bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional cardiac fibroblasts derived from human pluripotent stem cells via second heart field progenitors
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Tao Ran , Campbell Katherine F. , Carvalho Juliana L. , Ruiz Edward C. , Kim Gina C. , Schmuck Eric G. , Raval Amish N. , da Rocha André Monteiro , Herron Todd J. , Jalife José , Thomson James A. , Kamp Timothy J.
Published: May 2019

Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) play critical roles in heart development, homeostasis, and disease. The limited availability of human CFs from native heart impedes investigations of CF biology and their role in disease. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) provide a highly renewable and genetically defined cell source, but efficient methods to generate CFs from hPSCs have not been described. Here, we show differentiation of hPSCs using sequential modulation of Wnt and FGF signaling to generate second heart field progenitors that efficiently give rise to hPSC-CFs. The hPSC-CFs resemble native heart CFs in cell morphology, proliferation, gene expression, fibroblast marker expression, production of extracellular matrix and myofibroblast transformation induced by TGFβ1 and angiotensin II. Furthermore, hPSC-CFs exhibit a more embryonic phenotype when compared to fetal and adult primary human CFs. Co-culture of hPSC-CFs with hPSC-derived cardiomyocytes distinctly alters the electrophysiological properties of the cardiomyocytes compared to co-culture with dermal fibroblasts. The hPSC-CFs provide a powerful cell source for research, drug discovery, precision medicine, and therapeutic applications in cardiac regeneration.
Krt5+/Krt15+ foregut basal progenitors give rise to cyclooxygenase-2-dependent tumours in response to gastric acid stress
Authors: Moon Hyeongsun , Zhu Jerry , Donahue Leanne R. , Choi Eunju , White Andrew C.
Published: May 2019

The effective prevention of tumor initiation, especially for potentially inoperable tumors, will be beneficial to obtain an overall higher quality of our health and life. Hence, thorough understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of early tumor formation arising from identifiable cellular origins is required to develop efficient preventative and early treatment options for each tumor type. Here, using genetically engineered mouse models, we provide preclinical experimental evidence for a long-standing open question regarding the pathophysiological potential of a microenvironmental and physiological stressor in tumor development, gastric acid-mediated regional microscopic injury in foregut squamous epithelia. This study demonstrates the association of gastric acid stress with Cyclooxygenase-2-dependent tumor formation originating from tumor-competent Krt5+/Krt15+ foregut basal progenitor cells. Our findings suggest that clinical management of microenvironmental stressor-mediated microscopic injury may be important in delaying tumor initiation from foregut basal progenitor cells expressing pre-existing tumorigenic mutation(s) and genetic alteration(s).
Author Correction: Unprecedented rains decimate surface microbial communities in the hyperarid core of the Atacama Desert
Authors: Azua-Bustos A. , Fairén A. G. , González-Silva C. , Ascaso C. , Carrizo D. , Fernández-Martínez M. Á. , Fernández-Sampedro M. , García-Descalzo L. , García-Villadangos M. , Martin-Redondo M. P. , Sánchez-García L. , Wierzchos J. , Parro V.
Published: May 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Publisher Correction: Complement-dependent outer membrane perturbation sensitizes Gram-negative bacteria to Gram-positive specific antibiotics
Authors: Heesterbeek D. A. C. , Martin N. I. , Velthuizen A. , Duijst M. , Ruyken M. , Wubbolts R. , Rooijakkers S. H. M. , Bardoel B. W.
Published: May 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Time-resolved small-angle neutron scattering as a probe for the dynamics of lipid exchange between human lipoproteins and naturally derived membranes
Authors: Maric Selma , Lind Tania Kjellerup , Raida Manfred Roman , Bengtsson Eva , Fredrikson Gunilla Nordin , Rogers Sarah , Moulin Martine , Haertlein Michael , Forsyth V. Trevor , Wenk Markus R. , Pomorski Thomas Günther , Arnebrant Thomas , Lund Reidar , Cárdenas Marité
Published: May 2019

Atherosclerosis is the main killer in the western world. Today’s clinical markers include the total level of cholesterol and high-/low-density lipoproteins, which often fails to accurately predict the disease. The relationship between the lipid exchange capacity and lipoprotein structure should explain the extent by which they release or accept lipid cargo and should relate to the risk for developing atherosclerosis. Here, small-angle neutron scattering and tailored deuteration have been used to follow the molecular lipid exchange between human lipoprotein particles and cellular membrane mimics made of natural, “neutron invisible” phosphatidylcholines. We show that lipid exchange occurs via two different processes that include lipid transfer via collision and upon direct particle tethering to the membrane, and that high-density lipoprotein excels at exchanging the human-like unsaturated phosphatidylcholine. By mapping the specific lipid content and level of glycation/oxidation, the mode of action of specific lipoproteins can now be deciphered. This information can prove important for the development of improved diagnostic tools and in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Early Social Stress Promotes Inflammation and Disease Risk in Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Kinnally Erin L. , Martinez Steten J. , Chun Katie , Capitanio John P. , Ceniceros Lesly C.
Published: May 2019

Early social stress has potent lifelong health effects. We examined the association of early stress in the attachment relationship (low maternal sensitivity, low MS), lower maternal social hierarchy rank, and greater frequency of group-level social conflict, with biomarkers of inflammatory stress response in plasma (IL-8, MCP-1 and CRP collected two hours after temporary separation from mothers and social groups) and risk for developing a common macaques disease outcome (infectious colitis) in 170 socially-housed rhesus monkeys. We controlled for gene-environment correlations by comparing cross-fostered subjects with infants reared by their biological mothers. Low MS predicted higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and proteins at 3–4 months of age (F(3, 162) = 3.508, p = 0.002, partial eta2 = 0.061) and higher lifetime risk for developing colitis for up to twelve years of age (chi square = 5.919, p = 0.026). Lower maternal social rank (F (3, 162) = 3.789, p = 0.012, partial eta2 = 0.06) and higher rates of social conflict (F (3, 162) = 4.264, p = 0.006, partial eta2 = 0.074) each also predicted greater inflammation in infancy, but not lifetime colitis risk (both p > 0.05). The effects of low MS, lower social rank, and higher social conflict were significant in infants reared by biological mothers and cross-fostered infants, suggesting that our results did not arise from gene-environment correlations, but environmental stressors alone. We conclude that several types of early social stress confer risk for inflammation in infancy, but that stress in the mother-infant relationship may confer the longest-term risk for adverse health outcomes.
Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation defect in the Heart of Subjects with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Ait-Aissa Karima , Blaszak Scott C. , Beutner Gisela , Tsaih Shirng-Wern , Morgan Garrett , Santos Janine H. , Flister Michael J. , Joyce David L. , Camara Amadou K. S. , Gutterman David D. , Donato Anthony J. , Porter George A. , Beyer Andreas M.
Published: May 2019

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death worldwide and frequently associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Detailed understanding of abnormalities in mitochondrial function that occur in patients with CAD is lacking. We evaluated mitochondrial damage, energy production, and mitochondrial complex activity in human non-CAD and CAD hearts. Fresh and frozen human heart tissue was used. Cell lysate or mitochondria were isolated using standard techniques. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), NAD + and ATP levels, and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation capacity were evaluated. Proteins critical to the regulation of mitochondrial metabolism and function were also evaluated in tissue lysates. PCR analysis revealed an increase in mtDNA lesions and the frequency of mitochondrial common deletion, both established markers for impaired mitochondrial integrity in CAD compared to non-CAD patient samples. NAD+ and ATP levels were significantly decreased in CAD subjects compared to Non-CAD (NAD+ fold change: non-CAD 1.00 ± 0.17 vs. CAD 0.32 ± 0.12* and ATP fold change: non-CAD 1.00 ± 0.294 vs. CAD 0.01 ± 0.001*; N = 15, P < 0.005). We observed decreased respiration control index in CAD tissue and decreased activity of complexes I, II, and III. Expression of ETC complex subunits and respirasome formation were increased; however, elevations in the de-active form of complex I were observed in CAD. We observed a corresponding increase in glycolytic flux, indicated by a rise in pyruvate kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activity, indicating a compensatory increase in glycolysis for cellular energetics. Together, these results indicate a shift in mitochondrial metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis in human hearts subjects with CAD.
Author Correction: Towards spontaneous parametric down conversion from monolayer MoS2
Authors: Saleh Hatef Dinparasti , Vezzoli Stefano , Caspani Lucia , Branny Artur , Kumar Santosh , Gerardot Brian D. , Faccio Daniele
Published: May 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
A phase I clinical trial for [131I]meta-iodobenzylguanidine therapy in patients with refractory pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma
Authors: Wakabayashi Hiroshi , Inaki Anri , Yoshimura Kenichi , Murayama Toshinori , Imai Yasuhito , Higuchi Tetsuya , Jinguji Megumi , Shiga Tohru , Kinuya Seigo
Published: May 2019

Refractory pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) have a poor prognosis and the treatment strategy remains to be established. This multi-institutional phase I study was performed to determine the safety, dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), and efficacy of [131I]-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (131I-mIBG) therapy for refractory PPGLs. Twenty patients with refractory PPGL were enrolled in this study. We administered fixed doses of 131I-mIBG to all patients, delivering a second and third course of 131I-mIBG to eight and three patients, respectively. During the 20 weeks after 131I-mIBG injection, the authors surveyed the adverse events in accordance with the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. All patients experienced adverse events and adverse reactions, but none experienced a grade 4 adverse event. Twelve weeks after 131I-mIBG injection, examinations for the evaluation of therapeutic effects was performed in accordance with the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST). The best overall response rates (based on RECIST categories) were 10% (complete response), 65% (stable disease), 15% (progressive disease), and 10% (not all evaluated). The efficacy and safety of 131I-mIBG therapy was shown in patients with refractory PPGL, and DLT was observed in neither single nor repeated 131I-mIBG therapy, indicating a tolerability for 131I-mIBG therapy.
Classification of Polar Maps from Cardiac Perfusion Imaging with Graph-Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Spier Nathalia , Nekolla Stephan , Rupprecht Christian , Mustafa Mona , Navab Nassir , Baust Maximilian
Published: May 2019

Myocardial perfusion imaging is a non-invasive imaging technique commonly used for the diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease and is based on the injection of radiopharmaceutical tracers into the blood stream. The patient’s heart is imaged while at rest and under stress in order to determine its capacity to react to the imposed challenge. Assessment of imaging data is commonly performed by visual inspection of polar maps showing the tracer uptake in a compact, two-dimensional representation of the left ventricle. This article presents a method for automatic classification of polar maps based on graph convolutional neural networks. Furthermore, it evaluates how well localization techniques developed for standard convolutional neural networks can be used for the localization of pathological segments with respect to clinically relevant areas. The method is evaluated using 946 labeled datasets and compared quantitatively to three other neural-network-based methods. The proposed model achieves an agreement with the human observer on 89.3% of rest test polar maps and on 91.1% of stress test polar maps. Localization performed on a fine 17-segment division of the polar maps achieves an agreement of 83.1% with the human observer, while localization on a coarse 3-segment division based on the vessel beds of the left ventricle has an agreement of 78.8% with the human observer. Our method could thus assist the decision-making process of physicians when analyzing polar map data obtained from myocardial perfusion images.
Differential effect of NMDA receptor GluN2C and GluN2D subunit ablation on behavior and channel blocker-induced schizophrenia phenotypes
Authors: Shelkar Gajanan P. , Pavuluri Ratnamala , Gandhi Pauravi J. , Ravikrishnan Aparna , Gawande Dinesh Y. , Liu Jinxu , Stairs Dustin J. , Ugale Rajesh R. , Dravid Shashank M.
Published: May 2019

The GluN2C- and GluN2D-containing NMDA receptors are distinct from GluN2A- and GluN2B-containing receptors in many aspects including lower sensitivity to Mg2+ block and lack of desensitization. Recent studies have highlighted the unique contribution of GluN2C and GluN2D subunits in various aspects of neuronal and circuit function and behavior, however a direct comparison of the effect of ablation of these subunits in mice on pure background strain has not been conducted. Using knockout-first strains for the GRIN2C and GRIN2D produced on pure C57BL/6N strain, we compared the effect of partial or complete ablation of GluN2C and GluN2D subunit on various behaviors relevant to mental disorders. A large number of behaviors described previously in GluN2C and GluN2D knockout mice were reproduced in these mice, however, some specific differences were also observed possibly representing strain effects. We also examined the response to NMDA receptor channel blockers in these mouse strains and surprisingly found that unlike previous reports GluN2D knockout mice were not resistant to phencyclidine-induced hyperlocomotion. Interestingly, the GluN2C knockout mice showed reduced sensitivity to phencyclidine-induced hyperlocomotion. We also found that NMDA receptor channel blocker produced a deficit in prepulse inhibition which was prevented by a GluN2C/2D potentiator in wildtype and GluN2C heterozygous mice but not in GluN2C knockout mice. Together these results demonstrate a unique role of GluN2C subunit in schizophrenia-like behaviors.
Author Correction: EPO does not promote interaction between the erythropoietin and beta-common receptors
Authors: Cheung Tung Shing Karen S. , Broughton Sophie E. , Nero Tracy L. , Gillinder Kevin , Ilsley Melissa D. , Ramshaw Hayley , Lopez Angel F. , Griffin Michael D. W. , Parker Michael W. , Perkins Andrew C. , Dhagat Urmi
Published: May 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Geochemical Evidence of First Forestation in the Southernmost Euramerica from Upper Devonian (Famennian) Black Shales
Authors: Lu Man , Lu YueHan , Ikejiri Takehito , Hogancamp Nicholas , Sun Yongge , Wu Qihang , Carroll Richard , Çemen Ibrahim , Pashin Jack
Published: May 2019

The global dispersal of forests and soils has been proposed as a cause for the Late Devonian mass extinctions of marine organisms, but detailed spatiotemporal records of forests and soils at that time remain lacking. We present data from microscopic and geochemical analyses of the Upper Devonian Chattanooga Shale (Famennian Stage). Plant residues (microfossils, vitrinite and inertinite) and biomarkers derived from terrestrial plants and wildfire occur throughout the stratigraphic section, suggesting widespread forest in the southern Appalachian Basin, a region with no macro plant fossil record during the Famennian. Inorganic geochemical results, as shown by increasing values of SiO2/Al2O3, Ti/Al, Zr/Al, and the Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) upon time sequence, suggest enhanced continental weathering that may be attributed to the invasion of barren lands by rooted land plants. Our geochemical data collectively provide the oldest evidence of the influences of land plants from the southernmost Appalachian Basin. Our synthesis of vascular plant fossil record shows a more rapid process of afforestation and pedogenesis across south-central Euramerica during the Frasnian and Famennian than previously documented. Together, these results lead us to propose a new hypothesis that global floral dispersal had progressed southward along the Acadian landmass rapidly during the Late Devonian.
Terahertz Spoof Surface Plasmon Polariton Waveguides: A Comprehensive Model with Experimental Verification
Authors: Unutmaz Muhammed Abdullah , Unlu Mehmet
Published: May 2019

Spoof surface plasmon polariton waveguides are perfect candidates to enable novel, miniaturized terahertz integrated systems, which will expedite the next-generation ultra-wideband communications, high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy applications. In this paper, we introduce, for the first time, a model for the effective dielectric constant, which is the most fundamental design parameter, of the terahertz spoof surface plasmon polariton waveguides. To verify the proposed model, we design, fabricate and measure several waveguides with different physical parameters for 0.25 to 0.3 THz band. The measurement results show very good agreement with the simulations, having an average and a maximum error of 2.6% and 8.8%, respectively, achieving 10-to-30 times better accuracy than the previous approaches presented in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first-time investigation of the effective dielectric constant of the terahertz spoof surface plasmon polariton waveguides, enabling accurate design of any passive component for the terahertz band.
Interface-inspired formulation and molecular-level perspectives on heat conduction and energy storage of nanofluids
Authors: Carrillo-Berdugo I. , Zorrilla D. , Sánchez-Márquez J. , Aguilar T. , Gallardo J. J. , Gómez-Villarejo R. , Alcántara R. , Fernández-Lorenzo C. , Navas J.
Published: May 2019

