bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological targeting of MCL-1 promotes mitophagy and improves disease pathologies in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model
Authors: Cen Xufeng , Chen Yanying , Xu Xiaoyan , Wu Ronghai , He Fusheng , Zhao Qingwei , Sun Qiming , Yi Cong , Wu Jie , Najafov Ayaz , Xia Hongguang
Published: November 2020

There is increasing evidence that inducing neuronal mitophagy can be used as a therapeutic intervention for Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we screen a library of 2024 FDA-approved drugs or drug candidates, revealing UMI-77 as an unexpected mitophagy activator. UMI-77 is an established BH3-mimetic for MCL-1 and was developed to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. We found that at sub-lethal doses, UMI-77 potently induces mitophagy, independent of apoptosis. Our mechanistic studies discovered that MCL-1 is a mitophagy receptor and directly binds to LC3A. Finally, we found that UMI-77 can induce mitophagy in vivo and that it effectively reverses molecular and behavioral phenotypes in the APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Our findings shed light on the mechanisms of mitophagy, reveal that MCL-1 is a mitophagy receptor that can be targeted to induce mitophagy, and identify MCL-1 as a drug target for therapeutic intervention in Alzheimer’s disease.
The thermal response of soil microbial methanogenesis decreases in magnitude with changing temperature
Authors: Chen Hongyang , Zhu Ting , Li Bo , Fang Changming , Nie Ming
Published: November 2020

Microbial methanogenesis in anaerobic soils contributes greatly to global methane (CH4) release, and understanding its response to temperature is fundamental to predicting the feedback between this potent greenhouse gas and climate change. A compensatory thermal response in microbial activity over time can reduce the response of respiratory carbon (C) release to temperature change, as shown for carbon dioxide (CO2) in aerobic soils. However, whether microbial methanogenesis also shows a compensatory response to temperature change remains unknown. Here, we used anaerobic wetland soils from the Greater Khingan Range and the Tibetan Plateau to investigate how 160 days of experimental warming (+4°C) and cooling (−4°C) affect the thermal response of microbial CH4respiration and whether these responses correspond to changes in microbial community dynamics. The mass-specific CH4respiration rates of methanogens decreased with warming and increased with cooling, suggesting that microbial methanogenesis exhibited compensatory responses to temperature changes. Furthermore, changes in the species composition of methanogenic community under warming and cooling largely explained the compensatory response in the soils. The stimulatory effect of climate warming on soil microbe-driven CH4emissions may thus be smaller than that currently predicted, with important consequences for atmospheric CH4concentrations.
Quantitative and multiplexed chemical-genetic phenotyping in mammalian cells with QMAP-Seq
Authors: Brockway Sonia , Wang Geng , Jackson Jasen M. , Amici David R. , Takagishi Seesha R. , Clutter Matthew R. , Bartom Elizabeth T. , Mendillo Marc L.
Published: November 2020

Chemical-genetic interaction profiling in model organisms has proven powerful in providing insights into compound mechanism of action and gene function. However, identifying chemical-genetic interactions in mammalian systems has been limited to low-throughput or computational methods. Here, we develop Quantitative and Multiplexed Analysis of Phenotype by Sequencing (QMAP-Seq), which leverages next-generation sequencing for pooled high-throughput chemical-genetic profiling. We apply QMAP-Seq to investigate how cellular stress response factors affect therapeutic response in cancer. Using minimal automation, we treat pools of 60 cell types—comprising 12 genetic perturbations in five cell lines—with 1440 compound-dose combinations, generating 86,400 chemical-genetic measurements. QMAP-Seq produces precise and accurate quantitative measures of acute drug response comparable to gold standard assays, but with increased throughput at lower cost. Moreover, QMAP-Seq reveals clinically actionable drug vulnerabilities and functional relationships involving these stress response factors, many of which are activated in cancer. Thus, QMAP-Seq provides a broadly accessible and scalable strategy for chemical-genetic profiling in mammalian cells.
Controllable modulation of precursor reactivity using chemical additives for systematic synthesis of high-quality quantum dots
Authors: Park Joonhyuck , Jayaraman Arun , Schrader Alex W. , Hwang Gyu Weon , Han Hee-Sun
Published: November 2020

The optical and electronic performance of quantum dots (QDs) are affected by their size distribution and structural quality. Although the synthetic strategies for size control are well established and widely applicable to various QD systems, the structural characteristics of QDs, such as morphology and crystallinity, are tuned mostly by trial and error in a material-specific manner. Here, we show that reaction temperature and precursor reactivity, the two parameters governing the surface-reaction kinetics during growth, govern the structural quality of QDs. For conventional precursors, their reactivity is determined by their chemical structure. Therefore, a variation of precursor reactivity requires the synthesis of different precursor molecules. As a result, existing precursor selections often have significant gaps in reactivity or require synthesis of precursor libraries comprising a large number of variants. We designed a sulfur precursor employing a boron-sulfur bond, which enables controllable modulation of their reactivity using commercially available Lewis bases. This precursor chemistry allows systematic optimization of the reaction temperature and precursor reactivity using a single precursor and grows high-quality QDs from cores of various sizes and materials. This work provides critical insights into the nanoparticle growth process and precursor designs, enabling the systematic preparation of high-quality QD of any sizes and materials.
Author Correction: Multi-region sequencing unveils novel actionable targets and spatial heterogeneity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yan Ting , Cui Heyang , Zhou Yong , Yang Bin , Kong Pengzhou , Zhang Yingchun , Liu Yiqian , Wang Bin , Cheng Yikun , Li Jiayi , Guo Shixing , Xu Enwei , Liu Huijuan , Cheng Caixia , Zhang Ling , Chen Ling , Zhuang Xiaofei , Qian Yu , Yang Jian , Ma Yanchun , Li Hongyi , Wang Fang , Liu Jing , Liu Xuefeng , Su Dan , Wang Yan , Sun Ruifang , Guo Shiping , Li Yaoping , Cheng Xiaolong , Liu Zhihua , Zhan Qimin , Cui Yongping
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: High-resolution cryo-EM structure of urease from the pathogen Yersinia enterocolitica
Authors: Righetto Ricardo D. , Anton Leonie , Adaixo Ricardo , Jakob Roman P. , Zivanov Jasenko , Mahi Mohamed-Ali , Ringler Philippe , Schwede Torsten , Maier Timm , Stahlberg Henning
Published: November 2020

