bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Between Relativism and Design: The Limits of Hume's Secularity
Authors: Maioli Roger
Published: March 2020

Challenging the common image of Hume as a thoroughly secular philosopher, I argue that Hume occasionally relied on the design argument to defend the objectivity of values. Hume acknowledged that rejecting design might open the door to aesthetic, ethical, and epistemic relativism. To avoid this prospect, he allowed himself to repurpose the language of providential naturalists like Hutcheson and claim that “nature,” rather than God, has attuned our faculties to objective standards of morals, beauty, and truth. Historians of philosophy have treated such passages as merely figurative, as they conflict with fundamental principles in Hume's philosophy. I argue instead, from an intellectual historical perspective, that Hume nonetheless expects the passages to be read literally, since only the literal reading helps his case against relativism. Rather than recasting Hume as a defender of design, however, I argue that his appeals to design were less an integral part of his philosophy than a provisional compromise, a response to intractable tensions in the history of secularism.
Solar Cycle Modulation of Nighttime Ozone Near the Mesopause as Observed by MLS
Authors: Lee Jae N. , Wu Dong L.
Published: March 2020

Eleven‐year solar cycle variations of nighttime ozone near the secondary ozone maximum layer in the mesosphere are analyzed with Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) observations since 2004, fully covering solar cycle 24. Produced primarily from the recombination of molecular oxygen (O2) with atomic oxygen (O) transported from the lower thermosphere, the mesospheric nighttime ozone concentration is proportional to atomic oxygen density [O], which itself is modulated by ultraviolet (UV) solar cycle variations. MLS nighttime ozone data and UV data at 240 nm from Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) Solar‐Stellar Irradiance Comparison Experiment (SOLSTICE) show a positive correlation over the solar cycle. Nighttime O3 and nighttime carbon monoxide (CO) distributions are highly correlated with each other with similar seasonal and solar cycle variations, because both [O3] and [CO] depend strongly on UV photolysis and are modulated by Eddy diffusion in this region. Nighttime ozone correlates strongly with temperature, with a generally positive correlation, except at high latitudes during boreal winter.
Burial Diagenesis and Tectonism Inferred From Paleomagnetism and Magnetic Fabrics in the Wolfcamp Shale, Midland Basin, Texas, USA
Authors: Heij Gerhard W. , Elmore R. Douglas
Published: March 2020

An integrated rock magnetic, paleomagnetic, geochemical, and electron microscopy study was performed on three cores penetrating the Wolfcamp Shale interval in the Midland Basin, West Texas. This work presents a temporally constrained diagenetic history of the Wolfcamp Shale, refines our understanding of tectonic influences in the Midland Basin, and postulates an interplay of late diagenetic processes that may contribute to the formation of authigenic magnetite on the surfaces of chlorite/illite. Paleomagnetic results indicate a well constrained, lithofacies independent, Jurassic‐aged chemical remanent magnetization carried by SD‐PSD magnetite. 1D basin modeling suggests that the Jurassic chemical remanent magnetization occurred within the oil window (100–120 °C) during a tectonically quiescent phase. Burial temperatures, electron microscopy, and inorganic geochemistry provide lines of evidence for maturation/migration of hydrocarbons, dissolution of carbonates, and chloritization/illitization. We interpret that the interaction of these processes may have created conditions suitable for the neoformation of magnetite on the surfaces of chlorite/illite. Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) fabrics are carried by paramagnetic clays, and ferroan dolomite is observed in all cores. Geographically corrected data show NE‐SW lineations among normal AMS fabrics and streaked inverse AMS fabrics trending NW‐SE. Textural observations indicate that authigenic ferroan dolomite formed in undercompacted conditions and likely behaved as passive structural markers. The orientation of AMS fabrics and the relative timing of ferroan dolomite authigenesis suggest that layer‐parallel shorting occurred shortly after the deposition of the Wolfcamp Shale and likely corresponds with the timing of Marathon‐Ouachita suturing.
Estimation of Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation During a Photochemical Smog Episode in Shanghai, China
Authors: Wang Hongli , Wang Qian , Gao Yaqin , Zhou Min , Jing Shengao , Qiao Liping , Yuan Bin , Huang Dandan , Huang Cheng , Lou Shengrong , Yan Rusha , de Gouw Joost A. , Zhang Xuan , Chen Jianmin , Chen Changhong , Tao Shikang , An Jingyu , Li Yingjie
Published: March 2020

Secondary organic aerosols (SOA) are formed through diverse processes in the atmosphere, among which photochemical processing is one important pathway. SOA formation was studied based on one heavy photochemical smog episode in summer in Shanghai. During the pollution episode, ozone and organic carbon (OC) increased simultaneously with a strong positive correlation, which was complete opposite to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) pattern but similar to that of VOC photochemical consumption. The OC evolution was explained well by a parameterization method based on the observation of OC and VOCs, and secondary OC (SOC) formation was derived, being comparable with the result based on elemental carbon (EC) tracer method. About 67% of SOC could be explained by the photochemical consumption of VOCs (mainly aromatics, ~93%) during the episode. The contribution of VOCs to SOC formation was also estimated from the available VOC emissions inventories, which was comparable with that based on VOCs observations in ambient. Some differences of VOC species contribution to SOC were found between the ambient observation‐based and the emission‐based results, and the contribution of C9 aromatics was underestimated in the emission inventory. This suggests that bias of speciation might exist in the current VOC emissions inventories. The present study highlights the importance of VOC oxidation for SOC formation in summer in Shanghai. More insights are needed to improve the accuracy of VOCs speciated emissions inventories.
Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Hazard, Downstream Impact, and Risk Over the Indian Himalayas
Authors: Dubey Saket , Goyal Manish Kumar
Published: March 2020

