bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In cellulo crystallization of Trypanosoma brucei IMP dehydrogenase enables the identification of genuine co-factors
Authors: Nass Karol , Redecke Lars , Perbandt M. , Yefanov O. , Klinge M. , Koopmann R. , Stellato F. , Gabdulkhakov A. , Schönherr R. , Rehders D. , Lahey-Rudolph J. M. , Aquila A. , Barty A. , Basu S. , Doak R. B. , Duden R. , Frank M. , Fromme R. , Kassemeyer S. , Katona G. , Kirian R. , Liu H. , Majoul I. , Martin-Garcia J. M. , Messerschmidt M. , Shoeman R. L. , Weierstall U. , Westenhoff S. , White T. A. , Williams G. J. , Yoon C. H. , Zatsepin N. , Fromme P. , Duszenko M. , Chapman H. N. , Betzel C.
Published: January 2020

Sleeping sickness is a fatal disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei (Tb). Inosine-5’-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) has been proposed as a potential drug target, since it maintains the balance between guanylate deoxynucleotide and ribonucleotide levels that is pivotal for the parasite. Here we report the structure of TbIMPDH at room temperature utilizing free-electron laser radiation on crystals grown in living insect cells. The 2.80 Å resolution structure reveals the presence of ATP and GMP at the canonical sites of the Bateman domains, the latter in a so far unknown coordination mode. Consistent with previously reported IMPDH complexes harboring guanosine nucleotides at the second canonical site, TbIMPDH forms a compact oligomer structure, supporting a nucleotide-controlled conformational switch that allosterically modulates the catalytic activity. The oligomeric TbIMPDH structure we present here reveals the potential of in cellulo crystallization to identify genuine allosteric co-factors from a natural reservoir of specific compounds.
Absence of unidirectionally propagating surface plasmon-polaritons at nonreciprocal metal-dielectric interfaces
Authors: Buddhiraju Siddharth , Shi Yu , Song Alex , Wojcik Casey , Minkov Momchil , Williamson Ian A. D. , Dutt Avik , Fan Shanhui
Published: February 2020

In the presence of an external magnetic field, the surface plasmon polariton that exists at the metal-dielectric interface is believed to support a unidirectional frequency range near the surface plasmon frequency, where the surface plasmon polariton propagates along one but not the opposite direction. Recent works have pointed to some of the paradoxical consequences of such a unidirectional range, including in particular the violation of the time-bandwidth product constraint that should otherwise apply in general in static systems. Here we show that such a unidirectional frequency range is nonphysical using both a general thermodynamic argument and a detailed calculation based on a nonlocal hydrodynamic Drude model for the metal permittivity. Our calculation reveals that the surface plasmon-polariton at metal-dielectric interfaces remains bidirectional for all frequencies.
Dust tides and rapid meridional motions in the Martian atmosphere during major dust storms
Authors: Wu Zhaopeng , Li Tao , Zhang Xi , Li Jing , Cui Jun
Published: January 2020

The atmosphere of Mars is strongly affected by the spatial and temporal variability of airborne dust. However, global dust variability within a sol (Martian day) is still poorly understood. Although short-term dynamic processes are crucial, detailed comparisons of simulated diurnal variations are limited by relatively sparse observations. Here, we report the discovery of ubiquitous, strong diurnal tides of dust in the Southern Hemisphere of Mars. Driven by the westward-propagating migrating diurnal thermal tide, zonally distributed dust fronts slosh back and forth in a wide latitudinal range of up to 40° within one sol during major dust storms. Dust tides—tidal transport of dust in this way—rapidly transport heat and constituents meridionally, allowing moist air near the summer pole to be rapidly transported to lower latitudes during the night, where it then can be lifted by daytime deep convection and contribute to hydrogen escape from Mars during global dust storms.
PRMT6-mediated H3R2me2a guides Aurora B to chromosome arms for proper chromosome segregation
Authors: Kim Seul , Kim Nam Hyun , Park Ji Eun , Hwang Jee Won , Myung Nayeon , Hwang Ki-Tae , Kim Young A , Jang Chang-Young , Kim Yong Kee
Published: January 2020

The kinase Aurora B forms the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) together with Borealin, INCENP, and Survivin to mediate chromosome condensation, the correction of erroneous spindle-kinetochore attachments, and cytokinesis. Phosphorylation of histone H3 Thr3 by Haspin kinase and of histone H2A Thr120 by Bub1 concentrates the CPC at the centromere. However, how the CPC is recruited to chromosome arms upon mitotic entry is unknown. Here, we show that asymmetric dimethylation at Arg2 on histone H3 (H3R2me2a) by protein arginine methyltransferase 6 (PRMT6) recruits the CPC to chromosome arms and facilitates histone H3S10 phosphorylation by Aurora B for chromosome condensation. Furthermore, in vitro assays show that Aurora B preferentially binds to the H3 peptide containing H3R2me2a and phosphorylates H3S10. Our findings indicate that the long-awaited key histone mark for CPC recruitment onto mitotic chromosomes is H3R2me2a, which is indispensable for maintaining appropriate CPC levels in dynamic translocation throughout mitosis.
Publisher Correction: A deep-learning technique for phase identification in multiphase inorganic compounds using synthetic XRD powder patterns
Authors: Lee Jin-Woong , Park Woon Bae , Lee Jin Hee , Singh Satendra Pal , Sohn Kee-Sun
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Genomic regions under selection in the feralization of the dingoes
Authors: Zhang Shao-jie , Wang Guo-Dong , Ma Pengcheng , Zhang Liang-liang , Yin Ting-Ting , Liu Yan-hu , Otecko Newton O. , Wang Meng , Ma Ya-ping , Wang Lu , Mao Bingyu , Savolainen Peter , Zhang Ya-ping
Published: February 2020

Dingoes are wild canids living in Australia, originating from domestic dogs. They have lived isolated from both the wild and the domestic ancestor, making them a unique model for studying feralization. Here, we sequence the genomes of 10 dingoes and 2 New Guinea Singing Dogs. Phylogenetic and demographic analyses show that dingoes originate from dogs in southern East Asia, which migrated via Island Southeast Asia to reach Australia around 8300 years ago, and subsequently diverged into a genetically distinct population. Selection analysis identifies 50 positively selected genes enriched in digestion and metabolism, indicating a diet change during feralization of dingoes. Thirteen of these genes have shifted allele frequencies compared to dogs but not compared to wolves. Functional assays show that an A-to-G mutation in ARHGEF7 decreases the endogenous expression, suggesting behavioral adaptations related to the transitions in environment. Our results indicate that the feralization of the dingo induced positive selection on genomic regions correlated to neurodevelopment, metabolism and reproduction, in adaptation to a wild environment.
Highly skewed current–phase relation in superconductor–topological insulator–superconductor Josephson junctions
Authors: Kayyalha Morteza , Kazakov Aleksandr , Miotkowski Ireneusz , Khlebnikov Sergei , Rokhinson Leonid P. , Chen Yong P.
Published: January 2020

Three-dimensional topological insulators (TIs) in proximity with superconductors are expected to exhibit exotic phenomena, such as topological superconductivity (TSC) and Majorana-bound states (MBS), which may have applications in topological quantum computation. In superconductor–TI–superconductor Josephson junctions, the supercurrent versus the phase difference between the superconductors, referred to as the current–phase relation (CPR), reveals important information including the nature of the superconducting transport. Here, we study the induced superconductivity in gate-tunable Josephson junctions (JJs) made from topological insulator BiSbTeSe2 with superconducting Nb electrodes. We observe highly skewed (non-sinusoidal) CPR in these junctions. The critical current, or the magnitude of the CPR, increases with decreasing temperature down to the lowest accessible temperature (T ~ 20 mK), revealing the existence of low-energy modes in our junctions. The gate dependence shows that close to the Dirac point the CPR becomes less skewed, indicating the transport is more diffusive, most likely due to the presence of electron/hole puddles and charge inhomogeneity. Our experiments provide strong evidence that superconductivity is induced in the highly ballistic topological surface states (TSS) in our gate-tunable TI-based JJs. Furthermore, the measured CPR is in good agreement with the prediction of a model which calculates the phase-dependent eigenstate energies in our system, considering the finite width of the electrodes, as well as the TSS wave functions extending over the entire circumference of the TI.
Aperiodic quantum oscillations in the two-dimensional electron gas at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface
Authors: Rubi Km , Gosteau Julien , Serra Raphaël , Han Kun , Zeng Shengwei , Huang Zhen , Warot-Fonrose Benedicte , Arras Rémi , Snoeck Etienne , Ariando  , Goiran Michel , Escoffier Walter
Published: January 2020

Despite several attempts, the intimate electronic structure of two-dimensional electron systems buried at the interface between LaAlO3 and SrTiO3 still remains to be experimentally revealed. Here, we investigate the transport properties of a high-mobility quasi-two-dimensional electron gas at this interface under high magnetic field (55 T) and provide new insights for electronic band structure by analyzing the Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations. Interestingly, the quantum oscillations are not 1∕B-periodic and produce a highly non-linear Landau plot (Landau level index versus 1/B). We explore different scenarios leading to 1/B-aperiodic oscillations where the charge and the chemical potential vary as the magnetic field increases. Overall, the magneto-transport data are discussed in light of high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (HRSTEM) analysis of the interface as well as calculations from density functional theory.
Separate tuning of nematicity and spin fluctuations to unravel the origin of superconductivity in FeSe
Authors: Baek Seung-Ho , Ok Jong Mok , Kim Jun Sung , Aswartham Saicharan , Morozov Igor , Chareev Dmitriy , Urata Takahiro , Tanigaki Katsumi , Tanabe Yoichi , Büchner Bernd , Efremov Dmitri V.
Published: January 2020

The interplay of orbital and spin degrees of freedom is the fundamental characteristic in numerous condensed matter phenomena, including high-temperature superconductivity, quantum spin liquids, and topological semimetals. In iron-based superconductors (FeSCs), this causes superconductivity to emerge in the vicinity of two other instabilities: nematic and magnetic. Unveiling the mutual relationship among nematic order, spin fluctuations, and superconductivity has been a major challenge for research in FeSCs, but it is still controversial. Here, by carrying out 77Se nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements on FeSe single crystals, doped by cobalt and sulfur that serve as control parameters, we demonstrate that the superconducting transition temperature Tc increases in proportion to the strength of spin fluctuations, while it is independent of the nematic transition temperature Tnem. Our observation therefore directly implies that superconductivity in FeSe is essentially driven by spin fluctuations in the intermediate coupling regime, while nematic fluctuations have a marginal impact on Tc.
Author Correction: Measuring dynamic social contacts in a rehabilitation hospital: effect of wards, patient and staff characteristics
Authors: Duval Audrey , Obadia Thomas , Martinet Lucie , Boëlle Pierre-Yves , Fleury Eric , Guillemot Didier , Opatowski Lulla , Temime Laura ,   I-Bird study group, Alvarez Anne Sophie , Baraffe Audrey , Beiró Mariano , Bertucci Inga , Cyncynatus Camille , Dannet Florence , Delaby Marie Laure , Denys Pierre , de Cellès Matthieu Domenech , Fraboulet Antoine , Gaillard Jean-Louis , Herrmann Jean-Louis , Labrador Boris , Lasley Jennifer , Lawrence Christine , Legrand Judith , Le Minor Odile , Ligier Caroline , Mignon Karine , Sacleux Catherine , Salomon Jérôme , Perard Marie , Petit Laure , Remy Laeticia , Thiebaut Anne , Thomas Damien , Tronchet Philippe , Villain Isabelle
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Projected distribution and climate refugia of endangered Kashmir musk deer Moschus cupreus in greater Himalaya, South Asia
Authors: Singh Paras Bikram , Mainali Kumar , Jiang Zhigang , Thapa Arjun , Subedi Naresh , Awan Muhammad Naeem , Ilyas Orus , Luitel Himal , Zhou Zhixin , Hu Huijian
Published: January 2020

Kashmir musk deerMoschus cupreus(KMD) are the least studied species of musk deer. We compiled genetically validated occurrence records of KMD to construct species distribution models using Maximum Entropy. We show that the distribution of KMD is limited between central Nepal on the east and north-east Afghanistan on the west and is primarily determined by precipitation of driest quarter, annual mean temperature, water vapor, and precipitation during the coldest quarter. Precipitation being the most influential determinant of distribution suggests the importance of pre-monsoon moisture for growth of the dominant vegetation, Himalayan birchBetula utilisand Himalayan firAbies spectabilis, in KMD’s preferred forests. All four Representative Concentration Pathway Scenarios result an expansion of suitable habitat in Uttarakhand, India, west Nepal and their associated areas in China in 2050s and 2070s but a dramatic loss of suitable habitat elsewhere (Kashmir region and Pakistan-Afghanistan border). About 1/4thof the current habitat will remain as climate refugia in future. Since the existing network of protected areas will only include a tiny fraction (4%) of the climatic refugia of KMD, the fate of the species will be determined by the interplay of more urgent short-term forces of poaching and habitat degradation and long-term forces of climate change.
Beamed UV sonoluminescence by aspherical air bubble collapse near liquid-metal microparticles
Authors: Boyd Bradley , Suslov Sergey A. , Becker Sid , Greentree Andrew D. , Maksymov Ivan S.
Published: January 2020

Irradiation with UV-C band ultraviolet light is one of the most commonly used ways of disinfecting water contaminated by pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Sonoluminescence, the emission of light from acoustically-induced collapse of air bubbles in water, is an efficient means of generating UV-C light. However, because a spherical bubble collapsing in the bulk of water creates isotropic radiation, the generated UV-C light fluence is insufficient for disinfection. Here we show, based on detailed theoretical modelling and rigorous simulations, that it should be possible to create a UV light beam from aspherical air bubble collapse near a gallium-based liquid-metal microparticle. The beam is perpendicular to the metal surface and is caused by the interaction of sonoluminescence light with UV plasmon modes of the metal. We estimate that such beams can generate fluences exceeding 10 mJ/cm2, which is sufficient to irreversibly inactivate most common pathogens in water with the turbidity of more than 5 Nephelometric Turbidity Units.
On the interplay between hypothermia and reproduction in a high arctic ungulate
Authors: Schmidt Niels M. , Grøndahl Carsten , Evans Alina L. , Desforges Jean-Pierre , Blake John , Hansen Lars H. , Beumer Larissa T. , Mosbacher Jesper B. , Stelvig Mikkel , Greunz Eva M. , Chimienti Marianna , van Beest Floris M.
Published: January 2020

For free-ranging animals living in seasonal environments, hypometabolism (lowered metabolic rate) and hypothermia (lowered body temperature) can be effective physiological strategies to conserve energy when forage resources are low. To what extent such strategies are adopted by large mammals living under extreme conditions, as those encountered in the high Arctic, is largely unknown, especially for species where the gestation period overlaps with the period of lowest resource availability (i.e. winter). Here we investigated for the first time the level to which high arctic muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) adopt hypothermia and tested the hypothesis that individual plasticity in the use of hypothermia depends on reproductive status. We measured core body temperature over most of the gestation period in both free-ranging muskox females in Greenland and captive female muskoxen in Alaska. We found divergent overwintering strategies according to reproductive status, where pregnant females maintained stable body temperatures during winter, while non-pregnant females exhibited a temporary decrease in their winter body temperature. These results show that muskox females use hypothermia during periods of resource scarcity, but also that the use of this strategy may be limited to non-reproducing females. Our findings suggest a trade-off between metabolically-driven energy conservation during winter and sustaining foetal growth, which may also apply to other large herbivores living in highly seasonal environments elsewhere.
Systematic Comparison of High-throughput Single-Cell and Single-Nucleus Transcriptomes during Cardiomyocyte Differentiation
Authors: Selewa Alan , Dohn Ryan , Eckart Heather , Lozano Stephanie , Xie Bingqing , Gauchat Eric , Elorbany Reem , Rhodes Katherine , Burnett Jonathan , Gilad Yoav , Pott Sebastian , Basu Anindita
Published: January 2020

A comprehensive reference map of all cell types in the human body is necessary for improving our understanding of fundamental biological processes and in diagnosing and treating disease. High-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing techniques have emerged as powerful tools to identify and characterize cell types in complex and heterogeneous tissues. However, extracting intact cells from tissues and organs is often technically challenging or impossible, for example in heart or brain tissue. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing provides an alternative way to obtain transcriptome profiles of such tissues. To systematically assess the differences between high-throughput single-cell and single-nuclei RNA-seq approaches, we compared Drop-seq and DroNc-seq, two microfluidic-based 3′ RNA capture technologies that profile total cellular and nuclear RNA, respectively, during a time course experiment of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) differentiating into cardiomyocytes. Clustering of time-series transcriptomes from Drop-seq and DroNc-seq revealed six distinct cell types, five of which were found in both techniques. Furthermore, single-cell trajectories reconstructed from both techniques reproduced expected differentiation dynamics. We then applied DroNc-seq to postmortem heart tissue to test its performance on heterogeneous human tissue samples. Our data confirm that DroNc-seq yields similar results to Drop-seq on matched samples and can be successfully used to generate reference maps for the human cell atlas.
Reversible Atmospheric Water Harvesting Using Metal-Organic Frameworks
Authors: Logan Matthew W. , Langevin Spencer , Xia Zhiyong
Published: January 2020

The passive capture of clean water from humid air without reliance on bulky equipment and high energy has been a substantial challenge and has attracted significant interest as a potential environmentally friendly alternative to traditional water harvesting methods. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer a high potential for this application due to their structural versatility which permits scalable, facile modulations of structural and functional elements. Although MOFs are promising materials for water harvesting, little research has been done to address the microstructure-adsorbing characteristics relationship with respect to the dynamic adsorption-desorption process. In this article, we present a parametric study of nine hydrolytically stable MOFs with diverse structures for unraveling fundamental material properties that govern the kinetics of water sequestration in this class of materials as well as investigating overall uptake capacity gravimetrically. The effects of temperature, relative humidity, and powder bed thickness on the adsorption-desorption process are explored for achieving optimal operational parameters. We found that Zr-MOF-808 can produce up to 8.66 LH2O kg−1MOF day−1, an extraordinary finding that outperforms any previously reported values for MOF-based systems. The presented findings help to deepen our understanding and guide the discovery of next-generation water harvesting materials.
Identification and characterization of two conserved G-quadruplex forming motifs in the Nipah virus genome and their interaction with G-quadruplex specific ligands
Authors: Majee Prativa , Kumar Mishra Subodh , Pandya Nirali , Shankar Uma , Pasadi Sanjeev , Muniyappa K. , Nayak Debasis , Kumar Amit
Published: January 2020

The G-quadruplex (GQ) motifs are considered as potential drug-target sites for several human pathogenic viruses such as Zika, Hepatitis, Ebola, and Human Herpesviruses. The recent outbreaks of Nipah virus (NiV) in India, the highly fatal emerging zoonotic virus is a potential threat to global health security as no anti-viral drug or vaccine in currently available. Therefore, here in the present study, we sought to assess the ability of the putative G-quadruplex forming sequences in the NiV genome to form G-quadruplex structures and act as targets for anti-viral compounds. Bioinformatics analysis underpinned by various biophysical and biochemical techniques (such as NMR, CD, EMSA, DMS footprinting assay) confirmed the presence of two highly conserved G-quadruplex forming sequences (HGQs) in the G and L genes of NiV. These genes encode the cell attachment glycoprotein and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, respectively and are essential for the virus entry and replication within the host cell. It remains possible that stabilization of these HGQs by the known G-quadruplex binding ligands like TMPyP4 and Braco-19 represents a promising strategy to inhibit the expression of the HGQ harboring genes and thereby stop the viral entry and replication inside the host cell. Accordingly, we report for the first time, that HGQs in Nipah virus genome are targets for G-quadruplex specific ligands; therefore, could serve as potential targets for anti-viral therapy.
Contrasting functional structure of saproxylic beetle assemblages associated to different microhabitats
Authors: Micó Estefanía , Ramilo Pablo , Thorn Simon , Müller Jörg , Galante Eduardo , Carmona Carlos P.
Published: January 2020

Saproxylic beetles depend on diverse microhabitats that are exploited by different species assemblages. We focused on analysing the functional trait patterns and functional diversity components of two main assemblages that were collected with window traps (WTs) and hollow emergence traps (HETs) respectively, between three protected areas of the Iberian Peninsula. For that we measured phenological, physiological, morphological, and ecological traits. Results showed that the main microhabitats exploited by each assemblage (WT and HET) constrain most of the morphological traits and trophic guilds. In addition, relative elytra length and predator guild, together with adult activity period, responded to differences at the habitat level (among study areas). HET assemblages were less taxonomically diverse but more functionally diverse than those of WTs, enhancing the functional relevance of tree hollows. Additionally, niche filtering dominated WT assemblages, which were characterised by a narrower functional space and a higher redundancy. In contrast, in the HET assemblages the coexistence of functionally dissimilar species is driven by the niche heterogeneity. HET and WT assemblages differed in the functional space occupied by each within areas, but both assemblages reflected coincident patterns among areas that pointed to a reduction of functional space with management.
Hybridization between subterranean tuco-tucos (Rodentia, Ctenomyidae) with contrasting phylogenetic positions
Authors: Kubiak Bruno Busnello , Kretschmer Rafael , Leipnitz Leonardo Trindade , Maestri Renan , de Almeida Thamara Santos , Borges Leandro Rodrigues , Galiano Daniel , Pereira Jorge C. , de Oliveira Edivaldo Herculano Corrêa , Ferguson-Smith Malcolm A. , de Freitas Thales Renato Ochotorena
Published: January 2020

Reproductive compatibility usually decreases according to increasing genetic difference and the time of divergence between species. However, the amount of modification required to influence hybridization may vary in different species. Thus, it is extremely important to conduct studies that seek to understand what and how variables influence the reproductive isolation of species. We have explored a system involving two species of subterranean rodents that present morphological, karyotypic, and evolutionary history differences and are capable of generating hybrids. To gain insight into the karyotype organization of genusCtenomys, we examined the chromosome evolution by classical and molecular cytogenetics of both parental species and hybrids. Furthermore, we have used different approaches to analyze the differences between the parental species and the hybrids, and determined the origin of the hybrids. The results of our work demonstrate unequivocally that some species that present extensive differences in chromosome organization, phenotype, evolutionary history, sperm morphology and genetic, which are usually associated with reproductive isolation, can generate natural hybrids. The results also demonstrate that females of both species are able to generate hybrids with males of the other species. In addition, the chromosome-specific probes prepared fromCtenomys flamarioniprovide an invaluable tool for comparative cytogenetics in closely related species.
Corticosteroid reduction by addition of cetirizine and montelukast in biopsy-proven minimal-change nephrotic syndrome concomitant with allergic disorders
Authors: Oshima Yoichi , Sumida Keiichi , Yamanouchi Masayuki , Hayami Noriko , Sekine Akinari , Mizuno Hiroki , Kawada Masahiro , Hiramatsu Rikako , Hasegawa Eiko , Suwabe Tatsuya , Hoshino Junichi , Sawa Naoki , Fujii Takeshi , Takaichi Kenmei , Ubara Yoshifumi
Published: January 2020

Recent reports suggest helper T-cell abnormalities in minimal-change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS), which often complicate allergic disorders that show a similar helper T-cell profile with Th2/Th17 predominance. However, the effect of anti-allergy therapy on MCNS remains unknown. This retrospective study included 51 patients with biopsy-proven MCNS recruited between November 2012 and October 2015, with follow-up through November 2017. We analyzed relapse and temporal daily corticosteroid dose with and without co-administration of histamine H1 receptor antagonist, cetirizine, and cysteinyl-leukotriene receptor antagonist, montelukast, as well as between baseline and after follow-up. Thirteen patients were treated with cetirizine and montelukast in addition to conventional therapy, whereas 38 patients were treated by conventional therapy only, consisting of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. To adjust for baseline clinical characteristics, a 1:1 propensity score–matched model was applied. The clinical characteristics of the two groups after matching were similar at baseline. The treatment group showed a significant reduction in the lowest daily dose of oral prednisolone throughout the entire treatment course after the study compared to that of baseline (p < 0.025), which was not observed in the control group (p = 0.37), and showed significantly higher percentage of patients establishing corticosteroid-free state for the first time throughout the entire treatment course by addition of cetirizine and montelukast compared to the control group (p < 0.025). The study shows, for the first time, the steroid sparing effect of cetirizine and montelukast in addition to conventional treatment in MCNS patients with concomitant allergies.
Ganglion Cell – Inner Plexiform Layer Damage in Diabetic Patients: 3-Year Prospective, Longitudinal, Observational Study
Authors: Lim Hyung Bin , Shin Yong Il , Lee Min Woo , Koo Hyungmoon , Lee Woo Hyuk , Kim Jung Yeul
Published: January 2020

Diabetes is expected to accelerate age-related ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) loss, but there is limited information on the rate of reduction in GC-IPL thicknesses. We aimed to evaluate the reduction rate of GC-IPL thickness in diabetic patients, and to compare the rates between patients without and with diabetic retinopathy (DR). We included 112 eyes of 112 patients with diabetes [49 eyes without DR (no-DR group) and 63 eyes with mild to moderate non-proliferative DR (NPDR group)] and 63 eyes of 63 normal controls (control group) in this study. Macular GC-IPL thickness in all participants was measured for 3 years at 1-year intervals. The reduction rates of GC-IPL thickness were determined by linear mixed models and compared among the three groups. The estimated reduction rates of the average GC-IPL thickness in the no-DR (−0.627 μm/year) and NPDR (−0.987 μm/year) groups were 2.26-fold (p = 0.010) and 3.56-fold (p = 0.001) faster, respectively, than the control group (−0.277 μm/year). Age, duration of diabetes, and baseline average GC-IPL thickness were associated with longitudinal changes in average GC-IPL thickness. The GC-IPL reduction rate was significantly faster in diabetic patients, with and without DR. Physicians should therefore be aware that GC-IPL damage continues even if there is no DR.
Detecting coalitions by optimally partitioning signed networks of political collaboration
Authors: Aref Samin , Neal Zachary
Published: January 2020

We propose new mathematical programming models for optimal partitioning of a signed graph into cohesive groups. To demonstrate the approach’s utility, we apply it to identify coalitions in US Congress since 1979 and examine the impact of polarized coalitions on the effectiveness of passing bills. Our models produce a globally optimal solution to the NP-hard problem of minimizing the total number of intra-group negative and inter-group positive edges. We tackle the intensive computations of dense signed networks by providing upper and lower bounds, then solving an optimization model which closes the gap between the two bounds and returns the optimal partitioning of vertices. Our substantive findings suggest that the dominance of an ideologically homogeneous coalition (i.e. partisan polarization) can be a protective factor that enhances legislative effectiveness.
Author Correction: HSPD1 repressed E-cadherin expression to promote cell invasion and migration for poor prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kang Bor-Hwang , Shu Chih-Wen , Chao Jian-Kang , Lee Cheng-Hsin , Fu Ting-Ying , Liou Huei-Han , Ger Luo-Ping , Liu Pei-Feng
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Arterial Medial Calcification through Enhanced small Extracellular Vesicle Release in Smooth Muscle-Specific Asah1 Gene Knockout Mice
Authors: Bhat Owais M. , Li Guangbi , Yuan Xinxu , Huang Dandan , Gulbins Erich , Kukreja Rakesh C. , Li Pin-Lan
Published: February 2020

