bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Internal Solitary Waves in the Gulf of Maine
Authors: Shen Hui , Perrie Will , Johnson Catherine L.
Published: February 2020

Internal solitary waves (ISWs) are important physical processes in the Gulf of Maine (GoM), which is one of the most productive ecosystems of the Northwest Atlantic. In order to understand the roles that ISWs play, it is necessary to have synthesized knowledge of their timing and distributions. We detail the ISW spatial distribution patterns in the GoM using modern high‐resolution satellite imagery. A prediction methodology is suggested based on the speed of mode‐1 ISWs, which is cross validated using three methods: Remote sensing based on positional displacements of ISWs strips in continuous images, theoretical analysis based on climatological ocean stratification, and an empirical method based on bathymetry. Prediction accuracy is further validated by independently collected high spatial resolution satellite images from multiple sensors. We found a new‐generation site for ISWs near Grand Manan, with wave crests extending over the entire GoM. Interference of ISWs originating from the new‐generation site and the well‐known generation location on Georges Bank, plus local‐scale ISW generation sites, creates cross‐sea conditions within the water column, resulting in complex ISWs. We find that the background barotropic currents do not significantly influence the ISW spatial distributions, which simplifies the prediction of ISWs; we also consider the influence of tidal currents, general circulation, and stratification. This methodology is potentially useful for additional studies, for example, linking ISWs, energy and nutrient budgets, mixing, and primary production in the Gulf of Maine.
The Magnitude and Drivers of Methane Ebullition and Diffusion Vary on a Longitudinal Gradient in a Small Freshwater Reservoir
Authors: McClure R. P. , Lofton M. E. , Chen S. , Krueger K. M. , Little J. C. , Carey C. C.
Published: February 2020

Key Points

CH4 ebullition rates decreased by 98% and CH4 diffusion decreased by 32% on a longitudinal gradient from reservoir inflow to dam

Ebullition was driven by physical variables upstream and phytoplankton downstream; diffusion was most related to phytoplankton

Despite large variation in CH4 emissions longitudinally, time series models well captured the dynamics of emissions from a small reservoir
MHD Modeling of the Background Solar Wind in the Inner Heliosphere From 0.1 to 5.5 AU: Comparison With In Situ Observations
Authors: Wang Y. X. , Guo X. C. , Wang C. , Florinski V. , Shen F. , Li H. , Blanc M.
Published: February 2020

The accurate prediction of solar wind conditions in the interplanetary space is crucial in the context of both scientific research and technical applications. In this study, we simulate the solar wind throughout the heliosphere from 0.1 to 5.5 astronomical units (AU) with our improved heliospheric magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model during the time period from 2007 to 2017. The model uses synoptic magnetogram maps as input to derive the inner boundary conditions based on a series of empirical relations such as the Wang‐Sheeley‐Arge (WSA) relation. To test the performance of this model, we compare the simulation results with in situ measurements from multiple spacecraft including ACE/WIND, Solar TErrestrial Relations Observatory, Ulysses, Juno, and MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging at different latitudes and heliocentric distances. There is an overall agreement between the model results and solar wind observations at different latitudes and heliocentric distances. Statistical analysis for Year 2007 reveals that our model can predict most of the corotation interaction regions, high‐speed streams, and magnetic sector boundaries at 1 AU. In addition, the bimodal structure of the solar wind for different latitudes is well reproduced by the model which is consistent with Ulysses data. This study demonstrates the capabilities of our heliosphere model in the prediction of the large‐scale structures of the solar wind in the inner heliosphere, and the model can be used to predict the ambient solar wind at locations of planets in the solar system such as Earth and Jupiter.
Signature of Geochemistry on Density‐Driven CO Mixing in Sandstone Aquifers
Authors: Erfani Hamidreza , Babaei Masoud , Niasar Vahid
Published: February 2020

Density‐driven mixing resulting from CO
injection into aquifers leads to the CO
entrapment mechanism of solubility trapping. Crucially, the coupled flow‐geochemistry and effects of geochemistry on density‐driven mixing process for “sandstone rocks” have not been adequately addressed. Often, there are conflicting remarks in the literature as to whether geochemistry promotes or undermines dissolution‐driven convection in sandstone aquifers. Against this backdrop, we simulate density‐driven mixing in sandstone aquifers by developing a 2‐D modified stream function formulation for multicomponent reactive convective‐diffusive CO
mixing. Two different cases corresponding to laboratory and field scales are studied to investigate the effect of rock‐fluid interaction on density‐driven mixing and the role of mineralization in carbon storage over the project life time. A complex sandstone mineralogical assemblage is considered, and solid‐phase reactions are assumed to be kinetic to study the length‐ and time‐scale dependency of the geochemistry effects. The study revealed nonuniform impact of rock‐fluid and fluid‐fluid interaction in early‐ and late‐time stages of the process. The results show that for moderate Rayleigh (Ra) numbers, rock‐fluid interactions adversely affect solubility trapping while improving the total carbon captured through mineral trapping. Simulation results in the range of 1,500 < 
 < 55,000 in the field‐scale model showed more pronounced impact of geochemistry for higher
numbers, as geochemistry stimulates the convective instabilities and improves the total sequestered carbon. This study gives new insights into the effect of rock‐fluid interactions on density‐driven mixing and solubility trapping in sandstone aquifers to improve estimation of the carbon storage capacity in deep saline aquifers.
UHRF1-repressed 5’-hydroxymethylcytosine is essential for the male meiotic prophase I
Authors: Pan Hongjie , Jiang Ning , Sun Shenfei , Jiang Hanwei , Xu Jianze , Jiang Xiaohua , Gao Qian , Li Liang , Wu Haili , Zheng Huajun , Qi Qi , Li Tianqi , Zhang Meixing , Zhang Lingling , Wan Xiaofeng , Lin Xinhua , Wong Jiemin , Shi Qinghua , Li Runsheng
Published: February 2020

