bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery of PTN as a serum-based biomarker of pro-metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Liu Shiqin , Shen Michelle , Hsu En-Chi , Zhang Chiyuan Amy , Garcia-Marques Fernando , Nolley Rosalie , Koul Kashyap , Rice Meghan A. , Aslan Merve , Pitteri Sharon J. , Massie Charlie , George Anne , Brooks James D. , Gnanapragasam Vincent J. , Stoyanova Tanya
Published: December 2020

Distinguishing clinically significant from indolent prostate cancer (PC) is a major clinical challenge. We utilised targeted protein biomarker discovery approach to identify biomarkers specific for pro-metastatic PC. Serum samples from the cancer-free group; Cambridge Prognostic Group 1 (CPG1, low risk); CPG5 (high risk) and metastatic disease were analysed using Olink Proteomics panels. Tissue validation was performed by immunohistochemistry in a radical prostatectomy cohort (n = 234). We discovered that nine proteins (pleiotrophin (PTN), MK, PVRL4, EPHA2, TFPI-2, hK11, SYND1, ANGPT2, and hK14) were elevated in metastatic PC patients when compared to other groups. PTN levels were increased in serum from men with CPG5 compared to benign and CPG1. High tissue PTN level was an independent predictor of biochemical recurrence and metastatic progression in low- and intermediate-grade disease. These findings suggest that PTN may represent a novel biomarker for the presence of poor prognosis local disease with the potential to metastasise warranting further investigation.
A cross-talk between epithelium and endothelium mediates human alveolar–capillary injury during SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Wang Peng , Luo Ronghua , Zhang Min , Wang Yaqing , Song Tianzhang , Tao Tingting , Li Zhongyu , Jin Lin , Zheng Hongyi , Chen Wenwen , Zhao Mengqian , Zheng Yongtang , Qin Jianhua
Published: December 2020

COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is an acute and rapidly developing pandemic, which leads to a global health crisis. SARS-CoV-2 primarily attacks human alveoli and causes severe lung infection and damage. To better understand the molecular basis of this disease, we sought to characterize the responses of alveolar epithelium and its adjacent microvascular endothelium to viral infection under a co-culture system. SARS-CoV-2 infection caused massive virus replication and dramatic organelles remodeling in alveolar epithelial cells, alone. While, viral infection affected endothelial cells in an indirect manner, which was mediated by infected alveolar epithelium. Proteomics analysis and TEM examinations showed viral infection caused global proteomic modulations and marked ultrastructural changes in both epithelial cells and endothelial cells under the co-culture system. In particular, viral infection elicited global protein changes and structural reorganizations across many sub-cellular compartments in epithelial cells. Among the affected organelles, mitochondrion seems to be a primary target organelle. Besides, according to EM and proteomic results, we identified Daurisoline, a potent autophagy inhibitor, could inhibit virus replication effectively in host cells. Collectively, our study revealed an unrecognized cross-talk between epithelium and endothelium, which contributed to alveolar–capillary injury during SARS-CoV-2 infection. These new findings will expand our understanding of COVID-19 and may also be helpful for targeted drug development.
In vivo patch-clamp recordings reveal distinct subthreshold signatures and threshold dynamics of midbrain dopamine neurons
Authors: Otomo Kanako , Perkins Jessica , Kulkarni Anand , Stojanovic Strahinja , Roeper Jochen , Paladini Carlos A.
Published: December 2020

The in vivo firing patterns of ventral midbrain dopamine neurons are controlled by afferent and intrinsic activity to generate sensory cue and prediction error signals that are essential for reward-based learning. Given the absence of in vivo intracellular recordings during the last three decades, the subthreshold membrane potential events that cause changes in dopamine neuron firing patterns remain unknown. To address this, we established in vivo whole-cell recordings and obtained over 100 spontaneously active, immunocytochemically-defined midbrain dopamine neurons in isoflurane-anaesthetized adult mice. We identified a repertoire of subthreshold membrane potential signatures associated with distinct in vivo firing patterns. Dopamine neuron activity in vivo deviated from single-spike pacemaking by phasic increases in firing rate via two qualitatively distinct biophysical mechanisms: 1) a prolonged hyperpolarization preceding rebound bursts, accompanied by a hyperpolarizing shift in action potential threshold; and 2) a transient depolarization leading to high-frequency plateau bursts, associated with a depolarizing shift in action potential threshold. Our findings define a mechanistic framework for the biophysical implementation of dopamine neuron firing patterns in the intact brain.
Interpretable machine-learning strategy for soft-magnetic property and thermal stability in Fe-based metallic glasses
Authors: Lu Zhichao , Chen Xin , Liu Xiongjun , Lin Deye , Wu Yuan , Zhang Yibo , Wang Hui , Jiang Suihe , Li Hongxiang , Wang Xianzhen , Lu Zhaoping
Published: December 2020

Fe-based metallic glasses (MGs) have been extensively investigated due to their unique properties, especially the outstanding soft-magnetic properties. However, conventional design of soft-magnetic Fe-based MGs is heavily relied on “trial and error” experiments, and thus difficult to balance the saturation flux density (Bs) and thermal stability due to the strong interplay between the glass formation and magnetic interaction. Herein, we report an eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) machine-learning (ML) model for developing advanced Fe-based MGs with a decent combination of Bs and thermal stability. While it is an attempt to apply ML for exploring soft-magnetic property and thermal stability, the developed XGBoost model based on the intrinsic elemental properties (i.e., atomic size and electronegativity) can well predict Bs and Tx (the onset crystallization temperature) with an accuracy of 93.0% and 94.3%, respectively. More importantly, we derived the key features that primarily dictate Bs and Tx of Fe-based MGs from the ML model, which enables the revelation of the physical origins underlying the high Bs and thermal stability. As a proof of concept, several Fe-based MGs with high Tx (>800 K) and high Bs (>1.4 T) were successfully developed in terms of the ML model. This work demonstrates that the XGBoost ML approach is interpretable and feasible in the extraction of decisive parameters for properties of Fe-based magnetic MGs, which might allow us to efficiently design high-performance glassy materials.
Protection from α-Synuclein induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration by overexpression of the mitochondrial import receptor TOM20
Authors: De Miranda Briana R. , Rocha Emily M. , Castro Sandra L. , Greenamyre J. Timothy
Published: December 2020

Dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra are selectively vulnerable to mitochondrial dysfunction, which is hypothesized to be an early and fundamental pathogenic mechanism in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Mitochondrial function depends on the successful import of nuclear-encoded proteins, many of which are transported through the TOM20–TOM22 outer mitochondrial membrane import receptor machinery. Recent data suggests that post-translational modifications of α-synuclein promote its interaction with TOM20 at the outer mitochondrial membrane and thereby inhibit normal protein import, leading to dysfunction, and death of dopaminergic neurons. As such, preservation of mitochondrial import in the face of α-synuclein accumulation might be a strategy to prevent dopaminergic neurodegeneration, however, this is difficult to assess using current in vivo models of PD. To this end, we established an exogenous co-expression system, utilizing AAV2 vectors to overexpress human α-synuclein and TOM20, individually or together, in the adult Lewis rat substantia nigra to assess whether TOM20 overexpression attenuates α-synuclein-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Twelve weeks after viral injection, we observed that AAV2-TOM20 expression was sufficient to prevent loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons caused by AAV2-αSyn overexpression. The observed TOM20-mediated dopaminergic neuron preservation appeared to be due, in part, to the rescued expression (and presumed import) of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial electron transport chain proteins that were inhibited by α-synuclein overexpression. In addition, TOM20 overexpression rescued the expression of the chaperone protein GRP75/mtHSP70/mortalin, a stress-response protein involved in α-synuclein-induced injury. Collectively, these data indicate that TOM20 expression prevents α-synuclein-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, which is sufficient to rescue dopaminergic neurons in the adult rat brain.
Generation of acoustic-Brownian noise in nuclear magnetic resonance under non-equilibrium thermal fluctuations
Authors: Sinha Dhiraj
Published: December 2020

We present an analytical study on generation of acoustic-Brownian noise in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) induced as a result of thermal fluctuations of the magnetic moments under non-equilibrium thermal interactions which has not been explored independent of Nyquist–Johnson noise until now. The mechanism of physical coupling between non-equilibrium thermal fluctuations and magnetic moments is illustrated using Lighthill’s formulation on suspension dynamics. We discover that unlike Nyquist–Johnson noise which has a uniform spectral density across a range of frequencies, the spectral dependence of acoustic-Brownian noise decreases with an increase in frequency and resembles Brownian noise associated with a particle in a potential well. The results have applications in the field of image enhancement algorithm as well as noise reduction instrumentation in NMR systems.
Persistence and size of seasonal populations on a consumer–resource relationship depends on the allocation strategy toward life-history functions
Authors: Gutiérrez Rodrigo , Córdova-Lepe Fernando , Moreno-Gómez Felipe N. , Velásquez Nelson A.
Published: December 2020

The long-term ecological dynamics of a population inhabiting a seasonal environment is analyzed using a semi-discrete or impulsive system to represent the consumer–resource interaction. The resource corresponds to an incoming energy flow for consumers that is allocated to reproduction as well as to maintenance in each non-reproductive season. The energy invested in these life-history functions is used in reproductive events, determining the size of the offspring in each reproductive season. Two long-term dynamic patterns are found, resulting in either the persistence or the extinction of the population of consumers. In addition, our model indicates that only one energy allocation strategy provides an optimal combination between individual consumption and long-term population size. The current study contributes to the understanding of how the individual-level and the population-level are interrelated, exhibiting the importance of incorporating phenotypic traits in population dynamics.
A framework to assess the impact of number of trials on the amplitude of motor evoked potentials
Authors: Ammann Claudia , Guida Pasqualina , Caballero-Insaurriaga Jaime , Pineda-Pardo José A. , Oliviero Antonio , Foffani Guglielmo
Published: December 2020

The amplitude of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a common yet highly variable measure of corticospinal excitability. The tradeoff between maximizing the number of trials and minimizing experimental time remains a hurdle. It is therefore important to establish how many trials should be used. The aim of this study is not to provide rule-of-thumb answers that may be valid only in specific experimental conditions, but to offer a more general framework to inform the decision about how many trials to use under different experimental conditions. Specifically, we present a set of equations that show how the number of trials affects single-subject MEP amplitude, population MEP amplitude, hypothesis testing and test–retest reliability, depending on the variability within and between subjects. The equations are derived analytically, validated with Monte Carlo simulations, and representatively applied to experimental data. Our findings show that the minimum number of trials for estimating single-subject MEP amplitude largely depends on the experimental conditions and on the error considered acceptable by the experimenter. Conversely, estimating population MEP amplitude and hypothesis testing are markedly more dependent on the number of subjects than on the number of trials. These tools and results help to clarify the impact of the number of trials in the design and reproducibility of past and future experiments.
Electrodeposition of ternary compounds for novel PV application and optimisation of electrodeposited CdMnTe thin-films
Authors: Alam A. E. , Olusola O. I. , Loch D. A. L. , Shukla K. , Cranton W. M. , Dharmadasa I. M.
Published: December 2020

