bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insect herbivory dampens Subarctic birch forest C sink response to warming
Authors: Silfver Tarja , Heiskanen Lauri , Aurela Mika , Myller Kristiina , Karhu Kristiina , Meyer Nele , Tuovinen Juha-Pekka , Oksanen Elina , Rousi Matti , Mikola Juha
Published: May 2020

Climate warming is anticipated to make high latitude ecosystems stronger C sinks through increasing plant production. This effect might, however, be dampened by insect herbivores whose damage to plants at their background, non-outbreak densities may more than double under climate warming. Here, using an open-air warming experiment among Subarctic birch forest field layer vegetation, supplemented with birch plantlets, we show that a 2.3 °C air and 1.2 °C soil temperature increase can advance the growing season by 1–4 days, enhance soil N availability, leaf chlorophyll concentrations and plant growth up to 400%, 160% and 50% respectively, and lead up to 122% greater ecosystem CO2 uptake potential. However, comparable positive effects are also found when insect herbivory is reduced, and the effect of warming on C sink potential is intensified under reduced herbivory. Our results confirm the expected warming-induced increase in high latitude plant growth and CO2 uptake, but also reveal that herbivorous insects may significantly dampen the strengthening of the CO2 sink under climate warming.
Microbiome disturbance and resilience dynamics of the upper respiratory tract during influenza A virus infection
Authors: Kaul Drishti , Rathnasinghe Raveen , Ferres Marcela , Tan Gene S. , Barrera Aldo , Pickett Brett E. , Methe Barbara A. , Das Suman R. , Budnik Isolda , Halpin Rebecca A. , Wentworth David , Schmolke Mirco , Mena Ignacio , Albrecht Randy A. , Singh Indresh , Nelson Karen E. , García-Sastre Adolfo , Dupont Chris L. , Medina Rafael A.
Published: May 2020

Infection with influenza can be aggravated by bacterial co-infections, which often results in disease exacerbation. The effects of influenza infection on the upper respiratory tract (URT) microbiome are largely unknown. Here, we report a longitudinal study to assess the temporal dynamics of the URT microbiomes of uninfected and influenza virus-infected humans and ferrets. Uninfected human patients and ferret URT microbiomes have stable healthy ecostate communities both within and between individuals. In contrast, infected patients and ferrets exhibit large changes in bacterial community composition over time and between individuals. The unhealthy ecostates of infected individuals progress towards the healthy ecostate, coinciding with viral clearance and recovery. Pseudomonadales associate statistically with the disturbed microbiomes of infected individuals. The dynamic and resilient microbiome during influenza virus infection in multiple hosts provides a compelling rationale for the maintenance of the microbiome homeostasis as a potential therapeutic target to prevent IAV associated bacterial co-infections.
High-throughput screening platform for solid electrolytes combining hierarchical ion-transport prediction algorithms
Authors: He Bing , Chi Shuting , Ye Anjiang , Mi Penghui , Zhang Liwen , Pu Bowei , Zou Zheyi , Ran Yunbing , Zhao Qian , Wang Da , Zhang Wenqing , Zhao Jingtai , Adams Stefan , Avdeev Maxim , Shi Siqi
Published: May 2020

The combination of a materials database with high-throughput ion-transport calculations is an effective approach to screen for promising solid electrolytes. However, automating the complicated preprocessing involved in currently widely used ion-transport characterization algorithms, such as the first-principles nudged elastic band (FP-NEB) method, remains challenging. Here, we report on high-throughput screening platform for solid electrolytes (SPSE) that integrates a materials database with hierarchical ion-transport calculations realized by implementing empirical algorithms to assist in FP-NEB completing automatic calculation. We first preliminarily screen candidates and determine the approximate ion-transport paths using empirical both geometric analysis and the bond valence site energy method. A chain of images are then automatically generated along these paths for accurate FP-NEB calculation. In addition, an open web interface is actualized to enable access to the SPSE database, thereby facilitating machine learning. This interactive platform provides a workflow toward high-throughput screening for future discovery and design of promising solid electrolytes and the SPSE database is based on the FAIR principles for the benefit of the broad research community.
Evaluating Nodes of Latent Mediators in Heterogeneous Communities
Authors: Yamano Hiroko , Asatani Kimitaka , Sakata Ichiro
Published: May 2020

Conventionally, the importance of nodes in a network has been debated from the viewpoint of the amount of information received by the nodes and its neighbors. While node evaluation based on the adjacency relationship mainly uses local proximity information, the community structure that characterizes the network has hardly been considered. In this study, we propose a new node index that contributes to the understanding of the inter-community structure of a network by combining the measures of link distribution and community relevance. The visualization of node rankings and rank correlations with respect to the attack tolerance of networks demonstrated that the proposed index shows the highest performance in comparison with five previously proposed indexes, suggesting a new way to detect latent mediators in heterogeneous networks.
Rapid Detection of Mobilized Colistin Resistance using a Nucleic Acid Based Lab-on-a-Chip Diagnostic System
Authors: Rodriguez-Manzano Jesus , Moser Nicolas , Malpartida-Cardenas Kenny , Moniri Ahmad , Fisarova Lenka , Pennisi Ivana , Boonyasiri Adhiratha , Jauneikaite Elita , Abdolrasouli Alireza , Otter Jonathan A. , Bolt Frances , Davies Frances , Didelot Xavier , Holmes Alison , Georgiou Pantelis
Published: May 2020

