bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction Between Apolipoprotein M Gene Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Obesity and its Effect on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Susceptibility
Authors: Liu Dan , Pan Jian-Min , Pei Xiang , Li Jun-Sen
Published: May 2020

This study investigated the correlation of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Apolipoprotein M (ApoM) with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and effects of the interactions of this gene and obesity. The effects of SNP and obesity interaction on T2DM was examined by generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) combined with the logistic regression model. T2DM patient-control haplotype was analyzed in silico using the haplotype analysis algorithm SHEsis. The rs805296-C allele or 724-del allele indicted high risk of T2DM. The incidence of T2DM in individuals with rs805296-C allele polymorphism (TC + CC) was higher than those without (TT), adjusted OR (95%CI) = 1.29 (1.10–1.66) (p < 0.001). Moreover, the individuals with 724-delallele have a higher risk of T2DM compared to those with 724-ins variants, adjusted OR (95%CI) = 1.66 (1.40–2.06), p < 0.001. GMDR analysis suggested that the interaction model composed of the two factors, rs805296 and obesity, was the best model with statistical significance (P value from sign test [Psign]=0.0107). The T2DM risk in obese individuals having TC or CC genotype was higher than non-obese individuals with TT genotype (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.58–3.53). Haplotype analysis suggests that rs805297-C and rs9404941-C alleles haplotype indicate high risk of T2DM, OR (95%CI) = 1.62 (1.29–2.16), p < 0.001. Our results suggested that rs805296 and 724-del minor allele of ApoM gene, interaction of rs805296 and obesity, rs805297-C and rs9404941-C alleles haplotype were indicators of high T2DM risk.
Metallothioneins regulate ATP7A trafficking and control cell viability during copper deficiency and excess
Authors: Gudekar Nikita , Shanbhag Vinit , Wang Yanfang , Ralle Martina , Weisman Gary A. , Petris Michael J.
Published: May 2020

Copper (Cu) is an essential, yet potentially toxic nutrient, as illustrated by inherited diseases of copper deficiency and excess. Elevated expression of the ATP7A Cu exporter is known to confer copper tolerance, however, the contribution of metal-binding metallothioneins is less clear. In this study, we investigated the relative contributions of ATP7A and the metallothioneins MT-I and MT-II to cell viability under conditions of Cu excess or deficiency. Although the loss of ATP7A increased sensitivity to low Cu concentrations, the absence of MTs did not significantly affect Cu tolerance. However, the absence of all three proteins caused a synthetic lethal phenotype due to extreme Cu sensitivity, indicating that MTs are critical for Cu tolerance only in the absence of ATP7A. A lack of MTs resulted in the trafficking of ATP7A from the trans-Golgi complex in a Cu-dependent manner, suggesting that MTs regulate the delivery of Cu to ATP7A. Under Cu deficiency conditions, the absence of MTs and / or ATP7A enhanced cell proliferation compared to wild type cells, suggesting that these proteins compete with essential Cu-dependent pathways when Cu is scarce. These studies reveal new roles for ATP7A and metallothioneins under both Cu deficiency and excess.
Comparative litter decomposability traits of selected native and exotic woody species from an urban environment of north-western Siwalik region, India
Authors: Patil Meenu , Kumar Abhishek , Kumar Pardeep , Cheema Navneet Kaur , Kaur Rupinder , Bhatti Ramchand , Singh A. N.
Published: May 2020

Exotic plants can potentially modify ecosystem functions like cycling of nutrients by adjusting their decomposition rates. However, these effects are largely unknown for urban ecosystems, though they act as reservoirs of exotic plants. The present study evaluated the decomposition rates of five native and five exotic (three invasive and two non-invasive) species by conducting the litter bag experiment. Our study, however, did not find any significant differences in overall decomposition rates of native and exotic species but decomposition rates were strongly correlated with initial chemical quality of the litter. Further, litter carbon, lignin to nitrogen ratio and carbon to nitrogen ratio seemed to be good predictors for decomposition rates in this study. Interestingly, invasive exotic species had higher decomposition rate while non-invasive exotic species showed a slower rate as compared to the native species. In conclusion, our study indicates that invasive exotic plants try to maintain a higher chemical quality of litter than native and non-invasive exotic species which promotes their rapid decomposition. Thus, the better chemical quality of litter may facilitate the naturalisation and invasion of exotic plants irrespective of their origin.
Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy for monitoring proteolytic reactions using dry-films treated with trifluoroacetic acid
Authors: Kristoffersen Kenneth Aase , van Amerongen Aart , Böcker Ulrike , Lindberg Diana , Wubshet Sileshi Gizachew , de Vogel-van den Bosch Heleen , Horn Svein Jarle , Afseth Nils Kristian
Published: May 2020

In this study we explore the potential of using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of trifluoroacetate-protein and peptide complexes for monitoring proteolytic reactions. The idea of treating dry-films of protein hydrolysates with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) prior to FTIR analysis is based on the unique properties of TFA. By adding a large excess of TFA to protein hydrolysate samples, the possible protonation sites of the proteins and peptides will be saturated. In addition, TFA has a low boiling point when protonated as well as complex-forming abilities. When forming TFA-treated dry-films of protein hydrolysates, the excess TFA will evaporate and the deprotonated acid (CF3COO−) will interact as a counter ion with the positive charges on the sample materials. In the study, spectral changes in TFA-treated dry-films of protein hydrolysates from a pure protein and poultry by-products, were compared to the FTIR fingerprints of untreated dry-films. The results show that time-dependent information related to proteolytic reactions and, consequently, on the characteristics of the protein hydrolysates can be obtained. With additional developments, FTIR on dry-films treated with TFA may be regarded as a potential future tool for the analysis of all types of proteolytic reactions in the laboratory as well as in industry.
Effective time- and frequency-domain techniques for interpreting seismic precursors in groundwater level fluctuations on Jeju Island, Korea
Authors: Hwang Hak Soo , Hamm Se-Yeong , Cheong Jae-Yeol , Lee Soo-Hyoung , Ha Kyoochul , Lee Cholwoo , Woo Nam-Chil , Yun Sul-Min , Kim Kwang-Hee
Published: May 2020

An effective method, involving time and frequency domains was developed to interpret seismic precursors by comparing groundwater-level fluctuations recorded immediately and long before the occurrence of a known earthquake. The proposed method, consisting of the pre-processing (3-point filtering, band-pass filtering, and spectrum analysis) and post-processing (weighted moving average method and histogram and spectrum analyses) stages, was applied to the groundwater-level time series measured at three monitoring wells on Jeju Island, South Korea, from 00:00 on 8 September 2016 to 00:00 on 22 September 2016. The Gyeongju earthquake (Mw 5.4) occurred at 20:32 on 12 September2016. The histogram analysis exhibited an accentuating bellshape as the total number of waveforms, including those caused by the earthquake, of the groundwater-level fluctuations increased. The weighted moving average analysis indicated that various abnormal waveforms with different periods occurred in the fluctuations approaching the occurrence of the earthquake. The periods of seismic precursors in the groundwater-level fluctuations were determined by spectrum analysis and varied among the monitoring wells. Seismic precursor responses attributable to the Gyeongju earthquake were identified at least 8 hours before the earthquake, and the method used in this study indicates its good potential to predict an impending earthquake.
Quantitative Genetic Assessment of Female Reproductive Traits in a Domesticated Pacific White Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) Line in China
Authors: Ren Shengjie , Mather Peter B. , Prentis Peter , Li Yutao , Tang Binguo , Hurwood David A.
Published: May 2020

Seed production can be improved if genetic selection is applied to key reproductive traits when a substantial amount additive genetic variation is present that can be exploited in a selective breeding program. Despite the commercial importance of reproductive traits to the seed production sector currently, few quantitative genetic studies have been conducted to address these traits in farmed penaeid shrimp culture lines. Here, we investigated genetic parameters for a number of key reproductive traits that directly impact nauplii production in Pacific white shrimp (P. vannamei) hatcheries in China. Our objectives were to determine the additive genetic variance associated with reproductive traits, and to anticipate any potential impacts on reproductive performance when selecting for increased body weight by assessing genetic correlations between post-spawning body weight and specific female reproductive traits. Data were collected on 595 females from 78 full-sib families over 30 days, with a total of 1,113 spawning events recorded. Traits studied included: body weight after spawning (WAS), number of eggs per spawn (NE), number of nauplii per spawn (NN), egg hatching rate per spawn (HR), number of eggs produced relative to female weight (g) (FE), and spawn frequency over 30 days (SF). Estimated heritability was high  for WAS (h2 = 0.64 ± 0.10) and moderate for NE (0.26 ± 0.07), NN (0.18 ± 0.06), and SF (0.15 ± 0.06), respectively. In contrast, h2 for HR (0.04 ± 0.03) and FE (0.05 ± 0.04) were low. The genetic correlations between growth trait (WAS) with NE, NN and SF were 0.93 ± 0.10, 0.84 ± 0.10, and 0.57 ± 0.18, respectively. While the genetic correlation between WAS and HR was low (0.02 ± 0.33), a negative genetic correlation was found between WAS and FE (−0.50 ± 0.27). Overall, we concluded that it is possible to improve the key female reproductive traits (i.e. NE, NN, and SF) in cultured white shrimp lines via genetic selection, but not for HR or FE. The genetic relationship between the growth trait and reproductive traits predicts that selection on fast growth would increase the production in the seed sector, with little or no compromise on the eggs quality.
Statistical learning of transition patterns in the songbird auditory forebrain
Authors: Dong Mingwen , Vicario David S.
Published: May 2020

Statistical learning of transition patterns between sounds—a striking capability of the auditory system—plays an essential role in animals’ survival (e.g., detect deviant sounds that signal danger). However, the neural mechanisms underlying this capability are still not fully understood. We recorded extracellular multi-unit and single-unit activity in the auditory forebrain of awake male zebra finches while presenting rare repetitions of a single sound in a long sequence of sounds (canary and zebra finch song syllables) patterned in either an alternating or random order at different inter-stimulus intervals (ISI). When preceding stimuli were regularly alternating (alternating condition), a repeated stimulus violated the preceding transition pattern and was a deviant. When preceding stimuli were in random order (control condition), a repeated stimulus did not violate any regularities and was not a deviant. At all ISIs tested (1 s, 3 s, or jittered at 0.8–1.2 s), deviant repetition enhanced neural responses in the alternating condition in a secondary auditory area (caudomedial nidopallium, NCM) but not in the primary auditory area (Field L2); in contrast, repetition suppressed responses in the control condition in both Field L2 and NCM. When stimuli were presented in the classical oddball paradigm at jittered ISI (0.8–1.2 s), neural responses in both NCM and Field L2 were stronger when a stimulus occurred as deviant with low probability than when the same stimulus occurred as standard with high probability. Together, these results demonstrate: (1) classical oddball effect exists even when ISI is jittered and the onset of a stimulus is not fully predictable; (2) neurons in NCM can learn transition patterns between sounds at multiple ISIs and detect violation of these transition patterns; (3) sensitivity to deviant sounds increases from Field L2 to NCM in the songbird auditory forebrain. Further studies using the current paradigms may help us understand the neural substrate of statistical learning and even speech comprehension.
Phosphatidylserine positive microparticles improve hemostasis in in-vitro hemophilia A plasma models
Authors: Zong Yanan , Pruner Iva , Antovic Aleksandra , Taxiarchis Apostolos , Vila Zara Pons , Soutari Nida , Mobarrez Fariborz , Chaireti Roza , Widengren Jerker , Piguet Joachim , Antovic Jovan P.
Published: May 2020

Circulating microparticles (MPs) are procoagulant due to the surface containing phosphatidylserine (PS), which facilitates coagulation. We investigated if MPs improve hemostasis in HA plasma models. MPs isolated from pooled normal human plasma were added to severe, moderate and mild HA plasma models (0%, 2.5%, 20% FVIII). The MPs’ effect on hemostasis was evaluated by calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT) and overall hemostasis potential (OHP) assays, while fibrin structure was imaged by standard confocal, stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). MPs partially restored thrombin generation and fibrin formation in all HA plasma models. The procoagulant effect of MPs requires PS exposure, to a less extent of contact pathway activation, but not tissue factor exposure or in vitro stimulation of MPs. MPs partially normalized the fibrin structure, and using super-resolution STED, MPs attached to fibrin were clearly resolved. In summary, our results demonstrate that PS positive MPs could improve hemostasis in HA plasma models.
Arc accretion and crustal reworking from late Archean to Neoproterozoic in Northeast Brazil
Authors: Ferreira Alanielson C. D. , Dantas Elton L. , Fuck Reinhardt A. , Nedel Ingrid M.
Published: May 2020

New systematic Nd isotope and U-Pb geochronology data were applied to Precambrian rocks of northeastern Brazil to produce a crustal-age distribution map for a small basement inlier (1,500 km2). The results support episodic crustal growth with five short periods of crustal formation at ca. 2.9 Ga, 2.65 Ga, 2.25 Ga, 2.0 Ga, and 0.6 Ga. Based on the frequency histogram of U-Pb zircon ages and Nd isotopic data, we suggest that about 60% of the continental crust was formed during the Archean between 2.9 Ga and 2.65 Ga. The remaining 40% of crust was generated during the Rhyacian to Neoproterozoic (~2.0–0.6 Ga). This overall continental growth is manifested by accretionary processes that involved successive accretions surrounding an older core, becoming younger toward the margin. Strikingly, this repetitive history of terrane accretion show a change from lithospheric peeling dominated accretionary setting during the late Archean to a more, modern-day akin style of arc-accretion during the Proterozoic. Similar tectonic processes are observed only in large continental areas (>1,000,000 km2) as in the North American continent basement and in the Amazonian Craton.
Author Correction: Neuronal activity regulates DROSHA via autophagy in spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Gonçalves Inês do Carmo G. , Brecht Johanna , Thelen Maximilian P. , Rehorst Wiebke A. , Peters Miriam , Lee Hyun Ju , Motameny Susanne , Torres-Benito Laura , Ebrahimi-Fakhari Darius , Kononenko Natalia L. , Altmüller Janine , Vilchez David , Sahin Mustafa , Wirth Brunhilde , Kye Min Jeong
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
The Influence of Cu-Additions on the Microstructure, Mechanical and Magnetic Properties of MnAl-C Alloys
Authors: Jürries Florian , Freudenberger Jens , Nielsch Kornelius , Woodcock Thomas George
Published: May 2020

Alloys of the form (Mn54Al44C2)100-xCux (with x = 0, 1, 2, 4 and 6) were produced by induction melting. After homogenisation and quenching, most of the alloys consist entirely of the retained ε-phase, except for x = 6, in which the κ-phase was additionally present. After subsequent annealing, the alloys with x ≤ 2 consist entirely of a Cu-doped, ferromagnetic τ-phase, whereas the alloys with x > 2 additionally contain the κ-phase. The polarisation of the alloys at an applied field of 14 T decreases with increasing Cu-content, which is attributed i) to the dilution of the magnetic moment of the τ-phase unit cell by the Cu atoms, which do not carry a magnetic moment, and ii) at higher Cu-contents, to the formation of the κ-phase, which has a much lower polarisation than the τ-phase and therefore dilutes the net polarisation of the alloys. The Curie temperature was not affected by the Cu-additions. The stress needed to die-upset the alloys with x ≤ 2 was similar to that of the undoped alloy, whereas it was much lower for x = 4 and 6, due to the presence of intergranular layers of the κ-phase. The extrinsic magnetic properties of alloys with x ≤ 2 were improved by die-upsetting, whereas decomposition of the τ-phase during processing had a deleterious effect on the magnetic properties for higher Cu-additions.
Housefly (Musca domestica L.) associated microbiota across different life stages
Authors: de Jonge Nadieh , Michaelsen Thomas Yssing , Ejbye-Ernst Rasmus , Jensen Anne , Nielsen Majken Elley , Bahrndorff Simon , Nielsen Jeppe Lund
Published: May 2020

The housefly (Musca domestica L.) lives in close association with its microbiota and its symbionts are suggested to have pivotal roles in processes such as metabolism and immune response, but it is unclear how the profound physiological changes during ontogeny affect the housefly’s associated microbiota and their metabolic capabilities. The present study applies 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to investigate the development of the host-associated microbiota during ontogeny. The potential for microbiota transfer between developmental stages, and the metabolic potential of these microbiota were evaluated. Representatives of Firmicutes were observed as early colonisers during the larval stages, followed by colonisation by organisms affiliating with Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes as the flies matured into adults. Microbiota observed across all the developmental stages included Lactococcus, Lactobacillus and Enterococcus, while Weissella and Chishuiella were associated with newly hatched larvae and adults, respectively. Predictive metabolic profiling of the identified microorganisms further suggested that the microbiota and their functional profile mature alongside their host and putative host-microbe relationships are established at different stages of development. The predicted metabolic capability of the microbiota developed from primarily simple processes including carbohydrate and nucleotide metabolisms, to more complex metabolic pathways including amino acid metabolisms and processes related to signal transduction.
Data-driven analysis using multiple self-report questionnaires to identify college students at high risk of depressive disorder
Authors: Choi Bongjae , Shim Geumsook , Jeong Bumseok , Jo Sungho
Published: May 2020

Depression diagnosis is one of the most important issues in psychiatry. Depression is a complicated mental illness that varies in symptoms and requires patient cooperation. In the present study, we demonstrated a novel data-driven attempt to diagnose depressive disorder based on clinical questionnaires. It includes deep learning, multi-modal representation, and interpretability to overcome the limitations of the data-driven approach in clinical application. We implemented a shared representation model between three different questionnaire forms to represent questionnaire responses in the same latent space. Based on this, we proposed two data-driven diagnostic methods; unsupervised and semi-supervised. We compared them with a cut-off screening method, which is a traditional diagnostic method for depression. The unsupervised method considered more items, relative to the screening method, but showed lower performance because it maximized the difference between groups. In contrast, the semi-supervised method adjusted for bias using information from the screening method and showed higher performance. In addition, we provided the interpretation of diagnosis and statistical analysis of information using local interpretable model-agnostic explanations and ordinal logistic regression. The proposed data-driven framework demonstrated the feasibility of analyzing depressed patients with items directly or indirectly related to depression.
Genome-wide Identification and Characterization of Heat Shock Protein Family Reveals Role in Development and Stress Conditions in Triticum aestivum L.
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Sharma Saloni , Chunduri Venkatesh , Kaur Amandeep , Kaur Satinder , Malhotra Nikhil , Kumar Aman , Kapoor Payal , Kumari Anita , Kaur Jaspreet , Sonah Humira , Garg Monika
Published: May 2020

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) have a significant role in protein folding and are considered as prominent candidates for development of heat-tolerant crops. Understanding of wheat HSPs has great importance since wheat is severely affected by heat stress, particularly during the grain filling stage. In the present study, efforts were made to identify HSPs in wheat and to understand their role during plant development and under different stress conditions. HSPs in wheat genome were first identified by using Position-Specific Scoring Matrix (PSSMs) of known HSP domains and then also confirmed by sequence homology with already known HSPs. Collectively, 753 TaHSPs including 169 TaSHSP, 273 TaHSP40, 95 TaHSP60, 114 TaHSP70, 18 TaHSP90 and 84 TaHSP100 were identified in the wheat genome. Compared with other grass species, number of HSPs in wheat was relatively high probably due to the higher ploidy level. Large number of tandem duplication was identified in TaHSPs, especially TaSHSPs. The TaHSP genes showed random distribution on chromosomes, however, there were more TaHSPs in B and D sub-genomes as compared to the A sub-genome. Extensive computational analysis was performed using the available genomic resources to understand gene structure, gene expression and phylogentic relationship of TaHSPs. Interestingly, apart from high expression under heat stress, high expression of TaSHSP was also observed during seed development. The study provided a list of candidate HSP genes for improving thermo tolerance during developmental stages and also for understanding the seed development process in bread wheat.
A Pilot Study Comparing Aortic Valve Area Estimates Derived from Fick Cardiac Output with Estimates Based on Cheetah-NICOM Cardiac Output
Authors: Mitrev Ludmil , van Helmond Noud , Kaddissi Georges , Awad Ahmed , Patel Kinjal , Aji Janah , Ogbara Jeffrey , Rafeq Zahi , Nagubandi Vineeth , Orr Debbie , Gaughan John , Rosenbloom Michael
Published: May 2020

Cardiac output during cardiac catheterization is often estimated using the modified Fick method (COFick). In this proof-of-concept, prospective non-randomized study carried out in a single academic healthcare centre, we examined whether replacing COFick in the Gorlin formula with Cheetah-NICOM monitor cardiac output (COCheetah) could produce an accurate and precise estimate of aortic valve area in patients with severe aortic stenosis. In twenty-six subjects, COFick and COCheetah were obtained concurrently. A spot and 3-minute running average of COCheetah was used. Bland and Altman analysis was used to derive bias, 95% limits of agreement (LOA) and confidence intervals (CI). The mean difference (bias) between AVACheetah (average) and AVAFick was 0.11 cm2 and the 95% LOA were ±0.42 cm2. The 95% CI of the bias was 0.02–0.2 cm2. The bias and 95% LOA of AVACheetah (spot value) were 0.14 ± 0.42cm2, with a 95% CI of 0.06–0.23 cm2. No proportional bias was present. AVACheetah thus appears to be a reasonably accurate measure of AVA in patients with severe aortic stenosis compared to AVAFick measured using a modified Fick CO. However, the limits of agreement were not narrow enough to consider AVACheetah and AVAFick interchangeable.
Publisher Correction: Systemic inflammation is associated with incident stroke and heart disease in East Asians
Authors: Karim Mohd A. , Kartsonaki Christiana , Bennett Derrick A. , Millwood Iona Y. , Hill Michael R. , Avery Daniel , Bian Zheng , Du Huaidong , Guo Yu , Qian Yijian , Qu Chan , Turnbull Iain , Schmidt-Valle Dan , Wang Chunmei , Yu Canqing , Lv Jun , Chen Junshi , Clarke Robert , Li Liming , Chen Zhengming , Holmes Michael V. , Walters Robin G. ,   China Kadoorie Biobank Collaborative Group, Collins Rory , Liu Depei , Peto Richard , Boxall Ruth , Chang Yumei , Chen Yiping , Gilbert Simon , Hacker Alex , Iona Andri , Kerosi Rene , Kong Ling , Kurmi Om , Lancaster Garry , Lewington Sarah , Lin Kuang , McDonnell John , Nie Qunhua , Ryder Paul , Sansome Sam , Sherliker Paul , Sohoni Rajani , Stevens Becky , Wang Jenny , Wang Lin , Wright Neil , Yang Ling , Yang Xiaoming , Yao Pang , Han Xiao , Hou Can , Pei Pei , Liu Chao , Pang Zengchang , Gao Ruqin , Li Shanpeng , Wang Shaojie , Liu Yongmei , Du Ranran , Cheng Liang , Tian Xiaocao , Zhang Hua , Zhai Yaoming , Ning Feng , Sun Xiaohui , Li Feifei , Lv Silu , Wang Junzheng , Hou Wei , Zou Mingyuan , Yan Shichun , Zhou Xue , Yu Bo , Li Yanjie , Xu Qinai , Kang Quan , Guo Ziyan , Wang Dan , Hu Ximin , Chen Jinyan , Fu Yan , Wang Xiaohuan , Weng Min , Guo Zhendong , Wu Shukuan , Li Yilei , Li Huimei , Wu Ming , Zhou Yonglin , Zhou Jinyi , Tao Ran , Yang Jie , Su Jian , liu Fang , Zhang Jun , Hu Yihe , Lu Yan , Ma Liangcai , Tang Aiyu , Hua Yujie , Jin Jianrong , Liu Jingchao , Tang Zhenzhu , Chen Naying , Huang Ying , Li Mingqiang , Meng Jinhuai , Pan Rong , Jiang Qilian , Lan Jian , Liu Yun , Wei Liuping , Zhou Liyuan , Chen Ningyu , Wang Ping , Meng Fanwen , Wang Yulu Qin Sisi , Wu Xianping , Zhang Ningmei , Chen Xiaofang , Zhou Weiwei , Luo Guojin , Li Jianguo , Chen Xiaofang , Zhong Xunfu , Liu Jiaqiu , Sun Qiang , Ge Pengfei , Ren Xiaolan , Dong Caixia , Zhang Hui , Mao Enke , Wang Xiaoping , Wang Tao , Zhang Xi , Zhou Ding Zhang , Zhou Gang , Feng Shixian , Chang Ling , Fan Lei , Gao Yulian , He Tianyou , Sun Huarong , He Pan , Hu Chen , Zhang Xukui , Wu Huifang , Yu Min , Hu Ruying , Wang Hao , Gong Weiwei , Wang Meng , Xie Kaixu , Chen Lingli , Pan Dongxia , Gu Qijun , Huang Yuelong , Chen Biyun , Yin Li , Liu Huilin , Fu Zhongxi , Xu Qiaohua , Xu Xin , Zhang Hao , Long Huajun , Zhang Libo
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Complexity and plasticity in honey bee phototactic behaviour
Authors: Nouvian Morgane , Galizia C. Giovanni
Published: May 2020

The ability to move towards or away from a light source, namely phototaxis, is essential for a number of species to find the right environmental niche and may have driven the appearance of simple visual systems. In this study we ask if the later evolution of more complex visual systems was accompanied by a sophistication of phototactic behaviour. The honey bee is an ideal model organism to tackle this question, as it has an elaborate visual system, demonstrates exquisite abilities for visual learning and performs phototaxis. Our data suggest that in this insect, phototaxis has wavelength specific properties and is a highly dynamical response including multiple decision steps. In addition, we show that previous experience with a light (through exposure or classical aversive conditioning) modulates the phototactic response. This plasticity is dependent on the wavelength used, with blue being more labile than green or ultraviolet. Wavelength, intensity and past experience are integrated into an overall valence for each light that determines phototactic behaviour in honey bees. Thus, our results support the idea that complex visual systems allow sophisticated phototaxis. Future studies could take advantage of these findings to better understand the neuronal circuits underlying this processing of the visual information.
Plastic female choice to optimally balance (k)in- and out-breeding in a predatory mite
Authors: Schausberger Peter , Çekin Demet
Published: May 2020

Both close inbreeding and extreme outbreeding may negatively affect direct fitness. Optimal outbreeding theory suggests that females should preferentially mate with distantly related males. (K)in breeding theory suggests that, at similar direct fitness costs of close inbreeding and extreme outbreeding, females should prefer close kin to non-kin. Empirical evidence of plastic female choice for an optimal balance between close inbreeding and extreme outbreeding remains elusive. We tested the combined predictions of optimal outbreeding and (k)in breeding theories in predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis from two origins, Sicily and Greece, which suffer from both close inbreeding and extreme outbreeding depression. In three separate experiments, virgin females were presented binary choices between familiar and unfamiliar brothers, and between familiar/unfamiliar brothers and distant kin or non-kin. Females of Greece but not Sicily preferred unfamiliar to familiar brothers. Females of both origins preferred distant kin to unfamiliar and familiar brothers but preferred unfamiliar brothers to non-kin. Females of Sicily but not Greece preferred familiar brothers to non-kin. The suggested kin recognition mechanisms are phenotype matching and direct familiarity, with finer-tuned recognition abilities of Greece females. Overall, our experiments suggest that flexible mate choice by P. persimilis females allows optimally balancing inclusive fitness trade-offs.
Coking wastewater treatment plant as a sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments and ecological risk assessment
Authors: Chen Jundong , Liao Jianbo , Wei Chaohai
Published: May 2020

The spatial and temporal distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was investigated in sediments of Maba River, a major tributary of Beijiang River (South China). A total of 13 samples from Maba River and its tributary, Meihua River, were analyzed for 16 PAHs. The total concentration of 16 PAHs (ΣPAH) in high and low water period ranged between 47.61 to 25480.98 ng g−1, with a mean concentration of 4382.98 ng g−1, and 60.30 to 15956.62 ng g−1 with a mean concentration of 3664.32 ng g−1, respectively. Three-ring and four-ring PAHs were the dominant species. It was concluded that a pattern of pyrolytic input as a major source of PAHs in sediments through the molecular ratio method for the source identification, such as HMW/LMW PAHs, Flu/(Flu+Pyr), IcdP/(IcdP+BghiP) and BaA/(BaA+Chr). It is suggested that the pollution emission from the iron and steel plant might be the most important sources of PAHs into Maba River water system. The threat of PAHs contamination to biota of the river was assessed using effect range low (ERL) and effect range median (ERM) values, which suggested that PAHs in Maba River and its tributary had already caused ecological risks.
Long-term effects of straw return and straw-derived biochar amendment on bacterial communities in soil aggregates
Authors: Bai Naling , Zhang Hanlin , Zhou Sheng , Sun Huifeng , Zhao Yuhua , Zheng Xianqing , Li Shuangxi , Zhang Juanqin , Lv Weiguang
Published: May 2020

Improving soil structure, fertility, and production is of major concern for establishing sustainable agroecosystems. Further research is needed to evaluate whether different methods of straw returning determine the variations of soil aggregation and the microbial community in aggregates in the long term. In this study, we comparatively investigated the effects of long-term fertilization regimes performed over six years, namely, non-fertilization (CK), chemical fertilization (CF), continuous straw return (CS), and continuous straw-derived biochar amendment (CB), on soil aggregation and bacterial communities in rice-wheat rotation systems. The results showed that straw/biochar application increased soil nutrient content and soil aggregate size distribution and stability at both 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm soil depths, compared with those of CF and CK; CB performed better than CS. CB increased bacterial community diversity and richness in 0–20 cm soil, and evenness in 0–40 cm soil (p < 0.05); CS had no significant effect on these aspects. Variations in the relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Bacteroidetes, Nitrospirae, Gemmatimonadetes, and Latescibacteria in specific aggregates confirmed the different effects of straw/biochar on bacterial community structure. The partial least squares discrimination analysis and permutation multivariate analysis of variance revealed that fertilization, aggregate size fractions, and soil depth affected the bacterial community, although their effects differed. This study suggests that CB may reduce chemical fertilizer usage and improve the sustainability of rice-wheat cropping systems over the long term, with a better overall outcome than CS.
Elastic, electronic and optical properties of new 2D and 3D boron nitrides
Authors: Mei Huayue , Zhong Yuhan , He Dafang , Du Xue , Li Chunmei , Cheng Nanpu
Published: May 2020

The current work investigates a novel three-dimensional boron nitride called bulk B4N4 and its corresponding two-dimensional monolayer B4N4 based on the first-principles of density functional theory. The phonon spectra prove that bulk B4N4 and monolayer B4N4 are dynamically stable. The molecular dynamics simulations verify that bulk B4N4 and monolayer B4N4 have excellent thermal stability of withstanding temperature up to 1000 K. The calculated elastic constants state that bulk B4N4 and monolayer B4N4 are mechanically stable, and bulk B4N4 has strong anisotropy. The theoretically obtained electronic structures reveal that bulk B4N4 is an indirect band-gap semiconductor with a band gap of 5.4 eV, while monolayer B4N4 has a direct band gap of 6.1 eV. The valence band maximum is mainly contributed from B-2p and N-2p orbits, and the conduction band minimum mainly derives from B-2p orbits. The electron transitions from occupied N-2p states to empty B-2p states play important roles in the dielectric functions of bulk B4N4 and monolayer B4N4. The newly proposed monolayer B4N4 is a potential candidate for designing optoelectronic devices such as transparent electrodes due to its high transmissivity.
Tuning transport across MoS2/graphene interfaces via as-grown lateral heterostructures
Authors: Subramanian Shruti , Xu Ke , Wang Yuanxi , Moser Simon , Simonson Nicholas A. , Deng Donna , Crespi Vincent H. , Fullerton-Shirey Susan K. , Robinson Joshua A.
Published: May 2020

An unexploited property of graphene-based heterojunctions is the tunable doping of the junction via electrostatic gating. This unique property may be key in advancing electronic transport across interfaces with semiconductors. Here, we engineer transport in semiconducting TMDs by constructing a lateral heterostructure with epitaxial graphene and tuning its intrinsic doping to form a p–n junction between the graphene and the semiconducting TMDs. Graphene grown on SiC (epitaxial graphene) is intrinsically doped via substrate polarization without the introduction of an external dopant, thus enabling a platform for pristine heterostructures with a target band alignment. We demonstrate an electrostatically tunable graphene/MoS2p–n junction with >20× reduction and >10× increased tunability in contact resistance (Rc) compared with metal/TMD junctions, attributed to band alignment engineering and the tunable density of states in graphene. This unique concept provides improved control over transport across 2D p–n junctions.
A digital health industry cohort across the health continuum
Authors: Cohen Adam B. , Dorsey E. Ray , Mathews Simon C. , Bates David W. , Safavi Kyan
Published: May 2020

The digital health industry has grown rapidly in the past decade. There will be few future aspects of healthcare untouched by digital health. Thus, the current status of the industry, the implications of companies’ directions and clinical focus, and their external funding are increasingly relevant to healthcare policy, regulation, research, and all healthcare stakeholders. Yet, little is known about the degree to which the digital health industry has focused on the key domains in the health continuum, including prevention, detection, and management. We performed a cross-sectional study of a US digital health industry cohort that received publicly disclosed funding from 2011–2018. We assessed the number of companies; respective funding within each part of the health continuum; and products and services by technology type, clinical indication, purchasers, and end users. In this emerging industry, most companies focused on management of disease and the minority on prevention or detection. This asymmetry, which is similar to the traditional healthcare system, represents an opportunity to focus on earlier parts of the health continuum. Patients were a common purchaser of all products, but especially prevention-focused digital health products, implying a large unmet need not yet served by the traditional healthcare system.
Dose optimization of decellularized skeletal muscle extracellular matrix hydrogels for improving perfusion and subsequent validation in an aged hindlimb ischemia model
Authors: Hernandez Melissa J. , Zelus Emma I. , Spang Martin T. , Braden Rebecca L. , Christman Karen L.
Published: May 2020

An optimal concentration of a decellularized skeletal muscle extracellular matrix hydrogel was eventuated for eventual clinical translation.
Metal oxide decorated porous carbons from controlled calcination of a metal–organic framework
Authors: Day Gregory S. , Li Jialuo , Joseph Elizabeth A. , Metz Peter C. , Perry Zachary , Ryder Matthew R. , Page Katharine , Zhou Hong-Cai
Published: May 2020

Thermal decomposition of an iron-based MOF was conducted under controlled gas environments and analyzed via neutron total scattering to understand the resulting porous carbon structure.
Investigation on the temperature tolerance of LiMn2O4 in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Shiyou , Han Yamin , Geng Tongtong , Wang Peng , Li Wenbo , Yang Li , Li Zhaojuan
Published: May 2020

LiMn2O4 is one of the most popular cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.
Correction: A mini mass spectrometer with a low noise Faraday detector
Authors: Tang Yang , Xu Qian , Li Dayu , Xu Wei
Published: May 2020

Correction for ‘A mini mass spectrometer with a low noise Faraday detector’ by Yang Tang et al., Analyst, 2020, DOI: 10.1039/d0an00420k.
Silica-coated phosphorescent nanoprobes for selective cell targeting and dynamic bioimaging of pathogen–host cell interactions
Authors: Iovino Federico , Merkl Padryk , Spyrogianni Anastasia , Henriques-Normark Birgitta , Sotiriou Georgios A.
Published: May 2020

Optically stable nanophosphors coated with a nanothin amorphous SiO2layer allow for dynamic imaging of cell host–pathogen interactions. The SiO2layer facilitates the functionalization of the nanoprobes with antibodies for selective cell targeting.
Linear, mixed-valent homocatenated tri-tin complexes featuring Sn–Sn bonds
Authors: Chang Wei-Chieh , Raj Ankit , Hiramatsu Hirotsugu , Li Han-Jung , Ziegler Micah S. , Lin Yichen , Huang Shengcih , Liu Hsueh-Ju
Published: May 2020

Reduction of LPhSnCl with 0.66 eq. of LiBsBu3H affords the mixed-valent homocatenated tri-tin complex (LPhSn)3Cl whose HOMO primarily comprises σ-bonding along the Sn–Sn–Sn framework.
Reversible control of ionic conductivity and viscoelasticity of organometallic ionic liquids by application of light and heat
Authors: Sumitani Ryo , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Mochida Tomoyuki
Published: May 2020

Ruthenium-containing ionic liquids were reversibly converted to amorphous coordination polymers or oligomeric liquids by the alternate application of ultraviolet light or heat, thus enabling control of their ionic conductivity and viscoelasticity.
Surface motif sensitivity of dual emissive gold nanoclusters for robust ratiometric intracellular imaging
Authors: Lou Xuefen , Yu Fanfan , Cao Zheng , Xu Yue , Yang Lina , Liu Honglin
Published: May 2020

Surface motif reconstruction-directed synthesis of novel dual-emissive gold nanoclusters showing a ratiometric fluorescence response toward valine and Cr3+.
Modification of crystalline energetic salts through polymorphic transition: enhanced crystal density and energy performance
Authors: Liu Yang , Xu Yuangang , Sun Qi , Lu Ming
Published: May 2020

We presented a detailed investigation of polymorphic transition of energetic salts and explored a new path for modifying crystalline energetic salts.
The effect of weighted averages when determining the speciation and structure–property relationships of europium(iii) dipicolinate complexes
Authors: Nawrocki Patrick R. , Kofod Nicolaj , Juelsholt Mikkel , Jensen Kirsten M. Ø. , Sørensen Thomas Just
Published: May 2020

Europium(iii) dipicolinate complexes have been a model system in lanthanide solution chemistry for decades, here it is investigated in unprecedented detail.
A new tuned range-separated density functional for the accurate calculation of second hyperpolarizabilities
Authors: Besalú-Sala Pau , Sitkiewicz Sebastian P. , Salvador Pedro , Matito Eduard , Luis Josep M.
Published: May 2020

Among the nine functionals benchmarked, the most accurateγare obtained by Tα-LC-BLYP, reducing about half the errors of LC-BLYP.
Sulfur hydrogen bonding and internal dynamics in the monohydrates of thenyl mercaptan and thenyl alcohol
Authors: Juanes Marcos , Saragi Rizalina Tama , Pinacho Ruth , Rubio José E. , Lesarri Alberto
Published: May 2020

Water forms weak H-bonds with thenyl compounds, simultaneously retaining internal mobility in the dimer.
Metal organic frameworks for biomass conversion
Authors: Fang Ruiqi , Dhakshinamoorthy Amarajothi , Li Yingwei , Garcia Hermenegildo
Published: May 2020

This review narrates the recent developments on the catalytic applications of pristine metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), functionalized MOFs, guests embedded over MOFs and MOFs derived carbon composites for biomass conversion into platform chemicals.
Photobiocatalytic H2 evolution of GaN:ZnO and [FeFe]-hydrogenase recombinant Escherichia coli
Authors: Kosem Nuttavut , Honda Yuki , Watanabe Motonori , Takagaki Atsushi , Tehrani Zahra Pourmand , Haydous Fatima , Lippert Thomas , Ishihara Tatsumi
Published: May 2020

The need for sustainable, renewable and low-cost approaches is a driving force behind the development of solar-to-H2 conversion technologies.
Reduction of sugar derivatives to valuable chemicals: utilization of asymmetric carbons
Authors: Tamura Masazumi , Nakagawa Yoshinao , Tomishige Keiichi
Published: May 2020

Recent progress on non-furfural routes from sugar derivatives to valuable chemicals including chiral chemicals was reviewed.
Green synthesis of Ag/TiO2composite coated porous vanadophosphates with enhanced visible-light photo-degradation and catalytic reduction performance for removing organic dyes
Authors: Wang Shuang , Wang Yujie , Li Linghan , Li Lei , Fu Guoyuan , Shi Rui , Zou Xinyu , Zhang Zhijuan , Luo Fang
Published: May 2020

The prepared Ag/VPO@TiO2composites are used for photodegradation of MB under visible light and catalytic reduction of 4-NP molecules.
Building an artificial solid electrolyte interphase on spinel lithium manganate for high performance aqueous lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Dong Wujie , Huang Xieyi , Jin Yan , Xie Miao , Zhao Wei , Huang Fuqiang
Published: May 2020

An artificial solid electrolyte interphase layer using lithium polyacrylate on spinel LiMn2O4 enables fast and durable aqueous lithium storage.
First Ln-MOF as a trifunctional luminescent probe for the efficient sensing of aspartic acid, Fe3+ and DMSO
Authors: Yang Dongdong , Lu Liping , Feng Sisi , Zhu Miaoli
Published: May 2020

The first Ln-MOF (Tb-MOF) as a trifunctional luminescent probe for the efficient sensing of aspartic acid, Fe3+ and DMSO was demonstrated.
In situgrowth of chrysanthemum-like NiCo2S4on MXenes for high-performance supercapacitors and a non-enzymatic H2O2sensor
Authors: Li Yue , Kamdem Pascal , Jin Xiao-Juan
Published: May 2020

Schematic of the process for the growth of MXene/NiCo2S4hybrid.
Sulfated galactofucan from Sargassum thunbergii induces senescence in human lung cancer A549 cells
Authors: Bao Yizhong , He Xinyue , Wu Wanli , Wang Sanying , Dai Jihuan , Zhang Zhongshan , Jin Weihua , Yan Jing , Mao Genxiang
Published: May 2020

Our data indicated that a sulfated galactofucan (SWZ-4-H) from Sargassum thunbergii could induce lung cancer cell senescence by regulating p53, p21, p16, and p-Rb.
UV photochemical vapor generation of Cd from a formic acid based medium: optimization, efficiency and interferences
Authors: Nováková Eliška , Horová Kateřina , Červený Václav , Hraníček Jakub , Musil Stanislav
Published: May 2020

UV-photochemical generation of cadmium volatile species was carried out from formic acid medium containing ferrous ions resulting in improved reproducibility.
Electrocatalytic properties of {Mo3S4}-based complexes with regard to the hydrogen evolution reaction and application to PEM water electrolysis
Authors: Cheikh Joumada Al , Zakari Rosa , Bhosale Amit C. , Villagra Angel , Leclerc Nathalie , Floquet Sébastien , Ghosh Prakash C. , Ranjbari Alireza , Cadot Emmanuel , Millet Pierre , Assaud Loïc
Published: May 2020

We report on the synthesis and the electrochemical characterization of two [Mo3S4]4+ nanoclusters, [Mo3S4(acacbut)3]Cl and [Mo3S4–Pd(acacbut)3]Cl.
Development of fluorescent sensors based on a combination of PET (photo-induced electron transfer) and FRET (Förster resonance energy transfer) for detection of water
Authors: Jinbo Daisuke , Ohira Kazuki , Imato Keiichi , Ooyama Yousuke
Published: May 2020

Fluorescent sensors DJ-1 and DJ-2 with a large Stokes shift (SS) based on a combination of photo-induced electron transfer (PET) and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) for the detection of water in solvents have been developed.
Preparation of the Ni2P/Al-MCM-41 catalyst and its dibenzothiophene HDS performance
Authors: Jiang Nan , Jiang Bolong , Wang Jian , Song Hua
Published: May 2020

Ni2P/Al-MCM-41 catalysts were prepared. The incorporation of Al could promote the formation of small sized crystalline Ni2P and modificate its surface, which will finally results in the increase in catalytic performance.
Tuning the morphology and redox behaviour by varying the concentration of Fe in a CoNiFe ternary oxide heterostructure for hybrid devices
Authors: Biswal Avijit , Panda Prasanna Kumar , Acharya Achyuta Nanda , Tripathy Bankim Chandra , Alenazey Feraih , Jiang Zhong-Tao , Minakshi Sundaram Manickam
Published: May 2020

A scalable iron-based ternary metal oxide synthesized by a simple two-step approach for supercapacitor applications.
AgNO3-catalyzed decarboxylative cross-coupling reaction: an approach to coenzyme Q
Authors: Luo Wan-Yue , Lu Bin , Qiu Yong-Fu , Zhou Rong-Ye , He Yong-Jing , Wang Jin
Published: May 2020

High yields. Gram-scale synthesis. Csp2–H functionalization. Decarboxylative cross-coupling.
Photosensitized reactive chlorine species-mediated therapeutic destruction of drug-resistant bacteria using plasmonic core–shell Ag@AgCl nanocubes as an external nanomedicine
Authors: Thangudu Suresh , Kulkarni Sagar Sunil , Vankayala Raviraj , Chiang Chi-Shiun , Hwang Kuo Chu
Published: May 2020

Due to the rapid growth of drug-resistant bacterial infections, there is an urgent need to develop innovative antimicrobial strategies to conquer the bacterial antibiotic resistance problems.
Conjugating pyrene onto PNA-based fluorescent probes for improved detection selectivity toward double-stranded siRNA
Authors: Sato Yusuke , Takahashi Yuki , Tanabe Takaaki , Nishizawa Seiichi
Published: May 2020

PNA-based fluorescent probes conjugated with the pyrene unit exhibited the improved detection selectivity for double-stranded siRNA.