bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interfacial Engineering‐Triggered Bifunctionality of CoS2/MoS2 Nanocubes/Nanosheet Arrays for High‐Efficiency Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Zhou Guangyao , Wu Xiaomei , Zhao Mingming , Pang Huan , Xu Lin , Yang Jun , Tang Yawen 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSearching for high‐efficiency nonprecious bifunctional electrocatalysts for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is paramount for the advancement of water electrolysis technologies and the associated renewable energy devices. Modulation of electronic structure of an electrocatalyst via heterointerface engineering represents an efficient strategy to improve its electrocatalytic performance. Herein, a feasible hydrothermal synthesis of a novel heterostructured catalyst was demonstrated, comprising CoS2 nanocubes and vertically aligned MoS2 nanosheet arrays directly grown on flexible and conductive carbon cloth (CC) substrate (denoted as CoS2/MoS2@CC). Thanks to the elaborate interface engineering and vertically aligned nanosheet arrayed architecture, the resultant self‐supported CoS2/MoS2@CC electrode possessed enriched exposed active sites, modulated electronic configuration, multidimensional mass transport channels, and outstanding mechanical strength, thereby affording exceptional electrocatalytic performances towards the HER and OER in alkaline electrolyte with overpotentials of 71 and 274 mV at 10 mA cm−2, respectively. In addition, a two‐electrode electrolyzer assembled by CoS2/MoS2@CC required a cell voltage of 1.59 V at 10 mA cm−2 with nearly 100 % faradaic efficiency and remarkable durability, showing great potential for scalable and economical water electrolysis.
Experimental evidence for stabilizing selection on virulence in a bacterial pathogen
Authors: Bonneaud Camille , Tardy Luc , Hill Geoffrey E. , McGraw Kevin J. , Wilson Alastair J. , Giraudeau Mathieu 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe virulence-transmission trade-off hypothesis has provided a dominant theoretical basis for predicting pathogen virulence evolution, but empirical tests are rare, particularly at pathogen emergence. The central prediction of this hypothesis is that pathogen fitness is maximized at intermediate virulence due to a trade-off between infection duration and transmission rate. However, obtaining sufficient numbers of pathogen isolates of contrasting virulence to test the shape of relationships between key pathogen traits, and doing so without the confounds of evolved host protective immunity (as expected at emergence), is challenging. Here, we inoculated 55 isolates of the bacterial pathogen, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, into non-resistant house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus) from populations that have never been exposed to the disease. Isolates were collected over a 20-year period from outbreak in disease-exposed populations of house finches and vary markedly in virulence. We found a positive linear relationship between pathogen virulence and transmission rate to an uninfected sentinel, supporting the core assumption of the trade-off hypothesis. Further, in support of the key prediction, there was no evidence for directional selection on a quantitative proxy of pathogen virulence and, instead, isolates of intermediate virulence were fittest. Surprisingly, however, the positive relationship between virulence and transmission rate was not underpinned by variation in pathogen load or replication rate as is commonly assumed. Our results indicate that selection favors pathogens of intermediate virulence at disease emergence in a novel host species, even when virulence and transmission are not linked to pathogen load.
From Amazon Catfish to Mekong Money Fish: Size-based Assessment of Data-Limited Commercial Inland Fisheries
Authors: Shephard Samuel , Valbo-Jorgensen John , Abadía Jorge , Baigún Claudio , Doria Carolina RC , Fabré Nidia N , Isaac Victoria J , Bun Ngor Peng , Ruffino Mauro L , Funge-Smith Simon 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Inland fisheries are often complex, spatially dispersed, and seasonal. A lack of monitoring can result in unreliable or incomplete catch data, suggesting a role for assessment methods based on population size structure. This paper evaluates and compares empirical size-based indicators and the length-based spawning potential ratio model as candidate tools for assessing data-limited commercial fisheries in inland systems. Case study applications are presented for a contrasting set of important fisheries in the Amazon Basin (Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru), the Tonlé Sap River (Cambodia), Paraná River (Argentina), and Bayano Reservoir (Panama). These case studies were selected to explore the effects on assessment of factors including lack of life history information, spatial separation of life history stages, modality in population size structure of floodplain river fish, and fishing gear selectivity. An international workshop was organized to bring together experts from the study systems and elsewhere to discuss the results, and to highlight potential issues and caveats. It was concluded that length-based models may work well in cases where size-selective gears are used to target a few larger species with reliable life history parameter estimates. Empirical surveillance indicators are more flexible for integrating quantitative data with local expert knowledge in common data-poor situations. In general, size-based assessment can provide guidance for the sustainable management of target species in diverse inland fisheries.
