bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the climate suitability and potential economic impacts of Oak wilt in Canada
Authors: Pedlar John H. , McKenney Daniel W. , Hope Emily , Reed Sharon , Sweeney Jon
Published: November 2020

We assess risks posed by oak wilt—a disease caused by the fungal pathogenBretziella fagacearum. Though not currently found in Canada, our distribution models indicate that suitable climate conditions currently occur in southern Ontario forB. fagacearumand two of its main insect dispersal vectors,Colopterus truncatusandCarpophilus sayi.Climate habitat for these species is projected to expand northward under climate change, with much of the oak range in eastern Canada becoming climatically suitable within the next two decades. Potential costs for the removal and replacement of oak street trees ranged from CDN$266 to $420 million, with variation related to uncertainty in costs, rate of tree replacement, and city-level estimates of oak street tree density. The value of standing oak timber in eastern Canada was estimated at CDN$126 million using provincial stumpage fees and as a CDN$24 million annual contribution to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) when calculated using a combination of economic and forestry product statistics. These values can help inform the scale of eradication and/or management efforts in the event of future oak wilt introductions.
Importance of the pyrolysis for microstructure and superconducting properties of CSD-grown GdBa2Cu3O7−x-HfO2 nanocomposite films by the ex-situ approach
Authors: Cayado Pablo , Rijckaert Hannes , Bruneel Els , Erbe Manuela , Hänisch Jens , Van Driessche Isabel , Holzapfel Bernhard
Published: November 2020

For the first time, GdBa2Cu3O7−x nanocomposites were prepared by chemical solution deposition following the ex-situ approach. In particular, ~ 220 nm GdBa2Cu3O7−x-HfO2 (GdBCO-HfO2) nanocomposite films were fabricated starting from a colloidal solution of 5 mol% HfO2 nanoparticles. Hereby, one of the main challenges is to avoid the accumulation of the nanoparticles at the substrate interface during the pyrolysis, which would later prevent the epitaxial nucleation of the GdBCO grains. Therefore, the effect of pyrolysis processing parameters such as heating ramp and temperature on the homogeneity of the nanoparticle distribution has been investigated. By increasing the heating ramp to 300 °C/h and decreasing the final temperature to 300 °C, a more homogenous nanoparticle distribution was achieved. This translates into improved superconducting properties of the grown films reaching critical temperatures (Tc) of 94.5 K and self-field critical current densities ($${J}_{\mathrm{c}}^{\mathrm{sf}}$$

J

c

sf

) at 77 K of 2.1 MA/cm2 with respect to films pyrolyzed at higher temperatures or lower heating ramps.
Expanded and activated allogeneic NK cells are cytotoxic against B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells with sporadic cases of resistance
Authors: Calvo Tania , Reina-Ortiz Chantal , Giraldos David , Gascón María , Woods Daniel , Asenjo Judit , Marco-Brualla Joaquín , Azaceta Gemma , Izquierdo Isabel , Palomera Luis , Sánchez-Martínez Diego , Marzo Isabel , Naval Javier , Vilches Carlos , Villalba Martín , Anel Alberto
Published: November 2020

Adoptive transfer of allogeneic natural killer (NK) cells is becoming a credible immunotherapy for hematological malignancies. In the present work, using an optimized expansion/activation protocol of human NK cells, we generate expanded NK cells (eNK) with increased expression of CD56 and NKp44, while maintaining that of CD16. These eNK cells exerted significant cytotoxicity against cells from 34 B-CLL patients, with only 1 sample exhibiting resistance. This sporadic resistance did not correlate with match between KIR ligands expressed by the eNK cells and the leukemic cells, while cells with match resulted sensitive to eNK cells. This suggests that KIR mismatch is not relevant when expanded NK cells are used as effectors. In addition, we found two examples of de novo resistance to eNK cell cytotoxicity during the clinical course of the disease. Resistance correlated with KIR-ligand match in one of the patients, but not in the other, and was associated with a significant increase in PD-L1 expression in the cells from both patients. Treatment of one of these patients with idelalisib correlated with the loss of PD-L1 expression and with re-sensitization to eNK cytotoxicity. We confirmed the idelalisib-induced decrease in PD-L1 expression in the B-CLL cell line Mec1 and in cultured cells from B-CLL patients. As a main conclusion, our results reinforce the feasibility of using expanded and activated allogeneic NK cells in the treatment of B-CLL.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms in LCAT may contribute to dyslipidaemia in HIV-infected individuals on HAART in a Ghanaian population
Authors: Bani Simon Bannison , Danquah Kwabena Owusu , Obirikorang Christian , Owiredu William K. B. A. , Quaye Lawrence , Muonir Der Edmund , Acheampong Emmanuel , Adams Yussif , Dapare Peter Paul M. , Banyeh Moses , Anto Enoch Odame , Sakyi Samuel Asamoah
Published: November 2020

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is known to cause lipid abnormalities such as dyslipidaemia in HIV-infected individuals. Yet, dyslipidaemia may not independently occur as it may be worsened by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL). This case–control study was conducted in three-selected hospitals in the Northern part of Ghana. The study constituted a total of 118 HIV-infected participants aged 19–71 years, who had been on HAART for 6–24 months. Dyslipidaemia was defined based on the NCEP-ATP III criteria. HIV-infected individuals on HAART with dyslipidaemia were classified as cases while those without dyslipidaemia were grouped as controls. Lipid profile was measured using an automatic clinical chemistry analyzer and genomic DNA was extracted for PCR (GeneAmp PCR System 2700). Overall, the prevalence of dyslipidaemia was 39.0% (46/118). High levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were observed in all cases. A total of 256 selected PCR amplicons comprising 137LPL(exons 3, 5 and 6) and 119LCAT(exons 1, 4, and 6) were sequenced in 46 samples (Inqaba Biotech). Six (6) clinically significant SNPs were identified in exons 1 and 4 forLCATwhereas 25 non-clinically significant SNPs were identified forLPLin exons 5 and 6. At position 97 forLCATexon 1, there was a deletion of the nucleotide, ‘A’ in 32.5% (13/40) of the sampled population while 67.5% (27/40) of the sample population retained the nucleotide, ‘A’ which was significantly associated with dyslipidaemic outcomes in the study population (p = 0.0004). A total of 25 SNPs were identified in exons 5 and 6 ofLPL; 22 were substitutions, and 3 were insertions. However, none of the 25 SNPs identified inLPLexon 5 and 6 were statistically significant. SNPs in LCAT may independently contribute to dyslipidaemia among Ghanaian HIV-infected individuals on HAART, thus, allowing genetic and/or functional differential diagnosis of dyslipidaemia and creating an opportunity for potentially preventive options.
Hik36–Hik43 and Rre6 act as a two-component regulatory system to control cell aggregation in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803
Authors: Kera Kota , Yoshizawa Yuichiro , Shigehara Takehiro , Nagayama Tatsuya , Tsujii Masaru , Tochigi Saeko , Uozumi Nobuyuki
Published: November 2020

In response to environmental stress the model cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 can switch from a planktonic state to autoaggregation and biofilm formation. The precise mechanism of this transition remains unknown. Here we investigated the role of a candidate two-component regulatory system (TCS) in controlling morphological changes, as a way to understand the intermediate molecular steps that are part of the signaling pathway. A bacterial two-hybrid assay showed that the response regulator Rre6 formed a TCS together with a split histidine kinase consisting of Hik36 and Hik43. Individual disruption mutants displayed autoaggregation in a static culture. In contrast, unlike in the wild type, high salinity did not induce biofilm formation in Δhik36, Δhik43 and Δrre6. The expression levels of exopolysaccharide (EPS) production genes were higher in Δhik36 and Δhik43, compared with the wild type, but lower in Δrre6, suggesting that the TCS regulated EPS production in Synechocystis. Rre6 interacted physically with the motor protein PilT2, that is a component of the type IV pilus system. This interaction was enhanced in a phosphomimic version of Rre6. Taken together, Hik36–Hik43–Rre6 function as an upstream component of the pili-related signal transduction cascade and control the prevention of cell adhesion and biofilm formation.
Patient-derived ovarian cancer explants: preserved viability and histopathological features in long-term agitation-based cultures
Authors: Abreu Sofia , Silva Fernanda , Mendes Rita , Mendes Teresa F. , Teixeira Marta , Santo Vítor E. , Boghaert Erwin R. , Félix Ana , Brito Catarina
Published: November 2020

Ovarian carcinoma (OvC) remains a major therapeutic challenge due to its propensity to develop resistance after an initial response to chemotherapy. Interactions of tumour cells with the surrounding microenvironment play a role in tumour survival, invasion capacity and drug resistance. Cancer models that retain tissue architecture and tumour microenvironment components are therefore essential to understand drug response and resistance mechanisms. Herein, our goal was to develop a long-term OvC patient-derived explant (OvC-PDE) culture strategy in which architecture and cell type heterogeneity of the original tumour would be retained. Samples from 25 patients with distinct OvC types and one with a benign tumour, were cultured for 30 days in agitation-based culture systems with 100% success rate. OvC-PDE cultures retained the original tumour architecture and main cellular components: epithelial cells, fibroblasts and immune cells. Epithelial cells kept their original levels of proliferation and apoptosis. Moreover, the major extracellular components, such as collagen-I and -IV, were retained in explants. OvC-PDE cultures were exposed to standard-of-care chemotherapeutics agents for 2 weeks, attesting the ability of the platform for drug assays employing cyclic drug exposure regimens. We established an OvC-PDE dynamic culture in which tumour architecture and cell type heterogeneity were preserved for the different OvC types, replicating features of the original tumour and compatible with long-term drug exposure for drug efficacy and resistance studies.
Raman spectroscopy reveals age- and sex-related differences in cortical bone from people with osteoarthritis
Authors: Nieuwoudt Michel K. , Shahlori Rayomand , Naot Dorit , Patel Rhea , Holtkamp Hannah , Aguergaray Claude , Watson Maureen , Musson David , Brown Cameron , Dalbeth Nicola , Cornish Jillian , Simpson M. Cather
Published: November 2020

