bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inherent biomechanical traits enable infective filariae to disseminate through collecting lymphatic vessels
Authors: Kilarski Witold W. , Martin Coralie , Pisano Marco , Bain Odile , Babayan Simon A , Swartz Melody A.
Published: July 2019

Filariases are diseases caused by arthropod-borne filaria nematodes. The related pathologies depend on the location of the infective larvae when their migration, the asymptomatic and least studied phase of the disease, comes to an end. To determine factors assisting in filariae dissemination, we imageLitomosoides sigmodontisinfective larvae during their escape from the skin. Burrowing through the dermis filariae exclusively enter pre-collecting lymphatics by mechanical disruption of their wall. Once inside collectors, their rapid and unidirectional movement towards the lymph node is supported by the morphology of lymphatic valves. In a microfluidic maze mimicking lymphatic vessels, filariae follow the direction of the flow, the first biomechanical factor capable of helminth guidance within the host. Finally, non-infective nematodes that rely on universal morpho-physiological cues alone also migrate through the dermis, and break in lymphatics, indicating that the ability to spread by the lymphatic route is an ancestral trait rather than acquired parasitic adaptation.
Impact of ocean acidification on crystallographic vital effect of the coral skeleton
Authors: Coronado Ismael , Fine Maoz , Bosellini Francesca R. , Stolarski Jarosław
Published: July 2019

Distinguishing between environmental and species-specific physiological signals, recorded in coral skeletons, is one of the fundamental challenges in their reliable use as (paleo)climate proxies. To date, characteristic biological bias in skeleton-recorded environmental signatures (vital effect) was shown in shifts in geochemical signatures. Herein, for the first time, we have assessed crystallographic parameters of bio-aragonite to study the response of the reef-building coral Stylophora pistillata to experimental seawater acidification (pH 8.2, 7.6 and 7.3). Skeletons formed under high pCO2 conditions show systematic crystallographic changes such as better constrained crystal orientation and anisotropic distortions of bio-aragonite lattice parameters due to increased amount of intracrystalline organic matrix and water content. These variations in crystallographic features that seem to reflect physiological adjustments of biomineralizing organisms to environmental change, are herein called crystallographic vital effect (CVE). CVE may register those changes in the biomineralization process that may not yet be perceived at the macromorphological skeletal level.
Difficult-to-neutralize global HIV-1 isolates are neutralized by antibodies targeting open envelope conformations
Authors: Han Qifeng , Jones Julia A. , Nicely Nathan I. , Reed Rachel K. , Shen Xiaoying , Mansouri Katayoun , Louder Mark , Trama Ashley M. , Alam S. Munir , Edwards Robert J. , Bonsignori Mattia , Tomaras Georgia D. , Korber Bette , Montefiori David C. , Mascola John R. , Seaman Michael S. , Haynes Barton F. , Saunders Kevin O.
Published: July 2019

The HIV-1 envelope (Env) is the target for neutralizing antibodies and exists on the surface of virions in open or closed conformations. Difficult-to-neutralize viruses (tier 2) express Env in a closed conformation antigenic for broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) but not for third variable region (V3) antibodies. Here we show that select V3 macaque antibodies elicited by Env vaccination can neutralize 26% of otherwise tier 2 HIV-1 isolates in standardized virus panels. The V3 antibodies only bound to Env in its open conformation. Thus, Envs on tier 2 viruses sample a state where the V3 loop is not in its closed conformation position. Envelope second variable region length, glycosylation sites and V3 amino acids were signatures of neutralization sensitivity. This study determined that open conformations of Env with V3 exposed are present on a subset of otherwise neutralization-resistant virions, therefore neutralization of tier 2 HIV-1 does not always indicate bnAb induction.
Author Correction: The gut microbiota in infants of obese mothers increases inflammation and susceptibility to NAFLD
Authors: Soderborg Taylor K. , Clark Sarah E. , Mulligan Christopher E. , Janssen Rachel C. , Babcock Lyndsey , Ir Diana , Young Bridget , Krebs Nancy F. , Lemas Dominick J. , Johnson Linda K. , Weir Tiffany , Lenz Laurel L. , Frank Daniel N. , Hernandez Teri L. , Kuhn Kristine A. , D’Alessandro Angelo , Barbour Linda A. , El Kasmi Karim C. , Friedman Jacob E.
Published: July 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Faecal microRNAs as a non-invasive tool in the diagnosis of colonic adenomas and colorectal cancer: A meta-analysis
Authors: Yau Tung On , Tang Ceen-Ming , Harriss Elinor K. , Dickins Benjamin , Polytarchou Christos
Published: July 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are proposed as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of numerous diseases. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the utility of faecal miRNAs as a non-invasive tool in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. A systematic literature search, according to predetermined criteria, in five databases identified 17 research articles including 6475, 783 and 5569 faecal-based miRNA tests in CRC, adenoma patients and healthy individuals, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative likelihood and diagnostic odds ratios, area under curve (AUC), summary receiver operator characteristic (sROC) curves, association of individual or combinations of miRNAs to cancer stage and location, subgroup, meta-regression and Deeks’ funnel plot asymmetry analyses were employed. Pooled miRNAs for CRC had an AUC of 0.811, with a sensitivity of 58.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 51.7–65.5%) and specificity of 84.8% (95% CI: 81.1–87.8%), whilst for colonic adenoma, it was 0.747, 57.3% (95% CI: 40.8–72.3%) and 76.1% (95% CI: 66.1–89.4%), respectively. The most reliable individual miRNA was miR-21, with an AUC of 0.843, sensitivity of 59.3% (95% CI: 26.3–85.6%) and specificity of 85.6% (95% CI: 72.2–93.2%). Paired stage analysis showed a better diagnostic accuracy in late stage CRC and sensitivity higher in distal than proximal CRC. In conclusion, faecal miR-21, miR-92a and their combination are promising non-invasive biomarkers for faecal-based CRC screening.
Global ozone depletion and increase of UV radiation caused by pre-industrial tropical volcanic eruptions
Authors: Brenna Hans , Kutterolf Steffen , Krüger Kirstin
Published: July 2019

Large explosive tropical volcanic eruptions inject high amounts of gases into the stratosphere, where they disperse globally through the large-scale meridional circulation. There is now increasing observational evidence that volcanic halogens can reach the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. Here, we present the first study that combines measurement-based data of sulfur, chlorine and bromine releases from tropical volcanic eruptions with complex coupled chemistry climate model simulations taking radiative-dynamical-chemical feedbacks into account. Halogen model input parameters represent a size-time-region-wide average for the Central American eruptions over the last 200 ka ensuring a comprehensive perspective. The simulations reveal global, long-lasting impact on the ozone layer affecting atmospheric composition and circulation for a decade. Column ozone drops below 220 DU (ozone hole conditions) in the tropics, Arctic and Antarctica, increasing biologically active UV by 80 to 400%. Our model results could potentially be validated using high-resolution proxies from ice cores and pollen records.
Electrophysiological correlates of the processing of different self-aspects of handwritten names
Authors: Sawada Reiko , Toichi Motomi , Masataka Nobuo
Published: July 2019

Humans recognize the self in various visual domains, such as faces, names, and motions, as well as in products, such as handwritten letters. Previous studies have indicated that these various domains of self are represented differently in the brain, i.e., domain-specific self-representation. However, it remains unclear whether these differences in brain activation are due to the processing of different visual features or to differential self-processing among the domains, because the studies used different types of visual stimuli. The present study evaluated event-related potentials (ERPs) while participants were presented with their own and others’ names generated by the participants themselves or someone else. Therefore, the visual stimuli included two domains of self-related information, name and motor agent, but only one type of stimulus (handwritten names). The ERP results show that the amplitudes of the P250 component (250–330 ms) in the posterior regions were smaller for self-generated handwritten names than for non-self-generated handwritten names. The results also show that the amplitudes of the P300 component (350–500 ms) were larger for the self-name than for the non-self-name. These results suggest domain-specific processing of self-related information regarding the name and agent of handwritten stimuli.
Long-distance migratory shorebirds travel faster towards their breeding grounds, but fly faster post-breeding
Authors: Duijns Sjoerd , Anderson Alexandra M. , Aubry Yves , Dey Amanda , Flemming Scott A. , Francis Charles M. , Friis Christian , Gratto-Trevor Cheri , Hamilton Diana J. , Holberton Rebecca , Koch Stephanie , McKellar Ann E. , Mizrahi David , Morrissey Christy A. , Neima Sarah G. , Newstead David , Niles Larry , Nol Erica , Paquet Julie , Rausch Jennie , Tudor Lindsay , Turcotte Yves , Smith Paul A.
Published: July 2019

Long-distance migrants are assumed to be more time-limited during the pre-breeding season compared to the post-breeding season. Although breeding-related time constraints may be absent post-breeding, additional factors such as predation risk could lead to time constraints that were previously underestimated. By using an automated radio telemetry system, we compared pre- and post-breeding movements of long-distance migrant shorebirds on a continent-wide scale. From 2014 to 2016, we deployed radio transmitters on 1,937 individuals of 4 shorebird species at 13 sites distributed across North America. Following theoretical predictions, all species migrated faster during the pre-breeding season, compared to the post-breeding season. These differences in migration speed between seasons were attributable primarily to longer stopover durations in the post-breeding season. In contrast, and counter to our expectations, all species had higher airspeeds during the post-breeding season, even after accounting for seasonal differences in wind. Arriving at the breeding grounds in good body condition is beneficial for survival and reproductive success and this energetic constraint might explain why airspeeds are not maximised in the pre-breeding season. We show that the higher airspeeds in the post-breeding season precede a wave of avian predators, which could suggest that migrant shorebirds show predation-minimizing behaviour during the post-breeding season. Our results reaffirm the important role of time constraints during northward migration and suggest that both energy and predation-risk constrain migratory behaviour during the post-breeding season.
Mitogenome types of two Lentinula edodes sensu lato populations in China
Authors: Song Xiaoxia , Zhao Yan , Song Chunyan , Chen Mingjie , Huang Jianchun , Bao Dapeng , Tan Qi , Yang Ruiheng
Published: July 2019

China has two populations of Lentinula edodes sensu lato as follows: L. edodes sensu stricto and an unexcavated morphological species respectively designated as A and B. In a previous study, we found that the nuclear types of the two populations are distinct and that both have two branches (A1, A2, B1 and B2) based on the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequence. In this paper, their mitogenome types were studied by resequencing 20 of the strains. The results show that the mitogenome type (mt) of ITS2-A1 was mt-A1, that of ITS2-A2 was mt-A2, and those of ITS2-B1 and ITS2-B2 were mt-B. The strains with heterozygous ITS2 types had one mitogenome type, and some strains possessed a recombinant mitogenome. This indicated that there may be frequent genetic exchanges between the two populations and both nuclear and mitochondrial markers were necessary to identify the strains of L. edodes sensu lato. In addition, by screening SNP diversity and comparing four complete mitogenomes among mt-A1, mt-A2 and mt-B, the cob, cox3, nad2, nad3, nad4, nad5, rps3 and rrnS genes could be used to identify mt-A and mt-B and that the cox1, nad1 and rrnL genes could be used to identify mt-A1, mt-A2 and mt-B.
Astaxanthin suppresses the metastasis of colon cancer by inhibiting the MYC-mediated downregulation of microRNA-29a-3p and microRNA-200a
Authors: Kim Hye-Youn , Kim Young-Mi , Hong Suntaek
Published: July 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer, and is associated with a high percentage of cancer-related death globally. Furthermore, the success rate of therapeutic treatment for CRC patients mainly depends on the status of metastasis. Therefore, novel drugs or therapeutic techniques should be discovered for the treatment of metastatic CRC. In this study, we selected Astaxanthin (AXT), one of the most common carotenoids, as a novel metastasis inhibitor through high-throughput drug screening based on invadopodia staining, and confirmed the anti-migratory and anti-invasive activity of AXT. We demonstrated that AXT increases miR-29a-3p and miR-200a expression, and thereby suppresses the expression of MMP2 and ZEB1, respectively. As a result, AXT represses the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CRC cells. Through the mechanistic study, we identified that AXT shows anti-metastatic activity through the transcriptional repression of MYC transcription factor. Finally, we also confirmed that AXT suppresses the in vivo metastatic capacity of colon cancer cell using mouse model. Collectively, we uncovered the novel function of AXT in the inhibition of EMT and invadopodia formation, implicating the novel therapeutic potential for AXT in metastatic CRC patients.
Vertebrates originally possess four functional subtypes of G protein-coupled melatonin receptor
Authors: Sakai Kotowa , Yamamoto Yuya , Ikeuchi Toshitaka
Published: July 2019

Melatonin receptors (MTNRs) belonging to the G protein-coupled receptor family are considered to consist of three subtypes in vertebrates: MTNR1a, MTNR1b and MTNR1c. Additionally, MTNR1a-like genes have been identified in teleostean species as a fish-specific subtype of MTNR1a. However, similar molecules to this MTNR1a-like gene can be found in some reptiles upon searching the DNA database. We hypothesized that a vertebrate can essentially have four functional subtypes of MTNR as ohnologs. Thus, in the present study we examined the molecular phylogeny, expression patterns and pharmacological profile(s) using the teleost medaka (Oryzias latipes). The four conserved subtypes of MTNR (MTNR1a, MTNR1b, MTNR1c and MTNR1a-like) in vertebrates were classified based on synteny and phylogenetic analysis. The fourth MTNR, termed MTNR1a-like, could be classified as MTNR1d. It was observed by using RT-qPCR that expression patterns differed amongst these subtypes. Moreover, mtnr1a, mtnr1c and mtnr1a-like/mtnr1d expression was elevated during short days compared to long days in diencephalons. All the subtypes were activated by melatonin and transduced signals into the Gi pathway, to perform a cAMP-responsive reporter gene assay. It was shown that MTNR originally consisted of four subtypes: MTNR1a, MTNR1b, MTNR1c and MTNR1d. These subtypes were functional, at least in fish, although some organisms, including mammals, have lost one or two subtypes.
Impact of desertification on soil and plant nutrient stoichiometry in a desert grassland
Authors: An Hui , Tang Zhuangsheng , Keesstra Saskia , Shangguan Zhouping
Published: July 2019

Grassland degradation resulting from desertification often alters the carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycles within grassland ecosystems. To estimate the effects of desertification on the C, N, and P concentrations and C:N:P stoichiometry of plants and soil, we examined C, N, and P concentrations in plant tissues (leaves, roots and litter) and soil across five degrees of desertification in the desert grassland of Ningxia, China (control, light, moderate, severe and very severe desertification stages). The C, N, and P concentrations and C:N:P stoichiometry of the leaves, roots and litter differed among the different desertification stages. Desertification resulted in opposing trends between the leaf N concentration and leaf C:N ratio. With the exception of the very severe desertification stage, the leaf N:P ratio decreased over the process of grassland desertification. The soil C, N, and P concentrations and soil N:P and C:P ratios decreased significantly along the grassland desertification gradient. In contrast, the soil C:N ratio remained relatively stable during desertification (10.85 to 11.48). The results indicate that desertification is unfavourable to C and N fixation and has a negative effect on the ecosystem structure and function of desert grassland.
Dual-neodymium magnet-based microfluidic separation device
Authors: Kye Hyeon Gi , Park Byeong Seon , Lee Jong Min , Song Min Gyu , Song Han Gyeol , Ahrberg Christian D. , Chung Bong Geun
Published: July 2019

Microfluidic-based separation methods have been highlighted for a number of biological applications, such as single cell analysis, disease diagnostics, and therapeutics. Although a number of previous studies have been carried out to minimize the physical damage and chemical deformations of the sample during the separation process, it still remains a challenge. In this paper, we developed a microfluidic device with dual-neodymium magnet-based negative magnetophoresis for the separation of the microparticles and cells. The poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) was added to the solution to increase the viscoelasticity of the medium which could assist the sorting of the microparticles in the microfluidic device even at low flow rates, while minimizing damage to the cells and microparticles. Following this method, it was possible to separate 10 and 16 μm microparticles with high efficiency of 99 ± 0.1%, and 97 ± 0.8%, respectively. We also demonstrated the separation of glioblastoma cancer cells and neural stem cells (NSCs) in the microfluidic device.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Doubled haploid production in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) through isolated microspore culture
Authors: Yi Dengxia , Sun Jifeng , Su Yanbin , Tong Zongyong , Zhang Tiejun , Wang Zan
Published: July 2019

