bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 Over Me (Pt, Pd, Ni, Cu)/TiO2 Catalysts
Authors: Shtyka Oleksandr , Ciesielski Radoslaw , Kedziora Adam , Maniukiewicz W. , Dubkov Sergey , Gromov Dmitry , Maniecki Tomasz
Published: February 2020

A series of TiO2 photocatalysts loaded with various metals (Pt, Pd, Ni, and Cu) were prepared by using the wet impregnation method. Their physicochemical properties were studied by using XRD, BET, TPR-H2, FTIR and TPD-NH3/CO2 techniques. The photocatalytic activity of samples was investigated in the gas-phase reduction of carbon dioxide under continuous flow operation mode. Among all investigated catalysts, the Pt and Ni were the most active in terms of the formation rate of methanol. In general, the photocatalytic activity of modified TiO2 decreased with increasing metal loading and reaction time. The reversible deactivation of photocatalysts was associated with the covering of TiO2 surface by the reaction products.
Kant’s Antinomies of Pure Reason and the ‘Hexagon of Predicate Negation’
Authors: McLaughlin Peter , Schlaudt Oliver
Published: February 2020

Based on an analysis of the category of “infinite judgments” in Kant, we will introduce the logical hexagon of predicate negation. This hexagon allows us to visualize in a single diagram the general structure of both Kant’s solution of the antinomies of pure reason and his argument in favor of Transcendental Idealism.
Comparison of biomass burning tracer concentrations between two winter seasons in Krynica Zdrój
Authors: Janoszka Katarzyna , Czaplicka Marianna , Klejnowski Krzysztof
Published: February 2020

Biomass burning is one source of air pollution that emits soot, smoke, particulate matter, free radicals and other substances, affecting human health, air quality, cloud formation processes and climate change. During biomass burning, organic biomass burning tracers are emitted, such as levoglucosan and its isomers mannosan and galactosan, which are formed at temperatures above 300 °C during cellulose and hemicellulose pyrolysis. The objective of this research is the measurement of biomass burning tracer concentrations in PM10 samples in Krynica during two winter seasons from 01.12.2017 to 31.03.2018 and from 01.12.2018 to 26.03.2019. The average concentrations of organic carbon were 9.48 μg/m3 in the 2017/2018 season and 8.79 μg/m3 in the 2018/2019 season. The average concentration of levoglucosan in the PM10 samples in 2017/2018 was 137 ng/m3, while in 2018/2019, the average concentration reached 245 ng/m3. Levoglucosan was the dominant compound among the determined biomass burning tracers, accounting for 88.6% in 2017/2018 and 72.4% in 2018/2019. The conducted measurements show that the levoglucosan to mannosan ratio was equal to 10.5 and 3.9 in 2017/2018 and 2018/2019, respectively. The biomass smoke organic carbon was approximately 10.6% in 2017/2018 and 20.5% in 2018/2019. These results correspond to the contribution of biomass smoke to organic carbon, which was equal to 14.4% and 28.4% in the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 seasons, respectively.
Transnationalisierung sozialer Lebenswelten junger Erwachsener durch Mobilität?
Authors: Herz Andreas
Published: February 2020

Mobilität, auch über nationalstaatliche Grenzen hinweg, ist für viele junge Menschen Normalität in Europa. Inwiefern grenzüberschreitende Mobilität damit in Zusammenhang steht, dass junge Menschen in Europa Beziehungen zu Personen in anderen Ländern aufbauen und aufrechterhalten, ist bislang nicht hinreichend erforscht. Der Beitrag zeigt auf Grundlage der Daten des MOVE-Projektes, dass rund ein Drittel der jungen Menschen in Europa mindestens einmal mehr als zwei Wochen aus anderen Gründen als Urlaub oder Besuch der Familie im Ausland waren. Grenzüberschreitende Beziehungen sind in den vier wichtigsten Beziehungen zu Familie und Freund_innen eher die Ausnahme. Ein schwacher Zusammenhang zwischen Mobilitätserfahrung und dem Vorhandensein transnationaler Beziehungen deutet an, dass sich auch ohne eigenen Auslandsaufenthalt Lebenswelten junger Erwachsener transnationalisieren.
Schöne neue Biologie? Synthetisch-biologische Ansätze zur CO2-Umwandlung
Authors: Bernhardsgrütter Iria , Stoffel Gabriele , Erb Tobias J.
Published: February 2020

Over billions of years nature has evolved efficient biological systems. Synthetic biology aims at developing human-made mimics of these systems that provide alternative, more efficient solutions to natural processes, or perform tasks not (yet) found in natural systems. Here we discuss how synthetic biology can be used to design and realize novel enzymes and metabolic networks for the capture and conversion of carbon dioxide. We further discuss the strategies and challenges for transplanting these new CO2-fixing processes into natural and artificial cells.
Mannosylerythritollipide — mikrobielle Biotenside aus dem Bioreaktor
Authors: Beck Alexander , Zibek Susanne
Published: February 2020

Mannosylerythritol lipids (MEL) are microbial biosurfactants belonging to the class of glycolipids. They can be produced biotechnologically by smut fungi and have the potential to replace current chemical surfactant products, for example in household detergents or cosmetics. In this article, we highlight our latest research on the various producer organisms as well as the genetics and regulation of MEL biosynthesis, aiming for the development of an industrial production process in the future.
Heterogenität SHANK2-bedingter neuropsychiatrischer Störungen
Authors: Rappold Gudrun A. , Sprengel Rolf
Published: February 2020

