bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of low temperature carbon combustion catalyst characteristic caused by mixing Bi2O3 with Tl2O3
Authors: Nakayama Susumu
Published: May 2021

This study investigated the addition of various oxides to further improve the catalytic characteristics of Tl2O3, which offers a high carbon combustion catalytic capacity to lower the carbon combustion temperature of 660 °C by ~ 300 °C. Mixtures of carbon (2 wt%) with composite catalysts comprising 20 wt% Tl2O3–80wt% added oxide were analyzed using DSC. Bi2O3 offered the best improvement, where the exothermic peak temperatures for carbon combustion of carbon with various Tl2O3–x wt% Bi2O3 composites were lower than that of carbon with pure Tl2O3. Isothermal TG measurements were performed using a mixture of carbon and the Tl2O3‒95 wt% Bi2O3 composite catalyst, where a 2 wt% weight loss (i.e. removal of all carbon) was achieved above 230 °C. A porous alumina filter was coated with the composite catalyst and carbon was deposited on the filter surface. The filter was held at constant temperatures under air flow, which confirmed that carbon was completely removed at 230 °C. This study demonstrated the potential for using these composite catalysts in self-cleaning particulate filters to decompose and eliminate fine particulate matter and diesel particulate matter generated from steelworks, thermal power plants, and diesel vehicles simply using the heat of the exhaust gas in a factory flue-gas stack or vehicle muffler.
The epidemiology of cruciate ligament rupture in an insured Swedish dog population
Authors: Engdahl Karolina , Emanuelson Ulf , Höglund Odd , Bergström Annika , Hanson Jeanette
Published: May 2021

Cruciate ligament rupture (CLR) is a common orthopedic disorder in dogs. The study objectives were to evaluate incidence rate (IR), cause-specific mortality rate (CSMR) and risk factors for CLR in insured dogs. A single cohort study of dogs insured in Agria Pet Insurance in Sweden (2011–2016) was performed. Age at diagnosis, IR, CSMR and relative risk (RR) for CLR was calculated overall and per breed. The cohort included just over 600,000 dogs. The IR of CLR was 23.8 (95% confidence interval, 23.1–24.6) cases per 10,000 DYAR. The breeds with highest RR of CLR were Boerboel and Dogo Canario, while the breeds with lowest RR were Standard Dachshund and Miniature Pinscher. Dogue de Bordeaux had highest RR of euthanasia due to CLR. The median age at veterinary care claim for CLR was 7.1 (range 0.3–16.0) years and 6.6 (0.3–12) years at life insurance settlement. Large and giant breeds were generally diagnosed and euthanized due to CLR at a younger age compared to smaller breeds. The majority of the breeds with increased RR of CLR diagnosis and CLR-related euthanasia were large or giant. A pattern of increasing size and decreasing age at diagnosis/CLR-related euthanasia was observed.
Sheath properties in active magnetized multi-component plasmas
Authors: Hatami M. M.
Published: May 2021

Multi-component active plasmas are modeled in the presence of a constant oblique magnetic field by using the hydrodynamics equations. Assuming the electrons and negative ions have Boltzmann distribution and the positive ions have finite temperature, the sheath formation criterion is derived by analyzing the Sagdeev potential. It is found that the Bohm velocity of positive ions depends sensitively on the plasma parameters such as ion-neutral collision frequency, electron impact ionization frequency, positive and negative ion temperatures, initial densities of the charged particles and direction of the applied magnetic field. Also, using our obtained Bohm criterion, the sheath properties of an active magnetized plasma consisting of electrons and positive and negative ion species are investigated numerically and the results are compared with the results of a similar quiescent plasma.
Microvesicles released from pneumolysin-stimulated lung epithelial cells carry mitochondrial cargo and suppress neutrophil oxidative burst
Authors: Letsiou E. , Teixeira Alves L. G. , Fatykhova D. , Felten M. , Mitchell T. J. , Müller-Redetzky H.C. , Hocke A. C. , Witzenrath M.
Published: May 2021

Microvesicles (MVs) are cell-derived extracellular vesicles that have emerged as markers and mediators of acute lung injury (ALI). One of the most common pathogens in pneumonia-induced ALI is Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn), but the role of MVs during Spn lung infection is largely unknown. In the first line of defense against Spn and its major virulence factor, pneumolysin (PLY), are the alveolar epithelial cells (AEC). In this study, we aim to characterize MVs shed from PLY-stimulated AEC and explore their contribution in mediating crosstalk with neutrophils. Using in vitro cell and ex vivo (human lung tissue) models, we demonstrated that Spn in a PLY-dependent manner stimulates AEC to release increased numbers of MVs. Spn infected mice also had higher levels of epithelial-derived MVs in their alveolar compartment compared to control. Furthermore, MVs released from PLY-stimulated AEC contain mitochondrial content and can be taken up by neutrophils. These MVs then suppress the ability of neutrophils to produce reactive oxygen species, a critical host-defense mechanism. Taken together, our results demonstrate that AEC in response to pneumococcal PLY release MVs that carry mitochondrial cargo and suggest that these MVs regulate innate immune responses during lung injury.
Mexiletine-like cellular electrophysiological effects of GS967 in canine ventricular myocardium
Authors: Hézső Tamás , Naveed Muhammad , Dienes Csaba , Kiss Dénes , Prorok János , Árpádffy-Lovas Tamás , Varga Richárd , Fujii Erika , Mercan Tanju , Topal Leila , Kistamás Kornél , Szentandrássy Norbert , Almássy János , Jost Norbert , Magyar János , Bányász Tamás , Baczkó István , Varró András , Nánási Péter P. , Virág László , Horváth Balázs
Published: May 2021

Enhancement of the late Na+ current (INaL) increases arrhythmia propensity in the heart, while suppression of the current is antiarrhythmic. GS967 is an agent considered as a selective blocker of INaL. In the present study, effects of GS967 on INaL and action potential (AP) morphology were studied in canine ventricular myocytes by using conventional voltage clamp, action potential voltage clamp and sharp microelectrode techniques. The effects of GS967 (1 µM) were compared to those of the class I/B antiarrhythmic compound mexiletine (40 µM). Under conventional voltage clamp conditions, INaL was significantly suppressed by GS967 and mexiletine, causing 80.4 ± 2.2% and 59.1 ± 1.8% reduction of the densities of INaL measured at 50 ms of depolarization, and 79.0 ± 3.1% and 63.3 ± 2.7% reduction of the corresponding current integrals, respectively. Both drugs shifted the voltage dependence of the steady-state inactivation curve of INaL towards negative potentials. GS967 and mexiletine dissected inward INaL profiles under AP voltage clamp conditions having densities, measured at 50% of AP duration (APD), of −0.37 ± 0.07 and −0.28 ± 0.03 A/F, and current integrals of −56.7 ± 9.1 and −46.6 ± 5.5 mC/F, respectively. Drug effects on peak Na+ current (INaP) were assessed by recording the maximum velocity of AP upstroke (V+max) in multicellular preparations. The offset time constant was threefold faster for GS967 than mexiletine (110 ms versus 289 ms), while the onset of the rate-dependent block was slower in the case of GS967. Effects on beat-to-beat variability of APD was studied in isolated myocytes. Beat-to-beat variability was significantly decreased by both GS967 and mexiletine (reduction of 42.1 ± 6.5% and 24.6 ± 12.8%, respectively) while their shortening effect on APD was comparable. It is concluded that the electrophysiological effects of GS967 are similar to those of mexiletine, but with somewhat faster offset kinetics of V+max block. However, since GS967 depressed V+max and INaL at the same concentration, the current view that GS967 represents a new class of drugs that selectively block INaL has to be questioned and it is suggested that GS967 should be classified as a class I/B antiarrhythmic agent.
Quantification of the early pupillary dilation kinetic to assess rod and cone activity
Authors: Kostic Corinne , Crippa Sylvain V. , Leon Lorette , Hamel Christian , Meunier Isabelle , Kawasaki Aki
Published: May 2021

Rods, cones and melanopsin contribute in various proportions, depending on the stimulus light, to the pupil light response. This study used a first derivative analysis to focus on the quantification of the dynamics of pupillary dilation that immediately follows light-induced pupilloconstriction in order to identify novel parameters that reflect rod and cone activity. In 18 healthy adults, the pupil response to a 1 s blue light stimulus ranging from − 6.0 to 2.65 log cd/m2 in dark-adapted conditions and to a 1 s blue light stimulus (2.65 log cd/m2) in light-adapted conditions was recorded on a customized pupillometer. Three derivative parameters which describe the 2.75 s following the light onset were quantified: dAMP (maximal amplitude of the positive peak), dLAT (latency of the positive peak), dAUC (area under the curve of the positive peak). We found that dAMP and dAUC but not dLAT have graded responses over a range of light intensities. The maximal positive value of dAMP, representing maximal rate of change of early pupillary dilation phase, occurs at − 1.0 log cd/m2 and this stimulus intensity appears useful for activating rods and cones. From − 0.5 log cd/m2 to brighter intensities dAMP and dAUC progressively decrease, reaching negligible values at 2.65 log cd/m2 indicative of a melanopsin-driven pupil response that masks the contribution from rods and cones to the early phase of pupillary dilation.
A deep explainable artificial intelligent framework for neurological disorders discrimination
Authors: Shahtalebi Soroosh , Atashzar S. Farokh , Patel Rajni V. , Jog Mandar S. , Mohammadi Arash
Published: May 2021

Pathological hand tremor (PHT) is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and essential tremor (ET), which affects manual targeting, motor coordination, and movement kinetics. Effective treatment and management of the symptoms relies on the correct and in-time diagnosis of the affected individuals, where the characteristics of PHT serve as an imperative metric for this purpose. Due to the overlapping features of the corresponding symptoms, however, a high level of expertise and specialized diagnostic methodologies are required to correctly distinguish PD from ET. In this work, we propose the data-driven $$\text {NeurDNet}$$
NeurDNet
model, which processes the kinematics of the hand in the affected individuals and classifies the patients into PD or ET. $$\text {NeurDNet}$$
NeurDNet
is trained over 90 hours of hand motion signals consisting of 250 tremor assessments from 81 patients, recorded at the London Movement Disorders Centre, ON, Canada. The $$\text {NeurDNet}$$
NeurDNet
outperforms its state-of-the-art counterparts achieving exceptional differential diagnosis accuracy of $$95.55\%$$

95.55
%

. In addition, using the explainability and interpretability measures for machine learning models, clinically viable and statistically significant insights on how the data-driven model discriminates between the two groups of patients are achieved.
Feeding experiments on Vittina turrita (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Neritidae) reveal tooth contact areas and bent radular shape during foraging
Authors: Krings Wencke , Hempel Christine , Siemers Lisa , Neiber Marco T. , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: May 2021

The radula is the food gathering and processing structure and one important autapomorphy of the Mollusca. It is composed of a chitinous membrane with small, embedded teeth representing the interface between the organism and its ingesta. In the past, various approaches aimed at connecting the tooth morphologies, which can be highly distinct even within single radulae, to their functionality. However, conclusions from the literature were mainly drawn from analyzing mounted radulae, even though the configuration of the radula during foraging is not necessarily the same as in mounted specimens. Thus, the truly interacting radular parts and teeth, including 3D architecture of this complex structure during foraging were not previously determined. Here we present an experimental approach on individuals of Vittina turrita (Neritidae, Gastropoda), which were fed with algae paste attached to different sandpaper types. By comparing these radulae to radulae from control group, sandpaper-induced tooth wear patterns were identified and both area and volume loss could be quantified. In addition to the exact contact area of each tooth, conclusions about the 3D position of teeth and radular bending during feeding motion could be drawn. Furthermore, hypotheses about specific tooth functions could be put forward. These feeding experiments under controlled conditions were introduced for stylommatophoran gastropods with isodont radulae and are now applied to heterodont and complex radulae, which may provide a good basis for future studies on radula functional morphology.
Histone deacetylase inhibitor resminostat in combination with sorafenib counteracts platelet-mediated pro-tumoral effects in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Streubel Gundula , Schrepfer Sabine , Kallus Hannah , Parnitzke Ulrike , Wulff Tanja , Hermann Frank , Borgmann Matthias , Hamm Svetlana
Published: May 2021

In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), blood platelets have been linked to tumor growth, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), extrahepatic metastasis and a limited therapeutic response to the multikinase inhibitor (MKi) sorafenib, the standard of care in advanced HCC for the last decade. Recent clinical data indicated an improved overall survival for sorafenib in combination with the HDAC inhibitor resminostat in a platelet count dependent manner. Here, the impact of platelets on the sorafenib and resminostat drug effects in HCC cells was explored. In contrast to sorafenib, resminostat triggered an anti-proliferative response in HCC cell lines independent of platelets. As previously described, platelets induced invasive capabilities of HCC cells, a prerequisite for extravasation and metastasis. Importantly, the resminostat/sorafenib drug combination, but not the individual drugs, effectively blocked platelet-induced HCC cell invasion. Exploration of the molecular mechanism revealed that the combined drug action led to a reduction of platelet-inducedCD44expression and to the deregulation of several other epithelial and mesenchymal genes, suggesting interference with cell invasion via EMT. In addition, the drug combination decreased phosphorylated ERK level, indicating inhibition of the mitogenic signaling pathway MEK/ERK. Taken together, the resminostat plus sorafenib combination counteracts platelet-mediated cancer promoting effects in HCC cells.
Efficient genome editing of an extreme thermophile, Thermus thermophilus, using a thermostable Cas9 variant
Authors: Adalsteinsson Bjorn Thor , Kristjansdottir Thordis , Merre William , Helleux Alexandra , Dusaucy Julia , Tourigny Mathilde , Fridjonsson Olafur , Hreggvidsson Gudmundur Oli
Published: May 2021

Thermophilic organisms are extensively studied in industrial biotechnology, for exploration of the limits of life, and in other contexts. Their optimal growth at high temperatures presents a challenge for the development of genetic tools for their genome editing, since genetic markers and selection substrates are often thermolabile. We sought to develop a thermostable CRISPR-Cas9 based system for genome editing of thermophiles. We identified CaldoCas9 and designed an associated guide RNA and showed that the pair have targetable nuclease activity in vitro at temperatures up to 65 °C. We performed a detailed characterization of the protospacer adjacent motif specificity of CaldoCas9, which revealed a preference for 5′-NNNNGNMA. We constructed a plasmid vector for the delivery and use of the CaldoCas9 based genome editing system in the extreme thermophile Thermus thermophilus at 65 °C. Using the vector, we generated gene knock-out mutants of T. thermophilus, targeting genes on the bacterial chromosome and megaplasmid. Mutants were obtained at a frequency of about 90%. We demonstrated that the vector can be cured from mutants for a subsequent round of genome editing. CRISPR-Cas9 based genome editing has not been reported previously in the extreme thermophile T. thermophilus. These results may facilitate development of genome editing tools for other extreme thermophiles and to that end, the vector has been made available via the plasmid repository Addgene.
Effect of Nb addition on the size and morphology of the β-Fe precipitates in recycled Al-Si alloys
Authors: Narducci Carlos , Brollo Gabriela Lujan , de Siqueira Rafael Humberto Mota , Antunes André Silva , Abdalla Antonio Jorge
Published: May 2021