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-19845-z.
Author Correction: Solid-phase hetero epitaxial growth of α-phase formamidinium perovskite
Authors: Lee Jin-Wook , Tan Shaun , Han Tae-Hee , Wang Rui , Zhang Lizhi , Park Changwon , Yoon Mina , Choi Chungseok , Xu Mingjie , Liao Michael E. , Lee Sung-Joon , Nuryyeva Selbi , Zhu Chenhui , Huynh Kenny , Goorsky Mark S. , Huang Yu , Pan Xiaoqing , Yang Yang
Published: November 2020

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-19846-y.
Author Correction: Roadmap for naming uncultivated Archaea and Bacteria
Authors: Murray Alison E. , Freudenstein John , Gribaldo Simonetta , Hatzenpichler Roland , Hugenholtz Philip , Kämpfer Peter , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T. , Lane Christopher E. , Papke R. Thane , Parks Donovan H. , Rossello-Mora Ramon , Stott Matthew B. , Sutcliffe Iain C. , Thrash J. Cameron , Venter Stephanus N. , Whitman William B. , Acinas Silvia G. , Amann Rudolf I. , Anantharaman Karthik , Armengaud Jean , Baker Brett J. , Barco Roman A. , Bode Helge B. , Boyd Eric S. , Brady Carrie L. , Carini Paul , Chain Patrick S. G. , Colman Daniel R. , DeAngelis Kristen M. , de los Rios Maria Asuncion , Estrada-de los Santos Paulina , Dunlap Christopher A. , Eisen Jonathan A. , Emerson David , Ettema Thijs J. G. , Eveillard Damien , Girguis Peter R. , Hentschel Ute , Hollibaugh James T. , Hug Laura A. , Inskeep William P. , Ivanova Elena P. , Klenk Hans-Peter , Li Wen-Jun , Lloyd Karen G. , Löffler Frank E. , Makhalanyane Thulani P. , Moser Duane P. , Nunoura Takuro , Palmer Marike , Parro Victor , Pedrós-Alió Carlos , Probst Alexander J. , Smits Theo H. M. , Steen Andrew D. , Steenkamp Emma T. , Spang Anja , Stewart Frank J. , Tiedje James M. , Vandamme Peter , Wagner Michael , Wang Feng-Ping , Yarza Pablo , Hedlund Brian P. , Reysenbach Anna-Louise
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Genomic analysis of Bacillus cereus NWUAB01 and its heavy metal removal from polluted soil
Authors: Ayangbenro Ayansina Segun , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti
Published: November 2020

Microorganisms that display unique biotechnological characteristics are usually selected for industrial applications. Bacillus cereus NWUAB01 was isolated from a mining soil and its heavy metal resistance was determined on Luria–Bertani agar. The biosurfactant production was determined by screening methods such as drop collapse, emulsification and surface tension measurement. The biosurfactant produced was evaluated for metal removal (100 mg/L of each metal) from contaminated soil. The genome of the organism was sequenced using Illumina Miseq platform. Strain NWUAB01 tolerated 200 mg/L of Cd and Cr, and was also tolerant to 1000 mg/L of Pb. The biosurfactant was characterised as a lipopeptide with a metal-complexing property. The biosurfactant had a surface tension of 39.5 mN/m with metal removal efficiency of 69%, 54% and 43% for Pb, Cd and Cr respectively. The genome revealed genes responsible for metal transport/resistance and biosynthetic gene clusters involved in the synthesis of various secondary metabolites. Putative genes for transport/resistance to cadmium, chromium, copper, arsenic, lead and zinc were present in the genome. Genes responsible for biopolymer synthesis were also present in the genome. This study highlights biosurfactant production and heavy metal removal of strain NWUAB01 that can be harnessed for biotechnological applications.
Spontaneous brain state oscillation is associated with self-reported anxiety in a non-clinical sample
Authors: Qiao Lei , Luo Xi , Zhang Lijie , Chen Antao , Li Hong , Qiu Jiang
Published: November 2020

The anti-correlation relationship between the default-mode network (DMN) and task-positive network (TPN) may provide valuable information on cognitive functions and mental disorders. Moreover, maintaining a specific brain state and efficaciously switching between different states are considered important for self-regulation and adaptation to changing environments. However, it is currently unclear whether competitions between the DMN and TPN are associated with negative affect (here, anxiety and depression) in non-clinical samples. We measured the average dwell time of DMN dominance over the TPN (i.e., the average state duration before transition to another state, indicating persistent DMN dominance) with a sample of 302 non-clinical young adults. Subsequently, we explored individual differences in this persistent DMN dominance by examining its correlations with subjective depression and anxiety feelings. Moreover, we linked state transition between DMN/TPN dominance with right fronto-insular cortex (RFIC) blood oxygen-level dependent signal variability. We found that the average dwell time of DMN dominance was positively associated with self-reported anxiety. Furthermore, state transition between DMN or TPN dominance was positively linked to RFIC activity. These findings highlight the importance of investigating the complex and dynamic reciprocal inhibition patterns of the DMN and TPN and the important role of the RFIC in the association between these networks.
Molecular nature of breakdown of the folic acid under hydrothermal treatment: a combined experimental and DFT study
Authors: Abramova Anna M. , Kokorina Alina A. , Sindeeva Olga A. , Jolibois Franck , Puech Pascal , Sukhorukov Gleb B. , Goryacheva Irina Y. , Sapelkin Andrei V.
Published: November 2020

Using a combination of experimental Raman, FTIR, UV–VIS absorption and emission data, together with the corresponding DFT calculations we propose the mechanism of modification of the folic acid specifically under the hydrothermal treatment at 200 °C. We established that folic acid breaks down into fragments while the pteridine moiety remains intact likely evolving into 6-formylpterin with the latter responsible for the increase in fluorescence emission at 450 nm. The results suggest that hydrothermal approach can be used for production of other purpose-engineered fluorophores.
Extent and prognostic value of MGMT promotor methylation in glioma WHO grade II
Authors: Karschnia Philipp , Teske Nico , Dorostkar Mario M. , Siller Sebastian , Weller Jonathan , Baehring Joachim M. , Dietrich Jorg , von Baumgarten Louisa , Herms Jochen , Tonn Joerg-Christian , Thon Niklas
Published: November 2020

MGMT promotor methylation is associated with favourable outcome in high-grade glioma. In glioma WHO grade II, it is unclear whether the extent of MGMT promotor methylation and its prognostic role is independent from other molecular markers. We performed a retrospective analysis of 155 patients with glioma WHO grade II. First, all 155 patients were assigned to three molecular groups according to the 2016 WHO classification system: (1) oligodendroglioma, IDH-mutant and 1p19q co-deleted (n = 81); (2) astrocytoma, IDH-mutant and 1p19q non-codeleted (n = 54); (3) astrocytoma, IDH-wildtype (n = 20). MGMT promotor methylation was quantified using Sanger sequencing of the CpG sites 74–98 within the MGMT promotor region. Highest numbers of methylated CpG sites were found for oligodendroglioma, IDH-mutant and 1p19q co-deleted. When 1p19q co-deletion was absent, numbers of methylated CpG sites were higher in the presence of IDH-mutation. Accordingly, lowest numbers were seen in the IDH-wildtype subpopulation. In the entire cohort, larger numbers of methylated CpG sites were associated with favourable outcome. When analysed separately for the three WHO subgroups, a similar association was only retained in astrocytoma, IDH-wildtype. Collectively, extent of MGMT promotor methylation was strongly associated with other molecular markers and added prognostic information in astrocytoma, IDH-wildtype. Evaluation in prospective cohorts is warranted.
Robustly forecasting maize yields in Tanzania based on climatic predictors
Authors: Laudien Rahel , Schauberger Bernhard , Makowski David , Gornott Christoph
Published: November 2020

Seasonal yield forecasts are important to support agricultural development programs and can contribute to improved food security in developing countries. Despite their importance, no operational forecasting system on sub-national level is yet in place in Tanzania. We develop a statistical maize yield forecast based on regional yield statistics in Tanzania and climatic predictors, covering the period 2009–2019. We forecast both yield anomalies and absolute yields at the sub-national scale about 6 weeks before the harvest. The forecasted yield anomalies (absolute yields) have a median Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient of 0.72 (0.79) in the out-of-sample cross validation, which corresponds to a median root mean squared error of 0.13 t/ha for absolute yields. In addition, we perform an out-of-sample variable selection and produce completely independent yield forecasts for the harvest year 2019. Our study is potentially applicable to other countries with short time series of yield data and inaccessible or low quality weather data due to the usage of only global climate data and a strict and transparent assessment of the forecasting skill.
EGFP-EGF1-conjugated poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles as a carrier for the delivery of CCR2− shRNA to atherosclerotic macrophage in vitro
Authors: Wu Zhilin , Chen Chen , Luo Jiajia , Davis Jacques R. J. , Zhang Bo , Tang Liang , Shi Wei , Liao Danying
Published: November 2020

Reducing macrophage recruitment by silencing chemokine (C–C motif) receptor 2 (CCR2) expression is a promising therapeutic approach against atherosclerosis. However the transfection of macrophages with siRNA is often technically challenging. EGFP-EGF1-conjugated poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (ENPs) have a specific affinity to tissue factor (TF). In this study, the feasibility of ENPs as a carrier for target delivery of CCR2-shRNA to atherosclerotic cellular models of macrophages was investigated. Coumarin-6 loaded ENPs were synthesized using a double-emulsion method. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry assay were taken to examine the uptake of Coumarin-6 loaded ENPs in the cellular model. Then a sequence of shRNA specific to CCR2 mRNA was constructed and encapsulated into ENPs. Target delivery of CCR2-shRNA to atherosclerotic cellular models of macrophages in vitro were evaluated. Results showed more uptake of ENPs by the cellular model than common PLGA nanoparticles. CCR2-shRNA loaded ENPs effectively silenced CCR2 gene in the atherosclerotic macrophages and exhibited a favorable cytotoxic profile to cultured cells. With their low cytotoxicity and efficient drug delivery, ENP could be a useful carrier for target delivery of CCR2-shRNA to inflammatory monocytes/macrophages for the therapy against atherosclerosis.
Long-term washover fan accretion on a transgressive barrier island challenges the assumption that paleotempestites represent individual tropical cyclones
Authors: Rodriguez Antonio B. , Theuerkauf Ethan J. , Ridge Justin T. , VanDusen Beth M. , Fegley Stephen R.
Published: November 2020

Barrier island overwash occurs when the elevation of wave runup exceeds the dune crest and induces landward transport of sediment across a barrier island and deposition of a washover deposit. Washover deposition is generally attributed to major storms, is important for the maintenance of barrier island resilience to sea-level rise and is used to extend hurricane records beyond historical accounts by reconstructing the frequency and extent of washover deposits preserved in the sedimentary record. Here, we present a high-fidelity 3-year record of washover evolution and overwash at a transgressive barrier island site. During the first year after establishment, washover volume and area increased 1595% and 197%, respectively, from at least monthly overwash. Most of the washover accretion resulted from the site morphology having a low resistance to overwash, as opposed to being directly impacted by major storms. Washover deposits can accrete landward over multi-year time scales in the absence of large storms; therefore, paleotempestites can be more complex than single event beds.
Physiological synchrony is associated with cooperative success in real-life interactions
Authors: Behrens F. , Snijdewint J. A. , Moulder R. G. , Prochazkova E. , Sjak-Shie E. E. , Boker S. M. , Kret M. E.
Published: November 2020

Cooperation is pivotal for society to flourish. To foster cooperation, humans express and read intentions via explicit signals and subtle reflections of arousal visible in the face. Evidence is accumulating that humans synchronize these nonverbal expressions and the physiological mechanisms underlying them, potentially influencing cooperation. The current study is designed to verify this putative linkage between synchrony and cooperation. To that end, 152 participants played the Prisoner’s Dilemma game in a dyadic interaction setting, sometimes facing each other and sometimes not. Results showed that synchrony in both heart rate and skin conductance level emerged during face-to-face contact. However, only synchrony in skin conductance levels predicted cooperative success of dyads. Crucially, this positive linkage was strengthened when participants could see each other. These findings show the strong relationship between our bodily responses and social behavior, and emphasize the importance of studying social processes between rather than within individuals in real-life interactions.
Nature of intermolecular interaction in squaraine dimers
Authors: Kaczmarek-Kędziera Anna , Żuchowski Piotr S. , Kędziera Dariusz
Published: November 2020

Squaraine dyes are known for their particular optical properties. They exhibit intense photochemically stable fluorescence in usually (near) infra red region that can be quenched by intermolecular interactions. Moreover, even the centrosymmetric dyes feature non-zero second harmonic generation upon aggregation. Therefore, the detailed knowledge of the squaraine dye interaction nature both in homogenic aggregates and with other species present in the environment can be of importance for the design of new materials of desired properties. In the present study, interaction in squaraine dimers is investigated with quantum chemistry tools. Four structures: two stacked and two hydrogen-bonded are analyzed in terms of supermolecular approach and symmetry-adapted perturbation theory. MP2C/aug-cc-pVTZ supermolecular calculations confirm the particular stability of the stacked dimers and the favoured dispersion attraction for the long-displaced system.
Efficacy of single-dose cholecalciferol in the blood pressure of patients with type 2 diabetes, hypertension and hypovitaminoses D
Authors: de Paula Tatiana P. , Moreira Juliano S. R. , Sperb Luiza F. , Muller Maria Elisa P. , Steemburgo Thais , Viana Luciana V.
Published: November 2020

Observational and experimental data reinforce the concept that vitamin D is associated with the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension. We investigated the effect of a single dose of 100,000 IU of cholecalciferol, in office blood pressure (BP), and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and hypovitaminosis D. Forty-three patients were randomized to a placebo or cholecalciferol group. BP was assessed by office measurements and 24-h ABPM, before and after intervention. At week 8, a greater decrease in median ABPM values was observed in cholecalciferol supplementation than in the placebo group for systolic 24-h (− 7.5 vs. − 1; P = 0.02), systolic daytime (− 7 vs. − 1; P = 0.007), systolic nighttime (− 7.0 vs. 3; P = 0.009), diastolic 24-h (− 3.5 vs. − 1; P = 0.037), and daytime DBP (− 5 vs. 0; P = 0.01). Office DBP was also reduced after vitamin D supplementation. A single dose of vitamin D3 improves BP in patients with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and vitamin D insufficiency, regardless of vitamin D normalization. Vitamin D supplementation could be a valuable tool to treat patients with type 2 DM, hypertension, and hypovitaminosis D.

Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT 02204527.
The genetic legacy of fragmentation and overexploitation in the threatened medicinal African pepper-bark tree, Warburgia salutaris
Authors: Senkoro Annae M. , Talhinhas Pedro , Simões Fernanda , Batista-Santos Paula , Shackleton Charlie M. , Voeks Robert A. , Marques Isabel , Ribeiro-Barros Ana I.
Published: November 2020

The pepper-bark tree (Warburgia salutaris) is one of the most highly valued medicinal plant species worldwide. Native to southern Africa, this species has been extensively harvested for the bark, which is widely used in traditional health practices. Illegal harvesting coupled with habitat degradation has contributed to fragmentation of populations and a severe decline in its distribution. Even though the species is included in the IUCN Red List as Endangered, genetic data that would help conservation efforts and future re-introductions are absent. We therefore developed new molecular markers to understand patterns of genetic diversity, structure, and gene flow of W. salutaris in one of its most important areas of occurrence (Mozambique). In this study, we have shown that, despite fragmentation and overexploitation, this species maintains a relatively high level of genetic diversity supporting the existence of random mating. Two genetic groups were found corresponding to the northern and southern locations. Our study suggests that, if local extinctions occurred in Mozambique, the pepper-bark tree persisted in sufficient numbers to retain a large proportion of genetic diversity. Management plans should concentrate on maintaining this high level of genetic variability through both in and ex-situ conservation actions.
Molecular pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus during pregnancy with antenatal complications
Authors: Kopylov Arthur T. , Papysheva Olga , Gribova Iveta , Kotaysch Galina , Kharitonova Lubov , Mayatskaya Tatiana , Sokerina Ekaterina , Kaysheva Anna L. , Morozov Sergey G.
Published: November 2020

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a daunting problem accompanied by severe fetal development complications and type 2 diabetes mellitus in postpartum. Diagnosis of diabetic conditions occurs only in the second trimester, while associated antenatal complications are typically revealed even later. We acquired an assay of peripheral and cord blood samples of patients with different types of diabetes mellitus who delivered either healthy newborns or associated with fetopathy complications. Obtained data were handled with qualitative and quantitative analysis. Pathways of molecular events involved in diabetes mellitus and fetopathy were reconstructed based on the discovered markers and their quantitative alteration. Plenty of pathways were integrated to differentiate the type of diabetes and to recognize the impact of the diabetic condition on fetal development. The impaired triglycerides transport, glucose uptake, and consequent insulin resistance are mostly affected by faulted lipid metabolism (APOM, APOD, APOH, APOC1) and encouraged by oxidative stress (CP, TF, ORM2) and inflammation (CFH, CFB, CLU) as a secondary response accompanied by changes in matrix architecture (AFM, FBLN1, AMBP). Alterations in proteomes of peripheral and cord blood were expectedly unequal. Both up- and downregulated markers were accommodated in the cast of molecular events interconnected with the lipid metabolism, RXR/PPAR-signaling pathway, and extracellular architecture modulation. The obtained results congregate numerous biological processes to molecular events that underline diabetes during gestation and uncover some critical aspects affecting fetal growth and development.
Association of maternal central adiposity measured by ultrasound in early mid pregnancy with infant birth size
Authors: Lindberger Emelie , Wikström Anna-Karin , Bergman Eva , Eurenius Karin , Mulic-Lutvica Ajlana , Sundström Poromaa Inger , Ahlsson Fredrik
Published: November 2020

We sought to investigate whether early mid pregnancy visceral and subcutaneous fat depths measured by ultrasound were associated with infant birth size, independent of early pregnancy BMI. A cohort study was performed at Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden, between 2015–2018. Visceral and subcutaneous fat depths were measured at the early second-trimester anomaly scan in 2498 women, giving birth to singleton, term infants. Primary outcomes were birthweight and LGA (birthweight standard deviation score > 90th percentile in the cohort). Linear and logistic regression models were used, adjusted for BMI, age, smoking, parity, maternal country of birth, gestational age and infant sex. A 5-mm increase in visceral fat depth was associated with an increase in birthweight of 8.3 g [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.5 − 14.1 g], after adjustments, and a 6% increase in the adjusted odds of having an infant born LGA (OR 1.06, CI 1.02–1.11). There was no association between subcutaneous fat depth and birthweight or LGA after covariate adjustments. Hence, visceral fat depth measured by ultrasound in early mid pregnancy was associated with excessive fetal growth, independent of early pregnancy BMI, and may be useful in models for predicting LGA infants.
Correlated noise in Brownian motion allows for super resolution
Authors: Oviedo-Casado Santiago , Rotem Amit , Nigmatullin Ramil , Prior Javier , Retzker Alex
Published: November 2020

Diffusion broadening of spectral lines is the main limitation to frequency resolution in non-polarized liquid state nano-NMR. This problem arises from the limited amount of information that can be extracted from the signal before losing coherence. For liquid state NMR as with most generic sensing experiments, the signal is thought to decay exponentially, severely limiting resolution. However, there is theoretical evidence that predicts a power law decay of the signal’s correlations due to diffusion noise in the non-polarized nano-NMR scenario. In this work we show that in the NV based nano-NMR setup such diffusion noise results in high spectral resolution.
The role of fire disturbance on habitat structure and bird communities in South Brazilian Highland Grasslands
Authors: Beal-Neves Mariana , Chiarani Eduardo , Ferreira Pedro Maria Abreu , Fontana Carla Suertegaray
Published: November 2020

Grassland ecosystems are evolutionarily linked to disturbances such as grazing and fire. These disturbances define grassland plant communities and habitat heterogeneity, which influence animal communities. We evaluated the influence of fire disturbance on plant and bird communities and on habitat structure by sampling grassland fragments with different time elapsed since the last fire event. Habitat structure was sampled using plant life forms and abiotic variables and birds were sampled through point counts. We recorded 862 bird individuals from 70 species. Intermediately-burnt sites harbor higher habitat heterogeneity and plant species richness in comparison with recently or long-burnt sites. Bird abundance and taxonomic diversity decreased linearly as time since fire increased. Finally, time since fire influenced the relative distribution of plant life forms and bird food guilds. Our results indicate that fire management should be included in the framework for conservation and sustainable use of grasslands, because it promotes habitat heterogeneity and diversity. To maintain habitat heterogeneity and the related habitat-specific bird species and functional groups, conservation efforts should maintain grassland patches under different management intensities and frequencies on a landscape level. However, studies focused on determining the periodicity with which fire management should be used are still lacking.
Prediction of vascular aging based on smartphone acquired PPG signals
Authors: Dall’Olio Lorenzo , Curti Nico , Remondini Daniel , Safi Harb Yosef , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Castellani Gastone , Uh Hae-Won
Published: November 2020

Photoplethysmography (PPG) measured by smartphone has the potential for a large scale, non-invasive, and easy-to-use screening tool. Vascular aging is linked to increased arterial stiffness, which can be measured by PPG. We investigate the feasibility of using PPG to predict healthy vascular aging (HVA) based on two approaches: machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL). We performed data preprocessing, including detrending, demodulating, and denoising on the raw PPG signals. For ML, ridge penalized regression has been applied to 38 features extracted from PPG, whereas for DL several convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been applied to the whole PPG signals as input. The analysis has been conducted using the crowd-sourced Heart for Heart data. The prediction performance of ML using two features (AUC of 94.7%) – the a wave of the second derivative PPG and tpr, including four covariates, sex, height, weight, and smoking – was similar to that of the best performing CNN, 12-layer ResNet (AUC of 95.3%). Without having the heavy computational cost of DL, ML might be advantageous in finding potential biomarkers for HVA prediction. The whole workflow of the procedure is clearly described, and open software has been made available to facilitate replication of the results.
Effects of nitrogen fertilization and bioenergy crop species on central tendency and spatial heterogeneity of soil glycosidase activities
Authors: Yuan Min , Duan Jianjun , Li Jianwei , Jian Siyang , Gamage Lahiru , Dzantor Kudjo E. , Hui Dafeng , Fay Philip A.
Published: November 2020

Extracellular glycosidases in soil, produced by microorganisms, act as major agents for decomposing labile soil organic carbon (e.g., cellulose). Soil extracellular glycosidases are significantly affected by nitrogen (N) fertilization but fertilization effects on spatial distributions of soil glycosidases have not been well addressed. Whether the effects of N fertilization vary with bioenergy crop species also remains unclear. Based on a 3-year fertilization experiment in Middle Tennessee, USA, a total of 288 soil samples in topsoil (0–15 cm) were collected from two 15 m2 plots under three fertilization treatments in switchgrass (SG: Panicum virgatum L.) and gamagrass (GG: Tripsacum dactyloides L.) using a spatially explicit design. Four glycosidases, α-glucosidase (AG), β-glucosidase (BG), β-xylosidase (BX), cellobiohydrolase (CBH), and their sum associated with C acquisition (Cacq) were quantified. The three fertilization treatments were no N input (NN), low N input (LN: 84 kg N ha−1 year−1 in urea) and high N input (HN: 168 kg N ha−1 year−1 in urea). The descriptive and geostatistical approaches were used to evaluate their central tendency and spatial heterogeneity. Results showed significant interactive effects of N fertilization and crop type on BX such that LN and HN significantly enhanced BX by 14% and 44% in SG, respectively. The significant effect of crop type was identified and glycosidase activities were 15–39% higher in GG than those in SG except AG. Within-plot variances of glycosidases appeared higher in SG than GG but little differed with N fertilization due to large plot-plot variation. Spatial patterns were generally more evident in LN or HN plots than NN plots for BG in SG and CBH in GG. This study suggested that N fertilization elevated central tendency and spatial heterogeneity of glycosidase activities in surficial soil horizons and these effects however varied with crop and enzyme types. Future studies need to focus on specific enzyme in certain bioenergy cropland soil when N fertilization effect is evaluated.
Decreased circulating clusterin reflects severe liver complications after hepatoportoenterostomy of biliary atresia
Authors: Udomsinprasert Wanvisa , Poovorawan Yong , Chongsrisawat Voranush , Vejchapipat Paisarn , Honsawek Sittisak
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to determine whether circulating levels of clusterin (CLU), an extracellular chaperone implicated in cholestatic and fibrotic processes, are associated with clinical parameters of post-operative BA patients and could serve as a BA biomarker. Ninety-six BA patients and 56 healthy controls were recruited. Circulating CLU levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Circulating CLU levels were significantly reduced in BA patients – especially those with worse outcomes including jaundice, severe liver fibrosis, and late-stage of hepatic dysfunction. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that circulating CLU levels were negatively associated with outcome parameters indicating jaundice status, degree of fibrosis, and liver dysfunction, but positively correlated with serum albumin and platelet number of BA patients. Lower circulating CLU levels were considerably associated with poor survival of post-operative BA patients. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated a diagnostic value of circulating CLU as a non-invasive indicator for poor outcomes of BA patients (AUC = 0.85), with a sensitivity of 81.5% and a specificity of 73.5%. All findings indicate that reduced circulating CLU might reflect poor outcomes of BA patients and have potential as a novel biomarker for the disease severity following Kasai-operation.
The PDZ motif peptide of ZO-1 attenuates Pseudomonas aeruginosa LPS-induced airway inflammation
Authors: Lee Tae Jin , Choi Yung Hyun , Song Kyoung Seob
Published: November 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known to play a role in many human diseases. Therefore, examining the negative control mechanisms of tight junction protein ZO-1 on the exotoxin LPS of P. aeruginosa-induced diseases could be critical in the development of novel therapeutics. We found that ZO-1 expression dramatically decreased in inflammatory human lung tissues. Interestingly, PDZ1 deletion of the PDZ domain in the ZO-1 protein dramatically decreased LPS-induced F-actin formation and increased the expression of genes for pro-inflammatory cytokines, but not PDZ2 and PDZ3 of the ZO-1 protein. We also found that the consensus PDZ peptide (based on PDZ1) of ZO-1 down-regulates the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes and F-actin formation; in contrast, the GG24,25AA mutant PDZ peptide cannot control these genes. LPS activates IL-8 secretion extracellularly in a time-dependent manner, while the secretion is inhibited by PDZ peptide. Whereas increased IL-8 secretion by LPS activates the CXCR2 receptor, overexpressed RGS12 negatively regulates LPS-induced CXCR2/IL-8 signaling. The PDZ peptide also decreases LPS-induced inflammatory cell populations, pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression, and TEER in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and cultured alveolar macrophages. Collectively, we suggest that the PDZ peptide may be a potential therapeutic for bacteria-induced respiratory diseases.
Optical and electrochemical effects of H2 and O2 bubbles at upward-facing Si photoelectrodes
Authors: Kempler Paul A. , Ifkovits Zachary P. , Yu Weilai , Carim Azhar I. , Lewis Nathan S.
Published: November 2020

Planar silicon and silicon microwire arrays oriented towards sunlight release layers of small gas bubbles that stir the electrolyte and do not impede photoelectrochemical water splitting.
Stachydrine ameliorates the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration via the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway: in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Shao Zhenxuan , Lu Jiajie , Zhang Chenxi , Zeng Guoling , Chen Boda , Liang Haibo , Wu Aimin , Zhang Xiaolei , Wang Xiangyang
Published: November 2020

Stachydrine ameliorates inflammatory responses and extracellular matrix degradation, via the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signalling pathway in the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration.
Enhancement of the second harmonic signal of nonlinear crystals by a single metal nanoantenna
Authors: Gürdal Emre , Horneber Anke , Meixner Alfred J. , Kern Dieter P. , Zhang Dai , Fleischer Monika
Published: November 2020

This work fundamentally investigates how the second harmonic generation (SHG) from commercial nonlinear crystals can be boosted by the addition of individual optical nanoantennas.
The morphological effect of nanostructured hydroxyapatite coatings on the osteoinduction and osteogenic capacity of porous titanium
Authors: Lu Minxun , Chen Hongjie , Yuan Bo , Zhou Yong , Min Li , Xiao Zhanwen , Yang Xiao , Zhu Xiangdong , Tu Chongqi , Zhang Xingdong
Published: November 2020

Enhanced osteoinduction and osteogenic activities of nanostructured hydroxyapatite coatings by electrochemical deposition.
Natural cyclodextrins and their derivatives for polymer synthesis
Authors: Przybyla Magdalena A. , Yilmaz Gokhan , Becer C. Remzi
Published: November 2020

A toolbox of cyclodextrin derivatives, synthetic strategies for the preparation of cyclodextrin-polymer conjugates using various polymerisation techniques and representative applications of such conjugates are discussed.
Activatable superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles scavenge reactive oxygen species in macrophages and endothelial cells
Authors: Nwasike Chukwuazam , Yoo Eunsoo , Purr Erin , Doiron Amber L.
Published: November 2020

Complexed IPC-SPIOs scavenge intracellular ROS after internalization.
Experimental and theoretical investigations of benzoic acid derivatives as corrosion inhibitors for AISI 316 stainless steel in hydrochloric acid medium: DFT and Monte Carlo simulations on the Fe (110) surface
Authors: Alahiane Mustapha , Oukhrib Rachid , Albrimi Youssef Ait , Oualid Hicham Abou , Bourzi Hassan , Akbour Rachid Ait , Assabbane Ali , Nahlé Ayssar , Hamdani Mohamed
Published: November 2020

The corrosion inhibition efficiencies of benzoic acid (C1), para-hydroxybenzoic acid (C2), and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (C3) have been evaluated in 0.5 M HCl toward protecting AISI 316 stainless steel (SS).
The structure-directing role of graphene in composites with porous FeOOH nanorods for Li ion batteries
Authors: Zhao Hongliang , Song Zhifan , Gao Hanxi , Li Biqian , Hu Tao , Liu Fengqin , Sohn Hong Yong
Published: November 2020

GO acts as a structure-directing template in the crystal growth of FeOOH and Fe2O3.
Effects of chlorinated Pd precursors and preparation methods on properties and activity of Pd/TiO2catalysts
Authors: Kim Ye Eun , Byun Mi Yeon , Lee Kwan-Young , Lee Man Sig
Published: November 2020

We investigated the effects of Pd precursors and preparation methods on the physicochemical properties and performance of Pd/TiO2catalysts in the photocatalytic degradation of methyl violet.
N,S-co-doped carbon dots for rapid acid test paper and bioimaging
Authors: Hou Juan , Qin Jing , Pang Hongyu , Gao Xu , Sun Tiedong , Li Bin
Published: November 2020

Fluorescent N,S-CDs with quantum yield of 37.8% were prepared via one-pot hydrothermal method for direct qualitative analysis in pH sensor and intracellular bioimaging.
Metallodrugs are unique: opportunities and challenges of discovery and development
Authors: Anthony Elizabeth J. , Bolitho Elizabeth M. , Bridgewater Hannah E. , Carter Oliver W. L. , Donnelly Jane M. , Imberti Cinzia , Lant Edward C. , Lermyte Frederik , Needham Russell J. , Palau Marta , Sadler Peter J. , Shi Huayun , Wang Fang-Xin , Zhang Wen-Ying , Zhang Zijin
Published: November 2020

The vital roles of metals in nutrients and medicines are not accessible to purely organic compounds.
Activatable fluorescence sensors forin vivobio-detection in the second near-infrared window
Authors: Zhao Mengyao , Li Benhao , Zhang Hongxin , Zhang Fan
Published: November 2020

Fluorescence imaging in the second near-infrared (NIR-II, 1000–1700 nm) window has exhibited advantages of high optical resolution at deeper penetration (ca.5–20 mm) in bio-tissues owing to the reduced photon scattering and tissue autofluorescence.
Mitigation of Jahn–Teller distortion and Na+/vacancy ordering in a distorted manganese oxide cathode material by Li substitution
Authors: Liu Yanchen , Wang Chenchen , Zhao Shuo , Zhang Lin , Zhang Kai , Li Fujun , Chen Jun
Published: November 2020

Li-Substitution in P′2-Na0.67MnO2 mitigates the anisotropic change of Mn–O bonds and Na/vacancy ordering, and hence significantly promotes its cycling stability and rate capability as a cathode material for sodium-ion batteries.
Lateral motion of a droplet impacting on a wettability-patterned surface: numerical and theoretical studies
Authors: Zhang Tongwei , Wu Jie , Lin Xingjian
Published: November 2020

A general parameter of effective retraction area has been established to connect the wettability patterns with droplet lateral motion.
Distribution of alkali cations near the Cu (111) surface in aqueous solution
Authors: Xi Cong , Zheng Fan , Gao Guoping , Ye Meng , Dong Cunku , Du Xi-Wen , Wang Lin-Wang
Published: November 2020

Cation behavior and distribution at the electrochemical interface under both neutral and charged conditions.
Charge-transfer transition regulation of thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters by changing the valence of sulfur atoms
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Chen Jia-Xiong , Wang Kai , Shi Yi-Zhong , Fan Xiao-Chun , Zhang Shao-Li , Wu Lin , Li Yan-Qing , Ou Xue-Mei , Zhang Xiao-Hong
Published: November 2020

Changing the valence of a sulfur atom to form two novel thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters with different charge transfer transitions.
Comfortable skin sunscreens based on waterborne cross-linkable polydimethylsiloxane coatings
Authors: Li Ping , Wang Shen , Zhou Shuxue
Published: November 2020

New PDMS-based sunscreens can be cross-linked to form elastic UV-shielding films, exhibiting an excellent UV-shielding capability, a mechanical performance analogous to human skin, high transparency, excellent breathability and a non-greasy surface.
Automated approach to measure stellar inclinations: validation through large-scale measurements on the red giant branch
Authors: Gehan C. , Mosser B. , Michel E. , Cunha M. S.
Published: November 2020

Context. Measuring stellar inclinations is fundamental to understanding planetary formation and dynamics as well as the physical conditions during star formation. Oscillation spectra of red giant stars exhibit mixed modes that have both a gravity component from the radiative interior and a pressure component from the convective envelope. Gravity-dominated (g-m) mixed modes split by rotation are well separated inside frequency spectra, allowing accurate measurement of stellar inclinations.

Aims. We aim to develop an automated and general approach to measuring stellar inclinations that can be applied to any solar-type pulsator for which oscillation modes are identified. We also aim to validate this approach using red giant branch stars observed by Kepler.

Methods. Stellar inclination impacts the visibility of oscillation modes with azimuthal orders m = { − 1, 0, +1}. We used the mean height-to-background ratio of dipole mixed modes with different azimuthal orders to measure stellar inclinations. We recovered the underlying statistical distribution of inclinations in an unbiased way using a probability density function for the stellar inclination angle.

Results. We derive stellar inclination measurements for 1139 stars on the red giant branch for which Gehan et al. (2018, A&A, 616, A24) identified the azimuthal order of dipole g-m mixed modes. Raw measured inclinations exhibit strong deviation with respect to isotropy which is expected for random inclinations over the sky. When taking uncertainties into account, the reconstructed distribution of inclinations actually follows the expected isotropic distribution of the rotational axis.

Conclusions. This work highlights the biases that affect inclination measurements and provides a way to infer their underlying statistical distribution. When a star is seen either pole on or equator on, measurements are challenging and result in a biased distribution. Correcting biases that appear in low- and high-inclination regimes allows us to recover the underlying inclination distribution.