bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the quantity, quality and size distribution of cell-free DNA by multiplex droplet digital PCR
Authors: Alcaide Miguel , Cheung Matthew , Hillman Jack , Rassekh S. Rod , Deyell Rebecca J. , Batist Gerald , Karsan Aly , Wyatt Alexander W. , Johnson Nathalie , Scott David W. , Morin Ryan D.
Published: July 2020

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has become a comprehensive biomarker in the fields of non-invasive cancer detection and monitoring, organ transplantation, prenatal genetic testing and pathogen detection. While cfDNA samples can be obtained using a broad variety of approaches, there is an urgent need to standardize analytical tools aimed at assessing its basic properties. Typical methods to determine the yield and fragment size distribution of cfDNA samples are usually either blind to genomic DNA contamination or the presence of enzymatic inhibitors, which can confound and undermine downstream analyses. Here, we present a novel droplet digital PCR assay to identify suboptimal samples and aberrant cfDNA size distributions, the latter typically associated with high levels of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA). Our assay was designed to promiscuously cross-amplify members of the human olfactory receptor (OR) gene family and includes a customizable diploid locus for the determination of absolute cfDNA concentrations. We demonstrate here the utility of our assay to estimate the yield and quality of cfDNA extracts and deduce fragment size distributions that correlate well with those inferred by capillary electrophoresis and high throughput sequencing. The assay described herein is a powerful tool to establish quality controls and stratify cfDNA samples based on presumed ctDNA levels, then facilitating the implementation of robust, cost-effective and standardized analytical workflows into clinical practice.
The associations of BMI with mean diffusivity of basal ganglia among young adults with mild obesity and without obesity
Authors: Takeuchi Hikarua , Taki Yasuyuki , Nouchi Rui , Yokoyama Ryoichi , Nakagawa Seishu , Iizuka Kunio , Sakaki Kohei , Araki Tsuyoshi , Nozawa Takayuki , Ikeda Shigeyuki , Yokota Susumu , Hanawa Sugiko , Magistro Daniele , Kotozaki Yuka , Sasaki Yukako , dos S. Kawata Kelssy H. , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: July 2020

Obesity causes a wide range of systemic diseases and is associated with mood and anxiety disorders. It is also associated with dopaminergic reward system function. However, the relationships between microstructural properties of the dopaminergic system and body mass index (BMI) have not been investigated. In this study, we investigated the associations of BMI with mean diffusivity (MD), diffusion tensor imaging measure in areas of the dopaminergic system (MDDS) in 435 healthy young adults with mild obesity and without obesity (BMI < 40). We detected the association between greater BMI and lower MD of the right globus pallidus and the right putamen. These results suggest that the property of the dopaminergic system is associated with BMI among young adults with mild obesity and without obesity.
Cholesterol modulates presynaptic and postsynaptic properties of excitatory synaptic transmission
Authors: Korinek Miloslav , Gonzalez-Gonzalez Inmaculada M. , Smejkalova Tereza , Hajdukovic Dragana , Skrenkova Kristyna , Krusek Jan , Horak Martin , Vyklicky Ladislav
Published: July 2020

Cholesterol is a structural component of cellular membranes particularly enriched in synapses but its role in synaptic transmission remains poorly understood. We used rat hippocampal cultures and their acute cholesterol depletion by methyl-β-cyclodextrin as a tool to describe the physiological role of cholesterol in glutamatergic synaptic transmission. Cholesterol proved to be a key molecule for the function of synapses as its depletion resulted in a significant reduction of both NMDA receptor (NMDAR) and AMPA/kainate receptor-mediated evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs), by 94% and 72%, respectively. We identified two presynaptic and two postsynaptic steps of synaptic transmission which are modulated by cholesterol and explain together the above-mentioned reduction of eEPSCs. In the postsynapse, we show that physiological levels of cholesterol are important for maintaining the normal probability of opening of NMDARs and for keeping NMDARs localized in synapses. In the presynapse, our results favour the hypothesis of a role of cholesterol in the propagation of axonal action potentials. Finally, cholesterol is a negative modulator of spontaneous presynaptic glutamate release. Our study identifies cholesterol as an important endogenous regulator of synaptic transmission and provides insight into molecular mechanisms underlying the neurological manifestation of diseases associated with impaired cholesterol synthesis or decomposition.
Spermcast mating with release of zygotes in the small dioecious bivalve Digitaria digitaria
Authors: Marina Pablo , Urra Javier , Bueno Juan de Dios , Rueda José Luis , Gofas Serge , Salas Carmen
Published: July 2020

Digitaria digitaria, a small astartid usually less than 10 mm in length, has a non-brooding behaviour in spite of its limited space for gonad development. This species lives in highly unstable environments with strong currents, which represent a challenge for fertilization and larval settlement. The studied population of D. digitaria from the Strait of Gibraltar area was dioecious, with significant predominance of females and sexual dimorphism, where females are larger than males. The reproductive cycle is asynchronous throughout the year, without a resting period, but with successive partial spawning events. The presence of stored sperm in the suprabranchial chamber and inside the gonad of some females, together with the release of eggs along the dorsal axis of both gills, points to internal oocyte fertilization. Bacteriocytes were found in the female and male follicle walls, but no bacteria were observed inside any of the gametes. Digitaria digitaria could represent a “missing link” between spermcast mating bivalves with brooded offspring and bivalves with broadcast release of eggs and sperm. The small size, limiting the oocyte production, together with the unstable environment could represent evolutionary pressures towards sperm uptake in D. digitaria.
Maximal Shannon entropy in the vicinity of an exceptional point in an open microcavity
Authors: Park Kyu-Won , Kim Jinuk , Moon Songky , An Kyungwon
Published: July 2020

The Shannon entropy as a measure of information contents is investigated around an exceptional point (EP) in an open elliptical microcavity as a non-Hermitian system. The Shannon entropy is maximized near the EP in the parameter space for two interacting modes, but the exact maximum position is slightly off the EP toward the weak interaction region while the slopes of the Shannon entropies diverge at the EP. The Shannon entropies also show discontinuity across a specific line in the parameter space, directly related to the exchange of the Shannon entropy as well as the mode patterns with that line as a boundary. This feature results in a nontrivial topological structure of the Shannon entropy surfaces.
In silico identification and functional validation of linear cationic α-helical antimicrobial peptides in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis
Authors: Ohtsuka Yukio , Inagaki Hidetoshi
Published: July 2020

We developed a computing method to identify linear cationic α-helical antimicrobial peptides (LCAMPs) in the genome of Ciona intestinalis based on its structural and physicochemical features. Using this method, 22 candidates of Ciona LCAMPs, including well-known antimicrobial peptides, were identified from 21,975 non-redundant amino acid sequences in Ciona genome database, Ghost database. We also experimentally confirmed the antimicrobial activities of five LCAMP candidates, and three of them were found to be active in the presence of 500 mM NaCl, nearly equivalent to the salt concentration of seawater. Membrane topology prediction suggested that salt resistance of Ciona LCAMPs might be influenced by hydrophobic interactions between the peptide and membrane. Further, we applied our method to Xenopus tropicalis genome and found 11 LCAMP candidates. Thus, our method may serve as an effective and powerful tool for searching LCAMPs that are difficult to find using conventional homology-based methods.
The influence of boreal summer intra-seasonal oscillations on Indo-western Pacific Ocean surface waves
Authors: Srinivas G. , Remya P. G. , Malavika S. , Nair T. M. Balakrishnan
Published: July 2020

The present study examines the influence of Boreal Summer Intra-Seasonal Oscillation (BSISO) on Tropical Indian Ocean surface waves using the latest version of ECMWF reanalysis (ERA5) during summer monsoon months June through August (JJA). BSISO is a distinct mode of ISO during JJA having a northward and eastward movement from the equatorial Indian Ocean to the western Pacific Ocean. Composite analysis of anomalies of significant wave heights (SWH), wind sea, swell, and mean wave period for 8 phases of BSISO has been carried out to understand its influence. SWH anomalies in response to BSISO’s are phase-dependent. Negative SWH anomalies are noticed with strong northward and weak eastward propagation during the phases 1–3 in response to the easterly wind anomalies over the north Indian Ocean (NIO). During phases 5–7, high positive SWH anomalies (~ 0.5 m) in response to the westerly wind anomalies with northward and weak eastward propagation over NIO. Phases 4 and 8 behave like transition phases. In addition, enhanced (suppressed) SWH anomalies (~ 0.5 m) are seen during the active (break) spells of BSISO over NIO. Over the southern tip of India, negative (positive) SWH anomalies prevail during the active (break) conditions. This study clearly suggests that the wave forecast advisories during intra-seasonal time scales would be more useful for offshore and coastal activities during the summer monsoon.
Protective action of Bacillus clausii probiotic strains in an in vitro model of Rotavirus infection
Authors: Paparo Lorella , Tripodi Lorella , Bruno Cristina , Pisapia Laura , Damiano Carla , Pastore Lucio , Berni Canani Roberto
Published: July 2020

Rotavirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in young children. Bacillus clausii (B. clausii) is a spore-forming probiotic that is able to colonize the gut. A mixture of four B. clausii strains (O/C, T, SIN and N/R) is commonly used for the treatment of AGE, and it has been demonstrated that it can reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea in children with AGE. Few studies have sought to characterize the mechanisms responsible for such beneficial effects. Intestinal effects of probiotics are likely to be strain-specific. We conducted a series of in vitro experiments investigating the activities of this mixture of B. clausii strains on biomarkers of mucosal barrier integrity and immune function in a cellular model of Rotavirus infection. B. clausii protected enterocytes against Rotavirus-induced decrease in trans-epithelial electrical resistance, and up-regulated expression of mucin 5AC and tight junction proteins (occludin and zonula occludens-1), all of which are important for effective mucosal barrier function. B. clausii also inhibited reactive oxygen species production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-8 and interferon-β) in Rotavirus-infected cells, and down-regulated pro-inflammatory Toll-like receptor 3 pathway gene expression. Such mechanisms likely contributed to the observed protective effects of B. clausii against reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in Rotavirus-infected enterocytes.
Ubiquitin–proteasome system, lipid metabolism and DNA damage repair are triggered by antipsychotic medication in human oligodendrocytes: implications in schizophrenia
Authors: Seabra Gabriela , de Almeida Valéria , Reis-de-Oliveira Guilherme , Crunfli Fernanda , Antunes André Saraiva Leão Marcelo , Martins-de-Souza Daniel
Published: July 2020

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe and disabling psychiatric disorder, whose treatment is based on psychosocial interventions and the use of antipsychotic drugs. While the effects of these drugs are well elucidated in neuronal cells, they are still not so clear in oligodendrocytes, which play a vital role in schizophrenia. Thus, we aimed to characterize biochemical profiles by proteomic analyses of human oligodendrocytes (MO3.13) which were matured using a protocol we developed and treated with either haloperidol (a typical antipsychotic), clozapine (an atypical antipsychotic) or a clozapine + d-serine co-treatment, which has emerged lately as an alternative type of treatment. This was accomplished by employing shotgun proteomics, using nanoESI-LC–MS/MS label-free quantitation. Proteomic analysis revealed biochemical pathways commonly affected by all tested antipsychotics were mainly associated to ubiquitination, proteasome degradation, lipid metabolism and DNA damage repair. Clozapine and haloperidol treatments also affected proteins involved with the actin cytoskeleton and with EIF2 signaling. In turn, metabolic processes, especially the metabolism of nitrogenous compounds, were a predominant target of modulation of clozapine + d-serine treatment. In this context, we seek to contribute to the understanding of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in the action of antipsychotics on oligodendrocytes, along with their possible implications in schizophrenia.
Presence of Acanthamoeba and diversified bacterial flora in poorly maintained contact lens cases
Authors: Miyazaki Dai , Eguchi Hiroshi , Kuwahara Tomomi , Nakayama-Imaohji Haruyuki , Inaba Masamaru , Itoi Motozumi , Ueda Kiichi , Ohashi Yuichi , Sado Kazushige , Mizutani Satoshi , Miyamoto Hitoshi , Sasaki Shin-ichi , Shimizu Yumiko , Inoue Yoshitsugu
Published: July 2020

Acanthamoeba can cause visually destructive Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) in contact lens (CL) users. The purpose of this study was to determine whether Acanthamoeba was present in the CL cases of CL wearers and to develop techniques to prevent the contaminations. To accomplish this, 512 CL case samples were collected from 305 healthy CL wearers. Using real-time PCR, Acanthamoeba DNA was detected in 19.1% of CL cases, however their presence was not directly associated with poor CL case care. Instead, the presence of Acanthamoeba DNA was associated with significant levels of many different bacterial species. When the CL cases underwent metagenomic analysis, the most abundant bacterial orders were Enterobacteriales followed by Burkholderiales, Pseudomonadales, and Flavobacteriales. The presence of Acanthamoeba was characterized by Propionibacterium acnes and Rothia aeria and was also associated with an increase in the α diversity. Collectively, Acanthamoeba contamination occurs when a diversified bacterial flora is present in CL cases. This can effectively be prevented by careful and thorough CL case care.
Decrease of laminin-511 in the basement membrane due to photoaging reduces epidermal stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Iriyama Shunsuke , Yasuda Masahito , Nishikawa Saori , Takai Eisuke , Hosoi Junichi , Amano Satoshi
Published: July 2020

Daily sunlight exposure damages the epidermal basement membrane (BM) and disrupts epidermal homeostasis. Inter-follicular epidermal stem cells (IFE-SCs) regulate epidermal proliferation and differentiation, which supports epidermal homeostasis. Here, we examine how photoaging affects the function of IFE-SCs and we identify key components in their cellular environment (niche). We found that sun-exposed skin showed a decrease of MCSP-positive and β1-integrin-positive cells concomitantly with a decrease of laminin-511 at the dermal–epidermal junction (DEJ), as compared with sun-protected skin. Higher levels of laminin-511 were associated with not only increased efficiency of colony formation, but also higher expression levels of MCSP as well as other stem cell markers such as Lrig1, ITGB1, CD44, CD46, DLL1, and K15 in keratinocytes from skin of 12- to 62-year-old subjects. UVB exposure to cultured human skin impaired laminin-511 integrity at the dermal–epidermal junction and reduced MCSP-positive basal epidermal cells as well as K15-positive cells. Combined treatment with matrix metalloproteinase and heparanase inhibitors protected the integrity of laminin-511 and inhibited the reduction of MCSP-positive cells and K15-positive cells. These results suggest that photoaging may reduce the levels of MCSP-positive and K15-positive epidermal stem/progenitor cells in the epidermis via loss of laminin-511 at the dermal–epidermal junction.
Influence of an InGaN superlattice pre-layer on the performance of semi-polar (11–22) green LEDs grown on silicon
Authors: Zhao X. , Huang K. , Bruckbauer J. , Shen S. , Zhu C. , Fletcher P. , Feng P. , Cai Y. , Bai J. , Trager-Cowan C. , Martin R. W. , Wang T.
Published: July 2020

It is well-known that it is crucial to insert either a single InGaN underlayer or an InGaN superlattice (SLS) structure (both with low InN content) as a pre-layer prior to the growth of InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) served as an active region for a light-emitting diode (LED). So far, this growth scheme has achieved a great success in the growth of III-nitride LEDs on c-plane substrates, but has not yet been applied in the growth of any other orientated III-nitride LEDs. In this paper, we have applied this growth scheme in the growth of semi-polar (11–22) green LEDs, and have investigated the impact of the SLS pre-layer on the optical performance of semi-polar (11–22) green LEDs grown on patterned (113) silicon substrates. Our results demonstrate that the semi-polar LEDs with the SLS pre-layer exhibit an improvement in both internal quantum efficiency and light output, which is similar to their c-plane counterparts. However, the performance improvement is not so significant as in the c-plane case. This is because the SLS pre-layer also introduces extra misfit dislocations for the semi-polar, but not the c-plane case, which act as non-radiative recombination centres.
PD-L1 expression in bone marrow plasma cells as a biomarker to predict multiple myeloma prognosis: developing a nomogram-based prognostic model
Authors: Lee Byung-Hyun , Park Yong , Kim Ji Hye , Kang Ka-Won , Lee Seung Jin , Kim Seok Jin , Kim Byung Soo
Published: July 2020

PD-L1 expression is associated with poor prognosis, although this relationship is unclear in bone marrow-derived haematologic malignancies, including multiple myeloma. We aimed to determine whether PD-L1 expression could predict the prognosis of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). We evaluated 126 NDMM patients (83, retrospectively; 43, prospectively) who underwent bone marrow examinations. Bone marrow aspirates were analysed for PD-L1 expression, categorized as low or high expression, using quantitative immunofluorescence. High PD-L1 expression could independently predict poor overall survival (OS) (95% CI = 1.692–8.346) in multivariate analysis. On subgroup analysis, high PD-L1 expression was associated with poor OS (95% CI = 2.283–8.761) and progression-free survival (95% CI = 1.024–3.484) in patients who did not undergo autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) compared with those who did. High PD-L1 expression was associated with poor OS despite frontline treatments with or without immunomodulators. Thus, PD-L1 expression can be a useful prognosis predictor in NDMM patients, whereas ASCT may be used in patients with high PD-L1 expression. We developed a prognostic nomogram and found that a combination of PD-L1 expression in bone marrow plasma cells and clinical parameters (age, cytogenetics, and lactate dehydrogenase) effectively predicted NDMM prognosis. We believe that our nomogram can help identify high-risk patients and select appropriate treatments.
AeDES: a next-generation monitoring and forecasting system for environmental suitability of Aedes-borne disease transmission
Authors: Muñoz Á. G. , Chourio X. , Rivière-Cinnamond Ana , Diuk-Wasser M. A. , Kache P. A. , Mordecai E. A. , Harrington L. , Thomson M. C.
Published: July 2020

Aedes-borne diseases, such as dengue and chikungunya, are responsible for more than 50 million infections worldwide every year, with an overall increase of 30-fold in the last 50 years, mainly due to city population growth, more frequent travels and ecological changes. In the United States of America, the vast majority of Aedes-borne infections are imported from endemic regions by travelers, who can become new sources of mosquito infection upon their return home if the exposed population is susceptible to the disease, and if suitable environmental conditions for the mosquitoes and the virus are present. Since the susceptibility of the human population can be determined via periodic monitoring campaigns, the environmental suitability for the presence of mosquitoes and viruses becomes one of the most important pieces of information for decision makers in the health sector. We present a next-generation monitoring and forecasting system for $$\underline{\textit{Ae}}{} \textit{des}$$Ae̲des-borne diseases’ environmental suitability (AeDES) of transmission in the conterminous United States and transboundary regions, using calibrated ento-epidemiological models, climate models and temperature observations. After analyzing the seasonal predictive skill of AeDES, we briefly consider the recent Zika epidemic, and the compound effects of the current Central American dengue outbreak happening during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, to illustrate how a combination of tailored deterministic and probabilistic forecasts can inform key prevention and control strategies .
Induction of macrophage-like immunosuppressive cells from common marmoset ES cells by stepwise differentiation with DZNep
Authors: Tsuji Hyuma , Otsuka Ryo , Wada Haruka , Murata Tomoki , Sasaki Airi , Itoh Mizuho , Baghdadi Muhammad , Sasaki Erika , Seino Ken-ichiro
Published: July 2020

Recent progress in regenerative medicine has enabled the utilization of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) as the resource of therapeutic cells/tissue. However, immune suppression is still needed when the donor–recipient combination is allogeneic. We have reported previously that mouse PSCs-derived immunosuppressive cells contribute to prolonged survival of grafts derived from the same mouse PSCs in allogeneic recipients. For its clinical application, a preclinical study using non-human primates such as common marmoset must be performed. In this study, we established the induction protocol of immunosuppressive cells from common marmoset ES cells. Although similar immunosuppressive macrophages could not be induced by same protocol as that for mouse PSCs, we employed an inhibitor for histone methyltransferase, DZNep, and succeeded to induce them. The DZNep-treated macrophage-like cells expressed several immunosuppressive molecules and significantly inhibited allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction. The immunosuppressive cells from non-human primate ESCs will help to establish an immunoregulating strategy in regenerative medicine using PSCs.
Solar light harvest: modified d-block metals in photocatalysis
Authors: Darkwah Williams Kweku , Sandrine Masso Kody Christelle , Adormaa Buanya Beryl , Teye Godfred Kwesi , Puplampu Joshua Buer
Published: July 2020

With solar light, modified d-block metal photocatalysts are useful in areas where electricity is insufficient, with its chemical stability during the photocatalytic process, and its low-cost and nontoxicity.
d-Phenylglycine aminotransferase (d-PhgAT) – substrate scope and structural insights of a stereo-inverting biocatalyst used in the preparation of aromatic amino acids
Authors: Serpico Annabel , De Cesare Silvia , Marles-Wright Jon , Akhtar M. Kalim , Loake Gary J. , Campopiano Dominic J.
Published: July 2020

We report the crystal structure and substrate scope of a versatile aminotransferase biocatalyst.
LUAD transcriptomic profile analysis ofd-limonene and potential lncRNA chemopreventive target
Authors: Feng Tienan , Zhang Qi , Li Qiang , Zhu Tengteng , Lv Wenwen , Yu Herbert , Qian Biyun
Published: July 2020

d-limonene, a type of natural extract obtained from citrus oils, was reported to have anti-cancer effects through immunity-related pathway.
Flaxseed oligosaccharides alleviate DSS-induced colitis through modulation of gut microbiota and repair of the intestinal barrier in mice
Authors: Xu Zhenxia , Chen Wenchao , Deng Qianchun , Huang Qingde , Wang Xu , Yang Chen , Huang Fenghong
Published: July 2020

Intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction with dysbiosis of gut microbiota contributes to the occurrence and acceleration of colitis.
The properties, photovoltaic performance and stability of visible to near-IR all inorganic perovskites
Authors: Shpatz Dayan Adva , Zhong Xinjue , Wierzbowska Małgorzata , de Oliveira C. E. M. , Kahn Antoine , Etgar Lioz
Published: July 2020

Visible to NIR inorganic perovskite with reduced lead and high PV performance.
High intrinsic activity of the oxygen evolution reaction in low-cost NiO nanowall electrocatalysts
Authors: Cosentino Salvatore , Urso Mario , Torrisi Giacomo , Battiato Sergio , Priolo Francesco , Terrasi Antonio , Mirabella Salvo
Published: July 2020

NiO nanowalls grown by low-cost chemical bath deposition and thermal annealing are a high-efficiency and sustainable electrocatalytst for OER.
BINOL derivatives-catalysed enantioselective allylboration of isatins: application to the synthesis of (R)-chimonamidine
Authors: Braire Julien , Dorcet Vincent , Vidal Joëlle , Lalli Claudia , Carreaux François
Published: July 2020

3-Allyl-3-hydroxyoxindoles are obtained with high ee in a metal-free catalytic process from isatins. This scaffold has been converted to the natural product chimonamidine.
Effect of anethole on the copolymerization of vinyl monomers
Authors: Lena Jean-Baptiste , van Herk Alexander M. , Jana Satyasankar
Published: July 2020

Copolymerization behavior of Anethole with common vinyl monomers, determination of reactivity ratios via nonlinear least square method and the effect of Anethole on molecular weight and branching of copolymers produced via batch and semi-batch processes were reported.
Facile synthesis of well-controlled poly(1-vinyl imidazole) by the RAFT process
Authors: Fan Bo , Wan Jing , McKay Alasdair , Qu Zhenyuan , Thang San H.
Published: July 2020

Synthesis of well-controlled poly(1-vinyl imidazole).
General approach to prepare polymers bearing pendant isocyanate groups
Authors: Navarro Rodrigo , García Carolina , Rodríguez-Hernández Juan , Elvira Carlos , Marcos-Fernández Angel , Gallardo Alberto , Reinecke Helmut
Published: July 2020

A versatile synthetic approach for the easy preparation, under smooth reaction conditions, of diverse classes of linear polymers bearing aliphatic or aromatic isocyanate groups in the side chains is described.
Recovery of waste gold for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles supported on radially aligned nanorutile: the growth of carbon nanomaterials
Authors: Dziike Farai , Franklyn Paul J. , Hlekelele Lerato , Durbach Shane
Published: July 2020

A hydrothermal method was used to prepare rutile TiO2 dandelions. A deposition–precipitation method using urea (DPU) was used to load Au metal nanoparticles in calculated weight percentages and the Au/RANR catalysts where used to synthesise CNFs in a CVD reaction.
Preparation of Ni-IL/SiO2 and its catalytic performance for one-pot sequential synthesis of 2-propylheptanol from n-valeraldehyde
Authors: An Hualiang , Wang Di , Miao Shuang , Yang Qiusheng , Zhao Xinqiang , Wang Yanji
Published: July 2020

The prepared Ni-IL/SiO2 catalyst exhibits an excellent catalytic performance in the one-pot synthesis of 2-propylheptanol: the yield of 2-propylheptanol attained 75.4%.
Removal of contaminants by activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) using zero valent iron (ZVI)-based bimetallic particles (ZVI/Cu, ZVI/Co, ZVI/Ni, and ZVI/Ag)
Authors: Huo Xiaowei , Zhou Peng , Liu Yunxin , Cheng Feng , Liu Yang , Cheng Xin , Zhang Yongli , Wang Qingguo
Published: July 2020

In this study, four different ZVI/M-PMS systems (e.g., ZVI/Cu, ZVI/Co, ZVI/Ni and ZVI/Ag) were fabricated to investigate the removal of contaminants (Rhodamine B, 2,4-dichlorophenol, bisphenol A, bisphenol F, levofloxacin, and chloramphenicol).
A facile assay for rapid detection of COVID-19 antibodies
Authors: Liu Caixia , Mao Baiping , Martinez Vanessa , Chen Xiaojian , Li Yanan , He Lingyun , Chen Sian , Guo Xiaoling , Shen Xian , Bao Xiandan , Shen Haifa , Lenna Stefania , Qian Pinyi , Wu Lingzhi , Li Chao
Published: July 2020

The preparation principle and the result interpretation of COVID-19 antibody rapid detection strip.
Lignans and clerodane diterpenoids from Tinospora sinensis
Authors: Wen Chumao , Li Jun , Xu Xiaoshi , Li Qingqing , Li Yitong , Chen Yu , Yang Guangzhong
Published: July 2020

Four previously undescribed compounds including a tetrahydrofuran lignan (1), a 7,9′-dinorlignan glucoside (2), and two clerodane diterpenoid glucosides (3–4), together with 18 known compounds were isolated from Tinospora sinensis.
A voltammetric sensor based on reduced graphene oxide-hemin-Ag nanocomposites for sensitive determination of tyrosine
Authors: Zou Hui-Yu , Lu Xin-Yang , Kong Fen-Ying , Wang Zhong-Xia , Li Heng-Ye , Fang Hai-Lin , Wang Wei
Published: July 2020

A novel electrochemical sensor for the sensitive determination ofl-Tyr was designed with a rGO-H-Ag nanocomposite modified electrode.
Chemical bonding of nitrogen formed by nitridation of crystalline and amorphous aluminum oxide studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Lawniczak-Jablonska K. , Zytkiewicz Z. R. , Gieraltowska S. , Sobanska M. , Kuzmiuk P. , Klosek K.
Published: July 2020

XPS spectra and chemical states of nitrogen in N-plasma treated crystalline sapphire (left) and amorphous a-AlOx layer on Si (right).
Structural, dielectric and impedance spectroscopy analysis of Ba5CaTi1.94Zn0.06Nb8O30ferroelectric ceramic
Authors: Bendahhou Amine , Chourti Karim , El Bouayadi Rachid , El Barkany Soufian , Abou-Salama Mohamed
Published: July 2020

In this work, Zn co-doped tungsten bronze having nominal formula Ba5CaTi1.94Zn0.06Nb8O30has been synthesized and systematically studied for structure, dielectric and electrical properties.
Study on the interfacial properties of polymers around a nanoparticle
Authors: Li Chao-Yang , Huang Jian-Hua , Li Hong , Luo Meng-Bo
Published: July 2020

The interfacial properties of polymer chains on spherical nanoparticles are investigated using off-lattice Monte Carlo simulations.
An overview of key potential therapeutic strategies for combat in the COVID-19 battle
Authors: Das Gaurav , Ghosh Surojit , Garg Shubham , Ghosh Satyajit , Jana Aniket , Samat Ramkamal , Mukherjee Nabanita , Roy Rajsekhar , Ghosh Surajit
Published: July 2020

A schematic representation of different methods to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Influence of flaxseed flour as a partial replacement for wheat flour on the characteristics of Chinese steamed bread
Authors: Liu Tingting , Duan Huping , Mao Xiaohui , Yu Xiuzhu
Published: July 2020

Chinese steamed bread supplemented with flaxseed flour can be recommended as a dietary product with health benefits.
Diesel engine exhaust denitration using non-thermal plasma with activated carbon
Authors: Wang Zongyu , Kuang Hailang , Zhang Jifeng , Zhang Wei , Chu Lilin , Yu Chunrong , Ji Yulong
Published: July 2020

A diesel engine de-NOx system combining non-thermal plasma and activated carbon was set up. The de-NOx efficiency reaches 91.8% and 92.5% for simulated gas and real exhaust gas, respectively. It has good potential to replace vanadium-based SCR.
Stereospecific nucleophilic substitution at tertiary and quaternary stereocentres
Authors: Lanke Veeranjaneyulu , Marek Ilan
Published: July 2020

In this minireview, we summarized the fascinating and rich area of stereoselective or stereospecific nucleophilic substitution at tertiary and quaternary carbon centres.
Catalytic enantioselective construction of vicinal quaternary carbon stereocenters
Authors: Zhou Feng , Zhu Lei , Pan Bo-Wen , Shi Yang , Liu Yun-Lin , Zhou Jian
Published: July 2020

This review summarizes the advances in catalytic enantioselective construction of vicinal quaternary carbon stereocenters, introduces major synthetic strategies and discusses their advantages and limitations, and outlines the synthetic opportunities.
Defunctionalisation catalysed by boron Lewis acids
Authors: Fang Huaquan , Oestreich Martin
Published: July 2020

The combination of boron Lewis acid catalysts and hydride sources enables the cleavage of various carbon–heteroatom bonds.
Correction: A mitochondria-targeted nanoradiosensitizer activating reactive oxygen species burst for enhanced radiation therapy
Authors: Li Na , Yu Longhai , Wang Jianbo , Gao Xiaonan , Chen Yuanyuan , Pan Wei , Tang Bo
Published: July 2020

Correction for ‘A mitochondria-targeted nanoradiosensitizer activating reactive oxygen species burst for enhanced radiation therapy’ by Na Li et al., Chem. Sci., 2018, 9, 3159–3164, DOI: 10.1039/C7SC04458E.
Superionic conduction in a zirconium-formate molecular solid
Authors: Wahiduzzaman Mohammad , Nandi Shyamapada , Yadav Vibhav , Taksande Kiran , Maurin Guillaume , Chun Hyungphil , Devautour-Vinot Sabine
Published: July 2020

The zirconium-formate molecular solid containing KCl ion pairs (ZF-3) exhibits optimum humidity-sensitive performance in terms of ionic conductivity.
Le climat « par procuration ». De l’usage des proxys pour relier les savoirs
Authors: Petit Sandrine , Vergote Marie-Hélène , Castel Thierry , Richard Yves
Published: July 2020

L’article propose un retour réflexif sur une recherche interdisciplinaire et participative relative au changement climatique et à ses impacts en Bourgogne. Dans une nouvelle perspective, les proxys, indices laissés par le climat, pourraient avoir une place dans la construction des connaissances quant aux changements en cours. Les proxys peuvent venir de disciplines comme l’écologie ou des observations ordinaires d’acteurs et de citoyens. Savoirs du quotidien et de la pratique sont riches d’indices sur les changements de l’environnement à relier aux modifications du climat. Savoirs scientifiques et savoirs ordinaires, présentés comme distants, se rejoignent sur le fait que le changement climatique se saisit principalement par des intermédiaires, « par procuration ». Rapprocher le modèle du climat planétaire de savoirs locaux et d’expériences vécues est un levier pour s’adapter localement au changement climatique.
System design for inverted pendulum using LQR control via IoT
Authors: Maneetham Dechrit , Sutyasadi Petrus
Published: July 2020

This research proposes control method to balance and stabilize an inverted pendulum. A robust control was analyzed and adjusted to the model output with real time feedback. The feedback was obtained using state space equation of the feedback controller. A linear quadratic regulator (LQR) model tuning and control was applied to the inverted pendulum using internet of things (IoT). The system's conditions and performance could be monitored and controlled via personal computer (PC) and mobile phone. Finally, the inverted pendulum was able to be controlled using the LQR controller and the IoT communication developed will monitor to check the all conditions and performance results as well as help the inverted pendulum improved various operations of IoT control is discussed.
Is Prematurity a Protective Factor Against Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip? A Retrospective Analysis of 660 Newborns
Authors: Koob Sebastian , Garbe Werner , Bornemann Rahel , Ploeger Milena Maria , Scheidt Sebastian , Gathen Martin , Placzek Richard
Published: July 2020

Purpose In Middle Europe developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) has an incidence of up to 5.9 %. The rate of congenital hip dislocation as the worst complication of a growth disorder of the hip is between 1.5 % and 2.5 %. Among known risk factors of DDH are breech position, multiples, foot deformities and family history. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate prematurity as a risk factor for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

Materials and Methods The hips of 283 infants who were born before the 38th week of gestation or earlier, and those of 377 infants who were born after the 37th week of gestation, none of whom had other risk factors for DDH, were compared using the ultrasound technique according to Graf et al., within the first week after birth. Both hips of all infants were included in the study.

Results Surprisingly, the difference in alpha angles between the two groups was statistically extremely significant, favoring the preterm infants. Moreover, we found a physiological curve of alpha angle development with a peak after the 31st week of gestation. The incidence of pathological dysplasia was not significantly different in the two groups.

Conclusion Our results suggest that prematurity is not a predisposing factor for DDH, but rather is protective for hip development.
Analysis and modeling of a membrane electrode assembly in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell
Authors: Orhan Mehmet F. , Saka Kenan , Kahraman Huseyin
Published: July 2020

In this study, a membrane electrode assembly of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell is modeled. Using the analytical model, a computational analysis has been conducted along with an extensive parametric study. Variation of ohmic losses, water content, and voltage drops from anode to cathode side of the membrane electrode assembly with many design/operation parameters such as thickness, temperature, pressure, and local/total humidity and conductivity, diffusivity, and resistivity have been evaluated at various current densities. Also, effect of molar concentration of hydrogen on hydrogen diffusive flux due to pressure change between the anode and cathode at different membrane thicknesses has been presented. Furthermore, variation of water uptake and concentration with the ratio of water and hydrogen fluxes, the current density, and membrane dry density have been studied along with their interrelation. It is observed that as the membrane thickness increases, its resistivity increases as well, causing higher ohmic losses. On the other hand, the water content increases with the thickness until a maximum point and then starts to decrease. Therefore, the membrane thickness should be optimized carefully to have desirable humidity levels with minimum crossover and losses.
Thermal analysis of nanofluid flow due to rotating cone/plate—A numerical study
Authors: Ahmad Shahzad , Ali Kashif , Saleem Rabia , Bashir Hina
Published: July 2020

This paper presents the study of heat and mass transfer in two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic nanofluid flow over a cone/plate. By linearization and finite difference discretization, we numerically solved ordinary differential equations obtained from the partial differential equations (PDEs) by using similarity transformation. The impact of non-dimensional parameters, such as Prandtl number, Dufour number, Schmidt number, and Soret number, on velocity, temperature, and concentration has been examined from the graphs and tables. It has been noted that, compared to the rotating plate, heat and mass transfer properties of the flow over the rotating cone are more promising.
Using models to inform water policy in a changing climate: comparing the Australian and Uruguayan experiences
Authors: Silvarrey Barruffa A. , Faggian R. , Sposito V. , Duarte Guigou M.
Published: July 2020

Mitigating the expansion of harmful cyanobacterial blooms in Uruguayan catchments is a major challenge facing researchers and decision makers. To make matters worse, these events are expected to occur more often as the climate changes. Taking Australia’s experience as an example, minimising the effect of algal blooms involves a range of catchment land use policy and regulatory measures that are underpinned by comprehensive monitoring systems, hydrological modelling platforms and land suitability analysis considering the effects of climate change. The lack of these technological tools means that policies and regulations cannot be implemented effectively. In this paper, we analyse the effects of climate change on Laguna Del Sauce Catchment (Uruguay) and discuss the effects of a possible new land use configuration defined using approaches typically used in Australia. We identify that the likely future of the catchment, according to biophysical modelling, is in conflict with its likely future as defined by its existing land use trajectory and associated agricultural policy. Our analysis provides new insights into the possible effects of climate change on Laguna Del Sauce, and thus fills an important knowledge gap to inform and amend the current policies and institutional frameworks.
Environmental influences on the juvenile migration of the threatened amphidromous Australian grayling (Prototroctes maraena)
Authors: Koster W. M. , Amtstaetter F. , Dawson D. , Coleman R. A. , Hale R.
Published: July 2020

Many diadromous species are threatened globally. Management actions to conserve these species need to be based on a quantitative understanding of their life history requirements. The transition between marine and freshwater habitats is a critical component of the life cycle of diadromous fishes, but is poorly understood for many species. We investigated recruitment patterns of juvenile Australian grayling (Prototroctes maraena), a nationally threatened amphidromous fish, entering freshwater environments in four streams in south-east Australia across 3years (2016–18). Migration occurred from September to December, with peak abundances between late October and early November (mid-austral spring). Catches were also related to mean daily discharge in the preceding 7days, with highest catches at intermediate flows (~100–150MLday–1). Our results can inform management actions, such as environmental flows, for attracting and facilitating the movement of juvenile Australian grayling into freshwater from marine nursery areas.
In climate news, statements from large businesses and opponents of climate action receive heightened visibility
Authors: Wetts Rachel
Published: July 2020

Significance

Scholars and political commentators have often argued that business interests have privileged status in policy debates, particularly around questions of environmental degradation. However, few studies have been able to systematically compare business and advocacy organizations’ successful and unsuccessful attempts to influence political discourse, a key marker of interest group status. This study uses computational text analysis to fill this gap in the literature, examining the news coverage given to over 1,700 press releases about climate change from different types of organizations over an almost 30-y period. These results shed light on the social processes shaping the climate change debate in particular, while speaking to broader questions of how power is distributed in American democracy.
Wheat yield potential in controlled-environment vertical farms
Authors: Asseng Senthold , Guarin Jose R. , Raman Mahadev , Monje Oscar , Kiss Gregory , Despommier Dickson D. , Meggers Forrest M. , Gauthier Paul P. G.
Published: July 2020

Significance

Wheat is the most important food crop worldwide, grown across millions of hectares. Wheat yields in the field are usually low and vary with weather, soil, and crop management practices. We show that yields for wheat grown in indoor vertical farms under optimized growing conditions would be several hundred times higher than yields in the field due to higher yields, several harvests per year, and vertically stacked layers. Wheat grown indoors would use less land than field-grown wheat, be independent of climate, reuse most water, exclude pests and diseases, and have no nutrient losses to the environment. However, given the high energy costs for artificial lighting and capital costs, it is unlikely to be economically competitive with current market prices.
Role of the early secretory pathway in SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Sicari Daria , Chatziioannou Aristotelis , Koutsandreas Theodoros , Sitia Roberto , Chevet Eric
Published: July 2020

Similar to other RNA viruses, SARS-CoV-2 must (1) enter a target/host cell, (2) reprogram it to ensure its replication, (3) exit the host cell, and (4) repeat this cycle for exponential growth. During the exit step, the virus hijacks the sophisticated machineries that host cells employ to correctly fold, assemble, and transport proteins along the exocytic pathway. Therefore, secretory pathway–mediated assemblage and excretion of infective particles represent appealing targets to reduce the efficacy of virus biogenesis, if not to block it completely. Here, we analyze and discuss the contribution of the molecular machines operating in the early secretory pathway in the biogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and their relevance for potential antiviral targeting. The fact that these molecular machines are conserved throughout evolution, together with the redundancy and tissue specificity of their components, provides opportunities in the search for unique proteins essential for SARS-CoV-2 biology that could also be targeted with therapeutic objectives. Finally, we provide an overview of recent evidence implicating proteins of the early secretory pathway as potential antiviral targets with effective therapeutic applications.
Blood plasma phosphorylated-tau isoforms track CNS change in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Barthélemy Nicolas R. , Horie Kanta , Sato Chihiro , Bateman Randall J.
Published: July 2020

Highly sensitive and specific plasma biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy in the clinic and facilitate research studies including enrollment in prevention and treatment trials. We recently reported CSF tau hyperphosphorylation, especially on T217, is an accurate predictor of β-amyloidosis at asymptomatic and symptomatic stages. In the current study, we determine by mass spectrometry the potential utility of plasma p-tau isoforms to detect AD pathology and investigate CSF and plasma tau isoforms’ profile relationships. Plasma tau was truncated as previously described in CSF. CSF and plasma measures of p-tau-217 and p-tau-181 were correlated. No correlation was found between CSF and plasma on total-tau levels and pS202 measures. We found p-tau-217 and p-tau-181 were highly specific for amyloid plaque pathology in the discovery cohort (n = 36, AUROC = 0.99 and 0.98 respectively). In the validation cohort (n = 92), p-tau-217 measures were still specific to amyloid status (AUROC = 0.92), and p-tau-181 measures were less specific (AUROC = 0.75).
Roles for the SNAP25 linker domain in the fusion pore and a dynamic plasma membrane SNARE “acceptor” complex
Authors: Holz Ronald W. , Bittner Mary A.
Published: July 2020

Central to the exocytotic release of hormones and neurotransmitters is the interaction of four SNARE motifs in proteins on the secretory granule/synaptic vesicle membrane (synaptobrevin/VAMP, v-SNARE) and on the plasma membrane (syntaxin and SNAP25, t-SNAREs). The interaction is thought to bring the opposing membranes together to enable fusion. An underlying motivation for this Viewpoint is to synthesize from recent diverse studies possible new insights about these events. We focus on a recent paper that demonstrates the importance of the linker region joining the two SNARE motifs of the neuronal t-SNARE SNAP25 for maintaining rates of secretion with roles for distinct segments in speeding fusion pore expansion. Remarkably, lipid-perturbing agents rescue a palmitoylation-deficient mutant whose phenotype includes slow fusion pore expansion, suggesting that protein–protein interactions have a role not only in bringing together the granule or vesicle membrane with the plasma membrane but also in orchestrating protein–lipid interactions leading to the fusion reaction. Unexpectedly, biochemical investigations demonstrate the importance of the C-terminal domain of the linker in the formation of the plasma membrane t-SNARE “acceptor” complex for synaptobrevin2. This insight, together with biophysical and optical studies from other laboratories, suggests that the plasma membrane SNARE acceptor complex between SNAP25 and syntaxin and the subsequent trans-SNARE complex with the v-SNARE synaptobrevin form within 100 ms before fusion.