Bone strength in human cortical bone is determined by the composition and structure of both the mineral and collagen matrices and influenced by factors such as age, gender, health, lifestyle and genetic factors. Age-related changes in the bone matrix are known to result in loss of mechanical strength and increased fragility. In this study we show how Raman spectroscopy, with its exquisite sensitivity to the molecular structure of bone, reveals new insights into age- and sex-related differences. Raman analysis of 18 samples of cortical hip bone obtained from people aged between 47–82 years with osteoarthritis (OA) found subtle changes in the lipid and collagen secondary structure, and the carbonate (CO32−) and phosphate (PO43−) mineral ratios in the bone matrix. Significant differences were observed between older and younger bones, and between older female and older male bones; no significant differences were observed between younger male and female bones. Older female bones presented the lowest mineral to matrix ratios (MMR) and highest CO32−/PO43−ratios, and relative to lipid/collagen –CH2deformation modes at 1450 cm−1they had lowest overall mineral content, higher collagen cross linking and lipid content but lower levels of α-helix collagen structures than older male and younger male and female bones. These observations provided further insight on bone composition changes observed in the bone volume fraction (BV/TV) for the older female bones from microCT measurements on the same samples, while tissue mineral density (TMD) measurements had shown no significant differences between the samples.
Experimental tests of bivalve shell shape reveal potential tradeoffs between mechanical and behavioral defenses
Authors: Johnson Erynn H.
Published: November 2020

Bivalves protect themselves from predators using both mechanical and behavioral defenses. While their shells serve as mechanical armor, bivalve shells also enable evasive behaviors such as swimming and burrowing. Therefore, bivalve shell shape is a critical determinant of how successfully an organism can defend against attack. Shape is believed to be related to shell strength with bivalve shell shapes converging on a select few morphologies that correlate with life mode and motility. In this study, mathematical modeling and 3D printing were used to analyze the protective function of different shell shapes against vertebrate shell-crushing predators. Considering what life modes different shapes permit and analyzing the strength of these shapes in compression provides insight to evolutionary and ecological tradeoffs with respect to mechanical and behavioral defenses. These empirical tests are the first of their kind to isolate the influence of bivalve shell shape on strength and quantitatively demonstrate that shell strength is derived from multiple shape parameters. The findings of this theoretical study are consistent with examples of shell shapes that allow escape behaviors being mechanically weaker than those which do not. Additionally, shell elongation from the umbo, a metric often overlooked, is shown to have significant effects on shell strength.
The burden of childhood hand-foot-mouth disease morbidity attributable to relative humidity: a multicity study in the Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Luo Caiying , Ma Yue , Liu Yaqiong , Lv Qiang , Yin Fei
Published: November 2020

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a growing threat to children's health, causing a serious public health burden in China. The relationships between associated meteorological factors and HFMD have been widely studied. However, the HFMD burden due to relative humidity from the perspective of attributable risk has been neglected. This study investigated the humidity-HFMD relationship in three comprehensive perspectives, humidity-HFMD relationship curves, effect modification and attributable risks in the Sichuan Basin between 2011 and 2017. We used multistage analyses composed of distributed lag nonlinear models (DLNMs), a multivariate meta-regression model and the calculations of attributable risk to quantify the humidity-HFMD association. We observed a J-shaped pattern for the pooled cumulative humidity-HFMD relationship, which presented significant heterogeneity relating to the geographical region and number of primary school students. Overall, 27.77% (95% CI 25.24–30.02%) of HFMD infections were attributed to humidity. High relative humidity resulted in the greatest burden of HFMD infections. The proportion of high humidity-related HFMD in the southern basin was higher than that in the northern basin. The findings provide evidence from multiple perspectives for public health policy formulation and health resource allocation to develop priorities and targeted policies to ease the HFMD burden associated with humidity.
Experimentally measured methane hydrate phase equilibria and ionic liquids inhibition performance in Qatar’s seawater
Authors: Qureshi M. F. , Khraisheh M. , AlMomani F.
Published: November 2020

Qatar has the third-largest natural gas reserves in the world and is the second largest Liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter in the world. These reserves are mainly located in its offshore North Field where the gas is extracted, transported to the onshore units, and is converted to LNG for international export. The formation of natural gas hydrates in the offshore subsea lines can cause unwanted blockages and hinder the smooth supply of gas supply from offshore to onshore units. In the present work, the formation and dissociation of methane gas hydrates have been studied in the ultra pure water system (UPW), artificial seawater (ASW), and Qatar seawater (QSW) at different conditions (4–10 MPa) using standard rocking cell rig. The naturally occurring seawater was collected from Ras Laffan seacoast located in Doha, Qatar. The seawater sample was examined for elemental analysis (SO4, Cl, Na, Ca, Mg, K, and Fe) using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) technique and its other properties like density, electrical conductivity, and pH were also measured. The experimental results show that the CH4 pure water HLVE curve is suppressed by about 3 K in Qatar seawater and 2 K in artificial seawater. The hydrate inhibition strength of the Ionic liquids (ILs) salts 3-Ethyl-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium methane-sulfonate [C7H14N2O3S] and 3-Ethyl-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium dicyanoazanide [C8H11N5] was evaluated in both the ultra pure water and Qatar seawater systems. Their performance was compared with methanol and other ILs salts reported in the literature. The selected ILs exhibited poor hydrate inhibition effect in the ultra pure water systems, but they show a noticeable thermodynamic and kinetic hydrate inhibition effect in the Qatar seawater system. The computational 3D molecular models of ILs and methanol were generated to cognize the plausible hydrate inhibition mechanism in the presence of these inhibitors.
Influence of benthic currents on cold-water coral habitats: a combined benthic monitoring and 3D photogrammetric investigation
Authors: Lim Aaron , Wheeler Andrew J. , Price David M. , O’Reilly Luke , Harris Kimberley , Conti Luis
Published: November 2020

Strong currents are a key component of benthic habitats by supplying food and nutrients to filter-feeding organisms such as cold-water corals. Although field measurements show that cold-water coral habitats exist in areas of elevated bottom currents, flume studies show that cold-water corals feed more effectively at lower flow speeds. This research aims to explore this disconnect in situ by utilising high spatial resolution ROV photogrammetric data coupled with high temporal resolution in situ acoustic doppler current profile measurements at seven study sites within the upper Porcupine Bank Canyon (uPBC), NE Atlantic. Object-based image analysis of photogrammetric data show that coral habitats vary considerably within the upper canyon. Although there is a regional hydrodynamic trend across the uPBC, this variation is likely driven locally by topographic steering. Although live coral tends not to face directly into the prevailing current direction, preferring lower local flows speeds, they can tolerate exposure to high-flow speeds of up to 114 cm s−1, the highest recorded in a Desmophyllum pertusum habitat. Not only do these high flow speeds supply food and nutrients, they may also help contribute to coral rubble production through physical erosion. These results can be incorporated into simulations of future deep-water habitat response to changing environmental conditions while extending the upper current speed threshold for cold-water corals.
Long noncoding RNA U90926 is crucial for herpes simplex virus type 1 proliferation in murine retinal photoreceptor cells
Authors: Shirahama Shintaro , Onoguchi-Mizutani Rena , Kawata Kentaro , Taniue Kenzui , Miki Atsuko , Kato Akihisa , Kawaguchi Yasushi , Tanaka Rie , Kaburaki Toshikatsu , Kawashima Hidetoshi , Urade Yoshihiro , Aihara Makoto , Akimitsu Nobuyoshi
Published: November 2020

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play vital roles in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases, but the role of lncRNAs in herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection remains unknown. Using RNA sequencing analysis, we explored lncRNAs that were highly expressed in murine retinal photoreceptor cell-derived 661W cells infected with HSV-1.U90926RNA (522 nucleotides) was the most upregulated lncRNA detected post HSV-1 infection. The level ofU90926RNA was continuously increased post HSV-1 infection, reaching a 100-fold increase at 24 h. Cellular fractionation showed thatU90926RNA was located in the nucleus post HSV-1 infection. Downregulation ofU90926expression by RNA interference markedly suppressed HSV-1 DNA replication (80% reduction at 12 h post infection) and HSV-1 proliferation (93% reduction at 12 h post infection) in 661W cells. The survival rates ofU90926-knockdown cells were significantly increased compared to those of control cells (81% and 21%, respectively;p < 0.0001). Thus, lncRNAU90926is crucial for HSV-1 proliferation in retinal photoreceptor cells and consequently leads to host cell death by promoting HSV-1 proliferation.
A global population assessment of the Chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis antarctica)
Authors: Strycker Noah , Wethington Michael , Borowicz Alex , Forrest Steve , Witharana Chandi , Hart Tom , Lynch Heather J.
Published: November 2020

Using satellite imagery, drone imagery, and ground counts, we have assembled the first comprehensive global population assessment of Chinstrap penguins (Pygoscelis antarctica) at 3.42 (95th-percentile CI: [2.98, 4.00]) million breeding pairs across 375 extant colonies. Twenty-three previously known Chinstrap penguin colonies are found to be absent or extirpated. We identify five new colonies, and 21 additional colonies previously unreported and likely missed by previous surveys. Limited or imprecise historical data prohibit our assessment of population change at 35% of all Chinstrap penguin colonies. Of colonies for which a comparison can be made to historical counts in the 1980s, 45% have probably or certainly declined and 18% have probably or certainly increased. Several large colonies in the South Sandwich Islands, where conditions apparently remain favorable for Chinstrap penguins, cannot be assessed against a historical benchmark. Our population assessment provides a detailed baseline for quantifying future changes in Chinstrap penguin abundance, sheds new light on the environmental drivers of Chinstrap penguin population dynamics in Antarctica, and contributes to ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts at a time of climate change and concerns over declining krill abundance in the Southern Ocean.
Diagenetic evolution of the Oligocene Huagang Formation in Xihu sag, the East China Sea Shelf Basin
Authors: Qian Wendao , Yin Taiju , Zhang Changmin , Tang Huijia , Hou Guowei
Published: November 2020

The deep and ultra deep clastic reservoir is characterized by strong reservoir heterogeneity and complicated reservoir-forming characteristics for its high degree of diagenetic stage and the complexity of diagenesis. In order to better study the diagenetic evolution of deep and ultra deep reservoir in the burial process, a fine subsection scheme of 36 diagenetic micro-stage (DS) in diageneitic process was proposed based on paleotemperature (T), vitrinite reflectance (Ro%) and proportion of smectite in illite/smectite interstratified minerals (I/S-S%). Taking the Oligocene Huagang Formation in the Xihu sag of the East China Sea Basin as an example, the diagentic stage IIA1–IIA2–IIB was identified mainly by means of formation temperature data (T), homogenization temperature of fluid inclusion (Th), vitrinite analysis and clay mineral X-ray diffraction method. On this basis, diagenetic evolution using the fine subsection scheme in geological time were conducted. This fine division of diagenetic stage could bring accurate insight into porosity evolution history, hydrocarbon charging periods, diagenetic and reservoir-forming characteristics of low-permeability and tight sandstone.
Compact analytical flow system for the simultaneous determination of l-lactic and l-malic in red wines
Authors: Giménez-Gómez Pablo , Gutiérrez-Capitán Manuel , Capdevila Fina , Puig-Pujol Anna , Jiménez-Jorquera Cecilia , Fernández-Sánchez César
Published: November 2020

