bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of blood-induced Anopheles gambiae midgut proteins and sexual stage Plasmodium falciparum interaction reveals mosquito genes important for malaria transmission
Authors: Cui Yingjun , Niu Guodong , Li Vincent L. , Wang Xiaohong , Li Jun
Published: August 2020

Plasmodium invasion of mosquito midguts is a mandatory step for malaria transmission. The roles of mosquito midgut proteins and parasite interaction during malaria transmission are not clear. This study aims to identify mosquito midgut proteins that interact with and affect P. falciparum invasion. Based on gene expression profiles and protein sequences, 76 mosquito secretory proteins that are highly expressed in midguts and up-regulated by blood meals were chosen for analysis. About 61 candidate genes were successfully cloned from Anopheles gambiae and expressed in insect cells. ELISA analysis showed that 25 of the insect cell-expressed recombinant mosquito proteins interacted with the P. falciparum-infected cell lysates. Indirect immunofluorescence assays confirmed 17 of them interacted with sexual stage parasites significantly stronger than asexual stage parasites. Knockdown assays found that seven candidate genes significantly changed mosquitoes' susceptibility to P. falciparum. Four of them (AGAP006268, AGAP002848, AGAP006972, and AGAP002851) played a protective function against parasite invasion, and the other three (AGAP008138, FREP1, and HPX15) facilitated P. falciparum transmission to mosquitoes. Notably, AGAP008138 is a unique gene that only exists in Anopheline mosquitoes. These gene products are ideal targets to block malaria transmission.
Applied machine learning for predicting the lanthanide-ligand binding affinities
Authors: Chaube Suryanaman , Goverapet Srinivasan Sriram , Rai Beena
Published: August 2020

Binding affinities of metal–ligand complexes are central to a multitude of applications like drug design, chelation therapy, designing reagents for solvent extraction etc. While state-of-the-art molecular modelling approaches are usually employed to gather structural and chemical insights about the metal complexation with ligands, their computational cost and the limited ability to predict metal–ligand stability constants with reasonable accuracy, renders them impractical to screen large chemical spaces. In this context, leveraging vast amounts of experimental data to learn the metal-binding affinities of ligands becomes a promising alternative. Here, we develop a machine learning framework for predicting binding affinities (logK1) of lanthanide cations with several structurally diverse molecular ligands. Six supervised machine learning algorithms—Random Forest (RF), k-Nearest Neighbours (KNN), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR), Multi Layered Perceptrons (MLP) and Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost)—were trained on a dataset comprising thousands of experimental values oflogK1and validated in an external 10-folds cross-validation procedure. This was followed by a thorough feature engineering and feature importance analysis to identify the molecular, metallic and solvent features most relevant to binding affinity prediction, along with an evaluation of performance metrics against the dimensionality of feature space. Having demonstrated the excellent predictive ability of our framework, we utilized the best performing AdaBoost model to predict thelogK1values of lanthanide cations with nearly 71 million compounds present in the PubChem database. Our methodology opens up an opportunity for significantly accelerating screening and design of ligands for various targeted applications, from vast chemical spaces.
ARID1A protein expression is retained in ovarian endometriosis with ARID1A loss-of-function mutations: implication for the two-hit hypothesis
Authors: Yachida Nozomi , Yoshihara Kosuke , Suda Kazuaki , Nakaoka Hirofumi , Ueda Haruka , Sugino Kentaro , Yamaguchi Manako , Mori Yutaro , Yamawaki Kaoru , Tamura Ryo , Ishiguro Tatsuya , Isobe Masanori , Motoyama Teiichi , Inoue Ituro , Enomoto Takayuki
Published: August 2020

ARID1A loss-of-function mutation accompanied by a loss of ARID1A protein expression is considered one of the most important driver events in endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer. Although our recent genomic study clarified that ARID1A loss-of-function mutations were detected in 13% of ovarian endometriosis, an association between the ARID1A mutation status and ARID1A protein expression in ovarian endometriosis remains unclear. We performed immunohistochemical staining for ARID1A in 78 ovarian endometriosis samples and 99 clear cell carcinoma samples. We revealed that not only 70 endometriosis samples without ARID1A mutations but also eight endometriosis samples with ARID1A loss-of-function mutations retained ARID1A protein expression. On the other hand, most of clear cell carcinomas with ARID1A loss-of-function mutations showed a loss of ARID1A protein expression. In particular, clear cell carcinoma samples which harbor multiple ARID1A loss-of-function mutations or both a single ARID1A loss-of-function mutation and ARID1A allelic imbalance lost ARID1A protein expression. However, ARID1A protein expression was retained in seven clear cell carcinomas with ARID1A loss-of-function mutations. These results suggest that a single ARID1A loss-of-function mutation is insufficient for ARID1A loss in ovarian endometriosis and some clear cell carcinoma. Further driver events may be needed for the malignant transformation of ovarian endometriosis with ARID1A loss-of-function mutations.
Signal amplification by reversible exchange for COVID-19 antiviral drug candidates
Authors: Jeong Hye Jin , Min Sein , Chae Heelim , Kim Sarah , Lee Gunwoo , Namgoong Sung Keon , Jeong Keunhong
Published: August 2020