Indian Himalayas are home to numerous glacial lakes, which can pose serious threat to downstream communities and lead to catastrophic socioeconomic disasters in case of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF). This study first identified 329 glacial lakes of size greater than 0.05 km2 in the Indian Himalayas, and then a remote sensing‐based hazard and risk assessment was performed on these lakes. Different factors such as avalanche, rockfall, upstream GLOF, lake expansion, identification of the presence of ice cores, and assessment of the stability of moraine were considered for the hazard modeling. Further, a stochastic inundation model was applied to quantify the potential number of buildings, bridges, and hydropower systems that could be inundated by GLOF in each lake. Finally, the hazard parameters and downstream impact were collectively considered to determine the risk linked with each lake. A total of 23 lakes were identified as very high risk lakes and 50 as high‐risk lakes. The potential flood volumes associated with various triggering mechanisms were also measured and were used to identify the lakes with the most considerable risk, such as Shakho Cho and Khangchung Tso. This study is anticipated to support stakeholders and decision‐makers in identifying critical glacial lakes and make well‐informed decisions related to future modeling efforts, field studies, and risk mitigation measures.
Combining In Situ and Satellite Observations to Understand the Vertical Structure of Tropical Anvil Cloud Microphysical Properties During the TC4 Experiment
Authors: Yue Qing , Jiang Jonathan H. , Heymsfield Andrew , Liou Kuo‐Nan , Gu Yu , Sinha Arushi
Published: March 2020

Tropical anvil clouds have a profound impact on Earth's weather and climate. Their role in Earth's energy balance and hydrologic cycle is heavily modulated by the vertical structure of the microphysical properties for various hydrometeors in these clouds and their dependence on the ambient environmental conditions. Accurate representations of the variability and covariability of such vertical structures are key to both the satellite remote sensing of cloud and precipitation and numerical modeling of weather and climate, which remain a challenge. This study presents a new method to combine vertically resolved observations from CloudSat radar reflectivity and Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation cloud masks with probability distributions of cloud microphysical properties and the ambient atmospheric conditions from detailed in situ measurements on tropical anvils sampled during the National Aeronautics and Space Administration TC4 (Tropical Composition, Cloud and Climate Coupling) mission. We focus on the microphysical properties of the vertical distribution of ice water content, particle size distributions, and effective sizes for different hydrometeors, including ice particles and supercooled liquid droplets. Results from this method are compared with those from in situ data alone and various CloudSat/Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation cloud retrievals. The sampling limitation of the field experiment and algorithm limitations in the current retrievals is highlighted, especially for the liquid cloud particles, while a generally good agreement with ice cloud microphysical properties is seen from different methods. While the method presented in this study is applied to tropical anvil clouds observed during TC4, it can be readily employed to study a broad range of ice clouds sampled by various field campaigns.
Constraints on Earth System Functioning at the Paleocene‐Eocene Thermal Maximum From the Marine Silicon Cycle
Authors: Fontorbe Guillaume , Frings Patrick J. , De La Rocha Christina L. , Hendry Katharine R. , Conley Daniel J.
Published: March 2020

The Paleocene‐Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM, ca. 56 Ma) is marked by a negative carbon isotope excursion (CIE) and increased global temperatures. The CIE is thought to result from the release of 13C‐depleted carbon, although the source(s) of carbon and triggers for its release, its rate of release, and the mechanisms by which the Earth system recovered are all debated. Many of the proposed mechanisms for the onset and recovery phases of the PETM make testable predictions about the marine silica cycle, making silicon isotope records a promising tool to address open questions about the PETM. We analyzed silicon isotope ratios (δ30Si) in radiolarian tests and sponge spicules from the Western North Atlantic (ODP Site 1051) across the PETM. Radiolarian δ30Si decreases by 0.6‰ from a background of 1‰ coeval with the CIE, while sponge δ30Si remains consistent at 0.2‰. Using a box model to test the Si cycle response to various scenarios, we find the data are best explained by a weak silicate weathering feedback, implying the recovery was mostly driven by nondiatom organic carbon burial, the other major long‐term carbon sink. We find no resolvable evidence for a volcanic trigger for carbon release, or for a change in regional oceanography. Better understanding of radiolarian Si isotope fractionation and more Si isotope records spanning the PETM are needed to confirm the global validity of these conclusions, but they highlight how the coupling between the silica and carbon cycles can be exploited to yield insight into the functioning of the Earth system.
Targeting the HGF/c-MET pathway in advanced pancreatic cancer: a key element of treatment that limits primary tumour growth and eliminates metastasis
Authors: Xu Zhihong , Pang Tony C. Y. , Liu Adele C. , Pothula Srinivasa P. , Mekapogu Alpha Raj , Perera Chamini J. , Murakami Takashi , Goldstein David , Pirola Romano C. , Wilson Jeremy S. , Apte Minoti V.
Published: March 2020

Background

Stromal–tumour interactions facilitate pancreatic cancer (PC) progression. The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-MET pathway is upregulated in PC and mediates the interaction between cancer cells and stromal pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). This study assessed the effect of HGF/c-MET inhibition plus gemcitabine (G) on the progression of advanced PC.

