bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contact-independent killing mediated by a T6SS effector with intrinsic cell-entry properties
Authors: Song Li , Pan Junfeng , Yang Yantao , Zhang Zhenxing , Cui Rui , Jia Shuangkai , Wang Zhuo , Yang Changxing , Xu Lei , Dong Tao G. , Wang Yao , Shen Xihui
Published: January 2021

Bacterial type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) inject toxic effectors into adjacent eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. It is generally thought that this process requires physical contact between the two cells. Here, we provide evidence of contact-independent killing by a T6SS-secreted effector. We show that the pathogen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis uses a T6SS (T6SS-3) to secrete a nuclease effector that kills other bacteria in vitro and facilitates gut colonization in mice. The effector (Tce1) is a small protein that acts as a Ca2+- and Mg2+-dependent DNase, and its toxicity is inhibited by a cognate immunity protein, Tci1. As expected, T6SS-3 mediates canonical, contact-dependent killing by directly injecting Tce1 into adjacent cells. In addition, T6SS-3 also mediates killing of neighboring cells in the absence of cell-to-cell contact, by secreting Tce1 into the extracellular milieu. Efficient contact-independent entry of Tce1 into target cells requires proteins OmpF and BtuB in the outer membrane of target cells. The discovery of a contact-independent, long-range T6SS toxin delivery provides a new perspective for understanding the physiological roles of T6SS in competition. However, the mechanisms mediating contact-independent uptake of Tce1 by target cells remain unclear.
China’s plastic import ban increases prospects of environmental impact mitigation of plastic waste trade flow worldwide
Authors: Wen Zongguo , Xie Yiling , Chen Muhan , Dinga Christian Doh
Published: January 2021

Since the late 1990s, the trend of plastic waste shipment from developed to developing countries has been increasing. In 2017, China announced an unprecedented ban on its import of most plastic waste, resulting in a sharp decline in global plastic waste trade flow and changes in the treatment structure of countries, whose impacts on global environmental sustainability are enormous but yet unexamined. Here, through the life cycle assessment (LCA) method, we quantified the environmental impacts of changes in the flow patterns and treatment methods of 6 types of plastic waste in 18 countries subsequent to the ban. In the short term, the ban significantly improved four midpoint indicators of environmental impact, albeit contributed to global warming. An annual saving of about 2.35 billion euros of eco-cost was realized, which is equivalent to 56% of plastic waste global trade value in 2017. To achieve global environmental sustainability in the long run, countries should gradually realize the transition from export to domestic management, and from landfill to recycling, which would realize eco-costs savings of about 1.54–3.20 billion euros.
Publisher Correction: Magnetic field detection limits for ultraclean graphene Hall sensors
Authors: Schaefer Brian T. , Wang Lei , Jarjour Alexander , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , McEuen Paul L. , Nowack Katja C.
Published: January 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-20969-z.
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) predicts 90-day mortality and need for paracentesis in cirrhotic patients without systolic heart failure
Authors: Araujo Tiago , Vohra Ishaan , Palacios Pedro , Katiyar Vatsala , Flores Estefania , Randhawa Tejinder , Wang Yuchen , Abu-Omar Yazan , Mukthinuthalapati Vijaya , Mutneja Hemant , Patel Sanjay A. , Attar Bashar
Published: January 2021

Fluid overload is a common complication in patients with cirrhosis. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a marker of increased blood volume, commonly used in heart failure, that has been shown to be elevated in patients with liver disease. This study examined if BNP levels can be used to determine prognosis and predict worsening of ascites in patients with cirrhosis without concomitant heart disease. A retrospective study was performed at a large urban hospital in Chicago, Illinois and included 430 patients with cirrhosis who had BNP levels ordered during their hospital stay. Patients with clinical heart failure, arrhythmias or pulmonary hypertension were excluded. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality and the secondary outcome was a requirement for therapeutic paracentesis in the 90 days following BNP results. 53 patients (12%) had BNP levels ≥ 300 pg/mL. They had significantly increased serum levels of creatinine, bilirubin, and International Normalized Ratio (INR) when compared to those with BNP < 300 pg/mL. Patients with higher BNP had significantly higher mortality rates (HR 3.49; p = 0.037) and were more likely to require therapeutic paracentesis (HR 2.26; p = 0.02) in the next 90 days. A BNP ≥ 300 pg/mL had specificity of 88.2% in predicting 90-day mortality. BNP may serve as a practical and reliable marker of underlying disease severity in patients with cirrhosis, with potential to be included in prognostication tools for assessment of end-stage liver disease.
Craniofacial shape in patients with beta thalassaemia: a geometric morphometric analysis
Authors: Roussos Petros , Mitsea Anastasia , Halazonetis Demetrios , Sifakakis Iosif
Published: January 2021

The shape of the craniofacial complex of patients with beta thalassaemia was evaluated using geometric morphometrics on lateral cephalometric radiographs and was compared with matched controls. The beta thalassaemia group consisted of 40 patients (16 females, 24 males, mean age 33.4). Each patient was matched by age and gender to two controls (32 females, 48 males, mean age 33.1). The 120 lateral cephalometric radiographs were digitized and traced with 15 curves, 10 landmarks and 117 sliding semi-landmarks. These landmarks were subjected to Procrustes superimposition and principal component analysis in order to describe shape variability of the cranial base, maxilla and mandible, as well as of the entire craniofacial complex for each sex. The first 4 principal components accounted for 50% of the total sample’s variability. The beta thalassaemia group was significantly different in overall shape to the control group for both sexes. Similar findings were noted for the maxilla, the mandible and the cranial base. The main differences were related to smaller mandibular body for the thalassaemia group, midface protrusion and decrease in posterior face height. The shape of the craniofacial complex in these patients is prone to be more convex and hyperdivergent.
Circulating tumour cells as an indicator of early and systemic recurrence after surgical resection in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Park Yejong , Jun Hye Ryeong , Choi Hwi Wan , Hwang Dae Wook , Lee Jae Hoon , Song Ki Byung , Lee Woohyung , Kwon Jaewoo , Ha Su Hyeon , Jun Eunsung , Kim Song Cheol
Published: January 2021

Early recurrence in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a decisive factor in determining a patient's prognosis. We determined in our current study whether circulating tumour cells (CTCs) exist in the blood of PDAC patients and can be used as a predictor of recurrence patterns (i.e. time and site) after surgical resection. Between December 2017 and November 2018, the mononuclear cell layer was obtained from the peripheral blood of 36 patients diagnosed with PDAC. CTCs were then isolated using the CD-PRIME™ platform and detected via immunostaining. The patient records were analyzed to correlate these data with survival and recurrence patterns. Twelve patients were CTC-positive (33.3%) and showed a significantly frequent rate of systemic recurrence (distant metastases and peritoneal dissemination) (p = 0.025). On multi-variable logistic regression analysis, CTC positivity was an independent risk factor for early recurrence (p = 0.027) and for systemic recurrence (p = 0.033). In summary, the presence or absence of CTC in the blood of the patients with PDAC could help predict the recurrence pattern after surgery. PDAC patients with CTC positivity at tumour diagnosis should therefore undergo a comprehensive strategy for systemic therapy and active monitoring to detect possible early recurrence.
Predicting mammalian species at risk of being infected by SARS-CoV-2 from an ACE2 perspective
Authors: Wei Yulong , Aris Parisa , Farookhi Heba , Xia Xuhua
Published: January 2021

SARS-CoV-2 can transmit efficiently in humans, but it is less clear which other mammals are at risk of being infected. SARS-CoV-2 encodes a Spike (S) protein that binds to human ACE2 receptor to mediate cell entry. A species with a human-like ACE2 receptor could therefore be at risk of being infected by SARS-CoV-2. We compared between 132 mammalian ACE2 genes and between 17 coronavirus S proteins. We showed that while global similarities reflected by whole ACE2 gene alignments are poor predictors of high-risk mammals, local similarities at key S protein-binding sites highlight several high-risk mammals that share good ACE2 homology with human. Bats are likely reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2, but there are other high-risk mammals that share better ACE2 homologies with human. Both SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV are closely related to bat coronavirus. Yet, among host-specific coronaviruses infecting high-risk mammals, key ACE2-binding sites on S proteins share highest similarities between SARS-CoV-2 and Pangolin-CoV and between SARS-CoV and Civet-CoV. These results suggest that direct coronavirus transmission from bat to human is unlikely, and that rapid adaptation of a bat SARS-like coronavirus in different high-risk intermediate hosts could have allowed it to acquire distinct high binding potential between S protein and human-like ACE2 receptors.
Three-dimensional distribution of CT attenuation in the lumbar spine pedicle wall
Authors: Irie Tomoyo Y. , Irie Tohru , Espinoza Orías Alejandro A. , Segami Kazuyuki , Iwasaki Norimasa , An Howard S. , Inoue Nozomu
Published: January 2021

This study investigated in vivo the three-dimensional distribution of CT attenuation in the lumbar spine pedicle wall measured in Hounsfield Unit (HU). Seventy-five volunteers underwent clinical lumbar spine CT scans. Data was analyzed with custom-written software to determine the regional variation in pedicle wall attenuation values. A cylindrical coordinate system oriented along the pedicle’s long axis was used to calculate the pedicular wall attenuation distribution three-dimensionally and the highest attenuation value was identified. The pedicular cross-section was divided into four quadrants: lateral, medial, cranial, and caudal. The mean HU value for each quadrant was calculated for all lumbar spine levels (L1–5). The pedicle wall attenuation was analyzed by gender, age, spinal levels and anatomical quadrant. The mean HU values of the pedicle wall at L1 and L5 were significantly lower than the values between L2–4 in both genders and in both age groups. Furthermore, the medial quadrant showed higher HU values than the lateral quadrant at all levels and the caudal quadrant showed higher HU values at L1–3 and lower HU values at L4–5 than the cranial quadrant. These findings may explain why there is a higher incidence of pedicle screw breach in the pedicle lateral wall.
Separation of copper ions by nanocomposites using adsorption process
Authors: Danesh Nasim , Ghorbani Mohsen , Marjani Azam
Published: January 2021

In this research, a novel nanocomposite adsorbent, graphene oxide modified with magnetite nanoparticles and Lauric acid containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (GFLE) has been applied for the eliminate of Cu2+ ions. Adsorption performance was considered as a function of solution pH, Cu2+ ions concentration (C Cu2+), and temperature (T) and contact time (t). The levels of each variable were statistically optimized by Central Composite Design (CCD) and the response surface methodology (RSM) procedure to enhance the yield of system design. In these calculations, Y was measured as the response (the secondary concentration of Cu2+ ions in mg L−1). Highest copper adsorption occurred at time of 105 min, temperature of 40 °C, the initial concentration of 280 mg L−1, and pH = 1. The sorption equilibrium was well demonstrated using the Freundlich isotherm model. The second-order kinetics model suggested that the sorption mechanism might be ion exchange reactions. Thermodynamic factors and activation energy values displayed that the uptake process of Cu2+ ions was spontaneous, feasible, endothermic and physical in nature. Regeneration studies also revealed that GFLE could be consistently reused up to 3 cycles.
Room air constituent concentrations from use of electronic nicotine delivery systems and cigarettes using different ventilation conditions
Authors: Oldham Michael J. , Sehgal Anil , Cohen Gal , Chen Joey , Evans Blair , Heraldez Daniel
Published: January 2021

To assess potential exposure of non-users to exhaled constituents from pod and cartridge electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) products, an environmental clinical study was conducted with (n = 43) healthy adult smokers. Room air concentrations of 34 selected constituents (nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, 15 carbonyls, 12 volatile organic compounds, and 4 trace metals) and particle number concentration (0.3 to 25 µm) were compared from use of two ENDS products and conventional cigarettes using room ventilations representative of a residential, an office or a hospitality setting over a 4-h. exposure period. Products used were JUUL ENDS, Virginia Tobacco flavor (Group I), VUSE Solo, Original flavor (Group II) (5.0 and 4.8% nicotine by weight, respectively) and subjects’ own conventional cigarettes (Group III). Cumulative 4-h room air sampling and particle counting were performed during prescribed (Groups I and II) and ad libitum product use (all Groups). Conventional cigarette use resulted in significantly more constituents detected and higher 4-h cumulative constituent concentrations compared to use of the ENDS products tested, except for the predominant ENDS ingredients, propylene glycol and glycerin. Use of conventional cigarettes also resulted in greater total particle number concentration than either prescribed or ad libitum use of either of the ENDS used in this study.
Essential role of autophagy in protecting neonatal haematopoietic stem cells from oxidative stress in a p62-independent manner
Authors: Nomura Naho , Ito Chiaki , Ooshio Takako , Tadokoro Yuko , Kohno Susumu , Ueno Masaya , Kobayashi Masahiko , Kasahara Atsuko , Takase Yusuke , Kurayoshi Kenta , Si Sha , Takahashi Chiaki , Komatsu Masaaki , Yanagawa Toru , Hirao Atsushi
Published: January 2021

Autophagy is a cellular degradation system contributing to homeostasis of tissue stem cells including haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). It plays pleiotropic roles in HSC characteristics throughout life, but its stage-specific roles in HSC self-renewal are unclear. To investigate the effects of Atg5 deletion on stage-specific HSC functions, we compared the repopulating capacity of HSCs in Atg5f/f;Vavi-cre mice from postnatal day (P) 0–7 weeks of age. Interestingly, Atg5 deficiency led to no remarkable abnormality in the HSC self-renewal capacity at P0, but significant defects at P7, followed by severe defects. Induction of Atg5 deletion at P5 by tamoxifen administration to Atg5f/f;Rosa26-Cre-ERT2 mice resulted in normal haematopoiesis, including the HSC population, until around 1 year, suggesting that Atg5 in the early neonatal period was critical for haematopoiesis in adults. Mitochondrial oxidative stress was increased by Atg5 loss in neonatal HSC/progenitor cells. Although p62 had accumulated in immature bone marrow cells of Atg5f/f;Vavi-cre mice, p62 deletion did not restore defective HSC functions, indicating that Atg5-dependent haematopoietic regulation in the developmental period was independent of p62. This study proposes a critical role of autophagy in HSC protection against harsh environments in the early neonatal stage, which is essential for healthy long-term haematopoiesis.
Enhancement of parvalbumin interneuron-mediated neurotransmission in the retrosplenial cortex of adolescent mice following third trimester-equivalent ethanol exposure
Authors: Bird Clark W. , Chavez Glenna J. , Barber Megan J. , Valenzuela C. Fernando
Published: January 2021

Prenatal ethanol exposure causes a variety of cognitive deficits that have a persistent impact on quality of life, some of which may be explained by ethanol-induced alterations in interneuron function. Studies from several laboratories, including our own, have demonstrated that a single binge-like ethanol exposure during the equivalent to the third trimester of human pregnancy leads to acute apoptosis and long-term loss of interneurons in the rodent retrosplenial cortex (RSC). The RSC is interconnected with the hippocampus, thalamus, and other neocortical regions and plays distinct roles in visuospatial processing and storage, as well as retrieval of hippocampal-dependent episodic memories. Here we used slice electrophysiology to characterize the acute effects of ethanol on GABAergic neurotransmission in the RSC of neonatal mice, as well as the long-term effects of neonatal ethanol exposure on parvalbumin-interneuron mediated neurotransmission in adolescent mice. Mice were exposed to ethanol using vapor inhalation chambers. In postnatal day (P) 7 mouse pups, ethanol unexpectedly failed to potentiate GABAAreceptor-mediated synaptic transmission. Binge-like ethanol exposure of P7 mice expressing channel rhodopsin in parvalbumin-positive interneurons enhanced the peak amplitudes, asynchronous activity and total charge, while decreasing the rise-times of optically-evoked GABAAreceptor-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents in adolescent animals. These effects could partially explain the learning and memory deficits that have been documented in adolescent and young adult mice exposed to ethanol during the third trimester-equivalent developmental period.
Distribution of inhaled volatile β-caryophyllene and dynamic changes of liver metabolites in mice
Authors: Takemoto Yuki , Kishi Chihiro , Sugiura Yuki , Yoshioka Yuri , Matsumura Shinichi , Moriyama Tatsuya , Zaima Nobuhiro
Published: January 2021

β-caryophyllene (BCP), an essential oil component of many herbs and spices, has various biological activities as a functional food factor. A distinct feature of BCP is its volatile double-ring sesquiterpene structure. Orally administered BCP is reportedly detected in its intact form in mice serum; however, the distribution of inhaled volatile BCP throughout the body remains unknown. This study aimed to estimate the distribution properties of inhaled volatile BCP and to investigate its effects on metabolism. After mice were exposed to volatile BCP, it was detected in the lung, olfactory bulb, brain, serum, heart, liver, kidney, epididymal fat, and brown adipose tissue. BCP was further detected in the brain, liver, and brown adipose tissue 24 h after exposure. Metabolites related to glutathione metabolism were significantly altered in the liver. These results suggest that inhaled volatile BCP is widely distributed in murine tissues and affects the dynamics of metabolites in the liver.
Novel standardized method for extracellular flux analysis of oxidative and glycolytic metabolism in peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Janssen Joëlle J. E. , Lagerwaard Bart , Bunschoten Annelies , Savelkoul Huub F. J. , van Neerven R. J. Joost , Keijer Jaap , de Boer Vincent C. J.
Published: January 2021

Analyzing metabolism of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) provides key opportunities to study the pathophysiology of several diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and cancer. Extracellular flux (XF) assays provide dynamic metabolic analysis of living cells that can capture ex vivo cellular metabolic responses to biological stressors. To obtain reliable data from PBMCs from individuals, novel methods are needed that allow for standardization and take into account the non-adherent and highly dynamic nature of PBMCs. We developed a novel method for extracellular flux analysis of PBMCs, where we combined brightfield imaging with metabolic flux analysis and data integration in R. Multiple buffy coat donors were used to demonstrate assay linearity with low levels of variation. Our method allowed for accurate and precise estimation of XF assay parameters by reducing the standard score and standard score interquartile range of PBMC basal oxygen consumption rate and glycolytic rate. We applied our method to freshly isolated PBMCs from sixteen healthy subjects and demonstrated that our method reduced the coefficient of variation in group mean basal oxygen consumption rate and basal glycolytic rate, thereby decreasing the variation between PBMC donors. Our novel brightfield image procedure is a robust, sensitive and practical normalization method to reliably measure, compare and extrapolate XF assay data using PBMCs, thereby increasing the relevance for PBMCs as marker tissue in future clinical and biological studies, and enabling the use of primary blood cells instead of immortalized cell lines for immunometabolic experiments.
Estimating above-ground biomass of subtropical forest using airborne LiDAR in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Evian Pui Yan , Fung Tung , Wong Frankie Kwan Kit
Published: January 2021

Seventy-percent of the terrestrial area of Hong Kong is covered by vegetation and 40% is protected as the Country Park. The above-ground biomass (AGB) acts as reliable source of carbon sink and while Hong Kong has recognized the importance of carbon sink in forest and urged for forest protection in the latest strategic plan, yet no study has been conducted on assessing the baseline of terrestrial AGB and its carbon storage. This study compared and estimated the AGB by the traditional allometric modeling and the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) plot metrics at plot-level in a subtropical forest of Hong Kong. The study has tested five allometric models which were developed from pantropical regions, subtropical areas and locally. The best model was then selected as the dependent variable to develop the LiDAR-derived AGB model. The raw LiDAR point cloud was pre-processed to normalized height point cloud and hence generating the LiDAR metric as independent variables for the model development. Regression models were used to estimate AGB at various plot sizes (i.e., in 10-m, 5-m and 2.5-m radius). The models were then evaluated statistically and validated by bootstrapping and leave-one-out cross validation (LOOCV). The results indicated the LiDAR metric derived from larger plot size outperformed the smaller plot size, with model R2 of 0.864 and root-mean-square-error (RMSE) of 37.75 kg/ha. It also found that pantropical model was comparable to a site-specific model when including the bioclimatic variable in subtropical forests. This study provides the approach for delineating the baseline of terrestrial above-ground biomass and carbon stock in subtropical forests upon an appropriate plot size is being deployed.
Linear confinement of generalized KG-oscillator with a uniform magnetic field in Kaluza–Klein theory and Aharonov–Bohm effect
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we solve generalized KG-oscillator interacts with a uniform magnetic field in five-dimensional space-time background produced by topological defects under a linear confining potential using the Kaluza–Klein theory. We solve this equation and analyze an analogue of the Aharonov–Bohm effect for bound states. We observe that the energy level for each radial mode depend on the global parameters characterizing the space-time, the confining potential, and the magnetic field which shows a quantum effect.
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae exotoxin ApxI induces cell death via attenuation of FAK through LFA-1
Authors: Li Siou-Cen , Cheng Yu-Tsen , Wang Ching-Yang , Wu Jia-Ying , Chen Zeng-Weng , Wang Jyh-Perng , Lin Jiunn-Horng , Hsuan Shih-Ling
Published: January 2021

ApxI exotoxin is an important virulence factor derived fromActinobacillus pleuropneumoniaethat causes pleuropneumonia in swine. Here, we investigate the role of lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1, CD11a/CD18), a member of the β2integrin family, and the involvement of the integrin signaling molecules focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Akt in ApxI cytotoxicity. Using Western blot analysis, we found that ApxI downregulated the activity of FAK and Akt in porcine alveolar macrophages (AMs). Preincubation of porcine AMs with an antibody specific for porcine CD18 reduced ApxI-induced cytotoxicity as measured by a lactate dehydrogenase release assay and decreased ApxI-induced FAK and Akt attenuation, as shown by Western blot analysis. Pretreatment with the chemical compounds PMA and SC79, which activate FAK and Akt, respectively, failed to overcome the ApxI-induced attenuation of FAK and Akt and death of porcine AMs. Notably, the transfection experiments revealed that ectopic expression of porcine LFA-1 (pLFA-1) conferred susceptibility to ApxI in ApxI-insensitive cell lines, including human embryonic kidney 293T cells and FAK-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Furthermore, ectopic expression of FAK significantly reduced ApxI cytotoxicity in pLFA-1-cotransfected FAK-deficient MEFs. These findings show for the first time that pLFA-1 renders cells susceptible to ApxI and ApxI-mediated attenuation of FAK activity via CD18, thereby contributing to subsequent cell death.
Low serum total CO2 and its association with mortality in patients being followed up in the nephrology outpatients clinic
Authors: Yoo Kyung Don , An Jung Nam , Kim Yong Chul , Lee Jeonghwan , Joo Kwon-Wook , Oh Yun Kyu , Kim Yon Su , Lim Chun Soo , Oh Sohee , Lee Jung Pyo
Published: January 2021

Large-scale studies have not been conducted to assess whether serum hypobicarbonatemia increases the risk for kidney function deterioration and mortality among East-Asians. We aimed to determine the association between serum total CO2 (TCO2) concentrations measured at the first outpatient visit and clinical outcomes. In this multicenter cohort study, a total of 42,231 adult nephrology outpatients from 2001 to 2016 were included. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on dialysis within 3 months of the first visit were excluded. Instrumental variable (IV) was used to define regions based on the proportion of patients with serum TCO2 < 22 mEq/L. The crude mortality rate was 12.2% during a median 77.0-month follow-up period. The Cox-proportional hazard regression model adjusted for initial kidney function, alkali supplementation, and the use of diuretics demonstrated that low TCO2 concentration was not associated with progression to ESRD, but significantly increased the risk of death. The IV analysis also confirmed a significant association between initial TCO2 concentration and mortality (HR 0.56; 95% CI 0.49–0.64). This result was consistently significant regardless of the underlying renal function. In conclusion, low TCO2 levels are significantly associated with mortality but not with progression to ESRD in patients with ambulatory care.
Genetic diversity of Bartonella species in small mammals in the Qaidam Basin, western China
Authors: Rao Huaxiang , Li Shoujiang , Lu Liang , Wang Rong , Song Xiuping , Sun Kai , Shi Yan , Li Dongmei , Yu Juan
Published: January 2021

Investigation of the prevalence and diversity of Bartonella infections in small mammals in the Qaidam Basin, western China, could provide a scientific basis for the control and prevention of Bartonella infections in humans. Accordingly, in this study, small mammals were captured using snap traps in Wulan County and Ge’ermu City, Qaidam Basin, China. Spleen and brain tissues were collected and cultured to isolate Bartonella strains. The suspected positive colonies were detected with polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of gltA, ftsZ, RNA polymerase beta subunit (rpoB) and ribC genes. Among 101 small mammals, 39 were positive for Bartonella, with the infection rate of 38.61%. The infection rate in different tissues (spleens and brains) (χ2 = 0.112, P = 0.738) and gender (χ2 = 1.927, P = 0.165) of small mammals did not have statistical difference, but that in different habitats had statistical difference (χ2 = 10.361, P = 0.016). Through genetic evolution analysis, 40 Bartonella strains were identified (two different Bartonella species were detected in one small mammal), including B. grahamii (30), B. jaculi (3), B. krasnovii (3) and Candidatus B. gerbillinarum (4), which showed rodent-specific characteristics. B. grahamii was the dominant epidemic strain (accounted for 75.0%). Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis showed that B. grahamii in the Qaidam Basin, might be close to the strains isolated from Japan and China. Overall, we observed a high prevalence of Bartonella infection in small mammals in the Qaidam Basin. B. grahamii may cause human disease, and the pathogenicity of the others Bartonella species needs further study, the corresponding prevention and control measures should be taken into consideration.
An integrated approach to quantifying uncertainties in the remaining carbon budget
Authors: Damon Matthews H. , Tokarska Katarzyna B. , Rogelj Joeri , Smith Christopher J. , MacDougall Andrew H. , Haustein Karsten , Mengis Nadine , Sippel Sebastian , Forster Piers M. , Knutti Reto
Published: January 2021

The remaining carbon budget quantifies the future CO2emissions to limit global warming below a desired level. Carbon budgets are subject to uncertainty in the Transient Climate Response to Cumulative CO2Emissions (TCRE), as well as to non-CO2climate influences. Here we estimate the TCRE using observational constraints, and integrate the geophysical and socioeconomic uncertainties affecting the distribution of the remaining carbon budget. We estimate a median TCRE of 0.44 °C and 5–95% range of 0.32–0.62 °C per 1000 GtCO2emitted. Considering only geophysical uncertainties, our median estimate of the 1.5 °C remaining carbon budget is 440 GtCO2from 2020 onwards, with a range of 230–670 GtCO2, (for a 67–33% chance of not exceeding the target). Additional socioeconomic uncertainty related to human decisions regarding future non-CO2emissions scenarios can further shift the median 1.5 °C remaining carbon budget by ±170 GtCO2.
Native mass spectrometry for the design and selection of protein bioreceptors for perfluorinated compounds
Authors: Daems Elise , Moro Giulia , Berghmans Herald , Moretto Ligia M. , Dewilde Silvia , Angelini Alessandro , Sobott Frank , De Wael Karolien
Published: January 2021

Native mass spectrometry allows the screening of possible protein bioreceptors for perfluorinated alkyl substances.
An enzyme cascade sensor with resistance to the inherent intermediate product by logic-controlled peroxidase mimic catalysis
Authors: Yu Renzhong , Wang Rui , Wang Zhaoyin , Liu Bo , He Xue , Dai Zhihui
Published: January 2021

A colorimetric enzyme cascade detection strategy with resistance to the inherent intermediate product was reported based on logic-controlled activation of the peroxidase mimic sensing system.
Contact map based crystal structure prediction using global optimization
Authors: Hu Jianjun , Yang Wenhui , Dong Rongzhi , Li Yuxin , Li Xiang , Li Shaobo , Siriwardane Edirisuriya M. D.
Published: January 2021

Crystal structure prediction is now playing an increasingly important role in the discovery of new materials or crystal engineering.
Neutron spectroscopy study of the diffusivity of hydrogen in MoS2
Authors: Kuznetsov Vitalii , Lohstroh Wiebke , Rogalla Detlef , Becker Hans-Werner , Strunskus Thomas , Nefedov Alexei , Kovacevic Eva , Traeger Franziska , Fouquet Peter
Published: January 2021

Neutron time-of-flight and spin-echo spectroscopy reveal a fast diffusion of hydrogen molecules parallel to the MoS2basal planes.
Interplay between non-covalent interactions in 1D supramolecular polymers based on 1,4-bis(iodoethynyl)benzene
Authors: González Lucia , Graus Sara , Gaspar Blanca , Espasa Sheila , Velázquez-Campoy Adrián , Munarriz Julen , Serrano José Luis , Tejedor Rosa M. , Uriel Santiago
Published: January 2021

Supramolecular interactions of three halogen-bonded co-crystals of 1,4-bis(iodoethynyl)benzene (p-BIB) with organic bromide salts have been studied via isothermal titration calorimetry and theoretical methods including NCI methodology.
Superparamagnetic behaviour of metallic Co nanoparticles according to variable temperature magnetic resonance
Authors: Yakovlev Ilya V. , Yakushkin Stanislav S. , Kazakova Mariya A. , Trukhan Sergey N. , Volkova Zoya N. , Gerashchenko Alexander P. , Andreev Andrey S. , Ishchenko Arcady V. , Martyanov Oleg N. , Lapina Olga B. , d’Espinose de Lacaillerie Jean-Baptiste
Published: January 2021

Combined power of 59Co Internal Field nuclear magnetic resonance (IF NMR) and ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) allows studying structure and morphology of metallic Co nanoparticles.
Concluding remarks: Cooperative phenomena in framework materials
Authors: Jiang Jianwen
Published: January 2021

A brief summary and personal perspectives on the virtual Faraday Discussion: Cooperative Phenomena in Framework Materials (13–16 October 2020).
Metabolomics: small molecules that matter more
Authors: Muthubharathi Balasubramanian Chellammal , Gowripriya Thirumugam , Balamurugan Krishnaswamy
Published: January 2021

Metabolomics, an analytical study with high-throughput profiling, helps to understand interactions within a biological system.
Folding and self-assembly of short intrinsically disordered peptides and protein regions
Authors: Argudo Pablo G. , Giner-Casares Juan J.
Published: January 2021

Proteins and peptide fragments are highly relevant building blocks in self-assembly for nanostructures with plenty of applications.
Volcano-type correlation between particle size and catalytic activity on hydrodechlorination catalyzed by AuPd nanoalloy
Authors: Uetake Yuta , Mouri Sachi , Haesuwannakij Setsiri , Okumura Kazu , Sakurai Hidehiro
Published: January 2021

A time-controlled aggregation–stabilization method for the size-selective preparation of random alloy nanoparticles composed of Au and Pd have been developed to produce AuPd:PVP with sizes ranging between 1.2 and 8.2 nm at approximately 1 nm intervals.
The rapid diagnosis and effective inhibition of coronavirus using spike antibody attached gold nanoparticles
Authors: Pramanik Avijit , Gao Ye , Patibandla Shamily , Mitra Dipanwita , McCandless Martin G. , Fassero Lauren A. , Gates Kalein , Tandon Ritesh , Chandra Ray Paresh
Published: January 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of the coronavirus disease that began in 2019 (COVID-19), has been responsible for 1.4 million deaths worldwide as of 13 November 2020.
Prototyping of a highly sensitive and selective chemisresistive sensor based on pencil graphite for the rapid detection of NO2and NH3
Authors: Shukla Prashant , Saxena Pooja , Madhwal Devinder , Bhardwaj Nitin , Jain V. K.
Published: January 2021

Commercially available high quality 9B pencil graphite was used for sensing of trace concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ammonia (NH3) at sub-ppm levels in air at ambient temperature and pressure.
Hierarchical NiCo pearl strings as efficient electrocatalysts for urea electrooxidation
Authors: Huang Wen , Wang Kaili , Cao Qiuhan , Zhao Yongjie , Sun Xiujuan , Ding Rui , Liu Enhui , Gao Ping , Li Gaijuan
Published: January 2021

A NiCo alloy with a hierarchical pearl string architecture demonstrates excellent catalytic performance towards the alkaline urea oxidation reaction.
Detection of Pb2+ traces in dispersion of Cs4PbBr6 nanocrystals by in situ liquid cell transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Dang Zhiya , Manna Liberato , Baranov Dmitry
Published: January 2021

Round and dendrite-shaped Pb0 nanoparticles nucleate and grow under an electron beam in the toluene dispersion of Cs4PbBr6 nanocrystals. The post-synthetic residue of mixed lead(ii) oleate/bromide species is a likely culprit.
A two-dimensional MXene-supported metal–organic framework for highly selective ambient electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction
Authors: Liang Xingyou , Ren Xuefeng , Yang Qiyue , Gao Liguo , Gao Mengfan , Yang Yanan , Zhu Haiding , Li Guangxin , Ma Tingli , Liu Anmin
Published: January 2021

A Co-based MOF supported on Ti3C2 MXene was prepared via in situ growth, which can efficiently reduce nitrogen to ammonia under environmental conditions.
Computational evidence of glycosyl cations
Authors: Merino Pedro , Delso Ignacio , Pereira Sandra , Orta Sara , Pedrón Manuel , Tejero Tomás
Published: January 2021

This review covers recent computational studies evidencing the presence of glycosyl cations as real intermediates in several glycosylation reactions.
Exploiting an intramolecular Diels–Alder cyclization/dehydro-aromatization sequence for the total syntheses of ellipticines and calothrixin B
Authors: Deng Chengdan , Liu Yuancui , Xu Mei , Xie Kaiqiang , Liu Sheng
Published: January 2021

The tetracyclic and pentacyclic skeletons of pyrido and quinolinocarbazole alkaloids have been synthesized via a unified strategy.
Fluorescent small organic probes for biosensing
Authors: Tian Xue , Murfin Lloyd C. , Wu Luling , Lewis Simon E. , James Tony D.
Published: January 2021

Small-molecule based fluorescent probes are increasingly important for the detection and imaging of biological signaling molecules due to their simplicity, high selectivity and sensitivity, whilst being non-invasive, and suitable for real-time analysis of living systems.
Design of bimetallic atomic catalysts for CO2 reduction based on an effective descriptor
Authors: Guan Xin , Gao Wang , Jiang Qing
Published: January 2021

Our descriptor based on the valence and electronegativity of atoms in active centers can effectively describe the activity and selectivity of CO2 reduction reaction on bimetallic atomic catalysts and thus can be used to screen advanced catalysts.
Development of solid electrolytes in Zn–air and Al–air batteries: from material selection to performance improvement strategies
Authors: Wei Yuantao , Shi Yuchuan , Chen Ye , Xiao Chunhui , Ding Shujiang
Published: January 2021

This review provides a guiding and comprehensive summary of the basic understanding and manufacturing ideas of the solid electrolyte for Zn–air and Al–air batteries.
Correction: Rational construction of hierarchical SAPO-34 with enhanced MTO performance without an additional meso/macropore template
Authors: Liang Yafei , Gao Beibei , Zhou Lipeng , Yang Xiaomei , Lu Tianliang , Yao Hongchang , Su Yunlai
Published: January 2021

Correction for ‘Rational construction of hierarchical SAPO-34 with enhanced MTO performance without an additional meso/macropore template’ by Yafei Liang et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021, DOI: 10.1039/d0ta08437a.
Deciphering the LRRK code: LRRK1 and LRRK2 phosphorylate distinct Rab proteins and are regulated by diverse mechanisms
Authors: Malik Asad U. , Karapetsas Athanasios , Nirujogi Raja S. , Mathea Sebastian , Chatterjee Deep , Pal Prosenjit , Lis Pawel , Taylor Matthew , Purlyte Elena , Gourlay Robert , Dorward Mark , Weidlich Simone , Toth Rachel , Polinski Nicole K. , Knapp Stefan , Tonelli Francesca , Alessi Dario R.
Published: January 2021

Autosomal dominant mutations in LRRK2 that enhance kinase activity cause Parkinson's disease. LRRK2 phosphorylates a subset of Rab GTPases including Rab8A and Rab10 within its effector binding motif. Here, we explore whether LRRK1, a less studied homolog of LRRK2 that regulates growth factor receptor trafficking and osteoclast biology might also phosphorylate Rab proteins. Using mass spectrometry, we found that in LRRK1 knock-out cells, phosphorylation of Rab7A at Ser72 was most impacted. This residue lies at the equivalent site targeted by LRRK2 on Rab8A and Rab10. Accordingly, recombinant LRRK1 efficiently phosphorylated Rab7A at Ser72, but not Rab8A or Rab10. Employing a novel phospho-specific antibody, we found that phorbol ester stimulation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts markedly enhanced phosphorylation of Rab7A at Ser72 via LRRK1. We identify two LRRK1 mutations (K746G and I1412T), equivalent to the LRRK2 R1441G and I2020T Parkinson's mutations, that enhance LRRK1 mediated phosphorylation of Rab7A. We demonstrate that two regulators of LRRK2 namely Rab29 and VPS35[D620N], do not influence LRRK1. Widely used LRRK2 inhibitors do not inhibit LRRK1, but we identify a promiscuous inhibitor termed GZD-824 that inhibits both LRRK1 and LRRK2. The PPM1H Rab phosphatase when overexpressed dephosphorylates Rab7A. Finally, the interaction of Rab7A with its effector RILP is not affected by LRRK1 phosphorylation and we observe that maximal stimulation of the TBK1 or PINK1 pathway does not elevate Rab7A phosphorylation. Altogether, these findings reinforce the idea that the LRRK enzymes have evolved as major regulators of Rab biology with distinct substrate specificity.
Serum CXCL5 level is associated with tumor progression in penile cancer
Authors: Mo Miao , Li Yangle , Hu Xiheng
Published: January 2021

Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 5 is an important regulator of tumor progression in many cancers, and could serve as potential serum cancer biomarker. Our initial analysis identified CXCL5 as a cancer-related gene highly expressed in PC. Patients with PC exhibited markedly higher preoperative serum CXCL5 levels compared with that in healthy individuals (P<0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.880 with the sensitivity of 84.0%, and specificity of 80.4% to distinguish PC. Serum CXCL5 levels were also significantly decreased following tumor resection in patients with PC (P=0.001). Preoperative serum CXCL5 level was significantly associated with clinicopathological characteristics including T stage (P=0.001), nodal status (P<0.001), and pelvic lymph node metastasis (P=0.018). Cox regression analysis showed that serum CXCL5 level could serve as an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival with a HR of 6.363 (95% CI: 2.185–18.531, P=0.001). CXCL5 and its receptor CXCR2 exhibited correlated expression pattern in PC tissues. Differential CXCL5 expression was observed in normal penile tissues, PC cell lines, and their culture supernatants. Furthermore, knockdown of CXCL5 or CXCR2 expression markedly suppressed malignant phenotypes (cell proliferation, clonogenesis, apoptosis escape, migration, and invasion), attenuated STAT3 and AKT signaling, and reduced MMP2/9 secretion in PC cell lines. In conclusion, our findings revealed that serum CXCL5 level might serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic cancer biomarker for penile cancer. Autocrine CXCL5/CXCR2 signaling might activate multiple downstream oncogenic signaling pathways (STAT3, AKT, MMP2/9) to promote malignant progression of PC, which may warrant further investigation in the future.
Th2 cytokines-DUOX2-ROS-HMGB1 translocation axis is important in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Min Hyun Jin , Park Joon Soon , Kim Kyung Soo , Park Seung Yong , Choi Honghwan , Seo Ju Hee , Kang Miran , Yoon Joo-Heon , Kim Chang-Hoon , Kim Sehoon , Cho Hyung-Ju
Published: January 2021

The function of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) varies according to its location. However, the translocation mechanism behind HMGB1 remains unclear. We hypothesize that type 2 helper T cell (Th2) cytokines are involved in the translocation of HMGB1 in the upper airway epithelium. We investigated the mechanism behind HMGB1 translocation using Th2 cytokine stimulation and examined the clinical significance of HMGB1 translocation in allergic rhinitis (AR). Cytoplasmic and extracellular HMGB1 were increased in AR. Inhibiting HMGB1 translocation with glycyrrhizic acid (GA) decreased the level of antigen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), the degree of Periodic Acid–Schiff (PAS), and Sirius Red staining in the murine model. The in vivo reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in the nasal mucosa was higher in the mice with AR than in the controls. Th2 cytokine-induced up-regulation of the ROS and translocation of HMGB1 by Th2 cytokines was dependent on the generated ROS. The ROS level also increased in the murine model. We suggest that the Th2 cytokine-dual oxidase (DUOX)2-ROS-HMGB1 translocation axis is important in AR pathogenesis.
Multi‐user uplink transmission with asymptotic full‐receiver‐diversity in massive MIMO systems
Authors: Li Guo
Published: January 2021

A scenario of uplink transmissions from multiple single‐antenna users to a base‐station with large number of antennas is considered in this letter. Based on the conditional statistic properties of the received signals, a maximum likelihood‐based detector without prior channel state information is firstly presented. In order to estimate the whole transmitted symbols successfully, the optimal signal design can be equivalently converted to a max–min problem based on the conditional covariance matrix of the received signals. From the asymptotic performance analyses with the lower and upper bounds of the pairwise error probability, we show that the pairwise error probability decays exponentially with the number of receiver's antennas, which we define as the asymptotic full‐receiver‐diversity order in non‐coherent massive MIMO systems. In addition, we present the numerical results and illustrate the comparisons with several non‐coherent transmission schemes in the state‐of‐the‐art to verify the performance of our proposed scheme.
Rapid evaluation of the mechanical fault severity in induction motors using the model‐based diagnosis technique
Authors: Huang Jiajie , Liu Yongqiang , Liang Zhaowen
Published: January 2021

The motor current signal analysis (MCSA) technique is widely used as a non‐invasive method for detecting mechanical faults in induction motors by capturing characteristic components in the stator line current. However, the threshold of the characteristic component is not clear now, which makes it difficult for MCSA to judge whether the fault occurs or evaluates the mechanical fault severity. The existing model‐based evaluation methods cannot meet the requirement of online condition monitoring because of their slow calculation. To solve these problems, a simplified dynamic motor model under any type of mechanical fault is established, and a formula for the amplitude relationship between the radial vibration of the rotor and fault‐related component in the stator line current is derived. The radial vibration amplitude is related to mechanical fault severity. Using this formula, the MCSA technique can rapidly evaluate the mechanical fault severity according to the amplitude of the characteristic component in the collected stator current. The simulation study results demonstrate the accuracy of the simplified model and formula. The experimental results presented for condition monitoring in a real induction motor clearly validate the evaluation approach.
Stacked denoising autoencoder based fault location in voltage source converters‐high voltage direct current
Authors: Luo Guomin , Cheng Mengxiao , Hei Jiaxin , Wang Xiaojun , Huang Weibo , He Jinghan
Published: January 2021

High voltage direct current has been more and more popular in modern transmission systems. Accurate fault location could help fault clearance and fast recovery of the faulted system. A stacked denoising autoencoder based fault location method for high voltage direct current transmission systems is proposed. The local measurements are analysed, and an end‐to‐end stacked denoising autoencoder‐based fault location is realised. Representative features are extracted with unsupervised learning and labelled as the input of the regression network for fine‐tuning in a supervised manner. The trained network can precisely map the local measurements and their corresponding fault distance. The performance of the proposed method is tested on a point‐to‐point high voltage direct current transmission system, which is modelled on the platform of PSCAD/EMTDC. The faults on both overhead lines and cables are considered, and the location performance in different scenarios are discussed. The simulation results show that the proposed method is effective in pinpointing faults location in various cases.