bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative physiological and transcriptomic analyses of photosynthesis in Sphagneticola calendulacea (L.) Pruski and Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski
Authors: Cai Min-Ling , Zhang Qi-Lei , Zhang Jun-Jie , Ding Wen-Qiao , Huang Hong-Ying , Peng Chang-Lian
Published: October 2020

Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski is one of the fast-growing malignant weeds in South China. It has severely influenced local biodiversity and native plant habitat. Photosynthesis is the material basis of plant growth and development. However, there are few reports on the photosynthetic transcriptome of S. trilobata. In this study, S. trilobata had a relatively large leaf area and biomass. The gas exchange parameters per unit area of leaves, including net photosynthetic capacity (Pn), intercellular CO2 (Ci), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), water use efficiency (WUE), photosynthetic pigment and Rubisco protein content were higher than those of the native plant Sphagneticola calendulacea (L.) Pruski. On this basis, the differences in photosynthesis pathways between the two Sphagneticola species were analyzed by using the Illumina HiSeq platform. The sequencing results for S. trilobata and S. calendulacea revealed 159,366 and 177,069 unigenes, respectively. Functional annotation revealed 119,350 and 150,846 non-redundant protein database annotations (Nr), 96,637 and 115,711 Swiss-Prot annotations, 49,159 and 60,116 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes annotations (KEGG), and 83,712 and 97,957 Gene Ontology annotations (GO) in S. trilobata and S. calendulacea, respectively. Additionally, our analysis showed that the expression of key protease genes involved in the photosynthesis pathway, particularly CP43, CP47, PsbA and PetC, had high expression levels in leaves of S. trilobata in comparison to native species. Physiological and transcriptomic analyses suggest the high expression of photosynthetic genes ensures the high photosynthetic capacity of leaves, which is one of the inherent advantages underlying the successful invasion by S. trilobata.
B-box transcription factor 28 regulates flowering by interacting with constans
Authors: Liu Yin , Lin Guang , Yin Chunmei , Fang Yuda
Published: October 2020

B-box transcription factors (BBXs) are important regulators of flowering, photomorphogenesis, shade-avoidance, abiotic and biotic stresses and plant hormonal pathways. In Arabidopsis, 32 BBX proteins have been identified and classified into five groups based on their structural domains. Little is known about the fifth group members (BBX26–BBX32) and the detailed molecular mechanisms relevant to their functions. Here we identified B-box transcription factor 28 (BBX28) that interacts with Constans (CO), a transcriptional activator of Flowering Locus T (FT). Overexpressing BBX28 leads to late flowering with dramatically decreased FT transcription, and bbx28 deficient mutant displays a weak early flowering phenotype under long days (LD), indicating that BBX28 plays a negative and redundant role in flowering under LD. Additionally, the interaction between BBX28 and CO decreases the recruitment of CO to FT locus without affecting the transcriptional activation activity of CO. Moreover, the N-terminal cysteines, especially those within the B-box domain, are indispensable for the heterodimerization between BBX28 and CO and activation of CO on FT transcription. Genetic evidences show that the later flowering caused by BBX28 overexpression is compromised by CO ectopic expression. Collectively, these results supported that BBX28 functions with CO and FT to negatively regulate Arabidopsis flowering, in which the N-terminal conserved cysteines of BBX28 might play a central role.
Nutritional profile of rodent diets impacts experimental reproducibility in microbiome preclinical research
Authors: Tuck C. J. , De Palma G. , Takami K. , Brant B. , Caminero A. , Reed D. E. , Muir J. G. , Gibson P. R. , Winterborn A. , Verdu E. F. , Bercik P. , Vanner S.
Published: October 2020

The lack of reproducibility of animal experimental results between laboratories, particularly in studies investigating the microbiota, has raised concern among the scientific community. Factors such as environment, stress and sex have been identified as contributors, whereas dietary composition has received less attention. This study firstly evaluated the use of commercially available rodent diets across research institutions, with 28 different diets reported by 45 survey respondents. Secondly, highly variable ingredient, FODMAP (Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides And Polyols) and gluten content was found between different commercially available rodent diets. Finally, 40 mice were randomized to four groups, each receiving a different commercially available rodent diet, and the dietary impact on cecal microbiota, short- and branched-chain fatty acid profiles was evaluated. The gut microbiota composition differed significantly between diets and sexes, with significantly different clusters in β-diversity. Total BCFA were highest (p = 0.01) and SCFA were lowest (p = 0.03) in mice fed a diet lower in FODMAPs and gluten. These results suggest that nutritional composition of commercially available rodent diets impact gut microbiota profiles and fermentation patterns, with major implications for the reproducibility of results across laboratories. However, further studies are required to elucidate the specific dietary factors driving these changes.
MLH1 single-nucleotide variant in circulating tumor DNA predicts overall survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kim Soon Sun , Eun Jung Woo , Choi Ji-Hye , Woo Hyun Goo , Cho Hyo Jung , Ahn Hye Ri , Suh Chul Won , Baek Geum Ok , Cho Sung Won , Cheong Jae Youn
Published: October 2020

