bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rethinking the Rites Controversy: Kilian Stumpf'sActa Pekinensiaand the Historical Dimensions of a Religious Quarrel
Authors: Giovannetti-Singh Gianamar
Published: November 2020

The Chinese rites controversy (c.1582–1742) is typically characterized as a religious quarrel between different Catholic orders over whether it was permissible for Chinese converts to observe traditional rites and use the termstianandshangdito refer to the Christian God. As such, it is often argued that the conflict was shaped predominantly by the divergent theological attitudes between the rites-supporting Jesuits and their anti-rites opponents towards “accommodation.” By examining the Jesuit missionary Kilian Stumpf'sActa Pekinensia—a detailed chronicle of the papal legate Charles-Thomas Maillard de Tournon's 1705–6 investigation into the controversy in Beijing—this article proposes that ostensibly religious disputes between Catholic orders consisted primarily of disagreements over ancient Chinese history. Stumpf's text shows that missionaries’ understandings of antiquity were constructed through their interpretations of ancient Chinese books and their interactions with the Kangxi Emperor. The article suggests that the historiographical characterization of the controversy as “religious” has its roots in the Vatican suppression of the rites, which served to erase the historical nature of the conflict exposed in theActa Pekinensia.
The Myth of Global Populism
Authors: Art David
Published: November 2020

The “rise of global populism” has become a primary metanarrative for the previous decade in advanced industrial democracies, but I argue that it is a deeply misleading one. Nativism—not populism—is the defining feature of both radical right parties in Western Europe and of radical right politicians like Donald Trump in the United States. The tide of “left-wing populism” in Europe receded quickly, as did its promise of returning power to the people through online voting and policy deliberation. The erosion of democracy in states like Hungary has not been the result of populism, but rather of the deliberate practice of competitive authoritarianism. Calling these disparate phenomena “populist” obscures their core features and mistakenly attaches normatively redeeming qualities to nativists and authoritarians.
Intercomparisons of High‐Resolution Global Ocean Analyses: Evaluation of A New Synthesis in Tropical Oceans
Authors: Sun Yujuan , Perrie William , Qiao Fangli , Wang Gang
Published: November 2020

A new high‐resolution global analysis product is constructed from a fully coupled surface wave‐tide‐circulation Ocean Model developed by the First Institute of Oceanography Coupled Ocean Model (FIO‐COM). The performance of the FIO‐COM analysis data set is assessed based on comparisons with two other widely used high‐resolution global analysis products (Copernicus marine and environment monitoring service and HYbrid isopycnal‐sigma‐pressure coordinate ocean model), and observations in tropical oceans. Through comparison with observations, the FIO‐COM analysis is shown to be able to accurately capture the large‐scale mixed layer depth (MLD) structures in the tropical oceans during all seasons. Seasonal variations of MLDs can exceed ±80% in the southern and northern tropical oceans (10°‐25°S and 10°‐25°N) in both boreal winter and summer, as inferred from observations and FIO‐COM analysis data. Quantitative assessments of the 20°C isothermal depth, temperature at 5°m depth, and temperature and salinity profiles, among the analyses and in situ observations are also conducted. The capability of the FIO‐COM analysis to reflect the observed sea surface temperature variability during the 2015 El Niño episode is further investigated through comparisons with observations from 19 TAO buoys located in the Niño 3.4 region. All indicate the high quality of the new data set.
Highly efficient and safe genome editing by CRISPR-Cas12a using CRISPR RNA with a ribosyl-2′-O-methylated uridinylate-rich 3′-overhang in mouse zygotes
Authors: Ha Dae-In , Lee Jeong Mi , Lee Nan-Ee , Kim Daesik , Ko Jeong-Heon , Kim Yong-Sam
Published: November 2020

The CRISPR-Cas12a system has been developed to harness highly specific genome editing in eukaryotic cells. Given the relatively small sizes of Cas12a genes, the system has been suggested to be most applicable to gene therapy using AAV vector delivery. Previously, we reported that a U-rich crRNA enabled highly efficient genome editing by the CRISPR-Cas12a system in eukaryotic cells. In this study, we introduced methoxyl modifications at C2 in riboses in the U-rich 3′-overhang of crRNA. When mixed with Cas12a effector proteins, the ribosyl-2′-O-methylated (2-OM) U-rich crRNA enabled improvement of dsDNA digestibility. Moreover, the chemically modified U-rich crRNA achieved very safe and highly specific genome editing in murine zygotes. The engineered CRISPR-Cas12a system is expected to facilitate the generation of various animal models. Moreover, the engineered crRNA was evaluated to further improve a CRISPR genome editing toolset.
Targeting TOPK sensitises tumour cells to radiation-induced damage by enhancing replication stress
Authors: Herbert Katharine J. , Puliyadi Rathi , Prevo Remko , Rodriguez-Berriguete Gonzalo , Ryan Anderson , Ramadan Kristijan , Higgins Geoff S.
Published: November 2020