Hydrometeorological dataset (2014–2019) from the high Arctic unglaciated catchment Fuglebekken (Svalbard)
Authors: Wawrzyniak Tomasz , Majerska Marta , Osuch Marzena 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this study, a hydrometeorological dataset of unglaciated High Arctic catchment is presented. The time series encompasses air temperature, precipitation, wind speed, relative humidity, and runoff data from 2014 to 2019. Meteorological data come from continuous meteorological monitoring carried out at the Hornsund station located in SW Spitsbergen. Flow in the Fuglebekken stream was measured using a portable flowmeter Nivus PCM‐F with Active Doppler sensor. Continuous hydrometeorological monitoring in polar environments is crucial for the understanding processes controlling the water circulation in the catchments. Inter‐ and intra‐ annual variability of the provided variables gives an insight into river functioning. The data set is provided in an open‐access PANGAEA repository (https://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.921921), in three time intervals (6, 12, and 24 hours). It may serve as the input to rainfall‐runoff hydrological models, and allows multi‐model parameter estimation and validation. It can be used in a variety of research topics, including streamflow projections, and more generally in examining Arctic ecosystems and climate change impact studies.
Climate change adaptation by solar wastewater treatment (SOWAT) for reuse in agriculture and industry*
Authors: Igoud S. , Zeriri D. , Aoudjit L. , Boutra B. , Sebti A. , Khene F. , Mameche A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAccess to drinking water and sanitation are among the goals adopted by the United Nations in its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. However, in poor and low‐income countries, this goal has not yet been reached. This is caused by several lacks in the technological mastery of water and wastewater treatment processes, fresh water and sanitation networks, and, finally, financial resources. Increasing the success chances to reach this goal should not happen by copying centralized water and sanitation systems used in high‐income countries. Rather efforts need to be made towards energy‐efficient decentralized water and wastewater treatment facilities, using simple and sustainable low‐cost technologies.The present paper suggests solar wastewater treatment (SOWAT) as an easy decentralized and sustainable wastewater treatment. It combines three steps of conventional wastewater treatment (i.e., pretreatment, biological treatment, and disinfection) by using a single treatment step conducted in a single equipment: solar still. It is has been experimentally tested to treat saline, domestic, municipal, and industrial wastewaters. All obtained results have recorded significant removal of inorganic, organic, bacteriologic, and metallic pollution.For community and industrial use, a new design of a hybrid SOWAT micro‐plant proposes the integration of a pretreatment stage and a smart multi‐source heating system. It is decentralized because it is powered by solar energy, other renewable energies, recovered flared gas, or conventional energy. Its continuous operation during the decrease or absence of solar radiation, by night, is expected to increase its daily production from 255% to 1,500%.
SNHG16/miR‐485‐5p/BMP7 axis modulates osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Asila Ailijiang , Yang Xinjun , Kaisaer Yilipan , Ma Lei 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundOsteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) is crucial for bone formation and its dysfunction is reported to be linked to osteoporosis (OP). The present study aimed to probe the function of the long non‐coding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (SNHG16) with respect to modulating the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs.MethodsSNHG16 expression in hBMSCs obtained from OP patients was measured by a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function models of SNHG16 were established with hBMSCs. The expression of OP‐related genes (ALP, OCN and OPN) in hBMSCs was determined by qRT‐PCR and western blotting. StarBase, TargetScan7.2, miRDB and PicTar databases were used to predict the binding sites between SNHG16 and miR‐485‐5p, miR‐485‐5p and 3'‐UTR of bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7), respectively. A dual‐luciferase reporter assay was used to determine the regulatory relationships between SNHG16 and miR‐485‐5p, miR‐485‐5p and 3'‐UTR of BMP7, respectively.ResultsSNHG16 was remarkably down‐regulated in hBMSCs obtained from patients with OP. Overexpression of SNHG16 promoted the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs, whereas knockdown of SNHG16 suppressed it. Mechanistically, miR‐485‐5p is a target of SNHG16, and miR‐485‐5p can reverse the function of SNHG16. BMP7 is also identified as a target of miR‐485‐5p and can be indirectly modulated by SNHG16 in hBMSCs.ConclusionsSNHG16 promotes the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs via regulating the miR‐485‐5p/BMP7 axis and comprises a prospective therapy target for OP.
Isomerization of trans‐3‐methylglutaconic acid
Authors: Jones Dylan E. , Ricker J. David , Geary Laina M. , Kosma Dylan K. , Ryan Robert O. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract3‐Methylglutaconic (3MGC) aciduria is a common phenotypic feature of a growing number of inborn errors of metabolism. “Primary” 3MGC aciduria is caused by deficiencies in leucine pathway enzymes while “secondary” 3MGC aciduria results from inborn errors of metabolism that impact mitochondrial energy production. The metabolic precursor of 3MGC acid is trans‐3MGC CoA, an intermediate in the leucine catabolism pathway. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis of commercially available trans‐3MGC acid yielded a mixture of cis and trans isomers while 1H‐NMR spectroscopy of trans‐3MGC acid at 25°C provided no evidence for the cis isomer. When trans‐3MGC acid was incubated under conditions used for sample derivatization prior to GC‐MS (but with no trimethylsilane added), 1H‐NMR spectroscopy provided evidence of trans to cis isomerization. Incubation of trans‐3MGC acid at 37°C resulted in time‐dependent isomerization to cis‐3MGC acid. Cis‐3MGC acid behaved in a similar manner except that, under identical incubation conditions, less isomerization occurred. In agreement with these experimental results, molecular modeling studies provided evidence that the energy minimized structure of cis‐3MGC acid is 4 kJ/mol more stable than that for trans‐3MGC acid. Once generated in vivo, trans‐3MGC acid is proposed to isomerize via a mechanism involving π electron delocalization with formation of a resonance structure that permits bond rotation. The data presented are consistent with the occurrence of both diastereomers in urine samples of subjects with 3MGC aciduria.
Whole‐Slab 3D MR Spectroscopic Imaging of the Human Brain With Spiral‐Out‐In Sampling at 7T
Authors: Esmaeili Morteza , Strasser Bernhard , Bogner Wolfgang , Moser Philipp , Wang Zhe , Andronesi Ovidiu C. 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundMetabolic imaging using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) has increased the sensitivity and spectral resolution at field strengths of ≥7T. Compared to the conventional Cartesian‐based spectroscopic imaging, spiral trajectories enable faster data collection, promising the clinical translation of whole‐brain MRSI. Technical considerations at 7T, however, lead to a suboptimal sampling efficiency for the spiral‐out (SO) acquisitions, as a significant portion of the trajectory consists of rewinders.PurposeTo develop and implement a spiral‐out‐in (SOI) trajectory for sampling of whole‐brain MRSI at 7T. We hypothesized that SOI will improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of metabolite maps due to a more efficient acquisition.Study TypeProspective.Subjects/PhantomFive healthy volunteers (28–38 years, three females) and a phantom.Field Strength/SequenceNavigated adiabatic spin‐echo spiral 3D MRSI at 7T.AssessmentA 3D stack of SOI trajectories was incorporated into an adiabatic spin‐echo MRSI sequence with real‐time motion and shim correction. Metabolite spectral fitting, SNR, and Cramér–Rao lower bound (CRLB) were obtained. We compared the signal intensity and CRLB of three metabolites of tNAA, tCr, and tCho. Peak SNR (PSNR), structure similarity index (SSIM), and signal‐to‐artifact ratio were evaluated on water maps.Statistical TestsThe nonparametric Mann–Whitney U‐test was used for statistical testing.ResultsCompared to SO, the SOI trajectory: 1) increased the k‐space sampling efficiency by 23%; 2) is less demanding for the gradient hardware, requiring 36% lower Gmax and 26% lower Smax; 3) increased PSNR of water maps by 4.94 dB (P = 0.0006); 4) resulted in a 29% higher SNR (P = 0.003) and lower CRLB by 26–35% (P = 0.02, tNAA), 35–55% (P = 0.03, tCr), and 22–23% (P = 0.04, tCho), which increased the number of well‐fitted voxels (eg, for tCr by 11%, P = 0.03). SOI did not significantly change the signal‐to‐artifact ratio and SSIM (P = 0.65) compared to SO.Data ConclusionSOI provided more efficient MRSI at 7T compared to SO, which improved the data quality and metabolite quantification.Level of Evidence1Technical Efficacy Stage2
N‐acetylcysteine use as an adjuvant to bone cement to fight periprosthetic joint infections: A preliminary in vitro efficacy and biocompatibility study
Authors: Sukhonthamarn Kamolsak , Cho Jeongeun , Chisari Emanuele , Goswami Karan , Arnold William V. , Parvizi Javad 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWhen antibiotic laden bone cement is used to manage periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), failure still occurs with its use in up to 30% of cases. Therefore, we designed an in vitro study to assess the bactericidal effect of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), an antibacterial adjuvant, in cement against planktonic and biofilm forms of common PJI pathogens. NAC (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% w/v) added to polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and incubated in broth at 36°C. PMMA‐alone and/or culture bacteria alone were used as a negative control. Aliquots of cement elution from each group were taken at 1 day and 1 week and then were investigated for antimicrobial efficacy against the planktonic‐form and the biofilm‐form of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The primary outcome was the residual colony‐forming unit count. The cytotoxicity and mechanical properties of the NAC–PMMA cement‐blocks were also assessed. NAC–PMMA efficacy against the planktonic bacteria was demonstrated at a minimum of 30% at Day 1 and a minimum of 20% at 1 week after (p < .001). NAC–PMMA cement was effective against biofilm at a minimum of 30% of NAC at 1 day and 1 week of cement immersion (p < .001). The PMMA alone group was identified as having the highest cytotoxicity (p < .001). NAC decreased the stiffness (p = .004) and maximum load breaking point of the cement (p = .029). NAC is an effective and biocompatible adjuvant to PMMA in terms of antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The broad antibacterial spectrum of NAC, its low expense, and minimal cytotoxicity makes it an ideal agent for addition to PMMA cement.
Noninvasive diagnostic of periprosthetic joint infection by urinary peptide markers: A preliminary study
Authors: Omar Mohamed , Windhagen Henning , Krettek Christian , Ettinger Max 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPrevious immunohistochemical analyses revealed altered protein expression in the periprosthetic membranes of patients with periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Proteins are degraded to peptides that may pass the blood–kidney barrier depending on their size. The aim of this study was to evaluate if PJI can be diagnosed based on the urinary peptide excretion pattern. Thirty patients undergoing removal of their hip or knee prostheses due to septic or aseptic loosening were enrolled. Specimen sampling was performed according to the MusculoSkeletal Infection Society criteria. A urinary sample was analyzed before surgery using capillary electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry. Peptides with differential urinary excretion between groups were used to establish a multimarker model. A total of 137 peptides were differentially excreted between the septic and aseptic groups. The majority of identified peptide markers were fragments of structural extracellular matrix proteins, potentially due to their origin from the periprosthetic membrane. A marker model with 83 peptides achieved the best diagnostic performance for diagnosing PJI with a sensitivity of 95%, a specificity of 90%, and an area under the curve of 0.96. The altered protein expression pattern in the periprosthetic membrane of PJI is most likely reflected in excreted urinary peptides. Thus, the diagnosis of PJI by urinary peptide markers seems to be a reasonable approach.
A mechanistic review: potential chronic disease‐preventive properties of sorghum
Authors: Amarakoon Darshika , Lou Zhiyuan , Lee Wu‐Joo , Smolensky Dmitriy , Lee Seong‐Ho 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSorghum is one of the most widely cultivated crops, and is used in foods, domestic animal feedstuffs, alcohol production, and biofuels. Recently, many research groups have demonstrated that sorghum contains various components that are strongly associated with the prevention of major human chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, cancer, and inflammation. However, to use sorghum more widely as a food for the potential prevention and treatment of human chronic diseases, more studies will be required to elucidate the biological mechanisms. In this review paper, we highlight multiple findings to propose a mechanistic link between sorghum consumption and reduced risk of chronic diseases. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Ridge–furrow with grass straw mulching farming system to boost rainfed wheat productivity and water use efficiency in semiarid Kenya
Authors: Wang Jian‐Yong , Mo Fei , Zhou Hong , Kavagi Levis , Nguluu Simon N , Xiong You‐Cai 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDRidge–furrow mulching farming systems (RFMs) aim to increase field productivity and improve water use efficiency. To explore environment‐friendly and efficient farming systems is a central aspect of rainfed wheat field management in Kenya where rainfall utilization is at a low level. We introduced RFMs (including plastic film and grass straw mulching) to semiarid Kenya to evaluate the effects on field productivity, rainwater utilization, soil quality and economic profitability using old and modern wheat cultivars from 2012 to 2013.RESULTSAcross the cultivars, the RFMs increased grain yield, aboveground biomass and water use efficiency by 74–163%, 36–104% and 89–273%, respectively, compared with conventional flat planting (control). RFMs significantly shortened the vegetative period while prolonging the reproductive period. The net economic output under RFMs was 74–165% higher than that of the control. Grass straw mulching achieved the highest economic output to input ratio, almost 45% higher than plastic film mulching, despite the former harvested only 82% of the maximum field productivity of the latter. Compared with the control, grass straw mulching promoted the contents of soil organic carbon, total nitrogen and C:N ratio by 14%, 8% and 5%, respectively, while obviously decreased values of these parameters were observed under plastic mulching.CONCLUSIONSThrough reducing soil water loss, and improving rainwater use efficiency and soil quality, ridge–furrow grass straw mulching would be a sustainable option for boosting field productivity and thus ensuring local food security in rainfed agricultural areas of Kenya. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Antihypertensive effect of rapeseed peptides and their potential in improving the effectiveness of captopril
Authors: Wang Yucheng , Li Yunliang , Ruan Siyu , Lu Feng , Tian Wanmin , Ma Haile 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe main objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and antihypertensive activity of rapeseed peptides and to investigate their potential synergy with captopril.RESULTSThe peptides were nontoxic with the maximum tolerated dose exceeding 25 g kg−1 BW d−1 for mice and they had angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 1.27 mg mL−1. Rapeseed peptides did not have a synergistic effect with captopril on inhibiting ACE activity in simulated digestion tests in vitro. But in vivo they could synergistically augment the amplitude range of lowering blood pressure with captopril by approximately 9% and prolong the antihypertensive effect duration time by over 20% in antihypertension tests of spontaneously hypertensive rats. In addition, the inhibiting effect of rapeseed peptides on ACE activity was noticeable in some rat organs in vivo. Nevertheless, when compared to captopril group, the potential synergy of rapeseed peptides with captopril did not cause a further decrease in ACE activity in the organs but their synergy further improved levels of NO (12.7%) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (74.1%) in rat serum. Further studies of some peptides identified from rapeseed peptides showed that some of the rapeseed peptides (Cys‐Leu, Val‐Ala‐Pro) could markedly increase contents of NO and endothelial nitric oxide synthase.CONCLUSIONSRapeseed peptides have antihypertensive activity and they showed potential synergy with captopril in antihypertensive performance in vivo. The synergy was not from ACE inhibition but from other pathways, like improvement in endogenous vasodilator contents. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry