bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solute Production and Transport Processes in Chinese Monsoonal Rivers: Implications for Global Climate Change
Authors: Zhong Jun , Li Si‐Liang , Ibarra Daniel E. , Ding Hu , Liu Cong‐Qiang
Published: August 2020

The negative feedback between chemical weathering and climate is hypothesized to act as an important control on modulating atmospheric CO2 over geologic timescales, affecting the evolution of Earth's climate over the history of Earth. Here, we investigated solute production processes by analyzing concentration‐discharge, denoted here as concentration‐runoff (C‐q), relationships of Chinese monsoonal rivers, through both the empirical power law relationship and a recently developed Solute Production Model. We found that solute concentrations were highly modulated by hydrologic conditions which shifted the Damköhler number, Da, the ratio of fluid transit time versus the time required to reach equilibrium. Additionally, the among‐catchment behavior of HCO3− responding to changing runoff was correlated with the average Da of each catchment. Rivers with high average Da induced high maximum weathering fluxes, while the maximum weathering potential was primarily controlled by the Damköhler coefficient (Dw, m/yr), the reactivity of the material in the weathering zone over a given length scale, among the catchments in this study. Globally, HCO3− behaviors and weathering characteristics are highly influenced by carbonate bedrock distributions and abundance. In addition, Chinese monsoonal rivers have higher weathering fluxes, weathering potential, and climate‐weathering feedback sensitivity (4.4%/°C) than most other global rivers. Our work disclosed the mechanisms that link runoff, lithology, and weathering fluxes in monsoonal rivers and analyzed the controlling factors on solute dynamics on global scale, which can be implemented in exploring the chemical weathering processes under ongoing global climate change.
On the Performance of Sentinel‐3 Altimetry Over New Reservoirs: Approaches to Determine Onboard A Priori Elevation
Authors: Zhang Xingxing , Jiang Liguang , Kittel Cécile M. M. , Yao Zhijun , Nielsen Karina , Liu Zhaofei , Wang Rui , Liu Jun , Andersen Ole B. , Bauer‐Gottwein Peter
Published: August 2020

Satellite radar altimetry has become an important data source supplementing in situ water level. For practical reasons, a radar altimeter can only record reflected echoes within its range window. Therefore, water surface elevation must fall within the range window. To this end, the Sentinel‐3 radar altimetry mission is configured with a new tracking function (i.e., open loop) to position its range window based on an onboard a priori elevation of ground targets. We found that Sentinel‐3 is unable to observe recently built reservoirs due to the incorrect onboard elevations. To overcome this issue, four approaches are proposed to improve the a priori elevation for inland water bodies, particularly reservoirs. These approaches can significantly increase data availability of Sentinel‐3 over reservoirs and can be used to prepare the onboard elevations of reservoirs and lakes for future missions such as Sentinel‐6, Sentinel‐3C/‐3D, and the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission.
Magnetic Reconnection in the Ionosphere of Mars: The Role of Collisions
Authors: Cravens T. E. , Fowler C. M. , Brain D. , Rahmati A. , Xu S. , Ledvina S. A. , Andersson L. , Renzaglia A. R.
Published: August 2020

This paper evaluates the role of magnetic reconnection in the dayside ionosphere of Mars in the collisional regime and presents some relevant data from the MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) mission. Magnetic reconnection is an important process operating in the solar corona, planetary magnetospheres, and astrophysical plasmas, but most of the literature focuses on collisionless plasmas. However, at Mars the reconnection should often occur in regions where collisions are important. Mars does not have a large‐scale global magnetic field; however, Mars has locally large magnetic fields associated with remnant crustal magnetization, particularly in the highland regions of the southern hemisphere. The crustal fields provide a “target” for reconnection both in the ionosphere and in the magnetotail of Mars. The current paper emphasizes the dayside ionosphere. Magnetic reconnection is associated with topological changes in the magnetic field and is also a source of energy for the plasma and can thus affect the ionospheric dynamics and ion loss at Mars. Both theoretical concepts and MAVEN particle and field data from several instruments are considered in this paper.
Enhancing the Noah‐MP Ecosystem Response to Droughts With an Explicit Representation of Plant Water Storage Supplied by Dynamic Root Water Uptake
Authors: Niu Guo‐Yue , Fang Yuan‐Hao , Chang Li‐Ling , Jin Jiming , Yuan Hua , Zeng Xubin
Published: August 2020

Plants are able to adapt to changing environments and thus survive droughts. However, most land surface models produce unrealistically low ecosystem resiliency to droughts, degrading the credibility of the model‐predicted ecohydrological responses to climate change. We aim to enhance the Noah‐MP modeled ecosystem resilience to droughts with an explicit representation of plant water storage supplied by dynamic root water uptake through hydrotropic root growth to meet the transpiration demand. The new model represents plant stomatal water stress factor as a function of the plant water storage and relates the rate of root water uptake to the profile of model‐predicted root surface area. Through optimization of major leaf, root, and soil parameters, the new model improves the prediction of leaf area index, ecosystem productivity, evapotranspiration, and terrestrial water storage variations over most basins in the contiguous United States. Sensitivity experiments suggest that both dynamic root water uptake and groundwater capillary rise extend the plants' “memory” of antecedent rainfall. The modeled plants enhance their efficiency to use antecedent rain water stored in shallow soils mainly through more efficient root water uptake over the U.S. Southwest drylands while use that stored in deep soils and aquifers with the aid of groundwater capillary rise in the Central United States. Future plant hydraulic models should not ignore soil water retention model uncertainties and the soil macropore effects on soil water potential and infiltration.
Historical, Philosophical, and Sociological Perspectives on Earth System Modeling
Authors: Rödder Simone , Heymann Matthias , Stevens Bjorn
Published: August 2020

With the advent of climate change as a major challenge of our time, Earth system modeling has become highly policy‐relevant regulatory science. In this situation, the social mechanisms that play a role in any scientific endeavor become particularly exposed. By discussing historical, philosophical, and sociological (HPS) aspects of the field's current “cultures of prediction” together with the physical science community in a physical science journal, we aim to provide an entry point into HPS reasoning for climate scientists interested in reflecting on their field and science in general. This paper, first, introduces our perspective on “science as culture” and climate modeling as “regulatory science” and, second, highlights and connects relevant ideas from the three commentaries that follow it. In so doing, we hope to give a fuller picture of climate science, the interplay it engenders between HPS and the physical sciences, the distinctions that it gives rise to as compared to some of the more traditional, exact, sciences in which it is rooted and its place in society including its role in scientific policy advice.
Climate‐Induced Variability in Mediterranean Outflow to the North Atlantic Ocean During the Late Pleistocene
Authors: Nichols Matthew D. , Xuan Chuang , Crowhurst Simon , Hodell David A. , Richter Carl , Acton Gary D. , Wilson Paul A.
Published: August 2020

Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW) adds salt and density to open ocean intermediate waters and is therefore an important motor of Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) and climate variability. However, the variability in strength and depth of MOW on geological timescales is poorly documented. Here we present new detailed records, with excellent age control, of MOW variability from 416 ka to present from rapidly accumulated marine sediments recovered from the West Iberian Margin during Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 339. Our records of X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), physical grain size, and paleocurrent information from the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) indicate (i) a close relationship between the orientation of principle AMS axes and glacial‐interglacial cycles and (ii) two distinct regimes of MOW behavior over the last ~416 kyr in grain‐size and AMS variability at orbital (mainly precessional) and suborbital timescales. Between marine isotope stage (MIS) 10 and MIS 4, MOW was focused at a generally shallow depth on the West Iberian Margin, and changes in MOW strength were strongly paced by precession. A transition interval occurred during MISs 5 and 4, when MOW deepened and millennial‐scale variability in flow strength was superimposed on orbitally paced change. During MIS 11 and from MIS 3 to present, MOW was deeply focused and millennial‐scale variability dominated. We infer that late Pleistocene variability in MOW strength and depth were strongly climate influenced and that changes in circum‐Mediterranean rainfall climate were likely a primary control.
Impact Forecasting to Support Emergency Management of Natural Hazards
Authors: Merz Bruno , Kuhlicke Christian , Kunz Michael , Pittore Massimiliano , Babeyko Andrey , Bresch David N. , Domeisen Daniela I. V. , Feser Frauke , Koszalka Inga , Kreibich Heidi , Pantillon Florian , Parolai Stefano , Pinto Joaquim G. , Punge Heinz Jürgen , Rivalta Eleonora , Schröter Kai , Strehlow Karen , Weisse Ralf , Wurpts Andreas
Published: August 2020

Forecasting and early warning systems are important investments to protect lives, properties, and livelihood. While early warning systems are frequently used to predict the magnitude, location, and timing of potentially damaging events, these systems rarely provide impact estimates, such as the expected amount and distribution of physical damage, human consequences, disruption of services, or financial loss. Complementing early warning systems with impact forecasts has a twofold advantage: It would provide decision makers with richer information to take informed decisions about emergency measures and focus the attention of different disciplines on a common target. This would allow capitalizing on synergies between different disciplines and boosting the development of multihazard early warning systems. This review discusses the state of the art in impact forecasting for a wide range of natural hazards. We outline the added value of impact‐based warnings compared to hazard forecasting for the emergency phase, indicate challenges and pitfalls, and synthesize the review results across hazard types most relevant for Europe.
A Phase 1 dose-escalation study to evaluate safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of AsiDNA, a first-in-class DNA repair inhibitor, administered intravenously in patients with advanced solid tumours
Authors: Le Tourneau Christophe , Delord Jean-Pierre , Kotecki Nuria , Borcoman Edith , Gomez-Roca Carlos , Hescot Ségolène , Jungels Christiane , Vincent-Salomon Anne , Cockenpot Vincent , Eberst Lauriane , Molé Audrey , Jdey Wael , Bono Françoise , Trochon-Joseph Véronique , Toussaint Hélène , Zandanel Christelle , Adamiec Olga , de Beaumont Olivier , Cassier Philippe Alexandre
Published: August 2020

Background

AsiDNA, a first-in-class oligonucleotide-mimicking double-stranded DNA breaks, acts as a decoy agonist to DNA damage response in tumour cells. It also activates DNA-dependent protein kinase and poly (adenosine diphosphate [ADP]-ribose) polymerase enzymes that induce phosphorylation of H2AX and protein PARylation.

Methods

The aim of this Phase 1 study was to determine dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), maximum tolerated dose (MTD), safety and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of AsiDNA administered daily for 3 days in the first week then weekly thereafter. Twenty-two patients with advanced solid tumours were enrolled in 5 dose levels: 200, 400, 600, 900, and 1300 mg, using a 3 + 3 design.

Results

The MTD was not reached. IV AsiDNA was safe. Two DLTs (grade 4 and grade 3 hepatic enzymes increased at 900 and 1300 mg), and two related SAE at 900 mg (grade 3 hypotension and grade 4 hepatic enzymes increased) were reported. AsiDNA PK increased proportionally with dose. A robust activation of DNA-PK by a significant posttreatment increase of γH2AX was evidenced in tumour biopsies.

Conclusion

The dose of 600 mg was identified as the optimal dose for further clinical development.

Clinical trial registration

Clinical trial registration (NCT number): NCT03579628.
Regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and organoid morphogenesis by a novel TGFβ-TCF7L2 isoform-specific signaling pathway
Authors: Karve Kunal , Netherton Stuart , Deng Lili , Bonni Azad , Bonni Shirin
Published: August 2020

Alternative splicing contributes to diversification of gene function, yet consequences of splicing on functions of specific gene products is poorly understood. The major transcription factor TCF7L2 undergoes alternative splicing but the biological significance of TCF7L2 isoforms has remained largely to be elucidated. Here, we find that the TCF7L2 E-isoforms maintain, whereas the M and S isoforms disrupt morphogenesis of 3D-epithelial cell-derived organoids via regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Remarkably, TCF7L2E2 antagonizes, whereas TCF7L2M2/S2 promotes EMT-like effects in epithelial cells induced by transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling. In addition, we find TGFβ signaling reduces the proportion of TCF7L2E to TCF7L2M/S protein in cells undergoing EMT. We also find that TCF7L2 operates via TGFβ-Smad3 signaling to regulate EMT. Collectively, our findings unveil novel isoform-specific functions for the major transcription factor TCF7L2 and provide novel links between TCF7L2 and TGFβ signaling in the control of EMT-like responses and epithelial tissue morphogenesis.
Probing the active site in single-atom oxygen reduction catalysts via operando X-ray and electrochemical spectroscopy
Authors: Lien Hsiang-Ting , Chang Sun-Tang , Chen Po-Tuan , Wong Deniz P. , Chang Yu-Chung , Lu Ying-Rei , Dong Chung-Li , Wang Chen-Hao , Chen Kuei-Hsien , Chen Li-Chyong
Published: August 2020

Nonnoble metal catalysts are low-cost alternatives to Pt for the oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs), which have been studied for various applications in electrocatalytic systems. Among them, transition metal complexes, characterized by a redox-active single-metal-atom with biomimetic ligands, such as pyrolyzed cobalt–nitrogen–carbon (Co–Nx/C), have attracted considerable attention. Therefore, we reported the ORR mechanism of pyrolyzed Vitamin B12 using operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy coupled with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, which enables operando monitoring of the oxygen binding site on the metal center. Our results revealed the preferential adsorption of oxygen at the Co2+ center, with end-on coordination forming a Co2+-oxo species. Furthermore, the charge transfer mechanism between the catalyst and reactant enables further Co–O species formation. These experimental findings, corroborated with first-principle calculations, provide insight into metal active-site geometry and structural evolution during ORR, which could be used for developing material design strategies for high-performance electrocatalysts for fuel cell applications.
A broad-spectrum virus- and host-targeting peptide against respiratory viruses including influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Zhao Hanjun , To Kelvin K. W. , Sze Kong-Hung , Yung Timothy Tin-Mong , Bian Mingjie , Lam Hoiyan , Yeung Man Lung , Li Cun , Chu Hin , Yuen Kwok-Yung
Published: August 2020

The 2019 novel respiratory virus (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19 with rapid global socioeconomic disruptions and disease burden to healthcare. The COVID-19 and previous emerging virus outbreaks highlight the urgent need for broad-spectrum antivirals. Here, we show that a defensin-like peptide P9R exhibited potent antiviral activity against pH-dependent viruses that require endosomal acidification for virus infection, including the enveloped pandemic A(H1N1)pdm09 virus, avian influenza A(H7N9) virus, coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV), and the non-enveloped rhinovirus. P9R can significantly protect mice from lethal challenge by A(H1N1)pdm09 virus and shows low possibility to cause drug-resistant virus. Mechanistic studies indicate that the antiviral activity of P9R depends on the direct binding to viruses and the inhibition of virus-host endosomal acidification, which provides a proof of concept that virus-binding alkaline peptides can broadly inhibit pH-dependent viruses. These results suggest that the dual-functional virus- and host-targeting P9R can be a promising candidate for combating pH-dependent respiratory viruses.
Spatially selective manipulation of cells with single-beam acoustical tweezers
Authors: Baudoin Michael , Thomas Jean-Louis , Sahely Roudy Al , Gerbedoen Jean-Claude , Gong Zhixiong , Sivery Aude , Matar Olivier Bou , Smagin Nikolay , Favreau Peter , Vlandas Alexis
Published: August 2020

Acoustical tweezers open major prospects in microbiology for cells and microorganisms contactless manipulation, organization and mechanical properties testing since they are biocompatible, label-free and have the potential to exert forces several orders of magnitude larger than their optical counterpart at equivalent power. Yet, these perspectives have so far been hindered by the absence of spatial selectivity of existing acoustical tweezers - i.e., the ability to select and move objects individually - and/or their limited resolution restricting their use to large particle manipulation only and/or finally the limited forces that they could apply. Here, we report precise selective manipulation and positioning of individual human cells in a standard microscopy environment with trapping forces up to ~200 pN without altering their viability. These results are obtained with miniaturized acoustical tweezers combining holography with active materials to synthesize specific wavefields called focused acoustical vortices designed to produce stiff localized traps with reduced acoustic power.
Different scaling of linear models and deep learning in UKBiobank brain images versus machine-learning datasets
Authors: Schulz Marc-Andre , Yeo B. T. Thomas , Vogelstein Joshua T. , Mourao-Miranada Janaina , Kather Jakob N. , Kording Konrad , Richards Blake , Bzdok Danilo
Published: August 2020

Recently, deep learning has unlocked unprecedented success in various domains, especially using images, text, and speech. However, deep learning is only beneficial if the data have nonlinear relationships and if they are exploitable at available sample sizes. We systematically profiled the performance of deep, kernel, and linear models as a function of sample size on UKBiobank brain images against established machine learning references. On MNIST and Zalando Fashion, prediction accuracy consistently improves when escalating from linear models to shallow-nonlinear models, and further improves with deep-nonlinear models. In contrast, using structural or functional brain scans, simple linear models perform on par with more complex, highly parameterized models in age/sex prediction across increasing sample sizes. In sum, linear models keep improving as the sample size approaches ~10,000 subjects. Yet, nonlinearities for predicting common phenotypes from typical brain scans remain largely inaccessible to the examined kernel and deep learning methods.
Metabolic cross-feeding in imbalanced diets allows gut microbes to improve reproduction and alter host behaviour
Authors: Henriques Sílvia F. , Dhakan Darshan B. , Serra Lúcia , Francisco Ana Patrícia , Carvalho-Santos Zita , Baltazar Célia , Elias Ana Paula , Anjos Margarida , Zhang Tong , Maddocks Oliver D. K. , Ribeiro Carlos
Published: August 2020

The impact of commensal bacteria on the host arises from complex microbial-diet-host interactions. Mapping metabolic interactions in gut microbial communities is therefore key to understand how the microbiome influences the host. Here we use an interdisciplinary approach including isotope-resolved metabolomics to show that in Drosophila melanogaster, Acetobacter pomorum (Ap) and Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp) a syntrophic relationship is established to overcome detrimental host diets and identify Ap as the bacterium altering the host’s feeding decisions. Specifically, we show that Ap uses the lactate produced by Lp to supply amino acids that are essential to Lp, allowing it to grow in imbalanced diets. Lactate is also necessary and sufficient for Ap to alter the fly’s protein appetite. Our data show that gut bacterial communities use metabolic interactions to become resilient to detrimental host diets. These interactions also ensure the constant flow of metabolites used by the microbiome to alter reproduction and host behaviour.
Activation of subnanometric Pt on Cu-modified CeO2 via redox-coupled atomic layer deposition for CO oxidation
Authors: Liu Xiao , Jia Shuangfeng , Yang Ming , Tang Yuanting , Wen Yanwei , Chu Shengqi , Wang Jianbo , Shan Bin , Chen Rong
Published: August 2020

Improving the low-temperature activity (below 100 °C) and noble-metal efficiency of automotive exhaust catalysts has been a continuous effort to eliminate cold-start emissions, yet great challenges remain. Here we report a strategy to activate the low-temperature performance of Pt catalysts on Cu-modified CeO2 supports based on redox-coupled atomic layer deposition. The interfacial reducibility and structure of composite catalysts have been precisely tuned by oxide doping and accurate control of Pt size. Cu-modified CeO2-supported Pt sub-nanoclusters demonstrate a remarkable performance with an onset of CO oxidation reactivity below room temperature, which is one order of magnitude more active than atomically-dispersed Pt catalysts. The Cu-O-Ce site with activated lattice oxygen anchors deposited Pt sub-nanoclusters, leading to a moderate CO adsorption strength at the interface that facilitates the low-temperature CO oxidation performance.
Modulating oxygen coverage of Ti3C2Tx MXenes to boost catalytic activity for HCOOH dehydrogenation
Authors: Hou Tingting , Luo Qiquan , Li Qi , Zu Hualu , Cui Peixin , Chen Siwei , Lin Yue , Chen Jiajia , Zheng Xusheng , Zhu Wenkun , Liang Shuquan , Yang Jinlong , Wang Liangbing
Published: August 2020

As a promising hydrogen carrier, formic acid (HCOOH) is renewable, safe and nontoxic. Although noble-metal-based catalysts have exhibited excellent activity in HCOOH dehydrogenation, developing non-noble-metal heterogeneous catalysts with high efficiency remains a great challenge. Here, we modulate oxygen coverage on the surface of Ti3C2Tx MXenes to boost the catalytic activity toward HCOOH dehydrogenation. Impressively, Ti3C2Tx MXenes after treating with air at 250 °C (Ti3C2Tx-250) significantly increase the amount of surface oxygen atoms without the change of crystalline structure, exhibiting a mass activity of 365 mmol·g−1·h−1 with 100% of selectivity for H2 at 80 °C, which is 2.2 and 2.0 times that of commercial Pd/C and Pt/C, respectively. Further mechanistic studies demonstrate that HCOO* is the intermediate in HCOOH dehydrogenation over Ti3C2Tx MXenes with different coverages of surface oxygen atoms. Increasing the oxygen coverage on the surface of Ti3C2Tx MXenes not only promotes the conversion from HCOO* to CO2* by lowering the energy barrier, but also weakens the adsorption energy of CO2 and H2, thus accelerating the dehydrogenation of HCOOH.
Author Correction: Distinct thalamocortical network dynamics are associated with the pathophysiology of chronic low back pain
Authors: Tu Yiheng , Fu Zening , Mao Cuiping , Falahpour Maryam , Gollub Randy L. , Park Joel , Wilson Georgia , Napadow Vitaly , Gerber Jessica , Chan Suk-Tak , Edwards Robert R. , Kaptchuk Ted J. , Liu Thomas , Calhoun Vince , Rosen Bruce , Kong Jian
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Vitamin D ameliorates adipose browning in chronic kidney disease cachexia
Authors: Cheung Wai W. , Ding Wei , Hoffman Hal M. , Wang Zhen , Hao Sheng , Zheng Ronghao , Gonzalez Alex , Zhan Jian-Ying , Zhou Ping , Li Shiping , Esparza Mary C. , Lieber Richard L. , Mak Robert H.
Published: August 2020