Growth of polycrystalline CdMnTe ternary compound thin films has been carried out using cathodic electrodeposition technique at different cathodic potentials. The range of the cathodic potentials used in this work has been chosen according to the cyclic voltammogram results. The CdMnTe thin films were electroplated from electrolyte containing CdSO4, TeO2 and MnSO4 in an acidic aqueous medium. Glass/fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates have been used to electrodeposit the semiconductor layers. The structural, compositional, morphological, optical and electrical properties of the CdMnTe thin films were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Sputtered neutral-mass spectroscopy (SNMS), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–Vis spectroscopy and Photo-electro-chemical (PEC) cell measurements respectively. The primarily grown as-deposited (AD) layers went through two different post-growth surface treatment conditions- heat-treated in air in the presence of CdCl2 (CCT) and heat-treated in air in the presence of GaCl3 (GCT). Results from the XRD indicated the polycrystalline nature of the electrodeposited films. The electroplated films have cubic crystal structures and the preferred orientation was found to be along the (111) plane of CdMnTe. Inclusion of Mn has been qualitatively observed using SNMS measurement. The optical energy bandgaps of the thin films were found to be varying between ~ 1.90 and ~ 2.20 eV. Though all the layers after post-treatment showed p-type electrical conduction, both p and n-type conductivity were obtained at different cathodic potentials for as-deposited materials. Comparison of the deposited layers to other electrodeposited ternary compounds has also been discussed.
Pre-target oculomotor inhibition reflects temporal orienting rather than certainty
Authors: Tal-Perry Noam , Yuval-Greenberg Shlomit
Published: December 2020

Recent studies suggested that eye movements are linked to temporal predictability. These studies manipulated predictability by setting the cue-target interval (foreperiod) to be fixed or random throughout the block. Findings showed that pre-target oculomotor behavior was reduced in the fixed relative to the random condition. This effect was interpreted as reflecting the formation of temporal expectation. However, it is unknown whether the effect is driven by target-specific temporal orienting, or rather a result of a more context-dependent state of certainty that participants may experience during blocks with a high predictability rate. In this study we dissociated certainty and orienting in a tilt-discrimination task. In each trial, a temporal cue (fixation color change) was followed by a tilted grating-patch. The foreperiod distribution was varied between blocks to be either fully fixed (same foreperiod in 100% of trials), mostly fixed (80% of trials with one foreperiod and 20% with another) or random (five foreperiods in equal probabilities). The two hypotheses led to different prediction models which were tested against the experimental data. Results were consistent with the orienting hypothesis and inconsistent with the certainty hypothesis, supporting the link between oculomotor inhibition and temporal orienting and its validity as a temporal expectations marker.
Exploration of a novel virtual environment improves memory consolidation in ADHD
Authors: Baumann Valentin , Birnbaum Thomas , Breitling-Ziegler Carolin , Tegelbeckers Jana , Dambacher Johannes , Edelmann Elke , Bergado-Acosta Jorge R. , Flechtner Hans-Henning , Krauel Kerstin
Published: December 2020

Experimental evidence in rodents and humans suggests that long-term memory consolidation can be enhanced by the exploration of a novel environment presented during a vulnerable early phase of consolidation. This memory enhancing effect (behavioral tagging) is caused by dopaminergic and noradrenergic neuromodulation of hippocampal plasticity processes. In translation from animal to human research, we investigated whether behavioral tagging with novelty can be used to tackle memory problems observed in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 34 patients with ADHD and 34 typically developing participants (age 9–15 years) explored either a previously familiarized or a novel virtual environment 45 min after they had learned a list of 20 words. Participants took a free recall test both immediately after learning the word list and after 24 h. Patients who explored a familiar environment showed significantly impaired memory consolidation compared to typically developing peers. Exploration of a novel environment led to significantly better memory consolidation in children and adolescents with ADHD. However, we did not observe a beneficial effect of novel environment exploration in typically developing participants. Our data rather suggested that increased exploration of a novel environment as well as higher feelings of virtual immersion compromised memory performance in typically developing children and adolescents, which was not the case for patients with ADHD. We propose that behavioral tagging with novel virtual environments is a promising candidate to overcome ADHD related memory problems. Moreover, the discrepancy between children and adolescents with and without ADHD suggests that behavioral tagging might only be able to improve memory consolidation for weakly encoded information.
Incidence of malignancy and related mortality after kidney transplantation: a nationwide, population-based cohort study in Korea
Authors: Jeong Seri , Lee Ho Sup , Kong Seom Gim , Kim Da Jung , Lee Sangjin , Park Min-Jeong , Song Wonkeun , Rim John Hoon , Kim Hyung Jik
Published: December 2020

Post-transplant malignancy (PTM) is a leading cause of premature mortality among kidney transplantation recipients. However, population-based cohort studies that cover incidence, mortality, and risk factors for PTM are rarely reported, especially in East Asia. We designed a retrospective cohort study using a national population-based database. A total of 9915 kidney recipients between 2003 and 2016 were included. During this period, 598 cases (6.0%) of de novo PTM occurred. The most common PTM was thyroid cancer (14.2%), followed by colorectal (11.2%), kidney (10.7%), and stomach cancers (8.9%). The standardised incidence ratio for all-site cancer was 3.9. The risks of Kaposi sarcoma (192.9) and kidney cancer (21.1) were more than 10 times those of the general population. Cancer-related deaths were 89 (14.9%) with liver cancer being the highest (14.6%), followed by lung cancer (13.5%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) (12.4%), stomach cancer (9.0%), and colorectal cancer (7.9%). The standardised mortality ratio (SMR) was slightly elevated (1.4). A notable increase in SMR was observed for lymphoma (9.3 for Hodgkin lymphoma and 5.5 for NHL). Older age and graft failure were significantly related to PTM. These findings reflecting geographical variation have implications for the development of strategies for fatal cancers to prevent premature deaths from PTM.
Autoencoder based blind source separation for photoacoustic resolution enhancement
Authors: Benyamin Matan , Genish Hadar , Califa Ran , Wolbromsky Lauren , Ganani Michal , Wang Zhen , Zhou Shuyun , Xie Zheng , Zalevsky Zeev
Published: December 2020

Photoacoustics is a promising technique for in-depth imaging of biological tissues. However, the lateral resolution of photoacoustic imaging is limited by size of the optical excitation spot, and therefore by light diffraction and scattering. Several super-resolution approaches, among which methods based on localization of labels and particles, have been suggested, presenting promising but limited solutions. This work demonstrates a novel concept for extended-resolution imaging based on separation and localization of multiple sub-pixel absorbers, each characterized by a distinct acoustic response. Sparse autoencoder algorithm is used to blindly decompose the acoustic signal into its various sources and resolve sub-pixel features. This method can be used independently or as a combination with other super-resolution techniques to gain further resolution enhancement and may also be extended to other imaging schemes. In this paper, the general idea is presented in details and experimentally demonstrated.
Gallium oxide nanowires for UV detection with enhanced growth and material properties
Authors: Alhalaili Badriyah , Bunk Ryan James , Mao Howard , Cansizoglu Hilal , Vidu Ruxandra , Woodall Jerry , Islam M. Saif
Published: December 2020

In the last decade, interest in the use of beta gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3) as a semiconductor for high power/high temperature devices and deep-UV sensors has grown. Ga2O3has an enormous band gap of 4.8 eV, which makes it well suited for these applications. Compared to thin films, nanowires exhibit a higher surface-to-volume ratio, increasing their sensitivity for detection of chemical substances and light. In this work, we explore a simple and inexpensive method of growing high-density gallium oxide nanowires at high temperatures. Gallium oxide nanowire growth can be achieved by heating and oxidizing pure gallium at high temperatures (~ 1000 °C) in the presence of trace amounts of oxygen. This process can be optimized to large-scale production to grow high-quality, dense and long Ga2O3nanowires. We show the results of morphological, structural, electrical and optical characterization of the β-Ga2O3 nanowires including the optical bandgap and photoconductance. The influence of density on these Ga2O3nanowires and their properties will be examined in order to determine the optimum configuration for the detection of UV light.
Absence of relevant QT interval prolongation in not critically ill COVID-19 patients
Authors: Jiménez-Jáimez Juan , Macías-Ruiz Rosa , Bermúdez-Jiménez Francisco , Rubini-Costa Ricardo , Ramírez-Taboada Jessica , Flores Paula Isabel García , Gallo-Padilla Laura , García Juan Diego Mediavilla , García Concepción Morales , Suárez Sara Moreno , Molina Celia Fignani , López Miguel Álvarez , Tercedor Luis
Published: December 2020

SARS-CoV-2 is a rapidly evolving pandemic causing great morbimortality. Medical therapy with hydroxicloroquine, azitromycin and protease inhibitors is being empirically used, with reported data of QTc interval prolongation. Our aim is to assess QT interval behaviour in a not critically ill and not monitored cohort of patients. We evaluated admitted and ambulatory patients with COVID-19 patients with 12 lead electrocardiogram at 48 h after treatment initiation. Other clinical and analytical variables were collected. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the magnitude of the QT interval prolongation under treatment and to identify clinical, analytical and electrocardiographic risk markers of QT prolongation independent predictors. We included 219 patients (mean age of 63.6 ± 17.4 years, 48.9% were women and 16.4% were outpatients. The median baseline QTc was 416 ms (IQR 404–433), and after treatment QTc was prolonged to 423 ms (405–438) (P < 0.001), with an average increase of 1.8%. Most of the patients presented a normal QTc under treatment, with only 31 cases (14.1%) showing a QTc interval > 460 ms, and just one case with QTc > 500 ms. Advanced age, longer QTc basal at the basal ECG and lower potassium levels were independent predictors of QTc interval prolongation. Ambulatory and not critically ill patients with COVID-19 treated with hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin and/or antiretrovirals develop a significant, but not relevant, QT interval prolongation.
Clinical, metabolic, and molecular genetic characterization of hereditary methemoglobinemia caused by cytochrome b5 reductase deficiency in 30 dogs
Authors: Jaffey J. A. , Reading N. S. , Abdulmalik O. , Kreisler R. , Bullock G. , Wiest A. , Villani N. A. , Mhlanga-Mutangadura T. , Johnson G. S. , Cohn L. A. , Isaza N. , Harvey J. W. , Giger U.
Published: December 2020

Genotype–phenotype correlations of humans and dogs with hereditary methemoglobinemia are not yet well characterized. We determined total hemoglobin and methemoglobin (MetHb) concentrations, cytochrome b5reductase (CYB5R) enzyme activities, genotypes, and clinical signs in 30 dogs with persistent cyanosis without cardiopulmonary disease. Erythrocytic CYB5R enzyme activities were low in all dogs assayed. Owner-reported quality of life ranged from subclinical to occasional exertional syncope. Two previously reported and two novel CYB5R3 missense variants were identified among the methemoglobinemic cohort and were predicted to impair enzyme function. Two variants were recurrent: a homozygous Ile194Leu substitution was found in Pomeranians and other small dogs, and a homozygous Arg219Pro change occurred predominately in pit bull terriers. The other two variants were Thr202Ala and Gly76Ser substitutions in single dogs. Of the two commonCYB5R3genotypes, Arg219Pro was associated with a more severe metabolic phenotype. We conclude that CYB5R3 deficiency is the predominate cause of canine hereditary methemoglobinemia. Although this finding is unlikely to alter the clinical approach to hereditary methemoglobinemia in dogs, it demonstrates the possibility of how genotype–phenotype cohort analysis might facilitate precision medicine in the future in veterinary medicine.
Postoperative nutritional outcomes and quality of life-related complications of proximal versus total gastrectomy for upper-third early gastric cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Inhyeok , Oh Youjin , Park Shin- Hoo , Kwon Yeongkeun , Park Sungsoo
Published: December 2020

Although proximal gastrectomy (PG) provides superior nutritional outcomes over total gastrectomy (TG) in upper-third early gastric cancer (EGC), surgeons are reluctant to perform PG due to the high rate of postoperative reflux. This meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively compare operative outcomes, nutritional outcomes, and quality of life-related complications between TG and PG performed with esophagogastrostomy (EG), jejunal interposition, or double-tract reconstruction (DTR) to reduce reflux after PG. After searching PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Web of Science databases, 25 studies comparing PG with TG in upper-third EGC published up to October 2020 were identified. PG with DTR was similar to TG regarding operative outcomes. Patients who underwent PG with DTR had less weight reduction (weighted mean difference [WMD] 4.29; 95% confidence interval [0.51–8.07]), reduced hemoglobin loss (WMD 5.74; [2.56–8.93]), and reduced vitamin B12 supplementation requirement (odds ratio [OR] 0.06; [0.00–0.89]) compared to patients who underwent TG. PG with EG caused more reflux (OR 5.18; [2.03–13.24]) and anastomotic stenosis (OR 3.94; [2.40–6.46]) than TG. However, PG with DTR was similar to TG regarding quality of life-related complications including reflux, anastomotic stenosis, and leakage. Hence, PG with DTR can be recommended for patients with upper-third EGC considering its superior postoperative nutritional outcomes.
A self-consistent probabilistic formulation for inference of interactions
Authors: Fernandez-de-Cossio Jorge , Fernandez-de-Cossio-Diaz Jorge , Perera-Negrin Yasser
Published: December 2020

Large molecular interaction networks are nowadays assembled in biomedical researches along with important technological advances. Diverse interaction measures, for which input solely consisting of the incidence of causal-factors, with the corresponding outcome of an inquired effect, are formulated without an obvious mathematical unity. Consequently, conceptual and practical ambivalences arise. We identify here a probabilistic requirement consistent with that input, and find, by the rules of probability theory, that it leads to a model multiplicative in the complement of the effect. Important practical properties are revealed along these theoretical derivations, that has not been noticed before.
GRAS-Di system facilitates high-density genetic map construction and QTL identification in recombinant inbred lines of the wheat progenitor Aegilops tauschii
Authors: Miki Yuka , Yoshida Kentaro , Enoki Hiroyuki , Komura Shoya , Suzuki Kazuyo , Inamori Minoru , Nishijima Ryo , Takumi Shigeo
Published: December 2020

Due to large and complex genomes of Triticeae species, skim sequencing approaches have cost and analytical advantages for detecting genetic markers and building linkage maps. Here, we develop a high-density linkage map and identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for recombinant inbred lines of Aegilops tauschii, a D-genome donor of bread wheat, using the recently developed genotyping by Random Amplicon Sequencing-Direct (GRAS-Di) system, which facilitates skimming of the large and complicated genome and generates a large number of genetic markers. The deduced linkage groups based on the GRAS-Di genetic markers corresponded to the chromosome number of Ae. tauschii. We successfully identified stable QTLs for flowering time and spikelet shape-related traits. Genotype differences of RILs at the QTL-linked markers were significantly associated with the trait variations. In particular, one of the QTL-linked markers for flowering time was mapped close to VRN3 (also known as FLOWERING LOCUS T), which controls flowering. The GRAS-Di system is, therefore, an efficient and useful application for genotyping and linkage mapping in species with large and complex genomes, such as Triticeae species.
Value of peak strain dispersion in discovering left ventricular dysfunction in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Li Chunmei , Yuan Miao , Li Kun , Bai Wenjuan , Rao Li
Published: December 2020

Cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of death in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. The aim of the current study was to explore the value of peak strain dispersion (PSD) for discovering early-stage left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. One hundred and one T2DM patients and sixty healthy subjects were selected for this study. T2DM patients were further divided into controlled blood glucose (HbA1c < 7%, n = 46) and uncontrolled blood glucose (HbA1c ≥ 7%, n = 55) subgroups. All participants underwent conventional echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. Our results showed that an obvious difference was not observed in global longitudinal strain (GLS) between the controlled blood glucose group and the control group (− 20.34% vs − 21.22%, P = 0.068). Compared with the healthy controls, the uncontrolled blood glucose group showed an impaired GLS (− 18.62% vs − 21.22%, P < 0.001). Nevertheless, PSD was appreciably increased in the controlled blood glucose group (36.02 ms vs 32.48 ms, P = 0.01) and uncontrolled blood glucose group (57.51 ms vs 32.48 ms, P < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that HbA1c was closely related to PSD lesion in the LV in the T2DM group (β = 0.520, P < 0.001). PSD plays an important role in evaluating the coordination and synchronization of myocardial movement and provides a more accurate and sensitive index assessment of early LV systolic function in T2DM patients. In addition, HbA1c levels were related to LV dysfunction.
Author Correction: Deep learning algorithm predicts diabetic retinopathy progression in individual patients
Authors: Arcadu Filippo , Benmansour Fethallah , Maunz Andreas , Willis Jeff , Haskova Zdenka , Prunotto Marco
Published: December 2020

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-020-00365-5.
Accurate photon echo timing by optical freezing of exciton dephasing and rephasing in quantum dots
Authors: Kosarev Alexander N. , Rose Hendrik , Poltavtsev Sergey V. , Reichelt Matthias , Schneider Christian , Kamp Martin , Höfling Sven , Bayer Manfred , Meier Torsten , Akimov Ilya A.
Published: December 2020

Semiconductor quantum dots are excellent candidates for ultrafast coherent manipulation of qubits by laser pulses on picosecond timescales or even faster. In inhomogeneous ensembles a macroscopic optical polarization decays rapidly due to dephasing, which, however, is reversible in photon echoes carrying complete information about the coherent ensemble dynamics. Control of the echo emission time is mandatory for applications. Here, we propose a concept to reach this goal. In a two-pulse photon echo sequence, we apply an additional resonant control pulse with multiple of 2πarea. Depending on its arrival time, the control slows down dephasing or rephasing of the exciton ensemble during its action. We demonstrate for self-assembled (In,Ga)As quantum dots that the photon echo emission time can be retarded or advanced by up to 5 ps relative to its nominal appearance time without control. This versatile protocol may be used to obtain significantly longer temporal shifts for suitably tailored control pulses.
Exceptional warmth and climate instability occurred in the European Alps during the Last Interglacial period
Authors: Wilcox Paul S. , Honiat Charlotte , Trüssel Martin , Edwards R. Lawrence , Spötl Christoph
Published: December 2020

Warmer temperatures than today, over a period spanning millennia, most recently occurred in the Last Interglacial period, about 129,000 to 116,000 years ago. Yet, the timing and magnitude of warmth during this time interval are uncertain. Here we present a reconstruction of temperatures in the Swiss Alps over the full duration of the Last Interglacial period based on hydrogen isotopes from fluid inclusions in precisely dated speleothems. We find that temperatures were up to 4.3 °C warmer during the Last Interglacial period than in our present-day reference period 1971 to 1990. Climate instability, including an abrupt cooling event about 125,500 years ago, interrupted this thermal optimum but temperatures remained up to 2.0 °C warmer than the present day. We suggest that higher-elevation areas may be more susceptible to warming relative to lowland areas, and that this may hold also for a future climate forced by increasing levels of greenhouse gases.
Milk exosomes with enhanced mucus penetrability for oral delivery of siRNA
Authors: Warren Matthew R. , Zhang Chenzhen , Vedadghavami Armin , Bokvist Krister , Dhal Pradeep K. , Bajpayee Ambika G.
Published: December 2020

High-purity milk exosomes were engineered with surface PEGylation and siRNA encapsulation for enhanced oral drug delivery.
Sulfoxide-functionalized nanogels inspired by the skin penetration properties of DMSO
Authors: Işık Doğuş , Joshi Aaroh Anand , Guo Xiao , Rancan Fiorenza , Klossek André , Vogt Annika , Rühl Eckart , Hedtrich Sarah , Klinger Daniel
Published: December 2020

Sulfoxide-functionalized nanogels show a high potential to effectively emulate the skin penetration enhancing properties of DMSO without its negative side effects.
Solvent-dependent alignments and halogen-related interactions in inclusion crystals of adamantane-based macrocycle with pyridazine moieties
Authors: Tominaga Masahide , Hyodo Tadashi , Hikami Yuya , Yamaguchi Kentaro
Published: December 2020

Six inclusion crystals were formed from crystallization of an adamantane-based macrocycle bearing pyridazine parts in various solvents. In inclusion crystals with cyclic ethers, halogen⋯halogen interactions between the macrocycles were observed.
Fluorescent probes for bioimaging of potential biomarkers in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Gao Liqian , Wang Wei , Wang Xuan , Yang Fen , Xie Liuxing , Shen Jun , Brimble Margaret A. , Xiao Qicai , Yao Shao Q.
Published: December 2020

