bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequential Observations of Flux Transfer Events, Poleward‐Moving Auroral Forms, and Polar Cap Patches
Authors: Hwang K.‐J. , Nishimura Y. , Coster A. J. , Gillies R. G. , Fear R. C. , Fuselier S. A. , Petrinec S. M. , Burch J. L. , Dokgo K. , Sibeck D. G. , Giles B. L. , Russell C. T. , Strangeway R. J. , Gershman D. J. , Pollock C. J. , Khotyaintsev Y. , Torbert R. B. , Ergun R. E. , Moen J. I. , Clausen L. B.
Published: May 2020

We report the observation of solar wind‐magnetosphere‐ionosphere interactions using a series of flux transfer events (FTEs) observed by Magnetospheric MultiScale (MMS) mission located near the dayside magnetopause on 18 December 2017. The FTEs were observed to propagate duskward and either southward or slightly northward, as predicted under duskward and southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). The Cooling model also predicted a significant dawnward propagation of northward‐moving FTEs. Near the MMS footprint, a series of poleward‐moving auroral forms (PMAFs) occurred almost simultaneously with those FTEs. They propagated poleward and westward, consistent with the modeled FTE propagation. The intervals between FTEs, relatively consistent with those between PMAFs, strongly suggest a one‐to‐one correspondence between the dayside transients and ionospheric responses. The FTEs embedded in continuous reconnection observed by MMS and corresponding PMAFs individually occurred during persistent auroral activity recorded by an all‐sky imager strongly indicate that those FTEs/PMAFs resulted from the temporal modulation of the reconnection rate during continuous reconnection. With the decay of the PMAFs associated with the FTEs, patch‐like plasma density enhancements were detected to form and propagate poleward and then dawnward. Propagation to the dawn was also suggested by the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) convection and Global Positioning System (GPS) total electron content data. We relate the temporal variation of the driving solar‐wind and magnetospheric mechanism to that of the high‐latitude and polar ionospheric responses and estimate the response time.
Crustal Deformations of the Central North China Craton Constrained by Radial Anisotropy
Authors: Ai Sanxi , Zheng Yong , Wang Sixue
Published: May 2020

Situated in a transition zone between the western and eastern North China Craton (NCC), the central NCC exhibits complex dynamics features. Significant lithosphere thinning is observed beneath the eastern NCC and the northern segment of the central NCC. To study how the crust responses to the distinct lateral variations of the lithospheric mantle, we develop a method for joint inversion of Rayleigh and Love dispersion curves based on a transverse‐isotropic (or radial anisotropy) medium and obtain a 3‐D crustal radial anisotropy model. The results reveal significant heterogeneities along the Cenozoic Fenhe‐Weihe Rift (FWR). In the northern FWR, the discretely distributed lower crust positive anisotropy and upper crust negative anisotropy suggest the rifting is mainly dominated by the active mantle upwelling resulting in the Datong volcanoes. Similarly, the northern segment of the Taihang Mountain is also strongly affected by the magmatic activities and exhibits different anisotropy properties compared to its central‐to‐southern counterpart. Based on the negative anisotropy observed in the middle‐to‐lower crust beneath most parts of the Taihang Mountain, we speculate that a lower‐crust compression model can be applied to the Taihang Mountain, which is totally different to that of the adjacent Bohai Bay Basin. Possibly, the root of the Taihang Mountain is pushed by the westward moving lower crust coupled with the lateral escaping mantle flow beneath the Bohai Bay Basin. The Taihang Mountain and the Bohai Bay Basin are formed in similar tectonic environments, but are deformed in different ways.
Prolonged Partial Melting of Garnet Amphibolite from the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis: Implications for the Tectonic Evolution of Large Hot Orogens
Authors: Kang Dongyan , Zhang Zeming , Palin Richard M. , Tian Zoulin , Dong Xin
Published: May 2020

The Himalayan orogen, which formed due to collision of the Indian and Asian continents during the Early Tertiary, is a prime example of a large, hot collisional orogen. Despite decades of study, the duration of partial melting of migmatitic rocks exposed in the Himalayan orogenic core remains highly controversial. As such, we have performed detailed petrological and geochronological analyses of garnet amphibolite from the eastern Himalayan syntaxis in order to reveal the thermal conditions, tectonometamorphic mechanisms, and timing and duration of anatexis in metabasic rocks that form a major component of the thickened lower crust of the eastern Himalayan orogen. Phase equilibrium modeling and geothermobarometry show that the studied sample underwent high‐pressure granulite‐facies metamorphism and partial melting at 15−17 kbar and 805−840°C. Dehydration melting of amphibole during prograde metamorphism generated up to 20 vol. % partial melt with a granitic composition, which thus represents a potential source for Himalayan syn‐ to post‐orogenic crustal‐derived granites. Zircon U‐Pb geochronology shows that the garnet amphibolite witnessed a long‐lived anatectic and melt crystallization process lasting more than 30 Myr. Prolonged anatexis from ca. 40 to ca. 20 Ma predates initiation of the extrusion of Himalayan metamorphic core by up to 15 Myr, indicating that the thick and weak crust of the Himalayan‐Tibetan orogen must have remained stationary for this length of time, despite the ongoing continental collision. This study thus provides new insight into the tectonic evolution of hot orogens.
Hysteresis Behavior of Surface Water Fluxes in a Hydrologic Transition of an Ephemeral Lake
Authors: Cui Yifan , Liu Yuanbo , Gan Guojing , Wang Ruonan
Published: May 2020