The significance of SHANK proteins in human behaviour is evidenced by the wide spectrum of neuropsychiatric disorders in patients with SHANK mutations and the variety of behavioural impairments of Shank knockout mouse lines. Differentially expressed SHANK isoforms might explain this complexity. The analysis of three conventional and seven conditional Shank2 mouse lines showed that the type of SHANK2 mutation critically determines the physiological and behavioural impairments.
Information Flow Analysis of a Knowledge Mapping-Based System for University Alumni Collaboration: a Practical Approach
Authors: Anthony Bokolo
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study is to integrate knowledge mapping technique by applying information flow analysis to facilitate the collaboration between the university and its alumni by developing a knowledge mapping-based system based on a designed knowledge mapping model. Questionnaire was employed to collect data from respondents in a university to evaluate the applicability of the developed system. The collected data was further analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive and exploratory factor analysis was carried out to analyze the collected data by deploying test of normality, reliability, validity, and factor analysis. Results from descriptive analysis reveal that the developed system is applicable in facilitating alumni collaboration. Besides, results indicate that the developed system provides holistic and comprehensive knowledge support among alumni members to improve communication. Moreover, this study offers a methodological and comprehensive procedure to support interaction and provides information to alumni members. Theoretically, this study depicts how the designed knowledge mapping model defines, organizes, and develops procedural knowledge in order to explore and address communication inadequacy among alumni members. Practically, this study utilized knowledge mapping as a technique to visualize the source and flow of tacit and explicit knowledge for university alumni collaboration.
Description and interpretation of fault-related sedimentation and controls on shelf-edge deltas: implication on sand transportation to the basin floor in parts of Eastern Niger Delta
Authors: Anomneze David O. , Okoro Anthony U. , Ajaegwu Norbert E. , Akpunonu Eliseus O. , Obiadi Izuchukwu I. , Ahaneku Chibuzo V. , Okeke George C.
Published: February 2020

An integrated structural and stratigraphic analysis of a regional dataset from Eastern Niger Delta was undertaken with the objective of improving the present understanding of the structural development, seismic reflection geometries and implication on sand transportation and deposition within the shelf-edge and farther into the basin floor. Well log correlations were carried out using third-order sequence stratigraphy. Fault dynamics and evolution was interpreted with the aid of seismic transect sections, growth fault indexes and dip-extracted semblance slices. Lithofacies and paleobathymetric data were utilized to create gross depositional environment maps for the various sequences from inner-shelf to upper slope environment. The fault dynamics and evolution analysis of co-planar faults shows that older co-planar faults are associated with more accommodation space and depocentres than relatively younger faults. Conceptual subsurface models from this study shows that there is an increase in sand thickness in the proximal part of the sequence associated with precursor (older) faults, while towards the distal part, it reduces. There is also a relative decrease in sand thickness in the proximal part of the sequence associated with younger initiated faults, while towards the distal part, it increases in sand thickness. This study shows that at the shelf-edge, the thickest sand is of the lowstand system tract and the possibility of transporting sands into the basin is more associated with younger co-planar faults with small accommodation space at the shelf-edge, while the precursor older faults retain majority of sand deposits within its subsidence/depocentre axis.
Existence of two solutions for a fourth-order difference problem with p(k) exponent
Authors: Khaleghi Moghadam Mohsen , Khalili Yasser , Wieteska Renata
Published: February 2020

The existence of nontrivial solutions for a fourth-order discrete anisotropic boundary value problem involving the p(k)-Laplacian operator with the Dirichlet and the Neumann boundary value conditions is investigated. Variational approach based on a new critical point theorem is applied. An example is inserted to illustrate main results.
A New Epi-neoverrucosane-type Diterpenoid from the Liverwort Pleurozia subinflata in Borneo
Authors: Kamada Takashi , Johanis Mary Lyn , Ng Shean-Yeaw , Phan Chin-Soon , Suleiman Monica , Vairappan Charles S.
Published: February 2020

New bioactive 13-epi-neoverrucosane diterpenoid, 5β-acetoxy-13-epi-neoverrucosanic acid (1) along with three known secondary metabolites, 13-epi-neoverrucosan-5β-ol (2), chelodane (3) and (E)-β-farnesene (4) were isolated from the MeOH extract of east Malaysia’s liverwort Pleurozia subinflata. The chemical structure of new compound was elucidated by the analyses of its spectroscopic data (FTIR, NMR and HR-ESI-MS). These epi-neoverrucosane-type compounds seem to be notable chemosystematic markers for P. subinflata in Borneo. Compound 3 was widespread in marine sponges however this is the first record for 3 to be found in liverwort. These metabolites were tested for their antifungal potentials against selected fungi from the marine environment. Compound 1 exhibited effective antifungal activity against Lagenidium thermophilum.

