bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strain-gradient mediated local conduction in strained bismuth ferrite films
Authors: Yang Ming-Min , Iqbal Affan N. , Peters Jonathan J. P. , Sanchez Ana M. , Alexe Marin
Published: June 2019

It has been recently shown that the strain gradient is able to separate the light-excited electron-hole pairs in semiconductors, but how it affects the photoelectric properties of the photo-active materials remains an open question. Here, we demonstrate the critical role of the strain gradient in mediating local photoelectric properties in the strained BiFeO3 thin films by systematically characterizing the local conduction with nanometre lateral resolution in both dark and illuminated conditions. Due to the giant strain gradient manifested at the morphotropic phase boundaries, the associated flexo-photovoltaic effect induces on one side an enhanced photoconduction in the R-phase, and on the other side a negative photoconductivity in the morphotropic $$T\prime$$
T
′
-phase. This work offers insight and implication of the strain gradient on the electronic properties in both optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices.
Unconventional CN vacancies suppress iron-leaching in Prussian blue analogue pre-catalyst for boosted oxygen evolution catalysis
Authors: Yu Zi-You , Duan Yu , Liu Jian-Dang , Chen Yu , Liu Xiao-Kang , Liu Wei , Ma Tao , Li Yi , Zheng Xu-Sheng , Yao Tao , Gao Min-Rui , Zhu Jun-Fa , Ye Bang-Jiao , Yu Shu-Hong
Published: June 2019

The incorporation of defects, such as vacancies, into functional materials could substantially tailor their intrinsic properties. Progress in vacancy chemistry has enabled advances in many technological applications, but creating new type of vacancies in existing material system remains a big challenge. We show here that ionized nitrogen plasma can break bonds of iron-carbon-nitrogen-nickel units in nickel-iron Prussian blue analogues, forming unconventional carbon-nitrogen vacancies. We study oxygen evolution reaction on the carbon-nitrogen vacancy-mediated Prussian blue analogues, which exhibit a low overpotential of 283 millivolts at 10 milliamperes per square centimeter in alkali, far exceeding that of original Prussian blue analogues and previously reported oxygen evolution catalysts with vacancies. We ascribe this enhancement to the in-situ generated nickel-iron oxy(hydroxide) active layer during oxygen evolution reaction, where the Fe leaching was significantly suppressed by the unconventional carbon-nitrogen vacancies. This work opens up opportunities for producing vacancy defects in nanomaterials for broad applications.
Loss of fixed nitrogen causes net oxygen gain in a warmer future ocean
Authors: Oschlies Andreas , Koeve Wolfgang , Landolfi Angela , Kähler Paul
Published: June 2019

Oceanic anoxic events have been associated with warm climates in Earth history, and there are concerns that current ocean deoxygenation may eventually lead to anoxia. Here we show results of a multi-millennial global-warming simulation that reveal, after a transitory deoxygenation, a marine oxygen inventory 6% higher than preindustrial despite an average 3 °C ocean warming. An interior-ocean oxygen source unaccounted for in previous studies explains two thirds of the oxygen excess reached after a few thousand years. It results from enhanced denitrification replacing part of today’s ocean’s aerobic respiration in expanding oxygen-deficient regions: The resulting loss of fixed nitrogen is equivalent to an oceanic oxygen gain and depends on an incomplete compensation of denitrification by nitrogen fixation. Elevated total oxygen in a warmer ocean with larger oxygen-deficient regions poses a new challenge for explaining global oceanic anoxic events and calls for an improved understanding of environmental controls on nitrogen fixation.
Distribution and dynamics of Greenland subglacial lakes
Authors: Bowling J. S. , Livingstone S. J. , Sole A. J. , Chu W.
Published: June 2019

Few subglacial lakes have been identified beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) despite extensive documentation in Antarctica, where periodic release of water can impact ice flow. Here we present an ice-sheet-wide survey of Greenland subglacial lakes, identifying 54 candidates from airborne radio-echo sounding, and 2 lakes from ice-surface elevation changes. These range from 0.2–5.9 km in length, and are mostly distributed away from ice divides, beneath relatively slow-moving ice. Based on our results and previous observations, we suggest three zones of formation: stable lakes in northern and eastern regions above the Equilibrium Line Altitude (ELA) but away from the interior; hydrologically-active lakes near the ELA recharged by surface meltwater and; small, seasonally-active lakes below the ELA, which form over winter and drain during the melt season. These observations provide important constraints on the GrIS's basal thermal regime and help refine our understanding of the subglacial hydrological system.
DOT1L inhibition reveals a distinct subset of enhancers dependent on H3K79 methylation
Authors: Godfrey Laura , Crump Nicholas T. , Thorne Ross , Lau I-Jun , Repapi Emmanouela , Dimou Dimitra , Smith Alastair L. , Harman Joe R. , Telenius Jelena M. , Oudelaar A. Marieke , Downes Damien J. , Vyas Paresh , Hughes Jim R. , Milne Thomas A.
Published: June 2019

Enhancer elements are a key regulatory feature of many important genes. Several general features including the presence of specific histone modifications are used to demarcate potentially active enhancers. Here we reveal that putative enhancers marked with H3 lysine 79 (H3K79) di or trimethylation (me2/3) (which we name H3K79me2/3 enhancer elements or KEEs) can be found in multiple cell types. Mixed lineage leukemia gene (MLL) rearrangements (MLL-r) such as MLL-AF4 are a major cause of incurable acute lymphoblastic leukemias (ALL). Using the DOT1L inhibitor EPZ-5676 in MLL-AF4 leukemia cells, we show that H3K79me2/3 is required for maintaining chromatin accessibility, histone acetylation and transcription factor binding specifically at KEEs but not non-KEE enhancers. We go on to show that H3K79me2/3 is essential for maintaining enhancer-promoter interactions at a subset of KEEs. Together, these data implicate H3K79me2/3 as having a functional role at a subset of active enhancers in MLL-AF4 leukemia cells.
Direct electrochemical oxidation of alcohols with hydrogen evolution in continuous-flow reactor
Authors: Wang Dan , Wang Pan , Wang Shengchun , Chen Yi-Hung , Zhang Heng , Lei Aiwen
Published: June 2019

Alcohol oxidation reactions are widely used for the preparation of aldehydes and ketones. The electrolysis of alcohols to carbonyl compounds have been underutilized owing to low efficiency. Herein, we report an electrochemical oxidation of various alcohols in a continuous-flow reactor without external oxidants, base or mediators. The robust electrochemical oxidation is performed for a variety of alcohols with good functional group tolerance, high efficiency and atom economy, whereas mechanistic studies support the benzylic radical intermediate formation and hydrogen evolution. The electrochemical oxidation proves viable on diols with excellent levels of selectivity for the benzylic position.
Chloramphenicol inhibits eukaryotic Ser/Thr phosphatase and infection-specific cell differentiation in the rice blast fungus
Authors: Nozaka Akihito , Nishiwaki Ayaka , Nagashima Yuka , Endo Shogo , Kuroki Misa , Nakajima Masahiro , Narukawa Megumi , Kamisuki Shinji , Arazoe Takayuki , Taguchi Hayao , Sugawara Fumio , Kamakura Takashi
Published: June 2019

Chloramphenicol (Cm) is a broad-spectrum classic antibiotic active against prokaryotic organisms. However, Cm has severe side effects in eukaryotes of which the cause remains unknown. The plant pathogenic fungusMagnaporthe oryzae, which causes rice blast, forms an appressorium to infect the host cell via single-cell differentiation. Chloramphenicol specifically inhibits appressorium formation, which indicates that Cm has a novel molecular target (or targets) in the rice blast fungus. Application of the T7 phage display method inferred that MoDullard, a Ser/Thr-protein phosphatase, may be a target of Cm. In animals Dullard functions in cell differentiation and protein synthesis, but in fungi its role is poorly understood.In vivoandin vitroanalyses showed that MoDullard is required for appressorium formation, and that Cm can bind to and inhibit MoDullard function. Given that human phosphatase CTDSP1 complemented the MoDullard function during appressorium formation byM. oryzae, CTDSP1 may be a novel molecular target of Cm in eukaryotes.
Author Correction: Effects of Precipitates Evolution on Low Stress Creep Properties in P92 Heat-resistant Steel
Authors: Han Hongguang , Shen Junjie , Xie Jiaxing
Published: June 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Melanin presence inhibits melanoma cell spread in mice in a unique mechanical fashion
Authors: Sarna Michal , Krzykawska-Serda Martyna , Jakubowska Monika , Zadlo Andrzej , Urbanska Krystyna
Published: June 2019

Melanoma is a highly aggressive cancer that exhibits metastasis to various critical organs. Unlike any other cancer cells, melanoma cells can synthesize melanin in large amounts, becoming heavily pigmented. Until now the role of melanin in melanoma, particularly the effect of melanin presence on the abilities of melanoma cells to spread and metastasize remains unknown. Recently, we have shown that melanin dramatically modified elastic properties of melanoma cells and inhibited the cells invasive abilities in vitro. Here, we inoculated human melanoma cells with different melanin content into nude mice and tested the hypothesis that cell elasticity is an important property of cancer cells for their efficient spread in vivo. The obtained results clearly showed that cells containing melanin were less capable to spread in mice than cells without the pigment. Our findings indicate that the presence of melanin inhibits melanoma metastasis, emphasizing possible clinical implications of such an inhibitory effect.
Contextual influences in the peripheral retina of patients with macular degeneration
Authors: Contemori Giulio , Battaglini Luca , Casco Clara
Published: June 2019

Macular degeneration (MD) is the leading cause of low vision in the elderly population worldwide. In case of complete bilateral loss of central vision, MD patients start to show a preferred retinal region for fixation (PRL). Previous literature has reported functional changes that are connected with the emergence of the PRL. In this paper, we question whether the PRL undergoes a use-dependent cortical reorganization that alters the range of spatial lateral interactions between low-level filters. We asked whether there is a modulation of the excitatory/inhibitory lateral interactions or whether contextual influences are well accounted for by the same law that describes the integration response in normal viewers. In a group of 13 MD patients and 7 age-matched controls, we probed contextual influences by measuring the contrast threshold for a vertical target Gabor, flanked by two collinear high-contrast Gabors. Contextual influences of the collinear flankers were indicated by the changes in contrast threshold obtained at different target-to-flanker distances (λs) relative to the baseline orthogonal condition. Results showed that MDs had higher thresholds in the baseline condition and functional impairment in the identification tasks. Moreover, at the shortest λ, we found facilitatory rather than inhibitory contextual influence. No difference was found between the PRL and a symmetrical retinal position (non-PRL). By pulling together data from MD and controls we showed that in the periphery this inversion occurs when the target threshold approach the flankers’ contrast (about 1:3 ratio) and that for patients it does occur in both the PRL and a symmetrical retinal position (non-PRL). We conclude that contrary to previous interpretations, this modulation doesn’t seem to reflect use-dependent cortical reorganization but rather, it might result from a reduction of contrast gain for the target that promotes target-flankers grouping.
Long noncoding RNAs in Brassica rapa L. following vernalization
Authors: Shea Daniel J. , Nishida Namiko , Takada Satoko , Itabashi Etsuko , Takahashi Satoshi , Akter Ayasha , Miyaji Naomi , Osabe Kenji , Mehraj Hasan , Shimizu Motoki , Seki Motoaki , Kakizaki Tomohiro , Okazaki Keiichi , Dennis Elizabeth S. , Fujimoto Ryo
Published: June 2019

Brassica rapa L. is an important agricultural crop that requires a period of prolonged cold for flowering. This process is known as vernalization. Studies have shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in abiotic stress responses and several cold-responsive noncoding RNAs have been suggested to be involved in vernalization. We examined the transcriptome of the Chinese cabbage inbred line (B. rapa L. var. pekinensis) RJKB-T24, and identified 1,444 long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs), 551 natural antisense transcripts (NATs), and 93 intronic noncoding RNAs (incRNAs); 549 of the 2,088 lncRNAs significantly altered their expression in response to four weeks of cold treatment. Most differentially expressed lncRNAs did not lead to a change of expression levels in mRNAs covering or near lncRNAs, suggesting that the transcriptional responses to four weeks of cold treatment in lncRNA and mRNA are independent. However, some differentially expressed mRNAs had NATs with expression altered in the same direction. These genes were categorized as having an abiotic stress response, suggesting that the paired-expression may play a role in the transcriptional response to vernalization or cold treatment. We also identified short-term cold treatment induced NATs in BrFLC and BrMAF genes, which are involved in vernalization. The lncRNAs we identified differed from those reported in Arabidopsis thaliana, suggesting the role of lncRNAs in vernalization differ between these two species.
A preliminary examination of bacterial, archaeal, and fungal communities inhabiting different rhizocompartments of tomato plants under real-world environments
Authors: Lee Shin Ae , Kim Yiseul , Kim Jeong Myeong , Chu Bora , Joa Jae-Ho , Sang Mee Kyung , Song Jaekyeong , Weon Hang-Yeon
Published: June 2019

Plant microbiota is a key determinant of plant health and productivity. The composition and structure of plant microbiota varies according to plant tissue and compartment, which are specific habitats for microbial colonization. To investigate the structural composition of the microbiome associated with tomato roots under natural systems, we characterized the bacterial, archaeal, and fungal communities of three belowground compartments (rhizosphere, endosphere, and bulk soil) of tomato plants collected from 23 greenhouses in 7 geographic locations of South Korea. The microbial diversity and structure varied by rhizocompartment, with the most distinctive community features found in the endosphere. The bacterial and fungal communities in the bulk soil and rhizosphere were correlated with soil physicochemical properties, such as pH, electrical conductivity, and exchangeable cation levels, while this trend was not evident in the endosphere samples. A small number of core bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) present in all samples from the rhizosphere and endosphere represented more than 60% of the total relative abundance. Among these core microbes, OTUs belonging to the genera Acidovorax, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, Streptomyces, and Variovorax, members of which are known to have beneficial effects on plant growth, were more relatively abundant in the endosphere samples. A co-occurrence network analysis indicated that the microbial community in the rhizosphere had a larger and more complex network than those in the bulk soil and endosphere. The analysis also identified keystone taxa that might play important roles in microbe-microbe interactions in the community. Additionally, profiling of predicted gene functions identified many genes associated with membrane transport in the endospheric and rhizospheric communities. Overall, the data presented here provide preliminary insight into bacterial, archaeal, and fungal phylogeny, functionality, and interactions in the rhizocompartments of tomato roots under real-world environments.
Recent morphologic evolution of the German Wadden Sea
Authors: Benninghoff Markus , Winter Christian
Published: June 2019

The Wadden Sea is a unique and important intertidal coastal zone under the pressure of changing driving forces (i.e. sea level rise, storm surges and increasing tidal range). In this study, we characterize the recent morphologic evolution of the German part of the Wadden Sea for the time period 1998 to 2016 based on a large dataset of available digital elevation models. A sediment budget analysis reveals that the Wadden Sea is accumulating sediment. Changes in the ratio of intertidal to subtidal surface area indicate an extension of the intertidal zone. Most of the intertidal flats accumulate sediments with rates higher than the observed mean sea level rise in the German Bight, while simultaneously the subtidal mean depth increases. For the period of investigation this Wadden Sea steepening is quantified to averaged values of +7.9 mm/yr for the tidal flats and −20.0 mm/yr for the channels.
Utility of the Z-score of log-transformed A Body Shape Index (LBSIZ) in the assessment for sarcopenic obesity and cardiovascular disease risk in the United States
Authors: Chung Wankyo , Park Jung Hwan , Chung Hye Soo , Yu Jae Myung , Kim Dong Sun , Moon Shinje
Published: June 2019

Body mass index (BMI) has limited accuracy for predicting cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and is not capable of identifying sarcopenic obesity, the combination of sarcopenia (an age-associated decline in muscle mass and physical function) and obesity. To overcome this, the z-score of the log-transformed A Body Shape Index (LBSIZ) was recently introduced as a measure of obesity using waist circumference, height, and weight. We aimed to investigate the association of LBSIZ with sarcopenic obesity and CVD, and propose appropriate cut-off values using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2016 data. Of 92,062 participants, 40,468 adults (≥20 years) were included. Overall area under curve (AUC) of LBSIZ was 0.735 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.716–0.754) for sarcopenic obesity, and 0.695 (95% CI: 0.687–0.703) for CVD. The subgroup analysis of ethnicity/race showed similar results. Waist circumference (WC), BMI, conicity index, body roundness index (BRI), Clinica Universidad de Navarra-Body Adiposity Estimator (CUN-BAE), new BMI, and waist to height ratio (WHtR) showed a negative association with sarcopenic obesity, while LBSIZ and conicity index showed a positive association. The AUC of LBSIZ was significantly higher for sarcopenic obesity than that of conicity index (p < 0.001). The AUC of LBSIZ was significantly higher for CVD than those of parameters including WC, BMI, BRI, CUN-BAE, new BMI, and WHtR (p < 0.001). The AUC for conicity index alone was comparable to that of LBSIZ for CVD. Overall LBSIZ cut-off was 0.35 for both sarcopenic obesity (sensitivity, 65.3%; specificity, 71.5%) and CVD (sensitivity, 63.3%; specificity, 66.6%). These results may be useful not only to identify sarcopenic obesity, but also to conduct CVD risk assessment in the clinical setting.
Piezoelectric needle sensor reveals mechanical heterogeneity in human thyroid tissue lesions
Authors: Sharma Shivani , Aguilera Renato , Rao JianYu , Gimzewski James K.
Published: June 2019

Palpable thyroid lesions are common, and although mostly benign, lethal malignant nodules do occur and may be difficult to differentiate. Here, we introduce the use of a piezoelectric system called Smart-touch fine needle (or STFN) mounted directly onto conventional biopsy needles, to evaluate abnormal tissues, through quantitative real-time measurements of variations in tissue stiffness as the needle penetrates tissue. Using well-characterized biomaterials of known stiffness and explanted animal tissue models, we first established experimental protocols for STFN measures on biological tissues, as well as optimized device design for high signal-to-noise ratio. Freshly excised patient thyroids with varying fibrotic and malignant potential revealed discrete variations in STFN based tissue stiffness/stiffness heterogeneity and correlated well with final histopathology. Our piezoelectric needle sensor reveals mechanical heterogeneity in thyroid tissue lesions and provides a foundation for the design of hand-held tools for the rapid, mechano-profiling of malignant lesions in vivo while performing fine needle aspiration (FNA).
Myocardial death and dysfunction after ischemia-reperfusion injury require CaMKIIδ oxidation
Authors: Wu Yuejin , Wang Qinchuan , Feng Ning , Granger Jonathan M. , Anderson Mark E.
Published: June 2019

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to myocardial death during ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, but detailed knowledge of molecular pathways connecting ROS to cardiac injury is lacking. Activation of the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKIIδ) is implicated in myocardial death, and CaMKII can be activated by ROS (ox-CaMKII) through oxidation of regulatory domain methionines (Met281/282). We examined I/R injury in mice where CaMKIIδ was made resistant to ROS activation by knock-in replacement of regulatory domain methionines with valines (MMVV). We found reduced myocardial death, and improved left ventricular function 24 hours after I/R injury in MMVV in vivo and in vitro compared to WT controls. Loss of ATP sensitive K+ channel (KATP) current contributes to I/R injury, and CaMKII promotes sequestration of KATP from myocardial cell membranes. KATP current density was significantly reduced by H2O2 in WT ventricular myocytes, but not in MMVV, showing ox-CaMKII decreases KATP availability. Taken together, these findings support a view that ox-CaMKII and KATP are components of a signaling axis promoting I/R injury by ROS.
Simple method to detect triclofos and its metabolites in plasma of children by combined use of liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Sato Hirotaka , Ito Yuki , Inoue Miho , Nakahira Yuki , Hashimoto Satoru , Nakajima Tamie , Kamijima Michihiro
Published: June 2019

Triclofos sodium (TCS) and chloral hydrate (CH) are widely used as sedatives for children, but no analytical method to simultaneously monitor concentrations of blood TCS, CH and their metabolites, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and trichloroethanol (TCEOH), has been reported. The present study aimed to develop a simple analytical method for TCS and its metabolites (TCA, TCEOH and CH) in small-volume plasma from children. After acidification of specimens, TCS formic acid adduct or the metabolites derivatized using water/sulfuric acid/methanol (6:5:1, v/v) were measured by combined use of liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography mass-spectrometry. The limits of detection and quantification levels (µg/ml) were 0.10 and 0.29 for TCS, 0.24 and 0.72 for TCA, 0.10 and 0.31 for TCEOH, and 0.25 and 0.76 for CH, respectively. The mean recoveries were 82.8–107% for TCS, 85.4–101% for TCA, 91.6–107% for TCEOH, and 88.9–109% for CH. Within-run and between-run precision (percent of relative standard deviation, %RSD) using this method ranged from 1.1 to 15.7% and 3.6 to 13.5%, respectively, for TCS and all of its metabolites. The calibration curves were obtained with standard spiked plasma, and all of the coefficients of determination were more than 0.975. Subsequently, we applied the present method to plasma taken from five children after sedation induced by CH and TCS. In addition to TCS and CH, elevated TCA and TCEOH concentrations were detected. This new method can be applied for the pharmacokinetic analysis of TCS and its metabolites and the determination of the optimal TCS dosage in children.
Modulation of osteogenic and myogenic differentiation by a phytoestrogen formononetin via p38MAPK-dependent JAK-STAT and Smad-1/5/8 signaling pathways in mouse myogenic progenitor cells
Authors: Soundharrajan Ilavenil , Kim Da Hye , Kuppusamy Palaniselvam , Choi Ki Choon
Published: June 2019

Formononetin (FN), a typical phytoestrogen has attracted substantial attention as a novel agent because of its diverse biological activities including, osteogenic differentiation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying osteogenic and myogenic differentiation by FN in C2C12 progenitor cells remain unknown. Therefore the objective of the current study was to investigate the action of FN on myogenic and osteogenic differentiation and its impact on signaling pathways in C2C12 cells. FN significantly increased myogenic markers such as Myogenin, myosin heavy chains, and myogenic differentiation 1 (MyoD). In addition, the expression of osteogenic specific genes alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Run-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2), and osteocalcin (OCN) were up-regulated by FN treatment. Moreover, FN enhanced the ALP level, calcium deposition and the expression of bone morphogenetic protein isoform (BMPs). Signal transduction pathways mediated by p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK), extracellular signal-related kinases (ERKs), protein kinase B (Akt), Janus kinases (JAKs), and signal transducer activator of transcription proteins (STATs) in myogenic and osteogenic differentiation after FN treatment were also examined. FN treatment activates myogenic differentiation by increasing p38MAPK and decreasing JAK1-STAT1 phosphorylation levels, while osteogenic induction was enhanced by p38MAPK dependent Smad, 1/5/8 signaling pathways in C2C12 progenitor cells.
Latitudinal and bathymetrical species richness patterns in the NW Pacific and adjacent Arctic Ocean
Authors: Saeedi Hanieh , Costello Mark J. , Warren Dan , Brandt Angelika
Published: June 2019

Global scale analyses have recently revealed that the latitudinal gradient in marine species richness is bimodal, peaking at low-mid latitudes but with a dip at the equator; and that marine species richness decreases with depth in many taxa. However, these overall and independently studied patterns may conceal regional differences that help support or qualify the causes in these gradients. Here, we analysed both latitudinal and depth gradients of species richness in the NW Pacific and its adjacent Arctic Ocean. We analysed 324,916 distribution records of 17,414 species from 0 to 10,900 m depth, latitude 0 to 90°N, and longitude 100 to 180°N. Species richness per c. 50 000 km2 hexagonal cells was calculated as alpha (local average), gamma (regional total) and ES50 (estimated species for 50 records) per latitudinal band and depth interval. We found that average ES50 and gamma species richness decreased per 5° latitudinal bands and 100 m depth intervals. However, average ES50 per hexagon showed that the highest species richness peaked around depth 2,000 m where the highest total number of species recorded. Most (83%) species occurred in shallow depths (0 to 500 m). The area around Bohol Island in the Philippines had the highest alpha species richness (more than 8,000 species per 50,000 km2). Both alpha and gamma diversity trends increased from the equator to latitude 10°N, then further decreased, but reached another peak at higher latitudes. The latitudes 60–70°N had the lowest gamma and alpha diversity where there is almost no ocean in our study area. Model selection on Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) showed that the combined effects of all environmental predictors produced the best model driving species richness in both shallow and deep sea. The results thus support recent hypotheses that biodiversity, while highest in the tropics and coastal depths, is decreasing at the equator and decreases with depth below ~2000 m. While we do find the declines of species richness with latitude and depth that reflect temperature gradients, local scale richness proved poorly correlated with many environmental variables. This demonstrates that while regional scale patterns in species richness may be related to temperature, that local scale richness depends on a greater variety of variables.
Erosion and deposition beneath the Subantarctic Front since the Early Oligocene
Authors: Nicholson Uisdean , Stow Dorrik
Published: June 2019

The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) spills across the Falkland Plateau into the South Atlantic as a series of high-velocity jets. These currents are a driving force for global overturning circulation, and affect climate by modulating CO2 exchange between the atmosphere and ocean, but their timing of onset remains controversial. We present new evidence of strong currents associated with the Subantarctic Front (SAF) jet since the earliest Oligocene (~34 Ma) based on a widespread erosional surface on the Falkland Plateau, preserved below a 30,000 km2 contourite sand deposit. This is the largest such feature ever to be recognized, and provides the most robust constraint of the initiation of the SAF to date. By contrast, the South Falkland Slope Drift is dominated by contourite mud of Pleistocene-Recent age, substantially younger than previous estimates, indicating a significant decrease in long-term current strength at that time. As ACC strength is primarily a function of the position of the South-Westerly Winds, our data indicates that associated currents are likely to increase substantially in a warming world. Likely implications include increased upwelling and associated carbon flux from the deep ocean to the atmosphere, a positive feedback loop not included in most future projections of atmospheric CO2.
The use of photoplethysmography for assessing hypertension
Authors: Elgendi Mohamed , Fletcher Richard , Liang Yongbo , Howard Newton , Lovell Nigel H. , Abbott Derek , Lim Kenneth , Ward Rabab
Published: June 2019

The measurement of blood pressure (BP) is critical to the treatment and management of many medical conditions. High blood pressure is associated with many chronic disease conditions, and is a major source of mortality and morbidity around the world. For outpatient care as well as general health monitoring, there is great interest in being able to accurately and frequently measure BP outside of a clinical setting, using mobile or wearable devices. One possible solution is photoplethysmography (PPG), which is most commonly used in pulse oximetry in clinical settings for measuring oxygen saturation. PPG technology is becoming more readily available, inexpensive, convenient, and easily integrated into portable devices. Recent advances include the development of smartphones and wearable devices that collect pulse oximeter signals. In this article, we review (i) the state-of-the-art and the literature related to PPG signals collected by pulse oximeters, (ii) various theoretical approaches that have been adopted in PPG BP measurement studies, and (iii) the potential of PPG measurement devices as a wearable application. Past studies on changes in PPG signals and BP are highlighted, and the correlation between PPG signals and BP are discussed. We also review the combined use of features extracted from PPG and other physiological signals in estimating BP. Although the technology is not yet mature, it is anticipated that in the near future, accurate, continuous BP measurements may be available from mobile and wearable devices given their vast potential.
An influenza-derived membrane tension-modulating peptide regulates cell movement and morphology via actin remodeling
Authors: Masuda Toshihiro , Baba Kentarou , Nomura Takeshi , Tsujita Kazuya , Murayama Tomo , Itoh Toshiki , Takatani-Nakase Tomoka , Sokabe Masahiro , Inagaki Naoyuki , Futaki Shiroh
Published: June 2019

Tension in cell membranes is closely related to various cellular events, including cell movement and morphogenesis. Therefore, modulation of membrane tension can be a new approach for manipulating cellular events. Here, we show that an amphipathic peptide derived from the influenza M2 protein (M2[45–62]) yields lamellipodia at multiple sites in the cell. Effect of M2[45–62] on cell membrane tension was evaluated by optical tweezer. The membrane tension sensor protein FBP17 was involved in M2[45–62]-driven lamellipodium formation. Lysine-to-arginine substitution in M2[45–62] further enhanced its activity of lamellipodium formation. M2[45–62] had an ability to reduce cell motility, evaluated by scratch wound migration and transwell migration assays. An increase in neurite outgrowth was also observed after treatment with M2[45–62]. The above results suggest the potential of M2[45–62] to modulate cell movement and morphology by modulating cell membrane tension.
Simultaneous removal of phosphates and dyes by Al-doped iron oxide decorated MgAl layered double hydroxide nanoflakes
Authors: Cheng Shu , Shao Luhua , Ma Jianhong , Xia Xinnian , Liu Yutang , Yang Zhenfei , Yang Cong , Li Sijian
Published: June 2019

Study of the adsorption of phosphates, CR and MO in various systems by Al-doped iron oxide decorated MgAl layered double hydroxide nanoflakes.
Identification and antimicrobial activity evaluation of three peptides from laba garlic and the related mechanism
Authors: Gao Xudong , Chen Yue , Chen Zhongqin , Xue Zihan , Jia Yanan , guo Qingwen , Ma Qiqi , Zhang Min , Chen Haixia
Published: June 2019

Laba garlic is a traditional Chinese processed garlic (Allium sativum L.) with multiple health benefits.
Graphene oxide as a 2D platform for complexation and intracellular delivery of siRNA
Authors: de Lázaro Irene , Vranic Sandra , Marson Domenico , Rodrigues Artur Filipe , Buggio Maurizio , Esteban-Arranz Adrián , Mazza Mariarosa , Posocco Paola , Kostarelos Kostas
Published: June 2019

Small, endotoxin-free graphene oxide flakes complex and deliver siRNA intracellularly without cationic functionalization.
Single molybdenum center supported on N-doped black phosphorus as an efficient electrocatalyst for nitrogen fixation
Authors: Ou Pengfei , Zhou Xiao , Meng Fanchao , Chen Cheng , Chen Yiqing , Song Jun
Published: June 2019

Single Mo center supported on N-doped black phosphorus is predicted to be a compelling highly efficient and durable catalyst for electrochemical N2 fixation by density functional theory calculations.
Hypervalent iodine-based dynamic and self-healing network polymers
Authors: Vaish Avichal , Tsarevsky Nicolay V.
Published: June 2019

Linear polymers with carboxylate pendant groups participate in ligand-exchange reactions with (diacetoxyiodo)benzene to afford dynamic and self-healing networks, which become set when exposed to UV light or heat due to irreversible radical coupling.
Phosphorescent and TADF polymers and dendrimers in solution-processed self-host organic light-emitting diodes: structure analysis and design perspectives
Authors: Jhulki Samik , Cooper Matthew W. , Barlow Stephen , Marder Seth R.
Published: June 2019

The relation between chemical structure and physical and electroluminescence properties for dendrimeric and polymeric emitters is examined; balanced charge transport is necessary for achieving the most efficient self-host devices with low efficiency roll-off.
Analysis of serum metabolomics among biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy, type 2 diabetes mellitus and healthy controls
Authors: Tao Sibei , Zheng Wen , Liu Yuan , Li Ling , Li Lingzhi , Ren Qian , Shi Min , Liu Jing , Jiang Jing , Ma Huichao , Huang Zhuo , Xia Zijing , Pan Jing , Wei Tiantian , Wang Yan , Li Peiyun , Lan Tian , Ma Liang , Fu Ping
Published: June 2019

Metabolites between healthy controls (CTRL)/type 2 diabetes mellitus without renal diseases (DM), and DM/diabetic nephropathy (DN).
A highly sensitive gas sensor employing biomorphic SnO2with multi-level tubes/pores structure: bio-templated from waste of flax
Authors: Jia Xilin , Wang Ning , Tian Junlong , Zhang Yong , Lu Donglin , Tan Junjiang , Qiao Ruyi , Chen Lulu , Zhang Wang , Zhong Jianxin
Published: June 2019

Metal oxides gas sensors are widely used in numerous applications from health, medical detection to safety. By bio-templating from waste of flax, this paper reports a highly sensitive SnO2gas sensor with multi-level tubes/pores structure.
Novel N-arylamide derivatives of (S)-perillic acid ((S)-PA): in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity and antitumor evaluation
Authors: Mukhtar Yusif Mohammed , Wang Kaili , Li Ran , Deng Wenwen , Adu-Frimpong Michael , Zhang Huiyun , Zhang Kangyi , Gu Chenlu , Xu Ximing , Yu Jiangnan
Published: June 2019

(S)-Perillic acid derivatives bearing N-aryl moiety with enhanced cytotoxic and antitumor effect against hepatocellular carcinoma and glioblastoma.
Dicarbonyl-tuned microstructures of hierarchical porous carbons derived from coal-tar pitch for supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Wang Haiyang , Zhu Hongzhe , Wang Shoukai , Qi Debang , Shen Kaihua
Published: June 2019

The hierarchical porous carbons have an excellent cycling stability with a capacitance retention of 92.9% after 10 000 cycles.
The change in the intended Senior High School Chemistry Curriculum in China: focus on intellectual demands
Authors: Wei Bing
Published: June 2019

Using Revised Bloom's Taxonomy (RBT), this study has examined the intellectual demands of the Senior High School Chemistry Curriculum (SHSCC) in China from a socio-historical perspective. Document analysis was adopted as a research method to analyze knowledge types and cognitive processes, the two dimensions of the cognitive learning objectives in the three curriculum documents of the SHSCC officially released in 1996, 2003, and 2018 respectively. The changing tendencies of the two dimensions have been found over the past two decades. As for knowledge types, Factual knowledge has increased, whilst Conceptual knowledge has decreased and Procedural knowledge has dramatically increased, and Meta-cognitive knowledge has appeared recently although in a low ratio. With regard to cognitive processes, the lower levels have been decreased, while the higher levels have been increased. Moreover, explanations have been provided for the association between the orientations of the chemistry curriculum and the extents of intellectual demands embodied in the cognitive learning objectives in these versions of the SHSCC. From these findings, it is concluded that the SHSCC in China has become increasingly demanding during the period under study and the newly emergent SHSCC is more challenging than its predecessors. The implications of this study for curriculum researchers, curriculum developers and chemistry teachers are discussed in the last part of this paper.
Stereoselective total synthesis of parthenolides indicates target selectivity for tubulin carboxypeptidase activity
Authors: Freund Robert R. A. , Gobrecht Philipp , Rao Zhigang , Gerstmeier Jana , Schlosser Robin , Görls Helmar , Werz Oliver , Fischer Dietmar , Arndt Hans-Dieter
Published: June 2019

The discovery of novel allylboration reagents enabled to the stereoselective synthesis of parthenolides. Biological screening for microtubule detyrosination and nerve growth promotion revealed protein target selectivity.
Facile preparation of self-assembled hydrogels constructed from poly-cyclodextrin and poly-adamantane as highly selective adsorbents for wastewater treatment
Authors: Hou Nan , Wang Ran , Geng Rui , Wang Fan , Jiao Tifeng , Zhang Lexin , Zhou Jingxin , Bai Zhenhua , Peng Qiuming
Published: June 2019

New self-assembled hydrogels from poly-cyclodextrin and poly-adamantane are prepared via host–guest interactions, demonstrating potential applications as adsorption materials for wastewater treatment.
High performance cation exchange membranes synthesized via in situ emulsion polymerization without organic solvents and corrosive acids
Authors: Jiang Shanxue , Ladewig Bradley P.
Published: June 2019

This paper demonstrates a new methodology for preparing cation exchange membranes in an effective and environment-friendly way.
An insight into the preferential substitution and structure repair in Eu2+-doped whitlockite-type phosphors based on the combined experimental and theoretical calculations
Authors: Qiu Zhongxian , Zhou Wenli , Ma Zhongyun , Zhang Jilin , Lian Shixun , Liu Ru-Shi
Published: June 2019

Due to the wide compositional variability and structural tolerance, Eu2+-doped whitlockite β-Ca3(PO4)2 (TCP)-type phosphors with different visible emissions have been realized by manipulating the chemical compositions.
Facile synthesis of TiO2/In2S3/CdS ternary porous heterostructure arrays with enhanced photoelectrochemical and visible-light photocatalytic properties
Authors: Zuo Yong , Chen Jinjun , Yang Haocheng , Zhang Miao , Wang Yanfen , He Gang , Sun Zhaoqi
Published: June 2019

TiO2/In2S3/CdS ternary porous heterostructure arrays were synthesized and characterised with the aim of enhancing photoelectrochemical and visible-light photocatalytic properties.
Measurement of the α1-proteinase inhibitor (α1-antitrypsin) of common marmoset and intestinal protein loss in wasting syndrome
Authors: Niimi Kimie , Morishita Hiromasa , Usui Masaya , Ito Reiko , Kurata Shino , Mataga Nobuko , Takahashi Eiki
Published: June 2019

Although wasting marmoset syndrome (WMS) is one of the biggest problems facing captive marmoset colonies, the mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis remain unclear. In our clinical experience, it is difficult to cure WMS-affected marmosets with severe hypoalbuminemia. Thus, the mechanisms underlying hypoalbuminemia in WMS must be understood. In the present study, we investigated whether intestinal protein loss, a known reason for hypoalbuminemia, occurs in this disease. Fecal α1-proteinase inhibitor (α1-PI, also known as α1-antitrypsin) has been used to diagnose intestinal protein loss in other species. To develop an assay system for this protein, marmoset α1-PI was purified from plasma and antibodies against it were developed using the purified protein. Using the antibodies, a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure marmoset α1-PI was developed, and its detection sensitivity for fecal samples was ∼20-fold higher than that of a commercial kit for human α1-PI. From this ELISA, the reference intervals for serum and feces of healthy marmosets were 0.87–1.85 mg/ml and 0.53–395.58 μg/g, respectively. The average concentrations of α1-PI in serum and feces of seven WMS-affected marmosets were 1.17 mg/ml and 1357.58 μg/g, respectively. Although there were no significant differences in the serum concentrations between healthy and WMS-affected marmosets, the fecal concentrations were significantly higher in WMS-affected marmosets than in healthy individuals, suggesting that intestinal protein loss occurs in WMS. Intestinal protein loss of WMS-affected marmosets was significantly attenuated with treatment, suggesting that it is one of the mechanisms involved in the hypoalbuminemia observed in WMS.
The CARMENES search for exoplanets around M dwarfs
Authors: Passegger V. M. , Schweitzer A. , Shulyak D. , Nagel E. , Hauschildt P. H. , Reiners A. , Amado P. J. , Caballero J. A. , Cortés-Contreras M. , Domínguez-Fernández A. J. , Quirrenbach A. , Ribas I. , Azzaro M. , Anglada-Escudé G. , Bauer F. F. , Béjar V. J. S. , Dreizler S. , Guenther E. W. , Henning T. , Jeffers S. V. , Kaminski A. , Kürster M. , Lafarga M. , Martín E. L. , Montes D. , Morales J. C. , Schmitt J. H. M. M. , Zechmeister M.
Published: June 2019

We present precise photospheric parameters of 282 M dwarfs determined from fitting the most recent version of PHOENIX models to high-resolution CARMENES spectra in the visible (0.52–0.96μm) and NIR wavelength range (0.96–1.71μm). With its aim to search for habitable planets around M dwarfs, several planets of different masses have been detected. The characterization of the target sample is important for the ability to derive and constrain the physical properties of any planetary systems that are detected. As a continuation of previous work in this context, we derived the fundamental stellar parameters effective temperature, surface gravity, and metallicity of the CARMENES M-dwarf targets from PHOENIX model fits using aχ2method. We calculated updated PHOENIX stellar atmosphere models that include a new equation of state to especially account for spectral features of low-temperature stellar atmospheres as well as new atomic and molecular line lists. We show the importance of selecting magnetically insensitive lines for fitting to avoid effects of stellar activity in the line profiles. For the first time, we directly compare stellar parameters derived from multiwavelength range spectra, simultaneously observed for the same star. In comparison with literature values we show that fundamental parameters derived from visible spectra and visible and NIR spectra combined are in better agreement than those derived from the same spectra in the NIR alone.
Stabilité et récidive à long terme des traitements de la supraclusion : une revue systématique
Authors: Diouf Joseph Samba , Beugre-Kouassi Ahia Monique Lydie , Diop-Ba Khady , Badiane Alpha , Ngom Papa Ibrahima , Ouedraogo Youssouf , Diagne Falou
Published: June 2019

Introduction : La supraclusion est l’une des malocclusions les plus courantes et les plus difficiles à traiter. Le véritable challenge reste le maintien de cette correction au fil du temps. Les preuves scientifiques en rapport avec la stabilité de la correction de la supraclusion sont limitées. En parcourant la littérature orthodontique, une seule revue systématique portant sur ce sujet avait été retrouvée. À la lumière de récentes publications ayant trait à la stabilité des résultats de traitement de la supraclusion et de nouveaux procédés utilisés pour éviter la récidive de ces traitements, cette unique revue doit être réactualisée. Le but de cette étude est d’évaluer, par une revue systématique, la stabilité à long terme des traitements de la supraclusion. Matériel et méthodes : Une stratégie de recherche appliquée sur des bases de données a été utilisée pour retrouver toutes les études consacrées à la stabilité et la récidive à long terme des traitements de la supraclusion. Les écrits pertinents pour une inclusion dans cette revue ont été retrouvés et analysés. Leur qualité scientifique a été évaluée et leurs données ont été extraites et résumées. Résultats : Le taux de récidive était de 47,27 %. Celui des patients traités en technique bioprogressive et celui de ceux traités en technique d’arc droit était respectivement de 30,38 % et 67,74 %. Les sujets pris en charge à la fin de l’adolescence présentaient un taux de récidive de 14,3 %, tandis que ceux traités au début de l’adolescence ou à l’âge adulte avaient un taux respectivement égal à 30 % et 30,8 %. L’administration de botox permettait d’obtenir une stabilité des traitements orthodontico-chirurgicaux de la supraclusion à 100 %. Conclusion : L’âge du début de traitement et la technique thérapeutique constituent deux facteurs pronostics de la stabilité à long terme des traitements de la supraclusion incisive.