bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kumulative Belastung in der Familie als Risiko für Kinder beim Übergang vom Kindergarten in die Schule
Authors: Doblinger Susanne
Published: October 2020

Zusammenfassung. Um soziale Disparitäten in Deutschland zu einem möglichst frühen Zeitpunkt zu identifizieren, untersuchte die vorliegende Studie Risiken für Kinder aus mehrfach belasteten Familien beim Übergang vom Kindergarten in die Schule. An einer Stichprobe von 79 Kindern wurde in hierarchischen Regressionsanalysen gezeigt, dass eine kumulative familiäre Belastung bereits im Vorschulalter mit internalisierenden sowie externalisierenden Problemen der Kinder in Verbindung stand und das Ausbilden psychischer Störungen begünstigte. Auch Nachteile in der sprachlichen und mathematischen Kompetenzentwicklung sowie im Aufbau positiver sozialer Beziehungen im Vorschulalter waren umso stärker ausgeprägt, je mehr Belastungen in der Familie vorlagen. Die vorschulischen Kompetenzen ebenso wie die psychische Gesundheit der Kinder erwiesen sich wiederum als prädiktiv für einige Aspekte der Bewältigung des Übergangs in die Schule. Darüber hinaus ging die kumulative Belastung in der Familie mit einer weniger erfolgreichen Integration in die Klasse, einer niedrigeren Anstrengungsbereitschaft und Ausdauer sowie tendenziell schwächeren schriftsprachlichen und technisch-mathematischen Fähigkeiten und Interessen der Kinder nach der Einschulung einher. Die Ergebnisse weisen auf vielfältige Nachteile für Kinder aus kumulativ belasteten Familien in der Phase des Übergangs vom Kindergarten in die Schule hin, die mit steigender Zahl belasteter Lebensbereiche zunehmen.
Quantifying Contributions of Internal Variability and External Forcing to Atlantic Multidecadal Variability Since 1870
Authors: Qin Minhua , Dai Aiguo , Hua Wenjian
Published: October 2020

Identifying the mechanisms behind the Atlantic Multidecadal Variability (AMV) is crucial for understanding and predicting decadal climate change. However, what is behind the AMV is still debated. A key issue is the relative role of internal variability (IV) and external forcing in causing the AMV. By analyzing observations and a large number of climate model simulations, here we show that IV and volcanic and anthropogenic aerosols all influenced the AMV over the last ~150 years. Although the AMV since 1870 resulted mainly from IV, decadal variations in aerosol forcing happen to be in phase with the IV‐induced AMV and thus enlarged its amplitudes, especially since the late 1920s. Our results support the notion that the AMV resulted from both internal climate variability and decadal changes in aerosols but are inconsistent with the conclusion that the recent AMV is mainly a direct response to external forcing.
Wind Speed, Surface Flux, and Intraseasonal Convection Coupling From CYGNSS Data
Authors: Bui Hien X. , Maloney Eric D. , Riley Dellaripa Emily M. , Singh Bohar
Published: October 2020

This study analyzes wind speed and surface latent heat flux anomalies from the Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS), aiming to understand the physical mechanisms regulating intraseasonal convection, particularly associated with the Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO). An advantage of CYGNSS compared to other space‐based data sets is that its surface wind speed retrievals have reduced attenuation by precipitation, thus providing improved information about the importance of wind‐induced surface fluxes for the maintenance of convection. Consistent with previous studies from buoys, CYGNSS shows that enhanced MJO precipitation is associated with enhanced wind speeds, and that associated surface heat flux anomalies have a magnitude about 7–12% of precipitation anomalies. Thus, latent heat flux anomalies are an important maintenance mechanism for MJO convection through the column moist static energy budget. A composite analysis during boreal summer over the eastern north Pacific also supports the idea that wind‐induced surface flux is important for MJO maintenance there.
ARTEMIS Observations of Foreshock Transients in the Midtail Foreshock
Authors: Liu Terry Z. , Wang Chih‐Ping , Wang Boyi , Wang Xueyi , Zhang Hui , Lin Yu , Angelopoulos Vassilis
Published: October 2020

Foreshock transients such as hot flow anomalies (HFAs) are frequently observed in the dayside foreshock. They can disturb the local bow shock, magnetopause, and consequently the magnetosphere‐ionosphere system through dynamic pressure perturbations. Recent multipoint observations found that such perturbations can even propagate from the dayside to the midtail. However, whether the drivers of such perturbations, foreshock transients, persist in the midtail foreshock has not been observed. Thus, it is unclear whether the observed nightside magnetosheath/magnetopause perturbations are traveling waves or continuously driven by a propagating foreshock transient. Using two Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence, and Electrodynamics of the Moon's Interaction with the Sun (ARTEMIS) spacecraft, we report direct observational evidence of foreshock transients in the midtail foreshock. We present a case study showing an elongated mature HFA propagating with its driver discontinuity from TH‐C (X ~ −43 RE) to TH‐B (X ~ −48 RE). Our results confirm that foreshock transients disturb not only the dayside bow shock but also the nightside bow shock while propagating tailward.
Genome-wide CRISPR screen identifies LGALS2 as an oxidative stress-responsive gene with an inhibitory function on colon tumor growth
Authors: Li Haiwen , Zhao Lixia , Lau Yeh Siang , Zhang Chen , Han Renzhi
Published: October 2020

