bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fermentation of Cauliflower and White Beans with Lactobacillus plantarum – Impact on Levels of Riboflavin, Folate, Vitamin B12, and Amino Acid Composition
Authors: Thompson H. O. , Önning G. , Holmgren K. , Strandler H. S. , Hultberg M.
Published: March 2020

As diets change in response to ethical, environmental, and health concerns surrounding meat consumption, fermentation has potential to improve the taste and nutritional qualities of plant-based foods. In this study, cauliflower, white beans, and a 50:50 cauliflower-white bean mixture were fermented using different strains of Lactobacillus plantarum. In all treatments containing cauliflower, the pH was reduced to <4 after 18 h, while treatments containing only white beans had an average pH of 4.8 after 18 h. Following fermentation, the riboflavin, folate, and vitamin B12 content of the cauliflower-white bean mixture was measured, and compared against that of an unfermented control. The riboflavin and folate content of the mixture increased significantly after fermentation. Relative to control samples, riboflavin increased by 76–113%, to 91.6 ± 0.6 μg/100 g fresh weight, and folate increased by 32–60%, to 58.8 ± 2.0 μg/100 g fresh weight. For one bacterial strain, L. plantarum 299, a significant 66% increase in vitamin B12 was observed, although the final amount (0.048 ± 0.013 μg/100 g fresh weight) was only a small fraction of recommended daily intake. Measurements of amino acid composition in the mixture revealed small increases in alanine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, and valine in the fermented sample compared to the unfermented control.
Shading effect on physiological parameters and in vitro embryo production of tropical adapted Nellore heifers in integrated crop-livestock-forest systems
Authors: Leite da Silva Wilian Aparecido , Poehland Ralf , Carvalho de Oliveira Caroline , Ribeiro Ferreira Mariane Gabriela Cesar , Garcia de Almeida Ricardo , Cáceres Mirela Brochado Souza , Macedo Gustavo Guerino , da Costa e Silva Eliane Vianna , Alves Fabiana Villa , Nogueira Eriklis , de Andrade Melo-Sterza Fabiana
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of increased shadow supply in integrated crop-livestock-forest systems on in vitro embryonic development and physiological parameters related to stress response in Nellore heifers (Bos indicus). For the study, animals (n = 16) were randomly divided into two groups and kept in areas with different afforestation systems, the integrated crop-livestock-forest (ICLF) and the integrated crop-livestock (ICL) system. The microclimate of the ICLF system provided better comfort conditions than ICL. No differences of respiratory rate, rectal temperature, cortisol, T3, T4, oocyte quality, and cleavage rate between the systems were verified. A higher blastocyst rate was observed in the ICLF (p < 0.05). The results demonstrate that Nellore heifers managed in ICLF during summer in Midwest of Brazil showed higher production of in vitro embryos, without typical changes in its physiological parameters. The results observed in the present study indicate that zebu females are able to respond satisfactorily to the intense heat conditions; however, we believe that the long period to which these animals are exposed to these conditions interferes in the oocyte competence and embryo development.
Bee community response to local and landscape factors along an urban-rural gradient
Authors: Birdshire Kristen R. , Carper Adrian L. , Briles Christy E.
Published: March 2020

Over a third of the world’s crops require insect pollination, and reliance on pollination services for food continues to rise as human populations increase. Furthermore, as interest in urban agriculture has grown, so has a need for studies of urban pollinator ecology and pollination. Analyzing pollinator assemblages along a rural-urban gradient provides powerful mechanistic insight into how urbanization impacts pollinators. Yet, studies examining pollinators along urban-rural gradients are limited and results vary. Since pollinators vary tremendously in life history characteristics and respond to urbanization differently, studies from different regions would improve our understanding of pollinator response to urbanization. This study documents different bee assemblages along a high-plains semi-arid urban-rural gradient in Denver, Colorado, USA. Percent impervious surface was used to define the extent of urbanization at 12 sites and local and landscape characteristics were estimated using field assessments and geospatial analysis. Wild bees were collected and the relationships between urbanization and bee communities were explored using linear modeling. Overall, bee abundance and diversity decreased with increasing urbanization, suggesting that urban areas negatively impact bee communities. However, all bee guilds responded positively to local floral richness and negatively to the degree of landscape urbanization, suggesting that different types of bees responded similarly to urbanization. These findings suggest that providing a greater diversity of floral resources is key to mitigating the negative impacts of urbanization on pollinator communities.
Who Are the Nonusers of Sunscreen, and What Are Their Reasons? Development of a New Item Set
Authors: Diehl Katharina , Schneider Sven , Seuffert Svenja , Greinert Rüdiger , Görig Tatiana
Published: March 2020

Sunscreen use is an important aspect of sun protective behavior. Previous studies revealed deficits in sunscreen use. Our aim was to quantify sunscreen use in a nationwide representative study in Germany as well as to develop and test an item battery on reasons for none use of sunscreen. We analyzed data of the National Cancer Aid Monitoring (NCAM; wave 4; n = 3000, aged 14–45). To describe those who only use sunscreen rarely or never, we used chi2 statistics and logistic regression analysis. In addition, we utilized a newly developed item battery on barriers to sunscreen use. Here, we used Cronbach’s alpha to investigate reliability. In total, 20.7% reported using sunscreen rarely or never. Infrequent or none use of sunscreen was associated with male sex, immigrant background, none or rare sunbathing in summer, and current or past use of sunbeds. Participants with higher skin cancer risk (e.g., pale skin) were less likely to use sunscreen infrequently or never. The major reasons for not using sunscreen were inconvenience and no perceived need for applying sunscreen. Overall, internal consistency of the item battery on potential barriers to sunscreen use was very good (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.865). We found deficits in sunscreen use especially in sunbed users, men, and individuals with immigrant background. Our results give important implications for future prevention and health promotion campaigns on sunscreen use.
Development of Rapid, Sensitive, and Effective Plasmonic Nanosensor for the Detection of Vitamins in Infact Formula and Milk Samples
Authors: Çimen Duygu , Denizli Adil
Published: March 2020

The aim of the present study is to develop a surface plasmon resonance sensor for the detection of vitamin B2, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12 in food samples by using the molecular imprinting technique. The vitamin B2, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12 imprinted and the non-imprinted surface plasmon resonance sensor chip surfaces were characterized by using contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy, ellipsometry, and Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance. The real-time detection of vitamin B2, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12 was analyzed by using aqueous solutions in the concentration range of 0.01 ng/mL − 10 ng/mL for vitamin B2, 0.1 ng/mL − 8.0 ng/mL for vitamin B9, and 0.01 ng/mL − 1.5 ng/mL for vitamin B12. The limit of detection values was calculated as 1.6×10−4ng/mL for vitamin B2, 13.5×10−4ng/mL for vitamin B9, and 2.5×10−4ng/mL for vitamin B12, respectively. Selectivity experiments were performed by using vitamin B1 and vitamin B6. The reproducibility of surface plasmon resonance sensors was investigated both on the same day and on different days for four times. Validation studies of the prepared surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors were performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
Combination of versatile platforms for the development of synthetic biology
Authors: Chen Baizhu , Dai Zhuojun
Published: March 2020

Background

Synthetic biology has attracted enormous attention in recent years. A key focus of synthetic biology is to utilize modular biological building blocks to assemble the cell‐based circuits.

Results

Scientists have programmed the living organisms using these circuits to attain multiple, delicate and well‐defined functions. With the integration of tools or technologies from other disciplines, these rewired cells can achieve even more complex tasks.

Conclusions

In this review, we will focus on the recent achievements in new materials and devices assembly, next generation therapeutics development and versatile manufacturing by combining the synthetic gene circuits, various tools and technologies from multiple fields, such as printing technology, material engineering and electronic engineering.
The relationship between malnutrition risk and inflammatory biomarkers in outpatient geriatric population
Authors: Fatyga Paulina , Pac Agnieszka , Fedyk-Łukasik Małgorzata , Grodzicki Tomasz , Skalska Anna
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Malnutrition is an underestimated, but significant problem among older persons. It is described as a consequence of genetic and environmental factors, lack of physical activity, and co-morbidities. However, a key role of a geriatrician is to further explore the multidimensional complexity of this issue. The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between nutritional status and different factors, particularly focusing on inflammatory biomarkers.

Methods

Nutritional status was assessed using Mini-Nutritional-Assessment with a score below 24 (out of 30) defined as malnutrition. Different serum biomarkers of inflammation were measured, such as High-Sensitivity-C-Reactive-Protein (hsCRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Interleukin-18(IL-18), osteoprotegerin(OPG), and Soluble-Receptor-For-TNF-alfa(sTNFRII). Medical history, mental status (Mini-Mental-State-Examination, Geriatric-Depression-Scale) and activities of daily living (using Instrumental-Activities-of-Daily-Living-Scale) were used in the evaluation. The relationship between nutritional status and the factors listed was assessed.

Results

The mean age of 76 examined persons (40.8% female) from the outpatient clinic was 71 years. Malnutrition risk was recognized in 29%. The following factors significant in univariate regression were used in stepwise regression analysis: age, sex, mental status (MMSE, GDS), valve disease, number of diseases, IADL. Stepwise regression revealed that the risk of malnutrition was increased by the presence of valve disease, number of diseases, and female sex. Factors that increased the risk of malnutrition were: logsTNFRII (OR = 3.09; 95% CI 1.07–8.96), IL-8 (OR = 1.09; 95% CI 1.00–1.18), and OPG (OR = 1.27; 95% CI 1.02–1.57). Risk of malnutrition was negatively associated with Il-18(OR = 0.995; 95% CI 0.991–0.999).

Conclusions

Chronic inflammation and immunologic process are likely contributors to the complex etiopathogenesis of malnutrition in older persons.
Considerable variability in antibiotic use among US children’s hospitals in 2017–2018
Authors: Griffith Hannah G. , Dantuluri Keerti , Thurm Cary , Williams Derek J. , Banerjee Ritu , Howard Leigh M. , Grijalva Carlos G.
Published: March 2020

Objective:

To characterize the prevalence of and seasonal and regional variation in inpatient antibiotic use among hospitalized US children in 2017–2018.

Design:

We conducted a cross-sectional examination of hospitalized children. The assessments were conducted on a single day in spring (May 3, 2017), summer (August 2, 2017), fall (October 25, 2017), and winter (January 31, 2018). The main outcome of interest was receipt of an antibiotic on the study day.

Setting:

The study included 51 freestanding US children’s hospitals that participate in the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS).

Patients:

This study included all patients <18 years old who were admitted to a participating PHIS hospital, excluding patients who were admitted solely for research purposes.

Results:

Of 52,769 total hospitalized children, 19,174 (36.3%) received antibiotics on the study day and 6,575 of these (12.5%) received broad-spectrum antibiotics. The overall prevalence of antibiotic use varied across hospitals from 22.3% to 51.9%. Antibiotic use prevalence was 29.2% among medical patients and 47.7% among surgical patients. Although there was no significant seasonal variation in antibiotic use prevalence, regional prevalence varied, ranging from 32.7% in the Midwest to 40.2% in the West (P< .001). Among units, pediatric intensive care unit patients had the highest prevalence of both overall and broad-spectrum antibiotic use at 58.3% and 26.6%, respectively (P< .001).

Conclusions:

On any given day in a national network of children’s hospitals, more than one-third of hospitalized children received an antibiotic, and 1 in 8 received a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Variation across hospitals, setting and regions identifies potential opportunities for enhanced antibiotic stewardship activities.
Current status in resistance to ACCase and ALS-inhibiting herbicides in rigid ryegrass populations from cereal crops in North of Tunisia
Authors: Khammassi Messaad , Hajri Haifa , Menchari Yosra , Chaabane Hanane , Souissi Touraya
Published: March 2020

A survey of the prevalence of rigid ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) resistant to ACCase and ALS herbicides was conducted in major-cereal growing regions in the north of Tunisia. Randomly collected ryegrass populations were assessed, using the Syngenta RISQ®test, for resistance to clodinafop-propargyl, iodosulphuron + mesosulphuron and pinoxaden. Of the 177 tested populations, 58% exhibited resistance to clodinafop-propargyl and 52% to iodosulphuron + mesosulphuron, with 40% exhibiting resistance to both herbicides. Significant variations in the frequencies of rigid ryegrass resistant to clodinafop-propargyl and/or iodosulphuron + mesosulphuron were observed between surveyed regions which may be the result of differences in the history of herbicide use. Over 50% of resistant populations contained 60% of resistant plants or more, indicating the extent of resistance evolution in these regions. Our study demonstrates that the extent of resistance to ACCase and ALS-inhibiting herbicides in rigid ryegrass is widespread in major cereal-growing regions of Tunisia. Therefore, weed management must be focused on reducing the frequency of herbicide application, using multiple herbicide mechanisms of action, rotating different modes of action and integrating alternative control options.
Description and phylogenetic analyses of ribosomal transcription units from species of Fasciolidae (Platyhelminthes: Digenea)
Authors: Le T.H. , Pham K.L.T. , Doan H.T.T. , Le T.K. Xuyen , Nguyen K.T. , Lawton S.P.
Published: March 2020

Many members of Fasciolidae are common trematodes in cattle, buffaloes, sheep, elephants, pigs, with some capable of infecting humans also. In this study, the complete or near-complete sequences of ribosomal transcription unit (rTU or rDNA), each ofFasciola hepatica(Australia),Fascioloides jacksoni(Sri Lanka),Fasciolopsis buski(Vietnam) and three isolates ofF. gigantica(Vietnam), were obtained and characterized. The full length of rDNA for eachF. hepatica, ‘hybrid’Fasciolasp.,Fas. jacksoniandFa. Buski, was 7657 bp, 7966 bp, 7781 bp and 8361 bp, with the complete intergenic spacer region (IGS) (862 bp, 1170 bp, 987 bp and 561 bp), respectively. The rDNA of two ‘pure’F. giganticaisolates from Vietnam was 6794 bp with unsequenced IGS. For 28S rRNA genes theFasciolaspp. are equal, 1958 bp for 18S, 160 bp for 5.8S, 3863 bp and 454 bp for ITS1 but ITS2 differ by one nucleotide (Thymine) (359 or 360 bp). The ITS1 of thesensu lato Fa. buskihas some distinguishable features, 286 bp for ITS2, 3862 bp for 28S and four repeat units of 356–361 bp each found in ITS1. The 28S rDNA analysis showed the lowest level of divergence (0–0.57%) betweenF. hepaticaandF. giganticaand higher (2.23–2.62%) and highest (6–6.42%) forFas. jacksoniandFasciolopsis, respectively. The tree of 43 strains/species clearly produced a well-supported phylogeny, where 18 fasciolids consistently grouped, forming a discrete Fasciolidae clade, distinct from Philophthalmidae, Echinostomatidae and Echinochasmidae in Echinostomatoidea.Fascioloides jacksoniis outsideFasciolaspp.: basal withFas. magna, as previously demonstrated.
Chaya Czernowin, Heart Chamber, Deutsche Oper Berlin, 15 November 2019.
Authors: Hunt Edmund
Published: March 2020

A man and a woman fall in love: of all operatic clichés, this is surely one of the most perennial. However, even before the curtain was raised at the Deutsche Oper, there were indications that there was much more to Heart Chamber than this simplification might suggest. Indeed, the trajectory of Chaya Czernowin's previous three operas, beginning with Pnima … Ins Innere (1998–99), followed by Zaïde / Adama (2004–05) and most recently Infinite Now (2016), which was reviewed in issue 282 of this publication, shows that this is a composer who seeks to explore and question the very nature of opera whenever she works within the genre.
Hanna Hartman, Hurricane Season. hcmf//, 17 November 2019
Authors: Erwin Max
Published: March 2020

After occasional previous engagements in the north of England, including a particularly memorable performance at Distractfold's Cut & Splice Festival in 2017, Hanna Hartman was engaged as composer in residence for hcmf's 41st iteration. Hurricane Season, a world premiere, was also an hcmf// commission. It was for objects, electronics, amplification, magnified projection and a rather large-sized magnet (or perhaps more than one), which I imagine most of the commission fee was spent on getting through international customs. The aural component of the piece was fairly unremittingly scratchy and granular, the sort of soundscape one might expect to hear if holding a stethoscope to a dead tree filled with insects. And it was certainly a soundscape – the sounds seemed to result not so much from the motions and frictions of the different materials (though, I assume, most of them actually did come from this) but hover around the space cavernously as a sort of underscoring to the action. Hartman's preoccupation with exploding the finest grains of material was here achieved at once aurally and visually, with the mega-enlarged projection complimenting the various gradations of scrapes and squeaks of the moving objects. I'm coming to this from a New Music perspective, so my frame of reference here is more Mikrophonie than Child of Tree, but one could just as easily go down the route of reading Hurricane Season through the more experimental tradition of allotting objects an aural agency which might be overlooked otherwise.
Vernacularizing Justice: Age of Consent and a Legal History of the British Empire
Authors: Pande Ishita
Published: March 2020

This is a commentary on five papers included in a forum on the age of consent on the British Empire
The deubiquitinase OTUB1 augments NF-κB-dependent immune responses in dendritic cells in infection and inflammation by stabilizing UBC13
Authors: Mulas Floriana , Wang Xu , Song Shanshan , Nishanth Gopala , Yi Wenjing , Brunn Anna , Larsen Pia-Katharina , Isermann Berend , Kalinke Ulrich , Barragan Antonio , Naumann Michael , Deckert Martina , Schlüter Dirk
Published: March 2020

Dendritic cells (DCs) are indispensable for defense against pathogens but may also contribute to immunopathology. Activation of DCs upon the sensing of pathogens by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) is largely mediated by pattern recognition receptor/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling and depends on the appropriate ubiquitination of the respective signaling molecules. However, the ubiquitinating and deubiquitinating enzymes involved and their interactions are only incompletely understood. Here, we reveal that the deubiquitinase OTU domain, ubiquitin aldehyde binding 1 (OTUB1) is upregulated in DCs upon murine Toxoplasmagondii infection and lipopolysaccharide challenge. Stimulation of DCs with the TLR11/12 ligand T. gondii profilin and the TLR4 ligand lipopolysaccharide induced an increase in NF-κB activation in OTUB1-competent cells, resulting in elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production, which was also observed upon the specific stimulation of TLR2, TLR3, TLR7, and TLR9. Mechanistically, OTUB1 promoted NF-κB activity in DCs by K48-linked deubiquitination and stabilization of the E2-conjugating enzyme UBC13, resulting in increased K63-linked ubiquitination of IRAK1 (IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 1) and TRAF6 (TNF receptor-associated factor 6). Consequently, DC-specific deletion of OTUB1 impaired the production of cytokines, in particular IL-12, by DCs over the first 2 days of T. gondii infection, resulting in the diminished production of protective interferon-γ (IFN-γ) by natural killer cells, impaired control of parasite replication, and, finally, death from chronic T.encephalitis, all of which could be prevented by low-dose IL-12 treatment in the first 3 days of infection. In contrast, impaired OTUB1-deficient DC activation and cytokine production by OTUB1-deficient DCs protected mice from lipopolysaccharide-induced immunopathology. Collectively, these findings identify OTUB1 as a potent novel regulator of DCs during infectious and inflammatory diseases.
In-situ Monitoring on Micro-hardness of Laser Molten Zone on AISI4140 Steel by Spectral Analysis
Authors: Wang Siyu , Wang Yichen , Liu Changsheng , Mazumder Jyoti
Published: March 2020

The real-time monitoring technology plays a significant role in the field of laser aided manufacturing. It not only ensures the product quality, but also saves time and expenditure on the subsequent testing. To develop a method to monitor the properties of laser molten zone, in this paper, the AISI4140 steel samples were melted by laser with different parameters. At the same time, the plasma spectra were detected during real-time laser processing. The evolutions for both emission spectra and hardness of molten zone were researched in this work. To correlate the intensity of spectral line with the hardness of molten zone, the method of dimensionless analysis was used in this experiment. As the results shown, in a dimensionless system, there was a linear correlation between dimensionless micro-hardness of molten zone (H*) and dimensionless laser energy density(ln(δ*)); the dimensionless micro-hardness could be expressed by a piecewise function using dimensionless intensity of Fe I spectral lines(I*), dimensionless velocity(v*) and dimensionless laser energy density as variables; depending on the quantitative relation among all dimensionless, a monitoring system of hardness of molten zone was established; by testing under different parameters of laser processing, the mean error of prediction is lower than 3.1%. It means the emission spectroscopy can be a potential way to monitor the properties of parts prepared by laser processing.
Author Correction: Comparison of pressure- and volume-controlled ventilation during laparoscopic colectomy in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Choi Sangbong , Yang So Young , Choi Geun Joo , Kim Beom Gyu , Kang Hyun
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Loss of Estrogen Receptors is Associated with Increased Tumor Aggression in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Verma Anjali , Schwartz Nofrat , Cohen David J. , Patel Vaidehi , Nageris Benny , Bachar Gideon , Boyan Barbara. D. , Schwartz Zvi
Published: March 2020

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) responds to 17β-estradiol via estrogen-receptor (ER, transcribed from ESR1) dependent mechanisms, but is not recognized as a hormonally responsive cancer. 17β-estradiol production by LSCC cell lines UM-SCC-11A and UM-SCC-12 was examined. Wild type (WT) and ESR1-silenced LSCC cultures and xenografts were examined for 17β-estradiol responsiveness in vivo. 14 LSCC and surrounding epithelial samples at various pathological stages were obtained from patients; ERα and ERβ expression were verified using data from the total cancer genome atlas. UM-SCC-11A and UM-SCC-12 both produce 17β-estradiol, but only UM-SCC-12, not UM-SCC-11A, xenograft tumors grow larger in vivo in response to systemic 17β-estradiol treatments. ERα66 and ERα36 expression inversely correlated with clinical cancer stage and tumor burden. LSCC ERα66 expression was higher compared to surrounding epithelia in indolent samples but lower in aggressive LSCC. ERβ expression was highly variable. High ESR1 expression correlated with improved survival in LSCC. Loss of ERα66 expression inversely correlated with prognosis in LSCC. ERα66 may be a histopathological marker of aggression in LSCC.
Peripheral perfusion index percentiles for healthy newborns by gestational age and sex in China
Authors: Hu Xiao-jing , Ding Jin-xiang , Wang Ying , Niu Conway , Zhang Yi , Zhao Qu-ming , Yan Wei-li , Cao Yun , Huang Guo-ying
Published: March 2020

Peripheral perfusion index (PPI) percentiles for newborns serve as an important observation tool in clinical practice, but research pertaining to reference ranges are lacking. The aim of this study was to establish PPI percentiles for healthy newborns by gestational age and sex at 24–48 hours of life. We conducted an observational study and examined PPI values at 24–48 hours of life in 3814 asymptomatic newborns born between 35 and 41 weeks gestation who did not need medical treatment from June 1, 2016 to May 31, 2017 at two maternity hospitals in Shanghai. Linear regression analysis was carried out on the associations between PPI values and variables such as gestational age, sex, and birthweight. Pre-ductal PPI values linearly increased with gestational age (β: 0.072; 95% CI: 0.037, 0.107; P = 0.000). Post-ductal PPI values were also mainly related to gestational age (β: 0.051; 95% CI: 0.018, 0.085; P = 0.003). Smoothed reference curves for pre- and post-ductal PPI values by gestational age and sex were derived from LMS Chart Maker. Our study is the first study to establish PPI percentiles curves for healthy newborns by gestational age and sex at 24–48 hours of life. Further research is required for the implementation of PPI curves into clinical practice.
Erosion characteristics of different reclaimed substrates on iron tailings slopes under simulated rainfall
Authors: Lv Chunjuan , Bi Rutian , Guo Xingxing , Chen Dan , Guo Yansong , Xu Zhanjun
Published: March 2020

Water-induced erosion of iron tailings is a serious problem affecting ecological restoration, but, little is known about how the occurrence of erosion on tailings slopes and types of reclaimed substrates that are beneficial to reducing slope erosion. This study measured the slope erosion characteristics of six reclaimed substrates including loose tailings (LT), crusty tailings (CT), tailings incorporating mushroom residues (TM), tailings incorporating soil (TS), tailings incorporating soil and mushroom residues (TSM) and soil (S) in experimental soil flumes under three simulated intermittent rainfall events, with intensity of 60, 90 and 120 mm h−1 for the first, second and third event, respectively. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in erosion characteristics among the six reclaimed substrates. TM had the lowest sediment yield but the highest runoff volume without obvious rills. LT, CT and TS had the highest sediment yield rates and severe slope erosion morphology. With the increased number of rainfall events, the runoff rates of the six substrates all increased, but only the sediment yield rates of LT, CT and TS increased, the sediment yield rates of other substrates increased first and then decreased. Therefore, adding agricultural organic wastes such as mushroom residues to tailings and reducing soil addition may be an effective way to reduce erosion and promote ecological restoration in soilless tailings areas.
Effect of VCP modulators on gene expression profiles of retinal ganglion cells in an acute injury mouse model
Authors: Hasegawa Tomoko , Ikeda Hanako Ohashi , Gotoh Norimoto , Iida Kei , Iwai Sachiko , Nakano Noriko , Kakizuka Akira , Tsujikawa Akitaka
Published: March 2020

In glaucoma, retinal ganglion cells are damaged, leading to the progressive constriction of the visual field. We have previously shown that the valosin-containing protein (VCP) modulators, Kyoto University Substance (KUS)121 and KUS187, prevent the death of retinal ganglion cells in animal models of glaucoma, including the one generated by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced neurotoxicity. KUSs appeared to avert endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by maintaining ATP levels, resulting in the protection of ganglion cells from cell death. To further elucidate the protective mechanisms of KUSs, we examined gene expression profiles in affected ganglion cells. We first injected KUS-treated mice with NMDA and then isolated the affected retinal ganglion cells using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Gene expression in the cells was quantified using a next-generation sequencer. Resultantly, we found that KUS121 upregulated several genes involved in energy metabolism. In addition, we observed the upregulation of Zfp667, which has been reported to suppress apoptosis-related genes and prevent cell death. These results further support the suitability of KUS121 as a therapeutic drug in protecting retinal ganglion cells in ophthalmic disorders, such as glaucoma.
Author Correction: Lossy mode resonance sensors based on lateral light incidence in nanocoated planar waveguides
Authors: Fuentes Omar , Del Villar Ignacio , Corres Jesus M. , Matias Ignacio R.
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 non-lethal SPME-LC/MS method for the analysis of plastic-associated contaminants in coral reef invertebrates
Authors: Saliu Francesco , Montano Simone , Hoeksema Bert W. , Lasagni Marina , Galli Paolo
Published: March 2020

A non-lethal SPME-LC/MS procedure to detect plastic associated contaminants in coral reef invertebrates.
Toward crystalline porosity estimators for porous molecules
Authors: Gómez García Ismael , Haranczyk Maciej
Published: March 2020

Our data-mining of crystalline molecular materials reveals the correlations between the molecular and crystalline porosity.
On the microscopic origin of the cryoprotective effect in lysine solutions
Authors: Henao Andrés , Ruiz Guadalupe N. , Steinke Nicola , Cerveny Silvina , Macovez Roberto , Guàrdia Elvira , Busch Sebastian , McLain Sylvia E. , Lorenz Christian D. , Pardo Luis Carlos
Published: March 2020

Lysine cryoprotective properties are due to the tight bonding of the first hydration Shell to the amino acid. However this effect is only possible for concentration up to 5.4 water molecules per lysine.
Defect chemistry of donor-doped BaTiO3with BaO-excess for reduction resistant PTCR thermistor applications – redox-behaviour
Authors: Pithan Christian , Katsu Hayato , Waser Rainer
Published: March 2020