Graphic Abstract
Methodology and Assessment of Proxy-Based Vs30 Estimation in Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Wu Wen , Liu Jifu , Guo Lanlan , Deng Zhifei
Published: February 2020

Although time-averaged shear wave velocity to the depth of 30 m (Vs30) is an important indicator of earthquake site effects, it is difficult to obtain. Several proxies have been used either individually or in combination to infer Vs30 values during seismic hazard estimation under limited observational conditions. Sichuan Province is an area highly prone to earthquakes. Complex geological structures and lack of drilling sites mean that it is particularly important to establish a suitable approach for the estimation of Vs30 values for site classification. This study compared the application of three proxy-based approaches—geology-based, topographic slope-based, and terrain-based—to the estimation of Vs30 values in Sichuan Province. The results revealed that the residual between the measured logVs30 values and the estimations derived from the terrain-based approach was smallest, indicating best predictability. Stability analysis of the three approaches also showed that the terrain-based approach performed best. However, its performance in the plain area was poor, that is, the Vs30 values were mostly underestimated. This might indicate that the old strata, hard rock, and alluvial deposits formed by Quaternary glacier sediments were not identified appropriately in the plain area, highlighting the need for localized corrections.
Prospective Comparative Evaluation of Performance of Fetal Growth Charts in the Diagnosis of Suboptimal Fetal Growth During Third Trimester Ultrasound Examination in an Unselected South Indian Antenatal Population
Authors: Vikraman Seneesh Kumar , Elayedatt Rinshi Abid
Published: February 2020

Growth standards are key tools in assigning fetal smallness. Growth charts are central to this. The availability of growth charts with varying conceptual methodology and design makes their comparison imperative to ensure wise clinical decision making. This was a prospective, descriptive and correlational study performed at two fetal medicine centers, on 1019 unselected third trimester South Indian women with singleton pregnancies. The estimated fetal weight (EFW) was calculated from one dataset per woman using the Hadlock III formula. The EFW centiles were obtained from eight prenatal growth charts: Hadlock, FMF, Spanish, INTERGROWTH, WHO, NICHD, Mikolajczyk and GROW (fully customized), and categorized to ≤ 5th, 5.1 to ≤ 10th, 10.1–89.9th and ≥ 90 centiles. Comparison was done with similar categories of neonatal birthweight centiles obtained from Fenton, INTERGROWTH and GROW customized neonatal standards. At EFW cut-off of ≤ 10th centile, the sensitivity range of the fetal growth charts were between 9.5 and 60% and the false positive rates (FPR) between 1.9 and 18.38%. Similar figures for EFW ≤ 5th centile, were 9.5–64.2% and 1.0–12.8%, respectively. The INTERGROWTH chart had the highest positive predictive value of 54.6–63.6%. The FMF chart had the highest sensitivity and the highest FPR. The sensitivity, at a cut-off of ≤ 5th centile, of Mikolajczyk (9.5–12.6%), and the GROW (14.4–18.9%) prenatal charts were closest to the incidence of uteroplacental insufficiency (7.9%) in our study. Wide variations noted in the performance of prenatal and neonatal growth charts in detecting fetal-neonatal smallness indicates the need for critical selection of growth charts and possibly additional supportive information in clinical decision making.
The Systematic Application of Network Diagnostics to Monitor and Tackle Bullying and Victimization in Schools
Authors: Kaufman Tessa M. L. , Huitsing Gijs , Bloemberg Rick , Veenstra René
Published: February 2020

Despite increased attention to tackling bullying and the use of effective anti-bullying programs that can reduce victimization for many, some children remain victimized. Preventing persistent victimization requires that teachers identify victims and intervene at an early stage, but this is often difficult because teachers cannot always recognize victimization or the underlying social dynamics that determine what kind of interventions are necessary. This proposal discusses how network diagnostics of the social structure of the classroom can help teachers to recognize and reduce victimization more systematically. First, it discusses research that shows promising effects of the use of network diagnostics to reduce health problems. It describes how these diagnostics (for bullying and victimization, social position, and school well-being) can help in recognizing victimization and tailoring interventions to the most relevant students. Second, this proposal discusses a systematic stepwise approach for teachers to interpret the diagnostics and translate them into structural actions. Overall, this proposal aims to raise awareness of the potential of network information to facilitate the daily practice of reducing bullying and gives researchers directions for further empirical research on teachers’ role in tackling bullying and on the situations that may affect whether their approaches are effective. Moreover, it discusses potential barriers to teachers’ use of network diagnostics, such as a lack of time and resources at school.
A stationary impulse-radar system for autonomous deployment in cold and temperate environments
Authors: Mingo Laurent , Flowers Gwenn E. , Crawford Anna J. , Mueller Derek R. , Bigelow David G.
Published: February 2020

Stationary ice-penetrating radar (sIPR) systems can be used to monitor temporal changes in electromagnetically sensitive properties of glaciers and ice sheets. We describe a system intended for autonomous operation in remote glacial environments, and document its performance during deployments in cold and temperate settings. The design is patterned after an existing impulse radar system, with the addition of a fibre-optic link and timing module to control transmitter pulses, a micro-UPS (uninterruptable power supply) to prevent uncontrolled system shutdown and a customized satellite telemetry scheme. Various implementations of the sIPR were deployed on the Kaskawulsh Glacier near an ice-marginal lake in Yukon, Canada, for 44–77 days in summers 2014, 2015 and 2017. Pronounced perturbations to englacial radiostratigraphy were observed commensurate with lake filling and drainage, and are interpreted as changes in englacial water storage. Another sIPR was deployed in 2015–2016 on ice island PII-A-1-f, which originated from the Petermann Glacier in northwest Greenland. This system operated autonomously for almost a year during which changes in thickness of the ice column were clearly detected.
Slowed Temporal and Parietal Cerebrovascular Response in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Holmes Kenneth R. , Tang-Wai David , Sam Kevin , McKetton Larissa , Poublanc Julien , Crawley Adrian P. , Sobczyk Olivia , Cohn Melanie , Duffin James , Tartaglia Maria Carmela , Black Sandra E. , Fisher Joseph A. , Wasserman Bruce , Mikulis David J.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Recent investigations now suggest that cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) is impaired in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and may underpin part of the disease’s neurovascular component. However, our understanding of the relationship between the magnitude of CVR, the speed of cerebrovascular response, and the progression of AD is still limited. This is especially true in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is recognized as an intermediate stage between normal aging and dementia. The purpose of this study was to investigate AD and MCI patients by mapping repeatable and accurate measures of cerebrovascular function, namely the magnitude and speed of cerebrovascular response (τ) to a vasoactive stimulus in key predilection sites for vascular dysfunction in AD.

Methods:

Thirty-three subjects (age range: 52–83 years, 20 males) were prospectively recruited. CVR and τ were assessed using blood oxygen level-dependent MRI during a standardized carbon dioxide stimulus. Temporal and parietal cortical regions of interest (ROIs) were generated from anatomical images using the FreeSurfer image analysis suite.

Results:

Of 33 subjects recruited, 3 individuals were excluded, leaving 30 subjects for analysis, consisting of 6 individuals with early AD, 11 individuals with MCI, and 13 older healthy controls (HCs). τ was found to be significantly higher in the AD group compared to the HC group in both the temporal (p = 0.03) and parietal cortex (p = 0.01) following a one-way ANCOVA correcting for age and microangiopathy scoring and a Bonferroni post-hoc correction.

Conclusion:

The study findings suggest that AD is associated with a slowing of the cerebrovascular response in the temporal and parietal cortices.
Student perceptions of sociocultural aspects of Korean and the Korean variety of English (KVE)
Authors: Lee Kang-Young , Green Randy
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study is to identify the perceptions of 80 Korean university students majoring in English about sociocultural elements embedded in the Korean language and KVE. A secondary objective is to enhance students’ awareness of the connection between culture and language and some of the unique sociocultural characteristics of these two languages. To this end, all participants took part in a 3-part classroom activity in which they examined pairs of KVE and Korean sentences, translated both KVE and Korean sentences, and took part in small focus group discussions. Specifically, the study has two research questions:

1)

What sociocultural aspects of KVE and Korean did the participants identify?

2)

What reasons did participants identify for these sociocultural aspects?
Sola Scriptura's and the Chinese Union Version Bible's Impact upon Conservative Christian Leaders: The Case of Watchman Nee and Wang Mingdao
Authors: KWOK WAI LUEN
Published: February 2020

The majority of Chinese Christians can be considered to be theologically conservative. One distinctive feature of conservative theology is Biblicism, according to which Scripture occupies a central role. The Reformation principle of sola scriptura legitimises this conservative stance and calls for a stern application of this principle. As Biblicists, they are discontented with the ‘unbiblical’ practices and ministries of missionaries. On the other hand, missionaries have put forward the Union Version translation project on the basis of the principle of sola scriptura. This article investigates how Watchman Nee (1903–72) and Wang Mingdao (1900–91) were discursively influenced by the missionaries’ Union Version Bible translation project through their different understandings of sola scriptura. For missionaries, sola scriptura required the translation of a faithful and popular Chinese Bible, and Mandarin was deemed an appropriate language for the task. While Nee and Wang did not appreciate the missionary enterprise, for sola scriptura they valued the Chinese Union Version as an outstanding and up-to-date translation of the Scripture. For Nee and Wang, sola scriptura was not only a translation principle, but also a principle underpinning religious life. Conservative Christians’ devotional practice emphasises the memorising of biblical texts and verbalising them throughout the day. This practice resulted in the Union Version, which is written in eloquent modern Chinese, becoming an integral part of Chinese Christian practice rather than a mere translation. Though Nee and Wang accused missionaries of having betrayed the Reformation principle, they were still under its influence thanks to the Chinese Union Version Bible. Also, their teaching on biblical reading had similarities with the medieval monastic practice of lectio divina. In this sense, the Chinese Union Version Bible reveals an interesting integration of Chinese conservative Christian faith, missionary enterprise, sola scriptura, and a monastic style of spiritual practice within the Chinese Church.
A Discussion of Avidit Acharya, Matthew Blackwell, and Maya Sen’s Deep Roots: How Slavery Still Shapes Southern Politics
Authors: Kousser J. Morgan
Published: February 2020

If the election of Donald Trump has proven anything indisputably, it is that the notion of America as a “postracial” society in the aftermath of the Obama presidency is a canard. Yet how should we understand the specific pattern of race’s persistent salience in US politics? In Deep Roots, Avidit Acharya, Matthew Blackwell, and Maya Sen argue that it is the long legacy of chattel slavery that continues to shape politics in the US South in distinctive fashion. Comparing regions that were once marked by slavery with those that were not, the authors develop the concept of “behavioral path dependence” to describe the production and reproduction of a political culture marked by intergenerational racial prejudice. They argue that this legacy continues to shape US politics today in a fashion that is both understandable and predictable with the tools of empirical political science. We asked several scholars with expertise on politics and race, US political development, and political behavior to address this controversial argument.
Modeling Hydrological Inflow Persistence Using Paleoclimate Reconstructions on the Québec‐Labrador (Canada) Peninsula
Authors: Nasri B. R. , Boucher É. , Perreault L. , Rémillard B. N. , Huard D. , Nicault A. ,   Members of the ARCHIVES‐PERSISTENCE projects
Published: February 2020

