observed to dominate the distribution of the magnetic transition temperatures and dictates the nucleation and growth of the magnetic phases. This observation was repeated for patterned elements, where the effects of surface morphology were more significant than those of spatial confinement. These results have clear implications for future studies of low-dimensional FeRh films, as surface topography must be considered when analysing and comparing the transition behaviour of FeRh thin films.
Air and temperature sensitivity of n-type polymer materials to meet and exceed the standard of N2200
Authors: Brixi Samantha , Melville Owen A. , Mirka Brendan , He Yinghui , Hendsbee Arthur D. , Meng Han , Li Yuning , Lessard Benoît H.
Published: March 2020

N-type organic semiconductors are notoriously unstable in air, requiring the design of new materials that focuses on lowering their LUMO energy levels and enhancing their air stability in organic electronic devices such as organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs). Since the discovery of the notably air stable and high electron mobility polymer poly{[N,N′-bis (2-octyldodecyl)- naphthalene-1,4,5,8-bis(dicarboximide)-2,6-diyl]-alt-5,5′-(2,29-bisthiophene)} (N2200), it has become a popular n-type semiconductor, with numerous materials being designed to mimic its structure. Although N2200 itself is well-studied, many of these comparable materials have not been sufficiently characterized to compare their air stability to N2200. To further the development of air stable and high mobility n-type organic semiconductors, N2200 was studied in organic thin film transistors alongside three N2200-based analogues as well as a recently developed polymer based on a (3E,7E)-3,7-bis(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]difuran-2,6(3 H,7 H)-dione (IBDF) core. This IBDF polymer has demonstrated promising field-effect mobility and air stability in drop-cast OTFTs. While N2200 outperformed its analogues, the IBDF-based polymer displayed superior air and temperature stability compared to N2200. Overall, polymers with more heteroatoms displayed greater air stability. These findings will support the development of new air-stable materials, and further demonstrate the persistent need for the development of novel n-type semiconductors.
Acute effects of ambient PM2.5 on lung function among schoolchildren
Authors: Xu Dandan , Chen Yuan , Wu Lizhi , He Shengliang , Xu Peiwei , Zhang Yongli , Luo Jinbin , Ye Xialiang , Chen Zhijian , Wang Xiaofeng , Lou Xiaoming
Published: March 2020

Previous studies have found that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution is associated with decreased lung function. However, most current research focuses on children with asthma, leading to small sample sizes and limited generalization of results. The current study aimed to measure the short-term and lag effects of PM2.5 among school-aged children using repeated measurements of lung function.This prospective panel study included 848 schoolchildren in Zhejiang Province, China. Each year from 2014–2017, two lung function tests were conducted from November 15th to December 31st. Daily air pollution data were derived from the monitoring stations nearest to the schools. A mixed-effects regression model was used to investigate the relationship between PM2.5 and lung function. The effect of PM2.5 on lung function reached its greatest at 1-day moving average PM2.5 exposure. For every 10 μg/m3 increase in the 1-day moving average PM2.5 concentration, Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) of children decreased by 33.74 mL (95% CI: 22.52, 44.96), 1-s Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1) decreased by 32.56 mL (95% CI: 21.41, 43.70), and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) decreased by 67.45 mL/s (95% CI: 45.64, 89.25). Stronger associations were found in children living in homes with smokers. Short-term exposure to PM2.5 was associated with reductions in schoolchildren’s lung function. This finding indicates that short-term exposure to PM2.5 is harmful to children’s respiratory health, and appropriate protective measures should be taken to reduce the adverse effects of air pollution on children’s health.
Enzymatic preparation of a low-molecular-weight polysaccharide rich in uronic acid from the seaweed Laminaria japonica and evaluation of its hypolipidemic effect in mice
Authors: Li Nannan , Fu Xiaodan , Xiao Mengshi , Wei Xinyi , Yang Min , Liu Zhemin , Mou Haijin
Published: March 2020

Here, we describe a method combining thermo-acid pretreatment and alginate lyase hydrolysis to prepare a low-molecular-weight polysaccharide from the seaweed Laminaria japonica (SP)and its hypolipidemic effect in mice.
Scaling relationships and volcano plots of homogeneous transition metal catalysis
Authors: Yang Li-Cheng , Hong Xin
Published: March 2020

This Frontier article highlights the recent applications of linear scaling relationships and volcano plots in homogeneous transition metal catalysis.
The protective mechanisms of macroalgae Laminaria japonica consumption against lipid metabolism disorders in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats
Authors: Zhang Qing , Fan Xiao-Yun , Guo Wei-Ling , Cao Ying-Jia , Lin Yi-Chen , Cheng Wen-Jian , Chen Li-Jiao , Rao Ping-Fan , Ni Li , Lv Xu-Cong
Published: March 2020

Macroalgae Laminaria japonica (MLJ) consumption could prevent against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) associated with hyperlipidemia.
Nucleobase derived boron and nitrogen co-doped carbon nanosheets as efficient catalysts for selective oxidation and reduction reactions
Authors: Wang Guangming , Wang Peng , Zhang Xuefei , Wei Qiao-Hua , Wu Shuchang , Xie Zailai
Published: March 2020

Nucleobase derived boron and nitrogen co-doped carbon nanosheets were synthesized. The obtained material is highly active and selective in the liquid phase oxidation of ethyl lactate to ethyl pyruvate and the reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline.
Encapsulation of ionic liquids inside cucurbiturils
Authors: Assaf Khaleel I. , Abed alfattah Husam , Eftaiha Ala'a F. , Bardaweel Sanaa K. , Alnajjar Mohammad A. , Alsoubani Fatima A. , Qaroush Abdussalam K. , El-Barghouthi Musa I. , Nau Werner M.
Published: March 2020

Stable host–guest inclusion complexes are formed between cucurbiturils and ionic liquids in water.
Chromium-titanium nitride as an efficient co-catalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Meng Xiangjian , Qi Weiliang , Kuang Wandi , Adimi Samira , Guo Haichuan , Thomas Tiju , Liu Siqi , Wang Zhenping , Yang Minghui
Published: March 2020

The synergistic effect of ternary chromium-titanium nitride significantly promotes photocatalytic hydrogen production of cadmium sulfide.
Admissibilisation of singular interval type‐2 Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems with time delay
Authors: Feng Zhiguang , Zhang Huayang , Du Haiping , Jiang Zhengyi
Published: March 2020

This study investigates the admissibility analysis and stabilisation problems for singular interval type‐2 Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems with time delay. A generalised integral inequality method is used to obtain the delay‐dependent condition. The criteria for admissibility analysis and controller synthesis are given in terms of linear matrix inequalities. In order to reduce the conservatism of the system, some free weighting matrices and advanced integral inequalities are introduced. Finally, two illustrative examples are exhibited to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Energy and helicity fluxes in line-tied eruptive simulations
Authors: Linan L. , Pariat É. , Aulanier G. , Moraitis K. , Valori G.
Published: March 2020

Context.Conservation properties of magnetic helicity and energy in the quasi-ideal and low-βsolar corona make these two quantities relevant for the study of solar active regions and eruptions.

Aims.Based on a decomposition of the magnetic field into potential and nonpotential components, magnetic energy and relative helicity can both also be decomposed into two quantities: potential and free energies, and volume-threading and current-carrying helicities. In this study, we perform a coupled analysis of their behaviors in a set of parametric 3D magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of solar-like eruptions.

Methods.We present the general formulations for the time-varying components of energy and helicity in resistive MHD. We calculated them numerically with a specific gauge, and compared their behaviors in the numerical simulations, which differ from one another by their imposed boundary-driving motions. Thus, we investigated the impact of different active regions surface flows on the development of the energy and helicity-related quantities.

Results.Despite general similarities in their overall behaviors, helicities and energies display different evolutions that cannot be explained in a unique framework. While the energy fluxes are similar in all simulations, the physical mechanisms that govern the evolution of the helicities are markedly distinct from one simulation to another: the evolution of volume-threading helicity can be governed by boundary fluxes or helicity transfer, depending on the simulation.

Conclusions.The eruption takes place for the same value of the ratio of the current-carrying helicity to the total helicity in all simulations. However, our study highlights that this threshold can be reached in different ways, with different helicity-related processes dominating for different photospheric flows. This means that the details of the pre-eruptive dynamics do not influence the eruption-onset helicity-related threshold. Nevertheless, the helicity-flux dynamics may be more or less efficient in changing the time required to reach the onset of the eruption.
Research on edge detection algorithm based on improved sobel operator
Authors: Han Lili , Tian Yimin , Qi Qianhui
Published: March 2020

In order to solve the shortcomings of traditional Sobel edge detection operator, such as low accuracy of image edge location and rough edge extracted, an improved edge detection algorithm based on Sobel operator is proposed. Firstly, in the aspect of the accuracy of edge detection, the direction template is increased from two directions of horizontal and vertical to eight directions; secondly, in terms of the rough edge extracted and the noise sensitivity, combined with the operation of mathematical morphology, the edge can be refined, and at the same time, some part of the noise can be suppressed. The experiment results show that the improved edge detection algorithm has a better accuracy in image positioning, and a certain ability to suppress noise. Finally, the detected image edge of the image is more delicate and clear than the traditional Sobel operator.
L’« argument économique » dans l’aide à la décision en politique environnementale et son évanescence : réflexions à partir du cas des « boues rouges » de Gardanne
Authors: Meinard Yves , Rouchier Juliette
Published: March 2020

Nous analysons des arguments économiques utilisés dans des prises de décision en politique publique environnementale. Pour cela, nous appliquons une méthodologie d’étude de cas à la question des boues rouges de Gardanne. Notre étude met en évidence des « aides » à la décision qui prétendent s’appuyer sur la science économique, mais échouent à remplir des critères minimaux de rigueur et d’objectivité. Nous utilisons cette étude de cas pour formuler des idées que des études ultérieures pourront tester : (i) l’aide à la décision en politique environnementale ne s’appuie que très peu sur la science économique ; (ii) pourtant elle est submergée par le vocabulaire économique, ce qui suggère (iii) qu’en se donnant des atours scientifiques illusoires, les prétendues (selon les critères proposés ici) aides à la décision usant de ce vocabulaire économique risquent de mettre à mal la légitimité des politiques environnementales au lieu de participer à les justifier.
DSM-TACE of HCC: Evaluation of Tumor Response in Patients Ineligible for Other Systemic or Loco-Regional Therapies
Authors: Haubold Johannes , Reinboldt Markus P. , Wetter Axel , Li Yan , Ludwig Johannes Maximilian , Lange Christian , Wedemeyer Heiner , Schotten Clemens , Umutlu Lale , Theysohn Jens
Published: March 2020

Purpose To analyze tumor response, survival and safety in patients with non-resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with transarterial hepatic chemoembolization using degradable starch microspheres (DSM-TACE) combined with doxorubicin who had no local interventional or systemic therapy alternative according to an interdisciplinary conference.

Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, 28 patients (23 male, 5 female, median age 67 years) with unresectable HCC, serum bilirubin levels < 3 mg/dl and contraindications to Sorafenib, RFA, SIRT or cTACE were included. DSM-TACE was performed using Embocept® S (15 ml) and doxorubicin (50 mg/25 ml) three times every 4–6 weeks. Patients were initially staged using the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer System (BCLC). Basic liver function was evaluated with the MELD-score. Tumor response was assessed using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST).

Results DSM-TACE could be technically successfully performed in all 28 patients. At control imaging after three treatments, the overall rates of complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD), and progressive disease (PD) were 14.3 %, 25 %, 39.3 % and 21.4 %, respectively, according to mRECIST. With regard to BCLC stages, the results were as follows (CR, PR, PD): BCLC A (n = 8): 7.1 %, 7.1 %, 10.7 %, 1.2 %; BCLC B (n = 12): 0 %, 10.7 %, 17.9 %, 14.3 %; BCLC C (n = 5): 0 %, 3.6 %, 10.7 %, 3.6 %; BCLC D (n = 3): 3.6 %, 3.6 %, 0 %, 3.6 %. According to this, DSM-TACE showed an overall good median survival of 682 days, although the patients’ survival was strictly dependent on BCLC stage.

Conclusion DSM-TACE is a safe and promising treatment alternative for patients with unresectable HCC who are ineligible for other loco-regional therapies.

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Rapid Response in Type A Aortic Dissection: Is There a Decisive Time Interval for Surgical Repair?
Authors: Gasser Simone , Stastny Lukas , Kofler Markus , Krapf Christoph , Bonaros Nikolaos , Grimm Michael , Dumfarth Julia
Published: March 2020

Background and Aim of the Study The objective was to evaluate whether there is a decisive time interval for patients to undergo surgery and to analyze if a rapid response in acute aortic dissection type A (AADA) affects patient selection.

Methods In 283 patients undergoing surgery for AADA, median time from onset of initial symptoms to skin incision was 6.9 hours (interquartile range [IQR], 5.0–11.7 hours). Patients were divided into three groups according to median time point of surgery (median ± 3 hours, i.e., 4–10; < 4; and >10 hours).

Results Almost 50% of patients presented in a critical preoperative state at hospital admission. Subanalysis identified patients being operated within 4 hours as an exclusive high-risk cohort (higher rates of preoperative neurologic dysfunction, tamponade, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Patients undergoing surgery between 4 and 10 hours showed a significantly better long-term survival (p = 0.021). Surgery within this time interval had a clear protective effect on 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 0.448. 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.219–0.915). High age (OR: 1.037; 95% CI: 1.008–1.067), preoperative malperfusion syndrome (OR: 2.802; 95% CI: 1.351–5.811), and preoperative tamponade (OR: 2.621; 95% CI: 1.171–5.866) were factors predicting 30-day mortality.

Conclusion Rapid response in AADA interacts with the natural course of the disease resulting in an overrepresentation of critical patients. While the cohort below 4 hours represents the high-risk patients, time from symptom onset to initiation of surgery should not exceed 10 hours.
National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Plans: Bridging the Cardiac Surgery Gap
Authors: Vervoort Dominique
Published: March 2020

Six billion people worldwide lack access to safe, timely, and affordable cardiac surgical care when needed, despite cardiovascular diseases remaining the world's leading cause of mortality. The large surgical backlog of rheumatic heart disease, stable and high incidence of congenital heart disease, and growing burden of ischemic heart disease around the world calls for urgent scaling of cardiovascular services beyond mere prevention. National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Plans are being developed by countries as holistic health systems interventions to increase access to surgical care, but to date, limited to no attention has been given to the inclusion of cardiovascular care.
Update: Splenic Artery Embolization in Blunt Abdominal Trauma
Authors: Patil Mangaladevi S. , Goodin Sean Z. , Findeiss Laura K.
Published: March 2020

The spleen is the most commonly injured organ after blunt abdominal trauma. Nonoperative management with splenic arterial embolization (SAE) is the current standard of care for hemodynamically stable patients. Current data favor the use of proximal and coil embolization techniques in adults, while observation is suggested in the pediatric population. In this review, the authors describe the most recent evidence informing the clinical indications, techniques, and complications for SAE.
Sterilization and Cross-Linking Combined with Ultraviolet Irradiation and Low-Energy Electron Irradiation Procedure: New Perspectives for Bovine Pericardial Implants in Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Walker Simona , Dittfeld Claudia , Jakob Aline , Schönfelder Jessy , König Ulla , Tugtekin Sems-Malte
Published: March 2020

Background Bovine pericardium is the major natural source of patches and aortic valve substitutes in cardiac repair procedures. However, long-term tissue durability and biocompatibility issues lead to degeneration (e.g., calcification) that requires reoperation. Tissue preparation strategies, including glutaraldehyde fixation, are reasons for the deterioration of pericardial tissues. We describe a pretreatment procedure involving sterilization and cross-linking combined with ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and low-energy electron irradiation (SULEEI). This innovative, glutaraldehyde-free protocol improves the mechanical aspects and biocompatibility of porcine pericardium patches.

Methods We adopted the SULEEI protocol, which combines decellularization, sterilization, and cross-linking, along with UV irradiation and low-energy electron irradiation, to pretreat bovine pericardium. Biomechanics, such as ultimate tensile strength and elasticity, were investigated by comparing SULEEI-treated tissue with glutaraldehyde-fixed analogues, clinical patch materials, and an aortic valve substitute. Histomorphological and cellular aspects were investigated by histology, DNA content analysis, and degradability.

Results Mechanical parameters, including ultimate tensile strength, elasticity (Young's modulus), and suture retention strength, were similar for SULEEI-treated and clinically applied bovine pericardium. The SULEEI-treated tissues showed well-preserved histoarchitecture that resembled all pericardial tissues investigated. Fiber density did not differ significantly. DNA content after the SULEEI procedure was reduced to less than 10% of the original tissue material, and more than 50% of the SULEEI-treated pericardium was digested by collagenase.

Conclusion The SULEEI procedure represents a new treatment protocol for the preparation of patches and aortic valve prostheses from bovine pericardial tissue. The avoidance of glutaraldehyde fixation may lessen the tissue degeneration processes in cardiac repair patches and valve prostheses.
Current loss analysis in photoelectrochemical devices
Authors: Kistler Tobias A. , Agbo Peter
Published: March 2020

Ongoing efforts to stabilize the operation of photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices remain critical for achieving economically viable solar fuel production, as devices with lifetimes on the order of 10 to 30 years are projected requirements for utility-scale, PEC device implementation. However, insight into the causes of device degradation and activity losses is generally provided by monitoring the device current, a quantity which masks the relative contributions of photovoltaic component degradation and electrocatalyst activity drops to overall performance losses. In this study, an approach for deconvoluting the various contributors to PEC device losses is described. In particular, the causes for observed fluctuations in device performance are determined through the collection of real-time, current–voltage data, paired with an analytical method that enables the decomposition of drops in device current into its constituent photovoltaic- and catalyst-driven performance losses. We test the validity of this approach by applying it to the data collected for a PEC hydrogen evolution test-bed.
Gravitational-lensing measurements push Hubble-constant discrepancy past 5σ
Authors: Miller Johanna L.
Published: March 2020

If the tension can’t be attributed to systematic errors, it could be a sign of new cosmological physics.
Rare nuclear transition provides evidence for stellar explosion mechanism
Authors: Berkowitz Rachel
Published: March 2020

With its higher-than-expected propensity to capture electrons, neon could drive some stars’ thermonuclear death.
Doubt is cast on a mechanism of cancer nanomedicine
Authors: Miller Johanna L.
Published: March 2020

Leaky blood vessels seemed like the perfect conduit to deliver cancer-fighting drugs selectively to tumors. But the reality is starting to look more complicated.
Brookhaven facility to be transformed into electron–ion collider
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: March 2020

The Long Island lab prevailed over a rival proposal from the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in Virginia.
What caused Australia’s disastrous wildfires? It’s complicated
Authors: Kramer David
Published: March 2020

The country’s catastrophic bushfire season could either be a one-off or a new normal, experts say.
The fall and rise of the Doppler effect
Authors: Nolte David D.
Published: March 2020

The phenomenon is so pervasive that we stake our lives on it, but Doppler’s idea faced fierce criticism that took half a century to overcome.
Multiscale modeling beyond equilibrium
Authors: Schieber Jay D. , Hütter Markus
Published: March 2020

Capturing the behavior of complex materials requires connecting dynamics on multiple scales.
The emergence of magnetic skyrmions
Authors: Bogdanov Alexei N. , Panagopoulos Christos
Published: March 2020

The nanometer-scale localized objects share a nonlinear mathematical framework with systems from water waves to elementary particles.