Several drug candidates have been proposed and tested as the latest clinical treatment for coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19). Chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, ritonavir/lopinavir, and favipiravir are under trials for the treatment of this disease. The hyperpolarization technique has the ability to further provide a better understanding of the roles of these drugs at the molecular scale and in different applications in the field of nuclear magnetic resonance/magnetic resonance imaging. This technique may provide new opportunities in diagnosis and research of COVID-19. Signal amplification by reversible exchange-based hyperpolarization studies on large-sized drug candidates were carried out. We observed hyperpolarized proton signals from whole structures, due to the unprecedented long-distance polarization transfer by para-hydrogen. We also found that the optimal magnetic field for the maximum polarization transfer yield was dependent on the molecular structure. We can expect further research on the hyperpolarization of other important large molecules, isotope labeling, as well as polarization transfer on nuclei with a long spin relaxation time. A clinical perspective of these features on drug molecules can broaden the application of hyperpolarization techniques for therapeutic studies.
Prevalence, virulence genes, and antimicrobial resistance of Vibrio species isolated from diseased marine fish in South China
Authors: Deng Yiqin , Xu Liwen , Chen Haoxiang , Liu Songlin , Guo Zhixun , Cheng Changhong , Ma Hongling , Feng Juan
Published: August 2020

Here, 70 potential Vibrio pathogens belonging to nine species, dominated by Vibrio harveyi, were isolated and identified from diseased aquacultured marine fish in South China. Subsequently, the prevalence of 11 virulence genes and the resistance to 15 antibiotics in these strains were determined. Most strains possessed atypical virulence genes in addition to typical virulence genes. Notably, hflk and chiA originating from V. harveyi, and flaC associated with V. anguillarum were detected in more than 40% of atypical host strains. Multidrug resistance was widespread: 64.29% strains were resistant to more than three antibiotics, and the multi-antibiotic resistance index ranged from 0.00 to 0.60. The proportions of strains resistant to the antibiotics vancomycin, amoxicillin, midecamycin, and furazolidone all exceeded 50%; nevertheless, all strains were sensitive to florfenicol, norfloxacin, and ciprofloxacin. Furthermore, both virulence genes and antibiotic resistance were more prevalent in Hainan than in Guangdong, owing to the warmer climate and longer annual farming time in Hainan. These results therefore suggest that warming temperatures and overuse of antibiotics are probably enhancing antibiotic resistance and bacterial infection. This study reveals that pathogenic Vibrio spp. with multi-antibiotic resistance are highly prevalent among marine fish in South China and thus warrant further attention. The results will provide helpful guidance for ecological regulation and local antibiotic use in the control of marine fish farming’ Vibrio diseases in South China, facilitating the implementation of national green and healthful aquaculture.
Electro-optical effects of organic N-benzyl-2-methyl-4-nitroaniline dispersion in nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Selvaraj Pravinraj , Subramani Karthick , Srinivasan Brahadeeswaran , Hsu Che-Ju , Huang Chi-Yen
Published: August 2020

The dispersion of organic N-benzyl-2-methyl-4-nitroaniline (BNA) in nematic liquid crystals (LCs) is studied. BNA doping decreases the threshold voltage of cell because of the reduced splay elastic constant and increased dielectric anisotropy of the LC mixture. When operated in the high voltage difference condition, the BNA-doped LC cell has a fall time that is five times faster than that of the pure one because of the decrements in the threshold voltage of the cell and rotational viscosity of the LC mixture. The additional restoring force induced by the BNA’s spontaneous polarization electric field (SPEF) also assists to decrease the fall time of the LC cell. The decreased viscosity can be deduced from the decrements in phase transition temperature and associated order parameter of the LC mixture. Density functional theory calculation demonstrates that the BNA dopant strengthens the absorbance for blue light, enhances the molecular interaction energy and dipole moment, decreases the molecular energy gap, and thus increases the permittivity of the LC mixture. The calculation also shows that the increased dipole moment, polarizability, and polarizability anisotropy increase the dielectric anisotropy of the LC mixture, which agrees with the experimental results well. BNA doping has a promising application to the fields of LC devices and displays.
Author Correction: Nonequilibrium Magnetic Oscillation with Cylindrical Vector Beams
Authors: Fujita Hiroyuki , Sato Masahiro
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
A simple three-dimensional gut model constructed in a restricted ductal microspace induces intestinal epithelial cell integrity and facilitates absorption assays
Authors: Nakajima Tadaaki , Sasaki Katsunori , Yamamori Akihiro , Sakurai Kengo , Miyata Kaori , Watanabe Tomoyuki , Matsunaga Yukiko T.
Published: August 2020

A new 3D gut-on-a-chip on a ductal scaffold induced a differentiated epithelial layer and allowed permeability and absorption assay.
An inexpensive and sensitive turn-on luminescence protocol for sensing formaldehyde
Authors: Bhowmik Dipankar , Dutta Arnab , Maitra Uday
Published: August 2020

This work highlights the development of a paper-based, inexpensive and sensitive turn-on luminescence method for detecting formaldehyde.
Phosphinative cyclopropanation of allyl phosphates with lithium phosphides
Authors: Shintani Ryo , Ohzono Ayase , Shirota Kentaro
Published: August 2020

A new cyclopropanation reaction of allyl phosphates with lithium phosphides has been developed to give cyclopropylphosphines, and high selectivity toward cyclopropanation has been realized by conducting the reaction in the presence of HMPA.
Kinetic data acquisition in high-throughput Fischer–Tropsch experimentation
Authors: Hazemann Paul , Decottignies Dominique , Maury Sylvie , Humbert Séverine , Berliet Adrien , Daniel Cécile , Schuurman Yves
Published: August 2020

The emergence of high-throughput experimentation gives new opportunities for accurate and rapid data acquisition for a wide variety of chemical reactions in different fields of application such as hydrocracking, isomerization and syngas conversion.
Rational design, synthesis and evaluation of new azido-ester structures as green energetic plasticizers
Authors: Sheibani Nasser , Zohari Narges , Fareghi-Alamdari Reza
Published: August 2020

A theoretical evaluation was applied to select optimal green energetic plasticizers from theoretic structures. Two azido-esters were synthesized and evaluated for GAP.
A free-standing, self-healing multi-stimuli responsive gel showing cryogenic magnetic cooling
Authors: Adhikary Amit , Das Krishna Sundar , Saha Sayan , Roy Manasi , Mondal Raju
Published: August 2020

A novel Fe(iii)-based gel was synthesized where reported gel would be the first reported metallogel showing magnetocaloric effect. The metallogel also revealed outstanding colourimetric NH3 sensing with unique gel-to-gel transformation.
Alleviation of nitrogen stress in rice (Oryza sativa) by ceria nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Yaoyao , Zhang Peng , Li Mingshu , Guo Zhiling , Ullah Sami , Rui Yukui , Lynch Iseult
Published: August 2020

This study explored the potential of ceria nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) to alleviate stress in hydroponic rice caused by low N (LN) and high N (HN) stresses.
Single mode operation and ultrawide tuning of on-chip optofluidic dye lasers
Authors: Chen Lin , Zhao Chenming , Liu Liying , Xu Lei
Published: August 2020

An on-chip optofluidic dye laser operating in fundamental transverse mode was tuned over more than 450 nm.
Simulating facet-dependent aggregation and assembly of distributions of polyhedral nanoparticles
Authors: Opletal George , Chang Shery L. , Barnard Amanda S.
Published: August 2020

Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of diamond nanoparticles were performed to investigate the effects of size polydispersity on three polyhedral shapes chosen to span a diverse space of surface interactions.
From understanding the roles of tetraoctylammonium bromide in the two-phase Brust–Schiffrin method to tuning the size of gold nanoclusters
Authors: Dou Xinyue , Wang Xiangyu , Qian Shuyu , Liu Naiwei , Yuan Xun
Published: August 2020

The roles of the tetraoctylammonium bromide (TOAB) in the two-phase Brust–Schiffrin method are identified, which enables us to develop a novel two-phase synthetic strategy for size tuning of metal nanoclusters.
Hepatoprotective Angelica sinensis silver nanoformulation against multidrug resistant bacteria and the integration of a multicomponent logic gate system
Authors: Afthab Jouharsha , Khatoon Nafeesa , Zhou Lulu , Yao Tianming , Shi Shuo
Published: August 2020

A silver nanoformulation for combating bacterial infections and its integration in Boolean analysis for the detection of multiple bacteria has been developed.
Mitochondria-targeting monofunctional platinum(ii)–lonidamine conjugates for cancer cell de-energization
Authors: Muhammad Nafees , Tan Cai-Ping , Muhammad Kamran , Wang Jie , Sadia Nasreen , Pan Zheng-Yin , Ji Liang-Nian , Mao Zong-Wan
Published: August 2020

We report the rational design and anticancer mechanism studies of novel mitochondria-targeting monofunctional Pt(ii)–lonidamine conjugates for the selective de-energization of cancer cells.
Ruthenium(ii)-catalyzed acyloxylation of the ortho-C–H bond in 2-aroyl-imidazoles with carboxylic acids
Authors: Wang Chen-an , Chatani Naoto
Published: August 2020

The reaction of 2-aroyl-imidazoles with carboxylic acids using [RuCl2(p-cymene)]2 as the catalyst and Ag2CO3 as the oxidant results in ortho-C–H acyloxylation to afford acyloxylation products.
Bouncing off walls – widths of exit channels from shallow minima can dominate selectivity control
Authors: Bai Mengna , Feng Zhitao , Li Jun , Tantillo Dean J.
Published: August 2020

A selectivity model based on the widths of pathways to competing products, rather than barrier heights, is formulated for the butadiene + allyl cation reaction.
Novel homogeneous selective electrocatalysts for CO2reduction: an electrochemical and computational study of cyclopentadienyl-phenylendiamino-cobalt complexes
Authors: Melis Nicola , Mocci Francesca , Vacca Annalisa , Pilia Luca
Published: August 2020

Cobalt cyclopentadienyl phenylendiamine complexes are revealed to be efficient and selective electrocatalysts for CO2reduction, resulting in a 31-fold catalytic current without the hydrogen evolution.
Light-triggered explosion of lipid vesicles
Authors: Malik Vinit Kumar , Shin Sangwoo , Feng Jie
Published: August 2020

We develop a generalized biophysical model with a stochastic account of membrane rupture to describe both swell-burst-reseal cycles and exploding of lipid vesicles under light-trigger osmotic shock, which may help programmable inner-content release.
Analysis of the microphase structure and performance of self-healing polyurethanes containing dynamic disulfide bonds
Authors: Qu Qiqi , Wang Hua , He Jing , Qin Tengfei , Da Yunsheng , Tian Xingyou
Published: August 2020

Self-healable polyurethanes can be used in various fields for extended service life and reduced maintenance costs.
Cutting to measure the elasticity and fracture of soft gels
Authors: Duncan Teresa T. , Sarapas Joel M. , Defante Adrian P. , Beers Kathryn L. , Chan Edwin P.
Published: August 2020

