bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy transformation cost for the Japanese mid-century strategy
Authors: Fujimori Shinichiro , Oshiro Ken , Shiraki Hiroto , Hasegawa Tomoko
Published: October 2019

The costs of climate change mitigation policy are one of the main concerns in decarbonizing the economy. The macroeconomic and sectoral implications of policy interventions are typically estimated by economic models, which tend be higher than the additional energy system costs projected by energy system models. Here, we show the extent to which policy costs can be lower than those from conventional economic models by integrating an energy system and an economic model, applying Japan’s mid-century climate mitigation target. The GDP losses estimated with the integrated model were significantly lower than those in the conventional economic model by more than 50% in 2050. The representation of industry and service sector energy consumption is the main factor causing these differences. Our findings suggest that this type of integrated approach would contribute new insights by providing improved estimates of GDP losses, which can be critical information for setting national climate policies.
Radar vision in the mapping of forest biodiversity from space
Authors: Bae Soyeon , Levick Shaun R. , Heidrich Lea , Magdon Paul , Leutner Benjamin F. , Wöllauer Stephan , Serebryanyk Alla , Nauss Thomas , Krzystek Peter , Gossner Martin M. , Schall Peter , Heibl Christoph , Bässler Claus , Doerfler Inken , Schulze Ernst-Detlef , Krah Franz-Sebastian , Culmsee Heike , Jung Kirsten , Heurich Marco , Fischer Markus , Seibold Sebastian , Thorn Simon , Gerlach Tobias , Hothorn Torsten , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Müller Jörg
Published: October 2019

Recent progress in remote sensing provides much-needed, large-scale spatio-temporal information on habitat structures important for biodiversity conservation. Here we examine the potential of a newly launched satellite-borne radar system (Sentinel-1) to map the biodiversity of twelve taxa across five temperate forest regions in central Europe. We show that the sensitivity of radar to habitat structure is similar to that of airborne laser scanning (ALS), the current gold standard in the measurement of forest structure. Our models of different facets of biodiversity reveal that radar performs as well as ALS; medianR²over twelve taxa by ALS and radar are 0.51 and 0.57 respectively for the first non-metric multidimensional scaling axes representing assemblage composition. We further demonstrate the promising predictive ability of radar-derived data with external validation based on the species composition of birds and saproxylic beetles. Establishing new area-wide biodiversity monitoring by remote sensing will require the coupling of radar data to stratified and standardized collected local species data.
Phagocytosis is mediated by two-dimensional assemblies of the F-BAR protein GAS7
Authors: Hanawa-Suetsugu Kyoko , Itoh Yuzuru , Ab Fatah Maisarah , Nishimura Tamako , Takemura Kazuhiro , Takeshita Kohei , Kubota Satoru , Miyazaki Naoyuki , Wan Mohamad Noor Wan Nurul Izzati , Inaba Takehiko , Nguyen Nhung Thi Hong , Hamada-Nakahara Sayaka , Oono-Yakura Kayoko , Tachikawa Masashi , Iwasaki Kenji , Kohda Daisuke , Yamamoto Masaki , Kitao Akio , Shimada Atsushi , Suetsugu Shiro
Published: October 2019

Phagocytosis is a cellular process for internalization of micron-sized large particles including pathogens. The Bin-Amphiphysin-Rvs167 (BAR) domain proteins, including the FCH-BAR (F-BAR) domain proteins, impose specific morphologies on lipid membranes. Most BAR domain proteins are thought to form membrane invaginations or protrusions by assembling into helical submicron-diameter filaments, such as on clathrin-coated pits, caveolae, and filopodia. However, the mechanism by which BAR domain proteins assemble into micron-scale phagocytic cups was unclear. Here, we show that the two-dimensional sheet-like assembly of Growth Arrest-Specific 7 (GAS7) plays a critical role in phagocytic cup formation in macrophages. GAS7 has the F-BAR domain that possesses unique hydrophilic loops for two-dimensional sheet formation on flat membranes. Super-resolution microscopy reveals the similar assemblies of GAS7 on phagocytic cups and liposomes. The mutations of the loops abolishes both the membrane localization of GAS7 and phagocytosis. Thus, the sheet-like assembly of GAS7 plays a significant role in phagocytosis.
Hydrogen bonding structure of confined water templated by a metal-organic framework with open metal sites
Authors: Rieth Adam J. , Hunter Kelly M. , Dincă Mircea , Paesani Francesco
Published: October 2019

Water in confinement exhibits properties significantly different from bulk water due to frustration in the hydrogen-bond network induced by interactions with the substrate. Here, we combine infrared spectroscopy and many-body molecular dynamics simulations to probe the structure and dynamics of confined water as a function of relative humidity within a metal-organic framework containing cylindrical pores lined with ordered cobalt open coordination sites. Building upon the agreement between experimental and theoretical spectra, we demonstrate that water at low relative humidity binds initially to open metal sites and subsequently forms disconnected one-dimensional chains of hydrogen-bonded water molecules bridging between cobalt atoms. With increasing relative humidity, these water chains nucleate pore filling, and water molecules occupy the entire pore interior before the relative humidity reaches 30%. Systematic analysis of rotational and translational dynamics indicates heterogeneity in this pore-confined water, with water molecules displaying variable mobility as a function of distance from the interface.
Rashba-like spin splitting along three momentum directions in trigonal layered PtBi2
Authors: Feng Ya , Jiang Qi , Feng Baojie , Yang Meng , Xu Tao , Liu Wenjing , Yang Xiufu , Arita Masashi , Schwier Eike F. , Shimada Kenya , Jeschke Harald O. , Thomale Ronny , Shi Youguo , Wu Xianxin , Xiao Shaozhu , Qiao Shan , He Shaolong
Published: October 2019

Spin-orbit coupling (SOC) has gained much attention for its rich physical phenomena and highly promising applications in spintronic devices. The Rashba-type SOC in systems with inversion symmetry breaking is particularly attractive for spintronics applications since it allows for flexible manipulation of spin current by external electric fields. Here, we report the discovery of a giant anisotropic Rashba-like spin splitting along three momentum directions (3D Rashba-like spin splitting) with a helical spin polarization around the M points in the Brillouin zone of trigonal layered PtBi2. Due to its inversion asymmetry and reduced symmetry at the M point, Rashba-type as well as Dresselhaus-type SOC cooperatively yield a 3D spin splitting with αR ≈ 4.36 eV Å in PtBi2. The experimental realization of 3D Rashba-like spin splitting not only has fundamental interests but also paves the way to the future exploration of a new class of material with unprecedented functionalities for spintronics applications.
B-1a cells acquire their unique characteristics by bypassing the pre-BCR selection stage
Authors: Wong Jason B. , Hewitt Susannah L. , Heltemes-Harris Lynn M. , Mandal Malay , Johnson Kristen , Rajewsky Klaus , Koralov Sergei B. , Clark Marcus R. , Farrar Michael A. , Skok Jane A.
Published: October 2019

B-1a cells are long-lived, self-renewing innate-like B cells that predominantly inhabit the peritoneal and pleural cavities. In contrast to conventional B-2 cells, B-1a cells have a receptor repertoire that is biased towards bacterial and self-antigens, promoting a rapid response to infection and clearing of apoptotic cells. Although B-1a cells are known to primarily originate from fetal tissues, the mechanisms by which they arise has been a topic of debate for many years. Here we show that in the fetal liver versus bone marrow environment, reduced IL-7R/STAT5 levels promoteimmunoglobulin kappagene recombination at the early pro-B cell stage. As a result, differentiating B cells can directly generate a mature B cell receptor (BCR) and bypass the requirement for a pre-BCR and pairing with surrogate light chain. This ‘alternate pathway’ of development enables the production of B cells with self-reactive, skewed specificity receptors that are peculiar to the B-1a compartment. Together our findings connect seemingly opposing lineage and selection models of B-1a cell development and explain how these cells acquire their unique properties.
Cobalt(II)-coordination polymers containing glutarates and bipyridyl ligands and their antifungal potential
Authors: Kim Hyun-Chul , Mitra Sarmistha , Veerana Mayura , Lim Jun-Sup , Jeong Hye-Ryeon , Park Gyungsoon , Huh Seong , Kim Sung-Jin , Kim Youngmee
Published: October 2019

Three new CoII-coordination polymers (Co-CPs) containing glutarates and bipyridyl ligands, formulated as [Co2(Glu)2(µ-bpa)2]·(H2O)4 (1), [Co4(Glu)4(µ-bpp)2] (2), and [Co2(Glu)2(µ-bpe)2]·(H2O)0.5 (3), were prepared, and their structures were determined by X-ray crystallography. Glutarates bridge CoII ions to form 2D sheets, and the sheets are connected either by bpa or by bpp ligands to form 3D networks 1 and 2, respectively. Both frameworks 1 and 2 are two-fold interpenetrated, and there is no significant void volume in either network. Four glutarates bridge two CoII ions to form chains, and these chains are connected by bpe ligands to form the 2D sheet 3. The antifungal properties of these new Co-CPs were tested against two model fungal pathogens, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Under the maximum concentration of Co-CPs, 2.0 mg mL−1, the inhibition rates of Co-CPs against A. niger were much lower (44–62%) than those (90–99.98%) observed in C. albicans. The results indicate that 1–3 can inactivate C. albicans cells more efficiently than A. niger spores in the same treatment time, and the greater inactivation of C. albicans can be explained by dramatic changes in the morphology of C. albicans cells. We also found that Co-CPs could generate the reactive species NO and H2O2, and these species might play a role in inactivating fungal cells. Additionally, degradation tests confirmed that the leaching of CoII ions from Co-CPs was not significant. The small amount of leached CoII ions and the robust Co-CPs themselves as well as the reactive species generated by Co-CPs can actively participate in fungal inactivation.
Higher temporal evapotranspiration estimation with improved SEBS model from geostationary meteorological satellite data
Authors: Zhao Jing , Chen Xuelong , Zhang Jing , Zhao Honggang , Song Yongyu
Published: October 2019

Evapotranspiration (ET) is a key variable in hydrologic cycle that directly affects the redistribution of precipitation and surface balance. ET measurements with high temporal resolution are required for coupling with models of highly dynamic processes, e.g., hydrological and land surface processes. The Haihe River Basin is the focus of China’s industrial base and it is one of the three major grain-producing regions within the country. However, this area is facing serious water resource shortages and water pollution problems. The present study used geostationary satellite remote sensing data, in situ meteorological observations, and the surface energy balance system (SEBS) model with a new kB−1 parameterization to estimate 3-hourly and daily energy and water fluxes in the Haihe River Basin. The results of the SEBS model were validated with point-scale data from five observation flux towers. Validation showed that 3-hourly and daily ET derived from the SEBS model performed well (R2 = 0.67, mean bias = 0.027 mm/h, RMSE = 0.1 mm/h). Moreover, factors influencing ET were also identified based on the results of this study. ET varies with land cover type and physical and chemical properties of the underlying surface. Furthermore, ET is also controlled by water availability, radiation, and other atmospheric conditions. It was found that ET had strong correlation with the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Specifically, daily ET fluctuated with the NDVI when the NDVI was <0.29, and ET increased rapidly as the NDVI increased from 0.29 to 0.81. For NDVI values >0.81, indicating a state of saturation, the rate of increase of ET slowed. This research produced reliable information that could assist in sustainable management of the water resources and in improved understanding of the hydrologic cycle of the Haihe River Basin.
Author Correction: Antibiotic drug-resistance as a complex system driven by socio-economic growth and antibiotic misuse
Authors: Malik Bhawna , Bhattacharyya Samit
Published: October 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Specific effects of antitumor active norspermidine on the structure and function of DNA
Authors: Nishio Takashi , Yoshikawa Yuko , Shew Chwen-Yang , Umezawa Naoki , Higuchi Tsunehiko , Yoshikawa Kenichi
Published: October 2019

We compared the effects of trivalent polyamines, spermidine (SPD) and norspermidine (NSPD), a chemical homologue of SPD, on the structure of DNA and gene expression. The chemical structures of SPD and NSPD are different only with the number of methylene groups between amine groups, [N-3-N-4-N] and [N-3-N-3-N], respectively. SPD plays vital roles in cell function and survival, including in mammals. On the other hand, NSPD has antitumor activity and is found in some species of plants, bacteria and algae, but not in humans. We found that both polyamines exhibit biphasic effect; enhancement and inhibition on in vitro gene expression, where SPD shows definitely higher potency in enhancement but NSPD causes stronger inhibition. Based on the results of AFM (atomic force microscopy) observations together with single DNA measurements with fluorescence microscopy, it becomes clear that SPD tends to align DNA orientation, whereas NSPD induces shrinkage with a greater potency. The measurement of binding equilibrium by NMR indicates that NSPD shows 4–5 times higher affinity to DNA than SPD. Our theoretical study with Monte Carlo simulation provides the insights into the underlying mechanism of the specific effect of NSPD on DNA.
Extensive vegetation browning and drying in forests of India’s Tiger Reserves
Authors: Koulgi Pradeep S. , Clinton Nicholas , Karanth Krithi K.
Published: October 2019

Forest conservation includes stemming deforestation as well as preserving its vegetation condition. Traditional Protected Area (PA) effectiveness evaluations have assessed changes in forest extent but have mostly ignored vegetation condition. Tiger Reserves (TRs) are India’s PAs with highest protection and management resources. We used a before-after-control-impact-style design with long-term Landsat 5 TM data to evaluate the effects of protection elevation on vegetation condition (greenness and moisture) in 25 TRs. After declaration as TRs, vegetation condition in 13 TRs (52%) declined in more than 50% of their areas, with 12 TRs (48%) being overall better than their matched Wildlife Sanctuaries (WLSs; PAs with lower protection). In 8 of these TRs analysed for change from before to after declaration, vegetation condition in 5 TRs was harmed over more than 25% of their areas, with 3 TRs being overall better than their matched WLSs. Our results indicate extensive vegetation browning and drying in about half of the study TRs, with these trends often being similar or worse than in matched WLSs. These results suggest that TRs’ elevated protection alone may be insufficient to preserve vegetation condition and cast doubt on the effectiveness of protection elevation alone in safeguarding long-term viability of tiger habitats.
Manual versus Pump Infusion of Distending Media for Hysteroscopic Procedures: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ting Wan-Hua , Lin Ho-Hsiung , Hsiao Sheng-Mou
Published: October 2019

Fluid overload is a potential complication of hysteroscopic procedures with the possibility of dangerous electrolyte changes. This prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to compare perioperative outcomes and changes in electrolytes after hysteroscopic procedures between the manual infusion (MI) and the pump infusion (PI) methods for distending media infusion. One hundred consecutive women who had hysteroscopic procedures between December 2013 and February 2017 were recruited and randomly allocated to either the MI or PI group. The PI group was associated with an increased volume of infused fluid and collected fluid compared with the volumes of the MI group. Almost all serum electrolyte levels differed significantly between the baseline and postoperative values in both groups; however, no significant differences were noted between the groups. The change in potassium level was positively correlated with the volume of fluid deficit (Spearman’s rho = 0.24, P = 0.03), whereas the change in calcium level was negatively correlated with the volume of fluid deficit (Spearman’s rho = −0.26, P = 0.046). With no between-group differences in the changes in the other perioperative parameters and electrolytes, the MI method can be a good alternative for delivering distending media for hysteroscopic procedures.
Stress-Dependent Pore Deformation Effects on Multiphase Flow Properties of Porous Media
Authors: Haghi* Amir H. , Chalaturnyk Richard , Talman Stephen
Published: October 2019

Relative permeability and capillary pressure are the governing parameters that characterize multiphase fluid flow in porous media for diverse natural and industrial applications, including surface water infiltration into the ground, CO2 sequestration, and hydrocarbon enhanced recovery. Although the drastic effects of deformation of porous media on single-phase fluid flow have been well established, the stress dependency of flow in multiphase systems is not yet fully explored. Here, stress-dependent relative permeability and capillary pressure are studied in a water-wet carbonate specimen both analytically using fractal and poroelasticity theory and experimentally on the micro-scale and macro-scales by means of X-ray computed micro-tomography and isothermal isotropic triaxial core flooding cell, respectively. Our core flooding program using water/N2 phases shows a systematic decrease in the irreducible water saturation and gas relative permeability in response to an increase in effective stress. Intuitively, a leftward shift of the intersection point of water/gas relative permeability curves is interpreted as an increased affinity of the rock to the gas phase. Using a micro-scale proxy model, we identify a leftward shift in pore size distribution and closure of micro-channels to be responsible for the abovementioned observations. These findings prove the crucial impact of effective stress-induced pore deformation on multiphase flow properties of rock, which are missing from the current characterizations of multiphase flow mechanisms in porous media.
Identification and Characterization of the PEBP Family Genes in Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla)
Authors: Yang Zhaohe , Chen Lei , Kohnen Markus V. , Xiong Bei , Zhen Xi , Liao Jiakai , Oka Yoshito , Zhu Qiang , Gu Lianfeng , Lin Chentao , Liu Bobin
Published: October 2019

Moso bamboo is one of the economically most important plants in China. Moso bamboo is a monocarpic perennial that exhibits poor and slow germination. Thus, the flowering often causes destruction of moso bamboo forestry. However, how control of flowering and seed germination are regulated in moso bamboo is largely unclear. In this study, we identified 5 members (PhFT1-5) of the phosphatidyl ethanolamine-binding proteins (PEBP) family from moso bamboo genome that regulate flowering, flower architecture and germination, and characterized the function of these PEBP family genes further in Arabidopsis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 3 (PhFT1, PhFT2 and PhFT3), 1 (PhFT4) and 1 (PhFT5) members belong to the TFL1-like clade, FT-like clade, and MFT-like clade, respectively. These PEBP family genes possess all structure necessary for PEBP gene function. The ectopic overexpression of PhFT4 and PhFT5 promotes flowering time in Arabidopsis, and that of PhFT1, PhFT2 and PhFT3 suppresses it. In addition, the overexpression of PhFT5 promotes seed germination rate. Interestingly, the overexpression of PhFT1 suppressed seed germination rate in Arabidopsis. The expression of PhFT1 and PhFT5 is significantly higher in seed than in tissues including leaf and shoot apical meristem, implying their function in seed germination. Taken together, our results suggested that the PEBP family genes play important roles as regulators of flowering and seed germination in moso bamboo and thereby are necessary for the sustainability of moso bamboo forest.
E3 ubiquitin ligases LNX1 and LNX2 are major regulators of the presynaptic glycine transporter GlyT2
Authors: de la Rocha-Muñoz A. , Núñez E. , Arribas-González E. , López-Corcuera B. , Aragón C. , de Juan-Sanz J.
Published: October 2019

The neuronal glycine transporter GlyT2 is an essential regulator of glycinergic neurotransmission that recaptures glycine in presynaptic terminals to facilitate transmitter packaging in synaptic vesicles. Alterations in GlyT2 expression or activity result in lower cytosolic glycine levels, emptying glycinergic synaptic vesicles and impairing neurotransmission. Lack of glycinergic neurotransmission caused by GlyT2 loss-of-function mutations results in Hyperekplexia, a rare neurological disease characterized by generalized stiffness and motor alterations that may cause sudden infant death. Although the importance of GlyT2 in pathology is known, how this transporter is regulated at the molecular level is poorly understood, limiting current therapeutic strategies. Guided by an unbiased screening, we discovered that E3 ubiquitin ligase Ligand of Numb proteins X1/2 (LNX1/2) modulate the ubiquitination status of GlyT2. The N-terminal RING-finger domain of LNX1/2 ubiquitinates a cytoplasmic C-terminal lysine cluster in GlyT2 (K751, K773, K787 and K791), and this process regulates the expression levels and transport activity of GlyT2. The genetic deletion of endogenous LNX2 in spinal cord primary neurons causes an increase in GlyT2 expression and we find that LNX2 is required for PKC-mediated control of GlyT2 transport. This work identifies, to our knowledge, the first E3 ubiquitin-ligases acting on GlyT2, revealing a novel molecular mechanism that controls presynaptic glycine availability. Providing a better understanding of the molecular regulation of GlyT2 may help future investigations into the molecular basis of human disease states caused by dysfunctional glycinergic neurotransmission, such as hyperekplexia and chronic pain.
Sustainable production of bio-crude oil via hydrothermal liquefaction of symbiotically grown biomass of microalgae-bacteria coupled with effective wastewater treatment
Authors: Goswami Gargi , Makut Bidhu Bhusan , Das Debasish
Published: October 2019

The study demonstrates a sustainable process for production of bio-crude oil via hydrothermal liquefaction of microbial biomass generated through co-cultivation of microalgae and bacteria coupled with wastewater remediation. Biomass concentration and wastewater treatment efficiency of a tertiary consortium (two microalgae and two bacteria) was evaluated on four different wastewater samples. Total biomass concentration, total nitrogen and COD removal efficiency was found to be 3.17 g L−1, 99.95% and 95.16% respectively when consortium was grown using paper industry wastewater in a photobioreactor under batch mode. Biomass concentration was enhanced to 4.1 g L−1 through intermittent feeding of nitrogen source and phosphate. GC-MS and FTIR analysis of bio-crude oil indicates abundance of the hydrocarbon fraction and in turn, better oil quality. Maximum distillate fraction of 30.62% lies within the boiling point range of 200–300 °C depicting suitability of the bio-crude oil for conversion into diesel oil, jet fuel and fuel for stoves.
NADH dehydrogenases Nuo and Nqr1 contribute to extracellular electron transfer by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 in bioelectrochemical systems
Authors: Madsen Cody S. , TerAvest Michaela A.
Published: October 2019

Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 is quickly becoming a synthetic biology workhorse for bioelectrochemical technologies due to a high level of understanding of its interaction with electrodes. Transmembrane electron transfer via the Mtr pathway has been well characterized, however, the role of NADH dehydrogenases in feeding electrons to Mtr has been only minimally studied in S. oneidensis MR-1. Four NADH dehydrogenases are encoded in the genome, suggesting significant metabolic flexibility in oxidizing NADH under a variety of conditions. A strain lacking the two dehydrogenases essential for aerobic growth exhibited a severe growth defect with an anode (+0.4 VSHE) or Fe(III)-NTA as the terminal electron acceptor. Our study reveals that the same NADH dehydrogenase complexes are utilized under oxic conditions or with a high potential anode. Our study also supports the previously indicated importance of pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in producing NADH during anerobic lactate metabolism. Understanding the role of NADH in extracellular electron transfer may help improve biosensors and give insight into other applications for bioelectrochemical systems.
A clinicohaematological prognostic model for nasal-type natural killer/T-cell lymphoma: A multicenter study
Authors: Tan Khee Ming , Chia Burton , Lim Jing Quan , Khoo Lay Poh , Cheng Chee Leong , Tan Leonard , Poon Eileen , Somasundaram Nagavalli , Farid Mohamad , Tang Tiffany Pooi Ling , Tao Miriam , Cheah Daryl Ming Zhe , Laurensia Yurike , Pang Jane Wan Lu , Song Tammy , Tan Jing , Huang Dachuan , Kim Seok Jin , Kim Won Seog , Ong Choon Kiat , Lim Soon Thye , Chan Jason Yongsheng
Published: October 2019

Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (NKTL) is an aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma closely associated with Epstein-Barr virus and characterized by varying degrees of systemic inflammation. We aim to examine the prognostic significance of peripheral blood neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with NKTL. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective review of 178 patients with biopsy-proven NKTL from the National Cancer Centre Singapore and Samsung Medical Center, South Korea. Using receiver operating curve analysis, an optimal cut-off for high NLR (>3.5) in predicting overall survival (OS) was derived. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariable Cox proportional regression. In patients with high NLR, estimated 5-year OS was 25% compared to 53% in those with low NLR. In multivariable analysis, high NLR, in addition to age ≥60 years, presence of B-symptoms and stage III/IV at diagnosis, was independently correlated with worse OS (HR 2.08; 95% CI 1.36 to 3.18;p = 0.0008) and progression-free survival (HR 1.66; 95% CI 1.11 to 2.46;p = 0.0128). A new prognostic index (NABS score) derived from these factors stratified patients into low (0), low-intermediate (1), high-intermediate (2) and high (3–4) risk subgroups, which were associated with 5-year OS of 76.5%, 55.7%, 29.2% and 0% respectively. In conclusion, high NLR is an independent prognostic marker and the NABS model can be used to risk-stratify NKTL patients.
Stoichiometric optimization of Gata4, Hand2, Mef2c, and Tbx5 expression for contractile cardiomyocyte reprogramming
Authors: Zhang Zhentao , Zhang Wenhui , Nam Young-Jae
Published: October 2019

Reprogramming of fibroblasts to induced cardiomyocyte-like cells (iCMs) offers potential strategies for new cardiomyocyte generation. However, a major challenge of this approach remains its low efficiency for contractile iCMs. Here, we showed that controlled stoichiometric expression of Gata4 (G), Hand2 (H), Mef2c (M), and Tbx5 (T) significantly enhanced contractile cardiomyocyte reprogramming over previously defined stoichiometric expression of GMT or uncontrolled expression of GHMT. We generated quad-cistronic vectors expressing distinct relative protein levels of GHMT within the context of a previously defined splicing order of M-G-T with high Mef2c level. Transduction of the quad-cistronic vector with a splicing order of M-G-T-H (referred to as M-G-T-H) inducing relatively low Hand2 and high Mef2c protein levels not only increased sarcomeric protein induction, but also markedly promoted the development of contractile structures and functions in fibroblasts. The expressed Gata4 and Tbx5 protein levels by M-G-T-H transduction were relatively higher than those by transductions of other quad-cistronic vectors, but lower than those by previously defined M-G-T tri-cistronic vector transduction. Taken together, our results demonstrate the stoichiometric requirement of GHMT expression for structural and functional progresses of cardiomyocyte reprogramming and provide a new basic tool-set for future studies.
Whole genome sequencing of drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from a high burden tuberculosis region of North West Pakistan
Authors: Jabbar Abdul , Phelan Jody E. , de Sessions Paola Florez , Khan Taj Ali , Rahman Hazir , Khan Sadiq Noor , Cantillon Daire M. , Wildner Leticia Muraro , Ali Sajid , Campino Susana , Waddell Simon J. , Clark Taane G.
Published: October 2019

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, is a leading infectious cause of mortality worldwide, including in Pakistan. Drug resistant M. tuberculosis is an emerging threat for TB control, making it important to detect the underlying genetic mutations, and thereby inform treatment decision making and prevent transmission. Whole genome sequencing has emerged as the new diagnostic to reliably predict drug resistance within a clinically relevant time frame, and its deployment will have the greatest impact on TB control in highly endemic regions. To evaluate the mutations leading to drug resistance and to assess for evidence of the transmission of resistant strains, 81 M. tuberculosis samples from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (North West Pakistan) were subjected to whole genome sequencing and standard drug susceptibility testing for eleven anti-TB drugs. We found the majority of M. tuberculosis isolates were the CAS/Delhi strain-type (lineage 3; n = 57; 70.4%) and multi-drug resistant (MDR; n = 62; 76.5%). The most frequent resistance mutations were observed in the katG and rpoB genes, conferring resistance to isoniazid and rifampicin respectively. Mutations were also observed in genes conferring resistance to other first and second-line drugs, including in pncA (pyrazinamide), embB (ethambutol), gyrA (fluoroquinolones), rrs (aminoglycosides), rpsL, rrs and giB (streptomycin) loci. Whilst the majority of mutations have been reported in global datasets, we describe unreported putative resistance markers in katG, ethA (ethionamide), gyrA and gyrB (fluoroquinolones), and pncA. Analysis of the mutations revealed that acquisition of rifampicin resistance often preceded isoniazid in our isolates. We also observed a high proportion (17.6%) of pre-MDR isolates with fluoroquinolone resistance markers, potentially due to unregulated anti-TB drug use. Our isolates were compared to previously sequenced strains from Pakistan in a combined phylogenetic tree analysis. The presence of lineage 2 was only observed in our isolates. Using a cut-off of less than ten genome-wide mutation differences between isolates, a transmission analysis revealed 18 M. tuberculosis isolates clustering within eight networks, thereby providing evidence of drug-resistant TB transmission in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Overall, we have demonstrated that drug-resistant TB isolates are circulating and transmitted in North West Pakistan. Further, we have shown the usefulness of whole genome sequencing as a diagnostic tool for characterizing M. tuberculosis isolates, which will assist future epidemiological studies and disease control activities in Pakistan.
Spatial structure arising from chase-escape interactions with crowding
Authors: Surendran Anudeep , Plank Michael J. , Simpson Matthew J.
Published: October 2019

Movement of individuals, mediated by localised interactions, plays a key role in numerous processes including cell biology and ecology. In this work, we investigate an individual-based model accounting for various intraspecies and interspecies interactions in a community consisting of two distinct species. In this framework we consider one species to be chasers and the other species to be escapees, and we focus on chase-escape dynamics where the chasers are biased to move towards the escapees, and the escapees are biased to move away from the chasers. This framework allows us to explore how individual-level directional interactions scale up to influence spatial structure at the macroscale. To focus exclusively on the role of motility and directional bias in determining spatial structure, we consider conservative communities where the number of individuals in each species remains constant. To provide additional information about the individual-based model, we also present a mathematically tractable deterministic approximation based on describing the evolution of the spatial moments. We explore how different features of interactions including interaction strength, spatial extent of interaction, and relative density of species influence the formation of the macroscale spatial patterns.
Management of mountainous meadows associated with biodiversity attributes, perceived health benefits and cultural ecosystem services
Authors: Hussain Raja Imran , Walcher Ronnie , Eder Renate , Allex Brigitte , Wallner Peter , Hutter Hans-Peter , Bauer Nicole , Arnberger Arne , Zaller Johann G. , Frank Thomas
Published: October 2019

Associations between biodiversity, human health and well-being have never been discussed with reference to agriculturally managed, species-rich mountainous meadows. We evaluated these associations between extensively managed (one mowing a year, no fertilization) and abandoned (no mowing since more than 80 years, no fertilization) semi-dry meadows located in the Austrian and Swiss Alps. We quantified the richness and abundance of plants, grasshoppers, true bugs, bumblebees, syrphids and landscape characteristics in the surroundings of the meadows. Associations between these biodiversity attributes and short-term psychological and physiological human health effects were assessed with 22 participants (10 males, 12 females; mean age 27 years). Participants´ pulse rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were not affected during visits to managed or abandoned meadows. However, perceived health benefits (e.g., stress reduction, attention restoration) were higher during their stays in managed than in abandoned meadows. Also, the attractiveness of the surrounding landscape and the recreation suitability were rated higher when visiting managed meadows. Perceived naturalness was positively correlated with plant richness and flower cover. A positive correlation was found between SBP and forest cover, but SBP was negatively correlated with the open landscape. A negative association was found between grasshoppers and recreational and landscape perceptions. We suggest to discuss biodiversity attributes not only in connection with agricultural management but also with cultural ecosystem services and health benefits to raise more awareness for multifaceted interrelationships between ecosystems and humans.
Isolation of Artemisia capillaris membrane-bound di-prenyltransferase for phenylpropanoids and redesign of artepillin C in yeast
Authors: Munakata Ryosuke , Takemura Tomoya , Tatsumi Kanade , Moriyoshi Eiko , Yanagihara Koki , Sugiyama Akifumi , Suzuki Hideyuki , Seki Hikaru , Muranaka Toshiya , Kawano Noriaki , Yoshimatsu Kayo , Kawahara Nobuo , Yamaura Takao , Grosjean Jérémy , Bourgaud Frédéric , Hehn Alain , Yazaki Kazufumi
Published: October 2019

Plants produce various prenylated phenolic metabolites, including flavonoids, phloroglucinols, and coumarins, many of which have multiple prenyl moieties and display various biological activities. Prenylated phenylpropanes, such as artepillin C (3,5-diprenyl-p-coumaric acid), exhibit a broad range of pharmaceutical effects. To date, however, no prenyltransferases (PTs) involved in the biosynthesis of phenylpropanes and no plant enzymes that introduce multiple prenyl residues to native substrates with different regio-specificities have been identified. This study describes the isolation from Artemisia capillaris of a phenylpropane-specific PT gene, AcPT1, belonging to UbiA superfamily. This gene encodes a membrane-bound enzyme, which accepts p-coumaric acid as its specific substrate and transfers two prenyl residues stepwise to yield artepillin C. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular evolution of this gene family, contributing to the chemical diversification of plant specialized metabolites. These results also enabled the design of a yeast platform for the synthetic biology of artepillin C.
Gold(i)-catalyzed pathway-switchable tandem cycloisomerizations to indolizino[8,7-b]indole and indolo[2,3-a]quinolizine derivatives
Authors: Liu Chengjun , Sun Zenghui , Xie Fukai , Liang Guoduan , Yang Lu , Li Yaqiao , Cheng Maosheng , Lin Bin , Liu Yongxiang
Published: October 2019

A common strategy was developed to access both indolizino[8,7-b]indole and indolo[2,3-a]quinolizine derivatives from tryptamine-N-ethynylpropiolamide substrates in a switchable fashion via tuning both the electronic effects and steric effects.
Assembling a double shell on a diatomite skeleton ternary complex with conductive polypyrrole for the enhancement of supercapacitors
Authors: Li Kailin , Feng Shihao , Jing Chuan , Chen Yuxiang , Liu Xiaoying , Zhang Yuxin , Zhou Liang
Published: October 2019

Double shell FeOOH/PPy on a diatomite ternary complex was assembled via two-step hydrothermal and in situ polymerization routes.
Regulating locations of active sites: a novel strategy to greatly improve the stability of PtAu electrocatalysts
Authors: Xu Suying , Hou Wenjie , Jiang Rui , Li Li , Sheng Tian , Wang Leyu
Published: October 2019

A highly stable PtAu nanocatalyst via rationally regulating the location of Pt and Au active sites was reported.
Preparation of CL-20/TFAZ cocrystals under aqueous conditions: balancing high performance and low sensitivity
Authors: Liu Ning , Duan Binghui , Lu Xianming , Zhang Qian , Xu Minghui , Mo Hongchang , Wang Bozhou
Published: October 2019

CL-20/TFAZ cocrystal explosives were prepared by a self-assembly method under aqueous conditions with both low sensitivity and high detonation performances.
Nanoneedle-decorated NiCo-layered double hydroxide microspheres tuned as high-efficiency electrodes for pseudocapacitors
Authors: Zhang Meng , Song Yajie , Zhao Xiaoying , Guo Ying , Yang Lan , Xu Sailong
Published: October 2019

Nanoneedle-decorated flower-like NiCo-LDH microspheres are tuned by varying the amounts of NH4F, providing tunable electrochemical performance for their use as electrodes for pseudocapacitors.
Computational kinetics of the hydrogen abstraction reactions of n-propanol and iso-propanol by OH radical
Authors: Guo Xuan , Zhang Rui Ming , Gao Lu Gem , Zhang Xin , Xu Xuefei
Published: October 2019

The total reaction rate constants show a significant negative dependence on temperature in the low temperature regime and approach the capture rate for the formation of the pre-reactive complex when temperature is down to the ultracold regime.
Mechanisms for hydrogen evolution on transition metal phosphide catalysts and a comparison to Pt(111)
Authors: Li Chenyang , Gao Hao , Wan Wan , Mueller Tim
Published: October 2019

Cluster expansions and Monte Carlo simulations provide insights into the mechanisms for the hydrogen evolution reaction and the effects of potential and surface coverage on Pt(111) and model transition metal phosphide surfaces.
Lactoferrin promotes bile acid metabolism and reduces hepatic cholesterol deposition by inhibiting the farnesoid X receptor (FXR)-mediated enterohepatic axis
Authors: Ling Chen-Jie , Xu Jia-Ying , Li Yun-Hong , Tong Xing , Yang Huan-Huan , Yang Jing , Yuan Lin-Xi , Qin Li-Qiang
Published: October 2019

Lactoferrin (LF) is a multifunctional glycoprotein that can regulate lipid metabolism, lower cholesterol, reduce body weight, and prevent atherosclerosis.
Attenuation of metabolic syndrome in the ob/ob mouse model by resistant starch intervention is dose dependent
Authors: Wang Anqi , Liu Min , Shang Wenting , Liu Jinguang , Dai Zhen , Strappe Padraig , Zhou Zhongkai
Published: October 2019

The effect of different RS concentrations on the morphology of colon (A), liver (B) and adipose tissue (C).
An integrated process combining the reaction and purification of PEGylated proteins
Authors: Santos João H. P. M. , Mendonça Carlos M. N. , Silva Amanda R. P. , Oliveira Ricardo P. S. , Pessoa Adalberto , Coutinho João A. P. , Ventura Sónia P. M. , Rangel-Yagui Carlota O.
Published: October 2019

An integrated one-pot process was developed for the purification of PEGylated proteins from native proteins through the use of bioconjugated PEGylated proteins as phase components of an aqueous biphasic system used as a purification platform.
Solvent basicity controlled deformylation for the formation of furfural from glucose and fructose
Authors: Asakawa Miyuki , Shrotri Abhijit , Kobayashi Hirokazu , Fukuoka Atsushi
Published: October 2019

Furfural was synthesized from hexose sugars instead of 5-HMF by using polar aprotic solvents with very low basicity.
A novel closed-loop process for the simultaneous recovery of valuable metals and iron from a mixed type of spent lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Chen Xiangping , Li Jiazhu , Kang Duozhi , Zhou Tao , Ma Hongrui
Published: October 2019

Valuable metals and Fe can be simultaneously recovered from spent LIBs to regenerate cathode materials by closed-loop recycling process.
Origami-paper-based device for microvesicle/exosome preconcentration and isolation
Authors: Kim Hyerin , Lee Kyu Hyoung , Han Sung Il , Lee Dongho , Chung Seok , Lee Dohwan , Lee Jeong Hoon
Published: October 2019

An origami-paper-based device was developed for effective preconcentration and isolation of microvesicles/exosomes by ion concentration polarization.
Microfabricated porous layer open tubular (PLOT) column
Authors: Li Maxwell Wei-Hao , She Jinyan , Zhu Hongbo , Li Ziqi , Fan Xudong
Published: October 2019

Development of a porous layer open tubular micro-column for light volatiles analysis enables broader micro-gas chromatography applicability to on-site environmental protection, industrial monitoring, and toxicology.
In situ non-invasive Raman spectroscopic characterisation of succinic acid polymorphism during segmented flow crystallisation
Authors: Pallipurath Anuradha R. , Flandrin Pierre-Baptiste , Wayment Lois E. , Wilson Chick C. , Robertson Karen
Published: October 2019

