bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanopore sequencing and the Shasta toolkit enable efficient de novo assembly of eleven human genomes
Authors: Shafin Kishwar , Pesout Trevor , Lorig-Roach Ryan , Haukness Marina , Olsen Hugh E. , Bosworth Colleen , Armstrong Joel , Tigyi Kristof , Maurer Nicholas , Koren Sergey , Sedlazeck Fritz J. , Marschall Tobias , Mayes Simon , Costa Vania , Zook Justin M. , Liu Kelvin J. , Kilburn Duncan , Sorensen Melanie , Munson Katy M. , Vollger Mitchell R. , Monlong Jean , Garrison Erik , Eichler Evan E. , Salama Sofie , Haussler David , Green Richard E. , Akeson Mark , Phillippy Adam , Miga Karen H. , Carnevali Paolo , Jain Miten , Paten Benedict
Published: May 2020

De novo assembly of a human genome using nanopore long-read sequences has been reported, but it used more than 150,000 CPU hours and weeks of wall-clock time. To enable rapid human genome assembly, we present Shasta, a de novo long-read assembler, and polishing algorithms named MarginPolish and HELEN. Using a single PromethION nanopore sequencer and our toolkit, we assembled 11 highly contiguous human genomes de novo in 9 d. We achieved roughly 63× coverage, 42-kb read N50 values and 6.5× coverage in reads >100 kb using three flow cells per sample. Shasta produced a complete haploid human genome assembly in under 6 h on a single commercial compute node. MarginPolish and HELEN polished haploid assemblies to more than 99.9% identity (Phred quality score QV = 30) with nanopore reads alone. Addition of proximity-ligation sequencing enabled near chromosome-level scaffolds for all 11 genomes. We compare our assembly performance to existing methods for diploid, haploid and trio-binned human samples and report superior accuracy and speed.
Genome-wide association study of emotional empathy in children
Authors: Woodbury-Smith M. R. , Paterson A. D. , Szatmari P. , Scherer S. W.
Published: May 2020

The genetic contribution to different aspects of empathy is now established, although the exact loci are unknown. We undertook a genome-wide association study of emotional empathy (EE) as measured by emotion recognition skills in 4,780 8-year old children from the ALSPAC cohort who were genotyped and imputed to Phase 1 version 3 of the 1000 Genomes Project. We failed to find any genome-wide significant signal in either our unstratified analysis or analysis stratified according to sex. A gene-based association analysis similarly failed to find any significant loci. In contrast, our transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) with a whole blood reference panel identified two significant loci in the unstratified analysis, residualised for the effects of age, sex and IQ. One signal was for CD93 on chromosome 20; this gene is not strongly expressed in the brain, however. The other signal was for AL118508, a non-protein coding pseudogene, which completely lies within CD93’s genomic coordinates, thereby explaining its signal. Neither are obvious candidates for involvement in the brain processes that underlie emotion recognition and its developmental pathways.
Predicting circulating biomarker response and its impact on the survival of advanced melanoma patients treated with adjuvant therapy
Authors: Irurzun-Arana Itziar , Asín-Prieto Eduardo , Martín-Algarra Salvador , Trocóniz Iñaki F.
Published: May 2020

Advanced melanoma remains a disease with poor prognosis. Several serologic markers have been investigated to help monitoring and prognostication, but to date only lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) has been validated as a standard prognostic factor biomarker for this disease by the American Joint Committee on Cancer. In this work, we built a semi-mechanistic model to explore the relationship between the time course of several circulating biomarkers and overall or progression free survival in advanced melanoma patients treated with adjuvant high-dose interferon-$${\boldsymbol{\alpha }}{\bf{2}}{\bf{b}}$$α2b. Additionally, due to the adverse interferon tolerability, a semi-mechanistic model describing the side effects of the treatment in the absolute neutrophil counts is proposed in order to simultaneously analyze the benefits and toxic effects of this treatment. The results of our analysis suggest that the relative change from baseline of LDH was the most significant predictor of the overall survival of the patients. Unfortunately, there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with elevated serum biomarkers between the patients who recurred and those who remained free of disease. Still, we believe that the modelling framework presented in this work of circulating biomarkers and adverse effects could constitute an additional strategy for disease monitoring in advance melanoma patients.
Variability and change in the hydro-climate and water resources of Iran over a recent 30-year period
Authors: Moshir Panahi Davood , Kalantari Zahra , Ghajarnia Navid , Seifollahi-Aghmiuni Samaneh , Destouni Georgia
Published: May 2020

Comprehensive assessment of hydro-climatic variations and change trends is essential for understanding, mitigating, and adapting to key water resource changes in different parts of the world. We performed such an assessment on Iran, as representative of an arid/semi-arid and geopolitically important world region. We acquired and calculated data time series of surface temperature (T), precipitation (P), runoff (R), evapotranspiration (ET), and water storage change (DS), to determine their status and changes in and among the 30 main hydrological basins in Iran over the period 1986–2016. From 1986–2000 to 2001–2016, the country warmed, P mostly decreased and R even more so, while water storage was depleted (DS < 0) and ET increased in some basins. Overall, the extra water provided from primarily groundwater depletion has fed and kept ET at levels beyond those sustained by the annually renewable water input from P. This indicates unsustainable use of water for maintaining and expanding human activities, such as irrigated agriculture, in this part of the world.
Single- and double-walled boron nitride nanotubes: Controlled synthesis and application for water purification
Authors: Cho Hyunjin , Kim Jun Hee , Hwang Jae Hun , Kim Cheol Sang , Jang Se Gyu , Park Cheol , Lee Hunsu , Kim Myung Jong
Published: May 2020

