bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data‐Driven Reservoir Simulation in a Large‐Scale Hydrological and Water Resource Model
Authors: Turner Sean W. D. , Doering Kenji , Voisin Nathalie
Published: September 2020

Large‐scale hydrological and water resource models (LHMs) are used increasingly to study the vulnerability of human systems to water scarcity. These models rely on generic reservoir release schemes that often fail to capture the nuances of operations at individual dams. Here we assess whether empirically derived release‐availability functions tailored to individual dams could improve the simulation performance of an LHM. Seasonally varying, linear piecewise relations that specify water release as a function of prevailing storage levels and forecasted future inflow are compared to a common generic scheme for 36 key reservoirs of the Columbia River Basin. When forced with observed inflows, the empirical approach captures observed release decisions better than the generic scheme—including under conditions of drought. The inclusion of seasonally varying inflow forecasts used by reservoir operators adds further improvement. When exposed to biases and errors inherent in the LHM, data‐driven policies fail to offer a robust improvement; inclusion of forecasts deteriorates LHM reservoir simulation performance in some cases. We perform sensitivity analysis to explain this result, finding that the bias inherent in LHM streamflow is amplified by a reservoir model that relies on forecasts. To harness the potential of interpretable, data‐driven reservoir operating schemes, research must address LHM flow biases arising from inaccuracies in climate input, runoff generation, flow routing, and water withdrawal and consumption data.
A novel SOX10 variant in a Japanese girl with Waardenburg syndrome type 4C and Kallmann syndrome
Authors: Hamada Junpei , Ochi Fumihiro , Sei Yuka , Takemoto Koji , Hirai Hiroki , Honda Misa , Shibata Hironori , Hasegawa Tomonobu , Eguchi Mariko
Published: September 2020

We report the first case of Waardenburg syndrome type 4C and Kallmann syndrome in the same person. The patient, a Japanese girl, presented with bilateral iris depigmentation, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, Hirschsprung disease, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and anosmia. We identified a novel SOX10 variant, c.124delC, p.Leu42Cysfs*67.
Giant voltage-induced modification of magnetism in micron-scale ferromagnetic metals by hydrogen charging
Authors: Ye Xinglong , Singh Harish K. , Zhang Hongbin , Geßwein Holger , Chellali Mohammed Reda , Witte Ralf , Molinari Alan , Skokov Konstantin , Gutfleisch Oliver , Hahn Horst , Kruk Robert
Published: September 2020

Owing to electric-field screening, the modification of magnetic properties in ferromagnetic metals by applying small voltages is restricted to a few atomic layers at the surface of metals. Bulk metallic systems usually do not exhibit any magneto-electric effect. Here, we report that the magnetic properties of micron-scale ferromagnetic metals can be modulated substantially through electrochemically-controlled insertion and extraction of hydrogen atoms in metal structure. By applying voltages of only ~ 1 V, we show that the coercivity of micrometer-sized SmCo5, as a bulk model material, can be reversibly adjusted by ~ 1 T, two orders of magnitudes larger than previously reported. Moreover, voltage-assisted magnetization reversal is demonstrated at room temperature. Our study opens up a way to control the magnetic properties in ferromagnetic metals beyond the electric-field screening length, paving its way towards practical use in magneto-electric actuation and voltage-assisted magnetic storage.
Rapid vessel segmentation and reconstruction of head and neck angiograms using 3D convolutional neural network
Authors: Fu Fan , Wei Jianyong , Zhang Miao , Yu Fan , Xiao Yueting , Rong Dongdong , Shan Yi , Li Yan , Zhao Cheng , Liao Fangzhou , Yang Zhenghan , Li Yuehua , Chen Yingmin , Wang Ximing , Lu Jie
Published: September 2020

The computed tomography angiography (CTA) postprocessing manually recognized by technologists is extremely labor intensive and error prone. We propose an artificial intelligence reconstruction system supported by an optimized physiological anatomical-based 3D convolutional neural network that can automatically achieve CTA reconstruction in healthcare services. This system is trained and tested with 18,766 head and neck CTA scans from 5 tertiary hospitals in China collected between June 2017 and November 2018. The overall reconstruction accuracy of the independent testing dataset is 0.931. It is clinically applicable due to its consistency with manually processed images, which achieves a qualification rate of 92.1%. This system reduces the time consumed from 14.22 ± 3.64 min to 4.94 ± 0.36 min, the number of clicks from 115.87 ± 25.9 to 4 and the labor force from 3 to 1 technologist after five months application. Thus, the system facilitates clinical workflows and provides an opportunity for clinical technologists to improve humanistic patient care.
Bone morphogenetic protein 7 promotes resistance to immunotherapy
Authors: Cortez Maria Angelica , Masrorpour Fatemeh , Ivan Cristina , Zhang Jie , Younes Ahmed I. , Lu Yue , Estecio Marcos R , Barsoumian Hampartsoum B. , Menon Hari , Caetano Mauricio da Silva , Ramapriyan Rishab , Schoenhals Jonathan E. , Wang Xiaohong , Skoulidis Ferdinandos , Wasley Mark D. , Calin George , Hwu Patrick , Welsh James W.
Published: September 2020

Immunotherapies revolutionized cancer treatment by harnessing the immune system to target cancer cells. However, most patients are resistant to immunotherapies and the mechanisms underlying this resistant is still poorly understood. Here, we report that overexpression of BMP7, a member of the TGFB superfamily, represents a mechanism for resistance to anti-PD1 therapy in preclinical models and in patients with disease progression while on immunotherapies. BMP7 secreted by tumor cells acts on macrophages and CD4+T cells in the tumor microenvironment, inhibiting MAPK14 expression and impairing pro-inflammatory responses. Knockdown of BMP7 or its neutralization via follistatin in combination with anti-PD1 re-sensitizes resistant tumors to immunotherapies. Thus, we identify the BMP7 signaling pathway as a potential immunotherapeutic target in cancer.
Thermal transport of helium-3 in a strongly confining channel
Authors: Lotnyk D. , Eyal A. , Zhelev N. , Abhilash T. S. , Smith E. N. , Terilli M. , Wilson J. , Mueller E. , Einzel D. , Saunders J. , Parpia J. M.
Published: September 2020

The investigation of transport properties in normal liquid helium-3 and its topological superfluid phases provides insights into related phenomena in electron fluids, topological materials, and putative topological superconductors. It relies on the measurement of mass, heat, and spin currents, due to system neutrality. Of particular interest is transport in strongly confining channels of height approaching the superfluid coherence length, to enhance the relative contribution of surface excitations, and suppress hydrodynamic counterflow. Here we report on the thermal conduction of helium-3 in a 1.1 μm high channel. In the normal state we observe a diffusive thermal conductivity that is approximately temperature independent, consistent with interference of bulk and boundary scattering. In the superfluid, the thermal conductivity is only weakly temperature dependent, requiring detailed theoretical analysis. An anomalous thermal response is detected in the superfluid which we propose arises from the emission of a flux of surface excitations from the channel.
CLR01 protects dopaminergic neurons in vitro and in mouse models of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Bengoa-Vergniory Nora , Faggiani Emilie , Ramos-Gonzalez Paula , Kirkiz Ecem , Connor-Robson Natalie , Brown Liam V. , Siddique Ibrar , Li Zizheng , Vingill Siv , Cioroch Milena , Cavaliere Fabio , Threlfell Sarah , Roberts Bradley , Schrader Thomas , Klärner Frank-Gerrit , Cragg Stephanie , Dehay Benjamin , Bitan Gal , Matute Carlos , Bezard Erwan , Wade-Martins Richard
Published: September 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects millions of patients worldwide and is characterized by alpha-synuclein aggregation in dopamine neurons. Molecular tweezers have shown high potential as anti-aggregation agents targeting positively charged residues of proteins undergoing amyloidogenic processes. Here we report that the molecular tweezer CLR01 decreased aggregation and toxicity in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived dopaminergic cultures treated with PD brain protein extracts. In microfluidic devices CLR01 reduced alpha-synuclein aggregation in cell somas when axonal terminals were exposed to alpha-synuclein oligomers. We then tested CLR01 in vivo in a humanized alpha-synuclein overexpressing mouse model; mice treated at 12 months of age when motor defects are mild exhibited an improvement in motor defects and a decreased oligomeric alpha-synuclein burden. Finally, CLR01 reduced alpha-synuclein-associated pathology in mice injected with alpha-synuclein aggregates into the striatum or substantia nigra. Taken together, these results highlight CLR01 as a disease-modifying therapy for PD and support further clinical investigation.
Ad26 vector-based COVID-19 vaccine encoding a prefusion-stabilized SARS-CoV-2 Spike immunogen induces potent humoral and cellular immune responses
Authors: Bos Rinke , Rutten Lucy , van der Lubbe Joan E. M. , Bakkers Mark J. G. , Hardenberg Gijs , Wegmann Frank , Zuijdgeest David , de Wilde Adriaan H. , Koornneef Annemart , Verwilligen Annemiek , van Manen Danielle , Kwaks Ted , Vogels Ronald , Dalebout Tim J. , Myeni Sebenzile K. , Kikkert Marjolein , Snijder Eric J. , Li Zhenfeng , Barouch Dan H. , Vellinga Jort , Langedijk Johannes P. M. , Zahn Roland C. , Custers Jerome , Schuitemaker Hanneke
Published: September 2020

Development of effective preventative interventions against SARS-CoV-2, the etiologic agent of COVID-19 is urgently needed. The viral surface spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 is a key target for prophylactic measures as it is critical for the viral replication cycle and the primary target of neutralizing antibodies. We evaluated design elements previously shown for other coronavirus S protein-based vaccines to be successful, e.g., prefusion-stabilizing substitutions and heterologous signal peptides, for selection of a S-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate. In vitro characterization demonstrated that the introduction of stabilizing substitutions (i.e., furin cleavage site mutations and two consecutive prolines in the hinge region of S2) increased the ratio of neutralizing versus non-neutralizing antibody binding, suggestive for a prefusion conformation of the S protein. Furthermore, the wild-type signal peptide was best suited for the correct cleavage needed for a natively folded protein. These observations translated into superior immunogenicity in mice where the Ad26 vector encoding for a membrane-bound stabilized S protein with a wild-type signal peptide elicited potent neutralizing humoral immunity and cellular immunity that was polarized towards Th1 IFN-γ. This optimized Ad26 vector-based vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, termed Ad26.COV2.S, is currently being evaluated in a phase I clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04436276).
Contribution of self- and other-regarding motives to (dis)honesty
Authors: Shuster Anastasia , Levy Dino J.
Published: September 2020

Why would people tell the truth when there is an obvious gain in lying and no risk of being caught? Previous work suggests the involvement of two motives, self-interest and regard for others. However, it remains unknown if these motives are related or distinctly contribute to (dis)honesty, and what are the neural instantiations of these motives. Using a modified Message Game task, in which a Sender sends a dishonest (yet profitable) or honest (less profitable) message to a Receiver, we found that these two motives contributed to dishonesty independently. Furthermore, the two motives involve distinct brain networks: the LPFC tracked potential value to self, whereas the rTPJ tracked potential losses to other, and individual differences in motives modulated these neural responses. Finally, activity in the vmPFC represented a balance of the two motives unique to each participant. Taken together, our results suggest that (dis)honest decisions incorporate at least two separate cognitive and neural processes—valuation of potential profits to self and valuation of potential harm to others.
Rare-earth- and aluminum-free, high strength dilute magnesium alloy for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Alam Md Ershadul , Pal Soupitak , Decker Ray , Ferreri Nicholas C. , Knezevic Marko , Beyerlein Irene. J.
Published: September 2020

Lightweight, recyclable, and plentiful Mg alloys are receiving increased attention due to an exceptional combination of strength and ductility not possible from pure Mg. Yet, due to their alloying elements, such as rare-earths or aluminum, they are either not economical or biocompatible. Here we present a new rare-earth and aluminum-free magnesium-based alloy, with trace amounts of Zn, Ca, and Mn (≈ 2% by wt.). We show that the dilute alloy exhibits outstanding high strength and high ductility compared to other dilute Mg alloys. By direct comparison with annealed material of the same chemistry and using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HR-TEM) and atom probe tomography analyses, we show that the high strength can be attributed to a number of very fine, Zn/Ca-containing nanoscale precipitates, along with ultra-fine grains. These findings show that forming a hierarchy of nanometer precipitates from just miniscule amounts of solute can invoke simultaneous high strength and ductility, producing an affordable, biocompatible Mg alloy.
Inspired by the human placenta: a novel 3D bioprinted membrane system to create barrier models
Authors: Kreuder Anna-Elisabeth , Bolaños-Rosales Aramis , Palmer Christopher , Thomas Alexander , Geiger Michel-Andreas , Lam Tobias , Amler Anna-Klara , Markert Udo R. , Lauster Roland , Kloke Lutz
Published: September 2020

Barrier organ models need a scaffold structure to create a two compartment culture. Technical filter membranes used most often as scaffolds may impact cell behaviour and present a barrier themselves, ultimately limiting transferability of test results. In this work we present an alternative for technical filter membrane systems: a 3D bioprinted biological membrane in 24 well format. The biological membrane, based on extracellular matrix (ECM), is highly permeable and presents a natural 3D environment for cell culture. Inspired by the human placenta we established a coculture of a trophoblast-derived cell line (BeWo b30), together with primary placental fibroblasts within the biological membrane (simulating villous stroma) and primary human placental endothelial cells—representing three cellular components of the human placental villus. All cell types maintained their cell type specific marker expression after two weeks of coculture on the biological membrane. In permeability assays the trophoblast layer developed a barrier on the biological membrane, which was even more pronounced when cocultured with fibroblasts. In this work we present a filter membrane free scaffold, we characterize its properties and assess its suitability for cell culture and barrier models. Further we show a novel placenta inspired model in a complex bioprinted coculture. In the absence of an artificial filter membrane, we demonstrate barrier architecture and functionality.
In-situ development of a sandwich microstructure with enhanced ductility by laser reheating of a laser melted titanium alloy
Authors: Chen Xu , Qiu Chunlei
Published: September 2020

Metallic additive manufacturing, particularly selective laser melting (SLM), usually involves rapid heating and cooling and steep thermal gradients within melt pools, making it extremely difficult to achieve effective control over microstructure. In this study, we propose a new in-situ approach which involves laser reheating/re-melting of SLM-processed layers to engineer metallic materials. The approach involves alternate laser melting of a powder layer at a high laser power and laser reheating of the newly formed solidified layer at a low or medium laser power. This strategy was applied to Ti-6Al-4V with a range of laser powers being used to reheat/re-melt solidified layers. It was found that the SLM-processed sample without undergoing laser reheating consist of a pure martensitic needle structure whereas those that were subjected to laser reheating/re-melting all consist of horizontal (α + β) bands embedded in martensitic α′ matrix, leading to development of a sandwich microstructure in these samples. Within the (α + β) bands, β exist as nano-sized precipitates or laths and have a Burgers orientation relationship with α matrix, i.e., {0001}⍺//{110}β and ⟨11$$\stackrel{-}{2}$$

2
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0⟩⍺//⟨111⟩β. The width of (α + β) banded structure increased first with increased laser power to a highest value and then decreased with further increased laser power. With the presence of these banded structures, both high strengths and enhanced ductility have been achieved in the SLM-processed samples. The current findings pave the way for the novel laser reheating approach for in-situ microstructural engineering and control during metallic additive manufacturing.
Genesis of solid bitumen
Authors: Sanei Hamed
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a new schematic model for generation and timing of multiple phases of solid bitumen throughout the continuum of organic matter maturation in source and tight reservoir rocks. Five distinct stages in the evolution of solid bitumen are proposed: (1) diagenetic solid bitumen (or degraded bituminite), which is not a secondary maceral resulting from the thermal cracking of kerogen. Instead it is derived from degradation of bituminite in the diagenesis stage (Ro < 0.5%); (2) initial-oil solid bitumen, is a consolidated form of early catagenetically generated bitumen at the incipient oil window (Ro ~ 0.5–0.7%); (3) primary-oil solid bitumen is derived from thermally generated bitumen and crude oil in the primary oil window (Ro ~ 0.7–1.0%); (4) late-oil solid bitumen (solid-wax) is derived from the waxy bitumen separated from the mature paraffinic heavy oil in the primary- and late-oil windows; and (5) pyrobitumen, which is mainly a non-generative solid bitumen, is evolved from thermal cracking of the remaining hydrocarbon residue and other types of solid bitumen in the dry gas window and higher temperature (Ro > 1.4%). This model shows concurrence of multi-populations solid bitumen with oil, bitumen, and other phases of fluid hydrocarbon residue during most of the maturity continuum.
Facile preparation of porous biomass charcoal from peanut shell as adsorbent
Authors: Bai Suzhen , Wang Tiantian , Tian Zhengshan , Cao Kesheng , Li Jitao
Published: September 2020

Activated carbons derived from biomass have been proved to be one of the most promising adsorbents due to their abundance, low cost, reproducibility and environmental friendliness. In this study, a simple, facile and effective pyrolysis method was demonstrated to prepare hierarchical porous biomass charcoal by using peanut shells as precursor without chemical activation in an electric muffle furnace. The obtained products hold porous structure and abundant oxygen-containing functional groups, which were mainly due to in-built template of the structure of peanut shell and the preparation process without nitrogen protection, respectively. Interestingly, the obtained biomass charcoal sample with excellent adsorptive property quickly removed Pb2+ (100 mg/L) and methylene blue (50 mg/L) from water with removal efficiency of 96.5% and 97.1%, and removal capacity of 48 mg/g and 24 mg/g, respectively. The synthetic process was simple and economical, and it could be used as a beneficial reference in the recycling of biomass waste.
Sequences of Intonation Units form a ~ 1 Hz rhythm
Authors: Inbar Maya , Grossman Eitan , Landau Ayelet N.
Published: September 2020

Studies of speech processing investigate the relationship between temporal structure in speech stimuli and neural activity. Despite clear evidence that the brain tracks speech at low frequencies (~ 1 Hz), it is not well understood what linguistic information gives rise to this rhythm. In this study, we harness linguistic theory to draw attention to Intonation Units (IUs), a fundamental prosodic unit of human language, and characterize their temporal structure as captured in the speech envelope, an acoustic representation relevant to the neural processing of speech. IUs are defined by a specific pattern of syllable delivery, together with resets in pitch and articulatory force. Linguistic studies of spontaneous speech indicate that this prosodic segmentation paces new information in language use across diverse languages. Therefore, IUs provide a universal structural cue for the cognitive dynamics of speech production and comprehension. We study the relation between IUs and periodicities in the speech envelope, applying methods from investigations of neural synchronization. Our sample includes recordings from every-day speech contexts of over 100 speakers and six languages. We find that sequences of IUs form a consistent low-frequency rhythm and constitute a significant periodic cue within the speech envelope. Our findings allow to predict that IUs are utilized by the neural system when tracking speech. The methods we introduce here facilitate testing this prediction in the future (i.e., with physiological data).
Association between maternal gestational weight gain and preterm birth according to body mass index and maternal age in Quzhou, China
Authors: Hu Ying , Wu Qi , Han Luyang , Zou Yuqing , Hong Die , Liu Jia , Zhu Yuying , Zhu Qiumin , Chen Danqing , Qi Lu , Liang Zhaoxia
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study is to investigate the association between maternal gestational weight gain (GWG) and preterm birth according to pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and maternal age. We did a cohort, hospital-based study in Quzhou, South China, from 1 Jan 2018 to 30 June 2019. We selected 4274 singleton live births in our analysis, 315 (7.4%) of which were preterm births. In the overall population, excess GWG was significantly associated with a decreased risk of preterm birth compared with adequate GWG (adjusted OR 0.81 [95% CI 0.72–0.91]), and the risk varied by increasing maternal age and pre-pregnancy BMI. Interestingly, underweight women who older than 35 years with excess GWG had significantly increased odds of preterm birth compared with adequate GWG in underweight women aged 20–29 years (2.26 [1.06–4.85]) and normal weight women older than 35 years (2.23 [1.13–4.39]). Additionally, low GWG was positively and significantly associated with preterm birth overall (1.92 [1.47–2.50]). Among normal weight women category, compared with adequate GWG women aged 20–29 years did, those older than 20 years with low GWG, had significantly higher odds of preterm birth, which increased with maternal age (1.80 [1.16–2.79] in 20–29 years, 2.19 [1.23–3.91] in 30–34 years, 3.30 [1.68–6.46] in ≫ 35 years). In conclusion, maternal GWG was significantly associated with the risk of preterm birth, but the risk varied by pre-pregnancy BMI and maternal age.
Efficient MoWO3/VO2/MoS2/Si UV Schottky photodetectors; MoS2 optimization and monoclinic VO2 surface modifications
Authors: Basyooni Mohamed A. , Zaki Shrouk E. , Shaban Mohamed , Eker Yasin Ramazan , Yilmaz Mucahit
Published: September 2020

The distinctive properties of strongly correlated oxides provide a variety of possibilities for modulating the properties of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides semiconductors; which represent a new class of superior optical and optoelectronic interfacing semiconductors. We report a novel approach to scaling-up molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) by combining the techniques of chemical and physical vapor deposition (CVD and PVD) and interfacing with a thin layer of monoclinic VO2. MoWO3/VO2/MoS2 photodetectors were manufactured at different sputtering times by depositing molybdenum oxide layers using a PVD technique on p-type silicon substrates followed by a sulphurization process in the CVD chamber. The high quality and the excellent structural and absorption properties of MoWO3/VO2/MoS2/Si with MoS2 deposited for 60 s enables its use as an efficient UV photodetector. The electronically coupled monoclinic VO2 layer on MoS2/Si causes a redshift and intensive MoS2 Raman peaks. Interestingly, the incorporation of VO2 dramatically changes the ratio between A-exciton (ground state exciton) and trion photoluminescence intensities of VO2/(30 s)MoS2/Si from < 1 to > 1. By increasing the deposition time of MoS2 from 60 to 180 s, the relative intensity of the B-exciton/A-exciton increases, whereas the lowest ratio at deposition time of 60 s refers to the high quality and low defect densities of the VO2/(60 s)MoS2/Si structure. Both the VO2/(60 s)MoS2/Si trion and A-exciton peaks have higher intensities compared with (60 s) MoS2/Si structure. The MoWO3/VO2/(60 s)MoS2/Si photodetector displays the highest photocurrent gain of 1.6, 4.32 × 108 Jones detectivity, and ~ 1.0 × 1010 quantum efficiency at 365 nm. Moreover, the surface roughness and grains mapping are studied and a low semiconducting-metallic phase transition is observed at ~ 40 °C.
Mechanism of central hypopnoea induced by organic phosphorus poisoning
Authors: Nomura Kazuhito , Narimatsu Eichi , Inoue Hiroyuki , Kyan Ryoko , Sawamoto Keigo , Uemura Shuji , Kakizaki Ryuichiro , Harada Keisuke
Published: September 2020

Whether central apnoea or hypopnoea can be induced by organophosphorus poisoning remains unknown to date. By using the acute brainstem slice method and multi-electrode array system, we established a paraoxon (a typical acetylcholinesterase inhibitor) poisoning model to investigate the time-dependent changes in respiratory burst amplitudes of the pre-Bötzinger complex (respiratory rhythm generator). We then determined whether pralidoxime or atropine, which are antidotes of paraoxon, could counteract the effects of paraoxon. Herein, we showed that paraoxon significantly decreased the respiratory burst amplitude of the pre-Bötzinger complex (p < 0.05). Moreover, pralidoxime and atropine could suppress the decrease in amplitude by paraoxon (p < 0.05). Paraoxon directly impaired the pre-Bötzinger complex, and the findings implied that this impairment caused central apnoea or hypopnoea. Pralidoxime and atropine could therapeutically attenuate the impairment. This study is the first to prove the usefulness of the multi-electrode array method for electrophysiological and toxicological studies in the mammalian brainstem.
Unconditional and conditional analysis of epistasis between tillering QTLs based on single segment substitution lines in rice
Authors: Zhou Huaqian , Yang Weifeng , Ma Shuaipeng , Luan Xin , Zhu Haitao , Wang Aimin , Huang Congling , Rong Biao , Dong Shangzhi , Meng Lijun , Wang Shaokui , Zhang Guiquan , Liu Guifu
Published: September 2020

Epistasis plays an important role in manipulating rice tiller number, but epistatic mechanism still remains a challenge. Here we showed the process of epistatic analysis between tillering QTLs. A half diallel mating scheme was conducted based on 6 single segment substitution lines and 9 dual segment pyramiding lines to allow the analysis of 4 epistatic components. Additive-additive, additive-dominance, dominance-additive, and dominance-dominance epistatic effects were estimated at 9 stages of development via unconditional QTL analysis simultaneously. Unconditional QTL effect (QTL cumulative effect before a certain stage) was then divided into several conditional QTL components (QTL net effect in a certain time interval). The results indicated that epistatic interaction was prevalent, all QTL pairs harboring epistasis and one QTL always interacting with other QTLs in various component ways. Epistatic effects were dynamic, occurring mostly within 14d and 21–35d after transplant and exhibited mainly negative effects. The genetic and developmental mechanism on several tillering QTLs was further realized and perhaps was useful for molecular pyramiding breeding and heterosis utilization for improving plant architecture.
SMRT sequencing of the full-length transcriptome of Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) under Serratia marcescens treatment
Authors: Feng Kai , Lu Xiaoyu , Luo Jian , Tang Fang
Published: September 2020

Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) is an important pest in the world. Serratia marcescens have a high lethal effect on O. formosanus, but the specific insecticidal mechanisms of S. marcescens on O. formosanus are unclear, and the immune responses of O. formosanus to S. marcescens have not been clarified. At present, genetic database resources of O. formosanus are extremely scarce. Therefore, using O. formosanus workers infected by S. marcescens and the control as experimental materials, a full-length transcriptome was sequenced using the PacBio Sequel sequencing platform. A total of 10,364 isoforms were obtained as the final transcriptome. The unigenes were further annotated with the Nr, Swiss-Prot, EuKaryotic Orthologous Groups (KOG), Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Ortholog public databases. In a comparison between the control group and a Serratia marcescens-infected group, a total of 259 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 132 upregulated and 127 downregulated genes. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the expression of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, oxidative stress genes and the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway in O. formosanus may be associated with S. marcescens treatment. This research intensively studied O. formosanus at the high-throughput full-length transcriptome level, laying a foundation for further development of molecular markers and mining of target genes in this species and thereby promoting the biological control of O. formosanus. Furthermore, these results will be helpful to clarify the action mechanisms of S. marcescens on O. formosanus, and also explore the relationship between O. formosanus and S. marcescens. In addition, this study will identify the immune response of O. formosanus to S. marcescens, which will provide a theoretical foundation for the development of new immunosuppressants for O. formosanus.
Synergistic effects of nanocarbon spheres sheathed on a binderless CoMoO4 electrode for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor
Authors: Bhattarai Roshan Mangal , Moopri Singer Pandiyarajan Sudhakaran , Saud Shirjana , Kim Sang Jae , Mok Young Sun
Published: September 2020

A novel nanocomposite of CoMoO4 with carbon spheres was synthesized, having enhanced the ion storage capability, as an electrode for supercapacitors.
Metal organic framework top-down and bottom-up patterning techniques
Authors: Ruiz-Zambrana César L. , Malankowska Magdalena , Coronas Joaquín
Published: September 2020

This perspective comprehensively summarizes the recent state of the art in the use of top-down and bottom-up methodologies to create metal organic framework (MOF) structures with a defined pattern at the nano- and micro-scale.
Bimetallic cyclometalated iridium complexes bridged by a BODIPY linker
Authors: Sutton Gregory D. , Choung Ku Sun , Marroquin Karen , Teets Thomas S.
Published: September 2020

Bimetallic cyclometalated iridium complexes bridged by a BODIPY linker are prepared by a simple procedure and exhibit efficient BODIPY-centered fluorescence and rapid triplet energy transfer from iridium to BODIPY.
Doing nano-enabled water treatment right: sustainability considerations from design and research through development and implementation
Authors: Falinski M. M. , Turley R. S. , Kidd J. , Lounsbury A. W. , Lanzarini-Lopes M. , Backhaus A. , Rudel H. E. , Lane M. K. M. , Fausey C. L. , Barrios A. C. , Loyo-Rosales J. E. , Perreault F. , Walker W. S. , Stadler L. B. , Elimelech M. , Gardea-Torresdey J. L. , Westerhoff P. , Zimmerman J. B.
Published: September 2020

Nanotechnology-enabled water treatment technologies have the potential to outperform conventional water treatment systems, but we must understand how to produce, use, and dispose of these technologies in a safe and sustainable way.
Effect of dietary EPA and DHA on murine blood and liver fatty acid profile and liver oxylipin pattern depending on high and low dietary n6-PUFA
Authors: Kutzner Laura , Esselun Carsten , Franke Nicole , Schoenfeld Kirsten , Eckert Gunter P. , Schebb Nils Helge
Published: September 2020

A combination of n3-PUFA and low n6-PUFA feeding is most effective to decrease %n6 in HUFA and increase %EPA + DHA.
Velvet antler polypeptide prevents the disruption of hepatic tight junctionsviainhibiting oxidative stress in cholestatic mice and liver cell lines
Authors: Li Lihua , Yang Fan , Jia Rongjun , Yan Pengfei , Ma Liman
Published: September 2020

The present study aims to examine the protective effects and mechanism of a velvet antler polypeptide (VAP) against lithocholic acid (LCA)-induced cholestatic liver injury in mice.
Culinary and nutritional value of edible wild plants from northern Spain rich in phenolic compounds with potential health benefits
Authors: Pereira A. G. , Fraga-Corral M. , García-Oliveira P. , Jimenez-Lopez C. , Lourenço-Lopes C. , Carpena M. , Otero Paz , Gullón P. , Prieto M. A. , Simal-Gandara J.
Published: September 2020

Wild edible plants (WEP) have been consumed since ancient times. A review of ten WEPs from the northwest region of Spain has been carried out on their bioactive properties, their use and their incorporation into the diet as a new food.
Gut inflammation exacerbates hepatic injury in C57BL/6J mice via gut-vascular barrier dysfunction with high-fat-incorporated meat protein diets
Authors: Hussain Muzahir , Umair Ijaz Muhammad , Ahmad Muhammad Ijaz , Khan Iftikhar Ali , Bukhary Syed Umar Farooq , Khan Waqar , Hussain Sayed , Hashmi Majid Suhail , Li Chunbao
Published: September 2020

Meat and its derivatives provide nutrients essential for human health.
Different electronic states of isomorphous chiral vs. racemic organic conducting salts, β′′-(BEDT-TTF)2(S- and rac-PROXYL-CONHCH2SO3)
Authors: Akutsu Hiroki , Kohno Akiko , Turner Scott S. , Yamashita Satoshi , Nakazawa Yasuhiro
Published: September 2020

A polar charge disproportionation state of β′′-(BEDT-TTF)2(S-PROXYL-CONHCH2SO3).
Design strategies for ceria nanomaterials: untangling key mechanistic concepts
Authors: Xu Yuwen , Mofarah Sajjad S. , Mehmood Rashid , Cazorla Claudio , Koshy Pramod , Sorrell Charles C.
Published: September 2020

The present work provides a comprehensive array of design parameters for the fabrication of the principal morphologies of nanoceria.
Interaction of fibrinogen–magnetic nanoparticle bioconjugates with integrin reconstituted into artificial membranes
Authors: Martens Ulrike , Janke Una , Möller Sophie , Talbot Delphine , Abou-Hassan Ali , Delcea Mihaela
Published: September 2020

Fibrinogen provides colloidal stability to maghemite NPs and fibrinogen–NP bioconjugates interact with integrin-containing artificial membranes as model system for platelets.
Supramolecular antibiotics: a strategy for conversion of broad-spectrum to narrow-spectrum antibiotics forStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Koyasseril-Yehiya Thameez M. , García-Heredia Alam , Anson Francesca , Rangadurai Poornima , Siegrist M. Sloan , Thayumanavan S.
Published: September 2020

Supramolecular antibiotics: a reactive supramolecular disassembly approach ensures the narrow delivery of broad-spectrum antibiotics to selectively target pathogenic bacterial population.
Recent advances in the chemistry of benzo[e][1,2,4]triazinyl radicals
Authors: Rogers Fergus J. M. , Norcott Philip L. , Coote Michelle L.
Published: September 2020

Benzo[e][1,2,4]triazinyl, or Blatter radicals, are stable free radicals with customisable magnetic, spectroscopic and electrochemical properties, and wide-ranging applications in synthesis and functional materials.
Highly efficient halogen-free flame retardants of thermally-oxidized polyacrylonitrile copolymers containing bio-derived caffeic acid derivatives
Authors: Kim Jongho , You Nam-Ho , Ku Bon-Cheol
Published: September 2020

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) copolymer with catechol comonomer is utilized as a precursor for the production of high-performance flame retarding fibers and is also widely used for clothing fibers.
Facile synthesis of a porous polynorbornene with an azobenzene subunit: selective adsorption of 4-nitrophenol over 4-aminophenol in water
Authors: Peng Shan-Qing , Zhang Butian , Fan Wenhao , Wang Shuifeng , Zhang Zhi-Hao , Liu Yan , Chen Shi-Lu , Huang Mu-Hua
Published: September 2020

The azo-linked porous polynorbornene was synthesizedviathe robust reductive azo-coupling and Ring-Opening-Metathesis-Polymerization (ROMP) polymerization, which selectively adsorbed 4-nitrophenol over 4-aminophenol in water.
A novel quinolinyl-tetraphenylethene-based fluorescence “turn-on” sensor for Zn2+ with a large Stokes shift and its applications for portable test strips and biological imaging
Authors: Xu Jianxing , Xiong Jingwen , Qin Yanlin , Li Zongzhi , Pan Chengqiang , Huo Yanping , Zhang Haoli
Published: September 2020

A new 8-hydroxyquinoline derivative TPE(OH)-8HQ, has been synthesized and evaluated as an efficient fluorescence “turn-on” sensor for detection of Zn2+ based on the chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) mechanism in neutral aqueous solution.
Recent progress in utilizing near-infrared J-aggregates for imaging and cancer therapy
Authors: Xu Shuai , Liu Hong-Wen , Huan Shuang-Yan , Yuan Lin , Zhang Xiao-Bing
Published: September 2020

Schematic diagram of NIR J-aggregates of various organic dyes as effective bioimaging (fluorescence (FL) or photoacoustic (PA)) and therapeutic agents (PDT or PTT).
Recent advances in oligomers/polymers with unconventional chromophores
Authors: Jiang Nan , Zhu Dongxia , Su Zhongmin , Bryce Martin R.
Published: September 2020

Unorthodox chromophores enjoy the advantages of better hydrophilicity, large structural diversity, low-cost and facile synthesis, high chain flexibility and good biocompatibility compared to conventional chromophores, leading to many applications.
Pyridine hydrochloride-catalyzed thiolation of alkenes: divergent synthesis of allyl and vinyl sulfides
Authors: Liu Shiwen , Wang Lili , Ma Zhipeng , Zeng Xiaojun , Xu Bo
Published: September 2020

Divergent synthesis of allyl and vinyl sulfides by a Py-HCl catalyzed tandem thiolation–elimination reaction between N-thiosuccinimides and alkenes.
Gold(iii) promoted formation of dihydroquinazolinones: double X–H activation by gold
Authors: Kadiyala Veerabhushanam , Kumar Perla Bharath , Sunil Komalla , Raju Chittala Emmaniel , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Karunakar Galla V.
Published: September 2020

An efficient 2-furyl gold–carbene promoted synthetic method was developed for the formation of dihydroquinazolinones from enynones by dual insertion of anthranilamides in very good yields.
Anodic oxidation triggered divergent 1,2- and 1,4-group transfer reactions of β-hydroxycarboxylic acids enabled by electrochemical regulation
Authors: Zhang Zhenxing , Zhang Lei , Zhang Xianhao , Yang Jianxin , Yin Yunxing , Jiang Yangye , Zeng Chengchu , Lu Gang , Yang Yang , Mo Fanyang
Published: September 2020

We report a set of electrochemically regulated protocols for the divergent synthesis of ketones and β-keto esters from the same β-hydroxycarboxylic acid starting materials.
Prediction of drug metabolites using neural machine translation
Authors: Litsa Eleni E. , Das Payel , Kavraki Lydia E.
Published: September 2020

The structure of the drug, represented with a SMILES sequence, is being translated into the structures of possible metabolites that can be formed in the human body.
Fungal siderophore biosynthesis catalysed by an iterative nonribosomal peptide synthetase
Authors: Hai Yang , Jenner Matthew , Tang Yi
Published: September 2020

Snapshots of fungal siderophore biosynthesis on the biosynthetic assembly-line captured by intact protein mass-spectrometry.
Assessing the performance of rotational spectroscopy in chiral analysis
Authors: Domingos Sérgio R. , Pérez Cristóbal , Marshall Mark D. , Leung Helen O. , Schnell Melanie
Published: September 2020

Two rotational spectroscopy methods are challenged to solve the absolute configuration and enantiomeric excess of a chiral mixture of unknown composition.
Inhibitor and substrate cooperate to inhibit amyloid fibril elongation of α-synuclein
Authors: Agerschou Emil Dandanell , Borgmann Vera , Wördehoff Michael M. , Hoyer Wolfgang
Published: September 2020

Amyloid fibril elongation of α-synuclein can be described with the Michaelis–Menten model, where α-synuclein monomer plays a dual role by serving as growth substrate as well as supporting the competitive inhibitor CC48 in blocking fibril ends.
Multiple rotational rates in a guest-loaded, amphidynamic zirconia metal–organic framework
Authors: Torres-Huerta Aaron , Galicia-Badillo Dazaet , Aguilar-Granda Andrés , Bryant Jacob T. , Uribe-Romo Fernando J. , Rodríguez-Molina Braulio
Published: September 2020

Zirconia based metal–organic framework PEPEP-PIZOF-2 exhibits the emergent property of amphidynamic motion with organic links that show multiple rotational rates related to their molecular structure and independently from presence of molecular guests.
Structure-guided discovery of a luminescent theranostic toolkit for living cancer cells and the imaging behavior effect
Authors: Wu Chun , Wu Ke-Jia , Liu Jin-Biao , Wang Wanhe , Leung Chung-Hang , Ma Dik-Lung
Published: September 2020

