bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraseasonal Snow Cover Variations Over Western Siberia and Associated Atmospheric Processes
Authors: Song Lei , Wu Renguang
Published: August 2019

The present study documents intraseasonal snow cover variations over western Eurasia and associated atmospheric processes using the latest Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer/Terra daily snow cover product and National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research atmospheric reanalysis. It is found that 9‐ to 30‐day variation dominates total intraseasonal snow cover variations over western Siberia. Composite analysis based on 69 positive snow events over western Siberia reveals that atmospheric circulation anomalies control the 9‐ to 30‐day snow variation over western Siberia. A zonal wave train associated with the North Atlantic Oscillation leads to the development of an anomalous cyclone over western Siberia. The associated anomalous ascending motion, anomalous water vapor convergence, and water vapor increase in the atmosphere provide a favorable condition for snowfall. The snowfall starts when anomalous ascending motion reaches the strongest. The maximum snow cover appears about 1 day after the peak of anomalous descending motion and water vapor flux divergence. The surface air temperature tends to vary out of phase with snow cover over western Siberia. Surface air temperature anomalies over western Siberia are contributed by horizontal advection and diabatic heating. The adiabatic heating has a damping effect in surface air temperature variation.
Streamflow Reconstruction in the Upper Missouri River Basin Using a Novel Bayesian Network Model
Authors: Ravindranath Arun , Devineni Naresh , Lall Upmanu , Cook Edward R. , Pederson Greg , Martin Justin , Woodhouse Connie
Published: August 2019

A Bayesian model that uses the spatial dependence induced by the river network topology, and the leading principal components of regional tree ring chronologies for paleo‐streamflow reconstruction is presented. In any river basin, a convergent, dendritic network of tributaries come together to form the main stem of a river. Consequently, it is natural to think of a spatial Markov process that recognizes this topological structure to develop a spatially consistent basin‐scale streamflow reconstruction model that uses the information in streamflow and tree ring chronology data to inform the reconstructed flows, while maintaining the space‐time correlation structure of flows that is critical for water resource assessments and management. Given historical data from multiple streamflow gauges along a river, their tributaries in a watershed, and regional tree ring chronologies, the model is fit and used to simultaneously reconstruct the full network of paleo‐streamflow at all gauges in the basin progressing upstream to downstream along the river. Our application to 18 streamflow gauges in the Upper Missouri River Basin shows that the mean adjusted R2 for the basin is approximately 0.5 with good overall cross‐validated skill as measured by five different skill metrics. The spatial network structure produced a substantial reduction in the uncertainty associated with paleo‐streamflow as one proceeds downstream in the network aggregating information from upstream gauges and tree ring chronologies. Uncertainty was reduced by more than 50% at six gauges, between 6% and 50% at one gauge, and by less than 5% at the remaining 11 gauges when compared with the traditional principal component regression reconstruction model.
Differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells into neuron/motoneuron-like cells for cell replacement therapy of spinal cord injury
Authors: Gao Shane , Guo Xuanxuan , Zhao Simeng , Jin Yinpeng , Zhou Fei , Yuan Ping , Cao Limei , Wang Jian , Qiu Yue , Sun Chenxi , Kang Zhanrong , Gao Fengjuan , Xu Wei , Hu Xiao , Yang Danjing , Qin Ying , Ning Ke , Shaw Pamela J. , Zhong Guisheng , Cheng Liming , Zhu Hongwen , Gao Zhengliang , Chen Xu , Xu Jun
Published: August 2019

Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) are increasingly presumed to be a prospective stem cell source for cell replacement therapy in various degenerative and/or traumatic diseases. The potential of trans-differentiating hADSCs into motor neuron cells indisputably provides an alternative way for spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment. In the present study, a stepwise and efficient hADSC trans-differentiation protocol with retinoic acid (RA), sonic hedgehog (SHH), and neurotrophic factors were developed. With this protocol hADSCs could be converted into electrophysiologically active motoneuron-like cells (hADSC-MNs), which expressed both a cohort of pan neuronal markers and motor neuron specific markers. Moreover, after being primed for neuronal differentiation with RA/SHH, hADSCs were transplanted into SCI mouse model and they survived, migrated, and integrated into injured site and led to partial functional recovery of SCI mice. When ablating the transplanted hADSC-MNs harboring HSV-TK-mCherry overexpression system with antivirial Ganciclovir (GCV), functional relapse was detected by motor-evoked potential (MEP) and BMS assays, implying that transplanted hADSC-MNs participated in rebuilding the neural circuits, which was further confirmed by retrograde neuronal tracing system (WGA). GFP-labeled hADSC-MNs were subjected to whole-cell patch-clamp recording in acute spinal cord slice preparation and both action potentials and synaptic activities were recorded, which further confirmed that those pre-conditioned hADSCs indeed became functionally active neurons in vivo. As well, transplanted hADSC-MNs largely prevented the formation of injury-induced cavities and exerted obvious immune-suppression effect as revealed by preventing astrocyte reactivation and favoring the secretion of a spectrum of anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Our work suggests that hADSCs can be readily transformed into MNs in vitro, and stay viable in spinal cord of the SCI mouse and exert multi-therapeutic effects by rebuilding the broken circuitry and optimizing the microenvironment through immunosuppression.
Folate can promote the methionine-dependent reprogramming of glioblastoma cells towards pluripotency
Authors: Zgheib Racha , Battaglia-Hsu Shyue-Fang , Hergalant Sébastien , Quéré Maelle , Alberto Jean-Marc , Chéry Céline , Rouyer Pierre , Gauchotte Guillaume , Guéant Jean-Louis , Namour Farès
Published: August 2019

Methionine dependency of tumor growth, although not well-understood, is detectable by 11C-methionine positron emission tomography and may contribute to the aggressivity of glioblastomas (GBM) and meningiomas. Cytosolic folate cycle is required for methionine synthesis. Its dysregulation may influence cell reprogramming towards pluripotency. We evaluated methionine-dependent growth of monolayer (ML) cells and stem cell-like tumor spheres (TS) derived from 4 GBM (U251, U87, LN299, T98G) and 1 meningioma (IOMM-LEE) cell lines. Our data showed that for all cell lines studied, exogenous methionine is required for TS formation but not for ML cells proliferation. Furthermore, for GBM cell lines, regardless of the addition of folate cycle substrates (folic acid and formate), the level of 3 folate isoforms, 5-methytetrahydrofolate, 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate, and 10-formyltetrahydrofolate, were all downregulated in TS relative to ML cells. Unlike GBM cell lines, in IOMM-LEE cells, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate was actually more elevated in TS than ML, and only 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate and 10-formyltetrahydrofolate were downregulated. The functional significance of this variation in folate cycle repression was revealed by the finding that Folic Acid and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate promote the growth of U251 TS but not IOMM-LEE TS. Transcriptome-wide sequencing of U251 cells revealed that DHFR, SHMT1, and MTHFD1 were downregulated in TS vs ML, in concordance with the low activity cytosolic folate cycle observed in U251 TS. In conclusion, we found that a repressed cytosolic folate cycle underlies the methionine dependency of GBM and meningioma cell lines and that 5-methyltetrahydrofolate is a key metabolic switch for glioblastoma TS formation. The finding that folic acid facilitates TS formation, although requiring further validation in diseased human tissues, incites to investigate whether excessive folate intake could promote cancer stem cells formation in GBM patients.
CXCR2 expression on granulocyte and macrophage progenitors under tumor conditions contributes to mo-MDSC generation via SAP18/ERK/STAT3
Authors: Han Xiaoqing , Shi Huifang , Sun Yingying , Shang Chao , Luan Tao , Wang Dake , Ba Xueqing , Zeng Xianlu
Published: August 2019

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) comprise a critical component of the tumor environment and CXCR2 reportedly plays a key role in the pathophysiology of various inflammatory diseases. Here, CXCR2 expression on granulocyte and macrophage progenitor cells (GMPs) was found to participate in myeloid cell differentiation within the tumor environment. In CXCR2-deficient tumor-bearing mice, GMPs exhibited fewer macrophage and dendritic cell progenitor cells than wild-type tumor-bearing mice, thereby decreasing monocytic MDSCs (mo-MDSCs) expansion. CXCR2 deficiency increased SAP18 expression in tumor-bearing mice, which reduced STAT3 phosphorylation through restraining ERK1/2 activation. Our findings reveal a critical role for CXCR2 in regulating hematopoietic progenitor cell differentiation under tumor conditions, and SAP18 is a key negative regulator in this process. Thus, inhibiting CXCR2 expression may alter the tumor microenvironment and attenuate tumor progression.
PUM1 knockdown prevents tumor progression by activating the PERK/eIF2/ATF4 signaling pathway in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Dai Haisu , Shen Kaicheng , Yang Yishi , Su Xingxing , Luo Yuandeng , Jiang Yan , Shuai Ling , Zheng Ping , Chen Zhiyu , Bie Ping
Published: August 2019

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a malignant tumor with very poor prognosis. Therefore, it is important to fully understand the molecular mechanism underlying its occurrence and development. Pumilio RNA-binding family member 1 (PUM1) has been reported to function as an oncogene in ovarian cancer and nonsmall cell lung cancer. However, its role and mechanism in PDAC have not been fully illuminated. Here, we found that the PUM1 protein levels were higher in PDAC tissues than in adjacent tissues and that PUM1 levels were significantly associated with TNM stage and overall survival time, indicating a correlation between high PUM1 expression and poor prognosis in patients with PDAC. In vitro and in vivo assays showed that PUM1 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and promoted apoptosis in MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells. Through cDNA microarrays and ingenuity pathway analysis, we found that the activation of the eIF2 signaling pathway significantly correlated with PUM1 knockdown. These results were further confirmed by the increased levels of key components of the eIF2 signaling pathway, p-PERK, p-EIF2A, and ATF4 in PUM1 knockdown cells. We also found that PUM1 levels have a significant negative correlation with p-PERK levels in PDAC tissues and that PERK overexpression inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT, and promoted apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, a PERK inhibitor alleviated the effects of PUM1 knockdown on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and EMT. Taken together, our results revealed that PUM1 knockdown suppressed cell growth, invasion, and metastasis, and promoted apoptosis by activating the PERK/eIF2/ATF4 signaling pathway in PDAC cells. PUM1 could be a potential target to develop pharmaceuticals and novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of PDAC.
Strengthening in multi-principal element alloys with local-chemical-order roughened dislocation pathways
Authors: Li Qing-Jie , Sheng Howard , Ma Evan
Published: August 2019

High-entropy and medium-entropy alloys are presumed to have a configurational entropy as high as that of an ideally mixed solid solution (SS) of multiple elements in near-equal proportions. However, enthalpic interactions inevitably render such chemically disordered SSs rare and metastable, except at very high temperatures. Here we highlight the wide variety of local chemical ordering (LCO) that sets these concentrated SSs apart from traditional solvent-solute ones. Using atomistic simulations, we reveal that the LCO of the multi-principal-element NiCoCr SS changes with alloy processing conditions, producing a wide range of generalized planar fault energies. We show that the LCO heightens the ruggedness of the energy landscape and raises activation barriers governing dislocation activities. This influences the selection of dislocation pathways in slip, faulting, and twinning, and increases the lattice friction to dislocation motion via a nanoscale segment detrapping mechanism. In contrast, severe plastic deformation reduces the LCO towards random SS.
Shape and fluctuations of frustrated self-assembled nano ribbons
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Grossman Doron , Danino Dganit , Sharon Eran
Published: August 2019

Self-assembly is an important process by which nontrivial structures are formed on the sub-micron scales. Such processes are governed by chemical and physical principles that dictate how the molecular interactions affect the supramolecular geometry. Currently there is no general framework that links between molecular properties and the supramolecular morphology with its size parameters. Here we introduce a new paradigm for the description and analysis of supramolecular structures that self-assemble via short-range interactions. Analysis of molecular interactions determines inputs to the theory of incompatible elasticity, which provides analytic expressions for supramolecular shape and fluctuations. We derive quantitative predictions for specific amphiphiles that self-assembled into chiral nanoribbons. These are quantitatively confirmed experimentally, revealing unique shape evolution, unusual mechanics and statistics, proving that the assemblies are geometrically incompatible. The success in predicting equilibrium and statistics suggests the approach as a new framework for quantitative study of a large variety of self-assembled nanostructures.
Sensing and memorising liquids with polarity-interactive ferroelectric sound
Authors: Kim Jong Sung , Kim Eui Hyuk , Park Chanho , Kim Gwangmook , Jeong Beomjin , Kim Kang Lib , Lee Seung Won , Hwang Ihn , Han Hyowon , Lee Seokyeong , Shim Wooyoung , Huh June , Park Cheolmin
Published: August 2019

The direct sensing and storing of the information of liquids with different polarities are of significant interest, in particular, through means related to human senses for emerging biomedical applications. Here, we present an interactive platform capable of sensing and storing the information of liquids. Our platform utilises sound arising from liquid-interactive ferroelectric actuation, which is dependent upon the polarity of the liquid. Liquid-interactive sound is developed when a liquid is placed on a ferroelectric polymer layer across two in-plane electrodes under an alternating current field. As the sound is correlated with non-volatile remnant polarisation of the ferroelectric layer, the information is stored and retrieved after the liquid is removed, resulting in a sensing memory of the liquid. Our pad-type allows for identifying the position of a liquid. Flexible tube-type devices offer a route for in situ analysis of flowing liquids including a human serum liquid in terms of sound.
A poor man’s coherent Ising machine based on opto-electronic feedback systems for solving optimization problems
Authors: Böhm Fabian , Verschaffelt Guy , Van der Sande Guy
Published: August 2019

Coherent Ising machines (CIMs) constitute a promising approach to solve computationally hard optimization problems by mapping them to ground state searches of the Ising model and implementing them with optical artificial spin-networks. However, while CIMs promise speed-ups over conventional digital computers, they are still challenging to build and operate. Here, we propose and test a concept for a fully programmable CIM, which is based on opto-electronic oscillators subjected to self-feedback. Contrary to current CIM designs, the artificial spins are generated in a feedback induced bifurcation and encoded in the intensity of coherent states. This removes the necessity for nonlinear optical processes or large external cavities and offers significant advantages regarding stability, size and cost. We demonstrate a compact setup for solving MAXCUT optimization problems on regular and frustrated graphs with 100 spins and can report similar or better performance compared to CIMs based on degenerate optical parametric oscillators.
Integrated TORC1 and PKA signaling control the temporal activation of glucose-induced gene expression in yeast
Authors: Kunkel Joseph , Luo Xiangxia , Capaldi Andrew P.
Published: August 2019

The growth rate of a yeast cell is controlled by the target of rapamycin kinase complex I (TORC1) and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) pathways. To determine how TORC1 and PKA cooperate to regulate cell growth, we performed temporal analysis of gene expression in yeast switched from a non-fermentable substrate, to glucose, in the presence and absence of TORC1 and PKA inhibitors. Quantitative analysis of these data reveals that PKA drives the expression of key cell growth genes during transitions into, and out of, the rapid growth state in glucose, while TORC1 is important for the steady-state expression of the same genes. This circuit design may enable yeast to set an exact growth rate based on the abundance of internal metabolites such as amino acids, via TORC1, but also adapt rapidly to changes in external nutrients, such as glucose, via PKA.
Recent advances and applications of machine learning in solid-state materials science
Authors: Schmidt Jonathan , Marques Mário R. G. , Botti Silvana , Marques Miguel A. L.
Published: August 2019

One of the most exciting tools that have entered the material science toolbox in recent years is machine learning. This collection of statistical methods has already proved to be capable of considerably speeding up both fundamental and applied research. At present, we are witnessing an explosion of works that develop and apply machine learning to solid-state systems. We provide a comprehensive overview and analysis of the most recent research in this topic. As a starting point, we introduce machine learning principles, algorithms, descriptors, and databases in materials science. We continue with the description of different machine learning approaches for the discovery of stable materials and the prediction of their crystal structure. Then we discuss research in numerous quantitative structure–property relationships and various approaches for the replacement of first-principle methods by machine learning. We review how active learning and surrogate-based optimization can be applied to improve the rational design process and related examples of applications. Two major questions are always the interpretability of and the physical understanding gained from machine learning models. We consider therefore the different facets of interpretability and their importance in materials science. Finally, we propose solutions and future research paths for various challenges in computational materials science.
Volcano-tectonic deformation in the Monti Sabatini Volcanic District at the gates of Rome (central Italy): evidence from new geochronologic constraints on the Tiber River MIS 5 terraces
Authors: Marra F. , Florindo F. , Jicha B. R. , Nomade S. , Palladino D. M. , Pereira A. , Sottili G. , Tolomei C.
Published: August 2019

The accumulation of magma within the Monti Sabatini Volcanic District (MSVD), Italy, coupled with the extensional tectonics of the region, pose both volcanic and tectonic hazards to the city of Rome, located 20 km to the southeast. We combine 40Ar/39Ar geochronology of volcanic deposits and a geomorphologic/stratigraphic/paleomagnetic study of fluvial terraces to determine the recurrence interval and the time elapsed since the last eruption of the MSVD. Moreover, we provide a date for the youngest known eruption of the MSVD and assess the timing of the most recent volcanic phase. Results of this study show: (i) The most recent eruptive phase occurred between 100 ka and 70 ka; (ii) the anomalously high elevation of the MIS 5 terrace indicates that it was concurrent with 50 m of uplift in the volcanic area; (iii) the time since the last eruption (70 ka) exceeds the average recurrence interval (39 ky) in the last 300 ky, as well as the longest previous dormancy (50 ky) in that time span. (iv) the current duration of dormancy is similar to the timespan separating the major explosive phase that occurred 590–450 ka.
Mechanically-induced GDF15 Secretion by Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts Regulates Osteogenic Transcription
Authors: Symmank Judit , Zimmermann Sarah , Goldschmitt Jutta , Schiegnitz Eik , Wolf Michael , Wehrbein Heinrich , Jacobs Collin
Published: August 2019

The alveolar bone provides structural support against compressive and tensile forces generated during mastication as well as during orthodontic treatment. To avoid abnormal alveolar bone resorption and tooth loss, a balanced bone turnover by bone-degrading osteoclasts and bone-generating osteoblasts is of great relevance. Unlike its contradictory role in regulating osteoclast and osteoblast cell differentiation, the TGF-β/BMP-family member GDF15 is well known for its important functions in the regulation of cell metabolism, as well as cell fate and survival in response to cellular stress. Here, we provide first evidence for a potential role of GDF15 in translating mechanical stimuli into cellular changes in immature osteoblasts. We detected enhanced levels of GDF15 in vivo in periodontal ligament cells after the simulation of tooth movement in rat model system as well as in vitro in mechanically stressed human periodontal ligament fibroblasts. Moreover, mechanical stimulation enhanced GDF15 secretion by periodontal ligament cells and the stimulation of human primary osteoblast with GDF15 in vitro resulted in an increased transcription of osteogenic marker genes like RUNX2, osteocalcin (OCN) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Together, the present data emphasize for the first time a potential function of GDF15 in regulating differentiation programs of immature osteoblasts according to mechanical stimulation.
Water oxidation by Ferritin: A semi-natural electrode
Authors: Abdi Zahra , Bagheri Robabeh , Song Zhenlun , Najafpour Mohammad Mahdi
Published: August 2019

Ferritin is a protein (ca. 12 nm) with a central pocket of 6 nm diameter, and hydrated iron oxide stored in this central cavity of this protein. The protein shell has a complicated structure with 24 subunits. Transmission electron microscopy images of ferritin showed nanosized iron oxides (ca. 4–6 nm) in the protein structure. In high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images of the iron core, d-spacings of 2.5–2.6 Å were observed, which is corresponded to d-spacings of ferrihydrite crystal structure. Our experiments showed that at pH 11, the modified electrode by this biomolecule is active for water oxidation (turnover frequency: 0.001 s−1 at 1.7 V). Using affected by bacteria, we showed that Fe ions in the structure of ferritin are critical for water oxidation.
Nanoencapsulated betulinic acid analogue distinctively improves colorectal carcinoma in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Dutta Debasmita , Paul Brahamacharry , Mukherjee Biswajit , Mondal Laboni , Sen Suparna , Chowdhury Chinmay , Debnath Mita Chatterjee
Published: August 2019

Betulinic acid, a plant secondary metabolite, has gained significant attention due to its antiproliferative activity over a range of cancer cells. A promising betulinic acid analogue (2c) with better therapeutic efficacy than parent molecule to colon carcinoma cells has been reported. Despite impressive biological applications, low aqueous solubility and bioavailability create difficulties for its therapeutic applications. To overcome these lacunae and make it as a promising drug candidate we have encapsulated the lead betulinic acid derivative (2c) in a polymeric nanocarrier system (2c-NP) and evaluated its in vitro and in vivo therapeutic efficacy. Apoptosis that induces in vitro antiproliferative activity was significantly increased by 2c-NP compared to free-drug (2c), as assured by MTT assay, Annexin V positivity, JC1 analysis and cell cycle study. The therapeutic potential measured in vitro and in vivo reflects ability of 2c-NP as an effective therapeutic agent for treatment of colon carcinoma and future translation to clinical trials.
Exosome surface glycans reflect osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells: Profiling by an evanescent field fluorescence-assisted lectin array system
Authors: Shimoda Asako , Sawada Shin-ichi , Sasaki Yoshihiro , Akiyoshi Kazunari
Published: August 2019

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) carry information between cells in the form of biomolecules. Such molecules have been found to serve as biomarkers. Glycans attached to surface molecules on EVs are involved in their cellular uptake. In this study, we examined glycan profiles of small EVs which are generally termed exosomes before and after osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by an evanescent field fluorescence-assisted (EFF)-lectin array system to discover glycan biomarkers for osteogenic differentiation. We found few differences between exosomes before and after osteogenic differentiation of MSCs in terms of fundamental characteristics such as size, morphology, and exosomal marker proteins. However, specific lectins bound strongly to exosomes from differentiated cells. Exosomes from osteogenically differentiated MSCs bound strongly to fucose- and mannose-binding lectins, especially at a high concentration of exosomes. In summary, we found that several lectins bound to exosomes from differentiated MSCs more strongly than to those from undifferentiated cells using an EFF-lectin array system, indicating that monitoring exosomal surface glycans may identify predictive indexes of osteogenic differentiation.
Restoring the Taxol biosynthetic machinery of Aspergillus terreus by Podocarpus gracilior Pilger microbiome, with retrieving the ribosome biogenesis proteins of WD40 superfamily
Authors: El-Sayed Ashraf S. A. , Mohamed Nabil Z. , Safan Samia , Yassin Marwa A. , Shaban Lamis , Shindia Ahmed A. , Shad Ali Gul , Sitohy Mahmoud Z.
Published: August 2019

Attenuating the Taxol yield of Aspergillus terreus with the subculturing and storage were the technical challenges that prevent this fungus to be a novel platform for industrial Taxol production. Thus, the objective of this study was to unravel the metabolic machineries of A. terreus associated with attenuation of Taxol productivity, and their restoring potency upon cocultivation with the Podocarpus gracilior microbiome. The Taxol yield of A. terreus was drastically reduced with the fungal subculturing. At the 10th subculture, the yield of Taxol was reduced by four folds (78.2 µg/l) comparing to the original culture (268 µg/l), as authenticated from silencing of molecular expression of the Taxol-rate limiting enzymes (GGPPS, TDS, DBAT and BAPT) by qPCR analyses. The visual fading of A. terreus conidial pigmentation with the subculturing, revealing the biosynthetic correlation of melanin and Taxol. The level of intracellular acetyl-CoA influx was reduced sequentially with the fungal subculturing, rationalizing the decreasing on Taxol and melanin yields. Fascinatingly, the Taxol biosynthetic machinery and cellular acetyl-CoA of A. terreus have been completely restored upon addition of 3% surface sterilized leaves of P. gracilior, suggesting the implantation of plant microbiome on re-triggering the molecular machinery of Taxol biosynthesis, their transcriptional factors, and/or increasing the influx of Acetyl-CoA. The expression of the proteins of 74.4, 68.2, 37.1 kDa were exponentially suppressed with A. terreus subculturing, and strongly restored upon addition of P. gracilior leaves, ensuring their profoundly correlation with the molecular expression of Taxol biosynthetic genes. From the proteomic analysis, the restored proteins 74.4 kDa of A. terreus upon addition of P. gracilior leaves were annotated as ribosome biogenesis proteins YTM and microtubule-assembly proteins that belong to WD40 superfamily. Thus, further ongoing studies for molecular cloning and expression of these genes with strong promotors in A. terreus, have been initiated, to construct a novel platform of metabolically stable A. terreus for sustainable Taxol production. Attenuating the Taxol yield of A. terreus with the multiple-culturing and storage might be due to the reduction on main influx of acetyl-CoA, or downregulation of ribosome biogenesis proteins that belong to WD40 protein superfamily.
Investigation and Assessment for an effective approach to the reclamation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAHs) contaminated site: SIN Bagnoli, Italy
Authors: Guarino Carmine , Zuzolo Daniela , Marziano Mario , Conte Barbara , Baiamonte Giuseppe , Morra Lorenzo , Benotti Daniele , Gresia Davide , Stacul Edoardo Robortella , Cicchella Domenico , Sciarrillo Rosaria
Published: August 2019

Native plant species were screened for their remediation potential for the removal of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) contaminated soil of Bagnoli brownfield site (Southern Italy). Soils at this site contain all of the PAHs congeners at concentration levels well above the contamination threshold limits established by Italian environmental legislation for residential/recreational land use, which represent the remediation target. The concentration of 13 High Molecular Weight Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in soil rhizosphere, plants roots and plants leaves was assessed in order to evaluate native plants suitability for a gentle remediation of the study area. Analysis of soil microorganisms are provides important knowledge about bioremediation approach. Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria are the main phyla of bacteria observed in polluted soil. Functional metagenomics showed changes in dioxygenases, laccase, protocatechuate, and benzoate-degrading enzyme genes. Indolacetic acid production, siderophores release, exopolysaccharides production and ammonia production are the key for the selection of the rhizosphere bacterial population. Our data demonstrated that the natural plant-bacteria partnership is the best strategy for the remediation of a PAHs-contaminated soil.
Aspirin use is associated with reduced risk for recurrence of pyogenic liver abscess: a propensity score analysis
Authors: Liu Jia-Sin , Lee Chen-Hsiang , Chuah Seng-Kee , Tai Wei-Chen , Chang Chia-Chi , Chen Fang-Ju
Published: August 2019

Aspirin possesses anti-bacterial activity that may prevent recurrence ofKlebsiella pneumoniaepyogenic liver abscess (KP-PLA). In ex-vivostudy, aspirin was administered before bactericidal assay against serotype K1K. pneumoniae. We identified 5,912 patients with PLA who had no known pre-existing hepatobiliary diseases or malignancy in Taiwan from 1999 to 2013 from nationwide cohort study. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models was used to estimate the hazard ratios [HR] for the association between aspirin use and recurrent PLA. The PLA recurrence rate in patients taking aspirin daily for 30 or more days, from 90 days before to 90 days after the first PLA episode (aspirin users), and aspirin non-users was 42.5 and 74.6 per 1,000 person-years of follow-up, respectively. The population-based study showed a HR for PLA recurrence in aspirin users of 0.50 (95% confidence interval, 0.35–0.69), relative to that in non-users, after adjustments for confounders. Anex-vivostudy indicated that aspirin was able to significantly enhance bacterial killing by leukocytes, whether collected from diabetic patients with KP-PLA recurrence or from healthy volunteers. Our results suggest that aspirin is associated with reduced risk for PLA recurrence among Taiwanese with PLA who had no preexisting hepatobiliary diseases or malignancy.
Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Compared to Computed Tomography for Visceral Adiposity Assessment Among Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Cancer Survivors
Authors: Coletta Adriana M. , Klopp Ann H. , Fogelman David , Parikh Aaroh M. , Li Yisheng , Garg Naveen , Basen-Engquist Karen
Published: August 2019

Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for visceral adipose tissue (VAT) assessment is used as an alternative to computed tomography (CT) for research purposes in apparently healthy and clinical populations. It is unknown whether DXA is comparable to CT among cancer survivors, especially in cases where VAT assessment may be affected by treatment history and side effects and become more challenging to assess, such as a history of surgical gastrointestinal resection and/or ascites. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of agreement between DXA and CT when assessing VAT area and volume among cancer survivors. One hundred Gastrointestinal and pancreatic cancer survivors underwent abdominal and pelvis CT and whole-body DXA within 48 hours. Bland-Altman analysis revealed that in women and men, DXA VAT-area estimates were larger and smaller, respectively, and was consistently smaller in estimates for VAT-volume. Correlations from linear regression analysis revealed statistically significant positive correlations between measurement methods. Overall, while DXA VAT estimates are highly correlated with CT VAT estimates, DXA estimates show substantial bias which indicates the two methods are not interchangeable in this population. Further research is warranted with a larger, more homogeneous sample to develop better estimates of the bias.
Antibiotic use during pregnancy and childhood overweight: A population-based nationwide cohort study
Authors: Jess Tine , Morgen Camilla S. , Harpsøe Maria C. , Sørensen Thorkild I. A. , Ajslev Teresa A. , Antvorskov Julie C. , Allin Kristine H.
Published: August 2019

Studies in mice suggest that early life represents a critical time window, where antibiotics may exert profound and lasting effects on the gut microbiota and metabolism. We aimed to test the hypothesis that prenatal antibiotic exposure is associated with increased risk of childhood overweight in a population-based cohort study. We linked 43,365 mother-child dyads from a nationwide cohort of pregnant women and their offspring to the Danish National Prescription Registry. Linear and logistic regression models were used to examine associations between prenatal exposure to antibiotics and BMI z-score and overweight (including obesity) at age seven and 11 years. Prenatal antibiotic exposure and childhood overweight were both associated with high pre-pregnancy BMI, maternal diabetes, multi-parity, smoking, low socioeconomic status, high paternal BMI, and short duration of breastfeeding. After adjustment for confounders, no associations were observed between prenatal antibiotic exposure and odds of overweight at age seven and 11 years. Whereas no association was observed between broad-spectrum antibiotics and overweight at age 11 years, exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics was associated with higher odds of overweight at age seven years with an odds ratio of 1.27 (95% CI, 1.05–1.53) for ampicillin and an odds ratio of 1.56 (95% CI, 1.23–1.97) for amoxicillin. As we did not account for underlying infections, the observed associations with early childhood overweight could be explained by confounding by indication. In conclusion, our population-based study suggests that prenatal exposure to narrow-spectrum antibiotics is not associated with overweight in offspring. Exposure to some broad-spectrum antibiotics may increase the odds of overweight in early childhood, but the association does not persist in later childhood.
Green fabrication of stable lead-free bismuth based perovskite solar cells using a non-toxic solvent
Authors: Jain Sagar M. , Edvinsson Tomas , Durrant James R.
Published: August 2019

The very fast evolution in certified efficiency of lead-halide organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells to 24.2%, on par and even surpassing the record for polycrystalline silicon solar cells (22.3%), bears the promise of a new era in photovoltaics and revitalisation of thin film solar cell technologies. However, the presence of toxic lead and particularly toxic solvents during the fabrication process makes large-scale manufacturing of perovskite solar cells challenging due to legislation and environment issues. For lead-free alternatives, non-toxic tin, antimony and bismuth based solar cells still rely on up-scalable fabrication processes that employ toxic solvents. Here we employ non-toxic methyl-acetate solution processed (CH3NH3)3Bi2I9 films to fabricate lead-free, bismuth based (CH3NH3)3Bi2I9 perovskites on mesoporous TiO2 architecture using a sustainable route. Optoelectronic characterization, X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy show that the route can provide homogeneous and good quality (CH3NH3)3Bi2I9 films. Fine-tuning the perovskite/hole transport layer interface by the use of conventional 2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis (N,N′-di-p-methoxyphenylamino)−9,9′-spirbiuorene, known as Spiro-OMeTAD, and poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl - P3HT as hole transporting materials, yields power conversion efficiencies of 1.12% and 1.62% under 1 sun illumination. Devices prepared using poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl hole transport layer shown 300 h of stability under continuous 1 sun illumination, without the use of an ultra violet-filter.
Evaluation of the antioxidant effects of acid hydrolysates from Auricularia auricular polysaccharides using a Caenorhabditis elegans model
Authors: Fang Zhiyu , Chen Yutao , Wang Ge , Feng Tao , Shen Meng , Xiao Bin , Gu Jingyi , Wang Weimin , Li Jia , Zhang Yongjun
Published: August 2019

Caenorhabditis elegans is an important model organism for studying stress response mechanisms. In this paper, C. elegans was used to evaluate the antioxidant effects of acid hydrolysates from Auricularia auricular polysaccharides.
Effect of initial Si/Al ratios on the performance of low crystallinity Hβ-x zeolite supported NiMo carbide catalysts for aromatics hydrogenation
Authors: Jiang Chenguang , Wang Yonggang , Zhang Haiyong , Chang Ning , Li Lei , Xie Kechang , Mochida Isao
Published: August 2019

The initial Si/Al ratio of supports influences the active metal composition and dispersion, acidity of NiMoC/Hβ-x catalysts, and performance of aromatic hydrogenation.
Steric influence of salicylaldehyde-based Schiff base ligands on the formation oftrans-[Re(PR3)2(Schiff base)]+complexes
Authors: Baumeister Jakob E. , Mitchell Andrew W. , Kelley Steven P. , Barnes Charles L. , Jurisson Silvia S.
Published: August 2019

The steric effects of backbone groups on the synthesis and stability oftrans-[Re(PR3)2(Schiff base)]+compounds were assessed using NMR, HPLC, electrochemistry and single crystal X-ray diffraction.
Mangiferin ameliorates collateral neuropathy in tBHP induced apoptotic nephropathy by inflammation mediated kidney to brain crosstalk
Authors: Saha Sukanya , Mahalanobish Sushweta , Dutta Sayanta , Sil Parames C.
Published: August 2019

tBHP induced oxidative renal damage caused an inflammatory outburst in kidneys. These cytokines then altered brain homeostasis by BBB disruption. Mangiferin by activating the PI3K survival pathway protected the kidneys and brain.
Black sea cucumber (Holothuria atraJaeger, 1833) rescuesPseudomonas aeruginosa-infectedCaenorhabditis elegans viareduction of pathogen virulence factors and enhancement of host immunity
Authors: Lee Wan-Ting , Tan Boon-Khai , Eng Su-Anne , Yuen Gan Chee , Chan Kit Lam , Sim Yee Kwang , Sulaiman Shaida Fariza , Shu-Chien Alexander Chong
Published: August 2019

A strategy to circumvent the problem of multidrug resistant pathogens is the discovery of anti-infectives targeting bacterial virulence or host immunity.
Direct thiocarbamation of imidazoheterocycles via dual C–H sulfurization
Authors: Deng Jian-Chao , Zhang Jun-Rong , Li Ming-Hua , Huang Jie-Cheng , Lai Zhi-Sheng , Tong Xin-Yu , Cui Zi-Ning , Tang Ri-Yuan
Published: August 2019

Direct thiocarbamation via dual C–H sulfurization.
CoSe2/porous carbon shell composites as high-performance catalysts toward tri-iodide reduction in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Li Weidan , Ma Pin , Chen Fanfan , Xu Rui , Cheng Zhihai , Yin Xiong , Lin Yuan , Wang Leyu
Published: August 2019

CoSe2/carbon shell composites with many active sites were developed as catalysts for I3− reduction in dye-sensitized solar cells with efficiency and stability exceeding those of Pt.
Novel anthraquinone derivatives as inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatases and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 from the deep-sea derived fungusAlternaria tenuissimaDFFSCS013
Authors: Pan Dongyan , Zhang Xuexia , Zheng Haizhou , Zheng Zhihui , Nong Xuhua , Liang Xiao , Ma Xuan , Qi Shuhua
Published: August 2019

A novel hydroanthraquinone possessing an unprecedented hexacyclic spiro-fused ring system, anthrininone A (1), and two new anthraquinones, anthrininones B and C (2and3), were obtained from the deep-sea derived fungusAlternaria tenuissima.
A series of photosensitizers with incremental positive electric charges for photodynamic antitumor therapy
Authors: Yan Shufeng , Huang Qingqing , Song Xiaorong , Chen Zhuo , Huang Mingdong , Zhang Juncheng
Published: August 2019

In recent years, photodynamic therapy (PDT) studies have gained considerable attention as a non-invasive method used to fight cancer.
Design and molecular dynamics of multifunctional sulfonated poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)/mica hybrid cryogels through freezing-induced gelation
Authors: Okten Nur Sena , Tanc Beril , Orakdogen Nermin
Published: August 2019

This article addresses various strategies that have been explored to design sulfonated poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)/mica hybrid-gels with optimized network parameters and mechanical/swelling properties.
High performance Mn1.3Co1.3Cu0.4O4 spinel based composite cathodes for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Thaheem Imdadullah , Kim Kyeong Joon , Lee Jong Jun , Joh Dong Woo , Jeong Incheol , Lee Kang Taek
Published: August 2019

Herein, we developed a Mn1.3Co1.3Cu0.4O4 (MCCO) spinel for use as a new ORR catalyst for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) applications.
CsPbBr3 interconnected microwire structure: temperature-related photoluminescence properties and its lasing action
Authors: Zhang Canran , Duan Junjie , Qin Feifei , Xu Chunxiang , Wang Wei , Dai Jun
Published: August 2019

Inorganic perovskite CsPbBr3 is a promising material for the next generation green-wavelength light-emitting devices.
Spatial separation of a TADF sensitizer and fluorescent emitter with a core-dendron system to block the energy loss in deep blue organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Liu Dan , Sun Kaiyong , Zhao Guimin , Wei Jingyi , Duan Jiaxin , Xia Minghui , Jiang Wei , Sun Yueming
Published: August 2019

Spatial separation of the TADF sensitizer and the fluorescent emitter improve the energy transfer efficiency by suppressing the energy loss and further enhance the electroluminescent performance.
Dose-adjusted and dose/kg-adjusted concentrations of mycophenolic acid precursors reflect metabolic ratios of their metabolites in contrast with tacrolimus and cyclosporine
Authors: Hryniewiecka Ewa , Żegarska Jolanta , Żochowska Dorota , Samborowska Emilia , Jaźwiec Radosław , Kosieradzki Maciej , Nazarewski Sławomir , Dadlez Michał , Pączek Leszek
Published: August 2019

Background and purpose: Therapeutic drug monitoring is a valuable tool supporting immunosuppressive therapy. Significant variation of immunosuppressive drug (ISD) concentrations during their use at similar doses is the basis of dose-normalization strategy. The strategy of dose-adjustment is proposed to identify variability in the rate of ISD metabolism. While the parent drug-to-metabolite ratio (metabolic ratio, MR) represents the rate of formation of individual metabolites. The present study was aimed at evaluation of associations between ISDs’ metabolism rate expressed as dose-adjusted concentrations (C/D) and dose/kg-adjusted concentrations (C/D/kg) and MRs of individual metabolites of tacrolimus, cyclosporine A and MPA precursors.

Experimental approach: 506 patients have participated: 284 males (56.13%) and 222 females (43.87%); 318 after kidney (62.85%) and 188 after liver transplantation; median age was 51.34 (39.32-59.95) years and median time after transplantation 78.92 (33.87-138.4) months.

Key results: Generally, we have not observed significant relationships between dose-adjusted and dose/kg-adjusted concentrations and MRs of cyclosporine and tacrolimus. Significant correlations were found for: AM9/CsA and dMC-CsA/CsA in kidney transplant recipients and MIII/Tac, AM1/CsA and AM4N/CsA in liver transplant recipients. In contrast, MRs of mycophenolic acid (MPA) metabolites correlated significantly with MPA C/D and C/D/kg both in kidney and liver transplant recipients.

Conclusion and implications: In conclusion, easily available and easy to use in clinical practice C/D and C/D/kg ratios cannot be considered as parameters directly reflecting the rate of generation of major metabolites of cyclosporine and tacrolimus both in liver and kidney transplant recipients.
View's dependency and low‐rank background‐guided compressed sensing for multi‐view image joint reconstruction
Authors: Fei Xuan , Li Lei , Cao Heling , Miao Jianyu , Yu Renping
Published: August 2019

Compressed sensing (CS) multi‐camera network reconstruction has attracted much attention in the field of distributed CS networks. However, many multi‐camera network reconstructions based on CS usually recover every image separately; the view's dependency and geometrical structure among these multi‐view images could be rarely considered in this way, which will result in some unsatisfied joint reconstruction results. Here, the authors introduce to extract the multiple view geometry from multi‐view images to construct the view's dependency observation model. Based on the proposed parametric transformation observation model, they propose a novel CS joint reconstruction method of multi‐view image that guided by the spatial correlation and low‐rank background constraints. The eventual optimisation model could be relaxed to a series of convex optimisation problems, which could be efficiently solved by combining the variable splitting and alternate iteration technique. The extended experimental results indicate that they proposed method has achieved a remarkable improvement in both objective criterion and visual fidelity compared with other competitive reconstruction methods.
Research on characteristics of bidirectional CLLC DC–DC transformer used in DC microgrid
Authors: Chunxue Wen , Mingming Hu , Changbin Hu , Zhengguo Piao , Jinghua Zhou
Published: August 2019

In the DC microgrid system, the energy storage system must have both high power density and high energy density, and it is difficult for a single type of energy storage device to meet this requirement. The battery and the super capacitor are highly complementary in performance. Here, the battery and the super capacitor are, respectively, connected to the DC bus through a bidirectional DC–DC converter to form a hybrid energy storage system. For a 380V DC microgrid system, a new type of symmetrical circuit topology structure with two inductors and two capacitors (CLLC) resonant network is proposed. Since the symmetrical CLLC resonant network has the zero voltage switching capability of the main power switch and the soft commutation capability of the output rectifier, the converter can operate at high power conversion efficiency. Finally, the effectiveness of the system control strategy is verified through simulation and experiments.