bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pest status, bio-ecology and management of the false codling moth,Thaumatotibia leucotreta(Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and its implication for international trade
Authors: Adom M. , Fening K. O. , Billah M. K. , Wilson D. D. , Hevi W. , Clottey V. A. , Ansah-Amprofi F. , Bruce A. Y.
Published: June 2020

The false codling moth (FCM),Thaumatotibia leucotreta(Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is an insect pest which represents an important threat to the production and marketing of a wide range of agricultural crops in the African-Caribbean-Pacific (ACP) countries. The FCM reduces not only the yield and quality of the crop but also as a quarantine insect pest, restricts the trade of susceptible agricultural produce on the international market. In addition, little research has been conducted in the ACP countries on the bio-ecology and sustainable management of this pest, especially on vegetables for export. Thus, action-oriented research aimed at understanding the bio-ecology of this important pest is essential to achieve effective management. Various management interventions against this pest have been used in some parts of the world, especially in South Africa on citrus. Currently, farm sanitation is regarded as the key management strategy. Exploring and improving on other interventions such as Sterile Insect Technique, monitoring and mass trapping of male moths, augmentative biological control, use of bio-pesticides, protected cultivation and cold treatment may help to mitigate the expansion of FCM into other countries, especially in the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization region where it has become a regulated insect pest since 2014. This review discussed the bio-ecology of FCM and highlighted some of the challenges and opportunities for its effective management and its implication for international trade, especially the export of chillies from the ACP countries into the European Union market which requires strict phytosanitary regulations.
Studies of the fast ion confinement in the Large Helical Device by using neutron measurement and integrated codes
Authors: Nuga H. , Seki R. , Ogawa K. , Kamio S. , Fujiwara Y. , Osakabe M. , Isobe M. , Nishitani T. , Yokoyama M. ,   LHD Experiment Group
Published: June 2020

The neutral beam (NB) fast ion confinement in the Large Helical Device (LHD) is studied for several full field ($B_{t}\sim 2.75~\text{T}$) magnetic configurations by a combination of neutron measurement and simulations. To investigate the NB fast ion confinement, we have performed a series of short-pulse NB injection experiments. The experiment results are analysed by the integrated code TASK3D-a. From this investigation, the effective particle diffusion coefficients of the tangential and perpendicular NBs are approximately$D^{\text{eff}}\sim 0.1~\text{m}^{2}~\text{s}^{-1}$and$D^{\text{eff}}\sim 1~\text{m}^{2}~\text{s}^{-1}$in the standard configuration. It is clarified that the NB fast ion confinement improves when the plasmas are shifted inward. Moreover, it is also found that the simulation, which considers the deuteron dilution effect due to the presence of impurity ions, can describe a neutron emission rate consistent with the measurement.
Molecular evidence of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi in equines and ticks in Nigeria: prevalence and risk factors analysis
Authors: Onyiche ThankGod E. , Taioe Moeti O. , Ogo Ndudim I. , Sivakumar Thillaiampalam , Biu Abdullahi A. , Mbaya Albert W. , Xuan Xuenan , Yokoyama Naoaki , Thekisoe Oriel
Published: June 2020

Babesia caballi and Theileria equi are biological agents responsible for equine piroplasmosis (EP). We conducted a robust and extensive epidemiological study in Nigeria on the prevalence and risk factors of EP. Blood (468, both horses and donkeys) and ticks (201 pools) were screened using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). DNA of equine piroplasms was observed in tick pools with B. caballi amplified in Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi only [minimum infection rate (MIR) of 7.6%] while T. equi was observed in R. e. evertsi (MIR, 61.6%), Hyalomma dromedarii (MIR, 23.7%) and H. truncatum (MIR, 50.0%). Overall results showed that 196/468 (41.9%) animals were positive for equine piroplasms (both B. caballi and T. equi). The prevalence for T. equi was 189/468 (40.4%) compared to 7/468 (1.5%) for B. caballi. In the horses and donkeys, respectively, the prevalence for T. equi was (39.9%; 112/281) and (41.2%; 77/187) compared with (1.4%; 4/281) and (1.6%; 3/187) due to B. caballi. Our analysis showed that location (Jigawa state), Talon breed, horses used for work and reproduction, unsatisfactory husbandry practices, contact with other mammals are risk factors that associated positivity to T. equi infection in horses, whilst horses kept on intensive management appeared to be less prone to infection. On the other hand, Jangora breed of donkeys and location (Jigawa state) are risk factors to infection with T. equi in donkeys. Findings suggest the persistence of EP in equids and ticks in Nigeria.
Did natural selection select for true religious beliefs?
Authors: VAN EYGHEN HANS , BENNETT CHRISTOPHER T.
Published: June 2020

Although it is commonly accepted that Darwinian evolution could select for true common-sense beliefs, it is altogether less certain that the same can be said for other classes of beliefs, such as moral or religious beliefs. This issue takes centre stage in debates concerning evolutionary debunking arguments against religious beliefs, where the rationality of beliefs is often dependent upon their production by an evolved faculty that is sensitive to truth. In this article, we consider whether evolution selected for true religious beliefs. We begin by highlighting the relevance of this question for broader philosophy of religion, then present a dialogue of arguments and counter-arguments for and against the proposition that true religious beliefs generate pragmatic success and hence can be selected for by evolution.
Pride and Purpose: reflections on timebanking practice for fostering social networks in wellbeing improvement schemes
Authors: GREGORY LEE
Published: June 2020

