bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cross-sectional research of iodine status of pregnant women in Chongqing, south-west China
Authors: Yao Ning , Zhou Chunbei , Xie Jun , Zhou Shuang
Published: January 2020

Objective:

To investigate whether implementation of a universal salt iodization (USI) programme has sufficient effects on pregnant women in Chongqing, the present study evaluated the iodine nutritional status of pregnant women living in Chongqing by spot urinary iodine concentration (UIC), to provide scientific suggestions to better meet the specific iodine needs of this vulnerable group.

Design:

Cross-sectional design.

Setting:

A random spot urine sample and household table salt sample were provided by each participant.

Participants:

A total of 2607 pregnant women from twenty-six of thirty-nine districts/counties in Chongqing participated.

Results:

The overall median UIC of pregnant women was 171·80 μg/l (interquartile range (IQR) = 113·85–247·00 μg/l) and 40·97 % (n1057) of participants were iodine insufficient. The median iodine in table salt samples was 25·40 mg/kg (IQR = 23·10–28·30 mg/kg); 93·26 % (n2406) of samples examined were found to be adequately iodized. Iodine nutritional status was not significantly different according to table salt iodization category. Trimester was identified to be statistically associated with UIC (P< 0·01). Seven districts/counties had median UIC below 150 μg/l and one district had median UIC of 277·40 μg/l.

Conclusions:

The USI programme in Chongqing prevents iodine deficiency generally, but does not maintain iodine status within adequate and recommended ranges throughout pregnancy. Usage of non-iodized or unqualified iodized salt and the slight change of dietary habits of iodized salt in Chongqing may present a substantial challenge to fight iodine-deficiency disorders; more efforts are needed to ensure adequate iodine intake during pregnancy besides the USI programme.
The political construction of public health nutrition problems: a framing analysis of parliamentary debates on junk-food marketing to children in Australia
Authors: Russell Cherie , Lawrence Mark , Cullerton Katherine , Baker Phillip
Published: January 2020

Objective:

Junk-food marketing contributes significantly to childhood obesity, which in turn imposes major health and economic burdens. Despite this, political priority for addressing junk-food marketing has been weak in many countries. Competing interests, worldviews and beliefs of stakeholders involved with the issue contribute to this political inertia. An integral group of actors for driving policy change are parliamentarians, who champion policy and enact legislation. However, how parliamentarians interpret and portray (i.e. frame) the causes and solutions of public health nutrition problems is poorly understood. The present study aimed to understand how Australian parliamentarians from different political parties frame the problem of junk-food marketing.

Design:

Framing analysis of transcripts from the Australian Government’s Parliamentary Hansard, involving development of a theoretical framework, data collection, coding transcripts and thematic synthesis of results.

Settings:

Australia.

Participants:

None.

Results:

Parliamentarian framing generally reflected political party ideology. Liberal parliamentarians called for minimal government regulation and greater personal responsibility, reflecting the party’s core values of liberalism and neoliberalism. Greens parliamentarians framed the issue as systemic, highlighting the need for government intervention and reflecting the core party value of social justice. Labor parliamentarians used both frames at varying times.

Conclusions:

Parliamentarians’ framing was generally consistent with their party ideology, though subject to changes over time. This project provides insights into the role of framing and ideology in shaping public health policy responses and may inform communication strategies for nutrition advocates. Advocates might consider using frames that resonate with the ideologies of different political parties and adapting these over time.
Linking annuity benefits to the longevity experience: alternative solutions
Authors: Olivieri Annamaria , Pitacco Ermanno
Published: January 2020

The uncertainty regarding financial returns and the life expectancy, joint to the reduced social security benefits, increasingly expose individuals to the risk of outliving their post-retirement assets. However, the demand for longevity guarantees remains low, due to high costs. The providers, on their side, may be reluctant to offer non-adjustable longevity guarantees, as the risk is long term and difficult to predict. It is therefore convenient to reconsider the design of longevity guarantees. In particular, a participating structure, providing a link to some longevity experience, could allow a sharing of losses, and possibly profits, resulting in a reduction of the cost of the retained guarantee. The literature review suggests a number of alternatives to define a longevity-linking arrangement, but the topic is not yet completely explored. It is useful, in particular, to have a common framework, under which the various solutions can be interpreted and compared, also with a view to the trade-off between the retained risk and the cost of the guarantee. Developing a general structure describing longevity-linked post-retirement benefits is the main purpose of this paper. Allowing for aggregate longevity risk, we then examine suitable solutions for insurance products.
Maternal cardiometabolic factors and genetic ancestry influence epigenetic aging of the placenta
Authors: Workalemahu Tsegaselassie , Shrestha Deepika , Tajuddin Salman M. , Tekola-Ayele Fasil
Published: January 2020

Disruption of physiological aging of the placenta can lead to pregnancy complications and increased risk for cardiometabolic diseases during childhood and adulthood. Maternal metabolic and genetic factors need to operate in concert with placental development for optimal pregnancy outcome. However, it is unknown whether maternal cardiometabolic status and genetic ancestry contribute to differences in placental epigenetic age acceleration (PAA). We investigated whether maternal prepregnancy obesity, gestational weight gain (GWG), blood pressure, and genetic ancestry influence PAA. Among 301 pregnant women from 4 race/ethnic groups who provided placenta samples at delivery as part of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Fetal Growth Studies, placental DNA methylation age was estimated using 62 CpGs known to predict placental aging. PAA was defined to be the difference between placental DNA methylation age and gestational age at birth. Percentage of genetic ancestries was estimated using genotype data. We found that a 1 kg/week increase in GWG was associated with up to 1.71 (95% CI: −3.11, −0.32) week lower PAA. Offspring Native American ancestry and African ancestry were associated, respectively, with higher and lower PAA among Hispanics, and maternal East Asian ancestry was associated with lower PAA among Asians (p< 0.05). Among mothers with a male offspring, blood pressure was associated with lower PAA across all three trimesters (p< 0.05), prepregnancy obesity compared to normal weight was associated with 1.24 (95% CI: −2.24, −0.25) week lower PAA. In summary, we observed that maternal cardiometabolic factors and genetic ancestry influence placental epigenetic aging and some of these influences may be male offspring-specific.
Long Wavelength Progressive Plateau Uplift in Eastern Anatolia Since 20 Ma: Implications for the Role of Slab Peel‐Back and Break‐Off
Authors: Memiş Caner , Göğüş Oğuz H. , Uluocak Ebru Şengül , Pysklywec Russell , Keskin Mehmet , Şengör A.M. Celal , Topuz Gültekin
Published: January 2020

Stratigraphic evidence is used to interpret that the East Anatolian Plateau with 2 km average elevation today was below sea level ~20 Ma and uplift began in the northern part. The presence of voluminous volcanic rocks/melt production across the plateau—younging to the south—corroborates geophysical interpretations (e.g., high heat flow and lower seismic velocities) that suggest progressive removal of the slab subducting under the Pontides. Here, we conduct numerical experiments that investigate the change in the surface uplift as a response to slab peel‐back and potential break‐off processes under subduction‐accretionary complexes as well as continental lithosphere. Model results show similar types of tectonic behavior and magnitudes of uplift‐subsidence in both oceanic and continental removal processes, and they satisfactorily explain 1.5 km of plateau rise and a ~280 km wide asthenospheric upwelling zone beneath Eastern Anatolia over 18 Myr timescale. Parametric investigation for varying plate strength and convergence velocities show that such model parameters control the amount of surface uplift (1 to 3 km), the width of the asthenospheric upwelling zone, and the potential timing/depth of break‐off of the steepening/peeling slab. Experiments show that slab break‐off develops during the terminal phase, which may correspond to only a few million years ago. Therefore, the long wavelength plateau uplift and magmatism over the Eastern Anatolian‐Lesser Caucasus region since 20 Ma is controlled by progressive slab peel‐back and resulting mantle dynamics. The slab break‐off process (if it happened) has yet an indiscernible role.
Temporal and Spatial Development of TEC Enhancements during Substorms
Authors: Weygand J.M. , Wing S.
Published: January 2020

Total electron count (TEC) enhancements due to space weather are a threat to communications and global positioning systems. It is known that TEC enhancements occur during magnetic storms and can cover large areas for many hours, but it is also not uncommon for TEC enhancements on the order of a few TEC units to occur during substorms. Although much is known about storm‐associated TECs, the temporal and spatial characteristics of substorm‐associated TECs are not well established. By combining two‐dimensional maps of TECs over North America and Greenland and with maps of ionospheric currents derived with the spherical elementary current method [Weygand et al., 2011], we investigate the temporal and spatial changes of TEC enhancement events for both a single substorm and for multiple substorms combined using a two‐dimensional superposed‐epoch analysis. Both the single event analysis and the statistical analysis show an increase of TECs during the expansion phase. Substorm values of the TEC enhancements peak within 10 min after auroral onset and recover to nominal levels after about 40 min. TEC enhancements occur mainly within the nightside region 1 current system and cover millions of square kilometers. Furthermore, these enhancements appear to be associated with enhanced precipitating electron fluxes. These results address one of goals of the Space Weather Action Plan, which are to establish benchmarks for space weather events and improve modeling and prediction of their impacts on infrastructure.
Niche differentiation is spatially and temporally regulated in the rhizosphere
Authors: Nuccio Erin E , Starr Evan , Karaoz Ulas , Brodie Eoin L , Zhou Jizhong , Tringe Susannah G , Malmstrom Rex R , Woyke Tanja , Banfield Jillian F , Firestone Mary K , Pett-Ridge Jennifer
Published: January 2020

The rhizosphere is a hotspot for microbial carbon transformations, and is the entry point for root polysaccharides and polymeric carbohydrates that are important precursors to soil organic matter (SOM). However, the ecological mechanisms that underpin rhizosphere carbohydrate depolymerization are poorly understood. Using Avena fatua, a common annual grass, we analyzed time-resolved metatranscriptomes to compare microbial functions in rhizosphere, detritusphere, and combined rhizosphere–detritusphere habitats. Transcripts were binned using a unique reference database generated from soil isolate genomes, single-cell amplified genomes, metagenomes, and stable isotope probing metagenomes. While soil habitat significantly affected both community composition and overall gene expression, the succession of microbial functions occurred at a faster time scale than compositional changes. Using hierarchical clustering of upregulated decomposition genes, we identified four distinct microbial guilds populated by taxa whose functional succession patterns suggest specialization for substrates provided by fresh growing roots, decaying root detritus, the combination of live and decaying root biomass, or aging root material. Carbohydrate depolymerization genes were consistently upregulated in the rhizosphere, and both taxonomic and functional diversity were highest in the combined rhizosphere–detritusphere, suggesting coexistence of rhizosphere guilds is facilitated by niche differentiation. Metatranscriptome-defined guilds provide a framework to model rhizosphere succession and its consequences for soil carbon cycling.
Quantification of the scratch-healing efficiency for novel zwitterionic polymers
Authors: Dahlke Jan , Kimmig Julian , Abend Marcus , Zechel Stefan , Vitz Jürgen , Schubert Ulrich S. , Hager Martin D.
Published: January 2020

In this work, we present a new strategy to engineer novel self-healing ionomers, namely, zwitterionic polymers, and a comprehensive analysis of their mechanical, viscoelastic, and scratch-healing properties. This new method enables reproducible damage of the polymer surfaces, calculation of the scratch volume through tactile profile scans, and quantification of the self-healing efficiency. Based on the results of the scratch tests and complementary rheology, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and hardness tests, new trends, and structure–property relationships can be identified.
Single cell and genetic analyses reveal conserved populations and signaling mechanisms of gastrointestinal stromal niches
Authors: Kim Ji-Eun , Fei Lijiang , Yin Wen-Chi , Coquenlorge Sabrina , Rao-Bhatia Abilasha , Zhang Xiaoyun , Shi Sammy Shun Wai , Lee Ju Hee , Hahn Noah A. , Rizvi Wasi , Kim Kyoung-Han , Sung Hoon-Ki , Hui Chi-chung , Guo Guoji , Kim Tae-Hee
Published: January 2020

Stomach and intestinal stem cells are located in discrete niches called the isthmus and crypt, respectively. Recent studies have demonstrated a surprisingly conserved role for Wnt signaling in gastrointestinal development. Although intestinal stromal cells secrete Wnt ligands to promote stem cell renewal, the source of stomach Wnt ligands is still unclear. Here, by performing single cell analysis, we identify gastrointestinal stromal cell populations with transcriptome signatures that are conserved between the stomach and intestine. In close proximity to epithelial cells, these perictye-like cells highly express telocyte and pericyte markers as well as Wnt ligands, and they are enriched for Hh signaling. By analyzing mice activated for Hh signaling, we show a conserved mechanism of GLI2 activation of Wnt ligands. Moreover, genetic inhibition of Wnt secretion in perictye-like stromal cells or stromal cells more broadly demonstrates their essential roles in gastrointestinal regeneration and development, respectively, highlighting a redundancy in gastrointestinal stem cell niches.
Deconvolving mutational patterns of poliovirus outbreaks reveals its intrinsic fitness landscape
Authors: Quadeer Ahmed A. , Barton John P. , Chakraborty Arup K. , McKay Matthew R.
Published: January 2020

Vaccination has essentially eradicated poliovirus. Yet, its mutation rate is higher than that of viruses like HIV, for which no effective vaccine exists. To investigate this, we infer a fitness model for the poliovirus viral protein 1 (vp1), which successfully predicts in vitro fitness measurements. This is achieved by first developing a probabilistic model for the prevalence of vp1 sequences that enables us to isolate and remove data that are subject to strong vaccine-derived biases. The intrinsic fitness constraints derived for vp1, a capsid protein subject to antibody responses, are compared with those of analogous HIV proteins. We find that vp1 evolution is subject to tighter constraints, limiting its ability to evade vaccine-induced immune responses. Our analysis also indicates that circulating poliovirus strains in unimmunized populations serve as a reservoir that can seed outbreaks in spatio-temporally localized sub-optimally immunized populations.
Large-scale lipid analysis with C=C location and sn-position isomer resolving power
Authors: Cao Wenbo , Cheng Simin , Yang Jing , Feng Jiaxin , Zhang Wenpeng , Li Zishuai , Chen Qinhua , Xia Yu , Ouyang Zheng , Ma Xiaoxiao
Published: January 2020

Lipids play a pivotal role in biological processes and lipid analysis by mass spectrometry (MS) has significantly advanced lipidomic studies. While the structure specificity of lipid analysis proves to be critical for studying the biological functions of lipids, current mainstream methods for large-scale lipid analysis can only identify the lipid classes and fatty acyl chains, leaving the C=C location andsn-position unidentified. In this study, combining photochemistry and tandem MS we develop a simple but effective workflow to enable large-scale and near-complete lipid structure characterization with a powerful capability of identifying C=C location(s) andsn-position(s) simultaneously. Quantitation of lipid structure isomers at multiple levels of specificity is achieved and different subtypes of human breast cancer cells are successfully discriminated. Remarkably, human lung cancer tissues can only be distinguished from adjacent normal tissues using quantitative results of both lipid C=C location andsn-position isomers.
MUC1-C regulates lineage plasticity driving progression to neuroendocrine prostate cancer
Authors: Yasumizu Yota , Rajabi Hasan , Jin Caining , Hata Tsuyoshi , Pitroda Sean , Long Mark D. , Hagiwara Masayuki , Li Wei , Hu Qiang , Liu Song , Yamashita Nami , Fushimi Atsushi , Kui Ling , Samur Mehmet , Yamamoto Masaaki , Zhang Yan , Zhang Ning , Hong Deli , Maeda Takahiro , Kosaka Takeo , Wong Kwok K. , Oya Mototsugu , Kufe Donald
Published: January 2020

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is an aggressive malignancy with no effective targeted therapies. The oncogenic MUC1-C protein is overexpressed in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and NEPC, but its specific role is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that upregulation of MUC1-C in androgen-dependent PC cells suppresses androgen receptor (AR) axis signaling and induces the neural BRN2 transcription factor. MUC1-C activates a MYC→BRN2 pathway in association with induction of MYCN, EZH2 and NE differentiation markers (ASCL1, AURKA and SYP) linked to NEPC progression. Moreover, MUC1-C suppresses the p53 pathway, induces the Yamanaka pluripotency factors (OCT4, SOX2, KLF4 and MYC) and drives stemness. Targeting MUC1-C decreases PC self-renewal capacity and tumorigenicity, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for CRPC and NEPC. In PC tissues, MUC1 expression associates with suppression of AR signaling and increases in BRN2 expression and NEPC score. These results highlight MUC1-C as a master effector of lineage plasticity driving progression to NEPC.
Machine learning can identify newly diagnosed patients with CLL at high risk of infection
Authors: Agius Rudi , Brieghel Christian , Andersen Michael A. , Pearson Alexander T. , Ledergerber Bruno , Cozzi-Lepri Alessandro , Louzoun Yoram , Andersen Christen L. , Bergstedt Jacob , von Stemann Jakob H. , Jørgensen Mette , Tang Man-Hung Eric , Fontes Magnus , Bahlo Jasmin , Herling Carmen D. , Hallek Michael , Lundgren Jens , MacPherson Cameron Ross , Larsen Jan , Niemann Carsten U.
Published: January 2020

Infections have become the major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) due to immune dysfunction and cytotoxic CLL treatment. Yet, predictive models for infection are missing. In this work, we develop the CLL Treatment-Infection Model (CLL-TIM) that identifies patients at risk of infection or CLL treatment within 2 years of diagnosis as validated on both internal and external cohorts. CLL-TIM is an ensemble algorithm composed of 28 machine learning algorithms based on data from 4,149 patients with CLL. The model is capable of dealing with heterogeneous data, including the high rates of missing data to be expected in the real-world setting, with a precision of 72% and a recall of 75%. To address concerns regarding the use of complex machine learning algorithms in the clinic, for each patient with CLL, CLL-TIM provides explainable predictions through uncertainty estimates and personalized risk factors.
The molecular basis of pyrazinamide activity on Mycobacterium tuberculosis PanD
Authors: Sun Qingan , Li Xiaojun , Perez Lisa M. , Shi Wanliang , Zhang Ying , Sacchettini James C.
Published: January 2020

Pyrazinamide has been a mainstay in the multidrug regimens used to treat tuberculosis. It is active against the persistent, non-replicating mycobacteria responsible for the protracted therapy required to cure tuberculosis. Pyrazinamide is a pro-drug that is converted into pyrazinoic acid (POA) by pyrazinamidase, however, the exact target of the drug has been difficult to determine. Here we show the enzyme PanD binds POA in its active site in a manner consistent with competitive inhibition. The active site is not directly accessible to the inhibitor, suggesting the protein must undergo a conformational change to bind the inhibitor. This is consistent with the slow binding kinetics we determined for POA. Drug-resistant mutations cluster near loops that lay on top of the active site. These resistant mutants show reduced affinity and residence time of POA consistent with a model where resistance occurs by destabilizing the closed conformation of the active site.
Reaching the ultimate energy resolution of a quantum detector
Authors: Karimi Bayan , Brange Fredrik , Samuelsson Peter , Pekola Jukka P.
Published: January 2020

Quantum calorimetry, the thermal measurement of quanta, is a method of choice for ultrasensitive radiation detection ranging from microwaves to gamma rays. The fundamental temperature fluctuations of the calorimeter, dictated by the coupling of it to the heat bath, set the ultimate lower bound of its energy resolution. Here we reach this limit of fundamental equilibrium fluctuations of temperature in a nanoscale electron calorimeter, exchanging energy with the phonon bath at very low temperatures. The approach allows noninvasive measurement of energy transport in superconducting quantum circuits in the microwave regime with high efficiency, opening the way, for instance, to observe quantum jumps, detecting their energy to tackle central questions in quantum thermodynamics.
Weak phases production and heat generation control fault friction during seismic slip
Authors: Rattez Hadrien , Veveakis Manolis
Published: January 2020

The triggering and magnitude of earthquakes is determined by the friction evolution along faults. Experimental results have revealed a drastic decrease of the friction coefficient for velocities close to the maximum seismic one, independently of the material studied. Due to the extreme loading conditions during seismic slip, many competing physical phenomena occur (like mineral decomposition, nanoparticle lubrication, melting among others) that are typically thermal in origin and are changing the nature of the material. Here we show that a large set of experimental data for different rocks can be described by such thermally-activated mechanisms, combined with the production of weak phases. By taking into account the energy balance of all processes during fault movement, we present a framework that reconciles the data, and is capable of explaining the frictional behavior of faults, across the full range of slip velocities (10−9 to 10 m/s).
Process strategy to fabricate a hierarchical porosity gradient in diatomite-based foams by 3D printing
Authors: Capasso I. , Liguori B. , Verdolotti L. , Caputo D. , Lavorgna M. , Tervoort E.
Published: January 2020

Motivated by the hierarchical micro and nanoscale features in terms of porosity of diatomite, the production of ceramic-graded porous foams with tailored porosity, obtained by using it as raw material, has been proposed. The main challenge during the foam-production process has been the preservation of diatomite nanometric porosity and the addition of other levels of hierarchical porosity. The coupled use of two techniques of direct foaming (chemical and mechanical), combined with the use of 3D printing inverse replica method, assured the achievement of porosity of, respectively, microscopic and macroscopic dimensions. Optical and scanning electron microscopies have been performed for an in-depth characterization of the final microstructure. XRD analysis has been carried out to check the influence of sacrificial templates on the matrix mineralogical composition. The porosity of the diatomite-based foams has been investigated by means of nitrogen-adsorption analysis and mercury-intrusion porosimetry. The experimental tests confirmed the presence of different porous architectures ranging over several orders of magnitudes, giving rise to complex systems, characterized by hierarchical levels of porosity. The presence of porosity of graded dimensions affects the final mechanical performances of the macroporous diatomite-based foams, while their mineralogical composition does not result to be affected by the addition of templates.
Signature of adaptive evolution in olfactory receptor genes in Cory’s Shearwater supports molecular basis for smell in procellariiform seabirds
Authors: C. Silva Mónica , Chibucos Marcus , Munro James B. , Daugherty Sean , Coelho M. Manuela , C. Silva Joana
Published: January 2020

Olfactory receptors (ORs), encoded by the largest vertebrate multigene family, enable the detection of thousands of unique odorants in the environment and consequently play a critical role in species survival. Here, we advance our knowledge of OR gene evolution in procellariiform seabirds, an avian group which relies on the sense of olfaction for critical ecological functions. We built a cosmid library of Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris borealis) genomic DNA, a model species for the study of olfaction-based navigation, and sequence OR gene-positive cosmid clones with a combination of sequencing technologies. We identified 220 OR open reading frames, 20 of which are full length, intact OR genes, and found a large ratio of partial and pseudogenes to intact OR genes (2:1), suggestive of a dynamic mode of evolution. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that while a few genes cluster with those of other sauropsid species in a γ (gamma) clade that predates the divergence of different avian lineages, most genes belong to an avian-specific γ-c clade, within which sequences cluster by species, suggesting frequent duplication and/or gene conversion events. We identified evidence of positive selection on full length γ-c clade genes. These patterns are consistent with a key role of adaptation in the functional diversification of olfactory receptor genes in a bird lineage that relies extensively on olfaction.
Endothelial Autophagy: an Effective Target for Radiation-induced Cerebral Capillary Damage
Authors: Ai Xiaolin , Ye Zengpanpan , Yao Yuqin , Xiao Jianghong , You Chao , Xu Jianguo , Huang Xi , Zhong Jian , Fan Min , Song Xuejiao , Shi Huashan , Zhang Dongmei , Zhao Chengjian
Published: January 2020

Toxicity to central nervous system tissues is the common side effects for radiotherapy of brain tumor. The radiation toxicity has been thought to be related to the damage of cerebral endothelium. However, because of lacking a suitable high-resolution vivo model, cellular response of cerebral capillaries to radiation remained unclear. Here, we present the flk:eGFP transgenic zebrafish larvae as a feasible model to study the radiation toxicity to cerebral capillary. We showed that, in living zebrafish larvae, radiation could induce acute cerebral capillary shrinkage and blood-flow obstruction, resulting brain hypoxia and glycolysis retardant. Although in vivo neuron damage was also observed after the radiation exposure, further investigation found that they didn’t response to the same dosage of radiation in vitro, indicating that radiation induced neuron damage was a secondary-effect of cerebral vascular function damage. In addition, transgenic labeling and qPCR results showed that the radiation-induced acute cerebral endothelial damage was correlated with intensive endothelial autophagy. Different autophagy inhibitors could significantly alleviate the radiation-induced cerebral capillary damage and prolong the survival of zebrafish larvae. Therefore, we showed that radiation could directly damage cerebral capillary, resulting to blood flow deficiency and neuron death, which suggested endothelial autophagy as a potential target for radiation-induced brain toxicity.
Chitin is a functional component of the larval adhesive of barnacles
Authors: Aldred Nick , Chan Vera Bin San , Emami Kaveh , Okano Keiju , Clare Anthony S. , Mount Andrew S.
Published: January 2020

Barnacles are the only sessile crustaceans, and their larva, the cyprid, is supremely adapted for attachment to surfaces. Barnacles have a universal requirement for strong adhesion at the point of larval attachment. Selective pressure on the cyprid adhesive has been intense and led to evolution of a tenacious and versatile natural glue. Here we provide evidence that carbohydrate polymers in the form of chitin provide stability to the cyprid adhesive of Balanus amphitrite. Chitin was identified surrounding lipid-rich vesicles in the cyprid cement glands. The functional role of chitin was demonstrated via removal of freshly attached cyprids from surfaces using a chitinase. Proteomic analysis identified a single cement gland-specific protein via its association with chitin and localized this protein to the same vesicles. The role of chitin in cyprid adhesion raises intriguing questions about the evolution of barnacle adhesion, as well as providing a new target for antifouling technologies.
Exploratory analysis of hyperspectral FTIR data obtained from environmental microplastics samples
Authors: Wander Lukas , Vianello Alvise , Vollertsen Jes , Westad Frank , Braun Ulrike , Paul Andrea
Published: January 2020

Hyperspectral imaging of environmental samples with infrared microscopes is one of the preferred methods to find and characterize microplastics.
Recent progress in flexible–wearable solar cells for self-powered electronic devices
Authors: Hashemi Seyyed Alireza , Ramakrishna Seeram , Aberle Armin Gerhard
Published: January 2020

Photovoltaic devices have become ideal alternatives instead of common energy sources owing to their superior mechanical robustness and excellent power conversion efficiency that can be used for supplying wearable electronic devices.
Emerging investigator series: capacitive deionization for selective removal of nitrate and perchlorate: impacts of ion selectivity and operating constraints on treatment costs
Authors: Hand Steven , Cusick Roland D.
Published: January 2020

A parameterized costing model was used to investigate the impacts of ion selectivity on water treatment price for selective ion removal with capacitive deionization (CDI) systems.
Medicinal effects of Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyenii): a review
Authors: da Silva Leitão Peres Natália , Cabrera Parra Bortoluzzi Letícia , Medeiros Marques Leila Larisa , Formigoni Maysa , Fuchs Renata Hernandez Barros , Droval Adriana Aparecida , Reitz Cardoso Flávia Aparecida
Published: January 2020

Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root native to the Andean region, cultivated for at least 2000 years.
From flat to tilted: gradual interfaces in organic thin film growth
Authors: Scarbath-Evers Laura Katharina , Hammer René , Golze Dorothea , Brehm Martin , Sebastiani Daniel , Widdra Wolf
Published: January 2020

An unexpected growth mechanism for organic semiconductors on gold where the molecules approach their bulk structure over several interfacial layers.
Ion conduction in the comb-branched polyether electrolytes with controlled network structures
Authors: Xu Lu , Wei Wei , You Donglei , Xiong Huiming , Yang Jun
Published: January 2020

The structure of comb-branched polyether networks with solvent-like oligomer polyether brushes influences the ion conduction and alleviates the compensation effect.
The structure of human GCN2 reveals a parallel, back-to-back kinase dimer with a plastic DFG activation loop motif
Authors: Maia de Oliveira Taiana , Korboukh Victoria , Caswell Sarah , Winter Holt Jon J. , Lamb Michelle , Hird Alexander W. , Overman Ross
Published: January 2020

When activated by amino acid starvation, the stress sensing protein kinase GCN2 phosphorylates the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha, inhibiting translation to conserve energy and facilitate cell survival. Amino acid starvation, particularly of tryptophan and arginine, affects immune tolerance by suppressing differentiation and proliferation of T-cells via activation of GCN2 kinase. In addition, the GCN2 pathway mediates cancer survival directly within the context of metabolic stress. Here, we report the first crystal structures of the human GCN2 kinase domain (KD) in complex with two inhibitors of different size, shape, and chemical scaffold. Three novel activation loop conformations representative of different activation states of the kinase are described. In addition, a novel dimerization organization for GCN2 is observed. This arrangement is consistent with the hypothesis that the GCN2 KD forms an antiparallel inactive dimer until uncharged tRNA binds to it and triggers conformational changes that shift the equilibrium to the active parallel dimer.
Comprehensive analysis of prognostic biomarkers in lung adenocarcinoma based on aberrant lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA networks and Cox regression models
Authors: Yao Yan , Zhang Tingting , Qi Lingyu , Liu Ruijuan , Liu Gongxi , Wang Jia , Song Qi , Sun Changgang
Published: January 2020

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Accumulating evidence has highlighted that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) acts as competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) and plays an important role in the occurrence and development of LUAD. Here, we comprehensively analyzed and provided an overview of the lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs associated with LUAD from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Then, differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNA), miRNAs (DEmiRNA), and mRNAs (DEmRNA) were used to construct a lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA regulatory network according to interaction information from miRcode, TargetScan, miRTarBase, and miRDB. Finally, the RNAs of the network were analyzed for survival and submitted for Cox regression analysis to construct prognostic indicators. A total of 1123 DElncRNAs, 95 DEmiRNAs, and 2296 DEmRNAs were identified (|log2FoldChange| (FC) > 2 and false discovery rate (FDR) or adjusted P value < 0.01). The ceRNA network was established based on this and included 102 lncRNAs, 19 miRNAs, and 33 mRNAs. The DEmRNAs in the ceRNA network were found to be enriched in various cancer-related biological processes and pathways. We detected 22 lncRNAs, 12 mRNAs, and 1 miRNA in the ceRNA network that were significantly associated with the overall survival of patients with LUAD (P < 0.05). We established three prognostic prediction models and calculated the area under the 1,3,5-year curve (AUC) values of lncRNA, mRNA, and miRNA, respectively. Among them, the prognostic index (PI) of lncRNA showed good predictive ability which was 0.737, 0.702 and 0.671 respectively, and eight lncRNAs can be used as candidate prognostic biomarkers for LUAD. In conclusion, our study provides a new perspective on the prognosis and diagnosis of LUAD on a genome-wide basis, and develops independent prognostic biomarkers for LUAD.
Increased serum total bilirubin-albumin ratio was associated with bilirubin encephalopathy in neonates
Authors: Wang Yan , Sheng Guangyao , Shi Lina , Cheng Xiuyong
Published: January 2020

We performed the present study to summarize the recent epidemiological characteristics of bilirubin encephalopathy and assess the role of total bilirubin-albumin ratio in the bilirubin encephalopathy. We retrospectively collected clinical data of 669 neonates with hyperbilirubinemia from the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2015 and July 2018, including 153 neonates belonged to bilirubin encephalopathy and 516 ones were treated as control group. Compared with the control group, those with bilirubin encephalopathy have higher bilirubin-albumin ratio (13.8 ± 3.6 vs. 10.6 ± 2.5, P=0.000). The direct bilirubin and indirect bilirubin level were higher in the case group than that in the control group (P=0.000). On the contrary, the hemoglobin level was lower in the case group than that in the control group (P=0.004). There were no significant differences in gestational age (P=0.510), gender rate (P=0.313), maternal gestational diabetes ratio (P=0.071), natural childbirth ratio (P=0.686), and meconium delay (P=0.091). The results from univariate regression indicated the total bilirubin/albumin ratio was positively associated with bilirubin encephalopathy (odds ratio (OR) = 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.59–3.14). The total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin were also related to encephalopathy. After adjusting some potential cofounding factors, the total bilirubin-albumin was still associated with bilirubin encephalopathy. The higher total bilirubin-albumin ratio increased the risk of bilirubin encephalopathy by 23% (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.16–2.48). Our results indicated that the bilirubin-albumin ratio is associated with bilirubin encephalopathy in neonates, and could be a potential predictor.
The novel testicular enrichment protein Cfap58 is required for Notch-associated ciliogenesis
Authors: Li Zheng-Zheng , Zhao Wen-Long , Wang Gui-Shuan , Gu Ni-Hao , Sun Fei
Published: January 2020

Cilia and flagella are critical organelles with conserved internal structures and diverse developmental and physiological processes according to cell type. Although the core components of structures are shared with thousands of associated proteins involved in cilia or flagella formation, we hypothesized that some unknown proteins, such as outer dense fiber 2 (Odf2/Cenexin) perform distinct functions in these organelles. In the present study, we identified several uncharacterized proteins through mass spectrometry interactome analysis of Odf2/Cenexin proteins. We further examined the expression patterns and functions of a protein named cilia and flagella associated protein 58 (Cfap58) in cultured astrocytes and sperm flagella. The results of a combination of biochemical analyses and drug administration studies reveal that Cfap58 is a testis-enrichment protein that exhibits similar localization to Odf2/Cenexin proteins and is required for the elongation of the primary cilium and sperm midpiece via modulation of the Notch signaling pathway. However, the cell cycle-related functions and localization of Odf2/Cenexin in the mother centriole were not altered in Cfap58 knockdown cells. These findings indicate that Cfap58 may be partially recruited by Odf2/Cenexin proteins and is indispensable for the cilia and flagellar assembly. These data provide us with a better understanding of ciliogenesis and flagellar elongation and may aid in identifying new targets for diseases caused by Notch-mediated ciliopathies and flagellar abnormalities.
DC‐link voltage control strategy of Z‐source inverter for high‐speed permanent magnet motor
Authors: Wu Haokun , Huang Keyuan , Lv Wei , Mo Xiaoling , Huang Shoudao
Published: January 2020

In order to widen the flux‐weakening range of motors, this study proposed a DC‐link voltage control strategy for high‐speed permanent magnet motor drive systems powered by Z‐source inverter. In this strategy, the DC‐link voltage, also known as the output voltage of the impedance network, varies with the inverter output voltage and remains optimal at all times, whether in steady state or transient state. As for the shoot‐through duty ratio and the modulation index, the two main control variables in the Z‐source inverter are under unified control to ensure the stability of the system, while achieving fast tracking and reducing the loss. In addition, a new sliding mode control system based on the indirect control of the capacitor voltage is used to control the DC‐link voltage to suppress the system fluctuation caused by the change of the given value or the motor load. Besides, various conventional voltage Z‐source inverter pulse width modulation strategies can be applied to this technology. Simulations and experiments verified the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Local adaptive pinning synchronisation for distributed secondary control of islanded microgrid
Authors: Gong Pingping , Lu Ziguang , Lv Zhilin
Published: January 2020

This study introduces a distributed secondary control method‐based adaptive pinning control for inverter‐based distributed generations (DGs) in an isolated microgrid (MG) structure with frequency and voltage compensation and power sharing. Without MG centre controller or energy management system, local DGs’ controllers have no global information of the whole communication network, which is the second smallest eigenvalue of the Laplacian matrix. In practice, the large coupling weight gains are mostly selected. However, a sufficient large coupling weight may cause instability. It is difficult to choose the coupling weight in the fully distributed complex network. To solve the above problems, the authors investigate a pinning control for synchronisation using the local adaptive pinning algorithm on coupling weight gains. The proposed method has the advantage that the consensus controller design is independent of the Laplacian matrix associated with the communication network. And the collective dynamics of the communication network can be adjusted to steady states without global information. However, the adaptive pinning control scheme is not suitable for the multi‐disturbance situation, which will accumulate the coupling weight and even cause integral saturation. Therefore, an improved strategy is proposed to adapt to the load changing conditions for islanded MGs.
Data‐driven distributionally robust joint planning of distributed energy resources in active distribution network
Authors: Gao Hongjun , Wang Renjun , Liu Youbo , Wang Lingfeng , Xiang Yingmeng , Liu Junyong
Published: January 2020

With the increasing penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) in the active distribution network (ADN), how to enable joint planning of DERs under the uncertainty of distributed generations (DGs) has become a challenging problem. This study establishes a two‐stage joint planning model considering doubly‐fed induction generator, photovoltaics (PVs) with the ancillary services of PV inverter, distributed energy storage systems and different types of controllable loads in the ADN. To address the uncertainties of DGs, a two‐stage data‐driven distributionally robust planning model is constructed. The proposed model is solved in a ‘master and sub‐problem’ framework by column‐and‐constraint generation algorithm, where the master problem is to minimise the total cost and find the optimal planning decision under the worst probability distributions, and the sub‐problem is to find the worst probability distribution of given uncertain scenarios. Besides, the original mixed‐integer non‐linear planning problem is converted into a mixed‐integer second‐order cone programming problem through second‐order cone relaxation, Big‐M and piecewise linearisation method. The numerical results based on 33‐bus system verify the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Differentiation of roughness and surface defect impact on dielectric strength of polymeric thin films
Authors: Tan Daniel Qi
Published: January 2020

Increasing the dielectric strength of polymer films has been a key theme as it is directly responsible for increasing energy density of relevant components such as film capacitors and insulation tapes. Dielectric films with higher roughness and surface defects are subject to the formation of an air gap at the interface between dielectric film and metallised polymer electrodes, which results in inaccurate dielectric strength. The air gap due to roughness was found to result in dielectric strength of 25% higher than that using depositing metal on dielectric films (integral electrode). The integral electrode method is proven to be a better way to test the genuine dielectric strength of thin and rough dielectric films. Surface defects, on the other hand, were revealed to cause lowering of dielectric strength because of their contribution to the localised electric field and charge injection. The detrimental effect of surface defects can be suppressed by submerging the film in oil or coating the film with an oxide layer.
Star formation in outer rings of S0 galaxies
Authors: Proshina I. , Sil’chenko O. , Moiseev A.
Published: January 2020

Aims. Although S0 galaxies are often thought to be “red and dead”, they frequently demonstrate star formation organised in ring structures. We try to clarify the nature of this phenomenon and its difference from star formation in spiral galaxies. Here we study the moderate-luminosity nearby S0 galaxy, NGC 4513.

Methods. By applying long-slit spectroscopy along the major axis of NGC 4513, we measured gas and star kinematics, Lick indices for the main body of the galaxy, and strong emission-line flux ratios in the ring. After inspecting the gas excitation in the ring using the line ratios diagnostic diagrams and showing that it is ionised by young stars, we determined the gas oxygen abundance using popular strong-line calibration methods. We estimated the star formation rate (SFR) in the outer ring using the archival Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) ultraviolet images of the galaxy.

Results. The ionised gas counter-rotates the stars over the whole extension of NGC 4513 suggesting that it is being accreted from outside. The gas metallicity in the ring is slightly subsolar, [O/H] = −0.2 dex, matching the metallicity of the stellar component of the main galactic disc. However the stellar component of the ring is much more massive than can be explained by the current star formation level in the ring. We conclude that the ring of NGC 4513 is probably the result of tidal disruption of a massive gas-rich satellite, or may be the consequence of a long star-formation event provoked by gas accretion from a cosmological filament that started some 3 Gyr ago.
A brief review of the risk assessment in Romania compared to Finland
Authors: Barb Crina Maria
Published: January 2020

Risk assessment is a foundation for successful management of Occupational Health and Safety, as well as an important key in order to decrease the number of work accidents. Moreover, risk assessment is an essential part of normal safety activity in work places and it includes positive factors such as: productivity, motivation and creativity. The first part of the paper focuses on a legislative background of risk assessment in Romania compared to Finland, based on the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The second part represents a comparative analysis regarding the risk assessment instruments used in Romania in comparison with those from Finland. The third part includes a current perspective regarding risk management in Finland and its impact of the situation in work life. The aim of this paper is to realize a brief review of risk assessment in Romania compared to Finland in order to take into consideration both the advantages and disadvantages regarding legislation, instruments used in the process of risk assessment in these countries.