bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum causal influence
Authors: Cotler Jordan , Han Xizhi , Qi Xiao-Liang , Yang Zhao
Published: July 2019

Abstract

We introduce a framework to study the emergence of time and causal structure in quantum many-body systems. In doing so, we consider quantum states which encode spacetime dynamics, and develop information theoretic tools to extract the causal relationships between putative spacetime subsystems. Our analysis reveals a quantum generalization of the thermodynamic arrow of time and begins to explore the roles of entanglement, scrambling and quantum error correction in the emergence of spacetime. For instance, exotic causal relationships can arise due to dynamically induced quantum error correction in spacetime: there can exist a spatial region in the past which does not causally influence any small spatial regions in the future, but yet it causally influences the union of several small spatial regions in the future. We provide examples of quantum causal influence in Hamiltonian evolution, quantum error correction codes, quantum teleportation, holographic tensor networks, the final state projection model of black holes, and many other systems. We find that the quantum causal influence provides a unifying perspective on spacetime correlations in these seemingly distinct settings. In addition, we prove a variety of general structural results and discuss the relation of quantum causal influence to spacetime quantum entropies.
A comparative study of Epipactis atrorubens in two different forest communities of the Middle Urals, Russia
Authors: Filimonova Elena , Lukina Natalia , Glazyrina Margarita , Borisova Galina , Tripti  , Kumar Adarsh , Maleva Maria
Published: July 2019

The objective of this study was to compare eco-physiological and morphological parameters of a regionally endangered orchid species,Epipactis atrorubens(Hoffm. ex Bernh.) Bess., growing in two forest communities (on serpentine and granite outcrops) of the Middle Urals, Russia. Biodiversity, dominance, and phytocoenosis studies showed the colonization of a wide range of plant species on both sites. The physicochemical properties of the soil, chemical composition and morphological features ofE. atrorubens,growing under technogenic conditions (asbestos deposits), on serpentine outcrops and in the natural environment of the granite massif were studied for the first time. The serpentine substrate differed from the granite one by its greater stoniness, circumneutral pH and lower contents of available nitrogen and phosphorus. Extremely high concentrations of magnesium were found in the serpentine soil, some 79 times higher than in the granite substrate. High concentrations of nickel (94 times), chromium (59 times), cobalt (17 times), and iron (4 times) were found in the serpentine substrate, higher than in the granite substrate. The differences between the sites for available metal contents and for root and shoot metal contents were significantly less. Concentrations of most of the metals in the roots were higher than in the shoots. Despite higher metal concentrations and lower nitrogen and phosphorus levels in serpentine soils,E. atrorubenshad a larger population and greater viability compared to those growing on granite. Plants on serpentine outcrops were characterized by the formation of a larger number of fruits, greater root lengths and thicker leaf blades, compared to plants on granites. The well-developed orchid mycorrhizae contributed to the survival of this species under unfavorable serpentine conditions. Hence, serpentine outcrops formed due to the mining of asbestos could be a suitable substrate for the light-demandingE. atrorubensdue to its capacity to adapt to dry, rocky, nutrient-depleted soils and limited competition from other plants.
Developing the Evidence Base for M-Learning in Undergraduate Radiology Education: Identifying Learner Preferences for Mobile Apps
Authors: Darras Kathryn E. , van Merriënboer Jeroen J. G. , Toom Matthew , Roberson Nathan D. , de Bruin Anique B. H. , Nicolaou Savvas , Forster Bruce B.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

There is a lack of evidence for developing radiology mobile apps for medical students. This study identifies the characteristics which students perceive as most valuable to teaching radiology with mobile apps (m-learning).

Methods

An online anonymous survey was administered to second- to fourth-year medical students at a single institution. The survey, which was based on established theoretical framework, collected students' preferred content organization, content presentation, and delivery strategies. The Copeland method was used to rank student preferences and a 2-tailed t test was used to determine if student responses were related to their clinical experience, with statistical significance at P < .05.

Results

The response rate was 25.6% (163/635). For content organization, image interpretation (66.9%), imaging anatomy (61.3%), and common pathological conditions (50.3%) were selected as the most important. For content presentation, quizzes (49.1%) and case presentations (46.0%) were selected as the most useful. Students with clinical experience rated algorithms as more important ( P < .01) and quizzes as less important ( P = .03). For delivery strategies, ease of use (92.6%), navigation (90.8%), and gestural design (74.8%) were deemed the most applicable.

Conclusion

This study documents medical students' preferences for m-learning in radiology. Although learner preferences are not the only feature to consider in the development of educational technology, these provide the initial framework for radiologists wishing to develop and incorporate mobile apps into their teaching.
KITTOS AND THEPHIALAI EXELEUTHERIKAI
Authors: McArthur Mills
Published: July 2019

In an oracular tablet from Dodona dating to the mid-fourth centurybc, a slave named Kittos inquires whether his master, Dionysios, will set him free. A roughly contemporary entry in the Athenianphialaiinscriptions records Dionysiosisotelēsmanumitting Kittos the metalworker. This paper suggests that the individuals in both documents may be identical. Along the way, it also takes a position on a number of questions surrounding thephialaiinscriptions. These inscriptions are not really inventories, I propose, nor can they be explained in terms of lawsuits unrelated to manumission. (The presence of families and children in the inscriptions is especially important in demonstrating this point.) Instead, they represent acts of manumission effectuated throughdikē apostasiouprosecutions, an Athenian practice which, I believe, dates back to the 350s. It was not until the 330s, under the financial administration of Lycurgus, that the city imposed mandatoryphialaidedications upon all manumissions in court, with thephialēserving as a manumission fee paid to the treasurers of Athena.
Risk factors for congenital heart defects in two populations residing in the same geographic area: a long-term population-based study, Southern Israel
Authors: Robinson Renana , Stavsky Moshe , Yitshak Sade Maayan , Krymko Hanah , Slanovic Leonel , Novack Victor , Atar Vardi Maya , Broides Arnon , Levitas Aviva
Published: July 2019