Surface heat fluxes are crucial to the energy and water exchanges between surface and the atmosphere. Hysteresis effect poses a challenge in model simulation of evaporation (latent heat flux, LE) at hourly or intradaily scales. The hidden mechanisms behind the hysteresis remain unclear, given the diverse reports in various climates, geographical locations, and underlying surfaces. This study took advantage of eddy covariance flux observation over Poyang Lake of China, an ephemeral lake experiencing seasonal shifts from land to water. It depicted the hysteresis behavior of LE to environmental forces for the period from May to July in 2018, a hydrologic transition period from land to water surface. Our results showed obvious clockwise hysteresis loops between LE and water vapor pressure deficit (VPD), surface temperature (Ts), and air temperature (Ta). Counterclockwise loops exhibited between LE and surface net radiation (Rn), wind speed (WS), and temperature difference (Ts‐Ta). Rn, WS, and Ts‐Ta dominants control the hysteresis effects and regulate LE variations. The hysteresis loops changed in direction, shape, and area when the surface shifted from land to water. It was primarily related to the lengthened lag time between LE and other variables except for WS, which was attributable to enhanced impacts from WS and VPD, and weakened impacts from Rn and Ts‐Ta. The findings should help to improve our understanding of the complicated water‐atmosphere interactions at the intradaily scale.
Sea Surface Salinity as a Proxy for Arctic Ocean Freshwater Changes
Authors: Fournier Séverine , Lee Tong , Wang Xiaochun , Armitage Thomas W. K. , Wang Ou , Fukumori Ichiro , Kwok Ron
Published: May 2020

The changing Arctic freshwater content and distribution have a significant implications for ocean circulation, climate, and water and biogeochemical cycles. The paucity of in situ salinity measurements in the Arctic Ocean has limited our ability to study Arctic‐Ocean freshwater variability. Although satellite‐derived sea surface height (SSH) and ocean bottom pressure (OBP) have been used together to infer depth‐integrated freshwater content changes, these measurements are limited in sampling and resolution. Motivated by the recent development of sea surface salinity (SSS) remote sensing, we explore the use of SSS as a proxy for Arctic freshwater changes. As a first step, here we conduct a proof‐of‐concept study by analyzing the output of an ocean‐ice state estimation product. We find that SSS variations are coherent with those of SSH‐minus‐OBP across the Arctic basin (with R ~ −0.8) except for those in the center of the Beaufort Gyre and the region affected by the subpolar North Atlantic inflow. On Arctic shelves, the linear regression coefficient between SSS and SSH‐minus‐OBP is −0.3 pss/cm or larger in magnitude. The results suggest that SSS is a good proxy for Arctic freshwater changes, and satellite SSH‐minus‐OBP can be used to evaluate satellite SSS quality.
A Middle Crustal Channel of Radial Anisotropy Beneath the Northeastern Basin and Range
Authors: Wilgus Justin , Jiang Chengxin , Schmandt Brandon
Published: May 2020

A challenge in interpreting the origins of seismic anisotropy in deformed continental crust is that composition and rheology vary with depth. We investigated anisotropy in the northeastern Basin and Range where prior studies found prevalent depth‐averaged positive radial anisotropy (VSH > VSV). This study focuses on depth‐dependence of anisotropy and potentially distinct structures beneath three metamorphic core complexes (MCCs). Rayleigh and Love wave dispersion were measured using ambient noise interferometry, and Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo inversions for VSstructure were tested with several (an)isotropic parameterizations. Acceptable data fits with minimal introduction of anisotropy are achieved by models with anisotropy concentrated in the middle crust. The peak magnitude of anisotropy from the mean of the posterior distributions ranges from 3.5–5% and is concentrated at 8–20 km depth. Synthetic tests with one uniform layer of anisotropy best reproduce the regional mean results with 9% anisotropy at 6–22 km depth. Both magnitudes are plausible based on exhumed middle crustal rocks. The three MCCs exhibit ~5% higher isotropic upper crustal VS, likely due to their anomalous levels of exhumation, but no distinctive (an)isotropic structures at deeper depths. Regionally pervasive middle crustal positive radial anisotropy is interpreted as a result of subhorizontal foliation of mica‐bearing rocks deformed near the top of the ductile deformation regime. Decreasing mica content with depth and more broadly distributed deformation at lower stress levels may explain diminished lower crustal anisotropy. Absence of distinctive deep crustal VSbeneath the MCCs suggests overprinting by ductile deformation since the middle Miocene.
Gain of chromosome 21 in hematological malignancies: lessons from studying leukemia in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Laurent Anouchka P. , Kotecha Rishi S. , Malinge Sébastien
Published: May 2020

Structural and numerical alterations of chromosome 21 are extremely common in hematological malignancies. While the functional impact of chimeric transcripts from fused chromosome 21 genes such as TEL-AML1, AML1-ETO, or FUS-ERG have been extensively studied, the role of gain of chromosome 21 remains largely unknown. Gain of chromosome 21 is a frequently occurring aberration in several types of acute leukemia and can be found in up to 35% of cases. Children with Down syndrome (DS), who harbor constitutive trisomy 21, highlight the link between gain of chromosome 21 and leukemogenesis, with an increased risk of developing acute leukemia compared with other children. Clinical outcomes for DS-associated leukemia have improved over the years through the development of uniform treatment protocols facilitated by international cooperative groups. The genetic landscape has also recently been characterized, providing an insight into the molecular pathogenesis underlying DS-associated leukemia. These studies emphasize the key role of trisomy 21 in priming a developmental stage and cellular context susceptible to transformation, and have unveiled its cooperative function with additional genetic events that occur during leukemia progression. Here, using DS-leukemia as a paradigm, we aim to integrate our current understanding of the role of trisomy 21, of critical dosage-sensitive chromosome 21 genes, and of associated mechanisms underlying the development of hematological malignancies. This review will pave the way for future investigations on the broad impact of gain of chromosome 21 in hematological cancer, with a view to discovering new vulnerabilities and develop novel targeted therapies to improve long term outcomes for DS and non-DS patients.
Remote sensing reveals Antarctic green snow algae as important terrestrial carbon sink
Authors: Gray Andrew , Krolikowski Monika , Fretwell Peter , Convey Peter , Peck Lloyd S. , Mendelova Monika , Smith Alison G. , Davey Matthew P.
Published: May 2020

We present the first estimate of green snow algae community biomass and distribution along the Antarctic Peninsula. Sentinel 2 imagery supported by two field campaigns revealed 1679 snow algae blooms, seasonally covering 1.95 × 106 m2 and equating to 1.3 × 103 tonnes total dry biomass. Ecosystem range is limited to areas with average positive summer temperatures, and distribution strongly influenced by marine nutrient inputs, with 60% of blooms less than 5 km from a penguin colony. A warming Antarctica may lose a majority of the 62% of blooms occupying small, low-lying islands with no high ground for range expansion. However, bloom area and elevation were observed to increase at lower latitudes, suggesting that parallel expansion of bloom area on larger landmasses, close to bird or seal colonies, is likely. This increase is predicted to outweigh biomass lost from small islands, resulting in a net increase in snow algae extent and biomass as the Peninsula warms.
Red-phosphorus-impregnated carbon nanofibers for sodium-ion batteries and liquefaction of red phosphorus
Authors: Liu Yihang , Liu Qingzhou , Jian Cheng , Cui Dingzhou , Chen Mingrui , Li Zhen , Li Teng , Nilges Tom , He Kai , Jia Zheng , Zhou Chongwu
Published: May 2020

Red phosphorus offers a high theoretical sodium capacity and has been considered as a candidate anode for sodium-ion batteries. Similar to silicon anodes for lithium-ion batteries, the electrochemical performance of red phosphorus is plagued by the large volume variation upon sodiation. Here we perform in situ transmission electron microscopy analysis of the synthesized red-phosphorus-impregnated carbon nanofibers with the corresponding chemo-mechanical simulation, revealing that, the sodiated red phosphorus becomes softened with a “liquid-like” mechanical behaviour and gains superior malleability and deformability against pulverization. The encapsulation strategy of the synthesized red-phosphorus-impregnated carbon nanofibers has been proven to be an effective method to minimize the side reactions of red phosphorus in sodium-ion batteries, demonstrating stable electrochemical cycling. Our study provides a valid guide towards high-performance red-phosphorus-based anodes for sodium-ion batteries.
Spin-controlled generation of indistinguishable and distinguishable photons from silicon vacancy centres in silicon carbide
Authors: Morioka Naoya , Babin Charles , Nagy Roland , Gediz Izel , Hesselmeier Erik , Liu Di , Joliffe Matthew , Niethammer Matthias , Dasari Durga , Vorobyov Vadim , Kolesov Roman , Stöhr Rainer , Ul-Hassan Jawad , Son Nguyen Tien , Ohshima Takeshi , Udvarhelyi Péter , Thiering Gergő , Gali Adam , Wrachtrup Jörg , Kaiser Florian
Published: May 2020

Quantum systems combining indistinguishable photon generation and spin-based quantum information processing are essential for remote quantum applications and networking. However, identification of suitable systems in scalable platforms remains a challenge. Here, we investigate the silicon vacancy centre in silicon carbide and demonstrate controlled emission of indistinguishable and distinguishable photons via coherent spin manipulation. Using strong off-resonant excitation and collecting zero-phonon line photons, we show a two-photon interference contrast close to 90% in Hong-Ou-Mandel type experiments. Further, we exploit the system’s intimate spin-photon relation to spin-control the colour and indistinguishability of consecutively emitted photons. Our results provide a deep insight into the system’s spin-phonon-photon physics and underline the potential of the industrially compatible silicon carbide platform for measurement-based entanglement distribution and photonic cluster state generation. Additional coupling to quantum registers based on individual nuclear spins would further allow for high-level network-relevant quantum information processing, such as error correction and entanglement purification.
Loss of heterozygosity of essential genes represents a widespread class of potential cancer vulnerabilities
Authors: Nichols Caitlin A. , Gibson William J. , Brown Meredith S. , Kosmicki Jack A. , Busanovich John P. , Wei Hope , Urbanski Laura M. , Curimjee Naomi , Berger Ashton C. , Gao Galen F. , Cherniack Andrew D. , Dhe-Paganon Sirano , Paolella Brenton R. , Beroukhim Rameen
Published: May 2020

Alterations in non-driver genes represent an emerging class of potential therapeutic targets in cancer. Hundreds to thousands of non-driver genes undergo loss of heterozygosity (LOH) events per tumor, generating discrete differences between tumor and normal cells. Here we interrogate LOH of polymorphisms in essential genes as a novel class of therapeutic targets. We hypothesized that monoallelic inactivation of the allele retained in tumors can selectively kill cancer cells but not somatic cells, which retain both alleles. We identified 5664 variants in 1278 essential genes that undergo LOH in cancer and evaluated the potential for each to be targeted using allele-specific gene-editing, RNAi, or small-molecule approaches. We further show that allele-specific inactivation of either of two essential genes (PRIM1 and EXOSC8) reduces growth of cells harboring that allele, while cells harboring the non-targeted allele remain intact. We conclude that LOH of essential genes represents a rich class of non-driver cancer vulnerabilities.
Observing atomic layer electrodeposition on single nanocrystals surface by dark field spectroscopy
Authors: Hu Shu , Yi Jun , Zhang Yue-Jiao , Lin Kai-Qiang , Liu Bi-Ju , Chen Liang , Zhan Chao , Lei Zhi-Chao , Sun Juan-Juan , Zong Cheng , Li Jian-Feng , Ren Bin
Published: May 2020

Underpotential deposition offers a predominant way to tailor the electronic structure of the catalytic surface at the atomic level, which is key to engineering materials with a high activity for (electro)catalysis. However, it remains challenging to precisely control and directly probe the underpotential deposition of a (sub)monolayer of atoms on nanoparticle surfaces. In this work, we in situ observe silver electrodeposited on gold nanocrystals surface from sub-monolayer to one monolayer by designing a highly sensitive electrochemical dark field scattering setup. The spectral variation is used to reconstruct the optical “cyclic voltammogram” of every single nanocrystal for understanding the underpotential deposition process on nanocrystals, which cannot be achieved by any other methods but are essential for creating novel nanomaterials.
Construction of a web-based nanomaterial database by big data curation and modeling friendly nanostructure annotations
Authors: Yan Xiliang , Sedykh Alexander , Wang Wenyi , Yan Bing , Zhu Hao
Published: May 2020

Modern nanotechnology research has generated numerous experimental data for various nanomaterials. However, the few nanomaterial databases available are not suitable for modeling studies due to the way they are curated. Here, we report the construction of a large nanomaterial database containing annotated nanostructures suited for modeling research. The database, which is publicly available throughhttp://www.pubvinas.com/, contains 705 unique nanomaterials covering 11 material types. Each nanomaterial has up to six physicochemical properties and/or bioactivities, resulting in more than ten endpoints in the database. All the nanostructures are annotated and transformed into protein data bank files, which are downloadable by researchers worldwide. Furthermore, the nanostructure annotation procedure generates 2142 nanodescriptors for all nanomaterials for machine learning purposes, which are also available through the portal. This database provides a public resource for data-driven nanoinformatics modeling research aimed at rational nanomaterial design and other areas of modern computational nanotechnology.
Immunogenicity of a DNA vaccine candidate for COVID-19
Authors: Smith Trevor R. F. , Patel Ami , Ramos Stephanie , Elwood Dustin , Zhu Xizhou , Yan Jian , Gary Ebony N. , Walker Susanne N. , Schultheis Katherine , Purwar Mansi , Xu Ziyang , Walters Jewell , Bhojnagarwala Pratik , Yang Maria , Chokkalingam Neethu , Pezzoli Patrick , Parzych Elizabeth , Reuschel Emma L. , Doan Arthur , Tursi Nicholas , Vasquez Miguel , Choi Jihae , Tello-Ruiz Edgar , Maricic Igor , Bah Mamadou A. , Wu Yuanhan , Amante Dinah , Park Daniel H. , Dia Yaya , Ali Ali Raza , Zaidi Faraz I. , Generotti Alison , Kim Kevin Y. , Herring Timothy A. , Reeder Sophia , Andrade Viviane M. , Buttigieg Karen , Zhao Gan , Wu Jiun-Ming , Li Dan , Bao Linlin , Liu Jiangning , Deng Wei , Qin Chuan , Brown Ami Shah , Khoshnejad Makan , Wang Nianshuang , Chu Jacqueline , Wrapp Daniel , McLellan Jason S. , Muthumani Kar , Wang Bin , Carroll Miles W. , Kim J. Joseph , Boyer Jean , Kulp Daniel W. , Humeau Laurent M. P. F. , Weiner David B. , Broderick Kate E.
Published: May 2020

The coronavirus family member, SARS-CoV-2 has been identified as the causal agent for the pandemic viral pneumonia disease, COVID-19. At this time, no vaccine is available to control further dissemination of the disease. We have previously engineered a synthetic DNA vaccine targeting the MERS coronavirus Spike (S) protein, the major surface antigen of coronaviruses, which is currently in clinical study. Here we build on this prior experience to generate a synthetic DNA-based vaccine candidate targeting SARS-CoV-2 S protein. The engineered construct, INO-4800, results in robust expression of the S protein in vitro. Following immunization of mice and guinea pigs with INO-4800 we measure antigen-specific T cell responses, functional antibodies which neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 infection and block Spike protein binding to the ACE2 receptor, and biodistribution of SARS-CoV-2 targeting antibodies to the lungs. This preliminary dataset identifies INO-4800 as a potential COVID-19 vaccine candidate, supporting further translational study.
IolR, a negative regulator of the myo-inositol metabolic pathway, inhibits cell autoaggregation and biofilm formation by downregulating RpmA in Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Dong Yuhao , Li Shougang , Zhao Dan , Liu Jin , Ma Shuiyan , Geng Jinzhu , Lu Chengping , Liu Yongjie
Published: May 2020

Aeromonas hydrophila is the causative agent of motile Aeromonad septicemia in fish. Previous studies have shown that the myo-inositol metabolism is essential for the virulence of this bacterium. IolR is a transcription inhibitor that negatively regulates myo-inositol metabolic activity. While in the process of studying the inositol catabolism in A. hydrophila Chinese epidemic strain NJ-35, we incidentally found that ΔiolR mutant exhibited obvious autoaggregation and increased biofilm formation compared to the wild type. The role of surface proteins in A. hydrophila autoaggregation was confirmed by different degradation treatments. Furthermore, calcium promotes the formation of aggregates, which disappear in the presence of the calcium chelator EGTA. Transcriptome analysis, followed by targeted gene deletion, demonstrated that biofilm formation and autoaggregation caused by the inactivation of iolR was due to the increased transcription of a RTX-family adhesion gene, rmpA. Further, IolR was determined to directly regulate the transcription of rmpA. These results indicated that iolR is negatively involved in autoaggregation and biofilm formation in A. hydrophila, and this involvement was associated with its inhibition on the expression of rmpA.
Global high-resolution emissions of soil NOx, sea salt aerosols, and biogenic volatile organic compounds
Authors: Weng Hongjian , Lin Jintai , Martin Randall , Millet Dylan B. , Jaeglé Lyatt , Ridley David , Keller Christoph , Li Chi , Du Mingxi , Meng Jun
Published: May 2020