Rapid production of doubled haploids (DHs) through isolated microspore culture is an important and promising method for genetic study of alfalfa. To induce embryogenesis in alfalfa, isolated microspores were submitted to abiotic stresses during their initial culture, in order to stimulate them to form embryos and plantlets. ‘Baoding’ and ‘Zhongmu No 1’ alfalfa cultivars supported reproducible and reliable proliferation response irrespective of any stress treatment of microspores. The microspore developmental stage for isolated microspore culture was studied and we found that uninucleate microspores were best to initiate culture. Exposure of microspores to appropriate low temperature or heat shock stresses were able to increase the efficiency of embryogenesis. The most effective low-temperature treatment was 4 °C for 24 h and the frequency of plantlets induction was 20.0%. The most effective heat shock treatment was 32 °C for 2 d and the frequency of plantlets induction was 14.17%. The analysis of ploidy level performed by flow cytometer revealed that the majority of 278 regenerated plantlets were haploid (65.83%) or doubled haploid (33.81%). This is the first report of haploid production in alfalfa through isolated microspore culture.
Tailoring phononic, electronic, and thermoelectric properties of orthorhombic GeSe through hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Yuan Kunpeng , Sun Zhehao , Zhang Xiaoliang , Tang Dawei
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we systematically investigate the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the phononic and electronic transport properties of orthorhombic p-type GeSe using first-principles based Boltzmann transport equation approach. It is found that the lattice thermal conductivities along the a and c directions increase with pressure, whereas it experiences a decrease along the b direction. This anomalous pressure dependent lattice thermal conductivity is attributed to the combined effect of enhanced phonon group velocity and reduced phonon lifetime. Additionally, the optical phonon branches have remarkable contributions to the total lattice thermal conductivity. The electronic transport calculations indicate that the Seebeck coefficient undergoes a sign change from p-type to n-type along the a direction under pressure, and a dramatic enhancement of the power factor is observed due to the boost of electrical conductivity. The predicted ZT values along the a, b, and c directions are 1.54, 1.09, and 1.01 at 700 K and 8 GPa, respectively, which are about 14, 7.3, and 1.9 times higher than those at zero pressure at experimental carrier concentration of ~1018 cm−3. Our study is expected to provide a guide for further optimization of the thermal and charge transport properties through hydrostatic pressure.
Plasma-derived extracellular vesicles yield predictive markers of cranial irradiation exposure in mice
Authors: Hinzman Charles P. , Baulch Janet E. , Mehta Khyati Y. , Girgis Michael , Bansal Shivani , Gill Kirandeep , Li Yaoxiang , Limoli Charles L. , Cheema Amrita K.
Published: July 2019

Ionizing radiation exposure to the brain is common for patients with a variety of CNS related malignancies. This exposure is known to induce structural and functional alterations to the brain, impacting dendritic complexity, spine density and inflammation. Over time, these changes are associated with cognitive decline. However, many of these impacts are only observable long after irradiation. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are shed from cells in nearly all known tissues, with roles in many disease pathologies. EVs are becoming an important target for identifying circulating biomarkers. The aim of this study is to identify minimally invasive biomarkers of ionizing radiation damage to the CNS that are predictors of late responses that manifest as persistent cognitive impairments. Using a clinically relevant 9 Gy irradiation paradigm, we exposed mice to cranial (head only) irradiation. Using metabolomic and lipidomic profiling, we analyzed their plasma and plasma-derived EVs two days and two weeks post-exposure to detect systemic signs of damage. We identified significant changes associated with inflammation in EVs. Whole-plasma profiling provided further evidence of systemic injury. These studies are the first to demonstrate that profiling of plasma-derived EVs may be used to study clinically relevant markers of ionizing radiation toxicities to the brain.
Outcome of stage IV cancer patients receiving in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Lee Meng-Rui , Yu Kai-Lun , Kuo Hung-Yang , Liu Tsung-Hao , Ko Jen-Chung , Tsai Jaw-Shiun , Wang Jann-Yuan
Published: July 2019

The effects of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on patients with advanced cancer remain to be elucidated. We identified a cohort of patients with stage-IV cancer who received in-hospital CPR from the Taiwan Cancer Registry and National Health Insurance claims database, along with a matched cohort without cancer who also received in-hospital CPR. The main outcomes were post-discharge survival and in-hospital mortality. In total, 3,446 stage-IV cancer patients who underwent in-hospital CPR after cancer diagnosis were identified during January 2009–June 2014. A vast majority of the patients did not survive to discharge (n = 2,854, 82.8%). The median post-discharge survival was 22 days; 10.1% (n = 60; 1.7% of all patients) of the hospital survivors received anticancer therapy after discharge. We created 1:1 age–, sex–, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI)–, and year of CPR–matched noncancer and stage-IV cancer cohorts (n = 3,425 in both; in-hospital mortality rate = 82.1% and 82.8%, respectively). Regression analysis showed that the stage-IV cancer cohort had shorter post-discharge survival than did the noncancer cohort. The outcome of patients with advanced cancer was poor. Even among the survivors, post-discharge survival was short, with only few patients receiving further anticancer therapy.
Power-spectra and cross-frequency coupling changes in visual and Audio-visual acquired equivalence learning
Authors: Puszta András , Pertich Ákos , Katona Xénia , Bodosi Balázs , Nyujtó Diána , Giricz Zsófia , Eördegh Gabriella , Nagy Attila
Published: July 2019

The three phases of the applied acquired equivalence learning test, i.e. acquisition, retrieval and generalization, investigate the capabilities of humans in associative learning, working memory load and rule-transfer, respectively. Earlier findings denoted the role of different subcortical structures and cortical regions in the visual test. However, there is a lack of information about how multimodal cues modify the EEG-patterns during acquired equivalence learning. To test this we have recorded EEG from 18 healthy volunteers and analyzed the power spectra and the strength of cross-frequency coupling, comparing a unimodal visual-guided and a bimodal, audio-visual-guided paradigm. We found that the changes in the power of the different frequency band oscillations were more critical during the visual paradigm and they showed less synchronized activation compared to the audio-visual paradigm. These findings indicate that multimodal cues require less prominent, but more synchronized cortical contribution, which might be a possible biomarker of forming multimodal associations.
His6, His13, and His14 residues in Aβ 1–40 peptide significantly and specifically affect oligomeric equilibria
Authors: Przygońska Kaja , Pacewicz Magdalena , Sadowska Wiktoria , Poznański Jarosław , Bal Wojciech , Dadlez Michał
Published: July 2019

Oligomers of Aβ peptide are implicated as the most probable causative agent in Alzheimer’s disease. However, their structural properties remain elusive due to the dynamic and heterogeneous character of oligomeric species coexisting in solution. Nevertheless, new approaches, mainly based on mass spectrometry, provide unique access to these different structural forms. Using these methods, we previously showed that the N-terminal, non-amyloidogenic region of Aβ is involved in the network of interactions specifically stabilizing oligomers. In the present study, we identified three histidine residues as active participants in this network. Detailed knowledge of the structural features that are potentially important for oligomer-mediated neurotoxicity is a prerequisite for the rational design of oligomerization modifiers.
Performance of a new quantitative computed tomography index for interstitial lung disease assessment in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Bocchino Marialuisa , Bruzzese Dario , D’Alto Michele , Argiento Paola , Borgia Alessia , Capaccio Annalisa , Romeo Emanuele , Russo Barbara , Sanduzzi Alessandro , Valente Tullio , Sverzellati Nicola , Rea Gaetano , Vettori Serena
Published: July 2019

Quantitative high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) may objectively assess systemic sclerosis (SSc)-interstitial lung disease (ILD) extent, using three basic densitometric measures: mean lung attenuation (MLA), skewness, and kurtosis. This prospective study aimed to develop a composite index - computerized integrated index (CII) – that accounted for MLA, skewness, and kurtosis by means of Principal Component Analysis over HRCTs of 83 consecutive SSc subjects, thus eliminating redundancies. Correlations among CII, cardiopulmonary function and immune-inflammatory biomarkers (e.g. sIL-2Rα and CCL18 serum levels) were explored. ILD was detected in 47% of patients at visual HRCT assessment. These patients had worse CII values than patients without ILD. The CII correlated with lung function at both baseline and follow-up, and with sIL-2Rα and CCL18 serum levels. The best discriminating CII value for ILD was 0.1966 (AUC = 0.77; sensitivity = 0.81 [95%CI:0.68–0.92]; specificity = 0.66 [95%CI:0.52–0.80]). Thirty-four percent of patients without visual trace of ILD had a CII lower than 0.1966, and 67% of them had a diffusing lung capacity for CO <80% of predicted. We showed that this new composite CT index for SSc-ILD assessment correlates with both lung function and immune-inflammatory parameters and could be sufficiently sensitive for capturing early lung density changes in visually ILD-free patients.
Impact of climate change and urban development on the flora of a southern European city: analysis of biodiversity change over a 120-year period
Authors: Salinitro Mirko , Alessandrini Alessandro , Zappi Alessandro , Tassoni Annalisa
Published: July 2019

Ecological studies in cities are not only aimed at investigating floristic diversity, but also represent informative test cases for understanding ecological system dynamics and responses to urban and climate changes since cities represent microcosms of environmental changes happening globally. The city of Bologna was selected as a case study since two specific and complete studies have been carried out in a 120-years timespan, one in 1894 and one in 2018. Since 1894, a large increase occurred in the number of taxa (families from 41 to 101, species from 176 to 477) and alien species (from 22 to 144), with a 65% total species turnover. The comparison of species life forms pointed out a noticeable recent expansion of phanerophytes and geophytes at the expense of therophytes and hemicryptophytes. The correlation between urbanistic features and plant richness indicated that the main factor affecting plant richness is the presence of green spaces (parks, tree lines, flowerbeds, etc.). Analysis of variation in Ellenberg’s indicator values over the last 120 years evidenced a shift toward shade-tolerant species, mainly connected to the increased presence of parks and trees within the city. Climate change and the presence of artificially irrigated areas within the city has led to an increase in both hygrophilous and drought-resistant species. In particular, the temperature index showed a significantly higher amount of macrothermal species in accordance with a warmer climate and the urban heat island effect.
Room temperature Co-doped manganite/graphene sensor operating at high pulsed magnetic fields
Authors: Lukose Rasuole , Zurauskiene Nerija , Stankevic Voitech , Vagner Milita , Plausinaitiene Valentina , Niaura Gediminas , Kersulis Skirmantas , Balevicius Saulius , Bolli Eleonora , Mezzi Alessio , Kaciulis Saulius
Published: July 2019

The demand to increase the sensitivity to magnetic field in a broad magnetic field ranges has led to the research of novel materials for sensor applications. Therefore, the hybrid system consisting of two different magnetoresistive materials – nanostructured Co-doped manganite La1−xSrx(Mn1−yCoy)zO3 and single- and few-layer graphene – were combined and investigated as potential system for magnetic field sensing. The negative colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) of manganite-cobaltite and positive one of graphene gives the possibility to increase the sensitivity to magnetic field of the hybrid sensor. The performed magnetoresistance (MR) measurements of individual few layer (n = 1–5) graphene structures revealed the highest MR values for three-layer graphene (3LG), whereas additional Co-doping increased the MR values of nanostructured manganite films. The connection of 3LG graphene and Co-doped magnanite film in a voltage divider configuration significantly increased the sensitivity of the hybrid sensor at low and intermediate magnetic fields (1–2 T): 70 mV/VT of hybrid sensor in comparison with 56 mV/VT for 3LG and 12 mV/VT for Co-doped magnanite film, respectively, and broadened the magnetic field operation range (0.1–20) T of the produced sensor prototype.
Pharmacokinetics of anti-infectious reagents in silkworms
Authors: Hamamoto Hiroshi , Horie Ryo , Sekimizu Kazuhisa
Published: July 2019

Silkworm microorganism infection models are useful for screening novel therapeutically effective antimicrobial agents. In this study, we used silkworms to investigate the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of antimicrobial agents, in which cytochrome P450 plays a major role. The pharmacokinetic parameters of the antimicrobial agents were determined based on their concentrations in the hemolymph after administration. The parameters, such as half-lives and distribution volumes, in silkworm were consistent with those in mammalian models. In addition, antifungal agents with reduced therapeutic effectiveness due to high protein-binding capacities in mammalian serum exhibited similar features in silkworm hemolymph. Cytochrome P450 enzymes, which metabolize exogenous compounds in mammalian liver, were distributed mainly in the silkworm midgut. Most of the compounds metabolized by cytochrome P450 in humans are also metabolized in the silkworm midgut. These findings suggest that the pharmacokinetics of antimicrobial agents are fundamentally similar between silkworms and mammals, and that therapeutic effects in the silkworm infection model reflect the pharmacokinetics of the test samples.
A New Analytic Formula for Minority Carrier Decay Length Extraction from Scanning Photocurrent Profiles in Ohmic-Contact Nanowire Devices
Authors: Chu Cheng-Hao , Mao Ming-Hua , Yang Che-Wei , Lin Hao-Hsiung
Published: July 2019

Spatially resolved current measurements such as scanning photocurrent microscopy (SPCM) have been extensively applied to investigate carrier transport properties in semiconductor nanowires. A traditional simple-exponential-decay formula based on the assumption of carrier diffusion dominance in the scanning photocurrent profiles can be applied for carrier diffusion length extraction using SPCM in Schottky-contact-based or p-n junction-based devices where large built-in electric fields exist. However, it is also important to study the electric-field dependent transport properties in widely used ohmic-contact nanowire devices where the assumption of carrier diffusion dominance is invalid. Here we derive an analytic formula for scanning photocurrent profiles in such ohmic-contact nanowire devices under uniform applied electric fields and weak optical excitation. Under these operation conditions and the influence of photo-carrier-induced electric field, the scanning photocurrent profile and the carrier spatial distribution strikingly do not share the same functional form. Instead, a surprising new analytic relation between the scanning photocurrent profile and the minority carrier decay length was established. Then the derived analytic formula was validated numerically and experimentally. This analytic formula provides a new fitting method for SPCM profiles to correctly determine the minority carrier decay length, which allows us to quantitatively evaluate the performance of nanowire-based devices.
Destination choice game: A spatial interaction theory on human mobility
Authors: Yan Xiao-Yong , Zhou Tao
Published: July 2019

With remarkable significance in migration prediction, global disease mitigation, urban planning and many others, an arresting challenge is to predict human mobility fluxes between any two locations. A number of methods have been proposed against the above challenge, including the gravity model, the intervening opportunity model, the radiation model, the population-weighted opportunity model, and so on. Despite their theoretical elegance, all models ignored an intuitive and important ingredient in individual decision about where to go, that is, the possible congestion on the way and the possible crowding in the destination. Here we propose a microscopic mechanism underlying mobility decisions, named destination choice game (DCG), which takes into account the crowding effects resulted from spatial interactions among individuals. In comparison with the state-of-the-art models, the present one shows more accurate prediction on mobility fluxes across wide scales from intracity trips to intercity travels, and further to internal migrations. The well-known gravity model is proved to be the equilibrium solution of a degenerated DCG neglecting the crowding effects in the destinations.
Exploration of the reactive modelling of sol–gel polycondensation in the presence of templates
Authors: Azenha Manuel , Szefczyk Borys
Published: July 2019

Sol–gel polycondensates shaped by a template were obtained by reactive modelling at 700 K.
Gas chromatography–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy reveals dynamic molecular interconversion of oximes
Authors: Zavahir J. Shezmin , Nolvachai Yada , Wood Bayden R. , Marriott Philip J.
Published: July 2019

Oxime E/Z isomers interconvert on GC columns; they can be individually monitored using FTIR to provide profiles of each isomer.
Non-enzymatic colorimetric sensor strip based on melamine-functionalized gold nanoparticles assembled on polyamide nanofiber membranes for the detection of metronidazole
Authors: Abedalwafa Mohammed Awad , Li Yan , Ni Chunfang , Yang Gang , Wang Lu
Published: July 2019

Non-enzymatic colorimetric sensor strip for detection of metronidazole (MTZ) was designed and constructed, with high sensitivity and selectivity. Which can be used for naked-eye detection of MTZ with a visible color change from pink to purple.
Delivery of siRNA therapeutics using cowpea chlorotic mottle virus-like particles
Authors: Lam Patricia , Steinmetz Nicole F.
Published: July 2019

While highly promising in medicine, gene therapy requires delivery agents to protect and target nucleic acid therapeutics.
A supermolecular building block approach for construction of chiral metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Jiang Hong , Chen Kai-Jie , Zheng Fan-Fan , Chen Xu , Liu Yan , Cui Yong
Published: July 2019

Three isoreticular chiral porous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with different pore environments are synthesized through a supermolecular building block approach.
Microwave assisted combustion of phytic acid for the preparation of Ni2P@C as a robust catalyst for hydrodechlorination
Authors: Han Wenfeng , Li Xiliang , Liu Bing , Li Lichun , Tang Haodong , Li Ying , Lu Chunshan , Li Xiaonian
Published: July 2019

Ni2P@C facilely prepared by microwave assisted combustion with phytic acid and nickel nitrate exhibits even higher activity for the hydrodechlorination of HCFC-22 than Pd/C.
Why does a para-amino group make the green fluorescent protein chromophore non-fluorescent: coherent intramolecular charge transfer reduces the Z/E-photoisomerization barrier
Authors: Chen Yi-Hui , Sung Robert , Sung Kuangsen
Published: July 2019

The p-NH2 group makes the green fluorescent protein chromophore non-fluorescent because coherent photo-induced intramolecular charge transfer reduces the Z/E-photoisomerization barrier.
Dimension control of ionic liquids
Authors: Ichikawa Takahiro , Kato Takashi , Ohno Hiroyuki
Published: July 2019

This feature article describes molecular design strategies for organizing ionic liquids into 1D, 2D and 3D ordered states. New applications and functions of the dimensionally-ordered ionic liquids are also reviewed.
Correction: Waste not, want not: CO2 (re)cycling into block polymers
Authors: Raman Sumesh K. , Raja Robert , Arnold Polly L. , Davidson Matthew G. , Williams Charlotte K.
Published: July 2019

Correction for ‘Waste not, want not: CO2 (re)cycling into block polymers’ by Sumesh K. Raman et al., Chem. Commun., 2019, 55, 7315–7318.
Structural characterization and optical properties of two copper(i)-iodide BODIPY coordination polymers
Authors: Hassanain Hawazen , Davies E. Stephen , Lewis William , Kays Deborah L. , Champness Neil R.
Published: July 2019

BODIPY chromophores with pyridyl or pyrimidinyl substituents exhibit strong solid-state fluorescence which is quenched in CuI coordination polymers.
Theoretical insights into inorganic–organic intercalation products of the layered perovskite HLaNb2O7: perspectives for hybrid proton conductors
Authors: Di Tommaso Stefania , Giannici Francesco , Mossuto Marculescu Adriana , Chiara Alessandro , Tealdi Cristina , Martorana Antonino , Labat Frédéric , Adamo Carlo
Published: July 2019

Combined computational and experimental investigation of proton structure and transfer between imidazoles confided in a layered perovskite.
Effect of Ag–Fe–Cu tri-metal loading in bismuth oxybromide to develop a novel nanocomposite for the sunlight driven photocatalytic oxidation of alcohols
Authors: Bisht Narendra Singh , Pancholi Deepika , Sahoo Nanda Gopal , Melkani Anand B. , Mehta S. P. S. , Dandapat Anirban
Published: July 2019

Metal-doped BiOBr was synthesized and used as a reusable sunlight driven photocatalyst for the selective oxidation of alcohols into corresponding aldehydes/ketones.
Synthesis and characterisation of the vibrational and electrical properties of antiferromagnetic 6L-Ba2CoTeO6ceramics
Authors: Aziz Anees A. , Mercone Silvana , Lobo Ricardo P. S. M. , Dias Anderson , Moreira Roberto L. , Bell Anthony M. T. , Eccleston Roger , Feteira Antonio
Published: July 2019

Dense single-phase 6L-Ba2CoTeO6ceramics fabricated by the solid-state reaction method were employed to investigate the behaviour of the phonon modes and the mechanism driving the low-temperature antiferromagnetic transitions.
Identification of dual luminescence centers from a single site in a novel blue-pumped Ca3Sc2Ge3O12:Ce3+ phosphor
Authors: Wang Baochen , Mi Ruiyu , Liu Yangai , Yu Ming , Huang Zhaohui , Fang Minghao
Published: July 2019

The Ca3Sc2Ge3O12:Ce3+ phosphor is reported for the first time and two luminescence centers of Ce3+ at a single site are observed.
A lactam-functionalized copper bent diisophthalate framework displaying significantly enhanced adsorption of CO2 and C2H2 over CH4
Authors: He Minghui , Xia Fengjie , Xu Tingting , Gao Xiaoxia , Jiang Zhenzhen , Wang Xia , He Yabing
Published: July 2019

The first lactam-functionalized MOF based on a bent diisophthalate ligand was constructed, displaying significantly enhanced uptake and selectivity for C2H2 and CO2 over CH4.
SrPt3In2– an orthorhombically distorted coloring variant of SrIn5
Authors: Muts Ihor R. , Hlukhyy Viktor , Galadzhun Yaroslav V. , Solokha Pavlo , Seidel Stefan , Hoffmann Rolf-Dieter , Pöttgen Rainer , Zaremba Vasyl’ I.
Published: July 2019

The new intermetallic phase SrPt3In2was synthesized by induction-melting of the elements in a sealed tantalum ampoule followed by long-term annealing for crystal growth.
Field-induced slow magnetic relaxation in the first Dy(iii)-centered 12-metallacrown-4 double-decker
Authors: Athanasopoulou Angeliki A. , Baldoví José J. , Carrella Luca M. , Rentschler Eva
Published: July 2019

The first double-decker Ga(iii)/Dy(iii) 12-MC-4 complex has been isolated and magnetic studies revealed its SMM properties.
The influence of surface coating functionality on the aging of nanoparticles in wastewater
Authors: Surette Mark C. , Nason Jeffrey A. , Kaegi Ralf
Published: July 2019

Engineered surface coatings alter ENM transformations (aggregation and corona formation) during conventional wastewater treatment processes.
Organic aluminum hydrides catalyze nitrile hydroboration
Authors: Liu Wenqing , Ding Yi , Jin Da , Shen Qiumiao , Yan Ben , Ma Xiaoli , Yang Zhi
Published: July 2019

The eco-friendly and highly efficient catalytic hydroboration of nitriles has been elucidated by using organic aluminum hydrides.
Horizons Community Board collection – emerging 2D materials for energy and electronics applications
Authors: Li Li , Ma Tianyi , Zhang Nan
Published: July 2019

A themed collection on emerging 2D materials for energy and electronics applications, guest edited by Nanoscale Horizons Community Board member Li Li, and Materials Horizons Community Board members Tianyi Ma and Nan Zhang.
Computer-aided re-engineering of nonribosomal peptide and polyketide biosynthetic assembly lines
Authors: Alanjary Mohammad , Cano-Prieto Carolina , Gross Harald , Medema Marnix H.
Published: July 2019

This review highlights recent advancements in engineering biosynthetic assembly lines and new computational tools that aid in parts search, assembly line engineering, and refinement.
Quantification of DNA damage induced repair focus formation via super-resolution dSTORM localization microscopy
Authors: Varga Dániel , Majoros Hajnalka , Ujfaludi Zsuzsanna , Erdélyi Miklós , Pankotai Tibor
Published: July 2019

A quantitative approach has been developed to analyse the morphology and distribution of DNA double-strand break induced single repair focus by super-resolution dSTORM microscopy.
Synthesis and characterization of bent fluorine-containing donor–π-acceptor molecules as intense luminophores with large Stokes shifts
Authors: Yamada Shigeyuki , Nishizawa Akito , Morita Masato , Hosokai Takuya , Okabayashi Yusuke , Agou Tomohiro , Hosoya Takaaki , Kubota Toshio , Konno Tsutomu
Published: July 2019

Bent fluorine-containing D–π-A molecules showed intense photoluminescence with large Stokes shifts stem from their twisted and bent molecular geometries.
Light-responsive arylazopyrazole-based hydrogels: their applications as shape-memory materials, self-healing matrices and controlled drug release systems
Authors: Davidson-Rozenfeld Gilad , Stricker Lucas , Simke Julian , Fadeev Michael , Vázquez-González Margarita , Ravoo Bart Jan , Willner Itamar
Published: July 2019

Carboxymethyl cellulose functionalized with nucleic acids, β-cyclodextrin and arylazopyrazole photoisomerizable units self-assembles into stimuli-responsive hydrogels.
Fe(iii)-Catalyzed synthesis of pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrroles: formation of new dyes and photophysical studies
Authors: Tasior Mariusz , Koszarna Beata , Young David C. , Bernard Beata , Jacquemin Denis , Gryko Dorota , Gryko Daniel T.
Published: July 2019

A new method for the synthesis of 1,2,4,5-tetrarylpyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrroles has been developed employing iron(iii) perchlorate as a catalyst.
Magnetoelectric coupling tailored by the orientation of the nanocrystals in only one component in percolative multiferroic composites
Authors: Tang Yu , Wang Ruixin , Zhang Yi , Xiao Bin , Li Shun , Du Piyi
Published: July 2019

Strong magnetoelectric coupling is realized in BaTiO3–Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 multiferroic composite thin films by tailoring the orientation of ferrite nanocrystals.
Synthesis, computational studies, antimycobacterial and antibacterial properties of pyrazinoic acid–isoniazid hybrid conjugates
Authors: Panda Siva S. , Girgis Adel S. , Mishra Bibhuti B. , Elagawany Mohamed , Devarapalli Venkatasai , Littlefield William F. , Samir Ahmed , Fayad Walid , Fawzy Nehmedo G. , Srour Aladdin M. , Bokhtia Riham M.
Published: July 2019

Synthesis and computational studies of new pyrazinoic acid–isoniazid hybrid conjugates as potential anti-infective agents.
Ultralong room-temperature phosphorescence of a solid-state supramolecule between phenylmethylpyridinium and cucurbit[6]uril
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Yuan , Liu Yu
Published: July 2019

We report an ultralong room-temperature phosphorescence (2.62 s) based on cucurbit[6]uril host and phenyl-methyl-pyridinium guest for data encryption. Encapsulation of CB[6] boosts intersystem crossing and suppresses nonradiative relaxation of guest.
Bimodal self-assembly of granular spheres under vertical vibration
Authors: Amirifar Reza , Dong Kejun , Zeng Qinghua , An Xizhong
Published: July 2019

As granular particles in a packing are athermal, their self-assembly has to be realized with the input of energy via walls. But different manners of energy input, e.g., through tapping or shearing walls, have not been discriminated previously.
Microrheological characterization of covalent adaptable hydrogels for applications in oral delivery
Authors: Wu Nan , Schultz Kelly M.
Published: July 2019

μ2rheology, microrheology in a microfluidic device, is used to characterize a covalent adaptable hydrogel scaffold in pH environments that mimic the gastrointestinal tract.