bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors and outcomes for hyperbilirubinaemia after heart surgery in children
Authors: Pasternack Daniel M. , AlQahtani Manal , Zonana Amkie Rafael , Sosa Lisa J. , Reyes Marcelle , Sasaki Jun
Published: May 2020

Introduction:

Liver dysfunction, associated with morbidity and mortality, is common in patients with CHD. We investigate risk factors for and outcomes of hyperbilirubinaemia in neonates and infants after cardiac surgery.

Materials and methods:

In a retrospective analysis of neonates and infants undergoing cardiac surgery at our institution between January 2013 and December 2017, we identified those with post-operative conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia. We tested various demographic and surgical risk factors, and use of post-operative interventions, for an association with conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia. We also tested hyperbilirubinaemia for association with post-operative mortality and prolonged length of stay.

Results:

We identified 242 post-operative admissions, of which 45 (19%) had conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia. The average conjugated bilirubin level in this group was 2.0 mg/dl versus 0.3 mg/dl for peers without hyperbilirubinaemia. The post-operative use of both extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (OR 4.97, 95% CI 1.89–13.5, p = 0.001) and total parenteral nutrition (OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.34–7.17, p = 0.010) was associated with conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia. No demographic variable analysed was found to be a risk factor. Hyperbilirubinaemia was associated with higher odds of mortality (OR 3.74, 95% CI 2.69–13.8, p = 0.005) and prolonged length of stay (OR 2.87, 95% CI 2.02–7.97, p = 0.005), which were independent of other risk factors.

Discussion:

We identified the post-operative use of total parenteral nutrition and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as risk factors for hyperbilirubinaemia. These patients were more likely to experience morbidity and mortality than control peers. As such, bilirubin may be marker for elevated risk of poor post-operative outcomes and should be more frequently measured after cardiac surgery.
Predictors of household food insecurity and relationship with obesity in First Nations communities in British Columbia, Manitoba, Alberta and Ontario
Authors: Domingo Ashleigh , Spiegel Jerry , Guhn Martin , Wittman Hannah , Ing Amy , Sadik Tonio , Fediuk Karen , Tikhonov Constantine , Schwartz Harold , Chan Hing Man , Batal Malek
Published: May 2020

Objective:

To further understandings of household food insecurity in First Nations communities in Canada and its relationship with obesity.

Design:

Analysis of a cross-sectional dataset from the First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study representative of First Nations communities south of the 60th parallel. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess associations between food insecurity and sociodemographic factors, as well as the odds of obesity among food-insecure households adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics.

Setting:

Western and Central Canada.

Participants:

First Nations peoples aged ≥19 years.

Results:

Forty-six percent of First Nations households experienced food insecurity. Food insecurity was highest for respondents who received social assistance; had ≤10 years of education; were female; had children in the household; were 19–30 years old; resided in Alberta; and had no year-round road access into the community. Rates of obesity were highest for respondents residing in marginally food-insecure households (female 56·6 %; male 54·6 %). In gender-specific analyses, the odds of obesity were highest among marginally food-insecure households in comparison with food-secure households, for both female (OR 1·57) and male (OR 1·57) respondents, adjusting for sociodemographic variables. For males only, those in severely food-insecure (compared with food-secure) households had lower odds of obesity after adjusting for confounding (OR 0·56).

Conclusions:

The interrelated challenges of food insecurity and obesity in First Nations communities emphasise the need for Indigenous-led, culturally appropriate and food sovereign approaches to food security and nutrition in support of holistic wellness and prevention of chronic disease.
Reducing consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages through banning price promotions: what is the evidence and will it work?
Authors: Watt Toby LS , Beckert Walter , Smith Richard D , Cornelsen Laura
Published: May 2020

Objective:

Increasing prevalence of overweight and obese people in England has led policymakers to consider regulating the use of price promotions on foods high in fat, sugar and salt content. In January 2019, the government opened a consultation programme for a policy proposal that significantly restricts the use of price promotions that can induce consumers to buy higher volumes of unhealthy foods and beverages. These proposed policies are the first of their kind in public health and are believed to reduce excess purchasing and, therefore, overconsumption of unhealthy products. This study summarises evidence relating price promotions to the purchasing of food and drink for home consumption and places it in the context of the proposed policy.

Design:

Non-systematic review of quantitative analyses of price promotions in food and drink published in peer-reviewed journals and sighted by PubMed, ScienceDirect & EBSCOhost between 1980 and January 2018.

Results:

While the impact of price promotions on sales has been of interest to marketing academics for a long time with modelling studies showing that its use has increased food and drink sales by 12–43 %, it is only now being picked up in the public health sphere. However, existing evidence does not consider the effects of removing or restricting the use of price promotions across the food sector. In this commentary, we discuss existing evidence, how it deals with the complexity of shoppers’ behaviour in reacting to price promotions on foods and, importantly, what can be learned from it in this policy context.

Conclusions:

The current evidence base supports the notion that price promotions increase purchasing of unhealthy food, and while the proposed restriction policy is yet to be evaluated for consumption and health effects, there is arguably sufficient evidence to proceed. This evidence is not restricted to volume-based promotions. Close monitoring and proper evaluation should follow to provide empirical evidence of its intended and unintended effects.
Evaluation of Particle Size Distribution Metrics to Estimate the Relative Contributions of Different Size Fractions Based on Measurements in Arctic Waters
Authors: Runyan Hugh , Reynolds Rick A. , Stramski Dariusz
Published: May 2020

The size distribution of suspended particles influences several processes in aquatic ecosystems, including light propagation, trophic interactions, and biogeochemical cycling. The shape of the particle size distribution (PSD) is commonly modeled as a single‐slope power law in oceanographic studies, which can be used to further estimate the relative contributions of different particle size classes to particle number, area, and volume concentration. We use a data set of 168 high size‐resolution PSD measurements in Arctic oceanic waters to examine variability in the shape of the PSD over the particle diameter range 0.8 to 120 μm. An average value of −3.6 ± 0.33 was obtained for the slope of a power law fitted over this size range, consistent with other studies. Our analysis indicates, however, that this model has significant limitations in adequately parameterizing the complexity of the PSD, and thus performs poorly in predicting the relative contributions of different size intervals such as those based on picoplankton, nanoplankton, and microplankton size classes. Similarly, median particle size was also generally a poor indicator of these size class contributions. Our results suggest that alternative percentile diameters derived from the cumulative distribution functions of particle number, cross‐sectional area, and volume concentration may provide better metrics to capture the overall shape of the PSD and to quantify the contributions of different particle size classes.
Selective carbon sources influence the end products of microbial nitrate respiration
Authors: Carlson Hans K , Lui Lauren M , Price Morgan N , Kazakov Alexey E , Carr Alex V , Kuehl Jennifer V , Owens Trenton K , Nielsen Torben , Arkin Adam P , Deutschbauer Adam M
Published: May 2020

Respiratory and catabolic genes are differentially distributed across microbial genomes. Thus, specific carbon sources may favor different respiratory processes. We profiled the influence of 94 carbon sources on the end products of nitrate respiration in microbial enrichment cultures from diverse terrestrial environments. We found that some carbon sources consistently favor dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA/nitrate ammonification) while other carbon sources favor nitrite accumulation or denitrification. For an enrichment culture from aquatic sediment, we sequenced the genomes of the most abundant strains, matched these genomes to 16S rDNA exact sequence variants (ESVs), and used 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing to track the differential enrichment of functionally distinct ESVs on different carbon sources. We found that changes in the abundances of strains with different genetic potentials for nitrite accumulation, DNRA or denitrification were correlated with the nitrite or ammonium concentrations in the enrichment cultures recovered on different carbon sources. Specifically, we found that either L-sorbose or D-cellobiose enriched for a Klebsiella nitrite accumulator, other sugars enriched for an Escherichia nitrate ammonifier, and citrate or formate enriched for a Pseudomonas denitrifier and a Sulfurospirillum nitrate ammonifier. Our results add important nuance to the current paradigm that higher concentrations of carbon will always favor DNRA over denitrification or nitrite accumulation, and we propose that, in some cases, carbon composition can be as important as carbon concentration in determining nitrate respiratory end products. Furthermore, our approach can be extended to other environments and metabolisms to characterize how selective parameters influence microbial community composition, gene content, and function.
Development of a new macrophage-specific TRAP mouse (MacTRAP) and definition of the renal macrophage translational signature
Authors: Hofmeister Andreas , Thomaßen Maximilian C. , Markert Sabrina , Marquardt André , Preußner Mathieu , Rußwurm Martin , Schermuly Ralph T. , Steinhoff Ulrich , Gröne Hermann-Josef , Hoyer Joachim , Humphreys Benjamin D. , Grgic Ivica
Published: May 2020

Tissue macrophages play an important role in organ homeostasis, immunity and the pathogenesis of various inflammation-driven diseases. One major challenge has been to selectively study resident macrophages in highly heterogeneous organs such as kidney. To address this problem, we adopted a Translational Ribosome Affinity Purification (TRAP)- approach and designed a transgene that expresses an eGFP-tagged ribosomal protein (L10a) under the control of the macrophage-specific c-fms promoter to generate c-fms-eGFP-L10a transgenic mice (MacTRAP). Rigorous characterization found no gross abnormalities in MacTRAP mice and confirmed transgene expression across various organs. Immunohistological analyses of MacTRAP kidneys identified eGFP-L10a expressing cells in the tubulointerstitial compartment which stained positive for macrophage marker F4/80. Inflammatory challenge led to robust eGFP-L10a upregulation in kidney, confirming MacTRAP responsiveness in vivo. We successfully extracted macrophage-specific polysomal RNA from MacTRAP kidneys and conducted RNA sequencing followed by bioinformatical analyses, hereby establishing a comprehensive and unique in vivo gene expression and pathway signature of resident renal macrophages. In summary, we created, validated and applied a new, responsive macrophage-specific TRAP mouse line, defining the translational profile of renal macrophages and dendritic cells. This new tool may be of great value for the study of macrophage biology in different organs and various models of injury and disease.
Ab Initio Prediction of the Phase Transition for Solid Ammonia at High Pressures
Authors: Huang Lei , Han Yanqiang , Liu Jinyun , He Xiao , Li Jinjin
Published: May 2020

Ammonia is one of the most basic components on the planet and its high-pressure characteristics play an important role in planetary science. Solid ammonia crystals frequently adopt multiple distinct polymorphs exhibiting different properties. Predicting the crystal structure of these polymorphs and under what thermodynamic conditions these polymorphs are stable would be of great value to environmental industry and other fields. Theoretical calculations based on the classical force fields and density-functional theory (DFT) are versatile methods but lack of accurate description of weak intermolecular interactions for molecular crystals. In this study, we employ an ab initio computational study on the solid ammonia at high pressures, using the second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation (MP2) theory and the coupled cluster singles, doubles, and perturbative triples (CCSD(T)) theory along with the embedded fragmentation method. The proposed algorithm is capable of performing large-scale calculations using high-level wavefunction theories, and accurately describing covalent, ionic, hydrogen bonding, and dispersion interactions within molecular crystals, and therefore can predict the crystal structures, Raman spectra and phase transition of solid ammonia phases I and IV accurately. We confirm the crystal structures of solid ammonia phases I and IV that have been controversial for a long time and predict their phase transition that occurs at 1.17 GPa and 210 K with small temperature dependence, which is in line with experiment.
Validation of a mitochondrial RNA therapeutic strategy using fibroblasts from a Leigh syndrome patient with a mutation in the mitochondrial ND3 gene
Authors: Yamada Yuma , Somiya Kana , Miyauchi Akihiko , Osaka Hitoshi , Harashima Hideyoshi
Published: May 2020

We report on the validation of a mitochondrial gene therapeutic strategy using fibroblasts from a Leigh syndrome patient by the mitochondrial delivery of therapeutic mRNA. The treatment involves delivering normal ND3 protein-encoding mRNA as a therapeutic RNA to mitochondria of the fibroblasts from a patient with a T10158C mutation in the mtDNA coding the ND3 protein, a component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I. The treatment involved the use of a liposome-based carrier (a MITO-Porter) for delivering therapeutic RNA to mitochondria via membrane fusion. The results confirmed that the mitochondrial transfection of therapeutic RNA by the MITO-Porter system resulted in a decrease in the levels of mutant RNA in mitochondria of diseased cells based on reverse transcription quantitative PCR. An evaluation of mitochondrial respiratory activity by respirometry also showed that transfection using the MITO-Porter resulted in an increase in maximal mitochondrial respiratory activity in the diseased cells.
Enhanced Cerebral Blood Volume under Normobaric Hyperoxia in the J20-hAPP Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Shabir Osman , Sharp Paul , Rebollar Monica A. , Boorman Luke , Howarth Clare , Wharton Stephen B. , Francis Sheila E. , Berwick Jason
Published: May 2020

Early impairments to neurovascular coupling have been proposed to be a key pathogenic factor in the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Studies have shown impaired neurovascular function in several mouse models of AD, including the J20-hAPP mouse. In this study, we aimed to investigate early neurovascular changes using wild-type (WT) controls and J20-hAPP mice at 6 months of age, by measuring cerebral haemodynamics and neural activity to physiological sensory stimulations. A thinned cranial window was prepared to allow access to cortical vasculature and imaged using 2D-optical imaging spectroscopy (2D-OIS). After chronic imaging sessions where the skull was intact, a terminal acute imaging session was performed where an electrode was inserted into the brain to record simultaneous neural activity. We found that cerebral haemodynamic changes were significantly enhanced in J20-hAPP mice compared with controls in response to physiological stimulations, potentially due to the significantly higher neural activity (hyperexcitability) seen in the J20-hAPP mice. Thus, neurovascular coupling remained preserved under a chronic imaging preparation. Further, under hyperoxia, the baseline blood volume and saturation of all vascular compartments in the brains of J20-hAPP mice were substantially enhanced compared to WT controls, but this effect disappeared under normoxic conditions. This study highlights novel findings not previously seen in the J20-hAPP mouse model, and may point towards a potential therapeutic strategy.
Historic recombination in a durum wheat breeding panel enables high-resolution mapping of Fusarium head blight resistance quantitative trait loci
Authors: Sari Ehsan , Knox Ron E. , Ruan Yuefeng , Henriquez Maria Antonia , Kumar Santosh , Burt Andrew J. , Cuthbert Richard D. , Konkin David J. , Walkowiak Sean , Campbell Heather L. , Singh Asheesh K. , Ross Jay , Lokuruge Prabhath , Hsueh Emma , Boyle Kerry , Sidebottom Christine , Condie Janet , Yates Shawn , Pozniak Curtis J. , Fobert Pierre R.
Published: May 2020

The durum wheat line DT696 is a source of moderate Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance. Previous analysis using a bi-parental population identified two FHB resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) on chromosome 5A: 5A1 was co-located with a plant height QTL, and 5A2 with a major maturity QTL. A Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) of DT696 derivative lines from 72 crosses based on multi-environment FHB resistance, plant height, and maturity phenotypic data was conducted to improve the mapping resolution and further elucidate the genetic relationship of height and maturity with FHB resistance. The Global Tetraploid Wheat Collection (GTWC) was exploited to identify durum wheat lines with DT696 allele and additional recombination events. The 5A2 QTL was confirmed in the derivatives, suggesting the expression stability of the 5A2 QTL in various genetic backgrounds. The GWAS led to an improved mapping resolution rendering the 5A2 interval 10 Mbp shorter than the bi-parental QTL mapping interval. Haplotype analysis using SNPs within the 5A2 QTL applied to the GTWC identified novel haplotypes and recombination breakpoints, which could be exploited for further improvement of the mapping resolution. This study suggested that GWAS of derivative breeding lines is a credible strategy for improving mapping resolution.
Neural evidence that disengaging memory retrieval is modulated by stimulus valence and rumination
Authors: Xia Jiangyi , Evans Lisa H.
Published: May 2020

To remember information from our personal past we need to be in a cognitive state where we treat stimuli as cues for memory retrieval. In this study we considered whether participants could exert control and disengage from a memory state when it was no longer required for the task at hand. In particular, we examined whether this ability was affected by the valence of the stimuli and participant’s rumination scores. After a study phase participants completed test blocks where the task switched every two trials between a memory task (retrieving information from the study phase) and a perceptual task. Even though there was no episodic memory requirement in the perceptual task, a well-established event-related potential (ERP) index of memory retrieval was present for both trials when the stimuli were negative valenced pictures but not for neutral pictures. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the magnitude of this ERP memory index in the perceptual task and rumination scores but only for neutral stimuli and not negative. Thus, in this study participants generally had difficultly suppressing memory retrieval when negative stimuli were presented. However, for neutral stimuli only ruminators were more susceptible to memory intrusions.
First demonstration of coherent resonant backward diffraction radiation for a quasi-monochromatic terahertz-light source
Authors: Sei Norihiro , Takahashi Toshiharu
Published: May 2020

We proposed coherent resonant backward diffraction radiation (CRBDR), which generates wavelength-tunable quasi-monochromatic lights using a compact diffractor assembly in an accelerator facility of high-energy electron beams, as a unique intense terahertz (THz) light source. Superimposing the coherent backward diffracted radiation emitted by periodically arranged hollow diffractors, it is possible to amplify the frequency components satisfying a resonant condition, and make the radiation monochromatic. We demonstrated the CRBDR using the L-band linac at the Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science at Kyoto University. It was observed that the coherent backward diffraction radiation was amplified more than three times at a frequency which was the fundamental resonant frequency in the CRBDR theory. Moreover, the number of diffractors at the saturation of the radiation power was consistent with the number estimated from the electron distribution in a bunch. The experimental results show that the CRBDR is useful as a quasi-monochromatic light source in the THz band.
Extrahepatic cholangiocyte obstruction is mediated by decreased glutathione, Wnt and Notch signaling pathways in a toxic model of biliary atresia
Authors: Fried Sophia , Gilboa Dafna , Har-Zahav Adi , Lavrut Pierre-Marie , Du Yu , Karjoo Sara , Russo Pierre , Shamir Raanan , Wells Rebecca G. , Waisbourd-Zinman Orith
Published: May 2020

Biliary atresia is a neonatal liver disease with extrahepatic bile duct obstruction and progressive liver fibrosis. The etiology and pathogenesis of the disease are unknown. We previously identified a plant toxin, biliatresone, responsible for biliary atresia in naturally-occurring animal models, that causes cholangiocyte destruction inin-vitromodels. Decreases in reduced glutathione (GSH) mimic the effects of biliatresone, and agents that replenish cellular GSH ameliorate the effects of the toxin. The goals of this study were to define signaling pathways downstream of biliatresone that lead to cholangiocyte destruction and to determine their relationship to GSH. Using cholangiocyte culture and 3D cholangiocyte spheroid cultures, we found that biliatresone and decreases in GSH upregulated RhoU/Wrch1, a Wnt signaling family member, which then mediated an increase in Hey2 in the NOTCH signaling pathway, causing downregulation of the transcription factor Sox17. When these genes were up- or down-regulated, the biliatresone effect on spheroids was phenocopied, resulting in lumen obstruction. Biopsies of patients with biliary atresia demonstrated increased RhoU/Wrch1 and Hey2 expression in cholangiocytes. We present a novel pathway of cholangiocyte injury in a model of biliary atresia, which is relevant to human BA and may suggest potential future therapeutics.
Foraging strategy of a carnivorous-insectivorous raptor species based on prey size, capturability and nutritional components
Authors: Fargallo Juan A. , Navarro-López Juan , Palma-Granados Patricia , Nieto Rosa M.
Published: May 2020

Optimal foraging theory has typically paid little attention to species feeding on mobile prey and has emphasised energy intake rather than the nutritional contribution of food. The difficulty of capturing food has rarely been included in foraging models, even when it is a potentially important modulator of time devoted to foraging. From the central place foraging and provisioning perspectives, it is posited that at high levels of prey selectivity, the time spent to capture prey is longer than at low levels of prey selectivity. Furthermore, in the case of carnivorous predators, it is thought that nutritional composition does not influence foraging strategies. To explore these issues, we investigated the influence of abundance, size, difficulty of capture, gross energy and nutritional composition (fat, protein, protein-fat ratio and amino acid contents) of prey species on the foraging behaviour of a predator species, the common kestrelFalco tinnunculus, in a region of high diversity of prey species. Our results show that capturability index and load-size explain the foraging behaviour of kestrels. Preferred prey take longer to be provisioned, both selectivity and capturability might explain this result. It is also shown that specific nutritional components, such as protein and amino acid contents, are likely to explain food preference in this carnivorous-insectivorous species.
Human arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2 genotype-dependent protein expression in cryopreserved human hepatocytes
Authors: Salazar-González Raúl A. , Doll Mark A. , Hein David W.
Published: May 2020

Human N-acetyltransferases (NAT; EC 2.3.1.5) catalyze the N-acetylation of arylamine and hydrazine drugs and the O-acetylation of N-hydroxylated metabolites of aromatic and heterocyclic amines. Two different isoforms of this protein, N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) and N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2), are expressed in human hepatocytes. Both are encoded by a single 870-bp open reading frame that exhibits genetic polymorphisms in human populations. NAT1 and NAT2 share more than 85% gene and protein sequence, making it challenging to produce antibodies with high specificity for NAT1 or NAT2. In the present study, we compared methods for the quantification of immunoreactive NAT1 and NAT2 with seven different antibodies and investigated the relationship of NAT2 genotype to NAT2 mRNA and protein expression in cryopreserved human hepatocytes. Sulfamethazine (NAT2-selective substrate) and NAT2 protein expression differed significantly with NAT2 acetylator genotype (p < 0.0001). NAT2 protein expression and sulfamethazine NAT2 catalytic activity correlated highly across the cryopreserved human hepatocytes of rapid, intermediate, and slow acetylator NAT2 genotypes. In conclusion, our data describe a specific analytical method for the quantification of NAT1 and NAT2 protein expression. We showed that the NAT2 activity in human hepatocytes is directly correlated to expression levels of NAT2 protein but not mRNA.
Hybrid image sensor of small molecule organic photodiode on CMOS – Integration and characterization
Authors: Shekhar Himanshu , Fenigstein Amos , Leitner Tomer , Lavi Becky , Veinger Dmitry , Tessler Nir
Published: May 2020

Organic photodiodes (OPDs) for its interesting optoelectronic properties has the potential to be utilized with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuit for imaging, automotive, and security based applications. To achieve such a hybrid device as an image sensor, it is imperative that the quality of the OPD remains high on the CMOS substrate and that it has a well-connected optoelectronic interface with the underneath readout integrated circuit (ROIC) for efficient photogeneration and signal readout. Here, we demonstrate seamless integration of a thermally deposited visible light sensitive small molecule OPD on a standard commercial CMOS substrate using optimized doped PCBM buffer layer. Under a standard power supply voltage of 3 V, this hybrid device shows an excellent photolinearity in the entire bias regime, a high pixel sensitivity of 2 V/Lux.sec, a dynamic range (DR) of 71 dB, and a low dark leakage current density of 1 nA/cm2. Moreover, the integrated OPD has a minimum bandwidth of 400 kHz. The photoresponse nonuniformity being only 1.7%, achieved under research lab conditions, strengthens the notion that this fully-CMOS compatible technology has the potential to be applied in high-performance large-scale imaging array.
Flow Analysis: A Powerful Tool for Green Analytical Chemistry
Authors: Rocha Fábio R. P. , Melchert Wanessa R. , Reis Boaventura F.
Published: May 2020

Flow analysis refers to a branch of analytical chemistry devoted to the automation/mechanization of chemical assays by improving precision and sample throughput and minimizing risks of sample contamination and exposure of the analyst to toxic substances. Flow analysis is also recognized as an effective tool to achieve green analytical chemistry (GAC), including reagentless approaches, replacement of toxic reagents, waste minimization, reuse of chemicals and in-line waste detoxification. The main flow modalities of GAC and the approaches to achieve the previously mentioned goals are the focus of this chapter.
Productive screening of single aptamers with ddPCR
Authors: Chen Jinyu , Wang Jinjun , Luo Zhaofeng , Fang Xiaona , He Lei , Zhu Jianwei , Qurat ul ain Zahra , He Jinlong , Ma Huan , Zhang Haiyan , Liu Minghou , He Liqun
Published: May 2020

We have developed an aptamer discovery method that combines a capillary-based integrated droplet digital PCR system with cytometer sorting of beads in a high-throughput way.
Fluorescent molecular logic gates based on photoinduced electron transfer (PET) driven by a combination of atomic and biomolecular inputs
Authors: Wright Glenn D. , Yao Chao-Yi , Moody Thomas S. , de Silva A. Prasanna
Published: May 2020

A meeting point for entities from chemistry, enzymology and computer science.
Construction of nanocage-structured heterogeneous binary metal sulfides via step-by-step confined growth for boosted lithium storage properties
Authors: Zhao Rongfang , Han Yue , Li Wenlong , Li Jinhua , Chen Ming , Chen Lingxin
Published: May 2020

Nanocage-structured Co9S8/MoS2@CNCs via step-by-step confined growth display superior Li-storage performance, profiting from the synergistic effect of bimetallic sulfides, high filling rate and free interspace for volume expansion.
Surfactant-free synthesis of ultralong silver nanowires for durable transparent conducting electrodes
Authors: Tseng Sian-Hong , Lyu Lian-Ming , Hsiao Kai-Yuan , Ho Wan-Hua , Lu Ming-Yen
Published: May 2020