Liquid biopsy can provide a strong basis for precision medicine. We aimed to identify novel single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Deep sequencing of plasma-derived ctDNA from 59 patients with HCC was performed using a panel of 2924 SNVs in 69 genes. In 55.9% of the patients, at least one somatic mutation was detected. Among 25 SNVs in 12 genes, four frequently observed SNVs, MLH1 (13%), STK11 (13%), PTEN (9%), and CTNNB1 (4%), were validated using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction with ctDNA from 62 patients with HCC. Three candidate SNVs were detected in 35.5% of the patients, with a frequency of 19% for MLH1 chr3:37025749T>A, 11% for STK11 chr19:1223126C>G, and 8% for PTEN chr10:87864461C>G. The MLH1 and STK11 SNVs were also confirmed in HCC tissues. The presence of the MLH1 SNV, in combination with an increased ctDNA level, predicted poor overall survival among 107 patients. MLH1 chr3:37025749T>A SNV detection in ctDNA is feasible, and thus, ctDNA can be used to detect somatic mutations in HCC. Furthermore, the presence or absence of the MLH1 SNV in ctDNA, combined with the ctDNA level, can predict the prognosis of patients with HCC.
Large-scale biometry with interpretable neural network regression on UK Biobank body MRI
Authors: Langner Taro , Strand Robin , Ahlström Håkan , Kullberg Joel
Published: October 2020

In a large-scale medical examination, the UK Biobank study has successfully imaged more than 32,000 volunteer participants with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Each scan is linked to extensive metadata, providing a comprehensive medical survey of imaged anatomy and related health states. Despite its potential for research, this vast amount of data presents a challenge to established methods of evaluation, which often rely on manual input. To date, the range of reference values for cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors is therefore incomplete. In this work, neural networks were trained for image-based regression to infer various biological metrics from the neck-to-knee body MRI automatically. The approach requires no manual intervention or direct access to reference segmentations for training. The examined fields span 64 variables derived from anthropometric measurements, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), atlas-based segmentations, and dedicated liver scans. With the ResNet50, the standardized framework achieves a close fit to the target values (median R$$^2 > 0.97$$

2

>
0.97

) in cross-validation. Interpretation of aggregated saliency maps suggests that the network correctly targets specific body regions and limbs, and learned to emulate different modalities. On several body composition metrics, the quality of the predictions is within the range of variability observed between established gold standard techniques.
Development of TiO2-coated YSZ/silica nanofiber membranes with excellent photocatalytic degradation ability for water purification
Authors: Huh Jin Young , Lee Jongman , Bukhari Syed Zaighum Abbas , Ha Jang-Hoon , Song In-Hyuck
Published: October 2020

Numerous reports have elucidated that TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) exhibit respectable photocatalytic degradation capacities due to their high specific surface areas. However, the current recovery process leads to a loss of TiO2-NPs; therefore, there is a need to immobilize TiO2-NPs on the substrate used. Herein, TiO2-coated yttria-stabilized zirconia/silica nanofiber (TiO2-coated YSZ/silica NF) was prepared by coating TiO2 on the surface of YSZ/silica NF using a sol–gel process. The TiO2 coating layer on the nanofiber surface improved the separation ability of the membrane as well as the photocatalytic degradation ability. The pore size of the TiO2-coated YSZ/silica NF membrane was less than that of the pristine YSZ/silica NF membrane, and it rejected over 99.6% of the 0.5 μm polymeric particles. In addition, the TiO2-coated YSZ/silica NF membrane showed excellent adsorption/degradation of humic acid (HA, 88.2%), methylene blue (MB, 92.4%), and tetracycline (TC, 99.5%). Six recycling tests were performed to evaluate the reusability of the TiO2-coated YSZ/silica NF membrane. The adsorption/degradation efficiency for HA, MB, and TC decreased by 3.7%, 2.8%, and 2.2%, respectively. We thus verified the high separation ability, excellent photocatalytic degradation ability, and excellent reusability of the TiO2-coated YSZ/silica NF membranes.
Multiple early introductions of SARS-CoV-2 into a global travel hub in the Middle East
Authors: Tayoun Ahmad Abou , Loney Tom , Khansaheb Hamda , Ramaswamy Sathishkumar , Harilal Divinlal , Deesi Zulfa Omar , Varghese Rupa Murthy , Al Suwaidi Hanan , Alkhajeh Abdulmajeed , AlDabal Laila Mohamed , Uddin Mohammed , Hamoudi Rifat , Halwani Rabih , Senok Abiola , Hamid Qutayba , Nowotny Norbert , Alsheikh-Ali Alawi
Published: October 2020

International travel played a significant role in the early global spread of SARS-CoV-2. Understanding transmission patterns from different regions of the world will further inform global dynamics of the pandemic. Using data from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a major international travel hub in the Middle East, we establish SARS-CoV-2 full genome sequences from the index and early COVID-19 patients in the UAE. The genome sequences are analysed in the context of virus introductions, chain of transmissions, and possible links to earlier strains from other regions of the world. Phylogenetic analysis showed multiple spatiotemporal introductions of SARS-CoV-2 into the UAE from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East during the early phase of the pandemic. We also provide evidence for early community-based transmission and catalogue new mutations in SARS-CoV-2 strains in the UAE. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the global transmission network of SARS-CoV-2.
Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C enhances epidermal penetration by Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Nakamura Yoshikazu , Kanemaru Kaori , Shoji Madoka , Totoki Kengo , Nakamura Karen , Nakaminami Hidemasa , Nakase Keisuke , Noguchi Norihisa , Fukami Kiyoko
Published: October 2020

Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) commonly colonizes the human skin and nostrils. However, it is also associated with a wide variety of diseases.S. aureusis frequently isolated from the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), and is linked to increased disease severity.S. aureusimpairs the skin barrier and triggers inflammation through the secretion of various virulence factors.S. aureussecretes phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC), which hydrolyses phosphatidylinositol and cleaves glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins. However, the role ofS. aureusPI-PLC in the pathogenesis of skin diseases, including AD, remains unclear. In this study, we sought to determine the role ofS. aureusPI-PLC in the pathogenesis of skin diseases. PI-PLC was observed to enhance the invasion and persistence ofS. aureusin keratinocytes. Besides, PI-PLC promoted the penetration ofS. aureusthrough the epidermal barrier in a mouse model of AD and the human organotypic epidermal equivalent. Furthermore, the loss of PI-PLC attenuated epidermal hyperplasia and the infiltration of Gr-1+cells and CD4+cells induced byS. aureusinfection in the mouse model of AD. Collectively, these results indicate that PI-PLC eases the entry ofS. aureusinto the dermis and aggravates acanthosis and immune cell infiltration in infected skin.
Transient photothermal inactivation of Escherichia coli stained with visible dyes by using a nanosecond pulsed laser
Authors: Kohmura Yuji , Igami Natsuho , Tatsuno Ichiro , Hasegawa Tadao , Matsumoto Takahiro
Published: October 2020

Efficient inactivation ofEscherichia coli(E. coli) under visible (532 nm) pulsed light irradiation was achieved by fusion of a visible light-absorbing dye withE. coli. Inactivation experiments showed that 3-log inactivation ofE. coliwas obtained within 20 min under a 50 kJ/cm2dose. This treatment time and dose magnitude were 10 times faster and 100 times lower, respectively, than the values previously obtained by using a visible femtosecond laser. The mechanism of bacterial death was modeled based on a transient photothermal evaporation effect, where a quantitative evaluation of the temperature increase was given based on the heat transfer equation. As a result of this theoretical analysis, the maximum temperature of the bacteria was correlated with the absorption ratio, pulse energy, and surface-to-volume ratio. An increase in the surface-to-volume ratio with the decreasing size of organic structures leads to the possibility of efficient inactivation of viruses and bacteria under low-dose and non-harmful-visible pulsed light irradiation. Hence, this method can be applied in many fields, such as the instantaneous inactivation of pathogenic viruses and bacteria in a safe and simple manner without damaging large organic structures.
The albumin–bilirubin score as a predictor of outcomes in Japanese patients with PBC: an analysis using time-dependent ROC
Authors: Ito Takanori , Ishigami Masatoshi , Morooka Hikaru , Yamamoto Kenta , Imai Norihiro , Ishizu Yoji , Honda Takashi , Nishimura Daisaku , Tada Toshifumi , Yasuda Satoshi , Toyoda Hidenori , Kumada Takashi , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro
Published: October 2020

The albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) score is calculated using only serum albumin and bilirubin levels, and was developed as a simple method to assess hepatic function. In this study, a total of 409 patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) were enrolled between March 1990 and October 2018. The predictive performances of the ALBI score and other well-established prognostic scores were compared using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. During the follow-up period, 60 patients died, 45 due to liver-related diseases and 15 due to non-liver-related diseases, and 16 patients underwent liver transplantation. Time-dependent ROC analysis showed that the ALBI score has higher the areas under the ROC curves (AUROCs) than the Child–Pugh (C–P) score at each time point; AUROCs at 3, 5, and 10 years after the start of follow-up were 0.94, 0.91, and 0.90 for the ALBI score, and 0.89, 0.88, and 0.82 for the C–P score, respectively. The ALBI score showed the highest AUROCs within 2 years after the start of observation; beyond 2 years, however, the Mayo score had better prognostic ability for mortality and liver transplantation. The ALBI score/grade, derived from objective blood tests, and the Mayo score were superior prognostic tools in PBC patients.
Development of humanized tri-specific nanobodies with potent neutralization for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Dong Jianbo , Huang Betty , Wang Bo , Titong Allison , Gallolu Kankanamalage Sachith , Jia Zhejun , Wright Meredith , Parthasarathy Pannaga , Liu Yue
Published: October 2020

SARS-CoV-2 is a newly emergent coronavirus, which has adversely impacted human health and has led to the COVID-19 pandemic. There is an unmet need to develop therapies against SARS-CoV-2 due to its severity and lack of treatment options. A promising approach to combat COVID-19 is through the neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 by therapeutic antibodies. Previously, we described a strategy to rapidly identify and generate llama nanobodies (VHH) from naïve and synthetic humanized VHH phage libraries that specifically bind the S1 SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and block the interaction with the human ACE2 receptor. In this study we used computer-aided design to construct multi-specific VHH antibodies fused to human IgG1 Fc domains based on the epitope predictions for leading VHHs. The resulting tri-specific VHH-Fc antibodies show more potent S1 binding, S1/ACE2 blocking, and SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus neutralization than the bi-specific VHH-Fcs or combination of individual monoclonal VHH-Fcs. Furthermore, protein stability analysis of the VHH-Fcs shows favorable developability features, which enable them to be quickly and successfully developed into therapeutics against COVID-19.
Disclosing crystal nucleation mechanism in lithium disilicate glass through molecular dynamics simulations and free-energy calculations
Authors: Lodesani Federica , Menziani Maria Cristina , Maeda Kei , Takato Yoichi , Urata Shingo , Pedone Alfonso
Published: October 2020

Unraveling detailed mechanism of crystal nucleation from amorphous materials is challenging for both experimental and theoretical approaches. In this study, we have examined two methods to understand the initial stage of crystal precipitation from lithium disilicate glasses using molecular dynamics simulations. One of the methods is a modified exploring method to find structurally similar crystalline clusters in the glass models, enabling us to find three different embryos, such as Li2Si2O5 (LS2), Li2SiO3 (LS) and Li3PO4 (LP), in the 33Li2O·66SiO2·1P2O5 glass (LS2P1), in which P2O5 is added as a nucleating agent. Interestingly, LS2 and LP crystals were found inside the LS2P1 glass while LS crystal appeared on the glass surface, which agrees with experimental observations. The other method is free energy calculation using a subnano-scale spherical crystal embedded in the glass model. This method, which we called Free-Energy Seeding Method (FESM), allows us to evaluate free energy change as a function of crystal radius and to identify critical size of the crystal precipitation. The free energy profiles for LS and LS2 crystal nuclei in the LS2 glass models possess maximum energy at a critical radius as expected by classical nucleation theory. Furthermore, the critical radius and the energy barrier height agree well with recent experimental investigation, proving the applicability of this method to design glass–ceramics by atomistic modeling.
A nationwide assessment of plastic pollution in the Danish realm using citizen science
Authors: Syberg Kristian , Palmqvist Annemette , Khan Farhan R. , Strand Jakob , Vollertsen Jes , Clausen Lauge Peter Westergaard , Feld Louise , Hartmann Nanna B. , Oturai Nikoline , Møller Søren , Nielsen Torkel Gissel , Shashoua Yvonne , Hansen Steffen Foss
Published: October 2020

Plastic pollution is considered one of today’s major environmental problems. Current land-based monitoring programs typically rely on beach litter data and seldom include plastic pollution further inland. We initiated a citizen science project known as the Mass Experiment inviting schools throughout The Danish Realm (Denmark, Greenland and the Faeroe Islands) to collect litter samples of and document plastic pollution in 8 different nature types. In total approximately 57,000 students (6–19 years) collected 374,082 plastic items in 94 out of 98 Danish municipalities over three weeks during fall 2019. The Mass Experiment was the first scientific survey of plastic litter to cover an entire country. Here we show how citizen science, conducted by students, can be used to fill important knowledge gaps in plastic pollution research, increase public awareness, establish large scale clean-up activities and subsequently provide information to political decision-makers aiming for a more sustainable future.
Artificial modulation of cell width significantly affects the division time of Escherichia coli
Authors: Liang Baihui , Quan Baogang , Li Junjie , Loton Chantal , Bredeche Marie-Florence , Lindner Ariel B. , Xu Luping
Published: October 2020

Bacterial cells have characteristic spatial and temporal scales. For instance, Escherichia coli, the typical rod-shaped bacteria, always maintains a relatively constant cell width and cell division time. However, whether the external physical perturbation of cell width has an impact on cell division time remains largely unexplored. In this work, we developed two microchannel chips, namely straight channels and ‘necked’ channels, to precisely regulate the width of E. coli cells and to investigate the correlation between cell width and division time of the cells. Our results show that, in the straight channels, the wide cells divide much slower than narrow cells. In the ‘necked’ channels, the cell division is remarkably promoted compared to that in straight channels with the same width. Besides, fluorescence time-lapse microscopy imaging of FtsZ dynamics shows that the cell pre-constriction time is more sensitive to cell width perturbation than cell constriction time. Finally, we revealed a significant anticorrelation between the death rate and the division rate of cell populations with different widths. Our work provides new insights into the correlation between the geometrical property and division time of E. coli cells and sheds new light on the future study of spatial–temporal correlation in cell physiology.
Ion irradiation induced phase transformation in gold nanocrystalline films
Authors: Suri Pranav K. , Nathaniel James E. , Li Nan , Baldwin Jon K. , Wang Yongqiang , Hattar Khalid , Taheri Mitra L.
Published: October 2020

Gold is a noble metal typically stable as a solid in a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure under ambient conditions; however, under particular circumstances aberrant allotropes have been synthesized. In this work, we document the phase transformation of 25 nm thick nanocrystalline (NC) free-standing gold thin-film via in situ ion irradiation studied using atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Utilizing precession electron diffraction (PED) techniques, crystallographic orientation and the radiation-induced relative strains were measured and furthermore used to determine that a combination of surface and radiation-induced strains lead to an FCC to hexagonal close packed (HCP) crystallographic phase transformation upon a 10 dpa radiation dose of Au4+ ions. Contrary to previous studies, HCP phase in nanostructures of gold was stabilized and did not transform back to FCC due to a combination of size effects and defects imparted by damage cascades.
Toxic oligomers of the amyloidogenic HypF-N protein form pores in mitochondrial membranes
Authors: Farrugia Maria Ylenia , Caruana Mario , Ghio Stephanie , Camilleri Angelique , Farrugia Claude , Cauchi Ruben J. , Cappelli Sara , Chiti Fabrizio , Vassallo Neville
Published: October 2020

Studies on the amyloidogenic N-terminal domain of the E. coli HypF protein (HypF-N) have contributed significantly to a detailed understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases characterised by the formation of misfolded oligomers, by proteins such as amyloid-β, α-synuclein and tau. Given that both cell membranes and mitochondria are increasingly recognised as key targets of oligomer toxicity, we investigated the damaging effects of aggregates of HypF-N on mitochondrial membranes. Essentially, we found that HypF-N oligomers characterised by high surface hydrophobicity (type A) were able to trigger a robust permeabilisation of mito-mimetic liposomes possessing cardiolipin-rich membranes and dysfunction of isolated mitochondria, as demonstrated by a combination of mitochondrial shrinking, lowering of mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c release. Furthermore, using single-channel electrophysiology recordings we obtained evidence that the type A aggregates induced currents reflecting formation of ion-conducting pores in mito-mimetic planar phospholipid bilayers, with multi-level conductances ranging in the hundreds of pS at negative membrane voltages. Conversely, HypF-N oligomers with low surface hydrophobicity (type B) could not permeabilise or porate mitochondrial membranes. These results suggest an inherent toxicity of membrane-active aggregates of amyloid-forming proteins to mitochondria, and that targeting of oligomer-mitochondrial membrane interactions might therefore afford protection against such damage.
Self-competence increases the willingness to pay for social influence
Authors: Hertz Uri , Tyropoulou Evangelia , Traberg Cecilie , Bahrami Bahador
Published: October 2020

Theoretical works in social psychology and neuroscientific evidence have proposed that social rewards have intrinsic value, suggesting that people place a high premium on the ability to influence others. To test this hypothesis, we asked whether, and under what conditions, people are willing to forgo monetary reward for the sake of influencing others’ decisions. In four experiments, online and lab-based participants competed with a rival for influence over a client. The majority of participants sacrificed some of their financial reward to increase their chance of being selected over their rival within the experiment. Willingness to pay was affected by the participant’s current level of influence and performance, as participants were most likely to pay to promote their competence after having given good advice that had been ignored by the client using a situation where monetary incentives fail to explain human motivations, our experiments highlight the intrinsic value of social influence.
Paradoxical risk of reduced fertility after exposure of prepubertal mice to vincristine or cyclophosphamide at low gonadotoxic doses in humans
Authors: Delessard Marion , Saulnier Justine , Dumont Ludovic , Rives-Feraille Aurélie , Rives Nathalie , Rondanino Christine
Published: October 2020

Cancer treatment can have long-term side effects in cured patients and infertility is one of them. Given the urgency of diagnosis in children with cancer, the toxicity of treatments on the gonad was overshadowed for a long time. In the present study, prepubertal mice were treated by vincristine or cyclophosphamide commonly used in acute leukaemia treatment. The prepubertal exposure to cyclophosphamide, at a low gonadotoxic dose in humans (< 3.5 g/m2), led to morphological alterations of prepubertal testicular tissue. An increased proportion of spermatozoa with hypocondensed chromatin and oxidized DNA associated with decreased fertility were uncovered at adulthood. Short- and long-term morphological alterations of the testicular tissue, disturbed progression of spermatogenesis along with increased proportions of isolated flagella and spermatozoa with fragmented DNA were evidenced in vincristine-treated mice. Moreover, the fertility of mice exposed to vincristine was severely affected despite being considered low-risk for fertility in humans. Paternal exposure to vincristine or cyclophosphamide before puberty had no impact on offspring development. Contrary to the current gonadotoxic risk classification, our results using a mouse model show that vincristine and cyclophosphamide (< 3.5 g/m2) present a high gonadotoxic risk when administered before the initiation of spermatogenesis.
A cross-sectional study on diabetes epidemiology among people aged 40 years and above in Shenyang, China
Authors: Liu Cong , Li Xiaojiu , Lin Muhui , Zheng Limin , Chen Xiaohong
Published: October 2020

This study aimed at understanding the diabetic prevalence, awareness, treatment and control rates and their influencing factors among people aged ≥ 40 years in Shenyang, China. A face-to-face cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted on the respondents using the national unified questionnaire. A total of 3922 respondents were enrolled, including 609 cases of diabetes. The diabetic prevalence rate was 15.5%, and was higher in rural areas than that in urban areas (17.7% vs. 14.2%, p = 0.004), while no difference was observed between men and women (14.8% vs. 16.1%, p = 0.242). Advanced age, hypertension and dyslipidemia were the diabetes influencing factors. Among the 609 respondents with diabetes, the diabetic awareness and treatment rates, and the control rate of fasting plasma glucose were 82.3%, 36.6% and 17.1%, respectively. In different age groups, the diabetic awareness rate was higher in men than that in women, and the treatment rate was higher in women than that in men. The diabetic patients, who consumed fruit for ≥ 5 days a week, accounted for 16.3%, and their diabetic treatment (28.1%) and control rates (44.1%) were lower. Shenyang people aged ≥ 40 years have higher diabetic prevalence and awareness rates, and lower diabetic treatment and control rates. Finally, it is necessary to enhance awareness and education about diabetes, to improve its treatment and control rates.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress-related neuroinflammation and neural stem cells decrease in mice exposure to paraquat
Authors: Yang Zhengli , Shao Yiming , Zhao Yifan , Li Qian , Li Rui , Xiao Hongxi , Zhang Fen , Zhang Yilan , Chang Xiuli , Zhang Yubin , Zhou Zhijun
Published: October 2020