T-LAK-originated protein kinase (TOPK) overexpression is a feature of multiple cancers, yet is absent from most phenotypically normal tissues. As such, TOPK expression profiling and the development of TOPK-targeting pharmaceutical agents have raised hopes for its future potential in the development of targeted therapeutics. Results presented in this paper confirm the value of TOPK as a potential target for the treatment of solid tumours, and demonstrate the efficacy of a TOPK inhibitor (OTS964) when used in combination with radiation treatment. Using H460 and Calu-6 lung cancer xenograft models, we show that pharmaceutical inhibition of TOPK potentiates the efficacy of fractionated irradiation. Furthermore, we provide in vitro evidence that TOPK plays a hitherto unknown role during S phase, showing that TOPK depletion increases fork stalling and collapse under conditions of replication stress and exogenous DNA damage. Transient knockdown of TOPK was shown to impair recovery from fork stalling and to increase the formation of replication-associated single-stranded DNA foci in H460 lung cancer cells. We also show that TOPK interacts directly with CHK1 and Cdc25c, two key players in the checkpoint signalling pathway activated after replication fork collapse. This study thus provides novel insights into the mechanism by which TOPK activity supports the survival of cancer cells, facilitating checkpoint signalling in response to replication stress and DNA damage.
LncRNA NEAT1 remodels chromatin to promote the 5-Fu resistance by maintaining colorectal cancer stemness
Authors: Zhu Yihao , Hu Hanqing , Yuan Ziming , Zhang Qian , Xiong Huan , Hu Zhiqiao , Wu Hongyu , Huang Rui , Wang Guiyu , Tang Qingchao
Published: November 2020

Resistance of chemotherapy is one of causes of recurrence and poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The role of differentially expressed long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) resistance has not been fully elucidated. Here we observed that lncRNA NEAT1 was associated with 5-Fu resistance in CRC. Our Functional studies showed that NEAT1 promoted 5-Fu resistance in colorectal cells. In addition, A-TAC sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) showed that NEAT1 affected chromatin remodeling, increased the acetylation levels of histones, increased their enrichment at the promoters of ALDH1 and c-Myc, and promoted the expression of ALDH1 and c-Myc. Taken together, our study suggested that NEAT1 promoted 5-Fu resistance and cancer stemness by remodeling chromatin. Our finding provides a novel role of NEAT1 and may provide a new strategy for the treatment of CRC 5-Fu resistance.
Pontocerebellar hypoplasia due to bi-allelic variants in MINPP1
Authors: Appelhof Bart , Wagner Matias , Hoefele Julia , Heinze Anja , Roser Timo , Koch-Hogrebe Margarete , Roosendaal Stefan D. , Dehghani Mohammadreza , Mehrjardi Mohammad Yahya Vahidi , Torti Erin , Houlden Henry , Maroofian Reza , Rajabi Farrah , Sticht Heinrich , Baas Frank , Wieczorek Dagmar , Jamra Rami Abou
Published: November 2020

Pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH) describes a group of rare heterogeneous neurodegenerative diseases with prenatal onset. Here we describe eight children with PCH from four unrelated families harboring the homozygousMINPP1(NM_004897.4) variants; c.75_94del, p.(Leu27Argfs*39), c.851 C > A, p.(Ala284Asp), c.1210 C > T, p.(Arg404*), and c.992 T > G, p.(Ile331Ser). The homozygous p.(Leu27Argfs*39) change is predicted to result in a complete absence of MINPP1. The p.(Arg404*) would likely lead to a nonsense mediated decay, or alternatively, a loss of several secondary structure elements impairing protein folding. The missense p.(Ala284Asp) affects a buried, hydrophobic residue within the globular domain. The introduction of aspartic acid is energetically highly unfavorable and therefore predicted to cause a significant reduction in protein stability. The missense p.(Ile331Ser) affects the tight hydrophobic interactions of the isoleucine by the disruption of the polar side chain of serine, destabilizing the structure of MINPP1. The overlap of the above-mentioned genotypes and phenotypes is highly improbable by chance. MINPP1 is the only enzyme that hydrolyses inositol phosphates in the endoplasmic reticulum lumen and several studies support its role in stress induced apoptosis. The pathomechanism explaining the disease mechanism remains unknown, however several others genes of the inositol phosphatase metabolism (e.g.,INPP5K,FIG4,INPP5E,ITPR1) are correlated with phenotypes of neurodevelopmental disorders. Taken together, we presentMINPP1as a novel autosomal recessive pontocerebellar hypoplasia gene.
A generic assay for the identification of splicing variants that induce nonsense-mediated decay in Pompe disease
Authors: Bergsma Atze J. , in ’t Groen Stijn L. M. , Catalano Fabio , Yamanaka Manjiro , Takahashi Satoru , Okumiya Toshika , van der Ploeg Ans T. , Pijnappel W. W. M. Pim
Published: November 2020

DNA variants affecting mRNA expression and processing in genetic diseases are often missed or poorly characterized. We previously reported a generic assay to identify variants that affect mRNA expression and splicing in Pompe disease, a monogenic disorder caused by deficiency of acid α-glucosidase (GAA). However, this assay could miss mRNA that is subjected to degradation. Here, we inhibited mRNA degradation using cycloheximide and performed unbiased splicing analysis of all GAA exons using exon flanking RT-PCR and exon internal RT-qPCR. In four patients that were suspected of harboring splicing variants but for which aberrant splicing could not be detected in normally growing cells, we detected a total of 10 novel splicing events in cells treated with cycloheximide. In addition, we found that sequences of GAA introns 6 and 12 were naturally included in a subset of transcripts from patients and healthy controls, indicating inefficient canonical splicing. Identification of aberrant splicing caused by the common Asian variant c.546G>T allowed the development of an antisense oligonucleotide that promoted canonical GAA pre-mRNA splicing and elevated GAA enzymatic activity. Our results indicate that this extended generic splicing assay allows the detection of aberrant splicing in cases of mRNA degradation to enable functional analysis of unknown splicing variants and the development of targeted treatment options.
Reconstitution of prospermatogonial specification in vitro from human induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Hwang Young Sun , Suzuki Shinnosuke , Seita Yasunari , Ito Jumpei , Sakata Yuka , Aso Hirofumi , Sato Kei , Hermann Brian P. , Sasaki Kotaro
Published: November 2020

Establishment of spermatogonia throughout the fetal and postnatal period is essential for production of spermatozoa and male fertility. Here, we establish a protocol for in vitro reconstitution of human prospermatogonial specification whereby human primordial germ cell (PGC)-like cells differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells are further induced into M-prospermatogonia-like cells and T1 prospermatogonia-like cells (T1LCs) using long-term cultured xenogeneic reconstituted testes. Single cell RNA-sequencing is used to delineate the lineage trajectory leading to T1LCs, which closely resemble human T1-prospermatogonia in vivo and exhibit gene expression related to spermatogenesis and diminished proliferation, a hallmark of quiescent T1 prospermatogonia. Notably, this system enables us to visualize the dynamic and stage-specific regulation of transposable elements during human prospermatogonial specification. Together, our findings pave the way for understanding and reconstructing human male germline development in vitro.
Glass-cutting medical images via a mechanical image segmentation method based on crack propagation
Authors: Huang Yaqi , Hu Ge , Ji Changjin , Xiong Huahui
Published: November 2020

Medical image segmentation is crucial in diagnosing and treating diseases, but automatic segmentation of complex images is very challenging. Here we present a method, called the crack propagation method (CPM), based on the principles of fracture mechanics. This unique method converts the image segmentation problem into a mechanical one, extracting the boundary information of the target area by tracing the crack propagation on a thin plate with grooves corresponding to the area edge. The greatest advantage of CPM is in segmenting images involving blurred or even discontinuous boundaries, a task difficult to achieve by existing auto-segmentation methods. The segmentation results for synthesized images and real medical images show that CPM has high accuracy in segmenting complex boundaries. With increasing demand for medical imaging in clinical practice and research, this method will show its unique potential.
Genomic landscape and clonal architecture of mouse oral squamous cell carcinomas dictate tumour ecology
Authors: Sequeira Inês , Rashid Mamunur , Tomás Inês M. , Williams Marc J. , Graham Trevor A. , Adams David J. , Vigilante Alessandra , Watt Fiona M.
Published: November 2020

To establish whether 4-nitroquinoline N-oxide-induced carcinogenesis mirrors the heterogeneity of human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), we have performed genomic analysis of mouse tongue lesions. The mutational signatures of human and mouse OSCC overlap extensively. Mutational burden is higher in moderate dysplasias and invasive SCCs than in hyperplasias and mild dysplasias, although mutations in p53, Notch1 and Fat1 occur in early lesions. Laminin-α3 mutations are associated with tumour invasiveness and Notch1 mutant tumours have an increased immune infiltrate. Computational modelling of clonal dynamics indicates that high genetic heterogeneity may be a feature of those mild dysplasias that are likely to progress to more aggressive tumours. These studies provide a foundation for exploring OSCC evolution, heterogeneity and progression.
Steering magnonic dynamics and permeability at exceptional points in a parity–time symmetric waveguide
Authors: Wang Xi-guang , Guo Guang-hua , Berakdar Jamal
Published: November 2020

Tuning the magneto optical response and magnetic dynamics are key elements in designing magnetic metamaterials and devices. This theoretical study uncovers a highly effective way of controlling the magnetic permeability via shaping the magnonic properties of coupled magnetic waveguides separated by a nonmagnetic spacer with strong spin–orbit interaction (SOI). We demonstrate how a spacer charge current leads to enhancement of magnetic damping in one waveguide and a decrease in the other, constituting a bias-controlled magnetic parity–time (PT) symmetric system at the verge of the exceptional point where magnetic gains/losses are balanced. We find phenomena inherent to PT-symmetric systems and SOI-driven interfacial structures, including field-controlled magnon power oscillations, nonreciprocal propagation, magnon trapping and enhancement as well as an increased sensitivity to perturbations and abrupt spin reversal. The results point to a new route for designing magnonic waveguides and microstructures with enhanced magnetic response.
Single-phase perovskite oxide with super-exchange induced atomic-scale synergistic active centers enables ultrafast hydrogen evolution
Authors: Dai Jie , Zhu Yinlong , Tahini Hassan A. , Lin Qian , Chen Yu , Guan Daqin , Zhou Chuan , Hu Zhiwei , Lin Hong-Ji , Chan Ting-Shan , Chen Chien-Te , Smith Sean C. , Wang Huanting , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: November 2020

The state-of-the-art active HER catalysts in acid media (e.g., Pt) generally lose considerable catalytic performance in alkaline media mainly due to the additional water dissociation step. To address this issue, synergistic hybrid catalysts are always designed by coupling them with metal (hydro)oxides. However, such hybrid systems usually suffer from long reaction path, high cost and complex preparation methods. Here, we discover a single-phase HER catalyst, SrTi0.7Ru0.3O3-δ (STRO) perovskite oxide highlighted with an unusual super-exchange effect, which exhibits excellent HER performance in alkaline media via atomic-scale synergistic active centers. With insights from first-principles calculations, the intrinsically synergistic interplays between multiple active centers in STRO are uncovered to accurately catalyze different elementary steps of alkaline HER; namely, the Ti sites facilitates nearly-barrierless water dissociation, Ru sites function favorably for OH* desorption, and non-metal oxygen sites (i.e., oxygen vacancies/lattice oxygen) promotes optimal H* adsorption and H2 desorption.
Inhibition of aquaporin-3 in macrophages by a monoclonal antibody as potential therapy for liver injury
Authors: Hara-Chikuma Mariko , Tanaka Manami , Verkman Alan S. , Yasui Masato
Published: November 2020

Aquaporin 3 (AQP3) is a transporter of water, glycerol and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) that is expressed in various epithelial cells and in macrophages. Here, we developed an anti-AQP3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) that inhibited AQP3-facilitated H2O2 and glycerol transport, and prevented liver injury in experimental animal models. Using AQP3 knockout mice in a model of liver injury and fibrosis produced by CCl4, we obtained evidence for involvement of AQP3 expression in nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) cell signaling, hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation in macrophages during liver injury. The activated macrophages caused stellate cell activation, leading to liver injury, by a mechanism involving AQP3-mediated H2O2 transport. Administration of an anti-AQP3 mAb, which targeted an extracellular epitope on AQP3, prevented liver injury by inhibition of AQP3-mediated H2O2 transport and macrophage activation. These findings implicate the involvement of macrophage AQP3 in liver injury, and provide evidence for mAb inhibition of AQP3-mediated H2O2 transport as therapy for macrophage-dependent liver injury.
Retrodiction beyond the Heisenberg uncertainty relation
Authors: Bao Han , Jin Shenchao , Duan Junlei , Jia Suotang , Mølmer Klaus , Shen Heng , Xiao Yanhong
Published: November 2020

In quantum mechanics, the Heisenberg uncertainty relation presents an ultimate limit to the precision by which one can predict the outcome of position and momentum measurements on a particle. Heisenberg explicitly stated this relation for the prediction of “hypothetical future measurements”, and it does not describe the situation where knowledge is available about the system both earlier and later than the time of the measurement. Here, we study what happens under such circumstances with an atomic ensemble containing 1011 rubidium atoms, initiated nearly in the ground state in the presence of a magnetic field. The collective spin observables of the atoms are then well described by canonical position and momentum observables, $${\hat{x}}_{\text{A}}$$

x

̂

A

and $${\hat{p}}_{\text{A}}$$

p

̂

A

that satisfy $$[{\hat{x}}_{\text{A}},{\hat{p}}_{\text{A}}]=i\hslash$$

[

x

̂

A

,

p

̂

A

]

=
i
ℏ
. Quantum non-demolition measurements of $${\hat{p}}_{\text{A}}$$

p

̂

A

before and of $${\hat{x}}_{\text{A}}$$

x

̂

A

after time t allow precise estimates of both observables at time t. By means of the past quantum state formalism, we demonstrate that outcomes of measurements of both the $${\hat{x}}_{\text{A}}$$

x

̂

A

and $${\hat{p}}_{A}$$

p

̂

A

observables can be inferred with errors below the standard quantum limit. The capability of assigning precise values to multiple observables and to observe their variation during physical processes may have implications in quantum state estimation and sensing.
Publisher Correction: Mnemonic prediction errors bias hippocampal states
Authors: Bein Oded , Duncan Katherine , Davachi Lila
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Carbon Monitor, a near-real-time daily dataset of global CO2 emission from fossil fuel and cement production
Authors: Liu Zhu , Ciais Philippe , Deng Zhu , Davis Steven J. , Zheng Bo , Wang Yilong , Cui Duo , Zhu Biqing , Dou Xinyu , Ke Piyu , Sun Taochun , Guo Rui , Zhong Haiwang , Boucher Olivier , Bréon François-Marie , Lu Chenxi , Guo Runtao , Xue Jinjun , Boucher Eulalie , Tanaka Katsumasa , Chevallier Frédéric
Published: November 2020

We constructed a near-real-time daily CO2 emission dataset, the Carbon Monitor, to monitor the variations in CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion and cement production since January 1, 2019, at the national level, with near-global coverage on a daily basis and the potential to be frequently updated. Daily CO2 emissions are estimated from a diverse range of activity data, including the hourly to daily electrical power generation data of 31 countries, monthly production data and production indices of industry processes of 62 countries/regions, and daily mobility data and mobility indices for the ground transportation of 416 cities worldwide. Individual flight location data and monthly data were utilized for aviation and maritime transportation sector estimates. In addition, monthly fuel consumption data corrected for the daily air temperature of 206 countries were used to estimate the emissions from commercial and residential buildings. This Carbon Monitor dataset manifests the dynamic nature of CO2 emissions through daily, weekly and seasonal variations as influenced by workdays and holidays, as well as by the unfolding impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Carbon Monitor near-real-time CO2 emission dataset shows a 8.8% decline in CO2 emissions globally from January 1st to June 30th in 2020 when compared with the same period in 2019 and detects a regrowth of CO2 emissions by late April, which is mainly attributed to the recovery of economic activities in China and a partial easing of lockdowns in other countries. This daily updated CO2 emission dataset could offer a range of opportunities for related scientific research and policy making.
Re-irradiation of recurrent glioblastoma using helical TomoTherapy with simultaneous integrated boost: preliminary considerations of treatment efficacy
Authors: Arpa Donatella , Parisi Elisabetta , Ghigi Giulia , Savini Alessandro , Colangione Sarah Pia , Tontini Luca , Pieri Martina , Foca Flavia , Polico Rolando , Tesei Anna , Sarnelli Anna , Romeo Antonino
Published: November 2020

Although there is still no standard treatment for recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (rGBM), re-irradiation could be a therapeutic option. We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of re-irradiation using helical TomoTherapy (HT) with a simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) technique in patients with rGBM. 24 patients with rGBM underwent HT-SIB. A total dose of 20 Gy was prescribed to the Flair (fluid-attenuated inversion recovery) planning tumor volume (PTV) and 25 Gy to the PTV-boost (T1 MRI contrast enhanced area) in 5 daily fractions to the isodose of 67% (maximum dose within the PTV-boost was 37.5 Gy). Toxicity was evaluated by converting the 3D-dose distribution to the equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions on a voxel-by-voxel basis. Median follow-up after re-irradiation was 27.8 months (range 1.6–88.5 months). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4 months (95% CI 2.0–7.9 months), while 6-month PFS was 41.7% (95% CI 22.2–60.1 months). Median overall survival following re-irradiation was 10.7 months (95% CI 7.4–16.1 months). There were no cases of re-operation due to early or late toxicity. Our preliminary results suggest that helical TomoTherapy with the proposed SIB technique is a safe and feasible treatment option for patients with rGBM, including those large disease volumes, reducing toxicity.
Kisspeptin-1 regulates forebrain dopaminergic neurons in the zebrafish
Authors: Abdul Satar Nurul M. , Ogawa Satoshi , Parhar Ishwar S.
Published: November 2020

The habenula is a phylogenetically conserved epithalamic structure, which conveys negative information via inhibition of mesolimbic dopamine neurons. We have previously shown the expression of kisspeptin (Kiss1) in the habenula and its role in the modulation of fear responses in the zebrafish. In this study, to investigate whether habenular Kiss1 regulates fear responses via dopamine neurons in the zebrafish, Kiss1 peptides were intracranially administered close to the habenula, and the expression of dopamine-related genes (th1, th2 and dat) were examined in the brain using real-time PCR and dopamine levels using LC–MS/MS. th1 mRNA levels and dopamine levels were significantly increased in the telencephalon 24-h and 30-min after Kiss1 administration, respectively. In fish administered with Kiss1, expression of neural activity marker gene, npas4a and kiss1 gene were significantly decreased in the ventral habenula. Application of neural tracer into the median raphe, site of habenular Kiss1 neural terminal projections showed tracer-labelled projections in the medial forebrain bundle towards the telencephalon where dopamine neurons reside. These results suggest that Kiss1 negatively regulates its own neuronal activity in the ventral habenula via autocrine action. This, in turn affects neurons of the median raphe via interneurons, which project to the telencephalic dopaminergic neurons.
Assessing the protective effects of different surface coatings on NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ upconverting nanoparticles in buffer and DMEM
Authors: Saleh Maysoon I. , Rühle Bastian , Wang Shu , Radnik Jörg , You Yi , Resch-Genger Ute
Published: November 2020

We studied the dissolution behavior of β NaYF4:Yb(20%), Er(2%) UCNP of two different sizes in biologically relevant media i.e., water (neutral pH), phosphate buffered saline (PBS), and Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium (DMEM) at different temperatures and particle concentrations. Special emphasis was dedicated to assess the influence of different surface functionalizations, particularly the potential of mesoporous and microporous silica shells of different thicknesses for UCNP stabilization and protection. Dissolution was quantified electrochemically using a fluoride ion selective electrode (ISE) and by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). In addition, dissolution was monitored fluorometrically. These experiments revealed that a thick microporous silica shell drastically decreased dissolution. Our results also underline the critical influence of the chemical composition of the aqueous environment on UCNP dissolution. In DMEM, we observed the formation of a layer of adsorbed molecules on the UCNP surface that protected the UCNP from dissolution and enhanced their fluorescence. Examination of this layer by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and mass spectrometry (MS) suggested that mainly phenylalanine, lysine, and glucose are adsorbed from DMEM. These findings should be considered in the future for cellular toxicity studies with UCNP and other nanoparticles and the design of new biocompatible surface coatings.
Nucleobase morpholino β amino acids as molecular chimeras for the preparation of photoluminescent materials from ribonucleosides
Authors: Bucci Raffaella , Bossi Alberto , Erba Emanuela , Vaghi Francesco , Saha Abhijit , Yuran Sivan , Maggioni Daniela , Gelmi Maria Luisa , Reches Meital , Pellegrino Sara
Published: November 2020

Bioinspired smart materials represent a tremendously growing research field and the obtainment of new building blocks is at the molecular basis of this technology progress. In this work, colloidal materials have been prepared in few steps starting from ribonucleosides. Nucleobase morpholino β-amino acids are the chimera key intermediates allowing Phe–Phe dipeptides’ functionalization with adenine and thymine. The obtained compounds self-aggregate showing enhanced photoluminescent features, such as deep blue fluorescence and phosphorescence emissions.
Machine learning and serving of discrete field theories
Authors: Qin Hong
Published: November 2020

A method for machine learning and serving of discrete field theories in physics is developed. The learning algorithm trains a discrete field theory from a set of observational data on a spacetime lattice, and the serving algorithm uses the learned discrete field theory to predict new observations of the field for new boundary and initial conditions. The approach of learning discrete field theories overcomes the difficulties associated with learning continuous theories by artificial intelligence. The serving algorithm of discrete field theories belongs to the family of structure-preserving geometric algorithms, which have been proven to be superior to the conventional algorithms based on discretization of differential equations. The effectiveness of the method and algorithms developed is demonstrated using the examples of nonlinear oscillations and the Kepler problem. In particular, the learning algorithm learns a discrete field theory from a set of data of planetary orbits similar to what Kepler inherited from Tycho Brahe in 1601, and the serving algorithm correctly predicts other planetary orbits, including parabolic and hyperbolic escaping orbits, of the solar system without learning or knowing Newton’s laws of motion and universal gravitation. The proposed algorithms are expected to be applicable when the effects of special relativity and general relativity are important.
Effect and mechanism of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in treating allergic rhinitis in mice
Authors: Kan Xiao-li , Pan Xing-hua , Zhao Jing , He Jie , Cai Xue-min , Pang Rong-qing , Zhu Xiang-qing , Cao Xian-bao , Ruan Guang-ping
Published: November 2020

A model of allergic rhinitis (AR) in BALB/c mice was established and evaluated to provide experimental subjects for further research. Preparation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs), including isolation, expansion culture, passaging, cryopreservation, and preparation of cell suspensions, provided materials for experimental research and clinical treatment. The mouse AR model was established by ovalbumin (OVA) intraperitoneal injection and the nasal stimulation induction method, and the model had a good effect and high repeatability. GFP-labeled hUCMSCs had good effects and were stable cells that could be used for tracking in animals. Transplantation of hUCMSCs by intraperitoneal and tail vein injections had a specific effect on the AR model of mice, and tail vein injection had a better effect. Tracking of hUCMSCs in vivo showed that the three groups of mice had the greatest number of hUCMSCs in the nose at week 2. The mouse AR model was used to evaluate the efficacy of hUCMSC transplantation via multiple methods for AR. The distribution of hUCMSCs in vivo was tracked by detecting green fluorescent protein (GFP), and the treatment mechanism of hUCMSCs was elucidated. This study provides technical methods and a theoretical basis for the clinical application of hUCMSCs.
Retention of antibiotic activity against resistant bacteria harbouring aminoglycoside-N-acetyltransferase enzyme by adjuvants: a combination of in-silico and in-vitro study
Authors: Ahmed Shamim , Sony Sabrina Amita , Chowdhury Md. Belal , Ullah Md. Mahib , Paul Shatabdi , Hossain Tanvir
Published: November 2020

Interference with antibiotic activity and its inactivation by bacterial modifying enzymes is a prevailing mode of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Aminoglycoside antibiotics become inactivated by aminoglycoside-6′-N-acetyltransferase-Ib [AAC(6′)-Ib] of gram-negative bacteria which transfers an acetyl group from acetyl-CoA to the antibiotic. The aim of the study was to disrupt the enzymatic activity of AAC(6′)-Ib by adjuvants and restore aminoglycoside activity as a result. The binding affinities of several vitamins and chemical compounds with AAC(6′)-Ib ofEscherichia coli,Klebsiella pneumoniae, andShigella sonneiwere determined by molecular docking method to screen potential adjuvants. Adjuvants having higher binding affinity with target enzymes were further analyzed in-vitro to assess their impact on bacterial growth and bacterial modifying enzyme AAC(6′)-Ib activity. Four compounds—zinc pyrithione (ZnPT), vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K-exhibited higher binding affinity to AAC(6′)-Ib than the enzyme’s natural substrate acetyl-CoA. Combination of each of these adjuvants with three aminoglycoside antibiotics—amikacin, gentamicin and kanamycin—were found to significantly increase the antibacterial activity against the selected bacterial species as well as hampering the activity of AAC(6′)-Ib. The selection process of adjuvants and the use of those in combination with aminoglycoside antibiotics promises to be a novel area in overcoming bacterial resistance.
Initial mycophenolate dose in tacrolimus treated renal transplant recipients, a cohort study comparing leukopaenia, rejection and long-term graft function
Authors: Dave Vatsa , Polkinghorne Kevan R. , Leong Khai Gene , Kanellis John , Mulley William R.
Published: November 2020

The evidence supporting an initial mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) dose of 2 g daily in tacrolimus-treated renal transplant recipients is limited. In a non-contemporaneous single-centre cohort study we compared the incidence of leukopaenia, rejection and graft dysfunction in patients initiated on MMF 1.5 g and 2 g daily. Baseline characteristics and tacrolimus trough levels were similar by MMF group. MMF doses became equivalent between groups by 12-months post-transplant, driven by dose reductions in the 2 g group. Leukopaenia occurred in 42.4% of patients by 12-months post-transplant. MMF 2 g was associated with a 1.80-fold increased risk of leukopaenia compared to 1.5 g. Rejection occurred in 44.8% of patients by 12-months post-transplantation. MMF 2 g was associated with half the risk of rejection relative to MMF 1.5 g. Over the first 7-years post-transplantation there was no difference in renal function between groups. Additionally, the development of leukopaenia or rejection did not result in reduced renal function at 7-years post-transplant. Leukopaenia was not associated with an increased incidence of serious infections or rejection. This study demonstrates the initial MMF dose has implications for the incidence of leukopaenia and rejection. Since neither dose produced superior long-term graft function, clinical equipoise remains regarding the optimal initial mycophenolate dose in tacrolimus-treated renal transplant recipients.
A novel screening method for pediatric urinary tract infection using ordinary diapers
Authors: Ohnishi Takuma , Asada Nariaki , Furuichi Munehiro , Sekiguchi Shinichiro , Awazu Midori , Hori Naoaki , Kamimaki Isamu
Published: November 2020

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections in children. The symptoms of UTI in young children are nonspecific, therefore urine should be examined whenever UTI cannot be ruled out. In clinical settings, however, collecting urine from children who are not toilet trained is sometimes difficult, presenting a challenge in UTI management. Here, we developed a “diaper UTI test”, which enables the quick detection of pyuria in ordinary diapers, and investigated its sensitivity and specificity in a clinical study. The diaper UTI test is based on a leukocyte esterase reaction. Reagent was prepared in liquid form so that it can be absorbed by disposable diapers, where it will produce a violet color in the presence of pyuria. For the clinical study, we enrolled children younger than 3 years with potential UTI who underwent bladder catheterization for urine culture and urinalysis. Of the 65 children included, 21 were diagnosed with UTI. The sensitivity and specificity of the diaper UTI test were 90.5% (95% CI 69.6–98.8) and 93.2% (95% CI 81.3–98.6), respectively. Because of its convenience and good sensitivity, the diaper UTI test may be useful in the screening of pediatric UTI.
Pyramidal metamaterial absorber for mode damping in microwave resonant structures
Authors: Chikhi Nassim , Passarelli Andrea , Andreone Antonello , Masullo Maria Rosaria
Published: November 2020

In many resonant structures the damping of parasitic or higher order modes is indispensable to guarantee a correct and stable performance. This is particularly true in the microwave region in case of cavities or other resonant systems operating in accelerating structures, where the mitigation of spurious resonance effects is mandatory to achieve high quality particle beams. We present the results on the mode suppression in a real pillbox cavity by inserting a properly designed pyramidal metamaterial that acts as light, small volume damper for specific resonances in the range 3–4 GHz, only slightly perturbing other intrinsic modes. Measurements of the cavity response without and with the metamaterial absorber are presented and compared with full wave simulations. Field distribution for the pillbox intrinsic modes under scrutiny is also presented, showing that damping induced by the metamaterial critically depends on its relative position inside the cavity.
Design and characterisation of frequency selective conductive materials for electromagnetic fields control
Authors: Konoplev I. V. , Posthuma De Boer D. W. , Warsop C. M. , John M.
Published: November 2020

To prevent the electromagnetic (EM) wakefields excitation, protect detectors from damage at a range of installations and facilities including particle accelerators the EM field control is required. Conductive foils or wires providing EM protection and required thermal and mechanical properties are normally used. We suggest novel composite materials with uniquely designed frequency selective conductivity enabling them to overcome the properties of the conventional materials, protect from EM fields and supress undesirable phenomena. Theoretical and experimental investigations are carried out and the conductivity of designed and composite (dual-layer) aluminium/graphene metamaterials as well as graphene and aluminium foils is studied. The EM properties of these materials are compared, and conditions of full and partial electromagnetic transparency are discussed. Results observed allow engineering materials capable of EM field control, instability suppression including those observed in high-intensity particle accelerators and enabling control of an EM field generating media including relativistic charge particle beams.
From remote sensing and machine learning to the history of the Silk Road: large scale material identification on wall paintings
Authors: Kogou Sotiria , Shahtahmassebi Golnaz , Lucian Andrei , Liang Haida , Shui Biwen , Zhang Wenyuan , Su Bomin , van Schaik Sam
Published: November 2020

Automatic remote reflectance spectral imaging of large painted areas in high resolution, from distances of tens of meters, has made the imaging of entire architectural interior feasible. However, it has significantly increased the volume of data. Here we present a machine learning based method to automatically detect ‘hidden’ writings and map material variations. Clustering of reflectance spectra allowed materials at inaccessible heights to be properly identified by performing non-invasive analysis on regions in the same cluster at accessible heights using a range of complementary spectroscopic techniques. The world heritage site of the Mogao caves, along the ancient Silk Road, consists of 492 richly painted Buddhist cave temples dating from the fourth to fourteenth century. Cave 465 at the northern end of the site is unique in its Indo-Tibetan tantric Buddhist style, and like many other caves, the date of its construction is still under debate. This study demonstrates the powers of an interdisciplinary approach that combines material identification, palaeographic analysis of the revealed Sanskrit writings and archaeological evidence for the dating of the cave temple paintings, narrowing it down to the late twelfth century to thirteenth century.
Comparative proteomic analysis of serum from nonhuman primates administered BIO 300: a promising radiation countermeasure
Authors: Girgis Michael , Li Yaoxiang , Ma Junfeng , Sanda Miloslav , Wise Stephen Y. , Fatanmi Oluseyi O. , Kaytor Michael D. , Cheema Amrita K. , Singh Vijay K.
Published: November 2020

Hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS) and delayed effects of acute radiation exposure (DEARE) are detrimental health effects that occur after exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation. BIO 300, a synthetic genistein nanosuspension, was previously proven safe and effective against H-ARS when administered (via the oral (po) or intramuscular (im) route) prior to exposure to lethal doses of total-body radiation. In this study, we evaluated the proteomic changes in serum of nonhuman primates (NHP) after administering BIO 300 by different routes (po and im). We utilized nanoflow-ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (NanoUPLC-MS/MS) methods for comprehensive global profiling and quantification of serum proteins. The results corroborate previous findings that suggest a very similar metabolic profile following both routes of drug administration. Furthermore, we observed minor alterations in protein levels, 2 hours after drug administration, which relates to the Cmax of BIO 300 for both routes of administration. Taken together, this assessment may provide an insight into the mechanism of radioprotection of BIO 300 and a reasonable illustration of the pharmacodynamics of this radiation countermeasure.
Transcriptome and methylome analysis reveals three cellular origins of pituitary tumors
Authors: Taniguchi-Ponciano Keiko , Andonegui-Elguera Sergio , Peña-Martínez Eduardo , Silva-Román Gloria , Vela-Patiño Sandra , Gomez-Apo Erick , Chavez-Macias Laura , Vargas-Ortega Guadalupe , Espinosa-de-los-Monteros Laura , Gonzalez-Virla Baldomero , Perez Carolina , Ferreira-Hermosillo Aldo , Espinosa-Cardenas Etual , Ramirez-Renteria Claudia , Sosa Ernesto , Lopez-Felix Blas , Guinto Gerardo , Marrero-Rodríguez Daniel , Mercado Moises
Published: November 2020

Pituitary adenomas (PA) are the second most common intracranial tumors. These neoplasms are classified according to the hormone they produce. The majority of PA occur sporadically, and their molecular pathogenesis is incompletely understood. The present transcriptomic and methylomic analysis of PA revealed that they segregate into three molecular clusters according to the transcription factor driving their terminal differentiation. First cluster, driven by NR5A1, consists of clinically non-functioning PA (CNFPA), comprising gonadotrophinomas and null cell; the second cluster consists of clinically evident ACTH adenomas and silent corticotroph adenomas, driven by TBX19; and the third, POU1F1-driven TSH-, PRL- and GH-adenomas, segregated together. Genes such as CACNA2D4, EPHA4 and SLIT1, were upregulated in each of these three clusters, respectively. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed specific alterations of these clusters: calcium signaling pathway in CNFPA; renin-angiotensin system for ACTH-adenomas and fatty acid metabolism for the TSH-, PRL-, GH-cluster. Non-tumoral pituitary scRNAseq data confirmed that this clustering also occurs in normal cytodifferentiation. Deconvolution analysis identify potential mononuclear cell infiltrate in PA consists of dendritic, NK and mast cells. Our results are consistent with a divergent origin of PA, which segregate into three clusters that depend on the specific transcription factors driving late pituitary cytodifferentiation.
Author Correction: Cryo-EM structure of the bacterial Ton motor subcomplex ExbB–ExbD provides information on structure and stoichiometry
Authors: Celia Herve , Botos Istvan , Ni Xiaodan , Fox Tara , de Val Natalia , Lloubes Roland , Jiang Jiansen , Buchanan Susan K.
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Formation of H3+ from ethane dication induced by electron impact
Authors: Zhang Yu , Ren Baihui , Yang Chuan-Lu , Wei Long , Wang Bo , Han Jie , Yu Wandong , Qi Yueying , Zou Yaming , Chen Li , Wang Enliang , Wei Baoren
Published: November 2020

Hydrogen migration plays an important role in the chemistry of hydrocarbons which considerably influences their chemical functions. The migration of one or more hydrogen atoms occurring in hydrocarbon cations has an opportunity to produce the simplest polyatomic molecule, i.e. H3+. Here we present a combined experimental and theoretical study of H3+ formation dynamics from ethane dication. The experiment is performed by 300 eV electron impact ionization of ethane and a pronounced yield of H3+ + C2H3+ coincidence channel is observed. The quantum chemistry calculations show that the H3+ formation channel can be opened on the ground-state potential energy surface of ethane dication via transition state and roaming mechanisms. The ab initio molecular dynamics simulation shows that the H3+ can be generated in a wide time range from 70 to 500 fs. Qualitatively, the trajectories of the fast dissociation follow the intrinsic reaction coordinate predicted by the conventional transition state theory. The roaming mechanism, compared to the transition state, occurs within a much longer timescale accompanied by nuclear motion of larger amplitude.
MOF-derived porous ZnO-Co3O4 nanocages as peroxidase mimics for colorimetric detection of copper(ii) ions in serum
Authors: Lv Jie , Zhang Cong , Wang Shuangling , Li Meng , Guo Wei
Published: November 2020

A novel colorimetric assay was developed for copper ion detection based on peroxidase-like activity of MOF-derived porous ZnO-Co3O4 nanocages.
Influence of interference effects on the spectral quality and histological classification by FT-IR imaging in transflection geometry
Authors: Liberda Danuta , Koziol Paulina , Raczkowska Magda K. , Kwiatek Wojciech M. , Wrobel Tomasz P.
Published: November 2020

Infrared (IR) imaging can be used for fast, accurate and non-destructive pathology recognition of biopsies when supported by machine learning algorithms regardless of the presence of interference effects obscuring the spectra.
An artificial intelligence process of immunoassay for multiple biomarkers based on logic gates
Authors: Liu Wenjie , Liu Jihong , Huang Ao , Shi Shuo , Yao Tianming
Published: November 2020

A universal platform was constructed by integrating logic gates OR, NOT and NAND, based on immune recognition and fluorescence quenching. An artificial intelligent analysis process gives logic judgments on the possible existing state of two proteins.
Recent developments in pre-treatment and analytical techniques for synthetic polymers by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry
Authors: Yoo Hee-Jin , Kim Duck-Hyun , Shin DongJin , Oh YoonSeok , Lee SungJun , Lee Jae Yong , Choi Yoon-Ji , Lee Seung Hwa , Lee Kwang-Sik , Kim YangSun , Cho Kun
Published: November 2020

A great deal of effort has been expended to develop accurate means of determining the properties of synthetic polymers using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS).