bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of a wearable MIMO antenna deployed with an inverted U-shaped ground stub for diversity performance enhancement
Authors: Gupta Anupma , Kansal Ankush , Chawla Paras
Published: May 2020

A compact multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna operating at 2.45 GHz industrial scientific and medical band is presented for wearable devices. Open-end slotting is used to miniaturize the antenna dimensions. Inverted U-shaped ground stub is incorporated to reduce mutual coupling. On-body performance is analyzed on a three-layered equivalent tissue phantom model. The wide bandwidth of 300 MHz and port isolation of 30 dB are obtained from measured results. The antenna shows the efficiency of 40% and directivity of 4.56 dBi when placed at a gap of “s” = 4 mm from the body. Broadside radiation pattern and low specific absorption rate make the antenna suitable for on-body communication. Further, diversity performance is measured in terms of envelope correlation coefficient (ECC), diversity gain (DG), and channel capacity loss (CCL). The value of ECC is 0.025, DG is 9.98 dB, and CCL is 0.12 bits/s/Hz at 2.45 GHz. Antenna robustness is examined by bending the structure at different radii along the x-axis and y-axis. Performance of the proposed structure is reliable with structural deformation.
Calculative Practices in International Environmental Governance: In (Partial) Defence of Indicators
Authors: Ellis Jaye
Published: May 2020

The role of calculative practices such as goals and indicators in international environmental governance causes concern among many observers, who view them as promoting a reductivist approach to the non-human world and privileging economic understandings of environmental governance above all others. Yet they possess enormous potential to provide insights into the non-human world that could be of great benefit to governance. This article takes seriously critical perspectives of calculative practices, while exploring a weakness in much of the critical literature, namely a failure to examine assumptions about the nature of scientific knowledge and the manner in which it is, and ought to be, taken up by policy makers. I contend that both the design of environmental regimes and critical analyses of these regimes bear the marks of the influence, albeit indirect, of early 20thcentury views on the superiority of scientific knowledge and its unique capacity to ground decision making. I argue that a richer, more nuanced account of the co-production of ecological metrics such as goals and indicators and their potential contributions to ecosystem governance and sustainability is necessary. With such accounts, scholars and political authorities would be in a better position to address the very real pitfalls and dangers of calculative practices while not feeling compelled to forego these potentially powerful approaches.
Do People with Lower IQ Have Weaker Taste Perception? A Hidden Supplementary Table in ‘Is the Association Between Sweet and Bitter Perception Due to Genetic Variation?’
Authors: Hwang Liang-Dar
Published: May 2020

This paper is about Nick’s contribution to the field of taste genetics, how I became involved and how a study on the genetic association between the perception of sweetness and bitterness ended up examining the influence of intelligence on taste perception.
Migraine, Human Genetics and a Passion for Science
Authors: Nyholt Dale R.
Published: May 2020

This note reflects on my collaborations with Nick Martin and the GenEpi group over the past 20 years. Over the past two decades, our work together has focused on gene mapping and understanding the genetic architecture of a wide range of traits with particular foci on migraine and common baldness. Our migraine research has included latent class and twin analyses cumulating in genome-wide association analyses which had identified 44 (34 new) risk variants for migraine. Leveraging these results through polygenic risk score analyses identified subgroups of patients likely to respond to triptans (an acute migraine drug), providing the first step toward precision medicine in migraine [Kogelman et al. (2019) Neurology Genetics, 5, e364].
Nicholas (Nick) G. Martin and the Extended Twin Model
Authors: Maes Hermine H.
Published: May 2020

The extended twin model is a unique design in the genetic epidemiology toolbox that allows to simultaneously estimate multiple causes of variation such as genetic and cultural transmission, genotype–environment covariance and assortative mating, among others. Nick Martin has played a key role in the conception of the model, the collection of substantially large data sets to test the model, the application of the model to a range of phenotypes, the publication of the results including cross-cultural comparisons, the evaluation of bias and power of the design and the further elaborations of the model, such as the children-of-twins design.
Impact of reduced rates of dicamba and glyphosate on sweetpotato growth and yield
Authors: Batts Thomas M , Miller Donnie K. , Griffin James L. , Villordon Arthur O. , Stephenson Daniel O , Jennings Kathrine M. , Chaudhari Sushila , Blouin David C. , Copes Josh T. , Smith Tara P.
Published: May 2020

A major concern of sweetpotato producers is the potential negative effects from herbicide drift or sprayer contamination events when dicamba is applied to nearby dicamba-resistant crops. A field study was initiated in 2014 and repeated in 2015 to assess the effects of reduced rates of N,N-Bis-(3-aminopropyl)methylamine (BAPMA) or diglycloamine (DGA) salt of dicamba, glyphosate, or a combination of these individually in separate trials with glyphosate on sweetpotato. Reduced rates of 1/10, 1/100, 1/250, 1/500, 1/750, and 1/1,000 of the 1× use rate of each dicamba formulation at 0.56 kg ha−1, glyphosate at 1.12 kg ha−1, and a combination of the two at aforementioned rates were applied to ‘Beauregard’ sweetpotato at storage root formation (10 d after transplanting) in one trial and storage root development (30 d after transplanting) in a separate trial. Injury with each salt of dicamba (BAPMA or DGA) applied alone or with glyphosate was generally equal to or greater than glyphosate applied alone at equivalent rates, indicating that injury is most attributable to the dicamba in the combination. There was a quadratic increase in crop injury and a quadratic decrease in crop yield (with respect to most yield grades) observed with an increased herbicide rate of dicamba applied alone or in combination with glyphosate applied at storage root development. However, with a few exceptions, neither this relationship nor the significance of herbicide rate was observed on crop injury or sweetpotato yield when herbicide application occurred at the storage root formation stage. In general, crop injury and yield reduction were greatest at the highest rate (1/10×) of either salt of dicamba applied alone or in combination with glyphosate, although injury observed at lower rates would be cause for concern after initial observation by sweetpotato producers. However, in some cases yield reduction of No.1 and marketable grades was observed following 1/250×, 1/100×, or 1/10× application rates of dicamba alone or with glyphosate when applied at storage root development.
Gallium: A New Tracer of Pacific Water in the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Whitmore Laura M. , Pasqualini Angelica , Newton Robert , Shiller Alan M.
Published: May 2020

Determining the proportions of Atlantic and Pacific Ocean seawater entering the Arctic Ocean is important both for understanding the mass balance of this basin as well as its contribution to formation of North Atlantic deep water. To quantify the distribution and amount of Pacific and Atlantic origin seawater in the western Arctic Ocean, we used dissolved Ga in a four‐component linear endmember mixing model. Previously, nutrients, combined in their Redfield ratios, have been used to separate Pacific‐ and Atlantic‐derived waters. These nutrient tracers are not conservative in practice, and there is a need to find quantities that are conserved. Dissolved Ga concentrations show measurable contrast between Atlantic and Pacific source waters, shelf‐influenced waters show little impact of shelf processes on the dissolved Ga distribution, and dissolved Ga in the Arctic basins is conserved along isopycnal surfaces. Thus, we explored the potential of Ga as a new parameter in Arctic source water deconvolution. The Ga‐informed deconvolution was compared to that generated with the NO3:PO4 relationship. While distributions of the water masses were qualitatively similar, the Ga‐based deconvolution predicted higher amounts of Pacific water at depths between 150 and 300 m. The Ga‐based decomposition yields a smoother transition between the halocline and Atlantic layers, while nutrient‐based solutions have sharper transitions. A 1‐D advection‐diffusion model was used to constrain estimates of vertical diffusivity (Kz). The Ga‐based Kz estimates agreed better with those from salinity and temperature than the nutrient method. The Ga‐based approach implies greater vertical mixing between the Pacific and Atlantic waters.
Bone-targeted lncRNA OGRU alleviates unloading-induced bone loss via miR-320-3p/Hoxa10 axis
Authors: Wang Ke , Wang Yixuan , Hu Zebing , Zhang Lijun , Li Gaozhi , Dang Lei , Tan Yingjun , Cao Xinsheng , Shi Fei , Zhang Shu , Zhang Ge
Published: May 2020

Unloading-induced bone loss is a threat to human health and can eventually result in osteoporotic fractures. Although the underlying molecular mechanism of unloading-induced bone loss has been broadly elucidated, the pathophysiological role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in this process is unknown. Here, we identified a novel lncRNA, OGRU, a 1816-nucleotide transcript with significantly decreased levels in bone specimens from hindlimb-unloaded mice and in MC3T3-E1 cells under clinorotation-unloading conditions. OGRU overexpression promoted osteoblast activity and matrix mineralization under normal loading conditions, and attenuated the suppression of MC3T3-E1 cell differentiation induced by clinorotation unloading. Furthermore, this study found that supplementation of pcDNA3.1(+)–OGRU via (DSS)6–liposome delivery to the bone-formation surfaces of hindlimb-unloaded (HLU) mice partially alleviated unloading-induced bone loss. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that OGRU functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to facilitate the protein expression of Hoxa10 by competitively binding miR-320-3p and subsequently promote osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Taken together, the results of our study provide the first clarification of the role of lncRNA OGRU in unloading-induced bone loss through the miR-320-3p/Hoxa10 axis, suggesting an efficient anabolic strategy for osteoporosis treatment.
Generalized sequential state discrimination for multiparty QKD and its optical implementation
Authors: Namkung Min , Kwon Younghun
Published: May 2020

Sequential state discrimination is a strategy for N separated receivers. As sequential state discrimination can be applied to multiparty quantum key distribution (QKD), it has become one of the relevant research fields in quantum information theory. Up to now, the analysis of sequential state discrimination has been confined to special cases. In this report, we consider a generalization of sequential state discrimination. Here, we do not limit the prior probabilities and the number of quantum states and receivers. We show that the generalized sequential state discrimination can be expressed as an optimization problem. Moreover, we investigate a structure of generalized sequential state discrimination for two quantum states and apply it to multiparty QKD. We demonstrate that when the number of receivers is not too many, generalized sequential state discrimination for two pure states can be suitable for multiparty QKD. In addition, we show that generalized sequential state discrimination for two mixed states can be performed with high optimal success probability. This optimal success probability is even higher than those of quantum reproducing and quantum broadcasting strategy. Thus, generalized sequential state discrimination of mixed states is adequate for performing multiparty QKD. Furthermore, we prove that generalized sequential state discrimination can be implemented experimentally by using linear optics. Finally, we analyze the security of multiparty QKD provided by optimal sequential state discrimination. Our analysis shows that the multiparty QKD guarantees nonzero secret key rate even in low channel efficiency.
DNA fingerprinting: an effective tool for taxonomic identification of precious corals in jewelry
Authors: Lendvay Bertalan , Cartier Laurent E. , Gysi Mario , Meyer Joana B. , Krzemnicki Michael S. , Kratzer Adelgunde , Morf Nadja V.
Published: May 2020

Precious coral species have been used to produce jewelry and ornaments since antiquity. Due to the high value and demand for corals, some coral beds have been heavily fished over past centuries. Fishing and international trade regulations were put in place to regulate fishing practices in recent decades. To this date, the control of precious coral exploitation and enforcement of trade rules have been somewhat impaired by the fact that different species of worked coral samples can be extremely difficult to distinguish, even for trained experts. Here, we developed methods to use DNA recovered from precious coral samples worked for jewelry to identify their species. We evaluated purity and quantity of DNA extracted using five different techniques. Then, a minimally invasive sampling protocol was tested, which allowed genetic analysis without compromising the value of the worked coral objects.The best performing DNA extraction technique applies decalcification of the skeletal material with EDTA in the presence of laurylsarcosyl and proteinase, and purification of the DNA with a commercial silica membrane. This method yielded pure DNA in all cases using 100 mg coral material and in over half of the cases when using “quasi non-destructive” sampling with sampled material amounts as low as 2.3 mg. Sequence data of the recovered DNA gave an indication that the range of precious coral species present in the trade is broader than previously anticipated.
Highly fluorescent few atoms silver nanoclusters with strong photocatalytic activity synthesized by ultrashort light pulses
Authors: Santillán Jesica M. J. , Muñetón Arboleda David , Muraca Diego , Schinca Daniel C. , Scaffardi Lucía B.
Published: May 2020

While there are conventional chemical synthesis methods to generate metal nanoclusters (NCs), many of them are adversely affected by the unavoidable contamination of the nanoproduct solution, resulting in aggregation, background noise in analytical chemistry, toxicity, and deactivation of the catalyst. In this work, physical method of ultrafast laser ablation as a “green” synthesis approach together with mechanical centrifugation to obtain silver NCs, simplifying widely the chemical synthesis requirements, is proposed. Remarkably, compared with conventional methods for synthesizing Ag NCs, this new approach starts with a colloid that contains nanosized particles as well as smaller species, managing to obtain colloids with few atoms NCs by centrifugation. Those colloids were analyzed by fluorescence spectroscopy observing UV bands corresponding with HOMO-LUMO cluster transitions. Besides, independent HRTEM measurements were made confirming the presence of few atoms Ag NCs, as well as small NPs in different formation stages. Equally important, photocatalytic efficiency of the obtained NCs was studied through degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) when it was mixed with as-prepared or highly centrifuged colloid, showing an enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of 79% as compared to 57% for pure MB after 180 min of illumination. Consequently, this work contributes to establishing a simple approach to synthesize highly fluorescent and photocatalytic NCs.
The role of peer reward and punishment for public goods problems in a localized society
Authors: Ozono Hiroki , Kamijo Yoshio , Shimizu Kazumi
Published: May 2020

Cooperation in social dilemmas can be sustained if individuals are effectively rewarded or punished from peers within the group. However, as group size increases, we inevitably face localization, in which a global group is divided into several localized groups. In such societies, members can reward and punish only neighbors within the same localized group, while cooperation for social dilemmas should be solved through global group involvement. In this situation, the global group and the local group are not always equal in terms of welfare, and situations can arise in which cooperation is beneficial for the global group but not for the local group. We predict that in such a locally inefficient situation, peer reward and punishment cannot function to sustain global cooperation. We conducted an experiment in which 16 group members played a public goods game incorporating peer reward and punishment. We manipulated the range of peer reward and punishment (only local members/all global members) and payoff structure (locally efficient/locally inefficient). We found that high cooperation was not achieved and that peer reward and punishment did not function when, and only when, the group was divided into localized groups and the payoff structure was locally inefficient.
Assessment of a pro-healing stent in an animal model of early neoatherosclerosis
Authors: Nicol Philipp , Lutter Christoph , Bulin Anna , Castellanos Maria Isabel , Lenz Tobias , Hoppmann Petra , Lahmann Anna Lena , Colleran Roisin , Euller Kristina , Steigerwald Kristin , Neubauer Stefanie , Rechenmacher Florian , Ludwig Beatrice Stefanie , Weinmüller Michael , Kerch Garry , Guo Liang , Cheng Qi , Acampado Eduardo , Koppara Tobias , Kessler Horst , Joner Michael
Published: May 2020

Background: Neoatherosclerosis represents an accelerated manifestation of atherosclerosis in nascent neointima after stenting, associated with adverse events. We investigated whether improved reendothelialization using RGD-coated stents results in diminished vascular permeability and reduced foam cell formation compared to standard DES in atherosclerotic rabbits. Methods and Results: Neointimal foam cell formation was induced in rabbits (n = 7). Enhanced endothelial integrity in RGD-coated stents resulted in decreased vascular permeability relative to DES, which was further confirmed by SEM and TEM. Cell culture experiments examined the effect of everolimus on endothelial integrity. Increasing concentrations of everolimus resulted in a dose-dependent decrease of endothelial cell junctions and foam cell transformation of monocytes, confirming the relevance of endothelial integrity in preventing permeability of LDL. Conclusion: Incomplete endothelial integrity was confirmed as a key factor of neointimal foam cell formation following stent implantation. Pro-healing stent coatings may facilitate reendothelialization and reduce the risk of neoatherosclerosis.
LHRH-Conjugated Drugs as Targeted Therapeutic Agents for the Specific Targeting and Localized Treatment of Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Obayemi J. D. , Salifu A. A. , Eluu S. C. , Uzonwanne V. O. , Jusu S. M. , Nwazojie C. C. , Onyekanne C. E. , Ojelabi O. , Payne L. , Moore C. M. , King J. A. , Soboyejo W. O.
Published: May 2020

Bulk chemotherapy and drug release strategies for cancer treatment have been associated with lack of specificity and high drug concentrations that often result in toxic side effects. This work presents the results of an experimental study of cancer drugs (prodigiosin or paclitaxel) conjugated to Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRH) for the specific targeting and treatment of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Injections of LHRH-conjugated drugs (LHRH-prodigiosin or LHRH-paclitaxel) into groups of 4-week-old athymic female nude mice (induced with subcutaneous triple negative xenograft breast tumors) were found to specifically target, eliminate or shrink tumors at early, mid and late stages without any apparent cytotoxicity, as revealed by in vivo toxicity and ex vivo histopathological tests. Our results show that overexpressed LHRH receptors serve as binding sites on the breast cancer cells/tumor and the LHRH-conjugated drugs inhibited the growth of breast cells/tumor in in vitro and in vivo experiments. The inhibitions are attributed to the respective adhesive interactions between LHRH molecular recognition units on the prodigiosin (PGS) and paclitaxel (PTX) drugs and overexpressed LHRH receptors on the breast cancer cells and tumors. The implications of the results are discussed for the development of ligand-conjugated drugs for the specific targeting and treatment of TNBC.
Parasitic mites alter chicken behaviour and negatively impact animal welfare
Authors: Murillo Amy C. , Abdoli Alireza , Blatchford Richard A. , Keogh Eamonn J. , Gerry Alec C.
Published: May 2020

The northern fowl mite,Ornithonyssus sylviarum, is one of the most common and damaging ectoparasites of poultry. As an obligate blood feeding mite, the northern fowl mite can cause anaemia, slower growth, and decreased egg production of parasitized birds. However, the impact of mites or other ectoparasites on hen behaviour or welfare is not well studied. Here, we use activity sensors (three-axis accelerometers) affixed to individual birds to continuously record hen movement before, during, and after infestation with mites. Movements recorded by sensors were identified to specific bird behaviours through a previously trained algorithm, with frequency of these behaviours recorded for individual birds. Hen welfare was also determined before, during, and after mite infestation of hens using animal-based welfare metrics. Northern fowl mites significantly increased hen preening behaviour and resulted in increased skin lesions of infested birds.
A microbiological survey of handwashing sinks in the hospital built environment reveals differences in patient room and healthcare personnel sinks
Authors: Franco Lauren C. , Tanner Windy , Ganim Christine , Davy Terri , Edwards Jonathan , Donlan Rodney
Published: May 2020

Handwashing sinks and their associated premise plumbing are an ideal environment for pathogen-harboring biofilms to grow and spread throughout facilities due to the connected system of wastewater plumbing. This study was designed to understand the distribution of pathogens and antibiotic resistant organisms (ARO) within and among handwashing sinks in healthcare settings, using culture-dependent methods to quantify Pseudomonas aeruginosa, opportunistic pathogens capable of growth on a cefotaxime-containing medium (OPP-C), and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). Isolates from each medium identified as P. aeruginosa or Enterobacteriaceae were tested for susceptibility to aztreonam, ceftazidime, and meropenem; Enterobacteriaceae were also tested against ertapenem and cefotaxime. Isolates exhibiting resistance or intermediate resistance were designated ARO. Pathogens were quantified at different locations within handwashing sinks and compared in quantity and distribution between healthcare personnel (HCP) and patient room (PR) sinks. ARO were compared between samples within a sink (biofilm vs planktonic samples) and between sink types (HCP vs. PR). The drain cover was identified as a reservoir within multiple sinks that was often colonized by pathogens despite daily sink cleaning. P. aeruginosa and OPP-C mean log10 CFU/cm2 counts were higher in p-trap and tail pipe biofilm samples from HCP compared to PR sinks (2.77  ± 2.39 vs. 1.23 ± 1.62 and 5.27 ± 1.10 vs. 4.74 ± 1.06) for P. aeruginosa and OPP-C, respectively. P. aeruginosa and OPP-C mean log10 CFU/ml counts were also higher (p < 0.05) in HCP compared to PR sinks p-trap water (2.21 ± 1.52 vs. 0.89 ± 1.44 and 3.87 ± 0.78 vs. 3.21 ± 1.11) for P. aeruginosa and OPP-C, respectively. However, a greater percentage of ARO were recovered from PR sinks compared to HCP sinks (p < 0.05) for Enterobacteriaceae (76.4 vs. 32.9%) and P. aeruginosa (25.6 vs. 0.3%). This study supports previous work citing that handwashing sinks are reservoirs for pathogens and ARO and identifies differences in pathogen and ARO quantities between HCP and PR sinks, despite the interconnected premise plumbing.
Prevalence and risk factors of myopia in Han and Yugur older adults in Gansu, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Xuqian , He Huijing , Wang Xuejiao , Shan Guangliang , Tao Zhiyan , Pan Li , Li Jun , Ren Xiaolan , Zhao Hongjun , Pan Zhouxian , Wang Meng , Zhong Yong , Ma Jin
Published: May 2020

Few studies have investigated the prevalence of myopia in Northwest China. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of myopia and high myopia in adults aged 40–80 years in the Han and Yugur populations living in Gansu Province, Northwest China. A total of 3,845 participants were included. The overall age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of myopia (spherical equivalent (SE) < −0.5 D), high myopia (SE < −6.0 D) and hyperopia (SE > + 0.5 D) were 16.4%, 0.7% and 26.2% in Yugur participants, respectively, and 34.3%, 5.0% and 19.2% in Han participants, respectively. The prevalence of myopia and high myopia in Han participants was significantly higher than that in Yugur participants (bothP < 0.001). Yugur population, birth in rural areas, smoking history and outdoor work were found to be negatively associated with myopia. Higher education level and a family history of myopia were found to be positively associated with myopia in the study population. High myopia was negatively associated with Yugur population, aging, birth in rural areas and was positively associated with a family history of myopia. This study provided valuable information regarding the environmental risk factors of myopia and revealed an ethnic disparity in the prevalence of myopia in Gansu Province, Northwest China.
Vacancy-Hydrogen Interaction in Niobium during Low-Temperature Baking
Authors: Wenskat Marc , Čižek Jakub , Liedke Maciej Oskar , Butterling Maik , Bate Christopher , Haušild Petr , Hirschmann Eric , Wagner Andreas , Weise Hans
Published: May 2020

A recently discovered modified low-temperature baking leads to reduced surface losses and an increase of the accelerating gradient of superconducting TESLA shape cavities. We will show that the dynamics of vacancy-hydrogen complexes at low-temperature baking lead to a suppression of lossy nanohydrides at 2 K and thus a significant enhancement of accelerator performance. Utilizing Doppler broadening Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy, Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy and instrumented nanoindentation, samples made from European XFEL niobium sheets were investigated. We studied the evolution of vacancies in bulk samples and in the sub-surface region and their interaction with hydrogen at different temperature levels during in-situ and ex-situ annealing.
Establishment of an in vitro RNA polymerase transcription system: a new tool to study transcriptional activation in Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Boyle William K. , Hall Laura S. , Armstrong Anthony A. , Dulebohn Daniel P. , Samuels D. Scott , Gherardini Frank C. , Bourret Travis J.
Published: May 2020

The Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi exhibits dramatic changes in gene expression as it transits between its tick vector and vertebrate host. A major hurdle to understanding the mechanisms underlying gene regulation in B. burgdorferi has been the lack of a functional assay to test how gene regulatory proteins and sigma factors interact with RNA polymerase to direct transcription. To gain mechanistic insight into transcriptional control in B. burgdorferi, and address sigma factor function and specificity, we developed an in vitro transcription assay using the B. burgdorferi RNA polymerase holoenzyme. We established reaction conditions for maximal RNA polymerase activity by optimizing pH, temperature, and the requirement for divalent metals. Using this assay system, we analyzed the promoter specificity of the housekeeping sigma factor RpoD to promoters encoding previously identified RpoD consensus sequences in B. burgdorferi. Collectively, this study established an in vitro transcription assay that revealed RpoD-dependent promoter selectivity by RNA polymerase and the requirement of specific metal cofactors for maximal RNA polymerase activity. The establishment of this functional assay will facilitate molecular and biochemical studies on how gene regulatory proteins and sigma factors exert control of gene expression in B. burgdorferi required for the completion of its enzootic cycle.
A Micro-CT and Synchrotron Imaging Study of the Human Endolymphatic Duct with Special Reference to Endolymph Outflow and Meniere’s Disease
Authors: Nordström Charlotta Kämpfe , Li Hao , Ladak Hanif M. , Agrawal Sumit , Rask-Andersen Helge
Published: May 2020

Meniere’s disease remains enigmatic, and has no treatment with sufficient evidence. The characteristic histopathological finding is endolymphatic hydrops, suggesting either an overproduction or decreased reabsorption of endolymph in the human inner ear. This study presents the first analysis of the vascular plexus around the human endolymphatic duct using micro computed tomography and coherent synchrotron radiation with phase contrast imaging. Using a software program, data were processed by volume-rendering with scalar opacity mapping to create transparent three-dimensional reconstructions. A rich vascular plexus was discovered around the endolymphatic duct that drained into collecting channels, linked to the vestibular venous outflow system. This network is believed to make up the principal route for endolymph outflow, and its associated malfunction may result in endolymphatic hydrops and Meniere’s disease.
Decreased temperature variance associated with biotic composition enhances coastal shrub encroachment
Authors: Wood Lauren K. , Hays Spencer , Zinnert Julie C.
Published: May 2020

