bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of dietary patterns with the newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus and central obesity: a community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Yin Xueyao , Chen Yixin , Lu Weina , Jin Ting , LI Lin
Published: June 2020

Aim

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of dietary patterns with the risk of insulin resistance (IR), diabetes mellitus (DM), and central obesity in China.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study on 1432 participants, aged 40–65 years in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China. Dietary intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire.

Results

Factor analysis extracted four major dietary patterns: vegetable-fruits, rice–meat, seafood–eggs, and sweet–fast. The vegetable-fruits pattern was inversely associated with HOMA-IR (p < 0.001 in both genders), while sweet–fast food pattern was significantly associated with higher HOMA-IR (p = 0.002 in male, and p < 0.001 in female). The vegetables–fruits pattern was inversely correlated with visceral fat area (VFA) (p = 0.029 in males, and p = 0.017 in females), while sweet–fast food pattern presented a significant direct association (p < 0.001 in male) with VFA in males. There was no association observed between the rice–meat pattern or the seafood–eggs pattern and HOMA-IR or VFA. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, participants in the highest tertile of vegetable-fruits pattern showed a significantly lower risk of DM in both males and females (OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.13–0.70 in male, and OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.11–0.72 in female), and lower risk of central obesity was observed in males (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.29–0.86 in male). Conversely, participants in the highest tertile of sweet–fast food pattern had higher risk of DM (OR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.23–5.88 in male), and central obesity (OR: 2.85, 95% CI: 1.67–4.86 in male) only in male. While neither the rice–meat pattern nor the seafood–eggs pattern showed significant association with DM or central obesity in both genders.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated low risk of IR, DM, and central obesity with vegetable-fruits pattern while inverse relation with sweet–fast food pattern.
BRD4 promotes metastatic potential in oral squamous cell carcinoma through the epigenetic regulation of the MMP2 gene
Authors: Yamamoto Tatsuro , Hirosue Akiyuki , Nakamoto Masafumi , Yoshida Ryoji , Sakata Junki , Matsuoka Yuichiro , Kawahara Kenta , Nagao Yuka , Nagata Masashi , Takahashi Nozomu , Hiraki Akimitsu , Shinohara Masanori , Nakao Mitsuyoshi , Saitoh Noriko , Nakayama Hideki
Published: June 2020

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has increased morbidity, and its high metastatic potential affects patient survival. Bromodomain containing 4 (BRD4) is a chromatin protein that associates with acetylated histone lysines and facilitates transcription. BRD4 has been implicated in cell proliferation, metastasis, and prognosis in several types of cancer. However, the role of BRD4 in OSCC remains to be elucidated.

Methods

We investigated the role of BRD4 and its potential utility as a therapeutic target in OSCC.

Results

JQ1, the BRD4 inhibitor, suppressed the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in the OSCC cell lines and in vivo. JQ1 reduced the expression levels of 15 metastasis genes in OSCC, including matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2). Our chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that JQ1 reduced the BRD4 binding to the histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation-enriched sites in the MMP2 locus. Analyses of biopsy specimens from OSCC patients revealed that the BRD4 and MMP2 expression levels were correlated in the cancerous regions, and both were highly expressed in lymph node metastasis cases, including delayed metastasis.

Conclusions

BRD4 contributes to metastasis in OSCC, through the epigenetic regulation of the MMP2 gene, and thus BRD4 may represent a therapeutic target and a novel prediction indicator for metastasis.
MicroRNA-674-5p induced by HIF-1α targets XBP-1 in intestinal epithelial cell injury during endotoxemia
Authors: Liu Zhihao , Jiang Jie , Dai Weigang , Wei Hongyan , Zhang Xiaofei , Yang Zhen , Xiong Yan
Published: June 2020

Intestinal mucosal integrity dysfunction during endotoxemia can contribute to translocation of intestinal bacteria and a persistent systemic inflammatory response, which both fuel the pathophysiological development of sepsis or endotoxemia. The pathogenesis of intestinal damage induced by endotoxemia remains poorly understood. Here, we identified the microRNA (miR)-674-5p/X-box binding protein 1 (XBP-1) axis as a critical regulator and therapeutic target in preventing intestinal crypt cell proliferation during endotoxemia. MiR-674-5p was markedly increased in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) during endotoxemia and its induction depended on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Intriguingly, gene expression microanalysis revealed that expression of XBP-1 was down-regulated in IECs with over-expression of miR-674-5p. miR-674-5p was found to directly target XBP-1 protein expression. Upon in vitro, anti-miR-674-5p enhanced sXBP-1 expression and facilitated intestinal crypt cell proliferation. Blockade of miR-674-5p promoted XBP-1 activity, attenuated intestinal inflammation, and expedited intestinal regeneration, resulting in protection against endotoxemia-induced intestinal injury in mice. More importantly, the survival in endotoxemia mice was significantly improved by inhibiting intestinal miR-674-5p. Collectively, these data indicate that control of a novel miR-674-5p/XBP-1 signaling axis may mitigate endotoxemia -induced intestinal injury.
Vascularized silk electrospun fiber for promoting oral mucosa regeneration
Authors: Qian Chunyu , Xin Tianwen , Xiao Wanshu , Zhu Huajun , Zhang Qiang , Liu Lili , Cheng Ruoyu , Wang Zhen , Cui Wenguo , Ge Zili
Published: June 2020

Electrospun fiber membranes have been extensively researched for tissue repair; however, fiber angiogenesis has been a difficult problem because the biomaterials used to prepare the fiber cannot promote angiogenesis by themselves. To endow the fiber with the function of promoting angiogenesis and oral mucosa regeneration, surface-aminated liposomes (NH2-LIPs) encapsulating leptin, as well as silk fiber (SF) membranes that have been immersed overnight in polydopamine (PDA) solution were synthesized. The NH2-LIPs were then grafted onto the surfaces of SF through reactions between the catechol groups of PDA and the amino groups of NH2-LIPs to induce angiogenesis on the fiber surface and thus promote oral mucosa regeneration. The PDA-modified and NH2-LIP-modified SF retained the original fibrous morphology but increased the SF tensile strength from 1.95 MPa to 2.87 MPa. PDA changed the hydrophilicity of the fibers and improved the adhesion of fibroblasts on the fibrous membranes. Leptin loaded onto SF via PDA had no significant effect on cell proliferation and formed 162.7-node tubes in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) within 10 h, which demonstrated that leptin loaded onto SF can promote angiogenesis. Wound closure of mucosa covered in leptin-loaded fibrous membranes reached 99% at 14 days postsurgery. Histologic analysis showed that leptin-loaded SFs exhibited clear stratification of new mucosa, as well as a strong CD34 signal that indicated the presence of new blood vessels and confirmed the successful loading of leptin on the fiber. Therefore, this work successfully showed that NH2-LIPs grafted onto the surface of SFs via PDA endow the fibers with angiogenic abilities and promote oral mucosa regeneration.
Author Correction: Gene clustering and copy number variation in alkaloid metabolic pathways of opium poppy
Authors: Li Qiushi , Ramasamy Sukanya , Singh Pooja , Hagel Jillian M. , Dunemann Sonja M. , Chen Xue , Chen Rongji , Yu Lisa , Tucker Joseph E. , Facchini Peter J. , Yeaman Sam
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Pericyte FAK negatively regulates Gas6/Axl signalling to suppress tumour angiogenesis and tumour growth
Authors: Lechertier Tanguy , Reynolds Louise E. , Kim Hyojin , Pedrosa Ana Rita , Gómez-Escudero Jesús , Muñoz-Félix José M. , Batista Silvia , Dukinfield Matthew , Demircioglu Fevzi , Wong Ping Pui , Matchett Kylie P. , Henderson Neil C. , D’Amico Gabriela , Parsons Maddy , Harwood Catherine , Meier Pascal , Hodivala-Dilke Kairbaan M.
Published: June 2020

The overexpression of the protein tyrosine kinase, Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), in endothelial cells has implicated its requirement in angiogenesis and tumour growth, but how pericyte FAK regulates tumour angiogenesis is unknown. We show that pericyte FAK regulates tumour growth and angiogenesis in multiple mouse models of melanoma, lung carcinoma and pancreatic B-cell insulinoma and provide evidence that loss of pericyte FAK enhances Gas6-stimulated phosphorylation of the receptor tyrosine kinase, Axl with an upregulation of Cyr61, driving enhanced tumour growth. We further show that pericyte derived Cyr61 instructs tumour cells to elevate expression of the proangiogenic/protumourigenic transmembrane receptor Tissue Factor. Finally, in human melanoma we show that when 50% or more tumour blood vessels are pericyte-FAK negative, melanoma patients are stratified into those with increased tumour size, enhanced blood vessel density and metastasis. Overall our data uncover a previously unknown mechanism of tumour growth by pericytes that is controlled by pericyte FAK.
Highly efficient phosphor-glass composites by pressureless sintering
Authors: Zhang Dao , Xiao Wenge , Liu Chang , Liu Xiaofeng , Ren Jinjun , Xu Beibei , Qiu Jianrong
Published: June 2020

The development of high-power white light-emitting diodes demands highly efficient and stable all-inorganic color converters. In this respect, phosphor-glass/ceramic composites show great promise as they could combine the merits of high quantum efficiency of phosphors and high chemical and thermal stabilities of glass/ceramic matrices. However, strong interfacial reaction between phosphors and matrices at high temperature results in quantum efficiency loss of the embedded phosphors, and traditional solutions rely on high-pressure consolidation techniques. Here we report the intrinsic inhibition of interfacial reaction by using silica glass rather than multicomponent glasses as the matrix. The embedment of phosphors is achieved via a pressureless sintering method, rendering these color-tunable phosphor-glass composites not only accessible to three-dimensional printing technique, but also highly efficient (internal quantum efficiency >90.0%), thermally stable at 1200 °C and hydrothermally stable at 200 °C. Our results provide a facile and general strategy for developing all-inorganic functional composites.
Mechanisms of offline motor learning at a microscale of seconds in large-scale crowdsourced data
Authors: Bönstrup Marlene , Iturrate Iñaki , Hebart Martin N. , Censor Nitzan , Cohen Leonardo G.
Published: June 2020

Performance improvements during early human motor skill learning are suggested to be driven by short periods of rest during practice, at the scale of seconds. To reveal the unknown mechanisms behind these “micro-offline” gains, we leveraged the sampling power offered by online crowdsourcing (cumulative N over all experiments = 951). First, we replicated the original in-lab findings, demonstrating generalizability to subjects learning the task in their daily living environment (N = 389). Second, we show that offline improvements during rest are equivalent when significantly shortening practice period duration, thus confirming that they are not a result of recovery from performance fatigue (N = 118). Third, retroactive interference immediately after each practice period reduced the learning rate relative to interference after passage of time (N = 373), indicating stabilization of the motor memory at a microscale of several seconds. Finally, we show that random termination of practice periods did not impact offline gains, ruling out a contribution of predictive motor slowing (N = 71). Altogether, these results demonstrate that micro-offline gains indicate rapid, within-seconds consolidation accounting for early skill learning.
Hybrid Quantum Protocols for Secure Multiparty Summation and Multiplication
Authors: Sutradhar Kartick , Om Hari
Published: June 2020

The summation and multiplication are two basic operations for secure multiparty quantum computation. The existing secure multiparty quantum summation and multiplication protocols have (n, n) threshold approach and their computation type is bit-by-bit, where n is total number of players. In this paper, we propose two hybrid (t, n) threshold quantum protocols for secure multiparty summation and multiplication based on the Shamir’s secret sharing, SUM gate, quantum fourier transform, and generalized Pauli operator, where t is a threshold number of players that can perform the summation and multiplication. Their computation type is secret-by-secret with modulo d, where d, n ≤ d ≤ 2n, is a prime. The proposed protocols can resist the intercept-resend, entangle-measure, collusion, collective, and coherent quantum attacks. They have better computation as well as communication costs and no player can get other player’s private input.
Neural oscillations and event-related potentials reveal how semantic congruence drives long-term memory in both young and older humans
Authors: Packard Pau A. , Steiger Tineke K. , Fuentemilla Lluís , Bunzeck Nico
Published: June 2020

Long-term memory can improve when incoming information is congruent with known semantic information. This so-called congruence effect has widely been shown in younger adults, but age-related changes and neural mechanisms remain unclear. Here, congruence improved recognition memory in younger and older adults (i.e. congruence effect), with only weak evidence for age-related decline in one behavioral study. In an EEG study, however, no significant behavioral differences in the congruence effect could be observed between age-groups. In line with this observation, electroencephalography data show that, in both groups, congruence led to widespread differences in Event-Related Potentials (ERPs), starting at around 400 ms after stimulus onset, and theta, alpha and beta oscillations (4–20 Hz). Importantly, these congruence-related ERPs were associated to increases in memory performance for congruent items, in both age groups. Finally, the described ERPs and neural oscillations in the theta-alpha range (5–13 Hz) were less pronounced in the elderly despite a preserved congruence effect. Together, semantic congruence increases long-term memory across the lifespan, and, at the neural level, this could be linked to neural oscillations in the theta, alpha and beta range, as well as ERPs that were previously associated with semantic processing.
Identification of two aptamers binding to Legionella pneumophila with high affinity and specificity
Authors: Saad Mariam , Chinerman Deanna , Tabrizian Maryam , Faucher Sebastien P.
Published: June 2020

Legionella pneumophila (Lp) is a water borne bacterium causing Legionnaires’ Disease (LD) in humans. Rapid detection of Lp in water system is essential to reduce the risk of LD outbreaks. The methods currently available require expert skills and are time intensive, thus delaying intervention. In situ detection of Lp by biosensor would allow rapid implementation of control strategies. To this end, a biorecognition element is required. Aptamers are considered promising biorecognition molecules for biosensing. Aptamers are short oligonucleotide sequence folding into a specific structure and are able to bind to specific molecules. Currently, no aptamer and thus no aptamer-based technology exists for the detection of Lp. In this study, Systemic Evolution of Ligands through EXponential enrichment (SELEX) was used to identify aptamers binding specifically to Lp. Ten rounds of positive selection and two rounds of counter-selection against two Pseudomonas species were performed. Two aptamers binding strongly to Lp were identified with KD of 116 and 135 nM. Binding specificity of these two aptamers to Lp was confirmed by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Therefore, these two aptamers are promising biorecognition molecules for the detection of Lp in water systems.
Water is a biomarker of changes in the cellular environment in live animals
Authors: Siwach Pratibha , Levy Evgeniya , Livshits Leonid , Feldman Yuri , Kaganovich Daniel
Published: June 2020

The biological processes that are associated with the physiological fitness state of a cell comprise a diverse set of molecular events. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, telomere shortening, genomic instability, epigenetic changes, protein aggregation, and down-regulation of quality control mechanisms are all hallmarks of cellular decline. Stress-related and decline-related changes can be assayed, but usually through means that are highly disruptive to living cells and tissues. Biomarkers for organismal decline and aging are urgently needed for diagnostic and drug development. Our goal in this study is to provide a proof-of-concept for a non-invasive assay of global molecular events in the cytoplasm of living animals. We show that Microwave Dielectric Spectroscopy (MDS) can be used to determine the hydration state of the intracellular environment in live C. elegans worms. MDS spectra were correlative with altered states in the cellular protein folding environment known to be associated with previously described mutations in the C. elegans lifespan and stress-response pathways.
Plastome Structural Conservation and Evolution in the Clusioid Clade of Malpighiales
Authors: Jin Dong-Min , Jin Jian-Jun , Yi Ting-Shuang
Published: June 2020

