bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spotting the “Ideal” Personality Response
Authors: Hughes Angus W. , Dunlop Patrick D. , Holtrop Djurre , Wee Serena
Published: January 2021

Abstract. Forced choice (FC) personality questionnaires attempt to constrain job applicants from presenting idealized responses (or “faking”). FC questionnaires are designed by identifying items equally desirable in applicants, matching these into “blocks,” and instructing respondents to rank the items “most like” themselves. Nonetheless, how closely items should be matched remains unclear, and desirability seems dependent on the job. We investigated how strongly respondents ( N = 436) agreed regarding the “ideal” applicant response, while varying (a) how closely items were matched into blocks and (b) the job context. While the most closely matched blocks elicited slight agreement on an ideal response, agreement increased noticeably with poorer matching. Nonetheless, differences in item desirability between different job conditions were evident even in closely matched blocks.
Tidal Synchronization of Lee Vortices in Geophysical Wakes
Authors: Puthan Pranav , Sarkar Sutanu , Pawlak Geno
Published: January 2021

Wake vortices in tidally modulated currents past a conical hill in a stratified fluid are investigated using large‐eddy‐simulation. The vortex shedding frequency is altered from its natural steady‐current value leading to synchronization of wake vortices with the tide. The relative frequency (f*), defined as the ratio of natural shedding frequency (fs,c) in a current without tides to the tidal frequency (ft), is varied to expose different regimes of tidal synchronization. When f* increases and approaches 0.25, vortex shedding at the body changes from a classical asymmetric Kármán vortex street. The wake evolves downstream to restore the Kármán vortex‐street asymmetry but the discrete spectral peak, associated with wake vortices, is found to differ from both ft and fs,c, a novel result. The spectral peak occurs at the first subharmonic of the tidal frequency when 0.5 ≤ f* < 1 and at the second subharmonic when 0.25 ≤ f* < 0.5.
Sensitivity of Air‐Sea Heat Exchange in Cold‐Air Outbreaks to Model Resolution and Sea‐Ice Distribution
Authors: Spensberger C. , Spengler T.
Published: January 2021

Modeling air‐sea interactions during cold air outbreaks poses a major challenge because of the vast range of scales and physical processes involved. Using the Polar WRF model, we investigate the sensitivity of downstream air mass properties to (a) model resolution, (b) the sharpness of the marginal‐ice zone (MIZ), and (c) the geometry of the sea ice edge. The resolved sharpness of the MIZ strongly affects peak heat fluxes and the atmospheric water cycle. For sharper MIZs, roll convection is initiated closer to the sea ice edge, increasing both evaporation and precipitation. This yields an increased heat transfer into the atmosphere while the net effect on the atmospheric moisture budget is small. Overall, higher atmospheric resolution increases both the peak and net heat extracted from the ocean. The geometry of the sea ice edge can induce convergence or divergence zones that affect the air‐sea exchange.
The Thermo‐Chemical Evolution of Mars With a Strongly Stratified Mantle
Authors: Samuel Henri , Ballmer Maxim D. , Padovan Sebastiano , Tosi Nicola , Rivoldini Attilio , Plesa Ana‐Catalina
Published: January 2021

The Martian mantle probably experienced an early global magma ocean stage. The crystallization and the fractionation and overturn of such a magma ocean likely led to the formation of a compositionally distinct layer at the bottom of the mantle. This layer would have been heavily enriched in iron and in heat‐producing elements (HPE). The significant iron enrichment can lead to long‐term stability with little mixing between the layer and the overlying mantle. We studied the influence of such an enriched basal layer on the thermal and chemical evolution of the Martian mantle using both 2‐D finite‐volume modeling at mantle scale, and a parameterized convection approach at the entire planetary scale. The basal layer is most likely stably stratified because of its moderate thickness and/or its gradual enrichment in iron with depth that prevents the development of convection in this region. We explored a wide parameter space in our parameterized models, including the layer thickness and the mantle rheology. We show that the presence of an enriched basal layer has a dramatic influence on the thermo‐chemical evolution of Mars, strongly delaying deep cooling, and significantly affecting nearly all present‐day characteristics of the planet (heat flux, thermal state, crustal and lithospheric thickness, Love number and tidal dissipation). In particular, the enrichment of the layer in iron and HPE generates large volumes of stable melt near the core‐mantle boundary. Due to their intrinsic low viscosity and seismic velocities, these regions of silicate melt could be erroneously interpreted as core material.
Suicide Rates May Rise After Natural Disasters
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: January 2021

Rates of suicide increased most dramatically in the second year after a disaster, after many postdisaster mental health assistance programs expire.
P2X7 receptor signaling promotes inflammation in renal parenchymal cells suffering from ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Qian Yingying , Qian Cheng , Xie Kewei , Fan Qicheng , Yan Yucheng , Lu Renhua , Wang Lin , Zhang Minfang , Wang Qin , Mou Shan , Dai Huili , Ni Zhaohui , Pang Huihua , Gu Leyi
Published: January 2021

Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and its receptor, P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), are playing an important role in the pathological process of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury, but their underlying mechanism remains unclear. Also, the effects of tubular epithelium-expressed P2X7 receptor on ischemia acute kidney injury is still unknown. The aim of this study is to clarify if this mechanism involves the activation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in the renal tubular epithelial cells. In our research, we used male C57BL/6 wild type and P2X7R (−/−) mice, cultured human proximal tubular epithelial cells, and kidneys from acute kidney injury patients. Mice underwent for unilateral nephrectomy combined with the lateral renal pedicle clamping. Cultured cells were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation or ATP. Apyrase and A438079 were used to block the extracellular ATP/P2X7 receptor pathway. We also constructed radiation-induced bone marrow (BM) chimeras by using P2X7R (−/−) mice and P2X7R (+/+) wild-type mice. P2X7 receptor deficiency protected from renal ischemia-reperfusion injury and attenuated the formation of NLRP3 inflammasome. By using BM chimeras, we found a partial reduction of serum creatinine and less histological impairment in group wild-type BM to P2X7R (−/−) recipient, compared with group wild-type BM to wild-type recipient. In renal tubular epithelial cells, hypoxia/reoxygenation induced ATP release and extracellular ATP depletion reduced the expression of active IL-1β. ATP activated the NLRP3 inflammasome in renal tubular epithelial cells, which were blunted by transient silence of P2X7 receptor, as well as by P2X7 receptor blocking with A438079. In human samples, we found that patients with Stage 3 AKI had higher levels of P2X7 receptor expression than patients with Stage 1 or Stage 2. Extracellular ATP/P2X7 receptor axis blocking may protect renal tubular epithelial cells from ischemia-reperfusion injury through the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome.
Reduction of alternative electron acceptors drives biofilm formation in Shewanella algae
Authors: Martín-Rodríguez Alberto J. , Reyes-Darias José A. , Martín-Mora David , González José M. , Krell Tino , Römling Ute
Published: January 2021

Shewanella spp. possess a broad respiratory versatility, which contributes to the occupation of hypoxic and anoxic environmental or host-associated niches. Here, we observe a strain-specific induction of biofilm formation in response to supplementation with the anaerobic electron acceptors dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and nitrate in a panel of Shewanella algae isolates. The respiration-driven biofilm response is not observed in DMSO and nitrate reductase deletion mutants of the type strain S. algae CECT 5071, and can be restored upon complementation with the corresponding reductase operon(s) but not by an operon containing a catalytically inactive nitrate reductase. The distinct transcriptional changes, proportional to the effect of these compounds on biofilm formation, include cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) turnover genes. In support, ectopic expression of the c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase YhjH of Salmonella Typhimurium but not its catalytically inactive variant decreased biofilm formation. The respiration-dependent biofilm response of S. algae may permit differential colonization of environmental or host niches.
Off-the-shelf deep learning is not enough, and requires parsimony, Bayesianity, and causality
Authors: Vasudevan Rama K. , Ziatdinov Maxim , Vlcek Lukas , Kalinin Sergei V.
Published: January 2021

Deep neural networks (‘deep learning’) have emerged as a technology of choice to tackle problems in speech recognition, computer vision, finance, etc. However, adoption of deep learning in physical domains brings substantial challenges stemming from the correlative nature of deep learning methods compared to the causal, hypothesis driven nature of modern science. We argue that the broad adoption of Bayesian methods incorporating prior knowledge, development of solutions with incorporated physical constraints and parsimonious structural descriptors and generative models, and ultimately adoption of causal models, offers a path forward for fundamental and applied research.
Efficient modeling of superconducting quantum circuits with tensor networks
Authors: Di Paolo Agustin , Baker Thomas E. , Foley Alexandre , Sénéchal David , Blais Alexandre
Published: January 2021

We use a tensor network method to compute the low-energy excitations of a large-scale fluxonium qubit up to a desired accuracy. We employ this numerical technique to estimate the pure-dephasing coherence time of the fluxonium qubit due to charge noise and coherent quantum phase slips from first principles, finding an agreement with previously obtained experimental results. By developing an accurate single-mode theory that captures the details of the fluxonium device, we benchmark the results obtained with the tensor network for circuits spanning a Hilbert space as large as 15180. Our algorithm is directly applicable to the wide variety of circuit-QED systems and may be a useful tool for scaling up superconducting quantum technologies.
In your phase: neural phase synchronisation underlies visual imagery of faces
Authors: Canales-Johnson Andrés , Lanfranco Renzo C. , Morales Juan Pablo , Martínez-Pernía David , Valdés Joaquín , Ezquerro-Nassar Alejandro , Rivera-Rei Álvaro , Ibanez Agustín , Chennu Srivas , Bekinschtein Tristan A. , Huepe David , Noreika Valdas
Published: January 2021

