bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intrathecal kappa free light chains as markers for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Vecchio D. , Bellomo G. , Serino R. , Virgilio E. , Lamonaca M. , Dianzani U. , Cantello R. , Comi C. , Crespi I.
Published: November 2020

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) kappa free light chain (KFLC) index has been described as a reliable marker of intrathecal IgG synthesis to diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS). Our aims were: (1) to compare the efficiency of KFLC through different interpretation approaches in diagnosing MS. (2) to evaluate the prognostic value of KFLC in radiologically and clinically isolated syndromes (RIS-CIS). We enrolled 133 MS patients and 240 with other neurological diseases (93 inflammatory including 18 RIS-CIS, 147 non-inflammatory). Albumin, lambda free light chain (LFLC) and KFLC were measured in the CSF and serum by nephelometry. We included two groups of markers: (a) corrected for blood-CSF barrier permeability: immunoglobulin G (IgG), KFLC and LFLC indexes. (b) CSF ratios (not including albumin and serum-correction): CSF KFLC/LFLC, CSF KFLC/IgG, CSF LFLC/IgG. KFLC were significantly higher in MS patients compared to those with other diseases (both inflammatory or not). KFLC index and CSF KFLC/IgG ratio showed high sensitivity (93% and 86.5%) and moderate specificity (85% and 88%) in diagnosing MS. RIS-CIS patients who converted to MS showed greater KFLC index and CSF KFLC/IgG. Despite OB are confirmed to be the gold-standard to detect intrathecal IgG synthesis, the KFLC confirmed their accuracy in MS diagnosis. A “kappa-oriented” response characterizes MS and has a prognostic impact in the RIS-CIS population.
In vitro and in vivo pharmacological activity of minor cannabinoids isolated from Cannabis sativa
Authors: Zagzoog Ayat , Mohamed Kawthar A. , Kim Hye Ji J. , Kim Eunhyun D. , Frank Connor S. , Black Tallan , Jadhav Pramodkumar D. , Holbrook Larry A. , Laprairie Robert B.
Published: November 2020

The Cannabis sativa plant contains more than 120 cannabinoids. With the exceptions of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), comparatively little is known about the pharmacology of the less-abundant plant-derived (phyto) cannabinoids. The best-studied transducers of cannabinoid-dependent effects are type 1 and type 2 cannabinoid receptors (CB1R, CB2R). Partial agonism of CB1R by ∆9-THC is known to bring about the ‘high’ associated with Cannabis use, as well as the pain-, appetite-, and anxiety-modulating effects that are potentially therapeutic. CB2R activation by certain cannabinoids has been associated with anti-inflammatory activities. We assessed the activity of 8 phytocannabinoids at human CB1R, and CB2R in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells stably expressing these receptors and in C57BL/6 mice in an attempt to better understand their pharmacodynamics. Specifically, ∆9-THC, ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (∆9-THCa), ∆9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), CBD, cannabidiolic acid (CBDa), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabichromene (CBC) were evaluated. Compounds were assessed for their affinity to receptors, ability to inhibit cAMP accumulation, βarrestin2 recruitment, receptor selectivity, and ligand bias in cell culture; and cataleptic, hypothermic, anti-nociceptive, hypolocomotive, and anxiolytic effects in mice. Our data reveal partial agonist activity for many phytocannabinoids tested at CB1R and/or CB2R, as well as in vivo responses often associated with activation of CB1R. These data build on the growing body of literature showing cannabinoid receptor-dependent pharmacology for these less-abundant phytocannabinoids and are critical in understanding the complex and interactive pharmacology of Cannabis-derived molecules.
Planktonic foraminifera eDNA signature deposited on the seafloor remains preserved after burial in marine sediments
Authors: Barrenechea Angeles Inès , Lejzerowicz Franck , Cordier Tristan , Scheplitz Janin , Kucera Michal , Ariztegui Daniel , Pawlowski Jan , Morard Raphaël
Published: November 2020

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding of marine sediments has revealed large amounts of sequences assigned to planktonic taxa. How this planktonic eDNA is delivered on the seafloor and preserved in the sediment is not well understood. We address these questions by comparing metabarcoding and microfossil foraminifera assemblages in sediment cores taken off Newfoundland across a strong ecological gradient. We detected planktonic foraminifera eDNA down to 30 cm and observed that the planktonic/benthic amplicon ratio changed with depth. The relative proportion of planktonic foraminiferal amplicons remained low from the surface down to 10 cm, likely due to the presence of DNA from living benthic foraminifera. Below 10 cm, the relative proportion of planktonic foraminifera amplicons rocketed, likely reflecting the higher proportion of planktonic eDNA in the DNA burial flux. In addition, the microfossil and metabarcoding assemblages showed a congruent pattern indicating that planktonic foraminifera eDNA is deposited without substantial lateral advection and preserves regional biogeographical patterns, indicating deposition by a similar mechanism as the foraminiferal shells. Our study shows that the planktonic eDNA preserved in marine sediments has the potential to record climatic and biotic changes in the pelagic community with the same spatial and temporal resolution as microfossils.
Time-dynamic pulse modulation of spinal cord stimulation reduces mechanical hypersensitivity and spontaneous pain in rats
Authors: Edhi Muhammad M. , Heijmans Lonne , Vanent Kevin N. , Bloye Kiernan , Baanante Amanda , Jeong Ki-Soo , Leung Jason , Zhu Changfang , Esteller Rosana , Saab Carl Y.
Published: November 2020

Enhancing the efficacy of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is needed to alleviate the burden of chronic pain and dependence on opioids. Present SCS therapies are characterized by the delivery of constant stimulation in the form of trains of tonic pulses (TPs). We tested the hypothesis that modulated SCS using novel time-dynamic pulses (TDPs) leads to improved analgesia and compared the effects of SCS using conventional TPs and a collection of TDPs in a rat model of neuropathic pain according to a longitudinal, double-blind, and crossover design. We tested the effects of the following SCS patterns on paw withdrawal threshold and resting state EEG theta power as a biomarker of spontaneous pain: Tonic (conventional), amplitude modulation, pulse width modulation, sinusoidal rate modulation, and stochastic rate modulation. Results demonstrated that under the parameter settings tested in this study, all tested patterns except pulse width modulation, significantly reversed mechanical hypersensitivity, with stochastic rate modulation achieving the highest efficacy, followed by the sinusoidal rate modulation. The anti-nociceptive effects of sinusoidal rate modulation on EEG outlasted SCS duration on the behavioral and EEG levels. These results suggest that TDP modulation may improve clinical outcomes by reducing pain intensity and possibly improving the sensory experience.
First-principles Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction in a non-collinear framework
Authors: Cardias R. , Szilva A. , Bezerra-Neto M. M. , Ribeiro M. S. , Bergman A. , Kvashnin Y. O. , Fransson J. , Klautau A. B. , Eriksson O. , Nordström L.
Published: November 2020

We have derived an expression of the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI), where all the three components of the DMI vector can be calculated independently, for a general, non-collinear magnetic configuration. The formalism is implemented in a real space—linear muffin-tin orbital—atomic sphere approximation (RS-LMTO-ASA) method. We have chosen the Cr triangular trimer on Au(111) and Mn triangular trimers on Ag(111) and Au(111) surfaces as numerical examples. The results show that the DMI (module and direction) is drastically different between collinear and non-collinear states. Based on the relation between the spin and charge currents flowing in the system and their coupling to the non-collinear magnetic configuration of the triangular trimer, we demonstrate that the DMI interaction can be significant, even in the absence of spin-orbit coupling. This is shown to emanate from the non-collinear magnetic structure, that can induce significant spin and charge currents even with spin-orbit coupling is ignored.
The generation of marine litter in Mediterranean island beaches as an effect of tourism and its mitigation
Authors: Grelaud Michaël , Ziveri Patrizia
Published: November 2020

The Mediterranean Sea and its coastal systems are threatened by intense anthropogenic pressures including rapid accumulation of marine litter by diverse human activities. The region, which is the world’s leading touristic destination, has to face a seasonal increase of waste generation due to the seasonal influx of visitors. The beaches, extremely crowded during the summer, are particularly vulnerable since they are proven to be concentrated accumulation zones and one of the main gateways of litter to enter the marine system. We found that the accumulation rates of marine litter on Mediterranean island beaches follow a seasonal pattern, increasing up to 4.7 times during the high season, representing a daily load of (40.6 ± 11.5) 106 items/day extrapolated to all the islands of the region. We developed an accumulation index to assess the dynamics of marine litter and support efficient mitigation strategies by local authorities. To limit marine litter production attributable to recreational activities, a series of pilot actions implemented during the high touristic season, demonstrated a substantial reduction (up to 52.5%). The implementation towards an efficient and sustainable tourism business model is urgently required.
Musical coordination in a large group without plans nor leaders
Authors: Goupil Louise , Saint-Germier Pierre , Rouvier Gaëlle , Schwarz Diemo , Canonne Clément
Published: November 2020

A widespread belief is that large groups engaged in joint actions that require a high level of flexibility are unable to coordinate without the introduction of additional resources such as shared plans or hierarchical organizations. Here, we put this belief to a test, by empirically investigating coordination within a large group of 16 musicians performing collective free improvisation—a genre in which improvisers aim at creating music that is as complex and unprecedented as possible without relying on shared plans or on an external conductor. We show that musicians freely improvising within a large ensemble can achieve significant levels of coordination, both at the level of theirmusical actions(i.e., their individual decisions to play or to stop playing) and at the level of theirdirectional intentions(i.e., their intentions to change or to support the music produced by the group). Taken together, these results invite us to reconsider the range and scope of actions achievable by large groups, and to explore alternative organizational models that emphasize decentralized and unscripted forms of collective behavior.
Broadband bifunctional Luneburg–Fisheye lens based on anisotropic metasurface
Authors: Chen Jiaqing , Zhao Yongjiu , Xing Lei , He Zheng , Sun Luyang
Published: November 2020

Luneburg lenses and Maxwell fisheye lenses possess distinct properties of focusing, well beyond conventional lenses made of uniform materials. In this paper, a planar broadband bifunctional Luneburg-fisheye lens synthesized by gradient anisotropic metasurface is proposed. The proposed anisotropic metasurface is formed by non-resonant anisotropic cells, so that it can independently realize the equivalent gradient refractive indexes of Luneburg lens and Maxwell fisheye lens along orthogonal directions in a broad band, respectively. To verify the performance of the bifunctional lens, a prototype associated with a feeding log-periodic dipole antenna has been fabricated. Experimental results show that the proposed lens functions well over a wide frequency range with high efficiency and low profile, which coincides well with theoretical predictions and simulated results. It is expected that the proposed design will facilitate the applications of multifunctional metadevices in microwave and optical ranges.
Photobiomodulation preserves mitochondrial redox state and is retinoprotective in a rodent model of retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Sandeep , Mehrvar Shima , Maleki Sepideh , Schmitt Heather , Summerfelt Phyllis , Dubis Adam M. , Abroe Betsy , Connor Thomas B. , Carroll Joseph , Huddleston Wendy , Ranji Mahsa , Eells Janis T.
Published: November 2020