The clusioid clade of Malpighiales is comprised of five families: Bonnetiaceae, Calophyllaceae, Clusiaceae, Hypericaceae and Podostemaceae. Recent studies have found the plastome structure of Garcinia mangostana L. from Clusiaceae was conserved, while plastomes of five riverweed species from Podostemaceae showed significant structural variations. The diversification pattern of plastome structure of the clusioid clade worth a thorough investigation. Here we determined five complete plastomes representing four families of the clusioid clade. Our results found that the plastomes of the early diverged three families (Clusiaceae, Bonnetiaceae and Calophyllaceae) in the clusioid clade are relatively conserved, while the plastomes of the other two families show significant variations. The Inverted Repeat (IR) regions of Tristicha trifaria and Marathrum foeniculaceum (Podostemaceae) are greatly reduced following the loss of the ycf1 and ycf2 genes. An inversion over 50 kb spanning from trnK-UUU to rbcL in the LSC region is shared by Cratoxylum cochinchinense (Hypericaceae), T. trifaria and Ma. foeniculaceum (Podostemaceae). The large inversed colinear block in Hypericaceae and Podostemaceae contains all the genes in the 50-kb inversed colinear block in a clade of Papilionoideae, with two extra genes (trnK-UUU and matK) at one end. Another endpoint of both inversions in the two clusioids families and Papilionoideae is located between rbcL and accD. This study greatly helped to clarify the plastome evolution in the clusioid clade.
Spontaneous MEG activity of the cerebral cortex during eyes closed and open discriminates Alzheimer’s disease from cognitively normal older adults
Authors: Ikeda Yoshihisa , Kikuchi Mitsuru , Noguchi-Shinohara Moeko , Iwasa Kazuo , Kameya Masafumi , Hirosawa Tetsu , Yoshita Mitsuhiro , Ono Kenjiro , Samuraki-Yokohama Miharu , Yamada Masahito
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to examine whether magnetoencephalography (MEG) is useful to detect early stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We analyzed MEG data from the early stage AD group (n = 20; 6 with mild cognitive impairment due to AD and 14 with AD dementia) and cognitively normal control group (NC, n = 27). MEG was recorded during resting eyes closed (EC) and eyes open (EO), and the following 6 values for each of 5 bands (θ1: 4-6, θ2: 6-8, α1: 8-10, α2: 10-13, β: 13-20 Hz) in the cerebral 68 regions were compared between the groups: (1) absolute power during EC and (2) EO, (3) whole cerebral normalization (WCN) power during EC and (4) EO, (5) difference of the absolute powers between the EC and EO conditions (the EC-EO difference), and (6) WCN value of the EC-EO difference. We found significant differences between the groups in the WCN powers during the EO condition, and the EC-EO differences. Using a Support Vector Machine classifier, a discrimination accuracy of 83% was obtained and an AUC in an ROC analysis was 0.91. This study demonstrates that MEG during resting EC and EO is useful in discriminating between early stage AD and NC.
A New Representative Sampling Method for Series Size Rock Joint Surfaces
Authors: Huang Man , Hong Chenjie , Ma Chengrong , Luo Zhanyou , Du Shigui , Yang Fei
Published: June 2020

The greatest variability in both shear strength and roughness exists for joint samples with smaller size, which underscores the necessity of performing representative sampling. This study aims to provide a representative sampling method for series size joint surfaces. The progressive coverage statistical method is introduced to provide the sufficient sample capacity for series sampling sizes by setting different propulsion spaces. The statistical law of the joint surface morphology at different sampling sizes is measured by the 3D roughness parameter with $${{\theta }}_{\max }^{\ast }/({C}+1)$$θmax⁎/(C+1). Through an application in nine natural large-scale rock joints, nine consecutive sampling sizes from 100 mm × 100 mm to 900 mm × 900 mm are selected and 121 samples are successfully acquired from each sampling size. According to the frequency distribution of roughness statistics, a new sampling method combining the layering principle and K-medoids clustering algorithm is proposed to screen representative joint samples for each sampling size. The sampling results that meet the test accuracy requirements suggest the possibility of realizing an intelligent sampling method. In addition, the representative of the interlayer cluster center is validated. Finally, the comparison results with the traditional stratified sampling method prove that the proposed method has better stability.
Sleep disturbance-related depressive symptom and brain volume reduction in shift-working nurses
Authors: Park Chang-hyun , Bang Mirim , Ahn Kook Jin , Kim Woo Jung , Shin Na-Young
Published: June 2020

Disturbed sleep is the most common effect of shift work. A large corpus of research indicates an association between sleep disturbance and depressive symptom in shift workers. In this study, we proposed the mediating role of grey matter (GM) structure in the relationship between sleep disturbance and depressive symptom. We collected structural MRI (sMRI) data as well as assessing the level of sleep disturbance and depressive symptom with the Pittsburgh Sleep disturbance Index and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, respectively, in 20 shift-working nurses and 19 day-working nurses. The shift-working nurses reported greater severity of sleep disturbance and depressive symptom, and furthermore, they exhibited reduced GM volume in the left postcentral gyrus (PostCG), right PostCG, right paracentral lobule, and left superior temporal gyrus (STG), compared to the day-working nurses. For each of the four brain regions, we formulated a mediation hypothesis by developing a mediation model that represents a causal chain between GM volume, sleep disturbance, and depressive symptom. Tests of the hypothesis on the mediation of GM volume revealed that inter-individual variations in left PostCG volume and left STG volume accounted for the influence of sleep disturbance on depressive symptom. These results suggest that structural alterations in PostCG and STG play an intervening role in the development of depressive symptom following sleep disturbance. We propose the need of considering neuroanatomical abnormalities in explaining and understanding symptomatic changes induced by sleep disturbance.
Numerical Study of Bacteria Containing Droplets Aerosolized From Hot Surfaces
Authors: Mirskaya Ekaterina , Maksimenko Vladimir , Zagaynov Valery , Agranovski Igor
Published: June 2020