Mental imagery is the process through which we retrieve and recombine information from our memory to elicit the subjective impression of “seeing with the mind’s eye”. In the social domain, we imagine other individuals while recalling our encounters with them or modelling alternative social interactions in future. Many studies using imaging and neurophysiological techniques have shown several similarities in brain activity between visual imagery and visual perception, and have identified frontoparietal, occipital and temporal neural components of visual imagery. However, the neural connectivity between these regions during visual imagery of socially relevant stimuli has not been studied. Here we used electroencephalography to investigate neural connectivity and its dynamics between frontal, parietal, occipital and temporal electrodes during visual imagery of faces. We found that voluntary visual imagery of faces is associated with long-range phase synchronisation in the gamma frequency range between frontoparietal electrode pairs and between occipitoparietal electrode pairs. In contrast, no effect of imagery was observed in the connectivity between occipitotemporal electrode pairs. Gamma range synchronisation between occipitoparietal electrode pairs predicted subjective ratings of the contour definition of imagined faces. Furthermore, we found that visual imagery of faces is associated with an increase of short-range frontal synchronisation in the theta frequency range, which temporally preceded the long-range increase in the gamma synchronisation. We speculate that the local frontal synchrony in the theta frequency range might be associated with an effortful top-down mnemonic reactivation of faces. In contrast, the long-range connectivity in the gamma frequency range along the fronto-parieto-occipital axis might be related to the endogenous binding and subjective clarity of facial visual features.
Identification of RNA-binding proteins that partner with Lin28a to regulate Dnmt3a expression
Authors: Parisi Silvia , Castaldo Daniela , Piscitelli Silvia , D’Ambrosio Chiara , Divisato Giuseppina , Passaro Fabiana , Avolio Rosario , Castellucci Alessia , Gianfico Paolo , Masullo Mariorosario , Scaloni Andrea , Russo Tommaso
Published: January 2021

Lin28 is an evolutionary conserved RNA-binding protein that plays important roles during embryonic development and tumorigenesis. It regulates gene expression through two different post-transcriptional mechanisms. The first one is based on the regulation of miRNA biogenesis, in particular that of the let-7 family, whose expression is suppressed by Lin28. Thus, loss of Lin28 leads to the upregulation of mRNAs that are targets of let-7 species. The second mechanism is based on the direct interaction of Lin28 with a large number of mRNAs, which results in the regulation of their translation. This second mechanism remains poorly understood. To address this issue, we purified high molecular weight complexes containing Lin28a in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Numerous proteins, co-purified with Lin28a, were identified by proteomic procedures and tested for their possible role in Lin28a-dependent regulation of the mRNA encoding DNA methyltransferase 3a (Dnmt3a). The results show that Lin28a activity is dependent on many proteins, including three helicases and four RNA-binding proteins. The suppression of four of these proteins, namely Ddx3x, Hnrnph1, Hnrnpu or Syncrip, interferes with the binding of Lin28a to the Dnmt3a mRNA, thus suggesting that they are part of an oligomeric ribonucleoprotein complex that is necessary for Lin28a activity.
Visual function deficits in eyes with resolved endophthalmitis
Authors: Hathibelagal Amithavikram R. , Mulani Yasmeen , Dave Vivek Pravin
Published: January 2021

To evaluate the changes in functional vision in patients with resolved endophthalmitis. This was a cross-sectional study. The study included 20 patients with resolved endophthalmitis and best-corrected visual acuity of 20/100 or better. Visual acuity (VA), contrast threshold (CT), red/green (RG) and yellow/blue (YB) colour vision and 15 Hz flicker modulation threshold (FMT) were assessed using standard psychophysical techniques. The median age was 54 years. The median visual acuity was 0.27 (~ 20/40—Snellen Equivalent) ((interquartile range [IQR]), 0.30) logMAR). The median log contrast threshold (CT) was − 1.13 (IQR, 0.36) log units (normative value for age-matched CT: − 1.61 log units). The median red/green (RG) and yellow/blue (YB) thresholds were 11.52 (IQR, 26.19) and 9.45 (IQR, 16.20) CAD units respectively, which were at least 5 times higher than age-matched normative RG and YB thresholds. The median central cone- mediated FMT was 17.64% (IQR, 23.40%), which was much higher compared to age-matched FMT (5.48% [IQR, 3.47]). Linear regression revealed significant relationship between contrast thresholds and foveal thickness (y = 0.001x−1.47, R2 = 0.20, p = 0.048). Though endophthalmitis may resolve with a good visual acuity, deficits in visual functions like chromatic discrimination, cone-mediated flicker and contrast sensitivity persist.
Depletion of Survivin suppresses docetaxel-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells by facilitating mitotic slippage
Authors: Han Teng-Long , Sha Hang , Ji Jun , Li Yun-Tian , Wu Deng-Shan , Lin Hu , Hu Bin , Jiang Zhi-Xin
Published: January 2021

The anticancer effects of taxanes are attributed to the induction of mitotic arrest through activation of the spindle assembly checkpoint. Cell death following extended mitotic arrest is mediated by the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Accordingly, factors that influence the robustness of mitotic arrest or disrupt the apoptotic machinery confer drug resistance. Survivin is an inhibitor of apoptosis protein. Its overexpression is associated with chemoresistance, and its targeting leads to drug sensitization. However, Survivin also acts specifically in the spindle assembly checkpoint response to taxanes. Hence, the failure of Survivin-depleted cells to arrest in mitosis may lead to taxane resistance. Here we show that Survivin depletion protects HeLa cells against docetaxel-induced apoptosis by facilitating mitotic slippage. However, Survivin depletion does not promote clonogenic survival of tumor cells but increases the level of cellular senescence induced by docetaxel. Moreover, lentiviral overexpression of Survivin does not provide protection against docetaxel or cisplatin treatment, in contrast to the anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL or Bcl-2. Our findings suggest that targeting Survivin may influence the cell response to docetaxel by driving the cells through aberrant mitotic progression, rather than directly sensitizing cells to apoptosis.
Arsenic exposure in Indo Gangetic plains of Bihar causing increased cancer risk
Authors: Kumar Arun , Ali Mohammad , Kumar Ranjit , Kumar Mukesh , Sagar Prity , Pandey Ritu Kumari , Akhouri Vivek , Kumar Vikas , Anand Gautam , Niraj Pintoo Kumar , Rani Rita , Kumar Santosh , Kumar Dhruv , Bishwapriya Akhouri , Ghosh Ashok Kumar
Published: January 2021

Reportedly, 300 million people worldwide are affected by the consumption of arsenic contaminated groundwater. India prominently figures amongst them and the state of Bihar has shown an upsurge in cases affected by arsenic poisoning. Escalated arsenic content in blood, leaves 1 in every 100 human being highly vulnerable to being affected by the disease. Uncontrolled intake may lead to skin, kidney, liver, bladder, or lung related cancer but even indirect forms of cancer are showing up on a regular basis with abnormal arsenic levels as the probable cause. But despite the apparent relation, the etiology has not been understood clearly. Blood samples of 2000 confirmed cancer patients were collected from pathology department of our institute. For cross-sectional design, 200 blood samples of subjects free from cancer from arsenic free pockets of Patna urban agglomeration, were collected. Blood arsenic levels in carcinoma patients as compared to sarcomas, lymphomas and leukemia were found to be higher. The geospatial map correlates the blood arsenic with cancer types and the demographic area of Gangetic plains. Most of the cancer patients with high blood arsenic concentration were from the districts near the river Ganges. The raised blood arsenic concentration in the 2000 cancer patients strongly correlates the relationship of arsenic with cancer especially the carcinoma type which is more vulnerable. The average arsenic concentration in blood of the cancer patients in the Gangetic plains denotes the significant role of arsenic which is present in endemic proportions. Thus, the study significantly correlates and advocates a strong relation of the deleterious element with the disease. It also underlines the need to address the problem by deciphering the root cause of the elevated cancer incidences in the Gangetic basin of Bihar and its association with arsenic poisoning.
A candidate gene association analysis identifies SNPs potentially involved in drought tolerance in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.)
Authors: Cuervo-Alarcon Laura , Arend Matthias , Müller Markus , Sperisen Christoph , Finkeldey Reiner , Krutovsky Konstantin V.
Published: January 2021

Studies of genetic variation underlying traits related to drought tolerance in forest trees are of great importance for understanding their adaptive potential under a climate change scenario. In this study, using a candidate gene approach, associations between SNPs and drought related traits were assessed in saplings of European beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.) representing trees growing along steep precipitation gradients. The saplings were subjected to experimentally controlled drought treatments. Response of the saplings was assessed by the evaluation of stem diameter growth (SDG) and the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters FV/FM, PIabs, and PItot. The evaluation showed that saplings from xeric sites were less affected by the drought treatment. Five SNPs (7.14%) in three candidate genes were significantly associated with the evaluated traits; saplings with particular genotypes at these SNPs showed better performance under the drought treatment. The SNPs were located in the cytosolic class I small heat-shock protein, CTR/DRE binding transcription factor, and isocitrate dehydrogenase genes and explained 5.8–13.4% of the phenotypic variance. These findings provide insight into the genetic basis of traits related to drought tolerance in European beech and could support the development of forest conservation management strategies under future climatic conditions.
Altered high-density lipoprotein composition and functions during severe COVID-19
Authors: Begue Floran , Tanaka Sébastien , Mouktadi Zarouki , Rondeau Philippe , Veeren Bryan , Diotel Nicolas , Tran-Dinh Alexy , Robert Tiphaine , Vélia Erick , Mavingui Patrick , Lagrange-Xélot Marie , Montravers Philippe , Couret David , Meilhac Olivier
Published: January 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is affecting millions of patients worldwide. The consequences of initial exposure to SARS-CoV-2 go beyond pulmonary damage, with a particular impact on lipid metabolism. Decreased levels in HDL-C were reported in COVID-19 patients. Since HDL particles display antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and potential anti-infectious properties, we aimed at characterizing HDL proteome and functionality during COVID-19 relative to healthy subjects. HDLs were isolated from plasma of 8 severe COVID-19 patients sampled at admission to intensive care unit (Day 1, D1) at D3 and D7, and from 16 sex- and age-matched healthy subjects. Proteomic analysis was performed by LC-MS/MS. The relative amounts of proteins identified in HDLs were compared between COVID-19 and controls. apolipoprotein A-I and paraoxonase 1 were confirmed by Western-blot analysis to be less abundant in COVID-19 versus controls, whereas serum amyloid A and alpha-1 antitrypsin were higher. HDLs from patients were less protective in endothelial cells stiumalted by TNFα (permeability, VE-cadherin disorganization and apoptosis). In these conditions, HDL inhibition of apoptosis was blunted in COVID-19 relative to controls. In conclusion, we show major changes in HDL proteome and decreased functionality in severe COVID-19 patients.
Age-specific social mixing of school-aged children in a US setting using proximity detecting sensors and contact surveys
Authors: Grantz Kyra H. , Cummings Derek A. T. , Zimmer Shanta , Vukotich Charles , Galloway David , Schweizer Mary Lou , Guclu Hasan , Cousins Jennifer , Lingle Carrie , Yearwood Gabby M. H. , Li Kan , Calderone Patti , Noble Eva , Gao Hongjiang , Rainey Jeanette , Uzicanin Amra , Read Jonathan M.
Published: January 2021

Comparisons of the utility and accuracy of methods for measuring social interactions relevant to disease transmission are rare. To increase the evidence base supporting specific methods to measure social interaction, we compared data from self-reported contact surveys and wearable proximity sensors from a cohort of schoolchildren in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. Although the number and type of contacts recorded by each participant differed between the two methods, we found good correspondence between the two methods in aggregate measures of age-specific interactions. Fewer, but longer, contacts were reported in surveys, relative to the generally short proximal interactions captured by wearable sensors. When adjusted for expectations of proportionate mixing, though, the two methods produced highly similar, assortative age-mixing matrices. These aggregate mixing matrices, when used in simulation, resulted in similar estimates of risk of infection by age. While proximity sensors and survey methods may not be interchangeable for capturing individual contacts, they can generate highly correlated data on age-specific mixing patterns relevant to the dynamics of respiratory virus transmission.
Integrating gold nanoclusters, folic acid and reduced graphene oxide for nanosensing of glutathione based on “turn-off” fluorescence
Authors: Wong Xin Yi , Quesada-González Daniel , Manickam Sivakumar , New Siu Yee , Muthoosamy Kasturi , Merkoçi Arben
Published: January 2021

Glutathione (GSH) is a useful biomarker in the development, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. However, most of the reported GSH biosensors are expensive, time-consuming and often require complex sample treatment, which limit its biological applications. Herein, a nanobiosensor for the detection of GSH using folic acid-functionalized reduced graphene oxide-modified BSA gold nanoclusters (FA-rGO-BSA/AuNCs) based on the fluorescence quenching interactions is presented. Firstly, a facile and optimized protocol for the fabrication of BSA/AuNCs is developed. Functionalization of rGO with folic acid is performed using EDC/NHS cross-linking reagents, and their interaction after loading with BSA/AuNCs is demonstrated. The formation of FA-rGO, BSA/AuNCs and FA-rGO-BSA/AuNCs are confirmed by the state-of-art characterization techniques. Finally, a fluorescence turn-off sensing strategy is developed using the as-synthesized FA-rGO-BSA/AuNCs for the detection of GSH. The nanobiosensor revealed an excellent sensing performance for the detection of GSH with high sensitivity and desirable selectivity over other potential interfering species. The fluorescence quenching is linearly proportional to the concentration of GSH between 0 and 1.75 µM, with a limit of detection of 0.1 µM under the physiological pH conditions (pH 7.4). Such a sensitive nanobiosensor paves the way to fabricate a “turn-on” or “turn-off” fluorescent sensor for important biomarkers in cancer cells, presenting potential nanotheranostic applications in biological detection and clinical diagnosis.
Irreversible work and Maxwell demon in terms of quantum thermodynamic force
Authors: Ahmadi B. , Salimi S. , Khorashad A. S.
Published: January 2021

The second law of classical equilibrium thermodynamics, based on the positivity of entropy production, asserts that any process occurs only in a direction that some information may be lost (flow out of the system) due to the irreversibility inside the system. However, any thermodynamic system can exhibit fluctuations in which negative entropy production may be observed. In particular, in stochastic quantum processes due to quantum correlations and also memory effects we may see the reversal energy flow (heat flow from the cold system to the hot system) and the backflow of information into the system that leads to the negativity of the entropy production which is an apparent violation of the Second Law. In order to resolve this apparent violation, we will try to properly extend the Second Law to quantum processes by incorporating information explicitly into the Second Law. We will also provide a thermodynamic operational meaning for the flow and backflow of information. Finally, it is shown that negative and positive entropy production can be described by a quantum thermodynamic force.
Pericytes contribute to the islet basement membranes to promote beta-cell gene expression
Authors: Sakhneny Lina , Epshtein Alona , Landsman Limor
Published: January 2021

β-Cells depend on the islet basement membrane (BM). While some islet BM components are produced by endothelial cells (ECs), the source of others remains unknown. Pancreatic pericytes directly support β-cells through mostly unidentified secreted factors. Thus, we hypothesized that pericytes regulate β-cells through the production of BM components. Here, we show that pericytes produce multiple components of the mouse pancreatic and islet interstitial and BM matrices. Several of the pericyte-produced ECM components were previously implicated in β-cell physiology, including collagen IV, laminins, proteoglycans, fibronectin, nidogen, and hyaluronan. Compared to ECs, pancreatic pericytes produce significantly higher levels of α2 and α4 laminin chains, which constitute the peri-islet and vascular BM. We further found that the pericytic laminin isoforms differentially regulate mouse β-cells. Whereas α2 laminins promoted islet cell clustering, they did not affect gene expression. In contrast, culturing on Laminin-421 induced the expression of β-cell genes, including Ins1, MafA, and Glut2, and significantly improved glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Thus, alongside ECs, pericytes are a significant source of the islet BM, which is essential for proper β-cell function.
Direct measurement of stool consistency by texture analyzer and calculation of reference value in Belgian general population
Authors: Matsuda Kazunori , Akiyama Takuya , Tsujibe Satoshi , Oki Kaihei , Gawad Agata , Fujimoto Junji
Published: January 2021

Stool consistency is evaluated mainly in reference to indirect indicators such as water content or the appearance of stool forms using Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). Methods of measurement are limited. We thus aimed to develop a simple protocol for direct measurement of stool consistency using the TA.XTExpress Texture Analyser (Stable Micro Systems Ltd.). We developed a protocol which enables mechanical quantification of the gram-force against a cylindrical probe (ø 6 mm) pushed into the stool surface at 2.0 mm/s to 5 mm depth. The consistency of 252 stools collected from 40 healthy Belgians was evaluated by the direct method and by the indirect indicators (water content and BSFS) for comparison. The log-transformed stool consistency values measured by the texture analyzer had a negative linear correlation with the stool water contents (rrm = − 0.781) with homoscedastic variance, suggesting the appropriateness of the new protocol. They showed a similar correlation with the BSFS, but with a large variance in the consistency values of normal stool forms. This correlation was much smaller for BSFS scored by subjects (rrm = − 0.587) than by experts (rrm = − 0.789), collectively indicating BSFS as a rough indicator of stool consistency susceptible to subjective bias despite its effectiveness in clinical use. The optimized direct method using the texture analyzer enables the accurate quantification of stool consistency, which facilitates understanding of the intestinal environment and function and thus may enhance the value of the stool as a predictor of human health.
Deep learning for early detection of pathological changes in X-ray bone microstructures: case of osteoarthritis
Authors: Jakaite Livija , Schetinin Vitaly , Hladůvka Jiří , Minaev Sergey , Ambia Aziz , Krzanowski Wojtek
Published: January 2021

Texture features are designed to quantitatively evaluate patterns of spatial distribution of image pixels for purposes of image analysis and interpretation. Unexplained variations in the texture patterns often lead to misinterpretation and undesirable consequences in medical image analysis. In this paper we explore the ability of machine learning (ML) methods to design a radiology test of Osteoarthritis (OA) at early stage when the number of patients’ cases is small. In our experiments we use high-resolution X-ray images of knees in patients which were identified with Kellgren–Lawrence scores progressing from 1. The existing ML methods have provided a limited diagnostic accuracy, whilst the proposed Group Method of Data Handling strategy of Deep Learning has significantly extended the diagnostic test. The comparative experiments demonstrate that the proposed framework using the Zernike-based texture features has significantly improved the diagnostic accuracy on average by 11%. This allows us to conclude that the designed model for early diagnostic of OA will provide more accurate radiology tests, although new study is required when a large number of patients’ cases will be available.
Seed morphology uncovers 1500 years of vine agrobiodiversity before the advent of the Champagne wine
Authors: Bonhomme Vincent , Terral Jean-Frédéric , Zech-Matterne Véronique , Ivorra Sarah , Lacombe Thierry , Deborde Gilles , Kuchler Philippe , Limier Bertrand , Pastor Thierry , Rollet Philippe , Bouby Laurent
Published: January 2021

A crucial aspect of viticulture is finally unveiled as the historical dynamics of its agrobiodiversity are described in the Champagne region for the first time. Outline analyses were carried out to compare the morphology of archaeological grape seeds from Troyes and Reims (first c. AD to fifteenth c. AD) with that of a reference collection of modern seeds, including wild vines and traditional grape varieties, believed to be ancient and characteristic of the French vine heritage. This allows us to document the chronological dynamics of the use of the wild Vitis type and of the diversity of the varieties used, based on morphological disparity. After showing the existence of morphological types corresponding to geographical groups, we highlight a geochronological dynamic. Our results show that the wild type is used throughout the series, up to the Middle Ages. In addition, domestic forms, morphologically related to southern varietal groups, are very early involved in the Champagne grape agrodiversity. The groups corresponding to the typical grape varieties of today do not appear until the second millennium. These previously unsuspected dynamics are discussed in light of the social, societal and climatic changes documented for the period.
A proline rich protein from the gingival seal around teeth exhibits antimicrobial properties against Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Fouillen Aurélien , Mary Charline , Ponce Katia Julissa , Moffatt Pierre , Nanci Antonio
Published: January 2021

The gingival seal around teeth prevents bacteria from destroying the tooth-supporting tissues and disseminating throughout the body. Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major periodontopathogen, degrades components of the specialized extracellular matrix that mediates attachment of the gingiva to the tooth. Of these, secretory calcium-binding phosphoprotein proline-glutamine rich 1 (SCPPPQ1) protein has a distinctive resistance to degradation, suggesting that it may offer resistance to bacterial attack. In silico analysis of its amino acid sequence was used to explore its molecular characteristics and to predict its two- and three-dimensional structure. SCPPPQ1 exhibits similarities with both proline-rich and cationic antimicrobial proteins, suggesting a putative antimicrobial potential. A combination of imaging approaches showed that incubation with 20 μM of purified SCPPPQ1 decrease bacterial number (p < 0.01). Fluorescence intensity decreased by 70% following a 2 h incubation of Porphyromonas gingivalis with the protein. Electron microscopy analyses revealed that SCPPPQ1 induced bacterial membrane disruption and breaches. While SCPPPQ1 has no effect on mammalian cells, our results suggest that it is bactericidal to Porphyromonas gingivalis, and that this protein, normally present in the gingival seal, may be exploited to maintain a healthy seal and prevent systemic dissemination of bacteria.
Effectiveness of screening and treatment of children with severe acute malnutrition by community health workers in Simiyu region, Tanzania: a quasi-experimental pilot study
Authors: Wilunda Calistus , Mumba Fortihappiness Gabinus , Putoto Giovanni , Maya Gloria , Musa Elias , Lorusso Vincenza , Magige Chacha , Leyna Germana , Manenti Fabio , Dalla Riva Donata , Ntoga Bupe Abel , Segafredo Giulia
Published: January 2021