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and the third most common cancer in men and women. Around 20% colon cancer cases are closely linked with colitis. Both environmental and genetic factors are thought to contribute to colon inflammation and tumor development. However, the genetic factors regulating colitis and colon tumorigenesis remain elusive. Since reactive oxygen species (ROS) is vitally involved in tissue inflammation and tumorigenesis, here we employed a genome-wide CRISPR knockout screening approach to systemically identify the genetic factors involved in the regulation of oxidative stress. Next generation sequencing (NGS) showed that over 600 gRNAs including the ones targetingLGALS2were highly enriched in cells survived after sublethal H2O2challenge.LGALS2encodes the glycan-binding protein Galectin 2 (Gal2), which is predominantly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract and downregulated in human colon tumors. To examine the role of Gal2 in colitis, we employed the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced acute colitis model in mice with (WT) or withoutLgals2(Gal2-KO) and showed that Gal2 deficiency ameliorated DSS-induced colitis. We further demonstrated that Gal2-KO mice developed significantly larger tumors than WT mice using Azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colorectal cancer model. We found that STAT3 phosphorylation was significantly increased in Gal2-deficient tumors as compared to those in WT mice. Gal2 overexpression decreased the proliferation of human colon tumor epithelial cells and blunted H2O2-induced STAT3 phosphorylation. Overall, our results demonstrate that Gal2 plays a suppressive role in colon tumor growth and highlights the therapeutic potential of Gal2 in colon cancer.
Individual back-calculated size-at-age based on otoliths from Pacific coral reef fish species
Authors: Morat Fabien , Wicquart Jérémy , Schiettekatte Nina M. D. , de Sinéty Guillemette , Bienvenu Jean , Casey Jordan M. , Brandl Simon J. , Vii Jason , Carlot Jérémy , Degregori Samuel , Mercière Alexandre , Fey Pauline , Galzin René , Letourneur Yves , Sasal Pierre , Parravicini Valeriano
Published: October 2020

Somatic growth is a critical biological trait for organismal, population, and ecosystem-level processes. Due to its direct link with energetic demands, growth also represents an important parameter to estimate energy and nutrient fluxes. For marine fishes, growth rate information is most frequently derived from sagittal otoliths, and most of the available data stems from studies on temperate species that are targeted by commercial fisheries. Although the analysis of otoliths is a powerful tool to estimate individual growth, the time-consuming nature of otolith processing is one barrier for collection of comprehensive datasets across multiple species. This is especially true for coral reef fishes, which are extremely diverse. Here, we provide back-calculated size-at-age estimates (including measures of uncertainty) based on sagittal otoliths from 710 individuals belonging to 45 coral reef fish species from French Polynesia. In addition, we provide Von Bertalanffy growth parameters which are useful to predict community level biomass production.
Nanofluid flow with autocatalytic chemical reaction over a curved surface with nonlinear thermal radiation and slip condition
Authors: Ramzan Muhammad , Rafiq Abida , Chung Jae Dong , Kadry Seifedine , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: October 2020

The study of nanofluids is the most debated subject for the last two decades. Researchers have shown great interest owing to the amazing features of nanofluids including heat transfer and thermal conductivity enhancement capabilities. Having such remarkable features of nanofluids in mind we have envisioned a mathematical model that discusses the flow of nanofluid comprising Nickel-Zinc Ferrite-Ethylene glycol (Ni-ZnFe2O4–C2H6O2) amalgamation past an elongated curved surface with autocatalytic chemical reaction. The additional impacts added to the flow model are the heat generation/absorption with nonlinear thermal radiation. At the boundary, the slip and the convective conditions are added. Pertinent transformations are affianced to get the system of ordinary differential equations from the governing system in curvilinear coordinates. A numerical solution is found by applying MATLAB build-in function bvp4c. Graphical illustrations and the numerically computed estimates are discussed and analyzed properly. It is comprehended that velocity and temperature distributions have varied trends near and away from the curve when the curvature parameter is enhanced. Further, it is comprehended that the concentration field declines for both homogeneous and heterogeneous reaction parameters.
Assessing the prognostic value of stemness-related genes in breast cancer patients
Authors: Wang Wen-Jie , Wang Han , Wang Meng-sen , Huang Yue-Qing , Ma Yu-Yuan , Qi Jie , Shi Jian-Ping , Li Wei
Published: October 2020

Breast cancer (BC) is currently one of the deadliest tumors worldwide. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small group of tumor cells with self-renewal and differentiation abilities and high treatment resistance. One of the reasons for treatment failures is the inability to completely eliminate tumor stem cells. By using the edgeR package, we identified stemness-related differentially expressed genes in GSE69280. Via Lasso-penalized Cox regression analysis and univariate Cox regression analysis, survival genes were screened out to construct a prognostic model. Via nomograms and ROC curves, we verified the accuracy of the prognostic model. We selected 4 genes (PSMB9, CXCL13, NPR3, and CDKN2C) to establish a prognostic model from TCGA data and a validation model from GSE24450 data. We found that the low-risk score group had better OS than the high-risk score group, whether using TCGA or GSE24450 data. A prognostic model including four stemness-related genes was constructed in our study to determine targets of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) and improve the treatment effect.
A role for the immune system in advanced laryngeal cancer
Authors: Tagliabue Marta , Maffini Fausto , Fumagalli Caterina , Gandini Sara , Lepanto Daniela , Corso Federica , Cacciola Salvatore , Ranghiero Alberto , Rappa Alessandra , Vacirca Davide , Cossu Rocca Maria , Alterio Daniela , Guerini Rocco Elena , Cattaneo Augusto , Chu Francesco , Zorzi Stefano , Curigliano Giuseppe , Chiocca Susanna , Barberis Massimo , Viale Giuseppe , Ansarin Mohssen
Published: October 2020

To investigate the role of the altered activation of the immune system in the prognosis of patients affected by laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). We analyzed 56 patients with advanced LSCC divided into two groups according to their prognosis: the first group relapsed within 24 months after treatment, the second group had no evidence of disease at 2 years. The presence of stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) at the tumor-host border was investigated. In 43 patients we evaluated the expression of 395 genes related to immune system activation through a next generation sequencing panel. Priority-LASSO models and clustering analyses were integrated with multivariate Cox proportional hazard modeling to identify independent genes associated with relapse and estimate hazard ratios in relation to gene expression and TILs. TILs and the expression of genes related with immune system activation (FCGR1A, IFNA17, FCRLA, NCR3, KREMEN1, CD14, CD3G, CD19, CD20 and CD79A) were significantly associated with prognostic factors or disease specific survival. In patients with lymph node metastases and advanced T stage (pT4), the expression of other genes was altered. Low TILs count was highly associated with relapse within 2 years (p < 0.001). Low TILs and altered expression of specific genes associated with tumor-immune systems interactions emerged as independent risk factors, associated to poor prognosis and relapse within 2 years in advanced LSCC. Evaluation of patients’ immune profile could be useful for prognosis and future therapeutic approaches towards personalized therapy.
Atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability is increased in mouse model of lupus
Authors: Santiago-Raber Marie-Laure , Montecucco Fabrizio , Vuilleumier Nicolas , Miteva Kapka , Baptista Daniela , Carbone Federico , Pagano Sabrina , Roth Aline , Burger Fabienne , Mach Francois , Brandt Karim J.
Published: October 2020

Anti-apolipoprotein A-1 (anti-apoA-1 IgG) and anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA IgG) autoantibodies have been described as mediators of atherogenesis in mice and humans. In the present study, we aim to investigate the association between atherosclerotic parameters, autoantibodies and plaque vulnerability in the context of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We therefore bred a lupus prone-mouse model (Nba2.Yaa mice) with Apoe−/− mice resulting in Apoe−/−Nba2.Yaa mice spontaneously producing anti-apoA-1 IgG antibodies. Although Apoe−/−Nba2.Yaa and Apoe−/− mice subject to a high cholesterol diet displayed similar atherosclerosis lesions size in aortic roots and abdominal aorta, the levels of macrophage and neutrophil infiltration, collagen, MMP-8 and MMP-9 and pro-MMP-9 expression in Apoe−/−Nba2.Yaa mice indicated features of atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability. Even though Apoe−/−Nba2.Yaa mice and Apoe−/− mice had similar lipid levels, Apoe−/−Nba2.Yaa mice showed higher anti-apoA-1 and anti-dsDNA IgG levels. Apoe−/−Nba2.Yaa mice displayed a reduction of the size of the kidney, splenomegaly and lymph nodes (LN) hypertrophy. In addition, anti-apoA-1 and anti-dsDNA IgG increased also in relation with mRNA levels of GATA3, IL-4, Bcl-6 and CD20 in the spleen and aortic arch of Apoe−/−Nba2.Yaa mice. Our data show that although atherosclerosis-lupus-prone Apoe−/−Nba2.Yaa mice did not exhibit exacerbated atherosclerotic lesion size, they did show features of atherosclerotic plaque destabilization in correlation with the increase of pro-atherogenic autoantibodies.
Distributed changes of the functional connectome in patients with glioblastoma
Authors: Nenning Karl-Heinz , Furtner Julia , Kiesel Barbara , Schwartz Ernst , Roetzer Thomas , Fortelny Nikolaus , Bock Christoph , Grisold Anna , Marko Martha , Leutmezer Fritz , Liu Hesheng , Golland Polina , Stoecklein Sophia , Hainfellner Johannes A. , Kasprian Gregor , Prayer Daniela , Marosi Christine , Widhalm Georg , Woehrer Adelheid , Langs Georg
Published: October 2020

Glioblastoma might have widespread effects on the neural organization and cognitive function, and even focal lesions may be associated with distributed functional alterations. However, functional changes do not necessarily follow obvious anatomical patterns and the current understanding of this interrelation is limited. In this study, we used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate changes in global functional connectivity patterns in 15 patients with glioblastoma. For six patients we followed longitudinal trajectories of their functional connectome and structural tumour evolution using bi-monthly follow-up scans throughout treatment and disease progression. In all patients, unilateral tumour lesions were associated with inter-hemispherically symmetric network alterations, and functional proximity of tumour location was stronger linked to distributed network deterioration than anatomical distance. In the longitudinal subcohort of six patients, we observed patterns of network alterations with initial transient deterioration followed by recovery at first follow-up, and local network deterioration to precede structural tumour recurrence by two months. In summary, the impact of focal glioblastoma lesions on the functional connectome is global and linked to functional proximity rather than anatomical distance to tumour regions. Our findings further suggest a relevance for functional network trajectories as a possible means supporting early detection of tumour recurrence.
Anthropogenic emissions from South Asia reverses the aerosol indirect effect over the northern Indian Ocean
Authors: Jose Subin , Nair Vijayakumar S. , Babu S. Suresh
Published: October 2020

