bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stabilizing mechanism of single-atom catalysts on a defective carbon surface
Authors: Wu Lianping , Hu Shuling , Yu Wenshan , Shen Shengping , Li Teng
Published: March 2020

Single-atom (SA) catalysts represent the ultimate limit of atom use efficiency for catalysis. Promising experimental progress in synthesizing SA catalysts aside, the atomic-scale transformation mechanism from metal nanoparticles (NPs) to metal SAs and the stabilization mechanism of SA catalysts at high temperature remain elusive. Through systematic molecular dynamics simulations, for the first time, we reveal the atomic-scale mechanisms associated with the transformation of a metal NP into an array of stable SAs on a defective carbon surface at a high temperature, using Au as a model material. Simulations reveal the pivotal role of defects in the carbon surface in trapping and stabilizing the Au-SAs at high temperatures, which well explain previous experimental observations. Furthermore, reactive simulations demonstrate that the thermally stable Au-SAs exhibit much better catalyst activity than Au-NPs for the methane oxidation at high temperatures, in which the substantially reduced energy barriers for oxidation reaction steps are the key. Findings in this study offer mechanistic and quantitative guidance for material selection and optimal synthesis conditions to stabilize metal SA catalysts at high temperatures.
Artificial microbiome heterogeneity spurs six practical action themes and examples to increase study power-driven reproducibility
Authors: Basson Abigail R. , LaSalla Alexandria , Lam Gretchen , Kulpins Danielle , Moen Erika L. , Sundrud Mark S. , Miyoshi Jun , Ilic Sanja , Theriault Betty R. , Cominelli Fabio , Rodriguez-Palacios Alexander
Published: March 2020

With >70,000 yearly publications using mouse data, mouse models represent the best engrained research system to address numerous biological questions across all fields of science. Concerns of poor study and microbiome reproducibility also abound in the literature. Despite the well-known, negative-effects of data clustering on interpretation and study power, it is unclear why scientists often house >4 mice/cage during experiments, instead of ≤2. We hypothesized that this high animal-cage-density  practice abounds in published literature because more mice/cage could be perceived as a strategy to reduce housing costs. Among other sources of ‘artificial’ confounding, including cyclical oscillations of the ‘dirty-cage/excrement microbiome’, we ranked by priority the heterogeneity of modern husbandry practices/perceptions across three professional organizations that we surveyed in the USA. Data integration (scoping-reviews, professional-surveys, expert-opinion, and ‘implementability-score-statistics’) identified Six-Actionable Recommendation Themes (SART) as a framework to re-launch emerging protocols and intuitive statistical strategies to use/increase study power. ‘Cost-vs-science’ discordance was a major aspect explaining heterogeneity, and scientists’ reluctance to change. With a ‘housing-density cost-calculator-simulator’ and fully-annotated statistical examples/code, this themed-framework streamlines the rapid analysis of cage-clustered-data and promotes the use of ‘study-power-statistics’ to self-monitor the success/reproducibility of basic and translational research. Examples are provided to help scientists document analysis for study power-based sample size estimations using preclinical mouse data to support translational clinical trials, as requested in NIH/similar grants or publications.
Microplastics generated when opening plastic packaging
Authors: Sobhani Zahra , Lei Yongjia , Tang Youhong , Wu Liwei , Zhang Xian , Naidu Ravi , Megharaj Mallavarapu , Fang Cheng
Published: March 2020

Millions of tonnes of plastics have been released into the environment. Although the risk of plastics to humans is not yet resolved, microplastics, in the range of 1 μm - 5 mm, have entered our bodies, originating either from ingestion via the food chain or from inhalation of air. Generally there are two sources of microplastics, either directly from industry, such as cosmetic exfoliants, or indirectly from physical, chemical and biological fragmentation of large (>5 mm) plastic residues. We have found that microplastics can be generated by simple tasks in our daily lives such as by scissoring with scissors, tearing with hands, cutting with knives or twisting manually, to open plastics containers/bags/tapes/caps. These processes can generate about 0.46–250 microplastic/cm. This amount is dependent on the conditions such as stiffness, thickness, anisotropy, the density of plastic materials and the size of microplastics.This finding sends an important warning, that we must be careful when opening plastic packaging, if we are concerned about microplastics and care about reducing microplastics contamination.
Changes in climate patterns and their association to natural hazard distribution in South Tyrol (Eastern Italian Alps)
Authors: Schlögel Romy , Kofler Christian , Gariano Stefano Luigi , Van Campenhout Jean , Plummer Stephen
Published: March 2020