In this work, a razorblade-initiated fracture test (RIFT) is introduced that can measure the mechanical properties related to fracture for soft polymeric gels.
High-throughput computational screening of 2D materials for thermoelectrics
Authors: Sarikurt Sevil , Kocabaş Tuğbey , Sevik Cem
Published: August 2020

High-performance thermoelectric materials are critical in recuperating the thermal losses in various machinery and promising in renewable energy applications.
Two-dimensional iron MOF nanosheet as a highly efficient nanozyme for glucose biosensing
Authors: Yuan Ai , Lu Yuwan , Zhang Xiaodan , Chen Qiumeng , Huang Yuming
Published: August 2020

A 2D Fe-BTC nanosheet was preparedviaa cation exchange route. Its peroxidase-like activity is 2.2 times that of 3D MIL-100(Fe) due to highly accessible surface active sites. This is helpful for substrate contact with the catalyst during the catalytic reaction.
Matrix metalloproteinase-initiated aggregation of melanin nanoparticles as highly efficient contrast agent for enhanced tumor accumulation and dual-modal imaging
Authors: Meng Tingwei , Fan Bo , Li Qian , Peng Xiaoyang , Xu Jun , Zhang Ruiping
Published: August 2020

MMP2-initiated size-changeable melanin nanoparticles significantly increase the T1-weighted MRI and PA signals in vivo due to enhanced tumor accumulations.
Consecutive dephosphorylation by alkaline phosphatase-directed in situ formation of porous hydrogels of SF with nanocrystalline calcium phosphate ceramics for bone regeneration
Authors: Li Hang , Zhang Jikun , Liu Shengnan , Yan Yufei , Li Xinming
Published: August 2020

A porous hydrogel of SF with nanocrystalline calcium phosphate ceramics for bone regeneration was prepared through consecutive dephosphorylation actions.
Profiling and bioinformatics analyses reveal differential circular RNA expression in NK/T-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome
Authors: Man Changfeng , Fan Yu , Yin Guangli , Huang Jiayu , Wang Jujuan , Qiu Hongxia
Published: August 2020

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) may be potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets of hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) due to their high stability, covalently closed structure and implicated roles in gene regulation. The aim of the present study was to determine and characterize the circRNAs from natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (NK/T-LAHS). CircRNA in NK/T-LAHS and healthy control patient serum were assessed using next-generation sequencing (NGS). One hundred and forty-three differentially expressed circRNAs of which 114 were up-regulated and 29 were down-regulated in NK/T-LAHS patients were identified. Next, Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses to explore the roles of these circRNAs were utilized, and a microRNA (miRNA) target gene prediction software to predict the interaction of circRNAs and miRNAs was used. Moreover, five circRNAs were then selected as NK/T-LAHS candidate circRNAs which were related to tumors and contained NK/T-LAHS-related miRNA-binding sites. Using real-time PCR, the significant up-regulation of these five circRNAs in NK/T-LAHS patient serum were verified. Together these results show that circRNAs may serve as valuable diagnostic biomarkers of early NK/T-LAHS, with potential therapeutic targets in disease progression.
Suppression of oral cancer by induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis using Juniperus communis extract
Authors: Lee Ching-Chang , Hsiao Chih-Yen , Lee Shan-Chih , Huang Xiao-Fan , Chang Kai-Fu , Lee Ming-Shih , Hsieh Ming-Chang , Tsai Nu-Man
Published: August 2020

The oral cancer incidence rate is slowly increasing and is now the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death due to its high metastasis and recurrence rate. Juniperus communis is used as a traditional Chinese medicine and has been proven to have anti-cancer activity against neuroblastomas. In the present study, we further investigated the anti-cancer mechanisms of J. communis extract (JCo) on oral cancer and evaluated the synergistic effects of JCo combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). We found that JCo inhibited oral cancer cell growth, and that JCo might be less cytotoxic to normal cells than to cancer cells. After JCo treatment, cell cycle arrest was observed at the G0/G1 phase through modulation of p53/p21 and Rb signaling. JCo also caused an increase in the sub-G1 phase and cell apoptosis via the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways. JCo combined with 5-FU presented a synergistic effect to reduce cell viability. In conclusion, JCo inhibited oral cancer cell growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and activating cell apoptosis, and JCo significantly synergized with 5-FU. JCo might have the potential to be an adjuvant and a new therapeutic drug for oral cancer treatment.
High-cholesterol diet during pregnancy induces maternal vascular dysfunction in mice: potential role for oxidized LDL-induced LOX-1 and AT1 receptor activation
Authors: Sáez Tamara , Spaans Floor , Kirschenman Raven , Sawamura Tatsuya , Davidge Sandra T.
Published: August 2020