Natural emissions of air pollutants from the surface play major roles in air quality and climate change. In particular, nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted from soils contribute ~15% of global NOx emissions, sea salt aerosols are a major player in the climate and chemistry of the marine atmosphere, and biogenic emissions are the dominant source of non-methane volatile organic compounds at the global scale. These natural emissions are often estimated using nonlinear parameterizations, which are sensitive to the horizontal resolutions of inputted meteorological and ancillary data. Here we use the HEMCO model to compute these emissions worldwide at horizontal resolutions of 0.5° lat. × 0.625° lon. for 1980–2017 and 0.25° lat. × 0.3125° lon. for 2014–2017. We further offer the respective emissions at lower resolutions, which can be used to evaluate the impacts of resolution on estimated global and regional emissions. Our long-term high-resolution emission datasets offer useful information to study natural pollution sources and their impacts on air quality, climate, and the carbon cycle.
In vitro passage alters virulence, immune activation and proteomic profiles of Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Duangurai Taksaon , Reamtong Onrapak , Rungruengkitkun Amporn , Srinon Varintip , Boonyuen Usa , Limmathurotsakul Direk , Chantratita Narisara , Pumirat Pornpan
Published: May 2020

Serial passage is a problem among many bacterial species, especially those where strains have been stored (banked) for several decades. Prior to banking with an organization such as ATCC, many bacterial strains were passaged for many years, so the characteristics of each strain may be extremely different. This is in addition to any differences in the original host environment. For Burkholderia pseudomallei, the number of serial passages should be carefully defined for each experiment because it undergoes adaptation during the course of serial passages. In the present study, we found that passaged B. pseudomallei fresh clinical isolates and reference strain in Luria-Bertani broth exhibited increased plaque formation, invasion, intracellular replication, Galleria mellonella killing abilities, and cytokine production of host cells. These bacteria also modulated proteomic profiles during in vitro passage. We presume that the modulation of protein expression during in vitro passage caused changes in virulence and immunogenicity phenotypes. Therefore, we emphasize the need for caution regarding the use of data from passaged B. pseudomallei. These findings of phenotypic adaptation during in vitro serial passage can help researchers working on B. pseudomallei and on other species to better understand disparate findings among strains that have been reported for many years.
Clinical validation of urinary indole-reacted calcium oxalate crystallization index (iCOCI) test for diagnosing calcium oxalate urolithiasis
Authors: More-krong Pimkanya , Tubsaeng Praween , Madared Natcha , Srisa-Art Monpichar , Insin Numpon , Leeladee Pannee , Boonla Chanchai
Published: May 2020

An indole-reacted calcium oxalate crystallization index (iCOCI) test was developed to quantify the total competence of urine to precipitate calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals. We conducted the prospective cohort study in accordance with the STARD guideline to evaluate the accuracy of urinary iCOCI test (index test) for diagnosing urolithiasis. A total of 281 participants were recruited for the study. Levels of urinary iCOCI were determined in the pre-diagnostic 24-h urine samples. Positive urinary iCOCI (≥ 0.6 COM eqv., g/L) was accounted for 51% (144/281), and the rest of 49% (137/281) were negative. Non-contrast CT imaging (reference standard) was subsequently performed for the definite diagnosis of urolithiasis to divide the participants into two groups, non-stone subjects (NSS, n = 122) and stone-forming subjects (SFS, n = 159). It should be noted that only subjects who currently had urinary stone at the time of study were classified as SFS. Urinary iCOCI levels in the SFS were significantly higher than the NSS. ROC analysis revealed an area under curve (AUC) of 0.893 (95% CI: 0.855–0.932) in separating NSS from all SFS. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), accuracy, positive likelihood ratio (LH+) and negative likelihood ratio (LH−) of urinary iCOCI test for diagnosis of all urolithiasis were 87%, 80%, 84%, 84%, 83%, 4.44 and 0.16, respectively. Of 159 SFS, 38 were confirmed to have CaOx stones. Among these 38 CaOx SFS, only 2 had negative urinary iCOCI test. The AUC of urinary iCOCI test for separating CaOx SFS from NSS was markedly high (0.946, 95% CI: 0.914–0.978). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, accuracy, LH+ and LH− of urinary iCOCI test for diagnosing CaOx urolithiasis were 95%, 86%, 68%, 98%, 88%, 6.80 and 0.06, respectively. Conclusion, we clinically validated that an innovative non-invasive urinary iCOCI test was highly accurate to diagnose urolithiasis, especially CaOx stone. With its high sensitivity and NPV, urinary iCOCI test is clinically intended to use as a screening test for CaOx urolithiasis. LH− of 0.06 indicates that negative result of urinary iCOCI test is highly accurate to rule out the CaOx stone formation. It is noted that urinary iCOCI level is expressed as arbitrary unit, and it is not directly related to the actual physiological level of urinary oxalate.
PolyRad – Protection Against Free Radical Damage
Authors: Kim Hannah , Tse Yin , Webb Andrew , Mudd Ethan , Abedin Muhammad Raisul , Mormile Melanie , Dutta Subhadeep , Rege Kaushal , Barua Sutapa
Published: May 2020

The effects of elevated levels of radiation contribute to the instability of pharmaceutical formulations in space compared to those on earth. Existing technologies are ineffective at maintaining the therapeutic efficacies of drugs in space. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop novel space-hardy formulations for preserving the stability and efficacy of drug formulations. This work aims to develop a novel approach for the protection of space pharmaceutical drug molecules from the radiation-induced damage to help extend or at least preserve their structural integrity and potency. To achieve this, free radical scavenging antioxidant, Trolox was conjugated on the surface of poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles for the protection of a candidate drug, melatonin that is used as a sleep aid medication in International Space Station (ISS). Melatonin-PLGA-PLL-Trolox nanoparticle as named as PolyRad was synthesized employing single oil in water (o/w) emulsion solvent evaporation method. PolyRad is spherical in shape and has an average diameter of ~600 nm with a low polydispersity index of 0.2. PolyRad and free melatonin (control) were irradiated by UV light after being exposed to a strong oxidant, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Bare melatonin lost ~80% of the active structure of the drug following irradiation with UV light or treatment with H2O2. In contrast, PolyRad protected >80% of the active structure of melatonin. The ability of PolyRad to protect melatonin structure was also carried out using 0, 1, 5 and 10 Gy gamma radiation. Gamma irradiation showed >98% active structures of melatonin encapsulated in PolyRads. Drug release and effectiveness of melatonin using PolyRad were evaluated on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro. Non-irradiated PolyRad demonstrated maximum drug release of ~70% after 72 h, while UV-irradiated and H2O2-treated PolyRad showed a maximum drug release of ~85%. Cytotoxicity of melatonin was carried out using both live/dead and MTT assays. Melatonin, non-radiated PolyRad and irradiated PolyRad inhibited the viability of HUVEC in a dose-dependent manner. Cell viability of melatonin, PolyRad alone without melatonin (PolyRad carrier control), non-radiated PolyRad, and irradiated PolyRad were ~98, 87, 75 and 70%, respectively at a concentration $$ \sim $$
~
0.01 $${mg}/{ml}$$
mg
/
ml
($$10\mu g/{ml}$$
10
μ
g
/
ml
). Taken together, PolyRad nanoparticle provides an attractive formulation platform for preventing damage to pharmaceutical drugs in potential space mission applications.
Histone H3K27M Mutation Overrides Histological Grading in Pediatric Gliomas
Authors: Mosaab Amal , El-Ayadi Moatasem , Khorshed Eman N. , Amer Nada , Refaat Amal , El-Beltagy Mohamed , Hassan Zeinab , Soror Sameh H. , Zaghloul Mohamed Saad , El-Naggar Shahenda
Published: May 2020

Pediatric high-grade gliomas (HGG) are rare aggressive tumors that present a prognostic and therapeutic challenge. Diffuse midline glioma, H3K27M–mutant is a new entity introduced to HGG in the latest WHO classification. In this study we evaluated the presence of H3K27M mutation in 105 tumor samples histologically classified into low-grade gliomas (LGG) (n = 45), and HGG (n = 60). Samples were screened for the mutation in histone H3.3 and H3.1 variants to examine its prevalence, prognostic impact, and assess its potential clinical value in limited resource settings. H3K27M mutation was detected in 28 of 105 (26.7%) samples, and its distribution was significantly associated with midline locations (p-value < 0.0001) and HGG (p-value = 0.003). Overall and event- free survival (OS and EFS, respectively) of patients with mutant tumors did not differ significantly, neither according to histologic grade (OSp-value = 0.736, EFSp-value = 0.75) nor across anatomical sites (OSp-value = 0.068, EFSp-value = 0.153). Detection of H3K27M mutation in pediatric gliomas provides more precise risk stratification compared to traditional histopathological techniques. Hence, mutation detection should be pursued in all pediatric gliomas. Meanwhile, focusing on midline LGG can be an alternative in lower-middle-income countries to maximally optimize patients’ treatment options.
Transforming growth factor-beta stimulates human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cell chondrogenesis more so than kartogenin
Authors: Music E. , Klein T. J. , Lott W. B. , Doran M. R.
Published: May 2020

A previous study identified kartogenin (KGN) as a potent modulator of bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (BMSC) chondrogenesis. This initial report did not contrast KGN directly against transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), the most common growth factor used in chondrogenic induction medium. Herein, we directly compared the in vitro chondrogenic potency of TGF-β1 and KGN using a high resolution micropellet model system. Micropellets were cultured for 7–14 days in medium supplemented with TGF-β1, KGN, or both TGF-β1 + KGN. Following 14 days of induction, micropellets exposed to TGF-β1 alone or TGF-β1 + KGN in combination were larger and produced more glycosominoglycan (GAG) than KGN-only cultures. When TGF-β1 + KGN was used, GAG quantities were similar or slightly greater than the TGF-β1-only cultures, depending on the BMSC donor. BMSC micropellet cultures supplemented with KGN alone contracted in size over the culture period and produced minimal GAG. Indicators of hypertrophy were not mitigated in TGF-β1 + KGN cultures, suggesting that KGN does not obstruct BMSC hypertrophy. KGN appears to have weak chondrogenic potency in human BMSC cultures relative to TGF-β1, does not obstruct hypertrophy, and may not be a viable alternative to growth factors in cartilage tissue engineering.
No correlation between microbiota composition and blood parameters in nesting flatback turtles (Natator depressus)
Authors: Scheelings T. Franciscus , Moore Robert J. , Van Thi Thu Hao , Klaassen Marcel , Reina Richard D.
Published: May 2020

The microbiota is considered critical for normal vertebrate homeostasis and it may exert its effects at a local level within the gastrointestinal tract, or systemically through the production of bacterial metabolites. To date, investigations into the role that the microbiota plays in reptile physiology are rare. To address this knowledge gap, we explored the relationship between differences in microbial communities to see if they accounted for differences in haematology and biochemistry values, in different populations of nesting flatback turtles (Natator depressus). We found that microbiota composition was not correlated to any of the blood analytes we measured in flatbacks. This study is the first of its kind in reptiles and highlights the need for further investigations to determine mechanisms by which the microbiota influences the physiology and health of reptiles.
Establishment of rat liver cancer cell lines with different metastatic potential
Authors: Song Lei , Zhang Jian-gang , Zheng Long , Feng Xu , Hou Jie , Zhang Huan-ling , Liu Shu-feng
Published: May 2020

The gloomy outcome of liver cancer is mainly due to the high rates of metastasis and recurrence, even after curative resection for early stage liver cancer. Our study was conducted to find the animal model suitable for the study of liver cancer metastasis. In our study, two liver cancer cells were obtained from N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN) and N-nitrosomorpholine (NMOR) induced rats, and they were cultivated, screened and cloning cultivated. Bionomics of cells was analyzed. The results show that 2 cells had different metastatic potentiality. They were named Wrh-f2 and Wrh-s2, and they have the characteristics of Hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The bionomics of 2 cells showed: (1) The chromosome karyotype analysis showed that the mode of Wrh-f2 was 80–83 and Wrh-s2 was 55–57; (2) AFP positive cytoplasmic staining was observed in Wrh-f2 and Wrh-s2. Cytokeratin (CK) 7 and CK8 positive staining was present in Wrh-f2. CK8 positive staining was present in Wrh-s2; (3) The numbers of Wrh-f2 and Wrh-s2 that passed through the Transwells were 98 ± 12 and 55 ± 15;(4) Wrh-f2 had the significant higher colony formation (78%) than Wrh-s2(8%) (P < 0.01). (5) The animal models generated solid tumours when 2 cells were inoculated to nude mouse and rat. And Wrh-f2 developed stable pulmonary metastasis. The established cell lines with different metastatic potential showed obvious advantages over liver cancer in mimicking the biological properties of malignant liver cancer tumors. It provided a suitable model for the mechanism of liver cancer metastasis in vivo and in vitro.
Author Correction: The potential role of scavengers in spreading African swine fever among wild boar
Authors: Probst Carolina , Gethmann Jörn , Amler Susanne , Globig Anja , Knoll Bent , Conraths Franz J.
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Carbon-based nanomaterials alter the composition of the fungal endophyte community in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Hao Yi , Ma Chuanxin , White Jason C. , Adeel Muhammad , Jiang Ruohan , Zhao Ziqian , Rao Yuhang , Chen Guangcai , Rui Yukui , Xing Baoshan
Published: May 2020

The composition of the rice endophyte community was investigated as affected by reduced graphene oxide (rGO), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and fullerene (C60) at 10–250 mg L−1 under hydroponic conditions.
One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of ultrafine Pd clusters within Beta zeolite for selective oxidation of alcohols
Authors: Zhuang Wenxia , Liu Xiaoling , Chen Lei , Liu Peiwen , Wen Haimeng , Zhou Yu , Wang Jun
Published: May 2020

Highly dispersive and ultrafine Pd clusters were straightforwardly encapsulated within the crystals of Beta zeolite that effectively and stably catalyze aerobic organic oxidation reactions with shape-selectivity.
Sensitive and selective detection of phosgene with a bis-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-based turn-on fluorescent probe in the solution and gas phase
Authors: Yang Lei , Wang Feng , Sun Zhiwei , Kong Xiaojian , Kong Yilin
Published: May 2020

A sensitive and selective fluorescent probe bis-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-methanone was developed for the detection of phosgene in solution and the gas phase.
The stabilization of fluorescent copper nanoclusters by dialdehyde cellulose and their use in mercury ion sensing
Authors: Feng Xiangyu , Zhang Jiaying , Wang Jing , Han Ailing , Fang Guozhen , Liu Jifeng , Wang Shuo
Published: May 2020

Copper nanoclusters capped with small-molecule ligands could be stabilized after the ligands were attached to the cellulose skeleton. Moreover, a device for sensing mercury ions could be fabricated from the composite of the clusters and cellulose.
Facile fabrication of shell crosslinked microcapsule by visible light induced graft polymerization for enzyme encapsulation
Authors: Zhang Kai , Shao Guangjun , Yang Bowei , Zhao Changwen , Ma Yuhong , Yang Wantai
Published: May 2020

A strategy to encapsulate enzymes into microcapsule fabricated by visible light-induced graft polymerization using CaCO3microparticles as template was developed.
Hg–C bond protonolysis by a functional model of bacterial enzyme organomercurial lyase MerB
Authors: Karri Ramesh , Das Ranajit , Rai Rakesh Kumar , Gopalakrishnan Anaswara , Roy Gouriprasanna
Published: May 2020

We report a synthetic molecule 1, which shows a remarkable ability to protolytically cleave the Hg–C bonds of a wide variety of organomercurials to hydrocarbon and Hg2+ products under mild conditions, similar to the bacterial enzyme MerB.
Multi-charged macrocycles as a platform for rapid and broad spectral photodecomposition of aromatic dyes
Authors: Guan Xinran , Chen Yong , Guo Peng , Li Peiyu , Liu Yu
Published: May 2020

Four water-soluble macrocycles were chosen to explore the most efficient photodecomposition behaviours of quaternized 9-alkoxy-substituted anthracene (AnQA).
A dual function-enabled novel zwitterion to stabilize a Pb–I framework and passivate defects for highly efficient inverted planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Wang Deng , Huang Lei , Chen Qiyin , Hu Luyao , Zeng Feng , Zhou Xianyong , Zhang Luozheng , Liu Chang , Wang Xingzhu , Yan Lei , Xu Baomin
Published: May 2020

A novel zwitterion named bethanechol chloride (BTCC) was introduced to simultaneously stabilize a Pb–I framework and passivate defects for highly efficient inverted perovskite solar cells.
MnO2-Based nanosystems for cancer therapy
Authors: Wen Jia , Yang Kui , Sun Shiguo
Published: May 2020

Recent achievements of MnO2-based nanosystems for various cancer therapies are comprehensively reviewed.
Elastic buffer structured Si/C microsphere anodes via polymerization-induced colloid aggregation
Authors: Xie Chong , Xu Quan , Maleki Kheimeh Sari Hirbod , Li Xifei
Published: May 2020

The voids and void-holes provide the direct and elastic buffer space to ensure the structural integrity of carbon frameworks.
Transition-metal-carbene-like intermolecular insertion of a borylene into C–H bonds
Authors: Liu Siyuan , Légaré Marc-André , Hofmann Alexander , Dellermann Theresa , Braunschweig Holger
Published: May 2020

In analogy to transition-metal carbene chemistry, [(OC)5MoBN(SiMe3)2] acts as a source of a borylene fragment for selective intermolecular insertion into C–H bonds under very mild conditions.
Overriding ortho selectivity by template assisted meta-C–H activation of benzophenones
Authors: Casali Emanuele , Kalra Prakriti , Brochetta Massimo , Borsari Tania , Gandini Andrea , Patra Tuhin , Zanoni Giuseppe , Maiti Debabrata
Published: May 2020

A regioselective meta-C–H activation strategy for benzophenone was successfully developed by overriding the inherent ketone-directed ortho-selectivity.
The shuttling mechanism of foldaxanes: more than just translocation and rotation
Authors: Liu Peng , Hao Wenqi , Bian Xihui , Mei Donghai
Published: May 2020

Understanding movements within molecular machines is the prerequisite of tailoring its structure to achieve specific functions. With the aid of molecular dynamics simulations and enhanced sampling methods, movements within the foldaxane have been revealed. Movements,viz., translocation, rotation, tilt, shrinkage, and swelling, have been identified and investigated in detail.
Formation of hollow porous TiO2 nanospheres via the encapsulation of CO2 nanobubbles for high-performance adsorption and photocatalysis
Authors: Lee Hack-Keun , Lee Seung-Woo
Published: May 2020

Hollow porous TiO2 nanospheres, prepared via a sol-gel process including generation of CO2 gas, show excellent adsorption and photocatalytic properties.
Synthesis and catalytic activities of a Zn(ii) based metallomacrocycle and a metal–organic framework towards one-pot deacetalization-Knoevenagel tandem reactions under different strategies: a comparative study
Authors: Karmakar Anirban , Soliman Mohamed M. A. , Rúbio Guilherme M. D. M. , Guedes da Silva M. Fátima C. , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: May 2020

4,4′-{(Pyridine-2,6-dicarbonyl)bis(azanediyl)}dibenzoic acid is used to synthesize macrocycle and MOF which act as catalysts for tandem deacetalization-Knoevenagel condensation reactions under heating, microwave or ultrasonic irradiation.
Light harvesting indolyl-substituted phosphoramide ligand for the enhancement of Mn(ii) luminescence
Authors: Bortoluzzi Marco , Castro Jesús , Gobbo Alberto , Ferraro Valentina , Pietrobon Luca
Published: May 2020

Excitation of the coordinated ligands in tetrahedral complexes having the general formula [MnX2L2] (X = Cl, Br, I; L = N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-P-indol-1-ylphosphonic diamide) causes bright green luminescence from the Mn(ii) centre.
Extra lithium-ion storage capacity enabled by liquid-phase exfoliated indium selenide nanosheets conductive network
Authors: Zhang Chuanfang (John) , Liang Meiying , Park Sang-Hoon , Lin Zifeng , Seral-Ascaso Andrés , Wang Longlu , Pakdel Amir , Coileáin Cormac Ó , Boland John , Ronan Oskar , McEvoy Niall , Lu Bingan , Wang Yonggang , Xia Yongyao , Coleman Jonathan N. , Nicolosi Valeria
Published: May 2020

FL-InSe/SWCNT flexible electrode exhibits much higher capacity than the theoretical capacity of InSe, which is attributed to the alloying of continuously formed In nanoclusters, the latter also provide additional adsorption capacity.
The ameliorative effect of Lactobacillus plantarum Y44 oral administration on inflammation and lipid metabolism in obese mice fed with a high fat diet
Authors: Liu Yujun , Gao Yuan , Ma Fenglian , Sun Mengying , Mu Guangqing , Tuo Yanfeng
Published: May 2020

In our previous studies, Lactobacillus plantarum Y44 showed antioxidant activity and favorable gastric and intestinal transit tolerance.
The pattern of peptides released from dairy and egg proteins is highly dependent on the simulated digestion scenario
Authors: Torcello-Gómez Amelia , Dupont Didier , Jardin Julien , Briard-Bion Valérie , Deglaire Amélie , Risse Kerstin , Mechoulan Elodie , Mackie Alan
Published: May 2020

Dairy and egg proteins either isolated or within the food matrix were subjected to different staticin vitrodigestion models (infant, fed and fasted adult). Proteolysis differed across models and regarding the effect of the matrix/processing.
Medium-, long- and medium-chain-type structured lipids ameliorate high-fat diet-induced atherosclerosis by regulating inflammation, adipogenesis, and gut microbiota in ApoE−/− mice
Authors: Yue Chonghui , Li Ming , Li Jing , Han Xu , Zhu Hongwei , Yu Guoping , Cheng Jianjun
Published: May 2020

MLM structured lipids synthesized from corn oil and caprylic slow down atherosclerosis induced by high fat diet via regulating inflammation, adipogenesis and gut microbiota.
2020 vision: celebrating the 20th year of Lab on a Chip
Authors: Lee Abraham P.
Published: May 2020

This editorial celebrates the 20th year of Lab on a Chip.
Inter-overlapped MoS2/C composites with large-interlayer-spacing for high-performance sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Yinghui , Yang Ya , Zhang Deyang , Wang Yangbo , Luo Xiaoke , Liu Xianming , Kim Jang-Kyo , Luo Yongsong
Published: May 2020

As a two-dimensional layered material with a structure analogous to that of graphene, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) holds great promise in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs).