bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of D3 dopamine receptors in modulating neuroanatomical changes in response to antipsychotic administration
Authors: Guma Elisa , Rocchetti Jill , Devenyi Gabriel A. , Tanti Arnaud , Mathieu Axel P. , Lerch Jason P. , Elgbeili Guillaume , Courcot Blandine , Mechawar Naguib , Chakravarty M. Mallar , Giros Bruno
Published: May 2019

Clinical research has shown that chronic antipsychotic drug (APD) treatment further decreases cortical gray matter and hippocampus volume, and increases striatal and ventricular volume in patients with schizophrenia. D2-like receptor blockade is necessary for clinical efficacy of the drugs, and may be responsible for inducing these volume changes. However, the role of other D2-like receptors, such as D3, remains unclear. Following our previous work, we undertook a longitudinal study to examine the effects of chronic (9-week) typical (haloperidol (HAL)) and atypical (clozapine (CLZ)) APDs on the neuroanatomy of wild-type (WT) and dopamine D3-knockout (D3KO) mice using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological assessments in a sub-region of the anterior cingulate cortex (the prelimbic [PL] area) and striatum. D3KO mice had larger striatal volume prior to APD administration, coupled with increased glial and neuronal cell density. Chronic HAL administration increased striatal volume in both WT and D3KO mice, and reduced PL area volume in D3KO mice both at trend level. CLZ increased volume of the PL area of WT mice at trend level, but decreased D3KO PL area glial cell density. Both typical and atypical APD administration induced neuroanatomical remodeling of regions rich in D3 receptor expression, and typically altered in schizophrenia. Our findings provide novel insights on the role of D3 receptors in structural changes observed following APD administration in clinical populations.
Rapamycin modulates tissue aging and lifespan independently of the gut microbiota in Drosophila
Authors: Schinaman Joseph M. , Rana Anil , Ja William W. , Clark Rebecca I. , Walker David W.
Published: May 2019

The FDA approved drug rapamycin can prolong lifespan in diverse species and delay the onset of age-related disease in mammals. However, a number of fundamental questions remain unanswered regarding the mechanisms by which rapamycin modulates age-related pathophysiology and lifespan. Alterations in the gut microbiota can impact host physiology, metabolism and lifespan. While recent studies have shown that rapamycin treatment alters the gut microbiota in aged animals, the causal relationships between rapamycin treatment, microbiota dynamics and aging are not known. Here, using Drosophila as a model organism, we show that rapamycin-mediated alterations in microbiota dynamics in aged flies are associated with improved markers of intestinal and muscle aging. Critically, however, we show that the beneficial effects of rapamycin treatment on tissue aging and lifespan are not dependent upon the microbiota. Indeed, germ-free flies show delayed onset of intestinal barrier dysfunction, improved proteostasis in aged muscles and a significant lifespan extension upon rapamycin treatment. In contrast, genetic inhibition of autophagy impairs the ability of rapamycin to mediate improved gut health and proteostasis during aging. Our results indicate that rapamycin-mediated modulation of the microbiota in aged animals is not causally required to slow tissue and organismal aging.
Human skin equivalents cultured under hypoxia display enhanced epidermal morphogenesis and lipid barrier formation
Authors: Mieremet Arnout , Vázquez García Adela , Boiten Walter , van Dijk Rianne , Gooris Gert , Bouwstra Joke A. , El Ghalbzouri Abdoelwaheb
Published: May 2019

Human skin equivalents (HSEs) are three-dimensional cell models mimicking characteristics of native human skin (NHS) in many aspects. However, a limitation of HSEs is the altered in vitro morphogenesis and barrier formation. Differences between in vitro and in vivo skin could have been induced by suboptimal cell culture conditions, of which the level of oxygen in vitro (20%) is much higher than in vivo (0.5–8%). Our aim is to study how external oxygen levels affect epidermal morphogenesis and barrier formation in HSEs. In the present study, fibroblast and keratinocyte monocultures, and HSEs were generated under 20% (normoxia) and 3% (hypoxia) oxygen level. In all cultures under hypoxia, expression of hypoxia-inducible factor target genes was increased. Characterization of HSEs generated under hypoxia using immunohistochemical analyses of morphogenesis biomarkers revealed a reduction in epidermal thickness, reduced proliferation, similar early differentiation, and an attenuated terminal differentiation program compared to normoxia, better mimicking NHS. The stratum corneum ceramide composition was studied with liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Under hypoxia, HSEs exhibited a ceramide composition that more closely resembles that of NHS. Consequently, the lipid organization was improved. In conclusion, epidermal morphogenesis and barrier formation in HSEs reconstructed under hypoxia better mimics that of NHS.
Monodisperse droplet formation by spontaneous and interaction based mechanisms in partitioned EDGE microfluidic device
Authors: ten Klooster S. , Sahin S. , Schroën K.
Published: May 2019

The partitioned EDGE droplet generation device is known for its’ high monodisperse droplet formation frequencies in two distinct pressure ranges, and an interesting candidate for scale up of microfluidic emulsification devices. In the current study, we test various continuous and dispersed phase properties and device geometries to unravel how the device spontaneously forms small monodisperse droplets (6–18 μm) at low pressures, and larger monodisperse droplets (>28 μm) at elevated pressures. For the small droplets, we show that the continuous phase inflow in the droplet formation unit largely determines droplet formation behaviour and the resulting droplet size and blow-up pressure. This effect was not considered as a factor of significance for spontaneous droplet formation devices that are mostly characterised by capillary numbers in literature. We then show for the first time that the formation of larger droplets is caused by physical interaction between neighbouring droplets, and highly dependent on device geometry. The insights obtained here are an essential step toward industrial emulsification based on microfluidic devices.
Novel multimodel ensemble approach to evaluate the sole effect of elevated CO2 on winter wheat productivity
Authors: Ahmed Mukhtar , Stöckle Claudio O. , Nelson Roger , Higgins Stewart , Ahmad Shakeel , Raza Muhammad Ali
Published: May 2019

Elevated carbon-dioxide concentration [eCO2] is a key climate change factor affecting plant growth and yield. Conventionally, crop modeling work has evaluated the effect of climatic parameters on crop growth, without considering CO2. It is conjectured that a novel multimodal ensemble approach may improve the accuracy of modelled responses to eCO2. To demonstrate the applicability of a multimodel ensemble of crop models to simulation of eCO2, APSIM, CropSyst, DSSAT, EPIC and STICS were calibrated to observed data for crop phenology, biomass and yield. Significant variability in simulated biomass production was shown among the models particularly at dryland sites (44%) compared to the irrigated site (22%). Increased yield was observed for all models with the highest average yield at dryland site by EPIC (49%) and lowest under irrigated conditions (17%) by APSIM and CropSyst. For the ensemble, maximum yield was 45% for the dryland site and a minimum 22% at the irrigated site. We concluded from our study that process-based crop models have variability in the simulation of crop response to [eCO2] with greater difference under water-stressed conditions. We recommend the use of ensembles to improve accuracy in modeled responses to [eCO2].
First use of anatomical networks to study modularity and integration of heads, forelimbs and hindlimbs in abnormal anencephalic and cyclopic vs normal human development
Authors: Diogo Rui , Ziermann Janine M. , Smith Christopher , Alghamdi Malak , Fuentes Jose S. M. , Duerinckx Andre
Published: May 2019

The ill-named “logic of monsters” hypothesis of Pere Alberch - one of the founders of modern evo-devo - emphasized the importance of “internal rules” due to strong developmental constraints, linked teratologies to developmental processes and patterns, and contradicted hypotheses arguing that birth defects are related to a chaotic and random disarray of developmental mechanisms. We test these hypotheses using, for the first time, anatomical network analysis (AnNA) to study and compare the musculoskeletal modularity and integration of both the heads and the fore- and hindlimbs of abnormal cyclopic trisomy 18 and anencephalic human fetuses, and of normal fetal, newborn, and adult humans. Our previous works have shown that superficial gross anatomical analyses of these specimens strongly support the “logic of monsters” hypothesis, in the sense that there is an ‘order’ or ‘logic’ within the gross anatomical patterns observed in both the normal and abnormal individuals. Interestingly, the results of the AnNA done in the present work reveal a somewhat different pattern: at least concerning the musculoskeletal modules obtained in our AnNA, we observe a hybrid between the “logic of monsters” and the “lack of homeostasis” hypotheses. For instance, as predicted by the latter hypothesis, we found a high level of left-right asymmetry in the forelimbs and/or hindlimbs of the abnormal cyclopic trisomy 18 and anencephalic human fetuses. That is, a network analysis of the organization of/connection between the musculoskeletal structures of these fetuses reveals a more “chaotic” pattern than that detected by superficial gross anatomical comparisons. We discuss the broader developmental, evolutionary, and medical implications of these results.
Physiological and morphological differences of airways between COPD and asthma–COPD overlap
Authors: Karayama Masato , Inui Naoki , Yasui Hideki , Kono Masato , Hozumi Hironao , Suzuki Yuzo , Furuhashi Kazuki , Hashimoto Dai , Enomoto Noriyuki , Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Nakamura Yutaro , Watanabe Hiroshi , Suda Takafumi
Published: May 2019

Overlap of asthma and COPD has attracted attention recently. We aimed to clarify physiological and morphological differences of the airways between COPD and asthma–COPD overlap (ACO). Respiratory resistance and reactance and three-dimensional computed tomography data were evaluated in 167 patients with COPD. Among them, 43 patients who fulfilled the diagnosis of asthma were defined as having ACO. Among 124 patients with COPD without ACO, 86 with a comparable smoking history and airflow limitation as those with ACO were selected using propensity score matching (matched COPD). The intraluminal area (Ai) and wall thickness (WT) of third- to sixth-generation bronchi were measured and adjusted by body surface area (BSA; Ai/BSA and WT/√BSA, respectively). Patients with ACO had higher respiratory resistance and reactance during tidal breathing, but a smaller gap between the inspiratory and expiratory phases, compared with matched patients with COPD. Patients with ACO had a greater WT/√BSA in third- to fourth-generation bronchi, smaller Ai/BSA in fifth- to sixth-generation bronchi, and less emphysematous changes than did matched patients with COPD. Even when patients with ACO and those with COPD have a comparable smoking history and fixed airflow limitation, they have different physiological and morphological features of the airways.
The role of polysulfide dianions and radical anions in the chemical, physical and biological sciences, including sulfur-based batteries
Authors: Steudel Ralf , Chivers Tristram
Published: May 2019

Polysulfide dianions and radical anions play a crucial role in biological chemistry, geochemical processes, alkali metal–sulfur batteries, organic syntheses, coordination chemistry, and materials sciences.
Long-term exposure to low doses of fresh and aged zinc oxide nanoparticles causes cell malignant progression enhanced by a tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 gain-of-function mutation
Authors: Wang Mei M. , Cao Rui , Jiang Wen G. , Liu Ya K. , Yang Fan , Yue Ling X. , Wang Si Y.
Published: May 2019

Compared to fresh zinc oxide NPs, aged zinc oxide NPs induce higher levels of ROS and DNA double strand breaks, as well as more pronounced cell malignant progression in the tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 gain-of-function mutant mouse embryonic fibroblast cells.
A novel FeS–NiS hybrid nanoarray: an efficient and durable electrocatalyst for alkaline water oxidation
Authors: Luan Xiaoqian , Du Huitong , Kong Yao , Qu Fengli , Lu Limin
Published: May 2019

A novel FeS–NiS/TM nanosheet array was developed for alkaline OER; this catalyst only requires an overpotential of 260 mV to afford a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH.
Powerful CO2 electroreduction performance with N–carbon doped with single Ni atoms
Authors: Yuan Cheng-Zong , Liang Kuang , Xia Xian-Ming , Yang Zheng Kun , Jiang Yi-Fan , Zhao Tan , Lin Cong , Cheang Tuck-Yun , Zhong Sheng-Liang , Xu An-Wu
Published: May 2019

A single-atom dispersed Ni doping strategy to boost the performance of N–C materials for CO2RR by the pyrolysis of a metal–organic molecule complex was reported and revealed.
In situconstruction of layered graphene-based nanofiltration membranes with interlayer photocatalytic purification function and their application for water treatment
Authors: Zhang Huan , Zhu Yueshuai , Long Jinlin , Ding Zhengxin , Yuan Rusheng , Li Zhaohui , Xu Chao
Published: May 2019

Graphene-based filtration membranes with interlayer photocatalysis properties are constructed through anin situphoto-reduction strategy, showing their potential applications in water treatments.
Hot off the Press
Authors: Hill Robert A. , Sutherland Andrew
Published: May 2019

A personal selection of 32 recent papers is presented covering various aspects of current developments in bioorganic chemistry and novel natural products such as niduterpenoid A from Aspergillus nidulans.
Enhanced anti-tumor efficacy of hyaluronic acid modified nanocomposites combined with sonochemotherapy against subcutaneous and metastatic breast tumors
Authors: Wu Pengying , Sun Yue , Dong Wei , Zhou Huige , Guo Shifang , Zhang Lei , Wang Xiaobing , Wan Mingxi , Zong Yujin
Published: May 2019

Schematic illustration of sonochemotherapy using HA-modified nanocomposites.
Enhanced two-photon absorption of ligated silver and gold nanoclusters: theoretical and experimental assessments
Authors: Bonačić-Koutecký Vlasta , Antoine Rodolphe
Published: May 2019

Ligated silver and gold nanoclusters belonging to a non-scalable size regime with molecular-like discrete electronic states represent an emerging class of extremely interesting optical materials.
Asymmetric supercapacitors with high energy densities
Authors: Shi Zijun , Chu Wenjing , Hou Yongdan , Gao Yanfang , Yang Nianjun
Published: May 2019

The low energy densities of supercapacitors (SCs) are generally limited by the used anodes.
Heterogeneous gold catalysts for selective hydrogenation: from nanoparticles to atomically precise nanoclusters
Authors: Zhao Jianbo , Ge Liming , Yuan Haifeng , Liu Yingfan , Gui Yanghai , Zhang Baoding , Zhou Liming , Fang Shaoming
Published: May 2019

Gold nanocatalysts with different sizes (nanoparticles and nanoclusters) show different catalytic performances for various selective hydrogenation reactions.
A hybrid bioinspired fiber trichome with special wettability for water collection, friction reduction and self-cleaning
Authors: Li Deke , Wang Zhentao , Wu Daheng , Han Guocai , Guo Zhiguang
Published: May 2019

The caterpillar-inspired fiber trichome can form gradient wettability to harvest water in a manner similar to that of a caterpillar thorn, and the earthworm-inspired fiber trichome can show low friction, antiwear and self-lubricating properties by a self-lubricating interface akin to the slippery skin of a earthworm trichome in sticky soil.
Highly α-position regioselective ring-opening of epoxides catalyzed by halohydrin dehalogenase from Ilumatobacter coccineus: a biocatalytic approach to 2-azido-2-aryl-1-ols
Authors: An Miao , Liu Wanyi , Zhou Xiaoying , Ma Ran , Wang Huihui , Cui Baodong , Han Wenyong , Wan Nanwei , Chen Yongzheng
Published: May 2019

Biocatalytic synthesis of 2-azido-2-aryl-1-ols was achieved via HheG-catalyzed α-position regioselective ring-opening of styrene oxide derivatives.
Li/Fe substitution in Li-rich Ni, Co, Mn oxides for enhanced electrochemical performance as cathode materials
Authors: Billaud Juliette , Sheptyakov Denis , Sallard Sébastien , Leanza Daniela , Talianker Michael , Grinblat Judith , Sclar Hadar , Aurbach Doron , Novák Petr , Villevieille Claire
Published: May 2019

The addition of Fe in Li-rich nickel cobalt manganese oxides allows for higher specific charge, potential drop mitigation and enhanced rate capability.
Well-defined triblock copolymer/TiO2 composite gel electrolytes for high-performance dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Seo Seung Mo , Kim Chang Ki , Kim Hwan Kyu
Published: May 2019

Two kinds of triblock copolymers (SGT-602 and SGT-604) were prepared and applied to dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The polymer gel electrolytes with a TiO2 nanofiller achieved comparable efficiencies to liquid-state DSSCs (η: 9.86%), and exhibited excellent long-term device stability under 1 sun illumination at 50 °C.
Graphene–boron nitride hybrid-supported single Mo atom electrocatalysts for efficient nitrogen reduction reaction
Authors: Huang Yan , Yang Tongtong , Yang Li , Liu Ran , Zhang Guozhen , Jiang Jun , Luo Yi , Lian Ping , Tang Shaobin
Published: May 2019

A monodispersed Mo atom supported by a defective borocarbonitride monolayer has been shown to be a durable, efficient and selective N2 reduction electrocatalyst.
Silicon nanowires decorated with gold nanoparticles via in situ reduction for photoacoustic imaging-guided photothermal cancer therapy
Authors: Sun Lina , Chen Ying , Gong Fei , Dang Qian , Xiang Guangzhen , Cheng Liang , Liao Fan , Shao Mingwang
Published: May 2019

Photothermal therapy (PTT) in the first near-infrared (NIR-I) window has made great progress in the treatment of solid tumors, while only a few PTT agents in the second NIR (NIR-II) region have been studied.
Construction of tandem duplication correcting codes
Authors: Zeraatpisheh Mohamadbagher , Esmaeili Morteza , Gulliver T. Aaron
Published: May 2019

Tandem duplication (TD) errors occur when data is stored in the DNA of living organisms. The construction of codes to correct these errors was previously considered. A method was proposed to construct codes for TD errors of length at most k, , based on the uniqueness of ‐roots. It was shown that there exist words which have more than one ‐root when . As a consequence, the previous approach to correcting TD errors of length at most k cannot be extended to . In this study, ‐hinge‐free irreducible words are introduced and used to construct codes for TD errors of length at most k where . Furthermore, it is conjectured that the proposed approach can be extended to .
Star clusters in the dwarf irregular galaxy Leo A
Authors: Stonkutė R. , Naujalis R. , Čeponis M. , Leščinskaitė A. , Vansevičius V.
Published: May 2019

Context. Leo A is an isolated gas-rich dwarf irregular galaxy of low stellar mass and metallicity residing at the outskirts of the Local Group. Ages of the stellar populations in Leo A range from ∼10 Myr to ∼10 Gyr. So far, only one star cluster has been discovered in this galaxy.

Aims. Our aim is to search for star cluster candidates in the Leo A galaxy.

Methods. We performed photometry of star-like objects on HST ACS archive observation frames in the F475W and F814W passbands and studied the spatial clustering of the Leo A stars down to the turn-off point of the old stellar populations.

Results. We report the discovery of four star clusters in the Leo A galaxy. This means that now a sample of five star clusters is known in Leo A. Two clusters are of a young age (∼20 Myr; overlapping with H II regions) and low in mass (≳400 M⊙ and ≳150 M⊙), the other three clusters are older (≳100 Myr) and also of low mass (≳300 M⊙). These rough estimates are made assuming the isochrones of a metallicity derived for H II regions (Z = 0.0007). Colour–magnitude diagrams of the stars residing in the circular areas of a 2.5″ radius around the clusters and integrated aperture photometry results of the clusters are presented.
Evidence for the radiation-pressure dominated accretion disk in bursting pulsar GRO J1744−28 using timing analysis
Authors: Mönkkönen Juhani , Tsygankov Sergey S. , Mushtukov Alexander A. , Doroshenko Victor , Suleimanov Valery F. , Poutanen Juri
Published: May 2019

The X-ray pulsar GRO J1744−28 is a unique source that shows both pulsations and type-II X-ray bursts, allowing studies of the interaction of the accretion disk with the magnetosphere at huge mass-accretion rates exceeding 1019 g s−1 during its super-Eddington outbursts. The magnetic field strength in the source, B ≈ 5 × 1011 G, is known from the cyclotron absorption feature discovered in the energy spectrum around 4.5 keV. Here, we have explored the flux variability of the source in context of interaction of its magnetosphere with the radiation-pressure dominated accretion disk. Specifically, we present the results of the analysis of noise power density spectra (PDS) using the observations of the source in 1996–1997 by the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE). Accreting compact objects commonly exhibit a broken power-law PDS shape with a break corresponding to the Keplerian orbital frequency of matter at the innermost disk radius. The observed frequency of the break can thus be used to estimate the size of the magnetosphere. We find, however, that the observed PDS of GRO J1744−28 differs dramatically from the canonical shape. The observed break frequency appears to be significantly higher than expected based on the magnetic field estimated from the cyclotron line energy. We argue that these observational facts can be attributed to the existence of the radiation-pressure dominated region in the accretion disk at luminosities above ∼2 × 1037 erg s−1. We discuss a qualitative model for the PDS formation in such disks, and show that its predictions are consistent with our observational findings. The presence of the radiation-pressure dominated region can also explain the observed weak luminosity dependence of the inner radius, and we argue that the small inner radius can be explained by a quadrupole component dominating the magnetic field of the neutron star.
In vivo microdialysis and in vitro HPLC analysis of the impact of paeoniflorin on the monoamine levels and their metabolites in the rodent brain
Authors: Lin Yuh-Tzy , Huang Wei-Shih , Tsai Huei-Yann , Lee Min-Min , Chen Yuh-Fung
Published: May 2019

Background: Paeoniflorin (PF) possesses several effects such as analgesic, the anti-spasmodic effect on smooth muscle. It protects the cardiovascular system and reveals the neuroprotective effect on cerebral ischemia. Monoamine system has been identified to have complex regulatory effects in pain signaling. There are no reports regarding the impact of PF on monoamine levels in the rodent brain by microdialysis. In this study, the effects of PF on monoamines and their metabolites in the rodent brain using in vivo microdialysis and in vitro high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis.

Methods: Male S.D. rats were anesthetized, fixed onto the stereotaxic instrument to identify the positions of corpus striatum and cerebral cortex. Drilled a hole in the skull of anesthetic rats and proceeded microdialysis, and gave PF (100 μg, i.c.v.). Collected the dialysate and the concentration of monoamines and their metabolites in dialysate and analyzed with HPLC-ECD. Male ICR mice were administered with PF (96 μg, i.c.v.) and with Ringer solution as a control. After 20 mins of administration, the mice were cut off the brain immediately and separated into eight regions according to the method of Glowinski. Added extraction solution to each region, homogenized and extracted for further procedure. The extract was centrifuged, sucked the transparent layer and centrifuged once more. The transparent layer was filtered with a 0.22 μm nylon filter and analyzed with HPLC-ECD (electrochemical detection).

Results: PF increased the content of DOPAC and NE in the cortex, and increased the content of NE and decreased the content of 5-HT in the medulla of the homogenized mice brain tissue. By microdialysis, PF increased the content of DOPAC and 5-HIAA in anesthetic rat cortex and expanded the content of DOPAC, HVA, and 5-HIAA in anesthetic rat striatum.

Conclusions: It reveals that PF could activate the release of monoamines and increase their metabolites in the rodent brain.
Frühes malignes Melanom
Authors: Krome Susanne
Published: May 2019

Maligne Melanome im Kopf-Hals-Bereich haben im Stadium Tis und T1a nach vollständiger Resektion eine exzellente Prognose. Die chirurgische Exzision kann jedoch mit größeren Defekten, Rekonstruktionen und Narben verbunden sein. Hinzu kommen grundsätzliche Sorgen über die Tumorerkrankung. Die prospektive Studie mit 56 Patienten zeigt den Verlauf der Lebensqualität über ein Jahr.
ASH 2018: Inflammation und Krebs
Authors: Schmale Ine
Published: May 2019

Auch wenn das Konzept des immunologischen Gedächtnisses seit langem bekannt ist, so hat die neue Forschung doch neue Typen von Gedächtniszellen entdeckt und Wege komplexer und -metabolischer-Kontrollen-identifiziert,die-klinisch-beeinflusst-werden-können. In einer wissenschaftlichen Sitzung auf dem letzten ASH-Kongress wurde der Fokus auf den neuesten Forschungsstand bezüglich der Biologie von Gewebe-residenten Gedächtnis-T-Zellen, der transkriptionellen Kontrolle und der metabolischen Regulation von -Gedächtnis-T-Zellen-gelegt.
ASH 2018: Resistenzmechanismen und Therapieansätze
Authors: Schmale Ine
Published: May 2019

Das Verständnis des Tumorgenoms wurde durch die neuen Verfahren der Hochdurchsatz-Sequenzierung deutlich verbessert. Dadurch gelang es, zahlreiche genetischen Variationen unter den Tumoren verschiedener Patienten wie auch die Heterogenität innerhalb des Tumors eines einzelnen Patienten aufzudecken. Auf dem ASH 2018 diskutierte Prof. Dan A. Landau, New York/USA die epigenetische Heterogenität bei Non-Hodgkin-Lymphomen unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der chronisch lymphatischen Leukämie (CLL).
Nicht kleinzelliges Bronchialkarzinom
Authors: Krome Susanne
Published: May 2019

Die phänotypische Transformation nicht kleinzelliger Bronchialkarzinome (NSCLC) in kleinzellige Karzinome (SCLC) ist selten und stellt bei EGFR-mutierten Tumoren einen Resistenzmechanismus gegen Tyrosinkinase-Inhibitoren (TKI) dar. Transformationen kommen aber auch bei nicht-EGFR-mutierten Tumoren vor. Die Fallsammlung mit 61 Patienten ergab Daten zum Gesamtüberleben und zum Überleben nach der Transformation in Abhängigkeit vom Mutationsstatus.
Experimental study of the application feasibility of a novel chip-scale atomic clock scheme
Authors: Lin Huifang , Tian Yuan , Chen Jiehua , Gu Sihong
Published: May 2019

We report on research into a microfabricated 87Rb vapor cell with differential detection. Elliptically polarized light is used to interact with alkali atoms to generate coherent population trapping (CPT) resonance, and the CPT signal is obtained by detecting the Faraday rotation effect with differential detection technology. To move closer to an actual chip-scale atomic clock (CSAC), we reduce the volume of the experimental apparatus and use a divergent laser beam to interact with the atoms. We obtain the short-term frequency stability of the CSAC based on the differential detection scheme and compare it with that of a conventional CSAC. The results show that the frequency stability is more than two times better than that of current commercial CSAC devices with the same power consumption and volume.
Carbon nanotube thin film patch antennas for wireless communications
Authors: Amram Bengio E. , Senic Damir , Taylor Lauren W. , Headrick Robert J. , King Michael , Chen Peiyu , Little Charles A. , Ladbury John , Long Christian J. , Holloway Christopher L. , Babakhani Aydin , Booth James C. , Orloff Nathan D. , Pasquali Matteo
Published: May 2019

Early work on carbon nanotube (CNT) antennas indicated that their performance could not match that of metals such as copper. However, recent improvements in fluid phase CNT processing have yielded macroscopic CNT materials with better alignment and conductivity. There is currently a gap in the literature on CNT antennas for direct experimental measurements of radiation efficiency. In this study, we conducted radiation efficiency measurements of microstrip patch antennas made of shear-aligned CNT films. We measured a radiation efficiency of 94% at 10 GHz and 14 GHz, matching equivalent copper antennas. Furthermore, the minimum CNT film thickness required to match the performance of copper drops with increasing frequency due to reduced losses from the skin effect. These findings pave the way for applications of aligned CNT patch antennas in the aerospace industry, where low weight, mechanical durability, and temperature-independent performance are critically important.
Molecular beam/infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy apparatus for probing heterogeneously catalyzed reactions on functionalized and nanostructured model surfaces
Authors: Attia Smadar , Spadafora Evan J. , Hartmann Jens , Freund Hans-Joachim , Schauermann Swetlana
Published: May 2019

A new custom-designed ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) apparatus combining molecular beam techniques and in situ surface spectroscopy for reactivity measurements on complex nanostructured model surfaces is described. It has been specifically designed to study the mechanisms, kinetics, and dynamics of heterogeneously catalyzed reactions over well-defined model catalysts consisting of metal nanoparticles supported on thin oxide films epitaxially grown on metal single crystals. The reactivity studies can be performed in a broad pressure range starting from UHV up to the ambient pressure conditions. The UHV system includes (i) a preparation chamber providing the experimental techniques required for the preparation and structural characterization of single-crystal based model catalysts such as oxide supported metal particles or ordered oxide surfaces and (ii) the reaction chamber containing three molecular beams—two effusive and one supersonic, which are crossed at the same point on the sample surface, infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy for the detection of surface-adsorbed species, and quadrupole mass spectrometry for gas phase analysis. The supersonic beam is generated in a pulsed supersonic expansion and can be modulated via a variable duty-cycle chopper. The effusive beams are produced by newly developed compact differentially pumped sources based on multichannel glass capillary arrays. Both effusive sources can be modulated by a vacuum-motor driven chopper and are capable of providing high flux and high purity beams. The apparatus contains an ambient pressure cell, which is connected to the preparation chamber via an in situ sample transfer system and provides an experimental possibility to study the reactivity of well-defined nanostructured model catalysts in a broad range of pressure conditions—up to ambient pressure—with the gas phase analysis based on gas chromatography. Additionally, a dedicated deposition chamber is connected to the preparation chamber, which is employed for the in situ functionalization of model surfaces with large organic molecules serving as promoters or modifiers of chemical reactions. We present a general overview of the apparatus as well as a description of the individual components and their interplay. The results of the test measurements involving the most important components are presented and discussed.
Change in chemical bonding state by thermal treatment in MgO-based magnetic tunnel junction observed by angle-resolved hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Niwa Masaaki , Yasui Akira , Ikenaga Eiji , Honjo Hiroaki , Ikeda Shoji , Nakamura Tetsuya , Endoh Tetsuo
Published: May 2019

This paper reports the relationship between the heat treatments of the CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB/Ta-based magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) and the chemical bonding state using angle-resolved hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The redox reaction for B 1s during postannealing was verified for the MTJ without a capping layer by oxidizing the metallic B 1s in CoFeB and reducing the oxidized Fe 2p and Co 2p near the surface. For the MTJ with a capping layer, regardless of the heat treatments, MgO was found to be in a peroxidized state, and the diffusion of O 1s and B 1s exerted by the heat treatments is considered to be controlled by the degree of crystallization of MgO. The composition at the MgO/CoFeB interface changes on account of the heat treatments since the ratio of CoFeB and TaB at the bottom changes as a result of boron diffusion through the grain boundaries in MgO. By postannealing at 400 °C, the peak binding energy of Mg 1s at the surface was found to shift slightly to lower energy toward the stoichiometric MgO. However, the release of the excess oxygen in MgO is suppressed by the crystallization. Since the crystallization of MgO is enhanced by the in situ IR heating, the internal oxygen is more constrained in MgO. An improvement of the tunneling magnetoresistance deterioration observed with an ultrathin MgO is considered to be achieved under the peroxidized state controlled by the crystallinity of MgO.
Fluorescence emission mediated by metal-dielectric-metal fishnet metasurface: Spatially selective excitation and double enhancement
Authors: Ren Yuan , Lu Yong-hua , Zang Tian-yang , Ghafoor Sonia , Wang Pei
Published: May 2019

Enhancement of fluorescent radiation is of great importance for applications including biological imaging, high-sensitivity detectors, and integrated light sources. Strong electromagnetic fields can be created around metallic nanoparticles or in gap of nanostructures, where the local state density of radiating mode is then dramatically enhanced. While enhanced fluorescent emission has been demonstrated in many metallic nanoparticles and nanoparticle pairs, simultaneous mediation of absorption and emission processes of fluorescent emitters remains challenging in metallic nanostructures. Here, we investigate fluorescent emission mediated by metal-dielectric-metal fishnet metasurface, in which localized surface plasmon (LSP) and magnetic plasmon polaritons (MPPs) modes are coupled with absorption and emission processes, respectively. For absorption process, coupling of the LSP mode enables spatially-selective excitation of the fluorescent emitters by rotating the polarization of the pump laser beam. In addition, the polarization-dependent MPP mode enables manipulation of both polarization and wavelength of the fluorescent emission by introducing a rectangular fishnet structure. All the experimental observations are further corroborated by finite-difference time-domain simulations. The structure reported here has great potential for application to color light-emitting devices and nanoscale integrated light sources.
Preliminary evidence of spawning phenologies of freshwater fish in a wet–dry tropical river: the importance of both wet and dry seasons
Authors: King A. J. , Doidge C. , Buckle D. , Tyler K. J.
Published: May 2019

Wet–dry tropical rivers are characterised by highly predictable, yet highly variable, seasonal flow regimes. The wet season is often regarded as an important period of ecosystem productivity, dispersal and connectivity, and also for freshwater-fish spawning and recruitment. However, few studies have examined fish spawning across hydrological seasons in these rivers. We conducted a pilot study to determine (1) the temporal occurrence (and hence spawning period), and (2) the suitability of standard sampling methods of young fish in the Daly River, Northern Territory, Australia. Fish spawned throughout the year, with spawning phenologies varying substantially among species. The highest diversity and abundance of young fish occurred during the wet season, although early life stages of a high number of species were also present in the dry-season and transition periods. A high number of species spawned all year round, whereas other species had very discrete spawning periods. Three of the four sampling methods tested were successful in catching early life stages and should be employed in future studies. The present study highlighted that all hydrological seasons in the wet–dry tropics are important for fish spawning, and has important implications for future research on the drivers of spawning patterns, and for predicting the effects of flow modifications on freshwater fishes of the wet–dry tropics.
Replisome activity slowdown after exposure to ultraviolet light in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Soubry Nicolas , Wang Andrea , Reyes-Lamothe Rodrigo
Published: May 2019

Significance

A multicomponent molecular machine, called the replisome, mediates high fidelity genome duplication but requires error-free DNA as its template. The presence of lesions on DNA, like those generated after UV, halt replisome activity and can lead to replisome disassembly, a potentially life-threatening situation to the cell. Here, we show that, in cells exposed to UV, parts of the replisome independently localize at sites far from the place of DNA synthesis. In addition, we provide evidence that the replisome responds to UV by slowing down its rate of synthesis on the damaged DNA template. Modulation of the rate of DNA replication may be a general strategy used by other organisms to minimize the impact of DNA damage on the duplicating genome.
Using attribution to decode binding mechanism in neural network models for chemistry
Authors: McCloskey Kevin , Taly Ankur , Monti Federico , Brenner Michael P. , Colwell Lucy J.
Published: May 2019

Significance

Advances in machine learning have led to neural network-based methods for virtual screening, making it possible to sift through trillions of small molecules to find those that are pharmacologically important. Such methods have the potential to make chemical discoveries, but only if it is possible to untangle why models make the predictions that they do. Here we use attribution methods to investigate neural network models for small-molecule binding, and show that, while it is possible to identify pharmacophores with attribution, there is also the real possibility that a model which seems to perform perfectly instead learns spurious correlations in the underlying dataset that have nothing to do with binding chemistry. We propose an attribution-based test for determining whether a model can learn a hypothesized binding mechanism on a training set.
Biological composition and microbial dynamics of sinking particulate organic matter at abyssal depths in the oligotrophic open ocean
Authors: Boeuf Dominique , Edwards Bethanie R. , Eppley John M. , Hu Sarah K. , Poff Kirsten E. , Romano Anna E. , Caron David A. , Karl David M. , DeLong Edward F.
Published: May 2019

Sinking particles are a critical conduit for the export of organic material from surface waters to the deep ocean. Despite their importance in oceanic carbon cycling and export, little is known about the biotic composition, origins, and variability of sinking particles reaching abyssal depths. Here, we analyzed particle-associated nucleic acids captured and preserved in sediment traps at 4,000-m depth in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. Over the 9-month time-series, Bacteria dominated both the rRNA-gene and rRNA pools, followed by eukaryotes (protists and animals) and trace amounts of Archaea. Deep-sea piezophile-like Gammaproteobacteria, along with Epsilonproteobacteria, comprised >80% of the bacterial inventory. Protists (mostly Rhizaria, Syndinales, and ciliates) and metazoa (predominantly pelagic mollusks and cnidarians) were the most common sinking particle-associated eukaryotes. Some near-surface water-derived eukaryotes, especially Foraminifera, Radiolaria, and pteropods, varied greatly in their abundance patterns, presumably due to sporadic export events. The dominance of piezophile-like Gammaproteobacteria and Epsilonproteobacteria, along with the prevalence of their nitrogen cycling-associated gene transcripts, suggested a central role for these bacteria in the mineralization and biogeochemical transformation of sinking particulate organic matter in the deep ocean. Our data also reflected several different modes of particle export dynamics, including summer export, more stochastic inputs from the upper water column by protists and pteropods, and contributions from sinking mid- and deep-water organisms. In total, our observations revealed the variable and heterogeneous biological origins and microbial activities of sinking particles that connect their downward transport, transformation, and degradation to deep-sea biogeochemical processes.
Monitoring tools and sampling methods for major date palm pests.
Authors: El-Shafie H. A. F. , Abdel-Banat B. M. A. , Mohammed M. E. A. , Al-Hajhoj M. R.
Published: May 2019

This review provides summary of the most commonly used methods and tools for monitoring and sampling of date palm pests. Emphasis is given to major pests of economic importance. The paper is arranged into different sections, which deal with morphology and architecture of date palm as one of the most important aspects in the process of sampling. The ecological concepts and terminologies used including mathematical models and monitoring and sampling plans for the major date palm pests. For convenience, major pests were grouped according to their taxonomic orders and the part of date palm they damage into the following: red palm weevil, Dubas bug, date moth, mites, scale insects, trunk and frond borers, sap beetles and stored date pests. The review specified the gaps in sampling plans available for major date palm pests as well as future research priorities to enhance the existing sampling and monitoring techniques.
CoCo: RNA-seq read assignment correction for nested genes and multimapped reads
Authors: Deschamps-Francoeur Gabrielle , Boivin Vincent , Abou Elela Sherif , Scott Michelle S
Published: May 2019

Motivation

Next-generation sequencing techniques revolutionized the study of RNA expression by permitting whole transcriptome analysis. However, sequencing reads generated from nested and multi-copy genes are often either misassigned or discarded, which greatly reduces both quantification accuracy and gene coverage.

Results

Here we present count corrector (CoCo), a read assignment pipeline that takes into account the multitude of overlapping and repetitive genes in the transcriptome of higher eukaryotes. CoCo uses a modified annotation file that highlights nested genes and proportionally distributes multimapped reads between repeated sequences. CoCo salvages over 15% of discarded aligned RNA-seq reads and significantly changes the abundance estimates for both coding and non-coding RNA as validated by PCR and bedgraph comparisons.

Availability and implementation

The CoCo software is an open source package written in Python and available from http://gitlabscottgroup.med.usherbrooke.ca/scott-group/coco.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Brain State-dependent Gain Modulation of Corticospinal Output in the Active Motor System
Authors: Naros Georgios , Lehnertz Tobias , Leão Maria Teresa , Ziemann Ulf , Gharabaghi Alireza
Published: May 2019

The communication through coherence hypothesis suggests that only coherently oscillating neuronal groups can interact effectively and predicts an intrinsic response modulation along the oscillatory rhythm. For the motor cortex (MC) at rest, the oscillatory cycle has been shown to determine the brain’s responsiveness to external stimuli. For the active MC, however, the demonstration of such a phase-specific modulation of corticospinal excitability (CSE) along the rhythm cycle is still missing. Motor evoked potentials in response to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the MC were used to probe the effect of cortical oscillations on CSE during several motor conditions. A brain–machine interface (BMI) with a robotic hand orthosis allowed investigating effects of cortical activity on CSE without the confounding effects of voluntary muscle activation. Only this BMI approach (and not active or passive hand opening alone) revealed a frequency- and phase-specific cortical modulation of CSE by sensorimotor beta-band activity that peaked once per oscillatory cycle and was independent of muscle activity. The active MC follows an intrinsic response modulation in accordance with the communication through coherence hypothesis. Furthermore, the BMI approach may facilitate and strengthen effective corticospinal communication in a therapeutic context, for example, when voluntary hand opening is no longer possible after stroke.
Risk Factors for Tuberculosis and Effect of Preventive Therapy Among Close Contacts of Persons With Infectious Tuberculosis
Authors: Reichler Mary R , Khan Awal , Sterling Timothy R , Zhao Hui , Chen Bin , Yuan Yan , Moran Joyce , McAuley James , Mangura Bonita ,   Tuberculosis Epidemiologic Studies Consortium Task Order 2 Team, Bakhtawar I , Ledoux C , Mcauley J , Beison J , Fitzgerald M , Naus M , Nakajima M , Schluger N , Hirsch-Moverman Y , Moran J , Blumberg H , Tapia J , Singha L , Hershfeld E , Roche B , Mangura B , Sevilla A , Sterling T , Chavez-Lindell T , Maruri F , Dorman S , Cronin W , Munk E , Khan A , Yuan Y , Chen B , Yan F , Shen Y , Zhao H , Punnoose R , Zhang H , Bessler P , Fagley M , Reichler M , Reichler M , Sterling T , Tapia J , Hirsch C , Luo C
Published: May 2019

Background

Close contacts of persons with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) have high rates of TB disease.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled TB patients and their close contacts at 9 US/Canadian sites. TB patients and contacts were interviewed to identify index patient, contact, and exposure risk factors for TB. Contacts were evaluated for latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB, and the effectiveness of LTBI treatment for preventing contact TB was examined.

Results

Among 4490 close contacts, multivariable risk factors for TB were age ≤5 years, US/Canadian birth, human immunodeficiency virus infection, skin test induration ≥10 mm, shared bedroom with an index patient, exposure to more than 1 index patient, and index patient weight loss (P < .05 for each). Of 1406 skin test–positive contacts, TB developed in 49 (9.8%) of 446 who did not initiate treatment, 8 (1.8%) of 443 who received partial treatment, and 1 (0.2%) of 517 who completed treatment (1951, 290, and 31 cases/100 000 person-years, respectively; P < .001). TB was diagnosed in 4.2% of US/Canadian-born compared with 2.3% of foreign-born contacts (P = .002), and TB rates for US/Canadian-born and foreign-born contacts who did not initiate treatment were 3592 and 811 per 100 000 person-years, respectively (P < .001).

Conclusions

Treatment for LTBI was highly effective in preventing TB among close contacts of infectious TB patients. Several index patient, contact, and exposure characteristics associated with increased risk of contact TB were identified. These findings help inform contact investigation, LTBI treatment, and other public health prevention efforts.