Paraquat (PQ), a widely used herbicide, could cause neurodegenerative diseases, yet the mechanism remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate the direct effect of PQ on NSC in vivo and its possible mechanism. Adult C57BL/6 mice were subcutaneously injected with 2 mg/kg PQ, 20 mg/kg PQ or vehicle control once a week for 2 weeks, and sacrificed 1 week after the last PQ injection. Furthermore, extra experiments with Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid (TUDCA) intervention were performed to observe the relationship between ER stress, neuroinflammation and the neural stem cell (NSC) impairment. The results showed that 20 mg/kg PQ caused the NSC number decrease in both subgranular zones (SGZ) and subventricular zone (SVZ). Further analysis indicated that the 20 mg/kg PQ suppressed the proliferation of NSC, without affecting the apoptosis. Moreover, 20 mg/kg PQ also induced ER stress in microglia and caused neuroinflammation in SGZ and SVZ. Interestingly, the ER stress inhibitor could simultaneously ameliorate the neuroinflammation and NSC reduction. These data suggested that increased ER stress in microglia might be a possible pathway for PQ-induced neuroinflammation and NSC impairment. That is a previously unknown mechanism for PQ neurotoxicity.
NGS-based barcoding with mini-COI gene target is useful for pet food market surveys aimed at mislabelling detection
Authors: Palumbo Fabio , Scariolo Francesco , Vannozzi Alessandro , Barcaccia Gianni
Published: October 2020

Pet food industry has grown considerably in the last few years and it is expected to continue with this rate. Despite the economic impact of this sector and the consumer concerns for the increasing number of food and feed adulteration cases, few studies have been published on mislabelling in pet foods. We therefore investigated the capability of a next generation sequencing-based mini-barcoding approach to identify animal species in pet food products. In a preliminary analysis, a 127 bp fragment of theCOIgene was tested on both individual specimens and ad hoc mixed fresh samples used as testers, to evaluate its discrimination power and primers effectiveness. Eighteen pet food products of different price categories and forms available on the market (i.e. kibbles, bites, pâté and strips) were analysed through an NGS approach in biological replicates. At least one of the species listed in the ingredients was not detected in half of the products, while seven products showed supplementary species in addition to those stated on the label. Due to the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity demonstrated, this method can be proposed as food genetic traceability system to evaluate both the feed and food quality timely along the supply chain.
Growth factor-mimicking 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine-encoded bioartificial extracellular matrix like protein promotes wound closure and angiogenesis
Authors: Ilamaran Meganathan , Sundarapandian Ashokraj , Aarthy Mayilvahanan , Shanmugam Ganesh , Ponesakki Ganesan , Ramudu Kamini Numbi , Niraikulam Ayyadurai
Published: October 2020

The present work reports a new route to prepare a “smart biomaterial” by mimicking long-acting cellular growth factor showing enhanced cell–material interactions by promoting cell proliferation and angiogenesis.
GRPR-targeted SPECT imaging using a novel bombesin-based peptide for colorectal cancer detection
Authors: Liu Peifei , Tu Yuanbiao , Tao Ji , Liu Zicun , Wang Fang , Ma Yi , Li Zhaolun , Han Zhihao , Gu Yueqing
Published: October 2020

The designed novel targeting peptide GB-6 binding to GRPR possesses more favorable pharmacokinetic properties with lower intestinal activity as well as superior tumor-targeting ability in colorectal cancer models than BBN7–14.
Chronic n-3 fatty acid intake enhances insulin response to oral glucose and elevates GLP-1 in high-fat diet-fed obese mice
Authors: Pavlisova Jana , Horakova Olga , Kalendova Veronika , Buresova Jana , Bardova Kristina , Holendova Blanka , Plecita-Hlavata Lydie , Vackova Sarka , Windrichova Jindra , Topolcan Ondrej , Kopecky Jan , Rossmeisl Martin
Published: October 2020

Chronic intake of n-3 PUFA in obese mice improved glucose tolerance by increasing insulin and GLP-1 response to oral glucose.
Manganese import protectsSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium against nitrosative stress
Authors: Yousuf Shehla , Karlinsey Joyce E , Neville Stephanie L , McDevitt Christopher A , Libby Stephen J , Fang Ferric C , Frawley Elaine R
Published: October 2020

Nitric oxide (NO˙) is a radical molecule produced by mammalian phagocytic cells as part of the innate immune response to bacterial pathogens. It exerts its antimicrobial activity in part by impairing the function of metalloproteins, particularly those containing iron and zinc cofactors. The pathogenic Gram-negative bacterium Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium undergoes dynamic changes in its cellular content of the four most common metal cofactors following exposure to NO˙ stress. Zinc, iron and magnesium all decrease in response to NO˙ while cellular manganese increases significantly. Manganese acquisition is driven primarily by increased expression of the mntH and sitABCD transporters following derepression of MntR and Fur. ZupT also contributes to manganese acquisition in response to nitrosative stress. S. Typhimurium mutants lacking manganese importers are more sensitive to NO˙, indicating that manganese is important for resistance to nitrosative stress.
A conversion-type electrochemical artificial synapse for plasticity modulation and dendritic application
Authors: Wei Huanhuan , Yu Haiyang , Gong Jiangdong , Li Renjie , Han Hong , Ma Mingxue , Guo Kexin , Xu Wentao
Published: October 2020

A conversion-type electrochemical artificial synapse exhibits potential applications for memory enhancement and dendritic integration; ultra-high sensitivity (3 mV) and extremely low-power consumption (32 fW) could be achieved.
Cross-π-conjugated enediyne with multitopic metal binding sites
Authors: Nauroozi Djawed , Wurster Benjamin , Faust Rüdiger
Published: October 2020

Synthesis and structural characterization of a geminal enediyne molecule with three imine metal binding sites based on diazafluorenemethylidene in a cross-π-conjugated fashion is reported.
A case of chain propagation: α-aminoalkyl radicals as initiators for aryl radical chemistry
Authors: Constantin Timothée , Juliá Fabio , Sheikh Nadeem S. , Leonori Daniele
Published: October 2020

Aminoalkyl radicals can be used as both initiators and chain-carriers for the conversion of aryl halides into the corresponding radicals. This approach by-passes the requirement for strongly reducing photocatalysts.
Nature of the copper-nitrosyl intermediates of copper nitrite reductases during catalysis
Authors: Hough Michael A. , Conradie Jeanet , Strange Richard W. , Antonyuk Svetlana V. , Eady Robert R. , Ghosh Abhik , Hasnain S. Samar
Published: October 2020

Observation of side-on copper-nitrosyl intermediate and its confirmation by DFT during catalysis of copper nitrite reductases.
Apparent phototaxis enabled by Brownian motion
Authors: Niese Lukas , Wang Linlin , Das Sayan , Simmchen Juliane
Published: October 2020

To improve the understanding of phototaxis, we investigate the origin of our photocatalytic particles’ peculiar scotophobicity (fear of darkness).
The effect of amide bond orientation and symmetry on the self-assembly and gelation of discotic tripeptides
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Bera Santu , Nandi Sujay Kumar , Haldar Debasish
Published: October 2020

The C3-symmetric N-centered and CO-centered discotic tripeptides form 3-fold intermolecular H-bonded helical column and organogels, whereas the C2-symmetric discotic tripeptides adopt 6-fold intermolecular H-bonded dimer and microspheres structures.
Heterogeneous structured MoSe2–MoO3 quantum dots with enhanced sodium/potassium storage
Authors: Liu Wen , Yuan Jujun , Hao Youchen , Maleki Kheimeh Sari Hirbod , Wang Jingjing , Kakimov Alibek , Xiao Wei , Qin Jian , Li Wenbin , Xie Chong , Hu Junhua , Peng Jianhong , Li Xifei
Published: October 2020

A quantum dot-assisted self-assembled MoSe2–MoO3 heterogeneous structure is investigated for sodium/potassium storage for the first time. The quantum dot-assisted self-assembled MoSe2–MoO3 anode possesses a better electrochemical performance.
Issues affecting nanomedicines on the way from the bench to the market
Authors: Longo João Paulo Figueiró , Mussi Samuel , Azevedo Ricardo Bentes , Muehlmann Luís Alexandre
Published: October 2020

The development of innovative nanomedicine has raised the standards over the last few decades.
Efficient near ultraviolet emissive (CIEy < 0.06) organic light-emitting diodes based on phenanthroimidazole–alkyl spacer–carbazole fluorophores: experimental and theoretical investigation
Authors: Tagare Jairam , Boddula Rajamouli , Sudheendran Sujith Swayamprabha , Dubey Deepak Kumar , Jou Jwo-Huei , Patel Sabita , Vaidyanathan Sivakumar
Published: October 2020

Efficient near ultraviolet light-emitting materials are of particular importance in organic light emitting devices (OLEDs) because of their potential for application in high-quality flat panel displays and white OLEDs.
Multiple photoluminescence of spiro[acridine-fluorene]-based o-carboranyl compounds with potential as a visual sensory material
Authors: Mun Min Sik , Ryu Chan Hee , So Hyunhee , Kim Mingi , Lee Ji Hye , Hwang Hyonseok , Lee Kang Mun
Published: October 2020

Two spiro[acridine-9,9′-fluorene]-based closo-o-carboranyl compounds were prepared and they demonstrated the application potential of π-aromatic conjugated o-carboranyl compounds as visual sensory materials.
Maximum Speech Performance and Executive Control in Young Adult Speakers
Authors: Shen Chen , Janse Esther
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study investigated whether maximum speech performance, more specifically, the ability to rapidly alternate between similar syllables during speech production, is associated with executive control abilities in a nonclinical young adult population.

Method

Seventy-eight young adult participants completed two speech tasks, both operationalized as maximum performance tasks, to index their articulatory control: a diadochokinetic (DDK) task with nonword and real-word syllable sequences and a tongue-twister task. Additionally, participants completed three cognitive tasks, each covering one element of executive control (a Flanker interference task to index inhibitory control, a letter–number switching task to index cognitive switching, and an operation span task to index updating of working memory). Linear mixed-effects models were fitted to investigate how well maximum speech performance measures can be predicted by elements of executive control.

Results

Participants' cognitive switching ability was associated with their accuracy in both the DDK and tongue-twister speech tasks. Additionally, nonword DDK accuracy was more strongly associated with executive control than real-word DDK accuracy (which has to be interpreted with caution). None of the executive control abilities related to the maximum rates at which participants performed the two speech tasks.

Conclusion

These results underscore the association between maximum speech performance and executive control (cognitive switching in particular).
Non‐fragile multi‐objective linear parameter‐varying controller design for vehicle lateral stability
Authors: Li Pengxu , Li Panshuo , Zhao Jing , Zhang Bin
Published: October 2020

This study investigates the robust non‐fragile controller design for vehicle lateral stability, with considering the uncertainties of tire cornering stiffness and actuator saturation. The vehicle longitudinal velocity is assumed to be time varying and the velocity‐dependent parameters are described within a trapezoid polytope. The norm‐bounded perturbation of controller gain is taken into account which is more practical. By solving the linear matrix inequalities, the non‐fragile linear parameter‐varying controller is obtained to satisfy the mixed and performance of the vehicle dynamics system. With the designed controller, the sideslip angle and yaw rate of vehicle are restricted effectively to guarantee the lateral stability and handling performance. Two simulations are carried out to validate the effectiveness of the designed controller.
Synchronous reference frame interface for geographically distributed real‐time simulations
Authors: Syed Mazheruddin H. , Guillo‐Sansano Efren , Blair Steven M. , Avras Andreas , M. Burt Graeme
Published: October 2020

The increasing complexity of power systems has warranted the development of geographically distributed real‐time simulations (GD‐RTS). However, the wide scale adoption of GD‐RTS remains a challenge owing to the (i) limitations of state‐of‐the‐art interfaces in reproducing faster dynamics and transients, (ii) lack of an approach to ensure a successful implementation within geographically separated research infrastructures (RIs) and (iii) lack of established evidence of its appropriateness for smart grid applications. To address the limitations in reproduction of faster dynamics and transients, this study presents a synchronous reference frame interface for GD‐RTS. By means of a comprehensive performance characterisation, the superior performance of the proposed interface in terms of accuracy (reduced error on average by 60% and faster settling times) and computational complexity has been established. This study further derives the transfer function models for GD‐RTS with interface characteristics for analytical stability analysis that ensure stable implementations avoiding the risks associated with multiple RI implementations. Finally, to establish confidence in the proposed interface and to investigate GD‐RTS applicability for real‐world applications, a GD‐RTS implementation between two RIs at the University of Strathclyde is realised to demonstrate inertial support within transmission network model of the Great Britain power system.
Risk‐based many‐objective configuration of power system fault current limiters utilising NSGA‐III
Authors: Guo Chao , Ye Chengjin , Ding Yi , Lin Zhenzhi , Wang Peng
Published: October 2020

The fault current limiter (FCL) has been envisaged as a feasible solution to defend against out‐of‐range short‐circuit currents (SCCs) in power systems. However, the existing studies mainly sited and sized FCLs under deterministic fault scenarios. Moreover, the influences of FCLs on power systems are complex including dynamic aspects, which makes it extremely difficult to configure FCLs optimally. This paper proposes a risk‐based many‐objective FCL configuration framework. Specifically, a data‐driven Proportional Hazard Model (PHM) is developed to evaluate the nodal long‐term short‐circuit probability considering equipment aging, weather statistics, and surrounding conditions. The risks in terms of out‐of‐range SCC, abnormal voltage sag, and transient instability are formulated as the objective functions of the FCL configuration model, as well as the overall FCL investment. The time‐domain dynamic response process of FCLs is considered in both the SCC limiting and the transient stability simulation process, mainly in the form of a time‐varying resistance. The state‐of‐the‐art NSGA‐III is deployed to search the Pareto‐optimal FCL configuration solutions of the established many‐objective FCL configuration problem. The numerical results verify that the risk‐based model configures FCLs more economically with a 7.5% decrease of average FCL investment compared with the deterministic model.
SDSS-IV MaNGA: Global and local stellar population properties of elliptical galaxies
Authors: Lacerna I. , Ibarra-Medel H. , Avila-Reese V. , Hernández-Toledo H. M. , Vázquez-Mata J. A. , Sánchez S. F.
Published: October 2020

Context.We study the spatially resolved properties of 343 elliptical galaxies with the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at the Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA) survey.

Aims.Our goal is to understand the fundamental processes of formation and quenching of elliptical galaxies.

Methods.We used the DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys for accurate morphological classification. Based on integrated spectroscopic properties and colors, we classified seven classes of elliptical galaxies. We inferred the stellar age and metallicity gradients out to a 1.5 effective radius (Reff) of classical “red and dead”, recently quenched, and blue star-forming ellipticals (CLEs, RQEs, and BSFs), corresponding to 73%, 10%, and 4% of the sample, respectively. Additionally, we reconstructed their global and radial histories of star formation and mass growth.

Results.The mass- and luminosity-weighted age gradients of CLEs are nearly flat or mildly negative, with small differences between both ages. The respective metallicity gradients are negative (∇log[Zmw] = −0.11−0.08+0.07dex/Reffand ∇log[Zlw] = −0.11−0.07+0.06dex/Reff, respectively), being flatter as the mass is smaller. The more massive CLEs formed stars earlier and quenched faster than the less massive ones. The CLEs show a weak inside-out growth and a clear inside-out quenching. They finished their quenching globally 3.8  ±  1.2 Gyr ago on average, with quenching time-scales of 3.4  ±  0.8 Gyr. AtM⋆< 1011 M⊙, the age andZgradients of the RQEs and BSFs are flatter than those of the CLEs, but with larger scatters. They show very weak inside-out growth and quenching, which is slow and not even completed atz ∼ 0 for the BSFs. Instead, the massive RQEs show an outside-in quenching and positive gradients in the luminosity-weighted age and stellar metallicities. The RQEs of all masses quenched 1.2 ± 0.9 Gyr ago on average.

Conclusions.Our results for the CLEs are consistent with a two-phase scenario where their inner parts formed by an early and coeval dissipative collapse with a consequent burst of star formation and further quenching, whereas the outer parts continued their assembly, likely by dry mergers. We also discuss some evolutionary scenarios for the RQE and BSF galaxies that would agree with the generic results.