During the malolactic fermentation of red wines, l-malic acid is mainly converted to l-lactic acid. Both acids should be precisely measured during the entire process to guarantee the quality of the final wine, thus making real-time monitoring approaches of great importance in the winemaking industry. Traditional analytical methods based on laboratory procedures are currently applied and cannot be deployed on-site. In this work, we report on the design and development of a bi-parametric compact analytical flow system integrating two electrochemical biosensors that could be potentially applied in this scenario. The developed flow-system will allow for the first time the simultaneous measurement of both acids in real scenarios at the real-time and in remote way. Miniaturized thin-film platinum four-electrode chips are fabricated on silicon substrates by standard photolithographic techniques and further implemented in a polymeric fluidic structure. This includes a 15 µL flow cell together with the required fluidic channels for sample and reagent fluid management. The four-electrode chip includes counter and pseudo-reference electrodes together with two working electrodes. These are sequentially modified with electropolymerized polypyrrole membranes that entrap the specific receptors for selectively detecting both target analytes. The analytical performance of both biosensors is studied by chronoamperometry, showing a linear range from 5 × 10−6 to 1 × 10−4 M (LOD of 3.2 ± 0.3 × 10−6 M) and from 1 × 10−7 to 1 × 10−6 M (LOD of 6.7 ± 0.2 × 10−8 M) for the l-lactate and the l-malate, respectively. Both biosensors show long-term stability, retaining more than the 90% of their initial sensitivity after more than 30 days, this being a prerequisite for monitoring the whole process of the malolactic fermentation of the red wines (time between 20 and 40 days). The flow system performance is assessed with several wine samples collected during the malolactic fermentation process of three red wines, showing an excellent agreement with the results obtained with the standard method.
Using stochastic dynamic modelling to estimate the sensitivity of current and alternative surveillance program of Salmonella in conventional broiler production
Authors: Apenteng Ofosuhene O. , Arnold Mark E. , Vigre Håkan
Published: November 2020

Since 2018, the EU commission has declared the Danish broiler industry to be Salmonella free. However, there is continuous Salmonella pressure from the environment, and a number of parent flocks and broiler flocks become infected annually. When a parent flock becomes infected, the infection can be transmitted vertically to the broiler flocks, before the parent flock is detected and destroyed, including the eggs at the hatchery. To address this issue, we developed stochastic dynamic modelling of transmission of Salmonella in parent flocks and combined that with the relation between flock prevalence and test sensitivity for environmental samples in the flock. Results suggested that after 10 and 100 infected hens were seeded, the likelihood of detecting an infected parent flock within the three first weeks after the infection was strongly influenced by the taking of five boot swabs (95% CI 70–100) instead of two (95% CI 40–100) or the supplementing of the two boot swabs by a dust sample (95% CI 43–100). Results suggest that the likelihood of detecting the broiler flock as infected in the program was estimated to at least 99% in broiler flock even if only one chicken was initially infected. These findings are of relevance for managing parent flocks and eggs at the hatchery in case of Salmonella infection in parent flocks in the Danish poultry.
Non-Gaussian tail in the force distribution: a hallmark of correlated disorder in the host media of elastic objects
Authors: Sánchez Jazmín Aragón , Rumi Gonzalo , Maldonado Raúl Cortés , Bolecek Néstor René Cejas , Puig Joaquín , Pedrazzini Pablo , Nieva Gladys , Dolz Moira I. , Konczykowski Marcin , van der Beek Cornelis J. , Kolton Alejandro B. , Fasano Yanina
Published: November 2020

Inferring the nature of disorder in the media where elastic objects are nucleated is of crucial importance for many applications but remains a challenging basic-science problem. Here we propose a method to discern whether weak-point or strong-correlated disorder dominates based on characterizing the distribution of the interaction forces between objects mapped in large fields-of-view. We illustrate our proposal with the case-study system of vortex structures nucleated in type-II superconductors with different pinning landscapes. Interaction force distributions are computed from individual vortex positions imaged in thousands-vortices fields-of-view in a two-orders-of-magnitude-wide vortex-density range. Vortex structures nucleated in point-disordered media present Gaussian distributions of the interaction force components. In contrast, if the media have dilute and randomly-distributed correlated disorder, these distributions present non-Gaussian algebraically-decaying tails for large force magnitudes. We propose that detecting this deviation from the Gaussian behavior is a fingerprint of strong disorder, in our case originated from a dilute distribution of correlated pinning centers.
Identification of oral symptoms associated with atopic dermatitis in adolescents: Results from the Korea national representative survey 2009–2017
Authors: Shim Ji-Su , Yang Min-Suk
Published: November 2020

The relationship between oral health and atopic dermatitis (AD) remains unclear. Here we investigated the association between oral health status and AD using data from 634,299 subjects in the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Survey (KYRBS). Participants with oral symptoms were defined as those with any of following: sensitive teeth, toothache, bleeding gums or gum pain, and dry mouth. Current AD was determined by the question if participant had been diagnosed with AD from doctor within the past 12 months. We estimated the odds ratio (OR) for AD diagnosis according to the presence of oral symptoms. The OR for current AD, which is a dependent variable, was significantly increased in participants with oral symptoms, which are independent variables, in an adjusted model (OR, 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26–1.29;P < 0.001). In detailed analyses, all four oral symptoms were significantly associated with AD diagnosis: sensitive teeth (OR, 1.21; CI, 1.19–1.23;P < 0.001), bad breath (OR, 1.18; CI, 1.17–1.20;P < 0.001), toothache (OR, 1.18; CI, 1.16–1.20;P < 0.001), and bleeding gums (OR, 1.14; CI, 1.12–1.16;P < 0.001). In the presence of oral symptoms, the ORs for having two or more allergic diseases (AD, allergic rhinitis, and/or asthma) were higher than that of AD alone. In this study, oral symptoms appeared to be associated with AD in Korean adolescences.
Expression of Dux family genes in early preimplantation embryos
Authors: Sugie Kenta , Funaya Satoshi , Kawamura Machika , Nakamura Toshinobu , Suzuki Masataka G. , Aoki Fugaku
Published: November 2020

After fertilization, the zygotic genome is activated through two phases, minor zygotic activation (ZGA) and major ZGA.