In Alpine regions changes in seasonal climatic parameters, such as temperature, rainfall, and snow amount have already been observed. Specifically, in the South Tyrol area, meteorological observations indicate that temperatures are increasing and the number of snow days has generally diminished over time with perennial snow line now observed at higher elevations. Changes in rainfall have also been observed with more events associated with higher temperatures in the summer season. Natural hazards - mainly debris and mud flows, landslides, avalanches, rock falls, and (flash) floods - that affect this area every year, damaging population and infrastructures, are either weather or cryosphere-related. While these events have been recorded sporadically since the beginning of the 20th century, a systematic approach of their inventory has been done by local authorities since the 1990s. So far, Earth observation data has not been exploited to complete or complement existing inventories nor have they been used to investigate the influence of climate perturbation on potentially dangerous natural phenomena. The research presented here thus has three objectives: (i) analyse long time series of climate data and hazard occurrence in South Tyrol to examine if these records exhibit a coherent response of hazards to changes in climate; (ii) measure the spatio-temporal evolution of climatic and natural hazard events recorded, and (iii) explore potential relations between meteorological conditions and the hazard occurrence. In this context, in-situ and satellite-based climate data are exploited to study natural hazard triggers while the potential of Earth observation data is evaluated as a complement to the existing historical records of natural hazards. Specifically, Copernicus Sentinel-1 images are used to detect the spatio-temporal distribution of slow earth surface deformations and the results used for checking the completeness of the actual slow-moving landslide inventories. Hazard-related changes in the South Tyrolian landscape have also been analysed in relation to particular meteorological events at a regional scale, assessing trends and anomalies. Results show that: (i) satellite data are very useful to complement the existing natural hazard inventories; (ii) in-situ and satellite-based climate records show similar patterns but differ due to regional versus local variability; (iii) even in a data-rich region such as the analysed area, the overall response of natural hazard occurrence, magnitude, and frequency to change in climate variables is difficult to decipher due to the presence of multiple triggers and locally driven ground responses. However, an increase in the average annual duration of rainfall events and debris flow occurrence can be observed.
Nanoparticle-Mediated Seed Priming Improves Germination, Growth, Yield, and Quality of Watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) at multi-locations in Texas
Authors: Acharya Pratibha , Jayaprakasha Guddadadarangavvanahally K. , Crosby Kevin M. , Jifon John L. , Patil Bhimanagouda S.
Published: March 2020

Seed priming uses treatments to improve seed germination and thus potentially increase growth and yield. Low-cost, environmentally friendly, effective seed treatment remain to be optimized and tested for high-value specialty crop like watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in multi-locations. This remains a particularly acute problem for triploids, which produce desirable seedless watermelons, but show low germination rates. In the present study, turmeric oil nanoemulsions (TNE) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from agro-industrial byproducts were used as nanopriming agents for diploid (Riverside) and triploid (Maxima) watermelon seeds. Internalization of nanomaterials was confirmed by neutron activation analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The seedling emergence rate at 14 days after sowing was significantly higher in AgNP-treated triploid seeds compared to other treatments. Soluble sugar (glucose and fructose) contents were enhanced during germination in the AgNP-treated seeds at 96 h. Seedlings grown in the greenhouse were transplanted at four locations in Texas: Edinburg, Pecos, Grapeland, and Snook in 2017. At Snook, higher yield 31.6% and 35.6% compared to control were observed in AgNP-treated Riverside and Maxima watermelons, respectively. To validate the first-year results, treated and untreated seeds of both cultivars were sown in Weslaco, Texas in 2018. While seed emegence and stand establishments were enhanced by seed priming, total phenolics radical-scavenging activities, and macro- and microelements in the watermelon fruits were not significantly different from the control. The results of the present study demonstracted that seed priming with AgNPs can enhance seed germination, growth, and yield while maintaining fruit quality through an eco-friendly and sustainable nanotechnological approach.
Maximising recombination across macadamia populations to generate linkage maps for genome anchoring
Authors: Langdon Kirsty S. , King Graham J. , Baten Abdul , Mauleon Ramil , Bundock Peter C. , Topp Bruce L. , Nock Catherine J.
Published: March 2020

The Proteaceae genus Macadamia has a recent history of domestication as a commercial nut crop. We aimed to establish the first sequence-based haploid-correlated reference genetic linkage maps for this primarily outcrossing perennial tree crop, with marker density suitable for genome anchoring. Four first generation populations were used to maximise the segregation patterns available within full-sib, biparental and self-pollinated progeny. This allowed us to combine segregation data from overlapping subsets of >4,000 informative sequence-tagged markers to increase the effective coverage of the karyotype represented by the recombinant crossover events detected. All maps had 14 linkage groups, corresponding to the Macadamia haploid chromosome number, and enabled the anchoring and orientation of sequence scaffolds to construct a pseudo-chromosomal genome assembly for macadamia. Comparison of individual maps indicated a high level of congruence, with minor discrepancies satisfactorily resolved within the integrated maps. The combined set of maps significantly improved marker density and the proportion (70%) of the genome sequence assembly anchored. Overall, increasing our understanding of the genetic landscape and genome for this nut crop represents a substantial advance in macadamia genetics and genomics. The set of maps, large number of sequence-based markers and the reconstructed genome provide a toolkit to underpin future breeding that should help to extend the macadamia industry as well as provide resources for the long term conservation of natural populations in eastern Australia of this unique genus.
Time-resolved cathodoluminescence of DNA triggered by picosecond electron bunches
Authors: Renault Jean Philippe , Lucas Bruno , Gustavsson Thomas , Huetz Alain , Oksenhendler Thomas , Staicu-Casagrande Elena-Magdalena , Géléoc Marie
Published: March 2020

Despite the tremendous importance of so-called ionizing radiations (X-rays, accelerated electrons and ions) in cancer treatment, most studies on their effects have focused on the ionization process itself, and neglect the excitation events the radiations can induce. Here, we show that the excited states of DNA exposed to accelerated electrons can be studied in the picosecond time domain using a recently developed cathodoluminescence system with high temporal resolution. Our study uses a table-top ultrafast, UV laser-triggered electron gun delivering picosecond electron bunches of keV energy. This scheme makes it possible to directly compare time-resolved cathodoluminescence with photoluminescence measurements. This comparison revealed qualitative differences, as well as quantitative similarities between excited states of DNA upon exposure to electrons or photons.
Landscape factors influencing honey bee colony behavior in Southern California commercial apiaries
Authors: Meikle William G. , Weiss Milagra , Beren Eli
Published: March 2020

Colony brood levels, frames of bees (adult bee mass) and internal hive temperature were monitored for 60 colonies for each of two years as they were moved from agricultural, tree crop and mountain landscapes in southern California to blueberry and almond pollination sites. Hive weight was also continuously monitored for 20 of those hives for 6 weeks for both years, during commercial pollination. Pesticide residues in wax, honey and beebread samples were analyzed by composite apiary samples. While colonies in mountain sites had more adult bees and brood than those in agricultural sites in August, by October brood levels were higher in colonies from agricultural sites. Though hives from different original landscapes differed in size in October, hive assessments revealed no differences between the groups after co-wintering when graded for commercial almond pollination. Beebread from hives in agricultural sites had greater agrochemical diversity and in general higher pesticide hazard quotients than those from mountain sites, but those hives also had higher and more constant temperatures from September until January than hives from mountain sites. Hives placed in commercial almond pollination gained on average 287 g per d, compared to an average loss of 68 g per d for colonies in commercial blueberry pollination, although weight data indicated greater foraging effort by colonies in blueberries, possibly due to the proximity and abundance of almond pollen during bloom. Temperature monitoring was effective at distinguishing hive groups and had the best overall value in terms of equipment, installation, colony disturbance and information yield.
Selection of reference genes for normalization of RT-qPCR data in gene expression studies in Anthonomus eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Pinheiro Daniele H. , Siegfried Blair D.
Published: March 2020

The pepper weevil, Anthonomus eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is the main insect pest of peppers (Capsicum spp.) throughout the southern U.S. and a potential target for novel control methods that may require gene expression analyses. Careful selection of adequate reference genes to normalize RT-qPCR data is an important prerequisite for gene expression studies since the expression stability of reference genes can be affected by the experimental conditions leading to biased or erroneous results. The lack of studies on validation of reference genes for RT-qPCR analysis in A. eugenii limits the investigation of gene expression, therefore it is needed a systematic selection of suitable reference genes for data normalization. In the present study, three programs (BestKeeper, geNorm and NormFinder) were used to analyze the expression stability of candidate reference genes (β-ACT, ArgK, EF1-α, GAPDH, RPL12, RPS23, α-TUB, 18S and 28S) in A. eugenii under different experimental conditions. Our results revealed that the most stably expressed reference genes in A. eugenii varied according to the experimental condition evaluated: developmental stages (EF1-α, 18S and RPL12), sex (RPS23 and RPL12), low temperature (GAPDH and α-TUB), high temperature (α-TUB and RPS23), all temperatures (α-TUB and GAPDH), starvation (RPL12 and α-TUB), and dsRNA exposure (α-TUB and RPL12). Our study provides for the first time valuable information on appropriate reference genes that can be used in the analysis of gene expression by RT-qPCR in biological experiments involving A. eugenii.
Characterisation of microbunching instability with 2D Fourier analysis
Authors: Brynes A. D. , Akkermans I. , Allaria E. , Badano L. , Brussaard S. , Ninno G. De , Gauthier D. , Gaio G. , Giannessi L. , Mirian N. S. , Penco G. , Perosa G. , Rebernik P. , Setija I. , Spampinati S. , Spezzani C. , Trovò M. , Veronese M. , Williams P. H. , Wolski A. , Mitri S. Di
Published: March 2020

The optimal performance of high-brightness free-electron lasers (FELs) is limited by the microbunching instability, which can cause variations in both the slice energy spread and longitudinal profile of electron beams. In this paper, we perform 2D Fourier analysis of the full bunch longitudinal phase space, such that modulations in both planes can be studied simultaneously. Unlike the standard 1D analysis, this method is able to reveal modulations in a folded phase space, which would otherwise remain uncovered. Additionally, the plasma oscillation between energy and density modulations is also revealed by this method. The damping of the microbunching instability, through the use of a laser heater, is also analysed with this technique. We confirm a mitigation of the amplitude of modulation and a red-shift of the microbunching frequency as the energy spread added increases. As an outcome of this work, a systematic experimental comparison of the development of the instability in the presence of different compression schemes is here presented for the first time.
In-line filtration in very preterm neonates: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Virlouvet Anne-Laure , Pansiot Julien , Toumazi Artemis , Colella Marina , Capewell Andreas , Guerriero Emilie , Storme Thomas , Rioualen Stéphane , Bourmaud Aurélie , Biran Valérie , Baud Olivier
Published: March 2020