5’-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), an important 5’-cytosine modification, is altered highly in order in male meiotic prophase. However, the regulatory mechanism of this dynamic change and the function of 5hmC in meiosis remain largely unknown. Using a knockout mouse model, we showed that UHRF1 regulated male meiosis. UHRF1 deficiency led to failure of meiosis and male infertility. Mechanistically, the deficiency of UHRF1 altered significantly the meiotic gene profile of spermatocytes. Uhrf1 knockout induced an increase of the global 5hmC level. The enrichment of hyper-5hmC at transcriptional start sites (TSSs) was highly associated with gene downregulation. In addition, the elevated level of the TET1 enzyme might have contributed to the higher 5hmC level in the Uhrf1 knockout spermatocytes. Finally, we reported Uhrf1, a key gene in male meiosis, repressed hyper-5hmC by downregulating TET1. Furthermore, UHRF1 facilitated RNA polymerase II (RNA-pol2) loading to promote gene transcription. Thus our study demonstrated a potential regulatory mechanism of 5hmC dynamic change and its involvement in epigenetic regulation in male meiosis.
Salmonella Typhimurium biofilm disruption by a human antibody that binds a pan-amyloid epitope on curli
Authors: Tursi Sarah A. , Puligedda Rama Devudu , Szabo Paul , Nicastro Lauren K. , Miller Amanda L. , Qiu Connie , Gallucci Stefania , Relkin Norman R. , Buttaro Bettina A. , Dessain Scott K. , Tükel Çagla
Published: February 2020

Bacterial biofilms, especially those associated with implanted medical devices, are difficult to eradicate. Curli amyloid fibers are important components of the biofilms formed by the Enterobacteriaceae family. Here, we show that a human monoclonal antibody with pan-amyloid-binding activity (mAb 3H3) can disrupt biofilms formed by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in vitro and in vivo. The antibody disrupts the biofilm structure, enhancing biofilm eradication by antibiotics and immune cells. In mice, 3H3 injections allow antibiotic-mediated clearance of catheter-associated S. Typhimurium biofilms. Thus, monoclonal antibodies that bind a pan-amyloid epitope have potential to prevent or eradicate bacterial biofilms.
Structure of the human cation–chloride cotransporter NKCC1 determined by single-particle electron cryo-microscopy
Authors: Yang Xiaoyong , Wang Qinzhe , Cao Erhu
Published: February 2020

The secondary active cation–chloride cotransporters (CCCs) utilize the existing Na+ and/or K+ gradients to move Cl− into or out of cells. NKCC1 is an intensively studied member of the CCC family and plays fundamental roles in regulating trans-epithelial ion movement, cell volume, chloride homeostasis and neuronal excitability. Here, we report a cryo-EM structure of human NKCC1 captured in a partially loaded, inward-open state. NKCC1 assembles into a dimer, with the first ten transmembrane (TM) helices harboring the transport core and TM11-TM12 helices lining the dimer interface. TM1 and TM6 helices break α-helical geometry halfway across the lipid bilayer where ion binding sites are organized around these discontinuous regions. NKCC1 may harbor multiple extracellular entryways and intracellular exits, raising the possibility that K+, Na+, and Cl− ions may traverse along their own routes for translocation. NKCC1 structure provides a blueprint for further probing structure–function relationships of NKCC1 and other CCCs.
Efficiency fluctuations and noise induced refrigerator-to-heater transition in information engines
Authors: Paneru Govind , Dutta Sandipan , Sagawa Takahiro , Tlusty Tsvi , Pak Hyuk Kyu
Published: February 2020

Understanding noisy information engines is a fundamental problem of non-equilibrium physics, particularly in biomolecular systems agitated by thermal and active fluctuations in the cell. By the generalized second law of thermodynamics, the efficiency of these engines is bounded by the mutual information passing through their noisy feedback loop. Yet, direct measurement of the interplay between mutual information and energy has so far been elusive. To allow such examination, we explore here the entire phase-space of a noisy colloidal information engine, and study efficiency fluctuations due to the stochasticity of the mutual information and extracted work. We find that the average efficiency is maximal for non-zero noise level, at which the distribution of efficiency switches from bimodal to unimodal, and the stochastic efficiency often exceeds unity. We identify a line of anomalous, noise-driven equilibrium states that defines a refrigerator-to-heater transition, and test the generalized integral fluctuation theorem for continuous engines.
Single-cell sperm transcriptomes and variants from fathers of children with and without autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Tomoiaga Delia , Aguiar-Pulido Vanessa , Shrestha Shristi , Feinstein Paul , Levy Shawn E. , Mason Christopher E. , Rosenfeld Jeffrey A.
Published: February 2020

The human sperm is one of the smallest cells in the body, but also one of the most important, as it serves as the entire paternal genetic contribution to a child. Investigating RNA and mutations in sperm is especially relevant for diseases such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), which have been correlated with advanced paternal age. Historically, studies have focused on the assessment of bulk sperm, wherein millions of individual sperm are present and only high-frequency variants can be detected. Using 10× Chromium single-cell sequencing technology, we assessed the transcriptome from >65,000 single spermatozoa across six sperm donors (scSperm-RNA-seq), including two who fathered multiple children with ASD and four fathers of neurotypical children. Using RNA-seq methods for differential expression and variant analysis, we found clusters of sperm mutations in each donor that are indicative of the sperm being produced by different stem cell pools. Finally, we have shown that genetic variations can be found in single sperm.
Pharmacological tools to mobilise mesenchymal stromal cells into the blood promote bone formation after surgery
Authors: Fellous Tariq G. , Redpath Andia N. , Fleischer Mackenzie M. , Gandhi Sapan , Hartner Samantha E. , Newton Michael D. , François Moïra , Wong Suet-Ping , Gowers Kate H. C. , Fahs Adam M. , Possley Daniel R. , Bonnet Dominique , Urquhart Paula , Nicolaou Anna , Baker Kevin C. , Rankin Sara M.
Published: February 2020

Therapeutic approaches requiring the intravenous injection of autologous or allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are currently being evaluated for treatment of a range of diseases, including orthopaedic injuries. An alternative approach would be to mobilise endogenous MSCs into the blood, thereby reducing costs and obviating regulatory and technical hurdles associated with development of cell therapies. However, pharmacological tools for MSC mobilisation are currently lacking. Here we show that β3 adrenergic agonists (β3AR) in combination with a CXCR4 antagonist, AMD3100/Plerixafor, can mobilise MSCs into the blood in mice and rats. Mechanistically we show that reversal of the CXCL12 gradient across the bone marrow endothelium and local generation of endocannabinoids may both play a role in this process. Using a spine fusion model we provide evidence that this pharmacological strategy for MSC mobilisation enhances bone formation.
Author Correction: Visual field loss and vision-related quality of life in the Italian Primary Open Angle Glaucoma Study
Authors: Rulli Eliana , Quaranta Luciano , Riva Ivano , Poli Davide , Hollander Lital , Galli Fabio , Katsanos Andreas , Oddone Francesco , Torri Valter , Weinreb Robert N. ,   Italian Study Group on QoL in Glaucoma, Varano L. , Carchedi T. , Talarico S. , Frezzotti P. , Parravano F. , Motolese I. , Bagaglia S. A. , Rossi G. C. M. , Lateri S. , Bossolesi L. , Carmassi L. , Rolle T. , Piccini R. , Ratiglia R. , Rossi A. , Gandolfi S. , Tagliavini V. , Ungaro N. , Fossarello M. , Cucca A. , Zucca I. , Uva M. , Bonacci E. , Cardarella G. , Tognetto D. , Vattovani O. , Vallon P. , Iannacone F. , Fontana L. , Marchi S. , Manni G. L. , Jannetta D. , Roberti G. , Rossetti L. , Maggiolo E. , Oneta O. , Sborgia C. , Cantatore F. , Mastropasqua L. , Agnifili L. , Campos E. , Gizzi C. , Giannaccare G. , Pucci V. , Cassamali M. , Costagliola C. , Traverso C. , Scotto R. , Musolino M. , Landi L. , Bagnis A.
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Resource use by individual Drosophila suzukii reveals a flexible preference for oviposition into healthy fruits
Authors: Kienzle Renate , Groß Lara B. , Caughman Shelby , Rohlfs Marko
Published: February 2020

The invasive pest fruit fly Drosophila suzukii is thought to be a specialist on healthy, i.e. unwounded, non-fermenting fruits. Morphological (sharp ovipositor) and neurophysiological/behavioural adaptations have been suggested to contribute to distinct adult feeding (wounded/microbe-laden fruits) and reproductive (healthy fruits) sites. We tested whether (1) variation in the overall availability of fruits, (2) variation in fruit type (healthy, wounded, fermenting), and (3) the relative abundance of different fruit types are ecological determinants of D. suzukii egg-laying decisions. Even though individual flies reduced their reproductive output when resource availability (blueberries) was low, a significantly higher proportion of eggs was allocated to healthy fruits, relative to wounded and fermenting fruits. However, the preference for healthy over wounded fruits declined continuously with a decrease in the relative abundance of healthy fruits and the overall reproductive output did not change. Under laboratory conditions, D. suzukii larvae achieved a higher developmental success on wounded than on healthy blueberries, but suffered less from density-dependent competition in healthy fruits. These data suggest that D. suzukii, despite showing an egg-laying preference for healthy fruits, also uses wounded/fermenting fruits as egg-laying sites, and that it may thrive well in windfall fruits.
iLoF: An intelligent Lab on Fiber Approach for Human Cancer Single-Cell Type Identification
Authors: Paiva Joana S. , Jorge Pedro A. S. , Ribeiro Rita S. R. , Balmaña Meritxell , Campos Diana , Mereiter Stefan , Jin Chunsheng , Karlsson Niclas G. , Sampaio Paula , Reis Celso A. , Cunha João P. S.
Published: February 2020

With the advent of personalized medicine, there is a movement to develop “smaller” and “smarter” microdevices that are able to distinguish similar cancer subtypes. Tumor cells display major differences when compared to their natural counterparts, due to alterations in fundamental cellular processes such as glycosylation. Glycans are involved in tumor cell biology and they have been considered to be suitable cancer biomarkers. Thus, more selective cancer screening assays can be developed through the detection of specific altered glycans on the surface of circulating cancer cells. Currently, this is only possible through time-consuming assays. In this work, we propose the “intelligent” Lab on Fiber (iLoF) device, that has a high-resolution, and which is a fast and portable method for tumor single-cell type identification and isolation. We apply an Artificial Intelligence approach to the back-scattered signal arising from a trapped cell by a micro-lensed optical fiber. As a proof of concept, we show that iLoF is able to discriminate two human cancer cell models sharing the same genetic background but displaying a different surface glycosylation profile with an accuracy above 90% and a speed rate of 2.3 seconds. We envision the incorporation of the iLoF in an easy-to-operate microchip for cancer identification, which would allow further biological characterization of the captured circulating live cells.
A preliminary study on the potential of Nanopore MinION and Illumina MiSeq 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize building-dust microbiomes
Authors: Nygaard Anders B. , Tunsjø Hege S. , Meisal Roger , Charnock Colin
Published: February 2020

There is a growing awareness of the importance of indoor microbiomes for human health. Given their complexity, these microbiomes can only be adequately surveyed using high throughput sequencing techniques. Oxford Nanopore’s MinION is the newest third generation sequencing technology on the market. With its many advantages such as portability, user friendliness, simplicity, speed of sequencing and long read length, the technology is now an actual contender to established sequencing platforms. MinION’s main disadvantage is a relatively low read accuracy compared to several other platforms, although this is constantly improving. The present study, which appears to be the first of its kind, provides the results of a preliminary analysis of the microbial communities in indoor environments based on 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, using both the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) MinIOn and the Illumina MiSeq DNA sequencers. At the level of family and above, there was no significant difference between the microbial compositions as revealed by the two platforms. However, at the genus, and particularly at the species level, the ONT MinION reported greater taxonomic resolution than Illumina MiSeq.
Intestinal intermediate filament polypeptides in C. elegans: Common and isotype-specific contributions to intestinal ultrastructure and function
Authors: Geisler Florian , Coch Richard A. , Richardson Christine , Goldberg Martin , Bevilacqua Carlo , Prevedel Robert , Leube Rudolf E.
Published: February 2020

The abundance and diversity of intermediate filaments (IFs) in the C. elegans intestine indicate important contributions to intestinal function and organismal wellbeing. Fluorescent IF reporters localize below the actin-rich brush border and are highly enriched in the lumen-enveloping endotube, which is attached to the C. elegans apical junction. Mapping intestinal viscoelasticity by contact-free Brillouin microscopy reveals that the IF-rich endotube is positioned at the interface between the stiff brush border and soft cytoplasm suggesting a mechanical buffering function to deal with the frequent luminal distortions occurring during food intake and movement. In accordance, depletion of IFB-2, IFC-2 and IFD-2 leads to intestinal lumen dilation although depletion of IFC-1, IFD-1 and IFP-1 do not. Ultrastructural analyses of loss of function mutants further show that IFC-2 mutants have a rarefied endotube and IFB-2 mutants lack an endotube altogether. Remarkably, almost all IFB-2- and IFC-2-deficient animals develop to fertile adults. But developmental retardation, reduced brood size, altered survival and increased sensitivity to microbial toxin, osmotic and oxidative stress are seen in both mutants albeit to different degrees. Taken together, we propose that individual intestinal IF polypeptides contribute in different ways to endotube morphogenesis and cooperate to cope with changing environments.
Novel Strain of the Chronic Wasting Disease Agent Isolated From Experimentally Inoculated Elk With LL132 Prion Protein
Authors: Moore Jo , Tatum Trudy , Hwang Soyoun , Vrentas Catherine , West Greenlee M. Heather , Kong Qingzhong , Nicholson Eric , Greenlee Justin
Published: February 2020

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal, progressive disease that affects cervid species, including Rocky mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni). There are 2 allelic variants in the elk prion protein gene: L132 (leucine) and M132 (methionine). Following experimental oral challenge with the CWD agent incubation periods are longest in LL132 elk, intermediate in ML132 elk, and shortest in MM132 elk. In order to ascertain whether such CWD-infected elk carry distinct prion strains, groups of Tg12 mice that express M132 elk prion protein were inoculated intracranially with brain homogenate from individual CWD-infected elk of various genotypes (LL132, LM132, or MM132). Brain samples were examined for microscopic changes and assessment of the biochemical properties of disease-associated prion protein (PrPSc). On first passage, mice challenged with LL132 elk inoculum had prolonged incubation periods and greater PrPSc fibril stability compared to mice challenged with MM132 or LM132 inoculum. On second passage, relative incubation periods, western blot profiles, and neuropathology were maintained. These results suggest that the CWD prion isolated from LL132 elk is a novel CWD strain and that M132 PrPC is able to propagate some biophysical properties of the L132 PrPSc conformation.
Towards standardisation of contact and contactless electrical measurements of CVD graphene at the macro-, micro- and nano-scale
Authors: Melios Christos , Huang Nathaniel , Callegaro Luca , Centeno Alba , Cultrera Alessandro , Cordon Alvaro , Panchal Vishal , Arnedo Israel , Redo-Sanchez Albert , Etayo David , Fernandez Montserrat , Lopez Alex , Rozhko Sergiy , Txoperena Oihana , Zurutuza Amaia , Kazakova Olga
Published: February 2020

