bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gait recognition: solving the key cross-view challenge
Authors: Sinno Salvatore , Hu BingZhang , Guan Yu
Published: April 2020

The growing demand for anti-terrorism and security measures has fuelled the rapid uptake of automated biometric recognition systems for surveillance. Primarily, law enforcement officers are seeking systems that can infer people's identity by measuring their physiological or behavioural traits, which can be captured by surveillance systems such as CCTV cameras.
Good call: the hybrid answer to voice authentication
Authors: Smallman Matt
Published: April 2020

The benefits of using voice biometrics for speaker recognition in a customer service context are now well-understood. The technology's efficacy and user acceptance has been proven across many implementations involving hundreds of millions of enrolled users.
Operating systems reaching end of life – don't put yourself at risk
Authors: Puglia Mike
Published: April 2020

Are you currently running an unsupported operating system or one that is likely to be unsupported in the near future? If so, you should not only be planning to move to the latest version but starting to make that switch immediately.

If you are running an unsupported operating system, or one likely to be unsupported in the near future, you need to plan a move to the latest version – and do it now.

Using operating systems that have already passed end of life (EOL) is risky, and waiting to address the issue will only increase the risk. Take inventory of your IT environment, examine your options and develop a plan before you migrate. And complete the migration in phases, if possible, says Mike Puglia of Kaseya.
Embryology of Spinal Dysraphism and its Relationship to Surgical Treatment
Authors: Eagles Matthew E. , Gupta Nalin
Published: April 2020

Spinal dysraphism is an umbrella term that encompasses a number of congenital malformations that affect the central nervous system. The etiology of these conditions can be traced back to a specific defect in embryological development, with the more disabling malformations occurring at an earlier gestational age. A thorough understanding of the relevant neuroembryology is imperative for clinicians to select the correct treatment and prevent complications associated with spinal dysraphism. This paper will review the neuroembryology associated with the various forms of spinal dysraphism and provide a clinical-pathological correlation for these congenital malformations.
Developing a Valid and Reliable Gender Analysis Tool Applied in Disaster Management: A Community-Based Survey
Authors: Sohrabizadeh Sanaz , Shabanikiya Hamid Reza , Kavousi Amir , Safarpour Hamid
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

Women and men are assigned roles and responsibilities based on their gender in all contexts. Measuring gender-based differences through gender analysis can help understand who will be at greater risk in disasters. Thus, the present study is aimed to develop a valid and reliable gender analysis tool to collect accurate and necessary gender-disaggregated information in disaster-affected regions.

Methods:

A mix method approach using qualitative and quantitative studies was applied for conducting this study. A total of 20 people affected by the earthquakes and floods and 10 key informants were interviewed in the qualitative stage. The validity and reliability of the tool were measured using the experts as well as women and men living in the destroyed villages of Razavi Khorasan province during the quantitative stage. The Graneheim approach and SPSS software were used to analyze the data collected in both stages.

Results:

At the first stage, 7 categories were extracted from the data, namely, livelihood status, social status, health, household/family management, reconstruction, welfare and educational facilities, and disaster prevention. The results of content validity ratio (0.69) and content validity index (0.88) confirmed that the tool is valid. The amount of Cronbach’s alpha (0.75) and test-retest (0.83) examination indicated that the tool was also reliable. The results of content validity and reliability measurements approved that the gender analysis tool can be applied for postdisaster gender analysis surveys.

Conclusions:

It is highly suggested to use the information provided by the gender analysis tool for future disaster management plans, programs, and policies in health systems.
High-power long-wave infrared laser based on polarization beam coupling technique
Authors: Shen Yingjie , Qian Chuanpeng , Duan Xiaoming , Lan Ruijun
Published: April 2020

We demonstrated a high-power long-wave infrared laser based on a polarization beam coupling technique. An average output power at

$8.3~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{m}$

of 7.0 W was achieved at a maximum available pump power of 107.6 W, corresponding to an optical-to-optical conversion of 6.5%. The coupling efficiency of the polarization coupling system was calculated to be approximately 97.2%. With idler single resonance operation, a good beam quality factor of

${\sim}1.8$

combined with an output wavelength of

$8.3~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{m}$

was obtained at the maximum output power.
The Evolution of the Tang Political Elite and its Marriage Network
Authors: Tackett Nicolas
Published: April 2020

How did the Tang political elite evolve between the seventh and ninth centuries? Using network analysis and a large prosopographic database, this article approaches this question from four perspectives: the marriage network of political elites, the backgrounds of chief ministers, the composition of the capital elite during three time slices, and the makeup of the provincial elite. Despite important continuities in the elite marriage network's basic structure, there were also significant discontinuities. Between the seventh and eighth centuries, Luoyang emerged as a secondary political center, and Luoyang-based families—including so-called “marriage-ban” clans—acquired a renewed significance, partly at the expense of old southern clans, whose political significance declined over the course of the dynasty. In addition, the political divide between capital and provinces grew over time, culminating in the ninth century with capital-based men occupying nearly all significant provincial posts and provincials serving only locally and in second-tier offices.
A mid-Palaeozoic ocean–continent transition in the Mazongshan subduction–accretion complex, Beishan, NW China: new structural, chemical and age data constrain the petrogenesis and tectonic evolution
Authors: Wang J.-X. , Zhang K.-X. , Windley Brian F. , Song B.-W. , Kou X.-H. , Wang S.-D. , Wang L.-J.
Published: April 2020

Accretionary orogens contain key evidence for the conversion of oceanic to continental crust. The late tectonic history and closure time of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean are recorded in the Mazongshan subduction–accretion complex in the southern Beishan margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. We present new data on the structure, petrology, geochemistry and zircon U–Pb isotope ages of the Mazongshan subduction–accretion complex, which is a tectonic mélange with a block-in-matrix structure. The blocks are of serpentinized peridotite, basalt, gabbro, basaltic andesite, chert and seamount sediments within a matrix that is mainly composed of fore-arc-trench turbidites. U–Pb zircon ages of two gabbros are 454.6 ± 2.5 Ma and 434.1 ± 3.6 Ma, an andesite has a U–Pb zircon age of 451.3 ± 3.5 Ma and a tuffaceous slate has the youngest U–Pb zircon age of 353.6 ± 5.1 Ma. These new isotopic ages, combined with published data on ophiolitic mélanges from central Beishan, indicate that the subduction–accretion of Beishan in the southernmost Central Asian Orogenic Belt lasted until Late Ordovician – Early Carboniferous time. Structure and age data demonstrate that the younging direction of accretion was southwards and that the subduction zone dipped continuously to the north. Accordingly, these results record the conversion of oceanic to continental crust in the southern Beishan accretionary collage.
Assessment of physico-chemical changes in UHT milk during storage at different temperatures
Authors: Ranvir Suvartan , Sharma Rajan , Gandhi Kamal , Mann Bimlesh
Published: April 2020

This research communication describes enzymatic and physico-chemical changes during storage of UHT milk. The UHT milk sample was stored at 5 and 30°C for 4 months and analyzed regularly at intervals of one month. During storage of UHT milk, there was a significant (P < 0.001) increase in non-protein nitrogen, non-casein nitrogen, soluble calcium, soluble magnesium and proteolysis, while a significant (P < 0.001) decrease in pH was observed. There was a slight change in the particle size and zeta potential of casein micelles. Changes were more pronounced in milk samples stored at 30°C than in those stored at 5°C. During storage, there occurred changes in pH, viscosity, salt balance and nitrogenous components which adversely affected quality. It was concluded that the proteolysis led to the acidification which had a destabilizing effect on the milk.
Be likeand the Constant Rate Effect: from the bottom to the top of theS-curve
Authors: GARDNER MATT HUNT , DENIS DEREK , BROOK MARISA , TAGLIAMONTE SALI A.
Published: April 2020

Thebe likequotative emerged rapidly around the English-speaking world and has quickly saturated the quotative systems of young speakers in multiple countries. We studybe like(and its covariants) in two communities – Toronto, Canada, and York, United Kingdom – in apparent time and at two separate points in real time. We trace the apparent-time trajectory ofbe likeand its covariants from inception to saturation. We take advantage of the prodigious size of our dataset to examine understudied aspects of the linguistic factors that condition quotative variation. Building on earlier suggestions (Cukor-Avila 2002; Durhamet al.2012) thatbe likemight show patterning over time consistent with the ConstantRateEffect(or CRE, Kroch 1989), we argue that the CRE does indeed apply to the rise ofbe like, but needs to be handled with care. Logistic modelling assumes that the top of theS-curve is located at 100 per cent of a given variable context. In the case ofbe like, the saturation point is nearer 75–85 per cent, with minor variants retaining small semantic footholds in the system. In conjunction with our analysis, we suggest how to adapt the predictions of the CRE to changes likely to lead to saturation but not categorical use.
Effects of Irrigation on Water, Carbon, and Nitrogen Budgets in a Semiarid Watershed in the Pacific Northwest: A Modeling Study
Authors: Zhu Bowen , Huang Maoyi , Cheng Yanyan , Xie Xianhong , Liu Ying , Zhang Xuesong , Bisht Gautam , Chen Xingyuan , Missik Justine , Liu Heping
Published: April 2020

In this study, we use the Community Land Model Version 5 (CLM5) to investigate how irrigation modulates hydrologic and biogeochemical dynamics in the Upper Columbia‐Priest Rapids (UCPR) watershed, a typical semiarid watershed located in the northwestern United States dominated by cropland. To our knowledge, this constitutes the first application of CLM5 with landscape heterogeneity fully resolved over a watershed. The model is calibrated and evaluated against flux measurements from an AmeriFlux site and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products. Two numerical experiments (i.e., irrigated and rainfed) are performed at hyperresolution (~1 km) over the period of 2010–2018, accounting for realistic crop types and management practices. Our results show that irrigation fundamentally alters hydrologic and biogeochemical dynamics of the watershed. By adding 79.6 mm year−1 water in addition to the mean annual precipitation of 204.0 mm year−1, irrigation leads to increases in evapotranspiration and runoff, accompanied by shallower groundwater table depths. Increases in crop productivity in response to irrigation result in more carbon storage in the watershed, and drastically large seasonal fluctuations in soil organic carbon in response to changes in soil temperature and moisture. Irrigation also intensifies the rate of denitrification and mineralization during the growing season, enhancing the interactions between soil mineral nitrogen, the atmosphere, and freshwater systems. Our study demonstrates the potential of CLM5 as an effective tool for understanding hydrological and biogeochemical dynamics in highly managed semiarid watersheds.
Genome-wide association studies and Mendelian randomization analyses for leisure sedentary behaviours
Authors: van de Vegte Yordi J. , Said M. Abdullah , Rienstra Michiel , van der Harst Pim , Verweij Niek
Published: April 2020

Leisure sedentary behaviours are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but whether this relationship is causal is unknown. The aim of this study is to identify genetic determinants associated with leisure sedentary behaviours and to estimate the potential causal effect on coronary artery disease (CAD). Genome wide association analyses of leisure television watching, leisure computer use and driving behaviour in the UK Biobank identify 145, 36 and 4 genetic loci (P < 1×10−8), respectively. High genetic correlations are observed between sedentary behaviours and neurological traits, including education and body mass index (BMI). Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis estimates a causal effect between 1.5 hour increase in television watching and CAD (OR 1.44, 95%CI 1.25–1.66, P = 5.63 × 10−07), that is partially independent of education and BMI in multivariable MR analyses. This study finds independent observational and genetic support for the hypothesis that increased sedentary behaviour by leisure television watching is a risk factor for CAD.
Exploiting evolutionary steering to induce collateral drug sensitivity in cancer
Authors: Acar Ahmet , Nichol Daniel , Fernandez-Mateos Javier , Cresswell George D. , Barozzi Iros , Hong Sung Pil , Trahearn Nicholas , Spiteri Inmaculada , Stubbs Mark , Burke Rosemary , Stewart Adam , Caravagna Giulio , Werner Benjamin , Vlachogiannis Georgios , Maley Carlo C. , Magnani Luca , Valeri Nicola , Banerji Udai , Sottoriva Andrea
Published: April 2020

Drug resistance mediated by clonal evolution is arguably the biggest problem in cancer therapy today. However, evolving resistance to one drug may come at a cost of decreased fecundity or increased sensitivity to another drug. These evolutionary trade-offs can be exploited using ‘evolutionary steering’ to control the tumour population and delay resistance. However, recapitulating cancer evolutionary dynamics experimentally remains challenging. Here, we present an approach for evolutionary steering based on a combination of single-cell barcoding, large populations of 108–109 cells grown without re-plating, longitudinal non-destructive monitoring of cancer clones, and mathematical modelling of tumour evolution. We demonstrate evolutionary steering in a lung cancer model, showing that it shifts the clonal composition of the tumour in our favour, leading to collateral sensitivity and proliferative costs. Genomic profiling revealed some of the mechanisms that drive evolved sensitivity. This approach allows modelling evolutionary steering strategies that can potentially control treatment resistance.
A kinome-wide screen identifies a CDKL5-SOX9 regulatory axis in epithelial cell death and kidney injury
Authors: Kim Ji Young , Bai Yuntao , Jayne Laura A. , Hector Ralph D. , Persaud Avinash K. , Ong Su Sien , Rojesh Shreshtha , Raj Radhika , Feng Mei Ji He Ho , Chung Sangwoon , Cianciolo Rachel E. , Christman John W. , Campbell Moray J. , Gardner David S. , Baker Sharyn D. , Sparreboom Alex , Govindarajan Rajgopal , Singh Harpreet , Chen Taosheng , Poi Ming , Susztak Katalin , Cobb Stuart R. , Pabla Navjot Singh
Published: April 2020

Renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) perform the essential function of maintaining the constancy of body fluid composition and volume. Toxic, inflammatory, or hypoxic-insults to RTECs can cause systemic fluid imbalance, electrolyte abnormalities and metabolic waste accumulation- manifesting as acute kidney injury (AKI), a common disorder associated with adverse long-term sequelae and high mortality. Here we report the results of a kinome-wide RNAi screen for cellular pathways involved in AKI-associated RTEC-dysfunction and cell death. Our screen and validation studies reveal an essential role of Cdkl5-kinase in RTEC cell death. In mouse models, genetic or pharmacological Cdkl5 inhibition mitigates nephrotoxic and ischemia-associated AKI. We propose that Cdkl5 is a stress-responsive kinase that promotes renal injury in part through phosphorylation-dependent suppression of pro-survival transcription regulator Sox9. These findings reveal a surprising non-neuronal function of Cdkl5, identify a pathogenic Cdkl5-Sox9 axis in epithelial cell-death, and support CDKL5 antagonism as a therapeutic approach for AKI.
Genomic release-recapture experiment in the wild reveals within-generation polygenic selection in stickleback fish
Authors: Laurentino Telma G. , Moser Dario , Roesti Marius , Ammann Matthias , Frey Anja , Ronco Fabrizia , Kueng Benjamin , Berner Daniel
Published: April 2020

How rapidly natural selection sorts genome-wide standing genetic variation during adaptation remains largely unstudied experimentally. Here, we present a genomic release-recapture experiment using paired threespine stickleback fish populations adapted to selectively different lake and stream habitats. First, we use pooled whole-genome sequence data from the original populations to identify hundreds of candidate genome regions likely under divergent selection between these habitats. Next, we generate F2 hybrids from the same lake-stream population pair in the laboratory and release thousands of juveniles into a natural stream habitat. Comparing the individuals surviving one year of stream selection to a reference sample of F2 hybrids allows us to detect frequency shifts across the candidate regions toward the genetic variants typical of the stream population—an experimental outcome consistent with polygenic directional selection. Our study reveals that adaptation in nature can be detected as a genome-wide signal over just a single generation.
Similar prevalence of hepatic steatosis among patients with chronic hepatitis C with and without HIV coinfection
Authors: Fernandez-Fuertes M. , Macías J. , Corma-Gómez A. , Rincón P. , Merchante N. , Gómez-Mateos J. , Pineda J. A. , Real L. M.
Published: April 2020

Hepatic steatosis (HS) is frequently observed in HIV-infected patients. It is not known whether HIV infection is an independent risk factor for HS development. We aimed to analyze whether HIV coinfection was associated with a higher frequency of HS in patients with chronic hepatitis C. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. 574 subjects with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection were included, 246 (43%) of them coinfected with HIV. All of them underwent transient elastography with controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) measurement. HS was defined as CAP ≥ 248 dB/m. 147 individuals (45%) showed HS in the HCV-monoinfected group and 100 (40.7%) in the HIV/HCV-coinfected group (p = 0.318). HS was associated with body mass index (BMI) [<25 Kg/m2 vs. ≥25 Kg/m2, 67 (23.5%) vs. 171 (62.9%); p = 0.001], with plasma HDL-cholesterol [<50 mg/dL vs. ≥50 mg/dL, 122 (48.6%) vs. 95 (37.5%), p = 0.012], with plasma triglycerides [<150 mg/dL vs. ≥150 mg/dL, 168 (40.2%) vs. 65 (52.4%); p = 0.016] and with plasma total cholesterol [<200 mg/dL vs. ≥200 mg/dL, 181 (41%) vs. 53 (52.5%); p = 0.035]. In the multivariate analysis, HS was associated with BMI [adjusted OR (AOR) = 1.264 (1.194–1.339); p = 0.001], age [AOR = 1.029 (1.001–1.058); p = 0.047] and HCV genotype 3 infection [AOR = 1.901 (1.081–2.594); p = 0.026]. HIV coinfection was not associated with HS [AOR = 1.166 (0.719–1.892); p = 0.534]. In conclusion, HIV coinfection is not related with an increased frequency of HS in HCV-infected patients.
Splice modulating antisense oligonucleotides restore some acid-alpha-glucosidase activity in cells derived from patients with late-onset Pompe disease
Authors: Aung-Htut May Thandar , Ham Kristin A. , Tchan Michel , Johnsen Russell , Schnell Frederick J. , Fletcher Sue , Wilton Steve D.
Published: April 2020

Pompe disease is caused by mutations in the GAA gene, resulting in deficient lysosomal acid-α-glucosidase activity in patients, and a progressive decline in mobility and respiratory function. Enzyme replacement therapy is one therapeutic option, but since not all patients respond to this treatment, alternative interventions should be considered. One GAA mutation, c.-32-13T > G, impacts upon normal exon 2 splicing and is found in two-thirds of late-onset cases. We and others have explored a therapeutic strategy using splice modulating phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers to enhance GAA exon 2 inclusion in the mature mRNA of patients with one c.-32-13T > G allele. We designed 20 oligomers and treated fibroblasts derived from five patients to identify an oligomer sequence that maximally increased enzyme activity in all fibroblasts. The most effective splice correcting oligomer was chosen to treat forced-myogenic cells, derived from fibroblasts from nine patients carrying the c.-32-13T > G mutation. After transfection, we show increased levels of the full-length GAA transcript, acid-α-glucosidase protein, and enzyme activity in all patients’ myogenic cells, regardless of the nature of the mutation in the other allele. This data encourages the initiation of clinical trials to assess the therapeutic efficacy of this oligomer for those patients carrying the c.-32-13T > G mutation.
Long-term Changes of Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis on Computed Tomography
Authors: Song Hwanhee , Lee Jeong Yun , Huh Kyung-Hoe , Park Ji Woon
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to understand long-term changes of the osteoarthritic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) condyle using computed tomography (CT) and to verify its correlation with clinical characteristics of temporomandibular disorders. Eighty-nine patients (152 joints; 76 female, 13 male) who had taken follow-up CTs (mean follow-up period: 644.58 ± 325.71 days) at least once in addition to their initial evaluation were selected. Cross-sectional demographic and clinical data and longitudinal CT images were collected. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and logistic regression. Overall destructive change index (number of TMJ condyle sections in which destructive change was observed) decreased from 1.56 to 0.66. Improvement was seen in 93 joints (61.2%) and 27 joints (17.8%) worsened. In the pain positive group, both initial and final destructive change index were significantly higher compared to the pain negative group (p = 0.04). Occlusal stabilization splint therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration showed a significant effect on improving the prognosis of TMJ osteoarthritis (p = 0.015 and 0.011). In conclusion, TMJ osteoarthritis showed long-term improvement in the majority of cases. TMJ osteoarthritis accompanied by pain showed unfavorable prognosis with additional bone destruction. Occlusal stabilization splint and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration were beneficial on the prognosis of TMJ osteoarthritis.
Platelet-rich plasma enhances the repair capacity of muscle-derived mesenchymal stem cells to large humeral bone defect in rabbits
Authors: Yin Nuo , Wang Yifei , Ding Liang , Yuan Junjie , Du Li , Zhu Zhongsheng , Pan Mingmang , Xue Feng , Xiao Haijun
Published: April 2020

Mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy is a highly attractive strategy that promotes bone tissue regeneration. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the combination effect of muscle-derived mesenchymal stem cells (M-MSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on bone repair capacity in rabbits with large humeral bone defect. Precise cylindrical bone defects of 10 mm diameter and 5 mm depth were established in rabbit humeral bones, which were unable to be repaired under natural conditions. The rabbits received treatment with M-MSCs/PRP gel, M-MSCs gel, or PRP gel, or no treatment. The bone tissue regeneration was evaluated at day 0–90 after surgery by HE morphological staining, Lane-Sandhu histopathological scoring, tetracycline detection, Gomori staining and micro-computed tomography. Beyond that, Transwell assay, CCK8 assay, Western blot analysis and ALP activity detection were performed in M-MSCs in vitro with or without PRP application to detect the molecular effects of PRP on M-MSCs. We found that the repair effect of M-MSCs group or PRP group was limited and the bone defects were not completely closed at post-operation 90 d. In contrast, M-MSCs/PRP group received obvious filling in the bone defects with a Lane-Sandhu evaluation score of 9. Tetracycline-labeled new bone area in M-MSCs/PRP group and new mineralized bone area were significantly larger than that in other groups. Micro-computed tomography result of M-MSCs/PRP group displayed complete recovery of humeral bone at post-operation 90 d. Further in vitro experiment revealed that PRP significantly induced migration, enhanced the growth, and promoted the expression of Cbfa-1 and Coll I in M-MSCs. In conclusion, PRP application significantly enhanced the regeneration capacity of M-MSCs in large bone defect via promoting the migration and proliferation of M-MSCs, and also inducing the osteogenic differentiation.
Application of a convolutional neural network for predicting the occurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmia using heart rate variability features
Authors: Taye Getu Tadele , Hwang Han-Jeong , Lim Ki Moo
Published: April 2020

Predicting the occurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VTA) in advance is a matter of utmost importance for saving the lives of cardiac arrhythmia patients. Machine learning algorithms have been used to predict the occurrence of imminent VTA. In this study, we used a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1-D CNN) to extract features from heart rate variability (HRV), thereby to predict the onset of VTA. We also compared the prediction performance of our CNN with other machine leaning (ML) algorithms such as an artificial neural network (ANN), a support vector machine (SVM), and a k-nearest neighbor (KNN), which used 11 HRV features extracted using traditional methods. The proposed CNN achieved relatively higher prediction accuracy of 84.6%, while the ANN, SVM, and KNN algorithms obtained prediction accuracies of 73.5%, 67.9%, and 65.9% using 11 HRV features, respectively. Our result showed that the proposed 1-D CNN could improve VTA prediction accuracy by integrating the data cleaning, preprocessing, feature extraction, and prediction.
Undifferentiated-type predominant mixed-type early gastric cancer is a significant risk factor for requiring additional surgeries after endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Horiuchi Yusuke , Fujisaki Junko , Yamamoto Noriko , Ishizuka Naoki , Ishiyama Akiyoshi , Yoshio Toshiyuki , Hirasawa Toshiaki , Yamamoto Yorimasa , Nagahama Masatsugu , Takahashi Hiroshi , Tsuchida Tomohiro
Published: April 2020

We aimed to clarify the differences in therapeutic outcomes of patients with pure undifferentiated-type and mixed undifferentiated-type cancers who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and whether pre-treatment diagnosis of mixed undifferentiated-type cancer is associated with requiring additional surgery after ESD. Patients subjected to ESD as initial treatment between May 2005 and March 2017 were enrolled. There were 277 undifferentiated-type cancers (265 patients). Histologically, 258 lesions were pure-type and 19 were mixed-type. We compared therapeutic outcomes and pre-treatment factors (tumour diameter, tumour depth, ulcerative findings, tumour location, and the macroscopic, and histological type of the biopsy specimen) between pure-type and mixed-type lesions, and between cases not requiring additional surgeries and cases requiring additional surgeries. Tumour diameter >20 mm, submucosal invasion, and the presence of ulcerative findings made pre-treatment diagnosis more difficult for mixed-type than for pure-type lesions. In cases requiring additional surgery, pre-treatment diagnosis of mixed-type lesions was significantly more likely than pre-treatment diagnosis of pure-type lesions. For mixed-type lesions, pre-treatment histological diagnosis and careful consideration are necessary to determine indications for ESD to avoid additional surgery after ESD.
Single-molecule long-read sequencing of the full-length transcriptome of Rhododendron lapponicum L.
Authors: Jia Xinping , Tang Ling , Mei Xueying , Liu Huazhou , Luo Hairong , Deng Yanming , Su Jiale
Published: April 2020

Rhododendron lapponicum L. is a familiar ornamental plant worldwide with important ornamental and economic value. However, a full-length R. lapponicum transcriptome is still lacking. In the present study, we used the Pacific Biosciences single-molecule real-time sequencing technology to generate the R. lapponicum transcriptome. A total of 346,270 full-length non-chimeric reads were generated, from which we obtained 75,002 high-quality full-length transcripts. We identified 55,255 complete open reading frames, 7,140 alternative splicing events and 2,011 long non-coding RNAs. In gene annotation analyses, 71,155, 33,653, 30,359 and 31,749 transcripts were assigned to the Nr, GO, COG and KEGG databases, respectively. Additionally, 3,150 transcription factors were detected. KEGG pathway analysis showed that 96 transcripts were identified coding for the enzymes associated with anthocyanin synthesis. Furthermore, we identified 64,327 simple sequence repeats from 45,319 sequences, and 150 pairs of primers were randomly selected to develop SSR markers. This study provides a large number of full-length transcripts, which will facilitate the further study of the genetics of R. lapponicum.
Effects of Combined Acid-alkali and Heat Treatment on the Physiochemical Structure of Moso Bamboo
Authors: Gao Jingjing , Qu Lijie , Qian Jing , Wang Zhenyu , Li Yajing , Yi Songlin , He Zhengbin
Published: April 2020

To improve the performance of bamboo and increase its utilization value, this study aimed at investigating the effects of impregnation pretreatment and thermal treatment on the structural changes of bamboo. The samples were pretreated in sodium hydroxide or zinc chloride solution, and then treated at 160 °C. The pretreated and control samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that the cellulose crystallinity and intensity of samples pretreated by ZnCl2 could be reduced, but the crystal structure remained the same. As for samples pretreated in NaOH, the crystal structure of fiber was destroyed and the crystallinity was increased significantly. High temperature treatment has little effect on the thermal stability of bamboo. However, after treatment with NaOH and ZnCl2, the thermal degradation temperature changed obviously and moved to a lower temperature. ZnCl2 pretreatment had influence on the chemical structure of bamboo, while NaOH pretreatment had greater influence on the chemical structure of bamboo.
Chytrid fungi distribution and co-occurrence with diatoms correlate with sea ice melt in the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Kilias Estelle S. , Junges Leandro , Šupraha Luka , Leonard Guy , Metfies Katja , Richards Thomas A.
Published: April 2020

Global warming is rapidly altering physicochemical attributes of Arctic waters. These changes are predicted to alter microbial networks, potentially perturbing wider community functions including parasite infections and saprotrophic recycling of biogeochemical compounds. Specifically, the interaction between autotrophic phytoplankton and heterotrophic fungi e.g. chytrids (fungi with swimming tails) requires further analysis. Here, we investigate the diversity and distribution patterns of fungi in relation to abiotic variables during one record sea ice minimum in 2012 and explore co-occurrence of chytrids with diatoms, key primary producers in these changing environments. We show that chytrid fungi are primarily encountered at sites influenced by sea ice melt. Furthermore, chytrid representation positively correlates with sea ice-associated diatoms such as Fragilariopsis or Nitzschia. Our findings identify a potential future scenario where chytrid representation within these communities increases as a consequence of ice retreat, further altering community structure through perturbation of parasitic or saprotrophic interaction networks.
Comment on “Investigation on the structure and thermoelectric properties of CuxTe binary compounds” by Shriparna Mukherjee et al., Dalton Trans., 2019, 48, 1040
Authors: Barajas-Aguilar Aarón H. , Garay-Tapia A. M. , Jiménez-Sandoval Sergio J.
Published: April 2020

Copper telluride sensitivity to laser power: effect on the Raman spectra.
Acoustic erythrocytometer for mechanically probing cell viscoelasticity
Authors: Link A. , Franke T.
Published: April 2020

Novel microfluidic platform to determine the viscoelastic fingerprint of a red blood cell population using surface acoustic waves.
A ferromagnetic skyrmion-based diode with a voltage-controlled potential barrier
Authors: Zhao Li , Liang Xue , Xia Jing , Zhao Guoping , Zhou Yan
Published: April 2020

We propose a feasible skyrmion-based diode model using VCMA, and study the dynamic behavior of the skyrmion.
Thermal effects – an alternative mechanism for plasmon-assisted photocatalysis
Authors: Dubi Yonatan , Un Ieng Wai , Sivan Yonatan
Published: April 2020

A simple Arrhenius-based theory of heating, rather than “hot electrons”, can reproduce some high-profile photocatalysis experimental results to remarkable accuracy. Flaws in temperature measurement may have led to wrong conclusions.
Nanodiagnostics to monitor biofilm oxygen metabolism for antibiotic susceptibility testing
Authors: Jewell Megan P. , Saccomano Samuel C. , David Alexa A. , Harris J. Kirk , Zemanick Edith T. , Cash Kevin J.
Published: April 2020

A method utilizing oxygen-sensitive nanosensor technology to monitor the oxygen consumption dynamics of living biofilms as they are exposed to antibiotics. This method provides information on the MBIC as well as kinetic response.
Dual palladium–photoredox catalyzed chemoselective C–H arylation of phenylureas
Authors: Babu Sakamuri Sarath , Shahid M. , Gopinath Purushothaman
Published: April 2020

A highly chemoselective C–H arylation of phenylureas of the type ArNHCONH2 was achieved using dual catalysis.
Design of a LiF-rich solid electrolyte interface layer through salt-additive chemistry for boosting fast-charging phosphorus-based lithium ion battery performance
Authors: Han Xinpeng , Sun Jie
Published: April 2020

A robust and conductive LiF-rich solid electrolyte interface layer was generated at the phosphorus surface through salt-additive chemistry, and it then served as a high-performance fast-charging lithium ion battery anode.
Chemically synthesized circular RNAs with phosphoramidate linkages enable rolling circle translation
Authors: Nakamoto Kosuke , Abe Naoko , Tsuji Genichiro , Kimura Yasuaki , Tomoike Fumiaki , Shimizu Yoshihiro , Abe Hiroshi
Published: April 2020

Circular RNA without a stop codon enables rolling circle translation. we carried out one-pot chemical synthesis of circular RNA from RNA fragments. The synthesized circular RNAs acted as translation templates, despite the presence of unnatural phosphoramidate linkages.
Metal cation-exchanged zeolites with the location, state, and size of metal species controlled
Authors: Osuga Ryota , Bayarsaikhan Saikhantsetseg , Yasuda Shuhei , Manabe Ryo , Shima Hisashi , Tsutsuminai Susumu , Fukuoka Atsushi , Kobayashi Hirokazu , Yokoi Toshiyuki
Published: April 2020

Controlling the location, state, and size of metal species in the metal cation-exchanged zeolites has been achieved using the framework Al distribution-controlled MFI-type zeolites.
Kineticversusthermodynamic metalation enables synthesis of isostructural homo- and heterometallic trinuclear clusters
Authors: Hyun Sung-Min , Upadhyay Apoorva , Das Anuvab , Burns Corey P. , Sung Siyoung , Beaty Jeremy D. , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Nippe Michael , Powers David C.
Published: April 2020

Temperature-dependent metalation of a new hexadentate enables the selective synthesis of both mononuclear (i.e.kinetic product) and trinuclear (i.e.thermodynamic product) complexes.
Chalcone single crystals with red emission and photodimerization-triggered hopping behavior: the substituent effect and molecular packing effect
Authors: He Xinrui , Zhao Jian , Tan Zeqing , Zhao Jiaxin , Cheng Xiao , Zhou Chuanjian
Published: April 2020

Chalcone single crystals with distinctively different emission color and photoinduced mechanical response are designed and fabricated via fine-tuning the donor substituents.
Halogen bonding matters: visible light-induced photoredox catalyst-free aryl radical formation and its applications
Authors: Miao Rong , Wang Dan , Xiao Jianliang , Ma Jiani , Xue Dong , Liu Fengyi , Fang Yu
Published: April 2020

Halogen bonding facilitated aryl halide activation for photoredox catalyst-free visible light-driven reactions.
Stabilisation of dianion dimers trapped inside cyanostar macrocycles
Authors: Azofra Luis Miguel , Elguero José , Alkorta Ibon
Published: April 2020

Dianion dimers trapped inside cyanostar macrocycles are supported by interanionic H-bonds, π–π stacking between confronted cyanostars, and an intricate network of multiple C(sp²)H⋯O H-bonds between the cyanostar and the anionic moieties.
The water trimer reaction OH + (H2O)3 → (H2O)2OH + H2O
Authors: Gao Aifang , Li Guoliang , Peng Bin , Weidman Jared D. , Xie Yaoming , Schaefer Henry F.
Published: April 2020

All important stationary points on the potential energy surface (PES) for the reaction OH + (H2O)3 → (H2O)2OH + H2O have been fully optimized using the “gold standard” CCSD(T) method with the large Dunning correlation-consistent cc-pVQZ basis sets.
Intra-octahedral distortion on lamellar potassium niobate K4Nb6O17: a periodic DFT study of structural, electronic and vibrational properties
Authors: Souza Juliana Kelly D. , Duarte Thiago M. , dos Santos Iêda Maria Garcia , Sambrano Júlio Ricardo , Maia Ary da Silva , dos Reis Albuquerque Anderson
Published: April 2020

DFT calculation applied to K4Nb6O17allowed to identify and correlate its electronic and vibrational properties with [NbO6] intraoctahedral distortion.
Microfluidic out-of-equilibrium control of molecular nanotubes
Authors: Kriete Björn , Feenstra Carolien J. , Pshenichnikov Maxim S.
Published: April 2020

A spectroscopic lab-on-a-chip approach is used to gainin situcontrol over the supramolecular complexity of self-assembled double-walled nanotubesviamicrofluidic flash-dilution.
Isolation and structural characterisation of rhodium(iii) η2-fluoroarene complexes: experimental verification of predicted regioselectivity
Authors: Gyton Matthew R. , Kynman Amy E. , Leforestier Baptiste , Gallo Angelo , Lewandowski Józef R. , Chaplin Adrian B.
Published: April 2020

Well defined rhodium complexes for probing the coordination site preference of partially fluorinated benzenes.
Facile addition of E–H bonds to a dicarbondiphosphide
Authors: Zhang Xu , Chen Xiaodan , Zhai Haojiang , Liu Shihua , Hu Chenyang , Liu Liu Leo , Wang Shuhai , Li Zhongshu
Published: April 2020

Charge transfer at P atoms in an N-heterocyclic carbene stabilized 6π-electron aromatic dicarbondiphosphide1has been observed upon interaction with a variety of small molecule substrates that feature a polar E–H bond (E = C, N, and O).
Smartphone-based multiplex 30-minute nucleic acid test of live virus from nasal swab extract
Authors: Sun Fu , Ganguli Anurup , Nguyen Judy , Brisbin Ryan , Shanmugam Krithika , Hirschberg David L. , Wheeler Matthew B. , Bashir Rashid , Nash David M. , Cunningham Brian T.
Published: April 2020

A 30-minute nucleic acid test for equine respiratory virus from nasal swab material, detected with a smartphone.
Chlorination vs. fluorination: a study of halogenated benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole-based organic semiconducting dots for near-infrared cellular imaging
Authors: Mo Daize , Lin Li , Chao Pengjie , Lai Hanjian , Zhang Qingwen , Tian Leilei , He Feng
Published: April 2020

The chlorinated dots based on chlorinated benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole unit possess higher fluorescence quantum yields, larger Stokes shifts, and better photostability than the fluorinated dots.
Unraveling the helianane family: a complementary quantum mechanical study
Authors: Martorano Lucas H. , Valverde Alessandra L. , Ribeiro Carlos Magno R. , de Albuquerque Ana Carolina F. , Carneiro José Walkimar de M. , Fiorot Rodolfo G. , M. dos Santos Junior Fernando
Published: April 2020

Comprehensive work suggesting the amendment of helianane to the open ring curcudiol by means of computational spectroscopy and thermodynamic reasons.
Molecular dynamics investigation on the nano-mechanical behaviour of C60 fullerene and its crystallized structure
Authors: Seo Kuk-Jin , Kim Dae-Eun
Published: April 2020

C60 fullerene has been utilized in various applications due to its unique structure. In this work, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to assess the nano-mechanical behaviour of a single C60 fullerene and its crystallized structure.
Dandelion-like carbon nanotube assembly embedded with closely separated Co nanoparticles for high-performance microwave absorption materials
Authors: Wu Zhengchen , Yang Ziqi , Pei Ke , Qian Xiang , Jin Chen , Che Renchao
Published: April 2020

A hierarchical dandelion-like carbon nanotube embedded with closely spaced Co nanoparticles achieves outstanding microwave absorption by a dynamic magnetic coupling network.
Selenium-promoted electrophilic cyclization of arylpropiolamides: synthesis of 3-organoselenyl spiro[4,5]trienones
Authors: Recchi Ana Maria S. , Rosa Pedro H. P. , Back Davi F. , Zeni Gilson
Published: April 2020

A synthetic approach to regioselective synthesis of 3-organochalcogenyl spiro[4,5]trienones and 3-organochalcogenyl[4,5]triene-2,6-diones is described through the reaction of arylpropiolamides with an electrophilic chalcogen source.
Functional group interaction profiles: a general treatment of solvent effects on non-covalent interactions
Authors: Driver Mark D. , Williamson Mark J. , Cook Joanne L. , Hunter Christopher A.
Published: April 2020

Functional group interaction profiles are a quantitative tool for predicting the effect of solvent on the free energy changes associated with non-covalent interactions.
Retrosynthetic strategies and their impact on synthesis of arcutane natural products
Authors: McCowen Shelby V. , Doering Nicolle A. , Sarpong Richmond
Published: April 2020

Decisions, decisions, decisions: the interplay between different retrosynthetic strategies in the synthesis of the highly bridged, polycyclic arcutane natural products.
Hydrogen gas represses the progression of lung cancer via down-regulating CD47
Authors: Meng Jinghong , Liu Leyuan , Wang Dongchang , Yan Zhenfeng , Chen Gang
Published: April 2020

Hydrogen gas (H2) has been identified to play an anti-tumor role in several kinds of cancers, but the molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. In our previous study, our project group found that H2 could decrease the expression of CD47 in lung cancer A549 cells via the next-generation sequencing, indicating that CD47 might be involved in H2-mediated lung cancer repression. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the effects of CD47 on H2-induced lung cancer repression. Western blotting and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) assays were used to detect the levels of proteins and mRNAs, respectively. Cell proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis were detected by using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), Transwell chambers, wound healing and flow cytometry assays, respectively. The results showed that H2 treatment caused decreases in the expression levels of CD47 and cell division control protein 42 (CDC42) in a dose-dependent manner. Up-regulation of CD47 abolished H2 roles in promoting lung cancer cell apoptosis and repressing cell growth, invasion and migration in both A549 and H1975 cell lines. However, knockdown of CD47 enhanced H2 role in lung cancer inhibition. Moreover, we also observed that H2 treatment induced obvious inhibitions in the expression levels of CDC42 and CD47 in mice tumor tissues, as well as reinforced macrophage-mediated phagocytosis in A549 and H1975 cells. In conclusion, the current study reveals that H2 inhibits the progression of lung cancer via down-regulating CD47, which might be a potent method for lung cancer treatment.
VCAM-1-targeted and PPARδ-agonist-loaded nanomicelles enhanced suppressing effects on apoptosis and migration of oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Wei Gang , Hao Liangang , Li Xueli , Xu Wen , Liu Fuxiang , Peng Qian , Lv Shoutian
Published: April 2020

Purpose: Nanomicelles (NMs) have been widely used for various biomedical applications due to its unique physiochemical properties. The present study aims to investigate the effects of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)-targeted and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) agonist (GW0742)-loaded NMs on apoptosis and migration in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HAVSMCs).

Methods: The GW0742-loaded NMs (M-GW) and VCAM-1-targeted NMs loaded with GW0742 (TM-GW) were prepared, and then the morphologies and the size distribution of M-GM and TM-GM were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS), respectively. In vitro drug release assay of M-GM and TM-GM were performed as well. Next, HAVSMCs were cultured in medium containing ox-LDL to mimic atherosclerotic environment, and the effects of free GW0742, M-GM and TM-GM on endocytosis, cell migration and apoptosis, as well as the expression of VCAM-1, and proteins associated with migration and apoptosis were measured in HAVSMCs treated with ox-LDL.

Results: M-GM and TM-GM were successfully prepared. VCAM-1 was overexpressed in HAVSMCs treated with ox-LDL, and TM-GM had a strong targeting ability to HAVSMCs treated with ox-LDL compared with M-GM. In addition, compared with free GW0742, both M-GM and TM-GM significantly diminished cell apoptosis and migration in HAVSMCs treated with ox-LDL.

Conclusions: TM-GM had a superior suppressing effect on apoptosis and migration of ox-LDL-induced HAVSMCs.
Identification of PCNA-interacting protein motifs in human DNA polymerase δ
Authors: Khandagale Prashant , Thakur Shweta , Acharya Narottam
Published: April 2020

DNA polymerase δ (Polδ) is a highly processive essential replicative DNA polymerase. In humans, the Polδ holoenzyme consists of p125, p50, p68 and p12 subunits and recently, we showed that the p12 subunit exists as a dimer. Extensive biochemical studies suggest that all the subunits of Polδ interact with the processivity factor proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) to carry out a pivotal role in genomic DNA replication. While PCNA-interacting protein motif (PIP) motifs in p68, p50 and p12 have been mapped, same in p125, the catalytic subunit of the holoenzyme, remains elusive. Therefore, in the present study by using multiple approaches we have conclusively mapped a non-canonical PIP motif from residues 999VGGLLAFA1008 in p125, which binds to the inter-domain-connecting loop (IDCL) of PCNA with high affinity. Collectively, including previous studies, we conclude that similar to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Polδ, each of the human Polδ subunits possesses motif to interact with PCNA and significantly contributes toward the processive nature of this replicative DNA polymerase.