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat to global public health. One of the most concerning trends is the rapid spread of Carbapenemase-Producing Organisms (CPO), where colistin has become the last-resort antibiotic treatment. The emergence of colistin resistance, including the spread of mobilized colistin resistance (mcr) genes, raises the possibility of untreatable bacterial infections and motivates the development of improved diagnostics for the detection of colistin-resistant organisms. This work demonstrates a rapid response for detecting the most recently reported mcr gene, mcr−9, using a portable and affordable lab-on-a-chip (LoC) platform, offering a promising alternative to conventional laboratory-based instruments such as real-time PCR (qPCR). The platform combines semiconductor technology, for non-optical real-time DNA sensing, with a smartphone application for data acquisition, visualization and cloud connectivity. This technology is enabled by using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) as the chemistry for targeted DNA detection, by virtue of its high sensitivity, specificity, yield, and manageable temperature requirements. Here, we have developed the first LAMP assay for mcr−9 - showing high sensitivity (down to 100 genomic copies/reaction) and high specificity (no cross-reactivity with other mcr variants). This assay is demonstrated through supporting a hospital investigation where we analyzed nucleic acids extracted from 128 carbapenemase-producing bacteria isolated from clinical and screening samples and found that 41 carried mcr−9 (validated using whole genome sequencing). Average positive detection times were 6.58 ± 0.42 min when performing the experiments on a conventional qPCR instrument (n = 41). For validating the translation of the LAMP assay onto a LoC platform, a subset of the samples were tested (n = 20), showing average detection times of 6.83 ± 0.92 min for positive isolates (n = 14). All experiments detected mcr−9 in under 10 min, and both platforms showed no statistically significant difference (p-value > 0.05). When sample preparation and throughput capabilities are integrated within this LoC platform, the adoption of this technology for the rapid detection and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance genes will decrease the turnaround time for DNA detection and resistotyping, improving diagnostic capabilities, patient outcomes, and the management of infectious diseases.
Multi-classifier prediction of knee osteoarthritis progression from incomplete imbalanced longitudinal data
Authors: Widera Paweł , Welsing Paco M. J. , Ladel Christoph , Loughlin John , Lafeber Floris P. F. J. , Petit Dop Florence , Larkin Jonathan , Weinans Harrie , Mobasheri Ali , Bacardit Jaume
Published: May 2020

Conventional inclusion criteria used in osteoarthritis clinical trials are not very effective in selecting patients who would benefit from a therapy being tested. Typically majority of selected patients show no or limited disease progression during a trial period. As a consequence, the effect of the tested treatment cannot be observed, and the efforts and resources invested in running the trial are not rewarded. This could be avoided, if selection criteria were more predictive of the future disease progression. In this article, we formulated the patient selection problem as a multi-class classification task, with classes based on clinically relevant measures of progression (over a time scale typical for clinical trials). Using data from two long-term knee osteoarthritis studies OAI and CHECK, we tested multiple algorithms and learning process configurations (including multi-classifier approaches, cost-sensitive learning, and feature selection), to identify the best performing machine learning models. We examined the behaviour of the best models, with respect to prediction errors and the impact of used features, to confirm their clinical relevance. We found that the model-based selection outperforms the conventional inclusion criteria, reducing by 20–25% the number of patients who show no progression. This result might lead to more efficient clinical trials.
Nonlinear Analysis of Visually Normal EEGs to Differentiate Benign Childhood Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes (BECTS)
Authors: Sathyanarayana Aarti , El Atrache Rima , Jackson Michele , Alter Aliza S. , Mandl Kenneth D. , Loddenkemper Tobias , Bosl William J.
Published: May 2020

Childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes, previously known as Benign Epilepsy with Centro-temporal Spikes (BECTS) or Rolandic Epilepsy, is one of the most common forms of focal childhood epilepsy. Despite its prevalence, BECTS is often misdiagnosed or missed entirely. This is in part due to the nocturnal and brief nature of the seizures, making it difficult to identify during a routine electroencephalogram (EEG). Detecting brain activity that is highly associated with BECTS on a brief, awake EEG has the potential to improve diagnostic screening for BECTS and predict clinical outcomes. For this study, 31 patients with BECTS were retrospectively selected from the BCH Epilepsy Center database along with a contrast group of 31 patients in the database who had no form of epilepsy and a normal EEG based on a clinical chart review. Nonlinear features, including multiscale entropy and recurrence quantitative analysis, were computed from 30-second segments of awake EEG signals. Differences were found between these multiscale nonlinear measures in the two groups at all sensor locations, while visual EEG inspection by a board-certified child neurologist did not reveal any distinguishing features. Moreover, a quantitative difference in the nonlinear measures (sample entropy, trapping time and the Lyapunov exponents) was found in the centrotemporal region of the brain, the area associated with a greater tendency to have unprovoked seizures, versus the rest of the brain in the BECTS patients. This difference was not present in the contrast group. As a result, the epileptic zone in the BECTS patients appears to exhibit lower complexity, and these nonlinear measures may potentially serve as a clinical screening tool for BECTS, if replicated in a larger study population.
Characterisation of mexiletine’s translational therapeutic index for suppression of ischaemia-induced ventricular fibrillation in the rat isolated heart
Authors: Hesketh Louise M. , Wilder Catherine D. E. , Ranadive Niraja N. , Lytra Georgia , Qazimi Patrisia , Munro Jade S. , Ahdi Nakita , Curtis Michael J.
Published: May 2020