The present study employed the surfactant-free growth of ultralong (∼50 μm) silver nanowires (AgNWs) with a high aspect ratio (more than 1000) by galvanic replacement.
Structural dynamics of an iron molybdate catalyst under redox cycling conditions studied with in situ multi edge XAS and XRD
Authors: Gaur Abhijeet , Stehle Matthias , Raun Kristian Viegaard , Thrane Joachim , Jensen Anker Degn , Grunwaldt Jan-Dierk , Høj Martin
Published: May 2020

Combination of in situ multi-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Mo K- and Fe K-edges in combination with X-ray diffraction successfully uncovered structural dynamics and phase transformations of an iron molybdate catalyst during redox cycling.
Size effect on excess resistivity induced by hydrogen in ultra-thin vanadium systems
Authors: Huang Wen , Brischetto Martin , Steichen Parker , Li Mingkai , Hjörvarsson Björgvin
Published: May 2020

Through combining a four-point probe and an optical technique, a profound vanadium(v) size effect on the change in excess resistivity during hydrogenation is observed in Fen/V7n(n= 2, 4) superlattices atc≥ 0.05 H/V.
Atomistic QM/MM simulations of the strength of covalent interfaces in carbon nanotube–polymer composites
Authors: Gołębiowski Jacek R. , Kermode James R. , Haynes Peter D. , Mostofi Arash A.
Published: May 2020

We use a QM/MM approach to simulate CNT pull-out from crosslinked polyethylene studying how interfacial strength depends on its chemistry.
Bulk COFs and COF nanosheets for electrochemical energy storage and conversion
Authors: Li Jie , Jing Xuechun , Li Qingqing , Li Siwu , Gao Xing , Feng Xiao , Wang Bo
Published: May 2020

The current advances, structure-property relationship and future perspectives in covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and their nanosheets for electrochemical energy storage (EES) and conversion (EEC) are summarized.
Carbon dots for highly effective photodynamic inactivation of multidrug-resistant bacteria
Authors: Abu Rabe Dina I. , Mohammed Oluwayemisi O. , Dong Xiuli , Patel Amankumar K. , Overton Christopher M. , Tang Yongan , Kathariou Sophia , Sun Ya-Ping , Yang Liju
Published: May 2020

Effective photodynamic inactivation of MDR bacteria by CDots.
Nanoscopically and uniformly distributed SnO2@TiO2/C composite with highly mesoporous structure and bichemical bonds for enhanced lithium ion storage performances
Authors: Han Meisheng , Mu Yongbiao , Yu Jie
Published: May 2020

A superior nanoarchitecture with vast phase boundaries interconnected via chemical bonds between carbon and ultrasmall nanocrystals shows enhanced Li+ storage performances.
In situ modulation of gold nanorod's surface charge drives the growth of end-to-end assemblies from dimers to large networks that enhance single-molecule fluorescence by 10 000-fold
Authors: Kar Ashish , Thambi Varsha , Paital Diptiranjan , Khatua Saumyakanti
Published: May 2020

End-to-end assemblies of anisotropic plasmonic nanostructures with small nanogaps are of great interest as they create strong hot spots for enhancing weak fluorescence and/or scattering of molecules.
Discovery of [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrazine derivatives bearing a 4-oxo-pyridazinone moiety as potential c-Met kinase inhibitors
Authors: Zhang Binliang , Liu Xiaobo , Xiong Hehua , Zhang Qian , Sun Xin , Yang Zunhua , Xu Shan , Zheng Pengwu , Zhu Wufu
Published: May 2020

We disclosed the preparation and biological evaluation of a series of [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrazine derivatives bearing 4-oxo-pyridazinone moieties, which demonstrated potent inhibition of c-Met kinase, culminating in the discovery of 22i.
Hydrogenation of CO2to LPG over CuZnZr/MeSAPO-34 catalysts
Authors: Tong Mingliang , Hondo Emmerson , Gapu Chizema Linet , Du Ce , Ma Qingxiang , Mo Shuting , Lu Chengxue , Lu Peng , Tsubaki Noritatsu
Published: May 2020

A synergetic relationship established between the metal and modified zeolite components favored higher selectivity for the target product (LPG).
Low temperature recovery of acetone–butanol–ethanol (ABE) fermentation products via microwave induced membrane distillation on carbon nanotube immobilized membranes
Authors: Gupta Oindrila , Roy Sagar , Mitra Somenath
Published: May 2020

Microwave induced ABE separation via breakdown of H-bonded ABE–water clusters and preferential adsorption of ABE on a CNT surface.
Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on exercise capacity and quality of life in COPD patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Xu , Hu Xianglin , Hu Weiping , Xiang Guiling , Li Shanqun
Published: May 2020

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been shown to produce benefits in the muscle function of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The definite effectiveness of NMES, applied in isolation or concurrently with conventional pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) or exercise training, remains unclear. This review was to determine the effects of NMES on exercise capacity, functional performance, symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in COPD patients. Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library) were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two investigators independently screened the eligible studies up to February 2020 that used NMES as the intervention group. The outcome measures were 6-min walking distance (6MWD), peak rate of oxygen uptake (VO2 peak), St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and symptoms of dyspnoea and fatigue. Data were extracted using a predefined table and papers were appraised using Downs and Black tool. We analyzed 13 RCTs with 447 COPD patients. In the analysis of 6MWD, pooled estimates showed a significant increase in the NMES group, compared with the control group (mean difference (MD) = 27.05, 95% confidence interval (CI): 8.46–45.63, P<0.001). There were also improvements in symptoms of dyspnea or leg fatigue, and reduction in London Chest Activity of Daily Living (LCADL) scores. No statistically significant difference was observed in VO2 peak, peak power, and SGRQ. NMES could improve exercise capacity and reduce perceived sensation of dyspnea during exercise in patients with COPD, but not to be recommended as an effective alternative training modality in the rehabilitation of stable COPD patients.
Functional heterogeneity in senescence
Authors: Kirschner Kristina , Rattanavirotkul Nattaphong , Quince Megan F. , Chandra Tamir
Published: May 2020

Senescence is a tumour suppressor mechanism which is cell-intrinsically activated in the context of cellular stress. Senescence can further be propagated to neighbouring cells, a process called secondary senescence induction. Secondary senescence was initially shown as a paracrine response to the secretion of cytokines from primary senescent cells. More recently, juxtacrine Notch signalling has been implicated in mediating secondary senescence induction. Primary and secondary senescent induction results in distinct transcriptional outcomes. In addition, cell type and the stimulus in which senescence is induced can lead to variations in the phenotype of the senescence response. It is unclear whether heterogeneous senescent end-points are associated with distinct cellular function in situ, presenting functional heterogeneity. Thus, understanding senescence heterogeneity could prove to be important when devising ways of targeting senescent cells by senolytics, senostatics or senogenics. In this review, we discuss a role for functional heterogeneity in senescence in tissue- and cell-type specific manners, highlighting potential differences in senescence outcomes of primary and secondary senescence.
Towards the routine use of in silico screenings for drug discovery using metabolic modelling
Authors: Bintener Tamara , Pacheco Maria Pires , Sauter Thomas
Published: May 2020

Currently, the development of new effective drugs for cancer therapy is not only hindered by development costs, drug efficacy, and drug safety but also by the rapid occurrence of drug resistance in cancer. Hence, new tools are needed to study the underlying mechanisms in cancer. Here, we discuss the current use of metabolic modelling approaches to identify cancer-specific metabolism and find possible new drug targets and drugs for repurposing. Furthermore, we list valuable resources that are needed for the reconstruction of cancer-specific models by integrating various available datasets with genome-scale metabolic reconstructions using model-building algorithms. We also discuss how new drug targets can be determined by using gene essentiality analysis, an in silico method to predict essential genes in a given condition such as cancer and how synthetic lethality studies could greatly benefit cancer patients by suggesting drug combinations with reduced side effects.
Caught in the act: structural dynamics of replication origin activation and fork progression
Authors: Lewis Jacob S. , Costa Alessandro
Published: May 2020

This review discusses recent advances in single-particle cryo-EM and single-molecule approaches used to visualise eukaryotic DNA replication reactions reconstituted in vitro. We comment on the new challenges facing structural biologists, as they turn to describing the dynamic cascade of events that lead to replication origin activation and fork progression.
Gene transcription and chromatin regulation in hypoxia
Authors: Batie Michael , Rocha Sonia
Published: May 2020

Oxygen sensing is an essential feature of metazoan biology and reductions in oxygen availability (hypoxia) have both physiological and pathophysiological implications. Co-ordinated mechanisms have evolved for sensing and responding to hypoxia, which involve diverse biological outputs, with the main aim of restoring oxygen homeostasis. This includes a dynamic gene transcriptional response, the central drivers of which are the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) family of transcription factors. HIFs are regulated in an oxygen-dependent manner and while their role in hypoxia is well established, it is apparent that other key players are required for gene expression control in hypoxia. In this review, we highlight the current understanding of the known and potential molecular mechanisms underpinning gene transcriptional responses to hypoxia in mammals, with a focus on oxygen-dependent effects on chromatin structure.
Cloud‐based product‐service systems platform for household solid waste classification management
Authors: Wan Ming , Qu Ting , Huang Manna , Li Lianhui , Huang George Q.
Published: May 2020

The household solid waste (HSW) classification management plays an important role in reducing and recycling urban garbage in current residential community. However, with the rapid development of urbanisation in developing countries and the continuous increase of urban waste, the traditional waste management modes and technologies cannot satisfy the newly emerged needs of collecting and transporting solid waste in the accurate and effective way. Under this background, this research carries out a preliminary study on the HSW classification system and the resource servitisation. According to the HSW classification process, a cloud‐based product‐service systems (PSSs) platform, targeting on managing those solid waste management resources such as internet of things enabled smart waste bin, is established. The proposed PSS platform will be illustrated from four layers: physical layer, management layer, service layer and application layer. Additionally, the multi‐stakeholders' value analysis of the platform will be provided from five aspects. Finally, a PSS‐based real‐life case of managing household waste bin is investigated and analysed in order to verify the feasibility of the proposed platform.
Digital‐twin‐based implementation framework of production service system for highly dynamic production logistics operation
Authors: Jiang Hongfei , Qu Ting , Wan Ming , Tang Liangru , Huang George Q.
Published: May 2020