Atmospheric aerosols play an important role in the formation of warm clouds by acting as efficient cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and their interactions are believed to cool the Earth-Atmosphere system (‘first indirect effect or Twomey effect’) in a highly uncertain manner compared to the other forcing agents. Here we demonstrate using long-term (2003–2016) satellite observations (NASA’s A-train satellite constellations) over the northern Indian Ocean, that enhanced aerosol loading (due to anthropogenic emissions) can reverse the first indirect effect significantly. In contrast to Twomey effect, a statistically significant increase in cloud effective radius (CER, µm) is observed with respect to an increase in aerosol loading for clouds having low liquid water path (LWP < 75 g m−2) and drier cloud tops. Probable physical mechanisms for this effect are the intense competition for available water vapour due to higher concentrations of anthropogenic aerosols and entrainment of dry air on cloud tops. For such clouds, cloud water content showed a negative response to cloud droplet number concentrations and the estimated intrinsic radiative effect suggest a warming at the Top of the Atmosphere. Although uncertainties exist in quantifying aerosol-cloud interactions (ACI) using satellite observations, present study indicates the physical existence of anti-Twomey effect over the northern Indian Ocean during south Asian outflow.
Quercetin inhibits virulence properties of Porphyromas gingivalis in periodontal disease
Authors: He Zhiyan , Zhang Xu , Song Zhongchen , Li Lu , Chang Haishuang , Li Shiliang , Zhou Wei
Published: October 2020

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a causative agent in the onset and progression of periodontal disease. This study aims to investigate the effects of quercetin, a natural plant product, on P. gingivalis virulence properties including gingipain, haemagglutinin and biofilm formation. Antimicrobial effects and morphological changes of quercetin on P. gingivalis were detected. The effects of quercetin on gingipains activities and hemolytic, hemagglutination activities were evaluated using chromogenic peptides and sheep erythrocytes. The biofilm biomass and metabolism with different concentrations of quercetin were assessed by the crystal violet and MTT assay. The structures and thickness of the biofilms were observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Bacterial cell surface properties including cell surface hydrophobicity and aggregation were also evaluated. The mRNA expression of virulence and iron/heme utilization was assessed using real time-PCR. Quercetin exhibited antimicrobial effects and damaged the cell structure. Quercetin can inhibit gingipains, hemolytic, hemagglutination activities and biofilm formation at sub-MIC concentrations. Molecular docking analysis further indicated that quercetin can interact with gingipains. The biofilm became sparser and thinner after quercetin treatment. Quercetin also modulate cell surface hydrophobicity and aggregation. Expression of the genes tested was down-regulated in the presence of quercetin. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that quercetin inhibited various virulence factors of P. gingivalis.
Demonstration of nearly pinhole-free epitaxial aluminum thin films by sputter beam epitaxy
Authors: Law Ka Ming , Budhathoki Sujan , Ranjit Smriti , Martin Franziska , Thind Arashdeep S. , Mishra Rohan , Hauser Adam J.
Published: October 2020

Superconducting resonators with high quality factors have been fabricated from aluminum films, suggesting potential applications in quantum computing. Improvement of thin film crystal quality and removal of void and pinhole defects will improve quality factor and functional yield. Epitaxial aluminum films with superb crystallinity, high surface smoothness, and interface sharpness were successfully grown on the c-plane of sapphire using sputter beam epitaxy. This study assesses the effects of varying substrate preparation conditions and growth and prebake temperatures on crystallinity and smoothness. X-ray diffraction and reflectivity measurements yield extensive Laue oscillations and Kiessig thickness fringes for films grown at 200 °C under 15 mTorr Ar, indicating excellent crystallinity and surface smoothness; moreover, an additional substrate preparation procedure which involves (1) a modified substrate cleaning procedure and (2) prebake at 700 °C in 20 mTorr O2 is shown by atomic force microscopy to yield nearly pinhole-free film growth while maintaining epitaxy and high crystal quality. The modified cleaning procedure is environmentally friendly and eliminates the acid etch steps common to conventional sapphire preparation, suggesting potential industrial application both on standard epitaxial and patterned surface sapphire substrates.
Pre-sarcopenia determines post-progression outcomes in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma after sorafenib failure
Authors: Cheng Tsung-Yi , Lee Pei-Chang , Chen Yi-Tzen , Chao Yee , Hou Ming-Chih , Huang Yi-Hsiang
Published: October 2020

Many second-line therapies are recently approved for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in whom protein malnutrition is prevalent that would affect treatment outcomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of pre-sarcopenia and muscle restoration in patients with sorafenib-failed advanced HCC. From August 2012 to March 2017, 385 patients who developed radiology-proven HCC progression after sorafenib treatment were enrolled in the study. Pre-sarcopenia is defined as transverse psoas muscle thickness per body height < 16.8 mm/m, which was prevalent (64.7%) in our patients. Age > 60 years, female gender, and body mass index < 22 kg/m2 were independent predictors to the development of pre-sarcopenia. Patients with muscle depletion had significantly worse post-progression survival (PPS) compared with their counterparts (median PPS: 3.8 vs. 5.8 months, p = 0.003), particularly in those with intermediate liver reserves (Child–Pugh class B or Albumin-bilirubin grade 2). Besides, pre-sarcopenia independently predicted post-progression mortality in sorafenib-failed HCC (hazard ratio: 1.340, p = 0.012). In patients who developed pre-sarcopenia before sorafenib treatment, muscle restoration was associated with a longer PPS compared with their counterparts (6.3 vs. 3.6 months, p = 0.043). In conclusion, pre-sarcopenia independently determined the outcomes of sorafenib-failed HCC. Nutrition support to restore muscle mass would prolong survival for higher-risk patients.
Generation of plane spiral orbital angular momentum using circular double-slot Vivaldi antenna array
Authors: Zhu Yongzhong , Dang Weiguo , Liu Xiaoyu , Chen Yijun , Zhou Xiaofei , Lu Hongyan
Published: October 2020

A novel and feasible solution to generate plane spiral orbital angular momentum (PSOAM) vortex beam is proposed in this paper. The general principle of generating PSOAM in circular antenna array (CAA) is deduced, and verified by the simulation of the dipole CAA. Four double-slot Vivaldi antenna elements connect sequentially and are inserted into a CAA, which makes the proposed antenna easily fabricated and fully miniaturized. Both simulated and measured results show that it can generate PSOAM with l = 3 (l is the mode number of vortex wave) at 5 GHz. The vortex phase of l = 3 is observed, the measured peak gain is 5.7 dB. The VSWR remains below 2 from 4 to 6 GHz, which shows the impedance bandwidth of S11 < −10 dB is more than 40%.
A robust electrophysiological marker of spontaneous numerical discrimination
Authors: Georges Carrie , Guillaume Mathieu , Schiltz Christine
Published: October 2020

Humans have a Number Sense that enables them to represent and manipulate numerical quantities. Behavioral data suggest that the acuity of numerical discrimination is predictively associated with math ability—especially in children—but some authors argued that its assessment is problematic. In the present study, we used frequency-tagged electroencephalography to objectively measure spontaneous numerical discrimination during passive viewing of dot or picture arrays in healthy adults. During 1-min sequences, we introduced periodic numerosity changes and we progressively increased the magnitude of such changes every ten seconds. We found significant brain synchronization to the periodic numerosity changes from the 1.2 ratio over medial occipital regions, and amplitude strength increased with the numerical ratio. Brain responses were reliable across both stimulus formats. Interestingly, electrophysiological responses also mirrored performances on a number comparison task and seemed to be linked to math fluency. In sum, we present a neural marker of numerical acuity that is passively evaluated in short sequences, independent of stimulus format and that reflects behavioural performances on explicit number comparison tasks.
MiR-155/GSK-3β mediates anti-inflammatory effect of Chikusetsusaponin IVa by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cell
Authors: Xin Yi , Yuan Qin , Liu Chaoqi , Zhang Changcheng , Yuan Ding
Published: October 2020

It has been demonstrated that Chikusetsusaponin IVa (CsIVa) possesses abundant biological activities. Herein, using LPS to establish acute inflammation model of mouse liver and cell line inflammation model, we investigated whether miR-155/GSK-3β regulated NF-κB signaling pathway, and CsIVa exerted anti-inflammatory effects by regulating miR-155/GSK-3β signaling pathway. Our results showed that LPS induced high expression of miR-155 and miR-155 promoted macrophage activation through GSK-3β. In addition, CsIVa inhibited inflammatory responses in LPS-induced mouse liver and RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CsIVa improved the inflammatory response in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells by inhibiting miR-155, increasing GSK-3β expression, and inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study reveals that CsIVa suppresses LPS-triggered immune response by miR-155/GSK-3β-NF-κB signaling pathway.
Genetic signatures of high-altitude adaptation and geographic distribution in Tibetan sheep
Authors: Liu Jianbin , Yuan Chao , Guo Tingting , Wang Fan , Zeng Yufeng , Ding Xuezhi , Lu Zengkui , Renqing Dingkao , Zhang Hao , Xu Xilan , Yue Yaojing , Sun Xiaoping , Niu Chune , Zhuoga Deqing , Yang Bohui
Published: October 2020

Most sheep breeding programs designed for the tropics and sub-tropics have to take into account the impacts of environmental adaptive traits. However, the genetic mechanism regulating the multiple biological processes driving adaptive responses remains unclear. In this study, we applied a selective sweep analysis by combing 1% top values of Fst and ZHp on both altitude and geographic subpopulations (APS) in 636 indigenous Tibetan sheep breeds. Results show that 37 genes were identified within overlapped genomic regions regarding Fst significantly associated with APS. Out of the 37 genes, we found that 8, 3 and 6 genes at chromosomes (chr.) 13, 23 and 27, respectively, were identified in the genomic regions with 1% top values of ZHp. We further analyzed the INDEL variation of 6 genes at chr.27 (X chromosome) in APS together with corresponding orthologs of 6 genes in Capra, Pantholops, and Bos Taurus. We found that an INDEL was located within 5′UTR region of HAG1 gene. This INDEL of HAG1 was strongly associated with the variation of APS, which was further confirmed by qPCR. Sheep breeds carrying “C-INDEL” of HAG1 have significantly greater body weight, shear amount, corpuscular hemoglobin and globulin levels, but lower body height, than those carrying “CA-INDEL” of HAG1. We concluded that “C-INDEL” variation of HAG1 gene confers better hypoxia tolerance in the highlands of Tibetan and explains well geographic distributions in this population. These results contribute to our understanding of adaptive responses to altitude and geographic adaptation in Tibetan sheep populations and will help to guide future conservation programs for Tibetan sheep native to Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.
Direct observation of lithium metal dendrites with ceramic solid electrolyte
Authors: Golozar Maryam , Paolella Andrea , Demers Hendrix , Savoie Sylvio , Girard Gabriel , Delaporte Nicolas , Gauvin Raynald , Guerfi Abdelbast , Lorrmann Henning , Zaghib Karim
Published: October 2020

Dendrite formation, which could cause a battery short circuit, occurs in batteries that contain lithium metal anodes. In order to suppress dendrite growth, the use of electrolytes with a high shear modulus is suggested as an ionic conductive separator in batteries. One promising candidate for this application is Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) because it has excellent mechanical properties and chemical stability. In this work, in situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique was employed to monitor the interface behavior between lithium metal and LLZO electrolyte during cycling with pressure. Using the obtained SEM images, videos were created that show the inhomogeneous dissolution and deposition of lithium, which induce dendrite growth. The energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses of dendrites indicate the presence of Li, C, and O elements. Moreover, the cross-section mapping comparison of the LLZO shows the inhomogeneous distribution of La, Zr, and C after cycling that was caused by lithium loss near the Li electrode and possible side reactions. This work demonstrates the morphological and chemical evolution that occurs during cycling in a symmetrical Li–Li cell that contains LLZO. Although the superior mechanical properties of LLZO make it an excellent electrolyte candidate for batteries, the further improvement of the electrochemical stabilization of the garnet–lithium metal interface is suggested.
NMR microsystem for label-free characterization of 3D nanoliter microtissues
Authors: Grisi Marco , Conley Gaurasundar M. , Rodriguez Kyle J. , Riva Erika , Egli Lukas , Moritz Wolfgang , Lichtenberg Jan , Brugger Jürgen , Boero Giovanni
Published: October 2020

Performing chemical analysis at the nanoliter (nL) scale is of paramount importance for medicine, drug development, toxicology, and research. Despite the numerous methodologies available, a tool for obtaining chemical information non-invasively is still missing at this scale. Observer effects, sample destruction and complex preparatory procedures remain a necessary compromise. Among non-invasive spectroscopic techniques, one able to provide holistic and highly resolved chemical information in-vivo is nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). For its renowned informative power and ability to foster discoveries and life-saving applications, efficient NMR at microscopic scales is highly sought after, but so far technical limitations could not match the stringent necessities of microbiology, such as biocompatible handling, ease of use, and high throughput. Here we introduce a novel microsystem, which combines CMOS technology with 3D microfabrication, enabling nL NMR as a platform tool for non-invasive spectroscopy of organoids, 3D cell cultures, and early stage embryos. In this study we show its application to microlivers models simulating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, demonstrating detection of lipid metabolism dynamics in a time frame of 14 days based on 117 measurements of single 3D human liver microtissues.
TzanckNet: a convolutional neural network to identify cells in the cytology of erosive-vesiculobullous diseases
Authors: Noyan Mehmet Alican , Durdu Murat , Eskiocak Ali Haydar
Published: October 2020

Tzanck smear test is a low-cost, rapid and reliable tool which can be used for the diagnosis of many erosive-vesiculobullous, tumoral and granulomatous diseases. Currently its use is limited mainly due to lack of experience in interpretation of the smears. We developed a deep learning model, TzanckNet, that can identify cells in Tzanck smear test findings. TzanckNet was trained on a retrospective development dataset of 2260 Tzanck smear images collected between December 2006 and December 2019. The finalized model was evaluated using a prospective validation dataset of 359 Tzanck smear images collected from 15 patients during January 2020. It is designed to recognize six cell types (acantholytic cells, eosinophils, hypha, multinucleated giant cells, normal keratinocytes and tadpole cells). For 359 images and 6 cell types, TzanckNet made 2154 predictions. The accuracy was 94.3% (95% CI 93.4–95.3), the sensitivity was 83.7% (95% CI 80.3–87.0) and the specificity was 97.3% (95% CI 96.5–98.1). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.974. Our results show that TzanckNet has the potential to lower the experience barrier needed to use this test, broadening its user base, and hence improving patient well-being.
High-quality sugar production by osgcs1 rice
Authors: Honma Yujiro , Adhikari Prakash Babu , Kuwata Keiko , Kagenishi Tomoko , Yokawa Ken , Notaguchi Michitaka , Kurotani Kenichi , Toda Erika , Bessho-Uehara Kanako , Liu Xiaoyan , Zhu Shaowei , Wu Xiaoyan , Kasahara Ryushiro D.
Published: October 2020

Carbohydrates (sugars) are an essential energy-source for all life forms. They take a significant share of our daily consumption and are used for biofuel production as well. However, sugarcane and sugar beet are the only two crop plants which are used to produce sugar in significant amounts. Here, we have discovered and fine-tuned a phenomenon in rice which leads them to produce sugary-grain. We knocked-out GCS1 genes in rice by using CRISPR technology, which led to fertilization failure and pollen tube-dependent ovule enlargement morphology (POEM) phenomenon. Apparently, the POEMed-like rice ovule (‘endosperm-focused’) can grow near-normal seed-size unlike earlier observations in Arabidopsis in which gcs1 ovules (‘embryo-focused’) were aborted quite early. The POEMed-like rice ovules contained 10–20% sugar, with extremely high sucrose content (98%). Trancriptomic analysis revealed that the osgcs1 ovules had downregulation of starch biosynthetic genes, which would otherwise have converted sucrose to starch. Overall, this study shows that pollen tube content release is sufficient to trigger sucrose unloading at rice ovules. However, successful fertilization is indispensable to trigger sucrose-starch conversion. These findings are expected to pave the way for developing novel sugar producing crops suited for diverse climatic regions.
Two Late Cretaceous sauropods reveal titanosaurian dispersal across South America
Authors: Hechenleitner E. Martín , Leuzinger Léa , Martinelli Agustín G. , Rocher Sebastián , Fiorelli Lucas E. , Taborda Jeremías R. A. , Salgado Leonardo
Published: October 2020

South American titanosaurians have been central to the study of the evolution of Cretaceous sauropod dinosaurs. Despite their remarkable diversity, the fragmentary condition of several taxa and the scarcity of records outside Patagonia and southwestern Brazil have hindered the study of continental-scale paleobiogeographic relationships. We describe two new Late Cretaceous titanosaurians from Quebrada de Santo Domingo (La Rioja, Argentina), which help to fill a gap between these main areas of the continent. Our phylogenetic analysis recovers both new species, and several Brazilian taxa, within Rinconsauria. The data suggest that, towards the end of the Cretaceous, this clade spread throughout southern South America. At the same locality, we discovered numerous accumulations of titanosaurian eggs, likely related to the new taxa. With eggs distributed in three levels along three kilometres, the new site is one of the largest ever found and provides further evidence of nesting site philopatry among Titanosauria.
Comparative ACE2 variation and primate COVID-19 risk
Authors: Melin Amanda D. , Janiak Mareike C. , Marrone Frank , Arora Paramjit S. , Higham James P.
Published: October 2020

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has caused over a million human deaths and massive global disruption. The viral infection may also represent a threat to our closest living relatives, nonhuman primates. The contact surface of the host cell receptor, ACE2, displays amino acid residues that are critical for virus recognition, and variations at these critical residues modulate infection susceptibility. Infection studies have shown that some primate species develop COVID-19-like symptoms; however, the susceptibility of most primates is unknown. Here, we show that all apes and African and Asian monkeys (catarrhines), exhibit the same set of twelve key amino acid residues as human ACE2. Monkeys in the Americas, and some tarsiers, lemurs and lorisoids, differ at critical contact residues, and protein modeling predicts that these differences should greatly reduce SARS-CoV-2 binding affinity. Other lemurs are predicted to be closer to catarrhines in their susceptibility. Our study suggests that apes and African and Asian monkeys, and some lemurs, are likely to be highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. Urgent actions have been undertaken to limit the exposure of great apes to humans, and similar efforts may be necessary for many other primate species.
Bi-reflection of spin waves
Authors: Hioki Tomosato , Hashimoto Yusuke , Saitoh Eiji
Published: October 2020

When a light wave is refracted at a boundary between two different media, it may split into two rays due to optical anisotropy, a phenomenon called birefringence. On the other hand, for a reflected light wave in an ordinary medium, the angle of reflection is always the same as the incident angle as expected from the law of reflection. Here, we report the observation of a split of reflected spin-waves, or bi-reflection of spin-waves, where a spin-wave refers to a wavy motion of electron spins in a magnetic material. We measured the spin-wave propagation in a magnetic garnet Lu2Bi1Fe3.4Ga1.6O12 by using time-resolved magneto-optical microscopy and found that the spin-wave splits in two as a result of reflection at the sample edge of an out-of-plane magnetized film. Systematic measurements combined with calculations unveiled that the bi-reflection is due to the hybridization with elastic waves.
The structural composition of components contributes to the superiority of the geoherbAlisma orientalefor “diuresis and diffusing dampness”
Authors: Li Ru , Li Zhi-li , Chen Ya-ping , Bu Wei-quan , Ding Wen-bo , Yang Bing , Wang Chun-fei , Ma Liang , Jia Xiao-bin , Feng Liang
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study is to explore the intrinsic reasons for the superiority of the salt-made geoherbAlisma orientale viacomparing the content of various components of the salt-made geoherbAlisma orientale.
Fluorescence lifetime probes for detection of RNA degradation
Authors: Hirata Riku , Hirakawa Kazutaka , Shimada Naotaka , Watanabe Kazunori , Ohtsuki Takashi
Published: October 2020

HHG-fluorescein sequences (H = U, C, or A) can be used for fluorescence lifetime probes for detection of RNA degradation.
A minimalistic catalytically-active cell mimetic made of a supra-molecular hydrogel encapsulated into a polymersome
Authors: Martí-Centelles Rosa , Rubio-Magnieto Jenifer , Escuder Beatriu
Published: October 2020

A minimalistic multicomponent cell mimetic is constructed from a catalytic low molecular weight fibrillar network and a polymersome compartment.
Efficient temperature-feedback liposome for 19F MRI signal enhancement
Authors: Ren Lili , Chen Shizhen , Jiang Weiping , Zeng Qingbin , Zhang Xu , Xiao Long , McMahon Michael T. , Xin Lou , Zhou Xin
Published: October 2020

A new fluorinated liposome gives instantaneous temperature-induced 19F MR signal enhancement and excellent stability under reversible signal transition.
Reversible hydrogen-bonded polymerization regulated by allosteric metal templation
Authors: Xiao Tangxin , Zhong Weiwei , Yang Weiwei , Qi Lijie , Gao Yan , Sue Andrew C.-H. , Li Zheng-Yi , Sun Xiao-Qiang , Lin Chen , Wang Leyong
Published: October 2020

A stable quadruple hydrogen bonded cyclic dimer assisted by metal templation was successfully self-assembled and its reversible transformation to supramolecular polymer was investigated.
Ho3+–Yb3+ doped NaGdF4 nanothermometers emitting in BW-I and BW-II. Insight into the particle growth intermediate steps
Authors: Rijckaert Hannes , Kaczmarek Anna M.
Published: October 2020

A new type of nanothermometer for biomedical applications is developed based on Ho3+-to-Yb3+ energy transfer in β-NaGdF4 nanoparticles.
An effective method for elimination of the defects in diamond caused by physical field asymmetry in high-pressure synthesis cavities
Authors: Wang Chunxiao , Ma Hong-an , Chen Liangchao , Fang Shuai , Wang Jian , Lu Zhiyun , Chen Qi , Jia Xiaopeng
Published: October 2020

FEM was used to explain the mechanism of diamond growth defects and methods were proposed to eliminate the growth defects.
A quantum chemical model for a series of self-assembled nanocages: the origin of stability behind the coordination-driven formation of transition metal complexes up to [M12L24]24+
Authors: Yoshida Yuichiro , Iuchi Satoru , Sato Hirofumi
Published: October 2020

We present a systematic computational model to study the electronic states and free energies of a self-assembled multi-metal complex series.
Strain engineering the electronic and photocatalytic properties of WS2/blue phosphene van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Wang Jingnan , Huang Yuhong , Ma Fei , Zhang Jianmin , Wei Xiumei , Liu Jing
Published: October 2020

The effects of −8–8% in-plane uniaxial and biaxial strains on the electronic and photocatalytic activity of tungsten disulfide/blue phosphene (WS2/BlueP) are investigated within the framework of first-principles calculations.
Recent developments in the control of selectivity in hydrogenation reactions by confined metal functionalities
Authors: Zaarour Moussa , Cazemier Jurjen , Ruiz-Martínez Javier
Published: October 2020

Confining metal active species in the voids of porous solid matrices such as zeolites, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can bring fascinating key advantages in the field of selective hydrogenation reactions.
Concentrated Pickering emulsions stabilised by hemp globulin–caseinate nanoparticles: tuning the rheological properties by adjusting the hemp globulin : caseinate ratio
Authors: Chuang Chih-Chieh , Ye Aiqian , Anema Skelte G. , Loveday Simon M.
Published: October 2020

Nanoparticles composed of hemp globulins (HG) and sodium caseinate (SC) make the emulsion more solid-like after storage due to stronger short-range attractive forces between nanoparticles and oil droplets.
Teadenol A in microbial fermented tea acts as a novel ligand on GPR120 to increase GLP-1 secretion
Authors: Nagasawa Tomotaka , Ishimaru Kanji , Higashiyama Shigeki , Hama Yoichiro , Mitsutake Susumu
Published: October 2020

Post-fermented teas, produced by microbial fermentation, are attracting attention due to their health benefits that reduce the risk of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.
A novel receptor-free polydiacetylene nanofiber biosensor for detecting E. coli via colorimetric changes
Authors: Bhattacharjee Abhishek , Clark Richard , Gentry-Weeks Claudia , Li Yan Vivian
Published: October 2020

A nanofiber-based polydiacetylene (PDA) biosensor was prepared with polyurethane (PU) to detect Escherichia coli.
Recent advances in dioxaborine-based fluorescent materials for bioimaging applications
Authors: Collot Mayeul
Published: October 2020

Dioxaborine-based materials, including molecules and nanoparticles, possess various interesting photophysical properties allowing advanced bioimaging from cells to in vivo.
Development of advanced materials for cleaner energy generation through fuel cells
Authors: Cyril Priscilla Hyacinth , Saravanan Govindachetty
Published: October 2020

The use of fuel cells in the transportation sector holds promise as a sustainable option for the generation of cleaner energy along with cumulative lesser GHG emissions.
“On water” palladium catalyzed diastereoselective boronic acid addition to structurally diverse cyclopropane nitriles
Authors: Das Dwaipayan , Mukherjee Prasun , Das Asish R.
Published: October 2020

An efficient palladium catalyzed diastereoselective addition of arylboronic acids to complex spirocyclopropyl dinitriles is developed in the presence of a catalytic amount of DBSA as a Brønsted acid surfactant in aqueous media.
Anomalous dielectric behaviour during the monoclinic to tetragonal phase transition in La(Nb0.9V0.1)O4
Authors: Zhou Di , Guo Huan-Huan , Fu Mao-Sen , Yao Xiao-Gang , Lin Hui-Xing , Liu Wen-Feng , Pang Li-Xia , Singh Charanjeet , Trukhanov Sergei , Trukhanov Alex , Reaney Ian M.
Published: October 2020

The behaviour ofεrin La(Nb0.9V0.1)O4vs.temperature is anomalous and may have novel applications in composite ceramics.
Thermodynamics of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors partitioning into 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine bilayers
Authors: Ngo Dat T. N. , Nguyen Trinh Q. , Huynh Hieu K. , Nguyen Trang T.
Published: October 2020

Paroxetine and sertraline have the same thermodynamics profile of phospholipid bilayer partitioning but different location within the lipid bilayer.
Hydrothermal synthesis of cotton-based BiVO4/Ag composite for photocatalytic degradation of C.I. Reactive Black 5
Authors: Qu Jiangang , Qian Jiaqi , Wu Mengtao , Mao Qinghui , Li Min
Published: October 2020

BiVO4/Ag/cotton-K composite material exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity and recyclability, and the photodegradation mechanism of RB5 by BiVO4/Ag/cotton-K was also proposed.
Synthesis and applications of methyleneaziridines
Authors: Pan Bin , Li Feng , Zhao Yingying
Published: October 2020

This review surveys the structural characterization, synthetic methods, chemical transformations and mechanisms of methyleneaziridines, especially the advances achieved over the past decade.
Impact of heavy metals on Ciconia boyciana feathers and Larus saundersi egg shells in the Yellow River delta estuary
Authors: Yang Yuewei , Li Jing , Zhang Fengjiao , Sun Fengfei , Chen Junfeng , Tang Meizhen
Published: October 2020

In this study, the Ciconia boyciana and Larus saundersi, typical wetland birds in the Yellow River estuary, were selected as research objects.
Preparation of α-amino acids via Ni-catalyzed reductive vinylation and arylation of α-pivaloyloxy glycine
Authors: Tao Xianghua , Chen Yanchi , Guo Jiandong , Wang Xiaotai , Gong Hegui
Published: October 2020

We have developed Ni-catalyzed reductive coupling of N-carbonyl protected α-pivaloyloxy glycine with Csp2-electrophiles that enabled facile preparation of α-amino acids, including those bearing hindered branched vinyl groups.