The electrical conductivity of donor-doped BaTiO3thermistor ceramics with excessive BaO revealing a reduction-persistent PTCR effect has been carefully examined depending on materials’ composition and oxygen partial pressure at moderate temperatures between 973 and 1273 K.
Ferroelectricity and multiferroicity in two-dimensional Sc2P2Se6 and ScCrP2Se6 monolayers
Authors: Feng Xukun , Liu Jian , Ma Xikui , Zhao Mingwen
Published: March 2020

From first-principles calculations, a ferroelectric material Sc2P2Se6 monolayer and a multiferroic material ScCrP2Se6 monolayer with tunable ferroelectricity and magnetism are predicted.
Peptide macrocyclization by transition metal catalysis
Authors: Rivera Daniel G. , Ojeda-Carralero Gerardo M. , Reguera Leslie , Van der Eycken Erik V.
Published: March 2020

Peptide macrocyclization continues expanding with the development of novel transition metal-catalyzed reactions capable of both introducing conformational constraints and generating diversity at the ring-closing moiety.
A comprehensive overview of the medicinal chemistry of antifungal drugs: perspectives and promise
Authors: Howard Kaitlind C. , Dennis Emily K. , Watt David S. , Garneau-Tsodikova Sylvie
Published: March 2020

The emergence of new fungal pathogens makes the development of new antifungal drugs a medical imperative that in recent years motivates the talents of numerous investigators across the world.
The role of carbon-based materials in enhancing the stability of perovskite solar cells
Authors: Hadadian Mahboubeh , Smått Jan-Henrik , Correa-Baena Juan-Pablo
Published: March 2020

Enhancing the stability of perovskite solar cells is crucial to the deployment of this technology. Carbon-based materials are promising candidates for providing long-term stable perovskite solar cells suitable for commercialization.
Stability and accuracy improvement of elements in water using LIBS with geometric constraint liquid-to-solid conversion
Authors: Ma Shixiang , Tang Yun , Ma Yuyang , Chen Feng , Zhang Deng , Dong Daming , Wang Zhenzhen , Guo Lianbo
Published: March 2020

The stability and accuracy of detection elements in water can be improved by using LIBS with geometric constraint liquid-to-solid conversion.
One-pot synthesis of dual supramolecular associative copolymers by using a novel acrylate monomer bearing urethane and pendant pyridine groups
Authors: Oba Yuta , Hayashi Mikihiro , Takasu Akinori
Published: March 2020

A highly efficient, one-pot synthesis of dual supramolecular associative copolymers is demonstrated by utilizing a novel acrylate monomer bearing urethane and pendant pyridine groups.
Interaction of cellulose and nitrodopamine coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with alpha-lactalbumin
Authors: Mohammadi Fakhrossadat , Moeeni Marzieh , Li Chengnan , Boukherroub Rabah , Szunerits Sabine
Published: March 2020

The adsorption of BLA on the SPIOns, and their non-toxic nature of the bioconjugate make these nanoparticles new model nanostructures for nanomedicine orientated applications.
Facile synthesis of fluorescent tungsten oxide quantum dots for telomerase detection based on the inner filter effect
Authors: Zhang Li , Chen Jia-Qing , Hong Ming-Fang , Liang Ru-Ping , Qiu Jian-Ding
Published: March 2020

A facile method has been proposed for the fabrication of fluorescent tungsten oxide quantum dots (WOx QDs) that have been employed for telomerase sensing based on the fluorescence changes in the inner filter effect between WOx QDs and hemin.
Palladium-catalyzed remote C–H functionalization of 2-aminopyrimidines
Authors: Das Animesh , Jana Akash , Maji Biplab
Published: March 2020

A straightforward strategy was developed for the arylation and olefination at the C5-position of the N-(alkyl)pyrimidin-2-amine core with readily available aryl halides and alkenes, respectively.
Stereo- and regio-selective synthesis of silicon-containing diborylalkenesviaplatinum-catalyzed mono-lateral diboration of dialkynylsilanes
Authors: Long Peng-Wei , Xie Jia-Le , Yang Jing-Jing , Lu Si-Qi , Xu Zheng , Ye Fei , Xu Li-Wen
Published: March 2020

A phosphine-assisted platinum-catalyzed mono-lateral diboration of dialkynylsilanes for the construction of silicon-tethered alkynyl diborylalkenes with or without silicon-stereogenic centers is described.
Nickel-catalyzed carboxylation of aryl iodides with lithium formate through catalytic CO recycling
Authors: Wu Ya-Nan , Fu Ming-Chen , Shang Rui , Fu Yao
Published: March 2020

A protocol for the Ni-catalyzed carboxylation of aryl iodides with formate has been developed with good functional group compatibility for the synthesis of a variety of aromatic carboxylic acids under mild conditions.
A biosensor based on multifunctional allostery for dynamic analysis of circulating tumor DNA
Authors: Lu Xing , Wang Liqian , Chen Qingxue , Wang Yulan , Cao Zhenxiong , Zhou Guobao , Li Lei
Published: March 2020

Multifunctional allosterically regulated DNA molecule beacon assay was applied to engineer a single-step, amplified and dynamic biosensor for controllable analyses of ctDNA.
Hydroisocyanurates X2Y(H2C3N3O3)4·4H2O (X = K, Cs; Y = Zn, Cd) with large birefringence stemming from π-conjugated (H2C3N3O3)−anions
Authors: Kang Kaijin , Meng Xianghe , Liang Fei , Tang Jian , Zeng Tixian , Yin Wenlong , Lin Zheshuai , Xia Mingjun
Published: March 2020

A series of new hydroisocyanurates X2Y(H2C3N3O3)4·4H2O (X = K, Cs; Y = Zn, Cd) with large birefringence resulting from the π-conjugated (H2C3N3O3)−unit have been obtained.
Engineering of a new single-crystal multi-ionic fast and high-light-yield scintillation material (Gd0.5–Y0.5)3Al2Ga3O12:Ce,Mg
Authors: Korzhik Mikhail , Alenkov Vladimir , Buzanov Oleg , Dosovitskiy Georgy , Fedorov Andrei , Kozlov Dmitry , Mechinsky Vitaly , Nargelas Saulius , Tamulaitis Gintautas , Vaitkevičius Augustas
Published: March 2020

A single crystal scintillation material (Gd0.5–Y0.5)3Al2Ga3O12 (GYAGG) doped with Ce and codoped with Mg at a small concentration was grown by the Czochralski technique and studied for its scintillation properties for the first time.
Chemical bath deposition of transparent ZnO films incorporated with erythrosine B molecules and their synergetic electro/photochromic properties
Authors: Yumiyama Ryousuke , Hyakutake Daiki , Hagiwara Manabu , Hosono Eiji , Matsuda Hirofumi , Fujihara Shinobu
Published: March 2020

Synergetic electro/photochromism was observed in transparent erythrosine B/ZnO hybrid films fabricated by a chemical bath deposition method.
Adiabatic motion and statistical mechanicsviamass-zero constrained dynamics
Authors: Bonella Sara , Coretti Alessandro , Vuilleumier Rodolphe , Ciccotti Giovanni
Published: March 2020

A symplectic, time-reversible algorithm for adiabatically separated systems that exactly samples the Born–Oppenheimer probability distribution is presented and its numerical efficiency is demonstrated on an orbital-free DFT simulation of solid Na.
Quick-EXAFS and Raman monitoring of activation, reaction and deactivation of NiCu catalysts obtained from hydrotalcite-like precursors
Authors: Passos Aline Ribeiro , La Fontaine Camille , Pulcinelli Sandra Helena , Santilli Celso Valentim , Briois Valérie
Published: March 2020

MCR-ALS analysis of Quick-EXAFS combined to Raman provide insight into activation/reactivity and deactivation of NiCu-catalysts used for Ethanol Steam Reforming.
The effect of pulse duration on nanoparticle generation in pulsed laser ablation in liquids: insights from large-scale atomistic simulations
Authors: Shih Cheng-Yu , Shugaev Maxim V. , Wu Chengping , Zhigilei Leonid V.
Published: March 2020

The effect of the laser pulse duration on the nanoparticle generation in laser ablation in liquids is investigated; three mechanisms operating at different stages of the ablation process and in different parts of the cavitation bubble are identified.
Selective catalytic oxidation of ammonia over nano Cu/zeolites with different topologies
Authors: Wang Hao , Zhang Runduo , Liu Yiyun , Li Peixin , Chen Hongxia , Wang Feng Ryan , Teoh Wey Yang
Published: March 2020

The implementation of selective catalytic oxidation of ammonia (NH3-SCO) in automobile and stationary exhausts treatment allows the possibility to inject excess amount of NH3 to fully reduce NOx molecules as part of the solution toward achieving zero NOx emissions.
Identifying the liquid and glassy states of coordination polymers and metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Bumstead Alice M. , Thorne Michael F. , Bennett Thomas D.
Published: March 2020

Melting, glass formation, amorphisation and crystallisation were confirmed in coordination polymers and metal–organic frameworks by differential scanning calorimetry.
Integration of bio-responsive silver in 1D photonic crystals: towards the colorimetric detection of bacteria
Authors: Paternò Giuseppe M. , Moscardi Liliana , Donini Stefano , Ross Aaron M. , Pietralunga Silvia M. , Dalla Vedova Nicholas , Normani Simone , Kriegel Ilka , Lanzani Guglielmo , Scotognella Francesco
Published: March 2020

Colorimetric read-out of a silver/1D photonic crystal upon exposure to E. coli.
Alkene versus alkyne reactivity in unactivated 1,6-enynes: regio- and chemoselective radical cyclization with chalcogens under metal- and oxidant-free conditions
Authors: Mutra Mohana Reddy , Kudale Vishal Suresh , Li Jing , Tsai Wu-Hsun , Wang Jeh-Jeng
Published: March 2020

Substituted pyrrolidine derivatives are obtained via regio- and chemoselective 5-exo-dig radical cyclization of unactivated 1,6-enynes with chalcogens under metal- and oxidant-free conditions.
Synthesis of bioderived polycarbonates with adjustable molecular weights catalyzed by phenolic-derived ionic liquids
Authors: Qian Wei , Liu Lei , Zhang Zengliang , Su Qian , Zhao Weizhen , Cheng Weiguo , Dong Li , Yang Zifeng , Bai Ruibing , Xu Fei , Zhang Yanqiang , Zhang Suojiang
Published: March 2020

Phenolic ionic liquid structure can be designed readily to control the molecular weight of isosorbide-derived polycarbonates.
An improved separation scheme for Sr through fluoride coprecipitation combined with a cation-exchange resin from geological samples with high Rb/Sr ratios for high-precision determination of Sr isotope ratios
Authors: Liu Wen-Gang , Wei Shuang , Zhang Jian , Ao Cong , Liu Fu-Tian , Cai Bin , Zhou Hong-Ying , Yang Ji-Long , Li Chao-Feng
Published: March 2020