Graphene has become the focus of extensive research efforts and it can now be produced in wafer-scale. For the development of next generation graphene-based electronic components, electrical characterization of graphene is imperative and requires the measurement of work function, sheet resistance, carrier concentration and mobility in both macro-, micro- and nano-scale. Moreover, commercial applications of graphene require fast and large-area mapping of electrical properties, rather than obtaining a single point value, which should be ideally achieved by a contactless measurement technique. We demonstrate a comprehensive methodology for measurements of the electrical properties of graphene that ranges from nano- to macro- scales, while balancing the acquisition time and maintaining the robust quality control and reproducibility between contact and contactless methods. The electrical characterisation is achieved by using a combination of techniques, including magneto-transport in the van der Pauw geometry, THz time-domain spectroscopy mapping and calibrated Kelvin probe force microscopy. The results exhibit excellent agreement between the different techniques. Moreover, we highlight the need for standardized electrical measurements in highly controlled environmental conditions and the application of appropriate weighting functions.
Plasma microRNA profiles: identification of miR-1229-3p as a novel chemoresistant and prognostic biomarker in gastric cancer
Authors: Nishibeppu Keiji , Komatsu Shuhei , Imamura Taisuke , Kiuchi Jun , Kishimoto Takuma , Arita Tomohiro , Kosuga Toshiyuki , Konishi Hirotaka , Kubota Takeshi , Shiozaki Atsushi , Fujiwara Hitoshi , Okamoto Kazuma , Otsuji Eigo
Published: February 2020

This study aimed to explore novel microRNAs in plasma for predicting chemoresistance in adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with gastric cancer (GC). We used the Toray 3D-Gene microRNA array-based approach to compare preoperative plasma microRNA levels between GC patients with and without recurrences after curative gastrectomy. All patients underwent adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1, an oral fluoropyrimidine. Of 2566 candidates, six candidate microRNAs (miR-1229-3p, 1249-5p, 762, 711, 1268a and 1260b), which were highly expressed in the preoperative plasma of patients with subsequent recurrences, were selected. In a large-scale validation analysis by quantitative RT-PCR, we focused on high plasma levels of miR-1229-3p, which was an independent poor prognostic factor for recurrence free survival (P = 0.009, HR = 3.71). Overexpression of miR-1229-3p in GC cells induced significant chemoresistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), up-regulation of thymidylate synthase (TS) and dihydroprimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) and down-regulation of SLC22A7 both in vitro and in vivo. Intraperitoneal injection of miR-1229-3p in mice induced significant chemoresistance to 5-FU, accompanied by high levels of miR-1229-3p in plasma and tumor tissue. These findings suggest that plasma miR-1229-3p might be a clinically useful biomarker for predicting chemoresistance to S-1 and selecting other or combined intensive chemotherapy regimens in GC patients.
Global distribution patterns and niche modelling of the invasive Kalanchoe × houghtonii (Crassulaceae)
Authors: Herrando-Moraira Sonia , Vitales Daniel , Nualart Neus , Gómez-Bellver Carlos , Ibáñez Neus , Massó Sergi , Cachón-Ferrero Pilar , González-Gutiérrez Pedro A. , Guillot Daniel , Herrera Ileana , Shaw Daniel , Stinca Adriano , Wang Zhiqiang , López-Pujol Jordi
Published: February 2020

Invasive alien species are currently considered one of the main threats to global biodiversity. One of the most rapidly expanding invasive plants in recent times is Kalanchoe × houghtonii (Crassulaceae), an artificial hybrid created in the 1930s in the United States by experimental crossings between K. daigremontiana and K. tubiflora, two species endemic to Madagascar. Thanks to its large colonizing capacity (mainly derived from the production of asexual plantlets), K. × houghtonii soon escaped from cultivation and quickly spread in many parts of the world. However, its actual range is not well known due to the lack of a formal description until recent times (2006) and its strong morphological resemblance with one of its parentals (K. daigremontiana). The present study was aimed, in the first instance, to delimit the present distribution area of K. × houghtonii at the global scale by gathering and validating all its occurrences and to track its colonization history. Currently, K. × houghtonii can be found on all continents except Antarctica, although it did not reach a global distribution until the 2000s. Its potential distribution, estimated with MaxEnt modelling software, is mainly centered in subtropical regions, from 20° to 40° of both northern and southern latitudes, mostly in areas with a high anthropogenic activity. Unexpectedly, concomitant to a poleward migration, future niche models suggest a considerable reduction of its range by up to one-third compared to the present, which might be related with the Crassulaceaean Acid Metabolism (CAM) of K. × houghtonii. Further research may shed light as to whether a decrease in potential habitats constitutes a general pattern for Crassulaceae and CAM plants.
A Study on Microwave Absorption Properties of Carbon Black and Ni0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 Nanocomposites by Tuning the Matching-Absorbing Layer Structures
Authors: Ibrahim Idza Riati , Matori Khamirul Amin , Ismail Ismayadi , Awang Zaiki , Rusly Siti Nor Ain , Nazlan Rodziah , Mohd Idris Fadzidah , Muhammad Zulkimi Muhammad Misbah , Abdullah Nor Hapishah , Mustaffa Muhammad Syazwan , Shafiee Farah Nabilah , Ertugrul Mehmet
Published: February 2020

Microwave absorption properties were systematically studied for double-layer carbon black/epoxy resin (CB) and Ni0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4/epoxy resin (F) nanocomposites in the frequency range of 8 to 18 GHz. The Ni0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized via high energy ball milling with subsequent sintering while carbon black was commercially purchased. The materials were later incorporated into epoxy resin to fabricate double-layer composite structures with total thicknesses of 2 and 3 mm. The CB1/F1, in which carbon black as matching and ferrite as absorbing layer with each thickness of 1 mm, showed the highest microwave absorption of more than 99.9%, with minimum reflection loss of −33.8 dB but with an absorption bandwidth of only 2.7 GHz. Double layer absorbers with F1/CB1(ferrite as matching and carbon black as absorbing layer with each thickness of 1 mm) structure showed the best microwave absorption performance in which more than 99% microwave energy were absorbed, with promising minimum reflection loss of −24.0 dB, along with a wider bandwidth of 4.8 GHz and yet with a reduced thickness of only 2 mm.
Structural dynamics of Populus euphratica forests in different stages in the upper reaches of the Tarim River in China
Authors: Miao Ning , Jiao Peipei , Tao Wenjing , Li Maoping , Li Zhijun , Hu Bin , Moermond Timothy C.
Published: February 2020