Health system constraints hamper treatment of children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in Tanzania. This non-inferiority quasi-experimental study in Bariadi (intervention) and Maswa (control) districts assessed the effectiveness, coverage, and cost-effectiveness of SAM treatment by community health workers (CHWs) compared with outpatient therapeutic care (OTC). We included 154 and 210 children aged 6–59 months with SAM [mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) < 11.5 cm] without medical complications in the control and intervention districts, respectively. The primary treatment outcome was cure (MUAC ≥ 12.5 cm). We performed costing analysis from the provider’s perspective. The probability of cure was higher in the intervention group (90.5%) than in the control group (75.3%); risk ratio (RR) 1.17; 95% CI 1.05, 1.31 and risk difference (RD) 0.13; 95% CI 0.04, 0.23. SAM treatment coverage was higher in the intervention area (80.9%) than in the control area (41.7%). The cost per child treated was US$146.50 in the intervention group and US$161.62 in the control group and that per child cured was US$161.77 and US$215.49 in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The additional costs per an additional child treated and cured were US$134.40 and US$130.92, respectively. Compared with OTC, treatment of children with uncomplicated SAM by CHWs was effective, increased treatment coverage and was cost-effective.
Tsunami-generated magnetic fields have primary and secondary arrivals like seismic waves
Authors: Minami Takuto , Schnepf Neesha R. , Toh Hiroaki
Published: January 2021

A seafloor geomagnetic observatory in the northwest Pacific has provided very long vector geomagnetic time-series. It was found that the time-series include significant magnetic signals generated by a few giant tsunami events including the 2011 Tohoku Tsunami. Here we report that the tsunami-generated magnetic fields consist of the weak but first arriving field, and the strong but second arriving field—similar to the P- and S-waves in seismology. The latter field is a result of coupling between horizontal particle motions of the conductive seawater and the vertical component of the background geomagnetic main field, which have been studied well so far. On the other hand, the former field stems from coupling between vertical particle motions and the horizontal component of the geomagnetic main field parallel to tsunami propagation direction. The former field has been paid less attention because horizontal particle motions are dominant in the Earth’s oceans. It, however, was shown that not only the latter but also the former field is significant especially around the magnetic equator where the vertical component of the background magnetic field vanishes. This implies that global tsunami early warning using tsunami-generated magnetic fields is possible even in the absence of the background vertical geomagnetic component.
Magnetic Fe3O4@Mg/Al-layered double hydroxide adsorbent for preconcentration of trace metals in water matrices
Authors: Nyaba Luthando , Munonde Tshimangadzo S. , Mpupa Anele , Nomngongo Philiswa Nosizo
Published: January 2021

A magnetic Fe3O4@MgAl-layered double hydroxide (MLDH) nanocomposite was successfully synthesized and applied as an effective adsorbent for preconcentration of trace As(III), Cd(II), Cr(III), Co(II), Ni(II), and Pb(II) ions from complex matrices. The quantification of the analytes was achieved using the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) technique. The nanocomposite was then characterized using BET, FTIR, SEM, and EDS. Due to its high adsorption surface area, compared to traditional metal oxide-based adsorbents, MLDH nanocomposite exhibited high extraction efficiency. Several experimental parameters controlling the preconcentration of the trace metals were optimized using response surface methodology based on central composite design. Under optimum conditions, the linearity ranged from 0.1 to 500 µg L−1 and the correlation of coefficients (R2) were higher than 0.999. The limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQs) were 0.11–0.22 µg L−1 and 0.35–0.73 µg L−1, respectively. The intra-day (n = 10) and inter-day precisions (n = 5 working days) expressed in the form of percent relative standard deviations (%RSDs) were below 5%. The proposed method was successfully applied for the analysis of the As(III), Cd(II), Cr(III), Co(II), Ni(II), and Pb(II) ions in different environmental water samples.
Phase 2 trial of hypoxia activated evofosfamide (TH302) for treatment of recurrent bevacizumab-refractory glioblastoma
Authors: Brenner Andrew J. , Floyd John , Fichtel Lisa , Michalek Joel , Kanakia Kunal P. , Huang Shiliang , Reardon David , Wen Patrick Y. , Lee Eudocia Quant
Published: January 2021

