bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative prediction of grain boundary thermal conductivities from local atomic environments
Authors: Fujii Susumu , Yokoi Tatsuya , Fisher Craig A. J. , Moriwake Hiroki , Yoshiya Masato
Published: April 2020

Quantifying the dependence of thermal conductivity on grain boundary (GB) structure is critical for controlling nanoscale thermal transport in many technologically important materials. A major obstacle to determining such a relationship is the lack of a robust and physically intuitive structure descriptor capable of distinguishing between disparate GB structures. We demonstrate that a microscopic structure metric, the local distortion factor, correlates well with atomically decomposed thermal conductivities obtained from perturbed molecular dynamics for a wide variety of MgO GBs. Based on this correlation, a model for accurately predicting thermal conductivity of GBs is constructed using machine learning techniques. The model reveals that small distortions to local atomic environments are sufficient to reduce overall thermal conductivity dramatically. The method developed should enable more precise design of next-generation thermal materials as it allows GB structures exhibiting the desired thermal transport behaviour to be identified with small computational overhead.
A delay in sampling information from temporally autocorrelated visual stimuli
Authors: Callahan-Flintoft Chloe , Holcombe Alex O. , Wyble Brad
Published: April 2020

Much of our world changes smoothly in time, yet the allocation of attention is typically studied with sudden changes – transients. A sizeable lag in selecting feature information is seen when stimuli change smoothly. Yet this lag is not seen with temporally uncorrelated rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) stimuli. This suggests that temporal autocorrelation of a feature paradoxically increases the latency at which information is sampled. To test this, participants are asked to report the color of a disk when a cue was presented. There is an increase in selection latency when the disk’s color changed smoothly compared to randomly. This increase is due to the smooth color change presented after the cue rather than extrapolated predictions based on the color changes presented before. These results support an attentional drag theory, whereby attentional engagement is prolonged when features change smoothly. A computational model provides insights into the potential underlying neural mechanisms.
A processive phosphorylation circuit with multiple kinase inputs and mutually diversional routes controls G1/S decision
Authors: Venta Rainis , Valk Ervin , Örd Mihkel , Košik Oleg , Pääbo Kaur , Maljavin Artemi , Kivi Rait , Faustova Ilona , Shtaida Nastassia , Lepiku Martin , Möll Kaidi , Doncic Andreas , Kõivomägi Mardo , Loog Mart
Published: April 2020

Studies on multisite phosphorylation networks of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) targets have opened a new level of signaling complexity by revealing signal processing routes encoded into disordered proteins. A model target, the CDK inhibitor Sic1, contains linear phosphorylation motifs, docking sites, and phosphodegrons to empower an N-to-C terminally directed phosphorylation process. Here, we uncover a signal processing mechanism involving multi-step competition between mutually diversional phosphorylation routes within the S-CDK-Sic1 inhibitory complex. Intracomplex phosphorylation plays a direct role in controlling Sic1 degradation, and provides a mechanism to sequentially integrate both the G1- and S-CDK activities while keeping S-CDK inhibited towards other targets. The competing phosphorylation routes prevent premature Sic1 degradation and demonstrate how integration of MAPK from the pheromone pathway allows one to tune the competition of alternative phosphorylation paths. The mutually diversional phosphorylation circuits may be a general way for processing multiple kinase signals to coordinate cellular decisions in eukaryotes.
Measuring and forecasting progress towards the education-related SDG targets
Authors: Friedman Joseph , York Hunter , Graetz Nicholas , Woyczynski Lauren , Whisnant Joanna , Hay Simon I. , Gakidou Emmanuela
Published: April 2020

Education is a key dimension of well-being and a crucial indicator of development1–4. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) prioritize progress in education, with a new focus on inequality5–7. Here we model the within-country distribution of years of schooling, and use this model to explore educational inequality since 1970 and to forecast progress towards the education-related 2030 SDG targets. We show that although the world is largely on track to achieve near-universal primary education by 2030, substantial challenges remain in the completion rates for secondary and tertiary education. Globally, the gender gap in schooling had nearly closed by 2018 but gender disparities remained acute in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, and North Africa and the Middle East. It is predicted that, by 2030, females will have achieved significantly higher educational attainment than males in 18 countries. Inequality in education reached a peak globally in 2017 and is projected to decrease steadily up to 2030. The distributions and inequality metrics presented here represent a framework that can be used to track the progress of each country towards the SDG targets and the level of inequality over time. Reducing educational inequality is one way to promote a fairer distribution of human capital and the development of more equitable human societies.
Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) selectively attracts and enhances the performance of Cotesia vestalis, a parasitoid of Plutella xylostella
Authors: Chen Yanting , Mao Jun , Reynolds Olivia L. , Chen Wenbin , He Weiyi , You Minsheng , Gurr Geoff M.
Published: April 2020

The use of nectar-providing plants to nourish natural enemies of pest species has become a widely-used approach in conservation biological control to reduce pest damage without the indiscriminate use of insecticides. Choice of plant species is crucial to maximize benefits, but suitable species are yet to be identified for many important crop-pest systems. Here we explored the suitability of three candidate nectar plants for use in brassica vegetables to suppress the globally significant pest, Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), using the widely-distributed parasitoid, Cotesia vestalis (Haliday) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Volatiles of alyssum (Lobularia maritima (L.) Desv) (Brassicaceae) were attractive to the parasitoid and access to flowering shoots increased adult longevity and realized fecundity of C. vestalis. Moreover, adult diamondback moth derived no benefit from this flower. In contrast, buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) (Polygonaceae), a species widely used in conservation biological control in other systems, increased the longevity and fecundity of both pest and parasitoid, rendering it less suitable. A third plant, heronsbill (Portulaca grandiflora Hook.) (Portulacaceae) denied benefit to the pest and promoted longevity of the parasitoid under no-choice conditions but did not improve fecundity and was repellent to female parasitoids under choice conditions. The contrasting effects of this set of plants illustrate the need to test multiple response variables and effects on both pest and natural enemy when seeking optimal nectar plants for use in a novel conservation biological control system.
Application of Ground-Based LiDAR for Analysing Oil Palm Canopy Properties on the Occurrence of Basal Stem Rot (BSR) Disease
Authors: Husin Nur A. , Khairunniza-Bejo Siti , Abdullah Ahmad F. , Kassim Muhamad S. M. , Ahmad Desa , Azmi Aiman N. N.
Published: April 2020

Ground-based LiDAR also known as Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) technology is an active remote sensing imaging method said to be one of the latest advances and innovations for plant phenotyping. Basal Stem Rot (BSR) is the most destructive disease of oil palm in Malaysia that is caused by white-rot fungus Ganoderma boninense, the symptoms of which include flattening and hanging-down of the canopy, shorter leaves, wilting green fronds and smaller crown size. Therefore, until now there is no critical investigation on the characterisation of canopy architecture related to this disease using TLS method was carried out. This study proposed a novel technique of BSR classification at the oil palm canopy analysis using the point clouds data taken from the TLS. A total of 40 samples of oil palm trees at the age of nine-years-old were selected and 10 trees for each health level were randomly taken from the same plot. The trees were categorised into four health levels - T0, T1, T2 and T3, which represents the healthy, mildly infected, moderately infected and severely infected, respectively. The TLS scanner was mounted at a height of 1 m and each palm was scanned at four scan positions around the tree to get a full 3D image. Five parameters were analysed: S200 (canopy strata at 200 cm from the top), S850 (canopy strata at 850 cm from the top), crown pixel (number of pixels inside the crown), frond angle (degree of angle between fronds) and frond number. The results taken from statistical analysis revealed that frond number was the best single parameter to detect BSR disease as early as T1. In classification models, a linear model with a combination of parameters, ABD – A (frond number), B (frond angle) and D (S200), delivered the highest average accuracy for classification of healthy-unhealthy trees with an accuracy of 86.67 per cent. It also can classify the four severity levels of infection with an accuracy of 80 per cent. This model performed better when compared to the severity classification using frond number. The novelty of this research is therefore on the development of new approach to detect and classify BSR using point clouds data of TLS.
Author Correction: Suppression of presbyopia progression with pirenoxine eye drops: experiments on rats and non-blinded, randomized clinical trial of efficacy
Authors: Tsuneyoshi Yukari , Higuchi Akihiro , Negishi Kazuno , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Circulating RNA Transcriptome of Pregnant Women with TSH Just Above the Trimester-Specific Reference and its Correlation with the Hypertensive Phenotype
Authors: Hirata Andréa Harumy de Lima , Rocha Luiz Antônio de Jesus , da Silva Valdelena Alessandra , de Almeida Robson José , Bacigalupo Lucas dos Santos , Varela Patrícia , Martins Leonardo , Pesquero João Bosco , Dellê Humberto , Camacho Cleber Pinto
Published: April 2020

During gestation, a woman’s body undergoes physiological changes that alter thyroid function. Pregnant women with hypothyroidism may exhibit gestational complications, including hypertension and preeclampsia. We investigated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in circulating RNAs from pregnant women with TSH levels just above the normal range to determine the impact of a mild elevation of TSH in pregnancy. We selected three women with healthy thyroid pregnancy (HTP), three pregnant women with gestational hypothyroidism (GHT), and three nonpregnant women (NPG) to construct transcriptome libraries. We also compared our results with data from the GEO dataset and DisGeNET. We identified 1500 DEG in GHT and 1656 DEG in HTP. From GEO dataset, we recognized 453 DEGs in trimester-specific plasma RNA, 1263 DEGs in placental tissues from healthy women, 1031 DEGs from preeclamptic uteroplacental tissues and 1657 DEGs from placental tissues from severely preeclamptic women. In this scenario, 12.26% and 12.86% genes were shared between these datasets in GHT and HTP, respectively. We stablished 62 genes in GHT DEGs related to hypertensive phenotype hallmarks. In conclusion, even in women with a mild TSH increment, we were able to detect some DEGs that could be associated with a hypertensive phenotype.
Susceptibility to cellular stress in PS1 mutant N2a cells is associated with mitochondrial defects and altered calcium homeostasis
Authors: Rojas-Charry Liliana , Calero-Martinez Sergio , Morganti Claudia , Morciano Giampaolo , Park Kyungeun , Hagel Christian , Marciniak Stefan J. , Glatzel Markus , Pinton Paolo , Sepulveda-Falla Diego
Published: April 2020

Presenilin 1 (PS1) mutations are the most common cause of familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD). PS1 also plays a role in cellular processes such as calcium homeostasis and autophagy. We hypothesized that mutant presenilins increase cellular vulnerability to stress. We stably expressed human PS1, mutant PS1E280A and mutant PS1Δ9 in mouse neuroblastoma N2a cells. We examined early signs of stress in different conditions: endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, calcium overload, oxidative stress, and Aβ 1–42 oligomers toxicity. Additionally, we induced autophagy via serum starvation. PS1 mutations did not have an effect in ER stress but PS1E280A mutation affected autophagy. PS1 overexpression influenced calcium homeostasis and generated mitochondrial calcium overload modifying mitochondrial function. However, the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) was affected in PS1 mutants, being accelerated in PS1E280A and inhibited in PS1Δ9 cells. Altered autophagy in PS1E280A cells was neither modified by inhibition of γ-secretase, nor by ER calcium retention. MPTP opening was directly regulated by γ-secretase inhibitors independent on organelle calcium modulation, suggesting a novel direct role for PS1 and γ-secretase in mitochondrial stress. We identified intrinsic cellular vulnerability to stress in PS1 mutants associated simultaneously with both, autophagic and mitochondrial function, independent of Aβ pathology.
Longitudinal Changes of NF-κB Downstream Mediators and Peritoneal Transport Characteristics in Incident Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Fung Winston Wing-Shing , Poon Peter Yam-Kau , Ng Jack Kit-Chung , Kwong Vickie Wai-Ki , Pang Wing-Fai , Kwan Bonnie Ching-Ha , Cheng Phyllis Mei-Shan , Li Philip Kam-Tao , Szeto Cheuk-Chun
Published: April 2020

The role of intra-peritoneal mediators in the regulation peritoneal transport is not completely understood. We investigate the relation between longitudinal changes in dialysis effluent level of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) downstream mediators and the change in peritoneal transport over 1 year. We studied 46 incident PD patients. Their peritoneal transport characteristics were determined after starting PD and then one year later. Concomitant dialysis effluent levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are determined. There were significant correlations between baseline and one-year dialysis effluent IL-6 and COX-2 levels with the corresponding dialysate-to-plasma creatinine level at 4 hours (D/P4) and mass transfer area coefficient of creatinine (MTAC). After one year, patients who had peritonitis had higher dialysis effluent IL-6 (26.6 ± 17.4 vs 15.1 ± 12.3 pg/ml, p = 0.037) and COX-2 levels (4.97 ± 6.25 vs 1.60 ± 1.53 ng/ml, p = 0.007) than those without peritonitis, and the number of peritonitis episode significantly correlated with the IL-6 and COX-2 levels after one year. In contrast, dialysis effluent HGF level did not correlate with peritoneal transport. There was no difference in any mediator level between patients receiving conventional and low glucose degradation product solutions. Dialysis effluent IL-6 and COX-2 levels correlate with the concomitant D/P4 and MTAC of creatinine. IL-6 and COX-2 may contribute to the short-term regulation of peritoneal transport.
Potential role of endoplasmic reticulum stress is involved in the protection of fish oil on neonatal rats with necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Zhu Xiaoli , Cui Ningxun , Yu Lingling , Cheng Ping , Cui Mingling , Zhu Xueping , Wang Jian
Published: April 2020

Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal disease with high death rate in premature infants. Fish oil (FO) and its constituents have been shown to ameliorate intestinal inflammation and mucosal damage. However, the underlying mechanism of action is not known. In the present study, we divided Sprague-Dawley rats into three groups: control group, NEC model group, and FO pre-feeding+NEC model group. Briefly, one week before NEC modeling, in addition to being fed with milk, the FO pre-feeding+NEC modeling group was fed with FO, the NEC group was fed with saline, and the control group was only inserted a gastric-tube for 7 days. Subsequently, histological assay, Western blot, and ELISA were performed. Pretreatment with FO attenuated the NEC symptoms, alleviated intestinal pathological injury, and decreased the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Furthermore, pretreatment with FO reduced the expressions of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) related proteins, caspase-12, and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78). In addition, intestinal histopathological scores showed a significant positive correlation with intestinal expressions of IL-6, TNF-α, and caspase-12. Collectively, these results indicate that ERS pathway might be involved in the effect of FO in alleviating intestinal mucosal inflammation and injury in rats with NEC
Genome-wide association mapping and accuracy of predictions for amoebic gill disease in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Aslam Muhammad L. , Boison Solomon A. , Lillehammer Marie , Norris Ashie , Gjerde Bjarne
Published: April 2020

Amoebic gill disease (AGD) is a parasitic disease caused by the amoebaParamoeba perurans, which colonizes the gill tissues and causes distress for the host. AGD can cause high morbidity and mortalities in salmonid and non-salmonid fish species. To understand the genetic basis of AGD and improve health status of farmed A. salmon, a population of ~ 6,100 individuals belonging to 150 full-sib families was monitored for development of AGD in the sea of Ireland. The population was followed for two rounds of AGD infections, and fish were gill scored to identify severity of disease in first (N = 3,663) and the second (N = 3,511) infection with freshwater treatment after the first gill-scoring. A subset of this gill-scored population (N = 1,141) from 119 full-sib families were genotyped with 57,184 SNPs using custom-made Affymetrix SNP-chip. GWAS analyses were performed which resulted in five significantly associated SNP variants distributed over chromosome 1, 2 and 5. Three candidate genes;c4, tnxbandslc44a4were found within QTL region of chromosome 2. Thetnxbandc4genes are known to be a part of innate immune system, and may play a role in resistance to AGD. The gain in prediction accuracy obtained by involving genomic information was 9–17% higher than using traditional pedigree information.
Resveratrol attenuates hypoxia-induced neuronal cell death, inflammation and mitochondrial oxidative stress by modulation of TRPM2 channel
Authors: Akyuva Yener , Nazıroğlu Mustafa
Published: April 2020

Hypoxia (HYPX) induced-overload Ca2+ entry results in increase of mitochondrial oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in several neurons. Ca2+ permeable TRPM2 channel was gated by ADP-ribose (ADPR) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), although its activity was modulated in HYPX-exposed neurons by resveratrol (RSV). The aim of this study was to evaluate if a therapy of RSV can modulate the effect of HYPX in the TRPM2 expressing SH-SY5Y neuronal and HEK293 (no expression of TRPM2) cell lines. The SH-SY5Y and HEK293 cells were divided into four groups as control, RSV (50 μM and 24 hours), and HYPX and RSV + HYPX. For induction of HYPX in the cells, CoCl2 (200 μM and 24 hours) incubation was used. HYPX-induced intracellular Ca2+ responses to TRPM2 activation were increased in the SH-SY5Y cells but not in the HEK293 cells from coming H2O2 and ADPR. RSV treatment improved intracellular Ca2+ responses, mitochondrial function, suppressed the generation of cytokine (IL-1β and TNF-α), cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS in the SH-SY5Y cells. Intracellular free Zn2+, apoptosis, cell death, PARP-1, TRPM2 expression, caspase −3 and −9 levels are increased through activating TRPM2 in the SH-SY5Y cells exposed to the HYPX. However, the values were decreased in the cells by RSV and TRPM2 blockers (ACA and 2-APB). In SH-SY5Y neuronal cells exposed to HYPX conditions, the neuroprotective effects of RSV were shown to be exerted via modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and death through modulation of TRPM2 channel. RSV could be used as an effective agent in the treatment of neurodegeneration exposure to HYPX.
Paradigm shift in aerosol chemical composition over regions downwind of China
Authors: Uno Itsushi , Wang Zhe , Itahashi Syuichi , Yumimoto Keiya , Yamamura Yuki , Yoshino Ayako , Takami Akinori , Hayasaki Masamitsu , Kim Byung-Gon
Published: April 2020

A rapid decrease in PM2.5 concentrations in China has been observed in response to the enactment of strong emission control policies. From 2012 to 2017, total emissions of SO2 and NOx from China decreased by approximately 63% and 24%, respectively. Simultaneously, decreases in the PM2.5 concentration in Japan have been observed since 2014, and the proportion of stations that satisfy the PM2.5 environmental standard (daily, 35 µg/m3; annual average, 15 µg/m3) increased from 37.8% in fiscal year (FY) 2014 (April 2014 to March 2015) to 89.9% in FY 2017. However, the quantitative relationship between the PM2.5 improvement in China and the PM2.5 concentration in downwind regions is not well understood. Here, we (1) quantitatively evaluate the impacts of Chinese environmental improvements on downwind areas using source/receptor analysis with a chemical transport model, and (2) show that these rapid emissions reductions improved PM2.5 concentrations both in China and its downwind regions, but the difference between SO2 and NOx reduction rates led to greater production of nitrates (e.g., NH4NO3) due to a chemical imbalance in the ammonia–nitric acid–sulfuric acid–water system. Observations from a clean remote island in western Japan and numerical modeling confirmed this paradigm shift.
Functional near-infrared-spectroscopy-based measurement of changes in cortical activity in macaques during post-infarct recovery of manual dexterity
Authors: Kato Junpei , Yamada Toru , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Matsuda Keiji , Higo Noriyuki
Published: April 2020

Because compensatory changes in brain activity underlie functional recovery after brain damage, monitoring of these changes will help to improve rehabilitation effectiveness. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has the potential to measure brain activity in freely moving subjects. We recently established a macaque model of internal capsule infarcts and an fNIRS system for use in the monkey brain. Here, we used these systems to study motor recovery in two macaques, for which focal infarcts of different sizes were induced in the posterior limb of the internal capsule. Immediately after the injection, flaccid paralysis was observed in the hand contralateral to the injected hemisphere. Thereafter, dexterous hand movements gradually recovered over months. After movement recovery, task-evoked hemodynamic responses increased in the ventral premotor cortex (PMv). The response in the PMv of the infarcted (i.e., ipsilesional) hemisphere increased in the monkey that had received less damage. In contrast, the PMv of the non-infarcted (contralesional) hemisphere was recruited in the monkey with more damage. A pharmacological inactivation experiment with muscimol suggested the involvement of these areas in dexterous hand movements during recovery. These results indicate that fNIRS can be used to evaluate brain activity changes crucial for functional recovery after brain damage.
Prognostic value of sarcopenia in patients with colorectal liver metastases undergoing hepatic resection
Authors: Liu Yueh-Wei , Lu Chien-Chang , Chang Ching-Di , Lee Ko-Chao , Chen Hong Hwa , Yeh Wen Shuo , Hu Wang-Hseng , Tsai Kai-Lung , Yeh Cheng-Hsi , Wee Sin-Yong , Yin Shin-Min , Wang Chih-Chi , Hung Chao-Hung
Published: April 2020

The prognostic significance of sarcopenia has been widely studied in different cancer patients. This study aimed to analyze the influence of sarcopenia on long-term survival in patients with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) undergoing hepatic resection. A retrospective analysis of 182 patients undergoing hepatic resection for CRLM was performed. Sarcopenia was determinedusing the Hounsfield unit average calculation (HUAC), a measure of muscle quality-muscledensity at preoperative abdominal computed tomography scans. Sarcopenia was defined as an HUAC score of less than 22 HU calculated using receiver operating characteristic analysis. The prognostic relevance of clinical variables and overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) was evaluated. Patients with sarcopenia were older (p < 0.001) and had higher prevalence of diabetics (p = 0.004), higher body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.026) compared to those without. Sarcopenia was not significantly associated with OS and RFS. Multivariate Cox’s regression analysis showed that multinodularity (>3) (hazard ratio (HR) 2.736; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.631–4.589; p < 0.001), high CEA level (≥20 ng/ml) (HR 1.793; 95% CI, 1.092–2.945; p = 0.021) and blood loss (≥300 cc) (HR1.793; 95% CI, 1.084–2.964; p = 0.023) were independent factors associated with OS. In subgroup analyses, sarcopenia was a significant factor of poor OS in the patients with multinodularity by univariate (p = 0.002) and multivariate analyses(HR 3.571; 95% CI, 1.508–8.403; p = 0.004). Multinodularity (>3) (HR 1.750; 95% CI, 1.066–2.872; p = 0.027), high aspartate aminotransferase level (HR 1.024; 95% CI, 1.003–1.046; p = 0.025) and male gender (HR 1.688; 95% CI, 1.036–2.748; p = 0.035) were independent factors of RFS. In conclusion, despite no significance in whole cohort, sarcopenia was predictive of worse OS in patients with multiple CRLM after partial hepatectomy.
Training instance segmentation neural network with synthetic datasets for crop seed phenotyping
Authors: Toda Yosuke , Okura Fumio , Ito Jun , Okada Satoshi , Kinoshita Toshinori , Tsuji Hiroyuki , Saisho Daisuke
Published: April 2020

In order to train the neural network for plant phenotyping, a sufficient amount of training data must be prepared, which requires time-consuming manual data annotation process that often becomes the limiting step. Here, we show that an instance segmentation neural network aimed to phenotype the barley seed morphology of various cultivars, can be sufficiently trained purely by a synthetically generated dataset. Our attempt is based on the concept of domain randomization, where a large amount of image is generated by randomly orienting the seed object to a virtual canvas. The trained model showed 96% recall and 95% average Precision against the real-world test dataset. We show that our approach is effective also for various crops including rice, lettuce, oat, and wheat. Constructing and utilizing such synthetic data can be a powerful method to alleviate human labor costs for deploying deep learning-based analysis in the agricultural domain.
Supramolecular fluorogenic peptide sensor array based on graphene oxide for the differential sensing of ebola virus
Authors: Fu Meng-Qi , Wang Xu-Chen , Dou Wei-Tao , Chen Guo-Rong , James Tony D. , Zhou Dong-Ming , He Xiao-Peng
Published: April 2020

Principal component analysis of a fluorescent supramolecular sensor array based on graphene oxide can be used to differentiate ebola virus from marburg virus and receptor-extensive vesicular stomatitis virus.
Correlation effects in parallel tempering and the role of the swapping frequency
Authors: Tavernelli Ivano
Published: April 2020

In this work I investigate the effect of the swapping time frequency in parallel tempering (or replica exchange molecular dynamics, REMD) on the sampled equilibrium distributions at the different temperatures.
Model building analysis – a novel method for statistical evaluation of Pt L3-edge EXAFS data to unravel the structure of Pt-alloy nanoparticles for the oxygen reduction reaction on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite
Authors: Feiten Felix E. , Takahashi Shuntaro , Sekizawa Oki , Wakisaka Yuki , Sakata Tomohiro , Todoroki Naoto , Uruga Tomoya , Wadayama Toshimasa , Iwasawa Yasuhiro , Asakura Kiyotaka
Published: April 2020

We have developed a novel analytical method combining model building and statistical evaluation to determine the structure of multimetallic nanoparticles from EXAFS of a single adsorption edge.
Towards practical lithium-metal anodes
Authors: Zhang Xin , Yang Yongan , Zhou Zhen
Published: April 2020

Lithium ion batteries cannot meet the ever increasing demands of human society. Thus batteries with Li-metal anodes are eyed to revive. Here we summarize the recent progress in developing practical Li-metal anodes for various Li-based batteries.
Ligand photodissociation in Ru(ii)–1,4,7-triazacyclononane complexes enhances water oxidation and enables electrochemical generation of surface active species
Authors: Younus Hussein A. , Ahmad Nazir , Yildiz Ibrahim , Zhuiykov Serge , Zhang Shiguo , Verpoort Francis
Published: April 2020

Ligand transformations involved in metal complexes during water oxidation (WO), such as ligand decomposition, partial oxidation, or complete dissociation have been reported, however, ligand photodissociation has not been reported yet.
Nanorheology of living cells measured by AFM-based force–distance curves
Authors: Garcia Pablo D. , Guerrero Carlos R. , Garcia Ricardo
Published: April 2020

Method to measure the viscoelastic properties of a living cell by AFM-based force–distance curves.
A novel photothermo-responsive nanocarrier for the controlled release of low-volatile fragrances
Authors: Wang Sihang , Jiang Dong , Zhou Zhuxian , Shen Youqing , Jiang Liming
Published: April 2020

Polydopamine-modified nanocarriers were constructed for use in the encapsulation and photothermo-responsive release of the low-volatile synthetic odorant Sandalore.
Achieving ultrahigh volumetric performance of graphene composite films by an outer–inner dual space utilizing strategy
Authors: Huang Cong , Tang Qunli , Feng Qiushui , Li Yanhua , Xu Yali , Zhang Yan , Hu Aiping , Zhang Shiying , Deng Weina , Chen Xiaohua
Published: April 2020

An outer–inner dual space utilizing strategy is reported for the fabrication of an ultrahigh volumetric performance polydopamine-coated dopamine/reduced graphene oxide composite film.
Overview of the application of inorganic nanomaterials in cancer photothermal therapy
Authors: Fernandes Natanael , Rodrigues Carolina F. , Moreira André F. , Correia Ilídio J.
Published: April 2020

Cancer photothermal therapy (PTT) has captured the attention of researchers worldwide due to its localized and trigger-activated therapeutic effect.
Boosting efficient ambient nitrogen oxidation by a well-dispersed Pd on MXene electrocatalyst
Authors: Fang Wei , Du Chengfeng , Kuang Min , Chen Mengxin , Huang Wenjing , Ren Hao , Xu Jianwei , Feldhoff Armin , Yan Qingyu
Published: April 2020

A well-dispersed Pd on MXene catalyst has been designed and applied to nitrogen oxidation reaction in an electrochemical cell, which enables the efficient transformation of nitrogen to aqueous nitrate under ambient conditions.
Harnessing structurally unbiasedortho-benzoquinone monoimine for biomimetic oxidative [4+2] cycloaddition with enamines
Authors: Bashir Muhammad Adnan , Zuo Honghua , Lu Xunbo , Wu Yuzhou , Zhong Fangrui
Published: April 2020

Reported herein is the first catalytic oxidative [4+2] cycloaddition of 2-aminophenols with cyclic enamines.
A high molecular weight organometallic conjugated polymer incorporated with Hg(ii)
Authors: Xu Jin , Meng Bin , Liu Jun , Wang Lixiang
Published: April 2020

An organometallic conjugated polymer incorporated with Hg(ii) has an ultrahigh molecular weight and exhibits good mechanical properties.
A novel synthesis of YVO4:Ln3+ (Ln = Eu, Sm, and Dy) porous/hollow submicro-ellipsoids and their luminescence properties
Authors: Zhao Shuang , Shao Baiqi , Feng Yang , Yuan Senwen , Dong Langping , Zhang Liang , You Hongpeng
Published: April 2020

A novel synthesis strategy of porous/hollow YVO4 submicro-ellipsoids with multicolor emissions has been developed based on the high structural matching of LYH and YVO4.
Role of divalent cation (Ba) substitution in the Li+ ion conductor LiTi2(PO4)3: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Sau Kartik , Ikeshoji Tamio , Roy Supriya
Published: April 2020

Influence of Ba2+ ordering on cationic diffusion: (a) three-dimensional low Li+ ion diffusion using randomly substituted Ba2+, and (b) two-dimensional layered type high Li+ ion diffusion using specifically ordered substitution of Ba2+.
Zero-dimensional hybrid iodobismuthate derivatives: from structure study to photovoltaic application
Authors: Zhang Yi , Fadaei Tirani Farzaneh , Pattison Philip , Schenk-Joß Kurt , Xiao Zewen , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Gao Peng
Published: April 2020

The quest for lead-free light-absorbing perovskite materials has long been the target of researchers to make the ‘star’ material friendly to the commercial market.
MnO2 flowery nanocomposites for efficient and fast removal of mercury(ii) from aqueous solution: a facile strategy and mechanistic interpretation
Authors: Das Sankar , Samanta Arnab , Kole Kanika , Gangopadhyay Gautam , Jana Subhra
Published: April 2020

MnO2 flowery nanocomposites were explored as a novel and cost effective nanoadsorbent for the fast and efficient extraction of toxic inorganic contaminants from aqueous solution.
Energy harvesting from shadow-effect
Authors: Zhang Qian , Liang Qijie , Nandakumar Dilip Krishna , Ravi Sai Kishore , Qu Hao , Suresh Lakshmi , Zhang Xueping , Zhang Yaoxin , Yang Lin , Wee Andrew Thye Shen , Tan Swee Ching
Published: April 2020

We demonstrate an unprecedented mode of energy harvesting from shadows that fall on the shadow-effect energy generator (SEG). Furthermore, a self-powered proximity sensor is also demonstrated using the SEG.
Hazard of novel anti-fouling nanomaterials and biocides DCOIT and silver to marine organisms
Authors: Figueiredo Joana , Loureiro Susana , Martins Roberto
Published: April 2020

Biocides encapsulation appears to be a promising solution to develop a new generation of efficient anti-fouling additives (e.g.SiNC–DCOIT; SiNC–DCOIT–Ag) for maritime coatings with lower environmental hazard than the current state-of-the-art biocides (e.g.DCOIT).
Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor activation during in vitro and in vivo digestion of raw and cooked broccoli (brassica oleracea var. Italica)
Authors: Koper Jonna E. B. , Kortekaas Maaike , Loonen Linda M. P. , Huang Zhan , Wells Jerry M. , Gill Chris I. R. , Pourshahidi L. Kirsty , McDougall Gordon , Rowland Ian , Pereira-Caro Gema , Fogliano Vincenzo , Capuano Edoardo
Published: April 2020

Glucosinolates in broccoli can be converted upon chewing and processing into Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (Ahr) ligands.
Highly efficient oxidation of alcohols to carboxylic acids using a polyoxometalate-supported chromium(iii) catalyst and CO2
Authors: Wang Ying , Wu ZhiKang , Yu Han , Han Sheng , Wei Yongge
Published: April 2020

A green and highly efficient oxidation of alcohols to carboxylic acids using a polyoxometalate-supported chromium(iii) catalyst and CO2.
Boron-doped CuO nanobundles for electroreduction of carbon dioxide to ethylene
Authors: Wan Qiang , Zhang Jianling , Zhang Bingxing , Tan Dongxing , Yao Lei , Zheng Lirong , Zhang Fanyu , Liu Lifei , Cheng Xiuyan , Han Buxing
Published: April 2020

Herein, we synthesize B-doped CuO nanobundles for electrocatalytic CO2reduction. Ethylene is the only multi-carbon product and a maximum ethylene faradaic efficiency (FE) of 58.4% can be achieved at −1.1 V (versusthe reversible hydrogen electrode).
The first copper(ii) complex with 1,10-phenanthroline and salubrinal with interesting biochemical properties
Authors: Masuri Sebastiano , Cadoni Enzo , Cabiddu Maria Grazia , Isaia Francesco , Demuru Maria Giovanna , Moráň Lukáš , Buček David , Vaňhara Petr , Havel Josef , Pivetta Tiziana
Published: April 2020

The novel copper complex [Cu(phen)2(salubrinal)](ClO4)2 (C0SAL) has been synthesised and characterised. Copper(ii) is coordinated by salubrinal through the thionic group, as shown by the UV-Vis, IR, ESI-MS and tandem mass results, together with the theoretical calculations. The formed complex showed a DPPH radical scavenging ability higher than that of salubrinal alone. Studies on lipid oxidation inhibition showed that the C0SAL concentration, required to inhibit the enzyme, was lower than that of salubrinal. The inhibition of the enzyme could take place via allosteric modulation, as suggested by docking calculations. C0SAL showed a good cytotoxic activity on A2780 cells, 82 fold higher than that of the precursor salubrinal and 1.4 fold higher than that of [Cu(phen)2(H2O)](ClO4)2. Treatment with C0SAL in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells induced expression of GRP-78 and DDIT3 regulators of ER-stress response. The cytotoxic effect of C0SAL was reverted in the presence of TUDCA, suggesting that C0SAL induces cell death through ER-stress. In A2780 cells treated with C0SAL γ-H2AX was accumulated, suggesting that DNA damage was also involved.
Characterization of the Fe metalloproteome of a ubiquitous marine heterotroph,Pseudoalteromonas(BB2-AT2): multiple bacterioferritin copies enable significant Fe storage
Authors: Mazzotta Michael G , McIlvin Matthew R , Saito Mak A
Published: April 2020

Fe is a critical nutrient to the marine biological pump, which is the process that exports photosynthetically fixed carbon in the upper ocean to the deep ocean. Fe limitation controls photosynthetic activity in major regions of the oceans, and the subsequent degradation of exported photosynthetic material is facilitated particularly by marine heterotrophic bacteria. Despite their importance in the carbon cycle and the scarcity of Fe in seawater, the Fe requirements, storage and cytosolic utilization of these marine heterotrophs has been less studied. Here, we characterized the Fe metallome of Pseudoalteromonas (BB2-AT2). We found that with two copies of bacterioferritin (Bfr), Pseudoalteromonas possesses substantial capacity for luxury uptake of Fe. Fe : C in the whole cell metallome was estimated (assuming C : P stoichiometry ∼51 : 1) to be between ∼83 μmol : mol Fe : C, ∼11 fold higher than prior marine bacteria surveys. Under these replete conditions, other major cytosolic Fe-associated proteins were observed including superoxide dismutase (SodA; with other metal SOD isoforms absent under Fe replete conditions) and catalase (KatG) involved in reactive oxygen stress mitigation and aconitase (AcnB), succinate dehydrogenase (FrdB) and cytochromes (QcrA and Cyt1) involved in respiration. With the aid of singular value decomposition (SVD), we were able to computationally attribute peaks within the metallome to specific metalloprotein contributors. A putative Fe complex TonB transporter associated with the closely related Alteromonas bacterium was found to be abundant within the Pacific Ocean mesopelagic environment. Despite the extreme scarcity of Fe in seawater, the marine heterotroph Pseudoalteromonas has expansive Fe storage capacity and utilization strategies, implying that within detritus and sinking particles environments, there is significant opportunity for Fe acquisition. Together these results imply an evolved dedication of marine Pseudoalteromonas to maintaining an Fe metalloproteome, likely due to its dependence on Fe-based respiratory metabolism.
Water dynamics affects thermal transport at the surface of hydrophobic and hydrophilic irradiated nanoparticles
Authors: Salassi Sebastian , Cardellini Annalisa , Asinari Pietro , Ferrando Riccardo , Rossi Giulia
Published: April 2020

Plasmonic nanoparticles, such as Au nanoparticles (NPs) coated with bio-compatible ligands, are largely studied and tested in nanomedicine for photothermal therapies.
Enhancing the light emission of GaAs nanowires by pressure-modulated charge transfer
Authors: Ma Luoman , Wang Peng , Yin Xuetong , Liang Yilan , Liu Shuang , Li Lixia , Pan Dong , Yao Zhen , Liu Bingbing , Zhao Jianhua
Published: April 2020

The pressure-modulated charge transfer effect between nitrogen molecules and GaAs NWs results in light-emission enhancement in GaAs NWs.
Carbon nano-onions from waste oil for application in energy storage devices
Authors: Jung SungHoon , Myung Yusik , Das Gouri Sankar , Bhatnagar Amit , Park Jun-Woo , Tripathi Kumud Malika , Kim TaeYoung
Published: April 2020

Carbon nano onions produced by a sustainable and green synthetic method were utilized as high packing density electrode material for supercapacitor application.
A novel split mode TFBAR device for quantitative measurements of prostate specific antigen in a small sample of whole blood
Authors: Wajs Ewelina , Rughoobur Girish , Burling Keith , George Anne , Flewitt Andrew J. , Gnanapragasam Vincent J.
Published: April 2020

TFBAR technology demonstrates a cost-effective means for point-of-care diagnostics and monitoring of PSA.
2D molybdenum disulphide nanosheets incorporated with single heteroatoms for the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Lau Thomas H. M. , Foord John S. , Tsang S. C. Edman
Published: April 2020

2D nanosheets give enhanced surface area to volume ratios in particle morphology and they can also provide defined surface sites to disperse foreign atoms.
Magnetic toroidal dipole response in individual all-dielectric nanodisk clusters
Authors: Yang Zhong-Jian , Deng Yan-Hui , Yu Ying , He Jun
Published: April 2020

Excitation of a magnetic toroidal dipole mode through a predictable way in dielectric nanostructures.
A two-dimensional MXene potentiates a therapeutic microneedle patch for photonic implantable medicine in the second NIR biowindow
Authors: Lin Shiyang , Lin Han , Yang Mai , Ge Min , Chen Yu , Zhu Yufang
Published: April 2020

A soluble microneedle system loaded with two-dimensional MXene has been successfully fabricated, which can achievein-situphotothermal therapy towards superficial tumor models with minimal invasion and high efficiency of drug delivery.
Incorporating trifunctional 1,6-heptadiyne moiety into polyacetylene ionomer for improving its physical and conductive properties
Authors: Li Hongfei , Zhang Hengchen , Liao Xiaojuan , Sun Ruyi , Xie Meiran
Published: April 2020

A trifunctional diyne comonomer can regulate the structure and optimize the physical state of polyacetylene ionomers, which exhibit a high ionic conductivity of 2.6 × 10−5–1.0 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 30 °C.
Highly efficient water splitting over a RuO2/F-doped graphene electrocatalyst with ultra-low ruthenium content
Authors: Fan Zhenglong , Liao Fan , Shi Huixian , Liu Yang , Shao Mingwang , Kang Zhenhui
Published: April 2020

A RuO2/F-graphene catalyst with a low Ru content of 6.9 wt% only needs potentials of 1.56 V in alkaline medium and 1.73 V in neutral medium to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2 for electrocatalytic water splitting.
Efficient near-infrared photosensitizer with aggregation-induced emission characteristics for mitochondria-targeted and image-guided photodynamic cancer therapy
Authors: Yang Hanxiao , Zhuang Jiabao , Li Nan , Li Yue , Zhu Shiyu , Hao Jiaxin , Xin Jiayao , Zhao Na
Published: April 2020

A highly efficient near-infrared photosensitizer with aggregation-induced emission characteristics was developed for mitochondria-targeted and image-guided photodynamic cancer therapy.
Nitric oxide sensors using nanospiral ZnO thin film deposited by GLAD for application to exhaled human breath
Authors: Luo Pingxiang , Xie Min , Luo Jingting , Kan Hao , Wei Qiuping
Published: April 2020

ZnO nanospirals using glancing angle deposition (GLAD) for nitric oxide (NO) detection.
Double-edged effects and mechanisms of Zn2+ microenvironments on osteogenic activity of BMSCs: osteogenic differentiation or apoptosis
Authors: Yu Yiqiang , Liu Kai , Wen Zhuo , Liu Weicai , Zhang Lei , Su Jiansheng
Published: April 2020

Dual-directional regulation of diverse Zn2+ microenvironments on osteogenic activity of BMSCs plays important roles in the design of zinc-containing biomaterials.
Atomic-scale synthesis of nanoporous gallium–zinc oxynitride-reduced graphene oxide photocatalyst with tailored carrier transport mechanism
Authors: Adeli Babak , Taghipour Fariborz
Published: April 2020

Synthesis of nanoporous GaZnON-RGO composite photocatalyst with enhanced capacity for HER active site and improved visible light hydrogen evolution performance is reported.
Facile one-pot synthesis of silver nanoparticles encapsulated in natural polymeric urushiol for marine antifouling
Authors: Zheng Lu , Lin Yucai , Wang Donghui , Chen Jipeng , Yang Ke , Zheng Binbin , Bai Weibin , Jian Rongkun , Xu Yanlian
Published: April 2020

PUL/AgNPs was developed by a one-step reaction, PUL/AgNPs coatings showed excellent antifouling performance in antimicrobial experiments and marine field tests.
Correction: Microwave assisted green synthesis of Fe2O3/biochar for ultrasonic removal of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals
Authors: Anfar Zakaria , Zbair Mohamed , Ahsaine Hassan Ait , Jada Amane , El Alem Noureddine
Published: April 2020

Correction for ‘Microwave assisted green synthesis of Fe2O3/biochar for ultrasonic removal of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals’ by Zakaria Anfar et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 11371–11380.
Synthesis of thioethers, arenes and arylated benzoxazoles by transformation of the C(aryl)–C bond of aryl alcohols
Authors: Liu Mingyang , Zhang Zhanrong , Chen Bingfeng , Meng Qinglei , Zhang Pei , Song Jinliang , Han Buxing
Published: April 2020

Aryl alcohols served as aryl agents by effective activation of C(aryl)–C(OH) bonds, and were transformed into corresponding thioether, arene, and arylated benzoxazole products in excellent yields.
Transmembrane anion transport mediated by halogen bonding and hydrogen bonding triazole anionophores
Authors: Bickerton Laura E. , Sterling Alistair J. , Beer Paul D. , Duarte Fernanda , Langton Matthew J.
Published: April 2020

Halogen and hydrogen bonding 1,2,3-triazole derivatives efficiently mediate anion transport across lipid bilayer membranes with unusual anion selectivity profiles.
Proving and interpreting the spontaneous formation of bulk nanobubbles in aqueous organic solvent solutions: effects of solvent type and content
Authors: Jadhav Ananda J. , Barigou Mostafa
Published: April 2020

We show that the mixing of organic solvents with pure water leads to the spontaneous formation of bulk nanobubbles which exhibit long-term stability on the scale of months.
Ionic effects on synthetic polymers: from solutions to brushes and gels
Authors: Yuan Haiyang , Liu Guangming
Published: April 2020

In this review, the polymer solutions, brushes, and gels are employed to exemplify the ionic effects on synthetic polymers.
Instantaneous tension measurements in droplet interface bilayers using an inexpensive, integrated pendant drop camera
Authors: Rofeh Justin , Theogarajan Luke
Published: April 2020

Adding an inexpensive horizontal camera to a microscope stage yields faster, simpler, and more accurate measurements of droplet interface bilayers. Measurements of monolayer tension, bilayer tension, and specific capacitance are all improved.
Programmable anisotropic digital metasurface for independent manipulation of dual-polarized THz waves based on a voltage-controlled phase transition of VO2microwires
Authors: Shabanpour Javad
Published: April 2020

A THz reprogrammable anisotropic digital metasurface based on a VO2phase transition.
A flexible and ultra-broadband terahertz wave absorber based on graphene–vertically aligned carbon nanotube hybrids
Authors: Xiao Dongyang , Zhu Minmin , Wang Qian , Sun Leimeng , Zhao Chun , Ng Zhi Kai , Teo Edwin Hang Tong , Hu Fangjing , Tu Liangcheng
Published: April 2020

A flexible THz wave absorber based on G-VACNT hybrids is demonstrated for ultra-broadband THz wave absorption and imaging applications.
High-performance light transmission based on graphene plasmonic waveguides
Authors: Teng Da , Wang Kai , Huan Qiongsha , Chen Weiguang , Li Zhe
Published: April 2020

Tunable ultra-deep subwavelength optical field confinement is reported by using a graphene-coated nanowire-loaded silicon nano-rib waveguide.