bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy of four-segmented Rift Valley fever virus in young sheep, goats and cattle
Authors: Wichgers Schreur Paul J. , Oreshkova Nadia , van Keulen Lucien , Kant Jet , van de Water Sandra , Soós Pál , Dehon Yves , Kollár Anna , Pénzes Zoltán , Kortekaas Jeroen
Published: July 2020

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne bunyavirus that causes severe and recurrent outbreaks on the African continent and the Arabian Peninsula and continues to expand its habitat. RVFV induces severe disease in newborns and abortion in pregnant ruminants. The viral genome consists of a small (S), medium (M) and large (L) RNA segment of negative polarity. The M segment encodes a glycoprotein precursor protein that is co-translationally cleaved into the two structural glycoproteins Gn and Gc, which are involved in receptor attachment and cell entry. We previously constructed a four-segmented RVFV (RVFV-4s) by splitting the M genome segment into two M-type segments encoding either Gn or Gc. RVFV-4s replicates efficiently in cell culture but was shown to be completely avirulent in mice, lambs and pregnant ewes. Here, we show that a RVFV-4s candidate vaccine for veterinary use (vRVFV-4s) does not disseminate in vaccinated animals, is not shed or spread to the environment and does not revert to virulence. Furthermore, a single vaccination of lambs, goat kids and calves was shown to induce protective immunity against a homologous challenge. Finally, the vaccine was shown to provide full protection against a genetically distinct RVFV strain. Altogether, we demonstrate that vRVFV-4s optimally combines efficacy with safety, holding great promise as a next-generation RVF vaccine.
Sequential immunization induces strong and broad immunity against all four dengue virus serotypes
Authors: Hou Jue , Shrivastava Shubham , Loo Hooi Linn , Wong Lan Hiong , Ooi Eng Eong , Chen Jianzhu
Published: July 2020

A major challenge in dengue vaccine development is the need to induce immunity against four dengue (DENV) serotypes. Dengvaxia®, the only licensed dengue vaccine, consists of four variant dengue antigens, one for each serotype. Three doses of immunization with the tetravalent vaccine induced only suboptimal protection against DENV1 and DENV2. Furthermore, vaccination paradoxically and adversely primes dengue naïve subjects to more severe dengue. Here, we have tested whether sequential immunization induces stronger and broader immunity against four DENV serotypes than tetravalent-formulated immunization. Mice were immunized with four DNA plasmids, each encoding the pre-membrane and envelope from one DENV serotype, either sequentially or simultaneously. The sequential immunization induced significantly higher levels of interferon (IFN)γ- or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α-expressing CD4+and CD8+T cells to both serotype-specific and conserved epitopes than tetravalent immunization. Moreover, sequential immunization induced higher levels of neutralizing antibodies to all four DENV serotypes than tetravalent vaccination. Consistently, sequential immunization resulted in more diversified immunoglobulin repertoire, including increased complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) length and more robust germinal center reactions. These results show that sequential immunization offers a simple approach to potentially overcome the current challenges encountered with tetravalent-formulated dengue vaccines.
Determinants of duck Tembusu virus NS2A/2B polyprotein procession attenuated viral replication and proliferation in vitro
Authors: Jiang Bowen , Zhang Wei , Wu Yuanyuan , Wang Tao , Wang Mingshu , Jia Renyong , Zhu Dekang , Liu Mafeng , Zhao Xinxin , Yang Qiao , Wu Ying , Zhang ShaQiu , Liu YunYa , Zhang Ling , Yu YanLing , Pan Leichang , Chen Shun , Cheng Anchun
Published: July 2020

Duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV), a mosquito-borne Flavivirus, has caused serious economic losses for the Chinese poultry industry. The genome is translated into a polyprotein that is cleaved to mature protein by host and viral proteases in the host cell, and this proteolytic process is important for the viral life cycle. However, the cleavage mechanism of DTMUV polyprotein is still unclear. In this study, we identified that several amino acids (P1-R, P1′-G, P2-R, P3-T, and P4-V) were vital for NS2A/2B cleavage. Meanwhile, both NS2A and NS2B were essential in cis for polyprotein NS2A/2B intramolecular cleavage. Subsequently, a DTMUV replicon and an infectious clone showed that the P1 site is essential to viral replication, while a mutation in P1′ could boost viral RNA replication. Furthermore, a recombinant virus with P1 and P1′ site mutations named rDTMUV-NS2A/2B-P1P1′(AA) was rescued from transfected BHK21 cells. The maximum viral titers and viral genome copies of rDTMUV-NS2A/2B-P1P1′(AA) were much lower than those of rDTMUV-WT both in the intracellular and extracellular samples of transfected and infected BHK21 cells. Taken together, the NS2A/2B cleavage sites processed by the NS2B3 protease are vital for DTMUV proliferation and virulence.
Femtosecond Plasmonic Laser Nanosurgery (fs-PLN) mediated by molecularly targeted gold nanospheres at ultra-low pulse fluences
Authors: Eversole Daniel , Subramanian Kaushik , Harrison Rick K. , Bourgeois Frederic , Yuksel Anil , Ben-Yakar Adela
Published: July 2020

Plasmonic Laser Nanosurgery (PLN) is a novel photomodification technique that exploits the near-field enhancement of femtosecond (fs) laser pulses in the vicinity of gold nanoparticles. While prior studies have shown the advantages of fs-PLN to modify cells, further reduction in the pulse fluence needed to initiate photomodification is crucial to facilitate deep–tissue treatments. This work presents an in-depth study of fs-PLN at ultra-low pulse fluences using 47 nm gold nanoparticles, conjugated to antibodies that target the epithelial growth factor receptor and excited off-resonance using 760 nm, 270 fs laser pulses at 80 MHz repetition rate. We find that fs-PLN can optoporate cellular membranes with pulse fluences as low as 1.3 mJ/cm2, up to two orders of magnitude lower than those used at lower repetition rates. Our results, corroborated by simulations of free-electron generation by particle photoemission and photoionization of the surrounding water, shed light on the off-resonance fs-PLN mechanism. We suggest that photo-chemical pathways likely drive cellular optoporation and cell damage at these off-resonance, low fluence, and high repetition rate fs-laser pulses, with clusters acting as local concentrators of ROS generation. We believe that the low fluence and highly localized ROS-mediated fs-PLN approach will enable targeted therapeutics and cancer treatment.
A total closed chest sheep model of cardiogenic shock by percutaneous intracoronary ethanol injection
Authors: Rienzo Mario , Imbault Julien , El Boustani Younes , Beurton Antoine , Carlos Sampedrano Carolina , Pasdois Philippe , Pernot Mathieu , Bernus Olivier , Haïssaguerre Michel , Couffinhal Thierry , Ouattara Alexandre
Published: July 2020

To develop a reproducible and stable closed chest model of ischemic cardiogenic shock in sheep, with high survival rate and potential insight into human pathology. We established a protocol for multi-step myocardial alcoholisation of the left anterior descending coronary artery by percutaneous ethanol injection. A thorough hemodynamic assessment was obtained by invasive and non-invasive monitoring devices. Repeated blood samples were obtained to determine haemoglobin and alcohol concentration, electrolytes, blood gas parameters and cardiac troponin I. After sacrifice, tissue was excised for quantification of infarction and histology. Cardiogenic shock was characterized by a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure (− 33%), cardiac output (− 29%), dP/dtmax(− 28%), carotid blood flow (− 22%), left ventricular fractional shortening (− 28%), and left ventricle end-systolic pressure–volume relationship (− 51%). Lactate and cardiac troponin I levels increased from 1.4 ± 0.2 to 4.9 ± 0.7 mmol/L (p = 0.001) and from 0.05 ± 0.02 to 14.74 ± 2.59 µg/L (p = 0.001), respectively. All haemodynamic changes were stable over a three-hour period with a 71% survival rate. The necrotic volume (n = 5) represented 24.0 ± 1.9% of total ventricular mass. No sham exhibited any variation under general anaesthesia. We described and characterized, for the first time, a stable, reproducible sheep model of cardiogenic shock obtained by percutaneous intracoronary ethanol administration.
Evidence of macrophage modulation in the mouse pubic symphysis remodeling during the end of first pregnancy and postpartum
Authors: Castelucci B. G. , Pereira A. H. M. , Fioramonte M. , Carazzolle M. F. , de Oliveira P. S. L. , Franchini K. G. , Kobarg J. , Martins-de-Souza D. , Joazeiro P. P. , Consonni S. R.
Published: July 2020

In mouse pregnancy, pubic symphysis (PS) remodels into an elastic interpubic ligament (IpL) in a temporally regulated process to provide safe delivery. It restores at postpartum to assure reproductive tract homeostasis. Recently, macrophage localization in the IpL and dynamic changes in the expression of inflammatory mediators observed from the end of pregnancy (D18, D19) to early days postpartum (1dpp, 3dpp) highlighted the necessity of the identification of the key molecules involved in innate immune processes in PS remodeling. Therefore, this study uses morphological and high-sensitivity molecular techniques to identify both macrophage association with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and the immunological processes involved in PS changes from D18 to 3dpp. Results showed macrophage association with active gelatinases and ECM components and 25 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to macrophage activities in interpubic tissues from D18 to 3dpp. Additionally, microarray and proteomic analysis showed a significant association of interpubic tissue DEGs with complement system activation and differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) with phagocytosis, highlighting the involvement of macrophage-related activities in mouse PS remodeling. Therefore, the findings suggest that PS ECM remodeling is associated with evidence of macrophage modulation that ensures both IpL relaxation and fast PS recovery postpartum for first labor.
Twisted space-frequency and space-time partially coherent beams
Authors: Hyde Milo W.
Published: July 2020

We present partially coherent sources that are statistically twisted in the space-frequency and space-time domains. Beginning with the superposition rule for genuine partially coherent sources, we derive source plane expressions for the cross-spectral density (CSD) and mutual coherence functions (MCFs) for twisted space-frequency and space-time Gaussian Schell-model (GSM) beams. Using the Fresnel approximation to the free-space Green’s function, we then paraxially propagate the CSD and MCF to any plane $$z > 0$$

z
>
0

. We discuss the beams’ behavior as they propagate, with particular emphasis on how the beam shape rotates or tumbles versus z. To validate our analysis, we simulate the generation and subsequent propagation of twisted space-frequency and space-time GSM beams. We compare the simulated moments to the corresponding theoretical predictions and find them to be in excellent agreement. Lastly, we describe how to physically synthesize twisted space-frequency and space-time partially coherent sources.
Prevalence and staging of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Miller Alexandria , McNamara Jennifer , Hummel Scott L. , Konerman Matthew C. , Tincopa Monica A.
Published: July 2020

Insulin resistance and altered energy metabolism is common in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and appears to also be associated with myocardial dysfunction. We aimed to evaluate prevalence, staging and clinical features correlated with NAFLD among patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Adults with HFpEF were prospectively enrolled. Demographic and clinical data were collected. NAFLD was defined based on liver biopsy, abdominal imaging or ICD-coding and the absence of other liver diseases. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed. 181 patients were analyzed. The median age was 70 with 89% white, 59% female, median BMI 35.1, and 48% with diabetes. NAFLD was present in 27% of the full cohort and 50% of those with imaging. In patients with imaging, multivariable analysis identified diabetes (OR 3.38, 95% CI 1.29–8.88) and BMI (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04–1.19) as independent correlates of NAFLD. 54% of NAFLD patients had a NAFLD fibrosis score consistent with advanced fibrosis. Cirrhosis was present in 6.6% of patients overall and 11.5% with imaging. NAFLD patients had a higher frequency of advanced heart failure (75% vs 55%, p 0.01). NAFLD has a two-fold higher prevalence in HFpEF compared to the general population and is independently associated with BMI and diabetes. Patients with HFpEF and NAFLD also appeared to have more advanced fibrosis including cirrhosis suggesting a potential synergistic effect of cardiac dysfunction on fibrosis risk in NAFLD. This data supports consideration for evaluation of underlying liver disease in HFpEF patients.
Dendrimer-coated carbon nanotubes deliver dsRNA and increase the efficacy of gene knockdown in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Edwards Catriona H. , Christie Craig R. , Masotti Andrea , Celluzzi Antonella , Caporali Andrea , Campbell Ewan M.
Published: July 2020

In this study, the use of dendrimer-coated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a delivery vehicle for dsRNA was assessed in Tribolium castaneum. Exposure to low dosages of polyamidoamine dendrimer carbon nanotubes (PAMAM-CNTs) did not affect T. castaneum larval mortality. Expression of key apoptotic factors, Dronc (Tc12580), Dredd (Tcn-like, Tc014026) and Buffy, (Tcinhib apop1), which can act as toxicity indicators, were not altered in T. castaneum larvae following injection of PAMAM-CNTs. The level of knockdown of two target genes, α-tubulin and mitochondrial RNA polymerase (mtpol), were significantly increased when larvae were injected with double-stranded RNA bound to CNTs (PAMAM-CNT-dsRNA), compared to those injected with target dsRNA alone. PAMAM-CNTs were visualised in cellular vacuoles and in the cell nucleus. Increase occurrence of a blistered wing phenotype was found in a subset of PAMAM-CNT-dsRNAαtub injected larvae, relative to the level seen in larvae injected with naked dsRNAαtub alone. These results suggest that the use of functionalised CNTs for dsRNA delivery could increase the efficacy of RNA interference in insect pest species.
Architectured ZnO–Cu particles for facile manufacturing of integrated Li-ion electrodes
Authors: Bargardi Fabio L. , Billaud Juliette , Villevieille Claire , Bouville Florian , Studart André R.
Published: July 2020

Designing electrodes with tailored architecture is an efficient mean to enhance the performance of metal-ion batteries by minimizing electronic and ionic transport limitations and increasing the fraction of active material in the electrode. However, the fabrication of architectured electrodes often involves multiple laborious steps that are not directly scalable to current manufacturing platforms. Here, we propose a processing route in which Cu-coated ZnO powders are directly shaped into architectured electrodes using a simple uniaxial pressing step. Uniaxial pressing leads to a percolating Cu phase with enhanced electrical conductivity between the active ZnO particles and improved mechanical stability, thus dispensing the use of carbon-based additives and polymeric binders in the electrode composition. The additive-free percolating copper network obtained upon pressing leads to highly loaded integrated anodes displaying volumetric charge capacity 6–10 fold higher than Cu-free ZnO films and that matches the electrochemical performance reported for advanced cathode structures. Achieving this high charge capacity using a readily available pressing tool makes this approach a promising route for the facile manufacturing of high-performance electrodes at large industrial scales.
Differentially expressed serum proteins from obese Wistar rats as a risk factor for obesity-induced diseases
Authors: Gabuza Kwazikwakhe Bethuel , Sibuyi Nicole Remaliah Samantha , Mobo Mmabatho Peggy , Madiehe Abram Madimabe
Published: July 2020

Obesity is a chronic disease that negatively affects life expectancy through its association with life-threatening diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Expression proteomics combined with in silico interaction studies are used to uncover potential biomarkers and the pathways that promote obesity-related complications. These biomarkers can either aid in the development of personalized therapies or identify individuals at risk of developing obesity-related diseases. To determine the serum protein changes, Wistar rats were fed standard chow (low fat, LF), or chow formulated high fat (HF) diets (HF1, HF2 and HF3) for 8 and 42 weeks to induce obesity. Serum samples were collected from lean and obese rats at these time points. The serum samples were precipitated using trichloroacetic acid (TCA)/acetone and analyzed by 2-Dimensional SDS-PAGE. Serum protein profiles were examined using mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics and validated by western blotting. Protein–protein interactions among the selected proteins were studied in silico using bioinformatics tools. Several proteins showed differences in expression among the three HF diets when compared to the LF diet, and only proteins with ≥ twofold expression levels were considered differentially expressed. Apolipoprotein-AIV (APOA4), C-reactive protein (CRP), and alpha 2-HS glycoprotein (AHSG) showed differential expression at both 8 and 42 weeks, whereas alpha 1 macroglobulin (AMBP) was differentially expressed only at 8 weeks. Network analysis revealed some interactions among the proteins, an indication that these proteins might interactively play a crucial role in development of obesity-induced diseases. These data show the variation in the expression of serum proteins during acute and chronic exposure to high fat diet. Based on the expression and the in-silico interaction these proteins warrant further investigation for their role in obesity development.
Selectivity of deltamethrin doses on Palmistichus elaeisis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) parasitizing Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Pereira Costa Elizangela Souza , Soares Marcus Alvarenga , Caldeira Zaira Vieira , Von dos Santos Veloso Ronnie , da Silva Ludmila Aglai , da Silva Derly José Henriques , de Lima Santos Isabel Carolina , de Castro e Castro Bárbara Monteiro , Zanuncio José Cola , Legaspi Jesusa Crisostomo
Published: July 2020

Insecticides are the main method of controlling lepidopteran pests of eucalyptus plantations and those selective to natural enemies, such as the endoparasitoid Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare et LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), are preferable. The objective of this study was to evaluate the selectivity and effects on biological parameters of the insecticide deltamethrin, registered for the control of defoliator caterpillars of eucalyptus, to the parasitoid P. elaeisis aiming the rational use of this insecticide and its compatibility with parasitoids. The experiment was in a completely randomized design. The treatments were the doses of 0.64, 1.40, 3.10, 6.83, 15.03, 33.05, 72.7 and 160 mg a.i./L of deltamethrin and the control (distilled water) with 10 replications, each with a pupae of the alternative host Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) exposed by the immersion method. The parasitism, biological cycle, emergence, longevity, head width and metatibia length of the natural enemy were evaluated. Deltamethrin reduced parasitism and the emergence rates of P. elaeisis. The duration of the biological cycle of this parasitoid, emerged from T. molitor pupae exposed to 15.03 mg a.i./L of deltamethrin, was higher. The morphometric parameters of P. elaeisis exposed to the doses of 0.64 and 1.40 mg a.i./L of the insecticide were lower. However, the morphometric parameter values were higher with the doses above 3.10 mg a.i./L than in the control. The parasitism and emergence of P. elaeisis were also reduced by the deltamethrin doses lower than the commercially recommended one and therefore, this insecticide is not selective for this natural enemy.
A novel therapeutic antibody screening method using bacterial high-content imaging reveals functional antibody binding phenotypes of Escherichia coli ST131
Authors: Maes Mailis , Dyson Zoe A. , Smith Sarah E. , Goulding David A. , Ludden Catherine , Baker Stephen , Kellam Paul , Reece Stephen T. , Dougan Gordon , Bartholdson Scott Josefin
Published: July 2020

The increase of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and lack of new classes of licensed antimicrobials, have made alternative treatment options for AMR pathogens increasingly attractive. Recent studies have demonstrated anti-bacterial efficacy of a humanised monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting the O25b O-antigen of Escherichia coli ST131. To evaluate the phenotypic effects of antibody binding to diverse clinical E. coli ST131 O25b bacterial isolates in high-throughput, we designed a novel mAb screening method using high-content imaging (HCI) and image-based morphological profiling to screen a mAb targeting the O25b O-antigen. Screening the antibody against a panel of 86 clinical E. coli ST131 O25:H4 isolates revealed 4 binding phenotypes: no binding (18.60%), weak binding (4.65%), strong binding (69.77%) and strong agglutinating binding (6.98%). Impaired antibody binding could be explained by the presence of insertion sequences or mutations in O-antigen or lipopolysaccharide core biosynthesis genes, affecting the amount, structure or chain length of the O-antigen. The agglutinating binding phenotype was linked with lower O-antigen density, enhanced antibody-mediated phagocytosis and increased serum susceptibly. This study highlights the need to screen candidate mAbs against large panels of clinically relevant isolates, and that HCI can be used to evaluate mAb binding affinity and potential functional efficacy against AMR bacteria.
Stochastic master equation for early protein aggregation in the transthyretin amyloid disease
Authors: Liu Ruo-Nan , Kang Yan-Mei
Published: July 2020

It is significant to understand the earliest molecular events occurring in the nucleation of the amyloid aggregation cascade for the prevention of amyloid related diseases such as transthyretin amyloid disease. We develop chemical master equation for the aggregation of monomers into oligomers using reaction rate law in chemical kinetics. For this stochastic model, lognormal moment closure method is applied to track the evolution of relevant statistical moments and its high accuracy is confirmed by the results obtained from Gillespie’s stochastic simulation algorithm. Our results show that the formation of oligomers is highly dependent on the number of monomers. Furthermore, the misfolding rate also has an important impact on the process of oligomers formation. The quantitative investigation should be helpful for shedding more light on the mechanism of amyloid fibril nucleation.
Savanna tree evolutionary ages inform the reconstruction of the paleoenvironment of our hominin ancestors
Authors: Davies T. Jonathan , Daru Barnabas H. , Bezeng Bezeng S. , Charles-Dominique Tristan , Hempson Gareth P. , Kabongo Ronny M. , Maurin Olivier , Muasya A. Muthama , van der Bank Michelle , Bond William J.
Published: July 2020

Ideas on hominin evolution have long invoked the emergence from forests into open habitats as generating selection for traits such as bipedalism and dietary shifts. Though controversial, thesavanna hypothesiscontinues to motivate research into the palaeo-environments of Africa. Reconstruction of these ancient environments has depended heavily on carbon isotopic analysis of fossil bones and palaeosols. The sparsity of the fossil record, however, imposes a limit to the strength of inference that can be drawn from such data. Time-calibrated phylogenies offer an additional tool for dating the spread of savanna habitat. Here, using the evolutionary ages of African savanna trees, we suggest an initial tropical or subtropical expansion of savanna between 10 and 15 Ma, which then extended to higher latitudes, reaching southern Africa ca. 3 Ma. Our phylogenetic estimates of the origin and latitudinal spread of savannas broadly correspond with isotopic age estimates and encompass the entire hominin fossil record. Our results are consistent with the savanna hypothesis of early hominin evolution and reignite the debate on the drivers of savanna expansion. Our analysis demonstrates the utility of phylogenetic proxies for dating major ecological transitions in geological time, especially in regions where fossils are rare or absent or occur in discontinuous sediments.
Preparation and characterization of TiO2 based on wood templates
Authors: Liu Yu , Zhu Xiaodong , Yuan Diliang , Wang Weicong , Gao Lijiao
Published: July 2020

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) was prepared from four natural wood spices that served as templates. The wood templates were impregnated by a titanium dioxide precursor and then underwent high-temperature calcination to obtain TiO2 with a wood-like hierarchical porous structure. The microstructure of TiO2 based on the wood template was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and nitrogen adsorption–desorption tests. The formaldehyde adsorption and degradation properties of TiO2 based on a wood template are discussed. The results showed that TiO2 based on a wood template could effectively replicate the micro- and mesoscopic pore structure of wood, and the pore size distribution in the TiO2 ranged from 1 to 100 nm. The TiO2 that was prepared based on a wood template showed a certain adsorption effect on formaldehyde under visible light, and the photocatalytic degradation of a formaldehyde solution was achieved when irritated by ultraviolet light. In addition, the properties of the TiO2 prepared by different tree species was also different. The TiO2 prepared by larch and Chinese fir exhibited a large specific surface area, pore volume, and high degradation efficiency of formaldehyde solution. After 280 min of irradiation with an ultraviolet light source, the degradation rates of the formaldehyde solution were 19.91% and 18.85%.
Comparison of bone-to-implant contact and bone volume around implants placed with or without site preparation: a histomorphometric study in rabbits
Authors: Folkman Merav , Becker Alina , Meinster Isabelle , Masri Mahmoud , Ormianer Zeev
Published: July 2020

The objective of this in vivo study was to compare bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO) values of a new implant, designed to be inserted without bone preparation, using two different preparation protocols: no site preparation and prior limited cortical perforation, versus the values of a control implant using a conventional drilling protocol. Forty-one implants were inserted in 13 rabbits. Thirteen test implants with a new thread design were inserted using no bone preparation (NP), 14 test implants were inserted with limited cortical perforation (CP), and 14 conventional implants served as control. Five animals were sacrificed after 21 days and eight animals after 42 days. Histomorphometric analysis was performed and percentage of BIC and BAFO values were measured. ANOVA with Tukey post hoc and Mann–Whitney nonparametric tests were calculated to compare between the groups. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in the measured values between any of the groups, neither compered by implant nor by compered day. The results demonstrated that biological osseointegration parameters of implant that was inserted without any bone preparation was non-inferior compared to conventional preparation. The clinical relevance is that novel implant designs may not require bone preparation prior to placement.
Increased rainfall stimulates permafrost thaw across a variety of Interior Alaskan boreal ecosystems
Authors: Douglas Thomas A. , Turetsky Merritt R. , Koven Charles D.
Published: July 2020

Earth’s high latitudes are projected to experience warmer and wetter summers in the future but ramifications for soil thermal processes and permafrost thaw are poorly understood. Here we present 2750 end of summer thaw depths representing a range of vegetation characteristics in Interior Alaska measured over a 5 year period. This included the top and third wettest summers in the 91-year record and three summers with precipitation close to mean historical values. Increased rainfall led to deeper thaw across all sites with an increase of 0.7 ± 0.1 cm of thaw per cm of additional rain. Disturbed and wetland sites were the most vulnerable to rain-induced thaw with ~1 cm of surface thaw per additional 1 cm of rain. Permafrost in tussock tundra, mixed forest, and conifer forest was less sensitive to rain-induced thaw. A simple energy budget model yields seasonal thaw values smaller than the linear regression of our measurements but provides a first-order estimate of the role of rain-driven sensible heat fluxes in high-latitude terrestrial permafrost. This study demonstrates substantial permafrost thaw from the projected increasing summer precipitation across most of the Arctic region.
Equilibrium and thermodynamic studies of chromic overcrowded fluorenylidene-acridanes with modified fluorene moieties
Authors: Wang Ya , Ma Yue , Ogumi Keisuke , Wang Bing , Nakagawa Takafumi , Fu Yao , Matsuo Yutaka
Published: July 2020

Chromic materials, an important class of stimuli-responsive materials, have aroused extensive attention in recent years. Normally, their color is based on changes in morphology. Few examples of chromic material based on conformational isomerization, such as in overcrowded alkenes, have been reported previously. Furthemore, experimental thermodynamic studies of overcrowded bistricyclic aromatic enes have not been carried out to our knowledge. Here, we show that N-phenyl-substituted fluorenylidene-acridanes, with a properly modified fluorene moiety, performs chromisms originating from conformational changes. Thermodynamic studies determine equilibrium constants, changes in enthalpy, entropy, and free energy in solution, enabling in-depth understanding of the equilibrium behavior of overcrowded alkenes and providing useful information for designing functional chromic compounds. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of fluorenylidene-acridanes in this work clearly shows well-tuned charge transfer from the acridane to the fluorene moiety. Various chromic behaviors such as mechanochromism, thermochromism, solvatochromism, vapochromism, and proton-induced chromism also support understanding of conformational isomerism.
Imaging and spectroscopy of domains of the cellular membrane by photothermal-induced resonance
Authors: Quaroni Luca
Published: July 2020

Photothermal induced resonance measurements allow imaging and spectroscopy of the cellular surface with membrane selectivity.
Integration of metabolomics and proteomics to reveal the metabolic characteristics of high-intensity interval training
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , Wang Yang , Zhao Dan , Zhang Lizhen , Chen Peijie , Xu Xin
Published: July 2020

Metabolomics and proteomics were integrated to research the molecular characterization of high-intensity interval training, revealing changes in biological pathways.
Luminescent molecules towards precise cellular event regulation
Authors: Hu Ming , Han Qinyu , Lyu Linna , Tong Yan , Dong Shuo , Loh Zhi-Heng , Xing Bengang
Published: July 2020

A unique lanthanide complex which responds to near-infrared (NIR) stimulation was developed for remote regulation of cellular events.
Synthetic lectins for selective binding of glycoproteins in water
Authors: Duan Likun , Zangiabadi Milad , Zhao Yan
Published: July 2020

Synthetic nanoparticle receptors bind complex glycans of a glycoprotein through reversible boronate bonds, shield the glycans from enzymatic degradation, and enable facile separation of the glycoprotein from a mixture.
Magnetic resonance imaging of high-intensity focused ultrasound-stimulated drug release from a self-reporting core@shell nanoparticle platform
Authors: Cheng Chi-An , Chen Wei , Zhang Le , Wu Holden H. , Zink Jeffrey I.
Published: July 2020

A self-reporting theranostic approach that controls and “images” drug release from nanoparticles using magnetic resonance imaging-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound is presented.
Unexpected discovery of calcium cryptates with exceptional stability
Authors: Trautnitz Markus F. K. , Haas Tobias , Schubert Hartmut , Seitz Michael
Published: July 2020

A 2,2′-bipyridine-N,N′-dioxide-based cryptand has been found to exhibit exceptional apparent complex stability for Ca2+and unusually shows very high selectivity for Ca2+over trivalent lanthanoid cations.
Cobalt(ii) and zinc(ii)-coordination polymers constructed from ether-linked tetracarboxylic acid and isomeric bis(imidazole) linkers: luminescence-based Fe(iii) detection in aqueous media
Authors: Arıcı Mürsel , Dikilitaş Yakup Can , Erer Hakan , Yeşilel Okan Zafer
Published: July 2020

Four Co(ii) and Zn(ii)-coordination polymers were synthesized and characterized. Compound 3 exhibited sensitive and selective detection towards Fe3+ ions in the presence of other competing agents with a detection limit of 3.23 ppm.
Carbonyl compounds of Rh, Ir, and Mt: electronic structure, bonding and volatility
Authors: Iliaš M. , Pershina V.
Published: July 2020

First bond dissociation energies and other properties have been predicted for carbonyl compounds of group-9 elements including those of element 109, Mt, from relativistic DFT and CC calculations. A remarkable Λ-shape of the trends is observed, caused by strong relativistic effects on the valence AOs of Mt.
On the thermodynamic stability of bubbles, immiscible droplets, and cavities
Authors: Manning Gerald S.
Published: July 2020

Surface tension balances the pressure difference.
Dehydra-decyclization of tetrahydrofurans to diene monomers over metal oxides
Authors: Ji Yichen , Lawal Ajibola , Nyholm Andrew , Gorte Raymond J. , Abdelrahman Omar A.
Published: July 2020

Zirconia is a highly selective dehydra-decyclization catalyst for the production of diene monomers from biomass derived tetrahydrofurans.
Harnessing the surface chemistry of methyl ester functionalized polydicyclopentadiene and exploring surface bioactivity
Authors: Li Tong , Shumka Hannah , Cuthbert Tyler J. , Liu Chang , Wulff Jeremy E.
Published: July 2020

The ester group on a functionalized form of polydicyclopentadiene (fPDCPD) was harnessed to attach several biologically relevant appendages, including a fluorescent dye, an RGD peptide, and a releasable antibacterial agent to controlE. coligrowth.
A non-oxidizing fabrication method for lithographic break junctions of sensitive metals
Authors: Nyáry Anna , Gubicza Agnes , Overbeck Jan , Pósa László , Makk Péter , Calame Michel , Halbritter András , Csontos Miklós
Published: July 2020

An oxygen-free lithographical fabrication method enables room temperature atomic switches terminated by oxygen sensitive metals.
Nanoformulation of C-18 long fatty acid-capped silver nanoparticles with exploration of photocatalytic and antibacterial activities
Authors: Hasan Shazia , Rauf Abdul , Saleem Samia
Published: July 2020

C-18 fatty acid-coated silver nanoparticles are synthesized using a facile and worthwhile chemical method.
Structural, electronic and magnetic properties of Sc3+ doped CoCr2O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Manjunatha K. , Angadi V. Jagadeesha , Ribeiro R. A. P. , Oliveira M. C. , de Lázaro S. R. , Bomio M. R. D. , Matteppanavar S. , Rayaprol S. , Babu P. D. , Pasha U. Mahaboob
Published: July 2020

Experimental and theoretical analyses were combined to reveal the major properties of Co1−xScxCr2O4 nanoparticles – a putative candidate for magnetic applications.
Mono-telechelic polymers by catalytic living ring-opening metathesis polymerization with second-generation Hoveyda–Grubbs catalyst
Authors: Liu Peng , Dong Zhenghao , Kilbinger Andreas F. M.
Published: July 2020

Mono-telechelic polymers and triblock copolymers were synthesized by catalytic living ROMP with unstabilized 14e−HG2 catalyst.
Deformation mechanism in Al0.1CoCrFeNi Σ3(111)[11̄0] high entropy alloys – molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Liu Cuixia , Yang Yuchia , Xia Zhenhai
Published: July 2020

Build grain boundaries for Al0.1CoCrFeNi Σ3(111)[11̄0] HEA and elucidate the deformation behavior under tensile and compressive loading.
Synthesis of cobalt tetra-2,3-pyridiniumporphyrazinato with sulfonic acid tags as an efficient catalyst and its application for the synthesis of bicyclic ortho-aminocarbonitriles, cyclohexa-1,3-dienamines and 2-amino-3-cyanopyridines
Authors: Dashteh Mohammad , Zolfigol Mohammad Ali , Khazaei Ardeshir , Baghery Saeed , Yarie Meysam , Makhdoomi Sajjad , Safaiee Maliheh
Published: July 2020

ortho-Aminocarbonitriles, cyclohexa-1,3-dienamines and 2-amino-3-cyanopyridines were synthesized by [Co(TPPASO3H)]Cl as an efficient pyridiniumporphyrazinato based catalyst.
Identification of xanthine oxidase inhibitors through hierarchical virtual screening
Authors: Yang Ying , Zhang Lei , Tian Jinying , Ye Fei , Xiao Zhiyan
Published: July 2020

A new chemotype of XO inhibitor with the IC50 of 2.6 μM was identified by a hierarchical virtual screening strategy.
Preparation and facile addition reactions of iminium salts derived from amino ketene silyl acetal and amino silyl enol ether
Authors: Shimizu Makoto , Hata Shingo , Kondo Koichi , Murakami Kazuhiro , Mizota Isao , Zhu Yusong
Published: July 2020

While iminium salts generated from amino ketene silyl acetals react with silyl enol ethers, those from amino silyl enol ethers also undergo facile addition reactions to give alpha-amino ketone derivatives in good yields.
Carbon coated 3D Nb2O5 hollow nanospheres with superior performance as an anode for high energy Li-ion capacitors
Authors: Li Haoran , Li Dong , Shi Jing , He Zeyin , Zhao Zongchen , Wang Huanlei
Published: July 2020

Carbon coated porous hollow Nb2O5 nanospheres are designed for lithium-ion capacitors. The carbon layer limits the agglomeration of Nb2O5 and improves the conductivity. The hollow structure accommodates volume expansion and facilitates ion transport.
Effect of the ambient conditions on the operation of a large-area integrated photovoltaic-electrolyser
Authors: Kemppainen Erno , Aschbrenner Stefan , Bao Fuxi , Luxa Aline , Schary Christian , Bors Radu , Janke Stefan , Dorbandt Iris , Stannowski Bernd , Schlatmann Rutger , Calnan Sonya
Published: July 2020

Temperature affects the efficiency of an integrated photovoltaic-electrolyser significantly more than the photovoltaic cells alone.
Design of stable mixed-metal MIL-101(Cr/Fe) materials with enhanced catalytic activity for the Prins reaction
Authors: Vallés-García Cristina , Gkaniatsou Effrosyni , Santiago-Portillo Andrea , Giménez-Marqués Mónica , Álvaro Mercedes , Greneche Jean-Marc , Steunou Nathalie , Sicard Clémence , Navalón Sergio , Serre Christian , García Hermenegildo
Published: July 2020

This work highlights the benefit of designing mixed-metal (Cr/Fe) MOFs for enhanced catalytic activity and stability.
Efficient Kr/Xe separation from triangular g-C3N4 nanopores, a simulation study
Authors: Vahdat Mohammad Tohidi , Campi Davide , Colonna Nicola , Villalobos Luis Francisco , Marzari Nicola , Agrawal Kumar Varoon
Published: July 2020

Poly(triazine imide) or PTI is a promising material for separation of 85Kr/Xe mixture, thanks to its atom-thick nanoporous structure hosting triangular-shaped nanopores of ∼0.34 nm diameter.
Effective removal of particulate matter from air by using zeolite-coated filters
Authors: Yoo Dong Kyu , Woo Ho Chul , Jhung Sung Hwa
Published: July 2020

Zeolites are very effective (much better than MOFs) in removal of particulate matter (PM) from air; NaX/cotton showed 3.6-times the PM removal efficiency of bare cotton with a small increase in the pressure drop of 9 Pa.
Water assisted formation of highly oriented CsPbI2Br perovskite films with the solar cell efficiency exceeding 16%
Authors: Lin Ze Qing , Qiao Hong Wei , Zhou Zi Ren , Hou Yu , Li Xiaolong , Yang Hua Gui , Yang Shuang
Published: July 2020

Oriented, large grain-sized CsPbI2Br perovskite films with a solar cell efficiency over 16% were achieved via a synergistic effect of strong polar solvents.
High lithium storage properties in a manganese sulfide anode via an intercalation-cum-conversion reaction
Authors: Lee Seulgi , Song Moonsu , Kim Sungjin , Mathew Vinod , Sambandam Balaji , Hwang Jang-Yeon , Kim Jaekook
Published: July 2020

The manganese sulfide (MnS) electrode composited with nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon (α-MnS@NS-C) demonstrates high lithium storage properties via an intercalation-cum-conversion reaction.
Challenging the limits of nitrogen and oxygen content of fused rings
Authors: Hu Lu , Gao Haixiang , Shreeve Jean'ne M.
Published: July 2020

A series of new energetic materials with high oxygen and nitrogen content, based on fused 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-b][1,2,4,5]tetrazine rings, was synthesized and characterized.
Superoxide formation in Li2VO2F cathode material – a combined computational and experimental investigation of anionic redox activity
Authors: Chang Jin Hyun , Baur Christian , Ateba Mba Jean-Marcel , Arčon Denis , Mali Gregor , Alwast Dorothea , Behm R. Jürgen , Fichtner Maximilian , Vegge Tejs , Garcia Lastra Juan Maria
Published: July 2020

This work reports new insights and understanding of anionic redox activities in Li-rich cathode materials during electrochemical cycling based on computational and experimental analyses.
Mechanistic insights into Lhr helicase function in DNA repair
Authors: Buckley Ryan J. , Kramm Kevin , Cooper Christopher D. O. , Grohmann Dina , Bolt Edward L.
Published: July 2020

The DNA helicase Large helicase-related (Lhr) is present throughout archaea, including in the Asgard and Nanoarchaea, and has homologues in bacteria and eukaryotes. It is thought to function in DNA repair but in a context that is not known. Our data show that archaeal Lhr preferentially targets DNA replication fork structures. In a genetic assay, expression of archaeal Lhr gave a phenotype identical to the replication-coupled DNA repair enzymes Hel308 and RecQ. Purified archaeal Lhr preferentially unwound model forked DNA substrates compared with DNA duplexes, flaps and Holliday junctions, and unwound them with directionality. Single-molecule FRET measurements showed that binding of Lhr to a DNA fork causes ATP-independent distortion and base-pair melting at, or close to, the fork branchpoint. ATP-dependent directional translocation of Lhr resulted in fork DNA unwinding through the ‘parental’ DNA strands. Interaction of Lhr with replication forks in vivo and in vitro suggests that it contributes to DNA repair at stalled or broken DNA replication.
Fibrinogen is a promising biomarker for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: evidence from a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Bo , Liu Shufang , He Danni , Wang Kundi , Wang Yunfeng , Yang Ting , Zhang Qi , Zhang Zhixin , Niu Wenquan
Published: July 2020

Backgrounds: Some studies have reported association of circulating fibrinogen with the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the results are conflicting. To yield more information, we aimed to test the hypothesis that circulating fibrinogen is a promising biomarker for COPD by a meta-analysis.

Methods: Data extraction and quality assessment were independently completed by two authors. Effect-size estimates are expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Results: Forty-five articles involving 5586/18604 COPD patients/controls were incorporated. Overall analyses revealed significantly higher concentrations of circulating fibrinogen in COPD patients than in controls (WMD: 84.67 mg/dl; 95% CI: 64.24–105.10). Subgroup analyses by COPD course showed that the degree of increased circulating fibrinogen in patients with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) relative to controls (WMD: 182.59 mg/dl; 95% CI: 115.93–249.25) tripled when compared in patients with stable COPD (WMD: 56.12 mg/dl; 95% CI: 34.56–77.67). By COPD severity, there was a graded increase in fibrinogen with the increased severity of COPD relative to controls (Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) I, II, III, and IV: WMD: 13.91, 29.19, 56.81, and 197.42 mg/dl; 95% CI: 7.70–20.11, 17.43–40.94, 39.20–74.41, and −7.88 to 402.73, respectively). There was a low probability of publication bias.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate a graded, concentration-dependent, significant relation between higher circulating fibrinogen and more severity of COPD.
Consideration regarding the reduction of pollutions emissions by increasing energy efficiency in ship operations
Authors: Dumitrache Lucian Mihail , Buzbuchi Nicolae , Faităr Cătălin
Published: July 2020

The use of experimental investigation techniques in the research of internal combustion engines has contributed substantially to their progress and development over time. The performances obtained in the development of modern engines have been strongly influenced by the emergence and development of the investigation equipment, especially the laser and the modern computing technique. Maritime transport generates about 4% of the total CO2 emissions produced by human activities, which means that its carbon value is almost as large as that of Germany. Emissions from this sector are not yet internationally regulated, but this issue is currently being debated within the IMO and the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change (UNFCCC). Of the strategies to reduce pollutant emissions from ships, identified so far, the technical solutions are the first ones that have been implemented on board. The advantage of using technical solutions onboard ships is the high efficiency of reducing a product or several pollutant products, but the main disadvantage is the high cost of implementing and operating them on board ships.
Calculation of the main parameters involved in the combustion process of CH4-H2mixtures at different proportions
Authors: Carlanescu Razvan , Enache Marius , Maier Raluca , Alcea Andreea , Condruz Raluca , Stoica Cristian , Ghilvacs Madalina
Published: July 2020

By setting clear targets for reducing pollutant emissions, the researchers in the field of combustion are pushed lately to find new alternatives for cleaner combustion. The partial or total transition to other types of fuels, such as hydrogen, involves substantial changes in the combustion process and possible necessary constructive changes. In the study of the combustion of CH4-H2mixtures, both numerically and experimentally, preliminary calculations are required, which will help to easily establish the parameters and working regimes and then to use for verifying the results. This paper aims to find an easier method of calculating these parameters, depending on the percentage of gas in the fuel mixture. The calculated values resulted this way will lead to some logical estimates of important aspects of combustion, such as flame field and temperature variation, related to the variation of the amount of hydrogen in the mixture. The method can be a useful tool in the preliminary design of a combustion chamber for CH4-H2mixtures.