This review comprehensively summarizes various types of fluorescent probes for PD and their applications for detection of various PD biomarkers.
Mechanistic insights into the phase transition and metal ex-solution phenomena of Pr0.5Ba0.5Mn0.85Co0.15O3−δ from simple to layered perovskite under reducing conditions and enhanced catalytic activity
Authors: Kim Kyeounghak , Joo Sangwook , Huang Rui , Kim Hyung Jun , Kim Guntae , Han Jeong Woo
Published: December 2020

The selective formation of oxygen vacancies plays a key role in the phase transition to layered perovskite with B-metal ex-solution.
Realizing 6.7 wt% reversible storage of hydrogen at ambient temperature with non-confined ultrafine magnesium hydrides
Authors: Zhang Xin , Liu Yongfeng , Ren Zhuanghe , Zhang Xuelian , Hu Jianjiang , Huang Zhenguo , Lu Yunhao , Gao Mingxia , Pan Hongge
Published: December 2020

Non-confined MgH2 nanoparticles of 4–5 nm diameter enable reversible storage of hydrogen up to 6.7 wt% at 30 °C.
A strategy of electrochemical simultaneous detection of acetaminophen and levofloxacin in water based on g-C3N4 nanosheet-doped graphene oxide
Authors: Yi Wenwen , Han Chunxiao , Li Zhongping , Guo Yujing , Liu Meng , Dong Chuan
Published: December 2020

A novel electroanalytical method for the simultaneous determination of acetaminophen (AC) and levofloxacin (LEV) in environmental water was proposed based on graphitic carbon nitride nanosheet-doped graphene oxide (CNNS/GO).
Biomolecule-assisted synthesis of biomimetic nanocomposite hydrogel for hemostatic and wound healing applications
Authors: Das Sujoy K. , Parandhaman Thanusu , Dey Manash Deep
Published: December 2020

Biomolecule-assisted synthesis of biomimetic nanocomposite hydrogels reduces the environmental impact and has potential applications in hemostasis and wound healing.
Structure–antioxidant activity relationships in boldine and glaucine: a DFT study
Authors: Vásquez-Espinal Alejandro , Yañez Osvaldo , Osorio Edison , Areche Carlos , García-Beltrán Olimpo , Ruiz Lina M. , Cassels Bruce K. , Tiznado William
Published: December 2020

DFT calculations indicate that boldine and glaucine exhibit direct antioxidant activity through the HAT and SPLET (at high pH values) mechanisms.
N-doped graphene quantum dots modified with CuO (0D)/ZnO (1D) heterojunctions as a new nanocatalyst for the environmentally friendly one-pot synthesis of monospiro derivatives
Authors: Safaei-Ghomi Javad , Elyasi Zahra , Babaei Pouria
Published: December 2020

A new approach for the sustainable fabrication of a CuO/ZnO@N-GQDs nanocomposite as a powerful nanocatalyst for multicomponent reactions is demonstrated.
Synthesis of 2′-(1,2,3-triazoyl)-acetophenones: molecular docking and inhibition ofin vitromonoamine oxidase activity
Authors: Costa Gabriel P. , Dias Ítalo F. C. , Fronza Mariana G. , Besckow Evelyn M. , Fetter Jenifer , Nascimento José Edmilson R. , Jacob Raquel G. , Savegnago Lucielli , Bortolatto Cristiani F. , Brüning César A. , Alves Diego
Published: December 2020

The synthesis of 2′-(1,2,3-triazoyl)-acetophenones by a CuAAC using thiourea as a ligand, molecular docking and MAO activity analyses were performed.
An efficient environmentally friendly CuFe2O4/SiO2 catalyst for vanillyl mandelic acid oxidation in water under atmospheric pressure and a mechanism study
Authors: Mao Haifang , Wang Hongzhao , Meng Tao , Wang Chaoyang , Hu Xiaojun , Xiao Zuobing , Liu Jibo
Published: December 2020

Aimed at the green production of vanillin, a highly efficient environmentally friendly oxidation system was introduced to oxidize VMA with a porous CuFe2O4/SiO2 component nano-catalyst in aqueous solution under atmospheric pressure.
Ultralow thermal conductivity in the quaternary semiconducting chalcogenide Cs4[Ho26Cd7Se48] with an unprecedented closed cavity architecture
Authors: Chen Hong , Liu Peng-Fei , Lin Hua , Wu Xin-Tao
Published: December 2020

A quaternary semiconducting chalcogenide, Cs4[Ho26Cd7Se48], with an unprecedented closed cavity architecture exhibits ultralow thermal conductivity.
The cis- and trans-orientation of benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene-based isomers in organic solar cells
Authors: Lai Hanjian , Guo Meigen , Zhu Yulin , Chen Lin , Tan Pu , Yang Chuluo , He Feng
Published: December 2020

This work provides new insight into the backbone configurations of A-D-A-type acceptors. Two isomers have significant difference in optical and electric properties, resulting in a major impact on the current density and fill factor of the devices.
Cyclohexamer [-(d-Phe-azaPhe-Ala)2-]: good candidate to formulate supramolecular organogels
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed I. A. , Pickaert Guillaume , Stefan Loïc , Jamart-Grégoire Brigitte , Bodiguel Jacques , Averlant-Petit Marie-Christine
Published: December 2020