The process of water droplet interaction with hot surface can result in droplet shooting off the surface. When the water is contaminated with bacteria the interaction causes substantial ambient air contamination due to aerosolization of live or injured microorganisms. This study investigates the behaviour of water droplets interacting with heated surfaces in the film boiling regime. A suggested mathematical model considers droplet shooting off conditions and following airborne droplet evolution due to cooling. The critical size of the droplet capable of taking off was modelled as a function of the wall temperature and droplet size. Following the departure from the hot surface, droplet cooling time mainly depends on the initial droplet radius while the influence of the ambient temperature is marginal. The experimental part of the study was focused on (1) investigation of the size of droplets capable of departing from the hot surface, and (2) evaluation of the influence of cooling time on the survivability of two common environmental bacterial species, Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis. Droplets with the sizes of up to one millimetre shooting off the hot surfaces were detected, which correlates with the theoretical results. It was found that, under realistic physical conditions, the process of liquid interaction with hot surface does not ensure an efficient microbial inactivation. It was also shown that the shortest cooling time was associated with higher survival rates of both bacterial strains used in this study. However, even for the longest cooling time of 15 seconds the amount of live bacteria in the aerosolized droplet carrier can be substantially high with recovery rates of approximately 50% for B. subtilis.
Potential Impacts of Climate and Land Use Change on the Water Quality of Ganga River around the Industrialized Kanpur Region
Authors: Santy Sneha , Mujumdar Pradeep , Bala Govindasamy
Published: June 2020

The heavily industrialised Kanpur region is the most polluted stretch of the Ganga river because of excessive pollutant discharge from the industries. Agricultural runoff along with climate change further adds to the pollution risk in this industrialised stretch of Ganga. In this paper, we analyse the potential impacts of climate change and land use change on the water quality in this stretch under hypothetical scenarios using the water quality model, QUAL2K. Water quality indicators of Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand, ammonia, nitrate, total nitrogen, organic-, inorganic- and total phosphorous and faecal coliform are assessed for eight climate change and six land use land cover scenarios. Eutrophic conditions are observed in this stretch of the river for all scenarios, implying severe impacts on aquatic life. DO is identified as the most sensitive indicator to the climate change scenarios considered, while nutrients and faecal coliform are more sensitive to the land use scenarios. Increase in agricultural land area leads to larger nutrient concentration while increase in built-up area causes an increase in faecal coliform concentration. Results from this hypothetical study could provide valuable guidance for improving the water quality of the Ganges in future climate change and land use change scenarios.
Retraction Note: Insomnia, sleepiness, anxiety and depression among different types of gamers in African countries
Authors: Sosso F. A. Etindele , Kuss D. J. , Vandelanotte C. , Jasso-Medrano J. L. , Husain M. E. , Curcio G. , Papadopoulos D. , Aseem A. , Bhati P. , Lopez-Rosales F. , Becerra J. Ramon , D’Aurizio G. , Mansouri H. , Khoury T. , Campbell M. , Toth A. J.
Published: June 2020

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-66798-w.
MOF-derived hierarchical 3D bi-doped CoP nanoflower eletrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction in both acidic and alkaline media
Authors: Guo Lei , Bai Xue , Xue Hui , Sun Jing , Song Tianshan , Zhang Shuai , Qin Ling , Huang Keke , He Feng , Wang Qin
Published: June 2020

A 3D hierarchical Bi-doped CoP nanoflowers electrocatalyst is developed based on a MOF self-sacrifice strategy. The 3% Bi/CoP catalyst delivers a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at low overpotentials of 122 mV in alkaline electrolyte and 150 mV in acidic electrolyte.
An enzyme-free amplification strategy based on two-photon fluorescent carbon dots for monitoring miR-9 in live neurons and brain tissues of Alzheimer's disease mice
Authors: Wu Wenxiao , Zheng Tingting , Tian Yang
Published: June 2020

An enzyme-free amplification strategy for monitoring alterations of miR-9 inside neurons of different stages of Alzheimer's disease mice.
One-pot mechanochemical ball milling synthesis of the MnOx nanostructures as efficient catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation reactions
Authors: Ochirkhuyag Altantuya , Sápi András , Szamosvölgyi Ákos , Kozma Gábor , Kukovecz Ákos , Kónya Zoltán
Published: June 2020

Here, we report on a one-pot mechanochemical ball milling synthesis of manganese oxide nanostructures synthesized at different milling speeds for efficient carbon dioxide reduction catalyst.
Annealing effect for self-assembled monolayers formed from terphenylethanethiol on Au(111)
Authors: Azzam Waleed , Al-Rashdi Awad , Subaihi Abdu , Rohwerder Michael , Zharnikov Michael , Bashir Asif
Published: June 2020

Formation of several different structural phases and desorption took place from a standing-up phase at an annealing temperature of 473 K.
An unprecedented polyhydroxycarboxylic acid ligand bridged multi-EuIII incorporated tellurotungstate and its luminescence properties
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wang Dan , Zeng Baoxing , Chen Lijuan , Zhao Junwei , Yang Guo-Yu
Published: June 2020

The first gluconic acid implanted europium tellurotungstate 1 was prepared, which can serve as a “turn-off” luminescence sensor to detect Cu2+ and then as an “off–on” sensor to detect cysteine in an aqueous system.
Experimental and quantum chemical study оn the DNA/protein binding and the biological activity of a rhodium(iii) complex with 1,2,4-triazole as an inert ligand
Authors: Petrović Angelina , Živanović Marko , Puchta Ralph , Ćoćić Dušan , Scheurer Andreas , Milivojevic Nevena , Bogojeski Jovana
Published: June 2020

A rhodium(iii) complex with 1,2,4-triazole and a pincer type nitrogen-donor ligand was synthesized, and its interaction with biomolecules was examined.
Systematic analysis of the interactions driving small molecule–RNA recognition
Authors: Padroni G. , Patwardhan N. N. , Schapira M. , Hargrove A. E.
Published: June 2020

This study underscores privileged interactions for RNA binding small molecules, an emerging focus in drug discovery.
Magnetic and thermal studies of a coordination polymer: bis(glycolato)nickel(ii)
Authors: Nakane Tomohiro , Aoyagi Shinobu , Fujita Wataru
Published: June 2020

The two-dimensional quadratic lattice magnet, bis(glycolato)cobalt(ii) ([Ni(HOCH2CO2)2]), showed antiferromagnetic ordering at 27.1 K.
A comprehensive study on the impact of chemical structures of ionic liquids on the solubility of ethane
Authors: Kurnia Kiki Adi , Matheswaran Pranesh , How Choo Jia , Noh Mohd. Hilmi , Kusumawati Yuly
Published: June 2020

The solubility of ethane is not only governed by the electrostatic–misfit of the solute toward ionic liquids, but also the existence of a preferential site for ethane to interact with the ionic liquid's non-polar moiety.
Encapsulation of Fe nanoparticles into an N-doped carbon nanotube/nanosheet integrated hierarchical architecture as an efficient and ultrastable electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Li Xiaoge , Ni Lu , Zhou Jinhua , Xu Lin , Lu Chunliang , Yang Gaixiu , Ding Weiping , Hou Wenhua
Published: June 2020

A one-step strategy for the construction of a nanotube/nanosheet integrated hierarchical architecture (Fe–N–C), as an efficient ORR electrocatalyst and MFC electrode material.
Three-dimensional Pd–Ag–S porous nanosponges for electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction to ammonia
Authors: Wang Hongjing , Liu Songliang , Zhang Hugang , Yin Shuli , Xu You , Li Xiaonian , Wang Ziqiang , Wang Liang
Published: June 2020

Three-dimensional Pd–Ag–S PNSs have been synthesized for the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction with superior electrocatalytic performance.
The critical size of gold nanoparticles for overcoming P-gp mediated multidrug resistance
Authors: Jiang Yuqian , Wang Zheng , Duan Wei , Liu Lingyan , Si Mahan , Chen Xiaoyuan , Fang Chen-Jie
Published: June 2020

The critical size of Au nanoparticles for overcoming multi-drug resistance was identified to be between 4.1 nm and 5.4 nm.
Synthesis of cyclic poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) with a degradable disulfide bond
Authors: Ali Muhammad Waqas , Muhammad Zahir , Jia Qun , Li Lianwei , Saleem Muhammad , Siddiq Muhammad , Chen Yougen
Published: June 2020

Cyclic poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) with a degradable disulfide bond was first synthesized by combining cationic ring opening polymerization and reversible thiol/disulfide exchange chemistry at a high concentration of the polymer solution.
Difference in the interaction of nano-diameter rod and tubular particles with a disclination line in a nematic liquid crystal
Authors: Murali Meenu , Agha Hakam , Mrzel Aleš , Scalia Giusy
Published: June 2020

The liquid crystal forces generated by nanowires and nanotubes are different due to their heterotopicity for the liquid crystal director.
Electrochemical studies of prothioconazole as a novel corrosion inhibitor for copper in acidic solutions
Authors: Tao Zhihua , Li Yuanxun , Peng Yi Xiao , Su Hua , Han Likun , Liu Guanting
Published: June 2020

Prothioconazole is a fungicide that has a wide number of applications in agriculture, and it can ensure the safety of crops, users, and the environment.
Effect of NaCl concentration on stability of a polymer–Ag nanocomposite based Pickering emulsion: validation via rheological analysis with varying temperature
Authors: Narukulla Ramesh , Ojha Umaprasana , Sharma Tushar
Published: June 2020

Schematic for the impact of NaCl on droplet stabilization in Pickering emulsions.
Dielectric control of porous polydimethylsiloxane elastomers with Au nanoparticles for enhancing the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators
Authors: Biutty Merreta Noorenza , Koo Ja Min , Zakia Maulida , Handayani Puji Lestari , Choi U Hyeok , Yoo Seong Il
Published: June 2020

Polydopamine was utilized an adhesive interface for the uniform coating of Au nanoparticles in the pores of polydimethylsiloxane to enhance the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators.
Electron beam irradiation influencing the mechanical properties and water absorption of polycaprolactam (PA6) and polyhexamethylene adipamide (PA66)
Authors: Wang Juan , Qiu Jianping , Xu Siyi , Li Jianxi , Shen Liguo
Published: June 2020

It is known that polycaprolactam (PA6) and polyhexamethylene adipamide (PA66) are widely used industrial materials including in the irradiation industry.
Ethanol vs. water: influence of the terminal functional group of the alkyl chain and environment of the self-assembly process on electron transport through the thiol layer
Authors: Kowalczyk Agata , Yu Cong
Published: June 2020

The organization of the thiol chains on the surface strongly depends on the intermolecular interactions between the terminal groups in the chain and the solution environment.
Synthesis of cycloiptycenes from carbon nanobelts
Authors: Shudo Hiroki , Kuwayama Motonobu , Segawa Yasutomo , Itami Kenichiro
Published: June 2020

The synthesis of each of the cycloiptycene derivatives was achieved in one step from the (6,6)carbon nanobelt.
Adsorption inhibition by swollen micelles may cause multistability in active droplets
Authors: Morozov Matvey
Published: June 2020

Dissolving microdroplets that feature nonlinear surfactant adsorption and reaction kinetics may spontaneously excite two qualitatively different types of flow.
Electricity generation by sliding an ionic solution droplet on a self-assembled reduced graphene oxide film
Authors: Wang Kaiqiang , Liu Yanfei , Li Jinjin , Li Jianfeng
Published: June 2020

A voltage at the millivolt level could be generated by moving ionic droplets on a partially reduced, smooth graphene oxide film.
A large areal capacitance structural supercapacitor with a 3D rGO@MnO2 foam electrode and polyacrylic acid–Portland cement–KOH electrolyte
Authors: Fang Cuiqin , Zhang Dong
Published: June 2020

The fabrication process of an asymmetric structural supercapacitor (SSC) with structural electrodes and structural electrolytes.
Double doping approach for unusually stable and large n-type thermoelectric voltage from p-type multi-walled carbon nanotube mats
Authors: Hu Qiujun , Lu Zhongxu , Wang Yizhuo , Wang Jing , Wang Hong , Wu Ziping , Lu Guanghao , Zhang Hao-Li , Yu Choongho
Published: June 2020

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have shown low n-type Seebeck coefficients (−10 μV K−1), which are not good enough to prepare high performance low-cost MWCNT based mechanically flexible thermoelectric devices.
Colorimetric detection of urine glucose using a C/CdTe QDs–GOx aerogel based on a microfluidic assay sensor
Authors: Hu Tao , Xu Kangkai , Qiu Shanhu , Han Yu , Chen Juan , Xu Jian , Chen Ke , Sun Zilin , Yi Hong , Ni Zhonghua
Published: June 2020

A sensitive fluorescent microfluidic sensor based on carbon quantum dots (CQDs), cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe QDs) aerogel and glucose oxidase (GOx) for urinal glucose detection was fabricatedviaa simple method.
A versatile luminescent resonance energy transfer (LRET)-based ratiometric upconversion nanoprobe for intracellular miRNA biosensing
Authors: Gong Liang , Liu Simin , Song Ya , Xie Shaowen , Guo Ziyu , Xu Jianxiong , Xu Lijian
Published: June 2020

A versatile LRET-based ratiometric (LBRU) nanoprobe of NaYF4:Yb,Er@NaYF4@NH2–mSiO2/rhodamine B/C-DNA sandwich-structured nanocomposites has been developed for intracellular miRNA biosensing.
Local delivery of sunitinib and Ce6 via redox-responsive zwitterionic hydrogels effectively prevents osteosarcoma recurrence
Authors: Yu Zhaolong , Xiao Zecong , Shuai Xintao , Tian Jiwei
Published: June 2020

The local delivery of sunitinib and Ce6 via redox-responsive zwitterionic hydrogels effectively induces apoptosis and prevents osteosarcoma recurrence.
Crystal structure, electronic structure and thermoelectric properties of β- and γ-Zn4Sb3 thermoelectrics: a (3 + 1)-dimensional superspace group approach
Authors: Yoshioka Shun , Hayashi Kei , Yokoyama Aisaku , Saito Wataru , Li Hezhang , Takamatsu Tomohisa , Miyazaki Yuzuru
Published: June 2020

Using a (3 + 1)-dimensional ((3 + 1)-D) superspace group approach, a composite crystal structure model for β- and γ-phases of Zn4Sb3 is constructed. Intercalation of Zn atoms into the Zni site is found, which affects thermoelectric properties.
Isolation and analysis of a non-protein low molecular weight thiol-mercurial adduct from human prostate lymph node cells (LNCaP)
Authors: Gronow Michael
Published: June 2020

Thiol compounds present in human malignant prostate cells (LNCaP) were investigated after reaction with a mercurial blocking reagent. After extracting the cellular glutathione and some other low molecular weight (LMW) thiols using trichloroacetic acid the resulting the protein precipitate was extracted with buffered 8 M urea containing 2-chloromercuri-4-nitrophenol in an equimolar amount to that of the thiol present. After removing the insoluble chromatin fraction the urea soluble labeled adducts formed were chromatographed on G15 Sephadex. Three yellow coloured (A410 nm) fractions were obtained; first, the excluded protein fraction containing 16.0 ± 4.1% of the applied label followed by an intermediate fraction containing 5.9 ± 1.2%. Finally a LMW fraction emerged which contained 77.2 ± 3.7% of the total label applied and this was further analyzed by column chromatography, first on an anion exchange column and then on a PhenylSepharose 6 column to give what appeared to be a single component. LC–MS analysis of this component gave a pattern of mercuri-clusters, formed on MS ionization showing possible parent ions at 704 or 588 m/z, the former indicating that a thiol fragment of molecular weight approximately 467 could be present. No fragments with a single sulfur adduct (a 369 m/z fragment) were observed The adduct was analyzed for cysteine and other amino acids, nucleic acid bases, ribose and deoxyribose sugars, selenium and phosphorus; all were negative leading to the conclusion that a new class of unknown LMW thiol is present concealed in the protein matrices of these cells.
Neutral point potential balancing method for three‐level power converters in two‐stage three‐phase four‐wire power conversion system
Authors: Guo Li , Liu Rui , Li Xialin , Zhang Yun
Published: June 2020

Two‐stage power conversion system (PCS) for energy storage systems has been considered in islanded operation mode. A three‐level T‐type three‐leg three‐phase four‐wire topology (3LT2 3L3P4W) is employed as AC/DC part and a three‐level buck/boost converter is used as DC/DC interface. This study is mainly focused on balancing the neutral‐point potential (NPP) of the PCS with asymmetrical load connection. An NPP low‐frequency ripple model of 3LT2 3L3P4 inverter is proposed considering various load conditions firstly, which includes detailed expression of low‐frequency ripple components at fundamental frequency and fundamental frequency multipliers. Then, a novel NPP balancing method based on front‐end three‐level buck/boost converter under proportional resonant control is presented, in which the resonance points are set at fundamental frequency and triple fundamental frequency to suppress the dominant components of NPP ripple. Furthermore, a small‐signal model of three‐level buck/boost NPP control system is established and stability analysis is carried out. Simulation and experimental results have been provided to verify the accuracy of the NPP low‐frequency ripple model and the effectiveness of the NPP balancing method.
Toxicity of n-hexane extract of mundar (Garcinia forbesii King) pericarp
Authors: Rosyidah Kholifatu , Rizki Muhammad Alfian , Astuti Maria Dewi , Rodiansono
Published: June 2020

Study on toxicity test of n-hexane extract of mundar (Garcinia forbesii King) fruit skin has been conducted, By BSLT method. A. salina larvae used to determine LC50 value. The weight of n-hexane extract obtained was 20.69 g from 405.64 g of dried mundar fruit skin sample. The yield of n-hexane extract of mundar fruit skin was 5.10%. N-hexane extract of mundar fruit skin is very toxic, the LC50 value obtained was 9.753 ppm.
The Antibacterial Activity of Actinomycetes Against the Growth ofStreptococcus mutansandLactobacillus acidophilus
Authors: Kania Tri Putri Deby , Amirda Fadel , Muzadi Hilman , Nindia Carabelly Amy , Erlita Isyana , Rahmiati
Published: June 2020

Antibacterial compounds are generally produced from many herbal ingredients, but antibacterials may be produced from soil microbes, one of which is Actinomycetes. Actinomycetes are a soil bacterium capable of producing secondary metabolites in the form of antibacterial compounds. The antibacterial compound has the potential as an alternative antibacterial agent against oral microbes. One of the oral microbes that have a major role in the occurrence of caries isStreptococcus mutansandLactobacillus acidophilus. This study aimed to analyze the antibacterial activity of Actinomycetes against the growth ofS. mutansandL. acidophilusActinomycetes extracts at the concentration of 0.625%, 1.25%, 2.5%, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 40% were respectively exerted as the treatment groups while 0.12% Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHX) and aquadest as control. The measurement of antibacterial activity is done by looking at MIC and MBC. One Way ANOVA and Post Hoc Dunnets T3 test MIC and MBC values show p=0,000 (p <0.05). Actinomycetes extract at the concentration of 0.625% was able to inhibit the growth ofS. mutansandL. acidophiluswhich was determined as the MIC and at the concentration of 40% as MBC of S.mutans and the concentration of 10% as MBC ofL. acidophilus. There was an antibacterial activity of Actinomycetes to the growth ofS. mutansandL.acidophilus.
Effectiveness of microbial consortium on growth, yield, and intensity of withered disease (Fusarium oxysporum Schelecht) on garlic plants
Authors: Heni Krestini Eti , Rusmawati Ulya , Susilawati Ani
Published: June 2020

Garlic is one of the horticultural products that is further developed in Indonesia, this is done as one of our efforts to increase the needs of meeting the needs of products that always rely on imports. The productivity of our garlic is still low, below 20 tons/ha. To improve this efficiency, technology development is needed, one of which is by using a microbial consortium. The utilization of the microbial consortium in garlic cultivation is still limited. This study examines the best benefits of the microbial consortium for growth (height, number of leaves) and yield quality (tuber diameter and yield) as well as its effect on the development of wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum Schelecht. The research was conducted at the Vegetable Crops Research Institute (Balitsa) from August to November 2018 using a Randomized Block Design consisting of 6 preparations and 4 replications. The approved microbial treatments were P0 (Control), P1 (12.5 g/plant), P2 (25 g/p lant), P3 (50 g/plant), P4 (100 g/plant), and P5 (150) g/plant). The results showed that the use of 150 gr microbial consortium showed the highest value for high plant parameters, while for the number of leaves, yield weight, tuber diameter did not show differences between workmanship. The influence of the use of a microbial consortium can control fusarium disease at 40 days after planting (HST) of 14.7-41.17 percent compared with control management.
Research on the transmission error of swing-rod movable teeth transmission system
Authors: Wei Rui , Jin Herong , Yi Yali
Published: June 2020

Using the two-tooth difference swing-rod movable teeth transmission system satisfying the drive function of large optical instruments as the study object, the influence of each component error on system transmission error is analysed. Each component error is presented by the vector method, and then it is transformed into equivalent error in the direction of the meshing action line based on the equivalent meshing error principle. The instantaneous transmission ratio of the system is obtained by the instantaneous velocity center method, and the system transmission error model is established. Using numerical analysis, the influence of each component error on the system transmission error is obtained. The transmission error test platform is used to test and analyze the transmission error of the two-tooth difference swing-rod movable teeth transmission system. The research results show that the swing-rod length error and the wave generator eccentric error have a great influence on the transmission error of the system among the six types of error factors, so they should be strictly controlled during design, processing and assembly. This study provides a theoretical basis for the rational allocation of machining errors and assembling errors of the two-tooth difference swing-rod movable teeth transmission system.