In the customised production mode, production and logistics are required to operate in synchronisation under the high dynamic interference, to realise the rapid response to the personalised demand of high‐frequency changes. Facing high dynamic interference, how to realise the efficient synchronised operation of production and logistics by integrating external service resources has become a major challenge for manufacturing manufacturers. This study proposes a digital‐twin‐based implementation framework of production service system (DTIF‐PnSS) for highly dynamic production logistics operations. The framework realises online collaborative operation and autonomous decision‐making control of production logistics under high dynamic interference by providing smart services for real‐time dynamic capture, operational precision mapping, dynamic virtual simulation and iterative decision optimisation. At last, the effectiveness of the DTIF‐PnSS is verified by an application case of a coating chemical enterprise. It provides a feasible way to support the production logistics synchronised operation under high dynamic interference.
PVP‐mediated galvanic replacement growth of AgNPs on copper foil for SERS sensing
Authors: Xiang Wu Hui , Cong Rong Ming , Ma Yi , Duo Chen Shan
Published: May 2020

Herein, the authors present a simple and cost‐effective silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)‐based surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor based on galvanic displacement reaction using AgNO3 and copper foil as precursors. With the mediation of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), AgNPs grow in‐situ on the surface of copper foil at room temperature. AgNPs‐based SERS sensor was prepared with optimised AgNO3 concentration of 50 mM, the mass ratio of AgNO3 to PVP of 2:1 and characterised using scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. As‐fabricated SERS sensor exhibited a high Raman signal enhancement factor of 3.5 × 105 in the detection of Rhodamine 6G (R6G). Furthermore, a decent linear relationship for methyl parathion sensing was obtained in the range from 1 × 10−6 to 1 × 10−4 M, with an actual detection limit of 1 × 10−6 M. Recoveries of methyl parathion‐spiked lake water samples ranging from 93.64 to 106.16% were obtained, suggesting the feasibility of the SERS sensor. These features demonstrated that the AgNPs‐based SERS sensor can potentially be used in sensing a trace amount of chemicals in surface water for environmental protection.
Planetary evolution with atmospheric photoevaporation
Authors: Mordasini C.
Published: May 2020

Context. Observations have revealed in the Kepler data a depleted region separating smaller super-Earths from larger sub-Neptunes. This can be explained as an evaporation valley between planets with and without H/He that is caused by atmospheric escape.

Aims. We want to analytically derive the valley’s locus and understand how it depends on planetary properties and stellar X-ray and ultraviolet (XUV) luminosity. We also want to derive constraints for planet formation models.

Methods. First, we conducted numerical simulations of the evolution of close-in low-mass planets with H/He undergoing escape. We performed parameter studies with grids in core mass and orbital separation, and we varied the postformation H/He mass, the strength of evaporation, and the atmospheric and core composition. Second, we developed an analytical model for the valley locus.

Results. We find that the bottom of the valley quantified by the radius of the largest stripped core, Rbare, at a given orbital distance depends only weakly on postformation H/He mass. The reason is that a high initial H/He mass means that more gas needs to evaporate, but also that the planet density is lower, increasing mass loss. Regarding the stellar XUV-luminosity, Rbare is found to scale as LXUV0.135. The same weak dependency applies to the efficiency factor ε of energy-limited evaporation. As found numerically and analytically, Rbare varies a function of orbital period P for a constant ε as P−2pc∕3 ≈ P−0.18, where Mc ∝ Rcpc is the mass-radius relation of solid cores. We note that Rbare is about 1.7 R⊕ at a ten-day orbital period for an Earth-like composition.

Conclusions. The numerical results are explained very well with the analytical model where complete evaporation occurs if the temporal integral over the stellar XUV irradiation that is absorbed by the planet is larger than the binding energy of the envelope in the gravitational potential of the core. The weak dependency on the postformation H/He means that the valley does not strongly constrain gas accretion during formation. But the weak dependency on primordial H/He mass, stellar LXUV, and ε could be the reason why the valley is so clearly visible observationally, and why various models find similar results theoretically. At the same time, given the large observed spread of LXUV, the dependency on it is still strong enough to explain why the valley is not completely empty.
Structure-texture peculiarities influence on petrophysical properties of Neftekumsk carbonate sediments
Authors: Yeriomina Natalia , Gridin Vladimir , Sterlenko Zinaida , Tumanova Yelena , Chernenko Katerina
Published: May 2020

The analysis of structure-texture peculiarities of carbonate sediments of Neftekumsk’ reservoir within the limits of Zimne-Stavkinsko- Pravoberezhny field was realized in the field of massive bioherm buildups and interreef lowerings in accordance with data of the core analyses. The existing pore space was divided into structure-texture classes. The correlations between petrofabrics and petrophysical parameters were determined. The received data can be used for describing of the three- dimensional distribution of petrophysical properties with the aim to increase the quality of three-dimensional (3-D) geological models.