Molecular self-assembly is a fascinating process which has become an area of great interest in supramolecular chemistry, as it leads in certain cases to molecular gels.
Ruthenium catalyzed hydrogen production from formaldehyde–water solution
Authors: Awasthi Mahendra Kumar , Singh Sanjay Kumar
Published: December 2020

Efficient hydrogen production from aqueous formaldehyde with appreciably high TOF and TON achieved over an in situ generated ruthenium catalyst in water at 95 °C.
Unravelling intramolecular charge transfer in donor–acceptor structured g-C3N4 for superior photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zhu Chenglu , Wei Tian , Wei Yang , Wang Liang , Lu Min , Yuan Yupeng , Yin Lisha , Huang Ling
Published: December 2020

The photocatalytic performance of donor–acceptor structured g-C3N4 was enhanced by up to 3.83-fold due to the accelerated intramolecular charge transfer.
Boosting the sodium storage of the 1T/2H MoS2@SnO2 heterostructure via a fast surface redox reaction
Authors: Gui Dayong , Wei Zhijie , Chen Jian , Yan Liwei , Li Jun , Zhang Peixin , Zhao Chenyang
Published: December 2020

Ultrasmall SnO2 nanoparticles distributed on dual phase MoS2 sheets boost the Na+ storage kinetics via a fast surface redox reaction.
Biodegradable intramedullary nail (BIN) with high-strength bioceramics for bone fracture
Authors: Sun Miao , Shao Huifeng , Xu Haibin , Yang Xiaofu , Dong Mingyi , Gong Jiaxing , Yu Mengfei , Gou Zhongru , He Yong , Liu An , Wang Huiming
Published: December 2020

A novel biodegradable high-strength intramedullary nail (BIN) can affect the bone marrow microenvironment and benefit osteogenesis in vitro and in vivo.
Spatio-temporal variation of water quality variables and hydrography in a seabream cage culture farm off the coast of Oman
Authors: Al-Yahyai Dawood , Gallardo Wenresti , Claereboudt Michel , Bruss Gerd
Published: December 2020

Mariculture cage farming in Oman is in its infancy stage. This study provides important baseline information about the initial state of mariculture in Oman and for the sustainable management of future local cage farming. Our main objective was to evaluate the spatio-temporal variations of water quality and hydrography around a gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) cage farm in Quriyat (Sea of Oman). Starting in July 2018, we conducted a monitoring program over one year in which physico-chemical variables and nutrient levels were regularly measured at the farm cages and at reference sites away from the farm. Vertical flow profiles were recorded at the farm and analysed together with remotely sensed data. The results showed no significant differences among physico-chemical variables and nutrient levels between cages and reference sites. However, there were clear seasonal as well as significant short-term variations in the measurements. Winter conditions are usually homogeneous over the water column without reaching extremes. In summer we recorded surface temperatures of up to 32 °C and extended periods of hypoxia below 35 m depth. Periods of pronounced stratification were interrupted by energetic irregular flow pulses that triggered short up or down-welling events which lead to strong variations of temperature and oxygen. We did not measure a significant impact of the cage farm on the local environment. Our results rather point to the particular importance of monitoring temperature and oxygen levels. Both variables can approach threshold levels for fish farming, especially during summer. We determined the relevant characteristics of the local system and defined requirements for adequate monitoring. The findings of this study provide a timely baseline for future research on the interactions between local cage farms and the marine ecosystem and will assist in the planning and management of mariculture in Oman.
An approach with Lagrange identity of the mixed problem in theory of strain gradient thermoelasticity
Authors: Marin Marin
Published: December 2020

In our paper we ﬁrst deﬁne the mixed initial-boundary values problem in the theory of strain gradient thermoelasticity. With the help of an identity of Lagrange’s type, we then prove some theorems regarding the uniqueness of the solution of this mixed problem and also two results regarding the continuous dependence of solutions on initial data and on the charges. We must ouline that we obtain these qualitative results without recourse to any laws of conservation of energy and without recourse to any boundedness assumptions on the coeﬃcients. It is equally important to note that we do not impose restrictions on the elastic coeﬃcients regarding their positive deﬁnition.
Radial basis functions for solving the singular boundary integral equation of the compressible ﬂuid ﬂow around obstacles
Authors: Grecu Luminiţa
Published: December 2020

Abstract In this paper we ﬁnd a numerical solution for the Singular Boundary Integral Equation (SBIE), with sources distribution, of the compressible ﬂuid ﬂow around obstacles. The numerical solution is obtained by using linear boundary elements, radial basis functions for the unknown approximation and the Cauchy Principal Value for the treatment of singularities that appear. The proposed method is implemented into a computer code, made in Mathcad programming language, and, for some particular cases, numerical solutions are found. An analytic checking of the computer code is also made, in order to validate the proposed approach.
Fish harvesting strategies with allee effect
Authors: Maurya Ashutosh , Priyadarshi Anupam
Published: December 2020

Fish harvesting is important for nutritious food availability in human diet. In this manuscript, a simple ﬁsh harvesting model is developed using logistic growth along with allee eﬀect. We study the basic mathematical properties of the model as equilibrium analysis and stability. For better understanding of the model performance, we perform the simulation of the system with diﬀerent constant harvesting rate and periodic harvesting rate. The results shows that periodic harvesting is economically beneﬁcial than the constant harvesting in ﬁsh stock.