Arterial medial calcification (AMC) involves an increased small extracellular vesicle (sEV) secretion and apatite calcium precipitation in the arterial wall. The mechanisms mediating AMC remain poorly understood. In the present study, smooth muscle-specific acid ceramidase (Ac) gene knockout mice (Asah1fl/fl/SMCre) were used to demonstrate the role of lysosomal ceramide signaling pathway in AMC. Asah1fl/fl/SMCre mice were found to have more severe AMC in both aorta and coronary arteries compared to their littermates (Asah1fl/fl/SMwt and WT/WT mice) after receiving a high dose vitamin D. These mice also had pronounced upregulation of osteopontin and RUNX2 (osteogenic markers), CD63, AnX2 (sEV markers) and ALP expression (mineralization marker) in the arterial media. In cultured coronary arterial smooth muscle cells (CASMCs) from Asah1fl/fl/SMCre mice, high dose of Pi led to a significantly increased calcium deposition, phenotypic change and sEV secretion compared to WT CASMCs, which was associated with reduced lysosome-multivesicular body (MVB) interaction. Also, GW4869, sEV release inhibitor decreased sEV secretion and calcification in these cells. Lysosomal transient receptor potential mucolipin 1 (TRPML1) channels regulating lysosome interaction with MVBs were found remarkably inhibited in Asah1fl/fl/SMCre CASMCs as shown by GCaMP3 Ca2+ imaging and Port-a-Patch patch clamping of lysosomes. Lysosomal Ac in SMCs controls sEV release by regulating lysosomal TRPML1 channel activity and lysosome-MVB interaction, which importantly contributes to phenotypic transition and AMC.
Microbial Diversity and Metabolite Profiles of Palm Wine Produced From Three Different Palm Tree Species in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Djeni Theodore N. , Kouame Karen H. , Ake Francine D. M. , Amoikon Laurent S. T. , Dje Marcellin K. , Jeyaram Kumaraswamy
Published: February 2020

Palm wine, the most commonly consumed traditional alcoholic beverage in Western Africa, harbours a complex microbiota and metabolites, which plays a crucial role in the overall quality and value of the product. In the present study, a combined metagenomic and metabolomic approach was applied to describe the microbial community structure and metabolites profile of fermented saps from three palm species (Elaeis guineensis, Raphia hookeri, Borassus aethiopum) in Côte d’Ivoire. Lactobacillaceae (47%), Leuconostocaceae (16%) and Acetobacteriaceae (28%) were the most abundant bacteria and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (87%) the predominant yeasts in these beverages. The microbial community structure of Raphia wine was distinctly different from the others. Multivariate analysis based on the metabolites profile clearly separated the three palm wine types. The main differentiating metabolites were putatively identified as gevotroline hydrochloride, sesartemin and methylisocitrate in Elaeis wine; derivative of homoserine, mitoxantrone in Raphia wine; pyrimidine nucleotide sugars (UDP-D-galacturonate) and myo-Inositol derivatives in Borassus wine. The enriched presence of gevotroline (an antipsychotic agent) and mitoxantrone (an anticancer drug) in palm wine supports its therapeutic potential. This work provides a valuable insight into the microbiology and biochemistry of palm wines and a rationale for selecting functional microorganisms for potential biotechnology applications.
Quantitative spatio-temporal characterization of epileptic spikes using high density EEG: Differences between NREM sleep and REM sleep
Authors: Kang Xuan , Boly Melanie , Findlay Graham , Jones Benjamin , Gjini Klevest , Maganti Rama , Struck Aaron F.
Published: February 2020

In this study, we applied high-density EEG recordings (HD-EEG) to quantitatively characterize the fine-grained spatiotemporal distribution of inter-ictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) across different sleep stages. We quantified differences in spatial extent and duration of IEDs at the scalp and cortical levels using HD-EEG source-localization, during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, in six medication-refractory focal epilepsy patients during epilepsy monitoring unit admission. Statistical analyses were performed at single subject level and group level across different sleep stages for duration and distribution of IEDs. Tests were corrected for multiple comparisons across all channels and time points. Compared to NREM sleep, IEDs during REM sleep were of significantly shorter duration and spatially more restricted. Compared to NREM sleep, IEDs location in REM sleep also showed a higher concordance with electrographic ictal onset zone from scalp EEG recording. This study supports the localizing value of REM IEDs over NREM IEDs and suggests that HD-EEG may be of clinical utility in epilepsy surgery work-up.
Fine-grained climate velocities reveal vulnerability of protected areas to climate change
Authors: Heikkinen Risto K. , Leikola Niko , Aalto Juha , Aapala Kaisu , Kuusela Saija , Luoto Miska , Virkkala Raimo
Published: February 2020

Climate change velocity is an increasingly used metric to assess the broad-scale climatic exposure and climate change induced risks to terrestrial and marine ecosystems. However, the utility of this metric in conservation planning can be enhanced by determining the velocities of multiple climatic drivers in real protected area (PA) networks on ecologically relevant scales. Here we investigate the velocities of three key bioclimatic variables across a nation-wide reserve network, and the consequences of including fine-grained topoclimatic data in velocity assessments. Using 50-m resolution data describing present-day and future topoclimates, we assessed the velocities of growing degree days, the mean January temperature and climatic water balance in the Natura 2000 PA network in Finland. The high-velocity areas for the three climate variables differed drastically, indicating contrasting exposure risks in different PAs. The 50-m resolution climate data revealed more realistic estimates of climate velocities and more overlap between the present-day and future climate spaces in the PAs than the 1-km resolution data. Even so, the current temperature conditions were projected to disappear from almost all the studied PAs by the end of this century. Thus, in PA networks with only moderate topographic variation, far-reaching climate change induced ecological changes may be inevitable.
Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses identify critical genes in eicosapentaenoic acid biosynthesis and metabolism in the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius
Authors: Wang Heng , Ding Jun , Ding Siyu , Chang Yaqing
Published: February 2020

Gonads are the only edible part of the sea urchin and have great potential as a health-promoting food for human consumption. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are important necessary nutrients that determine not only the nutritional value of sea urchins but guarantee their normal growth and reproduction. However, the information on the molecular mechanisms of PUFA biosynthesis and metabolism in this species remains elusive. In this study, we used Strongylocentrotus intermedius as our model species and conducted integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of potentially critical genes involved in PUFA biosynthesis and metabolism during gonad growth and development, mainly focusing on eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). We found six differentially accumulated metabolites associated with PUFA in the metabolomic analysis. More differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were related to PUFA in testis than ovary (1823 DEGs in testis and 1499 DEGs in ovary). We verified 12 DEGs by RNA-Seq results and found that Aldh7a1, Ecm3, Fads2, and Hsd17b12 genes had similar expression patterns in EPA concentration during gonad growth and development. In contrast, the other DEGs were downregulated and we inferred that EPA or PUFA may be metabolized as energy during certain periods. Our metabolic and genetic data will facilitate a better understanding of PUFA regulation networks during gonad growth and development in S. intermedius.
The investigation of molten ZnCl2 natural particle suspensions
Authors: Wang Xueliang , Liu Yiyang , Shen Miao , Fu Xiaobin , Han Ling , Ma Guohong , Liu Hongtao , Yan Long
Published: February 2020

The investigation of natural particle suspensions (NPSs) in molten ZnCl2 can be performed by in situ ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy.
Design and application of aminoacridinium organophotoredox catalysts
Authors: Zilate Bouthayna , Fischer Christian , Sparr Christof
Published: January 2020

The design, modular synthesis and applications of aminoacridinium photoredox catalysts (e.g.R1= NMe2) with a broad range of redox properties and compatibility with complex substrates and reaction mixtures are highlighted in this feature article.
Controllable one-pot synthesis for scaffold diversity via visible-light photoredox-catalyzed Giese reaction and further transformation
Authors: Nam Su Been , Khatun Nilufa , Kang Young Woo , Park Boyoung Y. , Woo Sang Kook
Published: February 2020

This study presents a controllable one-pot synthesis for constructing valuable scaffolds (alcohols, 2,3-dihydrofurans, α-cyano-γ-butyrolactones, and γ-butyrolactones) via a visible-light photoredox-catalyzed Giese reaction and further transformation.
A polymer coating which is sticky yet repulsive to water and slippery yet attractive for oils
Authors: Milnes-Smith Eleanor P. , Stone Corinne A. , Perkin Susan
Published: February 2020

A one-step process has been developed to produce a polymer coating which is hydrophobic and oleophilic, but which oil slides off and water adheres to at all tilt angles – including when vertically inclined or inverted.
Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 templated synthesis of a heterogeneous Pd catalyst for remediation of chlorophenols pollution
Authors: Xiao Meng , Pang Mengting , Peng Yu , Hao Baicun , Liao Yang , Mao Hui , Huo Fengwei
Published: February 2020

Herein, a heterogeneous Pd catalyst was prepared by embedding Pd nanoparticles in a highly porous nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon (NMC) synthesized by the ZIF-8 template.
Chirality transcription in the anion-coordination-driven assembly of tetrahedral cages
Authors: Fu Jin , Zheng Bo , Zhang Huizheng , Zhao Yanxia , Zhang Dan , Zhang Wenyao , Yang Xiao-Juan , Wu Biao
Published: January 2020

Enantiopure A4L4 tetrahedral cages were obtained through chirality transfer in the anion-coordination-driven assembly (ACDA) of chiral C3-symmetric tris-bis(urea) ligands with phosphate.
A single component self-assembled thermally activated delayed fluorescence nanoprobe
Authors: Wei Rao , Zhang Leilei , Xu Shengnan , Zhang Qingyang , Qi Yongxiu , Hu Hai-Yu
Published: January 2020

A novel versatile thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) nanoprobe, AI-Cz-NP, was constructed by self-assembly of a single-component amphiphilic monomer for potential applications in confocal imaging and time-resolved fluorescence imaging.
Bacitracin-assisted synthesis of spherical BiVO4 nanoparticles with C doping for remarkable photocatalytic performance under visible light
Authors: Zhang Tianyong , Liu Yiwei , Jiang Shuang , Li Bin , Wang Jingchao , Shao Xiao , Wang Di , Wang Kaijun , Yan Ziran
Published: February 2020

The spherical BiVO4 nanoparticles with C doping were fabricated by using bacitracin as a biological template through hydrothermal-calcination method. And the prepared photocatalysts have excellent photocatalytic performance under visible light.
Short chain fatty acids could prevent fat deposition in pigs via regulating related hormones and genes
Authors: Jiao Anran , Yu Bing , He Jun , Yu Jie , Zheng Ping , Luo Yuheng , Luo Junqiu , Mao Xiangbing , Chen Daiwen
Published: February 2020

Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced when indigestible carbohydrates, such as fiber and resistant starch, undergo fermentation by specific microbiota in the hindgut.
CO2 and CH4 conversion in “real” gas mixtures in a gliding arc plasmatron: how do N2 and O2 affect the performance?
Authors: Slaets Joachim , Aghaei Maryam , Ceulemans Sara , Van Alphen Senne , Bogaerts Annemie
Published: January 2020

Combined experiments and modelling for CO2/CH4 conversion into syngas upon adding O2 and N2 in a gliding arc plasmatron.
Ethyl acetate as solvent for the synthesis of poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)
Authors: Vergaelen Maarten , Verbraeken Bart , Van Guyse Joachim F. R. , Podevyn Annelore , Tigrine Ali , de la Rosa Victor R. , Monnery Bryn D. , Hoogenboom Richard
Published: February 2020

Addressing the polymerization of 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline (EtOx) in ethyl acetate to replace the current state-of-the-art solvents. The switch to ethyl acetate is important towards pharmaceutical compliance/compatibility of PEtOx, besides low environmental burden.
A carbon nanotube–graphene nanoribbon seamless junction transistor
Authors: Sagade Abhay A. , Nyayadhish Ameya
Published: January 2020

A novel step of grounding MWNTs during ion beam etching is reported to produce a CNT–GNR–CNT structure with seamless junctions.
Characteristics and kinetics of the glycerol ester of rosinviaan oxidation process under ultraviolet irradiation
Authors: Li Yuanlin , Niu Mengmeng , Xu Xingliang , Bian Hao , Chen Jing , Wen Jiahua , Yu Chang , Liang Min , Ma Li , Lai Fang , Liu Xiongmin
Published: January 2020

A self-designed mini gas–solid reaction device was applied as promising equipment to investigate the oxidation characteristics and kinetics of the glycerol ester of rosin (GER) under 254 nm UV irradiation in air.
New efficient synthesis of benzofuro[2,3-b]pyrroles utilizing a reactive nitrilium trapping approach by an acid-promoted cascade addition/cyclization sequence
Authors: Balwe Sandip Gangadhar , Jeong Yeon Tae
Published: February 2020

The first p-TSA·H2O-catalyzed highly efficient one-pot cascade reaction for the synthesis of novel fused tricyclic benzofuro[2,3-b]pyrroles has been discovered.
Emergence of a spin-valley Dirac semimetal in a strained group-VA monolayer
Authors: Zhang Meng-Han , Zhang Shu-Feng , Wang Pei-Ji , Zhang Chang-Wen
Published: February 2020

This article reported a new spin-valley Dirac semimetal in strained group-VA monolayer, leading to the Dirac spin-valley Hall effect with dissipationless transport.
Cascade and multicomponent synthesis of structurally diverse 2-(pyrazol-3-yl)pyridines and polysubstituted pyrazoles
Authors: Barroso Raquel , Cabal María-Paz , Jiménez Azucena , Valdés Carlos
Published: February 2020

A wide diversity of polyheterocyclic systems including polysubstituted pyrazoles and pyridopyrazole polydentate ligands are readily assembled through cascade multicomponent processes from terminal alkynes and N-tosylhydrazones.
Retracted Article: Macrophage-derived exosomes mediate osteosarcoma cell behavior by activating AKT signaling
Authors: Yan Bin , Liu Qingbai , Liu Gang , Huang Xiaoyi , Zhu Guangming , Gao Luoluo , Xu Yaozeng
Published: January 2020

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone tumor, which severely threatens the health of adolescents and young adults.
Immobilization of laccase on magnetically separable biochar for highly efficient removal of bisphenol A in water
Authors: Zhang Yu , Piao Mingyue , He Lingzhi , Yao Lan , Piao Tiezhu , Liu Zairan , Piao Yunxian
Published: January 2020

Laccase was stably immobilized on a cost effective and nanosized magnetic biochar (L-MBC) by adsorption, precipitation and crosslinking, and it was used for high performance BPA removal.
The synthesis and application of (E)-N′-(benzo[d]dioxol-5-ylmethylene)-4-methyl-benzenesulfonohydrazide for the detection of carcinogenic lead
Authors: Rahman Mohammed M. , Hussain Mohammad Musarraf , Arshad Muhammad Nadeem , Asiri Abdullah M.
Published: February 2020

A sensitive cationic sensor was developed by BDMMBSH onto GCE with 5% Nafion using electrochemical method, which was validated with the selective determination of Pb2+ in spiked samples and found satisfactory results.
α-Santalol functionalized chitosan nanoparticles as efficient inhibitors of polo-like kinase in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Jinku , Wang Yanan , Li Jinmei , Zhao Wenming , Yang Zhao , Feng Yanguang
Published: February 2020

Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK-1) is a protein kinase that plays a significant role in the initiation, maintenance, and completion of mitotic processes in the cell cycle.
The influence of molecular vicinity (expressed in terms of dielectric constant) on the infrared spectra of embedded species in ices and solid matrices
Authors: S. Pilling , V. S. Bonfim
Published: February 2020

In this theoretical work we evaluate how the chemical environment influences some features presented in the infrared spectrum, such as band intensities and band location of embedded species in icy matrices.
Photocatalytic properties and energy band offset of a tungsten disulfide/graphitic carbon nitride van der Waals heterojunction
Authors: Liu Jianjun , Hua Enda
Published: February 2020

WS2/GCN heterojunction is a type-II heterostructure and its electric field separates the electrons and the holes in space.