Photobiomodulation (PBM) by far-red (FR) to near-infrared (NIR) light has been demonstrated to restore the function of damaged mitochondria, increase the production of cytoprotective factors and prevent cell death. Our laboratory has shown that FR PBM improves functional and structural outcomes in animal models of retinal injury and retinal degenerative disease. The current study tested the hypothesis that a brief course of NIR (830 nm) PBM would preserve mitochondrial metabolic state and attenuate photoreceptor loss in a model of retinitis pigmentosa, the P23H transgenic rat. P23H rat pups were treated with 830 nm light (180 s; 25 mW/cm2; 4.5 J/cm2) using a light-emitting diode array (Quantum Devices, Barneveld, WI) from postnatal day (p) 10 to p25. Sham-treated rats were restrained, but not treated with 830 nm light. Retinal metabolic state, function and morphology were assessed at p30 by measurement of mitochondrial redox (NADH/FAD) state by 3D optical cryo-imaging, electroretinography (ERG), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and histomorphometry. PBM preserved retinal metabolic state, retinal function, and retinal morphology in PBM-treated animals compared to the sham-treated group. PBM protected against the disruption of the oxidation state of the mitochondrial respiratory chain observed in sham-treated animals. Scotopic ERG responses over a range of flash intensities were significantly greater in PBM-treated rats compared to sham controls. SD-OCT studies and histological assessment showed that PBM preserved the structural integrity of the retina. These findings demonstrate for the first time a direct effect of NIR PBM on retinal mitochondrial redox status in a well-established model of retinal disease. They show that chronic proteotoxic stress disrupts retinal bioenergetics resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction, and retinal degeneration and that therapies normalizing mitochondrial metabolism have considerable potential for the treatment of retinal degenerative disease.
Embryonic periventricular endothelial cells demonstrate a unique pro-neurodevelopment and anti-inflammatory gene signature
Authors: Kipper Franciele Cristina , Angolano Cleide , Vissapragada Ravi , Contreras Mauricio A. , Moore Justin , Bhasin Manoj , Ferran Christiane , Thomas Ajith J.
Published: November 2020

Brain embryonic periventricular endothelial cells (PVEC) crosstalk with neural progenitor cells (NPC) promoting mutual proliferation, formation of tubular-like structures in the former and maintenance of stemness in the latter. To better characterize this interaction, we conducted a comparative transcriptome analysis of mouse PVEC vs. adult brain endothelial cells (ABEC) in mono-culture or NPC co-culture. We identified > 6000 differentially expressed genes (DEG), regardless of culture condition. PVEC exhibited a 30-fold greater response to NPC than ABEC (411 vs. 13 DEG). Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of DEG that were higher or lower in PVEC vs. ABEC identified “Nervous system development” and “Response to Stress” as the top significantly different biological process, respectively. Enrichment in canonical pathways included HIF1A, FGF/stemness, WNT signaling, interferon signaling and complement. Solute carriers (SLC) and ABC transporters represented an important subset of DEG, underscoring PVEC’s implication in blood–brain barrier formation and maintenance of nutrient-rich/non-toxic environment. Our work characterizes the gene signature of PVEC and their important partnership with NPC, underpinning their unique role in maintaining a healthy neurovascular niche, and in supporting brain development. This information may pave the way for additional studies to explore their therapeutic potential in neuro-degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Dual n-back training improves functional connectivity of the right inferior frontal gyrus at rest
Authors: Salminen Tiina , Forlim Caroline Garcia , Schubert Torsten , Kühn Simone
Published: November 2020

Several studies have shown that the benefits of working memory (WM) training can be attributed to functional and structural neural changes in the underlying neural substrate. In the current study, we investigated whether the functional connectivity of the brain at rest in the default mode network (DMN) changes with WM training. We varied the complexity of the training intervention so, that half of the participants attended dual n-back training whereas the other half attended single n-back training. This way we could assess the effects of different training task parameters on possible connectivity changes. After 16 training sessions, the dual n-back training group showed improved performance accompanied by increased functional connectivity of the ventral DMN in the right inferior frontal gyrus, which correlated with improvements in WM. We also observed decreased functional connectivity in the left superior parietal cortex in this group. The single n-back training group did not show significant training-related changes. These results show that a demanding short-term WM training intervention can alter the default state of the brain.
Application of an open-chamber multi-channel microfluidic device to test chemotherapy drugs
Authors: Moon Hui-Sung , Yoo Chang Eun , Kim Sangmin , Lee Jeong Eon , Park Woong-Yang
Published: November 2020

The use of precision medicine for chemotherapy requires the individualization of the therapeutic regimen for each patient. This approach improves treatment efficacy and reduces the probability of administering ineffective drugs. To ensure accurate decision-making in a timely manner, anticancer drug efficacy tests must be performed within a short timeframe using a small number of cancer cells. These requirements can be satisfied via microfluidics-based drug screening platforms, which are composed of complex fluidic channels and closed systems. Owing to their complexity, skilled manipulation is required. In this study, we developed a microfluidic platform, to accurately perform multiple drug efficacy tests using a small number of cells, which can be conducted via simple manipulation. As it is a small, open-chamber system, a minimal number of cells could be loaded through simple pipetting. Furthermore, the extracellular matrix gel inside the chamber provides an in vivo-like environment that enables the localized delivery of the drugs to spontaneously diffuse from the channels underneath the chamber without a pump, thereby efficiently and robustly testing the efficacy and resistance of multiple drugs. We demonstrated that this platform enabled the rapid and facile testing of multiple drugs using a small number of cells (~ 10,000) over a short period of time (~ 2 days). These results provide the possibility of using this powerful platform for selecting therapeutic medication, developing new drugs, and delivering personalized medicine to patients.
Metallic glass coating for improved needle tattooing performance in reducing trauma: analysis on porcine and pig skins
Authors: Chu Jinn P. , Liao Wen-Che , Yiu Pakman , Chiou Ming-Tang , Su Kuan-Hsuan
Published: November 2020

The dissemination of tattooing into mainstream culture has raised concerns pertaining to the medical implications of these practices. This paper reports on the coating of tattoo needles with metallic-glass (MG) to reduce trauma to the skin. Extensive experimentation using pork samples and live pigs demonstrated the beneficial effects of non-stick MG coatings. Following 30 insertions into pork skin, significantly less tissue adhered to the MG-coated needles than to uncoated needles. MG-coated needles were also shown to reduce the spread of pigment to the surface of surrounding skin by up to 57%. This resulted in narrower tattoo lines of higher density, indicating that MG-coated needles could be useful in high-resolution tattooing. Histopathological analysis on live pigs revealed severe trauma induced by bare needles, as indicated by the secretion of fluids immediately after tattooing. The wounds formed by coated needles closed within 2 h after tattooing; however, those formed by bare needles remained open for at least 2 h and inflammation was still observed after 3 days. At 5 days after tattooing, skin punctured by the coated needle was entirely healed, whereas skin punctured by the bare needle was still covered with scabs. In addition to the medical benefits, it appears that MG-coated needles could improve the quality of tattoos, based on the fact that the amount of pigment retained in the skin is inversely proportional to the trauma caused by needles.
Thermal ecosystem engineering by songbirds promotes a symbiotic relationship with ants
Authors: Maziarz Marta , Broughton Richard K. , Casacci Luca Pietro , Dubiec Anna , Maák István , Witek Magdalena
Published: November 2020

Nesting birds can act as thermal ecosystem engineers by providing warm habitats that may attract arthropods to colonise the nest structure. This cohabitation of birds and nest-dwelling invertebrates may foster symbiotic relationships between them, but evidence is lacking. We investigated whether ants are attracted to bird nests by the heat generated by the hosts, and/or the nests’ structural insulation properties, to raise their broods (larvae and/or pupae) in advantageous thermal conditions. We found that the endothermic activity of birds within their nests created ‘heat islands’, with thermal conditions potentially promoting the survival and development of ant larvae in cool environments. We experimentally confirmed that the presence of heat within bird nests, and not the structure itself, attracted the ants to colonise the nests. As ants might benefit from exploiting warm bird nests, this may be a previously overlooked commensal, mutualistic or parasitic relationship which may be ecologically significant and globally widespread among various nesting birds and reproducing ants. Similar interspecific interactions may exist with other arthropods that reproduce in avian and mammalian nests. Further research is needed to reveal the nature of these relationships between such taxa, and to understand the role of warm-blooded animals as thermal ecosystem engineers.
Both proliferation and lipogenesis of brown adipocytes contribute to postnatal brown adipose tissue growth in mice
Authors: Negron Steven G. , Ercan-Sencicek A. Gulhan , Freed Jessica , Walters Madeline , Lin Zhiqiang
Published: November 2020

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is the primary non-shivering thermogenesis organ in mammals, which plays essential roles in maintaining the body temperature of infants. Although the development of BAT during embryogenesis has been well addressed in rodents, how BAT grows after birth remains unknown. Using mouse interscapular BAT (iBAT) as an example, we studied the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate postnatal BAT growth. By analyzing the developmental dynamics of brown adipocytes (BAs), we found that BAs size enlargement partially accounts for iBAT growth. By investigating the BAs cell cycle activities, we confirmed the presence of proliferative BAs in the neonatal mice. Two weeks after birth, most of the BAs exit cell cycle, and the further expansion of the BAT was mainly due to lipogenesis-mediated BAs volume increase. Microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analyses suggest that most BAs are mononuclear and diploid. Based on the developmental dynamics of brown adipocytes, we propose that the murine iBAT has two different growth phases between birth and weaning: increase of BAs size and number in the first two weeks, and BAs size enlargement thereafter. In summary, our data demonstrate that both lipogenesis and proliferation of BAs contribute to postnatal iBAT growth in mice.
Liquid biopsy based on small extracellular vesicles predicts chemotherapy response of canine multicentric lymphomas
Authors: Garnica Taismara K. , Lesbon Jéssika C. C. , Ávila Ana C. F. C. M. , Rochetti Arina L. , Matiz Oscar R. S. , Ribeiro Roana C. S. , Zoppa Aline , Nishiya Adriana T. , Costa Mirela T. , de Nardi Andrigo B. , Argyle David J. , Strefezzi Ricardo F. , Silveira Juliano C. , Fukumasu Heidge
Published: November 2020

Lymphoma is the most common type of canine hematological malignancy where the multicentric (cMCL) form accounts for 75% of all cases. The standard treatment is the CHOP chemotherapy protocols that include cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone, where the majority of dogs achieve complete/partial response; however, it is very important to predict non-responsive cases to improve treatment and to develop new targeted therapies. Here we evaluate a liquid biopsy approach based on serum Small Extracellular Vesicles enriched for exosomes (SEVs) to predict cMCL chemotherapy response. Nineteen dogs at the end of the 19-week chemotherapy protocol (8 Complete Response and 11 Progressive Disease) were evaluated for serum SEVs size, concentration and screened for 95 oncomirs. PD patients had higher SEVs concentration at the diagnosis than CR patients (P = 0.034). The ROC curve was significant for SEVs concentration to predict the response to CHOP (AUC = 0.8011, P = 0.0287). A potential molecular signature based on oncomirs from SEVs (caf-miR-205, caf-miR-222, caf-mir-20a and caf-miR-93) is proposed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the potential of a liquid biopsy based on SEVs and their miRNAs content to predict the outcome of chemotherapy for canine multicentric lymphomas.
Warming and leaf litter functional diversity, not litter quality, drive decomposition in a freshwater ecosystem
Authors: Migliorini Gustavo H. , Romero Gustavo Q.
Published: November 2020

Environment, litter composition and decomposer community are known to be the main drivers of litter decomposition in aquatic ecosystems. However, it remains unclear whether litter quality or functional diversity prevails under warming conditions. Using tank bromeliad ecosystems, we evaluated the combined effects of warming, litter quality and litter functional diversity on the decomposition process. We also assessed the contribution of macroinvertebrates and microorganisms in explaining litter decomposition patterns using litter bags made with different mesh sizes. Our results showed that litter decomposition was driven by litter functional diversity and was increasingly higher under warming, in both mesh sizes. Decomposition was explained by increasing litter dissimilarities in C and N. Our results highlight the importance of considering different aspects of litter characteristics (e.g., quality and functional diversity) in order to predict the decomposition process in freshwater ecosystems. Considering the joint effect of warming and litter traits aspects allow a more refined understanding of the underlying mechanisms of climate change and biodiversity shifts effects on ecosystem functioning.
DNA of centuries-old timber can reveal its origin
Authors: Akhmetzyanov Linar , Copini Paul , Sass-Klaassen Ute , Schroeder Hilke , de Groot G. Arjen , Laros Ivo , Daly Aoife
Published: November 2020

Oak wood was highly appreciated and widely used for construction in past centuries. As population sizes expanded in some regions of Europe, local forests were depleted of high-quality timber. Therefore, regions of soaring economies were importing timber initially from the European market and eventually from other continents. Origin of archaeological or historical timber is usually identified by means of dendroprovenancing, i.e. statistical matching of tree-ring-width (TRW) series of timber of unknown origin with TRW reference datasets. However, this method has pitfalls and limitations and therefore alternative techniques are needed. Here, we used three different DNA analysis methods to investigate the potential of using ancient (a)DNA, extracted from oak timber derived from historical buildings and shipwrecks from a variety of countries. All the material had also been analysed dendrochronologically, so its dating and provenance is demonstrated. We included heartwood samples in this analysis, for which DNA extraction is especially challenging as it contains chemicals that inhibit DNA amplification. We succeeded in amplifying DNA for at least one marker from 56% of samples (including heartwood samples), yielding crucial information that allowed us to identify the potential source area of centuries old timber buildings in Latvia and Denmark and of 750-year-old shipwreck material from Germany. Our results prove the strong potential of DNA analyses for identifying timber origin to the regional scale, but by combining these with the dendrochronological results, we can control the exactitude of the aDNA approach and demonstrate a more nuanced examination of the timber sources for these historic structures.
Gestational age is related to symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in late-preterm to full-term children and adolescents with down syndrome
Authors: del Hoyo Soriano Laura , Rosser Tracie , Hamilton Debra , Wood Taylor , Abbeduto Leonard , Sherman Stephanie
Published: November 2020

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is frequently reported in individuals with Down syndrome, with considerable variation in the expression and severity of the symptoms. Despite growing evidence that gestational age predicts later symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the euploid population, this has not been studied in down syndrome. The current study is designed to investigate the influence of gestational age in later symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in 105 individuals (49 males and 56 females; aged 6–18 years) with Down syndrome who were born at or after 35 weeks gestation. Maternal age at birth, maternal level of education, household income, as well as sex, chronological age, and cognitive level of the participant with Down syndrome were considered in our analysis. Results from this study show that gestational age is related to inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms in children and adolescents with Down syndrome. Therefore, gestational age should be addressed when considering symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, as it may have implications for early interventions. More attention is needed toward the advancement of care and follow-up for infants with down syndrome who are born even late preterm or early term.
Antarctic ice mass variations from 1979 to 2017 driven by anomalous precipitation accumulation
Authors: Kim Byeong-Hoon , Seo Ki-Weon , Eom Jooyoung , Chen Jianli , Wilson Clark R.
Published: November 2020

Antarctic ice mass balance is determined by precipitation and ice discharge, and understanding their relative contributions to contemporary Antarctic ice mass change is important to project future ice mass loss and resulting sea level rise. There has been evidence that anomalous precipitation affects Antarctic ice mass loss estimates, and thus the precipitation contribution should be understood and considered in future projections. In this study, we revisit changes in Antarctic ice mass over recent decades and examine precipitation contributions over this period. We show that accumulated (time-integrated) precipitation explains most inter-annual anomalies of Antarctic ice mass change during the GRACE period (2003–2017). From 1979 to 2017, accumulated Antarctic precipitation contributes to significant ice mass loss acceleration in the Pacific sector and deceleration in the Atlantic-Indian Sectors, forming a bi-polar spatial pattern. Principal component analysis reveals that such a bi-polar pattern is likely modulated by the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). We also find that recent ice mass loss acceleration in 2007 is related to a variation in precipitation accumulation. Overall ice discharge has accelerated at a steady rate since 1992, but has not seen a recent abrupt increase.
Absence of CD36 alters systemic vitamin A homeostasis
Authors: Trites Michael J. , Febbraio Maria , Clugston Robin D.
Published: November 2020

Fatty acid translocase (CD36) is a scavenger receptor with multiple ligands and diverse physiological actions. We recently reported that alcohol-induced hepatic retinoid mobilization is impaired in Cd36−/− mice, leading us to hypothesize that CD36 has a novel role in hepatic vitamin A mobilization. Given the central role of the liver in systemic vitamin A homeostasis we also postulated that absence of CD36 would affect whole-body vitamin A homeostasis. We tested this hypothesis in aging wild type and Cd36−/− mice, as well as mice fed a vitamin A-deficient diet. In agreement with our hypothesis, Cd36−/− mice accumulated hepatic retinyl ester stores with age to a greater extent than wild type mice. However, contrary to expectations, Cd36−/− mice consuming a vitamin A-deficient diet mobilized hepatic retinoid similar to wild type mice. Interestingly, we observed that Cd36−/− mice had significantly reduced white adipose tissue retinoid levels compared to wild type mice. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the absence of CD36 alters whole-body vitamin A homeostasis and suggest that this phenotype is secondary to the impaired chylomicron metabolism previously reported in these mice.
The sensitivity of qSOFA calculated at triage and during emergency department treatment to rapidly identify sepsis patients
Authors: Perman Sarah M. , Mikkelsen Mark E. , Goyal Munish , Ginde Adit , Bhardwaj Abhishek , Drumheller Byron , Sante S. Cham , Agarwal Anish K. , Gaieski David F.
Published: November 2020

The quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) score has been proposed as a means to rapidly identify adult patients with suspected infection, in pre-hospital, Emergency Department (ED), or general hospital ward locations, who are in a high-risk category with increased likelihood of “poor outcomes:” a greater than 10% chance of dying or an increased likelihood of spending 3 or more days in the ICU. This score is intended to replace the use of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria as a screening tool; however, its role in ED screening and identification has yet to be fully elucidated. In this retrospective observational study, we explored the performance of triage qSOFA (tqSOFA), maximum qSOFA, and first initial serum lactate (> 3 mmol/L) at predicting in-hospital mortality and compared these results to those for the initial SIRS criteria obtained in triage. A total of 2859 sepsis cases were included and the in-hospital mortality rate was 14.4%. The sensitivity of tqSOFA ≥ 2 and maximum qSOFA ≥ 2 to predict in-hospital mortality were 33% and 69%, respectively. For comparison, the triage SIRS criteria and the initial lactate > 3 mmol/L had sensitivities of 82% and 65%, respectively. These results demonstrate that in a large ED sepsis database the earliest measurement of end organ impairment, tqSOFA, performed poorly at identifying patients at increased risk of mortality and maximum qSOFA did not significantly outperform initial serum lactate levels.
Grazing effects of sea urchin Diadema savignyi on algal abundance and coral recruitment processes
Authors: Do Hung Dang Viet , Fong Chia-Ling , Shiu Jia-Ho , Nozawa Yoko
Published: November 2020

Herbivores control algae and promote coral dominance along coral reefs. However, the majority of previous studies have focused on herbivorous fish. Here we investigated grazing effects of the sea urchin Diadema savignyi on algal abundance and coral recruitment processes. We conducted an in situ cage experiment with three density conditions of D. savignyi (0, 8, 16 indiv. m−2) for three months during the main coral recruitment season in Taiwan. Results demonstrated a strong algal control by D. savignyi. At the end of the experiment, average algal cover was 95% for 0 indiv. m−2, compared to 47% for 8 indiv. m−2 and 16% for 16 indiv. m−2. Average algal biomass at 8 indiv. m−2 declined by one third compared to 0 indiv. m−2 and almost zero at 16 indiv. m−2. On the other hand, a negative grazing effect of D. savignyi was observed on coral recruitment processes. Notably, at 16 indiv. m−2, the density of coral recruits declined and mortality of small coral fragments (proxy of coral juveniles) increased. Our results confirm findings of previous studies and indicate the need to balance both positive (strong algal control) and negative (physical damage) influences of Diadema grazing to facilitate the coral recruitment process.
NMR of proteins and nucleic acids
Authors: Atkinson R. Andrew
Published: November 2020

NMR work in the solution state on proteins and nucleic acids, published in 2019, is reviewed. The chapter first covers methodological trends, in spectroscopy and areas such as isotopic labelling strategies, and reviews both commonly used approaches and less widely used methods. I review methodological developments in areas including accelerating acquisition, relaxation measurements and residual dipolar couplings and a miscellany of other advances. I then focus on two areas of particular interest: in-cell NMR and the study of intrinsically disordered proteins.
A label-free electrochemical aptasensor based on the core–shell Cu-MOF@TpBD hybrid nanoarchitecture for the sensitive detection of PDGF-BB
Authors: Li Ya , Liu Zhiling , Lu Wenbo , Zhao Man , Xiao He , Hu Tianjun , Ma Jianchun , Zheng Zhanfeng , Jia Jianfeng , Wu Haishun
Published: November 2020

A novel label-free electrochemical aptasensor based on core–shell Cu-MOF@TpBD hybrid nanocomposites has been prepared for the sensitive detection of PDGF-BB.
A semi-covalent molecularly imprinted fluorescent sensor for highly specific recognition and optosensing of bisphenol A
Authors: Zhang Jinna , Wang Haiyang , Xu Longhua , Xu Zhixiang
Published: November 2020

A novel mesoporous fluorescent molecularly imprinted sensor for selective detection of bisphenol A (BPA) in food materials was fabricated via a semi-covalent imprinting method.
Cloud-point extraction associated with voltammetry: preconcentration and elimination of the sample matrix for trace determination of methyl parathion in honey
Authors: de Sousa Priscila A. R. , Squissato André L. , Munoz Rodrigo A. A. , Coelho Luciana M. , de Melo Edmar I. , da Silva Rodrigo A. B.
Published: November 2020

This work presents the association of cloud point extraction (CPE) and electroanalysis for the selective and sensitive determination of methyl parathion (MP) in honey.
Unravelling the local structure of catalytic Fe-oxo clusters stabilized on the MOF-808 metal organic-framework
Authors: Castillo-Blas Celia , Romero-Muñiz Ignacio , Mavrandonakis Andreas , Simonelli Laura , Platero-Prats Ana E.
Published: November 2020

Advanced synchrotron characterization and computational modelling are applied to understand the local structure of added redox-active iron-oxo clusters bridging zirconia-nodes within MOF-808.
Electrochemically induced iodine migration in mixed halide perovskites: suppression through chloride insertion
Authors: Cho Junsang , DuBose Jeffrey T. , Mathew Preethi S. , Kamat Prashant V.
Published: November 2020

Suppressed iodine migration in the mixed halide perovskites through alloying with chloride (Cl).
Handling methane: a Ni(i) F430-like cofactor derived from VB12 is active in methyl-coenzyme M reductase
Authors: Wu Jue , Chen Shi-Lu
Published: November 2020

An Ni(i) F430-like cofactor derived from vitamin B12 can catalyze methane formation in the active site of methyl-coenzyme M reductase.
Ni/Co phosphide nanoparticles embedded in N/P-doped carbon nanofibers towards enhanced hydrogen evolution
Authors: Wang Changle , Zhang Lipeng , Yang Ping
Published: November 2020

Transition-metal phosphides have been identified as effective materials for improving electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
H2-oxidation driven by its behavior of losing an electron over B-doped TiO2 under UV irradiation
Authors: Wang Xiaoxiao , Wang Kun , Wang Hong , Wang Zhongming , Chen Xun , Dai Wenxin , Fu Xianzhi
Published: November 2020

Doable H2 photocatalytic oxidation over B-TiO2 in thermodynamics would be controlled by the kinetics (H2 losing-an-electron behavior).
The preferred conformation of the tetrafluoro-1,3-dithietane⋯isopropylamine complex as revealed by rotational spectroscopy
Authors: Jin Yan , Lu Tao , Feng Gang
Published: November 2020

The favored conformation of the C2F4S2–IPA complex is determined by the strength of the S⋯N ChB as revealed by rotational spectroscopy.
Microporous framework membranes for precise molecule/ion separations
Authors: Dou Haozhen , Xu Mi , Wang Baoyu , Zhang Zhen , Wen Guobin , Zheng Yun , Luo Dan , Zhao Lei , Yu Aiping , Zhang Luhong , Jiang Zhongyi , Chen Zhongwei
Published: November 2020

Microporous framework membranes with well-defined micropore structure such as metal-organic framework membranes and covalent organic framework membranes hold great promise for the enormous challenging separations in energy and environment fields.
Cu- and Fe-speciation in a composite zeolite catalyst for selective catalytic reduction of NOx: insights from operando XAS
Authors: Pankin Ilia A. , Issa Hamoud Houeida , Lomachenko Kirill A. , Rasmussen Søren Birk , Martini Andrea , Bazin Philippe , Valtchev Valentin , Daturi Marco , Lamberti Carlo , Bordiga Silvia
Published: November 2020

Cu-SAPO-34 (Cu-CZC) and Fe-mordenite (Fe-MOR) and their mechanical mixture (50 : 50) have been exhaustively investigated by means of operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy under NH3-SCR conditions.
A surface oxidised Fe–S catalyst for the liquid phase hydrogenation of CO2
Authors: Mitchell Claire E. , Terranova Umberto , Beale Andrew M. , Jones Wilm , Morgan David J. , Sankar Meenakshisundaram , de Leeuw Nora H.
Published: November 2020

A surface oxidised Fe–S catalyst enhances the liquid phase conversion of CO2 to formate under mild hydrothermal conditions.
Pathway bifurcations in the cage rearrangement of metallacarboranes: experimental and computational evidence
Authors: Vinogradov Mikhail M. , Nesterov Ivan D. , Nelyubina Yulia V. , Pavlov Alexander A.
Published: November 2020

Thirteen new metallacarborane complexes of rhodium and iridium with covalently bound cage carbon atoms were synthesized and their thermal stability was investigated.
Determination of bismuth by optical emission spectrometry with liquid anode/cathode atmospheric pressure glow discharge
Authors: Gorska Monika , Greda Krzysztof , Pohl Pawel
Published: November 2020

Novel atmospheric pressure glow discharge (APGD) plasma systems, sustained between a miniaturized flowing liquid anode (FLA) or cathode (FLC) and a He nozzle jet, were investigated for the determination of Bi by optical emission spectrometry (OES).
Molecular engineering of 1,3,5-triaryl-2-pyrazoline fluorescent logic systems responsive to acidity and oxidisability and attachment to polymer beads
Authors: Zerafa Nicole , Cini Miriam , Magri David C.
Published: November 2020

Designed fluorescent logic gates based on PET and ICT emulating NOT,off–on–offand INHIBIT logic functions are covalently attached to PEG–polystyrene polymer beads.
Towards defect-free thin films of the earth-abundant absorber zinc phosphide by nanopatterning
Authors: Escobar Steinvall Simon , Stutz Elias Z. , Paul Rajrupa , Zamani Mahdi , Dzade Nelson Y. , Piazza Valerio , Friedl Martin , de Mestral Virginie , Leran Jean-Baptiste , Zamani Reza R. , Fontcuberta i Morral Anna
Published: November 2020

Herein, we explore a novel nanopattern-based growth approach to enhance the material quality of the earth-abundant photovoltaic absorber zinc phosphide.
Construction of covalent organic framework with unique double-ring pore for size-matching adsorption of uranium
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zhou Lihong , Jia Zhimin , Li Xiaofeng , Qi Yue , Yang Chuting , Guo Xinghua , Chen Shanyong , Long Honghan , Ma Lijian
Published: November 2020

A new type of COF with a double-ring pore shows a size-matching adsorption effect for uranium with removal rate up to 99.8%.
Dynamics of weak interactions in the ligand layer of meta-mercaptobenzoic acid protected gold nanoclusters Au68(m-MBA)32 and Au144(m-MBA)40
Authors: Mammen Nisha , Malola Sami , Honkala Karoliina , Häkkinen Hannu
Published: November 2020

Interactive dynamics between ligand shell and atomically precise nanocluster define stability and open possibilities for catalytic reactions at unprotected sites.
Silicon monophosphides with controlled size and crystallinity for enhanced lithium anodic performance
Authors: Yang Huanhuan , Yu Binlu , Gu Shuang , Huang Hao , Zhang Yanli , Liu Danni , Zhang Xue , Kang Yihong , Wang Jiahong , Chu Paul K. , Yu Xue-Feng
Published: November 2020

Silicon monophosphide with controlled size and crystallinity is synthesized and the lithium storage capacity co-affected by size and crystallinity is investigated.
Modulating dielectric loss of mesoporous carbon fibers with radar cross section reduction performance via computer simulation technology
Authors: Chen Jiabin , Liang Xiaohui , Zheng Jing , Gu Weihua , Pei Chunchuan , Fan Feiyue , Ji Guangbin
Published: November 2020

Mesoporous carbon fibers, a kind of light weight microwave absorbing material, are prepared by electrospinning, through which the pore structure and microwave absorbing properties are influenced by the addition of tetraethyl orthosilicate.
Construction of PdO-decorated double-shell ZnSnO3 hollow microspheres for n-propanol detection at low temperature
Authors: Du Liyong , Wang Dongxue , Gu Kuikun , Zhang Mingzhe
Published: November 2020

The sensor based on 4 wt% PdO-loaded double-shell ZnSnO3 hollow microspheres shows rapid response/recovery speed to n-propanol at low working temperature.
Aluminium(iii) and zinc(ii) complexes of azobenzene-containing ligands for ring-opening polymerisation of ε-caprolactone and rac-lactide
Authors: Kaler Sandeep , McKeown Paul , Ward Benjamin D. , Jones Matthew D.
Published: November 2020

The ability to control the outcome of polymerisations using an external stimulus remains a formidable challenge.
Palladium-catalyzed synthesis of spirooxindoles and [3,4]-fused oxindoles from alkene-tethered carbamoyl chlorides
Authors: Yang Fang , Sun Wan , Meng Haifang , Chen Mengjia , Chen Chen , Zhu Bolin
Published: November 2020

We disclosed an efficient Pd-catalyzed domino reaction for the synthesis of spirooxindoles and [3,4]-fused oxindoles from alkene-tethered carbamoyl chlorides.
Mechanistic insights into the Rh(i)-catalyzed transannulation of 1,2,3-thiadiazoles with alkenes, alkynes, and nitriles: Does the intermediacy of α-thiavinyl Rh-carbenoids play an important role?
Authors: Lv Kang , Bao Xiaoguang
Published: November 2020

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to gain an in-depth mechanistic understanding of the Rh(i)-catalyzed transannulation of 1,2,3-thiadiazoles with alkenes, alkynes, and nitriles.
Highly efficient Co centers functionalized by nitrogen-doped carbon for the chemical fixation of CO2
Authors: Yang Yuying , Li Hong , Pei Supeng , Liu Feng , Feng Wei , Zhang Yongming
Published: November 2020

A highly efficient Co@NxC functionalized heterocatalyst has been prepared to activate CO2molecules and convert it into cyclic carbonates.
Two decades of recent advances of Ugi reactions: synthetic and pharmaceutical applications
Authors: Fouad Manar Ahmed , Abdel-Hamid Hamida , Ayoup Mohammed Salah
Published: November 2020

We highlight the recent advances of the Ugi reaction in the last two decades from 2000–2019, mainly in the synthesis of linear or cyclic peptides, heterocyclic compounds with versatile ring sizes, and natural products, as well as the enantioselective Ugi reactions.