bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved cyber-physical system captured post-flowering high night temperature impact on yield and quality of field grown wheat
Authors: Hein Nathan T. , Bheemanahalli Raju , Wagner Dan , Vennapusa Amaranatha R. , Bustamante Carlos , Ostmeyer Troy , Pokharel Meghnath , Chiluwal Anuj , Fu Jianming , Srikanthan Dhanush S. , Neilsen Mitchell L. , Jagadish S. V. Krishna
Published: December 2020

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is essential to maintain food security for a large proportion of the world’s population. With increased risk from abiotic stresses due to climate variability, it is imperative to understand and minimize the negative impact of these stressors, including high night temperature (HNT). Both globally and at regional scales, a differential rate of increase in day and night temperature is observed, wherein night temperatures are increasing at a higher pace and the trend is projected to continue into the future. Previous studies using controlled environment facilities and small field-based removable chambers have shown that post-anthesis HNT stress can induce a significant reduction in wheat grain yield. A prototype was previously developed by utilizing field-based tents allowing for simultaneous phenotyping of popular winter wheat varieties from US Midwest and advanced breeding lines. Hence, the objectives of the study were to (i) design and build a new field-based infrastructure and test and validate the uniformity of HNT stress application on a scaled-up version of the prototype (ii) improve and develop a more sophisticated cyber-physical system to sense and impose post-anthesis HNT stress uniformly through physiological maturity within the scaled-up tents; and (iii) determine the impact of HNT stress during grain filling on the agronomic and grain quality parameters including starch and protein concentration. The system imposed a consistent post-anthesis HNT stress of + 3.8 °C until maturity and maintained uniform distribution of stress which was confirmed by (i) 0.23 °C temperature differential between an array of sensors within the tents and (ii) statistically similar performance of a common check replicated multiple times in each tent. On average, a reduction in grain-filling duration by 3.33 days, kernel weight by 1.25% per °C, grain number by 2.36% per °C and yield by 3.58% per °C increase in night temperature was documented. HNT stress induced a significant reduction in starch concentration indicating disturbed carbon balance. The pilot field-based facility integrated with a robust cyber-physical system provides a timely breakthrough for evaluating HNT stress impact on large diversity panels to enhance HNT stress tolerance across field crops. The flexibility of the cyber-physical system and movement capabilities of the field-based infrastructure allows this methodology to be adaptable to different crops.
Two high-rate pentose-phosphate pathways in cancer cells
Authors: Cossu Vanessa , Bonanomi Marcella , Bauckneht Matteo , Ravera Silvia , Righi Nicole , Miceli Alberto , Morbelli Silvia , Orengo Anna Maria , Piccioli Patrizia , Bruno Silvia , Gaglio Daniela , Sambuceti Gianmario , Marini Cecilia
Published: December 2020

The relevant role of pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) in cancer metabolic reprogramming has been usually outlined by studying glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). However, recent evidence suggests an unexpected role for a less characterized PPP, triggered by hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (H6PD) within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Studying H6PD biological role in breast and lung cancer, here we show that gene silencing of this reticular enzyme decreases cell content of PPP intermediates and d-ribose, to a similar extent as G6PD silencing. Decrease in overall NADPH content and increase in cell oxidative status are also comparable. Finally, either gene silencing impairs at a similar degree cell proliferating activity. This unexpected response occurs despite the absence of any cross-interference between the expression of both G6PD and H6PD. Thus, overall cancer PPP reflects the contribution of two different pathways located in the cytosol and ER, respectively. Disregarding the reticular pathway might hamper our comprehension of PPP role in cancer cell biology.
Nuclear factor kappa B activation in cardiomyocytes by serum of children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Goldbart Aviv D. , Gannot Meital , Haddad Hen , Gopas Jacob
Published: December 2020

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is associated with cardiovascular morbidity in adults and children. NFκB activity is enhanced in circulating monocytes of adults with OSA, that decreases following positive pressure therapy. OSA children’s serum activates NFκB in a cell line. We hypothesized that OSA children’s serum can activate NFκB in cardiomyocytes (CM) and effect their viability. In order to explore the role played by NFκB in OSA cardiovascular pathophysiology, rat, mouse and human immortalized CM were exposed to human serum drawn from OSA children and matched controls. Increased expression of NFκB classical subunits p65/p50 as well as major morphological changes occurred in cardiomyocytes following OSA’s serum exposure. OSA children’s serum induced NFκB activity as measured by p65 nuclear translocation in immortalized human CM and rat cardiomyocytes as well as dense immunostaining of the nucleus. Trypan blue and XTT assays showed that OSA sera induced CM apoptosis. We conclude that NFκB is systemically activated in cardiomyocytes, who also demonstrate decreased viability and contractility following exposure to OSA serum. It supports the hypothesis NFκB plays a role in the evolution of cardiovascular morbidity in OSA. It may support the search for new therapeutic interventions controlling NFκB activation in OSA.
Mesalazine allergy and an attempt at desensitization therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Matsumoto Satohiro , Mashima Hirosato
Published: December 2020

Mesalazine is a key drug used for remission induction and maintenance therapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We sometimes encounter patients who develop allergic reactions to the drug and inevitably discontinue treatment. Of 692 patients who received mesalazine for IBD between 2014 and March 2020, 33 diagnosed with mesalazine allergy (43 episodes) were included, and their clinical manifestations were evaluated. For ten patients undergoing desensitization therapy, therapeutic outcomes were evaluated. The incidence of mesalazine allergy was 4.8%. The time from the start of oral medication to allergy onset was 10 ± 5 days for the first allergic attack and 2 ± 1 days for the second and subsequent allergic attacks. The observed clinical symptoms included fever (93%), diarrhea (26%), abdominal pain (23%), and bloody stool (12%). Drug-induced lymphocyte stimulation test was performed in 85% of the patients (28/33), and the sensitivity was 51%. Desensitization therapy with a time-dependent mesalazine granule formulation was successful in nine of the ten patients (90%), allowing them to receive 2000 mg or more of the drug. Fever was a common allergic symptom, and its presence appeared to be useful for distinguishing mesalazine allergy from exacerbation of the primary disease. Desensitization therapy was useful in patients with mesalazine allergy.
Selection and validation of reference genes for quantitative gene expression normalization in Taxus spp.
Authors: Zhang Kaikai , Fan Wei , Chen Duanfen , Jiang Luyuan , Li Yunfeng , Yao Zhiwang , Yang Yanfang , Qiu Deyou
Published: December 2020

Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) is commonly used to measure gene expression to further explore gene function, while suitable reference genes must be stably expressed under different experimental conditions to obtain accurate and reproducible data for relative quantification. Taxol or paclitaxel is an important anticancer compound mainly identified in Taxus spp. The molecular mechanism of the regulation of taxol biosynthesis is current research goal. However, in the case of Taxus spp., few reports were published on screening suitable reference genes as internal controls for qRT-PCR. Here, eight reference genes were selected as candidate reference genes for further study. Common statistical algorithms geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, ΔCt, and RefFinder were used to analyze the data from samples collected from a cell line of Taxus × media under various experimental conditions and from tissues of Taxus chinensis var. mairei. The expression patterns of TcMYC under salicylic acid treatment differed significantly, with the best and worst reference genes in the cell line. This study screened out suitable reference genes (GAPDH1 and SAND) under different treatments and tissues for the accurate and reliable normalization of the qRT-PCR expression data of Taxus spp. At the same time, this study will aid future research on taxol biosynthesis-related genes expression in Taxus spp., and can also be directly used to other related species.
Beta-blockers provide a differential survival benefit in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing contemporary post-percutaneous coronary intervention management
Authors: Lee Pil Hyung , Park Gyung-Min , Han Seungbong , Kim Yong-Giun , Lee Jong-Young , Roh Jae-Hyung , Lee Jae-Hwan , Kim Young-Hak , Lee Seung-Whan
Published: December 2020

Beta-adrenergic receptor blockers are used in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) to reduce the harmful effects of excessive adrenergic activation on the heart. However, there is limited evidence regarding the benefit of beta-blockers in the context of contemporary management following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We used the nationwide South Korea National Health Insurance database to identify 87,980 patients with a diagnosis of either acute myocardial infarction (AMI; n = 38,246) or angina pectoris (n = 49,734) who underwent PCI between 2013 and 2017, and survived to be discharged from hospital. Beta-blockers were used in a higher proportion of patients with AMI (80.6%) than those with angina (58.9%). Over a median follow-up of 2.2 years (interquartile range 1.2–3.3 years) with the propensity-score matching analysis, the mortality risk was significantly lower in patients treated with a beta-blocker in the AMI group (HR: 0.78; 95% CI 0.69–0.87; p < 0.001). However, the mortality risk was comparable regardless of beta-blocker use (HR: 1.07; 95% CI 0.98–1.16; p = 0.10) in the angina group. The survival benefit associated with beta-blocker therapy was most significant in the first year after the AMI event.
Application of the novel estimation method by shear wave elastography using vibrator to human skeletal muscle
Authors: Tsuchida Wakako , Yamakoshi Yoshiki , Matsuo Shingo , Asakawa Mayu , Sugahara Keita , Fukaya Taizan , Yamanaka Eiji , Asai Yuji , Nitta Naotaka , Ooie Toshihiko , Suzuki Shigeyuki
Published: December 2020

In recent years, non-invasive measurement of tissue stiffness (hardness) using ultrasound elastography has attracted considerable attention. It has been used to evaluate muscle stiffness in the fields of rehabilitation, sports, and orthopedics. However, ultrasonic diagnostic devices with elastography systems are expensive and clinical use of such devices has been limited. In this study, we proposed a novel estimation method for vibration-based shear wave elastography measurement of human skeletal muscle, then determined its reproducibility and reliability. The coefficient of variation and correlation coefficient were used to determine reproducibility and reliability of the method by measuring the shear wave velocities in konjac phantom gels and agar phantom gels, as well as skeletal muscle. The intra-day, day-to-day, and inter-operator reliabilities were good when measuring the shear wave velocities in phantom gels. The intra-day and day-to-day reliabilities were good when measuring the shear wave velocities in skeletal muscle. The findings confirmed adequate reproducibility and reliability of the novel estimation method for vibration-based shear wave elastography. Therefore, the proposed measurement method may be a useful tool for evaluation of muscle stiffness.
Evaluation of the release of nickel and titanium under orthodontic treatment
Authors: Velasco-Ibáñez Rafael , Lara-Carrillo Edith , Morales-Luckie Raúl Alberto , Romero-Guzmán Elizabeth Teresita , Toral-Rizo Víctor Hugo , Ramírez-Cardona Marius , García-Hernández Verónica , Medina-Solís Carlo Eduardo
Published: December 2020

The metal alloys used in dentistry are made mainly of nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), and other elements such as molybdenum (Mo), zirconium (Zr), iron (Fe), tin (Sn), chrome (Cr), carbon (C), copper (Cu) and niobium (Nb) which can release metal ions in unstable environments. The aim of this work was determine the salivary pH before and during orthodontic treatment; evaluate the release of metal ions, mainly Ni and Ti, in urine and saliva using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES); and evaluate the corrosion using Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM). In this study, we selected 35 individuals under orthodontic treatment, from whom saliva and urine samples were collected in 3 stages: (a) basal, (b) at 3 and (c) 6 months after the placement of the fixed appliances. SEM analyzed the Ni–Ti (0.016″) and stainless steel (SS) (0.016 × 0.022″) archs after 1 month of being in contact with the oral cavity. Statistical analysis was performed with Stata using the ANOVA model of repeated measures with a p < 0.05. A statistically significant difference in the concentration of Ni in saliva were found between 3 and 6 months of intervention and Ti in urine was found 3 and 6 months.
Ethnic markers and the emergence of group-specific norms
Authors: Ozaita Juan , Baronchelli Andrea , Sánchez Angel
Published: December 2020

Observable social traits determine how we interact meaningfully in society even in our globalized world. While a popular hypothesis states that observable traits may help promote cooperation, the alternative explanation that they facilitate coordination has gained ground in recent years. Here we explore this possibility and present a model that investigates the role of ethnic markers in coordination games. In particular, we aim to test the role of reinforcement learning as the microscopic mechanism used by the agents to update their strategies in the game. For a wide range of parameters, we observe the emergence of a collective equilibrium in which markers play an assorting role. However, if individuals are too conformist or too greedy, markers fail to shape social interactions. These results extend and complement previous work focused on agent imitation and show that reinforcement learning is a good candidate to explain many instances where ethnic markers influence coordination.
CoV2-ID, a MIQE-compliant sub-20-min 5-plex RT-PCR assay targeting SARS-CoV-2 for the diagnosis of COVID-19
Authors: Bustin Stephen , Coward Amy , Sadler Garry , Teare Louise , Nolan Tania
Published: December 2020

Accurate, reliable and rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 is essential not only for correct diagnosis of individual COVID-19 disease but also for the development of a rational strategy aimed at lifting confinement restrictions and preparing for possible recurrent waves of viral infections. We have used the MIQE guidelines to develop two versions of a unique five plex RT-qPCR test, termed CoV2-ID, that allows the detection of three viral target genes, a human internal control for confirming the presence of human cells in a sample and a control artificial RNA for quality assessment and potential quantification. Viral targets can be detected either individually with separate fluorophores or jointly using the same fluorophore, thus increasing the test’s reliability and sensitivity. It is robust, can consistently detect two copies of viral RNA, with a limit of detection of a single copy and can be completed in around 15 min. It was 100% sensitive and 100% specific when tested on 23 RNA samples extracted from COVID-19 positive patients and five COVID-19 negative patients. We also propose using multiple cycle fluorescence detection, rather than real-time PCR to reduce significantly the time taken to complete the assay as well as assuage the misunderstandings underlying the use of quantification cycles (Cq). Finally, we have designed an assay for the detection of the D614G mutation and show that all of the samples isolated in the Chelmsford, Essex area between mid-April and June 2020, have the mutant genotype whereas a sample originating in Australia was infected with the wild type genotype.
Exploring the dog–human relationship by combining fMRI, eye-tracking and behavioural measures
Authors: Karl Sabrina , Boch Magdalena , Zamansky Anna , van der Linden Dirk , Wagner Isabella C. , Völter Christoph J. , Lamm Claus , Huber Ludwig
Published: December 2020

Behavioural studies revealed that the dog–human relationship resembles the human mother–child bond, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report the results of a multi-method approach combining fMRI (N = 17), eye-tracking (N = 15), and behavioural preference tests (N = 24) to explore the engagement of an attachment-like system in dogs seeing human faces. We presented morph videos of the caregiver, a familiar person, and a stranger showing either happy or angry facial expressions. Regardless of emotion, viewing the caregiver activated brain regions associated with emotion and attachment processing in humans. In contrast, the stranger elicited activation mainly in brain regions related to visual and motor processing, and the familiar person relatively weak activations overall. While the majority of happy stimuli led to increased activation of the caudate nucleus associated with reward processing, angry stimuli led to activations in limbic regions. Both the eye-tracking and preference test data supported the superior role of the caregiver’s face and were in line with the findings from the fMRI experiment. While preliminary, these findings indicate that cutting across different levels, from brain to behaviour, can provide novel and converging insights into the engagement of the putative attachment system when dogs interact with humans.
Genome-wide analysis of the aquaporin genes in melon (Cucumis melo L.)
Authors: Lopez-Zaplana Alvaro , Nicolas-Espinosa Juan , Carvajal Micaela , Bárzana Gloria
Published: December 2020

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a very important crop throughout the world and has great economic importance, in part due to its nutritional properties. It prefers well-drained soil with low acidity and has a strong demand for water during fruit set. Therefore, a correct water balance—involving aquaporins—is necessary to maintain the plants in optimal condition. This manuscript describes the identification and comparative analysis of the complete set of aquaporins in melon. 31 aquaporin genes were identified, classified and analysed according to the evolutionary relationship of melon with related plant species. The individual role of each aquaporin in the transport of water, ions and small molecules was discussed. Finally, qPCR revealed that almost all melon aquaporins in roots and leaves were constitutively expressed. However, the high variations in expression among them point to different roles in water and solute transport, providing important features as that CmPIP1;1 is the predominant isoform and CmTIP1;1 is revealed as the most important osmoregulator in the tonoplast under optimal conditions. The results of this work pointing to the physiological importance of each individual aquaporin of melon opening a field of knowledge that deserves to be investigated.
Effect of vessel enhancement filters on the repeatability of measurements obtained from widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Hong Jimmy , Ke Mengyuan , Tan Bingyao , Lau Amanda , Wong Damon , Yao Xinwen , Liu Xinyu , Schmetterer Leopold , Chua Jacqueline
Published: December 2020

We assessed the inter-visit repeatability of 15 × 9-mm2 swept-source OCTA (SS-OCTA; PLEX Elite 9000, Carl Zeiss Meditec) metrics in 14 healthy participants. We analysed the perfusion density (PD) of large vessels, superficial capillary plexus (SCP), and deep capillary plexus (DCP) as well as choriocapillaris flow voids in 2 different regions: the macular region and peripheral region. Also, retinal plexus metrics were processed further using different filters (Hessian, Gabor and Bayesian) while choriocapillaris flow voids were calculated with 1 and 1.25 standard deviation (SD) thresholding algorithms. We found excellent repeatability in the perfusion densities of large vessels (ICC > 0.96). Perfusion densities varied with different filters in the macular region (SCP: 24.12–38.57% and DCP: 25.16–38.50%) and peripheral (SCP: 30.52–39.84% and DCP: 34.19–41.60%) regions. The ICCs were lower in the macular region compared to the peripheral region and lower for DCP than for SCP. For choriocapillaris flow voids, the 1.25 SD threshold resulted in fewer flow voids, while a good ICC (ICC > 0.81) was achieved using either threshold settings for flow void features in both regions. Our results suggest good repeatability of widefield SS-OCTA for the measurements of retinal perfusion density and choriocapillaris flow voids, but measurements from different filters should not be interchanged.
Automated diffusion-based parcellation of the hypothalamus reveals subunit-specific associations with obesity
Authors: Spindler Melanie , Özyurt Jale , Thiel Christiane M.
Published: December 2020

The hypothalamus is a small, yet highly versatile structure mainly involved in bodily functions such as control of food intake and endocrine activity. Functional anatomy of different hypothalamic areas is mainly investigated using structural MRI, validated by ex-vivo histological studies. Based on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), recent automated clustering methods provide robust tools for parcellation. Using data of 100 healthy adults provided by the Human Connectome Project Database, we applied DWI-based automated clustering to the hypothalamus and related microstructural properties in these hypothalamic compartments to obesity. Our results suggest that the hypothalamus can be reliably partitioned into four clusters in each hemisphere using diffusion-based parcellation. These correspond to an anterior–superior, anterior-inferior, intermediate, and posterior cluster. Obesity was predicted by mean diffusivity of the anterior–superior cluster, suggesting altered inhibition of food intake. The proposed method provides an automated hypothalamic parcellation technique based on DWI data to explore anatomy and function of hypothalamic subunits in vivo in humans.
Thin films of formamidinium lead iodide (FAPI) deposited using aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD)
Authors: Alam Firoz , Lewis David J.
Published: December 2020

Formamidinium lead iodide (CH(NH2)2PbI3, FAPI) thin films have been deposited on glass substrates at 150 °C using ambient pressure aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD). The films have been analysed by a range of techniques including powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and UV–Vis–NIR absorption spectroscopy. Sharp reflections in the pXRD pattern can be indexed to the α-phase of FAPI which confirms the crystallinity of the as-deposited film and reveals a preferred growth orientation along the (002) plane with respect to the substrate. High magnification SEM images show that the thin film is comprised of a network of intimately connected FAPI crystallites which form a mesoporous architecture. EDX mapping of lead and iodine emission peaks show that the Pb and I within these films are spatially co-localised. Optical measurements show as-deposited FAPI films have absorption onsets in the near infra-red with a direct bandgap value of 1.46 eV, suitable for single junction solar cells. Four-point probe measurement of as deposited films show that the electrical conductivity (σ) of the FAPI thin film is 5.2 × 10–7 S/cm, which is similar to FAPI thin films deposited by spin coating technique.
Molecular detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from buccal swabs among adult in Peru
Authors: Mesman Annelies W. , Calderon Roger I. , Pollock Nira R. , Soto Martín , Mendoza Milagros , Coit Julia , Zhang Zibiao , Aliaga Juan , Lecca Leonid , Holmberg Rebecca C. , Franke Molly F.
Published: December 2020

Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis relies on a sputum sample, which cannot be easily obtained from all symptomatic patients. Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA can be detected from oral swabs, a noninvasive, safe alternative sample type; however, reported sensitivities have been variable and likely depend on sample collection, processing procedures and host characteristics. We analyzed three buccal swab samples from 123 adults with culture-confirmed TB in Lima, Peru. We compared the sensitivity and specificity of two sample collection devices (OmniSwab and EasiCollect FTA cards) and examined factors associated with detection. DNA was extracted with a commercially available kit and detected via real-time PCR IS6110 amplification. Overall sensitivity for buccal samples was 51% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 42–60%). Specificity from a single sample among healthy controls was 96.7% (95% CI 83–99.9%). Positive sputum smear and cavitary disease, correlates of disease burden, were associated with detection via buccal swab. Although we observed higher sensitivities with the Omniswab samples, this appeared to be due primarily to differences in patient characteristics (e.g., cavitary disease). Overall, our findings support the potential for a buccal sample-based TB assay. Future work should focus on assay optimization and streamlining the assay workflow.
COVID-19-mandated social restrictions unveil the impact of social time pressure on sleep and body clock
Authors: Korman Maria , Tkachev Vadim , Reis Cátia , Komada Yoko , Kitamura Shingo , Gubin Denis , Kumar Vinod , Roenneberg Till
Published: December 2020

In humans, sleep regulation is tightly linked to social times that assign local time to events, such as school, work, or meals. The impact of these social times, collectively—social time pressure, on sleep has been studied epidemiologically via quantification of the discrepancy between sleep times on workdays and those on work-free days. This discrepancy is known as the social jetlag (SJL). COVID-19-mandated social restrictions (SR) constituted a global intervention by affecting social times worldwide. We launched a Global Chrono Corona Survey (GCCS) that queried sleep–wake times before and during SR (preSR and inSR). 11,431 adults from 40 countries responded between April 4 and May 6, 2020. The final sample consisted of 7517 respondents (68.2% females), who had been 32.7 ± 9.1 (mean ± sd) days under SR. SR led to robust changes: mid-sleep time on workdays and free days was delayed by 50 and 22 min, respectively; sleep duration increased on workdays by 26 min but shortened by 9 min on free days; SJL decreased by ~ 30 min. On workdays inSR, sleep–wake times in most people approached those of their preSR free days. Changes in sleep duration and SJL correlated with inSR-use of alarm clocks and were larger in young adults. The data indicate a massive sleep deficit under pre-pandemic social time pressure, provide insights to the actual sleep need of different age-groups and suggest that tolerable SJL is about 20 min. Relaxed social time pressure promotes more sleep, smaller SJL and reduced use of alarm clocks.
Currently monitored microplastics pose negligible ecological risk to the global ocean
Authors: Beiras Ricardo , Schönemann Alexandre M.
Published: December 2020

Given the rise in plastic production, microplastics (MP) dominate marine debris, and their impact on marine ecosystems will likely increase. However a global quantitative assessment of this risk is still lacking. We conducted an ecological risk assessment of MP in the global ocean by comparing the thresholds of biological effects with the probability of exposure to those concentrations, according to plastic density data adjusted to a log-normal distribution. Levels of MP from 100 to 5000 µm span from < 0.0001 to 1.89 mg/L, whereas the most conservative safe concentration is 13.8 mg/L, and probability of exposure isp = 0.00004. Therefore large MP pose negligible global risk. However, MP bioavailability, translocation and toxicity increase as size decreases, and particles < 10 µm are not identified by current monitoring methods. Future research should target the lowest size fractions of MP and nanoplastics, and use in toxicity testing environmental plastic particles rather than engineered materials.
2000 Year-old Bogong moth (Agrotis infusa) Aboriginal food remains, Australia
Authors: Stephenson Birgitta , David Bruno , Fresløv Joanna , Arnold Lee J. ,   GunaiKurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, Delannoy Jean-Jacques , Petchey Fiona , Urwin Chris , Wong Vanessa N. L. , Fullagar Richard , Green Helen , Mialanes Jerome , McDowell Matthew , Wood Rachel , Hellstrom John
Published: December 2020

Insects form an important source of food for many people around the world, but little is known of the deep-time history of insect harvesting from the archaeological record. In Australia, early settler writings from the 1830s to mid-1800s reported congregations of Aboriginal groups from multiple clans and language groups taking advantage of the annual migration of Bogong moths (Agrotis infusa) in and near the Australian Alps, the continent’s highest mountain range. The moths were targeted as a food item for their large numbers and high fat contents. Within 30 years of initial colonial contact, however, the Bogong moth festivals had ceased until their recent revival. No reliable archaeological evidence of Bogong moth exploitation or processing has ever been discovered, signalling a major gap in the archaeological history of Aboriginal groups. Here we report on microscopic remains of ground and cooked Bogong moths on a recently excavated grindstone from Cloggs Cave, in the southern foothills of the Australian Alps. These findings represent the first conclusive archaeological evidence of insect foods in Australia, and, as far as we know, of their remains on stone artefacts in the world. They provide insights into the antiquity of important Aboriginal dietary practices that have until now remained archaeologically invisible.
Structure, membrane topology and influence of cholesterol of the membrane proximal region: transmembrane helical anchor sequence of gp41 from HIV
Authors: Aisenbrey Christopher , Rifi Omar , Bechinger Burkhard
Published: December 2020

During the first steps of HIV infection the Env subunit gp41 is thought to establish contact between the membranes and to be the main driver of fusion. Here we investigated in liquid crystalline membranes the structure and cholesterol recognition of constructs made of a gp41 external region carrying a cholesterol recognition amino acid consensus (CRAC) motif and a hydrophobic membrane anchoring sequence. CD- und ATR-FTIR spectroscopies indicate that the constructs adopt a high degree of helical secondary structure in membrane environments. Furthermore, 15N and 2H solid-state NMR spectra of gp41 polypeptides reconstituted into uniaxially oriented bilayers agree with the CRAC domain being an extension of the transmembrane helix. Upon addition of cholesterol the CRAC NMR spectra remain largely unaffected when being associated with the native gp41 transmembrane sequence but its topology changes when anchored in the membrane by a hydrophobic model sequence. The 2H solid-state NMR spectra of deuterated cholesterol are indicative of a stronger influence of the model sequence on this lipid when compared to the native gp41 sequence. These observations are suggestive of a strong coupling between the transmembrane and the membrane proximal region of gp41 possibly enforced by oligomerization of the transmembrane helical region.
Parallel modulation of intracortical excitability of somatosensory and visual cortex by the gonadal hormones estradiol and progesterone
Authors: Schloemer Nasim , Lenz Melanie , Tegenthoff Martin , Dinse Hubert R. , Höffken Oliver
Published: December 2020

The levels of the gonadal hormones estradiol and progesterone vary throughout the menstrual cycle thereby affecting cognition, emotion, mood, and social behaviour. However, how these hormones modulate the balance of neural excitation and inhibition, which crucially regulate processing and plasticity, is not fully understood. We here used paired-pulse stimulation to investigate in healthy humans the action of low and high estradiol and progesterone on intracortical inhibition in somatosensory (SI) and visual cortex (V1). We found that paired-pulse suppression in both SI and VI depended on estradiol. During high estradiol levels, paired-pulse suppression was significantly reduced. No comparable effects were found for progesterone, presumably due to a confounding effect of estradiol. Also, no hormone level-depending effects were observed for single-pulse evoked SEPs (somatosensory evoked potentials) and VEPs (visual evoked potentials) indicating a specific hormonal action on intracortical processing. The results demonstrate that estradiol globally modulates the balance of excitation and inhibition of SI and VI cortex.
Improving skeleton algorithm for helping Caenorhabditis elegans trackers
Authors: Layana Castro Pablo E. , Puchalt Joan Carles , Sánchez-Salmerón Antonio-José
Published: December 2020

One of the main problems when monitoring Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes (C. elegans) is tracking their poses by automatic computer vision systems. This is a challenge given the marked flexibility that their bodies present and the different poses that can be performed during their behaviour individually, which become even more complicated when worms aggregate with others while moving. This work proposes a simple solution by combining some computer vision techniques to help to determine certain worm poses and to identify each one during aggregation or in coiled shapes. This new method is based on the distance transformation function to obtain better worm skeletons. Experiments were performed with 205 plates, each with 10, 15, 30, 60 or 100 worms, which totals 100,000 worm poses approximately. A comparison of the proposed method was made to a classic skeletonisation method to find that 2196 problematic poses had improved by between 22% and 1% on average in the pose predictions of each worm.
Multifractal investigation of Ag/DLC nanocomposite thin films
Authors: Ţălu Ştefan , Astinchap Bandar , Abdolghaderi Senour , Shafiekhani Azizollah , Morozov Ilya A.
Published: December 2020

The objective of this study is the experimental investigation of the silver in diamond-like carbon (Ag/DLC) nanocomposite prepared by the co-deposition of radio frequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (RF-PECVD) and RF-sputtering. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction analyses, ultraviolet–visible (UV–visible) spectroscopy measurements were applied to describe the three-dimensional surface texture data in connection with the statistical, and multifractal analyses. Additional information about structure–property relationships in prepared Ag/DLC nanocomposite was studied in detail to allow a better understanding of the surface micromorphology. The performed analysis revealed the studied samples have multifractal properties and can be included in novel algorithms for graphical representation of complex geometrical shapes and implemented in computer simulation algorithms.
Correlating work hardening with co-activation of stacking fault strengthening and transformation in a high entropy alloy using in-situ neutron diffraction
Authors: Frank M. , Nene S. S. , Chen Y. , Gwalani B. , Kautz E. J. , Devaraj A. , An K. , Mishra R. S.
Published: December 2020

Transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) leads to enhancements in ductility in low stacking fault energy (SFE) alloys, however to achieve an unconventional increase in strength simultaneously, there must be barriers to dislocation motion. While stacking faults (SFs) contribute to strengthening by impeding dislocation motion, the contribution of SF strengthening to work hardening during deformation is not well understood; as compared to dislocation slip, twinning induced plasticity (TWIP) and TRIP. Thus, we used in-situ neutron diffraction to correlate SF strengthening to work hardening behavior in a low SFE Fe40Mn20Cr15Co20Si5 (at%) high entropy alloy, SFE ~ 6.31 mJ m−2. Cooperative activation of multiple mechanisms was indicated by increases in SF strengthening and γ-f.c.c. → ε-h.c.p. transformation leading to a simultaneous increase in strength and ductility. The present study demonstrates the application of in-situ, neutron or X-ray, diffraction techniques to correlating SF strengthening to work hardening.
Protease-activated receptor-2 ligands reveal orthosteric and allosteric mechanisms of receptor inhibition
Authors: Kennedy Amanda J. , Sundström Linda , Geschwindner Stefan , Poon Eunice K. Y. , Jiang Yuhong , Chen Rongfeng , Cooke Rob , Johnstone Shawn , Madin Andrew , Lim Junxian , Liu Qingqi , Lohman Rink-Jan , Nordqvist Anneli , Fridén-Saxin Maria , Yang Wenzhen , Brown Dean G. , Fairlie David P. , Dekker Niek
Published: December 2020

Protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) has been implicated in multiple pathophysiologies but drug discovery is challenging due to low small molecule tractability and a complex activation mechanism. Here we report the pharmacological profiling of a potent new agonist, suggested by molecular modelling to bind in the putative orthosteric site, and two novel PAR2 antagonists with distinctly different mechanisms of inhibition. We identify coupling between different PAR2 binding sites. One antagonist is a competitive inhibitor that binds to the orthosteric site, while a second antagonist is a negative allosteric modulator that binds at a remote site. The allosteric modulator shows probe dependence, more effectively inhibiting peptide than protease activation of PAR2 signalling. Importantly, both antagonists are active in vivo, inhibiting PAR2 agonist-induced acute paw inflammation in rats and preventing activation of mast cells and neutrophils. These results highlight two distinct mechanisms of inhibition that potentially could be targeted for future development of drugs that modulate PAR2.
Personalized immunoglobulin aptamers for detection of multiple myeloma minimal residual disease in serum
Authors: Tapia-Alveal Claudia , Olsen Timothy R. , Worgall Tilla S.
Published: December 2020

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a neoplasm of plasma cells that secrete patient specific monoclonal immunoglobulins. A recognized problem in MM treatment is the early recognition of minimal residual disease (MRD), the major cause of relapse. Current MRD detection methods (multiparameter flow cytometry and next generation sequencing) are based on the analysis of bone marrow plasma cells. Both methods cannot detect extramedullary disease and are unsuitable for serial measurements. We describe the methodology to generate high affinity DNA aptamers that are specific to a patient’s monoclonal Fab region. Such aptamers are 2000-fold more sensitive than immunofixation electrophoresis and enabled detection and quantification of MRD in serum when conventional MRD methods assessed complete remission. The aptamer isolation process that requires small volumes of serum is automatable, and Fab specific aptamers are adaptable to multiple diagnostic formats including point-of-care devices.
Deciphering the unusual fluorescence in weakly coupled bis-nitro-pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrroles
Authors: Poronik Yevgen M. , Baryshnikov Glib V. , Deperasińska Irena , Espinoza Eli M. , Clark John A. , Ågren Hans , Gryko Daniel T. , Vullev Valentine I.
Published: December 2020

Electron-deficient π-conjugated functional dyes lie at the heart of organic optoelectronics. Adding nitro groups to aromatic compounds usually quenches their fluorescence via inter-system crossing (ISC) or internal conversion (IC). While strong electronic coupling of the nitro groups with the dyes ensures the benefits from these electron-withdrawing substituents, it also leads to fluorescence quenching. Here, we demonstrate how such electronic coupling affects the photophysics of acceptor–donor–acceptor fluorescent dyes, with nitrophenyl acceptors and a pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole donor. The position of the nitro groups and the donor-acceptor distance strongly affect the fluorescence properties of the bis-nitrotetraphenylpyrrolopyrroles. Concurrently, increasing solvent polarity quenches the emission that recovers upon solidifying the media. Intramolecular charge transfer (CT) and molecular dynamics, therefore, govern the fluorescence of these nitro-aromatics. While balanced donor-acceptor coupling ensures fast radiative deactivation and slow ISC essential for large fluorescence quantum yields, vibronic borrowing accounts for medium dependent IC via back CT. These mechanistic paradigms set important design principles for molecular photonics and electronics.
Fe3O4@polydopamine and Exo III-assisted homogeneous biorecognition reaction for convenient and ultrasensitive detection of kanamycin antibiotic
Authors: Qin Chuanying , Hu Cong , Yu Aimin , Lai Guosong
Published: December 2020

Herein, we report a Fe3O4@polydopamine nanocomposite and exonuclease III-assisted homogeneous fluorescence biosensing method for ultrasensitive detection of kanamycin antibiotic.
Facile synthesis of magnetic molybdenum disulfide@graphene nanocomposite with amphiphilic properties and its application in solid-phase extraction for a wide polarity of insecticides in wolfberry samples
Authors: Ma Xiao-Chun , Ma Zong-Qin , Zhao Meng-Xin , Wang Ying-Hui , Peng Yuan , Guo Xin , Wang Fang-Huan , Meng Zhe , Zheng Hao-Bo
Published: December 2020

A novel magnetic molybdenum disulfide@graphene (Fe3O4/MoS2@G) nanocomposite with amphiphilic properties was prepared via a co-mixing solvothermal method.
Targeted nanoscale therapeutics for myocardial infarction
Authors: Sullivan Holly L. , Gianneschi Nathan C. , Christman Karen L.
Published: December 2020

Nanoscale therapeutics have promise for enabling targeted administration of therapeutic small molecules and biologics to the heart following myocardial infarction.
Mechanochemistry: A force in disguise and conditional effects towards chemical reactions
Authors: Mateti Srikanth , Mathesh Motilal , Liu Zhen , Tao Tao , Ramireddy Thrinathreddy , Glushenkov Alexey M. , Yang Wenrong , Chen Ying Ian
Published: December 2020

Controlling mechanochemistry by varying milling conditions.
The first actinide polyiodate: a complex multifunctional compound with promising X-ray luminescence properties and proton conductivity
Authors: Murphy Gabriel L. , Wang Yaxing , Kegler Philip , Wang Yumin , Wang Shuao , Alekseev Evgeny V.
Published: December 2020

The synthesis of the first actinide polyiodate, K4[(UO2)2(IO3)6(I4O11)]·(HIO3)4(H2O)6 (UP-1), is described and its X-ray luminescent and proton conductivity properties are examined.
Tip-enhanced Raman imaging of photocatalytic reactions on thermally-reshaped gold and gold–palladium microplates
Authors: Li Zhandong , El-Khoury Patrick Z. , Kurouski Dmitry
Published: December 2020

The plasmonic/photocatalytic properties of thermally-reshaped walled gold–palladium microplates (WAu@PdMPs) have been explored by TERS.
Snowflake porous multi-metal oxide nanocatalysts from metallocene@metal organic framework precursors
Authors: Luz Ignacio , Parvathikar Sameer , Carpenter Michael , Grillo Brittany , Carpenter John , Lail Marty
Published: December 2020

Snowflake metallocene@MOF-derived ammonia catalyst.
DNA threading intercalation of enantiopure [Ru(phen)2bidppz]2+induced by hydrophobic catalysis
Authors: Feng Bobo , Sundin Elin , Lincoln Per , Mårtensson Anna K. F.
Published: December 2020

Using water-miscible PEG, the association rate of thread-intercalating Ru(ii) complexes is increased, enabling a more effective evaluation of DNA-binding properties.
The importance of the bacterial cell wall in uranium(vi) biosorption
Authors: Hufton Joseph , Harding John , Smith Thomas , Romero-González Maria E.
Published: December 2020

The bacterial cell envelope, in particular the cell wall, is considered the main controlling factor in the biosorption of aqueous uranium(vi) by microorganisms.
Cyclic peptides: backbone rigidification and capability of mimicking motifs at protein–protein interfaces
Authors: Huang He , Damjanovic Jovan , Miao Jiayuan , Lin Yu-Shan
Published: December 2020

We used simulations to estimate configurational entropy change upon cyclization of polyglycines and identify hot loops mimicable by cyclic peptides.
Interface-induced transition from Schottky-to-Ohmic contact in Sc2CO2-based multiferroic heterojunctions
Authors: Hu Huamin , Ouyang Gang
Published: December 2020

The interface contact from Schottky-to-Ohmic takes place by reversing the polarization state of Sc2CO2 from Sc-P↑ to Sc-P↓ in Sc2CO2-based vdW multiferroic heterojunctions.
Conformational structure of cationic tetrahydropyran by one-photon vacuum ultraviolet mass-analyzed threshold ionization spectroscopy
Authors: Eom So Young , Kang Do Won , Kwon Chan Ho
Published: December 2020

Isolating and identifying the conformational forms of molecules are imperative processes to investigate the chemical reaction pathways of individual conformers.
Conformational changes in hydroxyl functional groups upon hydration: the case study of endo fenchol
Authors: Neeman Elias M. , Huet Thérèse R.
Published: December 2020

Water was found to alter the OH arrangement of a biogenic volatile organic compound. The hydration of endo-fenchol has been studied in the gas phase using a combination of Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy and theoretical calculations.
Citrus limonoids induce apoptosis and inhibit the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Chidambara Murthy K. N. , Jayaprakasha G. K. , Safe Stephen , Patil Bhimanagouda S.
Published: December 2020

Limonoids found in citrus fruits are known to inhibit human pancreatic cancer (Panc-28) cells: in vitro study based evidence.
Targeting the SARS-CoV-2-spike protein: from antibodies to miniproteins and peptides
Authors: Pomplun Sebastian
Published: December 2020

Fighting COVID-19 with high affinity reagents: this review article summarizes the discovery of several classes of (bio) molecules targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
Influences of the number of 2-ethylhexylamine chain substituents on electron transport characteristics of core-substituted naphthalene diimide analogues
Authors: Birajdar Shailesh S. , Naqvi Samya , More Kerba S. , Puyad Avinash L. , Kumar Rachana , Bhosale Sidhanath V. , Bhosale Sheshanath V.
Published: December 2020

We designed and synthesized a series of naphthalenediimide (NDI) derivatives through core-substitution (coded as cNDI) with various number of 2-ethyl-hexylamine (EHA) chains at different positions and examined electron mobility properties.
One-step carbonization of a nickel-containing nitrogen-doped porous carbon material for electrochemical supercapacitors
Authors: Song Xufeng , Shui Tianen , Zhang Wanying , Song Keru , Shan Xuesong , Zhao Dongyu
Published: December 2020

Improving the graphitization degree of materials by Ni metal catalysis, so as to enhance the electrical properties of the material.
Graphene oxide–porphyrin composite nanostructure included electrochemical sensor for catechol detection
Authors: Ören Varol Tuğba , Hakli Ozgul , Anik Ulku
Published: December 2020

A novel composite nanostructure (GO–Por) has been preparedviaultrasonication and exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards catechol oxidation.
A study of the application of graphite MALDI to the analysis of short-chain polyethylene glycols
Authors: Conway Ulric , Warren Alexander D. , Arthur Christopher J. , Gates Paul J.
Published: December 2020

MALDI-MS using colloidal graphite matrix doped with lithium chloride for the successful analysis of low molecular weight polymers.