bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Serpentinite Dehydration in Subducting Slabs on Isotopic Diversity in Recycled Oceanic Crust and Its Role in Isotopic Heterogeneity of the Mantle
Authors: Shimoda G. , Kogiso T.
Published: October 2019

We conducted geochemical modeling of the isotopic evolution of subducted oceanic crust that takes into account the chemical variation produced at mid‐ocean ridges and in subduction zones, and examined the suitability of our model for generating the high‐μ (HIMU), focal zone (FOZO), and prevalent mantle (PREMA) mantle components. Chemical variation produced at mid‐ocean ridges was represented by the chemical compositions of two groups of mid‐ocean ridge basalts (depleted and enriched). Chemical variation produced in subduction zones was investigated with pressure‐temperature paths of slabs of different ages (governing the physicochemical conditions of element exchanges), as determined using representative subduction zones involving young (hot), intermediate, and old (cold) slabs. The results suggest that dehydration of oceanic crust cannot alone produce isotopic variation beyond the bounds of PREMA compositions. Producing the wider range of isotopic diversity from PREMA to FOZO requires various degrees of element partitioning between subducted oceanic crust and fluids (aqueous or supercritical) released by dehydration of slab serpentinite. The extremely radiogenic Pb isotopic signature of HIMU can only be produced by extensive reaction between subducted oceanic crust and fluids derived from slab serpentinite along the specific geothermal gradient resulting from the relatively slow descent of moderately old slabs. The rarity of such tectonic conditions explains the scarcity of HIMU.
Investigating the Role of the Relative Humidity in the Co‐Occurrence of Temperature and Heat Stress Extremes in CMIP5 Projections
Authors: Brouillet Audrey , Joussaume Sylvie
Published: October 2019

Heat stress is expected to intensify, since temperatures are projected to increase during the 21st century. We investigate the assumed co‐occurrence of annual extremes of temperature and one heat stress metric and assess the effect of relative humidity variations on the heat stress changes. We show in CMIP5 simulations that both extremes tend to co‐occur in Europe and northern America, when the conditions are the hottest and the driest. However, extreme seasons occur later for heat stress than temperature by up to 2 months within the tropics. By 2100, models project a drying that hampers the increase in heat stress extremes. Within northeastern Africa, the slight projected wettening enhances the warming effect on the heat stress changes and induces the maximum heat stress intensification. Models are generally able to represent the phasing of both extremes compared to observations, with large uncertainties over regions experiencing the greatest future heat stress intensification.
The Influence of Volcanic Aerosol Meridional Structure on Monsoon Responses over the Last Millennium
Authors: Fasullo John T. , Otto‐Bliesner Bette L. , Stevenson Samantha
Published: October 2019

Monsoon responses to eruptions over the last millennium (LM) are examined in an ensemble of climate simulations as a function of eruption hemisphere. A composite analysis reveals a particularly strong sensitivity of monsoon rainfall in the year following Northern Hemisphere (NH) extratropical eruptions. Additional analysis focusing on the 18th century eruption of Mt. Laki and idealized simulations representing an analogue Southern Hemisphere eruption (SH‐Laki) reveal monsoon responses that are approximately symmetric across hemispheres, despite exhibiting asymmetries in other aspects of the climate response. We conclude that 1) latitudinally mirrored eruptions result in approximately symmetric monsoon responses, 2) disproportionate weakening (strengthening) of NH (SH) monsoons by NH eruptions over the LM resulted in part from their relatively high latitudes, and 3) uncertainty in eruption latitude fundamentally limits our ability to accurately simulate associated monsoon and tropical precipitation responses in nature.
On‐the‐Fly Calculation of Absorbed and Equivalent Atmospheric Radiation Dose in A Water Phantom with the Atmospheric Radiation Interaction Simulator (AtRIS)
Authors: Banjac S. , Heber B. , Herbst K. , Berger L. , Burmeister S.
Published: October 2019

Computation of the ionization and radiation dose in arbitrary (exo‐) planetary atmospheres due to energetic particles is recently becoming more important due to several reasons that are either correlated with the detection of trace gases for life on exoplanets or with computing dose rates at arbitrary altitudes in the Earth atmosphere. We previously presented Atmospheric Radiation Interaction Simulator, a new Geant4‐based code tailored specifically to enable parametric studies of radiation propagation through exoplanetary atmospheres (Banjac et al., 2019 https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JA026042). Therein, the calculation of ion‐electron pair production rates, which are a mandatory input for chemical and atmospheric modeling, has been presented and validated against Earth measurements and also other, similar, but solar‐system‐specific Geant4‐based codes (PLANETOCOSMICS). In addition to providing input for atmospheric modeling of exoplanets, with AtRIS we aim to directly characterize the habitability by calculating the absorbed dose. In this technical validation study, after showing a detailed analysis of the secondary particles contributing to the atmospheric radiation, we describe a feature of the code which makes direct parametric studies of the interrelation of incident radiation and the resulting absorbed dose throughout the atmosphere possible. In a validation case study configured using an atmospheric model obtained with NRLMSISE‐00 and a primary proton and helium GCR flux calculated using a recent improvement of the force‐field approach, we have compared simulation results with measurements obtained with the Flight Radiation Environment Detector (FRED). We show that Atmospheric Radiation Interaction Simulator (AtRIS) can reproduce the measured dose rate dependence on altitude.
Longitudinal Extent of Magnetospheric ELF/VLF Waves using Multipoint PWING Ground Stations at Subauroral Latitudes
Authors: Takeshita Yuhei , Shiokawa Kazuo , Ozaki Mitsunori , Manninen Jyrki , Oyama Shin‐Ichiro , Connors Martin , Baishev Dmitry , Kurkin Vladimir , Oinats Alexey
Published: October 2019

Magnetospheric extremely low frequency/very low frequency (ELF/VLF) waves are plasma waves emitted from high‐energy electrons in the magnetosphere. These waves have received much attention, as they contribute to the acceleration and loss of relativistic electrons in the radiation belts through wave‐particle interactions. The longitudinal extent of ELF/VLF waves has not been well‐understood, although the extent is important in quantitative evaluation of relativistic electron variations. In this study, we analyzed data from continuous ground‐based simultaneous observations of ELF/VLF waves over a 2‐month period in November and December of 2017, using six loop antennas located at roughly equal intervals around the north geomagnetic pole at ∼60° magnetic latitudes. We estimated the longitudinal extent of magnetospheric ELF/VLF waves based on their occurrence rate. Our results showed that the ELF/VLF wave occurrence rate differed by twofold to threefold, depending on the longitudes of the observation sites. We explain this difference in terms of longitudinal differences in the ionosphere's magnetic field intensity, possibly due to the electron loss that occurs during the bounce motion at longitudes of small magnetic field intensity. Based on our statistical analysis, we estimated the typical longitudinal extent of ELF/VLF waves as ∼76°. Time series analysis results showed that the large longitudinal extent of the ELF/VLF waves occurs frequently during the main phase of geomagnetic storms and is also associated with substorms represented by the auroral electrojet index.
Expanding Auroral Loops
Authors: Haerendel Gerhard
Published: October 2019

A new scenario is presented for the energy supply to the auroral acceleration process. It applies to auroral arcs, which are propagating into regions of magnetic fields with shears with lower than those existing behind the arc. This pertains in particular to expanding U‐loops or other active protrusions. A Poynting flux, emerging out of the interior of the associated current system with strongly sheared field, flows into the auroral acceleration region or fracture zone. One half of the energy is consumed by the acceleration process. The other half flows (mainly upward) into the current sheet and is expended by shearing the newly incorporated field into the direction of the internal field. This is enabled by the magnetic connectivity being broken inside the region of parallel electric potential drops. The latter are formally attributed to the presence of an anomalous resistivity in the auroral current sheet. Simple relations describe the energy transport and consumption. An important quantity is the width of the arc. It follows from the balance of the energy transport inside and out of the acceleration region. Since the process involves first breaking of the field lines, to be followed by building up shear stresses, the name “constructive magnetic fractures” has been chosen for distinguishing it from “destructive fractures,” which applies to embedded arcs. Which of these two processes is acting can be easily recognized by the direction of motion of the auroral rays or folds, whether they are opposed to or in parallel with the convective flow behind the arc.
Proton Aurora on Mars: A Dayside Phenomenon Pervasive in Southern Summer
Authors: Hughes Andréa , Chaffin Michael , Mierkiewicz Edwin , Deighan Justin , Jain Sonal , Schneider Nicholas , Mayyasi Majd , Jakosky Bruce
Published: October 2019

We present observations of proton aurora at Mars made using the Imaging UltraViolet Spectrograph (IUVS) onboard the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft. Martian proton aurora display a prominent intensity enhancement in the hydrogen Lyman‐alpha (121.6 nm) emission between ~110 and 150 km altitude. Using altitude‐intensity profiles from periapsis limb scan data spanning nearly two Martian years, we create a comprehensive database of proton aurora and characterize their phenomenology. Due to Mars' lack of a global dipole magnetic field, Martian proton aurora are expected to form on the dayside via electron stripping and charge exchange between solar wind protons and the neutral corona. We observe proton aurora in ~14% of dayside periapsis profiles (with notable seasonal variability), making proton aurora the most commonly observed type of aurora at Mars. We determine that the primary factors influencing proton aurora occurrence rates are solar zenith angle and season. The highest proton aurora occurrence rates are at low solar zenith angles on the Mars dayside, consistent with known formation processes. Proton aurora have highest emission enhancements, peak intensities, peak altitudes, and occurrence rates (nearing 100%) around southern summer solstice. This time period corresponds with the seasonal inflation of the neutral lower atmosphere, the onset of Martian dust storm season, seasonally increased coronal hydrogen column densities, and higher atmospheric temperature and solar wind flux following perihelion. The results of our study provide a new understanding of the primary factors influencing proton aurora, and the long‐term variability of these phenomena as observed over multiple Mars years.
Understanding the genetics of neuropsychiatric disorders: the potential role of genomic regulatory blocks
Authors: Barešić Anja , Nash Alexander Jolyon , Dahoun Tarik , Howes Oliver , Lenhard Boris
Published: October 2019

Recent genome-wide association studies have identified numerous loci associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. The majority of these are in non-coding regions, and are commonly assigned to the nearest gene along the genome. However, this approach neglects the three-dimensional organisation of the genome, and the fact that the genome contains arrays of extremely conserved non-coding elements termed genomic regulatory blocks (GRBs), which can be utilized to detect genes under long-range developmental regulation. Here we review a GRB-based approach to assign loci in non-coding regions to potential target genes, and apply it to reanalyse the results of one of the largest schizophrenia GWAS (SWG PGC, 2014). We further apply this approach to GWAS data from two related neuropsychiatric disorders—autism spectrum disorder and bipolar disorder—to show that it is applicable to developmental disorders in general. We find that disease-associated SNPs are overrepresented in GRBs and that the GRB model is a powerful tool for linking these SNPs to their correct target genes under long-range regulation. Our analysis identifies novel genes not previously implicated in schizophrenia and corroborates a number of predicted targets from the original study. The results are available as an online resource in which the genomic context and the strength of enhancer–promoter associations can be browsed for each schizophrenia-associated SNP.
Association between the exposure to anti-angiogenic agents and tumour immune microenvironment in advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumours
Authors: Yoo Changhoon , Ryu Yeon-mi , Kim Sang-Yeob , Kim Jihun , Ock Chan Young , Ryu Min-Hee , Kang Yoon-Koo
Published: October 2019

Background

Tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) is largely unknown.

Methods

A total of 81 surgical specimens from 67 patients with advanced GISTs were categorised into treatment groups: tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-naive,n = 20; imatinib-progressed and no exposure to sunitinib or regorafenib (IM-PD),n = 30; and imatinib-progressed and sunitinib and/or regorafenib-treated (IM-PD/SU-treated),n = 31. Multiplexed immunofluorescence staining and RNA sequencing were performed to define TIME.

Results

PD-L1 expression rate (>1%) of DOG-1+tumour cells was 5.0, 6.7, and 29.0% in TKI-naive, IM-PD, and IM-PD/SU-treated group, respectively (p = 0.02). FoxP3 expression of CD3+T cells and CD204+CD68+monocytes per DOG-1+cells was significantly higher in IM-PD/SU-treated group compared to TKI-naive and IM-PD groups (p < 0.05). IM-PD/SU-treated group showed increased expression of PD-1 on CD3+T cells (p = 0.03 vs TKI-naive; p = 0.003 vs IM-PD) and DOG-1+tumour cells (p = 0.02 vs TKI-naive;p = 0.006 vs IM-PD), TIM-3 expression on CD3+T cells (p = 0.01 vs TKI-naive;p = 0.002 vs IM-PD), and LAG3 expression on CD3+T cells (p = 0.001 vs TKI-naive;p = 0.004 vs IM-PD). In the RNAseq analysis,TIGITexpression was significantly increased in IM-PD/SU-treated GISTs compared to IM-PD (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Immunosuppressive phenotype was predominant in tumours treated with anti-angiogenic agents compared to TKI-naive and IM-treated tumours.
Genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 library screening identified PHGDH as a critical driver for Sorafenib resistance in HCC
Authors: Wei Lai , Lee Derek , Law Cheuk-Ting , Zhang Misty Shuo , Shen Jialing , Chin Don Wai-Ching , Zhang Allen , Tsang Felice Ho-Ching , Wong Ceci Lok-Sze , Ng Irene Oi-Lin , Wong Carmen Chak-Lui , Wong Chun-Ming
Published: October 2019

Sorafenib is the standard treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the development of drug resistance is common. By using genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 library screening, we identify phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), the first committed enzyme in the serine synthesis pathway (SSP), as a critical driver for Sorafenib resistance. Sorafenib treatment activates SSP by inducing PHGDH expression. With RNAi knockdown and CRISPR/Cas9 knockout models, we show that inactivation of PHGDH paralyzes the SSP and reduce the production of αKG, serine, and NADPH. Concomitantly, inactivation of PHGDH elevates ROS level and induces HCC apoptosis upon Sorafenib treatment. More strikingly, treatment of PHGDH inhibitor NCT-503 works synergistically with Sorafenib to abolish HCC growth in vivo. Similar findings are also obtained in other FDA-approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), including Regorafenib or Lenvatinib. In summary, our results demonstrate that targeting PHGDH is an effective approach to overcome TKI drug resistance in HCC.
Resonant catalysis of thermally activated chemical reactions with vibrational polaritons
Authors: Campos-Gonzalez-Angulo Jorge A. , Ribeiro Raphael F. , Yuen-Zhou Joel
Published: October 2019

Interaction between light and matter results in new quantum states whose energetics can modify chemical kinetics. In the regime of ensemble vibrational strong coupling (VSC), a macroscopic number $$N$$
N
of molecular transitions couple to each resonant cavity mode, yielding two hybrid light–matter (polariton) modes and a reservoir of $$N-1$$
N
−
1
dark states whose chemical dynamics are essentially those of the bare molecules. This fact is seemingly in opposition to the recently reported modification of thermally activated ground electronic state reactions under VSC. Here we provide a VSC Marcus–Levich–Jortner electron transfer model that potentially addresses this paradox: although entropy favors the transit through dark-state channels, the chemical kinetics can be dictated by a few polaritonic channels with smaller activation energies. The effects of catalytic VSC are maximal at light–matter resonance, in agreement with experimental observations.
Embryonic mesothelial-derived hepatic lineage of quiescent and heterogenous scar-orchestrating cells defined but suppressed by WT1
Authors: Kendall Timothy James , Duff Catherine Mary , Boulter Luke , Wilson David H. , Freyer Elisabeth , Aitken Stuart , Forbes Stuart John , Iredale John Peter , Hastie Nicholas Dixon
Published: October 2019

Activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) orchestrate scarring during liver injury, with putative quiescent precursor mesodermal derivation. Here we use lineage-tracing from development, through adult homoeostasis, to fibrosis, to define morphologically and transcriptionally discreet subpopulations of aHSCs by expression ofWT1, a transcription factor controlling morphological transitions in organogenesis and adult homoeostasis. Two distinct populations of aHSCs expressWT1after injury, and both re-engage a transcriptional signature reflecting embryonic mesothelial origin of their discreet quiescent adult precursor.WT1-deletion enhances fibrogenesis after injury, through upregulated Wnt-signalling and modulation of genes central to matrix persistence in aHSCs, and augmentation of myofibroblastic transition. The mesothelial-derived lineage demonstrates punctuated phenotypic plasticity through bidirectional mesothelial-mesenchymal transitions. Our findings demonstrate functional heterogeneity of adult scar-orchestrating cells that can be whole-life traced back through specific quiescent adult precursors to differential origin in development, and defineWT1as a paradoxical regulator of aHSCs induced by injury but suppressing scarring.
SOS: symmetry-operational similarity
Authors: Cheong Sang-Wook
Published: October 2019

Symmetry often governs condensed matter physics. The act of breaking symmetry spontaneously leads to phase transitions, and various observables or observable physical phenomena can be directly associated with broken symmetries. Examples include ferroelectric polarization, ferromagnetic magnetization, optical activities (including Faraday and magneto-optic Kerr rotations), second harmonic generation, photogalvanic effects, nonreciprocity, various Hall-effect-type transport properties, and multiferroicity. Herein, we propose that observable physical phenomena can occur when specimen constituents (i.e., lattice distortions or spin arrangements, in external fields or other environments) and measuring probes/quantities (i.e., propagating light, electrons, or other particles in various polarization states, including vortex beams of light and electrons, bulk polarization, or magnetization) share symmetry-operational similarity (SOS) in relation to broken symmetries. In addition, quasi-equilibrium electronic transport processes such as diode-type transport effects, linear or circular photogalvanic effects, Hall-effect-type transport properties ((planar) Hall, Ettingshausen, Nernst, thermal Hall, spin Hall, and spin Nernst effects) can be understood in terms of symmetry-operational systematics. The power of the SOS approach lies in providing simple and physically transparent views of otherwise unintuitive phenomena in complex materials. In turn, this approach can be leveraged to identify new materials that exhibit potentially desired properties as well as new phenomena in known materials.
Transcriptomic profiling of sesame during waterlogging and recovery
Authors: Dossa Komivi , You Jun , Wang Linhai , Zhang Yanxin , Li Donghua , Zhou Rong , Yu Jingyin , Wei Xin , Zhu Xiaodong , Jiang Shiyang , Gao Yuan , Mmadi Marie A. , Zhang Xiurong
Published: October 2019

Sesame is naturally adapted to arid environments but highly susceptible to waterlogging stress. A few hours of waterlogging (lasting over 36 h) are detrimental to the crop growth, yield and survival. To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying sesame responses to waterlogging and recovery, it is essential to design a high-resolution time-series experiment. In this study, we reported the RNA-seq profiling of two contrasting genotypes under waterlogging and recovery. The plants were grown in pots and subjected to waterlogging treatment at the flowering stage for 36 h and subsequently, 12 h drainage. Root samples were collected in triplicate at 22 time points under waterlogging/drainage treatments and at 10 time points in the control condition. This represents a total of 195 biological samples and the RNA-seq yielded over eight billion reads. Basic data analyses demonstrated a clear separation of transcriptomes from control, waterlogging and drainage treatments. Overall, the generated high-quality and comprehensive RNA-seq resources will undoubtedly advance our understanding of waterlogging/drainage responses in a non-model sensitive crop.
The capacity of wastewater treatment plants drives bacterial community structure and its assembly
Authors: Kim Young Kyung , Yoo Keunje , Kim Min Sung , Han Il , Lee Minjoo , Kang Bo Ram , Lee Tae Kwon , Park Joonhong
Published: October 2019

Bacterial communities in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) affect plant functionality through their role in the removal of pollutants from wastewater. Bacterial communities vary extensively based on plant operating conditions and influent characteristics. The capacity of WWTPs can also affect the bacterial community via variations in the organic or nutrient composition of the influent. Despite the importance considering capacity, the characteristics that control bacterial community assembly are largely unknown. In this study, we discovered that bacterial communities in WWTPs in Korea and Vietnam, which differ remarkably in capacity, exhibit unique structures and interactions that are governed mainly by the capacity of WWTPs. Bacterial communities were analysed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and exhibited clear differences between the two regions, with these differences being most pronounced in activated sludge. We found that capacity contributed the most to bacterial interactions and community structure, whereas other factors had less impact. Co-occurrence network analysis showed that microorganisms from high-capacity WWTPs are more interrelated than those from low-capacity WWTPs, which corresponds to the tighter clustering of bacterial communities in Korea. These results will contribute to the understanding of bacterial community assembly in activated sludge processing.
Silicon-Carbon composite anodes from industrial battery grade silicon
Authors: Andersen Hanne Flåten , Foss Carl Erik Lie , Voje Jorunn , Tronstad Ragnar , Mokkelbost Tommy , Vullum Per Erik , Ulvestad Asbjørn , Kirkengen Martin , Mæhlen Jan Petter
Published: October 2019

In this work, silicon/carbon composites for anode electrodes of Li-ion batteries are prepared from Elkem’s Silgrain® line. Gentle ball milling is used to reduce particle size of Silgrain, and the resulting Si powder consists of micrometic Si with some impurities. Silicon/carbon composite with CMC/SBR as a dual binder can achieve more than 1200 cycles with a capacity of 1000 mAh g−1 of Si. This excellent electrochemical performance can be attributed to the use of a buffer as a solvent to control the pH of the electrode slurry, and hence the bonding properties of the binder to the silicon particles. In addition, the use of FEC as an electrolyte additive is greatly contributing to a stabilized cycling by creating a more robust SEI layer. This work clearly demonstrates the potential of industrial battery grade silicon from Elkem.
Hydroxyurea alters circulating monocyte subsets and dampens its inflammatory potential in sickle cell anemia patients
Authors: Guarda Caroline C. , Silveira-Mattos Paulo S. M. , Yahouédéhou Sètondji C. M. A. , Santiago Rayra P. , Aleluia Milena M. , Figueiredo Camylla V. B. , Fiuza Luciana M. , Carvalho Suellen P. , Oliveira Rodrigo M. , Nascimento Valma M. L. , Luz Nívea F. , Borges Valéria M. , Andrade Bruno B. , Gonçalves Marilda S.
Published: October 2019

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a hemolytic disease in which vaso-occlusion is an important pathophysiological mechanism. The treatment is based on hydroxyurea (HU), which decreases leukocyte counts and increases fetal hemoglobin synthesis. Different cell types are thought to contribute to vaso-occlusion. Nevertheless, the role of monocytes subsets remains unclear. We investigated frequencies of monocytes subsets in blood and their response to HU therapy, testing their ability to express pro-inflammatory molecules and tissue factor (TF). We identified major changes in monocyte subsets, with classical monocytes (CD14++CD16−) appearing highly frequent in who were not taking HU, whereas those with patrolling phenotype (CD14dimCD16+) were enriched in individuals undergoing therapy. Additionally, HU decreased the production of TNF-α, IL1-β, IL-6, IL-8 as well as TF by the LPS-activated monocytes. Likewise, frequency of TF-expressing monocytes is increased in patients with previous vaso-occlusion. Moreover, activated monocytes expressing TF produced several pro-inflammatory cytokines simultaneously. Such polyfunctional capacity was dramatically dampened by HU therapy. The frequency of classical monocytes subset was positively correlated with percentage cytokine producing cells upon LPS stimulation. These findings suggest that classical monocytes are the subset responsible for multiple pro-inflammatory cytokine production and possibly drive inflammation and vaso-occlusion in SCA which is damped by HU.
A spatial similarity of stereochemical environments formed by amino acid residues defines a common epitope of two non-homologous proteins
Authors: Nakashima Kentaro , Iwashita Shintaro , Suzuki Takehiro , Kato Chieko , Kohno Toshiyuki , Kamei Yasutomi , Sasaki Motoki , Urayama Osamu , Ohno-Iwashita Yoshiko , Dohmae Naoshi , Song Si-Young
Published: October 2019

It is critical for development of high-quality antibodies in research and diagnostics to predict accurately their cross-reactivities with “off-target” molecules, which potentially induce false results. Herein, we report a good example of such a cross-reactivity for an off-target due to a stereochemical environment of epitopes, which does not simply depend on amino acid sequences. We found that significant subpopulation of a polyclonal peptide antibody against Bcnt (Bucentaur) (anti-BCNT-C antibody) cross-reacted with a completely different protein, glutamine synthetase (GS), and identified four amino acids, GYFE, in its C-terminal region as the core amino acids for the cross-reaction. Consistent with this finding, the anti-BCNT-C antibody strongly recognized endogenously and exogenously expressed GS in tissues and cultured cells by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we elucidated that the cross-reaction is caused by a spatial similarity between the stereochemical environments formed by amino acid residues, including the GYFE of GS and the GYIE of Bcnt, rather than by their primary sequences. These results suggest it is critical to comprehensively analyze antibody interactions with target molecules including off-targets with special attention to the physicochemical environments of epitope-paratope interfaces to decrease the risk of false interpretations of results using antibodies in science and clinical applications.
Glutathione deficiency induces epigenetic alterations of vitamin D metabolism genes in the livers of high-fat diet-fed obese mice
Authors: Parsanathan Rajesh , Jain Sushil K.
Published: October 2019

Obesity has been correlating with low levels of glutathione (GSH) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)VD3). The liver is the principal site for the 25(OH)VD3 biosynthesis. This study investigated whether GSH deficiency induces epigenetic alterations that impair Vitamin D (VD) metabolism genes in the livers of HFD-fed mice. The expression of the VD metabolism genes CYP2R1 and CYP27A1 (25-hydroxylase), CYP27B1 (1-α-hydroxylase), and vitamin D receptor (VDR) were downregulated in the livers of mice fed an HFD (GSH- deficient) compared with control diet-fed group. The expression of CYP24A1 (24-hydroxylase) was significantly increased, which catabolizes both 25(OH)VD3 and 1α,25-hydroxyvitaminD3. Gene-specific hypermethylation of 25-hydroxylase, 1-α-hydroxylase, and VDR, and hypomethylation of CYP24A1 was observed in HFD-fed mice. GSH deficiency induced in cultured hepatocytes caused an increase in oxidative stress and alterations in VD regulatory genes. Similarly, elevated global DNA methylation, Dnmt activity, and 5-methylcytosine but decreased Tet activity and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine were observed in the GSH-deficient hepatocytes and the liver of HFD-fed mice. Replenishment of GSH by its prodrugs treatment beneficially altered epigenetic enzymes, and VD-metabolism genes in hepatocytes. HFD-induces GSH deficiency and epigenetically alters VD-biosynthesis pathway genes. This provides a biochemical mechanism for the VD-deficiency and potential benefits of GSH treatment in reducing 25(OH)VD3-deficiency.
A graphene oxide-based fluorescent sensor for surfactants
Authors: Usha Govindaraj , Prakash Ramesh , Karpagalakshmi Karuppasamy , Ramalakshmi Sundaram , Piramuthu Lakshminarayanan , Yang Cheng , Selvapalam Narayanan
Published: October 2019

A facile and low-cost detection method for the surfactants of ionic and non-ionic types was successfully demonstrated using rhodamine B-decorated graphene oxide, which also helped the visual detection of surfactants under a UV light source.
Trisulfides over disulfides: highly selective synthetic strategies, anti-proliferative activities and sustained H2S release profiles
Authors: Bhattacherjee Debojit , Sufian Abu , Mahato Sulendar K. , Begum Samiyara , Banerjee Kaustav , De Sharmistha , Srivastava Hemant Kumar , Bhabak Krishna P.
Published: October 2019

Highly selective synthesis of trisulfides over disulfides is demonstrated along with their potential as anti-proliferative agents and sustained donors of H2S.
Determining transaminase activity in bacterial libraries by time-lapse imaging
Authors: Rodrigues Carlos J. C. , Sanches João M. , de Carvalho Carla C. C. R.
Published: October 2019

Transaminase activity was determined by time-lapse imaging using a colourimetric reaction and image analysis. The correlation between substrate concentration and luminance allows the screening of biocatalysts and determination of kinetic parameters.
Retraction: Differential detection and quantification of cyclic AMP and other adenosine phosphates in live cells
Authors: Das Sujoy , Sarkar Himadri Sekhar , Uddin Md Raihan , Rissanen Kari , Mandal Sukhendu , Sahoo Prithidipa
Published: October 2019

Retraction of ‘Differential detection and quantification of cyclic AMP and other adenosine phosphates in live cells’ by Sujoy Das et al., Chem. Commun., 2017, 53, 7600–7603.
Stoichiometry mechanosynthesis and interconversion of metal salts containing [CuCl3(H2O)]− and [Cu2Cl8]4−
Authors: Li Haitao , Famulari Antonino , Xin Lianxin , Zhou Hongjian , Zhang Peng , Guo Fang
Published: October 2019

The mechanochemical interconversion of two salts was achieved by the addition of an appropriate amount of one of the corresponding components (HL or CuCl2·2H2O), and the progress of dynamic interconversion was revealed by PXRD, fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy.
Stabilizing lead halide perovskites with quaternary ammonium cations: the case of tetramethylammonium lead iodide
Authors: Ciccioli Andrea , Panetta Riccardo , Luongo Alessio , Brunetti Bruno , Vecchio Ciprioti Stefano , Mele Maria Luisa , Latini Alessandro
Published: October 2019

N(CH3)4PbI3 is much more stable than CH3NH3PbI3, both kinetically and thermodynamically, and much less prone to water-induced degradation; the use of quaternary ammonium cations may be effective to produce more stable lead halide perovskites.
Visible-light-driven Z-scheme rGO/Bi2S3–BiOBr heterojunctions with tunable exposed BiOBr (102) facets for efficient synchronous photocatalytic degradation of 2-nitrophenol and Cr(vi) reduction
Authors: Li Hui , Deng Fang , Zheng Yang , Hua Li , Qu Chunhua , Luo Xubiao
Published: October 2019

Fabrication of Z-scheme heterojunctions and crystal facet engineering are effective strategies for enhancing visible-light photocatalytic redox ability.
Flow stabilization in wearable microfluidic sensors enables noise suppression
Authors: Araci I. Emre , Agaoglu Sevda , Lee Ju Young , Rivas Yepes Laura , Diep Priscilla , Martini Matthew , Schmidt Andrew
Published: October 2019

The all-fluidic low-pass filtering feature of dilatometric strain sensors has the potential to suppress physiological noise.
A metalloproteomic analysis of interactions between plasma proteins and zinc: elevated fatty acid levels affect zinc distribution
Authors: Coverdale James P. C. , Barnett James P. , Adamu Adamu H. , Griffiths Ellie J. , Stewart Alan J. , Blindauer Claudia A.
Published: October 2019

Serum albumin is the major zinc carrier in blood plasma. Fatty acid binding to albumin regulates its zinc-binding ability and alters plasma zinc speciation.
High-performance sodium-ion batteries with a hard carbon anode: transition from the half-cell to full-cell perspective
Authors: Chen Xinlong , Zheng Yuheng , Liu Wenjian , Zhang Can , Li Sa , Li Ju
Published: October 2019

SIB with hard carbon anode is getting competitive vs. LIB, but one needs to be careful in assessing capacity and cycle life with conventional half-cell tests. New guidelines are provided for half-cell and full-cell tests and understanding the results.
Natural clay-supported palladium catalysts for methane oxidation reaction: effect of alloying
Authors: Ahmad Yahia H. , Mohamed Assem T. , Mahmoud Khaled A. , Aljaber Amina S. , Al-Qaradawi Siham Y.
Published: October 2019

Bimetallic Pd-supported halloysite nanotubes revealed outstanding catalytic activity towards catalytic methane oxidation especially PdNi.
Electroactive and degradable supramolecular microgels
Authors: Li Helin , Mergel Olga , Jain Puja , Li Xin , Peng Huan , Rahimi Khosrow , Singh Smriti , Plamper Felix A. , Pich Andrij
Published: October 2019

In this work, we synthesized electroactive and degradable microgels based on biomacromolecular building blocks, which enable the controlled release of therapeutic drugs.
Integrating multiple adsorption sites and tortuous diffusion paths into a metal–organic framework for C3H4/C3H6 separation
Authors: Wu Xue-Qian , Xie Yabo , Liu Jing-Hao , He Tao , Zhang Yong-Zheng , Yu Jiamei , Kong Xiang-Jing , Li Jian-Rong
Published: October 2019

By integrating open metal sites, Lewis basic sites, and tortuous diffusion paths, a new metal–organic framework has been designed and synthesized, which exhibits high adsorption capacity and excellent selectivity for separating a C3H4/C3H6 mixture.
Nano-scale sulfurization of the Cu2ZnSnSe4 crystal surface for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Kauk-Kuusik Marit , Li Xiaofeng , Pilvet Maris , Timmo Kristi , Mikli Valdek , Kaupmees Reelika , Danilson Mati , Grossberg Maarja
Published: October 2019

A new and effective method for nano-scale sulfurization of the Cu2ZnSnSe4 crystal surface was developed.
Controlled synthesis of (hk1) preferentially oriented Sb2Se3rod arrays by co-evaporation for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Park Si-Nae , Kim Se-Yun , Lee Sang-Ju , Sung Shi-Joon , Yang Kee-Jeong , Kang Jin-Kyu , Kim Dae-Hwan
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we propose that the microstructural control of (hk1) preferentially oriented Sb2Se3films from flat films to rod arrays can improve their photovoltaic efficiency by maximizing the carrier transport characteristics.
Selective design of binder-free hierarchical nickel molybdenum sulfide as a novel battery-type material for hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Manikandan Ramu , Raj C. Justin , Nagaraju Goli , Pyo Myoungho , Kim Byung Chul
Published: October 2019

Recently, binder-free and hierarchical electrode materials have attracted special attention for the rational design of high-energy density hybrid supercapacitors.
Non-corrosive, low-toxicity gel-based microbattery from organic and organometallic molecules
Authors: Crespilho Frank N. , Sedenho Graziela C. , De Porcellinis Diana , Kerr Emily , Granados-Focil Sergio , Gordon Roy G. , Aziz Michael J.
Published: October 2019

The combination of natural hydrogel agarose and redox-active organic and organometallic molecules provides a non-corrosive, non-flammable and low-toxicity microbattery.
Two-dimensional transition metal diborides: promising Dirac electrocatalysts with large reaction regions toward efficient N2 fixation
Authors: Hu Xuemin , Guo Shiying , Zhang Shengli , Guo Xiangyu , Li Yafei , Huang Shiping , Zhang Kan , Zhu Junwu
Published: October 2019

2D Dirac materials, NbB2 monolayers, are a promising nitrogen reduction reaction electrocatalyst with high efficiency and selectivity.
An in situ electrochemical oxidation strategy for formation of nanogrid-shaped V3O7·H2O with enhanced zinc storage properties
Authors: Cao Ziyi , Chu Hang , Zhang Hong , Ge Yuancai , Clemente Raizel , Dong Pei , Wang Lipeng , Shen Jianfeng , Ye Mingxin , Ajayan Pulickel M.
Published: October 2019

Rational design and synthesis of cathode materials with a well-defined nanostructure and superior performances have always been of paramount importance for rechargeable zinc ion batteries.
Making benzotrithiophene derivatives dopant-free for perovskite solar cells: Step-saving installation of π-spacers by a direct C–H arylation strategy
Authors: Peng Yi-Kai , Lee Kun-Mu , Ting Chang-Chieh , Hsu Ming-Wei , Liu Ching-Yuan
Published: October 2019

Perovskite solar cells using a new benzotrithiophene-based derivative as the dopant-free hole-transport material display promising efficiencies of up to 16.15%.
16.55% efficiency ternary organic solar cells enabled by incorporating a small molecular donor
Authors: Yan Tingting , Ge Jinfeng , Lei Tao , Zhang Wenxia , Song Wei , Fanady Billy , Zhang Danli , Chen Sanhui , Peng Ruixiang , Ge Ziyi
Published: October 2019

A 16.55% high efficiency organic solar cell was achieved by employing a PM6:SM1:Y6 system with an effective and simple ternary strategy.
Ruthenium(iii) polyethyleneimine complexes for bifunctional ammonia production and biomass upgrading
Authors: Xu Guang-Rui , Batmunkh Munkhbayar , Donne Scott , Jin Hongni , Jiang Jia-Xing , Chen Yu , Ma Tianyi
Published: October 2019

The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction is coupled with 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) oxidation, forming a unique and superior combination.
Plasmon-assisted self-cleaning sensor for the detection of organosulfur compounds in fuels
Authors: Guselnikova O. , Samant R. , Postnikov P. , Trelin A. , Svorcik V. , Lyutakov O.
Published: October 2019

The design of a reliable and sensitive SERS sensor based on Au/Pt thin films with plasmonic self-cleaning properties has been achieved.
Flame assisted chemical vapour deposition NiO hole transport layers for mesoporous carbon perovskite cells
Authors: Yates Heather M. , Meroni Simone M. P. , Raptis Dimitrios , Hodgkinson John L. , Watson Trystan M.
Published: October 2019

An industrially compatible in-line coating method has been used to deposit porous NiO transport layers to enhance perovskite cell performance.
Pseudohalide (SCN−)-doped CsPbI3 for high-performance solar cells
Authors: Yao Zhun , Jin Zhiwen , Zhang Xiaorong , Wang Qian , Zhang Hong , Xu Zhuo , Ding Liming , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: October 2019

The PCE of the 2% Pb(SCN)2 additive-optimized CsPbI3 PSCs can reach as high as 17.04% with better stability.
High-performance CdScInO thin-film transistors and their stability improvement under negative bias (illumination) temperature stress
Authors: Long Teng , Dai Xingqiang , Lan Linfeng , Deng Caihao , Chen Zhuo , He Changchun , Liu Lu , Yang Xiaobao , Peng Junbiao
Published: October 2019

CdScInO TFTs exhibit excellent stability under NBTS at 80 °C or under NBIS with red light or green light illumination.
Ginsenoside Rg1 attenuates isoflurane/surgery-induced cognitive disorders and sirtuin 3 dysfunction
Authors: Miao Hui-Hui , Wang Min , Wang Hai-Xia , Tian Ming , Xue Fu-Shan
Published: October 2019

Isoflurane/surgery (I/S) may induce neurocognitive disorders, but detailed mechanisms and appropriate treatment remain largely unknown. This experiment was designed to determine whether ginsenoside Rg1 could attenuate I/S-induced neurocognitive disorders and Sirtuin3 (Sirt3) dysfunction. C57BL/6J male mice received 1.4% isoflurane plus abdominal surgery for 2 h. Ginsenoside Rg1 10 mg/kg was intraperitoneally given for 8 days before surgery. Neurocognitive function was assessed by the Barnes Maze test. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxygen consumption rate (OCR), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), expression and deacetylation activity of Sirt3 in the hippocampus tissues were measured. Results showed that I/S induced hippocampus-dependent learning and memory impairments, with increased ROS levels, and reduced OCR, MMP, and expression and deacetylation activity of Sirt3 in hippocampus tissues. Ginsenoside Rg1 treatment before I/S intervention significantly ameliorated learning and memory performance, reduced ROS levels and improved the OCR, MMP, expression and deacetylation activity of Sirt3. In conclusion, this experiment demonstrates that ginsenoside Rg1 treatment can attenuate I/S-induced neurocognitive disorders and Sirt3 dysfunction.
BCYRN1 is correlated with progression and prognosis in gastric cancer
Authors: Zhai Hongbing , Li Yanju
Published: October 2019

Long non-coding RNA brain cytoplasmic RNA 1 (BCYRN1) has been found to play an important role in tumorigenesis of a variety of tumors including gastric cancer (GC). However, the prognostic significance and molecular mechanism of BCYRN1 was still unknown in GC. In the present study, we found BCYRN1 expression was dramatically elevated in GC tissues and cell lines, and positively associated with tumor depth, lymph node metastasis and clinical stage in patients with GC. Moreover, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated that high BCYRN1 expression was independent prognostic factor for overall survival in GC patients. In lncRNA-microRNA interactome database, we found that there were putative binding sites between BCYRN1 and miR-204-5p. Furthermore, we confirmed that down-regulation of BCYRN1 inhibited GC cell proliferation, migration and invasion through directly up-regulated miR-204-5p expression. In conclusion, BCYRN1 acts as a promising prognostic predictor in GC patients and regulated GC cell proliferation, cell cycle, migration and invasion through targeting miR-204-5p.
Houshiheisan promotes angiogenesis via HIF-1α/VEGF and SDF-1/CXCR4 pathways: in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Xiang Yangyang , Yao Xiaoquan , Wang Xuan , Zhao Hui , Zou Haiyan , Wang Lei , Zhang Qiu-Xia
Published: October 2019

Rationale: Houshiheisan (HSHS), a classic prescription in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has remarkable efficacy in the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Objective: To investigate the pro-angiogenic effect and molecular mechanism of HSHS for stroke recovery.

Methods and results: The rat permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) model was constructed by suture method, HSHS (5.25 or 10.5 g/kg) and Ginaton (28 mg/kg) treatment was intragastrically administrated at 6 h after modeling which remained for 7 consecutive days. Pathological evaluation conducted by Hematoxylin–Eosin (HE) staining and the results showed that HSHS alleviated blood vessel edema, reduced the damage to blood vessels and neurons in the ischemic areas. Immunostaining, quantitative real-time fluorescence PCR results showed that HSHS up-regulated pro-angiogenic factors including platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31)), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), while down-regulated angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1), and cxc chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) expression in infarct rat cortex, and similar results were obtained in subsequent Western blot experiment. Furthermore, CCK8 assay and transwell migration assay were performed to assess cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation. The medicated serum (MS) of HSHS appeared to have beneficial effects for immortalized human umbilical vein cells (Im-HUVECs) on proliferation and migration after persistence hypoxia. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), VEGFA, Ang-1, Ang-2, and CXCR4 were significantly up-regulated while Ang-2 was down-regulated by HSHS MS treatment compared with vehicle group in vitro.

Conclusion: The present study suggests a novel application of HSHS as an effective angiogenic formula for stroke recovery.
Path tracking control based on tube MPC and time delay motion prediction
Authors: Yu Jiaxing , Guo Xuexun , Pei Xiaofei , Chen Zhenfu , Zhou Wei , Zhu Maolin , Wu Chaoxian
Published: October 2019

Path tracking as an essential function of an autonomous vehicle ensures it tracks the desired path. Its performance could be degraded by wind, road conditions, vehicle parameter uncertainty and signal delay. This study proposes a path tracking control framework for autonomous vehicle by combining tube model predictive control (MPC) and time delay motion prediction (TDMP). Tube MPC with N ‐step reachable set is proposed to handle disturbances. A robust invariant set is computed efficiently using supporting function and guarantees state constraints in the presence of disturbances. In TDMP, a path during the signal delay is presented and a vehicle kinematics model is adopted to predict changes of vehicle position and yaw. Simulations show that the computational cost with support function for a robust positively invariant set is less than that with Multi‐Parametric Toolbox. In addition, the proposed control framework not only addresses disturbances like wind, road conditions and vehicle parameter uncertainty, but also handles the steering signal delay through motion prediction.