In-line filtration is increasingly used in critically-ill infants but its benefits, by preventing micro-particle infusion in very preterm neonates, remain to be demonstrated. We conducted a randomized controlled trial among very preterm infants allocated to receive either in-line filtration of all the intra-venous lines or standard care without filters. The primary outcome was differences greater than 20% in the median changes in pro-inflammatory cytokine serum concentrations measured at day 3 and day 8 (+/−1) using a Luminex multianalytic profiling technique. Major neonatal complications were analyzed as secondary predefined outcomes. We randomized 146 infants, assigned to filter (n = 73) or control (n = 73) group. Difference over 20% in pro-inflammatory cytokine concentration between day 3 and day 8 was not found statistically different between the two groups, both in intent-to-treat (with imputation) and per protocol (without imputation) analyses. The incidences of most of neonatal complications were found to be similar. Hence, this trial did not evidence a beneficial effect of in-line filtration in very preterm infants on the inflammatory response syndrome and neonatal morbidities. These data should be interpreted according to local standards in infusion preparation and central line management.
Blood meal sources and bacterial microbiome diversity in wild-caught tsetse flies
Authors: Gaithuma Alex , Yamagishi Junya , Hayashida Kyoko , Kawai Naoko , Namangala Boniface , Sugimoto Chihiro
Published: March 2020

Tsetse flies are the vectors of African trypanosomiasis affecting 36 sub-Saharan countries. Both wild and domestic animals play a crucial role in maintaining the disease-causing parasites (trypanosomes). Thus, the identification of animal reservoirs of trypanosomes is vital for the effective control of African trypanosomiasis. Additionally, the biotic and abiotic factors that drive gut microbiome diversity in tsetse flies are primarily unresolved, especially under natural, field conditions. In this study, we present a comprehensive DNA metabarcoding approach for individual tsetse fly analysis in the identification of mammalian blood meal sources and fly bacterial microbiome composition. We analyzed samples from two endemic foci, Kafue, Zambia collected in June 2017, and Hurungwe, Zimbabwe sampled in April 2014 (pilot study) and detected DNA of various mammals including humans, wild animals, domestic animals and small mammals (rat and bat). The bacterial diversity was relatively similar in flies with different mammalian species DNA, trypanosome infected and uninfected flies, and female and male flies. This study is the first report on bat DNA detection in wild tsetse flies. This study reveals that small mammals such as bats and rats are among the opportunistic blood meal sources for tsetse flies in the wild, and the implication on tsetse biology and ecology needs to be studied.
Prediction of the Vaccine-derived Poliovirus Outbreak Incidence: A Hybrid Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Hemedan Ahmed A. , Abd Elaziz Mohamed , Jiao Pengcheng , Alavi Amir H. , Bahgat Mahmoud , Ostaszewski Marek , Schneider Reinhard , Ghazy Haneen A. , Ewees Ahmed A. , Lu Songfeng
Published: March 2020

Recently, significant attention has been devoted to vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) surveillance due to its severe consequences. Prediction of the outbreak incidence of VDPF requires an accurate analysis of the alarming data. The overarching aim to this study is to develop a novel hybrid machine learning approach to identify the key parameters that dominate the outbreak incidence of VDPV. The proposed method is based on the integration of random vector functional link (RVFL) networks with a robust optimization algorithm called whale optimization algorithm (WOA). WOA is applied to improve the accuracy of the RVFL network by finding the suitable parameter configurations for the algorithm. The classification performance of the WOA-RVFL method is successfully validated using a number of datasets from the UCI machine learning repository. Thereafter, the method is implemented to track the VDPV outbreak incidences recently occurred in several provinces in Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The results demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the WOA-RVFL algorithm in detecting the VDPV outbreak incidences, as well as its superior performance to the traditional RVFL method.
Opioid drug use in emergency and adverse outcomes among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a multicenter observational study
Authors: Viglino Damien , Daoust Raoul , Bailly Sebastien , Faivre-Pierret Caroline , Charif Isma , Roustit Matthieu , Paquet Jean , Debaty Guillaume , Pépin Jean-Louis , Maignan Maxime , Chauny Jean-Marc
Published: March 2020

There is still debate as to the safety of non-palliative opioid administration to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients punctually treated for an acute complaint. All patients over 40 presenting at two university hospital emergency departments (Montréal Qc, Grenoble Fr) from March 2008 to September 2014 with dyspnea, abdominal pain or trauma were retrieved, and COPD patients were selected. Our primary endpoint was a composite criterion including invasive ventilation and death. Comparisons between visits in which opioid drugs were prescribed and those without opioids were performed using an inverse probability of treatment and censoring weight (IPTCW) estimator to adjust for baseline confounders. A survival weighted Cox model was used. 7799 visits by COPD patients were identified, corresponding to 4173 unique patients. Opioid drug prescription was reported in 1317 (16.9%) visits. After applying IPCTW weighting, opioid prescription was found to be associated with the composite criterion of poor clinical outcomes (HR = 4.73 (2.94; 7.61), p < 0.01). When taken separately, this association remained significant for invasive ventilation and death, but not for NIV. All sensitivity analyses confirmed the association, except for patients with trauma or abdominal pain as the main complaint. This excess risk is observed whatever the route of administration.
Changing accommodation behaviour during multifocal soft contact lens wear using auditory biofeedback training
Authors: Wagner Sandra , Schaeffel Frank , Troilo David
Published: March 2020

Biofeedback training has been used to access autonomically-controlled body functions through visual or acoustic signals to manage conditions like anxiety and hyperactivity. Here we examined the use of auditory biofeedback to improve accommodative responses to near visual stimuli in patients wearing single vision (SV) and multifocal soft contact lenses (MFCL). MFCLs are one evidence-based treatment shown to be effective in slowing myopia progression in children. However, previous research found that the positive addition relaxed accommodation at near, possibly reducing the therapeutic benefit. Accommodation accuracy was examined in 18 emmetropes and 19 myopes while wearing SVCLs and MFCLs (centre-distance). Short periods of auditory biofeedback training to improve the response (reduce the lag of accommodation) was performed and accommodation re-assessed while patients wore the SVCLs and MFCLs. Significantly larger accommodative lags were measured with MFCLs compared to SV. Biofeedback training effectively reduced the lag by ≥0.3D in individuals of both groups with SVCL and MFCL wear. The training was more effective in myopes wearing their habitual SVCLs. This study shows that accommodation can be changed with short biofeedback training independent of the refractive state. With this proof-of-concept, we hypothesize that biofeedback training in myopic children wearing MFCLs might improve the treatment effectiveness.
Comparison of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT with 11C-acetate PET/CT in re-staging of prostate cancer relapse
Authors: Regula Naresh , Kostaras Vasileios , Johansson Silvia , Trampal Carlos , Lindström Elin , Lubberink Mark , Velikyan Irina , Sörensen Jens
Published: March 2020

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is used to localize recurrent disease in prostate cancer (PCa). The tracer 68Ga-PSMA-11 visualizes lesions overexpressing prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), while 11C-acetate visualizes lesions with increased anabolic metabolism. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of PSMA-PET and acetate-PET in re-staging patients with biochemical relapse. Thirty PCa patients with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) relapse after primary curative therapy were prospectively evaluated. PET/CT examinations using 11C-acetate and 68Ga-PSMA-11 were performed. Identified lesions were categorized according to anatomical location and PET measurements were correlated with PSA at time of scan. Tumour lesions showed higher semi-quantitative uptake values on PSMA-PET than acetate-PET. PSMA-PET identified more lesions in 11 patients, fewer lesions in eight patients, and identical number of lesions in 11 patients. This study indicates better diagnostic performance of PSMA-PET, particularly in detecting lymph node (81% vs 60%, p = 0.02) and bone metastasis (95% vs 61%, p = 0.0001) compared to acetate-PET. However, 38% of PSMA-expressing metastases appear to be metabolically inactive and 15% of metabolically active metastases lack PSMA expression. Addition of PET with a metabolic tracer, such as 11C-acetate, might be beneficial before making treatment decisions.
Repetitive regime of highly focused liquid microjets for needle-free injection
Authors: Krizek Jan , Delrot Paul , Moser Christophe
Published: March 2020

Fast liquid jets are investigated for use as a needle-free drug delivery system into an elastic tissue such as skin. Using smaller jet diameters in a repetitive regime can mitigate bruising and pain associated with current injectors. In this study, we aim to unravel the potential of the method to deliver liquids into biological tissues having higher elasticity than healthy skin (i.e >60 kPa). To address this challenge, we have implemented a laser-based jetting system capable of generating supersonic liquid microjets in a repetitive regime. We provide insights on the penetration of microjets into hydrogel samples with elastic modulus ranging from 16 kPa to 0.5 MPa. The unprecedented speeds of injection (>680 m/s) together with a newly introduced repetitive regime opens possibilities for usage in needle-free drug administration into materials with elasticity covering the wide spectrum of biological soft tissues like blood vessels, all skin layers, scarred or dried skin or tumors.
Multi-Systemic Biological Risk and Cancer Mortality: The NHANES III Study
Authors: Acheampong Teofilia , Jiang Luohua , Ziogas Argyrios , Odegaard Andrew O.
Published: March 2020

Multi-systemic biological risk (MSBR), a proxy for allostatic load, is a composite index of biomarkers representing dysregulation due to responses to chronic stress. This study examined the association of an MSBR index with cancer mortality. The sample included n = 13,628 adults aged 20–90 from the NHANES III Linked Mortality File (1988–1994). The MSBR index included autonomic (pulse rate, blood pressure), metabolic (HOMAir, triglycerides, waist circumference), and immune (white blood cell count, C-reactive protein) markers. We fit Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of overall cancer mortality risk, according to quartiles (q) of the index. In multivariable models, compared to those in q1, q4 had a 64% increased risk for cancer mortality (HR = 1.64, 95% CI:1.13–2.40). The immune domain drove the association (HR per unit = 1.19, 95% CI:1.07–1.32). In stratified analyses, the HR for those with a BMI ≥ 25 was 1.12 per unit (95% CI:1.05–1.19) and those with a BMI < 25 was 1.04 per unit (95% CI:0.92–1.18). MSBR is positively associated with risk for cancer mortality in a US sample, particularly among those who are overweight or obese. The utilization of standard clinical measures comprising this index may inform population cancer prevention strategies.
Microplastics in sea ice and seawater beneath ice floes from the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Kanhai La Daana K. , Gardfeldt Katarina , Krumpen Thomas , Thompson Richard C. , O’Connor Ian
Published: March 2020

Within the past decade, an alarm was raised about microplastics in the remote and seemingly pristine Arctic Ocean. To gain further insight about the issue, microplastic abundance, distribution and composition in sea ice cores (n = 25) and waters underlying ice floes (n = 22) were assessed in the Arctic Central Basin (ACB). Potential microplastics were visually isolated and subsequently analysed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy. Microplastic abundance in surface waters underlying ice floes (0–18 particles m−3) were orders of magnitude lower than microplastic concentrations in sea ice cores (2–17 particles L−1). No consistent pattern was apparent in the vertical distribution of microplastics within sea ice cores. Backward drift trajectories estimated that cores possibly originated from the Siberian shelves, western Arctic and central Arctic. Knowledge about microplastics in environmental compartments of the Arctic Ocean is important in assessing the potential threats posed by microplastics to polar organisms.
Vulnerability to predation may affect species distribution: plovers with broader arctic breeding range nest in safer habitat
Authors: Léandri-Breton Don-Jean , Bêty Joël
Published: March 2020

Lower vulnerability to predation should increase the capacity of prey populations to maintain positive population growth rate in regions characterized by high predation pressure. Some arctic-nesting shorebirds nest almost exclusively in areas where predation pressure is regularly released. The few species that can breed within the entire distribution range of the Arctic Fox, the main nest predator in the arctic tundra, are supposedly less sensitive to predation. However, empirical data supporting this hypothesis are scarce and mechanisms driving interspecific variation in vulnerability to nest predation are poorly documented. We monitored nest success of two arctic-nesting shorebirds with contrasting breeding distribution and nesting habitat. We found that (i) when co-existing at the same breeding site, the widely distributed Ringed Plovers nesting along stony shores showed a higher nest survival rate than the Golden Plovers nesting in mesic tundra, and (ii) such differences in nest survival were at least partly driven by the nesting habitat typeper se, with lower predation risk in stony shores than in adjacent mesic tundra. We suggest that the use of safer nesting habitat by some shorebird species can contribute to maintaining viable breeding populations over a broader distribution range.
Influences of the three-dimensional parameters of pterygium on corneal astigmatism and the intraocular lens power calculation
Authors: Tang Yating , Qian Dongjin , Wei Ling , Du Yu , Qiu Xiaodi , Lu Yi , Zhu Xiangjia
Published: March 2020

Pterygium morphology had great effect on corneal astigmatism and intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation in cataract patients. However, previous studies all focused on the pterygium surface parameters, the invasion degree or cross-sectional area of the pterygia into the corneal stroma were neglected. We studied the effect of three-dimensional parameters of pterygium on corneal astigmatism and IOL power prediction. We enrolled 81 eyes of 81 patients with primary nasal pterygium, measured the corneal astigmatism (Pentacam HR) and predicted IOL power change (IOLmaster500) before and after pterygium surgery. The three-dimensional parameters of pterygium (length, width, area, height and invasion cross-sectional area) were measured by slit lamp photography and Scheimpflug images. After pterygium surgery, corneal astigmatism decreased from 4.35 ± 4.24 to 1.07 ± 0.95 D and total corneal refractive power increased from 43.02 ± 1.96 to 43.95 ± 0.95 D (both P < 0.001). The predicted IOL power decreased from 22.87 ± 2.82 to 21.71 ± 2.85 D (P < 0.001) after surgery. Notably, 34 eyes (41.98%) had ≥3.0 D of pterygium induced astigmatism (PIA), and 33 eyes (40.74%) had ≥1.0 D of predicted IOL power change. PIA was independently influenced by the pterygium surface area (r = 0.43, P < 0.001) and cross-sectional area (r = 1.25, P = 0.018), while the predicted IOL power change was independently affected by the pterygium width (r = 0.70, P < 0.001). Cataract surgeons could evaluate the effects of a pterygium according to its three-dimensional parameters and prepare an optimal surgical strategy for cataract combined pterygium patients.
Genetic polymorphisms of IL17A associated with Chagas disease: results from a meta-analysis in Latin American populations
Authors: Strauss Mariana , Palma-Vega Miriam , Casares-Marfil Desiré , Bosch-Nicolau Pau , Lo Presti María Silvina , Molina Israel , González Clara Isabel ,   Chagas Genetics CYTED Network, Paglini Patricia A. , Schijman Alejandro G. , Robello Carlos , Echeverría Luis E. , Vargas-Alarcón Gilberto , Calzada José E. , Fernández-Mestre Mercedes , Fresno Manuel , Pinazo Maria Jesus , Martín Javier , Acosta-Herrera Marialbert
Published: March 2020

Genetic factors and the immunologic response have been suggested to determine the susceptibility against the infection and the outcome of Chagas disease. In the present study, we analysed three IL17A genetic variants (rs4711998, rs8193036 and rs2275913) regarding the predisposition to Trypanosoma cruzi infection and the development of chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) in different Latin American populations. A total of 2,967 individuals from Colombia, Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil, were included in this study. The individuals were classified as seronegative and seropositive for T. cruzi antigens, and this last group were divided into asymptomatic and CCC. For T. cruzi infection susceptibility, the IL17A rs2275913*A showed a significant association in a fixed-effect meta-analysis after a Bonferroni correction (P = 0.016, OR = 1.21, 95%CI = 1.06–1.41). No evidence of association was detected when comparing CCC vs. asymptomatic patients. However, when CCC were compared with seronegative individuals, it showed a nominal association in the meta-analysis (P = 0.040, OR = 1.20, 95%CI = 1.01–1.45). For the IL17A rs4711998 and rs8193036, no association was observed. In conclusion, our results suggest that IL17A rs2275913 plays an important role in the susceptibility to T. cruzi infection and could also be implicated in the development of chronic cardiomyopathy in the studied Latin American population.
Mixtures of prion substrains in natural scrapie cases revealed by ovinised murine models
Authors: Barrio Tomás , Filali Hicham , Otero Alicia , Sheleby-Elías Jessica , Marín Belén , Vidal Enric , Béringue Vincent , Torres Juan María , Groschup Martin , Andréoletti Olivier , Badiola Juan José , Bolea Rosa
Published: March 2020