Evofosfamide (Evo or TH302) is a hypoxia-activated prodrug which is reduced leading to the release of alkylating agent bromo-isophosphoramide mustard, which has shown safety and signals of efficacy in a prior phase 1 study in recurrent glioblastoma. We performed a dual center single-arm Phase II study to expand on the safety and efficacy of Evo plus bevacizumab in bevacizumab refractory glioblastoma. 33 patients with bevacizumab refractory GBM received Evo 670 mg/m2 in combination with Bevacizumab 10 mg/kg IV every 2 weeks. Assessments included adverse events, response, and survival. Median age of patients was 47 (range 19–76) and 24 (69%) were male. At the time of study entry, 9 (26%) had ongoing corticosteroid use. ECOG performance status was 0 or 1 in 83% of patients. Patients were mostly heavily pretreated with 77% have three or more prior regimens. A total of 12 patients (36%) suffered grade 3–4 drug associated adverse event (AE); no grade 5 AE were reported. Of the 33 evaluable patients, best response was PR in 3 (9%), SD in 14 (43%), and PD in 16 (48%) with responses confirmed by a second reviewer. Median time to progression of disease was 53 days (95% CI 42–113) and Median time to death was 129 days (95% CI 86–199 days). Progression free survival at 4 months (PFS-4) on Evo-Bev was 31%, which was a statistically significant improvement over the historical rate of 3%. The median overall survival of patients receiving Evo-Bevacizumab was 4.6 months (95% CI 2.9–6.6). The progression free survival of patients on Evo-Bevacizumab met the primary endpoint of progression free survival at 4 months of 31%, although the clinical significance of this may be limited. Given the patient population and Phase II design, these clinical outcomes will need further validation.
Quantification of patellar tendon reflex using portable mechanomyography and electromyography devices
Authors: Tsuji Hironori , Misawa Haruo , Takigawa Tomoyuki , Tetsunaga Tomoko , Yamane Kentaro , Oda Yoshiaki , Ozaki Toshifumi
Published: January 2021

Deep tendon reflexes are one of the main components of the clinical nervous system examinations. These assessments are inexpensive and quick. However, evaluation can be subjective and qualitative. This study aimed to objectively evaluate hyperreflexia of the patellar tendon reflex using portable mechanomyography (MMG) and electromyography (EMG) devices. This study included 10 preoperative patients (20 legs) who had a pathology that could cause bilateral patellar tendon hyperreflexia and 12 healthy volunteers (24 legs) with no prior history of neurological disorders. We attached MMG/EMG sensors onto the quadriceps and tapped the patellar tendon with maximal and constant force. Our results showed a significantly high amplitude of the root mean square (RMS) and low frequency of the mean power frequency (MPF) in the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis muscles in both EMG and MMG with both maximal and constant force. Especially in the patients with cervical and thoracic myelopathy, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for diagnosing hyperreflexia of the patellar tendon showed a moderate to very high area under the curve for all EMG–RMS, EMG–MPF, MMG–RMS, and MMG–MPF values. The use of EMG and MMG for objectively quantifying the patellar tendon reflex is simple and desirable for future clinical applications and could help diagnose neurological disorders.
Standard reference values of the upper body posture in healthy middle-aged female adults in Germany
Authors: Ohlendorf Daniela , Sosnov Polyna , Keller Julia , Wanke Eileen M. , Oremek Gerhard , Ackermann Hanns , Groneberg David A.
Published: January 2021

In order to classify and analyze the parameters of upper body posture, a baseline in form of standard values is demanded. To this date, standard values have only been published for healthy young women. Data for female adults between 51 and 60 years are lacking. 101 symptom-free female volunteers aged 51–60 (55.16 ± 2.89) years. The mean height of the volunteers was 1.66 ± 0.62 m, with a mean body weight of 69.3 ± 11.88 kg and an average BMI of 25.02 ± 4.55 kg/m2. By means of video raster stereography, a 3D-scan of the upper back surface was measured in a habitual standing position. The confidence interval, tolerance range and ICCs were calculated for all parameters. The habitual standing position is almost symmetrical in the frontal plane the most prominent deviation being a slightly more ventral position of the left shoulder blade in comparison to the right. The upper body (spine position) is inclined ventrally with a minor tilt to the left. In the sagittal plane, the kyphosis angle of the thoracic spine is greater than the lordosis angle of the lumbar spine. The pelvis is virtually evenly balanced with deviations from an ideal position falling under the measurement error margin of 1 mm/1°. There were also BMI influenced postural variations in the sagittal plane and shoulder distance. The ICCs are calculated from three repeated measurements and all parameters can be classified as "almost perfect". Deflections from an ideally symmetric spinal alignment in women aged 51–60 years are small-scaled, with a minimal frontal-left inclination and accentuated sigmoidal shape of the spine. Postural parameters presented in this survey allow for comparisons with other studies as well as the evaluation of clinical diagnostics and applications.
Detection of colorectal cancer in urine using DNA methylation analysis
Authors: Bach S. , Paulis I. , Sluiter N. R. , Tibbesma M. , Martin I. , van de Wiel M. A. , Tuynman J. B. , Bahce I. , Kazemier G. , Steenbergen R. D. M.
Published: January 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause for cancer-related death globally. Clinically, there is an urgent need for non-invasive CRC detection. This study assessed the feasibility of CRC detection by analysis of tumor-derived methylated DNA fragments in urine. Urine samples, including both unfractioned and supernatant urine fractions, of 92 CRC patients and 63 healthy volunteers were analyzed for DNA methylation levels of 6 CRC-associated markers (SEPT9, TMEFF2, SDC2, NDRG4, VIM and ALX4). Optimal marker panels were determined by two statistical approaches. Methylation levels of SEPT9 were significantly increased in urine supernatant of CRC patients compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Methylation analysis in unfractioned urine appeared inaccurate. Following multivariate logistic regression and classification and regression tree analysis, a marker panel consisting of SEPT9 and SDC2 was able to detect up to 70% of CRC cases in urine supernatant at 86% specificity. First evidence is provided for CRC detection in urine by SEPT9 methylation analysis, which combined with SDC2 allows for an optimal differentiation between CRC patients and controls. Urine therefore provides a promising liquid biopsy for non-invasive CRC detection.