We selected fourPopulus euphraticaOliv. forest plots (100 m × 100 m) in the upper reaches of the Tarim River in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China. Each of the four forest plots was chosen to represent a different growth and death stage ofP. euphraticaforest: juvenile forest, mature forest, dying forest, and dead forest. In each plot, we measured the coordinates, DBH, height, and status of allP. euphraticaindividuals. We used (1) spatial pattern analysis to explore spatial distribution patterns and associations of live trees and dead trees, (2) a random mortality model to test whether the tree death was random or non-random, and (3) a generalized linear mixed-effect model (GLMM) to analyse factors related to tree survival (or death). In the juvenile plot, live trees were significantly aggregated at all scales (p < 0.05); while in the mature and dying plots, live trees were more aggregated at small scales and randomly distributed at larger scales. Live trees and dead trees showed a significantly positive association at all scales in the juvenile plot (p < 0.05). While in the mature and dying plots, live trees and dead trees only showed a significantly positive association at scales of 0–3 m (p < 0.05). There was significant density-dependent mortality in the juvenile plot; while mortality was spatially random at all scales in the mature and dying plots. The distance from the river showed significantly negative correlations with tree survival (p < 0.01). DBH and height had significantly positive associations with tree survival in the juvenile, mature, and dying plots (p < 0.05). In extreme drought, dying trees appeared to be shape-shifting into more shrub-like forms with clumps of root sprouts replacing the high canopies. The shift under extreme drought stress to more shrub-like forms ofP. euphraticamay extend their time to wait for a favourable change.
Three-dimensional culture models mimic colon cancer heterogeneity induced by different microenvironments
Authors: Kawai Shigeto , Yamazaki Masaki , Shibuya Keita , Yamazaki Masaya , Fujii Etsuko , Nakano Kiyotaka , Suzuki Masami
Published: February 2020

Colorectal cancer demonstrates intra-tumour heterogeneity formed by a hierarchical structure comprised of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their differentiated progenies. The mechanism by which CSCs are maintained and differentiated needs to be further elucidated, and there is evidence that the tumour microenvironment governs cancer stemness. Using PLR123, a colon cancer cell line with CSC properties, we determined the culture conditions necessary to establish a pair of three-dimensional (3D) culture models grown in Matrigel, designated stemCO and diffCO. The conditions were determined by comparing the phenotypes in the models with PLR123 mouse xenografts colonising lung and liver. StemCO resembled LGR5-positive undifferentiated tumours in the lung, and diffCO had lumen structures composed of polarised cells that were similar to the ductal structures found in differentiated tumours in the liver. In a case using the models for biomedical research, treatment with JAG-1 peptide or a γ-secretase inhibitor modified the Notch signaling and induced changes indicating that the signal participates in lumen formation in the models. Our results demonstrate that culture conditions affect the stemness of 3D culture models generated from CSCs and show that comparing models with different phenotypes is useful for studying how the tumour environment regulates cancer.
Effects of SDS on the activity and conformation of protein tyrosine phosphatase from thermus thermophilus HB27
Authors: Hou Hai , He Huawei , Wang Yejing
Published: February 2020

Deciphering the activity-conformation relationship of PTPase is of great interest to understand how PTPase activity is determined by its conformation. Here we studied the activity and conformational transitions of PTPase from thermus thermophilus HB27 in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Activity assays showed the inactivation of PTPase induced by SDS was in a concentration-dependent manner. Fluorescence and circular dichroism spectra suggested SDS induced significant conformational transitions of PTPase, which resulted in the inactivation of PTPase, and the changes of α-helical structure and tertiary structure of PTPase. Structural analysis revealed a number of hydrophobic and charged residues around the active sites of PTPase may be involved in the hydrophobic and ionic bonds interactions of PTPase and SDS, which are suggested to be the major driving force to result in PTPase inactivation and conformational transitions induced by SDS. Our results suggested the hydrophobic and charged residues around the active sites were essential for the activity and conformation of PTPase. Our study promotes a better understanding of the activity and conformation of PTPase.
Publisher Correction: X-Ray Nanotomography of Individual Pulp Fibre Bonds Reveals the Effect of Wall Thickness on Contact Area
Authors: Sormunen T. , Ketola A. , Miettinen A. , Parkkonen J. , Retulainen E.
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Randomized Evaluation of Anagliptin vs Sitagliptin On low-density lipoproteiN cholesterol in diabetes (REASON) Trial: A 52-week, open-label, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Morimoto Takeshi , Sakuma Ichiro , Sakuma Mio , Tokushige Akihiro , Natsuaki Masahiro , Asahi Tomohiro , Shimabukuro Michio , Nomiyama Takashi , Arasaki Osamu , Node Koichi , Ueda Shinichiro
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Nanocomposite structure of two-line ferrihydrite powder from total scattering
Authors: Funnell Nicholas P. , Fulford Maxwell F. , Inoué Sayako , Kletetschka Karel , Michel F. Marc , Goodwin Andrew L.
Published: February 2020

Ferrihydrite is one of the most important iron-containing minerals on Earth. Yet determination of its atomic-scale structure has been frustrated by its intrinsically poor crystallinity. The key difficulty is that physically-different models can appear consistent with the same experimental data. Using X-ray total scattering and a nancomposite reverse Monte Carlo approach, we evaluate the two principal contending models—one a multi-phase system without tetrahedral iron(III), and the other a single phase with tetrahedral iron(III). Our methodology is unique in considering explicitly the complex nanocomposite structure the material adopts: namely, crystalline domains embedded in a poorly-ordered matrix. The multi-phase model requires unphysical structural rearrangements to fit the data, whereas the single-phase model accounts for the data straightforwardly. Hence the latter provides the more accurate description of the short- and intermediate-range order of ferrihydrite. We discuss how this approach might allow experiment-driven (in)validation of complex models for important nanostructured phases beyond ferrihydrite.
Two-step synthesis of millimeter-scale flexible tubular supercapacitors
Authors: Lu Chao , Chen Xi
Published: February 2020

Flexible supercapacitors have been demonstrated to be ideal energy storage devices owing to their lightweight and flexible nature and their high power density. However, conventional film-shaped devices struggle to meet the requirements of application in complicated situations, including medical instruments and wearable electronics. Here we report a hollow-structured flexible tubular supercapacitor prepared from a scalable method with the same diameter as electric wires. This new supercapacitor design allows for a large specific capacitance of 102 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 with excellent air-working stability over 10,000 cycles. It also shows a high energy density of 14.2 Wh kg−1 with good rate capability even at a current density of 10 A g−1, which is superior to commercial devices (3–10 Wh kg−1). Moreover, the device delivers a stable energy storage capacity when encountering different flexible conditions, such as elongated, tangled and bent states, showing wide potentials in flexible and even wearable applications. Especially, it retains stable specific capacitance even after 500 bending cycles with a bending angle of 180°. The two-step fabrication method of these flexible tubular supercapacitors may allow for possible mass production, as they could be easily integrated with other functional components, and used in realistic scenarios that conventional film devices struggle to realize.
A novel method for stress evaluation in chemically strengthened glass based on micro-Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Terakado Nobuaki , Sasaki Ryusei , Takahashi Yoshihiro , Fujiwara Takumi , Orihara Shuji , Orihara Yoshio
Published: February 2020

Chemically strengthened glass is widely used for screen protection in mobile devices, and its strengthening processes and application fields have rapidly diversified. The origin of the strength is residual compressive stress induced by ion exchange, and the stress evaluation has been performed via the photoelastic effect. However, for a deep understanding of the nature of the strength and development of stronger glasses, we need a method directly connected to atomic-scale glass structures. Here, we propose a method based on the “stuffing” effect, where we can determine the residual stress non-contactively and non-destructively with a high spatial resolution using Boson, D1, D2, and A1 peaks in micro-Raman spectra. Finally, we show a plausible depth dependence of the residual stress.
Highly selective oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid and glucaric acid in water catalyzed by an efficient synergistic photocatalytic system
Authors: Yin Jie , Zhang Quanquan , Yang Changjun , Zhang Bingguang , Deng Kejian
Published: February 2020

A TiO2/HPW/CoPz composite is an excellent photocatalyst for selective oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid and glucaric acid in water.
Immunomodulatory activity of R-phycoerythrin fromPorphyra haitanensis viaTLR4/NF-κB-dependent immunocyte differentiation
Authors: Wang Chun , Shen Zhaopeng , Li Liyan , Li Yinping , Zhao Hongtao , Jiang Xiaolu
Published: February 2020

The immunomodulatory effects of R-phycoerythrin (R-PE) fromPorphyra haitanensiswere investigated by a hydrocortisone (HC)-induced immunosuppressive model in the present research.
A novel endogenous antimicrobial peptide CAMP211-225derived from casein in human milk
Authors: Wang Xing , Sun Yazhou , Wang Fei , You Lianghui , Cao Yan , Tang Ranran , Wen Juan , Cui Xianwei
Published: February 2020

A novel endogenous peptide CAMP211-225up-regulated in preterm milk specifically killsE. coliandY. enterocoliticathrough a membrane-disrupting mechanism.
[4 + 1] annulation reaction of cyclic pyridinium ylides with in situ generated azoalkenes for the construction of spirocyclic skeletons
Authors: Quan Bao-Xue , Zhuo Jun-Rui , Zhao Jian-Qiang , Zhang Ming-Liang , Zhou Ming-Qiang , Zhang Xiao-Mei , Yuan Wei-Cheng
Published: February 2020

Two new kinds of cyclic pyridinium ylides have been firstly designed and used in reactions with in situ generated azoalkenes to access spirocyclic compounds via a [4 + 1] annulation process.
Effects of linear and branched side chains on the redox and optoelectronic properties of 3,4-dialkoxythiophene polymers
Authors: Ochieng Melony A. , Ponder James F. , Reynolds John R.
Published: February 2020

Identification of relevant structure–property relationships on solution-processable conjugated polymers have been shown to improve the performance of various redox properties.
Preparation of cyclic imides from alkene-tethered amides: application of homogeneous Cu(ii) catalytic systems
Authors: Liu Zhenghui , Wang Peng , Ou Hualin , Yan Zhenzhong , Chen Suqing , Tan Xingxing , Yu Dongkun , Zhao Xinhui , Mu Tiancheng
Published: February 2020

A catalytic system comprising Cu(ii) and a nitrogen-based ligand for the oxygenation and cyclization of alkene-tethered amides.
A polymeric nanocarrier with a tumor acidity-activatable arginine-rich (R9) peptide for enhanced drug delivery
Authors: Zhang Liting , Jiang Chengtao , Zeng Fanjun , Zhou Haiyu , Li Dongdong , He Xinyu , Shen Song , Yang Xianzhu , Wang Jun
Published: February 2020

The cell-penetrating function of R9 peptide of DA@R9-NPDOX was masked in the blood circulation, while reactivated in tumor tissue for enhanced tumor cellular uptake.
Regioselective aromatic O-demethylation with an artificial P450BM3 peroxygenase system
Authors: Jiang Yihui , Wang Chunlan , Ma Nana , Chen Jie , Liu Chuanfei , Wang Fang , Xu Jiakun , Cong Zhiqi
Published: February 2020

Highly regioselective O-demethylation of aromatic ethers related to the bioconversion of lignin was achieved by the H2O2-dependent engineered P450BM3 enzymes with assistance of a dual-functional small molecule (DFSM) for the first time.
Correction: Solid state characterization of oxidized actinides co-crystallized with uranyl nitrate hexahydrate
Authors: Einkauf Jeffrey D. , Burns Jonathan D.
Published: February 2020

Correction for ‘Solid state characterization of oxidized actinides co-crystallized with uranyl nitrate hexahydrate’ by Jeffrey D. Einkauf et al., Dalton Trans., 2020, 49, 608–612.
Electrospinning chiral fluorescent nanofibers from helical polyacetylene: preparation and enantioselective recognition ability
Authors: Yang Jiali , Li Pengpeng , Zhao Biao , Pan Kai , Deng Jianping
Published: February 2020

Chiral, fluorescent helical substituted polyacetylene-based electrospun nanofibers demonstrate chiral recognition ability.
Spin-polarized quantum transport in Si dangling bond wires
Authors: An Qi , Hu Chen , Yu Guanghua , Guo Hong
Published: February 2020

We report theoretical modeling of spin-dependent quantum transport properties of dangling bond wires (DBWs) on the Si(100)-2 × 1:H surface.
Metal-free synthesis of imino-disaccharides and calix-iminosugars by photoinduced radical thiol–ene coupling (TEC)
Authors: Zelli Renaud , Dumy Pascal , Marra Alberto
Published: February 2020

Deprotected iminosugar alkenes were subjected to thiol–ene coupling with deprotected sugar thiols to afford new imino-disaccharides. Two thiol–ene couplings converted these alkenes into iminosugar thiols and then multivalent iminosugars.
Theoretical study of a p–n homojunction SiGe field-effect transistor via covalent functionalization
Authors: Zhao Jianwei , Cheng Na , Xia FeiFei , Liu LianMei , He Yuanyuan
Published: February 2020

p–n homojunctions are superior to p–n heterojunctions in constructing nanoscale functional devices, owing to the excellent crystallographic alignment.
Down-regulation of microRNA-203a suppresses IL-1β-induced inflammation and cartilage degradation in human chondrocytes through Smad3 signaling
Authors: An Yongbo , Wan Guang , Tao Jingang , Cui Mingxing , Zhou Qinglan , Hou Wengen
Published: February 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic and prevalent degenerative musculoskeletal disorder, which is characterized by articular cartilage degradation and joint inflammation. MicroRNA-203a (miR-203a) has been shown to be involved in multiple pathological processes during OA, but little is known about its function in chondrocyte extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the effects of miR-203a on articular cartilage degradation and joint inflammation. We observed that the miR-203a level was significantly up-regulated in OA tissues and in an in vitro model of OA, respectively. Inhibition of miR-203a significantly alleviated the interleukin (IL)-1β-induced inflammatory response and ECM degradation in chondrocytes. Moreover, mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (Smad3), a key factor in maintaining chondrocyte homeostasis, was identified as a putative target of miR-203a in chondrocytes. More importantly, inhibition of Smad3 impaired the inhibitory effects of the miR-203a on IL-1β-induced inflammatory response and ECM degradation. Collectively, these results demonstrated that miR-203a may contribute to articular cartilage degradation of OA by targeting Smad3, suggesting a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of OA.
The association of miR34b/c and TP53 gene polymorphisms with Wilms tumor risk in Chinese children
Authors: Wang Juxiang , Lou Susu , Huang Xiaokai , Mo Yixiao , Wang Zhen , Zhu Jinhong , Tian Xiaoqian , Shi Jiandong , Zhou Haixia , He Jing , Ruan Jichen
Published: February 2020

Wilms tumor is the most common pediatric malignancy in the kidney. The miR34b/c is a downstream target gene of the transcription factor p53. The important role of TP53 mutations, the methylation of miR34b/c, and the interaction between these two molecules in tumorigenesis have been well documented. Due to the biological connection between p53 and miR34b/c, in the present study, we investigated the association between polymorphisms in these two molecules and Wilms tumor susceptibility through genotyping two important functional polymorphisms (miR34b/c rs4938723 T>C and TP53 rs1042522 C>G) in 183 cases and 603 controls. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) derived from the logistic regression analysis were used to assess the correlation of miR34b/c rs4938723 and TP53 rs1042522 polymorphisms with Wilms tumor risk. Our results indicated that the association of miR34b/c rs4938723 and TP53 rs1042522 polymorphisms with Wilms tumor susceptibility was not statistically significant. Stratified analysis by age, gender, and clinical stage, as well as combined effect analysis were also performed, yet, no significant association was found. In conclusion, our study indicated a lack of association between the two selected polymorphisms and Wilms tumor susceptibility. Our findings need to be verified in studies with larger sample size in the future.