Research interest in boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) has increased after the recent success of large-scale BNNT syntheses using high-temperature-pressure laser ablation or high-temperature plasma methods. Nonetheless, there are limits to the application and commercialization of these materials because of the difficulties associated with their fine structural control. Herein, the growth kinetics of BNNTs were systemically studied for this purpose. The growth pressure of the nitrogen feed gas was varied while the growth temperature remained constant, which was confirmed by black body radiation measurements and calculations based on a heat loss model. Changing from the diffusion-limited regime to the supply-limited regime of growth kinetics based on the optimized BNNT synthesis condition afforded the control of the number of BNNT walls. The total amount of BNNTs possessing single and double walls was over 70%, and the BNNT surface area increased to 278.2 m2/g corresponding to small wall numbers and diameters. Taking advantage of the large surface area and high-temperature durability of the material, BNNTs utilized as a recyclable adsorbent for water purification. The efficiency of the BNNTs for capturing methylene blue particles in water was approximately 94%, even after three repetition cycles, showing the potential of the material for application in the filter industry.
Salivary lactate and 8-isoprostaglandin F2α as potential non-invasive biomarkers for monitoring heart failure: a pilot study
Authors: Ghimenti Silvia , Lomonaco Tommaso , Bellagambi Francesca G. , Biagini Denise , Salvo Pietro , Trivella Maria G. , Scali Maria C. , Barletta Valentina , Marzilli Mario , Di Francesco Fabio , Errachid Abdelhamid , Fuoco Roger
Published: May 2020

Heart failure (HF) is a cardiovascular disease affecting about 26 million people worldwide costing about $100 billons per year. HF activates several compensatory mechanisms and neurohormonal systems, so we hypothesized that the concomitant monitoring of a panel of potential biomarkers related to such conditions might help predicting HF evolution. Saliva analysis by point-of-care devices is expected to become an innovative and powerful monitoring approach since the chemical composition of saliva mirrors that of blood. The aims of this study were (i) to develop an innovative procedure combining MEPS with UHPLC-MS/MS for the simultaneous determination of 8-isoprostaglandin F2α and cortisol in saliva and (ii) to monitor lactate, uric acid, TNF-α, cortisol, α-amylase and 8-isoprostaglandin F2α concentrations in stimulated saliva samples collected from 44 HF patients during their hospitalisation due to acute HF. Limit of detection of 10 pg/mL, satisfactory recovery (95–110%), and good intra- and inter-day precisions (RSD ≤ 10%) were obtained for 8-isoprostaglandin F2α and cortisol. Salivary lactate and 8-isoprostaglandin F2α were strongly correlated with NT-proBNP. Most patients (about 70%) showed a significant decrease (a factor of 3 at least) of both lactate and 8-isoprostaglandin F2α levels at discharge, suggesting a relationship between salivary levels and improved clinical conditions during hospitalization.
Routine Karyotyping Reveals Frequent Mosaic Reciprocal Chromosome Translocations in Swine: Prevalence, Pedigree, and Litter Size
Authors: Rezaei Samira , Donaldson Brendan , Villagomez Daniel A. F. , Revay Tamas , Mary Nicolas , Grossi Daniela A. , King W. Allan
Published: May 2020

In the routine commercial karyotype analysis on 5,481 boars, we identified 32 carriers of mosaic reciprocal translocations, half of which were carrying a specific recurrent translocation, mos t(7;9). An additional 7 mosaic translocations were identified through lymphocyte karyotype analysis from parents and relatives of mosaic carriers (n = 45), a control group of non-carrier boars (n = 73), and a mitogen assessment study (n = 20), bringing the total number of mosaic carriers to 39 cases. Mosaic translocations in all carriers were recognized to be confined to hematopoietic cells as no translocations were identified in fibroblasts cells of the carriers. In addition, negative impact on reproduction was not observed as the fertility of the carriers and their relatives were comparable to breed averages, and cryptic mosaicism was not detected in the family tree. This paper presents the first study of mosaic reciprocal translocations identified in swine through routine screening practices on reproductively unproven breeding boars while presenting evidence that these type of chromosome abnormalities are not associated with any affected phenotype on the carrier animals. In addition, the detection of recurrent mosaic translocations in this study may emphasize the non-random nature of mosaic rearrangements in swine and the potential role of genomic elements in their formation.
Prediction of the Mortality Risk in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients using Machine Learning Models: A Nation-wide Prospective Cohort in Korea
Authors: Noh Junhyug , Yoo Kyung Don , Bae Wonho , Lee Jong Soo , Kim Kangil , Cho Jang-Hee , Lee Hajeong , Kim Dong Ki , Lim Chun Soo , Kang Shin-Wook , Kim Yong-Lim , Kim Yon Su , Kim Gunhee , Lee Jung Pyo
Published: May 2020

Herein, we aim to assess mortality risk prediction in peritoneal dialysis patients using machine-learning algorithms for proper prognosis prediction. A total of 1,730 peritoneal dialysis patients in the CRC for ESRD prospective cohort from 2008 to 2014 were enrolled in this study. Classification algorithms were used for prediction of N-year mortality including neural network. The survival hazard ratio was presented by machine-learning algorithms using survival statistics and was compared to conventional algorithms. A survival-tree algorithm presented the most accurate prediction model and outperformed a conventional method such as Cox regression (concordance index 0.769 vs 0.745). Among various survival decision-tree models, the modified Charlson Comorbidity index (mCCI) was selected as the best predictor of mortality. If peritoneal dialysis patients with high mCCI (>4) were aged ≥70.5 years old, the survival hazard ratio was predicted as 4.61 compared to the overall study population. Among the various algorithm using longitudinal data, the AUC value of logistic regression was augmented at 0.804. In addition, the deep neural network significantly improved performance to 0.841. We propose machine learning-based final model, mCCI and age were interrelated as notable risk factors for mortality in Korean peritoneal dialysis patients.
Lithium response in bipolar disorder correlates with improved cell viability of patient derived cell lines
Authors: Paul Pradip , Iyer Shruti , Nadella Ravi Kumar , Nayak Rashmitha , Chellappa Anirudh S. , Ambardar Sheetal , Sud Reeteka , Sukumaran Salil K. , Purushottam Meera , Jain Sanjeev ,   ADBS Consortium (ADBS: The Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells), Rao Naren P. , Narayanaswamy Janardhanan C. , Sivakumar Palanimuthu T. , Kandasamy Arun , Kesavan Muralidharan , Mehta Urvakhsh Meherwan , Venkatasubramanian Ganesan , John John P. , Mukherjee Odity , Kannan Ramakrishnan , Mehta Bhupesh , Kandavel Thennarasu , Binukumar B. , Saini Jitender , Jayarajan Deepak , Shyamsundar A. , Moirangthem Sydney , Kumar K. G. Vijay , Thirthalli Jagadisha , Chandra Prabha S. , Gangadhar Bangalore N. , Murthy Pratima , Panicker Mitradas M. , Bhalla Upinder S. , Chattarji Sumantra , Benegal Vivek , Varghese Mathew , Reddy Janardhan Y. C. , Raghu Padinjat , Rao Mahendra , Viswanath Biju
Published: May 2020

Lithium is an effective, well-established treatment for bipolar disorder (BD). However, the mechanisms of its action, and reasons for variations in clinical response, are unclear. We used neural precursor cells (NPCs) and lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs), from BD patients characterized for clinical response to lithium (using the “Alda scale” and “NIMH Retrospective Life chart method”), to interrogate cellular phenotypes related to both disease and clinical lithium response. NPCs from two biologically related BD patients who differed in their clinical response to lithium were compared with healthy controls. RNA-Seq and analysis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), cell viability, and cell proliferation parameters were assessed, with and without in vitro lithium. These parameters were also examined in LCLs from 25 BD patients (16 lithium responders and 9 non-responders), and 12 controls. MMP was lower in both NPCs and LCLs from BD; but it was reversed with in vitro lithium only in LCLs, and this was unrelated to clinical lithium response. The higher cell proliferation observed in BD was unaffected by in vitro lithium. Cell death was greater in BD. However, LCLs from clinical lithium responders could be rescued by addition of in vitro lithium. In vitro lithium also enhanced BCL2 and GSK3B expression in these cells. Our findings indicate cellular phenotypes related to the disease (MMP, cell proliferation) in both NPCs and LCLs; and those related to clinical lithium response (cell viability, BCL2/GSK3B expression) in LCLs.
The Effects of Presleep Slow Breathing and Music Listening on Polysomnographic Sleep Measures – a pilot trial
Authors: Kuula Liisa , Halonen Risto , Kajanto Kristiina , Lipsanen Jari , Makkonen Tommi , Peltonen Miina , Pesonen Anu-Katriina
Published: May 2020

Knowledge on efficient ways to reduce presleep arousal and, therefore, improve sleep, is scanty. We explored the effects of presleep slow breathing and music listening conditions on sleep quality and EEG power spectral density in young adults in a randomized, controlled trial with a crossover design. Participants’ (N = 20, 50% females) sleep was measured on two consecutive nights with polysomnography (40 nights), the other night serving as the control condition. The intervention condition was either a 30-minute slow breathing exercise or music listening (music by Max Richter: Sleep). The intervention and control conditions were placed in a random order. We measured heart rate variability prior to, during and after the intervention condition, and found that both interventions increased immediate heart rate variability. Music listening resulted in decreased N2 sleep, increased frontal beta1 power spectral density, and a trend towards increased N3 sleep was detected. In the slow breathing condition higher central delta power during N3 was observed. While some indices pointed to improved sleep quality in both intervention groups, neither condition had robust effects on sleep quality. These explorative findings warrant further replication in different populations.
Tuning of oxygen vacancy-induced electrical conductivity in Ti-doped hematite films and its impact on photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Biswas Pranab , Ainabayev Ardak , Zhussupbekova Ainur , Jose Feljin , O’Connor Robert , Kaisha Aitkazy , Walls Brian , Shvets Igor V.
Published: May 2020

Titanium (Ti)-doped hematite (α-Fe2O3) films were grown in oxygen-depleted condition by using the spray pyrolysis technique. The impact of post-deposition annealing in oxygen-rich condition on both the conductivity and water splitting efficiency was investigated. The X-ray diffraction pattern revealed that the films are of rhombohedral α-Fe2O3 structure and dominantly directed along (012). The as-grown films were found to be highly conductive with electrons as the majority charge carriers (n-type), a carrier concentration of 1.09×1020 cm−3, and a resistivity of 5.9×10−2 Ω-cm. The conductivity of the films were reduced upon post-deposition annealing. The origin of the conductivity was attributed firstly to Ti4+ substituting Fe3+ and secondly to the ionized oxygen vacancies (VO) in the crystal lattice of hematite. Upon annealing the samples in oxygen-rich condition, VO slowly depleted and the conductivity reduced. The photocurrent of the as-grown samples was found to be 3.4 mA/cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE. The solar-to-hydrogen efficiency for the as-grown sample was calculated to be 4.18% at 1.23 V vs. RHE. The photocurrents were found to be significantly stable in aqueous environment. A linear relationship between conductivity and water-splitting efficiency was established.
Development of Social Attention and Oxytocin Levels in Maltreated Children
Authors: Suzuki Shizuka , Fujisawa Takashi X. , Sakakibara Nobuko , Fujioka Toru , Takiguchi Shinichiro , Tomoda Akemi
Published: May 2020