The ‘translational therapeutic index’ (TTI) is a drug’s ratio of nonclinical threshold dose (or concentration) for significant benefit versus threshold for adversity. In early nonclinical research, discovery and safety studies are normally undertaken separately. Our aim was to evaluate a novel integrated approach for generating a TTI for drugs intended for prevention of ischaemia-induced ventricular fibrillation (VF). We templated the current best available class 1b antiarrhythmic, mexiletine, using the rat Langendorff preparation. Mexiletine’s beneficial effects on the incidence of VF caused by 120 min regional ischaemia were contrasted with its concurrent adverse effects (on several variables) in the same hearts, to generate a TTI. Mexiletine 0.1 and 0.5 µM had no adverse effects, but did not reduce VF incidence. Mexiletine 1 µM reduced VF incidence to 0% but had adverse effects on atrioventricular conduction and ventricular repolarization. Separate studies undertaken using an intraventricular balloon revealed no detrimental effects of mexiletine (1 and 5 µM) on mechanical function, or any benefit against reperfusion-related dysfunction. Mexiletine’s TTI was found to be less than two, which accords with its clinical therapeutic index. Although non-cardiac adversity, identifiable from additional in vivo studies, may reduce the TTI further, it cannot increase it. Our experimental approach represents a useful early-stage integrated risk/benefit method that, when TTI is found to be low, would eliminate unsuitable class 1b drugs prior to next stage in vivo work, with mexiletine’s TTI defining the gold standard that would need to be bettered.
Fast response of complementary electrochromic device based on WO3/NiO electrodes
Authors: Chen Po-Wen , Chang Chen-Te , Ko Tien-Fu , Hsu Sheng-Chuan , Li Ke-Ding , Wu Jin-Yu
Published: May 2020

Nanoporous structures have proven as an effective way for enhanced electrochromic performance by providing a large surface area can get fast ion/electron transfer path, leading to larger optical modulation and fast response time. Herein, for the first time, application of vacuum cathodic arc plasma (CAP) deposition technology to the synthesis of WO3/NiO electrode films on ITO glass for use in fabricating complementary electrochromic devices (ECDs) with a ITO/WO3/LiClO4-Perchlorate solution/NiO/ITO structure. Our objective was to optimize electrochromic performance through the creation of electrodes with a nanoporous structure. We also examined the influence of WO3 film thickness on the electrochemical and optical characteristics in terms of surface charge capacity and diffusion coefficients. The resulting 200-nm-thick WO3 films achieved ion diffusion coefficients of (7.35 × 10−10 (oxidation) and 4.92 × 10−10 cm2/s (reduction)). The complementary charge capacity ratio of WO3 (200 nm thickness)/NiO (60 nm thickness) has impressive reversibility of 98%. A demonstration ECD device (3 × 4 cm2) achieved optical modulation (ΔT) of 46% and switching times of 3.1 sec (coloration) and 4.6 sec (bleaching) at a wavelength of 633 nm. In terms of durability, the proposed ECD achieved ΔT of 43% after 2500 cycles; i.e., 93% of the initial device.
Trails of ants converge or diverge through lens-shaped impediments, resembling principles of optics
Authors: Choi Jibeom , Lim Hangah , Song Woncheol , Cho Han , Kim Ho-Young , Lee Sang-im , Jablonski Piotr G.
Published: May 2020

Analogies across disciplines often indicate the existence of universal principles such as optimization, while the underlying proximate mechanisms may differ. It was reported recently that trails of ants refract at the border of substrates, on which walking speeds differ. This phenomenon is analogous to the travel-time-minimizing routes of light refracting at the borders between different media. Here, we further demonstrate that ant tracks converge or diverge across lens-shaped impediments similar to light rays through concave or convex optical lenses. The results suggest that the optical principle of travel time reduction may apply to ants. We propose a simple mathematical model that assumes nonlinear positive feedback in pheromone accumulation. It provides a possible explanation of the observed similarity between ant behavior and optics, and it is the first quantitative theoretical demonstration that pheromone-based proximate mechanisms of trail formation may produce this similarity. However, the future detailed empirical observations of ant behavior on impediment edges during the process of pheromone trail formation are needed in order to evaluate alternative explanations for this similarity.
Correctors modify the bicarbonate permeability of F508del-CFTR
Authors: Fiore Michele , Picco Cristiana , Moran Oscar
Published: May 2020

One of the most common mutations in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients is the deletion of the amino acid phenylalanine at position 508. This mutation causes both the protein trafficking defect and an early degradation. Over time, small molecules, called correctors, capable of increasing the amount of mutated channel in the plasma membrane and causing an increase in its transport activity have been developed. This study shows that incubating in vitro cells permanently transfected with the mutated channel with the correctors VX809, VX661 and Corr4a, and the combination of VX809 and Corr4a, a recovery of anion transport activity is observed. Interestingly, the permeability of bicarbonate increases in the cells containing corrected p.F508del CFTR channels is greater than the increase of the halide permeability. These different increases of the permeability of bicarbonate and halides are consistent with the concept that the structural conformation of the pore of the corrector-rescued p.F508del channels would be different than the normal wild type CFTR protein.
Molecular Basis of Differential Stability and Temperature Sensitivity of ZIKA versus Dengue Virus Protein Shells
Authors: Pindi Chinmai , Chirasani Venkat R. , Rahman Mohammad Homaidur , Ahsan Mohd , Revanasiddappa Prasanna D. , Senapati Sanjib
Published: May 2020

Rapid spread of ZIKA virus (ZIKV) and its association with severe birth defects have raised worldwide concern. Recent studies have shown that ZIKV retains its infectivity and remains structurally stable at temperatures up to 40 °C, unlike dengue and other flaviviruses. In spite of recent cryo-EM structures that showed similar architecture of ZIKA and dengue virus (DENV) E protein shells, little is known that makes ZIKV so temperature insensitive. Here, we attempt to unravel the molecular basis of greater thermal stability of ZIKV over DENV2 by executing atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on the viral E protein shells at 37 °C. Our results suggest that ZIKA E protein shell retains its structural integrity through stronger inter-raft communications facilitated by a series of electrostatic and H-bonding interactions among multiple inter-raft residues. In comparison, the DENV2 E protein shell surface was loosly packed that exhibited holes at all 3-fold vertices, in close agreement with another EM structure solved at 37 °C. The residue-level information obtained from our study could pave way for designing small molecule inhibitors and specific antibodies to inhibit ZIKV E protein assembly and membrane fusion.
PPARδ-mediated mitochondrial rewiring of osteoblasts determines bone mass
Authors: Müller Dorothea I. H. , Stoll Cornelia , Palumbo-Zerr Katrin , Böhm Christina , Krishnacoumar Brenda , Ipseiz Natacha , Taubmann Jule , Zimmermann Max , Böttcher Martin , Mougiakakos Dimitrios , Tuckermann Jan , Djouad Farida , Schett Georg , Scholtysek Carina , Krönke Gerhard
Published: May 2020

Bone turnover, which is determined by osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and osteoblast-mediated bone formation, represents a highly energy consuming process. The metabolic requirements of osteoblast differentiation and mineralization, both essential for regular bone formation, however, remain incompletely understood. Here we identify the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) δ as key regulator of osteoblast metabolism. Induction of PPARδ was essential for the metabolic adaption and increased rate in mitochondrial respiration necessary for the differentiation and mineralization of osteoblasts. Osteoblast-specific deletion of PPARδ in mice, in turn, resulted in an altered energy homeostasis of osteoblasts, impaired mineralization and reduced bone mass. These data show that PPARδ acts as key regulator of osteoblast metabolism and highlight the relevance of cellular metabolic rewiring during osteoblast-mediated bone formation and bone-turnover.
Switching of Sox9 expression during musculoskeletal system development
Authors: Nagakura Ryotaro , Yamamoto Masahito , Jeong Juhee , Hinata Nobuyuki , Katori Yukio , Chang Wei-Jen , Abe Shinichi
Published: May 2020

The musculoskeletal system, which comprises muscles, tendons, and bones, is an efficient tissue complex that coordinates body movement and maintains structural stability. The process of its construction into a single functional and complex organization is unclear. SRY-box containing gene 9 (Sox9) is expressed initially in pluripotent cells and subsequently in ectodermal, endodermal, and mesodermal derivatives. This study investigated how Sox9 controls the development of each component of the musculoskeletal system. Sox9 was expressed in MTJ, tendon, and bone progenitor cells at E13 and in bone at E16. We detected Sox9 expression in muscle progenitor cells using double-transgenic mice and myoblastic cell lines. However, we found no Sox9 expression in developed muscle. A decrease in Sox9 expression in muscle-associated connective tissues, tendons, and bones led to hypoplasia of the cartilage and its attachment to tendons and muscle. These results showed that switching on Sox9 expression in each component (muscle, tendon, and bone) is essential for the development of the musculoskeletal system. Sox9 is expressed in not only tendon and bone progenitor cells but also muscle progenitor cells, and it controls musculoskeletal system development.
Long-term changes and effect of pterygium size on corneal topographic irregularity after recurrent pterygium surgery
Authors: Ono Takashi , Mori Yosai , Nejima Ryohei , Lee Jinhee , Abe Kentaro , Nagata Yuji , Iwasaki Takuya , Aihara Makoto , Miyata Kazunori
Published: May 2020

This retrospective observational study compared long-term topographic changes after recurrent- and primary-pterygium surgery depending on pterygium size. Patients who underwent recurrent-pterygium excision between 2002–2013 and age, sex, and pterygium size-matched controls who underwent primary-pterygium surgery were included (33 eyes of 33 patients in each group). Pterygium size was graded per advancing edge position: <1/3 of corneal diameter (grade 1), outside the pupil (grade 2), and within the pupillary area (grade 3). Surface asymmetry index (SAI), surface regularity index (SRI) in corneal topography, and uncorrected and best-spectacle-corrected visual acuity were compared before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Three, 17, and 13 eyes had grades 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In grade 2, the SAI and SRI were respectively significantly larger at all observation points (p = 0.01, 0.03, 0.02, 0.02, and 0.004) and before and 6 and 12 months postoperatively (p = 0.02, 0.04, and 0.03) in recurrent pterygium. In grade 3, the SAI was significantly larger before and 1, 3, and 12 months postoperatively (p = 0.04, 0.01, 0.01, and 0.02) and the SRI was significantly larger before and 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.001, 0.02) in recurrent pterygium. Corneal irregularity persisted 12 months after recurrent-pterygium surgery compared with that in same-size primary pterygium.
CO-Reductive and O2-Oxidative Annealing Assisted Surface Restructure and Corresponding Formic Acid Oxidation Performance of PdPt and PdRuPt Nanocatalysts
Authors: Bhalothia Dinesh , Huang Tzu-Hsi , Chou Pai-Hung , Chen Po-Chun , Wang Kuan-Wen , Chen Tsan-Yao
Published: May 2020

Formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR) at anode counterpart incurs at substantial high overpotential, limiting the power output efficiency of direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs). Despite intense research, the lack of high-performance nanocatalysts (NCs) for FAOR remains a challenge in realizing DFAFC technologies. To surmount the overpotential losses, it is desirable to have NCs to trigger the FAOR as close to the reversible conditions (i.e. with over-potential loss as close to zero as possible). Herein, Pd-based binary and ternary NCs consisting of PdPt and PdRuPt have been synthesized via the polyol reduction method on the carbon support. As prepared PdPt and PdRuPt NCs were further subjected to heat treatment (annealed) in CO (namely PdPt-CO and PdRuPt-CO) and O2 (namely PdPt-O2 and PdRuPt-O2) atmosphere at 473 K temperature. By cross-referencing results of electron microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy together with electrochemical analysis, the effects of heat treatment under CO-reductive and O2-oxidative conditions towards FAOR were schematically elucidated. Of special relevance, the mass activity (MA) of PdPt-CO, PdPt-O2, PdRuPt-CO, and PdRuPt-O2 NCs is 1.7/2.0, 1.3/2.2, 1.1/5.5, and 0.9/4.7 Amg−1 in the anodic/cathodic scan, respectively, which is 2~4-folds improved comparative to of as-prepared PdPt (1.0/1.9 Amg−1 in anodic/cathodic scan, respectively) and PdRuPt (0.9/1.4 Amg−1 in anodic/cathodic scan, respectively) NCs. Meanwhile, after chronoamperometric (CA) stability test up to 2000 s, PdPt-CO (72 mAmg−1) and PdRuPt-CO (213 mAmg−1) NCs exhibit higher MA compared to as-prepared PdPt (54 mAmg−1) and PdRuPt (62 mAmg−1) NCs, which is attributed to the increase of surface Pt composition, especially for PdRuPt-CO NC. Besides, the stability of PdPt-O2 (15 mAmg−1) and PdRuPt-O2 (22 mAmg−1) NCs is deteriorated as compared to that of as-prepared NCs due to severe oxidation in O2 atmosphere. Of utmost importance, we developed a ternary PdRuPt catalyst with ultra-low Pt content (~2 wt.%) and significantly improved FAOR performance than pure Pt catalysts. Moreover, we demonstrated that the FAOR performance can be further enhanced by more than 30% via a unique CO annealing treatment.
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway controls matrix metalloproteinase-1 and collagen levels in human orbital fibroblasts
Authors: Roztocil Elisa , Hammond Christine L. , Gonzalez Mithra O. , Feldon Steven E. , Woeller Collynn F.
Published: May 2020

Thyroid eye disease (TED) affects 25–50% of patients with Graves’ Disease. In TED, collagen accumulation leads to an expansion of the extracellular matrix (ECM) which causes destructive tissue remodeling. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) to limit ECM accumulation in vitro. The ability of AHR to control expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) was analyzed. MMP1 degrades collagen to prevent excessive ECM. Human orbital fibroblasts (OFs) were treated with the pro-scarring cytokine, transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) to induce collagen production. The AHR ligand, 6-formylindolo[3,2b]carbazole (FICZ) was used to activate the AHR pathway in OFs. MMP1 protein and mRNA levels were analyzed by immunosorbent assay, Western blotting and quantitative PCR. MMP1 activity was detected using collagen zymography. AHR and its transcriptional binding partner, ARNT were depleted using siRNA to determine their role in activating expression of MMP1. FICZ induced MMP1 mRNA, protein expression and activity. MMP1 expression led to a reduction in collagen 1A1 levels. Furthermore, FICZ-induced MMP1 expression required both AHR and ARNT, demonstrating that the AHR-ARNT transcriptional complex is necessary for expression of MMP1 in OFs. These data show that activation of the AHR by FICZ increases MMP1 expression while leading to a decrease in collagen levels. Taken together, these studies suggest that AHR activation could be a promising target to block excessive collagen accumulation and destructive tissue remodeling that occurs in fibrotic diseases such as TED.
Pulse Reshaping in Double-zero-index Photonic Crystals with Dirac-like-cone Dispersion
Authors: Xu Tao , Zhu Dejun , Hang Zhi Hong
Published: May 2020

Triply-degenerate Dirac-like cone at the Brillouin zone center attracts much research interest in recent years. Whether the linear dispersion in such a Dirac-like cone reflects the same physics to Dirac cones at the Brillouin zone boundaries is still under investigation. In this manuscript, through microwave experiments and numerical simulations, we observe intriguing pulse reshaping phenomena in double-zero-index photonic crystals, which cannot be fully understood from their close-to-zero effective parameters. A reshaped pulse, with frequency components close to the Dirac frequency filtered, is propagating at a constant group velocity while part of these filtered frequencies appears at a much later time. In time domain measurements, we find a way to separate the effect between the linear dispersion and the extra flat band in Dirac-like cone to have a better understanding of the underneath physics. We succeed in obtaining the group velocity inside a double-zero-index photonic crystal and good consistence can be found between experiments, numerical simulations and band diagram calculations.
Caffeoyl–Pro–His amide relieve DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis-Like phenotypes in BALB/c mice
Authors: Jang Sunhyae , Ohn Jungyoon , Kim Ji Won , Kang So Min , Jeon Dasom , Heo Chan Yeong , Lee Yoon-Sik , Kwon Ohsang , Kim Kyu Han
Published: May 2020

The main factors involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) are skin barrier abnormality, allergy/immunology, and pruritus. Considering how oxidative stress influences these factors, antioxidant agents may be effective candidates in the treatment of AD. To evaluate the effect of Caffeoyl–Pro–His amide (CA-PH), an antioxidant agent, on 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like phenotypes in BALB/c mice. Topical sensitization and challenge by DNCB were performed on the dorsal skin of BALB/c mice to induce AD-like cutaneous lesions, phenotypes, and immunologic response. CA-PH was applied topically for 2 weeks to assess its effects on DNCB-induced AD-like phenotypes. As a result, CA-PH relieved DNCB-induced AD-like phenotypes quantified by dermatitis severity score, scratching duration, and trans-epidermal water loss. Histopathological analysis showed that CA-PH decreased epidermal thickening, the number of mast cells, and eosinophil infiltration in dermis. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that CA-PH recovered skin barrier-related proteins: filaggrin, involucrin, and loricrin. As for the immunologic aspects, CA-PH treatment lowered mRNA or protein levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-17a, IL-1b, IL-31, and IL-33 levels and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) levels in cutaneous tissue, reducing the DNCB-induced serum IgE level elevation. In conclusion, topical CA-PH may be a therapeutic option for the treatment of AD.
Generation and characterization of HLA-universal platelets derived from induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Norbnop Phatchara , Ingrungruanglert Praewphan , Israsena Nipan , Suphapeetiporn Kanya , Shotelersuk Vorasuk
Published: May 2020

Platelet demand has increased around the world. However, the inadequacy of donors, the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections and associated reactions, and the refractory nature of platelet transfusions are among the limitations of allogeneic platelet transfusions. To alleviate these problems, we propose generating platelets in a laboratory that do not induce alloimmunity to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I, which is a major cause of immune reaction in platelet transfusion refractoriness. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of a healthy Thai woman. We then knocked out the β2-microglobulin (β2m) gene in the cells using paired CRISPR/Cas9 nickases and sequentially differentiated the cells into haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), megakaryocytes (MKs) and platelets. Silencing of HLA class I expression was observed on the cell surface of β2m-knockout iPSCs, iPSC-derived HSCs, MKs and platelets. The HLA-universal iPSC-derived platelets were shown to be activated, and they aggregated after stimulation. In addition, our in vivo platelet survival experiments demonstrated that human platelets were detectable at 2 and 24 hours after injecting the β2m-KO MKs. In summary, we successfully generated functional iPSC-derived platelets in vitro without HLA class I expression by knocking out the β2m gene using paired CRISPR/Cas9 nickases.
Bioinformatic analysis reveals the importance of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the development of endometriosis
Authors: Chen Meihong , Zhou Yilu , Xu Hong , Hill Charlotte , Ewing Rob M. , He Deming , Zhang Xiaoling , Wang Yihua
Published: May 2020

Background: Endometriosis is a frequently occurring disease in women, which seriously affects their quality of life. However, its etiology and pathogenesis are still unclear. Methods: To identify key genes/pathways involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, we recruited 3 raw microarray datasets (GSE11691, GSE7305, and GSE12768) from Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO), which contain endometriosis tissues and normal endometrial tissues. We then performed in-depth bioinformatic analysis to determine differentially expressed genes (DEGs), followed by gene ontology (GO), Hallmark pathway enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. The findings were further validated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining in endometrial tissues from endometriosis or control patients. Results: We identified 186 DEGs, of which 118 were up-regulated and 68 were down-regulated. The most enriched DEGs in GO functional analysis were mainly associated with cell adhesion, inflammatory response, and extracellular exosome. We found that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) ranked first in the Hallmark pathway enrichment. EMT may potentially be induced by inflammatory cytokines such as CXCL12. IHC confirmed the down-regulation of E-cadherin (CDH1) and up-regulation of CXCL12 in endometriosis tissues. Conclusions: Utilizing bioinformatics and patient samples, we provide evidence of EMT in endometriosis. Elucidating the role of EMT will improve the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of endometriosis.
Photonic crystal cavity-enhanced emission from silicon vacancy centers in polycrystalline diamond achieved without postfabrication fine-tuning
Authors: Ondič Lukáš , Varga Marian , Fait Jan , Hruška Karel , Jurka Vlastimil , Kromka Alexander , Maňák Jan , Kapusta Peter , Nováková Jaroslava
Published: May 2020

Photonic crystal cavities made of polycrystalline diamond show more than 2.5-fold enhancement of the SiV centers zero-phonon line intensity via coupling to the cavity photonic mode.
Direct 3D printing of graphene using capillary suspensions
Authors: Ding Hui , Barg Suelen , Derby Brian
Published: May 2020

3D printed graphene with capillary suspensions require lower concentrations of additives to produce high conductivity constructs.
Mass spectrometry imaging of free-floating brain sections detects pathological lipid distribution in a mouse model of Alzheimer's-like pathology
Authors: Strnad Štěpán , Pražienková Veronika , Holubová Martina , Sýkora David , Cvačka Josef , Maletínská Lenka , Železná Blanka , Kuneš Jaroslav , Vrkoslav Vladimír
Published: May 2020

The applicability of paraformaldehyde-fixed free-floating sections for the MALDI MSI of lipids was studied and the developed procedure was used for studying lipid changes in a mouse model of Alzheimer's pathology.
Distinct classes of multi-subunit heterogeneity: analysis using Fourier Transform methods and native mass spectrometry
Authors: Cleary Sean P. , Prell James S.
Published: May 2020

A classification scheme for heterogeneous multi-subunit assemblies is presented along with theory and experimental demonstration of their characterization using mass spectrometry and Fourier-Transform analysis methods.
An indirect Raman spectroscopy method for the quantitative measurement of respirable crystalline silica collected on filters inside respiratory equipment
Authors: Stacey Peter , Clegg Francis , Morton Jackie , Sammon Christopher
Published: May 2020

A new Raman method for respirable crystalline silica that is capable of measuring concentrations below the limits of detection of current analytical methodology and worker exposures when wearing respirators.
Magnetic solid-phase extraction based on magnetic amino modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes for the fast determination of seven pesticide residues in water samples
Authors: Dong JiaNi , Feng ZhiAo , Kang SongSong , An Ming , Wu GuoDong
Published: May 2020

Magnetic solid-phase extraction based on a magnetic amino modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes for the fast determination of seven pesticide residues in water samples.
A stable version of capillary electrophoresis for determining human hemoglobin chains aiming at the screening and diagnosis of thalassemia
Authors: Guo Chao , Zhang Qianchun , Bao Linchun , Li Hongliang , Zheng Qingfeng , Guo Zhenpeng , Chen Yi
Published: May 2020

A stable version of capillary electrophoresis (CE) for direct separation of hemoglobin chains to the screening and diagnosis of diseases such as thalassemia.
Analysis of intracellular α-keto acids by HPLC with fluorescence detection
Authors: Fujiwara Takuya , Hattori Ayuna , Ito Takahiro , Funatsu Takashi , Tsunoda Makoto
Published: May 2020

We developed a method to analyze six α-keto acids in K562 cells by HPLC with fluorescence detection, using 1,2-diamino-4,5-methylenedioxybenzene as a derivatization reagent.
Biliazine: a ring open phthalocyanine analog with amesohydrogen bond
Authors: Schrage Briana R. , Nemykin Victor N. , Ziegler Christopher J.
Published: May 2020

The hemiporphyrazine type chelate and phthalocyaninine analog biliazine (H2BlzH) and its metal complexes can be synthesized in one-step from a monosubstituted diiminisoindoline (DII).
Polymorphism and structural diversities of LiClO4–β-alanine ionic co-crystals
Authors: Marek Paulina H. , Cichowicz Grzegorz , Osowicka Dorota M. , Madura Izabela D. , Dobrzycki Łukasz , Cyrański Michał K. , Ciesielski Arkadiusz
Published: May 2020

Three novel ionic co-crystals built from lithium perchlorate and β-alanine (LiClO4·βAla,LiClO4·2βAla-I,LiClO4·2βAla-II) are discussed in terms of structural differences. A detailed description of the polymorphic phase transition is given.
Solvation of coronene oligomers by para-H2 molecules: the effects of size and shape
Authors: Calvo F. , Yurtsever E.
Published: May 2020

The number of hydrogen molecules needed to fill the solvation shell of coronene oligomers provides information about their structure.
Unmodified bulk alumina as an efficient catalyst for propane dehydrogenation
Authors: Wang Pengzhao , Xu Zhikang , Wang Tinghai , Yue Yuanyuan , Bao Xiaojun , Zhu Haibo
Published: May 2020

A series of unmodified bulk Al2O3 materials show an intrinsic activity for selectively catalyzing propane dehydrogenation.
Reversible nickel-metallacycle formation with a phosphinimine-based pincer ligand
Authors: Xing Xiujing , Zhang Shaoguang , Thierer Laura M. , Gau Michael R. , Carroll Patrick J. , Tomson Neil C.
Published: May 2020

A phosphinimine-based pincer ligand was found to reversibly form nickel-containing metallacycles.
Concurrent improvement in JSC and VOC in high-efficiency ternary organic solar cells enabled by a red-absorbing small-molecule acceptor with a high LUMO level
Authors: Liu Tao , Ma Ruijie , Luo Zhenghui , Guo Yuan , Zhang Guangye , Xiao Yiqun , Yang Tao , Chen Yuzhong , Li Gang , Yi Yuanping , Lu Xinhui , Yan He , Tang Bo
Published: May 2020

The ternary device achieved an excellent PCE of 15.02% with enhancement in both VOC and JSC by adding a red-absorbing SMA with a high LUMO level.
Identifying patterns and sources of anthropogenic trace metals in the Argentine Central Andes by using snow samples and an atmospheric dispersion model
Authors: Ruggeri Maria F. , Castesana Paula S. , Bolaño-Ortiz Tomas R. , Puliafito Salvador E. , Pascual Flores Romina M. , Altamirano Jorgelina C. , Allende David G.
Published: May 2020

This study presents the first local measurements of metals in snow from the Argentine Central Andes.
Correction: Characterization of aerosolized particles from nanoclay-enabled composites during manipulation processes
Authors: Gyung Lee Eun , Cena Lorenzo , Kwon Jiwoon , Afshari Ali , Park HaeDong , Casuccio Gary , Bunker Kristin , Lersch Traci , Gall Ashley , Pham Huy , Wagner Alixandra , Agarwal Sushant , Dinu Cerasela Zoica , Gupta Rakesh , Friend Sherri A. , Stueckle Todd A.
Published: May 2020

Correction for ‘Characterization of aerosolized particles from nanoclay-enabled composites during manipulation processes’ by Eun Gyung Lee et al., Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020, DOI: 10.1039/c9en01211g.
Deep eutectic solvents: cutting-edge applications in cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Hooshmand Seyyed Emad , Afshari Ronak , Ramón Diego J. , Varma Rajender S.
Published: May 2020

Deep eutectic solvents and their physicochemical properties as task-specific and designer solvents for cross-coupling reactions, are appraised.
Interface modulation in multi-layered BaTiO3 nanofibers/PVDF using the PVP linker layer as an adhesive for high energy density capacitor applications
Authors: Prateek  , Siddiqui Shahil , Bhunia Ritamay , Singh Narendra , Garg Ashish , Gupta Raju Kumar
Published: May 2020

In this work, we have studied the role of a linker across the interface in a multi-layered polymer nanocomposite-based capacitor using barium titanate (BT) nanofibers (NFs) as nanofillers and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as the polymer matrix.
Dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpenoid derivatives from the leaves of Tripterygium wilfordii with potential neuroprotective effects against H2O2-induced SH-SY5Y cell injuries
Authors: Dong Shu-Hui , Bai Ming , Hou Zi-Lin , Zhou Wei-Yu , Yao Guo-Dong , Lin Bin , Huang Xiao-Xiao , Song Shao-Jiang
Published: May 2020

In this study, eight undescribed sesquiterpenoid esters and four known analogues were isolated and their absolute configurations were determined by ECD calculations and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.
Lewis-base containing spiro type hole transporting materials for high-performance perovskite solar cells with efficiency approaching 20%
Authors: Xu Jianbin , Liang Lusheng , Mai Chi-Lun , Zhang Zilong , Zhou Qin , Xiong Qiu , Zhang Zhuangzhuang , Deng Longhui , Gao Peng
Published: May 2020

Lewis base group containing spiro-type hole conductors (spiro-CN-OMeTAD and spiro-PS-OMeTAD) have been synthesized to be HTMs. This study provides an alternative strategy for the molecular design of better HTMs in high-performance Perovskite solar cells.
Identification of a moderate affinity CD22 binding peptide and in vitro optimization of peptide-targeted nanoparticles for selective uptake by CD22+ B-cell malignancies
Authors: Kim Baksun , Shin Jaeho , Kiziltepe Tanyel , Bilgicer Basar
Published: May 2020

Optimized TNP formulation using peptide (PV3), which we identified, enhanced selectivity for CD22+ malignant B cells over healthy B cells.
Ultrafast plasmonic lasing from a metal/semiconductor interface
Authors: Wang Jian , Jia Xiaohao , Wang Zhaotong , Liu Weilong , Zhu Xiaojun , Huang Zhitao , Yu Haichao , Yang Qingxin , Sun Ye , Wang Zhijie , Qu Shengchun , Lin Jie , Jin Peng , Wang Zhanguo
Published: May 2020

Non-hybridized plasmonic nanowire lasers demonstrate ultrafast lasing dynamics and a comparable threshold to their hybrid counterparts.
Insights into the regularity of the formation of 2D 3d transition metal monocarbides
Authors: Larionov K. V. , Seifert G. , Sorokin P. B.
Published: May 2020

Generalization of the formation of two-dimensional 3d transition metal monocarbides amid experimentally known bulk phases and recent theoretical predictions.
Pt–Co truncated octahedral nanocrystals: a class of highly active and durable catalysts toward oxygen reduction
Authors: Shen Min , Xie Minghao , Slack John , Waldrop Krysta , Chen Zitao , Lyu Zhiheng , Cao Shaohong , Zhao Ming , Chi Miaofang , Pintauro Peter N. , Cao Rong , Xia Younan
Published: May 2020

Pt–Co truncated octahedral nanocrystals were synthesized and evaluated as a class of highly active and durable catalysts toward oxygen reduction.
C–H functionalization of quinazolinones by transition metal catalysis
Authors: Ghosh Prasanjit , Ganguly Bhaskar , Das Sajal
Published: May 2020

Quinazolinone and its derivatives are an important class of heterocyclic scaffolds in pharmaceuticals and natural products. This review provides the recent research advances in the transition metal catalyzed selective C–H bond functionalization of quinazolinone.
Cocatalyst-controlled divergent cascade cycloaddition reaction of arylalkynols and dioxopyrrolidienes: access to spiroketals and oxa-bridged eight-membered cyclic ethers
Authors: Wang Hongkai , Zeng Tianlong , Li Xinhong , Wang Songmeng , Xiao Weiguo , Liu Lingyan , Chang Weixing , Li Jing
Published: May 2020

A cocatalyst-controlled divergent cascade cycloaddition reaction was developed for the synthesis of two different complex oxygen-containing heterocyclic compounds from arylalkynols and dioxopyrrolidienes in the presence of Au(i) catalyst.
Video-based instruction on safety rules in the chemistry laboratory: its effect on student achievement
Authors: Pekdağ Bülent
Published: May 2020

This study explores the effect of video-based instruction on the safety rules in the chemistry laboratory on student achievement. The sample for the study comprised 61 ninth grade students enrolled in two different classes at a public high school. The students in the class designated as the experimental group (N= 32) were given video-based instruction onthe safety rules required to be applied in the chemistry laboratory, while the other class that was designated as the control group (N= 29) was taught the same topic, but with traditional instruction. The experimental and control groups were randomly selected, and the same teacher instructed both groups. The students in both groups were administered an academic achievement test on safety rules made up of six open-ended questions as a pretest and as a posttest. The collection of the data took 3 weeks. The pretest was administered in the first week, the posttest in the third week. The data were subjected to content analysis, which was performed as qualitative analysis. It was found as a result of the analysis that the students exposed to video-based instruction showed greater improvement in their academic achievement compared to the students given traditional instruction. The results of the study provide helpful information for chemistry teachers and researchers in the field of chemistry education.
Thermally treated zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) for visible light photocatalytic degradation of gaseous formaldehyde
Authors: Wang Tianqi , Wang Yufei , Sun Mingzhe , Hanif Aamir , Wu Hao , Gu Qinfen , Ok Yong Sik , Tsang Daniel C. W. , Li Jiyang , Yu Jihong , Shang Jin
Published: May 2020

The isocyanate groups (–NCO) derived from –NC– bonds in the organic ligands enables the thermally treated ZIF-8 to act as wide-spectrum photocatalyst.
Safeguarding long-lived excitons from excimer traps in H-aggregated dye-assemblies
Authors: Samanta Samaresh , Ray Subir Kumar , Deolka Shubham , Saha Sudipta , K. R. Pradeep , Bhowal Rohit , Ghosh Nirmalya , Chaudhuri Debangshu
Published: May 2020

An unusually large exciton coupling and spontaneous self-localization safeguards the long-lived excitons of H-aggregated perylene bisimide against a notoriously universal excimeric trapping process, and rekindles its potential as a light-harvesting material.