Aiming for the introduction of stability requirements in nanofluids processing, an interface-based three-step method is proposed in this work. It is theory-based design framework for nanofluids that aims for a minimum tension at the solid-liquid interface by adjusting the polar and dispersive components of the base fluid to meet those of disperse nanomaterial. The method was successfully tested in the preparation of aqueous nanofluids containing single-walled carbon nanotubes that resulted to be stable and to provide good thermal properties, i.e. thermal conductivity increases by 79.5% and isobaric specific heat by 8.6% for a 0.087 vol.% load of nanotubes at 70 °C. Besides, a system for these nanofluids was modelled. It was found to be thermodynamically consistent and computationally efficient, providing consistent response to changes in the state variable temperature in a classical Molecular Dynamics environment. From an analysis of the spatial components of the heat flux autocorrelation function, using the equilibrium approach, it was possible to elucidate that heat conduction through the host fluid is enhanced by phonon propagation along nanotubes longitudinal axes. From an analysis of the structural features described by radial distribution functions, it was concluded that additional heat storage arises from the hydrophobic effect.
Static and dynamical isomerization of Cu38 cluster
Authors: Zhang Chuanchuan , Duan Haiming , Lv Xin , Cao Biaobing , Abliz Ablat , Wu Zhaofeng , Long Mengqiu
Published: May 2019

The lowest-energy geometrical and electronic structures of Cu38 cluster are investigated by density-functional calculations combined with a genetic algorithm based on a many body semi-empirical interatomic potential, the traditional FCC-truncated Octahedron (OH) and an incomplete-Mackay icosahedron (IMI) are recognized as the two lowest energy structures (energetically degenerate isomers) but with different electronic structures: a semiconductor-type with the energy-gap of 0.356 eV for the IMI and a metallic-type with negligible gap for the OH, which is in good agreement with the experimental results. The electron affinity and ionization potential of Cu38 are also discussed and compared with the observations of the ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy experiments. The dynamical isomerization of the OH-like and IMI-like structures of Cu38 is revealed to dominate the pre-melting stage through the investigation by the molecular dynamics annealing simulations.
hnRNPK S379 phosphorylation participates in migration regulation of triple negative MDA-MB-231 cells
Authors: Tsai Hsin-Yu , Fu Shu-Ling , Tseng Ling-Ming , Chiu Jen-Hwey , Lin Chao-Hsiung
Published: May 2019

We have previously identified a novel Aurora-A-mediated Serine 379 (S379) phosphorylation of a poly(C)-binding protein, hnRNPK, the overexpression of which is frequently observed in various cancers. It is known that the oncogenic Aurora-A kinase promotes the malignancy of cancer cells. This study aims to investigate the unexplored functions of hnRNPK S379 phosphorylation using MDA-MB-231 cells, a triple negative breast cancer cell that has amplification of the Aurora-A kinase gene. Accordingly, we established two cell lines in which the endogenous hnRNPK was replaced with either S379D or S379A hnRNPK respectively. Notably, we found that a phosphorylation-mimic S379D mutant of hnRNPK suppressed cell migration and, conversely, a phosphorylation-defective S379A mutant promoted migration. Moreover, Twist was downregulated upon hnRNPK S379 phosphorylation, whereas β-catenin and MMP12 were increased when there was loss of hnRNPK S379 phosphorylation in MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, S379A hnRNPK increases stability of β-catenin in MDA-MB-231 cells. In conclusion, our results suggest that hnRNPK S379 phosphorylation regulates migration via the EMT signaling pathway.
Predictor of Early Remission of Diabetic Macular Edema under As-Needed Intravitreal Ranibizumab
Authors: Yoshitake Tatsuya , Murakami Tomoaki , Suzuma Kiyoshi , Fujimoto Masahiro , Dodo Yoko , Tsujikawa Akitaka
Published: May 2019

The early remission of diabetic macular edema (DME) often occurs in eyes treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment. We retrospectively reviewed and characterized eyes with early remission of DME at six months in 80 eyes under pro re nata (PRN) intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) injections. The number of eyes without center-involved DME gradually increased and 14 and 20 eyes achieved remission of DME at 3 or 6 months, respectively, under the PRN regimen following three monthly loading doses. In particular, eyes with early remission at 6 months had smaller CSF thickness than those without the remission before and after the treatment except at the 1-month visit (P < 0.05); however, the changes in CSF thickness did not differ between them. VA and its changes were not different between eyes with and without remission. Multivariate analysis revealed that smaller CSF thickness at baseline predicted the early remission of DME under PRN IVR injections (odds ratio, 0.989; 95% confidence interval, 0.982–0.997; P = 0.008). These data elucidate the clinical characteristics of early remission of DME under PRN IVR injections and suggest that smaller CSF thickness at baseline is a novel predictor of early remission under PRN IVR injections for DME.
Modulated stimuli demonstrate asymmetric interactions between hearing and vision
Authors: Vuong Quoc C. , Laing Mark , Prabhu Anjana , Tung Hei Iong , Rees Adrian
Published: May 2019

The nature of interactions between the senses is a topic of intense interest in neuroscience, but an unresolved question is how sensory information from hearing and vision are combined when the two senses interact. A problem for testing auditory-visual interactions is devising stimuli and tasks that are equivalent in both modalities. Here we report a novel paradigm in which we first equated the discriminability of the stimuli in each modality, then tested how a distractor in the other modality affected performance. Participants discriminated pairs of amplitude-modulated tones or size-modulated visual objects in the form of a cuboid shape, alone or when a similarly modulated distractor stimulus of the other modality occurred with one of the pair. Discrimination of sound modulation depth was affected by a modulated cuboid only when their modulation rates were the same. In contrast, discrimination of cuboid modulation depth was little affected by an equivalently modulated sound. Our results suggest that what observers perceive when auditory and visual signals interact is not simply determined by the discriminability of the individual sensory inputs, but also by factors that increase the perceptual binding of these inputs, such as temporal synchrony.
Chimpanzees monopolize and children take turns in a limited resource problem
Authors: Knofe Hagen , Engelmann Jan , Tomasello Michael , Herrmann Esther
Published: May 2019

Competition over scarce resources is common across the animal kingdom. Here we investigate the strategies of chimpanzees and children in a limited resource problem. Both species were presented with a tug-of-war apparatus in which each individual in a dyad received a tool to access a reward, but tools could not be used simultaneously. We assessed the equality of tool use as well as the frequency of turn taking. Both species managed to overcome this conflict of interest but used different strategies to do so. While there was substantial variation in chimpanzee behaviour, monopolization was the common course of action: tool use was asymmetric with individual chimpanzees monopolizing the resource. In children, turn-taking emerged as the dominant strategy: tool use was symmetric and children alternated access to the tool at a high rate. These results suggest that while both species possess strategies for solving limited resource problems, humans might have evolved species unique motivations and socio-cognitive skills for dealing with such conflicts of interest.
Annihilation of the Somali upwelling system during summer monsoon
Authors: Chatterjee Abhisek , Kumar B. Praveen , Prakash Satya , Singh Prerna
Published: May 2019

Somali upwelling system during northern summer is believed to be the largest upwelling region in the Indian Ocean and has motivated some of the early studies on the Indian Ocean. Here we present results from observations and ocean model to show that the upwelling along the Somali coast is limited to the early phase of the summer monsoon and later primarily limited to the eddy dominated flows in the northern and some extent in the southern part of the coast. Major part of the Somali coast (~60% of the entire coastal length) shows prominent downwelling features driven by offshore negative windstress curl and subsurface entrainment mixing. Further, we show that the surface cooling of coastal waters are dominantly driven by subsurface entrainment and surface heat fluxes. These findings not only augment the existing knowledge of the Somali upwelling system, but also have serious implications on the regional climate. Most importantly, our analysis underscores the use of alongshore winds only to project future (climate driven) changes in the upwelling intensity along this coast.
4D Printing of Recyclable Lightweight Architectures Using High Recovery Stress Shape Memory Polymer
Authors: Li Ang , Challapalli Adithya , Li Guoqiang
Published: May 2019

High-performance lightweight architectures, such as metallic microlattices with excellent mechanical properties have been 3D printed, but they do not possess shape memory effect (SME), limiting their usages for advanced engineering structures, such as serving as a core in multifunctional lightweight sandwich structures. 3D printable self-healing shape memory polymer (SMP) microlattices could be a solution. However, existing 3D printable thermoset SMPs are limited to either low strength, poor stress memory, or non-recyclability. To address this issue, a new thermoset polymer, integrated with high strength, high recovery stress, perfect shape recovery, good recyclability, and 3D printability using direct light printing, has been developed in this study. Lightweight microlattices with various unit cells and length scales were printed and tested. The results show that the cubic microlattice has mechanical strength comparable to or even greater than that of metallic microlattices, good SME, decent recovery stress, and recyclability, making it the first multifunctional lightweight architecture (MLA) for potential multifunctional lightweight load carrying structural applications.
Altering N2O emissions by manipulating wheat root bacterial community
Authors: Usyskin-Tonne Alla , Hadar Yitzhak , Minz Dror
Published: May 2019

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a greenhouse gas and a potent ozone-depleting substance in the stratosphere. Agricultural soils are one of the main global sources of N2O emissions, particularly from cereal fields due to their high areal coverage. The aim of this study was to isolate N2O-reducing bacteria able to mitigate N2O emissions from the soil after inoculation. We isolated several bacteria from wheat roots that were capable of N2O reductionin vitroand studied their genetic potential and activity under different environmental conditions. Three of these isolates- all carrying the nitrous oxide reductase-encoding clade InosZ, able to reduce N2Oin vitro, and efficient colonizers of wheat roots- presented different N2O-reduction strategies when growing in the root zone, possibly due to the different conditionsin situand their metabolic preferences. Each isolate seemed to prefer to operate at different altered oxygen levels. Isolate AU243 (related toAgrobacterium/Rhizobium) could reduce both nitrate and N2O and operated better at lower oxygen levels. Isolate AU14 (related toAlcaligenes faecalis), lacking nitrate reductases, operated better under less anoxic conditions. Isolate NT128 (related toPseudomonas stutzeri) caused slightly increased N2O emissions under both anoxic and ambient conditions. These results therefore emphasize the importance of a deep understanding of soil–plant–microbe interactions when environmental application is being considered.
IL-1α promotes liver inflammation and necrosis during blood-stage Plasmodium chabaudi malaria
Authors: de Menezes Maria Nogueira , Salles Érika Machado , Vieira Flávia , Amaral Eduardo Pinheiro , Zuzarte-Luís Vanessa , Cassado Alexandra , Epiphanio Sabrina , Alvarez José Maria , Alves-Filho José Carlos , Mota Maria Manuel , D’Império-Lima Maria Regina
Published: May 2019

Malaria causes hepatic inflammation and damage, which contribute to disease severity. The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1α is released by non-hematopoietic or hematopoietic cells during liver injury. This study established the role of IL-1α in the liver pathology caused by blood-stage P. chabaudi malaria. During acute infection, hepatic inflammation and necrosis were accompanied by NLRP3 inflammasome-independent IL-1α production. Systemically, IL-1α deficiency attenuated weight loss and hypothermia but had minor effects on parasitemia control. In the liver, the absence of IL-1α reduced the number of TUNEL+ cells and necrotic lesions. This finding was associated with a lower inflammatory response, including TNF-α production. The main source of IL-1α in the liver of infected mice was inflammatory cells, particularly neutrophils. The implication of IL-1α in liver inflammation and necrosis caused by P. chabaudi infection, as well as in weight loss and hypothermia, opens up new perspectives for improving malaria outcomes by inhibiting IL-1 signaling.
Genetic Diversity in Stomatal Density among Soybeans Elucidated Using High-throughput Technique Based on an Algorithm for Object Detection
Authors: Sakoda Kazuma , Watanabe Tomoya , Sukemura Shun , Kobayashi Shunzo , Nagasaki Yuichi , Tanaka Yu , Shiraiwa Tatsuhiko
Published: May 2019

The stomatal density (SD) can be a promising target to improve the leaf photosynthesis in soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr). In a conventional SD evaluation, the counting process of the stomata during a manual operation can be time-consuming. We aimed to develop a high-throughput technique for evaluating the SD and elucidating the variation in the SD among various soybean accessions. The central leaflet of the first trifoliolate was sampled, and microscopic images of the leaflet replica were obtained among 90 soybean accessions. The Single Shot MultiBox Detector, an algorithm for an object detection based on deep learning, was introduced to develop an automatic detector of the stomata in the image. The developed detector successfully recognized the stomata in the microscopic image with high-throughput. Using this technique, the value of R2 reached 0.90 when the manually and automatically measured SDs were compared in the 150 images. This technique discovered a variation in SD from 93 ± 3 to 166 ± 4 mm−2 among the 90 accessions. Our detector can be a powerful tool for a SD evaluation with a large-scale population in crop species, accelerating the identification of useful alleles related to the SD in future breeding programs.
Specific heat capacity enhancement studied in silica doped potassium nitrate via molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Engelmann Sven , Hentschke Reinhard
Published: May 2019

Molten salts serve an important purpose for short term heat energy storage and as heat transfer fluids in solar power plants. Different experimental groups have shown that certain mixtures containing salts doped with small amounts of nanoparticles exhibit much greater specific heat capacities compared to the same base salts without nanoparticles. This effect is technically interesting and economically important. Thus far, however, it is not understood. Our aim is the theoretical investigation of the specific heat capacity in the aforementioned nanofluids on the molecular level using simulations. Here we present results for liquid potassium nitrate doped with silica nanoparticles. We discuss the observed increase of the specific heat in terms of the particle induced hydrodynamic reinforcement and liquid structure. The theoretical background of this discussion is a ω-space resolved phonon theory of liquids in conjunction with differential spectral densities, computed for the different systems with and without nanoparticles.
Effect of nitrogen application rate on yield, forage quality, and animal performance in a tropical pasture
Authors: Delevatti Lutti M. , Cardoso Abmael S. , Barbero Rondineli P. , Leite Rhaony G. , Romanzini Eliéder P. , Ruggieri Ana C. , Reis Ricardo A.
Published: May 2019

A three-year-long field experiment was conducted in a continuous grazing system with a variable stocking rate to evaluate effects of increasing nitrogen levels in Marandu grass (Brachiaria brizantha Hochst ex A. Rich Stapf “marandu”) on herbage mass, forage accumulation rate (FAR), forage quality, stocking rate (SR), average daily gain (ADG), gain per hectare (GPH), and gain per kg of applied N. The experimental design was completely randomized with four treatments (control without application of N, and 90, 180, and 270 kg N ha−1 year−1) and three replicates (paddocks per treatment); nitrogen was applied in the form of urea. Herbage mass, crude protein (CP), FAR, SR, GPH, and the nitrogen nutrition index increased with increasing nitrogen level (P < 0.05), whereas the neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre, and nitrogen usage efficiency decreased with increasing nitrogen level (P < 0.01). Crude protein was higher than 12% and NDF lower than 60% in all treatments. Nitrogen application rate affected ADG (P < 0.05) but did not fit any equation. The highest ADG was 90 kg N ha−1 year−1 (985 g animal−1 day−1). Increasing the nitrogen level is a promising way to improve Marandu grass production, nutritive value, and animal production.
A two-photon fluorescent probe for imaging of endogenous formaldehyde in HeLa cells and quantitative detection of basal formaldehyde in milk samples
Authors: Xin Fangyun , Tian Yong , Jing Jing , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: May 2019

A fluorescent probeNaPwhich can image endogenous formaldehyde in living cells and quantitatively detect basal formaldehyde in milk samples.
Enhancing low-temperature SCR de-NOx and alkali metal poisoning resistance of a 3Mn10Fe/Ni catalyst by adding Co
Authors: Zhu Baozhong , Zi Zhaohui , Sun Yunlan , Fang Qilong , Xu Junchao , Song Weiyi , Yu Hailong , Liu Enhai
Published: May 2019

Alkaline K poisoned and Co-modified catalysts were prepared using Fe and Mn as active components, nickel foam as a carrier, and Co as a trace additive.
Dinuclear helicate and tetranuclear cage assembly using appropriately designed ditopic triazole-azine ligands
Authors: Singh Sandhya , Hogue Ross W. , Feltham Humphrey L. C. , Brooker Sally
Published: May 2019

Architecture, helicate or cage, is controlled by choice of meta vs. para phenylene linker in new, robust, ditopic triazole-pyrimidine ligands.
A rapid protocol for assessing sediment condition in eutrophic estuaries
Authors: Hallett Chris S. , Valesini Fiona J. , Kilminster Kieryn , Wells Naomi S. , Eyre Bradley D.
Published: May 2019

A rapid protocol for assessing the condition of sediments based on their colour, texture and odour correctly classified the degree of sediment enrichment (% TC, % OC, % TN) at 83.5% of sites.
Unraveling template-free fabrication of carbon nitride nanorods codoped with Pt and Pd for efficient electrochemical and photoelectrochemical carbon monoxide oxidation at room temperature
Authors: Eid Kamel , Sliem Mostafa H. , Abdullah Aboubakr M.
Published: May 2019

PtPd/CN nanorods synthesized via the rolling up mechanism enhanced the electrochemical and photoelectrochemical CO oxidation activity substantially at room temperature.
Co,N-Codoped porous vanadium nitride nanoplates as superior bifunctional electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution and oxygen reduction reactions
Authors: Zhang Ning , Cao Liyun , Feng Liangliang , Huang Jianfeng , Kajiyoshi Koji , Li Cuiyan , Liu Qianqian , Yang Dan , He Juju
Published: May 2019

VCoN nanoplates with superior HER and ORR catalytic performances have been developed by using Co dopants as structural inducers.
Enclosing classical polyoxometallates in silver nanoclusters
Authors: Wang Zhi , Sun Yi-Ming , Qu Qing-Ping , Liang Yu-Xin , Wang Xing-Po , Liu Qing-Yun , Kurmoo Mohamedally , Su Hai-Feng , Tung Chen-Ho , Sun Di
Published: May 2019

Two classic Polyoxometallates, Lindqvist-Mo6O192− and V10O286−, were encapsulated by three novel silver-thiolate clusters, [(V10O28)@Ag44] (SD/Ag44a), [(V10O28)@Ag46] (SD/Ag46), and [(Mo6O19)@Ag44] (SD/Ag44b).
Graphene-based neuron encapsulation with controlled axonal outgrowth
Authors: Sakai Koji , Teshima Tetsuhiko F. , Nakashima Hiroshi , Ueno Yuko
Published: May 2019

We demonstrate the formation of a micro-roll for neuron encapsulation with a self-folding graphene/parylene-C bilayer film, and show the importance of using pores on the micro-roll to allow the encapsulated neurons to interact with the surroundings.
Importance of the main chain of lysine for histone lysine methyltransferase catalysis
Authors: Al Temimi Abbas H. K. , Teeuwen Ruben S. , Tran Vu , Altunc Arthur J. , Lenstra Danny C. , Ren Wansheng , Qian Ping , Guo Hong , Mecinović Jasmin
Published: May 2019

Enzymatic and computational studies on the simplest lysine analogues that possess a modified main chain demonstrate that the lysine's backbone contributes significantly to functional KMT binding and catalysis.
Tough, ultrastretchable and tear-resistant hydrogels enabled by linear macro-cross-linker
Authors: Cao Zhenxing , Wang Yi , Wang Hao , Ma Changshu , Li Heng , Zheng Jing , Wu Jinrong , Huang Guangsu
Published: May 2019

A macro-cross-linked hydrogel with both physical entanglements and a topologically reconfigurable network, which exhibits high fracture energy.
Highly efficient methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) removal and light naphtha purificationviasynergistic effect of molecular sieves and fixed adsorption bed
Authors: Zhang Bin , Bai Zhishan , Wang Bingjie , Luo Huiqing
Published: May 2019

The adsorption effect of 13X on MDEA in light naphtha was studied and compared with NKA-9 and silica gel.
Comprehensive quali-quantitative profiling of neutral and sialylated O-glycome by mass spectrometry based on oligosaccharide metabolic engineering and isotopic labeling
Authors: Nan Lijing , Li Jiao , Jin Wanjun , Wei Ming , Tang Mengjun , Wang Chengjian , Gong Guiping , Huang Linjuan , Zhang Ying , Wang Zhongfu
Published: May 2019

An isotopic precursor based metabolic amplification and labeling (IPMAL) strategy using the Ac3GalNAc-α-Bn precursor to simultaneously quantify neutral and sialylated O-glycans.
Development of specificl-methionine sensors by FRET-based protein engineering
Authors: Ko Wooseok , Lee Hyun Soo
Published: May 2019

A protein sensor based on FRET was designed for the quantitative analysis ofl-Met, in which a fluorescent unnatural amino acid (CouA) and YFP were used as a FRET pair.
Bimetallic phosphide decorated Mo–BiVO4 for significantly improved photoelectrochemical activity and stability
Authors: Qi Jie , Kong Dechao , Liu Danyang , Pan Lun , Chen Ying , Zhang Xiangwen , Zou Ji-Jun
Published: May 2019

Bimetallic phosphide NiCoP decorated Mo–BiVO4 photoanode was fabricated, and showed significantly improved photoelectrochemical activity and stability.
Synthesis of bimetallic–organic framework Cu/Co-BTC and the improved performance of thiophene adsorption
Authors: Tian Fuping , Qiao Chenxia , Zheng Renyu , Ru Qiaofeng , Sun Xin , Zhang Yifu , Meng Changgong
Published: May 2019

The adsorbent Cu/Co-BTC-174 exhibited the largest breakthrough sulfur capacity, with an improvement by 30% in comparison to HKUST-1.
In-depth investigation of large axial magnetic anisotropy in monometallic 3d complexes using frequency domain magnetic resonance and ab initio methods: a study of trigonal bipyramidal Co(ii)
Authors: Hay Moya A. , Sarkar Arup , Craig Gavin A. , Bhaskaran Lakshmi , Nehrkorn Joscha , Ozerov Mykhailo , Marriott Katie E. R. , Wilson Claire , Rajaraman Gopalan , Hill Stephen , Murrie Mark
Published: May 2019

Symmetry control using DABCO generates a large easy-plane magnetic anisotropy with zero rhombic anisotropy.
Deformation of soft particles with controlled elasticity by liquid–liquid interfacial tension
Authors: Sapotta Benedikt , Kim Jongmin Q. , Willenbacher Norbert , Choi Siyoung Q.
Published: May 2019

In this study we report the deformation of PDMS-based particles at a liquid–liquid interface under complete wetting conditions. By controlling the particle softness, we identified five deformation regimes.
Double perovskites as p-type conducting transparent semiconductors: a high-throughput search
Authors: Wang Hai-Chen , Pistor Paul , Marques Miguel A. L. , Botti Silvana
Published: May 2019

The gap versus of double perovskite p-type TCS candidates compared with other systems from the literature.
Topological semimetal porous carbon as a high-performance anode for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Xie Huanhuan , Qie Yu , Imran Muhammad , Sun Qiang
Published: May 2019

Motivated by the advantages of inherent high electronic conductivity and ordered porosity of topological semimetal monoclinic C16 (m-C16), we explore its possible use as a lithium-ion battery anode material.
Unlocking the potential of commercial carbon nanofibers as free-standing positive electrodes for flexible aluminum ion batteries
Authors: Hu Yuxiang , Debnath Shaikat , Hu Han , Luo Bin , Zhu Xiaobo , Wang Songcan , Hankel Marlies , Searles Debra J. , Wang Lianzhou
Published: May 2019

Cleaved commercial carbon nanofibers as novel free-standing positive electrodes for high-performance flexible aluminum ion batteries.
Influence of chemical heterogeneity and microstructure on the corrosion resistance of biodegradable WE43 magnesium alloys
Authors: Mraied Hesham , Wang Wenbo , Cai Wenjun
Published: May 2019

Future biodegradable Mg implants can be designed with enhanced corrosion resistance using microstructure control.
High internal quantum efficiency ZnO/ZnMgO multiple quantum wells prepared on GaN/sapphire templates for ultraviolet light emitting diodes
Authors: Chen Shanshan , Xu Chenxiao , Pan Xinhua , He Haiping , Huang Jingyun , Lu Bin , Ye Zhizhen
Published: May 2019

Dramatically reduced edge threading dislocations and a record IQE of 61% are obtained for ZnO/Zn0.9Mg0.1O MQWs by using GaN/Al2O3 as substrates.
Mast cell stabilizing effect of a geranyl acetophenone in dengue virus infection usingin vitromodel of DENV3-induced RBL-2H3 cells
Authors: Tan Ji Wei , Wan Zahidi Nuha Fahimah , Kow Audrey Siew Foong , Soo Kuan-Meng , Shaari Khozirah , Israf Daud Ahmad , Chee Hui-Yee , Tham Chau Ling
Published: May 2019

Mast cells (MCs), a type of immune effector cell, have recently become recognized for their ability to cause vascular leakage during dengue virus (DENV) infection. Although MC stabilizers have been reported to attenuate DENV induced infection in animal studies, there are limited in vitro studies on the use of MC stabilizers against DENV induced MC degranulation. 2,4,6-trihydroxy-3-geranyl acetophenone (tHGA) has been reported to be a potential MC stabilizer by inhibiting IgE-mediated MC activation in both cellular and animal models. The present study aims to establish an in vitro model of DENV3-induced RBL-2H3 cells using ketotifen fumarate as a control drug, as well as to determine the effect of tHGA on the release of MC mediators upon DENV infection. Our results demonstrated that the optimal multiplicities of infection (MOI) were 0.4 × 10−2 and 0.8 × 10−2 focus forming units (FFU)/cell. Ketotifen fumarate was proven to attenuate DENV3-induced RBL-2H3 cells degranulation in this in vitro model. In contrast, tHGA was unable to attenuate the release of both β-hexosaminidase and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Nonetheless, our study has successfully established an in vitro model of DENV3-induced RBL-2H3 cells, which might be useful for the screening of potential MC stabilizers for anti-dengue therapies.