A new separation method for Sr involving HF coprecipitation combined with AG50 resin from samples with high Rb/Sr ratios.
An overview of the recent synthesis and functionalization methods of saponite clay
Authors: Carniato Fabio , Gatti Giorgio , Bisio Chiara
Published: March 2020

In this overview, a summary on the most common intercalation compounds based on saponite clays is reported. The attention is also focused on the one-pot methods for the production of functional saponite clays for different applications.
Design, preparation and characterization of aerogel NiO–CuO–CoO/SiO2nanocomposite as a reusable catalyst for C–N cross-coupling reaction
Authors: Ghasemi Amir Hossein , Naeimi Hossein
Published: March 2020

The aerogel nanocomposite produces using the sol–gel and supercritical drying method processes. The CO2supercritical drying (SCD) was taken as the most powerful process, ensuring the best properties of the product.
Amphiphilic fluorescent carbon nanodots as a selective nanoprobe for nitrite and tetracycline both in aqueous and organic solutions
Authors: Omer Khalid M. , Idrees Shinwar A. , Hassan Aso Q. , Jamil Lazgin A.
Published: March 2020

The dispersibility of carbon dots in organic and/or aqueous solvents plays a critical role in various application fields.
On the scope of SuFEx as a bioorthogonal click process
Authors: Marra Alberto , Nativi Cristina , Dondoni Alessandro
Published: March 2020

Coupling of sulfonyl fluorides, fluorosulfates and iminosulfur oxydifluorides with proteins gave the corresponding sulfonamide, sulfamate and sulfamide adducts under mild conditions.
One-dimensional lanthanide coordination polymers supported by pentadentate Schiff-base and diphenyl phosphate ligands: single molecule magnet behavior and photoluminescence
Authors: Peng Guo , Chen Yue , Li Bo
Published: March 2020

Four one-dimensional lanthanide coordination polymers constructed from Ln2 dimers showing single molecule magnet behavior and photoluminescence are reported.
Simultaneous sensitive analysis of Cd(ii), Pb(ii) and As(iii) using a dual-channel anodic stripping voltammetry approach
Authors: Bu Lijuan , Xie Qingji , Ming Hai
Published: March 2020

A dual-channel anodic stripping voltammetry protocol is proposed for the simultaneous detection of trace heavy metals in one experiment with high sensitivity.
Multifunctional ultrasmall-MoS2/graphene composites for high sulfur loading Li–S batteries
Authors: Tang Tianyu , Zhang Teng , Zhao Lina , Zhang Biao , Li Wei , Xu Junjie , Zhang Long , Qiu Hailong , Hou Yanglong
Published: March 2020

The utilization of hosts with uniform dispersion of sulfur and multifunctional parts which can interact strongly with polysulfides facilitates the improved performance of Li–S batteries.
Discrete boronate ester ladders from the dynamic covalent self-assembly of oligo(phenylene ethynylene) derivatives and phenylenebis(boronic acid)
Authors: Drogkaris Vasileios , Northrop Brian H.
Published: March 2020

Reversible boronate ester chemistry enables the controlled, dynamic self-assembly of olig(phenylene ethynylene)s into highly conjugated ladder frameworks.
Loss of core fucosylation in both ST6GAL1 and its substrate enhances glycoprotein sialylation in mice
Authors: Huang Guoling , Li Zhi , Li Yuqing , Liu Gang , Sun Shijie , Gu Jianguo , Kameyama Akihiko , Li Wenzhe , Dong Weijie
Published: March 2020

Fucosyltransferase 8 (FUT8) and β-galactoside α-2,6-sialyltransferase 1 (ST6GAL1) are glycosyltransferases that catalyze α1,6-fucosylation and α2,6-sialylation, respectively, in the mammalian N-glycosylation pathway. They are aberrantly expressed in various human diseases. FUT8 is non-glycosylated but is responsible for the fucosylation of ST6GAL1. However, the mechanism for the interaction between these two enzymes is unknown. In this study, we show that serum levels of α2,6-sialylated N-glycans are increased in Fut8−/− mice, whereas the mRNA and protein levels of ST6GAL1 are unchanged in mouse live tissues. The level of α2,6-sialylation on IgG was also enhanced in Fut8−/− mice along with ST6GAL1 catalytic activity increase in both serum and liver. Moreover, it was observed that ST6GAL1 prefers non-fucosylated substrates. Interestingly, increased core fucosylation accompanied by a reduction in α2,6-sialylation, was detected in rheumatoid arthritis patient serum. These findings provide new insight into the interactions between FUT8 and ST6GAL1.
Structural insights into the mechanism of oxidative activation of heme-free H-NOX from Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Roma , Chacón Kelly N. , Jarvis Jacqueline M. , Talipov Marat R. , Yukl Erik T.
Published: March 2020

Bacterial heme nitric oxide/oxygen (H-NOX) domains are nitric oxide (NO) or oxygen sensors. This activity is mediated through binding of the ligand to a heme cofactor. However, H-NOX from Vibrio cholerae (Vc H-NOX) can be easily purified in a heme-free state that is capable of reversibly responding to oxidation, suggesting a heme-independent function as a redox sensor. This occurs by oxidation of Cys residues at a zinc-binding site conserved in a subset of H-NOX homologs. Remarkably, zinc is not lost from the protein upon oxidation, although its ligation environment is significantly altered. Using a combination of computational and experimental approaches, we have characterized localized structural changes that accompany the formation of specific disulfide bonds between Cys residues upon oxidation. Furthermore, the larger-scale structural changes accompanying oxidation appear to mimic those changes observed upon NO binding to the heme-bound form. Thus, Vc H-NOX and its homologs may act as both redox and NO sensors by completely separate mechanisms.