Child maltreatment (CM) is a major risk factor for various psychopathologies but also adversely affects social development. Research on oxytocin (OT) is currently drawing attention as an endocrine basis for social development. In this study, we investigated the relationship between visual attention to social cues and salivary OT levels in children exposed to CM. The results revealed that the CM group had a significantly lower percentage of gaze fixation for the human face eye area and lower salivary OT levels compared to the typical development group. Moreover, a path analysis suggested that gaze fixation for the eye area was a mediator of the relationship between salivary OT levels and social-emotional problems in the CM group. These results suggest that lower endogenous OT levels in maltreated children may lead to atypical development of their visual attention to eyes as a social cue, resulting in social-emotional problems.
Common and distinct lateralised patterns of neural coupling during focused attention, open monitoring and loving kindness meditation
Authors: Yordanova Juliana , Kolev Vasil , Mauro Federica , Nicolardi Valentina , Simione Luca , Calabrese Lucia , Malinowski Peter , Raffone Antonino
Published: May 2020

Meditation has been integrated into different therapeutic interventions. To inform the evidence-based selection of specific meditation types it is crucial to understand the neural processes associated with different meditation practices. Here we explore commonalities and differences in electroencephalographic oscillatory spatial synchronisation patterns across three important meditation types. Highly experienced meditators engaged in focused attention, open monitoring, and loving kindness meditation. Improving on previous research, our approach avoids comparisons between groups that limited previous findings, while ensuring that the meditation states are reliably established. Employing a novel measure of neural coupling – the imaginary part of EEG coherence – the study revealed that all meditation conditions displayed a common connectivity pattern that is characterised by increased connectivity of (a) broadly distributed delta networks, (b) left-hemispheric theta networks with a local integrating posterior focus, and (c) right-hemispheric alpha networks, with a local integrating parieto-occipital focus. Furthermore, each meditation state also expressed specific synchronisation patterns differentially recruiting left- or right-lateralised beta networks. These observations provide evidence that in addition to global patterns, frequency-specific inter-hemispheric asymmetry is one major feature of meditation, and that mental processes specific to each meditation type are also supported by lateralised networks from fast-frequency bands.
First report of AChE1 (G119S) mutation and multiple resistance mechanisms in Anopheles gambiae s.s. in Nigeria
Authors: Fagbohun Ifeoluwa Kayode , Idowu Emmanuel Taiwo , Otubanjo Olubunmi Adetoro , Awolola Taiwo Samson
Published: May 2020

Susceptibility and PBO synergist bioassays were done using 3–5 days old femaleAnophelesmosquito collected from Lagos State, Nigeria with WHO test papers DDT (4%), permethrin (0.75%), Bendiocarb (1%) and PBO (4%) according to standard procedures. The activities of cytochrome P450s, glutathione S-transferase and carboxylesterases were determined using biochemical assays. The presence ofkdr-w,kdr-eandAce-1Rmutations were examined using molecular assays. Resistance to DDT and permethrin inAn gambiaes.s from the four Local Government Areas (LGAs) was recorded while suspected resistance to bendiocarb was recorded in mosquitoes from Alimosho and Kosofe LGAs. PBO synergist reduced the knockdown time and also recorded significantly (P < 0.05) higher 24 hrs percentage mortality compared to non-synergized bioassays. Increased activities of detoxifying enzymes was recorded in wild mosquito compared to the insecticides susceptible laboratory strain and this was significant (P < 0.05) in P450s, esterase α and β.Kdr-wwas detected inAn. gambiaes.s from all the LGAs,kdr-e(L1014S) was detected in Alimosho, Kosofe and Ibeju-Lekki, while theAce-1Rgene was detected in Alimosho and Kosofe. Results from this study provide evidence for resistance ofAn. gambiaefrom Lagos State to multiple classes of neurotoxic insecticides with multiple resistance mechanisms to these insecticides.
Feasibility and safety of focused ultrasound-enabled liquid biopsy in the brain of a porcine model
Authors: Pacia Christopher Pham , Zhu Lifei , Yang Yaoheng , Yue Yimei , Nazeri Arash , Michael Gach H. , Talcott Michael R. , Leuthardt Eric C. , Chen Hong
Published: May 2020

Although blood-based liquid biopsy is a promising noninvasive technique to acquire a comprehensive molecular tumor profile by detecting cancer-specific biomarkers (e.g. DNA, RNA, and proteins), there has been limited progress for brain tumor application partially because the low permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) hinders the release of tumor biomarkers. We previously demonstrated focused ultrasound-enabled liquid biopsy (FUS-LBx) that uses FUS to increase BBB permeability in murine glioblastoma models and thus enhance the release of tumor-specific biomarkers into the bloodstream. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of FUS-LBx in the normal brain tissue of a porcine model. Increased BBB permeability was confirmed by the significant increase (p = 0.0053) in Ktrans (the transfer coefficient from blood to brain extravascular extracellular space) when comparing the FUS-sonicated brain area with the contralateral non-sonicated area. Meanwhile, there was a significant increase in the blood concentrations of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, p = 0.0074) and myelin basic protein (MBP, p = 0.0039) after FUS sonication as compared with before FUS. There was no detectable tissue damage by T2*-weighted MRI and histological analysis. Findings from this study suggest that FUS-LBx is a promising technique for noninvasive and localized diagnosis of the molecular profiles of brain diseases with the potential to translate to the clinic.
The alleviating effect of exogenous polyamines on heat stress susceptibility of different heat resistant wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties
Authors: Jing Jianguo , Guo Suyan , Li Youfang , Li Weihua
Published: May 2020

High temperature inhibits wheat grain filling. Polyamines (PAs) are closely associated with plant resistance caused by abiotic stress. However, little is known about the effect of PAs on the grain filling of wheat under heat stress. Two wheat varieties differing in heat resistance were used, and endogenous PAs levels were measured during grain filling under normal growth conditions outside the greenhouse (CK), artificially simulated high temperature (HT), artificially simulated high temperature plus exogenous application of spermine (HT + Spm) and artificially simulated high temperature plus spermidine (HT + Spd) treatments. Additionally, the variation of antioxidant enzymatic activities and osmotic adjustable substances content in grains was measured during grain filling. The results showed that compared with HT,HT + Spm and HT + Spd significantly increased grain weight of XC 6 (heat-resistant variety) by 19% and 5%, and XC 31 (heat-sensitive variety) by 31% and 34%, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD)and catalase (CAT) and content of Spm, Spd, and proline (Pro) increased significantly, while putrescine (Put), malondialdehyde (MDA) and soluble sugar (SS)contentdecreased during grain filling; The correlation analysis showed that grain weight was negatively correlated with the content of PUT, MDA, Pro and activity of SOD and CAT and positively correlated with the content of Spd and activity of POD in grains. Our results indicated that exogenous Spm and Spd could alleviate the heat injury of grain filling.
Human platelet antigen 1-6, 9 and 15 in the Iranian population: An anthropological genetic analysis
Authors: Kazemi Mohammad Hossein , Malakootikhah Farideh , Momeni-Varposhti Zahra , Falak Reza , Delbandi Ali-Akbar , Tajik Nader
Published: May 2020

Human platelet antigens (HPAs) are membranous glycoproteins considered as alloantigens due to their polymorphisms. HPA-incompatibility in multiple pregnancies or blood transfusion can induce the development of alloantibodies leading to thrombocytopenia. The frequency of HPAs varies among populations, so that deep knowledge of HPA frequencies will help us to reduce those incompatibilities. Herein, we studied the allele and genotype frequencies of HPA1-6, HPA9, and HPA15 among the Iranians with intra- and inter-populations analyses on 36 worldwide populations with diverse ethnicities. The analysis shows that the HPA2 and HPA5 have the greatest differences in genotype distribution between the Iranians and other nations, although similar to other populations, the sole allele found in HPA4, 6, and 9 is “a”. Despite other HPAs, the most frequent allele in HPA15 is “b”, which is also abundant in HPA3. Hierarchical clustering indicates the highest degree of global similarity in HPA genotype frequency among Iranian, Argentinian, Brazilian, and German Turkish populations. Our findings can be applied to decrease the risk of alloimmunizations and platelet disorders, especially in neonates.
Double hemispheric Microdialysis study in poor-grade SAH patients
Authors: Torné Ramon , Culebras Diego , Sanchez-Etayo Gerard , García-García Sergio , Muñoz Guido , Llull Laura , Amaro Sergio , Heering Christian , Blasco Jordi , Zavala Elizabeth , Enseñat Joaquim
Published: May 2020

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a dreadful complication present in 30% of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients. DCI prediction and prevention are burdensome in poor grade SAH patients (WFNS 4–5). Therefore, defining an optimal neuromonitoring strategy might be cumbersome. Cerebral microdialysis (CMD) offers near-real-time regional metabolic data of the surrounding brain. However, unilateral neuromonitoring strategies obviate the diffuse repercussions of SAH. To assess the utility, indications and therapeutic implications of bilateral CMD in poor grade SAH patients. Poor grade SAH patients eligible for multimodal neuromonitoring were prospectively collected. Aneurysm location and blood volume were assessed on initial Angio-CT scans. CMD probes were bilaterally implanted and maintained, at least, for 48 hours (h). Ischemic events were defined as a Lactate/Pyruvate ratio >40 and Glucose concentration <0.7 mmol/L. 16 patients were monitored for 1725 h, observing ischemic events during 260 h (15.1%). Simultaneous bilateral ischemic events were rare (5 h, 1.9%). The established threshold of ≥7 ischemic events displayed a specificity and sensitivity for DCI of 96.2% and 83.3%, respectively. Bilateral CMD is a safe and useful strategy to evaluate areas at risk of suffering DCI in SAH patients. Metabolic crises occur bilaterally but rarely simultaneously. Hence, unilateral neuromonitoring strategies underestimate the risk of infarction and the possibility to offset its consequences.
The teleost fish, blue gourami Trichopodus trichopterus, distinguishes the taste of chemically similar substances
Authors: Kasumyan Alexander O. , Mouromtsev Grigoryi E.
Published: May 2020

Behavioural approaches permit studies of the functional features of animal gustatory systems at the organism level, but they are seldom used compared to molecular and electrophysiological methods. This imbalance is particularly apparent in studies on fish gustation. Consequently, our notion of taste preferences remains limited in fish, the most numerous and diverse group of vertebrates. The present study aimed to determine whether fish could distinguish the tastes of chemical substances with similar structures and configurations. We performed behavioural trials, where each test substance (L-alanine, glycine, L-cysteine and 9 of their derivatives; 0.1 M) was incorporated into agar pellets, and presented to blue gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus). We found that L-α-, L-β-, and D-α-alanine as well as L-cysteine and L-cystine had different palatabilities; and glycine, methyl-glycine, dimethyl-glycine-HCl, trimethyl-glycine, and glycyl-glycine had similar taste qualities. Results show that molecular transformation could shift the palatability of amino acids, which led to changes in the orosensory behaviour of blue gourami. The ability of fish to display different taste preferences for substances, like amino acids and their, derivetives, widely distributed among aquatic organisms, undoubtedly forms the sensory basis for selective feeding, which in turn, reduces the competition for food among sympatric species in natural waters.
Synergic effect of pore size engineering and an applied electric field on the controlled permeation of alkali metal atoms and ions across pristine and defect-containing h-BN sheets
Authors: Munsif Sajida , Kosar Naveen , Hashmi Muhammad Ali , Mahmood Tariq , Gilani Mazhar Amjad , Ayub Khurshid
Published: May 2020

Electric field facilitates the diffusion of Na and Li+.
A self-healable, moldable and bioactive biomaterial gum for personalised and wearable drug delivery
Authors: Shahbazi Mohammad-Ali , Shrestha Neha , Pierchala Malgorzata Karolina , Kadumudi Firoz Babu , Mehrali Mehdi , Hasany Masoud , Préat Véronique , Leeuwenburgh Sander , Dolatshahi-Pirouz Alireza
Published: May 2020