Recently, it was suggested that DUX is expressed during minor ZGA and activates some genes during major ZGA. However, it has not been proven that Dux is expressed during minor ZGA and functions to activate major ZGA genes, because there are several Dux paralogs that may be expressed in zygotes instead of Dux. In this study, we found that more than a dozen Dux paralogs, as well as Dux, are expressed during minor ZGA. Overexpression of some of these genes induced increased expression of major ZGA genes. These results suggest that multiple Dux paralogs are expressed to ensure a sufficient amount of functional Dux and its paralogs which are generated during a short period of minor ZGA with a low transcriptional activity. The mechanism by which multiple Dux paralogs are expressed is discussed.
Individual variation in unfractionated heparin dosing after pediatric cardiac surgery
Authors: Hikino Keiko , Koido Masaru , Ide Kentaro , Nishimura Nao , Terao Chikashi , Mushiroda Taisei , Nakagawa Satoshi
Published: November 2020

We aimed to identify attributing factors to the interindividual variabilities of the infusion rates in unfractionated heparin therapy. We included patients who required unfractionated heparin therapy to achieve the target APTT after cardiac surgery between May 2014 and February 2018. Fifty-nine patients were included, of whom 8 underwent Blalock-Taussig shunt; 27, Glenn procedure; 19, Fontan procedure; 3, mechanical valve replacement; and 2, Rastelli procedure. Previously reported variables that influenced the response to unfractionated heparin treatment were initially compared, which included age; weight; sex; type of surgery; platelet count; fibrinogen, antithrombin III, total protein, albumin, alanine transaminase, and creatinine levels; and use of fresh frozen plasma. The type of surgical procedure was found to be significantly associated with the differences in heparin infusion rate (P = 0.00073). Subsequently, the variance explained by these factors was estimated through a selection based on the minimum Akaike information criterion value; models constructed by various combinations of the surgery types were compared. The model including the Blalock-Taussig shunt, Glenn procedure, and mechanical valve replacement showed the highest summed variance explained (29.1%). More than 70% of the interindividual variability in initial heparin maintenance dosing was unexplained.
The dynamics of plant nutation
Authors: Raja Vicente , Silva Paula L. , Holghoomi Roghaieh , Calvo Paco
Published: November 2020

In this article we advance a cutting-edge methodology for the study of the dynamics of plant movements of nutation. Our approach, unlike customary kinematic analyses of shape, period, or amplitude, is based on three typical signatures of adaptively controlled processes and motions, as reported in the biological and behavioral dynamics literature: harmonicity, predictability, and complexity. We illustrate the application of a dynamical methodology to the bending movements of shoots of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in two conditions: with and without a support to climb onto. The results herewith reported support the hypothesis that patterns of nutation are influenced by the presence of a support to climb in their vicinity. The methodology is in principle applicable to a whole range of plant movements.
Integrating single-cell RNA-seq and imaging with SCOPE-seq2
Authors: Liu Zhouzerui , Yuan Jinzhou , Lasorella Anna , Iavarone Antonio , Bruce Jeffrey N. , Canoll Peter , Sims Peter A.
Published: November 2020

Live cell imaging allows direct observation and monitoring of phenotypes that are difficult to infer from transcriptomics. However, existing methods for linking microscopy and single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) have limited scalability. Here, we describe an upgraded version of Single Cell Optical Phenotyping and Expression (SCOPE-seq2) for combining single-cell imaging and expression profiling, with substantial improvements in throughput, molecular capture efficiency, linking accuracy, and compatibility with standard microscopy instrumentation. We introduce improved optically decodable mRNA capture beads and implement a more scalable and simplified optical decoding process. We demonstrate the utility of SCOPE-seq2 for fluorescence, morphological, and expression profiling of individual primary cells from a human glioblastoma (GBM) surgical sample, revealing relationships between simple imaging features and cellular identity, particularly among malignantly transformed tumor cells.
Omitting radiotherapy is safe in breast cancer patients ≥ 70 years old after breast-conserving surgery without axillary lymph node operation
Authors: Zhong Ying , Xu Yali , Zhou Yidong , Mao Feng , Lin Yan , Guan Jinghong , Shen Songjie , Pan Bo , Wang Changjun , Peng Li , Huang Xin , Wang Xuefei , Sun Qiang
Published: November 2020

To verify whether omitting radiotherapy from breast cancer treatment for patients ≥ 70 years old following breast-conserving surgery (BCS) without axillary lymph node dissection is safe. Previous studies have shown that omitting breast radiotherapy after BCS and axillary lymph node dissection is safe for elderly breast cancer patients. We aimed to evaluate the safety of BCS without axillary surgery or breast radiotherapy (BCSNR) in elderly patients with breast cancer and clinically negative axillary lymph nodes. We performed a retrospective analysis of 481 patients with breast cancer, aged ≥ 70 years, between 2010 and 2016. Of these, 302 patients underwent BCSNR and 179 underwent other, larger scope operations. Local recurrence rate, ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) rate, distant metastasis rate, breast-related death, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were compared between the two groups. After a median follow-up of 60 months, no significant differences in local recurrence, distant metastasis rate, breast-related death, and DFS were noted. The OS was similar (P = 0.56) between the BCSNR group (91.7%) and other operations group (93.0%). The IBTR rate was considered low in both groups, however resulted greater (P = 0.005) in the BCSNR group (5.3%) than in other operations group (1.6%). BCSNR did not affect the survival of elderly patients with breast cancer with clinically negative axillary lymph nodes. IBTR was infrequent in both groups; however, there was a significant difference between the two groups. BCSNR is a feasible treatment modality for patients with breast cancer ≥ 70 years old with clinically negative axillary lymph nodes.
A phononic crystal coupled to a transmission line via an artificial atom
Authors: Bolgar Aleksey N. , Kirichenko Daniil D. , Shaikhaidarov Rais. S. , Sanduleanu Shtefan V. , Semenov Alexander V. , Dmitriev Aleksey Yu. , Astafiev Oleg V.
Published: November 2020

The interaction of superconducting qubits with surface acoustic wave resonators in quantum regime has been achieved recently. It opens a new field of research – quantum acoustodynamics – and allows developing new types of quantum devices. The main challenge in this direction is to manufacture acoustic resonators in the gigahertz range. Here, we demonstrate that the structure of a hybrid acoustodynamic device can be significantly simplified, if we replace an acoustic resonator with a phononic crystal. Our crystal consists of narrow metallic stripes on a quartz surface. The artificial atom in turn interacts with a microwave transmission line. Therefore, two degrees of freedom of different nature, acoustic and electromagnetic, are coupled with a single quantum object. A scattering spectrum of propagating electromagnetic waves on the artificial atom visualizes acoustic modes of the phononic crystal. Our geometry allows realizing effects of quantum acoustics on a simple and compact system.
Simultaneous determination of chlorite, chlorate, perchlorate and bromate in ozonated saline by using IC-MS
Authors: Yin Xiuzhen , Cui He , Li Sa , Niu Shuyan
Published: November 2020

A simple, accurate and reliable analytical method for simultaneous determination of chlorite, chlorate, perchlorate and bromate in ozonated saline by using ion chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (IC-MS) has been developed.
Deformable liposomal codelivery of vorinostat and simvastatin promotes antitumor responses through remodeling tumor microenvironment
Authors: Tu Bin , He Yang , Chen Binfan , Wang Yonghui , Gao Yanrong , Shi Mingjie , Liu Tuanbing , Asrorov Akmal M. , Huang Yongzhuo
Published: November 2020

A deformable liposome system are developed for codelivery of vorinostat and simvastatin for remodeling the TME and for epigenetic combination therapy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Selective dealkylation of alkyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons towards innovative upgrading process of practical heavy oil
Authors: Nakano Fumiya , Goma Tomohide , Suganuma Satoshi , Tsuji Etsushi , Katada Naonobu
Published: November 2020

A silica-monolayer loaded on alumina with weak Brønsted acid sites and large pore size can selectively dealkylate alkyl polycyclic aromatics to long-chain alkanes and polycyclic aromatics for production of chemicals and fuel.
Cationic aluminum, gallium, and indium complexes in catalysis
Authors: Jung Hyuk-Joon , Cho Youngjung , Kim Diana , Mehrkhodavandi Parisa
Published: November 2020

The introduction of cationic charge allows cationic group 13 complexes to be excellent Lewis acid catalysts. Cationic aluminum, gallium, and indium complexes in catalysis are comprehensively reviewed based on the reaction type.
Kinetic and DRIFTS studies of IrRu/Al2O3 catalysts for lean NOx reduction by CO at low temperature
Authors: Song Ji Hwan , Park Dong Chan , You Young-Woo , Kim Young Jin , Kim Soo Min , Heo Iljeong , Kim Do Heui
Published: November 2020

This study employs a series of bimetallic IrRu/Al2O3 catalysts with differing Ir:Ru compositions for lean NOx reduction by CO (CO-SCR).
Promising lanthanide-doped BiVO4 phosphors for highly efficient upconversion luminescence and temperature sensing
Authors: Liu Yuwei , Meng Lingshun , Wang Hong , Jiao Jianxin , Xing Mingming , Peng Yong , Luo Xixian , Tian Ying
Published: November 2020

The semiconductor oxide BiVO4 was adopted as a novel host for highly efficient upconversion luminescence and non-contact temperature sensing.
Electrostatic polyester air filter composed of conductive nanowires and photocatalytic nanoparticles for particulate matter removal and formaldehyde decomposition
Authors: Zhang Ren-Yao , Hsieh Gen-Wen
Published: November 2020

A dual-functional polyester fibrous air filter composed of self-assembled TiO2 nanoparticles and percolated Ag nanowires for electrostatic particulate matter removal and photocatalytic formaldehyde decomposition is reported.
Elemental iron: reduction of pertechnetate in the presence of silica and periodicity of precipitated nano-structures
Authors: Boglaienko Daria , Qafoku Odeta , Kukkadapu Ravi K. , Kovarik Libor , Katsenovich Yelena P. , Cherkasov Denis E. , Emerson Hilary P. , Levitskaia Tatiana G.
Published: November 2020

Enhanced TcO4− reduction by metallic Fe0 in the presence of particulate and structural Si. Rhythmical precipitation of dissolved iron leads to formation of layered structures related to geological phenomena such as orbicular rocks and Liesegang rings.
Acetaminophen and caffeine removal by MnOx(s) and GAC media in column experiments
Authors: Miera Rachael , Shaikh Nabil , Artyushkova Kateryna , Ali Abdul-Mehdi S. , Santoro Carlo , Thomson Bruce M. , Howe Kerry J. , Cerrato José M.
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study was to investigate the application of manganese oxide [MnOx(s)] and granular activated carbon (GAC) media for the removal of caffeine and acetaminophen from water.
A review on recent approaches for designing the SEI layer on sodium metal anodes
Authors: Lee Jisung , Kim Jinuk , Kim Seongseop , Jo Changshin , Lee Jinwoo
Published: November 2020

This review comprehensively summarizes the key challenges of sodium metal anodes and the recent progress in engineering the SEI layer for high energy density SMBs.
Selenium supplementation protects against oxidative stress-induced cardiomyocyte cell cycle arrest through activation of PI3K/AKT
Authors: Sun Wenjuan , Zhu Jiawei , Li Shuang , Tang Chaohua , Zhao Qingyu , Zhang Junmin
Published: November 2020

Oxidative stress significantly contributes to heart disease, and thus might be a promising target for ameliorating heart failure. Mounting evidence suggests that selenium has chemotherapeutic potential for treating heart disease due to its regulation of selenoproteins, which play antioxidant regulatory roles. Oxidative stress-induced cardiomyocyte cell cycle arrest contributes to the loss of cardiomyocytes during heart failure. The protective effects and mechanism of selenium against oxidative stress-induced cell cycle arrest in cardiomyocytes warrant further study. H9c2 rat cardiomyoblast cells were treated with hydrogen peroxide in the presence or absence of selenium supplementation. Na2SeO3 pretreatment alleviated H2O2-induced oxidative stress, increased thioredoxin reductase (TXNRD) activity and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and counteracted the H2O2-induced cell cycle arrest at the S phase. These effects were accompanied by attenuation of the H2O2-induced strengthening of the G2/M-phase inhibitory system, including increased mRNA and protein levels of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and decreased p21 mRNA levels. Notably, Na2SeO3 pretreatment activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and inhibition of PI3K counteracted the protective effects of selenium on H2O2-induced cell cycle arrest. We corroborated our findings in vivo by inducing oxidative stress in pig heart by feeding a selenium deficient diet, which decreased the TXNRD activity, inactivated PI3K/AKT signaling and strengthened the G2/M-phase inhibitory system. We concluded that the cardioprotective effects of selenium supplementation against oxidative stress-induced cell cycle arrest in cardiomyocytes might be mediated by the selenoprotein-associated (GPx and TXNRD) antioxidant capacity, thereby activating redox status-associated PI3K/AKT pathways, which promote cell cycle progression by targeting the G2/M phase inhibitory system. This study provides new insight into the underlying mechanisms of cardioprotection effects of selenium at the cellular level.
Excessive Se on RuSe2 nanocrystals to accelerate water dissociation for the enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Wang Kefeng , Li Bin , Wei Wei , Wang Jingge , Shen Qi , Qu Peng
Published: November 2020

Excessive Se on RuSe2 nanocrystal surfaces would lower the water dissociation energy barrier, leading to an accelerated HER process.
Synthesis and polymerization of bio-based acrylates: a review
Authors: Veith Clémence , Diot-Néant Florian , Miller Stephen A. , Allais Florent
Published: November 2020

Acrylates and polyacrylates have been produced massively due to their interesting applications like Plexiglas.
Highly syndioselective coordination (co)polymerization of vinyl heteroaromatic monomers using rare-earth-metal complexes
Authors: Wang Tiantian , Wu Chunji , Cui Dongmei
Published: November 2020

This paper demonstrates the coordination polymerization of vinylbenzothiophene and its copolymerization with styrene with high activity and perfect syndioselectivity to give high molecular weight products by using rare-earth-metal precursors.
Coercivity dependence of cation distribution in Co-based spinel: correlating theory and experiments
Authors: Freire R. M. , Palma J. L. , Michea S. , Ramirez R. , Baltazar S. E. , Denardin J. C.
Published: November 2020

The inversion degree of a spinel-type nanomaterial is an essential parameter to understand the magnetic and electronic properties of ferrites. By micromagnetic simulations, we were able to connect DFT calculations and experiments for CoFe2O4 NPs.
Development of micropillar array electrodes for highly sensitive detection of biomarkers
Authors: Chen Chaozhan , Ran Bin , Wang Zhenxing , Zhao Hongli , Lan Minbo , Chen Huaying , Zhu Yonggang
Published: November 2020

PDMS-based micropillar array electrodes with increased surface area and surface modification were developed to detect biomarkers with high sensitivity.
Synthesis of polysubstituted arenes through organocatalytic benzannulation
Authors: Zhao Qian , Peng Cheng , Zhan Gu , Han Bo
Published: November 2020

Organocatalytic benzannulation represents one of the most efficient transformations for assembling polysubstituted arenes, this review presents recent advances in organocatalytic benzannulation strategies to construct functionalized benzenes.