Regime shift from grasslands to shrub-dominated landscapes occur worldwide driven by altered land-use and climate change, affecting landscape function, biodiversity, and productivity. Warming winter temperatures are a main driver of expansion of the native, evergreen shrub, Morella cerifera, in coastal landscapes. Shrub establishment in these habitats alters microclimate, but little is known about seasonal differences and microclimate variance. We assessed influence of shrubs on microclimate variance, community composition, and community physiological functioning across three vegetation zones: grass, transitional, and shrub in a coastal grassland. Using a novel application of a time-series analysis, we interpret microclimatic variance modification and elucidate mechanisms of shrub encroachment at the Virginia Coast Reserve, Long-Term Ecological Research site. As shrub thickets form, diversity is reduced with little grass/forb cover, while transpiration and annual productivity increase. Shrub thickets significantly reduced temperature variance with a positive influence of one day on the next in maximum air, minimum air, and maximum ground temperature. We also show that microclimatic temperature moderation reduces summer extreme temperatures in transition areas, even before coalescence into full thickets. Encroachment of Morella cerifera on the Virginia barrier islands is driven by reduced local exposure to cold temperatures and enhanced by abiotic microclimatic modification and biotic physiological functioning. This shift in plant community composition from grassland to shrub thicket alters the role of barrier islands in productivity and can have impacts on the natural resilience of the islands.
Drosophila taste neurons as an agonist-screening platform for P2X receptors
Authors: Grimes Leanne , Griffiths Julia , Pasqualetto Gaia , Brancale Andrea , Kemp Paul J. , Young Mark T. , van der Goes van Naters Wynand
Published: May 2020

The P2X receptor family of ATP-gated cation channels are attractive drug targets for pain and inflammatory disease, but no subtype-selective agonists, and few partially selective agonists have been described to date. As proof-of-concept for the discovery of novel P2X receptor agonists, here we demonstrate the use of Drosophila taste neurons heterologously expressing rat P2X2 receptors as a screening platform. We demonstrate that wild-type rat P2X2 expressed in Drosophila is fully functional (ATP EC50 8.7 µM), and that screening of small (2 µl) volumes of a library of 80 adenosine nucleotide analogues is rapid and straightforward. We have determined agonist potency and specificity profiles for rat P2X2 receptors; triphosphate-bearing analogues display broad activity, tolerating a number of substitutions, and diphosphate and monophosphate analogues display very little activity. While several ATP analogues gave responses of similar magnitude to ATP, including the previously identified agonists ATPγS and ATPαS, we were also able to identify a novel agonist, the synthetic analogue 2-fluoro-ATP, and to confirm its agonist activity on rat P2X2 receptors expressed in human cells. These data validate our Drosophila platform as a useful tool for the analysis of agonist structure-activity relationships, and for the screening and discovery of novel P2X receptor agonists.
Revealing the main factors and two-way interactions contributing to food discolouration caused by iron-catechol complexation
Authors: Bijlsma Judith , de Bruijn Wouter J. C. , Hageman Jos A. , Goos Peter , Velikov Krassimir P. , Vincken Jean-Paul
Published: May 2020

Fortification of food with iron is considered to be an effective approach to counter the global health problem caused by iron deficiency. However, reactivity of iron with the catechol moiety of food phenolics leads to discolouration and impairs bioavailability. In this study, we investigated the interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic factors on food discolouration caused by iron-catechol complexation. To this end, a three-level fractional factorial design was implemented. Absorbance spectra were analysed using statistical methods, including PCA, HCA, and ANOVA. Furthermore, a direct link between absorbance spectra and stoichiometry of the iron-catechol complexes was confirmed by ESI-Q-TOF-MS. All statistical methods confirm that the main effects affecting discolouration were type of iron salt, pH, and temperature. Additionally, several two-way interactions, such as type of iron salt × pH, pH × temperature, and type of iron salt × concentration significantly affected iron-catechol complexation. Our findings provide insight into iron-phenolic complexation-mediated discolouration, and facilitate the design of iron-fortified foods.
Sulfonamides-induced oxidative stress in freshwater microalga Chlorella vulgaris: Evaluation of growth, photosynthesis, antioxidants, ultrastructure, and nucleic acids
Authors: Chen Shan , Wang Liqing , Feng Wenbo , Yuan Mingzhe , Li Jiayuan , Xu Houtao , Zheng Xiaoyan , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2020

Sulfadiazine (SD), sulfamerazine (SM1), and sulfamethazine (SM2) are widely used and disorderly discharged into surface water, causing contamination of lakes and rivers. However, microalgae are regard as a potential resource to alleviate and degrade antibiotic pollution. The physiological changes of Chlorella vulgaris in the presence of three sulfonamides (SAs) with varying numbers of –CH3 groups and its SA-removal efficiency were investigated following a 7-day exposure experiment. Our results showed that the growth inhibitory effect of SD (7.9–22.6%), SM1 (7.2–45.9%), and SM2 (10.3–44%) resulted in increased proteins and decreased soluble sugars. Oxidative stress caused an increase in superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase levels but decreased catalase level. The antioxidant responses were insufficient to cope-up with reactive oxygen species (hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion) levels and prevent oxidative damage (malondialdehyde level). The ultrastructure and DNA of SA-treated algal cells were affected, as evident from the considerable changes in the cell wall, chloroplast, and mitochondrion, and DNA migration. C. vulgaris-mediated was able to remove up to 29% of SD, 16% of SM1, and 15% of SM2. Our results suggest that certain concentrations of specific antibiotics may induce algal growth, and algal-mediated biodegradation process can accelerate the removal of antibiotic contamination.
Heat vortex in hydrodynamic phonon transport of two-dimensional materials
Authors: Shang Man-Yu , Zhang Chuang , Guo Zhaoli , Lü Jing-Tao
Published: May 2020

We study hydrodynamic phonon heat transport in two-dimensional (2D) materials. Starting from the Peierls-Boltzmann equation with the Callaway model approximation, we derive a 2D Guyer-Krumhansl-like equation describing hydrodynamic phonon transport, taking into account the quadratic dispersion of flexural phonons. In addition to Poiseuille flow, second sound propagation, the equation predicts heat current vortices and negative non-local thermal conductance in 2D materials, which are common in classical fluids but have not yet been considered in phonon transport. Our results also illustrate the universal transport behaviors of hydrodynamics, independent of the type of quasi-particles and their microscopic interactions.
A novel third mesh-like myometrial layer connects the longitudinal and circular muscle fibers -A potential stratum to coordinate uterine contractions-
Authors: Kagami Kyosuke , Ono Masanori , Iizuka Takashi , Matsumoto Takeo , Hosono Takashi , Sekizuka-Kagami Naomi , Shinmyo Yohei , Kawasaki Hiroshi , Fujiwara Hiroshi
Published: May 2020

Periodic myometrial contraction is one of the important uterine functions to achieve embryo implantation and parturition. Although it is well-known that the mammalian myometrium is composed of longitudinal (outer) and circular (inner) layers, the precise mechanisms that coordinate both muscular contractions to produce peristaltic movements remain unclear. Recently, by treatment with our modified Clear Unobstructed Brain Imaging Cocktails and Computational analysis (CUBIC) tissue-clearing method, we obtained well-contrasted three-dimensional images of the transparent murine ovary using enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) transgenic mice and light-sheet microscopy. Consequently, to investigate accurate anatomical connections between outer and inner myometrial fibers, we observed whole structures of the myometrium using a transparent murine uterus. By this method, we identified a novel muscle layer, a middle layer of the myometrium, which anatomically connects the conventional outer longitudinal and inner circular muscles. This new layer was visualized as a mesh-like structure and this structure was observed throughout the whole uterus from proximal to distal sites. In this area, CD31-positive vessels were abundantly localized around the mesh-like muscle fibers. In addition, CD34-positive uterine telocytes and tubulin β-3-positive nerve fibers were closely located in this middle layer. These findings indicate the presence of a novel mesh-like stratum that connects longitudinal and circular muscle layers, and suggest its coordinating role in myometrial contractions.
Synthetic hyperacetylation of nucleosomal histones
Authors: Kajino Hidetoshi , Nagatani Tomomi , Oi Miku , Kujirai Tomoya , Kurumizaka Hitoshi , Nishiyama Atsuya , Nakanishi Makoto , Yamatsugu Kenzo , Kawashima Shigehiro A. , Kanai Motomu
Published: May 2020

A chemical catalyst system enabling high-yielding and comprehensive lysine acetylation of nucleosomal histones was developed as an epigenetics tool.
Low carbon strategies for sustainable bio-alkane gas production and renewable energy
Authors: Amer Mohamed , Wojcik Emilia Z. , Sun Chenhao , Hoeven Robin , Hughes John M. X. , Faulkner Matthew , Yunus Ian Sofian , Tait Shirley , Johannissen Linus O. , Hardman Samantha J. O. , Heyes Derren J. , Chen Guo-Qiang , Smith Michael H. , Jones Patrik R. , Toogood Helen S. , Scrutton Nigel S.
Published: May 2020

Strategy for bio-alkane gas (propane and butane) production through the conversion of waste volatile fatty acids by bacterial cultures.
The interaction between dispersed crude oil droplets and particulate matter
Authors: Sang Xinyan , Miao Qi , Bao Mutai , Li Haoshuai , Yan Dong , Sun Peiyan
Published: May 2020

In this study, the effect of particulate matter type, temperature, oil type and weathering degree on the interaction between dispersed crude oil droplets and particulate matter was investigated.
Synthesis of unsymmetrical urea derivatives via one-pot sequential three-component reactions of cyclic 2-diazo-1,3-diketones, carbodiimides, and 1,2-dihaloethanes
Authors: He Xinwei , Yang Cheng , Wu Yinsong , Xie Mengqing , Li Ruxue , Duan Jiahui , Shang Yongjia
Published: May 2020

An effective and operationally simple one-pot strategy has been developed for the synthesis of unsymmetrical urea derivatives via sequential three-component reactions of cyclic 2-dizao-1,3-diketones with carbodiimides and 1,2-dihaloethane.
Synthesis of B-ring-fluorinated (−)-epicatechin gallate derivatives
Authors: Thieltges David D. S. , Baumgarten Kai D. , Michaelis Carina S. , Czekelius Constantin
Published: May 2020

Electronically modified, fluorinated catechins and epicatechins are enantioselectively synthesized in a short, convergent sequence via kinetic resolution.
Aromatic [b]-fused BODIPY dyes as promising near-infrared dyes
Authors: Wang Jun , Boens Noël , Jiao Lijuan , Hao Erhong
Published: May 2020

This review describes aromatic [b]-fused BODIPY dyes with the focus on design and synthesis, the relationships between their photophysical/spectroscopic properties and molecular structures, and potential uses in bioassays and optoelectronic devices.
Linearly polarized electroluminescence device in which the polarized plane can be rotated electrically using a chiral liquid crystalline semiconductor
Authors: Funahashi Masahiro , Mori Yuki
Published: May 2020

The polarized plane of linearly polarized electroluminescence is rotated by DC bias application during a phase transition of a chiral liquid crystal phase.
Highly efficient and selective membrane separation of copper from nickel in ammoniacal solution using mixtures of M5640 and BESO as membrane carriers
Authors: Duan Hengpan , Liu Hongpan , Hu Chengbo , Yang Xiangjun , Wang Xuequan
Published: May 2020

A FSSLM system developed with M5640/BESO as the synergistic carrier was used for selective separation of copper and nickel.
Novel hypophosphite hybrid perovskites of [CH3NH2NH2][Mn(H2POO)3] and [CH3NH2NH2][Mn(H2POO)2.83(HCOO)0.17] exhibiting antiferromagnetic order and red photoluminescence
Authors: Mączka Mirosław , Gągor Anna , Pikul Adam , Stefańska Dagmara
Published: May 2020

The first perovskite-type hypophosphite-linked dense metal–organic framework exhibiting red emission and antiferromagnetic order at 6.5 K.
Cascade annulation reaction (CAR): highly diastereoselective synthesis of pyranopyrazole scaffolds
Authors: Bakthadoss Manickam , Surendar Manickam
Published: May 2020

An unprecedented domino protocol for the novel synthesis of highly diverse and functionalized tetrahydro pyranopyrazole scaffolds using chalcone epoxide has been reported.
Combining amino acids and carbohydrates into readily biodegradable, task specific ionic liquids
Authors: Brzęczek-Szafran Alina , Więcek Przemysław , Guzik Maciej , Chrobok Anna
Published: May 2020

Combining amino acids and carbohydrates yields readily biodegradable ionic liquids with a hydrogen-bond-rich structure.
Engineering the surface wettability of a ceramic carbon electrode for improved hydrogen evolution performance of a molybdenum sulfide electrocatalyst
Authors: Tsai Yun-Chen , Vo Truong-Giang , Chiang Chia-Ying
Published: May 2020

The wettability of a ceramic carbon electrode was tuned by changing the silane agent, and a superhydrophilic carbon electrode was obtained for anchoring amorphous molybdenum sulfide as a hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst for water splitting.
A superhydrophobic surface with aging resistance, excellent mechanical restorablity and droplet bounce properties
Authors: Wang Guangfei , Zhou Jin , Wang Meimei , Zhang Yanbin , Zhang Yong , He Qiang
Published: May 2020

Superhydrophobic silicone rubber materials have special microstructures and show excellent mechanical properties.
Back‐to‐back aperture‐ and gap‐coupled discontinuities integration for band‐pass filter design
Authors: Nosrati A. , Mohammad‐Taheri M. , Nosrati M.
Published: May 2020

A new class of back‐to‐back integrated aperture‐ and gap‐coupled discontinuities is proposed for substrate‐integrated waveguide band‐pass filter design. The developed structure is shown to take advantage of both discontinuities in the design of cavity and/or planar resonators with an optimum performance including higher quality factor accompanied by transmission zero realisation, wider upper stop‐band with second harmonic suppression, and a considerable size reduction. The measured unloaded quality factor has been increased by a ratio of 60% in comparison to the conventional gap‐coupled structures.
Organic electronics for neuroprosthetics
Authors: Airaghi Leccardi Marta J.I. , Ghezzi Diego
Published: May 2020

Neuroprosthetics aims at restoring impaired or lost neurological and mental functions by exploiting technological advances in implantable and wearable devices. The performance of implantable devices, such as neural interfaces, relies upon the synergy between biology and machines. Should this synergy lack, numerous undesirable consequences might occur, such as rejection, infection, or malfunctioning. Several material properties like softness, electrochemical behaviour, biocompatibility, and biodegradability are among the features affecting the reliability of neural interfaces. In this review, the authors describe modern polymeric substrates and organic‐based electrodes, offering the best combination of such characteristics. Their versatility in merging different properties derives from the accessible control over their molecular structure and blending. Compared to inorganic materials, organic materials have superior mechanical compliance with the soft tissue, and conjugated polymers also have an advantageous electrochemical transport mechanism at the interface with electrolytic solutions, involving both ionic and electronic conductivities. Hence, all‐polymer neural interfaces would be convenient for a multitude of benefits, including low‐cost manufacturing, increased biocompatibility, lightweight, transparency, and affinity with green electronics. This review also highlights materials strategies supporting the development of safe electronic interfaces based on organic materials and beneficial for various applications neuroprosthetics.
Optical stimulation of neural tissue
Authors: Richardson Rachael Theresa , Ibbotson Michael R. , Thompson Alexander C. , Wise Andrew K. , Fallon James B.
Published: May 2020

Electrical stimulation has been used for decades in devices such as pacemakers, cochlear implants and more recently for deep brain and retinal stimulation and electroceutical treatment of disease. However, current spread from the electrodes limits the precision of neural activation, leading to a low quality therapeutic outcome or undesired side‐effects. Alternative methods of neural stimulation such as optical stimulation offer the potential to deliver higher spatial resolution of neural activation. Direct optical stimulation is possible with infrared light, while visible light can be used to activate neurons if the neural tissue is genetically modified with a light sensitive ion channel. Experimentally, both methods have resulted in highly precise stimulation with little spread of activation at least in the cochlea, each with advantages and disadvantages. Infrared neural stimulation does not require modification of the neural tissue, but has very high power requirements. Optogenetics can achieve precision of activation with lower power, but only in conjunction with targeted insertion of a light sensitive ion channel into the nervous system via gene therapy. This review will examine the advantages and limitations of optical stimulation of neural tissue, using the cochlea as an exemplary model and recent developments for retinal and deep brain stimulation.