This paper explores the relationship between social capital and a community initiative known as timebanking. Its purpose is to offer a more critical account of the literature to date, which suggests timebanking generates improved health outcomes because it facilitates bridging social capital. Drawing on Cattell’s (2011) analysis of social networks the paper offers an alternative account. It suggests a more nuanced view of social networks shows the development of different networks by members, resulting from gendered forms of participation. The consequences of this is that whilst different network forms provide sources of pride and coping mechanisms for members, for women they inhabit more diverse networks which offer greater benefits whilst men may still experience some forms of exclusion and isolation through their participation.
Effect of Road Safety Laws on Deaths and Injuries from Road Traffic Collisions in Colombia
Authors: Argote-Aramendiz Killiam , Molloy Michael S. , Hart Alexander , Voskayan Amalia , Sarin Ritu , Ciottone Gregory R.
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Colombia is the fourth largest country in South America. It is an upper middle-income country with an estimated population of 49.2 million people, and road traffic collisions (RTCs) are the second most common cause of traumatic death. The United Nations (UN) proclaimed 2011 to 2020 as the “Decade of Action for Road Safety.” In this context, the government of Colombia established the National Road Safety Plan (PNSV) for the period 2011-2021, aiming to reduce RTC-related deaths by 26%. Some road safety laws (RSLs) were implemented before the PNSV, but their impact on deaths and injuries is still not known.

Study Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether these RSLs have had a long-term effect on road safety in the country.

Methods:

Data on RTC casualties, deaths, and injuries from January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2017 were collated from official Colombian governmental publications. Three different periods were considered for analysis: 2001-2010 to evaluate the Transit Code; 2011-2017 to evaluate the PNSV; and 2001-2017 to evaluate a composite of the full study period. Analyses of trends in deaths and injuries were related to dates of new RSLs.

Results:

A total of 102,723 deaths (12.7%) and 707,778 injuries (87.3%) were reported from 2001 through 2017. The Transit Code period (2001-2010) showed a 10.1% decline in deaths, 16.6% decline in injuries, and rates per 100,000 inhabitants and per 10,000 registered vehicles also declined. During the period of the PNSV (2011-2017), there was an increase in the number of deaths by 16.6%, injuries decreased by 1.7%, and death rates per 100,000 inhabitants also increased. During the total study period, a 12.4% reduction in the total number of casualties was achieved, and death and injury rates per 100,000 inhabitants decreased by 12.4% and 27.5%, respectively.

Discussion:

Despite the introduction of the PNSV, RTCs remain the second most common cause of preventable death in Colombia. Overall, while the absolute number of RTCs and deaths has been increasing, the rate of RTCs per 10,000 registered vehicles has been decreasing. This suggests that although the goals of the PNSV may not be realized, some of the laws emanating from it may be having a beneficial effect. Further study is required over a protracted period to determine the longer-term impact of these initiatives.
Drafting the Dutch: Selection Biases in Dutch Conscript Records in the Second Half of the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Quanjer Björn , Kok Jan
Published: June 2020

Conscription records are considered to be the best sources for studying heights over cohorts. This article discusses the various steps and selection mechanisms involved in the conscription system of the Netherlands, which was more or less similar to the systems found in other European countries. Starting with a birth cohort of 4,436 boys, we run a series of regressions on the likelihood to be registered at all and to have one’s height recorded. We discuss the effects of cohort attrition through mortality and migration, and explore familial, social, and religious reasons for evading registration and (medical) examination. We find various kinds of selections, but their effects on the distribution and averages of heights are limited. Thus, heights culled from conscripts records are indeed an excellent indicator of a cohort’s biological standard of living. However, researchers focusing on social variation in height need to be aware of the unequal opportunities to evade registration and measurement.
Quantitatively Deciphering Paleostrain From Digital Outcrops Model and its Application in the Eastern Tian Shan, China
Authors: Wang Xin , Gao Feng
Published: June 2020

The knowledge of the strain/stress field evolution in time is fundamental to the understanding of the dynamic system. Based on the principle that past tectonic stress should have left traces in the rocks, geologists have been trying to determine the paleostress history from evidence found in rocks for decades. Recent development of techniques for automatic extraction of fracture surfaces from digital outcrop models and estimation of historical shear deformation on rock fractures provide an efficient way of quantitatively acquiring large amounts of high‐quality fracture/fault slip data from outcrops. Unlike traditional paleostress inversion methods whose data are manually collected in the field, the new techniques provide much more detailed information about the strain of the outcrop and a good opportunity to develop quantitative methods for deciphering more realistic paleostrains. In this study, instead of fitting the slip data from several fractures to calculate the overall strain tensor, the local strain tensor is calculated for slip on each fracture from the outcrop. Then, the local strain tensors are grouped into populations corresponding to different strain events using a clustering analysis technique. Theoretical advantages of this new method over the traditional ones are discussed. The applications on outcrops in the eastern Tian Shan area give a clear picture of the late Cenozoic paleostrain variation over space and time and also throw light on the cause for the change in the strain regime in time, the fracture development patterns, and the distribution of shear displacements in fracture networks.
Profiling cytotoxic microRNAs in pediatric and adult glioblastoma cells by high-content screening, identification, and validation of miR-1300
Authors: Boissinot M. , King H. , Adams M. , Higgins J. , Shaw G. , Ward T. A. , Steele L. P. , Tams D. , Morton R. , Polson E. , da Silva B. , Droop A. , Hayes J. L. , Martin H. , Laslo P. , Morrison E. , Tomlinson D. C. , Wurdak H. , Bond J. , Lawler S. E. , Short S. C.
Published: June 2020

MicroRNAs play an important role in the regulation of mRNA translation and have therapeutic potential in cancer and other diseases. To profile the landscape of microRNAs with significant cytotoxicity in the context of glioblastoma (GBM), we performed a high-throughput screen in adult and pediatric GBM cells using a synthetic oligonucleotide library representing all known human microRNAs. Bioinformatics analysis was used to refine this list and the top seven microRNAs were validated in a larger panel of GBM cells using state-of-the-art in vitro assays. The cytotoxic effect of our most relevant candidate was assessed in a preclinical model. Our screen identified ~100 significantly cytotoxic microRNAs with 70% concordance between cell lines. MicroRNA-1300 (miR-1300) was the most potent and robust candidate. We observed a striking binucleated phenotype in miR-1300 transfected cells due to cytokinesis failure followed by apoptosis. This was also observed in two stem-like patient-derived cultures. We identified the physiological role of miR-1300 as a regulator of endomitosis in megakaryocyte differentiation where blockade of cytokinesis is an essential step. In GBM cells, where miR-1300 is normally not expressed, the oncogene Epithelial Cell Transforming 2 (ECT2) was validated as a direct key target. ECT2 siRNA phenocopied the effects of miR-1300, and ECT2 overexpression led to rescue of miR-1300 induced binucleation. We showed that ectopic expression of miR-1300 led to decreased tumor growth in an orthotopic GBM model. Our screen provides a resource for the neuro-oncology community and identified miR-1300 as a novel regulator of endomitosis with translatable potential for therapeutic application.
Cell Atlas of The Human Fovea and Peripheral Retina
Authors: Yan Wenjun , Peng Yi-Rong , van Zyl Tavé , Regev Aviv , Shekhar Karthik , Juric Dejan , Sanes Joshua R.
Published: June 2020

Most irreversible blindness results from retinal disease. To advance our understanding of the etiology of blinding diseases, we used single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) to analyze the transcriptomes of ~85,000 cells from the fovea and peripheral retina of seven adult human donors. Utilizing computational methods, we identified 58 cell types within 6 classes: photoreceptor, horizontal, bipolar, amacrine, retinal ganglion and non-neuronal cells. Nearly all types are shared between the two retinal regions, but there are notable differences in gene expression and proportions between foveal and peripheral cohorts of shared types. We then used the human retinal atlas to map expression of 636 genes implicated as causes of or risk factors for blinding diseases. Many are expressed in striking cell class-, type-, or region-specific patterns. Finally, we compared gene expression signatures of cell types between human and the cynomolgus macaque monkey, Macaca fascicularis. We show that over 90% of human types correspond transcriptomically to those previously identified in macaque, and that expression of disease-related genes is largely conserved between the two species. These results validate the use of the macaque for modeling blinding disease, and provide a foundation for investigating molecular mechanisms underlying visual processing.
The earliest Tyrannida (Aves, Passeriformes), from the Oligocene of France
Authors: Riamon Ségolène , Tourment Nicolas , Louchart Antoine
Published: June 2020

Passeriformes is the most diverse bird order. Nevertheless, passerines have a remarkably poor early fossil record. In addition, high osteological homoplasy across passerines makes partial specimens difficult to systematically assign precisely. Here we describe one of the few earliest fossil passerines, from the early Oligocene (ca 30 Ma) of southern France, and one of the best preserved and most complete. This fossil can be conservatively assigned to Tyrannida, a subclade of the New World Tyranni (Suboscines), i.e. of the Tyrannides. A most probably stem-representative of Tyrannida, the new fossil bears strong resemblance with some manakins (Pipridae), possibly due to plesiomorphy. Furthermore, it yields a new point of calibration for molecular phylogenies, already consistent with the age of the fossil. Tyrannida, and the more inclusive Tyrannides, are today confined to the New World. Therefore, the new fossil calls for scenarios of transatlantic crossing during or near the Oligocene. Later, the European part of the distribution of the Tyrannida disappeared, leading to a relictual modern New World distribution of this clade, a pattern known in other avian clades. The history of Tyrannida somehow mirrors that of the enigmatic Sapayoa aenigma, sole New World representative of the Eurylaimides (Old World Tyranni), with transatlantic crossing probably caused by similar events.
Old World Monkeys are less than ideal transplantation models for testing pig organs lacking three carbohydrate antigens (Triple-Knockout)
Authors: Yamamoto Takayuki , Iwase Hayato , Patel Diyan , Jagdale Abhijit , Ayares David , Anderson Douglas , Eckhoff Devin E. , Cooper David K. C. , Hara Hidetaka
Published: June 2020

Triple-knockout (TKO) pigs (with added protective human transgenes) are likely to be optimal sources of organs for clinical organ xenotransplantation because many humans have minimal or no natural antibody to TKO pig cells. However, Old World monkeys (OWMs) have naturally-existing antibodies directed to TKO cells. We measured anti-pig IgM/IgG binding, and complement-dependent cytotoxicity to wild-type (WT), α1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout (GTKO), and TKO pig peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using sera from humans, several OWMs, and two New World monkeys (NWMs). Furthermore, we compared survival of GTKO (n = 5) and TKO (n = 3) pig kidneys in baboons. OWMs had significantly greater IgM binding and cytotoxicity to TKO PBMCs than humans or NWMs. Mean anti-TKO IgM was significantly higher in OWMs and significantly lower in NWMs than in humans. Cytotoxicity of OWM sera to TKO PBMCs was significantly greater than of human serum, but there was no significant difference between human and NWM sera. The median survival of TKO pig kidneys (4 days) in baboons was significantly shorter than that of GTKO kidneys (136 days) (p < 0.05). Even though considered ideal for clinical xenotransplantation, the presence of naturally-existing antibodies to TKO pig cells in OWMs complicates the transplantation of TKO pig kidneys in OWMs.
Slow evolution under purifying selection in the gamete recognition protein bindin of the sea urchin Diadema
Authors: Geyer L. B. , Zigler K. S. , Tiozzo S. , Lessios H. A.
Published: June 2020

Bindin is a sperm protein that mediates attachment and membrane fusion of gametes. The mode of bindin evolution varies across sea urchin genera studied to date. In three genera it evolves under positive selection, in four under mostly purifying selection, and in one, results have been mixed. We studied bindin evolution in the pantropical sea urchin Diadema, which split from other studied genera 250 million years ago. We found that Diadema bindin is structurally similar to that of other genera, but much longer (418 amino acids). In seven species of Diadema, bindin evolves under purifying selection, more slowly than in any other sea urchin genus. Only bindin of the recently rediscovered D. clarki shows evidence of positive selection. As D. clarki is sympatric with D. setosum and D. savignyi, positive selection could arise from avoidance of maladaptive hybridization. However, D. setosum and D. savignyi overlap in the Indo-West Pacific, yet their bindins show no evidence of positive selection, possibly because the two species spawn at different times. Bindin in the East Pacific D. mexicanum, the West Atlantic D. antillarum, the East Atlantic D. africanum, and the Indo-Pacific D. paucispinum also evolves slowly under purifying selection.
Active structural acoustic illusions
Authors: Eggler Daniel , Kessissoglou Nicole
Published: June 2020

We present active manipulation of the structural vibrations of an elastic body to generate an acoustic illusion. The resultant illusion misrepresents the nature, size and number of objects in the exterior acoustic domain. We demonstrate our technique, herein termed active structural acoustic illusion, using an elastic cylindrical shell. The radial motion of the shell at its cavity resonance frequencies is actively modified using localised mechanical forces. Acoustic illusions are generated to resemble the scattered acoustic field by one or more rigid cylinders of different size and location.
Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid channel regulates fibroblast differentiation and airway remodeling by modulating redox signals through NADPH Oxidase 4
Authors: Al-Azzam Nosayba , Teegala Lakshminarayan Reddy , Pokhrel Sabita , Ghebreigziabher Samrawit , Chachkovskyy Tatiana , Thodeti Sathwika , Gavilanes Ignacio , Covington Kayla , Thodeti Charles K. , Paruchuri Sailaja
Published: June 2020

Asthma is characterized by pathological airway remodeling resulting from persistent myofibroblast activation. Although transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1), mechanical signals, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in fibroblast differentiation, their integration is still elusive. We identified that Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), a mechanosensitive ion channel mediates lung fibroblast (LF) differentiation and D. farinae-induced airway remodeling via a novel TRPV4-NADPH Oxidase 4 (NOX4) interaction. NOX4-mediated ROS production is essential for TGFβ1-induced LF differentiation via myocardin-related transcription factor-A (MRTF-A) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1). Importantly, TRPV4 inhibition prevented TGFβ1-induced NOX4 expression and ROS production. Both TRPV4 and NOX4 are activated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) downstream of TGFβ1, and signals from both TRPV4 and Rac are necessary for NOX4 upregulation. Notably, NOX4 expression is higher in fibroblasts derived from asthmatic patients (disease human LF; DHLF) in comparison to non-asthmatics (normal human LF; NHLF). Further, NOX4 expression is up-regulated in the lungs of D.farinae-treated wild type mice (WT) relative to saline-treated WT, which was attenuated in TRPV4 knockout (KO) mice. Our findings suggest that TRPV4 integrates TGFβ1 and ROS signaling through NOX4 and, TRPV4-NOX4 interaction is amenable to target lung remodeling during asthma.
Roles of Elm1 in antifungal susceptibility and virulence in Candida glabrata
Authors: Ito Yuya , Miyazaki Taiga , Tanaka Yutaka , Suematsu Takashi , Nakayama Hironobu , Morita Akihiro , Hirayama Tatsuro , Tashiro Masato , Takazono Takahiro , Saijo Tomomi , Shimamura Shintaro , Yamamoto Kazuko , Imamura Yoshifumi , Izumikawa Koichi , Yanagihara Katsunori , Kohno Shigeru , Mukae Hiroshi
Published: June 2020

Elm1 is a serine/threonine kinase involved in multiple cellular functions, including cytokinesis, morphogenesis, and drug resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae; however, its roles in pathogenic fungi have not been reported. In this study, we created ELM1-deletion, ELM1-reconstituted, ELM1-overexpression, and ELM1-kinase-dead strains in the clinically important fungal pathogen Candida glabrata and investigated the roles of Elm1 in cell morphology, stress response, and virulence. The elm1Δ strain showed elongated morphology and a thicker cell wall, with analyses of cell-wall components revealing that this strain exhibited significantly increased chitin content relative to that in the wild-type and ELM1-overexpression strains. Although the elm1Δ strain exhibited slower growth than the other two strains, as well as increased sensitivity to high temperature and cell-wall-damaging agents, it showed increased virulence in a Galleria mellonella-infection model. Moreover, loss of Elm1 resulted in increased adhesion to agar plates and epithelial cells, which represent important virulence factors in C. glabrata. Furthermore, RNA sequencing revealed that expression levels of 30 adhesion-like genes were elevated in the elm1Δ strain. Importantly, all these functions were mediated by the kinase activity of Elm1. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the functional characterization of Elm1 in pathogenic fungi.
Highly reliable, targeted photothermal cancer therapy combined with thermal dosimetry using a near-infrared absorbent
Authors: Nomura Shinsuke , Morimoto Yuji , Tsujimoto Hironori , Arake Masashi , Harada Manabu , Saitoh Daizoh , Hara Isao , Ozeki Eiichi , Satoh Ayano , Takayama Eiji , Hase Kazuo , Kishi Yoji , Ueno Hideki
Published: June 2020

Photothermal therapy (PTT) using a photo-absorbent in the near-infrared (NIR) region is an effective methodology for local cancer treatment. Before PTT using a NIR absorbent is executed, the operator generally determines the two parameters of fluence rate and irradiation time. However, even if the irradiation parameters are unchanged, the therapeutic effect of PTT is often different for individual tumors. Hence, we examined the therapeutic effect of PTT using a NIR absorbent (ICG lactosome) while changing two parameters (fluence rate and irradiation time) in various combinations. As a result, there was no robust correlation between those parameters and the therapeutic effect. Compared to those parameters, we found that a more reliable determinant was maintenance of the tumor temperature above 43 °C during NIR irradiation. To reconfirm the significance of the determinant, we developed a new system that can regulate the temperature at the NIR irradiation site at a constant level. By using the new system, we verified the treatment outcomes for tumors in which the NIR absorbent had accumulated. All of the tumors that had been kept at 43 °C during NIR irradiation were cured, while none of the tumors that had been kept at a temperature below 41 °C were cured. In conclusion, PTT using a NIR absorbent with thermal dosimetry is a highly reliable treatment for cancer.
56 nm Wide-Band Tunable Q-Switched Erbium Doped Fiber Laser with Tungsten Ditelluride (WTe2) Saturable Absorber
Authors: Ahmad Harith , Albaqawi Hissah Saedoon , Yusoff Norazriena , Yi Chong Wu
Published: June 2020

A wide-band and tunable Q-switched erbium-doped fiber (EDF) laser operating at 1560.5 nm with a tungsten ditelluride (WTe2) saturable absorber (SA) is demonstrated. The semi-metallic nature of WTe2 as well as its small band gap and excellent nonlinear optical properties make it an excellent SA material. The laser cavity uses an 89.5 cm long EDF, pumped by a 980 nm laser diode as the linear gain while the WTe2 based SA generates the pulsed output. The WTe2 based SA has a modulation depth, non-saturable loss and saturation intensity of about 21.4%, 78.6%, and 0.35 kW/cm2 respectively. Stable pulses with a maximum repetition rate of 55.56 kHz, narrowest pulse width of 1.77 µs and highest pulse energy of 18.09 nJ are obtained at the maximum pump power of 244.5 mW. A 56 nm tuning range is obtained in the laser cavity, and the output is observed having a signal to noise ratio (SNR) of 48.5 dB. The demonstrated laser has potential for use in a large number of photonics applications.
Characterization of red blood cell microcirculatory parameters using a bioimpedance microfluidic device
Authors: Xu Tieying , Lizarralde-Iragorri Maria A. , Roman Jean , Ghasemi Rasta , Lefèvre Jean-Pierre , Martincic Emile , Brousse Valentine , Français Olivier , El Nemer Wassim , Le Pioufle Bruno
Published: June 2020

This paper describes the use of a microfluidic device comprising channels with dimensions mimicking those of the smallest capillaries found in the human microcirculation. The device structure, associated with a pair of microelectrodes, provides a tool to electrically measure the transit time of red blood cells through fine capillaries and thus generate an electrical signature for red blood cells in the context of human erythroid genetic disorders, such as sickle cell disease or hereditary spherocytosis, in which red cell elasticity is altered. Red blood cells from healthy individuals, heated or not, and red blood cells from patients with sickle cell disease or hereditary spherocytosis where characterized at a single cell level using our device. Transit time and blockade amplitude recordings were correlated with microscopic observations, and analyzed. The link between the electrical signature and the mechanical properties of the red blood cells is discussed in the paper, with greater transit time and modified blockade amplitude for heated and pathological red blood cells as compared to those from healthy individuals. Our single cell-based methodology offers a new and complementary approach to characterize red cell mechanical properties in human disorders under flow conditions mimicking the microcirculation.
Recombinant Bri3 BRICHOS domain is a molecular chaperone with effect against amyloid formation and non-fibrillar protein aggregation
Authors: Poska Helen , Leppert Axel , Tigro Helene , Zhong Xueying , Kaldmäe Margit , Nilsson Harriet E , Hebert Hans , Chen Gefei , Johansson Jan
Published: June 2020

Molecular chaperones assist proteins in achieving a functional structure and prevent them from misfolding into aggregates, including disease-associated deposits. The BRICHOS domain from familial dementia associated protein Bri2 (or ITM2B) probably chaperones its specific proprotein region with high β-sheet propensity during biosynthesis. Recently, Bri2 BRICHOS activity was found to extend to other amyloidogenic, fibril forming peptides, in particular, Alzheimer’s disease associated amyloid-β peptide, as well as to amorphous aggregate forming proteins. However, the biological functions of the central nervous system specific homologue Bri3 BRICHOS are still to be elucidated. Here we give a detailed characterisation of the recombinant human (rh) Bri3 BRICHOS domain and compare its structural and functional properties with rh Bri2 BRICHOS. The results show that rh Bri3 BRICHOS forms more and larger oligomers, somewhat more efficiently prevents non-fibrillar protein aggregation, and less efficiently reduces Aβ42 fibril formation compared to rh Bri2 BRICHOS. This suggests that Bri2 and Bri3 BRICHOS have overlapping molecular mechanisms and that their apparently different tissue expression and processing may result in different physiological functions.
Polymer photonic crystal membrane for thermo-regulating textile
Authors: Assaf Salim , Boutghatin Mohamed , Pennec Yan , Thomy Vincent , Korovin Alexander , Treizebre Anthony , Carette Michèle , Akjouj Abdellatif , Djafari-Rouhani. Bahram
Published: June 2020

We study numerically the absorption and scattering properties of a polymer photonic membrane to thermoregulate the human body microclimate which corresponds to the area between the skin and a textile. We first show that the structuration of the absorbing photonic membrane with air holes leads to a modulation of the optical spectrum in the Mid-Infrared range. Indeed, we show that the membrane is able to modulate the transmission amplitude by 28% in benefit or deficit of both the absorption and reflection. We then studied the thermal balance between the human body and the surrounding environment through the photonic membrane. We found that, compared to a regular membrane, the photonic crystal structure behaves as a heating component that offers the possibility to reduce the temperature of the room up to +1 °C. The membrane is flexible, low cost, 3D-printable, free of metallic particles, and can easily be added to usual textiles.
Analysis of Immune Checkpoint Drug Targets and Tumor Proteotypes in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Liebler Daniel C. , Holzer Timothy R. , Haragan Alexander , Morrison Ryan D. , O’Neill Reising Leslie , Ackermann Bradley L. , Fill Jeff A. , Schade Andrew E. , Gruver Aaron M.
Published: June 2020

New therapeutics targeting immune checkpoint proteins have significantly advanced treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but protein level quantitation of drug targets presents a critical problem. We used multiplexed, targeted mass spectrometry (MS) to quantify immunotherapy target proteins PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, IDO1, LAG3, TIM3, ICOSLG, VISTA, GITR, and CD40 in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) NSCLC specimens. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and MS measurements for PD-L1 were weakly correlated, but IHC did not distinguish protein abundance differences detected by MS. PD-L2 abundance exceeded PD-L1 in over half the specimens and the drug target proteins all displayed different abundance patterns. mRNA correlated with protein abundance only for PD-1, PD-L1, and IDO1 and tumor mutation burden did not predict abundance of any protein targets. Global proteome analyses identified distinct proteotypes associated with high PD-L1-expressing and high IDO1-expressing NSCLC. MS quantification of multiple drug targets and tissue proteotypes can improve clinical evaluation of immunotherapies for NSCLC.
Single Circulating Fetal Trophoblastic Cells Eligible for Non Invasive Prenatal Diagnosis: the Exception Rather than the Rule
Authors: Cayrefourcq Laure , Vincent Marie-Claire , Pierredon Sandra , Moutou Céline , Imbert-Bouteille Marion , Haquet Emmanuelle , Puechberty Jacques , Willems Marjolaine , Liautard-Haag Cathy , Molinari Nicolas , Zordan Cécile , Dorian Virginie , Rooryck-Thambo Caroline , Goizet Cyril , Chaussenot Annabelle , Rouzier Cécile , Boureau-Wirth Amandine , Monteil Laetitia , Calvas Patrick , Miry Claire , Favre Romain , Petrov Yuliya , Khau Van Kien Philippe , Le Boette Elsa , Fradin Mélanie , Alix-Panabières Catherine , Guissart Claire
Published: June 2020

Non-Invasive Prenatal Diagnosis (NIPD), based on the analysis of circulating cell-free fetal DNA (cff-DNA), is successfully implemented for an increasing number of monogenic diseases. However, technical issues related to cff-DNA characteristics remain, and not all mutations can be screened with this method, particularly triplet expansion mutations that frequently concern prenatal diagnosis requests. The objective of this study was to develop an approach to isolate and analyze Circulating Trophoblastic Fetal Cells (CFTCs) for NIPD of monogenic diseases caused by triplet repeat expansion or point mutations. We developed a method for CFTC isolation based on DEPArray sorting and used Huntington’s disease as the clinical model for CFTC-based NIPD. Then, we investigated whether CFTC isolation and Whole Genome Amplification (WGA) could be used for NIPD in couples at risk of transmitting different monogenic diseases. Our data show that the allele drop-out rate was 3-fold higher in CFTCs than in maternal cells processed in the same way. Moreover, we give new insights into CFTCs by compiling data obtained by extensive molecular testing by microsatellite multiplex PCR genotyping and by WGA followed by mini-exome sequencing. CFTCs appear to be often characterized by a random state of genomic degradation.
Half the world’s population are exposed to increasing air pollution
Authors: Shaddick G. , Thomas M. L. , Mudu P. , Ruggeri G. , Gumy S.
Published: June 2020

Air pollution is high on the global agenda and is widely recognised as a threat to both public health and economic progress. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 4.2 million deaths annually can be attributed to outdoor air pollution. Recently, there have been major advances in methods that allow the quantification of air pollution-related indicators to track progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and that expand the evidence base of the impacts of air pollution on health. Despite efforts to reduce air pollution in many countries there are regions, notably Central and Southern Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, in which populations continue to be exposed to increasing levels of air pollution. The majority of the world’s population continue to be exposed to levels of air pollution substantially above WHO Air Quality Guidelines and, as such, air pollution constitutes a major, and in many areas, increasing threat to public health.
Hydrothermal synthesis of WS2 quantum dots and their application as a fluorescence sensor for the selective detection of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol
Authors: Pallikkarathodi Mani Neema , Cyriac Jobin
Published: June 2020

Selective and sensitive detection of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP), a member of the nitroaromatic explosives family, was demonstrated using luminescent WS2 quantum dots.
A platform for multiplexed colorimetric microRNA detection using shape-encoded hydrogel particles
Authors: Juthani Nidhi , Doyle Patrick S.
Published: June 2020

Shape-encoded hydrogel particles enable multiplexed, colorimetric microRNA detection with a cell-phone by utilizing a reporter enzyme, which produces a chromogenic precipitate.
Molecular probe designviathe “covalent-assembly” principle
Authors: Luo Xiao , Gu Luyan , Qian Xuhong , Yang Youjun
Published: June 2020

Fluorescent probes are useful molecular tools. We summarize the recent progress with the “covalent-assembly” design principle, which warrants high-performance fluorescence probes exhibiting a highly sensitive turn-on signal from the dark background.
NaH-mediated direct C–H arylation in the presence of 1,10-phenanthroline
Authors: Nozawa-Kumada Kanako , Iwakawa Yuki , Onuma So , Shigeno Masanori , Kondo Yoshinori
Published: June 2020

Transition-metal-free coupling of haloarenes with unactivated arenes has been developed in the presence of NaH and 1,10-phenanthroline.
Advancing the fundamental understanding and practical applications of photo-bioelectrocatalysis
Authors: Grattieri Matteo , Beaver Kevin , Gaffney Erin M. , Dong Fangyuan , Minteer Shelley D.
Published: June 2020

Combination of electrochemical methods, quantum mechanical calculations, bioinformatics, and bioengineering allows understanding the photoexcited electron transfer process and set the basis for artificially tuning photo-bioelectrocatalysis.
Site-selective synthesis of 1,3-dioxin-3-ones via a gold(i) catalyzed cascade reaction
Authors: An Juzeng , Pedrazzani Riccardo , Monari Magda , Marin-Luna Marta , Lopez Carlos Silva , Bandini Marco
Published: June 2020

A novel gold(i)-catalyzed protocol for the synthesis of 4H-1,3-dioxin-3-ones is presented.
A fluorescent molecular rotor probe for tracking plasma membranes and exosomes in living cells
Authors: Feng Ling , Xie Yusheng , Au-Yeung Sung King , Hailu Hagos Birhanu , Liu Zhiyang , Chen Qingxin , Zhang Jie , Pang Qiuxiang , Yao Xi , Yang Mengsu , Zhang Liang , Sun Hongyan
Published: June 2020

A rotor-based fluorescent probe to label exosomes in living cells.
Visual discrimination of aromatic acid substitution patterns by supramolecular nanocooperativity
Authors: Kravets Mykola , Sobczak Grzegorz , Rad Nazar , Misztalewska-Turkowicz Iwona , Danylyuk Oksana , Sashuk Volodymyr
Published: June 2020

Recognition and visualization of all isomers of phthalic acids by interactions with pillar[4]pyridinium and gold nanoparticles is reported.
CoCr2O4 nanospheres for low temperature methane oxidation
Authors: Dai Yiling , Wang Haiyan , Liu Shida , Smith Kevin J. , Wolf Michael O. , MacLachlan Mark J.
Published: June 2020

Spinel CoCr2O4 nanostructured catalysts for methane oxidation were prepared by a facile solvothermal method using benzyl alcohol as both a structure-directing agent and a reagent.
Density scaling of structure and dynamics of an ionic liquid
Authors: Hansen Henriette Wase , Lundin Filippa , Adrjanowicz Karolina , Frick Bernhard , Matic Aleksandar , Niss Kristine
Published: June 2020

The lines in the pressure–temperature phase diagram with constant conductivity are found to be lines where other dynamic variables as well as the molecular structure factor peak are constant, while charge ordering changes.
Kinetics of mechanochemical transformations
Authors: Carta Maria , Colacino Evelina , Delogu Francesco , Porcheddu Andrea
Published: June 2020

To help understanding the mechanisms underlying mechanochemical transformations, we propose a kinetic model that relates macroscopic and microscopic scales while accounting for the statistical nature of the mechanical processing of powder.
Two-dimensional hexagonal chromium chalco-halides with large vertical piezoelectricity, high-temperature ferromagnetism, and high magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Xiao Wen-Zhi , Xu Liang , Xiao Gang , Wang Ling-Ling , Dai Xiong-Ying
Published: June 2020

Two-dimensional hexagonal chromium chalco-halides with large vertical piezoelectricity, high-temperature ferromagnetism, and high magnetic anisotropy are predicted by first-principles calculations.
Lipids: chemical tools for their synthesis, modification, and analysis
Authors: Flores Judith , White Brittany M. , Brea Roberto J. , Baskin Jeremy M. , Devaraj Neal K.
Published: June 2020

This tutorial review covers recently developed technologies employed for chemical synthesis, derivatization and analysis of lipids.
Benzenedithiolate-bridged MoFe complexes: structures, oxidation states, and reactivities
Authors: Tsukada Satoru , Abe Takayuki , Abe Naoya , Nakashima Satoru , Yamamoto Kazuki , Gunji Takahiro
Published: June 2020

The benzenedithiolate-bridged MoFe complexes were synthesized and the oxidation states of the metal centers elucidated.
A hybrid NiCo2O4@NiMoO4 structure for overall water splitting and excellent hybrid energy storage
Authors: Cui Duo , Zhao Rongda , Dai Jinqiu , Xiang Jun , Wu Fufa
Published: June 2020

In this study, a two-step hydrothermal method is used to prepare NiCo2O4@NiMoO4 nanoscale materials for periodic stability supercapacitors.
Catalytic reduction of CO2into fuels and fine chemicals
Authors: Modak Arindam , Bhanja Piyali , Dutta Saikat , Chowdhury Biswajit , Bhaumik Asim
Published: June 2020

Catalytic reduction of CO2is very challenging from both economics and green chemistry perspectives. This critical review highlights major advancements made in the CO2reduction processes and their future challenges.
Photocathode-assisted redox flow desalination
Authors: Liang Mengjun , Feng Kuang , Karthick Ramalingam , Zhang Liguo , Shi Yumeng , Hui Kwan San , Hui Kwun Nam , Jiang Feng , Chen Fuming
Published: June 2020

A consumption-free electrochemical desalination method is demonstrated to work based on a light-driven photocathode with a Pt/CdS/CZTS/Mo architecture.
Photo-induced guest–host interactions produce grain boundaries between smectic blocks
Authors: Yoshizawa Atsushi , Obata Sakie
Published: June 2020

A binary mixture of trimerI(20 wt%) and a host LC (80 wt%) exhibits grain boundaries consisting of nematic liquid crystals between smectic C blocks during a cooling process under UV irradiation.
Polyphenol capping on a gold nanosurface modulates human serum albumin fibrillation
Authors: Basu Aalok , Kundu Sonia , Das Aatrayee , Basu Chitra , Bhayye Sagar , Das Suvadra , Mukherjee Arup
Published: June 2020

The antioxidant capacity inherent to polyphenol-capped gold nanoparticles contributed to the inhibition of human serum albumin fibrillation.
Uptake, translocation and accumulation of nickel and cobalt in Berkheya coddii, a ‘metal crop’ from South Africa
Authors: Rue Marie , Paul Adrian L. D. , Echevarria Guillaume , van der Ent Antony , Simonnot Marie-Odile , Morel Jean Louis
Published: June 2020

Hyperaccumulator plants have the ability to efficiently concentrate metallic elements, e.g. nickel, from low-grade sources into their living biomass.
Agro-waste extracted cellulose supported silver phosphate nanostructures as a green photocatalyst for improved photodegradation of RhB dye and industrial fertilizer effluents
Authors: Tavker Neha , Gaur Umesh K. , Sharma Manu
Published: June 2020

Re-utilization of waste for fabricating photocatalyst to treat polluted water.
Optimal strategy based on radiation chemistry for facile and direct synthesis of poly(3-thiophene acetic acid) polymers in water and dichloromethane
Authors: Bahry Teseer , Cui Zhenpeng , Deniset-Besseau Ariane , Gervais Matthieu , Mbomekalle Israël , Sollogoub Cyrille , Aubert Pierre-Henri , Bui Thanh-Tuân , Remita Samy
Published: June 2020

γ-Induced polymerization was used as a novel method to easily synthesize nanostructured PTAA polymers in water and dichloromethane.
Non-aggregated lipophilic water-soluble tin porphyrins as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy and photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy
Authors: Babu Balaji , Soy Rodah C. , Mack John , Nyokong Tebello
Published: June 2020

Readily-synthesized water-soluble Sn(iv) tetrapyridylporphyrin dyes have been prepared which exhibit enhanced properties for use as photosensitizer dyes in biomedical applications.
Highly selective hydrogenation of halogenated nitroarenes over Ru/CN nanocomposites by in situ pyrolysis
Authors: Yue Shengnan , Wang Xueguang , Li Shaoting , Sheng Yao , Zou Xiujing , Lu Xionggang , Zhang Chunlei
Published: June 2020

Halogenated nitroarenes were high selectively hydrogenated on Ru/CN catalyst prepared by in situ pyrolysis.
Guanidyl modification of the 1-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane ring in ficellomycin essential for its biological activity
Authors: Kurosawa Sumire , Matsuda Kenichi , Hasebe Fumihito , Shiraishi Taro , Shin-ya Kazuo , Kuzuyama Tomohisa , Nishiyama Makoto
Published: June 2020

The guanidyl unit essential for the activity of ficellomycin is attached to the 1-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane ring-containing amino acid via a novel inter ω–ω aminotransferase.
Miniemulsion photopolymerization in a continuous tubular reactor: particle size controlviamembrane emulsification
Authors: Nauman Nida , Zaquen Neomy , Boyer Cyrille , Zetterlund Per B.
Published: June 2020

Synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles of adjustable size in the submicron-range 200–950 nm has been conductedviamembrane emulsification combined with photoinduced miniemulsion polymerization in a continuous tubular flow reactor.
Silver-catalyzed cascade reactions of 3-cyanochromone with 1,1-enediamines: synthesis of highly functionalized 2-(pyridin-3-yl)-chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidines
Authors: Xiao Qiang , Liu Jin , Nie Jia-Hui , Kong Ling-Bin , Lin Jun , Yan Sheng-Jiao
Published: June 2020

A novel protocol for the construction of 2-(pyridin-3-yl)-chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidines from 3-cyanochromone with 1,1-enediamines via an unprecedented cascade reaction has been developed by simply refluxing the reactants under the catalysis of silver carbonate.
A porous nano-adsorbent with dual functional groups for selective binding proteins with a low detection limit
Authors: Zou Xueyan , Zhang Yu , Yuan Jinqiu , Wang Zhibo , Zeng Rui , Li Kun , Zhao Yanbao , Zhang Zhijun
Published: June 2020

Porous nano-adsorbent with dual functional groups for selective binding proteins with a low detection limit.
Synergistic effects of dopant (Ti or Sn) and oxygen vacancy on the electronic properties of hematite: a DFT investigation
Authors: Pan Haijun , Ao Dongbiao , Qin Gaowu
Published: June 2020

Hematite has been widely studied as one of the most promising photoanodes in the photoelectrochemical decomposition of water.
Electro-spinning fabrication of nitrogen, phosphorus co-doped porous carbon nanofiber as an electro-chemiluminescent sensor for the determination of cyproheptadine
Authors: Cheng Hao , Zhou Zhengyuan , Liu Tao
Published: June 2020

Nitrogen, phosphorus co-doped porous carbon nanofiber is as electrode modified material to fabricate an electro-chemiluminescent sensor for detecting cyproheptadine.