Annual inflow forecasts are often based on historical time series, where every year is considered equally likely to reoccur. This process ignores the persistence of dry/wet conditions often observed in time series, behavior that is of utmost importance for hydroelectric energy producers. However, the modeling of persistence properties is challenging when only short time series are available for calibration. Here, we use Gaussian hidden Markov models to describe the regime‐switching behavior, where the next year's inflow depends on the current estimated regime. For four large hydropower reservoirs on the Québec‐Labrador Peninsula, a Gaussian hidden Markov model is calibrated on both a 30‐year observational record and a 190‐year paleoclimatic inflow reconstruction. Each reconstruction is a composite of three reconstruction methods drawing on five different tree‐ring proxies (ring widths, minimal wood density, maximal wood density,δ13C, andδ18O). The calibration on the reconstructed series finds two hydrological regimes, while the calibration on the observed data has only one regime for three out of four watersheds. Yearly hindcasts with the two calibrated Gaussian hidden Markov models suggest that for all four watersheds, extending the time series with reconstructions improves the model's predictive accuracy. This approach does not explicitly account for the differing accuracy of the observational and reconstructed time series or compare hidden Markov models to other models of persistence.
Quantifying the Spatial Variability of a Snowstorm Using Differential Airborne Lidar
Authors: Brandt W. Tyler , Bormann Kat J. , Cannon Forest , Deems Jeffrey S. , Painter Thomas H. , Steinhoff Daniel F. , Dozier Jeff
Published: February 2020

California depends on snow accumulation in the Sierra Nevada for its water supply. Snowfall is measured by a combination of snow pillows, snow courses, and rain gauges. However, the paucity of locations of these measurements, particularly at high elevations, can introduce artifacts into precipitation estimates that are detrimental for hydrologic forecasting. To reduce errors, we need high‐resolution, spatially complete measurements of precipitation. Remotely sensed snow depth and snow water equivalent (SWE), with retrieval time scales that resolve storms, could help mitigate this problem in snow‐dominated watersheds. Since 2013, National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Airborne Snow Observatory (ASO) has measured snow depth in the Tuolumne basin of California's Sierra Nevada to advance streamflow forecasting through improved estimates of SWE. In early April 2015, two flights 6 days apart bracketed a single storm. The work herein documents a new use for ASO and presents a methodology to directly measure the spatial variability of frozen precipitation. In an end‐to‐end analysis, we also compare gauge‐interpolated and dynamically downscaled estimates of precipitation for the given storm with that of the ASO change in SWE. The work shows that the extension of ASO operations to additional storms could benefit our understanding of mountain hydrometeorology by delivering observations that can truly evaluate the spatial distribution of snowfall for both statistical and numerical models.
Formation Criteria for Hyporheic Anoxic Microzones: Assessing Interactions of Hydraulics, Nutrients, and Biofilms
Authors: Roy Chowdhury Sinchan , Zarnetske Jay P. , Phanikumar Mantha S. , Briggs Martin A. , Day‐Lewis Frederick D. , Singha Kamini
Published: February 2020

Recent experimental studies have detected the presence of anoxic microzones in hyporheic sediments. These microzones are small‐scale anoxic pores, embedded within oxygen‐rich porous media and can act as anaerobic reaction sites producing reduction compounds such as nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. Microbes are a key control on nutrient transformation in hyporheic sediment, but their associated biomass growth is also capable of altering hydraulic flux, leading to potential bioclogging. Here, we developed one of the first computational modeling approaches that combined hydraulics and microbial conditions to explore the continuous evolution of microzones in stream sediments. The model assessed stream and sediment conditions with different hydraulic flux (0.1–1.0 m/day Darcy flux), nutrient concentrations (O2 = 8 mg/L, OrgC = 20 mg/L, NO−3 = 1.5–3 mg/L, and NH3 = 0.5–1 mg/L), and biomass scenarios (with and without). The model domain is a pore network model with random sized pore‐throat radii creating heterogeneous and anisotropic flow that is representative of a natural streambed composed of medium sand with a hydraulic conductivity of 0.8 m/day. Results from 30 day simulations indicate that hyporheic microzone formation will occur and microzone distributions are not simply controlled by residence time alone, rather by the complex interactions of hydraulic flux, nutrient concentrations, and biomass, with bioclogging having strong feedbacks on both hydraulics and nutrients. Under all conditions with biomass growth, anoxic microzones were unstable, perishing a few days after formation, because bioclogging primarily occurs near the influent (downwelling) area of the hyporheic zone. In turn, this bioclogging shifts transport conditions from advection‐dominated to diffusion‐dominated transport, removing all oxic regions in the hyporheic zone. Overall, results from the modeling show that anoxic microzones are likely to form under many hyporheic zone conditions, and be dynamic through space and time as they are dependent on both hydraulic flux and nutrient transport.
Chronic exposure to cadmium induces a malignant transformation of benign prostate epithelial cells
Authors: Chandrasekaran Balaji , Dahiya Nisha R. , Tyagi Ashish , Kolluru Venkatesh , Saran Uttara , Baby Becca V. , States J. Christopher , Haddad Ahmed Q. , Ankem Murali K. , Damodaran Chendil
Published: February 2020

Epidemiological evidence suggests that cadmium (Cd) is one of the causative factors of prostate cancer, but the effect of Cd on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) remains unclear. This study aimed to determine whether Cd exposure could malignantly transform BPH1 cells and, if so, to dissect the mechanism of action. We deciphered the molecular signaling responsible for BPH1 transformation via RNA-sequencing and determined that Cd induced the expression of zinc finger of the cerebellum 2 (ZIC2) in BPH1 cells. We noted Cd exposure increased ZIC2 expression in the Cd-transformed BPH1 cells that in turn promoted anchorage-independent spheroids and increased expression of stem cell drivers, indicating their role in stem cell renewal. Subsequent silencing of ZIC2 expression in transformed cells inhibited spheroid formation, stem cell marker expression, and tumor growth in nude mice. At the molecular level, ZIC2 interacts with the glioma-associated oncogene family (GLI) zinc finger 1 (GLI1), which activates prosurvival factors (nuclear factor NFκB, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl2), as well as an X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP)) signaling in Cd-exposed BPH1 cells. Conversely, overexpression of ZIC2 in BPH1 cells caused spheroid formation confirming the oncogenic function of ZIC2. ZIC2 activation and GLI1 signaling induction by Cd exposure in primary BPH cells confirmed the clinical significance of this oncogenic function. Finally, human BPH specimens had increased ZIC2 versus adjacent healthy tissues. Thus, we report direct evidence that Cd exposure induces malignant transformation of BPH via activation of ZIC2 and GLI1 signaling.
A broad autism phenotype expressed in facial morphology
Authors: Tan Diana Weiting , Maybery Murray T. , Gilani Syed Zulqarnain , Alvares Gail A. , Mian Ajmal , Suter David , Whitehouse Andrew J. O.
Published: February 2020

Autism spectrum disorder is a heritable neurodevelopmental condition diagnosed based on social and communication differences. There is strong evidence that cognitive and behavioural changes associated with clinical autism aggregate with biological relatives but in milder form, commonly referred to as the ‘broad autism phenotype’. The present study builds on our previous findings of increased facial masculinity in autistic children (Sci. Rep., 7:9348, 2017) by examining whether facial masculinity represents as a broad autism phenotype in 55 non-autistic siblings (25 girls) of autistic children. Using 3D facial photogrammetry and age-matched control groups of children without a family history of ASD, we found that facial features of male siblings were more masculine than those of male controls (n = 69; p < 0.001, d = 0.81 [0.36, 1.26]). Facial features of female siblings were also more masculine than the features of female controls (n = 60; p = 0.005, d = 0.63 [0.16, 1.10]). Overall, we demonstrated for males and females that facial masculinity in non-autistic siblings is increased compared to same-sex comparison groups. These data provide the first evidence for a broad autism phenotype expressed in a physical characteristic, which has wider implications for our understanding of the interplay between physical and cognitive development in humans.
Dl-3-n-butylphthalide attenuates mouse behavioral deficits to chronic social defeat stress by regulating energy metabolism via AKT/CREB signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Ting , Bai Shunjie , Chen Zhi , Qi Xunzhong , Xie Peng
Published: February 2020

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe mental disorder associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Current first-line pharmacotherapies for MDD are based on enhancement of monoaminergic neurotransmission, but these antidepressants are still insufficient and produce significant side-effects. Consequently, the development of novel antidepressants and therapeutic targets is desired. Dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) is a compound with proven efficacy in treating ischemic stroke, yet its therapeutic effects and mechanisms for depression remain unexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of NBP in a chronic social defeat stress model of depression and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Here, we examined depression-related behavior and performed a targeted metabolomics analysis. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to examine key genes and proteins involved in energy metabolism and the AKT/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway. Our results reveal NBP attenuates stress-induced social deficits, anxiety-like behavior and despair behavior, and alters metabolite levels of glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle components. NBP affected gene expression of key enzymes of the TCA cycle, as well as protein expression of p-AKT and p-CREB. Our findings provide the first evidence showing that NBP can attenuate stress-induced behavioral deficits by modulating energy metabolism by regulating activation of the AKT/CREB signaling pathway.
T-type calcium channel inhibition restores sensitivity to MAPK inhibitors in de-differentiated and adaptive melanoma cells
Authors: Granados Karol , Hüser Laura , Federico Aniello , Sachindra Sachindra , Wolff Gretchen , Hielscher Thomas , Novak Daniel , Madrigal-Gamboa Verónica , Sun Qian , Vierthaler Marlene , Larribère Lionel , Umansky Viktor , Utikal Jochen
Published: February 2020

Background

Drug resistance remains as one of the major challenges in melanoma therapy. It is well known that tumour cells undergo phenotypic switching during melanoma progression, increasing melanoma plasticity and resistance to mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors (MAPKi).

Methods

We investigated the melanoma phenotype switching using a partial reprogramming model to de-differentiate murine melanoma cells and target melanoma therapy adaptation against MAPKi.

Results

Here, we show that partially reprogrammed cells are a less proliferative and more de-differentiated cell population, expressing a gene signature for stemness and suppressing melanocyte-specific markers. To investigate adaptation to MAPKi, cells were exposed to B-Raf Proto-Oncogene (BRAF) and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors. De-differentiated cells became less sensitive to MAPKi, showed increased cell viability and decreased apoptosis. Furthermore, T-type calcium channels expression increased in adaptive murine cells and in human adaptive melanoma cells. Treatment with the calcium channel blocker mibefradil induced cell death, differentiation and susceptibility to MAPKi in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

In summary, we show that partial reprogramming of melanoma cells induces de-differentiation and adaptation to MAPKi. Moreover, we postulated a calcium channel blocker such as mibefradil, as a potential candidate to restore sensitivity to MAPKi in adaptive melanoma cells.
Simple induction of pseudopregnancy by artificial stimulation using a sonic vibration in rats
Authors: Kaneko Takehito , Endo Marina , Tsunoda Shigemi , Nakagawa Yuki , Abe Hisayuki
Published: February 2020

Embryo transfer has been used as one of the essential reproductive technologies for production of new strains and maintenance of genetic resources in animals. Mating with vasectomised male rats is a requirement for inducing pseudopregnancy in female rats selected for embryo transfer. Although this procedure has been used routinely, large breeding space and high expenditure are required to maintain a sufficient number of females and vasectomised males. This study was performed to induce pseudopregnancy in females by artificial stimulation using sonic vibration instead of vasectomised males. The females continued to be in the dioestrus stage for at least 14 days after artificial stimulation was performed. Of fresh 2-cell embryos that transferred into the oviducts of females after artificial stimulation, 56% was implanted and 50% was developed to offspring. Approximately 46% of the frozen 2-cell embryos were implanted and 24% developed into offspring. Furthermore, 66% of the fresh pronuclear embryos were implanted and 60% developed into offspring. This study successfully induced pseudopregnancy in rat females by artificial stimulation using a sonic vibration. This method, ‘Easy-ET’, was useful for efficient production and maintenance of rat strains.
Study of glycosylation of prostate-specific antigen secreted by cancer tissue-originated spheroids reveals new candidates for prostate cancer detection
Authors: Ideo Hiroko , Kondo Jumpei , Nomura Taisei , Nonomura Norio , Inoue Masahiro , Amano Junko
Published: February 2020

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is the most frequently used biomarker for the screening of prostate cancer. Understanding the structure of cancer-specific glycans can help us improve PSA assay. In the present study, we analysed the glycans of PSA obtained from culture medium containing cancer tissue-originated spheroids (CTOS) which have similar characteristics as that of the parent tumour to explore the new candidates for cancer-related glycoforms of PSA. The glycan profile of PSA from CTOS was determined by comparing with PSA from normal seminal plasma and cancer cell lines (LNCaP and 22Rv1) using lectin chromatography and mass spectrometry. PSA from CTOS was mostly sialylated and the content of Wisteria floribunda agglutinin reactive glycan (LacdiNAc) was similar to that of PSA derived from seminal plasma and 22Rv1. Conversely, concanavalin A (Con A)-unbound PSA was definitely detected from the three cancer origins but was almost negligible in seminal PSA. Two novel types of PSA were elucidated in the Con A-unbound fraction: one is a high molecular weight PSA with highly branched N-glycans, and the other is a low molecular weight PSA without N-glycans. Furthermore, the existence of Lewis X antigen group on PSA was indicated. These PSAs will be candidates for new cancer-related markers.
Correlation of age-of-onset of Atopic Dermatitis with Filaggrin loss-of-function variant status
Authors: Smieszek S. P. , Welsh S. , Xiao C. , Wang J. , Polymeropoulos C. , Birznieks G. , Polymeropoulos M. H.
Published: February 2020

The genetic background of Atopic Dermatitis (AD) with chronic pruritus is complex. Filaggrin (FLG) is an essential gene in the epidermal barrier formation s. Loss-of-function (LOF) variants in FLG associated with skin barrier dysfunction constitute the most well-known genetic risk factor for AD. In this study, we focused on the frequency and effect of FLG loss-of-function variants in association with self-reported age-of-onset of AD. The dataset consisted of 386 whole-genome sequencing (WGS) samples. We observe a significant association between FLG LOF status and age-of-onset, with earlier age of onset of AD observed in the FLG LOF carrier group (p-value 0.0003, Wilcoxon two-sample test). We first tested this on the two most prevalent FLG variants. Interestingly, the effect is even stronger when considering all detected FLG LOF variants. Having two or more FLG LOF variants associates with the onset of AD at 2 years of age. In this study, we have shown enrichment of rare variants in the EDC region in cases compared with controls. Age-of-onset analysis shows not only the effect of the FLG and likely EDC variants in terms of the heightened risk of AD, but foremost enables to predict early-onset, lending further credence to the penetrance and causative effect of the identified variants. Understanding the genetic background and risk of early-onset is suggestive of skin barrier dysfunction etiology of AD with chronic pruritus
Double-network hydrogel templated FeS/graphene with enhanced PMS activation performance: considering the effect of the template and iron species
Authors: Zhuang Yuan , Wang Xuechun , Zhang Lili , Dionysiou Dionysios D. , Kou Ziwei , Shi Baoyou
Published: February 2020

Enhanced tetracycline degradation through PMS activation by an FeS/graphene aerogel (DMG) derived from a double-network hydrogel template.
A study on the Fe3O4@Fructus mori L. polysaccharide particles with enhanced antioxidant activity and bioavailability
Authors: Zhang Jia-Qi , Chen Chun , Fu Xiong , Liu Rui-Hai
Published: February 2020