In order to optimise dual-functional theranostics for application in living systems, we developed an iridium(iii) theranostic by grafting an inhibitor as a “binding unit” onto an iridium(iii) complex precursor as a “signaling unit”.
Solid-phase fluorescent BODIPY–peptide synthesis via in situ dipyrrin construction
Authors: Wu Yue , Tam Wing-Sze , Chau Ho-Fai , Kaur Simranjeet , Thor Waygen , Aik Wei Shen , Chan Wai-Lun , Zweckstetter Markus , Wong Ka-Leung
Published: September 2020

Solid-phase fluorescent BODIPY–peptide synthesis via in situ dipyrrin construction offers an efficient fluorescent peptide synthetic platform for multifaceted biomedical applications.
Power allocation with fairness for non‐orthogonal multiple access systems
Authors: A. Alkhazzar Ali Mohammed , Aghaeinia Hassan
Published: September 2020

The non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) approach enables a number of users to share the same resource via superposition coding in the transmitter and successive detection in the receiver. In this study a power allocation (PA) approach based on the proportional fair division technique is proposed. In this regard, power is assigned to users such that it ensures the fairness of NOMA follows that of orthogonal multiple access. A straight forward approach that achieves this objective is stated and is followed by proposing three different algorithms. These algorithms loosen the strict proportionality criterion to fulfil the data rate of a specific user. Also, a new fairness index for NOMA based on data rate ratios is defined. Afterwards, a low‐complexity strategy based on water filling (WF) for PA amongst resources is proposed. This second PA stage aims at improving the data rate of users. The proposed approaches are applied to NOMA systems with different pairing strategies and results are compared. Results show that the proposed approaches improve the fairness of NOMA and WF increases the total system rate.
Acid activation of bentonite clay for recycled automotive oil purification
Authors: Aguilar Johanna , Almeida-Naranjo Cristina , Aldás María B. , Guerrero Víctor H.
Published: September 2020

The search for inexpensive and environmentally friendly alternatives for used motor oil (UMO) purification has become a topic of research. In this study, the use of bentonite clay modified by acid activation is proposed. Sulfuric acid, acetic acid (v-acid/w-clay ratio=20, 40 and 60%) and sulfuric/acetic mixtures (1:1 ratio) were used in the bentonite clay activation. The activated clays were used in the UMO treatment in a ratio of 1:4 w/v, using batch adsorption processes (contact time=12 min). To determine the structural and morphological modifications produced by the acid activation process, the clays were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The oil clarification efficiency was quantified by UV-Vis spectroscopy, acidity, alkalinity and viscosity index. It was determined that sulfuric acid and the sulfuric/acetic activations presented a similar bentonite structure transformation, which appears in the cations leaching of intermediate layer. The treated oil with the highest clarifications (with respect to UMO) were the ones treated using bentonite activated with sulfuric acid 40 v/w% and sulfuric/acetic acid (1:1 ratio) with clarifications of 70 and 68%, respectively. The oil treated with clay activated with sulfuric acid (40%) reduced its viscosity, acidity and alkalinity by 23%, 80% and 29%, respectively.
Prompt Fission Gamma-Ray Measurements at UML Research Reactor
Authors: Stanescu Razvan , Green Hadrick , Morris Toby , Rusev Gencho , Jandel Marian
Published: September 2020

Neutron-induced fission of 235U was studied at the thermal column of the UMass Lowell 1 MW Research Reactor. A collimated, 2.25-inch diameter beam of thermal neutrons with the flux of ~5x105 n/cm2/sec induced fission reaction on a plate of low-enriched uranium with the areal density ~25 mg/cm2 of 235U. We have used the prompt fission-neutron tagging method to identify the fission reaction in the off-line analysis. The method employs the pulse-shape discrimination of neutrons and gamma-ray events in stilbene scintillator and enables identification of coincidence events of prompt fission gamma-rays and prompt fission neutrons in coincidence time intervals less than 20-30 ns. The prompt gamma-ray radiation was detected using two co-linear NaI(Tl) detectors. The measured spectra of prompt-fission gamma rays between 150 keV and 6 MeV are presented. The results from these initial measurements demonstrate the feasibility of the experimental method. Future measurements with extended arrays of detectors are planned.
Correlated transitions in symmetric and dominant fission modes, and multipole moments of fission fragments
Authors: Chiba Satoshi , Usang Mark D. , Ishizuka Chikako , Ivanyuk Fedir , Xuan Zhang
Published: September 2020

Systematic and anomalous trends in fragment mass and TKE (total kinetic energy) distributions are investigated in terms of 4D Langevin model developed at Tokyo Tech. We have found that correlated transitions in symmetric components and dominant modes (symmetric v.s. asymmetric) can explain the prominent systematic and anomalous features of fission observables. We have also elucidated that interplay between spherical and deformed magicity at A=132 and A=142 to 144 is important in both observables.
French Multidisciplinary Approach for the Treatment of MSK Tumors
Authors: Cazzato Roberto Luigi , Garnon Julien , De Marini Pierre , Auloge Pierre , Dalili Danoob , Koch Guillaume , Antoni Delphine , Barthelemy Philippe , Kurtz Jean Emmanuel , Malouf Gabriel , Feydy Antoine , Charles Yan-Philippe , Gangi Afshin
Published: September 2020

Several interventional treatments have recently been integrated into the therapeutic armamentarium available for the treatment of bone tumors. In some scenarios (e.g., osteoid osteoma), interventional treatments represent the sole and definitive applied treatment. Due to the absence of widely shared protocols and the complex multivariate scenarios underlying the clinical presentation of the remaining bone tumors including metastases, therapeutic strategies derived from a multidisciplinary tumor board are essential to provide effective treatments tailored to each patient. In the present review, we present the multidisciplinary therapeutic strategies commonly adopted for the most frequent bone tumors.