bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tailoring the separation properties of flexible metal-organic frameworks using mechanical pressure
Authors: Chanut Nicolas , Ghoufi Aziz , Coulet Marie-Vanessa , Bourrelly Sandrine , Kuchta Bogdan , Maurin Guillaume , Llewellyn Philip L.
Published: March 2020

Metal-organic frameworks are widely considered for the separation of chemical mixtures due to their adjustable physical and chemical properties. However, while much effort is currently devoted to developing new adsorbents for a given separation, an ideal scenario would involve a single adsorbent for multiple separations. Porous materials exhibiting framework flexibility offer unique opportunities to tune these properties since the pore size and shape can be controlled by the application of external stimuli. Here, we establish a proof-of-concept for the molecular sieving separation of species with similar sizes (CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4), via precise mechanical control of the pore size aperture in a flexible metal-organic framework. Besides its infinite selectivity for the considered gas mixtures, this material shows excellent regeneration capability when releasing the external mechanical constraint. This strategy, combining an external stimulus applied to a structurally compliant adsorbent, offers a promising avenue for addressing some of the most challenging gas separations.
Rooting binder-free tin nanoarrays into copper substrate via tin-copper alloying for robust energy storage
Authors: Ni Jiangfeng , Zhu Xiaocui , Yuan Yifei , Wang Zhenzhu , Li Yingbo , Ma Lu , Dai Alvin , Li Matthew , Wu Tianpin , Shahbazian-Yassar Reza , Lu Jun , Li Liang
Published: March 2020

The need for high-energy batteries has driven the development of binder-free electrode architectures. However, the weak bonding between the electrode particles and the current collector cannot withstand the severe volume change of active materials upon battery cycling, which largely limit the large-scale application of such electrodes. Using tin nanoarrays electrochemically deposited on copper substrate as an example, here we demonstrate a strategy of strengthening the connection between electrode and current collector by thermally alloying tin and copper at their interface. The locally formed tin-copper alloys are electron-conductive and meanwhile electrochemically inactive, working as an ideal “glue” robustly bridging tin and copper to survive harsh cycling conditions in sodium ion batteries. The working mechanism of the alloy “glue” is further characterized through a combination of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, atomic structural analysis and in situ X-ray diffraction, presenting itself as a promising strategy for engineering binder-free electrode with endurable performance.
Exploring non-linear transition pathways in social-ecological systems
Authors: Mathias Jean-Denis , Anderies John M. , Baggio Jacopo , Hodbod Jennifer , Huet Sylvie , Janssen Marco A. , Milkoreit Manjana , Schoon Michael
Published: March 2020

Tipping point dynamics are fundamental drivers for sustainable transition pathways of social-ecological systems (SES). Current research predominantly analyzes how crossing tipping points causes regime shifts, however, the analysis of potential transition pathways from these social and ecological tipping points is often overlooked. In this paper, we analyze transition pathways and the potential outcomes that these may lead to via a stylized model of a system composed of interacting agents exploiting resources and, by extension, the overall ecosystem. Interactions between the social and the ecological system are based on a perception-exploitation framework. We show that the presence of tipping points in SES may yield counter-intuitive social-ecological transition pathways. For example, the high perception of an alarming ecological state among agents can provide short-term ecological benefits, but can be less effective in the long term, compared to a low-perception condition. This work also highlights how understanding non-linear interactions is critical for defining suitable transition pathways of any SES.
Role of prelimbic cortex PKC and PKMζ in fear memory reconsolidation and persistence following reactivation
Authors: da Silva Thiago Rodrigues , Raymundi Ana Maria , Bertoglio Leandro José , Andreatini Roberto , Stern Cristina A.
Published: March 2020

The persistence of newly acquired memories is supported by the activity of PKMζ, an atypical isoform of protein kinase C (PKC). Whether the activity of conventional and atypical PKC isoforms contributes to reactivated memories to persist is still unknown. Similarly, whether memory reactivation is a prerequisite for interventions to be able to change memory persistence is scarcely investigated. Based on the above, we examined the role of conventional and atypical PKC isoforms in the prelimbic cortex in reconsolidation and persistence of a reactivated contextual fear memory in male Wistar rats. It is shown that (i) inhibiting the PKC activity with chelerythrine or the PKMζ activity with ZIP impaired the persistence of a reactivated memory for at least 21 days; (ii) ZIP given immediately after memory reactivation affected neither the reconsolidation nor the persistence process. In contrast, when given 1 h later, it impaired the memory persistence; (iii) chelerythrine given immediately after memory reactivation impaired the reconsolidation; (iv) omitting memory reactivation prevented the chelerythrine- and ZIP-induced effects: (v) the ZIP action is independent of the time elapsed between its administration and the initial memory test. The results indicate that prelimbic cortex PKC and PKMζ are involved in memory reconsolidation and persistence.
Rice fields along the East Asian-Australasian flyway are important habitats for an inland wader’s migration
Authors: Kasahara Satoe , Morimoto Gen , Kitamura Wataru , Imanishi Sadao , Azuma Nobuyuki
Published: March 2020

To maintain and recover populations of migratory waders, we must identify the important stopover sites and habitat use along migration routes. However, we have little such information for waders that depend on inland freshwater areas compared with those that depend on coastal areas. Recent technological developments in tracking devices now allow us to define habitat use at a fine scale. In this study, we used GPS loggers to track both spring and autumn migration along the East Asian-Australasian flyway of the little ringed plover (Charadrius dubius) as birds moved to and from their breeding grounds, gravel riverbeds in Japan. The birds we tracked overwintered in the Philippines and made stopovers mainly in Taiwan and the Philippines. The most important habitat during the non-breeding season was rice paddy fields. Our findings imply that changes in agriculture management policy in the countries along the migration route could critically affect the migration of waders that depend on rice paddy fields. To maintain populations of migrant inland waders that move within the East Asian-Australasian flyway, it is necessary not only to sustain the breeding habitat but also wetlands including the rice paddy fields as foraging habitat for the non-breeding season.
MicroRNA-144 represses gliomas progression and elevates susceptibility to Temozolomide by targeting CAV2 and FGF7
Authors: Liu Zhi-Qin , Ren Jing-Jing , Zhao Jun-Long , Zang Jian , Long Qian-Fa , Du Jing-Jing , Jia Xiao-Tao , Gu Nai-Bing , Di Zheng-Li , Qian Yi-Hua , Li San-Zhong
Published: March 2020

Malignant gliomas are the most common tumor in central nervous system with poor prognosis. Due to the limitation of histological classification in earlier diagnosis and individualized medicine, it is necessary to combine the molecular signatures and the pathological characteristics of gliomas. Lots of microRNAs presented abnormal expression in gliomas and modulated gliomas development. Exploration the miRNAs profile is helpful for the diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of gliomas. It has been demonstrated that miR-144 plays important roles in solid tumors. However, the detail mechanisms remained unrevealed. In this study, we have demonstrated the level of miR-144 decreased in glioma tissues from patients, especially in gliomas with higher grades. MiR-144 was also validated have lower expression in glioma cell lines compared with cortical neuron cell by using qRT-PCR. The in vitro functional experiment indicated miR-144 improved gliomas progression through repressing proliferation, sensitizing to chemotherapeutics and inhibiting metastasis. We further identified fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7) and Caveolin 2 (CAV2) were target genes of miR-144 by luciferase reporter assay and western blotting. The mechanisms study suggested forced FGF7 expression elevated Akt activation and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The MTT and cell cycle assay indicated miR-144 suppressed glioma cells proliferation through modulating FGF mediated Akt signaling pathway. Meanwhile, miR-144 promoted Temozolomide (TMZ) induced apoptosis in glioma cells via increasing ROS production by using FACS. On the other hand, CAV2, as another target of miR-144, accelerated glioma cells migration and invasion via promoting glioma cells EMT progress. Retrieved expression of FGF7 or CAV2 rescued the proliferation and migration function mediated by miR-144. Furthermore, the in vivo experiments in PDX models displayed the anti-tumor function of miR-144, which could be retrieved by overexpression of FGF7 and CAV2. Taken together, these findings indicated miR-144 acted as a potential target against gliomas progression and uncovered a novel regulatory mechanism, which may provide a new therapeutic strategy and prognostic indicator for gliomas.
CHD Risk Minimization through Lifestyle Control: Machine Learning Gateway
Authors: He Xi , Matam B. Rajeswari , Bellary Srikanth , Ghosh Goutam , Chattopadhyay Amit K.
Published: March 2020

Studies on the influence of a modern lifestyle in abetting Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD) have mostly focused on deterrent health factors, like smoking, alcohol intake, cheese consumption and average systolic blood pressure, largely disregarding the impact of a healthy lifestyle in mitigating CHD risk. In this study, 30+ years' World Health Organization (WHO) data have been analyzed, using a wide array of advanced Machine Learning techniques, to quantify how regulated reliance on positive health indicators, e.g. fruits/vegetables, cereals can offset CHD risk factors over a period of time. Our research ranks the impact of the negative outliers on CHD and then quantifies the impact of the positive health factors in mitigating the negative risk-factors. Our research outcomes, presented through simple mathematical equations, outline the best CHD prevention strategy using lifestyle control only. We show that a 20% increase in the intake of fruit/vegetable leads to 3–6% decrease in SBP; or, a 10% increase in cereal intake lowers SBP by 3%; a simultaneous increase of 10% in fruit-vegetable can further offset the effects of SBP by 6%. Our analysis establishes gender independence of lifestyle on CHD, refuting long held assumptions and unqualified beliefs. We show that CHD risk can be lowered with incremental changes in lifestyle and diet, e.g. fruit-vegetable intake ameliorating effects of alcohol-smoking-fatty food. Our multivariate data model also estimates functional relationships amongst lifestyle factors that can potentially redefine the diagnostics of Framingham score-based CHD-prediction.
Trem2 Splicing and Expression are Preserved in a Human Aβ-producing, Rat Knock-in Model of Trem2-R47H Alzheimer’s Risk Variant
Authors: Tambini Marc D. , D’Adamio Luciano
Published: March 2020

The R47H variant of the Triggering-Receptor-Expressed on Myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Mutagenesis of exon 2 in Knock-in (KI) mouse models of the R47H variant introduced a cryptic splice site, leading to nonsense mediated decay. Since haploinsufficiency does not model Trem2-R47H function, a new rat KI model, the Trem2R47H KI rat was created. Human Aβ has higher propensity to form toxic Aβ species, which are considered the main pathogenic entity in AD, as compared to rodent Aβ, the rat Amyloid Precursor Protein (App) gene was mutated to produce human Aβ. Trem2 splicing and expression was measured in Trem2R47H KI rat brains and microglia by qualitative and quantitative RT-PCR. Trem2 levels and Trem2 processing was assessed by Western analysis. APP metabolite levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), for Human Aβ and soluble APP, and Western analysis, for full length APP, βCTF and αCTF. Trem2 expression and Trem2 levels are unchanged in Trem2R47H KI rats. The artifactual splicing seen in KI mouse models is not present; additionally, two novel isoforms of rat Trem2 are described. Trem2R47H rat brains have lower human Aβ38, sAPPα and sAPPβ levels. Thus, Trem2R47H KI rats may prove valuable to define pathogenic mechanisms triggered by the Trem2 R47H variant, including those mediated by toxic species of human Aβ peptides.
Incidence of and Risk factors for Mild Cognitive Impairment in Chinese Older Adults with Multimorbidity in Hong Kong
Authors: Xu Zijun , Zhang Dexing , Sit Regina W. S. , Wong Carmen , Tiu Jennifer Y. S. , Chan Dicken C. C. , Sun Wen , Wong Samuel Y. S.
Published: March 2020

The aim of our study was to identify the incidence rate of and the risk factors for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among Chinese older adults with multimorbidity in primary care in Hong Kong. Older adults aged 60 years and above with multimorbidity were recruited from the public primary care clinics in Hong Kong. Incidence rates were calculated with the person-years. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to predict the risk factors for MCI. Sensitivity analysis was performed using multiple imputation. Among 462 participants included in the main analysis, 45 progressed from normal to MCI with an incidence rate of 80.9 cases per 1000 person-years. Older age (HR 2.82, 95% CI 1.26–6.28) and being single (HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.11–4.19) were risk factors for developing MCI in the multivariable regression model. A total of 660 participants were included in the sensitivity analysis, with an MCI incidence of 114.4 cases per 1000 person-years. Older age and being single remained to be risk factors for MCI among older adults with multimorbidity. There may be a high incidence of MCI among Chinese older adults with multimorbidity in primary care in Hong Kong. Future larger studies need to confirm the prevalence and incidence of MCI among primary care Chinese patients.
Odontogenic infection by Porphyromonas gingivalis exacerbates fibrosis in NASH via hepatic stellate cell activation
Authors: Nagasaki Atsuhiro , Sakamoto Shinnichi , Chea Chanbora , Ishida Eri , Furusho Hisako , Fujii Makiko , Takata Takashi , Miyauchi Mutsumi
Published: March 2020

Odontogenic infection of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g.), a major periodontal pathogen, exacerbates pathological progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this study, we aimed to clarify the detailed mechanism in which P.g. induced hepatic stellate cells (HSCs; key effector cells in liver fibrosis) activation. In the liver of high fat diet-induced NASH mouse model with P.g. odontogenic infection, immunolocalization of P.g. was detected. The number of hepatic crown-like structure, which was macrophage aggregation and related to liver fibrosis, was drastically increased and fibrosis area was also increased through upregulating immunoexpression of Phosphorylated Smad2 (key signaling molecule of TGF-β1) and Galectin-3. P.g.-secreted trypsin-like enzyme [gingipain; an activator of protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2)] stimulated HSC proliferation and differentiation through Smad and ERK signaling induced by TGF-β1 produced from HSCs with P.g.-infection. Further, Galectin-3 produced from HSCs with P.g. infection and P.g.-derived LPS/lipoprotein stimulation stabilized TGFβ-receptor II resulting in increasing sensitivity for TGF-β1, finally leading to HSC differentiation via activating Smad and ERK signaling. In addition to them, hepatocytes (main component cells of liver) contributed to HSC activation through TGF-β1 and Galectin-3 production in paracrine manner. Collectively, P.g.-odontogenic infection exacerbates fibrosis of NASH by HSC activation through TGF-β1 and Gal-3 production from HSCs and hepatocytes.
Simultaneous and extensive removal of the East Asian lithospheric root
Authors: Sheldrick Thomas C. , Barry Tiffany L. , Dash Batulzii , Gan Chengshi , Millar Ian L. , Barfod Dan N. , Halton Alison M.
Published: March 2020

Much evidence points to a dramatic thinning of East Asian lithosphere during the Mesozoic, but with little precision on when, or over what time scale. Using geochemical constraints, we examine an extensive compilation of dated volcanic samples from Russia, Mongolia and North China to determine when the lithosphere thinned and how long that process took. Geochemical results suggest that magmatism before 107 Ma derived from metasomatised subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM), whereas after 107 Ma, melt predominantly derived from an asthenospheric source. The switch to an asthenospheric magma source at ~107 Ma occurred in both Mongolia and North China (>1600 km apart), whereas in eastern Russia the switch occurred a little later (~85 Ma). Such a dramatic change to an asthenospheric contribution appears to have taken, from beginning to end, just ~30 Myrs, suggesting this is the duration for lithospheric mantle weakening and removal. Subsequent volcanism, through the Cenozoic in Mongolia and North China does not appear to include any contribution from the removed SCLM, despite melts predominantly deriving from the asthenosphere.
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis GCL2505 modulates host energy metabolism via the short-chain fatty acid receptor GPR43
Authors: Horiuchi Hiroko , Kamikado Kohei , Aoki Ryo , Suganuma Natsuki , Nishijima Tomohiko , Nakatani Akiho , Kimura Ikuo
Published: March 2020

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are metabolites derived from the fermentation of dietary fibre by the gut microbiota, are important for host metabolic health. There is interest in probiotics for their beneficial effects on metabolic disorders, such as obesity, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we evaluated whether Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis GCL2505 (GCL2505), a probiotic strain capable of proliferating and increasing SCFA levels in the gut, exerts anti-metabolic syndrome effects via the SCFA receptor G protein-coupled receptor 43 (GPR43). A GCL2505 treatment suppressed body fat accumulation, improved glucose tolerance, and enhanced systemic fatty acid oxidation in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed wild type (WT) mice, whereas these effects were not observed in HFD-fed Gpr43 knockout (Gpr43−/−) mice. Caecal and plasma acetate levels were elevated by GCL2505 in WT and Gpr43−/− mice, but the negative correlation between plasma acetate levels and body fat accumulation was observed only in WT mice. We further demonstrated that GCL2505 suppressed insulin signalling in the adipose tissue via GPR43. These results suggested that increases in SCFA levels in response to GCL2505 enhance host energy expenditure, which decreases fat accumulation via activated GPR43.
A quiescent state following mild sensory arousal in Caenorhabditis elegans is potentiated by stress
Authors: McClanahan Patrick D. , Dubuque Jessica M. , Kontogiorgos-Heintz Daphne , Habermeyer Ben F. , Xu Joyce H. , Ma Anthony M. , Raizen David M. , Fang-Yen Christopher
Published: March 2020

An animal’s behavioral and physiological response to stressors includes changes to its responses to stimuli. How such changes occur is not well understood. Here we describe a Caenorhabditis elegans quiescent behavior, post-response quiescence (PRQ), which is modulated by the C. elegans response to cellular stressors. Following an aversive mechanical or blue light stimulus, worms respond first by briefly moving, and then become more quiescent for a period lasting tens of seconds. PRQ occurs at low frequency in unstressed animals, but is more frequent in animals that have experienced cellular stress due to ultraviolet light exposure as well as in animals following overexpression of epidermal growth factor (EGF). PRQ requires the function of the carboxypeptidase EGL-21 and the calcium-activated protein for secretion (CAPS) UNC-31, suggesting it has a neuropeptidergic mechanism. Although PRQ requires the sleep-promoting neurons RIS and ALA, it is not accompanied by decreased arousability, and does not appear to be homeostatically regulated, suggesting that it is not a sleep state. PRQ represents a simple, tractable model for studying how neuromodulatory states like stress alter behavioral responses to stimuli.
Deep Neck Infection in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients: Real-World Evidence
Authors: Chang Geng-He , Su Yi-Cheng , Lin Ko-Ming , Liu Chia-Yen , Yang Yao-Hsu , Chang Pey-Jium , Lin Meng-Hung , Lee Chuan-Pin , Hsu Cheng-Ming , Tsai Yao-Te , Wu Ching-Yuan , Tsai Ming-Shao
Published: March 2020

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) might increase deep neck infection (DNI) risk, but evidence supporting this hypothesis is limited. In this retrospective follow-up study, the SLE–DNI association was investigated using data from the Registry for Catastrophic Illness Patients, which is a subset of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. All patients newly diagnosed as having SLE in 1997–2011 were identified, and every SLE patient was individually matched to four patients without SLE according to sex, age, and socioeconomic status. The study outcome was DNI occurrence. DNI treatment modalities and prognoses in SLE and non-SLE patients, along with the association of steroid dose with DNI risk, were also studied. In total, 17,426 SLE and 69,704 non-SLE patients were enrolled. Cumulative DNI incidence was significantly higher in the SLE cohort than in the non-SLE cohort (p < 0.001). The Cox regression model demonstrated that SLE significantly increased DNI risk (hazard ratio: 4.70; 95% confidence interval: 3.50–6.32, p < 0.001). Moreover, in the sensitivity and subgroup analyses, the effect of SLE on DNI was stable. Relatively few SLE–DNI patients received surgical interventions (15.6% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.033). The between-group differences in tracheostomy use and hospitalisation duration were nonsignificant. In SLE patients, high steroid doses significantly increased DNI incidence (≥3 vs. <3 mg/day = 2.21% vs. 0.52%, p < 0.001). This is the first study demonstrating that SLE increases DNI risk by approximately five times and that high steroid dose increases DNI incidence in SLE patients.
Fatigue Profiles in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis are Based on Severity of Fatigue and not on Dimensions of Fatigue
Authors: Beckerman Heleen , Eijssen Isaline CJM , van Meeteren Jetty , Verhulsdonck Marion C , de Groot Vincent
Published: March 2020

Fatigue related to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is considered a multidimensional symptom, manifesting in several dimensions such as physical, cognitive, and psychosocial fatigue. This study investigated in 264 patients with severe primary MS-related fatigue (median MS duration 6.8 years, mean age 48.1 years, 75% women) whether subgroups can be distinguished based on these dimensions. Subsequently, we tested whether MS-related fatigue consists of a single common unidimensional factor. Subscale scores on four self-reported fatigue questionnaires, including the Checklist of Individual Strength, the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, the Fatigue Severity Scale and the SF36 vitality, were used in a cluster analysis to identify patients with similar fatigue characteristics. Next, all 54 items were included in exploratory factor analysis to test unidimensionality. Study results show that in patients with a treatment indication for primary MS-related fatigue, fatigue profiles are based on severity and not on the various dimensions of fatigue. The three profiles found, suggested one underlying fatigue dimension, but this could not be confirmed. Factor analysis of all 54 items resulted in 8 factors, confirming the multidimensional construct of the included fatigue questionnaires.
Influence of Competing Risks on Estimates of Recurrence Risk and Breast Cancer-specific Mortality in Analyses of the Early Breast Cancer Trialists Collaborative Group
Authors: Saleh Ramy R. , Nadler Michelle B. , Desnoyers Alexandra , Rodin Danielle L. , Abdel-Qadir Husam , Amir Eitan
Published: March 2020

Early-stage breast cancer (BC) is a curable disease with many patients dying of causes other than BC. The influence of non-BC death and other competing risks on the interpretation of Kaplan-Meier (KM)-based analyses for BC-specific outcomes are unknown. We searched the Oxford University website to identify all meta-analyses published by the Early Breast Cancer Trialists Collaborative Group (EBCTCG) between 2005 and 2018. The potential influence of competing risks was estimated using a validated multivariable linear model that predicts the difference between KM and cumulative incidence function (CIF) on estimates of BC-specific outcomes. The initial search identified 14 EBCTCG papers, 10 (71%) reported data on BC and competing events. Eight (80%) had a relative difference between KM and the competing risk adjusted estimates exceeding 10%. The median relative difference was 28.4% for local-recurrence; 16.8% for distant-recurrence, and 6.7% for BC-specific mortality. There was a 18.9% relative difference between KM and CIF adjusted analyses beyond 10 years. The use of KM-based methods when competing risks are present biases risk estimates in studies of early BC especially for uncommon outcomes such as local recurrence. The use of CIF to calculate BC-specific outcomes may be preferable in this setting.
Elastic deformations mediate interaction of the raft boundary with membrane inclusions leading to their effective lateral sorting
Authors: Pinigin Konstantin V. , Kondrashov Oleg V. , Jiménez-Munguía Irene , Alexandrova Veronika V. , Batishchev Oleg V. , Galimzyanov Timur R. , Akimov Sergey A.
Published: March 2020

Liquid-ordered lipid domains represent a lateral inhomogeneity in cellular membranes. These domains have elastic and physicochemical properties different from those of the surrounding membrane. In particular, their thickness exceeds that of the disordered membrane. Thus, elastic deformations arise at the domain boundary in order to compensate for the thickness mismatch. In equilibrium, the deformations lead to an incomplete register of monolayer ordered domains: the elastic energy is minimal if domains in opposing monolayers lie on the top of each other, and their boundaries are laterally shifted by about 3 nm. This configuration introduces a region, composed of one ordered and one disordered monolayers, with an intermediate bilayer thickness. Besides, a jump in a local monolayer curvature takes place in this intermediate region, concentrating here most of the elastic stress. This region can participate in a lateral sorting of membrane inclusions by offering them an optimal bilayer thickness and local curvature conditions. In the present study, we consider the sorting of deformable lipid inclusions, undeformable peripheral and deeply incorporated peptide inclusions, and undeformable transmembrane inclusions of different molecular geometry. With rare exceptions, all types of inclusions have an affinity to the ordered domain boundary as compared to the bulk phases. The optimal lateral distribution of inclusions allows relaxing the elastic stress at the boundary of domains.
Domestic dogs are mammalian reservoirs for the emerging zoonosis flea-borne spotted fever, caused by Rickettsia felis
Authors: Ng-Nguyen Dinh , Hii Sze-Fui , Hoang Minh-Trang Thi , Nguyen Van-Anh Thi , Rees Robert , Stenos John , Traub Rebecca Justine
Published: March 2020

Rickettsia felis is an obligate intracellular bacterium that is being increasingly recognized as an etiological agent of human rickettsial disease globally. The agent is transmitted through the bite of an infected vector, the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, however there is to date, no consensus on the pathogen’s vertebrate reservoir, required for the maintenance of this agent in nature. This study for the first time, demonstrates the role of the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) as a vertebrate reservoir of R. felis. The ability of dogs to sustain prolonged periods of rickettsemia, ability to remain asymptomatically infected with normal haematological parameters and ability to act as biological vehicles for the horizontal transmission of R. felis between infected and uninfected fleas provides indication of their status as a mammalian reservoir of this emerging zoonosis.
Changes in the salivary electrolytic dynamic after sucrose exposure in children with Early Childhood Caries
Authors: de Sousa Emerson Tavares , Lima-Holanda Aline Tavares , Nobre-dos-Santos Marinês
Published: March 2020

This study sought to explore if the effect of 20% sucrose rinse (SR) on the salivary electrolytic concentration of calcium (Ca2+), phosphate (Pi) and fluoride (F−) in children with Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is different from healthy children. Here, fifty-eight  preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years were divided into 2 groups: caries-free (CF) and with ECC. Changes in saliva flow rate, pH and buffering capacity (BC), as well as in concentrations of Ca2+, Pi, and F−, and the degree of saturation in relation to hydroxyapatite (DSS HAp) and fluorapatite (DSS FAp) were evaluated. The pre-rinse [Ca2+] was higher in the ECC group in the CF group. A significant increase in [Ca2+] was demonstrated after SR in the CF group (p = 0.05). The [Pi] was reduced by 18% after SR in the ECC group (p = 0.007). The [F-] reduced in both groups after SR (p < 0.000). There was a moderate positive correlation between [Ca2+] and the DSS HAp and DSS FAp. Multivariate analysis showed that children with a higher [Ca2+] in pre-rinse saliva are more likely to have ECC. In conclusion, the effect of a 20% sucrose rinse on the electrolytic concentration of Ca2+, Pi and F- was different when children with ECC were compared with CF children.
The Two-Species Model of transketolase explains donor substrate-binding, inhibition and heat-activation
Authors: Wilkinson Henry C. , Dalby Paul A.
Published: March 2020

We recently characterised a low-activity form of E. coli transketolase, TKlow, which also binds the cofactor thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) with an affinity up to two-orders of magnitude lower than the previously known high TPP-affinity and high-activity form, TKhigh, in the presence of Mg2+. We observed previously that partial oxidation was responsible for increased TKhigh activity, while low-activity TKlow was unmodified. In the present study, the fluorescence-based cofactor-binding assay was adapted to detect binding of the β-hydroxypyruvate (HPA) donor substrate to wild-type transketolase and a variant, S385Y/D469T/R520Q, that is active towards aromatic aldehydes. Transketolase HPA affinity again revealed the two distinct forms of transketolase at a TKhigh:TKlow ratio that matched those observed previously via TPP binding to each variant. The HPA dissociation constant of TKlow was comparable to the substrate-inhibition dissociation constant, KiHPA, determined previously. We provide evidence that KiHPA is a convolution of binding to the low-activity TKlow-TKlow dimer, and the TKlow subunit of the partially-active TKhigh-TKlow mixed dimer, where HPA binding to the TKlow subunit of the mixed dimer results in inhibition of the active TKhigh subunit. Heat-activation of transketolase was similarly investigated and found to convert the TKlow subunit of the mixed dimer to have TKhigh-like properties, but without oxidation.
Immune-mediated febrile response in female rats: Role of central hypothalamic mediators
Authors: Brito Haissa Oliveira , Radulski Débora , Wilhelms Daniel Björk , Stojakovic Andrea , Brito Luciane Maria Oliveira , Gil da Costa Rui Miguel , Trindade Edvaldo , Engblom David , Franco Celia Regina Cavichiolo , Zampronio Aleksander Roberto
Published: March 2020

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces fever through cytokines like receptor-activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL), triggering mediators like prostaglandins (PG), endothelin-1 (ET-1), corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF), substance P (SP) and endogenous opioids. LPS-induced fever is reduced in females compared with males except in ovariectomized (OVX) females which show increased fever mediated by PG. The present study aimed to identify the mediators involved in fever in intact and OVX female rats. Fever was induced with LPS (50 μg/kg) intraperitoneally or CRF (2.5 μg), ET-1 (1 pg), morphine (10 μg) and SP (500 ng) intracerebroventricularly in sham-operated and OVX rats. The role of RANKL was evaluated with osteoprotegerin (OPG, 1 μg, intracerebroventricularly). Expression of RANK, CRFI/II, ETB, μ-opioid (MOR) and NK1 receptors was evaluated by confocal microscopy. Besides LPS, only morphine induced fever in OVX rats while all mediators induced fever in sham-operated animals. OPG abolished LPS-induced fever in OVX but not sham-operated animals. Overall, fever involves similar central mediators in cycling females and males but only morphine induced fever in OVX females. Importantly, RANK/RANKL participates in LPS-induced fever in OVX females, as in males but not in cycling females.
Gene expression variation in the brains of harvester ant foragers is associated with collective behavior
Authors: Friedman Daniel Ari , York Ryan Alexander , Hilliard Austin Travis , Gordon Deborah M.
Published: March 2020

Natural selection on collective behavior acts on variation among colonies in behavior that is associated with reproductive success. In the red harvester ant (Pogonomyrmex barbatus), variation among colonies in the collective regulation of foraging in response to humidity is associated with colony reproductive success. We used RNA-seq to examine gene expression in the brains of foragers in a natural setting. We find that colonies differ in the expression of neurophysiologically-relevant genes in forager brains, and a fraction of these gene expression differences are associated with two colony traits: sensitivity of foraging activity to humidity, and forager brain dopamine to serotonin ratio. Loci that were correlated with colony behavioral differences were enriched in neurotransmitter receptor signaling & metabolic functions, tended to be more central to coexpression networks, and are evolving under higher protein-coding sequence constraint. Natural selection may shape colony foraging behavior through variation in gene expression.
Ebselen as template for stabilization of A4V mutant dimer for motor neuron disease therapy
Authors: Chantadul Varunya , Wright Gareth S. A. , Amporndanai Kangsa , Shahid Munazza , Antonyuk Svetlana V. , Washbourn Gina , Rogers Michael , Roberts Natalie , Pye Matthew , O’Neill Paul M. , Hasnain S. Samar
Published: March 2020

Mutations to the gene encoding superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) were the first genetic elements discovered that cause motor neuron disease (MND). These mutations result in compromised SOD1 dimer stability, with one of the severest and most common mutations Ala4Val (A4V) displaying a propensity to monomerise and aggregate leading to neuronal death. We show that the clinically used ebselen and related analogues promote thermal stability of A4V SOD1 when binding to Cys111 only. We have developed a A4V SOD1 differential scanning fluorescence-based assay on a C6S mutation background that is effective in assessing suitability of compounds. Crystallographic data show that the selenium atom of these compounds binds covalently to A4V SOD1 at Cys111 at the dimer interface, resulting in stabilisation. This together with chemical amenability for hit expansion of ebselen and its on-target SOD1 pharmacological chaperone activity holds remarkable promise for structure-based therapeutics for MND using ebselen as a template.
The mitochondrial inner membrane protein LETM1 modulates cristae organization through its LETM domain
Authors: Nakamura Seiko , Matsui Aiko , Akabane Shiori , Tamura Yasushi , Hatano Azumi , Miyano Yuriko , Omote Hiroshi , Kajikawa Mizuho , Maenaka Katsumi , Moriyama Yoshinori , Endo Toshiya , Oka Toshihiko
Published: March 2020

LETM1 is a mitochondrial inner membrane protein that is required for maintaining the mitochondrial morphology and cristae structures, and regulates mitochondrial ion homeostasis. Here we report a role of LETM1 in the organization of cristae structures. We identified four amino acid residues of human LETM1 that are crucial for complementation of the growth deficiency caused by gene deletion of a yeast LETM1 orthologue. Substituting amino acid residues with alanine disrupts the correct assembly of a protein complex containing LETM1 and prevents changes in the mitochondrial morphology induced by exogenous LETM1 expression. Moreover, the LETM1 protein changes the shapes of the membranes of in vitro-reconstituted proteoliposomes, leading to the formation of invaginated membrane structures on artificial liposomes. LETM1 mutant proteins with alanine substitutions fail to facilitate the formation of invaginated membrane structures, suggesting that LETM1 plays a fundamental role in the organization of mitochondrial membrane morphology.
Polymeric heptazine imide by O doping and constructing van der Waals heterostructures for photocatalytic water splitting: a theoretical perspective from transition dipole moment analyses
Authors: Zhang Xirui , Yu Chao , Guan Jintong , Jiang Shicheng , Wang Yunhui , Deng Kaiming , Meng Zhaoshun , Lu Ruifeng
Published: March 2020

Transition dipole moment is suggested as a bridge between band structure and optical absorption in semiconductor photocatalysts and as referential descriptor for interlayer photoexcitation in layered heterostructures.
Effect of anion reorientation on proton mobility in the solid acids family CsHyXO4(X = S, P, Se,y= 1, 2) fromab initiomolecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Dreßler Christian , Sebastiani Daniel
Published: March 2020

The high temperature phases of the solid acids CsHSeO4, CsHSO4and CsH2PO4show extraordinary high proton conductivities, which are enabled by the interplay of high proton transfer rates and frequent anion reorientation.
Pressure-induced non-innocence in bis(1,2-dionedioximato)Pt(ii) complexes: an experimental and theoretical study of their insulator–metal transitions
Authors: Benjamin Helen , Richardson Jonathan G. , Moggach Stephen A. , Afanasjevs Sergejs , Warren Lisette , Warren Mark R. , Allan David R. , Morrison Carole A. , Kamenev Konstantin V. , Robertson Neil
Published: March 2020

Bis(1,2-dionedioximato) complexes of Pt(ii) form linear chains of metal complexes that metallise under pressure. Through high-pressure structural, computational and conductivity measurements we show the crucial role of the ligand in dictating these properties.
Atomic site electrocatalysts for water splitting, oxygen reduction and selective oxidation
Authors: Zhao Di , Zhuang Zewen , Cao Xing , Zhang Chao , Peng Qing , Chen Chen , Li Yadong
Published: March 2020

This review summarized the fabrication routes and characterization methods of atomic site electrocatalysts (ASCs) followed by their applications for water splitting, oxygen reduction and selective oxidation.
Pd–Au bimetallic catalysts supported on ZnO for selective 1,3-butadiene hydrogenation
Authors: Bachiller-Baeza Belén , Iglesias-Juez Ana , Agostini Giovanni , Castillejos-López Eva
Published: March 2020

The effect of the ZnO morphology on the properties of Pd–Au bimetallic catalysts has been discussed.
Microemulsion solventing-out co-precipitation strategy for fabricating highly active Cu–ZnO/Al2O3 dual site catalysts for reverse water gas shift
Authors: Zhen Ziheng , Tang Wenxiang , Chu Wei (Willy) , Zhang Tao , Lv Li , Tang Shengwei
Published: March 2020

A new strategy for the preparation of dual site catalysts is introduced, which combines microemulsion technology and anti-solvent extraction technology.
Structure-based design of human pancreatic amylase inhibitors from the natural anthocyanin database for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Xie Lianghua , Mo Jianling , Ni Jingdan , Xu Yang , Su Hongming , Xie Jiahong , Chen Wei
Published: March 2020

Malvidin 3-O-arabinoside is identified as a novel human pancreatic amylase inhibitor from the natural anthocyanin database with a structure-based design approach.
Study of the complexation of structurally modified curcumin with hydroxypropyl beta cyclodextrin and its effect on anticancer activity
Authors: Khatun Bably , Baishya Pitambar , Ramteke Anand , Maji T. K.
Published: March 2020

This study aims at modifying curcumin to curcumin pyrazole and complexing it with HPβCD employing a simple protocol to improve curcumin's chemical–physical properties and biological activities.
Photoacoustic identification of laser-induced microbubbles as light scattering centers for optical limiting in a liquid suspension of graphene nanosheets
Authors: Zhang Qiuhui , Qiu Yi , Lin Feng , Niu Chao , Zhou Xufeng , Liu Zhaoping , Alam Md Kamrul , Dai Shenyu , Zhang Wei , Hu Jonathan , Wang Zhiming , Bao Jiming
Published: March 2020

Liquid suspensions of carbon nanotubes, graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides have exhibited excellent performance in optical limiting.
Theoretical study on NOx adsorption properties over the α-MnO2(110) surface
Authors: Hao Xingguang , Song Xin , Li Kai , Wang Chi , Li Kunlin , Li Yuan , Sun Xin , Ning Ping
Published: March 2020

NO adsorbs over the α-MnO2(110) surface initially and then NO2 in the isolated system at low temperature. Joint adsorption is more stable than the isolated system.
Bio-nanoparticle assembly: a potent on-site biolarvicidal agent against mosquito vectors
Authors: Sultana Nazima , Raul Prasanta K. , Goswami Diganta , Das Dipankar , Islam Saidul , Tyagi Varun , Das Bodhaditya , Gogoi Hemanta K. , Chattopadhyay Pronobesh , Raju Pakalapati S.
Published: March 2020

The present work demonstrates a potent and stable biolarvicidal agent using sustainable bioresources. The synthesized nanomaterials can control the mosquito vectors at a very low concentration range (0.01–1.00 mg L−1) for on-site field applications.
Metal oxide QD based ultrasensitive microsphere fluorescent sensor for copper, chromium and iron ions in water
Authors: Khan Md. Motiar R. , Mitra Tapas , Sahoo Dibakar
Published: March 2020

Herein we developed a rapid, cheap, and water-soluble ultra-sensitive ZnO quantum dot (QD) based metal sensor for detecting different hazardous metal ions up to the picomolar range in water.
Recent advances in post-stretching processing of polymer films with in situ synchrotron radiation X-ray scattering
Authors: Lin Yuanfei , Chen Wei , Meng Lingpu , Wang Daoliang , Li Liangbin
Published: March 2020

We review the recent advances in post-stretching processing of polymer films with in situ synchrotron radiation X-ray scattering.
Bacterial cellulose: an encouraging eco-friendly nano-candidate for energy storage and energy conversion
Authors: Ma Lina , Bi Zhijie , Xue Yun , Zhang Wei , Huang Qiying , Zhang Lixue , Huang Yudong
Published: March 2020

A comprehensive and systematic summary of the current developments of BC in electrochemical energy storage and conversion.
Utilization of novel phenanthrene–imidazole-based ionic small molecules for blue light-emitting electrochemical cells
Authors: Choi Jihun , Kanagaraj Shanmugasundaram , Choe Youngson
Published: March 2020

Light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs), which represent solid-state lighting (SSL) systems, are next generation displays to replace organic light-emitting diodes.
Novel electrochemical sensing platform based on a molecularly imprinted polymer-decorated 3D-multi-walled carbon nanotube intercalated graphene aerogel for selective and sensitive detection of dopamine
Authors: Ma Xue , Gao Feng , Dai Runying , Liu Guangbin , Zhang Ying , Lu Limin , Yu Yongfang
Published: March 2020

A novel molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor for detection of dopamine (DA) has been fabricated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes spaced graphene aerogels (MWCNTs/GAs) as sensing substrate and polypyrrole (PPy) as molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP).
Coordination polymers with a pyridyl–salen ligand for photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction
Authors: Liu Yi , Guo Jin-Han , Dao Xiao-Yao , Zhang Xiu-Du , Zhao Yue , Sun Wei-Yin
Published: March 2020

Fe(iii) and Mn(iii) coordination polymers with a pyridyl–salen ligand were constructed and have shown photocatalytic activity for CO2reduction under visible-light irradiation.
Ion conduction switching between H+ and OH− induced by pH in graphene oxide
Authors: Fukuda Masahiro , Islam Md. Saidul , Shudo Yuta , Yagyu Junya , Lindoy Leonard F. , Hayami Shinya
Published: March 2020

Ion conduction through graphene oxide nanosheets that is pH-switchable between H+ and OH− ions is demonstrated.
Impact of t-butyl substitution in a rubrene emitter for solid state NIR-to-visible photon upconversion
Authors: Radiunas Edvinas , Dapkevičius Manvydas , Raišys Steponas , Juršėnas Saulius , Jozeliūnaitė Augustina , Javorskis Tomas , Šinkevičiūtė Ugnė , Orentas Edvinas , Kazlauskas Karolis
Published: March 2020

Enhanced TTA-UC performance of t-butyl-rubrene films as compared to that of unsubstituted-rubrene films is achieved due to suppressed singlet fission and non-radiative triplet quenching.
The challenging playground of astrochemistry: an integrated rotational spectroscopy – quantum chemistry strategy
Authors: Puzzarini Cristina , Barone Vincenzo
Published: March 2020

Astrochemistry: toward the molecular complexity in the interstellar medium.
2D tetragonal transition-metal phosphides: an ideal platform to screen metal shrouded crystals for multifunctional applications
Authors: Liu Qinxi , Xing Jianpei , Jiang Zhou , Jiang Xue , Wang Yi , Zhao Jijun
Published: March 2020

The unique bonding feature of TM2Ps contributes to their high stability, excellent catalytic performance, good ductility, and abundant magnetic properties.
An asymmetric contact-induced self-powered 2D In2S3 photodetector towards high-sensitivity and fast-response
Authors: Lu Jianting , Zheng Zhaoqiang , Yao Jiandong , Gao Wei , Xiao Ye , Zhang Menglong , Li Jingbo
Published: March 2020

Self-powered photodetectors have triggered extensive attention in recent years due to the advantages of high sensitivity, fast response, low power consumption, high level of integration and wireless operation.
Water-soluble silicon nanocrystals as NIR luminescent probes for time-gated biomedical imaging
Authors: Romano Francesco , Angeloni Sara , Morselli Giacomo , Mazzaro Raffaello , Morandi Vittorio , Shell Jennifer R. , Cao Xu , Pogue Brian W. , Ceroni Paola
Published: March 2020

In vivostudies demonstrated tumor accumulation of luminescent SiNCs, 48 hours clearance and a 3-fold improvement of signal-to-noise ratio in time-gated imaging compared to steady-state acquisition, demonstrating their potentiality for luminescence guided surgery.
Synthesis of multisegmented block copolymer by Friedel–Crafts hydroxyalkylation polymerization
Authors: Cuneo Timothy , Cao Xiaosong , Zou Lei , Gao Haifeng
Published: March 2020

Friedel–Crafts (FC) polycondensation of 1,4-dimethoxybenzene with 4-substituted benzaldehyde species was used to prepare telechelic oligomers and high-molar-mass multisegmented block copolymers.
Lithium chloride (LiCl)-modified polyethersulfone (PES) substrate surface pore architectures on thin poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) dense layer formation and the composite membrane's performance in gas separation
Authors: Mohd Shafie Zulfida Mohamad Hafis , Ahmad Abdul Latif , Low Siew Chun , Rode Sabine , Belaissaoui Bouchra
Published: March 2020

LiCl was incorporated in PES porous substrate fabrication methodology to influence the substrate's surface architectures and later, the resulting PDMS dense separating layer formation for composite membrane gas separation.
Smooth and large scale organometallic complex film by vapor-phase ligand exchange reaction
Authors: Choe Myeonggeun , Kim Soyoung , Choi Hee Cheul
Published: March 2020

Highly-smooth Mo(CO)4(2,2′-bipy) thin film showing a color gradient depending on the thickness can be obtained by vapor-phase ligand exchange reaction.