Molecular conformation is closely related to the functional properties of macromolecules.
The origin of the unusual red-shifted aggregation-state emission of triphenylamine-imidazole molecules: excimers or a photochemical reaction?
Authors: Liu Jin , Chen Jianai , Dong Yujie , Yu Yue , Zhang Shitong , Wang Jianli , Song Qingbao , Li Weijun , Zhang Cheng
Published: February 2020

Revealing the actual origin of the unusual red-shifted aggregation-state emission of triphenylamine-imidazole molecules: is the photochemical reaction rather than the excimers.
Interplay between halides in the electrolyte and the chemical states of Cu in Cu-based electrodes determines the selectivity of the C2product
Authors: Yang Yang , Li Kejian , Ajmal Saira , Feng Yiqing , Bacha Aziz-Ur-Rahim , Nabi Iqra , Zhang Liwu
Published: February 2020

The interaction between selectivity/activity (CH4and C2H4) and electrode structure (Cu0, Cu+and Cu2+)/electrolyte properties (Cl−, Br−and I−) was investigated.
Potentiodynamic polarization assisted phosphorus-containing amorphous trimetal hydroxide nanofibers for highly efficient hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Chodankar Nilesh R. , Rama Raju Ganji Seeta , Park Bumjun , Shinde Pragati A. , Chan Jun Seong , Dubal Deepak P. , Huh Yun Suk , Han Young-Kyu
Published: February 2020

A potentiodynamic polarization approach is presented for the preparation of battery-type phosphorus-containing amorphous trimetal nickel–ruthenium–cobalt hydroxide nanofibers for high-energy hybrid supercapacitors.
Bioinspired pyrimidine-containing cationic polymers as effective nanocarriers for DNA and protein delivery
Authors: Xiao Ya-Ping , Zhang Ji , Liu Yan-Hong , Huang Zheng , Guo Yu , Yu Xiao-Qi
Published: February 2020

Pyrimidine-containing polymers might serve as promising transportation vectors for both genes and proteins.
Selective inactivation of Gram-negative bacteria by carbon dots derived from natural biomass: Artemisia argyi leaves
Authors: Wang Huibo , Zhang Mengling , Ma Yurong , Wang Bo , Shao Mingwang , Huang Hui , Liu Yang , Kang Zhenhui
Published: February 2020

Carbon dots derived from Artemisia argyi leaves exhibit specific antibacterial activities on Gram-negative bacteria.
Solar activation of fungus coated in photothermal cloth
Authors: Pan Qianhao , Li Ruiting , Jia Jichen , Wang Yapei
Published: February 2020

Described herein is a novel bioorthogonal method for microorganism (Aspergillus oryzae) modification which coats the microorganism with a photothermal conversion cloth for staying bioactive in cold environments.
Negative and near-zero Poisson's ratios in 2D graphene/MoS2 and graphene/h-BN heterostructures
Authors: Li Xiaowen , Huang Chuanwei , Hu Songbai , Deng Bei , Chen Zuhuang , Han Wenqiao , Chen Lang
Published: February 2020

We report the negative Poisson's ratios (NPR) in vdW heterostructures, sharing distinct crystal structures from all other known NPR materials.
Toward a comparative description between transition metal and zeolite catalysts for methanol conversion
Authors: Li Huan , Guo Chenxi , Huang Liqiong , Long Jun , Fu Xiaoyan , Chu Wei , Xiao Jianping
Published: February 2020

A general description for zeolites and transition metal catalysts has been established for methanol conversion.
High-χ alternating copolymers for accessing sub-5 nm domains via simulations
Authors: Li Shanlong , Xu Qingsong , Li Ke , Yu Chunyang , Zhou Yongfeng
Published: February 2020

Based on molecular dynamics simulations, we designed novel high-χ alternating copolymers (ACPs) for fabricating sub-5 nm domains.
A hybrid random forest method fusing wavelet transform and variable importance for the quantitative analysis of K in potassic salt ore using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Ding Yu , Zhang Wan , Zhao Xingqiang , Zhang Liwen , Yan Fei
Published: February 2020

The aims of this study were to explore the feasibility of using LIBS technology combined with a hybrid RF algorithm for quantitative analysis of K in potash ore.
Toward the total synthesis of grayanane diterpene mollanol A by a Prins [3 + 2] strategy
Authors: Miao Jianzhuang , Zheng Yi-Xuan , Wang Linna , Lu Shi-Chao , Zhang Shi-Peng , Gong Ya-Ling , Xu Shu
Published: February 2020

A Prins-type [3 + 2] cyclization to form a five-membered ring was developed using an unprotected hydroxyaldehyde and activating-group-free olefins, which efficiently constructed the ADE ring segment of mollanol A.
Highly efficient near-infrared phosphor LaMgGa11O19:Cr3+
Authors: Liu Shengqiang , Wang Zhizhen , Cai Hao , Song Zhen , Liu Quanlin
Published: February 2020

LaMgGa11O19:Cr3+ phosphor was synthesized successfully, showing broadband NIR emission centered at ∼770 nm, high efficiency and excellent thermal quenching resistance for pc-LEDs.
Natural protein bioinspired materials for regeneration of hard tissues
Authors: Xu Xinyuan , Chen Xingyu , Li Jianshu
Published: February 2020

This review describes the protein bioinspired materials for the repair of hard tissues such as enamel, dentin and bone.