The recycled Al alloys have a Fe level above the recommended limits, leading to the precipitation of β-Fe intermetallic particles in their microstructure. The brittle β-Fe particles show a rough morphology in the form of highly-faceted platelets, which is detrimental to the alloy's mechanical performance containing these precipitates. This work analyses the possible interactions of the addition of 0–1 wt% of the grain refiner Nb + B to the morphology and size of β-Fe precipitates in alloys melted with Al-(7, 9, 12) wt% Si and 1 wt% Fe. The results indicate that the addition of the Nb + B inoculant revealed a significant change in the precipitates' size and morphology, which have become remarkably refined and spheroidized. Moreover, deepening the study through qualitative and quantitative analyses, it was found that the behaviour of the β-Fe precipitates follows an exponential decay with the increasing addition of Nb + B, a curve analogous to the primary α-Al grain refinement one, revealing a direct correlation between the events. Finally, it was possible to suggest a mechanism that shows how the phenomenon of morphological transformation of the β-Fe precipitates occurs in the material with the addition of the Nb + B inoculant.
Acute cigarette smoke or extract exposure rapidly activates TRPA1-mediated calcium influx in primary human airway smooth muscle cells
Authors: Lin JinHeng , Taggart Michael , Borthwick Lee , Fisher Andrew , Brodlie Malcolm , Sassano M. Flori , Tarran Robert , Gray Michael A.
Published: May 2021

Tobacco smoking is the largest risk factor for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and is associated with hyperresponsiveness of airway smooth muscle (ASM). Chronic exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) leads to airway inflammation and remodelling. However, the direct effect of gaseous CS or CS extract (CSE) on human airway smooth muscle cell (hASMC) function remains poorly understood. This study investigated the acute effect of CS/CSE on calcium homeostasis, a key regulator of ASM physiology and pathophysiology. Primary hASMC were isolated from non-smoking donor lungs, and subjected to Ca2+ imaging studies. We found that both CS, and CSE, rapidly elevated cytosolic Ca2+ in hASMC through stimulation of plasmalemmal Ca2+ influx, but excluded store-operated and L-type Ca2+ channels as mediators of this effect. Using a specific pharmacological inhibitor, or shRNA-driven knockdown, we established that both CS and CSE stimulated Ca2+ influx in hASMC through the neurogenic pain receptor channel, transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1). CS/CSE-dependent, TRPA1-mediated Ca2+ influx led to myosin light-chain phosphorylation, a key process regulating ASM contractility. We conclude that TRPA1 is likely an important link between CS/CSE exposure and airway hyperresponsiveness, and speculate that acute CS/CSE-induced Ca2+ influx could lead to exacerbated ASM contraction and potentially initiate further chronic pathological effects of tobacco smoke.
Multipartite entanglement criterion via generalized local uncertainty relations
Authors: Zhang Jia-Bin , Li Tao , Zhang Qing-Hua , Fei Shao-Ming , Wang Zhi-Xi
Published: May 2021

We study the detection of multipartite entanglement based on the generalized local uncertainty relations. A sufficient criterion for the entanglement of four-partite quantum systems is presented in terms of the local uncertainty relations. Detailed examples are given to illustrate the advantages of our criterion. The approach is generalized to general multipartite entanglement cases.
Development of plasma functionalized polypropylene wound dressing for betaine hydrochloride controlled drug delivery on diabetic wounds
Authors: Zahedi Leila , Ghourchi Beigi Pedram , Shafiee Mojtaba , Zare Fatemeh , Mahdikia Hamed , Abdouss Majid , Abdollahifar Mohammad-Amin , Shokri Babak
Published: May 2021

Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most worrying issues among illnesses, and its chronic subsequences almost refer to inflammations and infections. The loading and local release of antioxidants to wounds may decrease inflammations. However, the low wettability of PolyPropylene (PP) restricts the drug from loading. So, to increase the adhesion of PP for loading an optimum amount of Betaine Hydrochloride (BET), plasma has been applied in two steps of functionalization and polymerization, which has been confirmed with FE-SEM, ATR-FTIR, and EDX. The new chemistry of the surface led to almost 80% of BET loaded. The drug-releasing ratio studied by HPLC approved the presence of a PEG-like layer, which was coated by polymerization of tetraglyme. To evaluate the wound healing potential of the application of PP meshes treated by plasma, 72 Wistar rats were subdivided into four groups. The skin injury site was removed and underwent biomechanical tests, stereological analysis, and RNA extraction. The results showed a significant improvement in the polymerized scaffold containing BET for skin injury. The present study suggests that the use of a modified PP mesh can induce tissue regeneration and accelerate wound healing at the skin injury site.
A numerical investigation of changes in lens shape during accommodation
Authors: Cabeza-Gil I. , Grasa J. , Calvo B.
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate how the mechanical properties and geometry of the lens influence the changes in lens shape during accommodation. To do so, ex vivo stretching tests of the isolated lens were simulated via finite element analysis. In these tests, the lens is stretched from the accommodated state to the non-accommodated state. Several key characteristics of the lens were studied: the stiffness gradient of the lens material, the distribution of the capsule thickness, the mechanical properties of the capsule and the material comprising the lens, nucleus and cortex, and the influence of two different age-related lens geometries (17 and 29 y/o subjects). To determine the effects on the changes in lens shape during accommodation, changes in the anterior and posterior radius, the lens and nucleus thicknesses and the equatorial lens diameter were analysed. The results suggest that multiple factors exert statistically significant influences on how the lens changes its shape, but two factors predominate over the rest: the stiffness ratio between the nucleus and cortex and the stiffness of the capsule, specifically the posterior surface.
Promotion effects of microwave heating on coalbed methane desorption compared with conductive heating
Authors: Wang Zhijun , Wang Xiaojuan
Published: May 2021

As a clean energy resource, coalbed methane (CBM) has drawn worldwide attention. However, the CBM reservoir has strong adsorption capacity and low permeability and thus requires stimulation. As a means to stimulate coalbed methane recovery, thermal injection faces geological and economic challenges because it uses conventional conductive heating (CH) to transfer heat. Realized by the conversion of the electromagnetic energy into the thermal energy, microwave heating (MH) may be a sound stimulation method. Although previous research suggested that MH had potential as a stimulation method for coalbed methane recovery, it is not clear if MH is superior to CH for enhancing coalbed methane recovery. This paper compares the effect of MH and CH on methane desorption from coal using purpose-built experimental equipment. To compare the MH and CH experimental results, the desorption temperature for each CH desorption test was set to the maximum temperature reached in the correlative MH desorption test. The results show that although the cumulative desorbed volume (CDV) of methane under MH was less than that desorbed by CH in the initial desorption stage, the final total CDV under MH for the three different power settings was ~ 12% to ~ 21% more than that desorbed by CH at the same temperatures. CH and MH both change the sample’s microstructure but MH enlarges the pores, decreases methane adsorption, promotes methane diffusion, and improves permeability more effectively than CH. Rapid temperature rise and the changes in the coal’s microstructure caused by MH were the main reasons for its superior performance. These findings may provide reference for selecting the most appropriate type of heating for thermal injection assisted coalbed methane recovery.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty may decrease the incidence of Parkinson’s disease associated with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Lee Heung Man , Han Kyung-Do , Suh Jeffrey D. , Cho Jae Hoon
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the incidence of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is increased among patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and whether surgical treatment can prevent such an increase. This was a retrospective cohort study. We analysed the claims data from the Korea National Health Insurance Service. A total of 202,726 patients who were newly diagnosed with OSA between 2007 and 2014 were included. The patients were divided into two groups: patients who underwent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (surgery group, n = 22,742) and those who did not (conservative group, n = 179,984). The control group (n = 1,013,630) was selected by propensity score matching. They were tracked until 31st December 2015. The hazard ratio of PD diagnosis (95% confidence interval) in the OSA group with respect to the control group was calculated using the Cox proportional hazard model. In the conservative group, the incidence of PD (hazard ratio 2.57 [2.32–2.85]) was significantly higher than that in the control group, while the incidence of PD in the surgery group was similar to that in the control group (hazard ratio 1.45 [0.89–2.22]). Patients with OSA are at an increased risk of developing PD, and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty may mitigate this risk.
High biodiversity in a benzene-degrading nitrate-reducing culture is sustained by a few primary consumers
Authors: Melkonian Chrats , Fillinger Lucas , Atashgahi Siavash , da Rocha Ulisses Nunes , Kuiper Esther , Olivier Brett , Braster Martin , Gottstein Willi , Helmus Rick , Parsons John R. , Smidt Hauke , van der Waals Marcelle , Gerritse Jan , Brandt Bernd W. , Röling Wilfred F. M. , Molenaar Douwe , van Spanning Rob J. M.
Published: May 2021

A key question in microbial ecology is what the driving forces behind the persistence of large biodiversity in natural environments are. We studied a microbial community with more than 100 different types of species which evolved in a 15-years old bioreactor with benzene as the main carbon and energy source and nitrate as the electron acceptor. Using genome-centric metagenomics plus metatranscriptomics, we demonstrate that most of the community members likely feed on metabolic left-overs or on necromass while only a few of them, from familiesRhodocyclaceaeandPeptococcaceae, are candidates to degrade benzene. We verify with an additional succession experiment using metabolomics and metabarcoding that these few community members are the actual drivers of benzene degradation. As such, we hypothesize that high species richness is maintained and the complexity of a natural community is stabilized in a controlled environment by the interdependencies between the few benzene degraders and the rest of the community members, ultimately resulting in a food web with different trophic levels.
Cryo-EM structure of ABCG5/G8 in complex with modulating antibodies
Authors: Zhang Hanzhi , Huang Ching-Shin , Yu Xinchao , Lee Jonas , Vaish Amit , Chen Qing , Zhou Mingyue , Wang Zhulun , Min Xiaoshan
Published: May 2021

The heterodimer of ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCG5 and ABCG8 mediates the excretion of sterols from liver and intestine, playing a critical role in cholesterol homeostasis. Here, we present the cryo-EM structure of ABCG5/G8 in complex with the Fab fragments from two monoclonal antibodies at 3.3Å resolution. The high-resolution structure reveals a unique dimer interface between the nucleotide-binding domains (NBD) of opposing transporters, consisting of an ordered network of salt bridges between the conserved NPXDFXXD motif and serving as a pivot point that may be important for the transport cycle. While mAb 11F4 increases the ATPase activity potentially by stabilization of the NBD dimer formation, mAb 2E10 inhibits ATP hydrolysis, likely by restricting the relative movement between the RecA and helical domain of ABCG8 NBD. Our study not only provides insights into the structural elements important for the transport cycle but also reveals novel epitopes for potential therapeutic interventions.
Cooperative root graft networks benefit mangrove trees under stress
Authors: Vovides Alejandra G. , Wimmler Marie-Christin , Schrewe Falk , Balke Thorsten , Zwanzig Martin , Piou Cyril , Delay Etienne , López-Portillo Jorge , Berger Uta
Published: May 2021