Background:

Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) are the most common structural defects of newborns. Southern Israel’s population is comprised of Jews (75%) and Arab-Bedouins (25%). The latter has a high rate of consanguinity and low abortion rate compared with the Jewish population, which led us to suspect a higher CHD prevalence in this population. Our aim was to compare maternal risk factors that are associated with CHD in these populations.

Methods:

All births during 1991–2011 in Soroka University Medical Center (n = 247, 289) with 6078 newborns having CHD were included. To account for same-woman deliveries, general estimating equation models adjusted for ethnicity, gender and birth number were used.

Results:

The total prevalence of CHD was 24.6/1000 live births, with 21.4 and 30 among Jewish and Bedouin populations, respectively, (p = 0.001). Multi-variant analysis of risk factors for CHD revealed that risk factors common to both populations included conception with fertility medications, sibling CHD, maternal CHD, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and anaemia. Risk factors that were specific for the Bedouin population were – maternal age over 35 years, recurrent pregnancy loss and in vitro fertilisation. However, sibling CHD was more common as a CHD risk factor in the Jewish compared with the Bedouin population (Adjusted OR 10.23 versus 3.19, respectively).

Conclusions:

The prevalence of CHD is higher in both the Bedouin and Jewish populations than previously reported. Several maternal factors were associated with CHD specifically for a certain population. Risk factors for CHD vary in populations residing in the same geographic area.
Clinical outcomes after the endovascular treatments of pulmonary vein stenosis in patients with congenital heart disease
Authors: Kurita Yoshihiko , Baba Kenji , Kondo Maiko , Eitoku Takahiro , Kasahara Shingo , Iwasaki Tatsuo , Ohtsuki Shinichi , Tsukahara Hirokazu
Published: July 2019

Background:

Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) is a condition with challenging treatment and leads to severe cardiac failure and pulmonary hypertension. Despite aggressive surgical or catheter-based intervention, the prognosis of PVS is unsatisfactory. This study aimed to assess the prognosis and to establish appropriate treatment strategies.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed endovascular treatments for PVS (2001–2017) from the clinical database at the Okayama University Hospital.

Results:

A total of 24 patients underwent PVS associated with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection and 7 patients underwent isolated congenital PVS. In total, 53 stenotic pulmonary veins were subjected to endovascular treatments; 40 of them were stented by hybrid (29) and percutaneous procedures (11) (bare-metal stent, n = 34; drug-eluting stent, n = 9). Stent size of hybrid stenting was larger than percutaneous stenting. Median follow-up duration from the onset of PVS was 24 months (4–134 months). Survival rate was 71 and 49% at 1 and 5 years, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between stent placement and survival; however, patients who underwent bare-metal stent implantation had statistically better survival than those who underwent drug-eluting stent implantation or balloon angioplasty. Early onset of stenosis, timing of stenting, and small vessel diameter of pulmonary vein before stenting were considered as risk factors for in-stent restenosis. Freedom from re-intervention was 50 and 26% at 1 and 2 years.

Conclusions:

To improve survival and stent patency, implantation of large stent is important. However, re-intervention after stenting is also significant to obtain good outcome.
Converted byun confit de canard: Political Thinking in the NovelSoumissionby Michel Houellebecq
Authors: Demker Marie
Published: July 2019

From a certain perspective, literature is always political. Literature in a broad sense has been a source of uprisings and protest at least since Martin Luther nailed his theses on the door of the church in Wittenberg in 1517 – and probably much further back in history than that. Narratives are the most potent way to articulate both political praise and criticism within a given society. In his political satires, British author George Orwell reviled all kinds of totalitarianism and the idea of a socialist utopia. Swedish writer and journalist Stieg Larsson wrote explicitly dystopian crime stories targeting the Swedish welfare state. German novelist Heinrich Böll turned a critical eye on the development of the tabloid press and the use of state monitoring in German society. In the same tradition, Michel Houellebecq has been seen as a very provocative writer in his tone and in his use of political tools. He has articulated a nearly individual anarchist perspective combined with authoritarian and paternalistic views. InSoumission, Houellebecq uses the European idea of multiculturalism to explode our political frames from within. This article explores the perception of religion inSoumission, assesses the critique Houellebecq directs towards French society and European developments, and examines Houellebecq’s perception of democracy and politics. The following questions are addressed: does Houellebecq’s critique come from a classical ideological perspective? Does he describe any elements of an ideal society – even if only as the reverse of a presented dystopia? What kind of democracy does the text ofSoumissionsupport or oppose?
Political disagreement and vote volatility: the role of familism across different European countries
Authors: Mancosu Moreno , Hopmann David N.
Published: July 2019

Interpersonal influence shapes political behavior and attitudes. So far, however, little efforts have been devoted to testing this mechanism comparatively in Europe. This paper aims at explaining differences in influence patterns in three European countries (Italy, Germany, and the UK). Based on works in demography, we argue that in Mediterranean cultures (characterized by high degrees of familism), people are more prone to be affected by attitudes and behaviors of their relatives with respect to other strong ties (e.g., spouses), while in continental, northern Europe, and the UK, this effect is less important. We test this argument using longitudinal data. Consistent with expectations, results show that the influence of relatives in familistic contexts is stronger than in non-familistic ones. At the same time, the spouse effect (namely, the effect of an intimate, non-relative discussant) is particularly strong in non-familistic contexts (and vice versa). In sum, we demonstrate that public opinion studies can be strengthened by theories developed in other social sciences, such as demography.
Co-Twin Control Studies: Natural Events, Experimental Interventions and Rare Happenings/Twin Research: Cancer Risk in Overweight Twins; Prognosis After Fetal Loss of One Twin; Twin Concordance for Parkinson’s Disease; Neuroanatomy of Musically Discordant MZ Twins/News Articles: Twin Birth with Two Wombs; Twins’ Prenatal Interactions; Switched-at-Birth Twins; Fetus-in-Fetu; Unsolved Paternity
Authors: Segal Nancy L.
Published: July 2019

Co-twin control is a well-known methodological twin research design, but its variations and complexities are less well known. Various issues and illustrations are presented with reference to studies involving natural events, experimental interventions and rare happenings that underlie monozygotic (MZ) twins’ environmental differences. This discussion is followed by summaries of recent twin research pertaining to cancer risk in overweight twins, the physical risk to surviving twins after fetal loss of a co-twin, a 20-year update of twin concordance for Parkinson’s disease, and neuroanatomical differences in musically discordant MZ twin pairs. Several twin-related items that have attracted attention in the news are also summarized.
Hybrid Mass Balance/4D‐Var Joint Inversion of NOx and SO2 Emissions in East Asia
Authors: Qu Zhen , Henze Daven K. , Theys Nicolas , Wang Jun , Wang Wei
Published: July 2019

Accurate estimates of NOx and SO2 emissions are important for air quality modeling and management. To incorporate chemical interactions of the two species in emission estimates, we develop a joint hybrid inversion framework to estimate their emissions in China and India (2005–2012). Pseudo observation tests and posterior evaluation with surface measurements demonstrate that joint assimilation of SO2 and NO2 can provide more accurate constraints on emissions than single‐species inversions. This occurs through synergistic change of O3 and OH concentrations, particularly in conditions where satellite retrievals of the species being optimized have large uncertainties. The percentage changes of joint posterior emissions from the single‐species posterior emissions go up to 242% at grid scales, although the national average of monthly emissions, seasonality, and interannual variations are similar. In China and India, the annual budget of joint posterior SO2 emissions is lower, but joint NOx posterior emissions are higher, because NOx emissions increase to increase SO2 concentration and better match Ozone Monitoring Instrument SO2 observations in high‐NOx regions. Joint SO2 posterior emissions decrease by 16.5% from 2008 to 2012, while NOx posterior emissions increase by 24.9% from 2005 to 2011 in China—trends which are consistent with the MEIC inventory. Joint NOx and SO2 posterior emissions in India increase by 15.9% and 19.2% from 2005 to 2012, smaller than the 59.9% and 76.2% growth rate using anthropogenic emissions from EDGARv4.3.2. This work shows the benefit and limitation of joint assimilation in emission estimates and provides an efficient framework to perform the inversion.
Creation of the GSFCSSI2 Composite Solar Spectral Irradiance Data Set
Authors: DeLand Matthew T. , Floyd Linton E. , Marchenko Sergey , Tiruchirapalli Ramaswamy
Published: July 2019

Solar spectral irradiance (SSI) is a key driver for the Earth's energy budget. Characterizing the spectral and temporal variations in SSI from measurements over multiple decades relies on the creation of a composite SSI product that merges data from multiple instruments. The V1 composite SSI product created by DeLand and Cebula (2008, https://doi.org/10.1029/98JD01204) provides daily spectra covering 120–400 nm by combining data from six instruments but ends in July 2005. We have developed an improved composite SSI product, designated GSFCSSI2, that extends to the present by incorporating additional SSI data sets from the NOAA‐16 SBUV/2, Aura Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI), and SORCE SOLSTICE instruments. The NOAA‐16 SBUV/2 SSI data set is a new product that fills a data gap at 170–400 nm in 2005–2006, while the Aura OMI SSI data set represents an improvement over previously published measurements and covers the time period 2006–2018. The SORCE SOLSTICE SSI data set provides data coverage down to 120 nm for the time period 2005–2018. The new GSFCSSI2 composite now spans almost 40 years (November 1978–April 2018) and extends observational coverage into the visible region (500 nm) with OMI data. Comparisons with the NRLSSI2 modelled SSI data set show typical agreement to within ±5% between 120 and 170 nm, ±2%–3% between 170 and 300 nm, and ±1.5% or better between 300 and 500 nm. The GSFCSSI2 composite SSI product is an element of the NASA Solar Irradiance Science Team program and can be further improved by incorporating other data sets being produced through that effort.
Toward Large‐Eddy Simulations of Dust Devils of Observed Intensity: Effects of Grid Spacing, Background Wind, and Surface Heterogeneities
Authors: Giersch S. , Brast M. , Hoffmann F. , Raasch S.
Published: July 2019

Dust devils are convective vortices with a vertical axis of rotation made visible by lifted soil particles. Currently, there is great uncertainty about the extent to which dust devils contribute to the atmospheric aerosol input and thereby influence Earth's radiation budget. Past efforts to quantify the aerosol transport and study their formation, maintenance, and statistics using large‐eddy simulation (LES) have been of limited success. Therefore, some important features of dust devil‐like vortices simulated with LES still do not compare well with those of observed ones. One major difference is the simulated value of the core pressure drop, which is almost 1 order of magnitude smaller compared to the observed range of 250 to 450 Pa. However, most of the existing numerical simulations are based on highly idealized setups and coarse grid spacings. In this study, we investigate the effects of various factors on the simulated vortex strength with high‐resolution LES. For the fist time, we are able to reproduce observed core pressures by using a high spatial resolution of 2 m, a model setup with moderate background wind and a spatially heterogeneous surface heat flux. It is found that vortices mainly appear at the lines of horizontal flow convergence above the centers of the strongly heated patches, which is in contrast to some older observations in which vortices seemed to be created along the patch edges.
Mesenchymal stem cells prevent the progression of diabetic nephropathy by improving mitochondrial function in tubular epithelial cells
Authors: Lee Seung Eun , Jang Jung Eun , Kim Hyun Sik , Jung Min Kyo , Ko Myoung Seok , Kim Mi-Ok , Park Hye Sun , Oh Wonil , Choi Soo Jin , Jin Hye Jin , Kim Sang-Yeob , Kim Yun Jae , Kim Seong Who , Kim Min Kyung , Sung Chang Ohk , Pack Chan-Gi , Lee Ki-Up , Koh Eun Hee
Published: July 2019

The administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was shown to attenuate overt as well as early diabetic nephropathy in rodents, but the underlying mechanism of this beneficial effect is largely unknown. Inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction are major pathogenic factors in diabetic nephropathy. In this study, we found that the repeated administration of MSCs prevents albuminuria and injury to tubular epithelial cells (TECs), an important element in the progression of diabetic nephropathy, by improving mitochondrial function. The expression of M1 macrophage markers was significantly increased in diabetic kidneys compared with that in control kidneys. Interestingly, the expression of arginase-1 (Arg1), an important M2 macrophage marker, was reduced in diabetic kidneys and increased by MSC treatment. In cultured TECs, conditioned media from lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages reduced peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (Pgc1a) expression and impaired mitochondrial function. The coculture of macrophages with MSCs increased and decreased the expression of Arg1 and M1 markers, respectively. Treatment with conditioned media from cocultured macrophages prevented activated macrophage-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in TECs. In the absence of MSC coculture, Arg1 overexpression in macrophages reversed Pgc1a suppression in TECs. These observations suggest that MSCs prevent the progression of diabetic nephropathy by reversing mitochondrial dysfunction in TECs via the induction of Arg1 in macrophages.
iOmicsPASS: network-based integration of multiomics data for predictive subnetwork discovery
Authors: Koh Hiromi W. L. , Fermin Damian , Vogel Christine , Choi Kwok Pui , Ewing Rob M. , Choi Hyungwon
Published: July 2019

Computational tools for multiomics data integration have usually been designed for unsupervised detection of multiomics features explaining large phenotypic variations. To achieve this, some approaches extract latent signals in heterogeneous data sets from a joint statistical error model, while others use biological networks to propagate differential expression signals and find consensus signatures. However, few approaches directly consider molecular interaction as a data feature, the essential linker between different omics data sets. The increasing availability of genome-scale interactome data connecting different molecular levels motivates a new class of methods to extract interactive signals from multiomics data. Here we developed iOmicsPASS, a tool to search for predictive subnetworks consisting of molecular interactions within and between related omics data types in a supervised analysis setting. Based on user-provided network data and relevant omics data sets, iOmicsPASS computes a score for each molecular interaction, and applies a modified nearest shrunken centroid algorithm to the scores to select densely connected subnetworks that can accurately predict each phenotypic group. iOmicsPASS detects a sparse set of predictive molecular interactions without loss of prediction accuracy compared to alternative methods, and the selected network signature immediately provides mechanistic interpretation of the multiomics profile representing each sample group. Extensive simulation studies demonstrate clear benefit of interaction-level modeling. iOmicsPASS analysis of TCGA/CPTAC breast cancer data also highlights new transcriptional regulatory network underlying the basal-like subtype as positive protein markers, a result not seen through analysis of individual omics data.
Assessing the extent of citrus trees root apparatus under deficit irrigation via multi-method geo-electrical imaging
Authors: Mary Benjamin , Vanella Daniela , Consoli Simona , Cassiani Giorgio
Published: July 2019

Tree rooting strategies are driven by external and internal factors such as climate conditions (rain frequency, wind direction), soil structure and crop type. In order to ensure water efficiency for irrigated crops, it is essential to know how each crop adapts its rooting strategy. We couple Mise-a-la-masse (MALM) with Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) for investigating orange tree roots undergoing different irrigation strategies (Partial Root-zone Drying – or PRD - versus Full Irrigation). This is a totally novel approach giving an overall picture of roots structure and functioning in the subsoil. Our results show clear differences of rooting extent between different irrigation strategies, and identify privileged direction of root development due to distinct RWU patterns. These results are corroborated also by seasonal monitoring of evapotranspiration (ET) and soil water content (SWC), which exhibit very large differences in the soil water distribution in space and time for the trees undergoing different irrigation schedules.
Ag Nanoparticles/α-Ag2WO4 Composite Formed by Electron Beam and Femtosecond Irradiation as Potent Antifungal and Antitumor Agents
Authors: Assis M. , Robeldo T. , Foggi C. C. , Kubo A. M. , Mínguez-Vega G. , Condoncillo E. , Beltran-Mir H. , Torres-Mendieta R. , Andrés J. , Oliva M. , Vergani C. E. , Barbugli P. A. , Camargo E. R. , Borra R. C. , Longo E.
Published: July 2019

The ability to manipulate the structure and function of promising systems via external stimuli is emerging with the development of reconfigurable and programmable multifunctional materials. Increasing antifungal and antitumor activity requires novel, effective treatments to be diligently sought. In this work, the synthesis, characterization, andin vitrobiological screening of pure α-Ag2WO4, irradiated with electrons and with non-focused and focused femtosecond laser beams are reported. We demonstrate, for the first time, that Ag nanoparticles/α-Ag2WO4composite displays potent antifungal and antitumor activity. This composite had an extreme low inhibition concentration againstCandida albicans, cause the modulation of α-Ag2WO4perform the fungicidal activity more efficient. For tumor activity, it was found that the composite showed a high selectivity against the cancer cells (MB49), thus depleting the populations of cancer cells by necrosis and apoptosis, without the healthy cells (BALB/3T3) being affected.
Telomere DNA length-dependent regulation of DNA replication timing at internal late replication origins
Authors: Hasegawa Yudai , Yamamoto Mayuko , Miyamori Junki , Kanoh Junko
Published: July 2019

DNA replication is initiated at replication origins on chromosomes at their scheduled time during S phase of the cell cycle. Replication timing control is highly conserved among eukaryotes but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Recent studies have revealed that some telomere-binding proteins regulate replication timing at late-replicating origins throughout the genome. To investigate the molecular basis of this process, we analyzed the effects of excessive elongation of telomere DNA on replication timing by deleting telomere-associated shelterin proteins in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We found that rap1∆ and poz1∆ cells showed abnormally accelerated replication at internal late origins but not at subtelomere regions. These defects were suppressed by removal of telomere DNA and by deletion of the telomere-binding protein Taz1. Furthermore, Sds21—a counter protein phosphatase against Dbf4-dependent kinase (DDK)—accumulated at elongated telomeres in a Taz1-dependent manner but was depleted at internal late origins, indicating that highly elongated telomeres sequester Sds21 at telomeres and perturb replication timing at internal regions. These results demonstrate that telomere DNA length is an important determinant of replication timing at internal regions of chromosomes in eukaryotes.
Unveiling the presence of biosynthetic pathways for bioactive compounds in the Thalassiosira rotula transcriptome
Authors: Di Dato Valeria , Di Costanzo Federica , Barbarinaldi Roberta , Perna Anna , Ianora Adrianna , Romano Giovanna
Published: July 2019

Diatoms are phytoplankton eukaryotic microalgae that are widely distributed in the world’s oceans and are responsible for 20–25% of total carbon fixation on the planet. Using transcriptome sequencing here we show for the first time that the ubiquitous diatom Thalassiosira rotula expresses biosynthetic pathways that potentially lead to the synthesis of interesting secondary metabolites with pharmaceutical applications such as polyketides, prostaglandins and secologanin. We also show that these pathways are differentially expressed in conditions of silica depletion in comparison with standard growth conditions.
A multicentric evaluation of dipstick test for serodiagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Ethiopia and Spain
Authors: Ejazi Sarfaraz Ahmad , Ghosh Sneha , Saha Samiran , Choudhury Somsubhra Thakur , Bhattacharyya Anirban , Chatterjee Mitali , Pandey Krishna , Das V. N. R. , Das Pradeep , Rahaman Mehebubar , Goswami Rama Prosad , Rai Keshav , Khanal Basudha , Bhattarai Narayan Raj , Deepachandi Bhagya , Siriwardana Yamuna Deepani , Karunaweera Nadira D. , deBrito Maria Edileuza Felinto , Gomes Yara de Miranda , Nakazawa Mineo , Costa Carlos Henrique Nery , Adem Emebet , Yeshanew Arega , Melkamu Roma , Fikre Helina , Hurissa Zewdu , Diro Ermias , Carrillo Eugenia , Moreno Javier , Ali Nahid
Published: July 2019

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is one of the leading infectious diseases affecting developing countries. Colloidal gold-based diagnostic tests are rapid tools to detect blood/serum antibodies for VL diagnosis. Lack of uniformity in the performance of these tests in different endemic regions is a hurdle in early disease diagnosis. This study is designed to validate a serum-based dipstick test in eight centres of six countries, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Ethiopia and Spain with archived and fresh sera from 1003 subjects. The dipstick detects antibodies againstLeishmania donovanimembrane antigens (LAg). The overall sensitivity and specificity of the test with 95% confidence intervals were found to be 97.10% and 93.44%, respectively. The test showed good sensitivity and specificity in the Indian subcontinent (>95%). In Brazil, Ethiopia, and Spain the sensitivity and specificity of the dipstick test (83.78–100% and 79.06–100%) were better as compared to the earlier reports of the performance of rK39 rapid test in these regions. Interestingly, less cross-reactivity was found with the cutaneous form of the disease in Spain, Brazil, and Sri Lanka demonstrating 91.58% specificity. This dipstick test can therefore be a useful tool for diagnosing VL from other symptomatically similar diseases and against cutaneous form of leishmaniasis.
Injection of Fluoro-Gold into the tibial nerve leads to prolonged but reversible functional deficits in rats
Authors: Mi Daguo , Yuan Ying , Zhang Yanping , Niu Jiahui , Wang Yaxian , Yan Junying , Yang Yumin , Hu Wen
Published: July 2019

Tract tracing with neuronal tracers not only represents a straightforward approach to identify axonal projection connection between regions of the nervous system at distance but also provides compelling evidence for axonal regeneration. An ideal neuronal tracer meets certain criteria including high labeling efficacy, minimal neurotoxicity, rapid labeling, suitable stability in vivo, and compatibility to tissue processing for histological/immunohistochemical staining. Although labeling efficacy of commonly used fluorescent tracers has been studied extensively, neurotoxicity and their effect on neural functions remains poorly understood. In the present study, we comprehensively evaluated motor and sensory nerve function 2–24 weeks after injection of retrograde tracer Fluoro-Gold (FG), True Blue (TB) or Fluoro-Ruby (FR) in the tibial nerve in adult Spague-Dawley rats. We found that motor and sensory nerve functions were completely recovered by 24 weeks after tracer exposure, and that FG lead to a more prolonged delay in functional recovery than TB. These findings shed light on the long-term effect of tracers on nerve function and peripheral axonal regeneration, and therefore have implications in selection of appropriate tracers in relevant studies.
Study of the impact of long-duration space missions at the International Space Station on the astronaut microbiome
Authors: Voorhies Alexander A. , Mark Ott C. , Mehta Satish , Pierson Duane L. , Crucian Brian E. , Feiveson Alan , Oubre Cherie M. , Torralba Manolito , Moncera Kelvin , Zhang Yun , Zurek Eduardo , Lorenzi Hernan A.
Published: July 2019

Over the course of a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) crew members are exposed to a number of stressors that can potentially alter the composition of their microbiomes and may have a negative impact on astronauts’ health. Here we investigated the impact of long-term space exploration on the microbiome of nine astronauts that spent six to twelve months in the ISS. We present evidence showing that the microbial communities of the gastrointestinal tract, skin, nose and tongue change during the space mission. The composition of the intestinal microbiota became more similar across astronauts in space, mostly due to a drop in the abundance of a few bacterial taxa, some of which were also correlated with changes in the cytokine profile of crewmembers. Alterations in the skin microbiome that might contribute to the high frequency of skin rashes/hypersensitivity episodes experienced by astronauts in space were also observed. The results from this study demonstrate that the composition of the astronauts’ microbiome is altered during space travel. The impact of those changes on crew health warrants further investigation before humans embark on long-duration voyages into outer space.
Contextual fear learning and memory differ between stress coping styles in zebrafish
Authors: Baker Matthew R. , Wong Ryan Y.
Published: July 2019

Animals frequently overcome stressors and the ability to learn and recall these salient experiences is essential to an individual’s survival. As part of an animal’s stress coping style, behavioral and physiological responses to stressors are often consistent across contexts and time. However, we are only beginning to understand how cognitive traits can be biased by different coping styles. Here we investigate learning and memory differences in zebrafish (Danio rerio) displaying proactive and reactive stress coping styles. We assessed learning rate and memory duration using an associative fear conditioning paradigm that trained zebrafish to associate a context with exposure to a natural olfactory alarm cue. Our results show that both proactive and reactive zebrafish learn and remember this fearful association. However, we note significant interaction effects between stress coping style and cognition. Zebrafish with the reactive stress coping style acquired the fear memory at a significantly faster rate than proactive fish. While both stress coping styles showed equal memory recall one day post-conditioning, reactive zebrafish showed significantly stronger recall of the conditioned context relative to proactive fish four days post-conditioning. Through understanding how stress coping strategies promote biases in processing salient information, we gain insight into mechanisms that can constrain adaptive behavioral responses.
Bindel-PCR: a novel and convenient method for identifying CRISPR/Cas9-induced biallelic mutants through modified PCR using Thermus aquaticus DNA polymerase
Authors: Sakurai Takayuki , Kamiyoshi Akiko , Takei Norio , Watanabe Satoshi , Sato Masahiro , Shindo Takayuki
Published: July 2019

We developed a novel and convenient method for rapidly identifying CRISPR/Cas9-based genome-edited biallelic knockout (KO) cells/individuals carrying insertions or deletions of a few nucleotides (indels) by performing PCR on genomic DNA samples under stringent conditions and low MgCl2 concentrations. The biallelic KO samples can be judged as ‘negative’ under these conditions. The sense primer corresponds to the sequence recognised by guide RNA and subsequently cleaved by Cas9 immediately upstream of a target gene’s proto-spacer adjacent motif (PAM), and the reverse primer corresponds to the sequence ~200 bp downstream from the PAM. PCR performed using this primer set under standard MgCl2 concentrations (1.5–2.5 mM) should generate PCR products derived from both mutated and unedited alleles, whereas PCR performed using lower MgCl2 concentrations (0.8–2 mM) should yield products derived from unedited alleles. This enables high-throughput screening of biallelic mutants among cells/embryos having ≥1 indels at a region within 5 bp upstream of the PAM (where more than 94% of indels are known to appear). We performed proof-of-principle analyses of this novel approach using genome-edited Et1, Tyr, Ramp1, Ramp3, and Rosa26 mouse samples carrying various types of indels, and demonstrate that this new technique allows rapid identification of biallelic KO mutants among samples carrying various types of indels and mosaic mutations with 100% accuracy. We name this system detection of biallelic KO mutants harbouring indels using PCR (Bindel-PCR).
Mitochondrial Akt Signaling Modulated Reprogramming of Somatic Cells
Authors: Chen Yu-Han , Su Ching-Chieh , Deng Wu , Lock Leslie F. , Donovan Peter J. , Kayala Matthew A. , Baldi Pierre , Lee Hsiao-Chen , Chen Yumay , Wang Ping H.
Published: July 2019

The signaling mechanisms controlling somatic cell reprogramming are not fully understood. In this study, we report a novel role for mitochondrial Akt1 signaling that enhanced somatic cell reprogramming efficiency. The role of mitochondrial Akt1 in somatic cell reprogramming was investigated by transducing fibroblasts with the four reprogramming factors (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc) in conjunction with Mito-Akt1, Mito-dnAkt1, or control virus. Mito-Akt1 enhanced reprogramming efficiency whereas Mito-dnAkt1 inhibited reprogramming. The resulting iPSCs formed embryoid bodies in vitro and teratomas in vivo. Moreover, Oct4 and Nanog promoter methylation was reduced in the iPSCs generated in the presence of Mito-Akt1. Akt1 was activated and translocated into mitochondria after growth factor stimulation in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). To study the effect of mitochondrial Akt in ESCs, a mitochondria-targeting constitutively active Akt1 (Mito-Akt1) was expressed in ESCs. Gene expression profiling showed upregulation of genes that promote stem cell proliferation and survival and down-regulation of genes that promote differentiation. Analysis of cellular respiration indicated similar metabolic profile in the resulting iPSCs and ESCs, suggesting comparable bioenergetics. These findings showed that activation of mitochondrial Akt1 signaling was required during somatic cell reprogramming.
MIG1 as a positive regulator for the histidine biosynthesis pathway and as a global regulator in thermotolerant yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus
Authors: Nurcholis Mochamad , Murata Masayuki , Limtong Savitree , Kosaka Tomoyuki , Yamada Mamoru
Published: July 2019

Kmmig1 as a disrupted mutant of MIG1 encoding a regulator for glucose repression in Kluyveromyces marxianus exhibits a histidine-auxotrophic phenotype. Genome-wide expression analysis revealed that only HIS4 in seven HIS genes for histidine biosynthesis was down-regulated in Kmmig1. Consistently, introduction of HIS4 into Kmmig1 suppressed the requirement of histidine. Considering the fact that His4 catalyzes four of ten steps in histidine biosynthesis, K. marxianus has evolved a novel and effective regulation mechanism via Mig1 for the control of histidine biosynthesis. Moreover, RNA-Seq analysis revealed that there were more than 1,000 differentially expressed genes in Kmmig1, suggesting that Mig1 is directly or indirectly involved in the regulation of their expression as a global regulator.
Sheath-flow probe electrospray ionization (sfPESI) mass spectrometry for the rapid forensic analysis of human body fluids
Authors: Rankin-Turner Stephanie , Ninomiya Satoshi , Reynolds James C. , Hiraoka Kenzo
Published: July 2019

A novel method for the rapid,in situanalysis of fresh and dried human biological materials using sfPESI mass spectrometry.
Building metal-functionalized porous carbons from microporous organic polymers for CO2 capture and conversion under ambient conditions
Authors: Gu Shuai , Yu Wenguang , Chen Jingjing , Zhang He , Wang Yan , Tang Juntao , Yu Guipeng , Pan Chunyue
Published: July 2019

Metal-functionalized porous carbons derived from microporous organic polymers remain highly desired for their intriguing physical and chemical properties.
Morphology-maintaining synthesis of NbN and its catalytic performance in epoxidation
Authors: Zhao Tiaohao , Shen Shanshan , Liu Xiaohui , Guo Yong , Pao Chih-Wen , Chen Jeng-Lung , Wang Yanqin
Published: July 2019

A strategy for the synthesis of NbN with different morphologies was provided and the reactivity for epoxidation was investigated.
Effect of Montmorency tart cherry juice on cognitive performance in older adults: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chai Sheau C. , Jerusik Jessica , Davis Kristina , Wright Regina S. , Zhang Zugui
Published: July 2019

Daily tart cherry juice consumption may improve cognitive abilities. This may be through anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of tart cherry and its ability to lower blood pressure.
Inorganic arsenic causes intestinal barrier disruption
Authors: Chiocchetti Gabriela M , Vélez Dinoraz , Devesa Vicenta
Published: July 2019

Inorganic arsenic (As) is the most toxic form of As found in food and water. Gastrointestinal disorders have been reported in populations chronically exposed to this arsenical form or to one of its metabolites; however, studies to determine the mechanisms of inorganic As toxicity at the intestinal level are scarce. The aim of this study is to determine the mechanisms of toxicity of inorganic As [As(iii) and As(v)] on intestinal epithelial cells. For this purpose, two human intestinal cell models were used: non-transformed colon epithelial cells (NCM460) and epithelial cells from a colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2). Exposure to As(iii) and As(v) generates an increase in the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8 (57–1135%) and an increase in the generation of reactive oxygen and/or nitrogen species (130–340%) in both cell lines. This pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant response may be responsible for the structural and functional modifications demonstrated in the monolayers formed by both cell types. Treatments with As(iii) and As(v) produce a redistribution of zonula occludens 1 and a reduction in the expression of claudin 1, tight junction proteins that participate in maintaining the structure of the epithelium. All these toxic effects are finally translated into a loss of the barrier function of intestinal monolayers.
Band engineering at the interface of all-inorganic CsPbI2Br solar cells
Authors: Zhuang Jing , Wei Yuanzhi , Luan Yigang , Chen Ningli , Mao Peng , Cao Shaokui , Wang Jizheng
Published: July 2019

An all-inorganic CsPbI2Br perovskite with excellent phase stability and thermal stability has been considered to be a promising candidate for photovoltaic application.
Enhancing chemoradiation of colorectal cancer through targeted delivery of raltitrexed by hyaluronic acid coated nanoparticles
Authors: Rosch Justin G. , Landry Madeleine R. , Thomas Charles R. , Sun Conroy
Published: July 2019

The combination of radiation therapy and nanomedicine allows for improved treatment outcomes in a murine colorectal cancer model.
Hollow multi-shell structured SnO2with enhanced performance for ultraviolet photodetectors
Authors: Li Meng , Mao Dan , Wan Jiawei , Wang Fakun , Zhai Tianyou , Wang Dan
Published: July 2019

Hollow multi-shell structured (HoMS) SnO2was utilized as an active material to enhance ultraviolet photodetector performance.
The relationship between crystalline disorder and electronic structure of Pd nanoparticles and their hydrogen storage properties
Authors: Seo Okkyun , Kim Jaemyung , Tayal Akhil , Song Chulho , Kumara L. S. R. , Dekura Shun , Kobayashi Hirokazu , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Sakata Osami
Published: July 2019

Smaller Pd nanoparticles have a high degree of disordering and a lower coordination number on the surface part, which causes a change in electronic structure to have different hydrogen storage properties.
Facile thermochemical conversion of FeOOH nanorods to ZnFe2O4nanorods for high-rate lithium storage
Authors: Park Yiseul , Oh Misol , Lee Yebin , Park Hyunwoong
Published: July 2019

ZnFe2O4nanorods were prepared by a simple thermochemical conversion of FeOOH nanorods, and exhibited an improved reversible capacity and rate capability.
Microbubble flows in superwettable fluidic channels
Authors: Tenjimbayashi Mizuki , Doi Kotaro , Naito Masanobu
Published: July 2019

Microbubble flows inside a superwettable channel revealed underwater superwetting phenomena under flow conditions, contributing to the understanding of real-world environmental wetting systems.
Suture retention strength of P(LLA-CL) tissue-engineered vascular grafts
Authors: Meng Xin , Wang Xiaofeng , Jiang Yongchao , Zhang Bo , Li Kun , Li Qian
Published: July 2019

A method that simulates the actual suture status of a vascular graft provides a more consistent suture retention strength.
3D LiMn2O4 thin-film electrodes for high rate all solid-state lithium and Li-ion microbatteries
Authors: Labyedh Nouha , Mattelaer Felix , Detavernier Christophe , Vereecken Philippe M.
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we report on the fabrication and characterization of functional 3D LiMn2O4 thin-film electrodes giving a footprint capacity of 0.5 mA h cm−2, i.e. surpassing any thin-film electrode reported thus far.
Unconventional molybdenum carbide phases with high electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Tang Chaoyun , Zhang Hui , Xu Kuofeng , Zhang Qianling , Liu Jianhong , He Chuanxin , Fan Liangdong , Asefa Tewodros
Published: July 2019

The development of noble metal-free catalysts, which can replace noble metals for various electrocatalytic reactions in renewable energy devices is of huge interest. Here, we report nanoporous α-MoC1−x and η-MoC nanosheets electrocatalysts for HER.
Small intestinal submucosa: superiority, limitations and solutions, and its potential to address bottlenecks in tissue repair
Authors: Cao Guangxiu , Huang Yan , Li Kun , Fan Yubo , Xie Huiqi , Li Xiaoming
Published: July 2019

Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) has attracted much attention in tissue repair because it can provide plentiful bioactive factors and a biomimetic three-dimensional microenvironment to induce desired cellular functions.
Nanoparticle-based diagnostic and therapeutic systems for brain tumors
Authors: Wu Xiaoli , Yang Han , Yang Weitao , Chen Xingmeng , Gao Junxiao , Gong Xiaoqun , Wang Hanjie , Duan Yue , Wei Daohe , Chang Jin
Published: July 2019

Many theranostic nanoparticles have been tailored for high-efficiency diagnostic or therapeutic agents or applied as carriers and might provide new possibilities for brain tumor diagnosis and treatment.
Microwave synthesis of MoS2/MoO2@CNT nanocomposites with excellent cycling stability for supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Tian Yunrui , Du Haishun , Zhang Miaomiao , Zheng Yayun , Guo Qingping , Zhang Huaiping , Luo Jujie , Zhang Xinyu
Published: July 2019

Herein, we present an ultrafast microwave approach for fabricating MoS2/MoO2@CNT nanocomposites toward supercapacitor electrodes with excellent cycle stability.
Petrographic assessment of coal gas content
Authors: Baranovskyi Volodymyr , Kuznetsova Liubov
Published: July 2019

Traces of the gas generation process on natural coal burstings have been identified and documented using the petrographic method. Their characteristic features were described. The methodology of their quantitative calculation is proposed in order to assess the modern gas content of coals.