A polymeric gum has been developed herein, which combines high stretchability and self-healing capacity with a bioactivity that can target and eliminate bacterial infections and inflammations.
Plasmonic nanobiosensors for detection of microRNA cancer biomarkers in clinical samples
Authors: Crawford Bridget M. , Wang Hsin-Neng , Stolarchuk Christina , von Furstenberg Richard J. , Strobbia Pietro , Zhang Dadong , Qin Xiaodi , Owzar Kouros , Garman Katherine S. , Vo-Dinh Tuan
Published: May 2020

A homogeneous iMS biosensor allows for the discrimination of esophageal cancer tissue from normal tissue via detection of microRNA biomarkers within clinical samples.
Quantitative toxicological study of dose-dependent arsenic-induced cells via synchrotron-based STXM and FTIR measurement
Authors: Xiu Junshan , Liu Yunyan , Wang Benyi , Xue Yanling , Chen Min , Ji Te , Liu Huiqiang
Published: May 2020

Inorganic arsenic (iAs) is a well-known naturally occurring metalloid with abundant hazards to our environment, especially being a human carcinogen through arsenic-contaminated drinking water.
Disulfiram-gold-nanorod integrate for effective tumor targeting and photothermal-chemical synergistic therapy
Authors: Xu Chaoli , Zhang Ting , Lu Guangming , Chen Kun , Tao Jun , Zhang Yunlei , Teng Zhaogang , Yang Bin
Published: May 2020

Herein, we successfully constructed a combination therapeutic nanoplatform with high tumor targeting for cancer treatment by integrating gold nanorods with disulfiram (denoted Au-DSF).
ZBTB20-mediated titanium particle-induced peri-implant osteolysis by promoting macrophage inflammatory responses
Authors: Qiu Junxiong , Peng Peng , Xin Min , Wen Zhenkang , Chen Zhong , Lin Sipeng , Kuang Manyuan , Fu Yuan , Fang Guibin , Li Shixun , Li Changchuan , Mao Jiaji , Qin Ling , Ding Yue
Published: May 2020

Aseptic loosening (AL) caused by wear particles released from implant surfaces is one of the main causes for the failure of artificial joints, which is initiated by macrophage inflammatory responses.
Fluorescence imaging-guided multifunctional liposomes for tumor-specific phototherapy for laryngeal carcinoma
Authors: Wu Di , Zhao Zheng , Wang Nan , Zhang Xinrui , Yan Honghong , Chen Xiaoqi , Fan Yunyun , Liu Weiwei , Liu Xuekui
Published: May 2020

The tumor-targeting iLIPICG provides a promising strategy to improve the precision imaging and effective phototherapy for the treatment of laryngeal carcinoma.
Macrocyclization of 3-triflyloxybenzynes with tetrahydrofuran via an anionic thia-Fries rearrangement
Authors: Cheng Ruixiang , Xiong Wenfang , Qi Chaorong , Wang Lu , Ren Yanwei , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: May 2020

An uncommon macrocyclization reaction between 3-triflyloxybenzynes and tetrahydrofuran leading to novel 19-membered polyether macrocycles is reported.
Base-promoted domino-borylation-protodeboronation strategy
Authors: Kuang Zhijie , Yang Kai , Zhou Yao , Song Qiuling
Published: May 2020

Abundant multi-borylated compounds, such as alkyl 1,2-bis(boronates), gem-diborylalkanes and 1,1,2-tris(boronates) are constructed via the base-promoted DBP strategies, which can undergo selective protodeboronation, giving many borylated molecules.
Engineering of a Au-sensor to develop a Hg-specific, sensitive and robust whole-cell biosensor for on-site water monitoring
Authors: Mendoza Julián I. , Soncini Fernando C. , Checa Susana K.
Published: May 2020

A Hg-specific and sensitive sensor protein was designed and integrated into an optimized whole-cell biosensor platform. Quantitative and semiquantitative approaches validate the application of this analytical tool for on-site Hg monitoring.
A fentanyl vaccine constructed upon opsonizing antibodies specific for the Galα1–3Gal epitope
Authors: Wang Jiaxing , Ellis Beverly , Zhou Bin , Eubanks Lisa M. , Blake Steven , Janda Kim D.
Published: May 2020

A double-conjugate fentanyl vaccine leveraging preformed anti-Gal antibodies significantly reduced the pain-relieving effect of fentanyl in mice.
Enhancement of long-lived luminescence in nanophosphors by surface defect passivation
Authors: Fu Linna , Wang Jie , Chen Na , Ma Qinqin , Lu Danqing , Yuan Quan
Published: May 2020

We found that surface defects quenched the persistent luminescence in nanophosphors, and surface passivation can improve the persistent luminescence efficiency.
Correction: Preparation of carbon dots by non-focusing pulsed laser irradiation in toluene
Authors: Yu Huiwu , Li Xiangyou , Zeng Xiaoyan , Lu Yongfeng
Published: May 2020

Correction for ‘Preparation of carbon dots by non-focusing pulsed laser irradiation in toluene’ by Huiwu Yu et al., Chem. Commun., 2016, 52, 819–822, DOI: 10.1039/C5CC08384B.
Modified floating-zone crystal growth of Mg4Ta2O9 and its scintillation performance
Authors: Yuan Dongsheng , Moretti Federico , Perrodin Didier , Bizarri Gregory , Shalapska Tetiana , Dujardin Christophe , Bourret Edith
Published: May 2020

Rods of single crystal MgTaO9 were produced free of macroscopic defects and their scintillation properties including afterglow were measured. The compound characteristics make it a candidate for high energy X-ray radiography applications.
Solution and calorimetric thermodynamic study of a new 1 : 1 sulfamethazine–3-methylsalicylic acid co-crystal
Authors: Ahuja Dipali , Svärd Michael , Lusi Matteo , Rasmuson Åke C.
Published: May 2020

The formation thermodynamics of a new 1 : 1 sulfamethazine–3-methylsalicylic acid co-crystal reveals spontaneity of formation associated with a positive enthalpy change.
Structural investigations of molecular solutes within nanostructured ionic liquids
Authors: Yalcin Dilek , Welsh Ivan D. , Matthewman Emma L. , Jun Seongmin Paul , Mckeever-Willis Mikkaila , Gritcan Iana , Greaves Tamar L. , Weber Cameron C.
Published: May 2020

Amphiphilic nanostructures of ionic liquids are retained to high solute concentrations and the partitioning of solutes within these nanostructures can be rationally influenced by ion selection.
Semiconducting two-dimensional group VA–VA haeckelite compounds with superior carrier mobility
Authors: Lin Xin-Yue , Meng Fan-Shun , Liu Qi-Chao , Xue Qi , Zhang Hui
Published: May 2020

A series of two-dimensional (2D) single-layer binary group VA–VA crystals, where VA represents P, As, Sb and Bi, are explored by the first-principles calculations.
Dynamic mechanism of halide salts on the phase transition of protein models, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide)
Authors: Yan Xiaoshuang , Chu Yueying , Liu Biaolan , Ru Geying , Di Yi , Feng Jiwen
Published: May 2020

The ionic effects of three halide salts (NaI, NaCl and NaBr) on thermosensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide) have been investigated by NMR, DFT-D calculations and DLS.
On the extraordinary pressure stability of the Thermotoga maritima arginine binding protein and its folded fragments – a high-pressure FTIR spectroscopy study
Authors: Jaworek Michel W. , Ruggiero Alessia , Graziano Giuseppe , Winter Roland , Vitagliano Luigi
Published: May 2020

The domain swapped dimer of the arginine binding protein from Thermotoga maritima and its truncated variants are stable even at 10 kbar of pressure.
Mesoporous Ce-doped ZnO hollow microspheres for oxidation of 1,2-dichlorobenzene
Authors: Wen Jiaxin , Guo Haiwei , Ma Xiaodong , Wei Zizhang , He Xu , Zhang Longlong , Li Bodong , Wang Tao , Cheng Yanhu
Published: May 2020

ZnCe5 microspheres exhibited excellent activity in o-DCB oxidation due to the enhanced reducibility and high concentration of surface active oxygen.
Synthesis of a vinyl chloride monomer via acetylene hydrochlorination with a ruthenium-based N-heterocyclic carbene complex catalyst
Authors: Cai Ming , Zhang Haiyang , Man Baochang , Li Jian , Li Linfeng , Li Yanqin , Xie Dongyang , Deng Renpan , Zhang Jinli
Published: May 2020

Delocalisation and transfer of electrons in the formed IPr–(Ru) synergistically yields a significant improvement in activity with respect to its counterpart.
An Yb(OTf)3 and visible light relay catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloaddition/[3,3]-rearrangement/[4 + 2] cycloaddition in one pot to prepare oxazonine-fused endoperoxides
Authors: Ma Xiao-Pan , Nong Cai-Mei , Liang Yu-Feng , Xu Pei-Pei , Guo Xiu-Yun , Liang Cui , Pan Cheng-Xue , Su Gui-Fa , Mo Dong-Liang
Published: May 2020

A Yb(OTf)3 and visible light relay catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloaddition/[3,3]-rearrangement/[4 + 2] cycloaddition in one pot was developed to prepare oxazonine-fused endoperoxides in good yields from N-vinyl nitrones and methylenecyclopropanes.
Capacitive sensing of triglyceride film reactions: a proof-of-concept demonstration for sensing in simulated duodenal contents with gastrointestinal targeting capsule system
Authors: Banis George E. , Beardslee Luke A. , Stine Justin M. , Sathyam Rajendra Mayavan , Ghodssi Reza
Published: May 2020

Ingestible capsule systems continue to evolve to overcome drawbacks associated with traditional gastrointestinal diagnostic and therapeutic processes, such as limitations on region accessibility or the inability to measure local biomarkers.
A magnetic hierarchical zero-valent iron nanoflake-decorated graphene nanoplate composite for simultaneous adsorption and reductive degradation of rhodamine B
Authors: Dang Trung-Dung , Le Hang T. T. , Nguyen Duy Anh , La Duong Duc , Nguyen Dinh Duc
Published: May 2020

Fabrication of a hierarchical ZVI nanoflake@graphene nanoplate composite for simultaneous adsorption and reductive degradation of rhodamine B dye.
An expedient synthesis of new imino-thiazolidinone grafted dispiro-pyrrolidine-oxindole/indeno hybrids via a multicomponent [3+2] cycloaddition reaction in a deep eutectic solvent
Authors: Singh Ruby , Saini Munna Ram , Bhardwaj Diksha , Singh Aakash
Published: May 2020

A facile and selective synthesis of novel factionalized dispiro-pyrrolidines via a three component [3+2] cycloaddition reaction using a deep eutectic solvent.
Ultrasonic promoted synthesis of Ag nanoparticle decorated thiourea-functionalized magnetic hydroxyapatite: a robust inorganic–organic hybrid nanocatalyst for oxidation and reduction reactions
Authors: Bahadorikhalili Saeed , Arshadi Hosein , Afrouzandeh Zahra , Ma'mani Leila
Published: May 2020

In this research, ultrasonic synthesis is applied for the fabrication of a novel catalyst, based on immobilization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on thiourea functionalized magnetic hydroxyapatite.
Antitumor effects of novel nickel–hydrazone complexes in lung cancer cells
Authors: Ay Burak , Şahin Onur , Saygıdeğer Demir Burcu , Saygideger Yasemin , López-de-Luzuriaga José M. , Mahmoudi Ghodrat , Safin Damir A.
Published: May 2020

Two novel nickel(ii) complexes [NiLI]·CH3CN (1·CH3CN) and [Ni(H2LII)(NCS)2]·0.5H2O (2·0.5H2O) were fabricated and in in vitro experiments they both showed the dose dependent cytotoxicity and killed A549 lung cancer cells via an apoptotic pathway.
Controllable synthesis of an intercalated SnS2/aEG structure for enhanced NO2 gas sensing performance at room temperature
Authors: Ma Laifeng , Zhang Xueyi , Wang Jue , Ikram Muhammad , Ullah Mohib , Lv He , Wu Hongyuan , Shi Keying
Published: May 2020

An intercalated SnS2/aEG structure with abundant heterojunctions for enhanced NO2 gas sensing performance at room temperature.
Modulating the thermomechanical properties and self-healing efficiency of siloxane-based soft polymers through metal–ligand coordination
Authors: Pignanelli Julia , Qian Zhiyuan , Gu Xiaodan , Ahamed Mohammed Jalal , Rondeau-Gagné Simon
Published: May 2020

An efficient strategy to modulate the thermomechanical properties and self-healing of soft polymers has been developed by rationally selecting the metal used for supramolecular crosslinking.
Iodine-catalyzed α,β-dehydrogenation of ketones and aldehydes generating conjugated enones and enals
Authors: Cao Yuanjie , Liu Long , Huang Tianzeng , Chen Tieqiao
Published: May 2020

A transition metal-free α,β-dehydrogenation of ketones and aldehydes was developed.
A first-principles study of the substitutional doping of the MgCl2 monolayer for spintronics applications
Authors: Lima Igo T. , Vasconcelos Railson , Gargano Ricardo , Paura Edson N. C.
Published: May 2020

Based on first-principles calculations, we studied the functionalization of the MgCl2 monolayer with nonmetal (NM) and transition-metal (TM) atoms.
A new family of silver(i) complexes stabilised by the phosphanylborane (C6H5)2PBH2·N(CH3)3
Authors: Elsayed Moussa Mehdi , Marquardt Christian , Hegen Oliver , Seidl Michael , Scheer Manfred
Published: May 2020

By the reaction of the phosphanylborane Ph2PBH2·NMe3 with Ag[FAl{OC6F10(C6F5)}3] or Ag[BF4] first Ag(i) coordination compounds stabilized by phosphine-boranes were obtained.
Tunable wideband slot antennas based on printable graphene inks
Authors: Chen Xiaoxiao , Liu Xu , Li Shouhao , Wang Weimin , Wei Di , Wu Yongle , Liu Zhongfan
Published: May 2020

A wideband slot antenna based on printable graphene inks is tuned by applying DC voltage.
Nanoscale tailoring of supramolecular crystals via an oriented external electric field
Authors: Zeng Xingming , Khan Sadaf Bashir , Mahmood Ayyaz , Lee Shern-Long
Published: May 2020

The oriented external electric field of a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) has recently been adapted for controlling the chemical reaction and supramolecular phase transition at surfaces with molecular precision.
Controlled growth and ion intercalation mechanism of monocrystalline niobium pentoxide nanotubes for advanced rechargeable aluminum-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Lei , Lin Huinan , Kong Weihua , Hu Yi , Chen Renpeng , Zhao Peiyang , Shokouhimehr Mohammadreza , Zhang Xiao Li , Tie Zuoxiu , Jin Zhong
Published: May 2020

A chemical vapor deposition method was developed to prepare single-crystal orthogonal Nb2O5 nanotubes for rechargeable aluminum ion batteries, showing a high reversible capability of 556 mA h g−1 at 25 mA g−1 and good thermal endurability at 50 °C.
Integrated POSS-dendrimer nanohybrid materials: current status and future perspective
Authors: Li Zhan , Hu Junfei , Yang Lei , Zhang Xueqian , Liu Xianhu , Wang Zhao , Li Yiwen
Published: May 2020

This review summarizes POSS-dendrimer nanohybrid materials, focusing on their synthesis strategies, adjustable macroscopic properties, and potential applications. Moreover, their current trends, challenges and future directions are also elaborated.
Optimizing the thermoelectric performances of conjugated polymer backbonesviaincorporating tailored platinum(ii) acetylides
Authors: Liu Chunfa , Yin Xiaojun , Liu Jianwen , Gao Chunmei , Wang Lei
Published: May 2020

Conjugated polymers incorporated with platinum acetylides offer an effective approach to realizing both high conductivity and high Seebeck coefficient values.
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of dihydroartemisinin prodrug nanocomplexes as a nano-drug delivery system: characterization, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
Authors: Ren Guolian , Chen Pei , Tang Jiaqi , Guo Wenju , Wang Rongrong , Li Ning , Li Yujie , Zhang Guoshun , Wang Ruili , Zhang Shuqiu
Published: May 2020

To develop new, more effective and lower toxicity antitumor dihydroartemisinin (DHA) nanocomplexes, a DHA prodrug synthesized in this study was used to prepare DHA prodrug self-assembled nanocomplexes (DHANPs) by molecular self-assembly technology.
Structural, optical and photocatalytic properties of erbium (Er3+) and yttrium (Y3+) doped TiO2 thin films with remarkable self-cleaning super-hydrophilic properties
Authors: da Silva Cardoso Raquel , Maria de Amorim Suélen , Scaratti Gidiane , Moura-Nickel Camilla Daniela , Muniz Moreira Rodrigo Peralta , Li Puma Gianluca , Moreira Regina de Fatima Peralta Muniz
Published: May 2020

The self-cleaning and super hydrophilic properties of pristine TiO2 and of TiO2 doped with Er3+ or Y3+ transparent thin films deposited onto glass substrates were investigated.
49.25% efficient cyan emissive sulfur dots via a microwave-assisted route
Authors: Hu Zhe , Dai Hanqing , Wei Xian , Su Danlu , Wei Chang , Chen Yuanyuan , Xie Fengxian , Zhang Wanlu , Guo Ruiqian , Qu Songnan
Published: May 2020

The cyan emissive sulfur dots with a record high PL QY of 49.25% were successfully synthesized via a microwave-assisted route.