Methods

Orthotopic PC was produced by implantation of luciferase-tagged human cancer cells + human PSCs into mouse pancreas. Tumours were allowed to develop without treatment for 4 weeks. Mice were then treated for 6 weeks with one of the following: IgG, G, HGF inhibitor (Hi), c-MET inhibitor (Ci), Hi + Ci, Hi + G, Ci + G, or Hi + Ci + G.

Results

Bioluminescence imaging showed similar tumour sizes in all mice at the initiation of treatments. Triple therapy (Hi + Ci + G): (1) completely eliminated metastasis; (2) significantly reduced tumour size as assessed by bioluminescence and at necropsy; (3) significantly reduced proliferating cancer cell density and stem cell marker DCLK1 expression in tumours. In vitro 3D culture studies supported our in vivo findings.

Conclusion

Even at an advanced disease stage, a two-pronged approach, targeting (a) HGF/c-MET with relevant inhibitors and (b) cancer cells with chemotherapy, completely eliminated metastasis and significantly decreased tumour growth, suggesting that this is a promising treatment approach for PC.
Young adulthood body mass index, adult weight gain and breast cancer risk: the PROCAS Study (United Kingdom)
Authors: Renehan Andrew G. , Pegington Mary , Harvie Michelle N. , Sperrin Matthew , Astley Susan M. , Brentnall Adam R. , Howell Anthony , Cuzick Jack , Gareth Evans D.
Published: March 2020

Background

We tested the hypothesis that body mass index (BMI) aged 20 years modifies the association of adult weight gain and breast cancer risk.

Methods

We recruited women (aged 47–73 years) into the PROCAS (Predicting Risk Of Cancer At Screening; Manchester, UK: 2009–2013) Study. In 47,042 women, we determined BMI at baseline and (by recall) at age 20 years, and derived weight changes. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for new breast cancer using Cox models and explored relationships between BMI aged 20 years, subsequent weight changes and breast cancer risk.

Results

With median follow-up of 5.6 years, 1142 breast cancers (post-menopausal at entry: 829) occurred. Among post-menopausal women at entry, BMI aged 20 years was inversely associated [HR per SD: 0.87 (95% CI: 0.79–0.95)], while absolute weight gain was associated with breast cancer [HR per SD:1.23 (95% CI: 1.14–1.32)]. For post-menopausal women who had a recall BMI aged 20 years <23.4 kg/m2 (75th percentile), absolute weight gain was associated with breast cancer [HR per SD: 1.31 (95% CIs: 1.21–1.42)], but there were no associations for women with a recall BMI aged 20 years of >23.4 kg/m2 (Pinteraction values <0.05).

Conclusions

Adult weight gain increased post-menopausal breast cancer risk only among women who were <23.4 kg/m2 aged 20 years.
Ferritin in glioblastoma
Authors: Jaksch-Bogensperger Heidi , Spiegl-Kreinecker Sabine , Arosio Paolo , Eckl Peter , Golaszewski Stefan , Ebner Yvonne , Al-Schameri Rahman , Strasser Peter , Weis Serge , Bresgen Nikolaus
Published: March 2020

Elevated levels of serum ferritin (SF) are observed in several types of cancer; however, little is known on the association between ferritin and glioma, the most frequent type of human primary brain tumour. Here we report that GBM patients show significantly increased pre-surgical SF levels (i.e. ferritinaemia) within the SF reference range and a marked ferritin immunoreactivity of resected tumour tissue. Our findings account for an indirect association between ferritin synthesis in glioma-tissue and altered SF levels, which limits the clinical value of SF as a tumour marker in glioma. Importantly, we show for the first time that GBM-derived glioma cells release ferritin in vitro, which exerts an apoptosis-stimulating activity. Albeit the pathophysiologic context of apoptosis induction by a tumour-derived ferritin remains to be defined, our findings account for a distinct growth-regulatory role of these ferritin species in tumour biology.
HPV-mediated nuclear export of HP1γ drives cervical tumorigenesis by downregulation of p53
Authors: Yi Sang Ah , Lee Dong Hoon , Kim Go Woon , Ryu Hyun-Wook , Park Jong Woo , Lee Jaecheol , Han Jihoon , Park Jee Hun , Oh Hwamok , Lee Jieun , Choi Junjeong , Kim Hyun-Soo , Kang Hyeok Gu , Kim Da-Hyun , Chun Kyung-Hee , You Jueng Soo , Han Jeung-Whan , Kwon So Hee
Published: March 2020

E6 oncoprotein derived from high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) drives the development of cervical cancer through p53 degradation. Because cervical cancer therapies to inactivate HPV or E6 protein are not available, alternative strategies are required. Here, we show that HPV-mediated nuclear export of human heterochromatin protein 1γ (HP1γ) reduces the stability of p53 through UBE2L3-mediated p53 polyubiquitination during cervical cancer progression. In general, HP1 plays a key role in heterochromatin formation and transcription in the nucleus. However, our immunostaining data showed that the majority of HP1γ is localized in the cytoplasm in HPV-mediated cervical cancer. We found that HPV E6 protein drives unusual nuclear export of HP1γ through the interaction between the NES sequence of HP1γ and exportin-1. The mutation of the NES sequence in HP1γ led to nuclear retention of HP1γ and reduced cervical cancer cell growth and tumor generation. We further discovered that HP1γ directly suppresses the expression of UBE2L3 which drives E6-mediated proteasomal degradation of p53 in cervical cancer. Downregulation of UBE2L3 by overexpression of HP1γ suppressed UBE2L3-dependent p53 degradation-promoting apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. Our findings propose a useful strategy to overcome p53 degradation in cervical cancer through the blockage of nuclear export of HP1γ.
An expanded library of orthogonal split inteins enables modular multi-peptide assemblies
Authors: Pinto Filipe , Thornton Ella Lucille , Wang Baojun
Published: March 2020

Inteins are protein segments capable of joining adjacent residues via a peptide bond. In this process known as protein splicing, the intein itself is not present in the final sequence, thus achieving scarless peptide ligation. Here, we assess the splicing activity of 34 inteins (both uncharacterized and known) using a rapid split fluorescent reporter characterization platform, and establish a library of 15 mutually orthogonal split inteins for in vivo applications, 10 of which can be simultaneously used in vitro. We show that orthogonal split inteins can be coupled to multiple split transcription factors to implement complex logic circuits in living organisms, and that they can also be used for the in vitro seamless assembly of large repetitive proteins with biotechnological relevance. Our work demonstrates the versatility and vast potential of an expanded library of orthogonal split inteins for their use in the fields of synthetic biology and protein engineering.
Colonic microbiota is associated with inflammation and host epigenomic alterations in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Ryan F. J. , Ahern A. M. , Fitzgerald R. S. , Laserna-Mendieta E. J. , Power E. M. , Clooney A. G. , O’Donoghue K. W. , McMurdie P. J. , Iwai S. , Crits-Christoph A. , Sheehan D. , Moran C. , Flemer B. , Zomer A. L. , Fanning A. , O’Callaghan J. , Walton J. , Temko A. , Stack W. , Jackson L. , Joyce S. A. , Melgar S. , DeSantis T. Z. , Bell J. T. , Shanahan F. , Claesson M. J.
Published: March 2020

Studies of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been inconclusive in relating microbiota with distribution of inflammation. We report microbiota, host transcriptomics, epigenomics and genetics from matched inflamed and non-inflamed colonic mucosa [50 Crohn’s disease (CD); 80 ulcerative colitis (UC); 31 controls]. Changes in community-wide and within-patient microbiota are linked with inflammation, but we find no evidence for a distinct microbial diagnostic signature, probably due to heterogeneous host-microbe interactions, and show only marginal microbiota associations with habitual diet. Epithelial DNA methylation improves disease classification and is associated with both inflammation and microbiota composition. Microbiota sub-groups are driven by dominant Enterbacteriaceae and Bacteroides species, representative strains of which are pro-inflammatory in vitro, are also associated with immune-related epigenetic markers. In conclusion, inflamed and non-inflamed colonic segments in both CD and UC differ in microbiota composition and epigenetic profiles.
Larger-scale ocean-atmospheric patterns drive synergistic variability and world-wide volatility of wheat yields
Authors: Najafi Ehsan , Pal Indrani , Khanbilvardi Reza
Published: March 2020

Diagnosing potential predictability of global crop yields in the near term is of utmost importance for ensuring food supply and preventing socio-economic consequences. Previous studies suggest that a substantial proportion of global wheat yield variability depends on local climate and larger-scale ocean-atmospheric patterns. The science is however at its infancy to address whether synergistic variability and volatility (major departure from the normal) of multi-national crop yields can be potentially predicted by larger-scale climate drivers. Here, using observed data on wheat yields for 85 producing countries and climate variability from 1961–2013, we diagnose that wheat yields vary synergistically across key producing nations and can also be concurrently volatile, as a function of shared larger-scale climate drivers. We use a statistical approach called robust Principal Component Analysis (rPCA), to decouple and quantify the leading modes (PC) of global wheat yield variability where the top four PCs explain nearly 33% of the total variance. Diagnostics of PC1 indicate previous year’s local Air Temperature variability being the primary influence and the tropical Pacific Ocean being the most dominating larger-scale climate stimulus. Results also demonstrate that world-wide yield volatility has become more common in the current most decades, associating with warmer northern Pacific and Atlantic oceans, leading mostly to global supply shortages. As the world warms and extreme weather events become more common, this diagnostic analysis provides convincing evidence that concurrent variability and world-wide volatility of wheat yields can potentially be predicted, which has major socio-economic and commercial importance at the global scale, underscoring the urgency of common options in managing climate risk.
The Limits of Effective Degrees of Freedom in UCA based Orbital Angular Momentum Multiplexed Communications
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Qu Fengzhong , Wei Yan , Yang Guowei , Xu Wen , Xu Jing
Published: March 2020

Orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexing technique has recently emerged and generated widespread interests since the OAM was discovered as a property of electromagnetic wave and acoustic wave. It was widely acknowledged that OAM multiplexing can achieve very high effective degrees of freedom (EDOF) and improve the spectral efficiency in optical, radio and acoustic communications. However, in the field of free-space optical (FSO) communications, it was demonstrated that OAM multiplexing is not the optimal multiplexing technique and the spatial bandwidth product (SBP) limits the EDOF. Is there any EDOF limits of OAM multiplexing in radio and acoustic communications? Could OAM multiplexing be safely scaled to far field? Here, we discover that the azimuthal resolution of OAM mode generator in OAM multiplexing limits its EDOF. Furthermore, we also verify that the OAM multiplexing in radio and acoustic communication fails to enable a long distance transmission and high EDOF simultaneously incurred by the inherently imperfect OAM mode generator.
Marine virus predation by non-host organisms
Authors: Welsh Jennifer E. , Steenhuis Peter , de Moraes Karlos Ribeiro , van der Meer Jaap , Thieltges David W. , Brussaard Corina P. D.
Published: March 2020

Viruses are the most abundant biological entities in marine environments, however, despite its potential ecological implications, little is known about virus removal by ambient non-host organisms. Here, we examined the effects of a variety of non-host organisms on the removal of viruses. The marine algal virus PgV-07T (infective to Phaeocystis globosa) can be discriminated from bacteriophages using flow cytometry, facilitating its use as a representative model system. Of all the non-host organisms tested, anemones, polychaete larvae, sea squirts, crabs, cockles, oysters and sponges significantly reduced viral abundance. The latter four species reduced viral abundance the most, by 90, 43, 12 and 98% over 24 h, respectively. Breadcrumb sponges instantly removed viruses at high rates (176 mL h−1 g tissue dry wt−1) which continued over an extended period of time. The variety of non-host organisms capable of reducing viral abundance highlights that viral loss by ambient organisms is an overlooked avenue of viral ecology. Moreover, our finding that temperate sponges have the huge potential for constant and effective removal of viruses from the water column demonstrates that natural viral loss has, thus far, been underestimated.
De novo transcriptome assembly and analysis of Phragmites karka, an invasive halophyte, to study the mechanism of salinity stress tolerance
Authors: Nayak Soumya Shree , Pradhan Seema , Sahoo Dinabandhu , Parida Ajay
Published: March 2020

With the rapidly deteriorating environmental conditions, the development of stress tolerant plants has become a priority for sustaining agricultural productivity. Therefore, studying the process of stress tolerance in naturally tolerant species hold significant promise. Phragmites karka is an invasive plant species found abundantly in tropical and sub tropical regions, fresh water regions and brackish marshy areas, such as river banks and lake shores. The plant possesses the ability to adapt and survive under conditions of high salinity. We subjected P. karka seedlings to salt stress and carried out whole transcriptome profiling of leaf and root tissues. Assessing the global transcriptome changes under salt stress resulted in the identification of several genes that are differentially regulated under stress conditions in root and leaf tissue. A total of 161,403 unigenes were assembled and used as a reference for digital gene expression analysis. A number of key metabolic pathways were found to be over-represented. Digital gene expression analysis was validated using qRT-PCR. In addition, a number of different transcription factor families including WRKY, MYB, CCCH, NAC etc. were differentially expressed under salinity stress. Our data will facilitate further characterisation of genes involved in salinity stress tolerance in P. karka. The DEGs from our results are potential candidates for understanding and engineering abiotic stress tolerance in plants.
Effect of the deuterium on efficiency and type of adipogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells in vitro
Authors: Zlatska Alona V. , Vasyliev Roman G. , Gordiienko Inna M. , Rodnichenko Anzhela E. , Morozova Maria A. , Vulf Maria A. , Zubov Dmytro O. , Novikova Svitlana N. , Litvinova Larisa S. , Grebennikova Tatiana V. , Zlatskiy Igor A. , Syroeshkin Anton V.
Published: March 2020

In this study, we performed an adipogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in vitro with different deuterium content (natural, low and high) in the culture medium during differentiation process with parallel analysis of the gene expression, metabolic activity and cell viability/toxicity. After ADSCs differentiation into adipocytes we have done the analysis of differentiation process efficiency and determined a type of resulting adipocytes (by morphology, gene expression, UCP1 protein detection and adipokine production analysis). We have found that high (5 × 105 ppm) deuterium content significantly inhibit in vitro adipogenic differentiation of human ADSCs compared to the groups with natural (150 ppm) and low (30 ppm) deuterium content. Importantly, protocol of differentiation used in our study leads to white adipocytes development in groups with natural (control) and high deuterium content, whereas deuterium-depleted differentiation medium leads to brown-like (beige) adipocytes formation. We have also remarked the direct impact of deuterium on the cellular survival and metabolic activity. Interesting, in deuterium depleted-medium, the cells had normal survival rate and high metabolic activity, whereas the inhibitory effect of deuterated medium on ADSCs differentiation at least was partly associated with deuterium cytotoxicity and inhibitory effect on metabolic activity. The inhibitory effect of deuterium on metabolic activity and the subsequent decrease in the effectiveness of adipogenic differentiation is probably associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, deuterium could be considered as an element that affects the substance chirality. These findings may be the basis for the development of new approaches in the treatment of obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes through the regulation of adipose-derived stem cell differentiation and adipocyte functions.
Seltrapping in flat band lattices with nonlinear disorder
Authors: Rivas Danilo , Molina Mario I.
Published: March 2020

We study the transport properties of an initially localized excitation in several flat band lattices, in the presence of nonlinear (Kerr) disorder. In the weak nonlinearity regime, the dynamics is controlled by the degeneracy of the bands leading to a linear form of selftrapping. In the strong nonlinearity regime, the dynamics of the excitations depends strongly on the local environment around the initial excitation site that leads to a highly fluctuating selfrapping profile. For a binary nonlinear disorder, it is shown that the spreading of the flat band fundamental mode, is completely inhibited for a finite fraction of all cases. This fraction corresponds to the fraction of times the same value of (random) nonlinearity is assigned to all sites of the fundamental mode.
A New Fitting Method for Ambipolar Diffusion Length Extraction in Thin Film Structures Using Photoluminescence Measurement with Scanning Excitation
Authors: Chu Cheng-Hao , Mao Ming-Hua , Lin You-Ru , Lin Hao-Hsiung
Published: March 2020

A new simple method is proposed to extract the ambipolar diffusion length for two-dimensional (2D) electronic transport in thin film structures using a scanning photoluminescence microscopy (SPLM) setup. No spatially-resolved photoluminescence detection methods are required. By measuring the excitation-position-dependent PL intensity across the edge of a semiconductor, ambipolar diffusion length can be extracted from the SPLM profile through a simple analytic fitting function. Numerical simulation was first used to verify the fitting method. Then the fitting method was applied to extract the ambipolar diffusion length from the measured SPLM profile of a GaAs thin film structure. Carrier lifetime was obtained in an accompanying time-resolved photoluminescence measurement under the same excitation condition, and thus the ambipolar diffusion coefficient can be determined simultaneously. The new fitting method provides a simple way to evaluate carrier transport properties in 2D electronic transport structures such as thin films or quantum wells.
Shear characteristics and stress-strain mathematical model of waste polyester textile reinforced clay
Authors: Lv Xiangfeng , Zhou Hongyuan
Published: March 2020

Clay reinforcement through appropriate applications of waste fiber or waste fiber fabric can generate huge economic and environmental benefits. In this study, clay was reinforced using waste polyester fiber filaments and waste polyester fabric blocks, respectively. Triaxial tests (σ1 > σ2 = σ3) were carried out to examine the influence of reinforcement method and the contents (0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%) on the shear behavior of clay. After reinforcement, the deformation resistance and shear strength of the clay was improved. The optimal contents of fiber filament and fabric block were both 1.0%; as the fiber filament or fabric block content increased from 0.5% to 1.5%, the stiffness of the reinforced clay decreased, while the energy absorption capacity and the cohesive strength first increased and then decreased. Under the optimal content condition, the fiber filament showed better reinforcement than the fabric block. Under the train hardening condition, a hyperbolic model can be used to quantitatively describe the stress-strain relationship of the reinforced clay, and the model parameters can also reflect the strain hardening degree.
Effects of daily L-dopa administration on learning and brain structure in older adults undergoing cognitive training: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Lebedev Alexander V. , Nilsson Jonna , Lindström Joanna , Fredborg William , Akenine Ulrika , Hillilä Carolina , Andersen Pia , Spulber Gabriela , de Lange Elizabeth C. M. , van den Berg Dirk-Jan , Kivipelto Miia , Lövdén Martin
Published: March 2020

Cognitive aging creates major individual and societal burden, motivating search for treatment and preventive care strategies. Behavioural interventions can improve cognitive performance in older age, but effects are small. Basic research has implicated dopaminergic signalling in plasticity. We investigated whether supplementation with the dopamine-precursor L-dopa improves effects of cognitive training on performance. Sixty-three participants for this randomised, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial were recruited via newspaper advertisements. Inclusion criteria were: age of 65–75 years, Mini-Mental State Examination score >25, absence of serious medical conditions. Eligible subjects were randomly allocated to either receive 100/25 mg L-dopa/benserazide (n = 32) or placebo (n = 31) prior to each of twenty cognitive training sessions administered during a four-week period. Participants and staff were blinded to group assignment. Primary outcomes were latent variables of spatial and verbal fluid intelligence. Compared to the placebo group, subjects receiving L-dopa improved less in spatial intelligence (−0.267 SDs; 95%CI [−0.498, −0.036]; p = 0.024). Change in verbal intelligence did not significantly differ between the groups (−0.081 SDs, 95%CI [−0.242, 0.080]; p = 0.323). Subjects receiving L-dopa also progressed slower through the training and the groups displayed differential volumetric changes in the midbrain. No statistically significant differences were found for the secondary cognitive outcomes. Adverse events occurred for 10 (31%) and 7 (23%) participants in the active and control groups, correspondingly. The results speak against early pharmacological interventions in older healthy adults to improve broader cognitive functions by targeting the dopaminergic system and provide no support for learning-enhancing properties of L-dopa supplements in the healthy elderly. The findings warrant closer investigation about the cognitive effects of early dopamine-replacement therapy in neurological disorders. This trial was preregistered at the European Clinical Trial Registry, EudraCT#2016-000891-54 (2016-10-05).
Integrative analyses indicate an association between ITIH3 polymorphisms with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Xie Xinyan , Meng Heng , Wu Hao , Hou Fang , Chen Yanlin , Zhou Yu , Xue Qi , Zhang Jiajia , Gong Jianhua , Li Li , Song Ranran
Published: March 2020

It is challenge to pinpoint the functional variants among numerous genetic variants. Investigating the spatial dynamics of the human brain transcriptome for genes and exploring the expression quantitative trait loci data may provide the potential direction to identify the functional variants among autism spectrum disorders (ASD) patients. In order to explore the association of ITIH3 with ASD, the present study included three components: identifying the spatial-temporal expression of ITIH3 in the developing human brain using the expression data from the Allen Institute for Brain Science; examining the cis-acting regulatory effect of SNPs on the ITIH3 expression using UK Brain Expression Consortium database; validating the effect of identified SNPs using a case-control study with samples of 602 cases and 604 controls. The public expression data showed that ITIH3 may have a role in the development of human brain and suggested a cis-eQTL effect for rs2535629 and rs3617 on ITIH3 in the hippocampus. Genetic analysis of the above two SNPs suggested that the over-dominant model of rs2535629 was significantly associated with decreased risk of ASD. Convergent lines of evidence supported ITIH3 rs25352629 as a susceptibility variant for ASD.
Birth by Caesarean section and otitis media in childhood: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hartley Maria , Woolcott Christy G. , Langley Joanne M. , Brown Mary M. , Ashley-Martin Jillian , Kuhle Stefan
Published: March 2020