The lectin-like oxidized low-density-lipoprotein (oxLDL) receptor-1 (LOX-1) has been shown to induce angiotensin II (AngII) type 1 receptor (AT1) activation, contributing to vascular dysfunction. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by vascular dysfunction and increased LOX-1 and AT1 activation; however, whether LOX-1 and AT1 activity contributes to vascular dysfunction in preeclampsia is unknown. We hypothesized that increased oxLDL levels during pregnancy lead to LOX-1 activation and subsequent AT1 activation, resulting in vascular dysfunction. Pregnant wild-type (WT) and transgenic LOX-1 overexpressing (LOX-1tg) mice were fed a control diet (CD) or high-cholesterol diet (HCD, to impair vascular function) between gestational day (GD) 13.5-GD18.5. On GD18.5, AngII-induced vasoconstriction and methylcholine (MCh)-induced endothelium-dependent vasodilation responses were assessed in aortas and uterine arteries. HCD decreased fetal weight and increased circulating oxLDL/cholesterol levels in WT, but not in LOX-1tg mice. HCD did not alter AngII responsiveness or AT1 expression in both vascular beds; however, AngII responsiveness and AT1 expression were lower in aortas from LOX-1tg compared with WT mice. In aortas from WT-CD mice, acute oxLDL exposure induced AT1-mediated vasoconstriction via LOX-1. HCD impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation and increased superoxide levels in WT aortas, but not uterine arteries. Moreover, in WT-CD mice oxLDL decreased MCh sensitivity in both vascular beds, partially via LOX-1. In summary, HCD impaired pregnancy outcomes and vascular function, and oxLDL-induced LOX-1 activation may contribute to vascular dysfunction via AT1. Our study suggests that LOX-1 could be a potential target to prevent adverse outcomes associated with vascular dysfunction in preeclampsia.
TRAIL treatment prevents renal morphological changes and TGF-β-induced mesenchymal transition associated with diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Toffoli Barbara , Tonon Federica , Tisato Veronica , Michelli Andrea , Zauli Giorgio , Secchiero Paola , Fabris Bruno , Bernardi Stella
Published: August 2020

Background: TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has attracted attention not only as an anti-cancer agent, but also as a potential treatment for diabetes. Animal studies have shown that TRAIL delivery ameliorated glucose control in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is currently unknown whether TRAIL positive effects are maintained in more severe forms of type 2 diabetes, and whether they include renoprotection. Our study aimed at evaluating TRAIL effects in a severe form of type 2 diabetes with nephropathy.

Materials and methods: A total of 20 db/db mice were treated with saline or TRAIL twice per week for 12 weeks. In parallel, renal tubular epithelial cells were cultured with TGF-β1 in the presence and absence of TRAIL, with and without silencing TRAIL-specific receptor (DR5) and leptin receptor.

Results: TRAIL did not improve glucose control, but it significantly reduced circulating interleukin (IL)-6 and resistin. In the kidney, TRAIL treatment significantly ameliorated glomerular and tubular morphology with an improvement in kidney function, but no effect on proteinuria. Our in vitro studies on TGF-β1-treated cells, showed that by binding to DR5, TRAIL rescued normal tubular cell morphology, increasing E-cadherin and reducing α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression, with no effects on cell viability. Interestingly, both in vivo and in vitro, TRAIL reduced the accumulation of the autophagy substrate p62.

Conclusions: Our data confirm TRAIL protective effects against organ damage and shed light on to promising anti-fibrotic actions, which are independent of glucose control. TRAIL anti-fibrotic actions might be due to the rescue of autophagy in diabetes.
An investigation of 56Ni shells as the source of early light curve bumps in type Ia supernovae
Authors: Magee M. R. , Maguire K.
Published: August 2020

An excess of flux (i.e. a bump) in the early light curves of type Ia supernovae has been observed in a handful of cases. Multiple scenarios have been proposed to explain this excess flux. Recently, it has been shown that for at least one object (SN 2018oh) the excess emission observed could be the result of a large amount of 56Ni in the outer ejecta (∼0.03 M⊙). We present a series of model light curves and spectra for ejecta profiles containing 56Ni shells of varying masses (0.01, 0.02, 0.03, and 0.04 M⊙) and widths. We find that even for our lowest mass 56Ni shell, an increase of >2 magnitudes is produced in the bolometric light curve at one day after explosion relative to models without a 56Ni shell. We show that the colour evolution of models with a 56Ni shell differs significantly from those without and shows a colour inversion similar to some double-detonation explosion models. Furthermore, spectra of our 56Ni shell models show that strong suppression of flux between ∼3700–4000 Å close to maximum light appears to be a generic feature for this class of model. Comparing our models to observations of SNe 2017cbv and 2018oh, we show that a 56Ni shell of 0.02–0.04 M⊙ can match shapes of the early optical light curve bumps, but the colour and spectral evolution are in disagreement. Our models also predict a strong UV bump that is not observed. This would indicate that an alternative origin for the flux excess is necessary. In addition, based on existing explosion scenarios, producing such a 56Ni shell in the outer ejecta as required to match the light curve shape, without the presence of additional short-lived radioactive material, may prove challenging. Given that only a small amount of 56Ni in the outer ejecta is required to produce a bump in the light curve, such non-monotonically decreasing 56Ni distributions in the outer ejecta must be rare, if they were to occur at all.
On attempting to automate the identification of mixed dipole modes for subgiant stars
Authors: Appourchaux T.
Published: August 2020

Context. The existence of mixed modes in stars is a marker of stellar evolution. Their detection serves for a better determination of stellar age.

Aims. The goal of this paper is to identify the dipole modes in an automatic manner without human intervention.

Methods. I used the power spectra obtained by the Kepler mission for the application of the method. I computed asymptotic dipole mode frequencies as a function of the coupling factor and dipole period spacing, as well as other parameters. For each star, I collapsed the power in an echelle diagramme aligned onto the monopole and dipole mixed modes. The power at the null frequency was used as a figure of merit. Using a genetic algorithm, I then optimised the figure of merit by adjusting the location of the dipole frequencies in the power spectrum. Using published frequencies, I compared the asymptotic dipole mode frequencies with published frequencies. I also used published frequencies to derive the coupling factor and dipole period spacing using a non-linear least squares fit. I used Monte-Carlo simulations of the non-linear least square fit to derive error bars for each parameter.

Results. From the 44 subgiants studied, the automatic identification allows one to retrieve within 3 μHz, at least 80% of the modes for 32 stars, and within 6 μHz, at least 90% of the modes for 37 stars. The optimised and fitted gravity-mode period spacing and coupling factor are in agreement with previous measurements. Random errors for the mixed-mode parameters deduced from the Monte-Carlo simulation are about 30−50 times smaller than previously determined errors, which are in fact systematic errors.

Conclusions. The period spacing and coupling factors of mixed modes in subgiants are confirmed. The current automated procedure will need to be improved upon using a more accurate asymptotic model and/or proper statistical tests.
Influence of snake rolling on metal flow in hot rolling of aluminum alloy thick plate
Authors: Hao Pujun , Liu Jingna
Published: August 2020

Most asymmetrical rolling conditions should not appear in regular rolling processes, but for obtaining large deformations inside aluminium alloy thick plates, the asymmetrical rolling process is the most effective method. Snake rolling is adopted for promoting more deformation inside the plates. For exploring the deformation inside an aluminium alloy thick plate, a finite element model for simulating the process of snake rolling is established and the key influence factors are set as initial thickness, speed ratio and offset distance. The results show that deformation inside of the plate increases obviously while the thickness of plate is less than 300 mm after snake rolling. The speed ratio has a positive effect on promoting deformation partly inside of the plate. On the contrary, the offset distance has a negative influence by affecting the exit thickness. A formula for calculating the exit thickness after snake rolling is proposed and validated by data from the finite element models. Thus, snake rolling is suggested to be used in the downstream pass of hot rough rolling considering that the influence of thickness and the offset distance should be controlled in a reasonable range.
Autismus oder ADHS – oder Autismus und ADHS?
Authors: Hermann Ismene , Tebartz van Elst Ludger , Matthies Swantje
Published: August 2020

Seit Herausgabe des DSM-V ist die gleichzeitige Diagnosestellung von Autismus- Spektrum-Störungen (ASS) und- Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-/Hyperaktivitäts- störungen (ADHS) möglich. Diese Entwicklungsstörungen kommen sehr häufig zusammen vor und weisen zudem überlappende Symptome auf, was die Differenzialdiagnostik erschwert. Dieser Artikel bietet einen Überblick der wissen- schaftlichen und klinischen Erkenntnisse zur Doppeldiagnose ADHS und ASS.
Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen: Auffälligkeiten, Geschlechtsunterschiede, Therapie
Authors: Preißmann Christine
Published: August 2020

Medikamentöse Behandlungsversuche bei Menschen mit Autismus sind in erster Linie im Hinblick auf psychische Begleiterkrankungen sinnvoll, können die Grundproblematik aber nicht wesentlich beeinflussen. Deshalb kommt der psychotherapeutischen Unterstützung eine große Bedeutung zu, um die belastende Symptomatik zu reduzieren und wichtige soziale sowie auch lebenspraktische Kompetenzen zu vermitteln.
Sexualität bei Erwachsenen mit (hochfunktionalen) Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen
Authors: Schöttle Daniel , Briken Peer , Rittmann Barbara , Turner Daniel
Published: August 2020

Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen (ASS) werden in den letzten Jahren immer häufiger auch im Erwachsenenalter diagnostiziert. Gerade bei hochfunktionalen Menschen mit ASS und einer durchschnittlichen oder überdurchschnittlichen Intelligenz wird die Diagnose häufig übersehen oder durch die augenscheinlichen Komorbiditäten überdeckt 1. Entgegen der vorherrschenden Annahme, dass autistische Menschen nicht an Beziehungen und Sexualität interessiert sind, besteht breites Interesse an beiden sowie diesbezügliche Besonderheiten, die sich anteilig durch die Symptomatik von ASS erklären lassen können.
Psychotherapie bei Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Autismus-Spektrum-Störung
Authors: Freitag Christine M.
Published: August 2020

Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen sind als tiefgreifende Entwicklungsstörungen chronische Erkrankungen, deren Behandlungsmöglichkeiten vielen PsychotherapeutInnen unbekannt sind. Dieser Beitrag fasst zusammen, auf welche Aspekte der psychosozialen Versorgung von Patienten mit ASS geachtet werden muss und verdeutlicht die zentrale Relevanz von Alter, kognitiven Fertigkeiten und psychiatrischen komorbiden Erkrankungen hinsichtlich der Planung von Therapiezielen und den damit verbundenen therapeutischen Methoden.
Mentalisierungsbasierte Gruppentherapie bei Erwachsenen mit Autismus-Spektrum-Störung
Authors: Reul Sophia , Schultz-Venrath Ulrich , Vogeley Kai , Krämer Katharina
Published: August 2020

Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen sind gekennzeichnet durch Schwierigkeiten in der Interaktion und der Kommunikation sowie repetitive, stereotype Verhaltensweisen und Interessen. Hierbei werden besonders die Einschränkungen im Mentalisieren der Betroffenen als ursächlich für ihre interpersonalen Probleme diskutiert. Da das Mentalisieren bei der mentalisierungsbasierten Gruppentherapie explizit angeregt wird, erscheint sie auch für die Behandlung von ASS eine vielversprechende Methode zu sein. In einem Pilotprojekt wird sie nun erstmals in dieser Patientengruppe angewendet.
Use of Polydioxanone Threads as an Alternative in Nonsurgical Procedures in Facial Rejuvenation
Authors: Cobo Roxana
Published: August 2020

Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures are in increasing demand worldwide. Patients are constantly searching for office-based techniques that can help improve the signs of aging but without the morbidity of a surgical procedure. Thread lifting with polydioxanone (PDO) sutures is a cosmetic procedure where lax tissue is lifted and repositioned trying to create a more youthful looking facial contour. The threads are absorbable and come in different shapes and lengths. The rate of complications and the downtime of the procedure are low, which are something patients are looking for. Ideally, these procedures should be performed by trained specialists who have complete knowledge of the facial anatomy, thus enhancing and improving results. Thread lifting with PDO absorbable threads has become an excellent option for minimally invasive facial rejuvenation procedures with a high satisfaction among patients and very few complications. It is a new tool that can be introduced in the armamentarium of specialists who work in the field of facial plastic surgery and who can offer this option to their patients with improved outcomes.
Biofilm formation causes surface changes to stainless steel
Authors: Mandel Savannah
Published: August 2020

Combined techniques used to understand mechanisms behind the corrosive behavior of a marine biofilm.
The performance of the Border Leicester in Australia
Authors: Barwick S. A. , Brown D. J. , Cullis B. R. , Bell A. K. , May T. J. , Lollback M. W. , Rogan I. M. , Killeen I. D. , Caffery G. , Piper L. R. , Bindon B. M. , Wilkins J. F. , Fowler D. G.
Published: August 2020

Aims
We examine the average performance of Border Leicester (BL) flocks that are part of LAMBPLAN, Australia’s sheep performance recording and genetic evaluation system. We also summarise outcomes from the New South Wales Department of Primary Industry’s research on BL improvement, and discuss the performance required for the BL to continue to be a pivotal part of the Australian prime lamb industry.

Key results
Modest gains have been recorded in the BL in growth since 2000 and faecal egg counts have reduced, suggesting improved worm resistance. The net reproductive rate has slightly improved, while inbreeding continues to increase. In work conducted by the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, an improved BL flock, encompassing selection for multiple births and a broadening of the breed’s genetic base, had advantages over purebred BLs in many aspects of performance, including a 19.3% advantage in the net reproductive rate. Advantages in fertility were ~5%, litter size ~7% and lamb rearing ability ~5%. BL improved × Merino and (BL improved × BL) × Merino crossbred ewes also had advantages over traditional BL × Merino ewes in their joining performance when joined to Dorset rams.

Conclusions
Selection in the BL needs to emphasise traits in a manner consistent with their importance to commercial lamb production.

Implications
Embracing this selection and broadening the BL’s genetic base will assist the BL to maintain its place in the Australian lamb industry.
Genetic characterisation of non-descript cattle populations in communal areas of South Africa
Authors: Mamogobo M. D. , Mapholi N. O. , Nephawe K. A. , Nedambale T. L. , Mpofu T. J. , Sanarana Y. P. , Mtileni B. J.
Published: August 2020

Context Indigenous cattle breeds represent an important genetic resource for livelihood of communal-area inhabitants. Indigenous breeds have the ability to withstand harsh climatic conditions, can adapt genetically to poor-quality forages and are resistant to parasites and diseases. These unique traits possessed by indigenous breeds are under threat because of unrestrained crossing with exotic commercial breeds, and this can lead to total loss of a breed. Aims The study was conducted to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of South African non-descript communal beef cattle populations by using 25 microsatellite markers. Methods Unrelated and non-descript animals (n = 150) were sampled from communal areas from five (5) provinces of South Africa, namely, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu–Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the North West, with 30 samples per breed taken. Six (6) known cattle breeds (n = 180) were used as a reference population. This included Angus, Afrikaner, Bonsmara, Brahman, Drakensberger and the Nguni, with 30 samples per breed. Key results High level of genetic diversity was found across the five non-descript populations, with an average heterozygosity of 75%. The Limpopo population was found to be the most diverse population, with the highest average number of alleles (8.5) and heterozygosity (ranging between observed heterozygosity of 70% and expected heterozygosity of 79%). STRUCTURE software assigned populations (2 ≤ K ≤ 20), with the most probable cluster being at K = 7. The Eastern Cape, KwaZulu–Natal and Limpopo populations had genetic material similar to those possessed by the Nguni and Bonsmara reference populations. Conclusions Results from the study showed that most genetic differentiation occurred within populations rather than among populations, and this might be due to the fact that there is no selection for or against any specific production trait expressed in the populations. Implications The obtained information will serve as a baseline for the development and implementation of sound breeding programs that will assist in controlling the gene flow, so as to lower the possible genetic dilution of the currently available genetic material.
Electrochemically Directed Synthesis of Cobalt(II) and Nickel(II) TCNQF21–/2– Coordination Polymers: Solubility and Substituent Effects in the TCNQFn (n=0, 1, 2, 4) Series of Complexes
Authors: Vo Nguyen T. , Bond Alan M. , Martin Lisandra L.
Published: August 2020

The reversible diffusion controlled cyclic voltammetry for the reduction of TCNQF­n0/1–/2– (where n=0, 1, 2, 4) changes significantly on addition of Co2+ and Ni2+ transition metal ions (M2+) because the kinetics associated with electrocrystallisation of the resulting coordination polymers [M(TCNQF2)2(H2O)2] and [M(TCNQF2)] are rapid on the voltammetric time scale. The voltammetry of solutions containing M2+ and TCNQF­2 was undertaken in acetonitrile (0.1M Bu4NPF6) at both GC and ITO electrodes. New one electron reduced TCNQF2 materials prepared via electrochemically directed synthesis were shown to have the formula [M(TCNQF2)2(H2O)2], assessed by vibrational (IR and Raman) spectroscopy, elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The solubility of [Ni(TCNQF2)2(H2O)2] (Ksp=8.29×10−11 M3) was significantly higher than the [Co(TCNQF2)2(H2O)2] (Ksp=1.43×10−11M3). Cyclic voltammetric data suggest the electrocrystallisation of two phases of [Ni(TCNQF2)2(H2O)2] occurs, which is not evident for [Co(TCNQF2)2(H2O)2]. Electrocrystallisation of the highly insoluble [M(TCNQF2)] was achieved at low M2+ and TCNQF2 concentrations. A comparison with published data on the voltammetry of TCNQF­n (n=0, 1, 2 and 4) for the series of TCNQF­n (n=0, 1, 2 and 4) containing M2+ is provided. An assessment of the electronic impact of the fluorine substituent of the underlying redox reactions also is established. Predictions are made for the voltammetric behaviour expected for the other transition metal cations with reduced TCNQFn derivatives.
Terminal web and vesicle trafficking proteins mediate nematode single-cell tubulogenesis
Authors: Yang Zhe , Mattingly Brendan C. , Hall David H. , Ackley Brian D. , Buechner Matthew
Published: August 2020

Single-celled tubules represent a complicated structure that forms during development, requiring extension of a narrow cytoplasm surrounding a lumen exerting osmotic pressure that can burst the luminal membrane. Genetic studies on the excretory canal cell of Caenorhabditis elegans have revealed many proteins that regulate the cytoskeleton, vesicular transport, and physiology of the narrow canals. Here, we show that βH-spectrin regulates the placement of intermediate filament proteins forming a terminal web around the lumen, and that the terminal web in turn retains a highly conserved protein (EXC-9/CRIP1) that regulates apical endosomal trafficking. EXC-1/IRG, the binding partner of EXC-9, is also localized to the apical membrane and affects apical actin placement and RAB-8–mediated vesicular transport. The results suggest that an intermediate filament protein acts in a novel pathway to direct the traffic of vesicles to locations of lengthening apical surface during single-celled tubule development.
A Fas-4-1BB fusion protein converts a death to a pro-survival signal and enhances T cell therapy
Authors: Oda Shannon K. , Anderson Kristin G. , Ravikumar Pranali , Bonson Patrick , Garcia Nicolas M. , Jenkins Cody M. , Zhuang Summer , Daman Andrew W. , Chiu Edison Y. , Bates Breanna M. , Greenberg Philip D.
Published: August 2020

Adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) with genetically modified T cells has shown impressive results against some hematologic cancers, but efficacy in solid tumors can be limited by restrictive tumor microenvironments (TMEs). For example, Fas ligand is commonly overexpressed in TMEs and induces apoptosis in tumor-infiltrating, Fas receptor–positive lymphocytes. We engineered immunomodulatory fusion proteins (IFPs) to enhance ACT efficacy, combining an inhibitory receptor ectodomain with a costimulatory endodomain to convert negative into positive signals. We developed a Fas-4-1BB IFP that replaces the Fas intracellular tail with costimulatory 4-1BB. Fas-4-1BB IFP-engineered murine T cells exhibited increased pro-survival signaling, proliferation, antitumor function, and altered metabolism in vitro. In vivo, Fas-4-1BB ACT eradicated leukemia and significantly improved survival in the aggressive KPC pancreatic cancer model. Fas-4-1BB IFP expression also enhanced primary human T cell function in vitro. Thus, Fas-4-1BB IFP expression is a novel strategy to improve multiple T cell functions and enhance ACT against solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.
A-03 The Brain–Body Connection in Aging Neurological Populations: Examining the Impact of Exercise and Sedentary Behavior on Brain Structure and Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Roman C , Arnett P
Published: August 2020

Objective

Advancements in treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) have led to an increase in the number of older adults living with the disease. Exercise has been shown to be remarkably beneficial for “healthy aging,” while sedentary behavior has proved to have more deleterious effects. Despite evidence for the impact of these factors, their influence on older adults with MS is largely unknown. The current study utilizes volumetric measures and graph theory to investigate the relationship between physical activity/sedentary behavior, structural brain indices, and cognition in older adults with MS.

Method

Twenty-seven older adults (55+) with MS were scanned during a structural MRI protocol and cognitively evaluated using the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite and Symbol Digit Modalities Test. Graph theory metrics were calculated to examine white matter network properties. FreeSurfer was used to calculate volumes for subcortical structures. Exercise was quantified as the ‘days per week engaged in moderate activity,’ while sedentary behavior was measured as ‘hours per day sitting.’

Results

Multiple regression interaction analyses were conducted. Results showed an exercise by age interaction, such that exercise protected against the negative effects of age on thalamic volume and assortivity. Hours sitting per day was shown to add to the negative effects of aging on structural networks even after controlling for exercise. Lastly, exercise was observed to be protective against age-related cognitive decline in this sample.

Conclusions

This is one of the first studies to examine exercise/sedentariness and brain indices in older adults with MS, pointing to possible brain altering and protective interventions for this group.