bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The LL-100 panel: 100 cell lines for blood cancer studies
Authors: Quentmeier Hilmar , Pommerenke Claudia , Dirks Wilhelm G. , Eberth Sonja , Koeppel Max , MacLeod Roderick A. F. , Nagel Stefan , Steube Klaus , Uphoff Cord C. , Drexler Hans G.
Published: June 2019

For many years, immortalized cell lines have been used as model systems for cancer research. Cell line panels were established for basic research and drug development, but did not cover the full spectrum of leukemia and lymphoma. Therefore, we now developed a novel panel (LL-100), 100 cell lines covering 22 entities of human leukemia and lymphoma including T-cell, B-cell and myeloid malignancies. Importantly, all cell lines are unequivocally authenticated and assigned to the correct tissue. Cell line samples were proven to be free of mycoplasma and non-inherent virus contamination. Whole exome sequencing and RNA-sequencing of the 100 cell lines were conducted with a uniform methodology to complement existing data on these publicly available cell lines. We show that such comprehensive sequencing data can be used to find lymphoma-subtype-characteristic copy number aberrations, mRNA isoforms, transcription factor activities and expression patterns of NKL homeobox genes. These exemplary studies confirm that the novel LL-100 panel will be useful for understanding the function of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes and to develop targeted therapies.
Density Functional Theory description of the order-disorder transformation in Fe-Ni
Authors: Tian Li-Yun , Levämäki Henrik , Eriksson Olle , Kokko Kalevi , Nagy Ágnes , Délczeg-Czirják Erna Krisztina , Vitos Levente
Published: June 2019

The thermodynamic ordering transformation of tetragonal FeNi system is investigated by the Exact Muffin-Tin Orbitals (EMTO) method. The tetragonal distortion of the unit cell is taken into account and the free energy is calculated as a function of long-range order and includes the configurational, vibrational, electronic and magnetic contributions. We find that both configurational and vibrational effects are important and that the vibrational effect lowers the predicted transformation temperature by about 480 K compared to the value obtained merely from the configurational free energy. The predicted temperature is in excellent agreement with the experimental value when all contributions are taken into account. We also perform spin dynamics calculations for the magnetic transition temperature and find it to be in agreement with the experiments. The present research opens new opportunities for quantum-mechanical engineering of the chemical and magnetic ordering in tetrataenite.
Fate of Barium Sulfate Nanoparticles Deposited in the Lungs of Rats
Authors: Molina Ramon M. , Konduru Nagarjun V. , Queiroz Priscila M. , Figueroa Benjamin , Fu Dan , Ma-Hock Lan , Groeters Sibylle , Schaudien Dirk , Brain Joseph D.
Published: June 2019

We have shown that barium [from BaSO4 nanoparticles (NPs)] was cleared from the lungs faster than other poorly soluble NPs and translocated mostly to bone. We now studied barium biokinetics in rats during Study 1: two-year inhalation exposure to 50 mg/m3 BaSO4 NP aerosols, and Study 2: single intratracheal (IT) instillation of increasing doses of BaSO4 NPs or BaCl2. Study 1 showed that lung barium content measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry increased during 360 days of BaSO4 NP aerosol exposures. An equilibrium was established from that time until 2 years. Barium concentrations in BaSO4-exposed animals were in the order (lungs > lymph nodes > hard bone > bone marrow > liver). In Study 2, there was an increase in lung barium post-IT instillation of BaSO4 NPs while barium from BaCl2 was mostly cleared by day 28. Transmission electron microscopy showed intact BaSO4 NPs in alveolar macrophages and type II epithelial cells, and in tracheobronchial lymph nodes. Using stimulated Raman scattering microscopy, specific BaSO4 Raman spectra were detected in BaSO4 NP-instilled lungs and not in other organs. Thus, we posit that barium from BaSO4 NPs translocates from the lungs mainly after dissolution. Barium ions are then incorporated mostly into the bone and other organs.
Effects of short-term exposure to particulate matter air pollution on cognitive performance
Authors: Shehab M. A. , Pope F. D.
Published: June 2019

This paper assesses the effect of short-term exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution on human cognitive performance via a double cross over experimental design. Two distinct experiments were performed, both of which exposed subjects to low and high concentrations of PM. Firstly, subjects completed a series of cognitive tests after being exposed to low ambient indoor PM concentrations and elevated PM concentrations generated via candle burning, which is a well-known source of PM. Secondly, a different cohort underwent cognitive tests after being exposed to low ambient indoor PM concentrations and elevated ambient outdoor PM concentrations via commuting on or next to roads. Three tests were used to assess cognitive performance: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Stroop Color and Word test, and Ruff 2 & 7 test. The results from the MMSE test showed a statistically robust decline in cognitive function after exposure to both the candle burning and outdoor commuting compared to ambient indoor conditions. The similarity in the results between the two experiments suggests that PM exposure is the cause of the short-term cognitive decline observed in both. The outdoor commuting experiment also showed a statistically significant short-term cognitive decline in automatic detection speed from the Ruff 2 and 7 selective attention test. The other cognitive tests, for both the candle and commuting experiments, showed no statistically significant difference between the high and low PM exposure conditions. The findings from this study are potentially far reaching; they suggest that elevated PM pollution levels significantly affect short term cognition. This implies average human cognitive ability will vary from city to city and country to country as a function of PM air pollution exposure.
Closed and open state dependent block of potassium channels cause opposing effects on excitability – a computational approach
Authors: Ågren Richard , Nilsson Johanna , Århem Peter
Published: June 2019

Block of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels has been demonstrated to affect neuronal activity described as increasing excitability. The effect has been associated with a closed-state dependent block. However, the block of Kv channels in e.g. local anesthetic and antiarrhythmics, is open state-dependent. Since the reduced excitability in this case mainly is due to sodium channel block, the role of the Kv channel block is concealed. The present investigation aims to analyse the specific role of state-dependent Kv channel block for excitability. Using a computational approach, with introduced blocked states in the Kv channel of the Frankenhaeuser-Huxley axon membrane model, we calculated the effects on threshold, firing and presynaptic Ca influx. The Ca influx was obtained from an N-type Cav channel model linked to the Frankenhaeuser-Huxley membrane. The results suggested that a selective block of open Kv channels decreased the rate of repetitive firing and the consequent Ca influx, thus challenging the traditional view. In contrast, presence of a closed-state block, increased the firing rate and the Ca influx. These findings propose that Kv channel block may either increase or decrease cellular excitability, thus highlighting the importance of further investigating the role of state-specific blocking mechanisms.
Witnessing Entanglement In Compton Scattering Processes Via Mutually Unbiased Bases
Authors: Hiesmayr Beatrix C. , Moskal Pawel
Published: June 2019

We present a quantum information theoretic version of the Klein-Nishina formula. This formulation singles out the quantity, the a priori visibility, that quantifies the ability to deduce the polarisation property of single photons. The Kraus-type structure allows a straightforward generalisation to the multiphoton cases, relevant in the decay of positronium which is utilized e.g. for metabolic PET-imaging (Positron- Emission- Tomograph). Predicted by theory but never experimentally proven, the two- or three-photon states should be entangled. We provide an experimentally feasible method to witness entanglement for these processes via MUBs (Mutually Unbiased Bases), exploiting Bohr’s complementarity. Last but not least we present explicit cases exemplifying the interrelation of geometry and entanglement including relations to its potentiality for teleportation schemes or Bell inequality violations or in future for detecting cancer in human beings.
Combination of TLR2 and TLR3 agonists derepress infectious bursal disease virus vaccine-induced immunosuppression in the chicken
Authors: Bashir Khalid , Kappala Deepthi , Singh Yogendra , Dar Javeed Ahmad , Mariappan Asok Kumar , Kumar Ajay , Krishnaswamy Narayanan , Dey Sohini , Chellappa Madhan Mohan , Goswami Tapas Kumar , Gupta Vivek Kumar , Ramakrishnan Saravanan
Published: June 2019

Live intermediate plus infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) vaccines (hot vaccines) are used for protection against the virulent IBDV strains in young chickens. We evaluated the potential of Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists to alleviate hot vaccine-induced immunosuppression. The combination of Pam3CSK4 and poly I:C synergistically upregulated IFN-β, IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-4, and IL-13 transcripts and cross-inhibited IL-1β, IL-10, and iNOS transcripts in the chicken peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Further, four-week old specific pathogen free White Leghorn chickens (n = 60) were randomly divided into six groups and either immunized with hot IBDV vaccine with or without Pam3CSK4 and/or poly I:C or not vaccinated to serve as controls. The results indicated that poly I:C alone and in combination with Pam3CSK4 alleviated vaccine-induced immunosuppression, as evidenced by greater weight gain, increased overall antibody responses to both sheep erythrocytes and live infectious bronchitis virus vaccine, upregulated IFN-γ transcripts and nitric oxide production by PBMCs (P < 0.05), and lower bursal lesion score in the experimental birds. In conclusion, poly I:C alone and its combination with Pam3CSK4 reduced the destruction of B cells as well as bursal damage with restoration of function of T cells and macrophages when used with a hot IBDV vaccine.
Fbxo41 Promotes Disassembly of Neuronal Primary Cilia
Authors: King Cillian R. , A. A. Quadros Ana R. , Chazeau Anaël , Saarloos Ingrid , van der Graaf Anne Jolien , Verhage Matthijs , Toonen Ruud F.
Published: June 2019

Neuronal primary cilia are signaling organelles with crucial roles in brain development and disease. Cilia structure is decisive for their signaling capacities but the mechanisms regulating it are poorly understood. We identify Fbxo41 as a novel Skp1/Cullin1/F-box (SCF) E3-ligase complex subunit that targets to neuronal centrioles where its accumulation promotes disassembly of primary cilia, and affects sonic hedgehog signaling, a canonical ciliary pathway. Fbxo41 targeting to centrioles requires its Coiled-coil and F-box domains. Levels of Fbxo41 at the centrioles inversely correlate with neuronal cilia length, and mutations that disrupt Fbxo41 targeting or assembly into SCF-complexes also disturb its function in cilia disassembly and signaling. Fbxo41 dependent cilia disassembly in mitotic and post-mitotic cells requires rearrangements of the actin-cytoskeleton, but requires Aurora A kinase activation only in mitotic cells, highlighting important mechanistical differences controlling cilia size between mitotic and post-mitotic cells. Phorbol esters induce recruitment of overexpressed Fbxo41 to centrioles and cilia disassembly in neurons, but disassembly can also occur in absence of Fbxo41. We propose that Fbxo41 targeting to centrosomes regulates neuronal cilia structure and signaling capacity in addition to Fbxo41-independent pathways controlling cilia size.
Soluble Forms of the Receptor for Advanced Glycation Endproducts (RAGE) in Periodontitis
Authors: Detzen Laurent , Cheng Bin , Chen Ching-Yuan , Papapanou Panos N. , Lalla Evanthia
Published: June 2019

The receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) is critically involved in the pathobiology of chronic inflammatory diseases. Soluble forms of RAGE have been proposed as biomarkers of severity in inflammatory and metabolic conditions, and in monitoring therapeutic responses. The aim of the present study was to determine circulating levels of the soluble forms of RAGE in periodontitis and to evaluate the expression of cell-bound, full-length RAGE and its antagonist AGER1 locally, in gingival tissues. Periodontitis patients and periodontally healthy, sex- and age-matched controls (50 per group) were included. Serum levels of total soluble RAGE and cleaved RAGE (cRAGE) were significantly lower in periodontitis patients. Levels of the endogenous secretory esRAGE were similar in the two groups. cRAGE remained significantly lower in the periodontitis group following multiple adjustments, and had a statistically significant inverse correlation with body mass index and all periodontal parameters. In periodontitis patients, gene expression of full-length RAGE and of AGER1 were significantly higher in periodontitis-affected gingival tissues compared to healthy gingiva. Soluble forms of RAGE, particularly cRAGE, may serve as biomarkers for the presence and severity/extent of periodontitis, and may be implicated in its pathogenesis and its role as a systemic inflammatory stressor.
Observations and Projections of Heat Waves in South America
Authors: Feron S. , Cordero R. R. , Damiani A. , Llanillo P. J. , Jorquera J. , Sepulveda E. , Asencio V. , Laroze D. , Labbe F. , Carrasco J. , Torres G.
Published: June 2019

Although Heat Waves (HWs) are expected to increase due to global warming, they are a regional phenomenon that demands for local analyses. In this paper, we assess four HW metrics (HW duration, HW frequency, HW amplitude, and number of HWs per season) as well as the share of extremely warm days (TX95, according to the 95th percentile) in South America (SA). Our analysis included observations as well as simulations from global and regional models. In particular, Regional Climate Models (RCMs) from the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX), and Global Climate Models (GCMs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) were used to project both TX95 estimates and HW metrics according to two representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). We found that in recent decades the share of extremely warm days has at least doubled over the period December–January–February (DJF) in northern SA; less significant increases have been observed in southern SA. We also found that by midcentury, under the RCP4.5 scenario, extremely warm DJF days (as well as the number of HWs per season) are expected to increase by 5–10 times at locations close to the Equator and in the Atacama Desert. Increases are expected to be less pronounced in southern SA. Projections under the RCP8.5 scenario are more striking, particularly in tropical areas where half or more of the days could be extremely warm by midcentury.
Aeolian abrasion of rocks as a mechanism to produce methane in the Martian atmosphere
Authors: Safi E. , Telling J. , Parnell J. , Chojnacki M. , Patel M. R. , Realff J. , Blamey N. J. F. , Payler S. , Cockell C. S. , Davies L. , Boothroyd I. M. , Worrall F. , Wadham J. L.
Published: June 2019

Seasonal changes in methane background levels and methane spikes have been detected in situ a metre above the Martian surface, and larger methane plumes detected via ground-based remote sensing, however their origin have not yet been adequately explained. Proposed methane sources include the UV irradiation of meteoritic-derived organic matter, hydrothermal reactions with olivine, organic breakdown via meteoroid impact, release from gas hydrates, biological production, or the release of methane from fluid inclusions in basalt during aeolian erosion. Here we quantify for the first time the potential importance of aeolian abrasion as a mechanism for releasing trapped methane from within rocks, by coupling estimates of present day surface wind abrasion with the methane contents of a variety of Martian meteorites, analogue terrestrial basalts and analogue terrestrial sedimentary rocks. We demonstrate that the abrasion of basalt under present day Martian rates of aeolian erosion is highly unlikely to produce detectable changes in methane concentrations in the atmosphere. We further show that, although there is a greater potential for methane production from the aeolian abrasion of certain sedimentary rocks, to produce the magnitude of methane concentrations analysed by the Curiosity rover they would have to contain methane in similar concentrations as economic reserved of biogenic/thermogenic deposits on Earth. Therefore we suggest that aeolian abrasion is an unlikely origin of the methane detected in the Martian atmosphere, and that other methane sources are required.
Lithium biofortification of medicinal tea Apocynum venetum
Authors: Jiang Li , Wang Lei , Tanveer Mohsin , Tian Changyan
Published: June 2019

Lithium (Li) could be much safer and successful approach to supply Li via Li-fortified food products. This study is highlighting the potential scope of Li supply via Li-biofortification of Luobuma tea (made from Apocynum venetum leaves), which is a very popular beverage in Asia with several medical properties. We explored the possibility of A. venetum as Li-enriched tea and investigated plant growth, Li accumulation, total flavonoids (TFs), rutin and hyperoside concentrations, and the antioxidant capacity of A. venetum. With the increase of additional Li, Li concentration in roots, stems and leaves increased gradually. Compared with the control treatment, 10–15 mg kg−1 Li addition stimulated the growth of A. venetum and 25 mg kg−1 Li addition significantly increased the Li concentration in leaves by 80 mg kg−1. Li application did not decrease TFs, rutin, hyperoside and antioxidant capacity of this medicinal herb. A daily consumption of 10 g Li-biofortified A. venetum leaves (cultivated with 25 mg kg−1 LiCl) can give 592 μg Li intake and would constitute 59% of the provisional recommended dietary daily intake of Li. Our results showed that Li-biofortified A. venetum leaves can be used as Li-fortified tea to enhance Li supply and to improve human health when it was used as daily drink.
Genetic variability of porcine pegivirus in pigs from Europe and China and insights into tissue tropism
Authors: Kennedy Johanna , Pfankuche Vanessa Maria , Hoeltig Doris , Postel Alexander , Keuling Oliver , Ciurkiewicz Malgorzata , Baumgärtner Wolfgang , Becher Paul , Baechlein Christine
Published: June 2019

Pegiviruses belong to the family Flaviviridae and have been found in humans and other mammalian species. To date eleven different pegivirus species (Pegivirus A-K) have been described. However, little is known about the tissue tropism and replication of pegiviruses. In 2016, a so far unknown porcine pegivirus (PPgV, Pegivirus K) was described and persistent infection in the host, similar to human pegivirus, was reported. In this study, qRT-PCR, phylogenetic analyses and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were implemented to detect and quantify PPgV genome content in serum samples from domestic pigs from Europe and Asia, in tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples and wild boar serum samples from Germany. PPgV was detectable in 2.7% of investigated domestic pigs from Europe and China (viral genome load 2.4 × 102 to 2.0 × 106 PPgV copies/ml), while all wild boar samples were tested negative. Phylogenetic analyses revealed pairwise nucleotide identities >90% among PPgVs. Finally, PPgV was detected in liver, thymus and PBMCs by qRT-PCR and FISH, suggesting liver- and lymphotropism. Taken together, this study provides first insights into the tissue tropism of PPgV and shows its distribution and genetic variability in Europe and China.
Indocyanine-green-assisted near-infrared dental imaging - the feasibility of in vivo imaging and the optimization of imaging conditions
Authors: Li Zhongqiang , Yao Shaomian , Xu Jian
Published: June 2019

X-ray-based imaging, including computed tomography, plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and surgery of impacted teeth that affects over 25% of the human population. But the greatest disadvantage of this technique is ionizing radiation risk to the patients. Here we describe a completely ionizing-radiation-free in vivo near-infrared (NIR) fluoresence dental imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) agent that has rarely been applied in dental imaging. Our method can acquire dental structure images within a short period (only 10 minutes after injection) without ionizing radiation risk. NIR enables the observation of dental structures that are not distinguishable under visible conditions. At prolonged 72 hours, only molar regions remained highlighted; the contrast between molar regions and surrounding tissues was prominent; this is particularly useful for in vivo dental imaging. Using the quantitative spectral analysis, we found the peak wavelengths of ICG fluorescence shifted along with the injection time: the peak wavelength shifted 8 nm (from 819 nm to 811 nm) in 0~72 hours. The injection methods of tail vein v.s. intradermal injections caused ~3 nm shift. ICG-assisted NIR fluorescence imaging can serve as a useful tool for in vivo real-time diagnosis in dental clinics and surgeries without ionizing radiation risk.
A functional dissociation of face-, body- and scene-selective brain areas based on their response to moving and static stimuli
Authors: Pitcher David , Ianni Geena , Ungerleider Leslie G.
Published: June 2019

The human brain contains areas that respond selectively to faces, bodies and scenes. Neuroimaging studies have shown that a subset of these areas preferentially respond more to moving than static stimuli, but the reasons for this functional dissociation remain unclear. In the present study, we simultaneously mapped the responses to motion in face-, body- and scene-selective areas in the right hemisphere using moving and static stimuli. Participants (N = 22) were scanned using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while viewing videos containing bodies, faces, objects, scenes or scrambled objects, and static pictures from the beginning, middle and end of each video. Results demonstrated that lateral areas, including face-selective areas in the posterior and anterior superior temporal sulcus (STS), the extrastriate body area (EBA) and the occipital place area (OPA) responded more to moving than static stimuli. By contrast, there was no difference between the response to moving and static stimuli in ventral and medial category-selective areas, including the fusiform face area (FFA), occipital face area (OFA), amygdala, fusiform body area (FBA), retrosplenial complex (RSC) and parahippocampal place area (PPA). This functional dissociation between lateral and ventral/medial brain areas that respond selectively to different visual categories suggests that face-, body- and scene-selective networks may be functionally organized along a common dimension.
Tendons from kangaroo rats are exceptionally strong and tough
Authors: Javidi Mehrdad , McGowan Craig P. , Schiele Nathan R. , Lin David C.
Published: June 2019

Tendons must be able to withstand the forces generated by muscles and not fail. Accordingly, a previous comparative analysis across species has shown that tendon strength (i.e., failure stress) increases for larger species. In addition, the elastic modulus increases proportionally to the strength, demonstrating that the two properties co-vary. However, some species may need specially adapted tendons to support high performance motor activities, such as sprinting and jumping. Our objective was to determine if the tendons of kangaroo rats (k-rat), small bipedal animals that can jump as high as ten times their hip height, are an exception to the linear relationship between elastic modulus and strength. We measured and compared the material properties of tendons from k-rat ankle extensor muscles to those of similarly sized white rats. The elastic moduli of k-rat and rat tendons were not different, but k-rat tendon failure stresses were much larger than the rat values (nearly 2 times larger), as were toughness (over 2.5 times larger) and ultimate strain (over 1.5 times longer). These results support the hypothesis that the tendons from k-rats are specially adapted for high motor performance, and k-rat tendon could be a novel model for improving tissue engineered tendon replacements.
Transferability of PCR-based diagnostic protocols: An international collaborative case study assessing protocols targeting the quarantine pine pathogen Fusarium circinatum
Authors: Ioos Renaud , Aloi Francesco , Piškur Barbara , Guinet Cécile , Mullett Martin , Berbegal Mónica , Bragança Helena , Cacciola Santa Olga , Oskay Funda , Cornejo Carolina , Adamson Kalev , Douanla-Meli Clovis , Kačergius Audrius , Martínez-Álvarez Pablo , Nowakowska Justyna Anna , Luchi Nicola , Vettraino Anna Maria , Ahumada Rodrigo , Pasquali Matias , Fourie Gerda , Kanetis Loukas , Alves Artur , Ghelardini Luisa , Dvořák Miloň , Sanz-Ros Antonio , Diez Julio J. , Baskarathevan Jeyaseelan , Aguayo Jaime
Published: June 2019

Fusarium circinatum is a harmful pathogenic fungus mostly attacking Pinus species and also Pseudotsuga menziesii, causing cankers in trees of all ages, damping-off in seedlings, and mortality in cuttings and mother plants for clonal production. This fungus is listed as a quarantine pest in several parts of the world and the trade of potentially contaminated pine material such as cuttings, seedlings or seeds is restricted in order to prevent its spread to disease-free areas. Inspection of plant material often relies on DNA testing and several conventional or real-time PCR based tests targeting F. circinatum are available in the literature. In this work, an international collaborative study joined 23 partners to assess the transferability and the performance of nine molecular protocols, using a wide panel of DNA from 71 representative strains of F. circinatum and related Fusarium species. Diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the nine protocols all reached values >80%, and the diagnostic specificity was the only parameter differing significantly between protocols. The rates of false positives and of false negatives were computed and only the false positive rates differed significantly, ranging from 3.0% to 17.3%. The difference between protocols for some of the performance values were mainly due to cross-reactions with DNA from non-target species, which were either not tested or documented in the original articles. Considering that participating laboratories were free to use their own reagents and equipment, this study demonstrated that the diagnostic protocols for F. circinatum were not easily transferable to end-users. More generally, our results suggest that the use of protocols using conventional or real-time PCR outside their initial development and validation conditions should require careful characterization of the performance data prior to use under modified conditions (i.e. reagents and equipment). Suggestions to improve the transfer are proposed.
Isolation and expression analysis of CsCML genes in response to abiotic stresses in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Ma Qingping , Zhou Qiongqiong , Chen Canmei , Cui Qiaoyun , Zhao Yuxin , Wang Kun , Arkorful Emmanuel , Chen Xuan , Sun Kang , Li Xinghui
Published: June 2019

Calmodulin-like (CML) proteins are a class of important Ca2+ sensors in plants, which play vital roles in regulating plant growth and development and response to abiotic stress. Tea plant (Camellia sinensis L.) is the most popular non-alcoholic economic beverage crop around the world. However, the potential functions of CMLs in either tea plants growth or in the response to environmental stresses are still unclear. In the present study, five CsCML genes (CsCML16, CsCML18-1, CsCML18-2, CsCML38, and CsCML42) were isolated from tea plant, and functionally characterized. The CsCML genes showed diverse expression patterns in leaves, roots, old stems, immature stems and flowers of tea plants. To investigate the expression changes of the genes under various abiotic stresses and ABA treatment, time-course experiments were also performed, the results indicated that the expression levels of CsCML16, 18-2 and 42 were significantly induced under low temperature and salt condition, while CsCML38 was induced distinctly under drought stress and ABA treatment. Overall, CsCML genes showed diverse function in tea plant under various stimuli. These results will increase our knowledge of the significance of CsCML genes in tea plant in response to abiotic stresses and hormone treatments.
Continuous scavenging of broadband vibrations via omnipotent tandem triboelectric nanogenerators with cascade impact structure
Authors: Bhatia Divij , Hwang Hee Jae , Huynh Nghia Dinh , Lee Sangmin , Lee Choongyeop , Nam Youngsuk , Kim Jin-Gyun , Choi Dukhyun
Published: June 2019

Ambient vibration energy is highly irregular in force and frequency. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) can convert ambient mechanical energy into useable electricity. In order to effectively convert irregular ambient vibrations into electricity, the TENG should be capable of reliably continuous operation despite variability in input forces and frequencies. In this study, we propose a tandem triboelectric nanogenerator with cascade impact structure (CIT-TENG) for continuously scavenging input vibrations with broadband frequencies. Based on resonance theory, four TENGs were explicitly designed to operate in tandem and cover a targeted frequency range of 0–40 Hz. However, due to the cascade impact structure of CIT-TENG, each TENG could produce output even under non-resonant conditions. We systematically studied the cascade impact dynamics of the CIT-TENG using finite element simulations and experiments to show how it enables continuous scavenging from 0–40 Hz even under low input accelerations of 0.2 G–0.5 G m/s2. Finally, we demonstrated that the CIT-TENG could not only scavenge broadband vibrations from a single source such as a car dashboard, but it could also scavenge very low frequency vibrations from water waves and very high frequency vibrations from air compressor machines. Thus, we showed that the CIT-TENG can be used in multiple applications without any need for redesign validating its use as an omnipotent vibration energy scavenger.
Multi-omics analysis of the development and fracture resistance for maize internode
Authors: Wang Xiaqing , Zhang Ruyang , Shi Zi , Zhang Ying , Sun Xuan , Ji Yulong , Zhao Yanxin , Wang Jidong , Zhang Yunxia , Xing Jinfeng , Wang Yuandong , Wang Ronghuan , Song Wei , Zhao Jiuran
Published: June 2019

The maize stalk is an important mechanical supporting tissue. The stalk fracture resistance is closely related to lodging resistance, and thus the yield. In this study, we showed that the basal zone (BZ) was more fragile than the middle zone (MZ) of the stalk internode before tasseling. In order to clarify the relationship between the different zones and fragile resistance between the internodes, we systematically analyzed the phenotypic, metabolomic and transcriptomic differences. The results indicated that the BZ zone had lower stalk strength, which corresponded to the results of less lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose than that of the MZ. The 27 highly enriched metabolites and 4430 highly expressed genes in the BZ mainly participated in pentose phosphate, and in ribosome and sterol synthesis pathways, respectively. In addition, the BZ had higher vascular bundles density but smaller size compared with the MZ. By contrast, the 28 highly enriched known metabolites and 4438 highly expressed genes in the MZ were mainly involved in lignin synthesis, and secondary metabolites synthesis, respectively, especially the phenylpropanoid synthesis. The results provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between development and fracture differences in stalk, and may facilitate the improvement of field management practice to reduce lodging.
Theoretical analysis of high-efficient dielectric nanofocusing for the generation of a brightness light source
Authors: Park Changhoon , Oh Seonghyeon , Hahn Jae W.
Published: June 2019

High-brightness light sources with nanoscale volume are required in nonlinear physics studies or various nanoscale engineering areas. Although several plasmonic devices, such as plasmonic nanofocusing, have been proposed for light concentration, the efficient enhancement of the nanofocusing device to get a bright light source is still limited owing to the inevitable Ohmic loss resulting from high field confinement on metallic surface. We propose the concept of dielectric nanofocusing by reversing the concept of conventional plasmonic nanofocusing and using a three-dimensional bowtie nanoaperture (3D BNA). The optical simulations demonstrate that the 3D BNA can achieve an intensity enhancement factor of 9.01 × 104. We calculate the dispersion relation for a tapered silver–SiNx–air waveguide to prove the possibility of focusing even for a high tapered angle. The theoretically calculated modal length can explain the origin of the high intensity enhancement by proving an energy flow from the dielectric layer to the air regime in dielectric nanofocusing. The performed optical and thermal simulations demonstrate that the 3D BNA can achieve a peak intensity of 6.21 PW/cm2 by avoiding the energy confinement around the metal. Our approach provides a new method for obtaining a high brightness light source.
Dynamic evolution of mitochondrial genomes in Trebouxiophyceae, including the first completely assembled mtDNA from a lichen-symbiont microalga (Trebouxia sp. TR9)
Authors: Martínez-Alberola Fernando , Barreno Eva , Casano Leonardo M. , Gasulla Francisco , Molins Arántzazu , del Campo Eva M.
Published: June 2019

Trebouxiophyceae (Chlorophyta) is a species-rich class of green algae with a remarkable morphological and ecological diversity. Currently, there are a few completely sequenced mitochondrial genomes (mtDNA) from diverse Trebouxiophyceae but none from lichen symbionts. Here, we report the mitochondrial genome sequence of Trebouxia sp. TR9 as the first complete mtDNA sequence available for a lichen-symbiont microalga. A comparative study of the mitochondrial genome of Trebouxia sp. TR9 with other chlorophytes showed important organizational changes, even between closely related taxa. The most remarkable change is the enlargement of the genome in certain Trebouxiophyceae, which is principally due to larger intergenic spacers and seems to be related to a high number of large tandem repeats. Another noticeable change is the presence of a relatively large number of group II introns interrupting a variety of tRNA genes in a single group of Trebouxiophyceae, which includes Trebouxiales and Prasiolales. In addition, a fairly well-resolved phylogeny of Trebouxiophyceae, along with other Chlorophyta lineages, was obtained based on a set of seven well-conserved mitochondrial genes.
Optimisation Model of Dispersal Simulations on a Dendritic Habitat Network
Authors: Heer Henriette , Streib Lucas , Kattwinkel Mira , Schäfer Ralf B. , Ruzika Stefan
Published: June 2019

To predict and mitigate biodiversity loss, a better understanding of species distribution and reliable dispersal models are required. A promising approach in dispersal simulation is the method of spatially explicit graph-based analysis. While graph theory is strongly connected to the field of optimisation in a variety of disciplines, the potential of optimisation has not yet been exploited in dispersal models. We introduce an optimisation model built on a graph-based dispersal simulation of an aquatic invertebrate species with a terrestrial life stage. The model simulates a directed dispersal process and investigates the fastest route to colonise predefined vacant habitat patches. The optimisation model run-time is in general an order of magnitude faster than the underlying simulation and provides the minimum time until the considered habitat patches are colonised under the given landscape structure. These results can then be used to estimate how fast newly formed habitat patches can be reached and colonised. Our model can in principle be adapted to other simulation models and can thus be seen as a pioneer of a new set of models that may support landscape conservation and restoration.
Antimicrobial capacity of Leucocyte-and Platelet Rich Fibrin against periodontal pathogens
Authors: Castro Ana B. , Herrero Esteban R. , Slomka Vera , Pinto Nelson , Teughels Wim , Quirynen Marc
Published: June 2019

Various studies have described the biological properties of the Leucocyte- and Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) such as the antimicrobial effect against wound bacteria, but less is known about the effect against periodontal pathogens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial properties of the L-PRF membrane and L-PRF exudate against the main periopathogens cultured on agar plates and in planktonic solution. This study demonstrated the antibacterial effect of the L-PRF membrane against P. intermedia, F. nucleatum, and A. actinomycetemcomitans, but especially against P. gingivalis. The L-PRF exudate also showed a strong inhibition against P. gingivalis on agar plates. No inhibition could be observed for the other bacterial strains. Moreover, L-PRF exudate decreased the number of viable P.gingivalis in a planktonic solution in a dose-dependent way. However, A. actinomycetemcomitans showed an increased growth in planktonic solution when in contact with the L-PRF exudate.
Laser-heated crystallization of eutectic composition glass
Authors: Nunes Angela Santana , de Oliveira Rafael Bonacin , Andreeta Marcello Rubens Barsi
Published: June 2019

Laser-heated microstructure crystallization control of a eutectic composition Li2O–CaO–SiO2 glass system.
Oxygenic metabolism in nutritional obesity induced by olive oil. The influence of vitamin C
Authors: Drehmer Eraci , Navarro-Moreno Mari Ángeles , Carrera Sandra , Villar Vincent M. , Moreno Mari Luz
Published: June 2019

Obesity is a medical and sociological problem of great importance due to the high percentage of people affected and the important health consequences that it involves.
Tuning the electronic and magnetic properties of MoS2nanotubes with vacancy defects
Authors: Yang Yanmei , Liu Yang , Man Baoyuan , Zhao Mingwen , Li Weifeng
Published: June 2019

The effects of vacancy defects on the electronic and magnetic properties of MoS2nanotubes were studied by DFT calculations. The rich semiconducting, metallic, and half-metallic properties make them suitable for electronic and spintronic devices.
Surface sulfonates lock serum albumin into a “hard” corona
Authors: Delgado Jose D. , Surmaitis Richard L. , Arias Carlos J. , Schlenoff Joseph B.
Published: June 2019

Albumin is more easily displaced on a surface bearing carboxylate compared to sulfonate functionality, which controls the composition of the eventual protein corona.
Measurement of quantum coherence in thin films of molecular quantum bits without post-processing
Authors: Lenz Samuel , Kern Bastian , Schneider Martin , van Slageren Joris
Published: June 2019

A novel Fabry–Pérot pulsed EPR resonator with very good microwave magnetic field homogeneity allows facile measurement of thin films of molecular quantum bits.
Comment on ““Where does the fluorescing moiety reside in a carbon dot?” – Investigations based on fluorescence anisotropy decay and resonance energy transfer dynamics” by A. Das, D. Roy, C. K. De and P. K. Mandal, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2018, 20, 2251
Authors: Joshi Hem C.
Published: June 2019

In a recent paper published in Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics (Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2018, 20, 2251–2259), Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between carbon dots and rhodamine 123 has been reported.
Current-constrained one-electron reduced density-matrix theory for non-equilibrium steady-state molecular conductivity
Authors: Raeber Alexandra E. , Mazziotti David A.
Published: June 2019

In the effort to create ever smaller electronic devices, the idea of single molecule circuit elements has sparked the imagination of scientists for nearly fifty years.
Chemically-resolved determination of hydrogenated graphene–substrate interaction
Authors: Jørgensen Anders L. , Duncan David A. , Kastorp Claus F. P. , Kyhl Line , Tang Zeyuan , Bruix Albert , Andersen Mie , Hammer Bjørk , Lee Tien-Lin , Hornekær Liv , Balog Richard
Published: June 2019

Selective photo-electron emission from hydrogenated graphene driven by standing wave field at Bragg condition.
PET and FRET utility of an amino acid pair: tryptophan and 4-cyanotryptophan
Authors: Ahmed Ismail A. , Rodgers Jeffrey M. , Eng Christina , Troxler Thomas , Gai Feng
Published: June 2019

The amino acids tryptophan and 4-cyanotryptophan constitute a dual FRET and PET pair, useful for various biological applications.
Syntheses and magnetic properties of high-dimensional cucurbit[6]uril-based metal–organic rotaxane frameworks
Authors: Wu Xue-Song , Bao Hong-Fei , Zhu Fu-Long , Sun Jing , Wang Xin-Long , Su Zhong-Min
Published: June 2019

Three new high-dimensional CB[6]-based metal–organic rotaxane frameworks were synthesized and their magnetic properties were investigated in detail.
Stability of saponin biopesticides: hydrolysis in aqueous solutions and lake waters
Authors: Jiang Xiaogang , Strobel Bjarne W. , Cedergreen Nina , Cao Yi , Hansen Hans Chr. Bruun
Published: June 2019

Saponins form a group of plant-produced glycosides with potential as biopesticide ingredients.
Residential water-soluble organic gases: chemical characterization of a substantial contributor to indoor exposures
Authors: Duncan Sara M. , Sexton Kenneth , Collins Leonard , Turpin Barbara J.
Published: June 2019

Characterization of residential indoor air showed that organic acids make up a significant portion of water-soluble organic gases.
Imparting gas selective and pressure dependent porosity into a non-porous solid via coordination flexibility
Authors: Nandi Shyamapada , De Luna Phil , Maity Rahul , Chakraborty Debanjan , Daff Thomas , Burns Thomas , Woo Tom K. , Vaidhyanathan Ramanathan
Published: June 2019

Using a simple hard–soft acid–base concept we have deliberately designed gas-specific and pressure dependent porosity into a non-porous solid via coordination flexibility.
Vanadyl acetylacetonate attenuates Aβ pathogenesis in APP/PS1 transgenic mice depending on the intervention stage
Authors: Tan Chang , Dong Yaqiong , Wang Jing , Yang Xiaoda
Published: June 2019

VAC treatment caused different Grp75 responses before and after Aβ plaque formation.
1,3-Bis(3,4,5-trifluoro-2,6-dinitrophenyl)urea (ZXC-19): a multifluorine substituted propellant with superior detonation performance
Authors: Zhang Xingcheng , Fu Menglei , Zou Fangfang , Hao Jingyuan , Qu Youle , Hu Wenxiang , Zhou Qiuju
Published: June 2019

Fluorine-containing explosives have potential applications in rocket propellant and explosive formulations because they produce a large number of products with a smaller molecular weight and high detonation performance when they are detonated.
Efficacy beyond 17% via engineering the length and quality of grafts in organic halide perovskite/CNT photovoltaics
Authors: Agbolaghi Samira
Published: June 2019

Pure CNTs and their derivatives grafted with the poly(3-dodecyl thiophene) (CNT-g-PDDT) and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (CNT-g-P3HT) polymers were employed to improve the morphological, optical, and photovoltaic properties of perovskite solar cells.
An Fe-doped NiV LDH ultrathin nanosheet as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for efficient water oxidation
Authors: Wang Zhaolong , Liu Wenjun , Hu Yiming , Xu Li , Guan Meili , Qiu Jingxia , Huang Yunpeng , Bao Jian , Li Huaming
Published: June 2019

An Fe-doped NiV LDH ultrathin nanosheet was fabricated as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for efficient water oxidation.
Facile, low-temperature synthesis of tungsten carbide (WC) flakes for the sensitive and selective electrocatalytic detection of dopamine in biological samples
Authors: Annalakshmi Muthaiah , Balasubramanian Paramasivam , Chen Shen-Ming , Chen Tse-Wei , Lin Pei-Hung
Published: June 2019

Transition metal carbides have shown potential for use in electrochemical applications due to their excellent electronic conductivity, stability and electrocatalysis.
High-capacity organic sodium ion batteries using a sustainable C4Q/CMK-3/SWCNT electrode
Authors: Yan Bing , Wang Lijiang , Huang Weiwei , Zheng Shibing , Hu Pandeng , Du Yuyu
Published: June 2019

SWCNTs formed a three-dimensional conductive network between C4Q/CMK-3 nanocomposites, significantly improving the electrochemical performance of C4Q-SIBs.
Cobalt-catalyzed cross-coupling of lithium (hetero)aryl zincates with heteroaryl chlorides and bromides
Authors: Liu Shuanshuan , Huang Weichen , Wang Decai , Wei Ping , Shen Qilong
Published: June 2019

A mild, efficient and practical Co-catalyzed cross coupling reaction of a variety of activated heteroaryl chlorides and bromides with lithium aryl zincates that were in situ generated from lithium aryl boronates with ZnBr2 was described.
Copper-catalyzed intramolecular cross dehydrogenative coupling approach to coumestans from 2′-hydroxyl-3-arylcoumarins
Authors: Song Xianheng , Luo Xiang , Sheng Jianfei , Li Jianheng , Zhu Zefeng , Du Zhibo , Miao Hui , Yan Meng , Li Mingkang , Zou Yong
Published: June 2019

A copper-catalyzed intramolecular cross dehydrogenative C–O coupling reaction of 2′-hydroxyl-3-arylcoumarins was developed.
A facile approach to 2-alkoxyindolin-3-one and its application to the synthesis of N-benzyl matemone
Authors: Shimizu Makoto , Imazato Hayao , Mizota Isao , Zhu Yusong
Published: June 2019

A short-step synthesis of N-benzyl matemone has been successfully carried out using a newly discovered 2-ethoxycarbonylindolin-3-one synthesis.
Facile fabrication of a novel BiPO4 phase junction with enhanced photocatalytic performance towards aniline blue degradation
Authors: Azzam Ahmed B. , El-Sheikh S. M. , Geioushy R. A. , Salah Bahaa Ahmed , El-Dars Farida M. , Helal Ahmed S.
Published: June 2019

A novel BiPO4 photocatalyst has been fabricated via a facile precipitation route using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a solvent.
Plasma surface-modification of cellulose nanocrystals: a green alternative towards mechanical reinforcement of ABS
Authors: Alanis Andrés , Valdés Josué Hernández , María Guadalupe Neira-Velázquez , Lopez Ricardo , Mendoza Ricardo , Mathew Aji P. , Díaz de León Ramón , Valencia Luis
Published: June 2019

This article deals with the plasma-surface modification of cellulose nanocrystals and their employment as reinforcement additive of ABS.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of cyclometalated phenylpyridine iridium(iii) complex based on flavonol and ibuprofen ligands as potent antioxidant
Authors: Tabrizi Leila , Nguyen Thi Le Anh , Dao Duy Quang
Published: June 2019

A cyclometalated phenylpyridine iridium(iii) complex based on flavonol and ibuprofen was designed and its antioxidant activity was evaluated via experimental and theoretical studies.
Improvement of PEDOT:PSS linearity via controlled addition process
Authors: Lee Hongjoo , Kim Youngno , Cho Hangyeol , Lee Jin-geun , Kim Jung Hyun
Published: June 2019

PEDOT:PSS linearity enhancement using controlled addition process.
Anti-corrosion porous RuO2/NbC anodes for the electrochemical oxidation of phenol
Authors: Ma Jing , Qin Guotong , Wei Wei , Xiao Tianliang , Liu Shaomin , Jiang Lei
Published: June 2019

Efficient anode materials with porous structures have drawn increasing attention due to their high specific surface area, which can compensate for the slow reaction rate of electrochemical oxidation.