The objective of the present study was to examine the association between birth by Caesarean section (CS) and otitis media (OM) in childhood. We assembled a retrospective cohort of children born between 2003 and 2007 in Nova Scotia and followed them through to 2014. The cohort was derived through a linkage of the Nova Scotia Atlee Perinatal Database with provincial administrative health data. Cox proportional hazards, negative binomial regression and logistic regression were used to examine the association between CS and OM. Among the 36,318 children, 27% were born by CS, and 78% had at least one OM episode (median 2 episodes). Children born by CS were at a slightly higher risk of OM (hazard ratio 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03, 1.09), had more OM episodes in the first 7 years of life (incidence rate ratio 1.04, 95% CI 1.01, 1.07), and were more likely to be above the 95th percentile for OM episodes than children born vaginally (odds ratio 1.10, 95% CI 0.99, 1.23). Our study shows that birth by CS is weakly associated with OM in childhood, but the clinical and public health impact of these findings is small.
3D-printed model-guided endoscopic evacuation for basal ganglia hemorrhage
Authors: Zhang Jun , Cheng Hongyu , Zhou Sitong , Huang Lijin , Lv Jianguang , Wang Peng , Chen Jiajing , Jin Tongxin , Zheng Guiyong , Ye Haoxiang , Wang Xuejie , Meng Bing , Lu Dan , Li Yuqian
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and practicality of 3D-printed model-guided endoscopic surgery for the treatment of basal ganglia hemorrhage. The authors retrospectively analyzed the data of all patients who underwent endoscopic evacuation of basal ganglia hemorrhage in the Department of Neurosurgery at Dalang Hospital and Shipai Hospital between December 2017 and February 2019. Twelve patients, in whom the 3D-printed model guidance was used for endoscopic evacuation, were included in this investigation. Using 3D reconstructed technology, we designed the appropriate surgical approach. Then, an individualized facial model with the guide orifice was printed by a 3D printer. Further, the 3D-printed model was employed to guide the insertion of the endoscope sheath. As a result, the average evacuation rate was 97.2% (range 90.1–100.0%). The GCS and mRS score were improved in each patient from admission to discharge examination. All patients had a good prognosis based on their functional independence measure (FIM) scores at the 6-month follow-up. The 3D-printed model-guided endoscopic evacuation was effective and safe for basal ganglia hemorrhage. This technique deserves further investigation to determine its role in intracerebral hemorrhage management.
Author Correction: Cryptochrome 1 in Retinal Cone Photoreceptors Suggests a Novel Functional Role in Mammals
Authors: Nießner Christine , Denzau Susanne , Malkemper Erich Pascal , Gross Julia Christina , Burda Hynek , Winklhofer Michael , Peichl Leo
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: CD200R/Foxp3-mediated signalling regulates microglial activation
Authors: Yi Min-Hee , Zhang Enji , Kim Jwa-Jin , Baek Hyunjung , Shin Nara , Kim Sena , Kim Sang Ryong , Kim Hang-Rae , Lee Sung Joong , Park Jin Bong , Kim Yonghyun , Kwon O-Yu , Lee Young Ho , Oh Sang-Ha , Kim Dong Woon
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Electrochemically generatedN-iodoaminium species as key intermediates for selective methyl sulphonylimination of tertiary amines
Authors: Huang Binbin , Yang Chao , Zhou Jia , Xia Wujiong
Published: March 2020

This study presents a straightforward protocol for approachingN-sulphonylamidinesviaan electricity-driven, iodine-mediated cross dehydrogenative condensation (CDC) between sulphonamides and tertiary amines.
Structures and bonding in [L]M(μ-CCR)2M[L] and [L]M(μ-RC4R)M[L]: requirements for C–C coupling
Authors: Ghorai Sagar , Jemmis Eluvathingal D.
Published: March 2020

We report the geometric and electronic structures of [L]M(μ-CCR)2M[L] and their C–C coupled products [L]M(μ-RC4R)M[L], considering selected elements from the main group, transition metals, actinides and lanthanides.
Enteric pH responsive cargo release from PDA and PEG coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles: a comparative study inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Sapre Nidhi , Chakraborty Rusha , Purohit Poorvi , Bhat Suresh , Das Gaurav , Bajpe Sneha R.
Published: March 2020

Targeted delivery inDrosophilamiddle mid-gut at pH < 4.0.
Establishment of a universal and sensitive plasmonic biosensor platform based on the hybridization chain reaction (HCR) amplification induced by a triple-helix molecular switch
Authors: Wang Ganglin , Li Jingfeng , He Yong , Liu Jun , Yu Mingxia , Wang Guoping
Published: March 2020

Here, we have reported a universal and sensitive plasmonic sensing strategy for biomolecule assays by coupling the hybridization chain reaction (HCR) strategy and a triple-helix molecular switch.
Quantitative analysis of direct oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban by terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Wu Xu , Wang Liping , Peng Yan , Wu Fang , Cao Jiumei , Chen Xiaohong , Wu Wanwan , Yang Huinan , Xing Mengmeng , Zhu Yiming , Shi Yijue , Zhuang Songlin
Published: March 2020

A new method for the qualitative and quantitative detection of direct oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban by terahertz spectroscopy.
Recent progress in wide bandgap conjugated polymer donors for high-performance nonfullerene organic photovoltaics
Authors: An Cunbin , Zheng Zhong , Hou Jianhui
Published: March 2020

This feature article summarizes our recent achievements in the development of wide bandgap polymer donors as high-performance organic photovoltaics.
Pillar–template strategy switching the redox activity and magnetic properties of trisphenylamine-based coordination polymers
Authors: Qiu Ya-Ru , Li Bang , Zhou Yan , Su Jian , Ge Jing-Yuan
Published: March 2020

A pillar–template strategy was used to modify the redox activity and magnetic properties of trisphenylamine-based coordination polymersviaa single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation method.
Electronic structure, magnetic anisotropy and Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction in Janus Cr2I3X3 (X = Br, Cl) bilayers
Authors: Zhang Fang , Zhang Hui , Mi Wenbo , Wang Xiaocha
Published: March 2020

The combination-dependent electronic structure, magnetic anisotropy and Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction in Janus Cr2I3X3 (X = Br, Cl) bilayers.
Low-energy electron scattering by cyanamide: anion spectra and dissociation pathways
Authors: Maioli Leticia S. , Kossoski Fábris , Bettega Márcio H. F.
Published: March 2020

Theoretical calculations show that cyanamide and carbodiimide tautomers display unique signatures on the low-energy electron induced dehydrogenation reaction.
Remarkable reversal of 13C-NMR assignment in d1, d2 compared to d8, d9 acetylacetonate complexes: analysis and explanation based on solid-state MAS NMR and computations
Authors: Andersen Anders B. A. , Pyykkönen Ari , Jensen Hans Jørgen Aa. , McKee Vickie , Vaara Juha , Nielsen Ulla Gro
Published: March 2020

The variation in 13C NMR paramagnetic shifts as a function of d-electron configuration was explained by NMR shielding calculations.
Xenon in oxide frameworks: at the crossroads between inorganic chemistry and planetary science
Authors: Britvin Sergey N.
Published: March 2020

Noble but not inert: xenon oxide chemistry.
Dinuclear zinc(ii) salen-type Schiff-base complexes as molecular tweezers
Authors: Consiglio Giuseppe , Oliveri Ivan Pietro , Cacciola Salvatore , Maccarrone Giuseppe , Failla Salvatore , Di Bella Santo
Published: March 2020

Two dinuclear ZnII Schiff-base complexes form very stable intramolecular aggregates and act as molecular tweezers of ditopic guests having a strong Lewis basicity.
Design, synthesis, and characterization of novel organic–inorganic hybrid polymeric materials for electroluminescence applications
Authors: Kumar Anil , Bawa Shubham , Bandyopadhyay Anasuya
Published: March 2020

Design and syntheses of two electroluminescent metallopolymers from a novel, multidentate, redox active, and di-anionic organic building block.
Gold nanoparticles stabilized by PEG-tagged imidazolium salts as recyclable catalysts for the synthesis of propargylamines and the cycloisomerization of γ-alkynoic acids
Authors: Fernández Guillem , Bernardo Laura , Villanueva Ana , Pleixats Roser
Published: March 2020

Water-soluble gold nanoparticles prepared in the presence of PEG-tagged tris-imidazolium bromide, containing Au(0) and Au(i) species, are reusable catalysts.
Synergistic effect of cobalt, nitrogen-codoped hollow carbon sphere hosts for high performance lithium sulfur batteries
Authors: Li Qihua , Yang Jian , Zhao Yue , Zhang Zengcheng , Wang Chao , He Hao , Wu Jinghua , Yao Xiayin
Published: March 2020

Co, N@CPDA-HCS exhibits better electrochemical performance due to the embedding of cobalt on the special structure as a host for sulfur.
Biodetection using a ZnO nanorod-based microfluidic device with a concentration gradient generator
Authors: Xie Yan , Shi Yuchen , Xie Wenhui , Chang Mengjie , Zhao Zhenjie , Li Xin
Published: March 2020

An effective microfluidic device with a concentration gradient generator for cancer biomarker detection is developed by integrating ZnO NR arrays into microchannels.
Study on the voltage drop of vanadium nitride/carbon composites derived from the pectin/VCl3 membrane as a supercapacitor anode material
Authors: Liu Ying , Chang Jianguo , Liu Lingyang , Kang Long , Ran Fen
Published: March 2020

The adsorption of metal ions and the further utilization of adsorbent materials help solve serious environmental pollution; therefore, transforming them into supercapacitor electrode materials could be a promising possibility.
Acid–base-sensitive allylic oxidation of 2-allylbenzoic acids to form phthalides
Authors: Chuc Le Thi Ngoc , Nguyen Thi Anh Hong , Hou Duen-Ren
Published: March 2020

Allylic oxidation of 2-allylbenzoic acids to phthalides, instead of Wacker-type isocoumarins, was achieved with 1,2-bis(phenylsulfinyl)ethane palladium(ii) acetate (White catalyst) and oxygen in DMSO.
Advances in passively driven microfluidics and lab-on-chip devices: a comprehensive literature review and patent analysis
Authors: Narayanamurthy Vigneswaran , Jeroish Z. E. , Bhuvaneshwari K. S. , Bayat Pouriya , Premkumar R. , Samsuri Fahmi , Yusoff Mashitah M.
Published: March 2020

Different approaches employed in the passively driven microfluidics and LOC devices.