bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyramidal core-shell quantum dot under applied electric and magnetic fields
Authors: Osorio J. A. , Caicedo-Paredes D. , Vinasco J. A. , Morales A. L. , Radu A. , Restrepo R. L. , Martínez-Orozco J. C. , Tiutiunnyk A. , Laroze D. , Hieu Nguyen N. , Phuc Huynh V. , Mora-Ramos M. E. , Duque C. A.
Published: June 2020

We have theoretically investigated the electronic states in a core/shell pyramidal quantum dot with GaAs core embedded in AlGaAs matrix. This system has a quite similar recent experimental realization through a cone/shell structure [Phys. Status Solidi-RRL 13, 1800245 (2018)]. The research has been performed within the effective mass approximation taking into account position-dependent effective masses and the presence of external electric and magnetic fields. For the numerical solution of the resulting three-dimensional partial differential equation we have used a finite element method. A detailed study of the conduction band states wave functions and their associated energy levels is presented, with the analysis of the effect of the geometry and the external probes. The calculation of the non-permanent electric polarization via the off-diagonal intraband dipole moment matrix elements allows to consider the related optical response by evaluating the coefficients of light absorption and relative refractive index changes, under different applied magnetic field configurations.
Ultrafast reprogrammable multifunctional vanadium-dioxide-assisted metasurface for dynamic THz wavefront engineering
Authors: Shabanpour Javad , Beyraghi Sina , Cheldavi Ahmad
Published: June 2020

In this paper, for the first time, a new generation of ultrafast reprogrammable multi-mission bias encoded metasurface is proposed for dynamic terahertz wavefront engineering by employing VO2 reversible and fast monoclinic to tetragonal phase transition. The multi-functionality of our designed VO2 based coding metasurface (VBCM) was guaranteed by elaborately designed meta-atom comprising three-patterned VO2 thin films whose operational statuses can be dynamically tuned among four states of “00”-“11” by merely changing the biasing voltage controlled by an external Field-programmable gate array platform. Capitalizing on such meta-atom design and by driving VBCM with different spiral-like and spiral-parabola-like coding sequences, single vortex beam and focused vortex beam with interchangeable orbital angular momentum modes were satisfactorily generated respectively. Additionally, by adopting superposition theorem and convolution operation, symmetric/asymmetric multiple beams and arbitrarily-oriented multiple vortex beams in pre-demined directions with different topological charges are realized. Several illustrative examples successfully have clarified that the proposed VBCM is a promising candidate for solving crucial terahertz challenges such as high data rate wireless communication where ultrafast switching between several missions is required.
Evaluation of antibiotic resistance dissemination by wastewater treatment plant effluents with different catchment areas in Germany
Authors: Alexander Johannes , Hembach Norman , Schwartz Thomas
Published: June 2020

The study quantified the abundances of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and facultative pathogenic bacteria (FPB) as well as one mobile genetic element in genomic DNA via qPCR from 23 different wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents in Germany. 12 clinically relevant ARGs were categorized into frequently, intermediately, and rarely occurring genetic parameters of communal wastewaters. Taxonomic PCR quantifications of five FPB targeting Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and enterococci were performed. The WWTPs differed in their catchment areas being impacted by hospitals, food processing companies, or housing areas only. The total discharges of the analyzed ARGs and FPB were found to cluster independently of the sizes of the WWTPs with a maximum difference of two log units within one cluster. Initially, quantitative data evaluations revealed no significant difference between ARG categories and WWTP catchment areas. More distinct correlations became obvious with a Pearson correlation approach, where each single taxonomic marker is compared to each ARG target. Here, increased correlation of FPB (i.e. E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and enterococci) with clinically relevant ARGs of the category of rarely occurring resistance genes (blaNDM-1, vanA) was found in WWTP effluents being influenced by hospital wastewaters.
Genomic analyses of early responses to radiation in glioblastoma reveal new alterations at transcription, splicing, and translation levels
Authors: Choudhary Saket , Burns Suzanne C. , Mirsafian Hoda , Li Wenzheng , Vo Dat T. , Qiao Mei , Lei Xiufen , Smith Andrew D. , Penalva Luiz O.
Published: June 2020

High-dose radiation is the main component of glioblastoma therapy. Unfortunately, radio-resistance is a common problem and a major contributor to tumor relapse. Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving response to radiation is critical for identifying regulatory routes that could be targeted to improve treatment response. We conducted an integrated analysis in the U251 and U343 glioblastoma cell lines to map early alterations in the expression of genes at three levels: transcription, splicing, and translation in response to ionizing radiation. Changes at the transcriptional level were the most prevalent response. Downregulated genes are strongly associated with cell cycle and DNA replication and linked to a coordinated module of expression. Alterations in this group are likely driven by decreased expression of the transcription factor FOXM1 and members of the E2F family. Genes involved in RNA regulatory mechanisms were affected at the mRNA, splicing, and translation levels, highlighting their importance in radiation-response. We identified a number of oncogenic factors, with an increased expression upon radiation exposure, including BCL6, RRM2B, IDO1, FTH1, APIP, and LRIG2 and lncRNAs NEAT1 and FTX. Several of these targets have been previously implicated in radio-resistance. Therefore, antagonizing their effects post-radiation could increase therapeutic efficacy. Our integrated analysis provides a comprehensive view of early response to radiation in glioblastoma. We identify new biological processes involved in altered expression of various oncogenic factors and suggest new target options to increase radiation sensitivity and prevent relapse.
In vivo assessment of foveal geometry and cone photoreceptor density and spacing in children
Authors: Mirhajianmoghadam Hanieh , Jnawali Ashutosh , Musial Gwen , Queener Hope M. , Patel Nimesh B. , Ostrin Lisa A. , Porter Jason
Published: June 2020

The fovea undergoes significant developmental changes from birth into adolescence. However, there is limited data examining cone photoreceptor density, foveal pit shape, and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) size in children. The purpose of this study was to determine whether overall foveal structure differs as a function of age and refractive status in children. Forty-eight healthy children (ages 5.8 to 15.8 years) underwent optical coherence tomography imaging to quantify foveal point thickness and foveal pit diameter, depth, and slope. Adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) images of foveal capillaries and cone photoreceptors were acquired in a subset of children to quantify FAZ metrics and cone densities at 0.2, 0.3, and 0.5 mm eccentricities. Results show that foveal pit and FAZ metrics were not related to age, axial length, or refractive status. However, linear cone density was lower in myopic versus non-myopic children at eccentricities of 0.2 mm (mean ± SD = 50,022 ± 5,878 cones/mm2vs 58,989 ± 4,822 cones/mm2,P < 0.001) and 0.3 mm (43,944 ± 5,547 cones/mm2vs 48,622 ± 3,538 cones/mm2,P < 0.001). These results suggest FAZ and foveal pit metrics do not systematically differ with age in children, while myopic eyes have decreased linear cone density near the foveal center.Significance Statement:The development of the fovea begins prior to birth and continues through the early teenage years until it reaches adult-like properties. Although the majority of changes during childhood are related to the maturation and migration of cone photoreceptors,in vivodata describing cone packing in children is limited. We assessed overall foveal structure in children as young as 5.8 years old by quantifying cone density and spacing, foveal avascular zone size, and foveal pit morphometry to investigate potential structural differences as a function of age and refractive status. While foveal avascular zone and foveal pit metrics did not significantly differ with age, results indicate that myopic children have lower linear cone densities close to the foveal center compared to non-myopic children.
Comparative transcriptomics of an arctic foundation species, tussock cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum), during an extreme heat event
Authors: Mohl Jonathon E. , Fetcher Ned , Stunz Elizabeth , Tang Jianwu , Moody Michael L.
Published: June 2020

Tussock cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum) is a foundation species for much of the arctic moist acidic tundra, which is currently experiencing extreme effects of climate change. The Arctic is facing higher summer temperatures and extreme weather events are becoming more common. We used Illumina RNA-Seq to analyse cDNA libraries for differential expression of genes from leaves of ecologically well-characterized ecotypes of tussock cottongrass found along a latitudinal gradient in the Alaskan Arctic and transplanted into a common garden. Plant sampling was performed on a typical summer day and during an extreme heat event. We obtained ade novoassembly that contained 423,353 unigenes. There were 363 unigenes up-regulated and 1,117 down-regulated among all ecotypes examined during the extreme heat event. Of these, 26 HSP unigenes had >log2-fold up-regulation. Several TFs associated with heat stress in previous studies were identified that had >log2-fold up- or down-regulation during the extreme heat event (e.g., DREB, NAC). There was consistent variation in DEGs among ecotypes, but not specifically related to whether plants originated from taiga or tundra ecosystems. As the climate changes it is essential to determine ecotypic diversity at the genomic level, especially for widespread species that impact ecosystem function.
Optimization of rGO-PEI/Naph-SH/AgNWs/Frt/GOx nanocomposite anode for biofuel cell applications
Authors: Inamuddin  , Shakeel Nimra
Published: June 2020

The present study reports a new nanocomposite design using surface modified silver nanowires decorated on the surface of polyethyleneimine (PEI), a cationic polymer acting as glue for anchoring nanowires and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The synthesized nanocomposite was employed as a promising electrode material for immobilization of biomolecules and effective transportation of electron, in enzymatic biofuel cell (EBFCs) application. The synthesized nanocomposite was confirmed by analytical techniques, for instance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The electrochemical behaviour of the nanobioelectrocatalysts rGO-PEI/Frt/GOx, rGO-PEI/AgNWs/Frt/GOx, and rGO-PEI/Naph-SH/AgNWs/Frt/GOx was determined by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The maximum current density obtained by the modified bioanode was found to be 19.9 mA cm−2 at the limiting glucose concentration of 50 mM in PBS (pH 7.0) as supporting electrolyte at a scan rate of 100 mVs−1.
Simultaneous identification of animal-derived components in meats using high-throughput sequencing in combination with a custom-built mitochondrial genome database
Authors: Zhang Yinan , Qu Qinfeng , Rao Mingzhen , Zhang Nana , Zhao Yu , Tao Fei
Published: June 2020

Currently, the inspection and supervision of animal ingredients relies primarily upon specific amplification-dependent methods, whose efficiency and accuracy are being seriously challenged by the increasing diversity and complexity of meat products. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) technology was employed to develop an alternative method to detect animal-derived ingredients in meat products. A custom-built database containing 2,354 complete mitochondrial genomic sequences from animals, an identification analysis pipeline based on short-sequence alignment, and a web-based server were built to facilitate this detection. The entire process, including DNA extraction, gene amplification, and sequencing, was established and optimized for both marker gene (part of the CYTB gene)-based detection and total DNA-based detection. Using simulated samples containing various levels of pig, cattle, sheep, chicken, rabbit, and mice ingredients, the detection capability and accuracy of this method were investigated. The results of this study indicated that the method is capable of detecting animal components in meats that are present at levels as low as 1%. Our method was then tested using 28 batches of real meat products such as raw meat slices, raw meat mince, cooked dried meat, cooked meat sausage, and other supermarket samples, with a traditional qPCR method as the control. The results demonstrated an accuracy of 97.65% for the qualitative detection method, which indicate that the developed method is reliable for the detection of animal components. The method is also effective for the identification of unknown food samples containing mixed animal components, which suggests a good future in application.
Identification of the novel polymorphisms and potential genetic features of the prion protein gene (PRNP) in horses, a prion disease-resistant animal
Authors: Kim Yong-Chan , Won Sae-Young , Do Kyoungtag , Jeong Byung-Hoon
Published: June 2020

Prion diseases, a protein misfolded disorder (PMD) caused by misfolded prion protein (PrPSc), present in a wide variety of hosts, ranging from ungulates to humans. To date, prion infections have not been reported in horses, which are well-known as prion disease-resistant animals. Several studies have attempted to identify distinctive features in the prion protein of horses compared to prion disease-susceptible animals, without the study on polymorphisms of the horse prion protein gene (PRNP). Since single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of PRNP in prion disease-susceptible animals are major susceptibility factors, the investigation of SNPs in the horse PRNP gene is important; however, only one study investigated a single horse breed, Thoroughbred. Thus, we investigated genetic polymorphisms and potential characteristics of the PRNP gene in 2 additional horse breeds. To this end, we performed amplicon sequencing of the horse PRNP gene and investigated SNPs in Jeju and Halla horses. We compared genotype, allele and haplotype frequencies among three horse breeds, namely, Thoroughbred, Jeju and Halla horses. In addition, we evaluated the potential influence of the identified nonsynonymous SNPs on the prion protein using PolyPhen-2, PROVEAN, and PANTHER. Furthermore, we measured the aggregation propensity of prion proteins using AMYCO and analyzed linkage disequilibrium (LD) between PRNP and prion-like protein gene (PRND) SNPs. A total of 4 SNPs were found, including two nonsynonymous SNPs (c.301 T > A, c.525 C > A) and three novel SNPs (c.-3A > G, c.301 T > A and c.570 G > A). There were significant differences in genotype, allele and haplotype frequencies among the three horse breeds. The nonsynonymous SNP, c.301 T > A (W101R), was predicted to be benign, deleterious, and possibly damaging by PolyPhen-2, PROVEAN and PANTHER, respectively. In addition, the amyloid propensity of horse prion protein according to 4 haplotypes of nonsynonymous SNPs was predicted to be benign by AMYCO. Finally, we identified weak LD between PRNP and PRND SNPs.
Exact Analytical Model for Bose-Einstein Condensate at Negative Temperature
Authors: Nath Ajay , Bera Jayanta , Ghosh Suranjana , Roy Utpal
Published: June 2020

We present an exact analytical model of a cigar-shaped Bose-Einstein condensate at negative temperature. This work is motivated by the first experimental discovery of negative temperature in Bose-Einstein condensate by Braun et al. We have considered an external confinement which is a combination of expulsive trap, bi-chromatic optical lattice trap, and linear trap. The present method is capable of providing the exact form of the condensate wavefunction, phase, nonlinearity and gain/loss. One of the consistency conditions is shown to map onto the Schrödinger equation, leading to a significant control over the dynamics of the system. We have modified the model by replacing the optical lattice trap by a bi-chromatic optical lattice trap, which imparts better localization at the central frustrated site, delineated through the variation of condensate fraction. Estimation of temperature and a numerical stability analysis are also carried out. Incorporation of an additional linear trap introduces asymmetry and the corresponding temporal dynamics reveal atom distillation at negative temperature.
Increased immunocompetence and network centrality of allogroomer workers suggest a link between individual and social immunity in honeybees
Authors: Cini Alessandro , Bordoni Adele , Cappa Federico , Petrocelli Iacopo , Pitzalis Martina , Iovinella Immacolata , Dani Francesca Romana , Turillazzi Stefano , Cervo Rita
Published: June 2020

The significant risk of disease transmission has selected for effective immune-defense strategies in insect societies. Division of labour, with individuals specialized in immunity-related tasks, strongly contributes to prevent the spread of diseases. A trade-off, however, may exist between phenotypic specialization to increase task efficiency and maintenance of plasticity to cope with variable colony demands. We investigated the extent of phenotypic specialization associated with a specific task by using allogrooming in the honeybee, Apis mellifera, where worker behaviour might lower ectoparasites load. We adopted an integrated approach to characterize the behavioural and physiological phenotype of allogroomers, by analyzing their behavior (both at individual and social network level), their immunocompetence (bacterial clearance tests) and their chemosensory specialization (proteomics of olfactory organs). We found that allogroomers have higher immune capacity compared to control bees, while they do not differ in chemosensory proteomic profiles. Behaviourally, they do not show differences in the tasks performed (other than allogrooming), while they clearly differ in connectivity within the colonial social network, having a higher centrality than control bees. This demonstrates the presence of an immune-specific physiological and social behavioural specialization in individuals involved in a social immunity related task, thus linking individual to social immunity, and it shows how phenotypes may be specialized in the task performed while maintaining an overall plasticity.
Tryptophan, a non-canonical melanin precursor: New L-tryptophan based melanin production by Rubrivivax benzoatilyticus JA2
Authors: Ahmad Shabbir , Mohammed Mujahid , Mekala Lakshmi Prasuna , Chintalapati Sasikala , Chintalapati Venkata Ramana
Published: June 2020

Melanins are chemically diverse ubiquitous pigments found across the life forms synthesizedviadifferent biochemical pathways mainly from L-tyrosine or acetyl CoA. Though few reports suggest the possibility of tryptophan-based melanin synthesis, however, such tryptophan-based melanin and its biosynthesis remained a biochemical riddle. Here we report tryptophan-based melanin production by bacterium,Rubrivivax benzoatilyticusJA2. Aerobic cultures of strain JA2 produced brown pigment when grown on L-tryptophan-containing media. Purified pigment showed typical physico-chemical properties of melanin. Further, extensive spectroscopic studies revealed that pigment is an amorphous, indole-type polymer with stable free radical centers. Further, hydrolysis of the brown pigment revealed the presence of indole moiety, confirming the indolic nature of the pigment. Demonstration ofin vitroandin vivopigment synthesis directly from L-tryptophan or hydroxytryptophan confirms tryptophan-based melanin synthesis in strain JA2. Interestingly, canonical melanin biosynthetic inhibitors did not affect the pigment synthesis indicating possible non-canonical tryptophan-based melanin biosynthesis in strain JA2. Further, the exometabolite profiling and precursor feeding studies suggests that L-tryptophan converted to hydroxytryptophan/hydroxyindoles and their subsequent polymerization lead to the formation of melanin. The current study sheds light on biosynthetic diversity of melanins and L-tryptophan can be a potential precursor for melanin synthesis in life forms.
Doping Dependent Magnetic Behavior in MBE Grown GaAs1-xSbx Nanowires
Authors: Kumar Raj , Liu Yang , Li Jia , Iyer Shanthi , Reynolds Lewis
Published: June 2020

Intrinsic and Te-doped GaAsSb nanowires with diameters ~100–120 nm were grown on a p-type Si(111) substrate by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Detailed magnetic, current/voltage and low-energy electron energy loss spectroscopy measurements were performed to investigate the effect of Te-doping. While intrinsic nanowires are diamagnetic over the temperature range 5–300 K, the Te-doped nanowires exhibit ferromagnetic behavior with the easy axis of magnetism perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nanowire. The temperature dependence of coercivity was analyzed and shown to be in agreement with a thermal activation model from 50–350 K but reveal more complex behavior in the low temperature regime. The EELS data show that Te doping introduced a high density of states (DOS) in the nanowire above the Fermi level in close proximity to the conduction band. The plausible origin of ferromagnetism in these Te-doped GaAsSb nanowires is discussed on the basis of d0 ferromagnetism, spin ordering of the Te dopants and the surface-state-induced magnetic ordering.
Metabolic reprogramming associated with progression of renal ischemia reperfusion injury assessed with hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate
Authors: Nielsen Per Mose , Qi Haiyun , Bertelsen Lotte Bonde , Laustsen Christoffer
Published: June 2020

Acute kidney injury is a major clinical challenge affecting as many as 1 percent of all hospitalized patients. Currently it is not possible to accurately stratify and predict the outcome of the individual patient. Increasing evidence supports metabolic reprogramming as a potential target for new biomarkers. Hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate imaging is a promising new tool for evaluating the metabolic status directly in the kidneys. We here investigate the prognostic potential of hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate in the setting of acute kidney injury in a rodent model of ischemia reperfusion. A significant correlation was found between the intra-renal metabolic profile 24 hours after reperfusion and 7 days after injury induction, as well as a correlation with the conventional plasma creatinine biomarker of renal function and markers of renal injury. This leads to a possible outcome prediction of renal function and injury development from a metabolic profile measured in vivo. The results support human translation of this new technology to renal patients as all experiements have been performed using clinical MRI equipment.
Targeted metabolomic analysis of serum amino acids in the adult Fontan patient with a dominant left ventricle
Authors: Michel Miriam , Dubowy Karl-Otto , Entenmann Andreas , Karall Daniela , Adam Mark Gordian , Zlamy Manuela , Odri Komazec Irena , Geiger Ralf , Niederwanger Christian , Salvador Christina , Müller Udo , Laser Kai Thorsten , Scholl-Bürgi Sabine
Published: June 2020

Growing interest lies in the assessment of the metabolic status of patients with a univentricular circulation after Fontan operation, especially in changes of amino acid metabolism. Using targeted metabolomic examinations, we investigated amino acid metabolism in a homogeneous adult Fontan-patient group with a dominant left ventricle, seeking biomarker patterns that might permit better understanding of Fontan pathophysiology and early detection of subtle ventricular or circulatory dysfunction. We compared serum amino acid levels (42 analytes; AbsoluteIDQ p180 kit, Biocrates Life Sciences, Innsbruck, Austria) in 20 adult Fontan patients with a dominant left ventricle and those in age- and sex-matched biventricular controls. Serum concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine, methionine sulfoxide, glutamic acid, and trans-4-hydroxyproline and the methionine sulfoxide/methionine ratio (Met-SO/Met) were significantly higher and serum concentrations of asparagine, histidine, taurine, and threonine were significantly lower in patients than in controls. Met-SO/Met values exhibited a significant negative correlation with oxygen uptake during exercise. The alterations in amino acid metabolome that we found in Fontan patients suggest links between Fontan pathophysiology, altered cell energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction like those found in biventricular patients with congestive heart failure. Studies of extended amino acid metabolism may allow better understanding of Fontan pathophysiology that will permit early detection of subtle ventricular or circulatory dysfunction in Fontan patients.
ROS-Mediated Apoptotic Cell Death of Human Colon Cancer LoVo Cells by Milk δ-Valerobetaine
Authors: D’Onofrio Nunzia , Cacciola Nunzio Antonio , Martino Elisa , Borrelli Francesca , Fiorino Ferdinando , Lombardi Assunta , Neglia Gianluca , Balestrieri Maria Luisa , Campanile Giuseppe
Published: June 2020

δ-Valerobetaine (δVB) is a constitutive milk metabolite with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Here, we tested the antineoplastic properties of milk δVB on human colorectal cancer cells. CCD 841 CoN (non-tumorigenic), HT-29 (p53 mutant adenocarcinoma) and LoVo (APC/RAS mutant adenocarcinoma) cells were exposed to 3 kDa milk extract, δVB (2 mM) or milk+δVB up to 72 h. Results showed a time- and dose-dependent capability of δVB to inhibit cancer cell viability, with higher potency in LoVo cells. Treatment with milk+δVB arrested cell cycle in G2/M and SubG1 phases by upregulating p21, cyclin A, cyclin B1 and p53 protein expressions. Noteworthy, δVB also increased necrosis (P < 0.01) and when used in combination with milk it improved its activity on live cell reduction (P < 0.05) and necrosis (P < 0.05). δVB-enriched milk activated caspase 3, caspase 9, Bax/Bcl-2 apoptotic pathway and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, whereas no effects on ROS generation were observed in CCD 841 CoN cells. The altered redox homeostasis induced by milk+δVB was accompanied by upregulation of sirtuin 6 (SIRT6). SIRT6 silencing by small interfering RNA blocked autophagy and apoptosis activated by milk+δVB, unveiling the role of this sirtuin in the ROS-mediated apoptotic LoVo cell death.
Weak correlations between cerebellar tests
Authors: Löwgren Karolina , Bååth Rasmus , Rasmussen Anders
Published: June 2020

Eyeblink conditioning, finger tapping, and prism adaptation are three tasks that have been linked to the cerebellum. Previous research suggests that these tasks recruit distinct but partially overlapping parts of the cerebellum, as well as different extra-cerebellar networks. However, the relationships between the performances on these tasks remain unclear. Here we tested eyeblink conditioning, finger tapping, and prism adaptation in 42 children and 44 adults and estimated the degree of correlation between the performance measures. The results show that performance on all three tasks improves with age in typically developing school-aged children. However, the correlations between the performance measures of the different tasks were consistently weak and without any consistent directions. This reinforces the view that eyeblink conditioning, finger tapping, and prism adaptation rely on distinct mechanisms. Consequently, performance on these tasks cannot be used separately to assess a common cerebellar function or to make general conclusions about cerebellar dysfunction. However, together, these three behavioral tasks have the potential to contribute to a nuanced picture of human cerebellar functions during development.
Clinical and ultrasound variables for early diagnosis of septic acute kidney injury in bitches with pyometra
Authors: Gasser Beatriz , Uscategui Ricardo Andres Ramirez , Maronezi Marjury Cristina , Pavan Letícia , Simões Ana Paula Rodrigues , Martinato Fernanda , Silva Priscila , Crivellenti Leandro Zuccolotto , Feliciano Marcus Antônio Rossi
Published: June 2020

The aetiology of septic acute kidney injury (AKI) is not completely elucidated. Early identification of AKI in septic patients is considered to improve survival rate since it allows rapid treatment onset. We evaluated clinical, haematological, urinary, B-mode, spectral Doppler, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound variables in 20 bitches with pyometra as sepsis models and 12 healthy controls. All animals with pyometra presented some degree of renal damage on histological examination; however, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) classified only 40% cases with sepsis. AKI derived from systemic infection was identified in 57% of cases with hypoperfusion and in 22% with inflammation, being an affection of multifactorial origin. Among the evaluated parameters, urinary protein/creatinine ratio >0.15, serum albumin <2.94 mg/dL, time-averaged minimum velocity <21.5 cm/s, renal length/aorta diameter ratio >5.93, pulsatility index >1.53, haematocrit <45%, time-averaged maximum velocity <45.7 cm/s, haemoglobin <16 g/dL, leukocytes >12.53 × 103/uL, and cortical contrast peak intensity <69%, in the order of accuracy, are significant indicators of septic AKI with an accuracy >80%. Thus, AKI is a very prevalent condition in septic patients, derived mainly from changes in renal perfusion and inflammation. Additionally, reviewing the SOFA score parameters is suggested to identify renal failure.
Essential factors involved in the precise targeting and insertion of telomere-specific non-LTR retrotransposon, SART1Bm
Authors: Nichuguti Narisu , Fujiwara Haruhiko
Published: June 2020

Telomere length maintenance is essential for most eukaryotes to ensure genome stability and integrity. A non-long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposon, SART1Bm, targets telomeric repeats (TTAGG)n of the silkworm Bombyx mori and is presumably involved in telomere length maintenance. However, how many telomeric repeats are required for its retrotransposition and how reverse transcription is initiated at the target site are not well understood. Here, using an ex vivo and trans-in vivo recombinant baculovirus retrotransposition system, we demonstrated that SART1Bm requires at least three (TTAGG) telomeric repeats and a longer poly(A) tail for its accurate retrotransposition. We found that SART1Bm retrotransposed only in the third (TTAGG) tract of three repeats and that the A residue of the (TTAGG) unit was essential for its retrotransposition. Interestingly, SART1Bm also retrotransposed into telomeric repeats of other species, such as human (TTAGGG)n repeats, albeit with low retrotransposition efficiency. We further showed that the reverse transcription of SART1Bm occurred inaccurately at the internal site of the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) when using a short poly(A) tail but at the accurate site when using a longer poly(A) tail. These findings promote our understanding of the general mechanisms of site-specific retrotransposition and aid the development of a site-specific gene knock-in tool.
Effects of nitrogen deposition and litter layer management on soil CO2, N2O, and CH4 emissions in a subtropical pine forestland
Authors: Fan Jianling , Luo Ruyi , McConkey Brian G. , Ziadi Noura
Published: June 2020

Forestland soils play vital role in regulating global soil greenhouse gas (GHG) budgets, but the interactive effect of the litter layer management and simulated nitrogen (N) deposition on these GHG flux has not been elucidated clearly in subtropical forestland. A field trial was conducted to study these effects by using litter removal method under 0 and 40 kg N ha−1 yr−1 addition in a subtropical forestland in Yingtan, Jiangxi Province, China. Soil CO2 emission was increased by N addition (18–24%) but decreased by litter removal (24–32%). Litter removal significantly (P < 0.05) decreased cumulative N2O emission by 21% in treatments without N addition but only by 10% in treatments with 40 kg N ha−1 yr−1 addition. Moreover, litter-induced N2O emission under elevated N deposition (0.094 kg N2O-N ha−1) was almost the same as without N addition (0.088 kg N2O-N ha−1). Diffusion of atmospheric CH4 into soil was facilitated by litter removal, which increased CH4 uptake by 55%. Given that the increasing trend of atmospheric N deposition in future, which would reduce litterfall in subtropical N-rich forest, the effect of surface litter layer change on soil GHG emissions should be considered in assessing forest GHG budgets and future climate scenario modeling.
Epididymal proteins Binder of SPerm Homologs 1 and 2 (BSPH1/2) are dispensable for male fertility and sperm motility in mice
Authors: Eskandari-Shahraki Marzieh , Prud’homme Bruno , Bergeron Francis , Manjunath Puttaswamy
Published: June 2020

The binder of sperm family of proteins has been reported to be indispensable for sperm maturation and capacitation. However, their physiological functions in fertility have only been studied in vitro. CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing was utilized to generate double knockout (DKO) mice by simultaneously targeting the two murine binder of sperm genes, Bsph1 and Bsph2. To confirm that the homologous genes and proteins were completely eliminated in the DKO mice, different methods such as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, digital droplet-polymerase chain reaction and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry were applied. Bsph1/2 DKO male mice were bred by intercrossing. Compared to wild type counterparts, male Bsph1/2 null mice, lacking BSPH1/2 proteins, were fertile with no differences in sperm motility and sperm count. However, the weights of male pups were significantly increased in Bsph1/2 double knockout mice in a time dependent manner spanning days 6 and 21, as well as 6 weeks of age. No change was detected in the weights of female pups during the same period. Taken together, these data indicate that BSPH1/2 proteins are dispensable for male fertility in mice but may influence growth.
Publisher Correction: Dual roles of the sterol recognition region in Hedgehog protein modification
Authors: Purohit Rahul , Peng Daniel S. , Vielmas Erika , Ondrus Alison E.
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Supramolecular organogel formation through three-dimensional α-cyclodextrin nanostructures: solvent chirality-selective organogel formation
Authors: Kida Toshiyuki , Teragaki Ayumi , Kalaw Justine M. , Shigemitsu Hajime
Published: June 2020

Supramolecular organogels were efficiently formed by mixing an α-cyclodextrin/HFIP solution with 1- or 2-butanolviaformation of three-dimensional α-cyclodextrin nanostructures.
Formation of nano-magnesite in the calcareous spicules prepared under ambient conditions
Authors: Tsao Chieh , Yu Pao-Tao , Wang Chun-Chieh , Chan Jerry Chun Chung
Published: June 2020

Nanocrystallites of magnesite were found in calcareous spicules prepared under ambient conditions.
Synthesis of protected 3-aminopiperidine and 3-aminoazepane derivatives using enzyme cascades
Authors: Ford Grayson J. , Kress Nico , Mattey Ashley P. , Hepworth Lorna J. , Baldwin Christopher R. , Marshall James R. , Seibt Lisa S. , Huang Min , Birmingham William R. , Turner Nicholas J. , Flitsch Sabine L.
Published: June 2020

Synthesis of Cbz-protected 3-aminopiperidine and 3-aminoazepane using a multi-enzyme cascade consisting of galactose oxidase and imine reductase variants.
Protein crystal occurrence domains in selective protein crystallisation for bio-separation
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Chen Wenqian , Yang Huaiyu , Yang Zhongqiang , Heng Jerry Y. Y.
Published: June 2020

Bio-separation is a key bottleneck in the manufacture of biopharmaceuticals.
Understanding the abnormal lack of spectral shift with cation substitution in highly efficient phosphor La3Si6N11:Ce3+
Authors: Song Zhen , Liu Quanlin
Published: June 2020

The abnormal lack of spectral shift in La3Si6N11:Ce3+ is caused by a special coordination polyhedron of the truncated square pyramid type.
Adipic acid formation from cyclohexanediol using platinum and vanadium catalysts: elucidating the role of homogeneous vanadium species
Authors: Rogers Owen , Pattisson Samuel , Engel Rebecca V. , Jenkins Robert L. , Whiston Keith , Taylor Stuart H. , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: June 2020

The applicability of platinum and vanadium catalysts for the production of adipic acid from cyclohexanediol is severely limited by the instability of the latter species in liquid phase reactions.
Solid-state to solution helicity inversion of pseudotetrahedral chiral copper(ii) complexes with 2,4-dihalo-salicylaldiminate ligands
Authors: Kordestani Nazanin , Amiri Rudbari Hadi , Bruno Giuseppe , Rosario Scopelliti , Braun Jason D. , Herbert David E. , Blacque Olivier , Correia Isabel , Zaman Mohammad Al-moktadir , Bindu Mortuza Mamun , Janiak Christoph , Enamullah Mohammed
Published: June 2020

Steric constraints by the halogen substituents show an efficient control of stereochemical behaviours of the complexes.
Tuning the electron-deficient core of a non-fullerene acceptor to achieve over 17% efficiency in a single-junction organic solar cell
Authors: Zhu Can , Yuan Jun , Cai Fangfang , Meng Lei , Zhang Huotian , Chen Honggang , Li Jing , Qiu Beibei , Peng Hongjian , Chen Shanshan , Hu Yunbin , Yang Changduk , Gao Feng , Zou Yingping , Li Yongfang
Published: June 2020

A new small molecule acceptor, Y18, was designed and synthesized. Over 17% efficiency was obtained with single junction solar cells based on Y18.
Ultrafast room-temperature synthesis of porous S-doped Ni/Fe (oxy)hydroxide electrodes for oxygen evolution catalysis in seawater splitting
Authors: Yu Luo , Wu Libo , McElhenny Brian , Song Shaowei , Luo Dan , Zhang Fanghao , Yu Ying , Chen Shuo , Ren Zhifeng
Published: June 2020

A robust oxygen-evolving electrocatalyst for high-performance seawater splitting was developed using a cost-effective and industrially compatible method.
Optimization of ergosterol extraction from Pleurotus mushrooms using response surface methodology
Authors: Taofiq Oludemi , Silva Ana Rita , Costa Cristina , Ferreira Inês , Nunes João , Prieto Miguel A. , Simal-Gandara Jesús , Barros Lillian , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R.
Published: June 2020

In this study, heat-assisted extraction (HAE) was used to optimise the extraction of ergosterol from Pleurotus ostreatus (PO) and Pleurotus eryngii (PE) using response surface methodology (RSM).
Covalent attachment of chitosan to graphene via click chemistry for superior antibacterial activity
Authors: Huang Jing , Yin Zhenyao , Wu Jinggao
Published: June 2020

Chemically converted graphene sheets are functionalized by treatment with aryl diazonium salts via click chemistry.
Uptake, distribution and radio-enhancement effects of gold nanoparticles in tumor microtissues
Authors: Neuer Anna L. , Gerken Lukas R. H. , Keevend Kerda , Gogos Alexander , Herrmann Inge K.
Published: June 2020

Differences in nanoparticle radio-enhancement efficiencies in 3D microtissues compared to conventional 2D cell cultures and contextualization with uptake and intratissural distribution data.
Nano/microstructures of shape memory polymers: from materials to applications
Authors: Zhang Fenghua , Xia Yuliang , Liu Yanju , Leng Jinsong
Published: June 2020

This review summarizes the advances and challenges of shape memory polymers with nano/microstructures from materials to applications.
Direct conversion of cellulose into isosorbide over Ni doped NbOPO4 catalysts in water
Authors: He Minyao , Guo Jiaxing , Wang Xincheng , Song Yongji , Liu ShanShan , Wang Hong , Li Cuiqing
Published: June 2020

Ni doped NbOPO4 catalysts were used efficiently for the one-pot conversion of cellulose to isosorbide under aqueous conditions.
Effect of anions on the solid-state interplay of symmetric and unsymmetric phosphonium cations
Authors: Ling Irene , Skelton Brian W. , Sobolev Alexandre N. , Alias Yatimah , Khor Zong Chin , Raston Colin L.
Published: June 2020

Crystallographic studies of salts of quaternary phosphonium cations, tetraphenylphosphonium and benzyltriphenylphosphonium, reveal differences in size and shape of the phosphonium cations dominate the intermolecular packing with the cations self-associated through phenyl embraces.
Fe, Al-co-doped NiSe2 nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting
Authors: Chen Lulu , Jang Haeseong , Kim Min Gyu , Qin Qing , Liu Xien , Cho Jaephil
Published: June 2020

A Fe, Al-codoped NiSe2 on rGO catalyst exhibits the enhanced activity and durability toward HER and OER, due to the synergistic contribution of the dual-cation co-doping effect and the more defects created by the Al leaching.
Construction of self-supported hierarchical NiCo-S nanosheet arrays for supercapacitors with ultrahigh specific capacitance
Authors: Zheng Lingxia , Song Jianlan , Ye Xiaoying , Wang Yongzhi , Shi Xiaowei , Zheng Huajun
Published: June 2020

Greatly decreased energy barrier differences between two redox pairs in NiCo-S nanosheets are beneficial for superior capacitance.
Solid-state polymerization of a novel cyanate ester based on 4-tert-butylcalix[6]arene
Authors: Galukhin Andrey , Nikolaev Ilya , Nosov Roman , Vyazovkin Sergey
Published: June 2020

Solid-state polymerization of a cyclic cyanate ester shows zero-order kinetics and proceeds through cooperative breaking of CN bonds.
Synthesis and gas separation performance of intrinsically microporous polyimides derived from sterically hindered binaphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride
Authors: Hu Xiaofan , Mu Hongliang , Miao Jie , Lu Yao , Wang Xianwei , Meng Xiangsheng , Wang Zhen , Yan Jingling
Published: June 2020

Intrinsically microporous polyimides with high gas permeability and favorable selectivity were prepared from a bulky, rigid, and sterically hindered dianhydride, 3,3′-di-t-butyl-2,2′-dimethoxy-[1,1′-binaphthalene]-6,6′,7,7′,-tetracarboxylic dianhydride.
Highly emissive phosphorescence nanoparticles sensitized by a TADF polymer for time-resolved luminescence imaging
Authors: Xu Li , Wang Jin , Luo Qingqing , Chen Guangcai , Ni Fan , Zhu Zece , Zhao Qiang , Zhang Guojun , Yang Chuluo
Published: June 2020

Highly efficient phosphor nanoparticles were prepared with energy transfer from TADF polymer to Ir complex. These nanoparticles exhibited good dispersibility and biocompatibility, which were then used in time-resolved luminescence bioimaging.
Kappa-carrageenan oligosaccharides retard the progression of protein and lipid oxidation in mackerel (Scomber japonicus) fillets during frozen storage
Authors: Zhang Bin , Yan Hong-bo , Su Lai-Jin , Chen Xiao-nan
Published: June 2020

The antioxidative effects of κ-carrageenan oligosaccharides (CO) on the stability of proteins and lipids in mackerel fillets were determined during frozen storage.
Concentration–composition-isotherm for the ammonia absorption process of zirconium phosphate
Authors: Yamaguchi Masakuni , Miyaoka Hiroki , Kojima Yoshitugu
Published: June 2020

Ammonia absorption process of zirconium phosphate has been studied by concentration–composition-isotherm, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetry-mass spectrometry. The equilibrium plateau concentration appeared due to two phase coexistence.
Modulation of the photoelectrochemical behavior of Au nanocluster–TiO2 electrode by doping
Authors: Naveen Malenahalli H. , Khan Rizwan , Abbas Muhammad A. , Cho Eunbyol , Lee Geun Jun , Kim Hahkjoon , Sim Eunji , Bang Jin Ho
Published: June 2020

Optoelectronic properties of Au18(SR)14 are modulated by Ag doping, and its influence on photoelectrochemical performance is investigated. The best compromise for light conversion efficiency is made when a single Ag atom is incorporated.
Consequences of hidden kinetic pathways on supramolecular polymerization
Authors: Matern Jonas , Kartha Kalathil K. , Sánchez Luis , Fernández Gustavo
Published: June 2020

We show that hidden kinetic states have a dramatic impact on the thermodynamics of supramolecular polymerization, enabling new aggregation pathways with potentially new functionalities.
Two-dimensional, conductive niobium and molybdenum metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Ziebel Michael E. , Ondry Justin C. , Long Jeffrey R.
Published: June 2020

Incorporation of Nb and Mo into conductive metal–organic frameworks enables utilization of the enhanced covalency, redox activity, and spin–orbit coupling of late-row metals to improve the transport and magnetic properties of these materials.
Thermal input/output and operation characteristics of a chemical heat pump using the hydration reaction of calcium sulphate
Authors: Shiren Yohei , Masuzawa Masahiro , Takahashi Tomiko , Yamada Shigeru , Hayakawa Kenichi , Motohashi Yuichi , Aman Yasutomo , Esaki Takehiro , Kobayashi Noriyuki
Published: June 2020

The heat cycle characteristics of composited-CaSO4 hydration CHPs using heat exchanger with slits for heat upgrading are determined.
Proton trap effect on catechol–pyridine redox polymer nanoparticles as organic electrodes for lithium batteries
Authors: Gallastegui Antonela , Minudri Daniela , Casado Nerea , Goujon Nicolas , Ruipérez Fernando , Patil Nagaraj , Detrembleur Christophe , Marcilla Rebeca , Mecerreyes David
Published: June 2020

New redox-active polymer nanoparticles present that the redox potential of the catechol group is affected by the presence of the pyridine. This positive potential gain is associated to the proton trap effect, which benefits the performance of lithium-ion–polymer batteries.
Investigating the interactions of corona-free SWCNTs and cell membrane models using sum-frequency generation
Authors: Uehara Thiers Massami , Cancino-Bernardi Juliana , Miranda Paulo Barbeitas , Zucolotto Valtencir
Published: June 2020

The understanding of the interactions between biomolecules and nanomaterials is of great importance in many areas of nanomedicine and bioapplications.
Novel pyrano 1,3 oxazine based ligand inhibits the epigenetic reader hBRD2 in glioblastoma
Authors: Deshmukh Prashant , Mathur Shruti , Gangadharan Gejo , Krishnappa Gopinatha , Dalavaikodihalli Nanjaiah Nandakumar , Padmanabhan Balasundaram
Published: June 2020

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain malignancy, rarely amenable to treatment with a high recurrence rate. GBM are prone to develop resistance to the current repertoire of drugs, including the first-line chemotherapeutic agents with frequent recurrence, limiting therapeutic success. Recent clinical data has evidenced the BRD2 and BRD4 of the BET family proteins as the new druggable targets against GBM. In this relevance, we have discovered a compound (pyrano 1,3 oxazine derivative; NSC 328111; NS5) as an inhibitor of hBRD2 by the rational structure-based approach. The crystal structure of the complex, refined to 1.5 Å resolution, revealed that the NS5 ligand significantly binds to the N-terminal bromodomain (BD1) of BRD2 at the acetylated (Kac) histone binding site. The quantitative binding studies, by SPR and MST assay, indicate that NS5 binds to BD1 of BRD2 with a KD value of ∼1.3 µM. The cell-based assay, in the U87MG glioma cells, confirmed that the discovered compound NS5 significantly attenuated proliferation and migration. Furthermore, evaluation at the translational level established significant inhibition of BRD2 upon treatment with NS5. Hence, we propose that the novel lead compound NS5 has an inhibitory effect on BRD2 in glioblastoma.