Phenotypic variability in prion diseases, such as scrapie, is associated to the existence of prion strains, which are different pathogenic prion protein (PrPSc) conformations with distinct pathobiological properties. To faithfully study scrapie strain variability in natural sheep isolates, transgenic mice expressing sheep cellular prion protein (PrPC) are used. In this study, we used two of such models to bioassay 20 scrapie isolates from the Spain-France-Andorra transboundary territory. Animals were intracerebrally inoculated and survival periods, proteinase K-resistant PrP (PrPres) banding patterns, lesion profiles and PrPSc distribution were studied. Inocula showed a remarkable homogeneity on banding patterns, all of them but one showing 19-kDa PrPres. However, a number of isolates caused accumulation of 21-kDa PrPres in TgShp XI. A different subgroup of isolates caused long survival periods and presence of 21-kDa PrPres in Tg338 mice. It seemed that one major 19-kDa prion isoform and two distinct 21-kDa variants coexisted in source inocula, and that they could be separated by bioassay in each transgenic model. The reason why each model favours a specific component of the mixture is unknown, although PrPC expression level may play a role. Our results indicate that coinfection with more than one substrain is more frequent than infection with a single component.
Grain boundary anisotropy on nano-polycrystalline magnetic thin films
Authors: Agudelo-Giraldo Jose D. , Restrepo-Parra Elisabeth , Restrepo Johans
Published: March 2020

Grain boundaries in polycrystalline thin films with crystallite sizes at nanoscale presents regions characterized by a high degree of local structural disorder. As a consequence, great values of the associated local anisotropies are expected. On this regard, a systematic investigation of the effect of the grain boundary anisotropy on the magnetic properties in such type of nanostructured systems is addressed. For developing this work, a standard Monte Carlo simulation in the framework of classical Heisenberg spins was carried out, with a Hamiltonian involving exchange couplings, dipolar interactions, Zeeman interaction and contributions of cubic magneto-crystalline anisotropy. A quantification of local structural disorder was considered. Results revealed that i) by keeping the same number of grains, different organizations give rise to different spontaneous magnetizations, ii) the critical exponent of the magnetization differs of pure models, which is attributed to the complexity of the lattice and consistent with a distribution of critical temperatures, iii) Boundary anisotropy varies with temperature and its strength are determinant factors for blocking temperatures, and iv) Boundary anisotropy inside in the hysteretic properties where coercive field variations are observed.
Surgically Resected Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Patient Survival and Clinicopathological Prognostic Factors
Authors: Jeong Dong Young , Lee Kyung Soo , Choi Joon Young , Chung Myung Jin , Min Yang Won , Kim Hong Kwan , Zo Jae Ill , Shim Young Mog , Sun Jong-Mu
Published: March 2020

We aimed to report patients’ survival after surgical resection of eSCC and to ascertain the clinical, imaging, and pathological factors related to patient prognosis. This retrospective study included 435 patients with eSCC of <stage T2 (median follow-up period, 49.3 months). A total of 103 (23.7%) patients died, and 89 (20.5%) experienced recurrence during follow-up. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) on positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) of the primary tumor was significantly correlated with tumor length, nodal metastasis, and pathologic T stage in a positive linear fashion. In the multivariate analysis, higher SUVmax on PET/CT was a negative prognostic factor for both disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Contrarily, the presence of nodal metastasis was a prognostic factor only for DFS, and pathologic T stage only for OS. By applying SUVmax cut-off, both DFS and OS were significantly different among three groups when divided by cut-off values (A: SUVmax ≤ 3.05, B: SUVmax 3.06 - 5.64, C: SUVmax ≥ 5.65). In patients with a surgically resectable eSCC, measuring the SUVmax of the primary tumor during PET/CT can help predict patient survival. Additionally, PET/CT renders triage criterion for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD; T1a cancer and SUVmax, ≤3.05).
Author Correction: Differential neural dynamics underlying pragmatic and semantic affordance processing in macaque ventral premotor cortex
Authors: Maranesi Monica , Bruni Stefania , Livi Alessandro , Donnarumma Francesco , Pezzulo Giovanni , Bonini Luca
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
A miRNA-based diagnostic model predicts resectable lung cancer in humans with high accuracy
Authors: Asakura Keisuke , Kadota Tsukasa , Matsuzaki Juntaro , Yoshida Yukihiro , Yamamoto Yusuke , Nakagawa Kazuo , Takizawa Satoko , Aoki Yoshiaki , Nakamura Eiji , Miura Junichiro , Sakamoto Hiromi , Kato Ken , Watanabe Shun-ichi , Ochiya Takahiro
Published: March 2020

Lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, is most frequently detected through imaging tests. In this study, we investigated serum microRNAs (miRNAs) as a possible early screening tool for resectable lung cancer. First, we used serum samples from participants with and without lung cancer to comprehensively create 2588 miRNAs profiles; next, we established a diagnostic model based on the combined expression levels of two miRNAs (miR-1268b and miR-6075) in the discovery set (208 lung cancer patients and 208 non-cancer participants). The model displayed a sensitivity of 99% and specificity of 99% in the validation set (1358 patients and 1970 non-cancer participants) and exhibited high sensitivity regardless of histological type and pathological TNM stage of the cancer. Moreover, the diagnostic index markedly decreased after lung cancer resection. Thus, the model we developed has the potential to markedly improve screening for resectable lung cancer.
Atmospheric chemistry of thiourea: nucleation with urea and roles in NO2 hydrolysis
Authors: Ni Shuang , Bai Feng-Yang , Pan Xiu-Mei
Published: March 2020

The nucleation with urea and roles in NO2 hydrolysis in the presence of thiourea.
Biomimetic carbohydrate recognition
Authors: Davis Anthony P.
Published: March 2020

Binding saccharides with non-covalent interactions is challenging, especially in the natural medium of water, but synthetic carbohydrate receptors can be surprisingly effective.
Protocatechuic acid and quercetin glucosides in onions attenuate changes induced by high fat diet in rats
Authors: Grzelak-Błaszczyk Katarzyna , Milala Joanna , Kołodziejczyk Krzysztof , Sójka Michał , Czarnecki Andrzej , Kosmala Monika , Klewicki Robert , Fotschki Bartosz , Jurgoński Adam , Juśkiewicz Jerzy
Published: March 2020

Yellow onion waste from industrial peeling was used to obtain three pure preparations: protocatechuic acid (PA), quercetin diglycosides (QD) and quercetin monoglycosides (QM).
Separation and purification of biomacromolecules based on microfluidics
Authors: Vicente Filipa A. , Plazl Igor , Ventura Sónia P. M. , Žnidaršič-Plazl Polona
Published: March 2020

Separation and purification of biomacromolecules either in biopharmaceuticals and fine chemicals manufacturing, or in diagnostics and biological characterization, can substantially benefit from application of microfluidic devices.
Determination of acid dissociation constants of Alizarin Red S, Methyl Orange, Bromothymol Blue and Bromophenol Blue using a digital camera
Authors: Shalaby Ahmed A. , Mohamed Ashraf A.
Published: March 2020

Acid dissociation constants (pKa) are important parameters for the characterization of organic and inorganic compounds.
Improved photocatalytic performance of covalent organic frameworks by nanostructure construction
Authors: Liu Lifei , Zhang Bingxing , Tan Xiuniang , Tan Dongxing , Cheng Xiuyan , Han Buxing , Zhang Jianling
Published: March 2020

Covalent organic framework capsules with nanostructured surfaces were constructed, which exhibit high performance for photocatalytic oxidation reaction under mild conditions.
Facile assembly of three cycloalkyne-modules onto a platform compound bearing thiophene S,S-dioxide moiety and two azido groups
Authors: Meguro Tomohiro , Sakata Yuki , Morita Takamoto , Hosoya Takamitsu , Yoshida Suguru
Published: March 2020

An efficient method to assemble three cycloalkyne-modules onto a platform bearing a thiophene S,S-dioxide moiety and two azido groups has been developed. The sequential reactions without catalysis or additives enabled the facile preparation of trifunctional molecules by a simple procedure.
Formation mechanism of porous rose-like WO3 and its photoresponse and stability study
Authors: Yao Jiacheng , Zhang Min , Yin Hongfei , Arif Muhammad , Liu Xiaoheng
Published: March 2020

Fabrication of rose-like WO3 by chemical bath method.
Adsorption of H2on amorphous solid water studied with molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Molpeceres Germán , Kästner Johannes
Published: March 2020

We present a method based onab initiomolecular dynamics to study the adsorption dynamics of adsorbates on interstellar surfaces.
The dynamic ligand field of a molecular qubit: decoherence through spin–phonon coupling
Authors: Mirzoyan Ruben , Hadt Ryan G.
Published: March 2020

A ligand field model highlights chemical design principles for the development of room temperature coherent materials for quantum information processing.
Phosphating 2D CoAl LDH anchored on 3D self-assembled NiTiO3 hollow rods for efficient hydrogen evolution
Authors: Li Yanbing , Wang Guorong , Wang Yanbin , Jin Zhiliang
Published: March 2020

Two photo-active materials with opposite potential, NiTiO3 and CoAl LDH are rationally integrated into a combinant. It efficiently accelerates the separation and migration of photo-excited electrons and enhance thermodynamic hydrogen evolution.
Unravelling the structure sensitivity of CuO/SiO2 catalysts in the NO + CO reaction
Authors: Wang Xiuwen , Wang Jin , Liu Annai , Yu Yaxin , Ji Jiawei , Guo Kai , Wan Haiqin , Tang Changjin , Dong Lin
Published: March 2020

CuO/SiO2 catalysts with vast difference in copper dispersion were prepared by impregnation and ammonia-evaporation methods and used for exploring the structure sensitivity of CuO/SiO2 catalysts in the NO + CO reaction.
Atomic-scale engineering of chemical-vapor-deposition-grown 2D transition metal dichalcogenides for electrocatalysis
Authors: Wang Qichen , Lei Yongpeng , Wang Yuchao , Liu Yi , Song Chengye , Zeng Jian , Song Yaohao , Duan Xidong , Wang Dingsheng , Li Yadong
Published: March 2020

Focusing on the atomic-scale engineering of CVD grown 2D TMDs, we discuss the six engineering strategies to tailor the electronic structure, conductivity and electrocatalytic properties in detail. Finally, challenges and perspectives are addressed.