bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hexokinase 2 is dispensable for photoreceptor development but is required for survival during aging and outer retinal stress
Authors: Weh Eric , Lutrzykowska Zuzanna , Smith Andrew , Hager Heather , Pawar Mercy , Wubben Thomas J. , Besirli Cagri G.
Published: June 2020

Photoreceptor death is the ultimate cause of vision loss in many retinal degenerative conditions. Identifying novel therapeutic avenues for prolonging photoreceptor health and function has the potential to improve vision and quality of life for patients suffering from degenerative retinal disorders. Photoreceptors are metabolically unique among other neurons in that they process the majority of their glucose via aerobic glycolysis. One of the main regulators of aerobic glycolysis is hexokinase 2 (HK2). Beyond its enzymatic function of phosphorylating glucose to glucose-6-phosphate, HK2 has additional non-enzymatic roles, including the regulation of apoptotic signaling via AKT signaling. Determining the role of HK2 in photoreceptor homeostasis may identify novel signaling pathways that can be targeted with neuroprotective agents to boost photoreceptor survival during metabolic stress. Here we show that following experimental retinal detachment, p-AKT is upregulated and HK2 translocates to mitochondria. Inhibition of AKT phosphorylation in 661W photoreceptor-like cells results in translocation of mitochondrial HK2 to the cytoplasm, increased caspase activity, and decreased cell viability. Rod-photoreceptors lacking HK2 upregulate HK1 and appear to develop normally. Interestingly, we found that HK2-deficient photoreceptors are more susceptible to acute nutrient deprivation in the experimental retinal detachment model. Additionally, HK2 appears to be important for preserving photoreceptors during aging. We show that retinal glucose metabolism is largely unchanged after HK2 deletion, suggesting that the non-enzymatic role of HK2 is important for maintaining photoreceptor health. These results suggest that HK2 expression is critical for preserving photoreceptors during acute nutrient stress and aging. More specifically, p-AKT mediated translocation of HK2 to the mitochondrial surface may be critical for protecting photoreceptors from acute and chronic stress.
Analysis of human metabolism by reducing the complexity of the genome-scale models using redHUMAN
Authors: Masid Maria , Ataman Meric , Hatzimanikatis Vassily
Published: June 2020

Altered metabolism is associated with many human diseases. Human genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) were reconstructed within systems biology to study the biochemistry occurring in human cells. However, the complexity of these networks hinders a consistent and concise physiological representation. We present here redHUMAN, a workflow for reconstructing reduced models that focus on parts of the metabolism relevant to a specific physiology using the recently established methods redGEM and lumpGEM. The reductions include the thermodynamic properties of compounds and reactions guaranteeing the consistency of predictions with the bioenergetics of the cell. We introduce a method (redGEMX) to incorporate the pathways used by cells to adapt to the medium. We provide the thermodynamic curation of the human GEMs Recon2 and Recon3D and we apply the redHUMAN workflow to derive leukemia-specific reduced models. The reduced models are powerful platforms for studying metabolic differences between phenotypes, such as diseased and healthy cells.
Dynamic imaging of lithium in solid-state batteries by operando electron energy-loss spectroscopy with sparse coding
Authors: Nomura Yuki , Yamamoto Kazuo , Fujii Mikiya , Hirayama Tsukasa , Igaki Emiko , Saitoh Koh
Published: June 2020

Lithium-ion transport in cathodes, anodes, solid electrolytes, and through their interfaces plays a crucial role in the electrochemical performance of solid-state lithium-ion batteries. Direct visualization of the lithium-ion dynamics at the nanoscale provides valuable insight for understanding the fundamental ion behaviour in batteries. Here, we report the dynamic changes of lithium-ion movement in a solid-state battery under charge and discharge reactions by time-resolved operando electron energy-loss spectroscopy with scanning transmission electron microscopy. Applying image denoising and super-resolution via sparse coding drastically improves the temporal and spatial resolution of lithium imaging. Dynamic observation reveals that the lithium ions in the lithium cobaltite cathode are complicatedly extracted with diffusion through the lithium cobaltite domain boundaries during charging. Even in the open-circuit state, they move inside the cathode. Operando electron energy-loss spectroscopy with sparse coding is a promising combination to visualize the ion dynamics and clarify the fundamentals of solid-state electrochemistry.
Geometric and electronic structure probed along the isomerisation coordinate of a photoactive yellow protein chromophore
Authors: Anstöter Cate S. , Curchod Basile F. E. , Verlet Jan R. R.
Published: June 2020

Understanding the connection between the motion of the nuclei in a molecule and the rearrangement of its electrons lies at the heart of chemistry. While many experimental methods have been developed to probe either the electronic or the nuclear structure on the timescale of atomic motion, very few have been able to capture both these changes in concert. Here, we use time-resolved photoelectron imaging to probe the isomerisation coordinate on the excited state of an isolated model chromophore anion of the photoactive yellow protein. By probing both the electronic structure changes as well as nuclear dynamics, we are able to uniquely measure isomerisation about a specific bond. Our results demonstrate that the photoelectron signal dispersed in time, energy and angle combined with calculations can track the evolution of both electronic and geometric structure along the adiabatic state, which in turn defines that chemical transformation.
Skeletal muscle reprogramming by breast cancer regardless of treatment history or tumor molecular subtype
Authors: Wilson Hannah E. , Stanton David A. , Montgomery Cortney , Infante Aniello M. , Taylor Matthew , Hazard-Jenkins Hannah , Pugacheva Elena N. , Pistilli Emidio E.
Published: June 2020

Increased susceptibility to fatigue is a negative predictor of survival commonly experienced by women with breast cancer (BC). Here, we sought to identify molecular changes induced in human skeletal muscle by BC regardless of treatment history or tumor molecular subtype using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and proteomic analyses. Mitochondrial dysfunction was apparent across all molecular subtypes, with the greatest degree of transcriptomic changes occurring in women with HER2/neu-overexpressing tumors, though muscle from patients of all subtypes exhibited similar pathway-level dysregulation. Interestingly, we found no relationship between anticancer treatments and muscle gene expression, suggesting that fatigue is a product of BC per se rather than clinical history. In vitro and in vivo experimentation confirmed the ability of BC cells to alter mitochondrial function and ATP content in muscle. These data suggest that interventions supporting muscle in the presence of BC-induced mitochondrial dysfunction may alleviate fatigue and improve the lives of women with BC.
Time- and strain-dependent nanoscale structural degradation in phase change epitaxial strontium ferrite films
Authors: Wang Le , Yang Zhenzhong , Wu Jinpeng , Bowden Mark E. , Yang Wanli , Qiao Amy , Du Yingge
Published: June 2020

Topotactic phase transition between metallic, perovskite SrFeO3 and insulating, Brownmillerite SrFeO2.5 has been extensively studied due to the potential applications in resistive switching devices for neuromorphic computing. However, its practical utilization as memristors has been hindered by the structural instability of SrFeO3, which is often ascribed to the generation of oxygen vacancies to form SrFeO3-δ. Here we reveal that the dominating defects generated in SrFeO3 epitaxial thin films are atomic scale gaps generated as a result of interfacial strain. Our correlated time- and strain-dependent measurements show that tensile strained SrFeO3 films form vertical, nanoscale gaps that are SrO-rich, which are accountable for the observed metal-to-insulator transition over time. On the other hand, compressively strained or small lattice mismatched SrFeO3 films mainly yield horizontal gaps with a smaller impact on the in-plane transport. The atomic scale origin of such defects and their impact on device performance need to be further understood in order to integrate phase change materials in oxide electronics.
Antibody responses to the RTS,S/AS01E vaccine and Plasmodium falciparum antigens after a booster dose within the phase 3 trial in Mozambique
Authors: Sánchez Lina , Vidal Marta , Jairoce Chenjerai , Aguilar Ruth , Ubillos Itziar , Cuamba Inocencia , Nhabomba Augusto J. , Williams Nana Aba , Díez-Padrisa Núria , Cavanagh David , Angov Evelina , Coppel Ross L. , Gaur Deepak , Beeson James G. , Dutta Sheetij , Aide Pedro , Campo Joseph J. , Moncunill Gemma , Dobaño Carlota
Published: June 2020

The RTS,S/AS01E vaccine has shown consistent but partial vaccine efficacy in a pediatric phase 3 clinical trial using a 3-dose immunization schedule. A fourth-dose 18 months after the primary vaccination was shown to restore the waning efficacy. However, only total IgG against the immunodominant malaria vaccine epitope has been analyzed following the booster. To better characterize the magnitude, nature, and longevity of the immune response to the booster, we measured levels of total IgM, IgG, and IgG1-4 subclasses against three constructs of the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) and the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg, also present in RTS,S) by quantitative suspension array technology in 50 subjects in the phase 3 trial in Manhiça, Mozambique. To explore the impact of vaccination on naturally acquired immune responses, we measured antibodies to P. falciparum antigens not included in RTS,S. We found increased IgG, IgG1, IgG3 and IgG4, but not IgG2 nor IgM, levels against vaccine antigens 1 month after the fourth dose. Overall, antibody responses to the booster dose were lower than the initial peak response to primary immunization and children had higher IgG and IgG1 levels than infants. Higher anti-Rh5 IgG and IgG1-4 levels were detected after the booster dose, suggesting that RTS,S partial protection could increase some blood stage antibody responses. Our work shows that the response to the RTS,S/AS01E booster dose is different from the primary vaccine immune response and highlights the dynamic changes in subclass antibody patterns upon the vaccine booster and with acquisition of adaptive immunity to malaria.
Household illness and associated water and sanitation factors in peri-urban Lusaka, Zambia, 2016–2017
Authors: Hubbard Sydney C. , Meltzer Martin I. , Kim Sunkyung , Malambo Warren , Thornton Andrew T. , Shankar Manjunath B. , Adhikari Bishwa B. , Jeon Seonghye , Bampoe Valerie D. , Cunningham Lauren C. , Murphy Jennifer L. , Derado Gordana , Mintz Eric D. , Mwale Florence Kabinga , Chizema-Kawesha Elizabeth , Brunkard Joan M.
Published: June 2020

In Zambia limited access to adequate water and sanitation is a key developmental challenge, particularly for rapidly expanding peri-urban areas. During 2016–2017, a cross-sectional household survey was conducted among 12,500 households representing ~60,000 individuals to assess the burden of household diarrheal and respiratory disease and to measure water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) characteristics in Lusaka, Zambia. We found that socio-economic factors, including having an additional household member, having children <5 years old in the household, living in a rental home, and higher annual household expenditure were associated with diarrhea and respiratory illness. We also found an increased risk for diarrhea associated with a number of WASH-related factors–such as not covering all water storage containers, not using soap for handwashing, having an unimproved sanitation facility, and utilizing a heavily shared toilet (≥18 people). Detectable free chlorine residual in household stored water and more hours of water availability per day were associated with reduced odds of waterborne illness. In all, 75% of household stored water was contaminated with E. coli and households consuming less water (<20 L/day per person) for all purposes had lower odds of diarrhea than households consuming more water—these findings highlight the need for enhanced WASH services within densely populated peri-urban areas and the importance of achieving universal access to safely managed water and sanitation services.
Complex Aerosol Characterization by Scanning Electron Microscopy Coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy
Authors: Brostrøm Anders , Kling Kirsten I. , Hougaard Karin S. , Mølhave Kristian
Published: June 2020

Particulate matter (PM) air pollution is a central concern for public health. Current legislation relies on a mass concentration basis, despite broad acceptance that mass alone is insufficient to capture the complexity and toxicity of airborne PM, calling for additional and more comprehensive measurement techniques. We study to what extent scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) can be applied for physicochemical characterization of complex aerosols, and investigate its potential for separating particle properties on a single particle basis, even for nanosized particles. SEM/EDS analysis is performed on impactor samples of laboratory generated aerosols, consisting of either NaCl, Halloysite fibers, soot-like Printex90 agglomerates, or their combination. The analysis is automated and performed as EDS maps, covering a statistically relevant number of particles, with analysis times of approximately one hour/sample. Derived size distributions are compared to scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and electric low-pressure impactor (ELPI) results. A method is presented to estimate airborne number concentrations and size distributions directly from SEM results, within a factor 10 of SMPS and ELPI outcomes. A classification scheme is developed based on elemental composition, providing class-specific information with individual particle statistics on shape, size, and mixing state. This can identify primary particles for source apportionment and enables easy distinction between fibrous and dense particle classes, e.g. for targeted risk assessments. Overall, the SEM/EDS analysis provides a more detailed physicochemical characterization of PM than online measurements, e.g. SMPS and ELPI. The method has the potential to improve assessments of PM exposure and risk, and facilitates source identification, even without prior knowledge at sampling.
Cluster radioactivity of neutron-deficient nuclei in trans-tin region
Authors: Gao Yonghao , Cui Jianpo , Wang Yanzhao , Gu Jianzhong
Published: June 2020

The possibility of cluster radioactivity (CR) of the neutron-deficient nuclei in the trans-tin region is explored by using the effective liquid drop model (ELDM), generalized liquid drop model (GLDM), and several sets of analytic formulas. It is found that the minimal half-lives are atNd = 50 (Ndis the neutron number of the daughter nucleus) for the same kind cluster emission because of theQvalue (released energy) shell effect atNd = 50. Meanwhile, it is shown that the half-lives ofα-like (Ae = 4n,Ze = Ne.ZeandNeare the charge number and neutron number of the emitted cluster, respectively.) cluster emissions leading to the isotopes withZd = 50 (Zdis the proton number of the daughter nucleus) are easier to measure than those of non-α-like (Ae = 4n + 2) cases due to the large Q values in α-like cluster emission processes. Finally, someα-like CR half-lives of theNd = 50 nuclei and their neighbours are predicted, which are useful for searching for the new CR in future experiments.
Runaway multi-allelic copy number variation at the α-defensin locus in African and Asian populations
Authors: Hughes Timothy , Hansson Lars , Akkouh Ibrahim , Hajdarevic Riad , Bringsli Jorunn S. , Torsvik Anja , Inderhaug Elin , Steen Vidar M. , Djurovic Srdjan
Published: June 2020

Alpha defensins are anti-microbial peptides of the innate immune system. The defensin A1 and A3 genes are located in a repeat array of variable copy number (the DEFA1A3 locus) and encode the human neutrophil peptides 1, 2 and 3. The possibility that copy number variation (CNV) may be associated with infection susceptibility and autoimmune pathology motivated the study of DEFA1A3 CNV across populations. We enhanced two existing methods (one qPCR-based and one sequencing-based) to enable copy number estimation that discriminates between DEFA1 and DEFA3 genes. We used these methods to quantify A1/A3 copy number variation in 2504 samples from the 1000 Genomes high-coverage dataset as well as performing FiberFISH assays on selected samples to visualize the haplotypes. These methods produce accurate estimates and show that there are substantial differences between populations. The African population is a clear outlier with a high frequency of the ancestral pure DEFA1 haplotype, but also harbours exceptionally long haplotypes of 24 copies of both DEFA1 and DEFA3, whilst the East Asian population displays the highest mean level of DEFA3 copy number. Further, our findings demonstrate that qPCR can be an accurate method for CNV estimation and that defensins substantially extend the known range of copy number variation for a human protein-coding gene.
A novel, rationally designed, hybrid antimicrobial peptide, inspired by cathelicidin and aurein, exhibits membrane-active mechanisms against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Klubthawee Natthaporn , Adisakwattana Poom , Hanpithakpong Warunee , Somsri Sangdao , Aunpad Ratchaneewan
Published: June 2020

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising alternatives to classical antibiotics for the treatment of drug-resistant infections. Due to their versatility and unlimited sequence space, AMPs can be rationally designed by modulating physicochemical determinants to favor desired biological parameters and turned into novel therapeutics. In this study, we utilized key structural and physicochemical parameters, in combination with rational engineering, to design novel short α-helical hybrid peptides inspired by the well-known natural peptides, cathelicidin and aurein. By comparing homologous sequences and abstracting the conserved residue type, sequence templates of cathelicidin (P0) and aurein (A0) were obtained. Two peptide derivatives, P7 and A3, were generated by amino acid substitution based on their residue composition and distribution. In order to enhance antimicrobial activity, a hybrid analog of P7A3 was designed. The results demonstrated that P7A3 had higher antibacterial activity than the parental peptides with unexpectedly high hemolytic activity. Strikingly, C-terminal truncation of hybrid peptides containing only the α-helical segment (PA-18) and shorter derivatives confer potent antimicrobial activity with reduced hemolytic activity in a length‐dependent manner. Among all, PA-13, showed remarkable broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, especially against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with no toxicity. PA-13 maintained antimicrobial activity in the presence of physiological salts and displayed rapid binding and penetration activity which resulted in membrane depolarization and permeabilization. Moreover, PA-13 showed an anti-inflammatory response via lipopolysaccharide (LPS) neutralization with dose-dependent, inhibiting, LPS-mediated Toll-like receptor activation. This study revealed the therapeutic potency of a novel hybrid peptide, and supports the use of rational design in development of new antibacterial agents.
Spectral and spatial shaping of laser-driven proton beams using a pulsed high-field magnet beamline
Authors: Brack Florian-Emanuel , Kroll Florian , Gaus Lennart , Bernert Constantin , Beyreuther Elke , Cowan Thomas E. , Karsch Leonhard , Kraft Stephan , Kunz-Schughart Leoni A. , Lessmann Elisabeth , Metzkes-Ng Josefine , Obst-Huebl Lieselotte , Pawelke Jörg , Rehwald Martin , Schlenvoigt Hans-Peter , Schramm Ulrich , Sobiella Manfred , Szabó Emília Rita , Ziegler Tim , Zeil Karl
Published: June 2020

Intense laser-driven proton pulses, inherently broadband and highly divergent, pose a challenge to established beamline concepts on the path to application-adapted irradiation field formation, particularly for 3D. Here we experimentally show the successful implementation of a highly efficient (50% transmission) and tuneable dual pulsed solenoid setup to generate a homogeneous (laterally and in depth) volumetric dose distribution (cylindrical volume of 5 mm diameter and depth) at a single pulse dose of 0.7 Gy via multi-energy slice selection from the broad input spectrum. The experiments were conducted at the Petawatt beam of the Dresden Laser Acceleration Source Draco and were aided by a predictive simulation model verified by proton transport studies. With the characterised beamline we investigated manipulation and matching of lateral and depth dose profiles to various desired applications and targets. Using an adapted dose profile, we performed a first proof-of-technical-concept laser-driven proton irradiation of volumetric in-vitro tumour tissue (SAS spheroids) to demonstrate concurrent operation of laser accelerator, beam shaping, dosimetry and irradiation procedure of volumetric biological samples.
Profile distribution of soil moisture response to precipitation on the Pisha sandstone hillslopes of China
Authors: Zhang Pan , Xiao Peiqing , Yao Wenyi , Liu Guobin , Sun Weiying
Published: June 2020

The Pisha sandstone area in China is located on the upper and middle reaches of the Yellow River, which is a region with some of the most severe soil erosion in both the Loess Plateau and in the world. Soil moisture is an important link between rainfall, surface water, and groundwater, and it plays a critical role in vegetative growth, ecosystem health, and the restoration of degraded vegetation. This study investigated the dynamic characteristics of soil moisture and its influencing factors in the hillslopes of the Pisha sandstone area using mathematical statistics and hydrochemical analysis methods. The results resolved that precipitation is the major direct source of soil moisture. Soil moisture fluctuated with precipitation, but the response time of these fluctuations was directly related to the antecedent soil moisture. Thus, while precipitation events increase the soil moisture content of the Pisha sandstone, they will not change the vertical distribution of moisture in the soil profile. The positive effect of precipitation on soil moisture was obvious in the soil layers above 50 cm, but deep soil moisture was less responsive to precipitation.
Comparative Effectiveness of Radiotherapy versus Focal Laser Ablation in Patients with Low and Intermediate Risk Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Zhou Xianghong , Jin Kun , Qiu Shi , Jin Di , Liao Xinyang , Tu Xiang , Zheng Xiaonan , Li Jiakun , Yang Lu , Wei Qiang
Published: June 2020

At present, focal laser ablation (FLA) as a new PCa local treatment has attracted attention. We aim at comparing the survival outcomes between radiotherapy (RT) and FLA to reveal whether FLA can be used as an alternative to RT for patients with low and intermediate-risk localized PCa.We conducted analyses with data from the SEER database (2004–2015). Propensity score matching and instrumental variate (IV) were used to reduce the influence of bias and unmeasured confounders maximally.In the adjusted multivariate regression, FLA had lower overall survival (OS) benefits (HR = 1.49; 95%CI: 1.18–1.87; p < 0.001). After propensity score matching, RT still had better OS (HR = 1.50; 95%CI: 1.17–1.93; p = 0.001). The outcomes of IV-adjusted analysis showed FLA was significantly inferior to RT in OS (HR = 1.49; 95%CI: 1.18–1.87). In the subgroup analyses, for those with PSA < 4 ng/mL, FLA showed markedly worse OS and cancer-specific mortality (CSM) outcomes (OS HR = 1.89; 95%CI: 1.01–3.53; p = 0.0466 and CSM HR = 4.25; 95%CI: 1.04–17.43; p = 0.044).FLA is a promising focal therapy of PCa. But our research demonstrated RT still had an obvious advantage in survival benefits over FLA. Using FLA as an alternative treatment for RT requires careful consideration by clinicians.
Avicin G is a potent sphingomyelinase inhibitor and blocks oncogenic K- and H-Ras signaling
Authors: Garrido Christian M. , Henkels Karen M. , Rehl Kristen M. , Liang Hong , Zhou Yong , Gutterman Jordan U. , Cho Kwang-jin
Published: June 2020

K-Ras must interact primarily with the plasma membrane (PM) for its biological activity. Therefore, disrupting K-Ras PM interaction is a tractable approach to block oncogenic K-Ras activity. Here, we found that avicin G, a family of natural plant-derived triterpenoid saponins fromAcacia victoriae, mislocalizes K-Ras from the PM and disrupts PM spatial organization of oncogenic K-Ras and H-Ras by depleting phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) and cholesterol contents, respectively,  at the inner PM leaflet. Avicin G also inhibits oncogenic K- and H-Ras signal output and the growth of K-Ras-addicted pancreatic and non-small cell lung cancer cells. We further identified that avicin G perturbs lysosomal activity, and disrupts cellular localization and activity of neutral and acid sphingomyelinases (SMases), resulting in elevated cellular sphingomyelin (SM) levels and altered SM distribution. Moreover, we show that neutral SMase inhibitors disrupt the PM localization of K-Ras and PtdSer and oncogenic K-Ras signaling. In sum, this study identifies avicin G as a new potent anti-Ras inhibitor, and suggests that neutral SMase can be a tractable target for developing anti-K-Ras therapeutics.
S92 phosphorylation induces structural changes in the N-terminus domain of human mitochondrial calcium uniporter
Authors: Lee Youngjin , Park Jongseo , Lee Gihwan , Yoon Sanghwa , Min Choon Kee , Kim Tae Gyun , Yamamoto Takenori , Kim Do Han , Lee Keun Woo , Eom Soo Hyun
Published: June 2020

The mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) plays essential roles in mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and regulates cellular functions, such as energy synthesis, cell growth, and development. Thus, MCU activity is tightly controlled by its regulators as well as post-translational modification, including phosphorylation by protein kinases such as proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). In our in vitro kinase assay, the MCU N-terminal domain (NTD) was phosphorylated by protein kinase C isoforms (PKCβII, PKCδ, and PKCε) localized in the mitochondrial matrix. In addition, we found the conserved S92 was phosphorylated by the PKC isoforms. To reveal the structural effect of MCU S92 phosphorylation (S92p), we determined crystal structures of the MCU NTD of S92E and D119A mutants and analysed the molecular dynamics simulation of WT and S92p. We observed conformational changes of the conserved loop2-loop4 (L2-L4 loops) in MCU NTDS92E, NTDD119A, and NTDS92p due to the breakage of the S92-D119 hydrogen bond. The results suggest that the phosphorylation of S92 induces conformational changes as well as enhancements of the negative charges at the L2-L4 loops, which may affect the dimerization of two MCU-EMRE tetramers.
A practical assessment of nano-phosphate on soybean (Glycine max) growth and microbiome establishment
Authors: McKnight Michelle M. , Qu Zhi , Copeland Julia K. , Guttman David S. , Walker Virginia K.
Published: June 2020

The efficacy of needle-shaped nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA; Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) as a phosphate (Pi) fertilizer was evaluated as well as its impact on soil and soybean (Glycine max) bacterial and fungal communities. Microbial communities were evaluated in soy fertilized with nHA using ITS (internal transcribed spacer) and 16S rRNA high-throughput gene sequencing. Separate greenhouse growth experiments using agriculturally relevant nHA concentrations and application methods were used to assess plant growth and yield compared with no Pi (−P), soluble Pi (+P), and bulk HA controls. Overall, nHA treatments did not show significantly increased growth, biomass, total plant phosphorus concentrations, or yield compared with no Pi controls. Soil and rhizosphere community structures in controls and nHA treatment groups were similar, with minor shifts in the nHA-containing pots comparable to bulk HA controls at equal concentrations. The implementation of nHA in an agriculturally realistic manner and the resulting poor soy growth advises that contrary to some reports under specialized conditions, this nano-fertilizer may not be a viable alternative to traditional Pi fertilizers. If nano-phosphate fertilizers are to achieve their conjectured agricultural potential, alternative nHAs, with differing morphologies, physicochemical properties, and interactions with the soil matrix could be investigated using the evaluative procedures described.
Experimental and archaeological data for the identification of projectile impact marks on small-sized mammals
Authors: Duches Rossella , Nannini Nicola , Fontana Alex , Boschin Francesco , Crezzini Jacopo , Peresani Marco
Published: June 2020

The role of small game in prehistoric hunter-gatherer economy is a highly debated topic. Despite the general assumption that this practice was uneconomic, several studies have underlined the relevance of the circumstance of capture – in terms of hunting strategies and technology – in the evaluation of the actual role of small mammals in human foraging efficiency. Since very few studies have focused on the recognition of bone hunting lesions, in a previous work we explored the potential of 3D microscopy in distinguishing projectile impact marks from other taphonomic marks, developing a widely-applicable diagnostic framework based on experimental data and focused on Late Epigravettian projectiles. Even though we confirmed the validity of the method on zooarchaeological remains of large-sized mammals, the reliability of the experimental record in relation to smaller animals needed more testing and verification. In this report we thus present the data acquired through a new ballistic experiment on small mammals and compare the results to those previously obtained on medium-sized animals, in order to bolster the diagnostic criteria useful in bone lesion identification with specific reference to small game. We also present the application of this renewed methodology to an archaeological context dated to the Late Glacial and located in the eastern Italian Alps.
Altered neural substrates within cognitive networks of postpartum women during working memory process and resting-state
Authors: Bak Yunjin , Nah Yoonjin , Han Sanghoon , Lee Seung-Koo , Shin Na-Young
Published: June 2020

Postpartum working memory decline has been investigated mostly with neuropsychological tests, but neural evidence is almost unknown. Here we investigated task-related neural alterations during working memory task (n-back) and intrinsic alterations during resting-state (rs) in postpartum women using functional MRI (fMRI). Behaviorally, postpartum women showed comparable working memory performances to the controls although there was a tendency of prolonged response time. fMRI analysis results showed hyper-activation in regions belong to the task positive network (TPN) during the task and hypo-rsfMRI values in the default mode network (DMN) regions during rest in postpartum women. Based on these results, we performed network connectivity analysis using nodes of the TPN and DMN. As a result, the DMN showed a tendency of decreased connectivity in postpartum women during the working memory process compared to the controls. Our results suggest that postpartum women might have functional alterations in the DMN, and that hyper-activation in the TPN during a task might be a compensatory mechanism to maintain working memory performance in postpartum women.
Incidence of Cervical, Ovarian and Uterine Cancer in Eritrea: Data from the National Health Laboratory, 2011-2017
Authors: Medhin Lidia Biniam , Tekle Lia Alem , Achila Oliver Okoth , Said Salih
Published: June 2020

The main objective of this study was to investigate the incidence of cervical (C53), ovarian (C56) and uterine (C54–55) cancers in pathology department of the National Health Laboratory of Eritrea between 2011 and 2017. All tumour positive cases from cervix, ovary and uterus diagnosed between 2011 and 2017 were analyzed, based on the data from the pathology department available in National Health Laboratory. We summarized the results by using crude incidence rates (CIR) and age-standardized rates (ASRs). Annual percentage changes (APCs) for each site were calculated and compared according to ten-year age difference and year of occurrence. Between 2011 and 2017, 883 cases of cervical, ovarian and uterine tumours were reported in Eritrea. Malignant and benign tumours/entities comprising 269 and 614, respectively. The ASR for malignant tumours was highest in women aged between 60–69 (6.84 per 100 000). Total ASR for specific gynecological cancers (cervical, ovarian, uterine) was 19.32 per 100 000 females. The ASR for cervical cancer over the study period was 8.7 per 100 000. The ASR for ovarian and uterine cancers were 6.75 per 100 000 and 5.14 per 100 000, respectively. Over the study period, the incidence of these cancers was largely stable with no significant change in incidence rates recorded. In sum, the ASR for cervical cancer is relatively low compared to the rates reported in the region. Further, the ASR for ovarian and uterine cancers is nearly similar to the rates observed in this region. The study also provides ample evidence on the need for research targeted at uncovering the true burden of gynecological cancers in Eritrea. Potential solutions will require the establishment of high-quality population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) and long-term commitment to improvements in research platforms, training, screening, diagnosis, and the overall management of cancers in the country.
Association Between Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers and Age-related Brain Changes in Patients with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Authors: Taghdiri Foad , Gumus Melisa , Algarni Musleh , Fasano Alfonso , Tang-Wai David , Tartaglia Maria Carmela
Published: June 2020

Our study aimed to: 1)investigate the diagnostic utility of CSF Aβ42, t-tau, and p-tau to differentiate normal-pressure-hydrocephalus(NPH) from Alzheimer’s-disease(AD) and normal-controls; and 2)investigate if age and ventricular size affect the levels of CSF biomarkers in NPH patients. We recruited 131 participants: (a)Suspected-NPH: 72 with ventriculomegaly and clinical symptoms of NPH. These participants were then divided into two groups of 1)Probable-NPH (N = 38) and 2)Unlikely-NPH (N = 34) based on whether participants experienced gait improvement after removal of a large amount of CSF; (b)AD group: 30 participants with CSF biomarkers and cognitive symptoms consistent with AD; (c)Control-group: 29 participants who were cognitively and functionally normal. Lower levels of CSF Aβ42 and p-tau were observed in the probable-NPH compared to the normal controls(444.22 ± 163.3 vs. 1213.75 ± 556.5; and 26.05 ± 9.2 vs. 46.16 ± 13.3 pg/mL; respectively). Lower levels of CSF p-tau and t-tau were found in the probable-NPH compared to the AD(26.05 ± 9.2 vs. 114.95 ± 28.2; and 193.29 ± 92.3 vs. 822.65 ± 311.5 pg/mL; respectively) but the CSF-Aβ42 was low in both the probable-NPH and AD. CSF-Aβ42 correlated with age and Evans-index only in the probable-NPH(r = 0.460, p = 0.004; and r = −0.530, p = 0.001; respectively). Our study supports the hypothesis that age-related atrophy results in better Aβ42 clearance in the CSF because of the increase in the interstitial space.
Determinants of outcomes for acute encephalopathy with reduced subcortical diffusion
Authors: Sakata Kensuke , Kawano Go , Suda Masao , Yokochi Takaoki , Yae Yukako , Imagi Toru , Akita Yukihiro , Ohbu Keizo , Matsuishi Toyojiro
Published: June 2020

Acute encephalopathy with reduced subcortical diffusion (AED), characterised by seizure onset and widespread reduced apparent diffusion coefficient in the cortex/subcortical white matter, is one of the most common acute encephalopathies in children in East Asia. This 14-year single-centre retrospective study on 34 patients with AED showed that therapeutic hypothermia was used for patients with more severe consciousness disturbance after the first seizure or second phase initiation, extrapolating from neonatal hypoxic encephalopathy and adult post-cardiac arrest syndrome. The basal ganglia/thalamus lesions and the Tada score were the poor outcome determinants in the multivariate analysis. The correlation between the worse outcomes and the duration from the first seizure to the initiation of therapeutic hypothermia was observed only in the patients with AED cooled before the second phase. This correlation was not observed in the overall AED population. There was a moderate negative association between the worse outcomes and the duration between the first seizure and the second phase. Therefore, the basal ganglia/thalamus lesions and the Tada score were the outcome determinants for patients with AED. Further investigation is required to examine the efficacy of therapeutic hypothermia in this population while considering the timing of the therapeutic hypothermia initiation and the second phase.
Publisher Correction: Methylation deficiency disrupts biological rhythms from bacteria to humans
Authors: Fustin Jean-Michel , Ye Shiqi , Rakers Christin , Kaneko Kensuke , Fukumoto Kazuki , Yamano Mayu , Versteven Marijke , Grünewald Ellen , Cargill Samantha J. , Tamai T. Katherine , Xu Yao , Jabbur Maria Luísa , Kojima Rika , Lamberti Melisa L. , Yoshioka-Kobayashi Kumiko , Whitmore David , Tammam Stephanie , Howell P. Lynne , Kageyama Ryoichiro , Matsuo Takuya , Stanewsky Ralf , Golombek Diego A. , Johnson Carl Hirschie , Kakeya Hideaki , van Ooijen Gerben , Okamura Hitoshi
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Magnetic mesoporous bioactive glass for synergetic use in bone regeneration, hyperthermia treatment, and controlled drug delivery
Authors: Ur Rahman Muhammad Saif , Tahir Muhammad Asif , Noreen Saima , Yasir Muhammad , Ahmad Ijaz , Khan Muhammad Bilal , Ali Khawajah Waqar , Shoaib Muhammad , Bahadur Ali , Iqbal Shahid
Published: June 2020

A combination of chemotherapy with hyperthermia can produce remarkable success in treating advanced cancers.
Adjustable and ultrafast light-cured hyaluronic acid hydrogel: promoting biocompatibility and cell growth
Authors: Zhang Qianmin , Wei Xiaojuan , Ji Yongli , Yin Li , Dong Zaizai , Chen Feng , Zhong Mingqiang , Shen Jian , Liu Zhenjie , Chang Lingqian
Published: June 2020

Bio-sourced hydrogels are attractive materials for diagnosing, repairing and improving the function of human tissues and organs.
Enzyme-free amplified detection of miRNA based on target-catalyzed hairpin assembly and DNA-stabilized fluorescent silver nanoclusters
Authors: Gu Jinqing , Qiao Zhenzhen , He Xiaoxiao , Yu Yanru , Lei Yanli , Tang Jinlu , Shi Hui , He Dinggeng , Wang Kemin
Published: June 2020

A simple, cost-effective, sensitive, and selective strategy was developed for microRNA analysis using target-catalyzed hairpin assembly and fluorescent silver nanoclusters.
Specification of the nitrogen functional group in a hydrotreated petroleum molecule using hydrogen/deuterium exchange electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Ying , Chen Xiu , Zhang Linzhou , Shi Quan , Zhao Suoqi , Xu Chunming
Published: June 2020

Specification of the nitrogen functional group in hydrotreated heavy oil molecules using (+) ESI HR MS with high HDX degree.
Facile formulation of a long-wavelength cyanine for optical imaging in the second near-infrared window
Authors: Kilian Hailey I. , Kang Homan , Nyayapathi Nikhila , Fukuda Takeshi , Adluru Eeswar , Zhang Huijuan , Quinn Breandan , Xia Jun , Choi Hak Soo , Lovell Jonathan F.
Published: June 2020

A dozen commercial NIR-II dyes are screened for simple formulation and one is applied for in vivo optical imaging in mice.
Self-assembled peptide–inorganic nanoparticle superstructures: from component design to applications
Authors: Pigliacelli Claudia , Sánchez-Fernández Rosalía , García Marcos D. , Peinador Carlos , Pazos Elena
Published: June 2020

Self-assembled peptide–nanoparticle superstructures, with tuned architectures and/or functionalities, hold great promise in multiple high-end applications.
Degradation of sulfachloropyridazine by UV-C/persulfate: kinetics, key factors, degradation pathway
Authors: Dan Jiabin , Wang Qiongfang , Mu Kun , Rao Pinhua , Dong Lei , Zhang Xin , He Zedi , Gao Naiyun , Wang Jincheng
Published: June 2020

Antibiotics are frequently detected in water, which can pose a great threat to human health.
Unlocking biomass energy: continuous high-yield production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in water
Authors: Yan Puxiang , Xia Ming , Chen Shanshuai , Han Wanying , Wang Hongliang , Zhu Wanbin
Published: June 2020

A biphasic circulating system enables carbohydrates to be continuously and stably dehydrated to high yields of HMF in water by simple acids.
Dynamic wrinkling of a hydrogel–elastomer hybrid microtube enables blood vessel-like hydraulic pressure sensing and flow regulation
Authors: Wen Xuelian , Sun Shengtong , Wu Peiyi
Published: June 2020

Inspired by a blood vessel structure, a self-wrinkled smart hydrogel–elastomer hybrid microtube is fabricated for hydraulic pressure sensing and liquid flow regulation.
Water-processable liquid metal nanoparticles by single-step polymer encapsulation
Authors: Liu Yong , Wang Qian , Bi Shunchao , Zhang Wei , Zhou Henghui , Jiang Xingyu
Published: June 2020

A sonochemical method using water-soluble polymers as coating ligands allows the stabilization of liquid metals in aqueous suspensions, which show robust processability in cooperating with complex matrices for functional applications.
Photon upconversion-assisted dual-band luminescence solar concentrators coupled with perovskite solar cells for highly efficient semi-transparent photovoltaic systems
Authors: Kim Kiwon , Nam Seong Kyung , Cho Jinhan , Moon Jun Hyuk
Published: June 2020

A photovoltaic system that combines photon upconversion-assisted luminescence solar concentrators and perovskite solar cells is demonstrated.
3D bioprinting of cell-laden electroconductive MXene nanocomposite bioinks
Authors: Rastin Hadi , Zhang Bingyang , Mazinani Arash , Hassan Kamrul , Bi Jingxiu , Tung Tran Thanh , Losic Dusan
Published: June 2020

MXenes, a new family of two-dimensional transition metal carbides/nitrides, have been exploited in 3D bioprinting owing to their outstanding properties such as a large specific surface area, high electrical conductivity, and biodegradability.
Copper(i) catalyzed synthesis of selanyl methylene 4-chromanol and aurone derivatives
Authors: Sahoo Sushree Ranjan , Sarkar Debayan , Henkel Felix , Reuter Hans
Published: June 2020

An efficient copper-catalyzed cyclization cascade approach towards highly functionalized methylene 4-chromanol and aurone derivatives has been developed from reactions of ynols via 6-exo-dig and 5-exo-dig cyclization respectively.
New conjugated polymer nanoparticles with high photoluminescence quantum yields for far-red and near infrared fluorescence bioimaging
Authors: Koralli Panagiota , D. Nega Alkmini , Vagiaki Lida Evmorfia , Pavlou Aristea , Siskos Michael G. , Dimitrakopoulou-Strauss Antonia , Gregoriou Vasilis G. , Chochos Christos L.
Published: June 2020

The development of new aqueous conjugated polymer nanoparticles with high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) at the far red and near infrared (NIR) spectral regions (>650 nm) as alternative polymer probes for fluorescence imaging is reported.
Selective and clean synthesis of aminoalkyl-H-phosphinic acids from hypophosphorous acid by phospha-Mannich reaction
Authors: Urbanovský Peter , Kotek Jan , Císařová Ivana , Hermann Petr
Published: June 2020

Acetic acid was used as a new solvent for phospha-Mannich reaction leading to clear reaction mixtures and high yields of the aminoalkylphosphonous acids (AHPA), and hydroxymethylated species were suggested as key intermediates in the reaction.
Catalytic conversion of ethane to valuable products through non-oxidative dehydrogenation and dehydroaromatization
Authors: Saito Hikaru , Sekine Yasushi
Published: June 2020

This review examines the catalytic ethane dehydrogenation and dehydroaromatization in terms of characteristics of active sites and their reaction mechanisms.
In silicosimulations of erythrocyte aquaporins with quantitativein vitrovalidation
Authors: Chan Ruth , Falato Michael , Liang Huiyun , Chen Liao Y.
Published: June 2020

Quantitatively predictive study of aquaporins in model erythrocyte membrane validated with cellular experiments.
Influence of gamma-ray irradiation and post-annealing studies on pentacene films: the anisotropic effects on structural and electronic properties
Authors: Anbalagan Aswin kumar , Jao Chun-Yu , Syabriyana Maliya , Fan Chen-Lin , Gupta Shivam , Chaudhary Mayur , Chueh Yu-Lun , Tai Nyan-Hwa , Lee Chih-Hao
Published: June 2020

In this work, γ-ray irradiation effects on pentacene thin films are investigated in terms of the change in the crystallinity, and electronic structure as well as chemical states of the film.
Switchable foldamer ion channels with antibacterial activity
Authors: Peters Anna D. , Borsley Stefan , della Sala Flavio , Cairns-Gibson Dominic F. , Leonidou Marios , Clayden Jonathan , Whitehead George F. S. , Vitórica-Yrezábal Iñigo J. , Takano Eriko , Burthem John , Cockroft Scott L. , Webb Simon J.
Published: June 2020

Triazole-capped α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) octameric foldamers formed very active ion channels in phospholipid bilayers after the addition of copper(ii) chloride, with activity “turned off” by copper(ii) extraction.
Reversible photo-control over transmembrane anion transport using visible-light responsive supramolecular carriers
Authors: Kerckhoffs Aidan , Langton Matthew J.
Published: June 2020

Supramolecular anion carriers responsive to visible light enable reversible two-colour photo-control over transmembrane anion transport.
A cobalt–phosphorus nanoparticle decorated N-doped carbon nanosheet array for efficient and durable hydrogen evolution at alkaline pH
Authors: Li Xinyi , Zhang Rong , Luo Yongsong , Liu Qian , Lu Siyu , Chen Guang , Gao Shuyan , Chen Song , Sun Xuping
Published: June 2020

In 1.0 M KOH, Co–P@NC/CC, prepared by electrodeposition of cobalt–phosphorus nanoparticles on a polyimide derived N-doped carbon nanosheet array supported on carbon cloth, shows outstanding catalytic activity with the demand of an overpotential of 75 mV to drive 10 mA cm−2.
Electrospun cellulose-based conductive polymer nanofibrous mats: composite scaffolds and their influence on cell behavior with electrical stimulation for nerve tissue engineering
Authors: Zha Fangwen , Chen Wei , Hao Lu , Wu Chunsheng , Lu Meng , Zhang Lifeng , Yu Demei
Published: June 2020

Electrospun cellulose-based poly N-vinylpyrrole (PNVPY) and poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) nanofibrous mats and their influence on nerve cell behavior with electrical stimulation.
Emerging 2D pnictogens for catalytic applications: status and challenges
Authors: Yu Xiang , Liang Weiyuan , Xing Chenyang , Chen Keqiang , Chen Jianming , Huang Weichun , Xie Ni , Qiu Meng , Yan Xiaobing , Xie Zhongjian , Zhang Han
Published: June 2020

A rising kind of 2D pnictogens has drawn a great deal of attention in the field of catalytic application owing to their high specific surface area, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, optical and electrical performance.
High-performance p-type elemental Te thermoelectric materials enabled by the synergy of carrier tuning and phonon engineering
Authors: An Decheng , Chen Shaoping , Zhai Xin , Yu Yuan , Fan Wenhao , Zhang Tingting , Liu Yequn , Wu Yucheng , Wang Wenxian , Snyder G. Jeffrey
Published: June 2020

An outstanding figure-of-merit zT ≈ 1.06 at 600 K for p-type elemental Te thermoelectrics is realized by synergistically tuning their carrier and phonon transport behaviors via a multicomponent alloying strategy.