Non-invasive confocal Raman spectroscopy has been integrated into a highly controllable tri-segmented flow crystallisation environment to uncover the crystallisation pathway from nucleation to crystal growth of the polymorphic compound succinic acid.
An integrative process of the simultaneous catalytic oxidation of NO, Hg0 and toluene from sintering flue gas by the natural ferrous manganese ore
Authors: Shi Ling , Chang Yufeng , Qin Linbo , Huang Xinming , Xing Futang , Chen Wangsheng
Published: October 2019

An integrative process of the simultaneous catalytic oxidation of NO, Hg0 and toluene from sintering flue gas by the natural ferrous manganese ore was studied in fixed bed reactor and in situ DRIFTS.
Making natural products from renewable feedstocks: back to the roots?
Authors: Kühlborn Jonas , Groß Jonathan , Opatz Till
Published: October 2019

This review highlights the utilization of biomass-derived building blocks in the total synthesis of natural products.
3D halos assembled from Fe3O4/Au NPs with enhanced catalytic and optical properties
Authors: Cai Ren , Yang Dan , Lin Keng-Te , Cao Thai Son , Lyv Yifan , Chen Kangfu , Yang Yu , Ge Jia , Xia Lian , Christou George , Zhao Yuliang , Chen Zhuo , Tan Weihong
Published: October 2019

3D halos were fabricated from co-assembly of Fe3O4 and Au NPs of different sizes and shapes by a bottom-up strategy, creating new opportunities to explore assembled materials with enriched functionalities.
Chiroptical study of the bimetal–cysteine hybrid composite: interaction between cysteine and Au/Ag alloyed nanotubes
Authors: Liu Huali , Li Zhen , Yan Yan , Zhao Jiaqi , Wang Yu
Published: October 2019

Cysteine-modified Au/Ag alloyed nanotubes with an extended helical network conformation exhibit higher chiroptical responses due to a stronger local electromagnetic field.
Ferrocene-based hyperbranched poly(phenyltriazolylcarboxylate)s: synthesis by phenylpropiolate-azide polycycloaddition and use as precursors to nanostructured magnetoceramics
Authors: Du Jun , Yuan Wei , Zhang Haoke , Li Hongkun , Li Yongfang , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: October 2019

Ferrocene-based hb-PPTCs with redox activity are readily prepared by the catalyst-free phenylpropiolate-azide polycycloaddition. They could be used as precursors to produce nanostructured magnetoceramics upon pyrolysis.
Mechanism and kinetics of magnetite oxidation under hydrothermal conditions
Authors: Li Zimin , Chanéac Corinne , Berger Gilles , Delaunay Sophie , Graff Anaïs , Lefèvre Grégory
Published: October 2019

Oxidation kinetics of magnetite into hematite depends on temperature and morphology of the ferric oxide phase.
A novel colorimetric sensing platform for the detection ofS. aureuswith high sensitivity and specificity
Authors: Zhang Yun , Shi Shuyou , Xing Jiajia , Tan Wenqing , Zhang Chenguang , Zhang Lin , Yuan Huan , Zhang Miaomiao , Qiao Jinjuan
Published: October 2019

Utilization of dog IgG and chicken anti-protein A IgY as an antibody pair for sensitive and selective detection ofS. aureus.
Recent progress in H2S activated diagnosis and treatment agents
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , An Lu , Tian Qiwei , Cui Kuili
Published: October 2019

This review summarizes the recent advances in H2S detection probes and H2S-activated tumor treatment agents.
Enantioselective hyperporous molecularly imprinted thin film polymers
Authors: Nilsson Sofia M. E. , Suriyanarayanan Subramanian , Kathiravan Subban , Yli-Kauhaluoma Jari , Kotiaho Tapio , Nicholls Ian A.
Published: October 2019

Significant enantioselective recognition has been achieved through the introduction of long range ordered and highly interconnected 300 nm diameter pores in molecularly imprinted polymer matrices.
Melanin-mimetic multicolor and low-toxicity hair dye
Authors: Dong Yingying , Qiu Yan , Gao Die , Zhang Kailian , Zhou Kai , Yin Honggang , Yi Gaoyi , Li Jun , Xia Zhining , Fu Qifeng
Published: October 2019

This study developed novel approaches for melanin-mimetic multicolor and low-toxicity hair dye through rapid deposition of PDA-based coatings on hair.
Synthesis of montbretin A analogues yields potent competitive inhibitors of human pancreatic α-amylase
Authors: Tysoe Christina R. , Caner Sami , Calvert Matthew B. , Win-Mason Anna , Brayer Gary D. , Withers Stephen G.
Published: October 2019

Simplified analogues of montbretin A bind similarly to human alpha amylase and with nanomolar affinity.
A photochromic upconversion nanoarchitecture: towards activatable bioimaging and dual NIR light-programmed singlet oxygen generation
Authors: Mi Yongsheng , Cheng Hong-Bo , Chu Hongqian , Zhao Jian , Yu Mingming , Gu Zhanjun , Zhao Yuliang , Li Lele
Published: October 2019

A novel upconversion nanoarchitecture is designed, whose 980 nm light photosensitized activity could be activated by 808 nm light.
Strong (001) facet-induced growth of multi-hierarchical tremella-like Sn-doped V2O5 for high-performance potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Xing Lidong , Yu Qiyao , Bao Yanping , Chu Jianhua , Han Kun , Chong Shaokun , Lao Cheng-Yen , Lai Feili , Li Ping , Xi Kai , Wang Wei (Alex)
Published: October 2019

A tremella-like Sn-doped V2O5 (denoted as SDVO) is prepared via a solvothermal method for high performance potassium-ion batteries (KIBs). SDVO can improve the electronic conductivity and enhance the capacity and cycle stability of KIBs.