bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adjunctive bright light treatment with gradual advance in unipolar major depressive disorder with evening chronotype – A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chan Joey WY , Lam SP , Li Shirley X , Chau Steven WH , Chan SY , Chan NY , Zhang JH , Wing YK
Published: September 2020

Background

Unipolar non-seasonal depressed patients with concomitant evening chronotype were associated with poor clinical outcomes and higher non-remission rate. This study aims to examine the efficacy of adjunctive bright light therapy with gradual timing advance in a randomized, assessor and prescriber-blinded controlled trial.

Method

Participants were randomly allocated to receive 5 weeks of either bright white light therapy (BLT) or dim red light (DRL) with the same advancement protocol. Participants were followed up till 5 months after treatment. Primary outcomes included (i) remission rate and (ii) the severity of depression. The analysis was conducted using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, Cox proportional hazard analysis and linear mixed models.

Results

A total of 93 participants (46.4 ± 11.7 years old, 80% female) were randomized. The cumulative remission rate for the BLT and the DRL groups was 67.4% and 46.7%, respectively. Time to remission was shorter for the BLT group relative to the DRL group (log-rank test p = 0.024). Cox proportional hazard survival analysis showed that patients in the BLT group had a higher probability of achieving remission relative to patients in the DRL group [hazard ratio = 1.9 (95% CI = 1.1– 3.4), p = 0.026]. Further sensitivity analysis demonstrated greater improvement in 17-Hamilton Depression Score (group × time interaction, p = 0.04) in the BLT group for those who were adherent to light therapy.

Conclusions

The use of bright light therapy with gradual advance protocol is an effective adjunctive treatment resulting in quicker and a higher rate of remission of depression in patients with non-seasonal unipolar depression and evening-chronotype.
Co-opting the neoliberal manhood ideal: Masculinity, normativity, and recursive normalisation in Serbian gay men's digital dating profiles
Authors: Bogetić Ksenija
Published: September 2020

This article investigates sexual and gender ideologies in online dating profiles of Sebian gay men using corpus-linguistic and discourse-analytic methods. Selected keywords are analysed in context, and particular attention is paid to collocation patterns, including grammatical collocates that are shown to carry discursive relevance beyond style. The analysis reveals that repeated associations centre on concepts of masculinity and normality, in a local indexical order of ‘proper’ manhood, sexuality, global modernity, and national identity. Overall, the texts are most strongly characterized by adversarial distance towards certain gay men, operating in normalizing assimilation to the national (heterosexual) citizen ideal. A broader mechanism, termed recursive normalisation, is described as underpinning the observed patterns. The findings are further discussed as highlighting the pitfalls of theory and social movements focused on social assimilation, arguing for the need for further queer linguistic deconstruction of the normalising discourses that intersect marginalized communities and broader, systemic hegemonies. (Gay men, online dating, masculinity, recursive normalization)
Artefact Categories, Artefact Assemblages and Ontological Alterity
Authors: Holdaway Simon , Phillipps Rebecca
Published: September 2020

Joan Gero argued that archaeological interpretation is not the accumulation of truth but rather an ideological construct. Post-colonial studies building on Gero's work critique notions of universal value, that aspects of human cultural heritage hold value for all peoples. However, these studies are not specific about what a post-colonial analysis of the archaeological record might look like, particularly involving material culture categories. What appear as fundamental artefact classes remain and so appeal to a form of universal value. Here we employ a novel application of the ontological turn, specifically Holbraad's method of ontography, to break away from conventional approaches to stone artefact categorization and interpretation. We use Lucas’ discussion of materialization to develop an alternative approach to artefact categories considering two assemblages of artefacts from the North Island of Aotearoa. Both feature large numbers of obsidian artefacts. The obsidian provides the means to investigate levels of historical use, since the material is identifiable to geological source, analysable technologically and retains traces of use. Using the results of obsidian analyses, we investigate the concepts on which archaeologists have based assessments of the relationships among material culture items, suggesting ways in which archaeologists might consider creating space for post-colonial ontologies.
Global Leadership in Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Care: “Using data to improve outcomes – an interview with Jennifer S. Li, MD, MHS”
Authors: Tretter Justin T. , Jacobs Jeffrey P.
Published: September 2020

Dr. Jennifer Li is the focus of our second in a planned series of interviews in Cardiology in the Young entitled, “Global Leadership in Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Care”. Dr. Li was born in Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America, and moved to Indianapolis, Indiana where she completed her secondary education. She then attended Stanford University, majoring in Chemistry and English and graduating with distinction in 1983. Dr. Li then attended Duke University School of Medicine, graduating in 1987. She then completed her internship at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in 1987–1989, returning to Duke University Medical Center to complete both her residency in general paediatrics in 1989–1990 followed by her fellowship in paediatric cardiology in 1990–1993. She would later complete her Master’s Degree in Health Sciences at Duke University in 2005.

Dr. Li has spent her entire career as a paediatric cardiologist at Duke University Medical Center, where she was appointed a Professor of Pediatrics and Professor of Medicine in 2008 and has held the position as Beverly C. Morgan Endowed Professor of Pediatrics since 2012. She has served as the Chief of Paediatric Cardiology at Duke University Medical Center since 2006. She also was the Director of Paediatric Research at Duke Clinical Research Institute from 2001-2015. Dr. Li has played an instrumental role in evaluating the safety and efficacy of drugs in children, as well as in analysing and linking large multicentric databases to evaluate the outcomes, quality, and cost of paediatric and congenital cardiac care. Dr. Li has received funding from the National Institute of Health of the United States of America, as well as from industry and foundation grants. This article presents our interview with Dr. Li, an interview that covers her experience collaborating with governmental organizations and industry in the pursuit of common interests to design clinical drug trials, link and analyse large, multicentric databases, and improve paediatric health care.
The complex interactions among serotonin, insulin, leptin, and glycolipid metabolic parameters in human obesity
Authors: Marazziti Donatella , Betti Laura , Baroni Stefano , Palego Lionella , Mucci Federico , Carpita Barbara , Cremone Ivan Mirco , Santini Ferruccio , Fabbrini Laura , Pelosini Caterina , Marsili Alessandro , Massimetti Enrico , Giannaccini Gino , Dell’Osso Liliana
Published: September 2020

Objective

To provide evidence to the link between serotonin (5-HT), energy metabolism, and the human obese phenotype, the present study investigated the binding and function of the platelet 5-HT transporter (SERT), in relation to circulating insulin, leptin, and glycolipid metabolic parameters.

Methods

Seventy-four drug-free subjects were recruited on the basis of divergent body mass index (BMIs) (16.5-54.8 Kg/m2). All subjects were tested for their blood glycolipid profile together with platelet [3H]-paroxetine ([3H]-Par) binding and [3H]-5-HT reuptake measurements from April 1st to June 30th, 2019.

Results

The [3H]-Par Bmax (fmol/mg proteins) was progressively reduced with increasing BMIs (P < .001), without changes in affinity. Moreover, Bmax was negatively correlated with BMI, waist/hip circumferences (W/HC), triglycerides (TD), glucose, insulin, and leptin, while positively with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (P < .01). The reduction of 5-HT uptake rate (Vmax, pmol/min/109 platelets) among BMI groups was not statistically significant, but Vmax negatively correlated with leptin and uptake affinity values (P < .05). Besides, [3H]-Par affinity values positively correlated with glycemia and TD, while [3H]-5-HT reuptake affinity with glycemia only (P < .05). Finally, these correlations were specific of obese subjects, while, from multiple linear-regression analysis conducted on all subjects, insulin (P = .006) resulting negatively related to Bmax independently from BMI.

Conclusions

Present findings suggest the presence of a possible alteration of insulin/5-HT/leptin axis in obesity, differentially impinging the density, function, and/or affinity of the platelet SERT, as a result of complex appetite/reward-related interactions between the brain, gut, pancreatic islets, and adipose tissue. Furthermore, they support the foremost cooperation of peptides and 5-HT in maintaining energy homeostasis.
Imagine food, weight and shape: mental imagery in women with eating disorders compared with healthy controls
Authors: Hijne Kim , Ben Chamach Suzan , Dingemans Alexandra E.
Published: September 2020

Background:

Research into mental disorders has found mental imagery to be a maintaining factor for psychological distress. However, studies investigating mental imagery in eating disorders are scarce.

Aim:

The aim of the present study was to compare spontaneous mental imagery related to eating, weight and/or appearance and intrusive prospective imagery in women with an eating disorder with female healthy controls.

Methods:

Spontaneous mental imagery and intrusive prospective imagery were assessed in adult women with an eating disorder (n= 29) and in female healthy controls (n= 32) using a semi-structured interview and the Impact of Future Events Scale, respectively.

Results:

In comparison with healthy controls, the spontaneous mental images in individuals with an eating disorder involved more sensory modalities (U= 156.50,p< .001,r= –.51), were more vivid (t(52) = 2.04,p= .047,d= .55), negative (U= 103.00,p< .001,r= –.62), and anxiety provoking (U= 158.50,p< .001,r= –.49), and were experienced with a lower sense of control (U= 215.00,p= .009,r= –.36). The emotional impact of intrusive prospective imagery (U= 105.00,p< .001,r= –.66) was also higher in individuals with an eating disorder, as was the number of negative prospective images (U= 283.00,p= .016,r= –.31).

Conclusions:

Our findings are consistent with previous research on mental imagery in other psychiatric disorders, and provide possibilities for incorporating imagery-based techniques in treatment interventions.
Determinants of exclusive breast-feeding discontinuation in southeastern Brazil, 2008–2013: a pooled data analysis
Authors: Nascimento Edinalva Neves , Leone Cláudio , de Abreu Luiz Carlos , Buccini Gabriela
Published: September 2020

Objective:

To analyse the determinants of exclusive breast-feeding (EBF) discontinuation in southeastern Brazil between 2008 and 2013.

Design:

Secondary cross-sectional data were analysed from three waves of child feeding surveys conducted in the city of Marília, São Paulo, Brazil, in 2008, 2011 and 2013 (n 1645 children under 6 months). Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to test the association between EBF discontinuation and socio-economic, demographic and biomedical factors in a pooled sample and within each survey wave.

Setting:

Regionally representative cross-sectional survey from Brazil.

Participants:

The analytical sample included 1645 infants under 6 months old.

Results:

In the pooled sample, 40·7 % of the infants were exclusively breastfed. Between 2008 and 2013, there was a significant increase in C-section (35·1–42·7 %) and pacifier use (41·4–48·8 %). The determinants of EBF discontinuation in the pooled analysis were mothers working outside the home (adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) = 1·10; 95 % CI 1·00, 1·21), first-time mothers (APR = 1·10; 95 % CI 1·01, 1·20), pacifier use (APR = 1·48; 95 % CI 1·36, 1·61) and low birth weight (APR = 1·17; 95 % CI 1·05, 1·32).

Conclusions:

Mothers working outside the home, first-time moms, pacifier use and low birth weight were the factors associated with EBF discontinuation. Evidence-based counselling strategies during antenatal and early postpartum care in primary healthcare are needed to address the modifiable determinants of EBF discontinuation and ultimately to improve its rates in southeastern Brazil.
Disparities in fresh fruit and vegetable intake by sociodemographic and behavioural factors among adults in China
Authors: Li Li , Ouyang Yifei , Wang Huijun , Huang Feifei , Wang Yun , Zhang Jiguo , Su Chang , Du Wenwen , Jia Xiaofang , Jiang Hongru , Wang Zhihong , Zhang Bing
Published: September 2020

Objective:

To measure the associations of sociodemographic and behavioural factors with fruit and vegetable consumption among adults in China.

Design:

A cross-sectional study.

Setting:

A 2015 wave of the China Health and Nutrition Survey.

Participants:

Totally, 11 910 adults aged 18 to 64 years.

Results:

Adjusted log binomial regression analyses showed that adults with higher income levels had higher fruit intake than those with low income levels (medium income group, risk ratio (RR): 1·28; 95 % CI: 1·16, 1·41; high income group, RR: 1·58; 95 % CI: 1·43, 1·74). Current smokers had lower fruit intake than non-smokers (RR: 0·86; 95 % CI: 0·77, 0·96). Adults living in southern China had higher vegetable intake (RR: 1·88; 95 % CI: 1·76, 2·01) but lower fruit intake (RR: 0·85; 95 % CI: 0·79, 0·91) than adults in northern China. With increasing age, adults had higher fruit intake (50–64 years, RR: 1·20; 95 % CI: 1·09, 1·33; reference category 18–34 years) and higher vegetable intake (35–49 years, RR: 1·13; 95 % CI: 1·05, 1·22; 50–64 years, RR: 1·22; 95 % CI: 1·13, 1·31).

Conclusions:

Our findings identify a range of sociodemographic and behavioural factors associated with fruit and vegetable consumption among Chinese adults. They also point to the need for public health nutrition interventions for socially disadvantaged populations in China.
High prevalence of food intolerances among US internet users
Authors: Jansson-Knodell Claire L , White Mattie , Lockett Carolyn , Xu Huiping , Shin Andrea
Published: September 2020

Objective:

Food intolerances are commonly reported and are predicted to have gastrointestinal health implications. We aimed to quantify the prevalence of food intolerances among US adults and identify culprit foods through a brief web-based survey.

Design:

We invited participation in an online cross-sectional survey involving a single questionnaire. Data were summarised using percentages or medians and interquartile range. Participant characteristics by self-reported food intolerance were compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test and Pearson’sχ2test. Adjusted analyses were performed using multivariable logistic regression.

Setting:

The survey was internet-based via Amazon’s mechanical Turk, a crowdsourcing website for the completion of requester directed tasks.

Participants:

Adults who were US-based internet users were invited at ages 18–80.

Results:

We collected 2133 survey responses (ages 18–79 years). The rate of food intolerance was 24·8 % (95 % CI 23·0, 26·6) in US adults. Younger (P< 0·01), female (P= 0·05) and Asian, African American or multiple race individuals (P< 0·01) predominated. Lactose intolerance was most common. Frequency of a non-lactose food intolerance was 18·1 % (95 % CI 16·5, 19·8). When categorised broadly, grains, fruit, lactose, fish, vegetables, alcohol and nuts were most troublesome for individuals in that order.

Conclusions:

Self-reported food intolerance is common in US internet users. The effect of food on gastrointestinal symptoms and avoidant behaviours deserves further attention.
Vascular aging in long-term survivors of testicular cancer more than 20 years after treatment with cisplatin-based chemotherapy
Authors: Stelwagen Johannes , Lubberts Sjoukje , Steggink Lars C. , Steursma Gerrie , Kruyt Lara M. , Donkerbroek Jan Willem , van Roon Arie M. , van Gessel Anne I. , van de Zande Saskia C. , Meijer Coby , Gräfin zu Eulenburg Christine H. , Oosting Sjoukje F. , Nuver Janine , Walenkamp Annemiek M. E. , Jan de Jong Igle , Lefrandt Joop D. , Gietema Jourik A.
Published: September 2020

Background

Late effects of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in testicular cancer survivors (TCS) include cardiovascular morbidity, but little data is available beyond 20 years. The objective was to assess vascular damage in very long-term TCS.

Methods

TCS (treated with chemotherapy or orchiectomy only) and age-matched healthy controls were invited. Study assessment included vascular stiffness with ultrasound measurement of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV).

Results

We included 127 TCS consisting of a chemotherapy group (70 patients) and an orchiectomy group (57 patients) along with 70 controls. Median follow-up was 28 years (range: 20–42). The cf-PWV (m/s) was higher in TCS than in controls (geometrical mean 8.05 (SD 1.23) vs. 7.60 (SD 1.21),p = 0.04). The cf-PWV was higher in the chemotherapy group than in the orchiectomy group (geometrical mean 8.39 (SD 1.22) vs. 7.61 (SD 1.21),p < 0.01). In the chemotherapy group cf-PWV increased more rapidly as a function of age compared to controls (regression coefficientb7.59 × 10−3vs. 4.04 × 10−3;p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Very long-term TCS treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy show increased vascular damage compatible with “accelerated vascular aging” and continue to be at risk for cardiovascular morbidity, thus supporting the need for intensive cardiovascular risk management.

Clinical trial registration

The clinical trial registration number is NCT02572934.
Overcoming the blood–brain barrier by Annexin A1-binding peptide to target brain tumours
Authors: Nonaka Motohiro , Suzuki-Anekoji Misa , Nakayama Jun , Mabashi-Asazuma Hideaki , Jarvis Donald L. , Yeh Jiunn-Chern , Yamasaki Kazuhiko , Akama Tomoya O. , Huang Chun-Teng , Campos Alexandre Rosa , Nagaoka Masato , Sasai Toshio , Kimura-Takagi Itsuko , Suwa Yoichi , Yaegashi Takashi , Shibata Toshiaki K. , Sugihara Kazuhiro , Nishizawa-Harada Chizuko , Fukuda Minoru , Fukuda Michiko N.
Published: September 2020

Background

Annexin A1 is expressed specifically on the tumour vasculature surface. Intravenously injected IF7 targets tumour vasculature via annexin A1. We tested the hypothesis that IF7 overcomes the blood–brain barrier and that the intravenously injected IF7C(RR)-SN38 eradicates brain tumours in the mouse.

Methods

(1) A dual-tumour model was generated by inoculating luciferase-expressing melanoma B16 cell line, B16-Luc, into the brain and under the skin of syngeneic C57BL/6 mice. IF7C(RR)-SN38 was injected intravenously daily at 7.0 μmoles/kg and growth of tumours was assessed by chemiluminescence using an IVIS imager. A similar dual-tumour model was generated with the C6-Luc line in immunocompromised SCID mice. (2) IF7C(RR)-SN38 formulated with 10% Solutol HS15 was injected intravenously daily at 2.5 μmoles/kg into two brain tumour mouse models: B16-Luc cells in C57BL/6 mice, and C6-Luc cells in nude mice.

Results

(1) Daily IF7C(RR)-SN38 injection suppressed tumour growth regardless of cell lines or mouse strains. (2) Daily injection of Solutol-formulated IF7C(RR)-SN38 led into complete disappearance of B16-Luc brain tumour in C57BL/6 mice, whereas this did not occur in C6-Luc in nude mice.

Conclusions

IF7C(RR)-SN38 crosses the blood–brain barrier and suppresses growth of brain tumours in mouse models. Solutol HS15-formulated IF7C(RR)-SN38 may have promoted an antitumour immune response.
Multi-omic studies on missense PLG variants in families with otitis media
Authors: Bootpetch Tori C. , Hafrén Lena , Elling Christina L. , Baschal Erin E. , Manichaikul Ani W. , Pine Harold S. , Szeremeta Wasyl , Scholes Melissa A. , Cass Stephen P. , Larson Eric D. , Chan Kenny H. , Ishaq Rafaqat , Prager Jeremy D. , Shaikh Rehan S. , Gubbels Samuel P. , Yousaf Ayesha ,   University of Washington Center for Mendelian Genomics (UW-CMG), Bamshad Michael J. , Nickerson Deborah A. , Leal Suzanne M. , Wine Todd M. , Bamshad Michael J. , Yoon Patricia J. , Jenkins Herman A. , Nickerson Deborah A. , Streubel Sven-Olrik , Friedman Norman R. , Frank Daniel N. , Einarsdottir Elisabet , Kere Juha , Riazuddin Saima , Daly Kathleen A. , Leal Suzanne M. , Ryan Allen F. , Mattila Petri S. , Ahmed Zubair M. , Sale Michele M. , Chonmaitree Tasnee , Santos-Cortez Regie Lyn P.
Published: September 2020

Otitis media (OM), a very common disease in young children, can result in hearing loss. In order to potentially replicate previously reported associations between OM and PLG, exome and Sanger sequencing, RNA-sequencing of saliva and middle ear samples, 16S rRNA sequencing, molecular modeling, and statistical analyses including transmission disequilibrium tests (TDT) were performed in a multi-ethnic cohort of 718 families and simplex cases with OM. We identified four rare PLG variants c.112A > G (p.Lys38Glu), c.782G > A (p.Arg261His), c.1481C > T (p.Ala494Val) and c.2045 T > A (p.Ile682Asn), and one common variant c.1414G > A (p.Asp472Asn). However TDT analyses for these PLG variants did not demonstrate association with OM in 314 families. Additionally PLG expression is very low or absent in normal or diseased middle ear in mouse and human, and salivary expression and microbial α-diversity were non-significant in c.1414G > A (p.Asp472Asn) carriers. Based on molecular modeling, the novel rare variants particularly c.782G > A (p.Arg261His) and c.2045 T > A (p.Ile682Asn) were predicted to affect protein structure. Exploration of other potential disease mechanisms will help elucidate how PLG contributes to OM susceptibility in humans. Our results underline the importance of following up findings from genome-wide association through replication studies, preferably using multi-omic datasets.
Drivers of farmer-managed natural regeneration in the Sahel. Lessons for restoration
Authors: Lohbeck Madelon , Albers Peggy , Boels Laetitia E. , Bongers Frans , Morel Samuel , Sinclair Fergus , Takoutsing Bertin , Vågen Tor-Gunnar , Winowiecki Leigh A. , Smith-Dumont Emilie
Published: September 2020

Farmer-managed natural regeneration (FMNR) is being promoted for restoration beyond its original range in the Sahel. FMNR involves farmers selecting and managing natural regeneration on their fields, while keeping them under the primary function of agricultural production. However, little is known about what regenerates in different contexts, even though this underlies potential restoration impact. Here we assess how human impact, land degradation and dispersal limitation affect structural and functional properties of regeneration across 316 plots in agroforestry parklands of Ghana and Burkina Faso. We found that intensity of land use (grazing and agricultural practices) and dispersal limitation inhibited regeneration, while land degradation did not. Functional composition of regenerating communities shifted towards shorter statured, small-seeded and conservative strategies with intensity of land use. We conclude that the presence of trees of desired species in the vicinity is a precondition for successfully implementing FMNR for restoration, and that regeneration needs to be protected from grazing. Assessment of regeneration potential is imperative for scaling out FMNR and where natural regeneration will be insufficient to achieve restoration targets, FMNR needs to be complemented with tree planting.
Engineered viral DNA polymerase with enhanced DNA amplification capacity: a proof-of-concept of isothermal amplification of damaged DNA
Authors: Ordóñez Carlos D. , Lechuga Ana , Salas Margarita , Redrejo-Rodríguez Modesto
Published: September 2020

The development of whole genome amplification (WGA) and related methods, coupled with the dramatic growth of sequencing capacities, has changed the paradigm of genomic and genetic analyses. This has led to a continual requirement of improved DNA amplification protocols and the elaboration of new tailored methods. As key elements in WGA, identification and engineering of novel, faithful and processive DNA polymerases is a driving force in the field. We have engineered the B-family DNA polymerase of virus Bam35 with a C-terminal fusion of DNA-binding motifs. The new protein, named B35-HhH, shows faithful DNA replication in the presence of magnesium or an optimised combination of magnesium and manganese divalent cofactors, which enhances the replication of damaged DNA substrates. Overall, the newly generated variant displays improved amplification performance, sensitivity, translesion synthesis and resistance to salt, which are of great interest for several applications of isothermal DNA amplification. Further, rolling-circle amplification of abasic site-containing minicircles provides a proof-of-concept for using B35-HhH for processive amplification of damaged DNA samples.
Standoff pump-probe photothermal detection of hazardous chemicals
Authors: Sharma Ramesh C. , Kumar Subodh , Parmar Abhishek , Mann Mohit , Prakash Satya , Thakur Surya N.
Published: September 2020

A novel pump-probe Photothermal methodology using Quartz Tuning Fork (QTF) detector has been demonstrated for the first time. A tunable mid-IR Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) and a CW fixed wavelength visible laser have been used as the pump and probe beam respectively. The developed Photothermal (PT) technique is based on Quartz Tuning Fork (QTF) detector for the detection of hazardous/explosive molecules adsorbed on plastic surface and also in aerosols form. PT spectra of various trace molecules in the fingerprinting mid- infrared spectral band 7–9 µm from distance of 25 m have been recorded. The PT spectra of explosives RDX, TNT and Acetone have been recorded at very low quantities. Acetone is the precursor of explosive Tri-Acetone Tri-Phosphate (TATP). The experimentations using pump and probe lasers, exhibit detection sensitivity of less than 5 μg/cm2 for RDX, TNT powders and of ~ 200 nl quantity for Nitrobenzene (NB) and Acetone (in liquid form) adsorbed on surfaces, from a distance of ~ 25 m. The sensitivity of the same order achieved from a distance of 15 m by using only a mid-IR tunable pump laser coupled to QTF detector. Thus the pump-probe PT technique is more sensitive in comparison to single tunable QCL pump beam technique and it is better suited for standoff detection of hazardous chemicals for homeland security as well as for forensic applications.
An atomic Fabry–Perot interferometer using a pulsed interacting Bose–Einstein condensate
Authors: Manju P. , Hardman K. S. , Wigley P. B. , Close J. D. , Robins N. P. , Szigeti S. S.
Published: September 2020

We numerically demonstrate atomic Fabry–Perot resonances for a pulsed interacting Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) source transmitting through double Gaussian barriers. These resonances are observable for an experimentally-feasible parameter choice, which we determined using a previously-developed analytical model for a plane matter-wave incident on a double rectangular barrier system. Through numerical simulations using the non-polynomial Schödinger equation—an effective one-dimensional Gross–Pitaevskii equation—we investigate the effect of atom number, scattering length, and BEC momentum width on the resonant transmission peaks. For $$^{85}$$

85

Rb atomic sources with the current experimentally-achievable momentum width of $$0.02 \hbar k_0$$

0.02
ħ

k
0

[$$k_0 = 2\pi /(780~\text {nm})$$

k
0

=
2
π
/

(
780

nm
)

], we show that reasonably high contrast Fabry–Perot resonant transmission peaks can be observed using (a) non-interacting BECs, (b) interacting BECs of $$5 \times 10^4$$

5
×

10
4

atoms with s-wave scattering lengths $$a_s=\pm 0.1a_0$$

a
s

=
±
0.1

a
0

($$a_0$$

a
0

is the Bohr radius), and (c) interacting BECs of $$10^3$$

10
3

atoms with $$a_s=\pm 1.0a_0$$

a
s

=
±
1.0

a
0

. Our theoretical investigation impacts any future experimental realization of an atomic Fabry–Perot interferometer with an ultracold atomic source.
Global analysis of SBP gene family in Brachypodium distachyon reveals its association with spike development
Authors: Tripathi Rajiv K. , Overbeek William , Singh Jaswinder
Published: September 2020

SQUAMOSA-promoter binding like proteins (SBPs/SPLs) are plant specific transcription factors targeted by miR156 and involved in various biological pathways, playing multi-faceted developmental roles. This gene family is not well characterized in Brachypodium. We identified a total of 18 SBP genes in B.distachyon genome. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that SBP gene family in Brachypodium expanded through large scale duplication. A total of 10 BdSBP genes were identified as targets of miR156. Transcript cleavage analysis of selected BdSBPs by miR156 confirmed their antagonistic connection. Alternative splicing was observed playing an important role in BdSBPs and miR156 interaction. Characterization of T-DNA Bdsbp9 mutant showed reduced plant growth and spike length, reflecting its involvement in the spike development. Expression of a majority of BdSBPs elevated during spikelet initiation. Specifically, BdSBP1 and BdSBP3 differentially expressed in response to vernalization. Differential transcript abundance of BdSBP1,BdSBP3,BdSBP8,BdSBP9,BdSBP14,BdSBP18 and BdSBP23 genes was observed during the spike development under high temperature. Co-expression network, protein–protein interaction and biological pathway analysis indicate that BdSBP genes mainly regulate transcription, hormone, RNA and transport pathways. Our work reveals the multi-layered control of SBP genes and demonstrates their association with spike development and temperature sensitivity in Brachypodium.
The effect of surface area on the properties of shape-stabilized phase change material prepared using palm kernel shell activated carbon
Authors: Nicholas Ahmad Fariz , Hussein Mohd Zobir , Zainal Zulkarnain , Khadiran Tumirah
Published: September 2020

The effect of the surface area of palm kernel shell activated carbon (PKSAC) on the properties of n-octadecane-encapsulated shape stabilized phase change material (SSPCM) for thermal energy storage (TES) application were studied. Various surface areas of the PKSAC were prepared using different amounts of H3PO4 treatment given to palm kernel shells from 0, 5, 10, 30 and 40% before the activation. The impregnation of n-octadecane into the different surface areas of PKSACs produced SSPCMs with different physico-chemical characteristics. The DSC analysis indicates that the higher the surface area of the PKSAC resulted in the higher freezing temperature due to the higher PCM loading that was encapsulated into the PKSAC pores. The results obtained from XRD, FESEM, Raman spectroscopy, TGA/DTG and leakage study indicate that the PKSAC is a good framework material for the development of n-octadecane-encapsulated SSPCM. It was also found that the surface area and porosity of the frameworks, activated carbon play an important role on the PCM loading percentage and their ability to be used as a thermal energy storage material.
Alteration of gene expression in mice after glaucoma filtration surgery
Authors: Adachi Keisuke , Asada Yosuke , Hirakata Toshiaki , Onoue Miki , Iwamoto Satoshi , Kasuga Toshimitsu , Matsuda Akira
Published: September 2020

To clarify the early alterations of gene expression using a mouse model of glaucoma filtration surgery, we carried out microarray expression analysis. Using BALB/c mice, a filtration surgery model was made by incision of the limbal conjunctiva, followed by the insertion of a 33G needle tip into the anterior chamber, and 11-0 nylon sutures. Subgroups of mice were treated intraoperatively with 0.4 mg/ml mitomycin-C (MMC). At day 3 after surgery the bleb was maintained. The bleb region tissue was sampled 3 days after the filtration surgery, and gene expression analysis was carried out using a mouse Agilent 8 × 60 K array. We found 755 hyperexpressed transcripts in the bleb region compared to control conjunctiva. The hyperexpressed transcripts included epithelial cell metaplasia-related (Il1b, Krt16, Sprr1b), inflammation-related (Ccl2, Il6) and wound healing-related (Lox, Timp1) genes. We also found downregulation of a goblet cell marker gene (Gp2) in the bleb conjunctiva. MMC treatment suppressed elastin (Eln) gene expression and enhanced keratinization-related gene expression (Krt1, Lor) in the bleb region. Our results suggest the importance of epithelial wound healing after filtration surgery, and this filtration surgery model will be a useful tool for further pathophysiological analysis.
Shaking culture enhances chondrogenic differentiation of mouse induced pluripotent stem cell constructs
Authors: Limraksasin Phoonsuk , Kosaka Yukihiro , Zhang Maolin , Horie Naohiro , Kondo Takeru , Okawa Hiroko , Yamada Masahiro , Egusa Hiroshi
Published: September 2020

Mechanical loading on articular cartilage induces various mechanical stresses and strains. In vitro hydrodynamic forces such as compression, shear and tension impact various cellular properties including chondrogenic differentiation, leading us to hypothesize that shaking culture might affect the chondrogenic induction of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) constructs. Three-dimensional mouse iPSC constructs were fabricated in a day using U-bottom 96-well plates, and were subjected to preliminary chondrogenic induction for 3 days in static condition, followed by chondrogenic induction culture using a see-saw shaker for 17 days. After 21 days, chondrogenically induced iPSC (CI-iPSC) constructs contained chondrocyte-like cells with abundant ECM components. Shaking culture significantly promoted cell aggregation, and induced significantly higher expression of chondrogenic-related marker genes than static culture at day 21. Immunohistochemical analysis also revealed higher chondrogenic protein expression. Furthemore, in the shaking groups, CI-iPSCs showed upregulation of TGF-β and Wnt signaling-related genes, which are known to play an important role in regulating cartilage development. These results suggest that shaking culture activates TGF-β expression and Wnt signaling to promote chondrogenic differentiation in mouse iPSCs in vitro. Shaking culture, a simple and convenient approach, could provide a promising strategy for iPSC-based cartilage bioengineering for study of disease mechanisms and new therapies.
Glutamatergic modulation of auditory cortex connectivity with attentional brain networks in unpredictable perceptual environment
Authors: Kompus Kristiina , Volehaugen Vegard , Craven Alex , Specht Karsten
Published: September 2020

In a stable environment the brain can minimize processing required for sensory input by forming a predictive model of the surrounding world and suppressing neural response to predicted stimuli. Unpredicted stimuli lead to a prediction error signal propagation through the perceptual network, and resulting adjustment to the predictive model. The inter-regional plasticity which enables the model-building and model-adjustment is hypothesized to be mediated via glutamatergic receptors. While pharmacological challenge studies with glutamate receptor ligands have demonstrated impact on prediction-error indices, it is not clear how inter-individual differences in the glutamate system affect the prediction-error processing in non-medicated state. In the present study we examined 20 healthy young subjects with resting-state proton MRS spectroscopy to characterize glutamate + glutamine (rs-Glx) levels in their Heschl’s gyrus (HG), and related this to HG functional connectivity during a roving auditory oddball protocol. No rs-Glx effects were found within the frontotemporal prediction-error network. Larger rs-Glx signal was related to stronger connectivity between HG and bilateral inferior parietal lobule during unpredictable auditory stimulation. We also found effects of rs-Glx on the coherence of default mode network and frontoparietal network during unpredictable auditory stimulation. Our results demonstrate the importance of Glx in modulating long-range connections and wider networks in the brain during perceptual inference.
The effects of exercise treatment on learning and memory ability, and cognitive performance in diet-induced prediabetes animals
Authors: Luvuno Mluleki , Khathi Andile , Mabandla Musa V.
Published: September 2020

Changes associated with cognitive function in the high-fat high-carbohydrate diet-induced prediabetes animal model and effect of exercise remain unclear. Rats were randomly assigned to the following groups (n = 6): non-diabetic (ND), prediabetic (PD), intermittent exercising PD (PD + IE) and regular exercising PD (PD + RE). After exercise cessation, oral glucose tolerance (OGT), Novel Object Recognition Test (NORT) and Morris-Water Maze (MWM) tests were performed to assess cognitive function. After sacrifice, malonaldehyde, glutathione peroxidase, interleukin-1β and dopamine concentration in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus were measured. Impaired OGT response in PD animals was accompanied by poor performance on behavioural tasks. This was associated with increased oxidative stress markers and impaired dopamine neurotransmission as evidence by elevated dopamine concentration in the PFC and hippocampal tissue. Improved OGT response by exercise was coupled with improved performance on behavioural tasks, oxidative stress markers and increased interleukin-1β concentration. In regular exercise, this was further coupled with improved dopamine neurotransmission. Cognitive function was affected during prediabetes in animals. This was partly due to oxidative stress and impaired dopamine neurotransmission. Both intermittent and regular exercise improved cognitive function. This was partly mediated by improved glucose tolerance and oxidative stress as well as a subclinical increase in interleukin-1β concentration. In regular exercise, this was further mediated by improved dopamine neurotransmission.
Swine liquid manure: a hotspot of mobile genetic elements and antibiotic resistance genes
Authors: Yang Fengxia , Han Bingjun , Gu Yanru , Zhang Keqiang
Published: September 2020

The overuse or abuse of antibiotics as veterinary medicine and growth promoters accelerates antibiotic resistance, creating a serious threat to public health in the world. Swine liquid manure as an important reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) has received much attention, but little information is known regarding the occurrence, persistence and fate of ARGs-associated mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in swine farms, especially their change patterns and removal in full-scale piggery wastewater treatment systems (PWWTSs). In this study, we searched the presence and distribution of MGEs and associated ARGs in swine farms, and addressed their fate and seasonal variation in full-scale PWWTSs by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Our results revealed class 1 integrons, class 2 integrons and conjugative plasmids were prevalent in pig feces and piggery wastewater. A clear pattern of these MGE levels in swine liquid manure was also observed, i.e., intI1 > intI2 > traA (p < 0.01), and their absolute abundances in winter were all higher than that in summer with 0.07–2.23 logs. Notably, MGEs and ARGs prevailed through various treatment units of PWWTSs, and considerable levels of them were present in the treated effluent discharged from swine farms (up to 101–107 copies/mL for MGEs and 103–108 copies/mL for ARGs). There were significant correlations between most ARG abundance and MGE levels (p < 0.05), such as tetQ and traA (r = 0.775), sul1 and intI1 (r = 0.847), qnrS and inI2 (r = 0.859), suggesting the potential of ARGs—horizontal transfer. Thus the high prevalence and enrichment of MGEs and ARGs occurred in pig feces and piggery wastewater, also implicating that swine liquid manure could be a hotspot for horizontal transfer of ARGs.
Short-term behavioural impact contrasts with long-term fitness consequences of biologging in a long-lived seabird
Authors: Gillies Natasha , Fayet Annette L. , Padget Oliver , Syposz Martyna , Wynn Joe , Bond Sarah , Evry James , Kirk Holly , Shoji Akiko , Dean Ben , Freeman Robin , Guilford Tim
Published: September 2020

Biologging has emerged as one of the most powerful and widely used technologies in ethology and ecology, providing unprecedented insight into animal behaviour. However, attaching loggers to animals may alter their behaviour, leading to the collection of data that fails to represent natural activity accurately. This is of particular concern in free-ranging animals, where tagged individuals can rarely be monitored directly. One of the most commonly reported measures of impact is breeding success, but this ignores potential short-term alterations to individual behaviour. When collecting ecological or behavioural data, such changes can have important consequences for the inference of results. Here, we take a multifaceted approach to investigate whether tagging leads to short-term behavioural changes, and whether these are later reflected in breeding performance, in a pelagic seabird. We analyse a long-term dataset of tracking data from Manx shearwaters (Puffinus puffinus), comparing the effects of carrying no device, small geolocator (GLS) devices (0.6% body mass), large Global Positioning System (GPS) devices (4.2% body mass) and a combination of the two (4.8% body mass). Despite exhibiting normal breeding success in both the year of tagging and the following year, incubating birds carrying GPS devices altered their foraging behaviour compared to untagged birds. During their foraging trips, GPS-tagged birds doubled their time away from the nest, experienced reduced foraging gains (64% reduction in mass gained per day) and reduced flight time by 14%. These findings demonstrate that the perceived impacts of device deployment depends on the scale over which they are sought: long-term measures, such as breeding success, can obscure finer-scale behavioural change, potentially limiting the validity of using GPS to infer at-sea behaviour when answering behavioural or ecological questions.
Author Correction: Dentinogenic effects of extracted dentin matrix components digested with matrix metalloproteinases
Authors: Okamoto Motoki , Takahashi Yusuke , Komichi Shungo , Cooper Paul R. , Hayashi Mikako
Published: September 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
An NIR-activated polymeric nanoplatform with ROS- and temperature-sensitivity for combined photothermal therapy and chemotherapy of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhan Xiang , Nie Xuan , Gao Fan , Zhang Cong , You Ye-Zi , Yu Yue
Published: September 2020

A functional nanoplatform with ROS- and temperature-sensitivity was reported to achieve combined cancer treatment under NIR stimulation.
Cut and sew: benzofuran-ring-opening enabled cyclopentenone ring formation
Authors: Wang Kai , Jiang Chenghao , Zhang Zhenming , Han Chunyu , Wang Xuewei , Li Yaping , Chen Kaiting , Zhao Junfeng
Published: September 2020

A broad range of fully substituted cyclopentenones are constructed efficiently via an acid catalyzed cascade reaction involving an unprecedented benzofuran-ring-opening.
Net negative contributions of free electrons to the thermal conductivity of NbSe3 nanowires
Authors: Pan Zhiliang , Yang Lin , Tao Yi , Zhu Yanglin , Xu Ya-Qiong , Mao Zhiqiang , Li Deyu
Published: September 2020

More free electrons from depinning the charge density wave in NbSe3 nanowires lead to an unexpected reduction of thermal conductivity.
Solar passive distiller with high productivity and Marangoni effect-driven salt rejection
Authors: Morciano Matteo , Fasano Matteo , Boriskina Svetlana V. , Chiavazzo Eliodoro , Asinari Pietro
Published: September 2020

The Marangoni effect (associated to salt concentration gradient) is found having an important role to enhance the salt rejection process in passive desalination technologies.
Prospects of lead-free perovskite-inspired materials for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Glück Nadja , Bein Thomas
Published: September 2020

This review provides the reported key strategies to replace lead in solution-processed photovoltaic systems, achieving perovskite-related metal-halide structures.
An efficient synthesis of chloro-aminocyclooctanediol and aminocyclooctanetriol: an unexpected acetolysis product
Authors: Karavaizoglu Ufuk Nusret , Salamci Emine
Published: September 2020

A concise and efficient synthesis of 2-amino-4-chlorocyclooctanediol, aminocyclooctanetriols and unusual 1,3-hydride shift during the ring opening reaction of epoxide is described.
Photochemical study of the highly used corticosteroids dexamethasone and prednisone. Effects of micellar confinement and cytotoxicity analysis of photoproducts
Authors: Cacciari R. Daniel , Reynoso Eugenia , Candela Florencia Menis , Sabini Carola , Montejano Hernán A. , Biasutti M. Alicia
Published: September 2020

Photodegradation of dexamethasone (Dexa) and prednisone (Pred) occurs by a combination of ROS attack and unimolecular photodegradation reactions. The photoproducts obtained are more cytotoxic than the parent compounds.
Recent advancements in the production of rhamnolipid biosurfactants byPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Eslami Parisa , Hajfarajollah Hamidreza , Bazsefidpar Shayesteh
Published: September 2020

Rhamnolipid (RL) biosurfactant which is produced byPseudomonasspecies is one of the most effective surface-active agents investigated in the literature.
A facile and scalable approach to develop electrochemical unzipping of multi-walled carbon nanotubes to graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Ko Dongjin , Choi Juhyung , Yan Bingyi , Hwang Taejin , Jin Xuanzhen , Kim Jong Min , Piao Yuanzhe
Published: September 2020

Unzipping of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is a promising strategy for scalable preparation of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs).
Electrocatalysis of sulfur and polysulfides in Li–S batteries
Authors: Deng Chao , Wang Zhuowen , Feng Luluan , Wang Shengping , Yu Jingxian
Published: September 2020

Electrocatalysis of polysulfides turns soluble species to surface absorbed ones, and promotes interfacial electron transfer processes. Recent advances in this field are reviewed, together with future strategies proposed for improving Li–S batteries.
Effects of dynamic covalent bond multiplicity on the performance of vitrimeric elastomers
Authors: Yu Shuangjian , Zhang Ganggang , Wu Siwu , Tang Zhenghai , Guo Baochun , Zhang Liqun
Published: September 2020

The synergistic effect of dynamic covalent bond (DCB) multiplicity on the dynamic performance of vitrimeric elastomers is disclosed.
Exploring the oxygen electrode bi-functional activity of Ni–N–C-doped graphene systems with N, C co-ordination and OH ligand effects
Authors: Liang Zhao , Luo Mingming , Chen Mingwei , Qi Xiaopeng , Liu Juan , Liu Chao , Peera Shaik Gouse , Liang Tongxiang
Published: September 2020

Development of efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for reversible oxygen reduction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of prime importance in rechargeable metal–air batteries.
Enhanced redox kinetics of polysulfides by nano-rod FeOOH for ultrastable lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Li Juan , Xu Youlong , Zhang Yuan , He Cheng , Li Tongtong
Published: September 2020

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) have been exploited as advanced energy storage systems owing to their high theoretical specific capacity.