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are often 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 insufficient. We studied whether vitamin D repletion could correct aberrant adipose tissue and muscle metabolism in a mouse model of CKD-associated cachexia. Intraperitoneal administration of 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 (75 μg/kg/day and 60 ng/kg/day respectively for 6 weeks) normalized serum concentrations of 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 in CKD mice. Vitamin D repletion stimulated appetite, normalized weight gain, and improved fat and lean mass content in CKD mice. Vitamin D supplementation attenuated expression of key molecules involved in adipose tissue browning and ameliorated expression of thermogenic genes in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle in CKD mice. Furthermore, repletion of vitamin D improved skeletal muscle fiber size and in vivo muscle function, normalized muscle collagen content and attenuated muscle fat infiltration as well as pathogenetic molecular pathways related to muscle mass regulation in CKD mice. RNAseq analysis was performed on the gastrocnemius muscle. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed that the top 12 differentially expressed genes in CKD were correlated with impaired muscle and neuron regeneration, enhanced muscle thermogenesis and fibrosis. Importantly, vitamin D repletion normalized the expression of those 12 genes in CKD mice. Vitamin D repletion may be an effective therapeutic strategy for adipose tissue browning and muscle wasting in CKD patients.
Haptic sound-localisation for use in cochlear implant and hearing-aid users
Authors: Fletcher Mark D. , Zgheib Jana
Published: August 2020

Users of hearing-assistive devices often struggle to locate and segregate sounds, which can make listening in schools, cafes, and busy workplaces extremely challenging. A recent study in unilaterally implanted CI users showed that sound-localisation was improved when the audio received by behind-the-ear devices was converted to haptic stimulation on each wrist. We built on this work, using a new signal-processing approach to improve localisation accuracy and increase generalisability to a wide range of stimuli. We aimed to: (1) improve haptic sound-localisation accuracy using a varied stimulus set and (2) assess whether accuracy improved with prolonged training. Thirty-two adults with normal touch perception were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. The experimental group completed a 5-h training regime and the control group were not trained. Without training, haptic sound-localisation was substantially better than in previous work on haptic sound-localisation. It was also markedly better than sound-localisation by either unilaterally or bilaterally implanted CI users. After training, accuracy improved, becoming better than for sound-localisation by bilateral hearing-aid users. These findings suggest that a wrist-worn haptic device could be effective for improving spatial hearing for a range of hearing-impaired listeners.
BVES downregulation in non-syndromic tetralogy of fallot is associated with ventricular outflow tract stenosis
Authors: Shi Yan , Li Yongqing , Wang Yuequn , Zhu Ping , Chen Yu , Wang Heng , Yue Shusheng , Xia Xiaohui , Chen Jimei , Jiang Zhigang , Zhou Chengbin , Cai Wanwan , Yuan Haiyun , Wu Yueheng , Wan Yongqi , Li Xiaohong , Zhu Xiaolan , Zhou Zuoqiong , Dai Guo , Li Fang , Mo Xiaoyang , Ye Xiangli , Fan Xiongwei , Zhuang Jian , Wu Xiushan , Yuan Wuzhou
Published: August 2020

BVES is a transmembrane protein, our previous work demonstrated that single nucleotide mutations ofBVESin tetralogy of fallot (TOF) patients cause a downregulation ofBVEStranscription. However, the relationship betweenBVESand the pathogenesis of TOF has not been determined. Here we reported our research results about the relationship betweenBVESand the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) stenosis.BVESexpression was significantly downregulated in most TOF samples compared with controls. The expression of the second heart field (SHF) regulatory network genes, includingNKX2.5,GATA4andHAND2, was also decreased in the TOF samples. In zebrafish,bvesknockdown resulted in looping defects and ventricular outflow tract (VOT) stenosis, which was mostly rescued by injectingbvesmRNA.bvesknockdown in zebrafish also decreased the expression of SHF genes, such asnkx2.5,gata4andhand2, consistent with the TOF samples` results. The dual-fluorescence reporter system analysis showed thatBVESpositively regulated the transcriptional activity ofGATA4,NKX2.5andHAND2promoters. In zebrafish,nkx2.5mRNA partially rescued VOT stenosis caused bybvesknockdown. These results indicate thatBVESdownregulation may be associated with RVOT stenosis of non-syndromic TOF, andbvesis probably involved in the development of VOT in zebrafish.
Assessment of aPTT-based clot waveform analysis for the detection of haemostatic changes in different types of infections
Authors: Tan Chuen Wen , Wong Wan Hui , Cheen McVin Hua Heng , Chu Yvonne Miao Hui , Lim Shan Shan , Ng Lawrence Cheng Kiat , Yeo Dillon Guo Dong , Morvil Gayathry , Lee Lai Heng , Ng Heng Joo
Published: August 2020

Infections cause varying degrees of haemostatic dysfunction which can be detected by clot waveform analysis (CWA), a global haemostatic marker. CWA has been shown to predict poor outcomes in severe infections with disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. The effect of less severe bacterial and viral infections on CWA has not been established. We hypothesized that different infections influence CWA distinctively. Patients admitted with bacterial infections, dengue and upper respiratory tract viral infections were recruited if they had an activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) measured on admission. APTT-based CWA was performed on Sysmex CS2100i automated analyser using Dade Actin FSL reagent. CWA parameters [(maximum velocity (min1), maximum acceleration (min2) and maximum deceleration (max2)] were compared against control patients. Infected patients (n = 101) had longer aPTT than controls (n = 112) (34.37 ± 7.72 s vs 27.80 ± 1.59 s, p < 0.001), with the mean (± SD) aPTT longest in dengue infection (n = 36) (37.99 ± 7.93 s), followed by bacterial infection (n = 52) (33.96 ± 7.33 s) and respiratory viral infection (n = 13) (29.98 ± 3.92 s). Compared to controls (min1; min2; max2) (5.53 ± 1.16%/s; 0.89 ± 0.19%/s2; 0.74 ± 0.16%/s2), bacterial infection has higher CWA results (6.92 ± 1.60%/s; 1.04 ± 0.28%/s2; 0.82 ± 0.24%/s2, all p < 0.05); dengue infection has significantly lower CWA values (3.93 ± 1.32%/s; 0.57 ± 0.17%/s2; 0.43 ± 0.14%/s2, all p < 0.001) whilst respiratory virus infection has similar results (6.19 ± 1.32%/s; 0.95 ± 0.21%/s2; 0.73 ± 0.18%/s2, all p > 0.05). CWA parameters demonstrated positive correlation with C-reactive protein levels (min1: r = 0.54, min2: r = 0.44, max2: r = 0.34; all p < 0.01). Different infections affect CWA distinctively. CWA could provide information on the haemostatic milieu triggered by infection and further studies are needed to better define its application in this area.
A novel immunochromatographic strips assay for rapid and simple detection of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sun Yuhan , Li Zhi , Liang Wei , Zhang Yanlong , Song Wanli , Song Jiazhe , Xue Kai , Wang Meiling , Sun Wenying , Gu Jianguo , Li Ming , Li Wenzhe
Published: August 2020

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex multi-system autoimmune disease. Detection of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) is fundamental for the diagnosis of SLE. In the present study, we found that the level of core fucosylation catalyzed by α1,6-fucosyltransferase (Fut8) is markedly up-regulated on immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the sera of SLE patients detected by Aspergillus oryzae lectin (AOL) blot. In sandwich Dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Dot-ELISA), the core fucosylation level was also found significantly increased in the sera from SLE patients with a higher ANA titer. To establish a rapid and sensitive laboratory test for the diagnosis of SLE, we prokaryotically expressed AOL and C3-D1-C3-D2-C3 of protein G (SpG3), and generate AOL-conjugated colloid gold immunochromatographic strips (ICS). The detection limit of core fucosylated IgG was 10 μg/mL for AOL-conjugated colloid gold ICS. As well as indirect immunofluorescence, the AOL-conjugated colloid gold ICS showed reliable results in the serum of 39 SLE patients. Our results indicated that the AOL-conjugated colloid gold ICS could serve as a rapid test for the detection of ANA and suspected cases of SLE.
A facile synthesis of bismuth oxychloride-graphene oxide composite for visible light photocatalysis of aqueous diclofenac sodium
Authors: Rashid Jamshaid , Karim Shumaila , Kumar Rajeev , Barakat M. A. , Akram Bilal , Hussain Naveed , Bin Hu Bin , Xu Ming
Published: August 2020

In this study, bismuth oxychloride/graphene oxide (BiOCl-GO) composite was fabricated by facile one pot hydrothermal method. The pure BiOCl and BiOCl-GO composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Transmission electron microscopy X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The synthesized composite was then assessed for photocatalytic degradation of diclofenac sodium (DCF) in visible as well as direct solar light and UV irradiation. Results indicated that the photocatalytic removal efficiency of DCF was significantly affected by dose of catalysts, pH value and source of light. The results reveled that degradation efficiency of BiOCl-GO for DCF reduced from 100 to 34.4% with the increases in DCF initial concentration from 5 mg L−1 to 25 mg L−1. The solar light degradation of DCF using BiOCl-GO was achieved with apparent rate constant 0.0037 min−1. The effect of scavengers study revealed that superoxide ions and holes were mainly responsible for DCF degradation. The regeneration study indicates that BiOCl-GO composite can be successfully recycled up to the five cycles. The study revealed the effectiveness of one pot hydrothermal method for the fabrication of BiOCl-GO composite.
A comparative study of orthokeratology and low-dose atropine for the treatment of anisomyopia in children
Authors: Tsai Wei-Shan , Wang Jen-Hung , Chiu Cheng-Jen
Published: August 2020

Myopic anisometropia (anisomyopia) is a specific type of refractive error that may cause fusion impairment, asthenopia, and aniseikonia. It is sometimes severe enough to reduce the quality of life. Several studies have investigated the treatment effects of orthokeratology (Ortho-K) and topical atropine on anisomyopia control. However, no study has compared these two interventions simultaneously until now. The cohort of this retrospective study included 124 children with anisomyopia who were treated with binocular Ortho-K lenses, 0.01% atropine, or 0.05% atropine. After a 2-year follow-up, the inter-eye difference in axial length (AL) significantly decreased in the Ortho-K group (P = 0.015) and remained stable in the two atropine groups. When comparing the myopia control effect, the use of Ortho-K lenses resulted in an obviously smaller change in AL than the use of 0.01% and 0.05% atropine (P < 0.01). Ortho-K treatment may reduce the degree of anisomyopia and stabilise the progression of myopia. Hence, Ortho-K might be a better choice for anisomyopic children.
Characterizing carrier transport in nanostructured materials by force-resolved microprobing
Authors: Nguyen Yen , Chang Hui-Ping , Hsieh Meng-Syun , Santos Ian Daniell , Chen Sheng-Ding , Hsieh Ya-Ping , Hofmann Mario
Published: August 2020

The advent of novel nanostructured materials has enabled wearable and 3D electronics. Unfortunately, their characterization represents new challenges that are not encountered in conventional electronic materials, such as limited mechanical strength, complex morphology and variability of properties. We here demonstrate that force-resolved measurements can overcome these issues and open up routes for new applications. First, the contact resistance to 2D materials was found to be sensitively depending on the contact force and, by optimizing this parameter, reliable contacts could be repeatably formed without damage to the fragile material. Moreover, resistance of three-dimensional surfaces could be investigated with high accuracy in spatial position and signal through a force-feedback scheme. This force-feedback approach furthermore permitted large-scale statistical characterization of mobility and doping of 2D materials in a desktop-sized automatic probing system that fits into glove boxes and vacuum enclosures using easily available and low-cost components. Finally, force-sensitive measurements enable characterization of complex electronic properties with high lateral resolution. To illustrate this ability, the spatial variation of a surface’s electrochemical response was investigated by scanning a single electrolyte drop across the sample.
A photoelectrochemical aptasensor for sensitively monitoring chloramphenicol using plasmon-driven AgNP/BiOCl composites
Authors: Xu Li , He Xiaoyang , Dong Jintao , Yan Pengcheng , Chen Feng , Zhang Jianming , Li Henan
Published: August 2020

A PEC aptasensor based on plasmon-driven AgNP/BiOCl composites has been constructed for chloramphenicol detection with high selectivity and sensitivity.
A review of the AI2BIICIVDVI4 family as infrared nonlinear optical materials: the effect of each site on the structure and optical properties
Authors: Li Guangmao , Yang Zhihua , Li Junjie , Pan Shilie
Published: August 2020

The AI2BIICIVDVI4 family as promising infrared NLO materials is summarized. The influence of each site substitutions on the structures and properties is systematically analyzed.
Efficient Cu catalyst for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural hydrogenolysis by forming Cu–O–Si bonds
Authors: Zhu Yifeng , Kong Xiao , Peng Bo , Li Luping , Fang Zhen , Zhu Yulei
Published: August 2020

Strong covalent bonding (Cu–O–Si) modulates the Cu status and boosts the C–O hydrogenolysis.
Electrochemical CO2reduction to methane with remarkably high Faradaic efficiency in the presence of a proton permeable membrane
Authors: Pan Hanqing , Barile Christopher J.
Published: August 2020

Cu electrodes modified with a Nafion layer catalyze the reduction of CO2to CH4with up to 88% Faradaic efficiency.
Dynamic monitoring and proactive fouling management in a pilot scale gas-sparged anaerobic membrane bioreactor
Authors: Lim Kahao , Evans Patrick J. , Utter Joshua , Malki Mo , Parameswaran Prathap
Published: August 2020

This study examines membrane performance data of a pilot-scale gas-sparged anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) over its 472 day operational period and characterizes the foulant cake constituents through a membrane autopsy.
(−)-Epicatechin and the colonic metabolite 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid protect against high glucose and lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in renal proximal tubular cells through NOX-4/p38 signalling
Authors: Álvarez Cilleros David , López-Oliva María Elvira , Martín María Ángeles , Ramos Sonia
Published: August 2020

Chronic hyperglycaemia and inflammation are present in diabetes and both processes have been related to the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease.
Fully-automated and field-deployable blood leukocyte separation platform using multi-dimensional double spiral (MDDS) inertial microfluidics
Authors: Jeon Hyungkook , Jundi Bakr , Choi Kyungyong , Ryu Hyunryul , Levy Bruce D. , Lim Geunbae , Han Jongyoon
Published: August 2020

A fully-automated and field-deployable blood leukocyte separation platform based on a new type of inertial microfluidic device, multi-dimensional double spiral (MDDS) device, which achieves sample focusing and separation in a single device without sheath flow.
Bacterial elimination via the photodynamic activity of a fullerene/light-harvesting antenna molecule assembled system integrated into liposome membranes
Authors: Kawasaki Riku , Antoku Daiki , Ohdake Reo , Sugikawa Kouta , Ikeda Atsushi
Published: August 2020

Bacterial elimination was attained by singlet oxygen (1O2) generated from fullerene derivatives via efficient energy transfer from photo-activated light-harvesting antenna molecules.
Bionic smart recycled paper endowed with amphiphobic, photochromic, and UV rewritable properties
Authors: Zhang Guofeng , Chen Guopeng , Yang Fuchao , Guo Zhiguang
Published: August 2020

Photochromic amphiphobic recycled paper (PAR) has hydrophobic, oleophobic, photochromic and UV repeated writing properties.
Amplifying the excited state chirality through self-assembly and subsequent enhancement via plasmonic silver nanowires
Authors: Fu Kuo , Jin Xue , Zhou Minghao , Ma Kai , Duan Pengfei , Yu Zhen-Qiang
Published: August 2020

Chiral luminescence of chiral emitters is enhanced through self-assembly, and subsequently was enhanced by plasmonic silver nanowires.
Recent advances in cobalt-catalyzed allylic functionalization
Authors: Han Jun-Fa , Guo Peng , Zhang Xiang-Gui , Liao Jia-Bin , Ye Ke-Yin
Published: August 2020

Recent advances in cobalt-catalyzed allylic functionalization including allylic substitution, nucleophilic allylation, and Heck-type allylic functionalization are highlighted.
A comprehensive review of the structures and properties of ionic polymeric materials
Authors: Potaufeux Jean-Emile , Odent Jérémy , Notta-Cuvier Delphine , Lauro Franck , Raquez Jean-Marie
Published: August 2020

This review focuses on the mechanistic approach, the structure–property relationship and applications of ionic polymeric materials.
Improved photovoltaic properties of PM6-based terpolymer donors containing benzothiadiazole with a siloxane-terminated side chain
Authors: Xu Wenjing , Zhang Min , Xiao Jingbo , Zeng Min , Ye Linglong , Weng Chao , Zhao Bin , Zhang Jianqi , Tan Songting
Published: August 2020

A new series of PM6-based terpolymers (PM10Si, PM20Si, and PM30Si) were designed and synthesized, and their photovoltaic properties based on the inverted deviced and the two-step sequential deposition (SD) were studied.
Thermoresponsive self-healable and recyclable polymer networks based on a dynamic quinone methide–thiol chemistry
Authors: Xiang Lue , Liu Xianfeng , Zhang Huan , Zhao Ning , Zhang Ke
Published: August 2020