The occurrence of natural root grafts, the union of roots of the same or different trees, is common and shared across tree species. However, their significance for forest ecology remains little understood. While early research suggested negative effects of root grafting with the risk of pathogen transmission, recent evidence supports the hypothesis that it is an adaptive strategy that reduces stress by facilitating resource exchange. Here, by analysing mangrove root graft networks in a non-destructive way at stand level, we show further evidence of cooperation-associated benefits of root grafting. Grafted trees were found to dominate the upper canopy of the forest, and as the probability of grafting and the frequency of grafted groups increased with a higher environmental stress, the mean number of trees within grafted groups decreased. While trees do not actively ‘choose’ neighbours to graft to, our findings point to the existence of underlying mechanisms that regulate ‘optimal group size’ selection related to resource use within cooperating networks. This work calls for further studies to better understand tree interactions (i.e. network hydraulic redistribution) and their consequences for individual tree and forest stand resilience.
The highly dynamic nature of bacterial heteroresistance impairs its clinical detection
Authors: Pereira Cátia , Larsson Jimmy , Hjort Karin , Elf Johan , Andersson Dan I.
Published: May 2021

Many bacterial species and antibiotic classes exhibit heteroresistance, a phenomenon in which a susceptible bacterial isolate harbors a resistant subpopulation that can grow in the presence of an antibiotic and cause treatment failure. The resistant phenotype is often unstable and without antibiotic selection it reverts back to susceptibility. Here we studied the dynamics by which these resistant subpopulations are enriched in the presence of antibiotic and recede back to their baseline frequency in the absence of selection. An increasing understanding of this instability will allow more effective diagnostics and treatment of infections caused by heteroresistant bacteria. We show for clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica that different antibiotics at levels below the MIC of the susceptible main population can cause rapid enrichment of resistant subpopulations with increased copy number of genes that cause resistance. Modelling and growth rate measurements of bacteria with increased gene copy number in cultures and by microscopy of single-cells in a microfluidic chip show that the fitness cost of gene amplifications and their intrinsic instability drives their rapid loss in the absence of selection. Using a common antibiotic susceptibility test, we demonstrate that this test strongly underestimates the occurrence of heteroresistance in clinical isolates.
The ribosome modulates folding inside the ribosomal exit tunnel
Authors: Wruck Florian , Tian Pengfei , Kudva Renuka , Best Robert B. , von Heijne Gunnar , Tans Sander J. , Katranidis Alexandros
Published: May 2021

Proteins commonly fold co-translationally at the ribosome, while the nascent chain emerges from the ribosomal exit tunnel. Protein domains that are sufficiently small can even fold while still located inside the tunnel. However, the effect of the tunnel on the folding dynamics of these domains is not well understood. Here, we combine optical tweezers with single-molecule FRET and molecular dynamics simulations to investigate folding of the small zinc-finger domain ADR1a inside and at the vestibule of the ribosomal tunnel. The tunnel is found to accelerate folding and stabilize the folded state, reminiscent of the effects of chaperonins. However, a simple mechanism involving stabilization by confinement does not explain the results. Instead, it appears that electrostatic interactions between the protein and ribosome contribute to the observed folding acceleration and stabilization of ADR1a.
Three-dimensional tissue-engineered human skeletal muscle model of Pompe disease
Authors: Wang Jason , Zhou Chris J. , Khodabukus Alastair , Tran Sabrina , Han Sang-Oh , Carlson Aaron L. , Madden Lauran , Kishnani Priya S. , Koeberl Dwight D. , Bursac Nenad
Published: May 2021

In Pompe disease, the deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) causes skeletal and cardiac muscle weakness, respiratory failure, and premature death. While enzyme replacement therapy using recombinant human GAA (rhGAA) can significantly improve patient outcomes, detailed disease mechanisms and incomplete therapeutic effects require further studies. Here we report a three-dimensional primary human skeletal muscle (“myobundle”) model of infantile-onset Pompe disease (IOPD) that recapitulates hallmark pathological features including reduced GAA enzyme activity, elevated glycogen content and lysosome abundance, and increased sensitivity of muscle contractile function to metabolic stress. In vitro treatment of IOPD myobundles with rhGAA or adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated hGAA expression yields increased GAA activity and robust glycogen clearance, but no improvements in stress-induced functional deficits. We also apply RNA sequencing analysis to the quadriceps of untreated and AAV-treated GAA−/− mice and wild-type controls to establish a Pompe disease-specific transcriptional signature and reveal novel disease pathways. The mouse-derived signature is enriched in the transcriptomic profile of IOPD vs. healthy myobundles and partially reversed by in vitro rhGAA treatment, further confirming the utility of the human myobundle model for studies of Pompe disease and therapy.
Strong glacial-interglacial variability in upper ocean hydrodynamics, biogeochemistry, and productivity in the southern Indian Ocean
Authors: Tangunan Deborah , Berke Melissa A. , Cartagena-Sierra Alejandra , Flores José Abel , Gruetzner Jens , Jiménez-Espejo Francisco , LeVay Leah J. , Baumann Karl-Heinz , Romero Oscar , Saavedra-Pellitero Mariem , Coenen Jason J. , Starr Aidan , Hemming Sidney R. , Hall Ian R. ,   Expedition 361 Science Party, Barker Stephen , Brentegani Luna , Caley Thibaut , Charles Christopher D. , Crespin Julien G. , Franzese Allison M. , Han Xibin , Hines Sophia K. V. , Jimenez Espejo Francisco J. , Just Janna , Koutsodendris Andreas , Kubota Kaoru , Lathika Nambiyathodi , Norris Richard D. , dos Santos Thiago Pereira , Robinson Rebecca S. , Rolison John M. , Simon Margit H. , Tangunan Deborah , van der Lubbe Jeroen J. L. , Yamane Masako , Zhang Hucai
Published: May 2021

In the southern Indian Ocean, the position of the subtropical front – the boundary between colder, fresher waters to the south and warmer, saltier waters to the north – has a strong influence on the upper ocean hydrodynamics and biogeochemistry. Here we analyse a sedimentary record from the Agulhas Plateau, located close to the modern position of the subtropical front and use alkenones and coccolith assemblages to reconstruct oceanographic conditions over the past 300,000 years. We identify a strong glacial-interglacial variability in sea surface temperature and productivity associated with subtropical front migration over the Agulhas Plateau, as well as shorter-term high frequency variability aligned with variations in high latitude insolation. Alkenone and coccolith abundances, in combination with diatom and organic carbon records indicate high glacial export productivity. We conclude that the biological pump was more efficient and strengthened during glacial periods, which could partly account for the reported reduction in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations.
Critical evaluation of faecal microbiome preservation using metagenomic analysis
Authors: Pribyl Alena L , Parks Donovan H , Angel Nicola Z , Boyd Joel A , Hasson Alexander G , Fang Liang , MacDonald Samantha L , Wills Blake A , Wood David L A , Krause Lutz , Tyson Gene W , Hugenholtz Philip
Published: May 2021

The ability to preserve microbial communities in faecal samples is essential as increasing numbers of studies seek to use the gut microbiome to identify biomarkers of disease. Here we use shotgun metagenomics to rigorously evaluate the technical and compositional reproducibility of five room temperature (RT) microbial stabilisation methods compared to the best practice of flash-freezing. These methods included RNALater, OMNIGene-GUT, a dry BBL swab, LifeGuard, and a novel method for preserving faecal samples, a Copan FLOQSwab in an active drying tube (FLOQSwab-ADT). Each method was assessed using six replicate faecal samples from five participants, totalling 180 samples. The FLOQSwab-ADT performed best for both technical and compositional reproducibility, followed by RNAlater and OMNIgene-GUT. LifeGuard and the BBL swab had unpredictable outgrowth of Escherichia species in at least one replicate from each participant. We further evaluated the FLOQSwab-ADT in an additional 239 samples across 10 individuals after storage at −20 °C, RT, and 50 °C for four weeks compared to fresh controls. The FLOQSwab-ADT maintained its performance across all temperatures, indicating this method is an excellent alternative to existing RT stabilisation methods.
Performance, fouling and cleaning of a thin film composite hollow fiber membrane during fertiliser-drawn forward osmosis process for micro-polluted water
Authors: Huang Jinhui Jeanne , Chen Sihao , Liao Yuan , Chen Yunfeng , You Xiaofei , Wang Rong
Published: May 2021

Analysis of occurrence and cleaning regeneration of organic/inorganic fouled FO membranes in the FDFO process and related mechanisms.
Recent advances in the development of covalent inhibitors
Authors: Kim Hyunsoo , Hwang Yoon Soo , Kim Mingi , Park Seung Bum
Published: May 2021

This is the short review focusing on recent advances of covalent warheads that can be applied to the development of potential covalent inhibitors.
Colossal dielectric permittivity, reduced loss tangent and the microstructure of Ca1−xCdxCu3Ti4O12−2yF2y ceramics
Authors: Boonlakhorn Jakkree , Prachamon Jirata , Manyam Jedsada , Krongsuk Sriprajak , Thongbai Prasit , Srepusharawoot Pornjuk
Published: May 2021

CdF2 defect clusters result in enhancement of dielectric properties of the Ca1−xCdxCu3Ti4O12−2yF2y ceramics.
Retraction: Gemcitabine aggravates miR-199a-5p-mediated breast cancer cell apoptosis by promoting VEGFA downregulation via inactivating the AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: May 2021

Retraction of ‘Gemcitabine aggravates miR-199a-5p-mediated breast cancer cell apoptosis by promoting VEGFA downregulation via inactivating the AKT signaling pathway’ by Dingmei Deng et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 20385–20394, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA00016J.
Total synthesis, isolation, surfactant properties, and biological evaluation of ananatosides and related macrodilactone-containing rhamnolipids
Authors: Cloutier Maude , Prévost Marie-Joëlle , Lavoie Serge , Feroldi Thomas , Piochon Marianne , Groleau Marie-Christine , Legault Jean , Villaume Sandra , Crouzet Jérôme , Dorey Stéphan , Dìaz De Rienzo Mayri Alejandra , Déziel Eric , Gauthier Charles
Published: May 2021

We show that macrolactonization of gluco- and rhamnolipids dramatically interfere with their surfactant properties and biological activity.
A hydrogel-assisted GDC chemical diffusion barrier for durable solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Hwang Sangyeon , Lee Jongseo , Kang Giho , Choi Mingi , Kim Seo Ju , Lee Wonyoung , Byun Doyoung
Published: May 2021

A novel thin-film coating technique using a gelatin-based GDC precursor solution was developed for dense and smooth 2D layers achieving excellent chemical stability.
Blood vessel and background separation for retinal image quality assessment
Authors: Liu Yi‐Peng , Lv Yajun , Li Zhanqing , Li Jing , Liu Yan , Chen Peng , Liang Ronghua
Published: May 2021

Retinal image analysis has become an intuitive and standard aided diagnostic technique for eye diseases. The good image quality is essential support for doctors to provide timely and accurate disease diagnosis. This paper proposes an end‐to‐end learning based method for evaluating the retinal image quality. First, blood vessels of the input image are segmented by U‐Net, and the fundus image is divided into two parts: blood vessels and background. Then, we design a dual branch network module which extracts global features that influence the image quality and suppress the interference of blood vessels and local textures to achieve better performance. The proposed module can be embedded in various advanced network structures. The experimental results show the more efficient convergence rate for the network with the module. The best network accuracy rate is 85.83%, the AUC is 0.9296, and the F1‐score is 0.7967 on the collected local dataset. Additionally, the model generalization is tested on the public DRIMDB dataset. The accuracy, AUC, and F1‐score reach 97.89%, 0.9978, and 0.9688, respectively. Compared with the state‐of‐the‐art networks, the performance of the proposed method is proven to be accurate and effective for retinal image quality assessment.
Retracted: Selection of intermediate routes for secure data communication systems using graph theory application and grey wolf optimization algorithm in MANETs
Authors: Balaji Subbiah , Obaidat Mohammad S. , Suthir Sriram , Rajesh Manoharan , Suresh Koneri Chandrasekaran
Published: May 2021

Retraction: “Selection of intermediate routes for secure data communication systems using graph theory application and grey wolf optimization algorithm in MANETs” by authors Subbiah Balaji, Mohammad S. Obaidat, Sriram Suthir, Manoharan Rajesh and Koneri Chandrasekaran Suresh, IET Netw. 2021;1–7. https://doi.org/10.1049/ntw2.12026.

The above article, published online on 5 May 2021 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor‐in‐Chief, Han‐Chieh Chao and John Wiley and Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed due to evidence indicating that the peer review of this paper was compromised.
The ionized heart of a molecular disk
Authors: Moscadelli L. , Cesaroni R. , Beltrán M. T. , Rivilla V. M.
Published: May 2021

Context. Hyper-compact (HC) or ultra-compact H II regions are the first manifestations of the radiation feedback from a newly born massive star. Therefore, their study is fundamental to understanding the process of massive (≥8 M⊙) star formation.

Aims. We employed Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) 1.4 mm Cycle 6 observations to investigate at high angular resolution (≈0.′′050, corresponding to 330 au) the HC H II region inside molecular core A1 of the high-mass star-forming cluster G24.78+0.08.

Methods. We used the H30α emission and different molecular lines of CH3CN and 13CH3CN to study the kinematics of the ionized and molecular gas, respectively.

Results. At the center of the HC H II region, at radii ≲500 au, we observe two mutually perpendicular velocity gradients, which are directed along the axes at PA = 39° and PA = 133°, respectively. The velocity gradient directed along the axis at PA = 39° has an amplitude of 22 km s−1 mpc−1, which is much larger than the other’s, 3 km s−1 mpc−1. We interpret these velocity gradients as rotation around, and expansion along, the axis at PA = 39°. We propose a scenario where the H30α line traces the ionized heart of a disk-jet system that drives the formation of the massive star (≈20 M⊙) responsible for the HC H II region. Such a scenario is also supported by the position-velocity plots of the CH3CN and 13CH3CN lines along the axis at PA = 133°, which are consistent with Keplerian rotation around a 20 M⊙ star.

Conclusions. Toward the HC H II region in G24.78+0.08, the coexistence of mass infall (at radii of ~5000 au), an outer molecular disk (from ≲4000 au to ≳500 au), and an inner ionized disk (≲500 au) indicates that the massive ionizing star is still actively accreting from its parental molecular core. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a molecular disk around a high-mass forming star that, while becoming internally ionized after the onset of the H II region, continues to accrete mass onto the ionizing star.
Features of the passage of main phenological phases of common cherry cultivars in the conditions of the Orel region
Authors: Efremov Igor , Gulyaeva Alexandra , Knyazev Sergey , Berlova Tatyana , Gal’kova Anna
Published: May 2021

This article presents the results of studying the features of main phenological phases passage by varieties, selected and elite seedlings of common cherry in the conditions of the Orel region. The research was carried out on the basis of stone crops plantings of the Russian Research Institute of Fruit Crop Selection in 2018–2020. The purpose of the research was to study the peculiarities of phenological phases passage by common cherry cultivars from the VNIISPK gene pool. During the studies it was found that Turgenevka, Businka and Kapelka varieties are early-ripening, in conditions of the Orel region, and forms 84847, 84595 and 84854, Putinka, Umanskaya Skorospelka are late-ripening. The duration of cherry cultivars vegetation season was determined at the level of 175–194 days. The sum of active temperatures during the vegetation season of cherry cultivation was 2592.4–2650.9 oC. The variance analysis allowed to determine a certain influence degree of the year conditions on vegetation season duration and sum of active temperatures necessary for the varieties to pass the phenological phases successfully.