A new type of thermoresponsive dynamic covalent polymer network was developed with excellent self-healable and recyclable properties based on a new thermoresponsive dynamic covalent chemistry between a para-quinone methide and thiol nucleophiles.
Investigating the effect of grafting density on the surface properties for sequence-determined fluoropolymer films
Authors: Shen Heyu , Leng Xuefei , Han Li , Liu Pibo , Li Chao , Zhang Songbo , Lei Lan , Ma Hongwei , Li Yang
Published: August 2020

Six sequence-determined fluoropolymers were synthesized and their surface properties were affected by their grafting densities. The reason can be attributed to the assembled structure of the perfluoroalkyl chains at the surface.
Curcumin to inhibit binding of spike glycoprotein to ACE2 receptors: computational modelling, simulations, and ADMET studies to explore curcuminoids against novel SARS-CoV-2 targets
Authors: Shanmugarajan Dhivya , P. Prabitha , Kumar B. R. Prashantha , Suresh B.
Published: August 2020

The significant role of curcumin against SARS-CoV-2 drug targets to thwart virus replication and binding into the host system using the computational biology paradigm approach.
Study on photovoltaic stability and performance by incorporating tetrabutyl phosphonium iodide into the active layer of a perovskite type photovoltaic cell
Authors: González-Juárez Edgar , Valadez-Villalobos Karen , Garcia-Gutierrez Diana F. , Garcia-Gutierrez Domingo I. , Roa Arian Espinosa , Sanchez Eduardo
Published: August 2020

Schematic representation of the solar cell configuration with alkylphosphonium modified perovskite layer.
Investigation on the mechanical properties and fracture phenomenon of silicon doped graphene by molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Rahman Md. Habibur , Mitra Shailee , Motalab Mohammad , Bose Pritom
Published: August 2020

Variations of fracture stress and Young’s modulus of graphene with the concentration of silicon doping.
Theoretical investigation on the nature of 4-substituted Hantzsch esters as alkylation agents
Authors: Shen Guang-Bin , Xie Li , Yu Hao-Yun , Liu Jie , Fu Yan-Hua , Yan Maocai
Published: August 2020

This work presents a convenient computation method to estimate whether a 4-substituted Hantzsch ester can be a good alkyl radical donor.
An integrated electrocatalytic nESI-MS platform for quantification of fatty acid isomers directly from untreated biofluids
Authors: Chintalapudi Kavyasree , Badu-Tawiah Abraham K.
Published: August 2020

An electrocatalytic nESI MS platform enables positional isomer differentiation through the localization of CC bonds in fatty acids present in complex biofluids.
Boosting hydrogen evolution performance by using a plasma-sputtered porous monolithic W2C@WC1−x/Mo film electrocatalyst
Authors: Xu Shusheng , Yang Liuquan , Liu Yu-Zhen , Hua Yong , Gao Xiaoming , Neville Anne
Published: August 2020

A sputtering strategy is reported to prepare a porous W2C@WC1−xfilm on carbon cloth in a W, C and Ar ion plasma atmosphere. It exhibits excellent HER performance with a low overpotential (58 mVvs.RHE, −10 mA cm−2current density) and Tafel slope of 41 mV dec−1.
Advances in magnetically recyclable remediators for elemental mercury degradation in coal combustion flue gas
Authors: Yang Zequn , Yang Jianping , Li Hailong , Qu Wenqi , Leng Lijian , Zhao Jiexia , Feng Yong , Xu Zhengyong , Liu Hui , Shih Kaimin
Published: August 2020

In this review, the magnetic remediators used for Hg0degradation and recycling from coal combustion flue gas have been systematically reviewed. The involved mechanisms are also scrutinized to guide further development related techniques.
A three-dimensional printed biomimetic hierarchical graphene architecture for high-efficiency solar steam-generation
Authors: Wang Zhuoyue , Liu Hanwen , Chen Fengjuan , Zhang Qiangqiang
Published: August 2020

A three-dimensional biomimetic hierarchical graphene architecture for high-efficiency solar steam-generation which is constructed by direct writing-based 3D printing.
Real-time monitoring of human Schwann cells on heparin-collagen coatings reveals enhanced adhesion and growth factor response
Authors: Pinzon-Herrera Luis , Mendez-Vega Janet , Mulero-Russe Adriana , Castilla-Casadiego David A. , Almodovar Jorge
Published: August 2020

In this work, we evaluate the enhancing effect of six bilayers of heparin/collagen (HEP/COL)6layer-by-layer coatings on human Schwann cell (hSCs) adhesion and proliferation in the presence or absence of nerve growth factor (NGF).
Temperature-triggered attachment and detachment of general human bio-foulants on zwitterionic polydimethylsiloxane
Authors: Tan Christian Martin E. , Dizon Gian Vincent , Chen Sheng-Han , Venault Antoine , Chou Ying-Nien , Tayo Lemmuel , Chang Yung
Published: August 2020

Biofouling control via attachment and detachment of the different biofoulants through a temperature stimulus. This was achieved by coating polydimethylsiloxane with a copolymer having both bioinert and temperature responsive segments.
Antimony doped lead-free double perovskites (Cs2NaBi1−xSbxCl6) with enhanced light absorption and tunable emission
Authors: Wu Shufang , Li Wenbo , Hu Junjie , Gao Peng
Published: August 2020

Antimony (Sb3+) ions are introduced to manipulate the structure and optical properties of Cs2NaBiCl6. New possibilities in photovoltaics and white light emission applications could be envisioned.